Coverage

Mitchell’s WWE SmackDown Results & Report! (2/17/23)

Welcome home, Sami Zayn!

Published

2 years ago

February 17, 2023

Steven Mitchell

OLE~ OLE OLE OLE~!

Just 24 hours before facing Roman Reigns for the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship, Sami Zayn returns home to Montreal! Will Sami’s homecoming be a happy one?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

Ronda Rousey & Shayna Baszler VS Natalya & Shotzi Blackheart; Ronda & Shayna win.
Drew McIntyre & Sheamus VS The Viking Raiders w/ Valhalla; McIntyre & Sheamus win.
Asuka VS Liv Morgan; Asuka wins.
WWE Intercontinental Championship: GUNTHER w/ Imperium VS Mad Cap Moss w/ Emma; Gunther wins and retains the title.

PLAY BY PLAY

WWE mourns the loss of Jerry Jarrett.

Ronda Rousey & Shayna Baszler VS Natalya & Shotzi Blackheart!

The Baddest Woman on the Planet returned to help the Queen of Spades beat down the Queen of Harts, but then the Wild Child made her own return! Now we see a team-up to settle scores! Will Ronda & Shayna rip Natty apart in Montreal? Or will Shotzi help Natty #TakeCareofBusiness?

The teams sort out and Natty starts with Shayna. They tie up, Natty hits a headlock takeover but Shayna shoves her away. Natty headlocks again, spins around to roll Shayna up, ONE! Natty waistlocks but Shayna fights up. Shayna pries the hold open to wrench an arm and twist the wrist. But Natty snapmares free and BOOTS Shayna down! Ronda tags in, fans boo, but Ronda just stares Natty down. They circle, tie up, and Natty wrenches an arm. Ronda wrenches back, Natty rolls and handsprings to wrench, only for Ronda to throw Natty down! Natty has the legs, Ronda kicks her away, and the two stand off.

Natty and Ronda stare down, but Ronda tags Shayna. Natty tags Shotzi and fans rally up. Shotzi and Shayna tie up, Shotzi gets around but Shayna wrenches the bad arm! Shotzi arm-drags free, KNEES Shayna, then ROLLING ELBOWS and QUESTION MARK KICKS! Shotzi reels Shayna in but Shayna wrenches the arm again. Tag to Ronda, she runs in to SHINING WIZARD! Shayna tags in, Ronda has a HANGING ARMBAR! The ref counts, Ronda lets off at 4, and then Shayna hits a double wristlock takedown! Shayna isolates the bad arm, lets her hair down, and soaks up the heat. But Shotzi rolls back and trips Shayna to a SHOTGUN!

Ronda tags in, Shotzi dodges her but Ronda comes back. Shotzi ducks under, waistlocks to keep Ronda from Shayna, and chicken wings for a TIGER PLEX! Shotzi keeps on those arms, for CATTLE MUTILATION! Ronda endures and fights up, spins Shotzi around and fireman’s carries! Shotzi fights with elbows and waistlocks. Ronda switches, they go to ropes and Shotzi throws Ronda out! Shayna coaches Ronda up but Shotzi runs to DIVE! Direct hit and fans fire up! Shotzi howls, but here comes Shayna! Shotzi dodges, Natty DISCUS LARIATS! Natty sets Shayna and Ronda up, for Shotzi’s SUPER CROSSBODY! Montreal is all fired up for Shotzi & Natty as SmackDown goes to break!

SmackDown returns and Shayna has Shotzi by the bad arm! Shotzi fights up but Shayna throws her down! Shayna pulls on the bad arm, bends the fingers, but Shotzi still endures. Shayna shifts to a cording hold but Shotzi moves around. Natty rallies the fans, Shotzi stands up and throws forearms! Shotzi reaches for Natty, throws more forearms, but Shayna brings her away! Shotzi arm-drags free, runs, but Shayna picks her up to throw her away! Shayna DECKS Natty with a cheap shot, and she storms up to Shotzi. Shayna has her in the corner, tags Ronda, but Shotzi fires off on them both!

Ronda pulls hair but Shotzi throws Shayna out! Ronda drags Shotzi up but Shotzi pulls on Ronda’s hair! Shotzi SLAPS Ronda, then goes to the top rope for an APRON DDT!! Shotzi bringing Ronda back to their title match months ago! Fans fire up and Shotzi gets in the ring, but Shayna throws Ronda in. Shayna tags in and has a leg, but Shotzi ENZIGURIS her away! Hot tag to Natty! Montreal fires up as Natty rallies on Shayna! Spin and RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP! Natty hurries to waistlock but Shayna bucks the O’Conner Roll. Shayna kicks, waistlocks, but Natty elbows and switches to GERMAN SUPLEX!

Natty brings Shayna up, whips her, but Shayna reverses. Shayna runs in but the knee hits buckles! Natty gets under Shayna for a SIT-OUT POWERBOMB! Cover, TWO!! Natty doesn’t let that stop her, she goes for the legs! Shayna kicks her away, gets around, KIRAFUDA- NO, Natty backs her into the corner! Ronda tags in, Natty snapmares free, DISCUS! Ronda is up top, but Natty avoids the crossbody! Ronda tumbles into Shayna, Natty gets the legs! Natty steps through, for the SHARPSHOOTER!! Fans are thunderous while Ronda endures! Ronda reaches out, crawls over, but Natty pulls her back! Shayna runs in and Natty goes after her!

Natty tosses Shayna out, goes back to Ronda and brings her over. Tag to Shotzi, she and Natty set Ronda up, HART- NO, Shayna trips Natty and drags her out! Ronda then snap suplexes to the ARMBAR!! Shotzi fights, flails, but taps! Ronda & Shayna win!

Winners: Ronda Rousey & Shayna Baszler, by submission

Fans boo but there’s nothing they can do! Shayna & Ronda snatched that one away from Natty & Shotzi and are looking strong in their return to tag team action. Will the Baddest Women on the Planet be looking for new gold come WrestleMania? Will this not bode well for Natty’s chances inside the Elimination Chamber?

WWE looks back at Sami Zayn’s story.

Last April, after WrestleMania crowned Roman Reigns as Undisputed WWE Universal Champion, the Great Liberator came to him. Sami had lost again and again, and what he needed more than anything was to regain the respect he is owed. So he had a proposal: if there was a way Sami could help The Bloodline, he promised to be a very valuable ally. And so, Sami helped the Usos, he helped Solo Sikoa, and he helped Roman Reigns. He was accepted as the Honorary Uce, he helped them win WarGames, and he was beside them even when Kevin Owens told him, “You’re not their real blood, and you never will be.”

Kevin planted the seeds of doubt, but Sami refused to hear it. And in the end, Kevin was right. The Tribal Chief’s paranoia and anger turned itself towards Sami, pushed him away, and it got to the point where Roman wanted to execute Sami. Sami was given his “final test” at the Royal Rumble.

Hit Row is in the ring!

They have the mics, and they wanna drop the beat! Ashante THEE Adonis says, “Y’all ain’t even real friends yet. We’re about to bust y’all today.” Dolla says Montreal didn’t show them any love, so they better this time. Wait, was that a flash of the White Rabbit? Dolla starts with “Reporting life from Montreal, Quebec. Where we all know the facts: Bret screwed Bret! And I gotta thank the Lord above, because tomorrow, we get to leave Canada!” B-Fab says, “And let’s be real real quick. Canada’s about Toronto, y’all the side chick. It’s cold, and ya team too weak. That’s why we can’t wait ’til we Maple leave.”

Dolla dares anyone in the back to- UH OH! The lights go out, and here comes BRAY WYATT!! That flash was foreshadowing! UNCLE HOWDY is on the apron! And Bray in a spooky mask of his own! Fans lose their minds, Hit Row tells Howdy and Bray not to, but they step inside the ring. Adonis swings on Howdy but Howdy DECKS him, and then Bray TOSSES Dolla out of the ring! Adonis stumbles around, into the MANDIBLE CLAW, and feed to the SISTER ABIGAIL! B-Fab panics but Wyatt gets the mic. “You’re welcome, Montreal.” Fans cheer that with “Thank You, Bray!”

Bray continues to say, “Now that I am once again in control of myself, in control of my family, I wanted to be the first one to tell you this. Tomorrow night, Bobby Lashley, Brock Lesnar, whichever one of you walks out alive, whichever one of you is the winner, know: you. Should. Run.” The Eater of Worlds has called out the two biggest behemoths in the WWE! Will either one of them be ready for when Bray comes for them?

The Brawling Brutes fire up backstage.

Sheamus asks Drew McIntyre if he’s ready. Because tonight is Fight Night! Ridge Holland & Pete Dunne see them off, the Celtic Connection is ready to settle the score with the Viking Raiders!

Mad Cap Moss speaks.

“Nobody expected me to win last week.” Emma says she did. He says that’s right. How’d she know he would? Look at him! No one moves like Moss, no one has a physique like him, and it’s his time to shine. Moss agrees with that. And surely, just as many people will doubt him this week, so let them doubt. They were wrong last week, they’ll still be wrong until they realize Mad Cap Moss is a superstar. Emma has his back, but will Moss get that gold off Gunther?

Drew McIntyre & Sheamus VS The Viking Raiders w/ Valhalla!

The Celtic Connection beat Erik & Ivar in the SmackDown Tag Team Tournament, but they didn’t settle for that. Erik & Ivar beat down the Scottish & Celtic Warriors to take them out of the tournament, and now we see these two sides go to war! Will McIntyre & Sheamus survive Ragnarök? Or will this be the end of their battles together?

The teams sort out and Ivar starts against Sheamus. Sheamus runs in, Ivar avoids the Brogue but Sheamus avoids the heel kick. Sheamus RAMS Ivar, he bails out, but Sheamus goes out to FLYING CLOHTESLINE! Sheamus rains down fists on Ivar, McIntyre and Erik brawl! McIntyre RAMS Erik into barriers! Sheamus SMACKS Ivar off the apron, puts him in the ring, and storms in. Ivar kicks low, CLUBS away, then whips. Sheamus dodges to clothesline Ivar up and out! Fans fire up with The Fella while Sarah Logan calms down the Vikings. McIntyre eggs on the Vikings while SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns and Erik gives Sheamus Ace Ten Mao! Cover, TWO! Tag to Ivar, he drags Sheamus up and throws him down by his head! Ivar then clamps on a chinbar and he cranks on Sheamus’ head. The fans rally, Sheamus fights up, and Sheamus throws body shots. Ivar ROCKS Sheamus with a right, then throws elbows in the corner. The ref counts, Ivar brings Sheamus over, tag to Erik. The Vikings mug Sheamus while fans boo. Erik digs his fingers into Sheamus’ face! The ref reprimands, Sheamus endures, but Erik CLUBS him down! Erik drags Sheamus up, puts him on ropes and CHOKES him!

Fans rally for Sheamus and the ref counts. Erik lets off but “Valhalla” taunts Sheamus. Erik CLUBS Sheamus but Sheamus throws hands! Erik ROCKS Sheamus and he staggers to a corner! Tag to Ivar, he runs in and SPLASHES! Then he sucker punches McIntyre! Fans boo but Ivar sneers. Ivar runs in at Sheamus, but into a LARIAT! Fans fire up while both men are down! Ivar and Sheamus crawl for their corners, hot tags to Erik and McIntyre! McIntyre rallies on Erik, whips him to ropes, and CLOBBERS him! Erik staggers up, goes to a corner, McIntyre SPLASHES, to an OVERHEAD Belly2Belly!

Ivar runs in, to get a NECKBREAKER! Erik is back up, he gets a NECKBREAKER! McIntyre kips up and Montreal fires up! McIntyre glares at Erik, kicks low and reels him in, but Erik wrenches out! Erik ROCKS McIntyre, McIntyre ROCKS back, repeat! McIntyre CHOPS, runs, but Erik follows, only to run into a MICHINOKU DRIVER! Cover, TWO! McIntyre keeps cool as he glares at Erik. McIntyre stands Erik up, but Erik throat chops!! Ivar tags in, but runs into a GLASGOW KISS! Sheamus tags in, he HOTSHOTS Ivar, and then hurries in to fire off body shots! Sheamus whips Ivar corner to corner, runs in, but into a BOOT!

Sheamus falls, Ivar goes up top! Fans boo but then Sheamus ROCKS Ivar! Sheamus throws hands, fans fire up as Sheamus climbs! Sheamus fireman’s carries Ivar for a SUPER ROLLING SENTON!! Both men are down and even McIntyre can’t believe it as SmackDown goes to break!

SmackDown returns again and both Sheamus & McIntyre have the Vikings on the ropes! DOUBLE BEATS OF THE BODHRAIN!! Fans count along to TEN, and we go past that to TWENTY-TWO!! The Vikings flop down and fans are thunderous! McIntyre drags Ivar up, Ivar shoves him away and elbows back! Ivar runs in, into a SPINEBUSTER! Tag to Sheamus and he goes up top! KING KONG KNEE! Cover, Erik breaks it! Erik drags Ivar over to the corner, tags in, but Sheamus is ready with a scoop and SLAM! “FELLA~!” Fans fire up with Sheamus and he goes to a corner. Sheamus beats his chest, fans fire up for the- NO, Erik picks Sheamus up!

Erik stumbles against ropes, he brings Sheamus back up, POWERBOMB! Cover, TWO!! Sheamus survives and fans rally back up. Erik snarls goes to a corner and climbs up. Erik leaps, into a KNEE! Hot tag to McIntyre! McIntyre aims from a corner now and here comes the countdown! “THREE! TWO! ONE!” But Erik bails out with Ivar’s help! So McIntyre just FLIES! Direct hit at the ramp! Montreal is thunderous again and McIntyre puts Erik back in! McIntyre resets in the corner, but Sarah is on the apron! She shouts at McIntyre, Ivar tags in! McIntyre runs at Erik, into an URENAGE! Erik drags McIntyre up to hand off to Ivar!

Ivar has McIntyre for a SUPER POWERSLAM!! Cover, Sheamus breaks it! Erik POSTS Sheamus! Erik hauls McIntyre up, GLASGOW KISS! HEEL KICK from Ivar!! Ivar goes up top again, for the VIKING SPLASH! Cover, TWO!! McIntyre survives and shocks the Vikings! Ivar roars, he tags Erik, “This is Awesome!” as the Vikings drag McIntyre up. Sarah calls for it, but Sheamus BROGUES Ivar! McIntyre dodges Erik to CLAYMORE!! Cover, Sheamus & McIntyre win!

Winners: Drew McIntyre & Sheamus, by pinfall

Valhalla is seething but the Vikings could not conquer the Celtic Connection! McIntyre & Sheamus are rolling again, will they find their way back to gold before WrestleMania?

WWE continues to look back at Sami Zayn’s story.

The Honorary Uce’s final test at the Royal Rumble was whether or not he could beat down Kevin Owens. Roman kept claiming Sami was his family now, but then Sami stopped Roman! Sami said executing Kevin was beneath him, so Roman agreed, and made Sami take the chair. When Sami didn’t, Roman got angry. Sami would then hit Roman with the chair! The fans were ecstatic but the Bloodline was furious! Jimmy beat Sami down, Solo beat Sami down, but Jey couldn’t bring himself to do it. Jey left, and his status within The Bloodline is still in question. Roman claimed Sami was using him all along, but then Sami attacked Roman on SmackDown!

Sami made one thing clear: he didn’t want anything from Roman, until now! Sami wants the WWE Undisputed Universal Championship, and they will battle it out in just 24 hours from now! The Elimination Chamber is coming, and Sami vows to be the one to finally take Roman down. But even without Jey, Roman still has Jimmy and Solo. Will Roman break Sami in mind, body and spirit in front of his hometown crowd? Or will this be the greatest homecoming anyone could dream of?

Backstage interview with Rey Mysterio.

Kayla Braxton says last week, Rey shared a special moment with Santos Escobar. They presented each other with the ultimate signs of respect: the trading of lucha masks. Escobar wants to move out of the shadow of his father’s legacy and of Rey’s, and Rey hopes Escobar starts his own. Rey says in the present that he knows that meant a lot to Escobar, and that it meant the world to him. Competition is always welcomed here, and respect-” Kross cuts Rey off there. “Respect? Y’know something, Rey? Once upon a time, I wanted to be a father. But then, after I saw the lack of respect and the look of disgust in your son’s eyes that he had for you, I thought to myself, ‘Maybe that’s not for me.'”

Kross says unlike Rey, he can walk around here without hiding his face in shame under a mask for being a pathetic excuse of a father. “But then again, that’s just Scarlett’s opinion.” Kross dares Rey to do something about it. Tick-tock. Kross & Scarlett leave, and Rey is fuming. Will Rey take his anger out on Kross in a rematch? Or is there only one way to fix this?

Asuka VS Liv Morgan!

The Empress of Tomorrow showed us all on Monday that she is more than ready for all five opponents in the Women’s Elimination Chamber match! She takes on the daredevil willing to do anything to win, but will not even Liv’s new extreme lifestyle be ready for Asuka?

SmackDown returns and Liv makes her entrance while Carmella joins commentary. Mella says Wade Barrett can stomp simping, she’s taken by Corey Graves, “the best color commentator.” The bell rings and Liv ties up with Asuka. Liv headlocks, hits a takeover, but Asuka headscissors. Liv kips free and fans cheer the standoff. Asuka applauds, and offers a handshake. Liv accepts but then Asuka leaves her hanging! Liv swings, misses, but she ducks the backhands and kicks! Liv SLAPS Asuka, but Asuka reels her in! Liv elbows free, both women steady themselves, and Liv fires off! Asuka blocks a kick, gets around and GERMAN SUPLEXES!

Asuka runs to SLIDING KICK! Cover, TWO! Asuka drags Liv around to clamp onto the arm. But here comes Raquel Rodriguez, making for four entrants out here. Raquel says she heard Mella talking crap but Mella says she was just saying how Raquel’s so big and strong and she loves that for her. But then NIKKI CROSS is here?! She snuggles Michael Cole? And then gets on the desk, chanting “FIGHT! FIGHT! FIGHT!” She wants Raquel and Mella to fight? Asuka is rather confused by what’s going on ringside, but she keeps on Liv. Liv fights up, throws hands, but Asuka CLUBS her! Asuka whips, runs in, but Liv BOOTS her!

Asuka runs back in, Liv goes up and over. Mella says no one cares about any of the others, “everyone is talking about Carmella!” Asuka BOOTS Liv away, she goes up the corner, but Liv ROCKS her! Liv runs up and hits a SUPER CODE BREAKER!! Cover, TWO!! Asuka survives and Nikki is loving it while SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns again and Asuka grinds Liv down with an armlock, and even forearms in Liv’s face. Natty has returned ringside, coaching Liv. Liv fights up, throws body shots, but Asuka CLUBS Liv. Asuka whips, Liv reverses, then Liv runs in to back body block! Liv runs back in to SHINING WIZARD! Liv snapmares, runs, springboards but Asuka KNEES her down! Cover, TWO! Nikki is all hyped up on the desk and hopes Cole will be her best friend. Mella says she’s so weird, someone needs to get her outta here. Asuka KICKS Liv, KICKS her again, and KICKS her again! Mella says she’s doing better commentary than Wade!

Liv fires up, BUZZSAW! Liv SLAPS Asuka!! Asuka laughs!? Liv likes it, too! They fire off, URAKEN, URAKEN, SOBAT and KICK, but Liv ducks to ROCK Asuka with haymakers! Liv kicks low, kicks again, then ENZIGURIS! Asuka goes to a corner, Liv runs in, and back body blocks! Liv goes in again, SHINING WIZARD! Liv shoves Asuka down, adjusts and leaps, MISSILE DROPKICK! Nikki smiles and fans fire up again! Asuka runs in, Liv dodges, and springboards to CODE BREAKER! Asuka staggers to ropes, Liv runs in, but Asuka denies Oblivion to flip Liv! Liv ducks a kick, rolls Asuka up, TWO!! RINGS OF STRETCH!! Liv verbally taps, Asuka wins!

Winner: Asuka, by submission

Asuka blows a kiss to all her future opponents, but Mella gets in to FABULOUS KCIK! But Natty DISCUS LARIATS! Nikki kicks Natty low, for THE PURGE! Raquel gets in to give Nikki a TEXANA BOMB!! Raquel looks at Liv in the corner, and she offers her a hand. Liv takes it and Raquel stands her up. Raquel says it’s all good, but may the best woman win. Liv hits a CODE BREAKER! Asuka ROUNDHOUSES Raquel out of the ring! Asuka and Liv look up at the Chamber, they’re both ready to go again! Who will survive the Chamber to then face The EST at WrestleMania?

Backstage interview with Imperium.

Megan Morant says Gunther is just moments away from defending the Intercontinental Championship against Mad Cap Moss, who said- Gunther stops Megan there. “I could not care less what Moss had to say. He made it this far and that’s very good for him. But one impressive victory and some encouraging words from his girl doesn’t change a thing. Since 250 days, I am dominating. And just like everybody else who challenges me on that sacred mat out there, he will fall to Der Ring General!” Gunther heads out, Vinci & Ludwig by his side. Will Gunther crush Moss’ hopes and dreams in Montreal? Or will Moss make Gunther the butt of the joke?

WWE Intercontinental Championship: GUNTHER w/ Imperium VS Mad Cap Moss w/ Emma!

SmackDown returns and Moss makes his entrance. The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see if Moss can pull off another shocker!

The bell rings and the two feel things out. Moss shoots in, Gunther facelocks and puts Moss in a corner. The ref counts, Gunther lets off but CHOPS! And CHOPS! Gunther talks trash, Moss TACKLES him! Moss rains down fists but Gunther kicks him away. Moss comes back, puts Gunther in the corner and he RAMS in! Moss facelocks, Gunther powers Moss back, powers out and throws body shots. Gunther hits as headlock takeover, but Moss keeps his shoulders up. Moss fights up, throws some shots, then powers out, only for Gunther to run him over! Gunther swings but Moss counter punches!

Moss headlocks, Gunther powers out, they RAM shoulders, and then RAM again! Gunther CHOPS Moss, BOOTS him down, then covers, ONE!! Gunther clamps right onto Moss with a headlock and grinds him down. Moss endures, fights up, but Gunther grinds the headlock. Moss powers up to lift Gunther, but Gunther counters with a headlock takeover! Moss headscissors, Gunther kips free, but Moss dodges the haymaker to RAM Gunther into the corner! Gunther staggers, Moss RAMS him into another corner! Fans are torn but Gunther catches Moss to a facelock! Moss fights up, and he powers Gunther up and throws him away!

Moss dodges ‘n’ ducks, but Gunther leaps, into Moss’ SPINEBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Moss POUNCES Gunther out of the ring! Fans are torn as Gunther shakes out the stars and SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns again and the hands fly back and forth! Moss ROCKS Gunther, Gunther ROCKS Moss, repeat! Gunther CHOPS, Moss LARIATS, repeat! Gunther CHOPS and CHOPS and CHOPS Moss off his feet! Fans fire up for Gunther as he passes around Moss. Gunther reels Moss in, gets him up, but Moss slips free and turns Gunther. Gunther powers out and then scoops, but Moss slips free! Moss ducks ‘n’ dodges, but runs into a SLEEPER! Moss shifts around, BIG back suplex! Moss keeps moving, builds up speed, and he CLOBBERS Gunther! Cover, TWO!! Gunther survives and Emma can’t believe it!

Moss waits on Gunther and fans rally up. Moss reels Gunther in, turns him, but Gunther wrenches out to CHOP! Gunther reels Moss in, suplexes, but Moss fights it off! Moss suplexes but Gunther fights it off! Moss tries again, and he gets Gunther up and over! Moss hurries to stand Gunther up and turn him, PUNCHLINE!! Cover, TWO!?! Gunther survives Moss’ best shot and Moss can’t believe it! Gunther crawls to a corner and fans rally up. Moss runs in to RAM into Gunther! But Gunther pulls Moss’ hair to bring him into the SLEEPER! Moss arm-drags free, scoops Gunther, but Gunther powers free to turn Moss! Gunther CHOPS Moss down!

Gunther goes to the corner, he climbs up top, but Moss ROCKS him first! Moss throws more forearms, he goes up after Gunther, but Gunther CHOPS Moss down! Moss is back in the drop zone, Gunther goes back up top, but Moss returns! Moss clinches, scoops, and SUPER FALL AWAY SLAMS!! Cover, TWO!! Gunther survives again and Emma is beside herself! Moss is also stunned, what more does he have to do to win? Moss roars, runs, but Gunther catches him into a SLEEPER! Moss flails, reaches out, but he’s already fading! Fans sing “OLE~ OLE OLE OLE~!” for Sami but he’s not here yet. Gunther turns Moss around, GENERAL BOMB!! Cover, Gunther wins!

Winner: Gunther, by pinfall (still WWE Intercontinental Champion)

Moss may not have proved all his doubters wrong, but he lasted a lot longer than even Gunther expected. But then, who is next to step to Der Ring General?

Sami Zayn heads to the ring!

Montreal practically explodes for their hometown hero! And he has a new shirt, “The Honourary Hab,” in honor of Montreal’s hockey team. Sami is so pumped up, he almost falls into the ring as he goes up the ropes. Fans chant “SAMI! SAMI!” as he gets the mic, then they sing “OLE~ OLE OLE OLE~! OLE~, OLE~!” Sami soaks it all in, and even gets a little emotional. Sami smiles as the chanting and singing just continues. They even chant, “You Deserve It!” and that brings a tear to Sami’s eye. Sami can’t help but let the fans continue as they return to singing. Sami finally speaks, “I can’t follow that.”

Sami says that every year around this time, people point to the sign. Sami does, and fans cheer. “Year after year, we tell everybody that that is the most important show of the year. And it’s true. But for me, for this city, tomorrow night is ONCE IN A LIFETIME!” Sami talks some smack in French on Roman Reigns and the fans fire up. “Tomorrow night is not just Roman Reigns VS Sami Zayn. Tomorrow night is Roman Reigns VS Sami Zayn and the entire city of Montreal! ROMAN!! YOU ARE GOING DOWN!!” Sami slams the mic down and Montreal is thunderous! With this much fire inside him, will Sami burn down the Island of Relevancy? Or will he burn down with it?

My Thoughts:

A great SmackDown, especially for a go-home episode. Though, obviously as a go-home, there was a recap package to open it, and there were the “Sami Zayn story” video packages. Now obviously, part of those packages being there was also for how Paul Heyman told Jimmy that the Usos were staying home to see what the fans see. Those packages surely “reveal” to Jimmy that Jey talked with Sami and that there could be collusion between them. If only they had like an “Uso cam” or Uso watch party so we could get their reactions. But at the same time, there’s a chance the Usos show up during Elimination Chamber, if Canada is okay with them showing up.

Great opening tag match from Ronda & Shayna VS Natty & Shotzi. Shotzi took the loss so Ronda & Shayna could be strong in the tag division while Natty isn’t directly hurt going into the Chamber. And we got a great match out of Asuka VS Liv, where of course we saw the other entrants show up. Nikki stole the spotlight from Mella, she’s really bringing that SAnitY persona back. Asuka wins, of course, and she might be able to defy go-home math by still winning the Chamber. You can’t cool off this return to Demon Clown looking Kana style persona, Asuka has to go to WrestleMania, and maybe even win the title.

Great tag match from McIntyre & Sheamus VS The Viking Raiders, though I still wish there was a stipulation here. McIntyre & Sheamus winning again surely means they’re moving on from here, possibly to the Intercontinental title. Moss had a great showing against Gunther but of course he was going to lose. Also, I think they didn’t really time this title defense right. Moss getting booed by Montreal when he’s supposed to be the Face doesn’t work to the story they’re telling. But either way, Gunther could face McIntyre, he could face Sheamus again, he could end up facing both, and either way, we’re getting an awesome match for Mania.

Good promo from Rey and Kross, they’re of course having another 1v1, but somehow, some way, Judgment Day is moving to SmackDown after WrestleMania (probably with Rhea winning the SmackDown Women’s title) and so Rey will have no choice but to have it out with Dom. Good start to a rap promo from Hit Row, but what a surprise that Bray Wyatt & Uncle Howdy showed up. And furthermore, what a surprise that Bray is calling out Lashley and Lesnar. I suppose that does change how things could go for Lashley and Lesnar, with the winner having a great WrestleMania story with Bray. I don’t know which I’d prefer to see, but even if it’s Lesnar, I would hope Bray finds a way to win.

My Score: 8.6/10

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Mitchell’s NJPW Road to New Beginning Results & Report! (1/30/25)

GO! ACE! GO! ACE!

Published

50 minutes ago

January 30, 2025

Steven Mitchell

Tanahashi’s Final Road to New Beginning!

Evil couldn’t end President Ace, but will The House of Torture still take the NEVER Openweight Six Man Championships from him?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

Kickoff – Masatora Yasuda VS Daiki Nagai; Time Limit Draw.
YOSHI-HASHI & Katsuya Murashima VS Ryohei Oiwa & Hartley Jackson; Oiwa & Jackson win.
8 Man Tag: El Phantasmo, Jado, Shota Umino & Togi Makabe VS The United Empire; ELP, Jado, Shota & Makabe win.
Taichi & Taka Michinoku VS SANADA & Taiji Ishimori; Sanada & Taiji win.
Tomohiro Ishii & Tomoaki Honma VS Tetsuya Naito & Hiromu Takahashi; Naito & Hiromu win.
Six Man Tag: Los Ingobernables de Japon VS Bullet Club War Dogs; War Dogs win.
NEVER Openweight Six Man Tag Team Championships: Hiroshi Tanahashi, Toru Yano & Boltin Oleg VS The House of Torture; The House of Torture wins and become the new NEVER Openweight Six Man Tag Team Champions.
Six Man Tag: Hirooki Goto, El Desperado & YOH VS TMDK; TMDK wins.

PLAY BY PLAY

NEVER Openweight Six Man Tag Team Championships: Hiroshi Tanahashi, Toru Yano & Boltin Oleg VS The House of Torture!

Evil tried to make WrestleKingdom 19 the last time we saw President Ace in this ring but he failed! However, his minions will not stop in trying to ruin the rest of Tanahashi’s last year. Will Ren Narita, Yujiro Takahashi & Sho take these titles back to the House? Or will The Ace, Joker & Rook stand tall?

The House walks out here showing off the belts they literally stole back at New Year Dash, but now the tables have turned! Tanahashi and team attack The House from behind! The fans cheer as The House finally tastes their own medicine! Tanahashi snatches back the belts so that he, Yano & Oleg can stand with them in the ring. The House protests but they’re one to talk. The introductions are skipped, the bell rings, and the brawl is back on as Tanahashi’s team goes back out after The House! Yano whips Sho, but Sho reverses to send Yano into railing! Sho stomps away on Yano, then helps Ren mug Oleg!

Yujiro turns things around on Tanahashi, and then he brings Tanahashi out to No Man’s Land! Sho bends Oleg’s fingers, puts his hand through the railing and pulls! The fans rally for Tanahashi’s team while the ref reprimands The House. Yujiro puts Tanahashi in, then he, Sho & Ren all stomp away! The fans boo, the ref reprimands, but The House all put one out on Tanahashi. Yujiro stands Tanahashi up, then he and Sho double whip Tanahashi corner to corner. Yujiro runs in but Tanahashi dodges! Tanahashi then dropkicks Sho’s leg, then he dropkicks Narita’s leg! The fans fire up and Tanahashi runs at Yujiro.

Yujiro dodges, but Tanahashi ELBOWS him away! Tanahashi goes up to CROSSBODY! The fans fire up again as Tanahashi air guitars. Tag to Yano and he TOSSES Yujiro out! Yano then brings Yujiro out into No Man’s Land, then to the back of the crowd to THROW into some open chairs! The fans cheer as Yano brings out that Great Bash Heel side, but the ref reprimands Yano. Yano tells the ref to leave him alone, and he has a chair! The ref stops Yano from hitting Yujiro! Yano argues with the ref, but now Sho & Ren mug Yano! The ref reprimands them but the mugging continues. Ren leads the ref away so Sho & Yujiro can CHOKE Yano with a chair!

The fans boo while The House also beats up Oleg & Tanahashi. Yujiro drags Yano up and then brings him back to ringside to POST him! Ren brings Oleg around with a headlock and sends him into railing! Then more railing! Then into the crowd! Yujiro uses Yano’s red chair to CHOKE him! The ring count finally starts, but Ren JAMS Oleg up with a chair! The count reaches 10 of 20 and The House returns to the ring. Yano is still down at 15! The fans rally, Yano rises up at 17, and he lurches in at 19! The fans cheer but Yujiro is annoyed. Yujiro drops a leg, then an elbow, then a HEADBUTT! Cover, TWO!

The fans cheer as Yano stays in this, but Ren sends Tanahashi into railing! Yujiro tags Sho, Sho CHOKES Yano with a boot to the neck! The ref counts, Sho stops, then Sho TOSSES Yano out! Sho keeps the ref distracted while Ren JAMS Yano up with a chair! Ren pushes Yano in, Sho covers, TWO! Yano survives and Sho is frustrated. Tag to Ren, he drags Yano up, and Ren whips Yano to ELBOW him down! Cover, TWO! Ren BLASTS Tanahashi off the apron! Ren grins as the ref now keeps Oleg back. Ren CHOKES Yano on the ropes, Sho joins in to CLAW Yano’s eyes, but then the ref counts. Ren lets off and Yano flops down.

Ren drags Yano up, but Yano pulls hair! Ren breaks free, knees low, then runs up. Yano dodges, clinches, and BELLY2BELLY SUPLEXES! The fans fire up, Yano hot tags Oleg! Oleg jumps in and CLOBBERS Ren! Oleg then deadlifts Ren, but Sho attacks! The fans boo, Sho runs, SPEAR bounces off of Oleg! Oleg then deadlifts Sho! Shake, Shake, Shake! But Yujiro CLUBS Oleg! Yujiro & Ren double whip, but Oleg DOUBLE SHOULDER TACKLES! The fans fire up and Oleg runs at the corner to SPLASH Ren! Then he scoops and TOSSES Ren! The fans fire up as Oleg then runs to SPLASH! Cover, TWO!

Ren survives but Oleg deadlifts Ren right to the fireman’s carry! Ren fights free, CHOKES Oleg, but Oleg breaks free! Oleg winds up but Ren ducks the chop! Ren CHOKES Oleg, the ref counts, but Oleg CHOKES Ren! The fans cheer, and then Oleg TOSSES Ren to the corner! Tag to Tanahashi and the fans fire up! Oleg and Tanahashi haul Ren up, double whip him corner to corner, then Tanahashi sends Oleg in! Oleg ELBOWS Ren, then Tanahashi SPLASHES! Tanahashi scoops and SLAMS Ren into the drop zone! Oleg goes up, up and VADER BOMBS! Tanahashi goes up to SUNSET SENTON! Cover, Yujiro breaks it!

Oleg CLOBBERS Yujiro for that, then goes out after him. The fans fire up as Tanahashi powers up. Tanahashi runs, but Sho gets a cheap shot in! Ren BOOTS Tanahashi, tags Sho, and Sho BLASTS Yano! Yujiro turns things around on Oleg and now The House double whips President Ace! Sho runs in to forearm SMASH! Yuijro BOOTS! Ren ELBOWS Tanahashi! Ren & Sho snapmare Tanahashi, then hold the legs open! Yujiro shoves the ref aside, then FALLING HEADBUTTS Tanahashi down low! The fans boo but now Sho covers, TWO!! Tanahashi survives and Sho argues with the ref! The fans rally for Tanahashi, but Ren has his repaired pushup bar!

Ren takes aim, Tanahashi dodges, SHOTEI! Sho kicks, Tanahashi blocks to DRAGON SCREW! Yujiro runs up, but gets caught into a TWIST ‘N’ SHOUT! The fans fire up as Tanahashi crawls for his corner! Hot tag to Yano! Yano unties a buckle pad! The fans cheer, Yano whips, but Sho reverses! Yano stops from hitting the buckles, then he dodges Sho to send him into bare buckles! Yano rolls Sho up, TWO!! Sho escapes but Yano hurries to get Sho’s legs! Oleg hops in, CATAPULT into Oleg’s BELLY2BELLY! The fans fire up as Yano then stands Sho up, ONIGO- NO, Sho fights free! Sho dodges, but the ref stops him from hitting a low blow!

The ref and Sho argue, but Yujiro & Ren mug Yano! They double whip Yano, but Yano grabs ropes. Yano then sends Ren into Yujiro to DOUBLE LOW BLOW them! Atomic drop for Sho! Tanahashi runs up, SLINGBLADE! Oleg deadlifts Sho right into a fireman’s carry and DEATH VALLEY DRIVER! But YOSHINOBU KANEMARU is here! The Heel Master gets on the apron, but Young Lions already apprehend him! Yano hauls Sho up, for ONIGOROSHI!! Cover, KANEMARU TOSSES THE YOUNG LION ONTO THE REF! The fans boo but Kanemaru attacks Yano! But then Yano hits him with an atomic drop!

Kanemaru WHISKEY MISTS!? Sho LOW BLOWS Yano!! Sho rolls Yano up, HOUSE OF TORTURE WINS!!

Winners: The House of Torture, by pinfall (NEW NEVER Openweight Six Man Tag Team Champions)

What a travesty! A miscarriage of justice! Evil isn’t even here, but his army of darkness just won the gold! Yano is upset, Tanahashi is disappointed, but Oleg is mad! Oleg storms back in, only for Yujiro to BELT SHOT him down! Yujiro then kicks Oleg out, and shows he’s pretty sore from the low blow. Will these belts help the House feel much, much better?

Six Man Tag: Hirooki Goto, El Desperado & YOH VS TMDK!

The Fierce Warrior won the New Japan Ranbo to earn his shot at the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship, so that means he and Zack Sabre Jr. will do battle for the New Beginning! Will the Rogue Luchador & Direct Drive help Goto gain the upper hand? Or will Kosei Fujita & Robbie Eagles help The Mighty Front Man prepare for war?

The teams sort out while all of TMDK’s title belts are put aside. The Japanese Young Punk steps to Despy, so Despy accepts. The fans cheer and the bell rings. Despy and Fujita stare down while the fans rally. Despy has the majority, and the two circle. They feel things out, Despy facelocks but Fujita slips around to waistlock. Despy slips out, moves around, but Fujita stays on him. They go around, break, and the fans cheer. They tie up, Despy wrenches to hammerlock, but Fujita elbows free to hammerlock back. Despy switches, Fujita switches, repeat! They go hammerlock for hammerlock, but then Despy top wristlocks to wrangle FUjita!

The fans cheer, Fujita fights up, but Despy shifts to a cording hold. Fujtia whips but Despy reverses and arm-drags! Fujita comes back, he avoids the arm-drag, and then he CHOPS! Despy is stinging, but Fujita CHOPS him again! And CHOPS him again! The fans cheer, Fujita CHOPS again, but now Despy CHOPS! Fujita CHOPS, Despy ends up in the Mighty corner, and Eagles tags in. Eagles CHOPS, but then Despy CHOPS! Eagles shoves Despy and says he’s bored. He wants Yoh! The fans rally for Yoh, so Despy tags him in. The fans cheer as Yoh and Eagles circle. Wait, Yoh starts up the “ROBBIE ROBBIE ROBBIE!” “OI OI OI!”

Eagles is rather amused, and says not bad. Eagles starts it up for himself, but Yoh sneaks up! Eagles stops the schoolboy and sits on the cover, TWO and Yoh has the sunset flip! TWO, both men stand and point at the other! The fans applaud, then Yoh kicks low. Yoh whips, Eagles reverses to go up and around to arm-drag! Eagles runs in, Yoh sidesteps but Eagles hurdles. Eagles RANAS then WHEEL KICKS! Eagles kips up and the fans cheer. Eagles puts Yoh in a corner, and he says “ROBBIE ROBBIE ROBBIE!” CHOP CHOP CHOP! “ROBBIE ROBBIE ROBBIE!” CHOP CHOP CHOP! “ROBBIE!” CHOP! “ROBBIE!” CHOP! “ROBBIE ROBBIE ROBBIE!” CHOP CHOP CHOP!

The fans cheer while Yoh flounders around. Eagles whips, Goto sneaks a tag, then Goto & Yoh DOUBLE SHOULDER TACKLE Eagles! They BLAST ZSJ and Fujita, then call to Despy! Despy says no thanks, they can go ahead. “Se~ no!” DRUM BEAT on Eagles’ back! Goto asks if Despy is sure he doesn’t want in, and Despy says it’s fine. Goto CLUBS Eagles, but Eagles fires body shots! Eagles fires a forearm, but Goto knees low! Goto fireman’s carries, but Eagles fights free. Eagles waistlocks, Goto elbows free and runs, only for ZSJ to trip him up! Eagles BLASTS Yoh & Despy off the apron while Fujita basement dropkicks Goto!

ZSJ spins Goto around to be on the apron, then gives him a NECK TWIST! The fans cheer and ZSJ brings Goto out to UPPERCUT him down! ZSJ brings Goto up to UPPERCUT again, then UPPERCUTS him again! Goto stumbles and falls, Eagles CHOPS Yoh, and Fujita CHOPS Despy! ZSJ brings Goto up and wrenches his arm, then wrenches it again. But Goto fires forearms in return! ZSJ UPPERCUTS Goto again, the CHOPS continue by the ramp side, and ZSJ puts Goto in. Eagles tags ZSJ in whiel Fujita and Despy CHOP each other back and forth. ZSJ clamps on a headscissors and he squeezes tight!

Goto endures, reaches out, ROPEBREAK! ZSJ lets go cleanly and brings Goto to the corner. Tag to Fujita and he stomps Goto. Fujita drags Goto up while fans rally, and Fujita wrenches to an ELBOW BREAKER! Fujtia wrenches again, ELBOW BREAKER! And again, ELBOW BREAKER! Fujita wrenches, top wristlocks, and he wrangles Goto to the mat. Fujita STOMPS that arm, then he tags Eagles. The Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champions get Goto’s arms while ZSJ steps in to have a leg! Goto endures as TMDK cycles through the armlocks and leglocks! Red Shoes counts but TMDK keeps rotating before he reaches 4!

Then TMDK returns where they started, and Goto endures the DOUBLE STRAIGHT ARMBARS and INDIAN DEATHLOCK! Red Shoes counts, all three men let go at 4! ZSJ stands, he still has the deathlock, and he bridges back! Goto endures, keeps his shoulders up, but ZSJ stands to tag in Eagles. Eagles drags Goto around, then hits a KNEE JAMMER! Tag to Fujita, they drag Goto up, and they double whip him to ropes. They DOUBLE ELBOW Goto down, ZSJ hops in for a NECK TWIST! Goto sits up into a DOUBLE PENALTY KICK! Cover, Despy breaks it! The fans cheer but Red Shoes reprimands.

Despy stands down, but Fujita BLASTS him off the apron! Fujita drags Goto up, wrenches, and whips him to a corner. Fujita runs up to CHOP, then he snapmares to PENALTY KICK! Cover, TWO! The fans cheer but Fujita coordinates with TMDK. Fujita drags Goto up, and he wants to do the Chaos drum thing? ZSJ isn’t so sure but Eagles is for it. Eagles steps in, but Yoh runs up! Eagles kicks Yoh, and “Se~ no!” Eagles & Fujita DRUM on Yoh! The fans cheer and ZSJ acts like he doesn’t know what’s going on. The fans cheer for ZSJ to join in, but he puts up the X, that’s not for him. Eagles & Fujita DRUM away on Goto!

Goto stands up and grabs Fujita by the face! Eagles CLUBS Goto, he and Fujita double whip, but Goto DOUBLE LARIATS first! The fans fire up while they’re all down! ZSJ storms in and grabs Goto’s leg! ANKLE LOCK! Goto endures, fights around, and rolls through to throw ZSJ! ZSJ comes back to RAM Goto, then he runs, only for Goto to RUN him over! The fans fire up while both men are down! Goto crawls, hot tag to Despy! Despy runs at the corner to ELBOW Fujita! Despy reels Fujita in for a suplex, high and hard! Cover, TWO! Despy fires up and the fans are with him! Fujita underhooks, PINCHE- NO, Fujita fights free!

Fujita swings but Despy blocks the chop! Despy knees low, whips, but Fujita reverses to GAMANGIRI! The fans cheer while both men are down! Fujita roars while he rises up, and he storms back to Despy. Fujita waistlocks, deadlifts Despy, but Despy fights the suplex with elbows! Despy is free, but Fujita runs up to slip around and backslide! Despy rolls through, Fujita KICKS him down! Cover, TWO! The fans rally up and Fujita fires up again. Fujita drags Despy back up, reels him in, and suplexes, but Despy fights that. Despy wrenches, but Fujita ROCKS him! Despy ROCKS Fujita in return!

Fujita and Despy keep the wristlock while they fire forearm after forearm back and forth! The fans rally up as the shots go faster and faster, but then both men wobble! Fujita fires a forearm, then another! Despy ROCKS Fujita in return! Despy runs, Eagles slips in, SOBAT! Fujita UPPERCUTS! Eagles scoops Despy but Yoh makes the save! Eagles kicks Yoh, he and Fujita double whip, but Yoh reverses to crisscross them into each other! FALCON- NO, Eagles slips out, but Yoh switches! Yoh feeds Eagles to Despy’s ELBOW! Yoh reels Eagles back in, FALCON ARROW! The fans fire up but Fujita runs up!

Despy & Yoh double kick, double whip, but Fujita DOUBLE SHOTGUNS! Fujita kips up, the fans fire up, and Fujita whips Despy, but Despy reverses to SPINEBUSTER! Both men are down and the fans fire up again! Fujita and Despy crawl for their corners, hot tags to Goto and ZSJ! The fans fire up as both men run in, Goto LARIATS ZSJ! Goto roars and the fans are with him! Goto fires a flurry of forearms, then whips corner to corner. Goto runs in, MURAMASA! Then SAIDO! Cover, TWO! ZSJ survives and Goto fires up again! Goto fireman’s carries but ZSJ pulls on an arm! Goto powers out and ROCKS ZSJ!

Goto runs, ZSJ wrangles him to a FUJIWARA ARMBAR! Eagles & Fujita BLAST Yoh & Despy off the arm! They have Yoh & Despy stuck on the outside with armlocks while ZSJ has the DISARMER! Yoh breaks free of Eagles and DROPKICKS ZSJ! Eagles returns to SUPERKICK Yoh! Despy is in, Eagles slips around and feeds him to Fujita’s MISSILE DROPKICK! The fans fire up and TMDK drags Goto up. But Goto fires forearms on Eagles & Fujita! They DOUBLE CHOP, then double wrench! MAX- NO, Goto fights free and kicks Fujita! Goto deflects Eagles’ kick to LARIAT! Fujita kicks Goto, runs, but Goto follows! LARIAT!

ZSJ RAMS Goto, whips, but Goto reverses! Fireman’s carry, USHIGOROSHI! The fans fire up while ZSJ clutches his head. Goto hauls ZSJ up, dragon sleepers, but ZSJ drops down! Goto drops onto ZSJ for a cover, TWO!! ZSJ is up, Goto sends him into a corner! RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP, into a GOTO SAN SHIKI!! Cover, TWO!! ZSJ escapes, BOOTS Goto, then runs! DOUBLE LARIATS collide! Neither man falls, so DOUBLE LARIATS collide again! Goto roars, runs, but ZSJ KCIKS the lariat, PELES the other arm, then SWEEPS the legs! Goto falls, but then sits up, into a PENALTY KICK! The fans fire up and ZSJ hurries to drag Goto back up.

ZSJ scoops, ZACK- NO, Goto slips free and has the SLEEPER! Goto sits ZSJ and rolls him, GOTO NI SHIKI!! TWO!! ZSJ has the legs, JAPANESE LEG ROLL CLUTCH, with bridge!! TMDK WINS!!

Winners: TMDK, by pinfall

It was a fast and furious finish of technical holds, but who else but the best technical wrestler in the world would pull it out? Goto is frustrated for getting caught like that, but will he avenge himself in just 12 days?

As for TMDK, Eagles starts off by saying, “G’day, Sendai!” Eagles then pretends to check his watch, and asks, “Rocky doki desu ka? <Where is Rocky?> Zabishii. <How lonely.>” The fans chuckle at Eagles’ fake crying, and Eagles then tells Yoh & Rocky that next month in Osaka, see you then! The fans applaud, and then Eagles offers the mic to Fujita. The fans cheer Fujita on, and Fujita accepts. “That lariat turned me inside out, so I’ll keep this short! I’m beating El Desperado!” The fans cheer that, ready to see Fujita challenge Desperado for the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship on Tuesday, February 4th!

And lastly, that brings things to The Front Man. ZSJ takes the mic to say, “People of Sendai, thank you very much!” The fans cheer, but then ZSJ tells “Ko-kun” and “Robbie-chan” to “cut that drumming bit. It was lame.” The fans chuckle again, and ZSJ says 2025 isn’t the Year of the Snake. No, it’s all orange! ZSJ promises that TMDK won’t just paint NJPW orange, but the entire world! “Osaka will be here soon enough. Goto, this is your last chance. Let’s make the most of it.” The fans like the sound of that! ZSJ says they’ll end with this: This year revolves around TMDK! Arigato gozaimashita! The fans are ready, will the New Beginning in Osaka be Mighty?

My Thoughts:

A very good event for NJPW, though “Road to” always indicates more tune-up filler than thriller. Gabe Kidd going after Yota Tsuji and the Global Heavyweight Championship is an interesting development, but that is going to be a great match. The NEVER Openweight Six Man Championship match was really good stuff, and I was only a little surprised that The House of Torture won. Firstly, Tanahashi has to lose those titles at some time, so might as well pull off the Band-Aid now before The New Beginning events. Then this works with the story from Oleg and Josh Barnett where Barnett wants to help Oleg reach that singles title level.

And very good Six Man Tag main event to not only build Goto VS ZSJ but also Desperado VS Fujita. Great win for TMDK, but we have a lot of other Road to New Beginning events to build Goto VS ZSJ. A lot of filler 10 Man Tags are on the schedule, but I probably won’t be bothering with those. Despy VS Fujita will be great, but Fujita and Eagles are already the tag champions, so I don’t see Fujita winning. As for Goto VS ZSJ, ZSJ said it himself that this is very likely Goto’s last chance at ever being the top champion in NJPW, but I don’t see Goto winning. It’ll be an epic battle, but I feel like ZSJ is going to stay on top.

My Score: 8.7/10

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Coverage

Andrew’s TNA iMPACT! Results & Match Ratings: 1.30.25

Are we gonna get consecutive weeks of momentum or we gonna get the “LOL TNA” moment already?

Published

3 hours ago

January 30, 2025

Andrew Balaz

Coming off the first Live iMPACT! in 8 years, it has been pretty universally agreed upon that it was not a bad show. Good favor, a larger audience then they’ve had in years and TNA actually did fairly well establishing themselves as not a third rate duelist.

Let’s see if the good tidings continue or if things start to well…TNA.

The official liaison between @WWENXT and TNA, @AriannaGraceWWE, was rudely interrupted by Tessa Blanchard while speaking with @MeanGiaMiller!

Watch #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/9IIhMDrtkn pic.twitter.com/8ImgauBAiO

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) January 31, 2025

Ratings:

Cora Jade vs Hyan: Cora wins via Jaded – ** 1/2
Brian Myers w/The System vs Leon Slater: Myers wins via Roster Cut – ** 3/4
Laredo Kid vs Mustafa Ali: Ali wins via 450 – ** 3/4
Eric Young & Josh Alexander vs Sinner & Saint: No Contest? EY Turned Heel – N/A
Ace Austin vs Wes Lee w/Tyson & Tyriek: Wes wins via Cardiac Kick – ***
Kaiba Boys (Nic & Ryan Nemeth) vs Fir$t Cla$$: Kaibas win via Danger Zone – ***

Results:

Nic Nemeth comes out to talk, doesn’t complain and says he’s just gonna dust himself off and start again. Ryan comes out to complain on behalf of “hiissss brrooother” and run down Hendry. Nic is playing babyface still and Ryan is instigating is typical little brother fashion. Nic tries to appease Ryan saying this could be a big year for both of them, so Fir$t Cla$$ music hits and KC Navarro cuts them off and hands off to AJ Francis. Ryan get mad at them interrupting, Nic tries to calm the situation but Ryan decides to agree to a tag match that Nic doesn’t seem like he wanted to go there. But Santino comes out and makes it official.

EXCLUSIVE: @XiaBrookside welcomed @WWENXT's @CoraJadeWWE to #TNAiMPACT, but things got HEATED fast!

Don't miss #TNAiMPACT TONIGHT at 8/7c on @AXSTV in the US, @Sportsnet 360 in Canada, and streaming worldwide on TNA+!

Get 1 month FREE of TNA+ with code: NXTNA pic.twitter.com/LP8ghA78Pv

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) January 30, 2025

Cora Jade vs Hyan

Hyan tries a Pump Kick, Cora catches it, lays her out and kicks her feet up in the corner getting cocky. Snapmare with the Hair, into a Springboard Single Stomp from Cora, Hyan is getting throttled along the ropes and putting up much of a fight to start. Hyan is usually just enhancement talent in TNA, even though she does have a solid pedigree in the indies and internationally. Hyan finally moves so Cora smashes herself into the corner, Wasteland from Hyan for a 1 count, Cora counters Hyan’s attempted offense and then hits Jaded for the win!

The match did what it needed to, Cora tried to lay in the boots further, Xia runs out to make a save but Cora baits her into a false sense of security and goes after Xia. So Masha comes out for the save on the person who made the save. Cora comes off looking pretty good and Masha scaring her off helps Masha’s aura.

.@MeanGiaMiller tries to get answers out of @WesLee_WWE, @TyriekIgwe_WWE and @_Tysonwwe_ for his attack on The Rascalz ahead of Lee's match with @The_Ace_Austin TONIGHT on iMPACT!

Watch #TNAiMPACT now on TNA+: https://t.co/9IIhMDrtkn

Get one month FREE with code: NXTNA pic.twitter.com/UIU5GgiylE

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) January 31, 2025

Brian Myers w/The System vs Leon Slater

Myers grabs the quick Headlock into the Shoulder Tackle and welcome back to 1997 wrestling starts. Myers got cocky, shot Leon into the ropes and eats a Shoulder Tackle from Leon, so a little showboating from Leon gets under Myers skin and causes him to make a few missteps. Leon hits the Feint Mule Kick into the Handspring Back Elbow for 2, but when he tries to continue, Myers pulls him down into the buckles. Myers looks for a Spear, Leon Leap Frogs and Myers eats turnbuckle. He powders, the System shields him from a dive, and we’re starting to see the numbers game come into play.

A Thrust Kick from Myers rocks Leon as he’s coming back in, Strong Irish Whip into a Gator Roll and then Sleeper Hold. Again, offense brought to you by Bill Clinton. Leon gets away from the Sleeper, tries to hit the ropes and Myers does his Baseball Slide Trip. Slow heel moves from Myers, Sleeper, Facelocks, Back Elbows…just slow classic heel offense. Leon tries to fire, eats a Knee Lift. Irish Whip but Leon counters by hoping the ropes to the apron, quick pop shot and then Springboard Crossbody into a series of Lariats and a Shotgun Kick! Leon has the momentum, Blue Thunder Bomb for two! Leon goes to the top, Myers is up, Leon rolls to the other side to avoid Myers, Myers eats a Leg Lariat from Leon and Myers pushes off, Bicycle Kick, Thrust Kick into Implant DDT for only two! Myers looks to Spear, gets rolled up in a Small Package, Kick out, dumped outside, Leon flies over the corner onto Myers!

System surrounds Leon, tries to get a few shots, but Leon has some quick offense for everyone. In the chaos, Lish puts a Ring on Myers’ hand so a Loaded Punch into Roster Cut and Myers wins!

Laredo Kid vs Mustafa Ali

Slow start with Ali being arrogant into a Lucha stalemate section where there’s Satellite counters, Headscissors and a powder to break the nonsense. Corner counters, Overhand Chops from both, they tussle on the top rope, Ali backflips off the ropes, Laredo tries a Crossbody but Mustafa hits a Dropkick. Grounded Abdominal Stretch from Ali, Laredo tries to fight up and out, but Ali slams him back down, talks smack, slaps him and then eats a Michinoku Driver out of nowhere! But only a two count! Ali manages to pull Laredo into the corner pads, tries a dirty pin with feet on the ropes but the referee sees it, Laredo tries a Roll-Up in the disarray, Ali kicks out, they run back and forth, Ali just slides out thinking he’s outsmarted Laredo but Laredo hits the Suicida for a solid pop. Ali pokes the eye and grabs at the mask, Laredo is off kilter, Ali baits Laredo through the corner, hits the Draping DDT off the apron, slides Laredo back in and 450 for the win.

Eric Young & Josh Alexander vs Sinner & Saint

Jabroni duo comes out, and they look stupid, their music is generic Hot Topic trash and the one with hair walks like he’s pretending to be a Delirious fused with a Dinosaur. They look so insanely pathetic.

Dino-nerd tries a stand switch and suplex but Josh no sells and looks like the older sibling judging the little sibling’s stupidity. Bald jabroni tags in, does nothing, blind tag just for Josh to single handedly lay both out. Of course they’re trying to establish the loser squad, so the eventually have a good defensive moment that catches Josh and isolates him in their corner. He still mostly takes care of both of them. This is honestly pathetic.

Locomotion counter switches in the corner before a Shotgun Kick wipes out Josh, Dino-nerd tries a Lio Rush style splash but misses, Josh tags out, EY looks to tee off but he turns and lays out Josh. EY turns heel…that was not on my Bingo Card, but I’m not mad about it. EY has the maniacal look in his eyes again, so Sanity or Violence by Design could be back? Can he call the group SAnitY since they’re working with WWE now?

Ace Austin vs Wes Lee w/Tyson & Tyriek

Things start slow then a few quick strike spots from Ace. A grounded Heel Kick and Enzuigiri rocks Wes, Wes slingshots back in, Sunset, Ace dodges tries to stay crouched to get cute but Up Kick from Wes kicks Ace in the face. Wes crotches Ace on the top rope, Enzuigiri, Suicida leaves Ace laying on the ramp. Wes hits the Street Fighter combo in with Ace shoved in the corner, the crowd chants “Boring” so Wes revels in the negativity and mockingly does the Rascalz taunt. A few quick shots and Ace kicks out at one and holds the ropes as Wes just lights him up with kicks. Ace asks for more, and goes full Strong Style. A few round kicks to the chest before Wes decides to do the hell thing and a Spinning Thrust Kick to the side of the face. Wes puts Ace in a Key Lock and Ace struggles to his feet before barely slipping the lock.

They trade strikes, Triangle Kick misses for Ace but he manages to connect after with a strike, a few more, Click Click Boom, Seated Miz Lariats in the corner, Wes falls out of the corner, Triangle Kick for the near fall, but the offense isn’t over and Ace hits the Gutwrench Sitout Powerbomb! Ace looks for The Fold, Tyson and Tyriek make their presence felt, Ace does the apron dance and kicks them both in the face. Wes gets dumped out of the ring, Ace with a Fosbury Flop (not the best one he’s done), Tyriek picks the ankle long enough to slow down Ace as Ace walks into the Cardiac Kick!

Wes and crew attacks Ace after the match, so The Rascalz make the save. We’re obviously going to get a 6 man soon, and this is perfectly fine.

Kaiba Boys (Nic & Ryan Nemeth) vs Fir$t Cla$$

AJ starts with Ryan and just shoves him away and demands Nic, Nic gets the best of AJ but AJ tags in KC and KC gets in a few quick shots, some cute counters and showboating before eating a Dropkick from Nic. AJ comes in to try and take out Nic, the Kaibas take out AJ and then dump KC into AJ’s arms and hold the ring going to commercial.

During the commercial a little blind tag and Spiderman in the ropes taunt from KC caught Ryan off guard so First Class is in control. AJ is beating the hell out of Ryan in the ropes, then hits Tennessee Whiskey for the “Money Money Money” taunt. KC tags himself in and starts slapping Ryan around, Dropkick into 305 as KC cuts off Ryan from Nic, throws Ryan in the corner, Rolling Uppercuts, Snapmare, Roll through, Chest Stomp into a near fall. KC tags in AJ and a little tandem offense gives them another near fall but Mokuba refuses to lose…so far. AJ steps on Ryan’s chest and then lays in a few Overhand Chops. AJ slowing things down, looks for a power move but Ryan slips it into a Sleeper Attempt but AJ counters and slams Ryan down for another two count. Two Sidewalk Slams after getting bounced out of the corner, but Ryan keeps kicking out.

AJ takes Nic off the apron, looks for another Sidewalk Slam but Ryan turns it into a Satellite DDT. Simultaneous tag time, KC eats the fire from Nic, two Lariats, Stinger Splash, Rude Awakening, 10 Count Shots to the Heart for…AJ breaks it up! AJ looks for a Down Payment but Nic slips, Superkick, Ryan tries to rock AJ to no avail so they both Lariat AJ out and Avalanche Polish Hammer from Ryan lays out AJ. KC tries the Flash Pinfall but Nic rolls out, a few quick shouts, Spinning Heel Kick from KC for a 2 count. Nic hits a FAMEasser into Danger Zone after Ryan’s blind tag so Ryan gets the cover as Nic just laughs and takes it in.

Overall Score: 6.25/10

Nothing to really be offended by. Some of the stuff was a little low stakes or obvious filler, but stories moved forward with Cora, Wes and the Kaibas. Plus you know, Eric Young turning on Josh is a little unexpected. EY has been the fill in Dreamer/Scott with the “Ra-Ra” speeches and feel good crap for significant shows, so having him go back to Maniac is a nice twist.

Tessa also steering into this “Locker Room bully” persona is smart. It’s not a stretch from what people already think, so steering into the skid is very smart. I may not have been blown away by anything in this episode, but it was definitely decent and did a solid enough job showcasing the partnership and not making the TNA talent feel like an after thought.

All in all, very nice.