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Mitchell’s NJPW New Beginning Osaka Results & Report! (2/11/23)

One last New Beginning!

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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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Coverage

Mitchell’s WWE SmackDown Results & Report! (3/28/25)

SmackDown in the UK!

Published

on

London calling to the champion crowns!

SmackDown brings gold to London as LA Knight defends his WWE US Championship and The Street Profits defend their tag team titles! Will the landscape change this close to WrestleMania?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

  • WWE Tag Team Championships: The Street Profits VS Pretty Deadly; The Profits win and retain the titles.
  • Kayden Carter & Katana Chance VS The Secret Her-vice w/ Chelsea Green; The Secret Her-vice wins.
  • WWE United States Championship: LA Knight VS Braun Strowman; Braun wins, by disqualification, and Knight retains the title.
  • Charlotte Flair VS Mia Yim w/ B-Fab; Charlotte wins.
  • Randy Orton VS Drew McIntyre; McIntyre wins.
  • Jimmy Uso VS The Miz; Jimmy wins.

PLAY BY PLAY

Cody Rhodes is here!

We follow The American Nightmare as walks to gorilla, then through the curtain, and London sings along with the song, “WHOA~ OH~!” Cody gets his pyro, says hello to fans along the ramp, and then we get the second “WHOA~ OH~!” and pyro. Cody goes to the ring, grabs a mic, then kneels down to kiss the WWE logo on the mat. The fans continue to sing along all the way to the end, “I AM MY KINGDOM!” The fans then cheer, and Cody holds up the belt to fire them up even more! The fans now sing for “CODY! CODY RHODES~!” and he soaks it in. The fans cheer again as Cody smiles, and he finally says, “So, London~! Whaddya wanna talk about?”

The fans chant “Let’s Go, Cena!” “CENA SUCKS!” Cody hears that dueling, and he smiles again. The song of “CODY! CODY RHODES~!” returns, then they cheer. Cody says, “At WrestleMania 41, I will be facing John Cena…” The fans boo, but Cody says, “I will be facing John Cena as he goes to break the record and win 17. But that is WrestleMania 41. In just a few nights, I will be standing face to face with John Cena in this very same city, in this very same arena.” The fans cheer that, but then here comes Randy Orton! Now the fans sing along with Voices as The Viper heads to the ring. Orton also high-fives fans before he joins Cody.

Orton grabs a mic, paces while the fans keep singing on their own, and then the fans cheer. Orton says he’s not really the sentimental type, but for Cody and for London, screw it. The fans chant “R K O! R K O!” and Orton tells Cody, “Look at you. Look at who you are now, the man you are now. Look at where he came from.” The fans cheer and sing “CODY! CODY RHODES~!” and Orton says he remembers a Cody in his early 20s, just breaking into the business. Cody was busting his ass harder than anyone else. He wasn’t exactly happy, and in fact, he was frustrated. But Cody was man enough, smart enough, to know he needed to grow, and that he couldn’t grow in the WWE.

Cody wasn’t exactly treated fairly in the WWE, so Cody left the WWE! That took some big ass balls to do what he did! Cody changed the business singlehandedly, and everyone in the back knows it. And Orton appreciates Cody for it. But then Cody came back, as they all knew one day he would. And the industry has been changed forever since the day Cody came back to the WWE. Cody is a bit teary eyed as Orton says Cody’s still the same guy, he just did what he set out to do, and he grew. Orton teases he would sing along with the fans, but the fans might leave. The fans again sing “CODY! CODY RHODES~!”

Orton asks if they remember when Cody Rhodes faced Seth Rollins in Hell in a Cell. The fans cheer because they do. Orton says that was impressive, and even impossible, as he started with a partially torn pec and then ended with a fully torn pec! His body changed all kinds of shades of purple that Orton’s never seen on a human body. The pain he must have been in. Cody persevered not just for himself. Maybe not even at all for Cody. It was not even for his family legacy; it was for each and every single fan out there! Then Cody went on to WrestleMania, beat Roman Reigns and finished the story!

But there’s always another story, isn’t there? And Cody’s right in the middle of one. Cody is in charge of his legacy, and it is a privilege for Orton to watch Cody take control of it. Ticket sales have been up, there’s more intrigue around the world, and listen to the people! It is 99.9% all because of Cody! The fans cheer that, and of course they sing. Orton says what he’s trying to say is a long-winded version of he respects Cody, loves him, and is very, very proud of him. The fans cheer that! Orton then says, “But… But now it is time for WrestleMania.” They both look to the sign, and Orton says he can guarantee Cody that Orton will kick Kevin Owens so hard in the head…!

Orton can just feel it already! He forgets how many days are left, but he can’t wait to remove Kevin’s head from his shoulders. And Orton knows Cody will enter champion, exit champion, but not before he beats the holy hell outta Cena all up and down the Vegas strip! But after all the smoke clears and the dust settles, just like Orton wants Number 17, there will come a time when Orton will want Number 15. But Orton won’t kick Cody in the balls like a coward. Orton will look Cody in the eye because he respects Cody, is proud of Cody, and sees him as an equal. Orton will look Cody in the eye and tell him that he’s coming for the title.

The fans cheer but wait! Drew McIntyre is here! The fans cheer the Scottish Terminator as he steps out on stage, mic in hand, and has a wry smile on his face as he looks at the ring. Drew waves as the fans now sing, “OH~ Drew McIntyre~!” Drew says, “Isn’t this wonderful? A couple of nepo babies having a love fest in the middle of the ring> It makes me absolutely sick. What’d you just say, Randy? if Cody gets through Cena at WrestleMania, you’re coming for that title? What exactly have you done since that big comeback to justify that title match? Aside be Randy Orton. The only big moment I can remember is you being on the shelf for months and months and months.

“People like to make jokes about it, but more people talk about my five-minute-45-second title reign than your entire comeback so far! So get to the back of the line, sunshine! As for you, Cody, you should’ve listened to me. But you shunned me. You attacked me. Everybody should’ve listened to me about John Cena, but they didn’t. And the next night, he kicked you right in the twig ‘n’ berries, proving me right as usual. And the main event of WrestleMania should be Cody Rhodes VS The UK’s only ever world champion, Drew McIntyre!” Fans do like that idea. But sadly, it’s not, because of that guyliner wearing Temu Undertaker, Damian Priest!

Drew wants to talk about what is happening. And what’s gonna happen! Drew steps up to the ring while fans sing for him again. Drew says it will not be Randy that takes the title from Cody, should he get through Cena; it’ll be McIntyre. The fans cheer, but Orton says they were trying to have a moment. Can Drew just cut the crap already? Drew says okay, sure. He’ll tell the truth, because that’s all he ever does. The truth is, Kevin might have a point! If those Voices are talking to Orton again, then they know Drew very, very well. And he’s thinking, “My God, Randy looks great! Absolutely jacked! On the outside.

On the inside, that back is hanging by a thread. And if Orton provokes McIntyre, McIntyre will break him. And as for Cody- Cody kicks Drew and UPPERCUTS him! The fans fire up, and Orton R- NO, Drew gets away! The fans boo, but the battlelines are drawn! Even if Cody makes it out of the frying pan that is Las Vegas, it’ll be into the fire that is these contenders waiting in line! Will the American Nightmare be ready for whoever comes for the crown?

 

WWE Tag Team Championships: The Street Profits VS Pretty Deadly!

Montez Ford & Angelo Dawkins are finally golden again, but it’s time to put the titles on the line already! And while they’re ready for the grind, they’re up against the hometown heroes! Will the Profits still be up in the O2? Or will Kit Wilson & Elton Prince say #YESBOY to a new reign of their own?

The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we see who really wants the smoke!

The teams sort out and Kit starts with Dawkins. They tie up, Dawkins headlocks, but Kit powers up and out. Dawkins runs Kit over, the fans fire up, and Dawkins fires hands on Kit in the corner! The fans rally for Pretty Deadly, Dawkins whips Kit to a corner, but Elton takes that bump! Kit CLOBBERS Dawkins, then tags Elton! Atomic drop into DROPKICK! Ford runs up, but into a DOUBLE HIP TOSS! Dawkins whips, Elton reverses, and then Elton hurdles so Kit can DDT! The fans fire up with Pretty Deadly while the Profits bail out. Pretty Deadly has control while SmackDown goes picture in picture.

Elton is right on Dawkins as he gets in, and UPPERCUTS him to the corner. Elton clinches Dawkins for another UPPERCUT! Tag to Kit, and Elton RAMS into Dawkins so Kit can UPPERCUT! Dawkins flops over, Kit drags him up to wrench the arm. Kit whips, Dawkins reverses, but Kit grabs ropes. Kit ELBOWS Dawkins, DECKS Ford, but Dawkins CLOBBERS Kit! The ref reprimands but Dawkins RAMS Kit into the corner again and again! The ref counts, Dawkins fires fast hands, then he tags in Ford. Ford says, “SUCK IT!” then he KICKS Kit! Ford scuffs Kit, then drags him to a cover, TWO!

Ford keeps Kit down with a facelock, but Kit endures the grind. Kit fights up, fires body shots, but Ford whips him away. Kit sunset flips! Ford rolls through, and PENALTY KICKS! Ford mocks Elton with the Scott Hall fingers, and the ref has to keep Elton back. Ford drags Kit up, tags Dawkins, and the Profits mug Kit. Dawkins CLUBS Kit down, then stalks him. Dawkins stays between Kit and Elton, then whips Kit into the Profits’ corner. CYCLONE- NO, Kit dodges! Ford tags in, he keeps Kit from Elton now, but Kit slips out of the suplex! Kit fakes high to go low, hot tag to Elton! Elton rallies with LARIAT after LARIAT!

Elton kicks and whips Ford to a corner, then UPPERCUTS! Elton whips the other way, UPPERCUTS again, and then does it again! Elton adds to the hattrick with a lift, Ford says a quick prayer before the SUPLEX! Ford flounders, gets to his feet, but Elton dodges to springboard and FLYING UPPERCUT! Cover, TWO! Ford stays in this, but Elton stays on him. SmackDown returns to single picture and fans rally for Pretty Deadly as Elton gives Ford a back suplex. Ford lands out, waistlocks, but Elton switches and shoves Ford. Ford CLOBBERS Elton in return! Ford is also dazed but he covers, ONE!

Kit reaches out, Elton and Ford both crawl, hot tags to Kit and Dawkins! The fans fire up as Dawkins wrenches Kit, underhooks and SILENCER! Dawkins Electric Chair Lifts Kit, Ford climbs, but Kit slips free! Kit shoves Dawkins into Ford! Ford falls to the floor, but Dawkins ENZIGIRIS Kit! Elton tags in, and Kit LARIATS Dawkins! Pretty Deadly combine for DRY MARTI-KNEES! Cover, TWO!! Dawkins survives and the Profits are a bit unsure of what to do next. Dawkins crawls to a corner, Elton runs up, but Dawkins dodges! Elton hits buckles and Dawkins TOSSES Kit, then Dawkins hits a SKY HIGH on Elton!

Dawkins hurries to tag Ford and Ford climbs up! But Kit pushes Elton out of the way! Kit takes FROM THE HEAVESN, and Elton ghost pins Ford! TWO!! Ford escapes, and he ROCKS Elton! Elton UPPERCUTS Ford! Dawkins sneaks a tag, Ford SUPERKICKS! POUNCE SAIDO COMBO!! Cover, KIT BREAKS IT! The fans fire up while all four men are down! The teams go to opposite ends, then they all stand up in the corners. They all roar, all run in, and Kit SPEARS Ford while Elton FLYING UPPERCUTS Dawkins!! London is thunderous, and Kit hurries to tag in! Pretty Deadly gets Dawkins up, for SPILT MILK!! Cover, FORD BREAKS IT!

The fans are shocked, as is Elton, but Ford saves this for his team! “This is Awesome!” as Ford runs up and Elton TOSSES him out! Now DRY MARTI- NO! Dawkins doesn’t accept the second serving, and he DUMPS Kit out! Kit skins the cat while Dawkins DECKS Elton! Dawkins catches Kit to an Electric Chair! Ford rises, DOOMSDAY BLOCKBUSTER!! Cover, Profits win!

Winners: The Street Profits, by pinfall (still WWE Tag Team Champions)

Pretty Deadly put up a heroic fight, but the hometown heroes could not capture the gold. Dawkins & Ford hold onto the gold, will this be the strongest the Profits have ever been?

 

Kayden & Katana talk with Zelina Vega.

Carter & Chance know La Muneca got screwed over by The Green Administration. Chelsea thinks she’s untouchable, but someone’s gonna stop them eventually. Well, speaking of, Alba Fyre leads the way in as she & Piper Niven “scope the perimeter.” There’s one small threat. They frisk the “miniscule” threat, but nothing they haven’t dealt with before. Chelsea struts in and says, “The Eagle has landed~!” Zelina says she is so glad the “Bootleg Men in Black” have crashed the party. Now, yeah, they all know she’s small. But clearly this small “threat” is a big threat to Chelsea’s title reign. Otherwise, it wouldn’t have taken all three of them to beat her.

KC Squared agree with that. How about tonight, we see what happens when the odds are even? Chelsea says that’s fine, because Agents P & A are ready. The Secret Her-vice has been given their next mission, but will they be able to crash the party? Or will the party crash them?

Kayden Carter & Katana Chance VS The Secret Her-vice!

SmackDown returns and The Green Administration makes their entrance. The teams sort out, Alba starts against Katana, and the two tie up. Alba KNEES low, CLUBS Katana down, then fireman’s carries. Katana fights free, tags Kayden, and they KICK, double whip, and then trip Alba up for the basement DROPKICK! Katana adds a slingshot SENTON, Kayden covers, TWO! Kayden tags Katana, they double whip Alba to a corner, then Kayden runs in. Alba DUMPS Kayden out, ROCKS Katana, and she tags Piper! Katana arm-drags Alba out, then goes out to run up. Kayden gives her a boost, Katana CROSSBODIES Alba down!

The fans fire up, but Piper goes up and out?! CANNONBALL and down goes KC Squared! Piper salutes Chelsea and SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns, Kayden rallies on Alba while the fans rally up. Kayden fires up, runs in and whips, but Alba reverses. Kayden wheelbarrows, victory rolls, then SUPERKICKS! Kayden fires up again but the fans are torn. Kayden runs in at Alba to BOOT WASH her against the ropes! Chelsea protests, Kayden kicks at her, then Kayden springboards for a LEG DROP! Cover, TWO! Alba survives, Kayden whips, but Alba KICKS back! Tag to Piper, but Kayden jackknife bridges Alba! The ref explains bout the tag, Piper runs up, but Kayden moves! The SENTON hits Alba! Piper panics, Kayden tags Katana!

Katana goes up onto Kayden’s shoulders, VICTORY ROLL LAUNCHER, but Piper catches Katana! Katana fires hands, BOOTS, and then hurries to go up again. Kayden ROCKS Piper, and fireman’s carries?! SAMOAN DROP! Kayden then gives Katana the boost, for the KEG STAND SPLASH!! Cover, ALBA BREAKS IT! Kayden runs up on Alba to BOOT her out! Katana gives Kayden the boost now, SUPER CROSSBODY onto Alba! Kayden hurries to tag back in, and she brings Piper up. Piper swings, Kayden dodges and SUPERKICKS! Katana goes up, Piper staggers over that way, but Chelsea distracts the ref!

The fans are torn as Alba grabs Katana. Katana kicks Alba down, chases Chelsea off, but Piper sends Kayden into her! Piper scoops to PIPER DRIVER!! Cover, Secret Her-vice wins!

Winner: The Secret Her-vice, by pinfall

The Women’s US Champion helps her team, and now they all mug Kayden & Katana! But here comes Zelina! Vega runs down the ramp, CLOBBERS Alba, and then she gets in the ring! Zelina tilt-o-whirl DDTS Piper! And she KNEES Alba off the apron! But Chelsea CLOBBERS Zelina! Chelsea fires up, the UK is oddly with her, and she chicken wings Zeina. But Zelina fights free to fire forearms and body shots! And a BACK ELBOW! Zelina reels Chelsea in, CODE- SUPERKICK from Alba! SENTON from Piper! The Green Administration is just too much for Zelina to fight against alone! But can she, Kayden & Katana find a way to turn things around?

 

WWE United States Championship: LA Knight VS Braun Strowman!

Did the Mega Star just get this title back from Shinsuke Nakamura? YEAH! Did he help the Monster of All Monsters fight off Solo Sikoa’s rouge bloodline? YEAH! And now, does he have to defend this title against the monster he just helped? YEAH!! But will Knight still reign this close to WrestleMania? Or will Braun #GetTheseHands back on a championship?

The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and it’s time for Knight’s biggest challenge, YEAH!

The bell rings and the fans rally up as the two circle. The two tie up, and Braun SHOVES Knight away. Knight comes back, Braun SHOVES him down again! Knight gets up, gets around, and he headlocks. Braun powers up to back suplex, but Knight lands out! Knight tries but Braun’s too big to suplex! Braun ELBOWS Knight, storms up on him, but Knight fires haymakers! Knight whips, Braun reverses, but Knight KICKS back! Knight runs, but Braun HIP TOSSES! Cover, TWO! Knight stays in this, but Braun brings him up. Braun puts Knight in a corner, CHOPS, then runs, for a SPLASH! Knight sputters along ropes, Braun keeps moving, but Knight DUMPS him out!

The fans fire up as Knight then WRECKS Braun with a dropkick! Knight keeps moving, and he WRECKS Braun again! The fans fire up with Knight, but then Braun BOOTS Knight down! The fans are torn but Braun stands tall as SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns and Braun puts Knight back in the ring. The fans cheer as Knight KICKS Braun! Knight tries again, but Braun’s still too big to back suplex! Braun CLUBS Knight, then runs in at the corner. Knight BOOTS Braun, goes up, and FLYING BULLDOGS! Both men are down and the fans fire up! Knight and Braun rise back up, and Knight dodges a shot to JAB! Then he dodges to JAB! JAB! JAB! “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” But Braun KNEES low! Braun scoops, Knight slips free, and Knight RAMS Braun into buckles! Then the BACK SUPLEX! The fans fire up and Knight rises again! Knight spells it out, “L! A! KNIGHT! YEAH!” ELBOW DROP! Cover, TWO!

Braun has plenty left in the tank but the fans rally for Knight. Knight stands Braun up to kick low, but Braun THROWS Knight away! Knight rises, and Braun LARIATS Knight up and out! The fans fire up as Braun rips the shirt! Braun gets on the track, and he runs in, STROWMAN EXPRESS MEETS JACOB FATU!! The Samoan Werewolf strikes Braun down!

Winner: Braun Strowman, by disqualification; LA Knight retains the title

The fans boo as Jacob now goes after Knight! He just ruined what was becoming a great match, but Jacob fires HEADBUTT after HEADBUTT on Braun! SAMOAN DROP onto the desk!! The desk doesn’t budge, but Braun might’ve been broken in half! The UK fires up for Fatu as he puts Braun in the ring! Jacob fires more HEADBUTTS, then HEADBUTTS away on Braun in the corner! The fans sing “OLE~ OLE OLE OLE, FATU~, FATU~!” Jacob runs corner to corner, but Knight kicks him first! Knight fires haymakers, “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” Jacob denies the BFT to POP-UP SAMOAN DROP! And then HIP ATTACK for Braun anyway!

Jacob keeps going, HIP ATTACK for Braun again! Jacob throws off his jacket, glares at Braun, and he runs in for a third HIP ATTACK! Braun flounders into the drop zone, so Jacob goes up, up, BEST MOONSAULT EVER! Direct hit on Braun, but the fans want that “ONE MORE TIME!” Jacob obliges, BEST MOONSAULT EVER! The Samoan Werewolf just tore up #OneBigSOB and LA Knight, will there be no stopping him from taking the United States Championship?

 

Backstage interview with Jimmy Uso.

Jackie Redmond is with #BigJim, and she says that while she knew WWE was going global this month, she did not know they’d get the slap heard ’round the world! Jimmy says he’d do it again, and he’ll slap Gunther as many times as he needs! Jimmy knows Jey is up in his own head, doubt is creeping on him. But just because Jey’s 0-3 against Gunther doesn’t mean Gunther’s unbeatable! The Ring General CAN be got! Jimmy’s going to Raw this Monday, he will bust Gunther’s ass, Jey will go to Mania and bust Gunther’s ass to become the WWE World Heavyweight Champion. And then they leave Las Vegas just like this: YEET!

Jimmy heads out, but then The Miz & Carmelo Hayes walk by. Miz is mocking Jimmy’s words, and he asks excuse me. Miz says it’s just funny that suddenly, Jimmy is a tough guy, even though for most of his career, he’s been “The Other Uso.” Doesn’t Jimmy get it? Jimmy and Jey are career sidekicks while Gunther is a main character. Gunther is the lead, neither Jimmy nor Jey can beat him. And here’s another thing: The Usos are just blips on the trailer that was Roman Reigns’ Bloodline. Melo says Jimmy & Jey are stuck outside the club, they can’t even get in.

Miz says as a former WWE Champion, a former WrestleMania main eventer, Jimmy will never know what it is to carry this industry. And after this year’s WrestleMania, neither will Jey. Oh, and by the way, if Jimmy ever slapped Miz like that, Jimmy would still be on the ground. Jimmy feints the slap and Miz freaks out. Jimmy says it may be him and Gunther on Monday, but he’ll holler at Aldis real quick so it can be Jimmy VS Miz here tonight. Yeah, YEET! Jimmy heads out, Melo says he thought Miz was gonna do something about the slap. Will Miz have to do something about running his mouth before he gets his teeth kicked in?

 

Solo Sikoa & Tama Tonga find Jacob Fatu backstage.

Solo asks Jacob what the Hell he was doing out there. Jacob goes out there alone without saying a thing to them? Jacob says he ain’t gotta say nothing to nobody! Matter fact, didn’t Solo not tap in with him last week? Tama says, “But Jacob,” only for Jacob to say, “But nothing, Tama!” Solo wants Jacob to lower his tone, but Jacob says okay. Let him be very clear with them. When it comes to Braun Strowman, Jacob WILL be the last man standing. Y’all better get in where you fit in, cuz that US title? Oh, Jacob’s bringing it home to the family. And he will do it with them, or without them! Yadada mean? Fatu heads out, is the Samoan Werewolf no longer following Solo?

 

Naomi speaks.

“I mean… How did we even get here? I don’t know. One thing that I do know is that I’ve always been the woman to do the right thing. I’ve always been the woman to do the right thing. So Bianca, what makes you think that my attack on Jade was anything different from me doing the right thing? When I sit here and I think about all that I’ve sacrificed, all that I’ve given, and that’s what really breaks my heart. Because through all of that, I’m made to be the bad one in this situation. I just don’t understand, how does Jade come in outta nowhere and take my place with you? I want you to ask yourself this, Bianca. Who inspired you? Hmm?

“Who’s inspired women over the last decade? Who’s always had your back from day one of you being here? Me. Not Jade. Hmm. But you know what? What I’ve learned through all of this: You teach people how to treat you. And I’m done with being treated as a third wheel. I’m done being pushed to the side, I’m done with being too nice, I’m done with being undervalued, underutilized, underappreciated! So moving forward, hmm… Moving forward, here’s my message to you, Jade. If you continue to be in my way, I strongly advise you to proceed with caution.” The Glow shows her dark side, but will the storm be moved?

 

Nick Aldis meets with Jade Cargill.

Speaking of, the SmackDown General Manager understands things have been rather difficult for her as of late. Jade says she’s been trying to get her hands on Naomi for the past few weeks, now where is she? No one has seen her all day, so as far as anyone knows, Naomi’s not here. Well, when Jade catches Naomi, it’s on sight. Jade leaves, B-Fab & Michin are there. They let her know that what Naomi did to her was straight trash, totally uncalled for behavior. And after Jade gets her hands on Naomi, she’ll handle that business. Jade agrees. Mia says they’ve all got business to handle. Jade’s got Naomi, and Mia’s gonna get Charlotte for messing with her girl, B.

B-Fab says Naomi’s got what’s coming to her: no sympathy, no regrets. Jade, just do what you gotta do. Oh, she will. Jade also wishes Mia luck tonight. Mia & B-Fab head out, will the Head Baddie in Charge make the Queen bow down in London?

 

The darkness approaches.

“You are as I was. As I am, you will be.” The shadows are starting to take shape, but is SmackDown about to fade to black?

 

Charlotte Flair VS Mia Yim w/ B-Fab!

The Queen looks down on everyone, so it’s no surprise that everyone else wants to take her down. Charlotte may have checked off B-Fab, but will the HBIC be a much different story? Or will Charlotte only sharpen her edge before facing Tiffany Stratton at WrestleMania?

WAIT! NAOMI ATTACKS B-FAB & MICHIN! Naomi drags Mia up for a FACEBUSTER! Naomi rains down fists, the ref reprimands and the fans boo, but Naomi tells the ref to back off. Naomi then BOOTS B-Fab off the apron! Naomi goes out after B-Fab to THRWO her into barriers! Naomi SLAPS B-Fab, tells her to stay down, but B-Fab gets up. Naomi fires hands, then she SMACKS B-Fab off the desk! Naomi rains down fists, but here comes Jade! Jade hurries down the ramp, she runs around the way, but Naomi runs away! Jade makes sure B-Fab is okay, but refs have to help her to the back. And what of Mia? Will she even be able to compete?

Charlotte makes her entrance, not really caring about what Naomi just did to Mia. But that means she also crosses paths with Jade. The fans like the look of this stare down, but Jade and Charlotte both let the other slide. Charlotte gets her pyro, and it seems she’ll still get her match. Will Mia be little more than an appetizer now?

The bell rings, and Charlotte BOOTS Mia down! Cover, TWO! Mia stays in this and the fans rally up. Charlotte just struts around while SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns, Charlotte has Mia down with a chinlock, but the fans rally up. Mia fights up, fires body shots, and she then blocks a shot to ROCK Charlotte! Mia ROCKS Charlotte again and again, then reels her in for a TORNADO DDT! The fans fire up as Mia hurries to cover, TWO! Mia drags Charlotte up, wrenches, but Charlotte says no to Da Feet! BIG back suplex! Mia stagger sup, Charlotte whips her, but Mia reverses! Charlotte goes up and out, BOOTS her away, then slingshots in and rolls Mia! Mia rolls through and BUZZSAWS! Mia runs corner to corner, but Charlotte avoids the cannonball!

Charlotte YAKUZA KICKS Mia down, then fires herself up! The fans “WOO~!” as Charlotte has Mia in the drop zone,. Charlotte steps on her, goes up the corner, but Mia gets underneath her! SIT-OUT POWERBOMB! Cover, TWO! Charlotte survives and Mia is shocked! Mia nods as the fans rally back up, and she brings Charlotte up. But Charlotte ROCKS Mia! Mia SOBATS, PELES, and then runs to PENALTY KICK! Cover, TWO! Charlotte stays in this, Mia grows frustrated, but the fans continue to rally. Mia uses that energy to stay focused, and she stalks Charlotte to waistlock. But Charlotte ELBOWS her away!

Charlotte CHOPS, and CHOPS, and CHOSP! Charlotte winds up, and she CHOPS again! Mia sputters, but then she dodges the boot! Charlotte is caught, and Mia hits a SAIDO! Charlotte flounders to a corner, the fans rally behind Mia, and Mia runs up, CANNONBALL! Mia hurries to wrench and EAT- NO, Charlotte shoves Mia away! Charlotte gets under, back suplexes, but Mia lands out! EAT DA FEET!! Cover, ROPEBREAK!! Charlotte’s long legs help her survive by a literal foot! Mia is beside herself while Charlotte bails out. Mia storms after Charlotte, runs up, but Charlotte dodges! Mia’s kick hits steel steps!

Mia hobbles away, goes to the apron, but Charlotte CHOP BLOCKS the bad leg out! Charlotte grabs Mia’s leg, drops a KNEE on the knee, but fans chant, “We Want Tiffy!” Charlotte just steps through, FIGURE FOUR, into FIGURE EIGHT!! Mia taps, Charlotte wins!

Winner: Charlotte Flair, by submission

Charlotte got more of a fight out of Mia than expected, but she still won. Will The Queen be more than ready to reign again after WrestleMania?

 

Backstage interview with Tiffany Stratton.

Jackie Redmond is with the WWE Women’s Champion and says Charlotte certainly looks confident. Let’s be real, Charlotte came at Tiff pretty hard. It got a lot of people talking. Tiff says yes, people talk. And Charlotte sure loves to hear herself talk. Ten years into the business and Charlotte is still so insecure that she can’t let a “rookie” get a word out. But last week, Tiff did learn something: She learned that walking into WrestleMania, she isn’t the one with something to lose. Truth is, if Tiff loses, then she lost to the great Charlotte Flair, as just a 25-year-old rookie with one year into SmackDown.

But if Charlotte loses… Well, then she lost to an “undeserving, delusional, unoriginal, backflip doing, blonde-hair-having, little girl.” Did she get it all? And Tiff can’t wait to hear the look on Charlotte’s face when they hear the words, “And STILL!” Then maybe Charlotte will finally shut up for the sake of literally everyone! They say what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas, and Tiff will make damn sure what stays is Charlotte’s massive ego. Tiff is walking into and out of Mania as the WWE Women’s Champion. Tootles! Tiff heads out, will it still be #TiffyTime after WrestleMania?

 

Randy Orton VS Drew McIntyre!

The Viper told Cody how proud he was, but also how he wants the next shot after John Cena. The Scottish Terminator took offense to that, and basically said he is taking that shot instead. Will this match be an unofficial #1 contender’s match between these two former world champions?

SmackDown returns and McIntyre makes his entrance. The bell rings and the fans sing, “OH~, Drew McIntyre~!” and chant “R K O! R K O!” Drew and Orton circle, tie up, and they go around in a deadlock. Drew powers Orton to a corner, but Orton headlocks back. Drew powers up and out, then he runs Orton over! Orton hurries to ropes and Drew mockingly asks, “How’s the back feel, Randy?” Orton stands, he and Drew reset, and the fans duel some more. Drew calls for a knuckle lock, Orton accepts, but then Drew kicks low! Drew bumps Orton off buckles, then climbs up, but he panders for too long and Orton YANKS him down!

The fans fire up as Orton climbs now! Orton rains down fists, and the fans count to nine. Orton hops down, brings Drew around, and POSTS him for ten! Drew tumbles out of the ring, Orton goes out after him, and they’re by the desk! But Drew kicks Orton first and SMACKS him off the desk! Drew clears the desk, and he brings Orton up for the DESK- NO, Orton fights free! Orton turns things around, DESK BACK SUPLEX for Drew! The fans fire up while Orton leaves Drew behind, and SmackDown goes picture in picture.

Drew writhes on the floor, but Orton goes out to fetch him! Orton brings Drew around, UPPERCUTS him, then says one more time! DESK BACK SUPLEX! Drew writhes as that desk stays standing! Orton grins, refreshes the ring count, and then he storms up on Drew. Drew pokes Orton in the eye! Drew POSTS Orton now, then brings him around to RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP into barriers! Orton slumps down, and Drew also grits his teeth from that double-edged attack, but Drew fires up as he stands tall. Drew drags Orton up, puts him in the ring, then stalks Orton. Drew looms over Orton, and HIP DROPS him!

Orton sputters, Drew says one more time, and he winds up for the HIP DROP! Drew paces around Orton, says maybe one more time, and he pretends he can’t hear the fans. Drew winds up again, but Orton flips over! Hip drop meets kneecaps! And then Orton pokes Drew in the eyes! The ref reprimands but Orton rises up. Drew sputters and flounders, Orton ROCKS him with a right! Drew ROCKS Orton back! Drew storms up, Orton kicks low, but Drew fires another haymaker! The haymakers go back and forth, Orton gets the edge, but Drew GLASGOW KISS HEADBUTTS! Cover, TWO! Drew clamps onto Orton with an armlock!

SmackDown returns to single picture and the fans rally up. Orton fights up, pries at the chinbar, and then throws right hands! Drew CHOPS Orton in return! The fans “WOO~” and Drew winds up. Drew ROCKS Orton again, eggs him on, then CHOPS again! Drew shoves Orton to a corner, CHOPS again, then dares Orton to fight! Drew whips corner to corner, but Orton comes back to LARIAT! And LARIAT! Drew swings, Orton dodges, SNAP POWERSLAM! The fans fire up as Orton stalks Drew to the apron. Drew HOTSHOTS Orton first! Drew then runs in, but Orton puts him through the ropes!

The fans fire up as Orton has Drew for the DRAPING DDT! The fans fire up for Orton, and Orton hears those voices! Drew rises, but then Orton spots KEVIN OWENS! The Prizefighter is on the ramp, Orton glares at him, but then he turns around into a CLAYMORE!! Cover, DREW WINS!

Winner: Drew McIntyre, by pinfall

Kevin’s mere presence costs Orton, and now Drew has a huge win propelling him down the Road to WrestleMania! As for Orton, Kevin drags him out of the ring, SMACKS him off the desk, and then climbs up to join him! The fans boo but Kevin and his hot pink sneakers have Orton in position, but Orton slips free and TRIPS Kevin up! Kevin hits the desk then the floor! Orton staggers around, the fans rally behind him, and Orton stalks Kevin to the corner of the barriers. Orton lines up the shot! Orton runs in, but Kevin jumps over barriers! Security is there to stop Orton from pursuing, so Kevin runs away into the night!

The fans boo, but The Viper was that close! Will Orton be able to strike Kevin down and completely take him out?

 

Fire, thunder, smoke…

The force of nature is drawing ever closer. And he’s ready to fly! REY FENIX arrives next Friday Night SmackDown!

 

Jimmy Uso VS The Miz!

#BigJim gave Gunther a piece of his mind and a mark on his cheek, but it seems not everyone got the message. Will the Hollywood A-lister soon star in the Uso Penitentiary? Or will he prove Jimmy is NOT ready for a world champion level opponent?

The bell rings and the two tie up. Jimmy powers Miz to a corner, Miz turns things around, and the ref counts. Miz takes a swing, Jimmy ducks it to CHOP! And CHOP! Miz shoves Jimmy back, then runs up, but Jimmy TACKLES Miz! Jimmy rains down fists, Miz shoves him away to go to ropes, but Jimmy storms back up. Miz ELBOWS Jimmy away, then runs back up, only for Jimmy to LARIAT him down! The fans fire up while Jimmy storms up on Miz. Jimmy CHOPS Miz, has him in a corner, then whips corner to corner. Miz reverses, Jimmy goes up and over, then UPPERCUTS! Miz staggers back to ropes, but Jimmy is right on him.

Jimmy whips, Miz reverses and kitchen sink knees! Then basement BOOTS! The fans fire up, Miz scowls, and Miz KNEES Jimmy in the back again and again. Miz stalks Jimmy to the ropes now, and he CHOKES Jimmy! The ref counts, Miz runs, and Miz STRADDLE ATTACKS! The fans boo, but Miz runs again. Jimmy ducks the boot, then dodges a lariat! Jimmy runs up to LARIAT Miz up and out! The fans fire up and Jimmy builds speed, but Miz runs away! Jimmy smirks as he goes out the side, and UPPERCUTS Miz over the barriers! Jimmy makes sure Gunther knows he’s coming to get him, but SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns and both men are down. Miz and Jimmy crawl, and Jimmy pounds the mat. The fans rally, Jimmy rises and runs up to LARIAT! And LARIAT! And mule kick! Jimmy then UPPERCUTS Miz, dodges a lariat, then SAMOAN DROPS! The fans fire up, Jimmy goes to the corner, “UCE! OH!” Jimmy runs in, but Miz puts him on the apron! Jimmy UPPERCUTS again! Jimmy climbs, leaps, but Miz gets under! Miz then waistlocks, ripcords, and MOVIE MAKER! Fans boo that blatant parody, but Miz full nelsons! Jimmy drops, victory rolls, TWO! Miz has the cover, TWO! Miz hurries to BASEMENT DDT! Cover, TWO!

The fans rally up as Jimmy survives! Miz stalks Jimmy, the fans rally up more, and Miz fires a KICK! And then another KICK! The fans say “YES! YES! YES!” to the It Kicks, but then Miz winds up. Jimmy ducks the buzzsaw, Miz blocks the superkick, but the DRAGON WHIP connects! Miz rebounds to B-MOVIE KNEE!! Cover, TWO!! The parodies don’t get it done, but Miz still has his original work to fall back on. The fans rally for “UCE! OH! UCE! OH!” Miz runs in, A-LIST LARIAT! Miz shoves Jimmy down, then springboards, but into a SUPERKICK! Jimmy hurries up top, for the USO SPLASH!! Cover, Jimmy wins!

Winner: Jimmy Uso, by pinfall

Miz may be a movie star, but Big Jim’s the one winning this main event! Jimmy then borrows Joe Tessitore’s headset to call out Gunther! He’s coming after dat ass on Monday! Gunther won’t be the ring general, he will be “Private Gunther,” and he will salute Big Jim! Uh, uh, YEET! Will Jimmy be the one making examples out of the World Heavyweight Champion? Or will everything come crashing down when Gunther gets his turn?

 

Drew McIntyre returns backstage.

And he says hey to Lewis Capaldi, the Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter, and also a big fan of Drew’s. They’re ready to have a good night in the pub, but Jackie Redmond walks over to congratulate him on the win tonight. She was hoping to get some thoughts on that victory and what happened with Orton and Kevin. Drew says it’s alright, this is what happens. He doesn’t care about anybody else’s business, but no one gets away with screwing him over. And when no one meddles in his business, he wins! Drew called out Priest, where is he? Priest doesn’t have the balls! So time to get mad in the pubs, everyone’s invited!

Drew turns the corner, but PRIEST IS THERE! Priest ROCKS Drew, SMACKS him off the door, then throws him into road cases! Priest ROCKS Drew, SMACKS him off the trunk of a car, and then again! Or since it’s London, “the boot.” The driver complains, but Priest BODY SLAMS that guy through a table! Drew comes back to KNEE Priest low, SMACK him off the trunk, and then off the side! They go to the hood, or bonnet for UK. Drew drags Priest up, but Priest CLAWS Drew’s eyes! Priest then sends Drew SOUTH OF HEAVEN through the windshield! Priest tells security that he’s done for now. Any more jokes, Drew? Didn’t think so! RIP, jackass!

Priest leaves, the producers hurry to help Drew, and Drew’s got glass in his eye! Will that glass help Drew see why he shouldn’t piss off the Punisher?

 

CM Punk heads to gorilla.

He has a security detail with him, and he passes by Drew writhing in pain. Punk chuckles, then continues on. Will his contract signing with Roman Reigns and Seth Rollins be just as brutal? We find out, after the break.

 

Nick Aldis is in the ring.

The SmackDown General Manager welcomes us back, and says it is his honor and privilege to be here in the O2 in London. Now, we all know why he and this table is here, and why additional security is here tonight. Tonight, we are here to sign a contract for a Triple Threat. Perhaps the biggest Triple Threat in the history of WrestleMania: Seth Rollins VS CM Punk VS Roman Reigns! The fans cheer all those names, and here comes the OTC! London puts the ones up, and Paul Heyman accompanies THE Tribal Chief out on stage. Roman raises his finger to the sky for the pyro, then security follows him to the ring.

SmackDown goes picture in picture as Roman’s entrance continues, and he raises his finger to the sky for the second round of pyro. Roman steps into the ring, SmackDown returns to single picture, and Heyman hands him a mic. The fans sing, “ROMAN! ROMAN REIGNS~!” Roman nods, the fans cheer, and now they chant, “O T C! O T C!” Roman tells London, “ACKNOWLEDGE ME!” The fans cheer again, and again chant, “O T C! O T C!” Roman smiles, but he sees the chairs are not to his liking. Heyman makes sure to put one at the head of the table. Heyman also dusts the chair off while Roman enjoys the singing of, “ROMAN! ROMAN REIGNS~!”

Roman takes a seat and says that was beautiful. The way they sing to their Tribal Chief, it’s just beautiful. The singing continues, and Heyman even joins in! Roman smiles, and he says that is what he’s talking about. That’s the OTC for you, baby! The biggest star on the planet! The OTC came here for two reasons. One: to be acknowledged; check! And two: to sign this contract. Roman does just that, and he says he’s checked both boxes. That means- “BURN IT DOWN!” Seth Rollins interrupts! The fans now sing, “WHOA~ OH~ OHH~!” Rollins struts out in his red wine paisley suit and conducts the O2 Choir all the way into the ring.

The fans cheer while Roman frowns, but Rollins takes the seat to Roman’s left. Rollins offers Heyman a chance to sing to this song, but Heyman frowns. Rollins chuckles, and he says the fans do have beautiful singing voices. He doesn’t know why Roman is in such a hurry to leave, though! This is their building! There’s a lot of history here! 12 years ago, they landed on the roof of this place in a helicopter! They came down those stairs over there, “ready to burn down the old guard!” They put the Undertaker down through the desk, and they were going to remake this company in their image!

Now don’t get him wrong, Rollins knows a lot has happened since then. They fought against each other, with each other, a little bit of love and a whole lot of hate. But Rollins dare says, as the fans continue to sing “WHOA~ OH~ OHH~,” that Rollins and Roman accomplished their mission. The fans start to chant for CM Punk, but Rollins tunes them out. Roman says, “We? We? You keep saying we. Our mission? We died a long time ago. It’s only been ME. You been here, but I done all the work! I’ve made this place what it is today! I took us to the level that we are here today! I made this place better than we found it!

“I’m the one that made us desirable to Netflix! I’m the one that took us into billion-dollar deals! Tell me, what have you done?” Rollins shouts, “I’ll tell you what I’ve done! YOU, YOU, YOU, it’s that mindset that keeps me having to screw you! You understand that? And your biggest mistake is not understanding the danger that’s right in front of us! The danger that’s right in front of you! You let the biggest snake in the world, CM Punk, into the garden! And you could’ve cut his head off at WarGames! But instead, you shook his hand. You could’ve let me finish him inside the cage at The Garden, but you didn’t. And now, I am left to do what I always do: Clean up your mess, again.”

Rollins drops his mic, picks up the pen, and signs his part. And now, here comes CM PUNK! The fans fire up and sing along with Cult of Personality, then join in on saying, “IT’S CLOBBERIN’ TIME~!” Punk goes to the ring, but as he grabs a mic, he goes up a corner, just like he did last Friday. “I have come here to chew bubblegum and sign a contract. And I’m all outta bubblegum.” The fans cheer the Rowdy Roddy Piper reference, and Punk hops down to take his seat on Roman’s right. Punk looks over said contract, but Roman asks if Punk needs a highlighter or something. What’s he doing? Just go to page four, clause five.

Punk does as Roman says, but Roman says Punk needs to hurry, this is precious TV time. Punk reads the segment, Roman tells Heyman to just smarten Punk up. Heyman tells Punk he knows what Punk is looking for. It is in there. They’re closing the show at WrestleMania. The fans go wild hearing that! Heyman tells Punk that he gets to live his dream of dreams. CM Punk will be a WrestleMania main eventer! The fans cheer and while Roman smiles, Rollins is furious. Roman says, “One man’s dream is another man’s favor! CHECK!” Wait, this was the favor? Rollins says no! This is not something to laugh at, and Punk does not get to tear up!

Punk is NOT deserving! He does NOT deserve this! The fans boo but Rollins continues to throw a fit! Main eventing WrestleMania is SACRED, the most important thing in the world to Rollins! More than anything! Except the fact that Punk NEVER gets to main event! This is all Roman’s fault! This is all Heyman’s fault! Rollins THROWS his mic down, paces angrily, but Punk picks up the mic. The fans cheer Punk on again, and Punk stands to thank London, to thank Chicago, to thank Louisville, Kentucky, and to thank ALL the fans. As corny as it sounds, he thanks the WWE Universe who stood by him and chanted his name for TEN LONG YEARS!

Roman says hold on, hold on. Punk shouldn’t be thanking the fans! He should be thanking the Tribal Chief! It is because of Roman that Punk gets this honor! So please, take this moment, close the show with that acknowledgement! Do this the right way. The credits are already rolling as Punk kneels before Roman!? Punk smiles, and he thanks “My Tribal Chief, the holder of the ula fala, the Head of the Table, the… Big Dog? Thank you for allowing a kid from Chicago to be graced by your presence. Thank you, My Tribal Chief, for allowing me to stand in your ring. And thank you so much. Thank you, Roman Reigns, so very much.

“But because of you, I will see you in the main event of WrestleMania.” And again, Rollins is agonizing over this. Punk finishes putting his signature on the contract, and London tells him, “You Deserve It!” Punk thanks Roman again, and then says, “But that’s not the favor that I’m owed.” WHAT?! Roman looks at Heyman and Heyman can’t look him in the eye! If getting this Triple Threat made into the main event isn’t the gift of the Wise Man, then what is?!


My Thoughts:

A good SmackDown, but they pulled off quite the paradox. They made it feel like they were struggling to fill three hours, yet they also filled the show to the point where that contract signing segment was almost bleeding over the three hour mark. Ironically, part of the problem was just how excited the London crowd was for this. The superstars still wanted to enjoy the chants and songs, but that’s time SmackDown doesn’t have to spare. It made the opening promo from Cody, Orton and Drew take longer, and it kinda did the same to the contract signing at the end. Even so, we still got a very good promo, and good stuff to set up Orton VS McIntyre.

Orton VS McIntyre was a great match, but of course Kevin costs Orton. McIntyre gets his win, Kevin and Orton have a bit of a brawl, but of course Kevin ends up on the losing end and runs off. McIntyre’s trash talk also comes back to bite him as Priest gets the better of him in their brawl. Here’s hoping Drew didn’t actually get glass in his eye, but that being the thing in kayfabe can be some good stuff. I can imagine McIntyre with an eyepatch, and he takes it off at the opportune time to get the better of Priest in their match. Also what a fitting choice for Punk to be passing by Drew suffering because of real glass.

Very good title matches tonight, but of course the status quo was kept. Pretty Deadly gets to look great here in London, but the Profits only just got the belts, they’re not going to be transitional champions like that. And Knight VS Braun was really good stuff, but honestly, Jacob Fatu going after them both should’ve been a given. Jacob also had a great promo with Solo & Tama to start adding to that divide between Jacob and Solo. I would hope Solo doesn’t screw Jacob out of the US Championship, but it feels like he will as Solo won’t stand for Jacob defying his authority, even though Solo’s been trying to make Jacob the champion all along.

Very good stuff from Jimmy Uso tonight, from his promo with #MeloDon’tMiz and then a great match with Miz. Their match ended up the de facto main event match, so that’s also great for both guys. Great win for Jimmy, but that’s likely because Jimmy is losing big time to Gunther on Monday. And it might just be me, but it feels like only now is the Jey VS Gunther build really moving, largely in part because Jimmy got involved. Jimmy’s promo after his match is something along the lines of what Jey should be saying. But I suppose as brothers, Jimmy is the one who knows Jey best and knows what Jey needs to be motivated again. And seeing Jimmy get beat up by Gunther will definitely motivate Jey…

Good final vignettes for Rey Fenix and Aleister Black. I’m a little surprised they confirmed Rey Fenix is showing up next week, and that they confirmed who Rey Fenix even is. I believe commentary confirmed Rey Fenix is Penta’s real brother, even namedropped “Lucha Brothers,” but all that is still surprising considering Fenix is going to start on SmackDown. Aleister’s vignette (at least I am fairly confident it’s his) was giving us glimpses of his silhouette, but I think there was usage of AI in the snake imagery. It was fine they did it for El Grande Americano because that is all trolling, but they really should try and do things the old fashioned way of photoshop and stock imagery.

Very good stuff in the Women’s Division tonight, though the WWE Women’s Championship portion was the weaker. Naomi’s got a great Heel persona going, her promo was great, and her going after B-Fab & Michin over them supporting Jade was a great detail. Jade runs Naomi off, helps B-Fab, but there was no helping Michin in being fed to Charlotte. Tiffany had a decent promo, and it does fit how Charlotte kept her from speaking so she finally gets things out here. It didn’t really add that much, though, but they already gave us a great brawl so not sure what more they can give.

KC Squared VS The Secret Her-vice was a very good match, but of course Chelsea made sure her team won. A Six Woman Tag of Zelina & KC Squared VS The Green Administration is certainly coming, to help give us Zelina VS Chelsea for the Women’s US Championship.

My Score: 8.7/10

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)

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Andrew’s TNA iMPACT! Results & Match Ratings: 3.27.2025

Bad news out of the TNA management side, but this is a taped episode from El Paso! So we won’t see any of the fallout just yet!

Published

on

Now we all heard the news about the TNA change in hierarchy, and I…have no positive outlook on that. Delirious sucked at booking and creative in the dying days of ROH before it got bought as a B show. Dreamer having even more control is concerning because his ideas the last two years haven’t been much better.

Gail leaving makes more sense to me. Be it firing or a “you can’t quit, you’re fired” kind of situation, the Knockouts division is the worst it’s been in a long time and Gail was close with Scott D’Amore. So I don’t think Gail parting ways is as big of a problem since TNA has slowly been bleeding out with the Scott faithful.

Granted, I think the next few shows were already taped before the firing so things shouldn’t be completely unwatchable for at least a week or two. So let’s see where we’re going.

Ratings:

  • Gigi Dolin & Tatum Paxley vs Elegance Clique w/Personal Concierge: Ash wins via Rarefied Air – ** 1/4
  • Fir$t Cla$$ & Frankie Kazarian vs Laredo Kid, Octagon Jr & Chavo Guerrero Jr: Chavo wins via Gory Bomb into Frog Splash – *** 1/4
  • Jacy Jayne vs Masha Slamovich: Masha wins via Russian Death Device – ***
  • Eric Young w/two losers vs Ace Austin: Eric wins via Piledriver – ** 1/2
  • Seto & Mokuba – I mean – Nic Nemeth w/Ryan Nemeth vs Leon Slater: Nic wins via Danger Zone – *** 1/4

 

Results:

Gigi Dolin & Tatum Paxley vs Elegance Clique w/Personal Concierge

Ash and Gigi start off, Gigi with a little Rascalz after her first takedown. So both her and Wentz are making it obvious something’s going on between them, and I’m not mad at it. Good for my man Wentz.

Tatum and Gigi get some quick tandem offense in, Ash does manage to scurry off to a tag and Heather gets bent into a Pretzel. Some kind of Inverted Tarantula from Tatum, Gigi tags in, Bronco Buster on Heather followed by Kawada Kicks. Heather sells against the ropes, Gigi goes for a Hesitation Dropkick, but Concierge pulls her away so Gigi crashes and burns. Ref is distracted, Ash gets in some cheap shots and then the Elegant duo starts working over Gigi. A few quick tags, but once Heather comes in, Gigi fights out of the corner, gets the hot tag to Tatum. Tatum stacks up both Elegance members, Corner Stacked Crossbody, Butterfly Suplex and an Elbow Drop with some some flare. Tatum goes to the top rope, Heather pulls Gigi off the apron, Concierge shoves Tatum off the turnbuckle and Ash hits Rarefied Air for the win.

Post match the Elegance Clique wants to make their wish with the cake, they light the candles and Tatum and Gigi recover enough to do what we all expected last week, the cake in the face spot. Some…suggestive licking from both of our Hot Topic Hotties, so…no complaints here. 

Fir$t Cla$$ & Frankie Kazarian vs Laredo Kid, Octagon Jr & Chavo Guerrero Jr

Chavo and Kaz start since he’s King Petty, a quick rope run turns into a Headscissor from Chavo. Kaz recovers, they lock up, Kaz hits the Knee Lift during the lock up to tag out to KC. KC pulls off some athletic dodges, gloats a bit so Chavo waits, measures and nails a gorgeous Dropkick. Laredo comes in on fire, quick high spots that send KC bouncing around like HBK against Hulk. KC powders after sells the Satellite Takedown, AJ checks on him and we go to commercial.

Back from commercial, Octagon is lighting up KC’s chest with overhand chops, he perches, Sunset Headscissor Flip from corner to corner, KC tries to Back Drop him but Octagon does a headstand, kicks KC away and lays him out with a high spot. AJ gets on the apron to stop Octagon from running the ropes, the referee has a stroke or something because he stops paying attention and AJ pulls Octagon out of the ring and chucks him. KC with the Tope con Hilo and tag (tag ropes haven’t mattered since the 80s we all know this). So AJ is getting taunted by the crowd in Spanish, but he’s manhandling Octagon since it looks like a Child fighting their parent. AJ knocks off Chavo and Laredo, Laredo pops up and tries to get involved but he’s caught on the shoulders, Octagon goes for the Crossbody but gets caught and AJ pulls off “World’s Strongest Wasteland” but Chavo breaks up the pinfall. AJ throws Octagon into the corner, Tennessee Whiskey, and tag out to KC. KC hits a few moves, but starts to lose the momentum until he connects with a Super Kick. Simultaneous rope run into the Dueling Crossbodies, so we get the timely tag outs from both sides. Kaz and Laredo come in, Laredo lands like two moves before Kaz hits a Sole Butt, Lariat and eats his lunch. KC and Kaz try to double team Laredo but he fights out and the crowd is chanting for Chavo.

Chavo tags in, and he’s rocking KC, Saito Suplex, Low Bridge to AJ, Reverse the Whip so Chavo goes to the corner and perches, KC feeds, Chavo Backflips to safety, rolls through and lays out KC. Chavo is feeling himself, 3 Amigos start on KC but only 2, Kaz comes in and Chavo switches to Kaz for the Amigos, only 2 again before AJ breaks it up. AJ goes for the disrespect, but Chavo counters and hits the 3 Amigos on the biggest Culero. Aztec Warriors dive to stop AJ and Kaz, KC tries a Dirty Victory Roll but Chavo kicks out. GORY BOMB into FROG SPLASH!

Chavo looked fantastic and he’s the one in the best shape in the ring. I wouldn’t be mad at more Chavito. 

Jacy Jayne vs Masha Slamovich

I expect very little from this match.

Collar and Elbow, gator rolling for the first 30 seconds or so, then Jacy goes to some Hair Pull takedowns and does a little taunt before Masha pops back up and hits a Lariat into a Dive. Jacy sells it like she’s really hurt, even the ref tries to hold Masha back a little before Masha gets annoyed and just grabs her, Masha throws her in, looks for a Dive and Jacy sees it and powders. Masha tries to go back to the well for the Dive again but Jacy hits the Uppercut and then an Apron Run PK to drop Masha. Forearms rain down into a Foot Choke as Jacy continues to arrogantly play to the crowd. Another Foot Choke into a Cannonball, and near fall.

Masha gets space with a Sole Butt, tries to snap off Requiem but Jacy fights off, fights through a Sunset Flip another effective PK keeps Masha on her ass. Jacy looks for a kinda half-assed Camel Clutch as Masha is fighting up, but Jacy runs her into the corner, gets distracted mouthing off to the crowd, so Masha recovers, 5 Hole Up Kick sends Jacy into the corner, Yakuza Kick into Capo Kick for two. Requiem attempt again, but Jacy pushes off, a little back and forth, Masha tries a Backslide but Jacy gets away and hits a V-Trigger but only a 2 count. Jacy looks for the Discus Punch but Masha ducks it, they strike back and forth, but some dodges from both leave the exchange more even. Jacy with the Front Kick to the face sends Masha to the outside. Jacy wants another PK, but Masha blocks, Electric Chair Apron Snake Eyes. Masha throws her in, a PK into a near all. Requiem attempt 3, and thwarted from Jacy with a Superkick into a Neckbreaker. Senton misses from Jacy, Buzzsaw Kick, into Spinning Back Kick and Russian Death Device for the win.

Better than I expected, and Tessa attacks as soon as the bell rings. Xia Brookside and Lei Ying Li make the save after Tessa grabs the belt. 

Eric Young w/two losers vs Ace Austin

Ace and Eric tie up, World of Sport start but as soon as Ace starts to get away EY punches him in the face. Eric looks at the camera and says “This is what trust looks like”, turns his back on Ace, when Ace looks to attack, the loser duo cut him off. EY takes advantage of the weird situation, but Ace with some Up and Over quick spots, into an Inside Cradle and La Magistral. EY kicks out of the quick flash attempts, but eats a Dropkick, and Ace goes all Speed Kils on him with fast strikes and then a face buster for another near fall. Strike spot very early in the match, Ace gets the best of it, goes for a Tear Drop Suplex but EY sits on it to block, Headlocks to keep him close and then a snap Lariat into beatdown bully tactics. EY takes the referee’s attention and one of the nerds punch Ace in the face.

Eric tries to lean on Ace, but Ace fires, a few strikes, Click Click Boom, the Miz Seated Lariats in the corner, Mochizuki Triangle Kick connects! Only a 2 count, but Ace seems to be in control. Ace puts EY on the ropes, a few strikes to keep him rocked, wants a Superplex, but EY blocks, bites the face and Macho Elbow gets a very close two count. EY tries the Piledriver but Ace turns it into a Jacknife Cradle,Spinning Heel Kick, calls for The Fold, but the losers hop on the apron to distract, Ace attacks them. Ace tries to time out the Triangle Kick again, but Eric dodges, throws Ace head first through the buckles. As Ace stumbles out of the corner, Piledriver, and it’s over.

Oh look it’s the “we’ll hear from Joe Hendry” segment. Again, I’ve loved this gimmick since Day 1, even didn’t hate his What Culture Pro stuff, but there is such a thing as milking a cow too much. 

Elijah interrupts the whole “Who’s next” speech. When Elijah comes out he says he’s not the challenger and he believes in Joe. The crowd wants Elijah to turn on Hendry. Elijah pauses for a moment, and starts proving his friendship with stating his favorite color and a little “You Got a Friend in Me”. The crowd is into singing along and waving their cameras like Lighters to a 30 year old song. THANKFULLY Kaz breaks up the hug fest. Now he gets the “Culero” chant. 

Kaz pulls out a Bass…what the hell is this Jam Session. Kaz has to warm up so he plays “La Cucaracha” on the bass. Kaz…is a national treasure. Hendry kicks Kaz out of the ring after his Heelish and playfully racially charged song choices. Kaz tries to sow dissension, but Joe and Elijah pinball Kaz between them. Kaz slips a power move and tries to shove Elijah into Joe but Elijah puts the brakes on, a small tense moment. But then Joe and Elijah play “Nah Nah Nah Nah, Hey Hey, Goodbye”…and that goes right into a commercial. Oddly…perfect.

Nic Nemeth w/Ryan Nemeth vs Leon Slater

Nic shoots the half immediately for a flash pinfall but Leon kicks out at one. Nic continues to keep things grounded with his amateur wrestling skills, and then does a little Dolph Ziggler show off. So Nic isn’t really taking this seriously, and Leon starts getting the best of things with an Arm Wringer, into drag, Shoulder Tackle and rope run as Nic tries to Leap Frog and Leon puts on the brakes and just shoves Nic on his ass. Nic gets annoyed, a few strikes, grinds his face along the ropes, but Leon keeps stringing some offense together, Back Handspring Elbow into his Corner con Hilo.

Ahh the classic formula of the commercial gives the heel the advantage, Twisting Suplex from Leon stops Nic’s offense momentum, right hand, Leon lifts Nic up for something, Nic slips it, kicks him in the gut, looks for the FameAsser, but Leon catches him into a Blue Thunder Bomb variation. Slater wants the Swanton 450, but Nic powders. Leon tries to adjust into a Dive, but Nic cuts him off, counter for counter and a FameAsser out of the counters for a two count. Nic starts the big brother tactics, bootwashes and arrogance, Slater fires, punches into a Yakuza Kick. Leon wants another Lethal Injection variant, but Nic catches him into a Rear Naked Choke. Slater tries to turn it into a pin so Nic breaks it. Leon wants a Leg Lariat but misses and gets unceremoniously dropped by Nic. Nic puts Leon up on the buckles, Superplex possibly but Slater counters, tries to collect himself for a move, but Nic falls into the ropes to crotch Leon, and finally hits the Superplex.

Twist of Slate from Leon, Swanton 450 but knees get up. Locomotion Cradles from both but they kick out, Ryan picks the ankle to trip up Leon just a touch and then Danger Zone ends the match.

Ryan starts the post match beatdown, but the Hardy’s music hits and they come down to the ring for the save. Matt challenges the Nemeths for Rebellion because they’re not medically cleared yet.

 

Overall Score: 6.5/10

Decent story motion, no match was offensive, and there was actually some solid match action for television standards. I don’t have a ton to complain about aside from the Knockouts Division is in a weird spot, and giving Hendry a lot of just talking and hollow payoff segments feels stupid. If we need to hear from him every week, give him a talk segment like Highlight Reel or something. Yes I know First Class just got The Penthouse, but if Hendry is going to talk more than wrestle, give him a talk segment for us to sink our teeth into.

There was the announcement that Xia, Lei Ying and Masha will face Tessa, Jacy and a mystery partner. So you gotta wonder if there’s going to be another NXT mercenary, a surprise return or if it’ll just be Rosemary since she’s got her issues with Xia. Also I just realized that Unbreakable is going to be on a Thursday, seemingly after iMPACT? I’m gonna have to see how they do it, because if there’s an Impact episode and 2-3 hour PLE…I do not want to be awake until 1am. People need to work, and I will be Unwakeable if things go that long.

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!

All Shows On Demand


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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