Coverage
Mitchell’s NJPW New Beginning Osaka Results & Report! (2/11/23)
One last New Beginning!
The Rainmaker and Rampaging Dragon have a rematch!
As NJPW’s New Beginning ends, Kazuchika Okada defends the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship against KOPW Champion, Shingo Takagi! Will we see the rise of a new two belt champion?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Toru Yano & Oskar Leube VS Great-O-Khan & Aaron Henare; Khan & Henare win.
- 8 Man Tag: Tomoaki Honma, Tiger Mask, Ryusuke Taguchi & Shota Umino VS Los Ingobernables de Japon; LIJ wins.
- Master Wato VS Taiji Ishimori; Ishimori wins.
- Hiroshi Tanahashi VS KENTA; Tanahashi wins.
- NEVER Openweight Six Man Tag Team Championships: The House of Torture VS Minoru Suzuki, El Desperado & Ren Narita; Suzuki, Desperado & Narita win and become the new NEVER Openweight Six Man Tag Team Champions.
- Loser Leaves Japan: Jay White VS Hikuleo; Hikuleo wins and White cannot return to Japan.
- NEVER Openweight Championship: Tama Tonga VS El Phantasmo; Tama wins and retains the title.
- IWGP World Heavyweight Championship: Kazuchika Okada VS Shingo Takagi; Okada wins and retains the title.
PLAY BY PLAY
NEVER Openweight Six Man Tag Team Championships: The House of Torture VS Minoru Suzuki, El Desperado & Ren Narita!
The King of Darkness, Tokyo Pimp and Murder Machine have held onto these titles by any means necessary, but they might’ve just run into the meanest trio yet! Will Evil, Yujiro Takahashi & Sho have no choice but to submit? Or will the House be the ones to torture Suzuki’s team?
The challengers come out first, and the House of Torture takes advantage! They all attack Narita as he was bringing up the rear! Fans boo and both Suzuki and Desperado finally realize what happened! They rush back out to the ramp but Evil and Yujiro intercept! The ref reprimands but the match hasn’t started so there’s nothing he can do! Evil stomps Desperado, Yujiro smacks Suzuki off the apron, and then Yujiro sends Suzuki into railing! Fans boo and jeer more, but Dick sits Narita up as Sho takes aim with his title belt. BELT SHOT for the Son of Strong Style! Sho laughs but fans boo, and they leave Narita down and out on the ramp.
Evil gets the mic to say, “Oi! How dare you say we’ll be stripped of our championships! Oi, Desperado, if you and your sensei want it that badly, then let’s go at it fair and square!” Big talk from the leader of the team that ambushed their opponents. But Suzuki and Desperado both attack Evil together! The bell rings and Yujiro and Sho go after Suzuki and Desperado! The 3v2 gives House of Torture the advantage as they stomp away. Fans boo as Sho digs his boot into Suzuki and Evil digs his into Desperado. Dick sits up on the apron as the House all “have a smoke.” Young Lions check on Narita but he’s still down.
Sho kicks out Suzuki and Evil stomps away on Desperado’s leg. Evil drops an elbow on the leg, CHOKES him on the ropes, and Sho digs his boot in, too! The ref reprimands them both, they both let off at 4, and then Suzuki gets a chair! The ref has to stop Suzuki, allowing the House to CHOKE Desperado more! Evil DECKS Suzuki, then Yujiro tags in to snapmare Desperado. Yujiro claws Desperado’s eyes through the mask! The fans boo, the ref reprimands, but Yujiro lets off to drop a leg, brother! Cover, TWO! Fans rally up for Desperado, but wait, the blue buckle pad is already gone! Sho tags in and he brings Desperado up.
Desperado CHOPS and CHOPS but Sho rakes eyes! Sho wrenches, whips, and Desperado hits bare buckles! The Bullet Club Special strikes already! Sho drags Desperado up again, rakes his eyes some more, and has him down at the ropes. Sho and Evil stand on Desperado, the ref counts, and they let off at 4. Desperado drags himself up but Sho kicks at him. Desperado snarls at Sho but Sho keeps egging him on with those toying kicks. Desperado CHOPS back! And CHOPS again! Sho rakes eyes and throws Desperado down! Fans boo but Sho just grins. Sho drags Desperado up, wrenches the arm, and makes Desperado kneel.
Sho KICKS, KICKS but Desperado blocks the Superkick! Only for Sho to rake his eyes again! The ref reprimands but Sho kicks, only for Desperado to block with forearms! A bit double-edged for Desperado. Sho runs in, Desperado scoops him for a BIG back suplex! Fans fire up while both men are down! Desperado rolls and crawls, hot tag to Suzuki! Fans fire up as Suzuki fires off forearms on Sho! Suzuki backs Sho down but Evil and Yujiro attack! They double whip Suzuki to a corner, then Yujiro runs in. But Suzuki dodges Yujiro to BOOT down Evil! And then Suzuki BOOTS down Yujiro! Sho runs in and kicks low, but then runs into a BOOT!
Fans are thunderous for Suzuki as he looms over Sho. Suzuki drags Sho up, fires off forearm after forearm, then DECKS Sho! Fans rally behind Suzuki as he drags Sho back up. But Sho bends the fingers! Suzuki kicks low, whips, but Sho reverses. Sho keeps the ref from seeing Dick trip Suzuki! Sho then stomps Suzuki out of the ring. Evil RAMS Suzuki into railing, then Evil rakes Suzuki’s eyes! Yujiro CLUBS Suzuki in the chest, and Evil RAMS Suzuki into the timekeeper’s area! Down goes Abe-san! Sho distracts the ref again so that Evil can CHOKE Suzuki with the microphone! Everyone can hear Evil shout at Suzuki to give up! Suzuki instead says he’ll kill Evil!
Fans fire up but Evil lets off of Suzuki. Fans rally for Suzuki and the ref reprimands Evil. Evil puts Suzuki in the ring, Sho covers, ONE!! Sho drags Suzuki up with a facelock, and he brings Suzuki over. Yujiro tags in, Suzuki throws body shots on Sho but Yujiro kicks low. Yujiro ROCKS Suzuki with a forearm, Sho & Evil hold Suzuki in and Yujiro BOOTS Suzuki! But Suzuki just scowls through the impact! Yujiro rakes eyes and Sho pulls on ears, but Suzuki just powers through it! Only for Evil and Sho to rake Suzuki’s eyes! The ref has to keep Desperado back, and Yujiro snapmares Suzuki to BASEMENT BOOT! Cover, ONE!!
Fans fire up as Suzuki just sits up with a frown! Yujiro pushes Suzuki down to drop a HEADBUTT! Cover, TWO! Suzuki snarls and sits up. Yujiro reels him in, brings him back and Evil tags in. They mug Suzuki, then Evil CHOKES Suzuki with his merch shirt! Fans boo but Sho distracts the ref again. But then NARITA returns! Dick kicks Narita, whips him, but Narita whips Dick into railing! Evil sees Narita on the apron and BLASTS him! But Suzuki is free to get around, to a SLEEPER! Fans fire up, but Sho and Yujiro rush in to attack! Desperado gets in but he gets mugged, too! Yujiro throws Desperado out and Evil brings Suzuki up.
Suzuki kicks low and headlocks! Evil powers out but Suzuki holds onto hair! Suzuki HEADBUTTS Evil! Evil rushes in, but Suzuki spins him around and DECKS him! Fans fire up and Suzuki points to Narita! Hot tag to the Son of Strong Style! Fans are thunderous as Narita rallies on the House! Narita throws his shirt at Evil, then KICKS, KICKS and KICKS Evil down! Fans fire up more and Narita drags Evil up. Narita whips Evil to the corner, runs in, and back elbows! Then HALF HATCH! Bridging cover, TWO! Evil escapes but Narita drags him back up. Narita clinches but Evil blocks! Evil throws elbows, runs, but into a clinch!
Evil fights free again, clinches back, but Narita escapes! Narita boots but Evil blocks! Evil rakes Narita’s eyes! The ref reprimands but then Evil hands him Narita’s foot and mule kicks Narita down! Evil tags Yujiro, he brings Narita up and puts him on ropes. Yujiro runs to BOOT Narita, then reels him in for the FISHERMAN BUSTER! Cover, TWO! Fans rally but Yujiro calls the rest of the House in. Yujiro drags Narita up, he and Evil double whip Narita to a corner. Yujiro runs in but Narita BOOTS! Suzuki and Desperado drag Sho and Evil out! Suzuki gets in as Narita whips Yujiro to a corner! Narita elbows, Desperado clotheslines, and Suzuki BOOTS!
Fans fire up as Suzuki and Narita feed Yujiro to Desperado’s SPINEBUSTER! Desperado sits Yujiro up for Suzuki’s PENALTY KICK! Suzuki and Desperado then double whip Yujiro into Narita’s clinch! EXPLODER WITH BRIDGE! But Sho breaks it! Desperado throws Sho out and Suzuki keeps Evil out. Fans fire up with Narita and he brings Yujiro up, into the COBRA TWIST! But Yujiro BITES Narita’s hand! The ref reprimands, Yujiro swings, but into another COBRA TWIST! Dick distracts the ref, he misses Yujiro tapping! Sho and Evil get in to mug Narita! Yujiro crawls to get his pimp cane!
Sho and Evil stand Narita up, but Suzuki BOOTS Yujiro down! Desperado trips Dick while Suzuki BOOTS Sho! Suzuki whips Evil and wrenches, to have a COBRA TWIST! Sho returns, Desperado dodges his haymaker to roll him up, into a STRETCH MUFFLER! Fans fire up as he makes it NUMERO DOS! Narita catches Yujiro into his own COBRA TWIST! The House of Torture endures TRIPLE submissions, and Yujiro taps!! Narita’s team wins!!
Winners: Minoru Suzuki, El Desperado & Ren Narita, by submission (NEW NEVER Openweight Six Man Tag Team Champions)
The House of Torture has been torn down! Suzuki hugs Narita and Desperado, and then raises Narita’s hand in victory! This new trio is golden on their first try, will they soon elevate the spirit of Strong Style?
Wait, Suzuki gets a mic to tell the House of Torture, “To you, the former champions, please get the hell outta here!” Fans like the sound of that! Suzuki continues by saying, “I’m not alone. Inside me is El Desperado and Ren Narita. And we have all of you.” Fans also like the sound of that! They chant for “MI-NO-RU!” and Suzuki says that today, they took these titles. Suzuki has a present for Narita and everyone here. It’s a name for their new trio! This is to embody what Narita and his lineage brings, they shall be TEAM STRONG STYLE! Will anyone be able to dethrone this trio that carries such a banner?
Loser Leaves Japan: Jay White w/ Gedo VS Hikuleo w/ Jado!
The Switchblade was on top of the world, but he’s since fallen back to earth. And yet he blames the Young Gun for it all! Will White banish Hikuleo from the land of the rising sun? Or will his thirst for vengeance cost him everything he has left?
White mocks Tanahashi on commentary by showing off his abs. White and Gedo get the fans to join in on the “Tooooo… SWEET~!” The bell rings and fans rally up as White and Hikuleo stare down. The two step up, White says Hikuleo will never have a WrestleKingdom moment. White has had moments, and he’ll have one more as he sends Hikuleo home for good. The two circle, Hikuleo rushes forward but White slips away before he’s cornered. White taunts Hikuleo but Hikuleo storms up on him again. Hikuleo corners White, catches him this time, so White uses ropes as a defense while desperately shouting for the ref!
The ref has Hikuleo let off and White slips away to the outside. White spits at Hikuleo, but Hikuleo rushes out after him. White slips back in, Hikuleo hurries back to the apron, but White rushes over. Hikuleo catches White into a choke grip! Fans fire up as Hikuleo steps over the top rope, to TOSS White to a corner! White dodges the elbow, but Hikuleo BOOTS him down! White flounders, fans fire up and Hikuleo stalks White to ropes. Hikuleo grabs a leg to drag him back! Hikuleo puts White in a corner, throws body shots and forearms, then throws back elbows. The ref reprimands and counts, Hikuleo lets off with one more elbow.
Hikuleo then kicks White low and White sputters. Hikuleo drags him up, throws him to the corner, then THROWS him across the way! Fans fire up while White writhes at the ropes. Gedo gets on the apron but Hikuleo backs him down. Hikuleo drags White up, whips him, but White holds ropes! Hikuleo runs in but White dodges to dump Hikuleo out of the ring! Hikuleo hits apron hard then tumbles to the railing. Gedo likes what he sees but Jado coaches Hikuleo. White goes out but Hikuleo CHOPS him! Fans fire up as White falls right down! Hikuleo paces to walk off the soreness, and then he CHOKES White on the ground!
The ref reprimands and counts, Hikuleo stops at 4, and then he stands over White. Hikuleo drags White up by his hair, and he has cameramen move aside. Hikuleo TOSSES White over the railing, and he tumbles off the commentary table to hit the second railing! Fans fire up for how close the action is getting, and Hikuleo watches White stir in the wreckage. Hikuleo goes out and moves things aside while White crawls into the crowd! Hikuleo drags White up, and RAMS him into the blue railing! White flops down and the ref reprimands, but Hikuleo says he’s getting White back to ringside.
White crawls, but Hikuleo scoops him! Gedo begs for mercy but Hikuleo tells him to get away. White rakes Hikuleo’s eyes! White then POSTS Hikuleo! White flounders his way back into the ring while Hikuleo sits up in a daze. White goes back out, brings Hikuleo up, and SMACKS him off the apron! And again! And again! And again! And again! White brings Hikuleo around, CLUBS away on him, then SMACKS him off the apron again. Now White has cameramen move, and he RAMS Hikuleo into the railing! Hikuleo tumbles over and out and lands hard on the floor!! Fans fire up while both men are down in No Man’s Land!
White crawls away from Hikuleo and demands the ring count. The count begins, White gets in at 5 of 20 but fans rally for Hikuleo. Hikuleo sits up at 8, crawls his way around at 10, and slides in at 14, only for White to stomp away on him! White drags Hikuleo up in a corner, RAMS his shoulder in again and again and again! The ref reprimands, White laughs but lets off. Hikuleo CLUBS White down! Fans rally up as White flounders. Hikuleo storms up but into a kick! And DDT! Cover, ONE!! Fans fire up but White grows frustrated. White shows the Too Sweet, and he CHOPS! Hikuleo doesn’t budge! White Too Sweet CHOPS again, but Hikuleo just brushes it off!
White kicks low, Too Sweet and kick! White whips but Hikuleo blocks, and he sends White into a corner hard! White falls from hitting buckles face first! Hikuleo storms up on White, drags him up, and scoops. White slips off, to CHOP! Hikuleo shakes his head, but White dodges his chop. Hikuleo UPPERCUTS on the return! Hikuleo scoops White to SNAKE EYES! And then LARIAT! Fans fire up and Hikuleo goes to a corner. White stands, Hikuleo runs in to SPLASH! White staggers, Hikuleo scoops him, and hits a POWERSLAM! Cover, TWO!! White survives but Jado coaches Hikuleo to keep on him.
Hikuleo readies his hand and fans rally up. White rises, but he sees the hand and scurries to ropes! Hikuleo storms up and drags White up from the apron, only for White to HOTSHOT him! White is in a corner, Hikuleo runs in but White dodges! The boot gets caught up, and White CHOP BLOCKS the other leg! Gedo fires up and Jado checks on Hikuleo while White crawls away. White goes to the opposite corner, runs back in, and UPPERCUTS! White brings Hikuleo up, but Hikuleo suplexes! Only for White to slip free, and CHOP BLOCK again! Fans rally as Hikuleo crawls to the corner. He rushes back in but into a COMPLETE SHOT!
White says he’s gonna cradle Hikuleo like a baby. White drags Hikuleo up, waistlocks, but Hikuleo’s a big baby! Hikuleo swings an elbow, but into the SAIDO!! Fans fire up while White drags Hikuleo up again! White suplexes, for a BLADE BUSTER! Cover, ONE?!? Hikuleo shocks everyone and White is beside himself! White sits Hikuleo up, aims a finger gun at him, and clamps on a sleeper! But Hikuleo elbows free! Only for White to CHOP BLOCK on the rebound! Hikuleo falls into a corner and White grins. Fans rally up as White watches Hikuleo drag himself up with the ropes. White runs in, but into a BOOT!
White staggers back up, comes back, and he dodges to boot for a KNEE JAMMER!! And then he gets the other leg, KNEE JAMMER!! Jado and the ref check Hikuleo but White is on him with stomps! The ref reprimands, White digs his boots in, but White lets off. White sits Hikuleo up to dribble him off the buckles! The ref reprimands again, he gets White to stop, and White backs off. To then stomp Hikuleo down again! Hikuleo sputters, and White unties part of the buckle pad! The ref sees that and stops White. White and Gedo argue with the ref but then White grabs a chair! White SMACKS away on Hikuleo with the chair!!
Fans boo but White wears that chair out! White then calls for the ref, drags Hikuleo up, and he hooks a leg, KIWI KRUSHER!! Cover, TWO!!! Hikuleo survives and White is speechless! Fans rally up for Hikuleo but White sits him up. White takes Hikuleo’s vest off, to Too Sweet CHOP! Hikuleo falls over but White isn’t done with him. White sits Hikuleo back up, Too Sweet CHOP! Fans rally up, White grins and sits Hikuleo up again, Too Sweet CHOP! Hikuleo growls and fans fire up! Hikuleo glares at White but White CHOPS again! And CHOPS again! And CHOPS again! Hikuleo just rises up! White CHOPS and CHOPS and CHOPS, but Hikuleo tells him, “F YOU!”
White says, “You want it? You think you can take me out?” Hikuleo CHOPS White off his feet!! White gets up in a huff and eggs him on again, so Hikuleo CHOPS him down again! White stands up again, but Hikuleo CHOPS again! White wobbles but he stays up. White storms up into another CHOP, and he falls back over! Gedo is getting worried but Jado coaches Hikuleo on. White drags himself up, Hikuleo storms up to CHOP again! White stays up, so Hikuleo CHOPS! And CHOPS! And CHOPS!! White just keeps coming back for CHOP after CHOP after CHOP! White is slowing down, but he still comes back for a CHOP!
White SPITS at Hikuleo, so Hikuleo just DOUBLE CHOPS him down!! Fans fire up and White grins like a madman as he drags himself up. Hikuleo waits on White and dares him to bring it! White dodges the chop, but runs into the POWERSLAM! Fans fire up again and Hikuleo stands up. Hikuleo raises his hand, and clamps it onto White! But Gedo gets on the apron! Only for Jado to YANK him down! White claws at Hikuleo’s eyes, so Hikuleo shoves White away, but he falls back into the ref! White LOW BLOWS Hikuleo! Fans boo but White calls to the ref. The ref staggers up, White tells him to not mess this up!
But Hikuleo LARIATS White back down! Hikuleo drags White up, whips him to ropes, and then POWER- BLADERUNNER OUTTA NOWHERE!!! White turns things around at the last possible moment, then crawls over. Hikuleo turns onto his side to keep White from pinning him! White pushes him back over, drags him back up, but that’s a lot of dead weight to lift. White uses ropes to help, BLADE- NO! Choke grip! Hikuleo grins, but White clubs away on the arm. White kicks the legs, too, but Hikuleo uses both hands! POP-UP- NO, White throws hands! But Hikuleo still POWERBOMBS White!! Cover, TWO!?!?
White survives and fans are thunderous, but Hikuleo can’t believe it! Fans rally up again and White crawls to a corner. Hikuleo stalks White but White flops over. White crawls over to Hikuleo, Hikuleo choke grips him again. White feebly tries to fight free, but then offers a Too Sweet. Hikuleo gives him the Too Sweet, to then give him the CHOKE SLAM!!! Cover, HIKULEO WINS!!!
Winner: Hikuleo, by pinfall (Jay White must LEAVE Japan)
King Switch has truly fallen from grace! He wanted to ruin Hikuleo’s future, but has now doomed his own! Hikuleo gives White a Too Sweet good-bye, will White have to settle for being NJPW Strong?
NEVER Openweight Championship: Tama Tonga w/ Jado VS El Phantasmo!
Tonight has not been a good night for Bullet Club, and that’s exactly how the Good Bad Guy likes it! Will he add on to their woes by keeping this title from the Headbanga? Or will ELP be the silver lining in Bullet Club’s New Beginning?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see if this ends in Sudden Death!
The bell rings and fans rally up. Plenty of fans chant “E L P!” as he circles with Tama, and ELP makes sure Tama knows it. They tie up, go around, and ELP headlocks. Tama powers up but can’t power out as ELP holds tight. Tama tries again but ELP holds tighter. ELP grinds Tama down but Tama fights up. Tama throws body shots, powers out this time, and they RAM shoulders. Fans applaud as neither man falls. ELP dares Tama to try, so Tama runs, and they RAM shoulders. ELP says okay, and he winds up his arms, only to knee low! Now ELP runs, but Tama hurdles, hurdles and DOUBLE CHOPS! ELP stands up, into a DROPKICK!
Fans fire up as ELP ends up in a corner. Tama waits on ELP and ELP stands. The two reset and tie up, and Tama headlocks. ELP powers out, things speed up, and ELP hurdles, drops and DROPKICKS! Fans fire up as Tama goes to a corner now. Tama stands and fans rally up again. ELP and Tama circle, ELP applauds “Good job” to the fans. ELP then gets around Tama to waistlock but Tama standing switches and slams ELP down. Tama floats to a headlock, hits a takeover, but ELP headscissors. Tama kips free, ELP headlocks for a takeover, but Tama headscissors! ELP handsprings free, and dropkicks cancel out!
GUN- NO, ELP throws Tama away! SUDDEN- NO, Tama ducks the kick! Fans fire up seeing the exchange! Tama and ELP reset, and ELP offers a Too Sweet. Will Tama take it like Hikuleo? Tama doesn’t, so ELP SLAPS him! Tama fires off forearms, uppercuts, and then he clotheslines ELP up and out! Then Tama PLANCHAS! Down goes ELP and fans fire up! Tama stalks ELP, stands ELP up and ROCKS him with a right. ELP staggers, but he throws hands in return. Tama fires off hands, whips ELP at railing, but ELP leaps up and over! Fans fire up as ELP lands safe in No Man’s Land! But then Tama LEAPS over! ELP moves and Tama crashes into railing!
The front row is getting a lot of the action tonight as Young Lions and the ref check on Tama. Tama is okay to continue, but he is clutching his hand. ELP SLAMS the bad hand against the blue railing! ELP then drags Tama around to SLAM the hand off the table! ELP tips that table over, puts it on top of Tama’s hand, and STOMPS it! The ref reprimands and ELP moves aside. Fans rally up, ELP comes back to bring Tama up, and he knuckle locks the bad hand. ELP brings Tama over to put him in the ring, but he keeps the hand on the apron. ELP drops a knee on the hand! And again! And again! The ref reprimands as ELP digs his knee in.
ELP steps into the ring, Jado coaches Tama and fans rally up, but ELP bends Tama’s fingers! ELP tortures Tama’s hand, then SNAPS the fingers! Tama clutches the hand but ELP grabs hold again. ELP knuckle locks, then stands Tama up to CHOP! ELP goes up and up and jumps around, to then FLYING RANA! Fans applaud the athleticism, and then ELP covers. TWO, and fans rally up again. ELP stands Tama up to ROCK him with a forearm, then whips him corner to corner hard! Tama bounces off the buckles, ELP covers, TWO! Fans applaud as Tama hangs tough, but ELP sits him back up. Tama throws back elbows, and then a haymaker! But that was his bad hand!
ELP BOOTS Tama to the corner, throws hands of his own, and he sits Tama down with haymakers. The ref reprimands, ELP backs off, then drags Tama up by his bad hand again. ELP knuckle locks, then ROCKS Tama. ELP whips corner to corner, but Tama comes back to CLOBBER ELP! Off comes the vest! Fans fire up and Tama elbows ELP, throws body shots, and then forearm after forearm! Tama whips corner to corner, runs in and STINGER SPLASHES! Then a clinch, to an EXPLODER! Cover, TWO! Fans rally as Tama and ELP rise. Tama stands first, he brings ELP up, and whips him to ropes for a BIG back drop!
Fans fire up as Tama goes to the corner. ELP writhes, and Tama sits him up. Tama throws down elbows, then CLUBS away on ELP’s chest! Tama CLUBS ELP down, then paces as ELP rises back up. Tama dragon sleepers, but ELP snapmares free! ELP ducks ‘n’ dodges to then FLYING SHOULDER TACKLE! Both men are down and fans fire back up. Jado coaches Tama and he sits up. Fans rally, and ELP kips up! Atomic drop, then ELP DECKS Tama! Tama stands, but ELP scoops and SLAMS him! ELP goes up a corner, to DIVING FOREARM! Fans fire up as ELP tunes up the band in the corner. Tama rises, ELP runs in, SUDDEN-
NO, Tama dodges and fires off strikes! ENZIGURI! Cover, TWO! ELP flounders to a corner and Tama storms up to him. Tama CLUBS ELP, elbows him, then elbows him again! And again! Tama whips corner to corner, ELP goes up and over, keeps moving, and springboards to CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO! ELP rolls to LIONSAULT, but Tama dodges! Tama bails out but ELP DIVES! Direct hit at the ramp! Fans fire up while both men are down on the outside! The chants for “E L P!” return as he sits up first. ELP crawls over to Tama while Tama rolls his way to ringside. ELP steps up and over Tama to go up the ropes! ARIHARA MOONSAULT!! Direct hit!!
Fans are thunderous but ELP clutches his leg. That may have been riskier than he needed, but too late now. ELP drags himself up with railing and hobbles his way over. The ring count climbs, ELP makes it back to railing at 7 of 20. ELP drags Tama up at 10, puts him in at 12, and fans applaud. ELP stretches his leg out, gets on the apron, and steps in, but Tama gets the leg! DRAPING DRAGON SCREW! Tama gets the leg again, another DRAPING DRAGON SCREW! And then he SLAPS ELP, before a third DRAPING DRAGON SCREW! ELP flops into the ring, and fans rally up. Tama shakes out his bad hand and waits on ELP.
ELP hobbles up, Tama grabs the leg, and he trips ELP to DDT the foot! ELP writhes and fans rally up again. Tama stalks ELP, grabs the legs again, but ELP throws hands from below! Tama ROCKS ELP, steps through on the legs, but ELP throws more hands! Tama still steps over, SHARPSHOOTER!! ELP claws at Tama, endures, powers up and claws his way forward! But Tama sits on the hold! Fans rally up as ELP still endures, powers up again, and gets the ROPEBREAK! Tama lets go in frustration and ELP beats his bad leg into shape. Fans rally again, Tama brings ELP up, and Tama brings ELP into a fireman’s carry!
But ELP fights free, and CLAWS Tama’s back! Dragon sleeper, and ELP steals TONGAN TWIST! Both men are down, fans rally up, and ELP sits up. ELP shakes out the bad leg, and throws a forearm on Tama. Tama throws it back, so ELP gives another. The forearms continue as both men stand. Fans rally as the two step to each other. ELP throws a forearm, and Tama throws it back! ELP throws another, so Tama throws it back! ELP SLAPS Tama, SLAPS him, but Tama SLAPS! But that’s the bad hand! ELP fires off a flurry, but Tama knees low then fires off uppercuts! They brawl fast and furious, fans fire up, and the two slow down.
But then they start up again! Tama knees low, uppercuts, and uppercuts! Tama fires furious fists, and he has ELP on the ropes! The ref counts, Tama lets off, but ELP comes in with a BOOT! Tama ROCKS ELP in return, ELP rebounds into the fireman’s carry! SRC! Tama goes to the corner and fans fire up! Tama climbs, aims, SUPREME FLOW! Cover, TWO!! ELP survives and fans fire up again! Jado beats the apron, fans clap along, and Tama waits on ELP to rise. ELP stands, GUN- NO, ELP drops to fire off ELBOWS on Tama! Then ghost pin, but Tama rolls through it! Tama fireman’s carries again but ELP fights it off with more elbows!
Tama powers up again! TKO!! Cover, TWO!! ELP survives and fans fire up again! Tama stands, and he vows to end this. Tama drags ELP up, underhooks the arms, but ELP resists the lift! Tama CLUBS ELP, throws body shots, and underhooks again. But ELP back drops! Tama sunset flips, ELP rolls through and he tucks Tama in! CR STYLES CLASH!! Cover, TWO!!! ELP’s fake-out didn’t finish this! Fans rally back up but ELP aims his finger gun. ELP drags Tama up, reels him in and hooks an arm, BLOODY- NO, Tama fights out to GUN- NO! ELP holds that off, straitjackets and torture racks, and he throws Tama over! But Tama lands on his feet!
Tama ducks the haymaker, and hits BLOODY SUNDAY!!! Cover, TWO!?!? ELP survives Tama’s shoutout to the Prince! Tama beats the mat, ELP stands, and Tama runs in, SUDDEN DEATH!!! Cover, TWO!?!?! ELP can’t believe Tama survives and the fans are thunderous! Fans rally up again as ELP goes out of the ring. ELP goes to the timekeeper’s area, and he grabs the belt! ELP gets in the ring with it, but the ref tells him no. ELP stands up with the belt, but the ref tells him to put the belt down. ELP pushes the ref aside but the ref keeps telling him no. ELP gives the belt to the ref, and he brings Tama up, but Tama cradles! TWO!!
Tama rolls ELP up, TWO! Tama kicks the bad leg, hooks the arms, but ELP fights! Tama still gets the backslide! TWO!!! ELP escapes, hurries up, but Tama dodges to GUN- NO, ELP flips him through! CR2!!!! Cover, TWO?!?!?! Fans are thunderous as Tama manages to survive! ELP goes to the corner, slaps himself to fire back up, and he retunes the band. Tama rises, ELP slaps himself some more, and gets the bad leg working. ELP runs in, but Tama blocks the kick to flip ELP! GUNSTUN!!! Cover, TWO!?!?!? Now ELP shocks everyone by surviving! Tama flounders to ropes, drags himself up, and fans rally back up.
Tama roars, drags ELP up and tucks the arms. But ELP BACK DROPS! Bridging cover, TWO! JAY DRILLER!!! Cover, Tama wins!!!
Winner: Tama Tonga, by pinfall (still NEVER Openweight Champion)
The Good Bad Guy finishes ELP off with the #DSD, and the Bullet Club continues to lose! Will Bullet Club continue to fall apart? Will Tama Tonga continue to shoot down challenger after challenger?
IWGP World Heavyweight Championship: Kazuchika Okada VS Shingo Takagi!
The Rainmaker may have invented the KOPW Championship that the Rampaging Dragon now holds. But he wasn’t as worried about winning it here tonight, wanting to make sure THE title in NJPW was taken seriously. Will Takagi make Okada take him seriously by taking the top title back? Or will Okada keep Takagi from becoming a two belt champion?
The introductions are made, the world title is raised, and we see who leads the way in NJPW’s New Beginning!
The bell rings and fans duel between “O-KA-DA!” and “TA-KA-GI!” The two circle, Takagi approaches but Okada backs away to a corner. Takagi backs away, and Okada comes back. They feel out a grapple, but back away. They tie up collar ‘n’ elbow, Okada waistlocks but Takagi switches and half nelsons to snapmare and headlock. Okada slips out to a hammerlock, and he tweaks it! Okada rolls Takagi to a cover, ONE! Takagi slips free to facelock but Okada puts him in a corner. Red Shoes calls the ropebreak and Okada lets off cleanly. Fans applaud and the two reset again. Takagi and Okada tie up, and Takagi wrenches to YANK the arm!
Takagi wrenches, wristlocks, then hammerlocks, but Okada drop toeholds. Okada waistlocks, pushes Takagi down, and he ties up the legs. Okada shifts to a headlock, but Takagi fights up. Takagi pries at the hold, but Okada clamps on tighter. Takagi keeps trying, wrenches out to a hammerlock then headlock for the takeover. Okada headscissors and Takagi kips free, and fans applaud the standoff. Okada and Takagi both catch their breath and go again. They feel things out, knuckle lock, and go shoulder to shoulder. Their test of strength is rather even, but Takagi gets a point of leverage. Okada turns things around with his height advantage!
Takagi drops to a knee, but he powers his way back up! Takagi gets under to BACK DROP Okada! And then run him over! Fans fire up while Takagi dusts himself off. Takagi looms over Okada, brings him up, and fans rally. Takagi CLUBS Okada, puts him on ropes, and knees him low! And again! Red Shoes reprimands, Takagi lets off and whips, to knee Okada against ropes! Takagi then runs Okada over again! Fans applaud while Takagi brings Okada back up, for a big suplex! Takagi stands and he drops an elbow! Cover, TWO! Takagi brings Okada up again, and bumps him off buckles. Takagi pushes Okada, but Okada throws a forearm!
Okada throws more forearms but Takagi stays put. Takagi JABS Okada and Okada sits back down! Takagi stands Okada, for a CHOP! And another CHOP! And another CHOP! And then a JAB! Fans rally as Takagi whips corner to corner. Takagi runs, blocks a boot, but Okada avoids the haymaker! Okada puts Takagi up top, blocks a boot, then DROPKICKS Takagi down! Fans fire up while Takagi tumbles to the floor! Okada goes out after Takagi, brings him up and around, to put through railing in front of commentary! Okada bends Takagi against the railing and Red Shoes reprimands! Okada lets off, to kick the railing! Fans actually boo Okada!
Takagi clutches the back of his head while Okada goes into the ring. Fans rally up for Takagi as the ring count climbs. Takagi crawls his way over, stands at 8 of 20, and slides into the ring at 10. Fans applaud but Okada snapmares Takagi, runs side to side, and basement dropkicks Takagi against ropes! Fans applaud, and Okada waits on Takagi. Okada storms over, brings Takagi up, but Takagi throws body shots! Okada knees low, turns Takagi, and hits a NECKBREAKER! Cover, ONE!! Okada clamps on with a chinlock, but Takagi reaches out for the ROPEBREAK! Okada holds on, Red Shoes counts, and Okada lets go at 4.
Fans boo again at Okada bending the rules. Okada goes back to Takagi in the corner and brings him up. Takagi fires a forearm, but Okada just frowns. Takagi forearms and CHOPS, but Okada just stares Takagi down! Takagi forearms, CHOPS, but Okada DECKS Takagi! Fans fire up for that, and Okada stands Takagi up. Okada whips but Takagi reverses, then dodges the elbow! Okada blocks a kick, ROCKS Takagi, but Takagi roars! Takagi swings, but Okada catches the arm, MONEY CLIP! Takagi RAMS Okada into the corner and is free! Takagi runs in but Okada elbows him away. Okada runs, but into an ELBOW! JAB! YUKON LARIAT!
Fans fire up while Okada is down and Takagi drops to his knees. Fans rally up and Takagi stands. Takagi runs to run Okada over, and then scoops to SLAM him! SENTON! Okada goes to a corner, Takagi runs in but blocks a boot. Takagi clotheslines in the corner, then reels Okada in, BIG back suplex! Cover, TWO! But Takagi says that’s not all! Fans fire up and Takagi brings Okada around. Takagi drives elbows into the shoulder, runs, but Okada avoids the sliding lariat! ELBOW! JAB! YUKON feint to the DDT! Okada staggers up, Takagi runs in to clothesline him up and out! Fans fire up again as Okada hits the floor!
Takagi goes out after Okada, drags him up, and whips him into railing! Okada staggers and Takagi says he’s not done there. Takagi whips Okada into more railing! Okada slumps down and fans fire up again. Takagi takes his time bringing Okada up again, to fireman’s carry and APRON SNAKE EYES! Okada staggers, into a POP-UP DEATH VALLEY to the floor!! Fans fire up again while both men are down! The ring count climbs, Takagi stands at 6 of 20 and rolls in. Okada is still down at 10, sits up at 12, but the count gets to 15 before he stands! Okada slides in at 18, and fans applaud. Takagi encourages the fans to get louder, so they do.
Takagi runs in at the corner to clothesline! Fans fire up with Takagi, and Takagi puts Okada up top. Takagi climbs up, brings Okada to the very top, for a SUPERPLEX! Okada writhes and fans fire up again! Takagi crawls over to Okada, sits him up, then runs, SLIDING LARIAT! Cover, TWO! Okada is still in this, but Takagi rallies the fans with “OI! OI! OI!” The fans echo the “OI! OI! OI!” and Takagi brings Okada up. Takagi pump handles, but Okada clubs free. Okada uppercuts, but Takagi CHOPS! Okada stumbles and falls in the corner! Takagi powers up, runs in, but Okada pops him up! REVERSE NECKBREAKER!
Both men are down again and fans fire back up. Fans rally, Okada crawls his way over, and he gut wrenches! Takagi CLUBS that off, throws more elbows, then DOUBLE CHOPS! Okada staggers then bails out. Takagi goes out after Okada, brings him up, and whips him into railing! Okada staggers, into a scoop! But he fights that to a gut wrench! TOMBSTONE to the floor!! Both men are down on the outside again and fans fire back up! Fans rally back up as the ring count returns. Okada sits up first at 6 of 20, then stands at 10. Okada hobbles over to bring Takagi up at 13 and put him in at 14. Fans applaud as this continues in the ring!
Okada brings Takagi up, wrenches, and wraps on the MONEY CLIP!! Takagi fights but Okada tightens the hold! Takagi RAMS Okada into a corner and is free, but Okada’s right on him with a BACK2BACKBREAKER! And then the MONEY CLIP!! Fans rally for Takagi as he endures and throws hands! Okada wraps on tighter but Takagi still endures! Takagi fights with fists but Okada squeezes as tight as he can! Takagi starts fading! Red Shoes checks, but Takagi gets a second wind, and the ROPEBREAK! Okada lets go in frustration while fans fire up. Takagi sputters but Okada brings him up. Okada scoops to SLAM Takagi in the drop zone.
Okada goes up a corner, to MACHO ELBOW! And of course, he hits the Rainmaker Pose! Okada stands Takagi up, ripcords, but Takagi dodges! Only to run into a DROPKICK! Okada stands Takagi back up, ripcords, YUKON LARIAT!! Takagi counters Okada but he still has to rest against ropes. Fans rally up, Takagi crawls his way over and scuffs Okada with his boot. Takagi gives Okada some kicks to the head, then a KICK to the back! Okada gets right up and in Takagi’s face! They chest bump, then Okada throws a forearm. Takagi throws a forearm, Okada hits back, fans rally with “OI! OI! OI!” for every shot!
They go fast and furious, then Takagi fires up! Takagi throws heavy shots but Okada just scowls. Okada fires a flurry, and an UPPERCUT! Takagi drops to a knee! Okada stands him up but JAB and HEADBUTT take Okada down! KNEE DROP on the back of the head! Takagi drags Okada up as fans rally. Okada is dead weight so Takagi has Red Shoes check him. Okada seems okay to continue, so Takagi stands him up for boxing elbows! Okada UPPERCUTS, Takagi DOUBLE CHOPS! Okada BOOTS, but Takagi puts that through ropes! And then DRAPING GTR! Pump handle, MADE IN JAPAN!! Cover, TWO!?!
Fans are thunderous as Okada survives! Fans rally for “TA-KA-GI!” as he sits up first. Takagi brings Okada up, pump handles and torture racks, but Okada slips off to backslide! Takagi rolls through, short arm LARIAT! But Takagi doesn’t even budge! Okada swings again, Takagi spins him around, tucks the arms, TAKAGI PILEDRIVER!! Cover, TWO!! SLIDING FOREARM!! Okada is down and dazed but fans are thunderous for Takagi! Okada rises, Takagi runs in, PUMPING BOMBER!! Takagi roars and the fans are thunderous again as he pump handles and torture racks! But Okada fights free! Back drop, Okada sits on it, TWO!!!
Even Takagi is surprised he escaped! But Okada gets around him, ripcord and RAINMAKER!!! But Okada is too tired to make the cover!! Fans are thunderous, both men stir, and Okada crawls after Takagi. Takagi goes to a corner but Okada brings him up first. Okada has hold of Takagi’s tights but Takagi resists. Okada grabs at the hand, but Takagi elbows free with the other! Only for Okada to GERMAN SUPLEX! Okada holds on, ripcords, but Takagi ducks! Takagi CLUBS the lariat, CLUBS Okada on the back, but Okada SHOTGUNS! Takagi is right back up! But he runs into a scoop and LANDSLIDE!!!
Okada fires up, ripcords, but Takagi ducks and torture racks! LAST OF THE DRAGON!!!! But now Takagi can’t make the cover!! Fans are thunderous as he crawls his way over, TWO!?!?!?! Okada survives because of the delay, and Osaka is electric!! Takagi and Okada stir, and Takagi crawls back over to Okada. Takagi drags Okada up, pump handles, but Okada CLUBS Takagi. And CLUBS again. Takagi clotheslines but there isn’t a lot of force. Takagi clotheslines again and he’s getting stronger. Then he clotheslines again and Okada falls! Takagi fires up, fans fire up, and Takagi torture racks! Okada slips off, RAIN-
NO, Takagi ducks! Takagi ripcords, but Okada ducks! Okada ripcords, to ENZIGURI! Fans fire up as both men are down again! Okada hurries to get Takagi up, scoops, but Takagi slips off to DRAGON SUPLEX!! Takagi runs, into a DROPKICK! But he’s right back up! Takagi swings, Okada blocks and spins Takagi to also spin, but into a PUMPING BOMBER!! Fans are electric all over again as Takagi drags Okada back up! Takagi runs, but Okada steals PUMPING BOMBER!!! Okada scoops, spins, EMERALD FLOSION! And ripcord, RAINMAKER!!!! Cover, Okada wins!!
Winner: Kazuchika Okada, by pinfall (still IWGP World Heavyweight Champion)
Despite everything he was hit with, Okada was still able to slay the Rampaging Dragon! If Takagi fought this hard and still lost, what hope does anyone have of taking the KOPW title from him?
As for Okada, he puts on the belt and stands tall with the mic. “OSAKAAA~! Thank you for all your hot and passionate support, even though it wasn’t all for the champion. Takagi-san. Thank you for all that you’ve done to get NJPW to this point with this support. We finally fought an awful lot in front of live crowds, and now I know just how great you are, to fight you in front of this crowd. Let’s do it again.” Fans cheer on Takagi as he makes his exit, and Okada continues. “There is one thing I’d like to say here. Today, that was professional wrestling!” Fans cheer that! Okada says that was NJPW’s pro-wrestling!
Okada says that he know what is next for him: San Jose, California, defending the world title at Battle of the Valley! And he will show America how great NJPW’s pro-wrestling is, and come back as NJPW’s champion. When it comes to showing what NJPW is, Okada needs an appropriate opponent. Many years ago, Okada was here in Osaka, against TANAHASHI! Fans cheer that choice! Okada asks Tanahashi, “If you’re not tired, how about you face me in San Jose?” Tanahashi steps off commentary and he goes to the ring as fans cheer him on! Tanahashi steps in, Okada hands him the mic, and Tanahashi says, “I say, of course! I’ve never been tired a moment in my life.”
Tanahashi says that over a decade ago, the “Rainmaker Shock…” This time, he’ll make a shock for Okada! Fans like the sound of that! Tanahashi tells Okada, “Thanks for your hard work,” repeating what Okada said all those years ago. Okada takes the mic back to say that Tanahashi should consider this shot his last shot. He wants all Tanahashi has to give! Both men strike their poses, and we’re just one week away from an epic showdown! Tanahashi takes his leave, will the Once in a Century Talent be ready for one last shot?
As for Okada, he closes with, “So now, next week in America, we are going to have an unbelievable even with an unbelievable match in Okada VS Tanahashi. So sorry to those who don’t like it, but I’m coming back to Osaka still IWGP World Heavyweight Champion. And we’ll be right here, with all of these sold out crowds all over Japan and the world, because that is what NJPW will keep on doing! So long as you’re still with us, so long as you still love us, I will continue to make it rain!” Okada goes from one powerful challenger to another, and the golden streamers fall! Will Okada prove this New Beginning is just the beginning of his next chapter?
My Thoughts:
A great event to wrap up the New Beginnings series, and it was great to see Suzuki’s new team take the Six Man titles. “Team Strong Style” isn’t that strong of a name, but I suppose it is the most fitting, and it makes all three men equals. They’re going to have a strong run with those belts, but also a lot of fun. Really good match out of White VS Hikuleo, and I was genuinely surprised to see Hikuleo win. Again, this is Loser Leaves Japan, not NJPW, so White can still be active in the company through NJPW Strong and the American events like we’re seeing with Battle of the Valley and Capital Collision.
At the same time, White’s NJPW contract is coming to an end soon, this could be their way to brace the fans for his full departure. Tama VS ELP was great stuff, especially each of them busting out former Bullet Club leader finishers. Tama retaining was the right call, as the Bullet Club needs to struggle to find itself again. White’s claim as leader will be weakened now that he can’t be in Japan, he might end up having to fight for it with guys like ELP and Kenta more than capable of stepping up. And finally, after thinking we’d get it the last few years, we could see that Bullet Club Civil War II, but now it’s about Bullet Club Japan VS Bullet Club USA.
And then hot damn that main event. Takagi had Osaka on his side, and if it were me, I might’ve given him the win just to hear Osaka go really nuts. But at the same time, Takagi has a belt, and it’s too soon for NJPW to have another double champion, as Okada said himself. Okada winning was the right move for NJPW as a whole, and now we’re getting a huge match in Okada VS Tanahashi to really elevate Battle of the Valley. Okada will surely retain the title there, too, but he and Tanahashi can definitely give us something on par with the main event here.
My Score: 8.9/10
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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
About Chairshot Radio Network
Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!
MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)
TUESDAY - Musical Chairs (music) / Hockey Talk (NHL)
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THURSDAY - Keeping the news ridiculous... The Oddity / Chairshot NFL (NFL)
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SATURDAY - The Mindless Wrestling Podcast
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CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS
Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)
TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends
Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5
Classic POD is WAR
Chairshot Radio Network Your home for the hardest hitting podcasts... Sports, Entertainment and Sports Entertainment!
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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.
About Chairshot Radio Network
Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!
MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)
TUESDAY - Musical Chairs (music) / Hockey Talk (NHL)
WEDNESDAY - The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling)
THURSDAY - Keeping the news ridiculous... The Oddity / Chairshot NFL (NFL)
FRIDAY - DWI Podcast (Drunk Wrestling Intellect)
SATURDAY - The Mindless Wrestling Podcast
SUNDAY - The Front and Center Sports Podcast
CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS
Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)
TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends
Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5
Classic POD is WAR
Chairshot Radio Network Your home for the hardest hitting podcasts... Sports, Entertainment and Sports Entertainment!
Powered by RedCircle
Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!
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There’s a lot going on this time around!
Bandwagon Nerds #274: Rey Cash Caught Sleeping On The Job
Tune in for another episode of BANDWAGON NERDS for your weekly fix in the world of Comics & Pop Culture!
Mitchell’s Hyrule Puro-Resu Results & Report! (1/31/25)
The Bracket of Courage!
Mindless Wrestling Podcast: Weekend Wrasslin’ Wrap-up!
DJ, Rob and Jason break down NXT Vengeance Day and AEW GrandSlam Australia. Plus, Rob's SmackDown adventure and some beer...
Mitchell’s WWE SmackDown Results & Report! (2/21/25)
The Final Boss is back!
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So the first live episode got fairly positive praise from everyone; will this continue the trend?
Mitchell’s ROH Results & Report! (2/20/25)
Anillo de Honor!
DWI Podcast #464: NXT Vengeance Day & SNL 50
NBA All-Star weekend, SNL 50th anniversary and plenty of Rasslin' talk this week on the DWI podcast.
Mitchell’s AEW Dynamite Results & Report! (2/19/25)
Phoenix is Dynamite!
Mitchell’s WWE NXT Results & Report! (2/18/25)
NXT is Absolute!
Mitchell’s ROH Global Wars Australia Results & Report! (2/17/25)
G'day, mates!
Mitchell’s WWE Raw Results & Report! (2/17/25)
Visionary VS Prince!
#TheOddity 028: One Monkey = Total Chaos
Join Dave Wortz and PC Tunney for your weekly newsletter on the ridiculous and dumb of actual headlines from around...
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