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Mitchell’s NJPW WTL X Super Jr. Tag Results & Report! (11/22/22)
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Mitchell’s NJPW WTL X Super Jr. Tag Results & Report! (11/22/22)

Now the big boys tag in!

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NJPW WTL X Super Jr.

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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Coverage

Mitchell’s WWE SmackDown Results & Report! (5/30/25)

The greatEST SmackDown!

Published

on

Could this be the biggEST and strongEST SmackDown of the year?

SmackDown in Knoxville sees the returns of Bianca Belair, Cody Rhodes and John Cena, along with some final Money in the Bank qualifiers!

OFFICIAL RESULTS

  • Women’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match Qualifier Triple Threat: Jade Cargill VS Naomi VS Nia Jax; Naomi wins and advances to Money in the Bank.
  • R-Truth VS JC Mateo w/ Solo Sikoa; Mateo wins.
  • Rey Fenix & Je’Von Evans VS Los Garza w/ Santos Escobar; Los Garza win.
  • Zelina Vega VS Alba Fyre w/ The Green Administration; Zelina wins.
  • Men’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match Qualifier Triple Threat: Carmelo Hayes VS Andrade VS Jacob Fatu; Andrade wins and advances to Money in the Bank.

PLAY BY PLAY

Bianca Belair is here!

Knoxville fires up for their strongEST, fastEST, quickEST, toughEST, roughEST, and greatEST hometown hero as she struts out to the ring. Bianca high-fives and hugs fans along the ramp, as well as mom and dad at ringside. Bianca then grabs a mic to say, “Man, it feels good to be in Knoxville!” The fans cheer and chant for “EST! EST!” Bianca says she loves them so much. And she couldn’t come out here without singing Rocky Top! Y’all ready? The fans cheer, and the music plays! Bianca conducts the fans as they sing for the University of Tennessee. In fact, the Lady Vols softball team is playing in the Super Regionals right now!

Bianca smiles and says this city is so special to her. Not just because it is her hometown, but because it is her safe space. She has her love and support from mom ‘n’ dad, and has all the fans who show up and show out for her. With everything Bianca’s been going through, losing at Mania, getting injured, losing tag titles and friends along the way, she just wanted to come back home to her safe space. The fans cheer, and Bianca says she came home to heal. While she’s not 100%, she is doing everything she can to get back to the ring and continue to show us why she is the EST of Tennessee and of WWE! The fans cheer that!

Bianca says with all that said, Knoxville, welcome to Friday Night SmackDown! But wait, she’s interrupted by Naomi! The fans boo but Naomi says, “Oh my gosh~! Finally! B, I am so glad you finally here on SmackDown!” Bianca says now is not the time, Naomi. Naomi asks Bianca to please hear her out. It has been way too long. Not a day has gone by when Naomi doesn’t think about what happened to them. What is there to talk about? What could Naomi say? What could she want from Bianca? The fans chant “YOU SUCK!” at Naomi, and Naomi says she just wants forgiveness. She is begging for it!

Naomi knows things go toff the rails, but she is here because she wants to fix it, she is trying to fix it, but she alone can’t fix it. Months have gone by, and Naomi has tried to communicate, to say the past can be the past and that they can move forward. Bianca has not responded back to Naomi once. Naomi even visited Bianca’s parent’s house! But no one would answer! WHAT?! Mom ‘n’ Dad don’t know about that, but Naomi says no one was home, so she let herself in! Naomi looked through the photo albums, the one right on the front coffee table. And in those photos, Bianca looked so happy. It reminded Naomi of how they were as tag team champions.

Bianca stops Naomi there. Naomi, Bianca will make this perfectly clear. They were best friends, but Naomi betrayed Bianca’s trust. Naomi took their friend, Jade, and threw her onto a car, then lied about it for months! Bianca said she was done with Naomi, she meant that, and if Naomi ever comes near her family again, what Naomi did to Jade will be nothing compared to what Bianca does to Naomi. The fans fire up for that! Naomi gets emotional, but then she gets mad. “Y’know, Bianca, it wouldn’t be good for you and your mama to be in a wheelchair.” The fans boo as Naomi laughs maniacally. Naomi says she’d hate if something happened to Bianca here and now!

Naomi storms up on Bianca, but then JADE makes her way out here! Naomi is even angrier now, but this Storm starts throwing hands! The fans fire up as Jade BOOTS Naomi down! Bianca and Jade look to each other, neither really saying or doing anything. Naomi runs up but Jade TOSSES her out! Jade and Bianca look to each other again, but then here comes NIA! The Irresistible Force won’t be left out of this, especially when this is the Women’s Triple Threat Qualifier for the night! This match now opens the night, who earns SmackDown’s final golden ticket to the Women’s Money in the Bank ladder match?

Women’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match Qualifier Triple Threat: Jade Cargill VS Naomi VS Nia Jax!

SmackDown returns, this match is already going, and Naomi POSTS Nia! Naomi stalks Jade, rains down forearms, and the fans boo. Naomi stomps to BITE Jade’s hand! Jade still fights back, so Naomi has the arms to STOMP Jade down! Naomi flexes, the fans boo, and Naomi puts Jade in a corer. Naomi runs to DROPKICK Jade in the corner! Naomi SLAPS Jade, drags her into the drop zone, then goes up, up, and twerks! HIP DROP! Naomi covers, ROPEBREAK! Naomi is annoyed but she sits Jade up to stomp a mudhole in. But Nia runs up! Naomi dodges, the HIP ATTACK hits Jade! Naomi goes to the apron to ROUNDHOUES Nia!

Naomi reels Nia in for a HEATSEEKER! Nia flops to the floor, the fans rally for Jade, but Naomi kicks her around. Naomi goes up the corner, leaps, but Jade catches her! Jade FALL AWAY SLAMS Naomi, then kips up! Knoxville fires up with Jade and she runs up to LARIAT! And ELBOW! And SCRAPBUSTER! Cover, Nia breaks it! The fans boo but Nai huffs ‘n’ puffs and drags Naomi up. Nia whips Naomi, pops her up and HEADBUTTS her down! Then she SAMOAN DROPS Naomi! Nia soaks up heat, then lines the two up. Naomi grabs at Nia’s leg but Nia CLUBS her down! Nia stomps Jade for good measure, then drops a leg, brother!

Nia TOSSES Jade out, then goes up the corner. Nia SUPER LEG DROPS on Naomi!! Cover, TWO!!! Naomi survives and Nia is shocked! The fans rally while Nia stalks Naomi. Naomi clings to ropes as Nia pulls at her arm. Nia CLUBS Naomi, whips her to ropes, then SAMOAN DROP- NO, Naomi makes it a CRUCIFIX DRIVER! Ghost pin, TWO!! Nia survives the sudden turnaround, Naomi sees Jade crawling in, and Naomi goes after her as SmackDown goes picture in picture.

Naomi KICKS Nia while she’s down, then kicks her more. Naomi puts Nia in a corner, CHOKES her on the ropes, then clamps on with a SLEEPER! Nia THROWS Naomi away, then TOSSES her out. Nia soaks up heat, but Jade runs in and rolls Nia up! TWO! Nia stands, and she HEADBUTTS Jade down! Nia looms over Jade, drags her up, but Jade fires forearms! Jade backs Nia down, then runs, and she CLOBBERS Nia outta the ring! Jade fires up and has the fans with her. Jade drags Naomi up from the apron but Naomi fires hands. Nia is back to HIP ATTACK Jade against the POST! Nia soaks up more heat, then taunts Naomi.

Naomi stands on the apron, argues with Nia, but they apparently agree to mug Jade for both their benefit. They put Jade in the corner, Naomi digs her boot in, and then Nia sends Naomi in for a SPALSH! Nia adds a SPLASH of her own! Naomi snapmares Jade, runs, and SLIDING LARIATS! Jade sputters and Nia taunts her. Nia and Naomi soak up the heat together, but Jade fights back! Nia HEADBUTTS Jade down! Nia drags Jade up, and Naomi KICKS Jade low! They soak up more heat, talk trash on Jade, and SmackDown returns to single picture. Nia scoops and SIDEWALK SLAMS! Naomi runs to SPLIT LEG DROP! Cover, but Nia drags Naomi away!

Nia and Naomi argue again, and then Naomi rolls Nia up! ONE, and Nia grabs Naomi to shove her to a corner! Nia SPLASHES, then pushes Naomi down. Nia runs to SENTON! Nia grins while Naomi sputters and the fans rally up. Jade rises to fire forearms on Nia! Then she ELBOWS Naomi in a corner! She ELBOWS Nia, but then Nia follows Jade! Jade dodges so Nia SPLASHES Naomi! Jade then SUPERKICKS! Nia wobbles, Jade SUPERKICKS again! And SPINEBUSTERS! But Naomi METEORAS! Cover, TWO! Jade survives and the fans rally up. Naomi goes up, SPLIT- LEG MOONSAULT on Nia! But Jade has Naomi in the chicken wings!

Jade brings Naomi around, JADED!! Cover, Nia CLOBBERS them both! The fans rally while all three women are down! Nia climbs a corner, Jade is after her with forearms! Naomi joins in, drags Jade back, but now they trade shots! Nia DOUBLE CROSSBODIES! Cover on Jade, TWO! Cover on Naomi, TWO! Nia grows frustrated but the fans rally up again. Nia drag Naomi up, fireman’s carries, and she climbs the corner! The fans already anticipate what’s coming, SUPER SAMOAN DROP!! Cover, JADE FROG SPLASHES IN!! Cover, TWO!!! The fans fire up while all three women are down again! “This is Awesome!”

Jade rises, she clamps onto Nia, but Nia HEADBUTTs her! And HEADBUTTS Naomi! Jade BOOTS Nia down! Cover, TWO! Jade runs up on Naomi but Naomi BOOTS her! Naoim goes up top but Jade is right on her! They fight for control, but then Nia joins in! TOWER OF DOOM!! Nia double stacks her opponents, for a A-NIA-LATOR!! Naomi avoids it, Jade takes it all! Naomi ghost pins Nia, AND WINS!!

Winner: Naomi, by pinfall (advances to Money in the Bank)

Nia did a lot of the damage, but it is Naomi who wins out! Will everyone in the Women’s MITB Ladder Match now have to #ProceedWithCaution?

 

Solo Sikoa’s crew arrives.

Solo says they will win Money in the Bank together! Jacob Fatu, Solo Sikoa, whichever one wins MITB wins it fof the family! But then they hear R-Truth talking to… Lil’ Jimmy? Solo says Truth’s childhood hero beats him, and now he’s talking to ghosts. Truth taps Solo on the shoulder and asks if there’s something Solo wants to say. Solo says Truth is crazy touching him. JC Mateo steps up but Solo has him stand down. Truth says he wants to be honest. He’s never seen JC a day before in his life. Is this Solo’s son? He’s husky! Truth asks if he can teach Solo’s husky son a lesson in the ring. Solo says that sounds good to him.

Truth says he’ll go talk to Nick Aldis. “Boy, y’all big boneded!” Truth heads off, and Solo says don’t worry, they’ll take care of him. Let’s have fun. Fatu says keep it 100. They can have their fun, he’s got his own business to take care of. Yadada mean? The Imperial Unit against Truth, Samoan Werewolf in a qualifier, will everything go the family’s way?

 

Chelsea Green confronts Nick Aldis.

The Hot Mess hides behind a cardboard cutout of herself as she tells the SmackDown General Manager, “What happened on Saturday night was a deliberate-” Piper Niven has to direct Chelsea to point at Aldis, and Aldis says he can’t quite understand her from behind the cardboard mask. Piper holds the mask between Chelsea and camera, though we do get a glimpse of her fancy headgear. Chelsea repeats herself, but Aldis says she needs to be looking at him when they talk. Chelsea hides her face in shame, but she says it is still a deliberate hitjob put on by vicious Zelina Vega! Even her Secret Her-vice could not stop it!

Chelsea demands that Zelina be suspended, stripped of her title, and that Chelsea be reinstated as the champion! Chelsea, no need to be so ugly about this. Gasp! Aldis says what he means is, no suspensions, and we can talk a rematch down the road once Chelsea is medically cleared. Then he is doing nothing for what Zelina did to Chelsea?! Alba says if he won’t, then they will! Yeah, Zelina VS Alba! Tonight! Alba is a bit surprised, but Aldis says, “Chelsea knows best. Alba VS Zelina, I actually like the sound of that. I will make that official right now, if you do one thing for me. Please leave me alone.”

The Green Administration hurries away, but will Alba make sure Chelsea brand justice is served? Or will La Muneca just keep racking up the wins?

 

Backstage interview with Tiffany Stratton.

Byron Saxton is with the WWE Women’s Champion, and says that MITB is around the corner. Tiff successfully cashed in her own contract to become champion, but how is she handling the pressure of knowing the same thing could happen to her? Tiff says she can’t wait to see who wins MITB. Then she can handle the pressure by being prepared. Having this title makes her the top threat to the division, but let’s be fair. She’s always been the girl everyone has been obsessed with. So whoever wins, targeting her will be a big mistake. But then in steps Naomi.

Naomi says if Tiff thought Nia was a problem, then she ain’t seen nothing yet. Naomi vows to win MITB and cash in for Tiff’s title, wherever and whenever she wants. And in case Lil’ Miss Tiffy forgot, when Naomi was fighting for a championship, Tiff stayed in Naomi’s way. Wanna know what happens when people play with Naomi? Just ask Jade. Naomi heads out, and Alexa Bliss steps in. Alexa says she wouldn’t be so worried about Naomi. Be worried about Alexa. Alexa heads out now, Tiff clutches to the title a little bit tighter, who will be trying to run the clock out on Tiffy Time?

 

R-Truth VS JC Mateo w/ Solo Sikoa!

To Solo’s point, #RonCena could not make John Cena see the light at Saturday Night’s Main Event, and Truth might be relapsing if he’s talking to Lil’ Jimmy again. But will Truth relapse so far that we get the R-Truth that was once United States Champion? Or will a Tour of the Islands send Truth off the deep end?

SmackDown returns and JC makes his entrance, Solo backing him up. The bell rings and Truth runs up, only for JC to RAM him into a corner! JC RAMS Truth again and again, then lets off. JC whips corner to corner hard and Truth falls in a heap! JC whips corner to corner again just as hard, and Truth falls in a heap again. Solo talks trash but the fans rally behind Truth. JC runs up but Truth dodges! Truth SHOULDER TACKLES! JC stays up, so Truth runs and SHOULDER TACKLES! “What’s Up?” Truth runs, ducks ‘n’ dodges, and SHOULDER TACKLES! Then he hits the SPIN OUT- CROSSBODY! JC then gets up to GACHIMUCHI MOONSAULT!

JC smirks as he looms over Truth, and Solo says to finish this off now. JC runs to SENTON but Truth moves! Truth calls for it! “YOU CAN’T SEE ME!” FIVE KNUCKLE SHUFFLE! Truth fireman’s carries JC, but JC is too much! Truth falls over again! Solo laughs, JC whips, TOUR OF THE ISLANDS!! Cover, JC wins!

Winner: JC Mateo, by pinfall

Truth tried to be like John Cena of old, but it just wasn’t meant to be. JC beats up on Truth more, then stands him up for Solo! But here comes BIG Jim! Jimmy has a chair, he runs JC off, but Solo stands his ground. Solo says his brother wouldn’t hit him with that chair, would he? Jimmy steps to Solo so Solo steps out, but that lets JC CLOBBER Jimmy! But then Solo has JC stand down! They’re family! Solo and JC leave, leaving Jimmy wondering what this is about. Will Jimmy make it clear to Solo that Jimmy’s not the one who has to come to his senses?

 

The Street Profits are here!

The WWE Tag Team Champions walk through the smoke to be on stage and the fans cheer. Angelo Dawkins & Montez Ford hold up the titles, walk to the ring, then step inside. The fans cheer as they hold up the belts again, then the Profits grab the mics. Ford says, “Knoxville, Tennessee, oh I love everything about you, and what I have, too. But lemme rap to y’all real fast. This tag team division that we’re a part of, the greatest tag team division on any brand, any promotion… It’s on fire right now.” Dawkins says, “Talk to ’em.” Ford says, “But just like how the gorilla fears us, make no mistake about it, let’s not forget who’s leading the charge right now: The Street Profits.”

The fans cheer, and Dawkins says hey, they got all the teams coming at ’em! DIY, Motor City Machine Guns, Fraxiom, and now… The Wyatts?! The fans cheer that, and Ford says that’s sick. But what big bro is saying, it don’t matter who it is, the Profits will defend against anybody. Well hold on, here comes Fraxiom! Nathan Frazer & Axiom go to the ring to stand with the Profits, and they have mics. Frazer says alright, since the Profits are talking about defending the titles, well, Frazer & Axiom didn’t exactly get a fair shake. Ford says, “Fraxiom, is it?” He congratulates them for being on a roll, but up until the Wyatt Sick6 got in the Profits’ business…

Yeah, the Profits had them beat. Wow, oh, okay. Sure, maybe… But maybe not. Thanks to the Wyatts, we’ll never know. And now that those shenanigans are behind us, it is fair to say that Fraxiom and the Profits need to run it back! The fans like the sound of that! But wait, here come the Machine Guns! Alex Shelley & Chris Sabin have mics, and Shelley says okay, hold on, sorry to interrupt. Fraxiom’s entire basis for a rematch is that the Profits never beat them. Well, last time Shelley checked, the Profits never beat MCMG! So if they’re handing out title matches, MCMG will take one. But naturally, here comes DIY!

Tommaso Ciampa, Johnny Gargano, and Candice LeRae have their own mics, and the Poison Pixie says no no no no. She is pretty sure “you losers” have had a million chances, and “the nerds” just got here. Whoa, hold on? Just got here? Sounds like Candice just got back, so she should do us a favor and shut up. Gargano says you shut up, idiot! The reason DIY brought in Gargano’s beautiful wife is to even the odds against all of what this is! Everyone can see there is a conspiracy in the tag team division to hold down the BTTITW! And now with the Wyatts showing up- Ciampa has Gargano ixnay on the amily-fay.

Do not talk about you know who, scratch that, let’s get to business. All these teams have all KILLED the tag division that DIY built! Matter of fact, let us hold a moment of silence for the death of the SmackDown Tag Division. Everyone, stand up, bow your heads, and give a moment of silence… now. OH NO! The lights go out! All the teams panic, because when the lights turn on, UNCLE HOWDY is on the corner! Howdy laughs, because the rest of the Wyatts flank the ring! Erick Rowan drags MCMG out to DOUBLE LARIAT! Dexter Lumis is up top to CANNONBALL onto the Profits and Gargano! Joe Gacy is in, and he handsprings to bring Fraxiom to the UPSIDE-DOWN!!

Lumis then runs, POWERBOMB SENTON COMBO on Axiom! Ciampa freaks out, turns around, and Nikki Cross is there! CROSSBODY onto Candice! The fans fire up, and Howdy has Frazer for SISTER ABIGAIL! “We’re here!!” It is just as the Profits said, and now it is clear. Will some killer combination of the Wyatts go right after the gold?

 

Rey Fenix & Je’Von Evans VS Los Garza w/ Santos Escobar!

Worlds Collide is just over a week away, and all four of these men will be involved. The Immortal Firebird and the Young OG are going after the NXT North American Championship in a Fatal 4 Way while Legado Del Fantasma will be taking on AAA’s Pagano, Psycho Clown y El Hijo de Dr. Wagner Jr. Who will be heading for Los Angeles with all the momentum behind them?

Speaking of that North American Championship, the champion is here! Ethan Page joins commentary and says what a year for him, to be honest. Wade says that title has never looked better than on Ethan’s shoulder. Fenix makes his entrance now, followed by Je’Von’s. The teams sort out and Fenix starts against Angel. Angel and Fenix circle, the fans rally up, and the two tie up. Angel fires a forearm, Fenix fires back, repeat! Fenix gets the edge but Angel shoves then drops down. Fenix cartwheels over the dropdown, then comes back, ducks ‘n’ dodges, and RANAS! Angel tumbles, the fans fire up, and Fenix somersaults, but into a fireman’s carry!

Fenix slips free, ripcords to ROUNDHOUSE, but Angel HEADBUTTS! Both men stagger back, tags to Berto and Je’Von! Je’Von dodges and springboards to BOUNCY~ roll-up! TWO, and Berto mule kicks! Berto CLUBS Je’Von, whips, but Je’Von reverses and slips around. Berto bucks the O’Conner, springboards and CROSSBODIES! Cover, TWO! Berto drags Je’Von up, but Je’Von kicks! Berto blocks, but the ENZIGIRI hits! Je’Von runs up, and BOUNCY~ RANAS! The fans fire up and Je’Von DROPKICKS! Berto bails out, Angel runs in, but Je’Von goes Matrix to dodge! Je’Von kips up, and STUNNERS! Angel flops back and the fans fire up!

Los Garza regroups, Je’Von tags Fenix, and they build speed, but have to dodge Angel first. Fenix SOBATS, Je’Von KICKS, and both men ENZIGIRI! Berto is up top, he leaps, but into DOUBLE SUPERKICKS! Cover, TWO! Fenix runs to basement CALF KICK! Cover, TWO! Berto stays in this for Los Garza while SmackDown goes picture in picture.

Fenix drags Berto up to RAM him into the corner. Tag to Je’Von and they mug Berto. Berto fires hands back on Je’Von, but Je’Von headlocks. Berto powers up and out and Angel tags in. Berto drop toeholds Je’Von into Angel’s KNEE at the ropes! Angel TEARS OFF HIS PANTS! Angel drapes those over Je’Von before he KICKS Je’Von in the side! Angel stalks Je’Von to the corner, tags Berto, and they shove Je’Von for a double hip toss, TU LO SABE! Then DOUBLE SUPERKICK! Berto covers, TWO! Berto argues the count but the ref defends it. Berto shoves Je’Von to ELBOW him down! Berto then DUMPS Je’Von down to be under the ropes.

Tag to Angel and Berto sits Je’Von up on the apron. Angel runs to KNEE Je’Von down! Santos joins in with Los Garza as they soak up the heat, and Angel drags Je’Von back in. Angel stands Je’Von up, hoists him to the top rope, then climbs up behind him. Angel CLUBS away on Je’Von, mocks the clapping, and he THROWS Je’Von down. Angel KICKS Je’Von in the arm and Je’Von clutches his hand. Angel drags Je’Von to the ropes, CHOKES him, and the ref reprimands. The ref counts, Angel steps off at 4, and Berto BOOTS Je’Von down. ANgel clamps onto Je’Von with an armlock and chinbar but Je’Von reaches for Fenix.

Angel keeps hold of Je’Von but Je’Von fires hands! SmackDown returns to single picture as Je’Von dodges the lariat, leaps, but Angel catches him! Angel puts Je’Von in a corner and through ropes. Angel pulls an arm and leg against the ropes, but stops as the ref counts. Angel runs to KNEE Je’Von in the ribs! Je’Von slumps to the apron, and Angel sucker punches Fenix! Angel goes back for Je’Von but Je’Von fires body shots! Angel blocks a kick, slips around and Gory Especials! Angel walks over, tags Berto, and Berto slingshots, GARZA ESPECIAL! Cover, TWO! The fans rally up for Je’Von but Berto clamps onto him with a chinlock.

Je’Von endures, even as Berto traps an arm. Je’Von fights up, pries the hold open, and he arm-drags Berto! Je’Von leaps but Berto grabs a leg! Ethan laughs from commentary, but Je’Von kicks free to SUPERKICK! Both men are down, Je’Von and Berto crawl, hot tags to Angel and Fenix! The fans fire up as Fenix rallies on Angel with forearms! Fenix then dodges a shot to springboard and FLYING ARM-DRAG, to a DOUBLE STOMP! Fenix fires off KICKS on Berto, then fires up with Knoxville! Fenix uses Berto to jump up and RANA Angel! Fenix then goes corner to corner to JUMP SOBAT! Fenix fires hands, shoves Angel aside, then goes up.

Fenix springboards to QUEBRADA! Cover, Berto breaks it! Berto whips Fenix, Fenix goes Spider-Man, and Je’Von tags in! Fenix says HASTA LA VISTA, BABY! Angel is up, he pops Fenix up to KICK him! But Je’Von springboards to FLYING LARIAT! The fans fire up, Berto springboards to FLYING CHUCK! All four men are down and the fans fire up again! “This is Awesome!” as Angel and Je’Von crawl. Angel CHOPS Je’Von, Je’Von CHOPS back, and the fans “WOO~!” Angel CHOPS again, so Je’Von CHOPS again! Angel fires a forearm, Je’Von fires back, and they go around with forearm after forearm! The fans fire up, Angel CHOPS, a
nd Je’Von SUPER PUNCHES!

Je’Von runs, BOUNCY- NO, Angel makes it a SIT OUT POWERBOMB!! Cover, TWO!! Ethan is surprised and the fans rally up. Angel hoists Je’Von up top, tags Berto in, and they hoist Je’Von up even higher! But Fenix SHORYUKENS Angel down! Je’Von fires hands on Berto and SHOVES him down! Fenix climbs up to join Je’Von now, and ADIOS AMIGO DOUBLE STOMPS for Angel! Je’Von adjusts, to SUPER DUPER SWANTON onto Los Garza! Ethan says don’t get closer, keep this in the ring! He taunts both his challengers, Fenix and Je’Von stand down to put Los Garza in the ring. The fans rally up, but then Ethan CLOBBERS Fenix & Je’Von!

Ethan TOSSES Fenix over the desk! But Je’Von SUPERKICKS Ethan down! The fans fire up, Je’Von hurries in, and he dodges Angel! But Berto rolls Je’Von up, TWO!! Je’Von dodges Berto, rebound and RED DOT!! Berto is down, Angel gets up, but Je’Von DECKS him! Je’Von goes up, up, but Santos distracts the ref! Ethan SHOVES Je’Von down! The fans boo but Berto tags Angel! Los Garza hoists Je’Von up for M T Y!! Cover, Los Garza win!

Winners: Los Garza, by pinfall

All Ego grins as he screws over two of his three challengers, and now Legado is rolling towards Worlds Collide. But will these rudos get everything they deserve in LA?

 

The Wyatts speak.

“We won’t stop. Not until we get what’s owed.” A simple yet ominous threat, are the tag titles only the beginning?

 

Zelina Vega VS Alba Fyre w/ The Green Administration!

La Muneca held onto the WWE Women’s US Championship by smacking The Hot Mess in the face with a foot, and obviously Chelsea is not happy with it. But will Alba get payback on behalf of her fearless leader? Or will things only get uglier for the Green Regime?

The bell rings and Piper distracts Zelina so Alba can CLOBBER her! Alba fires off hands, then bumps Zelina off buckles. Alba bumps Zelina off more buckles, then more buckles! And then the fourth corner! Chelsea says Zelina should’ve never messed with her! Alba fireman’s carries but Zelina fights free. Zelina KICKS Alba, KICKS again, then KICKS, but Alba CLUBS Zelina. Alba whips, scoops, and- NO, Zelina swings through to RANA! Cover, ONE! Zelina headlocks but Alba fights up and lifts Zelina. Zelina holds on but Alba powers up and out to RUN Zelina over! The fans boo but Chelsea cheers as Alba stalks Zelina.

Alba ROCKS Zelina, whips her to ropes, but Zelina wheelbarrows and arm-drags! Zelina then runs up on Alba in the corner and rains down fists! Alba shoves Zelina away at three, but Zelina comes right back to rain down more shots! Alba stops Zelina at four now, but Zelina wants another go! Alba stops Zelina at four again, and RAMS her into the corner! The fans boo but Alba grins. Zelina BOOTS Alba, goes up, and FLYING RANAS! Alba tumbles out, Piper helps her up, and Zelina goes to the apron. Alba trips Zelina up, spins and ROCKS Zelina, then gets her up. Gory Especial, but Zelina flips through to arm-drag Alba onto ropes!

The fans fire up as Zelina dials up, but Chelsea is on the apron! The ref argues with Chelsea while Zelina redials, but Piper trips her up! The fans boo but Alba SUPERKICKS Zelina! Alba salutes to Chelsea, and SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns and Alba stands on Zelina’s hair while pulling Zelina’s arms! The ref reprimands, Alba steps off, and she drags Zelina up to suplex for the GOURD BUSTER! Cover, TWO! Zelina stays in this and Chelsea argues with the ref. The ref says the count is fair, so Alba clamps onto Zelina with a COBRA CLUTCH! Zelina endures, the fans rally, and Zelina fights up. Zelina fires body shots, Alba ripcords and wrenches to SUPERKICK! Zelina rebounds to SHINING WIZARD! Both women fall and the fans fire up! Piper coaches Zelina, the fans rally up, and both women rise up. Alba is on Zelina and brings her to a corner, but Zelina buckle bumps Alba first!

The fans rally as Alba stalks Zelina, but Zelina bumps her off buckles again! Alba tries again, but Zelina ELBOWS Alba away. Then BOOTS her away! Zelina fires forearms on Alba, backs her down, then whips. Alba reverses but Zelina dodges to LARIAT! The fans fire up as Zelina LARIATS again! Zelina blocks a kick, ELBOWS Alba, but Alba blocks the saido. But Zelina keeps Alba from running, SNAP SAIDO! The fans rally for Zelina as she runs corner to corner, METEORA! Zelina pushes Alba out and goes up top! The fans cheer for some Latina Heat, and METEORA! Cover, TWO! Alba survives and Chelsea is relieved.

Zelina grows frustrated, but she goes back for Alba. Zelina reels Alba in, suplexes, but Alba blocks! Alba knees low, suplexes, but Zelina hits STUN DOG MILLIONAIRE! Alba is down, Zelina goes up, MOONSAULT FLOPS! Alba goes up now, and she SWANTON BOMBS! Cover, TWO!?! Zelina survives and shocks Alba! Chelsea is upset again but Alba hurries to bring Zelina up. Alba KICKS Zelina out, and now Chelsea takes off her face mask?! She tells Piper to stand Zelina up! Piper does as told, and Chelsea takes a swing, but Zelina ducks! The face mask SMACKS Piper!! Chelsea is shocked, then furious, and then she chases after Zelina!

Zelina slips into the ring, Chelsea gets on the apron, but Zelina sends Alba at her! They almost collide, and then Zelina rolls Alba up! Zelina hops on, CODE RED!! Cover, Zelina wins!!

Winner: Zelina Vega, by pinfall

Chelsea tried so hard to screw Zelina over that she just screwed up her own team! Zelina survives again, will no one take down the Vega Administration?

 

The Miz pep talks Carmelo Hayes.

Melo looks good, and he just has to follow the plan. If Melo follows that plan, with no mistakes, they will win. Melo says he knows what he’s doing. Miz asks if he really does. Because Miz has taken Black Mass after Black Mass, sacrificing himself for Melo. Does Melo understand? Miz gave up this chance at MITB for Melo! Miz has already done it twice! If Melo wins this match tonight, Miz will guide Melo to make sure “we are Mr. MITB.” Wait, we? Miz says, “Who do you think got you in this position?” Melo says Melo did. Melo appreciates everything Miz has done for him, from sacrificing to taking hits for him, and helping him win the Andre the Giant Battle Royal.

But nobody told Miz to do that. Melo will run the play exactly as Miz designed it, but what brought Melo to the dance is Melo’s talent. Melo goes out there and does it better than anybody else. Melo puts up 40 points on a bad day, because he is H1M. And Miz just needs to let Melo be H1M. They good? Miz nods, and Melo says okay, let’s do the thing. They are Melo Don’t Miz and they are Awes-H1M. Miz still nods, but he doesn’t seem genuinely happy. Will Miz let Melo be Melo? Even if that means letting H1M fail?

 

Giulia speaks.

“Throughout my entire career, even back when I started in Japan, I had one goal… It’s not to be ‘the best.’ Everyone says that. It’s hollow and empty. My goal is to be indisputable. You can love me or hate me, admiration or disgust, it means nothing. But I’m impossible to deny. My opponent doesn’t matter, because I only view them as an opportunity to build my legacy. Evidence you cannot refute. SmackDown, you will see. I will hit harder, move faster, think sharper, and conquer everything, just like I’ve always done. The question isn’t, ‘Who’s going to let me?” It’s, ‘Who’s going to stop me?'” She adds in Japanese, “If you can stop it, stop it.”

Will SmackDown and all of the WWE soon succumb to The Beautiful Madness?

 

Zelina returns backstage.

She refreshes for a second, but Giulia is there! And Giulia says she sees Zelina, but she also sees that title more. Zelina scoffs and leaves. Could Giulia be aiming for everything once she becomes Ms. Money in the Bank?

 

Damian Priest is here!

Knoxville cheers as The Archer of Infamy heads to the ring, victorious from Saturday Night’s Main Event and that brutal Steel Cage match. Priest grabs a mic to tell Tennessee, “Ever since I beat Drew on Saturday, it’s like I’m breathing in fresh air. Y’know, there was a time when I lived on the street, if we were beefing with another street, that war could go for years. But in WWE, you have a beef with somebody, you have a match and it’s over. But with Drew and I, we went well over a year, and that’s not normal. But we took that beef into a cage. Now, I can feel it, you can se it on my face, we went to war.

“At the end of this war, at Saturday Night’s Main Event, I gave him a Con-Chair-To, I walked out the door, and I put his ass in the past.” The fans cheer that. Priest says now he knows Drew is somewhere recovering from his scrambled brains, but he knows Drew is watching, so this is for Drew. “I still can’t stand yo ass. But the Drew McIntyre that stepped in that cage wasn’t the guy that hides behind his phone on social media. That was the old Drew, the warrior, and I appreciate that.” The fans applaud, and Priest says he won’t ask what is next for himself, he’ll just tell us all. And it is the same thing he wanted when he came to SmackDown: Championships!

The fans cheer, and Priest says this war with Drew cost him an opportunity at being in MITB. But that doesn’t mean he doesn’t have his eyes on a certain champion. Somebody who he has unfinished business with, and a champion he considers the most badass. The fans know that means Fatu, and he knows they know! Priest calls out Jacob Fatu! Priest respects Fatu. Priest knows where Fatu came from, what Fatu had to live through, how it feels to stand in this ring as a champion. Real talk, Priest is proud of Fatu, he congratulates Fatu, that’s real. But what Priest doesn’t respect is the crew that follows him around.

Wait, check that. What Priest doesn’t respect is the crew Fatu follows around. Priest knows at some point, they will get in this ring, handle business, but that’s for them. As for Fatu’s so-called family, if they wanna get involved, they can catch a fresh one, too. Priest won’t make it just a nickname or moniker, he wants this to be fact! Priest is and forever will be EL CAMPEON! The fans cheer that! But will the Archer soon take aim at the Samoan Werewolf? Well, speaking of, Fatu makes his way out here for tonight’s other Triple Threat Qualifier! Fatu nods to Priest, but if Fatu wins his way into the ladder match, will this showdown have to wait a little longer?

Men’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match Qualifier Triple Threat: Carmelo Hayes VS Andrade VS Jacob Fatu!

SmackDown returns and El Idolo makes his entrance, followed by H1M. The bell rings and Miz distracts Fatu and Melo attacks! Fatu ELBOWS Melo away, Andrade is on Melo with forearms, and then Fatu adds a LARIAT! Fatu looms mover Melo but then turns to stare down Andrade. The fans rally as these two step up. Andrade fires forearms but Fatu SHOVES him to a corner. Fatu runs up, Andrade dodges then whips. Fatu reverses, Andrade goes up and out to then ROCK Fatu! Andrade goes up, up, and CROSSBODIES! Cover, ONE! Melo CLUBS Andrade, TOSSES him out, and then CLUBS away on Fatu!

Miz says that’s the way! Melo HAMMERS and CHOPS, then whips, but Fatu blocks! Fatu whips Melo, Melo springboards, but into an UPPERCUT! The fans fire up and Fatu sees Melo go outside. Fatu builds speed, but Miz trips him up! The fans boo, the ref reprimands, but Fatu drags Miz into the ring! Melo goes to roll Fatu up but Fatu stays up! Fatu YANKS Melo up, scoops, but Melo slips free! Melo SUPERKICKS and Miz DUMPS Fatu out! The fans boo but Melo builds speed, only for Andrade to LARIAT! The fans cheer, and now Miz sees he is in trouble. Fatu snarls, but Andrade DIVES, into a HAYMAKER!

Fatu then SUPERKICKS Miz! Fatu THROWS Miz into barriers! The fans fire up and Fatu grins. Fatu runs in, HIP ATTACK against the barriers! The Samoan Werewolf has dominated three men at once and the fans fire up while SmackDown goes picture in picture.

Miz sputters and Fatu leaves him behind to go around the way. Melo is there to kick Fatu, RAM Fatu, but Fatu blocks another whip! Fatu ROCKS Melo and Melo staggers away. Fatu stalks Melo, Melo checks on Miz, but Fatu ROCKS Melo! Andrade goes after Fatu now, but Fatu THROWS Andrade into barriers! The fans cheer as Fatu lets Andrade go to the ring. Fatu brings Melo up, SMACKS him off the desk, then pushes him down. Fatu clears the desk off, but Melo CLUBS Fatu against the desk! Melo storms into the ring, brings Andrade up, but Andrade RAMS Melo into the corner! Andrade RAMS Melo, CHOPS Melo, then stalks Melo.

Andrade whips Melo, Melo reverses and Andrade hits buckles hard! Melo CHOPS Andrade down! Melo brings Andrade up, soaks up some heat, then makes it Latino Heat. But Andrade blocks the suplex to suplex Melo! Andrade hangs Melo out to dry, and Melo flops to the apron. Fatu is back but Andrade fires forearms first! Andrade whips, Fatu reverses, and Fatu BODY CHECKS Andrade! Fatu geeks out and the fans are with him while he stalks Andrade. Fatu drags Andrade up to HEADBUTT him into the corner. Fatu shoves Melo off the apron, then he HEADBUTTS Andrade again. Andrade sputters but Fatu is all fired up.

Fatu CHOPS Andrade, UPPERCUTS, and HEADBUTTS him again! Andrade CHOPS in return! SmackDown returns to single picture and Andrade CHOPS, CHOPS, CHOPS! Fatu UPPERCUTS and Andrade falls back! Melo stomps Andrade in the corner, then tells Fatu to come on in. Fatu runs up, but Andrade gets away! Hip attack hits buckles! Melo ENZIGIRIS Fatu, Andrade runs to dodge Melo and FLYING FOREARM! The fans fire up as Andrade kips up! Andrade has targets in the corners, and he rallies the fans with “SI! SI! SI!” CIEN KNEES for Fatu! CIEN- NO, Melo tilt-o-whirls and LA MYSTICA! Cover, TWO!

The fans rally, Melo runs to stomp away on Fatu, then he brings Andrade up. Fatu stands to CLOBBER Melo! Andrade SUPERKICKS Fatu! The fans rally, Melo brings Andrade up and springboards, but Andrade stops him at the ropes! SECOND ROPE SPANISH FLY! But Fatu SENTONS Andrade! The fans fire up as Fatu SENTONS Melo! Fatu drags Melo to a drop zone, then goes to the corner! The fans rally for Fatu as he goes up, up, but Andrade YANKS him down! Andrade goes up top, MOONSAULT DOUBLE!! Cover, Melo breaks it! The fans rally while all three are down! “This is Awesome!” as the three stir.

Melo brings Fatu and Andrade around, and he fires forearms on each of them. Andrade fires back on Melo, then Fatu UPPERCUTS! Andrade ROCKS Fatu, but Fatu UPPERCUTS Andrade! The fans rally as the three rise, and Melo springboards! DOUBLE FADE AWAY DDT!! Cover on Andrade, Fatu breaks it! Melo and Fatu stare down, and they run up! Melo dodges to hit the FIRST 48! Andrade adds a POISON-RANA! Melo slips around Andrade to KNEE and suplex, CUTTER! Cover, TWO!! Andrade survives and Melo grows frustrated. The fans rally for Fatu while Melo shakes his hands out. Andrade is on the apron but Melo rises.

Melo brings Andrade up but Andrade trips Melo! They go out to brawl, and Melo SUPERKICKS Andrade down! But Fatu SUPERKICKS Melo! The fans fire up for Fatu as he lines up a shot. Fatu gets the fans even more fired up, then he geeks out! Fatu runs in the full length, but Andrade & Melo move! HIP ATTACK through barriers!! The fans go nuts as Fatu crashes into the timekeeper’s area! Fatu sputters as SmackDown goes back to picture in picture.

Fatu stirs while Andrade and Melo go to the ring. They roll in, Melo grabs at Andrade and vice-versa. Melo fires a forearm, then goes back outside. Andrade goes to the opposite end while Melo looks under the ring. Melo makes Knoxville happy by bringing out a table! But then Melo makes them mad by dropping it! Melo goes after Andrade but Andrade ROCKS him first! Andrade brings out a chair! Andrade aims, but Melo dropkicks the legs out! Andrade crawls, Melo shakes his head, and he grabs the chair now. Melo aims, but Andrade kicks Melo low! Andrade and Melo go into the ring, and Andrade puts Melo in a drop zone.

Andrade goes up the corner, but Melo trips him up! Andrade is stuck up top and Melo hits the SLINGSHOT PLEX! Melo flexes, then decides to step through on the legs! Andrade cradles that, TWO! Melo and Andrade stand, DOUBLE LARIATS collide! Both men fall and the fans look for Fatu. SmackDown returns to single picture as the fans rally, Melo and Andrade sit up, and Melo CHOPS! Andrade ROCKS Melo, then rolls away. Melo hurries to clamp onto Andrade with a facelock, but Andrade RAMS him into a corner! Andrade puts Melo up top but Melo fires forearms. Andrade drops back, Melo aims, but Andrade GAMANGIRIS!

The fans still want tables but Andrade climbs up to get Melo. They’re on the very top, but Fatu is back! Fatu makes the SUPER SPANISH FLY part ROCKER LAUNCHER!! The fans are thunderous as Fatu goes up now! SWANTON BOMB onto Melo! Cover, Andrade breaks it!! The fans rally up again and still want tables. Fatu runs at Andrade to SPLASH! Then Fatu runs at Melo, but Melo BOOTS him! Melo runs up, but into a pop-up! Melo fights the Samoan Drop, and Andrade adds the SHADOW ELBOW! But Melo makes it a ghost pin! Andrade adds a stack, TWO!!! Fatu survives the double cover, but here come Solo & JC!

The fans boo as Solo is here to coach Fatu up. Melo and Andrade trade forearms, then Melo dodges to springboard, FLYING LARIAT! Cover, Fatu breaks it! Fatu snarls, drags Melo up, and he HEADBUTTS Melo! Fatu finally notices Solo & JC, but Fatu puts Melo up top. Fatu CHOPS Melo, then he fireman’s carries Andrade. Fatu adds Melo to this, but Melo slips free. SAMOAN DROP for Andrade, and then Fatu goes to the corner. Solo says Fatu’s got this now! BEST MOONSAULT EVER FLOPS and Melo hits NOTHING BUT NET!! Cover, ANDRADE BREAKS IT! Andrade underhooks Melo, THE MESS- NO, Melo RANAS through! Cover, TWO!!

Andrade has a cover, TWO! Melo has a cover, TWO! Andrade has it, TWO! Both men stand, SHADOW ELBOW! FIRST 48!! SHADOW ELBOW AGAIN!! All three men are down and the fans are thunderous! Fatu crawls, Melo rolls to a corner, and Andrade stirs. Fatu rises, he brings Andrade up, IMPALER DDT! Then Fatu has Melo to RAM him into a corner. Fatu runs and HIP ATTACKS Melo! Andrade is up, Fatu hits him with another IMPALER DDT! Fatu puts Andrade in the drop zone, and he hits the BEST MOONSAULT EVER!! Solo says yeah, do that again! The fans boo but Fatu glares at Solo. JC says do what Solo is saying, Fatu!

But wait! Jimmy YANKS JC down, and SUPERKICKS him! The fans fire up, and then Melo RAMS Fatu into Solo! Then FIRST 48! But Andrade rolls Melo into THE MESSAGE!! Cover, ANDRADE WINS!!

Winner: Andrade, by pinfall (advances to Money in the Bank)

Solo just screwed things up for Fatu! Solo does his best to keep the peace between Fatu and JC, but the point is: Andrade is headed to Los Angeles! Will he make this El Idolo in the Bank?

 

Backstage interview with LA Knight.

Byron Saxton segues from congratulating Andrade for qualifying to welcoming in someone who already has qualified, but The Mega Star says, “My gawd. What is it with punching tickets around here? Everybody talks about punching tickets. WWE Instagram, punched tickets. Commentary, punched tickets. You’re talking about punched tickets. I guess I punched my ticket to MITB, it’s only eight days away. A few other guys who punched tickets, who are they? You got Andrade, you got Penta, you got what’s his name, Seth Rollins. You got Solo Sikoa! They’re all in it! They all punched their tickets!

“And everybody’s gonna be climbing that ladder, trying to get up, put everything on the line that they can. Now, if this was a one-on-one match, I’d go ahead and call my shot, and I’d say I’m gonna run up there, grab the case, and cash it in. But you gotta understand, this is my third year in a row, so I understand what this is. You can call me the vet in this match. Some people say maybe that Seth is the vet in this, but they would be wrong. For three years in a row now, you’re talking about the most robust and the most recent experience, YEAH. And what that means is now it’s anybody’s game. Anybody can come out with it, and I understand that.

“But with or without the case, what you need to understand is that the WWE title, the world title, they’re all in my future. With the way I’ve been running, at this point, they should be in my past, maybe even my present. Why don’tcha go ahead and punch that ticket? While we’re talking about-” Knight stops himself when he spots someone walking in. It’s Aleister Black! And Aleister says that win was supposed to be his. But he tells Knight, “You’re welcome, though.” The Dark Father lets the Mega Star shine, if only for now. Will LA win big in LA when we finally reach MITB?

 

Fatu and Solo regroup backstage.

Solo wants Fatu to listen. He was just trying to help. Fatu tells Solo to listen. For the last time, Fatu does not need his help! Fatu storms off, JC steps in, but Solo has nothing else to say. Is the Samoan Werewolf going to break away from this dysfunctional “family?”

 

Cody Rhodes is here!

Knoxville fires up and sings along, “WHOA~ OH~!” Cody gets his pyro, high-fives fans along the ramp and the front row, and even signs autographs. Cody goes to the ring, grabs a mic, and he hears the fans chant his name. Cody fires the fans up more, then hears them sing, “Cody! Cody Rhooodes~! Cody! Cody Rhooodes~!” Cody says, “So, Knoxville! Whaddya wanna talk about?” The fans cheer, and Cody says, “I’d be remiss if I didn’t point out that we could talk about the record crowd here this evening!” The fans cheer that, too! Cody says he loves them, too, thank you very much.

Cody says they could also talk about WrestleMania 41. The fans boo, but Cody says after WrestleMania 41, he went home, he drowned his sorrows, might’ve touched the “Tennessee Cough Syrup” a little bit, and he had a moment of doubt. He reached out to a friend. A friend who helps him prepare to wonderful audiences like this one here, or speaking to everyone at home. Cody asked him, “Was I a good champion?” The fans cheer for that, but Cody says the friend told him wasn’t quite as simple as yes or no.

The friend told him, “With everything that you faced here in the ring in front of all the fans, and with everything that you faced behind the scenes, being pulled in different directions, the waters that you had to navigate that no champion has ever had to navigate, yes, I feel that you were a good champion.” Cody says he felt good hearing that, it turned into a hopeful moment, the silver lining on a dark cloud. Cody looked back on his whole year. He thought about AJ Styles faking retirement to get the drop on him. Cody thought about his friend, Kevin Owens, sucker punching him against his bus while Cody’s family slept inside.

Cody thought about his boss, Triple H, who pushed Cody to the limit, and sees something in Cody that Cody doesn’t even see in himself. Cody even thought about The Final Boss, how he asked Cody for his soul, and the entire world wondering what that meant. As preposterous as that sounded, The Rock was 100% serious. No matter how many times Cody said no, the offer still stands. And Cody also thought about John Cena. The fans initially boo, but the “Let’s Go, Cena!” “CENA SUCKS!” starts up. Cody takes a moment, and then he says, “I thought about John Cena doing exactly what he said he was going to do. He forced me to make a choice, and I hesitated.

“I don’t know if John Cena is going to ‘ruin’ professional wrestling. But if he does, then I’m partially to blame. Now, I know, I’d love to say this to John Cena’s face. Not sure if he’s going to come out here right now, but if you are listening, if you are listening, Champ, I need you to know that I will never hesitate with you again!” The fans cheer that, and Cody says no matter how much Cena will tout the amount of days he has left, how much Cena will talk about what remains before he absconds with the WWE Championship and leaves all of us forever, that is NOT Cena’s expiration date! That is on the other side of Cody’s corneas, and it will burn Cena’s ass up!

The fans fire up for that, and Cody calms it down. Cody apologizes for that. This is his first night back on SmackDown, he is getting worked up. He thought so much about what he could do, what he could do for the fans. Hell, how about a surprise? The fans already “YEET! YEET! YEET!” so Cody says they’re hungry for it. Let’s yeet. Well, hold on, that’d be a very big surprise. That’d be the biggest surprise. That’d be Cody’s partner riding into battle for MITB, and hell YES he is here! Ladies and gentlemen, give it up for the World Heavyweight Champion, MAIN EVENT JEY USO! The fans go wild as Jey makes his way in from the pavilion!

The fans sing along with Day One Ish and bounce for that YEET! Jey makes his way down through the crowd to ringside, one verse at a time, and SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns and Jey joins Cody in the ring now, mic in hand. Cody and Jey hear the fans want an encore, so we get even more YEET! But then John Cena makes his entrance to ruin the fun! The fans sing “JOHN CENA SUUUCKS~!” even though he wears that University of Tennessee orange and white. Cena goes to the ring, towel draped over his head, then grabs a mic before he joins Cody and Jey in the ring. Cena hears the fans boo, and he says, “I’m upset, too. If it isn’t professional wrestling’s biggest wannabes!” Cena tells Cody he is nothing more than a Cena Wannabe, and that Jey is nothing more than a Cena Wannabe.

The fans boo but Cena says they both wanna be Cena so bad, it makes him sick! Cody wants Cena’s fame, Jey wants Cena’s money, but they will get neither because Cody is too desperate and Jey is too lazy! There is only ONE other human being in the WWE who embodies hustle, loyalty and respect, and he’s got the fortune, fame and followers to back that up! Surprise, losers! Cena’s partner is here, too! The fans boo already, because “EY YO~!” Logan Paul IS here! The Maverick swaggers his way out, and Cena gives him a proper introduction. “Oh, you mad? You’re mad because Logan Paul does WWE better than any professional wrestler?”

Cena says Logan doesn’t need to pay his dues, because he is paying Jey’s mortgage! Everybody in this building did NOT come to see Jey! They came to see John Cena and Logan Paul! Logan asks, “What the hell you crying about, Knoxville? Look! I could walk on water, and y’all would still find a way to tell me it’s because I can’t swim! John Cena speaks the language of Logan Paul, and that is the truth! The truth! It is right in front of you! You deny it all you want, but look around, you stupid, stupid, simple Tennessee people! This is a moment in history! All of you get to witness the moment that John Cena stood side-by-side in the ring with Logan Paul.

“And look, all of you will live long, pathetic, miserable lives. But at least you will get to say that you saw that.” The fans tell Logan to STFU, and Cena tells Logan to ignore it. Logan says yeah, yeah, they’re so ungrateful. They don’t know what’s good for them. There is one problem, though. This does seem too perfect. The problem is… Logan should be standing next to THE WWE Champion as THE World Heavyweight Champion! Logan should’ve been the one to leave Saturday Night’s Main Event with that title around his waist. But look at him, Jey. Jey got lucky. Jey got lucky! He knows it, Logan knows, it, the fans know it, CODY knows it!

Jey needed Cody to save him! When Cody interfered with the match cuz these two cheaters can’t do a single thing in this business without it being handed to them! “These two nepo babies were born on third, thinking they hit a triple.” Logan points to himself and says, “Self-made man!” He points to Cena and says, “Self-made man!” Five years ago, nobody every would’ve believed Logan Paul would be a WWE superstar. And they certainly never ever would’ve believed that he’d be teaming with the Greatest Of All Time! But look at Logan now. He’s not just a superstar, he is THE superstar! His time is now! Cena told us that his time is almost up!

Cena is the Last Real Champion, Logan is the inevitable face of the WWE! So Jey, Cody, at MITB, if you want some, come get some. Jey tells Logan they don’t gotta wait! They can handle this right now! UH UH, YEET!! The mics drop, Cena and Logan talk this out, and Logan wants to throw hands while Cena wants to leave. Cody asks what they’re arguing about. They gonna go to the back so Logan can polish Cena’s Peacemaker? Now it’s a fight! The fans fire up as the hands are flying! Logan TOSSES Jey, Cena picks Cody up! Cody slips free, Jey is back to SUPERKICK! Cody hits the DISASTER KICK! Cena bails out, Jey PLANCHAS out onto him!

Logan goes to the apron, slingshot and- NO, Cody dodges the “Snapshot” Lariat and Jey SUPERKICKS Logan! Then Jey sets Logan up for the CODE D!! The fans fire up as Cody picks up the WWE Championship! Will Cody and Jey make it through Logan and Cena to then clear a path for the American Nightmare’s redemption? Or will Cena & Logan ruin wrestling together?


My Thoughts:

A very good SmackDown, but maybe with some wheel-spinning. As fun as Chelsea Green continues to be, can’t we move on from her and Zelina? Or are we about to do that with tonight’s win over Alba and then Giulia confronting her? Ironically, that seems to give away Giulia isn’t winning MITB. Giulia had a good promo video right before but they undercut it by giving us that confrontation. That said, Giulia deserves to be all the champions, but I suppose starting with the Women’s US Championship would be a good route. Very good promo from Bianca and Naomi to not just have Bianca’s homecoming, but to keep the feud between them alive.

The Women’s Triple Threat had a slow start but it turned out to be a very good match. Great win for Naomi, and good promo from her, Tiffany and Alexa to tease potential MITB winners. Great stuff in the tag match to build Worlds Collide just a touch. We only got one moment of Berto being passive aggressive towards Santos, and then Ethan Page screwing the Faces over, but that was still enough for the North American Championship. Of course, it depends on how many fans watch not just Raw and SmackDown but also NXT so that the fans already understand the story. But as someone who does, I do appreciate they’re bringing NXT story onto SmackDown.

Good promo from Priest to give some shoot respect to Drew and Fatu, but Priest wanting after the US title kinda gave away what was happening with the Men’s Triple Threat. It was a great Triple Threat, but of course Solo & JC cost Fatu. That team is just one moment away from breaking up, and it might be at MITB when Solo just expects Fatu to help him win the briefcase and Fatu refuses. And Fatu VS Priest will still be awesome whenever it happens. Good promo from Knight, and a good bit from Aleister with him, which I suppose means that’s the next feud for them. Was kinda hoping for Aleister VS Nakamura but that really depends if Nakamura is sticking with WWE or going home to Japan via Pro-Wrestling NOAH as rumored.

R-Truth relapsing to talking to Lil’ Jimmy is certainly a choice. I kinda wish he’d keep up the “Ron Cena” stuff, or they’d let Jeff Cobb do his own John Cena bit from NJPW, but I guess some things in WWE still won’t change. And closing with a big promo segment was also certainly a choice. Cody still did a good job, and nice surprise to have Jey show up. Not sure they needed to take a commercial break for Jey’s entrance, especially when they were obviously going to let Jey do his YEET encore. And Cena really must be brainwashed to put Logan over as if Logan’s on par with peak Cena. But naturally a brawl happened and the Faces stood tall.

Don’t count this as go-home math yet, they could easily revisit this on Raw and even next week on SmackDown. Even then, I still feel like Jey and Cody should win at MITB to properly set up Cody VS Cena 2 at SummerSlam. Raw on June 9th is still the move for the World Heavyweight Championship, but there’s also Saturday Night’s Main Event in July, who knows if Jey makes it to SummerSlam as champion.

My Score: 8.7/10

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Andrew’s TNA iMPACT! Results & Match Ratings: 5.29.25

Stuff happens, maybe it doesn’t, Dreamer and Delirious can’t book.

Published

on

Well Trick Willie is the new TNA champ and this is the first iMPACT since his win…so let’s just hear him talk about it.

Ratings:

  • The Rascalz vs Fir$t Cla$$ vs Laredo vs The System: Rascalz win via Meteora – ***
  • Raj Singh vs Mustafa Ali: Ali wins via…No Shit – Squash Garbage
  • ASH by Elegance vs Lei Ying Lee: Lei wins via Spinning TKO – ** 3/4
  • Mance Warner w/SDL vs Jobber: Mance wins via Hit the Pay Winda – Squash
  • Santino Marella & Arianna Grace vs Robert Stone & Victoria Crawford w/Tessa: Team Robbie wins via shenanigans – **
  • International Championship: Steve Maclin (c) vs Matt Cardona: Maclin retains via KIA – ***

 

Results:

The Rascalz vs Fir$t Cla$$ vs Laredo vs The System

Octagon got jumped by The System earlier so Laredo is fighting alone. Another backstage jumping is getting a little dumb. 

Laredo and Trey start. Typical Indie start with Simultaneous awful Dropkick spot and bad counters, AJ blind tag runs the smaller guys over, tags out to KC and the Rascalz instantly get the moment. KC is rocked, tags in Laredo and Laredo takes out the System before Lish gets on the apron and grabs Laredo. The referee kicks out Lish and Rehwoldt on commentary points out it’s a No DQ match so that’s dumb.

KC gets tossed at AJ, he catches him, Rascalz Dive and do their taunt as we go to commercial. We come back, Tennessee Whiskey into a KC tag in for the near fall on Laredo. Corner combo, Snapmare into Flip Forward Neck Breaker, KC is on a roll. AJ tags Laredo and starts talking crap to KC, they swerve and go Finger Poke of Doom, but it’s not a legal pin. Suddenly tornado attacks, System and Rascalz go for broke, AJ hits the Senton to break the eventual pin, Laredo counters AJ’s Chokeslam attempt. Trey clears out The System, Wentz sends himself and KC over and out, Laredo with a Corkscrew Moonsault, which looked cool but it’s the pile of morons waiting to get hit spot.

AJ hits the Down Payment on Laredo, but Trey blind tagged AJ. Meteora on AJ, Trey pins Laredo and Rascalz win.

Raj Singh vs Mustafa Ali

Raj looks like shit in the gear he came down in…and he wrestles equivalently. I would rather anyone else comeback…give me Anarquia.

Ali murders Raj, Instant Dropkick, Rolling Neckbreaker, Corkscrew Standing Moonsault, it’s not close. Raj tries to counter things but Ali Bellclap, a little Duck the left, connect the right. Raj even does a terrible looking Punch Combo, he’s in bad shape, a bad looking Ushigoroshi, Raj with a sloppy looking something, 450 ends it.

Fire Raj as quickly as you brought him back. You don’t need a comedically pathetic job guy when the roster is like 4 guys getting pushed and everyone else sucks. Stop being stupid. Ali still hates women too.

This Injury Report is the dumbest segment in the history of wrestling. Stop treating fake shit as “serious business”. 

ASH by Elegance vs Lei Ying Lee

ASH mocks karate stuff, Lei throws a few Rising Crane kicks as ASH bails and then things slow down a little. But a Pump Kick, Sliding Kick and Low Dropkick cause ASH to cower and claim her tooth broke. It’s a bait to pull Lei into the turnbuckles and them get in a few stomps. Ash keeps Lei in the corner, Suplexes her ankles into the buckles and then Ash throws a few Booty Shots/Hit Attacks then starts a grounded stretch, Lei Headscissors her down, still sells the hips and ankles, but dodges and fires, combination strikes into the 10 Count Down Strikes. T-bone Suplex, into the pinfall, for only two.

Cheapshot into Running Meteora from ASH for two. Ash goes for the Miz Yes Kicks and Lei No Sells and asks for more. Gorgeous Capture Suplex into Thunder Struck and TKO with flair. My baby has a better finish now! Yay!

Mance Warner w/SDL vs Jobber

Hannifan cursing and being pissed at Trick for not even showing but is more entertaining than a squash match. Not that Mance’s offense is bad, but 2 out of 3 job matches is stupid.

Santino Marella & Arianna Grace vs Robert Stone & Victoria Crawford w/Tessa

Marella tries to tie up with Robbie, but he bails and tags out to Victoria so Arianna comes in and aside from Alicia Fox’s silliness, the tie up was decent with Arianna and Victoria. Tessa interferes and the Referee throws her out. Victoria comes back in and aside from a slight miscommunication with how Arianna does her punches, Alicia Fox is making her look…pretty good. Transition moves, okay brawling and Arianna looks amazing in her outfit.

Rob and Santino distract the referee and Victoria hits a Figure Four into her Northern Lights Suplex, only for 2. Arianna finally Back Body Drop to find the tag, Santino and Rob, Santino does his split dodge into the Standing Headbutt, Arianna Cross Body onto Victoria. Rob pulls out the ref, then shoves the ref into Santino, Santino into the steps and Arianna attack but Alicia and Lish, the fix is in, Arianna eats the pin.

International Championship: Steve Maclin (c) vs Matt Cardona

A few quick brawl moves, Shoulder Tackles, Strikes, Back Breakers, Cardona does get dumped out and eats a SCUD. Maclin bounces Cardona’s face off the apron and hits an Elbow off the apron to keep Cardona reeling, but a dodged tackle sends Maclin into the steps. Cardona tries to Piledriver Maclin on the ramp, but Back Drop counter, into commercial.

Formulaic commercial etiquette of Cardona still in control, throws Maclin into the ropes, Diving Shoulder Tackle lays both dudes out and they get up by 8. Fighting Spirit spot, Cardona hits ropes and gets hit by Maclin twice, Thesz Press, Ground and Pound, Back Elbow and Olympic Slam has Maclin rolling. Splash into Lariat for two. Maclin has been all gas no brakes. Cardona tries to take a few shortcuts that turns into a Straight Jacket Takedown. Cardona to the top, Maclin cuts him off, Superplex spot. 1-2-kick out!

Maclin goes topside for a Jar Headbutt, Cardona hits the ropes so Maclin crashes into the corner, 2 Reboots connect, the third gets caught, counter into Busaiku Knee, Jar Headbutt. In and out, Cardona uses the middle rope for the Low Blow, Killswitch from Cardona but Maclin kicks out. Cardona dodges and shoves Maclin towards the ref, he puts the brakes on, Radio Silence! 1-2-Kick out! Maclin catches a top rope move, Power Bomb, Corner Splash, Tree of Woe, Caught in the Crosshairs, KIA and Maclin retains!

 

Overall Score: 4.5/10

Boring paint by numbers show, no Trick, System has one move, Robert Stone is a scumbag, too long to introduce new girls, lots of throw away segments and Rosemary sets up YET ANOTHER Monster’s Ball match. These aren’t interesting when there’s one every 3 months. So we can have terrible Monster’s Ball matches quarterly, Barbed Wire Massacre and Clockwork Orange House of Fun…BUT NO LOCKDOWN!?

Go home TNA, you’re drunk.

About Chairshot Radio Network

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

 MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)

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

WEDNESDAY - The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling) 

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

FRIDAY - DWI Podcast (Drunk Wrestling Intellect)

SATURDAY - The Mindless Wrestling Podcast

SUNDAY - The Front and Center Sports Podcast 

CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS

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

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

Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5

Classic POD is WAR


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