Coverage
Mitchell’s NJPW WTL X Super Jr. Tag Results & Report! (11/22/22)
Now the big boys tag in!
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World Tag League takes over night two!
The Junior Heavyweights started this series, and now the Heavyweights tag in! Will Los Ingobernables de Japon make things tranquilo?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Yuto Nakashima VS Ryohei Oiwa; Oiwa wins.
- Tomoaki Honma & Togi Makabe VS Kosei Fujita & Oskar Leube; Honma & Makabe win.
- Six Man Tag: Los Ingobernables de Japon VS Suzuki-Gun; Double Count-Out Draw.
- World Tag League 2022: Alex Coughlin & Gabriel Kidd VS Shane Haste & Mikey Nicholls; Shane & Mikey win.
- World Tag League 2022: Minoru Suzuki & Lance Archer VS Bad Luck Fale & Chase Owens; Suzuki & Archer win.
- World Tag League 2022: Hirooki Goto & YOSHI-HASHI VS EVIL & Yujiro Takahashi; Goto & Hashi win.
- World Tag League 2022: Toru Yano & Hiroshi Tanahashi VS Aussie Open; Aussie Open wins.
- World Tag League 2022: Tetsuya Naito & SANADA VS Aaron Henare & Great-O-Khan; Naito & Sanada win.
PLAY BY PLAY
World Tag League 2022: Alex Coughlin & Gabriel Kidd VS Shane Haste & Mikey Nicholls!
The Android is back in action, and he’s bringing the LA Dojo’s Young Bull! But they’re going up against The Mighty, and the mighty don’t kneel. Then who will fall in the first round of WTL 2022?
The teams sort out and fans rally up already. Coughlin insists on starting and Kidd obliges. Fans rally for the return of the Android as he circles with Mikey. They tie up, Coughlin pushes Mikey to ropes, but lets off as the ref calls the ropebreak. Mikey claims tight pulling and hair pulling but the ref saw no such things. Mikey and Coughlin circle and tie up again. Coughlin pushes Mikey back again, but Mikey turns it around to have Coughlin on the ropes. The ref calls the ropebreak, but Coughlin avoids the cheap shot! Fans applaud as the two stand off. Mikey mocks Coughlin’s muscles and the two circle again.
Fans rally, the two tie up again, and Mikey headlocks. Mikey grinds the hold, but Coughlin powers up to power out. They ram shoulders but neither falls. Mikey dares Coughlin to try, he runs and RAMS Mikey. Mikey stays up, runs and RAMS Coughlin, but Coughlin stays up! Coughlin runs but Mikey follows to ELBOW him at the ropes. Mikey runs but Coughlin swings. Mikey ducks to then run Coughlin over! And again! Mikey whips but Coughlin whips the back drop away. Mikey comes back to facelock! Mikey suplexes and holds Coughlin up! Then the SLAM! Cover, TWO! Mikey stays on Coughlin with another facelock.
Mikey wrenches Coughlin and brings him over to tag in Shane, but Coughlin gets away. Fans rally up as Kidd reaches out. Coughlin sees Kidd fire up, and he tags him in! Fans cheer as Kidd and Shane circle. Kidd says, “OI, I’M BACK!” Fans chant for “GABE-BU! GABE-BU!” as he ties up with Shane. They’re in a deadlock, but Kidd finds a point of leverage. He puts Shane on the ropes, Shane shouts in pain and says, “Be cool, dude! Be cool!” Kidd lets off but Shane KICKS him low! Shane snapmares and basement dropkicks! Fans cheer as Shane runs, things speed up, Kidd hurdles and rolls to MONKEY FLIP Shane!
Shane sputters while fans fire up for Kidd! Kidd drags Shane up, HEADBUTTS him, then HEADBUTTS him again. Tag to Coughlin, he and Kidd double whip to run Shane over! Then they split the wishbone! Cover, TWO! Coughlin clamps onto Shane with a chinlock, Shane throws body shots but Coughlin CHOPS him on the back! Then CHOPS him in the corner! Shane is gasping and fans rally up for another! Coughlin CHOPS again! Shane falls over and Coughlin flexes! Fans fire up as Coughlin tags Kidd back in, and Kidd hooks Shane’s arms. But Shane slips free so the CHOP hits Kidd! Shane kicks Coughlin out of the ring and brings Kidd up.
Shane whips Kidd to ropes and Mikey trips him up. Mikey holds Kidd so Shane can basement dropkick him, and Kidd spins around so Mikey can SLAM him on the apron! Mikey claims innocence but we all know better. Shane distracts the ref, Mikey whips Kidd into railing, then pulls on an ear! Mikey BITES Kidd on the forehead, but lets off to put Kidd in the ring. Shane drags Kidd around by an arm to drag him up. Mikey tags in, The Mighty mug Kidd, and Mikey ROCKS Kidd. Kidd flounders, Mikey taunts “Alex” but Kidd says he’s name’s Gabe! Kidd fires off forearms but Mikey DECKS him! “Your name’s Alex, ya little bitch!”
Mikey swipes at Coughlin, then he drags Kidd up. Mikey suplexes Kidd high and hard, covers, TWO! Fans rally but Mikey drags Kidd away. Mikey puts the leg on ropes to HIP DROP the knee! Kidd crawls but Mikey stands him up to CHOP! And CHOP! And then Mikey puts Kidd on ropes to CHOKE and even fishhook! The ref counts, Mikey lets off, but then he digs his boots in. Mikey lets off again, and fans continue to rally for Kidd. Tag to Shane, but Kidd fights back with forearms and elbows! And CHOPS! But Shane uppercuts, Mikey reels Kidd in, BACK SUPLEX NECKBREAKER COMBO! Cover, Coughlin breaks it!
Fans rally while Shane is annoyed. Shane KICKS Kidd in the back, then KICKS him again. And again, and again! Shane stomps Kidd out of the ring, tags Mikey, and Mikey drags Kidd up. APRON BACK SUPLEX! Kidd writhes but fans rally up. Mikey slides in to hook Kidd up in a one-arm Camel Clutch! Fans rally as Kidd endures, so Mikey switches the arms! Kidd still fights up, throws body shots and forearms, but Mikey CHOPS him down! Mikey mocks Kidd, kicks him around, but Kidd growls. Kidd stands, but Mikey CHOPS him down again! Kidd shakes his head and snarls, but Mikey slaps him around.
Kidd throws hands, Mikey throws them back! Mikey then knees low, and CHOPS Kidd down! Mikey also knocks Coughlin off the apron, but Kidd gets up to CLOBBER Mikey! Fans rally up while both men are down! Coughlin is back, he reaches out as Kidd crawls over. Hot tag to the Android! He rallies on Mikey, spins him around, and UPPERCUTS! Coughlin CHOPS Mikey in the corner! Coughlin whips corner to corner but Mikey dodges. Shane gets in, The Mighty double whip but Coughlin crisscrosses them into each other! Then he reels them both in for a DOUBLE BACK SUPLEX! Fans fire up as Coughlin roars!
Coughlin stalks Mikey to ropes, scoops him, and FALL AWAY SUPLEXES! Bridging cover, TWO! Coughlin clamps on with a waistlock and he deadlifts Coughlin! Mikey throws elbows but Coughlin ducks one, only for Mikey to give him a DDT! Fans fire up while both men are down! Mikey crawls over and tags in Shane. Shane drags Coughlin up to EuroUpper again and again. Shane whips Coughlin to a corner, runs in and uppercuts again! But Kidd gets in to kick and whip, only for Shane to reverse it and reel Kidd in for a SAIDO! Shane KICKS Coughlin, BOOTS him, then reels him in for an INVERTED EXPLODER!
Shane fires up and he reels Coughlin back in. SIT-OUT POWERBOMB! Cover, TWO!! Coughlin survives but Shane drags him back up. Shane puts Coughlin up top and climbs up after him. Coughlin fights back with forearms! Shane hops down but Mikey ROCKS Coughlin with a right! Mikey gives Shane a boost back to the top rope, POWERBOMB SUPERPLEX COMBO!! Shane takes damage, too, but Mikey drags him onto the cover! But Kidd breaks it!! Mikey throws Kidd out and Shane rises up. Fans rally as Shane runs, but Coughlin catches him for the SCRAPBUSTER! Both men stir, fans rally up, and Coughlin crawls for his corner. Hot tag to Kidd!
Kidd runs in to CHOP and CHOP and CHOP Shane in the corner! Kidd shouts, “Tenzan Power!” and he uses the Mongolian Chops! Fans fire up and Kidd hits Shane with an EXPLODER! Cover, TWO! Fans rally behind Gabe and he drags Shane back up. But Mikey CHOPS Kidd on the back! Kidd blocks the whip but the Mighty mug him. They double whip, Kidd ducks, then holds ropes. Mikey runs in but is thrown out! Shane runs in but is also thrown out! Kidd goes to the apron, and then up the corner! ARIHARA MOONSAULT! Direct hit on The Mighty and the fans are thunderous! Kidd puts Shane in, covers, ONE?!!
Kidd hurries to bring Shane up, BRAINBUSTER! Cover, Mikey breaks it! But Coughlin kicks Mikey out, then brings Shane up. Kidd reels Shane in, SAIDO! Coughlin roars as he deadlift gut wrenches, for a BIG suplex! Fans fire up as they both flex! And then Kidd becomes Coughlin’s weapon! Coughlin lifts Kidd up, but Shane moves before the POWERBOMB! Kidd takes all the damage! Shane then dumps Coughlin out! Tag to Mikey and the Mighty go after Kidd. Mikey drags Kidd up and scoops while Shane climbs, but Coughlin returns! Coughlin ROCKS Shane, Kidd slips free, but Mikey shoves Kidd into Coughlin! Mikey DOUBLE LARIATS them down!
Mikey drags Coughlin up, gut wrenches, Shane leaps, TANK BUSTER!! The Mighty power up and the fans fire up as they get Kidd. But Kidd fights back with forearms and CHOPS! Kidd roars, but Mikey SLAPS! Shane SLAPS! The Mighty DOUBLE SLAP! And then, THUNDER VALLEY!! Cover, The Mighty win!
Winners: Shane Haste & Mikey Nicholls (gain 2 points; Coughlin & Kidd earn 0)
Shane & Mikey road #TheMechanicalBulls, and they held on to win! TMDK is leading the way, but will they stay standing to the end of the World Tag League? Can Coughlin & Kidd adapt and overcome in the next round?
World Tag League 2022: Minoru Suzuki & Lance Archer VS Bad Luck Fale & Chase Owens!
The Meanest Man in the World and the Murderhawk Monster reunite to form perhaps the meanest team in this tournament! Will they show the Rogue General & Crown Jewel that #EverybodyDies? Or will things be just Too Sweet?
As always, Archer knocks a Young Lion over during his entrance. And fans are very excited that they can once again sing along with, “KAZE NI NARE~!” The teams sort out and Archer is calling out Fale! They get chest to chest and then back off for the bell. Fans are fired up already as Archer and Fale stare down. Archer pie faces Fale but Fale pie faces him back. Archer says, “You wanna go? You wanna go!?” Archer runs the ropes, RAMS Fale, but Fale doesn’t budge! Fans fire up more and Archer dares Fale to go. Fale says okay, and Fale runs, to RAM Archer! Archer stays up and the two circle. They RAM, RAM and run, to RAM!
Fans cheer as the two behemoths are still standing. Archer flips Fale off, then tags to Suzuki. Fans rally up for the King of Pancrase, and then Fale tags to Chase. Fans rally for the Texas Heavyweight Champion as he eggs Suzuki on. Suzuki grabs that finger to bend it! Chase knees Suzuki low and throws him out of the ring! Archer runs past Chase to BLAST Fale off the apron! Archer scares the ref, and the brawling continues outside. Chase CHOKES Suzuki against railing then throws body shots. Archer rams Fale into railing, Chase claws Suzuki’s face, and Chase puts Suzuki in the ring. Chase brings Suzuki up but Suzuki throws body shots!
Suzuki ROCKS Chase with a forearm and Chase bails out. Suzuki goes out to whip Chase into railing! Chase staggers around while Archer sends Fale into railing, and a Young Lion! Yuto Nakashima falls over, and Archer just steps on him! As if losing the curtain jerker wasn’t bad enough… Archer storms over to help Suzuki mug Chase! They pulls Chase’s hair and fishhook his face! But Fale runs over to throw big hands! Suzuki CLUBS Fale, Fale continues after Archer. Suzuki CLUBS Chase and puts him back on the apron, to CLUB him in the chest! Fans rally as Suzuki gets in the ring and storms up to Chase.
Archer sends Fale into railing while Chase resists the piledriver. Chase throws forearms but Suzuki just eggs him on! Fans rally, Chase runs but Suzuki BOOTS him down! Suzuki stands Chase up to DECK him with a forearm! Chase is dazed but Suzuki puts him in a corner. Suzuki whips corner to corner, runs in and BOOTS! Suzuki snapmares then runs to PENALTY KICK, but Chase blocks it! Chase stands up to ROCK Suzuki! Or not… Suzuki glares and Chase begs for forgiveness. Suzuki says no so Chase throws another forearm. Suzuki just grins! Chase boots but Suzuki DECKS him! Suzuki waits on Chase to get up as fans rally.
Chase stands in the corner, Suzuki runs in but Chase dodges! Chase forearm smashes, and then short arm LARIATS! Both men are down and fans rally back up. Tag to Fale and Fale throws body shots on Suzuki. Suzuki staggers to a corner, Fale runs in to SPLASH! Suzuki wobbles but Fale whips him corner to corner, for another SPLASH! Fale pushes Suzuki down and runs to drop a BIG elbow! Cover, TWO! Suzuki is still in this and fans rally up. But Fale takes aim as Suzuki stands. Choke grip, pull the pin, but Suzuki ROCKS Fale first! Suzuki grabs the arm and tries to wrangle Fale to the mat, but Fale scoops! Suzuki RANAS Fale down, into an ARMBAR!
Fale endures, kicks around, and gets the ROPEBREAK! Tag to Archer and fans fire up again. Archer throws a haymaker, runs corner to corner, and back elbows! Archer keeps moving, another back elbow! And then another! Fale wobbles, Archer choke grips, but Fale choke grips back! They fight for control as fans rally, but Archer breaks free! Archer gets around to LARIAT! Fale stays up, Archer reels him in! Fans fire up as Archer suplexes, but Fale throws body shots! Fale scoops, Archer slips off and shoves Fale to ropes! Archer clotheslines Fale out of the ring! The Murderhawk Monster says he’s gonna do it, and fans fire up!
Suzuki holds Fale in place but Chase goes after Suzuki. Archer builds speed, but Fale slides in to CLOBBER Archer! The behemoths are down and Chase tags in! Chase runs in at the corner, forearm smash, short arm LARIAT! But Archer stays up! Chase ducks his lariat to CHOP BLOCK! And C-TRIGGER! Archer stays up! Archer roars, Chase SUPERKICKS! And then C-TRIGGER! Cover, ONE??!! Chase is shocked but the fans are thunderous! Chase SOBATS, AX KICKS and ROLLING ELBOWS, but Archer choke grips! CHOKE- C-TRIGGER!! C-TRIGGER AGAIN! Chase fires up, reels Archer in to tuck him in, but Archer’s too big to lift!
Suzuki CLUBS Chase and kicks him to a corner. But Fale CLUBS Suzuki and sends him out. Fale keeps after Suzuki while Chase fires off a strike fest! Chase runs but Archer follows to LARIAT! Fans fire up with Archer as he hauls Chase up. BIG snap suplex! Archer storms over to Chase, hauls him up top, but Chase BOOTS back! Chase aims but Suzuki scrambles up after him! SLEEPER!! The ref reprimands but Archer DECKS Fale! Archer ROCKS Chase, Suzuki says, “KILL HIM!” Inverted crucifix, for the BLACKOUT BOMB!! Cover, Suzuki-Gun wins!
Winners: Minoru Suzuki & Lance Archer, by pinfall (gain 2 points; Chase & Fale earn 0)
A big first win for the monsters! And to celebrate the Suzuki way, Suzuki grabs a Young Lion and sets him up for Archer! Archer DECKS Ryohei Oiwa! Some prize for winning the curtain jerker… But will Archer & Suzuki make sure #EverybodyDies in the World Tag League? Will Bullet Club be able to turn things around next round?
NJPW has an announcement!
Fantastica Mania returns for 2023! NJPW and CMLL once again team up for a lucha libre de Japon crossover! From February 22 to 28th, it’ll be a fiesta as Mistico, Volador Jr., Titán, Soberano Jr., Dulce Gardenia, Rey Cometa, Ultimo Guerrero, Hechicero, Atlantis Jr., Templario, Barbaro Cavernario, Okumura, Magia Blanca, Suicida, and Hijo del Villano III all represent CMLL here in NJPW!
World Tag League 2022: Hirooki Goto & YOSHI-HASHI VS EVIL & Yujiro Takahashi!
#BISHAMON and the House of Torture are no strangers to each other, and they’re going to go around one more time on the road to the IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Championships. Will it be Lights Out for the King of Darkness and Tokyo Pimp? Or will Darkness Fall on the Fierce Warrior and Head Hunter?
The teams sort out, but Bishamon is ready for the sneak attack! They block the kicks and CLUB the legs! The bell rings and Hashi throws out Evil while Goto fires off on Yujiro. Bishamon double whip and double shoulder Yujiro over, then combine for the hip toss senton! Evil slides in but Bishamon scares him back out. Bishamon then catches Dick sliding in, and they DRUM him down! Fans fire up as Bishamon is in control. Goto stomps Yujiro, CLUBS him, then drags Yujiro up. Goto suplexes but Yujiro fight sit, and BITES Goto’s hand! Fans boo and the ref reprimands but Yujiro lets go. Yujiro then dodges Goto and pulls his hair, to bump him off bare buckles!
Fans boo more as the Bullet Club Special comes into play. Hashi runs in but Yujiro kicks him, to then send him into the bare buckles! Fans boo as Evil SMACKS Hashi with the blue buckle pad! Yujiro kicks Goto out, and RAMS him into railing! Evil RAMS Hashi into the timekeeper! Fans boo even more now that Abe-san is again Evil’s victim! Yujiro puts Goto in, stomps him around, then throws haymakers down. Yujiro sits Goto up and snapmares, then he runs to drop the leg, brother! Cover, TWO! Fans rally up while Yujiro drags Goto up. Yujiro whips Goto into the bare buckles again! Yujiro taunts Goto then kicks him around.
Yujiro digs his boot in at the ropes but the ref counts. Yujiro stops at 4 and tags in Evil. Evil drags Goto up and throws him out. Evil distracts the ref so that Dick can DECK Goto! Fans boo Dick but he puts Goto in the ring. Evil covers, TWO! Evil is annoyed, he covers again, TWO! And again, TWO!! Fans cheer while Dick complains about the count. Evil slaps Goto but Goto CHOPS Evil! And CHOPS and CHOPS! Evil knees low, whips, but Goto avoids the buckles! Goto baits Evil in and Evil hits bare buckles! And then Goto reels Evil in for a RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP! Both men are down and fans fire up!
Goto crawls to his corner, hot tag to Hashi! Hashi rallies on Evil, DECKS Yujiro, HOTSHOTS Dick, and runs in at the corner. Hashi CHOPS Evil, whips and CHOPS, then mule kicks and NECKBREAKERS! Yujiro gets in, kicks and whips Hashi but Hashi holds ropes. Yujiro runs in but into an elbow! Hashi puts Yujiro on the ropes to hang there, and then he runs side to side to DROPKICK Yujiro out onto Dick! Fans fire up with Hashi and he goes back to Evil. Hashi drags Evil up, reels him in, but Evil pulls hair! The ref reprimands and fans boo but Hashi CHOPS Evil! Hashi runs, but Evil uses the ref as a shield!
Evil kicks Hashi, puts him up on the ref, but the ref sets Hashi down! Hashi suplexes but Evil blocks. Evil fisherman’s for the BUSTER! Both men are down and fans fire up! Evil tags Yujiro and Yujiro drags Hashi up. Yujiro ROCKS Hashi, ROCKS him again, then throws elbows in the corner. The ref reprimands as Yujiro pulls hair. Yujiro whips corner to corner, but Hashi dropkicks Yujiro’s legs out! Fans rally back up, hot tag to Goto! Goto fires off on Yujiro, whips corner to corner, then runs in to MURAMASA! And BULLDOG! Cover, TWO! Fans rally for Goto and he drags Yujiro up. Goto fireman’s carries but Yujiro fights with elbows.
Yujiro BOOTS, runs, but Goto follows to LARIAT! Fans fire up and Goto roars! Yujiro goes to a corner, Goto runs in to clothesline! Hashi clotheslines! Then feed to the fireman’s carry, but Yujiro grabs the ref! Evil slides in to LOW BLOW Hashi! Goto swings but Yujiro uses the ref as a shield! The ref goes down, Dick gets in and he uses the SPOILER CHOKER!! Fans boo as Dick chokes Goto! But here comes YOH! Yoh fires off on Dick but then Sho shows up! Sho CLAWS Yoh’s eyes, and bumps him off the bare buckles! The fans tell Sho and Dick to go away, but the House of Torture all stomp Goto 4v1! But wait! Here comes LIO RUSH!
Sho kicks Lio, he and Dick double whip but Lio handsprings under the double lariat! Lio kicks Sho but Sho blocks. But Sho ducks the enziguri and it hits Dick! Lio then mule kicks Sho’s leg out to SPIN HEEL KICK! Evil & Yujiro mug Lio, they double whip, but Lio slides and tells ’em peace out! Evil & Yujiro turn around into DOUBLE SUPERKICKS! Yoh & Lio coordinate, Sho runs in, into 3K!! Lio has taken Sho’s place and fans are thunderous! Yoh & Lio drag Sho and Dick away, Hashi feeds Yujiro to Goto’s fireman’s carry! FIERCE FLASH, into SHOUTO!! Cover, Bishamon wins!!
Winners: Hirooki Goto & Yoshi-Hashi, by pinfall (gain 2 points; Evil & Yujiro earn 0)
The House of Torture keeps trying to stack the deck, but it keeps falling apart on them! Is it about time Evil and his cohorts stop with the tricks and try to do things fair and square? As for Goto & Hashi, will be able to they fight their way back to being IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Champions?
World Tag League 2022: Toru Yano & Hiroshi Tanahashi VS Aussie Open!
The Joker & The Ace are back together again, hoping to have a better hand this year than they did last year. But Mark Davis & Kyle Fletcher have the FTR seal of approval as the future of tag team wrestling! Will the future be now? Or will Yano & Tanahashi win with love, energy, and a bit of hijinks?
As with Catch 2/2 yesterday, the Orchestrator, Gideon Grey, is here to give the introductions for the United Empire’s representatives. Gideon even promises an ALL United Empire Finals! As for Yano & Tanahashi, they return as the high school bad boys! Black jackets, pompadours, and the squat! The teams sort out and there are plenty of Aussie Open fans here. But plenty of fans still cheer as Tanahashi shows off the muscles. Yano shouts, “SUGOI~!” Yano & Tanahashi squat again, daring someone from Aussie Open to step up. Davis & Fletcher just BOOT them down! The bell rings, Aussie Open whip but the Joker & Ace both hold the ropes to taunt them.
Aussie Open runs in but they’re sent out! And then Yano & Tanahashi squat again! Fans fire up while Aussie Open tries to figure this out. Fletcher wants just one of them, and Tanahashi stays in. Fans rally and Fletcher runs in. Tanahashi kicks Fletcher, throws forearms, then stomps him in the corner. Tanahashi whips but Fletcher reverses, only to run into another kick. Tanahashi goes up and CROSSBODIES! Fans fire up as Tanahashi squats again! Tag to Yano and fans fire up more! Yano calls out Fletcher but Fletcher asks, “Nan desu ka? <What is it?>” Fletcher tags to Davis and Yano gets worried now.
Yano and Davis circle, approach, and Yano dodges to go for the buckle pad! Davis CLUBS Yano, ROCKS him, then whips corner to corner. Yano reverses to send Davis away, so he can finish with the buckle pad! Yano has it off the corner, then he dodges Davis to throw the pad to Davis! The ref reprimands Davis but he says he didn’t do it! Yano SLAPS Davis, and says Davis is “Shabai,” a play off of “Yabai,” which means “Dangerous.” And speaking of, Yano turns around and Davis ROCKS him! Dangerous indeed! But Yano pulls Davis’ hair! The ref reprimands but Fletcher jumps in to pull Yano’s hair! The ref reprimands Fletcher, but Tanahashi jumps in to pull Fletcher’s hair!
And then Davis pulls Tanahashi’s hair! The ref reprimands everyone and tells them to stop! He counts, they all let go at 4! And ten Aussie Open throws Yano & Tanahashi out! Davis goes out after Yano, Fletcher goes out after Tanahashi. Davis RAMS Yano into railing, then into more railing! Fletcher does the same to Tanahashi, and then Aussie Open DOUBLE APRON BACK SUPLEX! Fans are torn while Aussie Open throws the crowns up. The ring count starts, Davis puts Yano in at 6 of 20 and he regroups with Fletcher. They drag Yano up to double whip and DOUBLE CHOP! Fletcher PENALTY KICKS, Davis SENTONS! Cover, TWO!
Fans rally up and Davis mocks the squat. Davis stomps Yano around, CLUBS him with crossface forearms, then kneels on his head while throwing up the crown. Fans are torn but Davis taunts Tanahashi. The ref keeps Tanahashi back, Davis and Fletcher stomp Yano at the ropes. Fletcher mocks the Yano shrug then tags in. Fans rally up and Fletcher wonders which is louder. Fletcher brings Yano up, scoops him, and SLAMS him! Fletcher mockingly applauds, then cocky covers, TWO! Fletcher says that was close. Tag to Davis and Aussie Open mugs Yano in the corner. Davis stomps Yano down, but the ref counts.
Davis digs his boot in, and so does Fletcher! The ref is busy with an angry Tanahashi and Aussie Open gets away with it. Davis drags Yano to a cover, TWO! Fans rally up but Davis clamps onto Yano with an armlock. Yano endures as Davis wrenches the arm, and he scoots back to the ROPEBREAK! Davis lets off at 4, taunts Tanahashi, then tags Fletcher. Fletcher mocks the fans rallying for The Ace, and Fletcher drags Yano up. Yano throws body shots! Fletcher CLUBS and CLUBS and CLUBS Yano! But Yano pulls hair! Fletcher kicks, whips, but Yano reverses to throw Fletcher down by his hair! Fans fire up as both men stir!
Yano crawls, hot tag to Tanahashi! The Ace rallies on Aussie Open! Tanahashi dodges Fletcher to fire off a strike fest! Tanahashi whips, Fletcher reverses but Tanahashi FLYING FOREARMS! Davis rushes in and kicks low. Davis CLUBS Tanahashi, he and Fletcher double whip. Tanahashi kicks Fletcher away and blocks Davis’ kick! DRAGON SCREW! Fletcher kicks, but gets a DRAGON SCREW, too! Fans fire up with Tanahashi while Fletcher clutches his leg. Fletcher stands, Tanahashi runs, but Fletcher avoids the slingblade! Fletcher throws forearms and a CHOP! Fletcher then suplexes, but Tanahashi fights that!
Tanahashi facelocks Fletcher but Fletcher wrenches out, gets around, and HALF ‘N’ HALF SUPLEXES! Fans rally for Aussie Open and Fletcher nods. Tag to Davis and Aussie Open drags Tanahashi up. They double wrench, double forearm, and then Davis barks and runs. But Yano trips him up! Tanahashi fights off Fletcher to TWIST ‘N’ SHOUT! Tanahashi crawls, hot tag to Yano! Yano runs in after Davis but Davis kicks low! Davis whips Yano to a corner, but Yano dodges! Davis hits buckles, Yano rolls him up! TWO!! Yano fires up and runs, but Fletcher trips him up! Davis drags Yano up as Fletcher gets in.
Fletcher points to the bare corner, Aussie Open whips Yano in! Yano hits bare buckles, but then he avoids Fletcher! Fletcher hits bare buckles, Yano atomic drops Davis and trips him! CATAPULT! Davis hits bare buckles! Tanahashi runs in to SLINGBLADE! Yano hurries to cover, but Fletcher breaks it! Fans rally as Tanahashi throws Fletcher out. Tanahashi tells Yano to finish this, as he PLANCHAS! But Fletcher dodges! Tanahashi crashes down, and Davis ENZIGURIS Yano! Davis hauls Yano up, scoops him and SLAMS him, to SENTON! Cover, TWO!! Yano is still in this and fans fire up! Davis snarls and he calls Fletcher in.
Davis fireman’s carries, Fletcher aims, but Tanahashi saves Yano! Fletcher kicks Tanahashi, feeds him to Davis, but Tanahashi throws elbows! Tanahashi is free, and he shoves Davis into Fletcher! The Joker & The Ace both roll up Aussie Open! Double covers, TWO!!! Both Yano & Tanahashi argue with the ref but two is two is two! The bad boy side comes out as they DUMP the ref down! But then Aussie Open pick them both up to SANDWICH them! DOUBLE SUPERKICKS for Tanahashi! Aussie Open hauls Yano up, fireman’s carry, POP-UP KICK! Cover, TWO?!?! Yano survives and shocks everyone!
Aussie Open fires up, Fletcher tags back in, and Aussie Open aim from opposite corners. They run in, DOUBLE LARIAT SANDWICH! And then, they double pump handle, for COREALIS!!! Cover, Aussie Open wins!!
Winners: Aussie Open, by pinfall (gain 2 points; Yano & Tanahashi earn 0)
And that is why they have the FTR seal of approval! Will Davis & Fletcher solidify themselves as the future of tag team wrestling by winning World Tag League? Or can Tanahashi & Yano make up for this in the following rounds?
World Tag League 2022: Tetsuya Naito & SANADA VS Aaron Henare & Great-O-Khan!
Los Ingobernables de Japon’s Uncontrollable Charisma & Cold Skull have been IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Championships before, but that was already over a year ago. Naito is running out of time and out of options, can he and Sanada make it through the tournament to go to WrestleKingdom 17? Or will the Ultimate Weapon and the Dominator ruin those chances already?
Gideon Grey of course hangs around from just last match to give the other United Empire team their introductions. The teams sort out and fans duel already between Naito and Great-O-Khan. Naito takes his time with his entrance attire as always, and LIJ fist bumps. But then Naito brings out a copy of Khan’s book? He wants Khan to sign it? Well, he is a real-life hero… Fans want Khan to sign it, too, but Khan tells Naito he’s not going to! Fans still want him to sign, and Naito keeps asking. Khan says he will sign, only if Naito kneels! Naito kneels!? Khan likes that. Khan takes the book and pen, and he signs his autograph!
Khan throws the pan aside, but struggles to put the sleeve back in place on the book. Khan shows that it’s legit, and wants Naito to relax since he’s so star struck. Naito anxiously waits to be given the book back. Fans cheer, the bell rings, and Naito trips Kahn! High stack, TWO!! Khan flounders up, into a roll-up! TWO!! Khan kicks and Mongolian Chops Naito down! Khan grabs the book, and he stomps Naito down. Khan says he’ll make Naito regret that, and he headlocks Naito with the book in place! Naito endures, fights up, and he pulls Khan’s ponytail! Red Shoes reprimands but Naito reels Khan in to kick.
Naito whips Khan, but Khan holds onto the book! It’s a tug-o-war with the book! Naito kicks low, throws Khan out then builds speed, to tranquilo! Naito reads the book! Fans rally for Naito while Khan snarls. Naito says the book is only okay. Khan glares at Naito, and Naito THROWS the book! Khan scrambles in to get the book! Naito tells Khan to calm down. Khan says Naito doesn’t deserve the book, and he keeps the copy in his corner. Tag to Sanada and Henare and fans rally as they circle. They feel things out, knuckle lock, but Henare still throws kicks. Henare and Sanada tie collar ‘n’ elbow, and Sanada waistlocks.
Henare wrenches out to facelock, then he fires hands to put Sanada on the ropes. Henare headlocks and grinds but Sanada endures. Sanada throws body shots, powers out, but Henare runs him over. Fans fire up as Henare flexes the pecs. Things speed up, Sanada dodges and sunset flips, but Henare rolls through to get the legs. Fans fire up as Henare works out how to do the Paradise Lock! Henare can’t figure it out so he just toeholds. Henare asks Milano Collection how to do it! The instructions aren’t clear and he gets upset! Khan asks Milano but Sanada CLUBS Henare! Sanada puts Henare in a corner, whips him corner to corner, then RANAS!
Sanada rolls and he gets the legs! Sanada goes to tie Henare up in Paradise but Henare boots him away! Fans fire up as Sanada kips up and DROPKICKS Henare down! Sanada tags Naito, they bring Henare up and double whip to double hip toss! Naito then camel clutches Henare for Sanada to basement dropkick him! Cocky cover, ONE! Naito keeps cool and fans rally up. Naito drags Henare up, cravats, but Henare throws body shots. Naito CLUBS Henare again and again, but Henare just snarls! Henare swings, but into a spin! Naito goes to scoop but Henare scoops first! Naito slips off and shoves Henare to ropes, then he dodges, but Henare hits a THESZ PRESS!
Khan runs in to BLAST Sanada off the apron. Khan goes out after Sanada while Henare looms over Naito. Henare throws knees into Naito and dumps him out of the ring. Khan CHOKES Sanada with a microphone cord, and Sanada’s coughs can be heard on the speakers. Henare drags Naito up on the apron and has him against the ropes. Henare gives Naito BEATS OF THE BODHRAIN! Naito falls over at about five, so Henare stands on him while tagging in Khan. Khan looms over Naito, talks some trash, and stands on Naito’s face. Red Shoes counts and Khan lets off. Khan drags Naito up to CHOKE him with the ponytail!
Khan keeps Red Shoes from seeing but fans boo. Henare get in to mug Naito with body shots, then Khan whips Naito into the corner. Khan hops up to sit on his throne! Gideon laughs but Naito grabs for Khan’s ponytail. Khan stomps Naito by pulling his arms back for the reverse motorcycle stretch! Red Shoes counts, but Henare runs into KNEE Naito in the back! Khan pushes Naito down for a cradle, TWO! Fans rally up for Naito but Khan tags Henare. Khan stands on Naito’s legs to keep him down, and Henare stomps Naito on the back. Red Shoes reprimands but Henare drags Naito up. Henare clinches to throw knees, then he snapmares and KICKS Naito, for a SENTON! Cover, TWO!
Fans rally for Naito more but Henare drags him up again. Henare HEADBUTTS Naito to the corner, throws body shots, and Khan likes how sharp they are. Tag to Khan, he stands Naito up and Henare holds him in place. Khan taunts Sanada, then Mongolian Chops Naito! And again! Khan drags Naito out to Mongolian Chop him down! Cover, but Red Shoes sees the sneaky choke. Khan says that’s not a choke. Naito pulls ponytail but Khan stomps him down. Gideon gives Khan the book, and Khan stomps Naito down. Khan tells Naito to kiss the book! Naito pushes up against Khan’s iron fist! Naito throws the book out of the ring!!
Khan is furious and he fires off on Naito! Khan ROCKS Naito at the ropes, whips him, but Naito reverses to elbow! Khan rushes in but into a spin and turn. Khan fights the neckbreaker, runs, but into a SHOTGUN BOOT! Fans fire up while both men are down! Naito and Khan crawl, Khan tries to stop Naito but Naito tags Sanada! Sanada brings Khan up and fires off forearms. Sanada whips, Khan reverses but Sanada dropkicks the legs out! Henare runs in but into a dropkick! Sanada dropkicks Khan! Fans fire up and Sanada encourages them to get louder. The fans get louder and Sanada storms up to Khan.
Sanada drags Khan up but Khan Mongolian Chops! But Sanada blocks! And blocks again! Sanada uses Mongolian Chops! Sanada trips Khan, and SWINGS him around! Fans fire up seeing the Giant Swing! Sanada lets off at about seven, and he dizzily staggers around! Henare ROCKS Sanada with a right, and Sanada falls onto Khan’s groin!! Red Shoes reprimands Henare but he points out the Falling Skull! Khan sputters and falls out of the ring! Gideon fans him off, and Sanada sits up, having no idea what just happened. Sanada aims at Khan, but Khan avoids the plancha! Khan stands up, Sanada slingshots, but Henare trips him up!
Henare throws Sanada back in for Khan to whip! SAYANAGI! Fans fire up while both men are down. Khan drags Sanada up and puts him in the HITSUJIGOROSHI! Sanada endures the Sheep Killer, but Naito runs in! Khan scoops Sanada to swing him into Naito! Henare gets in to help Khan with FUBUKI!! Sanada endures being thrashed around, into MARINE!! Cover, TWO!! But Khan sits Sanada up for Henare’s PENALTY KICK! Cover, TWO!! Sanada survives again and fans fire up! Henare & Khan drag Sanada up and whip him corner to corner. Khan whips Henare in but Sanada avoids the knee! Sanada dropkicks Khan’s legs out!
Sanada RANAS- NO, Henare blocks the huricanrana! Henare swings Sanada up, but Sanada RANAS on the second try! Fans fire up as Sanada crawls for his corner, hot tag to Naito! Naito drags Khan up by the ponytail, and he CLUBS away! Naito whips, ELBOWS, then runs to basement dropkick! Fans rally as Naito brings Khan back up to whip to a corner. Naito runs in, JUMP KICK, leg sweep, COMBI- NO! No combination! EXPLODER from Khan! Both men are down and fans duel as Khan tags Henare! Henare roars and drags Naito up. Henare ROCKS Naito with big shots, then fires off in the corner!
Henare whips Naito corner to corner but Naito reverses. Naito runs in but into an elbow! Henare goes up but Naito ducks the flying kick! Naito spins Henare around to throw ELBOW after ELBOW! Henare wobbles but he throws a body shot! Henare whips, Naito reverses, Sanada kicks Henare into the atomic drop! ENZIGURI to BIG back suplex! Rolling jackknife, TWO!! Fans fire up as Henare survives the LIJ combination! Naito drags Henare up and puts him in a corner. Naito throws ELBOW after ELBOW, then he hoists Henare up top. Naito climbs up but Henare hops down! Henare carries Naito out of the corner but Naito fights free!
Naito kicks and uses ropes, but Henare blocks the tornado! Henare suplexes Naito but Naito tries to cradle! Henare throws Naito away, blocks a kick, and step-over WHEEL KICKS! Henare runs to PENALTY KICK! Henare then whips Naito to tilt-o-whirl scoop, BERSERKER BOMB! Cover, Sanada breaks it! Khan BOOTS Sanada down! Fans fire up as Khan coaches Henare up. The Empire roar and flex, and they storm over to Naito. Khan whips Naito corner to corner, runs in and clotheslines! Henare runs in to SHINING WIZARD! Feed to Khan’s scoop, ASSISTED POWERBOMB!! Cover, Sanada breaks it in time!!
Khan HELL STABS Sanada down! Fans rally hard as ever for Naito as Khan drags him up. Khan & Henare coordinate. Henare fireman’s carries Naito and Khan runs, but Sanada trips Khan up! Naito hits DESTINO outta nowhere!! Cover, TWO!! Henare survives and both men are down again! Fans are thunderous as Naito slowly rises. Naito fires up and he brings Henare up. Naito wrenches but Henare elbows! So Naito ELBOWS and ELBOWS! Henare ducks to KICK and KICK! Naito blocks but the KNEE takes him down! Sanada runs in but Henare body shots, ELBOWS and KEEL KICKS!
Fans fire up as we hit the 20 minute mark! Naito runs in, into a RAMPAGE!! Henare roars, he staggers about, but he throws up the crown. Naito stirs and Henare watches him. Henare stalks up behind Naito, ULTIMA FULL NELSON! Naito endures and flails around! Red Shoes checks with Naito as he starts fading! Henare leans on the hold, Naito keeps reaching out, and Naito gets a second wind! But Khan creeps in! He pushes Red Shoes down!! Khan signals to his throat, but Naito ducks the GREEN MIST!!! Henare gets a face full of it!! Sanada hops in to TOSS Khan out, and PLANCHA! Henare swings blindly and fans fire up for Naito!
Sanada fires off forearms and a ROLLING ELBOW on Henare! Sanada gives Naito an assist in the TORNADO DDT! Henare staggers up, into DESTINO!!! Cover, LIJ wins!!
Winners: Tetsuya Naito & Sanada, by pinfall (gain 2 points; Khan & Henare earn 0)
The Empire thought they had it with that trick borrowed from The Great Muta, but it backfired! Are their hopes of an ALL United Empire finals already in jeopardy? Gideon taunts Naito with the book, not wanting to let him have it back. But then Bushi sneaks up behind and holds Gideon in place! Naito snatches the book back, then BOPS Gideon with it!
As for LIJ, with Bushi, Titan and Hiromu now present, Shingo Takagi hops off commentary to join them in the ring. Naito of course gets the mic to say, “Buenas noches, Korakuen Hall~!” Fans cheer for “NA-I-TO!” while the rest of LIJ each get a corner. Naito notes that “yesterday, the tag leagues began, starting with Super Jr. Tag League, and World Tag League today. I know all the boys in the back feel this way: wrestling for cheering fans is fun as hell!” Fans cheer because they agree! Naito thanks all of the fans who came here the last couple days and created that atmosphere, “Gracias, amigos!”
Naito continues with, “We’re just one round into the Super Jr. Tag and World Tag Leagues. We’ll take this on the road, touring the country for the next three weeks. Everyone, please enjoy the best tag wrestling NJPW can provide. By the way, since we have cheering here today at Korakuen, and who’s holding the mic at the end? None other than Naito. You guys know where this is going, right? It’s been three years and two months since we’ve done this at Korakuen Hall. Everyone, are you ready to roll call together?” They sure are! “The only right way to close out this World Tag League in Korakuen Hall…
“Bushi! Sanada! Hiromu! Takagi! Titan! Y Naito! NOSOTROS! Los INGOBERRRRRRNABLEEEES~! DE! JA! PON!” Fans cheer finally getting to enjoy that to the fullest, but will LIJ keep winning so fans can enjoy it again and again?
Here are the World Tag League standings!
The Mighty: 1-0, 2 points
Suzuki & Archer: 1-0, 2 points
Goto & Hashi: 1-0, 2 points
Aussie Open: 1-0, 2 points
Naito & Sanada: 1-0, 2 points
Khan & Henare: 0-1, 0 points
Yano & Tanahashi: 0-1, 0 points
Evil & Yujiro: 0-1, 2 points
Coughlin & Kidd: 0-1, 0 points
Chase & Fale: 0-1, 0 points
My Thoughts:
A great World Tag League opener to follow the great Super Jr. Tag League opener. And we also got some good stuff out of the non-tournament matches. I loved seeing that we got back-to-back double count-out draws in LIJ VS Suzuki-Gun, with it all centering around Takagi and Taichi. I feel that is going to be our KOPW 2022 match-up at WrestleKingdom 17, with perhaps a No Count Out stipulation as the baseline for whatever those two can come up with. With as great of a job as Takagi has done with making the KOPW more serious in its competitiveness, I think he retains.
For that matter, I feel like LIJ could come out of WK 17 with tons of prizes. Hiromu could win the IWGP Junior Heavyweight title back in that Fatal 4 Way with Desperado, Taiji & Wato. Bushi & Titan may have lost to open Super Jr. Tag League, but they could easily turn that around to win the tournament and beat Catch 2/2. And after a great main event against Khan & Henare, I feel like Naito & Sanada have a great chance at taking WTL. Naito’s only avenue to WrestleKingdom is the heavyweight tag titles, so I would hope they give him that. Of course, in terms of who they face in the finals, I feel like Aussie Open gets that nod after a great win over Yano & Tanahashi tonight.
My Score: 8.6/10
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IF YA SMELLALALALALALA~…!
As Cody Rhodes teams with Damian Priest & Braun Strowman against Solo Sikoa’s Bloodline, FINALLY, The Rock has come back to SmackDown!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Drew McIntyre VS Jimmy Uso; Jimmy wins.
- The Miz & Carmelo Hayes VS R-Truth & LA Knight; Miz & Melo win.
- Tiffany Stratton VS Candice LeRae w/ Nia Jax; Tiff wins.
- Naomi w/ Bianca Belair VS Liv Morgan w/ Raquel Rodriguez; No Contest.
- WWE Tag Team Championships: #DIY VS Pretty Deadly; Pretty Deadly wins, by disqualification, and DIY retain the titles.
- Six Man Tag: Cody Rhodes, Damian Priest & Braun Strowman VS Solo Sikoa, Jacob Fatu & Tama Tonga; changed to…
- Damian Priest & Braun Strowman VS Solo Sikoa & Jacob Fatu w/ Tama Tonga; Priest & Braun win.
PLAY BY PLAY
Cody Rhodes talks with Nick Aldis backstage.
They shake hands, but the SmackDown General Manager tells the WWE Champion there’s been a change: Cody’s out of the Six Man Tag match. What? Why would Aldis do that? It is out of Aldis’s hands. Wait, Solo Sikoa shows up to do what he did, but they can’t do the Six Man Tag that they advertised? How is this out of Aldis’s hands? Who do they need to talk to so they can do the match? Aldis says there’s no one either of them can call, if you smell what’s cooking. This is coming from The Final Boss, and The Final Boss wants to see Cody in the ring tonight. What business could The Great One have with The American Nightmare?
Drew McIntyre VS Jimmy Uso!
The Scottish Terminator rubbed it in Big Jim’s face that only one of them is going to Elimination Chamber in Toronto, which Big Jim was able to brush off. But McIntyre harping on how only one Uso is going to WrestleMania was a step too far. These two look to have it out, but is Jimmy just playing into McIntyre’s hands? Or will McIntyre get embarrassed by “the other Uso” this close to that big time match?
Speaking of, Jimmy has a message for Drew as he heads to gorilla. “Everybody know you’re going to Elimination Chamber, right? But Big Jimmy got a question for the Big Easy: Will Drew go onto the Elimination Chamber and win that? Will Drew go onto WrestleMania and win that? Ey, Drew, I think we got an answer for you, Uce. The answer is…” “NO YEET!” Jimmy makes his entrance, the bell rings, and the fans rally behind Jimmy. Jimmy and Drew jaw, and then Drew raises his hands, to say UP YOURS! But Jimmy ROCKS and CHOPS away! Drew puts Jimmy in a corner, Jimmy dodges to CHOP!
Jimmy climbs and he rains down fists! The fans count, Drew dumps Jimmy tot eh apron at 5, but Jimmy GAMANGIRIS! Jimmy goes up, CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO! Jimmy hurries to CHOP, then he whips. Drew reverses to send Jimmy to the corner. Jimmy BOOTS back, goes up, and leaps, but into a clinch! OVERHEAD BELLY2BELLY! Jimmy flounders to a corner, Drew runs up to SPLASH and OVERHEAD BELLY2BELLY! Jimmy flounders again, the ref has Drew hold on, and Jimmy bails out. Drew storms out to get Jimmy and he whips Jimmy HARD into barrier! The fans boo but Drew looms over Jimmy.
The ring count starts, Drew mockingly calls him “Jey,” then puts Jimmy in the ring. Drew says NO MANIA for Jimmy. Drew stands Jimmy up, ROCKS him, then runs up, only for Jimmy to put him on the apron! Drew blocks a superkick, but not the DRAGON WHIP! Drew drops, Jimmy DIVES! Down goes Drew and the fans fire up! Jimmy grins, goes back to the apron, and then aims. But Drew stops the Penalty Kick to THROW Jimmy down! Drew then has Jimmy in the Reverse Alabama Lift! REVERSE ALABAMA SLAM onto the steel steps! Drew stands on the desk to say “NO YEET!” while SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Drew revels in the heat from New Orleans, then he leaves Jimmy behind. The ref checks Jimmy, he’s able to continue, so a ring count starts. Drew paces while Jimmy stirs. Jimmy drags himself up using the desk, then lunges in at 9! Drew is annoyed but he rains down fists! Drew stomps Jimmy, then eggs him on. Jimmy rises as the fans rally, but Drew is right on him in the corner. Drew winds up, but Jimmy counter punches! And CHOPS! And CHOPS! And whips, only for Drew to reverses. Jimmy goes up, but Drew KICKS him out of the air! Drew then hauls Jimmy up, snap suplex! Cover, TWO!
Drew says okay, Big Jim. He clamps onto Jimmy with a top wristlock and grinds the arm. Jimmy fights up, fireman’s carries, but Drew elbows free. Drew bumps Jimmy off buckles, then hauls him up to the top rope! Drew CLUBS Jimmy on the back, climbs up, then CLUBS Jimmy more. Jimmy fires elbows and Drew drops back. But Drew runs up to CLUB Jimmy again! SmackDown returns to single picture as Drew CLUBS away on Jimmy again! Jimmy keeps taunting “Jey,” then drags him up. Jimmy fights the back suplex! The fans rally, Jimmy fires hands and a HEADBUTT! Jimmy SMACKS Drew off the post!
Jimmy rises to USO IN THE WIND! Down goes Drew and the fans fire up! A standing count starts while both men stir on the mat. They both stand at 5, and Drew swings! Jimmy counter punches, then fires more shots! Mule kick, UPPERCUT, but then Jimmy dodges Drew! SAMOAN DROP! Cover, TWO! Drew is tougher than that, but Jimmy hurries to a corner. Jimmy aims as Drew goes to the other corner, “UCE! OH! UCE! OH!” Jimmy runs, but Drew FLYING HEADBUTTS! The Glasgow Kiss stuns Jimmy, and Drew hits a SPINEBUSTER! Jackknife bridge, TWO! Jimmy shows his own toughness, and the fans rally behind him.
Drew paces, then he stalks Jimmy. Drew stands Jimmy up, reels him in, but Jimmy fights the underhooks! Jimmy wrenches, UPPERCUTS, but Drew ROCKS Jimmy back! Jimmy UPPERCUTS, Drew HAYMAKERS! Drew whips, Jimmy reverses and Drew ends up on the apron! Drew ROCKS Jimmy first, then climbs the corner! FLYING- SUPERKICK! Jimmy runs to SPEAR! Cover, TWO!! Drew survives, Jimmy’s spear doesn’t hit quite like The Tribal Chief’s. Jimmy goes to the corner, climbs up, and the fans rally up. USO- NO, Jimmy rolls through as Drew moves! Drew dodges a lariat to NECKBREAKER!
Both men are down, the fans rally, and Drew kips up! Drew scowls as he aims at Jimmy. “THREE! TWO! ONE!” CLAY- SUPERKICK!! Jimmy hits first! GLASGOW KISS returns! Drew reels Jimmy in, “This is your WrestleMania! This is as close as you get!” Drew shouts Jimmy is nothing, then ROCKS him with forearm after forearm! GLASGOW KISS! Another Reverse Alabama, but Jimmy victory rolls it! JIMMY WINS!!!
Winner: Jimmy Uso, by pinfall
Drew is furious, but his own ego caught him there! But then Drew CLOBBERS Jimmy! The fans boo Drew being a sore loser, but he puts Jimmy back in the ring! Drew rains down fists, then he DRIBBLES Jimmy off the mat! The ref reprimands, the fans boo, but Drew says that was Jimmy’s Mania Moment! Drew will win the Chamber, he will go to Mania, and he will win there! Jimmy means NOTHING to Drew! Drew puts Jimmy up against the post, then takes aim! The fans boo, but refs and producers rush out here! They swarm Drew to keep him from going after Jimmy again. Drew says fine, fine, then takes his leave.
Producers help Jimmy to his feet, but then Drew BLASTS through the refs! CLAYMORE for Jimmy!! The Scottish Terminator hits his target, then laughs as he actually leaves. Will McIntyre make this his Road to WrestleMania?
A car pulls into the parking lot.
And out steps Solo Sikoa. Solo heads inside, and he finds Jacob Fatu & Tama Tonga waiting. Solo tells them that last week with Tama, that was an accident. Jacob says yeah, it’s all good, Uce. But keep it 100: If it wasn’t an accident, Solo wouldn’t be standing here right now. Well, good! Glad to see we’re all on the same page. Solo says he will be in the corner during the match for Jacob & Tama. Uh, no, Solo, no disrespect, but Jacob & Tama have been running things on SmackDown these past couple weeks. So tonight, it’s Jacob & Solo running the play? Yadada mean? Yeah, of course. And that right there, Jacob, is exactly why Solo loves him.
Solo says he’ll be back, he has to talk with Nick Aldis. Solo heads out, but will he really just step right back into place from before he lost the ula fala?
Carmelo Hayes is backstage.
R-Truth calls out to Melo, and says for the first time ever, Truth VS Melo! What’s Truth talking about? Duh, they have a match. No, Truth, Melo knows. But they had a match last week. Truth says he has never met Melo in his life, but they have a tag match tonight. What? No, they don’t. Who even made this match? Him. Truth, they are not going through this H1M who’s on first thing again. Melo is H1M. No, him made the match. The Miz!? Miz says he’s H1M. So now there’s two of you? No no no! Melo is H1M, this is The Miz! Yeah, #MeloDon’tMiz! NO! That’s not a thing! Tonight, they are. Who’s Truth’s partner?
Truth says he’s got a guy. A Louisiana legend! In fact, he just got here, so Truth’s gotta go. Laters. Miz says he has been workshopping this, and the fans love it. Think about it: Melo Don’t Miz! Melo Don’t Miz! And we are…! Melo shakes his head. Truth steps in and says Miz just wants Melo to say, “Awesome.” Miz offers a fist bump, Melo says no. Will Melo wish he had missed tonight’s show? Or will Miz actually help H1M get another win?
Zelina Vega speaks.
“My whole life, people have taken one look at me, and they try to define me. My size has never stopped me before. It never stopped me from becoming tag team champion. Or my personal favorite, the history-making first-time-ever Queen of the Ring. That’s me. Make no mistake about it, I’ve never had it easy. I had to scratch and claw to get anything around here. But this is a fresh start. Because I have something to prove. And my dreams are a lot bigger than your measuring stick. It ain’t over until Zelina Vega says it’s over.”
The Miz & Carmelo Hayes VS R-Truth & ???
Miz makes his entrance but Melo kinda steps all over it. So he already missed his cue… But who did Truth find to team with him in the Big Easy? We’ll see, after the break.
SmackDown returns and Truth makes his entrance. “What’s up?” Well, more like who is his partner? He’ll tell us! His tag team partner is a local legend, born and bred right here in New Orleans! Ladies and gentlemen, welcome Louisiana Knight! Wait, he means L A Knight! Yes, Louisiana abbreviated is LA, but that’s not… Oh, Truth… Truth gives Knight a Po’ Boy and some Mardi Gras beads, so Knight embraces it. The teams sort out, and Truth calls out him! Does he mean Miz or Melo? Well, Melo says he is H1M, so that’s who starts. The fans cheer on Knight while Truth and Melo tie up. Melo KNEES low, whips, but Truth reverses.
Melo springboards, FADEAWAY JUMPER! Melo makes his free throw, but Truth drop toeholds! Truth headlocks, Melo powers up and out but Truth whips! Melo turns hip toss into lateral press, TWO! Truth has a ghost pin, TWO! Melo trips to cover, ONE! Truth trips to cover, ONE! Melo runs up, Truth does the splits, and then hits a BIG hip toss! The fans fire up, Truth counts, Melo gets up at TWO, but Truth was just goofing. The ref explains to Truth that he is the ref, not Truth! Melo is annoyed, he runs up on Truth, but Truth wrenches him around! Melo pulls hair but Knight tags in. The fans fire up as Knight fires hands!
Knight ROCKS Melo, whips Melo, but Melo reverses! SWINGING NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Knight drags Melo up to tag Truth back in, and Truth ROCKS Melo! Melo staggers, but he refuses to tag! Truth arm-drags Melo, then grinds the arm. Melo insists he’s got this, then arm-drags free. Truth staggers up, he and Melo bump heads! Truth staggers around more, and he tags Miz?! Truth forgot The Awesome Truth isn’t a thing anymore! Again! Melo BLASTS Truth off the apron, the fans boo, but Miz tags himself in! Melo is annoyed, but Miz goes to fetch Truth while SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns again, and Melo has Truth. Truth ROCKS Melo, but Melo holds onto the wristlock! Truth reaches for Knight, Knight reaches for Truth, but Melo holds on. Truth takes a swing, but into an O’Conner Roll! TWO and Melo BLASTS Knight! Truth rolls Melo up, TWO! Melo kicks low, calls his shot, but Truth suplexes for a STUNNER! The fans fire up while both men are down! Truth and Melo crawl, hot tags to Miz and Knight! The fans fire up as Knight rallies on Miz! “YEAH! YEAH!” Knight whips, Miz reverses, but Knight lEAPING LARIATS! Knight TOSSES Melo in for good measure!
Knight stomps a mudhole into Melo, “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” LARIAT for Miz! KNEE for Melo! Knight scoops and POWERSLAMS Miz! Knight keeps running, JUMP ELBOW DROP! Cover, TWO! Knight stays on Miz as he brings Miz up. Knight ROCKS Miz, then ROCKS him again! Knight whips, Miz grabs the ropes. Miz KICKS, then takes a swing, but into a back suplex! Miz lands out, tag to Melo! Miz ELBOWS Knight, but Knight scoops! Miz tilt-o-whirls through, Melo SUPERKICKS Knight down! cover, TWO! Knight stays in this but Melo says he’s got this! Melo waits on Knight, then leaps, but NO 48!
Knight kicks low, but NO B F T! Tag to Truth! Knight ELBOWS Melo, Truth runs in! CENA SHOULDER TACKLES! Then the SPIN OUT BOMB! Truth says it’s time! “YOU CANT SEE ME~!” truth runs for the FIVE KNCUKLE SHUFFLE! Truth then fireman’s carries, but Melo slips free! Melo shoves, Truth dodges, and Truth hits the LIE DETECTOR! Truth then gets Melo in the S T R-TRUTH! But Miz CLOBBERS Truth! Knight ROCKS Miz, then LARIATS him up and out! Knight then goes out to THROW Miz into barriers! The fans fire up again, but NAKAMURA ATTACKS KNIGHT!
The fans boo, but the sinister samurai then POSTS Knight!! Nakamura slithers away while Melo keeps the ref’s attention! Truth sees Knight is down, Melo runs up, but Truth dodges! Miz tags in, full nelson, and a FIRST 48 FINALE COMBO?!? Cover, Miz & Melo win!!
Winners: The Miz & Carmelo Hayes, by pinfall
Well, what do you know? Nakamura aside, Miz and Melo made it work! Okay, they’re both trying to hog the spotlight, but is there a future for Melo Don’t Miz? Will Knight only have more of a reason to take that title off Nakamura now?
Charlotte Flair speaks.
“The GOAT… doesn’t have to call themselves The GOAT. Now, I have crafted a legacy that no one, I mean no one, can touch. And I’m back.” The Women’s Royal Rumble Winner chose Tiffany Stratton, but will The Queen take back her throne? Or will WWE always be on #TiffyTime? Speaking of…
Tiffany Stratton VS Candice LeRae!
The WWE Women’s Champion may have gotten past Nia Jax, but now she knows Charlotte Flair is waiting for her at WrestleMania, and is going to be teaming with Trish Stratus in Toronto! Will she be in Tiffy Top Shape for that Tiffy Trishy dream match? Or will the Poison Pixie be quite the problem all on her own?
Before the match, Tiff grabs a mic while the fans cheer. Tiffy says, “I know, I know. You know it, you know it, and you know it. Ever since I won this title, everybody’s just been so obsessed with me. And last week, I had Nia Jax beat, until Candice LeRae decided to interfere and help her little meal ticket. And at Elimination Chamber, Trish Stratus and I make sure the Unstoppable Force comes to a definitive end!” The fans cheer that, but Tiff says enough about them. Let’s talk Charlotte Flair. The fans boo that name, but Tiff says Charlotte took her sweet old time, grabbed a chair, grabbed a mic, and she looked down on Tiff.
Charlotte chose Tiff as her WrestleMania opponent. In that moment, Tiff’s dream came true! And as she lied down there and looked up at Charlotte, she realized the rumors are true: No one loves to kick a girl when she’s down quite like Charlotte Flair. So at WrestleMania, Tiff isn’t coming for Charlotte’s legacy; that’s all Charlotte’s. Tiff is coming for the spot Charlotte desires the most: The number one spot as the top girl in the WWE! But here comes Nia & Candice to interrupt. Nia has a mic to tell Tiffy, “I Have to say, this is really cute. Like, it’s really cute that you actually think you were gonna beat me last week.”
Doesn’t Candice think that is cute? Candice says yes, it is so~ cute. And Tiff wouldn’t even be standing there if not for little Trish Stratus~. Exactly! And it’s even cuter that Tiff is out here talking about Charlotte when she wont’ even see WrestleMania! Because after Nia & Candide destroy Tiff at Elimination Chamber, Nia is coming back for her WWE Women’s Championship. Nia & Candice step up to the ring, and Nia says Tiff won’t even see the Grandest Stage of Them All. Tiff tells Nia to just give it up. This title isn’t even hers anymore. And once Tiff beats Candice tonight, Nia won’t have anyone to do her dirty work anymore!
Candice tells Tiffy that while they’re meant have a match right now, she and Nia are feeling impatient. Nia says they should just get rid of Tiff right now! But the ref steps in and says not gonna happen! Tiff VS Candice will, after the break.
SmackDown returns and Candice has Tiffy down with an armlock. Tiff fights up as the fans rally, but Candice wrenches to wristlock. Tiff spins through, goes to ropes, then up the corner to flip and arm-drag! The fans fire up as Tiff rallies on Candice! DROPKICK, and Tiff snarls! Tiff goes to the corner, and Charlotte makes her entrance? The Queen chooses to be fashionably late all so everyone looks at her, including Tiffy. Tiffy handsprings, but Candice dodges! Candice runs up to UPPERCUT, then she snapmares and NECK SNAPPERS! Jackknife bridge, TWO! Candice clamps onto Tiffy with a top wristlock.
The fans “WOO~” as Charlotte now chooses to join commentary. Tiff fights up, has the ROPEBREAK, but Candice CLUBS away on her! Candice backs off, runs up, but Tiff drop toeholds her to ropes! Tiff runs, HIP ATTACKS, and Candice flops back! Cover, TWO! Tiff stays on Candice with a whip, but Candice reverses. Candice CLOBBERS Tiff, covers, TWO! Charlotte corrects Tiffy’s words earlier: Charlotte isn’t the “top girl,” she is THE woman in WWE. Candice HIP DROPS Tiff but the fans rally up. Candice scuffs Tiff, then grinds an arm to drop a knee on the elbow! And another knee drop! Tiff endures and the fans rally up.
Candice keeps on that arm, thrashes it around, but Tiff fights up. Tiff fires body shots, then shoves Candice to Alabama Lift her! Candice sunset flips, Tiff rolls through, TIFFY STOMPS! Cover, TWO! Tiff is frustrated and Candice bails out. Tiff goes to the apron, goes up the corner, and ARIHARA MOONSAULTS! Direct hit on Candice and Nia, and Tiff almost stuck the landing! The fans fire up with Tiff and she goes into the ring. Tiff points to the WrestleMania sign, and then at Charlotte, but SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Tiff waits on Candice, Candice slides in, and Tiff stomps her down! Candice bails out, Nia is there to coach her, but Tiff lets the ring count start. Candice gets on the apron, Tiff kicks her, but Candice RAMS Tiff! Candice CLUBS Tiff, has her in the ropes, and hits a NECKBREAKER HOTSHOT! Candice climbs, aims, and leaps to MISSILE DROPKICK Tiff down! Cover, TWO! Candice is frustrated but this is why Tiff’s a champ. The fans rally, but Candice stomps Tiff! Candice scowls at the fans, stalks Tiff, then brings her up. Tiff fires body shots, then she rolls Candice up! TWO, and Candice CLOBBERS Tiff! Cover, TWO, into a ghost pin! TWO!
Candice escapes to hit a CODE BREAKER! Both women are down, but Candice scowls again as she crawls over to Tiff. Candice rains down fists, Nia tells fans to shut up, and Candice steps on Tiff’s face. Candice huffs ‘n’ puffs, pushes Tiff around, then scuffs her. Tiff rolls Candice up again, TWO! Candice DECKS Tiff! Cover, TWO! Charlotte is stoic on commentary as Candice drags Tiff up and puts her in a corner. Candice fires hands, then backs off. Candice runs up to ROCK Tiff again! Candice then runs, but Tiff dodges! SmackDown returns to single picture, and Tiff rallies with LARIAT after LARIAT! The fans fire up, Tiff handsprings, BACK ELBOW!
Tiff then reels Candice in for a SKY HIGH! High stack, TWO! The fans rally for Tiff, Nia coaches Candice, but Charlotte still seems nonplussed. Tiff and Candice rise, and Candice runs up. Candice puts Tiff on the apron, but Tiff ROCKS her! Tiff bumps Candice off buckles, then goes up, but Candice ROCKS her back! Candice climbs up, and she fires hands on Tiff! Tiff fights the suplex! Tiff DECKS Candice, then adjusts position, to SANTON- FLOP! Candice ghost pins, TWO!! Tiff escapes, but Candice hits the step-up SENTON! And then a LIONSAUL FLOP! Tiff hurries to fireman’s carry, ROLLING SENTON! And then PRETTIEST MOON- NO, Nia drags Candice out of the ring!
The fans boo, Nia tells them to shut up, but Tiff is on the apron! Nia swings, Tiff cartwheels over, and then she DROPKICKS Nia! Tiff Alabama Lifts Candice, to ALABAMA SLAM her into barriers! Tiff stares down Charlotte, tells her just wait for Mania, then she puts Candice in the ring. Tiff goes to the corner, PRETTIEST MOONSAULT EVER!! Cover, Tiff wins!
Winner: Tiffany Stratton, by pinfall
Charlotte gives moderate applause, but Nia CLOBBERS Tiff from behind! The fans boo, but Nia just drags Tiff to a corner. Nia goes up, but wait! Trish is here!! The fans fire up for the legend as she rushes into the ring! Trish avoids a haymaker to CHICK KICK! Then THESZ PRESS for Candice! And then a SPINEBUSTER! Trish helps Tiff to her feet, but Nia grabs them both! Trish fires fast hands on Nia! Candice CHOP BLOCKS Trish! Tiff is still dazed, Nia HEADBUTTS her back down! Nia & Candice mug Trish, and then Nia HEADBUTTS Trish! Trish & Tiff are side by side, and Nia drags them into the drop zone! A-NIA-LATOR!!
The fans boo but there’s nothing can be done! Nia grins as she helps Candice away, will these two trash Trish & Tiff in Toronto? Charlotte steps into the ring, stands over Tiff, and points to the WrestleMania sign. Will The Irresistible Force & Poison Pixie unwittingly do the dirty work of The Queen of Flair?
Cody talks with Damian Priest backstage.
Priest asks why Cody’s boy, The Rock, is here tonight. Cody says given the time of year, his guess is as good as anyone’s. But tonight will surely be eventful. Cody congratulates Priest on entering the Elimination Chamber. Priest says what’s wild is, last year, they both walked out as champions. What sucks is that this year, only one of them can. Now, Priest is man enough and he respects Cody to say that after Chamber, he’s coming for that title. Cody says he wouldn’t have it any other way. Cody heads out, but what business does The Rock have tonight?
Braun Strowman steps in, and he tells Priest that congrats on winning, and good luck in the Chamber. But let’s be honest, Braun had Jacob dead to rights last week. If not for Solo Sikoa, things would look a lot different next week. Priest chuckles and says take it easy, he’s sounding like Drew with the excuses. But it is what it is, Priest just beat Braun to the punch. But that was last week. Tonight, Solo and Jacob, two of the baddest men in the business. Priest & Braun handling business? Oh, they’re handling business. The only business Braun cares about is getting his hands on those two. Priest says Braun definitely will.
Braun heads out, will the Monster of All Monsters and the Archer of Infamy make sure Solo & Jacob #GetTheseHands? Or will the rogues run roughshod all over SmackDown once again?
Backstage interview with Naomi & Bianca Belair.
Byron Saxton is with the WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions and brings up last week’s SmackDown, the security footage led us to believe Liv Morgan & Raquel Rodriguez were the ones behind Jade Cargill’s attack. Now, hold on, Saxton. They don’t think, Naomi knows they were. Fair enough. But this Monday, they can get their revenge when they defend the tag titles against Liv & Raquel. How ready are they for this match? Bianca says so ready! They have been waiting for months for an update. Jade has been recovering, she hasn’t been able to call or text, so the GlowEST took matters into their own hands to get revenge.
Bianca & Naomi will handle Liv & Raquel, then move on to Elimination Chamber, where one of them is gonna win to face Rhea at WrestleMania. Not only will you #FeelTheGlowEST on Monday, but Liv feels it tonight! #Let’sGLOW! The champs head out, but will they clear their Road to WrestleMania of any other distractions?
Alexa Bliss speaks.
“When I was away, there was a lot of… change that happened in me. But when I look around, I see this place is still the same. The names and faces may be different, but the desperation and insecurity remains the same. You’ll see Toronto when I turn the Elimination Chamber into something of a playground of my own. I know the Chamber. I love the Chamber. I’ve won the Chamber. And for the other five women, it’s gonna be a Hell like they’ve never experienced before. Need I remind you, this is my division, and I am in charge.” Bliss smiles and says, “See you soon.” The film comes off the reel, but will things get twisted in Toronto?
Naomi w/ Bianca Belair VS Liv Morgan w/ Raquel Rodriguez!
The Big Easy is all about having fun, and they’re fired up for Naomi’s entrance. But wait! Liv & Raquel don’t wait, they attack Bianca & Naomi while the lights are still down! They mug Naomi, but Bianca drags Liv out of the ring! Then Bianca storms in to fire off on Raquel! The fans fire up, but Liv returns to CHOP BLOCK Bianca! Raquel hauls Bianca up for a TEJANA BOMB!! Naomi runs up, fires more hands, but Liv brings Naomi around. Naomi fires hands on her, but Raquel throws her down! Liv runs up, OBLIVION!
Liv & Raquel stand tall, the refs rush out here, but clearly the singles match isn’t happening. Will we be getting something even meaner and nastier between these four on Monday?
The Rock arrives!
His truck pulls into the parking lot, but we’ll see him in the ring, after the break!
SmackDown returns and…
Aldis is chewing out Liv & Raquel for the attack. He doesn’t know what they get away with on Raw, but they can’t pull that crap here. Now get the hell out of his building. Liv & Raquel just laugh that off, but then Chelsea Green & Piper Niven walk in. Chelsea says have no fear, Chelsea & Piper are here to sub in for Bianca and Naomi at Elimination Chamber. Aldis sighs, and says they’re not missing the Chamber. What? But Chelsea had an outfit picked out! This is a travesty to not have the greatest Canadian export since maple syrup on a Canadian PLE! Does he know who she is? The first-ever, longest reigning, tallest, shortest, prettiest, richest, tannest, sparkliest, oldest, youngest Women’s US Champion! Piper asks what this is aboot, eh?
Aldis says this is them testing his patience. They need to pack their gear and whatever else they want, because they’ll be in action next week on SmackDown in Toronto. And oh, it’ll be a good one. Wait, they need more details! At least an e-calendar notification? Aldis is leaving Chelsea in the dark on what’s coming, will she absolutely hate it?
The Rock heads to the ring!
Wait, what is this New Orleans related remix? The Final Boss steps out on stage, he shows those goosebumps, then continues down the ramp, shaking hands with fans. The Rock hits his signature pose on the corner, but then takes the long way around to pick up a fan’s phone for them before going back into the ring. The fans all cheer for “ROCKY! ROCKY!” and he grabs himself a mic. He waits as the fans continue to chant his name, and then he says, “Ahh, you feel it, don’t you? You feel it. The Rock has got chills up and down his body because you know, on a Friday night, for the Final Boss to get inside his bird and fly all the way here, you know that I’m dropping some ish on you tonight!”
The fans fire up and The Rock smiles. Rock says, “Let’s get this show on the road.” The fans anticipate what’s coming but he says hold on, he’ll do it. “FINALLY! The Rock has come back…” “TO NEW ORLEANS~!” Rock smiles, and he adds, FINALLY, WrestleMania is coming back to New Orleans!! The fans are thunderous to hear that! WrestleMania 30, WrestleMania 34, and now WrestleMania 42!? Yes, next year, 2026, LIVE from the Superdome! One of the greatest cities on Earth in New Orleans, Louisiana! The pyro goes off to commemorate the occasion, and the logo is already on the tron! Rock smiles at that, then he smiles at the WrestleMania 41 Vegas logo.
The fans are losing their minds, as we now know April 11th and 12th, 2026, the Big Easy has the Grandest Stage of Them All. Rock says you damn right holy ish! Oh when the saints go marching in…! Oh how I’d love… Wait, no, this ain’t singalong with The Final Boss! Sit there, shut up, and let The Final Boss sing the song! The fans are torn, but Rock says he sings! Oh how I’d love, to be in that number~! Oh when the saints go marching in~! Okay, that’s good enough. You got him, that was a great duet. The Rock is singing with the largest collection of STD’d trailer trash he has ever seen! The fans can’t believe Rock would do that to them!
Rock says now, dropping this news wasn’t the only gift he was going to drop on us. The Final Boss came here to call somebody out. The Rock will call out a man who he respects, who he admires, and who we all admire. That man is our WWE Champion, the one and only, Cody Rhodes. The fans cheer as The American Nightmare makes his entrance! They sing along with the song, “WHOA~ OH~!” and we get Cody’s pyro before he goes to the ring. Cody gets his second “WHOA~ OH~!” and round of pyro, then he steps inside to join The Rock. The fans cheer Cody on, so he holds up the title and the fans cheer even more.
Cody grabs a mic, but Rock says, “That feels good, doesn’t it? I mean, that’s gotta feel amazing, right? They love you, man.” Cody tells NOLA, “I love you, too.” Rock says this is crazy. Pretty much no one knows this, but since after WrestleMania last year, they’ve actually become good friends. No, it’s true, they have. Last time they were together was the Raw Netflix debut. Rock gave Cody his flowers, told Cody he has carried the company like the incredible champion that he is, so thank you, Cody. Rock meant it, and that night, they went to the back, drank tequila for two hours and had a great ol’ time.
They chopped it up, had a blast, but Rock wants to call Cody out here for something important. Here’s the thing… The fans get a bit rowdy as they wait, and Rock says Cody is a great champion. A great WWE Champion. Cody knows that. Again, they’ve become good friends, so over the months, they’ve texted. Even their moms became good friends! Look! Mama Johnson & Mama Rhodes together after WrestleMania 40! It is a pleasure becoming Cody’s friend. But Rock wanted this face to face to tell him a few things. One: Cody has been a great champion, but he needs to understand. Yes, The Rock, The Final Boss, is on the Board of TKO. And TKO owns WWE.
The Rock is the Director of the Board of TKO. Don’t boo that! The Rock’s good friend, Ari Emanuel, who owns everything Endeavor, The Rock joked with Ari, “Can you believe that you own The WWE?” Ari says he doesn’t own the WWE, The Rock does. Rock said no, no, he doesn’t know if he owns the WWE. But The Rock knows he is the most powerful… Cody, you are a great champion. But Rock wants Cody to be something more. Rock wants Cody to be something more than just our champion. Rock wants Cody to be his champion. The fans don’t like where that’s going.
Cody says he did not expect them to become friends, nor their moms to become friends, nor the tequila. Cody didn’t have that on his bingo card. But becoming The Rock’s champion? The Rock of all people should know, Cody is the people’s champion. The fans cheer Cody more, and Rock says yes! Cody is their champion! Of course! The Rock is also The People’s Champion, he loves that about Cody. This is their universe, they were both born into this business. But Rock means something even bigger than just this. Rock knows Cody’s goal is to bring as much joy and happiness to everyone around the world, as many as possible.
The fans cheer, and Rock says that’s Cody. Cody is that guy, and everyone knows it. Cody is on social media, Instagram, millions of followers. Millions, and millions! The Rock has half a BILLION. That’s not a flex. But The Rock is the most followed American man in the world, that’s what he wants for Cody. Rock wants Cody to be even higher. If Cody becomes The Rock’s Champion, he will open doors to possibilities Cody never even imagined. If Cody becomes The Rock’s Champion, every dream he has ever had can come true. Every dream of Brandi’s, of their daughter’s. Think about how Rock brought them to the premiere of Moana 2, in Hawaii.
Thank you, by the way, for making that cross a BILLION dollars, fans, Rock loves you. Rock has met the Rhodes family, they’re amazing. But imagine it: Cody’s daughter’s children, their dreams, long after Rock and Cody are gone, all those dreams can come true. Rock just needs Cody to be his champion. The fans say don’t do it! Rock tells Cody to just think about it, though. Rock is a very lucky man, he has it all. Cody also has it all. They’re very fortunate. They’re Mama’s Boys, they’re Girl Dads, they’re lucky men. Fans say don’t do it, Rock tells them to shut up or he’ll slap the syphilis off their face! Rock is trying to have a moment here, shut your mouths!
The one thing that Rock has never had, that he wants more than anything, is a brother. And that is what Cody can be. Last year, WrestleMania, Rock’s goal was to face his cousin, Roman Reigns, for the title. Cody knows, the fans know. Rock talked with his friend, HHH. He talked with Nick Khan, who is his friend. They are also Cody’s friends. Rock knew it wasn’t in the plans, but they talked about moving Cody aside to make what was best for business: Rock VS Roman, WrestleMania 40! What’d Cody do? Cody pitched a b*tch fit! Cody told The Rock he ain’t doing it, and he stood up to The Rock. And y’know what else? Cody SLAPPED Rock!
No one does that and gets away with it. But that is why Cody is special. That is why Cody should be Rock’s Champion. And that is why Rock will take Cody from where he is to a level so far above. Rock will make sure every dream, every desire, for generations to come, it all comes true. Rock’s dad, Cody’s dad, Soul Man & American Dream, they are looking down right now. They were friends, Cody and Rock are friends, Cody should be Rock’s Champion. He doesn’t need to answer Rock tonight. He can think about it, talk with his wife and daughter, as will The Rock. Then Cody can think about it. Meet Rock in Toronto on March 1st to give him the answer.
Fans still say don’t do it, but Rock says it is okay. Before he leaves, this has been an amazing night, this is a hot crowd, thank you all very much. But before he leaves, Rock wants us to know this: The one thing Rock wants more than anything in this world… is that. Wait, the title? Cody’s title? The fans’ title? This is all this is about? No no no no! Brother… Rock doesn’t want the title. He wants Cody’s soul. The fans duel, “NO! NO! NO!” “SELL YOUR SOUL!” Rock pats Cody on the cheek and says see you in Toronto. The Rock leaves, giving Cody a lot to think about. Rock does give one last glance back at Cody, then smirks.
What will The American Nightmare choose: His integrity? Or his aspirations?
WWE Tag Team Championships: #DIY VS Pretty Deadly!
Did Tommaso Ciampa & Johnny Gargano got these titles thanks to Kit Wilson & Elton Prince? #YESBOY! Did they survive a couple title defenses thanks to Kit & Elton? #YESBOY! But when Pretty Deadly needed DIY, was DIY there for them? #NOBOY! So now, Kit & Elton are looking to give Ciampa & Gargano their comeuppance! Will we finally get another #SidePlateCheck? Or will Ciampa & Gargano remember for themselves, that if you wanna be champions, you gotta do it yourself?
But as DIY make their entrance, they have mics, and Johnny Wrestling tells NOLA, “Give it up one time for your TWO-TIME WWE Tag Team Champions…! The BTTITW (Best Tag Team In The World), D I Y~!” The fans boo instead. Ciampa says there is no denying that tonight has been electrifying. Gargano says this is a hot crowd. But please, if we could be somber for a second. Guys, this is serious. Two weeks ago, Pretty Deadly embarrassed DIY, and now reluctantly, DIY will return that favor by crushing their hopes and dreams of ever becoming WWE Tag Team Champions. So please, let us all rise to our feet… Yes, you in the LSU jersey, stand up.
Ciampa thanks Wade Barrett, and asks for everyone to remove their hands and bow their heads for a moment of silence for Pretty Deadly, beginning… now. The fans boo instead! And then Pretty Deadly make their entrance! The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we see who really needed who in this broken relationship!
But then DIY jumps Pretty Deadly! The ref reprimands, DIY whip but Pretty Deadly reverses! DOUBLE DORPKICKS! Then DOUBLE LARIATS send DIY up and out! The disco ball hasn’t even stopped spinning! The fans cheer while DIY throw a fit! They regroup, cool down, and go back to the ring. Gargano distracts Elton, Ciampa CLOBBERS him, and the bell rings. But Elton fires hands on Ciampa! Elton whips, Ciampa reverses and he pulls hair! The ref reprimands, Ciampa throws Elton to the apron and KNEES him down! Tag to Gargano and he aims, SUPERKICK! Elton goes down in a heap, DIY cheers themselves on, and SmackDown goes to break!
SmackDown returns, Gargano tags in, and DIY hits the BACK SUPLEX BOMBO COMBO! Cover, TWO! Elton stays in this but Gargano tags Ciampa back in. Gargano sends Ciampa in, but Elton ELBOWS him away! Gargano runs in, but Elton puts him on the apron! Gargano goes after Kit, but Kit blocks the kick! Kit BOOTS Gargano down, but then Ciampa BOOTS Kit! Elton dodges Ciampa to come back, DOUBLE CROSSBODIES collide! Elton and Ciampa are down, sputtering and writhing, and the fans rally up. Elton crawls, Kit rises, hot tags to Kit and Gargano! Kit rallies on DIY with big forearms! Kit whips, Gargano reverses, Kit UPPERCUTS!
Kit UPPERCUTS Ciampa in a corner, then LARIATS! Kit runs to LARIAT Gargano! Kit pushes Gargano down, kicks him and hits a TWIST- NO, Gargano slips through to ROCK Kit! Kit yoyos, DOUBLE LARIATS! The fans fire up, Kit tags Elton! They get Gargano up, but Gargano BOOTS Elton! Gargano ELBOWS Kit away, then runs up on Elton! Elton dodges, then gives Kit the boost, DRY MARTI-KNEES! Cover, TWO!! Gargano survives but Ciampa is in! Elton fireman’s carries Ciampa, but Ciampa slips free! Ciampa whips, Elton reverses, Kit UPPERCUTS Ciampa! Elton shows off his strength with the GOTCH LIFT PLEX!
Tag to Kit, but IN COME THE PROFITS! Ford SHOVES Kit down, Dawkins mugs him!!
Winners: Pretty Deadly, by disqualification; DIY retain the titles
Not again! Just like they did Motor City Machine Guns, The Profits make sure no one else takes these titles off DIY! URENAGE from Ford to Elton! Dawkins keeps hammering away on Kit, and then Ford POSTS Elton! Dawkins fireman’s carries Kit, to POST him, too! Looking like the All Mighty with that one! Gargano fires forearms in return, but ends up int he POUNCE GERMAN SUPLEX! Then Ciampa runs up into a FLAPJACK! Ford goes up top, then flies in FROM THE HEAVENS!! Direct hit on Ciampa! But wait! MCMG rushes out here, wanting their payback! The Profits brawl with MCMG, but Ford TOSSES Shelley to the apron!
Ford runs up, Shelley goes to kick, but Ford blocks it! Ford LARIATS Shelley down, Dawkins hits Sabin with THE BIG ENDING! The fans are torn as Dawkins whips Sabin, Profits get him for the REVELATION!! And if there’s been any revelation, it is that Ford & Dawkins don’t just want the smoke, they want to burn down the tag division to get it! Will nothing stop them once they’re back in action?
Kevin Owens speaks.
“You got what you wanted, huh? You got your match. You couldn’t, uh… You couldn’t just take the punishment that you deserved, that I’d already given you, and let it go. No, you… You wanted me and you to go again. You wanted to fight me, you want to hurt me, you want to end my career, which would hurt my family, by the way. Which is truly despicable. But what about your family, Sami? Huh? Have you thought of them? What about your family, huh?” Kevin reveals he is right outside the Zayn home! Kevin peers inside to watch Sami, his wife, and his son!
Kevin asks Sami via the video if Sami knows what he’s about to put them through, when they have to watch Kevin end Sami’s career. And what happens then, eh? When Sami can’t provide for them, and everything they have, like this nice house, the shelter, the security, the peace they have, when it’s all gone? And why? What for? Because Sami’s too proud? Because Sami’s selfish? Sami IS selfish. Because Sami is making Kevin do this to Sami’s family. Kevin will never forgive Sami for that. He’ll see Sami in Toronto. “But remember… You asked for this. It’s all your fault.” As if Kevin’s delusions aren’t already grand, will he continue to blame everyone else but himself?
Damian Priest & Braun Strowman VS Solo Sikoa & Jacob Fatu w/ Tama Tonga!
Elimination Chamber is on the horizon, and the Road to WrestleMania makes for strange bedfellows. Priest, Braun and Jacob were fighting each other just last week, but Solo’s return really threw things for a loop. Can Priest & Braun give Solo and the Samoan Werewolf their punishment? Or will everything (not) be fine in Solo’s Bloodline?
SmackDown returns as #OneBigSOB makes his entrance. As Solo, Jacob & Tama head to gorilla, we hear from Solo. “Tonight, we handle business. And it starts with Braun Strowman & Damian-” Jacob interrupts with, “Man, c’mon, DP! C’mon, Braun! I thought we did this! So tonight, we about to even up the score. If you ain’t know, I’m all gas, no brakes with it! See, since we touched the scene, we been dropping bodies like bread crumbs! Yadada mean!? FA-TUUU~! Hit my music!” The rogues enter to Jacob’s theme, is this alone proof he’s the new alpha? Or will the match be the last nail in that coffin?
The teams sort out, but Jacob stares down both Priest and Braun. NOLA seems to acknowledge Jacob, but Solo convinces him to stand down. Solo starts against Priest, the bell rings, and the two tie up. They go around, Priest powers Solo back, but Solo powers Priest back. They break, stare down, and Solo talks some trash. Solo shoves Priest, Priest shoves back. They circle again, tie up, and Priest puts Solo in a corner. The ref counts, Priest lets off at 4, but Solo stomps Priest’s foot! Solo throws hands, then a HEADBUTT! Priest staggers, but then he ROCKS Solo! And ROCKS him! And HEADBUTTS! That was a mistake!
Solo shakes his head to HEADBUTT Priest! Priest goes to a corner, Solo throws haymakers and body shots on repeat! The ref counts, Solo lets off and says see? Solo and Jacob as one! But Priest THROWS Solo to the corner to fire off haymakers of his own! Priest ROCKS Solo, the fans fire up, and Priest whips., Solo reverses to UPPERCUT! Solo talks smack but Priest ROCKS him again! Tag to Braun and the fans fire up! Braun stares Jacob down, tells him to shove it, then runs up to SPLASH Solo! Braun stares Jacob down again, goes back for Solo, and hits another LARIAT! Braun scoops, Solo slips free, but Braun runs up!
Solo ELBOWS Braun away, tags to Jacob, and Jacob runs in, but Braun dodges! Braun CROSSBODIES! Jacob is right up, but Braun BOOTS him right back down! Solo runs in but Braun TOSSES him! Priest hurries after Solo, Braun CLOBBERS Jacob! LEAPING LARIAT for Solo! Braun then gets on the track, STROWMAN EXPRESS SMACKS a chair out of Tama’s hand! The Good Bad Guy thought he was being sneaky! But then Jacob CROSSBODIES Braun into the timekeeper’s aera! The fans go wild as Jacob rises up, and SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Jacob hauls Braun up, drags him around the way, HEADBUTTS him, then brings him over to SMACK off the desk! Braun staggers, but he ROCKS Jacob in return! And THROWS Jacob into steel steps! Braun drags Jacob up, puts him in the ring, but Jacob SUPERKICKS Braun! Braun falls into the corner, Jacob HIP ATTACKS! Jacob’s all geeked up, then he tags in Solo. Solo soaks up some heat while Jacob HIP ATTACKS Braun again! Solo puts Braun on ropes to CHOKE him! The ref counts, Solo stops at 4, but Jacob gets a HEADBUTT in! Braun flounders, Solo taunts him and eggs him on, but Braun CHOPS him!
Solo HEADBUTTS Braun right down! Solo rains down fists, then lets off so he can put Braun on the ropes. Solo CHOKES Braun again, stops as the ref counts 4, and Jacob gets another cheap shot in! Solo tags Jacob in, then he HEADBUTTS Braun again and again! Jacob runs to BODY CHECK Braun! Jacob fires up, Braun flounders to ropes, but Jacob rains down fists! Tag to Solo, he soaks up heat from NOLA, then he stomps away on Braun! The ref counts, Solo lets off, then he keeps Braun from Priest by anchoring a leg. Tag to Jacob and Jacob climbs up, FROG SPLASH! Jacob roars while Braun writhes!
Jacob looms over Braun but he glares at Priest. Priest gets heated, but Jacob fires hands on Braun as SmackDown returns to single picture. Braun stands, but Jacob HEADBUTTS him again! Jacob runs for another BODY CHECK! And then a SENTON! Cover, TWO! Braun stays in this and he goes to a corner. Jacob snarls, tags Solo in, and the fans boo. Solo runs corner to corner to HIP ATTACK Braun! Solo grins as he copies Jacob’s geeking out. Tag back to Jacob and fans cheer! Jacob aims, runs, and HIP ATTACKS! Jacob keeps going, but Braun BOOTS from below!! The fans fire up while both men stagger to their feet.
Braun SPINEBUSTERS Jacob! Both monsters are down, the fans rally up, and they crawl, hot tags to Solo and Priest! Priest fires hands on Solo, then whips. Solo reverses but Priest SHOUDLER TACKLES Solo! Priest runs to BACK ELBOW! Jacob is back, but Priest dodges to WHEEL KICK! Priest then waits on Solo, but Solo catches Priest! Priest elbows free, but Solo SUPERKICKS! But Priest JUMPING ROUNDHOUSES! Solo comes back, Priest ROCKS him first! Solo swings, but into the FLATLINER! Cover, TWO! Solo survives but Priest puts him in a corner. Priest whips corner to corner, then runs, only for Solo to put him on th eapron!
Solo takes as swing, Priest dodges and ROUNDHOUSES! Priest then knuckle locks with Solo, goes up top, and he tightrope walks for some OLD SCHOOL! The fans fire up and Priest powers up the arm! Priest runs, but Solo ducks the Comebacker! Priest fights the fireman’s carry to BELL CLAP, ROUNDHOUSE, and then he reels Solo in! But Tama is on the apron! Priest DECKS Tama, but Jacob HOTSHOTS Priest! Solo hits the URENAGE! Cover, TWO!! Priest survives and Solo is stunned! Solo snarls, looks to his taped-up thumb, then he drags Priest up. The fans boo but Solo taunts the fans now. SAMOAN- NO! Priest grabs Solo!
But Jacob runs in! Priest ROCKS Jacob, ELBOWS Solo, then he dodges, so Jacob’s SUPERKICK hits Solo! An accident just like last week’s shot to Tama, but Jacob doesn’t seem as upset by it. Priest TOSSES Jacob, then CLOBBERS Solo! STROWMAN EXPRESS CLOBBERS Jacob & Tama!! Priest brings down the straps, the fans are thunderous, and Priest grabs Solo by the neck! SOUTH OF HEAVEN!! Cover, Priest & Braun win!
Winners: Damian Priest & Braun Strowman, by pinfall
Just as Solo thought it’d be like before, he and Jacob were not on the same page! Priest is rolling towards Elimination Chamber, will this be just what he needs to go back to WrestleMania?
My Thoughts:
A great SmackDown here, but with some interesting moves after the sudden change in plans with The Rock showing up. Naomi and Bianca had a good promo to hype up what was meant to be a full match of Naomi VS Liv, but word had already come out before the show that things were being cut for time. But at the very least, they did the right thing of making it a brawl that adds heat to the tag title match on Monday. Also, hilarious how Chelsea & Piper thought the beatdown on Bianca & Naomi was so bad that they would need to be pulled from the Chamber. I also can’t wait to see what happens on Toronto SmackDown.
As for The Rock, I do appreciate he used his authority to kayfabe change more things, all so he could have his promo with Cody. I also appreciate Rock blending his different roles and even different sides, both Heel and Face, to A) bring the news of WM42 being in NOLA, and B) recreate the Corporate Champion/People’s Champion story from the Attitude Era. That was some wild stuff he was saying to Cody. I’m sure quite a few people will try and talk with Cody next week in the go-home. Heels will say do it because they’d love to have what Rock can give, Faces will say not because Cody’s better than that. But naturally, Cody is not going to become The Rock’s Champion, causing Rock to turn on him and really up things going into WrestleMania 41 and perhaps even beyond.
Good stuff in the Elimination Chamber related stories. Jimmy VS McIntyre was great stuff to open, and how fitting that McIntyre loses to Jimmy after talking all that trash about Jimmy and Jey being the same. Jey got McIntyre with something quick, Jimmy got McIntyre with something quick, McIntyre’s ego is obviously his weakness. And at the same time, McIntyre of course destroys Jimmy after because that’s his other personality trait. Priest had good promos with Cody and Braun, and we got great stuff from Solo’s Bloodline. Naturally, we got a miscommunication spot to help finish, we’re really close to Solo VS Jacob, I can feel it. Priest & Braun get the win, mostly because Priest isn’t winning in the Chamber when you’ve got Punk and Cena in there.
Very good stuff with Tiffy Time, from the promos leading into the match to Charlotte being ringside just to watch. Nia & Candice of course get the better of Tiff & Trish, because Tiff & Trish are definitely winning the tag match in Toronto. Charlotte just seems to enjoy trolling Tiff with her presence, so Charlotte probably shows up in Toronto to then confront Tiff after the match. I expect the seven weeks after Elimination Chamber to really heat up, as will Charlotte’s involvement, where she’ll get more active verbally and physically. Also, hell, Rock should go full Corporation and have Charlotte be his Corporate Women’s Champion because of how established she is.
Hilarious stuff from Truth tonight, as always. Truth and Melo having their “who’s on first” again was good stuff, and of course Miz gets in on this story, too. Truth & Knight VS “Melo Don’t Miz” was really fun, but yeah, should’ve figured Nakamura would get involved, too. Melo & Miz making it work could also be really fun, and while Knight VS Nakamura is a rehash, I really hope they find a way to up things. It feels like we’re getting the same with the tag titles as Profits “ruined” that great tag match from DIY and Pretty Deadly, then brawled with MCMG to still come out on top. Last year had a ladder tag title match, so why not do one for these titles this year?
Speaking of escalating, Kevin filming a promo outside Sami’s house was some really well done stuff, as expected of someone as good as Kevin and in such a story as him and Sami. Their match should main event, it needs time to breathe, as it could be just as, if not more violent, than the Chamber matches. What a powerful closing moment we could have if it’s a bloody Kevin and Sami, and one of them is standing over the other, triumphant yet mournful because it was their best friend in the world that they just brutalized.
My Score: 8.9/10
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!
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Coverage
Andrew’s TNA LIVE! iMPACT! Results & Match Ratings: 2.20.2025
So the first live episode got fairly positive praise from everyone; will this continue the trend?
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Filming at Full Sail seems to have set the stage nicely this week! Going into a Live episode we got Moose and The Hardy Boyz on NXT, as well as Jordynne Grace’s involvement with Steph and Giulia giving a little shine to TNA happenings since she’s newly WWE.
This episode should be interesting, we finally see Lei Ying Lee (fka Xia Li) back in action, Rascalz take on Tyson and Tyriek, Tessa should be seeing some action as well…so generally interesting happenings for the second Live iMPACT! of 2025. Let’s see how this one goes down!
No matter where @ManceWarner and @stephdelander go, @TheSamiCallihan WILL FIND THEM!
Watch #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/NY8HgI02kY pic.twitter.com/mXz9U7m9PL
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) February 21, 2025
Ratings:
- Tyson & Tyriek w/Wes Lee vs The Rascalz w/Ace Austin: Rascalz win via Meteora/Swanton Combo – ***
- Lei Ying Lee vs Rosemary: Lei wins via Thunderstruck – **
- NoDQ Match: Leon Slater vs JDC: Dango wins via The System help – ** 3/4
- Masha Slamovich vs Mila Moore: Masha wins via Requiem – N/A
- Elijah & Joe Hendry vs The Colons: Elijah wins via Tombstone Piledriver – *** 1/4
Results:
Oh yeah, and another Hendry concert is…cut off by a commercial, LOLTNA. First Hendry is cut off by AXSTV’s new Anime Hour bumper, and now Primo and Epico are showing up in TNA. I definitely didn’t have this on my BINGO card. The crowd starts chanting “Where’s Carlito”, which they do acknowledge and play off of well. Oh they’re using their shoot names of Orlando and Eddie now…but before they attack the lights go out and we get another guitar strum! ELIAH/ELIAS/EZEKIEL/EBENERZER/EMERY/EL VAGABUNDO – shows up to back up Hendry. Okay I can apologize away the redundant concert since it played into an Elijah debut. The crowd is immediately popping and chanting “This is Awesome” 10 minutes into the show.
Tyson & Tyriek w/Wes Lee vs The Rascalz w/Ace Austin
Treehouse bros take it to the bigger men quickly, a few fast dives, a little MCMG style tandem strikes, Tyson fires and tries to take them out but they Low Bridge him. Tyriek comes in and they try similar things but Tyriek manhandles them both and throws them out of the ring, Trey is the first one back up and Tyriek and Tyson take his damn head off with his Corkscrew Running Euro Upper. Trey finally manages to flip out of the manhandle, tags in Wentz and Wentz goes for the hot and spicy cleaning house spot. Corner to Corner Knee Lifts for both big men, a Rolling Snapmare, into a Superkick for Tyson and Standing Shoot Star on Tyriek but only for two because Wes feints like he’s going to interfere.
Tyson and Tyriek pull off a tandem Assisted Backdrop Driver, but Wentz breaks it up, Tyson gets knocked out, Wentz hits the Tornillo, Wes tries to interfere again after Trey gets perched on the corner buckle but Ace runs around and trips Wes at the last second causing him to faceplant on the apron, Trey hits the Meteora, Wentz hits a Swanton from the other side of the ring and Trey gets the pinfall victory.
It was fast paced, all gas no brakes, but it didn’t overstay its welcome, so it was pretty fun all things considered.
After the match Wes grabs a mic, complains a little but challenges them to a 6 man match as Sacrifice. So we’re THAT’S where we’re getting the expected 3v3.
Fir$t Cla$$ comes out with an entourage of hot chicks and probably influencers or something. The “First Class Penthouse” , Gabby AF, Mafiosa Valentina, and Carolina are apparently known in their own way. Gabby I know was the awful one who did something for Impact a last year and sucked, but she’s part of the Busted Open Network I believe so that’s why she’s around. Two of them look like Noelle Foley and Frank the Clown…oh they actually are. Look at that. I do love KC Navarro as the Hype Man, they have this whole set up of AJ being mad that they haven’t gotten more Tag Title shots, so TNA placated him with his own Piper’s Pit and he’s *pregnant pause* totally happy with that. He says he loved Piper and hated Hogan before it was cool.
This is actually quality content and AJ is cutting a nice promo in this segment. They introduce their first guest, the greatest performer in TNA history, many whole say he’s Phenomenal with a whole lot of style….it’s A-J-Francis.
.@AJFrancis410 is GOING OFF!
Watch #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/NY8HgI02kY pic.twitter.com/kGehtp9iTE
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) February 21, 2025
Lei Ying Lee vs Rosemary
Things were slow until Rosemary took her into a corner quickly, hit the Upside Down, and we get a lot of Lei trying to avoid Rosemary’s offense. Rosemary goes for a Spear in the corner and Lei forward rolls, starts connecting with a bunch of right hands, backs Rosemary into the corner, goes for 10 Count Punches, pulls her out, Airplane Spin TKO for only a two count. Rosemary tries As Above So Below, Lei shrugs it off, Rosemary tries to go after Lei anyway and eats Thunderstruck! Lei Ying Lee wins!
After the match Rosemary catches Lei on the ramp and hits the Green mist in the eyes. Match was far too short and so many of Lei’s set up moves look better than her finish. We’ve seen Kofi Kingston do it for years so it’s not bad, just the current Knockouts Division are awful and don’t take the move well.
Eric Young and the jabronis come out, EY cuts a very basic power crazed psycho kind of promo, gets the “What” chants from the crowds. EY is trying to recruit Maclin even though Maclin made his line in the sand last week. EY tries to spin it as maybe he took out Josh FOR Maclin instead of in spite of his trust. This really doesn’t seem interesting at all, but that’s probably because I hate the two Jabronis EY is with.
NoDQ Match: Leon Slater vs JDC
I really don’t have any interest in Slater. He’s got no personality beyond “flippy guy with a British accent”.
Dango immediately powders, grabs a chair and goes to swing on him but misses. So Leon is making JDC look dumb by dodging the post chop, using the chair to shield himself from a punch by JDC, and then clapping Dango’s fingers between the chair. So typical System match, look inept for the first few minutes, then take advantage of something to take over. Oh look, Leon takes too long setting up the table, Dango gets in a few pot shots, tries to whip him into the table but Leon leaps over it, and then leaps back over to clobber Dango. Dango is still trying to recover so Leon hits his over the corner post con hilo, and the crowd appreciates it but I’m not interested. Leon panders to the crowd after the big spot and then eats an X-Plex into the chair from Dango.
JDC throws Leon back in, goes for a pinfall that’s only a two and we cut to a commercial. Coming out of the commercial JDC is in control with a Kendo Stick until he isn’t, Leon counters and takes the keno stick, brutalizes Dango a few times then comes off the ropes with the kendo shot for 2. Leon goes for another table, and again, at least the crowd is receptive to this match. Leon sets it up, looks for something off the apron but Dango stops him first until he eats a dropkick to fall onto the table, Leon hits the Swanton 450 through the table on the outside. Does it look cool? Sure. Do I care about dumbass moves? Nope.
Oh thankfully the rest of The System comes out to stop the pinfall, Shield Bomb Leon through the first table, and roll him back in for Dango to win.
The Hardy Boyz come out to try and make the save, but the numbers are against them, so Oba Femi’s music hits! Oba cleans house but doesn’t get his hands on Moose, so they’re at least building the eventual clash between Moose and Oba.
The crowd starts a “Tessa, we comin for you” chant before she even starts talking. Tessa is actually playing off the crowd well, Santino’s music hits and Tessa thinks he’ll help her out with the crowd and Santino calls bullshit basically. Santino says if Tessa doesn’t wrestle next week, she’s fired and Masha’s music hits. Masha decides to step in for Tessa’s enhancement talent match.
Masha Slamovich vs Mila Moore
Jobber tries to attack Masha early but Masha stops her, rocks her and Requiem ends the match.
Masha stares down Tessa, and then Cora Jade attacks from behind and hits Jaded.
Ryan Nemeth comes out to his Abyss music remix. What will Mokuba say today? “MYYYY BIIIGG BBRROOOOTTHHHEEEEER” he repeats at least 4 times and it’s hilariously cringe. He announces that Nic will return at Sacrifice, he literally just came out to give a PSA.
Elijah & Joe Hendry vs The Colons
Hendry starts with Eddie, after a brief tie up it seems like Hendry reads the room and points at Elijah and the crowd wants him in. So Joe tags in Elijah, a little back and forth, Shoulder Tackle from Elijah, Rope Walk with Elijah lays out Eddie and a tag to Joe allows for a quick tandem knockdown, but Eddie powders as the Walking and Talking Duo hold the ring going into the final commercial break.
We come back and Hendry is bouncing Orlando off the ropes as he return a strike, but Orlando is obviously losing, eats a Euro Upper, and then gets walked around in the Stalling Suplex for posterity. Eddie tries a sneak attack but gets caught and Sack of Shit, into Kip Up, turn and then Orlando with the ambush! A few quick short cuts and an Irish Whip/Dropkick combo gives the Colons a near fall. Hendry does get locomotion variation cradles, but eats a Dropkick to stop the attempt at momentum. Orlando stays on Joe, but Joe finally starts to fire up as the crowd starts to get behind him. Euro Uppers make some space, but a Snapmare says no.
Eddie gets tagged in and a quick Leg Sweep into a Front Chancery keeps Eddie in control. As Joe tries to get back up, Eddie turns it into a Guillotine, but finally the Suplex counter connects for Hendry! Simultaneous tags! Elijah bulls over Orlando, catches a Leap Frogging Orlando with the Manhattan Drop as Orlando retreats to a corner, Stinger Splash into Spinebuster for two. Elijah tries to keep up the attacks but Orlando finds a few ways to make space, launches himself from the middle rope and eats the Jumping Knee! Eddie breaks up the pinfall, Hendry takes Eddie out and Elijah hits the Tombstone Piledriver for the win!
Overall Score: 6/10
Well there were more live hiccups than the first episode, and this felt both more epic and less epic at the same time. Elijah and the Colons debuting was a nice way to kick things off, Oba Femi showing up for the save was fantastic. There were a few decent matches, but also a lot of really short and rushed matches. Tessa played off the crowd well, but Masha really is useless on the mic. Lei Ying Lee needs to framed stronger, her matches have done nothing to show off her ability. It just proves that the Knockouts don’t know how to sell a kick to the head because they all take it in the shoulder and fall in corny ways.
Viva La Sam could be something fun if the next 3 weeks are just hand cam footage of him being like “I’m Sami Callihan and I’m gonna kick Mance Warner’s ass”, Elegance Clique getting the rematch with a stipulation is nice to see and while I like Fir$t Cla$$, that segment went a little long for a cornball swerve payoff. It’s one thing to placate the Influencer squad especially when we’ve seen Logan Paul and Ishowspeed do so well in WWE…but these are like Z Tier Influencers that no one cares about. These kind of dorks stream on Kick because they aren’t relevant enough for Twitch, not because they chose Kick over it.
So yeah, the low lights were pretty low, and the highs were a little fleeting, but at least they were pretty fun. Not a bad show, just clunky with noticeable issues and Masha shouldn’t be allowed to speak English anymore. She’s such a charisma vacuum when she’s not rambling in Russian.
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!
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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