Coverage

Mitchell’s NJPW G1 Climax 32 Results & Report! (8/18/22)

We’ve reached the Climax!

Published

1 year ago

August 18, 2022

Steven Mitchell

It all comes down to Rainmaker VS Kingpin!

The biggest G1 Climax in NJPW has perhaps the biggest final match-up possible! Will Will Ospreay finally defeat Kazuchika Okada once again?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

8 Man Tag: Chaos VS The House of Torture; Chaos wins.
Bad Dude Tito & JONAH VS Royce Isaacs & Tom Lawlor; Tito & Jonah win.
Six Man Tag: The United Empire VS Bullet Club; The United Empire wins.
Six Man Tag: Los Ingobernables de Japon VS Suzuki-Gun; Suzuki-Gun wins.
Shingo Takagi & Hiromu Takahashi VS KENTA & El Phantasmo; Kenta & ELP win.
Hiroshi Tanahashi & David Finlay VS The Good Brothers; Tanahashi & Finlay win.
KUSHIDA & Tama Tonga VS Taiji Ishimori & Jay White; Kushida & Tama win.
G1 Climax 32 Finals: Kazuchika Okada VS Will Ospreay; Okada wins and earns the Right to Challenge Contract.

PLAY BY PLAY

Shingo Takagi & Hiromu Takahashi VS KENTA & El Phantasmo!

The Rampaging Dragon missed out on being in the semifinals, all because the Headbanga was a spoiler! Will Takagi and the Ticking Timebomb get some payback for that? Or will the Fang Revived help ELP keep the momentum going?

LIJ attacks the moment they’re in the ring! Takagi of course goes after ELP while Hiromu is after Kenta! The bell rings as Kenta CLUBS Hiromu down, and ELP returns fire on Takagi! Takagi and ELP go back and forth, fans rally up, but ELP BOOTS Takagi! Kenta RAMS Hiromu into railing while ELP CLUBS Takagi down. ELP goes after Takagi’s neck and shoulders with elbows, then whips him to ropes. Takagi reverses but ELP RANAS, handsprings and dropkicks! But Takagi rebounds to run ELP over! Fans rally up while ELP flounders. Takagi drops an elbow, then he brings ELP up to bump off buckles.

Takagi fires off forearms then JABS, then a CHOP! ELP sits down and Takagi tags Hiromu. Fans rally for “L I J!” as they double whip ELP to ropes, to run him over with double shoulders! Hiromu whips ELP into an open corner and clotheslines, then snapmares and basement dropkicks! Cover, TWO! Hiromu fires up and the fans fire up with him as he fireman’s carries. ELP fights free, CLAWS Hiromu’s back, then CLAWS him again! And he CLAWS Hiromu’s chest! ELP puts Hiromu in the corner to slowly CLAW Hiromu’s back! The ref reprimands, but Kenta headlocks Hiromu against the corner, and SMACKS him with his book over and over!

ELP keeps the ref distracted with Takagi but the fans rally up for “HI-RO-MU!” ELP digs his knees in, tags Kenta, and then they both dig their boots in! The ref counts, both Kenta and ELP let off, and Kenta drags Hiromu up. Kenta whips Hiromu to ropes, elbows him down, then covers. TWO, but Kenta clamps onto Hiromu with a chinlock. Hiromu endures and fans continue to rally. Hiromu kicks his way around, stands up and throws elbows into Kenta’s ribs. Kenta throws Hiromu by his hair! Tag to ELP and ELP climbs up. Kenta stands Hiromu up in a facelock, and ELP powers up, to then hop down and CLAW Hiromu’s back!

Fans applaud as ELP flexes on Hiromu. “Who’s your stepdaddy, Hiromu?” ELP snapmares and chinlocks to thrash Hiromu around, but then Takagi runs in to chinlock ELP! ELP CLAWS Takagi’s face! ELP tells Takagi to get out, and he throws Takagi out! ELP steps over Hiromu to have a mounted armbar. Tag to Kenta, and ELP holds Hiromu’s fingers open! Kenta gets his book, for a PAPERCUT!! Hiromu screams in pain as he clutches his hand! ELP and Kenta play dumb and Kenta drags Hiromu up. Fans rally as Hiromu CHOPS! And CHOPS! And CHOP! But Kenta knees low! Fans rally but Kenta dusts off his book.

The ref reprimands but Kenta aims. Hiromu blocks the book attack! Hiromu takes the book back and SMACKS Kenta with it! ELP fetches the book and says Hiromu bent it! Hiromu swings but into Kenta’s DDT! Cover, TWO! Fans rally up for Hiromu but Kenta KICKS him! And KICKS him! And KICKS him! Hiromu blocks the next one, then blocks the haymaker, for a DRAGON SCREW! Fans rally up as Hiromu and Kenta are down! They crawl for their corners, hot tags to Takagi and ELP! Takagi swings but misses. ELP CHOPS, whips, but Takagi reverses. Takagi blocks the boot to LARIAT in the corner!

Takagi suplexes but ELP slips free to CLAW Takagi’s back! ELP runs, but into Takagi’s ELBOW! ELP MULE KICKS! Takagi JABS! ELP JABS! Takagi YUKON LARIATS! Fans fire up for that exchange and Takagi encourages them to keep going. They rally for “TA-KA-GI!” as he stalks ELP to a corner. Takagi throws a forearm, whips corner to corner, then runs in, but ELP goes up and over! ELP rolls, dodges, springboards and CROSSBODIES! Then LIONSAULTS FLOPS! SLIDING BOMBER! Cover, TWO! Hiromu swings on Kenta but Kenta dodges, so Hiromu WRECKS him with a dropkick! Fans fire up as LIJ regroups.

Hiromu brings ELP up, and he CHOPS ELP to a corner. LIJ double whip, Hiromu runs in to clothesline! Takagi runs in to clothesline! Feed to the SUPERKICK, then Takagi runs to PUMPING BOMBER! Cover, Kenta breaks it! Hiromu throws Kenta back out and FLYING JOHN WOO! Kenta is sent into railing hard! Fans fire up with Takagi’s “OI! OI! OI!” Takagi fires off boxing elbows on ELP all the way to six and he DECKS ELP! Takagi then drags ELP back up, pump handle and torture racks, but ELP sunset flips and reels Takagi in! C R- NO, Takagi powers through to a jackknife! TWO and ELP has it, TWO! Takagi has it back, TWO!! ELP GHOST PIN, TWO!!!

Fans are thunderous and Takagi runs in but ELP sends him at the ref! Takagi just stops himself, but turns around into a NUT PUNCH!! Cradle, ELP & Kenta win!!

Winners: Kenta & El Phantasmo, by pinfall

Tonight, the Headbanga is the Nutcracker, and for him, it was just Too Sweet! Will ELP use this to go after Takagi’s KOPW trophy? Will Takagi welcome it if it means getting revenge? But Hiromu gets some payback right here, by taking Kenta’s copy of his autobiography! Takagi throws it back, but the cover comes off! So Takagi RIPS that cover up! Will Kenta want his own payback for that insult?

Hiroshi Tanahashi & David Finlay VS The Good Brothers!

The Ace & The Rebel faced of with Karl Anderson & Luke Gallows just yesterday as part of an 8 Man Tag, and thanks to some sneaky tactics by Toru Yano, Tanahashi’s side won. Will Tanahashi & Finlay win again against the Impact World Tag Team Champions? Or will the Machinegun and Doc shoot down this rag tag tag team?

Tanahashi shows off the muscles and fans cheer. Karl tries to get the fans to clap for “AN-DER-SON!” but no, it’s “Let’s Go, Ace!” The teams sort out, the Good Brothers Too Sweet, and Anderson starts against Finlay. Fans rally up for “THE RE-BEL! THE RE-BEL!” as he and Anderson circle. They tie up, Anderson waistlocks but Finlay wrenches to a hammerlock. Finlay headlocks, Anderson pries free to a hammerlock and headlock, and hits a takeover. Finlay headscissors but Anderson kips free, and fans cheer the standoff. Anderson talks with Gallows real quick, then he circles with Finlay again.

The fans rally up more, and Anderson again pretends it’s for him. But no, it’s for “THE RE-BEL! THE RE-BEL!” Finlay and Anderson tie up, and Anderson pulls hair to put Finlay in a corner! Finlay grabs at Anderson’s ears, the ref reprimands them both and Anderson pulls more hair! Anderson says he’ll give a clean break, and he slowly lets off. Then he swings on Finlay! But Finlay dodges to stomp a mudhole into Anderson! Finlay ROCKS Anderson with a right, taunts him, then ROCKS him again! Finlay ROCKS Anderson again, but Anderson ROCKS Finlay back. Finlay forearms, Anderson forearms, and fans rally as they build up speed!

Anderson KNEES low, checks his ears, then pulls on Finlay’s ears! Anderson whips, Finlay dodges, and wrenches the arm to a wristlock! Anderson drops to a knee, Finlay wrenches him again, to an ELBOW BREAKER! Tag to Tanahashi, and fans rally as #RebelAce double whip and double elbow Anderson down! They shake hands to then DOUBLE ELBOW DROP! Fans fire up as Tanahashi air guitars and Finlay air drums! Tanahashi then drags Anderson up, but Anderson grabs Tanahashi’s nose! But Tanahashi grabs Anderson’s beard! So Anderson pulls Tanahashi’s hair! Anderson drags Tanahashi over to tag in Gallows.

Anderson and Gallows mug Tanahashi, then Gallows bumps him off buckles. Gallows whips Tanahashi corner to corner, runs in but Tanahashi dodges! Tanahashi fires off body shots, Anderson rushes over but Tanahashi DECKS him! But that allows Gallows to get away, and he BOOTS Tanahashi down! Gallows runs to drop a BIG elbow! And another! And another! Cover, TWO! Fans rally, but Gallows stomps Tanahashi’s leg then rains down a fist! Fans rally for “Let’s Go, Ace!” but Gallows tells them to shut up! Gallows throws up the Too Sweet, drops another fist, then clamps on a big chinlock! Gallows squeezes tight but fans rally up.

Tanahashi endures as Gallows leans all his weight on Tanahashi’s head. Fans rally, Tanahashi fights up and throws elbows into Gallows. Gallows throws Tanahashi by his hair! Gallows stands on Tanahashi’s head, then scrapes his sole off the face. Gallows puts Tanahashi in the corner, tags Anderson, and Anderson RAMS his shoulder in! Anderson brings Tanahashi out, scoops him and SLAMS him, then soaks up the applause before the “GOMENASAI” SENTON! Cover, TWO! Anderson drags Tanahashi into a chinlock of his own, and grinds Tanahashi down. Fans rally as Tanahashi endures and fights up again.

Tanahashi throws elbows into Anderson now, but Anderson pulls hair again! Tanahashi breaks free, Anderson ducks the shotei, but kicks right into the DRAGON SCREW! Fans fire up as both men are down! They crawl for their corners, hot tags to Gallows and Finlay! Finlay dodges, fires off forearms, and an uppercut! Finlay kicks away on Gallows’ leg, then ROCKS him with a right! Gallows blocks the whip to whip Finlay to a corner! Finlay dodges to UPPERCUT! Finlay keeps moving, to UPPERCUT again! And then ANOTHER UPPERCUT! Finlay shoves Gallows out and goes up for a FLYING UPPERCUT! Cover, TWO!

Fans fire up with Finlay and he calls his shot! Finlay cravats and goes up the corner, but no Acid Drop! Gallows YAKUZA KICKS Finlay down! Tag to Anderson while fans rally again. Anderson drags Finlay up and EuroUppers. Anderson whips, Finlay ducks ‘n’ dodges to LEAPING UPPERCUT! Tag back to Tanahashi! Tanahashi runs to FLYING FOREARM Anderson! Tanahashi DECKS Gallows, then fires off on Anderson! Tanahashi scoops and SLAMS Anderson into a drop zone, then goes up the corner! Fans fire up for the SUNSET SENTON! Cover, TWO! Tanahashi stays fired up and the fans rally behind him!

Tanahashi runs, but Anderson turns slingblade into SPINEBUSTER! Gallows gets in to DECK Finlay! Tanahashi goes to a corner, Anderson hits the ROCKET KICK, Gallows hits the SPLASH! Then BACK SUPELX NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO!! Tanahashi survives but Anderson is annoyed. Anderson calls Gallows back in and fans rally up. Gallows drags Tanahashi up, the Good Brothers combine, but TORU YANO sprays them with baby oil! Gallows chases Yano off, and Anderson turns around into a PRIMA NOCTA from Finlay! Tanahashi is up, he runs, SLINGBLADE! Fans fire up as Tanahashi goes up top!

Tanahashi aims and leaps, HIGH FLY FLOW!! Cover, #RebelAce wins!!

Winners: Hiroshi Tanahashi & David Finlay, by pinfall

This rag tag duo just beat the Impact World Tag Team Champions! And Tanahashi just pinned the NEVER Openweight Champion! Granted, Yano had a factor in it again, but will Tanahashi & Finlay look to take the Good Brothers’ gold?

KUSHIDA & Tama Tonga w/ Jado VS Taiji Ishimori & Jay White w/ Gedo!

The Timesplitter wants the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship while the Good Bad Guy wants the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship! Tama has a golden ticket from the G1, will he help Kushida get his? Or will they both breathe with the Switchblade and Bone Soldier Reborn?

Bullet Club Too Sweets and the teams sort out. Fans rally as Tama and White start, a rematch from the B Block’s final round! White and Tama circle, Taiji distracts and White attacks! White CLUBS away on Tama, Tama swings back but misses. White knees low, fires off forearms, then whips Tama to ropes. Tama reverses but White bails out! Tama pursues, White slides back in and stomps Tama down! Gedo applauds but he’s the only one. White drags Tama up, tags Taiji in, and Bullet Club mugs Tama with big clubbing forearms and stomps! The ref reprimands, White steps out and Taiji lets off.

Fans rally for Tama and he elbows Taiji. Tama swings on White but White gets away, and Taiji kicks Tama low. Taiji ROCKS Tama with haymakers, Jado coaches Tama on, and Kushida tags in! Tama reverses the whip and but he and Kushida hurdle Taiji, to then DOUBLE CHOP Taiji down! Fans fire up and Kushida drags Taiji up. Kushida wrenches an arm, snapmares and SLAMS the arm down! Kushida then ties up Taiji’s legs in a DEATHLOCK KNEEBAR! Taiji endures, rolls, and gets the ROPEBREAK! Kushida lets off and talks trash on White. Kushida drags Taiji up and CHOPS him to a corner!

Fans rally, Kushida whips corner to corner, but Taiji BOOTS him back! Taiji goes up to headscissor and BOOT Kushida, then he hits a BUCKLE SHOT! Taiji throws Kushida out, tags White, and Taiji distracts the ref by talking trash on Tama. White whips Kushida into railing! White then grabs camera cable to CHOKE Kushida! The ref is still busy with Taiji and Tama but Jado points it out. White lets off and gets in the ring. White wants Kushida to be counted out! Fans rally up for “KU-SHI-DA!” as the ring count starts. White keeps shouting at Kushida but Kushida gets up. White goes out and whips Kushida into railing again!

White puts Kushida back in and covers, TWO! Fans rally up while Gedo complains. White keeps Kushida from Tama, knees him low, then whips him to ropes and ELBOWS him down! Cover, TWO! Fans rally but White tags Taiji. White stands on Kushida’s head, then Taiji joins in. They scrape Kushida, then Taiji cravats to throw shoulder after shoulder into Kushida’s head! Kushida hits back with body shots and CHOPS, and a KICK to the leg! Taiji avoids the leg sweep to claw Kushida’s face! The ref reprimands but Taiji whips Kushida to ropes. Kushida handsprings to BACK ELBOW! Fans fire up again as both men are down!

Hot tags to White and Tama! Tama DROPKICKS White, and OFF COMES THE VEST! White gets to a corner and Tama runs corner to corner, but White dodges the splash! White clamps on the sleeper but Tama elbows free! White CHOPS, whips, but Tama reverses. White reverses back but swings into the dragon sleeper! White spins around to suplex but Tama slips out. White CHOPS again, then whips Tama to a corner. Tama comes back to CLOBBER White! Fans are thunderous and Tama runs in to STINGER SPLASH! Tama reels White in for a BIG back suplex! Tama pounds the mat and the fans clap along!

Gedo shouts to White as he stands up, Tama rushes in to GUN- NO, White reels Tama in, BLADE- NO! Tama slips out, but White dodges the superman punch! White has the sleeper, Tama elbows that away. White waistlocks, Tama throws another back elbow, but into the SAIDO! Fans fire up again while both men are down! White and Tama crawl, White tags in Taiji! Taiji runs at Tama in the corner to DOUBLE KNEE! Snapmare and NECK TWIST! Taiji rolls Tama into the omoplata and YES LOCK!! Tama endures and fans rally up! Taiji pulls back but Tama moves around, and Tama claws his way to the ROPEBREAK!

Fans applaud and Taiji lets Tama go. Taiji drags Tama up, wrenches and hits an ELBOW BREAKER! And then another! And another, but Tama turns that into a TONGAN TWIST! Fans rally up as Tama crawls over, hot tag to Kushida! Kushida goes up to top FLYING AX HANDLE, then he KICKS away on Taiji’s arm! Kushida whips, Taiji reverses but Kushida CROSSOBDIES! Kushida ducks the haymaker to PELE! Kushida WRECKS White with a dropkick, too! Fans fire up and Kushida drags Taiji up for an ELBOW BREAKER! Taiji avoids the Penalty Kick and fans fire up as the forearms start flying!

Taiji gets the edge, whips Kushida, but Kushida reverses. Taiji handsprings but into a PENALTY KICK! Kushida gets the arm to wrench it! Taiji resists the Hoverboard and White gets in! BLADE- NO, Kushida feeds White to a SUPERMAN PUNCH! White bails out and Tama pursues. Tama whips but White reverses and Tama hits railing! Taiji scoops Kushida for CIPHER UTAKI! Taiji roars while Kushida writhes, and Taiji says BANG! Gedo is fired up as Taiji hauls Kushida up, BLOODY- CRADLE! KUSHIDA & TAMA WIN!!

Winners: Kushida & Tama Tonga, by pinfall

But White CLOBBERS Kushida to stop the celebration! Taiji throws Young Lions out of the ring, then clamps onto Kushida with the BONE LOCK! Tama gets in, GUN- NO, White slips away! And Kushida fights his way around to put the BONE LOCK on Taiji!! Taiji suffers now while Tama keeps White out of the ring! White and Gedo tell someone to get in there and save Taiji! Young Lions get in the ring while Jado brings the belts! Tama holds up the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship, could we see him become the GOLDEN Good Bad Guy? And is it only a matter of time before Kushida takes Taiji’s title?

G1 Climax 32 Finals: Kazuchika Okada VS Will Ospreay w/ The United Empire!

The Rainmaker conquered the A Block while the Commonwealth Kingpin conquered the D Block. But as Ospreay admitted himself, Okada leads their rivalry 6-1! Will Will repeat that one time he defeated Okada here tonight? Or will Okada make it rain with back-to-back G1 Climax championship wins?

Fans are fired up already as the bell rings and the two stare down. The claps for “O-KA-DA!” “O-SU-PREAY!” are thunderous as the two circle. Then things calm down as the two feel out the grapple. They tie up, are in a deadlock, but Okada headlocks. Ospreay endures the grind, powers up, but can’t power out as Okada holds tight. Okada grinds the hold, fans rally up and Ospreay throws body shots. Ospreay powers out, Okada stops himself and drops down to get the headlock back! Fans rally again as Ospreay endures and fights up. Ospreay back suplexes but Okada lands on his feet to headlock and takeover!

Ospreay headscissors, Okada kips free and headlocks for another takeover. Ospreay headscissors but Okada shrugs that off. Fans applaud the exchange while Ospreay keeps his shoulder up. Ospreay fights up, Okada grinds the headlock more, but Ospreay stands up. Fans rally and Ospreay powers Okada to ropes. Red Shoes counts the ropebreak and Okada lets go. Ospreay backs up slowly, but Okada avoids the chop! Okada headlocks, Ospreay powers out but Okada runs him over! Okada poses, things speed up, and Ospreay hurdles. Okada reels Ospreay into a wristlock ripcord but Ospreay ducks!

Ospreay springboards, but Okada denies the OsCutter! Fans fire up as the two stand off again! Okada and Ospreay stare down from opposite corners as the fans clap again, “O-KA-DA!” “O-SU-PREAY!” Okada and Ospreay circle, tie up, and are in a deadlock. Okada pushes Ospreay back to the ropes, Red Shoes calls the ropebreak, and Okada lets off slowly. Okada ROCKS Ospreay! No fake outs here! Okada CLUBS Ospreay while the Empire protests. Okada whips, Ospreay dodges and RANAS! Fans fire up and Okada bails out! Ospreay slingshots but Okada moves! Ospreay lands on the apron and Okada trips him up! Okada kicks Ospreay, to DDT to the floor!

Fans fire up while Red Shoes checks Ospreay. Ospreay’s okay to continue, though he clutches his neck. Okada leaves Ospreay behind to get in the ring, and Red Shoes starts the ring count. Fans rally up while Okada watches Ospreay. Ospreay sits up at 7 of 20, so Okada goes out to fetch him. Okada kicks low, to DDT to the floor AGAIN! Khan protests but Okada leaves Ospreay behind again. Fans rally again while Ospreay checks his head and neck. The ring count returns and Ospreay leans against railing at 4. Ospreay stands up at 8 and hobbles into the ring at 9, which fans applaud. But Okada drags Ospreay up to hit a NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO!

Fans rally as Ospreay is still in this. Okada drags Ospreay up with a chinlock. Okada grinds Ospreay and JAMS his knee in! Ospreay flails, pries at the hold, but Okada uses that to get a straitjacket stretch! Fans rally and Ospreay endures more. Okada shifts back to the chinlock but Ospreay scrambles forward to the ROPEBREAK! Okada lets go and Ospreay kicks at him. Okada drags Ospreay up to CLUB him on the back. Okada CLUBS Ospreay in the corner and Ospreay falls to his knees! Fans rally as Ospreay stands up, but Okada CLUBS him again! Okada clamps on with the chinlock again but Ospreay endures.

Ospreay fights up, throws back elbows, and then body shots. Okada CLUBS Ospreay’s neck again, whips him to a corner, but Ospreay reverses. Ospreay runs in but Okada dodges! Okada comes back with a back elbow! And then a kick to a- SUPLEX from Ospreay! Ospreay wasn’t gonna let Okada DDT him a third time! Fans fire up as Ospreay and Okada rise. Ospreay fires off a flurry of forearms then whips Okada to ropes. Okada reverses, Ospreay handsprings, NEURALIZER! Direct hit and Okada is down, but Ospreay goes to the apron! Okada stands, and Ospreay springboards for PIP PIP CHEERIO! Cover, TWO!

Fans rally up more as Ospreay stands back up. Ospreay shakes out his arms, drags Okada up and reels him in, but Okada fights the lift. Okada RAMS Ospreay into a corner, hoists him up top, but Ospreay BOOTS Okada away! Okada comes back but Ospreay puts him up top to DROPKICK him to the floor! Ospreay knows Okada well! Fans fire up and Ospreay goes up top! SUPER SKY TWISTER!!! Fans are thunderous as Ospreay takes Okada down! The Empire coaches Ospreay and he gives a thumbs up. Ospreay stands and fires himself up before fetching Okada. Okada is dead weight but Ospreay drags him up.

Fans rally and Okada gut wrenches! Ospreay slips off, and uses the railing to jump, OSCUTTER to the floor! Red Shoes checks on Okada now as the fans rally up. Ospreay stands up, hobbles over to Okada, and he drags Okada up and into the ring. High stack cover, TWO! Okada is still in this but Ospreay keeps his cool. Fans rally back up and Ospreay drops a knee on Okada’s head! Ospreay KNEES and KICKS Okada in the back! Ospreay then drags Okada up, CLUBS him, and stalks Okada to a corner. Fans rally and Ospreay stands Okada up to ROCK in the back! Okada falls over and Ospreay paces around him.

Ospreay drags Okada up, snapmares him and clamps on a cravat for a neck wrench. Okada endures, fans rally up and Ospreay puts on the pressure. Okada fights his way back up, throws back elbows, but Ospreay ROCKS him with a forearm! Ospreay whips but Okada reverses, to back drop Ospreay HIGH! Fans fire up while Ospreay writhes on the mat. Okada and Ospreay stand, Ospreay rushes in but Okada FLAPJACKS him! Okada drags Ospreay back up and catches the haymaker! Ospreay resists, but Okada still puts on the MONEY CLIP! Ospreay endures and fans rally as Okada puts on the squeeze!

Ospreay fades, dropping to a knee, but he fights up to arm-drag free! Ospreay rushes in but into Okada’s JAWBREAKER to BACK2BACKBREAKER! And then MONEY CLIP!! Ospreay endures while fans rally again. Okada leans on the hold but Ospreay moves around. Okada makes it a MONEY CLIP STRETCH! The Empire coaches Ospreay and he scoots back, ROPEBREAK! Okada lets go and both men are down on the mat. Fans rally again and Okada stands up. Okada drags Ospreay up, scoops him, and SLAMS him! Okada goes to the corner and climbs up, for the MACHO ELBOW! And of course, the Rainmaker Pose!

Okada drags Ospreay up, wristlocks, but Ospreay backs him to a corner! Okada uses that to throw Ospreay into the corner! Okada ROCKS Ospreay with a forearm, and fans rally up again. Ospreay stands up, Okada ROCKS him again. And EuroUppers! Okada wrenches and whips Ospreay corner to corner hard, and Ospreay bounces off buckles to hit the mat! The Empire looks worried while Okada eggs Ospreay on. Fans haven’t stopped rallying and Okada kicks at Ospreay. Ospreay gets mad as Okada slaps him. Ospreay throws a forearm but Okada ROCKS him right back! Fans fire up and Ospreay fires off Kowada Kicks and CHOPS and more kicks and a CHOP, repeat!

Ospreay CHOPS and CHOPS and CHOPS! Okada falls over but stands right back up to SHOTGUN Ospreay into the corner! Only for Ospreay to come right back and LARIAT!! Both men are down and the fans are thunderous! Ospreay and Okada stir, and Ospreay crawls after Okada as Okada crawls to ropes. Ospreay pushes Okada to the apron then joins him out there. Okada sits up and Ospreay reels him in! Okada fights the piledriver, Ospreay keeps trying, and Okada back drops Ospreay to the apron! Fans rally as both men are on the edge. Okada drags Ospreay up now, gut wrenches him, but Ospreay fights free!

Ospreay HOOK KICKS Okada, then goes up the corner, APRON OSCUTTER!! Both men crash down and then fall tot he floor while fans are thunderous again! Red Shoes checks both men but they’re okay to continue. The ring count starts and both men are still down at 5 of 20. Ospreay sits up at 6 and stands up at 10 to get in the ring. Okada is still down at 12, but starts to sit up at 13. Fans rally up and Okada sits all the way up at 16! Okada stands and staggers, and leans on the railing at 18! Okada turns around and slides in at 19, but Ospreay hits him with COAST2COAST! Cover, TWO!! Ospreay hurries right up top, to BLINDSIDE CHEERIO!

Fans fire up and Ospreay roars! Ospreay springboards, to OSCUTTER!! But his own neck slows him down on the cover, TWO!! Okada survives and fans are thunderous again! Okada and Ospreay crawl to opposite ends of the ring, and then drag themselves up the ropes. Ospreay aims to SUPERKICK Okada down! Ospreay then drags Okada up, reels him in and underhooks the arms, but Okada flips through the lift to short arm LARIAT! Ospreay stays up and roars, then BOOTS Okada! And again! And again! Okada short arm LARIATS again! Both men are down but Okada holds onto the wristlock! Fans rally up as Okada stirs.

Okada stands and he drags Ospreay back up, to short arm LARIAT again! Okada roars, drags Ospreay back up and wristlocks, but Ospreay fires back elbows! Okada CLUBS Ospreay on the back, EuroUppers, then runs, into the Tiger Wall Kick! But Okada DROPKICKS first! Okada whips, Ospreay avoids the dropkick! Ospreay springboards, OS- DROPKICK!! Okada knocks Ospreay out of the sky! The fans are thunderous and Okada gut wrenches Ospreay for the TOMBSTONE!! Then Okada stands Ospreay up, ROLLING- NO, Ospreay swats the lariat to ROLLING ELBOW! And HOOK KICK! And CHELSEY GRIN!!

Okada falls over from the blindside elbow and fans are electric! Ospreay aims from a corner, Okada rises and Ospreay runs in, into a DROPKICK! But Ospreay’s right up! But he runs into a gut wrench! Ospreay turns that around onto Okada, and he ties up the legs! HOLY CROSS TOMBSTONE!! Cover, TWO!?!? Okada survives but Ospreay prepares his elbow pad! Ospreay aims as Okada sits up, HIDDEN BLADE!!! Cover, TWO!?!?! Okada survives and Ospreay can’t believe it! Fans rally up and Ospreay goes to the corner. Ospreay goes up top, FROG SPLASH!! Cover, TWO!!! Okada is still alive!

Ospreay drags Okada up, reels him in, tucks him in, STYLES CLASH!! Cover, TWO!!!! Okada survives because Ospreay isn’t quite phenomenal! Fans are electric again as Okada drags himself to ropes. Ospreay glares and stands up. Ospreay aims a finger gun and says BANG! Shoutout to the Cleaner, V-TRIGGER!! Ospreay Electric Chair Lifts?!? But Okada slips out to scoop and LANDSLIDE!! Okada ripcords for RAINMAKER!!! Cover, TWO!?!?!? Okada can’t believe it, but neither can anyone else!! The Empire rallies and the fans are erupting while both men are down! Okada drags himself around to find Ospreay.

Okada grits his teeth, he grabs at Ospreay, but Ospreay tries to crawl away. Okada tells Ospreay it’s not done yet! Ospreay resists as Okada goes for the wristlock. Ospreay throws elbows but Okada won’t back off! Okada stands Ospreay up, but Ospreay throws more elbows! Okada GERMAN SUPLEXES! Okada holds on and he drags Ospreay up again! Ripcord, SPANISH FLY!! Ospreay turns it around on Okada and fans are electric again! They’ve been fighting for 30 minutes and they’re still not done! Ospreay sits up first but Okada slowly follows. Okada reaches out but Ospreay pushes his hands away.

They’re still on the mat but Ospreay ROCKS Okada with a forearm! Okada ROCKS Ospreay back! Ospreay ROCKS Okada back! Fans rally back up as Okada turns around and ROCKS Ospreay! Ospreay snarls and grits his teeth, then he ROCKS Okada! The forearms fly back and forth as the two stand up! Ospreay seethes then fires back! Fans fire up as the brawl continues, and Okada falls over! Okada stands back up as Ospreay glares at him. Okada fires a flurry, but Ospreay roars and ROCKS Okada! Okada EuroUppers, Ospreay HOOK KICKS! Ospreay and Okada fall over and the fans are thunderous again!

Ospreay crawls over to Okada, brings him around and underhooks the arms. Ospreay lifts but Okada fights it off! Alabama Lift, REVERSE NECKBREAKER! But Ospreay just gets right up! HIDDEN- NO, Okada ducks the Hidden Blade, then ducks the Buzzsaw, to ENZIGURI! Okada drags Ospreay up, pump handles and scoops, but Ospreay slips free! But Okada ducks the haymaker to ripcord, only for Ospreay to POP-UP ELBOW! Ospreay aims from a corner as fans are electric again! HIDDEN- SPIN-OUT POWERSLAM!! Ripcord and RAINMAKER!!! Okada falls on the cover, and Okada wins!!

Winner: Kazuchika Okada, by pinfall (G1 Climax 32 Champion)

Two years in a row, Kazuchika Okada wins the final of the G1 Climax!! Will Ospreay have to complete his G1 dream next year?

As for Okada, he stands up and catches his breath, he is presented with the G1 Climax trophy and banner by JAM Project, the band that sings the G1 Climax theme song. Okada and JAM Project stand together for the photo ops, then he has his own moment to hold both trophy and banner overhead. Trophy and banner are set in place and Okada gets the mic. “BUDOKAN! Once again, thank you for your hot and enthusiastic support! Ospreay, you’re the best, man. You brought the heat. However, I’ll rule this thing for as long as it takes for you to beat me, ya bastard!”

Okada continues to say thanks to the fans for all their support this last month. “Even though the world is still in a difficult place, so many of you came out here. And those who couldn’t are watching right now on NJPW World. All of that support helped make this a hot G1 Climax!” Fans applaud that, and clap for “O-KA-DA!” Okada says this was his ELEVENTH G1 Climax, “and this year was as tough as ever. I won last year, too, making this a repeat victory. After winning last year, I challenged the meaning of winning the G1 Climax. Winning the G1 shouldn’t be seen as a stepping stone to winning the IWGP World title.

“Today’s match proved that the G1 means something other than winning a belt that changes hands. It’s a once-a-year league to decide who is really the best! You don’t win this just so you get an IWGP World Heavyweight title shot after. To me, that flies in the face of what winning the G1 really should be about. Therefore, I’ll raise the value of what it means to win the G1! I’ll raise the value of what it means to have earned that January 4th Tokyo Dome main event spot! It’s the IWGP World Heavyweight Champion challenging the G1 Climax Champion, Kazuchika Okada!” Fans applaud the idea of turning the tables on the top title!

Okada continues to say that he knows every competitor gave it their all, so that makes him all the more confident he’ll succeed! “NJPW, you know where I want to be on January 4th. Naito says you always give in to me, so don’t let this time be any different! Kento-dono, if you would please!” Fans clap for “O-KA-DA!” again, and he says, “I want the Tokyo Dome packed on January 4th, 2023. We’re eight months in to this 50th anniversary year, I’ll spend the rest of the year enticing those who haven’t yet discovered pro-wrestling! And I’ll make pro-wrestling fans even more excited about it! NJPW and Kazuchika Okada will continue to light pro-wrestling up! Please, continue to support us!”

Fans applaud again and Okada says, “All I can do is thank you, so thank you very much.” Fans clap for him again, and he says, “I hope pro-wrestling continues to be something you cherish. I’m not doing this just for me or NJPW, I’m doing this to fill a Tokyo Dome that we can all enjoy together! Please, stay with me! Thank you very much!” Okada tears up a bit, but he tells the fans that things got really heated up, so they should go home and cool off. “NJPW’s 50th anniversary continues, Kazuchika Okada and NJPW will continue to excite you all! For the rest of this anniversary year, and all of the wrestling world, I will make it rain!”

Okada drops the mic, poses with the banner and trophy, and the silver streamers fly! Will Okada redefine the power structure between the G1 Climax winner and the IWGP World Heavyweight Champion? Who will he meet for that battle come Wrestle Kingdom?

My Thoughts:

A great event for the G1 Climax, and it of course set up a lot of upcoming matches for titles/prizes. Takagi & Hiromu VS Kenta & ELP was a lot of fun, but I figured ELP would cheat to beat Takagi. ELP is surely coming after the KOPW trophy, but I would love if Kenta wants a match with Hiromu over what happened to Kenta’s book. Tanahashi & Finlay VS Good Brothers was really good, and what a great surprise from Yano showing up to squirt oil all over Gallows. Yano VS Gallows is probably going to be a match, and I would think Tanahashi challenges Anderson for the NEVER Openweight Championship, a title Tanahashi’s only had the one time.

Great stuff out of Tama & Kushida VS White & Taiji. The IWGP World and Junior Heavyweight losing here is probably a sign that they win in their separate 1v1 matches. As awesome as it would be for Tama to take the title before Wrestle Kingdom, this makes me think he won’t win it. Kushida VS Taiji could go either way, but Kushida getting the win on Taiji makes me think Taiji survives him to retain the title. And of course, we got just an awesome match between Okada and Ospreay. Quite a few times, I thought Ospreay was winning here, but in the end, it seems NJPW is sticking with old faithful, Kazuchika Okada. Okada VS White will be great for Wrestle Kingdom, but so would Okada against just about anyone.

My Score: 8.9/10

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

Up Next

Mitchell’s WWE SmackDown Results & Report! (8/19/22)

Don't Miss

Mitchell’s WWE NXT UK Results & Report! (8/18/22)

Coverage

Mitchell’s NXT No Mercy Results & Report! (9/30/23)

There’s No Mercy in Bakersfield!

Published

45 mins ago

September 30, 2023

Steven Mitchell

Will the Mad Dragon slay… HIM?

In a rematch from The Great American Bash, Carmelo Hayes and Ilja Dragunov once again battle over the NXT Championship! But will history repeat itself? Or will history be made?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

NXT Heritage Cup Championship: Noam Dar w/ The Meta Four VS Pete Dunne; wins and
Blair Davenport VS Kelani Jordan; wins.
NXT Tag Team Championships Fatal 4 Way Tag: Tony D’Angelo & Channing Lorenzo VS The Creed Brothers VS Angel Garza & Humberto Carrillo VS #OutTheMud w/ SCRYPTS; win(s) and
Bron Breakker VS Baron Corbin; wins.
NXT North American Championship, Special Guest Referee Dragon Lee: Dominik Mysterio VS Trick Williams; wins and
NXT Championship: Carmelo Hayes VS Ilja Dragunov; wins and
NXT Women’s Championship Extreme Rules Match: Becky Lynch VS Tiffany Stratton; wins and

PLAY BY PLAY

It’s the No Mercy Kickoff Show!

Join Megan Morant, Matt Camp & Sam Roberts in discussing, analyzing and predicting all the action about to go down in Bakersfield!

Time to play the game.

Plug in the cartridge and load up the brand new NXT edition of No Mercy! Press start and make the match! Will there be no asterisk next to tonight’s NXT Championship match? Will the Bruiserweight snap Noam Dar’s reign? Or just his fingers? Who will truly be #MeanerThanEvil? Is karma going to bite Dirty Dom right on the ass? Or will he still #WhoopDatTrick? And in the biggest and most violent match of her career, will Tiffany Stratton take back the title? Or will the Big Time still be too much for Wrestling Barbie?

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

AEW Coverage

Mitchell’s AEW Rampage Results & Report! (9/29/23)

Eddie Kingston is on a Rampage!

Published

22 hours ago

September 29, 2023

Steven Mitchell

Will the Mad King regret this gamble?

Before putting both belts on the line against Katsuyori Shibata at AEW WrestleDream, Eddie Kingston defends his NJPW Strong title against Rocky Romero! Will plans have to change all thanks to Azucar?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

AEW World Trios Championships: The Acclaimed & Billy Gunn VS The Hardy Party; The Acclaimed & Billy win and retain the titles.
NJPW Strong Openweight Championship: Eddie Kingston VS Rocky Romero; Eddie wins and retains the title.
The Righteous VS Caleb Crush & Gunnar; The Righteous win.
AEW Women’s World Championship #1 Contender’s match: Ruby Soho VS Hikaru Shida; Shida wins and will challenge Saraya for the title on Title Tuesday, October 10th.

PLAY BY PLAY

AEW World Trios Championships: The Acclaimed & Billy Gunn VS The Hardy Party!

The open challenge was put forth, and it was answered very quickly! Will Matt, Jeff & Brother Zay DELETE the Scissor World Tour? Or will Max Caster, Anthony Bowens & Daddy Ass keep the party going?

But of course, Platinum Max has a diss track! “Acclaimed on the mic, ’bout to leave these dudes up in smoke! Y’know we comin’ like the Colorado Buffalos! Matt, I don’t want any heat! I don’t need your crazy ass wife sendin’ me tweets! It’s the one guy in Private Party! Nowadays, he gets tag teamed by the Hardys! Jeff, I’m a leave you black in both eyes! You gonna need these sunglasses like Coach Prime.” Bowens takes the mic to say “COLORADOOOO~! The Acclaimed have arrived! Scissor Me, Daddy Ass~!” And he does! The belts are raised, and we see who survives WrestleDream weekend!

The trios sort out and Bowens starts against Kassidy. They shake hands, tie up, and Bowens waistlocks. Kassidy drop toeholds, facelocks but Bowens slips free to wrench. Kassidy rolls, handsprings, wrenches and hammerlocks to a headlock. Bowens powers out to headlock but Kassidy powers out, only for Bowens to run him over! Bowens self-scissors, then things speed up. Kassidy hurdles, Bowens shoves then follows but Kassidy arm-drags! Bowens arm-drags! Bowens blocks Kassidy’s arm-drag to whip, but Kassidy wheelbarrows and arm-drags! Bowens stands, into a RANA! Kassidy then pounds the mat and fans fire up.

Bowens kicks but Kassidy blocks to spin him. Kassidy kicks but Bowens blocks to flip him! Bowens then kicks, kicks and KOTARO KRUSHER! Fans fire up, “EVERYONE Loves The Acclaimed!” Bowens drags Kassidy up, tags in Caster, and they double whip. Kassidy holds ropes, TOSSES Bowens then BOOTS Caster! Tag to Matt and Matt BOOTS Caster! Kassidy hits a NECKBREAKER, Jeff tags in to go up, for the SPLASH! Cover, TWO! Jeff snapmares Caster to then NECK SNAPPER! Fans fire up with Jeff and he waits on Caster to stand. Kick but no Twist as Caster slips free! Jeff ducks the backhand to SPIN KICK!

Jeff CLUBS Caster, Caster scrambles away, tags to Billy and Matt! Fans fire up as Matt says “DELETE! DELETE!” Billy says “SUCK IT!” “DELETE!” “SUCK IT!” “DELETE!” “SUCK IT!” And repeat! Then Billy headlocks! Matt throws body shots, powers out, but Billy runs Matt over! Billy flexes and does a dance, and then he runs in. Matt ELBOWS Billy, BOOTS him, then bumps him off buckles! “DELETE! DELETE! DELETE!” Billy gets all three layers, and Matt tags Jeff. Jeff tags Kassidy, and the Hardys set up fort he classic POETRY IN MOTION! Then Kassidy adds PARTY IN MOTION! But The Acclaimed CLOBBER Kassidy & The Hardys!

Fans fire up as Caster has Kassidy up to scoop and SLAM! Billy helps get the legs, and Bowens goes up to SCISSOR ME TIMBERS! Kassidy squeals before impact! Cover, TWO! Kassidy survives but The Acclaimed have control as Rampage goes picture in picture.

Billy brings Kassidy up, bumps him off buckles, and he hears the fans singing. Billy ROCKS Kassidy with a right, apologizes to the ref, then tags to Bowens. Bowens drags Kassidy up to ROCK him with haymaker after haymaker! Bowens then brings Kassidy up to tag in Caster. They double suplex Kassidy, Caster covers, TWO! Another cover, TWO! Caster keeps Kassidy down with a chinlock while fans rally up. Kassidy fights to his feet, throws body shots, and he fires forearms as Rampage returns to single picture. Kassidy runs but Caster CLOBBERS him! Tag to Billy and they mug Kassidy.

Billy brings Kassidy to an open corner, stomps and ROCKS him on repeat, then lets off to smirk at the Hardys. He dares them to do something, but Matt tells Billy to suck it! So Billy DECKS Matt! Billy runs corner to corner but Kassidy dodges! The splash hits buckles and Billy falls back! Fans rally up as both men crawl, but Billy gets Kassidy’s leg! Kassidy stands up to ENZIGURI! Hot tag to Jeff! Jeff rallies on Billy, on Bowens, and on Caster! Fans fire up and Jeff clotheslines Billy up and out! Jeff CLOBBS Bowens, then catches him for a RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP! Leg hook cradle! Cover, Caster breaks it!

Caster helps Bowens up, then runs in, but Jeff ELBOWS caster and ROCKS Bowens! Jeff goes up, WHISPER IN THE WIND! Jeff gets both Caster and Bowens but everyone is down! Billy returns, kicks low, says ‘SUCK IT!” and runs, but Jeff dodges! Matt kicks Billy for a TWIST OF FATE! Jeff hurries up top, fans fire up, SWANTON BOMB! Cover, Bowens breaks it in time! Matt CLUBS Bowens, Bowens hits back, and Bowens calls to Caster. They whip Matt to a corner, forearm then ELBOW then forearm again! And a feed to the POWERSLAM! ROLLING ELBOW for Jeff! The Acclaimed regroup, and Billy crawls to the corner.

Fans fire up as Billy drags Jeff over. Jeff gets loose, hot tags to Kassidy and Bowens! Kassidy dodges Bowens to DROPKICK Caster! “This is Awesome!” as Kassidy BOOTS Bowens! Kassidy goes up, leaps, FLYING FLATLINER! Billy stands, runs in, but Kassidy dumps him out! Kassidy slingshots out then QUEBRADAS to take Billy down! Kassidy mocks the scissoring, then tells Bowens to get up. Kassidy springboards in, but Bowens dodges and Caster BACKHANDS Kassidy! Then Bowens BACKHANDS Kassidy! Bowens fires off the Five Tool Strike Fest! Caster hoists Kassidy up and Bowens helps, to give Kassidy the PLATINUM BOMB! Cover, The Acclaimed win!

Winners: The Acclaimed & Billy Gunn, by pinfall (still AEW World Trios Championships)

A huge win for the champions, and the Scissor World Tour continues! In fact, it is heading to Seattle for WrestleDream’s Zero Hour! TMDK’s Shane Haste, Mikey Nicholls & Bad Dude Tito are waiting, will they show The Acclaimed that The Mighty Don’t Kneel?

Eddie Kingston speaks.

“Well folks, tonight, it’s me and Big Rock, Rocky Romero, for the NJPW Strong Openweight Championship. Rock, I got nothing but respect for you, dawg, so it’s gonna be an honor and a pleasure to defend this against you. You’re the man that got me into the G1. You’re the man that got me-” Wait, Team Triple J is interrupting. Jay Lethal says that if we’re talking honor and respect, Eddie is standing here with two titles on his shoulders, and that is worth respecting. But Lethal can’t get behind how Eddie is the ROH World Champion. Lethal dedicated his life to that title! His blood, sweat, tears, all to honor a tradition that meant that every person to hold that title would be a pure athlete!

And Eddie, you are no pure athlete! Now as for this NJPW Strong Openweight title, Lethal doesn’t care if Eddie wins it or loses it here tonight. He really doesn’t. But he just cares that Eddie is unfit to be ROH World Champion! Eddie says okay, he’s got Lethal. But excuse his back, he’s gotta go beat up Romero. The Mad King leaves, but will he still have both crowns going into WrestleDream?

AEW shares an interview from after last week’s Collision.

Lexi Nair was with Andrade El Idolo after he was bandaged up from the beating Bullet Club Gold gave him. He almost won, but Juice Robinson interfered. What was that about? Andrade says everyone saw that Andrade had White beat. But the question for Juice is… “Do you have a problem with me? With Andrade El Idolo? Lemme tell you something. See you Saturday in Seattle!” Andrade wants his revenge on Rock Hard, will he get it on WrestleDream Eve?

NJPW Strong Openweight Championship: Eddie Kingston VS Rocky Romero!

The Mad King beat Kenta at NJPW Independence Day back in July to have his first singles title under the NJPW banner. And now he defends it against Azucar as a favor for getting him in the door. Will Rocky repay this favor by taking this title from Eddie? Or will Eddie still head to Seattle as a double champion?

The introductions are made, the NJPW belt is raised, and we see who is truly NJPW Strong!

The bell rings and fans rally up for “EDDIE! EDDIE!” The two circle, Rocky tests things with a kick but Eddie stays back. They feel things out, tie up, and are in a deadlock. Eddie waistlocks, Rocky wrenches, wristlocks, but Eddie clinches. Fans rally, Rocky keeps on the wristlock but Eddie powers through to wrench and wristlock back. Rocky rolls, breaks free and DROPKICKS! Fans are torn as Rocky swaggers, but he and Eddie reset. They feel things out, knuckle lock, and Rocky knees low. Rocky headlocks, grinds the hold, but Eddie powers up and out. They RAM shoulders, but Eddie stays up with a smirk.

Fans fire up as Rocky smirks back, but then pie faces Eddie! Rocky runs, ducks ‘n’ dodges, and RANAS! Eddie bails out, Rocky builds speed and DIVES! Direct hit but Eddie stays up, so Rocky goes again! DIVE and Eddie drops to his knees! Rocky keeps going, and he DIVES for the hattrick, only for Eddie to catch him! Stalling suplex, to the floor! Fans rally behind Eddie while Rampage goes picture in picture.

Eddie stands, stretches out his back, and then he gets Rocky up and into the ring. Cover, TWO! Eddie keeps cool, and also chooses not to rain down fists, instead clamping on a chinlock. Rocky endures as Eddie grinds him down, and fans rally up. Eddie cranks the headlock but Rocky refuses to give up. Rocky fights up, throws elbows, but Eddie knees him low! Eddie whips to knee low again, then whips for another knee! Eddie whips but Rocky rolls him up, TWO! Rocky BUZZSAWS Eddie, then TORNADO DDTS! Both men are down and a standing count begins. Rocky stirs at 3, crawls over, and he brings Eddie up.

Eddie pushes Rocky, runs, but into an IRON OCTOPUS! Eddie endures, pries at the hold, and pops free, only for Rocky to wrangle him with a ghost pin! TWO, and Eddie goes to ropes. Rocky storms up, KICKS Eddie in the back, but Eddie just grimaces. Eddie eggs Rocky on so Rocky KICKS him again! Eddie growls and eggs Rocky on more as Rampage goes picture in picture.

Rampage returns and Eddie suplexes, but Rocky knees free! Rocky knees low, Eddie rebounds, but into a JUMP KNEE! Eddie goes to ropes, Rocky storms over and brings him up through the ropes, to KICK! Eddie eggs Rocky on even though he’s stuck, so Rocky SLAPS Eddie! Eddie SLAPS Rocky! Rocky SOBATS! Then Rocky goes up a corner to MISSILE DROPKICK! Cover, TWO! Eddie is still in this and Rocky argues the count but the ref says it was fair. Rocky drags Eddie up, cravats, but no Sliced Bread! Eddie runs in to clothesline in the corner! And MACHINE GUN CHOPS! Fans fire up and Eddie hoists Rocky up top!

Eddie climbs up behind Rocky, stands him up, but Rocky throws hands! Rocky CLUBS Eddie, cravats, and hits SUPER SLICED BREAD! Cover, TWO!! Fans fire up as Eddie survives, and Rocky grits his teeth. Rocky pumps up and fans rally. Rocky runs in to clothesline! That’s one-ever! Two-ever! But URAKEN stops that! URAKEN again!! Eddie drags Rocky into the STRETCH PLUM!! Rocky taps, Eddie wins!!

Winner: Eddie Kingston, by submission (still NJPW Strong Openweight Champion)

Azucar could not dethrone The Mad King, but he still shows Eddie respect with a handshake and hug. Eddie is still NJWP Strong, but will he have to fight even harder to survive The Wrestler, Katsuyori Shibata?

Wait! That’s Shibata’s music! Shibata is HERE! He goes into the ring and shakes hands with Eddie. These two respect each other, and that means they will give it everything they’ve got! Will Eddie still be a two belt king? Or will Shibata become a TRIPLE CROWN Champion?

Aussie Open speaks.

Mark Davis says he is so tired. So tired of hearing the “top blokes” walk around here the last year, hubris unchecked, lying to the people that they are the best in the world. Kyle Fletcher says that for the last 365 days, everything Aussie Open has done has been to get back to FTR. When FTR beat them a year ago, it broke Fletcher. Fletcher felt like a failure and felt lost. So what he wants more than anything is to make FTR feel that pain. This Sunday, Aussie Open takes the AEW World Tag Team Championships, burns down the legacy of #7StarFTR, and from the ashes, rebuild a new empire that they will stand atop of to proclaim that THEY are the best tag team in the world!

The Aussie Arrow and Dunkzilla are ready to bring down Dax Harwood & Cash Wheeler, will they fulfill that WrestleDream?

The Righteous VS Caleb Crush & Gunnar!

Speaking of tag titles, Dutch & Vincent are aimed at the ROH World Tag Team Championships! However, Adam Cole will be out with injury so it’ll just be Maxwell Jacob Friedman meeting them in Seattle. Will this tune-up prove to be more than enough going into that tag title handicap match?

The teams sort out, but then Dutch just CLOBBERS Crush & Gunnar! Fans boo as Dutch says just a few more days and those titles will be theirs! Vincent rains down fists on Crush, then drags him up to UPPERCUT! Vincent bumps Crush off buckles, tags in Dutch, and the Righteous mugs Crush before the BOSS MAN SLAM! Gunnar staggers up but Dutch feeds him to Vinnie’s KNEE! Then Vinnie feeds him to a BOSS MAN SLAM! Tag to Vinnie, fans are torn as the Righteous pace around Crush. Vinnie snaps his fingers, then cravats, AUTUMN SUNSET! Cover, Righteous win!

Winners: The Righteous, by pinfall

A swift and dominant win, these are the two men coming for the tag titles! Will The Righteous purge ROH of the “false friendship” that is the brochachos? Or are even two Righteous men combined not on the level of the Devil?

Ortiz sits alone in a room.

He looks back on his career alongside Mike Santana. They were at the top of their game coming into AEW, but then it ended up going downhill. There’s even audio from Konnan touching on how Ortiz and Santana stopped talking to each other and how Konnan was saddened by that. Ortiz has the footage stop there. What will it take for him to get Santana to talk to him?

Darby Allin speaks.

After replaying what Christian Cage said just last Wednesday on Dynamite, the Relentless One reiterates that he is NOT losing in Seattle, Washington! Will Darby defend home turf against Captain Charisma?

Nick Wayne speaks.

He knows Darby has a lot to say about Christian Cage, and all of that will be part of the Countdown special. But Nick also knows Darby’s actions will speak louder than his words at WrestleDream. And although Darby told Nick not to be there ringside, Nick doesn’t really want to anyway because of what Christian & Luchasaurus are capable of. So, while they let Christian and Darby settle their business, how about Nick and Luchasaurus settle theirs? For months and months, Luchasaurus walked around here while another man held his title. And Luchasaurus followed Christian around like he was some kind of father figure.

And Nick isn’t sure what it is about Christian where he thinks he can even be such a figure to “us Lost Boys,” but Nick had a father. And he told Nick at a young age “to never leave your debts unpaid.” Nick owes Luchasaurus. At Wembley Stadium, Luchasaurus choke slammed Nick onto a skateboard and Nick never forgot it. Nick will repay Luchasaurus this Sunday during Zero Hour. And Nick will even hand Luchasaurus a receipt. Nick brings his own skateboard, will he grind it right into the Right Hand of Destruction?

BREAKING NEWS for Collision!

AEW is going to do it big for WrestleDream Eve as, with Zack Sabre Jr. on commentary, we see an 8 Man Tag! FTR teams with Bryan Danielson & Wheeler Yuta to take on Aussie Open, Ricky Starks & “Big Bill” Morrissey! Plus, Chris Jericho & Kenny Omega test their tag team chemistry against The Gates of Agony! Will The Ocho & The Cleaner survive Toa Liona & Bishop Kaun to take on the Don Callis Family? And Julia Hart gets in action to build some last minute momentum, will she be ready for Kris Statlander and their TBS Championship match set for Sunday?

Backstage interview with Zack Sabre Jr.

Renee Paquette is with The Front Man of TMDK, and says we’re just days away from WrestleDream, where ZSJ takes on The American Dragon, Bryan Danielson. ZSJ just came off a three week tour in NJPW and just got here to the States, is he worried at all about acclimating? ZSJ asks Bryan “Dragon Bullocks” Danielson, “Where are you, darling?” As Renee just said, ZSJ got off a 16 hour flight from Tokyo and is feeling fresh as a daisy. But perhaps this company’s keeping Bryan wrapped head to toe in bubble wrap, or keeps him in a giant Zorb ball. At this point, a strong gust of wind will knock Bryan over.

And is ZSJ supposed to be honored that Bryan chose him as part of the year long retirement tour? Newsflash: Bryan barely has a weekend. This Sunday isn’t just about finding out who the best technical wrestler is, no no. Bryan has retired once in Seattle, so ZSJ will make it final. Ya like that? The final retirement~! Submissions in Seattle, see you on Sunday. The NJPW World Television Champion has put Bryan on notice, but will he be able to slay the American Dragon?

AEW Women’s World Championship #1 Contender’s match: Ruby Soho VS Hikaru Shida!

While the Outcasts stand at two members, Saraya is looking forward to a friendly showdown with the Runaway in a little under two weeks! But will Ruby make sure there is No Future for the Shining Samurai? Or will Shida take down one Outcast to go after another?

The bell rings and the two circle. Fans fire up as Ruby and Shida step up, and they’re on Shida’s side. Ruby shoves, runs, and RAMS Shida, but Shida just fires up! Ruby headlocks, Shida throws body shots, and then she powers out. Shida then runs past Ruby to run Ruby over! Fans duel, Shida has the majority, and she goes to the corner. Shida climbs up but Ruby slips away before any fists can rain down! Shida is annoyed but she waits on Ruby to return. Ruby takes her time going to the apron, steps in at 6 of 10 but wants Shida to stay back. Shida gets annoyed as the ref keeps her back, but then Ruby pulls Shida’s hair to throw her down!

Ruby throws hands, puts Shida in the corner, then RAMS into her again and again! Fans boo but Ruby runs, only to miss! Shida ROCKS Ruby, then climbs up to rain down fists! Ruby gets away before three, runs back in but into a BOOT! Shida bumps Ruby off buckles, climbs up and rains down those fists! Ruby slips out at five to YANK Shida down! Ruby whips, Shida goes up and CROSSBODIES! Shida then drags Ruby up, puts her in yet another corner, and tries one more time! Shida rains down fists, and goes all the way to TEN! Fans fire up with Shida and she kicks Ruby out, to then MISSILE DROPKICK!

Fans fire up as Shida drags Ruby up, and Rampage goes picture in picture.

Ruby CLUBS away on Shida to stop the lift, then shoves her to a corner. Ruby runs in, Shida dodges, but Ruby ELBOWS her! Ruby goes up to hit DEADLY NIGHTSHADE! Ruby digs Shida into the buckles, lets off as the ref counts, and then brings Shida up to snapmare. Ruby covers, TWO! Ruby throws down fists now, but lets off with a smug smirk. Ruby puts Shida on ropes to CHOKE! The ref counts, Ruby lets off, and then Ruby has Shida in the ropes to throw knees! A shoutout to Saraya, and Ruby lets off at 4. Ruby stalks Shida, looms over her, and pushes her around. Shida pushes back but Ruby eggs her on.

Shida ROCKS Ruby, then fires again! Ruby claws Shida’s face! And throws her down by her hair again! The ref reprimands, but Ruby clamps on a straitjacket stretch! Shida endures, but Ruby grinds her into the mat! Fans rally, Shida fights up, and she arm-drags free! Ruby returns to CLOBBER Shida! Cover, TWO! Ruby is annoyed but Shida grabs at Ruby’s hair! Ruby CLUBS Shida, drags her up, and stomps a hand! Shida scrambles to a corner while the ref reprimands but Ruby stomps a mudhole in. Ruby lets off as the ref counts, and Ruby storms around. Shida drags herself up, but Ruby CHOKES her on the ropes!

The ref counts while Ruby BITES Shida’s ear! Ruby lets off at 4, drags Shida up, but Shida ROCKS her! And again! And again! And again! But Ruby knees low! Ruby talks trash, whips Shida to ropes, but Shida ducks ‘n’ dodges, and DOUBLE LARIATS knock both women down! Rampage returns to single picture as the standing count climbs. Fans rally, both women are down at 5 of 10 but Shida goes to ropes. Shida snarls, she and Ruby stand at 7, and they storm up. Shida fires a forearm, Ruby gives it back! Shida throws another, so Ruby gives it back! They go back and forth, harder and harder, faster and faster!

Ruby gets the edge, but Shida ROCKS her! And ROCKS her! And ROCKS her again! Shida whips to JUMP KNEE! Shida then suplexes high and hard! Cover, TWO! Shida fires up again and the fans are with her! Shida aims, KATA- NO, Ruby ducks and bails out! Fans boo but Shida goes out to pursue! Shida runs in, jumps off the steps, and DROPKICKS Ruby down! Fans fire up again and Shida stands Ruby up. Shida torture racks Ruby, then goes to the ramp!? Fans are thunderous but Ruby fights free! They throw forearms, and CHOPS! Shida CLUBS Ruby, Ruby throws body shots, but the count is climbing!

They both hear it’s 8 of 10 and start sprinting! They both slide in at 9.5!! Fans are thunderous and then Ruby swings, but Shida blocks! Ruby HEADBUTTS, blocks a kick, then KICKS back! SAIDO! Cover, TWO! Shida survives and Ruby grows frustrated. Ruby goes to a corner, and she takes Shida’s kendo stick for her own! The ref stops Ruby, takes the kendo stick, but then Ruby brings out the spray paint! Shida and the ref both block that and they’re all fighting over it! Down goes the ref!! Shida and Ruby are both stunned, but then Ruby HEADBUTTS! DESTINATION UNKNOWN! But no ref to count the cover!

Ruby is furious, she would’ve had this! But then she sees the kendo stick! Ruby grins as she wields Shida’s weapon! Fans boo, but Shida blocks the strike to kick and HEADSHOT! Then KATANA KICK!! Cover, but still no ref! Wait, here comes Aubrey! Aubrey slides in, counts the cover, TWO!! Ruby survives but Shida fires up! Shida puts Ruby in a drop zone, goes up the corner, and she METE- NO! Ruby dodges to then STO! Ruby drags herself up the corner, goes to the very top, and STAGE DIVE SENTONS onto knees! And then FALCON ARROW! Cover, TWO!! Ruby survives but Shida won’t stop there!

Shida hauls Ruby up but Ruby wrenches to NO FUTURE KICK! But Shida rebounds to KATANA!! Cover, Shida wins!!

Winner: Hikaru Shida, by pinfall (NEW #1 Contender to the AEW Women’s World Champion)

The Shining Samurai takes down The Runaway, but wait! Here comes Saraya! #TitleTuesday is coming, will that be a good Knight for the champ? Or will Shida take this belt back to become a historic THREE-TIME champion?

My Thoughts:

A great Rampage, especially as the go-home to WrestleDream. I figured the title matches would end with the champions retaining, but we got really good stuff out of Acclaimed VS Hardy Party and Eddie VS Rocky. As for their title defenses on WrestleDream, I don’t see TMDK taking the trios titles as this will be their AEW debuts. And as I’ve said a few times already, Eddie isn’t losing both belts he worked so hard to have so soon. Plus, it feels like there’s some tension between NJPW the company and Shibata, or else Shibata would already be NJPW Strong Openweight Champion and not one of ROH’s champs.

Speaking of Eddie, good promo from him before his match with Rocky, and good interaction with Team Triple J. I wasn’t exactly expecting Jay Lethal to be Eddie’s first actual feud for the ROH World Championship, but I suppose it does make sense as Lethal was a major player in ROH. I hope these guys actually show up on ROH programming, but also, Tony Khan wants this feud to be seen so it’ll end up on AEW programming instead. Y’know, just like all these other ROH title stories outside of the AEW Women’s title.

Good squash from The Righteous, and I’m really curious as to how the tag title match goes on Sunday. There’s a lot of stuff MJF still has to do with Cole, Roddy and The Kingdom, and now this intrigue with Jay White, Bullet Club Gold and the backstage attack at the end of Dynamite. I still feel it should’ve been The Kingdom in the PPV match anyway, but it seems they were going to drag this story out even before Cole hurt his foot. Good promo from Nick Wayne to call out Luchasaurus, but I feel like Luchasaurus ends up winning that match just to make a point of Nick not being able to show up ringside for Darby.

Good promo from Andrade to call out Juice for this week’s Collision, and I’m still wondering if/when La Faccion Ingobernable helps Andrade against Bullet Club Gold. For that matter, why can’t MJF be paying LFI to beat up on White and the BCG? He’s had business dealings with Andrade & Rush before, let’s strike that up again for some continuity. Really good promo from Aussie Open ahead of their tag title match, and from ZSJ to call out Bryan. That 8 Man Tag tomorrow night is going to be good stuff, and perhaps rather telling about where the PPV matches go. The only reason I don’t see Aussie Open winning against FTR is because of that big Fatal 4 Way tag contenders match, but who knows, maybe Aussie Open wins to bring the AEW belts to NJPW events as they take on like Goto & Hashi.

And of course, a great main event from Shida and Ruby. Seems a little silly to set up Ruby as a contender, wouldn’t that just end up in a Finger Poke of Doom situation with Saraya? Which therefore meant Shida was winning. Saraya VS Shida for this Title Tuesday Dynamite is going to be good stuff, but something makes me feel like Ruby is just gonna help Saraya retain. And not to be mean to Shida, but if she’s already a two-time champ, I don’t see her becoming three-time so soon. Why not get Shida in on the TBS Championship story? Britt Baker wants to be the first to have held both titles in AEW, but Shida should want that distinction, too. Then that lets us have Britt VS Shida as we should’ve gotten by now given everything else we’ve been seeing lately.