Connect with us

Coverage

Mitchell’s NJPW Best of the Super Juniors Results & Report! (5/13/23)

Round two, fight!

Published

on

BOSJ 30

Will Hiromu Takahashi make a recovery?

IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion, Hiromu Takahashi, lost his opening match in Best of the Super Juniors 30, but can he turn it back around in the second round?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

  • Best of the Super Juniors 30, A Block: KUSHIDA VS TJP; TJP wins.
  • Best of the Super Juniors 30, B Block: Yoshinobu Kanemaru VS Dan Moloney; Kanemaru wins.
  • Best of the Super Juniors 30, A Block: Ryusuke Taguchi VS Lio Rush; Lio wins.
  • Best of the Super Juniors 30, B Block: Robbie Eagles VS Clark Connors; Eagles wins.
  • Best of the Super Juniors 30, A Block: SHO VS Mike Bailey; Mike wins.
  • Best of the Super Juniors 30, B Block: Kevin Knight VS Francesco Akira; Akira wins.
  • Best of the Super Juniors 30, A Block: Titán VS Taiji Ishimori; Taiji wins.
  • Best of the Super Juniors 30, B Block: El Desperado VS BUSHI; Desperado wins.
  • Best of the Super Juniors 30, A Block: Hiromu Takahashi VS DOUKI; Hiromu wins.
  • Best of the Super Juniors 30, B Block: YOH VS Master Wato; Yoh wins.

PLAY BY PLAY

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

 

Best of the Super Juniors 30, A Block: KUSHIDA VS TJP!

The Timesplitter got caught off guard by Douki, and Public Enemy Number One got caught off guard by Titán. But that only adds to the aggression boiling up in both men. Who will prove their technical ability is superior in this second round opener?

The bell rings and fans rally up. TJP and Kushida circle, feel things out, and knuckle lock. Kushida wrenches, trips TJP, then has a leg for a standing toehold. TJP moves around but Kushida drops an elbow on the leg to have the toehold. TJP works on an escape so Kushida rolls TJP, snapmares and chinlocks, but TJP slips out to have a wristlock. Kushida slips through, wristlocks back, and brings TJP to his knees. TJP stands, snapmares free, and avoids Kushida’s grip. Fans cheer as both men reset. They go again, TJP headlocks then cravats for a neck wrench. TJP then wrenches an arm, hooks a leg, and spins Kushida to wrangle him.

Kushida headscissors to bring TJP down, and he pushes up to put on the pressure. TJP endures, Kushida thrashes around then pushes up again. TJP pushes back with a bridge but Kushida grabs an arm. Kushida wrenches but TJP rolls, hooks the leg again, and even has a chinbar. TJP brings Kushida to his knees, fishhooks Kushida’s face, but Kushida wrenches back. TJP rolls, spins, cartwheels, drops, but Kushida denies the headscissors. Kushida whips, TJP goes up and over, then things speed up, but Kushida catches TJP! They spin around, Kushida shoves TJP away then catches him into the IRON OCTOPUS!

TJP fights out, trips Kushida and has a standing toehold, then drops back for a HEEL HOOK! But Kushida stands up to have the same HEEL HOOK! They seesaw back and forth, and fans cheer. The two stop rocking, they stare down, and then they start throwing SLAPS! Then they both pull hair! The ref reprimands, both men let go at 4, and they reset. Fans applaud and the two circle again. They feel things out, Kushida shoots in to drop toehold but TJP stays up. Kushida slips around to a waistlock, he drags TJP down, and then floats to a facelock. TJP pushes up, Kushida pushes back, and then Kushida floats to a headlock.

TJP rolls to a cover, ONE, and TJP has the headlock now. Kushida fights up, powers out, but TJP stops himself to turn Kushida’s dropdown around on him! TJP traps an arm, then pulls Kushida into a SNAP BOW ‘N’ ARROW! Fans applaud while Kushida clutches his shoulder. TJP stalks Kushida to a corner but Kushida CHOPS! TJP UPPERCUTS! TJP brings Kushida around to snapmare, turn him over, tie up the legs, and then pull on them. Kushida reaches back to get a headlock but TJP fights free to keep on the legs. Kushida tries the headlock again but TJP just slips out and gets the legs again.

Fans rally as Kushida tries another headlock, but TJP slips through to now deathlock! And SNAP it! And SNAP it! And bridge back for a MUTA LOCK! Kushida endures, fights out of the facelock, and reaches out to the ROPEBREAK! Fans cheer while TJP lets go in frustration. Kushida hobbles up, but he drop toeholds. TJP stays up again, stomps Kushida’s leg, then puts him in a corner. TJP stomps Kushida into sitting down, then he rallies the fans up. TJP scrapes laces on Kushida’s face, then goes side to side, but Kushida gets up! TJP dodges the shotei to tilt-o-whirl into the CHRISTO OCTOPUS!

Kushida fights his way over, and then falls onto the ROPEBREAK! TJP lets go, and he drags Kushida up. Fans rally and duel, TJP throws hands but Kushida throws them back. TJP UPPERCUTS, and UPPERCUTS, and whips to the corner. TJP runs in but Kushida dodges to then put a leg in the ropes. Kushida uses the ropes to help in the COBRA TWIST! The ref counts, Kushida lets off at 4. Kushida then climbs up the ropes to leap into the COBRA TWIST! TJP endures, moves over, reaches out, and gets the ROPEBREAK! Kushida lets go quickly while fans applaud. Kushida then runs corner to corner to DROPKICK the arm!

TJP stumbles, Kushida runs, but into the ROLLING SOBAT! TJP runs, but into a hip toss! Cartwheel and dropkick! Fans fire up as Kushida says it’s time! Kushida watches TJP, then runs in to get the arm! TJP resists the Hoverboard, waistlocks, but Kushida switches. TJP switches back but Kushida switches again to get the arm and wrangle TJP into a HAMMERLOCK CRADLE! TWO!! TJP swings but misses, Kushida PELES! But TJP SUPERKICKS! Kushida swings but misses, TJP backslides! TWO! Fans rally up and TJP whips Kushida to ropes. Kushida handsprings, TJP dodges to springboard, but into an ARMBAR!!!

Kushida pulls on the arm, TJP rolls him through to get the stepover! Kushida avoids the STF to have the arm! TJP rolls, stands, cradles, TJP WINS!!

Winner: TJP, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Kushida earns 0)

The Public Enemy snatches one away from the Timesplitter! TJP is on the board, and perhaps more importantly, has a win over a IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champion! Will Akira come through and pin Knight to give Catch 2/2 those golden tickets? As for Kushida, he’s shockingly 0-2, will the third round be the charm?

 

Best of the Super Juniors 30, B Block: Yoshinobu Kanemaru VS Dan Moloney!

The Heel Master bested his former teammate in El Desperado, while #DaDrilla made quite the impact in his BOSJ debut against Bushi. Who continues their winning ways through the second round?

The bell rings and the two circle. Fans rally, the two tie up, and Moloney shoves Kanemaru down. Kanemaru gets up, steadies himself, and Moloney picks up the whiskey! The ref says don’t, they’re in a match. But Moloney says this is English Whiskey, HIS whiskey! The ref still convinces Moloney to put the bottle down, and Moloney approaches Kanemaru. Kanemaru kicks low, headlocks, but Moloney powers out. They RAM shoulders and Moloney fires up! Fans fire up, too, and Kanemaru goes again. Kanemaru and Moloney RAM shoulders again, and Moloney eggs Kanemaru on. Kanemaru throws UPPERCUTS!

Moloney swings, misses, and Kanemaru throws more UPPERCUTS! Kanemaru ducks another chop, kicks low, and whips Moloney to a corner. But Moloney comes back to run Kanemaru over! Fans fire up and Moloney throws up the crown. Moloney headlocks Kanemaru, hits the takeover, but Kanemaru headscissors. Moloney kips free, but Kanemaru ducks another chop. Moloney stands Kanemaru up to CHOP him down! Cover, TWO! Moloney keeps cool, he drags Kanemaru back up and CLUBS him back down. Moloney stands Kanemaru again to snapmare and KICK in the back! Cover, TWO!

Moloney keeps cool while the fans rally up. Kanemaru grits his teeth but Moloney brings him up. Moloney snap suplexes, covers, TWO! Kanemaru kicks from below but Moloney eggs Kanemaru on. Kanemaru throws more kicks, but Moloney stands him up to CHOP back down! Moloney KICKS Kanemaru in the back, then wants the whiskey. The ref again says no so Moloney goes back to Kanemaru. Moloney stomps Kanemaru’s feet, puts him in a corner, and then whips corner to corner. Fans rally, Moloney runs corner to corner but Kanemaru BOOTS him! And BOOTS him again! Kanemaru runs, sunset flips, but Moloney stays up!

Moloney DOUBLE STOMPS! Cover, TWO! Kanemaru hangs tough but Moloney aims from a corner. Moloney runs in but Kanemaru dropkicks the leg out! Kanemaru hurries after and gets the leg, for a SHIN BREAKER! And then a trip, into the FIGURE- NO, Moloney CHOPS Kanemaru! And CHOPS! And then CHOPS him down! Fans rally up while Moloney shakes out the bad leg. Kanemaru crawls away to a corner, Moloney runs in, but into another BOOT! Kanemaru runs in, tilt-o-whirls, but Moloney turns that into a suplex! Kanemaru slips out, waistlocks, but Moloney switches and spins to CHOP!

Fans rally, Moloney runs the ropes, but into another dropkick to the leg! Fans rally as Kanemaru SMASHES Moloney’s knee! Moloney writhes, Kanemaru steps through but Moloney kicks him away. Kanemaru returns to jackknife bridge! TWO and Moloney rolls through to Canadian Rack! Kanemaru slips off, shoves and victory rolls, TWO! Into the FIGURE FOUR!! Moloney endures, reaches out for ropes, but Kanemaru is in the way! Kanemaru thrashes around, puts on the pressure, and MOLONEY TAPS! Kanemaru wins!!

Winner: Yoshinobu Kanemaru, by submission (gains 2 points; Moloney earns 0)

The Heel Master is 2-0 to start the tournament, and he’s tapped both opponents out! Will the BOSJ soon belong to Just5Guys?

 

Best of the Super Juniors 30, A Block: Ryusuke Taguchi VS Lio Rush!

The Funky Weapon was fighting seriously against Taiji Ishimori but he lost, while the Bad Child overcame the House of Torture’s tricks. Will Taguchi stay serious and start winning? Or will Lio still be the Man of the Hour?

The bell rings and Taguchi rushes in! Lio avoids the dropkick, but Taguchi blocks Lio’s kick. Taguchi flips Lio, Lio lands on his feet, and things speed up. Lio redirects, redirects, and redirects! Taguchi gets tired already but Lio stops. Fans applaud as Taguchi sputters and catches his breath. Taguchi then HIP ATTACKS Lio out of the ring! And then triangle jump PLANCHAS! Direct hit and fans fire up while Lio tumbles away! Taguchi hurries after Lio, kicks him, puts him in the ring, and then slides in. Lio goes to a corner, Taguchi runs in, but into a BOOT! Lio runs at Taguchi, but into a HIP ATTACK! Cover, TWO!

Taguchi drags Lio up, chicken wings, but Lio fights the lift. Lio spins out, ROCKS Taguchi, ROCKS him again, then whips. Taguchi reverses but Lio dodges the hip attack! Lio goes Matrix to dodge more, then kicks and ENZIGURIS! Taguchi bails out and fans rally up as Lio builds speed. Lio DIVES to take Taguchi out at the ramp! Lio hurries back into the ring and fans rally again. Lio builds speed again, to DIVE! Another direct hit and Lio fires up! Lio puts Taguchi in the ring and says it is time! Lio climbs the corner, FINAL HOUR onto knees!! Taguchi saves himself, then chicken wings, but Lio victory rolls! TWO!!

Lio ROCKS Taguchi, Taguchi LARIATS Lio!! Fans fire up and Taguchi chicken wings, DODON TO THE THRONE! Cover, TWO!! Lio survives and Taguchi is shocked! Fans fire up as Taguchi puts Lio in a drop zone. Taguchi climbs, and he FROG SPLASHES but flops!! Lio hurries to get Taguchi up, fisherman and SPINNING BUSTER! Cover, TWO!! Fans fire up while both men are down! Lio sits up, Taguchi sputters some more, and Lio stands Taguchi up to ROCK him with a forearm! Taguchi ROCKS Lio back! Lio ROCKS Taguchi, Taguchi ROCKS Lio, repeat! But then Taguchi fakes Lio out to dropkick the legs!

Taguchi throws point blank hips! Taguchi runs, Lio redirects and then dodges Taguchi to send him to the apron! But Taguchi avoids the handspring attack! Taguchi springboards to MISSILE HIP! But Lio comes right back to HIP ATTACK?! Fans fire up with Lio and he drags Taguchi up! But Taguchi cradles! TWO!! Lio dodges to rebound, RUSH HOUR! Taguchi flops into the drop zone and Lio hurries up top! FINAL HOUR!! Cover, Lio wins!

Winner: Lio Rush, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Taguchi earns 0)

Another fast ‘n’ furious match from serious Taguchi, but again he loses out! Will the Funky Weapon continue to misfire in the tournament? Will Lio continue to make this tournament run on his time?

 

Best of the Super Juniors 30, B Block: Robbie Eagles w/ Kosei Fujita VS Clark Connors w/ Gedo!

TMDK’s Sniper shot down Yoh while Bullet Club’s 100 Proof gave Kevin Knight quite the stiff shot. Will Eagles fly over the Wild Rhino? Or will there be No Chaser tonight?

The bell rings and Eagles rallies the fans with “ROBBIE ROBBIE ROBBIE!” “OI OI OI!” Then he dropkicks Connors’ leg! Eagles KICKS away on the leg, CHOPS him, then whips. Connors reverses, but Eagles turns arm-drag into wheelbarrow and victory roll, and then a roll through into the EAGLES LOCK!! Connors flails and Gedo freaks out while fans fire up! Connors crawls, reaches out, ROPEBREAK! Eagles lets Connors go and fans rally up again. Eagles runs in but Connors blocks the leg lariat! And then he CLOBBERS Eagles! Connors roars, stomps his foot to get his leg working, and he DEADLIFT GERMAN SUPLEXES!

Eagles flops out of the ring and Connors hobbles after him. Connors drags Eagles up, POSTS him, and Eagles writhes as he clutches the bad shoulder! Connors looms over Eagles, hauls him up, and snap suplexes him to the floor! Connors Too Sweets with Gedo then puts Eagles in the ring. Connors watches Eagles crawl and the fans rally up. Eagles chops but it doesn’t have much to it. Eagles chops again, and chops again, but Connors DECKS him! Connors stalks Eagles to the corner, drags him up, and whips him corner to corner. Eagles bounces off buckles, into Connors’ LARIAT! Connors then sits Eagles up for a full nelson!

Eagles endures as Connors thrashes him around. Fans rally up, Eagles fights up, and Eagles throws body shots. Connors knees low, whips Eagles corner to corner, but Eagles goes up and over to SNAP GERMAN! Fans fire up while both men are down. Eagles stands, and he KICKS Connors again and again! Eagles runs to LEG LARIAT! Fans rally and Eagles keeps going, but Connors elbows him away. Eagles basement 619s the legs! Eagles springboards around Connors, and gets him for an ASAI DDT! Cover, TWO! Eagles holds the legs but Connors kicks him away! SPEAR!! Fans rally while Eagles writhes.

Connors aims from a corner as Eagles stands, and hits another SPEAR!! Connors doesn’t cover, he drags Eagles up and in, puts one out, but Eagles slaps Connors before falling over! Connors scowls, drags Eagles back up, but Eagles wrenches and gets around, schoolboy with bridge! EAGLES WINS!!

Winner: Robbie Eagles, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Connors earns 0)

Connors is furious but it’s his own fault for thinking 100 Proof meant bulletproof! Eagles is heading for the top of the block, will the BOSJ be mighty?

 

Best of the Super Juniors 30, A Block: SHO VS Mike Bailey!

The Murder Machine couldn’t cheat Lio last round, but Speedball better watch out. Will the House of Torture find a way to stack the deck? Or will Mike Bailey build on the momentum from beating IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion, Hiromu Takahashi?

But as Mike makes his entrance, Sho grabs a chair and rushes him at the ramp! Sho JAMS Mike, JAMS him again, and fans boo as Sho stomps Mike around. The ref reprimands but Sho shoves him away, it isn’t a match yet. Sho rips Mike’s jacket off, and JAMS Mike’s bare toes with the chair! The ref reprimands, warning Sho he can still be disqualified, so Sho says okay. Sho puts Mike in the ring, puts the chair aside, and the bell rings. Sho grins as he stands over Mike and stomps him down. Sho chinlocks but he also pulls the ears! The ref reprimands, Sho lets go, to then fishhook Mike!

The ref counts, Sho lets go of the nose, to bend the toes! The ref reprimands again, Sho lets go, and he taunts Mike. Mike shoves Sho, things speed up as Mike hurdles, but Sho avoids the monkey flip. But then Mike kips up to avoid the low kick! Then Mike feints Sho out to THRUST KICK! Sho bails out, Mike hurries out after him, but Sho takes a swing! Mike dodges, and he fires off that flurry of kicks from all sides! Fans fire up as Mike tops it off with an ENZIGURI! Mike hobbles, but he fires up with a “WOO!” Mike puts Sho in the ring, then climbs the corner, but Sho distracts the ref about his face, and EVIL appears!

Evil trips Mike and shoves him down! Fans boo, we all should’ve known this would happen! Sho stops distracting the ref and he CHOKES Mike on the ropes. The ref counts, Sho lets off at 4, and he stalks Mike to the other side. Sho fishhooks Mike again, the ref counts, and Sho stops at 4. Sho bends the toes again! The ref counts, Sho lets go, and then he drags Mike up. Mike CHOPS! Sho eggs him on so Mike CHOPS again! Sho keeps egging Mike on, so Mike CHOPS! Sho stomps the toes! Sho throws Mike out, and Evil has the chair! Sho distracts the ref so Evil can JAM Mike! Evil puts Mike back in, Sho covers, TWO!!

Sho is upset, and so is Evil! The ref realizes Evil’s here! Fans rally for Mike as he goes to ropes. Mike drags himself up, but Sho ROCKS him with a forearm! Sho stands Mike up for boxing elbows! Sho taunts Mike, but Mike blocks the whip! Sho stomps the toes again! Sho whips, Mike holds ropes to stop himself, and he BOOTS back! Sho runs in, but Mike throws him out! Fans fire up as Sho staggers around, and Mike builds speed, but Evil trips him! Fans boo but Evil shrugs. Sho gets back in, and he knuckle locks Mike’s arm to wrench and twist. And he steps on Mike’s toes, literally! Sho kicks, KICKS and SUPERKICKS! Cover, TWO!

Fans fire up as Mike hangs tough! Sho is frustrated but he stalks Mike to a corner. Sho drags Mike up, pulls the ears, then knuckle locks. Sho wrenches and whips but Mike reverses. Sho ducks the kick, Mike ducks the punch and Mike goes up to MISSILE DROPKICK! Sho bails out and fans fire up again. Mike builds speed, but he BOOTS Evil this time! Sho gets in but Mike BOOTS him back out! Mike goes up, TRIANGLE JUMP QUEBRADA! Direct hit and fans fire up! Sho is stuck all folded up for a second, but eventually flops over. The fans rally behind Mike as he hobbles over and drags Sho into the ring.

Mike stalks Sho, takes aim, and SPINNING SOBATS! And AX KICKS! And ROUNDHOUSES! Fans fire up again and Mike SHOOTING STARS! Cover, TWO! Sho hangs tough but Mike keeps cool. Mike takes aim as Sho sits up, but Evil distracts! Mike tells Evil to get down, then he rushes over. Evil gets away, but Sho waistlocks! GERMAN SUPLEX! Sho drags Mike back up, runs, and LARIATS! Cover, TWO!! Mike is still in this and fans fire up! Sho hurries to bring Mike in and tuck the arms, STRAITJACKET PILEDRIVER! Cover, TWO!! Mike survives and fans fire up again! Sho is furious, and he drags Mike back up.

Sho lifts Mike but Mike RANAS! Cover, TWO! Mike PENALTY KICKS! And then MOONSAULT DOUBLE KNEE DROP! Fans fire up while Sho sputters and writhes. Mike feeds off the energy, grits his teeth and aims at Sho. Sho ducks the roundhouse, gets around to a waistlock but Mike switches. Sho grabs at the ref but the ref stays back. Evil grabs at the ref to distract him! Sho stomps Mike’s toes again! And then RAMS Mike into the ref!! Fans boo but Sho gets his “torture tool!” Sho aims, swings, but Mike ducks! Mike kicks but Sho ducks it, and he SMASHES Mike’s toes with the wrench!!

Sho grabs Mike’s foot and twists the toes! But Mike victory rolls! EVIL YANKS THE REF OUT!! Fans boo more as Evil stomps Mike! Sho stomps Mike, too! Fans tell Evil to go away, but the House of Torture puts one out. Evil has Mike’s foot, Sho gets the wrench, but Mike BOOTS Evil away! Sho runs in, but Mike takes the crane stance! CRANE KICK!! Fans fire up as Mike hops around. Mike focuses his power, spins, but hits EVIL with the roundhouse! Then he SUPERKICKS Sho! Fans fire up, Mike powers up again, ROLLING ROUNDHOUSE! Mike shoves Sho down into the drop zone, goes up, ULTIMA WEAPON!! Cover, Mike wins!!

Winner: Mike Baily, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Sho earns 0)

Speedball is 2-0, also overcoming the tactics of the House of Torture! Will nothing stop Mike Bailey from being the Best of the Super Juniors?

 

Best of the Super Juniors 30, B Block: Kevin Knight VS Francesco Akira!

The Jet and the Nova Fireball may have both lost last round, but none of that will matter here. The Intergalactic Jet Setters took the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championships from Catch 2/2, and we already saw TJP avenge that loss. Will Akira also get payback on Knight? Or will the teams go 1-1 on the night?

Akira shoves Knight over the tag title win but the ref has them back up. The bell rings and Akira runs in to SHOTGUN Knight! Akira fires off forearms in the corner but Knight shoves him back. Akira fires off more forearms, Knight shoves him again, then scoops. Akira slips free, things speed up and Akira RANAS Knight out! Fans rally with “A! KI-RA!” and Akira builds speed. Knight slides in then PLANCHAS Akira down! Fans fire up, Knight puts Akira back in the ring, and Knight stomps him around. Akira goes to a corner, Knight brings him out to UPPERCUT! Knight snapmares Akira, runs, and BASEMENT SHOULDER TACKLES!

Fans fire up and Knight flexes, then Knight covers. TWO, but Knight keeps cool. Knight brings Akira up, but Akira CHOPS! Knight CHOPS back! Akira goes to a corner, Knight whips him corner to corner, but Akira avoids the splash! Akira runs in but Knight puts him up top, to COHP! Knight then jumps right up, only for Akira to slip under! Akira trips Knight into the Tree of Woe! Akira goes corner to corner to basement dropkick! Knight falls out of the Tree, Akira covers, TWO! Fans rally but Akira drags Knight back up. Akira turns Knight for a NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Fans applaud as Knight is still in this.

Akira brings Knight up, wrenches his arm, and then hammerlocks. Akira traps an arm, drop toeholds and hooks him into a GROUND OCTOPUS! Fans rally while Knight endures and moves around. Knight reaches out to the ROPEBREAK! Akira holds until the ref counts, and the fans rally up. Akira CLUBS Knight down, talks trash, then CLUBS him again. Knight crawls but Akira brings him up to CHOP! Knight gets in Akira’s face, then CHOPS back! Akira DOUBLE CHOPS! Akira whips, and CALF KICKS! Cover, TWO! Akira grows frustrated but the fans still rally. Akira drags Knight up but Knight throws body shots.

Knight UPPERCUTS Akira, ROCKS him with forearm after forearm, then whips. Akira avoids the dropkick! Akira stomps Knight, runs, but Knight scoops him for a BACKBREAKER! Both men are down and fans rally again. Akira goes to a corner, Knight hurries over, and Knight stomps and UPPERCUTS on repeat! Knight stomps a mudhole in but lets off as the ref counts. Knight then whips corner to corner, runs in and STINGER SPLASHES! Knight puts Akira up top, and says it’s time! But Akira jumps over Knight! Things speed up, but Knight DROPKICKS Akira down! Fans fire up again while both men are down.

Knight kips up and roars! He brings Akira up, whips him to ropes, and pops him up, SKY HIGH SPINEBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Akira is still in this and Knight grows frustrated. Knight pounds the mat and the fans clap along. Knight waits on Akira to stand, and then he runs in, but Akira denies the satellite! SUPERKICK! But Knight SUPERKICKS back! Knight whips, Akira rolls and SATELLITE DDTS Knight! Akira crawls to the cover, TWO!! Akira can’t believe Knight survives! The fans rally again, “A! KI-RA!” and Akira aims from the corner. Akira runs in, but Knight ducks the fireball! To pop-up, only for Akira to sunset flip! TWO!

Akira stands, Knight scoops him, but Akira cradles! TWO!! Knight ROLLING ELBOWS! Knight runs in at the corner but Akira BOOTS him! Akira goes up, but Knight JUMP STEINERS! And then STANDING SPLASH but onto knees! Akira gest going, and he SLIDING KNEES! Cover, TWO!! Knight survives again and shocks Akira! But Akira fires back up and the fans are with him. Akira brings Knight up, SPEEDFIRE!! Akira isn’t done there, he aims from the corner again. Knight sits up, into the NOVA FIREBALL!! Cover, Akira wins!

Winner: Francesco Akira, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Knight earns 0)

The flight was delayed again, and now Knight is 0-2! Akira goes 1-1, and Catch 2/2 sweep the Intergalactic Jet Setters! Will The United Empire win back the Junior Heavyweight Tag titles on the other side of the BOSJ?

 

Best of the Super Juniors 30, A Block: Titán VS Taiji Ishimori!

El Inmortal tapped out the technical genius in TJP while the Bone Soldier tapped out a much more fired up Ryusuke Taguchi. Will it come down to technique or speed in this showdown between LIJ and Bullet Club?

The bell rings and the two circle. Fans build to a rally for “TITAN! TITAN!” Titan and Taiji tie up, Taiji waistlocks but Titan switches. Taiji wrenches to a wristlock, keeps Titan from ropes, but Titan rolls, handsprings and arm-drags, but Taiji kips up and arm-drags back. Titan sweeps to cover, ONE! Titan avoids the sweep but Taiji avoids the buzzsaw. Fans cheer as the two stand off, and even Taiji applauds. Taiji offers a handshake, but Titan is wary. Titan accepts it, but then Taiji rakes the eyes! The ref reprimands but Taiji CLUBS Titan to a corner. Taiji whips corner to corner, Titan reverses, but Taiji slips out to the apron.

Titan runs in, Taiji slips under, then back out to shoulder in. Taiji springboards but Titan gets under. Titan runs in, Taiji waistlocks and shoves, but Titan goes up and over to handspring away! Taiji runs in, Titan dodges to then RANA Taiji out of the ring! Fans fire up and Titan builds speed, but Taiji moves so Titan rolls and flips out of the ring. Titan then runs at Taiji, but into a scoop! LAWN DART into the post! The ref reprimands while Titan writhes, but Taiji grins as he leaves Titan behind. Taiji undoes the blue buckle pad, the Bullet Club Special is now in play. Titan staggers up, slides in, but Taiji storms up to him.

Taiji brings Titan up, snapmares, and then wraps up the arms, to go after the mask! Everyone seems to do this to Titan! The ref reprimands, counts, and Taiji lets off at 4. Taiji grabs the arm, wristlocks, and then drags Titan up to wrench the arm. Taiji hammerlocks the arm and RAMS Titan into the bare buckles! Titan writhes, the ref reprimands, but the damage is done. Taiji stomps Titan in the corner, the ref reprimands, so Taiji drags Titan up. Taiji wraps the arm around ropes and pulls! The ref counts, Taiji stops, and Taiji wrenches to whip and WRING Titan’s arm! Titan writhes while Taiji looms over him.

Taiji sits Titan up into a cobra clutch! Titan endures, kicks around, fights up to his feet, but Taiji ripcords to RAM the shoulder, then hammerlock and BACKSTABBER! Cover, ROPEBREAK! Titan’s long leg helps him there! Taiji is annoyed but he CLUBS Titan. Titan SOBATS, but Taiji CLUBS Titan down! Taiji drags Titan up, whips him to ropes, but Titan holds ropes. Titan BOOTS Taiji, but Taiji ELBOWS Titan! Taiji whips, Titan reverses to TORNADO DDT! Taiji staggers up, and Titan dropkicks him out of the ring! Fans fire up with Titan and he builds speed, to DIVE! Direct hit near commentary!

Fans fire up and Titan KICKS Taiji. The ring count climbs, Titan drags Taiji up and into the ring at 8 of 20. Cover, TWO! Titan wants Taiji to get up, but he stomps him down. Fans rally, Titan stands Taiji up for a strike fest! Titan powers up but Taiji BOOTS him! Taiji runs but Titan goes Matrix to avoid the lariat! Then he CALF KICKS Taiji down! Titan hurries to whip, but Taiji handsprings to NEURALIZER! Fans rally up again while both men are down. Taiji stands, he brings Titan up, and he wrenches to then POST Titan! The ref reprimands but again the damage is done. Taiji hammerlocks, half nelsons and scoops, for a SHOULDER BUSTER!

Fans rally as Taiji aims from the corner. Titan rises, Taiji runs in, but into a SUPERKICK! Titan runs in, LA MYSTICA! Roll into DRAGON’S LAIR! TWO!! Taiji hurries up but into a fireman’s carry, LANDSLIDE!! Cover, TWO!! Taiji survives again and fans rally up! Titan goes to a corner, skins the cat to the top, and then DIVING- NO, Taiji avoids the stomps! Taiji wrenches, LA MYSTICA in return, and has the arm! BONE LOCK!!! Titan crawls, reaches out, but Taiji rolls him away! Titan TAPS, Taiji wins!!

Winner: Taiji Ishimori, by submission (gains 2 points; Titan earns 0)

Another match, another win by tap-out! Will no one survive the Bone Soldier make sure #ItsReborn in the BOSJ?

 

Best of the Super Juniors 30, B Block: El Desperado VS BUSHI!

The Rogue Luchador and the Black Mask each took a loss in the opening round, but there’s still a long way to go in the tournament! Will Desperado stay strong for Team Strong Style? Or will Bushi make things tranquilo?

The bell rings and the two circle. Fans rally up and duel, “DESPY!” “BUSHI!” The two tie up, Desperado headlocks but Bushi wrenches out. Desperado wrenches back, but Bushi wrenches again. Bushi keeps on the wristlock to hammerlock then headlock. Desperado spins him around to a facelock but Bushi slips around to a waistlock. Desperado wrenches out and headlocks. Bushi throws body shots and powers out, but Desperado runs him over. Things speed up, Bushi fakes Desperado out to kick him, then dropkick the leg! Desperado goes to ropes and Bushi kicks the leg out! Bushi’s building off Kanemaru’s work!

Bushi stomps Desperado, then SMASHES the knee! Fans cheer and Desperado bails out. The ref checks but Desperado says he’s still in this. Bushi goes out to stomp the bad leg! Bushi brings Desperado up, puts him in the ring, and fans applaud. Bushi takes off his shirt, and uses it to CHOKE Desperado! The ref reprimands, Bushi stops, and he kicks Desperado’s bad leg again. Desperado goes to a corner, asks for mercy, but Bushi just stomps him more. Bushi whips corner to corner, Desperado reverses and runs in, but into an elbow. Bushi goes up, leaps, and missile dropkicks the leg out!

Fans rally up as Bushi gets the legs. Bushi ties Desperado up in a modified Cloverleaf! Desperado endures, but Bushi puts on more pressure! Fans rally, Desperado reaches out, and he gets the ROPEBREAK! The ref counts and Bushi lets go at 4. Desperado crawls to the apron, Bushi kicks the bad leg, then he drags Desperado back in. Bushi drops an elbow on the knee, then stomps it. Desperado throws hands but Bushi knees low. Bushi CLUBS Desperado and has him in the corner. Desperado CHOPS and CHOPS and CHOPS, but Bushi kicks the bad leg again! Bushi whips corner to corner, but Desperado falls over!

Fans rally, Desperado hobbles up, and Bushi runs in. Desperado picks Bushi up but Bushi fights off the spinebuster! Bushi runs but Desperado scoops for a BIG back suplex! Fans rally while both men are down. Desperado shakes out the bad leg, and he hobbles up. Bushi is in the corner, Desperado runs in, and elbows Bushi! Desperado then suplexes high and hard! Cover, TWO! Fans rally while Desperado brings Bushi back up. Desperado gut wrenches but Bushi fights free. Bushi goes to dropkick the leg but Desperado avoids it! Desperado CHOPS Bushi, but Bushi kicks the bad leg! BASEMENT DDT!

Desperado staggers, into a CODE BREAKER! Cover, TWO! Desperado is still in this but Bushi gets the leg! Bushi SMASHES the knee into the mat again! And then sits down with a CALF KILLER! Desperado crawls, reaches out, but Bushi adds a facelock! Not quite an STF but good enough for this! Desperado still fights forward to a ROPEBREAK! The ref counts, Bushi lets go at 4. Bushi grows frustrated with Desperado’s toughness, but he stomps Desperado at the ropes. Desperado stands to bump Bushi, but Bushi ROCKS him back. Bushi puts the bad leg in the ropes to DROPKICK it! And then DRAPING BACKSTABBER! Cover, TWO!

Fans rally as Desperado stays in this. Bushi drags Desperado back up, but Desperado wrenches out to roll him up, TWO, into the STRETCH MUFFLER! Bushi endures as Desperado thrashes the leg! Bushi rolls Desperado to a cradle, TWO!! Bushi rushes in, Desperado spins him around, GUITARRA DEL ANGEL! Cover, TWO! Bushi survives and the fans rally up. Desperado shouts, stands up, and fans fire up with him. Desperado drags Bushi up, underhooks the arms, but Bushi fights off Pinche. Bushi shoves Desperado to DROPKICK him down! Bushi roars now and fans fire up again!

Bushi hobbles after Desperado, brings him up, and reels him in, but Desperado slips around! EL ES CULERO! Desperado wins!!

Winner: El Desperado, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Bushi earns 0)

Desperado snatches victory from the jaws of defeat! He avoids going 0-2 but Bushi doesn’t, will Desperado bring Strong Style back to the BOSJ?

 

Best of the Super Juniors 30, A Block: Hiromu Takahashi VS DOUKI!

The Ticking Timebomb had a fiery main event match with Mike Bailey but came out on the losing end. Meanwhile, Japones Del Mal shocked everyone by pinning Kushida. Will Douki pull off another shocker here? Or will Hiromu get back on track towards a fifth BOSJ tournament win?

Hiromu’s picture diary entry for Douki is that he looks like something bought on Amazon. But then Douki WRECKS Hiromu with a dropkick at the apron! The bell rings and Douki builds speed, but Hiormu gets in to fireman’s carry! Douki slips fere, Hiromu wheelbarrows him, but Douki turns that into a full nelson! Hiromu arm-drags free and pops Douki up but Douki RANAS Hiromu back out! Douki builds speed but Hiromu ducks the slide. Hiromu pops Douki up to the apron, but Douki rebounds to DDT Hiromu to the floor! Fans rally up, Douki drags Hiromu up and puts him back in the ring.

Douki hurries after Hiromu but Hiromu bails back out. Douki stomps Hiromu, stands him up, and DDTs him to the floor again! Red Shoes checks on Hiromu but he’s okay to continue, so the ring count starts. Fans rally up as Hiromu stirs. Hiromu sits up at 8, stands at 11 and slides in at 12. Douki drags Hiromu up, turns him and hits a NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Hiromu hangs tough but Douki chinlocks and bends Hiromu against his knee. Hiromu endures, fans rally up again, and Hiromu crawls his way forward to the ROPEBREAK! Red Shoes counts and Hiromu even grabs at Douki, but Douki lets go at 4.

Douki brings Hiromu up but Hiromu CHOPS! And CHOPS! And CHOPS! Douki rakes the eyes! Douki suplexes Hiromu but Hiromu slips out to waistlock. Douki elbows free, runs, but Hiromu follows to RANA Douki now! Fans applaud while both men are down. The fans rally for “HI-RO-MU!” as he goes to a corner. Douki runs in, only gets buckles, and Hiromu clotheslines Douki to then snapmare and basement dropkick! Hiromu brings Douki up, fireman’s carries, but Douki fights free again. Douki shoves Hiormu to a corner but Hiromu BOOTS him! Hiromu runs, but Douki dodges! Douki swings, Hiromu spins him, FALCON ARROW! Cover, TWO!

Fans rally again and Hiromu sits up, clutching a shoulder. Hiromu fires up and the fans fire up with him. Hiromu brings Douki up, fireman’s carries, but Douki fights free to a waistlock. Hiromu switches, Douki throws elbows, and Douki runs, but Hiromu reels him in. Douki breaks free, kicks and ENZIGURIS, then clinches for a swing and SAHAWARI! Bridging cover, TWO! Hiromu escapes and the fans rally up. Hiromu goes to a corner but Douki runs in, and he blocks Hiromu’s boots to pop him into a Gory Especial! But Hiromu fights free and arm-drags Douki. Douki knees low, runs, but into a POP-UP-

NO, Douki turns things around into ITALIAN STRETCH #32! Hiromu moves around, drags Douki along, and gets the ROPEBREAK! Douki holds until Red Shoes counts, and fans rally back up. Douki goes to the apron, takes aim, and slingshots, but Hiromu denies Daybreak! Hiromu powers Douki to a fireman’s carry, for a CORNER DEATH VALLEY! Both men are down again and fans rally back up. Hiromu rises, drags Douki up, but Douki fights the fireman’s carry. Hiromu powers through again, throws Douki into a dragon sleeper, but Douki spins around. Hiromu still suplexes Douki, but Douki fights that!

Hiromu keeps trying, he fireman’s carries again, for DYNAMITE PLUNGER! Cover, TWO! Douki survives but Hiromu and the fans fire up! Hiromu drags Douki back up, fireman’s carries again, but Douki sunset flips! TWO, into ITALIAN STRETCH #32!! Hiromu endures, drags Douki along again, but Douki rolls him from ropes! But Hiromu fights out to jackknife, TWO! Douki manages to bridge up and spin Hiromu into the Gory Especial! DOTON NO JUTSU!! Cover, TWO!! But back into ITALIAN STRETCH 32!! Hiromu endures, but Douki pulls on the arms! Hiromu fights back up, but Douki just pulls harder!

Hiromu is fading! He’s tipping over! But Hiromu gets a second wind, brings Douki along, reaches out and gets the ROPEBREAK with a foot! Fans cheer and Red Shoes counts, Douki lets go at 4. Douki shakes his head, he goes back to the apron. Douki takes aim as Hiromu rises, for DAYBREAK!! Cover, TWO!!! Hiromu survives and Douki can’t believe it! Fans fire up and Douki roars! Douki brings Hiromu into the wheelbarrow, lifts, but Hiromu uses that to hit a COMPLETE SHOT! Both men are down again and the fans fire up! Douki drags Hiromu up, but Hiromu pushes him back! Douki ducks the superkick! Hiromu ducks the enziguri!

Hiromu waistlocks Douki, Douki switches, Hiromu throws an elbow but Douki ducks it to HELL STAB! Douki runs, but Hiromu dodges to HIROMU- DOUKI-CHAN BOMBER?!? Fans are thunderous as Douki watches Hiromu rise. Douki runs, to DOUKI-CHAN BOMBER AGAIN!!! Cover, TWO!?!?! Hiromu survives and the fans fire up while Douki slashes his throat! Douki torture racks, swings, MARISHITE!!! Cover, TWO!?!?!? Douki can’t believe that Hiromu survives! But Douki roars and he brings Hiromu back around. Wheelbarrow, but Hiromu arm-drags and rolls to fireman’s carry! TIMEBOMB!!! Cover, HIROMU WINS!!!

Winner: Hiromu Takahashi, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Douki earns 0)

Douki came so, so close, but the champion manages to turn things around in the end! Will Hiromu be able to make it to the end of BOSJ 30 and go for number five?

 

Best of the Super Juniors 30, B Block: YOH VS Master Wato!

Mr. Direct Drive couldn’t avoid Robbie Eagles’ eagle eye and is down one. But the Way of the Grandmaster made it through the fire against Francesco Akira. Will Yoh rev back up and get on track? Or will he also be extinguished by Wato?

The bell rings and the fans duel. “WATO! WATO!” “YO-OH! YO-OH!” Wato and Yoh circle, feel things out, and Wato gives a testing kick. Yoh walks it off, comes back, and knuckle locks with Wato. They go shoulder to shoulder in a test of strength, and Wato makes Yoh bridge back. Yoh powers back up, and he now makes Wato bridge back! Cover, ONE as Wato bridges again. Yoh brings Wato up, wrenches and hammerlocks, but Wato reaches back to wrench and wristlock. Yoh rolls, kips and cartwheels to handspring and arm-drag! The two stand off, and fans cheer as Yoh copies Wato’s pose. Wato shows Yoh how it’s done, and the two circle again.

They tie up, Wato headlocks, but Yoh pulls hair. Red Shoes reprimands so Yoh lets go to throw body shots. Yoh powers out but Wato runs him over! Things speed up, Yoh hurdles, Wato leaps over, and then Wato comes back. Yoh dodges, BOOTS Wato, then shoves him to drop and bypass, then drop toehold! Yoh keeps moving but Wato avoids the basement dropkick! Wato rolls Yoh but Yoh scrambles away before Wato can lock on Vendaval. Fans applaud and Wato smirks. Wato builds speed, but Yoh gets away to the back corner of the arena. Fans cheer as Yoh dares Wato to join him. Wato says Yoh needs to come back.

Yoh takes his time, and he starts a “WATO! WATO!” chant. Wato doesn’t fall for the games so Yoh has no choice but to return to ringside. Yoh slides in, Wato KICKS Yoh, then whips him to a corner. Yoh goes up and over, things keep moving, and Yoh RANAS Wato out! Yoh then PLANCHAS Wato down! Fans fire up with Yoh as he struts up the ramp. Yoh comes back, stomps Wato, then brings Wato up to put him in the ring. Fans rally, Yoh climbs, and Wato stands for the CANNONBALL! Cover, TWO! Yoh drags Wato up, ROCKS him with a forearm, then whips him to ropes. Yoh ELBOWS Wato down, brings him back up, and turns him for a NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO!

Yoh keeps going and has a headscissor squeeze on Wato! Fans rally as Wato endures and Yoh thrashes around. Wato rolls towards ropes but Yoh rolls him away. Yoh thrashes more but Wato rolls and rolls into the ROPEBREAK. The fans applaud as Yoh lets go, but with some toying kicks. Yoh gives more toying kicks as he stands over Wato. Wato sits up and Yoh eggs him on. Wato CHOPS back! Yoh grits his teeth so Wato throws forearms! Yoh kicks low, bumps Wato off buckles, and wrenches an arm to whip corner to corner. Yoh runs in, but into a BOOT! And then another BOOT! Wato runs in to BULLDOG!

Fans rally up and Wato goes to a corner. Wato runs in at Yoh to elbow him down! And then BOOT him! And then whip to ropes, to CALF KICK! Yoh bails out but Wato builds speed, to FLY! Direct hit and down goes Yoh! Fans fire up with Wato and he brings Yoh up. Wato puts Yoh in the ring, aims from the apron, and fans rally up. Yoh stands, Wato springboards, but Yoh dodges! Wato comes back, crucifix takedown, RECIENTEMENTE! Cover, TWO! Yoh escapes the mouse trap but fans rally up more. Wato fires up and he brings Yoh around into VENDAVAL!! Fans rally up while Yoh endures the butterfly stretch!

Yoh kicks around, reaches out, but Wato pulls on the hold! Yoh rolls it to a cover, TWO!! Wato lets Yoh go in time, and Yoh goes to ropes. Wato storms over, to ROUNDHOUSE the bad arm! Yoh staggers, into another ROUNDHOUSE! Wato aims, and ROUNDHOUSES the bad arm again! Wato taunts Yoh, Yoh eggs Wato on, so Wato ROCKS him with a forearm! Wato whips Yoh to ropes, Yoh reverses and DROPKICKS! Fans fire up while both men are back down! Yoh drags Wato up, reels him in, suplexes, but Wato knees free. Yoh ducks a kick, Wato blocks the elbow, but Yoh goes Matrix to dodge!

Wato blocks a kick, but Yoh blocks a kick! Yoh DRAGON SCREWS Wato’s leg! Fans rally up again while both men are down. Wato crawls to a corner, but Yoh watches him closely. Wato stands, Yoh runs in, and Yoh elbows Wato! Yoh hoists Wato up top, climbs up after him, and fires up! Fans fire up with Yoh, but Wato resists the superplex! Wato throws body shots and Yoh steps back. Wato stands but Yoh ROCKS him first! Yoh climbs back up, has Wato again, and he SUPERPLEXES! Yoh rolls through, to the FALCON- NO, Wato slips out! Wato shoves Yoh to a corner, runs in, but Yoh puts him on the apron!

Yoh swings but into Wato’s GAMANGIRI! Wato springboards, FLYING UPPERCUT! Fans rally up again and Wato roars! Wato waits on Yoh, and Yoh rises, into the SCREW HIGH KICK! Wato then drags Yoh up, GERMAN SUPLEX! But Yoh lands on his feet! Yoh dropkicks the legs out! Yoh underhooks Wato, but Wato fights the lift and shoves Yoh away! Yoh rebounds, into the ROLLING SOBAT! Wato fires back up, he reels Yoh in, but Yoh switches to shove Wato. Scoop and GOROSHI! Both men are down again and fans rally back up! Yoh and Wato stir, crawl after each other, and they go forehead to forehead.

Yoh throws a forearm, but Wato throws it back. Yoh throws another forearm, so Wato throws it back. Both men stand, and the forearms keep going! They go faster and faster and the fans rally up! Yoh gets boxing elbows in, then kicks a leg out! Yoh brings Wato up, and DECKS him! Fans fire up and Yoh brings Wato back up. Yoh half nelsons, then full nelsons, but Wato breaks free to victory roll! TWO!! Yoh escapes, runs in and spins Wato around to underhooks! Wato wrenches out, but Yoh blocks his kick, DRAGON- NO, Wato sits on the screw to cover, TWO!!! Yoh escapes and hurries to ropes!

Yoh powers up, but Wato ducks the superkick! ROUNDHOUSE! Wato gets just enough of Yoh, and he fires back up! Wato drags Yoh up, Yoh reaches for ropes, but Wato still waistlocks! But Yoh throws elbows to fight the suplex! Yoh swings, but into the chicken wings! But Yoh slips around to POISON-RANA!! And SUPERKICK!! Wato wobbles and fans fire up as Yoh brings him in! Short arm LARIAT!! Wato is dazed but the fans are thunderous as Yoh roars! Yoh drags Wato back up, reels him back in and underhooks, for DIRECT DRIVE!!! Cover, Yoh wins!!

Winner: Yoh, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Wato earns 0)

Wato beat the Nova Fireball, but he could not withstand Yoh’s electricity! Will Wato be able to turn the tides in the next round?

As for Yoh, tired as he is, he gets the mic to say, “OSHAAA!! Everyone in Nagano, are you stunned?” Fans cheer, so hard to say. But Yoh asks “One more thing: do you like me?” Fans cheer again so that’s a yes. Yoh asks if they love him, and they cheer again. Yoh says, “If you do…! If you do…!! If you do… Let’s stun the world together!” Fans cheer, and then Yoh thanks Wato for the match. Yoh drops the mic, ready to take the block! Will Direct Drive #StunTheWorld by becoming the Best of the Super Juniors?

 

Here are the NEW A Block standings!

Mike Bailey: 2-0, 4 points
Taiji Ishimori: 2-0, 4 points
Lio Rush: 2-0, 4 points
Titán: 1-1, 2 points
Hiromu Takahashi: 1-1, 2 points
DOUKI: 1-1, 2 points
TJP: 1-1, 2 points
SHO: 0-2, 0 points
KUSHIDA: 0-2, 0 points
Ryusuke Taguchi: 0-2, 0 points

 

Here are the NEW B Block standings!

Robbie Eagles: 2-0, 4 points
Yoshinobu Kanemaru: 2-0, 4 points
Clark Connors: 1-1, 2 points
Dan Moloney: 1-1, 2 points
El Desperado: 1-1, 2 points
YOH: 1-1, 2 points
Master Wato: 1-1, 2 points
Francesco Akira: 1-1, 2 points
BUSHI: 0-2, 0 points
Kevin Knight: 0-2, 0 points


My Thoughts:

A great second night for NJPW and BOSJ, though maybe not as many shocking things as there were last night. Great matches all the same, and it makes sense that TJP & Akira each beat Kushida & Knight. That’s easily the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship match after the BOSJ. That was a great first match between both teams, the rematch will be even better. Taguchi losing again though he’s being more serious in his style also makes sense, because as great as the matches are, it’s not in his style. The moment Taguchi goes back to his butt based tactics, he will pull off a win and can spoil things for someone in the A Block.

Hiromu rebounding makes sense but Douki still looked great even in defeat. A little surprised he wasn’t the main event, but apparently Yoh and Wato got that nod here tonight. That match could’ve gone either way since we’re still this early in the tournament, but Yoh winning was a nice move. Yoh’s changing up his look a bit, and he’s adding just a bit of edge to his style and personality, so this win is a good way to show he’s growing and adapting to what is needed to get up in the ranks.

My Score: 8.7/10

About Chairshot Radio Network

Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!

 MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)

TUESDAY - Musical Chairs (music) / Hockey Talk (NHL)

WEDNESDAY - The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling) 

THURSDAY - Keeping the news ridiculous... The Oddity / Chairshot NFL (NFL)

FRIDAY - DWI Podcast (Drunk Wrestling Intellect)

SATURDAY - The Mindless Wrestling Podcast

SUNDAY - The Front and Center Sports Podcast 

CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS

Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)

TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends

Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5

Classic POD is WAR


Chairshot Radio Network Your home for the hardest hitting podcasts... Sports, Entertainment and Sports Entertainment!

All Shows On Demand


Powered by RedCircle


Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!

Coverage

Mitchell’s WWE SmackDown Results & Report! (3/28/25)

SmackDown in the UK!

Published

on

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

About Chairshot Radio Network

Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!

 MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)

TUESDAY - Musical Chairs (music) / Hockey Talk (NHL)

WEDNESDAY - The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling) 

THURSDAY - Keeping the news ridiculous... The Oddity / Chairshot NFL (NFL)

FRIDAY - DWI Podcast (Drunk Wrestling Intellect)

SATURDAY - The Mindless Wrestling Podcast

SUNDAY - The Front and Center Sports Podcast 

CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS

Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)

TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends

Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5

Classic POD is WAR


Chairshot Radio Network Your home for the hardest hitting podcasts... Sports, Entertainment and Sports Entertainment!

All Shows On Demand


Powered by RedCircle


Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!
Continue Reading

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!

Published

on

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.

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. 

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.

About Chairshot Radio Network

Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!

 MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)

TUESDAY - Musical Chairs (music) / Hockey Talk (NHL)

WEDNESDAY - The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling) 

THURSDAY - Keeping the news ridiculous... The Oddity / Chairshot NFL (NFL)

FRIDAY - DWI Podcast (Drunk Wrestling Intellect)

SATURDAY - The Mindless Wrestling Podcast

SUNDAY - The Front and Center Sports Podcast 

CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS

Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)

TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends

Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5

Classic POD is WAR


Chairshot Radio Network Your home for the hardest hitting podcasts... Sports, Entertainment and Sports Entertainment!

All Shows On Demand


Powered by RedCircle


Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!
Continue Reading

Sports

Entertainment

Sports Entertainment

Buy A Chairshot T-Shirt!

Chairshot Radio Network

Trending

WP Twitter Auto Publish Powered By : XYZScripts.com