Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE Raw Results & Report! (2/20/23)
Raw is about respect!
Will The Now really be forever?
Austin Theory is STILL United States Champion after Elimination Chamber, but now things get Rated R as EDGE comes after the title!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Sami Zayn VS Baron Corbin; Sami wins.
- Mustafa Ali VS Dolph Ziggler; Ali wins.
- Asuka VS Nikki Cross; Asuka wins.
- Seth Rollins VS The Miz; Rollins wins.
- Bronson Reed VS Chad Gable w/ Otis; Bronson wins.
- WWE United States Champion: Austin Theory VS Edge; Theory wins and retains the title.
PLAY BY PLAY
Sami Zayn is here!
Fans fire up as the Honourary Hab, the Great Liberator, and the man who would have beaten Roman Reigns if not for The Bloodline as he heads to the ring. Sami grabs a mic and fans chant his name as the spotlight is on him. Fans then sing, “OLE~ OLE OLE OLE~! OLE~, OLE~!” for him, too. Sami says, “Wow. I’m feeling a lot of feelings here, guys. After these past couple of days, the one feeling that comes to the front more than anything is gratitude. The ovation I’ve been given these past couple of days, and the ovation you guys just gave me just now, you have no idea what means to me. Thank you. Seriously, thank you so much.”
Fans chant, “You Deserve It!” and Sami is touched. Sami says that for him just as much as everyone, another thing he’s feeling is, after coming so close to putting a bow on a storybook ending in front of his hometown, he feels a lot of guilt. He feels like he let people down. Fans say “NO! NO! NO!” because he hasn’t let anyone down. Fans even chant “We Still Love You!” Sami says people told him to “finish the story,” but he didn’t, and after the last few days, he realized now more than ever, “around here, the story is NEVER over! However, we are entering the final chapter. And the final chapter is not just about me. So there’s one person that I do need to talk to more than anybody else.
“So Kevin Owens…! I would love it if you came out here right now.” Fans cheer that, and here comes KO! The Prizefighter joins his best frenemy in the ring, fans cheer him on now, and Kevin gets a mic. Sami says, “There was so much I wanted to say to you, and now that you’re standing here, I don’t know what I want to say. I wanna say… I wanna say thank you, I guess. I wanna say I’m sorry. But I know we’re kinda passed the point of words at this point, right? Let’s be honest, things got a little messy, right? There’s a lot that you said, that I said, that was done here that I don’t know if there’s any coming back from. I know, I know.
“But here’s the thing, Kevin. For months and months, you said there is only one thing that you care about, and that is taking down The Bloodline. And I know you better than anything, when you get something in your head, nothing stops you from doing it. But here’s the thing, Kevin. Now I have a mission. I will make sure, if it’s the last thing I do, I will not rest ’til I see with my own eyes that Roman Reigns and the Bloodline come crumbling down! But here’s the thing. You couldn’t do it alone. And I couldn’t really do it alone. But I do think that there’s only way to get it done. And that is if we do it… together!” Fans love the sound of that!
Kevin seems a bit surprised, and he says he doesn’t need an apology or gratitude. Saturday, what he did, it had nothing to do with Sami. Kevin didn’t do it for Sami, he did it for HIS family. Saturday, they were in the front row. But at the Royal Rumble, they were at home. And Sami stood there and watched it happen. Kevin needed the Bloodline to hurt. Kevin did it for Sami’s family so that his wife, children, father wouldn’t have to watch Sami get beat down! That’s why! Kevin has been fighting The Bloodline for months, on his own. As far as he’s concerned, that’s fine, and that’s the way he will keep fighting them.
Because Kevin still means what he said in November after Survivor Series about being done with Sami. But guess what? If Sami needs help taking them down, then just ask Jey. Kevin drops the mic and leaves while fans boo. Sami watches Kevin go but isn’t upset. Will Sami have to do things on his own, too?
But wait! BARON CORBIN ATTACKS! Corbin throws Sami around as Raw goes picture in picture! Corbin fires off hands, throws Sami into railing, then CLUBS away against barriers! Fans boo and give thumbs down but Corbin throws more hands. Corbin throws Sami back into railing, then tot he floor. Referees hurry on stage to stop Corbin but he goes back for more! Corbin rains down fists, refs back him off, but Sami gets up to go after Corbin! Sami returns fire with furious fists! Corbin trips and falls but gest right back up to CLOBBER Sami! Corbin hobbles but he drags Sami up. Security and officials rush out but Corbin still wants more!
Corbin whips Sami into the LEDs! Sami falls over, Corbin stands over him, but refs tell him to leave. Corbin storms down the ramp to ringside. Corbin soaks up the heat as he walks around the ring, then he gest in the ring. Raw returns to single picture as Corbin has the mic to ask, “How’d that feel?” Corbin says Sami interrupted him to cry about his insecurities, thinking he didn’t deserve to be in the same ring as Roman Reigns. Corbin says Sami didn’t, and Corbin should know, because Corbin is the last person to beat Roman Reigns! Roman embarrassed Sami in front of his family and friends, and tonight was pathetic.
Sami begged his “so-called best friend,” Kevin Owens. Sami wants to get at Corbin but Adam Pearce holds him back. Corbin says Sami’s story is done! Sami embarrassed himself, his hometown, and ALL of Canada! Because Sami is a complete and utter failure! Sami talks with Pearce, Pearce gives Sami the green light! Sami gets in the ring and TACKLES Corbin! Sami rains down fists, Corbin pushes him away, but Sami clotheslines Corbin out of the ring! A ref gets in the ring, this is a match!
Sami Zayn VS Baron Corbin!
The bell rings, Corbin gets up and Sami BLASTS him! Sami goes out to SMACK Corbin off the desk! Fans fire up with Sami and he POSTS Corbin! Sami puts Corbin back in the ring, runs corner to corner, but Corbin bails out! Fans boo but Corbin shoulders in then CLOBBERS Sami! Corbin rains down fists, then rips Sami’s shirt off him. Corbin drags Sami back up and he makes the world look at the bruises and scrapes from Eliminating Chamber’s title match. Corbin CLUBS Sami, shoves him to ropes and CLUBS him again! Corbin stands Sami up, ROCKS him, then shoves him, only for Sami to DECK Corbin!
Sami fires off hands now and whips Corbin to a corner. Corbin reverses, runs in, Sami dodges and Corbin hits buckles! Sami goes up top, for a FLYING- NO, choke grip to CHOKE SLAM BACKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Sami is still in this as Raw goes back to picture in picture.
Sami bails out of the ring but clutches his back. Corbin goes out after Sami, drags him up, and RAMS him into barriers! The front row cheers Sami on but Corbin puts him in the ring. Corbin stalks Sami, stands over him, then drags him up by his beard! Corbin puts Sami in the corner, whips him corner to corner hard, and Sami bounces off buckles to fall to the mat. Corbin looms over Sami, drags Sami back up, and CLUBS him back down! Corbin CLUBS Sami again, and again, and again, driving his elbow into the bruised back! Sami crawls to a corner, Corbin is on him again and puts him up top.
Corbin throws hands, climbs up after Sami, and he throws hands. Sami hits back with haymakers! Sami CLUBS Corbin, Corbin falls off the corner! Sami adjusts, leaps, CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO! Corbin is still in this, but Sami grits his teeth as he stands. Sami hobbles, but Corbin RAMS him into a corner! Corbin drags Sami around, stomps him, then tells the ref to back off. Corbin runs to SPLASH! And then Corbin hauls Sami up to a Canadian Rack! Raw returns to single picture as Sami endures the backbreaker stretch! Fans rally, Sami fights free, and he elbows Corbin from the corner! Corbin comes back, but into a BOOT!
Sami goes up again, leaps, FLYING ELBOW! Sami goes up another corner, leaps again, another FLYING ELBOW! Ottawa fires up, but Corbin throws body shots! Sami blocks the bomb, wrenches out to kick low, and he goes up and up and FLYING DDT!! Cover, TWO!! Corbin survives but Sami keeps his focus. The fans rally behind him, but Corbin throat chops! Corbin whips, but Sami holds ropes! Sami dumps Corbin out, then builds speed! Sami FLIES! Direct hit and Ottawa is thunderous! Sami fires up, he puts Corbin back in, and Corbin flounders to the corner. Sami aims, runs in, but into a LARIAT!
Sami flounders, but Corbin rains down elbows and forearms on his bruised back! Corbin whips, and DEEP SIX! Cover, TWO!! Sami is still in this and Corbin is shocked! Fans fire up as Sami goes to the corner again. Corbin runs in, and hits a big clothesline! Corbin runs in again, another clothesline! Corbin goes corner to corner, Sami follows, HELLUVA KICK!! Cover, Sami wins!!
Winner: Sami Zayn, by pinfall
Ottawa sings along with Sami’s song as Sami gets redemption! Will Sami’s wish come true come WrestleMania? Will The Bloodline soon fall?
Byron Saxton has a sit-down interview with Rhea Ripley & Dominik Mysterio.
He appreciates them joining him. He wants to ask about Elimination Chamber. What about it? Well, she and Finn Balor faced The Grit Couple and ultimately came up short. Rhea says the last thing she will say about Beth Phoenix is that after going toe to toe, Beth admitted Rhea is the real deal. But for her, she and Beth have unfinished business. But that’s the past, and Rhea is fully focused on WrestleMania. Then does Rhea think that loss- Dom interrupts, saying Mami just said she’s done talking about Edge & Beth. “Those has-beens are just like my deadbeat dad, they’re not worth talking about.
“And Byron, if you keep asking stupid questions, you’re gonna find out what I did to people who talked too much when I was locked up.” In that case, Byron moves to WrestleMania and the SmackDown Women’s Champion, Charlotte Flair. How does Rhea respond to Charlotte saying that three years ago, Charlotte taught Rhea a lesson, but this year, she puts Rhea in her place. “Look, Charlotte can keep living in 2020. The only reason that she wants to keep talking about what happened three years ago is because she refuses to believe what everyone else can see, and that’s that right now, in the present, I am the best bloody woman here in the WWE.
“And as for lessons being learned, the only lesson is that Rhea Ripley doesn’t make the same mistakes twice. So if Charlotte wants to ‘put me in my place’ at WrestleMania, then good. Because my place is standing on top of her crumbled queendom when I walk out of WrestleMania the new SmackDown Women’s Champion.” Byron says looking ahead, what can we expect on Friday when Rhea goes face to face with Charlotte on SmackDown? Watch and find out. Dom says Rey has a match that day. Dom will “tag along” to watch. Rhea likes that idea. Byron, we’re done here. Rhea & Dom leave, but will they leave their mark on SmackDown this weekend?
WWE shares Austin Theory’s comments from the Elimination Chamber Press Conference.
The Now retained his title inside the Chamber, though it was because Logan Paul screwed over Seth Rollins. But Theory said, “If I have a United States Championship Open Challenge this Monday on Raw, who’s gonna step up.” Well, moments later, when Edge hand his turn to speak, he accepted! Theory’s work ethic will be tested, and Edge might even kick Theory’s teeth in!
Backstage interview with Austin Theory.
Cathy Kelley brings up tonight’s title match knowing Theory retained his title in the grueling Chamber match just 48 hours ago. Theory admits he’s banged up, but he’s here like he always is. And why’s that? Because he’s the champ! He stepped inside the Chamber with five of the best in the WWE. Included in those five was Seth Freakin’ Rollins. Rollins was someone everyone said had it in the bag, and what happened? Theory put him down like he said he would. Everything Theory says happens! But what he doesn’t understand is the headline. It isn’t that Theory is the Now, Then and Forever, but that John Cena is coming back to Raw in two weeks!
Theory is upset by that. What the headline should say is, “WHO CARES?” Where’s the respect for Theory for the work he puts in every week? But he has a US Championship Open Challenge tonight that was accepted by the Rated R Superstar. And Theory loves that, because he gets to beat a WWE Hall of Famer in his home country of “crappy Canada.” After that, Theory will continue his Forever Reign right on to WrestleMania, and his legacy will stand over everyone. Theory will never lose this title! How’s that for a headline?
Mustafa Ali VS Dolph Ziggler!
The Beacon seems to be pulling a page out of the Show-Off’s playbook by constantly complaining “It should’ve been me!” But will it be Ali with a win here tonight? Or will it be Ali having to eat his words when Ziggler humbles him?
Raw returns and Ali makes his entrance. The bell rings, Ali offers a handshake and Ziggler accepts it. But then Ziggler uses it to hit a fireman’s carry takeover! Cover, TWO! Fisherman cradle, TWO! Ali gets up, swings, but misses! Ziggler DECKS Ali, DECKS him again, then whips. Ali reverses, but Ziggler ducks ‘n’ dodges to CLOBBER Ali! Ali goes to a corner, but Ziggler STINGER SPLASHES! And then NECKBREAKER! Ziggler fires up and fans fire up with him as Ali goes to ropes. Ali bails out before the superkick! But Ziggler drags him up by his hair! Ali HOTSHOTS Ziggler away!
Ali hurries inside, and he CLOBBERS Ziggler in return! Ali mockingly tells Ziggler to smile and be thankful that he’s here. Ali fishhooks Ziggler’s mouth! The ref reprimands, so Ali brings Ziggler up to suplex. Ziggler slips off, shoves Ali away, but Ali goes back out to the apron! ROUNDHOUSE! Down goes Ziggler and Ali smiles. Ali aims, somersaults, and- SATELLITE DDT! Cover, TWO!! Ali survives and Ziggler grows frustrated. Ziggler kicks Ali’s leg out, runs, FAMOUS- NO, Ali handstands free! Ghost pin, ALI WINS!
Winner: Mustafa Ali, by pinfall
Even Ali seems shocked he won! Ali celebrates big time, and he seems to mock Ziggler with it. But will Ali really get back on track after this?
Backstage interview with The Miz & Maryse.
Cathy Kelley lets them finish kissing and then Maryse hurries to get an envelope. Happy anniversary! Miz thanks Maryse, and brags that her gift was too big and expensive to bring across the border. She knows, she picked it. Anyway, Miz opens the envelope and… Is this real? What does it say? Maryse says to read the room, Cathy. Miz says this is bigger than his game winning half court shot in the NBA Celebrity Game. Cathy points out it didn’t count officially. Miz says this news is not for Cathy! This is to be broken by a world-renowned journalist: MIZ. But he’ll wait for next week, because tonight is about them.
Miz & Maryse kiss again but Cathy brings up Seth Rollins. Miz says, “What do you not understand about ‘us’?” GO! BYE! THANK YOU! But Miz has a match with Rollins after back-to-back losses to Boogs- Uh, those were both very controversial wins by Boogs! But if we’re to talk about Rollins, then maybe Rollins got a little too big for his stupid red boots last week. Miz is glad Rollins was brought down to earth by Miz’s former protégé, Logan Paul. Miz molded Logan into the superstar he is today. And in a way, Miz cost Rollins his US Championship. Miz’s outstanding tutelage ruined Rollin’s WrestleMania dreams, while this (the envelope) just made his dreams come true.
Miz and Maryse kiss again and head out. Will tonight be more awesome for The Miz? Or will Rollins #BurnItDown?
Cody Rhodes is here!
Ottawa cheers as The American Nightmare has his smoke and pyro then heads to the ring. Cody gets another round of pyro, then gets the mic. Fans cheer, and Cody asks, “So…” “Ladies and gentlemen…!” Paul Heyman is via the titantron, with a neck brace on, as he introduces himself. Cody asks, “Mr. Heyman… Where are you?” Uh, right here backstage. Oh, okay. So then, Heyman should just come out here in person. Everyone wants to hear what he has to say! Fans cheer, but Heyman sputters. He isn’t sure if Cody is aware of this, but Heyman was “mauled” on Saturday by a “KO-diac, and subject to the miserable Canadian healthcare system.”
Fans boo but Heyman says what should’ve been a celebratory weekend for The Tribal Chief ended up a tragedy for the Wise Man. But Heyman assures us, “the true tragedy of this story that you want to finish will befall, sir, onto you.” Heyman has Cody stay calm and wants us to hear him out. “Cody, man to man, face as close as to willing I am to be to face, you can’t beat Roman Reigns! Oh, they can boo all they want, but let’s go on the hypothetical. Let’s play to everybody’s fantasy. Let’s say that the stars align, the gods smile upon you, the devil collects my debt. Let’s say at WrestleMania, Cody Rhodes beats the Tribal Chief, Roman Reigns, for these championships.
“Then, sir, what will your life be like? Have you ever heard the phrase, ‘indentured servitude?'” Heyman knows that we’re thinking Roman doesn’t live that life. But that’s because Roman has a Special Counsel. Roman has The Wise Man. Roman has Paul Heyman. If Cody defeats Roman for the titles, which he won’t, but if he does… Cody won’t have Paul Heyman. “So let’s do the math, playing to this notion that Cody Rhodes defeats Roman Reigns. What will your life be like? First of all, 200 days a year on the road, defending these championships. 40 to 50, let’s mark it up, 50 days a year doing charity appearances and red carpets. Now we’re at 250.
“Thirty days a year overseas promoting the general brand of World Wrestling Entertainment. Now we’re at 280. Another 20 days promoting WrestleMania, SummerSlam, Survivor Series, Royal Rumble, Money in the Bank, Backlash, I don’t know, Peoria! Oh, let’s not forget to promote your title defenses in Peoria. Now that’s 300, 305 days a year, that means 60 days at home. And what happens to those 60 days? 20 of them, Spike calls? Skype calls? What do you call ’em? Zoom calls, promoting the product, meetings.
“What did your brother Dustin so famously say? The American Dream, Dusty Rhodes, was one the road, he was never home. And even when he was home, he was never home. Is that the life you want for your wife and child? Is that what you want for your family, Cody? Is that the sacrifice that you’re willing to make for these titles?! I know what you’re thinking. I’m about to say something really vile and vulgar and contemptible, like, ‘Hey, don’t worry, Cody. On a cold winter night, Roman Reigns will keep your wife warm.’ I would never say something like that. Roman Reigns is a happily married man. But I’m not!”
Fans boo Heyman going there, but Heyman assures Cody that that is when he finds out his WrestleMania dreams are going to become his own personal nightmares. Heyman “drops the mic” by taking off the lapel mic, and Cody paces as he tries to contain his feelings. Fans cheer Cody on, and Cody says, “Damn! Roman Reigns is great. You’re great, Roman. But I have seen this play before. Do not send this man again. We haven’t come face to face yet, we probably will and it’ll probably be very soon. And I will say the same thing to you now that I’m going to say then.
“You are without a doubt the greatest WWE Undisputed Universal Champion in the history of the company. You are the current bets champion in all of sports. But it doesn’t change a damn thing! I HAVE to finish the story! I beat you at WrestleMania!” Fans fire up as Cody does a REAL mic drop! Will the American Nightmare only be a nightmare for the Head of the Table?
Asuka VS Nikki Cross!
The Empress of Tomorrow is poised for WrestleMania and the Raw Women’s Championship after winning the Elimination Chamber match, but she isn’t just going to rest on her laurels! Will the Loony Lass not be ready for Asuka?
Raw returns and Nikki makes her entrance. The bell rings and the two circle, but here comes Bianca Belair! Both Asuka and Nikki watch The EST struts out with the title to join commentary. Nikki and Asuka rush each other, Nikki dodges a kick to throw Asuka by her hair! Nikki rains down fists then sits Asuka up to smile. Asuka shoves Nikki away but Nikki CHOPS! Asuka snarls, things speed up, Asuka avoids the crossbody to SLIDING KICK! Asuka then stands Nikki up for knee after knee! Nikki blocks the suplex to put Asuka up on the ropes. Asuka slips off, avoids Nikki’s shoulder, and KICKS away on her in the ropes!
Asuka grins as she brings Nikki out, but Nikki pushes her away. But Asuka hits a POP-UP KNEE! Nikki staggers back, Asuka kicks, but Nikki ducks! Asuka hits only post! Nikki dragon sleepers, for a REVERSE DDTÂ to the apron! Nikki grins and Asuka writhes while Raw goes picture in picture.
Nikki drags Asuka off the apron to THROW her into the barriers! Nikki tells everyone to stay down, then she refreshes the ring count. Nikki drags Asuka up, POSTS her, then fires up as she goes to commentary. Nikki messes with Kevin Patrick, then puts Asuka back in the ring. Cover, TWO! Nikki is upset but Asuka kicks her from below. Nikki CLUBS Asuka down, brings her up, and whips, only for Asuka to reverse. Asuka runs in to back elbow! Asuka CLUBS away on Nikki, bumps her off buckles, then brings her around to bump off more buckles! The ref counts, Asuka lets off, but then just brings Nikki to another corner.
Nikki hits back and she bumps Asuka off buckles! Nikki brings Asuka in and turns her for a NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Nikki still grins and she drags Asuka back up. Nikki RAMS into Asuka at the ropes, but Asuka hits back. Nikki CLUBS her down, but Asuka kicks her. Nikki grinds her forearms into Asuka’s face, covers, TWO! Nikki keeps on Asuka with an armlock, wraps it up a into a top wristlock, but Asuka endures. Nikki thrashes around, Bianca even rallies for Asuka, and Asuka throws body shots. Asuka is free but Nikki throat chops! Nikki stomps a mudhole, then tells the ref to back off. Nikki whips Asuka corner to corner but Asuka goes up and MISSILE DROPKICKS!
Both women are down, Raw returns to single picture, and fans rally up. Asuka and Nikki both stand up, and they both run in! Asuka dodges to KICK, KICK and URAKEN! URAKEN! SOBAT! URAKEN! BOOT! ROUNDHOUSE! HEEL KICK! Fans fire up and Asuka GERMAN SUPLEXES! Asuka holds on, she brings Nikki back up, another GERMAN SUPLEX! Asuka drags Nikki up again, GERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO! Nikki escapes but Asuka grins. Nikki goes to the apron, flops to the floor, but Asuka runs in to slide, only to fall for the apron skirt trap! Nikki fires off on Asuka, then lets off as the ref counts.
The ring count climbs but Nikki puts Asuka in at 6 of 10. Nikki climbs, but Asuka ROCKS her first! Asuka climbs up, bumps Nikki off buckles, and then brings Nikki around to SUPER DDT!! Cover, TWO!!? Nikki survives and even Bianca’s surprised. Asuka and Nikki go forehead to forehead and they throw forearms! Fans fire up, Asuka gets the edge, and she KICKS Nikki in the chest! And KICKS again! And again! Nikki slaps herself and fires up, but Asuka KICKS her down! Nikki sits up, ducks the buzzsaw, and fireman’s carries! But Asuka slips off, shoves Nikki away, ROUNDHOUSE! Chicken wing!
Nikki flails, fireman’s carries, and MICHINOKU DRIVER!! Cover, TWO!!! Asuka survives and Nikki is furious! Nikki drags Asuka up, but Asuka wrenches out, TAKEDOWN into the RINGS OF SATURN!! Nikki grins but she verbally quits, Asuka wins!
Winner: Asuka, by submission
Even Bianca applauds that win, and then she joins Asuka in the ring. Fans fire up seeing champion and challenger stare down, and Bianca holds up the title. Fans cheer as they both point to the WrestleMania sign, but then Asuka spits up the blue liquid! Only Asuka is smiling now. Is Bianca not going to be ready for Asuka when they meet on the Grandest Stage of Them All?
Backstage interview with Carmella.
Cathy brings up how Asuka is the one going to challenge Bianca, has the Fabulous Princess given any thought to her own Road to WrestleMania? Mella says Elimination Chamber was just two days ago, okay? So no, she hasn’t thought up a whole new game plan in just 48 hours. But what she has thought of is Asuka. “That little freak thinks she can mess with the Moonwalking, Trash-talking Princess of Staten Island? I don’t think so. So I’m about to make Bianca’s Road to WrestleMania super easy when I return one hell of a receipt to Asuka. Because Mella, is, money!” Mella heads out, and then Cathy spots Seth Rollins.
Rollins seems in a good mood considering everything that happened with Logan Paul. Does he care to comment? “Two times now, Logan Paul has ruined my WrestleMania plans. And he thinks this is a game, he wants to hit me with my own move, he wants to get on social media and call me a clown! HAHAHAHAHA! Well, Logan! Joke’s on you. See, Logan may not be very familiar with a certain side of me, but anyone who has gotten in my way knows that side all too well. I’m going to find Logan Paul, and I’m going to hurt Logan Paul.” But since Logan isn’t here, the man who wants to take credit for Logan’s success, The Miz, seems like the perfect surrogate for the suffering.
Rollins laughs his way to gorilla, will he be the only one laughing after he burns it down?
MVP speaks.
“Brock Lesnar. You, sir, are a coward. You realized that you couldn’t escape Bobby Lashley’s Hurt Lock, so you got yourself disqualified at the Elimination Chamber.” Omos is there with MVP, and MVP says the Nigerian Giant is issuing a challenge to face Lesnar at WrestleMania! Lesnar can show up next week to officially accept, “if you have the intestinal fortitude.” Will the Beast have more than enough courage to come back and conquer Omos?
Seth Rollins VS The Miz!
The Visionary was perhaps goaded into insulting Logan Paul by the Hollywood A-Lister, but will he add insult to injury when he takes out the man who brought the ImPAULsive Influencer to the WWE? Or will The Miz hit his shot like he technically did at the NBA Celebrity Game?
The bell rings while fans sing “OH~ OHH~ OHHH~!” Rollins then CLOBBERS Miz! And fires off in the corner! The ref counts, Rollins lets off with stomps, and Miz bails out. Fans fire up as Rollins goes out the side and storms up, but Miz kicks low! Rollins blocks the desk bump to SMACK Miz off the desk! And then Rollins THROWS Miz into barriers! Fans fire up while the ring count climbs. Rollins puts Miz in at 5 of 10 and he slides in. Fans sing more as Rollins stands on Miz’s back. Rollins fishhooks Miz and then hits crossface forearms! Miz crawls away, Rollins runs in and clotheslines Miz up and out!
Fans fire up more as Rollins builds speed! Rollins WRECKS Miz and Miz goes flying over the desk! Fans fire up as Miz crawls out from the armchairs. Rollins storms up, Miz hurries into the ring and uses the ref as a shield! Kick to the legs, BASEMENT DDT! Cover, TWO! Miz is in control now as Raw goes picture in picture.
Rollins bails out, Miz catches his breath, and then Miz runs to WRECK Rollins! Rollins hits barriers, Miz mocks the fans singing, and Miz drags Rollins back up. Miz puts Rollins in, climbs a corner, and Miz leaps to AX HANDLE! Cover, TWO! Miz keeps cool but the fans keep singing. Rollins stands up while Miz tells fans to shut up. Rollins ROCKS Miz with haymakers! And CHOPS! Rollins whips, Miz reverses and kitchen sink knees! Then Miz runs to BASEMENT BOOT! Cover, TWO! Miz JAMS his knee into Rollins’ back and pulls on the arms. Rollins endures the stretch and fights up to his feet to turn things around on Miz!
Rollins stretches Miz but Miz turns things around onto Rollins. Miz even digs his boot into Rollins’ back to add onto the stretch. Rollins still fights back up, throws elbows, then swings, into the BACKBREAKER and NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Miz’s A-List Combination wasn’t enough, but he CHOKES Rollins on the ropes! The ref counts, Miz runs side to side to STRADDLE ATTACK! Miz paces around Rollins with a smirk, and Raw returns to single picture. Miz points to Rollins, fans cheer. Miz holds up his hands for himself, the fans boo. Miz verifies that by doing it all again, and yes, fans cheer Rollins and boo Miz.
Rollins stands, he throws body shots, and then he throws haymakers! Rollins CHOPS, runs, but Miz kitchen sink- ROLL-UP! TWO!! Rollins CHOPS again, and again, then whips! Miz reverses and Rollins hits buckles hard! Miz KICKS Rollins but fans taunt him with “TINY BALLS!” Miz KICKS more, then goes to the far corner. Fans boo, Miz runs in, but into a LARIAT! Fans fire up while both men are down! Fans sing again, Miz crawls to ropes and stands up. Miz swings, but Rollins counter punches him! And again! Rollins ROCKS, CHOPS and repeat on Miz! The ref counts as they end up on ropes, Rollins whips but Miz reverses, only for Rollins to CLOBBER Miz!
Rollins rallies on Miz, mule kicks and front kicks to then ROLLING ELBOW! Fans fire up with Rollins and he drags Miz up. Suplex, but Miz slips free to roll Rollins. Rollins rolls through to SUPERKICK! Fans fire up again and Rollins aims from the corner. Miz avoids the stomp but Rollins kicks low! Underhooks, but Miz trips Rollins! Jackknife bridge, TWO! Sunset flip, TWO! Miz pushes Rollins to a corner, runs in, but into a BOOT! Rollins goes up but Miz trips him, for a DRAPING CODE BREAKER! Cover, TWO!! Rollins survive but Miz snarls. Fans taunt Miz more but Miz powers up. Rollins sits up, Miz full nelsons!
Rollins arm-drags free, catches Miz to a back suplex but Miz lands on his feet! Miz ducks ‘n’ dodges, BUSAIKU KNEE! Cover, TWO!! Miz admits Rollins is tough, but the fans still taunt him with “TINY BALLS!” Miz KICKS Rollins in the chest, KICKS him again, then KICKS again and again and again! Fans chant “NO! NO! NO!” but Miz reminds Rollins that Miz cost him the title. Rollins blocks the kick! ROLLING ELBOW! Rollins keeps Miz from falling over, and he fires off forearm after forearm! Then the turn, for the DREAM SMASHER ELBOW! And CURB STOMP!! Fans fire up because Rollins isn’t done there!
Rollins fires up and the fans are with him! Rollins tells “Mike” to sit up, Miz does sit up, CURB STOMP!! But Rollins still isn’t done, and many fans want that “ONE MORE TIME!” Rollins agrees, and this is the viciousness he mentioned earlier. The ref tells Rollins no, Miz is done. Rollins STILL CURB STOMPS Miz!!! The ref calls it, Rollins wins!!
Winner: Seth Rollins, by referee stoppage
The Miz was knocked out cold by Rollins’ burning anger! Fans sing for the Visionary, will Rollins make sure to “introduce” Logan Paul to this side?
Carmella talks with Adam Pearce.
She appreciates him taking the time since she knows he’s super busy. He wants to thank her for the positive attitude, it is refreshing. So if Mella wants to face Asuka next week, he’ll make that match. In fact, it is official. Mella thanks “honey bunny” Pearce, then she heads out. But then someone calls Pearce. It’s Chelsea Green. She knows he knows who she is, but she wants to let him know that their “awful talent relations department” seems to have sent her to Ottawa, Illinois instead of Ottawa, Canada. How did this happen? On second thought, don’t answer that. How are they going to make this up to her?
Pearce apologizes, but next week, WWE will be in Grand Rapids, Michigan, in the US. So he will call the travel department and get this figured out. Chelsea can’t just be left here! She goes on and on but Pearce says he can’t hear her. Technical difficulties or something. Okay, see you next week. Pearce hangs up and walks on, to find The Alpha Academy posing in front of a mirror. Chad Gable wonders what “those clowns” in Maximum Male Models are missing about his look. He’s got great complexion, great physical condition. Any idiot can do modeling! But then Bronson Reed walks up. “Is this how you prepare for a match?”
Gable tells Bronson that not only is Gable a bonafide Olympian and a man with “a big, beautiful golden brain,” but Gable is also on the cusp of a very lucrative modeling career. Then get ready to model a full body cast! Otis says no one talks to Master Chad like that. Bronson chuckles and heads out. Will the Colossal Aussie crush Gable’s modeling hopes ‘n’ dreams with one Tsunami?
DING DONG, HELLO~!
Bayley returns to Raw and she’s brought her friends in Damage CTRL, Dakota Kai & Iyo Sky! Bayley says hello and welcomes us to her show. She could’ve called it, “Ding Dong, Bonjour,” but she takes that back cuz these fans are booing. But since we’re in Canada, she didn’t wanna come and could’ve stayed home to sulk over not getting into the Elimination Chamber match like she deserves. But since in Canada, today is Family Day, Bayley decided to pick herself up and spend today with her family, DMG CTRL! Bayley hugs Kai & Sky and says they know how much she loves them. “But these idiots don’t know how to love you! these idiots don’t love you the way that I do!”
Bayley says Kai & Sky are so underappreciated, so that’s why she has them on her show. So to the questions! First, Dakota. “How does it feel to be the greatest Women’s Tag Team Champions of all time?” Kai says that is an amazing question, and she says she and Sky wouldn’t be here without Bayley, their “fearless leader” and beloved Role Model. That is why Kai & Sky have completely dominated for over 100 days! They’ve been on every show, beaten the likes of Alexa Bliss, Asuka, Liv Morgan, Raquel Rodriguez, and even The Man, Becky Lynch. And they will dominate for another 100, and another 100, and-
WAIT! Here comes The Man! Ottawa just entered the Big Time, but Bayley is upset Becky is interrupting her show! Becky says “Greatest tag team champions, she calls them. It’s been nine full moons cycles since the last time you defended those titles! No, no, no, no. Those titles are getting dusty! There’s cobwebs in them titles! There’s probably some spiders living in there. You two, you’re not gonna get to just sit on those titles and coast to WrestleMania.” Becky has a plan: she wants to take those titles into WrestleMania! Fans fire up for that, but DMG CTRL laughs. Becky is a joker. With who? Her daughter? HA! Becky’s got no friends!
Becky says she’s not sure her daughter is ready for this level of awesomeness, but there is someone Becky is thinking of. LITA!! Fans fire up as the legend returns again! DMG CTRL freaks out as Becky & Lita head to the ring! Bayley refuses to let them interrupt her show, unless they use the door! Lita knocks, but then Bayley says they’re not welcome. Becky still steps through. What’s Lita even doing here? Becky must be desperate if she’s bringing her around! But fans chant for Lita nice and loud! Bayley waits for them to calm down, and asks Lita if she remembers the last time they were in the ring together. They tried to end each other! Can they even trust each other?
Becky tells Bayley not to even try that, she already apologized to Lita. Becky admits she gets a bit “Gollum-y” when titles are concerned. Lita says Gollum is kinda cute in a goofy way. But they’re both past all that. But Bayley has a good point: Lita has her eyes set on a fifth title run. But if Lita can’t get that title against Becky, she likes the idea of walking into Mania as a tag team champ. Fans like that, too! Lita tells Kai & Sky, “This is an official challenge for a tag team title match!” Bayley says those two are not even CLOSE to being worthy against two of the best.
Well, Lita is a Hall of Famer and a four-time champion while Becky won the first women’s main event at Mania. They’re two of the greatest ever, that’s enough! And maybe, if Kai & Sky are the greatest, they should want to prove it. So what’s the problem here? They are the greatest! Then they should defend the titles, right? Unless… Are they scared? Are they? Bayley says they’re not scared, Kai & Sky accept!! But then Kai & Sky ask Bayley what she’s doing! Bayley says it’ll be fine, but then Becky & Lita literally snatch the belts away! Fans fire up as Becky and Lita say they’re the future champs!
Bayley steps up, the titles are thrown at her! DMG CTRL is literally on their heels, and Bayley might’ve just bitten off more than the team can chew! Will Lita & Becky make WrestleMania in Hollywood even bigger?
Backstage interview with Candice LeRae.
Byron says coming out of Elimination Chamber, do we have an injury update on her husband, Johnny Gargano? Candice says Johnny got pretty banged up, and the Chamber is definitely one of the most brutal matches in the WWE. But she assures us that… Wait, Nikki walks over. Candice won’t let her stalk her anymore, and she wants to know why. Nikki tries to squirrel away, but Candice keeps her there. Candice says she has a match against Piper Niven to worry about, she can’t focus on that and Nikki always popping up. Just tell her why! Nikki is sheepish, mumbles something, but then she runs off.
Candice is confused, but what did Nikki say? That all her friends are gone and she’s alone. Candice gets back to Johnny. Johnny will be back, but she has to go. Was Nikki just wanting to be Candice’s friend this whole time?
Bronson Reed VS Chad Gable w/ Otis!
It took just about everyone else in the Men’s Elimination Chamber to eliminate the Colossal Aussie, will even the big brain of “Master Gable” fail to stop him? Or will Gable have a plan for avoiding the Tsunami?
Raw returns and Bronson makes his entrance. The bell rings, Gable shoots around to headlock but Bronson powers out and CLOBBERS Gable! Gable flounders out of the ring, Otis coaches him, but Bronson goes to the apron. FLYING SHOULDER! Otis coaches Gable more but Bronson stares him down. Fans fire up for these mirror images staring down, but Bronson puts Gable in the ring. Bronson bumps Gable off buckles, CLOBBERS him, then looms over him. Bronson drags Gable back up, whips him to a corner hard, and Gable bounces off buckles! Bronson then goes up as Gable stands, for a FLYING- NO! ANKLE LOCK!!
Gable has Bronson’s leg, Bronson rolls and BOOTS him away! Gable fires off forearm sand uppercuts and knees! Gable CHOPS, runs, but Bronson reels him in to CLUB him! Bronson back suplexes, Gable lands on his feet to waistlock, and he manages to lift Bronson!? Bronson elbows free, Gable runs and Gable runs Bronson over! Bronson goes up top, to DIVING HEADBUTT! Cover, ONE!! Bronson is still in this, but Gable runs, into a LARIAT! Otis looks and sees Maxxine Dupri in the crowd. Maxxine waves hi, but Bronson gets Gable up! Gable slips out of the bomb to ROCK Bronson with a forearm!
Gable staggers to a corner, Bronson runs in but Gable dodges! GERMAN SUPLEX?!?! Bridging cover, TWO!!! Fans fire up as Bronson bails out,. Otis talks with Maxxine about the modeling but Gable tries to get his attention. Bronson returns to SPLASH Gable in the corner! Whip and POWERSLAM! Bronson drags Gable to the drop zone, goes up top, TSUNAMI!!! Cover, Bronson wins!
Winner: Bronson Reed, by pinfall
Otis realizes he just missed the natural disaster that demolished his coach! Will Maxxine sign “OtÄ«s” to her stable when the Alpha Academy crumbles to the ground?
Ladies and gentlemen: Elias.
The Drifter is here and he has the mic to say, “Hello, I am Elias. Rick Boogs, I hope you’re back there taking notes right now, because this is how you do it.” Boogs is watching, and he IS taking notes! Elias says, “This is the time of the year that legends come out. This is the time of the year when stars are made. And lemme tell ya, there are no bigger stars than Elias. There’s no bigger legend than Elias. And so the question that has to be on everybody’s mind right now, and Boogs, you better be back there taking notes, is this: Who wants to Walk With Elias at WrestleMania?” Ottawa seems pretty fired up.
Elias wants someone to show up to stand center stage on the Grandest Stage with the Grandest Performer! But wait, here comes BOBBY LASHLEY! Elias didn’t expect the All Mighty but he gets ready for him! Lashley runs in to SPINEBUSTER Elias! Elias bails but Lashley pursues! Lashley hauls Elias up to RAM him into barriers! And then he fireman’s carries, to POST Elias! Ottawa fires up as Lashley drags Elias up again, puts him in the ring, and then SPEARS!! But Lashley isn’t done, he clamps on the HURT LOCK!! Elias taps but that won’t save him! Lashley TOSSES Elias away, then gets the mic.
“Everybody has a plan until I slap that Hurt Lock in. This past weekend, I put Brock Lesnar in the Hurt Lock. And Brock Lesnar panicked, and he had to resort to a low blow. Not Brock Lesnar, not Bray Wyatt, not Elias, nobody in that locker room breaks the Hurt Lock. So know I will not be disrespected by nobody in this locker room. If you disrespect me, I will put you down.” The All Mighty has spoken! Will all fall before him? Is Boogs taking notes on what not to do with an Open Challenge?
Backstage interview with Edge.
Byron congratulates the Rated R Superstar on the win he and Beth Phoenix got over Finn Balor & Rhea Ripley on Saturday. But no rest for the weary, as Edge accepted Theory’s Open Challenge. How is he feeling just moments away from this huge match? Edge is happy to put Judgment Day behind him, Beth is happy at home with their daughters, and Edge finally feels like he can get to the goals he set for himself. So when Theory issued an open challenge, Edge just had to take him up on it.
“See, Austin Theory has the physical abilities to help shape the WWE for the next two decades, just like how I helped shape the last three. But does he have the mental? That’s where our similarities end. The thing with youth is sometimes, it comes with ignorance. He talks about his Forever Reign, but nothing lasts forever. And I don’t wanna be that guy, but I’m about to be that guy. And cliches are cliches for a reason because they’re true. With age comes wisdom. More than anyone else in that locker room, I know that all of this can be taken away faster than I’m gonna smack that stupid duck face off his overly manscaped head tonight.
“Now, I haven’t held a championship here in a long time. I’ve done everything else there is to do in this business, but I haven’t held a title in a while. And we both know that window is closing more and more every day, I’m running outta time. My second match in this company was here, in 1997. I haven’t performed here in 19 years. So it’d feel pretty damn good to win it here, and walk into WrestleMania as the United States Champion. Now I know I’ve had a lot of cliches on me, Byron, but here’s one of them: Never say never.” Edge heads out, will he once again reign on this day?
WWE United States Champion: Austin Theory VS Edge!
Raw returns and Edge makes his entrance. Introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see if The Now loses to the past!
The bell rings and the two circle. Fans rally for Edge, he and Theory tie up, and Edge headlocks, spins, hammerlocks and trips Theory! Theory scrambles away in a huff and fans fire up for Edge again. Edge and Theory circle, tie up, and Theory headlocks. Edge powers out, hurdles, and hurdles! Fans chant “You Still Got It!” as Edge trips Theory, drags him out, and wheelbarrow SLAMS him to the floor! Edge keeps the ring count fresh as fans rally up again. Edge drags Theory up, SMACKS him off the desk, then puts him back in the ring. Theory checks his face, Edge brings him up to a headlock.
Theory powers out, hurdles, hurdles, but Edge faked him out on that one! RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP! Cover, TWO! Edge keeps focus as he watches Theory clutch his neck. Edge stalks Theory to ropes and Raw goes picture in picture.
Edge bumps Theory off buckles, throws haymakers, then whips corner to corner hard! Theory bounces off buckles and falls, clutching his back. Edge drags Theory back up, to DECK him with a forearm! Theory flounders to a corner, Edge brings him up, but Theory throws hands! Theory backs Edge up, throws hands, bumps him off buckles and RAMS into him again and again! Theory tells fans to shut up, then he brings Edge back up. Theory puts Edge on ropes to fire forearms into the back! The ref counts, Theory lets off, and Edge falls tot he apron. Theory kicks Edge to the floor, then goes out after him.
Theory aims but Edge blocks the barrier bump. Edge SMACKS Theory off the barriers instead! Fans fire up as Edge follows Theory, but Theory kicks back! Edge hits back to SMACK Theory off the barriers! Edge refreshes the ring count, and RAMS Theory into barriers! Edge puts Theory in the ring, stalks him, and stomps away on him. Edge drags Theory up, whips him to ropes, but Theory kicks back! Theory runs in, but Edge tosses him up and out! Theory crashes off the apron and hits the floor! Edge goes out after Theory and brings him up for haymakers. Theory staggers, Edge pushes him back into the ring and covers, TWO!
Edge clamps right onto an arm! Theory endures the armlock, Raw returns to single picture, and Theory fights up. Theory kicks low, throws hands, and stomps away in the corner! The ref counts, Theory whips Edge corner to corner, but Edge slides out! Theory rushes out but Edge slides back in. Theory slides back in but Edge slides back out. Theory grows frustrated, he chases Edge around the ring, but Edge hits a back drop to the floor! Fans fire up as Edge gets on the apron, and FLYING LARIATS! Down goes Theory and fans fire up again! Edge puts Theory in at 6 of 10, covers, TWO! Edge wraps on a chinlock and grinds Theory down.
Theory fights up, throws hands to get free, and he LARIATS Edge! Fans boo but Theory rains down fists! Theory lets off to soak up the heat and Edge sits up. Theory stomps Edge, bumps him off buckles, then whips him corner to corner hard! Theory runs in to clothesline, then he scoops to FALL AWAY SLAM! Theory covers, TWO! Theory wraps on a chinlock and grinds Edge down. Fans rally as Edge endures but Theory says this is HIS time. Edge fights up and pries at the hold, but Theory throws him down by his head! Cover, TWO! Theory clamps the chinlock back on and he grinds Edge back down.
Edge still endures, Theory says he grew up watching Edge and now he’ll beat Edge! But Edge fights up again, fans fire up, and Edge throws body shots! Edge ROCKS Theory, ROCKS him again, then whips Theory to a corner. Edge runs in, but Theory drop toeholds him into buckles! Then somersault SHOTGUN! Cover, TWO! Theory grows frustrated but he rains down fists as Raw goes back to picture in picture.
Theory lets off on Edge, soaks up the heat from Ottawa as he mocks Edge’s rock ‘n’ roll hands, then TOSSES Edge out of the ring. Theory flexes while Edge is down on the floor. Theory grins, goes out after Edge, and he stands Edge up, only for Edge to avoid the chop! Edge turns things around and he CHOPS Theory! Theory is stinging but the fans fire up, only for Theory to POST Edge! Edge gets in the ring but Theory is right after him to cover, TWO! Theory sits Edge up, clamps on an armlock and grinds forearms into Edge’s face. Edge endures, fights up, and he pries the forearm away, only for Theory to knee low!
Theory snap suplexes Edge, covers, TWO! Theory smiles and taunts the fans. Theory talks trash about how HE is the champ, HE is The Now, and Edge is the past. Theory drags Edge up, ROCKS him with a haymaker, then pushes him around. Theory throws more hands, he DECKS Edge, then cocky covers, TWO! Theory stomps Edge down, then paces around. Raw returns to single picture and Theory stomps Edge more! “Show me something!” Fans boo but Theory drags Edge up. Theory tells fans to shut up, and he goes to suplex. Edge blocks, fans fire up, and Edge throws body shots! Theory ROCKS Edge again, then RAMS him into a corner!
Theory hoists Edge up top, throws more hands, then climbs up after him. Theory stands Edge up, but Edge blocks the superplex! Edge throws body shots, and SUPER GOURD BUSTERS Theory down! Edge then adjusts, to CROSSBODY from behind! Both men are down after what was almost a flying bulldog! Edge crawls to ropes, as does Theory. Fans rally up for Edge, he shakes out the cobwebs and sees Theory stand. Theory staggers up, into a LARIAT! Edge rallies and then FLAPJACKS! Theory swings, into the EDGE-O-MATIC! Cover, TWO! Theory survives but Edge drags him back up and reels him in!
Theory blocks the lift, throws body shots, then swings and ELBOWS! Theory fisherman’s a leg, but Edge fights that off! Edge suplexes Theory but Theory lands on the apron! Theory CLUBS then HOTSHOTS Edge! Slingshot somersault, but into a POWERBOMB!! Cover, TWO!! Theory survives again but Edge keeps his cool. Fans rally up again as Edge goes to a corner! Theory goes to the other side, Edge runs in, but Theory hurdles! Edge POSTS himself, then Theory comes in to MONKEY FLIP! Edge lands on his feet?! Theory swings, into a takedown! CROSSFACE!! Theory endures, flails, reaches out, ROPEBREAK!
The fans boo but Edge lets off as Theory survives by a literal foot. Edge storms back up, but Theory trips him! High stack, feet on the ropes! The ref sees that and fans cheer! Theory argues but Edge rolls him up! TWO and Edge hits buckles! Theory fireman’s carries! A-TOWN- NO!! IMPALER!!! Edge crawls to the cover, TWO!!! Theory survives one of Edge’s best and no one can believe it! Theory and Edge stir, fans rally up, “This is Awesome!” Edge grits his teeth, the fans are thunderous, and Edge goes back to the corner. Theory slowly rises but Edge takes aim! Only for FINN BALOR to show up! Edge DECKS Finn! And dodges Theory! Roll-up, TWO!!
The ref doesn’t see Finn GAMANGIRI! Theory fireman’s carries! A-TOWN DOWN!!! Cover, Theory wins!
Winner: Austin Theory, by pinfall (still WWE United States Champion)
Theory survives Edge thanks to Judgment Day’s front man! But Finn adds on by throwing down fists! Fans boo but The Prince stomps away on Edge! Finn then drags Edge to a drop zone and goes to a corner! Finn climbs up, for COUP DE GRACE!! Finn tells Edge this is far from over, this is just the beginning! Finn goes up again?! The refs tell him now, but Finn hits another COUP DE GRACE!!! And then a THIRD COUP DE GRACE!!! Finn said this was just the beginning, but did he just end the Rated R Superstar’s run in WWE?
My Thoughts:
A great Raw to follow up Elimination Chamber, and great follow-up for Sami Zayn’s part of the Bloodline story. I suppose Kevin Owens not forgiving Sami so easily makes sense, Kevin is good about keeping consistency as a character even as he turns Heel and Face. But somehow, someway, Sami will get Kevin on his side, because Kevin can never truly cut Sami out of his life. And great match from Sami and Corbin. I did like that Pearce was willing to let Sami go after Corbin after Corbin insulted Sami hard. Sami stays strong, and Corbin’s story takes an interesting turn. Maybe he’s going to be “Angry Corbin” like I imagined months ago.
Great promo segment from Cody and Heyman. I love how Heyman is selling that Stunner he got with that neck brace. And Heyman can’t help himself but to make this personal with Cody. Cody warning Roman not to have Heyman talk anymore is great, too, and actually out of the box for a feud with a manager involved. At least, I’ve never seen that. But of course Elias gets beat up daring someone to show up. I also did like that Boogs really was taking notes. Lashley rebounds from the lame finish to his match with Lesnar, but he name-dropped Bray so clearly that will still be the Mania plan.
MVP calling out Lesnar on behalf of Omos (and technically Lashley) was a surprise. Seems like a letdown from what could’ve been Lesnar VS Bray, but maybe we get an unofficial tournament of monsters? Night one: Bray VS Lashley, Lesnar VS Omos. Night two: the winners face off, which I’d assume are Bray and Lesnar. Ali VS Ziggler was rather quick but I think that works into the story they’re building. Ali was rather hilariously sarcastic with how happy he was to win, but I’m thinking this is just the first of many matches.
Asuka VS Nikki was great stuff, and Asuka creeping Bianca out was a nice touch. Nikki then showing up in a very different demeanor during Candice’s segment was interesting. Instead of Candice and Mia as a team, are we getting Candice and Nikki? Carmella had a good segment with Pearce that of course found a way to bring Chelsea Green into it. I suppose it was creative to have Chelsea somehow end up in the wrong Ottawa, though I don’t think she can blame the WWE’s various departments on this one. And I’m thinking Chelsea ends up in another match that should humble her but will only enhance her ego.
Also really fun Ding Dong Hello segment. Bayley gets goaded into something again like when Becky first challenged her to the Steel Cage match. Dakota is still selling bad leg, but she could surely be fine next week. Maybe Becky & Lita win, maybe Kai & Sky retain, but I’m just glad they’re getting the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships going again. Having the title match next week must mean something even bigger is planned for WrestleMania, so I’m sticking to thinking it’ll be a Fatal 4 Way, with contenders from every brand, including NXT since NXT will be in town for Stand & Deliver.
Fun promo from Gable, Otis and Bronson before Gable VS Bronson. Gable managing a German Suplex was awesome, but I figured Bronson would win. And Maxxine continues to court Otis, I’m pretty sure we’ll see Alpha Academy VS MMM happen, but I would also love to see Otis VS Bronson. Those guys are true hosses if I ever did see one. And honestly, it’d be a fitting move if losing to MMM and/or Bronson could be the reason Otis joins MMM and becomes “OtÄ«s.” Not that Alpha Academy hasn’t been fun, but something’s gotta give as they’re just sitting in the midcard right now.
Really good interview promo from Rhea & Dominik, mostly on Rhea’s part. Them going to SmackDown makes sense, especially since there’s a chance the Judgment Day moves to SmackDown full time if Rhea wins the title. Dom will surely try to cost Rey his match against Karrion Kross, and that could be the moment of truth on whether or not Rey gonna whoop his son himself. Good promo from Miz & Maryse to tease something big for Miz’s WrestleMania, and I can’t possibly guess what that is. Great promo from Rollins, great match from Rollins and Miz, especially with Rollins immediately showing us what he means by hitting three Curb Stomps. Rollins is going to go ham on Logan and I’m here for it.
Great promo from Edge before a great main event match with Theory. But between Theory calling out Cena and Finn still wanting to settle things with Edge, of course Edge loses. Theory and Cena are going to have good stuff for WrestleMania, as will Edge and Finn. Edge did make a good point in his promo about running out of time before he has to retire once and for all, but I don’t know if he’ll get a title before then with how the Judgment Day story still isn’t done.
My Score: 8.6/10
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Is Orange Cassidy coldblooded? Or just in control?
Before their AEW World Championship match at Full Gear, Jon Moxley puts Wheeler Yuta in Orange Cassidy’s way! Will Cassidy destroy The Decoder before going for The Maniac?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- 8 Man Tag: Will Ospreay, Mark Davis, Ricochet & “Powerhouse” Will Hobbs VS The Don Callis Family; The Don Callis Family wins.
- Kris Statlander VS Hikaru Shida; Kris wins.
- 2v1 Handicap: Bobby Lashley w/ The Hurt Syndicate VS Joe Keys & Cheeseburger; Lashley wins.
- Darby Allin VS Claudio Castagnoli; Claudio wins.
- Orange Cassidy VS Wheeler Yuta w/ The Death Riders; Cassidy wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
8 Man Tag: Will Ospreay, Mark Davis, Ricochet & “Powerhouse” Will Hobbs VS The Don Callis Family!
This All-Star 8 Man is going to make for a massive match! The Aerial Assassin, Dunk Zilla, The One & Only and the man the family foolishly forgot are now teamed together against Konosuke Takeshita, Kyle Fletcher, Brian Cage & Lance Archer! Will Ospreay lead this team to victory ahead of the grudge matches at Full Gear? Or will Callis’ Alpha, Aussie Arrow, Machine & Murderhawk Monster make sure #EverybodyDies?
Well forget sorting out, Ospreay leads his team in attacking the Callis Family right on the ramp! The fans fire up as Hobbs is after Archer, Davis is after Cage, and of course Ricochet is after Konosuke while Ospreay is after Kyle! Hobbs smacks Archer off railing, Kyle CLUBS Ospreay on the back, but Ospreay kicks low. Ospreay sends Kyle into railing, rips the tearaway pants right off him, and then LASHES him with them! Davis sends Cage into railing while Ospreay uses those pants to SLING Kyle into more railing! Davis CLUBS away on Cage, Ospreay blows snot on Kyle’s pants, and Davis sends Cage into more railing.
Kyle turns things around to send Ospreay into railing! Konosuke helps Cage against Davis but Hobbs still throws hands on Archer. Kyle CLUBS Ospreay, CLUBS Ricochet, but Konosuke puts Davis in the ring. The bell rings and this is finally a match. Konosuke headlocks Davis but Davis fires body shots. Davis powers up and out, but Konosuke RAMS him! The fans fire up as Davis stays up. Davis runs to RAM Konosuke! Konosuke stays up and the fans rally. Konosuke runs to RAM Davis, but Davis runs. Konosuke bypasses, leaps, but Davis catches him for a TOSS! And a SENTON! The fans fire up with Davis, and Ricochet reaches out.
Davis tags Ricochet in , then holds the way open, for Ricochet to FOSBURY FLOP onto Konosuke! But Cage CLOBBERS Davis! Cage then RAMS Ricochet into the apron, POSTS him, but Ospreay PENALTY KICKS Cage! The fans fire up as Ospreay goes up, but Kyle UPPERCUTS him! The fans boo as Kyle goes up, CLUBS away on Ospreay, and Ospreay falls to the floor. But now Hobbs is up! Kyle says wait! Then he fires hands! Hobbs just CHOPS Kyle! Hobbs climbs up to get Kyle, but Archer CLUBS Hobbs! Archer drags Hobbs down, throws hands, then puts Hobbs in between steps and post! Hobbs fights back, but Cage sends Ospreay into the steps!
The fans boo as Hobbs’ leg is crushed between steps and post! Archer puts Ricochet in the ring while a medic checks Hobbs. Archer brings Ricochet up but Ricochet slips free to fire off fast strikes! Hobbs is being helped to the back and Ospreay is concerned that this is now 4v3. Ricochet still fires strikes on Archer, but Archer grabs Ricochet by the neck! CHOKE- NO, Ricochet RANAS Archer first! Archer tumbles, stands up, and Ricochet springboards, but Archer CLOBBERS Him out of the sky! Archer BLASTS Davis, then catches Ospreay out of the air! Archer TOSSES Ospreay away and fans boo. But Ricochet springboards back in!
Archer catches Ricochet, and he CHOKE SLAMS Ricochet out onto Ospreay and Davis! The fans boo as the Don Callis Family is in control, and Dynamite goes picture in picture.
Cage & Kyle flex to soak up the heat, then Archer goes out after Ospreay and the rest. Konosuke fetches Ricochet into the ring, waistlocks, and then brings him away from the corner. Archer beats up on Ospreay while Konosuke fires knees into Ricochet. Ricochet tumbles to ropes but Konosuke is on him. Davis fires hands on Archer, then sends him into railing! Davis fires more hands, but Konosuke CHOKES Ricochet at the ropes! The ref counts, Konosuke steps off and tags Kyle. Kyle stays between Ricochet and his corner. Kyle taunts Ricochet, stomps him around, then whips him to ropes. Kyle ELBOWS Ricochet down, then stalks him to a corner.
Kyle stomps away on Ricochet while Archer intimidates commentary. Kyle shouts at the camera while the ref counts, and Kyle steps off of Ricochet’s neck. Kyle bumps Ricochet off buckles, tags Cage, and Cage stands Ricochet up. Cage CHOPS Ricochet, then whips him to ropes for an ELBOW! Cage flexes while he taunts Ospreay & Davis. Cage drags Ricochet up but Ricochet RAMS him! And RAMS him! And fires forearms! Cage ROCKS Ricochet, then runs, but into a tiger wall kick and ENZIGIRI! Konosuke tags in and storms after Ricochet. Konosuke stomps Ricochet, then rains down fists! The ref reprimands while Dynamite returns to single picture.
Konosuke argues with the ref while Ospreay rallies the fans. Konosuke stays between Ricochet and his team, but Ricochet SLAPS Konosuke! Konosuke ROCKS Ricochet for it! Ricochet fires forearms and an UPPERCUT! Konosuke keeps Ricochet from his corner, reels Ricochet in, but Ricochet victory rolls! TWO, and Ricochet ducks a chop to handspring BACK ELBOW! The fans fire up while both men are down! Ricochet and Konosuke crawl, hot tags to Kyle and Ospreay! The fans fire up as these two fire fists and forearms! Kyle kicks and whips but Ospreay ducks ‘n’ dodges to CLOBBER Kyle!
Ospreay whips, Kyle reverses, Ospreay handsprings to NEURALIZER KICK! Kyle staggers, Konosuke tags back in! Ospreay dodges Konosuke to BLAST Cage & Archer! Ospreay fires fists on Konosuke, but Konosuke CLAWS Ospreay’s face! Konosuke runs, but Davis intercepts with a fireman’s carry! AUSSIE DENTAL PLAN! Or maybe in this case, just a United Empire Dental Plan! But in any case, Davis scoops Konosuke, for the LAWN DART CUTTER! Cover, TWO!! Konosuke survives but the fans fire up. Ospreay & Davis bring Konosuke up, double pump handle, but the #MurderMachines make the save!
Archer puts Davis in a corner, Cage ducks Ospreay’s haymaker to waistlock. Archer runs up, BOOT GERMAN SUPLEX COMBO! Davis fires hands on Archer but Cage waistlocks, ripcords, and ROCKS Davis! Then fireman’s carry into the ASSISTED NECKBREAKER! The fans boo but the Murder Machines DOUBLE RIPCORD Ospreay up for Konosuke’s BLUE THUNDER BOMB!! Cover, TWO!! Ospreay survives and shocks everyone! Archer argues with the ref but the count was fair. Konosuke tags Kyle while fans rally up behind Ospreay. Kyle smirks as he stalks Ospreay. Kyle BOOTS Ricochet off the apron for good measure!
Kyle tells Ospreay that this is how he wants it, right? All about Ospreay! Kyle stomps away on Ospreay in the corner, then digs his boots in! The ref counts but wait! Here comes Hobbs! Hobbs hobbles but Kyle hurries to send Ospreay to the Callis corner. Tag to Konosuke and then Kyle slides out. Kyle runs up on Hobbs, but Hobbs CLOBBERS him! The fans fire up as Hobbs makes his way to the corner. Ospreay fights free of the corner but Konosuke holds him back! Ospreay fires forearms, reaches out, repeat! The fans rally as hard as they can, but Konosuke reels Ospreay in! Konosuke hits a back suplex, but Ospreay lands out!
Ospreay dodges Konosuke, hot tag to Hobbs! The Powerhouse powers up to rally on Konosuke! The fans fire up as Hobbs TOSSES Kyle, but the Murder Machines attack! They reel Hobbs in, but Hobbs fights the double suplex! The fans fire up but the Murder Machines double whip. Hobbs DOUBLE LARIATS! The fans fire up as Hobbs has targets in all corners! SPLASH for Konosuke! SPLASH for Cage! SPLASH for Kyle! SPLASH for Archer! The fans are thunderous and Hobbs brings the straps down. Archer kicks low, then runs, but Hobbs dodges, to SNAP POWERSLAM! The fans fire up again, and Hobbs tags Davis!
Davis runs up to BOOT Konosuke, BOOT him again, but Konosuke just fires up! Ospreay CANNONBALLS onto Kyle while Konosuke fires hands! Konosuke spins, but Davis DECKS him! Davis roars, stands Konosuke up, but Konosuke backdrops back! POWER- NO, Davis stops the knee to ENZIGIRI! Davis gut wrenches Konosuke, for a PILEDRIVER!! Cover, KYLE BREAKS IT! The fans boo but now Aussie Open is face to face! Kyle pie faces Davis, talks trash, but Davis glares at him. Kyle SLAPS Davis, so Davis TACKLES Kyle! Davis throws hands, Kyle gets up, and Davis runs up! Kyle dodges and Konosuke DECKS Davis!
Ricochet springboards, FLYING LARIAT on Konosuke! But Cage POP-UP POWERBOMBS Ricochet! Hobbs SPINEBUSTERS Cage! Archer CHOKE SLAMS Hobbs! Ospreay hits the PIP PIP CHEERIO FOREARM on Archer! Ospreay dares Kyle to man up and fight him! Kyle snarls, gets in, and they fire forearms again! Kyle swings, Ospreay catches him, but Kyle breaks the full nelson with an elbow! Ospreay HOOK KICKS Kyle! Ospreay runs, Kyle dodges, but then Ospreay slips through the lariat! Kyle slips through the bomb, hoists Ospreay up, but Ospreay slips free! Kyle ducks the hook kick to SUPERKICK! Kyle runs, into the SPANISH FLY!!
The fans are thunderous as Ospreay takes aim from a corner! Kyle rises, so does Davis, and Ospreay runs up, Kyle uses Davis as a shield from the HIDDEN BLADE!! Ospreay freaks out, Kyle SUPERKICKS Ospreay out of the ring! Then Kyle DIVES onto Ospreay! Konosuke brings down his kneepad, aims at Davis, POWER DRIVE KNEE!!! Cover, Don Callis Family wins!!
Winners: The Don Callis Family, by pinfall
The Alpha stands tall over Davis as friendly fire takes out Ospreay’s team. But what happens when things divide into 1v1 matches? Will Konosuke still be International Champion after he and Ricochet go #OuttaThisWorld? Will Kyle prove that he IS The Protostar after tearing down Will Ospreay?
Jon Moxley & The Death Riders speak.
“Despite recent discoveries that Orange Cassidy is a snake, coldblooded, uncaring, unmoving, a serpent lurking in the darkest corners of the battlefield, my objective remains the same, my job on Saturday night remains the same. You may be this borderline sociopath, you may be a great guy just like everybody thinks. I don’t care if you’re a great guy. I don’t care what kind of person you are. When the bell rings on Saturday night, and the AEW World Championship hangs in the balance, you are a threat to my people. And I will destroy you.
“There’s so much more going on behind Orange Cassidy’s eyes than any of us could’ve imagined. You may make it to Full Gear with your mind in tact, but your body… For that matter, Darby Allin’s body… Still up for grabs.” Claudio jumps in, speaking in German about what he’ll do to Darby. Then in English, he says, “Tonight, I’m gonna end you.” Moxley pats Claudio on the shoulder. Will The Maniac’s top henchmen do his dirty work for him when they dismantle Cassidy & Darby? Or will it just be fuel on the fire for Freshly Squeezed & The Relentless One? Speaking of…
Darby Allin speaks.
“Claudio, I’m gonna keep this really short. Let’s not forget you’re the one who put the chair around Bryan’s neck and pulled the trigger on his career. Every single one of you Death Riders will have your day. And Claudio, today’s your day.” Will Moxley’s men be dealt with in brutal fashion before he suffers the same?
The Hurt Syndicate arrive.
Renee Paquette waits in the parking lot as an SUV pulls up, and she welcomes Montel Vontavious Porter, Shelton Benjamin & Bobby Lashley to the show. She heard MVP has a surprise in store, what’s he got planned? MVP says yes, there is a special treat for the AEW audience, and that is this announcement: The All Mighty Bobby Lashley will be in action here tonight on Dynamite in Reading, Pennsylvania, prior to his PPV debut on Saturday! Renee asks if MVP is at all concerned to put Lashley in a match- OH NO, Swerve attacks!! Swerve knocks Lashley over, then laughs as he gets away!
Shelton helps Lashley up but that ambush might’ve been with Swerve’s own silver chain. Will Lashley elect not to compete tonight after all? Or is he about to make an example out of whatever poor soul is put in front of him?
Adam Cole is here!
Reading fires up as the Panama City Playboy makes his way to the ring. They join in with the “BOOM!” and “ADAM COLE, BAYBAY!” Cole grabs a mic to ask, “Who’s ready for Storytime with Adam Cole, Baybay?” Reading sure is ready! Cole wishes so so badly that he could get his hands on MJF this Saturday, but he’s not. MJF did everything in his power to make sure he and Cole didn’t fight on Saturday, and he succeeded. But do you know who else succeeded last week? Roderick Strong did! The fans cheer as Cole says he and Roddy have the exact same goal: Give MJF the ass whooping of a lifetime! And that is exactly what happens at Full Gear!
The fans cheer, and wait, Kyle O’Reilly makes his way out here. The longtime friend of Cole & Roddy makes his way out here, and already has a mic. Kyle isn’t sure if Cole remembers, but 14 years ago, right here in Reading, PA, Cole and Kyle had their second match ever against each other. They’ve come a long way. Being associated with Cole has given Kyle some incredible highs, and some serious lows. And through those lows, Kyle knows Cole better than anyone. Which makes Kyle the only one willing to tell Cole the truth. The truth is, this crusade against MJF has got to end before someone gets hurt.
This obsession, Cole needs to wash his hands of it. His ankle has already been reconstructed, what’s next? Cole has friends willing to take a bullet for him, Kyle included, but Cole has got to stop having his friends fight his battles. Roddy barely makes it out alive last week, and now he wants to fight MJF! He wants to END MJF, all because of Cole. Kyle just doesn’t have a good feeling about any of this. Cole asks Kyle what he’s trying to say here. Kyle doesn’t think Roddy can handle MJF? Kyle asks Cole if he really thinks MJF isn’t already three steps ahead. MJF hasn’t been here for weeks but he’s pulling all the strings.
Cole should know that dealing with MJF is like playing with fire, and Kyle doesn’t wanna see his friends get burned. Cole needs to realize why so many of his friends are willing to go to war for him, and it’s because he is a great leader, an elite pro-wrestler, and a great friend, who doesn’t wanna see his friends get hurt. At least, so Kyle thinks. But Cole has to face facts: MJF is more of an evil bastard than Cole will ever be, and that is a good thing. Kyle drops his mic and walks away. Cole drops his mic, and has a lot to think about. Does Kyle have a point? Can Cole just let Roddy handle MJF and then move on?
Orange Cassidy speaks.
“A little later tonight, I’m gonna make an example out of you, Wheeler Yuta. And I’m gonna show everybody exactly what I’m gonna do this Saturday to you, Jon Moxley. And that’s walk down to that ring and beat you, alone.” But The Conglomeration steps in. Mark Briscoe has Rocky Romero & Tomohiro Ishii with him as he asks Cassidy, “What sense does that make, man?” Moxley said himself, there’s five Death Riders, one Cassidy. Conglomeration has his back, they are here for him. Cassidy says no, no one else needs to get hurt. Get hurt? What’s Cassidy talking about? The Conglomeration are ready to scrap!
PLEASE!! Cassidy is asking them… They don’t have to believe him or even understand him. But just promises him they’ll stay back here. If Cassidy insists, then so be it. Cassidy says there you have it, Jon. Five of you, one of him. Do what you’re gonna do. Because at Full Gear, Moxley’s gonna need all the help he can get. Cassidy is himself wanting the best for his friends, but will that work out for the betterment of AEW? Or is he just playing into Moxley’s hands?
Kris Statlander VS Hikaru Shida!
The #BornAgainKristen bodied the bullies that are Mercedes Mone & Kamille the last time she saw them, but she still needs to tune up for Full Gear. However, taking on the THREE-TIME AEW Women’s World Champion might be more than just a workout. Win, lose or draw, will the Shining Samurai get Kris ready for The CEO?
The bell rings, Kris and Shida shake hands and the fans applaud. The two circle, tie up, and Kris wrenches to a wristlock. Shida handsprings and wrenches back, then hammerlocks. Kris reaches back, hits a headlock takeover, but Shida headscissors. Kris kips free and the fans cheer while the two reset. Shida and Kris circle again while the fans fire up. The two tie up, Shida wrenches and hammerlocks, then CLUBS Kris on the back. Shida CLUBS Kris again, then waistlocks. Kris fights the lift with elbows, then switches. Kris SLAMS Shida, then flips her over. Shida kips up to arm-drag Kris! Kris ends up in a corner, and Shida runs up to KNEE her!
Shida climbs up and the fans cheer as she rains down fists! But Kris stops Shida at 5 and carries her out of the corner! Shida slips free, Kris blocks a lariat to SWEEP the leg! STANDING MOONSAULT! Cover, TWO! Shida is tough and she goes to ropes, but Kris whips her to a corner. Kris runs up but into a RANA! Kris cartwheels through! Then she CLOBBERS Shida! The fans fire up while Kris flexes. Kris drags Shida into a motorcycle stretch but Shida endures. The fans rally up and Shida fights to her feet. Shida arm-drags Kris down, and wraps her in a straitjacket stretch! Kris fights up with a bridge, but Shida hops on!
The fans rally while Kris RAMS Shida into a corner! Shida holds onto the straitjacket and pulls! The ref counts, Shida lets go at 4, and then MISSILE DROPKICKS! Kris tumbles and the fans duel as Shida fires up! Shida goes outside, drags Kris to the apron, and CLUBS her! Shida runs to KNEE LIFT! Kris flops to the floor and fans cheer while Dynamite goes picture in picture.
Shida brings Kris up again, and whips her into railing hard! Kris writhes, Shida drags her up, and then Shida whips Kris into more railing! Kris writhes again and Shida refreshes the ring count. Shida sits Kris in a corner to rain down fists! The fans fire up but the ref reprimands, so Shida stops. Shida brings Kris around, pushes her into the ring, and then stalks her. Shida stomps Kris around, brings her up, and snap suplexes! Kris writhes but Shida brings her up again. Shida then snap suplexes Kris into a corner! Shida drags Kris to a cover, TWO! Kris stays in this but Shida stays on her with a chinlock stretch!
Kris endures being bent back, and she reaches out with her free arm. Shida pulls back more but Kris rises up! Shida is again a backpack, but then she slips down. Kris fires body shots, slips around and lifts for a BIG back suplex! Kris huffs ‘n’ puffs as she rises up, but then Shida dodges the sliding forearm! Ghost pin! TWO, and Kris has a cradle! TWO! Shida ROCKS Kris, but Kris PELES! Shida staggers, but she comes back to ENZIGIRI! Both women are down and the fans fire up! The ref checks both women and they’re okay to continue, so a standing count begins. Shida and Kris stir at about 4 of 10, then rise up at 6.
Kris grabs Shida, but Shida fires a forearm! Dynamite returns to single picture as the shots go back and forth. Shida fires a flurry, then whips Kris to ropes. Kris ducks ‘n’ dodges, then dodges a knee! SNAP POWERSLAM! The fans fire up with Kris as she whips Shida to a corner. Kris runs up to UPPERCUT, then she goes side to side for a KNEE LIFT! Shida ends up in ropes but Kris reels her in. Fisherman BUSTER! Cover, TWO! Shida survives and the fans fire up again! Kris hoists Shida up, gut wrenches, but Shida slips free! DOUBLE LARIATS collide! Shida eggs Kris on, then dodges her to fire forearms! Kris just shakes her head!
Shida fires more shots, but Kris fireman’s carries! But Shida slips free, straitjacket roll-up! TWO!! KNEE STRIKE! And then short arm LARIAT! Shida takes aim, but she starts to doubt the Katana! Shida runs up but Kris dodges the boot to then scoop and INVERTED SLAM! Then Kris aims, DISCUS- NO, Shida backslides her! TWO!! Shida reels Kris in, suplexes, FALCON ARROW! Cover, TWO?!? Kris survives and Shida is shocked! Shida brings Kris up but Kris fires body shots and forearms! Shida ROCKS Kris, but Kris wrenches to kick! Kris runs, but into the JUMP KNEE! Shida hurries to suplex, but Kris turns it around!
Shida slips out of Kris’ suplex to slip around, GERMAN SUPLEX! Shida roars, aims, KATA- NO, Kris gut wrenches! Tuck and STATURDAY NIGHT FEVER!! Cover, Kris wins!!
Winner: Kris Statlander, by pinfall
Shida gave Kris a powerful match, but clearly Shida has to iron out her own crisis of confidence. Kris still shows Shida respect by helping her up. But wait, here comes Mercedes Mone & Kamille! The fans boo The CEO & Brickhouse but Mone has a mic. “Readiiiiing~! Say hello to your C E O!” The fans boo instead. Mone asks Kamille if she wants to hear a fun fact about Pennsylvania. The 76ers have had yet another terrible season! Embarrassing~! But shoutouts to Mone’s Celtics for another incredible victory. The fans boo Boston but Mone says another person with an incredible win was Kris Statlander. Mone is rarely impressed by her competition.
Does anyone else want to hear another fun fact? “NO!!” Well, Mone has held the TBS Championship longer than Kris! So at Full Gear, Mone will NOT lose, because she is The CEO, the greatest TBS Champion of all time! And she will NEVER lose this title! Fans tell The CEO to STFU, but Mone tells Kamille go get the job done! She is so pissed off! GO! NOW! Kamille walks up the steps past Mone, but with only one good arm! Mone says hurry up, but Kamille looks at both Shida and Kris. Kamille takes as swing, but Kris blocks to ROCK her! Shida QUESTION MARK KICKS Kamille! Then Kris & Shida TOSS The Brickhouse!
Shida goes out after Kamille, but then Mone goes after Kris! Mone goes for the backstabber, but Kris holds onto ropes! Mone is almost stuck up there, but Kris pops her around! STATURDAY NIGHT FEVER!! The fans fire up as Kris stands tall over The CEO! Will Kris once again become the Face of TBS? Or will Mone find a way to win even without her insurance policy?
The Hurt Syndicate has a cameraman with them.
MVP says hold on, he and Shelton have found Swerve. They go after the man in the big fur jacket, but that’s not Swerve! Swerve gave his jacket to the guy, but MVP & Shelton still beat this guy up for helping Swerve. MVP says they’ll find Swerve later, Lashley has his match up next. And it’ll be a 2-on-1 Handicap?! The All Mighty really IS mad, what poor duo is about to be destroyed?
AEW hears from Jay White and Hangman Adam Page.
“Hangman. You and I are on that same path to that same destination, trying to grasp at that same prize. 2024 still has some time left for The Switchblade to share the spotlight with Hangman once more!” But the Blackhat Cowboy asks White if he knows “Who the hell I am?! I am the Hangman! I am THE man! They named this whole godforsaken PPV after ME!” White says when he makes Hangman TAP, it will be a public declaration! But Hangman says White can’t make him tap, even if his life depended on it! These two vicious gunslingers will write one more chapter in their storied rivalry, but who comes out riding off into the sunset?
2v1 Handicap: Bobby Lashley w/ The Hurt Syndicate VS Joe Keys & Cheeseburger!
The All Mighty thought he’d have an easy night getting in a little warm-up, but The Realest quickly reminded him why he’s the most dangerous man in AEW! Lashley’s now doubling down to make a point, will there be nothing left of Keys & Cheese after tonight?
The bell rings and while the fans rally for Cheeseburger, he and Keys each argue the other should start. Lashley runs up and TOSSES Burger across the ring! Keys runs away, Lashley runs to RAM into Burger! Lashley brings Burger up, Keys runs in, but Lashley catches him for a COMPLETE SHOT DDT COMBO! Lashley drags Keys up and TOSSES him out! Lashley then turns to look at Burger in the corner. The fans rally for Burger, but Lashley CLOBBERS him! The fans boo but MVP & Shelton high-five Lashley. Lashley drags Burger up to gut wrench, Canadian Rack, and DOMINATOR! Keys runs in to break the cover!
The fans cheer Keys as he fires hands, but Lashley just gets angrier! Keys short arm LARIATS, but Lashley stays up! Keys runs, into a MILE HIGH SPINEBUSTER! Lashley storms around, then aims at Keys. Keys staggers into the SPEAR! Lashley isn’t done there, and he clamps on the HURT LOCK! Keys can’t open that lock, he is OUT! Lashley wins!
Winner: Bobby Lashley, by submission
MVP & Shelton join Lashley in the ring to celebrate, but then “Whose House?” “SWERVE’S HOUSE!” The fans fire up, and here comes Prince Nana with a chair! Nana eggs the Hurt Syndicate on so Shelton storms out after Nana. MVP watches the rest of ringside for Swerve, but Swerve slides out from under the ring! The fans fire up as Swerve slips in to CHAIN PUNCH Lashley!! MVP gets on the apron but Swerve DECKS MVP with a chain punch! And then Shelton eats a chain punch! The fans are thunderous as Swerve aims, and hits a HOUSE CALL on Lashley! Swerve hurries to the top rope, and he gives Lashley a KILL STOMP!!
The fans are thunderous as Swerve stands over Lashley! MVP & Shelton get up and get in, but Swerve escapes, chain draped on his neck! Will AEW then, now and forever be whose house? “SWERVE’S HOUSE!”
Backstage interview with Mariah May & Mina Shirakawa.
Renee is now with the AEW Women’s World Champion and her best friend, the Rev-Pro Undisputed British Women’s Champion. They are planning their Championship Champagne Celebration for Full Gear, BUT Friday Night Rampage will feature the two of them teaming up for the first time in just over a year. Mariah says no champion deserves a celebration more than her. Her rise to the top was meteoric, and her reign will be historic. She takes ish and makes it shine, any time and any show, against anyone. In Mariah’s division, you hold this title, or you die.
Mina says yes, Mariah has been working so hard. She came back to tell her she is so very proud. And Mina will give Mariah a celebration she’ll never forget! Mariah says the “H Cup Angel” (Mina) and the “Woman from Hell” (Mariah herself) are going to make Rampage into Glampage. Everyone wants Mina, but Mina wants Mariah. And then… They’ll dance! These two shimmy and shake their way out, will they finally be toasting their victories at Full Gear?
Darby Allin VS Claudio Castagnoli w/ The Death Riders!
The Relentless One told The Swiss Superman that revenge was coming, and here is Darby’s chance! Will Darby avenge Bryan Danielson? Or will he just be the next to fall?
The bell rings and Darby stares Claudio down. Darby takes some deep breaths then circles with Claudio. Darby slips around to waistlock but Claudio flings him off, only for Darby to roll to his feet. They circle again, and the fans rally behind Darby. Darby and Claudio feel things out, tie up, and Darby headlocks. Claudio lifts Darby but Darby thrashes the hold. Claudio throws Darby off, runs up, but Darby uses that to get around and springboard arm-drag! The fans fire up while Claudio bails out, and Darby taunts Claudio with some drop steps. Claudio snarls, but then Darby fakes him out with a slingshot!
Claudio is annoyed and takes a swing but Darby slingshots up and over! Darby taunts Claudio again while the fans rally up. Claudio cools off before he storms up the steel steps. Claudio pops Darby up but Darby keeps from hitting buckles! Darby ELBOWS Claudio away, goes up, then leaps, but Claudio catches him! Claudio SLAMS Darby down, flips him back to his feet, but Darby slips around to waistlock. O’Conner Roll, TWO! Darby springboards to SPLASH! Cover, TWO! Claudio bails out but the fans fire up. Darby goes up a corner, and he SUPER COFFIN SPLASHES into a waistlock! Claudio swings and THROWS Darby away!
Darby staggers to his feet but Claudio runs up, to POUNCE Darby into railing! Darby writhes against the railing, but Claudio runs up to UPPERCUT Darby up and over! Fans freak out as Darby hits the floor! Claudio leaves Darby behind while the ring count climbs, but Darby drags himself up at 7. Claudio goes back out after Darby to suplex! Claudio holds Darby up while he marches up the steps! The fans fire up for this feat of strength and balance, and then Claudio TOSSES Darby back into the ring! Darby writhes again while Claudio steps back in. Claudio stalks Darby, talks some trash, and Dynamite goes picture in picture.
Claudio looms over Darby, then deadlift gut wrenches for a GUTBUSTER! And then another GUTBUSTER! And then another GUTBUSTER! Darby writhes while Claudio stands over him again. Claudio watches Darby crawl towards a corner and stalks him. Claudio drags Darby up, brings him around, and ROCKS Darby with a forearm! Darby pushes Claudio, then CHOPS! Claudio DECKS Darby! Darby tumbles out of the ring! The ref wants Claudio to stay back while Darby drags himself up. Darby is back in before the count starts, but then Claudio DOUBLE STOMPS him! Claudio kicks Darby around, then clamps on with a neck wrench!
Darby endures, fights up, but Claudio powers him down. Darby BITES Claudio’s hand! The ref reprimands but Darby fires off forearms on Claudio. Claudio HIP TOSSES Darby up and out of the ring! Darby hits the floor and flounders around while the ref reprimands Claudio. Claudio again waits on Darby, and then he DOUBLE STOMPS Darby the moment he’s in! The ref counts as Claudio stands on Darby at the ropes. Claudio steps off at 4, brings him around, and clamps on an armlock and chinbar. Darby endures, fights around, and manages to fireman’s carry Claudio! But Claudio rains down elbows! HAMMER ‘N’ ANVIL even!
Claudio clamps on with a double wristlock and he grinds Darby down. Darby still endures and the fans rally up again. Darby fights around and Dynamite returns to single picture. Darby fires body shots but Claudio knees low! Claudio then HIP TOSSES Darby into a corner! Darby tumbles out of the ring but Claudio pursues! Claudio SWINGS Darby into railing! Then Claudio fireman’s carries, to TOSS Darby back in the ring! Claudio storms in while Darby flounders away. Darby flops back out of the ring but Claudio pursues him again. Darby trips Claudio up and traps him in the apron skirt! Darby then fires forearms, and BITES Claudio’s ear!
The fans fire up but Claudio shoves Darby away. Darby slides into the ring then DIVES onto Claudio! And then runs to DIVE again! Down goes Claudio and the fans fire up! Darby crawls over to bring Claudio up and into the ring. The fans fire up as Darby climbs up a corner, though slowly given all the damage to his back. That lets Claudio trip Darby up! Darby is stuck up top, and Claudio climbs up after him. Claudio gut wrenches for a SUPER GUT WRENCH PLEX!! Cover, TWO!! Darby survives and Claudio can’t believe it! The fans fire up but Claudio calls for the swing! Claudio grabs the legs, but Darby twists to a victory roll! TWO!!
Claudio escapes and runs up, but Darby ducks ‘n’ dodges, roll and- WHOA, Claudio has to fight to stay up, and then he deadlifts Darby! Darby pops through to CODE RED!! Cover, TWO!! Claudio survives and the fans fire up again! “This is Awesome!” as Darby and Claudio crawl for ropes. Claudio runs up to UPPERCUT! And UPPERCUT again and again and again! The ref backs Claudio off, but then Claudio fires off body shots! Darby flops over but Claudio has the legs. Claudio FLIPS Darby up and over the ropes, but Darby lands on the apron! Claudio BOOTS Darby down! The ref wants Claudio to hold on but Claudio goes out after Darby.
Claudio drags Darby by his legs, then SWINGS him around! Into steel steps!! The fans lose their minds, the ref reprimands Claudio, but Claudio doesn’t care. The fans tell Claudio he is sick, but Claudio TOSSES Darby over the announce desk!! Schiavone, Excalibur & Matt Menard narrowly avoid becoming collateral damage! But Claudio clears the desk and brings Darby up. Claudio puts Darby on the desk, then stands over him. The ref reprimands but Claudio just ignores him. Claudio drags Darby up, and gorilla presses him! SUPER DUPER TOSS onto the timekeeper’s table!! The fans lose their minds as Darby is down but that table’s somehow still standing!
The ref checks on Darby but Claudio storms right over! The ref tells Claudio to stop so they go to the ring. Claudio lets the ring count start, and yet Darby somehow stirs at 4 of 10! The fans rally as hard as they can and Darby crawls his way over! Darby is still far away at 7! But then he powers up and LEAPS in at 9!! But Claudio LARIATS Darby inside-out!! Cover, Claudio wins!
Winner: Claudio Castagnoli, by pinfall
Darby truly is relentless, with durability like no other, but it just wasn’t enough against the strength and brutality of Claudio! Will no one stop The Death Riders from running roughshod over AEW?
Backstage interview with Private Party.
Renee is with Marq Quen & Isiah Kassidy and brings up that at Full Gear, the AEW World Tag Team Championships are on the line in a Fatal 4 Way. Private Party takes on The Acclaimed, The Outrunners and The Kings of the Black Throne. In such a match, the champs do NOT have to be pinned or submitted to lose their titles, so what is their strategy? Brother Zay says they obviously can’t tell her that, the other teams are watching. But it seems like the odds are against them. Fortunately, the odds have been against them their whole lives, their whole careers, just like against The Young Bucks.
But look what happened: Private Party defied the odds, beat The Bucks, and are your AEW World Tag Team Champions. That is the same thing that happens on Saturday. They leave Newark, New Jersey still your tag team champions. Because there ain’t no party like a Private Party, that’s a flex. Oh, speaking of! It’s AJ & Big Justice! They’re fired up to be here, but Justice wants to know what that face Zay made was last week. Oh, right, this one, with the chin scratching. And AJ says they’ve got a BIG announcement coming up after this! Maybe some double chunk chocolate cookies? BOOM!!
A green Porsche Taycan pulls up to the middle of nowhere.
And out steps MJF. The Wolf of Wrestling tells the hobo to “go get it” as he throws spare change off to the side like birdseed. MVP then sits back and tells Roderick Strong, “You’ve been through so much. The kid who grew up trailer park trash with two abusive alcoholic parents. For crying out loud! Your own mother shot your father right in front of you. That’s traumatizing. And as you know, Roddy, trauma is the result of an overwhelming sense of danger, powerlessness and fear. However, healing is a result of feeling safe, empowered and supported. That’s why you’d do anything for Cole. He makes you feel all those positive things that you lacked.
“It’s why I was no different than you. It’s why I trusted him. Unfortunately, the difference between you and I: Cole for me was a mirage of what I wanted him to be. A fraud, a liar. And whilst Cole is a fraud, I do actually believe deep down, in his narcissistic, sociopathic, frail, feeble frame, is a man who cares about Roderick Strong. This is precisely why upon further contemplation, I am happy you won, Roddy. Because I want Adam Cole to watch a person he cares about suffer! And because of your White trash upbringing, you aren’t intelligent enough to realize that you don’t have a prayer. And I’m sending you back to where you belong. To your grimy little trailer park.
“And after the match, you’ll be in so much physical anguish, you’ll wish your mother hadn’t shot your father, but instead shot you.” As if this scumbag couldn’t stoop any lower, he brings up Roddy’s past to hurt him. But will Roddy make sure MJF’s future is the one full of pain and suffering?
Backstage interview with AJ & Big Justice.
Renee is with the Costco Tiktok sensations and says that in the Full Gear Zero Hour, we will see #BigBoomAJ take on QT Marshall in a match 20 YEARS in the making. AJ says it may have been 20 years in the making for QT, this all started for AJ when QT threw the double chunk chocolate cookies down! Renee says AJ has not been in the ring in those 20 years, is he concerned about how his body will hold up? AJ isn’t worried about that, because he just has one strategy, and that’s the strategy they use each and every day. That strategy is to bring the BOOM~! But hey, there’s another special announcement.
Because when AJ rings QT’s bell, and he Power-Booms QT right in the middle of that ring, there is only one guy they want ringing the bell: Big Justice’s best friend, THE RIZZLER! Time to bring the BOOM~! Will QT be sleeping on the mat for The Rizzler? Will he be skibidi? Fanum Tax? Why are those even words?
Tony Schiavone is on stage.
And he welcomes out The Undisputed Kingdom! The fans cheer as Roderick Strong makes his way out, accompanied by Matt Taven & Mike Bennett. Schiavone brings up Roddy VS MJF at Full Gear, and we just heard all that disgusting stuff MJF had to say. Roddy’s response is that to be honest, he has not slept a wink since last week. IT is finally happening! Roddy feels like a kid on Christmas morning. He finally gets his hands on “MAAAAAX~!” The fans echo that, and Roddy says if MJF was here tonight, and not hiding out there, Roddy would ask him: Is Roddy supposed to be ashamed of his childhood?
Is Roddy supposed to be ashamed of his parents? You don’t think Roddy’s heard that stuff before? His whole LIFE, that is what people brought up! His mom’s an addict, his dad’s an addict, mom shot dad. Good job, Max, you made Roddy feel like he was in elementary school again. And people may look at Roddy’s past and feel sorry for him, but Roddy asks us not to. Because looking at MJF, Roddy feels sorry for him. Understand this, Max. With Roddy’s life, he learned that to get the most out of life, you have to earn it. If you wanna break the cycle, you have to earn it. And that is what Roddy’s done ever since he was a kid!
And now looking at MJF, he’s been spoon-fed everything. And when something doesn’t go his way or something happens and he doesn’t like it, MJF throws a temper tantrum like a baby until that changes. So Roddy wants MJF to do something for him: Look in the mirror and think about all the things that MJF has done to people. The manipulating, the backstabbing, the using. MJF needs to realize, when the bell rings at Full Gear, MJF will pay for all those sins. With every chop, with every punch, with every elbow, with every backbreaker! And when it is all over, Roddy walks to his hotel room for the best night of sleep in his life because he earned it.
Especially because Roddy will know he has broken MJF’s back, and left him humbled! Roddy is all fired up, and the fans are with him! Will MJF finally get what’s coming to him? Or will he give Roddy nightmares for the rest of his life?
AEW shares footage taken from last Saturday night.
First, a recap video of Daniel Garcia thwarting Jack Perry’s attempts to abduct and torture Matthew Menard, as well as the joyride they took in the Scapegoat bus, with Perry as the hood ornament. And now, they have Perry strapped into a chair, the bus headlights as the only source of light. Menard is behind the camera as he asks Perry how he’s feeling. How’d that work out for him, huh? Garcia splashes Perry with water to wake him up, and says “Let’s have a conversation. I’m all ears.” Perry chuckles and says Garcia thinks he’s so much better than him. Look at where they are! Garcia shouts back that he doesn’t wanna be here!
Garcia just wants to wrestle, but AEW is full of savages! Perry tried to take Daddy Magic’s life! And those in power just sit back and watch, pretending that nothing’s going on. So what do they do? Gotta take the power back, right? Perry counters with, “Everybody’s got a code. Everybody cares about right and wrong until it costs them something. Until they have to SACRIFICE!” Garcia gets in Perry’s face, grabs him by the mouth, and says Perry’s always going on about sacrifice but Perry has no idea what Garcia’s had to go through! Perry has NO idea what Garcia’s had to sacrifice to be here!
Garcia knows where Perry wants him to go, but Garcia promises that he’s never gonna go there. Perry smirks, then SPITS in Garcia’s face. Garcia wipes that off his face and says bet. Garcia’s got something for Perry, so just wait right there. Garcia goes to the bus while Perry mockingly asks what he’s gonna do. Menard tells shut up, Jack! Life must be so hard for him! What’s Jack got to be sad about?! Garcia comes back and he has a crowbar! Perry dares him to go ahead. Garcia raises the bar, but he SMASHES up the bus! Garcia throws the crowbar away and Perry laughs. Is that it? Garcia tells Menard they’ll get out of here. What? Where’s Garcia going?
Perry says yeah, walk away. Menard tells Perry that Garcia’s gonna whoop his ass! Just wait! Menard leaves, Perry shouts into the night, but will The Face of TNT soon be the one sacrificed for the greater good?
Renee Paquette presides over the ROH World Championship contract signing.
She welcomes us backstage to the signing for this match, which will happen next week, Dynamite: Thanksgiving Eve, in Chicago. The challenger, Tomohiro Ishii, is on her left, and the champion, Chris Jericho, is on her right. Jericho, as champion, you have the honors to sign first. Jericho smiles and waves as he says, “Hi, guys.” But Renee, you should know better. A champion of Jericho’s caliber does not just sign a contract thrust at his face randomly. He has a whole legal team that needs to approve this contract. Renee says it was sent to said legal team last week. Oh, really? What about today? The now! Jericho lives in the now!
Jericho says he’ll get this checked by his legal eagles one more time. But for now, wait here. Choto matte kudesai. Jericho steps around the corner and then down the hall. He smiles at his own picture on the wall. What a good looking guy. But wait, Ishii has followed Jericho to the hall. Jericho is a bit worried as he keeps moving. Jericho tries to block Ishii’s path but a trash can isn’t enough. Jericho tells staffers that Ishii wants to talk to them. They step in the way but Ishii pushes them aside. Jericho moves faster, pushes more people in the way, but Ishii pushes them aside. Was that RJ City?
Jericho goes up some stairs but Ishii follows. Ishii’s even gaining ground! Jericho goes through a doorway and ends up in the concourse! Fans cheer as Jericho and Ishii keep up their cat ‘n’ mouse game. Jericho decides to go into the stands! Ishii follows, and they head down the bleachers towards ringside! Jericho hurries over railing but so does Ishii. They go into the ring, and now Jericho tells Ishii to stop following him! Jericho wants a mic, a mic is brought, and Jericho says hey, listen, Ishii. Jericho would sign this contract, but he doesn’t have a pen. Ishii has a pen! Oh. Ishii clicks it for Jericho, and pushes it into him.
Jericho takes the pen, looks at the contract again, and still hesitates. Jericho signs his part, and then hands things over to Ishii. But then BRYAN KEITH & BIG BILL ATTACK! It was all a massive set-up! Bad Apple & Redwood beat down Stone Pitbull, and then sit him up! Jericho has the pen ready, but here comes The Conglomeration! Mark Briscoe & Rocky Romero rush in, and Mark TACKLES Jericho! Rocky fires off on Bill while Mark CHOKES Jericho! Keith saves Jericho from Mark but Mark fires hands on Keith! The fans fire up, but then Bill SKYSCRAPER- NO, Mark UPPERCUTS Bill first! Rocky adds on!
The fans fire up as The Conglomeration pinballs Bill, and then Ishii CLOBBERS him! Bill tumbles out, but Rocky DIVES! Bill is sent into railing! Keith stands up, into a kick and underhooks! JAY DRILLER! Jericho stands up, Ishii has him, and hits a BRAINBUSTER!! Conglomeration stands tall over The Learning Tree and his Branches, and now Ishii signs his part! The match is now official, and Ishii is looking to take a bite out of Jericho! Will The Conglomeration have the ROH World Championship to be thankful for this year?
Backstage interview with Jamie Hayter.
Renee is with the former AEW Women’s World Champion and notes that last time, we were going to hear from her, only for her to be interrupted by Julia Hart. What is Hayter’s reaction to that? Well, yeah, she isn’t angry, but she is baffled why Julia chose to interrupt Hayter. They’ve never really spoken or interacted, or even wrestled each other. Hayter is just curious as to why Julia felt it was okay to do that. Granted, Julia can do whatever she wants, Hayter moves to the beat of her own drum just as much as Julia. But… if Julia wants to have a chat-
Uh oh, something is happening to the video! Brody King’s message echoes, “It’s time to come home.” Julia Hart walks through the woods. Brody says The House is her foundation. She has seen her rebirth. Now it is time to rebuild. She has woken up stronger, more determined, and more dangerous than ever. Julia aims her arrow to shoot down a target: her past self. Her obstacles are just bull’s eyes. She is the Princess of the Black Throne, and the Keeper of Secrets. She is Julia Hart, and her heart grows harder. She hits her mark, but will she find Hayter Hits Hard?
Orange Cassidy VS Wheeler Yuta!
Freshly Squeezed has been accused of being coldblooded and uncaring, but he got pretty heated as he told The Conglomeration to keep themselves safe tonight. He goes 1v1 with The Decoder, a young man who was once Cassidy’s student, and who left him behind to join the then Blackpool Combat Club. If anyone is uncaring, it is Yuta with how he would then follow Jon Moxley’s lead in the destruction of Bryan Danielson and Chuck Taylor. Who will be the more ferocious fighter tonight, this close to Full Gear?
The bell rings and Yuta SHOTGUNS Cassidy! Yuta follows Cassidy to a corner to CHOP, then ROCK, then CHOP again! Yuta whips corner to corner but Cassidy goes up and out. Cassidy bumps Yuta off buckles, climbs up top, but has to leap over. Yuta comes back but Cassidy catches him to a backslide! TWO, but Cassidy reels Yuta in for a cradle! TWO! Yuta pulls on an ear! But Cassidy arm-drags and wrangles Yuta into the SEATBELT! TWO!! Yuta escapes and the fans fire up as these two stand off. Yuta huffs ‘n’ puffs, but Cassidy shows he wants a grapple. They feel things out, knuckle lock, but Cassidy blocks a kick!
Cassidy reels Yuta in for a headlock, but Yuta powers up and out. Cassidy ducks ‘n’ rolls, tilt-o-whirls, but Yuta suplexes! Into STUN DOG MILLIONAIRE! Yuta tumbles out and fans fire up! Cassidy builds speed to DIVE! Down goes Yuta and the fans fire up again! Cassidy brings Yuta up, whips, but Yuta reverses to reel Cassidy in! Cassidy fights the suplex, but then Yuta fights a suplex. Yuta suplexes, to RAILING BRAINBUSTER!! Cassidy writhes and fans are stunned! Yuta stomps Cassidy, then leaves him behind for the ring count. Cassidy crawls into the ring, Yuta exposes a crossbar, and then he GRINDS Cassidy’s face into the steel!
The fans boo, the ref reprimands, but Yuta steps off at 4. Cassidy seethes as he rises up, but Yuta has him at the corner. Cassidy kicks Yuta’s legs out and Yuta falls onto a turnbuckle! Yuta falls back, Cassidy climbs, but Yuta grabs Cassidy first! Yuta drags Cassidy down but Cassidy fires hands. Yuta squeezes the facelock tight, then hits an APRON DDT! The fans boo Yuta while Cassidy writhes, and Dynamite goes picture in picture.
Cassidy clutches his neck while Yuta waits in the ring. A ring count starts and Yuta eggs Cassidy on. Cassidy reaches up as the count reaches 5 of 10, but he doesn’t sit up until 6. Cassidy hobbles up, stumbles and falls, but springs back to life! He slides in at 9! Only for Yuta to be right on him! Yuta reels Cassidy in, but Cassidy turns that into BEACH BREAK! Cover, TWO!! Yuta survives but Cassidy is too sore to be frustrated. They both sit up, and Yuta crawls his way over to a corner. Cassidy rises, checks his neck, then runs up, but into an ELBOW! Yuta goes up, but Cassidy JUMP FOREARMS! Cassidy positions Yuta just right before he climbs the corner.
Yuta resists but Cassidy still brings Yuta up. Yuta continues to fight the suplex, throws body shots, then shoves Cassidy down. Cassidy rolls back to his feet, runs back up the corner, but Yuta again fights the suplex! Cassidy fires hands, but Yuta fires back! They brawl up top, Cassidy HEADBUTTS Yuta! But Yuta HEADBUTTS back! They both wobble, but then Cassidy BITES Yuta! The ref reprimands, but Cassidy CLAWS Yuta’s back! This is very Moxley of him to do! And then Cassidy hits the SUPERPLEX! Both men are down and the ref checks. They’re both okay to continue, so a standing count begins!
Cassidy sits up, spots Yuta, and heads that way. Yuta sits up, they fire forearms as they stand! Dynamite returns to single picture as these shots go back and forth. The fans fire up for Cassidy but boo Yuta as the shots go faster and faster! Yuta BITES Cassidy’s forehead! Yuta spits then runs, but Cassidy dodges! BODY BLOW! SUPERKICK! Yuta sits down, Cassidy runs, PENALTY KICK! Cassidy slashes his throat, hauls Yuta up, BRAINBUSTER! Cover, TWO!! Yuta survives but Cassidy seethes. Cassidy rains down fists on Yuta! The ref reprimands about closed fists and hair pulling, but Cassidy doesn’t stop until the ref counts 4.
Cassidy stands, and he throws off the elbow pad! Cassidy aims at Yuta, runs up, but Yuta ducks the punch! GERMAN SUPLEX! Yuta runs to CHOP in the corner! And then a wrench and PAIN THRILLER! The fans boo while Yuta seethes and stands over Cassidy. Yuta sits Cassidy up, for HAMMER ‘N’ ANVIL ELBOWS! But Cassidy blocks one! And bends fingers, to then SNAP them! The fans fire up as Cassidy SNAPS finger after finger! Yuta swings, Cassidy BOOTS him, then serves up SOLE FOOD! Scoop and MICHINOKU DRIVER! Cover, TWO!! Cassidy is busting out all his best friends’ best moves, but he hasn’t gotten it done!
Cassidy aims, loads up, and ORANGE- NO, Yuta ducks! Orange fights the suplex, switches to O’Conner Roll! TWO, Yuta dodges Cassidy, scoops him, and CROSS LEG TOMBSTONE!! Cover, TWO?!? Cassidy survives and Yuta is furious! The fans are thunderous, but Yuta rains down HAMMER ‘N’ ANVIL ELBOWS! Cassidy grits his teeth but he’s almost a ragdoll! Yuta lets off to then hook the arms, CATTLE MUTILATION!! Cassidy endures as Yuta thrashes him around! Cassidy powers up as the fans rally, and he kicks around to the ROPEBREAK!! Yuta holds on, the ref counts, and Yuta finally lets go at 4!
The ref reprimands Yuta, but Yuta pushes past the ref to go outside the ring. Yuta grabs a chair! Yuta storms into the ring while the fans boo, and the ref says don’t do it! Cassidy dodges the chair shot! Victory roll, CASSIDY WINS!!
Winner: Orange Cassidy, by pinfall
Yuta is in disbelief! Cassidy beat him with a technical move! Yuta snarls but the ref keeps him back. Cassidy did what he promised in beating Yuta, but then he stares his former student down. Is Cassidy going to offer a handshake? WAIT, PAC ATTACKS! The Bastard BOOTS Cassidy down so we’ll never know what Cassidy was going to do! The fans boo more but Pac & Yuta stand on Cassidy. The rest of the Death Riders appear, and Marina Shafir has duct tape! The AEW World Trios Champions stomp away on Cassidy, like vultures picking the bones. Moxley steps into the ring while Marina hands the tape over to Pac.
Claudio puts Cassidy’s hands in his pockets, and then Pac tapes them in! Cassidy is physically bound, and Moxley paces around. Cassidy is pushed around by all the Death Riders, then Moxley DECKS him! Claudio hauls Cassidy back up, the Death Riders keep bullying him, and then Moxley SLAPS Cassidy down! But the bullying continues as they stand Cassidy up. Cassidy “kicks” Moxley! Defiant to the end! But Moxley DECKS him again! Moxley paces around more, then stomps Cassidy right on the face! Moxley leads The Death Riders away, and The Conglomeration finally comes out here.
Mark has scissors to cut Cassidy loose, and the fans boo as The Death Riders still retreat. Cassidy tries to stand up, but he has to use ropes to do it. Even so, Cassidy stands on his own two feet. Moxley eggs on the fans while Cassidy puts his sunglasses on. And then hands up, and then into the pockets! Try as they might, The Death Riders could not break the Freshly Squeezed fighting spirit! Will Cassidy finally become AEW World Champion? Or will Moxley find a way to break Cassidy at Full Gear?
My Thoughts:
A great go-home Dynamite here, though it felt like it contracted Go Home Syndrome. A lot of recap and other promos, but good promos all the same. Good follow-up from last week with Hayter and Hart, that will probably really get going after Full Gear. Good promo from Mariah & Mina to hype up their celebration segment for Full Gear, and with Toni Storm’s announcement of her retirement, you can bet Toni is anything but retired! Toni Storm most assuredly will return very soon, maybe even to ruin the celebration and spark another feud. I still want us to get to Mariah VS Mina but maybe Storm moves things back so that Mariah VS Mina happens in 2025.
Good promo from Private Party to also have AJ & Big Justice show up. The promos didn’t really add much to any of the matches, though. I’m very sure AJ does hit the BOOM on QT to win, and then Private Party finds a way to survive the Fatal 4. Great stuff with Perry, Garcia and Menard, that was another very action movie kind of promo, maybe even like that grittier Batman movie. But with Garcia not sinking to the same lows as Perry, that will be why Garcia loses. Honestly, why not just have Perry blatantly get himself disqualified? What great heat for Perry while keeping Garcia strong in not becoming TNT Champion.
Great promos in this MJF story. I appreciate Cole throwing his support behind Roddy was good, as well as Kyle O’Reilly wanting Cole to just leave it at this. MJF of course insults Roddy over his past while also trashing Cole at the same time, but great response from Roddy. Also I’m not a car guy so it took me a little too long to Google out what car MJF was driving. Anyway, given all these promos, I am very confident MJF wins at Full Gear and then Cole still wants after MJF, only for Kyle to have to fight Cole to make him stop. Then we’ll maybe get Cole VS MJF at Worlds End, or even some time in 2025.
Very good stuff with The Hurt Syndicate, even with them getting jumped by Swerve. Poor Cheeseburger, that’s one fan favorite that got fed to Bobby Lashley. But Swerve getting the better of the Hurt Syndicate again and again tonight, all the more reason Lashley wins at Full Gear. Very good promo vignette from White and Hangman to hype up their grudge match, which still feels it could go either way since they’re tied on the year. And Jericho and Ishii had perhaps simultaneously the most clever and most ridiculous contract signing segment ever. And of course Jericho worked out some sort of trap, only for it to go badly for him and his team. But with that, that means Ishii is losing next week, as I figured he would.
Awesome opening match with the 8 Man, and I liked that they had Hobbs do the “fighting through the pain” angle in the match. Also, great bit with Kyle Fletcher sending Davis into harm’s way so that the Callis Family can get the better of Ospreay’s team. I thought the Faces were going to win here, but the math now says Ospreay finds a way to beat Kyle, and maybe Ricochet takes the International Championship from Konosuke Takeshita. The Continental Classic is coming, and they could easily use that round robin to get Konosuke back to a feud with Kazuchika Okada and they battle for the Continental Championship at Worlds End like we should’ve gotten at WrestleDream.
Awesome match from Kris VS Shida, and I appreciate the crisis of confidence for Shida. Kris gets a great win to go into Full Gear, and then Kris and Shida get the better of Mone & Kamille, so all the more reason Mone finds a way to survive. As for Kamille, I feel like she should ditch Mone for being treated like crap by Mone, and maybe we can get a feud of Mone VS Kamille going into 2025. And of course, plenty of promos from Death Riders and “Team AEW” members. Moxley just kinda went on and on about stuff he’s already said in reference to Cassidy, but I did like Claudio going bilingual in talking trash on Darby.
Awesome matches from those stories, of course. Darby really got thrown around but he continues to show that toughness. Claudio getting the win mostly keeps Darby back so that Darby can build towards a world title match at Worlds End. Cassidy VS Yuta was great stuff, too, with great back and forth of Cassidy wanting to end it quick, having to grit it out with Yuta, and then Cassidy still finding a way to end it with a quick pin. And they did a good job muddying the math. Cassidy wins the match, but the Death Riders beat him down, only for Cassidy to literally stand tall at the end of the show. I still don’t see him taking the world title from Moxley, though, with Darby still in the wings, but this could end up Cassidy’s best match yet.
My Score: 8.9/10
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Will this be the mightiest Tag League yet?
It’s time for NJPW World Tag League 2024, and this year already looks mighty good as IWGP World Heavyweight Champion, Zack Sabre Jr, is in the A Block! Will he and Ryohei Oiwa make everyone #JustTapOut?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Kickoff – Shoma Kato VS Masatora Yasuda; Kato wins.
- Six Man Tag: Hiroshi Tanahashi, Jado & Katsuya Murashima VS Taiji Ishimori & The Filip Brothers; Taiji & The Filip Brothers win.
- Six Man Tag: Toru Yano, Boltin Oleg & Tiger Mask VS The House of Torture; The House of Torture wins.
- Six Man Tag: Taichi, Douki & Taka Michinoku VS The United Empire; Taichi, Douki & Taka win.
- Six Man Tag: Los Ingobernables de Japon VS TMDK; TMDK wins.
- World Tag League 2024 A Block: Shota Umino & Tomoaki Honma VS Jeff Cobb & Callum Newman; Cobb & Callum win.
- World Tag League 2024 A Block: Shingo Takagi & Yota Tsuji VS Alex Zayne & Ryusuke Taguchi; Takagi & Tsuji win.
- World Tag League 2024 A Block: Bishamon VS KENTA & Chase Owens; Bishamon wins.
- World Tag League 2024 A Block: Zack Sabre Jr. & Ryohei Oiwa VS Gabe Kidd & SANADA; ZSJ & Oiwa win.
PLAY BY PLAY
World Tag League 2024 A Block: Shota Umino & Tomoaki Honma VS Jeff Cobb & Callum Newman!
The Roughneck is bringing Everyone’s Kokeshi along for the ride, but this league might already be too much to handle. Can Honma help Shota bring about his Paradigm Shift? Or will they just get conquered by the United Empire?
The teams sort out and Shota starts against The Imperial Unit. The bell rings and Shota runs up to RAM Cobb! And RAM! And RAM! Cobb stays up so Shota kicks low. Shota runs to RAM Cobb, but Cobb rebounds to CLOBBER Shota! The fans cheer while Cobb stalks Shota. Cobb brings Shota up to whip him to a corner. Shota comes back to RAM Cobb! Cobb stays up, so Shota clinches! Cobb fights free with elbows, but Shota dodges a lariat to RAM Cobb! Cobb falls over! The fans fire up with Shota, and he brings Cobb up again. Callum runs in so Shota shoves Cobb aside to catch Callum. Shota shoves Callum at Honma for a shoulder tackle!
The fans fire up as Shota keeps moving and he SOMERSAULT SENTONS Callum! Shota then sets up so he and Honma can tabletop Cobb! Cobb sits up into Shota’s SHOTGUN! The fans fire up and Shota tags Honma. The fans rally behind Honma as he CLUBS Cobb. Honma reels Cobb in, but Cobb suplexes first! Cobb SLAMS Honma down, then calls for Callum. Callum rises but Cobb says hold on. The “Cobby Cat” mocks Honma by bopping himself on the head. Cobb then runs to FALLING KOKESHIÂ FLOP! Honma winds up and runs, but Callum is in the way! Cobb runs up, Honma dodges the lariat but Callum tags in.
Cobb dodges Honma, then shoves him at Callum. They pinball Honma around, and Callum BOOTS Honma while Cobb BLASTS Shota! Then Callum & Cobb coordinate to HIGH LOW with a shoulder tackle and leg sweep! The fans cheer and Cobb says You Can’t See Him! Callum stomps Honma, then KICKS him in the back. Honma gets mad but Callum scuffs him again and again. Honma rises, CHOPS, and CHOPS again! Callum CHOPS and pretends that hurt his hand. Callum CLUBS Honma down but the fans rally up. Honma rises to CHOP! And CHOP! And CHOP! Callum kicks low, reels him in, but Honma fights the suplex!
Honma catches Callum’s lariat to spin and DDT! The fans fire up while both men are down! Callum and Honma crawl, but Honma hot tags Shota! Shota rallies on Callum with big elbows! Shota whips, Callum reverses, but SHota ducks ‘n’ dodges to CLOBBER Callum! Cobb runs up, but Shota arm-drags him, then dropkicks the legs out! Cobb bails, Shota fires up, and the fans rally again. Shota whips Callum corner to corner, runs up on him, and UPPERCUTS! Shota reels Callum in for a FISHERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO! Not quite perfect but Shota doesn’t let that slow him down!
Shota waits on Callum, then runs, but Callum avoids Ignition to hook Shota! Shota fights the backslide so Callum whips him to a corner. Callum runs up but Shota dodges! Shota runs up but Callum goes up and over! Callum keeps moving, but Shota ROCKS him, UPPERCUTS him, and runs! Callum follows to ROCK Shota at the ropes! Callum runs, but then stops to fake out Shota’s dropkick! Shota sits up, but he ducks the Penalty Kick! Shota rolls Callum but Callum rolls through. Shota ROCKS Callum, then spins, but Callum dodges the rolling elbow! DREAMCAST KICK! Shota drops to his knees and the fans fire up!
Callum and Shota crawl, hot tag to Cobb! Cobb runs up to waistlock Shota for a deadlift! Shota fights with elbows, goes to run, but Cobb reels him in for a forearm to the back! Cobb runs, but Shota DROPKICKS him! The fans fire up again and Shota heads for his corner. Hot tag to Honma! The fans rally as Honma CHOPS Cobb, and CHOPS, and CHOPS! Honma puts Cobb in a corner, whips him corner to corner, then runs up. Honma ELBOWS Cobb and hits a BULLDOG! The fans fire up as Honma shows Cobb how it’s done! FALLING KOKESHI- NO! Now Honma FLOPS as Cobb moves! Callum runs up to SHOTGUN Shota off the apron!
The fans fire up as Cobb RAMS Honma into the corner! Callum runs up to forearm SMASH! Callum drops down and Cobb LEAPS over to ELBOW Honma! Callum comes back and Cobb pops him up to the apron! ENZIGIRI, then fireman’s carry! Callum climbs, DOUBLE STOMP ATTITUDE ADJUSTMENT! PENALTY KICK and GACHIMUCHI MOONSAULT! Cover, Shota breaks it! The fans fire up and Shota TOSSES Callum! Cobb kicks Shota, whips, but Shota reverses to TORNADO DDT! Shota shouts to Honma and the fans fire up again. Honma rises and he storms up on Cobb. Honma & Shota double whip corner to corner!
Honma runs up to LARIAT! Honma feeds Cobb to Shota’s UPPERCUT! Honma LARIATS, Shota clinches, EXPLODER!! The fans cheer and Honma runs, SLIDING KOKESHI! Shota keeps moving, IGNITION! Honma covers, Callum breaks it! Shota stomps Callum out of the ring and leaves the rest to Honma. Honma drags Cobb up, but Cobb fights the suplex! Cobb ROCKS Honma, whips him, but Honma grabs ropes! Honma BOOTS Cobb, and Shota joins in! DOUBLE RUNNING KOKESHI! And then they DOUBLE FALLING KOKESHI! Cover, TWO!! Cobb survives but Shota goes after Callum! CANNONBALL to the floor!
The fans fire up again as Honma climbs! FLYING- NO, Cobb catches Honma! SPINEBUSTER, and FALLING HAMMER! Cover, TWO!! Honma survives and the fans fire up again! But then Cobb reels Honma in, for a TOUR OF THE ISLAND!! Cover, United Empire wins!
Winners: Jeff Cobb & Callum Newman, by pinfall (gain 2 points; Shota & Honma earn 0)
A powerful showing from “The Kokeshi Brothers,” but they could not bring down Callum & Cobb. With the IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Championships already on Great-O-Khan & Henare, will The United Empire completely dominate the NJPW Heavyweight Tag Division?
World Tag League 2024 A Block: Shingo Takagi & Yota Tsuji VS Alex Zayne & ???
Los Ingobernables de Japon’s heavy formation is in this block, ready to rampage like twin dragons. If only The Sauce could’ve brought his own monster back. Who will be the substitute for Lance Archer? And can he help heat things up?
Zayne makes his entrance before anyone else, and asks to speak on the mic. A mic is given, and Zayne says, “Kon’nichiwa.” The fans applaud, and Zayne explains that when he was contacted this year for WTL, he was also informed that Lance Archer could not make it. Zayne knew he had to do one thing: find the most “delicious” tag partner he could find. And that man is… RYUSUKE TAGUCHI!? The fans can’t believe the Funky Weapon is joining Zayne in this tournament! And he wears a green version of Zayne’s gear! Are things about to get really spicy now?
The teams sort out, and Takagi is in disbelief. LIJ fist bumps and the fans applaud. Taguchi and Zayne bow, “Itadakimasu,” and Zayne starts against Yota. They circle, tie up, and Yota powers Zayne back. But Zayne powers Yota back! Yota powers up to power Zayne onto the ropes, but Zayne turns things around. The ref counts, Zayne lets off slowly with a pat on the shoulders, but Yota plays with Zayne’s hair. Zayne smirks and Yota grins as the two reset. They circle, tie up, and are in a deadlock. Yota headlocks, but Zayne powers up and out. Yota RAMS Zayne but neither man falls. Fans cheer as Yota grins and Zayne plays with his own hair.
Things speed up suddenly, and Zayne sidesteps. Yota bucks the O’Conner Roll, then gets around Zayne. Zayne ELBOWS Yota away to a corner. Zayne runs up to BACK ELBOW and go to the apron in one go! Then he slingshots to RANA! Yota has a rough tumble, but he stands back up. Zayne runs up again, dodges the lariat and waistlocks, only to bring Yota back and run. Yota sidesteps Zayne then drops down, only for Zayne to IMPLODER KNEE DROP! The fans fire up but Zayne keeps moving, STANDING MARIPOSA! The fans cheer more while Zayne grins at Takagi. Zayne brings Yota up, tags Taguchi, and they double whip.
“Funky Sauce” misdirects Yota to hit a BULLDOG then basement dropkick! Cover, TWO! The fans cheer and Taguchi stomps Yota. Taguchi brings Yota up, kicks low, then whips. Yota reverses but Taguchi RANAS! A little slippery, but then Zayne BLASTS Takagi off the apron! Funky Sauce takes aim, Taguchi PLANCHASÂ but flops as Yota moves! Zayne is on the apron but Takagi YANKS Zayne down! The fans rally but Takagi hauls Zayne up to whip him into railing! Yota drags Taguchi up and puts him in the ring. Takagi gets the fans fired up, then he stands Taguchi up. LIJ double whip Taguchi to then DOUBLE SHOULDER TACKLE!
The fans cheer and then Takagi SENTONS! Yota SPLASHES down! Cover, TWO! Taguchi stays in this but Yota tags Takagi. The fans rally and duel while Takagi stands Taguchi up. Takagi bumps Taguchi off buckles, RAMS into him again and again, then digs his shoulder in. The ref counts, Takagi steps back, and he snapmares Taguchi down. Tag to Yota and Yota drags Taguchi up. Yota snapmares Taguchi to ROCK him in the back! Taguchi falls back, Yota tags Takagi, and LIJ drags Taguchi up. They DOUBLE ATOMIC DROP! Taguchi hobbles in pain, falls to his knees, and Takagi BLASTS Zayne off the apron!
Takagi gets annoyed with this Funky Sauce, but Taguchi fires off CHOPS! Taguchi runs, but Takagi easily dodges the hip attack! Takagi then suplexes Taguchi high and hard! Cover, TWO! Taguchi survives and the fans fire up. Takagi hears the fans dueling as he stomps Taguchi. Takagi KNEES Taguchi against the ropes again and again, then whips, for another KNEE! Takagi runs, but into a SOMERSAULT HIP ATTACK! The fans fire up while both men are down! Taguchi and Takagi crawl, hot tag to Zayne! Zayne jumps in and DECKS Takagi, then he BLASTS Yota! Zayne swats a lariat to fire elbow after ELBOW!
Takagi blocks the superkick to CLUB the leg! Yota joins in, LIJ whips Zayne, but Zayne KICKS Takagi, mule kicks Yota, and runs, DOUBLE SOMERSAULT KICKS! The fans fire up and Zayne runs at Takagi. Takagi ELBOWS Zayne, BOOTS him, then goes up. Zayne returns to JUMPING STEINERS! The fans fire up while Zayne covers, TWO! Takagi stays in this but Zayne brings him right up. Zayne goes to scoop but Takagi fights it! Zayne CHOPS, scoops, and BAJA- NO, Takagi slips free! SLIDING- NO, Zayne dodges! Zayne mule kicks, runs, but into the ELBOW! JAB! YUKONÂ feint and DDT! Both men are down again and the fans fire back up!
Takagi pounds the mat, the fans rally behind him, and he crawls, hot tag to Yota! Yota fires up and the fans are with him. Yota brings Zayne around to whip, but Zayne stops himself. Zayne dodges Yota, Yota dodges Zayne, and both men kick low! Yota comes back to BOOT! The fans cheer and Yota brings Zayne up again. Yota fireman’s carries but Zayne fights free. Yota ROCKS Zayne first! Yota tries another fireman’s carry but Zayne sunset flips it! TWO, and both men stand! Zayne rolls Yota, BASEMENT ENZIGIRI! Zayne hurries to hot tag Taguchi! Taguchi HIP ATTACKS in a corner! Taguchi goes corner to corner, for another HIP ATTACK!
Taguchi keeps moving, but Yota runs up! Taguchi dropkicks Yota’s legs out! The fans fire up and Taguchi keeps going! Another dropkick to legs, then a LEG SWEEP! Taguchi rolls Yota into the OH MY GAH ANKLE!! Zayne BOOTS Takagi off the apron! Yota scrambles to the ROPEBREAK! Taguchi lets go but he brings Yota back up. Taguchi traps Yota and Zayne runs in to ELBOW! Zayne then sets up and Taguchi runs, SHOTGUN IN MOTION! Taguchi then brings Yota out to GOURD BUSTER! The fans fire up as Zayne climbs! But Yota KICKS Taguchi away, then GAMANGIRIS Zayne off the corner!
Taguchi kicks Yota, runs, but into a scoop and BACKBREAKER! Takagi slides in, and he finds the camera, “TOKI GA KITA!” The fans fire up as the time has come, and they join in on a chant of “OI! OI! OI!” LIJ whips Taguchi to a corner, then Yota runs in to ELBOW! Takagi whips Yota back in to SPLASH! Takagi adds a LARIAT, then feeds Taguchi to a BOOT! BLINDSIDE LARIAT! SUPERKICK! Taguchi is down, Yota covers, TWO! Taguchi stays in this and the fans fire up. Takagi stands Taguchi up and throws him to Yota for a POWERBOMB! Cover, Zayne breaks it! Takagi drags Zayne up, LIJ mugs him, but he fights back with CHOPS!
The fans fire up but Yota spins Zayne around to facelock, and Takagi wheelbarrows. Yota helps Takagi swing Taguchi down, then up for a BOOSTED WHEELBARROW GERMAN!! The fans fire up and Takagi leaves it to Yota. Yota takes aim and the fans rally. Taguchi rises, Yota runs in, GENE- LEG DROP!? And then La Magistrol! TWO!! Yota escapes in time, but Taguchi spins him to a backslide! TWO!! Yota escapes again! But Taguchi ENZIGIRIS! Taguchi fires up and the fans are with him! But Takagi LARIATS! GENE TRIGGER! PUMPING BOMBER!! And now Yota loads up, for the GENE BLASTER!! Cover, LIJ wins!
Winners: Shingo Takagi & Yota Tsuji, by pinfall (gain 2 points; Zayne & Taguchi earn 0)
The Funky Sauce was hot, but they’re the ones that got burned! Will they be able to spice things up in the second round? Will Takagi & Tsuji keep the tag league tranquilo?
World Tag League 2024 A Block: Bishamon VS KENTA & Chase Owens!
Hirooki Goto & Yoshi-Hashi once again clash with The Fang & The Jewel, both sides hungry for gold. Will it be Lights Out in the opening round? Or will someone just #Go2Sleep?
The teams sort out but then Bullet Club just attacks! Chase is after Goto and Kenta is after Hashi, and they put each man in corners. The bell rings to get this on record as Kenta TOSSES Hashi. Chase CHOKES Goto in the corner, then stands on him! The ref reprimands and Chase lets off to bring Goto up. Chase ROCKS Goto, whips him, and Kenta POSTS Hashi! Chase hits a big hip toss then covers, TWO! The fans rally up while Chase stomps Goto’s leg. Chase scrapes his sole off Goto’s face, and Kenta whips Hashi again. Hashi reverses and Kenta hits railing in front of English commentary! Chase ROCKS Goto, CHOPS him, then whips.
Goto grabs ropes to stop, then he BOOTS Chase! Hashi returns and Bishamon DOUBLE SHOULDER TACKLE! Then ZENMAI! Kenta returns but Bishamon kicks him first. “Se no!” Bishamon BEATS Kenta like a drum! The fans cheer and Bishamon flexes. Goto then goes back to Chase to stomp and CLUB him down. Goto kicks Chase, Chase shoves Goto and ROCKS him with a forearm! Goto knees Chase low, runs, but Chase TOSSES Goto out! Goto hurries back up, he counter punches Chase, and then counter punches Kenta! Chase slips out to YANK Goto down and THROW him into railing! Kenta intercepts Hashi with a kick!
Kenta whips Hashi away into railing while Chase sends Goto into other railing! The ref reprimands but Chase brings Goto through the gate. Chase has fans move out of the way, but then brings Goto back to ringside. Chase grins as he trolls the fans and pushes Goto into the ring. Kenta CLUBS away on Hashi before leaving him behind. Chase pulls on Goto’s arms then TWEAKS Goto’s neck! Not a twist, but equally painful. Chase tags Kenta while the fans rally for “GO-TO-O! GO-TO-O!” Kenta pushes Goto into the corner, Goto hits Chase, but Kenta RAMS Goto! The ref reprimands and counts as Kenta RAMS Goto more!
Kenta sits Goto down, and digs his boot in! The ref counts, Kenta stops at 4, and he tags Chase back in. They stomp Goto more, then Chase headlocks for a sucker punch! Cover, TWO! Chase drags Goto up and he bumps Goto off Kenta’s boot. Tag to Kenta and Bullet Club double whips. They DOUBLE ELBOW Goto down then Kenta covers, TWO! Kenta covers again, TWO! Kenta argues with the ref but the count was fair. Kenta drops an elbow, drops another elbow, then covers, TWO! Kenta gets mad at Hashi for no reason, but the fans rally up for Goto. Kenta CLUBS Goto, but Goto fires CHOPS in return!
Kenta knees low, whips Goto to a corner, but Goto reverses. Goto runs up but into a BOOT! Kenta runs but Goto follows! Goto avoids Chase’s cheap shot to LARIAT Kenta! The fans fire up while Goto and Kenta are down! Goto crawls, hot tag to Hashi! The fans fire up as Hahsi BLASTS Chase! Kenta kicks Hashi low then whips him to a corner. Kenta runs up but Hashi CHOPS in return! And mule kicks! And turns Kenta for a NECKBREAKER! The fans fire up and Hashi watches Kenta. Hashi waits on Kenta to rise, then runs up to CHOP! Hashi hoists Kenta up to hang him out to dry! The fans fire up as Hashi runs, and he DROPKCISK Kenta down! Cover, TWO!
The fans cheer Hashi on as he brings Kenta up. Hashi reels Kenta in, lifts, but Kenta fights with fists! Kenta slips free of the bomb, then slips around Hashi to spin and- NO, Hashi suplexes first! But Kenta slips free again, and he spins Hashi around, to SPIKE DDT! Hashi is stood up on his head before falling over, and Kenta tags in Chase. Chase brings Hashi up and fireman’s carries. Hashi fights free of that, but Chase slips around to half nelson, lift, and SWINGING FACEBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Hashi survives but Chase says time to end this! Chase takes aim, C- NO, Hashi dodges the trigger! Chase knees low, runs, but Hashi dropkicks the legs!
The fans fire up whiel both men are down! Chase clutches his leg while Hashi crawls. Hot tag to Goto! Goto runs at Chase to LARIAT in the corner! Goto whips corner to corner, runs up again, but Chase BOOTS him! But Goto comes back! Only for Chase to BUCKLE SHOT and STO, then SENTON! Kenta steps in and Bullet Club drags Goto up. But Goto fires forearms and CHOPS! Kenta SOBATS! Chase KICKS! Kenta ROUNDHOUSES! Goto sits up into the “I HATE YOU!” PENALTY KICK! Cover, but Hashi breaks it! Kenta TOSSES Hashi then goes out after him. Chase drags Goto up and reels him in.
Chase tucks the arms but Goto fights the lift! Goto wrenches out but Chase ROCKS him first! Chase runs, Goto follows, but Chase ENZIGIRIS! Goto stays up, but the C-TRIGGER hits! Cover, TWO!! Goto survives but Chase hurries up! C-TRIGGER POINT BLANK!! And then the tuck for the PACKAGE PILE- NO, Hashi hits a BLOCKBUSTER! The fans fire up, Kenta BOOTS Hashi! Goto fireman’s carries Kenta but Kenta slips free! Kenta shoves Goto into Hashi, then waistlocks Goto. Goto fights the lift, and then ducks, HIDDEN GAP SUPERKICK for Kenta! The fans fire up as Bishamon regroups.
Hashi drags Chase up, whips him to Goto, but Chase BOOTS Goto! Chase swings on Hashi but Hashi ducks the lariat. Hashi powers Chase to ropes, Goto BLINDSIDE LARIATS, and then Hashi rolls Chase. Goto drags Chase up, Hashi has the legs! Chase BOOTS Hashi away! Chase then slips around to dragon sleeper, to steal G T- NO, Goto drops down to victory roll! Chase stands up, into a SUPERKICK! Goto drags Chase around while Hashi BLASTS Kenta! Dragon sleeper and SHOTO!! Cover, Bishamon wins!!
Winners: Bishamon, by pinfall (gain 2 points; Kenta & Chase earn 0)
Another classic in this storied rivalry, worthy of the titles themselves! Will this first win be the win that leads the Fierce Warrior & Headhunter back to the titles? Can Kenta & Chase borrow a page from Bishamon and #GetBackUp in the next round?
World Tag League 2024 A Block: Zack Sabre Jr. & Ryohei Oiwa VS Gabe Kidd & SANADA!
TMDK has a team in each block, doubling their chances of taking this league. But perhaps burying the lead is the fact that THE IWGP World Heavyweight Champion is joining in the fun! Will The Front Man & The Mullet rock this league right from the start? Or will the Mad Man and the turncoat Cold Skull get this tournament #WarReady?
The teams sort out but Oiwa gets in Gabe’s face. Gabe pushes Oiwa, they start, and they tie up at the bell. The fans rally as Oiwa and Gabe are in a deadlock. They go around at center, then Oiwa digs his heels in to push Gabe back. Gabe turns things around to put Oiwa on ropes, but Red Shoes calls the break. Gable lets off, to then CHOP! Gabe scoops and SLAMS Oiwa, then he goes for legs. Oiwa UPKICKS Gabe, then stands up to scoop and SLAM Gabe! Gabe UPKICKS back, both men get up and go face to face. Then they go forearm for forearm! The fans rally as Oiwa gets the edge, but Gabe CHOPS!
Gabe headlocks. Oiwa powers up and out, and they RAM shoulders! Gabe eggs OIwa on and he runs to RAM Gabe! They both run now, and they RAM shoulders again, and again, and again! Gabe CHOPS then runs, but Oiwa CLOBBERS Gabe! The fans fire up while Gabe bails out. Oiwa eggs Gabe on and Gabe snarls. Gabe shakes the railing in frustration, then he paces around the outside. Gabe cools off, slides in, but then tags Sanada. Sanada steps in slowly, so Oiwa tags in ZSJ. The two rivals circle and the afns rally behind “ZAKKU! ZAKKU!” ZSJ and Sanada feel things out, knuclke lock, and ZSJ rolls to wrench.
Sanada is already frustrated so he kicks ZSJ low! Sanada TOSSES ZSJ out and then Gabe goes after Oiwa! Gabe CHOPS away on Oiwa while Sanada sends ZSJ into railing! And then more railing! Gabe does the same to Oiwa, and Sanada storms up on ZSJ. Sanada CLAWS ZSJ’s back, a definite attitude change showing. Gabe Too Sweets with Taiji Ishimori on commentary while Sanada pushes ZSJ into the ring. Sanada whips ZSJ to a corner, but ZSJ goes up, under, around, and RAMS into Sanada! ZSJ snapmares, Sanada handsprings through, but ZSJ UPPERCUTS him down! Tag to Oiwa and he BLASTS Gabe!
Oiwa goes back to Sanada and stands him up. Oiwa wrenches an arm, YANKS it, then wrenches to YANK it again. Oiwa tags ZSJ and ZSJ brings Sanada around to wrench, step over, and wrangle into a mounted armbar! Sanada endures as ZSJ bends the fingers and isolates the arm, to STOMP it! The fans cheer, ZSJ tags Oiwa, and Oiwa CLUBS Sanada’s arm. Oiwa headlocks for a takeover, then isolates the arm in an short arm scissor! The fans rally while Sanada endures and kicks around. Sanada reaches out, ROPEBREAK! Red Shoes calls it, Oiwa lets Sanada go, but then Oiwa brings Sanada up.
Oiwa whips, Sanada reverses, and Gabe trips Oiwa up! Sanda BLASTS ZSJ while Oiwa drags Oiwa out of the ring! Now things spill out into the crowd! Gabe CHOPS Oiwa, then SMACKS him off empty chairs! Sanada BOWLS ZSJ into chairs! Not quite a strike, so Sanada JAMS ZSJ up with a chair! That picks up the spare, and we can hear Gabe’s CHOPS on Oiwa echo out. Gabe stomps Oiwa while Sanada CHOKES ZSJ with a chair! Red Shoes reprimands the War Dogs, but Gabe POSTS Oiwa! Gabe says War Dogs run this, but Red Shoes starts a ring count. Gabe flexes on Oiwa, then drags him up at 7 of 20.
Gabe puts Oiwa in at 10 and Sanada covers, TWO! Oiwa stays in this and the fans rally behind him. Sanada is annoyed but he brings Oiwa up. Sanada CLUBS Oiwa, then bumps him off Gabe’s boot. Oiwa sputters while Sanada tags Gabe in. Gabe drags Oiwa up, mockingly asks where Zack-senpai went, then he UPPERCUTS Oiwa down. Gabe TOSSES Oiwa out, and he BLASTS ZSJ off the apron! Sanada whips Oiwa into railing! Gabe lifts ZSJ bu tZSJ wrenches free to KIMURA! Gabe powers through, to BITE ZSJ on the forehead! Sanada sends Oiwa into more railing, Gabe sends ZSJ through railing and into chairs!
Sanada BOWLS Oiwa into chairs now, there is the strike! Sanada continues to show his new edge as he JAMS Oiwa up with a chair. Red Shoes reprimands so Sanada brings Oiwa back to ringside. Sanada puts Oiwa in for Gabe and Gabe pushes Oiwa to a cover. Red Shoes says no, all the shenanigans were not right. Gabe gets in Red Shoes’ face about that, but Red Shoes stands his ground. Gabe storms around while the fans rally behind Oiwa. Gabe drags Oiwa up, to CHOP! Oiwa wobbles but he rises up. Oiwa CHOPS, and CHOPS, and fires forearms! Gabe DECKS Oiwa with just one! The fans still rally for Oiwa but Gabe stands on Oiwa’s face!
Gabe soaks up the heat, scuffs Oiwa and stomps him around. Oiwa sits up, Gabe runs, but Oiwa reels him in! Gabe fights the waistlock, runs, but into a SNAP GERMAN! The fans fire up while both men are down! Oiwa and Gabe crawl, hot tags to ZSJ and Sanada! The fans fire up as ZSJ dodges Sanada, full nelsons, then spins him to a headlock. Sanada powers out but ZSJ catches him to a COBRA TWIST! Sanada powers out to HIP TOSS, but ZJS UP KICKS! Sanada avoids the Penalty Kick, blocks the boot, but ZSJ steps through the dragon screw to NECK TWIST! And basment DROPKICK! The fans fire up and we’ve only hit 10 minutes!
ZSJ drags Sanada up, UPPERCUTS him, then UPPERCUTS again! Sanada blocks the next to spin and suplex, but ZSJ says no to the Magic Screw! NORTHERN LIGHTS! Bridging cover, TWO! Sanada escapes but ZSJ stays focused. ZSJ stands Sanada up to scoop, but Sanada slips free. ZSJ fights the waistlock, runs, but into a dropkick to the legs! Sanada then DROPKICKS ZSJ down! Sanada fireman’s carries but ZSJ slips free, to have the IRON OCTOPUS! The fans rally while Sanada endures, and Sanada powers out to have a leg! DROPPING DRAGON SCREW! ZSJ clutches the leg and Sanada takes aim! SHINING-
NO, ZSJ ducks, but Sanada catches him to a backslide! ZSJ rolls through to NECK TWIST! Tag to Oiwa and Oiwa BLASTS Gabe off the apron! Oiwa goes back to Sanada and brings him up. Oiwa whips Sanada to ropes, ELBOWS Him down, then ZSJ PENALTY KICKS Sanada! Oiwa deadlift GUT RWENCH PLEXES! Cover, Gabe breaks it! Gabe CHOPS away on ZSJ and Oiwa, but ZSJ blocks! Oiwa DOUBLE CHOPS! ZSJ UPPERCUTS! ZSJ & Oiwa DOUBLE DROPKICK Gabe down! The fans fire up with Oiwa and he clamps onto Sanada with a SLEEPER! Sanada endures and fights up, but Oiwa thrashes him around!
Sanada still fights to his feet, slips around the back, and shoves Oiwa to ropes. Gabe trips Oiwa up! Oiwa kicks at Gabe but Sanada kicks ropes to jam Oiwa up! Sanada suplexes Oiwa into the MAGIC SCREW! Both men are down but the fans rally up again. Sanada crawls over, tag to Gabe, and Gabe storms right up on Oiwa. Gabe UPPERCUTS Oiwa right down! Gabe then puts Oiwa in a corner to fire off forearm after forearm! Red Shoes reprimands and counts, but Gabe digs his boots in while talking trash. Gabe shoves Red Shoes aside so he can keep stomping away on Oiwa! The fans rally and Red Shoes backs Gabe off.
Gabe seethes but the fans continue to rally for Oiwa. Oiwa grits his teeth as he sits up, but Gabe ROCKS him with another shot! Oiwa still looks up defiantly at Gabe, so Gabe fires shots! Gabe says Oiwa’s not worthy of being his NJPW Strong Openweight Challenger. Gabe says Oiwa’s just some “weak ass kohai!” Gabe SPITS on Oiwa, but Oiwa gets in Gabe’s face! Gabe fires slapping strikes, blocks a shot, then SLAPS Oiwa again! Oiwa spins to DOUBLE CHOP Gsbe down! Sanada runs up and kicks low! Sanada whips, Oiwa reverses, but Sanada reverses back, RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP! ZSJ PENALTY KICKS Sanada!
Gabe runs up, ZSJ BOOTS him first! Gabe runs back in, slips out of the scoop, and he scoops ZSJ for EMERALD FLOWSON!! But Oiwa spins Gabe! Gabe avoids The Grip, runs, but into a LARIAT!! Cover, TWO!! Oiwa is frustrated but the fans rally behind him. Oiwa hauls Gabe up, ANACONDA PLEX!! Cover, TWO!! Gabe survives again but Oiwa roars! Oiwa drags Gabe up, reels him in, but Gabe fights the gut wrench! Gabe CLUBS Oiwa on the back, then he gut wrenches! Oiwa fights back, wrenches out, and he blocks a lariat to spin. Gabe HAYMAKERS, and SAIDOS!! Gabe crawls his way to the cover, TWO!!
The fans are thunderous as Oiwa survives! Gabe snarls and he drags Oiwa up. Gabe says this is the end. But Oiwa fights the suplex! Oiwa suplexes, but Gabe fights it! Oiwa still tries, but Gabe slips out to waistlock. Sanada DROPKCIKS Oiwa, Gabe UPPERCUTS! Gabe & Sanada work together to DOUBLE SUPLEX! Gabe suplexes again, BRAINBUSTER!! Cover, ZSJ BREAKS IT! Sanada TOSSES ZSJ out and tells Gabe to finish this! ZSJ RAMS Sanada, they brawl outside, and Gabe slashes his throat. Gabe drags Oiwa up, reels him in, but Oia slips through the gut wrench to backslide! TWO, and Gabe UPPERCUTS!
Gabe runs, but ZSJ is back! He BOOTS Gabe but Gabe SLAPS ZSJ! ZSJ KICKS the haymaker away to then ROUNDHOUSE Gabe! Sanada’s in to dragon sleeper! ZSJ arm-drags free, but Sanada comes back to SHINING WIZARD! Sanada then drags ZSJ up, but ZSJ scoops first! ZACK DRIVER!! ZSJ and Sanada flop out of the ring, leaving Oiwa and Gabe to rise up. They run at each other, to DOUBLE LARIAT! neither man falls, they DOUBLE LARIAT again! Gabe UPPERCUTS! Oiwa PALM STRIKES! Gabe PALM STRIKES, CHOPS, JABS, rebounds, into a roll-up! Hig stack, TMDK WINS!!
Winners: Zack Sabre Jr. & Ryohei Oiwa, by pinfall
Gabe is in shock! He gets right in Red Shoes’ face but Red Shoes says it was a fair count! Gabe then goes after Oiwa to CLOBBER him! The fans boo and Young Lions rush in, but Gabe eggs Oiwa on! So Oiwa obliges and they brawl among the fans! The Young Lions rush in to separate the two, but Gabe gets loose to CLOBBER Oiwa! They scrap, ZSJ joins in, and he pulls the two apart. Gabe kicks a chair in frustration, then goes into retreat. Wait, Oiwa chases Gabe to the ramp and beats him down! Young Lions again scramble in to stop this, but it just heads to the back! Sanada shrugs it off, will the #ColdWarDogs just have to try harder in the next round?
As for the winners, well, they’re no longer ringside so there won’t be any in-ring closing words. Backstage interviews begin, Gabe promises Oiwa will be put in the ground! Will the Mad Man show The Mullet what it takes to be NJPW Strong? As for ZSJ, he gathers himself, and tells NJPW Media that he doesn’t know where The Mullet went. Actually, no, he has an idea: The Mullet must be smashing the s*it outta Gabe. “Roy The Mullet” is the next NJPW Strong Openweight Champion! Oiwa will hit Gabe so hard, his legs will turn into trombones! As for ZSJ, there is something rare happening in this year’s WTL, isn’t it?
Yes, it’s that the IWGP World EFFIN’ Heavyweight Champion is involved, as this should be! The first time the world champion’s been in this tournament in roughly a decade! ZSJ said he was gonna be a different kind of world champion for NJPW, and that he promises to take NJPW back to the top! Now obviously, a conflict of interests, as this tournament is Shane Haste’s & Mikey Nicholls’ to win, but ZSJ won’t give the boys an easy ride. ZSJ is dreaming~ of an all TMDK World Tag League finals! Then who knows, maybe Zack & Roy get the job done.
But ZSJ knows the Tokyo Dome is coming soon. And Shota Umino wants to be ZSJ’s challenger. ZSJ says he will be keeping his eyes wide open for Shota. ZSJ says he’ll have a DOUBLE main event in the Tokyo Dome, it’s in the bag. What about you, Shota? The Front Man heads out, having put the pressure on his challenger, but will all of NJPW soon belong to TMDK?
Here are the A Block standings!
Zack Sabre Jr. & Ryohei Oiwa: 1-0, 2 points
Jeff Cobb & Callum Newman: 1-0, 2 points
Shingo Takagi & Yota Tsuji: 1-0, 2 points
Bishamon: 1-0, 2 points
Gabe Kidd & Sanada: 0-1, 0 points
Kenta & Chase Owens: 0-1, 0 points
Alex Zayne & Ryusuke Taguchi: 0-1, 0 points
Shota Umino & Tomoaki Honma: 0-1, 0 points
My Thoughts:
A great start to World Tag League 2024, with just A Block opening things tonight. I will say those tune-up matches were interesting. Even though David Finlay is the Global Champion, it’s Taiji Ishimori that has apparently become Bullet Club’s international ambassador. Taiji brought Robbie X into the group, now he teamed with The Filip Brothers, Tome & Stevie, who knows who else Bone Soldier will recruit. Taiji’s team beating Tanahashi’s team, House of Torture cheating and beating Tanahashi’s friends, this is all putting the pressure on The Ace, meaning The Ace will win out at WrestleKingdom 19.
Shota Umino teaming with Tomoaki Honma, I wonder if this is to hold Shota back somehow. He is apparently still heading for WrestleKingdom and a world title match with ZSJ, so it’s not like Shota needs to win WTL, but I guess NJPW just wants Shota to give the fans a good time alongside a fan favorite like Honma. Also, Callum & Cobb have a fun new shirt for their team-up. I figured Zayne would need to improvise now that #MonsterSauce is no longer happening, and Taguchi was a great surprise choice. But #FunkySauce making its debut against a team as strong as Takagi & Tsuji was a shame because of course LIJ was winning that. Maybe Zayne & Taguchi can pull off a spoiler victory later on, but I don’t see Funky Sauce going that strong.
Bishamon VS Kenta & Chase really was an awesome match, and it is so surprising how Chase has grown in just the past couple years. Great win for Goto & Hashi, though, as they’re clearly the solid utility choices in the tag division. And what an awesome main event, with Sanada bringing out the most Heel stuff he’s done perhaps ever. A bit jarring really, but that’s just kinda old fashioned Heel turns for ya. Great win for TMDK, though, and definitely an unorthodox way of closing by having Oiwa and Gabe brawl all over ringside and into the back.
While ZSJ says it is big for the world champ to be in this tournament, which I do agree with on some level, it also makes some of the A Block action seem secondary. Gabe and Oiwa having their grudge was kinda the main motivator behind this match, and then it’ll be similar when Shota & Honma VS ZSJ & Oiwa happens. There is the added drama of, “What if someone pins ZSJ? Will they get a world title match before WK19?” Maybe Shota solidifies his WK title match by being the one that pins ZSJ in their match, but it all just feels like more flash than substance. No one else is going to pin ZSJ, Oiwa probably takes whatever losses their team will take, so A Block’s story suffers for it.
My Score: 8.9/10
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TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends
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