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 VALLEY 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. ZSJ 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, URAKEN 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, DDT 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 FLOW to Okada’s back!
Tanahashi goes back up and fans fire back up! HIGH FLY FLOW 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 ATTACK 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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IF YA SMELLALALALALALA~…!
As Cody Rhodes teams with Damian Priest & Braun Strowman against Solo Sikoa’s Bloodline, FINALLY, The Rock has come back to SmackDown!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Drew McIntyre VS Jimmy Uso; Jimmy wins.
- The Miz & Carmelo Hayes VS R-Truth & LA Knight; Miz & Melo win.
- Tiffany Stratton VS Candice LeRae w/ Nia Jax; Tiff wins.
- Naomi w/ Bianca Belair VS Liv Morgan w/ Raquel Rodriguez; No Contest.
- WWE Tag Team Championships: #DIY VS Pretty Deadly; Pretty Deadly wins, by disqualification, and DIY retain the titles.
- Six Man Tag: Cody Rhodes, Damian Priest & Braun Strowman VS Solo Sikoa, Jacob Fatu & Tama Tonga; changed to…
- Damian Priest & Braun Strowman VS Solo Sikoa & Jacob Fatu w/ Tama Tonga; Priest & Braun win.
PLAY BY PLAY
Cody Rhodes talks with Nick Aldis backstage.
They shake hands, but the SmackDown General Manager tells the WWE Champion there’s been a change: Cody’s out of the Six Man Tag match. What? Why would Aldis do that? It is out of Aldis’s hands. Wait, Solo Sikoa shows up to do what he did, but they can’t do the Six Man Tag that they advertised? How is this out of Aldis’s hands? Who do they need to talk to so they can do the match? Aldis says there’s no one either of them can call, if you smell what’s cooking. This is coming from The Final Boss, and The Final Boss wants to see Cody in the ring tonight. What business could The Great One have with The American Nightmare?
Drew McIntyre VS Jimmy Uso!
The Scottish Terminator rubbed it in Big Jim’s face that only one of them is going to Elimination Chamber in Toronto, which Big Jim was able to brush off. But McIntyre harping on how only one Uso is going to WrestleMania was a step too far. These two look to have it out, but is Jimmy just playing into McIntyre’s hands? Or will McIntyre get embarrassed by “the other Uso” this close to that big time match?
Speaking of, Jimmy has a message for Drew as he heads to gorilla. “Everybody know you’re going to Elimination Chamber, right? But Big Jimmy got a question for the Big Easy: Will Drew go onto the Elimination Chamber and win that? Will Drew go onto WrestleMania and win that? Ey, Drew, I think we got an answer for you, Uce. The answer is…” “NO YEET!” Jimmy makes his entrance, the bell rings, and the fans rally behind Jimmy. Jimmy and Drew jaw, and then Drew raises his hands, to say UP YOURS! But Jimmy ROCKS and CHOPS away! Drew puts Jimmy in a corner, Jimmy dodges to CHOP!
Jimmy climbs and he rains down fists! The fans count, Drew dumps Jimmy tot eh apron at 5, but Jimmy GAMANGIRIS! Jimmy goes up, CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO! Jimmy hurries to CHOP, then he whips. Drew reverses to send Jimmy to the corner. Jimmy BOOTS back, goes up, and leaps, but into a clinch! OVERHEAD BELLY2BELLY! Jimmy flounders to a corner, Drew runs up to SPLASH and OVERHEAD BELLY2BELLY! Jimmy flounders again, the ref has Drew hold on, and Jimmy bails out. Drew storms out to get Jimmy and he whips Jimmy HARD into barrier! The fans boo but Drew looms over Jimmy.
The ring count starts, Drew mockingly calls him “Jey,” then puts Jimmy in the ring. Drew says NO MANIA for Jimmy. Drew stands Jimmy up, ROCKS him, then runs up, only for Jimmy to put him on the apron! Drew blocks a superkick, but not the DRAGON WHIP! Drew drops, Jimmy DIVES! Down goes Drew and the fans fire up! Jimmy grins, goes back to the apron, and then aims. But Drew stops the Penalty Kick to THROW Jimmy down! Drew then has Jimmy in the Reverse Alabama Lift! REVERSE ALABAMA SLAM onto the steel steps! Drew stands on the desk to say “NO YEET!” while SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Drew revels in the heat from New Orleans, then he leaves Jimmy behind. The ref checks Jimmy, he’s able to continue, so a ring count starts. Drew paces while Jimmy stirs. Jimmy drags himself up using the desk, then lunges in at 9! Drew is annoyed but he rains down fists! Drew stomps Jimmy, then eggs him on. Jimmy rises as the fans rally, but Drew is right on him in the corner. Drew winds up, but Jimmy counter punches! And CHOPS! And CHOPS! And whips, only for Drew to reverses. Jimmy goes up, but Drew KICKS him out of the air! Drew then hauls Jimmy up, snap suplex! Cover, TWO!
Drew says okay, Big Jim. He clamps onto Jimmy with a top wristlock and grinds the arm. Jimmy fights up, fireman’s carries, but Drew elbows free. Drew bumps Jimmy off buckles, then hauls him up to the top rope! Drew CLUBS Jimmy on the back, climbs up, then CLUBS Jimmy more. Jimmy fires elbows and Drew drops back. But Drew runs up to CLUB Jimmy again! SmackDown returns to single picture as Drew CLUBS away on Jimmy again! Jimmy keeps taunting “Jey,” then drags him up. Jimmy fights the back suplex! The fans rally, Jimmy fires hands and a HEADBUTT! Jimmy SMACKS Drew off the post!
Jimmy rises to USO IN THE WIND! Down goes Drew and the fans fire up! A standing count starts while both men stir on the mat. They both stand at 5, and Drew swings! Jimmy counter punches, then fires more shots! Mule kick, UPPERCUT, but then Jimmy dodges Drew! SAMOAN DROP! Cover, TWO! Drew is tougher than that, but Jimmy hurries to a corner. Jimmy aims as Drew goes to the other corner, “UCE! OH! UCE! OH!” Jimmy runs, but Drew FLYING HEADBUTTS! The Glasgow Kiss stuns Jimmy, and Drew hits a SPINEBUSTER! Jackknife bridge, TWO! Jimmy shows his own toughness, and the fans rally behind him.
Drew paces, then he stalks Jimmy. Drew stands Jimmy up, reels him in, but Jimmy fights the underhooks! Jimmy wrenches, UPPERCUTS, but Drew ROCKS Jimmy back! Jimmy UPPERCUTS, Drew HAYMAKERS! Drew whips, Jimmy reverses and Drew ends up on the apron! Drew ROCKS Jimmy first, then climbs the corner! FLYING- SUPERKICK! Jimmy runs to SPEAR! Cover, TWO!! Drew survives, Jimmy’s spear doesn’t hit quite like The Tribal Chief’s. Jimmy goes to the corner, climbs up, and the fans rally up. USO- NO, Jimmy rolls through as Drew moves! Drew dodges a lariat to NECKBREAKER!
Both men are down, the fans rally, and Drew kips up! Drew scowls as he aims at Jimmy. “THREE! TWO! ONE!” CLAY- SUPERKICK!! Jimmy hits first! GLASGOW KISS returns! Drew reels Jimmy in, “This is your WrestleMania! This is as close as you get!” Drew shouts Jimmy is nothing, then ROCKS him with forearm after forearm! GLASGOW KISS! Another Reverse Alabama, but Jimmy victory rolls it! JIMMY WINS!!!
Winner: Jimmy Uso, by pinfall
Drew is furious, but his own ego caught him there! But then Drew CLOBBERS Jimmy! The fans boo Drew being a sore loser, but he puts Jimmy back in the ring! Drew rains down fists, then he DRIBBLES Jimmy off the mat! The ref reprimands, the fans boo, but Drew says that was Jimmy’s Mania Moment! Drew will win the Chamber, he will go to Mania, and he will win there! Jimmy means NOTHING to Drew! Drew puts Jimmy up against the post, then takes aim! The fans boo, but refs and producers rush out here! They swarm Drew to keep him from going after Jimmy again. Drew says fine, fine, then takes his leave.
Producers help Jimmy to his feet, but then Drew BLASTS through the refs! CLAYMORE for Jimmy!! The Scottish Terminator hits his target, then laughs as he actually leaves. Will McIntyre make this his Road to WrestleMania?
A car pulls into the parking lot.
And out steps Solo Sikoa. Solo heads inside, and he finds Jacob Fatu & Tama Tonga waiting. Solo tells them that last week with Tama, that was an accident. Jacob says yeah, it’s all good, Uce. But keep it 100: If it wasn’t an accident, Solo wouldn’t be standing here right now. Well, good! Glad to see we’re all on the same page. Solo says he will be in the corner during the match for Jacob & Tama. Uh, no, Solo, no disrespect, but Jacob & Tama have been running things on SmackDown these past couple weeks. So tonight, it’s Jacob & Solo running the play? Yadada mean? Yeah, of course. And that right there, Jacob, is exactly why Solo loves him.
Solo says he’ll be back, he has to talk with Nick Aldis. Solo heads out, but will he really just step right back into place from before he lost the ula fala?
Carmelo Hayes is backstage.
R-Truth calls out to Melo, and says for the first time ever, Truth VS Melo! What’s Truth talking about? Duh, they have a match. No, Truth, Melo knows. But they had a match last week. Truth says he has never met Melo in his life, but they have a tag match tonight. What? No, they don’t. Who even made this match? Him. Truth, they are not going through this H1M who’s on first thing again. Melo is H1M. No, him made the match. The Miz!? Miz says he’s H1M. So now there’s two of you? No no no! Melo is H1M, this is The Miz! Yeah, #MeloDon’tMiz! NO! That’s not a thing! Tonight, they are. Who’s Truth’s partner?
Truth says he’s got a guy. A Louisiana legend! In fact, he just got here, so Truth’s gotta go. Laters. Miz says he has been workshopping this, and the fans love it. Think about it: Melo Don’t Miz! Melo Don’t Miz! And we are…! Melo shakes his head. Truth steps in and says Miz just wants Melo to say, “Awesome.” Miz offers a fist bump, Melo says no. Will Melo wish he had missed tonight’s show? Or will Miz actually help H1M get another win?
Zelina Vega speaks.
“My whole life, people have taken one look at me, and they try to define me. My size has never stopped me before. It never stopped me from becoming tag team champion. Or my personal favorite, the history-making first-time-ever Queen of the Ring. That’s me. Make no mistake about it, I’ve never had it easy. I had to scratch and claw to get anything around here. But this is a fresh start. Because I have something to prove. And my dreams are a lot bigger than your measuring stick. It ain’t over until Zelina Vega says it’s over.”
The Miz & Carmelo Hayes VS R-Truth & ???
Miz makes his entrance but Melo kinda steps all over it. So he already missed his cue… But who did Truth find to team with him in the Big Easy? We’ll see, after the break.
SmackDown returns and Truth makes his entrance. “What’s up?” Well, more like who is his partner? He’ll tell us! His tag team partner is a local legend, born and bred right here in New Orleans! Ladies and gentlemen, welcome Louisiana Knight! Wait, he means L A Knight! Yes, Louisiana abbreviated is LA, but that’s not… Oh, Truth… Truth gives Knight a Po’ Boy and some Mardi Gras beads, so Knight embraces it. The teams sort out, and Truth calls out him! Does he mean Miz or Melo? Well, Melo says he is H1M, so that’s who starts. The fans cheer on Knight while Truth and Melo tie up. Melo KNEES low, whips, but Truth reverses.
Melo springboards, FADEAWAY JUMPER! Melo makes his free throw, but Truth drop toeholds! Truth headlocks, Melo powers up and out but Truth whips! Melo turns hip toss into lateral press, TWO! Truth has a ghost pin, TWO! Melo trips to cover, ONE! Truth trips to cover, ONE! Melo runs up, Truth does the splits, and then hits a BIG hip toss! The fans fire up, Truth counts, Melo gets up at TWO, but Truth was just goofing. The ref explains to Truth that he is the ref, not Truth! Melo is annoyed, he runs up on Truth, but Truth wrenches him around! Melo pulls hair but Knight tags in. The fans fire up as Knight fires hands!
Knight ROCKS Melo, whips Melo, but Melo reverses! SWINGING NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Knight drags Melo up to tag Truth back in, and Truth ROCKS Melo! Melo staggers, but he refuses to tag! Truth arm-drags Melo, then grinds the arm. Melo insists he’s got this, then arm-drags free. Truth staggers up, he and Melo bump heads! Truth staggers around more, and he tags Miz?! Truth forgot The Awesome Truth isn’t a thing anymore! Again! Melo BLASTS Truth off the apron, the fans boo, but Miz tags himself in! Melo is annoyed, but Miz goes to fetch Truth while SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns again, and Melo has Truth. Truth ROCKS Melo, but Melo holds onto the wristlock! Truth reaches for Knight, Knight reaches for Truth, but Melo holds on. Truth takes a swing, but into an O’Conner Roll! TWO and Melo BLASTS Knight! Truth rolls Melo up, TWO! Melo kicks low, calls his shot, but Truth suplexes for a STUNNER! The fans fire up while both men are down! Truth and Melo crawl, hot tags to Miz and Knight! The fans fire up as Knight rallies on Miz! “YEAH! YEAH!” Knight whips, Miz reverses, but Knight lEAPING LARIATS! Knight TOSSES Melo in for good measure!
Knight stomps a mudhole into Melo, “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” LARIAT for Miz! KNEE for Melo! Knight scoops and POWERSLAMS Miz! Knight keeps running, JUMP ELBOW DROP! Cover, TWO! Knight stays on Miz as he brings Miz up. Knight ROCKS Miz, then ROCKS him again! Knight whips, Miz grabs the ropes. Miz KICKS, then takes a swing, but into a back suplex! Miz lands out, tag to Melo! Miz ELBOWS Knight, but Knight scoops! Miz tilt-o-whirls through, Melo SUPERKICKS Knight down! cover, TWO! Knight stays in this but Melo says he’s got this! Melo waits on Knight, then leaps, but NO 48!
Knight kicks low, but NO B F T! Tag to Truth! Knight ELBOWS Melo, Truth runs in! CENA SHOULDER TACKLES! Then the SPIN OUT BOMB! Truth says it’s time! “YOU CANT SEE ME~!” truth runs for the FIVE KNCUKLE SHUFFLE! Truth then fireman’s carries, but Melo slips free! Melo shoves, Truth dodges, and Truth hits the LIE DETECTOR! Truth then gets Melo in the S T R-TRUTH! But Miz CLOBBERS Truth! Knight ROCKS Miz, then LARIATS him up and out! Knight then goes out to THROW Miz into barriers! The fans fire up again, but NAKAMURA ATTACKS KNIGHT!
The fans boo, but the sinister samurai then POSTS Knight!! Nakamura slithers away while Melo keeps the ref’s attention! Truth sees Knight is down, Melo runs up, but Truth dodges! Miz tags in, full nelson, and a FIRST 48 FINALE COMBO?!? Cover, Miz & Melo win!!
Winners: The Miz & Carmelo Hayes, by pinfall
Well, what do you know? Nakamura aside, Miz and Melo made it work! Okay, they’re both trying to hog the spotlight, but is there a future for Melo Don’t Miz? Will Knight only have more of a reason to take that title off Nakamura now?
Charlotte Flair speaks.
“The GOAT… doesn’t have to call themselves The GOAT. Now, I have crafted a legacy that no one, I mean no one, can touch. And I’m back.” The Women’s Royal Rumble Winner chose Tiffany Stratton, but will The Queen take back her throne? Or will WWE always be on #TiffyTime? Speaking of…
Tiffany Stratton VS Candice LeRae!
The WWE Women’s Champion may have gotten past Nia Jax, but now she knows Charlotte Flair is waiting for her at WrestleMania, and is going to be teaming with Trish Stratus in Toronto! Will she be in Tiffy Top Shape for that Tiffy Trishy dream match? Or will the Poison Pixie be quite the problem all on her own?
Before the match, Tiff grabs a mic while the fans cheer. Tiffy says, “I know, I know. You know it, you know it, and you know it. Ever since I won this title, everybody’s just been so obsessed with me. And last week, I had Nia Jax beat, until Candice LeRae decided to interfere and help her little meal ticket. And at Elimination Chamber, Trish Stratus and I make sure the Unstoppable Force comes to a definitive end!” The fans cheer that, but Tiff says enough about them. Let’s talk Charlotte Flair. The fans boo that name, but Tiff says Charlotte took her sweet old time, grabbed a chair, grabbed a mic, and she looked down on Tiff.
Charlotte chose Tiff as her WrestleMania opponent. In that moment, Tiff’s dream came true! And as she lied down there and looked up at Charlotte, she realized the rumors are true: No one loves to kick a girl when she’s down quite like Charlotte Flair. So at WrestleMania, Tiff isn’t coming for Charlotte’s legacy; that’s all Charlotte’s. Tiff is coming for the spot Charlotte desires the most: The number one spot as the top girl in the WWE! But here comes Nia & Candice to interrupt. Nia has a mic to tell Tiffy, “I Have to say, this is really cute. Like, it’s really cute that you actually think you were gonna beat me last week.”
Doesn’t Candice think that is cute? Candice says yes, it is so~ cute. And Tiff wouldn’t even be standing there if not for little Trish Stratus~. Exactly! And it’s even cuter that Tiff is out here talking about Charlotte when she wont’ even see WrestleMania! Because after Nia & Candide destroy Tiff at Elimination Chamber, Nia is coming back for her WWE Women’s Championship. Nia & Candice step up to the ring, and Nia says Tiff won’t even see the Grandest Stage of Them All. Tiff tells Nia to just give it up. This title isn’t even hers anymore. And once Tiff beats Candice tonight, Nia won’t have anyone to do her dirty work anymore!
Candice tells Tiffy that while they’re meant have a match right now, she and Nia are feeling impatient. Nia says they should just get rid of Tiff right now! But the ref steps in and says not gonna happen! Tiff VS Candice will, after the break.
SmackDown returns and Candice has Tiffy down with an armlock. Tiff fights up as the fans rally, but Candice wrenches to wristlock. Tiff spins through, goes to ropes, then up the corner to flip and arm-drag! The fans fire up as Tiff rallies on Candice! DROPKICK, and Tiff snarls! Tiff goes to the corner, and Charlotte makes her entrance? The Queen chooses to be fashionably late all so everyone looks at her, including Tiffy. Tiffy handsprings, but Candice dodges! Candice runs up to UPPERCUT, then she snapmares and NECK SNAPPERS! Jackknife bridge, TWO! Candice clamps onto Tiffy with a top wristlock.
The fans “WOO~” as Charlotte now chooses to join commentary. Tiff fights up, has the ROPEBREAK, but Candice CLUBS away on her! Candice backs off, runs up, but Tiff drop toeholds her to ropes! Tiff runs, HIP ATTACKS, and Candice flops back! Cover, TWO! Tiff stays on Candice with a whip, but Candice reverses. Candice CLOBBERS Tiff, covers, TWO! Charlotte corrects Tiffy’s words earlier: Charlotte isn’t the “top girl,” she is THE woman in WWE. Candice HIP DROPS Tiff but the fans rally up. Candice scuffs Tiff, then grinds an arm to drop a knee on the elbow! And another knee drop! Tiff endures and the fans rally up.
Candice keeps on that arm, thrashes it around, but Tiff fights up. Tiff fires body shots, then shoves Candice to Alabama Lift her! Candice sunset flips, Tiff rolls through, TIFFY STOMPS! Cover, TWO! Tiff is frustrated and Candice bails out. Tiff goes to the apron, goes up the corner, and ARIHARA MOONSAULTS! Direct hit on Candice and Nia, and Tiff almost stuck the landing! The fans fire up with Tiff and she goes into the ring. Tiff points to the WrestleMania sign, and then at Charlotte, but SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Tiff waits on Candice, Candice slides in, and Tiff stomps her down! Candice bails out, Nia is there to coach her, but Tiff lets the ring count start. Candice gets on the apron, Tiff kicks her, but Candice RAMS Tiff! Candice CLUBS Tiff, has her in the ropes, and hits a NECKBREAKER HOTSHOT! Candice climbs, aims, and leaps to MISSILE DROPKICK Tiff down! Cover, TWO! Candice is frustrated but this is why Tiff’s a champ. The fans rally, but Candice stomps Tiff! Candice scowls at the fans, stalks Tiff, then brings her up. Tiff fires body shots, then she rolls Candice up! TWO, and Candice CLOBBERS Tiff! Cover, TWO, into a ghost pin! TWO!
Candice escapes to hit a CODE BREAKER! Both women are down, but Candice scowls again as she crawls over to Tiff. Candice rains down fists, Nia tells fans to shut up, and Candice steps on Tiff’s face. Candice huffs ‘n’ puffs, pushes Tiff around, then scuffs her. Tiff rolls Candice up again, TWO! Candice DECKS Tiff! Cover, TWO! Charlotte is stoic on commentary as Candice drags Tiff up and puts her in a corner. Candice fires hands, then backs off. Candice runs up to ROCK Tiff again! Candice then runs, but Tiff dodges! SmackDown returns to single picture, and Tiff rallies with LARIAT after LARIAT! The fans fire up, Tiff handsprings, BACK ELBOW!
Tiff then reels Candice in for a SKY HIGH! High stack, TWO! The fans rally for Tiff, Nia coaches Candice, but Charlotte still seems nonplussed. Tiff and Candice rise, and Candice runs up. Candice puts Tiff on the apron, but Tiff ROCKS her! Tiff bumps Candice off buckles, then goes up, but Candice ROCKS her back! Candice climbs up, and she fires hands on Tiff! Tiff fights the suplex! Tiff DECKS Candice, then adjusts position, to SANTON- FLOP! Candice ghost pins, TWO!! Tiff escapes, but Candice hits the step-up SENTON! And then a LIONSAUL FLOP! Tiff hurries to fireman’s carry, ROLLING SENTON! And then PRETTIEST MOON- NO, Nia drags Candice out of the ring!
The fans boo, Nia tells them to shut up, but Tiff is on the apron! Nia swings, Tiff cartwheels over, and then she DROPKICKS Nia! Tiff Alabama Lifts Candice, to ALABAMA SLAM her into barriers! Tiff stares down Charlotte, tells her just wait for Mania, then she puts Candice in the ring. Tiff goes to the corner, PRETTIEST MOONSAULT EVER!! Cover, Tiff wins!
Winner: Tiffany Stratton, by pinfall
Charlotte gives moderate applause, but Nia CLOBBERS Tiff from behind! The fans boo, but Nia just drags Tiff to a corner. Nia goes up, but wait! Trish is here!! The fans fire up for the legend as she rushes into the ring! Trish avoids a haymaker to CHICK KICK! Then THESZ PRESS for Candice! And then a SPINEBUSTER! Trish helps Tiff to her feet, but Nia grabs them both! Trish fires fast hands on Nia! Candice CHOP BLOCKS Trish! Tiff is still dazed, Nia HEADBUTTS her back down! Nia & Candice mug Trish, and then Nia HEADBUTTS Trish! Trish & Tiff are side by side, and Nia drags them into the drop zone! A-NIA-LATOR!!
The fans boo but there’s nothing can be done! Nia grins as she helps Candice away, will these two trash Trish & Tiff in Toronto? Charlotte steps into the ring, stands over Tiff, and points to the WrestleMania sign. Will The Irresistible Force & Poison Pixie unwittingly do the dirty work of The Queen of Flair?
Cody talks with Damian Priest backstage.
Priest asks why Cody’s boy, The Rock, is here tonight. Cody says given the time of year, his guess is as good as anyone’s. But tonight will surely be eventful. Cody congratulates Priest on entering the Elimination Chamber. Priest says what’s wild is, last year, they both walked out as champions. What sucks is that this year, only one of them can. Now, Priest is man enough and he respects Cody to say that after Chamber, he’s coming for that title. Cody says he wouldn’t have it any other way. Cody heads out, but what business does The Rock have tonight?
Braun Strowman steps in, and he tells Priest that congrats on winning, and good luck in the Chamber. But let’s be honest, Braun had Jacob dead to rights last week. If not for Solo Sikoa, things would look a lot different next week. Priest chuckles and says take it easy, he’s sounding like Drew with the excuses. But it is what it is, Priest just beat Braun to the punch. But that was last week. Tonight, Solo and Jacob, two of the baddest men in the business. Priest & Braun handling business? Oh, they’re handling business. The only business Braun cares about is getting his hands on those two. Priest says Braun definitely will.
Braun heads out, will the Monster of All Monsters and the Archer of Infamy make sure Solo & Jacob #GetTheseHands? Or will the rogues run roughshod all over SmackDown once again?
Backstage interview with Naomi & Bianca Belair.
Byron Saxton is with the WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions and brings up last week’s SmackDown, the security footage led us to believe Liv Morgan & Raquel Rodriguez were the ones behind Jade Cargill’s attack. Now, hold on, Saxton. They don’t think, Naomi knows they were. Fair enough. But this Monday, they can get their revenge when they defend the tag titles against Liv & Raquel. How ready are they for this match? Bianca says so ready! They have been waiting for months for an update. Jade has been recovering, she hasn’t been able to call or text, so the GlowEST took matters into their own hands to get revenge.
Bianca & Naomi will handle Liv & Raquel, then move on to Elimination Chamber, where one of them is gonna win to face Rhea at WrestleMania. Not only will you #FeelTheGlowEST on Monday, but Liv feels it tonight! #Let’sGLOW! The champs head out, but will they clear their Road to WrestleMania of any other distractions?
Alexa Bliss speaks.
“When I was away, there was a lot of… change that happened in me. But when I look around, I see this place is still the same. The names and faces may be different, but the desperation and insecurity remains the same. You’ll see Toronto when I turn the Elimination Chamber into something of a playground of my own. I know the Chamber. I love the Chamber. I’ve won the Chamber. And for the other five women, it’s gonna be a Hell like they’ve never experienced before. Need I remind you, this is my division, and I am in charge.” Bliss smiles and says, “See you soon.” The film comes off the reel, but will things get twisted in Toronto?
Naomi w/ Bianca Belair VS Liv Morgan w/ Raquel Rodriguez!
The Big Easy is all about having fun, and they’re fired up for Naomi’s entrance. But wait! Liv & Raquel don’t wait, they attack Bianca & Naomi while the lights are still down! They mug Naomi, but Bianca drags Liv out of the ring! Then Bianca storms in to fire off on Raquel! The fans fire up, but Liv returns to CHOP BLOCK Bianca! Raquel hauls Bianca up for a TEJANA BOMB!! Naomi runs up, fires more hands, but Liv brings Naomi around. Naomi fires hands on her, but Raquel throws her down! Liv runs up, OBLIVION!
Liv & Raquel stand tall, the refs rush out here, but clearly the singles match isn’t happening. Will we be getting something even meaner and nastier between these four on Monday?
The Rock arrives!
His truck pulls into the parking lot, but we’ll see him in the ring, after the break!
SmackDown returns and…
Aldis is chewing out Liv & Raquel for the attack. He doesn’t know what they get away with on Raw, but they can’t pull that crap here. Now get the hell out of his building. Liv & Raquel just laugh that off, but then Chelsea Green & Piper Niven walk in. Chelsea says have no fear, Chelsea & Piper are here to sub in for Bianca and Naomi at Elimination Chamber. Aldis sighs, and says they’re not missing the Chamber. What? But Chelsea had an outfit picked out! This is a travesty to not have the greatest Canadian export since maple syrup on a Canadian PLE! Does he know who she is? The first-ever, longest reigning, tallest, shortest, prettiest, richest, tannest, sparkliest, oldest, youngest Women’s US Champion! Piper asks what this is aboot, eh?
Aldis says this is them testing his patience. They need to pack their gear and whatever else they want, because they’ll be in action next week on SmackDown in Toronto. And oh, it’ll be a good one. Wait, they need more details! At least an e-calendar notification? Aldis is leaving Chelsea in the dark on what’s coming, will she absolutely hate it?
The Rock heads to the ring!
Wait, what is this New Orleans related remix? The Final Boss steps out on stage, he shows those goosebumps, then continues down the ramp, shaking hands with fans. The Rock hits his signature pose on the corner, but then takes the long way around to pick up a fan’s phone for them before going back into the ring. The fans all cheer for “ROCKY! ROCKY!” and he grabs himself a mic. He waits as the fans continue to chant his name, and then he says, “Ahh, you feel it, don’t you? You feel it. The Rock has got chills up and down his body because you know, on a Friday night, for the Final Boss to get inside his bird and fly all the way here, you know that I’m dropping some ish on you tonight!”
The fans fire up and The Rock smiles. Rock says, “Let’s get this show on the road.” The fans anticipate what’s coming but he says hold on, he’ll do it. “FINALLY! The Rock has come back…” “TO NEW ORLEANS~!” Rock smiles, and he adds, FINALLY, WrestleMania is coming back to New Orleans!! The fans are thunderous to hear that! WrestleMania 30, WrestleMania 34, and now WrestleMania 42!? Yes, next year, 2026, LIVE from the Superdome! One of the greatest cities on Earth in New Orleans, Louisiana! The pyro goes off to commemorate the occasion, and the logo is already on the tron! Rock smiles at that, then he smiles at the WrestleMania 41 Vegas logo.
The fans are losing their minds, as we now know April 11th and 12th, 2026, the Big Easy has the Grandest Stage of Them All. Rock says you damn right holy ish! Oh when the saints go marching in…! Oh how I’d love… Wait, no, this ain’t singalong with The Final Boss! Sit there, shut up, and let The Final Boss sing the song! The fans are torn, but Rock says he sings! Oh how I’d love, to be in that number~! Oh when the saints go marching in~! Okay, that’s good enough. You got him, that was a great duet. The Rock is singing with the largest collection of STD’d trailer trash he has ever seen! The fans can’t believe Rock would do that to them!
Rock says now, dropping this news wasn’t the only gift he was going to drop on us. The Final Boss came here to call somebody out. The Rock will call out a man who he respects, who he admires, and who we all admire. That man is our WWE Champion, the one and only, Cody Rhodes. The fans cheer as The American Nightmare makes his entrance! They sing along with the song, “WHOA~ OH~!” and we get Cody’s pyro before he goes to the ring. Cody gets his second “WHOA~ OH~!” and round of pyro, then he steps inside to join The Rock. The fans cheer Cody on, so he holds up the title and the fans cheer even more.
Cody grabs a mic, but Rock says, “That feels good, doesn’t it? I mean, that’s gotta feel amazing, right? They love you, man.” Cody tells NOLA, “I love you, too.” Rock says this is crazy. Pretty much no one knows this, but since after WrestleMania last year, they’ve actually become good friends. No, it’s true, they have. Last time they were together was the Raw Netflix debut. Rock gave Cody his flowers, told Cody he has carried the company like the incredible champion that he is, so thank you, Cody. Rock meant it, and that night, they went to the back, drank tequila for two hours and had a great ol’ time.
They chopped it up, had a blast, but Rock wants to call Cody out here for something important. Here’s the thing… The fans get a bit rowdy as they wait, and Rock says Cody is a great champion. A great WWE Champion. Cody knows that. Again, they’ve become good friends, so over the months, they’ve texted. Even their moms became good friends! Look! Mama Johnson & Mama Rhodes together after WrestleMania 40! It is a pleasure becoming Cody’s friend. But Rock wanted this face to face to tell him a few things. One: Cody has been a great champion, but he needs to understand. Yes, The Rock, The Final Boss, is on the Board of TKO. And TKO owns WWE.
The Rock is the Director of the Board of TKO. Don’t boo that! The Rock’s good friend, Ari Emanuel, who owns everything Endeavor, The Rock joked with Ari, “Can you believe that you own The WWE?” Ari says he doesn’t own the WWE, The Rock does. Rock said no, no, he doesn’t know if he owns the WWE. But The Rock knows he is the most powerful… Cody, you are a great champion. But Rock wants Cody to be something more. Rock wants Cody to be something more than just our champion. Rock wants Cody to be his champion. The fans don’t like where that’s going.
Cody says he did not expect them to become friends, nor their moms to become friends, nor the tequila. Cody didn’t have that on his bingo card. But becoming The Rock’s champion? The Rock of all people should know, Cody is the people’s champion. The fans cheer Cody more, and Rock says yes! Cody is their champion! Of course! The Rock is also The People’s Champion, he loves that about Cody. This is their universe, they were both born into this business. But Rock means something even bigger than just this. Rock knows Cody’s goal is to bring as much joy and happiness to everyone around the world, as many as possible.
The fans cheer, and Rock says that’s Cody. Cody is that guy, and everyone knows it. Cody is on social media, Instagram, millions of followers. Millions, and millions! The Rock has half a BILLION. That’s not a flex. But The Rock is the most followed American man in the world, that’s what he wants for Cody. Rock wants Cody to be even higher. If Cody becomes The Rock’s Champion, he will open doors to possibilities Cody never even imagined. If Cody becomes The Rock’s Champion, every dream he has ever had can come true. Every dream of Brandi’s, of their daughter’s. Think about how Rock brought them to the premiere of Moana 2, in Hawaii.
Thank you, by the way, for making that cross a BILLION dollars, fans, Rock loves you. Rock has met the Rhodes family, they’re amazing. But imagine it: Cody’s daughter’s children, their dreams, long after Rock and Cody are gone, all those dreams can come true. Rock just needs Cody to be his champion. The fans say don’t do it! Rock tells Cody to just think about it, though. Rock is a very lucky man, he has it all. Cody also has it all. They’re very fortunate. They’re Mama’s Boys, they’re Girl Dads, they’re lucky men. Fans say don’t do it, Rock tells them to shut up or he’ll slap the syphilis off their face! Rock is trying to have a moment here, shut your mouths!
The one thing that Rock has never had, that he wants more than anything, is a brother. And that is what Cody can be. Last year, WrestleMania, Rock’s goal was to face his cousin, Roman Reigns, for the title. Cody knows, the fans know. Rock talked with his friend, HHH. He talked with Nick Khan, who is his friend. They are also Cody’s friends. Rock knew it wasn’t in the plans, but they talked about moving Cody aside to make what was best for business: Rock VS Roman, WrestleMania 40! What’d Cody do? Cody pitched a b*tch fit! Cody told The Rock he ain’t doing it, and he stood up to The Rock. And y’know what else? Cody SLAPPED Rock!
No one does that and gets away with it. But that is why Cody is special. That is why Cody should be Rock’s Champion. And that is why Rock will take Cody from where he is to a level so far above. Rock will make sure every dream, every desire, for generations to come, it all comes true. Rock’s dad, Cody’s dad, Soul Man & American Dream, they are looking down right now. They were friends, Cody and Rock are friends, Cody should be Rock’s Champion. He doesn’t need to answer Rock tonight. He can think about it, talk with his wife and daughter, as will The Rock. Then Cody can think about it. Meet Rock in Toronto on March 1st to give him the answer.
Fans still say don’t do it, but Rock says it is okay. Before he leaves, this has been an amazing night, this is a hot crowd, thank you all very much. But before he leaves, Rock wants us to know this: The one thing Rock wants more than anything in this world… is that. Wait, the title? Cody’s title? The fans’ title? This is all this is about? No no no no! Brother… Rock doesn’t want the title. He wants Cody’s soul. The fans duel, “NO! NO! NO!” “SELL YOUR SOUL!” Rock pats Cody on the cheek and says see you in Toronto. The Rock leaves, giving Cody a lot to think about. Rock does give one last glance back at Cody, then smirks.
What will The American Nightmare choose: His integrity? Or his aspirations?
WWE Tag Team Championships: #DIY VS Pretty Deadly!
Did Tommaso Ciampa & Johnny Gargano got these titles thanks to Kit Wilson & Elton Prince? #YESBOY! Did they survive a couple title defenses thanks to Kit & Elton? #YESBOY! But when Pretty Deadly needed DIY, was DIY there for them? #NOBOY! So now, Kit & Elton are looking to give Ciampa & Gargano their comeuppance! Will we finally get another #SidePlateCheck? Or will Ciampa & Gargano remember for themselves, that if you wanna be champions, you gotta do it yourself?
But as DIY make their entrance, they have mics, and Johnny Wrestling tells NOLA, “Give it up one time for your TWO-TIME WWE Tag Team Champions…! The BTTITW (Best Tag Team In The World), D I Y~!” The fans boo instead. Ciampa says there is no denying that tonight has been electrifying. Gargano says this is a hot crowd. But please, if we could be somber for a second. Guys, this is serious. Two weeks ago, Pretty Deadly embarrassed DIY, and now reluctantly, DIY will return that favor by crushing their hopes and dreams of ever becoming WWE Tag Team Champions. So please, let us all rise to our feet… Yes, you in the LSU jersey, stand up.
Ciampa thanks Wade Barrett, and asks for everyone to remove their hands and bow their heads for a moment of silence for Pretty Deadly, beginning… now. The fans boo instead! And then Pretty Deadly make their entrance! The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we see who really needed who in this broken relationship!
But then DIY jumps Pretty Deadly! The ref reprimands, DIY whip but Pretty Deadly reverses! DOUBLE DORPKICKS! Then DOUBLE LARIATS send DIY up and out! The disco ball hasn’t even stopped spinning! The fans cheer while DIY throw a fit! They regroup, cool down, and go back to the ring. Gargano distracts Elton, Ciampa CLOBBERS him, and the bell rings. But Elton fires hands on Ciampa! Elton whips, Ciampa reverses and he pulls hair! The ref reprimands, Ciampa throws Elton to the apron and KNEES him down! Tag to Gargano and he aims, SUPERKICK! Elton goes down in a heap, DIY cheers themselves on, and SmackDown goes to break!
SmackDown returns, Gargano tags in, and DIY hits the BACK SUPLEX BOMBO COMBO! Cover, TWO! Elton stays in this but Gargano tags Ciampa back in. Gargano sends Ciampa in, but Elton ELBOWS him away! Gargano runs in, but Elton puts him on the apron! Gargano goes after Kit, but Kit blocks the kick! Kit BOOTS Gargano down, but then Ciampa BOOTS Kit! Elton dodges Ciampa to come back, DOUBLE CROSSBODIES collide! Elton and Ciampa are down, sputtering and writhing, and the fans rally up. Elton crawls, Kit rises, hot tags to Kit and Gargano! Kit rallies on DIY with big forearms! Kit whips, Gargano reverses, Kit UPPERCUTS!
Kit UPPERCUTS Ciampa in a corner, then LARIATS! Kit runs to LARIAT Gargano! Kit pushes Gargano down, kicks him and hits a TWIST- NO, Gargano slips through to ROCK Kit! Kit yoyos, DOUBLE LARIATS! The fans fire up, Kit tags Elton! They get Gargano up, but Gargano BOOTS Elton! Gargano ELBOWS Kit away, then runs up on Elton! Elton dodges, then gives Kit the boost, DRY MARTI-KNEES! Cover, TWO!! Gargano survives but Ciampa is in! Elton fireman’s carries Ciampa, but Ciampa slips free! Ciampa whips, Elton reverses, Kit UPPERCUTS Ciampa! Elton shows off his strength with the GOTCH LIFT PLEX!
Tag to Kit, but IN COME THE PROFITS! Ford SHOVES Kit down, Dawkins mugs him!!
Winners: Pretty Deadly, by disqualification; DIY retain the titles
Not again! Just like they did Motor City Machine Guns, The Profits make sure no one else takes these titles off DIY! URENAGE from Ford to Elton! Dawkins keeps hammering away on Kit, and then Ford POSTS Elton! Dawkins fireman’s carries Kit, to POST him, too! Looking like the All Mighty with that one! Gargano fires forearms in return, but ends up int he POUNCE GERMAN SUPLEX! Then Ciampa runs up into a FLAPJACK! Ford goes up top, then flies in FROM THE HEAVENS!! Direct hit on Ciampa! But wait! MCMG rushes out here, wanting their payback! The Profits brawl with MCMG, but Ford TOSSES Shelley to the apron!
Ford runs up, Shelley goes to kick, but Ford blocks it! Ford LARIATS Shelley down, Dawkins hits Sabin with THE BIG ENDING! The fans are torn as Dawkins whips Sabin, Profits get him for the REVELATION!! And if there’s been any revelation, it is that Ford & Dawkins don’t just want the smoke, they want to burn down the tag division to get it! Will nothing stop them once they’re back in action?
Kevin Owens speaks.
“You got what you wanted, huh? You got your match. You couldn’t, uh… You couldn’t just take the punishment that you deserved, that I’d already given you, and let it go. No, you… You wanted me and you to go again. You wanted to fight me, you want to hurt me, you want to end my career, which would hurt my family, by the way. Which is truly despicable. But what about your family, Sami? Huh? Have you thought of them? What about your family, huh?” Kevin reveals he is right outside the Zayn home! Kevin peers inside to watch Sami, his wife, and his son!
Kevin asks Sami via the video if Sami knows what he’s about to put them through, when they have to watch Kevin end Sami’s career. And what happens then, eh? When Sami can’t provide for them, and everything they have, like this nice house, the shelter, the security, the peace they have, when it’s all gone? And why? What for? Because Sami’s too proud? Because Sami’s selfish? Sami IS selfish. Because Sami is making Kevin do this to Sami’s family. Kevin will never forgive Sami for that. He’ll see Sami in Toronto. “But remember… You asked for this. It’s all your fault.” As if Kevin’s delusions aren’t already grand, will he continue to blame everyone else but himself?
Damian Priest & Braun Strowman VS Solo Sikoa & Jacob Fatu w/ Tama Tonga!
Elimination Chamber is on the horizon, and the Road to WrestleMania makes for strange bedfellows. Priest, Braun and Jacob were fighting each other just last week, but Solo’s return really threw things for a loop. Can Priest & Braun give Solo and the Samoan Werewolf their punishment? Or will everything (not) be fine in Solo’s Bloodline?
SmackDown returns as #OneBigSOB makes his entrance. As Solo, Jacob & Tama head to gorilla, we hear from Solo. “Tonight, we handle business. And it starts with Braun Strowman & Damian-” Jacob interrupts with, “Man, c’mon, DP! C’mon, Braun! I thought we did this! So tonight, we about to even up the score. If you ain’t know, I’m all gas, no brakes with it! See, since we touched the scene, we been dropping bodies like bread crumbs! Yadada mean!? FA-TUUU~! Hit my music!” The rogues enter to Jacob’s theme, is this alone proof he’s the new alpha? Or will the match be the last nail in that coffin?
The teams sort out, but Jacob stares down both Priest and Braun. NOLA seems to acknowledge Jacob, but Solo convinces him to stand down. Solo starts against Priest, the bell rings, and the two tie up. They go around, Priest powers Solo back, but Solo powers Priest back. They break, stare down, and Solo talks some trash. Solo shoves Priest, Priest shoves back. They circle again, tie up, and Priest puts Solo in a corner. The ref counts, Priest lets off at 4, but Solo stomps Priest’s foot! Solo throws hands, then a HEADBUTT! Priest staggers, but then he ROCKS Solo! And ROCKS him! And HEADBUTTS! That was a mistake!
Solo shakes his head to HEADBUTT Priest! Priest goes to a corner, Solo throws haymakers and body shots on repeat! The ref counts, Solo lets off and says see? Solo and Jacob as one! But Priest THROWS Solo to the corner to fire off haymakers of his own! Priest ROCKS Solo, the fans fire up, and Priest whips., Solo reverses to UPPERCUT! Solo talks smack but Priest ROCKS him again! Tag to Braun and the fans fire up! Braun stares Jacob down, tells him to shove it, then runs up to SPLASH Solo! Braun stares Jacob down again, goes back for Solo, and hits another LARIAT! Braun scoops, Solo slips free, but Braun runs up!
Solo ELBOWS Braun away, tags to Jacob, and Jacob runs in, but Braun dodges! Braun CROSSBODIES! Jacob is right up, but Braun BOOTS him right back down! Solo runs in but Braun TOSSES him! Priest hurries after Solo, Braun CLOBBERS Jacob! LEAPING LARIAT for Solo! Braun then gets on the track, STROWMAN EXPRESS SMACKS a chair out of Tama’s hand! The Good Bad Guy thought he was being sneaky! But then Jacob CROSSBODIES Braun into the timekeeper’s aera! The fans go wild as Jacob rises up, and SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Jacob hauls Braun up, drags him around the way, HEADBUTTS him, then brings him over to SMACK off the desk! Braun staggers, but he ROCKS Jacob in return! And THROWS Jacob into steel steps! Braun drags Jacob up, puts him in the ring, but Jacob SUPERKICKS Braun! Braun falls into the corner, Jacob HIP ATTACKS! Jacob’s all geeked up, then he tags in Solo. Solo soaks up some heat while Jacob HIP ATTACKS Braun again! Solo puts Braun on ropes to CHOKE him! The ref counts, Solo stops at 4, but Jacob gets a HEADBUTT in! Braun flounders, Solo taunts him and eggs him on, but Braun CHOPS him!
Solo HEADBUTTS Braun right down! Solo rains down fists, then lets off so he can put Braun on the ropes. Solo CHOKES Braun again, stops as the ref counts 4, and Jacob gets another cheap shot in! Solo tags Jacob in, then he HEADBUTTS Braun again and again! Jacob runs to BODY CHECK Braun! Jacob fires up, Braun flounders to ropes, but Jacob rains down fists! Tag to Solo, he soaks up heat from NOLA, then he stomps away on Braun! The ref counts, Solo lets off, then he keeps Braun from Priest by anchoring a leg. Tag to Jacob and Jacob climbs up, FROG SPLASH! Jacob roars while Braun writhes!
Jacob looms over Braun but he glares at Priest. Priest gets heated, but Jacob fires hands on Braun as SmackDown returns to single picture. Braun stands, but Jacob HEADBUTTS him again! Jacob runs for another BODY CHECK! And then a SENTON! Cover, TWO! Braun stays in this and he goes to a corner. Jacob snarls, tags Solo in, and the fans boo. Solo runs corner to corner to HIP ATTACK Braun! Solo grins as he copies Jacob’s geeking out. Tag back to Jacob and fans cheer! Jacob aims, runs, and HIP ATTACKS! Jacob keeps going, but Braun BOOTS from below!! The fans fire up while both men stagger to their feet.
Braun SPINEBUSTERS Jacob! Both monsters are down, the fans rally up, and they crawl, hot tags to Solo and Priest! Priest fires hands on Solo, then whips. Solo reverses but Priest SHOUDLER TACKLES Solo! Priest runs to BACK ELBOW! Jacob is back, but Priest dodges to WHEEL KICK! Priest then waits on Solo, but Solo catches Priest! Priest elbows free, but Solo SUPERKICKS! But Priest JUMPING ROUNDHOUSES! Solo comes back, Priest ROCKS him first! Solo swings, but into the FLATLINER! Cover, TWO! Solo survives but Priest puts him in a corner. Priest whips corner to corner, then runs, only for Solo to put him on th eapron!
Solo takes as swing, Priest dodges and ROUNDHOUSES! Priest then knuckle locks with Solo, goes up top, and he tightrope walks for some OLD SCHOOL! The fans fire up and Priest powers up the arm! Priest runs, but Solo ducks the Comebacker! Priest fights the fireman’s carry to BELL CLAP, ROUNDHOUSE, and then he reels Solo in! But Tama is on the apron! Priest DECKS Tama, but Jacob HOTSHOTS Priest! Solo hits the URENAGE! Cover, TWO!! Priest survives and Solo is stunned! Solo snarls, looks to his taped-up thumb, then he drags Priest up. The fans boo but Solo taunts the fans now. SAMOAN- NO! Priest grabs Solo!
But Jacob runs in! Priest ROCKS Jacob, ELBOWS Solo, then he dodges, so Jacob’s SUPERKICK hits Solo! An accident just like last week’s shot to Tama, but Jacob doesn’t seem as upset by it. Priest TOSSES Jacob, then CLOBBERS Solo! STROWMAN EXPRESS CLOBBERS Jacob & Tama!! Priest brings down the straps, the fans are thunderous, and Priest grabs Solo by the neck! SOUTH OF HEAVEN!! Cover, Priest & Braun win!
Winners: Damian Priest & Braun Strowman, by pinfall
Just as Solo thought it’d be like before, he and Jacob were not on the same page! Priest is rolling towards Elimination Chamber, will this be just what he needs to go back to WrestleMania?
My Thoughts:
A great SmackDown here, but with some interesting moves after the sudden change in plans with The Rock showing up. Naomi and Bianca had a good promo to hype up what was meant to be a full match of Naomi VS Liv, but word had already come out before the show that things were being cut for time. But at the very least, they did the right thing of making it a brawl that adds heat to the tag title match on Monday. Also, hilarious how Chelsea & Piper thought the beatdown on Bianca & Naomi was so bad that they would need to be pulled from the Chamber. I also can’t wait to see what happens on Toronto SmackDown.
As for The Rock, I do appreciate he used his authority to kayfabe change more things, all so he could have his promo with Cody. I also appreciate Rock blending his different roles and even different sides, both Heel and Face, to A) bring the news of WM42 being in NOLA, and B) recreate the Corporate Champion/People’s Champion story from the Attitude Era. That was some wild stuff he was saying to Cody. I’m sure quite a few people will try and talk with Cody next week in the go-home. Heels will say do it because they’d love to have what Rock can give, Faces will say not because Cody’s better than that. But naturally, Cody is not going to become The Rock’s Champion, causing Rock to turn on him and really up things going into WrestleMania 41 and perhaps even beyond.
Good stuff in the Elimination Chamber related stories. Jimmy VS McIntyre was great stuff to open, and how fitting that McIntyre loses to Jimmy after talking all that trash about Jimmy and Jey being the same. Jey got McIntyre with something quick, Jimmy got McIntyre with something quick, McIntyre’s ego is obviously his weakness. And at the same time, McIntyre of course destroys Jimmy after because that’s his other personality trait. Priest had good promos with Cody and Braun, and we got great stuff from Solo’s Bloodline. Naturally, we got a miscommunication spot to help finish, we’re really close to Solo VS Jacob, I can feel it. Priest & Braun get the win, mostly because Priest isn’t winning in the Chamber when you’ve got Punk and Cena in there.
Very good stuff with Tiffy Time, from the promos leading into the match to Charlotte being ringside just to watch. Nia & Candice of course get the better of Tiff & Trish, because Tiff & Trish are definitely winning the tag match in Toronto. Charlotte just seems to enjoy trolling Tiff with her presence, so Charlotte probably shows up in Toronto to then confront Tiff after the match. I expect the seven weeks after Elimination Chamber to really heat up, as will Charlotte’s involvement, where she’ll get more active verbally and physically. Also, hell, Rock should go full Corporation and have Charlotte be his Corporate Women’s Champion because of how established she is.
Hilarious stuff from Truth tonight, as always. Truth and Melo having their “who’s on first” again was good stuff, and of course Miz gets in on this story, too. Truth & Knight VS “Melo Don’t Miz” was really fun, but yeah, should’ve figured Nakamura would get involved, too. Melo & Miz making it work could also be really fun, and while Knight VS Nakamura is a rehash, I really hope they find a way to up things. It feels like we’re getting the same with the tag titles as Profits “ruined” that great tag match from DIY and Pretty Deadly, then brawled with MCMG to still come out on top. Last year had a ladder tag title match, so why not do one for these titles this year?
Speaking of escalating, Kevin filming a promo outside Sami’s house was some really well done stuff, as expected of someone as good as Kevin and in such a story as him and Sami. Their match should main event, it needs time to breathe, as it could be just as, if not more violent, than the Chamber matches. What a powerful closing moment we could have if it’s a bloody Kevin and Sami, and one of them is standing over the other, triumphant yet mournful because it was their best friend in the world that they just brutalized.
My Score: 8.9/10
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Coverage
Andrew’s TNA LIVE! iMPACT! Results & Match Ratings: 2.20.2025
So the first live episode got fairly positive praise from everyone; will this continue the trend?
Filming at Full Sail seems to have set the stage nicely this week! Going into a Live episode we got Moose and The Hardy Boyz on NXT, as well as Jordynne Grace’s involvement with Steph and Giulia giving a little shine to TNA happenings since she’s newly WWE.
This episode should be interesting, we finally see Lei Ying Lee (fka Xia Li) back in action, Rascalz take on Tyson and Tyriek, Tessa should be seeing some action as well…so generally interesting happenings for the second Live iMPACT! of 2025. Let’s see how this one goes down!
No matter where @ManceWarner and @stephdelander go, @TheSamiCallihan WILL FIND THEM!
Watch #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/NY8HgI02kY pic.twitter.com/mXz9U7m9PL
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) February 21, 2025
Ratings:
- Tyson & Tyriek w/Wes Lee vs The Rascalz w/Ace Austin: Rascalz win via Meteora/Swanton Combo – ***
- Lei Ying Lee vs Rosemary: Lei wins via Thunderstruck – **
- NoDQ Match: Leon Slater vs JDC: Dango wins via The System help – ** 3/4
- Masha Slamovich vs Mila Moore: Masha wins via Requiem – N/A
- Elijah & Joe Hendry vs The Colons: Elijah wins via Tombstone Piledriver – *** 1/4
Results:
Oh yeah, and another Hendry concert is…cut off by a commercial, LOLTNA. First Hendry is cut off by AXSTV’s new Anime Hour bumper, and now Primo and Epico are showing up in TNA. I definitely didn’t have this on my BINGO card. The crowd starts chanting “Where’s Carlito”, which they do acknowledge and play off of well. Oh they’re using their shoot names of Orlando and Eddie now…but before they attack the lights go out and we get another guitar strum! ELIAH/ELIAS/EZEKIEL/EBENERZER/EMERY/EL VAGABUNDO – shows up to back up Hendry. Okay I can apologize away the redundant concert since it played into an Elijah debut. The crowd is immediately popping and chanting “This is Awesome” 10 minutes into the show.
Tyson & Tyriek w/Wes Lee vs The Rascalz w/Ace Austin
Treehouse bros take it to the bigger men quickly, a few fast dives, a little MCMG style tandem strikes, Tyson fires and tries to take them out but they Low Bridge him. Tyriek comes in and they try similar things but Tyriek manhandles them both and throws them out of the ring, Trey is the first one back up and Tyriek and Tyson take his damn head off with his Corkscrew Running Euro Upper. Trey finally manages to flip out of the manhandle, tags in Wentz and Wentz goes for the hot and spicy cleaning house spot. Corner to Corner Knee Lifts for both big men, a Rolling Snapmare, into a Superkick for Tyson and Standing Shoot Star on Tyriek but only for two because Wes feints like he’s going to interfere.
Tyson and Tyriek pull off a tandem Assisted Backdrop Driver, but Wentz breaks it up, Tyson gets knocked out, Wentz hits the Tornillo, Wes tries to interfere again after Trey gets perched on the corner buckle but Ace runs around and trips Wes at the last second causing him to faceplant on the apron, Trey hits the Meteora, Wentz hits a Swanton from the other side of the ring and Trey gets the pinfall victory.
It was fast paced, all gas no brakes, but it didn’t overstay its welcome, so it was pretty fun all things considered.
After the match Wes grabs a mic, complains a little but challenges them to a 6 man match as Sacrifice. So we’re THAT’S where we’re getting the expected 3v3.
Fir$t Cla$$ comes out with an entourage of hot chicks and probably influencers or something. The “First Class Penthouse” , Gabby AF, Mafiosa Valentina, and Carolina are apparently known in their own way. Gabby I know was the awful one who did something for Impact a last year and sucked, but she’s part of the Busted Open Network I believe so that’s why she’s around. Two of them look like Noelle Foley and Frank the Clown…oh they actually are. Look at that. I do love KC Navarro as the Hype Man, they have this whole set up of AJ being mad that they haven’t gotten more Tag Title shots, so TNA placated him with his own Piper’s Pit and he’s *pregnant pause* totally happy with that. He says he loved Piper and hated Hogan before it was cool.
This is actually quality content and AJ is cutting a nice promo in this segment. They introduce their first guest, the greatest performer in TNA history, many whole say he’s Phenomenal with a whole lot of style….it’s A-J-Francis.
.@AJFrancis410 is GOING OFF!
Watch #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/NY8HgI02kY pic.twitter.com/kGehtp9iTE
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) February 21, 2025
Lei Ying Lee vs Rosemary
Things were slow until Rosemary took her into a corner quickly, hit the Upside Down, and we get a lot of Lei trying to avoid Rosemary’s offense. Rosemary goes for a Spear in the corner and Lei forward rolls, starts connecting with a bunch of right hands, backs Rosemary into the corner, goes for 10 Count Punches, pulls her out, Airplane Spin TKO for only a two count. Rosemary tries As Above So Below, Lei shrugs it off, Rosemary tries to go after Lei anyway and eats Thunderstruck! Lei Ying Lee wins!
After the match Rosemary catches Lei on the ramp and hits the Green mist in the eyes. Match was far too short and so many of Lei’s set up moves look better than her finish. We’ve seen Kofi Kingston do it for years so it’s not bad, just the current Knockouts Division are awful and don’t take the move well.
Eric Young and the jabronis come out, EY cuts a very basic power crazed psycho kind of promo, gets the “What” chants from the crowds. EY is trying to recruit Maclin even though Maclin made his line in the sand last week. EY tries to spin it as maybe he took out Josh FOR Maclin instead of in spite of his trust. This really doesn’t seem interesting at all, but that’s probably because I hate the two Jabronis EY is with.
NoDQ Match: Leon Slater vs JDC
I really don’t have any interest in Slater. He’s got no personality beyond “flippy guy with a British accent”.
Dango immediately powders, grabs a chair and goes to swing on him but misses. So Leon is making JDC look dumb by dodging the post chop, using the chair to shield himself from a punch by JDC, and then clapping Dango’s fingers between the chair. So typical System match, look inept for the first few minutes, then take advantage of something to take over. Oh look, Leon takes too long setting up the table, Dango gets in a few pot shots, tries to whip him into the table but Leon leaps over it, and then leaps back over to clobber Dango. Dango is still trying to recover so Leon hits his over the corner post con hilo, and the crowd appreciates it but I’m not interested. Leon panders to the crowd after the big spot and then eats an X-Plex into the chair from Dango.
JDC throws Leon back in, goes for a pinfall that’s only a two and we cut to a commercial. Coming out of the commercial JDC is in control with a Kendo Stick until he isn’t, Leon counters and takes the keno stick, brutalizes Dango a few times then comes off the ropes with the kendo shot for 2. Leon goes for another table, and again, at least the crowd is receptive to this match. Leon sets it up, looks for something off the apron but Dango stops him first until he eats a dropkick to fall onto the table, Leon hits the Swanton 450 through the table on the outside. Does it look cool? Sure. Do I care about dumbass moves? Nope.
Oh thankfully the rest of The System comes out to stop the pinfall, Shield Bomb Leon through the first table, and roll him back in for Dango to win.
The Hardy Boyz come out to try and make the save, but the numbers are against them, so Oba Femi’s music hits! Oba cleans house but doesn’t get his hands on Moose, so they’re at least building the eventual clash between Moose and Oba.
The crowd starts a “Tessa, we comin for you” chant before she even starts talking. Tessa is actually playing off the crowd well, Santino’s music hits and Tessa thinks he’ll help her out with the crowd and Santino calls bullshit basically. Santino says if Tessa doesn’t wrestle next week, she’s fired and Masha’s music hits. Masha decides to step in for Tessa’s enhancement talent match.
Masha Slamovich vs Mila Moore
Jobber tries to attack Masha early but Masha stops her, rocks her and Requiem ends the match.
Masha stares down Tessa, and then Cora Jade attacks from behind and hits Jaded.
Ryan Nemeth comes out to his Abyss music remix. What will Mokuba say today? “MYYYY BIIIGG BBRROOOOTTHHHEEEEER” he repeats at least 4 times and it’s hilariously cringe. He announces that Nic will return at Sacrifice, he literally just came out to give a PSA.
Elijah & Joe Hendry vs The Colons
Hendry starts with Eddie, after a brief tie up it seems like Hendry reads the room and points at Elijah and the crowd wants him in. So Joe tags in Elijah, a little back and forth, Shoulder Tackle from Elijah, Rope Walk with Elijah lays out Eddie and a tag to Joe allows for a quick tandem knockdown, but Eddie powders as the Walking and Talking Duo hold the ring going into the final commercial break.
We come back and Hendry is bouncing Orlando off the ropes as he return a strike, but Orlando is obviously losing, eats a Euro Upper, and then gets walked around in the Stalling Suplex for posterity. Eddie tries a sneak attack but gets caught and Sack of Shit, into Kip Up, turn and then Orlando with the ambush! A few quick short cuts and an Irish Whip/Dropkick combo gives the Colons a near fall. Hendry does get locomotion variation cradles, but eats a Dropkick to stop the attempt at momentum. Orlando stays on Joe, but Joe finally starts to fire up as the crowd starts to get behind him. Euro Uppers make some space, but a Snapmare says no.
Eddie gets tagged in and a quick Leg Sweep into a Front Chancery keeps Eddie in control. As Joe tries to get back up, Eddie turns it into a Guillotine, but finally the Suplex counter connects for Hendry! Simultaneous tags! Elijah bulls over Orlando, catches a Leap Frogging Orlando with the Manhattan Drop as Orlando retreats to a corner, Stinger Splash into Spinebuster for two. Elijah tries to keep up the attacks but Orlando finds a few ways to make space, launches himself from the middle rope and eats the Jumping Knee! Eddie breaks up the pinfall, Hendry takes Eddie out and Elijah hits the Tombstone Piledriver for the win!
Overall Score: 6/10
Well there were more live hiccups than the first episode, and this felt both more epic and less epic at the same time. Elijah and the Colons debuting was a nice way to kick things off, Oba Femi showing up for the save was fantastic. There were a few decent matches, but also a lot of really short and rushed matches. Tessa played off the crowd well, but Masha really is useless on the mic. Lei Ying Lee needs to framed stronger, her matches have done nothing to show off her ability. It just proves that the Knockouts don’t know how to sell a kick to the head because they all take it in the shoulder and fall in corny ways.
Viva La Sam could be something fun if the next 3 weeks are just hand cam footage of him being like “I’m Sami Callihan and I’m gonna kick Mance Warner’s ass”, Elegance Clique getting the rematch with a stipulation is nice to see and while I like Fir$t Cla$$, that segment went a little long for a cornball swerve payoff. It’s one thing to placate the Influencer squad especially when we’ve seen Logan Paul and Ishowspeed do so well in WWE…but these are like Z Tier Influencers that no one cares about. These kind of dorks stream on Kick because they aren’t relevant enough for Twitch, not because they chose Kick over it.
So yeah, the low lights were pretty low, and the highs were a little fleeting, but at least they were pretty fun. Not a bad show, just clunky with noticeable issues and Masha shouldn’t be allowed to speak English anymore. She’s such a charisma vacuum when she’s not rambling in Russian.
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