Coverage
Mitchell’s NJPW Best of the Super Juniors Results & Report! (5/12/23)
THIRTIETH ANNIVERSARY!

The tradition returns again!
NJPW starts the THIRTIETH Best of the Super Juniors tournament! Will Hiromu Takahashi prove he’s still the best? Or will a new top guy emerge?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Best of the Super Juniors 30, B Block: Clark Connors VS Kevin Knight; Connors wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 30, A Block: Ryusuke Taguchi VS Taiji Ishimori; Taiji wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 30, B Block: BUSHI VS Dan Moloney; Moloney wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 30, A Block: KUSHIDA VS DOUKI; Douki wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 30, B Block: Master Wato VS Francesco Akira; Wato wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 30, A Block: Lio Rush VS SHO; Lio wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 30, B Block: YOH VS Robbie Eagles; Eagles wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 30, A Block: Titán VS TJP; Titán wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 30, B Block: El Desperado VS Yoshinobu Kanemaru; Kanemaru wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 30, A Block: Hiromu Takahashi VS Mike Bailey; Bailey wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
This year’s tournament will be even bigger!
While two blocks and ten participants each is the norm, what’s different for this special 30th anniversary is that there will be semifinals! After the ninth round, the TOP TWO in each block will face off, and those will determine the block finalists that battle for the trophy! Who will fight hard and make the cut for this milestone tournament?
Best of the Super Juniors 30, B Block: Clark Connors w/ Gedo VS Kevin Knight!
The Wild Rhino is now Bullet Club, but he’s still hunting gold. As for The Jet, he is now one half of the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champions, but he still wants to be the best. Who makes their team proud with an opening round win?
The second Knight is in the ring, he fires off on Connors! Fans fire up, the bell rings and Knight just fires off more shots! Fans rally, Knight bumps Connors off buckles and stomps a mudhole! The ref counts, Knight digs his boot in but lets off at 4. Knight finally puts the belt aside to whip Connors to ropes. Connors holds ropes, bails out, but Knight PLANCHAS right out onto him! Fans fire up more and Knight finally takes off the tracksuit jacket. Knight throws it at Connors, then he CLUBS Connors. Knight UPPERCUTS, then follows Connors around the way to ROCK him, and SMACK him off the apron!
Fans rally behind Knight as he keeps after Connors. Knight throws more hands, CLUBS Connors some more, then UPPERCUTS again! The ring count starts, Knight tells Gedo to back off, and he brings Connors around. Connors knees low and he POSTS Knight! The ring count is 10 of 20 but Connors takes his time returning. Connors refreshes the count at 14, then he brings Knight up to POST him at high speed! Fans boo but Connors shouts, “WHAT?!” The count restarts, Connors CLUBS Knight and puts him in the ring at 12. Fans cheer the bit of sportsmanship, but then Connors pushes Knight right out of the ring, to POST him again!
Fans boo but Connors tells them off. Connors looms over Knight, brings him up, pushes him back into the ring, and fans cheer again as this returns to the ring. Gedo taunts Knight, Connors brings him up, and Connors whips Knight hard into a corner! Fans rally for Knight while Connors seethes and paces around. Connors drags Knight up, but Knight throws body shots. Knight chops but Connors CHOPS! Knight sits down in the corner, and Connor stands on Knight’s face! The ref counts, Connor lets off, and he drags Knight back up. Connors whips Knight hard into another corner! Fans fire up and rally while Gedo taunts Knight more.
Connors toys with Knight, then CLUBS him down! Connors sits Knight up to ROCK him with a left. The ref reprimands about the closed fist, but Connors snap suplexes! Connors clamps onto Knight with a chinlock and digs his knee into Knight’s back. Fans rally, Knight endures and fights up. Knight powers up but Connors snapmares and CLUBS him again! And back to the chinlock! Connors fishhooks and the ref reprimands, so Connors lets Knight go. Connors wraps Knight up in a chinlock but fans rally. Knight fights up, throws body shots, but Connors CLUBS him down! Knight roars and rises to fire off forearms!
Fans fire up but Connors UPPERCUTS! Connors whips, Knight reverses and DROPKICKS! Both men are down and fans fire back up! Knight kips up and fans fire up again! Knight stomps and UPPERCUTS, stomp and UPPERCUT, then stomps a mudhole into Connors! The fans rally, the ref counts, but Knight lets off at 4. Knight drags Connors up, whips him corner to corner, and runs in to SPLASH! Knight puts Connors up top, and he says it’s time! JUMPING SUPER STEINER! Fans fire up and Knight somersaults into the SPLASH! Cover, TWO! Connors is still in this but the fans are behind Knight!
Knight wants Connors to stand, then runs in, SATELLITE- NO, Connors denies the DDT! Knight avoids the spear, to SKY HIGH SPINEBUSTER!! Cover, TWO!! Connors survives again and Knight is surprised. Gedo is worried but the fans rally again. Knight goes to a corner, he jumps up fast, but Connors SHORYUKENS! Connors goes up after Knight, brings him up, but Knight fights with body shots. Knight shoves Connors away, leaps, but into a POWERSLAM! Gedo says “Show me the No Chaser!” Connors nods and he brings Knight up. Connors powers up but Knight wrenches out! Connors blocks the whip to whip Knight!
Knight ducks ‘n’ dodges to SPRINGBOARD CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO! Connors is still in this and the fans fire back up. Knight says it’s done! Knight aims, runs in, but into the SPEAR!! Connors drags Knight up, reels him in, puts one out, and BRAINBUSTER!! Cover, Connors wins!
Winner: Clark Connors, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Knight earns 0)
#100Proof just gave Knight a stiff shot and a bitter defeat. But Gedo wants there to be a second shot by sending in a chair! Connors stomps Knight down, grabs the chair, and fans boo as he aims at his former friend. Connors still SMACKS Knight down! And ANOTHER! And ANOTHER! And ANOTHER, and ANOTHER, and ANOTHER! Shot after shot, until Connors has had his fill. Gedo demands the ref raise Connors’ hand in victory and the ref obliges. If this is the “Only Killers” Era of Bullet Club, will anyone survive standing against them?
Best of the Super Juniors 30, A Block: Ryusuke Taguchi VS Taiji Ishimori!
The Funky Weapon has been through quite a few of these BOSJ tournaments, but he’s only won one, and that was back in 2012. Will he finally return to the top? Or will Bone Soldier make sure #ItsReborn?
As he enters the ring, Taguchi offers a handshake. Taiji says no thanks, and Taguchi says okay then. The bell rings, and Taguchi DROPKICKS! And DROPKICKS! He’s still the Master of the Dropkick! Taguchi whips, then DROPKICKS again! Taiji falls out of the ring, Taguchi triangle jumps to PLANCHA! Direct hit and fans fire up! Taguchi stomps Taiji’s legs, grabs one, and SMASHES the knee off the floor! The fans cheer and Taguchi stalks Taiji. Taguchi brings Taiji up, throws body shots and then kicks the bad leg. Taiji tumbles, but Taguchi baseball slide dropkicks! Fans cheer and the ring count starts.
Taguchi brings Taiji up and in at 4 of 20, then springboards to MISSILE DROPKICK! Fans fire up as Taguchi steps through to a single leg cover, TWO! OH MY- NO, Taiji gets the ROPEBREAK! Taguchi holds onto the ankle lock until the ref counts 4. Taguchi stomps Taiji, drags him up, and reels him into a SHIN BREAKER! Taiji hobbles, and Taguchi dropkicks the leg out! Then he gets the leg, but Taiji victory rolls! TWO and Taguchi sits back onto the cover, TWO! But Taguchi has the leg! OH MY GAH ANKLE! Taiji endures, reaches out, rolls, but Taguchi holds on! Taguchi keeps on that ankle lock!
Fans cheer, Taiji crawls, and Taiji drags Taguchi into the BONE LOCK! Taguchi endures, crawls around, reaches out, but Taiji rolls him away! But Taguchi uses that to get OH MY GAH ANKLE! Taiji endures, reaches out, but Taguchi drops an elbow on the leg! OH MY GAH ANKLE!! Taiji claws at the mat, it’s not a tap out. Taguchi drags Taiji back into chicken wings! But Taiji pops free, facelocks, only for Taguchi to slip free. Taguchi shoots in, Taiji avoids him and tilt-o-whirls to the MYSTICA! FUJIWARA! Chicken wing, BONE LOCK!! Taguchi still endures, Taiji rolls him away and PULLS! Taguchi TAPS, Taiji wins!!
Winner: Taiji Ishimori, by submission (gains 2 points; Taguchi earns 0)
A fast and furious three minutes as Taguchi turned up the seriousness, but it all fell apart! Taiji takes the win, will he also take the block?
Best of the Super Juniors 30, B Block: BUSHI VS Dan Moloney!
The Black Mask of Los Ingobernables de Japon takes on The United Empire’s newest recruit! Will Bushi give #DaDrilla a tranquilo “welcome” to NJPW? Or will Dan show us why he’s the #Superbeast?
The bell rings and fans rally for Bushi. Bushi and Moloney tie up, Moloney powers Bushi to ropes, but he lets off quick. Bushi avoids the cheap shot and fans applaud. Moloney and Bushi reset, tie up, and Moloney puts Bushi on the ropes. Bushi turns things around, Moloney turns it around, but then Bushi turns it back around. Bushi rolls back and lounges to taunt Moloney. Moloney runs in, Bushi dodges and kicks low. Bushi ROCKS Moloney, whips him to ropes, then ducks, hurdles, and DROPKICKS Moloney’s dropkick! Fans fire up as Moloney bails out. Bushi builds speed but Moloney DROPKICKS back! Cover, TWO!
Moloney rips Bushi’s shirt off! Fans boo but Moloney has prevented Bushi from using his favorite strategy! Moloney then KICKS Bushi in the back, and he smirks as fans rally up. Moloney drags Bushi up, CHOPS him, and Bushi is stinging already. Fans fire up, Moloney throws up the crown, and he drags Bushi up. Bushi CHOPS, but Moloney eggs him on. Bushi CHOPS and CHOPS, but Moloney CHOPS Bushi off his feet! Cover, TWO! Fans rally but Moloney stomps Bushi’s hands. And then his feet! And then his torso! Fans continue to rally but Moloney mocks them and throws the crown up again.
Moloney drags Bushi up, CHOPS him to a corner, and he CLUBS Bushi on the neck. Moloney throws body shots, whips Bushi corner to corner, then runs in, but into a BOOT! Bushi RANAS Moloney and fans fire up. Both men are down but stirring, and Bushi is up first. Bushi brings Moloney around but Moloney ROCKS him! Bushi ROCKS Moloney, and then gets the edge with those forearms. Bushi reels Moloney in for a BIG back suplex! Both men are back down and fans fire up again. Moloney goes to a corner, Bushi runs in, but Moloney dodges. Moloney comes back in but Bushi SWING KICKS him!
Bushi goes up top while Moloney staggers away. Bushi MISSILE DROPKICKS! And Bushirooni! Fans fire up and Bushi watches Moloney go to the corner. Bushi runs in, elbows Moloney, then brings him out. Moloney swings but into a spin and facelock. Moloney fights and wrenches, but Bushi avoids the chop to dropkick a leg out! Bushi drags Moloney up, has a leg, but Moloney fights free. Moloney CLUBS Bushi then leans on the ropes. Bushi runs in, blocks Moloney’s boot, and puts it in the ropes to DROPKICK the leg! Bushi then has Moloney in the ropes for a DRAPING BACKSTABBER! Fans fire up and Bushi goes to the apron.
Bushi drags Moloney to the ropes again but the ref reprimands. Moloney fights free and ENZIGURIS Bushi down! Fans rally up and Moloney build speed. Moloney WRECKS Bushi with a dropkick! Moloney hurries to put Bushi in, covers, TWO! Moloney scowls but the fans rally up. Moloney slashes his throat, vowing to end this. Moloney drags Bushi up, reels him in, Canadian racks, but Bushi slips free. Bushi ducks the haymaker, Moloney blocks a kick and ducks the enziguri but not the REWIND HEEL! Fans fire up with Bushi and he aims from the corner. Moloney stands, and he blocks the Code Breaker, into a FISHERMAN BUSTER! Cover, TWO!!
Bushi survives and fans fire up but Moloney pounds the mat. Moloney stalks Bushi, runs the ropes, and GORE!! Moloney Canadian Racks, DRILLA KILLA!! Cover, Moloney wins!!
Winner: Dan Moloney, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Bushi earns 0)
The United Empire’s newest soldier scores big! Will nothing stop the Empire from taking over the entire tournament?
Best of the Super Juniors 30, A Block: KUSHIDA VS DOUKI!
The Timesplitter is the other half of the new IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champions, but the Intergalactic Jet Setters aren’t stopping there! Will Kushida prove he is still the Ace of Junior Heavyweight wrestling? Or will Japones Del Mal get a big win for Just5Guys?
The bell rings and the fans duel, “KU-SHI-DA!” “DO-U-KI!” The two feel out a grapple, then Douki avoids the drop toeholds. They go again, Kushida rolls but Douki avoids the takedown. They feel out another grapple, Kushida gets a leg and drags Douki down to float and push to a lateral press. Douki gets away before a count and fans cheer as the two stand off. Kushida and Douki circle again, Kushida jumps on for body scissors and the armmlock, but Douki has the ROPEBREAK! Kushida lets go quickly and the two reset again. They tie up, Kushida waistlocks but Douki pries the hold to wrench the arm.
Kushida slips through, wrenches back and wristlocks. Kushida hammerlocks, spins Douki and arm-drags. Kushida floats, Douki tries to headscissor hold but Kushida slips out to hammerlock. Fans applaud the technical exchange and Kushida floats into a headlock. Douki fights up, Kushida wrenches and steps over to spin Douki and take him down. Kushida traps the arm to JAM it! Kushida then moves around, ties up the arms in a modified straitjacket, and then twists! Douki has his shoulders down, ONE as Douki manages to push up. But Kushida ties up the legs! Another cover, TWO! Kushida drops back to tweak the arms!
Douki flails, reaches out, ROPEBREAK! Even Kushida applauds as he lets off. Douki shakes out his arms and the two reset. They circle, feel out a grapple, Kushida throws Douki down with an STO. Douki reaches up with his legs but Kushida pushes those away. Kushida flips Douki over, but Douki kips up and arm-drags! Douki wheelbarrows but Kushida turns that around with a pump handle and SLAM, into an ARMBAR! Douki flails, reaches out, ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer, the ref counts, and Kushida holds on a little longer. Kushida gives Douki kicks as he gets up, and then he dropkicks Douki into the ropes!
Fans boo Kushida’s aggression and start to rally behind Douki harder. Kushida tells Douki the fans are cheering so he should earn it. Kushida then BUZZSAWS Douki in the arm! The ref checks on Douki but Kushida gets the bad arm. Kushida drags Douki up, wrenches and ELBOW BREAKERS! Douki ROCKS Kushida with forearms, but Kushida KICKS the bad arm! Kushida wrenches again but Douki rakes eyes! The ref reprimands and counts, Douki lets off, then whips. Kushida reverses to JAM the arm and KICK it! Douki writhes but Kushida drags him up to trip him. Kushida then has the legs, and he turns Douki over for a SEATED SURFBOARD!
Douki endures, even as Kushida pulls him way back! Fans rally, Douki rocks the boat, and he tips it over to put the SURFBOARD onto Kushida! Kushida has one arm free as Douki can’t hold on , but Douki grabs it again. Kushida powers through to turn things back around! Douki endures again, and Kushida stands up as he pulls on the arms. Kushida steps over to add more pressure, but Douki fights up to his feet. Douki tries to power things around but Kushida pulls the arms! Fans rally, Douki moves around and turns Kushida around, but Kushida turns it back around! Douki keeps fighting, turns things around again, but Kushida just turns it back!
But Douki flips to throw Kushida away! Kushida RAMS Douki, Douki RAMS Kushida, repeat! Then Kushida drops, Douki rolls and Douki runs Kushida over! Douki runs to RANA, cover, TWO! Kushida has the unset but Douki rolls through to stack! TWO and Kushida has Douki back in the sunset, TWO! Douki has the prawn hold, TWO!!! Kushida escapes in time! Kushida drop toeholds, La Magistrols, TWO!! Kushida tilt-o-whirls to get the arm, wring and step through, La Magistrol into an O’Conner Bridge! TWO and Douki has the Bridge!! TWO!! Kushida has it back, TWO!!! Fans are thunderous as Kushida points out there was tight tugging.
Kushida shoots in, Douki dodges and shoves. Kushida runs Douki over, things keep moving, and Douki follows. Kushida dodges to CROSSBODY! Kushida ducks the lariat to PELE! Fans fire up as Kushida aims, PENALTY KICK to the bad arm! Kushida says it’s time, and he runs in, but Douki blocks the Hoverboard! They waistlock and switch back and forth, and Douki arm-drags! Then he rolls Kushida around, SEATBELT!! DOUKI WINS?!?!
Winner: Douki, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Kushida earns 0)
Douki survives with just one arm! Kushida asks commentary, but no, that was Douki’s win. Will Japones Del Mal prove there is no weak link in Just5Guys?
Best of the Super Juniors 30, B Block: Master Wato VS Francesco Akira!
The Way of the Grandmaster and the Nova Fireball may be opposites, but they also have things in common. They’ve both been IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champion, and both have yet to be THE IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion. Who looks to change all that with a big first win here tonight?
The two start shoving but the ref keeps them back. The bell rings and the two rush in! Wato runs Akira over, covers, ONE! Wato headlocks, fans chant “A! KI-RA!” as Akira powers out. Things speed up, Akira hurdles but Wato shoves him to pop him up. Akira wheelbarrows and arm-drags! Wato comes back into a sweep and cover, ONE! Wato sweeps and covers, ONE! Dropkicks cancel out and both men kip up. Fans fire up and the shoving returns. Akira slaps so Wato STOs! Wato knuckle lock covers, TWO and Akira kips up to DROPKICK Wato out! Akira builds speed, Wato returns to hurdle and run.
Wato RANAS Akira out, then he builds speed, but Akira avoids the dropkick! Akira DIVES and direct hit into Wato and the Young Lions! Fans fire up and Akira talks some trash. Akira drags Wato, RAMS him into the apron, and then Tiger Feint Kicks from the apron! Fans rally, Akira drags Wato back up, and Akira puts Wato in the ring. Cover, TWO! Akira drags Wato up, wrenches and hammerlocks, then tucks the other arm, to roll and GROUND OCTOPUS! Wato endures, fans rally up, and Wato reaches out. Akira pulls on Wato’s arm but Wato gets the ROPEBREAK with a leg. The ref counts, Akira lets off quickly.
Fans rally, Akira talks some trash and he pushes Wato around. Akira CLUBS Wato, talks more trash, then ROCKS him in the back. Wato writhes, and Akira talks more trash. Akira drags Wato up, Wato throws body shots and forearms! Akira DOUBLE CHOPS back! Wato goes to a corner and Akira digs his knee in! The ref counts, Akira lets off, and Akira comes back to stand Wato up. Akira whips Wato corner to corner, runs in, but into BOOTS! Wato runs in to BULLDOG! Fans fire up with Wato, he gets around Akira to ZIGZAG! Fans rally as both men are down! Wato goes to the apron and he aims at Akira.
Akira rises, Wato springboards, FLYING UPPERCUT! Cover, TWO! Fans rally up more as Wato brings Akira back up. Akira resists the German Suplex and throws elbows. Wato still reels Akira in, Akira tries to victory roll but Wato sits on it! ONE, and Wato holds on to GERMAN SUPLEX! But Akira lands on his feet! Akira runs in, Wato whips him but Akira reverses to then clothesline in the corner! And SNAP HALF ‘N’ HALF! Akira roars but so does Wato! Akira runs, but Wato follows to ELBOW! Wato runs, Akira dodges and rolls, and turns bomb into SATELLITE DDT! Cover, TWO!! Wato survives and fans fire up again!
Akira is surprised but he refocuses. Akira drags Wato up, reels him in and tucks the arm, but Wato fights Speedfire! Akira throws knees, SUPER- NO, Wato blocks the kick! Akira ducks the roundhouse to SUPERKICK after all! Akira runs and builds speed, BUSAIKU KNEE! Cover, TWO!! Wato survives and Akira can’t believe it! Akira aims from a corner and he pounds the mat. “A! KI-RA!” runs back in, but Wato ducks the fireball! Roll-up, tuck and- Victory roll! STOMP 182 from Akira!! Akira hauls Wato up but Wato wrenches out to hook and RECIENTEMENTE!! Cover, Wato wins!!
Winner: Master Wato, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Akira earns 0)
Water beats fire, and Wato heats up! Will he wash away the competition to take the block?
Best of the Super Juniors 30, A Block: Lio Rush VS SHO!
The Bad Child essentially faces the man he replaced in both Chaos and as Yoh’s tag team partner. Will Lio prove he’s still the Man of the Hour? Or will the Murder Machine kill Lio’s momentum before it builds?
Sho makes his entrance alone, is the House of Torture going to play fair for once? Wait, EVIL attacks Lio during his entrance! So much for that. Fans boo as Evil stomps away on Lio and smacks him with his own jacket! Sho keeps the ref from doing anything about this and Evil CHOKES Lio! Evil pushes Lio in, Sho apologizes and says they can still have the match. Lio flounders up, he nods and wants this, sot he bell rings. Fans rally for Lio, Sho runs and LARIATS Lio down! Sho drags Lio up, brings him around and up, for the POWER BREAKER! Cover, TWO!! Lio is still in this and Sho is upset. Fans rally but Sho stalks Lio.
Sho drags Lio up, brings him back in, tucks the arms and STRAITJACKET PILEDRIVER! Cover, TWO!! Lio survives again! Sho is furious but the ref says his count was fair. Sho says fine, he’ll end this. Sho aims his bow, drags Lio back up and reels him back in, tucks the arms again, SHOCK- NO, Lio fights it! Lio powers up to back drop Sho away! Fans fire up but Evil is back! Evil has a chair, the ref stops him, but Sho gets his “murder tool!” Fans boo as Sho takes aim, but Lio dodges the wrench attack! And dodges it again! Lio baits Sho in, then gets the ref out of the way, so that Sho crashes into Evil and the chair!
Fans cheer and Lio builds speed to DIVE! Down goes Evil! Lio finally takes his mask off and runs from Sho. They go around the way, into the ring, and Lio HANDSPRING KICKS Sho down! Lio keeps moving to DIVE! Direct hit on Sho into the Young Lions! Fans fire up with Lio and he drags Sho up. Lio puts Sho into the ring, climbs up the corner, but Evil returns to anchor Lio! Lio kicks Evil away, ROCKS Sho, then goes up again. Lio leaps but Sho avoids the Final Hour! Lio rolls through, comes back, redirects, but Sho sends the ref in! The ref and Lio crash! Fans boo as Sho takes aim, runs in, and SPEARS!
Fans boo but now Evil slithers in! Sho gets his wrench, fans tell Evil to go away, but Evil drags Lio up. Sho runs in but Lio BOOTS him away! And then LOW BLOWS Evil! Fans cheer as Lio gets the wrench, to CLOBBER Evil! And he CLOBBERS Sho! Lio throws the wrench away, goes up top and takes aim, FINAL HOUR!! Lio wakes the ref for the cover, Lio wins!!
Winner: Lio Rush, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Sho earns 0)
Justice is served as Lio pulls off the win against half of the House of Torture! Will the BOSJ’s 30th anniversary be Lio’s time?
Best of the Super Juniors 30, B Block: YOH VS Robbie Eagles!
Speaking of Mr. Direct Drive, he faces another former Chaos member. The Sniper of the Skies is now with TMDK, but will he really not kneel? Or will Yoh find a way to shoot down Eagles?
The bell rings and Eagles gets the fans to join in on “ROBBIE ROBBIE ROBBIE!” “OI OI OI!” But then Yoh rolls Robbie up! TWO, and fans boo. Eagles says that’s sneaky but Yoh mocks the Sniper. Eagles wants everyone to calm down and the two circle. They tie up, Eagles wrenches and wristlocks, but Yoh rolls, kips and wrenches back. Yoh wristlocks but Eagles goes to ropes. Eagles flips through to wrench and hammerlock. Yoh reaches back, slips through and fireman’s carry takeovers. Fans rally, Eagles fights up but Yoh wrenches and YANKS the arm. Yoh CLUBS the arm, hammerlocks, but Eagles reaches back.
Eagles headlocks, spins, hammerlocks, wrenches and top wristlocks. Fans applaud that fast string of holds, but Yoh powers Eagles to the ropes. The ref calls the break and Yoh lets off. But then Yoh goes to whip, only for Eagles to block. Eagles grins and keeps holding the ropes. Yoh kicks low and he whips Eagles, but Eagles goes up and around and arm-drags Yoh away! Eagles keeps moving, he hurdles then RANAS and Yoh ends up in a corner. Eagles runs in, Yoh dodges to whip, and things speed up. Yoh drop toeholds, runs but Eagles avoids the basement dropkick. Eagles turns Yoh over but Yoh avoids the knee drop!
Fans fire up as the two stand off, but Eagles aims his finger guns. The two reset and circle again. They rush in, Yoh kicks low, and he kicks Eagles at the ropes. Yoh wrenches and whips, Eagles turns arm-drag into takedown and he rolls to basement dropkick Yoh! Fans cheer and Eagles drags Yoh to a cover. TWO, but Eagles keeps cool. Eagles gets Yoh’s legs, ties them up in a deathlock, and then he rolls Yoh into a stretch! Yoh endures, fans rally up, but Eagles pulls on the legs. Yoh throws forearms but Eagles turns him back over to hold onto one leg. Eagles starts up the “ROBBIE ROBBIE ROBBIE!” to SMASH the knee with each “OI OI OI!”
“ROBBIE ROBBIE ROBBIE!” SMASH SMASH SMASH! “ROBBIE ROBBIE ROBBIE!” SMASH SMASH SMASH! “ROBBIE!” SMASH! “ROBBIE!” SMASH! “ROBBIE ROBBIE ROBBIE!” SMASH SMASH SMASH! Fans cheer as Eagles finishes the combo and lets Yoh go. Eagles then goes to the apron, tells Yoh to get up, and springboards in. Yoh avoids the dropkick but Eagles BOOTS him! Yoh rewinds, 52 FAKEOUT! Yoh runs to basement dropkick! Fans rally up while both men are down. Yoh goes to a corner, and he runs to rally with forearms! Yoh whips, Eagles reverses but Yoh FLYING FOREARMS!
Fans fire up, Eagles tumbles out of the ring, and Yoh takes aim. Yoh PLANCHAS and takes Eagles down! Fans fire up more, air guitars and gives it to Hiroshi Tanahashi at commentary. Fans rally up more as Yoh catches his breath. Yoh watches Eagles rise, the ring count is 10 of 20 but Yoh puts Eagles in at 14. Yoh brings Eagles up to scoop, SLAM, and then TWISTING VADER! Cover, TWO! Yoh keeps his focus as the fans rally up again. Yoh drags Eagles up, suplexes, but Eagles knees free! Eagles swings, Yoh dodges, and Yoh suplexes! Eagles slips free, ROLLING CHOP BLOCK! BLINDSIDER LARIAT! Fans fire up while both men are down again!
Yoh goes to a corner and Eagles watches. Eagles runs in to DOUBLE KNEE! Eagles rolls back, BASEMENT 619! Yoh sits down, Eagles METEORAS! Eagles drags Yoh to a high stack cover, TWO! Yoh is still in this but Eagles puts him in the drop zone. Eagles goes up the corner, fans rally, and Eagles 450 but has to roll through! Yoh BOOTS Eagles, runs in, but into a knee! Yoh blocks the roundhouse to ROLLING FOREARM! Yoh full nelsons, Eagles switches and spins Yoh around, clinch to SPINEBUSTER! Cover, TWO, but into the RON MILLER SPECIAL! Or as he calls it now, the EAGLE LOCK! But Yoh scrambles forward to the ROPEBREAK!
Eagles lets go in frustration and fans rally up. Eagles gets Yoh’s leg and drags him from ropes, but Yoh kicks at him with the other leg. Eagles KICKS the bad leg! Fans rally, Eagles drags Yoh around again and steps through, but Yoh kicks Eagles away! Eagles comes back, Yoh goes Matrix! Eagles blocks a kick, whips, but Yoh ducks ‘n’ dodges, tilt-o-whirls and suplexes, FALCON ARROW! Cradle cover, TWO!! Eagles escapes and fans fire up some more! Both men slowly rise, and Yoh throws a forearm! Eagles gives it back, so Yoh throws another! Eagles SLAPS Yoh, so Yoh SLAPS Eagles! They both stand, and Eagles SLAPS!
Yoh smirks, SLAPS back, but Eagles forearms! Yoh forearms, they go back and forth and fans fire up! Yoh gets the edge, UPPERCUTS, then runs but into a KICK to the bad leg! But Yoh ducks the roundhouse! Yoh scoops and USHIGOROSHIS! Eagles’ headband flies off from the impact! Yoh crawls to ropes, Eagles goes to a corner. Fans fire up, Yoh roars and tunes up the band! SUPER- NO, Eagles blocks, fires off strikes, but Yoh turns backpack into Electric Chair, only for Eagles to let Yoh down! ROUNDHOUSE! SUPERKICK! ENZIGURI! Fans fire up with Eagles as he SHIRANUIS! Cover, TWO!
Eagles hurries up the corner, 450 LEG SPLASH! Eagles steps through, but Yoh drags him into the STARGAZER! But then Eagles pushes it back into an O’CONNER! TWO!! Step through, but cradle counter! TWO!!! Eagles escapes but Yoh runs in, only for Eagles to dropkick the bad leg!! Eagles aims from the apron, springboards back in, MISSILE DROPKICK to the legs! Eagles fires up and LEG LARIATS Yoh down! Cover, Eagles wins!!
Winner: Robbie Eagles, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Yoh earns 0)
The Sniper’s got a chipped tooth, but he can count it a badge of honor for having such a killer match! Will the BOSJ belong to TMDK?
Best of the Super Juniors 30, A Block: Titán VS TJP!
El Inmortal is back in NJPW and ready to rise to the top! But in his way is Public Enemy Number One! Will Titan stay tranquilo? Or will he be conquered by The United Empire?
The bell rings and fans rally for Titan. Titan feeds off that but TJP shrugs it off. They circle, feel things out, and TJP waistlocks. Titan switches, TJP spins around to knuckle lock, but Titan bridges him back. TJP rolls and slips through to then wrangle Titan down with a top wristlock. Fans applaud, and Titan moves around. Titan gets up, rolls, kips up and cartwheels to handspring and wrench back. TJP rolls, spins, cartwheels, drops, and twisting headscissors, but Titan handsprings through! TJP ducks the Penalty Kick and rolls Titan up, but Titan rolls through. TJP kicks and whips, Titan reverses to TORNADO-
NO, TJP denies the DDT! TJP runs in but into a sweep and cover, ONE! TJP sweeps and covers, ONE! Both men handspring up and fans fire up as the two stare down! The two circle, fans rally for “T J P!” and he ties up with Titan. TJP puts Titan in the corner, UPPERCUTS, then whips corner to corner. Titan reverses but TJP does a gentleman’s headstand in the corner. TJP then headscissors Titan away! Things keep moving, TJP goes Spider-Man in the ropes, then drops as Titan runs in. Titan tumbles out and fans rally as TJP aims. TJP PLANCHAS but Titan dodges! Titan returns to DIVE! Direct hit and fans fire up!
Fans now rally for “TITAN! TITAN!” as he puts TJP in the ring. Cover, ONE!! TJP is hanging tough but Titan keeps on him. Titan whips TJP to ropes, but TJP Spider-Mans and goes to the apron. Titan is wary but he still runs in. TJP slips under, rolls Titan up, steps over and has the arm, to then YANK the other! Titan writhes and clutches the elbow but TJP is on him. TJP SLAMS the bad arm, then sits Titan up. TJP is after the mask for a moment, steps over sot he ref can’t see, and then goes after the mask again! The fans boo and the ref reprimands, but TJP stops at 4. TJP stomps Titan down, then drags Titan up.
TJP bumps Titan off buckles, stomps him down, and scrubs Titan’s face with his laces. The fans rally up, TJP runs side to side, and he BOOT WASHES Titan! Fans fire up while Titan drapes out of the ring. The fans want that again, so TJP obliges! He sits Titan in the corner, scrapes his laces off Titan’s face, then goes side to side, for a BIG BOOT WASH! Titan falls all the way out of the ring and fans fire up! TJP soaks up the cheers and he brings Titan up. TJP puts Titan in, covers, TWO! TJP stands Titan up but Titan SOBATS! Titan ROCKS TJP with forearm after forearm! TJP rakes the eyes!
The ref reprimands but TJP scoops Titan for a BACKBREAKER! TJP goes to the apron as fans rally, and TJP slingshots, only for Titan to dodge! Titan GAMANGIRIS TJP, but TJP SUPERKICKS back! TJP runs, but Titan springboards to CROSSBODY! Fans fire up as Titan goes back to the apron! Titan springboards, TJP intercepts, but Titan uses that to body scissor throw TJP out of the ring! Titan gets back up, fires up, and he QUEBRADAS! Direct hit and the Young Lions are part of the landing! Fans fire up with Titan as he rises back up. Titan puts TJP in, covers, TWO! TJP is still in this but Titan keeps his focus.
Titan drags TJP up, fires off a flurry of strikes, and then powers up, only for TJP to duck and SOBAT! TJP runs, but Titan gets him at the ropes! TJP just hangs Titan out to dry! TJP goes to the corner, climbs up, and GUILLOTINE MAMBA SPLASHES!! TJP puts Titan right back in, takes aim again, and springboards to FLYING DDT!! Cover, TWO!! Titan survives and TJP can’t believe it! TJP pushes Titan into a drop zone, goes back up top, but Titan GAMANGIRIS! Titan powers up, but TJP blocks the punch to ROCK Titan! TJP throws Titan down by his mask, but Titan kips up to PELE!
TJP falls to the apron and fans fire up. Titan climbs up now, takes aim, and APRON DIVING STOMPS!!! TJP sputters while he’s in the ring and Titan fires up outside the ring! Titan hurries back to the corner and aims again! But TJP catches the stomp into an STF! And from there into THE PINOY STRETCH!! Titan endures, reaches out, crawls his way forward, ROPEBREAK!! TJP lets go in frustration and he drags Titan up. TJP fireman’s carries but Titan slips free. TJP elbows, whips, but Titan reverses. Titan goes Matrix to CALF KICK! Titan roars, fans fire up with him, and he reels TJP in.
Titan gut wrenches to a Canadian Rack, and from there he gets a Gory Especial, only for TJP to sunset flip! TWO!! TJP stalks Titan, drags him up and whips, but Titan reverses to use the ropes, TORNADO DDT! Cover, TWO! But Titan holds onto a leg, ties TJP up, and he has the DEATHLOCK! Bridge back, MUTA LOCK!! TJP endures, but TAPS! TITAN WINS!
Winner: Titan, by submission (gains 2 points; TJP earns 0)
TJP is usually the technical master, but he is the one falling to a submission hold! Will Titan use this victory to launch himself to the top?
Best of the Super Juniors 30, B Block: El Desperado VS Yoshinobu Kanemaru!
The Rogue Luchador and the Heel Master used to be tag team partners, as well as allies under Suzuki-Gun. But with that faction’s splitting, Desperado followed Minoru Suzuki into Team Strong Style while Kanemaru followed Taichi into Just5Guys. Who proves they were the stronger teammate all along?
Kanemaru welcomes his old friend into the ring by holding the ropes open. Desperado accepts the favor, but then Kanemaru attacks! Desperado should’ve known better! The bell rings as Kanemaru throws Desperado right out, then SMACKS him off the apron! And again! And again! Red Shoes reprimands but the fans rally up. Kanemaru stomps Desperado, CLUBS him on the neck, but Desperado CHOPS! Kanemaru rakes the eyes! Kanemaru then tells fans to move, so they do, and Kanemaru whips Desperado! Desperado reverses to avoid the chairs, and he reels Kanemaru into a FLAPJACK onto the apron!
Fans rally up, the ring count starts, and Desperado steadies himself. Desperado drags Kanemaru up, SMACKS him off the apron at 11 of 20, then pushes him in at 13. Fans cheer and Desperado stalks Kanemaru. Desperado stomps Kanemaru, CLUBS him on the neck, then headlocks. Kanemaru powers up but can’t power out as Desperado holds tight! Kanemaru rolls Desperado to a cover, ONE! Kanemaru tries again, ONE! Desperado grinds the headlock, but Kanemaru fights up. Kanemaru throws body shots, pries the hold open, but Desperado clamps it back on. Kanemaru keeps fighting, and he throws body shots.
Kanemaru powers out, but Desperado runs him over! Things speed up, but Desperado drops to roll Kanemaru to the headlock. Fans applaud while Kanemaru endures. Kanemaru fights up but Desperado hits the takeover. Kanemaru pulls at the mask but Desperado grinds the headlock. Desperado then shifts to a cravat, but Kanemaru breaks free. But Desperado headlocks right back! Kanemaru throws body shots, hooks the mask, and he powers out to get his own headlock! Desperado powers out but Kanemaru runs him over! Things speed up, but now Kanemaru hops over and gets a leg to SMASH the knee!
Fans applaud the exchange while Kanemaru catches his breath. Desperado clutches his knee but he’s still in this. Kanemaru storms up to stomp Desperado’s leg. Kanemaru stands Desperado up and grabs that leg but Desperado fights free. Desperado runs, but Kanemaru drops and trips Desperado, into the KNEE SMASH! Fans fire up as Kanemaru says he’s smarter than Desperado. Kanemaru stalks Desperado to a corner, stomps the bad leg, then drags Desperado up to whip. Kanemaru dropkicks the bad leg out! Desperado flounders to the apron but Kanemaru storms over to him. Kanemaru drags Desperado back in by the bad leg.
Kanemaru drops an elbow on the leg and pulls on the toehold. Desperado endures, flails, drags Kanemaru along and gets the ROPEBREAK! But Kanemaru drags him back to put on the FIGURE FOUR! Desperado endures again, flails around again, and he claws at the hold. Kanemaru puts on the pressure as fans rally up. Desperado still pries at the hold but Kanemaru just puts on more pressure. Desperado drags Kanemaru along again, to the ROPEBREAK! Red Shoes counts, Kanemaru claims he needs help. Desperado endures as Kanemaru plays dumb, but Kanemaru lets go when Red Shoes starts to count.
Desperado bails out of the ring but Kanemaru pursues. Kanemaru gets the bad leg, to SMASH it on the floor! Desperado flounders away and Red Shoes checks him. Desperado doesn’t want this ending the match, and he crawls around the way. Kanemaru pursues, but he refreshes the ring count first. Kanemaru then drags Desperado back up and puts him back in. Fans applaud the sportsmanship and Kanemaru takes his time returning to the ring. Desperado dropkicks his legs as he does! Desperado then reels Kanemaru in, but Kanemaru fights free. Kanemaru kicks Desperado’s leg, but Desperado hits a BIG back suplex!
Fans rally up while both men are down. Desperado hobbles up, stomps to get his bad leg working, and he then drops knees on Kanemaru’s knees! Desperado goes for both legs but Kanemaru kicks him away. Desperado comes back but Kanemaru BOOTS him! Kanemaru runs, tilt-o-whirls, but Desperado slips free of that to trip and roll Kanemaru into the STRETCH MUFFLER CALF SLICER COMBO!! Kanemaru endures and reaches out, but Kanemaru then shifts around to have the STRETCH MUFFLER SOLO! Kanemaru flails but Desperado gets an arm, NUMERO DOS! Kanemaru crawls with his one free arm, but Desperado tries to get that arm, too!
Kanemaru reaches, stretches as far as he can, and gets the ROPEBREAK! Desperado thrashes around but lets off as Red Shoes counts. Now things might be a bit more even. Fans rally up, Desperado gets his bad leg working and he runs in at Kanemaru. Desperado blocks one boot but not the other, and then Kanemaru dropkicks the bad leg! Kanemaru dropkicks it from behind now! Desperado writhes, and Kanemaru hobbles over to bring him up. SHIN BREAKER! Step through, FIGURE FOUR!! Desperado shouts in pain as he endures, and the fans fire up as he reaches out! Kanemaru thrashes to add pressure!
Desperado fights, pushes back, reaches out, ROPEBREAK! Kanemaru lets go and Desperado bails out again. Kanemaru goes out after him again, and Kanemaru brings Desperado around to POST him! Desperado is down, Kanemaru goes into the ring, and the ring count begins. The count reaches 10 of 20 while Desperado is still down. Desperado sits up at 15, stands at 16, but his bad leg is holding him back! The count is 19, Desperado launches in at 19.9!! Kanemaru dropkicks the bad leg out! FIGURE- CRADLE!! TWO!! Kanemaru gets the legs again, but Desperado kicks him away! Table top to a roll-up, TWO, into STRETCH MUFFLER!
But Kanemaru rolls Desperado!! TWO!! Kanemaru grabs the leg but Desperado fights him off with a gut wrench! They go around like that, Kanemaru brings the leg up but LOCO MONO hits! Kanemaru comes back, swings, misses, GUITARRA DEL ANGEL!! Cover, TWO!!! Kanemaru survives and Desperado can’t believe it! Fans rally, Desperado slaps his leg and roars! Desperado drags Kanemaru up, underhooks, PINCH- NO, Kanemaru trips him! FIGURE FOUR!!! Desperado flails, crawls, reaches out, but Kanemaru keeps on the pressure! Desperado pries the hold open but Kanemaru SLAPS it back down! DESPERADO TAPS, KANEMARU WINS!!
Winner: Yoshinobu Kanemaru, by submission (gains 2 points; Desperado earns 0)
The Rogue Luchador could not stop the onslaught on his knee, the Heel Master is the victor! Will the BOSJ soon belong to Just5Guys?
Best of the Super Juniors 30, A Block: Hiromu Takahashi VS Mike Bailey!
Naturally, the current IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion and defending four-time BOSJ Tournament winner closes out opening night! But will the Ticking Timebomb continue that incredible streak? Or will Speedball be Hiromu’s speedbump on the road to another trophy?
Hiromu brings back his picture diary, and for Speedball, it says “Long time no see, it’s been six years.” Speedball appreciates that Hiromu remembers. The bell rings and fans rally up for “HI-RO-MU!” Mike applauds for Hiromu, and then fans chant for “BAILEY! BAILEY!” Mike thanks Hiromu for that, and then offers a handshake. Hiromu accepts, and fans applaud the show of respect. They even hug! But then Hiromu reels Mike in! Mike slips out, shoves, but Hiromu RAMS Mike! Mike rebounds to run Hiromu over! Things speed up, Mike handsprings then hurdles, but Hiromu leaps over. Mike kips up to KICK Hiromu down!
Fans fire up and rally for “BAILEY! BAILEY!” but Hiromu runs in. Mike dodges to fire off kicks from all sides again and again and again and again! After about a dozen, Mike ENZIGURIS Hiromu down! Fans fire up while Hiromu bails out. Mike builds speed, but Hiromu avoids the dropkick. Mike lands on his feet, to CHOP Hiromu! Mike CHOPS in return! Mike ROCKS Hiromu but Hiromu ROCKS Mike! They brawl outside, go back and forth, and Hiromu ROCKS Mike! Mike staggers away, says hi to a fan and their Daryl plush, then runs back to DROPKICK Hiromu down! Fans fire up as Mike stands up again.
Mike feels that energy and he brings Hiromu up. Mike puts Hiromu in, fans rally up, and Mike climbs a corner. Mike leaps but Hiromu ducks under! Hiromu comes in to clothesline, snapmare, and basement dropkick! Mike bails out but Hiromu goes to the apron, for the JOHN WOO! Fans fire up and Hiromu puts up V for victory. Hiromu then brings Mike up, brings him over, but ignores Red Shoes to go into the crowd, and he RAMS Mike into railing! Fans cheer as Hiromu opens the way to the bleachers. Mike crawls up the steps and Hiromu has him. They go to the upper level, and Hiromu snap suplexes Mike to the floor!
Fans fire up and Hiromu encourages them to get louder a la Sanada. Hiromu gets a lot of space, he aims at Mike, and he runs in, for the JOHN WOO!! Fans fire up more and Hiromu looms over Mike. Hiromu drags Mike up, the ring count starts, and Hiromu brings Mike back to ringside. Hiromu puts Mike in at 10 of 20 and fans cheer. Hiromu fires everyone up, covers Mike, TWO! Hiromu drags Mike up but Mike CHOPS! Hiromu eggs Mike on, so Mike CHOPS! But Hiromu CHOPS Mike off his feet! Hiromu drags Mike up to suplex, but Mike slips out and waistlocks. Mike ducks the elbow but Hiromu catches the haymaker!
Hiromu spins Mike to a FALCON ARROW! Cover, TWO! Fans rally up as Hiromu drags Mike up to a fireman’s carry. Mike slips out, swings, but Hiromu whips. Mike handsprings, Hiromu dodges, but then Mike dodges Hiromu to SHOTGUN BOOT! Fans fire up again and Mike feeds off the energy. Mike goes to a corner, he aims, and then runs in to SOBAT! And AX KICK! And ROUNDHOUSE! Fans fire up as Mike’s martial arts take Hiromu down, and then he SHOOTING STARS! Cover, TWO! Hiromu survives but Mike says he’ll finish this. Mike powers up as Hiromu rises and the fans rally back up.
Mike aims, but Hiromu blocks the buzzsaw! Mike wrenches out, whips, but Hiromu reverses. Mike handsprings, into a GERMAN SUPLEX! Fans rally back up while both men are down. Hiromu stands, brings Mike up, but Mike fights the fireman’s carry to whip. Hiromu BOOTS, runs, but Mike dodges, only to run into a POP-UP POWERBOMB! Hiromu then drags Mike up, fireman’s carry, CORNER DEATH VALLEY! Mike flounders but Hiromu says he’s just getting going! Fireman’s carry, pop-up, and Mike SPIKE-RANAS! Cover, TWO! Hiromu sunset flips, TWO and Mike PENALTY KICKS Hiromu! STANDING MOONSAULT KNEE DROP!
Fans fire up with Mike, he watches Hiromu rise, and then aims again. BUZZSAW!! Cover, TWO!! Hiromu survives and Mike is shocked! The fans are thunderous and Mike grits his teeth. Hiromu goes to a corner, Mike goes to the opposite. Fans rally, Mike focuses his power, and he runs, spins, but Hiromu blocks! Hiromu shoves Mike, then OVERHEAD Belly2Belly suplexes Mike into the corner! Mike has a rough landing and both men are down. Fans rally up as the two stir. Now Hiromu goes to the opposite corner and fires himself up. Fans continue to rally, and Mike rises up again!
Mike turns around slowly, he and Hiromu stare down, and they both rush in! They RAM shoulders, then fire off heavy forearms! Fans rally as the shots go back and forth, and then Mike KICKS Hiromu! Hiromu ROLLING ELBOWS! Hiromu spins again, into a BOOT! Mike spins, Hiromu ducks the roundhouse but not the HEEL KICK! Fans fire up, Hiromu runs in but Mike dodges. Hiromu elbows, and LARIATS! Hiromu fireman’s carries, and TOSSES Mike to the apron! Hiromu then runs to SUNSET FLIP, but Mike stops the bomb! Mike slingshots in, runs back and BOOTS Hiromu down!
Mike keeps moving, triangle jump MOONSAULT!! Direct hit and fans are thunderous again as both men are down on the outside! Mike catches his breath, but the ring count starts. Mike looms over Hiromu at 10 of 20, goes into the ring and lets Hiromu figure it out. Hiromu’s on the apron at 18, so Red Shoes stops the count. Mike runs in, Hiromu blocks the boot! But Mike breaks free to sweep the legs! Mike then goes out to the apron, has Hiromu’s leg, and backflips, but Hiromu avoids the knee drop! Mike’s knees hit apron! Hiromu grins and runs, to SUNSET FLIP POWERBOMB to the floor!!
Fans are thunderous again as Mike looks around in a daze. Red Shoes checks him, but Mike says he’s okay. Hiromu growls and rises, and the fans rally back up. Hiromu drags Mike up, puts him in, and fireman’s carries, for the DYNAMITE PLUNGER! Cover, TWO! Hiromu snarls, he’s still got more to give. Hiromu waits on Mike to stand, then he runs, HIROMU-CHAN- NO, Mike dodges, only to run into HIROMU-CHAN BOMBER! Fireman’s carry, but Mike sunset flips! TWO!! Hiromu prawn holds, TWO! Both men hurry to their feet, Hiromu runs in, but into a COLLISION COURSE! Cover, TWO!!
Mike fires up but he has to flounder to the corner. Fans fire up as Mike slaps some sense into himself. Mike aims, runs in, but Hiromu dodges! Mike BOOTS Hiromu, SUPERKICKS, but Hiromu SUPERKICKS! Hiromu superkicks but Mike uses a heel kick to deflect it! And then Mike SUPERKICKS! Hiromu staggers to a corner, Mike ROLLING ROUNDHOUSES!! Mike goes up the corner, for the ULTIMATE WEAPON KNEE DROP!! Cover, MIKE WINS?!?!
Winner: Mike Bailey, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Hiromu earns 0)
Even Speedball is shocked! He just pinned the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion and the defending BOSJ winner! Is time running out on the Ticking Timebomb?
As for Mike, he shows respect by helping Hiromu sit up and offering another handshake. Hiromu nods and shakes Mike’s hand. Hiromu says he’s ready for them going another round, when and where will that be? Mike then gets the mic to say, “Friends, mes amis, tomodachi. <That was really awesome.> Incroyable. Incredible!” Fans applaud his trilingual ability. Mike says in English, “I have done it. I have defeated the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion, the FOUR-TIME Best of the Super Juniors winner.” Fans cheer that because it’s true! Mike says momentum is on his side. He is razor sharp, laser focused, and sure to win the 30th BOSJ!
Mike says that for everyone around the world, “Gracias, thank you, merci, arigato gozaimasu!!” Fans cheer Mike’s confidence and respect, but will we see the Speedball change up the landscape in the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Division?
Here are the current A Block standings.
Mike Bailey: 1-0, 2 points
Taiji Ishimori: 1-0, 2 points
DOUKI: 1-0, 2 points
Lio Rush: 1-0, 2 points
Titán: 1-0, 2 points
Hiromu Takahashi: 0-1, 0 points
TJP: 0-1, 0 points
SHO: 0-1, 0 points
KUSHIDA: 0-1, 0 points
Ryusuke Taguchi: 0-1, 0 points
Here are the current B Block standings.
Clark Connors: 1-0, 2 points
Dan Moloney: 1-0, 2 points
Master Wato: 1-0, 2 points
Robbie Eagles: 1-0, 2 points
Yoshinobu Kanemaru: 1-0, 2 points
El Desperado: 0-1, 0 points
YOH: 0-1, 0 points
Francesco Akira: 0-1, 0 points
BUSHI: 0-1, 0 points
Kevin Knight: 0-1, 0 points
My Thoughts:
An awesome opener to what is always a great tournament in NJPW. A real big card with all 10 matches happening, and none of the matches disappointed. Some real good surprise results, like Douki beating Kushida, Moloney beating Bushi, and I think biggest of all, Hiromu not opening this tournament with a win. Mike Bailey is obviously a great talent, so this is a great start for his run. And even if he doesn’t ultimately win the tournament, he has that golden ticket in his back pocket as NJPW honors the tradition of “if you beat the champion in non-title action, you get a title match down the line.”
Other great stuff was Taguchi bringing out his serious side, even though he lost, Lio Rush overcoming the cheating of the House of Torture, and just everything with Desperado and Kanemaru knowing each other so well. With there being semifinals this year so that we get a rematch of the top two in each block, it is of course anyone’s game. With many teams and rivalries split up between the blocks, like Yoh and Sho as rivals but then three United Empire members in here, we could get some pretty wild combinations for the semifinals and finals.
My Score: 8.9/10
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London calling to the champion crowns!
SmackDown brings gold to London as LA Knight defends his WWE US Championship and The Street Profits defend their tag team titles! Will the landscape change this close to WrestleMania?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- WWE Tag Team Championships: The Street Profits VS Pretty Deadly; The Profits win and retain the titles.
- Kayden Carter & Katana Chance VS The Secret Her-vice w/ Chelsea Green; The Secret Her-vice wins.
- WWE United States Championship: LA Knight VS Braun Strowman; Braun wins, by disqualification, and Knight retains the title.
- Charlotte Flair VS Mia Yim w/ B-Fab; Charlotte wins.
- Randy Orton VS Drew McIntyre; McIntyre wins.
- Jimmy Uso VS The Miz; Jimmy wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
Cody Rhodes is here!
We follow The American Nightmare as walks to gorilla, then through the curtain, and London sings along with the song, “WHOA~ OH~!” Cody gets his pyro, says hello to fans along the ramp, and then we get the second “WHOA~ OH~!” and pyro. Cody goes to the ring, grabs a mic, then kneels down to kiss the WWE logo on the mat. The fans continue to sing along all the way to the end, “I AM MY KINGDOM!” The fans then cheer, and Cody holds up the belt to fire them up even more! The fans now sing for “CODY! CODY RHODES~!” and he soaks it in. The fans cheer again as Cody smiles, and he finally says, “So, London~! Whaddya wanna talk about?”
The fans chant “Let’s Go, Cena!” “CENA SUCKS!” Cody hears that dueling, and he smiles again. The song of “CODY! CODY RHODES~!” returns, then they cheer. Cody says, “At WrestleMania 41, I will be facing John Cena…” The fans boo, but Cody says, “I will be facing John Cena as he goes to break the record and win 17. But that is WrestleMania 41. In just a few nights, I will be standing face to face with John Cena in this very same city, in this very same arena.” The fans cheer that, but then here comes Randy Orton! Now the fans sing along with Voices as The Viper heads to the ring. Orton also high-fives fans before he joins Cody.
Orton grabs a mic, paces while the fans keep singing on their own, and then the fans cheer. Orton says he’s not really the sentimental type, but for Cody and for London, screw it. The fans chant “R K O! R K O!” and Orton tells Cody, “Look at you. Look at who you are now, the man you are now. Look at where he came from.” The fans cheer and sing “CODY! CODY RHODES~!” and Orton says he remembers a Cody in his early 20s, just breaking into the business. Cody was busting his ass harder than anyone else. He wasn’t exactly happy, and in fact, he was frustrated. But Cody was man enough, smart enough, to know he needed to grow, and that he couldn’t grow in the WWE.
Cody wasn’t exactly treated fairly in the WWE, so Cody left the WWE! That took some big ass balls to do what he did! Cody changed the business singlehandedly, and everyone in the back knows it. And Orton appreciates Cody for it. But then Cody came back, as they all knew one day he would. And the industry has been changed forever since the day Cody came back to the WWE. Cody is a bit teary eyed as Orton says Cody’s still the same guy, he just did what he set out to do, and he grew. Orton teases he would sing along with the fans, but the fans might leave. The fans again sing “CODY! CODY RHODES~!”
Orton asks if they remember when Cody Rhodes faced Seth Rollins in Hell in a Cell. The fans cheer because they do. Orton says that was impressive, and even impossible, as he started with a partially torn pec and then ended with a fully torn pec! His body changed all kinds of shades of purple that Orton’s never seen on a human body. The pain he must have been in. Cody persevered not just for himself. Maybe not even at all for Cody. It was not even for his family legacy; it was for each and every single fan out there! Then Cody went on to WrestleMania, beat Roman Reigns and finished the story!
But there’s always another story, isn’t there? And Cody’s right in the middle of one. Cody is in charge of his legacy, and it is a privilege for Orton to watch Cody take control of it. Ticket sales have been up, there’s more intrigue around the world, and listen to the people! It is 99.9% all because of Cody! The fans cheer that, and of course they sing. Orton says what he’s trying to say is a long-winded version of he respects Cody, loves him, and is very, very proud of him. The fans cheer that! Orton then says, “But… But now it is time for WrestleMania.” They both look to the sign, and Orton says he can guarantee Cody that Orton will kick Kevin Owens so hard in the head…!
Orton can just feel it already! He forgets how many days are left, but he can’t wait to remove Kevin’s head from his shoulders. And Orton knows Cody will enter champion, exit champion, but not before he beats the holy hell outta Cena all up and down the Vegas strip! But after all the smoke clears and the dust settles, just like Orton wants Number 17, there will come a time when Orton will want Number 15. But Orton won’t kick Cody in the balls like a coward. Orton will look Cody in the eye because he respects Cody, is proud of Cody, and sees him as an equal. Orton will look Cody in the eye and tell him that he’s coming for the title.
The fans cheer but wait! Drew McIntyre is here! The fans cheer the Scottish Terminator as he steps out on stage, mic in hand, and has a wry smile on his face as he looks at the ring. Drew waves as the fans now sing, “OH~ Drew McIntyre~!” Drew says, “Isn’t this wonderful? A couple of nepo babies having a love fest in the middle of the ring> It makes me absolutely sick. What’d you just say, Randy? if Cody gets through Cena at WrestleMania, you’re coming for that title? What exactly have you done since that big comeback to justify that title match? Aside be Randy Orton. The only big moment I can remember is you being on the shelf for months and months and months.
“People like to make jokes about it, but more people talk about my five-minute-45-second title reign than your entire comeback so far! So get to the back of the line, sunshine! As for you, Cody, you should’ve listened to me. But you shunned me. You attacked me. Everybody should’ve listened to me about John Cena, but they didn’t. And the next night, he kicked you right in the twig ‘n’ berries, proving me right as usual. And the main event of WrestleMania should be Cody Rhodes VS The UK’s only ever world champion, Drew McIntyre!” Fans do like that idea. But sadly, it’s not, because of that guyliner wearing Temu Undertaker, Damian Priest!
Drew wants to talk about what is happening. And what’s gonna happen! Drew steps up to the ring while fans sing for him again. Drew says it will not be Randy that takes the title from Cody, should he get through Cena; it’ll be McIntyre. The fans cheer, but Orton says they were trying to have a moment. Can Drew just cut the crap already? Drew says okay, sure. He’ll tell the truth, because that’s all he ever does. The truth is, Kevin might have a point! If those Voices are talking to Orton again, then they know Drew very, very well. And he’s thinking, “My God, Randy looks great! Absolutely jacked! On the outside.”
On the inside, that back is hanging by a thread. And if Orton provokes McIntyre, McIntyre will break him. And as for Cody- Cody kicks Drew and UPPERCUTS him! The fans fire up, and Orton R- NO, Drew gets away! The fans boo, but the battlelines are drawn! Even if Cody makes it out of the frying pan that is Las Vegas, it’ll be into the fire that is these contenders waiting in line! Will the American Nightmare be ready for whoever comes for the crown?
WWE Tag Team Championships: The Street Profits VS Pretty Deadly!
Montez Ford & Angelo Dawkins are finally golden again, but it’s time to put the titles on the line already! And while they’re ready for the grind, they’re up against the hometown heroes! Will the Profits still be up in the O2? Or will Kit Wilson & Elton Prince say #YESBOY to a new reign of their own?
The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we see who really wants the smoke!
The teams sort out and Kit starts with Dawkins. They tie up, Dawkins headlocks, but Kit powers up and out. Dawkins runs Kit over, the fans fire up, and Dawkins fires hands on Kit in the corner! The fans rally for Pretty Deadly, Dawkins whips Kit to a corner, but Elton takes that bump! Kit CLOBBERS Dawkins, then tags Elton! Atomic drop into DROPKICK! Ford runs up, but into a DOUBLE HIP TOSS! Dawkins whips, Elton reverses, and then Elton hurdles so Kit can DDT! The fans fire up with Pretty Deadly while the Profits bail out. Pretty Deadly has control while SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Elton is right on Dawkins as he gets in, and UPPERCUTS him to the corner. Elton clinches Dawkins for another UPPERCUT! Tag to Kit, and Elton RAMS into Dawkins so Kit can UPPERCUT! Dawkins flops over, Kit drags him up to wrench the arm. Kit whips, Dawkins reverses, but Kit grabs ropes. Kit ELBOWS Dawkins, DECKS Ford, but Dawkins CLOBBERS Kit! The ref reprimands but Dawkins RAMS Kit into the corner again and again! The ref counts, Dawkins fires fast hands, then he tags in Ford. Ford says, “SUCK IT!” then he KICKS Kit! Ford scuffs Kit, then drags him to a cover, TWO!
Ford keeps Kit down with a facelock, but Kit endures the grind. Kit fights up, fires body shots, but Ford whips him away. Kit sunset flips! Ford rolls through, and PENALTY KICKS! Ford mocks Elton with the Scott Hall fingers, and the ref has to keep Elton back. Ford drags Kit up, tags Dawkins, and the Profits mug Kit. Dawkins CLUBS Kit down, then stalks him. Dawkins stays between Kit and Elton, then whips Kit into the Profits’ corner. CYCLONE- NO, Kit dodges! Ford tags in, he keeps Kit from Elton now, but Kit slips out of the suplex! Kit fakes high to go low, hot tag to Elton! Elton rallies with LARIAT after LARIAT!
Elton kicks and whips Ford to a corner, then UPPERCUTS! Elton whips the other way, UPPERCUTS again, and then does it again! Elton adds to the hattrick with a lift, Ford says a quick prayer before the SUPLEX! Ford flounders, gets to his feet, but Elton dodges to springboard and FLYING UPPERCUT! Cover, TWO! Ford stays in this, but Elton stays on him. SmackDown returns to single picture and fans rally for Pretty Deadly as Elton gives Ford a back suplex. Ford lands out, waistlocks, but Elton switches and shoves Ford. Ford CLOBBERS Elton in return! Ford is also dazed but he covers, ONE!
Kit reaches out, Elton and Ford both crawl, hot tags to Kit and Dawkins! The fans fire up as Dawkins wrenches Kit, underhooks and SILENCER! Dawkins Electric Chair Lifts Kit, Ford climbs, but Kit slips free! Kit shoves Dawkins into Ford! Ford falls to the floor, but Dawkins ENZIGIRIS Kit! Elton tags in, and Kit LARIATS Dawkins! Pretty Deadly combine for DRY MARTI-KNEES! Cover, TWO!! Dawkins survives and the Profits are a bit unsure of what to do next. Dawkins crawls to a corner, Elton runs up, but Dawkins dodges! Elton hits buckles and Dawkins TOSSES Kit, then Dawkins hits a SKY HIGH on Elton!
Dawkins hurries to tag Ford and Ford climbs up! But Kit pushes Elton out of the way! Kit takes FROM THE HEAVESN, and Elton ghost pins Ford! TWO!! Ford escapes, and he ROCKS Elton! Elton UPPERCUTS Ford! Dawkins sneaks a tag, Ford SUPERKICKS! POUNCE SAIDO COMBO!! Cover, KIT BREAKS IT! The fans fire up while all four men are down! The teams go to opposite ends, then they all stand up in the corners. They all roar, all run in, and Kit SPEARS Ford while Elton FLYING UPPERCUTS Dawkins!! London is thunderous, and Kit hurries to tag in! Pretty Deadly gets Dawkins up, for SPILT MILK!! Cover, FORD BREAKS IT!
The fans are shocked, as is Elton, but Ford saves this for his team! “This is Awesome!” as Ford runs up and Elton TOSSES him out! Now DRY MARTI- NO! Dawkins doesn’t accept the second serving, and he DUMPS Kit out! Kit skins the cat while Dawkins DECKS Elton! Dawkins catches Kit to an Electric Chair! Ford rises, DOOMSDAY BLOCKBUSTER!! Cover, Profits win!
Winners: The Street Profits, by pinfall (still WWE Tag Team Champions)
Pretty Deadly put up a heroic fight, but the hometown heroes could not capture the gold. Dawkins & Ford hold onto the gold, will this be the strongest the Profits have ever been?
Kayden & Katana talk with Zelina Vega.
Carter & Chance know La Muneca got screwed over by The Green Administration. Chelsea thinks she’s untouchable, but someone’s gonna stop them eventually. Well, speaking of, Alba Fyre leads the way in as she & Piper Niven “scope the perimeter.” There’s one small threat. They frisk the “miniscule” threat, but nothing they haven’t dealt with before. Chelsea struts in and says, “The Eagle has landed~!” Zelina says she is so glad the “Bootleg Men in Black” have crashed the party. Now, yeah, they all know she’s small. But clearly this small “threat” is a big threat to Chelsea’s title reign. Otherwise, it wouldn’t have taken all three of them to beat her.
KC Squared agree with that. How about tonight, we see what happens when the odds are even? Chelsea says that’s fine, because Agents P & A are ready. The Secret Her-vice has been given their next mission, but will they be able to crash the party? Or will the party crash them?
Kayden Carter & Katana Chance VS The Secret Her-vice!
SmackDown returns and The Green Administration makes their entrance. The teams sort out, Alba starts against Katana, and the two tie up. Alba KNEES low, CLUBS Katana down, then fireman’s carries. Katana fights free, tags Kayden, and they KICK, double whip, and then trip Alba up for the basement DROPKICK! Katana adds a slingshot SENTON, Kayden covers, TWO! Kayden tags Katana, they double whip Alba to a corner, then Kayden runs in. Alba DUMPS Kayden out, ROCKS Katana, and she tags Piper! Katana arm-drags Alba out, then goes out to run up. Kayden gives her a boost, Katana CROSSBODIES Alba down!
The fans fire up, but Piper goes up and out?! CANNONBALL and down goes KC Squared! Piper salutes Chelsea and SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns, Kayden rallies on Alba while the fans rally up. Kayden fires up, runs in and whips, but Alba reverses. Kayden wheelbarrows, victory rolls, then SUPERKICKS! Kayden fires up again but the fans are torn. Kayden runs in at Alba to BOOT WASH her against the ropes! Chelsea protests, Kayden kicks at her, then Kayden springboards for a LEG DROP! Cover, TWO! Alba survives, Kayden whips, but Alba KICKS back! Tag to Piper, but Kayden jackknife bridges Alba! The ref explains bout the tag, Piper runs up, but Kayden moves! The SENTON hits Alba! Piper panics, Kayden tags Katana!
Katana goes up onto Kayden’s shoulders, VICTORY ROLL LAUNCHER, but Piper catches Katana! Katana fires hands, BOOTS, and then hurries to go up again. Kayden ROCKS Piper, and fireman’s carries?! SAMOAN DROP! Kayden then gives Katana the boost, for the KEG STAND SPLASH!! Cover, ALBA BREAKS IT! Kayden runs up on Alba to BOOT her out! Katana gives Kayden the boost now, SUPER CROSSBODY onto Alba! Kayden hurries to tag back in, and she brings Piper up. Piper swings, Kayden dodges and SUPERKICKS! Katana goes up, Piper staggers over that way, but Chelsea distracts the ref!
The fans are torn as Alba grabs Katana. Katana kicks Alba down, chases Chelsea off, but Piper sends Kayden into her! Piper scoops to PIPER DRIVER!! Cover, Secret Her-vice wins!
Winner: The Secret Her-vice, by pinfall
The Women’s US Champion helps her team, and now they all mug Kayden & Katana! But here comes Zelina! Vega runs down the ramp, CLOBBERS Alba, and then she gets in the ring! Zelina tilt-o-whirl DDTS Piper! And she KNEES Alba off the apron! But Chelsea CLOBBERS Zelina! Chelsea fires up, the UK is oddly with her, and she chicken wings Zeina. But Zelina fights free to fire forearms and body shots! And a BACK ELBOW! Zelina reels Chelsea in, CODE- SUPERKICK from Alba! SENTON from Piper! The Green Administration is just too much for Zelina to fight against alone! But can she, Kayden & Katana find a way to turn things around?
WWE United States Championship: LA Knight VS Braun Strowman!
Did the Mega Star just get this title back from Shinsuke Nakamura? YEAH! Did he help the Monster of All Monsters fight off Solo Sikoa’s rouge bloodline? YEAH! And now, does he have to defend this title against the monster he just helped? YEAH!! But will Knight still reign this close to WrestleMania? Or will Braun #GetTheseHands back on a championship?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and it’s time for Knight’s biggest challenge, YEAH!
The bell rings and the fans rally up as the two circle. The two tie up, and Braun SHOVES Knight away. Knight comes back, Braun SHOVES him down again! Knight gets up, gets around, and he headlocks. Braun powers up to back suplex, but Knight lands out! Knight tries but Braun’s too big to suplex! Braun ELBOWS Knight, storms up on him, but Knight fires haymakers! Knight whips, Braun reverses, but Knight KICKS back! Knight runs, but Braun HIP TOSSES! Cover, TWO! Knight stays in this, but Braun brings him up. Braun puts Knight in a corner, CHOPS, then runs, for a SPLASH! Knight sputters along ropes, Braun keeps moving, but Knight DUMPS him out!
The fans fire up as Knight then WRECKS Braun with a dropkick! Knight keeps moving, and he WRECKS Braun again! The fans fire up with Knight, but then Braun BOOTS Knight down! The fans are torn but Braun stands tall as SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns and Braun puts Knight back in the ring. The fans cheer as Knight KICKS Braun! Knight tries again, but Braun’s still too big to back suplex! Braun CLUBS Knight, then runs in at the corner. Knight BOOTS Braun, goes up, and FLYING BULLDOGS! Both men are down and the fans fire up! Knight and Braun rise back up, and Knight dodges a shot to JAB! Then he dodges to JAB! JAB! JAB! “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” But Braun KNEES low! Braun scoops, Knight slips free, and Knight RAMS Braun into buckles! Then the BACK SUPLEX! The fans fire up and Knight rises again! Knight spells it out, “L! A! KNIGHT! YEAH!” ELBOW DROP! Cover, TWO!
Braun has plenty left in the tank but the fans rally for Knight. Knight stands Braun up to kick low, but Braun THROWS Knight away! Knight rises, and Braun LARIATS Knight up and out! The fans fire up as Braun rips the shirt! Braun gets on the track, and he runs in, STROWMAN EXPRESS MEETS JACOB FATU!! The Samoan Werewolf strikes Braun down!
Winner: Braun Strowman, by disqualification; LA Knight retains the title
The fans boo as Jacob now goes after Knight! He just ruined what was becoming a great match, but Jacob fires HEADBUTT after HEADBUTT on Braun! SAMOAN DROP onto the desk!! The desk doesn’t budge, but Braun might’ve been broken in half! The UK fires up for Fatu as he puts Braun in the ring! Jacob fires more HEADBUTTS, then HEADBUTTS away on Braun in the corner! The fans sing “OLE~ OLE OLE OLE, FATU~, FATU~!” Jacob runs corner to corner, but Knight kicks him first! Knight fires haymakers, “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” Jacob denies the BFT to POP-UP SAMOAN DROP! And then HIP ATTACK for Braun anyway!
Jacob keeps going, HIP ATTACK for Braun again! Jacob throws off his jacket, glares at Braun, and he runs in for a third HIP ATTACK! Braun flounders into the drop zone, so Jacob goes up, up, BEST MOONSAULT EVER! Direct hit on Braun, but the fans want that “ONE MORE TIME!” Jacob obliges, BEST MOONSAULT EVER! The Samoan Werewolf just tore up #OneBigSOB and LA Knight, will there be no stopping him from taking the United States Championship?
Backstage interview with Jimmy Uso.
Jackie Redmond is with #BigJim, and she says that while she knew WWE was going global this month, she did not know they’d get the slap heard ’round the world! Jimmy says he’d do it again, and he’ll slap Gunther as many times as he needs! Jimmy knows Jey is up in his own head, doubt is creeping on him. But just because Jey’s 0-3 against Gunther doesn’t mean Gunther’s unbeatable! The Ring General CAN be got! Jimmy’s going to Raw this Monday, he will bust Gunther’s ass, Jey will go to Mania and bust Gunther’s ass to become the WWE World Heavyweight Champion. And then they leave Las Vegas just like this: YEET!
Jimmy heads out, but then The Miz & Carmelo Hayes walk by. Miz is mocking Jimmy’s words, and he asks excuse me. Miz says it’s just funny that suddenly, Jimmy is a tough guy, even though for most of his career, he’s been “The Other Uso.” Doesn’t Jimmy get it? Jimmy and Jey are career sidekicks while Gunther is a main character. Gunther is the lead, neither Jimmy nor Jey can beat him. And here’s another thing: The Usos are just blips on the trailer that was Roman Reigns’ Bloodline. Melo says Jimmy & Jey are stuck outside the club, they can’t even get in.
Miz says as a former WWE Champion, a former WrestleMania main eventer, Jimmy will never know what it is to carry this industry. And after this year’s WrestleMania, neither will Jey. Oh, and by the way, if Jimmy ever slapped Miz like that, Jimmy would still be on the ground. Jimmy feints the slap and Miz freaks out. Jimmy says it may be him and Gunther on Monday, but he’ll holler at Aldis real quick so it can be Jimmy VS Miz here tonight. Yeah, YEET! Jimmy heads out, Melo says he thought Miz was gonna do something about the slap. Will Miz have to do something about running his mouth before he gets his teeth kicked in?
Solo Sikoa & Tama Tonga find Jacob Fatu backstage.
Solo asks Jacob what the Hell he was doing out there. Jacob goes out there alone without saying a thing to them? Jacob says he ain’t gotta say nothing to nobody! Matter fact, didn’t Solo not tap in with him last week? Tama says, “But Jacob,” only for Jacob to say, “But nothing, Tama!” Solo wants Jacob to lower his tone, but Jacob says okay. Let him be very clear with them. When it comes to Braun Strowman, Jacob WILL be the last man standing. Y’all better get in where you fit in, cuz that US title? Oh, Jacob’s bringing it home to the family. And he will do it with them, or without them! Yadada mean? Fatu heads out, is the Samoan Werewolf no longer following Solo?
Naomi speaks.
“I mean… How did we even get here? I don’t know. One thing that I do know is that I’ve always been the woman to do the right thing. I’ve always been the woman to do the right thing. So Bianca, what makes you think that my attack on Jade was anything different from me doing the right thing? When I sit here and I think about all that I’ve sacrificed, all that I’ve given, and that’s what really breaks my heart. Because through all of that, I’m made to be the bad one in this situation. I just don’t understand, how does Jade come in outta nowhere and take my place with you? I want you to ask yourself this, Bianca. Who inspired you? Hmm?
“Who’s inspired women over the last decade? Who’s always had your back from day one of you being here? Me. Not Jade. Hmm. But you know what? What I’ve learned through all of this: You teach people how to treat you. And I’m done with being treated as a third wheel. I’m done being pushed to the side, I’m done with being too nice, I’m done with being undervalued, underutilized, underappreciated! So moving forward, hmm… Moving forward, here’s my message to you, Jade. If you continue to be in my way, I strongly advise you to proceed with caution.” The Glow shows her dark side, but will the storm be moved?
Nick Aldis meets with Jade Cargill.
Speaking of, the SmackDown General Manager understands things have been rather difficult for her as of late. Jade says she’s been trying to get her hands on Naomi for the past few weeks, now where is she? No one has seen her all day, so as far as anyone knows, Naomi’s not here. Well, when Jade catches Naomi, it’s on sight. Jade leaves, B-Fab & Michin are there. They let her know that what Naomi did to her was straight trash, totally uncalled for behavior. And after Jade gets her hands on Naomi, she’ll handle that business. Jade agrees. Mia says they’ve all got business to handle. Jade’s got Naomi, and Mia’s gonna get Charlotte for messing with her girl, B.
B-Fab says Naomi’s got what’s coming to her: no sympathy, no regrets. Jade, just do what you gotta do. Oh, she will. Jade also wishes Mia luck tonight. Mia & B-Fab head out, will the Head Baddie in Charge make the Queen bow down in London?
The darkness approaches.
“You are as I was. As I am, you will be.” The shadows are starting to take shape, but is SmackDown about to fade to black?
Charlotte Flair VS Mia Yim w/ B-Fab!
The Queen looks down on everyone, so it’s no surprise that everyone else wants to take her down. Charlotte may have checked off B-Fab, but will the HBIC be a much different story? Or will Charlotte only sharpen her edge before facing Tiffany Stratton at WrestleMania?
WAIT! NAOMI ATTACKS B-FAB & MICHIN! Naomi drags Mia up for a FACEBUSTER! Naomi rains down fists, the ref reprimands and the fans boo, but Naomi tells the ref to back off. Naomi then BOOTS B-Fab off the apron! Naomi goes out after B-Fab to THRWO her into barriers! Naomi SLAPS B-Fab, tells her to stay down, but B-Fab gets up. Naomi fires hands, then she SMACKS B-Fab off the desk! Naomi rains down fists, but here comes Jade! Jade hurries down the ramp, she runs around the way, but Naomi runs away! Jade makes sure B-Fab is okay, but refs have to help her to the back. And what of Mia? Will she even be able to compete?
Charlotte makes her entrance, not really caring about what Naomi just did to Mia. But that means she also crosses paths with Jade. The fans like the look of this stare down, but Jade and Charlotte both let the other slide. Charlotte gets her pyro, and it seems she’ll still get her match. Will Mia be little more than an appetizer now?
The bell rings, and Charlotte BOOTS Mia down! Cover, TWO! Mia stays in this and the fans rally up. Charlotte just struts around while SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns, Charlotte has Mia down with a chinlock, but the fans rally up. Mia fights up, fires body shots, and she then blocks a shot to ROCK Charlotte! Mia ROCKS Charlotte again and again, then reels her in for a TORNADO DDT! The fans fire up as Mia hurries to cover, TWO! Mia drags Charlotte up, wrenches, but Charlotte says no to Da Feet! BIG back suplex! Mia stagger sup, Charlotte whips her, but Mia reverses! Charlotte goes up and out, BOOTS her away, then slingshots in and rolls Mia! Mia rolls through and BUZZSAWS! Mia runs corner to corner, but Charlotte avoids the cannonball!
Charlotte YAKUZA KICKS Mia down, then fires herself up! The fans “WOO~!” as Charlotte has Mia in the drop zone,. Charlotte steps on her, goes up the corner, but Mia gets underneath her! SIT-OUT POWERBOMB! Cover, TWO! Charlotte survives and Mia is shocked! Mia nods as the fans rally back up, and she brings Charlotte up. But Charlotte ROCKS Mia! Mia SOBATS, PELES, and then runs to PENALTY KICK! Cover, TWO! Charlotte stays in this, Mia grows frustrated, but the fans continue to rally. Mia uses that energy to stay focused, and she stalks Charlotte to waistlock. But Charlotte ELBOWS her away!
Charlotte CHOPS, and CHOPS, and CHOSP! Charlotte winds up, and she CHOPS again! Mia sputters, but then she dodges the boot! Charlotte is caught, and Mia hits a SAIDO! Charlotte flounders to a corner, the fans rally behind Mia, and Mia runs up, CANNONBALL! Mia hurries to wrench and EAT- NO, Charlotte shoves Mia away! Charlotte gets under, back suplexes, but Mia lands out! EAT DA FEET!! Cover, ROPEBREAK!! Charlotte’s long legs help her survive by a literal foot! Mia is beside herself while Charlotte bails out. Mia storms after Charlotte, runs up, but Charlotte dodges! Mia’s kick hits steel steps!
Mia hobbles away, goes to the apron, but Charlotte CHOP BLOCKS the bad leg out! Charlotte grabs Mia’s leg, drops a KNEE on the knee, but fans chant, “We Want Tiffy!” Charlotte just steps through, FIGURE FOUR, into FIGURE EIGHT!! Mia taps, Charlotte wins!
Winner: Charlotte Flair, by submission
Charlotte got more of a fight out of Mia than expected, but she still won. Will The Queen be more than ready to reign again after WrestleMania?
Backstage interview with Tiffany Stratton.
Jackie Redmond is with the WWE Women’s Champion and says Charlotte certainly looks confident. Let’s be real, Charlotte came at Tiff pretty hard. It got a lot of people talking. Tiff says yes, people talk. And Charlotte sure loves to hear herself talk. Ten years into the business and Charlotte is still so insecure that she can’t let a “rookie” get a word out. But last week, Tiff did learn something: She learned that walking into WrestleMania, she isn’t the one with something to lose. Truth is, if Tiff loses, then she lost to the great Charlotte Flair, as just a 25-year-old rookie with one year into SmackDown.
But if Charlotte loses… Well, then she lost to an “undeserving, delusional, unoriginal, backflip doing, blonde-hair-having, little girl.” Did she get it all? And Tiff can’t wait to hear the look on Charlotte’s face when they hear the words, “And STILL!” Then maybe Charlotte will finally shut up for the sake of literally everyone! They say what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas, and Tiff will make damn sure what stays is Charlotte’s massive ego. Tiff is walking into and out of Mania as the WWE Women’s Champion. Tootles! Tiff heads out, will it still be #TiffyTime after WrestleMania?
Randy Orton VS Drew McIntyre!
The Viper told Cody how proud he was, but also how he wants the next shot after John Cena. The Scottish Terminator took offense to that, and basically said he is taking that shot instead. Will this match be an unofficial #1 contender’s match between these two former world champions?
SmackDown returns and McIntyre makes his entrance. The bell rings and the fans sing, “OH~, Drew McIntyre~!” and chant “R K O! R K O!” Drew and Orton circle, tie up, and they go around in a deadlock. Drew powers Orton to a corner, but Orton headlocks back. Drew powers up and out, then he runs Orton over! Orton hurries to ropes and Drew mockingly asks, “How’s the back feel, Randy?” Orton stands, he and Drew reset, and the fans duel some more. Drew calls for a knuckle lock, Orton accepts, but then Drew kicks low! Drew bumps Orton off buckles, then climbs up, but he panders for too long and Orton YANKS him down!
The fans fire up as Orton climbs now! Orton rains down fists, and the fans count to nine. Orton hops down, brings Drew around, and POSTS him for ten! Drew tumbles out of the ring, Orton goes out after him, and they’re by the desk! But Drew kicks Orton first and SMACKS him off the desk! Drew clears the desk, and he brings Orton up for the DESK- NO, Orton fights free! Orton turns things around, DESK BACK SUPLEX for Drew! The fans fire up while Orton leaves Drew behind, and SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Drew writhes on the floor, but Orton goes out to fetch him! Orton brings Drew around, UPPERCUTS him, then says one more time! DESK BACK SUPLEX! Drew writhes as that desk stays standing! Orton grins, refreshes the ring count, and then he storms up on Drew. Drew pokes Orton in the eye! Drew POSTS Orton now, then brings him around to RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP into barriers! Orton slumps down, and Drew also grits his teeth from that double-edged attack, but Drew fires up as he stands tall. Drew drags Orton up, puts him in the ring, then stalks Orton. Drew looms over Orton, and HIP DROPS him!
Orton sputters, Drew says one more time, and he winds up for the HIP DROP! Drew paces around Orton, says maybe one more time, and he pretends he can’t hear the fans. Drew winds up again, but Orton flips over! Hip drop meets kneecaps! And then Orton pokes Drew in the eyes! The ref reprimands but Orton rises up. Drew sputters and flounders, Orton ROCKS him with a right! Drew ROCKS Orton back! Drew storms up, Orton kicks low, but Drew fires another haymaker! The haymakers go back and forth, Orton gets the edge, but Drew GLASGOW KISS HEADBUTTS! Cover, TWO! Drew clamps onto Orton with an armlock!
SmackDown returns to single picture and the fans rally up. Orton fights up, pries at the chinbar, and then throws right hands! Drew CHOPS Orton in return! The fans “WOO~” and Drew winds up. Drew ROCKS Orton again, eggs him on, then CHOPS again! Drew shoves Orton to a corner, CHOPS again, then dares Orton to fight! Drew whips corner to corner, but Orton comes back to LARIAT! And LARIAT! Drew swings, Orton dodges, SNAP POWERSLAM! The fans fire up as Orton stalks Drew to the apron. Drew HOTSHOTS Orton first! Drew then runs in, but Orton puts him through the ropes!
The fans fire up as Orton has Drew for the DRAPING DDT! The fans fire up for Orton, and Orton hears those voices! Drew rises, but then Orton spots KEVIN OWENS! The Prizefighter is on the ramp, Orton glares at him, but then he turns around into a CLAYMORE!! Cover, DREW WINS!
Winner: Drew McIntyre, by pinfall
Kevin’s mere presence costs Orton, and now Drew has a huge win propelling him down the Road to WrestleMania! As for Orton, Kevin drags him out of the ring, SMACKS him off the desk, and then climbs up to join him! The fans boo but Kevin and his hot pink sneakers have Orton in position, but Orton slips free and TRIPS Kevin up! Kevin hits the desk then the floor! Orton staggers around, the fans rally behind him, and Orton stalks Kevin to the corner of the barriers. Orton lines up the shot! Orton runs in, but Kevin jumps over barriers! Security is there to stop Orton from pursuing, so Kevin runs away into the night!
The fans boo, but The Viper was that close! Will Orton be able to strike Kevin down and completely take him out?
Fire, thunder, smoke…
The force of nature is drawing ever closer. And he’s ready to fly! REY FENIX arrives next Friday Night SmackDown!
Jimmy Uso VS The Miz!
#BigJim gave Gunther a piece of his mind and a mark on his cheek, but it seems not everyone got the message. Will the Hollywood A-lister soon star in the Uso Penitentiary? Or will he prove Jimmy is NOT ready for a world champion level opponent?
The bell rings and the two tie up. Jimmy powers Miz to a corner, Miz turns things around, and the ref counts. Miz takes a swing, Jimmy ducks it to CHOP! And CHOP! Miz shoves Jimmy back, then runs up, but Jimmy TACKLES Miz! Jimmy rains down fists, Miz shoves him away to go to ropes, but Jimmy storms back up. Miz ELBOWS Jimmy away, then runs back up, only for Jimmy to LARIAT him down! The fans fire up while Jimmy storms up on Miz. Jimmy CHOPS Miz, has him in a corner, then whips corner to corner. Miz reverses, Jimmy goes up and over, then UPPERCUTS! Miz staggers back to ropes, but Jimmy is right on him.
Jimmy whips, Miz reverses and kitchen sink knees! Then basement BOOTS! The fans fire up, Miz scowls, and Miz KNEES Jimmy in the back again and again. Miz stalks Jimmy to the ropes now, and he CHOKES Jimmy! The ref counts, Miz runs, and Miz STRADDLE ATTACKS! The fans boo, but Miz runs again. Jimmy ducks the boot, then dodges a lariat! Jimmy runs up to LARIAT Miz up and out! The fans fire up and Jimmy builds speed, but Miz runs away! Jimmy smirks as he goes out the side, and UPPERCUTS Miz over the barriers! Jimmy makes sure Gunther knows he’s coming to get him, but SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns and both men are down. Miz and Jimmy crawl, and Jimmy pounds the mat. The fans rally, Jimmy rises and runs up to LARIAT! And LARIAT! And mule kick! Jimmy then UPPERCUTS Miz, dodges a lariat, then SAMOAN DROPS! The fans fire up, Jimmy goes to the corner, “UCE! OH!” Jimmy runs in, but Miz puts him on the apron! Jimmy UPPERCUTS again! Jimmy climbs, leaps, but Miz gets under! Miz then waistlocks, ripcords, and MOVIE MAKER! Fans boo that blatant parody, but Miz full nelsons! Jimmy drops, victory rolls, TWO! Miz has the cover, TWO! Miz hurries to BASEMENT DDT! Cover, TWO!
The fans rally up as Jimmy survives! Miz stalks Jimmy, the fans rally up more, and Miz fires a KICK! And then another KICK! The fans say “YES! YES! YES!” to the It Kicks, but then Miz winds up. Jimmy ducks the buzzsaw, Miz blocks the superkick, but the DRAGON WHIP connects! Miz rebounds to B-MOVIE KNEE!! Cover, TWO!! The parodies don’t get it done, but Miz still has his original work to fall back on. The fans rally for “UCE! OH! UCE! OH!” Miz runs in, A-LIST LARIAT! Miz shoves Jimmy down, then springboards, but into a SUPERKICK! Jimmy hurries up top, for the USO SPLASH!! Cover, Jimmy wins!
Winner: Jimmy Uso, by pinfall
Miz may be a movie star, but Big Jim’s the one winning this main event! Jimmy then borrows Joe Tessitore’s headset to call out Gunther! He’s coming after dat ass on Monday! Gunther won’t be the ring general, he will be “Private Gunther,” and he will salute Big Jim! Uh, uh, YEET! Will Jimmy be the one making examples out of the World Heavyweight Champion? Or will everything come crashing down when Gunther gets his turn?
Drew McIntyre returns backstage.
And he says hey to Lewis Capaldi, the Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter, and also a big fan of Drew’s. They’re ready to have a good night in the pub, but Jackie Redmond walks over to congratulate him on the win tonight. She was hoping to get some thoughts on that victory and what happened with Orton and Kevin. Drew says it’s alright, this is what happens. He doesn’t care about anybody else’s business, but no one gets away with screwing him over. And when no one meddles in his business, he wins! Drew called out Priest, where is he? Priest doesn’t have the balls! So time to get mad in the pubs, everyone’s invited!
Drew turns the corner, but PRIEST IS THERE! Priest ROCKS Drew, SMACKS him off the door, then throws him into road cases! Priest ROCKS Drew, SMACKS him off the trunk of a car, and then again! Or since it’s London, “the boot.” The driver complains, but Priest BODY SLAMS that guy through a table! Drew comes back to KNEE Priest low, SMACK him off the trunk, and then off the side! They go to the hood, or bonnet for UK. Drew drags Priest up, but Priest CLAWS Drew’s eyes! Priest then sends Drew SOUTH OF HEAVEN through the windshield! Priest tells security that he’s done for now. Any more jokes, Drew? Didn’t think so! RIP, jackass!
Priest leaves, the producers hurry to help Drew, and Drew’s got glass in his eye! Will that glass help Drew see why he shouldn’t piss off the Punisher?
CM Punk heads to gorilla.
He has a security detail with him, and he passes by Drew writhing in pain. Punk chuckles, then continues on. Will his contract signing with Roman Reigns and Seth Rollins be just as brutal? We find out, after the break.
Nick Aldis is in the ring.
The SmackDown General Manager welcomes us back, and says it is his honor and privilege to be here in the O2 in London. Now, we all know why he and this table is here, and why additional security is here tonight. Tonight, we are here to sign a contract for a Triple Threat. Perhaps the biggest Triple Threat in the history of WrestleMania: Seth Rollins VS CM Punk VS Roman Reigns! The fans cheer all those names, and here comes the OTC! London puts the ones up, and Paul Heyman accompanies THE Tribal Chief out on stage. Roman raises his finger to the sky for the pyro, then security follows him to the ring.
SmackDown goes picture in picture as Roman’s entrance continues, and he raises his finger to the sky for the second round of pyro. Roman steps into the ring, SmackDown returns to single picture, and Heyman hands him a mic. The fans sing, “ROMAN! ROMAN REIGNS~!” Roman nods, the fans cheer, and now they chant, “O T C! O T C!” Roman tells London, “ACKNOWLEDGE ME!” The fans cheer again, and again chant, “O T C! O T C!” Roman smiles, but he sees the chairs are not to his liking. Heyman makes sure to put one at the head of the table. Heyman also dusts the chair off while Roman enjoys the singing of, “ROMAN! ROMAN REIGNS~!”
Roman takes a seat and says that was beautiful. The way they sing to their Tribal Chief, it’s just beautiful. The singing continues, and Heyman even joins in! Roman smiles, and he says that is what he’s talking about. That’s the OTC for you, baby! The biggest star on the planet! The OTC came here for two reasons. One: to be acknowledged; check! And two: to sign this contract. Roman does just that, and he says he’s checked both boxes. That means- “BURN IT DOWN!” Seth Rollins interrupts! The fans now sing, “WHOA~ OH~ OHH~!” Rollins struts out in his red wine paisley suit and conducts the O2 Choir all the way into the ring.
The fans cheer while Roman frowns, but Rollins takes the seat to Roman’s left. Rollins offers Heyman a chance to sing to this song, but Heyman frowns. Rollins chuckles, and he says the fans do have beautiful singing voices. He doesn’t know why Roman is in such a hurry to leave, though! This is their building! There’s a lot of history here! 12 years ago, they landed on the roof of this place in a helicopter! They came down those stairs over there, “ready to burn down the old guard!” They put the Undertaker down through the desk, and they were going to remake this company in their image!
Now don’t get him wrong, Rollins knows a lot has happened since then. They fought against each other, with each other, a little bit of love and a whole lot of hate. But Rollins dare says, as the fans continue to sing “WHOA~ OH~ OHH~,” that Rollins and Roman accomplished their mission. The fans start to chant for CM Punk, but Rollins tunes them out. Roman says, “We? We? You keep saying we. Our mission? We died a long time ago. It’s only been ME. You been here, but I done all the work! I’ve made this place what it is today! I took us to the level that we are here today! I made this place better than we found it!
“I’m the one that made us desirable to Netflix! I’m the one that took us into billion-dollar deals! Tell me, what have you done?” Rollins shouts, “I’ll tell you what I’ve done! YOU, YOU, YOU, it’s that mindset that keeps me having to screw you! You understand that? And your biggest mistake is not understanding the danger that’s right in front of us! The danger that’s right in front of you! You let the biggest snake in the world, CM Punk, into the garden! And you could’ve cut his head off at WarGames! But instead, you shook his hand. You could’ve let me finish him inside the cage at The Garden, but you didn’t. And now, I am left to do what I always do: Clean up your mess, again.”
Rollins drops his mic, picks up the pen, and signs his part. And now, here comes CM PUNK! The fans fire up and sing along with Cult of Personality, then join in on saying, “IT’S CLOBBERIN’ TIME~!” Punk goes to the ring, but as he grabs a mic, he goes up a corner, just like he did last Friday. “I have come here to chew bubblegum and sign a contract. And I’m all outta bubblegum.” The fans cheer the Rowdy Roddy Piper reference, and Punk hops down to take his seat on Roman’s right. Punk looks over said contract, but Roman asks if Punk needs a highlighter or something. What’s he doing? Just go to page four, clause five.
Punk does as Roman says, but Roman says Punk needs to hurry, this is precious TV time. Punk reads the segment, Roman tells Heyman to just smarten Punk up. Heyman tells Punk he knows what Punk is looking for. It is in there. They’re closing the show at WrestleMania. The fans go wild hearing that! Heyman tells Punk that he gets to live his dream of dreams. CM Punk will be a WrestleMania main eventer! The fans cheer and while Roman smiles, Rollins is furious. Roman says, “One man’s dream is another man’s favor! CHECK!” Wait, this was the favor? Rollins says no! This is not something to laugh at, and Punk does not get to tear up!
Punk is NOT deserving! He does NOT deserve this! The fans boo but Rollins continues to throw a fit! Main eventing WrestleMania is SACRED, the most important thing in the world to Rollins! More than anything! Except the fact that Punk NEVER gets to main event! This is all Roman’s fault! This is all Heyman’s fault! Rollins THROWS his mic down, paces angrily, but Punk picks up the mic. The fans cheer Punk on again, and Punk stands to thank London, to thank Chicago, to thank Louisville, Kentucky, and to thank ALL the fans. As corny as it sounds, he thanks the WWE Universe who stood by him and chanted his name for TEN LONG YEARS!
Roman says hold on, hold on. Punk shouldn’t be thanking the fans! He should be thanking the Tribal Chief! It is because of Roman that Punk gets this honor! So please, take this moment, close the show with that acknowledgement! Do this the right way. The credits are already rolling as Punk kneels before Roman!? Punk smiles, and he thanks “My Tribal Chief, the holder of the ula fala, the Head of the Table, the… Big Dog? Thank you for allowing a kid from Chicago to be graced by your presence. Thank you, My Tribal Chief, for allowing me to stand in your ring. And thank you so much. Thank you, Roman Reigns, so very much.
“But because of you, I will see you in the main event of WrestleMania.” And again, Rollins is agonizing over this. Punk finishes putting his signature on the contract, and London tells him, “You Deserve It!” Punk thanks Roman again, and then says, “But that’s not the favor that I’m owed.” WHAT?! Roman looks at Heyman and Heyman can’t look him in the eye! If getting this Triple Threat made into the main event isn’t the gift of the Wise Man, then what is?!
My Thoughts:
A good SmackDown, but they pulled off quite the paradox. They made it feel like they were struggling to fill three hours, yet they also filled the show to the point where that contract signing segment was almost bleeding over the three hour mark. Ironically, part of the problem was just how excited the London crowd was for this. The superstars still wanted to enjoy the chants and songs, but that’s time SmackDown doesn’t have to spare. It made the opening promo from Cody, Orton and Drew take longer, and it kinda did the same to the contract signing at the end. Even so, we still got a very good promo, and good stuff to set up Orton VS McIntyre.
Orton VS McIntyre was a great match, but of course Kevin costs Orton. McIntyre gets his win, Kevin and Orton have a bit of a brawl, but of course Kevin ends up on the losing end and runs off. McIntyre’s trash talk also comes back to bite him as Priest gets the better of him in their brawl. Here’s hoping Drew didn’t actually get glass in his eye, but that being the thing in kayfabe can be some good stuff. I can imagine McIntyre with an eyepatch, and he takes it off at the opportune time to get the better of Priest in their match. Also what a fitting choice for Punk to be passing by Drew suffering because of real glass.
Very good title matches tonight, but of course the status quo was kept. Pretty Deadly gets to look great here in London, but the Profits only just got the belts, they’re not going to be transitional champions like that. And Knight VS Braun was really good stuff, but honestly, Jacob Fatu going after them both should’ve been a given. Jacob also had a great promo with Solo & Tama to start adding to that divide between Jacob and Solo. I would hope Solo doesn’t screw Jacob out of the US Championship, but it feels like he will as Solo won’t stand for Jacob defying his authority, even though Solo’s been trying to make Jacob the champion all along.
Very good stuff from Jimmy Uso tonight, from his promo with #MeloDon’tMiz and then a great match with Miz. Their match ended up the de facto main event match, so that’s also great for both guys. Great win for Jimmy, but that’s likely because Jimmy is losing big time to Gunther on Monday. And it might just be me, but it feels like only now is the Jey VS Gunther build really moving, largely in part because Jimmy got involved. Jimmy’s promo after his match is something along the lines of what Jey should be saying. But I suppose as brothers, Jimmy is the one who knows Jey best and knows what Jey needs to be motivated again. And seeing Jimmy get beat up by Gunther will definitely motivate Jey…
Good final vignettes for Rey Fenix and Aleister Black. I’m a little surprised they confirmed Rey Fenix is showing up next week, and that they confirmed who Rey Fenix even is. I believe commentary confirmed Rey Fenix is Penta’s real brother, even namedropped “Lucha Brothers,” but all that is still surprising considering Fenix is going to start on SmackDown. Aleister’s vignette (at least I am fairly confident it’s his) was giving us glimpses of his silhouette, but I think there was usage of AI in the snake imagery. It was fine they did it for El Grande Americano because that is all trolling, but they really should try and do things the old fashioned way of photoshop and stock imagery.
Very good stuff in the Women’s Division tonight, though the WWE Women’s Championship portion was the weaker. Naomi’s got a great Heel persona going, her promo was great, and her going after B-Fab & Michin over them supporting Jade was a great detail. Jade runs Naomi off, helps B-Fab, but there was no helping Michin in being fed to Charlotte. Tiffany had a decent promo, and it does fit how Charlotte kept her from speaking so she finally gets things out here. It didn’t really add that much, though, but they already gave us a great brawl so not sure what more they can give.
KC Squared VS The Secret Her-vice was a very good match, but of course Chelsea made sure her team won. A Six Woman Tag of Zelina & KC Squared VS The Green Administration is certainly coming, to help give us Zelina VS Chelsea for the Women’s US Championship.
My Score: 8.7/10
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Coverage
Andrew’s TNA iMPACT! Results & Match Ratings: 3.27.2025
Bad news out of the TNA management side, but this is a taped episode from El Paso! So we won’t see any of the fallout just yet!

Now we all heard the news about the TNA change in hierarchy, and I…have no positive outlook on that. Delirious sucked at booking and creative in the dying days of ROH before it got bought as a B show. Dreamer having even more control is concerning because his ideas the last two years haven’t been much better.
Gail leaving makes more sense to me. Be it firing or a “you can’t quit, you’re fired” kind of situation, the Knockouts division is the worst it’s been in a long time and Gail was close with Scott D’Amore. So I don’t think Gail parting ways is as big of a problem since TNA has slowly been bleeding out with the Scott faithful.
Granted, I think the next few shows were already taped before the firing so things shouldn’t be completely unwatchable for at least a week or two. So let’s see where we’re going.
.@WeAreRosemary sends @XiaBrookside a CHILLING message!
WATCH #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/LaVxF6l2yc pic.twitter.com/srciTTbel0
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) March 28, 2025
Ratings:
- Gigi Dolin & Tatum Paxley vs Elegance Clique w/Personal Concierge: Ash wins via Rarefied Air – ** 1/4
- Fir$t Cla$$ & Frankie Kazarian vs Laredo Kid, Octagon Jr & Chavo Guerrero Jr: Chavo wins via Gory Bomb into Frog Splash – *** 1/4
- Jacy Jayne vs Masha Slamovich: Masha wins via Russian Death Device – ***
- Eric Young w/two losers vs Ace Austin: Eric wins via Piledriver – ** 1/2
- Seto & Mokuba – I mean – Nic Nemeth w/Ryan Nemeth vs Leon Slater: Nic wins via Danger Zone – *** 1/4
Results:
Gigi Dolin & Tatum Paxley vs Elegance Clique w/Personal Concierge
Ash and Gigi start off, Gigi with a little Rascalz after her first takedown. So both her and Wentz are making it obvious something’s going on between them, and I’m not mad at it. Good for my man Wentz.
Tatum and Gigi get some quick tandem offense in, Ash does manage to scurry off to a tag and Heather gets bent into a Pretzel. Some kind of Inverted Tarantula from Tatum, Gigi tags in, Bronco Buster on Heather followed by Kawada Kicks. Heather sells against the ropes, Gigi goes for a Hesitation Dropkick, but Concierge pulls her away so Gigi crashes and burns. Ref is distracted, Ash gets in some cheap shots and then the Elegant duo starts working over Gigi. A few quick tags, but once Heather comes in, Gigi fights out of the corner, gets the hot tag to Tatum. Tatum stacks up both Elegance members, Corner Stacked Crossbody, Butterfly Suplex and an Elbow Drop with some some flare. Tatum goes to the top rope, Heather pulls Gigi off the apron, Concierge shoves Tatum off the turnbuckle and Ash hits Rarefied Air for the win.
Post match the Elegance Clique wants to make their wish with the cake, they light the candles and Tatum and Gigi recover enough to do what we all expected last week, the cake in the face spot. Some…suggestive licking from both of our Hot Topic Hotties, so…no complaints here.
.@Ashamae_Sebera, @Heathereckless and @IamGeorgeIceman are having a meltdown!
WATCH #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/LaVxF6l2yc pic.twitter.com/FnKwPqm2ff
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) March 28, 2025
Fir$t Cla$$ & Frankie Kazarian vs Laredo Kid, Octagon Jr & Chavo Guerrero Jr
Chavo and Kaz start since he’s King Petty, a quick rope run turns into a Headscissor from Chavo. Kaz recovers, they lock up, Kaz hits the Knee Lift during the lock up to tag out to KC. KC pulls off some athletic dodges, gloats a bit so Chavo waits, measures and nails a gorgeous Dropkick. Laredo comes in on fire, quick high spots that send KC bouncing around like HBK against Hulk. KC powders after sells the Satellite Takedown, AJ checks on him and we go to commercial.
Back from commercial, Octagon is lighting up KC’s chest with overhand chops, he perches, Sunset Headscissor Flip from corner to corner, KC tries to Back Drop him but Octagon does a headstand, kicks KC away and lays him out with a high spot. AJ gets on the apron to stop Octagon from running the ropes, the referee has a stroke or something because he stops paying attention and AJ pulls Octagon out of the ring and chucks him. KC with the Tope con Hilo and tag (tag ropes haven’t mattered since the 80s we all know this). So AJ is getting taunted by the crowd in Spanish, but he’s manhandling Octagon since it looks like a Child fighting their parent. AJ knocks off Chavo and Laredo, Laredo pops up and tries to get involved but he’s caught on the shoulders, Octagon goes for the Crossbody but gets caught and AJ pulls off “World’s Strongest Wasteland” but Chavo breaks up the pinfall. AJ throws Octagon into the corner, Tennessee Whiskey, and tag out to KC. KC hits a few moves, but starts to lose the momentum until he connects with a Super Kick. Simultaneous rope run into the Dueling Crossbodies, so we get the timely tag outs from both sides. Kaz and Laredo come in, Laredo lands like two moves before Kaz hits a Sole Butt, Lariat and eats his lunch. KC and Kaz try to double team Laredo but he fights out and the crowd is chanting for Chavo.
Chavo tags in, and he’s rocking KC, Saito Suplex, Low Bridge to AJ, Reverse the Whip so Chavo goes to the corner and perches, KC feeds, Chavo Backflips to safety, rolls through and lays out KC. Chavo is feeling himself, 3 Amigos start on KC but only 2, Kaz comes in and Chavo switches to Kaz for the Amigos, only 2 again before AJ breaks it up. AJ goes for the disrespect, but Chavo counters and hits the 3 Amigos on the biggest Culero. Aztec Warriors dive to stop AJ and Kaz, KC tries a Dirty Victory Roll but Chavo kicks out. GORY BOMB into FROG SPLASH!
Chavo looked fantastic and he’s the one in the best shape in the ring. I wouldn’t be mad at more Chavito.
Jacy Jayne vs Masha Slamovich
I expect very little from this match.
Collar and Elbow, gator rolling for the first 30 seconds or so, then Jacy goes to some Hair Pull takedowns and does a little taunt before Masha pops back up and hits a Lariat into a Dive. Jacy sells it like she’s really hurt, even the ref tries to hold Masha back a little before Masha gets annoyed and just grabs her, Masha throws her in, looks for a Dive and Jacy sees it and powders. Masha tries to go back to the well for the Dive again but Jacy hits the Uppercut and then an Apron Run PK to drop Masha. Forearms rain down into a Foot Choke as Jacy continues to arrogantly play to the crowd. Another Foot Choke into a Cannonball, and near fall.
Masha gets space with a Sole Butt, tries to snap off Requiem but Jacy fights off, fights through a Sunset Flip another effective PK keeps Masha on her ass. Jacy looks for a kinda half-assed Camel Clutch as Masha is fighting up, but Jacy runs her into the corner, gets distracted mouthing off to the crowd, so Masha recovers, 5 Hole Up Kick sends Jacy into the corner, Yakuza Kick into Capo Kick for two. Requiem attempt again, but Jacy pushes off, a little back and forth, Masha tries a Backslide but Jacy gets away and hits a V-Trigger but only a 2 count. Jacy looks for the Discus Punch but Masha ducks it, they strike back and forth, but some dodges from both leave the exchange more even. Jacy with the Front Kick to the face sends Masha to the outside. Jacy wants another PK, but Masha blocks, Electric Chair Apron Snake Eyes. Masha throws her in, a PK into a near all. Requiem attempt 3, and thwarted from Jacy with a Superkick into a Neckbreaker. Senton misses from Jacy, Buzzsaw Kick, into Spinning Back Kick and Russian Death Device for the win.
Better than I expected, and Tessa attacks as soon as the bell rings. Xia Brookside and Lei Ying Li make the save after Tessa grabs the belt.
Eric Young w/two losers vs Ace Austin
Ace and Eric tie up, World of Sport start but as soon as Ace starts to get away EY punches him in the face. Eric looks at the camera and says “This is what trust looks like”, turns his back on Ace, when Ace looks to attack, the loser duo cut him off. EY takes advantage of the weird situation, but Ace with some Up and Over quick spots, into an Inside Cradle and La Magistral. EY kicks out of the quick flash attempts, but eats a Dropkick, and Ace goes all Speed Kils on him with fast strikes and then a face buster for another near fall. Strike spot very early in the match, Ace gets the best of it, goes for a Tear Drop Suplex but EY sits on it to block, Headlocks to keep him close and then a snap Lariat into beatdown bully tactics. EY takes the referee’s attention and one of the nerds punch Ace in the face.
Eric tries to lean on Ace, but Ace fires, a few strikes, Click Click Boom, the Miz Seated Lariats in the corner, Mochizuki Triangle Kick connects! Only a 2 count, but Ace seems to be in control. Ace puts EY on the ropes, a few strikes to keep him rocked, wants a Superplex, but EY blocks, bites the face and Macho Elbow gets a very close two count. EY tries the Piledriver but Ace turns it into a Jacknife Cradle,Spinning Heel Kick, calls for The Fold, but the losers hop on the apron to distract, Ace attacks them. Ace tries to time out the Triangle Kick again, but Eric dodges, throws Ace head first through the buckles. As Ace stumbles out of the corner, Piledriver, and it’s over.
Oh look it’s the “we’ll hear from Joe Hendry” segment. Again, I’ve loved this gimmick since Day 1, even didn’t hate his What Culture Pro stuff, but there is such a thing as milking a cow too much.
Elijah interrupts the whole “Who’s next” speech. When Elijah comes out he says he’s not the challenger and he believes in Joe. The crowd wants Elijah to turn on Hendry. Elijah pauses for a moment, and starts proving his friendship with stating his favorite color and a little “You Got a Friend in Me”. The crowd is into singing along and waving their cameras like Lighters to a 30 year old song. THANKFULLY Kaz breaks up the hug fest. Now he gets the “Culero” chant.
Kaz pulls out a Bass…what the hell is this Jam Session. Kaz has to warm up so he plays “La Cucaracha” on the bass. Kaz…is a national treasure. Hendry kicks Kaz out of the ring after his Heelish and playfully racially charged song choices. Kaz tries to sow dissension, but Joe and Elijah pinball Kaz between them. Kaz slips a power move and tries to shove Elijah into Joe but Elijah puts the brakes on, a small tense moment. But then Joe and Elijah play “Nah Nah Nah Nah, Hey Hey, Goodbye”…and that goes right into a commercial. Oddly…perfect.
Nic Nemeth w/Ryan Nemeth vs Leon Slater
Nic shoots the half immediately for a flash pinfall but Leon kicks out at one. Nic continues to keep things grounded with his amateur wrestling skills, and then does a little Dolph Ziggler show off. So Nic isn’t really taking this seriously, and Leon starts getting the best of things with an Arm Wringer, into drag, Shoulder Tackle and rope run as Nic tries to Leap Frog and Leon puts on the brakes and just shoves Nic on his ass. Nic gets annoyed, a few strikes, grinds his face along the ropes, but Leon keeps stringing some offense together, Back Handspring Elbow into his Corner con Hilo.
Ahh the classic formula of the commercial gives the heel the advantage, Twisting Suplex from Leon stops Nic’s offense momentum, right hand, Leon lifts Nic up for something, Nic slips it, kicks him in the gut, looks for the FameAsser, but Leon catches him into a Blue Thunder Bomb variation. Slater wants the Swanton 450, but Nic powders. Leon tries to adjust into a Dive, but Nic cuts him off, counter for counter and a FameAsser out of the counters for a two count. Nic starts the big brother tactics, bootwashes and arrogance, Slater fires, punches into a Yakuza Kick. Leon wants another Lethal Injection variant, but Nic catches him into a Rear Naked Choke. Slater tries to turn it into a pin so Nic breaks it. Leon wants a Leg Lariat but misses and gets unceremoniously dropped by Nic. Nic puts Leon up on the buckles, Superplex possibly but Slater counters, tries to collect himself for a move, but Nic falls into the ropes to crotch Leon, and finally hits the Superplex.
Twist of Slate from Leon, Swanton 450 but knees get up. Locomotion Cradles from both but they kick out, Ryan picks the ankle to trip up Leon just a touch and then Danger Zone ends the match.
Ryan starts the post match beatdown, but the Hardy’s music hits and they come down to the ring for the save. Matt challenges the Nemeths for Rebellion because they’re not medically cleared yet.
Overall Score: 6.5/10
Decent story motion, no match was offensive, and there was actually some solid match action for television standards. I don’t have a ton to complain about aside from the Knockouts Division is in a weird spot, and giving Hendry a lot of just talking and hollow payoff segments feels stupid. If we need to hear from him every week, give him a talk segment like Highlight Reel or something. Yes I know First Class just got The Penthouse, but if Hendry is going to talk more than wrestle, give him a talk segment for us to sink our teeth into.
There was the announcement that Xia, Lei Ying and Masha will face Tessa, Jacy and a mystery partner. So you gotta wonder if there’s going to be another NXT mercenary, a surprise return or if it’ll just be Rosemary since she’s got her issues with Xia. Also I just realized that Unbreakable is going to be on a Thursday, seemingly after iMPACT? I’m gonna have to see how they do it, because if there’s an Impact episode and 2-3 hour PLE…I do not want to be awake until 1am. People need to work, and I will be Unwakeable if things go that long.
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TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends
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