Coverage

Mitchell’s NJPW WTL X Super Jr. Tag Results & Report! (12/2/22)

Another MASSIVE combined card!

Published

1 year ago

December 2, 2022

Steven Mitchell

World Tag League, Round 5! Super Jr. Tag League, Round 6!

NJPW keeps heating up the Winter with another huge combo card as both World Tag League AND Super Junior Tag League are in Osaka!

OFFICIAL RESULTS

Super Jr. Tag League 2022: KUSHIDA & Kevin Knight VS DOUKI & Yoshinobu Kanemaru; Douki & Kanemaru win.
World Tag League 2022: Toru Yano & Hiroshi Tanahashi VS Alex Coughlin & Gabriel Kidd; Yano & Tanahashi win.
Super Jr. Tag League 2022: YOH & Lio Rush VS SHO & Dick Togo; Sho & Dick win.
World Tag League 2022: Great-O-Khan & Aaron Henare VS EVIL & Yujiro Takahashi; Khan & Henare win.
Super Jr. Tag League 2022: Robbie Eagles & Tiger Mask VS Ace Austin & Chris Bey; Ace & Bey win.
World Tag League 2022: Shane Haste & Mikey Nicholls VS Minoru Suzuki & Lance Archer; Shane & Mikey win.
Super Jr. Tag League 2022: Alex Zayne & El Lindaman VS BUSHI & Titán; Zayne & Lindaman win.
Super Jr. Tag League 2022: Ryusuke Taguchi & Clark Connors VS TJP & Francesco Akira; TJP & Akira win.
World Tag League 2022: Aussie Open VS Tetsuya Naito & SANADA; Naito & Sanada win.

PLAY BY PLAY

BREAKING NEWS for World Tag League!

And very unfortunate news at that. As reported by NJPW themselves, Chase Owens must withdraw from the World Tag League and return home to the US following a death in the family. That means he and Bad Luck Fale are out, and all remaining matches with them are forfeited for two points. Our hearts go out to Chase and his family during this time.

Super Jr. Tag League 2022: KUSHIDA & Kevin Knight VS DOUKI & Yoshinobu Kanemaru!

#Time2Fly is hanging on by a thread, but there’s still time for a comeback! Can Kushida & Knight climb back from the edge? Or will Japones Del Mal & The Heel Master begin to spoil things for others?

The teams sort out and Kushida starts against Douki. Fans rally as the two circle and feel things out. They tie up, Douki waistlocks but Kushida switches. Douki wrenches free to wristlock but Kushida slips through to wrench and step over. Kushida hammerlocks then arm-drags and fans applaud. Douki gets up and circles with Kushida again. They feel out a knuckle lock but then Douki wrenches an arm. Douki grinds the shoulder, spins Kushida around then arm-drags him back. Kushida stands up and fans applaud. The two go again, Kushida shoots in to spin and trip Douki to a standing toehold.

Kushida stands Douki up to STO, but Douki goes for a headscissors! Kushida stops that, flips Douki over, but Douki kips up to arm-drag again! Kushida sweeps the legs, covers, ONE! Douki sweeps, covers, ONE! Kushida drop toeholds to then wrench an arm! Fans applaud this fast and furious exchange, and then Knight tags in. Knight wrenches Douki’s arm, tags Kushida, and he hands off the arm for Kushida to wrench. Kushida grinds Douki down, Knight steps in and they hand off the wrench again and again and again. They double snapmare, then double knee drop both arms! Fans applaud but Kanemaru jumps in!

Kanemaru kicks Kushida and Knight, then runs, but Knight drops and Kushida sidesteps. They body blow and knee lift Kanemaru down! Fans fire up as Time2Fly have their secret handshake. Kushida wrenches Douki and isolates the arm to STOMP it! Douki clutches his elbow but Kushida drags him up. Kushida wrenches the arm to an ELBOW BREAKER! Kushida runs but Douki does the splits! Kushida tumbles out and Kanemaru runs to BOOT Knight off the apron! Douki goes out to whip Kushida hard into railing! Kanemaru does the same to Knight! The ref reprimands, Douki drags Kushida up to POST groin first!

Douki leaves Kushida behind to tag in Kanemaru. A ring count starts and fans rally up. Kushida is still down at 5 of 20 but he sits up at 6. Kushida stands at 7, hobbles over and slides into the ring at 9. Kanemaru whips Kushida to ropes to then dropkick the legs out! Fans applaud while Kanemaru SMASHES Kushida’s knee into the mat! Tag to Douki and Suzuki-Gun split the wishbone! Douki stalks Kushida, SMASHES the knee, then covers, ONE!! Kushida hangs tough but Douki stomps his leg. Douki brings Kushida up to whip him into a corner, then runs in to clothesline! Douki brings Kushida out but Kushida blocks the suplex!

Fans rally as Kushida tries to suplex Douki, but Douki throws a body shot. Douki suplexes again, but Kushida slips out to waistlock. Douki elbows Kushida away then runs, but Kushida ducks the lariat. Kushida keeps moving but Douki ducks his lariat, and then both men DOUBLE CROSSBODY! Fans fire up while both men are down! Kushida and Douki crawl for their corners, hot tags to Knight and Kanemaru! Kanemaru kicks first, he whips but Knight reverses to DROPKICK Kanemaru down! Knight kips up and fans fire up with him! Knight whips Kanemaru corner to corner, runs in and SPLASHES!

Knight whips Kanemaru the other way, but he runs into a BOOT! Kanemaru goes up but Knight JUMPS to SUPER STEINER! Knight fires up more but Douki kicks him low. Douki kicks Kushida, too, then runs. But Knight & Kushida dodge for Knight to DROPKICK Douki out! Knight says it’s time so Kushida Electric Chair Lifts Kanemaru. But Kanemaru rakes Kushida’s eyes to slip free! Kanemaru then shoves Kushida into Knight, then whips Kushida. Kushida reverses to hip toss, cartwheel and dropkick! Knight adds his SPINNING SPLASH! Cover but Douki breaks it! Kushida throws Douki back out and leaves it to Knight.

Fans rally up and Knight leaps, but Kanemaru shoves his satellite DDT away! Kanemaru runs, tilt-o-whirls, but Knight throws his DDT away! Knight PUMP KICKS Kanemaru down! Fans fire up again as Knight goes up the corner. Knight aims, FLYING SPLASH onto knees!! Kanemaru saves himself, and Douki gets in. Douki clotheslines Knight, Kanemaru back elbows! Douki goes up as Kanemaru scoop SLAMS Knight! DIVING DOUBLE STOMPS, and then MOONSAULT! Cover, Kushida breaks it in time! Fans fire up as Kushida kicks low and runs, but into a DROPKICK from Kanemaru!

Knight stands, into DAYBREAK!! And Kanemaru hits the BRAINBUSTER!! Cover, Kanemaru & Douki win!!

Winners: Douki & Yoshinobu Kanemaru, by pinfall (gain 2 points; Kushida & Knight earn 0)

To the victors go the spoiler! The Heel Master & Japones Del Mal didn’t need any tricks to ruin the Time Jet’s flight! Will there be more ruins ruined at the hands of Kanemaru & Douki?

World Tag League 2022: Toru Yano & Hiroshi Tanahashi VS Alex Coughlin & Gabriel Kidd!

The Joker & The Ace are right down the middle with 2-2, so there is still a chance they take over the block! Will keep the momentum going from last round’s air guitar jam session? Or will #TheMechanicalBulls throw them off before the ride is over?

Yano & Tanahashi go to squat, but the Mechanical Bulls DOUBLE SHOTGUN them down! Coughlin throws Yano out, Kidd keeps on Tanahashi in the ring, so the bell rings to get this on record. Coughlin sends Yano into railing while Kidd fires off haymakers on Tanahashi. Tenzan Power Mongolian Chops! Fans fire up and Kidd whips Tanahashi to ropes to DROPKICK him down! Cover, TWO! Fans rally and Kidd drags Tanahashi up. Tanahashi fires up but Kidd CHOPS him down! Kidd stalks Tanahashi to a corner, whips him corner to corner, then runs in, but into an elbow! Tanahashi goes up to CROSSBODY!

Fans fire up and Tanahashi tags Yano. Yano fires up, and he unties a buckle pad! Yano says here goes, but he has to dodge Kidd’s clothesline! Yano throws the pad to Kidd, the ref reprimands Kidd now and Kidd argues back. But Yano SLAPS Kidd, then whips him into the bare buckles! Kidd writhes and Yano fires up more as he tags Tanahashi. Tanahashi brings Kidd up to whip him back into the bare buckles! Kidd drops to his knees and Yano calls to Tanahashi. Tanahashi tags Yano back in, and Yano eggs Coughlin on. The ref has to keep Coughlin back, and Yano goes to Kidd. Yano says here goes, and he whips Kidd.

Kidd stops from hitting buckles but Yano whips him into the other corner. Yano runs in, but into a BOOT! Yano tries again but gets another BOOT! Kidd & Coughlin untie this buckle pad for Yano, and Kidd SMACKS Yano down with it! Yano and Kidd crawl for their corners while fans rally up, hot tag to Coughlin! The Android runs Yano over, runs Tanahashi over, CHOPS Yano down, then CHOPS Tanahashi down! The Joker & The Ace go to opposite corners, and Coughlin points at Tanahashi. “YOU!” Coughlin runs in to clothesline Tanahashi against bare buckles! Then he runs, but Yano dodges! Coughlin hits bare buckles, Yano & Tanahashi mug him!

Tanahashi & Yano double whip but Coughlin crisscrosses them into each other! Then he reels them both in, DOUBLE BACK SUPLEX! Fans fire up as Coughlin kips up! Coughlin drags Yano up, fires off forearms, then powers up! Coughlin runs, into an atomic drop! But Coughlin stands up tall and glares at Yano! Yano is scared, he dodges the lariat to pull hair! Yano throws Coughlin down then tags in Tanahashi. Tanahashi fires up and runs, but Coughlin blocks the slingblade into a SPINNING SIDE SLAM! Fans fire up and Coughlin calls to Kidd. Kidd tags in, the Mechanical Bulls coordinate and Coughlin whips Kidd in to clothesline!

Kidd runs, Coughlin whips him back in and CHOPS! SUPERKICKS! And then a feed to Coughlin’s scoop! FALL AWAY SLAM! Fans fire up and Coughlin says this is done! He BLASTS Yano while Kidd suplexes Tanahashi, TENZAN BRAINBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Fans fire up with Kidd and he drags Tanahashi back up. But Tanahashi fires forearms first! Kidd fires off PALM STRIKES! Kidd eggs Tanahashi, ducks Tanahashi’s palm strike, then DECKS Tanahashi! Kidd goes up for the MOONSAULT but Tanahashi moves! But Kidd stands back up! Tanahashi ducks ‘n’ dodges Kidd to then SLINGBLADE Kidd down!

Fans fire up as Tanahashi hurries to cover, but Coughlin breaks it! Yano throws Coughlin out and he has Tanahashi PLANCHA! Down goes the Android! Yano lifts Kidd into the ONIGOROSHI! Tanahashi is up top now, HIGH FLY FLOW! Cover, Ace & Joker win!

Winners: Toru Yano & Hiroshi Tanahashi, by pinfall (gain 2 points; Coughlin & Kidd earn 0)

And the hot hand gets hotter! The ride is over for the Mechanical Bulls, but can they still be spoilers from here on? Will Tanahashi & Yano be able to make a Once in a Century comeback to the top of the block?

Super Jr. Tag League 2022: YOH & Lio Rush VS SHO & Dick Togo!

While the Men of the Hour might be leading the block, and though the House of Torture can’t even buy a win, none of that matters here! This is, and always will be, about Direct Drive being betrayed by the Murder Machine and the end of Roppongi 3K. Will Yoh’s new partner help him humble his bitter enemies? Or will Sho’s new partner live up to the name, “The Spoiler?”

But of course Yujiro Takahashi attacks from outta nowhere! The House of Torture is always at full force during these tournaments, and they mug Yoh & Lio at the ramp! Dick whips Lio into railing while Sho stomps Yoh on the ramp. Sho drags Yoh up and Yujiro gives Yoh a CANE SHOT! Sho puts Yoh in the ring, he and Dick stomp Yoh some more, and the fans are silent since they can’t boo. But then fans rally up for Yoh while Sho gets his wrench! But Lio returns, and he SPEARS Sho down! Yoh then shoves Dick into Yujiro, he KNEES Dick into Lio’s schoolboy and SPIN KICK! Yoh drags Dick up, whips him to ropes, for 3K!! But where’s the ref!?

Lio shouts for the ref but he went down in the chaotic brawl! Lio hurries to get him up and fireman’s carries him over. Fans rally, but Sho JAMS the wrench into Lio’s gut! Then Sho CLOBBERS Lio with it! Yoh shouts at Sho but Sho threatens Lio with the wrench! Yujiro then CLOBBERS Yoh from behind! Sho leaves Lio behind to go to his former friend. Evil then appears with another ref! Evil forces this ref to officiate the match now. The bell finally rings, and now we’re on record! Sho drags Yoh up to reel him in! Double pump handles, for the SHOCK ARROW!! Cover, The House of Torture wins!!

Winners: Sho & Dick Togo, by pinfall (gain 2 points; Yoh & Lio earn 0)

Talk about the worst way to win! On the technicality of no bell until just now, this ends up the fastest win in the league! Perhaps the fastest all-time! The House of Torture are proud of themselves for finally succeeding at screwing a team over, did they just ruin things for Yoh & Lio?

World Tag League 2022: Great-O-Khan & Aaron Henare VS EVIL & Yujiro Takahashi!

The United Empire still wants to completely conquer the finals, but they’re riding the line at 2-2! Will the Dominator & Ultimate Weapon demolish the House of Torture? Or is this when the King of Darkness & Tokyo Pimp finally score?

The Orchestrator, Gideon Grey, makes his way out, but he knows to stay back with the full House of Torture ringside already. Gideon gives the introductions for Khan & Henare, and Khan turns the banner into a spear! Khan & Henare storm up to the ring and the House of Torture tells the ref to confiscate that spear! Khan says they have their weapons, he has his! The House stands down, so Henare & Khan back away. The flag pole spear is put aside, and so the House attacks from behind! Yujiro CLUBS Henare while Evil stomps Khan. Evil throws Khan out, the bell rings, and then Yujiro throws Henare out.

Evil keeps on Khan, by RAMMING him into the timekeeper! Abe-san suffers at Evil’s hand again, and Yujiro POSTS Henare. Evil undoes the blue buckle pad while the ref is busy with Khan and the timekeeper. Yujiro puts Henare in the ring to whip Henare into the bare buckles! The Bullet Club Special comes into play already, and then Evil tags in. Fans are silent, wishing they could boo, but Evil throws Henare out. Evil distracts the ref so Sho can stomp away on Henare! Sho then holds Henare up so Yujiro can BOOT him! Sho puts Henare in, Evil covers, TWO! Evil is annoyed with the count but the fans rally up.

Tag to Yujiro, he stalks Henare and drags him up, but Henare throws body shots! Henare throws a haymaker but Yujiro knees low. Yujiro snapmares, runs and basement BOOTS Henare down! Cover, TWO! Evil is still annoyed by the count, so he tags in. Fans rally but Evil throws his shirt at Khan. The ref has to keep Khan out, and Evil CHOKES Henare and rakes the eyes! Evil stops and calls to the ref for the cover, TWO! Another cover, TWO! Another cover, TWO!! Evil is mad at the ref but the ref says that’s a fair count. Khan coaches Henare but Evil kicks him around. Henare stands to ROCK Evil! And again! And then KICK!

Evil rakes the eyes! The ref reprimands, but Evil blocks Henare’s kick. Evil hands that to the ref, but then Henare blocks Evil’s kick! The ref lets Henare go, and Henare KICKS Evil down! Fans fire up as Henare and Evil crawl around. Henare reaches out, hot tag to Khan! Khan drags Evil up, laughs at him, and Mongolian Chops him down! Fans fire up as Khan Mongolian Chops again! Yujiro gets in but Khan HELL STABS him down! Khan puts some stank on the next one, but Evil blocks the chops! Evil kicks and runs, but into a hip toss! Khan drops down for the HEAD ‘N’ ARM TRIANGLE! Evil flails while fans rally!

Evil stands and pulls Khan’s ponytail! The ref reprimands but Evil goes for EVERYTHING- NO! Khan blocks the STO by pulling Evil’s hair! Khan then clinches, only for Evil to fight for control! They each try the leg hook but neither can keep it for long! Fans rally, and Khan wins out with an STO! Cover, TWO, but the Head ‘n’ Arm is still on tight! Sho jumps up to distract the ref! Khan lets off and he tells Sho to get out of here. But Evil shoves Khan into the bare buckles! Tag to Yujiro and he drags Khan up. Yujiro bumps Khan off buckles, whips him corner to corner then runs in to BOOT! Yujiro runs, but Khan BOOTS back!

Fans fire up while Khan and Yujiro are both down! Khan crawls over, hot tag to Henare! Henare growls as he fires off forearms and body shots on Yujiro in a corner! Henare roars and fans fire up as he whips corner to corner. Yujiro reverses, but Henare comes back and blocks the boot! STEP-OVER WHEEL KICK! Fans fire up with Henare and he drags Yujiro through the ropes. Henare hooks Yujiro up to beat the WAR DRUM! Gideon bangs the apron and fans clap along as Henare gets ten! Henare then brings Yujiro around, only for Yujiro to wrench out and BITE the hand! The ref counts, Yujiro stops and whips, but HEnare reverses.

Yujiro holds ropes to stop himself, then he dodges Henare. Evil anchors Henare’s foot for Yujiro to BOOT him down! And then FISHERMAN BUSTER! Cover, TWO! Fans fire up but Yujiro DECKS Khan! Evil jumps in, he and Yujiro back Henare down to double whip corner to corner. Yujiro runs in but Henare dodges the boot! Henare sends Evil into Yujiro, snapmares Evil and KICKS him in the back! Henare runs at Yujiro, SHINING WIZARD! Henare whips to then scoop and BERSERKER BOMB! Cover, TWO! Yujiro survives but Henare fires up. Fans rally behind Henare and he stalks Yujiro. Yujiro sits up, Henare drags him up with the ULTIMA NELSON!

But Evil gets in! Khan catches him for HITSUJIGOROSHI! The House of Torture endures simultaneous submissions! Fans fire up but Sho distracts the ref again! Yujiro LOW BLOWS Henare! And Evil LOW BLOWS Khan! Yujiro sends Henare into the ref! Dick slides the pimp cane to Yujiro while Sho & Evil stomp Henare! The House all mugs Gideon, but then Gideon rushes in! Only to then politely apologize and slide back out. The House goes back to Henare and drags him up. Yujiro takes aim, but then Gideon slides back in to spin Yujiro around for a LOW BLOW! Fans fire up as Gideon slips away! He apologizes again but then Khan DOUBLE IRON CLAWS Sho & Dick in the groin!! Those two fall down, and Khan has his spear!!

Evil tells him to hold on! Khan thrusts but Evil evades! They fight over the spear, Evil kicks low and LOW- NO! Khan blocks that and CLUBS the arm! Khan LOW- NO! Evil blocks that, but HENARE LOW BLOWS Evil!! Fans fire up as the Monster Rage boils over! Henare drags Yujiro up for the fisherman and torture rack, STREETS OF RAGE!! The ref is back, cover, the Empire wins!!

Winners: Great-O-Khan & Aaron Henare, by pinfall (gain 2 points; Evil & Yujiro earn 0)

The House of Torture splits even, unable to cheat Khan & Henare! Will the dream of an All United Empire World Tag League finals come true?

Super Jr. Tag League 2022: Robbie Eagles & Tiger Mask VS Ace Austin & Chris Bey!

The Flying Tigers are feeling like endangered species with how close they are to being out of the running. Can the Sniper of the Skies and the living legend still make it back to the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champions? Or is it inevitable that Ace & Bey have an impact on the finals?

Bullet Club Too Sweets and put their jackets aside. The teams sort out and Eagles calls out “big mouth” Ace. Ace is fine with that and fans applaud. Ace and Eagles circle and fans rally up already. They tie up, go around, and Eagles wrenches to a wristlock. Ace rolls, handsprings, but Eagles wrangles him down! Fans applaud this opening exchange already but Ace stands, steps over, and ROCKS Eagles with a forearm! Ace whips but Eagles holds the ropes to block! Eagles holds on but Ace CHOPS him for it. Ace whips, Eagles reverses to go up and around and arm-drag! Eagles ducks ‘n’ dodges and RANAS but Ace handsprings through!

Fans fire up as Eagles rushes in, but into a drop toehold and Eddy Gordo Kick! Ace tags Bey, they stomp Eagles in a corner and double whip corner to corner. Ace whips Bey in but Eagles goes up and over! Eagles tries to go under Ace but Ace catches him! Bey storms over but Eagles Kangaroo Kicks him and Ace away! Hot tag to Tiger Mask! Fans fire up as Tiger rallies on Bullet Club with fast hands and kicks! Tiger SOBATS Ace, SOBATS Bey, then runs, but into a DOUBLE DROPKICK! Bey covers, TWO! Fans rally but Bey says he’ll take that mask! The ref reprimands as Bey pulls at the mask, but Bey lets off.

The ref keeps Eagles back, but Bey is after the mask again! Bey backs Tiger into the corner and Ace holds him back, Bullet Club mugs Tiger in the corner! Bey taunts Eagles as he throws up the Too Sweet, then he tags Ace. They double wrench, double CLAW, then double drop toehold to Too Sweet CLAW! Fans applaud the shoutout to El Phantasmo and Ace stomps Tiger around. Ace drags Tiger up, whips him into an arm-drag, then keeps on the arm with a mounted armbar. Tiger endures, but the ace up the sleeve appears! PAPER CUT! Eagles protests but the ace disappears again. Cover, TWO!

Ace is frustrated but fans rally up for Tiger. Ace drags Tiger up, wrenches the arm and grinds the shoulder, then Ace throws knees. Ace wrenches and knees again, whips him into the corner, then stomps Tiger down. Tag to Bey, they hook Tiger up, but Tiger avoids the sweep kick! Tiger ROCKS Ace, blocks Bey’s toe kick to sweep the legs! KANGAROO KICK for Ace! Fans fire up and Tiger rolls to hot tag Eagles! Eagles dodges Bey, forearms Ace then RANAS Bey! Bey comes back, into a WHEEL KICK! Eagles kips up but Ace kicks low! Ace ROCKS Eagles, whips him to the corner, but Eagles goes up and over!

Eagles KICKS Ace, and uses Bey for the TORNADO DDT! Fans fire up with Eagles as he runs in at Bey! DOUBLE KNEES, and then a roll back, into a METEORA! Eagles drags Bey to a cover, TWO! Fans fire up as Eagles stomps Bey’s leg then goes to the corner. Eagles goes out, goes up, and he encourages the fans to get louder. The fans do get louder, and Eagles 450’s, but he has to bail out as Bey moves! Bey blocks a kick and slips around to ENZIGURI! Eagles staggers but comes back to BOOT! Bey HEEL KICKS, but Eagles ASAI DDTs! Fans fire up while both men are down! Bey and Eagles crawl, hot tag to Tiger!

Tiger runs in to KICK and KICK and KICK Bey! Tiger whips, runs in and ROUNDHOUSES Bey in the corner! Then he underhooks, but Bey blocks the lift! Bey wrenches out to SUPERMAN PUNCH! Bey reels Tiger in and he underhooks! Bey laughs but Eagles ROUNDHOUSES Bey! And SUPERKICKS! And PELES! Bey staggers to a corner, Eagles goes to the apron. ROUNDHOUSE ENZIGURI COMBO! Tiger hoists Bey up top and climbs up after him! Fans fire up as Tiger stands Bey up for the underhooks! SUPER BUTTERFLY SUPLEX! And then another underhook, TIGER DRIVER!! Cover, Ace breaks it!!

Eagles stomps Ace and tosses him! Eagles calls to Tiger and fans rally up. Tiger and Bey sit up, the clap is “TI-GER! TI-GER!” It picks up speed as Tiger Mask chicken wings Bey! Bey fights with a leg hook, so Tiger HEADBUTTS him from behind! Tiger has the chicken wings, Eagles jumps in but Bey ducks! The SUPERKICK hits Tiger! Bey staggers back and Ace tags in. Eagles runs in but into a BOOT! Ace runs in but into a SOBAT! Eagles ROCKS Bey, CHOPS Bey, CHOPS Ace, repeat! CHOP after CHOP after CHOP, and Eagles runs, but into a SUPERMAN PUNCH! Bey runs in again but Eagles puts him on the apron.

Ace runs in but Eagles dodges! Eagles blocks Ace’s boot and flips him to the apron. Eagles runs in but into a DOUBLE KNEE SANDWICH! Bullet Club dumps Eagles to the floor, then they set up, ONE TOO SWEET CUTTER to the floor!! Ace then triangle jumps, but Tiger evades! Tiger waistlocks but Ace throws elbows. Ace swings, into a crucifix takedown! TWO!!! But into the DOUBLE REVERSE ARMBAR!! Ace endures, fans rally up, and Ace reaches out with a foot for the ROPEBREAK! Tiger lets go but he drags Ace up. Tiger KICKS and KICKS and KICKS, but Ace ducks the roundhouse! Ace back suplexes but Tiger lands on his feet!

DOUBLE ROUNDHOUSES hit! Both men wobble, both men roar, but Ace knees, knee lifts and HEEL KICKS! Ace runs to hit THE FOLD!! Cover, Bullet Club wins!!

Winners: Ace Austin & Chris Bey, by pinfall (gain 2 points; Eagles & Tiger earn 0)

And another one bites the dust! Bullet Club get back on top of the block while the Flying Tigers are shot down! Will Ace & Bey make it to the finals after dispatching the living legend?

World Tag League 2022: Shane Haste & Mikey Nicholls VS Minoru Suzuki & Lance Archer!

Two teams that are just outside the top spot are going to fight like their lives depend on it! The Mighty Don’t Kneel, but #EverybodyDies, so something’s gotta give!

Archer again scares Milano Collection AT on commentary. And again, fans are only able to clap along with “KAZE NI NARE!” But then Suzuki & Archer attack The Mighty! Suzuki is after Shane while Archer throws Mikey out! The bell rings to get this on record as Archer and Suzuki go out after The Mighty. Archer RAMS Mikey into railing while Suzuki beats up on Shane around the ramp area. Suzuki whips Shane hard into railing, and Archer laughs as he beats down Mikey. Suzuki whips Shane into more railing while Archer stands on Mikey. The ref reprimands, Archer lets off, and Suzuki puts Shane in the ring.

Suzuki knees Shane, knees him again, but Shane throws a forearm. Suzuki laughs and DECKS Shane! But Suzuki doesn’t cover, he calls to Archer. Archer steps in the ring as Suzuki whips Shane to a corner. Suzuki and Archer double whip Shane corner to corner. Suzuki runs but Shane elbows him away! Shane dodges Archer, Mikey runs in to clotheslines Archer in the corner! Mikey then clotheslines Archer up and out! Suzuki blocks Shane’s takedown, so Shane KICKS his leg! Shane BOOTS, then reels Suzuki in, but Suzuki elbows the clinch away. Shane uppercuts, runs, but Suzuki follows and shoots around to a SLEEPER!

Archer sends Mikey into railing while Suzuki spins Shane around. Shane fights the Gotch lift so Suzuki KNEES Shane low! Suzuki puts on the SLEEPER again, but Shane rolls to get a cover! THE MIGHTY WIN!!!

Winners: Shane Haste & Mikey Nicholls, by pinfall (gain 2 points; Suzuki & Archer earn 0)

Suzuki didn’t let go of the hold and that just cost him and Archer big time! Is the Meanest Team in the World already out of the running? Will the Mighty soon stand tall atop the league?

Super Jr. Tag League 2022: Alex Zayne & El Lindaman VS BUSHI & Titán!

The #GLEATSAUCE is near the top, but so are the Black Mask & El Inmortal. Can Zayne & Lindaman make the tournament muy caliente? Or will Bushi & Titán keep things tranquilo?

The teams sort out and fans applaud as Lindaman steps up against Titan. Lindaman fires up with the bell and he circles with Titan. They tie up, go around, and Lindaman puts Titan on ropes. The ref calls the break, Lindaman lets off and fans applaud again. Titan comes back, ties up with Lindaman, and the forearms fly back and forth! Fans rally as Lindaman gets the edge and ROCKS Titan. Titan steadies himself, reels back his hand, but then SOBATS instead! Fans fire up and Titan wrenches and whips Lindaman to a corner. Lindaman reverses, but Titan goes up and over and handsprings away!

Fans fire up but Lindaman kicks and ROCKS Titan again. Lindaman headlocks but Titan powers out, only for Lindaman to run him over. Fans applaud and things speed up. Titan hurdles but Lindaman stops the monkey flip to then basement dropkick! Bushi runs in but Lindaman kicks him first! Zayne jumps in, he and Lindaman whip Bushi corner to corner. Zayne back elbows Bushi but Lindaman runs into a boot! Zayne runs in to LEAP FROG SHOTGUN Bushi down! Fans fire up while Bushi flops out of the ring. Lindaman stomps Titan then stands on him at the ropes. The ref reprimands, Lindaman asks why, but he still lets off at 4.

Lindaman scoops and SLAMS Titan, and he fires up the fans. Fans rally as Lindaman puts Titan in a drop zone, for a RUNNING DOUBLE STOMP! Lindaman then goes up top, to DIVING FLOP as Titan moves! Titan SUPERKICKS Lindaman, fires off more kicks and a flurry of palm strikes before the URAKEN and ROUNDHOUSE! Titan reels Lindaman in to suplex and GOURD BUSTER, then SUPERKICK! Fans fire up as Titan covers, TWO! Lindaman goes to a corner but Titan tags Bushi in. Bushi BLASTS Zayne, then he storms over to Lindaman. Bushi stands Lindaman up to CHOP, then CHOP again!

Bushi pushes Lindaman down, covers, TWO! Bushi sits Lindaman up and clamps on for a chinlock! The ref reprimands as Bushi smothers Lindaman, so Bushi lets off to headscissor squeeze. Lindaman endures and fans rally up. Lindaman moves around, reaches out, but Bushi puts on the pressure! Lindman still gets the ROPEBREAK! Bushi smothers Lindaman again! The ref reprimands, Bushi lets off at 4. Bushi stomps Lindaman, then drags him up to knee him low. Bushi CLUBS Lindaman to the corner, tag to Titan. Titan climbs up and Bushi wrenches an arm. Fans rally as Titan DOUBLE STMOPS the arm!

Titan kicks Lindaman around, then SOBATS! Titan eggs Lindaman on, Lindaman throws a forearm, so Titan SOBATS again! Titan goes to whip but Lindaman holds the ropes to block. Titan SOBATS again! And ROCKS Lindaman with a forearm! Titan whips, Lindaman reverses to SAYANAGI and BASEMENT DDT! Fans fire up while both men are down! Lindaman crawls, hot tag to Zayne! Bushi jumps in but Zayne elbows him down! Zayne ROCKS Titan, spins Bushi around and LARIATS him down! Zayne fires off elbows and a mule kick on Titan, but Bushi gets around. Zayne fights free and kicks low, and sends Bushi into Titan!

Zayne runs to DOUBLE SOMERSAULT SCISSOR KICK! Fans fire up as LIJ end up in opposite corners. Zayne runs in to back elbow Titan! Zayne puts Titan up top, Bushi runs in but Zayne sends him into Titan’s knees! Zayne then runs in to use Bushi as a boost to SUPER STEINER Titan! Zayne then waistlocks Bushi, but Bushi elbows free! Bushi runs, but into a JUMP KICK from Zayne! Fans fire up and Titan runs in, tilt-o-whirls, but Zayne blocks! BAJA- NO, Titan rolls through! Zayne kips up, Titan ducks ‘n’ dodges to tilt-o-whirl RANA! But Lindaman kicks Titan! Lindaman whips, Titan reverses and Matrix dodges! CALF KICK!

GLEAT SAUCE is outside and LIJ knuckle lock! Titan goes up and up and CROSSBODIES Lindaman & Zayne down! Fans are thunderous and Titan roars! Titan brings Zayne up and into the ring. Titan slides in to KICK Zayne, then tags Bushi. LIJ double whip Zayne corner to corner. Bushi runs in to back elbow! Bushi sets up for Titan’s INMORTAL IN MOTION! Titan then feeds Zayne to Bushi’s lift, MISSILE DROPKICK SPINEBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Zayne survives and fans fire up! LIJ rally the fans and then coordinate. Titan runs in, LOCO LARIAT! But Zayne blocks Bushi’s Code Breaker to ROCK Bushi!

Titan still springboards in, but into Lindaman’s EXPLODER! Lindaman waistlocks Bushi into a deadlift, Zayne SUPERKICKS Bushi into the GERMAN SUPLEX! DOUBLE BRIDGE, TWO!!! Bushi escapes and Lindaman pushes Bushi aside so he can build speed. Lindaman FLIES onto Titan! Fans are thunderous as Zayne says, “ITADAKIMASU~!” He drags Bushi up, wraps him up, TACO DRIVER!!! Cover, GLEATSAUCE wins!!

Winners: Alex Zayne & El Lindaman, by pinfall (gain 2 points; Bushi & Titan earn 0)

LIJ just got burned! Can Bushi & Titan still make it to the finals with two losses? Or have Zayne & Lindaman just swiped one of those spots for themselves?

Super Jr. Tag League 2022: Ryusuke Taguchi & Clark Connors VS TJP & Francesco Akira!

In this tournament the Wild Hips have been up and down, back and forth. But they have a chance to feel really, really good about their chances! Can they score big off the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champions? Or will Catch 2/2 not be caught dead losing to the Funky Weapon & Wild Rhino?

Gideon Grey returns to give the introductions for Public Enemy & Nova Fireball. Taguchi and Connors have their bags again, and they bring out a new fedora for Connors, and beer! Fans applaud and Taguchi also brings out instant ramen! Connors opens the ramen, takes a sniff, and says that smells good. He’s putting the beer in the ramen?! The rhino really is wild! He says it’s delicious! Connors offers Taguchi some but Taguchi politely declines. The beer and soup is put aside and Akira calls Taguchi out. They both undo their tight strings, are they gonna measure those?! TJP, Connors and the ref stop them from going that far!

TJP has Akira calm down. TJP makes sure those tights stay up high, then he and Connors start. Fans applaud and the two circle with the bell. Connors and TJP tie up, Connors waistlocks and hammerlocks. TJP reaches back, drops, rolls, handsprings, wrenches, cartwheels, then drags Connors down into the twisting headscissors! Fans applaud, Connors fights up, and he pries free! Connors YANKS TJP up to his feet, headlocks, but TJP powers out. TJP hurdles, drops, but Connors redirects to run TJP over! Akira runs in but gets run over! Fans fire up with Connors and he drags TJP back up.

Connors whips TJP but TJP reverses to kick low. TJP whips but Connors blocks! Taguchi joins in, they double whip TJP hard into a corner! TJP goes up and out, so Wild Hips whip Akira. Connors says here goes, and he WHIP HIPS Taguchi into Akira! And again! And again! Then Taguchi switches it up, he WHIP HIPS Connors, but TJP kicks Connors first! Taguchi kicks TJP and whips him to ropes. Taguchi drops, sidesteps, but then he has to dodge Akira! Taguchi keeps Catch 2/2 running the ropes! Fans fire up as Taguchi tires the champs out! TJP stops Akira and they catch their breath, only for Connors to POUNCE HIP Akira into TJP!

Fans fire up as Akira flops out of the ring. Connors hands Taguchi a beer to refresh with, and then Connors covers TJP. TWO, but Connors keeps on TJP. But Akira saves TJP from the back suplex and they shove Connors to ropes. Connors avoids Akira but TJP avoids Connors, and Akira comes back for the RAILGUN DROPKICK! Connors flops out of the ring and fans fire up again! TJP BLASTS Taguchi, Akira PLANCHAS Connors! Fans fire up more as Akira puts Connors back in the ring. Fans clap for “CATCH NI NI!” as TJP covers, TWO! TJP drags Connors around by his legs to step through and tie them up, MUTA LOCK!

Fans continue to rally but Taguchi gets in! Taguchi swings but into an abdominal stretch! Fans applaud TJP’s chimera of holds as Connors and Taguchi both endure! TJP then shifts Taguchi around for a RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP SNAP LOCK COMBO! TJP bridges for the Muta Lock, but Connors crawls forward to the ROPEBREAK! The ref reprimands, TJP lets off and unhooks the legs. TJP bumps Connors off buckles, tags Akira, and they kick, KICK, SOBAT and BASEMENT SHOTGUN! Fans fire up, Akira covers, TWO! Akira eggs Taguchi on but drags Connors up again. Connors ROCKS Akira with body shots, but Akira CHOPS back!

Akira snapmares Connors, steps over an arm and hammerlocks it into the chinlock. Connors endures, Akira points out Taguchi, and the ref tells Taguchi to go to his corner. Taguchi says okay, but then he jukes the ref to HIP ATTACK Akira! Fans rally, Taguchi backs off but Akira keeps Connors away from him! Taguchi uses the beer as incentive and Connors crawls forward! Akira struggles to keep Connors back, so he CLUBS him down! Akira puts Connors in the Empire corner, tags TJP, and TJP snapmares Connors. Akira runs and hops onto TJP, “Take pictures!” ELECTRIC CHAIR SENTON! Cover, TWO!

Fans rally but TJP stays on Connors. TJP stomps Connors into a corner, rallies the fans, and scrapes his boot off Connors’ face. TJP runs side to side, into a SPEAR! Connors and TJP crawl for their corners, hot tags to Akira and Taguchi! Taguchi HIP ATTACKS into the atomic drop! Akira laughs and whips Taguchi to ropes, to return the sidestep shenanigans! Taguchi HIP ATTACKS Akira down! Fans fire up and Taguchi catches his breath. Taguchi fires up and runs in to HIP ATTACK at the ropes! And again! And then baseball slide and APRON HIP! Fans applaud, Taguchi covers, TWO! Taguchi calls Connors and he BLASTS TJP!

Connors and Taguchi drag Akira up, double whip him to ropes, but Akira avoids the double hips! Akira storms up but into a double kick! Wild Hips double whip but TJP sneaks a tag! Akira gets around Taguchi to waistlock, TJP dumps Connors out, and TJP runs in. TJP blocks a boot but Taguchi elbows Akira away to ENZIGURI TJP down! Fans fire up and Taguchi drags Akira up. Taguchi also dragon sleepers TJP, DDT REVERSE DDT COMBO! Taguchi kips up and calls upon the powers of strong style! “ORYA~!” The tights come down! RED UNDIES! Wait, this isn’t Strong Style, this is the Most Electrifying Power in ALL of Sports Entertainment!!

Taguchi runs side to side and then drops… the PEOPLE’S T-BAG!! Cover, TWO!! TJP sunsets, TWO! Taguchi sits on TJP, TWO! TJP sunsets again, TWO! Taguchi sits on TJP again, TWO! TJP gets up to kick Taguchi low! TJP whips, Taguchi reverses but TJP sunset flips again! But Taguchi grabs at his red undies! TJP grabs hold to keep those UP! Connors runs in to try and help pull those DOWN! But then Akira sunset flips Connors! Connors’ tights start to come down, he also has red undies!! And those start coming down! DOUBLE WILD HIP DROP!! Cover, TWO!!! Catch 2/2 survive, and Taguchi points out the matching undies. Connors shrugs and smiles.

Wild Hips coordinate, POUNCE HIP into TJP! Taguchi covers, TWO!! TJP survives and fans fire up! Taguchi tags Connors but Gideon rallies the fans for “CATCH! NI NI!” The Wild Hips combine their powers and aim for TJP! “ORYA~!” CROSS HIPS!! Cover, but Akira breaks it in time!! Fans fire up and the “CATCH! NI NI!” continues. Connors whips Akira, Akira reverses then follows, Akira wheelbarrows to victory roll, STOMP 182! Taguchi HIP ATTACKS Akira! TJP SUPERKICKS Taguchi! Fans are fired up as all four men are down! “CATCH! NI NI!” continues as TJP and Connors crawl to each other.

TJP throws a forearm, Connors gives it back. TJP throws another, so Connors gives it back! Connors gets the edge and roars, runs but into a ROLLING SOBAT! TJP runs, into a POWERSLAM! Fans fire up with Connors and he drags TJP up! TROPHY- NO, TJP slips free to dragon sleeper! Akira is up top, DOUBLE STOMP FINAL CUT COMBO! Cover, but Taguchi breaks it! Akira ROCKS Taguchi, but Taguchi CLUBS Akira! Taguchi fires off hands and CHOPS on Catch 2/2, then runs, into a ALLEY-OOP FACEBUSTER! Catch 2/2 sit Connors up, they run, 2 BY 2!! Cover, Catch 2/2 wins!

Winners: TJP & Francesco Akira, by pinfall (gain 2 points; Taguchi & Connors earn 0)

The Wild Hips have been tamed, and their finals hopes have been slain! Will the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champions prove they’re truly the best of the Super Juniors here?

World Tag League 2022: Aussie Open VS Tetsuya Naito & SANADA!

The United Empire has been winning all night, and now Mark Davis & Kyle Fletcher look to finish off the sweep! Will they conquer the Uncontrollable Charisma & Cold Skull to solidify a spot in the finals? Or will Los Ingobernables de Japon make the future of tag team wrestling tranquilo?

Gideon Grey of course sticks around to make the introductions for Dunk-Zilla and the Aussie Arrow. LIJ then makes their entrance, and of course Naito takes his time with the entrance attire. Fletcher doesn’t stop talking the entire time, either. LIJ fist bump, fans applaud, and Sanada steps up against Davis. Fans rally at the bell as Davis and Sanada circle. They tie up, go around, and Davis wrenches to a wristlock. Sanada endures, moves around, rolls and wrenches back. Sanada wristlocks, Davis slips through to headlock back. Sanada throws body shots but Davis grinds the hold harder. Sanada powers out but Davis runs him over!

Fans applaud as the Empire put up the crowns. Things speed up, Davis blocks the hip toss to give a hip toss but Sanada handsprings through to arm-drag back! Davis avoids the basement dropkick but Sanada avoids the senton! Sanada headlocks for a takeover, Davis headscissors, only for Sanada to kip free. Fans applaud the exchange and Sanada and Davis nod some respect to each other. They reset, but then back away to their corners. Tag to Naito and tag to Kyle. Fans rally as Naito and Kyle approach. They circle, feel things out, and Naito calls for a test of strength. Kyle says okay, and then mocks Naito with his superior height and reach.

Naito doesn’t sweat the taunting, he reaches up like a cat pawing at a toy. Naito then kicks Kyle low! Naito CLUBS away on Kyle, then tells Kyle to reach now. Kyle says he gets the joke and stands back up. Naito kicks him low again! Naito rakes Kyle’s eyes, CLUBS him again, then whips. Kyle reverses but Naito slides out. Kyle is annoyed, he rushes out but Naito slides in. Kyle gets up, Naito BLASTS him, then Naito builds speed. But Naito fakes Kyle out to tranquilo! But then Davis SENTONS! Aussie Open knew the joke and took advantage! Kyle runs around the outside to trip Sanada off the apron! And RAM him into railing!

Fans fire up as Aussie Open puts up the crowns. Kyle says they can play this game, and he returns to mockingly applaud Naito. Gideon gives Naito a mocking thumbs up as Kyle drags Naito up on the apron. Kyle has Naito on the ropes to CHOKE him! Red Shoes reprimands, Davis counts along, and Kyle lets go at 4. Kyle drags Naito up to scoop and SLAM! Cover, ONE! Kyle smiles and tags Davis. Kyle stomps Naito, Davis rains down forearms. Davis kneels for the cover, ONE! Davis wants a faster count but Red Shoes says his count was fair. Davis drags Naito up to bump off the buckles! Tag to Kyle and Kyle drags Naito up.

Kyle reels Naito in but Naito throws body shots! And forearms! And then he CLUBS Kyle! Kyle grabs at Naito to keep him from Sanada! Naito fires off more forearms but Kyle fires them all back! Kyle runs, but Naito ELBOWS Kyle down! Then basement dropkicks! Fans fire up while both men are down. Naito crawls over, fans rally up, hot tag to Sanada! Sanada runs to DROPKICK Kyle! Sanada dropkicks Davis’ legs out, then gets around Kyle’s haymaker to atomic drop! Kyle staggers, and Sanada trips him up! Kyle can’t fight it, Sanada puts him in Paradise! Fans fire up and Sanada encourages them to get louder.

Fans reach the right volume for Sanada, and Naito mockingly offers a tag to Kyle. Kyle tells him to shut up, so Sanada runs in to dropkick Kyle out of Paradise! Fans applaud while Kyle clutches his butt. Sanada drags Kyle up, fireman’s carries, but Kyle fights free. Kyle shoves Sanada away, runs in, but Sanada dumps him out. Sanad aims., Davis makes the save, Sanada’s plancha misses! Davis picks Sanada up, Naito runs over but Kyle picks him up! Aussie Open run around the way to SANDWICH LIJ! Aussie Open fires up and fans fire up with them. Davis puts Sanada in, Kyle covers, TWO!

Kyle is annoyed but he drags Sanada over to tag Davis. Aussie Open mugs Sanada in the corner, Red Shoes counts and Kyle lets off. Davis digs his knee into Sanada’s face, lets off as Red Shoes counts, and then Davis scoop SLAMS Sanada. Cover, TWO! Fans applaud but Davis tags Kyle. Aussie Open double wrench and double whip Sanada, then double ELBOW, and PENALTY KICK to SENTON! Cover, TWO! Sanada is still in this and that annoys Aussie Open. Fans rally but Kyle drags Sanada up. Sanada ROCKS Kyle, ROCKS him again, and again! But Kyle knees low! Kyle CLUBS Sanada, reels him in, and suplexes, only for Sanada to block.

Fans rally as the two fight for suplex control. Kyle throws body shots, suplexes, but Sanada fights that to snap suplex back! Fans fire up while both men are down. Sanada and Kyle crawl, hot tag to Naito! Naito runs, dodges Kyle and BLASTS Davis! Naito BOOTS Kyle then RANAS him down! Davis rushes in but into a spin. Davis whips Naito away but Naito dropkicks the legs out! Kyle runs in, but into an atomic drop! Naito puts Kyle in a corner, runs in, JUMP KICKS, but he can’t get up and over. Naito stomps Kyle down instead, then brings him out to NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Fans rally as Kyle stays in this.

Naito brings Kyle up, but Kyle CHOPS! Naito grins, so Kyle CHOPS again! Fans like that one, but Naito just shrugs. Kyle CHOPS, but Naito fires off ELBOW after ELBOW! Fans fire up and Naito brushes himself off. Naito dragon sleepers Kyle, for the NECKBREAKER into the PLUMA BLANCA! Kyle endures and fans rally up. Kyle kicks around, reaches out, and gets the ROPEBREAK! Naito holds, claims he needs help, and Red Shoes forces Naito to let go. Kyle clutches his neck but Naito drags him up. Naito wrenches to ELBOW Kyle down! Naito grins as he stands Kyle up for another ELBOW! And then again, but Kyle slips around to SNAP HALF ‘N’ HALF!

Fans fire up as both men crawl. Kyle makes his way over, tag to Davis. Davis storms up on Naito, CHOP LARIATS him in the corner, and Naito sputters. Davis stands Naito up to CHOP LARIAT again! And again! Naito flops down but Davis drags him up, wrenches and torture racks, but Naito slips off! Naito dodges the lariat to TORNADO DDT! Fans fire up again as Naito and Davis are down. Naito crawls over to his corner, hot tag to Sanada! Sanada storms up on Davis to claw Davis’ face. Sanada whips Davis corner to corner, back elbows him, then snapmares, for a DOUBLE BASEMENT DROPKICK. Then fireman’s carry and TKO! Cover, TWO!

Fans rally again and Sanada brings Davis back up. Sanada chicken wings Davis, but Davis fights free and throws Sanada! Sanada comes back, into the torture rack! RACK BOMB! Cover, TWO!! Sanada survives and fans fire up! Davis tags Kyle, Kyle BLASTS Naito off the apron! Davis fireman’s carries Sanada, POP-UP KI- NO, Sanada blocks the kick! And SWINGS it into Davis! Sanada then schoolboys Kyle, TWO!! Kyle escapes, runs in but his kick is blocked again! Kyle dodges Sanada’s lariat and Davis spins Sanada around to double underhook! Davis lifts and coordinates with Kyle, BUTTERFLY SPINEBUSTER! Cover, TWO!!

Fans are thunderous as Sanada survives again! Kyle waits on Sanada to stand and Sanada goes to ropes. Sanada drags himself up, Kyle runs in to CALF KICK! Kyle gut wrenches, but Sanada fights to turn that around! Kyle fights to slip free and shove Sanada to a corner. Sanada elbows back, goes up, QUEBRADA, into the dragon sleeper! Naito runs in to BLAST Davis! Naito goes out after Davis while Sanada gives Kyle a SKULL SWING! Kyle is fading out! Sanada drops Kyle to go up top! ROUNDING BODY PRESS, but he has to bail out as Kyle moves! Sanada tilt-o-whirls, but into a SPINNING TOMBSTONE!! Cover, Naito breaks it in time!!

Davis runs in to CLUB Naito. Davis whips, Naito reverses, TORNADO- NO, Davis denies the DDT, and Aussie Open BOOT SUPERKICK COMBOS! Down goes Naito and Davis hurries to the corner. Kyle tags Davis in, fans rally up and Aussie Open drags Sanada to center. The elbow pads come off, but Sanada ducks the double lariats, Davis CLOBBERS Kyle! Sanada suplexes Davis into MAGIC SCREW! Fans fire up as everyone is down! Sanada sits up, he crawls his way over, hot tag to Naito! Naito storms up on Davis but Davis kicks. Naito blocks to ENZIGURI! Davis staggers, Naito has him in a corner for ESPERANZA!

Fans fire up again as Naito aims. Davis rises slowly, Naito runs in, but Davis PELES him down! Kyle wants Naito to get up, and Kyle runs in corner to corner to A-LIST LARIAT! Leg sweep, SLIDING FOREARM from Davis! Kyle tags in, he drags Naito up, the DOUBLE LARIAT SANDWICH hits! Naito wobbles, into the double pump handles! COR- DESTINO on Kyle!! Sanada reels Davis in and Naito covers, but Davis breaks free to break the pin! Fans are thunderous again and Sanada throws Davis out. PLANCHA! Down goes Davis and Naito has Kyle to himself. Naito drags Kyle up, wrenches, DESTI- NO, Kyle blocks it!

Kyle has Naito in position but Naito fights free! ROLLING KICK! Naito runs, into Kyle’s CALF KICK! Kyle gut wrenches, but Naito fights free! Sanada ROCKS Kyle, Naito ENZIGURIS, Sanada ROLLING ELBOWS! Naito has Sanada give him a boost for the TORNADO DDT! Fans are thunderous as we’re at 20 minutes of this 30 minute limit! Naito tilt-o-whirls, DESTINO!!! Cover, LIJ WINS!

Winners: Tetsuya Naito & Sanada, by pinfall (gain 2 points; Aussie Open earns 0)

The undefeated team is no longer undefeated! They still lead the league, but Davis & Fletcher aren’t locked into the finals anymore! Will they have to fight even harder to make sure they’re still the future of tag team wrestling?

As for LIJ, Naito gets the mic to say, “Buenas noches, OSAKAAA~!” Naito knows there was a big card of nine matches between both Super Jr. Tag League and World Tag League, but did the fans enjoy NJPW tag team festival tonight? Fans applaud because they sure did. Naito knows he and Sanada are at 4-2 (after factoring in the forfeit by Fale & Chase), and they’ll be wrestling again tomorrow in Kakogawa-shi. Naito promises he and Sanada will go up 5-2 to have TEN points! Fans applaud, liking the sound of that.

Naito also promises that the next time LIJ is in Osaka, he hopes there can be even more fans in here cheering them on. That next event will be February 11th with the New Beginnings in Osaka. So that said, he hopes that from now until February 11th, everyone will stay safe, healthy, and of course, TRANQUILO! Assen na yo! But Naito points out, he’s not done. He knows the fans can’t chant along, but asks they chant along in their hearts. Is everyone ready? Fans applaud, so Naito ends this the only way it can! “Bushi! Sanada! Hiromu! Takagi! Titan! Y Naito! Nosotros! Los, INGOBERRRRRNABLEEEEEES~! DE! JA! PON!!”

Fans clap along, but will they be able to cheer on the WTL winning LIJ when New Beginnings comes to Osaka?

Here are the NEW Super Jr. Tag League standings!

Austin & Bey: 5-1, 10 points
TJP & Akira: 5-1, 10 points
Zayne & Lindaman: 5-1, 10 points
Yoh & Lio: 4-2, 8 points
Bushi & Titan: 4-2, 8 points
Taguchi & Connors: 2-4, 4 points [ELIMINATED]
Eagles & Tiger Mask: 2-4, 4 points [ELIMINATED]
Douki & Kanemaru: 1-5, 2 points [ELIMINATED]
KUSHIDA & Knight: 1-5, 2 points [ELIMINATED]
Sho & Dick: 1-5, 2 points [ELIMINATED]

Here are the NEW World Tag League standings!

Aussie Open: 5-1, 10 points
The Mighty: 5-1, 10 points
Naito & Sanada: 4-2, 8 points
Khan & Henare: 4-2, 8 points
Suzuki & Archer: 3-2, 6 points
Yano & Tanahashi: 3-2, 6 points
Goto & Hashi: 3-2, 6 points
Evil & Yujiro: 0-5, 0 points [ELIMINATED]
Coughlin & Kidd: 0-5, 0 points [ELIMINATED]

Chase & Fale: [FORFEIT]

My Thoughts:

Another great event for NJPW, but with a bit of sad news with that about Chase Owens. I really do hope he and his family will be alright. And while he and Fale weren’t having a winning run of the tournament, they could’ve really shown some stuff against the teams they were still set to face. But now a handful of teams get bonus points and we’ll be seeing some teams get byes for the next few rounds. In fact, The Mighty are the ones to get that bye next, and that’s pretty big after their shockingly fast win on Suzuki & Archer. TMDK as a whole is doing great, with Jonah’s great showing in the G1, so the Mighty OG are probably staying alive until the last rounds.

We’ve got a lot of teams out of the running in the Super Jr. Tag League, and it was a bit clever math work for Douki & Kanemaru to get their first win off a team that also wasn’t really going to make it. Kushida & Knight are a great duo but this isn’t Time2Fly’s time just yet. At the same time, there is a great mix of teams still in the running, with Zayne & Lindaman being a great dark horse. I still would think Bushi & Titan make a go of it, I still feel LIJ should be a big part of WrestleKingdom. Naito & Sanada winning the main event seems to help further that possibility, them taking down Aussie Open in a great match. Naito & Sanada are going back to back in the main event, facing Yano & Tanahashi tomorrow, that should be a hilarious yet still very exciting match.

My Score: 8.8/10

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

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Coverage

Mitchell’s WWE SmackDown Results & Report! (4/26/24)

It’s Draft Day!

Published

21 hours ago

April 26, 2024

Steven Mitchell

And with the first overall pick of the 2024 WWE Draft, SmackDown selects…

The WWE Draft returns for 2024, the first four rounds being right here on Friday Night SmackDown! With champions protected, who ends up where to challenge them?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

Rey Mysterio & Dragon Lee w/ Zelina Vega & Carlito VS Angel Garza & Humberto Carrillo; Rey & Dragon win.
Bron Breakker VS Cedric Alexander; Bron wins.
WWE Women’s Championship #1 Contender’s Match: Naomi VS Tiffany Stratton; No Contest.
Cody Rhodes VS Carmelo Hayes; Cody wins.

PLAY BY PLAY

Backstage interview with Paul Heyman.

Kayla Braxton is with the Wise Man and says that here on night one of the Draft, there are already rumors circulating, including those about The Tribal Chief, Roman Reigns. Heyman will clarify these are not rumors regarding The Tribal Chief, Roman… Reigns. These are facts! Ladies and gentlemen, Your Tribal Chief, Roman Reigns, has voluntarily withdrawn from eligibility for this year’s Draft. That is not a negative but a positive. Who built SmackDown since the Pandemic? Roman Reigns. Who is the biggest star in the entire industry? Roman Reigns. Why would Roman Reigns hog the number one draft pick spotlight when he won’t be returning in the immediate future?

Read into his words, Kayla, that is not what a real Tribal Chief would do. Instead now, the pressure is on Nick Aldis. Because if Roman Reigns isn’t the first draft pick, then who is? The first two picks make history in a brand new era. And Heyman doesn’t know about you, but he is intrigued. No Tribal Chief up for grabs, who gets their opportunity to shine in the spotlight?

SmackDown throws it to the NXT Performance Center.

Jackie Redmond says the emotion down here is palpable! There is excitement, hope, and a little bit of nerves. But for these NXT Superstars, tonight is the culmination of a lifetime of hard work, dedication, a little bit of luck and a whole lot of self-belief. It was just last year that the NEW WWE Tag Team Champion, Grayson Waller, was hoping his name would be called. And it is funny this is NXT, but time to buy a vowel, throw in an E! Who is next? We find out tonight! The draft pool is deep, who rises to the top of the list?

Corey Graves is in the ring.

Corey welcomes Cincinnati and all of us at home to night one of the 2024 WWE Draft. Understandably, the GMs have their hands full, so Corey will be moderating the contract signing for the WWE Championship match that takes place next Saturday for Backlash: France. Without further ado, it’s the #1 contender, The Phenomenal AJ Styles! Styles makes his entrance, taking a seat at the table on camera right. And now, the Undisputed WWE Champion, the American Nightmare, Cody Rhodes! Cincy fires up and sings along, “WHOA~ OH~!” as Cody makes his entrance and gets his pyro before joining everyone in the ring.

Styles looks over the contract, absolutely tuning out the fans going wild for “CODY! CODY!” Styles then gets the mic to say before he signs, he doesn’t know if we realize that we’ve got two Georgia boys about to mix it up for the first time, and for the biggest prize in the game. Styles understands why they boo, but they gotta know that he doesn’t respect LA Knight, LA Knight got under his skin. He accepts that. But that’s why Styles lost at Mania. But what happened? Styles got his composure back and realized that he is Phenomenal. Styles BEAT Knight to earn the right to face Cody Rhodes at Backlash.

Now unlike Knight, Styles does respect Cody. They hadn’t crossed paths yet, but they’ve been down the same roads. They had to prove themselves outside of the WWE. And Styles is willing to believe that the same man who gave him advice a long time ago gave Cody the same advice, on how to stand on their own two feet and be the men they are today. That man was The American Dream, Dusty Rhodes. The fans cheer for “DUSTY! DUSTY!” Styles learned a lot from Dusty. Styles gets a little emotional thinking about Dusty, he was a good man. Dusty taught Styles how to carry himself, and to carry the weight of a championship.

And Styles looks at this WWE Championship here. The weight of this isn’t just the leather and gold. And at Backlash, we see if Cody can carry it. Styles goes back to his table, signs the contract, and then hands it off to Corey. Corey brings that to Cody, and Cody picks up his mic. “So… Cincinnati…! Whadda we wanna talk about? Certainly, we can talk about respect. There is not a locker room on Earth that you’ll find where everyone in it, every single person, they all respect AJ Styles. Last week, I went on to say you are the modern day Excellence of Execution. I respect the roads that you have traveled down to get here, the parallel paths that perhaps you and I have.

“Mutual respect, much respect. But that respect goes by the wayside at Backlash. I can feel it in your words to a degree. You’ve been here before. And it seems you’re implying that I cannot carry the weight of that championship. Well, good thing the man who trained me not far from where I sit now used to tell me all the time, it’s not about winning the title, it’s about keeping it.” The fans cheer that. Cody says boy does he respect Styles’ familiarity with Cody’s last name. But when you put C O D Y in front of it on this paper, that means they’ve never touched before. That means Backlash is a level playing field.

That means no matter how Phenomenal Styles is, this isn’t a dream match for Cody. It’s a must-win! Cody signs while the fans cheer, and it is official! Cody even throws the pen to the crowd as a free souvenir. Cody then offers a handshake, and Styles says y’know what? It was a beautiful thing to see Cody #FInishTheStory and win the title. But it’s a shame that Cody’s title reign will end at Backlash. Styles still shakes Cody’s hand, and then walks away. Cody picks up the belt and holds it high, will he get to hold it high again in Lyon, France?

Triple H is here!

Just as Cody was on his way to the back, The Game makes his way out here! HHH raises Cody’s hand, then invites him over to the podium. HHH welcomes us to the first round of the 2024 WWE Draft. It is a night that changes the landscape of the WWE going into the future, and things are a bit different this year. As the GMs ponder their next steps, they have to understand it is about protecting the roster they have as it is making the roster they want. Meaning that when they use their picks, they have just as much of a chance gaining a superstar as they do losing one they already have.

HHH just felt that since champs are protected and Cody will be staying here on SmackDown, maybe Cody could help read the SmackDown picks and HHH can read the Raw picks. And since SmackDown goes first, Cody reads first. Cody takes the card to say that with the first pick of the 2024 WWE Draft, SmackDown selects… The E S T, Bianca Belair! The stongEST, fastEST, roughEST, toughEST stays on Friday nights! HHH reads that for the second pick of the 2024 WWE Draft, Raw selects… YEET! JEY USO! Monday nights will still have Main Event Jey Uso! And the fans “YEET!” Cody says for the third pick, SmackDown selects… NXT’s Carmelo Hayes!

The fans fire up as SmackDown manages to snag… HIM! The former NXT Champion makes history again by being the first NXT superstar to be chosen this high in the Draft! HHH says that’s a hell of a pick. But then the fourth and final pick of this first round, Raw selects… SETH! FREAKIN’! ROLLINS! It is still going to be Monday Night Rollins as the Visionary stays on the red brand! Cody and HHH shake hands, and then Melo makes his way out! Melo has the mic to say when they talk about who’s next up, about who’s the hottest out, they don’t call them “the hottest out,” they just call him “Carmelo Hayes.”

The fans chant “WHOOP DAT TRICK!” to remind Melo how he’s leaving NXT. Melo says okay, okay. But then to Cody Rhodes, ever since Cody won the title, he’s been talking about “If you aim for the king, you best not miss.” Well, funny how that works. Because when Melo shoots, Melo don’t miss. And as a first round draft pick, what better way to shoot his shot on SmackDown than to shoot it right at Cody? Melo leaves the mic with Cody but Cody picks it up to say, “Fortune certainly favors the bold, but I dunno. You folks don’t wanna see me in action tonight, do ya?” The fans go wild! Oh, but what if Cody forgot his gear?

Oh that’s right! He didn’t forget his gear! And this title right here, for Cody, means absolutely 100%, Melo’s on! They shake on it, and we’re about to see a huge first-time-ever showdown! But will this bold first move work out for… HIM?

Rey Mysterio & Dragon Lee w/ Zelina Vega & Carlito VS Angel Garza & Humberto Carrillo!

The LWO is still not convinced Legado Del Fantasma had nothing to do with the beating that took the Boy Wonder out ahead of WrestleMania. Will the King of Lucha help get to the bottom of things? Or will Angel & “Berto” make it as easy as ABC, 1-2-3?

The teams sort out, Dragon runs up on Humberto but Humberto LARIATS him down! Humberto drags Dragon up, tears the shirt away and CHOPS! Humberto whips, Dragon ducks ‘n’ dodges to RANA! Humberto tumbles out, Dragon builds speed and FLIES! Direct hit and down goes Humberto! The fans fire up as Dragon pushes Humberto into the ring, goes up a corner, and then CROSSBODIES! Cover, TWO! Dragon facelocks to drag Humberto up, but Humberto wrenches out to CLUB Dragon down. Humberto waistlocks but Dragon throws elbows. Angel tags in as Humberto shoves Dragon. Dragon ducks but Angel holds ropes open, and Dragon tumbles to the floor!

The fans boo and LWO hurries to check on Dragon! Angel & Humberto just soak up the heat as SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns and both Dragon and Humberto are down! They crawl, hot tags to Angel and Rey! The fans fire up as Rey ducks ‘n’ dodges and tilt-o-whirl RANAS! Angel ends up in a corner, he puts Rey on the apron, but Rey ROCKS Angel! Rey goes up to SEATED SENTON! Rey keeps moving, wrenches and kicks, then hops on! CODE RED! Cover, Humberto breaks it! The fans boo but Humberto hauls Rey up. Rey fights and RANAS Humberto up and out! But Angelo kicks, scoops, but Rey slips free! Angelo kicks low, reels REy in, and underhooks, but Rey fights those to RANA Angel onto ropes! Rey dials it up to 619!

Tag to Dragon and he takes aim! Angel stands, into the tilt-o-whirl, PROJECT DRAGON!! Cover, LWO wins!

Winners: Rey Mysterio & Dragon Lee, by pinfall

Carlito and Zelina hug it out with the team, but then Santos Escobar & Elektra Lopez walk out here. Santos says whoa, whoa, whoa, hold that celebration. Because Santos is many things, but a liar is not one of them. And when Santos said he did NOT attack Dragon that night before Mania, he meant it. Elektra has been working for weeks to track down the security footage from that night. And Rey… Oh, Rey. What you’re about to see, you will find very, very interesting. The footage plays, and it was CARLITO!! Carlito throw Dragon around backstage! No one can believe it, because of how well Carlito fooled even Dragno.

Speaking of, Carlito RAMS Dragon into Rey, then hits a BACKSTABBER! Never has that move’s name been more fitting! Carlito runs away in a panic, and Rey stands back up in a rage! Santos says he told Rey that he was right all along. They were supposed to be family, and yet look how that turned out. How will the LWO recover from this shocking development?

Bron Breakker VS Cedric Alexander!

The Big Bad Booty Nephew has been making a case for himself ever since showing up on SmackDown, and he’s already bringing the straps down! Is he going to break PRIMED Alexander while also breaking match time records? Or will Cedric prove he’s too fly for Bron?

The bell rings and Cedric dodges Bron to CHOP and ROCK! Cedric whips, Bron reverses and Cedric handsprings, into a SPEAR!! Cover, Bron wins!

Winner: Bron Breakker, by pinfall

Well, hard to say if that’s an all-time fast match, but that was a fast match! QR Code stuff going on, but will we all see Bron take the world by storm?

Nick Aldis heads out.

And waiting is Tiffany Stratton. She asks if he saw what she did last week. Wait, of course he did. Because she is the Center of the Universe. She dropped Naomi and Bayley, where is her title match? Aldis tells Tiff to look at his watch. It is NOT set to #TiffyTime. And he was this close to sending her to the back of the line. But then someone convinced him otherwise, good for her. Tonight, she goes 1v1 with Naomi again, and the winner faces Bayley for the title at Backlash. Whose stupid idea was that?! Bayley says DING DONG, it was hers. It is a win-win situation here. If Naomi wins, she gets the match she got cheated out of.

And if Tiff wins, then she’ll find out when she attacks the Role Model. Tiff gasps as she has a #TiffanyEpiphany. Bayley should be ringside for that match so she can see Tiff do what Bayley couldn’t, and that’s beat Naomi. Tootles. Tiff leaves, but will the only thing she gets is to #FeelTheGlow?

Michelle McCool and Torrie Wilson are here!

One is a former WWE Women’s Champion, the other is a WWE Hall of Famer, but they’re both here to present Draft picks! Michelle says with the first pick of the second round, SmackDown selects… The Viper, Randy Orton! SmackDown will still have to watch out for an RKO outta nowhere! Torrie says that with the second pick of the second round, Raw selects… BRON BREAKKER! We just saw Bron make quick work of opponents here on SmackDown, but now he’s gonna be rampaging on Raw!

Michelle says that with the third pick of the second round, SmackDown selects… NIA JAX! The Irresistible Force may have to change targets from the Women’s World to the Undisputed Women’s title, but will she be unstoppable all the same? And with the fourth and final pick of this round, Raw selects… LIV MORGAN! The Revenge Tour will still be part of Monday nights, will we watch Liv rise to the top?

The Bloodline arrives backstage.

Paul Heyman is there to greet them and open the door to the SUV. He apologizes for not being faster about that, but Solo Sikoa asks The Bloodline if they’ve been drafted. Not yet. Then give Solo the details. Okay, well, Roman Reigns withdrew right before the show began, and then Solo keeps adding members, so no one really knows what they’re getting if they draft The Bloodline! Solo sighs, and here comes Tama Tonga. Heyman asks they be patient but Solo wants Heyman to repeat that for him. Heyman gets scared, but then KEVIN OWENS jumps in! Kevin fires off on Tama, security and refs rush in to stop it!

The Prizefighter wants Solo’s “MFT” to bring the fight like he did last week! Security still drags Kevin away, but will he get that fight he wants?

Kayla Braxton is on stage.

SmackDown returns and Kayla welcomes us back to the show. And please welcome out the first overall pick, Bianca Belair! The fans fire up as The EST walks out on stage, and Kayla congratulates her on being the first overall pick. But let’s talk Backlash. Breaking news, Bianca and Jade Cargill are going to challenge for the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships, against the Kabuki Warriors. How satisfying would it be to dethrone them on the stage of this magnitude? Bianca says so satisfying. She really hopes Jade gets drafted to SmackDown because given all this history with Damage CTRL, all the partners by her side, Bianca has never been the one to finally end it with them.

For everything they’ve done to her and this division, Bianca feels Jade is the perfect woman to help her end this. Now, DMG CTRL is falling apart piece by piece, and that final piece is the tag titles. So once Bianca & Jade take the gold at Backlash, the Kabuki Warriors won’t even have a reason to come back to SmackDown. But wait, they’re here now! Asuka & Kairi walk out here and Kayla moves aside. The Empress of Tomorrow and the Pirate Princess taunt the EST, but here comes The Storm! Jade makes her way to stand right by Bianca’s side. The four shout and argue, but this will be settled on May 4th!

WHOA! Tama and Kevin are brawling their way out here! The ladies move aside so the gentlemen can brawl all the way down to ringside! Tama hits low, gets in the ring, but Kevin pursues! Kevin TACKLES Tama, but Solo CLOBBERS Kevin! The fans boo as The Bloodline beats Kevin down! The refs hurry out here but clearly Solo’s Bloodline won’t listen! Tama DECKS producers, DECKS guards, HEADBUTTS them, throws hands and even THROWS the guards! Tama and Solo beat Kevin down again, but here comes Randy Orton! The Viper is still on SmackDown and he’s still pals with Kevin, so here he comes!

Orton DECKS Tama, fires hands on Solo, then RK- NO, Solo gets free and gets away! Orton wants to pursue, almost runs Jamie Noble and refs over to do it, but the Bloodline has gotten away! The fans cheer Randy on, and KAevin even hugs him! But then Kevin and Randy try to give chase! Security stops this, when and where will we see #RKKO strike down Solo and Tama?

The Dudley Boyz are here!

The fans fire up as Bubba Ray & D-Von are both here for the next round of picks! Cincy chants for “E C DUB! E C DUB!” Bubba and D-Von look at the cards, it’s hard to read. So out come the glasses! Bubba says with the first pick of the third round of the 2024 WWE Draft, SmackDown selects… L A KNIGHT! YEAH!! The Mega Star stays on Fridays! D-Von says with the second pick of the third round, Raw selects… RICOCHET! Mondays still has the One and Only, is Ricochet going to bring that WWE Speed Championship home to Raw, too?

Bubba says with the third pick of the third round, SmackDown selects… THE BLOODLINE! That means Solo Sikoa, Tama Tonga and Paul Heyman are staying right here on Friday nights. And D-Von says with the final pick of this round, Raw selects… SHEAMUS! The Celtic Warrior just got back, but he won’t have to worry about going anywhere else but Monday nights.

WWE Women’s Championship #1 Contender’s Match: Naomi VS Tiffany Stratton!

It’s time to run it back once again! The Glow got robbed by the Spoiled Rich Girl, but supposedly, it’s #TiffyTime. Will Naomi prove there’s no such time on the clock? Or will Bayley be the one feeling the Backlash over giving Tiffany one more chance?

The bell rings and Naomi hits a THESZ PRESS! Naomi rains down fists, Tiffy shoves her away and goes to ropes, but Naomi gets up in Tiff’s face. Naomi whips, Tiff holds ropes to bail out and fans boo. Naomi scowls, runs in and WRECKS Tiff with a dropkick! Naomi then gets Tiff up, SMACKS her off the apron, and then SMACKS her off it again! And again! Naomi puts Tiff in, goes up a corner, but Tiff gets under the jump! Naomi runs back up but Tiff YANKS her into ropes! Tiff runs to HIP ATTACK! Naomi sputters, Tiff scowls and drags Naomi up, to then put through ropes. But Naomi RAMS into Tiff!

Naomi reels Tiff in, for a HEATSEEKER! Tiff flops to the floor, and then Naomi SPLIT LEG DROPS! Naomi says it’s #NaomiTime, but SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns and Naomi runs, but into a SPINEBUSTER! High stack, TWO! Naomi survives and Tiff is frustrated but the fans rally up. Tiff drags Naomi up, whips her to a corner, but Naomi goes up and sunset flips! TWO! Tiff escapes, knees Naomi low, then whips. Naomi slides under the lariat to then mule kick! Then she headscissor SPIKES Tiff down! Cover, TWO! Tiff survives but barely, and Naomi keeps her cool. Naomi headlocks, but Tiff shoves her into buckles! Tiff runs, but Naomi follows, DOUBLE RUNNING FACEBUSTERS take them both down! The fans fire up as the two rise!

Naomi KICKS, ROCKS and ROCKS Tiff again! Naomi fires shots again and again but Tiff knees low! Tiff reels Naomi in, but Naomi wrenches out to ENZIGIRI! And then BUCKLE BULLDOG! But then NIA JAX attacks Bayley!? Nia SMACKS Bayley off buckles, rains down fists, and this momentarily distracts Naomi. Naomi refocuses, but by now, Tiff’s slipped away! Nia KICKS Bayley in the side, so Naomi goes out to ROCK her! Nia POSTS Naomi and that throws the match out!

No Contest

The fans boo as Nia ruins the fun, then runs Bayley over! Nia smiles as she blows kisses to Cincy. Tiff smiles, she drags Naomi up and puts her in the ring. Then she drags Bayley in! Tiff wants a repeat of last week as she puts them side by side in the drop zone! Tiff then goes up and up for the PRETTIEST MOONSAULT EVER!! Tiff says it’s her time, but the #1 contendership is still in question. Who gets their shot at the Role Model at Backlash?

B-Fab and the Street Profits meet up backstage.

Angelo Dawkins has a “WHO-DEY” sign, but Montez Ford is wondering where Bobby Lashley is right now. B-Fab says calm down, he’ll be here. Byron Saxton walks over and apologizes for interrupting. He doesn’t know what the Draft destination for this group will be until Monday Night Raw, but we do know that The Profits will challenge A-Town Down Under for the WWE Tag Team Championships. YESSIIIIIIR~! B-Fab says it doesn’t matter where they get drafted. The Profits are going to take down A-Town Down Under and take those titles. Then they’ll have their first class tickets right back to SmackDown.

SmackDown? Did someone say SmackDown~? In walk Austin Theory & Grayson Waller, showing off the titles. And Theory says you can’t have SmackDown without the GREATEST undefeated tag team of all time. And sorry, Dawkins, but these are championships, something the Bengals know nothing about! B-Fab keeps Dawkins back, but then in steps Bobby Lashley! The All Mighty scares Theory & Waller right off, and Dawkins says see y’all next Friday! Will there be nothing keeping these Profits down the night before Backlash?

The Final Testament speaks.

Karrion Kross says good evening. What’s going on here? You guessed it! More random acts of violence! Just follow him. Kross & Scarlett lead the way to show The Authors of Pain beating down New Catch Republic! Rezar beats down Pete Dunne while Akam victimizes Tyler Bate! Paul Ellering says they will know about sacrifice! Kross says whether they get drafted to Raw or stay on SmackDown, the violence will continue until they get what they want! So sayeth The Final Testament!!

Teddy Long and JBL are here!

The Hall of Famer General Manager and the Hall of Famer WWE Champion are both here, ready to give us the fourth and final round of picks tonight! Teddy gets right to it! The first pick of the fourth round, SmackDown selects… AJ STYLES! The Phenomenal One is really an obvious choice, because one way or another, the WWE Championship stays with SmackDown! JBL says the second pick of the fourth round, Raw selects… THE ALPHA ACADEMY! Raw keeps Chad Gable, Otis, Maxxine Dupri & Akira Tozawa, A THANK YEW~!

Teddy says with the third pick of this round, SmackDown selects… ANDRADE! A big move as now El Idolo will be part of Friday nights. And with the final pick of this fourth round, Raw selects… NXT’S Kiana James! The Calculator, the former NXT Women’s Tag Team Champion, has the Raw hat to put on, and after a quick hype package, Jackie Redmond is there to interview her. Kiana, congratulations! You are heading to Monday Night Raw! How much does this mean to her? This means the world to her. She is filled with gratitude, but also knows every decision she has made up to this point has been by design to get her here.

Kiana is so proud of her time in NXT, but she’s ready to show Raw why she is the One Percent. Was she surprised? Of course she was! HBK is here to wish her luck and congratulations. Is Kiana going to start the hostile takeover of the Raw Women’s Division?

Backstage interview with Nick Aldis.

Kayla is with the SmackDown GM and says that with night one in the books, how does he feel about SmackDown’s selections? He feels really good about them. SmackDown’s future is bright, he can’t wait for the new recruits to show up and show out for the blue brand. But he also wants to turn attentions to Backlash, because he’s got some new matches to announce! The first PLE in France, this is exciting stuff, Kayla. Aldis says that the WWE Women’s Championship will now be on the line in a Triple Threat! Bayley VS Naomi VS Tiffany Stratton! Will the odds make it that much harder for the Role Model to succeed?

There’s one more match to announce, but Aldis will let the GM GOAT take it from here. Teddy Long steps in, and don’t forget. We’ll talk about this tag team match. The Bloodline VS Kevin Owens & Randy Orton! Holla, players. Solo & Tama will have to face The Viper and the Prizefighter, will #RKKO strike fast and strike hard?

Cody Rhodes VS Carmelo Hayes!

The American Nightmare just put pen to paper for his match with the Phenomenal One, but he isn’t one to shy away from a challenge. The former NXT Champion is shooting his shot, but will this be nothing but net? Or will it be a frustrating airball?

The bell rings and the two circle. They tie up, the fans rally for Cody as he puts Melo in a corner then arm-drags him away. Melo runs up, Cody headlocks, Melo powers out then drops. Melo hurdles, but Cody kicks low to RHODES UPPERCUT! Melo staggers to ropes, the fans fire up, but then melo throat chops and springboard FLYING LARIATS! Melo says that’s why he’s a first round pick! But then Cody CLOBBERS him! Cody asks if Melo’s ready for this, and SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns once again and Cody has a headlock. Cody hits a takeover, Melo flails and kicks around, but Cody grinds him down. Melo pushes with his forearm, then headscissors, but Cody kips free. Melo CHOPS, the fans “WOO~!” but Cody brushes himself off. Melo pie faces Cody! Cody fires forearms on Melo, then whips, but Melo reverses. Melo ELBOWS Cody, then runs up to KICK him in the side! Melo fires forearms and CHOPS in a corner, then throws body shots. Melo digs his boot in, the ref counts, and Cody goes to another corner. Cody eggs Melo on, Melo storms up, but Cody puts him in the corner to CHOP!

Cody swings, Melo dodges and CHOPS! Cody turns things around to CHOP! The fans rally, Cody whips corner to corner, then he back drops Melo away! Melo staggers up, Cody runs, and he rallies on Melo with forearms! Cody goes up and over in a corner but Melo tilt-o-whirls, LA MYSTICA! Melo springboards, FADE AWAY! Cover, TWO! Cody survives that flying DDT, but we see the NXT roster all fired up watching Melo take it to the champ. Melo sits Cody up, drags him into a facelock, but the fans rally for Cody. Cody fireman’s carries but Melo slips free to dragon sleeper! Melo grins, but Cody cradles! TWO!!

Melo swings, Cody boots, then Cody springboards to BEAUTIFUL DISASTER! Melo flips inside-out, Cody covers, TWO! Melo is still in this and he snarls up at Cody. Melo gives a forearm, Cody gives it back, and the fans rally up. Cody scoops Melo, storms around, and then hits a RUNNING POWERSLAM! Cover, TWO! Melo survives and Cody grows frustrated. Cody pounds the mat, the fans rally up, and then Cody goes to ropes. Cody springboards again, CODY CUTTER! Cover, TWO!! Melo survives yet again, proving why he’s a former NXT Champion, on top of NXT North American Champion! But then Cody drags him up!

Cody back suplexes, Melo lands out of it, then FIRST 48! Doe goes Cody and Melo goes up! Melo is setting up for the game winner! NOTHING BUT- NO, Cody avoids the flying leg drop! Melo rolls through, Cody dodges to SUPERKICK! Cody brings Melo around, but Melo gets free! They both run, both springboard, but completely miss each other, and Cody takes a rough landing! Melo drags Cody up, reels him in, but Cody wrenches out to dragon sleeper! CROSS RHODES!! Cody shakes out the bad arm but still makes the cover, and Cody wins!

Winner: Cody Rhodes, by pinfall

Melo took his shot but it was blocked! Even so, Cody sits Melo up to show him respect and tell him he’s still the future. But did this match end up more of a trap game for Cody after that crash landing? Or will he be alright in time for Backlash and his phenomenal opponent?

Speaking of, Styles sneaks right into the ring! Cody sees him in time and Styles stays back. Cody and Styles stare down, but Styles says it was that close. Styles offers a handshake, and Cody takes it. There’s still respect here, for now. But will nothing stop Styles from turning Cody’s story into a tragedy after all?

My Thoughts:

A great SmackDown to open the WWE Draft but to also set up Backlash. To recap, SmackDown took Bianca, Melo, Orton, Nia, LA Knight, The Bloodline, Styles and Andrade while Raw took Jey, Rollins, Bron, Liv, Ricochet, Sheamus, The Alpha Academy, and Kiana. Many of those choices made sense, as picks won’t be wasted on keeping champions on brands, and just need to be used to keep most stories alive and change up a few others. Kiana is perhaps one of the more surprising moves, but well-deserved. She has been a solid character and solid in-ring performer almost from the start, she’s a solid addition to Raw.

Bron of course demolished his opponent tonight, it’s just a shame it was Cedric and not local enhancement talent. But Bron will also be a good addition to Raw, but maybe he can move past his squash match phase and get right to story. Melo being a first round pick was great stuff, and he had a great promo with Cody to give us tonight’s main event. That double springboard whiff was definitely a timing problem, but at the same time, a Fade Away countered into a Cody Cutter would’ve been way too epic just for TV. Cody with a great win, and we got a really good contract signing segment, but you can bet Cody retains.

Really good tag match from LWO VS Legado but naturally Rey & Dragon won. I knew it was only a matter of time before Carlito was outed, and how he handled being exposed was pretty good. And with Andrade being drafted to SmackDown, you just know that means Andrade joins the LWO. The Final Testament attacking New Catch Republic was a wild moment, I almost thought Ellering was going to use the pliers in his hands to grab at fingers. Maybe we get that next week for SmackDown in France. Good promos from A-Town Down Under and the still technically unnamed faction of Bobby Lashley’s. As great as The Profits are, it feels like Theory & Waller will cheat to retain.

Really good promo with Tiff and Bayley to set up Naomi VS Tiff round 3, but I did not think Nia Jax would disrupt all that. A Triple Threat at Backlash is good stuff, it will protect Bayley if she loses, but can also protect Naomi and Tiff if Bayley uses them against each other to win. Good promo from Bianca that then turned into the shouting match of Bianca & Jade with Kabuki Warriors. Their tag title match is official, and I’m pretty sure Bianca & Jade win. I also liked that this segment ended up having Kevin and Tama brawl right through it. Orton saving Kevin was a great move, RKKO VS Solo & Tama is going to be awesome stuff, I can’t wait to see it.

My Score: 8.8/10

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

Coverage

Andrew’s TNA iMPACT! Results & Match Ratings: 4.25.2024

We just got done with Rebellion, and Under Siege is two weeks away! Gotta see how these dots connect!

Published

2 days ago

April 25, 2024

Andrew Balaz

Rebellion had quite a few returns, Mike Santana, Sami Callihan and Broken Matt Hardy. All three of these guys could easily be main event players, and its nice to mix up and expand what felt like a rather small pool of potential challengers.

Under Siege is only like 2 weeks out, so we’ll see how the dots connect in such a short period of time.

.@AJFrancis410, Rich Swann, and rap legend @BunBTrillOG are IN THE HOUSE Meanwhile, @joehendry announces he will deliver an apology to Fir$t Cla$$ NEXT WEEK on #TNAiMPACT! pic.twitter.com/4GNe2xWfyU

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) April 26, 2024

Ratings:

Mike Santana vs Myron Reed w/Trey Miguel & Zachary Wentz: Santana wins via Spin the Block – ** 1/2
#1 Contender: Frankie Kazarian vs Josh Alexander: Josh wins via Grapevine Ankle Lock – ***
ASH by Elegance vs Xia Brookside: Xia wins via School Girl Roll-Up – ** 3/4
Sami Callihan vs The Good Hands: Sami Callihan wins via Cactus Driver ’97 – SQUASH
Eddie Edwards w/Alisha Edwards & Brian Myers vs Nic Nemeth: Eddie wins via Boston Knee Party – *** 1/4

Results:

Did @NicTNemeth say BROKEN? @MATTHARDYBRAND has arrived in the iMPACT Zone! #TNAiMPACT pic.twitter.com/HbkUangt6e

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) April 26, 2024

A weird opening that is just framed to put Nemeth and Hardy together against The System. Feels a little awkward, but who knows how it will play out.

.@JordynneGrace vs @miyu_tjp NEXT WEEK on #TNAiMPACT will now be for the Knockouts World Championship! pic.twitter.com/YnKZjb9yjx

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) April 26, 2024

Mike Santana vs Myron Reed w/Trey Miguel & Zachary Wentz

Ahh I didn’t really pay attention to Santana’s theme at Rebellion, but its pretty damn cool. Good stuff.

Rascalz blindside Santana early, but the heel advantage doesn’t last more than a few moves. Santana whips Myron from corner to corner, hits a few Hip Attacks before Myron finally dodges one and starts using his unique offense and agility to his advantage. Matrix dodge, into an Leaping Outside Back in Slingshot Codebreaker. Some more offense and Santana powders to the ramp, Myron jumps over the rope and tries a Flying Cutter, but Santana blocks it, turns things around, gets pushed forward and hits the Rolling Cutter. Santana takes out the Rascalz, heads back into the ring, Myron tries to catch him unawares but eats the Spin the Block off the rope run! Santana wins fairly quickly.

Maclin’s music hits, he tries to employ the help of The Rascalz to attack Santana, but as soon as Maclin positions himself to get in, The Rascalz bail and flip off Maclin. Maclin makes it out of the confrontation relatively unscathed, but at least we know where he’s going for Under Siege probably.

OH FUCK ME WITH RUSTY KNIVES. Because Cardona is hurt Kon is paired with SDL, and she just challenges Jordynne and PCO to a tag match. WHY!? STOP IT. This is hot garbage.

Josh Alexander comes out…I wonder who’s Super Finisher he’s gonna conveniently kick out this time? Brian Myers? Frankie Kazarian? Rich Swann? Because yes, I’m still annoyed that Hammerstone has been in TNA for half a sandwich, he already connects with a Super version of his finish on tacks, and that’s not a finish. Oh Kaz’s music hits. Okay, so time for Josh to kick out of Fade to Black or Flux Capacitor. Kaz talks smack, says he won his match too so he should have a say in who’s number one contender. Josh challenges him, Kaz says not right now, but a referee runs out and says the match is official.

#1 Contender: Frankie Kazarian vs Josh Alexander

Kaz throws his jacket on Josh’s head, and attacks him with some strikes before Josh fights back and throws Kaz out. Commercial break, we see Kaz misses his Apron Guillotine, Josh goes for the Low Crossbody but Kaz dodges and Josh goes flying. Kaz starts throwing some chops and claws at the cauliflowered ears of Josh. Russian Leg Sweep from Kaz for a near fall. Josh swings wildly and Kaz ducks the strike and levels Josh with a Lariat.

Josh blocks a Vertical Suplex attempt, but Frankie pulls off a Fisherman’s Suplex after a few overhead strikes for a near fall. Josh stands up and connects with a straight right, rocks Kaz, Back Body Drop, into a Charging Forearm, Rolling Senton, 2 count! C4 Spike attempt countered into a Back Stabber and then Chicken Wing, but Josh fights it off, rolls through and into an Ankle Lock, Kaz kicks off and into a Head and Arm Cradle for a near fall and then the Guillotine Leg Drop into Slingshot DDT spot from Kaz for another 2 count!

Fade to Black, but its fought off, Big Boot but then Kaz counters the next move with a Power Slam into the Springboard Guillotine Leg Drop, but Josh grabs the Ankle Lock! Locomotion German Suplex time from Josh, Halfhatch Suplex after the Germans, floats over for a 2 count! C4 Spike attempt again, but Kaz fights it off, dumps him over the top rope, slingshots him in and into the Cutter for a near fall for Kaz! After the 2 Kaz grabs a chair and chain, the referee stops the chair of course, so he tries the chain, EY runs down and grabs the chain so Kaz pulls the Eddie Guerrero and the referee admonishes EY, but doesn’t DQ Josh. So as Kaz is busy laughing at EY, Josh picks the ankle, Ankle Lock with the Grapevine, Kaz taps.

Tensions are sky-high between @alexhammerstone and @JakeSomething_! #TNAiMPACT pic.twitter.com/LLCUJOCy7H

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) April 26, 2024

ASH by Elegance vs Xia Brookside

Both are jawing at each other and then throw hands before Xia gets the upper hand with a Headscissors from the Top Turnbuckle, Charging Knees, a Flurry of Kicks, but when the ref forces some space in the corner, ASH is finally able to dodge and work over Xia with her Twisting Body Splash, a few choking moves, a corner Stomp into a Snap Suplex for 2. ASH is in charge elegantly, but the referee keeps forcing space on both of them when they go for corner attacks. Xia manages to take advantage a little, but ASH regains control, kicks Xia up the ramp and then lands her Cartwheel Back Elbow up the ramp. It actually looks pretty cool executed like that.

Headlocks and Hair Pulling to keep Xia down and using energy to kick out. ASH is getting frustrated but Xia is remaining persistent. ASH goes back to the Headlock, but Xia fights up, Jawbreaker, Back Elbow, Kick to the gut and Drop Toe Hold sends ASH face first into the middle buckle. Xia rips off 4 Double Knee Smashes to the back of ASH’s head into her Flying Crossbody for a close 2! Xia pulls her up, but ASH spins out, then Xia slips it, but ASH kicks her in the chest and deposits her to the outside and demands a count from the referee. Iceman puts Jeweled Knuckles/Rings on ASH’s hand, the referee catches her, removes the stuff from her fingers and Xia hits the School Girl Roll-Up for the flash win.

Fraud has thrown the Ballot Box Battle into chaos, but also paved the way for an explosive showdown between @TheTreyMiguel and @The_Ace_Austin NEXT WEEK to determine the #1 Contender for the X Division Championship! #TNAiMPACT pic.twitter.com/lYHrtgNrc3

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) April 26, 2024

Sami Callihan vs The Good Hands

So the Good Hand Jobs are about to do their job to Sami. I’m just gonna assume Sami beats the hell out of both and wins with a Cactus Driver ’97. If anything interesting happens I might actually cover it, but come on now.

.@SteveMaclin has a proposition for @FrankieKazarian #TNAiMPACT pic.twitter.com/XY6lMdmSWo

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) April 26, 2024

Kaz makes a Metallica reference with the “Wash Your Back So You Won’t Stab Mine”…and Sweet Amber is the only good song on St. Anger. So…I ain’t mad.

Eddie Edwards w/Alisha Edwards & Brian Myers vs Nic Nemeth

A little early ground wrestling and headlocks for control from both men. Nothing super flashy to start until we get to the rope run and Nemeth goes for the Flying Body Press to drop Eddie. Before Nemeth can follow up, Lish grabs his foot. Nic does have his brother Ryan in the crowd, trying to get chants going and do the old school ‘power up the babyface’ thing, but Eddie has been in control since Lish got involved. Simple offense, chokes, strikes, Snap Suplexes, Knee Drops, simple yet effective. But then Eddie ducks his head too early, Nemeth kicks him in the face, bounces his head off the buckles a few times, Dropkick sends Eddie reeling to the corner, Nemeth starts the 10 Count Punches but Myers hits the apron to distract and Eddie manages to slip the situation and push Nemeth to the floor.

Commercial break happens, Nemeth is trying to fight back with Chops, but a Kitchen Sink from Eddie puts Nemeth on the floor again! Clubbing blow from Eddie, but Eddie then misses the Hip Attack in the corner and Nemeth counters with the Rude Awakening into the 10 Count Rain of Elbows. Fame Ass-er miss, Eddie tries something but Nemeth turns it into that hesitation DDT for 2! Tuning up the band starts to build and Eddie powders to avoid it. Nemeth throws Eddie back in, goes to the top, but Eddie crotches him, rises up and hits the Superplex into Tiger Driver for 2! Eddie starts mocking with Tuning Up the band but Nemeth hits his own Superkick into an Olympic Slam for 2!

Both men just trade strikes Fighting Spirit style, Eddie says “Always Trust the System” and Nemeth shuts him up with a Headbutt. Danger Zone is blocked, Boston Knee Party gets ducked, they level each other with Lariats! Myers and Ryan Nemeth start fighting to distract the referee, Moose hits the ring and hits Nemeth with the belt. Eddie lands Boston Knee Party and The System wins again!

Overall Score: 6/10

A lame opening segment, a squash match, ASH by Elegance getting her first loss, and a weird way of just pulling the number one contender out of mid air makes for an awkward show. Also Kon still be involved in, literally anything, is negative. However, I can say there was a ton of stuff thrown at the wall this episode, so there’s a chance that some things landed better with other people than myself. The ballot segments were amusing, they overused the “I need to talk to you Santino” gimmick a bit much and personally I feel like having Jake versus Hammerstone is booking yourself into a weird corner.

But hey, the main event was fun, Nemeth getting laid out to the point that there could be a story reason to take him out of the Under Siege match. Kaz with the Metallica reference was pop worthy and I guess its a lot of ‘let’s see where it goes’ kind of angle creation. So it wasn’t complete trash, but its definitely a wait and see episode.

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