Coverage
Mitchell’s NJPW Battle in the Valley Results & Report! (2/18/23)
There’s gold in California!
NJPW is feeling that California Love!
The Rainmaker and The Ace battle over THE IWGP World Heavyweight Championship one more time as NJPW lands in San Jose, California! Will Hiroshi Tanahashi return the shocker from years ago?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Kickoff Show – Alex Coughlin VS JR Kratos; Coughlin wins.
- Kickoff Show – David Finlay VS Bobby Fish; Finlay wins.
- 8 Man Tag: Rocky Romero, Josh Alexander, Adrian Quest & Mascara Dorada VS KUSHIDA, Kevin Knight, The DKC & Volador Jr; Kushida, Knight, DKC & Volador win.
- NJPW Strong Openweight Championship: Fred Rosser VS KENTA; Kenta wins and becomes the new NJPW Strong Openweight Champion.
- NJPW Strong Openweight Tag Team Championships: The Motor City Machine Guns VS The West Coast Wrecking Crew; The MCMG win and retain the titles.
- High Stakes Grudge Match: Jay White VS Eddie Kingston; Eddie wins and White must leave NJPW.
- Filthy Rules Fight: Tom Lawlor VS Homicide; Lawlor wins.
- NJPW World Television Championship: Zack Sabre Jr. VS Clark Connors; ZSJ wins and retains the title.
- IWGP Women’s Championship: KAIRI VS Mercedes Moné; Mercedes wins and becomes the new IWGP Women’s Champion.
- IWGP World Heavyweight Championship: Kazuchika Okada VS Hiroshi Tanahashi; Okada wins and retains the title.
PLAY BY PLAY
NJPW Strong Openweight Championship: Fred Rosser VS KENTA!
Mr. No Days Off has been on quite the streak as champion, but now he runs into Fang Revived! Will Rosser’s reign continue? Or will he #GoToSleep on the job?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see if Kenta can force Rosser to take time off!
The bell rings and fans rally as the two circle. Kenta keeps his distance and fans cheer him on, so Kenta conducts them. Rosser gets annoyed but Kenta circles with him. They tie up, fight for control, and end up on ropes, then in a corner. The ref counts, Kenta backs away, and resets with Rosser. They feel out another grapple, tie up, and Kenta gets around to a waistlock. Kenta drags Rosser down, but Rosser fights up and gets to ropes. The ref counts, Kenta lets off with a slap! Rosser storms up but Kenta bails out. Rosser goes out after Kenta but Kenta slides back in. Rosser slides in but Kenta stomps away on him!
Kenta kicks Rosser to a corner for more stomps, but Rosser wags his finger. Kenta gives more toying kicks, and Rosser sits up in a huff. Rosser tells Kenta to stop but Kenta gives him another one! Rosser stands up and stares Kenta down! Rosser goes outside, goes over the railing, and he dares Kenta to fight him in the crowd! Fans fire up, Kenta goes out after Rosser, and the brawl is on! San Jose fires up as the forearms fly! Kenta KICKS, KICKS and KICKS! Rosser sits down and fans fire up more! Kenta revels in it, then he drags Rosser up. Kenta pushes Rosser to railing, runs in, and BOOTS him over!
Fans rally, Kenta goes back to ringside, and he sits Rosser up for more KICKS! Kenta scuffs Rosser, Rosser shakes the railing in anger. A ring count starts, Kenta puts Rosser in, but Rosser slides right back out to BOOT him! Rosser drags Kenta up onto the apron as the ring count restarts. Kenta fights the lift, then he claws Rosser’s eyes! Kenta kicks low, and hits an APRON DDT! Fans fire up while Rosser writhes and Kenta throws off his headband. Kenta steps back inside, sits Rosser and kicks him. Rosser wags his finger, Kenta KICKS! Rosser CHOPS, Kenta KICKS! Kenta eggs Rosser on so Rosser throws a forearm!
Kenta throws a forearm, Rosser throws one back! Kenta ROCKS and KICKS Rosser, then snapmares to PENALTY KICK! Rosser writhes again, Kenta covers, TWO! Kenta pushes Rosser down to drop a knee! And then another! And then he brings the kneepad down, to jump, and then scuff Rosser’s face! Fans cheer the trolling and Kenta brings the kneepad up. Kenta eggs Rosser on, kicks him around, but Rosser gets mad again. Rosser swings, but Kenta spins him into another DDT! Kenta drags Rosser to a cover, TWO! Kenta stands Rosser up, turns him, and hits a NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Kenta clamps on with a chinlock!
Rosser endures, pulls hair, but the ref reprimands. Kenta tries to grab hair but Rosser’s bald so no go. Fans rally, Rosser fights up and throws elbows. But Kenta throws Rosser by his head and beard! Fans duel while Kenta drags Rosser back up. Kenta throws haymakers but Rosser stands up. Kenta throws haymakers but Rosser snarls. Kenta SOBATS, runs in, but into a lift! Rosser RAMS Kenta into the corner! Rosser CHOPS and LARIATS, over and over, then he fires off LARIAT after LARIAT! Rosser kicks Kenta’s leg out, then gives a HIP ATTACK! And another! And another! And another! Rosser lets off as the ref counts and fans fire up.
Rosser runs corner to corner, HIP ATTACK! Rosser drags Kenta out, LEG DROP! Then HIP DROP! Cover, TWO! Kenta survives but Rosser keeps focus. Rosser drags Kenta up, fireman’s carries, and runs, but Kenta slips off to rake eyes! Kenta rams Rosser into buckles, then kicks low for a DDT! Three DDTs for Rosser but Kenta isn’t done! Kenta climbs up, Rosser stands, FLYING LARIAT! Cover, TWO! Rosser is still in this but Kenta brings him up. Kenta waistlocks but Rosser throws elbows! Rosser runs in but Kenta dumps him to the apron. Kenta BOOTS but Rosser stays on the apron. Kenta goes out to join him as fans fire up.
Kenta stands Rosser up, waistlocks, but Rosser resists the suplex by holding ropes! Rosser throws elbows, then switches around, APRON BACK SUPLEX! Kenta flops to the floor and fans fire up! Rosser goes to the apron, he leaps, FLYING HIP DROP! Rosser almost wipes himself out, but he drags Kenta up and into the ring. Rosser runs, and he CLOBBERS Kenta! Cover, TWO! Fans rally up while Kenta is in a daze. Rosser has a leg, he turns Kenta over, but Kenta rolls and drags Rosser down! GAME OVER CROSSFACE! Rosser endures, reaches out, crawls forward, ROPEBREAK! Kenta lets off with his hands but the ref has him let go of the arm with his legs.
Kenta KICKS Rosser in the back, KICKS him again, then stomps him on the apron! Kenta drags Rosser up through the ropes, has him draped, BRAIN KILLER! That’s the fourth DDT, San Jose is DDT City! Rosser is in the corner, Kenta runs in, FLYING BOOT! And then HESITATION DROPKICK! Fans are fired up while Rosser is down and Kenta climbs! COUP DE GRACE! Cover, TWO!! Rosser survives but Kenta starts the night-night hand motion, to then flip the fans off! Kenta slashes his throat, drags Rosser up and fireman’s carries! But Rosser fights free to the CROSSFACE CHICKEN WING!! Rosser has Kenta caught!!
Kenta endures, flails, he drags the ref into things and that forces Rosser to let go of the hold! Rosser is furious and he drags Kenta up. Kenta ROCKS Rosser with a forearm! Rosser ROCKS Kenta back! Kenta comes back, he throws a forearm, but so does Rosser! They go back and forth, no guard! Fans rally, Rosser gets the edge, but then Kenta CROSS COUNTERS! Rosser wobbles, Kenta ROCKS him again and again and again with palm strikes! Rosser blocks a shot, then ROCKS Kenta! And ROLLING ELBOWS!! Kenta’s down, Rosser covers, TWO!! Kenta survives and fans fire up again! Rosser is frustrated but he shakes out the cobwebs.
Fans declare “This is Awesome!” as Rosser HEADBUTTS Kenta! Rosser stands Kenta up, fireman’s carries, but Kenta grabs the ref! Rosser lets Kenta down, and he blocks Kenta’s kick! Rosser turns things around, tries the stepover, but Kenta rolls and sends Rosser into the ref! Fireman’s carry, GO TO- NO! Rosser blocks to get the STF CHICKEN WING!! Kenta taps but the ref is down! Rosser should’ve won by now but no one can call it! And here comes JUICE ROBINSON! Rosser swings on Juice, Juice dodges, and then Juice hits the LEFT HAND O’ GOD!!! But more than that, there appear to be coins spilling all over the place!!
Rosser is out cold in the ropes and Juice runs away! Kenta drags Rosser to the fireman’s carry, GO TO SLEEP!! Kenta wakes the ref up, brings him over, and then covers Rosser! KENTA WINS!
Winner: Kenta, by pinfall (NEW NJPW Strong Openweight Champion)
The Booster’s loaded left sets Rosser up for the fall! Rosser’s reign ends, and now Kenta is the third-ever champion! Kenta holds the belt over Rosser, will Kenta make NJPW Strong #JustTooSweet?
NJPW Strong Openweight Tag Team Championships: The Motor City Machine Guns VS The West Coast Wrecking Crew!
Alex Shelley & Chris Sabin are double tag champs with both these and the Impact Tag Team Championships, but Jorel Nelson & Royce Isaacs don’t care! They wanna bring some gold to Team Filthy, but will they pull it off in their home turf? Or will MCMG be greater than WCWC?
The introductions are made, the NJPW belts are- WAIT, WCWC strikes first! Royce goes after Sabin while Jorel is after Shelley! Jorel stomps away on Shelley and Royce CLUBS Sabin. Royce throws Sabin out and Jorel lets off Shelley, and then Jorel mocks the MCMG hand pointing. Jorel then kicks Shelley around, slaps him around, but Shelley throws him out! And Sabin SUPERKICKS him! Royce runs in but Shelley elbows him away! Sabin goes up top and MISSILE DROPKICKS! Fans fire up with MCMG and Shelley goes out to open the ropes. Sabin runs but Royce trips him up! And Jorel YANKS Shelley down!
Royce drags Sabin out and suplexes him, then walks around the ring with him! Jorel puts Shelley in the ring, Royce makes it halfway around the ring now while Jorel has Shelley in his own stalling suplex! Fans fire up for this display of strength, and “Roycey” completes his lap before “Relly” SLAMS Shelley down! Royce punctuates things by SLAMMING Sabin on the apron! Sabin flops to the floor, Royce joins Jorel in the ring, and Jorel says it’s photo op time! The WCWC pose, hard to say if anyone takes pictures, but Jorel stands Shelley up. Jorel EuroUppers, then RAMS Shelley into the corner!
Tag to Royce, he sets the leg up, and Jorel runs side to side to KNEE the knee! Jorel then grabs the leg for a DRAGON SCREW, and Royce runs to hit a SLIDING LARIAT! Cover, ONE!! Royce clamps onto Shelley and throws down “TEAM! FIL-THY!” elbows! Cover, TWO! Royce keeps the rhythm going with his claps, and he bumps Shelley off buckles. Royce tags Jorel, Jorel runs to DOUBLE KNEE! Shelley staggers into Royce’s BACKBREAKER! Jorel covers, TWO! Jorel clamps on a chinlock and he grinds Shelley down. Fans rally as Shelley endures, and Shelley fights up. Jorel shifts but Shelley kicks a leg!
Shelley fires forearms but Jorel hits a ROLLING ELBOW! Jorel says “West Side!” and DROPKICKS! Jorel then goes to a corner, climbs up top, but Sabin returns and shoves him down! Fans fire up, Jorely crawls, hot tag to Royce! Royce BLASTS Sabin off the apron, runs in, but Shelley catches him for the BUCKLE SHOT! Shelley crawls for his corner, but Jorel runs at Sabin! Sabin ROCKS Jorel first! Jorel staggers, Shelley slides under, hot tag to Sabin! Sabin BOOTS Jorel, runs and LARIATS, then he clotheslines Royce in a corner! Jorel runs in but Sabin hurdles, Jorel RAMS Royce in the corner!
Sabin then reels Jorel in, and he kicks off Royce to TORNADO DDT Jorel! Royce goes outside, Sabin goes to the apron, PENALTY KICK! Sabin keeps moving, he goes up and CROSSBODIES Jorel! Cover, TWO! Fans rally and Jorel staggers up. Shelley returns, fans fire up, MCMG BOOT ENZIGURI COMBO! Sabin tries to fireman’s carry but Jorely fights with elbows. Sabin elbows back, ROLLING ELBOWS, and Shelley ROLLING ELBOWS! They SUPERKICK LARIAT COMBO! MCMG whips Jorel out and WRECK Royce at the same time! Shelley opens the ropes for Sabin to DIVE onto WCWC!
Fans are thunderous and Sabin shows Jorel how to point at the hand. Sabin puts Jorel in, fans rally for “MOTOR CITY!” and Shelley sets Jorel up, Sabin is up top, MISSILE DROPKICK COMPLETE SHOT! Cover, TWO! Sabin brings Jorel up, fireman’s carries, but Jorel slips off! Shelley waistlocks but Jorel RAMS him back into the corner. Sabin runs in, Jorel dodges and the BOOT hits Shelley! Jorel KNEES Sabin! Royce gets in, he fireman’s carries Sabin and Jorel goes up top! Jorel steps on Sabin to drop the ELBOW on Shelley! And then Jorel sets up, Royce DEATH VALLEY DRIVERS Sabin onto Jorel’s knees! Cover, TWO!!
The WCWC can’t believe it but the fans fire up! MCMG regroup but the WCWC roar and stalk up behind them! Double deadlifts, and DOUBLE GERMAN SUPLEXES! Fans fire up as Jorel kips up! The WCWC roar again, and they focus on Sabin! Sabin’s on the apron, Royce full nelsons! And then pops Sabin up into a HIGH ANGLE GERMAN! Sabin staggers, Jorel FLYING CUTTERS!! Cover, Shelley breaks it in time! Royce ROLLING HAYMAKERS Shelley! Canadian Rack, but Shelley slips off! Shelley sends Royce into Jorel, then atomic drops! DREAM SEQUENCE on Royce!
Fans fire up as the MCMG now focus on Jorel. Shelley swings, misses, but switches. Jorel switches, Sabin helps Shelley get free, and then Sabin hits a CUTTER on Jorel! Fans fire up more and the MCMG double mule kick, hook Jorel up, DIRT BOMB!! Cover, MCMG wins!
Winners: The Motor City Machine Guns, by pinfall (still NJPW Strong Openweight Tag Team Champions)
The home game doesn’t go WCWC’s way, and Sabin & Shelley stay double tag team champions! Will the Machine Guns continue to have an impact on NJPW Strong?
High Stakes Grudge Match: Jay White VS Eddie Kingston!
The Switchblade’s New Beginning was actually more of an ending. He lost to Hikuleo, and now can NEVER return to Japan! But in his anger, he doubles down! The loser here will NEVER work in or even with NJPW again! Will White prove this is STILL his era? Or will the Mad King follow through on his promise to hurt White like he’s never been hurt before?
The bell rings and fans fire up already. White encourages the fans to get louder, even as they duel between him and Eddie. White eggs Eddie on, but then backs out of the ring. Fans boo as White trolls Eddie but Eddie storms up to the ropes! White scurries away, playing peekaboo at the corner. The ref has Eddie back off, White keeps trolling, so Eddie sits down and dares White to get in. White gets on the apron, Eddie rushes up, but White hotshots him away! White rushes in, but Eddie CHOPS him down! White flounders right out of the ring and fans fire up again. Eddie watches White sputter, and he holds the ropes open for White!
White is upset by that, he slides in, they tie up, and Eddie puts White in the corner. The ref gets between them, but White cheap CHOPS Eddie! White taunts Eddie, bumps him off buckles, then stomps a mudhole in! The ref counts, White digs his boot in, but lets off at 4. White CLUBS Eddie against the ropes, then stands him up in the corner to RAM his shoulder in again and again! The ref counts, White lets off to Too Sweet CHOP! Eddie hits an STO! Eddie rains down HEADBUTTS! The ref reprimands about hair pulling so Eddie lets off. Eddie sits White up to SLAP him! Then he stands White up to CHOP him back down!
Eddie stomps White at the ropes, stands on him, but the ref counts. Eddie lets off and fans fire up while White flounders. Eddie grins and tells White to fight back. Eddie stands White up but White throws elbows! Eddie CLUBS White in the chest! Eddie then CHOPS White in the back! Eddie eggs White on and fans rally up. White sits up, Eddie CLUBS him again! Eddie CHOPS White and White staggers back to a corner! White gets up to ROCK Eddie with a forearm, but Eddie CHOPS him back down! Eddie wants White to fight back and fans fire up. Eddie stands White up to half nelson, but White elbows free!
White kicks Eddie’s leg, and DDT! Eddie writhes to the ropes but White still has to catch his breath. Eddie crawls to a corner, fans rally up, and White goes to the opposite corner. White runs in to UPPERCUT! White then brings Eddie around, CORNER HALF HATCH! White grins now as Eddie writhes. White drags Eddie up again, BLADEBUSTER with some stank! Cover, TWO! Eddie survives but White is annoyed. White kicks at Eddie but Eddie eggs him on. White SLAPS Eddie, but Eddie likes that! Eddie SLAPS back, eggs White on, so White rakes the eyes! The ref reprimands, White stops, and he stalks Eddie.
White stands Eddie up, clinches, but Eddie throws elbows. White throws knees, clinches again, but Eddie fires off BACKHAND after BACKHANDE! Then EXPLODER! Fans fire up with Eddie and he stands White up again, LARIAT! Cover, TWO! White is still in this but Eddie keeps cool. Fans rally up while White crawls. Eddie drags White up, half nelsons, but White fights. Eddie shifts to a waistlock, but White fights that, too. Eddie lets go to CHOP White back down! Eddie wants White to get up, and White sits up, into another CHOP! Fans fire up as White sits up and smiles. Eddie smiles, too, and CHOPS White back down!
White sits up again, lip bleeding, but then he drops back to deny Eddie a chop. But Eddie makes White sit up so he can CHOP him! And then again! And again! Fans fire up as Eddie put his weight behind that one! But White sits up and shakes his head. Eddie gives White junkyard dog headbutts, but White comes back. They stand, Eddie CHOPS White and White flops out of the ring! Fans fire up behind Eddie as White uses the railing to stand. White gets back in the ring, Eddie CHOPS him again! White shakes his head as he staggers about, so Eddie CHOPS again! And CHOPS again! White flops to a corner, the smile gone.
White still shakes his head but Eddie CHOPS! And CHOPS! And CHOPS! White sits down but the CHOPS keep coming! Eddie wants White to keep fighting, but White is laughing now! White drags himself up again, steps up to Eddie, and Eddie CHOPS again! White somehow stays up on his feet but he’s sputtering again. Eddie CHOPS again, and White leans against him to stay up. Eddie laughs and spins, but White ducks to then hit a COMPLETE SHOT! Both men are down and fans fire up! White crawls to Eddie, drags him up into a waistlock, deadlift GERMAN SUPLEX!! But Eddie stands back up!?
Eddie and White both stagger and stumble, go to opposite corners, but then they run in, White LARIATS Eddie down!! Cover, TWO!! White roars in anger, but he drags Eddie up into the clinch! URENAGE! Cover, TWO!!! Eddie survives and fans are thunderous! White sits Eddie up, finger guns at him, and has the sleeper. But Eddie resists the lift! Eddie powers out to CHOP! White CHOPS! Eddie leans against the corner, White CHOPS again! Too Sweet, CHOP! Eddie takes his straps down and CHOPS back! Fans fire up as both men stagger. White CHOPS, but Eddie CHOPS back! White steadies himself, fans rally up for Eddie, but White CHOPS again!
Eddie clutches his chest, but he CHOPS back again! White falls over! White sits up quick and shakes his head. White CHOPS, Eddie staggers, so White CHOPS again! Eddie roars to CHOP and CHOP! White falls again, Eddie has him in a corner, for MACHINE GUN CHOPS!! Eddie stands White up to CHOP again! White turns things around to MACHINE GUN CHOP!! They go forehead to forehead, Eddie pushes White back to CHOP! And CHOP! And CHOP!! White rakes Eddie’s eyes! The ref counts, White lets off at 4, but Eddie swings wild! He almost hits the ref! White rushes in, SNAP SLEEPER SUPLEX!!
White slashes his throat, drags Eddie back up, and BLADE- EYES TO THE FACE! Eddie returns the favor, then he pushes the ref away! White LOW BLOWS Eddie!!! Fans boo as White hits BLADERUNNER!!! But Eddie flops outta the ring!! Eddie stays safe and fans are thunderous! White fetches Eddie into the ring, covers, TWO!!! Eddie survives and White argues with the ref! The ref says the count was fair, so White has no choice but to drag Eddie up again. Eddie URAKENS!! Cover, TWO!?!? White survives Eddie’s best shot and no one can believe it! Fans are electric as Eddie sits White up. White pushes Eddie away but Eddie looms over him.
Eddie sits White up again, makes him look up at him, and then offers a fist bump. White looks at the fist, and SPITS at it! So Eddie URAKENS!! AND URAKENS!! White flounders into a corner, somehow stands up, and Eddie shouts at him to fight back. White swings feebly, into a HALF ‘N’ HALF!! White staggers up, into an URAKEN!!! Scoop and NORTHERN LIGHTS DRIVER!! Cover, TWO!??!? White survives and San Jose is in shock! White feebly reaches for Eddie but Eddie drags him up. Eddie says it’s okay, and then scoops again, NORTHERN LIGHTS DRIVER!!! Cover, EDDIE WINS!!!!
Winner: Eddie Kingston, by pinfall (Jay White MUST LEAVE NJPW)
The Mad King has put the last nail in the coffin of King Switch!! White’s era in NJPW is truly over! But as a show of respect, Eddie wants his song to end so that we can all show our appreciation for what White has done. White pushes the ref and the Young Lions away, and fans chant, “Thank You, Jay!” It is sinking in for Jay White that he has lost what little he had left. White stands, fans cheer and then chant, “Too Sweet! WOOP WOOP!” White gets the mic to say- WAIT! DAVID FINLAY!? SHILLELAGH SHOT!!! The Rebel ruins White’s moment!
Finlay grabs the mic to say, “You had this company by the balls, and you let it go? You had this business in the palm of your hand, and you let me take it from you! Do you have any idea how many years I sat backstage and I thought to myself, ‘I would kill for what Jay White has.’ Well, I stopped thinking about it and I decided that I will kill for what Jay White has! Excuse me, had. Jay, now I mean this from the bottom of my heart: F YOUR ERA! And F CALIFORNIA! And Japan, and Ireland, and anywhere else, because no matter where I go, I’m on the outside! In America, I’m Irish. In Ireland, I’m American. And in Japan, I’m a GAIJIN!
“Well quite frankly, it’s BS and I’m sick of it. Because I don’t just wrestle in a country, I wrestle in a BUSINESS!” Fans tell Finlay to STFU but Finlay says no, THEY should STFU. “You wanna call me the gaijin? My people have been here for FOUR GENERATIONS! How long have any of you been in here?! Huh, how long? Tell me, nobody can tell me. FOUR generations. So I’m telling you all in the back right now. California better here me, Japan better here me. If I find any of in between these ropes, you better have my permission to be there. So you, get that piece of sh*t outta here so we can get a nice clean shot of me to finish.”
Finlay says no more waiting, “this business was born from blood and dirt, and there is absolutely no place on earth a savage like me feels more at home!” The Rebel has issued an ultimatum to all of pro-wrestling, will this be Finlay’s era now?
Filthy Rules Fight: Tom Lawlor VS Homicide!
No disqualifications, no count outs, NO ROPES, and that means there’s no holding back on this one! Will this get downright filthy between these two wild warriors?
Lawlor gets the fans fired up as he spins around, and then takes off his sweats! Lawlor puts his ghi aside but the sweats give him some trouble. Fans cheer as they finally come off, and Lawlor then puts on his MMA gloves. The bell rings and Homicide CLOBBERS Lawlor! Cover, TWO! Homicide CLOBBERS Lawlor from behind, covers, TWO! Homicide argues the count but the ref says the count is fair. Homicide cravats but Lawlor pushes him away. With no ropes, Homicide has to jump to the floor! Homicide gets back to the apron, but Lawlor PENALTY KICKS his arm! Lawlor then hops down and grabs a trash can lid! SMACK to Homicide’s head!
Lawlor SMACKS Homicide again! Fans fire up and Lawlor puts the lid aside to go looking under the ring. Lawlor brings the trash can over to SMACK Homicide on the back! Lawlor snapmares Homicide, fans chant, “We Want Tables!” Lawlor runs around the ring to come back and PENALTY KICK! Lawlor fires up and fans fire up, too! Lawlor brings a chair over, and he SMACKS Homicide on the back! Lawlor puts the chair on the floor, fans rally up “TEAM! FIL-THY! “NEW! DAY ROCKS!” Lawlor runs down the ramp, but Homicide CHUCKS the chair at him!! Homicide then puts the chair in the ring and drags Lawlor up.
Homicide SMACKS Lawlor with the trash can lid! And then again! Homicide puts the trash can in the ring, too, and he brings Lawlor up. EXPLODER! Cover, TWO! Lawlor is still in this but Homicide checks the corner. The turnbuckles are there despite no ropes, so Homicide whips Lawlor into the POST! Lawlor flops down, and Homicide has baking sheets! Homicide SMACKS Lawlor again and again and again, then CLAPS him with both! Homicide stands Lawlor up, Lawlor throws body shots but Homicide knees low. Homicide CLUBS Lawlor, then he hits a DDT! Homicide goes looking again, and he brings out a ladder! Fans like the look of that!
Homicide props the ladder up against the ring, then gets a kendo stick. Homicide SMACKS Lawlor with it, and again! Homicide then goes looking for more, fans want a table but Homicide has FORKS!! Fans are going nuts as Homicide proves they’re metal forks. But Lawlor TACKLES Homicide, ties up the legs, CLOVERLEAF KNEEBAR!! But Homicide stabs at Lawlor’s TOES with the fork!!! Lawlor lets go of Homicide, but stands up into a CUTTER! Cover, TWO! Homicide argues the count but the ref says no, that was still a fair one. Homicide whips but Lawlor reverses and POSTS Homicide! Homicide falls to the floor!
Lawlor leaps off the apron! They crash into the railing! Lawlor stands up and fires up and fans fire up with him. Lawlor puts the ladder all the way in the ring, then grabs a chair. Lawlor SMACKS Homicide in the side, then he fires off haymakers! Lawlor takes off a glove, and he grabs a silver knuckle from the ring kit. Lawlor ROCKS Homicide with the silver knuckles! And again! And again! Homicide staggers away but Lawlor keeps on him! They go back to the ring, and Lawlor stomps Homicide against the post. Lawlor hooks Homicide’s mouth with the turnbuckle!! Fans tell Lawlor he’s sick, but he stands Homicide up.
Lawlor says, “I’m about to act up! Y’all wanna see a Homicide?” Fans fire up and Lawlor runs corner to corner, but Homicide dodges! The punch hits the post!! Homicide CHUCKS another chair into Lawlor’s face!! Lawlor’s hand is busted open but Homicide searches for stuff. He throws out the ropes, and then brings out a WOOD DOOR! Fans thought it was a table but it’s not. The ref reprimands but there’s nothing that can stop this. Homicide hits Lawlor with a NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Homicide SMACKS Lawlor with the trash can! Homicide then stands Lawlor up, but Lawlor picks Homicide up, URENAGE on the trash can! Cover, TWO!!
Lawlor keeps his cool as he drags Homicide off the can. Lawlor kicks Homicide down, then goes looking under the ring. Fans still want a table, but Lawlor can’t find one. Fans say, “Use The Door!” so Lawlor gives a thumbs up! He scoops Homicide, but Homicide slips off! Snap suplex! Uno amigo, then another! Dos amigos, and Homicide gets back up. But Lawlor slips around, GERMAN SUPLEX! And another GERMAN SUPLEX! But Homicide fights through to hit another amigo! But Lawlor slips around to GERMAN SUPLEX! Both men are down and fans fire up! Fans chant “USE THE DOOR!” as Homicide clinches.
Lawlor elbows Homicide then ENZIGURIS! V-TRIGGER! Lawlor sits Homicide up and KAMI-GOYES! Then the SLEEPER!! Homicide flails, reaches out, but there are no ropes to use. Fans rally, Homicide fights up and fireman’s carries! Homicide aims, FLYING DEATH VALLEYÂ through the door!!! Fans lose their minds as both men crash down! The ref checks both men in the wreckage, and Homicide sits up first. Homicide puts part of the busted door in the ring, then he brings Lawlor along. Homicide sits Lawlor up but Lawlor throws body shots. Homicide still reels Lawlor in, PILEDRIVER on the door! Cover, TWO!!!
Homicide calls his shot, he turns Lawlor around, but Lawlor slips out of the vertabreaker! Homicide kicks low, reels him back in, but Lawlor fights the lift! He back drops Homicide on the ladder! Homicide writhes, Lawlor gets a chair and CHUCKS it at him! And then runs in, PENALTY KICK! Cover, TWO!! Homicide is still in this but Lawlor has the piece of door! He SMACKS Homicide back down!! And then he goes to the ladder! Lawlor stands the ladder up, brings a chair along, and he places the chair on Homicide’s face. Lawlor stands the ladder up, says a quick prayer, then climbs! Fans freak out as Lawlor goes to the very top! FALLING HEADBUTT TO THE CHAIR!!!
Both men writhe and fans lose their minds! Cover, TWO!?!? Homicide survives but Lawlor slashes his throat! Lawlor straitjackets for the NASTY KNEE ON THE BRAIN!! And then REAR NAKED CHOKE!!! Homicide flips Lawlor off, then fades out! Lawlor wins!!!
Winner: Tom Lawlor, by submission
That was brutal, that was nasty, and in the end, it was filthy! Lawlor wins big, will he go from here to grab some gold?
NJPW World Television Championship: Zack Sabre Jr. VS Clark Connors!
The Submission Master is now The Mighty’s Front Man, and he does not kneel. But will he get run over by the Wild Rhino? Or will ZSJ make sure Connors’ 15 minutes of fame are all he gets?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see how long Connors’ scene lasts!
The bell rings, the two circle and feel things out. They knuckle lock, ZSJ kicks free, and he resets with Connors. Fans rally, the two tie up collar ‘n’ elbow, and they end up on ropes. The ref gets in between them but they don’t break. ZSJ and Connors let off cleanly, and Connors pats ZSJ on the shoulders. ZSJ EuroUppers! So Connors EuroUppers! The EuroUppers go back and forth, ZSJ eggs Connors on and Connors CHOPS! And CHOPS! ZSJ uppercuts, Connors uppercuts, and Connors brings ZSJ up. ZSJ headbutts low, headlocks, but Connors powers out. They RAM shoulders, and Connors eggs ZSJ on.
ZSJ runs, they RAM shoulders, and now ZSJ eggs Connors on. Connors runs, but into a BOOT! ZSJ runs, RAMS Connors, but Connors redirects to run ZSJ over! Fans fire up, Connors throws hands and CHOPS! ZSJ ends up in a corner, Connors CHOPS him again! ZSJ falls over, fans fire up with Connors, but ZSJ says that’s weak stuff. ZSJ gets up, shoulder bumps Connors, then eggs him on. Connors CHOPS him off his feet! Fans fire up and ZSJ sits up, nodding. He admits, that was good. Connors eggs ZSJ on, “C’mon, mate!” ZSJ EuroUppers! Connors CHOPS! ZSJ goes to ropes, Connors whips but ZSJ catches him, spins him, and gets a COBRA TWIST!
Fans fire up for that great exchange, but then Connors hip tosses out! Connors brings ZSJ up but ZSJ snapmares and NECK TWISTS! ZSJ flexes, sits on Connors and keeps the neck lock. ZSJ pats Connors on the stomach but lets off. Connors goes to ropes and fans rally up. ZSJ stands Connors up, trips him, and then stands on one leg as he twists the other! Connors endures as ZSJ tweaks and yanks on the ankle! ZSJ then steps through, SMASHES the other leg, and SMASHES it again! ZSJ then shifts again, Deathlock and some hair pulling, but into a BOW ‘N’ ARROW! Connors reaches out, ROPEBREAK, and ZSJ lets go quickly.
Connors goes to the corner while fans cheer ZSJ. ZSJ walks up to Connors, gives him toying kicks, then tells off the fans. ZSJ kicks and kicks and kicks, but Connors stands to CHOP! And CHOP! And CHOP! ZSJ KICKS Connors down! Fans rally and we’re past five minutes. ZSJÂ bends fingers and twists the wrist! Connors has the ROPEBREAK, but ZSJ lets off with a stomp. ZSJ shouts at the San Jose fans, then stands Connors up to wrench and wristlock. ZSJ flexes, twists the wrist, but Connors throws body shots! ZSJ hits an ELBOW BREAKER, runs, but Connors ducks ‘n’ runs to POUNCE! ZSJ ends up in a corner and fans fire up!
Connors is in the opposite corner and fans rally up. ZSJ and Connors drag themselves up, Connors runs in to ELBOW! Connors whips corner to corner, runs in and RAMS into ZSJ! But ZSJ facelocks for a GUILLOTINE, but Connors RAMS ZSJ back in! Connors whips ZSJ, ZSJ comes back, FLYING GUILLOTINE! Connors stays up while ZSJ has the body scissors, and Connors powers up and out with a NORTHERN LIGHTS! Fans fire up, Connors runs to BOOT ZSJ down! Stacked cover, TWO!! ZSJ escapes after being folded up and Connors grows frustrated. Fans rally, Connors brings ZSJ up, but ZSJ blocks the suplex!
Connors keeps trying but ZSJ fights the suplex to then WRING the bad arm! ZSJ tells fans to shut up about PG, they should just go watch “the other show.” ZSJ kicks Connors around but Connors snarls. Connors ROCKS ZSJ, but that’s his bad arm! ZSJ eggs Connors on, so Connors ROCKS ZSJ with the other arm! ZSJ EuroUppers! Connors comes back to ROCK ZSJ again! ZSJ EuroUppers again! Connors ROCKS ZSJ, ZSJ wants the left! So Connors ROCKS him with the left! Connors swings again, but ZSJ blocks to PELE the arm! ZSJ full nelsons, Connors breaks it, but ZSJ GERMAN SUPLEXES!
Connors stands!? ZSJ BOOTS, but Connors rebounds to CLOBBER ZSJ! Connors snap suplexes ZSJ down! Cover, TWO! Connors is frustrated but the fans rally as he aims from the corner. Connors runs in, into a KNEE! He comes back, but ZSJ sprawls the Spear! FUJIWARA, to JIM BREAKS ARMBAR! And then a RINGS OF SATURN variation! But Connors endures, sits up, but gets caught into a TESCO MEAL DEAL WITH A SIDE OF CRAB!! Connors fights, rolls, but into a HALF CRAB!! But Connors still gets the ROPEBREAK! And we’re at ten minutes now! Time is not on Connors’ side and ZSJ revels in it.
ZSJ talks trash on the fans, runs in at Connors, PENALTY- NO! Connors blocks the kick! Connors stands, ZSJ SLAPS him! And SLAPS! Connors eggs him on, ZSJ SLAPS more, but Connors HEADBUTTS! Connors swings, into a SNAP DRAGON! Bridging cover, TWO!!! Connors survives and ZSJ is frustrated. Connors sits up, into a PENALTY KICK! And then another KICK! And another KICK! Connors eggs ZSJ on so ZSJ PENALTY KICKS! ZSJ runs, into a SPEAR!! Connors fires up, whips ZSJ, POWERSLAM! Cover, TWO!! Connors snarls, he brings ZSJ up but ZSJ plays dead. ZSJ then bends the fingers!
Three minutes left, ZSJ SLAPS Connors! ZSJ eggs Connors on, Connors CHOPS, but ZSJ blocks to UPPERCUT the arm! Connors CHOPS again! ZSJ falls over and fans fire up with Connors! Connors runs in, but into an UPPERCUT! Connors comes back, he catches ZSJ to a backslide! TWO!!! Connors hurries to haul ZSJ up, POWERBOMB!! Cover, TWO!!! Fans fire up as we reach the two minute warning! Connors stands ZSJ up, waistlocks, but ZSJ standing switches. ZSJ trips Connors, body scissors and rolls, JAPAN- NO, Connors grabs ZSJ for a REAR NAKED CHOKE!! ZSJ is turning red already as he fights up!
Connors squeezes tight, ZSJ stands, but ZSJ is fading! Connors hauls ZSJ up, TROPHY- NO, TRIANGLE HOLD! But Connors rolls through, OH MY GAH ANKLE!! ZSJ stands but Connors TWISTS! ZSJ turns, drags Connors down, DISARMER!! Connors taps, ZSJ wins!!
Winner: Zack Sabre Jr, by submission (still NJPW World TV Champion)
With one minute remaining on the clock, ZSJ snatches victory from the jaws of defeat! Will The Front Man’s TV time ever run out? But wait, as ZSJ goes up the ramp, Kevin Knight is there to meet him, and it’s clear he wants next. ZSJ asks San Jose, “What do you morons think?” ZSJ tells Knight he’ll think about it, but Knight says it’s only a matter of time.
IWGP Women’s Championship: KAIRI VS Mercedes Moné!
The Pirate Princess and The Boss–or, CEO now–have met before when they were both in the WWE. But this is a different time and place. Will that mean it will be a different result between them? Or will history repeat itself and prove Moné is money?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who is the captain of this ship!
The bell rings and fans already chant “This is Awesome!” Fans then chant for “MER-CE-DES! MER-CE-DES!” Mercedes and Kairi circle, and then fans chant for “KAI-RI! KAI-RI!” Mercedes is a little annoyed, but she and Kairi tie up. They go around, end up in a corner, and Mercedes has Kairi in a corner. The ref counts, Mercedes lets off, and then allows Kairi to come back. The two circle again, tie up again, and go around. Mercedes wrenches to wristlock, but Kairi wrenches back. Kairi hammerlocks, Mercedes reaches back to headlock. Kairi throws body shots, powers up and out, but Sasha springboards to arm-drag, roll through, BANK STATEMENT!
Kairi moves around, slips free, and the two stand off. Mercedes lets Kairi know it was that close, but applauds Kairi’s escape. They reset, feel things out, and fans rally for both. Kairi and Mercedes knuckle lock, go shoulder to shoulder in a Test of Strength, and they each hook with their heads to look for leverage. Kairi powers Mercedes back but Mercedes bridges. Mercedes then powers up to push Kairi back, but Kairi bridges! Fans fire up as Kairi then powers up, but Mercedes BOOTS and headlocks! Kairi throws body shots, powers out, and then follows to rebound and RANA! Fans fire up as Kairi SHOTGUNS Mercedes out of the ring!
Mercedes stands up, Kairi goes to the apron, and fans fire up as she FLYING KABUKI ELBOWS! Kairi fires up and fans are with her as she goes back to the apron. The ring count starts, Kairi drags Mercedes up and puts her in, then brings Mercedes up. Kairi CHOPS! Fans fire up while Mercedes is stinging! Kairi stands Mercedes up again, to CHOP her again! Kairi runs in but Mercedes dodges to CHOP, CHOP and CHOP away with both hands! Mercedes stands Kairi up, knuckle locks and goes up and up and FLYING ARM-DRAGS! Kairi tumbles all the way to the other corner, Mercedes runs in to DOUBLE KNEE! Cover, TWO!
Mercedes knuckle locks and wrenches while fans duel. Mercedes goes up and up but Kairi trips her! Kairi CLUBS and SLAPS Mercedes into the Tree of Woe, and then she stomps her more! Kairi climbs up, but Mercedes sits up to throw hands! Mercedes gets free, and STEP-UP KNEES Kairi down! Kairi is on the apron, Mercedes stands her up and POSTS her! Then she goes to the other side to HOTSHOT Kairi down! Fans fire up again as Mercedes stalks Kairi. Mercedes brings her up, SLAMS her hand on the apron, and then brings her to a corner. Mercedes YANKS Kairi into the post! Mercedes drags Kairi up, puts Kairi in the ring, covers, TWO!
Mercedes looms over Kairi, kicks her around, and talks some smack. Fans are torn, but then Mercedes SLAPS Kairi down! Mercedes stands on Kairi while motioning she’ll be wearing the belt. But Kairi fires forearms in return! Kairi whips, Mercedes reverses and spins Kairi, DDT! Cover, TWO! But Mercedes has the arm for a top wristlock! Fans rally as Kairi endures, and Kairi kicks her way around. Kairi fights up, rolls Mercedes up, TWO! Mercedes CLOBBERS Kairi! Cover, TWO! Mercedes sighs, and she takes off a leg warmer to SLAP Kairi with it! The ref reprimands but that’s not illegal.
Mercedes CHOKES Kairi on the ropes, lets off, then CHOKES her again! Mercedes STANDS on Kairi, but lets off as the ref counts. Kairi gets out to the railing but Mercedes goes out after her. Mercedes puts Kairi right back in, wrenches and hits an ARM BREAKER! Cover, TWO! Mercedes grows frustrated but she cools herself off. Mercedes drags Kairi up and brings her to a corner. Mercedes scoops Kairi to put her in a Tree of Woe, digs her boot in, then wraps Kairi’s arms around ropes! Mercedes pulls Kairi’s arms while digging her boots in! Then she kicks away on Kairi! The ref counts, Mercedes lets off with a BOOT!
Kairi flops out of the Tree, Mercedes brings her out of the ring. Mercedes has Kairi at the corner, but Kairi blocks the yank to YANK Mercedes into the post! Fans rally as Kairi fires up! Kairi stands Mercedes up, whips her into a POST! Mercedes goes tumbling away and fans fire up with Kairi! Kairi wants one more, she whips Mercedes but Mercedes reverses! Kairi hits POST! Both women are down, the ring count is 10 of 20! They stir at 12, fans rally up, and both women drag themselves up at 15! They stagger, Kairi and Mercedes slide in at 19!! Fans fire up, Kairi runs in but into a takedown! Mercedes STOMPS the bad arm!
Mercedes looms over Kairi, drags her up, and back suplexes, just to stick Kairi on the corner. Mercedes CLUBS away on Kairi’s back, then climbs up behind her. Fans rally and duel as Mercedes goes to the very top! But Kairi trips Mercedes up! Now Mercedes is in the Tree! Kairi turns around, for WOE STOMPS!! Fans fire up as Kairi roars! Kairi grits her teeth while Mercedes slowly sits up. Mercedes drags herself up in the corner, she storms up on Kairi but Kairi blocks the kick! Kairi throws Mercedes down, runs, and hits the BLOCKBUSTER! Mercedes stands again, INTERCEPTOR! Kairi is fired up and the fans are thunderous!
Mercedes is in another corner, and Kairi beats the mat. Fans clap along and Kairi stomps around. Time to walk the plank! SLIDING D! Fans fire up again as Kairi climbs up! FLYING KABUKI ELBOW! Cover, TWO! But Kairi snapmares Mercedes, wraps on headscissors, and she adds an arm, it’s a modified TRIANGLE HOLD! Fans are dueling as Mercedes endures! Mercedes rolls and reaches out, ROPEBREAK! Kairi lets go in frustration but she goes to the apron. Kairi drags Mercedes up, Alabama Lifts, but Mercedes fights free! Mercedes reels Kairi in but Kairi tries another Alabama! Mercedes fights free again and KNEES Kairi down!
Mercedes METEORAS Kairi to the floor!! Fans fire up again and Mercedes drags Kairi up into the ring. Mercedes goes up the corner now, and she METEORAS again!! Cover, TWO!!! Kairi survives and Mercedes is shrieking! Mercedes argues with the ref but that was a fair count! Mercedes takes off the bodice and her leg warmer, she vows to finish this! Mercedes drags Kairi up, wraps on the chinlock, but Kairi drops down to victory roll! TWO!! Mercedes has the roll, TWO!! Kairi swings, but into a SHOTGUN from Mercedes! That did damage to both of them, but they both get up! Kairi swings but Mercedes ducks the backhand! STUNNER!! And then victory roll! TWO!!
Mercedes runs, but Kairi ducks the Meteora to roll her back! ANCHOR HOLD!!! Kairi sits back deep but Mercedes claws her way towards ropes! Fans rally and duel, Mercedes reaches, but Kairi drags her away! Kairi wraps the ANCHOR HOLD on tighter!!! But Mercedes pulls hair! BACKSLIDE, TWO!!! INTO THE BANK STATEMENT!!! Kairi flails, endures, but she can’t see where she is! Kairi kicks around, feels her way, ROPEBREAK!! Mercedes lets go in frustration and San Jose is thunderous! They declare “This is Wrestling!” as Mercedes drags Kairi up. Mercedes CLUBS away on Kairi’s shoulder, then runs, but into the CUTLASS URAKEN!! Cover, TWO!?!?
Kairi is furious but the fans fire up with her! Kairi vows to end this and she drags Mercedes up. Alabama Lift, for the ALABAMA SLAMA!! Kairi then prepares her elbow, but Mercedes grabs a leg with legs! Kairi stomps away on Mercedes but Mercedes gets to the apron. Kairi brings Mercedes into the ropes to CLUB and AX KICK! Mercedes is stuck, Kairi runs, but Mercedes gets free! BAYLEY2BELLY!!! Cover, TWO!!!! Mercedes’ shoutout to her best frenemy and San Jose’s own doesn’t finish it! Mercedes is beside herself, but she drags Kairi back up. Facelock, snap suplex! Una Amiga! Another snap suplex, Dos Amigas!
Mercedes has Kairi up again, gives us some Latina Heat, but Kairi SATELLITE DDTS the third Amiga!!! Both women are down again and fans again say, “This is Awesome!” Mercedes and Kairi crawl to each other, both shaking their heads. The forearms start flying back and forth, then Mercedes SLAPS! Kairi SLAPS, Mercedes returns to forearms! They stand, Kairi pulls hair but Mercedes gets free. Kairi kicks low, URAKENÂ into the ref! The CEO used the ref as a shield and the ref takes the Cutlass! Mercedes smirks while Kairi checks on the ref. Kairi says Mercedes did that on purpose! Mercedes defends her innocence, but Kairi fires off!
Mercedes runs to the ramp but Kairi is after her! Kairi brings Mercedes up the ramp, CLUBS away on her back and shoulders, then AX KICKS her down! Kairi kicks Mercedes off the ramp! Fans fire up and Kairi goes to the stage. Kairi builds speed and FLIES! But Mercedes catches her! To SMACK her off the stage, and BOOT her down! Fans fire up as Mercedes goes looking under the stage, to bring out a TABLE!!! San Jose’s been hungry for this all night, so Mercedes sets the table! Mercedes drags Kairi up, aiming from the stage. But Kairi fights the suplex, slips under, and gets Mercedes in position, POWERBOMB through the table!!!
San Jose loses their minds and Kairi throws Mercedes’ money all over her! Kairi then drags Mercedes from the wreckage and brings her back to ringside. Kairi puts Mercedes in, climbs the corner, and Kairi prepares that elbow! In-SANE- BOOTS?!?! Mercedes kicks Kairi out of the air and fans lose their minds again! Kairi is down in the drop zone now, and Mercedes drags herself over to the other corner! Mercedes climbs, for a FROG SPLASH onto knees!! Kairi returns the favor, then rushes in, to steal the BANK STATEMENT!!! Kairi is focusing purely on the facelock but that allows Mercedes to crawl! Mercedes BITES the hands!!
Kairi lets Mercedes go but both women are down from exhaustion! Fans are thunderous again as they both sit up, back to back. They hook arms, roll around, stand up, and Mercedes Gory Especials, to the MONEY MAKER!!! Cover, MERCEDES WINS!!!
Winner: Mercedes Moné, by pinfall (NEW IWGP Women’s Champion)
There can only be one inaugural champion, but there can also only be one second champion! The CEO dethrones the Pirate Princess, and she is the captain now! Mercedes makes money and she makes history, adding this title to her already WWE Grand Slam and Hall of Fame worthy career. Will she continue to make history and set records with this belt?
Mercedes does show respect to Kairi by offering a handshake, and Kairi stands to accept it. Then they hug! Fans cheer the sportsmanship, is this just the beginning of a rivalry that will define this title?
IWGP World Heavyweight Championship: Kazuchika Okada VS Hiroshi Tanahashi!
The Rainmaker’s New Beginning was just the start of a new chapter, as he slayed the Rampaging Dragon to stay on top of the mountain. However, he wanted to up the ante on himself, so he challenged The Ace to this Battle in the Valley! Tanahashi obliged, and promised to return the favor from that “Rainmaker shock” way back when. Will Okada feel an “Ace Shock” here tonight? Or will he make it rain even in the USA?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who is truly the best in NJPW!
Fans cheer as Tanahashi takes off the jacket to show off the abs. The bell rings and fans fire up as the two stare down. Fans lose their minds already, and the two icons circle. Okada and Tanahashi feel things out, tie up, and are in a deadlock. Okada gets around but Tanahashi switches. Okada wrenches out but Tanahashi wrenches back. Okada rolls, trips Tanahashi and has the toehold. Fans applaud this opening exchange, but Tanahashi half nelsons to then get the arm. Okada clasps hands to resist, and he stacks Tanahashi, ONE! They stand off and the fans applaud. Okada backs off and the two circle again.
They tie up again, Okada powers Tanahashi back to ropes, but the ref counts the ropebreak. Fans duel, “TA-NA-HA-SHI!” “O-KA-DA!” Okada lets off, fakes the chop, and he pats Tanahashi on the shoulders. Tanahashi storms up but Okada kicks low. Okada headlocks, Tanahashi powers out but Okada runs him over! Fans cheer, things speed up, and Tanahashi arm-drags! Fans cheer again as Tanahashi has the armlock. Okada endures, fights up, but Tanahashi wrenches the arm. Tanahashi throws a body shot, whips, but Okada reverses. Okada runs in but into an elbow! Tanahashi goes up to CROSSBODY! Fans fire up for the air guitar!
Okada crawls to the corner, Tanahashi runs in, but Okada dodges the splash! Okada hauls Tanahashi up top, to DROPKICK Tanahashi down! Tanahashi hits the floor and fans fire up! The ref checks Tanahashi but he’s okay to continue. Okada goes out after Tanahashi, and RAMS him into railing! Fans fire up while Okada backs off and the ref checks Tanahashi again. Tanahashi is still okay to continue so Okada drags him up. Okada brings Tanahashi around to RAM him into the apron! The ring count starts, Okada brings Tanahashi to the ramp but Tanahashi throws body shots! Okada kicks low, DDTÂ to the ramp!
Okada stands back up as the count reaches 9 of 20. Okada drags Tanahashi up at 12, brings him around, and puts him in at 13. Fans rally as Okada looms over Tanahashi. Okada bumps Tanahashi off buckles, throws back elbows, then lets off. Okada brings Tanahashi out, and DDTs! Cover, TWO! Fans rally while Tanahashi clutches his neck. Okada hears fans chant “GO ACE! GO ACE!” and Tanahashi stands up. Tanahashi throws forearms but Okada eggs him on. Tanahashi throws another forearm, but Okada kicks low and turns Tanahashi for a NECKBREAKER! Okada has a cocky cover but the ref won’t count that.
Fans boo Okada being so smug, but Okada paces around Tanahashi. Tanahashi stands and Okada eggs him on. Tanahashi throws more forearms but Okada eggs him on more! Tanahashi throws another forearm, but Okada ROCKS him with one! Okada wrenches Tanahashi’s arm and whips him corner to corner! Okada runs in, but into BOOTS! Tanahashi fires up to fire off forearms on Okada! Okada UPPERCUTS back! Okada whips, Tanahashi comes back with a FLYING FOREARM! Fans fire up with The Ace and he waits on Okada. Okada stands, Tanahashi fires off his strike fest! Then a scoop and SLAM into the drop zone!
Tanahashi goes up the corner, fans fire up, SUNSET SENTON! Cover, TWO! Okada is still in this but Tanahashi keeps his cool. Tanahashi waits on Okada to stand, and Tanahashi runs, to dropkick the leg out! Tanahashi keeps moving, he blocks a boot! Fans duel but Tanahashi hits a DRAGON SCREW! Okada flops out of the ring and Tanahashi pounds the mat. Fans rally behind that and Tanahashi goes to the corner. Tanahashi climbs, Okada stands, ACES HIGH!! Direct hit and fans fire up again! A ring count starts with both men down. The count reaches 5 of 20 before Tanahashi stands.
Tanahashi hobbles over, he drags Okada up at 8, and he puts Okada in at 9. Fans fire up with Tanahashi and he waits on Okada to stand. Tanahashi runs, but Okada FLAP- NO, Tanahashi fights that off! Tanahashi whips, Okada reverses and FLAPJACKS after all! Both men are down again but fans fire back up. Tanahashi and Okada go to opposite corners as the fans rally. Okada glares at Tanahashi, but Tanahashi glares back. They both run in, and Tanahashi dropkicks the legs out! Okada clutches his knee, Tanahashi runs back in at the corner, but Okada pops him up! Alabama Lift, REVERSE NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO!
Okada is frustrated but he drags Tanahashi up. Okada scoops, SLAMS, then goes to the corner. Per the formula, Okada climbs up for the MACHO ELBOW! Okada overshoots just a bit, but he still gives us the Rainmaker Pose! Fans fire up and Okada brings Tanahashi up! But Tanahashi fights the wristlock! Tanahashi swings, into the MONEY CLIP!! Tanahashi endures, fans rally up, but Okada squeezes tighter! Tanahashi fights his way around, reaches out, but Okada brings him from ropes, into a BACK2BACKBREAKER! And then MONEY CLIP!! Okada has Tanahashi stuck on the mat but Tanahashi still endures!
Fans rally with “LET’S GO, ACE!” and Tanahashi fights his way over, ROPEBREAK! Okada lets go in frustration but fans applaud. Tanahashi sputters but Okada drags him up. Okada has the wrist, he brings Tanahashi around, but Tanahashi catches the short arm lariat! Full nelson, but Okada breaks free! Only for Tanahashi to GERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO!! Okada escapes but Tanahashi just fires up again! Tanahashi waits on Okada to stand, then he runs, but Okada scoops! Tanahashi fights free, and SLINGBLADES! Cover, TWO! Okada survives but Tanahashi goes right up the corner! HIGH FLY FLOWÂ to Okada’s back!
Tanahashi goes back up and fans fire back up! HIGH FLY FLOWÂ but onto knees! Okada saves himself but it was double-edged given the damage Tanahashi’s done to those legs! Fans rally up again as both men are down. Tanahashi and Okada both rise slowly and they crawl to each other. Tanahashi throws a forearm, but Okada throws one back! Fans duel as Tanahashi throws another forearm, and Okada throws it back! Tanahashi throws a shot, Okada returns it! Tanahashi stands and eggs Okada on! Fans fire up, Okada stands, and Tanahashi gives yet another forearm! Okada comes back to return that forearm!
Tanahashi hits, Okada hits, repeat! They pick up speed, then Okada wobbles! Fans fire up while the ref checks. Okada returns to throw a forearm! Tanahashi gives it back, and they go back and forth again! Okada uppercuts, but Tanahashi fires a strike fest! Fans fire up, as does Tanahashi, but Okada SHOTGUNS Tanahashi down! Okada staggers over, drags her up, but Tanahashi DRAGON PALMS! Tanahashi runs, into the DROPKICK! Okada roars, fans fire up again, and Okada brings Tanahashi up. Gut wrench, for the LANDSLIDE! Fans fire up again and Okada has Tanahashi in the wristlock! Ripcord, but Tanahashi kicks the bad leg!
Okada still has the wrist, and he shakes his head! But DRAGON PALM catches him first! But Okada still holds the wrist! Fans rally up, Okada swings, into a SLINGBLADE! Tanahashi roars and fans roar with him! Tanahashi goes back up top, and he waits on Okada to stand. HIGH FLY ATTACKÂ into a DROPKICK!?! Okada shoots Tanahashi out of the sky! Now fans roar with Okada, and he ripcords! RAIN- CRADLE!!! TWO!?!?!? Okada escapes by nanoseconds! Tanahashi runs in, into a scoop! Tanahashi slips out, full nelsons, but Okada switches, ripcord, ENZIGURI! And then gut wrench, COBRA FLOWSION!!
Okada fires up, he stands Tanahashi back up, ripcord, RAINMAKER!!! Cover, Okada wins!!
Winner: Kazuchika Okada, by pinfall (still IWGP World Heavyweight Champion)
This may not have been a shocker, but it was still another instant classic between NJPW’s very best! Was this truly the last shot for the Once in a Century Talent? Or can he fight his way back before the end?
As for Okada, he puts on the belt and gets the mic as fans chant his name. Okada says, “SAN JOSEEE~! How was NJPW tonight?” Fans cheer because they loved it! Okada says, “This is pro-wrestling. THIS IS NJPW!” Fans cheer that! “Thank you for your support. Tanahashi-san, we showed what NJPW is! Thank you, Tanahashi-san, arigato gozaimashita.” Fans cheer the sportsmanship, and Okada continues to say, “Tanahashi-san, let’s bring back our dream tag team. Let’s become IWGP Tag Team Champions!” Fans fire up for that! “Let’s make it rain. Let’s make it…” RAIN!” “Let’s make it!” “RAIN!!” Okada fires up hearing that.
Okada also says this is great stuff, this was awesome, and thanks San Jose for this. “See you next time. And when I return as IWGP Tag Team AND World Heavyweight Champion in San Jose, I will make it rain~!” WAIT! Mercedes makes her way back out! Her match counted as a co-main-event, so she wants to stand side by side with the world champion! Okada gets groovy with her theme, and both top champs hold up their titles! Mercedes gets the mic and thanks San Jose “from the bottom of my heart. NJPW, Stardom, you made my dream come true tonight.
“Now, I heard in the back, Okada, you have a dream team in mind. But me and you have a lot in common, so I think this is the true dream team.” Fans like the sound of that, too. Mercedes says, “I know you like to make it rain, but I like to make money. So what do you say? Is it time to make that money?” Could the top two champs in NJPW find a way to make it rain together?
My Thoughts:
An awesome event for NJPW in the states to bring about big stuff from both main stories in Japan and the big stories from NJPW Strong. Great title match from Rosser VS Kenta, but I did not expect Juice to show up and screw Rosser over. Granted, Bullet Club of course helps out Bullet Club (and I’m sure there’s story there from NJPW Strong I don’t know about since I don’t cover NJPW Strong), but Kenta getting this title is a big move. Kenta will basically be running NJPW Strong now with the stateside Bullet Club members, and that makes sense given the shocker in White VS Kingston. White VS Kingston was an awesome match, but I did not think White was going to lose a match that would exile him from the entirety of NJPW.
Now, White’s NJPW contract is said to be up soon, so it seems he’s not even gonna serve it out on NJPW Strong. White has plenty of options, from the companies NJPW works with in Impact and AEW, to even going all the way to the WWE. As exciting as the latter is, I feel like White will try and make it work in the other companies first. He’s done plenty in Impact, and done a bit in AEW per the Forbidden Door crossover, he could easily continue those stories in full. And on top of that, I did not expect David Finlay of all people to go after White and use that for a Heel turn. I suppose they could use that story in Impact if Finlay still dabbles over there, because this seemed like such a big moment for them both to let it be something that never gets resolved.
As for if White were to actually go to the WWE, I would think he goes straight to the main roster, and he could even join up with Judgment Day. It’d play on the NJPW kayfabe that Finn Balor gave him the nod when it came to White joining and taking over Bullet Club. Then you can have a lot of fun, whether it’s White making Judgment Day even stronger, to usurping it from Finn like Finn did Edge. The betrayal would even fit White’s MO, as he rejected Kenny Omega’s Bullet Club to then betray Chaos and go Bullet Club after all. It may not be the Switchblade Era, but the wrestling world is White’s oyster.
Great tag match from MCMG VS WCWC, in which Royce & Jorel looked strong even in defeat. I’m not as familiar with MCMG’s story in Impact, but I don’t know the likelihood of MCMG losing either set of belts just yet. Everyone agrees they’re a great tag team, I wonder if they try to get in on AEW stories in the same way FTR was getting in on NJPW stories. Then we got some really wild stuff out of the Filthy Rules Fight, and I certainly didn’t think we’d see a door used in place of a table. Lawlor winning makes sense, given what was mentioned about Homicide tearing through Team Filthy. Lawlor shows why he’s leader of Team Filthy, and could be headed for a title after this win.
And then we got great title matches to finish this off. The NJPW World TV title’s 15 minute time limit continues to be a great driving force in the pace and the choreography of these matches, and Connors looks great even in defeat. Kevin Knight stepping up was a nice touch after his team won earlier tonight. NJPW executives themselves said this title was to elevate the younger generation in the roster, so we’re seeing a lot of Young Lion graduates truly getting their 15 minutes of fame.
Kairi VS Mercedes put on an amazing match for the Women’s Championship, and again, I did not see a table spot coming. I do feel bad for Kairi losing, as she only had that title for 90 days with one successful defense. Granted, Kairi fought through the tournament to be crowned champion, but her defense at WrestleKingdom was the shortest match on the card by far. Mercedes is great, but I think this move was mostly for buzz, though Mercedes can obviously connect with the American audience on the fact she speaks English fluently. Okada VS Tanahashi was also awesome, but it was a foregone conclusion Okada would win.
What is truly intriguing is that Okada wants to try that dream team stuff again, and must now target his own Chaos teammates, Goto & Hashi, if he wants to be a double champion. I’m not saying Okada will go Heel, despite some of the meaner tactics he’s been taking lately, but Goto & Hashi are gonna feel some kinda way about this news. And Mercedes standing beside Okada did make for a great photo op, but also her teasing some kind of Mixed Tag run is fun. NJPW works together with AAA and AEW, the current AAA Mixed Tag Team Champions are AEW’s Sammy Guevara & Tay Melo, and I would love to see that feud just for the promos out of Mercedes and Tay. NJPW is definitely positioning itself to have the most buzz in 2023, and is gonna bring its friends along with it.
My Score: 9/10
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Time to burn it down!
Ahead of entering the Royal Rumble, Seth Rollins and Drew McIntyre go one more round in a rematch from WrestleMania 40!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Kofi Kingston w/ Xavier Woods VS Rey Mysterio; Rey wins.
- Bayley VS Nia Jax; Nia wins.
- PENTA VS Pete Dunne; Penta wins.
- Damage CTRL VS Pure Fusion Collective; DMG CTRL wins.
- Seth Rollins VS Drew McIntyre; Rollins wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
Nia Jax ambushes Rhea Ripley!
The Irresistible Force is here on Raw to face Bayley, but she’s getting her payback on Mami for last week! She dribbles Rhea into the steel chain link fencing again and again, even as security and Adam Pearce rush in! They get Nia to stop, but Rhea is pissed! Will Nia regret riling up Rhea Bloody Ripley?
Jey Uso is here!
Dallas fires up and bounces along as it’s time to YEET! Michael Cole does his best to keep up with the beat as Main Event Jey makes his way down the bleachers. Wade Barrett is subbing in for Pat McAfee (the NCAA College Football Championship is also tonight), and Wade says Maggle looks like a “drunk grandpa” doing the YEET. Jey makes it to ringside, he high fives Maggle, then goes to the ring. But the YEET doesn’t slow down, it just keeps going! Jey grabs a mic and tells Dallas, “Main Event Jey Uso is now in your citaaaaaa~!” The fans cheer and join in with a “YEET!” Jey says this weekend, “YEET!” Saturday Night’s Main Event, “YEET!” Jey takes home the big one!
But then before Jey can continue, GUNTHER makes his way out here! Der Ring General, World Heavyweight Championship around his waist, makes his way right to the ring. Gunther grabs himself a mic while the fans boo. Jey paces but Gunther tells him, “Lemme guess, the next thing you were about to say is you were going to win the World Heavyweight title.” Jey confirms, he is gonna beat Gunther, then hang the title up in his room. Gunther says Jey really is “a funny little man.” But let’s not act like we both know it won’t happen. Last week, Jey was right here in front of Gunther, and he said every morning, he looks in the mirror and bets on himself.
The thing is, Gunther believes Jey. Gunther was looking forward to Saturday to square off with Main Event Jey Uso. Until today, when he saw Jey walking in here acting like that conversation last week never happened. Not after seeing Jey act like a complete DORK! Like he’s the company mascot for the fans! At this point, Gunther doesn’t even care. He could jsut as well get challenged by Jimmy Uso. Jey tells Gunther to not say something about his brother. Gunther says it doesn’t matter what Jey says, he never follows up with his actions! The fans are the only ones naive enough to believe everything Jey says. Gunther does not.
Bet on yourself? Until when? Until Roman Reigns whistles for him? Until Sami Zayn needs him? Until Jimmy needs him? Even Cody needed Jey and Jey showed up! All that makes Jey is a useful idiot, and Jey doesn’t even see it! Jey, your words and your actions do not align. Gunther’s always do! So on Saturday, when the bell rings, Gunther exposes Jey for the flash in the pan that has NO business being even this close to the World Heavyweight Championship. The fans boo but Gunther tells Jey to go. The fans “YEET! YEET! YEET!” but Jey says Gunther’s right again. Everything Gunther just said is true again.
Jey is the mascot of the WWE. And the fans here are his team. The fans are his squad. They ride with him! “YEET!” Slide with him! “YEET!” And they will be with him when he beats Gunther for the world championship! “YEET!” Jey reminds us he respects Gunther. But Gunther will respect Jey, too. Because only one of them in this ring main-evented a WrestleMania, and it ain’t Gunther. But then Gunther DECKS Jey! Gunther stomps Jey, the fans boo, but then Gunther DECKS Jey again! Gunther stands Jey up, but Jey TACKLES Gunther! Jey rains down fists and teh fans fire up! Gunther gets up, but Jey fires more hands!
Jey has Gunther’s shirt over his head for a hockey scrum! Gunther gets free, but Jey SUPERKICKS him down! The fans all “YEET!” while Der Ring General retreats! Jey has the belt and he dares Gunther to come get it! Jey drops it at the ropes, Gunther storms up to the apron, but Gunther stays back. Gunther leaves Dallas with the belt tonight, but will Jey leave San Antonio with it this Saturday?
The New Day walks the halls.
And then they spot someone. “Finally, somebody who understands!” JBL is here! They all shake hands, and JBL loves seeing them. Kofi Kingston says JBL is not just a champion and a Hall of Famer, but he’ll be on commentary tonight for The New Day’s match with that “hypocrite of a locker room leader,” Rey Mysterio. JBL should let New Day know they are the victims of a disgusting smear campaign! Kofi even sweetens the deal with a whole $2. Kofi says JBL understands being in a tag team but having to cut the deadweight to get ahead. And when he did, what happened? He had the greatest success of his career!
Not as great as The New Day, but please, be an acolyte for ya bois! JBL says yes, he does “get it.” Big E, all the muscles and charisma and personality, everywhere they go, the fans love Big E. Everyone chants for New Day, for Big E. You get rid of him, the fans have to pay attention to Kofi & Woods! Wow, okay. Backhanded compliments? Be that way. The New Day heads out, JBL asks if he can keep the two bucks. Will Kofi & Woods finally see who’s really in the wrong? Or will they continue to have a bad day here on Raw?
Backstage interview with Bayley.
Cathy Kelley is with the “busiest superstar” in WWE right now, as Bayley was on Raw, NXTÂ and SmackDown all last week. And she has an announcement to make, so for those who ahven’t heard, could she share? Yes, cat is out of the bag, Bayley is back on Raw officially via the Transfer Window! She started here after her NXT call-up, so it just feels right. But also, she is declaring for the 2025 Women’s Royal Rumble! And if you remember, she won the 2024 Rumble, so going back to back sounds really good. She could choose Tiffany Stratton, she could choose Rhea Ripley, or- Nia Jax interrupts.
Nia says Bayley can have Rhea, Nia gets Tiffy. Also, Nia is going to win the Women’s Rumble, not Bayley. Oh, yeah, Bayley did see what Nia did to Rhea earlier. If Nia wants to try that, Bayley dares her. Nia says she’ll see Bayley out there. Nia leaves, but will the Irresistible Force rough Bayley up the same way she did Rhea? Or will Bayley continue to be the Role Model, even after changing brands?
Kofi Kingston w/ Xavier Woods VS Rey Mysterio!
Raw returns and JBL is out there with Wade and Maggle already. The New Day makes their entrance, and they hate their song! They have it turn off, they get the tron to stop, and Woods says they already told the idiots in production that they’re no longer using that stuff! It’s ya bois, the NEW~ DAY~, and Dallas is starting to piss Kofi off! They have been doing this for too long and too well to be disrespected like this. They are walking Hall of Famers, unlike this FRAUD, JBL! JBL, give him that money back! Kofi snatches it out of JBL’s lapel pocket. Woods says Rey’s getting the brakes beat off him by the one and only Kofi Kingston~! BECAUSE NEW! DAY- “SUCKS!”
The fans chant “NEW! DAY SUCKS!” and the bell rings. Kofi and Rey circle, feel things out, and Kofi waistlocks to then headlock, waistlock, and he shoves Rey to a corner. The fans boo but Kofi soaks up that heat. JBL says this is the only time he’ll cheer a “deadbeat dad” like Rey. Rey and Kofi tie up, Rey waistlocks but Kofi switches to SLAM Rey down! Kofi slaps Rey around, and the fans boo as Kofi & Woods soak up the heat. Kofi taunts Rey, Rey and Kofi reset, and they tie up. Rey wrenches, hammerlocks, but Kofi wrenches out. Kofi wristlocks, Rey rolls and kips up, then Rey wrenches to headlock.
Kofi powers up and out, drops down then CLOBBERS Rey! The fans boo but Kofi keeps moving. Rey drops down, blows past Kofi, then tilt-o-whirls to RANA! Kofi staggers up, Rey dropkicks the legs out! Kofi is on ropes, Rey dials it up, but Kofi ducks the 619! Rey then PLANCHAS, but Kofi moves! Rey is on the apron, Kofi YANKS him down! The fans tell Kofi off but he drags Rey up and into the ring. Kofi then fires UPPERCUTS on Kofi, CHOKES him in the corner, then stomps a mudhole in! The ref counts, Kofi steps off, and then Kofi whips corner to corner. Rey reverses, runs up, but Kofi SWING KICKS! Rey GAMANGIRIS in return!
Rey RAMS Kofi, slingshots and SUNSET- NO, Kofi holds on, and he CLUBS Rey down! The fans boo but Kofi brings Rey in! Woods says watch this, “Hall of Famer!” Kofi lifts Rey, Rey pops free, but Kofi stomps away on him! Kofi glares at JBL, then he drags Rey up. The fans boo but Kofi SMACKS Rey off the apron. Kofi then reels Rey in, but Rey RANAS Kofi into the steel steps! The fans fire up as Rey rises, and Raw goes to break.
Raw returns and Kofi has Rey down with an armlock. Rey fights to his feet, the fans fire up, and the forearms go back and forth! Kofi ROCKS Rey, Rey ROCKS Kofi, but then Kofi kicks low! Kofi whips, Rey ducks ‘n’ dodges, then Rey leaps to FLYING FOREARM! Both men are down and the fans fire up again. Woods coaches Kofi while Rey goes to the apron. Rey then goes to the corner, but Kofi hurries over that way. Kofi fires body shots, then he climbs up after Rey. Kofi brings Rey up but Rey fires body shots in return! Rey BENDS Kofi’s fingers, then he HEADBUTTS Kofi! Kofi staggers up, Rey hits the SEATED SENTON!
Rey gets moving, but Kofi ducks the springboard crossbody! Kofi sunset flip, but Rey rolls through, basement DROPKICK! Cover, TWO! Kofi goes to a corner, Rey CLUBS him, and the fans rally. The ref gets between them, but Kofi pokes Rey in the eyes! Kofi leaps, CROSSBODY SPLASH to the back! Cover, TWO! The fans rally for Rey as he stays in this. The fans chant “NEW! DAY SUCKS!” Woods argues with a fan, Kofi aims, TROUBLE IN- NO, Rey dodges, then comes back to RANA! Kofi is on ropes, Rey dials it up! But Woods trips Rey! The ref saw that clear as day! Woods argues with the ref, but the ref EJECTS Woods!
The fans fire up while Woods throws a fit! Rey DECKS Woods! But Kofi CLOBBERS Rey! The fans boo, but Kofi hauls Rey up! Rey victory rolls Kofi onto ropes! Rey redials, 619!! And then the springboard, but onto knees! Kofi covers, TWO!! Rey survives, the fans fire up, but Kofi seethes. Kofi hauls Rey up, clinches, S O- NO! Rey makes the SOS a cover, REY WINS!
Winner: Rey Mysterio, by pinfall
But Woods CLBOBERS Rey from behind! The New Day mugs Rey, the fans boo more, but here comes the LWO! Joaquin Wilde & Cruz Del Toro run The New Day off! The fans boo, Cruz & Wilde check Rey, but then the New Day sneak back in! They drag Wilde out to POST him! Cruz hurries but now New Day retreats for real! Insult to injury here, but will Kofi & Woods continue to be blinded by their own arrogance?
Backstage interview with Team American Made.
Cathy Kelley waits as Chad Gable is arguing with his own people, then says okay, sorry, he was inspiring the team. But yeah, he’s the talk of the whole freakin’ wrestling world the past week, but he is man enough to admit he has a problem. And it all started with losing to Penta last week! It was Dragon Lee before that, and Rey Mysterio before that. Gable asks, “What’re we gonna do her?” But he’s figured it out! He found a man who knows a thing or two about lucha libre, and that man is intelligent with a mustache to match. That man is Dominik Mysterio! While Dom helps Gable with his lucha problem, the team has their marching order.
Ivy Nile says there’s a Women’s Intercontinental Championship with her name all over it. Brutus says those tag titles should’ve already had their names on them, HAHA~! Julius mocks how War Raiders cry about “One more injury~ and we’re done forever~!” Like that’s something to be proud of? No more asking, they’re just taking! They’ll take those tag titles from a team near the end of their career and put them on a team that’s entering their prime. Gable says this team that bleeds red, white ‘n’ blue will have waists wrapped in gold, and it will be glorious. Team American Made heads out, but can Dirty Dom really help Gable clean up his act?
Sami Zayn is here!
Dallas sings his song, and the Underdog from the Underground goes right to the ring. He grabs a mic and thanks Dallas for that, that never gets old. But he wont’ beat around the bush, he’ll just get right to business. Sami spoke with Adam Pearce, and Sami is now officially entered into the 2025 Men’s Royal Rumble match! The fans like the sound of that! Sami says Rollins told him he’s already helped a lot of others, so time to help himself. Well, Sami thought about that, and thought about what he wants. When he thought about that, it opened a whole bunch of thoughts. Sami pictured what 14-year-old Sami wanted.
Sami thought about what the millions around the world who dream of becoming pro-wrestlers, and the thousands who actually live the dream and get to do it. And then the even smaller group lucky enough to call themselves WWE Superstars. And then the smallest group of all, the hardest to crack into at all, is the upper echelon, the top tier, and that is where Sami is now! The fans cheer, and Sami firmly believes he is as good as everyone else in that group. That group is all in the Royal Rumble, and the only difference between Sami and the others, aka Roman, McIntyre, Rollins, and so on, is that they all have a world title to their name… and Sami doesn’t.
Sami has said it before, he’ll say it again, he’s had a great life, a great career. He doesn’t need the world title to complete him. The fans have supported Sami throughout the years, and believe it or not, that support means more to him than any world title could ever mean! So no, Sami does not need that world title, but DAMMIT, he WANTS it!! The fans love that! Sami says 14-year-old Sami wants that title, and he’s still with Sami! That kid sets foot in this ring every time Sami does. So Sami doesn’t need it, he wants it, so he will TAKE IT! WAIT, Kevin Owens is here!? The fans boo and Sami is certainly stunned seeing SmackDown’s Prizefighter back on Raw.
Kevin, who is still carrying the “Winged Eagle” title, while wearing a Bret Hart merchandise jacket, makes his way to the ring. Kevin grabs the mic, and while fans boo, he looks to Sami. Sami says he knew it was a matter of time before Kevin showed up. How does Kevin wanna do this? Kevin asks what Sami means. Sami knows Kevin. We all saw what Kevin did to Cody over teaming with Roman, so how’s this going down? Aw, is that why Sami thinks Kevin is here? No, Kevin admits, he was upset at first. But he realizes now that Sami teaming with Roman isn’t the same as Cody teaming with Roman.
Sami and Roman had a lot of history, the same as Sami and Kevin. And Roman did terrible things to Sami that Sami overlooked, just as Kevin did to Sami that Sami has overlooked. Or rather, Sami forgave Kevin for those things. Same as him forgiving Roman! Because that is who Sami is: Sami is a good person. And Rollins is right, Sami does a lot for others, especially his friends. And well, Sami is still Kevin’s best friend. A brother even! Kevin is here to tell his brother that he whole heartedly believes Sami can and will win the Royal Rumble. Kevin knows that the Sami he’s known for 20 YEARS will win the Royal Rumble!
And why? Because Sami deserves it! Sami deserves to go to WrestleMania and fight for the WWE Championship, and Kevin knows Sami will do it! Then Kevin and Sami can accomplish one more thing together. Think of everything they’ve done and seen each other do in this business. They main-evented WrestleMania to become tag team champions. But there’s one more thing they haven’t done: main event WrestleMania for THE WWE Championship. And when Sami wins the Rumble, they can do that, so long as Kevin walks away THE WWE Champion. But Kevin knows both of those things are going to happen.
Kevin knows Sami will win the Rumble because Kevin has his back. He does. And Kevin knows he’ll be THE WWE Champion because just like Sami had Roman’s back, he’s got Kevin’s back. Right? Kevin just knows it. Sami is his best friend, his brother, and if Kevin needs him, Sami will be there. Kevin drops his mic and heads out, but Sami is rather confused. Is Kevin suggesting Sami do what it sounds like? What will Sami do on this Road to WrestleMania?
Backstage interview with Sheamus.
Cathy is with The Fella and brings up his Intercontinental Championship match he has this Saturday against Bron Breakker. Why is this title so important to him? Sheamus says many would look at his career, and say he has the perfect backwards WWE career. He was only six months into his career, and he beat one of the biggest names this business has ever seen in John Cena to become WWE Champion. Ironically, the Intercontinental Champioship is what drew Sheamus to the WWE. That title has become an obsession for the past five years, but guess what? The stars are aligned! Saturday Night’s Main Event, Sheamus will bust Bron aside and fulfill destiny!
Sheamus will win the last championship he has yet to win! And for everyone who is watching, Let’s Go, Irish! A quick shoutout to Notre Dame, but then Sheamus spots Bron Breakker. Bron tells Sheamus that this title is Bron’s. This is as close as Sheamus will ever get to winning it. Because on Saturday, Bron beats him and BREAKS him like an old man! So just do us all a favor and retire. Sheamus shoves Bron, but Bron laughs it off and takes his leave. Will the Celtic Warrior finally have his WWE Bingo in another banger? Or will this title still belong to Bron Breakker?
Bayley VS Nia Jax!
The Role Model and the Irresistible Force were just on SmackDown but they’re bringing their beef over to Raw! Will Bayley make her official transfer back a successful one? Or will Nia be rolling towards the Royal Rumble?
Well, well, well, Roxanne Perez seems to be stalking Bayley. She was in the crowd for SmackDown last Friday, and now she’s here in the crowd tonight. The bell rings, Nia runs up, but Bayley dodges! Nia hits buckles, Bayley fires hands, then runs to ELBOW her! Bayley climbs up to rain down fists! The fans count, Bayley ges to 6 before Nia brings her off the corner! Bayley still fights, but Nia stops the rana! Nia brings Bayley up to a fireman’s carry, but Bayley kicks off ropes! TORNADO DDT! Cover, TWO! Nia sits up but Bayley fires hands! Bayley runs, but into a POP-UP HEADBUTT! Bayley sputters, Nia covers, ONE!!
Bayley scrambles away but Nia stalks her. Nia puts Bayley on the ropes, CHOKES her, but the ref counts. Nia lets off at 4, she soaks up some heat, then she HEADBUTTS Bayley again. Bayley goes to a corner, Nia digs her boot in, but the ref counts. Nia stops at 4, the fans boo some more, and Bayley crawls. Nia drags Bayley up, pushes her down, then runs, only for Bayley to avoid the elbow drop! Bayley fires forearms, then whips. Nia takes a swing but Bayley gets around to hit a back suplex! Cover, TWO! Nia is tougher than that but she’s also dazed. Bayley rises, runs in, but Nia URENAGES Bayley down! Now Nia climbs the corner!
The fans fire up as Bayley SHOVES Nia to the apron! Bayley BOOTS Nia to the floor, then builds speed! Bayley DIVES, down goes Nia! The fans fire up and Bayley gets in Roxie’s face! Roxie takes a swing, but Bayley blocks! Bayley DECKS Roxie! The fans go wild, security stops Roxie from getting at Bayley! Bayley mocks the little idiot, then goes back for Nia while Raw goes to break.
Raw returns and Nia drags Bayley up. Nia drops a LEG on the arm! Cover, TWO!! Bayley survives and Nia grows frustrated. Nia taunts Bayley, the fans boo Nia, and Bayley sits up. Nia drags Bayley by her hair, then runs, but Bayley avoids the leg drop! Bayley hurries to ELBOW Nia in the back! And then SLIDING LARIAT! Bayley keeps moving, and drops an ELBOW! Cover, TWO! Nia survives the onslaught but the fans rally for Bayley. Both women slowly rise up, and Bayley runs up to KNEE Nia out to the apron! Bayley then drags Nia in through the ropes, but Nia HOTSHOTS the bad arm!
Bayley writhes, Nia taunts the fans, then Nia goes back to the apron. Nia stands on Bayley’s bad arm! But Bayley avoids another leg drop! Nia clutches her lower back while she and Bayley both rise up again. Bayley runs in to SUNSET FLIP BUCKLE BOMB! Nia flops to the floor and the fans fire up! Bayley leaves Nia behind for the count to handle this. Nia is still down at 5 of 10, and at 7! Nia springs up and in at 8! But Bayley goes up, up, and she hits a BANZAI DROP! Cover, TWO! Bayley didn’t quite A-Nia-Late Nia, but she goes up to ELBOW DROP! Cover, TWO! Nia survives again but if only barely!
The fans rally as Bayley brings Nia up. Nia shoves Bayley away, then scoops her, SHOULDER BUSTER! Cover, TWO! Bayley stays in this and the fans rally up again. Bayley goes to a corner, Nia runs in, and Nia SPLASHES Bayley! Bayley flounders against the ropes, then Nia runs in. Bayley TOSSES Nia to the apron, but Nia ROCKS Bayley! Nia drags Bayley up, and POSTS her! Bayley dangles in the ropes, and Nia snarls. Nia runs to HIP ATTACK Bayley against the post! Bayley flounders back in, the fans boo, and Nia climbs up! But Bayley is up to YANK Nia down! The fans fire up as Bayley runs, and she KNEES Nia down! Cover, TWO!!
Nia survives yet again but the fans continue to rally behind Bayley. Bayley goes up a corner, but now Nia is up! Nia ROCKS Bayley, then climbs up after her. Nia fireman’s carries, but Bayley squirms around! SUPER SUNSET FLIP BOMB!! Cover, TWO?!?! Nia survives that wild fall but Bayley goes right back up! MACHO ELBOW!! Cover, TWO!!! Nia survives again and Bayley is beside herself! Nia and Bayley rise, and the fans fire up again. Bayley reels Nia in, but the bad arm won’t let her clinch! Nia fireman’s carries, but Bayley fights free! Bayley runs, CHOP BLOCKS a leg, then hurries to run again. Nia POP-UP SAMOAN DROPS!!
Nia hurries to SENTON! Then she drags Bayley to a drop zone! Nia goes up, to A-NIA-LATE Bayley! Cover, Nia wins!!
Winner: Nia Jax, by pinfall
A powerful battle between two former champions, but the Irresistible Force crushes Bayley on her return to Raw! But wait! RHEA RIPLEY makes her way out here! Mami wants revenge, and Nia says bring it! They brawl in the ring, the fans fire up, and Rhea HEADBUTTS Nia! Rhea RAMS Nia into the corner again and again, but here comes security! The fans want to “LET THEM FIGHT!” but the two are separated! But then Nia breaks free to SPLASH Rhea and whoever else was in the way! Nia CLUBS away on Rhea, producers and refs rush out here to stop this, but Rhea is up! She LEAPS at Nia for more!
The fans are thunderous as Rhea shoves everyone out of the way to ROUNDHOUSE Nia! Nia falls out of the ring, but rhea isn’t done! Rhea goes to the apron, but Nia trips her up! Nia DRIBBLES Rhea off the announce desk! Nia now clears the desk, and Adam Pearce is shouting that this is enough! Nia puts Rhea on the desk, but security swarms her! Wait, Rhea is back up! CANNONBALL!! Rhea takes Nia and the security guards out! The fans fire up but producers have to drag Rhea away from Nia! Dallas cheers on “MAMI! MAMI!” and she grabs a mic. Rhea gets on the desk to shout, “YOU! ME! SATURDAY NIGHT’S MAIN EVENT!!”
The fans are all fired up, because now things are going to get wild in San Antonio! But will the Queen of the Ring A-Nia-Late Rhea? Or will Nia get eradicated?
Judgment Day meets with American Made.
The others aren’t so sure about this, but Chad Gable says Dom said he could help with Gable’s luchador problem. Does he have some info? C’mon! Help him out! Okay, okay. Dom has someone who can help Gable. Dom hands him a piece of paper, and Gable asks, “This is the guy?” Dom says it sure is. Gable tells Judgment Day and “JD McDouche” that he’s off to master the dark arts of lucha libre. The others ask Dom what this is all about. Dom says it’s a long story but he and Gable go way back. Okay, fine, but how does this help Judgment Day? Next week is the tag title rematch but Finn is still out of action from last week’s Street Fight!
Liv Morgan says listening to Finn hasn’t really helped them win, has it? C’mon, Liv, this is serious. They’re gonna have to forfeit! Dom says maybe he could sub in. Finn shouldn’t care so long as they get the titles back, right? JD says yeah, that’s a good point. They’ll get this. Liv says yeah, Finn should be fine. And Dom is quite the mastermind now, huh? Liv just hopes this plan goes better than the one he had for her match with Rhea. Hey, didn’t she say she was over that? Yes, she did. Can Dom not take a joke? Okay, okay. Dom does have a plan for Liv, though. And even though she’s not mad, he’ll make it up to her, okay? Oh, he will. Now, let’s go.
Liv & Dom head out, Raquel tells Carlito to stop staring. Will Judgment Day (not) keep it together?
Lyra Valkyria speaks.
“Last week, I walked into Raw ready to become a history maker. And that meant spreading my wings and shedding any dead feathers that made me doubt the heights I knew I was capable of reaching. I took fear, I took doubt, and I used them to become something more. And now that I have this, it’s about what comes next. And what comes next is building a legacy as a valiant, fighting Women’s Intercontinental Champion.” The Morrigan is ready for more, just how high will she soar?
WWE celebrates Martin Luther King Jr.
He had a dream, and that dream lives on in us. May we keep that dream alive so that it may come true every day.
Seth Rollins warms up backstage.
Sami checks with him and knows the match with McIntyre is coming up. But Sami just wants Rollins to know that as a friend, he appreciated the talk they had last week. Rollins knows, and he heard Sami out there. Rollins respects Sami’s choice. It’s about time we got that Sami back. And Sami is almost rooting for that Sami. But push comes to shove int he Rumble, Rollins will throw Sami right over the top rope. Sami says, “Not if I throw you out first.” Sami again wishes Rollins luck, then heads out. Rollins finishes his preparations, but Karrion Kross is watching from afar! Could Mr. Doomsday have his next target in mind?
PENTA VS Pete Dunne!
#CeroMiedo made its debut in the WWE just last week, and it was a massive hit! But now he’s up against a man who feels disrespected left, right, front and back! Will the Bruiserweight take out all his frustrations on the new kid in class? Or will Penta continue to blow the roof off the arenas?
The bell rings and the fans already chant, “CERO! MIEDO!” Penta tells Dunne to listen, but Dunne grabs the hand! Penta KICKS Dunne, but Dunne CHOPS! Penta CHOPS, Dunne CHOPS, then the forearms start flying! Dunne headlocks, Penta fires body shots, and Penta powers out. Penta hurdles then mule kicks Dunne, and Dunne sputters away. Penta swaggers, but Dunne CLOBBERS him! The fans boo but Dunne grabs an arm. Dunne hammerlocks that arm, pulls on the other, and he bends the fingers back! Dunne STOMPS Penta’s arm! The fans tell Dunne off while Penta writhes, but Dunne drags Penta up again.
Dunne wrenches and whips, but Penta reverses. Then Penta runs up to GAMANGIRI! Penta whips again, Dunne reverses and he GAMANGIRIS! Penta sputters, Dunne brings him up, and Dunne whips. Penta reverses. Dunne goes up and flips and SUPERKICK from Penta! Penta hits Dunne outta the sky and Dunne bails out of the ring! The fans fire up and Penta says, “CERO! MIEDO!” Penta runs and DIVES into a forearm! Dunne gives back that anti-air, then he reels Penta in. APRON X-PLEX! Penta writhes again while Raw goes to break.
Raw returns, Dunne runs up to SLIDING FOREARM Penta down! The fans boo while Penta sputters, but Dunne runs up to SLIDINGN FOREARM again! Dunne paces, the fans chant, “Butch Sucks!” but Dunne just runs up on Penta. Penta dodges, mule kicks, and he runs to SLING-DOG! Dunne flounders to a corner, Penta runs and headstands on the corner! SWINGING DROPKICK! Dunne sputters more but Penta fireman’s carries. The fans fire up for the SWINGINGN DEATH VALLEY! Cover, TWO! Penta is frustrated, but the fans rally up again. Penta and Dunne rise up, and Penta goes after Dunne. Dunne ENZIGIRIS first!
Dunne STMOPS the hands, then he BUZZSAWS! Penta goes to a corner, Dunne runs up, but Penta SUPERKICKS! Penta runs up, DESTROYER!! Dunne tumbles out of the ring! The fans fire up with Penta and he builds speed again! Penta FLIES and down goes Dunne! The fans are thunderous while both men are out at the ramp! Penta and Dunne stir, the ring count climbs, and Dunne is in at 5 of 10. Penta rises at 6, and he slaps some sense into himself. Penta is back in at 7, DES- NO, Dunne stops the second shot and tucks Penta in! CRUNCHY DRIVER!! Cover, TWO!! Penta survives and the fans fire up!
Penta shakes out the bad arm, but he and Dunne sit up. They go forehead to forehead, then forearm for forearm! Dunne CHOPS, but Penta CHOPS! The fans cheer Penta on and he tells Dunne to listen! “CERO! MIEDO!” But Dunne bends the fingers, SNAPS them, then wraps Penta into a TRIANGLE HOLD! Penta endures, fights up, and he deadlifts Dunne, for a POWER BREAKER!! Dunne writhes, Penta grabs Dunne’s arm and traps it! Penta CLUBS Dunne, then grabs the other arm, SACRIFICE!! Dunne writhes in even more pain, but Penta brings him around. Pump handle, PENTA DRIVER!! Cover, Penta wins!
Winner: Penta, by pinfall
The luchador proved he could do power on top of punishing submissions, and he is 2-0 here on Raw! Will the Penta Era take over the WWE?
Logan Paul speaks.
“Man, it must suck to be a Logan Paul hater. For years, all of you have wanted me to fail. But you know why it’s never happened, and it never will? Because when I do something, I become the best at it. I became the King of the Internet. I was the only man in history to beat Floyd Mayweather. So what makes you think the WWE will be any different? Look around, dummies. This is my life now. And I will eat, sleep and breathe wrestling until I become the greatest superstar to step into that ring. You can quote me on that. You’re looking at the GOAT, ladies and gentlemen.” The Maverick makes his return next week in Atlanta, will he receive a “warm welcome?”
CM Punk is here!
The Voice of the Voiceless, the Second City Saint, the Best in the World, takes a page out of Jey Uso’s playbook by entering through the concourse and then the bleachers! Dallas fires up as he joins Jackie Redmond in the perch for an interview. Jackie says the fans love chanting Punk’s name, and thanks him for coming out here for this in-arena interview. Punk says before any questions, he has a question for us: “Is it great to be alive on a Monday night in Dallas, Texas or what?!” The fans cheer that, and Jackie says of course it is.
But to the question: There are only so many ways to get to the main event of WrestleMania, something Punk wants to do for the first time in his career. The Royal Rumble is certainly one way, but that is a match he’s never won. And it is shaping to become one of the most stacked fields ever. Punk, Roman, John Cena, Seth Rollins, Drew McIntyre, Sami Zayn, and more. So, the question is, what makes this Rumble different for Punk? Punk says, “History.” And he is a maker of history! Just three weeks ago, he main-evented the first Raw live on Netflix, and he beat Rollins, a man favored to win this year’s Rumble.
This business is a fickle one, constantly asking, “What have you down for me lately?” Punk says he makes history! And he’ll do it in two weeks when he walks in, throws 29 other superstars over the top rope. The stakes are much too high, the lights are much too bright, and the pressure is on! And that is when Punk feels alive and when he thrives. No one can beat Punk when he’s at his best and with the people behind him. Jackie brought up Cena, but Punk can’t see Cena throwing him out. Roman Reigns? Roman needed Punk’s help to settle family business at WarGames. And in the Rumble, there are no friends!
Punk has put McIntyre in the dirt, and don’t ask him about Sami. You put HOGAN in the rumble, Punk will throw his old ass out and kill Hulkamania once and for all! February 1st, 60 THOUSAND strong, on the Peacock, live and in living color, Indianapolis, Indiana, Punk will settle scores and cash in debts. He’ll even call in a favor or two if he needs to. On that night, 29 other men are going night-night, and ONE MAN gets his hand raised. One name, three syllables: C, M, PUNK! “CM” might stand for “Confident Man” right about now, but will Punk be unstoppable on this road not just to WrestleMania, but also the road to his dream?
Damage CTRL VS Pure Fusion Collective!
This rivalry went back and forth all over 2024, and it doesn’t seem to be slowing down just because it is a New Year. Will Dakota Kai & Iyo Sky finally kick PFC to the curb for what they did to Kairi Sane? Or will Sonya Deville, Shayna Baszler & Zoey Stark put them on the shelf right beside the Pirate Princess?
The teams sort out, the bell rings, and Kai starts against Shayna. Shayna opens with a KICK to the leg, but Kai walks that off. Shayna KCIKS again, Kai gets mad, and the two go again. Kai blocks one kick but not the second KCIK! Shayna runs up, fakes Kai out, then trips her up! Shayna scuffs Kai, then soaks up the heat. Shayna runs back in, but Kai goes up and over to roll her up! TWO, and Kai slips past Shayna to DROPKICK her down! The fans fire up for Kai, but Shayna stops the arm-drag! Shayna whips, Kai stops herself and BOOTS Shayna away. Kai runs up, Zoey tags in before the flying mare!
Things speed up, Shayna drops down and Zoey springboards to MISSILE DORPKICK Kai down! Sonya wants everyone to take notes! Zoey clamps onto Kai with a chinlock and she grinds Kai down. The fans rally, Kai fights up, and Kai fires body shots. Zoey CLUBS Kai, CLUBS her again and again, then soaks up heat. Zoey puts Kai in the corner, tags Shayna back in, and then Zoey whips Shayna in for a KNEE! Shayna scoops Kai, BACKBREAKER and LARIAT! Shayna covers, TWO! Kai stays in this, but Sonya says her team’s got this. Kai crawls, but Shayna clamps onto the leg for a toehold.
Kai endures, kicks at Shayna with her free leg, but Shayna still bends the trapped leg! The fans rally, Kai kicks and kicks, but Shayna drops an ELBOW on the leg! Shayna tells Dallas to shut it, then she drags Kai around to bend the leg in another direction! Kai endures, reaches out for Iyo, but Shayna pulls the leg. Kai kicks at Shayna again, then BOOTS her away! Kai and Shayna crawl, hot tag to Zoey! Zoey brings Kai up but Kai ENZIGIRIS! Shayna runs back in, but Kai TOSSES her out! Hot tag to Iyo! The Genius of the Sky fires SHOTEI after SHOTEI on Zoey! Iyo ROCKS Shayna, then runs! PFC avoids the handsprings, but Iyo blocks a kick!
Iyo sends the foot at Zoey, but she ducks! Iyo SHOTEIS Zoey again! Then she dodges Shayna to GERMAN SUPLEX her away! The fans fire up as Iyo whips Zoey. Zoey reverses but Iyo uses that to DIVE onto Shayna! Iyo hurries up, blocks a shot, then ROUDNHOUSES Zoey! The fans fire up as Iyo climbs, and Iyo MISSILE DROPKICKS Zoey! Iyo handsprings up and the fans are thunderous! Iyo aims from the corner, runs in and SHINKANSEN! Iyo drags Zoey to a cover, TWO! Zoey survives but Iyo goes up. Sonya storms up, but Kai YANKS Sonya down! The fans fire up as Iyo climbs, but Shayna LARIATS Kai!
Zoey YANKS Iyo down, SUPERKICKS her, and then reels her in! ATAXIA!! Cover, TWO!! Zoey is furious, but she tags in Shayna. PFC gets Iyo up, ROLLING DEATH VALLEY, then a SLIDING KNEE! Cover, Kai breaks it! The fans fire up but Zoey TOSSES Kai! Zoey then PLANCHAS, but Kai dodges! Kai goes up to the apron to PENALTY KICK Zoey! Shayna BOOTS Kai, then dodges Iyo! KIRAFUDA KLUTCH!! Iyo flails, but she runs to the ropes! HOTSHOT and Shayna falls back! Iyo hurries up top, the fans fire up, OVER THE MOONSAULT! Cover, DMG CTRL wins!
Winners: Damage CTRL, by pinfall
PFC tried to use the numbers, but Iyo & Kai just used their skills! Will DMG CTRL still take control of Raw? Or will Sonya, Shayna & Zoey figure out a winning formula?
Seth Rollins VS Drew McIntyre!
With the Royal Rumble just down the road, it is this WrestleMania 40 rematch that could determine how WrestleMania 41 looks. The Visionary and the Scottish Terminator look to run it back, but who will be in pole position for Indianapolis?
Raw returns and McIntyre makes his entrance. The bell rings, the fans fire up, and the two stare down. The fans sing Rollins’ song, and Rollins says he’s got two good knees now. No Bloodline, no CM Punk, just them! The two circle, tie up, and McIntyre pushes Rollins to the corner. The ref counts but McIntyre talks smack as he lets off. Rollins shoves McIntyre, McIntyre shoves Rollins! They stare down again, Rollins talks a bit more smack, and McIntyre grins. McIntyre CHOPS, and Rollins likes that! Rollins CHOPS, McIntyre CHOPS, repeat! The fans “WOO~” but then McIntyre headlocks. Rollins powers up and out, but McIntyre runs him over!
McIntyre looms over Rollins, then brings him up. But Rollins CHOPS, CHOPS, and CHOPS! McIntyre headlocks, Rollins powers up and out, drops down, hurdles over, then redirects McIntyre to SHOULDER TACKLE! McIntyre rebounds to SHOULDER TACKLE Rollins! The fans fire up again while Rollins goes to ropes. McIntyre stomps Rollins, ROCKS him, then stalks him to ropes. McIntyre CHOPS Rollins against the ropes, then whips. Rollins ducks ‘n’ dodges, to then SLINGBLADE! Rollins keeps moving, and he LARAITS McIntyre up and out! The fans fire up as Rollins builds speed, to WRECK McIntyre with a dropkick!
McIntyre is at the desk. Rollins builds sped, and Rollins DIVES! McIntyre hits desk, but Rollins keeps going! Rollins DIVES again, but McIntyre stops that to TOSS Rollins up and over the desk! Rollins is down between the armchairs and McIntyre snarls, but Raw goes to break.
Raw returns again and both men slowly rise in the ring. McIntyre looms over Rollins, saying Rollins is still too damn selfish. But Rollins fires hands! McIntyre hits back, they go back and forth! McIntyre kicks low, whips Rollins toa corner, but Rollins BOOTS him away! McIntyre returns, and he pushes through the boot to ELBOW Rollins! McIntyre has Rollins in the Inverted Alabama Lift, ALABAMA- VICTORY ROLL! TWO!! Rollins goes back to the corner, and he BOOTS McIntyre again! The fans fire up while both men are down! Rollins feeds off that energy and rises up. Rollins ROCKS McIntyre, then counter punches him!
Rollins CHOPS and ROCKS McIntyre again and again, then CHOPS, CHOPS, CHOPS! The fans fire up, the ref counts as they’re on ropes, but Rollins roars! Rollins whips, McIntyre reveres, Rollins leaps, but into McIntyre’s arms! McIntyre pops Rollins up, but Rollins slips out of the suplex to then POST McIntyre! McIntyre staggers back, so Rollins POSTS him again! McIntyre sputters, Rollins brings him around and POSTS him a third time! McIntyre is stuck in the corner now, but Rollins SLAMS the arm against the post! Rollins aims as McIntyre staggers away. Springboard, FLYING KNEE! McIntyre says up, Rollins hits a RUNNING KNEE! Cover, TWO!
Rollins takes a breath as the fans rally up. McIntyre is down so Rollins goes to the apron. Springboard SWANTON! Cover, TWO! McIntyre survives but Rollins snarls. Rollins stalks McIntyre, grabs the arm, and he goes to wrangle McIntyre. McIntyre rolls free, fireman’s carries, but Rollins fights free! Rollins goes to a corner again, puts McIntyre on the apron, but McIntyre ROCKS Rollins! McIntyre climbs, but Rollins springs up to join him! SUPER DUPER PLEX! Roll through, but MCINTYRE hits the FALCON ARROW! Cover, TWO!! The fans fire up as both men are down! “This is Awesome!” as McIntyre kips up!
McIntyre still wobbles a bit, but he makes his way to a corner. McIntyre tells Rollins to get up. Rollins rises, McIntyre runs in, but Rollins ducks the Claymore! Now Rollins aims, and he runs up, but McIntyre hits a SPINEBUSTER! Jackknife bridge, TWO! Rollins survives, but McIntyre brings him in! Deadlift and- RANA! Rollins then SUPERKICKS McIntyre, runs, tilt-o-whirls, and FALCON ARROWS! The fans fire up as Rollins manages a cover, TWO!! The pin wasn’t much but neither was that kick-out, both men are running on fumes. The fans sing Rollins’ song, “WHOA~ OH~ OHH~!”
Rollins runs, CURB- NO, McIntyre avoids the stomp! Underhooks and FUTURE- NO, Rollins fights the DDT to underhook! PED- NO, McIntyre wrenches out to short arm LARIAT! McIntyre rolls away to go to the apron, then he drags himself up the corner. McIntyre reaches the top, Rollins stands, FLYING- NO, Rollins blocks the lariat to try and wrangle McIntyre. McIntyre scoops Rollins, Rollins slips free, and Rollins still wants the arm! McIntyre fights the takedown again so Rollins CLUBS away on the arm! Rollins brings McIntyre down, into a CROSSFACE!! McIntyre endures, reaches out, but Rollins pulls him back!
McIntyre fights, claws his way over, and he manages the ROPEBREAK! Rollins holds until the ref counts 4, and now Rollins tells McIntyre to get up and fight. “You question me? You question my integrity!?” Rollins gets in McIntyre’s face, the ref backs him off, but now McIntyre CLAWS Rollins’ face! Rollins staggers, McIntyre reels him in, underhook and FUTURE SHOCK!! Cover, TWO?!? Rollins survives and now McIntyre is pissed. McIntyre rises, and he tells Rollins that his words and actions don’t line up. Short arm LARIAT! McIntyre drags Rollins up again, short arm LARIAT! The fans rally and McIntyre shakes his head.
McIntyre tells Rollins to get up, and Rollins sputters as he slowly sits up. McIntyre reels Rollins in for a short arm- NO, Rollins slips up and around, and a jackknife bridge! ROLLINS WINS!!
Winner: Seth Rollins, by pinfall
Rollins snatches this one away, and McIntyre CLOBBERS Rollins for it! The fans boo but McIntyre scares the ref off. But Rollins fires hands in return! McIntyre CLAYMORES outta nowhere!! McIntyre is still seething, and he drags Rollins over to the corner. McIntyre pulls Rollins’ hair to put him up against the post! The fans boo, the ref says don’t, but SAMI ZAYN to the rescue! Sami fires hands, then he POSTS McIntyre! Sami makes sure Rollins is alright, and then Sami goes back for Drew. But he gets a GLASGOW KISS HEADBUTT for it! McIntyre stands Sami up to THROW him into barriers!
McIntyre snarls as he looks to Rollins again. McIntyre gets in the ring, and he tells Rollins they should be on the same team, but Rollins is just so selfish! But here comes Sami! McIntyre moves, HELLUVA KICK to Rollins!! The fans can’t believe it and neither can Sami! Sami apologizes to Rollins, but McIntyre grins, this all worked out for the better! Will McIntyre use everyone else against each other to ensure he is the one going to WrestleMania?
My Thoughts:
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Coverage
Andrew’s TNA Genesis Results & Match Ratings: 1.19.25
Does TNA Believe in Joe Hendry more than Mokuba Nemeth believes in his big brother?
Hot off the heels of the TNA and WWE working relationship announcement, the Kickoff show already has the first sprinkle of NXT talent with Ashante “Thee” Adonis coming out after Ariana Grace tries to take all of the credit for the partnership. Jake something runs over Ashante, but it’s a good quick nod on free YouTube. Oh it also looks like the ring announcer is McKenzie Mitchel again. I did like her first run in TNA in what was that… like 2016-2018 or 19? She’s got personality, she’s cute and a solid announcer, so nice to see her back.
I’m not gonna run down any predictions on who I think will win, because honestly, I just feel like Hendry needs to win today or it’s been an entire waste of momentum. So lets get to the main show!
Ratings:
- X Division Championship: Moose (c) vs Ace Austin: Moose retains via Lights Out – *** 1/4
- The System vs Maniac Marines: Marines win via K.I.A. – ***
- Knockouts Tag Titles: Elegance Clique (Heather & Ash) w/Personal Concierge vs Spitfire (Dani Luna & Jody Threat) (c): Spitfire retain via Pressure Drop – **
- Jordynne Grace vs Tessa Blanchard: Tessa wins via Magnum – ****
- I Quit Match: Josh Alexander vs Mike Santana: Santana wins! – ***
- TNA Tag Team Championships: The Hardyz (c) vs The Rascalz: Hardyz retain via Swanton Bomb – *** 1/2
- Raven’s Clockwork Orange House of Fun Match: TNA Knockouts World Championship: Masha Slamovich (c) vs Rosemary: Masha wins via Avalanche Requiem – ** 3/4
- TNA World Championship: Nic Nemeth (c) vs Joe Hendry: Hendry wins via Standing Ovation – *** 3/4 – TITLE CHANGE!!!!!!!
Results:
X Division Championship: Moose (c) vs Ace Austin
As soon as the bell rings, Ace jumps on him, forces him into the corner and stomps on him. Moose tries to fight out but Ace stays relentless. Ace has a counter for everything Moose is trying to counter in the early goings. Even when Moose catches him during the apron Handstand Dodge, Ace still has a counter for his counter. It’s not until a rake to the eyes from Moose that finally gives him a moment to start dictating the pace. A huge Irish Whip on the outside through the barricade is what Ace feels…twice. Ace tries to fight back from Moose continuing the momentum, Ace eats a Pump Kick, but blocks Moose’s attempt at a Suplex and counters with his own Vertical Suplex on Moose! JDC gets in the proximity of Ace so Ace kicks him, which delays his springboard, so Moose catches him and bounces him off the apron like a super ball.
Moose lets the count go, Ace barely gets in at 9, Moose throws him corner to corner, is slowing things down and being very deliberate. Ace starts powering through the pain, catches a Pump Kick, dodges a Spear into the corner and puts together a few strikes, Double Stomp, Triangle Kick, wants The Fold but Moose puts the brakes on there. Ace tries to spring off the ropes but Moose grabs him and hits Go To Hell for two! Fighting Spirit spot, Ace starts winning the trade, a Headbutt from Moose stops Ace, Moose flips him over the ropes to the apron, tries a few more things, Ace looks for a Springboard, Moose catches him but Ace slips it for a Frankensteiner. Moose powders to the opposite apron and Ace hits his Inside Out Headscissors sending Moose crashing to the floor. Alisha and JDC try to help up Moose, and while the referee is distracted JDC posts Ace. Moose goes for the Around the World Lights Out, but Ace moves and Moose kills JDC! Ace hits The Fold on the floor!
Eddie Edwards and Brian Myers run down the ramp, Ace sees them so he hits the Fosbury Flop to take them out. Ace is rolling, he goes for the Triangle Kick but Moose counters with Lights Out! 1-2- KICK OUT? Moose sets up for another Lights Out, Ace sidesteps it for the Cradle, kickout, Uranage, Cradle counter, Art of Finesse from Ace but Lights Out to the Spine from Moose! Moose sets up another and lands the Lights Out to retain!
Post Match the System looks to beat down on Ace, but Maniac Marines music hits and they go after Myers and Edwards. Guess the match is now!Â
The System vs Maniac Marines
Steve and Eric beat the hell out of the System members while the referee tries to set the match, it still hasn’t started but we get stereo 10 count punches in the corner, big fists causing Myers and Edwards to powder. This is essentially a Tornado Tag right now because the match hasn’t even started. Okay it eventually starts and Maclin hits the Backbreaker on Edwards and Busaiku Knee on Myers. He looks for a SCUD but Lish grabs the foot which is just enough! Maclin tries to charge anyway but gets caught in the Blue Thunder Bomb and now the match slows down and Eddie is in control.
Maclin absorbs some Chops from Eddie in the corner, no sells a little and fires, Eddie tags out Myers tries to slow things down with a Russian Leg Sweep but Maclin continues to try and rally. Eddie’s back in, shortarm Gowan Lariat into a cocky cover for two. Eddie tries to keep moving but Maclin hits the Vertical Suplex. Maclin is too slow to tag out so Eddie tags out and Myers cuts off Maclin. After a few more quick tags from System members, Maclin finally lands a Lariat to get the simultaneous tag and EY comes in hot. EY does the Flair corner flip, knocks Eddie off the apron, Myers eats a Macho Elbow but only two. Eddie knocks Maclin off the apron, Tandem Tiger Driver for two, EY fights back to level Eddie, Tree of Woe Myers Caught in Crosshairs but Lish gets in the ring! Eddie grabs Eric and distracts the ref, Lish clocks Maclin with either knuckles or a full hand of rings, Spear from Myers is only a two!
System Overload attempt, it’s thwarted by EY, Myers gets crotched in like a Reverse Tree of Woe, so Maclin hits the Caught in the Crosshairs on the back, EY with a Plancha to the outside to take Edwards out and K.I.A. from Maclin means Maniac Marines win!
Knockouts Tag Titles: Elegance Clique (Heather & Ash) w/Personal Concierge vs Spitfire (Dani Luna & Jody Threat) (c)
Elegance duo comes out dressed like Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders. They do a Go Eagles chant right before the bell rings to a chorus of Boos.
Even though Elegance Clique throws their pompoms and try a cheap shot, Spitfire just plow through them, literally. Quick tags, some assisted moves, Ash gets away from Spitfire, tags in Heather and shoves her forward trying to take them off guard, but they turn around…grab Heather and a long Tandem Stalling Suplex with a Deep Squat for two. Concierge distracts the referee, looks for a low Dive onto Heather but Ash just kicks Dani in the face, and the referee sees nothing. Heather rolls her back in, Kawada Kicks, Forearm Shiver, trip into a Dropkick to the face! Ash hangs Dani off the apron and Heather hits the Double Stomp from the apron to the floor.
Ash starts choking Dani on the ropes, distracts the referee and Heather paintbrushes Dani with pompoms as Ash goes for a series of pinfall attempts. Quick tags, Dani is in their corner, Cartwheel Back Handspring Elbow from Ash into a Seated Dropkick from Heather. Dani has been getting smacked around for the last 4 or 5 minutes. Ash leans on Dani for a while, but Dani gets a head of steam, comes off the ropes and Shotgun Dropkick gives her space. Jody gets a hot tag, she Sack of Shits them both, Vader Hammers in the corner into a Michinoku Driver, which Ash breaks up with a Meteora. Heather and Ash have a nice tandem move for a two count. Jody tries to fight back, but Elegance stops it, blind tag from Dani, Senton takes out both Elegance Clique members and Dani stalks her prey. Snap Suplex two times on Ash, but Heather stops the third and Jody just tosses Heather out of the ring in a rough way. Jody tries her Double Knees German Suplex spot but Ash moves. Dani with the Shinsuke Nakamura Inside Out German, Pressure Drop and Spitfire retains.
Boo…
Jordynne Grace vs Tessa Blanchard
Grace charges Tessa immediately, and the ref needs to pull her off, but Tessa gets thrown around the ring literally, the crowd is chanting “Fuck You Tessa”, Tessa powders, eats a Dive and then a Jackhammer on the outside! Grace puts Tessa on her shoulders up to the ring, but Tessa finally fights off and flips off the crowd, revels in it for a second, tries the Frankensteiner, but Grace holds on, smashes Tessa into the guardrail twice, looks for the Reverse Bomb on the apron, but Tessa gets out, stomps on Jordynne a few times, hooks Jordynne’s face with the crook of her leg and drives Jordynne’s face into the apron. Unique looking and decent.
Tessa has the correct intensity, pushes into two quick pinfall attempts and starts getting deliberate. Drags Jordynne’s face across the rope, throats Grace, kicks her in the face and Slingshot Elbow is another near fall. Tessa with the Front Facelock, Grace tries to fight out but Tessa holds on and drops her with a Scorpion Death Drop for another near fall. Jordynne fights Tessa off with a few elbows, looks for a Superplex, but Tessa fights off, wants the Avalanche Sunset Bomb, but Jordynne stops it, Tessa kicks Grace’s feet, looks for a Rope Hung Death Drop but Jordynne fights it off and smashes Tessa’s face into the turnbuckles but Tessa hits the Rope Hung Backstabber for two. Tessa looks for Magnum, but Jordynne cuts her off, they fight at the top, Avalanche Sack of Shit! They both sell the exhaustion of the match so far.
They trade blows, two Scoop Slams from Jordynne, Lawn Dart into the Top Turnbuckle! Package Powerbomb for two! Dragon Suplex attempt from Grace, Tessa breaks it, Headlock Takeover, quick counter wrestling, Tiger Destroyer from Tessa! Only for a two count, but still nice. Buzzsaw attempt is shrugged off, Tessa comes off the ropes and eats the Spinebuster from Jordynne for two quick pinfall attempts. Tessa with the Body Scissors and pulls herself up and fights back, Jordynne slaps her around, looks for the Suplex but Tessa slips it and Neckbreaker Counter for a two count! The brawl to the apron, Grace eats a forearm and Tessa hits the Tornillo on Jordynne! They posture on the steps, Tessa wants a move but Jordynne counters her and Spicolli Driver from the stairs to the floor from Jordynne!
More back and forth in the corner, just positioning and counters, it’s like watching chess. Jordynne grabs Tessa for an Avalanche Air Raid Crash, but Tessa fights it and turns it into an Avalanche Crucifix Bomb! After trying a grounded submission Tessa locks in the Octopus, tries to wrench the fingers but Jordynne counters, Rope Assisted German Suplex into a Capture Suplex for 2! Kudome Valentine attempt from Grace but Tessa gets out, Backfist from Jordynne, Tessa bounces off and Cutter gives her a two count! Tessa calls for Magnum, Jordynne dodges it, Tessa rolls through, tries boots but Grace grabs Tessa and hits the around the world Reverse Alabama Slam! Tessa keeps trying to remove Buckle Pads but they’re on good, Tessa reverses out of the Kinikku Buster, hits the Buzzsaw into the partially exposed buckle but Grace grabs the rope. Tessa removes another pad, Bulldog into exposed buckle, Magnum, and Tessa is still sexy.
The turnbuckle pads being on too well made the finish a little flat, but it was a damn good match. There’s also a joke in the match with Tessa coming out wearing Red and Gold (Yellow), so the racism allegations are never going away if she keeps making it easy.
I Quit Match: Josh Alexander vs Mike Santana
There’s intensity but its all just technical tactics to take each other to the ground and grab a limb. But since we just came off of a pretty good match, things can’t start too hot. Every time Santana throws Josh to the outside, Josh scurries back to the ring, he’s playing scared. There’s a “He’s a bitch” chant that pops up. Santana cuts off Josh’s charge with a few well placed boots which sends Josh outside, Tope con Hilo levels the bald man. Santana throws Josh into a guardrail, Yakuza Kicks back to back rock Josh a bit. Fans call for tables and Santana slides one out to a huge pop. Santana sets it up, plays to the crowd, tries a Powerbomb onto the table but Josh slips it and Overhead Belly to Belly sends Santana crashing. A fan can be heard saying “That look like it hurt” to which Santana replies ” It did asshole”. Now Josh is dissecting Santana’s legs to soften him up for the Ankle Lock. Josh goes for the corner spot with the Figure Four around the post after bouncing the knee off the post a few times.
Josh tries to continue but Santana slides out and counters Josh and bounces his face off the post. Josh walks it off a bit as Santana stalks him and then a quick Chop Block has Santana writhing in pain. Josh decides to be a heel and do the Three Amigos instead of the Kurt Angle Germans. Disrespectful bald jerk. Santana gets throated, dropped to the apron on his ass, Low Crossbody but Santana flattens out and Josh goes flying! Santana tries a Dive, but Josh catches him and just drops him spine first on the apron. After a small resilient flurry of slaps from Santana Josh goes for the Germans. Santana brushes off on the third, goes for the Rolling Buck Fifty, gets caught in the Torture Rack, Santana fights off Josh’s shoulders, kicks him into the corner, Senton into the seated Josh. Perches him up top, points at the table, tries something but Josh fights him off, Moonsault from Josh misses and a Death Valley Driver gives both a moment to breathe.
Santana Spin the-BLOCK-ED! Josh sweeps the leg, Ankle Lock and Santana refuses to quit twice but slips the boot ala Eddie Guerrero. Josh pauses a moment, Santana charges and Josh dumps him over the top rope through the table! Santana says he doesn’t quit, Josh looks surprised, so he goes looking for more plywood. He also grabs the bottom set of stairs and throws them into the ring. Scoop Slams Santana into the broken table and continues looking for weapons, like a chair and zip ties. Santana crawls into the ring, Josh steps on the worked on leg and smashes it repeatedly with the chair. Josh goes into Full Mount, rains down strikes, exposes the elbow for Elbow Strikes and tries to soften him up for the zip ties. C4 Spike but Santana raises up like the Undertaker and fires into beating the piss out of Josh. Frankensteiner on Josh into the Frog Splash, Spin the Block! Josh doesn’t quit. Santana grabs the zip ties that Josh introduced, ties the hands behind Josh’s back, Spin the Block 2! Josh doesn’t quit. Santana sets up the steps as a ramp, table in front of Josh in the corner and Cannonballs through the table into Josh! Josh still doesn’t quit off the Jackass stunt. Santana finds a sock filled with quarters and starts beating Josh like it’s a slapjack. Josh still doesn’t quit. Santana tells Josh to bite the curb and is about to Curb Stomp him into the steps and Josh gets scared and quits.
TNA Tag Team Championships: The Hardyz (c) vs The Rascalz
Fraxiom comes out to watch the match, so this nicely sets up a potential early angle between NXT and TNA for the crossover.Â
Trey and Matt start, but it’s a slow Headlock basic counters and feint spots. Jeff and Wentz want to play, so this is very Japanese in giving each member a free chance to interact before any cutoffs or tandems. The crowd likes both men, so this is interesting but more Stalemate spots. Jeff manages a Polish Hammer to tag in Matt and go for a quick tandem move and keep Wentz in the Hardy Corner bouncing his face off buckles in Delete fashion. Tag from Jeff for another tandem Rocket Launcher into the bottom rope and Leg Drop from Jeff. Wentz counters the Twist with a Jumping Knee so he manages a tag to Trey and then a few quick striking double team spots. Quick tag to Wentz, Matt comes in to break it up, drops Matt and Wishbone. Quick Tag, MCMG ACS Rush homage. Wentz Dives onto Matt on the outside, Matt catches him into the Side Effect on the floor! Jeff gets the best of Trey after he’s a little distracted. Manhattan Drop from Jeff, into a tag to Matt and then some double team strikes for a near fall. Delete Head Smashes again on Trey.
Vertical Suplex from Matt for another 2. Matt tags out and Hardys look for more Tandem attacks, Plot Twist but Wentz recovers and makes the break! Trey flips out of Jeff’s arms, tags in Wentz, and Wentz cleans house on both Hardys. Corner to corner, tags back in Trey they hit the Saki Kashima assisted Dropkick on each Hardy and then they dump the Hardys at the feet of Fraxiom. FIVE HOLE DIVE FROM RASCALZ! Misses the Hardys and hits Fraxiom! This builds heat for The Rascalz and Fraxiom as Hardys attack the Rascalz while distracted. Poetry in Motion off the stairs from Jeff!
Facebuster from Jeff for two! Wentz hits a Busaiku Knee on Jeff to stop him from hitting Trey, Side Effect drops Wentz, Enzuigiri from Trey drops Matt and all four are down to catch their breath a bit. Original Poetry in Motion on Trey! Twist of Fate from Matt but countered and Matt is thrown into Jeff who’s selling a knee. Superkick into Feed Em to the Lions! Wentz Dives on Matt but Trey can’t quite make a clean pinfall. Jeff eats a Cheeky Nandos and Top Rope Tiger Feint, Twist of Fates for everyone and Jeff re-NO Trey kicks out! Another Twist but eats a Superkick from Wentz, tries the UFO Cutter on Matt but Matt just throws him to the outside. A Twist of Fate from each Hardy Boy, Swanton Bomb and the Hardyz retain!
Thursday’s Live Show will have Fraxiom vs The Rascalz for the NXT Titles!Â
Raven’s Clockwork Orange House of Fun Match: TNA Knockouts World Championship: Masha Slamovich (c) vs Rosemary
Do Rosemary’s shorts have Pokemon Gym Badges on em? Masha goes for the Staple Gun, it almost gets countered immediately, but she gets the first few clicks of the Staple gun, it actually doesn’t backfire, but she lets Rosemary powder and starts grabbing a few weapons. Masha finally decides to attack Rosemary with a cane, but Rosemary turns things around with the green mist. Slamovich gets some of the mist out of her eyes, chases her into the ring and eats a Drop Toehold into a Chair. Rosemary sets up the table, panders to the crowd and Masha launches herself over the top with a Crossbody, into Rosemary and then through the table! Masha finds her old chain she used to make Killer Kelly submissive and starts choking and dragging Rosemary around the ring and then Sabus the chair at Rosemary for emphasis.
Masha tries to hit the front flip Senton onto a seated Rosemary, but Rosemary moves and Masha hits the chair weird. Rosemary beats her with a chair a few times, looks under the ring, gets giddy and finds Janice! Rosemary swings Janice, breaks it, and then uses the two pieces to block the cane Masha had and then pressed the nail portion into Masha’s back! Rosemary is talking to Janice and goes to the back to find tacks that she spills out on the stage. Rosemary wants a Chokeslam into tacks, Masha counters, misses a Lariat and then eats the Spear into the tacks! Barbed Wire board is set up in the ring, Spicolli…nope! Russian Death Device into the Barbed Wire! Masha goes to the top, Footstomp into the barbed wire but only for 2 again! Masha goes to the outside and grabs a ladder.
A trash can lid gets thrown at Rosemary for good measure, Masha ascends the ladder and then Rosemary pushes the ladder and Masha goes crashing through one of two tables set up on the outside. Rough spot, rough looking, but Masha manages to move enough to break the pinfall since its falls count anywhere. Rosemary now goes full Kevin Steen and makes some chair art for a spot, drags Masha into the ring, sets he on the chairs and goes to the top. Masha sits up as Rosemary climbs, counters the momentum and Avalanche Requiem through the chairs! Masha retains.
Cora Jade’s music hits and sets up nicely after Masha was on NXT.Â
The Countdown Panel starts off with their main event picks they hinted towards and it’s necessary because they have to clean up the ring. Mark Henry picks Joe Hendry, and he better be correct. Ryan Nemeth interrupts with the “my brootthhheerrr” stuff, and Santino calls him “Fuck Face Guy”. It’s all good stuff, and I’m still a big fan of the Mokuba gimmick, but now they ban Ryan Nemeth.Â
TNA World Championship: Nic Nemeth (c) vs Joe Hendry
Simple chain wrestling start until Nic has a few words and then snaps off a Dropkick, does his show off Dolph stuff so Hendry runs him over with a Shoulder Block and then a Knee Lift. Hendry tries his Stalling Suplex but Nic slips it into a Rear Naked Choke! Hendry spins Nic around, walks around with the Stalling Suplex before finally dropping Nic. Ryan Nemeth shows up with a ticket, so he’s sitting in the crowd now. Joe gets distracted just enough for Nic to jump up and hit a delayed DDT. After Nic tries to stretch Joe a little, Hendry goes into locomotion Cradles but Nic drops Joe to take a breather. Nic does his single Shot to the Heart Elbow and he’s really embracing the old Dolph Ziggler show off ego. Ziggler looks for a Rude Awakening after more arrogant moments, but Joe tries to fight it off, so Nic just snaps off a Jumping Neckbreaker.
Joe manages to hit a Cutter off the ropes to try and get some energy from the crowd. Strike exchange happens here, Uppercuts from Joe and Fists from Nic. Joe blocks one fist, throws a few of his own together and a Lariat levels Nic. Sack of Shit into the Kip Up! Counters galore from both men before Nic gets caught in the Pop-Up Powerbomb! Attitude Adjustment for just a near fall. You see moments of Nic trying to cheat or find an angle but he hasn’t done anything overtly heelish yet. Joe is rocking him with chops, perches Nic on the top, looks for the Superplex but Nic fights back, Hendry gets pushed off, Crossbody but Hendry rolls through, holds on and gets his Powerbomb countered into a FAMEasser for two! Nic crawls to a corner, looks to climb for something big, Hendry cuts him off, Avalanche Sack of Shit! Kaz walks out with the trophy as both men sell, but JBL comes out of the crowd and Clothesline from Hell on Kaz. JBL punches Ryan in the face as he comes out to say something. Then Tuxedo JBL leaves after doing his job. Standing Ovation from HENDRY! 1-2-NO! Nic kicks out!
The crowd chants “One More Time” and it fires up Hendry, he does the heel turn and goes full Queen Stomp, tries again, but Nic slips it. Superkick into Danger Zone and it’s….HENDRY KICKS OUT! Nic is tuning up the band, Hendry catches Nic, Sack of Shit, Kip Up, big fire, Standing Ovation! JOE HENDRY WINS!
Overall Score: 7/10
Even if the match quality wasn’t bonkers, mostly all the matches did what they needed to do, were fairly good and a good number of NXT talent showed up to make the Live iMPACT! and TNA really feel like something special right now. I’m an unabashed Tessa fan, so I’m giddy she won and Hendry finally getting the title is the latest they could’ve really dragged this out to, but at least it stops him from becoming Tetsuya Nai-Joe.
I’m not gonna be a hypocrite from previous complaints I made with too many champions being babyfaces, because that’s still bad and proves the next few title defenses could prove volatile. However, I of course just enjoy most of the current champions. So while it doesn’t erase the fact it’s bad, it makes it more palatable for me personally. Now if only PCO destroyed the Knockouts Tags instead of a different irrelevant belt.
Also let’s be very clear, anyone that believes the PCO stunt was a legit shoot doesn’t know wrestling. Everything is a work until it isn’t and then it still could be turned into a work. Don’t be gullible and just anticipate something to be worked out of it one way or the other.
Still though, good show with a lot of hype for the Live iMPACT, so Thursday should be fun! See you there!
About Chairshot Radio Network
Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!
 MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)
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THURSDAY - Keeping the news ridiculous... The Oddity / Chairshot NFL (NFL)
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SATURDAY - The Mindless Wrestling Podcast
SUNDAY - The Front and Center Sports PodcastÂ
CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS
Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)
TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends
Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5
Classic POD is WAR
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