Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE Raw Results & Report! (4/3/23)
Raw Goes Hollywood!
What happens after the credits roll?
The yearly tradition of Raw After Mania now goes Hollywood! What will the WWE’s next chapter be for all its champions?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Omos w/ MVP VS Elias; Omos wins.
- Rey Mysterio VS Austin Theory; Theory wins.
- Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn VS The Street Profits; Kevin & Sami win.
- Bobby Lashley VS Mustafa Ali; Lashley wins.
- WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships #1 Contender’s Match: Liv Morgan & Raquel Rodriguez VS Iyo Sky & Dakota Kai; Liv & Raquel win and will challenge Becky Lynch & Lita for the titles.
- High Stakes Tag Match: Cody Rhodes & Brock Lesnar VS Roman Reigns & Solo Sikoa w/ Paul Heyman; No Contest.
PLAY BY PLAY
The first hour of Raw After Manis is COMMERCIAL FREE!
Triple H is here!
Los Angeles is fired up as The Game walks out to the ring. HHH soaks up all the adulation from the fans before going to the corner for his signature pose. HHH then gets the mic to say, “Welcome to Monday Night Raw!” And he has to say, if he wasn’t already on a high before walking out here after this weekend, he sure is hell on one now. That was unbelievable! What a weekend it was. WrestleMania, 161 THOUSAND fans jam packed into SoFi Stadium! And for the ultimate spectacle, an event that truly lived up to its name: The Grandest Stage of Them All. “An event 40 years in the making. From one man’s vision for WrestleMania at Madison Square Garden, to four decades later.
“LA, SoFi Stadium, packed to the rafters, beyond my wildest expectations.” So HHH is out here to say thank you. To thank every superstar in the back, every performer that has every stepped through the ropes and graced this ring. “They lay their bodies on the line for all of us every single week, and I just wanted to take that moment to say, ‘Thank you.'” HHH also thanks the staff and the crew that make a weekend like WrestleMania possible. That make nights like tonight in the sold-out Crypto Arena on a Monday night possible! Everyone in the back, out here, and Stu manning the camera. Fans chant for “STU! STU! STU!” Stu says hi and fans cheer.
HHH has to say, the people behind the scenes make this all possible. He walked in to SoFi last night, and no matter how many times he’d seen the drawings, the photos, the videos of it being built, when he walked in and saw that set… It took his breath away. They truly make the spectacle of what they do possible. And HHH wants to take one more moment to thank the most important people: the fans. The WWE Universe, the people that make it possible to do what the WWE loves to do day in and day out: entertain the fans. Thank you, fans! Fans chant for “TRIPLE H! TRIPLE H!”
HHH says on a day where the WWE is dominating the news, this day after WrestleMania, when they are anything anyone talks about, WWE makes an announcement that is all anyone walks to talk about. But HHH is here to assure the fans, “we ain’t going nowhere! The same WWE that you love, the same WWE that put 161 THOUSAND people to the rafters in SoFi stadium is going nowhere! The same WWE that you love, the superstars, the action, the drama, all of it! We are going nowhere. We will be here, week in and week out, event after event, sold out arena after sold arena, packed stadium after packed stadium, because WE! ARE! THE WWE!”
Fans cheer that, and HHH says that just like the opening roll: Then, Now, Forever, Together! Fans cheer again, and HHH says with all that said, he wants to ask us one thing. Help him acknowledge one more person. Reigning for 946 days, please welcome the Undisputed WWE Universal Champion… ROMAN! REIGNS! Fans are mixed as the Tribal Chief makes his way out. Paul Heyman and Solo Sikoa are with him, and HHH shakes each of their hands on his way out. Roman lifts the belts he still has after screwing over Cody Rhodes, and sets off the pyro. Then they all go to the ring, and Roman again lifts the belts for more pyro.
Fans boo while Heyman holds onto the belts. Roman grins, takes a moment to soak it all up, even as they chant “YOU SUCK! YOU SUCK!” and “ROMAN SUCKS!” Roman then takes the mic to say, “I guess after last night’s performance, we should probably do it like this tonight. Hollywood! ACKNOWLEDGE ME!” Fans boo more but then the bass drums hit! CODY RHODES is here! Cody has the smoke, the pyro, the three piece suit, but he is clutching one of his sides a bit. Cody gets a mic as he gets in the ring for even more pyro. Fans chant for “CODY! CODY!” while Heyman has Solo stand down.
Cody looks at Roman, and says, “I know what I wanna talk about.” Roman’s surprised by that. Cody says today is turning out a lot differently than he anticipated, and a lot of people anticipated. We thought Cody would be here the Undisputed WWE Universal Champion. Roman and Heyman both say “NOPE.” Cody sees and feels it. He will acknowledge this: last night at WrestleMania 39 in the main event, Roman was the better competitor. Roman, Cody knows we always have to do this with the world watching, but he wishes this, meaning Solo and Heyman, wasn’t a factor.
Because Cody knows that Roman knows he’s won a lot of matches where he skated by, narrowly defeating people. Last night wasn’t the case. Last night, Cody HAD Roman! Roman shakes his head but the fans agree with Cody. Cody said he knows what he wants to say, and it boils down to just one word. And fans already know what that word is, as they chant, “REMATCH! REMATCH!” Cody says it himself, he wants a REMATCH! Roman smirks and Heyman steps forward. Fans say “YES! YES! YES!” but Heyman wants a word. Roman hands over the mic, and fans boo.
Heyman says, “I was thinking… On behalf of the Tribal Chief… When exactly would you like this hypothetical rematch?” Cody smiles, and says, “TONIGHT!” Fans are thunderous over that idea! Roman is flustered, but Heyman helps him calm down. Heyman says, “No rematch. Not tonight, not in Puerto Rico, not at SummerSlam, not at Survivor Series, not at the Royal Rumble, not in Madison Square Garden, not in San Francisco where life does exist in California. No, no, no, no, NO!” Fans boo harder and call BS. Heyman says that’s called calling the shots when you live on the Island of Relevancy.
Cody asks if Heyman thinks he’s in an normal mood. A mood for these games? For these chicanery? After everything Cody went through his entire career with what happened last night? WHILE Solo is standing here? Let’s read between the lines. Roman doesn’t wanna do a rematch tonight, to give fans what they want, right here and right now? Fans fire up again, and Cody says, “I know exactly how tough you are.” But it won’t change this. if Roman doesn’t wanna do the rematch, well, he fought both guys anyway. Let’s do SOMETHING here, and do SOMETHING, now! Fans chant “ROMAN’S SCARED! ROMAN’S SCARED!”
Heyman asks Roman’s permission to talk privately. Heyman whispers things to Roman, and in the end, a decision is made. Roman turns back around, and Heyman tells “Mr. Rhodes,” and the fans of LA, Heyman has been authorized to inform Cody that item one, the tag team rematch, is accepted. But two parameters: If, and that is IF, someone in that locker room is so stupid as to team with Cody against Roman, it has to be someone that wrestled this past weekend at WrestleMania; Cody will realize how alone he is, because anyone that walks down that aisle that agrees to this, they will NEVER get another title match against Roman Reigns as long as he is still the Undisputed WWE Universal Heavyweight Champion!
So uh, what does Cody wanna talk about now? Fans echo, “WHO WHO WHO?” BROCK LESNAR!! Roman, Heyman, and even Solo are shocked! But Lesnar is all smiles as he circles the ring and fans lose their minds. The Beast stands with the American Nightmare, and shakes his hand! Lesnar even brings Cody in for a hug! Roman keeps Solo back, then they both back out of the ring. Fans boo, but they’ll have to put up or shut up tonight! Will the Island of Relevancy survive this high stakes tag match?
Omos w/ MVP VS Elias!
The Nigerian Giant also fought at WrestleMania, but even he was shocked to have lost to Lesnar. Will Omos get back up at the expense of The Drifter? Or will even the Giant learn to #WalkWithElias?
The bell rings and Elias rushes in, but into Omos’ huge hand! Omos then CLOBBERS Elias with the other huge hand! Omos talks trash on Elias, drags him up, and scoops to SLAM him! MVP says to punish Elias and Omos kicks Elias around. Omos drags Elias up, scoops him, and SLAMS him again! Omos roars, drags Elias up again, and TOSSES him to a corner! Omos SPLASHES Elias in the corner and Elias falls to the mat. Fans boo but Omos just soaks it up. MVP tells Omos to take Elias for a ride, and Omos scoops Elias, to SNAKE EYES! Then he BOOTS Elias! Omos copies the Deadman in the biggest way possible!
Omos kicks Elias around, drags him back up, and with both hands, MOUNTAINTOP POWERBOMB!! Cover, Omos wins!
Winner: Omos, by pinfall
That was comparatively merciful from Omos. Will all of Raw, and even SmackDown, learn to fear the Nigerian Giant?
The Usos find Roman Reigns’ suite backstage.
They knock on the door, Heyman opens up and is happy to see the greatest tag team of all time. Yeah, they wanna see Big Uce. Oh, sorry, the Tribal Chief just stepped out with Solo to have a chief-to-enforcer talk about Cody and Lesnar. Have they seen that? LESNAR?! So, Roman and Solo are talking strategy. Roman wanted Heyman to tell the Usos that this was a wonderful WrestleMania… for some. Their contributes were greatly appreciated, the jet will be fired up so that as soon as Roman and Solo mop the floor with Cody and Lesnar, they can all get going. But he wants the Usos to go ahead, enjoy the seafood buffet. Well, alright. Yeet.
The Usos head out, but then Heyman steps inside and tells Roman that he took care of it! Is this more of Roman’s two-faced manipulation of his family?
Cathy Kelly is ringside to interview Bad Bunny.
Fans cheer for the host of Backlash, how excited is he to bring WWE back to Puerto Rico? Bunny first says hello to LA, and they cheer more. Bunny says he is very happy to be hosting Backlash on his island. Finally WWE is headed back to Puerto Rico, but today he is enjoying things like any other fan. See you all in Puerto Rico!
Rey Mysterio is here!
The King of Lucha Libre is still in LA after the big win over his son, Dominik, and he gives big thanks to Bad Bunny in person for that assist. Fans chant “619! 619!” while Rey gets the mic. Rey says, “What an emotional week. I just got inducted into the Hall of Fame.” Fans chant “You Deserve It!” Rey thanks them, because without them, he wouldn’t be here. “Gracias, mi raza!” Rey continues to say that he wants to take the time to thank the WWE Universe, because they’ve welcomed him with open arms. He thanks them, gracias ustedes, but Bunny, thank you, brother. Wait, here comes Austin Theory.
The Now gets booed as he walks out with a mic and the US Championship. Theory tells “Rey-Rey” that the two of them deserve more respect. They are the only two that did exactly what they said they were going to do at WrestleMania. Rey beat the product of his own bad parenting, and Theory beat a legend! Theory beat the greatest of all time, John Cena! But the difference is that Rey is too busy correcting the past. Fans chant “YOU TAPPED OUT!” at Theory but he says no, THEY tapped out because they didn’t believe in him! He’s the champ! But just like that, Dom didn’t believe in Rey, and all these totos didn’t believe in him!
Wait, that’s it! Fans call Theory names, but Theory says, “You hear that? That is exactly what John Cena had to be talking about. The Raw After Mania, where y’all were gonna eat me alive. Where’s it at? Huh? Because I’m on top of the world, and I can’t be touched.” Fans chant, “YOU STILL SUCK!” Theory says he doesn’t suck, he beat Cena! Fans love screaming for Cena at the top of their lungs, and the fans start chanting “CENA! CENA!” Theory says no, none of that. Cheer for him but he ain’t here, he’s a part-timer. But what about Rey? Rey’s like Cena. They should chant HIS name! Fans do chant for “REY! REY! REY!”
Theory says all that’ll happen is that he’ll beat Rey and add his ass to the collection. Collection? The only thing Theory will be collecting is his teeth after Rey hits the 619! Theory says okay, let’s go. The mics are put aside, the ref gets in the ring, and it is happening!
Rey Mysterio VS Austin Theory!
The bell rings, Theory and Rey tie up, and Theory powers Rey to a corner. Theory climbs up on Rey, talks trash, but lets off as the ref counts. Rey shrugs it off, circles with Theory and ties up with him. Theory headlocks, Rey powers out, but Theory runs Rey over. Fans boo Theory but Raw goes picture in picture.
Theory whips, Rey reverse and sends Theory out. Rey fakes Theory out, then dropkicks him down! Rey brings Theory up and around, and whips him, only for Theory to reverse! Rey hits barriers, then Theory RAMS him into steel steps! And then the announce desk! Theory drags Rey up, puts him back in the ring, and covers, ONE!! Theory fumes but he stalks Rey. Theory RAMS Rey into a corner, RAMS him more, then DECKS him! Rey gets out of the ring but Theory talks trash. Theory goes out after Rey, puts him against barriers, but Rey dodges to COHP! Fans fire up as Rey stalks Theory back into the ring.
Theory CLUBS Rey, has him on ropes, and CHOKES him! The ref reprimands and counts, Theory lets off and Rey sputters. Theory brings Rey up, brings him around, and ROCKS him with another haymaker. Theory looms over Rey, talks more trash, then reels Rey in for a suplex. Rey writhes but Theory keeps talking trash. Theory looms over Rey again while soaking up the heat. Rey goes to a corner, Theory drags him up, and Theory throws hands. Theory whips Rey corner to corner hard, then scoops Rey and carries him around. Theory talks trash, right into the BACKBREAKER! Rey writhes, Theory covers, TWO!
Theory brings Rey back up, snapmares and wraps on a chinlock. Rey endures and Raw returns to single picture. Rey fights up, throws elbows, but Theory knees low. Theory POSTS Rey, stalks up behind him in the corner, and then drags Rey up to the top rope. Theory CLUBS Rey, talks trash on the fans, and then climbs up. Rey fights the back suplex, throws punches, and fans fire up! Rey ELBOWS Theory away! Rey then adjusts, leaps, CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO! Rey gets moving, but Theory CLOBBERS him! Cocky cover, ONE! Theory kicks Rey around, drags him back up, and Theory grins as he says it is HIS time.
Theory snapmares Rey, and he clamps onto an armlock and chinbar. Rey endures, fans rally, but Theory keeps talking trash. Rey fights up, throws hands, but Theory ROCKS Rey! Theory whips Rey corner to corner, but Rey goes up and over to TORNADO DDT! Fans fire up while both men are down! Rey and Theory stir, Theory runs in but into a BOOT! Rey drop toeholds Theory into buckles! Rey goes to the apron, climbs up, and fans fire up, only for Theory to ROCK Rey! Theory goes up after Rey, but Rey resists the superplex! Rey throws hands, knocks Theory away, and then SEATED SENTONS!
Rey keeps moving, he ducks ‘n’ dodges to springboard CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO! Theory is still in this but Rey stalks Theory to the corner. Rey RAMS into Theory, climbs up and he rains down fists! Fans count all the way to TEN, then Rey lets Theory go. Rey gives us Latino Heat, and then shoves Theory to another corner. Rey climbs up for more punches! Fans count, Theory slips out at five to CLUB Rey! Torture rack, spin and TOWER HACKER BOMB! Cover, TWO!! Rey survives and Theory grows frustrated but the fans rally back up. Fans chant “YOU TAPPED OUT!” at Theory but he fireman’s carries.
Rey fights, grabs ropes, gets to the apron and GAMANGIRIS! Then slingshots to RANA Theory onto ropes! Fans fire up, Rey dials it up, but Theory CLOBBERS Rey! Cover, TWO!! Theory snarls but Rey is still in this! Theory goes to the apron, says it’s still his time, and he slingshots, in, but into another RANA! Rey redials, but DOM is there! Rey DECKS Dom, goes after Theory, but Theory blocks! Pop-up and A-TOWN DOWN!! Cover, Theory wins!!
Winner: Austin Theory, by pinfall
Damian Priest tells Dom to go after Rey, so Dom rains down fists! Fans boo as Dom is nothing but a vulture! Dom then glares at Bad Bunny in the crowd. Bunny says what’s Dom looking at, but Dom starts creeping over. Fans chant for “BUNNY! BUNNY!” and Bunny says he did the right thing. Dom says his family is his business, not Bunny’s. Bunny says okay, just relax. He was just doing what he thought was right. Dom says okay, and then swings on Bunny! But Bunny COUNTER PUNCHES Dom!! Fans fire up and Priest sighs. Priest YANKS Bunny into ringside! Priest says all Bunny had to do was not get involved.
Bunny and Priest still being boys, Bunny shoves Priest. Then DECKS Dom again! Priest CLOBBERS Bunny!! Priest throws off his jacket to drag Bunny up. Priest clears off the announce desk! Priest drags Bunny up, choke grips, and CHOKE SLAMS Bunny through the desk!! Fans are losing their minds and commentary is in disbelief, but Dom is loving it! Dom then attacks Rey in the ring with stomps! Fans boo as Dom and Priest leave, will Bunny regret getting involved?
Adam Pearce admonishes Priest backstage.
Bad Bunny is one of the biggest names in music, and he is supporting the WWE, and this is how Priest treats him? Priest says what he did is the issue? YES! That same energy Pearce has now, is that the same energy he had seeing Bunny get involved at WrestleMania? Is that the same energy Pearce had seeing Bunny swing on Dom? But no, take it easy. If Bunny wasn’t Priest’s friend, Pearce would really have a reason to be angry. Priest heads out, but what is Pearce to do about all this?
Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn are here!
Fans fire up for the NEW Undisputed WWE Tag Team Champions! They even have shirts commemorating the moment. They each get a mic, and fans chant, “You Deserve It!” Kevin says, “Y’know what? We DO deserve it!” But all the fans deserve it, too! Fans sing “OLE~ OLE OLE OLE~!” for Sami, and Sami says, “Look, um… It’s been a pretty crazy year for me, that’s no secret. From last year’s WrestleMania with Johnny Knoxville, all the way to the main event of this year’s main event in Los Angeles! And look, I haven’t had a chance to say this, and I know it’s corny, so I’m gonna say this once and then move on.
“But none of this would be possible for me if it wasn’t for you, so thank you.” Fans cheer again, and Sami says, “Enough mushy-gushy stuff, because I’m pretty sure I’ve been coming to LA for a minute, and I know LA likes to celebrate!” Fans cheer that, too! Kevin agrees, that sounds pretty good. But hopefully, they celebrate the same way. Nothing says celebrating like a good fight. There’s something about being in LA and fighting your heart out and giving your all that seems like the perfect celebration. And there are surely a lot of people who wanna make a name for themselves against the NEW WWE Tag Team Champions!
And the best place to do that is here and now on the Raw After Mania! So if anyone wants some, these two are right here! “Come celebrate with us!” And who answers? The STREET PROFITS! Angelo Dawkins & Montez Ford are also coming off a big win in that Fatal 4 Way Tag Team Showcase, and here come the Solo cups! Ford says, “LA~! Look who it is! It’s Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn, your NEW WWE Undisputed Tag Team Champions of the WOOORLD~!” Dawkins likes that. Ford says it is a marvelous day in the land of Los Angeles. So Kevin, Sami, this toast is for you. Because like the crowd says, you two deserve it.
Don’t they? YES! Don’t they? YES! One more time, say “YEAH.” “YEAH!” LA sounding good as hell. “YES! YES! YES!” But Dawkins does bring up, the Profits got a win, too. And ya boi sent Braun flying. But in seriousness, how about Kevin & Sami VS Profits in Tinsel Town? A tag team that wants to make a name for themselves? The Profits have been stamping their names over and over and over, but still no one knows their names. So how about a match tonight on Raw After Mania?! It just makes sense, because Ford woke up to live, breathe and die by four words. Tell ’em, Dawks! The Profits are up, and WE! WANT! THE SMOKE!
Where there’s smoke, there’s fire, and the fans are fired up! The Profits are getting their fight with the champs, after the break!
Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn VS The Street Profits!
Raw returns, the bell rings, and Dawkins starts with Sami. They tie up, Sami wrenches an arm, then shifts to a hammerlock and headlock. Sami hits a takeover, but Dawkins headscissors. Sami kips free, Dawkins headlocks for a takeover but now Sami headscissors. Dawkins kips free, Sami arm-drags! Sami has the armlock, but Dawkins moves around. Ford coaches Dawkins up, Dawkins fights to his feet and whips, but Sami reverses. Dawkins runs Sami over and Ford fires up! Things speed up. Sami hurdles and arm-drags! And arm-drags again! And then spins Dawkins around to another arm-drag!
Fans cheer that exchange, and Sami has the armlock again. Dawkins fights back up while Ford gets frustrated. Dawkins powers Sami back but Kevin tags in. Fans cheer as the champs whip Dawkins to ropes, drop toehold and SENTON! Then Kevin drops another SENTON! Kevin blows a kiss to Ford, covers, TWO! Kevin SENTONS again! Cover, ONE!! Kevin argues but then brings Dawkins up. Tag to Sami, they mug Dawkins, then Sami ROCKS Dawkins, Sami whips, Dawkins hurdles, Ford tags in, and Dawkins UPPERCUTS Sami! Ford slingshot SENTONS! Cover, ONE!! Ford wrenches Sami and grinds the arm.
Sami endures, fights up, but Ford puts him in an open corner. The ref counts the break, Ford lets off slowly, but then he kicks low! Ford pretends to be surprised, then he CLUBS and whips Sami. Sami reverses Ford hard, then back drops Ford away! Fans rally, Sami covers, TWO! Sami keeps on Ford with a wristlock, then tags Kevin. Kevin kicks Ford, CLUBS him, then scoops for a BACKBREAKER! Kevin pushes on Ford in a backbreaker rack! Ford endures, Kevin pushes him to a cover, TWO! Kevin clamps on with a chinlock but Ford fights up. Kevin CLUBS Ford, back suplexes, but Ford lands on his feet!
Kevin kicks low but Ford denies the Stunner! Ford bails out, Kevin pursues, but Ford GAMANGIRIS! Tag to Dawkins and Dawkins DECKS Kevin! Cover, ONE!! Dawkins clamps onto the arm, tags Ford, and the Profits whip and DROPKICK Kevin down! Cover, TWO! Ford clamps onto Kevin’s arm and grinds the shoulder as Raw goes picture in picture.
Kevin endures, fights up, and he throws forearms. Kevin throws more forearms but Ford grinds the arm even more. Kevin reaches for Sami, but Ford keeps him away. Kevin throws haymakers, but Ford whips him into the Profits corner. Ford UPPERCUTS, then tags Dawkins. Ford whips Dawkins in to SPLASH Kevin! Dawkins pushes Kevin down to a cover, TWO! Dawkins keeps Kevin down with a chinlock. Kevin endures, even as Dawkins pushes up for more pressure. Kevin fights his way up, throws body shots, and he HEADBUTTS Dawkins! Kevin runs, into a DROPKICK! Dawkins covers again, TWO!
Dawkins keeps cool, Sami coaches Kevin, and Dawkins returns to the chinlock. Kevin endures as Dawkins leans on him, and Sami has the fans rally up. Kevin fights up, reaches out, but Dawkins keeps him back. Kevin throws hands, then DDTs! Both men are down but Dawkins crawls, hot tag to Ford! Ford leaps to keep Kevin from Sami! Ford stomps away on Kevin’s legs. Kevin gets up to CHOP! Ford CHOPS back! Ford stomps a mudhole into Kevin in the corner. Ford digs his boots in, lets off as the ref counts, and then brings Kevin up. Ford snapmares then goes to the apron. Ford blows a kiss before the slingshot SENTON!
Ford taunts Sami, goes back for Kevin, but Kevin throws hands! Ford ROCKS Kevin as Raw returns to single picture! Both men stand again, fans rally and Ford whips Kevin to a corner. Ford runs in, but Kevin dodges the cyclone splash! Hot tag to Sami! Sami goes up to CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO! Sami keeps focus, he throws hands, then he whips Ford to ropes. Ford reverses, kicks low, and reels Sami in. Sami wrenches out, knuckle locks and CHOPS, then he goes up and up and TORNADO DDTS! Fans fire up, Dawkins runs in but Sami throw shim out! Sami builds speed to FLY! Direct hit on the Profits at the ramp!
Fans fire up with Sami as he puts Ford back in. Sami then goes up top, takes aim, but Ford trips him up! Ford climbs up to join Sami but Sami throws hands. Sami CLUBS away on Ford, then adjusts to SUPER SUNSET FLIP POWERBOMB! Cover, TWO!! Ford survives and Sami is surprised! Fans still rally for Sami and he brings Ford back up. Sami waistlocks but Ford fights the lift. Ford throws punches, then ENZIGURIS! Sami staggers, Ford tags Dawkins! Dawkins DECKS Kevin before he CYCLONE SPLASHES Sami! Then ENZIGURIS! Sami staggers around, Dawkins Electric Chair Lifts!
Ford tags in, climbs up top, “SUCK IT!” BLOCKBUSTER DOOMSDAY!! Cover, KEVIN BREAKS IT! Fans fire up and Sami flounders to a corner. “This is Awesome!” as Sami staggers up. Ford runs in, but into an EXPLODER into the corner! Hot tag to Kevin! Kevin BLASTS Deakins for earlier, then runs to SUCK IT!” CANNONBALL on Ford! Ford is in the drop zone, Kevin goes up top! SWANTON BOMB!! Cover, DAWKS BREAKS IT! Sami gets in but Dawkins sends him out. Kevin SUPERKICKS Dawkins, but Ford SUPERKICKS Kevin! Fans fire up as Ford says a prayer and builds speed, to FLY! Direct hit on Kevin & Sami, and Ford lands on his feet!!
Ford says ‘SUCK IT!” and he puts Kevin in. Ford climbs up, FROM THE- NO, Ford has to bail out! Kevin tags Sami! STUNNER and Ford staggers! Sami shoves him into the corner, to HELLUVA KICK!! Cover, Kevin & Sami win!
Winners: Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn, by pinfall
The Profits stepped up but could not score against the new champions! Fans sing along, but what will be next for Kevin & Sami in their newly minted reign?
Backstage interview with Seth Rollins.
Cathy Kelly is with The visionary and says night one, Rollins beats Logan Paul. How is he feeling? Ooooh, he is feeling GOOD, baby! He is on Cloud Nine! It is WrestleMania Weekend, Raw After Mania, and on Saturday, Rollins hit the Stomp Heard ‘Round the World, and he sent Logan Paul, and KSI, back to the wasteland of Social Media. HAHAHAHAHA! But uh… Something’s not right. Something about tonight is missing. He can’t quite put his finger on. WAIT! He’s got it! The party isn’t back here. It’s out there! “Hey, Mr. DJ! Play! My! Soooong~!” BURN IT DOWN! HAHAHA!
Rollins heads out to gorilla and the fans are ready! “OH~ OHH~ OHHHH~!” The fans are fired up as Rollins runs around in his fluffy black ‘n’ white robe with faces on it. What will the Visionary do to celebrate his WrestleMania Moment? We find out, after the break.
Raw returns and the fans are still singing Rollins’ song. Rollins soaks it all up, and then goes back out of the ring to swagger around. Rollins goes back up the ramp, is that all he wanted?
Backstage interview with Bobby Lashley.
Cathy asks the 2023 Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal how he is feeling after that win. Lashley says it was huge. But he has some pent up frustration. He stood out in front of that WrestleMania crowd but didn’t get to compete. That burns him up. But then Bronson Reed walks in, very jovial. Can he call him, “Uncle Bobby?” No, he cannot. Oh, okay, hear him out. Lashley is like Bronson’s uncle, though. He teaches Bronson things. In fact, maybe Bronson could be Lashley’s pupil. After all, Lashley taught Bronson how to lose. Lashley won the battle royal, but eventually, the pupil will school the teacher.
Oh, so Bronson wants some? He wants to fight? Is that what Bronson thinks he can do? Bronson tells “tiger” to ease up. He can’t go tonight. School’s out. But eventually, Lashley will learn his lesson. Bronson leaves, and Ali walks in. That’s a whole lotta “no” coming Lashley’s way. A match with Bronson Reed: a no. A match at WrestleMania: a no. But whoa, hold on. Ali is just trying to help. If Lashley wants to change all this negative energy, then he needs to change the way he thinks. Lashley needs to think more #PositiveAli. Make sure you never, ever take no for an answer. Understand?
Right, don’t take “no” for an answer. Right! Then he should just take someone down to the ring and maul them, right? Yes! And since Ali’s here, it should be him, right? N-no! Well, he’s not taking “no” for an answer! So Lashley TOSSES Ali, beats him down, and Ali says he was just trying to help! Lashley TOSSES Ali through the curtain! Fans fire up as Ali scurries away from The All Mighty, but that just sends him closer to ringside! Lashley TOSSES Ali down the ramp! And then into the ring! The ref is still there, so here goes!
Bobby Lashley VS Mustafa Ali!
Ali freaks out, he goes up and over to dodge Lashley, and then says he was just trying to help! Lashley runs in, Ali slips out to the apron, and he ROUNDHOUSES Lashley away! Lashley just gets mad! Lashley runs in, Ali slingshots around. Ali ducks ‘n’ dodges but then Lashley follows to CLOBBER Ali! Fans fire up and Lashley drags Ali up. HURT LOCK!! Ali taps, Lashley wins!
Winner: Bobby Lashley, by submission
Lashley lets go when he is positive Ali is done! Lashley is in a mood, will he be satisfied by tearing into the Raw roster all over again?
Roman sits with Heyman and Solo.
The Tribal Chief asks the Wise Man if his cousins, The Usos, have left. Yes, they went to the jet. Wise Man. Yes, My Tribal Chief? Did you know Brock would be here? Heyman says this is the day after Mania, Lesnar usually takes six to nine months off and just leaves everyone hanging. That is a life Roman rescued Heyman from, which is why Heyman loves Roman. Then how did this happen? Heyman looks to Solo but says, if Roman remembers, SummerSlam was the last match between Roman and Lesnar ever, so Lesnar can never get another title match against Roman. So who could’ve thought Lesnar would accept this challenge? Lesnar has nothing to lose!
Lesnar has nothing to lose. Great. Good. It doesn’t matter. That was one of Roman’s greatest accolades ever, smashing Lesnar. He’ll do it again. And when he’s done with Lesnar again, he’ll smash Cody like he did last night at WrestleMania. Hell, when Roman is done with Cody, he will tag Solo in, and then they can see who is ready now. Does Solo understand? Show Cody you are ready. Solo nods and looks at his wrapped thumb. Will nothing stop the Bloodline from clearing out the field?
Bianca Belair is here!
Fans cheer as the RawEST Women’s Champion heads to the ring. Bianca gets the mic and fans chant for the “E S T! E S T!” Bianca says, “That’s right. The EST of the WWE is still your Raw Women’s Champion! But y’know what? Like I always say, I cannot be the EST without stepping into the ring with the best. And Asuka… C’mon, I said, Asuka!” Fans cheer, and Bianca says Asuka is definitely one of the best, one of the Most dangerous, so Bianca has to give credit to Asuka and thank her for pushing her to be the best she can be. Because now, Bianca can proudly say we did it! THREEPEAT!
But wait! Here comes RHEA RIPLEY! The Eradicator is the NEW SmackDown Women’s Champion, and she smiles as she walks to the ring. “E S T. You walk around here, calling yourself the EST, but you really are just the luckiEST woman in the WWE. Because after my humongous Royal Rumble victory, I decided to challenge Charlotte Flair instead of you.” Fans cheer as Rhea steps in the ring, and tells Bianca that they will get back to this. And Rhea will beat Bianca like she did Charlotte at WrestleMania. Fans like the sound of that but Bianca wonders. “Hold up, hold up. So I’m the luckiEST because you decided not to choose me?
“Girl, uh-uh. Rhea, look, you made your decision for a reason. And you’re SmackDown Women’s Champion, so stand on that and that alone. Because like I said earlier, I’m all about getting in the ring with the best, and that includes you. So, one day, when you’re ready, we’ll really see which one of us is the best of the best.” Fans also like the sound of that! Rhea nods, drops her mic, and steps away, only for Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez to appear! They may not have won the Women’s Tag Team Showcase, but they’re ready to show you can’t keep them down. Raquel also looks at Rhea and that title.
Who wins their way to challenging Big Time Becky and Lita? We find out after the break!
WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships #1 Contender’s Match: Liv Morgan & Raquel Rodriguez VS Iyo Sky & Dakota Kai!
Raw returns as Damage CTRL makes their entrance. The teams sort out and Raquel starts against old frenemy, Dakota. They tie up, Raquel throws Dakota down, then scoops her up! Dakota slips free, SMACKS Raaquel, but then Rauqel blocks the Scorpion Kick, into a STRETCH MUFFLER! Raquel SWINGS Dakota around, throws her down, then brings her up, Dakota JAWBREAKERS, SCORPION KCIKS, but Liv tags in! Liv runs in, Dakota dodges and follows but Liv ROCKS her! Liv pie faces, runs, but Dakota BOOTS her! Dakota laughs, runs, but Liv reels her in, BACKSTABBER! Hot tag to Sky!
Sky runs in but Liv DROPKICKS! Liv rolls back, runs in, and back body blocks! But Sky DROPKICKS her back! Liv sits up in a daze, Sky runs in, but Liv dumps her out! Kai runs in but Liv dumps her out, too! Tag to Raquel, and fans fire up as Raquel gives Liv the boost! POWERBOMB SENTON out onto DMG CTRL! Fans fire up and Raw goes to break.
Liv grins as she sits back up, and Raquel fetches Sky. Raquel puts Sky in the ring, covers, TWO! Raquel drags Sky up, whips her to the corner, tags Liv and RAMS into Sky! Liv blows kisses then Raquel whips her in to back body block! Liv then whips Raquel in for the SPLASH! Raquel pushes Sky down for Liv to basement dropkick! Cover, TWO! Liv keeps on Sky, but Sky bumps her off buckles! Sky runs in to ROCK Liv! Then runs in again, but into BOOTS! Liv goes up, Kai rushes over, but Liv BOOTS her away! Sky YANKS Liv down off the top! Sky wrenches Liv, whips her to the corner hard, and Liv bounces off buckles. Sky tags Kai, she covers, TWO!
Kai grins and brings Liv up, stomps away in the corner, then runs side to side, BOOT WASH! Cover, TWO! Kai is a little annoyed but she brings Liv up by her hair. The ref reprimands but Kai hip drops Liv! Tag to Sky, she drags Liv up and scoops to SLAM! Liv writhes, Sky mocks her pain and kicks her around. Sky drags Liv up, whips, but Liv reverse to send Sky out! Liv crawls but Kai runs in, only for Liv to dump her out! But Sky DROPKICKS Raquel before the tag! Liv swings, misses, Sky shoulders in! Sky springboards to MISSILE DROPKICK! Liv flounders, Sky covers, TWO! Sky argues the count but two is two.
Sky CLUBS Liv, drags her around, and wraps on a straitjacket stretch before the hip drop! Raw returns to single picture, Sky whips Liv to the corner, but Liv uses that to BLAST Kai! Sky runs in to UPPERCUT Liv! Sky grins and fans rally up. Sky sits Liv up, but Liv throws body shots! Liv fires off hand after hand but Sky kicks! Liv dodges the shotei to CODE BREAKER! Both women are down and fans fire up again! Liv and Sky crawl, hot tags to Kai and Raquel! Raquel rallies on Kai with big lariats! Kai dodges one but not the SOUTHPAW! Raquel scoops to FALL AWAY SLAM! Kai is in a drop zone, Raquel runs in to TWISTING VADER!
Kai scrambles to tag Sky! Sky tags Kai back in, and DMG CTRL mugs Raquel. But Raquel fights free! She LAWN DARTS Kai into Sky! And then TEXANA- NO, Sky saves Kai! Raquel POUNCES Kai into Sky! Sky falls, Dakota kicks, but into the lift! Liv tags in, TEXANA BOMB! And then ObLIVion!! Cover, Liv & Raquel win!
Winners: Liv Morgan & Raquel Rodriguez, by pinfall (NEW #1 Contenders to the WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions)
Morgan & Rodriguez are #LivingLarge! They get their opportunity at the champs next week! Will they be in the Big Time after next Monday Night Raw?
The Miz heads to gorilla.
The Hollywood A-Lister passes by Chad Gable arguing with Maxxine Dupri over how “OtÄ«se’s” hair should be styled. But what will the Most Must-See Superstar have to say about his WrestleMania Weekend? We find out, after the break.
The Miz is in the ring!
Raw returns as Miz asks if everyone enjoyed WrestleMania. Fans cheer and Miz bet they did. It was full of surprises. Little did he know that the surprises were for him. As the host, he thought he would get to sing, dance, roast some people, not have three matches! More matches than anyone on that card! He took on four people! “The Dogg Father of WrestleMania was like, ‘Surprise~! He’s Pat McAfee! Surprise~! Here’s George Kittle,’ who basically made it a 2 on one Handicap match! Surprise~! Here’s jumping Shane McMahon! Yet surprise, I beat him so badly, he couldn’t finish the match!
“But then surprise~! Snoop Dogg sucker punches me! Basically uses his rings as brass knuckles, then proceeds to do the worst People’s Elbow in the history of People’s Elbows! But WrestleMania is over, and tonight starts a new season. And I am DONE with surprises! There will be no more-” “Bro…” Fans fire up for the return of MATT RIDDLE! The Bro is on his scooter and he heads down to the ring! The flip flops fly, the pyro goes off, and there are rainbow giraffes! Miz is in a sour mood as Riddle gets the mic and fans chant “BRO! BRO! BRO!” Riddle tells Miz, “Surprise~! Did you miss me?”
Miz attacks Riddle! Miz stomps Riddle in the corner with his fancy shoes, then lets off to throw off his jacket and tie. But Riddle ROCKS Miz with palm strike after palm strike! ROUNDHOUSE! Ripcord, FINAL FLASH! And then a scoop to a gut wrench, to a BRO DEREK!! Fans cheer, and Riddle wins without it being a match! Will Miz learn to expect the unexpected? Will The Bro rise back up in this new season of WWE action?
Backstage interview with Becky Lynch, Lita & Trish Stratus.
Byron Saxton is with Team Big Time, and asks them how it felt to win on the Grandest Stage of Theme All? Trish says to have been in a multi-generational tag match like they had with DMG CTRL, it was incredible. And to beat DMG CTRL, also incredible. Lita says she is still riding that high. And we’re just getting started. Becky says her life has been on repeat dealing with those DMG CTRL fools. But now that that chapter is done, they can go back to their goal of raising the prestige of these titles. And the best way to do that is to beat Raquel & Liv next week! Raw is gonna be Big Time, but will The Man & The Legend elevate things in Seattle?
High Stakes Tag Match: Cody Rhodes & Brock Lesnar VS Roman Reigns & Solo Sikoa w/ Paul Heyman!
The Bloodline made a bet without knowing all the variables, and it may have just bitten them on the butt! Will the Beast help the American Nightmare win that Undisputed Universal Championship rematch? Or will the Tribal Chief and Enforcer of the Island end Cody’s story once and for all?
Raw goes picture in picture as Roman and Solo finish their walk into the ring and the pyro goes off again. Roman walks around with the belts raised high. Then Raw returns to single picture as Cody makes his entrance. Then Lesnar makes his! The introductions are made, the teams sort out, and LESNAR F5S CODY!?!? WHAT?!? Even Roman and Solo are shocked! Roman and Solo get out of the ring while fans lose their minds! Lesnar then drags Cody up to F5 him again!! WHY, LESNAR, WHY!?! Lesnar can’t get another shot at Roman, does he just not want Cody to get another shot? Fans boo as Lesnar stalks Cody to the ropes.
Lesnar stomps Cody, then stands on his neck! Lesnar steps on Cody, drags him up, and GERMAN SUPLEXES! Fans boo as Lesnar looms over Cody. Lesnar drags Cody up by the rib tape to TOSS Cody out of the ring! Lesnar goes out after Cody, hauls him up, and RAMS him into the barriers! Fans boo as hard as they can while Lesnar stands over Cody. Lesnar drags Cody up to suplex him into the timekeeper’s area! Then Lesnar rings the bell himself, to then SMACK Cody with a chair! Lesnar tosses that chair to the ring, and he looms over the writhing Cody Rhodes. Cody crawls but Lesnar pushes past him to go to the steel steps!
Lesnar has the steps, and he RAMS Cody! Lesnar tosses the steps into the ring, then he stalks Cody. Cody barely stirs, but Lesnar still drags Cody up! Adam Pearce is here to tell Lesnar to stop, but Lesnar doesn’t listen to anyone! He F5s Cody onto the announce desk!! The Beast chases Pearce off, and then goes back to Cody in the wreckage. Cody tries to move but Lesnar brings him up first. Lesnar puts Cody in the ring, fans boo, but Lesnar positions the steel steps at center. Lesnar keeps the officials from dragging Cody out to safety, and Lesnar brings Cody up again. F5 ONTO THE STEEL STEPS!!
Fans boo but Lesnar just soaks it all up as he stands over the battered Cody Rhodes. Fans boo as Lesnar takes his leave. But then as he goes up the ramp, he decides to keep going! Lesnar chases off the officials and producers to grab a chair! Cody manages to sit up, only for Lesnar to SMACK Cody! And again! Lesnar even headbutts the chair himself! Lesnar CHOKES Cody with the chair, and shouts, “LOOK AT ME!!” Lesnar shouts at Cody, then lets off. Lesnar finally takes his leave, the damage done. Only God and Lesnar know why Lesnar just did all this, but did Lesnar just end the American Nightmare?
OH NO, LESNAR RETURNS AGAIN!! But then he just flips everyone off. The Beast is more unhinged than ever before, what can anyone do to stop him?
My Thoughts:
For a Raw After WrestleMania, or even any random Raw during the year, this was rather baffling. A commercial free first hour, but for what? To get all the recaps out of the way? That opening promo between Cody and the Bloodline was great stuff, probably the best stuff all night, even though I would’ve loved if Cody just came out and said what he really meant: Roman’s a coward for not winning on his own and always having his family save him. And Lesnar showing up to side with Cody in that moment was great, it was a really exciting idea.
But as we just saw at the end there, it was all just to swerve Cody. This really has to be a case of, “If I can’t face Roman, no one can.” Lesnar is going to force Cody to beat him in a match before Cody gets his rematch with Roman. For those who said Cody hasn’t faced enough adversity, are you happy now? The silver lining is that they’re building the passive aggressive dysfunction Sami has been talking about. The Usos were given the night off, as simply an excuse for Roman not to be around them after they lost and disappointed him. This has to break down around Backlash to justify keeping the title(s) on Roman.
And for a Raw After Mania, there should’ve been big surprises, like call-ups, returns or brand new stars. I like Matt Riddle, but he was not anyone on the list of people I expected when Miz was clearly setting himself up to be beat up. I suppose Riddle is a safer choice, though, than the possibilities I had in my head. Bron Breakker would’ve been good, except he might still have some heat from the NXT fans who still see him as “LOL Bron Wins.” Jay White would’ve been awesome, except that would rely on there being enough NJPW fans to recognize him. Instead, Riddle and Miz is a good warm-up feud for Riddle to get back in the swing of things before doing something else.
Rey had a good promo, and honestly so did Austin Theory. They had a really good match, but of course Dom got involved. It was good continuity that Priest didn’t have anything against Bad Bunny but Dom did, and so Priest was stuck between two friends and chose Dom because he’s Judgment Day. Bunny did great in selling the lariat, being a ragdoll as Priest picked him up. But Bunny may have overdone it because the Choke Slam through the desk seemed particularly rough. Hopefully Bunny is only kayfabe injured, and we’re probably getting Rey & Bunny VS Priest & Dom in Puerto Rico for a great hometown hero win for Bunny.
Lashley had a good promo, and I’m glad they’re setting up a feud with Bronson Reed like I was hoping on Friday. But Bronson is taking his time, Lashley takes his anger out on Ali to kinda feed Ali’s story of sticking his foot in his mouth all the time. Bronson VS Lashley def feels like a Backlash match, though, with the winner going onto a title match of some sort. And Rollins also should’ve tried to tease going for a title, but instead they simply had him revel in the singing. Which is fine for the live fans, they get to sing along with the most popular chant in WWE right now, but I wish there was more to that segment overall.
Omos VS Elias was a squash, because duh, but we didn’t even get any Boogs. If Boogs was with Elias or watching backstage, that would’ve been nice because it continues that story. Good promo from Bianca to show respect to Asuka, and good addition from Rhea to certainly tease things between her and Bianca. Is the WWEÂ not separating these undisputed titles and instead doubling down by making an Undisputed Women’s Championship? And it seems Ronda’s elbow still isn’t 100%, or else she and Shayna would’ve been #1 contenders. Though, Raquel & Liv are getting their shot next week, not at Backlash, so maybe they just want to give Becky & Lita a successful defense before losing.
And we got a really fun promo from Kevin, Sami and the Profits, and a really great tag match out of them. Even if it was for the titles, I figured Kevin & Sami were winning this. Maybe the Usos will try and get a rematch of their own, as an attempt to appease Roman, but maybe them losing again will aggravate Roman more and things truly break down, right around the time Roman’s going to hit 1000 days. That would be May 27th, which is the King & Queen of the Ring event. Maybe the family drama will get so bad that by the time Roman has to defend against THE King of the Ring, Roman’s usual back-up just decides not to back him up. If they do this right, maybe Roman falls short of the Pedro Morales reign of 1028 days to add even more to the impact of the loss.
My Score: 8.2/10
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Is Orange Cassidy coldblooded? Or just in control?
Before their AEW World Championship match at Full Gear, Jon Moxley puts Wheeler Yuta in Orange Cassidy’s way! Will Cassidy destroy The Decoder before going for The Maniac?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- 8 Man Tag: Will Ospreay, Mark Davis, Ricochet & “Powerhouse” Will Hobbs VS The Don Callis Family; The Don Callis Family wins.
- Kris Statlander VS Hikaru Shida; Kris wins.
- 2v1 Handicap: Bobby Lashley w/ The Hurt Syndicate VS Joe Keys & Cheeseburger; Lashley wins.
- Darby Allin VS Claudio Castagnoli; Claudio wins.
- Orange Cassidy VS Wheeler Yuta w/ The Death Riders; Cassidy wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
8 Man Tag: Will Ospreay, Mark Davis, Ricochet & “Powerhouse” Will Hobbs VS The Don Callis Family!
This All-Star 8 Man is going to make for a massive match! The Aerial Assassin, Dunk Zilla, The One & Only and the man the family foolishly forgot are now teamed together against Konosuke Takeshita, Kyle Fletcher, Brian Cage & Lance Archer! Will Ospreay lead this team to victory ahead of the grudge matches at Full Gear? Or will Callis’ Alpha, Aussie Arrow, Machine & Murderhawk Monster make sure #EverybodyDies?
Well forget sorting out, Ospreay leads his team in attacking the Callis Family right on the ramp! The fans fire up as Hobbs is after Archer, Davis is after Cage, and of course Ricochet is after Konosuke while Ospreay is after Kyle! Hobbs smacks Archer off railing, Kyle CLUBS Ospreay on the back, but Ospreay kicks low. Ospreay sends Kyle into railing, rips the tearaway pants right off him, and then LASHES him with them! Davis sends Cage into railing while Ospreay uses those pants to SLING Kyle into more railing! Davis CLUBS away on Cage, Ospreay blows snot on Kyle’s pants, and Davis sends Cage into more railing.
Kyle turns things around to send Ospreay into railing! Konosuke helps Cage against Davis but Hobbs still throws hands on Archer. Kyle CLUBS Ospreay, CLUBS Ricochet, but Konosuke puts Davis in the ring. The bell rings and this is finally a match. Konosuke headlocks Davis but Davis fires body shots. Davis powers up and out, but Konosuke RAMS him! The fans fire up as Davis stays up. Davis runs to RAM Konosuke! Konosuke stays up and the fans rally. Konosuke runs to RAM Davis, but Davis runs. Konosuke bypasses, leaps, but Davis catches him for a TOSS! And a SENTON! The fans fire up with Davis, and Ricochet reaches out.
Davis tags Ricochet in , then holds the way open, for Ricochet to FOSBURY FLOP onto Konosuke! But Cage CLOBBERS Davis! Cage then RAMS Ricochet into the apron, POSTS him, but Ospreay PENALTY KICKS Cage! The fans fire up as Ospreay goes up, but Kyle UPPERCUTS him! The fans boo as Kyle goes up, CLUBS away on Ospreay, and Ospreay falls to the floor. But now Hobbs is up! Kyle says wait! Then he fires hands! Hobbs just CHOPS Kyle! Hobbs climbs up to get Kyle, but Archer CLUBS Hobbs! Archer drags Hobbs down, throws hands, then puts Hobbs in between steps and post! Hobbs fights back, but Cage sends Ospreay into the steps!
The fans boo as Hobbs’ leg is crushed between steps and post! Archer puts Ricochet in the ring while a medic checks Hobbs. Archer brings Ricochet up but Ricochet slips free to fire off fast strikes! Hobbs is being helped to the back and Ospreay is concerned that this is now 4v3. Ricochet still fires strikes on Archer, but Archer grabs Ricochet by the neck! CHOKE- NO, Ricochet RANAS Archer first! Archer tumbles, stands up, and Ricochet springboards, but Archer CLOBBERS Him out of the sky! Archer BLASTS Davis, then catches Ospreay out of the air! Archer TOSSES Ospreay away and fans boo. But Ricochet springboards back in!
Archer catches Ricochet, and he CHOKE SLAMS Ricochet out onto Ospreay and Davis! The fans boo as the Don Callis Family is in control, and Dynamite goes picture in picture.
Cage & Kyle flex to soak up the heat, then Archer goes out after Ospreay and the rest. Konosuke fetches Ricochet into the ring, waistlocks, and then brings him away from the corner. Archer beats up on Ospreay while Konosuke fires knees into Ricochet. Ricochet tumbles to ropes but Konosuke is on him. Davis fires hands on Archer, then sends him into railing! Davis fires more hands, but Konosuke CHOKES Ricochet at the ropes! The ref counts, Konosuke steps off and tags Kyle. Kyle stays between Ricochet and his corner. Kyle taunts Ricochet, stomps him around, then whips him to ropes. Kyle ELBOWS Ricochet down, then stalks him to a corner.
Kyle stomps away on Ricochet while Archer intimidates commentary. Kyle shouts at the camera while the ref counts, and Kyle steps off of Ricochet’s neck. Kyle bumps Ricochet off buckles, tags Cage, and Cage stands Ricochet up. Cage CHOPS Ricochet, then whips him to ropes for an ELBOW! Cage flexes while he taunts Ospreay & Davis. Cage drags Ricochet up but Ricochet RAMS him! And RAMS him! And fires forearms! Cage ROCKS Ricochet, then runs, but into a tiger wall kick and ENZIGIRI! Konosuke tags in and storms after Ricochet. Konosuke stomps Ricochet, then rains down fists! The ref reprimands while Dynamite returns to single picture.
Konosuke argues with the ref while Ospreay rallies the fans. Konosuke stays between Ricochet and his team, but Ricochet SLAPS Konosuke! Konosuke ROCKS Ricochet for it! Ricochet fires forearms and an UPPERCUT! Konosuke keeps Ricochet from his corner, reels Ricochet in, but Ricochet victory rolls! TWO, and Ricochet ducks a chop to handspring BACK ELBOW! The fans fire up while both men are down! Ricochet and Konosuke crawl, hot tags to Kyle and Ospreay! The fans fire up as these two fire fists and forearms! Kyle kicks and whips but Ospreay ducks ‘n’ dodges to CLOBBER Kyle!
Ospreay whips, Kyle reverses, Ospreay handsprings to NEURALIZER KICK! Kyle staggers, Konosuke tags back in! Ospreay dodges Konosuke to BLAST Cage & Archer! Ospreay fires fists on Konosuke, but Konosuke CLAWS Ospreay’s face! Konosuke runs, but Davis intercepts with a fireman’s carry! AUSSIE DENTAL PLAN! Or maybe in this case, just a United Empire Dental Plan! But in any case, Davis scoops Konosuke, for the LAWN DART CUTTER! Cover, TWO!! Konosuke survives but the fans fire up. Ospreay & Davis bring Konosuke up, double pump handle, but the #MurderMachines make the save!
Archer puts Davis in a corner, Cage ducks Ospreay’s haymaker to waistlock. Archer runs up, BOOT GERMAN SUPLEX COMBO! Davis fires hands on Archer but Cage waistlocks, ripcords, and ROCKS Davis! Then fireman’s carry into the ASSISTED NECKBREAKER! The fans boo but the Murder Machines DOUBLE RIPCORD Ospreay up for Konosuke’s BLUE THUNDER BOMB!! Cover, TWO!! Ospreay survives and shocks everyone! Archer argues with the ref but the count was fair. Konosuke tags Kyle while fans rally up behind Ospreay. Kyle smirks as he stalks Ospreay. Kyle BOOTS Ricochet off the apron for good measure!
Kyle tells Ospreay that this is how he wants it, right? All about Ospreay! Kyle stomps away on Ospreay in the corner, then digs his boots in! The ref counts but wait! Here comes Hobbs! Hobbs hobbles but Kyle hurries to send Ospreay to the Callis corner. Tag to Konosuke and then Kyle slides out. Kyle runs up on Hobbs, but Hobbs CLOBBERS him! The fans fire up as Hobbs makes his way to the corner. Ospreay fights free of the corner but Konosuke holds him back! Ospreay fires forearms, reaches out, repeat! The fans rally as hard as they can, but Konosuke reels Ospreay in! Konosuke hits a back suplex, but Ospreay lands out!
Ospreay dodges Konosuke, hot tag to Hobbs! The Powerhouse powers up to rally on Konosuke! The fans fire up as Hobbs TOSSES Kyle, but the Murder Machines attack! They reel Hobbs in, but Hobbs fights the double suplex! The fans fire up but the Murder Machines double whip. Hobbs DOUBLE LARIATS! The fans fire up as Hobbs has targets in all corners! SPLASH for Konosuke! SPLASH for Cage! SPLASH for Kyle! SPLASH for Archer! The fans are thunderous and Hobbs brings the straps down. Archer kicks low, then runs, but Hobbs dodges, to SNAP POWERSLAM! The fans fire up again, and Hobbs tags Davis!
Davis runs up to BOOT Konosuke, BOOT him again, but Konosuke just fires up! Ospreay CANNONBALLS onto Kyle while Konosuke fires hands! Konosuke spins, but Davis DECKS him! Davis roars, stands Konosuke up, but Konosuke backdrops back! POWER- NO, Davis stops the knee to ENZIGIRI! Davis gut wrenches Konosuke, for a PILEDRIVER!! Cover, KYLE BREAKS IT! The fans boo but now Aussie Open is face to face! Kyle pie faces Davis, talks trash, but Davis glares at him. Kyle SLAPS Davis, so Davis TACKLES Kyle! Davis throws hands, Kyle gets up, and Davis runs up! Kyle dodges and Konosuke DECKS Davis!
Ricochet springboards, FLYING LARIAT on Konosuke! But Cage POP-UP POWERBOMBS Ricochet! Hobbs SPINEBUSTERS Cage! Archer CHOKE SLAMS Hobbs! Ospreay hits the PIP PIP CHEERIO FOREARM on Archer! Ospreay dares Kyle to man up and fight him! Kyle snarls, gets in, and they fire forearms again! Kyle swings, Ospreay catches him, but Kyle breaks the full nelson with an elbow! Ospreay HOOK KICKS Kyle! Ospreay runs, Kyle dodges, but then Ospreay slips through the lariat! Kyle slips through the bomb, hoists Ospreay up, but Ospreay slips free! Kyle ducks the hook kick to SUPERKICK! Kyle runs, into the SPANISH FLY!!
The fans are thunderous as Ospreay takes aim from a corner! Kyle rises, so does Davis, and Ospreay runs up, Kyle uses Davis as a shield from the HIDDEN BLADE!! Ospreay freaks out, Kyle SUPERKICKS Ospreay out of the ring! Then Kyle DIVES onto Ospreay! Konosuke brings down his kneepad, aims at Davis, POWER DRIVE KNEE!!! Cover, Don Callis Family wins!!
Winners: The Don Callis Family, by pinfall
The Alpha stands tall over Davis as friendly fire takes out Ospreay’s team. But what happens when things divide into 1v1 matches? Will Konosuke still be International Champion after he and Ricochet go #OuttaThisWorld? Will Kyle prove that he IS The Protostar after tearing down Will Ospreay?
Jon Moxley & The Death Riders speak.
“Despite recent discoveries that Orange Cassidy is a snake, coldblooded, uncaring, unmoving, a serpent lurking in the darkest corners of the battlefield, my objective remains the same, my job on Saturday night remains the same. You may be this borderline sociopath, you may be a great guy just like everybody thinks. I don’t care if you’re a great guy. I don’t care what kind of person you are. When the bell rings on Saturday night, and the AEW World Championship hangs in the balance, you are a threat to my people. And I will destroy you.
“There’s so much more going on behind Orange Cassidy’s eyes than any of us could’ve imagined. You may make it to Full Gear with your mind in tact, but your body… For that matter, Darby Allin’s body… Still up for grabs.” Claudio jumps in, speaking in German about what he’ll do to Darby. Then in English, he says, “Tonight, I’m gonna end you.” Moxley pats Claudio on the shoulder. Will The Maniac’s top henchmen do his dirty work for him when they dismantle Cassidy & Darby? Or will it just be fuel on the fire for Freshly Squeezed & The Relentless One? Speaking of…
Darby Allin speaks.
“Claudio, I’m gonna keep this really short. Let’s not forget you’re the one who put the chair around Bryan’s neck and pulled the trigger on his career. Every single one of you Death Riders will have your day. And Claudio, today’s your day.” Will Moxley’s men be dealt with in brutal fashion before he suffers the same?
The Hurt Syndicate arrive.
Renee Paquette waits in the parking lot as an SUV pulls up, and she welcomes Montel Vontavious Porter, Shelton Benjamin & Bobby Lashley to the show. She heard MVP has a surprise in store, what’s he got planned? MVP says yes, there is a special treat for the AEW audience, and that is this announcement: The All Mighty Bobby Lashley will be in action here tonight on Dynamite in Reading, Pennsylvania, prior to his PPV debut on Saturday! Renee asks if MVP is at all concerned to put Lashley in a match- OH NO, Swerve attacks!! Swerve knocks Lashley over, then laughs as he gets away!
Shelton helps Lashley up but that ambush might’ve been with Swerve’s own silver chain. Will Lashley elect not to compete tonight after all? Or is he about to make an example out of whatever poor soul is put in front of him?
Adam Cole is here!
Reading fires up as the Panama City Playboy makes his way to the ring. They join in with the “BOOM!” and “ADAM COLE, BAYBAY!” Cole grabs a mic to ask, “Who’s ready for Storytime with Adam Cole, Baybay?” Reading sure is ready! Cole wishes so so badly that he could get his hands on MJF this Saturday, but he’s not. MJF did everything in his power to make sure he and Cole didn’t fight on Saturday, and he succeeded. But do you know who else succeeded last week? Roderick Strong did! The fans cheer as Cole says he and Roddy have the exact same goal: Give MJF the ass whooping of a lifetime! And that is exactly what happens at Full Gear!
The fans cheer, and wait, Kyle O’Reilly makes his way out here. The longtime friend of Cole & Roddy makes his way out here, and already has a mic. Kyle isn’t sure if Cole remembers, but 14 years ago, right here in Reading, PA, Cole and Kyle had their second match ever against each other. They’ve come a long way. Being associated with Cole has given Kyle some incredible highs, and some serious lows. And through those lows, Kyle knows Cole better than anyone. Which makes Kyle the only one willing to tell Cole the truth. The truth is, this crusade against MJF has got to end before someone gets hurt.
This obsession, Cole needs to wash his hands of it. His ankle has already been reconstructed, what’s next? Cole has friends willing to take a bullet for him, Kyle included, but Cole has got to stop having his friends fight his battles. Roddy barely makes it out alive last week, and now he wants to fight MJF! He wants to END MJF, all because of Cole. Kyle just doesn’t have a good feeling about any of this. Cole asks Kyle what he’s trying to say here. Kyle doesn’t think Roddy can handle MJF? Kyle asks Cole if he really thinks MJF isn’t already three steps ahead. MJF hasn’t been here for weeks but he’s pulling all the strings.
Cole should know that dealing with MJF is like playing with fire, and Kyle doesn’t wanna see his friends get burned. Cole needs to realize why so many of his friends are willing to go to war for him, and it’s because he is a great leader, an elite pro-wrestler, and a great friend, who doesn’t wanna see his friends get hurt. At least, so Kyle thinks. But Cole has to face facts: MJF is more of an evil bastard than Cole will ever be, and that is a good thing. Kyle drops his mic and walks away. Cole drops his mic, and has a lot to think about. Does Kyle have a point? Can Cole just let Roddy handle MJF and then move on?
Orange Cassidy speaks.
“A little later tonight, I’m gonna make an example out of you, Wheeler Yuta. And I’m gonna show everybody exactly what I’m gonna do this Saturday to you, Jon Moxley. And that’s walk down to that ring and beat you, alone.” But The Conglomeration steps in. Mark Briscoe has Rocky Romero & Tomohiro Ishii with him as he asks Cassidy, “What sense does that make, man?” Moxley said himself, there’s five Death Riders, one Cassidy. Conglomeration has his back, they are here for him. Cassidy says no, no one else needs to get hurt. Get hurt? What’s Cassidy talking about? The Conglomeration are ready to scrap!
PLEASE!! Cassidy is asking them… They don’t have to believe him or even understand him. But just promises him they’ll stay back here. If Cassidy insists, then so be it. Cassidy says there you have it, Jon. Five of you, one of him. Do what you’re gonna do. Because at Full Gear, Moxley’s gonna need all the help he can get. Cassidy is himself wanting the best for his friends, but will that work out for the betterment of AEW? Or is he just playing into Moxley’s hands?
Kris Statlander VS Hikaru Shida!
The #BornAgainKristen bodied the bullies that are Mercedes Mone & Kamille the last time she saw them, but she still needs to tune up for Full Gear. However, taking on the THREE-TIME AEW Women’s World Champion might be more than just a workout. Win, lose or draw, will the Shining Samurai get Kris ready for The CEO?
The bell rings, Kris and Shida shake hands and the fans applaud. The two circle, tie up, and Kris wrenches to a wristlock. Shida handsprings and wrenches back, then hammerlocks. Kris reaches back, hits a headlock takeover, but Shida headscissors. Kris kips free and the fans cheer while the two reset. Shida and Kris circle again while the fans fire up. The two tie up, Shida wrenches and hammerlocks, then CLUBS Kris on the back. Shida CLUBS Kris again, then waistlocks. Kris fights the lift with elbows, then switches. Kris SLAMS Shida, then flips her over. Shida kips up to arm-drag Kris! Kris ends up in a corner, and Shida runs up to KNEE her!
Shida climbs up and the fans cheer as she rains down fists! But Kris stops Shida at 5 and carries her out of the corner! Shida slips free, Kris blocks a lariat to SWEEP the leg! STANDING MOONSAULT! Cover, TWO! Shida is tough and she goes to ropes, but Kris whips her to a corner. Kris runs up but into a RANA! Kris cartwheels through! Then she CLOBBERS Shida! The fans fire up while Kris flexes. Kris drags Shida into a motorcycle stretch but Shida endures. The fans rally up and Shida fights to her feet. Shida arm-drags Kris down, and wraps her in a straitjacket stretch! Kris fights up with a bridge, but Shida hops on!
The fans rally while Kris RAMS Shida into a corner! Shida holds onto the straitjacket and pulls! The ref counts, Shida lets go at 4, and then MISSILE DROPKICKS! Kris tumbles and the fans duel as Shida fires up! Shida goes outside, drags Kris to the apron, and CLUBS her! Shida runs to KNEE LIFT! Kris flops to the floor and fans cheer while Dynamite goes picture in picture.
Shida brings Kris up again, and whips her into railing hard! Kris writhes, Shida drags her up, and then Shida whips Kris into more railing! Kris writhes again and Shida refreshes the ring count. Shida sits Kris in a corner to rain down fists! The fans fire up but the ref reprimands, so Shida stops. Shida brings Kris around, pushes her into the ring, and then stalks her. Shida stomps Kris around, brings her up, and snap suplexes! Kris writhes but Shida brings her up again. Shida then snap suplexes Kris into a corner! Shida drags Kris to a cover, TWO! Kris stays in this but Shida stays on her with a chinlock stretch!
Kris endures being bent back, and she reaches out with her free arm. Shida pulls back more but Kris rises up! Shida is again a backpack, but then she slips down. Kris fires body shots, slips around and lifts for a BIG back suplex! Kris huffs ‘n’ puffs as she rises up, but then Shida dodges the sliding forearm! Ghost pin! TWO, and Kris has a cradle! TWO! Shida ROCKS Kris, but Kris PELES! Shida staggers, but she comes back to ENZIGIRI! Both women are down and the fans fire up! The ref checks both women and they’re okay to continue, so a standing count begins. Shida and Kris stir at about 4 of 10, then rise up at 6.
Kris grabs Shida, but Shida fires a forearm! Dynamite returns to single picture as the shots go back and forth. Shida fires a flurry, then whips Kris to ropes. Kris ducks ‘n’ dodges, then dodges a knee! SNAP POWERSLAM! The fans fire up with Kris as she whips Shida to a corner. Kris runs up to UPPERCUT, then she goes side to side for a KNEE LIFT! Shida ends up in ropes but Kris reels her in. Fisherman BUSTER! Cover, TWO! Shida survives and the fans fire up again! Kris hoists Shida up, gut wrenches, but Shida slips free! DOUBLE LARIATS collide! Shida eggs Kris on, then dodges her to fire forearms! Kris just shakes her head!
Shida fires more shots, but Kris fireman’s carries! But Shida slips free, straitjacket roll-up! TWO!! KNEE STRIKE! And then short arm LARIAT! Shida takes aim, but she starts to doubt the Katana! Shida runs up but Kris dodges the boot to then scoop and INVERTED SLAM! Then Kris aims, DISCUS- NO, Shida backslides her! TWO!! Shida reels Kris in, suplexes, FALCON ARROW! Cover, TWO?!? Kris survives and Shida is shocked! Shida brings Kris up but Kris fires body shots and forearms! Shida ROCKS Kris, but Kris wrenches to kick! Kris runs, but into the JUMP KNEE! Shida hurries to suplex, but Kris turns it around!
Shida slips out of Kris’ suplex to slip around, GERMAN SUPLEX! Shida roars, aims, KATA- NO, Kris gut wrenches! Tuck and STATURDAY NIGHT FEVER!! Cover, Kris wins!!
Winner: Kris Statlander, by pinfall
Shida gave Kris a powerful match, but clearly Shida has to iron out her own crisis of confidence. Kris still shows Shida respect by helping her up. But wait, here comes Mercedes Mone & Kamille! The fans boo The CEO & Brickhouse but Mone has a mic. “Readiiiiing~! Say hello to your C E O!” The fans boo instead. Mone asks Kamille if she wants to hear a fun fact about Pennsylvania. The 76ers have had yet another terrible season! Embarrassing~! But shoutouts to Mone’s Celtics for another incredible victory. The fans boo Boston but Mone says another person with an incredible win was Kris Statlander. Mone is rarely impressed by her competition.
Does anyone else want to hear another fun fact? “NO!!” Well, Mone has held the TBS Championship longer than Kris! So at Full Gear, Mone will NOT lose, because she is The CEO, the greatest TBS Champion of all time! And she will NEVER lose this title! Fans tell The CEO to STFU, but Mone tells Kamille go get the job done! She is so pissed off! GO! NOW! Kamille walks up the steps past Mone, but with only one good arm! Mone says hurry up, but Kamille looks at both Shida and Kris. Kamille takes as swing, but Kris blocks to ROCK her! Shida QUESTION MARK KICKS Kamille! Then Kris & Shida TOSS The Brickhouse!
Shida goes out after Kamille, but then Mone goes after Kris! Mone goes for the backstabber, but Kris holds onto ropes! Mone is almost stuck up there, but Kris pops her around! STATURDAY NIGHT FEVER!! The fans fire up as Kris stands tall over The CEO! Will Kris once again become the Face of TBS? Or will Mone find a way to win even without her insurance policy?
The Hurt Syndicate has a cameraman with them.
MVP says hold on, he and Shelton have found Swerve. They go after the man in the big fur jacket, but that’s not Swerve! Swerve gave his jacket to the guy, but MVP & Shelton still beat this guy up for helping Swerve. MVP says they’ll find Swerve later, Lashley has his match up next. And it’ll be a 2-on-1 Handicap?! The All Mighty really IS mad, what poor duo is about to be destroyed?
AEW hears from Jay White and Hangman Adam Page.
“Hangman. You and I are on that same path to that same destination, trying to grasp at that same prize. 2024 still has some time left for The Switchblade to share the spotlight with Hangman once more!” But the Blackhat Cowboy asks White if he knows “Who the hell I am?! I am the Hangman! I am THE man! They named this whole godforsaken PPV after ME!” White says when he makes Hangman TAP, it will be a public declaration! But Hangman says White can’t make him tap, even if his life depended on it! These two vicious gunslingers will write one more chapter in their storied rivalry, but who comes out riding off into the sunset?
2v1 Handicap: Bobby Lashley w/ The Hurt Syndicate VS Joe Keys & Cheeseburger!
The All Mighty thought he’d have an easy night getting in a little warm-up, but The Realest quickly reminded him why he’s the most dangerous man in AEW! Lashley’s now doubling down to make a point, will there be nothing left of Keys & Cheese after tonight?
The bell rings and while the fans rally for Cheeseburger, he and Keys each argue the other should start. Lashley runs up and TOSSES Burger across the ring! Keys runs away, Lashley runs to RAM into Burger! Lashley brings Burger up, Keys runs in, but Lashley catches him for a COMPLETE SHOT DDT COMBO! Lashley drags Keys up and TOSSES him out! Lashley then turns to look at Burger in the corner. The fans rally for Burger, but Lashley CLOBBERS him! The fans boo but MVP & Shelton high-five Lashley. Lashley drags Burger up to gut wrench, Canadian Rack, and DOMINATOR! Keys runs in to break the cover!
The fans cheer Keys as he fires hands, but Lashley just gets angrier! Keys short arm LARIATS, but Lashley stays up! Keys runs, into a MILE HIGH SPINEBUSTER! Lashley storms around, then aims at Keys. Keys staggers into the SPEAR! Lashley isn’t done there, and he clamps on the HURT LOCK! Keys can’t open that lock, he is OUT! Lashley wins!
Winner: Bobby Lashley, by submission
MVP & Shelton join Lashley in the ring to celebrate, but then “Whose House?” “SWERVE’S HOUSE!” The fans fire up, and here comes Prince Nana with a chair! Nana eggs the Hurt Syndicate on so Shelton storms out after Nana. MVP watches the rest of ringside for Swerve, but Swerve slides out from under the ring! The fans fire up as Swerve slips in to CHAIN PUNCH Lashley!! MVP gets on the apron but Swerve DECKS MVP with a chain punch! And then Shelton eats a chain punch! The fans are thunderous as Swerve aims, and hits a HOUSE CALL on Lashley! Swerve hurries to the top rope, and he gives Lashley a KILL STOMP!!
The fans are thunderous as Swerve stands over Lashley! MVP & Shelton get up and get in, but Swerve escapes, chain draped on his neck! Will AEW then, now and forever be whose house? “SWERVE’S HOUSE!”
Backstage interview with Mariah May & Mina Shirakawa.
Renee is now with the AEW Women’s World Champion and her best friend, the Rev-Pro Undisputed British Women’s Champion. They are planning their Championship Champagne Celebration for Full Gear, BUT Friday Night Rampage will feature the two of them teaming up for the first time in just over a year. Mariah says no champion deserves a celebration more than her. Her rise to the top was meteoric, and her reign will be historic. She takes ish and makes it shine, any time and any show, against anyone. In Mariah’s division, you hold this title, or you die.
Mina says yes, Mariah has been working so hard. She came back to tell her she is so very proud. And Mina will give Mariah a celebration she’ll never forget! Mariah says the “H Cup Angel” (Mina) and the “Woman from Hell” (Mariah herself) are going to make Rampage into Glampage. Everyone wants Mina, but Mina wants Mariah. And then… They’ll dance! These two shimmy and shake their way out, will they finally be toasting their victories at Full Gear?
Darby Allin VS Claudio Castagnoli w/ The Death Riders!
The Relentless One told The Swiss Superman that revenge was coming, and here is Darby’s chance! Will Darby avenge Bryan Danielson? Or will he just be the next to fall?
The bell rings and Darby stares Claudio down. Darby takes some deep breaths then circles with Claudio. Darby slips around to waistlock but Claudio flings him off, only for Darby to roll to his feet. They circle again, and the fans rally behind Darby. Darby and Claudio feel things out, tie up, and Darby headlocks. Claudio lifts Darby but Darby thrashes the hold. Claudio throws Darby off, runs up, but Darby uses that to get around and springboard arm-drag! The fans fire up while Claudio bails out, and Darby taunts Claudio with some drop steps. Claudio snarls, but then Darby fakes him out with a slingshot!
Claudio is annoyed and takes a swing but Darby slingshots up and over! Darby taunts Claudio again while the fans rally up. Claudio cools off before he storms up the steel steps. Claudio pops Darby up but Darby keeps from hitting buckles! Darby ELBOWS Claudio away, goes up, then leaps, but Claudio catches him! Claudio SLAMS Darby down, flips him back to his feet, but Darby slips around to waistlock. O’Conner Roll, TWO! Darby springboards to SPLASH! Cover, TWO! Claudio bails out but the fans fire up. Darby goes up a corner, and he SUPER COFFIN SPLASHES into a waistlock! Claudio swings and THROWS Darby away!
Darby staggers to his feet but Claudio runs up, to POUNCE Darby into railing! Darby writhes against the railing, but Claudio runs up to UPPERCUT Darby up and over! Fans freak out as Darby hits the floor! Claudio leaves Darby behind while the ring count climbs, but Darby drags himself up at 7. Claudio goes back out after Darby to suplex! Claudio holds Darby up while he marches up the steps! The fans fire up for this feat of strength and balance, and then Claudio TOSSES Darby back into the ring! Darby writhes again while Claudio steps back in. Claudio stalks Darby, talks some trash, and Dynamite goes picture in picture.
Claudio looms over Darby, then deadlift gut wrenches for a GUTBUSTER! And then another GUTBUSTER! And then another GUTBUSTER! Darby writhes while Claudio stands over him again. Claudio watches Darby crawl towards a corner and stalks him. Claudio drags Darby up, brings him around, and ROCKS Darby with a forearm! Darby pushes Claudio, then CHOPS! Claudio DECKS Darby! Darby tumbles out of the ring! The ref wants Claudio to stay back while Darby drags himself up. Darby is back in before the count starts, but then Claudio DOUBLE STOMPS him! Claudio kicks Darby around, then clamps on with a neck wrench!
Darby endures, fights up, but Claudio powers him down. Darby BITES Claudio’s hand! The ref reprimands but Darby fires off forearms on Claudio. Claudio HIP TOSSES Darby up and out of the ring! Darby hits the floor and flounders around while the ref reprimands Claudio. Claudio again waits on Darby, and then he DOUBLE STOMPS Darby the moment he’s in! The ref counts as Claudio stands on Darby at the ropes. Claudio steps off at 4, brings him around, and clamps on an armlock and chinbar. Darby endures, fights around, and manages to fireman’s carry Claudio! But Claudio rains down elbows! HAMMER ‘N’ ANVIL even!
Claudio clamps on with a double wristlock and he grinds Darby down. Darby still endures and the fans rally up again. Darby fights around and Dynamite returns to single picture. Darby fires body shots but Claudio knees low! Claudio then HIP TOSSES Darby into a corner! Darby tumbles out of the ring but Claudio pursues! Claudio SWINGS Darby into railing! Then Claudio fireman’s carries, to TOSS Darby back in the ring! Claudio storms in while Darby flounders away. Darby flops back out of the ring but Claudio pursues him again. Darby trips Claudio up and traps him in the apron skirt! Darby then fires forearms, and BITES Claudio’s ear!
The fans fire up but Claudio shoves Darby away. Darby slides into the ring then DIVES onto Claudio! And then runs to DIVE again! Down goes Claudio and the fans fire up! Darby crawls over to bring Claudio up and into the ring. The fans fire up as Darby climbs up a corner, though slowly given all the damage to his back. That lets Claudio trip Darby up! Darby is stuck up top, and Claudio climbs up after him. Claudio gut wrenches for a SUPER GUT WRENCH PLEX!! Cover, TWO!! Darby survives and Claudio can’t believe it! The fans fire up but Claudio calls for the swing! Claudio grabs the legs, but Darby twists to a victory roll! TWO!!
Claudio escapes and runs up, but Darby ducks ‘n’ dodges, roll and- WHOA, Claudio has to fight to stay up, and then he deadlifts Darby! Darby pops through to CODE RED!! Cover, TWO!! Claudio survives and the fans fire up again! “This is Awesome!” as Darby and Claudio crawl for ropes. Claudio runs up to UPPERCUT! And UPPERCUT again and again and again! The ref backs Claudio off, but then Claudio fires off body shots! Darby flops over but Claudio has the legs. Claudio FLIPS Darby up and over the ropes, but Darby lands on the apron! Claudio BOOTS Darby down! The ref wants Claudio to hold on but Claudio goes out after Darby.
Claudio drags Darby by his legs, then SWINGS him around! Into steel steps!! The fans lose their minds, the ref reprimands Claudio, but Claudio doesn’t care. The fans tell Claudio he is sick, but Claudio TOSSES Darby over the announce desk!! Schiavone, Excalibur & Matt Menard narrowly avoid becoming collateral damage! But Claudio clears the desk and brings Darby up. Claudio puts Darby on the desk, then stands over him. The ref reprimands but Claudio just ignores him. Claudio drags Darby up, and gorilla presses him! SUPER DUPER TOSS onto the timekeeper’s table!! The fans lose their minds as Darby is down but that table’s somehow still standing!
The ref checks on Darby but Claudio storms right over! The ref tells Claudio to stop so they go to the ring. Claudio lets the ring count start, and yet Darby somehow stirs at 4 of 10! The fans rally as hard as they can and Darby crawls his way over! Darby is still far away at 7! But then he powers up and LEAPS in at 9!! But Claudio LARIATS Darby inside-out!! Cover, Claudio wins!
Winner: Claudio Castagnoli, by pinfall
Darby truly is relentless, with durability like no other, but it just wasn’t enough against the strength and brutality of Claudio! Will no one stop The Death Riders from running roughshod over AEW?
Backstage interview with Private Party.
Renee is with Marq Quen & Isiah Kassidy and brings up that at Full Gear, the AEW World Tag Team Championships are on the line in a Fatal 4 Way. Private Party takes on The Acclaimed, The Outrunners and The Kings of the Black Throne. In such a match, the champs do NOT have to be pinned or submitted to lose their titles, so what is their strategy? Brother Zay says they obviously can’t tell her that, the other teams are watching. But it seems like the odds are against them. Fortunately, the odds have been against them their whole lives, their whole careers, just like against The Young Bucks.
But look what happened: Private Party defied the odds, beat The Bucks, and are your AEW World Tag Team Champions. That is the same thing that happens on Saturday. They leave Newark, New Jersey still your tag team champions. Because there ain’t no party like a Private Party, that’s a flex. Oh, speaking of! It’s AJ & Big Justice! They’re fired up to be here, but Justice wants to know what that face Zay made was last week. Oh, right, this one, with the chin scratching. And AJ says they’ve got a BIG announcement coming up after this! Maybe some double chunk chocolate cookies? BOOM!!
A green Porsche Taycan pulls up to the middle of nowhere.
And out steps MJF. The Wolf of Wrestling tells the hobo to “go get it” as he throws spare change off to the side like birdseed. MVP then sits back and tells Roderick Strong, “You’ve been through so much. The kid who grew up trailer park trash with two abusive alcoholic parents. For crying out loud! Your own mother shot your father right in front of you. That’s traumatizing. And as you know, Roddy, trauma is the result of an overwhelming sense of danger, powerlessness and fear. However, healing is a result of feeling safe, empowered and supported. That’s why you’d do anything for Cole. He makes you feel all those positive things that you lacked.
“It’s why I was no different than you. It’s why I trusted him. Unfortunately, the difference between you and I: Cole for me was a mirage of what I wanted him to be. A fraud, a liar. And whilst Cole is a fraud, I do actually believe deep down, in his narcissistic, sociopathic, frail, feeble frame, is a man who cares about Roderick Strong. This is precisely why upon further contemplation, I am happy you won, Roddy. Because I want Adam Cole to watch a person he cares about suffer! And because of your White trash upbringing, you aren’t intelligent enough to realize that you don’t have a prayer. And I’m sending you back to where you belong. To your grimy little trailer park.
“And after the match, you’ll be in so much physical anguish, you’ll wish your mother hadn’t shot your father, but instead shot you.” As if this scumbag couldn’t stoop any lower, he brings up Roddy’s past to hurt him. But will Roddy make sure MJF’s future is the one full of pain and suffering?
Backstage interview with AJ & Big Justice.
Renee is with the Costco Tiktok sensations and says that in the Full Gear Zero Hour, we will see #BigBoomAJ take on QT Marshall in a match 20 YEARS in the making. AJ says it may have been 20 years in the making for QT, this all started for AJ when QT threw the double chunk chocolate cookies down! Renee says AJ has not been in the ring in those 20 years, is he concerned about how his body will hold up? AJ isn’t worried about that, because he just has one strategy, and that’s the strategy they use each and every day. That strategy is to bring the BOOM~! But hey, there’s another special announcement.
Because when AJ rings QT’s bell, and he Power-Booms QT right in the middle of that ring, there is only one guy they want ringing the bell: Big Justice’s best friend, THE RIZZLER! Time to bring the BOOM~! Will QT be sleeping on the mat for The Rizzler? Will he be skibidi? Fanum Tax? Why are those even words?
Tony Schiavone is on stage.
And he welcomes out The Undisputed Kingdom! The fans cheer as Roderick Strong makes his way out, accompanied by Matt Taven & Mike Bennett. Schiavone brings up Roddy VS MJF at Full Gear, and we just heard all that disgusting stuff MJF had to say. Roddy’s response is that to be honest, he has not slept a wink since last week. IT is finally happening! Roddy feels like a kid on Christmas morning. He finally gets his hands on “MAAAAAX~!” The fans echo that, and Roddy says if MJF was here tonight, and not hiding out there, Roddy would ask him: Is Roddy supposed to be ashamed of his childhood?
Is Roddy supposed to be ashamed of his parents? You don’t think Roddy’s heard that stuff before? His whole LIFE, that is what people brought up! His mom’s an addict, his dad’s an addict, mom shot dad. Good job, Max, you made Roddy feel like he was in elementary school again. And people may look at Roddy’s past and feel sorry for him, but Roddy asks us not to. Because looking at MJF, Roddy feels sorry for him. Understand this, Max. With Roddy’s life, he learned that to get the most out of life, you have to earn it. If you wanna break the cycle, you have to earn it. And that is what Roddy’s done ever since he was a kid!
And now looking at MJF, he’s been spoon-fed everything. And when something doesn’t go his way or something happens and he doesn’t like it, MJF throws a temper tantrum like a baby until that changes. So Roddy wants MJF to do something for him: Look in the mirror and think about all the things that MJF has done to people. The manipulating, the backstabbing, the using. MJF needs to realize, when the bell rings at Full Gear, MJF will pay for all those sins. With every chop, with every punch, with every elbow, with every backbreaker! And when it is all over, Roddy walks to his hotel room for the best night of sleep in his life because he earned it.
Especially because Roddy will know he has broken MJF’s back, and left him humbled! Roddy is all fired up, and the fans are with him! Will MJF finally get what’s coming to him? Or will he give Roddy nightmares for the rest of his life?
AEW shares footage taken from last Saturday night.
First, a recap video of Daniel Garcia thwarting Jack Perry’s attempts to abduct and torture Matthew Menard, as well as the joyride they took in the Scapegoat bus, with Perry as the hood ornament. And now, they have Perry strapped into a chair, the bus headlights as the only source of light. Menard is behind the camera as he asks Perry how he’s feeling. How’d that work out for him, huh? Garcia splashes Perry with water to wake him up, and says “Let’s have a conversation. I’m all ears.” Perry chuckles and says Garcia thinks he’s so much better than him. Look at where they are! Garcia shouts back that he doesn’t wanna be here!
Garcia just wants to wrestle, but AEW is full of savages! Perry tried to take Daddy Magic’s life! And those in power just sit back and watch, pretending that nothing’s going on. So what do they do? Gotta take the power back, right? Perry counters with, “Everybody’s got a code. Everybody cares about right and wrong until it costs them something. Until they have to SACRIFICE!” Garcia gets in Perry’s face, grabs him by the mouth, and says Perry’s always going on about sacrifice but Perry has no idea what Garcia’s had to go through! Perry has NO idea what Garcia’s had to sacrifice to be here!
Garcia knows where Perry wants him to go, but Garcia promises that he’s never gonna go there. Perry smirks, then SPITS in Garcia’s face. Garcia wipes that off his face and says bet. Garcia’s got something for Perry, so just wait right there. Garcia goes to the bus while Perry mockingly asks what he’s gonna do. Menard tells shut up, Jack! Life must be so hard for him! What’s Jack got to be sad about?! Garcia comes back and he has a crowbar! Perry dares him to go ahead. Garcia raises the bar, but he SMASHES up the bus! Garcia throws the crowbar away and Perry laughs. Is that it? Garcia tells Menard they’ll get out of here. What? Where’s Garcia going?
Perry says yeah, walk away. Menard tells Perry that Garcia’s gonna whoop his ass! Just wait! Menard leaves, Perry shouts into the night, but will The Face of TNT soon be the one sacrificed for the greater good?
Renee Paquette presides over the ROH World Championship contract signing.
She welcomes us backstage to the signing for this match, which will happen next week, Dynamite: Thanksgiving Eve, in Chicago. The challenger, Tomohiro Ishii, is on her left, and the champion, Chris Jericho, is on her right. Jericho, as champion, you have the honors to sign first. Jericho smiles and waves as he says, “Hi, guys.” But Renee, you should know better. A champion of Jericho’s caliber does not just sign a contract thrust at his face randomly. He has a whole legal team that needs to approve this contract. Renee says it was sent to said legal team last week. Oh, really? What about today? The now! Jericho lives in the now!
Jericho says he’ll get this checked by his legal eagles one more time. But for now, wait here. Choto matte kudesai. Jericho steps around the corner and then down the hall. He smiles at his own picture on the wall. What a good looking guy. But wait, Ishii has followed Jericho to the hall. Jericho is a bit worried as he keeps moving. Jericho tries to block Ishii’s path but a trash can isn’t enough. Jericho tells staffers that Ishii wants to talk to them. They step in the way but Ishii pushes them aside. Jericho moves faster, pushes more people in the way, but Ishii pushes them aside. Was that RJ City?
Jericho goes up some stairs but Ishii follows. Ishii’s even gaining ground! Jericho goes through a doorway and ends up in the concourse! Fans cheer as Jericho and Ishii keep up their cat ‘n’ mouse game. Jericho decides to go into the stands! Ishii follows, and they head down the bleachers towards ringside! Jericho hurries over railing but so does Ishii. They go into the ring, and now Jericho tells Ishii to stop following him! Jericho wants a mic, a mic is brought, and Jericho says hey, listen, Ishii. Jericho would sign this contract, but he doesn’t have a pen. Ishii has a pen! Oh. Ishii clicks it for Jericho, and pushes it into him.
Jericho takes the pen, looks at the contract again, and still hesitates. Jericho signs his part, and then hands things over to Ishii. But then BRYAN KEITH & BIG BILL ATTACK! It was all a massive set-up! Bad Apple & Redwood beat down Stone Pitbull, and then sit him up! Jericho has the pen ready, but here comes The Conglomeration! Mark Briscoe & Rocky Romero rush in, and Mark TACKLES Jericho! Rocky fires off on Bill while Mark CHOKES Jericho! Keith saves Jericho from Mark but Mark fires hands on Keith! The fans fire up, but then Bill SKYSCRAPER- NO, Mark UPPERCUTS Bill first! Rocky adds on!
The fans fire up as The Conglomeration pinballs Bill, and then Ishii CLOBBERS him! Bill tumbles out, but Rocky DIVES! Bill is sent into railing! Keith stands up, into a kick and underhooks! JAY DRILLER! Jericho stands up, Ishii has him, and hits a BRAINBUSTER!! Conglomeration stands tall over The Learning Tree and his Branches, and now Ishii signs his part! The match is now official, and Ishii is looking to take a bite out of Jericho! Will The Conglomeration have the ROH World Championship to be thankful for this year?
Backstage interview with Jamie Hayter.
Renee is with the former AEW Women’s World Champion and notes that last time, we were going to hear from her, only for her to be interrupted by Julia Hart. What is Hayter’s reaction to that? Well, yeah, she isn’t angry, but she is baffled why Julia chose to interrupt Hayter. They’ve never really spoken or interacted, or even wrestled each other. Hayter is just curious as to why Julia felt it was okay to do that. Granted, Julia can do whatever she wants, Hayter moves to the beat of her own drum just as much as Julia. But… if Julia wants to have a chat-
Uh oh, something is happening to the video! Brody King’s message echoes, “It’s time to come home.” Julia Hart walks through the woods. Brody says The House is her foundation. She has seen her rebirth. Now it is time to rebuild. She has woken up stronger, more determined, and more dangerous than ever. Julia aims her arrow to shoot down a target: her past self. Her obstacles are just bull’s eyes. She is the Princess of the Black Throne, and the Keeper of Secrets. She is Julia Hart, and her heart grows harder. She hits her mark, but will she find Hayter Hits Hard?
Orange Cassidy VS Wheeler Yuta!
Freshly Squeezed has been accused of being coldblooded and uncaring, but he got pretty heated as he told The Conglomeration to keep themselves safe tonight. He goes 1v1 with The Decoder, a young man who was once Cassidy’s student, and who left him behind to join the then Blackpool Combat Club. If anyone is uncaring, it is Yuta with how he would then follow Jon Moxley’s lead in the destruction of Bryan Danielson and Chuck Taylor. Who will be the more ferocious fighter tonight, this close to Full Gear?
The bell rings and Yuta SHOTGUNS Cassidy! Yuta follows Cassidy to a corner to CHOP, then ROCK, then CHOP again! Yuta whips corner to corner but Cassidy goes up and out. Cassidy bumps Yuta off buckles, climbs up top, but has to leap over. Yuta comes back but Cassidy catches him to a backslide! TWO, but Cassidy reels Yuta in for a cradle! TWO! Yuta pulls on an ear! But Cassidy arm-drags and wrangles Yuta into the SEATBELT! TWO!! Yuta escapes and the fans fire up as these two stand off. Yuta huffs ‘n’ puffs, but Cassidy shows he wants a grapple. They feel things out, knuckle lock, but Cassidy blocks a kick!
Cassidy reels Yuta in for a headlock, but Yuta powers up and out. Cassidy ducks ‘n’ rolls, tilt-o-whirls, but Yuta suplexes! Into STUN DOG MILLIONAIRE! Yuta tumbles out and fans fire up! Cassidy builds speed to DIVE! Down goes Yuta and the fans fire up again! Cassidy brings Yuta up, whips, but Yuta reverses to reel Cassidy in! Cassidy fights the suplex, but then Yuta fights a suplex. Yuta suplexes, to RAILING BRAINBUSTER!! Cassidy writhes and fans are stunned! Yuta stomps Cassidy, then leaves him behind for the ring count. Cassidy crawls into the ring, Yuta exposes a crossbar, and then he GRINDS Cassidy’s face into the steel!
The fans boo, the ref reprimands, but Yuta steps off at 4. Cassidy seethes as he rises up, but Yuta has him at the corner. Cassidy kicks Yuta’s legs out and Yuta falls onto a turnbuckle! Yuta falls back, Cassidy climbs, but Yuta grabs Cassidy first! Yuta drags Cassidy down but Cassidy fires hands. Yuta squeezes the facelock tight, then hits an APRON DDT! The fans boo Yuta while Cassidy writhes, and Dynamite goes picture in picture.
Cassidy clutches his neck while Yuta waits in the ring. A ring count starts and Yuta eggs Cassidy on. Cassidy reaches up as the count reaches 5 of 10, but he doesn’t sit up until 6. Cassidy hobbles up, stumbles and falls, but springs back to life! He slides in at 9! Only for Yuta to be right on him! Yuta reels Cassidy in, but Cassidy turns that into BEACH BREAK! Cover, TWO!! Yuta survives but Cassidy is too sore to be frustrated. They both sit up, and Yuta crawls his way over to a corner. Cassidy rises, checks his neck, then runs up, but into an ELBOW! Yuta goes up, but Cassidy JUMP FOREARMS! Cassidy positions Yuta just right before he climbs the corner.
Yuta resists but Cassidy still brings Yuta up. Yuta continues to fight the suplex, throws body shots, then shoves Cassidy down. Cassidy rolls back to his feet, runs back up the corner, but Yuta again fights the suplex! Cassidy fires hands, but Yuta fires back! They brawl up top, Cassidy HEADBUTTS Yuta! But Yuta HEADBUTTS back! They both wobble, but then Cassidy BITES Yuta! The ref reprimands, but Cassidy CLAWS Yuta’s back! This is very Moxley of him to do! And then Cassidy hits the SUPERPLEX! Both men are down and the ref checks. They’re both okay to continue, so a standing count begins!
Cassidy sits up, spots Yuta, and heads that way. Yuta sits up, they fire forearms as they stand! Dynamite returns to single picture as these shots go back and forth. The fans fire up for Cassidy but boo Yuta as the shots go faster and faster! Yuta BITES Cassidy’s forehead! Yuta spits then runs, but Cassidy dodges! BODY BLOW! SUPERKICK! Yuta sits down, Cassidy runs, PENALTY KICK! Cassidy slashes his throat, hauls Yuta up, BRAINBUSTER! Cover, TWO!! Yuta survives but Cassidy seethes. Cassidy rains down fists on Yuta! The ref reprimands about closed fists and hair pulling, but Cassidy doesn’t stop until the ref counts 4.
Cassidy stands, and he throws off the elbow pad! Cassidy aims at Yuta, runs up, but Yuta ducks the punch! GERMAN SUPLEX! Yuta runs to CHOP in the corner! And then a wrench and PAIN THRILLER! The fans boo while Yuta seethes and stands over Cassidy. Yuta sits Cassidy up, for HAMMER ‘N’ ANVIL ELBOWS! But Cassidy blocks one! And bends fingers, to then SNAP them! The fans fire up as Cassidy SNAPS finger after finger! Yuta swings, Cassidy BOOTS him, then serves up SOLE FOOD! Scoop and MICHINOKU DRIVER! Cover, TWO!! Cassidy is busting out all his best friends’ best moves, but he hasn’t gotten it done!
Cassidy aims, loads up, and ORANGE- NO, Yuta ducks! Orange fights the suplex, switches to O’Conner Roll! TWO, Yuta dodges Cassidy, scoops him, and CROSS LEG TOMBSTONE!! Cover, TWO?!? Cassidy survives and Yuta is furious! The fans are thunderous, but Yuta rains down HAMMER ‘N’ ANVIL ELBOWS! Cassidy grits his teeth but he’s almost a ragdoll! Yuta lets off to then hook the arms, CATTLE MUTILATION!! Cassidy endures as Yuta thrashes him around! Cassidy powers up as the fans rally, and he kicks around to the ROPEBREAK!! Yuta holds on, the ref counts, and Yuta finally lets go at 4!
The ref reprimands Yuta, but Yuta pushes past the ref to go outside the ring. Yuta grabs a chair! Yuta storms into the ring while the fans boo, and the ref says don’t do it! Cassidy dodges the chair shot! Victory roll, CASSIDY WINS!!
Winner: Orange Cassidy, by pinfall
Yuta is in disbelief! Cassidy beat him with a technical move! Yuta snarls but the ref keeps him back. Cassidy did what he promised in beating Yuta, but then he stares his former student down. Is Cassidy going to offer a handshake? WAIT, PAC ATTACKS! The Bastard BOOTS Cassidy down so we’ll never know what Cassidy was going to do! The fans boo more but Pac & Yuta stand on Cassidy. The rest of the Death Riders appear, and Marina Shafir has duct tape! The AEW World Trios Champions stomp away on Cassidy, like vultures picking the bones. Moxley steps into the ring while Marina hands the tape over to Pac.
Claudio puts Cassidy’s hands in his pockets, and then Pac tapes them in! Cassidy is physically bound, and Moxley paces around. Cassidy is pushed around by all the Death Riders, then Moxley DECKS him! Claudio hauls Cassidy back up, the Death Riders keep bullying him, and then Moxley SLAPS Cassidy down! But the bullying continues as they stand Cassidy up. Cassidy “kicks” Moxley! Defiant to the end! But Moxley DECKS him again! Moxley paces around more, then stomps Cassidy right on the face! Moxley leads The Death Riders away, and The Conglomeration finally comes out here.
Mark has scissors to cut Cassidy loose, and the fans boo as The Death Riders still retreat. Cassidy tries to stand up, but he has to use ropes to do it. Even so, Cassidy stands on his own two feet. Moxley eggs on the fans while Cassidy puts his sunglasses on. And then hands up, and then into the pockets! Try as they might, The Death Riders could not break the Freshly Squeezed fighting spirit! Will Cassidy finally become AEW World Champion? Or will Moxley find a way to break Cassidy at Full Gear?
My Thoughts:
A great go-home Dynamite here, though it felt like it contracted Go Home Syndrome. A lot of recap and other promos, but good promos all the same. Good follow-up from last week with Hayter and Hart, that will probably really get going after Full Gear. Good promo from Mariah & Mina to hype up their celebration segment for Full Gear, and with Toni Storm’s announcement of her retirement, you can bet Toni is anything but retired! Toni Storm most assuredly will return very soon, maybe even to ruin the celebration and spark another feud. I still want us to get to Mariah VS Mina but maybe Storm moves things back so that Mariah VS Mina happens in 2025.
Good promo from Private Party to also have AJ & Big Justice show up. The promos didn’t really add much to any of the matches, though. I’m very sure AJ does hit the BOOM on QT to win, and then Private Party finds a way to survive the Fatal 4. Great stuff with Perry, Garcia and Menard, that was another very action movie kind of promo, maybe even like that grittier Batman movie. But with Garcia not sinking to the same lows as Perry, that will be why Garcia loses. Honestly, why not just have Perry blatantly get himself disqualified? What great heat for Perry while keeping Garcia strong in not becoming TNT Champion.
Great promos in this MJF story. I appreciate Cole throwing his support behind Roddy was good, as well as Kyle O’Reilly wanting Cole to just leave it at this. MJF of course insults Roddy over his past while also trashing Cole at the same time, but great response from Roddy. Also I’m not a car guy so it took me a little too long to Google out what car MJF was driving. Anyway, given all these promos, I am very confident MJF wins at Full Gear and then Cole still wants after MJF, only for Kyle to have to fight Cole to make him stop. Then we’ll maybe get Cole VS MJF at Worlds End, or even some time in 2025.
Very good stuff with The Hurt Syndicate, even with them getting jumped by Swerve. Poor Cheeseburger, that’s one fan favorite that got fed to Bobby Lashley. But Swerve getting the better of the Hurt Syndicate again and again tonight, all the more reason Lashley wins at Full Gear. Very good promo vignette from White and Hangman to hype up their grudge match, which still feels it could go either way since they’re tied on the year. And Jericho and Ishii had perhaps simultaneously the most clever and most ridiculous contract signing segment ever. And of course Jericho worked out some sort of trap, only for it to go badly for him and his team. But with that, that means Ishii is losing next week, as I figured he would.
Awesome opening match with the 8 Man, and I liked that they had Hobbs do the “fighting through the pain” angle in the match. Also, great bit with Kyle Fletcher sending Davis into harm’s way so that the Callis Family can get the better of Ospreay’s team. I thought the Faces were going to win here, but the math now says Ospreay finds a way to beat Kyle, and maybe Ricochet takes the International Championship from Konosuke Takeshita. The Continental Classic is coming, and they could easily use that round robin to get Konosuke back to a feud with Kazuchika Okada and they battle for the Continental Championship at Worlds End like we should’ve gotten at WrestleDream.
Awesome match from Kris VS Shida, and I appreciate the crisis of confidence for Shida. Kris gets a great win to go into Full Gear, and then Kris and Shida get the better of Mone & Kamille, so all the more reason Mone finds a way to survive. As for Kamille, I feel like she should ditch Mone for being treated like crap by Mone, and maybe we can get a feud of Mone VS Kamille going into 2025. And of course, plenty of promos from Death Riders and “Team AEW” members. Moxley just kinda went on and on about stuff he’s already said in reference to Cassidy, but I did like Claudio going bilingual in talking trash on Darby.
Awesome matches from those stories, of course. Darby really got thrown around but he continues to show that toughness. Claudio getting the win mostly keeps Darby back so that Darby can build towards a world title match at Worlds End. Cassidy VS Yuta was great stuff, too, with great back and forth of Cassidy wanting to end it quick, having to grit it out with Yuta, and then Cassidy still finding a way to end it with a quick pin. And they did a good job muddying the math. Cassidy wins the match, but the Death Riders beat him down, only for Cassidy to literally stand tall at the end of the show. I still don’t see him taking the world title from Moxley, though, with Darby still in the wings, but this could end up Cassidy’s best match yet.
My Score: 8.9/10
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Will this be the mightiest Tag League yet?
It’s time for NJPW World Tag League 2024, and this year already looks mighty good as IWGP World Heavyweight Champion, Zack Sabre Jr, is in the A Block! Will he and Ryohei Oiwa make everyone #JustTapOut?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Kickoff – Shoma Kato VS Masatora Yasuda; Kato wins.
- Six Man Tag: Hiroshi Tanahashi, Jado & Katsuya Murashima VS Taiji Ishimori & The Filip Brothers; Taiji & The Filip Brothers win.
- Six Man Tag: Toru Yano, Boltin Oleg & Tiger Mask VS The House of Torture; The House of Torture wins.
- Six Man Tag: Taichi, Douki & Taka Michinoku VS The United Empire; Taichi, Douki & Taka win.
- Six Man Tag: Los Ingobernables de Japon VS TMDK; TMDK wins.
- World Tag League 2024 A Block: Shota Umino & Tomoaki Honma VS Jeff Cobb & Callum Newman; Cobb & Callum win.
- World Tag League 2024 A Block: Shingo Takagi & Yota Tsuji VS Alex Zayne & Ryusuke Taguchi; Takagi & Tsuji win.
- World Tag League 2024 A Block: Bishamon VS KENTA & Chase Owens; Bishamon wins.
- World Tag League 2024 A Block: Zack Sabre Jr. & Ryohei Oiwa VS Gabe Kidd & SANADA; ZSJ & Oiwa win.
PLAY BY PLAY
World Tag League 2024 A Block: Shota Umino & Tomoaki Honma VS Jeff Cobb & Callum Newman!
The Roughneck is bringing Everyone’s Kokeshi along for the ride, but this league might already be too much to handle. Can Honma help Shota bring about his Paradigm Shift? Or will they just get conquered by the United Empire?
The teams sort out and Shota starts against The Imperial Unit. The bell rings and Shota runs up to RAM Cobb! And RAM! And RAM! Cobb stays up so Shota kicks low. Shota runs to RAM Cobb, but Cobb rebounds to CLOBBER Shota! The fans cheer while Cobb stalks Shota. Cobb brings Shota up to whip him to a corner. Shota comes back to RAM Cobb! Cobb stays up, so Shota clinches! Cobb fights free with elbows, but Shota dodges a lariat to RAM Cobb! Cobb falls over! The fans fire up with Shota, and he brings Cobb up again. Callum runs in so Shota shoves Cobb aside to catch Callum. Shota shoves Callum at Honma for a shoulder tackle!
The fans fire up as Shota keeps moving and he SOMERSAULT SENTONS Callum! Shota then sets up so he and Honma can tabletop Cobb! Cobb sits up into Shota’s SHOTGUN! The fans fire up and Shota tags Honma. The fans rally behind Honma as he CLUBS Cobb. Honma reels Cobb in, but Cobb suplexes first! Cobb SLAMS Honma down, then calls for Callum. Callum rises but Cobb says hold on. The “Cobby Cat” mocks Honma by bopping himself on the head. Cobb then runs to FALLING KOKESHIÂ FLOP! Honma winds up and runs, but Callum is in the way! Cobb runs up, Honma dodges the lariat but Callum tags in.
Cobb dodges Honma, then shoves him at Callum. They pinball Honma around, and Callum BOOTS Honma while Cobb BLASTS Shota! Then Callum & Cobb coordinate to HIGH LOW with a shoulder tackle and leg sweep! The fans cheer and Cobb says You Can’t See Him! Callum stomps Honma, then KICKS him in the back. Honma gets mad but Callum scuffs him again and again. Honma rises, CHOPS, and CHOPS again! Callum CHOPS and pretends that hurt his hand. Callum CLUBS Honma down but the fans rally up. Honma rises to CHOP! And CHOP! And CHOP! Callum kicks low, reels him in, but Honma fights the suplex!
Honma catches Callum’s lariat to spin and DDT! The fans fire up while both men are down! Callum and Honma crawl, but Honma hot tags Shota! Shota rallies on Callum with big elbows! Shota whips, Callum reverses, but SHota ducks ‘n’ dodges to CLOBBER Callum! Cobb runs up, but Shota arm-drags him, then dropkicks the legs out! Cobb bails, Shota fires up, and the fans rally again. Shota whips Callum corner to corner, runs up on him, and UPPERCUTS! Shota reels Callum in for a FISHERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO! Not quite perfect but Shota doesn’t let that slow him down!
Shota waits on Callum, then runs, but Callum avoids Ignition to hook Shota! Shota fights the backslide so Callum whips him to a corner. Callum runs up but Shota dodges! Shota runs up but Callum goes up and over! Callum keeps moving, but Shota ROCKS him, UPPERCUTS him, and runs! Callum follows to ROCK Shota at the ropes! Callum runs, but then stops to fake out Shota’s dropkick! Shota sits up, but he ducks the Penalty Kick! Shota rolls Callum but Callum rolls through. Shota ROCKS Callum, then spins, but Callum dodges the rolling elbow! DREAMCAST KICK! Shota drops to his knees and the fans fire up!
Callum and Shota crawl, hot tag to Cobb! Cobb runs up to waistlock Shota for a deadlift! Shota fights with elbows, goes to run, but Cobb reels him in for a forearm to the back! Cobb runs, but Shota DROPKICKS him! The fans fire up again and Shota heads for his corner. Hot tag to Honma! The fans rally as Honma CHOPS Cobb, and CHOPS, and CHOPS! Honma puts Cobb in a corner, whips him corner to corner, then runs up. Honma ELBOWS Cobb and hits a BULLDOG! The fans fire up as Honma shows Cobb how it’s done! FALLING KOKESHI- NO! Now Honma FLOPS as Cobb moves! Callum runs up to SHOTGUN Shota off the apron!
The fans fire up as Cobb RAMS Honma into the corner! Callum runs up to forearm SMASH! Callum drops down and Cobb LEAPS over to ELBOW Honma! Callum comes back and Cobb pops him up to the apron! ENZIGIRI, then fireman’s carry! Callum climbs, DOUBLE STOMP ATTITUDE ADJUSTMENT! PENALTY KICK and GACHIMUCHI MOONSAULT! Cover, Shota breaks it! The fans fire up and Shota TOSSES Callum! Cobb kicks Shota, whips, but Shota reverses to TORNADO DDT! Shota shouts to Honma and the fans fire up again. Honma rises and he storms up on Cobb. Honma & Shota double whip corner to corner!
Honma runs up to LARIAT! Honma feeds Cobb to Shota’s UPPERCUT! Honma LARIATS, Shota clinches, EXPLODER!! The fans cheer and Honma runs, SLIDING KOKESHI! Shota keeps moving, IGNITION! Honma covers, Callum breaks it! Shota stomps Callum out of the ring and leaves the rest to Honma. Honma drags Cobb up, but Cobb fights the suplex! Cobb ROCKS Honma, whips him, but Honma grabs ropes! Honma BOOTS Cobb, and Shota joins in! DOUBLE RUNNING KOKESHI! And then they DOUBLE FALLING KOKESHI! Cover, TWO!! Cobb survives but Shota goes after Callum! CANNONBALL to the floor!
The fans fire up again as Honma climbs! FLYING- NO, Cobb catches Honma! SPINEBUSTER, and FALLING HAMMER! Cover, TWO!! Honma survives and the fans fire up again! But then Cobb reels Honma in, for a TOUR OF THE ISLAND!! Cover, United Empire wins!
Winners: Jeff Cobb & Callum Newman, by pinfall (gain 2 points; Shota & Honma earn 0)
A powerful showing from “The Kokeshi Brothers,” but they could not bring down Callum & Cobb. With the IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Championships already on Great-O-Khan & Henare, will The United Empire completely dominate the NJPW Heavyweight Tag Division?
World Tag League 2024 A Block: Shingo Takagi & Yota Tsuji VS Alex Zayne & ???
Los Ingobernables de Japon’s heavy formation is in this block, ready to rampage like twin dragons. If only The Sauce could’ve brought his own monster back. Who will be the substitute for Lance Archer? And can he help heat things up?
Zayne makes his entrance before anyone else, and asks to speak on the mic. A mic is given, and Zayne says, “Kon’nichiwa.” The fans applaud, and Zayne explains that when he was contacted this year for WTL, he was also informed that Lance Archer could not make it. Zayne knew he had to do one thing: find the most “delicious” tag partner he could find. And that man is… RYUSUKE TAGUCHI!? The fans can’t believe the Funky Weapon is joining Zayne in this tournament! And he wears a green version of Zayne’s gear! Are things about to get really spicy now?
The teams sort out, and Takagi is in disbelief. LIJ fist bumps and the fans applaud. Taguchi and Zayne bow, “Itadakimasu,” and Zayne starts against Yota. They circle, tie up, and Yota powers Zayne back. But Zayne powers Yota back! Yota powers up to power Zayne onto the ropes, but Zayne turns things around. The ref counts, Zayne lets off slowly with a pat on the shoulders, but Yota plays with Zayne’s hair. Zayne smirks and Yota grins as the two reset. They circle, tie up, and are in a deadlock. Yota headlocks, but Zayne powers up and out. Yota RAMS Zayne but neither man falls. Fans cheer as Yota grins and Zayne plays with his own hair.
Things speed up suddenly, and Zayne sidesteps. Yota bucks the O’Conner Roll, then gets around Zayne. Zayne ELBOWS Yota away to a corner. Zayne runs up to BACK ELBOW and go to the apron in one go! Then he slingshots to RANA! Yota has a rough tumble, but he stands back up. Zayne runs up again, dodges the lariat and waistlocks, only to bring Yota back and run. Yota sidesteps Zayne then drops down, only for Zayne to IMPLODER KNEE DROP! The fans fire up but Zayne keeps moving, STANDING MARIPOSA! The fans cheer more while Zayne grins at Takagi. Zayne brings Yota up, tags Taguchi, and they double whip.
“Funky Sauce” misdirects Yota to hit a BULLDOG then basement dropkick! Cover, TWO! The fans cheer and Taguchi stomps Yota. Taguchi brings Yota up, kicks low, then whips. Yota reverses but Taguchi RANAS! A little slippery, but then Zayne BLASTS Takagi off the apron! Funky Sauce takes aim, Taguchi PLANCHASÂ but flops as Yota moves! Zayne is on the apron but Takagi YANKS Zayne down! The fans rally but Takagi hauls Zayne up to whip him into railing! Yota drags Taguchi up and puts him in the ring. Takagi gets the fans fired up, then he stands Taguchi up. LIJ double whip Taguchi to then DOUBLE SHOULDER TACKLE!
The fans cheer and then Takagi SENTONS! Yota SPLASHES down! Cover, TWO! Taguchi stays in this but Yota tags Takagi. The fans rally and duel while Takagi stands Taguchi up. Takagi bumps Taguchi off buckles, RAMS into him again and again, then digs his shoulder in. The ref counts, Takagi steps back, and he snapmares Taguchi down. Tag to Yota and Yota drags Taguchi up. Yota snapmares Taguchi to ROCK him in the back! Taguchi falls back, Yota tags Takagi, and LIJ drags Taguchi up. They DOUBLE ATOMIC DROP! Taguchi hobbles in pain, falls to his knees, and Takagi BLASTS Zayne off the apron!
Takagi gets annoyed with this Funky Sauce, but Taguchi fires off CHOPS! Taguchi runs, but Takagi easily dodges the hip attack! Takagi then suplexes Taguchi high and hard! Cover, TWO! Taguchi survives and the fans fire up. Takagi hears the fans dueling as he stomps Taguchi. Takagi KNEES Taguchi against the ropes again and again, then whips, for another KNEE! Takagi runs, but into a SOMERSAULT HIP ATTACK! The fans fire up while both men are down! Taguchi and Takagi crawl, hot tag to Zayne! Zayne jumps in and DECKS Takagi, then he BLASTS Yota! Zayne swats a lariat to fire elbow after ELBOW!
Takagi blocks the superkick to CLUB the leg! Yota joins in, LIJ whips Zayne, but Zayne KICKS Takagi, mule kicks Yota, and runs, DOUBLE SOMERSAULT KICKS! The fans fire up and Zayne runs at Takagi. Takagi ELBOWS Zayne, BOOTS him, then goes up. Zayne returns to JUMPING STEINERS! The fans fire up while Zayne covers, TWO! Takagi stays in this but Zayne brings him right up. Zayne goes to scoop but Takagi fights it! Zayne CHOPS, scoops, and BAJA- NO, Takagi slips free! SLIDING- NO, Zayne dodges! Zayne mule kicks, runs, but into the ELBOW! JAB! YUKONÂ feint and DDT! Both men are down again and the fans fire back up!
Takagi pounds the mat, the fans rally behind him, and he crawls, hot tag to Yota! Yota fires up and the fans are with him. Yota brings Zayne around to whip, but Zayne stops himself. Zayne dodges Yota, Yota dodges Zayne, and both men kick low! Yota comes back to BOOT! The fans cheer and Yota brings Zayne up again. Yota fireman’s carries but Zayne fights free. Yota ROCKS Zayne first! Yota tries another fireman’s carry but Zayne sunset flips it! TWO, and both men stand! Zayne rolls Yota, BASEMENT ENZIGIRI! Zayne hurries to hot tag Taguchi! Taguchi HIP ATTACKS in a corner! Taguchi goes corner to corner, for another HIP ATTACK!
Taguchi keeps moving, but Yota runs up! Taguchi dropkicks Yota’s legs out! The fans fire up and Taguchi keeps going! Another dropkick to legs, then a LEG SWEEP! Taguchi rolls Yota into the OH MY GAH ANKLE!! Zayne BOOTS Takagi off the apron! Yota scrambles to the ROPEBREAK! Taguchi lets go but he brings Yota back up. Taguchi traps Yota and Zayne runs in to ELBOW! Zayne then sets up and Taguchi runs, SHOTGUN IN MOTION! Taguchi then brings Yota out to GOURD BUSTER! The fans fire up as Zayne climbs! But Yota KICKS Taguchi away, then GAMANGIRIS Zayne off the corner!
Taguchi kicks Yota, runs, but into a scoop and BACKBREAKER! Takagi slides in, and he finds the camera, “TOKI GA KITA!” The fans fire up as the time has come, and they join in on a chant of “OI! OI! OI!” LIJ whips Taguchi to a corner, then Yota runs in to ELBOW! Takagi whips Yota back in to SPLASH! Takagi adds a LARIAT, then feeds Taguchi to a BOOT! BLINDSIDE LARIAT! SUPERKICK! Taguchi is down, Yota covers, TWO! Taguchi stays in this and the fans fire up. Takagi stands Taguchi up and throws him to Yota for a POWERBOMB! Cover, Zayne breaks it! Takagi drags Zayne up, LIJ mugs him, but he fights back with CHOPS!
The fans fire up but Yota spins Zayne around to facelock, and Takagi wheelbarrows. Yota helps Takagi swing Taguchi down, then up for a BOOSTED WHEELBARROW GERMAN!! The fans fire up and Takagi leaves it to Yota. Yota takes aim and the fans rally. Taguchi rises, Yota runs in, GENE- LEG DROP!? And then La Magistrol! TWO!! Yota escapes in time, but Taguchi spins him to a backslide! TWO!! Yota escapes again! But Taguchi ENZIGIRIS! Taguchi fires up and the fans are with him! But Takagi LARIATS! GENE TRIGGER! PUMPING BOMBER!! And now Yota loads up, for the GENE BLASTER!! Cover, LIJ wins!
Winners: Shingo Takagi & Yota Tsuji, by pinfall (gain 2 points; Zayne & Taguchi earn 0)
The Funky Sauce was hot, but they’re the ones that got burned! Will they be able to spice things up in the second round? Will Takagi & Tsuji keep the tag league tranquilo?
World Tag League 2024 A Block: Bishamon VS KENTA & Chase Owens!
Hirooki Goto & Yoshi-Hashi once again clash with The Fang & The Jewel, both sides hungry for gold. Will it be Lights Out in the opening round? Or will someone just #Go2Sleep?
The teams sort out but then Bullet Club just attacks! Chase is after Goto and Kenta is after Hashi, and they put each man in corners. The bell rings to get this on record as Kenta TOSSES Hashi. Chase CHOKES Goto in the corner, then stands on him! The ref reprimands and Chase lets off to bring Goto up. Chase ROCKS Goto, whips him, and Kenta POSTS Hashi! Chase hits a big hip toss then covers, TWO! The fans rally up while Chase stomps Goto’s leg. Chase scrapes his sole off Goto’s face, and Kenta whips Hashi again. Hashi reverses and Kenta hits railing in front of English commentary! Chase ROCKS Goto, CHOPS him, then whips.
Goto grabs ropes to stop, then he BOOTS Chase! Hashi returns and Bishamon DOUBLE SHOULDER TACKLE! Then ZENMAI! Kenta returns but Bishamon kicks him first. “Se no!” Bishamon BEATS Kenta like a drum! The fans cheer and Bishamon flexes. Goto then goes back to Chase to stomp and CLUB him down. Goto kicks Chase, Chase shoves Goto and ROCKS him with a forearm! Goto knees Chase low, runs, but Chase TOSSES Goto out! Goto hurries back up, he counter punches Chase, and then counter punches Kenta! Chase slips out to YANK Goto down and THROW him into railing! Kenta intercepts Hashi with a kick!
Kenta whips Hashi away into railing while Chase sends Goto into other railing! The ref reprimands but Chase brings Goto through the gate. Chase has fans move out of the way, but then brings Goto back to ringside. Chase grins as he trolls the fans and pushes Goto into the ring. Kenta CLUBS away on Hashi before leaving him behind. Chase pulls on Goto’s arms then TWEAKS Goto’s neck! Not a twist, but equally painful. Chase tags Kenta while the fans rally for “GO-TO-O! GO-TO-O!” Kenta pushes Goto into the corner, Goto hits Chase, but Kenta RAMS Goto! The ref reprimands and counts as Kenta RAMS Goto more!
Kenta sits Goto down, and digs his boot in! The ref counts, Kenta stops at 4, and he tags Chase back in. They stomp Goto more, then Chase headlocks for a sucker punch! Cover, TWO! Chase drags Goto up and he bumps Goto off Kenta’s boot. Tag to Kenta and Bullet Club double whips. They DOUBLE ELBOW Goto down then Kenta covers, TWO! Kenta covers again, TWO! Kenta argues with the ref but the count was fair. Kenta drops an elbow, drops another elbow, then covers, TWO! Kenta gets mad at Hashi for no reason, but the fans rally up for Goto. Kenta CLUBS Goto, but Goto fires CHOPS in return!
Kenta knees low, whips Goto to a corner, but Goto reverses. Goto runs up but into a BOOT! Kenta runs but Goto follows! Goto avoids Chase’s cheap shot to LARIAT Kenta! The fans fire up while Goto and Kenta are down! Goto crawls, hot tag to Hashi! The fans fire up as Hahsi BLASTS Chase! Kenta kicks Hashi low then whips him to a corner. Kenta runs up but Hashi CHOPS in return! And mule kicks! And turns Kenta for a NECKBREAKER! The fans fire up and Hashi watches Kenta. Hashi waits on Kenta to rise, then runs up to CHOP! Hashi hoists Kenta up to hang him out to dry! The fans fire up as Hashi runs, and he DROPKCISK Kenta down! Cover, TWO!
The fans cheer Hashi on as he brings Kenta up. Hashi reels Kenta in, lifts, but Kenta fights with fists! Kenta slips free of the bomb, then slips around Hashi to spin and- NO, Hashi suplexes first! But Kenta slips free again, and he spins Hashi around, to SPIKE DDT! Hashi is stood up on his head before falling over, and Kenta tags in Chase. Chase brings Hashi up and fireman’s carries. Hashi fights free of that, but Chase slips around to half nelson, lift, and SWINGING FACEBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Hashi survives but Chase says time to end this! Chase takes aim, C- NO, Hashi dodges the trigger! Chase knees low, runs, but Hashi dropkicks the legs!
The fans fire up whiel both men are down! Chase clutches his leg while Hashi crawls. Hot tag to Goto! Goto runs at Chase to LARIAT in the corner! Goto whips corner to corner, runs up again, but Chase BOOTS him! But Goto comes back! Only for Chase to BUCKLE SHOT and STO, then SENTON! Kenta steps in and Bullet Club drags Goto up. But Goto fires forearms and CHOPS! Kenta SOBATS! Chase KICKS! Kenta ROUNDHOUSES! Goto sits up into the “I HATE YOU!” PENALTY KICK! Cover, but Hashi breaks it! Kenta TOSSES Hashi then goes out after him. Chase drags Goto up and reels him in.
Chase tucks the arms but Goto fights the lift! Goto wrenches out but Chase ROCKS him first! Chase runs, Goto follows, but Chase ENZIGIRIS! Goto stays up, but the C-TRIGGER hits! Cover, TWO!! Goto survives but Chase hurries up! C-TRIGGER POINT BLANK!! And then the tuck for the PACKAGE PILE- NO, Hashi hits a BLOCKBUSTER! The fans fire up, Kenta BOOTS Hashi! Goto fireman’s carries Kenta but Kenta slips free! Kenta shoves Goto into Hashi, then waistlocks Goto. Goto fights the lift, and then ducks, HIDDEN GAP SUPERKICK for Kenta! The fans fire up as Bishamon regroups.
Hashi drags Chase up, whips him to Goto, but Chase BOOTS Goto! Chase swings on Hashi but Hashi ducks the lariat. Hashi powers Chase to ropes, Goto BLINDSIDE LARIATS, and then Hashi rolls Chase. Goto drags Chase up, Hashi has the legs! Chase BOOTS Hashi away! Chase then slips around to dragon sleeper, to steal G T- NO, Goto drops down to victory roll! Chase stands up, into a SUPERKICK! Goto drags Chase around while Hashi BLASTS Kenta! Dragon sleeper and SHOTO!! Cover, Bishamon wins!!
Winners: Bishamon, by pinfall (gain 2 points; Kenta & Chase earn 0)
Another classic in this storied rivalry, worthy of the titles themselves! Will this first win be the win that leads the Fierce Warrior & Headhunter back to the titles? Can Kenta & Chase borrow a page from Bishamon and #GetBackUp in the next round?
World Tag League 2024 A Block: Zack Sabre Jr. & Ryohei Oiwa VS Gabe Kidd & SANADA!
TMDK has a team in each block, doubling their chances of taking this league. But perhaps burying the lead is the fact that THE IWGP World Heavyweight Champion is joining in the fun! Will The Front Man & The Mullet rock this league right from the start? Or will the Mad Man and the turncoat Cold Skull get this tournament #WarReady?
The teams sort out but Oiwa gets in Gabe’s face. Gabe pushes Oiwa, they start, and they tie up at the bell. The fans rally as Oiwa and Gabe are in a deadlock. They go around at center, then Oiwa digs his heels in to push Gabe back. Gabe turns things around to put Oiwa on ropes, but Red Shoes calls the break. Gable lets off, to then CHOP! Gabe scoops and SLAMS Oiwa, then he goes for legs. Oiwa UPKICKS Gabe, then stands up to scoop and SLAM Gabe! Gabe UPKICKS back, both men get up and go face to face. Then they go forearm for forearm! The fans rally as Oiwa gets the edge, but Gabe CHOPS!
Gabe headlocks. Oiwa powers up and out, and they RAM shoulders! Gabe eggs OIwa on and he runs to RAM Gabe! They both run now, and they RAM shoulders again, and again, and again! Gabe CHOPS then runs, but Oiwa CLOBBERS Gabe! The fans fire up while Gabe bails out. Oiwa eggs Gabe on and Gabe snarls. Gabe shakes the railing in frustration, then he paces around the outside. Gabe cools off, slides in, but then tags Sanada. Sanada steps in slowly, so Oiwa tags in ZSJ. The two rivals circle and the afns rally behind “ZAKKU! ZAKKU!” ZSJ and Sanada feel things out, knuclke lock, and ZSJ rolls to wrench.
Sanada is already frustrated so he kicks ZSJ low! Sanada TOSSES ZSJ out and then Gabe goes after Oiwa! Gabe CHOPS away on Oiwa while Sanada sends ZSJ into railing! And then more railing! Gabe does the same to Oiwa, and Sanada storms up on ZSJ. Sanada CLAWS ZSJ’s back, a definite attitude change showing. Gabe Too Sweets with Taiji Ishimori on commentary while Sanada pushes ZSJ into the ring. Sanada whips ZSJ to a corner, but ZSJ goes up, under, around, and RAMS into Sanada! ZSJ snapmares, Sanada handsprings through, but ZSJ UPPERCUTS him down! Tag to Oiwa and he BLASTS Gabe!
Oiwa goes back to Sanada and stands him up. Oiwa wrenches an arm, YANKS it, then wrenches to YANK it again. Oiwa tags ZSJ and ZSJ brings Sanada around to wrench, step over, and wrangle into a mounted armbar! Sanada endures as ZSJ bends the fingers and isolates the arm, to STOMP it! The fans cheer, ZSJ tags Oiwa, and Oiwa CLUBS Sanada’s arm. Oiwa headlocks for a takeover, then isolates the arm in an short arm scissor! The fans rally while Sanada endures and kicks around. Sanada reaches out, ROPEBREAK! Red Shoes calls it, Oiwa lets Sanada go, but then Oiwa brings Sanada up.
Oiwa whips, Sanada reverses, and Gabe trips Oiwa up! Sanda BLASTS ZSJ while Oiwa drags Oiwa out of the ring! Now things spill out into the crowd! Gabe CHOPS Oiwa, then SMACKS him off empty chairs! Sanada BOWLS ZSJ into chairs! Not quite a strike, so Sanada JAMS ZSJ up with a chair! That picks up the spare, and we can hear Gabe’s CHOPS on Oiwa echo out. Gabe stomps Oiwa while Sanada CHOKES ZSJ with a chair! Red Shoes reprimands the War Dogs, but Gabe POSTS Oiwa! Gabe says War Dogs run this, but Red Shoes starts a ring count. Gabe flexes on Oiwa, then drags him up at 7 of 20.
Gabe puts Oiwa in at 10 and Sanada covers, TWO! Oiwa stays in this and the fans rally behind him. Sanada is annoyed but he brings Oiwa up. Sanada CLUBS Oiwa, then bumps him off Gabe’s boot. Oiwa sputters while Sanada tags Gabe in. Gabe drags Oiwa up, mockingly asks where Zack-senpai went, then he UPPERCUTS Oiwa down. Gabe TOSSES Oiwa out, and he BLASTS ZSJ off the apron! Sanada whips Oiwa into railing! Gabe lifts ZSJ bu tZSJ wrenches free to KIMURA! Gabe powers through, to BITE ZSJ on the forehead! Sanada sends Oiwa into more railing, Gabe sends ZSJ through railing and into chairs!
Sanada BOWLS Oiwa into chairs now, there is the strike! Sanada continues to show his new edge as he JAMS Oiwa up with a chair. Red Shoes reprimands so Sanada brings Oiwa back to ringside. Sanada puts Oiwa in for Gabe and Gabe pushes Oiwa to a cover. Red Shoes says no, all the shenanigans were not right. Gabe gets in Red Shoes’ face about that, but Red Shoes stands his ground. Gabe storms around while the fans rally behind Oiwa. Gabe drags Oiwa up, to CHOP! Oiwa wobbles but he rises up. Oiwa CHOPS, and CHOPS, and fires forearms! Gabe DECKS Oiwa with just one! The fans still rally for Oiwa but Gabe stands on Oiwa’s face!
Gabe soaks up the heat, scuffs Oiwa and stomps him around. Oiwa sits up, Gabe runs, but Oiwa reels him in! Gabe fights the waistlock, runs, but into a SNAP GERMAN! The fans fire up while both men are down! Oiwa and Gabe crawl, hot tags to ZSJ and Sanada! The fans fire up as ZSJ dodges Sanada, full nelsons, then spins him to a headlock. Sanada powers out but ZSJ catches him to a COBRA TWIST! Sanada powers out to HIP TOSS, but ZJS UP KICKS! Sanada avoids the Penalty Kick, blocks the boot, but ZSJ steps through the dragon screw to NECK TWIST! And basment DROPKICK! The fans fire up and we’ve only hit 10 minutes!
ZSJ drags Sanada up, UPPERCUTS him, then UPPERCUTS again! Sanada blocks the next to spin and suplex, but ZSJ says no to the Magic Screw! NORTHERN LIGHTS! Bridging cover, TWO! Sanada escapes but ZSJ stays focused. ZSJ stands Sanada up to scoop, but Sanada slips free. ZSJ fights the waistlock, runs, but into a dropkick to the legs! Sanada then DROPKICKS ZSJ down! Sanada fireman’s carries but ZSJ slips free, to have the IRON OCTOPUS! The fans rally while Sanada endures, and Sanada powers out to have a leg! DROPPING DRAGON SCREW! ZSJ clutches the leg and Sanada takes aim! SHINING-
NO, ZSJ ducks, but Sanada catches him to a backslide! ZSJ rolls through to NECK TWIST! Tag to Oiwa and Oiwa BLASTS Gabe off the apron! Oiwa goes back to Sanada and brings him up. Oiwa whips Sanada to ropes, ELBOWS Him down, then ZSJ PENALTY KICKS Sanada! Oiwa deadlift GUT RWENCH PLEXES! Cover, Gabe breaks it! Gabe CHOPS away on ZSJ and Oiwa, but ZSJ blocks! Oiwa DOUBLE CHOPS! ZSJ UPPERCUTS! ZSJ & Oiwa DOUBLE DROPKICK Gabe down! The fans fire up with Oiwa and he clamps onto Sanada with a SLEEPER! Sanada endures and fights up, but Oiwa thrashes him around!
Sanada still fights to his feet, slips around the back, and shoves Oiwa to ropes. Gabe trips Oiwa up! Oiwa kicks at Gabe but Sanada kicks ropes to jam Oiwa up! Sanada suplexes Oiwa into the MAGIC SCREW! Both men are down but the fans rally up again. Sanada crawls over, tag to Gabe, and Gabe storms right up on Oiwa. Gabe UPPERCUTS Oiwa right down! Gabe then puts Oiwa in a corner to fire off forearm after forearm! Red Shoes reprimands and counts, but Gabe digs his boots in while talking trash. Gabe shoves Red Shoes aside so he can keep stomping away on Oiwa! The fans rally and Red Shoes backs Gabe off.
Gabe seethes but the fans continue to rally for Oiwa. Oiwa grits his teeth as he sits up, but Gabe ROCKS him with another shot! Oiwa still looks up defiantly at Gabe, so Gabe fires shots! Gabe says Oiwa’s not worthy of being his NJPW Strong Openweight Challenger. Gabe says Oiwa’s just some “weak ass kohai!” Gabe SPITS on Oiwa, but Oiwa gets in Gabe’s face! Gabe fires slapping strikes, blocks a shot, then SLAPS Oiwa again! Oiwa spins to DOUBLE CHOP Gsbe down! Sanada runs up and kicks low! Sanada whips, Oiwa reverses, but Sanada reverses back, RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP! ZSJ PENALTY KICKS Sanada!
Gabe runs up, ZSJ BOOTS him first! Gabe runs back in, slips out of the scoop, and he scoops ZSJ for EMERALD FLOWSON!! But Oiwa spins Gabe! Gabe avoids The Grip, runs, but into a LARIAT!! Cover, TWO!! Oiwa is frustrated but the fans rally behind him. Oiwa hauls Gabe up, ANACONDA PLEX!! Cover, TWO!! Gabe survives again but Oiwa roars! Oiwa drags Gabe up, reels him in, but Gabe fights the gut wrench! Gabe CLUBS Oiwa on the back, then he gut wrenches! Oiwa fights back, wrenches out, and he blocks a lariat to spin. Gabe HAYMAKERS, and SAIDOS!! Gabe crawls his way to the cover, TWO!!
The fans are thunderous as Oiwa survives! Gabe snarls and he drags Oiwa up. Gabe says this is the end. But Oiwa fights the suplex! Oiwa suplexes, but Gabe fights it! Oiwa still tries, but Gabe slips out to waistlock. Sanada DROPKCIKS Oiwa, Gabe UPPERCUTS! Gabe & Sanada work together to DOUBLE SUPLEX! Gabe suplexes again, BRAINBUSTER!! Cover, ZSJ BREAKS IT! Sanada TOSSES ZSJ out and tells Gabe to finish this! ZSJ RAMS Sanada, they brawl outside, and Gabe slashes his throat. Gabe drags Oiwa up, reels him in, but Oia slips through the gut wrench to backslide! TWO, and Gabe UPPERCUTS!
Gabe runs, but ZSJ is back! He BOOTS Gabe but Gabe SLAPS ZSJ! ZSJ KICKS the haymaker away to then ROUNDHOUSE Gabe! Sanada’s in to dragon sleeper! ZSJ arm-drags free, but Sanada comes back to SHINING WIZARD! Sanada then drags ZSJ up, but ZSJ scoops first! ZACK DRIVER!! ZSJ and Sanada flop out of the ring, leaving Oiwa and Gabe to rise up. They run at each other, to DOUBLE LARIAT! neither man falls, they DOUBLE LARIAT again! Gabe UPPERCUTS! Oiwa PALM STRIKES! Gabe PALM STRIKES, CHOPS, JABS, rebounds, into a roll-up! Hig stack, TMDK WINS!!
Winners: Zack Sabre Jr. & Ryohei Oiwa, by pinfall
Gabe is in shock! He gets right in Red Shoes’ face but Red Shoes says it was a fair count! Gabe then goes after Oiwa to CLOBBER him! The fans boo and Young Lions rush in, but Gabe eggs Oiwa on! So Oiwa obliges and they brawl among the fans! The Young Lions rush in to separate the two, but Gabe gets loose to CLOBBER Oiwa! They scrap, ZSJ joins in, and he pulls the two apart. Gabe kicks a chair in frustration, then goes into retreat. Wait, Oiwa chases Gabe to the ramp and beats him down! Young Lions again scramble in to stop this, but it just heads to the back! Sanada shrugs it off, will the #ColdWarDogs just have to try harder in the next round?
As for the winners, well, they’re no longer ringside so there won’t be any in-ring closing words. Backstage interviews begin, Gabe promises Oiwa will be put in the ground! Will the Mad Man show The Mullet what it takes to be NJPW Strong? As for ZSJ, he gathers himself, and tells NJPW Media that he doesn’t know where The Mullet went. Actually, no, he has an idea: The Mullet must be smashing the s*it outta Gabe. “Roy The Mullet” is the next NJPW Strong Openweight Champion! Oiwa will hit Gabe so hard, his legs will turn into trombones! As for ZSJ, there is something rare happening in this year’s WTL, isn’t it?
Yes, it’s that the IWGP World EFFIN’ Heavyweight Champion is involved, as this should be! The first time the world champion’s been in this tournament in roughly a decade! ZSJ said he was gonna be a different kind of world champion for NJPW, and that he promises to take NJPW back to the top! Now obviously, a conflict of interests, as this tournament is Shane Haste’s & Mikey Nicholls’ to win, but ZSJ won’t give the boys an easy ride. ZSJ is dreaming~ of an all TMDK World Tag League finals! Then who knows, maybe Zack & Roy get the job done.
But ZSJ knows the Tokyo Dome is coming soon. And Shota Umino wants to be ZSJ’s challenger. ZSJ says he will be keeping his eyes wide open for Shota. ZSJ says he’ll have a DOUBLE main event in the Tokyo Dome, it’s in the bag. What about you, Shota? The Front Man heads out, having put the pressure on his challenger, but will all of NJPW soon belong to TMDK?
Here are the A Block standings!
Zack Sabre Jr. & Ryohei Oiwa: 1-0, 2 points
Jeff Cobb & Callum Newman: 1-0, 2 points
Shingo Takagi & Yota Tsuji: 1-0, 2 points
Bishamon: 1-0, 2 points
Gabe Kidd & Sanada: 0-1, 0 points
Kenta & Chase Owens: 0-1, 0 points
Alex Zayne & Ryusuke Taguchi: 0-1, 0 points
Shota Umino & Tomoaki Honma: 0-1, 0 points
My Thoughts:
A great start to World Tag League 2024, with just A Block opening things tonight. I will say those tune-up matches were interesting. Even though David Finlay is the Global Champion, it’s Taiji Ishimori that has apparently become Bullet Club’s international ambassador. Taiji brought Robbie X into the group, now he teamed with The Filip Brothers, Tome & Stevie, who knows who else Bone Soldier will recruit. Taiji’s team beating Tanahashi’s team, House of Torture cheating and beating Tanahashi’s friends, this is all putting the pressure on The Ace, meaning The Ace will win out at WrestleKingdom 19.
Shota Umino teaming with Tomoaki Honma, I wonder if this is to hold Shota back somehow. He is apparently still heading for WrestleKingdom and a world title match with ZSJ, so it’s not like Shota needs to win WTL, but I guess NJPW just wants Shota to give the fans a good time alongside a fan favorite like Honma. Also, Callum & Cobb have a fun new shirt for their team-up. I figured Zayne would need to improvise now that #MonsterSauce is no longer happening, and Taguchi was a great surprise choice. But #FunkySauce making its debut against a team as strong as Takagi & Tsuji was a shame because of course LIJ was winning that. Maybe Zayne & Taguchi can pull off a spoiler victory later on, but I don’t see Funky Sauce going that strong.
Bishamon VS Kenta & Chase really was an awesome match, and it is so surprising how Chase has grown in just the past couple years. Great win for Goto & Hashi, though, as they’re clearly the solid utility choices in the tag division. And what an awesome main event, with Sanada bringing out the most Heel stuff he’s done perhaps ever. A bit jarring really, but that’s just kinda old fashioned Heel turns for ya. Great win for TMDK, though, and definitely an unorthodox way of closing by having Oiwa and Gabe brawl all over ringside and into the back.
While ZSJ says it is big for the world champ to be in this tournament, which I do agree with on some level, it also makes some of the A Block action seem secondary. Gabe and Oiwa having their grudge was kinda the main motivator behind this match, and then it’ll be similar when Shota & Honma VS ZSJ & Oiwa happens. There is the added drama of, “What if someone pins ZSJ? Will they get a world title match before WK19?” Maybe Shota solidifies his WK title match by being the one that pins ZSJ in their match, but it all just feels like more flash than substance. No one else is going to pin ZSJ, Oiwa probably takes whatever losses their team will take, so A Block’s story suffers for it.
My Score: 8.9/10
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