Connect with us

Coverage

Mitchell’s NJPW G1 Climax 32 Results & Report! (8/16/22)

And your semifinalists are…!

Published

on

NJPW G1 Climax 32

It’s the final round of the round robin!

NJPW’s biggest G1 Climax ever is at the doorstep of the semifinals! Who will take the A, B, C and D Blocks to head forward into history?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

  • G1 Climax 32, D Block: Will Ospreay VS Juice Robinson; Ospreay wins.
  • G1 Climax 32, D Block: Shingo Takagi VS El Phantasmo; ELP wins.
  • G1 Climax 32, C Block: Hirooki Goto VS EVIL; Evil wins.
  • G1 Climax 32, C Block: Tetsuya Naito VS Zack Sabre Jr; Naito wins.
  • G1 Climax 32, B Block: Tomohiro Ishii VS SANADA; Ishii wins.
  • G1 Climax 32, B Block: Tama Tonga VS Jay White; Tama wins.
  • G1 Climax 32, A Block: JONAH VS Bad Luck Fale; Jonah wins.
  • G1 Climax 32, A Block: Kazuchika Okada VS Lance Archer; Okada wins.

PLAY BY PLAY

Here are the current standings!

A Block

  • Kazuchika Okada: 4-1, 8 points
  • Lance Archer: 3-2, 6 points
  • JONAH: 3-2, 6 points
  • Tom Lawlor: 3-3, 6 points [ELIMINATED]
  • Jeff Cobb: 3-3, 6 points [ELIMINATED]
  • Bad Luck Fale: 2-3, 4 points [ELIMINATED]
  • Toru Yano: 1-5, 2 points [ELIMINATED]

B Block

  • Jay White: 5-0, 10 points
  • Tama Tonga: 4-1, 8 points
  • SANADA: 3-2, 6 points [ELIMINATED]
  • Chase Owens: 2-4, 4 points [ELIMINATED]
  • Great-O-Khan: 2-4, 4 points [ELIMINATED]
  • Taichi: 2-4, 4 points [ELIMINATED]
  • Tomohiro Ishii: 1-4, 2 points [ELIMINATED]

C Block

  • Zack Sabre Jr: 4-1, 8 points
  • Hirooki Goto: 3-2, 6 points
  • Tetsuya Naito: 3-2, 6 points
  • KENTA: 3-3, 6 points [ELIMINATED]
  • Hiroshi Tanahashi: 3-3, 6 points [ELIMINATED]
  • EVIL: 2-3, 4 points [ELIMINATED]
  • Aaron Henare: 1-5, 2 points [ELIMINATED]

D Block

  • Shingo Takagi: 3-2, 6 points
  • Will Ospreay: 3-2, 6 points
  • YOSHI-HASHI: 3-3, 6 points
  • Yujiro Takahashi: 3-3, 6 points
  • David Finlay: 3-3, 6 points
  • El Phantasmo: 2-3, 4 points
  • Juice Robinson: 2-3, 4 points [ELIMINATED?]

 

G1 Climax 32, D Block: Will Ospreay VS Juice Robinson!

The D Block has been wild this entire G1, but it could finally settle down here. The Commonwealth Kingpin has to win and hope El Phantasmo wins to have a shot at the semifinals. Will The Booster give Ospreay a Rock Hard spoiler to open the night?

But as Juice makes his entrance, Ospreay attacks from behind! Ospreay still has beef with Juice over the IWGP US Championship debacle, so he’s not waiting for a bell! Ospreay DECKS Juice, fans fire up and then Ospreay brings Juice back up. Juice swings on Ospreay but Ospreay ducks and ROCKS Juice again! And then CHOPS him against railing! And then whips him, only for Juice to reverse! Ospreay hits railing hard, and Juice whips Ospreay the other way! Ospreay hits even harder this time! The ref reprimands but Juice scoops Ospreay as fans fire up. SNAKE EYES on the railing! Ospreay sputters and Juice rips up floor mats!

The ref reprimands again but Juice doesn’t care, this isn’t even a match yet! He drags Ospreay over to the bare patch but Ospreay fights the lift! Ospreay powers up but Juice CLUBS the back drop down! Juice puts Ospreay in the ring, the ref finally signals the bell, and now it’s a match! Juice rushes over but Ospreay dumps him out! Ospreay then builds up speed for the SASUKE SPECIAL! Direct hit and fans fire up! Ospreay shakes the railing and then drags Juice up. Ospreay ROCKS Juice, fans rally behind him, and Ospreay CHOPS Juice again! Juice is stinging but Ospreay drags him up to whip at railing! Juice reverses but Ospreay leaps up and over the railing!

Ospreay ROCKS Juice, jumps up, but Juice boots the railing and trips Ospreay up! Ospreay hits the railing hard! Fans fire up as Ospreay falls over and Juice catches his breath. Juice drags Ospreay up and turns him, NECKBREAKER to the railing! The ref checks Ospreay while Juice goes to the ring. Juice unties a neutral corner’s buckle pad while fans rally for “O-SU-PREAY!” Juice goes out and tells the ref to shut up! He drags Ospreay up and into the ring, then pulls at Ospreay’s shoulder tape. Juice drags Ospreay up and whips him hard into the bare buckles! Ospreay writhes, Juice covers, TWO!

Fans rally up while Juice argues the count. The ref says two is two, so Juice drags Ospreay up for a NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Ospreay is still in this but Juice clamps on a neck wrench! Fans rally as Ospreay endures, but Juice puts on more pressure. Ospreay fights up, throws elbows and is free, but Juice CLUBS him on the neck! Ospreay ROCKS Juice again! Juice wobbles but he dodges Ospreay. Ospreay goes up and out and springboards for PIP PIP CHEERIO! Direct hit and fans fire up as both men are down! Ospreay drags himself up the ropes and grits his teeth. Juice stands into a strike fest!

Ospreay whips, Juice reveres but Ospreay handsprings to NEURALIZER KICK! Juice bails out so Ospreay aims and PLANCHAS! Direct hit again and fans keep rallying! Ospreay drags Juice up, puts him back in the ring, and he aims from the corner again. But Juice intercepts the springboard to a fireman’s carry! Ospreay fights free, ROCKS Juice, but Juice CLOBBERS Ospreay on the apron! Juice snarls while Ospreay flounders and fans fire up. Juice goes out to the apron to drag Ospreay up. Juice reels Ospreay in but Ospreay resists the lift! Juice stands Ospreay up for HEADBUTT after HEADBUTT! Juice talks trash and Ospreay ENZIGURIS!

Fans fire up and Ospreay looks to the corner. Ospreay calls his shot, but Juice chicken wings him! Juice turns Ospreay but Ospreay shoves free. Juice goes around the corner but Ospreay leaps over! SUNSET- NO, Juice fights it off! Juice throws down fists, but Ospreay APRON POWERBOMBS! Fans are thunderous while Juice rolls back into the ring. Ospreay goes up the corner, takes aim as Juice stands, BLINDSIDE CHEERIO! Cover, TWO! Juice is still in this but Ospreay pushes him to a drop zone. Ospreay goes up top as fans rally again. Ospreay aims for the 450 SPLASH onto knees! Juice fireman’s carries to the JUICE BOX!! Cover, TWO!!

Fans fire up while Juice pulls at his own hair in frustration! Juice drags Ospreay back up, chicken wings him and says “Nighty-night, bitch!” But Ospreay shoves Juice away at the ref! Juice stops himself, but turns around into a SHOTGUN dropkick! Juice falls into the ref and they both hit the corner! Fans rally up while Young Lions check on the ref. Ospreay drags Juice up, reels him in and turns him, but Juice MULE KICK LOW BLOWS! Ospreay sputters as he falls over and Juice grabs the IWGP US Championship belt! Juice brings it into the ring, takes aim at Ospreay, and he runs in, but Ospreay dodges to HOOK KICK!

Fans fire up as Ospreay prepares his arm! Ospreay runs in, BELT SHOT from Juice!! Juice gets the ref back in the ring and covers, but the ref counts so slowly! TWO!! Juice is furious with the ref over that! The ref defends his count given what happened, but Juice drags Ospreay to the bare floor! PILEDRIVER to the floor!! Juice puts Ospreay back in, roars and calls his shot! Fans rally as Juice brings Ospreay up, turns him, and PULP FRICTION!! Cover, TWO!?!? That was a normal count but Ospreay still survives!! Juice is almost pulling his hair out while the fans are thunderously applauding! Juice roars again and drags Ospreay back up.

Juice torture racks, but Ospreay throws elbows! Juice powers up to keep Ospreay up but Ospreay slips around to a sunset flip! TWO! Juice blocks the superkick to throw the LEFT HAND O’ GOD! But Ospreay SUPERKICKS after all! And then Ospreay springboards, into the torture rack!! Juice spins into the ROCK- NO! Ospreay lands on his feet, for HIDDEN BLADE!! Cover, OSPREAY WINS!

Winner: Will Ospreay, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Juice earns 0)

And the Kingpin stays alive in the block! The chaos is almost over, but it all depends on what happens in the very next match!

 

G1 Climax 32, D Block: Shingo Takagi VS El Phantasmo!

We just saw Ospreay win, so all The Rampaging Dragon has to do now is win! Will Takagi be the first of Los Ingobernables de Japon to get into the semifinals? Or will the Headbanga be a Too Sweet spoiler?

The bell rings and fans rally, “TA-KA-GI!” “E L P!” and the two circle. They tie up, are in a deadlock, but Takagi finds leverage to put ELP on ropes. The ref counts, Takagi lets off but ELP avoids the chop to fire off forearms! ELP headlocks, Takagi power out then runs ELP over. Things speed up, ELP leaps, but into a fireman’s carry! ELP fights free, Takagi elbows him and whips him, but ELP RANAS! ELP handsprings and DROPKICKS Takagi out of the ring! Fans fire up and ELP builds speed to go up, up and THUNDER PLANCHA! Direct hit at the ramp! Fans fire up and ELP stands Takagi up to CHOP!

ELP goes to the apron but Takagi anchors his legs. ELP CLUBS and mule kicks Takagi away, to then TOO SWEET ASAI MOONSAULT! ELP almost overshoots his target but he still brings Takagi down! Fans fire up and ELP drags Takagi up. ELP puts Takagi in the ring, climbs the ropes and springboards to SWANTON! Then LIONSAULT! Cover, TWO! Fans rally up and ELP is annoyed. ELP quickly tunes the band, but Takagi gets away to the far corner. ELP CHOPS Takagi, scoops and SLAMS him, then goes up the corner. Fans rally and ELP lines up his shot to drop, into BOOTS! ELP staggers away and Takagi gets to his feet.

Takagi ELBOWS, JABS, and YUKON LARIATS ELP down! Fans rally up more and Takagi gives a thumbs up. Takagi storms up on ELP, runs in but blocks the boot to still clothesline! Takagi fires up and fires off forearm after forearm! Then JAB, CHOP, JAB, CHOP, JAB JAB JAB! The ref has Takagi let off and Takagi brings ELP out from the corner. Takagi suplexes but ELP slips off to CLAW Takagi’s back! Takagi DOUBLE CHOPS then SENTONS! Takagi drags ELP up, suplexes again, high and hard for that slam! Cover, TWO! Fans rally again and Takagi looks to the camera. But ELP is lurking as Takagi says, “There’s more to come!” BUZZSAW!!

ELP drags Takagi up, straitjackets and torture racks, for the SPINNING NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO!! Takagi survives and ELP is seething. Fans rally up as ELP drag Takagi up and reels him in. ELP wants to tuck the arms but Takagi resists! Takagi back drops ELP away and fans fire up again. Takagi runs in at the corner, but he ducks under as ELP goes over. ELP ducks and dodges to springboard CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO, but Takagi avoids the Lionsault! ELP keeps moving, and DIVES into a JAB! Fans fire up as ELP is slumped in the ropes! Takagi nods and this time, there’s more to come!

Takagi drags ELP out of the ropes into a fireman’s carry, DEATH VALLEY DRIVER to the floor! Takagi gets ELP back in the ring, pushes him to a cover, TWO! ELP survives but Takagi shakes out his arms. Fans rally up, “TA-KA-GI!” “E L P!” Takagi shouts “OI! OI! OI!” and the fans clap along. Takagi runs in at the corner to clothesline! But ELP just gets in Takagi’s face! Takagi runs, ELP boots him then ENZIGURIS! But Takagi rebounds to SLIDING LARIAT! But ELP stands up! Takagi ELBOWS, ELP MULE KICKS, Takagi JABS, ELP JABS, Takagi YUKON feints to the DDT! Fans are thunderous as both men are down!

ELP and Takagi stir, and Takagi crawls after ELP. Fans rally up and Takagi stands. Takagi brings ELP up and fireman’s carries, but ELP grabs the ropes! Takagi gives ELP SNAKE EYES, then fireman’s carries again! Takagi climbs up the corner with ELP and fans rally up as Takagi tucks the arm. ELP BITES Takagi’s ear! ELP then moves around, but Takagi throws body shots! Takagi shoves ELP away but ELP backflips to land on his feet! SANKAKUGERI! Takagi wobbles from that step-up enziguri, and ELP ROCKS Takagi with haymaker after haymaker! ELP goes up top now, for a SUPER DUPER STEINER!!

And then ELP goes right back up, for the THUNDERKISS 86!! Cover, TWO?!!? Takagi survives and fans are thunderous again! ELP and Takagi stir, ELP sits up first and shakes his head. ELP takes aim from the corner, BANG, and he reels Takagi in. ELP tucks the arm but Takagi fights the lift. ELP throws KNEE after KNEE into Takagi, then tucks the arms again. C R- RANA!? And PUMPING BOMBER! Fans rally as hard as ever and Takagi drags ELP up to hook his arms. NOSHIGAMI! But that’s not all, Takagi gets moving to PUMPING BOMBER!! Cover, TWO!?!? ELP survives and Takagi can’t believe it!

Takagi pounds the mat, the fans clap along, and Takagi stands again. Takagi reels ELP in, pump handle and torture rack, but ELP turns it into a CRUCIFIX DRIVER! TWO, and ELP runs, into a POP-UP DEATH VALLEY!! But ELP stands back up! Takagi throws boxing elbows on ELP again and again! ELP wobbles and Takagi hooks him up, LAST- SUNSET! But Takagi rolls through, and ELP reels him in! C R 2!!! ELP pushes Takagi to the cover, TWO!?!?! Takagi survives again and no one can believe it!! ELP is beside himself as he crawls to the corner. ELP shakes his head, he vows to end this! And so, he tunes up the band!

Fans clap along as ELP stomps and stomps. ELP rushes in, but Takagi JABS and HEADBUTTS! ELP SUPERKICKS! But Takagi runs in, into another SUPERKICK!! ELP hurries to get Takagi up and tuck him in, C R PILEDRIVER!!!! Cover, ELP WINS??!!

Winner: El Phantasmo, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Takagi earns 0)

What a shocker! ELP takes down Takagi, allowing OSPREAY to advance! Will the Kingpin make the most of this good fortune in the semifinal round?

 

G1 Climax 32, C Block: Hirooki Goto VS EVIL w/ Dick Togo!

The Fierce Warrior is right on the bubble! If he wins, Tetsuya Naito is OUT! If not, then the next match will have even more drama heaped onto it! Will the King of Darkness choose to spoil Goto’s or Naito’s run here in the final round?

Goto makes his entrance, and Evil attacks him from behind! The King of Darkness is copying the Kingpin! But Goto uses his staff against Evil! And then knees low and throws him away! Then Goto kicks and SMACKS Dick! And then the same for Evil! Goto CHOKES Evil with the staff! The ref rushes in and takes the staff away, but Goto just SMACKS Evil with his jacket! Fans rally up as Goto drags Evil up and CLUBS him! Goto puts Evil in the ring, the ref signals the bell, and this is a match! Goto CLUBS Evil more, then whips him corner to corner. Evil reverses but Goto comes back to run Evil over!

Fans rally as Evil crawls to a corner. Goto runs in and clotheslines! Goto pushes Evil down, fires up and climbs the corner! Fans rally but Dick grabs Goto’s feet! Evil throws hands and then THROWS Goto! Evil takes off his House of Torture merch shirt and CHOKES Goto with it! The ref reprimands and counts, Evil lets off at 4. Evil tells the ref to shut up and then he kicks Goto around. Fans rally for Goto, Evil kicks kicking him around, but Goto gets up to CHOP! And CHOP! And CHOP! Evil whips Goto to the blue corner, and surprise! Dick has already removed the buckle pad! The Bullet Club Special is in play!

Goto writhes and Evil crawls his way over to cover, TWO! Evil argues the count but the count was fair. Fans rally again while Evil paces around. Evil drags Goto up, but Goto throws body shots and haymakers! Evil knees low, runs, but Goto follows! Evil dodges but Goto deflects the boot to DISCUS LARIAT! Fans fire up while both men are down. Goto drags Evil up, whips him to a corner, then runs in to MURAMASA! And then BULL- NO, Evil fights the bulldog, so Goto hooks him up for a RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP! Cover, TWO! Fans rally and Goto drags Evil back up. Evil pokes him in the eye! Evil runs, but Goto runs him over!

Evil crawls to ropes, Goto runs side to side, but Evil dumps him out! Evil distracts the ref so that Dick can whip Goto. But Goto reverses and Dick hits railing! Evil goes out, CLUBS Goto, then whips him at railing! Goto rebounds and runs at Evil! But Evil uses a Young Lion as a shield! Evil then kicks Goto low, and brings him over to snap suplex to the ramp! Goto writhes and Evil slides into the ring. Evil wants the ring count so the ring count starts. Fans rally for Goto as he crawls his way back to ringside. Goto is there at 10 but he staggers. Dick springs out from under the ring to anchor Goto! The count is 15! Goto stomps Dick, gets free and in at 19.9!!

Evil is furious and Goto points out Dick was up to no good! But then Evil clotheslines Goto into the corner, and fireman’s carries! DARKNESS FALLS! Cover, TWO!! Evil is furious but the fans are fired up! Evil slashes his throat and vows to end this. He drags Goto up, spins him, but Goto fights off the STO! Evil rakes the eyes! Evil whips but Goto reverses, but Evil reverses back! Goto hits bare buckles, Evil runs in but Goto scoops Evil into the corner! DRAPING SHOUTO! Fans fire up while both men are down again! Goto stands back up and roars as he builds up power. Evil rises, into the BUZZSAW!

Evil staggers up but Goto fireman’s carries for USHIGOROSHI! Fans rally and Goto roars again! Goto drags Evil back up, clamps on the dragon sleeper, but Evil claws Goto’s eyes! The ref reprimands, Evil lets off, and then he blocks Goto’s kick! Evil throws the foot into the ref, Dick gets in, but Goto fights Magic Killer! Goto turns things around, and he uses Dick to help steal MAGIC KILLER!! Fans are thunderous as Goto drags Evil back up. Another fireman’s carry, for G T W!! Cover, TWO!! Evil survives but Goto drags him back up. Fans rally as Goto puts the dragon sleeper back on. But Evil turns things around onto Goto!

Evil grabs the ref to keep him from seeing Dick get in! Dick LOW BLOWS Goto! Evil then spins Goto around for EVERYTHING IS EVIL!! Cover, Evil wins!

Winner: Evil, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Goto earns 0)

The Fierce Warrior has fallen! He will NOT be advancing! Will Evil expect to be thanked by whoever wins the next match?

 

G1 Climax 32, C Block: Tetsuya Naito VS Zack Sabre Jr!

Now that Goto is out of the way, both the Uncontrollable Charisma and Submission Master have something to fight for! Will Naito make sure his last G1 is his greatest? Or will he #JustTapOut to the man who put him on the shelf last time?

Naito of course takes his time with his entrance attire. ZSJ says go ahead, he’s got time. Fans rally already, “NA-I-TO!” “Z S J!” as Naito goes even slower now. Naito throws the jacket to ZSJ, but ZSJ says no thanks and he throws it out of the ring. Fans still rally as Naito throws his shirt to ZSJ, but again ZSJ says no thanks. Naito then throws him the belt, but ZSJ puts that aside. Naito fakes throwing the pants, but he just puts it around ZSJ like a scarf. ZSJ BOOTS Naito! ZSJ fires off stomps, the bell rings, and the ref reprimands as ZSJ digs his boots in. ZSJ shoves the ref then digs his boots in again!

The ref reprimands, ZSJ really shoves the ref this time, and he stomps Naito over and over! ZSJ drags Naito up, whips, but Naito holds ropes to block. ZSJ wrenches the arm, EuroUppers and whips, but Naito slides out to slow this down. Fans fire up as ZSJ chases Naito back into the ring. Naito arm-drags ZSJ, kicks him and whips him to a corner. Naito runs in but ZSJ dodges. Things keep moving but Naito atomic drops to then RUNNING JACKKNIFE! TWO, ZSJ has the sunset flip, TWO! Naito sits on the prawn hold, TWO! ZSJ pops Naito around to drag him into another sunset, TWO!! Naito escapes and fans are shocked!

Naito gets up, he hooks ZSJ, spins him, but ZSJ avoids the enziguri! Body scissors and EURO CLUTCH, TWO!!! Naito escapes again and ZSJ is furious! ZSJ runs in but into an elbow! ZSJ wrenches the arm to PELE it, but Naito ENZIGURIS! Naito whips, ZSJ reverses but Naito leaps! ZSJ scoops, Naito knees free, spins ZSJ around to a snapmare and cradle! NAITO WINS?!?!

Winner: Tetsuya Naito, by pinfall (gains 2 points; ZSJ earns 0)

Naito gets the ultimate revenge on ZSJ by not beating him down, but beating him quickly! ZSJ’s head is still spinning, and he throws a fit! He kicks railing, he throws the timekeeper’s table and even takes the chairs! ZSJ gets in the ring with a chair but Naito gets out of there! ZSJ continues to rampage as he SMACKS the ring post with the chair, then goes after the table with the chair! He DECKS Young Lions, and he SLAMS the bell! Naito keeps poking the bear by offering ice packs! Naito even throws one like a baseball, and ZSJ SMACKS it with the chair!

ZSJ realizes he played baseball with Naito and is even more upset! He rips up railing on his way out! Will ZSJ ever live this one down? As for Naito, will he make the most of this opportunity and take the whole Climax?

 

G1 Climax 32, B Block: Tomohiro Ishii VS SANADA!

Unfortunately, this is the one match that has no affect on the Climax! But pride is still important, so will the Stone Pitbull get one more win? Or will the Cold Skull finish strong?

The bell rings and fans rally already with “SA-NA-DA!” “I-SHI-I!” The two approach, tie up, and Ishii headlocks. Sanada powers out, things speed up and Sanada goes the other way, but Ishii avoids the boot. Sanada waistlocks,  Ishii standing switches and shoves Sanada to a corner. Ishii runs in but Sanada dodges, only for Ishii to dodge him back. Ishii avoids another boot, but Sanada avoids the forearm to waistlock again. Sanada also ducks the back elbow, but Ishii returns the favor as he avoids a forearm and back elbow. Ishii swings but into a full nelson, and Sanada uses that to spin Ishii around. Ishii wrenches out of the facelock to swing again!

Sanada dodges to waistlock, but Ishii switches. Sanada switches again, pushes Ishii to ropes and gets the DEEP O’Conner Roll! TWO!!! We almost had another fast one! Both men have to check to be sure, and yes, it was only two! Sanada swings on Ishii but into a BIG back suplex! Fans fire up as both men are down! Fans rally up and Ishii looms over Sanada. Ishii drags Sanada up, CLUBS Sanada down, then drags him back up to CHOP off his feet! Ishii eggs Sanada on as he stands over him, then drags him up again. Ishii CHOPS Sanada again, and CHOPS again, and CHOPS again! Sanada fires a forearm but Ishii doesn’t budge!

Sanada keeps throwing forearms but Ishii eggs him on! Ishii leans into the shots and corners Sanada. Sanada keeps throwing forearms, but Ishii CHOPS and JABS on repeat! Fans fire up and the ref counts but Ishii sits Sanada down with those shots. Ishii eggs Sanada on while fans rally up. Ishii gives Sanada some toying kicks and Sanada fires up! Sanada fires forearms and Ishii feels these, so Ishii HEADBUTTS back! Ishii brings Sanada around, suplexes, but Sanada slips out to waistlock. Ishii elbows free, runs, but Sanada hurdles, hurdles and DROPKICKS! Fans fire up while Ishii bails out, and Sanada PLANCHAS!

Ishii avoids the hit and kicks Sanada. Ishii suplexes, but Sanada fights free! Sanada suplexes Ishii and has him draped on the apron! MAGIC SCREW! Fans fire up while the ref checks on Ishii. Ishii is okay to continue somehow, and Sanada drags Ishii up. Sanada puts Ishii in the ring and he encourages fans to cheer louder. The fans reach the right volume and Sanada goes to the apron. Sanada aims as Ishii rises, springboard MISSILE DROPKICK! Cover, TWO! Fans still rally and Sanada keeps focus. Sanada drags Ishii up, fireman’s carries, but Ishii fights free! Ishii has the dragon sleeper! But Sanada spins around, only for Ishii to suplex!

Fans fire up while both men are down again. Ishii and Sanada both growl as they sit up, and Ishii runs in at Sanada, but Sanada elbows him away. Sanada QUEBRADA but Ishii gets under to run Sanada over! But Sanada stands back up! Sanada gets around to back suplex! But then Ishii stands up! Sanada ROCKS Ishii, but Ishii roars! Ishii ROCKS Sanada, but Sanada ROARS! Sanada EuroUppers, but Ishii GERMAN SUPLEXES! Fans fire up while both men are down again! They rally up as Sanada and Ishii stir, and Ishii stands first. Ishii drags Sanada up, reels him in, and POWER- NO, Sanada fights the bomb off!

Ishii ROCKS Sanada but Sanada DROPKCISK! Ishii comes back but Sanada avoids the sliding forearm! Sanada runs to BASEMENT BLOCKBUSTER, and then roll through to the MAGIC SCREW!! Fans are thunderous as Sanada drags Ishii back up. Fireman’s carry, T K O!! Cover, TWO!! Ishii is still in this but Sanada vows to end it! Sanada drags Ishii up into the dragon sleeper, and SKULL END! The body scissors are locked in and fans rally as Ishii endures! Ishii moves around, reaches out, but he’s fading! Ishii gets a second wind to grab at Sanada, but that goes out fast! Sanada lets go to go up top, ROUNDING BODY FLOP!!

Ishii moves just in time and now both men are down again! Fans rally back up as Ishii stirs. Ishii goes to a corner as Sanada slowly rises. Fans rally “I-SHI-I!” “SA-NA-DA!” Ishii runs in, but Sanada ROCKS him with a forearm! Ishii HEADBUTTS back! Sanada SOBATS, then dragon sleepers! Ishii fights with haymakers but Sanada DREAM SMASHER ELBOWS! Then ROLLING ELBOWS! Then RUNNING ROLLING- ENZIGURI! Ishii takes Sanada down and he roars as fans fire back up! Ishii waits on Sanada, then he runs the ropes, LARIAT! Cover, TWO!! Sanada survives but Ishii just roars again!

Ishii drags Sanada back up, suplexes, but Sanada knees free! Sanada swings, but into a nelson, then a spin, but Sandaa shoves free. Sanada follows Ishii, tilt–whirls and dragon sleepers! But Ishii spins through to suplex, only for Sanada to SATELLITE DDT! But Ishii’s back up?! SLIDING LARIAT! Cover, TWO, to the ghost pin! TWO!!! Sanada can’t believe how close that was! The fans are thunderous again, Ishii runs in but into a full nelson! Ishii breaks that but Sanada chicken wings. Ishii mule kicks a leg out, runs back in, but Sanada gets the full nelson! Sanada then shifts to a cravat, to SHIRANUI, into the SKULL END!!

Ishii endures, spins through, but Sanada wrenches out! Ishii HEADBUTTS again! Ishii runs, but into an O’CONNER BRIDGE! TWO!?!? Ishii escapes by nanoseconds! Sanada is frustrated but the fans are thunderous again! Ishii and Sanada stand, run in, and Sanada fireman’s carries, to throw Ishii into the dragon sleeper! But Ishii fights to a full nelson, for a DRAGON SUPLEX! But Sanada stands back up!! Sanada runs to ROLLING ELBOW! And then TIGER SUPLEX! But Ishii rises?!? Ishii runs, into a DROPKICK! But he comes back to LARIAT!! Cover, TWO!!!! Ishii is roaring and the fans are electric!

Ishii suplexes Sanada, BRAINBUSTER!! Cover, Ishii wins!!

Winner: Tomohiro Ishii, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Sanada earns 0)

The Cold Skull could not tame the Stone Pitbull, and he finishes flat even! Will he have to try harder next time? Will Ishii also rebound from his 2-4 finish to be stronger next year?

 

G1 Climax 32, B Block: Tama Tonga w/ Jado VS Jay White w/ Gedo!

It all comes down to this! The winner here will advance without dispute! Will the Good Bad Guy get the ultimate revenge by spoiling the “Jay1?” Or will he have no choice but to Breathe with the Switchblade?

Tama wants after Jay now, but the ref has Tama wait for the bell. Jay and Gedo Too Sweet, and then the bell rings. And of course White bails out. White waits for Tama to back off to slide in, but then Tama DROPKICKS White down! And OFF COMES THE VEST! Tama is serious as he stomps and punches White in the corner! The ref counts, Tama lets off at 4, but rushes back in. White kicks low, returns all those stomps and punches, then he CHOPS! Tama just glares at White! Tama turns things back around for more forearms and stomps in the corner! Tama whips corner to corner, White bounces off buckles and into Tama’s back drop!

Fans fire up as White bails out again. Tama pursues and puts White back in. Tama rushes in, dodges White’s haymaker and back drops again! Fans rally behind Tama as he aims at the corner. Tama runs in but White bails out again. Gedo protests but Tama goes out to fetch White. Tama throws hands, then tells Gedo to stay the hell away. Jado also has his eyes on Gedo as Tama fireman’s carries White. White flails, claws Tama’s face, then POSTS Tama! Gedo laughs at Tama and applauds White, but fans rally for “GOOD BAD GUY!” White drags Tama up, brings him around and APRON GOURD BUSTERS!

Tama flops back to the floor and Gedo grins. White stretches out his back and then goes back to Tama. White drags Tama up, puts him in the ring, and takes his time stalking Tama to the corner. Tama kicks back, but White CLUBS the leg and EuroUppers! White RAMS his shoulder in, then HALF HATCHES into buckles! White drags Tama to a cover, TWO! Tama is still in this and White is annoyed. White and Gedo argue the count but the count is fair. Fans rally for Tama, White drags him up in the sleeper! Tama fires elbows, White waistlocks and SAIDOS! White flexes while Gedo cheers, and White says this is why he’s the champion. Cover, TWO!

White is almost amused, but he says he has a special gift now. Tama slowly rises and White gives him a Too Sweet CHOP! And another CHOP! White whips but Tama holds ropes! Tama eggs White on so White gives him more and more CHOPS! Tama eggs White on more, so White digs his fingers into Tama’s face! Then CHOP, CHOP and CHOP! Tama sits down, White drags him back up and whips him corner to corner. Tama comes back to CLOBBER White! Fans fire up as both men are down! Tama nods as he gets up, and he rallies on White with clotheslines and elbows! Then a scoop SLAM! Fans fire up more as Tama paces around.

White gets to a corner, Tama runs in, STINGER SPLASH! To a BIG back suplex! Cover, TWO! Tama keeps cool and fans rally again. Tama paces around, drags White back up and throws down elbows. Tama CLUBS White more, then dragon sleepers. White fights free of that, but Tama EuroUppers him right down! White goes to the apron but Tama is after him. White HOTSHOTS Tama away! White storms in, but Tama fireman’s carries! White rakes eyes again, then hits a DDT! Both men are down and fans rally up again. Tama gets to a corner but White runs in, to EuroUpper! And then suplex for BLADE- NO, Tama slips out to dragon sleeper!

But White slips around to suplex and BLADEBUSTER! Cover, TWO! White is frustrated and he stares Jado down. Fans rally up, White drags Tama back up, and he reels Tama in. Tama fights the Urenage to SUPERMAN- COMPLETE SHOT! White drags Tama into the deadlift GERMAN SUPLEX! Gedo is all fired up as White says, “Like a baby.” White drags Tama up by an arm while the fans rally again. White reels Tama in but Tama fights the Urenage! So White throws KNEE after KNEE into the gut! UREN- VENENO!! Tama takes White down with the DDT and fans rally again as Tama and White stir.

Tama stands up, he drags White up, but White swings a chop! Tama ducks it, fireman’s carries, but White slips off to CHOP! Tama ENZIGURIS! White goes down but Tama gets him into the fireman’s carry! S R C! Gedo is freaking out as Tama goes up the corner! SUPREME FLOW!! Cover, TWO!! White survives and Gedo is relieved! But Tama and Jado pound the mat! Fans clap along but White crawls to Gedo. The ref tells Gedo to get off the apron! Jado drags Gedo down! Jado keeps Gedo down while still pounding the mat! White stands, GUN- NO, White fights that off to URENAGE! Both men are down again and fans fire back up!

White shakes out his arm, crawls over to Tama and brings him back up. Fans rally as White wraps on the sleeper! Tama backs White down into a corner! White holds on to put Tama in the corner and RAM his shoulder in again and again! The ref counts, White stops at 4, and he drags Tama out and into the sleeper! But Tama throws elbows! White holds on to SNAP SLEEPER SUPLEX! White doesn’t stop there, he slashes his throat and drags Tama up! BLADE- NO, Tama gets the dragon sleeper, and the TONGAN TWIST!! Fans are thunderous as Tama paces and takes aim! GUN- NO, still no stun! White reels Tama in, BLADE-

NO, Tama slips around to BLOODY SUNDAY!! Shoutout to the original Bullet Club leader! Cover, TWO!!! Tama is shocked but he vows to finish this off! Tama drags White up, reels him in and underhooks, but White fights that off with a back drop! Tama staggers up into BLADE- NO, Tama cradles! TWO!! White stands up, into GUN- NO, White SLAMS Tama down!! White drags Tama back up, for a SNAP SLEEPER SUPLEX! And then the clinch for BLADE- NO, Tama slips free! GUN- NO!! White stays up! White pushes Tama away, but Tama comes back to GUN STUN!!!! Cover, TAMA WINS!!!

Winner: Tama Tonga, by pinfall (gains 2 points; White earns 0)

Gedo can’t believe it, but the Jay1 falls apart at the end!! The Good Bad Guy is moving on into the semifinals, will he take the whole thing and head to WrestleKingdom?

 

G1 Climax 32, A Block: JONAH w/ Bad Dude Tito VS Bad Luck Fale!

After crushing the Rainmaker but losing to the Murderhawk Monster, the Top Dog is a dark horse in this block! He must win, as must Archer, but will the Rogue General blow up Jonah’s chances? Or will the Grenade be no match for the Torpedo?

The bell rings and fans rally up as the giants stare down. They step forward, stare down some more, then step forward again. Jonah throws the first forearm! Fale stays up and he throws a forearm back! Jonah throws another, and fans applaud, and Fale throws another! Fans rally up as Jonah throws a heavier shot, and then Fale throws another! Jonah eggs Fale on, throws another forearm, and Fale wobbles! Fale THROAT CHOPS! Red Shoes reprimands but Jonah sputters. Fale runs, but Jonah BODY CHECKS him out of the ring! Jonah then pursues, FLYING SHOULDER off the apron! Fale is sent into railing while fans fire up!

Jonah warns Chase Owens on English commentary, but then Fale runs Jonah over! The Crown Jewel ended up a good distraction, and Fale CLUBS Jonah on the back. Jonah staggers away and Fale stalks him. Fale throws heavy body shots, follows Jonah to the ramp, then throws even more body shots. Red Shoes tells Fale to get this in the ring but Jonah throws body shots in return! Jonah ROCKS Fale with a forearm and Fale leans against the apron. Fans rally up again as Jonah CLUBS Fale. Jonah pulls on Fale’s ear, then HEADBUTTS him! Fale leans against railing and fans rally up more as Jonah brings him around.

Fale throws heavy body shots and forearms! Jonah staggers away, Fale brings him up and whips him, but Jonah reverses to POST Fale! The ring manages to stay put, but Jonah runs in! Fale moves and Jonah POSTS himself! The ring count finally starts while both men are down on the outside. Fans rally up, we’re at 8 of 20 as Jonah gets back up. Fale goes to the ring at 13 of 20 but he doesn’t get in. Jonah staggers, flounders, and both giants get in at 19! Fans applaud as the match continues! Jonah goes to a corner and Fale runs in to SPLASH! Jonah wobbles, Fale runs in to SPLASH again! Jonah flounders again and Fale runs in to SPLASH again!

Fale goes corner to corner and he runs in, but Jonah dodges! Fale hits buckles, Jonah SUPERKICKS! Then Jonah SPLASHES Fale in return! And SPLASHES again! Fans rally up as Jonah keeps moving, and he SPLASHES a third time! Fale falls over and fans fire up with Jonah! Jonah goes corner to corner, but Fale SPEARS him down! Fans fire up again as both giants are on the mat! Fale drags himself up the ropes, storms over to Jonah, and he runs to drop an elbow! Cover, TWO! Jonah is still in this but Fale prepares his best weapon! Fale choke grips but Jonah kicks free to DDT! Cover, TWO! Fale survives that supersized DDT but Jonah snarls.

Fans rally up again and Jonah drags Fale up. Jonah reels Fale in, but that’s way too much weight to lift like that! Fans rally as Jonah keeps trying, but that just hurts his own back. Jonah brings Fale up, LARIATS point-blank, then runs to LRAIAT again! Fale staggers but stays up! Jonah runs in, ducks the lariat, but not the choke grip! GREN- NO, Jonah ducks to HEADBUTT! Jonah runs to LARIAT Fale down! Fans are thunderous as Fale rises again. Jonah scoops and SLAMS Fale!! And then Jonah drags Fale to a drop zone and climbs up the corner! TORPEDO!!! Cover, Jonah wins!!

Winner: Jonah, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Fale earns 0)

The Top Dog is the top monster in the G1! But he isn’t the top of the block! Will a miracle happen to allow him to advance?

 

G1 Climax 32, A Block: Kazuchika Okada VS Lance Archer!

In the end, the main event will determine it all! When it’s win and you’re in, will Okada make it rain? Or will Archer prove that no matter how great you are, no matter your legacy, #EverybodyDies?

Archer spares the Young Lions because he is laser focused on one target tonight. Archer even stays put as Okada makes his entrance. It’s almost like he’s meditating. Fans rally up already as Red Shoes does his check. The bell rings and Archer still doesn’t move. Okada circles around him, wondering what Archer’s strategy really is. Okada steps up to Archer, Archer looks at Okada, and then Archer choke grips! CHOKE SLAM!! Was it all just to lure Okada in!? Fans fire up as Archer fires up, and then Archer tells them to shut up. HELLICOASTER! Okada is dazed while Archer looms over him. Fans rally up as Archer drags Okada back up.

Archer says Okada’s time is over, but Okada throws a forearm. It doesn’t do much to Archer, and Okada drops to a knee over the damage he’s taken. Okada stands up to throw another forearm, but Archer taunts him! Fans rally up, Okada EuroUppers, runs, but into the DERAILER! Fans fire up as Archer snarls and Okada flops out of the ring. Archer goes out to fetch Okada, sit him up against railing, and then RAM Okada’s head against the railing! And again! And again! Archer digs his knee into Okada, tells Red Shoes to shut up, and then Archer goes to the far side. Fans rally as Archer runs in at full speed to CANNONBALL against railing!!

Fans are thunderous as Okada gets squashed by Archer! Archer then DECKS a Young Lion and drags him over. Archer scoops the Young Lion to SLAM onto Okada! Red Shoes isn’t even sure what to make of that! Fans continue to rally as Archer drags Okada up. Archer brings Okada to the ring, laughs and lifts for an APRON- NO, Okada lands on his feet! Okada kicks Archer, but Archer trips Okada! Okada crashes down, and Archer BOOTS a Young Lion! Archer’s rage is building and he’s taking it out on everyone around! Fans rally up while Red Shoes says to get this in the ring. Archer glares at Chase Owens and Chase backs up.

Archer wants El Desperado on Japanese commentary to tell fans that there will be no more Okada! Desperado says okay, no more Okada, only the Murderhawk Monster. Archer drags Okada up and into the ring, then he stomps away! Fans rally up, “O-KA-DA!” “LANCE ARCH-ER!” Archer stands Okada up to CLUB and CLUB and then SMACK off buckles. Archer knuckle locks and goes up the corner to give us some Old School! Into a MOONSAULT! Direct hit! Cover, TWO!! Archer is furious but Red Shoes says two is two! Archer drags Okada up, reels him in to scoop, but Okada slips off to ripcord and RAINMAKER!!

Fans fire up while both men are down! Okada hit his best move but he can’t capitalize from all the damage done by Archer. Archer and Okada stir and push themselves off the mat. Okada crawls to ropes and drags himself up. Archer choke grips again, but Okada DROPKICKS free! Okada ducks the lariat to DROPKICK again! Fans fire up, Okada goes to scoop but Archer’s too big! Archer scoops Okada but Okada slips off and shoves Archer to a corner! Then he scoops to SLAM Archer down! Fans fire up while Okada catches his breath. Okada goes to a corner and climbs up top, for the MACHO ELBOW! And of course, the Rainmaker Pose!

Fans fire up as Okada reels Archer in. Ripcord and- NO, Archer ducks the lariat to full nelson! Archer spins Okada around but Okada uses that to get a cradle! TWO and Okada stands up to uppercut! Okada runs, but into Archer’s DROPKICK?! Archer drags Okada up, ripcords, and steals RAINMAKER!! Cover, TWO!?! Archer can’t believe it but Okada survives! Archer drags Okada back up, puts him in a corner, and hoists him up top. Archer ROCKS Okada, then brings him out with the inverted crucifix! BLACKOUT BOMB!!! Cover, TWO!?!? Into a GHOST PIN! TWO!!! Okada survives but Archer escapes, all by mere nanoseconds!

Fans are electric while Archer seethes. Archer looms over Okada and stalks him to a corner. Archer taunts Okada, laughs at him, and then runs corner to corner and back again, BIG back elbow! Okada doubles over but fans rally up again. Archer drags Okada up, hoists him back up top, CHOPS him, then pats him on the face. Archer SLAPS Okada, tries the crucifix again, but Okada fights free to CHOP BLOCK! And then Okada gets the arm for the MONEY CLIP!! Archer endures and fans rally up as Okada squeezes tight! Archer already looks pretty red, but he gets a second wind! Archer rises up and snapmares free!

Okada rushes in, gets around, spins and DISCUS LARIATS! Archer rebounds to LARIAT Okada down!! Fans are thunderous as Archer watches Okada from the corner. Okada sits up in another daze, and Archer says “F YOU, OKADA!” But he runs into a DROPKICK! Archer stays up!! And he runs back in, into a scoop?! AND LANDSLIDE!! Okada ripcords for the RAINMAKER!!! Cover, Okada wins!!

Winner: Kazuchika Okada, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Archer earns 0)

The Murderhawk Monster falls, and both his and Jonah’s runs are done! But in the end, Archer respects Okada and Okada respects Archer, so they fist bump. Will both Archer and the Top Dog have to try again next year?

As for Okada, he catches his breath and gets the mic. “Everyone here today, thank you for your red hot support. There’s just two days left in G1 Climax 32. However, we can still get even hotter! This isn’t all that the G1 Climax has to offer. And if you don’t think that we can bring even more fire, than you aren’t really a pro-wrestling fan!” Fans applaud that sentiment, and Okada continues to say that everyone here, your red hot support is multiplied by the power of the wrestlers, and that equals the best G1 Climax ever! So let’s finish this strong, with even more hot, hot, hot support!

Okada thanks the fans then drops the mic. Will the Rainmaker be able to do this all over again tomorrow in the semifinals? Or will another take the Climax in the end?

 

Here are the current standings!

A Block

  • Kazuchika Okada: 5-1, 10 points [SEMIFINALIST]
  • JONAH: 4-2, 8 points [ELIMINATED]
  • Lance Archer: 3-3, 6 points [ELIMINATED]
  • Tom Lawlor: 3-3, 6 points [ELIMINATED]
  • Jeff Cobb: 3-3, 6 points [ELIMINATED]
  • Bad Luck Fale: 2-4, 4 points [ELIMINATED]
  • Toru Yano: 1-5, 2 points [ELIMINATED]

B Block

  • Tama Tonga: 5-1, 10 points [SEMIFINALIST]
  • Jay White: 5-1, 10 points [ELIMINATED]
  • SANADA: 3-3, 6 points [ELIMINATED]
  • Chase Owens: 2-4, 4 points [ELIMINATED]
  • Great-O-Khan: 2-4, 4 points [ELIMINATED]
  • Taichi: 2-4, 4 points [ELIMINATED]
  • Tomohiro Ishii: 2-4, 4 points [ELIMINATED]

C Block

  • Tetsuya Naito: 4-2, 8 points [SEMIFINALIST]
  • Zack Sabre Jr: 4-2, 8 points [ELIMINATED]
  • Hirooki Goto: 3-3, 6 points [ELIMINATED]
  • KENTA: 3-3, 6 points [ELIMINATED]
  • Hiroshi Tanahashi: 3-3, 6 points [ELIMINATED]
  • EVIL: 3-3, 6 points [ELIMINATED]
  • Aaron Henare: 1-5, 2 points [ELIMINATED]

D Block

  • Will Ospreay: 4-2, 8 points [SEMIFINALIST]
  • Shingo Takagi: 3-3, 6 points [ELIMINATED]
  • YOSHI-HASHI: 3-3, 6 points [ELIMINATED]
  • Yujiro Takahashi: 3-3, 6 points [ELIMINATED]
  • El Phantasmo: 3-3, 6 points [ELIMINATED]
  • David Finlay: 3-3, 6 points [ELIMINATED]
  • Juice Robinson: 2-4, 4 points [ELIMINATED]

My Thoughts:

What an awesome way to wrap up the round robin this year! Now, it is a shame that not every block could mathematically work to bring drama into all eight matches, but all eight matches were still awesome. The blocks going in reverse alphabetical order was a logical scheduling choice, and it helped keep the energy moving because the story of each block stayed fresh in our minds. Ospreay VS Juice was a great opener with how fast and furious it all went, and Takagi VS ELP was even stronger for how it had to follow that. Ospreay being the semifinalist when he’s also got to be in the States for AEW this Wednesday is wild, but I do appreciate that NJPW isn’t going to change their plans, even for a partner promotion. I just wonder if Ospreay will be able to properly compete on both shows.

Goto VS Evil was great stuff but of course Evil and Dick cheat to win, and that screwed Goto over hard. But that was of course going to happen to put the drama back on Naito VS ZSJ. And while I had a feeling Naito would win, I did NOT expect things to go down like that. ZSJ was doing so well this G1, but then Naito snatches it away right here. But ZSJ’s violent tantrum was still great stuff, very Minoru Suzuki-esque. And maybe ZSJ still has a route to his first singles title in NJPW. There’s still a long road to Wrestle Kingdom, so maybe ZSJ finds a way in.

Ishii VS Sanada was the only match tonight that didn’t affect their block, but that was still an awesome match between them. A shame Sanada didn’t win but it would’ve also been rough if Ishii went 1-5. Again, there are a lot of moving parts and a lot of titles to go around, both these guys can try for something between now and Wrestle Kingdom. Tama VS White was awesome, practically a title match in itself, and it was the right choice for Tama to win. Even if Tama doesn’t win the tournament, Tama has the golden ticket to be one of White’s challengers on the road to Wrestle Kingdom, and maybe White gets his revenge there, or maybe Tama shocks us all and wins the big one.

Speaking of big, Jonah VS Fale was a great match for two guys as big as them. They were perhaps playing up the slug fest, and the ref really let their brawl on the outside have time to breathe. But in the end, it made sense for Jonah to win to put the drama back on Okada VS Archer. I don’t know if Jonah’s math was right, but according to him, if Archer had won, we would’ve had three guys at 4-2, and Archer’s win over Jonah before wouldn’t have outright made him the semifinalist. Honestly, a Triple Threat of Archer, Okada and Jonah to perhaps open tomorrow’s show would’ve been cool, but it makes sense NJPW wants a clear winner in each block.

Okada VS Archer had a great start with that trap of Archer’s, but in the end, of course Okada wins. Okada VS Tama, Ospreay VS Naito, that is quite the final four.

My Score: 9.2/10

About Chairshot Radio Network

Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!

 MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)

TUESDAY - Musical Chairs (music) / Hockey Talk (NHL)

WEDNESDAY - The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling) 

THURSDAY - Keeping the news ridiculous... The Oddity / Chairshot NFL (NFL)

FRIDAY - DWI Podcast (Drunk Wrestling Intellect)

SATURDAY - The Mindless Wrestling Podcast

SUNDAY - The Front and Center Sports Podcast 

CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS

Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)

TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends

Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5

Classic POD is WAR


Chairshot Radio Network Your home for the hardest hitting podcasts... Sports, Entertainment and Sports Entertainment!

All Shows On Demand


Powered by RedCircle


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

Coverage

Mitchell’s WWE SmackDown Results & Report! (2/21/25)

The Final Boss is back!

Published

on

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

About Chairshot Radio Network

Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!

 MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)

TUESDAY - Musical Chairs (music) / Hockey Talk (NHL)

WEDNESDAY - The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling) 

THURSDAY - Keeping the news ridiculous... The Oddity / Chairshot NFL (NFL)

FRIDAY - DWI Podcast (Drunk Wrestling Intellect)

SATURDAY - The Mindless Wrestling Podcast

SUNDAY - The Front and Center Sports Podcast 

CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS

Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)

TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends

Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5

Classic POD is WAR


Chairshot Radio Network Your home for the hardest hitting podcasts... Sports, Entertainment and Sports Entertainment!

All Shows On Demand


Powered by RedCircle


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

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?

Published

on

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!

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. 

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.

About Chairshot Radio Network

Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!

 MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)

TUESDAY - Musical Chairs (music) / Hockey Talk (NHL)

WEDNESDAY - The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling) 

THURSDAY - Keeping the news ridiculous... The Oddity / Chairshot NFL (NFL)

FRIDAY - DWI Podcast (Drunk Wrestling Intellect)

SATURDAY - The Mindless Wrestling Podcast

SUNDAY - The Front and Center Sports Podcast 

CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS

Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)

TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends

Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5

Classic POD is WAR


Chairshot Radio Network Your home for the hardest hitting podcasts... Sports, Entertainment and Sports Entertainment!

All Shows On Demand


Powered by RedCircle


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

Sports

Entertainment

Sports Entertainment

Buy A Chairshot T-Shirt!

Chairshot Radio Network

Trending

WP Twitter Auto Publish Powered By : XYZScripts.com