Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE SmackDown Results & Report! (1/27/23)
Will Kevin Owens #JustKeepFighting?

The Prizefighter has a big fight before THE big fight!
On the SmackDown before the Royal Rumble, Kevin Owens must face Solo Sikoa! Will Kevin survive Roman Reigns’ Enforcer 24 hours before their Undisputed Universal Championship match?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Rey Mysterio VS Karrion Kross w/ Scarlett Bordeaux; Rey wins.
- Lacey Evans VS Jazmin Allure; Evans wins.
- SmackDown Tag Team Championships #1 Contenders Tournament, Semifinal:
Drew McIntyre & SheamusBraun Strowman & Ricochet VS Hit Row; Braun & Ricochet win and advances to the finals. - SmackDown Tag Team Championships #1 Contenders Tournament, Semifinal: Imperium VS Legado Del Fantasma; Imperium wins and advances to the finals.
- Kevin Owens VS Solo Sikoa; Kevin wins, by disqualification.
PLAY BY PLAY
The Bloodline arrives backstage.
Jimmy & Jey Usos tell Solo Sikoa that tonight is all about him. But then Sami Zayn sneaks over! Jey says Sami shouldn’t be here, this is against direct orders from The Tribal Chief! Sami knows but that’s why he isn’t going inside. He won’t step on any toes, but he needed to catch Jey. Sami needs to tell Jey face to face, that what jey did for Sami on Monday, he won’t forget that. Jey says he’s got Sami and Sami says he’s got Jey. If Jey needs anything, Sami will have his back. They shake and Sami heads out. Will Jey be able to keep Roman Reigns from learning about this? Or has Sami already failed his final test before it’s even begun?
Rey Mysterio VS Karrion Kross w/ Scarlett Bordeaux!
On the eve of the Royal Rumble, the King of Lucha may be on the eve of his destruction! Mr. & Mrs. Doomsday have been after Rey, claiming he is past his prime and needs to be put out of his misery. Will time run out for one of the greatest ever? Or will Rey prove he’s still one of the greatest ever and be rolling into the Rumble?
The bell rings and Kross circles with Rey. They tie up, Kross THROWS Rey aside, then he grins as he watches Rey get up. Fans boo while Kross and Rey approach. Rey waistlocks, Kross elbows free, but Rey runs to dropkick a leg out! Rey runs, tilt-o-whirls and RANAS Kross! But Kross gets up to CLOBBER Rey! Fans boo but Kross TOSSES Rey up and out, a la Rumble elimination! Kross then goes out, scoops Rey, but Rey slips off to POST Kross! Rey gets in the ring, slides and SUNSET BOMBS Kross into barriers! Scarlett is upset but fans fire up as SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns and Kross whips Rey hard into a corner! Kross reels Rey in for a pump handle scoop and BACKBREAKER! Fans boo while Rey writhes and Kross snarls. Kross pushes Rey to a cover, TWO! Rey is showing that legendary toughness, but Kross stalks him to a corner. Kross hoists Rey up top backwards, climbs up behind him, and wants after the mask! Rey throws elbows and Kross stumbles down! Rey adjusts, but Kross trips him up! Rey is in a Tree of Woe and Kross goes corner to corner! Rey sits up and Kross POSTS himself! Kross staggers away, Rey gets free, but Kross blocks a boot! But the ENZIGURI hits!
Kross ends up on ropes, Rey dials it up but Scarlett swipes at him! Fans boo, Scarlett is mad, but Kross runs in. Rey dropkicks Kross’ legs out and Kross ends up on ropes! Rey redials, for the 619! Fans fire up and Rey climbs the corner! FROG SPLASH! Cover, TWO!! Kross survives Rey’s best and shouts, “NO!” Fans rally for Rey but Scarlett coaches Kross up. Kross stands, he drags Rey up and reels him in. NORTHERN LIGHTS! Bridge to a float, but Rey hits a crucifix takedown! REY WINS!!
Winner: Rey Mysterio, by pinfall
Kross is shocked! He didn’t get out in time and he just lost! Rey survives the apocalypse here, but what about the Men’s Royal Rumble tomorrow night? Will Rey be the one to turn back time and find a way to WrestleMania? Or has he only bought himself 24 hours of reprieve?
Damage CTRL speaks.
It’s a WWE Digital Exclusive as Bayley says, “Ding dong, hello! Ahahaha! After what happened on Monday night, I gotta say that Damage Control is feeling really confident joining the Royal Rumble tomorrow night.” Dakota Kai says she feels “so sorry for all the other competitors,” because once these three get in the ring and work together, it’s going to be near impossible for anyone else to win! Iyo Sky says that tomorrow, “everyone finds out who runs WWE!” Kai says it’s them. DMG CTRL is getting in on the Rumble, will they make sure one of them is headed to WrestleMania?
Austin Theory is here!
The WWE United States Champion is still The Now, but only because Brock Lesnar cost Bobby Lashley again. Theory doesn’t care, though, the Raw superstar smiles and heads to the ring while fans boo. What will Theory have to say on the SmackDown before the Royal Rumble? We find out, after the break.
SmackDown returns and fans continue to boo Theory. Theory has a mic to say, “The champ! Is! HERE~!” Fans boo his Cena knockoff but Theory says not only did he retain his US Championship on Raw 30, but now, NOW, because we are in The Now, Theory is going straight to the Royal Rumble, and “Mr. All Day” will WIN the Royal Rumble! But then the NEW DAY shows up! Fans fire up as Xavier Woods & Kofi Kingston strut out with mics of their own. Kofi says, “Now, now, now, now, hold up. Austin Theory. Now there’s only three Austins that I respect. That’s Austin Creed, Stone Cold Steve, and the city where I live, right here in the great state of Texas, BABYYY~!”
Fans cheer and Woods tells Austin the guy that he’s a Raw superstar. Raw is the three hour show, but that’s where there’s more time to fill so Theory can spend it flapping his gums and wasting time. But here on SmackDown, the two-hour and efficient show, they have to get to business! IMMEDIATELY! IMMEDIAMENTE! IMMEDIATE, BOY! The New Day get in the ring and say now hold on. Did Mr. All Day just talk about how he thinks he’s gonna win the Rumble? Yes, that’s exactly what he said. The New Day has a good laugh there. But if not Austin Theory, then who? Who who who who? That’d be Woods & Kofi, AKA YA BOIS THE NEW~ DAY~!
That is because when one of them wins the Rumble, we ALL~ win the Royal Rumble! Fans cheer that, but Theory says, “That’s what you two think?” To get something straight, the New Day interrupts him but do they know who he is? Theory is the biggest star that there is! He is the biggest star in the WWE! But then THE MIZ shows up? Another Raw superstar appears, and the New Day is upset again. Miz says, “Biggest star in WWE? Let me explain something to you, Theory. I’ve been competing in Royal Rumble matches before you hit puberty.” BURN! Theory says that just means Miz is old. “Older, wiser, smarter, better than you will ever be.”
New Day is enjoying Miz tearing into Theory as Miz explains that tomorrow, Miz throws Theory and 28 others over the top rope to win the one thing in this business Miz has yet to win, and that is the Royal Rumble match! Fans are torn but the New Day laughs. Miz says that’s fine, but he says that there is NOTHING more dangerous than Miz with, uh, something on his shoulder. A chip? Yes, well, here’s an education on what’s going to happen tomorrow. But then Miz and Theory go after New Day! Was this a fake out?! But then here comes BOBBY LASHLEY! The All Mighty is a Raw star but he CLOBBERS the Raw stars!
Woods says that’s awesome! He high-fives Lashley, but then Lashley ELBOWS Woods! And SPINEBUSTERS Kofi! And COMPLETE SHOT for The Miz! Lashley aims at Theory, SPEAR!! The wrath of the Rocky Mountain Machine has struck and Laredo is all for it! Lashley says since Lesnar interrupted his US Championship match on Raw 30, Lashley will terrorize every one of the guys in the Royal Rumble until he gets what he deserves! But then LESANR jumps in from the crowd!! He fireman’s carries Lashley to hit an F5!! The Beast is sneakier than anyone knew, and Lesnar says he’ll see Lashley at the Rumble! Wait, Lesnar is getting in the Rumble?! Is he going to WIN the Royal Rumble again to go back to WrestleMania?!
Rhea Ripley speaks.
“Mami is here. And I am ready for the Royal Rumble tomorrow. I’ve had my fair share of Royal Rumble matches, and I’ve come extremely close. But 2023 is the Year of Mami. It’s the Year of Rhea Ripley, ’cause I am Rhea bloody Ripley and I am gonna win the 2023 Royal Rumble and punch my golden ticket to WrestleMania.” Will the Judgment Day’s leading lady eradicate all competition to head to Hollywood?
Lacey Evans VS Jazmin Allure!
The Model Soldier has finished retraining her mind and body, and now she’s back in action! Will she get back on track just in time for the road to WrestleMania?
The bell rings, Allure rallies the fans and ties up with Lacey. Lacey puts Allure in the corner, TOSSES her across the way, then soaks up the heat. Allure runs in but into a drop toehold! Lacey SLAMS Allure off the mat, then talks trash while doing push-ups. Allure storms up, they tie up, and Lacey wrenches to wristlock. Allure rolls, throws a hand but Lacey blocks to wrench, roll and wrench, to BOOT Allure down! Lacey soaks up the heat and flexes as she storms up to Allure. Lacey dribbles Allure off the buckles, then lets off. Lacey’s boot fell apart so she grabs the sole. She wants to smack Allure but the ref stops her.
Lacey whips Allure corner to corner, Allure goes up and over and handsprings, but Lacey blocks the kick! Trip and haymaker! Lacey SLAMS Allure’s leg, then scoops her to a fireman’s carry. But Allure rolls Lacey up! TWO, and A WOMAN’S RIGHT! Then the COBRA CLUTCH!! Lacey thrashes Allure, Allure taps, Lacey wins!
Winner: Lacey Evans, by submission
Lacey shows no mercy and no remorse, but also no weakness. “Little Miss Loser Laredo just learned that the Cobra Clutch is unbreakable! Aw, y’all sound so mad. Y’all’re really gonna be mad when I take this bicep, this forearm, lock it around 29 other women, throw ’em over the top at my feet, where they belong! In fact, all you losers here in Laredo can get on your feet and salute your soon-to-be Royal Rumble winner.” Fans boo but Lacey soaks it up. Then Lacey drags Allure up to haul her up and TOSS her out! Allure was just the first, will Lacey complete her mission and eliminate all others?
Backstage interview with Sheamus & Drew McIntyre.
Kayla Braxton is with The Celtic Connection and McIntyre says that tonight is a huge night, but so is tomorrow night with the Royal Rumble. He was thinking, it’s Sheamus’ birthday, he’s on a huge run, the Rumble winner is going to be Sheamus! Sheamus says he appreciates that, but McIntyre’s been on quite the run, too. If Sheamus were a betting man, his money would be on McIntyre. Those shoulder smacks get a little hard, but McIntyre says that Sheamus may not have many WrestleManias left in him. Plus, he’s been putting on banger after banger, it should be Sheamus. Sheamus has more Manias in the bag than McIntyre, so he votes for McIntyre.
Again, these two are hitting each other a bit hard as they go back and forth saying the other is going to win, they’re almost chopping each other! Kayla has them stop and says they’re up against Hit Row tonight. Right, right. The plan is that Hit Row gets sent back to Skid Row. When the lads are in town, they put on banger! After banger! After banger! Sheamus & McIntyre head out, but will tonight’s banger hit the top of the charts? Or will Top Dolla & Ashante THEE Adonis be the ones dropping the beat down?
The story of Cody Rhodes’ return continues.
Five months ago, Cody started on his rehab. He wants to not only make his comeback at the Royal Rumble, he wants to win the Royal Rumble. It feels like it has taken 16 years to get to this point. Not only recovering from injury, but carrying the history of everywhere Cody has been. His first run in WWE, him leaving, and him returning. All the doubt, all the struggle, all the sacrifice, all the heartache. When you’re in the ring and in the moment, you know exactly why it’s working. He was born for this.
Cody is in the prime of his career, only to hit rock bottom. “No human being could’ve kept me from getting in that ring. I looked up at the lights enough, whether that be in the ring or on a table, ready to have surgery.” As his Nightmare Factory mantra says: Put in the work. The doctors know he has the determination to get back, but Cody has to respect nature of the human body. Cody wants us to picture that moment where you’re that close to success, to vindication. And for it to get broken, that was a legitimate knife to the heart.
But at the Royal Rumble, a torn pec, two torn pecs, torn quads, nothing short of his heart failing will stop him. Being in the ring is like oxygen, and Cody wants to breathe again. Cody is putting in the work, envisioning his return. He wants everyone to get off the mountain, because he has made it clear what he wants and why he is going to do it. The American Nightmare is just 24 HOURS AWAY, will he make this the biggest comeback in WWE history?
SmackDown Tag Team Championships #1 Contenders Tournament, Semifinal: Drew McIntyre & Sheamus VS Hit Row!
The Celtic Connection conquered the Viking Raiders in the first round while Dolla & Adonis dealt with Los Lotharios. The finals are on the horizon, will McIntyre & Sheamus be able to focus on this tournament with the Rumble up next? Or will they end up being checked off the Hit Row hit list next?
Speaking of the Viking Raiders, Erik & Ivar attack Sheamus & McIntyre during their entrance! Fans boo as the sore losers beat down the winners! Ivar sends Sheamus into the apron, then he and Erik mug McIntyre. They RAM McIntyre into barriers, then they mug Sheamus! And the RAM him into more barriers! Erik KNEES Sheamus, then he KNEES McIntyre! Ivar then adds a SPLASH on Sheamus! And a SPLASH on McIntyre! Fans boo, security and referees, and even Adam Pearce, rush out! The Viking Raiders leave, having done the damage. Will this semifinal match still happen? We’ll see, after the break.
SmackDown returns and Hit Row make their entrance. We see footage from the commercial that McIntyre & Sheamus stormed off to find the Vikings! Pearce tried talking sense to them, but he’s back to talk to Hit Row. Yes, we all saw what happened but he is explained that Sheamus & McIntyre will not be competing tonight. They voluntarily gave up their positions, but no one is getting a free pass. Hit Row is upset, but they must compete against the replacement team of… BRAUN STROWMAN & RICOCHET!! Dolla is pissed, but karma has come back to bite them! Will the Monster of All Monsters and the King of Flight change Hit Row’s plans?
SmackDown Tag Team Championships #1 Contenders Tournament, Semifinal: Braun Strowman & Ricochet VS Hit Row!
The teams sort out and Adonis starts against Ricochet. Fans fire up as the two circle, and Adonis swings. Ricochet dodges, fires hands on Adonis, then CHOPS him! Ricochet brings Adonis around to UPPERCUT! Ricochet whips, Adonis reverses but Ricochet CLOBBERS Adonis! Ricochet rains down fists, then talks trash on Dolla. Ricochet drags Adonis up, scoops and SLAMS, then runs to elbow drop! Cover, ONE!! Ricochet stays on Adonis, brings him around as he talks trash to Dolla, and whips again. Adonis reverses but Ricochet rolls over his back, rolls under the lariat and rolls back to RANA! And DROPKICK!
Adonis bails out, fans fire up and Ricochet builds speed, but Dolla stands on his way. Ricochet asks Michael Cole what this is about but Dolla says Cole won’t do anything. So Ricochet ENZIGURIS! Dolla falls, B-Fab is upset, but Dolla is furious! Dolla runs in but the ref tells him to stand down. But then B-Fab anchors Ricochet’s foot! Adonis runs in to AIR-DROP! Cover, TWO! Adonis rains down fists then throws knees! Adonis CLUBS away on Ricochet, the fans boo, but Adonis talks trash. Adonis drags Ricochet up to UPPERCUT, then he tags Dolla. Hit Row coordinate, whip and RAM! Then feed to a BOOT! Dolla covers, TWO!
Dolla keeps on Ricochet, talks trash to Braun, and then drags Ricochet. Dolla CHOKES Ricochet on the ropes, tags Adonis, and Adonis runs to STRADDLE ATTACK! Adonis soaks up the heat while he stays on Ricochet. The ref counts, Adonis lets off, but B-Fab gets a cheap shot in! Adonis covers, TWO! Fans rally for Ricochet as Adonis clamps on a chinlock. Ricochet endures, fights up, but Adonis throws him down by his beard! Tag to Dolla, Adonis drags Ricochet up by his ear. Hit Row mug Ricochet, then Adonis tags in again. They mug Ricochet more, then Adonis scoops to SLAM Ricochet! Braun coaches Ricochet as Adonis drops an elbow.
Adonis taunts, but Ricochet rolls him up! TWO, Ricochet whips Adonis but Adonis reverses! Ricochet BOOTS back, reaches out, but Adonis corners him! Ricochet dodges the haymaker but Adonis grabs an arm! Ricochet fires haymakers, but swings into a back suplex! Ricochet lands on his feet, ducks the haymaker, hot tag to Braun! Braun TOSSES Adonis, BLASTS Dolla, then BOOTS Adonis! Braun runs corner to corner to SPLASH Adonis! Dolla gets in, Braun dodges to then clothesline Dolla up and out! Fans fire up as Braun throws off his shirt! Braun whips to BACK DROP Adonis! Laredo is thunderous as Braun drags Adonis back up!
Ricochet returns, he builds speed and FLIES to take out Dolla! Braun gives Adonis a MONSTER BOMB!! Cover, Braun & Ricochet win!
Winners: Braun Strowman & Ricochet, by pinfall (advance to the finals)
Things just got a whole lot wilder for this tournament! The strength of Braun, the speed of Ricochet, will there be any stopping these two from taking the SmackDown Tag Team Championships?
Backstage interview with Kevin Owens.
Kayla is with the Prizefighter, noting that while tomorrow night, he faces Roman Reigns, why is he risking it all to take on “one of the most vicious members of the Bloodline” in Solo Sikoa here tonight? Kevin is doing this because tomorrow night, he wants to become Universal Champion. Kevin wants to right a wrong that happened two years ago at the Royal Rumble. That night, that title was Kevin’s. But on that night, Roman, Heyman and The Bloodline did everything they could to screw Kevin over. Tomorrow will be no different. When in these last three years has Roman done anything on his own?
So if Kevin is to win, he has to take out as many members of the Bloodline as he can tonight, starting with Solo. But speaking of, the Usos storm up. Security already rushes in to stop the brawl! Pearce tells them all to stay back, they’re not screwing up another match tonight! Kevin mockingly asks where their cousin is, but his match is coming! Will Kevin be able to focus on Solo when Solo isn’t alone?
The Usos are escorted out of the building.
They say Pearce is tripping. They didn’t even start the fight. But it’s all good. The Usos return to their car, but Jey makes a quick call. “Yo, my dawg. You still in town? Alright, I need a favor. Yeet.” Did Jey just make a call to Sami?! Is Sami going to defy Roman’s orders to help Jey protect Solo?
Bray Wyatt’s old music hits!?
Fans fire up for the classic Eater of Worlds to make his way out here, but… Wait, that’s not Bray Wyatt. That’s LA KNIGHT cosplaying Bray Wyatt! And he’s even got a tiny lantern… Fans boo but Knight says he’s gonna take this stupid crap off. He throws the hat, the shirt, and the undershirt away. “Lemme talk to ya!” Laredo seems to have some LA Knight fans, but Knight says the biggest moment in Raw history happened at Raw 30 when out to the ring walked L A Knight! He heard the fans chant, “Talk To Us!” Who chanted that? But being the benevolent man that he is, he gives us what we want, even when we don’t deserve it.
“And then like the turd in the punch bowl, here comes the Undertaker to assist Bray Wyatt. Why is that? Pipe down, I’m talking.” But why? Because neither of them wanted this guy 1v1! YEAH! “YEAH!” Pipe down, Knight’s talking! Bray, you have 24 hours until the Pitch Black match. So bring every bit of advice Taker whispered into your ear. Come down as whatever version of yourself that gives you the tingle in your loins! Cuz this right here? This is your future: Torn up and laid out! “Because when the Alamo Dome goes Pitch Black, your dumpy ass ain’t coming back! And that’s not an insult, that is just a fact of life! YEAH!”
But then Bray Wyatt appears on stage! He sits in the rocking chair and laughs. He sees Knight making jokes, but they both know that Knight ain’t smiling on the inside. “But here’s the thing, man. It doesn’t even matter anymore! The time for talking has come and gone. Tomorrow night at the Royal Rumble, you will finally get to meet the man that you’ve been looking for.” Fans like the sound of that! “So take your time tonight, man. Have a great night, sweetheart. Laugh it up, joke all you want, because tomorrow night, when the lights go out, oh… You’ll see.” Bray laughs, but UNCLE HOWDY is in the upper deck!
Knight tells Bray to keep it to the two of them, but Howdy nods and waves his hand around. Is the Pitch Black match going to be more than a 1v1?
SmackDown Tag Team Championships #1 Contenders Tournament, Semifinal: Imperium VS Legado Del Fantasma!
Now that we know it will be Braun Strowman & Ricochet in the finals, the winner here has their work cut out for them. But even so, will Ludwig Kaiser & Giovanni Vinci make Der Ring General proud? Or will Cruz Del Toro & Joaquin Wilde win this one for the Emperor, Santos Escobar?
The teams sort out and Ludwig starts against Wilde. Vega stays ringside to coach her team as Wilde and Ludwig tie up. They go around, Ludwig puts Wilde in the corner, then lets off. Wilde avoids the haymaker and gets an arm, but Ludwig chinbars to headlock, then wrench. Ludwig hammerlocks the arm but Wilde endures. Wilde kneels, fans rally, and Wilde fights up to hammerlock in return. Ludwig switches the hold back on, then knuckle locks. Wilde CHOPS, he goes up and up, but doesn’t hit the smoothest arm-drag. Things still speed up, Wilde ducks ‘n’ dodges, then tilt-o-whirls, only for Ludwig to DECK him!
Cruz and Vega coach Wilde but Vinci tags in. Vinci headlocks and grinds Wilde’s head but Wilde endures. Wilde throws body shots but Vinci CLUBS him down! Vinci drags Wilde up, whips him to a corner, but he avoids the up ‘n’ over. Vinci back suplexes, Wilde lands on his feet! Hot tag to Cruz! Fans cheer as Cruz leaps over, then JABS, JABS, and feints to run, slide and CHOP! Vinci brushes that off, and he blocks a kick to short arm LARIAT! Cover, TWO! Cruz crawls but Vinci drags him up. Vinci chicken wings, Ludwig tags in, and Imperium mugs Cruz. Ludwig stalks Cruz to a corner, then brings him into a chinlock.
The ref counts as they’re in the corner, and Ludwig lets off. But Cruz JABS, JABS and CHOPS! Ludwig runs in but into a BOOT! Cruz goes up and leaps, but Ludwig DECKS him! Ludwig rains down fists, then rains down headbutts! Fans boo but Ludwig eggs Cruz on. Ludwig BOOTS Wilde for good measure, but Cruz ROCKS him with forearms! Cruz SOBATS, but Ludwig grabs onto the tights! Ludwig brings Cruz around, but Cruz PELES him away! Hot tag to Wilde! Vinci runs in but Wilde shoulders him away! And slingshot Arabian Press arm-drag! Cruz DROPKICKS Ludwig out! LDF builds speed, but into DOUBLE LARIATS! Imperium stands tall as SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns, Wilde fires forearms on Ludwig! But Ludwig UPPERCUTS! Wilde ends up on ropes, Ludwig drags him up and whips him to the corner. Ludwig runs in but he blocks the boot. “NEIN!” UPPERCUT! GAMANGIRI! Ludwig snap suplexes Wilde, then takes his time pacing around him. Ludwig runs to PENALTY KICK! Cover, TWO! Cruz and Vega coach Wilde but Ludwig clamps on a chinlock. Ludwig shifts to a cravat but fans rally. Vinci tags in, Imperium mugs Wilde. Vega is stinging from that CHOP, and then Vinci scoop SLAMS Wilde! Cover, TWO! Vinci tags Ludwig back in and they mug Wilde more.
Ludwig toys with Wilde but Wilde CHOPS back! And uppercuts! And uppercuts again! Ludwig kicks low, then shouts “NEIN!” Fans boo as Ludwig whips, but Wilde reverses and jumps on to TORNADO DDT! Fans fire up while both men are down! Ludwig and Wilde crawl for their corners, hot tags to Vinci and Cruz! Cruz springboards to CROSSBODY Vinci! Cruz keeps moving, ducks ‘n ‘dodges, then tilt-o-whirl RANAS! Vinci ends up in a corner, Cruz runs in to GAMANGIRI! Cruz whips corner to corner, Vinci reverses, but Cruz slips out to the apron! Vinci only gets buckles, but Ludwig runs in! Cruz GAMANGIRIS!
Cruz springboards to DOUBL EMISSILE DROPKICK! Imperium flops out, LDF builds speed, DOUBLE TOPE CONJILO!! Direct hit on Imperium and Cruz puts Vinci in! Vinci staggers to a corner, Cruz runs in but into an elbow! Vinci goes up, but Cruz handsprings to GAMANGIRI! Vinci wobbles, Cruz slingshots up to SUPER STEINER Vinci down! Tag to Wilde and he goes up top to SPRINGBOARD SPLASH! Cover, Ludwig breaks it! Laredo can’t believe it and neither can Vega! Vega calms down, though, and coaches her team. Fans rally up as Imperium regroups. Ludwig grabs at Wilde but Cruz fires off CHOPS on him!
Cruz CHOPS but LUdwig shoves! Cruz comes back, RANAS Ludwig right out! Then Cruz builds speed to slide!
Ludwig gets under, scoops and SLAMS Cruz on the floor! Vinci and Wilde meet up top and Vinci CLUBS Wilde! And then SUPER MILITARY PRESS!! But Vinci clutches his leg! He crawls, tags in Ludwig, and Ludwig drags Wilde up with a chinbar. Vinci hobbles over, Ludwig grins, and they set up. Vinci gets Wilde up and Ludwig is up top, IMPERIAL BOMB!! Cover, Imperium wins!
Winners: Imperium, by pinfall
A hard fought battle in both styles and cultures, but it is the Impeccable German and Pride of Italy who won out. Will they be able to make the mat sacred, even though they’re going against the Monster and the Flyer?
Xia Li speaks.
“I have more skills than any woman in this match. So looking past me is not only dangerous, but painful.” Will the Protector truly become the Eliminator in the Women’s Royal Rumble?
WWE shares footage of Charlotte Flair being on Ryan Satin’s Out of Character podcast.
But it was interrupted by guess who? Sonya Deville. Sonya applauded Ryan for asking the “big questions,” but then she was escorted away by security. Will Sonya ever stop this obsession with the SmackDown Women’s Champion?
Adam Pearce meets with Charlotte.
She knows he is having a busy day, and he says yes, because now he has to deal with Fox and how they were upset by Sonya’s stunt. Charlotte knows, Sonya is really annoying and opportunities are earned, not given. But she also has to hand it to Sonya, she’s persistent. That’s not the word Pearce would use. Well, Charlotte is just trying to be positive. But Charlotte will give Sonya a match. It’ll even be a title match. Wait, Charlotte wants to give Sonya a title match? Yes. Is she sure? Charlotte will put an exclamation point on this once and for all. Well, if she wants to do that, they’ll do it next week on SmackDown.
Charlotte thanks Pearce, high-gives him, and heads out. So now, win or lose in the Royal Rumble, Sonya gets a shot on the first SmackDown on the Road to WrestleMania! Will Sonya make the most of this opportunity? Or will she lose with Flair?
Kevin Owens VS Solo Sikoa!
The Prizefighter has been fighting against The Bloodline for years now, so he knows what they’re all about. The Usos were ejected from the building, and The Tribal Chief isn’t here tonight, so will Kevin have a truly 1v1 match with the Enforcer of the Island? Or will a certain Honorary Uce do his dawg a solid?
The bell rings and Kevin fires hands with Solo right away! Fans fire up, Kevin stomps Solo’s toes and then headlocks. Solo powers out but Kevin RAMS shoulders with him. Neither man moves, fans fire up, and Kevin runs to RAM Solo again! Solo roars, Kevin dares him to try then. Solo runs, they RAM shoulders, and no one moves. Kevin runs, RAMS Solo, Solo rebounds to RAM Kevin, repeat! They go back and forth, shoulder for shoulder, and then Kevin drops to CLOBBER Solo! And SENTON! Fans fire up with Kevin as Solo goes to a corner. Kevin runs in, but Solo slips out of the ring. Fans boo but Kevin just slides out the side!
Kevin storms up on Solo but Solo picks him up! Solo RAMS Kevin into the barrier! And then POSTS him! And then runs him into more barriers! The Street Champion stands over the Prizefighter while SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns again and Solo has Kevin in a chinlock. Kevin fights up as fans rally, and he throws body shots! Solo HEADBUTTS Kevin down! Kevin ends up in a corner, Solo goes to the opposite, and Solo runs in, to only get buckles! Kevin stands up, he ROCKS Solo with haymaker after haymaker, then whips. Solo reverses but Kevin kicks him! Solo roars, but Kevin hits an atomic drop and a LARIAT! Kevin rallies on Solo, but Solo blocks a lariat to HEADBUTT! Only for Kevin to kick low and DDT! Cover, TWO! Solo is tough but Kevin stomps him down. Kevin climbs up a corner and fans fire up. But Solo UPPERCUTS Kevin first!
Solo climbs up after Kevin, gives him more HEADBUTTS, and then brings Kevin up. Solo tells Kevin he’s not making it to the Rumble! But Kevin throws body shots! And a HEADBUTT of his own! And another! And then an ELBOW! Solo falls back, Kevin adjusts, FROG SPLASH! Cover, TWO! Kevin keeps his focus as Solo survives. Kevin waits on Solo to stand and fans rally up. Solo staggers, into a SUPERKICK! Solo wobbles, to SUPERKICK in return! Kevin SUPERKICKS again! And then kicks low, but no Stunner! Solo SAMOAN DROPS! Cover, TWO! Kevin survives but Solo seethes. Fans rally for Kevin but Solo shakes his head.
Kevin crawls to a corner, Solo aims from the opposite end. Solo runs in, but Kevin dodges again! The splash hits post! Kevin SUPERKICKS Solo! And SUPERKICKS him again! Kevin says “SUCK IT!” and runs corner to corner, CANNONBALL! Solo is down but Kevin climbs up! SWANTON BOMB! Cover, SAMI helps Solo get out of the ring?!? Fans can’t believe it and Kevin is just as shocked! Fans chant “UCEY! UCEY!” but Kevin storms out to get in Sami’s face. Solo aims, Kevin dodges, the SUPERKICK hits Sami! Kevin ROCKS Solo and RAMS him into steel steps! Kevin sees the announce desk, and he clears it off!
Kevin goes back for Solo, drags him up, and brings him around, only for Solo to POST him! Solo has Kevin on the desk, and he grabs a chair! Solo doesn’t care about winning anymore, he CRACKS Kevin with the chair!
Winner: Kevin Owens, by disqualification
Kevin is on the desk, Solo goes onto the barrier. He’s gonna recreate the splash from last week! But Kevin fires off haymakers! Solo HEADBUTTS, leaps, but into a SUPERKICK! Kevin snarls, Solo returns, but into a POP-UP POWERBOMB onto the desk! The desk doesn’t break, but maybe Solo just did! Kevin grabs the chair! Sami sits up and sees Kevin looking at him! Sami scrambles away, Kevin SMACKS Solo! Solo falls over the barriers, then Kevin puts the chair down in front of Sami. Kevin shouts, “THIS IS MY SHOW!!” Laredo fires up and Kevin tells Roman, “Tomorrow night! Royal Rumble! I’m bringing everything I got! EVERYTHING!!!”
The Prizefighter is furious, and he will certainly bring that fury to San Antonio. Will Kevin #JustKeepFighting until he is finally the reigning, defending, Undisputed WWE Universal Heavyweight Champion?
My Thoughts:
A pretty good SmackDown, but I feel like go-home syndrome reared its ugly head again. We got quite a bit more recap packages than I expected, even though I totally expected them to replay Cody’s newest vignette from Raw, and the 2023 edition of “Royal Rumble: By The Numbers.” And we got good promos from a handful of the women entering this year’s Rumble, but I’m still thinking Rhea wins it all. Good bit from Charlotte to set up a title match with Sonya, so duh, Sonya’s not winning the Rumble, but I don’t see her winning on SmackDown next week, either. And of course Lacey wins her return match, but uh… Is Lacey just gonna have gear that shows more skin every rebrand? Wow…
Really good opener from Rey VS Kross, and I knew Rey was going to win. He and Kross are far from done with this, but Rey had to get some of his momentum back after Kross talked down to him and beat him down just a couple weeks ago. Good promo stuff from Theory, New Day, and Miz, and good brawl that then added Lashley and Lesnar to the mix. I suppose it’s fine for Lashley and Lesnar to fight things out in the Rumble match as opposed to in a separate match at the Royal Rumble. But I foresee them basically cancelling out so that neither one wins, which leads to a WrestleMania match.
Good promo from LA Knight trolling us, and then Bray and Uncle Howdy appearing in response to that. Still no explanation of what a Pitch Black match will be outside of the Anything Goes nature, but fine, whatever, because in the end, it feels like the match could go either way. Knight got beat up on Raw, so go-home math would lean his way, but Uncle Howdy is a wild card. Much like with Alexa and Bianca for the Raw Women’s Championship, Uncle Howdy has been showing up a lot, he could easily be the reason both Alexa and Bray win their matches, and things really build towards WrestleMania with a White Rabbit faction as many fans had anticipated when Bray first returned.
Good promo from Sheamus & McIntyre that keeps adding onto the weird, passive aggressive way these two support each other. But the Vikings attacking Celtic Connection, that’s a lame way to take them out of the tournament. At least, in the semifinals. If it’d happened in the finals, it’d feel a bit better. And with the way the Bloodline story is going, you could still get Face VS Heel in Usos VS Imperium, but maybe that’s not the plan. Legado Del Fantasma got the Face treatment by Laredo, and even had that in NXT, it wouldn’t be so hard to make them the Faces that face Heel Usos. But Braun & Ricochet is a good team, so I guess it’s fine for them to step in and take the tournament. Because yes, I’m pretty sure they’re in to win against Imperium like they did against Hit Row tonight.
And speaking of the Bloodline’s story, great stuff out of them tonight. Sami showing up despite Roman’s orders was a nice touch, and of course it comes into play with the main event. The Usos being barred from ringside, Jey making the call, and Sami doing his best to come through for Jey was all good stuff. Roman was away because he was scheduled for Jimmy Fallon tonight, so it can work in reality and kayfabe that Roman won’t know what happened until, well, right about now. Sami’s “final test” is still unknown, but this could be a kayfabe reason for Roman to “escalate” what he had planned. Screwing over Kevin after Kevin just spared Sami would still be an obvious way to go, but maybe there will be something out of the box in store.
My Score: 8.4/10
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Who is the true Alpha Female of Evolve?
Kali Armstrong is built different, but is she tough enough to defeat Kendal Grey, Brinley Reece AND Chantel Monroe in Evolve’s first Fatal 4 Way?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Trill London VS Harlem Lewis; Harlem wins.
- Six Man Tag: Jordan Oasis, Jack Cartwheel & Cappuccino Jones VS Gallus; Gallus wins.
- Oro Mensah VS Javier Bernal; Oro wins.
- Fatal 4 Way: Kali Armstrong VS Kendal Grey VS Brinley Reece VS Chantel Monroe; Kali wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
Backstage interview with Kendal Grey.
Chuey Martinez sits down with Grappler Grey, and asks how one growing up in Las Vegas found pro-wrestling. Kendal says her older brother was doing jiu-jitsu, Muay Thai, other martial arts, and she joined in and fell in love. Then in high school, there was no girl’s wrestling team, only boy’s. Her dad said she should try out for the boy’s team, and she thought he was joking. He was serious, so she gave it a try. She made the team, was on Varsity, became one of the first females to win in the state of Nevada to win a tournament. She loved contact sports, it just felt right. And we know she even made Team USA for the Olympics.
Chuey brings up tonight’s intense Fatal 4 Way main event. What would it mean to be the Face of Evolve? Kendal says she knows she’s gonna be the Face of Evolve. Before coming to the WWE, she was already a champion. She is a three-time undefeated NCAA champion. That will also be her plan here in Evolve: be undefeated. She’s on a winning streak and she looks to keep it going. This Fatal 4 is just a stepping stone. Chuey believes that. He thanks Kendal for the talk, and says it’ll be a good one.
Ice Williams is in the VIP Lounge.
You could say he’s chilling while he watches tonight’s opening match.
Trill London VS Harlem Lewis!
The man who’s “too weird to be normal and too cool to care” didn’t have the best first match in Evolve, getting clobbered by Keanu Carver. But will he make up for that on the Evolve before WrestleMania? Or will he have another rough night as he runs into Harlem?
The bell rings and the fans rally up. The two tie up, Harlem powers Trill right to a corner, and he smothers Trill while the ref counts. Harlem lets off, to then body blow! Harlem whips corner to corner but Trill reverses to break free and DROPKICK! The fans fire up, Trill whips, but Harlem reverses. Trill goes up, but Harlem catches him to a GERMAN SUPLEX! The fans boo but Harlem pushes Trill around. Harlem drags Trill up but Trill fires body shots! Harlem CLUBS Trill, whips him corner to corner hard, and then gets in Trill’s face to talk trash. The fans boo while Harlem has Trill on the apron. Trill ROCKS Harlem!
Trill aims, and he SLINGSHOT SHOTGUNS! Even Ice is shocked to see that! The fans fire up as Trill goes to the apron. Trill climbs a corner, Harlem rises, and Trill flies, but into a SUPERMAN PUNCH! Harlem hits his antiair, then he drags Trill up! Suplex and BOOMSLANG!! Cover, Harlem wins!
Winner: Harlem Lewis, by pinfall
Trill tried, but he couldn’t get past this behemoth any better than he could Keanu. Harlem is keeping pace with Keanu, and Chuey is here to interview Harlem. Harlem’s on a win streak, just like Keanu. Harlem says the craziest thing about all this, is that he’s getting paid to do this! As for Keanu, Harlem wants his faceoff! Tell Stevie Turner to make it happen! Wait, Gallus storms out here? Joseph, Markus & Wolfie are ready for a fight, but refs and other Evolve superstars keep Harlem from going after them. The fans want to “LET THEM FIGHT! LET THEM FIGHT!” but Gallus will just have to settle for their opponents here tonight.
Six Man Tag: Jordan Oasis, Jack Cartwheel & Cappuccino Jones VS Gallus!
The Nomad felt the Iron King’s iron fist and it knocked him out for the night. But the men who helped Oasis to the back are here to help him take on the whole firm! Will Oasis, Cartwheel & Cappuccino get some payback tonight? Or will it still be Gallus Boys On Top?
The trios sort out and Joe starts against Jack. They circle, feel things out, and the fans rally behind “Cartwheel! Cartwheel!” The two tie up, Joe whips Jack, but Jack cartwheels! The fans cheer, Joe runs up, and he RAMS Jack to a corner! Joe TOSSES Jack, but Jack cartwheels! The fans cheer again, Jack runs up, but Joe blocks his shot to ROCK Jack! But then Jack cartwheels through, only for Joe to SHOTGUN him down! The fans fire up, Joe tags Wolfgang, and they mug Jack. Wolfgang suplexes, Jack slips free, hot tag to Cappuccino! Jones fires forearms on Wolfgang, then haymakers! Jones runs, springboards, but Wolfgang catches him!
Wolfgang pops Jones up, but Jones slips free, only for Wolfgang to UPPERCUT him! Wolfgang drags Jones up, tags Mark in, and Mark fires forearms. Jones fires back, Mark UPPERCUTS, but Oasis tags in! The fans fire up as Oasis storms up to throw forearms with Mark! They go back and forth, but then Oasis fires a flurry! Mark gets around, Oasis bucks the O’Conner, but Mark UPPERCUTS him down! Tag to Joe, the Coffey Brothers mug Oasis, and Joe eggs Oasis on. The forearms continue as Oasis gets the brother he wanted! Oasis fires a flurry, but then Joe fires body shots! Oasis avoids the haymaker to ROCK Joe!
The fans fire up as Joe staggers back! Mark & Wolfgang storm in, Oasis dodges then, Cappuccino & Cartwheel DOUBLE MISSLE DROPKICK Gallus! The fans fire up as Cappuccino & Cartwheel then DOUBLE DROPKICK Mark & Wolfgang out of the ring! Then they build speed, Cappuccino FLIES onto Mark while Cartwheel FOSBURY FLOPS onto Wolfgang! The fans fire up more and Oasis tells Joe, “That’s right! You wanted to knock me out? You wanted a fight? This is what you’re gonna get! A fight!” Oasis rains down fists, and Evolve goes to break.
Evolve returns and Jack brings Joe up. Jack ROCKS Joe, CHOPS Joe, and then shoves Joe. Joe shoves back and pops Jack up for an UPPERCUT! Hot tag to Mark and he runs up to LARIAT Jack! And CLOBBER him! Oasis is in but Mark CHOPS him down! Jones runs in but Mark suplexes him away! The fans fire up and Mark back suplexes Jack! Jack lands out, then cartwheels through, for the WHIRLY DIRLY! Wolfgang tags in, and he CLOBBERS Jack! Jones is up but Wolfgang kicks him low! Wolfgang then reels Jones in and lifts, POWER DRIVER! The fans fire up and then Jack mule kicks! Wolfgang UPPERCUTS!
Jack comes back, to tilt-o-whirl FLYING DDT! Both men are down and the fans fire up! Jack and Wolfgang crawl, hot tags to Joe and Oasis! The fans fire up as Oasis dodges Joe to BLAST Mark! Joe runs up, blocks a boot, but not the KNEE! Oasis LARIATS Joe, ELBOWS him down, then waits on Joe to get back up. Oasis blocks a kick, slips through, and lifts Joe for a BACKBREAKER! Oasis puts Joe on the ropes, calls his shot, BLACKOUT CANNONBALL! The fans fire up as Oasis lands on his feet on the apron! Oasis hurries back in and covers, TWO! The fans fire up as Oasis wrenches Joe, but Joe ROCKS him!
Tag to Wolfgang and he runs up, RAMPAGE SPEAR! Then a run and SENTON! Tag to Mark, but here come Cartwheel & Cappuccino! Wolfgang gives them a DOUBLE RAMPAGE! Mark tags Joe, and the Coffey Brothers have Oasis for the BLUE HAMMER, and ALL THE BEST FOR THE BELLS!! Cover, Gallus wins!
Winners: Gallus, by pinfall
Oasis wanted his payback, but it was just another heavy shot from the Iron King! Will nothing stop Gallus from making Evolve their kingdom?
Backstage interview with Chantel Monroe.
Chuey now sits down with the Debutante, and says it is not every day he sits down with world class athletes. How does one go from gymnastics at Auburn to WWE Evolve? She was scouted at the nationals, and at first she didn’t think this was for her. She’s admittedly prissy and girly, but she does like to perform, does like to dress up, loves to connect with the audience. It was the theatrics of pro-wrestling that intrigued her. It wasn’t that different from gymnastics, so she thought this could be a calling. Chuey says Chantel is surely prepared for all of this from gymnastics and Chantel agrees.
Gymnastics is not only physical but 90% mental. That prepared her for so much in this life, and especially this moment. Then what does it mean to hear that she could be the Face of Evolve? That means everything to her. She knows she has the spark, she knows she’s “that girl,” and that she can be the Face of Evolve. Chuey brings up the Fatal 4 Way, how is she preparing? Just training every day, going for it, no doubting. She is That Girl in every way. Chuey says there you have it! Will Chantel’s confidence be unstoppable tonight?
Backstage interview with Kali Armstrong.
Chuey now sits down with the Pride of Inglewood, and asks that when he says that, what does it mean to represent Inglewood, California? Kali says Inglewood is a city of champions. The fact she is born and raised there, you know she’s winning at something. Chuey says she is indeed a superstar, 100%. She says she appreciates that. If he were to tell her years ago that she’d be here, what would her response be? She says if this was even five years ago, she’d believe you. Thinks sound crazy, but the type of person she is, if it doesn’t sound crazy, it ain’t big enough. Once she locks in, once she puts her mind to it, it’s a wrap.
Then how does one prepare for a Fatal 4? With this match, everyone is physically able to do it. What decides the match is who is mentally toughest, because they’re going to war. This is all mental, and we’ll see who can sustain at the end of this. And she promises, it’ll be Kali Armstrong. Will there be a Kali Connection to cap off Evolve?
Luca Crusifino steps into the VIP Lounge.
Ice is still chilling with drinks, but he’ll have to make room on the one couch now that The Consigliere is here. Is Luca checking in on the emotional investment he’s put into this next match?
Oro Mensah VS Javier Bernal!
It’s a tale of two records. Where one is on the rise, the other is struggling to even stay afloat. Will Oro become the Main Man of Evolve? Or can Big Body Javi finally get on the board?
The bell rings and the fans rally as the two tie up. Oro waistlocks and wrangles Javi to the mat. Javi fights up, switches, but Oro pries at the hold. Oro wrenches free, wristlocks, but Javi rolls, steps over, and wrenches to wristlock back. The fans rally and duel as Oro fights up. Javi twists the wrist, Oro rolls, then UP KICKS! Oro CHOPS, the fans “WOO~” and then Javi CHOPS! Oro CHOPS again, dodges Javi’s boot, then runs up. Javi dodges, goes up and FLYING ARM-DRAGS! The fans cheer as Javi tilt-o-whirl RANAS, then DROPKICKS! Javi fires up and the fans are behind him! Javi runs up to whip, but Oro blocks!
Oro breaks free, SOBATS, and then clinches for an EXPLODER! Javi flounders and writhes while the fans fire up again. Oro stomps Javi around, drags Javi up and CHOPS! The fans duel, “ORO!” “JAVI!” as Oro snapmares and KICKS Javi in the back! Cover, TWO! Oro is annoyed but he stalks Javi. Javi fires body shot after body shot, then a haymaker! Oro STEP PUNCHES and Javi goes down! Oro eggs Javi on, “Who are you?” Javi gets up to fire fast hands from all sides! Javi underhooks to BUTTERFLY- NO, Oro slips free to LARIAT! Oro then reels Javi in, but Javi BACKDROPS free! Both men are down and the fans fire up!
Javi goes to the apron, the fans rally behind him, and he ROCKS Oro! Javi has Oro in the ropes to SUPERKICK! Oro staggers, Javi climbs, and Javi CROSSBODIES! Javi fires up more and he rallies with LARIAT after LARIAT! Then a KNEE SMASH! But Oro kicks a leg out! Javi dodges the step punch to SUPERKICK again! Oro wobbles and Javi roars! RUNNING DDT! Cover, TWO!! Oro survives that onslaught and both Luca and Ice are impressed. “This is Awesome!” as Oro and Javi rise. Javi waistlocks to full nelson, but Oro runs to the corner! Javi hits buckles, but he comes back, only for Oro to BOOT him!
Oro reels Javi in for a TORNADO HOTSHOT! Then a springboard, RIDER KICK! Both men are down again and Javi flounders away. The fans rally while Javi goes back to the apron. Oro runs up, but Javi ROCKS him first! Oro staggers, Javi climbs again, but Oro TIGER WALL KICKS! Javi falls off the corner, Oro hooks him up, ripcord and CALL OF AUTUMN! Cover, Oro wins!
Winner: Oro Mensah, by pinfall
Another big win for the Main Man, and another big loss for Big Body Javi. Will Oro move up and become the Face of Evolve? What must Javi do to have his breakthrough?
Backstage interview with Brinley Reece.
Chuey sits down with the fourth and final part of tonight’s main event in #Binergy. If he told Brin six or seven years ago that she’d be a pro-wrestler, what would her reaction be? Brin is pretty sure she would not believe him. She wakes up every morning, open to whatever possibilities and opportunities present themselves, and well, here she is. Let’s talk about the Fatal 4 Way. Imagine being the Face of Evolve. Brin says every woman here wants that same thing. She will go in there and prove that she’s the Face of Evolve. The Brin Active Mindset is also a confident one, and Chuey is sure the main event is gonna be bananas!
Stevie Turner speaks.
The Evolve General Manager introduces herself, and then says as a result of what happened last week, she has scheduled quite the line up for next week. We will have Timothy Thatcher VS Bryce Donovan, and Jackson Drake VS Sean Legacy! Plus, “The Sunshine,” Carlee Bright returns to action in her first Evolve singles match. It’ll be a big night, but who proves themselves to be the more evolved?
Carlee Bright is in the VIP Lounge!
The gentlemen excuse themselves so that the cheery cheerleader turned wrestler can have the lounge all to herself. Will her moral support help her friend, Kendal Grey, win big tonight?
Fatal 4 Way: Kali Armstrong VS Kendal Grey VS Brinley Reece VS Chantel Monroe!
We heard from all four women tonight, and naturally, they’re all confident and determined to win. But only one can be the Alpha Female, who wins to prove themselves worthy of the title, “Face of Evolve?”
The big fight introductions are given, and the bell rings. The fans rally as the four watch each other. Kali dares someone to make a move, then she shoves Kendal. Kendal shoves back, then mule kicks! Brin adds a forearm, then Chantel adds a forearm! Brin adds another, then Kendal UPPERCUTS! Brin HEADBUTTS Kali, then she and Kendal dodge so Chantel can SUPERKICK Kali! Brin & Kendal TOSS Kali and the fans fire up! Brin says kiss this, Kendal mocks “Too Strong Armstrong” by flexing. Now they and Chantel feel things out. They triple knuckle lock, but then Chantel kicks Kendal! Chantel kicks Brin and headlocks.
Brin powers out but Chantel runs Kendal over! Chantel flexes but Brin rolls her up! Kendal sunset flips Brin, but Chantel ghost pins Kendal! TWO and Kendal has the cradle! But then Brin jackknife bridges Kendal! Kali breaks that and the fans fire up! Kali fires off on Brin in the corner, then storms over to Chantel. The fans chant, “This is Wrestling!” as Kali ROCKS Chantel, then ROCKS Kendal! Kali ROCKS Chantel again, then ROCKS Kendal again! kali sends Kendal into Brin, and RAMS them both in the corner! Kali then ROCKS Chantel and whips her into the others! Kali fires up, runs up, and TRIPLE RAMS!
The fans fire up with Kali while all three opponents flounder on the mat. Kali storms up on Kendal, Chantel finds Brin, but Brin and Kendal each get a cradle! TWO! Brin goes back for Chantel but Chantel gives her a JAWBREAKER! Kendal has Kali and whips, but Kali reverses! Kali then blows past Kendal, only for Chantel to HIP TOSS Kendal! Cover, Kali breaks it! Kali says not on her watch, and she TOSSES Chantel! Brin TOSSES Kendal! Brin and Kali circle now, then tie up. Brin waistlocks, wrenches, whips, but Kali reverses. Kali runs up, ROCKS Brin, then hoists her up top! Kali tucks Brin in, but Brin hits a TORNADO SNAP SUPLEX!
The fans fire up, Brin hurries to cover, TWO! Brin clamps onto Kali with a chinlock, and adds body scissors! It’s turning into a REAR NAKED CHOKE! Kali endures, but Chantel wraps a HEADSCISSOR SQUEEZE on Brin! The fans fire up as Kali pries at the legs! Brin endures Chantel’s squeeze, but Kendal puts a HEADSCISSOR SQUEEZE on Chantel! The fans fire up for this chain of submissions, but Kali pries free! The fans cheer on “EVOLVE! EVOLVE!” as Kali stomps Kendal! Kendal lets Chantel free but Chantel still holds onto Brin. Kali grabs Brin’s legs, and she turns Brin and Chantel over, BOSTON CRAB!
Brin’s enduring double submissions now, but then Kendal jumps onto Kali’s back for a SLEEPER! The fans fire up as Kali flails! Kali RAMS Kendal into a corner, but Kendal holds on! Kali RAMS Kendal into buckles again and gets free! Brin pushes back on Chantel for a cover, TWO! Brin is free, and she stops Chantel going for her leg to hook the arms! But Chantel fights the backslide, so the two end up sitting down. Kali storms up to push them both over, double cover! TWO! Kali DOUBLE LARIATS! The fans fire up as Kali is back on Kendal! Kali ROCKS Kendal, then she runs, only for Brin & Chantel to trip her up!
The fans fire up as Brin & Chantel drag Kali outside, and the three start brawling! Kendal goes up top to SUPER CROSSBODY! Direct hit on everyone and the fans fire up with Kendal! Kendal shouts, “I’m the face of the company!” and Evolve goes to break.
Evolve returns as Kendal has Kali down for a cover, TWO! The fans rally and Kendal goes up the corner. But Kali runs up to ROCK her first! Kali climbs, Kendal fires a forearm, and then Chantel adds on! Chantel CLUBS Kali, climbs up to go after Kendal, but Brin gets under them all! The fans fire up for Evolve’s first TOWER OF DOOM!! Brin has her pick, and she runs up to ROCK Kali! Then she ROCKS Chantel! Then she CLOBBERS Kali, CLOBBERS Chantel, and the fans fire up! Brin dodges, handsprings and LARIATS! Brin whips Chantel, hoists her up, SPINEBUSTER! Brin then fireman’s carries Kali!
Chantel drags Kali down to then THROW Brin by her hair! Chantel runs, NECK SNAPPER! HANDSPRING KNEE DROP! Cover, Kendal YANKS Chantel away! But Chantel ENZIGIRIS! Kendal flounders away, Chantel gives Kali a CODE BREAKER! Chantel runs, SHOOTING STAR! Cover, Kendal AND Brin break it! The fans declare, “This is Awesome!” as all for women are down! The four crawl around, taking a corner each. Brin and Kendal then go after each other, and they trade forearms and haymakers! Kendal then blocks to ROCK, CHOP, CHOP, CHOP! Kendal whips, ELBOWS, and roars! Then she LARIATS Kali!
Chantel is back, Kendal hits the fireman’s takeover! Then a fireman’s takeover for Kali! And one for Brin! Kendal dodges Chantel, then OVERHEAD BELLY2BELLY SUPLEXES! The fans fire up, Carlee cheers Kendal on, and Kendal says this is why she’s the best on Evolve! Brin storms up, but into an ARMBAR TAKEDOWN!! Brin endures, clasps hands to fight the hold, but Kendal pries it apart! But Kali SPLASHES DOWN! The fans are torn, but Kali drags Kendal up. Kali ROCKS Kendal, whips her to a corner, but Kendal goes up, up, CROSSBODY, but into a POWERSLAM! Kali covers, Brin breaks it!
Brin drags Kali up to TOSS her out! Brin hurries to cover Kendal, with feet on the ropes!? The ref sees that and says no can do! Brin apologizes, she didn’t even realize she did it! Oh, sure. But then Chantel O’Conner Rolls Brin, with tights! TWO and Brin has the roll, but the KALI CONNECTION CLOBBERS Brin!! Kali hurries to whip Chantel and pop her up, POWERSLAM!! Cover, KALI WINS!
Winner: Kali Armstrong, by pinfall
Kendal is stunned, but Kali did say herself that the mental game was the key. Kali knew when to strike and that’s why she won the biggest main event in Evolve history so far. Stevie Turner is on stage to applaud, is Kali going to be primed for a title opportunity?
My Thoughts:
A great episode of Evolve, especially with that main event. Very good promos from each of the four participants, though I was expecting a little more from Brinley Reece. Brin’s been in WWE the longest with a solid start on NXT, and clearly there’s a good story going with her identity crisis of “Is she Face? Is she Heel?” And as Fatal 4 Ways go, that was great stuff, something already on the level of NXT or maybe even main roster. Kali winning out makes sense, though, she has been leading the way as perhaps the most complete in-ring and on-mic talent of Evolve. Whatever title match is made, you can bet Kali is part of it.
Very good stuff on the men’s side of things, too, though poor Trill London keeps facing big meaty men and getting beat. Harlem Lewis and Keanu Carver are quite truly top contenders to the men’s title, but I really appreciate a lot of the different intertwining stories. The Gallus boys wanted after Harlem, and then they got a great match out of Oasis, Cartwheel & Cappuccino. Gallus hasn’t had much to go on in a long time, here’s hoping they’re considered for like, Evolve Tag Team Champions or something. Joe Coffey can also get in on the Evolve Championship story, but I don’t know he wins it. Joe has found himself in a really odd place where he’s a great talent, but just can’t get titles.
Oro VS Javi was really good, too, and a great win for Oro. I do appreciate Luca is keeping an eye on Javi, and I could see a partnership being formed, with Luca helping Javi bring out the best in himself. They might even join the tag division, but I suppose a lot of it could depend on the D’Angelo Family story on NXT. Stacks starting to be rebellious could change the dynamic of the group, but that remains to be seen at Stand & Deliver when the D’Angelos have their Six Man Tag against Dark State.
My Score: 8.8/10
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Bostooon~! Please say hello to your C E O!
AEW returns to Boston for a Spring Breakthru! But will Bean Town’s own Mercedes Mone move on in the Women’s Owen Hart Cup? Or will the Fallen Goddess derail the Money Train?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- 2025 Women’s Owen Hart Foundation Tournament Semifinal Round: Mercedes Mone VS Athena; Mone wins and advances to Double or Nothing.
- 2025 Men’s Owen Hart Foundation Tournament Opening Round: Hangman Page VS Josh Alexander; Hangman wins and advances to the semifinals.
- AEW World Tag Team Championships: Bobby Lashley & Shelton Benjamin VS The Gates of Agony; Lashley & Shelton win and retain the titles.
- 2025 Men’s Owen Hart Foundation Tournament Semifinal Round: Will Ospreay VS Konosuke Takeshita; Ospreay wins and advances to Double or Nothing.
- AEW World Trios Championships: The Death Riders VS The Opps & “Powerhouse” Will Hobbs; The Opps & Hobbs win and become the new AEW World Trios Champions.
PLAY BY PLAY
BREAKING NEWS for tonight!
Before cameras were rolling, the Death Riders attacked the already hurting Hook, so now he is ruled out of action for tonight! Even so, Samoa Joe & Katsuyori Shibata will still battle Jon Moxley, Claudio Castagnoli & Wheeler Yuta for the AEW World Trios Championships. Will it end up a 3v2 Handicap? Or can the Opps find another partner in time for the main event?
2025 Women’s Owen Hart Foundation Tournament Semifinal Round: Mercedes Mone VS Athena!
Boston fires up as their C E O is here, one match away from going Double or Nothing for the Owen Hart Cup. But will #FourBeltsMone get a win over the Forever ROH Women’s Champion? Or will Athena prove she is every bit the Fallon Goddess, the Minion Overlord, the American Joshi, and THE most dominant women’s champion in all of wrestling today?
The bell rings and the fans are strongly behind “C E O! C E O!” Mone. Mone and Athena stare down, slowly circle, and hear the fans are already losing their minds for this veritable dream match. Athena and Mone tie up, go around, and Mone arm-drags Athena. They tie up again, Athena arm-drags Mone now. They tie up a third time, end up on the ropes, then tumble out to the apron and ramp! The fans fire up, the ref reprimands, but Mone and Athena stand up to go up the ramp and to the stage! They finally break, and both women tell the other that the cup is theirs. The fans fire up as Athena and Mone reset to tie up on stage!
Mone waistlocks, Athena fights it, and they go all the way back down the ramp, to tumble into the ring this time! The fans fire up as the two fight up, and Athena reaches back to headlock. Mone powers up and out, they RAM shoulders, and the fans fire up more. Mone and Athena stare down, tie up, and then Athena arm-drags! Athena trips Mone to a cover, ONE! Mone trips Athena to a cover, ONE! Athena hits an Oklahoma Roll, TWO! Mone reels Athena in, hooks the arms and turns her for a backslide, TWO! Athena mule kicks, her fans getting louder for her, and Athena reels Mone in for a cradle! TWO, and the two roll and roll and roll!
The fans fire up as the two keep rolling, rolling, rolling, and then finally stops for Mone, TWO! Both women stand up, a bit dizzy, and the fans fire up again. Athena eggs Mone on, Mone storms up on her, and the two tie up again. They’re in another deadlock, but Athena powers Mone back. They’re on the ropes, the ref counts, and Athena slowly lets go. Athena whips, Mone tilt-oi-whirls and rolls Athena up, TWO! Athena kicks, Mone blocks, and Mone KNEES Athena! The fans duel and Mone runs, sunset flip BUCKLE BOMB! Shoutout to an old friend and Mone runs corner to corner. METEORA! Cover, ONE!!
Mone is shocked, but Athena is a champion of over 857 days for a reason. Mone drags Athena up, brings her in, turns her again, Gory especial! But Athena flips through, reels Mone into a reverse sunset! TWO, and Athena wrenches Mone to SOBAT! And ENZIGIRI! Mone goes to a corner while the fans fire up. Athena runs, handspring and LARIAT! The fans fire up as Athena cradles again, TWO! Mone stays in this, Athena is annoyed, but the fans fire up more. Athena ROCKS Mone, reels her in, and UPPERCUTS! The fans decide to cheer on the Celtics since they can all agree on that, and Athena whips Mone to ropes.
Mone ducks ‘n’ dodges, tilt-o-whirls, and LA MYSTICA into the STATEMENT MAKER CROSSFACE! Athena endures, reaches out, and fights around. Mone flips over to block the ropebreak, but Athena uses that to roll Mone for a cover! ROPEBREAK, but then they both tumble to the apron then the floor! Mone still has the crossface on! The ref reprimands, but Mone just wants Athena to pass out at this point! The ring count starts, Mone lets go of Athena, then drags her up. Mone whips, but Athena reverses and she puts Mone int he ring! But Mone METEORAS at the apron! Athena’s stuck in the ropes, dangling over the floor!
The fans fire up as Mone goes back to the apron, stands over Athena, and does her dance! Athena tries to sit up, but Mone waves bye-bye. WOE STOMPS miss as Athena reclines back! Mone hobbles as a leg jams, and Athena grabs her! STUNNER to the floor! The fans fire up again while both women are down, and Dynamite goes picture in picture!
The ref seems to let off on the ring count with both women stirring slowly. Aubrey Edwards checks, Athena and Mone are okay to continue, so Aubrey ushers them into the ring. Athena rises up, brings Mone around to SMACK her off the apron, and then stalks after her as she goes to railing. Athena CHOPS Mone, the fans fire up, and Mone is sputtering as she staggers away. Athena storms up but Mone pushes her to railing, then CHOPS her in return! Mone puts Athena in the ring, storms up and HIP DROPS! Mone then clamps on for a chinlock and stretches Athena back. Athena endures, fights up, and Mone is a backpack!
Athena hits a BACKPACK STUNNER! Cover, TWO! Mone stays in this, then crawls to a corner, but Athena seethes as she storms over to her. Athena fires forearms, whips corner to corner, then runs up, only for Mone to slip out to the apron! Athena hits buckles, Mone pulls her into the ropes, then climbs up for the STOCK DROP! Cover, TWO! Athena survives and Mone is growing frustrated. It doesn’t help that fans are now torn down the middle. Mone drags Athena up, whips, but Athena reverses to TOSS Mone out! Athena builds speed and DIVES! Direct hit and they hit the desk! Both women are down again and the ref has to check them again.
Mone and Athena are still in this, and Athena slowly crawls her way over to Mone. Mone tries to get away while Spring Breakthru returns to single picture. The fans duel, “Fallen Goddess!” “C E O!” as Athena and Mone hear the ring count. They both spring in at 9.5! Mone and Athena go forehead to forehead, then go forearm for forearm! Athena ROCKS Mone, but then Mone ROCKS Athena! The forearms keep going, then Mone changes toa CHOP! Athena CHOPS, Mone CHOPS again! Athena fires a flurry of strikes, but Mone blocks the mule kick to spin and DECK Athena! But Athena kips up to SUPERKICK Mone!
The fans fire up as Athena gut wrenches Mone, tucks her in, but Mone kicks and flails! Mone turns this around on Athena, powers up to keep Athena up, but then Athena fights to turn this back around! The fans are thunderous as Mone turns it around again! CIPHER UTAKI! The fans give a standing ovation while both women are down! Mone crawls to cover, TWO!! Athena is still in this and Mone is beside herself. Mone looks to the cup, hears the fans dueling, and she drags Athena to the corner. Mone goes up, reels Athena in, and TORNADO DDTS! Then a tilt-o-whirl, DDT!! Cover, TWO!! Athena survives and Mone is in shock!
“This is Awesome!” as Mone thinks on what more she must do to end this. Mone drags Athena up, fans hope they “Fight Forever!” but this is just the start of the show! Mone SLAPS Athena, reels her in, and snap suplexes! That’s Una Amiga, and Mone brings Athena up again. Dos Amigas, and Mone brings Athena up again! Mone gives Athena THREE AMIGAS, but she’s not done! Mone gives some Latina Heat, but Athena wrenches out! Athena shoves, pops Mone up, POWERBOMB! High stack, deadlift, and POWERBOMB again! And POWERBOMB AGAIN! Athena flips Mone over, reels her back in, and Canadian Racks!
But Mone slips around to hit a BACKBREAKER! Both women are down again and the fans are thunderous! Mone drags Athena back up, ROCKS her, but Athena fires back! Athena UPPERCUTS, but Mone fires a flurry of forearms! The fans are torn as Mone just HAMMERS away! Mone soaks up the cheers and jeers, but Athena fireman’s carries! ROLLING DEATH VALLEY, then a cover, TWO! Mone scrambles away to a corner while Athena snarls. Athena storms up on Mone, but Mone ROCKS Athena first! Mone fires another forearm, and another, the fans continue to duel, and Mone whips. Athena reverses and UPPERCUTS to the back!
Athena goes side to side, Mone dodges and runs back in, METEORA! Athena tumbles out of the ring while Mone scowls. Mone goes out to the apron, brings Athena up, and reels her in for a waistlock. She’s aiming for the floor! Athena holds onto the ropes for dear life! Mone shifts to get back up, then CLUBS the arms! Athena grabs the middle rope to stop the suplex! Athena powers up to stand on the apron, only for Mone to now shift and SUNSET FLIP! Athena still holds onto the ropes! Mone reaches up like a spider to get her legs involved, but Athena just stomps away on Mone! The fans fire up as Athena roars!
Athena scowls, drags Mone up with a waistlock, but now Mone holds onto the ropes! Mone elbows free, then slips around to Gory Especial! Athena fights free, pushes Mone, and BOOTS her down! Mone sputters but Athena is in the ropes, to SNAP POWERSLAM Mone on the apron! Athena drags Mone in for a cover, TWO!! Mone survives and now Athena is growing frustrated. The fans are thunderous again as Athena clamps on with a CROSSFACE! Athena wants to make a statement of her own with this! Mone endures, reaches out, and Mone kicks off the ropes! They roll around, and now Mone has the CROSSFACE!!
Athena endures, fights up, rolls to a cover, TWO! Mone lets go in time, but then Athena reels her in! Athena hauls Mone up for a Canadian Rack! But Mone fights free again! Mone shoves Athena into a corner, BLINDSIDE LARIATS, then Mone brings Athena around. Athena dodges the haymaker to CHOP! Athena and Mone are both running on fumes but Athena hauls Mone up to the Canadian Rack, SIDEWINDER! But Mone flops out of the ring! The fans are torn while Athena is pulling at her hair in frustration! Athena sees Mone floundering on the floor, goes out and lines up a shot, then runs in, only to be THROWN into railing!
Athena writhes from that crash and Mone has a sinister grin. Mone drags Athena up, puts her on the barriers, but Athena drags Mone up to join her! The fans rally as both women sit up, then stand up! The SLAPS start going off! Athena ROCKS Mone, reels her in, and hits a GOURD- NO, Mone lands out! Athena leaps, Mone dodges, but Athena comes back to SHOTGUN Mone into the LED barriers! Athena puts Mone in, goes up a corner, O- NO!! Mone blocks the stunner to rolling body scissor clutch! Cover, MONE WINS!!
Winner: Mercedes Mone, by pinfall (advances to Double or Nothing)
It was a true epic between these two, but Mone wins in her hometown! And now- TONI STORM IS HERE! The Timeless AEW Women’s World Champion is here among her people in the upper deck to applaud the first finalist in the 2025 Women’s Owen Hart Tournament. Will Mone not just go Double or Nothing but hit the jackpot and go All In with Toni in Texas?
Backstage interview with Hangman Page.
Renee Paquette is with the Cowboy, and says she will try this question again from last week. Coming up in mere moments, he faces the Wild Card in the Owen Hart Cup. How has he prepared for this match? Hangman says it is the Wild Card, how can he- The Elite interrupts. The Young Bucks step in and say hey, been a minute. In fact, it was last year’s Blood & Guts when Hangman walked out on them and cost them the entire match. But hey, Matt knows Hangman’s about to apologize, but they’ve already forgiven him, it’s all good. Nick says my God in Heaven, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, does Hangman look good!
And Nick knows that Hangman is happy now, because the Bucks cost Swerve the world title like Hangman wanted. It’s like they’re best friends again. This is great. Now, one more thing. This whole issue Hangman has with Moxley and the Death Riders? Yeah, they can fix that. They’ll patch things up. Because between you and them, the Death Riders are crazy. But The Elite are sure they can get the Death Riders on their side. So here’s what Hangman is gonna do. Hangman is gonna win The Owen, he’ll bring the world title back to The Elite, let The Bucks handle the rest. You got this, Hanger! Go get ’em, champ!
Nick & Matt walk out, but Okada hangs back long enough to ask Hangman, “Why you always angry? Smile! Like this!” Okada has a big goofy grin, Hangman just heads out. Okada says, “B*tch!” Hangman storms back in and Okada apologizes. Just smile. Hangman leaves again, and Okada rolls his eyes. Will the Rainmaker learn not to push Hangman’s buttons if he knows what’s good for him?
2025 Men’s Owen Hart Foundation Tournament Opening Round: Hangman Page VS ???
Spring Breakthru returns as The Cowboy makes his entrance. The Elite is backing his play for the Cup and the AEW World Championship, but who is Hangman even facing? We’ve been waiting since the brackets were announced, and the answer is… JOSH ALEXANDER! The fans go nuts as the Walking Weapon is in Boston! Will Alexander make an impact on this year’s Owen Hart Cup?
The bell rings, the fans fire up already, and Hangman stares down Alexander. The two circle, the fans duel, and the two tie up. They break, reset, and tie up again. They break again, circle some more, and they tie up. Hangman goes for an arm, wrenches to a wristlock, but Alexander rolls, wrenches, and BACKDROPS Hangman to then have a wristlock. Hangman fights around, rolls and handsprings up to wrench and headlock. Alexander powers up and out, Hangman RAMS him, but Alexander stays up! The fans cheer, and Hangman fires a forearm! Alexander fires a forearm, Hangman fires back, repeat!
Hangman fires a flurry, puts Alexander in a corner, but Alexander ELBOWS him! Alexander runs through Hangman to then come back and BOOT him down! The fans fire up and Alexander paces around Hangman. Alexander stands Hangman up to CHOP! The fans “WOO~!” and Alexander CHOPS Hangman in the corner! Alexander wrenches, whips, but Hangman reverses to scoop and FALL AWAY SLAM! Hangman kips up, the fans fire up, and Hangman runs corner to corner, LARIAT for Alexander! Hangman snapmares, runs, but Alexander avoids the sliding lariat! Alexander blocks a boot, spins Hangman, but Hangman ROLLING ELBOWS!
Hangman whips Alexander, Alexander reverses, then Alexander runs up. Hangman puts him on the apron and Alexander hobbles. Hangman runs to triangle jump LARIAT! Alexander falls to the apron then the floor while the fans fire up. Hangman storms up, takes aim, but Alexander avoids the plancha! FLAPJACK off the apron! Alexander huffs ‘n’ puffs while Hangman staggers away. Alexander runs up, but Hangman avoids a boot! Alexander gets stuck on the railing and Hangman BOOTS him in return! Hangman refreshes the ring count, then goes up along the ramp. Hangman aims from the stage…!?
Hangman FLYING LARIATS Alexander off the railing! The fans lose their minds while Hangman scowls and Dynamite goes picture in picture.
Hangman refreshes the ring count again, then fetches Alexander. Hangman puts Alexander in the ring, covers, TWO! Hangman keeps his cool as he brings Alexander up. Hangman ROCKS Alexander, ROCKS him again, and has him in the corner. Hangman fires more forearms, but Alexander turns things around to fire forearms in return! Alexander CHOPS Hangman, then signals one more time. Alexander runs, but Hangman BOOTS him! Hangman goes up, but Alexander hurries to fireman’s carry! ROLLING SENTON! Alexander goes up the corner, FLYING KNEE! cover, TWO! Hangman stays in this but Alexander stays focused.
Alexander drags Hangman around by a leg, then pulls on that leg. Hangman fights the toehold, throws hands, but Alexander stomps away on the leg! Alexander then hits as GROUND DRAGON SCREW! Hangman crawls to ropes but Alexander is right on him. Alexander brings Hangman up for a BIG back suplex! Alexander paces around Hangman, brings him around, and drops a KNEE! Cover, TWO! Hangman is frustrated with himself, but Alexander KNEES him in the back! Alexander clamps on with a chinlock and he grinds Hangman down. Hangman endures, fights up, and Spring Breakthru returns to single picture.
The fans rally, Hangman fights up, and Hangman JAWBREAKERS free! Hangman stands, but Alexander BELL CLAPS him! Then GERMAN SUPLEXES! Cover, TWO! Hangman stays in this but Alexander stays cool. Alexander looms over Hangman, drags him back up and reels him in. Hangman fights the lift, but Alexander CLUBS away on Hangman’s back! Alexander runs, LARIATS, but Hangman stays up! In fact, Hangman looks pissed! Alexander eggs Hangman on, so DOUBLE LARIATS collide! And DOUBLE LARIATS collide again! Alexander BOOTS the next lariat away, then ducks the southpaw to GERMAN SUPLEX! But Hangman lands out!
Hangman runs up to DISCUS LARIAT!! The fans are thunderous while both men are down! A standing count starts, and both men are still down at 5 of 10. They rise up at 6, and Alexander goes to the apron. Hangman storms out to join him, and the fans fire up already. Hangman stands Alexander up to Alabama Lift, but Alexander CLUBS Hangman down! Alexander reels Hangman in, but Hangman BACKDROPS Alexander on the apron! Alexander slumps down while Hangman steadies himself. The fans fire up for Hangman as he climbs a corner! Hangman goes up to the top, ARIHARA MOONSAULT! Direct hit on Alexander!
Hangman puts Alexander in, dodges a lariat to POP-UP POWERBOMB!! Cover, TWO!! Alexander survives and Hangman is a bit surprised, but the fans continue to rally and duel. Hangman brings Alexander up to scoop, but Alexander fights that to gut wrench! But Hangman drops, only for Alexander to stuff the victory roll! Cover, TWO! Hangman runs up, Alexander dodges, BLINDSIDE FOREARM! Then a torture rack, TOWER HACKER BOMB!! Cover, TWO!! Hangman survives, but Alexander has the ANKLE LOCK!! Hangman endures, reaches out, crawls forward, and has the ROPEBREAK! Hangman uses that to stand and ENZIGIRI!
Alexander wobbles, Hangman goes up the corner again, QUEBRADA into a reverse suplex, for a TOMBSTONE!! Cover, TWO!! Alexander survives, this is why he’s a former two-time Impact World Champion! The fans rally up, both men rise, and Hangman is on the apron! But Alexander scrambles away to deny the Buckshot! The fans are torn, but Hangman storms back in. Hangman runs up, but Alexander avoids the boot to ROCK Hangman, and then scoop him, APRON POWERSLAM!! Alexander sits Hangman up on the apron to then run and BODY CHECK him to the floor! The fans fire up as Alexander puts Hangman back in!
Alexander pounds the mat, the fans fire up, and Alexander reels Hangman in. Alexander lifts but Hangman skips free! Alexander ducks the enzigiri and has the ANKLE LOCK! But Hangman turns over to BOOT Alexander away! Alexander rebounds, Hangman cradles, HANGMAN WINS!!
Winner: Hangman Page, by pinfall (advances to the next round)
Alexander is shocked! Hangman just got him with a technical move! Hangman will be facing Kyle Fletcher in the semifinals, and speaking of, “AUSSIE AUSSIE AUSSIE!” The Protostar makes his presence known, Don Callis by his side. The Don Callis Family wants to dominate Double or Nothing, but Hangman dares Kyle to do something about it now. Callis moves aside, he still has to be here for Konosuke Takeshita’s match later. Hangman storms up to the ramp, Kyle takes a swing, and the brawl is on! The fans fire up as Hangman runs up, but Kyle TOSSES him back into the ring! Kyle runs corner to corner, but into a LARIAT!
The fans fire up as Hangman takes aim, but Callis whispers something to Alexander? Kyle scrambles out of the ring, and Alexander CLOBBERS Hangman from behind?! Why would he do that?! The straps come down, and Alexander drags Hangman up, POWERBOMB!! What did Callis say to convince Alexander to do this? Is Alexander the newest member of the Don Callis Family?! The fans tell Callis off, but this all lets Kyle drag Hangman up. Suplex and BRAINBUSTER!! Will this be how it goes in the eventual Owen Hart Cup semifinal match? Or will the Aussie Arrow be shot down by a Buckshot?
The Patriarchy speaks.
Specifically, Nick Wayne says, “The Patriarchy is a hierarchy. And who’s at the top? The father. So when the father disappears, either the whole structure collapses on itself, or someone needs to-” Kip Sabian notices someone off screen, and he taps Nick on the shoulder. Nick asks what’s going on, then looks over. It’s CHRISTIAN CAGE! Christian walks over and says, “Daddy’s home, Nick. It’s been quite a month for you, hasn’t it? And I’ve been watching from afar, and I couldn’t happen to notice one of those weeks, you said you knew the reason why I executed the contract at Revolution and didn’t stick to the plan. But you wanted to say it to my face. Well, say it.”
Nick says the reason Christian didn’t stick to the plan is because he wouldn’t be able to live with himself if Cope became AEW World Champion before Christian did. Oh, is that what Nick thinks? Well, that’s what Nick thinks, so it isn’t a fact, it’s just an assumption. And to assume makes an ass out of you and me. But what is fact is, the last time they saw each other face to face, Nick had a fire lit under him. Christian liked that. Make no mistake, Christian gave Nick this month to find himself. To find the confidence to keep that flame growing. Christian was impressed with what Nick did while Christian was away.
So impressed, in fact, that Christian got Nick something. It has been a lifelong dream for Nick to wrestle for NJPW, in the Best of the Super Juniors tournament. So Christian took it upon himself to procure a spot for Nick in that tournament. Now, the best way to get ready for a tournament like BOSJ, Nick, is to keep your momentum going. That is what they will do. Christian will keep Nick very busy until it is time to head for Japan. That starts tomorrow night, Collision: Spring Breakthru, here in Boston. Nick will face one of the best super juniors in the world, Komander, for his ROH World Television Championship.
Christian knows Nick will go out there, win that match, and do it by himself. Nick’s gonna that title home to The Patriarchy, isn’t he? Because Christian knows his baby boy wouldn’t intentionally let his father down, now would he? Christian pats Nick on the cheek, to then basically SLAP him! Nick is fuming, Mother Shayna calms him down, but Christian has her and Kip follow him out. The Patriarchy’s Prodigy has that fire inside, but will that flame blaze a trail to the top of the wrestling world? Or is it going to burn him up inside?
FTR has been suspended!
Given their actions last week, both threatening Tony Schiavone & Nigel McGuinness, as well as going too far with Matthew Menard, Angelo Parker and Daniel Garcia, Dax Harwood & Cash Wheeler have been suspended for one week, and their paychecks for this week have also been docked as a fine. Will this time off help FTR realize where they’ve gone wrong?
AEW World Tag Team Championships: Bobby Lashley & Shelton Benjamin VS The Gates of Agony!
While the All Mighty & Standard of Excellence neither want nor need Maxwell Jacob Friedman, they do need to defend the titles. And while the Hurt Syndicate hurts people, Bishop Kaun & Toa Liona are pretty sure they break people. Will the Gates of Agony once again be golden? Or will the Gates be ripped right off the hinges?
The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we see who really brings the pain!
The teams sort out and Liona just CLOBBERS Lashley & Shelton! Liona fires off on Shelton, the fans boo, but Liona CHOPS! Liona whips, Shelton turns the backdrop into a DDT, but Liona is right up! Liona HEADBUTTS Shelton in the chest! MVP is on commentary now as Liona calls to Kaun. The Gates coordinate, and Liona runs to HIP ATTACK Shelton in the corner! Kaun runs in and METEORAS! Then Kaun PLANCHAS onto Lashley! Liona covers Shelton, TWO! The fans rally, Liona tags Kaun, and now they get Shelton up. They mug Shelton in an open corner, the ref counts and reprimands, and the fans are torn.
Kaun CHOKES Shelton, lets off as the ref counts, and Kaun mockingly applauds. Kaun CLUBS Shelton, ROCKS him, then ROCKS him again. Kaun whips, Shelton reverses, but Kaun blocks a kick! The DRAGON WHIP still finds him! The fans fire up as Shelton drags Kaun up and brings him over. Tag to Lashley and he runs to RAM Kaun in the corner! The fans fire up as Lashley RAMS Kaun again and again! Lashley turns Kaun, Kaun slips free and CHOPS! Kaun runs, but Lashley blows past him, then clinches for a FLATLINER! The fans sing, “We Hurt~ People!” as Lashley suplexes high and hard!
The fans fire up for Lashley as he goes corner to corner, but Kaun ELBOWS him away! Lashley LARIATS Kaun up and out! Lashley goes out to then RAM Kaun into railing! Lashley leaves Kaun behind while Dynamite goes picture in picture.
Lashley tags Shelton, Shelton drags Kaun up to RAM him into the apron! And then the railing! Then back to the apron! Then back to the railing! Shelton throws Kaun into the ring, storms up and brings Kaun around, scop and TOSS! Shelton paces around Kaun, drags him up, and then TOSSES him back out! Tag to Lashley and Lashley storms over to Kaun. The fans fire up as Lashley THROWS Kaun over the desk! Kaun takes the desk hood with him, and MVP talks trash while Kaun’s on the floor. Lashley returns to drag Kaun up and around, just to THRWO him into railing! Kaun slumps down and Lashley revels in the cheers.
Lashley drags Kaun back up, puts him back in the ring, and Lashley stalks Kaun. Lashley drags Kaun up, but Kaun fires forearms! Kaun CHOPS, but Lashley KNEES low! Lashley whips Kaun to a corner, but Kaun goes up, only to get caught! OKLAHOMA STAMPEDE! Cover, ONE!! Kaun stays in this, proof of how the Gates were once ROH World and ROH World Six Man Tag Team Champions. Lashley tags Shelton, they mug Kaun, then Shelton stands Kaun up. Kaun fires a forearm, Shelton fires back, and repeat! Spring Breakthru returns to single picture as Kaun fires a flurry! Shelton ROCKS him with just one!
Shelton drags Kaun up, fires a flurry of his own, and then whips Kaun to ropes. Kaun ducks ‘n’ dodges, then Shelton dodges, DOUBLE LARIATS collide! The fans fire up while both men are down! Shelton and Kaun crawl, hot tag to Liona! Liona runs in, fires forearms, then whips. Shelton ducks ‘n’ waistlocks, but Liona fires elbows. Liona shoves Shelton, then SAMOAN DROPS on the return! Liona basement SUPERKICKS, then he runs to SENTON! Cover, Lashley breaks it! Lashley bumps Liona off buckles again and again, then shouts to Shelton to get up. But Liona grabs Lashley by the neck! Liona puts Lashley in the corner, and he fires an UPPERCUT!
Liona roars, then fires POINT-BLANK LARIAT again and again! The fans count along, Liona goes to nine, then reels Lashley in, only for Lashley to slip around! HURT LOCK!! Liona is caught, but Kaun BOOTS Lashley down! Liona then LARIATS Lashley up and out! Tag to Kaun, Liona goes out to go after Lashley! Liona whips Lashley hard into railing! Kaun SHOTGUNS Shelton! Kaun hauls Shelton back up, fireman’s carries, but Shelton slips free! Shelton waistlocks, Kaun fires elbows, and Kaun runs, but into a SUPERKICK! The fans fire up as Shelton now waits on Kaun to get up. GERMAN SUPLEX!
Shelton stays fired up, he hits another GERMAN SUPLEX! Liona runs in, Shelton DUMPS him out! Liona lands on his feet, talks trash, but Lashley SPEARS Liona down! MVP is fired up, Boston is loving it, and the Hurt Syndicate has Kaun isolated. Shelton runs up to KNEE, then tag to Lashley! SPEAR!! Cover, Hurt Syndicate wins!
Winners: Bobby Lashley & Shelton Benjamin, by pinfall (still AEW World Tag Team Champions)
The Gates of Agony may dominate ROH, but The Hurt Syndicate still runs AEW! And wait, here comes MJF. Lashley is annoyed by this scumbag’s persistence, but the fans cheer as MJF makes his way to the ring. MJF has the mic to tell them to cut his music, and the fans cheer him on. MJF says, “Ladies and gentlemen, enough about how great I am. Although, I am enjoying it, don’t get me wrong. But give it up for the Hurt Syndicate, baby!” The fans cheer, and MVP says see? MJF’s not all bad. The fans sing, “We Hurt~ People!” but MJF says no, Boston is way too white, and they’re not even on the same beat, so just stop.
But here’s the deal: As they know, MJF brings a lot to the table. Montel knows this, Shelton knows this–and he looks great by the way–and well, not to name names, but some of us are slow learners. Lashley gets mad because we know who he means, and MVP asks MJF why he has to do that. MVP gets Lashley to calm down, and MJF apologizes. Did he say a name, though? Boston says no, he didn’t. MJF thanks them for having his back. Now, when MJF talks about the talent he brings to the table, he’s not talking about his own. No, no, because MJF has some talent in the back that is just dying- MVP says MJF just needs to put the cards on the table, he already pissed Lashley off as it is.
MVP says he loves Max and, but get to the point. MJF says he loves Montel, too. But they’re gonna really like this. Bring ’em out! The Hurt Syndicate music plays as some of Boston’s finest ladies make their way out on stage. MJF seems to have piqued the Hurt Syndicate’s interest as these eight ladies make their way to the ring. MJF has the music cut, the ladies have towels to dry the guys down, and MJF says the Hurt Syndicate can have a night on the town with all these lovely ladies. All MJF requests are the three thumbs up for him to join up. The floor is theirs. MVP asks Shelton and Lashley to do this one more time.
MVP still gives his thumbs up. Shelton? Shelton, pay attention! Shelton stops staring at the ladies long enough to say this is all very nice. But uh, he might need a little more time. Boston boos, MJF tells them it’s cool, it’s fine, everybody shut up! But what does Shelton mean more time? They’ve been talking about this for weeks! Shelton says he’s gonna need some time. Shelton… Are you saying you want the watch on MJF’s wrist? Yes, exactly. MJF knew he liked Shelton! Okay, okay, hear him out. MJF will give him this watch. All Shelton needs to do is give the thumbs up. The fans cheer, and Shelton looks between watch and ladies, then holds out his hand.
Shelton smiles, and gives a thumbs u- Uhhh… Lashley is staring Shelton down… So Shelton gives a thumbs down!? Lashley intimidated Shelton into saying no! MJF says c’mon! They must be out their da- mocracy! MJF loves him some democracy! And he respects the power of the vote! Hell, MJF even respects the power of the people! Maybe not these people, but you get his point. Shelton, what MJF thinks is that he’s growing on Shelton. And tell you what. As a token of his appreciation, MJF will still give him the watch. In fact, if Shelton still wants the ladies, he can still have the ladies. The fans cheer that!
And just know that when MJF joins the Hurt Syndicate, there will be plenty more watches ‘n’ women where that came from. MJF steps out, and he says one more thing, “Bob.” MJF respects him, he is the All Mighty, he’s known for being strong. But y’know what MJF’s known for? Getting what he wants. MVP keeps Lashley calm, the fans chant “He’s Our Scumbag!” MJF asks Lashley if he knows why MJF gets what he wants. He’ll tell you why. It’s because he is Maxwell Jacob Friedman, and he’s better than you, and you know it. MJF drops the mic then takes his leave. But if possessions and pleasures won’t tempt Lashley, what must MJF offer to change his mind?
AEW returns and…
Alicia Atout catches The Hurt Syndicate and MJF’s ladies heading out. She congratulates them on the impressive win, but brings up that MJF is very persistent. MVP stops her there, wanting to talk with the guys first. MJF asks MJF’s ladies to give them a second, but not to wander off too far now. Lashley again says he still doesn’t trust MJF. MVP knows, but he says Lashley is having a personal reaction to MJF. This is business. Look at it from the business standpoint. MVP knows MJF can be… Annoying? Yes, annoying, but think businesswise. They can still use MJF to get what they want. So all MVP is asking is for Lashley to ease up.
MVP will give Lashley his word: The moment MJF steps outta line… Well, they’ll save that for later. Right now, can we just have a good night? Shelton asks, “Please?” Lashley says sure thing. Ladies, shall we? Yass~! Lashley, Shelton, MVP and the ladies head out to enjoy the Boston nightlife, but will the All Mighty actually give in to the Devil of AEW?
2025 Men’s Owen Hart Foundation Tournament Semifinal Round: Will Ospreay VS Konosuke Takeshita!
Stemming from the Don Callis Family dysfunction and fallout, these two are 1-1 from their instant classics last year. Aerial Assassin once again battles The Alpha, who takes the tiebreaker to go Double or Nothing?
Callis of course joins commentary for this one, but is annoyed that there’s another Callis cosplayer. The bell rings and the fans fire up behind Ospreay. The fans lose their minds already as Ospreay and Konosuke stare down. The two slowly circle, the fans fire up more, and the two tie up. Konosuke waistlocks, Ospreay switches, but Konosuke wrenches out. Ospreay rolls and gets free, and Konosuke applauds. The two reset, feel things out, knuckle lock, and then go shoulder to shoulder. Ospreay rolls back, spins, and wrangles Konosuke with a top wristlock. Konosuke fights up, trips Ospreay and has a toehold.
Ospreay uses his free leg to drag Konosuke down. Konosuke clasps hands to fight the armbar, but his shoulders are down so it’s a cover. TWO as Konosuke sits up, and he works to stack Ospreay. ONE as Ospreay pushes Konosuke back down. Konosuke rolls, traps Ospreay’s legs with his own, then waistlocks. Konosuke shifts to get a half nelson, and he turns Ospreay over to a lateral press, ONE! The two stand off and the fans tell off Callis. Callis looks over his shoulder at the fans flipping him off while Konosuke and Ospreay go to corners. Callis says he does not appreciate this treatment, he is simply helping “elevate” commentary.
Ospreay and Konosuke tie up, Konosuke powers Ospreay to a corner, but the ref counts. Konosuke lets off, but then winds up! Ospreay avoids the elbow and wags his finger. The fans cheer and Konosuke nods. Ospreay and Konosuke reset, tie up, and Konosuke pulls hair to put Ospreay on the ropes! The ref counts, Konosuke lets go at 4, but then he tries to sneak a headlock, only for Ospreay to turn things around. Ospreay lets off, to CHOP! The fans fire up while Konosuke goes to the corner. The ref has Ospreay hold on, and the fans fire up as Ospreay backs off. Boston sings for “Ospreay~! Ospreay Ospreay Ospreay~!” as Konosuke storms up.
Ospreay and Konosuke tie up again, and Konosuke headlocks, Ospreay powers up but Konosuke holds on tight. Ospreay fights up, fires body shots, then powers out, only for Konosuke to run him over! But Ospreay kips up! Only for Konosuke to throw him down by his hair! The fans boo but Konosuke smirks and runs. Ospreay stays low, hurdles over, but Konosuke leaps! Things keep moving, Ospreay arm-drags to have the armlock! The fans fire up for Ospreay while Konosuke fights up. Konosuke pulls hair again, the ref counts, so Konosuke whips Ospreay to ropes. Ospreay KICKS the backdrop away, then runs, but into a POP-UP- RANA!!
The fans fire up again and Ospreay feeds off that energy! Ospreay runs up and CHOPS in the corner! Then he snapmares Konosuke along the ropes, goes to the apron, and slingshot SENTONS! The fans fire up and Ospreay paces. Ospreay drags Konosuke up while the fans chant “BRUV! BRUV! BRUV!” Ospreay stands Konosuke up, but Konosuke fires a forearm. Ospreay SOBATS, whips, but Konosuke reverses. Ospreay handsprings, Konosuke lets him go up and over! Konosuke runs now, ducks ‘n’ dodges, then TAKESHITA LINES! Callis fires up, as does Boston, and Ospreay goes to a corner. Konosuke runs in, but Ospreay BOOTS first!
Ospreay goes to the apron, ROCKS Konosuke, then goes up, only for Konosuke to catch him! Fireman’s carry and FACEBUSTER! Basement BOOT! Ospreay tumbles out of the ring, and Konosuke builds speed! Konosuke FLIES, and down goes Ospreay! The fans fire up again while Dynamite goes picture in picture.
Konosuke checks his legs then crawls over to Ospreay. Konosuke drags Ospreay up, whips him hard into railing, then soaks up the cheers and jeers from Boston. The Callis cosplayer cheers Konosuke on while he puts Ospreay in the ring. Cover, TWO! Ospreay’s still in this but Konosuke clamps onto Ospreay with a chinlock. Ospreay endures, fights up, but Konosuke clinches for a RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP! Konosuke then clamps right back on with the chinlock! Ospreay endures again while Konosuke leans on the hold. Ospreay fights up, Spring Breakthru returns to single picture, and the fans rally for Ospreay again.
Ospreay fires body shots, but Konosuke shoves him to ROCK him in the back! Ospreay drops to his knees, but Konosuke brings him back up. Konosuke reels Ospreay in, but Ospreay fights the lift with elbows. Konosuke shoves Ospreay again to again ROCK him in the back! Ospreay grits his teeth as he drops to his knees, but Konosuke winds up the arm. Konosuke whips, but Ospreay handsprings to NEURALIZER KICK! The fans fire up while both men are down again! Ospreay goes to the corner, Konosuke goes to the other. Ospreay runs up, but Konosuke puts him on the apron! Ospreay ROCKS Konosuke, goes up, but Konosuke catches him again!
Ospreay fights back this time to ROCK Konosuke, then PIP PIP CHEERIO! Cover, TWO! Konosuke is still in this, but Ospreay fires up again! Boston is with Ospreay as he drags Konosuke up. Ospreay has a wristlock, and he CHOPS Konosuke! The fans “WOO~!” and Ospreay stands Konosuke back up. Ospreay CHOPS again! Ospreay whips, Konosuke reverses, but Ospreay blocks a shot to CHOP! Ospreay runs, but into a BOOT! Konosuke runs to LARIAT Ospreay down! The fans fire up again, they are loving “Both These Guys!” Konosuke drags Ospreay up, clinches, but Ospreay fights the lift with more elbows!
Ospreay fires a forearm, but Konosuke ROCKS Ospreay in return. Konosuke runs, into a TIGER WALL KICK! ENZIGIRI! Konosuke wobbles, but he still clinches Ospreay for an EXPLODER! But Ospreay’s right back up! Only to take another EXPLODER! Cover, TWO!! Ospreay stays in this but Konosuke stays calm. The fans rally up, and they hope these two “FIGHT FOREVER!” But there’s still a main event to go! Konosuke puts Ospreay in the drop zone, then climbs up the corner. But Ospreay rises to CHOP! Ospreay ROCKS Konosuke, climbs up, but Konosuke trips Ospreay up! Ospreay HOTSHOTS off the top rope, then Konosuke reels him back in!
Konosuke vows to end it here! Konosuke drags Ospreay up to SUPER- STUN DOG MILLIONAIRE!! Ospreay turns things around on Konosuke and they both go to the ramp! Springboard, OSCUTTER to the ramp!! Both men writhe while the fans lose their minds again! Callis is worried for Konosuke while Ospreay rolls back inside. The ring count is climbing, Konosuke is still down at 7 of 10! He rises at 8, crawls for the ring, and manages to roll in at 9.5! But Ospreay goes COAST2COAST! Then he goes up top, for a LEAP OF FAITH!! Cover, TWO!! Konosuke survives but Ospreay just reloads! The fans fire up as Ospreay waits on Konosuke.
Ospreay springboards, OSC- BLUE THUND- RANA!! A counter for a counter! Ospreay runs, Konosuke staggers to his feet, and into the OSCUTTER!! Cover, TWO!!! Konosuke survives and Boston is stunned! The fans again hope these two “FIGHT FOREVER!” while both men stir. Ospreay brings Konosuke up, underhooks, but Konosuke fights free of Storm Breaker! Konosuke ducks a roundhouse, double pump handles to FLIP Ospreay, but Ospreay arm-drags! Cover, TWO! Konosuke has the victory roll, TWO! Ospreay O’Conner Rolls but Konosuke rolls through to wheelbarrow GERMAN SUPLEX! And then O’Conner Bridge! TWO!!!!
The fans cannot believe it and Callis is furious, but Ospreay escapes with nanoseconds to spare! Ospreay stirs and Konosuke crawls over to him. Konosuke and Ospreay go forehead to forehead, then stand to go forearm for forearm! The fans rally and duel, they sing for “OSPREAY~, OSPREAY OSPREAY OSPREAY!” Konosuke ROCKS Ospreay, but he wobbles as he stays on his feet! Ospreay comes back to fire another forearm, but Konosuke ROCKS him again! Ospreay staggers around this time, but he grits his teeth as he fires back up! Ospreay fires a flurry of forearms, but the ALPHA ELBOW staggers Ospreay again!
Konosuke fires shots in the corner, the ref counts, and the ref has to back Konosuke down! Konosuke has the ref step aside so he can tell Ospreay to get up. Ospreay fires up to BOOT Konosuke! And BOOT! And BOOT, but Konosuke blocks! ALPHA ELBOW!! Ospreay falls in a heap and Boston is thunderous! The ref checks on Ospreay, and somehow, he isn’t out of this yet. Callis tells Konosuke to kurose, aka kill him! Konosuke drags Ospreay up, calls his shot, and RAGING- NO, Ospreay fights the suplex, wrenches free and then ducks a shot to full nelson! Konosuke elbows free but Ospreay HOOK KICKS him!
Ospreay winds up to SUPERKICK! Konosuke winds up, Ospreay SWATS the elbow to then HOOK KICK again! Konosuke drops to his knees, Ospreay prepares the arm! HIDDEN- NO, Konosuke flops right over! The fans boo but the ref checks Konosuke. Ospreay has the ref step aside like Konosuke did, but then Konosuke springs up to ALPHA ELBOW!! Konosuke was playing possum, and now he hits a BLUE THUNDER BOMB!! Cover, TWO!?!? Ospreay survives and shocks Konosuke! The fans rally as hard as they can while Konosuke rises up. Ospreay rises, Konosuke runs, but Ospreay dodges! They come back, Konosuke LARIATS, but Ospreay flips and lands on his feet!!
Ospreay springboards, OSC- ALPHA ELBOW!!! Antiair hits the target! Konosuke covers, ONE?!?! HIDDEN BLADE!!!! Cover, ONE?!?!?!? Boston is erupting, Schiavone shouts, “What’re we watching?!” Both men run up, DOUBLE LARIATS collide! Ospreay slumps down and Konosuke grins. Konosuke drags Ospreay up and reels him in, and then he underhooks the arms?! STORM- NO, Ospreay slips free, double pump handles, and he FLIPS Konosuke into position, BASTARD DRIVER!! Ospreay turns a steal into a steal! And then he deadlifts for the WHEELBARROW GERMAN!! But Konosuke HIDDEN BLADES?!?!?
Konosuke flounders, but so does Ospreay, and Ospreay avoids the cover! The fans are electric while both men are down! Callis takes a deep breath while the standing count begins. Both men stir at 4 of 10, then Ospreay reaches up at 5. Both men are still down at 7, but they’re rising at 8! We hit 9, and both men stand! The fans fire up, HELLUVA KICK in the corner!! Ospreay falls, Konosuke climbs, but Ospreay rises up again! Ospreay ROCKS Konosuke, ROCKS him again, then climbs up, only to slip! Ospreay slaps himself to focus again, and the fans fire back up. Ospreay climbs, but Konosuke fires forearms!
Konosuke throws shots, but Ospreay RISING HEADBUTTS! Boston cheers as hard as they can, and Ospreay brings Konosuke to the very top! Konosuke fires shots, and then he winds up, SUPER TAKESHITA LINE!! But Ospreay lands on his feet!! Konosuke is stunned, and then HIDDEN BLADE!!! Cover, TWO!?!?!?!? HOW?!?! Ospreay goes back to the corner, throws off the elbow pad, but a POWER DRIVE KNEE finds him! RAGING- RANA!! Cover, TWO, but Ospreay just gets Konosuke’s legs! Ospreay drags Konosuke up, STYLES CLASH!!! Cover, TWO!?!??!!? What is Konosuke even made of?!? Boston is thunderous for “A E DUB! A E DUB!”
Ospreay runs, HIDDEN- BACKSLIDE! TWO!! POWER DRIVE KNEE!!! Konosuke runs, but Ospreay slips through the lariat to underhook, lift, STORMBREAKER!!!! Cover, OSPREAY WINS!!!
Winner: Will Ospreay, by pinfall (advances to Double or Nothing)
Callis is furious, no more “Proto-shita” finals for him! Ospreay and Konosuke pushed the limits of what is even possible, but will Ospreay win the whole damn thing at Double or Nothing?
BREAKING NEWS for Spring Breakthru Collision!
On top of the ROH World TV Championship match Christian Cage arranged for Nick Wayne, we will get a tag match of Mercedes Mone & Harley Cameron VS Kris Statlander & Julia Hart! Could this be a sampling of what’s to come in the Owen Hart Cup? Plus, Adam Cole puts up the TNT Championship in an Open Challenge! Who will step to the champion in this city of champions? This and more as Collision’s live on a Thursday night!
AEW World Trios Championships: The Death Riders VS The Opps & ???
As mentioned at the start of the night, Jon Moxley, Claudio Castagnoli & Wheeler Yuta made sure The Cold-Hearted Handsome Devil was in no shape to compete tonight. But even so, the Samoan Submission Specialist and The Wrestler will not let this opportunity at both gold and vengeance pass them by. The question is, will there be a new third man? Or will The Opps be caught lacking?
The Death Riders make their entrance in from the crowd as usual, which is pretty daring given how packed the venue is tonight. As for The Opps, we see Joe & Shibata step on stage, but they’re not alone! POWERHOUSE HOBBS IS HERE!! Will the Book of Hobbs have a chapter about ending the reign of terror? The introductions are made, but then the brawl is on! The fans fire up and the bell rings, Hobbs has Yuta, Shibata has Claudio, and Joe has Moxley! The fans fire up as Moxley spills out of the ring with Joe while Claudio drags Shibata outside. Yuta ducks ‘n’ dodges Hobbs, but then Hobbs CLOBBERS Yuta!
Claudio and Shibata trade heavy forearms, Joe SMACKS Moxley off the apron, and Hobbs whips Yuta to a corner. Yuta staggers, Hobbs CLOBBERS him again! Yuta flounders into the corner, the fans chant “MEAT! MEAT! MEAT!” Hobbs whips Yuta corner to corner, runs in and SPLASHES! Hobbs shouts, “MEAT!” and the fans chant “MEAT!” with every big lariat! “MEAT! MEAT! MEAT!” Hobbs then grins as he winds up to “MEAT!” Moxley storms in and he CLUBS Hobbs! That just pisses Hobbs off! The fans tell Moxley he messed up! Moxley bails out, but then Yuta CLUBS Hobbs! Same result as with Moxley!
Hobbs scoops Yuta, carries him around, then hits a RUNNING POWERSLAM! Hobbs tags Joe and the fans cheer. Hobbs stands Yuta up for Joe to JAB! JAB! JAB! Joe fires hands high and low, backs Yuta into a corner, then fires up! RIDGE HAND CHOP! Joe whips corner to corner, runs up, and back ELBOWS, to then PELE! Yuta flops down, Joe stares Moxley down, and fans sing, “Joe is gonna kill~ you!” Joe drags Yuta up, CHOPS him in the corner, then tags Shibata. The fans fire up again as Shibata UPPERCUTS Yuta! And again! And then CHOPS! CHOPS! CHOPS! Shibata snapmares Yuta, runs, and he BOOTS Moxley!
Shibata then clamps onto Yuta and grinds him down. Yuta endures, pries at the hold, and fans taunt Yuta. Yuta fights up, powers up and out, but Shibata BOOTS Moxley again! Yuta CLUBS Shibata, then TOSSES Shibata out. Yuta distracts the ref so Claudio can run and THROW Shibata into railing! The fans boo but Hobbs backs Claudio off. The ref has Hobbs stay back, and Yuta goes out to fetch Shibata. Yuta drags Shibata into the ring, tags Moxley, and the fans boo as Moxley flips off Joe. Joe storms in, the ref stops him, and Moxley KICKS Shibata down! Tag to Claudio, the Death Riders mug Shibata. Claudio drags Shibata up but Shibata CHOPS!
Shibata CHOPS, Claudio eggs him on, repeat! Claudio blocks a chop to short arm LARIAT! Claudio soaks up the heat, then he stomps Shibata. The fans rally, but Dynamite goes picture in picture.
Claudio drags Shibata up, pushes him to a corner, and UPPERCUTS! Claudio stomps Shibata, tags Moxley, and Moxley runs corner to corner to LARIAT! And then LARIAT! And LARIAT! Tag back to Claudio, the mugging continues, then Claudio tags Yuta. Yuta taunts Hobbs & Joe, Claudio stands Shibata up, and Yuta stomps Shibata down. The ref reprimands but Yuta hooks a leg, FISHERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO! Not quite perfect, but Y uta clamps onto the leg for a toehold. Shibata endures, even as Yuta twists the ankle. Yuta drops an elbow on the knee, then tags Moxley. But then Joe & Hobbs storm in!
The ref stops Joe & Hobbs, Moxley taunts them, and then Moxley drags Shibata around. Moxley stomps Shibata, turns him over, and CLAWS Shibata’s back! The ref reprimands and counts as Moxley CLAWS Shibata more! Moxley fishhooks, the ref counts again, and Moxley pushes Shibata down at 4. Moxley drags Shibata up, has a facelock, and he drags Shibata over to the corner. Tag to Claudio, the mugging continues, and Claudio brings Shibata around for a BIG suplex! Cover, TWO! Shibata stays in this but Claudio stays on him with a top wristlock. Shibata endures, fights around, but Claudio knees him low!
Claudio pushes on the wristlock and grinds Shibata back down. Spring Breakthru returns to single picture while the fans rally behind Shibata. Shibata fights up, but Claudio TOSSES him out! Moxley storms up on Shibata, but Hobbs hurries over to stop that. The ref is busy with Claudio and Moxley, which lets Marina CHOP BLOCK Hobbs! The fans boo but Marina flips them all off. Yuta drags Shibata up and into the ring for Claudio, and Claudio eggs Shibata on. Claudio SLAPS Shibata, kicks him around, but Shibata CHOPS! Claudio ROCKS Shibata! Shibata CHOPS Claudio! Repeat! Claudio shoves Shibata, catches him to a SLEEPER, but Shibata slips around to get a SLEEPER!
The fans fire up as Claudio flails! Claudio JAWBREAKERS free, Shibata staggers into the Death Rider corner, but then Shibata BOOTS Claudio! Shibata crawls away from the corner, the fans rally up, but Claudio whips Shibata back in! BOOT for Moxley! Claudio and Shibata trade forearms again, and Shibata backs Claudio down! Shibata fires a flurry, then an UPPERCUT! Shibata DECKS Yuta, but Claudio UPPERCUTS Shibata! Claudio BOOTS Shibata, but Shibata stays on his feet! Shibata clinches Claudio, BACK HEEL TRIP! The fans fire up while both men are down! Shibata and Claudio crawl, hot tags to Yuta and Joe!
Joe DECKS Yuta again and again, then atomic drops! Joe runs to BOOT Yuta down! And adds a SENTON! Cover, TWO! Yuta stays in this but Joe stays on him, only for Yuta to CLAW Joe’s eyes! Yuta runs, but into a SNAP POWERSLAM! Cover, Moxley breaks it! Moxley tags in, then he goes looking under the ring! Moxley grabs a chair! The Maniac no longer cares about winning but about using Champion’s Advantage! The ref tells Moxley to stop right there, but then WILLOW NIGHTINGALE is here! She snatches the chair from Moxley! And she flips him off! Joe BOOTS Moxley down! Yuta goes up to MISSILE DROPKICK Joe!
Shibata BOOTS Yuta! Claudio POP-UP UPPERCUTS Shibata! Hobbs SPINEBUSTERS Claudio! Moxley SHOTGUNS Hobbs! Joe is back as Moxley runs, and Moxley BOOTS Joe! Joe LARIATS Moxley! All six men are down around ringside and Boston is thunderous! Willow coaches The Opps, but now The Young Bucks walk out here? The EVPs are surely going to sway things in the Death Riders’ favor now, given they grab some chairs. But wait! Someone in the crowd snatches Matt’s chair?! IT’S SWERVE STRICKLAND! And he DECKS Matt! Nick runs up, but Swerve BOOTS him! Swerve goes up, DOUBLE KILL STOMPS for The Bucks!!
The fans are thunderous as Boston is now “Whose House?” “SWERVE’S HOUSE!” Swerve then TOSSES Matt over railing! And he TOSSES Nick onto Matt! The Bucks go tumbling away! Joe is in the corner, Moxley runs up, but Joe URENAGES him down! But Claudio UPERCUTS Joe! Shibata BOOTS Claudio! Shibata pushes Claudio out, they brawl on the ramp! SLEEPER!! Claudio is caught, Shibata sits him down, then runs to PENALTY KICK! Then back to the SLEEPER! Joe puts Moxley up top, tucks him in, but Yuta CLUBS Joe! The fans boo as Yuta fires hands, then runs, but Joe swings! Yuta ducks that to DIVE onto Hobbs, but Hobbs catches him!
Hobbs URENAGES Yuta on the desk! The desk does not break but Hobbs snarls. Marina SMACKS Hobbs with a chair!! The ref missed that but Willow didn’t! Willow runs up to LARIAT Marina!! The fans are thunderous, but Moxley drags Joe up! Underhooks and- NO, Joe wrenches out, COQUINA CLUTCH!!! Moxley is caught, and he’s RIGHT OUT! OPPS WIN!!
Winners: The Opps, by submission (NEW AEW World Trios Champions)
No more reign of terror in the trios division, this one was for Hook! Joe personally gives Hobbs the belt, the pyro goes off, and Boston is all fired up! The Death Riders retreat, and Will Ospreay leads the way as the AEW locker room comes out here to celebrate! The champagne bottles pop off and it’s a toast to The Opps, but perhaps we’re burying the lead as Joe took out THE AEW World Champion! Will Joe look to also dethrone “The One True King” and truly restore the feeling here in AEW?
My Thoughts:
An awesome episode of Dynamite here, a lot more than I expected for a themed episode. At the same time, it was a lot of tournament and big story stuff, so they were of course going to go hard. I was a little surprised by the match order, but when they kayfabe’d away Hook being out of action, it did make sense for them to push the trios title to the main event. At the same time, bringing in Hobbs as the third man, adding a lot of overbooking and tying in more story, that was a great way to dethrone the Death Riders and close out the show. Hobbs being a champion again is great for him, and I really do think they should parley this into Joe VS Moxley for the world title at Double or Nothing.
Mercedes Mone VS Athena really could’ve been a main event in itself, but it was still an awesome match even as the opener. Mone winning is fine because Boston, and while I was thinking it’d be Mone VS Athena at All In for the TBS Championship, I suppose they could swing it where it is title for title, TBS Championship and ROH Women’s Championship both on the line. I say that because I still feel like Kris Statlander could be going to All In to face Toni. A little confusing as to why we can’t just get Kris VS Hayter tomorrow night, but Mone & Harley VS Kris & Julia will still be really good. It just feels like they’re giving away the Double or Nothing match just so Mone can have matches both nights in Boston.
Very good promo from The Patriarchy with Christian Cage now being passive aggressive towards Nick Wayne. I like how Christian is taking kayfabe credit for Nick getting in the Best of the Super Juniors, and I do like Nick VS Komander for Collision. No idea if Nick wins that match or not, as it’d be a shame if Nick’s storyline is the reason Komander’s reign comes to an end. But at the same time, how great would it be for the ROH World Television Champion to be part of BOSJ and that big round robin tournament? Though at the same time, something about what Christian said certainly made it feel like Nick will lose, so maybe not.
Great match from Hurt Syndicate VS Gates of Agony, even with Kaun & Liona obviously set up to fail. MJF of course showed up, and while I figured MJF would bribe Hurt Syndicate, I didn’t think it’d be with ladies. Also I think a few, if not all, of the ladies were wrestlers. The redhead was Sloane Jacobs, if I’m not mistaken. But great stuff with Lashley intimidating Shelton into voting against MJF. I feel like MJF should reveal he has been watching the episodes back cuz he wants to keep an eye on the Hurt Syndicate’s “private” conversations, and he can call out MVP for being two-faced saying the Syndicate would just be using MJF for their own gains.
Good promo from Hangman with The Elite, and Okada was cruising for a bruising. Josh Alexander was a great Wild Card, and he has a great match with Hangman, but it made sense for Hangman to win. Alexander possibly joining Callis Family with that bit after is intriguing, but Kyle is now on top going into their semifinal match. I would think that means Hangman wins to go to Double or Nothing. Ospreay VS Konosuke was insane, it might as well have been for the Owen Hart Cup already. Great win for Ospreay, and now even if Kyle defies go home math, Ospreay VS Hangman and Ospreay VS Fletcher are both awesome choices to put on PPV.
My Score: 9.1/10
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