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Mitchell’s NJPW G1 Climax 32 Results & Report! (8/6/22)

G1 continues to raise the stakes!

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NJPW G1 Climax 32

A growing rivalry writes a new, fiery chapter!

From BOSJ to New Japan Cup to G1 Climax, Will Ospreay and Shingo Takagi have battled for prize after prize! And once more, the Commonwealth Kingpin and the Dragon clash with a lot on the line!

OFFICIAL RESULTS

  • 8 Man Tag: Tomohiro Ishii, Tama Tonga, David Finlay, Ryohei Oiwa VS The House of Torture; The House of Torture wins.
  • Tom Lawlor & Royce Isaacs VS Aaron Henare & Jeff Cobb; Henare & Cobb win.
  • Six Man Tag: Los Ingobernables de Japon VS Bullet Club; Bullet Club wins.
  • Kazuchika Okada & Hiroshi Tanahashi VS Bad Dude Tito & JONAH; Okada & Tanahashi win.
  • G1 Climax, D Block: YOSHI-HASHI VS El Phantasmo; Hashi wins.
  • G1 Climax, A Block: Toru Yano VS Lance Archer; Archer wins.
  • G1 Climax, C Block: Hirooki Goto VS Zack Sabre Jr; ZSJ wins.
  • G1 Climax, B Block: Great-O-Khan VS Jay White; White wins.
  • G1 Climax, D Block: Will Ospreay VS Shingo Takagi; Takagi wins.

PLAY BY PLAY

Here are the current standings!

A Block

  • Kazuchika Okada: 3-0, 6 points
  • JONAH: 2-1, 4 points
  • Jeff Cobb: 2-2, 4 points
  • Bad Luck Fale: 2-2, 4 points
  • Lance Archer: 1-2, 2 points
  • Tom Lawlor: 1-2, 2 points
  • Toru Yano: 1-3, 2 points [ELIMINATED]

B Block

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

C Block

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

D Block

  • David Finlay: 3-1, 6 points
  • Will Ospreay: 2-1, 4 points
  • Yujiro Takahashi: 2-2, 4 points
  • Shingo Takagi: 1-2, 2 points
  • YOSHI-HASHI: 1-1, 2 points
  • El Phantasmo: 1-1, 2 points
  • Juice Robinson: 1-3, 2 points [ELIMINATED]

 

G1 Climax, D Block: YOSHI-HASHI VS El Phantasmo!

Two men that are 1-1 in the block battle for a very important tiebreaker! But will it be the Headhunter or the Headbanga that keeps up with the front of the pack?

The bell rings and fans cheer as the two stare down. They circle, tie up, and are in a deadlock. Hashi powers ELP back, puts him on the ropes, and lets off with pats on the shoulder. But ELP avoids the chop and struts about. Fans rally as ELP and Hashi reset. They tie up again, are in another deadlock, and Hashi powers ELP back again. ELP turns things around to put Hashi on the ropes, and ELP lets off, to CHOP! Hashi doesn’t flinch, but ELP dodges his chop! ELP headlocks, Hashi powers out and they ram shoulders! Neither falls, so ELP runs. They RAM shoulders again, but still neither falls. Hashi pushes ELP, ELP shoves Hashi back.

ELP winds up, but he pokes Hashi in the eyes! ELP stomps a foot, runs and runs Hashi over! ELP flexes and fans fire up, but things speed up. Hashi hurdles, keeps moving, BLOCKBUSTER! ELP writhes and gets to ropes, but Hashi is right on him. Hashi CLUBS ELP and fans rally up. Hashi CHOPS ELP down, then waist on ELP to get up. Hashi whips ELP to ropes but ELP holds ropes. ELP RANAS Hashi out of the ring and fans fire up as he builds speed! But then ELP fakes Hashi out with a slide! ELP goes around to TRIANGLE JUMP CROSSBODY! Direct hit and Hashi is down at the ramp! ELP dusts himself off as fans rally.

ELP drags Hashi up to ROCK him with a right. ELP goes up to the apron, but Hashi anchors the feet! ELP CLUBS and SLAPS Hashi, kicks him away, then ASAI MOONSAULTS! Another direct hit at the ramp! Fans fire up while the ref checks on Hashi. Hashi is okay to continue so ELP puts him in the ring. Fans rally up and ELP climbs the ropes for the SWANTON onto knees! Hashi saves himself and ELP writhes in the corner! Fans rally again and Hashi shakes out his arms. Hashi brings ELP around to ROCK with forearm after forearm! ELP sits down but Hashi slaps him around. Hashi eggs ELP on and ELP grits his teeth.

ELP ROCKS Hashi again and again, but Hashi CHOPS him back down! Hashi eggs ELP on again, then whips him corner to corner! ELP staggers into a back drop! Fans fire up again as Hashi drags ELP up. Hashi wrenches and CLUBS the arm, but ELP CHOPS! And CHOPS! And CHOPS! Hashi CHOPS ELP off his feet! Hashi sits ELP up to dig his knee into ELP’s back with the chinlock. ELP endures, fights up, and fans rally. ELP throws elbows and body shots, then ROCKS Hashi with a forearm. ELP runs, ducks a lariat, but Hashi ducks back, only for ELP to DROPKICK Hashi down! Fans fire up as both men are down.

Hashi goes to a corner, ELP goes to the opposite. ELP storms over to Hashi and drags him up in the corner. ELP forearms, CHOPS, repeat! And again, and again, and again! The ref counts the ropebreak but ELP fires forearm after forearm! ELP stops at 4, then he drags Hashi back up. ELP whips, Hashi reverses and runs in, but ELP goes up and over! ELP ducks ‘n’ dodges to SPRINGBOARD CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO! LIONSAULT! Cover, TWO!! Fans rally again as Hashi stays in this. ELP stands up, slashes the throat and drags Hashi up. ELP reels Hashi in, tucks the arms, but Hashi wrenches out to a cradle, TWO!!

Hashi CHOPS! ELP drops to a knee, Hashi stands him up, to CHOP again! ELP drops to another knee, but then he gets around to straitjacket! Hashi fights off the torture rack but ELP knees low. ELP runs but Hashi dropkicks the leg out! ELP ends up spiked on his head! Fans are thunderous as Hashi and ELP slowly rise. ELP staggers about, Hashi runs in at the corner, and Hashi CHOPS again! Hashi whips, to CHOP and mule kick! Then a turn for the NECKBREAKER! Fans fire up with Hashi now and Hashi stalks ELP to ropes. Hashi runs in again to CHOP ELP all the way up and out of the ring!

Hashi sees he has a target and fans are thunderous! Hashi builds speed, to FLY!! Direct hit at the ramp and Hashi is pumped up! Hashi drags ELP up, brings him around and puts him in the ring. Fans fire up as Hashi sits ELP up and runs to basement dropkick him down! Cover, TWO! Fans rally and Hashi drags ELP up. Hashi fisherman’s suplexes but ELP blocks it! ELP SLAPS Hashi, and again and again and again! Hashi shouts at ELP so ELP ENZIGURIS! Hashi staggers away but he comes back with a LARIAT! Fans fire up again while both men are down! ELP and Hashi stir, and ELP crawls after Hashi to throw a forearm!

ELP throws another forearm, and then throws off his elbow pads to really hit some shots! And again, and again! Hashi fires them all back! And then CHOPS! ELP staggers, returns, crucifix takedown! Cover, TWO! ELP atomic drops and scoop SLAMS! ELP goes to the corner and climbs up! FALLING AX HANDLES! ELP goes to another corner to tune up the band! Fans clap along as ELP takes aim, but Hashi ducks the kick! SNAP DRAGON! ELP is right up but Hashi runs, into a BOOT! Hashi still CHOPS! But ELP SUPERKICKS first! But both men are down on the mat! Fans fire up while the ref checks Hashi.

Hashi is somehow conscious but ELP drags him back up! ELP straitjackets, torture racks, U F O!! And then ELP goes to the corner, climbs back up, THUNDERKISS 86!! Cover, TWO!?!? Hashi shocks everyone, especially ELP! Fans are electric as ELP hurries back to his feet. ELP lashes his throat, drags Hashi up and tucks those arms, but Hashi trips to a jackknife! TWO!!! ELP and Hashi scramble up, ELP runs in to BOOT! ELP runs but Hashi follows to LRIAT! Hashi suckers ELP into a SUPERKICK!! And then the LARIAT!! Hashi roars, hauls ELP up, KUMAGOROSHI!! Cover, TWO!??! ELP survives and shocks Hashi right back!

Osaka is electric all over again as Hashi gets ELP back up! Hashi full nelsons, but ELP switches and rolls up with tights! TWO, Hashi hits a DESTROYER!! ELP flounders up into the spin, pump handle, KARMA!!! Cover, Hashi wins!!!

Winner: Yoshi-Hashi, by pinfall (gains 2 points; ELP earns 0)

You would think that was the finals with how hard they fought! But really, it was just so that Hashi could be 2-1! And this is his first 2-1 start EVER! Is this a sign that Hashi will #TurnItAllAround and head for the semifinals? As for ELP, he has a short turnaround, can he rebound quick when his next match is tomorrow?

 

G1 Climax, A Block: Toru Yano VS Lance Archer!

The Producer is out of the running with his 1-3 record, but he can still play spoiler! Will Yano drag the Murderhawk Monster down? Or will he suffer a Blackout in Osaka?

Archer makes his way out from the other side where the fans are! And then he CLOBBERS a Young Lion! And then another Young Lion! This is definitely feeling like Killer Elite Suzuki-Gun Archer tonight! And that explains why Yano looks so scared in his entrance. Archer invites him into the ring and Yano is almost in tears. Yano still gets in the ring, has his very long introduction, and says, “Kowai! <Scary!>” Yano wants the check skipped, and asks why Archer is so scary. Archer wants the DVD but Yano says no! Archer steps forward and says ring the bell! The bell rings, Yano avoids Archer as much as he can.

Archer tells Yano to stop running away. Yano says okay, fine, and they approach. But Yano avoids the grapple and again says, “I knew he was scary!” Archer storms up on Yano but Yano uses the ropes as defense. Archer is getting annoyed but Yano gets the fans rallying. Archer tells the fans to stop encouraging him! Yano hits an atomic drop, but it doesn’t work when Archer’s that much taller! Archer CLUBS Yano down! Archer laughs as he whips Yano to a corner! Archer runs in but Yano runs away! And he unties the other corner’s pad. But Archer CROSSBODIES Yano and the pad! Archer tosses the pad, insulting the sponsor that’s on it!

Archer stomps Yano, and decides to play the game. Archer undoes another buckle pad and tosses it at a Young Lion. Yano SLAPS Archer, but Archer just gets angrier. Yano apologies but kicks low. Yano whips, Archer reverses and BOOTS Yano down! Archer pursues Yano out of the ring, then whips him into railing! Yano flops down while Archer refreshes the count. Archer says he can also play the spare tape game! Archer uses wrist tape to wrap Yano to the railing! Fans can’t believe Archer’s getting Yano with his own tricks! The ring count climbs and Yano freaks out! The count is 7 of 20, but Yano has SCISSORS!

The count is 11, then 15! Yano cuts the tape but those scissors suck! It’s already 17 of 20! Yano scrambles in at 19.99!! Archer stomps away on Yano, then grabs the DVD. There’s still no disc in there! Archer SMACKS Yano with the case, then he and Yano each untie the last buckle pads! Yano SMACKS Archer first! Archer drops his pad, Yano SMACKS him again! Yano curses his luck as he SMACKS Archer again. Archer CLOBBERS Yano, then tosses the pads! Archer pursues Yano to the outside again, to CANNONBALL! But Yano uses a Young Lion as a shield! Direct hit on Yuto Nakashima, and Archer realizes what happened!

But then, where’d Yano go? Under the ring! The ref can’t find Yano, though, and Yano sneaks up behind Archer to LOW BLOW! Yano TOSSES Nakashima?! And then puts him through railing, and then drags Archer over! Yano tapes Archer and Nakashima together!! Archer thrashes Nakashima to get him through the gap! The count is 12 of 20, Archer has to drag the dead weight along! We’re at 15 of 20, Archer and Nakashima get in at 18! Yano kicks Archer, runs, but into a DOUBLE LARIAT! Archer unwraps the arms, but he doesn’t want the ref helping. Archer is free, and he drags Nakashima up, to scoop and SLAM him on Yano!

Yano crawls away and fans fire up! Archer tells Nakashima this is his fault! Archer drags Nakashima up and tells the ref to leave him alone. Archer tells Nakashima he’s gonna pay for almost costing him this match. CHOKE SLAM for Nakashima! Archer then kicks Nakashima out, and runs back at Yano. But into bare buckles! Yano goes to another corner, Archer runs at him but no, more buckles! Yano whips Archer into yet more buckles! Archer reverses the whip, Yano stops himself an dodges, more bare buckles! CHOP BLOCK, roll up, TWO!! Archer survives all that steel, but Yano drags him up. Archer clamps on a claw, but Yano breaks free!

Yano dodges Archer, shoves the ref, and LOW BLOWS Archer again! Roll up, TWO!! Archer survives again! Fans rally up and Yano hurries to run. But Archer DERAILS him! Archer snarls and fans rally up again. Archer stomps around, but that kinda hurts the groin. Fans clap but also chuckle as Archer works to tune up the band. Yano stands, Archer choke grips, but Yano breaks free! Archer BOOTS him, blocks a boot, but then Yano rakes eyes! Yano goes up but Archer STEP-UP KNEES! And then the inverted crucifix, for the BLACKOUT BOMB!! Cover, Archer wins!

Winner: Lance Archer, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Yano earns 0)

Well, if Yano wasn’t out before, he’s definitely out now. Out cold, that is! Will Archer use this win to stay alive in the block?

 

G1 Climax, C Block: Hirooki Goto VS Zack Sabre Jr!

Hiroshi Tanahashi’s victory yesterday puts him at the front of the block, but that’s only for now. Will the Fierce Warrior keep pace with The Ace? Or will he #JustTapOut and give up his spot to the Submission Master?

The bell rings and fans rally as Goto and ZSJ circle. They feel things out, tie up, back away and ZSJ tries his leg guard. Goto stays clear, ZSJ resets with him, and they tie up collar ‘n’ elbow. They’re in a deadlock but Goto uses his size to push ZSJ to ropes. The ref counts the ropebreak, ZSJ clinches but then lets off. Goto lets off slowly, too, but ZSJ pie faces him! ZSJ then headbutts low, headlocks tight, but Goto endures as ZSJ thrashes him around. Goto fights up, powers out, and he RAMS shoulders with ZSJ! ZSJ staggers back but he eggs Goto on. Goto runs, RAMS ZSJ, and ZSJ staggers to ropes! ZSJ comes back to EuroUpper!

ZSJ runs again, rams shoulders, but Goto rebounds to run ZSJ over! Fans fire up as ZSJ bails out of the ring. ZSJ gets in, Goto whips but ZSJ reverses. Goto reverses a hip toss to a hip toss, and ZSJ bails out again. Goto goes out to fetch ZSJ, covers, TWO! Goto covers again, TWO! Another cover, TWO!! Fans applaud while ZSJ tells the ref to shut up. Goto stomps ZSJ, clamps on a chinlock and bends him back. ZSJ pries at the fingers but Goto thrashes him. Goto digs his elbow in and JAMS ZSJ in the forehead. Goto then stomps ZSJ, drags him back up, and fans rally. Goto bumps ZSJ off buckles and stomps him down.

Goto digs his boot in but ZSJ pushes the foot away. Goto drags ZSJ up to CLUB him down, and then whips ZSJ corner to corner. ZSJ goes up and around, but into a fireman’s carry! ZSJ kicks and gets to the apron, for a ROPE SLEEPER! The ref counts, ZSJ lets go at 4, to get a ROPE ARMBAR! The ref counts again, and ZSJ lets off at 4. ZSJ drags Goto out, whips him to railings, but Goto rebounds, into a BOOT! ZSJ puts the arm in the railing to BOOT the railing and jam the arm! Fans fire up with ZSJ, and ZSJ takes a moment to catch his breath. ZSJ then digs his forearm into Goto’s face while getting the arm.

ZSJ bends the fingers, isolates the arm, and STOMPS it! ZSJ gets in the ring and eggs “dickhead” Goto on. ZSJ wants the ring count so the ref starts it. Goto shakes out his bad arm while the count climbs to 5 of 20. Goto sits up at 9, stands at 11, shakes out his arm again and gets in the ring at 14. ZSJ digs his knee right into Goto’s ribs, then wraps the bad arm around the ropes! The ref reprimands, ZSJ lets off but then pulls harder! ZSJ finally lets go and Goto gets back out. ZSJ is right after Goto to put him right back in. Fans applaud and ZSJ storms around Goto. Fans rally, ZSJ sits Goto up for a PENALTY KICK!

ZSJ paces around, sits Goto up again and PENALTY KICKS! ZSJ stands on Goto’s chest for a cover, TWO! ZSJ gives Goto toying kicks, then drags him up again. ZSJ EuroUppers and Goto staggers, but Goto kicks back. ZSJ EuroUppers again and again until Goto falls over! Fans fire up while ZSJ catches his breath again. ZSJ drags Goto up by his bad arm and twists the wrist. ZSJ knuckle locks to twist Goto’s arm more and more, then ZSJ WRINGS it out! Goto sputters while ZSJ dares him to get up. Fans rally, ZSJ taunts Goto, and ZSJ kicks Goto around. Goto eggs ZSJ on now and ZSJ KICKS him more and more!

ZSJ taunts Goto, so Goto CHOPS him! And ROCKS him with forearms! And then CHOPS again! ZSJ BOOTS Goto but Goto snarls and runs! Into another BOOT! Wrench and ARM PELE! But Goto LARIATS right back! Fans rally up as both men are down again. ZSJ gets to a corner and Goto is at center. Goto runs in to fire off forearms! Goto whips corner to corner, runs in and MURAMASAS, for the BULLDOG! Cover, TWO! Fans rally as Goto drags ZSJ up. Goto fireman’s carries but ZSJ fights it! ZSJ wrenches the bad arm, BOOTS it, then EuroUppers hard! Goto staggers, ZSJ EuroUppers again! ZSJ brings Goto back around for another EuroUpper!

Goto DECKS ZSJ with a forearm! Goto drags ZSJ up, but ZSJ EuroUppers! Goto ROCKS ZSJ, but ZSJ shakes out his head. ZSJ comes back to EuroUpper! Goto throws a forearm, ZSJ throws a forearm, and fans fire up as the forearms fly back and forth! Goto gets the edge and he ROCKS ZSJ! But ZSJ uppercuts the arm! ZSJ runs, Goto follows, but ZSJ gets around, to the COBRA TWIST! Fans fire up as Goto endures the hold! Goto fights his way over, and gets the ROPEBREAK! ZSJ lets Goto go quickly, to then reel him in for a full nelson! Goto breaks that but ZSJ GERMAN SUPLEXES! Goto gets up, ZSJ BOOTS him, but Goto gets ZSJ in a full nelson, then URA G T R!

Fans fire up again as both men are down! Goto and ZSJ slowly rise, and Goto drags ZSJ up. Goto KICKS ZSJ in the chest and ZSJ falls over. Goto sits ZSJ up to KICK him back down! Goto keeps ZSJ up to kick him again! And again! And again! ZSJ flops down but he refuses to stop here. So Goto drags ZSJ up to line up a shot, only for ZSJ to block the kick! ANKLE LOCK, full nelson, DRAGON SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO!! Goto survives and fans rally up! ZSJ goes to a corner and he aims as Goto slowly sits up. ZSJ runs in to PEANLTU KIKC, but Goto blocks! ZSJ SLAPS and SLAPS and SLAPS Goto, then fires off more SLAPS! But Goto HEADBUTTS ZSJ down!

Goto waits on ZSJ to stand, and then he KICKS ZSJ down! Goto drags ZSJ right up, fireman’s carries, but ZSJ moves around to get a GUILLOTINE! Goto is caught, but he powers out to the fireman’s carry! USHIGOROSHI! Fans are thunderous as both men are down again! Goto and ZSJ crawl to each other, but Goto drags ZSJ up first! Dragon sleeper, but ZSJ drops to victory roll, then EURO CLUTCH! TWO!!! Goto escapes, ZSJ hurries to PENALTY KICK! Cover, ONE?!?! ZSJ hurries to run in again, into a LARIAT!! Cover, ONE!!! Fans are thunderous again as both men stay in this! Goto and ZSJ go to opposite ends and drag themselves up the ropes.

Goto runs but ZSJ catches him! Goto fights off the takedown but ZSJ hits a FLYING ARMBAR! And then he gets a leg! ZSJ has both arm and leg, Goto flails and reaches out, ROPEBREAK!! ZSJ lets off fast in frustration, and fans rally up again. ZSJ stands Goto up to KICK him, then EuroUpper! ZSJ runs corner to corner, but Goto puts him in the corner! DRAPING SHOUTO!! But Goto’s bad arm holds him back! Fans fire up as Goto gets back up and he aims again. ZSJ sits up, Goto KICKS him back down! Then the fireman’s carry, for G T W!! But again, the bad arm! Goto crawls to the cover, TWO!!

ZSJ and Goto are down again and fans fire back up! Goto drags ZSJ back up, dragon sleepers, G T- NO, ZSJ slips around, ARMBAR! Goto stays up, stomps and kicks ZSJ but ZSJ drags Goto back down to the DISARMER!!! Goto taps, ZSJ wins!!

Winner: Zack Sabre Jr, by submission (gains 2 points; Goto earns 0)

ZSJ makes the Fierce Warrior #JustTapOut! Will Goto start to fall from the top? And while ZSJ is 3-1, he is still behind The Ace. The Submission Master will have to be flawless from this point on, can he do it?

 

G1 Climax, B Block: Great-O-Khan VS Jay White!

The Dominator has been anything but dominant with his 1-2 record. But he could shake up the entire G1 right here! Will Khan conquer the IWGP World Heavyweight Champion? Or will even he Breathe with the Switchblade?

Almost uncharacteristically, Khan stands outside the ring as his opponent makes his entrance. But at the same time, this is the IWGP World Heavyweight Champion. Khan then gets in the ring during the introductions, and White applauds as the Young Lion takes the title. White shows off the muscles and fans applaud. And of course, White and Gedo Too Sweet. The bell rings Khan rushes in but White scrambles away in a panic! White laughs that off and goes to No Man’s Land to catch his breath. White admits Khan almost had him there. White then returns to the ring, and he circles with Khan. Khan sits down, daring White to try something.

Khan rolls around with his leg guard but White uses the ropes as defense. White doesn’t understand that technique! Khan dares White to come back, and even bawks like a chicken! White says he’s not a chicken, he’s a super champion! White storms up on Khan, but Khan trips him up! Khan floats to a headlock but White kicks and flails! Khan waistlocks, rolls White around, then bridge covers, TWO! Khan gets an arm but White gets the ropebreak! White shouts for the ref, the ref shouts for the ropebreak, and Khan lets go. White then argues with the ref that he needs to call ropebreaks faster!

White rushes Khan and CLOBBERS him! White CLUBS Khan, headlocks, but Khan powers out and runs White over! Khan dusts himself off, and has the THRONE CRADLE! Cover, TWO! BASEMENT BOOT! Cover, TWO! Gedo complains, White crawls to a corner, and Khan storms after him. White grabs the post but Khan drags him back in. Khan bumps White off buckles, then says we’ll see how the champion feels, after Khan sits on his head! Fans fire up but Khan has them hush. Too Sweet spank! Khan then grabs the arms to pull them back! The ref counts, Khan hops off at 4 and White flops out of the ring.

Fans rally as Khan goes out to fetch White. Khan RAMS White into railing, much like White would do! Khan then drags White up, tells Gedo to get out of the way, and he whips White hard into railing! Gedo protests but Khan has him stay back. Khan puts White in the ring, White claims his eye is bothering him, and Gedo grabs Khan’s legs! Khan BOOTS Gedo into railing! But White gets the legs to SLAM them on the apron! And again! And again! White CLUBS away on the leg, then helps Gedo up. But now Khan BOOTS White into the railing! White scrambles back up to ANKLE LOCK in the ropes! And HALF CRAB!

The ref counts, White lets off at 4, and Khan clutches his leg! White stomps Khan over and over, then he drags Khan up to put in the corner. White stomps a mudhole in, then goes out to move his things aside. White gets Khan’s leg to SLAM them into the post! And again! White checks on Gedo, but Khan BOOTS White all the way back into No Man’s Land! Gedo is shocked! Fans rally up, White crawls his way back into the ring, and he hurries to hit a NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! White paces, eggs Khan on and then mocks the zombie walk. White throws up a Too Sweet, but Khan wraps up a leg! White rakes Khan’s eyes to stop that!

The ref reprimands but White says shut up, Khan gets plenty of time for his stuff! White gets Khan’s leg but Khan CLUBS him away. White kicks the leg, then Too Sweet CHOPS! Too Sweet CHOP! White whips but Khan blocks! Khan whips White to a corner, but White BOOTS back! White swings but misses, Khan sayanagis White down! Fans rally up, White goes to a corner, and Khan runs in to clothesline! Khan dribbles White off the buckle pad again and again, then SLAM DUNKS! Khan runs but his bad leg stops him! So Khan hobbles back to White to gut wrench and suplex! Cover, TWO! Khan is annoyed but White survives.

Khan drags White up, for HITSUJIGOROSHI! White scrambles to get the ROPEBREAK! Khan lets go at 4, and White flops to the apron. Khan drags White back up, climbs up the corner, but White blocks the lift! White throws elbows over and over and then CLUBS Khan down. White has Khan’s leg, DRAPING DRAGON SCREW! Khan writhes while White mocks Tanahashi’s air guitar. White tells Khan he has no idea who he’s in here with. Khan gets to a corner, White runs in to uppercut! White then brings Khan out, but Khan blocks the suplex! White still gets Khan up for a BLADEBUSTER! Cover, TWO!

Fans rally but White argues the count again. White wants a faster count but the ref says his count is fair. White drags Khan up, reels him in, but Khan fights the clinch. White CHOP BLOCKS! White drags Khan by his ponytail, then reels him back in. But Khan RAMS White into a corner! White kicks a leg! Too Sweet CHOP! That was a sharp one and Khan staggers back. But Khan fires up, only to swing into a COMPLETE SHOT! White then deadlift waistlocks for the GERMAN SUPLEX! “Rock that baby!” Fans rally for Khan but White drags him up by his ponytail again. White stands Khan up, reels him in, URENAGE! Cover, TWO!!

White is frustrated, as is Gedo, but the ref says his count is fair. White drags Khan by his ponytail and has the sleeper! Fans fire up as Khan fights the suplex, but White CLUBS away on Khan’s back! White puts on the sleeper again but ducks the back elbow. Khan clinches for a BELLY2BELLY! Fans fire up while both men are down again. Khan stands, he waits on White, but White gets around to waistlock. Khan throws White, White CHOPS, runs, and he blocks a boot! KNEE BREAKER to a DRAGON SCREW! Gedo wants White to break that leg, so White gets the legs tied up, TTO!! Well, maybe it’s a KTO, a Khan Tap Out!

But Khan crawls to the ROPEBREAK with this mouth!! White lets go in frustration but the fans fire up! White taunts Khan but Khan eggs White on, too! White mockingly asks if Khan needs help up. Khan takes the help, and both men egg each other on. Too Sweet CHOP! Khan shakes his head so White CHOPS again! Khan Mongolian Chops and White falls right down! Fans fire up, White gets up and he CHOPS again! And again! And again! And again! White taunts the tough guy, so Khan IRON CLAWS! White kicks low and clamps on a sleeper, but Khan elbows free! White rebounds, but Khan avoids the chop block to HELL STAB!

Fans fire up as White falls down! Khan roars, gets his bad leg moving, and Khan Mongolian Chops! And again! And again! White falls over and Gedo is freaking out! Khan drags White back up, but White swings at the legs. Khan dodges that, and the lariat, to BOOT White down! Khan then drags White up, scoops him, but White slips off to SNAP SLEEPER SUPLEX! Fans fire up again while both men are down! White drags Khan up, slashes his throat, and reels Khan in, IRON CLAW!! But White CLAWS Khan! But Khan slips out, HITSUJIGOROSHI! White endures, reaches out, but Khan scoops for a BACKBREAKER!

HITSUJIGOROSHI LUNA!! White endures the stretching Sheep Killer, flails and reaches, but he’s fading! Khan is SMOTHERING White with that claw! Gedo panics but fans rally as Khan then drags White up! ELIMI- NO White gets around to the sleeper! But Khan IRON CLAWS anyway! White thrashes, kicks, breaks free, but gets the IRON FIST!! The ref reprimands but the fans are loving this! Khan drags White back up with the IRON CLAW! But White clips the bad leg! BLADERUNNER!! But the claw is still on! White breaks free, pushes to the cover, White wins!!

Winner: Jay White, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Khan earns 0)

The Dominator couldn’t hit the Eliminator, and now he is the one ELIMINATED from the running! The Switchblade is 4-0, will he make this the biggest Jay1 ever?

 

G1 Climax, D Block: Will Ospreay VS Shingo Takagi!

From the Best of the Super Juniors to the New Japan Cup to Wrestling Dontaku and G1s past, we’ve seen these two rise up the ranks and go from the Aerial Assassin and Muscle Hawk to the Commonwealth Kingpin and Rampaging Dragon! But what matters most is what you’ve done lately! Will this newest chapter be punctuated by Ospreay or Takagi standing tall?

The bell rings, fans rally up, “TA-KA-GI!” “O-SU-PREAY!” The two approach carefully, feel out the grapple, then tie up. Ospreay wrenches to a wristlock, but Takagi wrenches back. Takagi hammerlocks, Ospreay reaches back to get a headlock. Takagi powers up but Ospreay holds tight! Fans applaud and rally again as Takagi fights up. Takagi powers up and out, Ospreay RAMS him, but Takagi rebounds to run him over! Ospreay kips up but Takagi just runs him over again! Takagi stands Ospreay up to JAB, then whip corner to corner. Ospreay goes up and over to arm-drag! But Takagi avoids the dropkick! Ospreay avoids the senton to BOOT!

Ospreay whips and runs in but misses in the corner, and Takagi hits a BIG hip toss! Takagi clamps on a chinlock and digs his knee in. Ospreay endures so Takagi JAMS him with the knee. Takagi has the motorcycle stretch but Ospreay fights up. Ospreay gets to the corner and Takagi lets off, to RAM Ospreay in the back. Takagi brings Ospreay around to whip and KNEE him against the ropes. Takagi suplexes high and hard and fans fire up! Cover, TWO! Takagi wraps on a body scissors squeeze! Ospreay endures, throws some elbows, and then crawls his way over to the ROPEBREAK! Takagi gives one more squeeze before letting go.

Takagi cravats, stands Ospreay up, but Ospreay throws body shots,. Takagi cravats to throw knees! Ospreay CHOPS Takagi back! Ospreay whips, runs in to back elbow in the corner, then runs, into an ELOBW! JAB! YUKON feint to the DDT, but Ospreay handspring through?! To DROPKICK Takagi out! Fans fire up as Ospreay PLANCHAS! Direct hit and both men are down! Fans rally and Ospreay gets to his feet. Ospreay puts Takagi in, stalks Takagi and brings him up to throw haymakers. Takagi goes to ropes, Ospreay CLUBS him, and then CHOPS him! Ospreay corners Takagi, HEADBUTTS away on him, then paces around.

Fans rally up, Ospreay drags Takagi up and wrenches to scoop, for a BACKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Takagi crawls to the apron and fans rally up. Ospreay stands on Takagi’s face but lets off as Red Shoes reprimands. Ospreay brings Takagi up but Takagi throws body shots! Ospreay DECKS Takagi, covers, TWO! Ospreay is annoyed, and he drags Takagi back up. Takagi fights the suplex, then turns things around to suplex Ospreay to the apron! Ospreay ROCKS Takagi, bumps him off buckles, then takes aim! PIP PIP- NO, Takagi gets under to ELBOW! JAB! YUKON LARIAT! Fans fire up while both men are down again!

Takagi leans on ropes and fans rally back up. Takagi runs to run Ospreay over, then scoop and SLAM! Takagi whips, Ospreay holds ropes and kicks back! Ospreay runs, but into the back drop! Fans fire up, Ospreay stands and Takagi clotheslines him up and out! Fans fire up, Takagi goes out and stomps Ospreay down. Takagi puts Ospreay in, fans rally up more, and Takagi runs in at the corner. Takagi blocks a boot, LARIATS, then fires off forearms over and over and over! Takagi brings Ospreay out, Ospreay blocks the suplex, so Takagi hits a NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Takagi looks to the cameras and says there’s more to come!

Takagi drags Ospreay up, hooks him up, but Ospreay fights the Gory Especial. Ospreay CHOPS Takagi, whips but Takagi reverses to wrench Ospreay’s arm into the hooks. But Takagi then uses that to spin Ospreay into a suplex, STUN-DOG MILLIONAIRE from Ospreay! Takagi staggers away to a corner and fans fire up! Ospreay catches his breath, runs in at the corner, but Takagi puts him on the apron. Ospreay ROCKS Takagi, then PIP PIP CHEERIO! Cover, TWO! Ospreay grits his teeth, drags Takagi back up and wrenches the arm to CHOP! And CHOP! Then KOWATA KICKS! Takagi headbutts the buckle to fire up!

Fans fire up as Takagi eggs Ospreay on. Ospreay gives him more Kowata Kicks! Ospreay then calls his shot, springboards, but Takagi stops him! CLUB to the torture rack, BLOOD- NO, Ospreay lands on his feet! But Takagi ducks the Penalty Kick, Ospreay MOONSAULTS onto knees! Fans fire up for how well Takagi knows Ospreay! Fans rally as both men slowly sit up. Takagi is on Ospreay first with ELBOW after ELBOW raining down! The fans clap along, then Takagi runs for the SLIDING- NO, Ospreay ducks, but Takagi dodges! Ospreay whips, Takagi reverses, Ospreay handsprings, into a GERMAN! But Ospreay lands on his feet!

Ospreay DROPKICKS Takagi but Takagi rebounds off ropes, PUMPING- NO, Ospreay slips through the lariat to reel Takagi in and lift, but Takagi slips out! Ospreay dodges, handsprings, NEURALIZER! But Takagi stays up to SLINDING- NO, Ospreay dodges to BUZZSAW!! Both men are down and fans are thunderous after that fast and furious exchange! Ospreay and Takagi slowly stir, and Takagi drags himself up the corner. Fans rally up, “TA-KA-GI!” “O-SU-PREAY!” Ospreay runs in to BOOT Takagi in the corner! Ospreay pops Takagi up the corner, CLUBS him down, then climbs up from the outside!

Ospreay is on the very top as he goes for Takagi, and has the underhooks! Takagi fights free and ELBOWS Ospreay to the apron! Takagi turns around, drags Ospreay up, but Ospreay ROCKS him! Ospreay springboards but Takagi catches him to a fireman’s carry! Ospreay throws elbows but Takagi holds on! But Ospreay throws fast body shots! Ospreay backflips off the top, Takagi BOOTS but Ospreay GAMANGIRIS! Ospreay adjusts, climbs up again, and has Takagi for a SUPER SPANISH FLY!! Cover, TWO!! Fans are thunderous, and Ospreay goes back up top! 450 SPLASH! Cover, TWO!! Ospreay drags Takagi up to throw hands!

Takagi clamps onto a leg to keep Ospreay from running. Ospreay uses that to bring Takagi up for boxing elbows! ROLLING ELBOW! And then the underhooks! Takagi blocks the lift, and back drops! Ospreay lands on his feet to HOOK KICK! Ospreay aims from a corner, runs in, HIDDEN- ARMBAR!?!? Takagi catches the blade, pries the hands apart, ARM SNAPPER!! Ospreay clutches his arm and fans fire up! Takagi drags Ospreay by his arm to SLAM the arm on the mat! Ospreay goes to the apron but Takagi drags him back in. Ospreay throws forearms but his left is weaker. Takagi ROCKS Ospreay, Ospreay tries to use his right but that just hurts Ospreay!

Takagi throws a forearm, Ospreay throws a forearm, but that keeps doing double damage to Ospreay! Takagi CLUBS and UPPERCUTS the bad arm, then wrenches it to an ELBOW BREAKER! Takagi runs, but Ospreay ducks! PUMPING LARIAT but Ospreay flips through! Ospreay springboards, TAKAGI CUTTER!! Takagi then shoves Ospreay to ropes, POP UP DEATH VALLEY DRIVER!! Takagi gets moving, PUMPING BOMBER!! Cover, TWO!!! Ospreay survives even as Takagi pulls out new tricks! Fans are electric and Takagi shouts, “OI! OI! OI!” Fans clap along, Takagi gets up and drags Ospreay back up.

Takagi pump handles, lifts, but then shifts to underhook! Takagi gets Ospreay up but Ospreay slips off! Takagi ducks the roundhouse to pump handle, but Ospreay switches that onto Takagi! MADE IN ENGLAND!! Cover, TWO!! Takagi survives his stolen move, but Ospreay springboards, OSCUTTER!! Cover, TWO?!?! Takagi survives and fans are thunderous again! Ospreay sits Takagi up and goes to the corner, but then Takagi flops down. Ospreay shakes out his arm while fans rally hard as ever! “O-SU-PREAY!” grits his teeth while “TA-KA-GI!” flounders. Ospreay kicks Takagi around, sits him up and KICKS him!

Takagi eggs Ospreay on so Ospreay KICKS him more. Ospreay gives more Kowata Kicks, but Takagi blocks one! But Ospreay JABS! BUZZSAW and HEEL KICK! Ospreay aims for the corner, but Takagi POISON-RANAS?!? Fans are thunderous but Ospreay wobbles to HIDDEN BLADE OUTTA NOWHERE!! Both men are down as Ospreay clutches his bad arm! Ospreay crawls to the cover, TWO!! Takagi survives but Ospreay shakes his arm. Ospreay fires up, fans are thunderous, and Ospreay hooks Takagi up. But the bad arm won’t let Ospreay complete the underhooks! He has to half it, but Takagi slips off to ROCK and LARIAT!

Ospreay staggers to a corner, he BOOTS, ENZIGURIS and HOOK KICKS!! Then HEEL KICK!! Fans are fired up as  this passes 20 minutes, meaning there are only 10 left! Ospreay goes up the corner, SUPER- BACKSLIDE! TWO!! Takagi runs, PUMPING- SPANISH FLY! Cover, TWO!! Ospreay hurries to aim again as Takagi sits up, but Takagi ducks the blade to LARIAT! cover, ONE!!! Takagi swats the lariat, JABS, then swats another to SNAP DRAGON SUPLEX! Takagi hurries to run, PUMPING BOMBER!! Cover, TWO!?!? Fans are electric as Takagi and Ospreay stagger. SLIDING FOREARM from Takagi, then the pump handle! LAST OF THE DRAGON!!! Cover, TAKAGI WINS!!

Winner: Shingo Takagi, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Ospreay earns 0)

Another instant classic, and it is the Dragon that slays the Kingpin this time! Will Ospreay be able to recover and fight his way to the top? Or is he already checking out of the semifinals? As for Takagi, he shows the IWGP US Heavyweight Champion respect as one of his rivals. Then he gets the mic to say, “This G1 Climax is neck and neck right now. But I told you before: if there’s a chance, I’m not giving up! Whatever happens, I’ll stand by my word until the very end!” Fans applaud that, but Takagi admits, today’s points didn’t come easily. Last year, Ospreay had Takagi’s number. Ospreay retained the title against Takagi in Wrestling Dontaku.

In many ways, Takagi felt he was “in stasis” since that loss. But today’s win helps Takagi make a brand new start! Fans applaud that, too. Takagi then says, “Oi, Osaka.  OI, OSAKA! Oh, I better not try that again. My head…” But Osaka is often a turning point for Takagi. It was in Osaka when Takagi first declared his intent on entering the G1. And it was in Osaka during that G1 that he had his one and only 1v1 match with Tetsuya Naito! And above all, it was in Osaka that Takagi won the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship last year!

Fans applaud those accomplishment, and Takagi says what he’s getting at is quite simple: Takagi’s win in Osaka today will be his turning point in this G1! “This dragon will rampage to a G1 victory!” Takagi drops the mic and kneels in respect to Osaka. Will Osaka be Takagi’s gateway to the G1 trophy?

 

Here are the NEW standings!

A Block

  • Kazuchika Okada: 3-0, 6 points
  • JONAH: 2-1, 4 points
  • Jeff Cobb: 2-2, 4 points
  • Bad Luck Fale: 2-2, 4 points
  • Lance Archer: 2-2, 4 points
  • Tom Lawlor: 1-2, 2 points
  • Toru Yano: 1-4, 2 points [ELIMINATED]

B Block

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

C Block

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

D Block

  • David Finlay: 3-1, 6 points
  • Shingo Takagi: 2-2, 4 points
  • Will Ospreay: 2-2, 4 points
  • YOSHI-HASHI: 2-1, 4 points
  • Yujiro Takahashi: 2-2, 4 points
  • El Phantasmo: 1-2, 2 points
  • Juice Robinson: 1-3, 2 points [ELIMINATED]

My Thoughts:

Another awesome event for the G1 Climax, and perhaps the best round overall. Hashi VS ELP really got the fans going there, and it was great for Hashi to win and build upon this ascension he’s been on. ELP is still alive in the G1 but he’s still got a ways to go, he is not taking the block at this point. Yano VS Archer was incredibly hilarious, and it very clever to get the Young Lions as involved as they were. But as Yano was already eliminated before this, it makes sense to give Archer the win here. Goto VS ZSJ was an awesome match to fight for second place in the block. This one could go either way, so it was pretty awesome for ZSJ to get the win. ZSJ still has a chance to take the block, if Tanahashi loses both to Goto and Kenta while ZSJ beats both Naito and Evil.

Great stuff out of Khan VS White, and Khan definitely came closer than most to beating White. White is spotless so far, and with only Tama Tonga and Taichi left, I would think he takes the block with ease. At the same time, Tama and Taichi will be purely fighting to get that golden ticket to a title match at one of the other events before WrestleKingdom, so they’re still going to have awesome matches with White. And then of course, Ospreay VS Takagi was amazing, building upon all their history with each other. It was must-win for Takagi, so it was great to see that Takagi did win. Ospreay can still win against Hashi and Juice, but Takagi can surely beat Yujiro and ELP, so they’re both really hoping that Finlay loses to ELP and Hashi. It’s going to be neck and neck just like Takagi said, I can’t wait.

My Score: 8.9/10

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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


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Andrew’s TNA LIVE! iMPACT! Results & Match Ratings: 2.20.2025

So the first live episode got fairly positive praise from everyone; will this continue the trend?

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Filming at Full Sail seems to have set the stage nicely this week! Going into a Live episode we got Moose and The Hardy Boyz on NXT, as well as Jordynne Grace’s involvement with Steph and Giulia giving a little shine to TNA happenings since she’s newly WWE.

This episode should be interesting, we finally see Lei Ying Lee (fka Xia Li) back in action, Rascalz take on Tyson and Tyriek, Tessa should be seeing some action as well…so generally interesting happenings for the second Live iMPACT! of 2025. Let’s see how this one goes down!

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!
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