Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE NXT Results & Report! (3/14/23)
Who answers the Open Challenge?
Even more titles are on the line after Roadblock!
Wes Lee loved the chaos of his previous NXT North American Championship Open Challenge so much, he’s doing it again! Who answers the call this time? Plus, Gallus defends the NXT Tag Team titles against Pretty Deadly!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- NXT Tag Team Championships: Gallus VS Pretty Deadly; Gallus wins and retains the titles.
- NXT Women’s Championship Qualifier: Zoey Stark VS Sol Ruca; Stark wins and advances to the title match at Stand & Deliver.
- NXT Women’s Tag Team Championships #1 Contenders Match: Alba Fyre & Isla Dawn VS Kayden Carter & Katana Chance VS Ivy Nile & Tatum Paxley; Fyre & Dawn win and will challenge for the titles at Stand & Deliver.
- NXT North American Championship Open Challenge: Wes Lee VS ???; No Contest.
- Apollo Crews VS Dabba-Kato; Kato wins.
- NXT Women’s Championship Qualifier: Kiana James VS Gigi Dolin; Gigi wins and advances to the title match at Stand & Deliver.
PLAY BY PLAY
Johnny Gargano is here!
The fans fire up for Johnny Wrestling as he makes his way to the ring, ready to stand and deliver. Fans chant “Johnny Wrestling!” as Gargano gets the mic. Gargano says, “Let’s see. Where did we leave off?” Fans chant, “Welcome Home!” Gargano smiles, and asks them a favor. Last time he was in this ring, Waller jumped him from behind with a chair. Watch his back for him, yeah? Gargano says last time he was in NXT, he said he’d teach his son how to be the best man he can be. And to be the best man you can be, you finish what you start. It’s WrestleMania Season! And there’s a lot of talk about finishing the story. Well, Gargano is back in NXT to finish his story!
“15 months ago, my story ended on a cliffhanger. And when I came back to Monday Night Raw in August, it felt like a little piece of me was missing. Because the last time you guys saw me, I was lying face down on that announce table, with Grayson Waller standing above me. Grayson Waller didn’t just take my last moment from me, he took closure from me. He took out the Heart & Soul of NXT in my last night in the company. And y’know what? I hate to say this… But I kinda respect it. I kinda do. That’s why I gave you a gift, Grayson. I waited. I wanted to see what you’d do with that moment. Because the last guy who took me out, his name was Tommaso Ciampa.”
Gargano says Ciampa became one of the greatest NXT Champions of all time. So Gargano sat back and watched. What’d Grayson do? Fans chant, “NOTHING!” Waller had two chances, and he FAILED. Then what? Waller whined, cried, complained and blamed everyone but himself! Waller started disrespecting the fans, the locker room, and most importantly, he started disrespecting NXT! “A lot has changed in 15 months, but one thing that will never change, no matter what brand I’m on, NXT is my home! And Grayson, you do not screw with a man’s home!” Fans like the sound of that!
Gargano says that for seven years, blood, sweat and tears, in front of all these people- Wait! Vic Joseph is getting Gargano’s attention. Waller is AT Gargano’s house!! Waller is watching Gargano on NXT right now! Gargano hurries out of the ring, will he make it home in time?!
NXT shares footage of when Wes Lee arrived.
And Axiom finds him. Axiom says he’s gonna follow Wes everywhere today. No one is taking the title opportunity from Axiom. Wait, the match is eight HOURS from now. What’s he gonna do until then? Whatever Wes wants to do. Alright… Is he hungry? Yeah, Axiom could eat. If Axiom is going to shadow Wes Lee until the title match, does that mean he’s hanging out with the Cardiac Kid even now?
NXT returns as Gargano is on the phone.
Gargano tells Candice not to open any doors, he’s on his way. McKenzie Mitchell hurries after to ask Gargano how he’s feeling. Gargano just has to get home. Gargano gets in his car and drives out of the parking lot. Will Johnny Wrestling get home to stop Waller from violating any more of the Gargano family’s privacy?
NXT Tag Team Championships: Gallus VS Pretty Deadly!
Speaking of titles, this all seems rather familiar. Mark Coffey & Wolfgang have made NXT their kingdom, but Elton Prince & Kit Wilson want those belts back! Will history repeat itself from NXT UK? Or will Gallus Boys stay on top?
The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we see who gets to #SidePlateCheck!
The teams sort out, Mark starts against Elton and they tie up. They go around, Mark puts Elton on the ropes, but lets off as the ref counts. Elton SLAPS Mark! Then mocks him! Mark ROCKS Elton but Elton throws hands. Mark headlocks, and holds on as Elton tries to power out. Elton throws body shots, fans duel, and Elton powers out, only to get run over! Mark arm-drags Elton, has the armlock, and he brings Elton back up. Elton throws hands, knees, and whips Mark to a corner. Mark reverses, Elton reverses back but Elton runs into an elbow! Elton bails out but Wolfgang is there! Elton runs away to his corner.
Elton and Kit talk, then sneak a tag! Elton anchors Mark’s foot, Kit sunset flips! TWO, but Kit cradles, TWO! Kit taunts that it was that close, but Mark says he still has the belt. Kit rushes in, but into an arm-drag! Tag to Wolfgang, he takes the handoff on the arm, and he STRAIGHT ARM SUPLEXES! Kit goes to a corner, Wolfgang SPLASHES! Wolfgang TOSSES Kit across the way! Wolfgang runs in, Elton gets Kit out of the way, and Kit fires off on Wolfgang! Fans boo but Wolfgang shoves Kit back. Kit runs in, Wolfgang puts him on the apron, but Kit shoulders in. Kit slingshots, but into Wolfgang’s arms!
Wolfgang TOSSES Kit, tags Mark, and Gallus drags Kit up. They whip Kit to a corner hard and Kit falls! Then Gallus DOUBLE MONKEY FLIP Kit back the other way! Elton runs in, but Wolfgang trips him! CATAPULT BACK DROP! Kit gets up, Mark DECKS him! Wolfgang clotheslines Elton out of the ring! Fans fire up and NXT goes picture in picture.
Pretty Deadly regroups on the outside while Mark has Wolfgang cool off. Wolfgang returns to the corner and Mark waits on Kit. Pretty Deadly Kit try to fake Mark out but Mark sees Kit coming! Mark ROCKS Kit, UPPERCUTS him, then UPPERCUTS again! Tag to Wolfgang, Gallus mugs Kit, then Wolfgang UPPERCUTS! And UPPERCUTS !Kit yoyos, but into a clinch! Kit powers Wolfgang back, tags in Elton and they mug Wolfgang in the corner. Wolfgang hits back with big elbows! Elton CHOPS, but Wolfgang ROCKS Elton back. Elton CHOPS, Wolfgang ROCKS! Wolfgang stalks Elton but walks into a knee!
Elton headlocks, Wolfgang pulls hair and powers out, but Elton pulls hair to reel Wolfgang into another knee! Tag to Kit, but Wolfgang wrangles Kit to a hammerlock takedown! Wolfgang grinds Kit into the mat with a chinbar added on. Kit endures, fights up, but Wolfgang wrangles him back down! Wolfgang grinds on the hammerlock, chinbars again, and he drags Kit from the ropes. Kit fights up but Wolfgang has a cobra clutch! Kit throws hands but Mark tags in. Wolfgang RAMS kit, then feeds him to Mark’s FLYING SHOULDER! Cover, TWO! Mark now has Kit in a cobra clutch! Kit still endures as fans rally up.
Kit fights up, throws hands, but Mark ripcords. Kit still ROCKS Mark with another forearm! And another! Kit swings, but into a waistlock! Kit fights, gets a facelock, and now Mark endures the hold! Kit CLUBS Mark, facelocks again, but Mark pries free to put the cobra clutch back on! NXT returns to single picture as fans rally and duel. Mark ripcords, Kit gets around, Mark switches, O’CONNER! TWO, and Elton UPPERCUTS! Kit hits a BIG back suplex! Tag to Elton and he stomps away on Mark! Elton rains down fists then huffs and puffs. Elton drops a leg, covers, TWO! Fans rally up but Elton KNEES Mark in the back!
Elton tags Kit, Pretty Deadly double whip Mark to double elbow him down! Kit covers, TWO! Kit pie faces Mark, KNEES him in the side, then KNEES him again! Fans rally, Kit RAMS Mark into the corner, and Elton tags in. Elton taunts Wolfgang then runs to UPPERCUT Mark! Cover, TWO! Wolfgang coaches Mark, but Elton CLUBS Mark down. Elton stomps Mark in the corner, clotheslines, then stomps again! Elton repeats the process, pushes Mark down to cover, TWO! Mark hangs tough and fans rally up but Elton clamps on a chinlock. Mark endures as Elton grinds, and fans rally up more.
Mark fights up, but Elton wrangles him down! Cover, TWO! Elton tags Kit, Pretty Deadly mugs Mark. Kit soaks up the cheers and jeers, then waits on Mark. Mark rises, Kit BOOTS him down! Kit sits Mark up to BOOT him again! Kit clamps onto Mark with a neck wrench but Mark endures. Fans rally up again, Mark fights up but Kit knees low. Mark throws body shots, Kit knees low again. Tag to Elton, but Mark back drops Elton away! Then arm-drags Kit! Mark dodges Elton, hot tag to Wolfie! Wolfgang rallies on Pretty Deadly, fires off hands on Elton, then whips Elton for a CALF KICK! Then a SPLASH in the corner!
Kit rushes in but Wolfgang BOOTS him from the apron! Wolfgang goes up for an AX HANDLE! Wolfgang scoops to SLAM Elton, then he runs, for the BASEMENT SENTON! Cover, TWO! Elton is still in this but Wolfgang tags Mark. Gallus drags Elton up, hoist him up, DOUBLE URENAGE! Cover, but Kit dropkicks it apart! Wolfgang runs in but Kit fires off on him! Elton helps out, Pretty Deadly mugs then double clohtslines Wolfgang out! But Wolfgang drags them both out! Pretty Deadly mug Wolfgang again, then TOSS him over the announce desk! Fans go nuts over that one! Pretty Deadly then get up to their old tricks and grab the title belts!
Elton distracts the ref with his, but Kit CLOBBERS Mark with the other!! Cover, TWO!?!? Mark survives and shocks everyone! Tag to Kit, Pretty Deadly hurry to finish this! But Wolfgang dumps Elton out! Kit sees what happened, but turns around into an UPPERCUT! Mark tags Wolfgang and Wolfgang scoops Kit! Mark runs, KNEE-K-O!! Cover, Gallus wins!!
Winners: Gallus, by pinfall (still NXT Tag Team Champions)
A fast and furious finish fitting of Hollywood action movies! With this victory, will Mark & Wolfgang look to stand and deliver?
Fallon Henley & Josh Briggs sneak into Kiana James’ office.
What’s he wearing? She told him, “Covert ops!” Yeah, and? And, they can only see his face. That outfit is only good in the woods, not in an office building! Well, they’re here anyways. Fallon takes out a hairpin to pick the lock. But Briggs checks the knob. It’s unlocked! How’d Briggs know it’d be unlocked? Uh, the cleaning ladies let them in, so maybe she could try door handles first. Whatever, just look around for clues. Wait, Kiana has a Stand & Deliver guarantee? Fallon wants Briggs to read this, but he says it’s a paper in an office, big whoop. A noise makes Briggs hide behind Kiana’s plant.
Fallon says chill, this is a title match contract. Wait, really? Fallon reads it. “Kiana James agrees to be present and in condition for her NXT Women’s Championship Qualifying Match on Tuesday, March 14th.” That’s tonight! So much for being a team. But hey, why stop at one title, one guy, one relationship? That again? Just keep looking! There has to be proof! Briggs sees the photo of Kiana and Jensen at the diner. Briggs sure hopes for Jensen’s sake that they’re wrong. Did he get a good look at the card that came with the flowers? Nope, Kiana snatched it away and put it in a planner. Oh, like this one? BINGO! Bust it open, girl!
They flip through the pages, and Kiana even has something called “Operation: Boyfriend,” and it’s marked, “Ongoing.” What? Get Fallon team with her? Wasn’t that Fallon’s idea? She thought it was… Okay, the call home to mom and Zack, that checks out. Oh, the truth about ONE thing. Drinks with Sebastian? Dinner with Sebastian? THAT BITCH! Briggs tries to calm Fallon down, suggesting that Sebastian could just be a work colleague. Oh, c’mon. He’s really trying. OH! The card! From Sebastian!! “Thanks for the date. It was a truly unforgettable night. And morning?!” Poor Brooks…
Fallon can’t believe it! But now they have a name! Fallon, shh! They gotta leave quietly, too! Fallon snaps a pic of the card and puts the planner back. But who is this Sebastian?
Shawn Michael speaks.
Just as he tweeted out, HBK says, “As of Friday morning, Roxanne Perez was discharged from the hospital. However, after numerous tests, Roxanne’s health is still in question. With Stand & Deliver in less than three weeks, I have the obligation to announce we possibly have to crown a NEW NXT Women’s Champion. Starting tonight, there will be a series of qualifying matches with the winners advancing to Stand & Deliver to compete to become the NXT Women’s Champion in a Ladder match.” Will the Prodigy’s prize be literally up in the air in Hollywood?
NXT hears from the doctors.
Dr. Warren Becker says he and his team of sports medicine physicians have been running a series of tests on Roxanne Perez, checking three main areas: heard, heart and vessels in the body. Roxie’s bloodwork came back reassuring. She wasn’t dehydrated, her CT scans showed no abnormalities, and most importantly of all, her EKG came back showing no heart arrhythmia. But while all that is encouraging, it does present us the difficulty of knowing why Roxie collapsed. It is the doctor’s recommendation to continue testing, and maybe even bring in a clinical psychologist. They also do not have an estimated return date for Roxie.
NXT Women’s Championship Qualifier: Zoey Stark VS Sol Ruca!
The Hunter and the Surfer have collided before, and it was Stark’s win back then. But Sol prides herself on how hard she works on herself. Will Sol prove she’s leveled up past Stark? Or will Stark not be denied her golden opportunity in Hollywood?
NXT returns and Stark makes her entrance. The bell rings and the two tie right up. Stark puts Sol on the ropes but lets off with a shove. Sol shoves back! And again! And again! Stark knees low, whips but solo handsprings up and over! Sol kicks low, whips, and back drops! Stark lands hard, bails out, and fans taunt her, “OH~ Zoey is Angry~!” Stark gets in the ring in a huff, and she knees Sol low. Solo blocks buckle bump to buckle bump back! Sol bumps Stark more, whips her corner to corner, and runs in, but is put on the apron. Sol slingshots to CODE BREAKER! Stark flounders, fans fire up, and Sol stands Stark up.
Stark swings on Sol but Sol goes Matrix! Sol kips up to LARIAT! Cover, ONE! Stark bails out again but Sol pursues, into a SUPERKICK! Stark puts Sol back in the ring, covers, TWO! Sol rolls to ropes but Stark stomps her down. The ref counts, Stark lets off, and she CLUBS Sol. Stark whips, Sol reverses but Stark SMASHES her with a knee! Then SLIDING LARIATS! Cover, TWO! Stark cravats and cranks the neck but Sol endures. Fans rally up but Stark keeps Sol down. Sol moves around, keeps her shoulders up, then fights to her feet. But Stark SLAMS her right back down! Stark pushes Sol to a cover, TWO! Stark clamps right back on with the chinlock!
Stark CLUBS away on Sol, clamps on a chinlock tighter, but Sol still fights up. Stark CLUBS Sol, then has the cravat back. Stark thrashes Sol around but Sol still endures. Stark KNEES Sol in the head, but Sol spins to snapmare free! Sol blocks a kick to ROCK Stark! Stark ROCKS Sol back, the forearms fly! Sol dodges to FLYING SHOULDER! And another! Sol mule kicks, CLUBS and ENZIGURIS! Stark flounders to a corner, Sol runs and handsprings to SPLASH! Sol then scoops Stark for a POWERSLAM! Cover, TWO! Fans rally for Sol and she runs in to clothesline Stark up and out! Stark is dazed as she stands up but Sol is up top! ARIHARA MOONSAULT!
Fans fire up with Sol as she even sticks the landing! Booker T says that’s a ten! Sol puts Stark in, aims and springboards, but into a clinch! Z 360!! Cover, Stark wins!!
Winner: Zoey Stark, by pinfall (advances to Stand & Deliver)
Stark snatches victory away from Sol and is now heading to Hollywood! But just how many of these qualifiers does HBK have planned?
SCRYPTS speaks.
“They say give a man a mask, and he will show you his true face. From my corner of darkness, my eyes scan across NXT to see metaphorical, physical and emotional masks, cloaking the ideals, faces and true feelings of many. But my gaze… is drown to one man. Sincerely, Scrypts.” Is the wicked writer looking to erase a certain someone?
NXT Women’s Tag Team Championships #1 Contenders Match: Alba Fyre & Isla Dawn VS Kayden Carter & Katana Chance VS Ivy Nile & Tatum Paxley!
On a night where the Women’s Division is fighting for gold, three teams fight to be the ones going after Fallon & Kiana! Will the Fire Keeper and the Wicked Witch cast a spell to eliminate all that stand in their way? Or will another team move up to go for gold?
NXT returns as the former champions, Kayden & Katana, make their entrance. Lastly, the Diamond Mine’s duo make their entrance. In this kind of Triple Threat, one member from each team is legal, so Tatum steps up with Katana and Isla. Isla kicks, Tatum blocks it, and she spins Isla so Katana can ROCK Isla! Tatum ROCKS Isla, Fyre protests, but then Katana headlocks Tatum. Tatum picks her up but Katana also headscissors Isla to THROW them both! Fans fire up and Katana dodges Ila to sunset flip! Tatum drags Katana off to suplex, but Katana cradles! Isla pushes it over and then throws Katana out.
Katana is on the apron, she knees into Isla then body scissors to throw her out! Tatum runs in but into a shoulder! Slingshot sunset flip, TWO! Katana DROPKICKS Tatum, tags Kayden, and Kayden trips Tatum. Katana cartwheel KNEE DROPS! Kayden hurries in to waistlock but Tatum switches. O’Conner Roll, TWO, and Kayden holds onto Tatum. Isla runs in but both Tatum and Kayden duck the Penalty Kick! Kayden rolls Isla while holding Tatum with body scissors! DOUBLE COVER, TWO! Tatum runs in but Kayden ROCKS her! Isla whips Kayden into Tatum then BOOTS Tatum! Roll up on Kayden, TWO!
Isla drags Kayden over, tags in Fyre and Isla stomps Kayden while Fyre fires off on Tatum. They coordinate, Fyre traps Tatum while Isla whips Kayden corner to corner. Kayden gets sent into Tatum! Fyre then ROCKS Tatum! Kaydne ROCKS Fyre! Tag to Katana, Kayden DROP SPLASHES Tatum and Fyre! Then she gives Katana the wheelbarrow back suplex SPLASH! Cover, Tatum breaks it! Tatum and Katan fire off, but Tatum scoops Katana to SLAM her on Fyre! Cover on Fyre, TWO! Tatum drags Fyre over, tag to Ivy, and the Diamond Mine girls double suplex! Cover, Katana breaks it!
Katana facleocks but Ivy TOSSES her! Ivy dodges Fyre, then KICK PUNCH COMBOS them both! Ivy TOSSES Fyre to a corner, DECKS her, then TOSSES Katana to a corner! Katana BOOTS back, goes up, CROSSBODIES, but Ivy rolls through! Ivy lifts Katana to fireman’s carry, but Fyre SUPERKICKS her down! Katana also goes tumbling away, Fyre tags Isla. Isla hits a METEORA! Cover, TWO! Kayden calls to Katana but has to avoid Fyre’s sweep! Kayden then SUPERKICKS Fyre away! Isla swings but misses, and then turns around into a ROUNDHOUSE from Ivy! Ivy crawls over to Tatu, but Tatum LEAVES HER HANGING!?
Ivy doesn’t understand, but Tatum says, “We were NEVER a team!” Fans boo but Isla DROPKICKS Ivy out of the ring! Katana runs in, dodges Isla and hits a CODE BREAKER! Hot tag to Kayden and Katana goes up, only for Fyre to shove her down! Kayden DECKS Fyre but Isla ROUNDHOUSES Kayden! Tatum adds on to Ivy with a KICK to the side! Fans boo but Isla loves seeing this! Tatum feeds Ivy to the BACK STABBER SWANTON COMBO!! Cover, Isla 7 Fyre win!
Winners: Alba Fyre & Isla Dawn, by pinfall (NEW #1 Contenders to the NXT Women’s Tag Team Championships)
The Diamond Mine is falling apart and the party is over, because something wicked is coming to Hollywood! Will Fyre & Dawn soon break brittle bond between Fallon and Kiana?
Tony D’Angelo and Channing Lorenzo find Bron Breakker backstage.
The Don and Stacks say hey to the NXT Champion, and he asks what’s up. Bron says that Jailhouse Street Fight was a war, and Stacks says, “Yeah, you’re telling me.” Tony says it was, but that’s not why they’re here. Tell him, Underboss. Well, Bron has a big contract signing with Carmelo Hayes tonight, so they were just thinking, maybe they could “take him out” for Bron? That’s not what Bron had in mind. What’re they thinking? Oh, like the Sopranos or Godfather, right? Concrete shoes! Hit him with the Jim Brown! Ella Fitzgerald! Whoa, hold on, Bron, you’ve been watching too many movies.
Bron asks what they wanna do then. Take him to the park, pipe to the knee, crowbar to the biceps. Oh, bada bing bada boom boom bing bing! What? No. Bron says in all seriousness, he appreciates the offer, but he’s got this. Tony tells Stacks that it’s time they add gold to the family. So what? Tony VS the winner of Bron and Melo? Nah. Wes Lee Open Challenge? No. Tony said they add gold. Tag team titles! Stacks has been sticking his neck out for Tony for months, and almost lost his arm in that Jailhouse Street Fight! That doesn’t go unrewarded. So what does Stacks thing? The family as tag champs? He’s ready!
Ilja Dragunov is here!
Fans fire up as The Czar heads to the ring, and he gets the mic to say, “My career in WWE has been life changing. For me, for my son, for my wife, we have had opportunities that we never felt happening. But with every success, there was a blemish. Because with every step I take, there has been JD McDonagh cutting my legs out from under me. This could’ve been avoidable. But now, I have no choice. To keep my autonomy and to continue my ascension in NXT, I need to rid myself of JD McDonagh once and for all!” Fans love that, but speak of the devil, here comes JD!
The Irish Ace also has a mic and he says, “Ilja, please, do not come out here and pretend this was ever gonna be avoidable, because it never has been.” The two of them are two sides of the same coin. Whether Dragunov can see it or not, they are more alike than they are different. No, JD is wrong. And JD’s obsession will ultimately lead to his devastation! JD says, “My obsession with you!?” Dragunov is the one who drove him out of the UK, but then followed him to the States, and then put him in JD’s way of the title! And because of that, they both fell! Every time Dragunov draws them together, they both suffer!
JD says Dragunov needs to look in the mirror! “You can’t quit me!” Dragunov says this “friendship of suffering” is something JD talks about, but this is something Draguonv possesses. “Pain makes me feel alive. Pain makes the difference in my life. And I choose that life.” Funny he says that. Dragunov thinks he chooses pain and that puts him in control. Dragunov could not be more wrong, and that is not how things work around here. Dragunov’s greatest strength is what he’s willing to put his body through. But it is also the reason he’s in the ring with no title over his shoulder.
“We’ve been doing this, you and I, for years now.” Dragunov chases JD down because Dragunov wants to suffer. As for JD, he will never, ever getting tired of making up new ways to make Dragunov suffer. They are destined to do this for a long time together. Dragunov says no. This will end next week! There will be no more JD McDonagh. When Dragunov is through with him, there will be NOTHING left but a random pile of body parts, and the smell of fluids that spell out, “Here lies the Irish Ace!”
JD steps into the ring with Dragunov now, and tells him, “I look forward to our symphony of sadism more than you could ever imagine, Ilja. I’m going to commit it to memory. Because like a scalpel in my eye, it will be hard to watch. You and me, next week.” JD goes to headbutt but Dragunov dodges! The hands fire off, Dragunov gets the edge, but JD shoves him away. But then Dragunov clotheslines JD and himself out of the ring! But JD HEADBUTTS back! The brawl continues, fans fire up, and this goes to the back! Dragunov CLUBS JD down, stomps him, but JD gets up to ROCK Dragunov in return!
JD RAMS Dragunov into a door and they’re int he parking lot! Things are getting dangerous, what will it take for this to end?
Backstage interview with Pretty Deadly.
McKenzie says that was a tough loss to Gallus. At this point, they’re not going to Stand & Deliver. That’s harsh, McKenzie! Is she trying to rub salt in the wound? Have some class. But they can’t believe they lost to Gallus. Wait, wait. They are universally adored, are they not? They are. And then they don’t need Stand & Deliver. Stand & Deliver needs them! Of course, the fans can’t be deprived of seeing them! What match could contain them? NO match! It’s Hollywood! Why be on the show when you can BE the show? Yes! They should HOST Stand & Deliver! #YESBOY! Stand & Deliver? More like Snacks & Delicious! Now excuse them as they go pay a certain someone a visit.
Wes Lee heads for gorilla.
He fires himself up, but then he has to watch out as Dragunov and JD brawl right on through! Refs and security try to stop this, but that’s easier said than done. Wes tells JD to watch out or Dragunov’s gonna mess him up. JD pie faces Wes for that! Wes ROCKS JD, and now the brawl is 2v1! The refs stop Wes, he has to go to his Open Challenge! And Axiom is watching all of this from the shadows. Will The Undeniable Truth not be denied his shot at the champ?
Tyler Bate helps Thea Hail again.
He has her work on balance, but she has a hard time to stay on just one foot. She swears she’ll get it, but Andre Chase asks for a minute with Duke Hudson. Thea and Tyler leave and Chase asks Duke, “Well?” Well what? Duke’s clearly not happy with the Chase U win-loss record. Winning is everything, and people will judge them by their record. Chase agrees there. No matter what sport, anyone who is worth a damn believes that. “But then Chase U was born. And for the first time ever, it became about so much more than what the record books say. Chase U is more than buildings and books and desks. Chase U is a feeling.
“It’s where students can come to learn and grow and prepare for their future. Chase U is where I found my purpose in life, a place that I belong. And the same goes for you, too, Duke.” Duke doesn’t know about that, but Chase says to think about it. Before, Duke was happy just to skate by. But now, he is living and dying with every single win and loss. And why is that? Because for the first time ever, Duke actually cares. But wait, someone from The Schism sneaks up to listen to this. Chase says Duke was happy just to deal cards at the table and get his head shaved.
Duke may think Chase U has done nothing for him, but maybe, just maybe, Chase U’s done more for him than anything else in his entire life. Chase leaves, but then Duke notices the Schism person. It’s Ava Raine! And she leaves her mask with Duke. Which side will the former card shark choose to bet on?
Grayson Waller posts a video on Twitter.
Captioned, “Neighborhood Watch,” Waller cruises around Gargano’s home! “Wow, so this is what main roster money gets you, huh, Johnny? This place is like a palace! That must be at least six bedrooms in there. That’s so much room for action figures! You are living the high-life, Johnny!” But he knows Gargano isn’t home. This is a dangerous neighborhood! What if he left the door unlocked? Waller’s gonna go check, as as favor. The 21st Century Success Story continues to cross the line, will Gargano get home in time before he crosses another?
The brawl backstage is on!
Everyone, from Odyssey Jones, Damon Kemp and Quincy Elliot to Oro Mensah, Malik Blade and Edris Enofe are fighting it out to get at Wes Lee! Dante Chen slips through while Xyon Quinn fights off Von Wagner! Who will make it to the ring first?
NXT North American Championship Open Challenge: Wes Lee VS ???
Wes makes his entrance, but the chaos is already overflowing! Axiom doesn’t realize it, and he’s the first to get CLOCKED by Dante! Wes is amused and asks, “Who’s it gonna be?” Axiom just focuses on getting away, and he gets in the ring! But then SCRYPTS flies in!! Scrypts CLOBBERS Axiom and sends him back out! Wes is confused, he was more than willing to let Axiom get it on that. But then JD gets in the ring from behind and CLOBBERS Wes for earlier! Dragunov CLOBBERS JD! The brawling just gets wilder but Wes is pissed! Wes builds speed and he FLIES out onto everyone!! He bowls over the locker room!
Fans are losing their minds and loving it as this just keeps on going! Is the chaos too much? Is this Open Challenge canceled for the night?
Backstage interview with Dragon Lee.
McKenzie is with NXT’s newest signee, and welcomes him. He is thankful, and says that though he has been around the world, the fact he is finally here to start the biggest journey in his career is truly exciting. What can NXT expect to see from him? So much. He came to NXT to be a prime example of lucha libre and to show the world that Dragon Lee is Especial. And after seeing that Open Challenge, believe him, he’s gonna love it here. When and where will we see Dragon Lee hit the ring?
Backstage interview with Jacy Jayne.
McKenzie is with the Toxic Traitor, her arm in a sling, and notes that last week, she lost to Gigi Dolin, her long time friend turned bitter enemy. Jacy says she won’t even wait for a question, “Gigi Dolin did absolutely nothing last week. Even on her best day, she’s not even 1/10th as good as I am.” But she won… Oh, she won~! McKenzie, why don’t you report real news and real facts instead of pitiful gossip? One minute into the match, Gigi separated Jacy’s shoulder because she couldn’t handle her at 100%. Gigi had to take a shortcut, because that’s who Gigi is! Jacy could barely even lift her arm in that match!
“So Gigi wants to consider that a victory? Hah! she’s even more pathetic than I thought she was. Gigi, every day, every hour, every minute, every second that I’m away from this place, I’m gonna be thinking of you, and what you did to me. And when I return, I promise I’m gonna break your heart and your face, again!” Jacy leaves, but where and when will she return?
Apollo Crews VS Dabba-Kato!
Former friends have become bitter enemies, a story as old as time in pro-wrestling. Both men vow to make the other pay for their betrayal, but who is truly in the right?
Apollo doesn’t even wait for Dabba to get int he ring! He goes up top to CROSSBODY! Apollo SMACKS Kato off barriers, throws hands, but Kato hits back. Apollo RAMS Kato into barriers! Apollo fires hands, but Kato shoves him away. Apollo kicks low, CLUBS Kato again, and he eggs Kato on. Kato throws hands, CLUBS Apollo, but Apollo hits back. Kato clinches, but Apollo POSTS him! Kato CLUBS Apollo, puts him up top and he CHOPS! Apollo flops into the ring, Kato storms up, and now the bell rings! Apollo RAMS into Kato and they fall back out of the ring!! Fans fire up as Apollo HAMMERS away on Kato!
Apollo rains down fists but Kato shoves him away. Kato gets up but Apollo RAMS him into barriers! Kato CLUBS Apollo more, knees him low, then whips him into the barriers! Apollo just stands back up to ROCK Kato! And again! Kato RAMS Apollo into steel steps, but then Apollo dodges as Kato runs in! Kato hits the steps, and Apollo puts him in the ring. Apollo stomps Kato, digs his boot in, then lets off as the ref reprimands. Apollo stalks Kato but Kato ROCKS Apollo in return! And then he STOMPS Apollo down while standing!! Fans boo but Kato looms over Apollo as NXT goes picture in picture.
Kato checks his chin, then he has Apollo on the ropes. Kato CHOKES Apollo but he lets off as the ref counts. Kato clamps on a half nelson in the ropes, lets off as the ref counts again, and he shoves Apollo to the apron. Kato drags Apollo up, and CLUBS him against the ropes! Kato then goes out to fetch the steel steps! Kato brings those around but Apollo CLUBS Kato first! Apollo CLUBS Kato more but Kato throws body shots. They go around the way, and Kato ROCKS Apollo again. Apollo gets into the ring, Kato storms up, and Kato scoops Apollo. Apollo slips off to fire off body shots! Kato shoves Apollo away to BOOT him down!
Kato drags Apollo back up, scoops him, and hits a BACKBREAKER! Kato bends Apollo against his knee in a backbreaker rack! Apollo endures, fans rally, and NXT returns to single picture. Apollo pries the hand away from his face to KNEE Kato in the head! Apollo is free and fans rally up again. Kato stands in a daze, Apollo mule kicks. Apollo lifts but Kato’s too big! Kato scoops Apollo again, and hits a GUTBUSTER! Fans boo but Kato snarls. Kato stalks Apollo to ropes, brings him around, shoves him to CLUB him in the back! Fans boo more but Kato CHOKES Apollo on ropes again!
The ref counts, Kato lets off, and he brings Apollo back up. Kato swings but Apollo bobs ‘n’ weaves to fire off hands! Apollo throws body shots, haymakers, and Kato wobbles! Kato grabs at Apollo but Apollo ROCKS him! Kato KNEES low! Kato drags Apollo up, to BLINDSIDE LARIAT! Fans boo but Kato runs to drop a leg, brother! Apollo clutches the back of his neck, and Kato grins as he stands. Kato clamps onto Apollo’s face and says this is what he gets! Kato pushes Apollo against the buckles! The ref counts, fans rally, and Kato lets off at 4. Apollo goes to the apron, Kato storms over, but into a GAMANGIRI!
Kato staggers back over, but Apollo HOTSHOTS him! And then Apollo hurries in to BOOT! And BOOT! And BOOT!! Kato falls to a corner, Apollo SPLASHES! Fans fire up with Apollo and he manages the OLYMPIC SLAM!! Apollo hurries up to the top rope and fans fire up again! FROG SPLASH!! Cover, TWO!?! Kato survives and fans are shocked! But Apollo stays focused and he stalks Kato to the ropes. Apollo keeps Kato from crawling away, but Kato kicks Apollo away. Kato bails out, but Apollo goes around the way to LEAP, but into both hands! TWO HAND SLAM on the steel steps!! Fans boo but Kato leaves Apollo behind!
The ring count climbs, it’s at 5 of 10 as Apollo flops off the steps! Apollo crawls but the wrong way! We’re at 8, Apollo slides in at 9.9!! Kato is furious, he drags Apollo up again. TWO HAND SLAM!!! Cover, Kato wins!
Winner: Dabba-Kato, by pinfall
Big bad Dabba-Kato crushed his former friend and leader. Is Kato going to be the one going for gold now?
NXT Anonymous posts another video.
They’re spying on Wes talking with HBK. HBK tells Wes that he loves him and all, but the Open Challenge is causing too much chaos. Wes has to help HBK out here. Wes says all he wanted was a chance, and HBK gave him that in spades. Now he’s just paying it forward. He wants to give as many shots as he possibly can. HBK says Wes has already proven himself, he’s the NXT North American Champion. Wes says with all due respect, he disagrees, he has to continue to prove himself. And HBK should know best of all, because he did it day in and day out, especially after becoming a champion.
Wes wants to go even beyond that. At Stand & Deliver, Wes wants the TOP TEN! HBK can’t give Wes ten opponents. But he’ll meet him half way. Fatal 5 at Stand & Deliver, and Wes can pick who. Deal? Deal. They shake on it, and even hug it out. Then who will be in Wes’s top four to go on to Hollywood?
Jensen and Kiana try to reach Briggs and Fallon.
Where are they!? Kiana needs her partner! Her match is next! Jensen can go out there with her. No, she needs to be alone. Oh, okay. No, no, sweetie, not like that! Just for the match. Oh, duh! Then good luck. Thanks! She leaves without a good luck kiss, though. Is everything going to be fine? Or is this going to get real bad real quick?
NXT Women’s Championship Qualifier: Kiana James VS ???
The Calculator has tried to control the situation, as Fallon uncovered earlier tonight. But are there too many variables even for Kiana to solve? Or can she find a way to control her own destiny?
But wait, who is her opponent? It’s GIGI DOLIN! She avenged herself against Jacy, will she prove she can have gold all on her own?
The bell rings and fans rally for Gigi. She circles with Kiana, ties up, and Kiana gets the arm. Kiana wrenches to a wristlock but Gigi wrenches and wristlocks back. Gigi sweeps, rolls, and then steps over to La Magistrol! TWO, and Kiana rushes in, but into a waistlock, full nelson, spin and snapmare! Gigi keeps moving but Kiana ducks the Penalty Kick to roll Gigi up! TWO, and Kiana hurries, but Gigi wrenches, spins, cravats and KNEES to snapmare again. PENALTY KICK! Cover, TWO! Gigi smiles as Kiana gets away, and Gigi runs in, but Kiana dodges. Kiana bumps Gigi off buckles, then fires off hands!
Fans chant, “Who’s Sebastian?” at Kiana as she stomps a mudhole in on Gigi. Kiana handsprings then RAMS into Gigi! Kiana brings Gigi out to NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Gigi hangs tough and Kiana grows frustrated. Kiana clamps onto Gigi with a chinlock and she grinds Gigi down. Fans rally, Gigi fights forward, ROPEBREAK! Kiana holds until 4, frustrated as she is, but she storms back up. Gigi elbows Kiana, ROUNDHOUSES her, but Kiana kicks back. Kiana clinches, but Gigi JAWBREAKERS! And BOOTS! And BOOTS again! Gigi wrenches, ROUNDHOUSES, and runs to STO! Cover, TWO!
Kiana is still in this but Gigi waistlocks to deadlift! Kiana fights, switches, O’Conner Rolls, TWO! Kiana runs, but into a clinch! FINAL NAIL!! Cover, Gigi wins!
Winner: Gigi Dolin, by pinfall (advances to Stand & Deliver)
What Kiana couldn’t account for was Gigi’s determination! Gigi has her golden ticket, but will it just be her and Stark? Or are we going to add even more fuel to the fire?
Speaking of fire, FYRE & DAWN appear, and they snatch Kiana out of the ring!! Fans boo as Dawn & Fyre stomp away on Kiana! Jensen runs out to stop this, but Dawn & Fyre just taunt Kiana. Fans continue to ask, “Who’s Sebastian?” Will the answer to that be the key to keeping the team together?
Gargano arrives home!
Gargano hurries out of the car and up to the front door. He looks around, but Waller CLOBBERS him from the bush! “Welcome home, Johnny!” Johnny TACKLES Waller! They brawl, Gargano throws Waller back into the bush! Waller writhes, Gargano is furious, but Waller throws dirt in Gargano’s eyes! Waller CLUBS Gargano, and he says this is HIS house now. Waller grabs the trash can but Gargano BOOTs it into him! And then TACKLES it into him! Gargano grabs the trash can to CHUCK it at Waller! Waller writhes, Gargano hurries after him to fire off haymakers! Gargano beats down on Waller at the steps!
Candice is there, Gargano tells her to stay in side. Waller LOW BLOWS Gargano in the distraction!! Waller beats down Gargano, and Waller tells Quill that he’s home! But Gargano LOW BLOWS in return! And then SLAMS Waller up against the wall! And again! Only for Waller to YANK Gargano into the wall! Gargano staggers, Waller gets the rake and he JAMS Gargano with the handle! Gargano sputters, Waller tells Gargano to go home. Candice wants the fighting to stop, but Waller BREAKS the rake on Gargano’s back! Candice tells Waller to stop while she calms Quill down. Waller doesn’t stop, he STOMPS Gargano into the dirt!
Waller grins as he sits Gargano back up to look at Candice. “This is your dad, Quill, and you’re proud of this man?” Waller pushes Gargano down, and he says Gargano ain’t the man he was. Candice calms the crying Quill, then hurries to Gargano’s side. Will Johnny Wrestling show his son that he is a man to be proud of? Will Gargano stand and deliver?
Briggs, & Jensen regroup backstage.
Jensen asks Kiana if she needs something. What she needs is to know why she got jumped by those witches alone! Fallon & Briggs arrive and Fallon asks what happened, why does she have nine missed calls? Uh, what’s Fallon wearing? What is BRIGGS wearing? Uh… Briggs says this isn’t what it looks like. Aw man. Briggs say that bear movie without him! No… Er, uh, yes! That’s totally what he did, but he’ll totally watch it with Jensen. Kiana asks where Fallon was! Jensen agrees, they need to know where she want, because those crazy redheaded ladies jumped Kiana! Uh, well, Fallon didn’t even know Kiana had a qualifying match. What’s that about, partner? Briggs adds, “Yeah!”
Uh, Kiana is not passing up an opportunity at THE NXT Women’s Championship! Jensen adds, “That’s right!” Kiana asks what they’re gonna do about Fyre & Dawn at Stand & Deliver? Wait, Stand & Deliver? What? Yeah, Fallon & Kiana have to face Fyre & Dawn because they are the #1 contenders after winning a Triple Threat tonight, and that’s why they were trying to call her! So whatever this is, handle it! Oh, it will be handled. But is this all playing right into the hands of their challengers?
Carmelo Hayes & Trick Williams head to the ring.
They’re dressed to kill because this is the contract signing for the NXT Championship! Melo waits by the table as Bron makes his entrance. Bron is still in jeans and a merch shirt because he still does things how he wants. They both take their seats now and fans applaud. Bron says it’s just gonna be them. Isn’t there someone to host this? Well, no, that’s not needed. The faster they get the contract signed, the sooner they can begin the countdown to a new champion. Oh, it’s like that, Melo? Bron didn’t think this was gonna be like all the other contract signings but Melo’s about to change Bron’s mind.
But wait! Pretty Deadly makes their way out! Elton says, “As your hosts of STAND & DELIVER, it only makes sense to come out here and host the contract signing for the NXT Championship match at STAND & DELIVER!” Kit adds, “But don’t mind us, guys. You’ll hardly know we’re here.” Kit & Elton get in the ring, they want everyone to keep calm. Melo and Bron sit back down and Melo says that he meant no disrespect. Bron’s carried the title and all the weight that comes with it. The responsibility, the legacy of all the previous champions, Bron did that and deserves to be recognized. Really, he does.
But on April 1st, you can feel it. The changing of the guard. Because Melo is taking that title, and he’s taking it way further than Bron ever could. Just like Melo did with the North American Championship and made it THE A Championship. So listen, respectfully, at Stand & Deliver, you’re coming in second to Melo. Kit & Elton react with “Oooh!” Bron will disagree except for that last part. Melo did take the North American title and made it, at least in his own mind, the top title. Melo made that title the top title because he knew he wasn’t ready for THE top title. And that’s fine.
But that’s not the Melo Bron wants to face. Bron wants to face the Melo that the fans get on their feet for. Bron wants the Melo that comes out here and fans chant his name. Bron wants the Melo that beat Ricochet! That beat Apollo! That knows deep down that in his heart and soul that he is READY! Melo don’t miss? Pretty fitting. Because on April 1st, there’ll be a first for everything. Fans chant, “BRON BREAKKER SUCKS~” a la “John Cena Sucks,” but Elton & Kit have a chuckle over how mad Melo’s getting. It’s so fun to watch! Kit’s favorite part is all the backhanded compliments. That’s all on another level.
Melo reminds Pretty Deadly they said they weren’t going to talk. Oh, right, right, sorry. Carry on. Then shut up! Melo tells Bron that in LA, here’s what Melo doesn’t want. Melo doesn’t want the Bron with the anger management issues. Or the Bron in the tux inducting his dad and uncle into the Hall of Fame. Or the Bron with the fishing pole or with the smiling. Leave that Bron at home. Bring the Bron that runs through walls. The Bron that won at WarGames. The Bron that made Ciampa tap out! As Melo says all these things, how can he deny Bron’s greatness? When Bron is that guy, he is unstoppable! Okay?
“Which is gonna make it oh so much sweeter when you give me everything you’ve got, and it’s still not good enough. And I don’t just say this because it sounds good, Bron. I say this because it’s true. I am him.” Pretty Deadly like that one. Bron says Melo IS him. Bron believes that! But Melo has to show it. Melo has to show “him” isn’t just something on a T-shirt! That “him” isn’t some random thing Melo came up with to further his character. Melo has to show Bron that it means something! Because if he does, he’ll get everything he wants outta this and Bron will get everything he wants.
Bron gets the smooth, the cool Melo, Trick Melo Gang that everyone has grown to love! The Melo that’s flying first class, because LA is more Melo’s vibe anyway. Melo is flying out, Bron stays in. Melo is up late, Bron’s in bed early. Elton points out these two are like yin and yang. Trick sees that. Bron tells them to stop, and Kit “scolds” Elton for interrupting. Bron says this is all 18 months in the making. This has the potential to be the biggest match in NXT history. Melo says it will be. Each guy points out the other unified titles. Bron’s had his for almost two years. And if anyone knows about long reigns, it’s Melo!
But then both of them need to understand that this is big. This is the “youngest” main event in WrestleMania Weekend history! There is a lot of pressure, a lot of eyes on them, but that is nothing new to either one of them. So Melo knows that at Stand & Deliver, he will deliver. He just wants to know Bron will, too. Bron smirks and says, “I guess something’s gotta give then, my dude.” Melo signs his part, and says he’ snot giving an inch. He passes the contract over, Bron signs his part, and says, “Neither am I.” Then it’s official! Bron Breakker VS Carmelo Hayes for the NXT Championship at STAND & DELIVER!
Melo and Bron shake hands, fans cheer the sportsmanship, but Pretty Deadly says no! Fans want drama! Not this! They need something more! Give them some action! Melo takes off the suit and glasses, Bron puts down the belt and tears off his shirt. Pretty Deadly fires up with the fans, and then Bron an d Melo step up. To DOUBLE BACK SUPLEX Pretty Deadly through the table!! Bron lifts up the belt and fans are thunderous! Who will come out of Stand & Deliver truly living the Hollywood dream?
My Thoughts:
A great NXT with a lot of development for Stand & Deliver, though I feel like we got a few go-home segments early. The final segment, for one, with the contract signing and a great promo from everyone involved, really could’ve been on the go-home episode. I also like the twist that Bron and Melo did their best to be respectful, but also passive aggressive. And then they take out Pretty Deadly to add on to those guys’ woes with that great table spot. As I’ve said, I think this has to be where Bron loses the belt. Melo can finally be THE champion, Bron can move on to RawDown, and the fans can relax and have someone they want to cheer as a Face.
Though I will say, Bron started tipping towards Heel in the promo he had with Tony D and Stacks. Bron and NXT really should’ve had him turn Heel sooner. Sure, there’s a lot of temptation to make him Scott Steiner 2.0, but he could still find ways of being an arrogant Heel unique to him. Tony and Stacks deciding to go into the tag division was a surprising choice, too. I feel like they should be adding new members to the faction to get back to that gang feel. Yes, they’re Faces now because of how the fans have grown attached, but that doesn’t mean they couldn’t add to the D’Angelo Familia. Make the new guys the tag team, Stacks is midcard guy, Tony is top title guy.
Speaking of the tag titles and Pretty Deadly’s woes, great tag title match out of them and Gallus. For half a second, I thought Pretty Deadly was going to win, but Gallus pulls it out to retain. I do like the idea that Gallus being a “firm,” aka Scottish mafia, they’re going to go up against the D’Angelo Familia, an Italian American mafia. They can do promos like Tony did with Legado Del Fantasma, or like Gallus did with Die Familie in NXT UK, and then give us an awesome tag match at Stand & Deliver that could really go either way. And honestly, that’d be a great place to bring Joe Coffey back so that he tips the scales in Gallus’ favor.
Great stuff in the North American Championship story, too. I just knew Axiom would keep his eye on Wes, I knew and loved that they gave us the brawling chaos again, but I did not think this is where they’d finally pull the trigger on Scrypts going after Axiom. They should’ve done it sooner, and honestly could’ve waited until after Stand & Deliver on this. Wes being given the chance to choose four opponents for the North American title, he really could choose anyone, but something makes me think the four are obvious: Axiom, Scrypts, JD McDonagh and Ilja Dragunov. Why else would Wes cross paths with the brawling JD and Dragunov?
Great promo from JD and Dragunov, which of course turned into that great brawl, and great to know they’re getting that 1v1 match. Both guys are definitely deserving of a title shot, I’m just unsure how to feel about them being woven into the North American title story in a Fatal 5. The winner of JD VS Dragunov should be the clear cut contender to face just the champion. But in the end, at least it means they’ll be on Stand & Deliver and part of the huge WrestleMania Weekend.
But what was up with Scrypts becoming Soundwave from Transformers? They didn’t do that with his promo before, why’re they throwing that in on him now? I feel like Scrypts as a concept was really undercooked. But at the same time, there is some meta to it. Even Spider-Man had to work on his costume before he perfected the look. And while Scrypts comes off more as a villain, there is something to him as this writer/wrestler going through “rough drafts” until he has the final form. And good stuff from Chase U and The Schism. Chase gives Duke a lot to think about but so does Schism. Duke’s allegiance can be the key of where this story is going.
Great things out of the Women’s Division tonight. They’re going further with the Roxie health condition angle, and good ol’ HBK loves Ladder matches so he’s giving us one for the women’s title. I am so very sure this will somehow bring things to a recreation of HBK VS Razor Ramon, aka they will crown an Undisputed Women’s Champion with another ladder match. But for tonight, great rematch for Stark and Sol, and while Sol did better than last time, it makes sense Stark wins. Stark has done a lot of good work in NXT, this could be her moment to get that title. Of course, same can be said of Gigi as she was the surprise in facing Kiana. And who knows who else gets in on this thing, but I would love if they got Lyra Valkyria involved somehow.
The romcom of Kiana and Jensen continues to entertain. Briggs and Fallon sneaking around was funny, and the plot thickens with this “Sebastian.” Giving him a name kinda ruins them being able to make this guy a wrestler from Level Up, as the fans would’ve recognized “Sebastian” right away. Great Triple Threat Tag, and while I didn’t see Tatum’s turn on Ivy happening tonight, this was a great opening to do that. I knew Fyre & Dawn were getting this one, but what a great surprise for them to go after Kiana after her match. Fyre & Dawn are most surely winning at Stand & Deliver, and they can have a good reign with those belts.
And great stuff out of the building Gargano and Waller story. It seems like Waller predicted Gargano was gonna bring up NXT being his home with him going right to Gargano’s home. I feel like Waller should’ve first posted a video where he brought up that detail, but we still got a great brawl from the two of them. This was very much like the Rollins and Edge feud, or even the HHH and Randy Orton feud, proof that HBK and HHH see big things in Waller like they do Gargano. Their match is going to be a real show stealer, I’m sure of it.
My Score: 8.8/10
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Time to run it back!
Did Jey Uso disrespect Bron Breakker? He thinks so, and wants to get him back for it in a rematch for the WWE Intercontinental Championship!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- WWE World Tag Team Championship#1 Contenders Tournament Opening Round: The New Day VS Authors of Pain; New Day wins and advances.
- Liv Morgan & Raquel Rodriguez VS Damage CTRL; DMG CTRL wins, by disqualifications.
- WWE World Tag Team Championship#1 Contenders Tournament Opening Round: Rey Mysterio & Dragon Lee w/ Zelina Vega VS The Creed Brothers w/ American Made; win(s) and advance.
- WWE Intercontinental Championship: Jey Uso VS Bron Breakker; wins and
PLAY BY PLAY
The Crown Jewel Championships have arrived.
The attendants shine it up while security checks it. It all looks good, but who will look good once they win it?
Team American Made arrives.
And on their way in, Chad Gable, Ivy Nile & The Creed Brothers cross paths with The Alpha Academy. Otis, Akira Tozawa & Maxxine Dupri hold their tongues, but will American Made show they’re better by advancing in the World Tag Team Championship Contenders Tournament?
Bronson Reed arrives.
The Colossal Aussie is in Philadelphia, but there’s no brotherly love as SETH FREAKIN’ ROLLINS ATTACKS! The Visionary came outta nowhere, and now uses Bronson’s own luggage to beat him down! Security drags Rollins away but Rollins says he’s just getting started! Rollins dares Bronson to join him in the ring, and that’s where Rollins is going! He throws off his blue sequin jacket at someone in gorilla, then storms right to the ring! The fans fire up and sing Rollins’ song, but Rollins grabs a mic to say cut the music! “Philly, let’s get crazy, right here, right now! Bronson Reed! You wanna be famous, big boy? I’ll make your ass famous! Get out here, and let’s FIGHT!”
The fans are fired up, but Pearce says no no no! But then Bronson TOSSES security out of his way! Bronson heads for the ring, but it takes half a dozen men to drag him down! So Rollins then DIVES and bowls them all over! The fans are thunderous but then Bronson RAMS Rollins into the apron! Bronson puts Rollins int he ring, then RAMS him into a corner! More security rushes in but fans boo! Rollins and Bronson are separated, but not for long as they both get free! Rollins BOOTS Bronson, gets moving, but he runs into a DEATTH VALLEY DRIVER! Bronson hurries up top, but Rollins hurries out! So Bronson just FLYING SHOULDER TACKLES!
The fans are going nuts as Bronson clears the desk! Bronson drags Rollins up and HEADBUTTS him onto the desk! The security tries to stop Bronson but Bronson is climbing the barriers! He SHOVES guards off him, one guy becomes a backpack! So Bronson TOSSES that guy onto the rest! And then with Rollins on the desk, TSUNAMI! But only Bronson hits the desk! Rollins avoids disaster and the fans go nuts! Rollins is also going nuts, he wants after Bronson again! Security and even producers herd Rollins away, and Bronson rises up! Bronson goes out into the crowd but he warns Rollins this isn’t over!
The fans sing Rollins’ song again, “WHOA~ OH~ OHH~!” but when and where will The Visionary see Bronson again?
Backstage interview with Damage CTRL.
Jackie Redmond is with Iyo Sky & Kairi Sane and says that tomorrow night on NXT, they have a match with Meta Four’s Lash Legend & Jakara Jackson. They arguably coast DMG CTRL the tag titles, so is there anything DMG CTRL wants to say first? Iyo says that Lash & Jakara are just in the way. DMG CTRL are not done with Jade & Bianca. Soon, they will be WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions again! But then Liv Morgan steps in and says sorry not sorry, she needs to talk about what Nia Jax did to her last week. Jackie, you can go. Thanks, bye. Jackie steps out and Liv talks to camera.
“Nia, if you’re watching this, which I know you are, I know you only came to MY show last week because you’re just jealous of me. You’re jealous of me because I have it all. I have the Women’s World Championship, I have Dirty Dom, I have The Judgment Day, I have Raquel Rodriguez, and after I beat you at Crown Jewel, I’m gonna have the Crown Jewel Championship, too.” Kairi speaks up, “Choto, choto, choto. <Hey, hey, hey.>” Liv says she’s not done, but Kairi says she interrupted THEIR interview. Liv doesn’t care. Kairi tells them to go away, Iyo echoes it, and Liv says oh, they’re mad because they’re talking about the tag team titles.
But see, Liv & Raquel were champions before Rhea cost them. That means they could be tag team champions again any time they want. Iyo says Liv is not skipping the line! DMG CTRL could fight later, or they could fight TONIGHT! Raquel stares Iyo & Kairi down, and Liv says if they wanna fight, then let’s fight. Raquel, Liv, and Liv’s platform shoes leave, will they truly be standing tall after taking down The Evil Genius & The Pirate Princess?
WWE World Tag Team Championship#1 Contenders Tournament Opening Round: The New Day VS Authors of Pain w/ The Final Testament!
Speaking of tag team supremacy, Kofi Kingston & Xavier Woods want to return to that, even if that means fighting through the biggest and the baddest. And well, that’s where they’re starting! Will New Day be the ones writing this story? Or will Akam & Rezar make this the Final Chapter?
Raw returns and as Samantha Irvin is moving on to a new phase in her career, the legend that is Lilian Garcia is back! She gives the introductions as AOP makes their entrance, Final Testament leading the way. The teams sort out, and Woods starts against Akam. They circle, Woods waistlocks, and then headlocks. Akam powers up and out but Woods ducks ‘n’ dodges, then tags Kofi before he slides! Woods ROCKS Akam, Kofi SOBATS, and Woods mule kicks! Kofi hits a FAMOUSER! Cover, ONE! Akam is tougher than that but Kofi KICKS him back down. Kofi tags Woods, and he PENALTY KICKS AKam! Woods SLIDING LARIATS!
Kofi IMPLODER SPLASHES! Woods goes up the ropes to ELBOW DROP! Cover, TWO! Woods brings Akam up to wrench an arm, and YANK it! And YANK it! And CLUB away on it! Tag to Kofi and he climbs up, to DOUBLE STOMP the arm! Kofi wrenches, RAMS, and grinds the arm! Akam pulls hair, the ref reprimands, but Akam puts Kofi in a corner. Kofi dodges to CHOP! The fans fire up, and Kofi wrenches Akam to tag Woods. Woods goes up to AX HANDLE! Woods wrenches the arm again, but Kam keeps him from Kofi! URENAGE, and Akam DECKS Kofi for good measure! Woods bails out, but Karrion Kross is lurking.
Kross asks if Woods wants to shake his hand now. They can stop this if Woods just shakes his head. The fans rally, the ring count starts, but wait! Miz is watching from the front row now? Kross nods to Miz while Rezar tags in. Rezar CLUBS Woods down, and Raw goes to break.
Raw returns and Woods endures a bearhug from Rezar! Kross talks with Miz, making the sales pitch to join Final Testament. Woods fights with elbows, but Rezar shoves him back. Woods ELBOWS Akam, BOOTS Rezar, but Rezar scoops! Woods fights free, reaches for Kofi, but Rezar keeps him back! The fans fire up as they’re just fingertips away, but Rezar YANKS Woods back! But Woods dodges, hot tag to Kofi! Kofi springboards to AX HANDLE! Kofi rallies with DOUBLE CHOP, DOUPBLE CHOP and DROPKICK Kofi runs, but Rezar dodges to back suplex! Kofi lands out! Kofi BOOTS from the corner, then goes up to SPLASH Rezar down!
Akam gets up but Kofi BLASTS him! Woods is back and he DIVES! Down goes Akam in a heap! Rezar TOSSES Kofi to the corner, runs in, but into the SWING KICK! Kofi climbs, leaps, AX HANDLE! Rezar is down and Kofi runs, to “NEW~ DAY~” BOOM DROP! The fans fire up and clap along, “NEW! DAY ROCKS! NEW! DAY ROCKS!” Kofi aims again, spins, TROUBLE IN- NO, Rezar catches Kofi! FALL AWAY SLAM! Kross cheers while Rezar and Kofi are down. But wait, R-TRUTH IS HERE! He TACKLES Miz! The fans fire up but Kross drags Truth up! Truth BOOTS Kross! Rezar is furious, but Kofi sunset flips! NEW DAY WINS!
Winners: The New Day, by pinfall (advance to the next round)
Truth celebrates with ya bois, they all get some payback on The Final Testament! But uh, Truth hangs around too long. Kross DECKS Truth, and Miz adds on! And now Woods says leave him!? Kross grins, his plan working, but wait! The lights go out! THE PIANO PLAYS! The fans fire up and the fireflies come out, it’s THE WYATTS! They’re all on the corners! And then they LEAP into action! Nikki Cross takes out Scarlett, Erick Rowan & Joe Gacy go after AOP, and Miz scurries away while Dexter Lumis LARIATS Kross up and out! The fans fire up as The Wyatts clear out The Final Testament, and then Rowan CLOBBERS AOP!
The brawling continues, The Wyatts DUMP AOP over barriers, and then Rowan picks Lumis up! He THROWS Lumis at the Authors of Pain! Lumis then adds on more fists, and then the brawling spills into the crowd! Miz is all alone, and he grins because he’s safe. But then UNCLE HOWDY is there! But Ellering rushes in! He gets a MANDIBLE CLAW for it!! Miz runs away and Ellering fades out! The fans fire up, have The Wyatts come to right the Final Testament’s wrongs?
Backstage interview with Adam Pearce.
Jackie Redmond is with the Raw General Manager to say it is yet another chaotic Monday night. How does he plan on getting things under control? But before he can answer, Bronson Reed storms over, only for ROLLINS TO ATTACK! The brawl is on again! Security drags Bronson off of Rollins, only for Rollins to LEAP onto Bronson! Producers rush over to help separate these two, but what IS Pearce going to do if this madness is to stop?
Backstage interview with Jey Uso.
Cathy Kelley is with the Intercontinental Champion and says the tensions have escalated. Ahead of his match with Bron Breakker, could he address the issues going on with The Bloodline on SmackDown? Jey says yeah, it’s a bit ironic. We’re in the City of Brotherly Love but he has no love for his brothers right now. But he said what he said on Friday. It is what it is. But tonight is about this belt on his shoulder. Jey Uso VS Bron Breakker, Round 2. But Jey promises that tonight, the people will here #AndStill Intercontinental Champion, Main Event Jey Uso~! YEET.
Raquel Rodriguez speaks.
Big Mami Cool says Rhea’s business won’t end until she gets the world title back. Mamita, as long as Raquel is here, that will NEVER happen! Bad Blood was a warning, chiquita. Don’t think Raquel forgot what Rhea did to Liv, taking her out with a torn shoulder for six MONTHS. And Raquel hasn’t forgotten what Rhea did to them both when she cost them the tag titles! Reha, the only reason you rose up was because Raquel was gone. But she’s back now, and the smartest thing to do would be walk away. But we all know Rhea won’t. So since Rhea won’t end this, Raquel will. Ricky Desperado has put Rhea on notice, will Rhea heed the warning?
Liv Morgan & Raquel Rodriguez VS Damage CTRL!
Speaking of warnings, Liv & Raquel have sent theirs to Nia and Rhea, and Iyo & Kairi sent one to Lash & Jakara. Who backs up all that talk with a big win here tonight?
Raw returns and we see Meta Four is watching from the front row, again. Will they affect things like last time? Then Liv & Raquel make their entrance, but uh, where is Dominik Mysterio? He gets the introduction but he seems to be absent. Well, whatever, no one needs Dirty Dom here, except for Liv. The teams sort out, and Iyo runs up to TACKLE Liv! Iyo rains down fists, the fans fire up, but Liv gets away! Tag to Raquel, and Iyo backs up. Raquel steps in Iyo fires hands, but Raquel shoves her away. Iyo jumps up but the rana is blocked! Iyo fights free of the bomb, then gest around to hop on for a SLEEPER!
Raquel flails, reaches back, and FLINGS Iyo off her. Raquel then suplexes Iyo, but Iyo slips free! Tag to Kairi, then Iyo redirects Raquel. DMG CTRL shove, trip, and AX KICK! Raquel is down, DMG CTRL run up to DOUBLE DROPKICK! The fans fire up as Kairi storms around. Kairi runs in, but Raquel puts her up top! Kairi gets to the apron, RAMS into Raquel, and then goes back up. Kairi leaps, but Raquel ducks under! Kairi says kiss this, then she goes up, around, and RANAS Raquel into buckles! Tag to Iyo, DMG CTRL double wrench, KICK, and DOUBLE- NO, Raquel fights the suplex! Raquel lifts BOTH Iyo & Kairi!
The fans fire up, but now DMG CTRL slip down! She stays up, but DMG CTRL avoid the double elbows! SLIDING DÂ into Ghost Pin! TWO!! Raquel escapes, Iyo stomps her down, and tags Kairi. Kairi clamps on with a facelock, but Raquel stands up. Iyo runs up, Raquel shoves her back, and then Raquel THROWS Kairi at her! DMG CTRL stays up, Kairi dodges but Raquel LARIATS Iyo! Then she SOUTHPAW LARIATS Kairi! Liv cheers, and already hugs the Crown Jewel Women’s Championship. The fans boo and Raw goes to break.
Raw returns again and Raquel covers Kairi, TWO! The fans rally, Raquel drags Kairi up and gut wrenches to a Canadian rack. Kairi endures the backbreaker rack and the fans rally up again. Kairi fights but Meta Four isn’t that impressed. Kairi slips down, reaches for Iyo, but Raquel brings her around, Kairi dodges the lariat to ROCK Raquel! Kairi jumps, but Raquel catches her! Raquel throws Kairi back but Kairi URAKENS! Kairi then dodges Raquel, hot tags to Iyo and Liv! Iyo SHOTEIS, SHOTEIS and DROPKICKS! The fans fire up as Iyo whips. Liv reverses but Iyo goes out. Iyo HOTSHOTS Liv, then blocks Raquel’s boot!
Iyo puts the leg in ropes, to DRAGON SCREW it! Iyo then DOUBLE STOMPS Raquel on the apron! The fans fir eup and Iyo springboards in! MISSILE DROPKICK for Liv! Liv tumbles, Iyo kips up, and the fans fire up again! Iyo runs in, SHINKANSEN! Iyo drags Liv to the cover, TWO! Liv survives but Iyo scoops her, to SLAM her! Iyo steps on Liv, tags Kairi, and then Kairi tags Iyo back. DMG CTRL stand on Liv, the fans fire up, and Kairi runs for the POP-UP ELBOW! Iyo runs to jackknife bridge, but Raquel breaks it! Kairi is furious, and she runs up to SPEAR, but Raquel blocks it! Raquel SWINGS Kairi around before she THROWS her!
Raquel runs up, but Kairi dodges! Raquel POSTS herself and falls to the floor! Liv is furious now, and she BACK BODY BLOCKS Iyo! And then SHINING WIZARDS !Liv roars and shoves Iyo away. Liv adjusts up top, to leap, into a SHOTEI! The fans fire up while Liv flops out of the ring! Iyo goes to the apron, and she MISSILE DROPKICKS Liv into barriers! Iyo then DUMPS Jakara over! Lash DECKS Iyo! That’s a DQ!
Winners: Damage CTRL, by
Lash steps over, but gets a FLYING ELBOW from Kairi! Kairi & Iyo beat down on Lash! They put Lash in the ring, beat up on her more, but Jakara runs in! The brawl is on while fans boo, and Lash ROCKS Iyo! Lash fireman’s carries Iyo, and swings her into Kairi! Jakara hits the SUGAR RUSH BULLDOG! Then Lash hits the LASH EXTENSION on Iyo! The fans boo as Meta Four again stands tall, but now they stare down Liv & Raquel. BUT HERE COMES RHEA! Lash & Jakara smile, cuz Mami ain’t here for them. Philly fires up as Rhea storms her way out here, and Meta Four says bye. Raquel has Liv stand down, she can handle this.
Rhea runs in, and HEADBUTTS Raquel! Raquel stays up!? Rhea fires hands on her, but Raquel shoves her down! Raquel runs up, but Rhea DUMPS her out! Rhea grins as Liv is all alone! Liv runs but Rhea grabs her by her hair! Rhea reels Liv in, TOSSES her around, but Liv comes back to CODE BREAKER! Rhea comes back to KNEE Liv down! Rhea grabs Liv’s legs, ties them up, PRISM TRAP!! Liv flails, Rhea lifts her higher, but has to let her go when Raquel returns! Rhea DROPKICKS Raquel down! Liv is alone again, but she dodges Rhea to kick and wrench! Liv wants a Cobra Twist but Rhea HEADBUTTS her down!
Liv is dizzy, Rhea hauls her up! Pump handle and RIP- NO, NOW Dom is here! Dom saves Liv, she did need him after all! But Rhea TOSSES Dom in!! The fans fire up as Rhea puts Dom in the PRISM TRAP!! Dom flails, Liv AND Raquel have to drag him out to save him! The fans boo, but Rhea warns them all that it’s only a matter of time. Liv may have the Crown Jewel Championship on her mind, but will she have to watch her back from now until the end of time?
Seth Rollins finds Pearce.
They argue about how things have gone down tonight, but BRONSONÂ POUNCES ROLLINS!! Rollins is sent onto tables and Bronson hammers away! Yet again, these two are separated and Pearce shouts, “ENOUGH! ENOUGH!! Did either one of you selfish bastards stop to think for one second that I was gonna give you what you want? No, of course not! But you are! At Crown Jewel! Bronson Reed, Seth Rollins, a definitive victor! Now get them outta my building!” Rollins laughs as he and Bronson are hauled away, but Bronson says this is the worst mistake Rollins has ever made! Will there be nothing but blood and sand after this showdown?
The War Raiders speak.
“As we walked this path, there’s been setbacks that would’ve ended lesser men.” “But we rise time and again.” “But we’ve shed our armor, and headed to our future without fear.” “We look to our ancestors, the Viking warriors of the past, for inspiration.” “They crossed oceans, conquering everything in their path.” “We, too, have traveled the word, raiding gold far and wide.” “Your time to run and hide… has ended.” Erik & Ivar have made their impact, advancing in the World Tag Team Championship Contenders tournament. Will they completely take over before it is all said and done?
The Judgment Day regroups.
Finn Balor, JD McDonagh & Carlito are in the clubhouse as Dom, Liv & Raquel return. The Irish Ace asks what they think of the new spot, and Raquel says, “You wanna know what I think? What I think is what I need to do is to find Rhea Ripley. And when I do, I am gonna RIP her head off!” Liv calms Raquel down and says they’ll deal with Rhea when the time is right. For now, Liv needs to focus on Nia at Crown Jewel, and the boys need to focus on their tag titles. Right, Finn? Finn says everyone knows he and JD can handle any team on Earth. What he is worried about is Damian Priest making another claim at the World Heavyweight Championship.
Liv thought they were done with Priest. Dom says, “What if I’m the one who beats Gunther for the world title?” The others laugh, except for Liv. Liv says that’s not cool, Daddy Dom could totally beat Gunther. JD has Finn calm down about others wanting the world title, and then Raquel asks Carlito what he even does around here. Uh… Well, let’s just say he brings the cool factor. And he’s the fixer. In fact, he’ll fix this right now. Dom is going to be a champion in no time! Carlito heads out to talk to Pearce. Finn backstabbed Priest over the world title, will he be compelled to do it again to Dom?
WWE World Tag Team Championship#1 Contenders Tournament Opening Round: Rey Mysterio & Dragon Lee w/ Zelina Vega VS The Creed Brothers w/ American Made!
The King of Lucha & The Boy Wonder are ready to reign together, but that’s going to be an uphill battle. Will the lucha legend and the future of lucha libre grab gold for the LWO? Or will Julius & Bronson prove this tag team division is American Made?
Raw returns and American Made makes their entrance. The teams sort out and Dragon starts against Julius. They circle, and Julius shoots right in for the takedown! Julius gator rolls but Dragon gets away to ropes. The ref has Julius back off, but then Julius grabs an arm to wrench. Julius wristlocks, Dragon cartwheels, wrenches, and wristlocks back. Dragon knuckle locks, CHOPS, and then goes up, up and even turns Julius’ trip into a handspring! Julius stops the wheelbarrow but Dragon elbows free. Things speed up, Dragon rolls to sunset flip! TWO! Julius escapes, but Dragon kicks low! Dragon RAMS him into the corner, tag to Rey!
Rey & Dragon double wrench, double whip, to theN SOBAT, KICK and dropkick to the legs! Rey adds a basement dropkick! Cover, TWO! Rey spells it out and the fans cheer. But Julius basement suplexes! Julius SLAMS Rey down, tags Brutus, and then Julius gut wrenches Brutus to SLAM him into Rey! Brutus covers, TWO! Brutus stalks Julius to the corner, whips corner to corner, and Rey bounces off buckles! Brutus laughs like a hyena but the fans boo. Brutus storms up on Rey, brings the straps down, and BRUTUS SMASH! Rey can only guard and crawl away. Brutus tags Julius, and they haul Rey up.
The Creed whip, Rey slides under, but Brutus grabs him, Rey BOOTS Julius, ELBOWS Brutus, and then goes up and over. Julius Electric Chair Lifts, but Rey RANAS him out! Tag to Dragon, and Rey holds the way open! Dragon DIVES to take out both Creeds! The fans fire up for the LWO while Raw goes to break!
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It’s a Mighty homecoming for The Front Man!
Zack Sabre Jr. only just won the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship, but he’s putting it on the line against Sanada! Who writes the ending to this storied rivalry’s new chapter?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Kickoff Show – Yuto Nakashima & Oskar Leube VS Danny Jones & Brendan White; Yuto & Oskar win.
- Taiji Ishimori & Robbie X VS Joe Lando & Danny Black; Taiji & Robbie win.
- Mina Shirakawa & Kanji VS AZM & Dani Luna; AZM & Dani win.
- Michael Oku VS Kosei Fujita; Fujita wins.
- Yota Tsuji VS “Drilla” Dan Moloney; Tsuji wins.
- Shota Umino VS Callum Newman; Shota wins.
- David Finlay w/ Gedo VS Taka Michinoku; changed to…
- Gedo w/ David Finlay VS Taka Michinoku; Taka wins.
- David Finlay w/ Gedo VS Taka Michinoku (for real this time); Finlay wins.
- Six Man Tag: Los Ingobernables de Japon VS Robbie Eagles, Ryohei Oiwa & Mascara Dorada; LIJ wins.
- NJPW Strong Openweight Tag Team Championships: Shane Haste & Mikey Nicholls VS Hiroshi Tanahashi & Tomohiro Ishii; Shane & Mikey win and retain the titles.
- IWGP World Heavyweight Championship: Zack Sabre Jr. VS SANADA; ZSJ wins and retains the title.
PLAY BY PLAY
Kickoff Show – Yuto Nakashima & Oskar Leube VS Danny Jones & Brendan White!
Excursion is always an important part of any Young Lion’s growth, but these big boys have really exceeded expectations! Team Youngblood have won the Pro-Wrestling Holland AND wXw World Tag Team Championships since venturing out into the world, will they be red hot in their return to a NJPW ring? Or will they soon owe some golden tickets to these Greedy Souls?
As fans rally, “Youngblood! WOOP WOOP!” things get rather tense between the teams. The ref calms them down, and the teams sort out. Oskar starts against Jones and they tie right up. They go around, equal in height but Oskar has more beef. But Jones turns things around to put Oskar on ropes. The ref counts, Jones lets off slowly, and he mockingly pats Oskar on the shoulders. Oskar shoves Jones back, storms up on him, but Jones headlocks. Oskar endures the grind, powers up and out, and they RAM shoulders! Neither man falls, and they egg each other on. Oskar runs again, RAMS Jones again, then tells Jones to try.
Jones runs, he RAMS Oskar, Oskar RAMS Jones! They RAM and RAM and RAM! Jones ends up in a corner and the fans cheer. Jones backs off, tags White, so Oskar tags Yuto. The fans fire up as these two RAM each other, then start firing forearms! Yuto laughs it all off, but then White fires a flurry! White roars, runs, and RUNS Yuto over! The fans boo, but Yuto is up to RUN White over! The fans fire up while White flounders to ropes. Yuto tags Oskar, but White CLAWS Oskar’s eyes and fires more shots on Yuto! White whips but Yuto reverses to ROCK White! Then he feeds White to Oskar’s scoop and SLAM!
The fans cheer, Oskar taunts Jones then drags White up. Oskar CHOPS and fans “WOO~!” Oskar CLUBS White in the chest, then CHOPS him again! The fans rally behind Oskar and he runs, but Jones gest a cheap shot in! Oskar DECKS Jones for it, ELBOWS White away, but Jones anchors Oskar’s legs! White CLUBS away on Oskar but the ref reprimands. White tags Jones and Jones drags Oskar up. BIG back suplex, then White lifts Jones to back suplex SENTON! White adds his own SENTON while Jones BOOTS Yuto! The fans boo but Jones covers Oskar, TWO! Jones drops knee after knee on Oskar, then stomps him!
Jones clamps on a chinlock stretch but Oskar endures. The fans rally, Oskar fights up, but Jones CLUBS away on him! Jones whips Oskar to the corner, LARIATS, then tags White. White CLUBS Oskar in the back, then RAMS into him! The ref reprimands, the fans taunt Greedy Souls, but White KNEES Oskar down. Cover, TWO! Oskar toughs it out and rises up as the fans rally. White CLUBS Oskar, but Oskar ROCKS White! They fire forearms back and forth, and Oskar ROCKS White! White blocks the scoop and throws down ELBOWS! White KNEES Oskar in the side again and again, but the fans boo. White covers, TWO!
White drags Oskar up, tags Jones, and the Greedy Souls mug him. Jones has the legs, and he turns Oskar! Oskar fights but Jones KICKS and KICKS to have the BOSTON CRAB! Jones wants to use the “Young Lion” move to humiliate Oskar, but he just powers up! The fans rally as Oskar makes it to the ROPEBREAK! The ref counts, Jones lets go at 3, to drop a BIG elbow on Oskar’s back! Jones drags Oskar over, tags White, and White stomps Oskar. White stays between Oskar and Yuto, taunts Oskar, then CLUBS him. But Oskar goes to scoop! White fights it, but Oskar still lifts him! And SLAMS him!
The fans fire up while both men are down! Oskar and White crawl, hot tag to Yuto! Yuto runs White over, but Jones gets away. Yuto dodges White but White blocks Yuto’s kick to CLUB him in the leg! White runs, but into the YAKUZA KICK! Jones CLUBS Yuto! The ref reprimands and the fans boo as Jones whips Yuto. Yuto returns to CLOBBER Jones! Yuto KICKS White again and again, has him in a corner and he KICKS more and more! The fans fire up, Yuto winds up, and he ROUNDHOUSES White down! White is in the corner, Yuto marches around, and the fans rally as he runs back in, METEORA! Cover, TWO!
White survives and the fans rally up again. Yuto brings White up, fireman’s carries, but White fights with elbows again. White waistlocks, but Yuto fights it with elbows! White ROCKS Yuto in the back, then scoops, BACKBREAKER! White fires up, the fans boo, but White tags Jones. White runs in to SPLASH! Feed to Jones’ BOOT, then a SHOTGUN KICK from White! Cover, White intercepts Oskar, TWO as Yuto still kicks out! White TOSSES Oskar, then Greedy Souls drag Yuto up. White suplexes, but Yuto BOOTS Jones away! Yuto slips around White, shoves him into Jones, then fireman’s carries White!
Yuto powers up to DEATH VALLEY BOMB! Yuto and the Greedy Souls are down, and Yuto crawls for the corner! Hot tag to Oskar! The fans fire up as Oskar RAMS with Jones again and again! Oskar powers up to scoop but Jones fights free! Jones runs, but Oskar CLOBBERS him! The fans fire up and Oskar scoops again, to RUNNING SLAM! The fans rally up as Oskar rises. Oskar fires himself up, aims from a corner, and Jones rises. Oskar runs in, but Jones avoids the boot! Oskar fights the German Suplex to switch. Jones ELBOWS Oskar, tags White, and the Greedy Souls bypass Oskar to POWERSLAM!
The fans boo as Greedy Souls line up the shot in the corner. White SPLASHES Oskar, then Jones KNEES him! Jones trips Oskar, has the legs, and CATAPULTS Oskar to White for the BOSS MAN SLAM! Cover, TWO!! Oskar survives and the fans fire up! Greedy Souls drag Oskar up, and White goes to suplex. Oskar fights it, and Yuto runs in to fire shots on Jones! Oskar switches with White for a SLEEPER! Yuto gives Jones a BRAINBUSTER! White is flailing, Oskar feeds him to Yuto’s BOOT! Atomic Drop and LARIAT! The fans fire up and Youngblood says this is it! They aim at White from corners and White rises up.
Oskar and Yuto run in, HIGH LOW KICK COMBO! Cover, TWO!! White survives but Youngblood just gets him back up! Fireman’s carry from Oskar, Yuto goes up, FLYING KNEE F5 COMBO! Cover, Youngblood wins!
Winners: Oskar Leube & Yuto Nakashima, by pinfall
Young Lions no more, Youngblood is flowing! Will Oskar & Yuto extend their tag team dominance to NJPW?
Mina Shirakawa & Kanji VS AZM & Dani Luna!
The Fighting Gravure Idol has been all around the world because the world wants Mina! But will the Rev-Pro Undisputed British Women’s Champion and The Asian Sensation get what they want in a win? Or will they fail to stop the High Speed Superstar and The Inevitable?
The teams sort out and the fans cheer Mina & Kanji. Mina dances to the singing, “Doodoo do-do-do, Mina Shirakawa!” AZM says come on, they don’t have all night. Kanji steps up to AZM and the bell rings. The fans rally behind hometown hero Kanji as she and AZM circle. They tie up, are in a deadlock, but Kanji whips. AZM reverses, Kanji leaps over, and comes back to clinch and whip. Kanji then gets around AZM but AZM switches. Kanji drop toeholds, the fans cheer, but AZM avoids the kick to roll Kanji up. TWO, and Kanji sweeps to cover. ONE as AZM goes matrix. But Kanji trips her, ghost pins, TWO! AZM has it, TWO!
Kanji has a sunset flip! TWO, and AZM sits on Kanji, then handsprings away! The fans cheer and Kanji is a bit surprised. AZM and Kanji reset, and Kanji offers a handshake. AZM says okay, but then Kanji kicks her low! The fans boo but Kanji “apologizes.” Kanji runs, RAMS AZM, then RAMS her again. AZM follows Kanji, tags Dani, and then sets Kanji up for Dani to CLOBBER her! The fans fire up, and Dani brings Kanji up. Kanji CHOPS, Dani whips, but Kanji headlocks. Kanji CLUBS Dani, runs, wheelbarrows, but Dani holds Kanji up for AZM to ROUNDHOUSE into the FACEBUSTER! Cover, TWO!
Dani stays cool and she brings Kanji up. Kanji CHOPS and the fans “WOO~!” Kanji whips but Dani blocks! And she blocks again! So Kanji ROCKS her! Kanji wrenches, whips, but Dani reverses to clinch and OVERHEAD SUPLEX! Dani runs to SLIDING LARIAT! Cover, TWO! Dani drags Kanji up, tags AZM, and they double whip. Kanji holds ropes, Mina tags in, and Kanji BOOTS Dani to then ELBOW AZM! Kanji & Mina double snapmare to KICK, KICK, and repeat! AZM grits her teeth, but gets a DOUBLE PENALTY KICK SANDWICH! Mina covers, TWO! AZM toughs it out but Mina stays on her.
Mina stands AZM up but ducks a kick! Fans duel as AZM blocks a kick, avoids Mina’s lariat, then blocks another kick to ROUNDHOUSE! Mina wobbles, AZM runs, but Mina goes up to FLYING CHUCK! The fans fire up, Mina keeps moving, but AZM gets around! AZM reels Mina in for a suplex! Mina roars as she rises, and she blocks a shot to hook the leg, FISHERMAN SUPLEX! No bridge but the fans rally as both women crawl. Hot tag to Dani and she CLOBBERS Mina! And CLOBBERS her again! Dani reels Mina in, but Mina trips Dani to step through. Dani kicks and kicks but Mina SLAPS! Jackknife bridge, TWO!
Dani reels Mina in, brings her up, and POWERBOMBS! Cover, but Kanji breaks it! AZM runs up to TOSS Kanji out. The fans rally with AZM & Dani, and they drag Mina up. They double whip, but Mina reverses to send AZM away. Mina knees Dani, KICKS AZM, then victory rolls Dani! TWO, but Mina steps through the legs. AZM runs up but Mina spins her around, DDT into the SNAP LOCK! The fans fire up for Mina and she brings Dani around. Mina drops a knee on the knee, then gives a shimmy and shake. Mina drops an elbow on the bad leg! Then she steps through for the FIGURE FOUR!
The fans “WOO~!” as Dani endures, and Kanji intercepts AZM! KIMURA! Kanji has AZM in a standing Kimura, but AZM DUMPS her onto Mina! The fans fire up while all four women are down! Kanji and AZM find each other, as do Mina and Dani. The forearms fly back and forth, faster and faster! Mina blocks one to DECK Dani! AZM fires a flurry and ROCKS Kanji! AZM runs up on Mina but Mina blocks a kick to spin and SOBAT AZM! And URAKEN! AZM falls, Kanji pushes her out, and then they go after Dani! Mina & Kanji run, but AZM trips Kanji! Dani blocks Mina’s boot to fire a flurry! Dani whips, Mina reverses, but Dani SHOTGUN KICKS!
The fans fire up with Dani and she storms over to Mina. AZM sits on Kanji, then puts on an ARMBAR! Dani fireman’s carries, but Mina spins through to victory roll, and FIGURE FOUR! Dani endures, drags Mina around, and AZM goes up! DOUBLE STOMPS on Mina!! The fans fire up again, but here comes Kanji! AZM kicks low, runs, but Kanji catches her to STO and handspring! SUPERKICK! The fans fire up and Kanji runs in. AZM puts her on the apron, but Kanji avoids the slide. Kanji roars as she PLANCHAS! Down goes AZM but Kanji clutches a foot. Mina aims at Dani, Dani runs up to meet her!
Mina ROLLING ELBOW! Dani BACK ELBOW! Mina URAKEN! And CALF KICK! Mina runs, into a BOOT! Dani drags Mina back up, fireman’s carries, and pops Mina up into the SPINE BOMB! Cover, DANI & AZM WIN!
Winners: AZM & Dani Luna, by pinfall
What a shocker! This is a big win over THE Rev-Pro Women’s Champion, and Mina says she’s up for a 1v1! Will Dani winning that title off Mina be inevitable?
David Finlay w/ Gedo VS Taka Michinoku!
The Rebel is still IWGP Global Heavyweight Champion after making it through Hirooki Goto just last week, proving he himself is still a fierce warrior. But now he’s up against The Blue Playmaker in non-title action, and- Wait, he wants a mic to speak? Finlay says, “I come from a very long, very, very famous line of savages not too far from here. But you see, it had to be that way because of all you English pr*cks. The Finlays could’ve been pacifists, we could’ve been poets, but you forced our hands into fighting you for EIGHT HUNDRED YEARS. So the last place on God’s Green Earth that is going to tell me when or who to wrestle is this s*it hole right here!”
So Taka, he’s a legend, just like Finlay. But being that is not enough to go 1v1 with the champ underserved. Finlay has been killing dreams lately. You can ask Nic Nemeth, Sanada, Yoshi-Hashi, Hirooki Goto and Goto’s kids. In fact, very soon, Taka can ask Taichi, too. But for now, Finlay is killing Taka’s dreams right here. “The Savage King” has his own Royal Quest for Taka tonight. If Taka wants to go 1v1 against the Global Heavyweight Champion, he has to get through Gedo first. How’s that sound, b*tch? The fans like seeing Gedo in action! Finlay tosses the mic to Taka and Taka says, “So what?! Okay, I will do that. David Finlay, you already die!”
But then Gedo sucker punches Taka! The Blacksmith is ready to get his hands dirty, will he clear out another of Just5Guys before Finlay deals with the Holy Emperor?
Gedo w/ David Finlay VS Taka Michinoku!
The bell rings, Gedo beats up on Taka more, and the fans are torn. Gedo kicks Taka to a corner, stomps him again, and soaks up heat from the fans. Gedo drags Taka up and TOSSES him outside. The ref has Finlay stay back, but also wants Gedo to stay in. Gedo distracts the ref so Finlay can beat up Taka! The fans taunt Finlay, “No One Thinks You’re Irish! No One Thinks You’re Irish! Lala lala-la, lala lala-la!” Finlay flips them off, then shoves Taka into the ring. Gedo stomps Taka more and he talks trash at the same time. Taka fires body shots but Gedo eggs him on. Taka fires more hands, but Gedo pokes him in the eyes!
Taka goes to a corner, Gedo runs up, but Taka dodges! SHINING WIZARD! Taka snapmares, runs, and SHINING WIZARSD! Finlay gets on the apron but Taka BOOTS him down! Gedo stands up, into SUPER K!! The fans fire up with Taka, and scoops. Gedo slips free, but Taka blocks the eye poke, to eye poke! Taka whips, Gedo reverses, but Taka reverses back to wrench, drop toehold, and HAMMER away into JUST FACELOCK!! Gedo taps, Taka wins!
Winner: Taka Michinoku, by submission
But then Finlay stomps away on Taka! Taka beat the Blacksmith but now The Rebel is giving Taka that match! Is this savage going to pick the bones like an animal?
David Finlay w/ Gedo VS Taka Michinoku!
Finlay drags Taka up, suplexes, OVER- NO! Taka slips free, and pokes Finlay in the eyes! Taka whips Finlay to a corner, to SHINING WIZARD! Snapmare and SHINING WIZARD! Cover, TWO! Finlay is up but Taka Oklahoma Rolls him! TWO, PENALTY KICK! Prawn hold, TWO!! Finlay escapes but the fans fire up with Taka! Taka scoops, but Finlay slips free. So Taka pokes Finlay in the eyes, kicks Finlay in the shin, then SHOTEIS! Finlay staggers, Taka scoops, but Finlay slips free! Suplex, OVERKILL!! Cover, Finlay wins!
Winner: David Finlay, by pinfall
The fans boo but Finlay does pushups to show he still has power to spare. Finlay flips the fans off, not caring what the English think of him. But Finlay & Gedo aren’t done with Taka! Gedo stands Taka up, Finlay aims, and BELT SHOTS Taka down!! The fans boo more but Gedo says that’s what Taichi’s gonna get! Finlay grabs the mic to say one last thing before he goes. And he means this from the bottom of his cold heart: F U~! The fans tell him, “Don’t Come Back!” Will the Holy Emperor avenge his friends when he finally gets his hands on the Savage King?
NJPW Strong Openweight Tag Team Championships: Shane Haste & Mikey Nicholls VS Hiroshi Tanahashi & Tomohiro Ishii!
TMDK is dripping with gold right now, especially after retaining the IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Championships just last week in the Ryogoku Kokugikan. But now they defend their blue straps against The Ace & Stone Pitbull! Will Hysterical Haste & Mad Mikey stay golden in the Crystal Palace? Or will Tanahashi have a championship going into his final year of wrestling?
The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we see if The Mighty are still NJPW Strong!
The teams sort out and the fans already chant, “Go Ace!” They also cheer Tanahashi revealing the abs. Tanahashi puts his coat aside, the fans also chant for “I-SHI-I! I-SHI-I!” Ishii and Mikey get face to face but the ref has them back down. In the end, it is Shane and Tanahashi that start, and Shane teases Tanahashi’s great hair by tossing his own around. The fans rally for Tanahashi as he and Shane circle. They tie up, and Shane powers Tanahashi to a corner. The ref counts, Shane lets off cleanly, then “smashes” the air guitar! Shane runs up but Tanahashi dodges to arm-drag! Shane drags Tanahashi down but Tanahashi turns things back around.
Shane stands but Tanahashi wrenches, wrenches, and WRINGS Shane out. Tag to Ishii and Shane hurries to his feet. Shane RAMS Ishii, but Ishii doesn’t budge! Ishii then CLOBBERS Shane! Mikey steps in but Ishii CLOBBERS him first! The fans fire up as Ishii goes back for Shane. Ishii CHOPS Shane, but Shane eggs him on. Ishii CHOPS again, and again, but Shane wants more! Ishii ROCKS Shane with a forearm! And ROCKS him again! Ishii runs, but Mikey trips him! Shane adds a basement DROPKICK! Shane runs to BLAST Tanahashi while Mikey turns Ishii around to SMACK off the apron! The ref reprimands but TMDK soaks up the cheers and jeers.
Shane drags Ishii up, tags Mikey, and TMDK double wrench to run Ishii over! Then they split the wishbone! The fans duel, Shane stomps Ishii on his way out, and Mikey stands Ishii up. Ishii CHOPS! And CHOPS! But Mikey CHOPS back! And CHOPS again! Fans “WOO~!” while Mikey eggs Ishii on. Ishii CHOPS, but Mikey CHOPS again! Ishii grits his teeth, comes back, and CHOPS again! And again! Mikey knees low! Tag to Shane, and Mikey CHOPS again! The fans rally, Shane drags Ishii to a cocky cover, TWO! Shane keeps on Ishii with a wristlock, and then he KICKS the arm! Shane shakes out the stanky leg, and KICKS again! And again!
Ishii rises but Shane KICKS more! Shane fires forearms but Ishii still stands! Ishii ROCKS Shane, then whips, but Shane reverses. Mikey gets a cheap shot in! Shane runs up, Ishii dodges, and Shane avoids running into Mikey. Ishii runs up, Shane dodges, and Ishii does ROCK Mikey! Shane runs back in, Ishii dodges again, and now Shane runs into Mikey! Ishii dodges Shane again to SAIDO! The fans fire up while both men are down! Ishii crawls for his corner, hot tag to Tanahashi! President Ace fires up and runs, to CLOBBER Shane! Tanahashi BLASTS Mikey, ELBOWS Shane, goes up and CROSSBODIES!
The fans fire up as Tanahashi gives some air guitar himself. Tanahashi drags Shane up, scoops and SLAMS him, then goes up the corner. The fans fire up for the SUNSET SENTON! Cover, TWO! Shane stays in this but Tanahashi stays cool. The fans rally up and Tanahashi runs, but into a BOOT! Tanahashi roars an runs again, but into a DROPKICK! Both men are down and the fans rally again. Shane tags Mikey and Mikey drags Tanahashi up. But Tanahashi fires forearms! Mikey fires back, the fans rally as they brawl! Mikey gets the edge, Tanahashi gets around to waistlock, but has to duck an elbow! Mikey uses that to DDT!
Tanahashi is down and Mikey hurries to BLAST Ishii! Tanahashi sits up, into a SLIDING LARIAT! Cover, TWO! Tanahashi stays in this but Mikey says it’s time! Mikey hauls Tanahashi up but Tanahashi fights with elbows. Tanahashi blocks a kick to DRAGON SCREW! Tanahashi then has both legs, and he ties them up to turn Mikey over! TEXAS CLOVERLEAF! Mikey endures and the fans fire up! Shane storms in to fire forearms but Tanahashi doesn’t budge! Ishii storms in, Shane kicks at him but Ishii blocks! Ishii DRAGON SCREWS Shane! And now Ishii steps through on Shane, for a SHARPSHOOTER!!
The fans fire up as TMDK endure stereo submissions! Mikey fights, crawls, ROPEBREAK! Tanahashi lets Mikey go and Ishii does the same with Shane. Tanahashi fires up, runs, and he SLINGBLADES Mikey down! Cover, TWO! Mikey survives but Tanahashi hurries up top! Ishii tries but Shane gets past him, and he UPPERCUTS Tanahashi! Shane fires more hands, then Mikey gets up. Mikey gives Shane the boost, but Tanahashi fires the bomb-superplex combo! Tanahashi SHOTEIS Shane, and Mikey still POWERBOMBS him! Mikey is shocked to see it’s just Shane on the mat! Ishii then ROCKS Mikey!
Ishii kicks Shane out of the ring, and Tanahashi HIGH FLY ATTACKS! The fans fire up as Tanahashi goes back up the corner! HIGH FLY FLOW! But onto knees! Mikey saves himself, and he brings Tanahashi up. But Tanahashi cradle counters, TWO! Mikey runs up to SLIDING LARIAT! Both men are down again and the fans fire back up! Mikey and Tanahashi stir as the fans rally. They crawl for their corners, hot tags to Ishii and Shane! The fans fire up as Ishii dodges Shane, Shane dodges Ishii, and Ishii spins Shane! Ishii hits a BIG suplex! Shane staggers up, Ishii runs in at the corner and LARIATS!
Ishii whips corner to corner, Shane reverses but Ishii bounces off buckles to CLOBBER Shane! The fans fire up again and Ishii storms back over. Ishii drags Shane up and reels him in, but Shane fights the lift! Shane fireman’s carries, but Ishii slips free! Ishii fires a forearm, but Shane fires back! They go back and forth, and then Ishii ROCKS Shane! Shane KICKS, BOOTS, and hooks a leg, REVERSE POWERSLAM! Ishii flounders while fans fire up! Shane goes to the corner, runs up, and PENALTY KICK! Cover, TWO!! Ishii survives and the fans fire up! Mikey runs up to BLAST Tanahashi! The fans boo but Shane stands Ishii up.
Shane UPPERCUTS Ishii, Mikey lifts, BACK SUPLEX NECKBREAKER COMBO! Cover, TWO! Ishii stays in this but TMDK says this is it. They drag Ishii up, Mikey scoops, but Tanahashi saves Ishii! SHOTEI for Mikey! TWIST ‘N’ SHOUT for Shane! TWIST ‘N’ SHOUT for Mikey! The fans fire up again, and Tanahashi coaches Ishii up. They both run and dropkick TMDK’s legs out! The fans rally as Tanahashi climbs again. Ishii brings Shane around, hoists him up, and we get a HIGH FLY BRAINBUSTER!! Shane sputters, but Ishii runs to SLIDING LARIAT! Cover, MIKEY BREAKS IT! The fans are thunderous as this continues!
Ishii fires forearms on Mikey, then whips, but Mikey reverses. Ishii grabs ropes to stop, then he BOOTS Mikey! Mikey LARIATS Ishii! Mikey kicks at Tanahashi but he blocks! DRAGON SCREW! Shane rises to “SHORYUKEN!” Down goes Tanahashi! Ishii avoids Shoryuken, waistlocks, and GERMAN SUPLEXES! All four men are down and the fans are thunderous again! “This is Wrestling!” as all four men stir. Tanahashi drags Mikey out with him while Ishii goes to ropes. Ishii slaps himself, and runs up, but into a ROUNDHOUSE! Shane hauls Ishii up to SITOUT POWERBOMB!! Cover, TWO!! Ishii survives but Shane calls to Mikey.
Mikey hurries in, and he drags Ishii up. Mikey scoops, Shane runs up, but Ishii slips free to send TMDK into each other! Tanahashi SLINGBLADES Mikey! Shane runs up, Tanahashi dodges, SLINGBLADE! The fans fire up again and Ishii headbutts buckles! Ishii roars, runs up on Shane, and LARIATS!! Cover, TWO!! Shane survives but Ishii roars again! Ishii hauls Shane up to suplex, but Shane slips free! Ishii elbows, Shane UPPERCUTS! Mikey scoops, TANKBUSTER!! Cover, Tanahashi breaks it!! The fans fire up, Tanahashi fights TMDK 2v1! Forearm after forearm, but then Shane clinches! URENAGE BOMB!!
TMDK vow to end this, and they haul Ishii up. Ishii HEADBUTTS Mikey, PELES Shane, and then runs up! But into a scoop! TANKBUSTER AGAIN!!! Cover, TWO?!?! Ishii survives all on his own and the fans are thunderous again! TMDK is beside themselves, but Shane says they’ll just escalate it! Shane goes up top, Mikey scoops Ishii, SUPER TANKBUSTER!!! Cover, TMDK wins!
Winners: Shane Haste & Mikey Nicholls, by pinfall (still NJPW Strong Openweight Tag Team Champions)
They made it through Bullet Club’s Rogue Army, and they’ve just made it through The Ace and the Pitbull! Shane & Mikey are truly The Mighty, and are THE tag team champions in NJPW, but will they always be undisputed?
IWGP World Heavyweight Championship: Zack Sabre Jr. VS SANADA!
The Front Man returns home the conquering hero! He defeated and dethroned Tetsuya Naito just last week at King of Pro-Wrestling in Ryogoku, but was then swarmed by contenders! The Cold Skull got to Zack first so he gets his shot first. Will we see the return of The Gold Skull at the end of a very short reign? Or will ZSJ make him #JustTapOut?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and there are even streamers flying as we add one more chapter to this storied rivalry!
The fans already sing “OH~ Zack Sabre Junior~!” and shift to “F him up, Sabre, F him up!” The bell rings and the two circle. Even Red Shoes gets cheered for and Red Shoes bows in thanks. Sanada gets nothing, but he and ZSJ feel things out. They knuckle lock, clinch, and ZSJ waistlocks. Sanada switches, ZSJ wrenches to wristlock, but Sanada rolls and wrenches back. ZSJ rolls free and the fans cheer the exchange. The singing returns but Sanada steps out. The fans boo but Sanada takes his time walking along the apron. Sanada steps back in, he and ZSJ tie up, and Sanada waistlocks. ZSJ wrenches out to wristlock and he throws Sanada down.
ZSJ headscissors Sanada while fans sing, “Hey~ Sanada! Hoo! Hah! I wanna know~ oooOOOooo~, will you F off, bro!” ZSJ is amused, and he pushes up to put on the pressure. Sanada endures, fights around, and pops free. Sanada has ZSJ’s legs trapped, but ZSJ eggs Sanada on. Sanada jumps for a headlock but ZSJ headscissors back! The fans cheer, but Sanada bridges, rolls back, and again has the legs trapped. Sanada goes back to the headlock but just ends up in the headscissors again! Sanada scrambles to the ROPEBREAK! ZSJ lets go and the fans cheer. Sanada hushes the fans but they just boo instead.
ZSJ and Sanada circle, they tie up, and ZSJ headlocks. Sanada powers up and out, but ZSJ catches him to a COBRA TWIST! Sanada hip tosses free, has a leg, and he goes to tie ZSJ up. ZSJ refuses to be put in Paradise, and he wrangles Sanada into a cradle! ONE and Sanada has the prawn hold! ONE and ZSJ has it! ONE and Sanada has it! ONE, ONE, ONE! Sanada has a toehold but ZSJ uses the British Reel, only for Sanada to make it a BOW ‘N’ ARROW! ZSJ pops free, covers, ONE, but ZSJ headlocks for a takeover! Sanada headscissors, ZSJ kips free, and the fans cheer the standoff! ZSJ and Sanada catch their breath and reset.
The singing continues as ZSJ and Sanada circle again. They feel things out, testing the waters. They knuckle lock, and ZSJ brings Sanada down to stand on a hand. ZSJ twists the other hand around, bends the fingers, and then isolates the arm to STOMP it! The fans cheer and ZSJ apologizes to Red Shoes with a bow. ZSJ grabs Sanada’s hand, and SNAPS fingers! ZSJ bends and twists Sanada’s arm, pushes it down again, and STOMPS it! Sanada writhes but ZSJ sits him up to KICK in the back! The fans fire up as ZSJ brings Sanada up again. ZSJ wrenches, wrenches, wrenches, and whips, only for Sanada to reverse and dropkick the leg out!
ZSJ tumbles out while fans boo, but Sanada pursues. Sanada brings ZSJ up, and puts a leg around railing! ZSJ chinlocks Sanada, Sanada pulls the leg, and then Sanada BOOTS railing! ZSJ gets jammed up, and fans boo while ZSJ falls over. Sanada pretends he can’t hear the boos and goes back to ZSJ. Sanada headlocks ZSJ to bring him around the way. Sanada knees low, puts ZSJ’s leg back on railing, but ZSJ has a CROSSFACE! The fans cheer, Red Shoes reprimands both men, ZSJ lets go but they almost fall over with the railing. Sanada BOOTS the railing again, and ZSJ gets jammed up more. ZSJ hobbles away but Sanada pursues.
The fans tell Sanada off but he encourages it. ZSJ UPPERCUTS Sanada! Sanada eggs ZSJ on and ZSJ UPPERCUTS again! And again! Sanada kicks the bad leg! ZSJ falls over, Red Shoes says get this in the ring, and Sanada brings ZSJ up. Sanada puts ZSJ in, storms around, and brings ZSJ up. Sanada has the leg, for a SHIN BREAKER! ZSJ falls over, Sanada drags him around to put the leg on the rope, and HIP DROPS! The fans boo and Red Shoes reprimands, but Sanada drags him around. Sanada stomps ZSJ’s leg again and again, then has a standing toehold. ZSJ endures, but then Sanada drops a leg on the leg!
Sanada has the toehold in deep but ZSJ uses his free leg to hook Sanada. ZSJ wants the armbar but Sanada fights it. Sanada pulls harder on the toehold, but ZSJ grabs the ROPEBREAK! ZSJ scuffs Sanada as Sanada lets go, but Sanada comes back. Sanada reels ZSJ in but ZSJ fights the shin breaker. Sanada dropkicks the leg! Sanada runs, but ZSJ LARIATS! The fans fire up while both men are down! ZSJ shakes out the bad leg while catching his breath, and the fans sing for him again. ZSJ hobbles over to bring Sanada up, but Sanada stomps ZSJ’s foot! Sanada puts ZSJ in a corner, whips corner to corner, but ZSJ reverses.
Sanada comes back, but ZSJ avoids the dropkick to his legs! Then he uses his legs to NECK TWIST Sanada! The fans cheer ZSJ and he goes to the corner. ZSJ runs up, Sanada dodges, but ZSJ goes up to TORNADO DDT! Cover, TWO! The fans cheer and ZSJ hobbles up. Fans taunt Sanada with the song, “Sanada is a Tory! Sanada is a Tory!” ZSJ drags Sanada up but Sanada fights the suplex. ZSJ flips around to go for the arm, ARMBAR TAKEDOWN! Sanada clasps hands but ZSJ uses his leg to get inside the grip! ARMBAR!! Sanada flails his way over to the ROPEBREAK! ZSJ lets go quickly and the fans applaud.
ZSJ kneels on Sanada, isolates his arm, and STOMPS it again! The fans rally and sing as ZSJ runs, but Sanada dropkicks the legs this time! And then Sanada DROPKICKS ZSJ out of the ring! Sanada storms up to PLANCHA! Down goes ZSJ and Sanada encourages the booing again. Sanada just likes loud volume, regardless of what it is. Sanada puts ZSJ in, but now the fans sing, “If you all hate Sanada, clap your hands!” And they clap-clap! Sanada fireman’s carries ZSJ, GUT BUSTER- NO, ZSJ lands out to NECK TWIST! And basement DROPKICK! Sanada writhes and the fans fire up again.
ZSJ shakes out his legs and the fans sing more as he rises up. ZSJ hobbles over to Sanada, brings him up, but Sanada suplexes and uses ropes for MAGIC SCREW! Both men are down, but then Sanada kips up! Sanada soaks up the heat, runs at ZSJ, SHINING WIZARD! Sanada isn’t done there, though, as he brings ZSJ up to clinch! But ZSJ slips out, waistlock, O’Conner BRIDGE! But into SKULL END! Sanada uses this rivalry’s history against ZSJ! ZSJ endures but he’s caught in the body scissors! ZSJ fights around, Sanada stands him up to drop back! SKULL END! The body scissors are in again and ZSJ is fading!
Red Shoes checks ZSJ. The arm drops once, but then ZSJ comes back to life! The fans rally, ZSJ wags his finger, but now he’s fading again! Red Shoes checks again, but ZSJ wakes up again! ZSJ grabs at Sanada, fights with his legs, but Sanada squeezes tight! ZSJ fades again, and Sanada puts him in the drop zone! ROUNDING BODY PRESS, but onto knees! ZSJ drags Sanada around into CLARKY CAT! The fans are thunderous but Sanada endures! So ZSJ shifts to the BAD BALLOON REMIX! Sanada fights, kicks around with his legs, but ZSJ grabs that, too! CLARKY CAT G1 EDITION! Sanada still endures, so it’s back to the classic ARMBAR!
Sanada fights, reaches out, ROPEBREAK! The fans boo but ZSJ lets go. ZSJ stays cool as he rallies the fans back up. ZSJ goes back to Sanada, drags him up, and scoops, but Sanada fights free! ZSJ UPPERCUTS! Sanada drops to a knee, but ZSJ eggs him on. Sanada stands to UPPERCUT back! The fans boo, but ZSJ UPPERCUTS again! The fans cheer, but Sanada UPPERCUTS again! The fans boo again, but ZSJ comes back. ZSJ UPPERCUTS, but Sanada UPPERCUTS! ZSJ UPPERCUTS again, but Sanada shakes his head. Sanada UPPERCUTS, but ZSJ shakes his head. The fans rally as the UPPERCUTS keep going!
Sanada UPPERCUTS, and UPPERCUTS, and UPPERCUTS! The fans boo but Sanada has a cocky cover. ONE, and ZSJ UPPERCUTS! Sanada UPPERCUTS! The UPPERCUTS get going again and the fans rally up! ZSJ hooks an uppercut, Sanada switches, but ZSJ bucks the O’Conner, to UPPERCUT! Sanada runs up, but into a scoop and ZACK DRIVER! Cover, TWO!! Sanada survives but, matching Naito from last Sunday. The fans rally for ZSJ and “T M! D K!” ZSJ paces, sits Sanada up, and PENALTY KICKS! Sanada stands but ZSJ is on him! He hooks a leg, but Sanada slips free of the ZSJ Driver! SKULL END!
But ZSJ flips things around and steals SKULL END! ZSJ drops back, but Sanada rolls free, to have the EURO CLUTCH!! TWO!! Both men escape their own moves and the fans fire up! Sanada fireman’s carries but ZSJ slips down into an IRON OCTOPUS! “This is Awesome!” as Sanada endures! Sanada powers up to fireman’s carry! And T K O! The fans boo Sanada but both men are down. Sanada and ZSJ go to opposite corners as the fans rally up. Sanada stands first, but ZSJ runs in! ZSJ BOOTS Sanada and Sanada staggers to another corner. ZSJ runs in, but into a BOOT! Sanada Quebrada and dragon sleeper!
Sanada inverted suplexes, but ZSJ slips free! PELE to the arm! The fans fire up, but a BLINDSIDE SHINING WIZARD hits! The fans boo but Sanada goes to the corner. Sanada runs in again, SHINING WIZARD!! Sanada drags ZSJ into a drop zone, goes up top, ROUNDING BODY PRESS!! Cover, TWO!! ZSJ survives and the fans fire up again! Sanada drags ZSJ up, clinches, but ZSJ slips free, trips him, and body scissors! ZSJ turns Sanada over, but Sanada trips ZSJ and returns the body scissors! Sanada turns ZSJ over, but ZSJ returns the trip up! ZSJ body scissors, turns Sanada over, and JAPANESE BRIDGE!! TWO!!!
The fans are thunderous as Sanada escapes! Sanada drags ZSJ up, has a leg, but ZSJ SLAPS him! And SLAPS! And SLAPS! Sanada still DRAGON SCREWS! But ZSJ stays on his feet! ZSJ fights through the pain to PENALTY- NO, Sanada blocks the kick! DRAGON SCREW again!! ZSJ falls over, the fans boo, but Sanada lines up a shot. SHINING- NO, ZSJ rolls back into a HALF CRAB, then stepover, and STF! ZSJ adjusts to have an arm! CLARKY CAT, but Sanada fights around! ZSJ steps over, has a leg, CLARKY CAT G1 EDITION!!! Sanada has no limbs, so he verbally quits!! ZSJ wins!!
Winner: Zack Sabre Jr, by submission (still IWGP World Heavyweight Champion)
The hold that won ZSJ the G1 Climax now keeps the world title with him! Sanada felt this was his last chance to win this title this year, but will he find his way back in 2025?
As for ZSJ, after getting the belt from Red Shoes, he drapes it on the ropes. ZSJ shows his rival respect, Sanada returns it, and so the fans show Sanada respect as they applaud his departure. ZSJ then holds the belt up in victory before setting it down again. ZSJ grabs the mic and the fans cheer. The fans sing for “OH~ Zack Sabre Junior~” again. ZSJ has belt and mic in hand and says, “We’re home.” The fans cheer that, and chant “You Deserve It!” ZSJ says no, no, no. Pro-wrestling owes him nothing, but it has given him everything, so he will be a pro-wrestler until the day he dies. Fans definitely cheer that!
ZSJ says this has been his dream since he was 13 years old, even though he didn’t know it’d take him this long. But 66 to 24, that’s a bigger gap, so he’ll take 20 years and change. Now, he was the first British wrestler to win the G1 Climax, but he wasn’t the first British wrestler to be IWGP World Heavyweight Champion. BUT, he is “the first to bring the bloody thing home!” The fans also cheer that! ZSJ says ball’s in your court, English football team, he did his part. But in the lead up to this lifelong aim of his to be IWGP World Heavyweight Champion, he talked about how it was his dream to reach the top of Japanese wrestling.
Well, that dream doesn’t exist without him being a British wrestler, and that doesn’t happen without the fans supporting him for over two decades. The fans applaud, and ZSJ says this is not some lifetime achievement award, he’s just getting effin’ started! The fans like the sound of that! ZSJ reviews his goals for 2024. G1 Climax: smashed it. IWGP World Heavyweight Championship: done that one, as well. Next is Tokyo Dome’s main event. The fans cheer that! ZSJ says he will do what no foreign wrestler has done in the history of WrestleKingdom, and win the effin’ thing!
Sorry, innocent children, he picked up very bad habits living in a country where English is the second language. And he’s been told, he has a rather foul mouth. He’s a naughty boy. But we’ve seen them all, but this isn’t just his day. He is part of a team, a “gaggle of morons” really, but hey. Boys, get your asses out here. Fujita & Oiwa are probably already at the pub. Oiwa’s been at the pub all weekend. C’mon, boys! The fans cheer as the rest of TMDK make their way out here! ZSJ teases Fujita having the “cheeky glint” in his eye. He promises to introduce everyone. No, in the ring, idiots. Look at the size of this one!
Robbie Eagles and his Soul of PWA Championship step in first, and fans cheer “Robbie Robbie Robbie! OI OI OI!” ZSJ says he can do the full introduces. On slap bass, “Mad” Mikey Nicholls. Not just a nickname, by the way, because “Jovial” Mikey Nicholls didn’t have the right ring. But if you see him in traffic, “mad” is apt. On drums, it is “Hysterical” Shane Haste, which is not accurate either, depending on your comedic tastes. Then there’s the Sniper of the Skies, Robbie Eagles! But you get a couple drinks in him, he becomes Bobby C…an’t Say That Word. And then there’s Ichiban Sweet Boy, “Fuji Fuji Fuji!”
The fans cheer, and ZSJ sneaks a jab about Fujita “never” missing flights. And the newest member, Ryohei Oiwa, aka “Roy the Mullet!” The fans cheer on “MULLET! MULLET! MULLET!” Now, the future of NJPW isn’t just bright, it is effin’ ORANGE. And anyone coming after them will get absolutely bloody tangoed! TMDK is mighty, and The Mighty Don’t Kneel! The fans cheer that, and ZSJ says he loves you all very, very much. See you soon. As you were. Mic drop and the real celebration begins! TMDK holds up their gold and their banner! Will they be leading the charge for NJPW for not just 2024 but 2025 and beyond?
My Thoughts:
A great return to the UK for NJPW with Royal Quest, and TMDK was naturally all over this night with the last two matches being with their titles on the line. If I had a little more time today, I would’ve probably covered more, because as I skimmed it, Fujita VS Oku looked to be some awesome stuff. But I guess TMDK couldn’t completely dominate, that’s why they lost to LIJ with Mascara Dorada as their third man. Ironically, I go and cover the kickoff match, but that’s because I saw Oskar Leube & Yuto Nakashima are already dual tag team champions, and that is awesome for them. Plus, great to see Danny Jones again after being part of NXT UK’s later days.
Robbie X turning out to be “Mr. X” for Taiji Ishimori’s match was rather fitting, and Robbie X is now Bullet Club. Good win for them over members of CPF, the faction Callum Newman was in before going United Empire. Speaking of, good showing from him against Shota but it seems even in the UK, Shota is getting that “Super Cena” kind of heat. Well, when it comes to the Reiwa Musketeers, two outta three ain’t bad. Ren Narita is a Heel people love to hate, Yota Tsuji is a Face people love to cheer, but Shota is the Face people hate. Speaking of Yota, great match with Drilla and a great win from it, maybe Yota will challenge Ren for the NJPW World TV title.
Very good tag match for Mina & Kanji VS AZM & Dani, and like with Jones, great to see Dani again after NXT UK ended. Granted, I would be seeing her and South Wales Subculture if I watched TNA… But great win for Dani’s team, especially with her pinning Mina. A Rev-Pro title match between those two will be great stuff, though not sure Dani wins that. It’d add to Mina’s overall story if she went back to AEW to feud with Mariah May while they’re both champions. Add a little “Winner Takes All” to that match.
The Finlay story tonight was really good. Naturally, they played off the historical feud of Ireland and England, but I definitely chuckled at the chant of “You’re Not Irish!” or whatever since Finlay has no Irish accent from being raised in America. Good win for Taka over Gedo, but then of course Finlay goes right after Taka to get an easy win. Finlay VS Taichi for the Global Championship will be great stuff, but I still think Finlay wins. Even if Finlay got this belt back from Nemeth in May, five months and change is still rather short. Finlay probably takes this belt to WrestleKingdom, and maybe then he loses it again.
And as I said at the start, great double TMDK matches to close out the night. The NJPW Strong tag title match was great, but I figured TMDK would retain. Tanahashi should really be building towards a singles feud that feeds this year’s WrestleKingdom, with a Heel using the concept of “You won’t even MAKE it a full year!” Tanahashi will beat that guy, go undefeated the rest of 2025, and then lose at WK20 in 2026. As I type this, Evil probably tries to end Tanahashi early at WK19 and fails. Anyway, great match from ZSJ VS Sanada, with great nods to their previous matches, but again, ZSJ winning was of course how this went. Great stuff for ZSJ, can’t wait to see who faces him at WK19.
My Score: 8.9/10
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Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!
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