Coverage
Andrew’s IMPACT Hard to Kill Results & Match Ratings: 1.13.2023
Bully Ray versus Josh Alexander for the World Title! Mickie James Career vs Title match! MCMG defend the tag belts! A little bit of the past meeting the present in all of the matches tonight! Check out Hard to Kill!
World Championship blood feud with how far Bully Ray has taken things, Mickie James puts her career against Grace’s title… and plenty of other action!
Joe Hendry gets his first real challenge since returning, we’re supposed to get a new executive and a Tag Team Elimination match come to mind quickly. So let’s just do some predictions and then get to the show!
Predictions:
- Full Metal Mayhem: IMPACT World Championship: Josh Alexander vs Bully Ray – part of me is expecting a swerve with Dreamer returning to help Bully or something, but I can’t see Josh Alexander losing.
- Digital Media Championship: Joe Hendry (c) vs Moose – Hendry needs the win to give him a legit victory while Moose is in a weird transitional spot. I believe in Joe Hendry!
- Rich Swann vs Steve Maclin – Maclin should win here. He has so many quality wins, and hasn’t gotten his title shot yet. With Josh most likely retaining, Maclin is a great next opponent if he wins here.
- Number One Contender Knockouts Four Way: Killer Kelly vs Taylor Wilde vs Deonna Purrazzo vs Masha Slamovich – Deonna makes the most sense here because if anyone else wins I feel like that will telegraph the winner of the main of event.
- World Tag Team Title Four Way Elimination: MCMG (c) vs Heath & Rhino vs Major Players vs Ace & Bey – My fan bias is showing here, I’m pulling for MCMG to retain.
- Jonathan Gresham vs Eddie Edwards – Can’t really have Eddie win with Gresham recently signing, right?
- Career vs Title: Knockouts World Title: Jordynne Grace (c) vs Mickie James – Jordynne doesn’t feel like the right person to retire Mickie, but this could go either way. I’m gonna pick Mickie, but wouldn’t be shocked if Jordynne wins, unless Deonna makes sure that Mickie doesn’t lose to someone else.
.@REALLiSAMARiE gave @MickieJames some words of encouragement ahead of her MAIN EVENT match later tonight with @JordynneGrace for the Knockouts World Championship!#HardToKill pic.twitter.com/yUJ9qs4pWf
— IMPACT (@IMPACTWRESTLING) January 14, 2023
Ratings:
- Full Metal Mayhem: IMPACT World Championship: Josh Alexander vs Bully Ray: Josh retains via Ankle Lock – ****
- World Tag Team Title Four Way Elimination: MCMG (c) vs Heath & Rhino vs Major Players vs Ace & Bey: MCMG retain via Dirt Bomb – *** 1/4
- Digital Media Championship: Joe Hendry (c) vs Moose: Hendry retains via Standing Ovation & Santino Marella restart – *** 1/2
- Number One Contender Knockouts Four Way: Killer Kelly vs Taylor Wilde vs Deonna Purrazzo vs Masha Slamovich: Masha wins via Russian Death Device – *** 3/4
- Falls Count Anywhere: Steve Maclin vs Rich Swann: Maclin wins via KIA – ****
- Jonathan Gresham vs Eddie Edwards: Eddie wins via Boston Knee Party – **** 1/4
- Career vs Title: Knockouts World Title: Jordynne Grace (c) vs Mickie James: Mickie wins via Tornado DDT – **** 1/4 – TITLE CHANGE!!
Results:
Full Metal Mayhem: IMPACT World Championship: Josh Alexander vs Bully Ray
Its smart booking to open with a giant mess of a match, get things started hot and really makes the Career vs Title implications of Mickie & Jordynne mean more.
Bully mugs Josh on his way down tot he ramp with the steel chain. He continues with the title belt, beats on Josh mercilessly and throws Josh into the ring grabbing some tables as Josh is opened already. The referee asks Josh if he wants to continue, Josh of course says yes, and then Bully Powerbombs him through a table as soon as the bell rings for 2.
More title use, chairs and the cheese grater have been found. Bully tries to measure Josh for the grater, but a Straight Right finally gives Josh a chance. Josh grabs the grater and clocks Bully and fires. Bully now has color as Josh is hunting for trash cans and more weapons. Josh starts beating the hell out of Bully, trash can lids, cans themselves, a bag of tacks, and Josh even sets up a ladder on the ramp. Josh lays Bully prone across a table and Josh goes up.
Bully gets up, tilts the ladder and Josh falls back into the ring right on the tacks. After getting worked over for a while, Bully finally has a chance again. Goes for a Bully Bomb into the tacks but Josh blocks and Bully goes on a German Suplex ride and fires again. Rolling Senton from Josh, grabs Bully’s chain, King Kong Knee with the chain around it for 2! Ankle Lock is next up as Bully is face first in the tacks and then he wraps the chain around Bully’s neck and tries to pull on the neck while torquing on the ankle. Hotch and Skyler come down, 3D into the tacks, but Josh kicks out.
Hotch and Skyler get another table and zip ties. As Bully is setting up something, Dreamer slow walks down the ring, takes out Hotch and Skyler and starts yelling at Dreamer. Bully acts like he’s gonna take out Dreamer, then smiles, hands Dreamer the trash can…but Dreamer swerves Bully! Can shot, Bully Spears Dreamer through the table and Josh keeps trying to get out of the zip ties. Bully tries to get Josh to give up, he’s defiant and Bully hits him repeatedly with the trash can. There’s a woman screaming from the audience and it turns out to be Josh’s wife Jade. Jade talks shit, Bully threatens to hit her and then demands she begs him to stop and give him her wedding ring. Jade refuses, Bully tries to swing at her and she hits the Low Blow on Bully. Jade hits a Dudley Dog for emphasis and cuts out Josh.
Jade throws a chair at Bully to catch and Josh smacks Chair into Chair into Bully’s face. A little ConCHAIRto/Van Damninator hybrid. Josh goes back to the ladder, big Splash, Ankle Lock…and Josh retains!
World Tag Team Title Four Way Elimination: MCMG (c) vs Heath & Rhino vs Major Players vs Ace & Bey
This is questionable booking to put the Motor City Machine Guns in a kind of awkward card spot. Coming off a hot opening match, this feels weird.
Powder keg opening, its definitely a little sloppy in spots, but again its just everyone throwing hands and bodies at each other. Eventually Rhino and Myers are in the ring to hear a bell and then Rhino tags in Heath. Myers clocks Heath with a Pele Kick, tags out to Cardona and we get an early cover, but nothing of substance yet. Heath is getting smacked around by the Major Players but Heath pulls off that Avalanche Powerslam he recently started using. Rhino comes in, Ace and Shelley try to slow him down but they get rocked.
We’re going back to the cluster aspects…Cardona rolls up Rhino and they’re eliminated! Bey slides in and starts turning the speed up. Bey is getting doubled up by the Players and they’re really being aggressive. Both tag out, Ace and Myers are working fast but Shelley manages to tag Cardona and MCMG finally gets some real offense. Double Dragon Screws in the corner, another Dragon Screw from Shelley while Sabin holds him, and Sabin sits into a weird modified Indian Death Lock, and they’re just trying to take out Ace’s legs…Shelley drives that home with a tag and Figure Four. MCMG are trying to break the Base of Ace…I…hate Rehwoldt sometimes.
Bey gets a hot tag, the Major Players try to take advantage but Bey fights them both off, easy as A-B-C, 1-2-Sweet…and Major Players are eliminated! MCMG and Bullet Club are the last two, as it should be. Little Misawa from Shelley, double Forearms and a Magic Killer from MCMG for effect…but only 2. Bey is about to eat more tandem offense, but he counters, takes out Shelley, Ace hits a Triangle Kick on Sabin, they go for another 1-2-Sweet…but the Major Players get involved! MCMG don’t take the easy road, they take out the Players and go for the tandem combo rush, Dirt Bomb on Bey…and MCMG retain! As it should be!
The Heavy Metal Rebel’s music hits after and he embraces MCMG before walking to the ring. Is Kaz the fill in executive? Oh, Kaz announces he’s “back home”. So I’m a giddy little bitch with Alex Shelley and Frankie Kazarian active on the roster.
Digital Media Championship: Joe Hendry (c) vs Moose
MOOSE SLAPS THE MIC OUT OF HENDRY’S HAND! And then Hendry slaps the taste out of Moose’s mouth. World of sport athletic dodge, into a Hip Toss, then a Scoop Slam. Moose tries to give him the slap receipt, but Hendry dodges and then stalling Suplex…that Moose no sells and throws Joe out of the ring. Moose tosses Hendry into the post, Hendry fights back and another Stalling…and walking Suplex on the outside before dropping him down.
Rehwoldt is echoing my sentiment of being torn between the two and its hilarious. Moose reverses the Irish Whip, Dropkick and then a Hesitation Dropkick finally keeps Hendry on the receiving end for a little bit. Moose motions to the crowd and finally gets his slap receipt, that fires Hendry up. Hendry blocks the second slap, lifts Moose onto his shoulders and Gorilla Press toss out of the ring to the outside. Forever Lariats, into an off the ropes Cutter from Hendry and just a 2 count. Hendry looks to set up something, fights Moose, then as he’s at the top…GO TO HELL for 2!
Moose goes from hitting to Go to Hell into attempting a Superplex, but Hendry fights back. Moose gets fought off, but pops back up, runs the turn buckle and muscles Hendry over for a big Superplex. Standing 10 count, Moose kip ups at 8, Hendry does the same a little after, and now we get the Fighting Spirit spot. Moose counters an Uppercut with a Back Slide, kick out, Hendry counters Lights Out with a Head and Leg cradle. Pop-Up Powerbomb from Hendry for another near fall!
Standing Ovation attempt, nope, Uranage for 2, another Uranage, another 2. Moose is in charge and rolls out to grab the title belt. Moose acts like he’s gonna use the belt, the referee stops him of course, which was all part of the plan. As Hendry stands up, Moose hits the Kick to the Balls while the referee is turned, Lights Out…Moose wins!
Santino Marella’s music hits and it says “Director of Authority” – oh Christ…he’s the fill in executive and I guess WWE doesn’t have that trademark anymore. He restarts the match, in full ridiculous Santino way.
Moose is annoyed, tries another Lights Out, Hendry dodges, roll-up, 2 count. Standing Ovation attempt nope, Moose hits the ropes, Hendry catches him…Standing Ovation! Santino believes in Joe Hendry!
Number One Contender Knockouts Four Way: Killer Kelly vs Taylor Wilde vs Deonna Purrazzo vs Masha Slamovich
They pair off early, Taylor and Masha are outside while Kelly and Deonna brawl a little. Deonna tries to powder but Taylor tosses her back in to a Fisherman’s Suplex Hold from Kelly for 2. Then Masha pulls out Kelly and we get a few dive moves from everyone. Masha gets the last move, and chooses Kelly as the one she throws into the ring.
Kelly fights back with some close range knees, Taylor breaks things apart with a Double Dropkick and starts lighting up Masha while getting over her occult Dark Feminine Witch gimmick. Her Leg CHoke is great, but she poses on the apron and Deonna knocks her off into the barricade. Standing Moonsault from Deonna, but Kelly breaks it up. Kelly tries to kick Deonna, Deonna catches her, locks in a Half Crab, Taylor comes in to grab the other leg as Deonna and Taylor work together for a second. Then they start taking cheap shots at each other and Masha hits some nice Sambo Style Spin Kicks to wipe out Taylor and Deonna.
Taylor manages to bait Kelly into the ropes, Stomps her down, uses her body to try and Frankensteiner Deonna, but Deonna blocks and Powerbombs Taylor. Masha tries for the Russian Death Device, but Kelly says no, Death Valley Driver on Taylor, Killer Clutch for a second but Deonna distracts Kelly…Kelly tries the Killer Clutch on Deonna but Deonna turns it into a Fujiwara Armbar. Taylor breaks the Fujiwara submission, Killer Clutch locked in, Wilde decides to stop Masha with a Drop Toe Hold into a Crossface. Masha fights through the Crossface, Russian Death Device drives Taylor into Deonna and Kelly’s bodies…so Masha wins!
With Masha winning, I feel like Mickie will win the main event, just because Masha is 0-2 against Jordynne. So there’s no rubber match, and it feels like Masha could benefit from retiring Mickie, and it also brings things full circle from Empower.
Falls Count Anywhere: Steve Maclin vs Rich Swann
Raven decides to come out during the package, and he’ll be joining commentary which is fantastic. Raven has the wonderful charm of a slightly senile grandpa.
They go backstage for a Rich Swann interview but Maclin just attacks him. The referee appears and starts the match, Maclin goes dumpster diving for weapons and starts whooping on Swann. Maclin throws a Sandbag at Swann, Raven makes a sandbag joke…as Swann manages a Cartwheel Cutter into the sidewalk. They are like 3 feet away from wrestling in traffic.
But Rich actually brings things back into the building and there’s a car coming. So Rich bounces Maclin’s head off the Honda, and then Maclin just Spears Rich through spare guardrails. Forklifts, shovels, coolers…all flavors of different toys.
They fight through the back, knock each other off of different boxes and then finally back into the actual ring area. Maclin had a good bit of control until he tries to throw Rich in the ring, Rich blocks, gets a nice John Woo Dropkick. But when he tries to continue, Maclin puts him in the Tree of Woe, Caught in the Crosshairs, and then Rich powders. Maclin lays in a few extra strikes, postures to the crowd and then turns…and eats a Cutter off the steps for 2. Swann goes for a Modified Rear Naked Choke with a cable, and Maclin breaks free and heads back INTO the ring for some safety. But Rich keeps working over Maclin until he charges at him and Maclin just dumbs him onto the ramp back first.
KIA attempt, Rich combination strikes as Maclin tumbles off the ramp to the floor and Rich hits a Frog Splash for 2. Maclin runs Rich’s back into the ramp, tries a Powerbomb, Rich says no, kicks him in the face, Running Senton from the Apron onto Maclin and Swann is well in charge. Swann goes for a Frankensteiner, but Maclin blocks and hits a Liger Bomb on the outside for 2. Maclin goes for a Knee Drop, Swann moves and hits an Overhead Kick, sending Maclin into the barricade. Maclin pulls Swann into the metal face first and then a flash KIA on the crowd steps, and Maclin wins!
Jonathan Gresham vs Eddie Edwards
Gresham is playing around with Eddie, since Eddie hasn’t delved too far into his great wrestling style…he’s been a brawler last few years. So Gresham makes Eddie look silly, and we’ll see if Eddie starts moving back to his old King’s Road style. Manhattan Drop into a Release Overhead Belly to Belly finally gives Eddie a reprieve.
Eddie decides to push Gresham to the corner and light him up with big chops. Gresham counters the next few attempts with an arm drag and some joint manipulation on the left wrist and elbow. Gresham keeps Eddie grounded, Cradles and Takeovers into more joint manipulation until Eddie finally catches him with a Powerslam. Uppercut and rope assisted Stunner, really takes the steam out of Gresham.
Eddie starts applying the power game now that Gresham is slowed down a little, Eddie uses the middle rope to choke him and every bit of the 5 count. A few slaps between the two, Eddie catches him on the ear and Gresham is about to return but falls. So now we go into an odd paced Fighting Spirit-esque spot…as Gresham tries to fight through the strikes. Double wrist control as Eddie keeps chopping Gresham’s chest and Gresham keeps striking the left arm.
Eddie Edwards goes full Samoa Joe and walks away from Gresham’s Asai Moonsault, hits a Misawa Elbow into the Akiyama Blue Thunder Bomb for 2. Eddie tries a Backpack Stunner, slides out, this time the Moonsault hits, stomp to the arm, Tope Suicida and now Gresham goes to the top. Eddie catches him with a Gamengiri though, and both are struggling to find offense. Superplex…nope, Gresham floats over, Rear Naked Choke on the top turnbuckle and Eddie slips forward driving Gresham’s face into the turnbuckle to break the hold.
Boston Knee Party, misses, German Suplex, Running Forearm, 2, another Forearm, 2, Reverse Side Slam from Eddie, Liger Bomb…near fall! Knee Party again, no, Hurricanrana, locomotion Cradles…Forearm from Gresham, Burning Lariat, Tiger Driver for 2…Boston Knee Party, and Eddie wins!
Lights out, PCO is in the ring and he’s spitting out dirt/sand as he attacks Eddie. The crowd loves PCO.
Career vs Title: Knockouts World Title: Jordynne Grace (c) vs Mickie James
Mickie’s entrance starts out with a Native American drum and dance group. Because of the entrance it really pushes a retirement vibe.
Jordynne’s entrance gear did say “Final Stop” but her and Mickie shake hands to start the match. Mickie slips Jordynne’s slam, and tries to School Boy, but Jordynne doesn’t budge and walks Mickie to the ropes, imposing her power. Mickie is getting annoyed and just paint brushes the shit out of Jordynne a few times before Jordynne clocks her.
A few strikes, a Thesz press, and then going to the corner Jordynne just stomps on Mickie and stand there for a few seconds. Jordynne is doing a good job being the immovable object without being overtly heelish yet. Jordynne tries to bully Mickie from the corner, Mickie fights off and grabs her head and Bulldogs Jordynne off the top rope.
Jordynne is stunned but not nearly as worn out as Mickie is selling. Jordynne looks more annoyed. Strike exchange, Mickie finally starts getting the advantage, tries to run her over with a Lariat, but Jordynne doesn’t move. A few Lariats and nothing, but a Superkick drops Jordynne. Mickie goes to the top…Jordynne powers to the apron, gets out and now Mickie is doing the Old School Rope Walk…into a Thesz Press on the ramp.
Mick-DT, Grace blocks, Guillotine attempt but Jordynne powers her into the corner. Stalling Superplex rolling into a Jackhammer – for 2! Grace Driver attempt, elbows get in the way. Shoved into the corner, Mickie tries to fight out, kicks, Headscissors, Flapjack and a Kip Up! Top Rope, for the Thesz Press, only 2. A little counter play from both women and then Spine Buster from Jordynne for 2. Sitout Power Bomb, 2, Spinning Backfist, 2. Mickie hits a Mick Kick into a Mick-DT…but Jordynne kicks out!
German Suplex, Mickie runs Jordynne into the ropes, Victory Roll, Rear Naked Choke… it looks like Mickie taps, but she floats over for the pinfall attempt, Jordynne breaks the hold. Mickie is trapped in the Rear Naked Choke again, she can’t find a way out, they do the arm check, Mickie rallies and the crowd pops. Grace drives Mickie’s neck into the turnbuckles, Mickie slips the move, retreats to the corner, Jordynne charges and Posts herself! Tornado DDT, 1-2-3! Mickie Wins!
Overall Score: 8/10
Now I tend to always give IMPACT credit when they have multiple similar matches, and this is another one of those shows! The World Heavyweight Championship match and the Maclin match both felt significantly different. We had 3 really good matches, the tag elimination wasn’t bad, just a few janky and botched spots take away a bit and the main event was damn good. It was presented and set up like a potential retirement, the moments were big, the crowd was alive and knew what they could be watching…and boy did Jordynne and Mickie show up. Now Penzer did announce this as the end to the Last Rodeo, which I guess makes sense, it was win the title or retire if she lost along the way.
I kinda wonder if Mickie will enter the Women’s Rumble as Knockouts Champion again. But this also supports how I felt Masha winning would signal. Masha being 0-2 against Jordynne is a thread to build off of for later. Masha could beat Mickie for the title, have a decent run and then when Jordynne challenges the “you’ve never beaten me” gimmick pops up. So I don’t know if Mickie will lose in her first defense, but I like the concept and from the fan reaction, no one wanted her to retire.
Santino being the Director of Authority could lead to some funny moments, especially with Moose. Kaz being officially back is awesome. Major Players technically costing Ace & Bey the titles is a nice fill in feud to get us to a legit challenge of Ace & Bey versus MCMG straight up for the belts. Oh yeah, GIVE MACLIN A GOD DAMN TITLE SHOT! He’s done great work, came in with very little hype, but he’s been a stone cold killer. He’s one of the definite highlights of the last few years. Maclin needs to take the title off of Josh. Book it, print it, make it happen.
Anyway, damn good show, great way to finish with the crowd and everyone happy and up for Mickie.
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CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS
Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)
TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends
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Will there be anarchy in New Mexico?
Before Double or Nothing and Anarchy in the Arena, Jon Moxley teams with The Young Bucks against Swerve, Samoa Joe & “Powerhouse” Hobbs!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Mina Shirakawa VS Julia Hart; wins.
- Six Man Tag: Jon Moxley & The Young Bucks VS Swerve Strickland, Samoa Joe & “Powerhouse” Will Hobbs; win.
PLAY BY PLAY
About Chairshot Radio Network
Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!
MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)
TUESDAY - Musical Chairs (music) / Hockey Talk (NHL)
WEDNESDAY - The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling)
THURSDAY - Keeping the news ridiculous... The Oddity / Chairshot NFL (NFL)
FRIDAY - DWI Podcast (Drunk Wrestling Intellect)
SATURDAY - The Mindless Wrestling Podcast
SUNDAY - The Front and Center Sports Podcast
CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS
Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)
TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends
Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5
Classic POD is WAR
Chairshot Radio Network Your home for the hardest hitting podcasts... Sports, Entertainment and Sports Entertainment!
Powered by RedCircle
Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!
The round robin’s second half begins!
A Block takes center stage to start Best of the Super Juniors’ sixth round! But who will break away and stand alone in the spotlight?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Nick Wayne & Daiki Nagai VS Taiji Ishimori & Gedo; Nick & Daiki win.
- 8 Man Tag: El Desperado, MAO, Shoma Kato & Masatora Yasuda VS YOH, Ryusuke Taguchi, Tiger Mask & Katsuya Murashima; Yoh, Taguchi, Tiger Mask & Murashima win.
- Titan & Yota Tsuji VS Robbie Eagles & Hartley Jackson; Titan & Tsuji win.
- Six Man Tag: Kevin Knight, Hiroshi Tanahashi & Toru Yano VS House of Torture; House of Torture wins, by disqualification.
- Best of the Super Juniors 32 A Block: Ninja Mack VS Hiromu Takahashi; Hiromu wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 32 A Block: Kosei Fujita VS Yoshinobu Kanemaru; Kanemaru wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 32 A Block: KUSHIDA VS Clark Connors; Connors wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 32 A Block: Francesco Akira VS Dragon Dia; Akira wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 32 A Block: Master Wato VS Robbie X; Wato wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
Here are the current A Block standings!
KUSHIDA: 3-2, 6 points
Dragon Dia: 3-2, 6 points
Robbie X: 3-2, 6 points
Kosei Fujita: 3-2, 6 points
Master Wato: 3-2, 6 points
Francesco Akira: 2-3, 4 points
Hiromu Takahashi: 2-3, 4 points
Clark Connors: 2-3, 4 points
Ninja Mack: 2-3, 4 points
Yoshinobu Kanemaru: 2-3, 4 points
Best of the Super Juniors 32 A Block: Ninja Mack VS Hiromu Takahashi!
The American Ninja and the Ticking Timebomb are both in the 2-3 half of this block, so they’re both one step away from the bottom! But who will it be that breaks even at 3-3?
The bell rings, Mack offers a handshake, and the fans rally. Hiromu accepts, the fans cheer more, and the two circle. They tie up, are in a deadlock, but Mack pushes Hiromu back step by step. Hiromu digs his heels in so it is a deadlock once more. They break, the fans cheer, and Hiromu headlocks. Mack powers up and out but Hiromu runs him over! The fans cheer and things keep moving. Hiromu RANAS, but Mack handsprings and flips through! But then Hiromu snatches him into TRIANGLE D! Mack scrambles to the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer and Hiromu lets off slowly. The two reset and Hiromu CHOPS Mack!
Hiromu whips Mack to ropes, but Mack grabs ropes to stop. Hiromu runs up, Mack dumps him out, kicks him low, and CLUBS away on Hiromu’s back. The fans fire up for “NINJA! NINJA!” Mack handsprings, NINJA- NO, Hiromu elbows Mack in the back! Hiromu hurries in and stands Mack up. Hiromu CHOPS Mack, has him in the corner, then CHOPS again! Mack CHOPS but Hiromu CHOPS, and then Hiromu whips corner to corner. Hiromu runs up, LARIATS, then snapmares to basement DROPKICK! Cover, ONE!!
Mack is tougher than that and the fans cheer. But Hiromu clamps on with a CAMEL CLUTCH! Mack endures, the fans rally, and Mack gets an arm free. Mack crawls but Hiromu pulls him back in! The fans rally harder as Mack still endures, and he gets free of the grip! ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer and Hiromu backs away. Mack crawls but Hiromu is right on him. Hiromu CHOPS, but Mack CHOPS back! Hiromu CHOPS back, Mack CHOPS again! Hiromu CHOPS, whips, but Mack reverses! Hiromu RANAS again, but Mack flips through again! Hiromu runs up to TRIANGLE D again!! Mack scrambles for the ROPEBREAK again!
The fans cheer and Hiromu is dead set on a technical win here. Hiromu eggs on Mack and Mack rises. Hiromu brings Mack around by his mask, but Mack fires body shots! Mack whips, Hiromu blocks, but Mack tries again. Hiromu fires forearms in return, then whips, but Mack reverses to TOSS Hiromu out! NINJA SPE- NO, Hiromu slides in and goes to the other side! But Mack just reverses course to NINJA SPECIAL!! The fans fire up as Mack once again pulls off something never before seen! Mack catches his breath and the fans cheer on “NINJA! NINJA!” Mack puts Hiromu in, Hiromu wants him to hold on, but Mack grabs the legs! BOSTON CRAB!
Hiromu scrambles as Mack holds on, ROPEBREAK! Mack lets go, but then he drags Hiromu back! Hiromu fights and THROWS Mack, but Mack cartwheels through to hold on! BOSTON CRAB! Hiromu endures again and reaches out! Hiromu powers up, crawls forward, and manages the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer and Mack lets go this time. Mack stalks Hiromu, waistlocks, and GERMAN- NO, Hiromu fights with elbows. Mack UPPERCUTS, ducks the superkick, then HADOUKEN! Mack runs, Hiromu ELBOWS him, but Mack follows to ELBOW! Mack runs again, but Hiromu stops the whip to SUPERKICK! Mack SUPERKICKS!
Hiromu returns but Mack SUPERKICKS! Mack fakes the run, SUPERKICKS again, then he reels Hiromu in, NORTHERN LIGHTS! Bridging cover, TWO! The fans cheer as Hiromu survives. Mack drags Hiromu up in the waistlock again, and he GERMAN SUPLEXES! Mack holds on but Hiromu switches to GERMAN SUPLEX! Hiromu holds on and drags Mack up, but Mack fights the lift to slip under! Mack waistlocks and GERMAN SUPLEXES again! Hiromu switches again to again GERMAN, but Mack lands out! Mack waistlocks, NIN-GERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO!! Hiromu survives and the fans fire up!
A standing count starts while both men are down. The fans rally as Mack and Hiromu stir at 4 of 10. They crawl to each other at 6, and stand at 8! Mack pushes Hiromu down to CHOP, and then he goes to the corner. But Hiromu anchors Mack’s leg! Mack kicks Hiromu away, then goes up! The fans cheer, but Hiromu CLUBS Mack! Hiromu climbs, CLUBS Mack more, then lifts him into a fireman’s carry! But Mack fights to SUNSET FLIP RUNNING POWERBOMB!! Cover, TWO!! Hiromu survives and the fans fire up! Mack kips up, fires up, and he hurries back for the corner! The fans rally as Mack focuses, and jumps right up! NINJA BOMB into TRIANGLE D!!!
Mack is caught, he flails but can’t get anywhere! Mack TAPS, Hiromu wins!
Winner: Hiromu Takahashi, by submission (gains 2 points; Mack earns 0)
The Timebomb shows he isn’t just explosive, he can be strategic and surgical! Will this new dimension to his style help Hiromu once again be the Best of the Super Juniors? Can Mack still make it to the top even though he’s at the bottom?
Best of the Super Juniors 32 A Block: Kosei Fujita VS Yoshinobu Kanemaru!
The Japanese Young Punk has stumbled a bit, but he is still near the front of the pack. Will the Heel Master change all that with the same old tricks up his sleeve? Or will we see even now, that The Mighty Don’t Kneel?
Fujita climbs onto the corner as part of his introduction, and Kanemaru attacks! The fans boo as he shoves Fujita to the apron. The bell rings, Kanemaru runs up but Fujita RAMS him! And GAMANGIRIS! Fujita springboards to MISSILE DROPKICK! The fans fire up and Fujita waistlocks! Fujita deadlifts and GERMAN SUPLEXES! Bridging cover, TWO! The fans cheer while Kanemaru bails out. Fujita finally takes his shirt off, and he lets the ring count climb. Kanemaru sits up at 6 of 20, rises up at 10, but is still down at 15! Kanemaru rolls in at 18, but then rolls right back out. Kanemaru takes a walk around the outside and the count starts again.
Fujita slides out, but Kanemaru kicks low! Kanemaru suckered Fujita in, but Fujita still CHOPS! Fujita stalks Kanemaru, but then Kanemaru blocks a chop to SLAM the hand into the POST! Fujita clutches that hand, but Kanemaru wrenches the arm and WRINGS it into the floor! Kanemaru then hammerlocks Fujita’s bad arm for a scoop and SLAM to the floor! Kanemaru leaves Fujita behind while the ref checks him. The count starts again while Fujita clutches that arm. Fujita is still down at 10 of 20, uses the commentary desk to help stand at 14, and he hobbles in at 15! The fans cheer but Kanemaru is right back on the arm.
Kanemaru YANKS the arm again and again, then clamps on with an armlock. Kanemaru wrenches, cording holds, but Fujita scoops and SLAMS, only for Kanemaru to drag him down! The fans rally while Fujita endures the grind! Fujita fights up but Kanemaru YANKS the arm! Fujita ROCKS Kanemaru again and again! Fujita runs, but Kanemaru wrangles him right back down! Kanemaru wrenches the arm to an ELBOW BREAKER, then WRINGS the arm out again! The fans rally for Fujita but Kanemaru drops a knee on the arm! And another, and another! Kanemaru has the top wristlock but Fujita endures!
Fujita fights around, reaches out, and kicks his way to the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer but Kanemaru holds on. The ref counts and Kanemaru lets go at 4. Kanemaru stomps Fujita, then stalks him to the ropes. Kanemaru brings Fujita up, but Fujita fires forearms! The fans rally but Kanemaru KICKS the bad arm! And KICKS it again! Kanemaru hammerlocks and scoops for another SLAM! The fans rally but Kanemaru covers, TWO! Fujita toughs it out and the fans applaud. Kanemaru drags Fujita up, CLUBS him on the bad shoulder, then taunts Fujita while kicking him. Fujita fires forearms, but Kanemaru CLAWS the eyes!
The ref reprimands but Kanemaru reels Fujita in. Fujita fights the suplex, Kanemaru still tries, but it is Fujita who lifts! The bad arm won’t let him follow through and Kanemaru kicks! Kanemaru whips but Fujita reverses to LEG LARIAT! Both men are down and the fans rally up! Fujita goes to a corner, Kanemaru to the other. Fujita runs up and CHOPS! Fujita whips corner to corner, runs in, but Kanemaru puts him on the apron. Fujita ROCKS Kanemaru, then springboards, but Kanemaru uses the ref as a shield! Fujita stops from dropkicking the ref, then pushes the ref aside. Kanemaru tilt-o-whirls, and DDTS!
The fans fire up while both men are down! Kanemaru crawls to a corner and watches Fujita rise. Kanemaru runs up, but Fujita drop toeholds! DEATHLOCK, and Fujita wants arms! Kanemaru crawls, reaches out, but Fujita grabs that arm! And the other! Fujita pulls Kanemaru back into the SURFBOARD! Kanemaru endures, Fujita reaches further up, NEMOS SPECIAL!! But Kanemaru bends Fujita’s fingers back to break the facelock! The ref reprimands but both men let the other go! The fans rally as Fujita rises up, and he goes back for Kanemaru to waistlock! Deadlift, but Kanemaru fights free! Kanemaru kicks, runs, but into the waistlock!
Fujita pops Kanemaru around to GERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO! Kanemaru survives, Fujita roars, and the fans fire up! Fujita drags Kanemaru up and brings him around for a suplex. ABANDON- NO, Kanemaru cradles! TWO, and Kanemaru victory rolls Fujita! TWO, and Fujita HEEL KICKS Kanemaru down! The fans fire up again as Fujita brings Kanemaru up, but here comes Sanada! Cold Blooded has his guitar but the ref stops him! That lets SHO sneak in and LOW BLOW Fujita!! The fans boo, and Yujiro Takahashi even shows up! PIMP CANE ATTACK!! Down goes Fujita and now Sanada leaves the ref alone.
The fans tell the House to go home, but Kanemaru suplexes! TOUCH OUT BRAINBUSTER!! Cover, Kanemaru wins!
Winner: Yoshinobu Kanemaru, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Fujita earns 0)
Same old tricks indeed! The House of Torture helps the Heel Master steal this one away, will the deck just keep being stacked? Can Fujita rise back up and still make the finals?
Best of the Super Juniors 32 A Block: KUSHIDA VS Clark Connors!
The Time Splitter had a rough start but he’s turned it around to be one of the frontrunners in this race. Meanwhile, War Dog Racing has dropped back, but he isn’t done yet! Could Connors be the lucky dog that makes up his lost lap? Or will Kushida hit that 88 miles per hour Back to the Future?
The bell rings and the fans rally up. The two circle, feel things out, and Connors backs up to the corner. Kushida backs off, the two reset, and they circle again. They tie up, and Kushida manages to power Connors to a corner. The ref counts, Kushida lets off slowly, and then backs away. The fans cheer the sportsmanship while the two reset. They tie up again and Kushida trips Connors to have the legs! Kushida SLAPS and CLUBS Connors into giving up the arms, for the SEATED SURFBOARD! Connors endures, so Kushida stands and turns him over into the motorcycle stretch! Connors fights to the ROPEBREAK!
The fans cheer and Kushida lets go. The two reset, and then Connors KNEES low! Connors CLUBS away on Kushida, then has him on the ropes. Connors KICKS the ropes to jam Kushida up, then Connors CLAWS at the eyes! The ref reprimands, Connors stops, and Kushida writhes. Connors drags Kushida up to CHOP, then he whips. Kushida reverses, hip tosses, and handsprings to basement DROPKICK! The fans cheer, and Kushida scoops to SLAM! Connors writhes, his back still hurting from facing Hiromu. Kushida runs corner to corner, slides and trips Connors, then YANKS him into the post! Now Connors’ wild rhino will be hurting!
The ref reprimands as Kushida pulls on Connors’ legs. Kushida lets go, then stalks Connors on the outside. Kushida CLUBS Connors’ back, then brings him to a corner. Connors and Kushida tug-o-war, and Connors YANKS Kushida into the POST! Connors huffs ‘n’ puffs and drags Kushida up. Connors snap suplexes Kushida to the floor! Rather double-edged for Connors and his bad back, but he just powers through. The ring count starts, Kushida crawls away, but Connors looks under the ring. Connors brings out Wheel-san! But Connors is wary of his little friend after what happened last time. The count is 10 of 20 but Connors refreshes it.
Connors runs up on Kushida, but Kushida FLATLINERS him onto a chair! Kushida goes for Wheel-san! The fans rally as Kuhida picks it up, but both ref and Connors tell him not to do it! Connors runs away as Kushida CHUCKS Wheel-san! Then Connors comes back to JEEP FLIPPER! Kushida hits the apron and the fans fire up! Connors looks to Wheel-san and decides he can trust the tire again. Connors brings Wheel-san around and JAMS Kushida up! And then he goes wild hitting the Young Lions with Wheel-san! Connors shouts, “WHEEL-SAN!” and the fans fire up. Connors then uses a Young Lion as a brake so he can stand Wheel-san up.
Connors drags Kushida over and pushes him down onto Wheel-san for a backbreaker rack! The fans cheer but the ref reprimands, and Connors lets go of Kushida. The ring count starts and Connors drags Kushida up at 5 to put in at 6. The fans applaud while Kushida crawls. Connors storms up, CLUBS Kushida on the back, and then has him against the ropes. Connors CLUBS Kushida again, but Kushida fires body shots. Kushida KNEES low, runs, but Connors SNAP POWERSLAMS! The fans cheer while Connors has a wild look in his eyes. Connors goes to the corner, the fans bark, and Connors runs in. Kushida sunset flips the spear! TWO!!
Kushida stands, ducks ‘n’ dodges, but then Connors ducks ‘n ‘dodges! DOUBLE LARIATS collide! Both men are down and the fans fire up! Kushida and Connors rise, and Kushida KICKS away on Connors’ back! Kushida whips, Connors reverses, but Kushida handsprings to BACK ELBOW! Kushida hurries back up, runs in at the corner, and he SHOTEIS! Connors sputters but Kushida puts him up top. Kushida climbs and SUPER STEINERS! But Connors sunset flips through! TWO!! Kushida escapes, hurries to get a leg, ANKLE LOCK! Connors breaks free, goes to the corner, but Kushida returns, only for Connors to BOOT him!
Connors runs, Kushida drops down, HIP TOSS into the ARMBAR! Connors clasps hands, Kushida pries the grip free, and he has the ARMBAR!! Connors flails, fights around, but Kushida reels him into a TRIANGLE HOLD! The fans fire up as Connors endures and fights around! Kushida throws elbows and Connors fades! The ref checks, and Connors gets his second wind! Kushida squeezes as tight as he can, but Connors deadlifts, only for the bad back to give up! Kushida has the ARMBAR, then the DISARMER!! Connors reaches back, ROPEBREAK with a foot! Kushida lets go in frustration while the fans cheer.
Connors sputters against the ropes but Kushida goes to the apron. Kushida climbs, leaps, and KNEES Connors’ arm! Connors hobbles, Kushida runs up, but Connors avoids the Hoverboard! Connors fires body shots, but Kushida KICKS! And KICKS! And then somersaults, into a SPEAR!! Cover, TWO!! Kushida survives and the fans fire up, but Connors puts one out! NO CHASER!! Cover, Connors wins!!
Winner: Clark Connors, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Kushida earns 0)
War Dog Racing comes through in the clutch! Will Connors still manage to make A Block 100 Proof? Can Kushida still reach the finish line after taking this hit?
Best of the Super Juniors 32 A Block: Francesco Akira w/ Great-O-Khan VS Dragon Dia!
The Crown of Fire isn’t feeling so hot after losing to Master Wato, but neither is the Infinite Carat Diamond after being hit with a Hoverboard. Who reignites and shines bright here in round six?
The bell rings and Akira SHOTGUNS Dia down! The fans fire up as Akira stomps a mudhole into Dia, then stands him up. Akira CHOPS, fires up, and the fans are with him! Akira whips corner to corner, runs up, but Dia BOOTS him away! Dia runs, slides, and tilt-o-whirl RANAS! Then DROPKICKS! The fans fire up, Akira bails out, and Dia PLANCHAS! Dia stomps away on Akira now and the fans cheer! Dia CLUBS Akira, but Akira ROCKS Dia! Dia CHOPS Akira, but Akira CHOPS back! Dia felt that one! Akira eggs Dia on and the CHOPS keep going! Red Shoes reprimands but the CHOPS just keep going!
Dia whips Akira at the ring, but Akira Tiger Feint Kicks in return! Akira has fans clear out and he brings Dia up. The fans rally for “A! KI-RA!” as he BOWLS Dia into chairs! STRIKE! Akira drags Dia up from the chairs, brings him back to ringside, and pushes him into the ring. Cover, but Red Shoes is not one for shenanigans. Akira is annoyed but he clamps onto Dia with a chinlock. Dia endures, even as Akira wraps his arm up and grabs the other. Akira makes Dia into a RECLINER! Dia endures and the fans rally! Akira sits up but Dia has the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer and Akira lets off. Khan coaches Akira and he drags Dia up.
Akira eggs Dia on, and Dia chops! Akira eggs Dia on, and now Dia CHOPS! And CHOPS! Akira CHOPS back! Akira then scoops, SLAMS, and covers, TWO! Akira STANDING MOONSAULTS! Cover, TWO! The fans rally and Akira stays cool as Dia crawls. Akira kicks Dia, eggs him on, kicks him more, and Dia rises. Dia CHOPS, Akira fires up with that, and he tells Dia to bring it! Dia CHOPS, and CHOPS, but Akira CHOPS Dia down! The fans cheer while Akira paces. Akira stands Dia up, whips him to a corner, then runs in, only for Dia to BOOT and RANA! The fans rally while both men are down! Dia growls as he rises while Akira goes to a corner.
Dia storms up, CHOPS Akira, and CHOPS, CHOPS, CHOPS! Dia whips corner to corner, runs in, but Akira puts him on the apron. Dia trips Akira up, then slingshots for the TORNILLO SENTON! The fans rally up and Dia dials it up, but Akira ducks the 619! But Dia SOBATS, LEG SWEEPS, and STANDING MOONSAULT FLOPS as Akira moves! Akira STANDING MOONSAULT FLOPS, and then Dia LIONSAULTS! Cover, TWO! The fans fire up with Dia and he goes to the corner. Dia climbs and watches Akira rise. Akira ROCKS Dia first! Akira climbs up, clinches, but Dia fires shots! They fight for control, and Dia CHOPS, CHOPS, CHOPS!
Akira hops down, Dia BOOTS him away, then D D- NO, Akira dodges the 4D! Dia mule kicks, runs, and REPTILI- NO, Akira catches Dia! Dia fights through Speedfire to ENZI- NO, Akira ducks, runs, but into the ENZIGIRI! Akira rebounds to LARIAT! The fans fire up while both men are down again! Red Shoes checks and both men stir. Khan coaches Akira and the fans join in, “A! KI-RA!” Akira drags Dia over, facelocks, and SPEED- NO, Dia fights the spin attack by hooking a leg! Akira KNEES him low, KNEES again, but then Dia sidesteps to roll-up! TWO, and into the ghost pin! TWO, and LA MAGISTROL stuffed! TWO!!
Dia SOBATS Akira in the face! Akira sputters, Dia roars, and the fans fire up! Dia climbs the corner again, takes aim, and D D D D- SUPERKICK!! Akira stops the 4D again, and he crawls away to a corner. The fans rally again, and Akira takes aim. Akira runs corner to corner to LARIAT! Then he brings Dia around, SPEED- NO, Dia slips free, REPTILI- NO, Akira slips free, SPEEDFIRE!! Cover, TWO!! Dia survives and Akira is in disbelief! Akira falls back to the corner, the fans rally up again, and Akira runs in! NOVA- NO, Dia PELES first! And then he runs up, slips around, CRUCIFIX DRIVER!! Cover, TWO!!
Dia roars, runs, REPTILIAN, but Akira pops him off! Akira wants the Ground Tarantula! Akira drags Dia down into the twisted hold, and DIA TAPS! AKIRA WINS!!
Winner: Francesco Akira, by submission (gains 2 points; Dia earns 0)
The Infinite Carat Diamond could not withstand the pressure, and the Crown of Fire even tells Nick Wayne on English commentary to watch himself. Will Akira conquer the whole A Block for the United Empire? Can Dia still shine in the light?
Best of the Super Juniors 32 A Block: Master Wato VS Robbie X!
The Way of the Grandmaster and Mr. X are both on the rise, but now they’re in each other’s way. Will Wato remind us why he was the 2023 Best of the Super Juniors? Or will there be no avoiding the X Express?
The bell rings and the fans rally as the two circle. Robbie gets the fans to bark for the War Dogs, but there are plenty of “WATO! WATO!” chants. Wato and Robbie approach, back away, then feel things out. They tie up collar ‘n’ elbow, go back and forth, then Wato puts Robbie on the ropes. Red Shoes calls the break but Robbie turns things around first. Robbie then pushes Wato and taunts him as “Master D*ckhead.” The two reset, tie up again, and they’re in a deadlock. Wato headlocks, Robbie pulls hair then powers out, but Wato RUNS him over! Robbie kips up smooth, and then CHOPS! And ROCKS, and CHOPS!
Robbie fires more forearms, then winds up, but Wato ducks the haymaker to SOBAT! Wato runs, Robbie drops down and hurdles, but Wato RANAS! Robbie flounders to a corner and the fans fire up. Wato runs in, Robbie dodges, but then Wato BOOTS Robbie! Wato BULLDOGS Robbie and the fans fire up again! Robbie checks his nose but Wato rolls him into the VENDEVAL! Robbie scrambles to the ROPEBREAK! Red Shoes calls the break, Wato lets go, but then Wato stomps Robbie! Wato brings Robbie up, CHOPS him to the corner, but Robbie eggs him on. Wato CHOPS, Robbie fires a forearm, repeat! Wato CHOPS then stomps Robbie down!
Wato whips Robbie corner to corner, runs in again, but Robbie puts him on the apron. Wato blocks a shot to ROCK Robbie, then he springboards, only for Robbie to trip him up! Robbie has Wato dangling on the ropes, and he KICKS Wato to the floor! The fans rally and Robbie goes out after Wato. Robbie tells fans to clear out, and he brings Wato up. Robbie whips and BOWLS Wato into chairs! STRIKE! The fans applaud and Robbie goes to fetch Wato. Robbie drags Wato up, and he tells more fans to move! Robbie brings Wato up, Wato fights back, but Robbie still runs and whips Wato into more chairs! STRIKE!
The fans cheer, Red Shoes reprimands, but Robbie fetches Wato again. Robbie fishhooks Wato, then drags him up. The ring count starts but Robbie SMACKS Wato! Robbie refreshes the count, then he SMACKS Wato off the apron! And now he wants the fans to again clear out? Robbie uses the aisle to run and DRIVEBY DROPKICK Wato! Wato falls and the fans applaud Robbie as he stands on the apron. The ring count starts again but Robbie drags Wato up at 7 of 20. Robbie puts Wato in at 10, the fans applaud as Robbie then stalling slingshot SENTONS! Cover, TWO! Wato survives the #SilverBullet and the fans rally up again.
Robbie winds the jack in the box to flip off fans, but Wato fires body shots. Robbie grabs Wato’s arm, steps over, and he BITES the fingers! Red Shoes reprimands, Robbie stops at 4, and Wato clutches his hand. Robbie argues with Red Shoes, then he stands on Wato’s fingers! Red Shoes reprimands, but Robbie STOMPS Wato’s hands! The fans are torn but Red Shoes reprimands more. Robbie covers, TWO! Wato stays in this, but Robbie KICKS him in the back. Robbie kicks Wato around, CHOPS him again, and Wato falls! Robbie talks trash that Wato is nothing! Robbie runs, but Wato scoops and BACKBREAKERS! The fans fire up while both men are down!
Wato clutches his hand, Robbie writhes, and the fans rally up. Robbie goes to the corner, runs up, but Wato DECKS him! And ELBOWS him! Wato whips to CALF KICK! The fans cheer and Robbie bails out, so Wato builds speed! Wato FLIES, and down goes Robbie! The fans fire up and Wato roars! Wato goes back to Robbie, stands him up and puts him in the ring. Wato aims, springboards, and FLYING UPPERCUTS! Cover, TWO! The fans rally as Wato brings Robbie up and wrenches. Wato hooks Robbie up but Robbie fights Recientemente! Robbie fireman’s carry, but Wato sunset flips it, into VENDEVAL!!
Robbie endures, even as Wato thrashes around! Robbie rocks the boat, fights his way around, and he refuses to give up! ROPEBREAK!! Wato lets go while the fans applaud. Robbie clutches his arm, but Wato fires up again! The fans cheer and Wato brings Robbie around. Wato whips but Robbie blocks by grabbing ropes! Wato ROCKS Robbie, whips, but Robbie reverses to SOBAT! Wato drops back to a corner, Robbie runs in, but Wato BOOTS! Robbie turns around to LARIAT! Robbie puts Wato’s leg in the ropes to KICK it, then he SPIN KICKS Wato! Robbie snapmares and STANDING SHOOTING STARS! Cover, TWO! Wato survives and the fans fire up!
Robbie huffs ‘n’ puffs and shakes out his arms. Robbie hobbles his way over, drags Wato back up, and reels him in. Wato fights the lift, Robbie stomps him down! Robbie stomps Wato again, then drags Wato up. Wato still fights the lift, wrenches out, but Robbie dodges to handspring! But Wato catches Robbie! Robbie ELBOWS free, ROCKS Wato, but runs into a BOOT! Wato avoids the Pele, to then tilt-o-whirl and clinch, RECIENTEMENTE!! Cover, TWO!! Robbie survives and the fans fire up while both men are down! Robbie rolls away to the apron but Wato joins him. Wato drags Robbie up, but Robbie fires a forearm!
Wato fires a forearm back, but Robbie fires another! They brawl on the edge, and they are both running on fumes! The forearms keep going, the fans rally up, and Wato gets the edge! Robbie flips Wato off, but Wato KICKS him in the chest! Robbie flops into the ring, but then slingshots to APRON CUTTER!! Both men flop down, but Wato falls to the floor while Robbie rolls into the ring! The fans rally and the count starts. But then Robbie goes up, up, and ESCALARA! Down goes Wato and the fans fire up! Robbie hobbles back up, rolls into the ring, and he wants the ring count! Red Shoes starts the count while Wato writhes.
Wato is still down at 5 of 20, then at 10. Robbie wants it to go faster, but Wato stirs at 12. Wato slowly rises, but we hit 15! Wato stands at 17! Wato springs in at 19! Robbie springboards to COAST2COAST!! And then a lift for the SITOUT POWERBOMB!! Cover, TWO!!! Wato survives and Robbie can’t believe it! The fans fire up but Robbie drags Wato around. Wato is in the drop zone and Robbie goes up! The fans rally as Robbie vows to end this! X EXPRESS onto knees!! Wato saves himself, and he fires back up! The fans rally and Wato brings Robbie in, TSUT- NO, Robbie victory rolls, only for Wato to roll it back! TWO!!
Both men hurry back up, exhausted as they are, and Wato spins, but into Robbie’s SUPERKICK! Robbie handsprings, but into the roll-up! TWO!! Robbie is up, he ducks a roundhouse to PELE! Wato stays up, but Robbie adds his SPIN KICK!! Handspring, but Wato waistlocks! TSUTENKAKU!! Bridging cover, TWO!?!? Robbie survives and the fans are thunderous! Wato roars, he vows to end this! Wato drags Robbie up and the fans are behind him! Wrench and clinch, RECIENTEMENTE SECOND!!! Cover, WATO WINS!!
Winner: Master Wato, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Robbie earns 0)
Robbie put Wato to the test, and in the end, Wato solved for X! With Robbie and Connors both at 3-3, will the War Dogs fail to take the block?
As for Wato, he now leads the block! After he has the belt and the mic, he says, “Hold on a moment. Wato a second. Stay until the end here.” Wato wants to make sure Robbie and the fans don’t just exit. Wato thanks them for staying, and he thanks the fans for coming today. Wato says, “I’d like to make this declaration now.” Oh? “I couldn’t go back to back last year, but after one year off, I’ll win this year.” The fans applaud that! Wato says that along with the tag titles, there is one other thing he needs. The fans have an idea what that is, but Wato says, “The IWGP Junior Heavyweight title that El Desperado has. I will win this tournament and use that as my chance and come for you.”
The fans applaud Wato wanting after his old rival and teammate, and Wato says with the singles title wrapped around his waist, he will return here, sell out this place, and sell out every building on his way to the Tokyo Dome. He wants to see the best sights possible! The fans applaud, and Wato says, “It is us, the Junior Heavyweights, that will make NJPW the best it’s ever been, and I will be the man at the center.” And while it has been awhile, he will close with his signature. In English, “I will be the Grandmaster!” The fans applaud, are we about to see Wato prove he is truly the Best of the Super Juniors?
Here are the NEW A Block standings!
Master Wato: 4-2, 8 points
Robbie X: 3-3, 6 points
Francesco Akira: 3-3, 6 points
Dragon Dia: 3-3, 6 points
Yoshinobu Kanemaru: 3-3, 6 points
Kosei Fujita: 3-3, 6 points
Hiromu Takahashi: 3-3, 6 points
Clark Connors: 3-3, 6 points
KUSHIDA: 3-3, 6 points
Ninja Mack: 2-4, 4 points
My Thoughts:
A great night for NJPW, and I am very grateful they’re downsizing round 6 so that it is only one block. Ten matches on one card was a lot to get done. Hiromu winning by submission was a bit surprising, but I appreciate it. I once said for Kazuchika Okada adding Money Clip to his moveset, that can help with career longevity. No need to do the high impact moves all the time, the holds are ironically less wear ‘n’ tear on the body. And in the end, the block is looking pretty wild. Mack is the only 2-4, Wato is 4-2, and everyone else is 3-3 so there are still a lot of possibilities for semifinalists. Great win for Wato over Robbie, and it would be something if the 2023 and 2024 BOSJ winners met to see who becomes the 2025 winner.
My Score: 8.9/10
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Mindless Wrestling Podcast: Hi Tech Backlash
Join DJ, Rob and Jason every week as they give their "Mindless" takes on Pro Wrestling and much, much more!
Mitchell’s NJPW Best of the Super Juniors Results & Report! (5/15/25)
Round 3, all together!
