Coverage
Mitchell’s NJPW Best of the Super Juniors Results & Report! (5/14/23)
Round three, fight!
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The three day opening weekend finishes up!
Happy Mother’s Day, it’s MORE Best of the Super Juniors! Will Hiromu Takahashi go up 2-1 or fall to 1-2 in round three of the tournament?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Best of the Super Juniors 30, B Block: Kevin Knight VS Yoshinobu Kanemaru; Knight wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 30, A Block: Ryusuke Taguchi VS SHO; Sho wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 30, B Block: BUSHI VS Clark Connors; Connors wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 30, A Block: DOUKI VS Taiji Ishimori; Taiji wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 30, B Block: Robbie Eagles VS Francesco Akira; Akira wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 30, A Block: KUSHIDA VS Titán; Titán wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 30, B Block: YOH VS Dan Moloney; Moloney wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 30, A Block: TJP VS Mike Bailey; Bailey wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 30, B Block: El Desperado VS Master Wato; Desperado wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 30, A Block: Lio Rush VS Hiromu Takahashi; Lio wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
Here are the current 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 current 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
Best of the Super Juniors 30, B Block: Kevin Knight VS Yoshinobu Kanemaru!
The Jet has yet to take flight in the BOSJ, but the Heel Master is off to a strong 2-0 start. Will Knight finally get off the airstrip? Or will Kanemaru pull off a hattrick of tap-outs?
The bell rings and the two circle. Fans rally up, the two tie up, and are in a deadlock. They separate, circle some more, and tie up again. Kanemaru headlocks, Knight powers out, but Kanemaru runs him over! Fans applaud, then things speed up. Knight hurdles but Kanemaru stops to elbow him away. But Knight comes back with a springboard FLYING ARM-DRAG! Kanemaru tumbles out, Knight PLANCHAS, but Kanemaru dodges it! Kanemaru comes back to dropkick the legs out! Kanemaru grabs Knight’s leg to SMASH it on the floor! Knight writhes and rolls away but Kanemaru pursues.
Kanemaru puts Knight in the ring, fans applaud, and Kanemaru whips. Kanemaru dropkicks the leg out again! Knight writhes and clutches the knee but Kanemaru looms over him. Kanemaru stomps the leg, stomps it some more, then drags Knight around to SMASH the knee on the mat! Fans rally while Kanemaru paces around Knight. Kanemaru gets the leg again, drops an elbow on the knee, and he wraps it in a toehold. Knight endures but Kanemaru pulls back on the foot! Knight crawls, reaches out, and gets the ROPEBREAK! Fans applaud, Kanemaru lets off, but he drops a knee on the knee!
Kanemaru kneels on Knight’s knee, the ref reprimands, and Kanemaru lets off at 4. Knight crawls but Kanemaru drags him up and has the leg, for a SHIN BREAKER! And then steps through for the FIGURE FOUR! Knight endures and fans fire up as Kanemaru thrashes around! Knight crawls, reaches out, drags Kanemaru along, and gets the ROPEBREAK! Fans cheer and Kanemaru claims he needs help. The ref pries the hold apart and Knight is free to clutch the knees. Kanemaru stomps Knight’s legs, has him on the ropes again, but Knight throws body shots! And a CHOP! Kanemaru kicks the leg out!
Kanemaru brings Knight up, but Knight fights the lift this time! Knight throws elbows over and over on Kanemaru’s neck, but Kanemaru CHOPS the leg! Kanemaru whips, Knight reverses, and Knight DROPKICKS! Fans fire up though that was a touch double-edged given the damage. But Knight fires up and fans rally behind him. Knight stomps and UPPERCUTS Kanemaru in the corner over and over! Knight stomps a mudhole but lets off as the leg bothers him. Knight whips Kanemaru corner to corner, and manages the STINGER SPLASH! Knight says “MO IKAI! <One more time!>” But Kanemaru BOOTS him!
Kanemaru goes up, but Knight LEAPS right up! Kanemaru slips under, but Knight kicks him away! Knight adjusts, to CROSSBODY! Fans fire up, Knight whips and SKY HIGH SPINEBUSTERS! Cover, TWO! Knight grows frustrated and he pounds the mat. The fans rally behind him again as he aims from a corner. Kanemaru rises, Knight says it’s time, but Kanemaru denies the DDT and throws Knight back! Knight’s leg jams, and then Kanemaru dropkicks it out again! Fans fire up while both men are down! Knight hobbles up, but falls back over! Kanemaru goes to a corner, fans rally again, and Knight stands, for Kanemaru to tilt-o-whirl!
Knight stops the DDT but Kanemaru trips Knight to get the legs! Kanemaru steps through, but Knight cradles! TWO!! Knight runs in but Kanemaru trips him again! Knight kicks Kanemaru away, Kanemaru comes back, but Knight still kicks him away! Knight runs in, but into a BOOT! Kanemaru goes up again, but Knight JUMPING STEINERS! Fans fire up as Knight reaches the “Upper Room!” Knight roars, he aims at Kanemaru as he stands, and Knight runs in to SUPERKICK! And then JET DDT!! Cover, KNIGHT WINS!!
Winner: Kevin Knight, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Kanemaru earns 0)
The Jet finally scores by giving Kanemaru his first loss this tournament! Will Knight be able to rise and reach the sky in the BOSJ?
Best of the Super Juniors 30, A Block: Ryusuke Taguchi VS SHO!
The Funky Weapon has tried to be serious, but has gone 0-2. The Murder Machine has tried to cheat, but has gone 0-2. Something’s gotta give, so who finally gets on the board?
As Taguchi enters the ring, Sho gets the mic and says “You really gotta be serious in this match. Even if I’m your opponent, are you going to be serious? Taguchi, if you’re going to be serious… If you’re going to be serious, then I’m going to be serious!” Fans applaud, and to Taguchi’s surprise, he gives over the wrench! And he’s wearing a main unit shirt!? Everyone is stunned, but Sho respectfully puts the shirt aside. The bell rings and the fans rally as the two circle. Taguchi shoots in, Sho avoids it, and then Sho shoots in but Taguchi avoids it. They keep circling, they tie up, and it’s a deadlock!
Sho manages to power Taguchi back to ropes, the ref counts, and Sho lets off cleanly. Fans applaud and Sho nods. Taguchi nods, it seems Sho is true to his word. They go again, tie up, and Sho headlocks. Sho grinds Taguchi, Taguchi powers out and they RAM shoulders! Taguchi stays up so Sho runs again. They RAM shoulders, neither falls, so Sho goes again. Another RAM, and now Sho dares Taguchi to try. Taguchi runs, RAMS Sho, and Sho rebounds to RAM Taguchi! They go again, and Taguchi runs Sho over! Fans fire up and things speed up. Taguchi fakes out the hurdle, Sho avoids the hip attack but Taguchi DROPKICKS!
Sho bails out, Taguchi triangle jump PLANCHAS! Direct hit and fans fire up! Taguchi stands up and shakes out his arms before he brings Sho up. Taguchi puts Sho in and fans applaud. Taguchi springboards, Sho avoids the hip, and he BOOTS from a corner! Sho runs, LARIATS, but Taguchi stays up! Sho fires boxing elbows, runs again, but DOUBLE LARIATS collide! Sho staggers and fans fire up. Taguchi runs, but Sho ducks to waistlock! Taguchi blocks, flails, but Sho still GERMAN SUPLEXES through! Taguchi goes to a corner, comes back, and he LARIATS! Cover, TWO! Sho is hanging tough in this serious fight!
Taguchi brings Sho up, chicken wings, but Sho fights free! Sho switches, Taguchi fights and drop toeholds, OH MY GAH ANKLE! Sho fights up, drags Taguchi down and has the ARMBAR! Taguchi stacks Sho, TWO, but into OH MY GAH ANKLE!! Sho roars, flails, reaches out, but Taguchi drags him back into a BLUE THUNDER BOMB! Cover, TWO!! Sho survives, but OH MY GAH ANKLE!! Sho shouts, flails, and the fans rally up. Taguchi leans on the hold, Sho hops up, but Taguchi drops an elbow on the leg! OH MY GAH ANKLE!! Sho endures, crawls, fights up, and rolls, sending Taguchi into the ref!
And then the lights go out!? So much for playing fair, because when the lights turn on, EVIL is here! The House was just waiting for the right opening! Taguchi and Sho go to their corners while the fans tell Evil to leave. Wait, is Evil being a referee? HE IS!! The Referee of Darkness wants them have at it! Taguchi says alright then! Sho and Taguchi circle, but then Evil says hold on, he wants to check Taguchi. Evil pats Taguchi down, and Sho sneaks up to LOW BLOW! Welp, there goes any sort of fighting fair. Evil gives Sho the wrench, and Sho CLOBBERS Taguchi with it! Evil fetches the ref into the ring and Sho brings Taguchi up.
Sho tucks the arms, lifts Taguchi, SHOCK ARROW! Cover, Sho wins!
Winner: Sho, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Taguchi earns 0)
Who could’ve guessed? Sho cheating finally got him a win. The Young Lions try to stop him and Evil from stomping Taguchi but they get sent right back out! Sho goes under the ring and he brings out SCISSORS! Evil grabs the “King of Strange Style” shirt Taguchi was wearing, and Sho cuts it down the middle! Then they do the same to the main unit shirt! Fans boo as the House of Torture disrespects everyone, but will this be Sho’s only win this tournament?
Best of the Super Juniors 30, B Block: BUSHI VS Clark Connors w/ Gedo!
The Black Mask has yet to get a win while 100 Proof has gone 1-1. Will Bushi make the Wild Rhino tranquilo? Or will he a take a hard shot with No Chaser?
The bell rings and Connors runs in to CLOBBER Bushi! Connors then drags Bushi up, and RAMS him into the corner! Connors rips Bushi’s shirt away, then CHOKES him with it! The ref reprimands and counts, Connors lets off at 4 and gets in the ref’s face. Connors drags Bushi up, throws him out of the ring, then goes out after him. Connors talks trash on the fans, then POSTS Bushi! Bushi writhes, Connors talks more trash, and Connors kicks Bushi around. The ring count starts, Connors smirks and drags Bushi up. Connors looks to the ring, but POSTS Bushi again! Connors rolls in and lets the ring count climb.
Bushi is down at 7 of 20, but sits up at 9. Fans rally, Bushi stands at 12 and staggers around. Bushi slides in at 13, but Connors drags him up. Connors suplexes high and hard! Connors sits Bushi up to wrap him up in a straitjacket stretch! Bushi endures, kicks around, then fights up to his feet. Bushi throws body shots, runs, but Connors goes the other way to POUNCE Bushi! Bushi doesn’t go far from that glancing blow, but Connors taunts the fans. Bushi goes to a corner, Connors runs in, but Bushi BOOTS him! Connors comes back, but Bushi dropkicks the leg! Connors goes to the apron and clutches the knee!
Connors shakes the bad leg out while the fans rally up. Bushi runs in to BLAST Connors off the apron, then he DIVES! Direct hit and the Young Lions stop them from hitting the fans! Bushi fires up and the fans fire up with him. Bushi puts Connors in, then aims from a corner. Bushi runs in to back elbow! Bushi brings Connors out, Connors swings on Bushi, but Bushi spins him around to a DDT! Cover, TWO! Connors is hanging tough but fans rally up. Bushi brings Connors up, but Connors fights the fisherman. Connors throws body shots and UPPERCUTS, then runs, but into an ENZIGURI!
Bushi gets the leg, FISHERMAN- NO, Connors slips free! Bushi dodges the haymaker but runs into a POWERSLAM! Gedo likes what he sees as Connors drags Bushi back up. Connors suplexes, but Bushi fights it! Bushi wrenches out, spins Connors to a backslide, but Connors slips through! But Bushi avoids the Spear to roll Connors up! TWO, and Connors SPEARS Bushi down! Connors growls, drags Bushi up, and puts one out. NO CHASER! Cover, Connors wins!
Winner: Clark Connors, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Bushi earns 0)
Bushi is 0-3 as Connors is on the rise! Will everyone get a taste of 100 Proof before the BOSJ is over?
Best of the Super Juniors 30, A Block: DOUKI VS Taiji Ishimori!
Japones del Mal has a strong 1-1 but The Bone Soldier has a stronger 2-0. Will Douki prove to be even stronger? Or will he tap out like the others?
The bell rings and Taiji rushes in to kick and CLUB Douki! Taiji whips, Douki reverses then drops to roll back and headscissor! Taiji gets back up but Douki springboards to FLYING ARM-DRAG! Douki then DROPKICKS Taiji out, builds speed, but Taiji ducks the slide. Taiji pops Douki up to the apron, Douki rebounds but Taiji catches him! Taiji LAWN DARTS Douki into the post! Douki writhes but the fans rally up. The ref checks Douki, so Taiji unties the blue buckle pad. The Bullet Club Special is in play! Fans rally up as Douki shakes out his bad arm, and the ring count starts. Douki stands at 7 and rolls in at 8, but Taiji stomps him down!
Taiji CLUBS Douki, wrenches his arm, and whips him to WRING the arm out! Taiji then pulls on the arm, but Douki scrambles to the ROPEBREAK! Taiji lets go quickly, and the fans rally up. Taiji stands Douki up, Douki throws a forearm, but Taiji ROCKS and CLUBS Douki back. Taiji scoops, Douki slips out to waistlock, but Taiji switches. Douki throws elbows, Taiji reels him back in but Douki breaks free to kick. Taiji ducks the enziguri! Taiji runs, but into the STANDING TOPE! Fans fire up while both men are down! Douki goes to ropes, stands up, but Taiji runs in. Douki BOOTS Taiji, Taiji comes back but Douki dumps him out!
Douki runs to DIVE! Direct hit and fans fire up again! Douki roars and fans fire up more! Douki drags Taiji up, puts him in, then runs to DOUBLE STOMP! Cover, TWO! Fans rally and Douki brings Taiji up. Douki scoops and swings, SAHAWARI! Bridging cover, TWO! Taiji escapes but Douki keeps his focus. Douki drags Taiji up, turns him for the Gory Especial, but Taiji fights it! Douki spins Taiji around, knees low, runs, but Taiji redirects him into the POST of the bare corner! Taiji then brings Douki around into a hammerlock, half nelson and scoop, SHOULDER BUSTER! Douki writhes while fans rally up again.
Taiji goes to the corner, he watches Douki rise, and fans rally. Taiji runs in, but Douki spins him around, drops down, ITALIAN STRETCH #32! Taiji scrambles backwards to the ROPEBREAK! Douki lets go quickly and fans rally as he goes to the apron. Douki aims, slingshots, but Taiji blocks Daybreak to suplex and gut wrench! CIPHER- NO, Douki blocks and wheelbarrows, full nelsons, but Taiji fights that, so Douki puts Taiji in a BOW ‘N’ ARROW RACK! Douki spins around and around and around, before the FACEBUSTER! Ghost pin, TWO!! Taiji escapes, but ends up in ITALIAN STRETCH #32!!
Fans rally as Taiji fights around! Douki pulls on the arms but Taiji keeps moving, so Douki rolls him from the ropes! ITALIAN STRETCH #32!! Taiji is fading! Taiji sputters, fans rally, but Taiji fights up! Only for Douki to pull on the hold even harder! Taiji reaches out, ROPEBREAK!! Douki lets go in frustration but the fans rally behind him! Douki goes back to the apron, takes aim again, and slingshots, DAYBREAK!! Cover, TWO!!! Taiji survives and no one can believe it! Douki roars and the fans fire up! Douki gets Taiji’s legs, wheelbarrows, but Taiji hits an ARM BREAKER! Both men are down and the fans rally again!
Taiji and Douki rise up, they both roar, and they DOUBLE LARIAT! Neither falls, so they DOUBLE LARIAT again! Douki rebounds to LARIAT but Taiji stays up! Taiji rebounds, Douki dodges, and DOUKI-SAN BOMBER!! Douki drags Taiji up, torture racks, MARI- NO, Taiji tilt-o-whirls, but Douki stops Mystica to drag Taiji down and SEAT- NO, Taiji stops the seatbelt to go for the chicken wing! Douki fights, but he’s in the BONE LOCK!! Douki crawls, reaches out, but Taiji rolls him away!! BONE LOCK!! Douki taps, Taiji wins!!
Winner: Taiji Ishimori, by submission (gains 2 points; Douki earns 0)
So close and yet so far, Douki could not survive! Taiji is 3-0, all tap-outs, will he make everyone suffer until #ItsReborn?
Best of the Super Juniors 30, B Block: Robbie Eagles VS Francesco Akira!
The Sniper is still aiming at the top spot, but the Nova Fireball is rolling after taking down The Jet. Will Akira burn Eagles? Or will Eagles hit the bull’s eye a third time in a row?
Robbie makes fun of Akira being Italian with “Mamma mia!” The bell rings and fans rally up for Eagles. Eagles revels in it, then he circles with Akira. They tie up, Eagles headlocks, but Akira rolls to a cover. ONE but Akira gets an armlock. Eagles fights up, Akira wrenches, but Eagles drop toeholds and floats around. Cover, ONE, and the fans applaud the opening exchange. The two go again, Eagles headlocks for a takeover but Akira headscissors. Eagles kips free, but Akira arm-drags Eagles down! Eagles headscissors now but Akira kips free, and Eagles handsprings up! Fans applaud the stand off!
Eagles says, “This is MY block.” Akira calls for a test of strength and Eagles knuckle locks with him, but then Akira kicks low! Akira whips but Eagles blocks by holding the ropes! Akira CHOPS Eagles, whips, but Eagles reverses to go up and around and arm-drag! Things speed up, Eagles hurdles to RANA! Akira gets up, into the WHEEL KICK! Eagles kips up and fans fire up as Akira bails out. Eagles builds speed but Akira runs away, so Eagles springboards to backflip. “ROBBIE ROBBIE ROBBIE!” “OI OI OI!” “Robbie!” “OI!” “Robbie!” “OI!” “ROBBIE ROBBIE ROBBIE!” “OI OI OI!” Akira gets annoyed and rushes back in!
Eagles trips Akira, pushes him to a knuckle lock cover, TWO as Akira gets an arm up. Eagles pushes that arm back down, TWO as Akira gets the other arm up. Eagles pushes that arm down again, TWO as Akira bridges up! Eagles hops on but Akira stays up! Eagles sweeps the legs, TWO and Akira jumps up to DROPKICK Eagles out! Akira then PLANCHAS to take out Eagles! Fans throw up the crowns with Akira, and he brings Eagles back up. Akira RAMS Eagles into the apron, follows him around the way, and CHOPS! Akira says hey to commentary but Eagles CHOPS back! Akira kicks low, then SMACKS Eagles off the apron!
Akira follows Eagles around the way, puts him in the ring, and drags Eagles back up. Akira whips then CALF KICKS! Cover, ONE! Eagles is hanging tough but Akira mocks the “oi oi oi.” Fans rally, Akira wraps on a chinlock, but Eagles endures. Akira shifts around to have a seated Cobra Twist! Eagles endures more, fights up, and throws body shots. Akira dropkicks the legs out! Akira runs, but Eagles avoids the knee to CHOP BLOCK Akira’s leg! Both men are down and the fans rally up. Eagles rises, he sits Akira up, and he KICKS Akira in the chest! And again! And again! But Akira blocks, to then CHOP in return!
Eagles sputters, Akira whips but Eagles reverses to CALF KICK back! Eagles runs, LEG LARIAT! Cover, TWO! Fans rally as Akira stays in this. Eagles has the leg, he steps through, but Akira kicks with the free leg! Eagles grabs that leg, to spinning toehold it! Eagles goes for another step through, but Akira kicks him to the corner. Eagles comes back to mule kick! Eagles cravats, ASAI- NO, Akira slips free! Eagles waistlocks, but Akira victory rolls! Eagles rolls through to get the legs! EAGLE LOCK!! Akira endures the Ron Miller Special and fans rally up! Akira reaches out, crawls forward, ROPEBREAK!
Eagles puts pressure on as he lets go, then “apologizes.” Akira goes to a corner, fans rally up and Eagles goes corner to corner, but Akira dodges! Akira tucks Eagles in a la Will Ospreay! But Eagles jumps over Cheeky Nandos to SNAP SAIDO! Eagles knows Ospreay better than Akira! But Akira’s right back up!? And he HALF ‘N’ HALF! But Eagles roars and rises up! Eagles waistlocks, Akira switches, HALF ‘N’ HALF, but Eagles lands on his feet!! Eagles runs in, Akira ducks the roundhouse, but Eagles blocks the superkick! Eagles tucks Akira in, but Akira pops right up, POISON-RANA!! Eagles staggers, and comes back with the BLINDSIDER!!
Fans fire up while both men are down! Akira and Eagles stir, and then crawl towards each other. Eagles throws a forearm, but Akira throws it back. Eagles throws another forearm, but Akira throws it back! They stand, and the forearms keep going back and forth! Akira gets the edge, he ROCKS Eagles again and again, but Eagles knees low! And KICKS Akira to a corner! Fans fire up, Eagles runs corner to corner, DOUBLE KNEES! Eagles rolls back, but Akira SHOTGUNS Eagles away! Akira keeps moving, but Eagles follows! Akira BOOTS Eagles, but Eagles LOW 619s! Eagles roars, but Akira comes back to SUPERKICK!
Akira runs, SLIDING KNEE! Cover, TWO! Eagles is still in this and the fans fire up! Akira crawls back over to Eagles, drags him up, and reels him in. Eagles fights off Speedfire! Akira throws knees, but Eagles blocks one! Akira DOUBLE CHOPS Eagles, reels him back in, but Eagles wrenches out! ROUNDHOUSE! SUPERKICK! Akira dodges the enziguri! NOVA- NO, Eagles ducks the fireball! Eagles grabs the legs to have the EAGLE- NO, Akira turns things around into a ghost pin! TWO!! Eagles escapes, but Akira spins him to a rolling leg cradle! TWO!! Oklahoma Roll! ONE and Eagles La Magistrols!
Akira slips free, hobbles, Eagles SCHOOLBOY BRIDGE! TWO!!! Akira escapes by nanoseconds and fans fire up again! Both men run in, Akira dodges the boot to roll, but Eagles pops Akira around, into a TURBO BACKPACK!! Cover, TWO!! Akira survives and Eagles is shocked! Fans fire up but Eagles takes aim. SUPERKICK! Akira flops to a corner, Eagles runs in, METEORA!! Eagles roars and he pushes Akira into the drop zone! Eagles goes up top, 450 FLOPS as Akira moves! NOVA FIREBALL!!! Cover, Akira wins!!
Winner: Francesco Akira, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Eagles earns 0)
Eagles falls, and now Akira is the top of the block! Will the Nova Fireball lead the United Empire in conquering the BOSJ?
Best of the Super Juniors 30, A Block: KUSHIDA VS Titán!
The Timesplitter is down 0-2 but there’s still time. El Inmortal is also still alive, but will he stay afloat? Or will he be trumped by the Ace of the Junior Division?
Titan eyes the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship belt, perhaps thinking of another prize he can win. The bell rings and the two circle. Fans rally up, the two feel things out, then tie up collar ‘n’ elbow. Kushida waistlocks, spins Titan around, and wrenches to a wristlock. Titan rolls, kips and bridges to then spin and handspring and arm-drag! Kushida stands up and the two stand off while fans applaud. They go again, feel out a knuckle lock, and Kushida trips Titan to roll him into a SEATED SURFBOARD! Titan endures, Kushida stands, and Titan rolls through to kip up and arm-drag!
Fans applaud this second stand off, and the two go again. Titan shoots around to a waistlock, but Kushida pries free to a knuckle lock. Titan CHOPS Kushida, goes up and up and tightrope walks to then jump and FLYING ARM-DRAG! Kushida handsprings through it! Things speed up, and Titan RANAS Kushida out! Fans rally, Titan builds speed, but Kushida moves so Titan rolls and flips out of the ring. Kushida’s in No Man’s Land, and the spotlight points him out. Titan pursues, they go all the way around, Kushida uses ring crew and railing to slow Titan down, and then he goes to the other side of the crowd!
The ring count climbs, the chase continues, and Kushida returns to the ring at 9 of 20! Titan slides in, and Kushida PENALTY KICKS the arm! Kushida then traps that arm, to TWIST it! Titan writhes but Kushida drags him up. Titan breaks free to SOBAT! Kushida goes to ropes, BOOTS Titan away while going up and out. Kushida GAMANGIRIS Titan, climbs the corner, and leaps into the COBRA TWIST! Titan endures, Kushida hooks him up in a modified stretch, but Titan walks forward to the ROPEBREAK! The fans applaud and Kushida lets go in frustration. Kushida then returns to DROPKICK the bad arm!
Fans rally and duel as Kushida paces. Kushida grabs the bad arm, CLUBS it, then wrenches it to an ELBOW BREAKER! Kushida ENZIGURIS the bad leg! Fans rally more as Kushida stalks Titan to ropes. Kushida drags Titan up, but Titan throws a strike fest! Titan whips, Kushida reverses but Titan handsprings, only for Kushida to kick the arms out! Titan writhes and clutches the arm while fans continue to rally. Kushida brings Titan up, CHOPS him, then whips him corner to corner. Titan goes up and over, rolls back, and goes Matrix to avoid the fastball! CALF KICK! Fans fire up while Kushida goes to ropes.
Titan runs in but Kushida puts him on the apron. Titan GAMANGIRIS, springboards, and CROSSBODIES! Fans fire up, Titan rushes in for another strike fest! Titan powers up, but Kushida ROUNDHOUSES the bad arm! Kushida runs, but Titan follows to TORNADO DDT! Kushida bails out, Titan builds speed, and Titan FLIES! Direct hit right in front of commentary! Titan puts Kushida back in, springboards and DOUBLE STOMPS!! Cover, Titan wins!!
Winner: Titán, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Kushida earns 0)
Kushida is 0-3?! This is unheard of! Is Titan the new Ace of the Junior Division? Or does the Timesplitter still have time to turn it all around?
Best of the Super Juniors 30, B Block: YOH VS Dan Moloney!
Direct Drive got a big win in the main event last night, and he’s ready to #StunTheWorld! But will he keep his motor running? Or will #DaDrilla wreck him in the third?
The bell rings and fans rally up as Yoh and Dan stare down. They circle, tie up, and then Yoh CHOPS! Yoh eggs Dan on, then dodges him. Dan swings again but Yoh dodges and even cartwheels. Yoh taunts Dan, “Hit me~!” and then pretends to wave a cape like a matador. Dan rushes in, OLE! Yoh then pocks Dan in the eyes, and tells him kiss this! Dan storms up, Yoh bails out, and Yoh takes a page out of Kushida’s book by going around the crowd! Yoh keeps taunting Dan, they go back to ringside, and then Yoh stops. Dan gets up in Yoh’s face as Yoh dares him to chop. Dan gets mad, rears back, but then Yoh puts a Young Lion in the way!
Dan is even more upset, but he still CHOPS the Young Lion! But then Yoh CANNONBALLS Dan from the apron! Fans fire up and Yoh pretends to be shocked about what happened to the Young Lion. Yoh stomps Dan as payback! Yoh drags Dan up and into the ring, then CHOPS him! Dan snarls, but Yoh CHOPS again! Dan chops but Yoh blocks! Yoh Mongolian Chops! And Mongolian Chops! And Mongolian Chops! A message in part to Great-O-Khan, but then Yoh adds some Tenzan with the DOWN CHOP! Fans cheer and Yoh stalks Dan to a corner. Yoh wrenches and CHOPS, then he whips corner to corner.
Dan goes up and over, and he ENZIGURIS! Dan reels Yoh in, suplexes high and hard, BRAINBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Dan keeps cool, and he stomps Yoh around. Dan stands Yoh up to CHOP! Yoh goes to a corner, Dan stands him up and CHOPS! Yoh sputters and staggers away, but Dan stalks him to another corner. Dan kicks the legs out, stomps Yoh, but the ref reprimands. Dan apologizes, but then he stomps Yoh again! The ref has Dan back off and Dan “apologizes” again, and the fans rally up. Dan mockingly asks, “Daijobu? <Are you okay?>” Dan says yeah, he’s still gaijin. Fans applaud as Dan puts up the crown.
Dan steps on Yoh, drags him up, and then hits a BIG back suplex! Cover, TWO! Dan says okay, daijobu. Dan sits Yoh up to KICK him in the back, and then he stomps Yoh’s foot. Fans rally as Dan eggs Yoh on now. Dan drags Yoh up, but Yoh CHOPS back! And CHOPS! And CHOPS! Dan CHOPS Yoh in return! Yoh fires off forearms, runs, and ROCKS Dan! Dan rebounds to CHOP! Yoh rewinds in the ropes, I’LL BE BACK CHOP! Both men are down and fans fire up again! Both men go to ropes, stand up, and Dan runs in, only for Yoh to CLOBBER him! Yoh CLOBBERS Dan again! Yoh whips, Dan reverses, but Yoh FLYING FOREARMS!
Fans fire up with Yoh and he stalks Dan to a corner. Yoh CHOPS Dan, and CHOPS, and CHOPS! MACHINE GUN CHOPS! Shoutout to Kojima! Fans fire up with Yoh more and he whips corner to corner. Yoh runs in to back elbow, and then he shoves Dan down! Yoh even copies Kojima’s catchphrase, “ICCHAUZO BAKAYARO~!” Yoh goes up, but Dan CHOPS him back! Dan climbs up after Yoh, brings him up, but Yoh resists the superplex! Yoh throws body shots, shoves Dan away, and leaps, but Dan gets under! Dan CHOPS Yoh! Dan runs, but Yoh DROPKICKS! Yoh suplexes, for FALCON ARROW! Cover, TWO! Fans rally up while Dan is still in this!
Dan sits up but Yoh roars! Yoh brings Dan up, reels him in, underhooks the arms, but Dan breaks free and waistlocks, to ripcord and CHOP! Cover, TWO! Dan goes to a corner, pounds the mat and slashes his throat. Yoh rises while fans rally, and Dan runs in, but Yoh scoops! GOROSHI! Dan flounders, and he kicks Yoh while they’re both down! Yoh goes to ropes, drags himself up, and fires up! Yoh tunes up the band, fans clap along, but Dan blocks the kick! Dan CHOPS and CHOPS and POWER- NO, Yoh ranas through! TWO!! Dan runs in, Yoh gets around but Dan bucks the O’Conner!
Dan runs in, Yoh hurdles over the Gore to JUMP KNEE! Dan rebounds but dodges, to GORE!! Dan drags Yoh up, Canadian Rack, DRILLA KILLA!!! Cover, Dan wins!!
Winner: Dan Moloney, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Yoh earns 0)
The United Empire’s newest recruit scores again! Yoh is going to need to fight harder if he’s going to #StunTheWorld, but will Da Drilla shake the Junior Heavyweight Division to its core?
Best of the Super Juniors 30, A Block: TJP VS Mike Bailey!
The Public Enemy is feeling good after getting the best of Kushida, and Speedball overcame Sho stacking the deck. Who keeps their momentum going through the third?
The bell rings and fans rally up. The two circle, tie up, and TJP wrenches to a hammerlock, then spins Mike around to wristlock. Mike kicks a leg out, wrenches back, and has the wristlock. TJP rolls, spins, cartwheels, drops down and twisting headscissors! Fans applaud, but Mike reaches up with his feet. TJP denies the headscissors, and he bops Mike on the head. Mike KICKS TJP, headscissors him, but TJP moves around. TJP headstands, fans applaud as he holds it, and then TJP turns Mike over. TJP bridges back, rolls around, BOW ‘N’ ARROW! Mike pops free, covers, TWO! Mike feints a kick, and when TJP lets his guard down, Mike bops TJP on his head.
Fans applaud as Mike smirks and eggs TJP on. TJP and Mike circle, feel things out, and knuckle lock. TJP drops, spins, gets a leg, but Mike stays up. Mike hops the leg sweep, and again, but TJP puts him on ropes. The ref calls the break, Mike kicks TJP away, then Mike goes up and over as TJP rushes in! TJP kicks low, headlocks, but Mike powers out. TJP runs Mike over, but Mike kips right up! TJP is too busy throwing up the crown, but when he turns around, Mike mocks the crown! TJP runs in, Mike dodges, and Mike fires off the lightning flurry of kicks! ENZIGURI! TJP flops out of the ring and fans fire up!
Mike builds speed, TJP gets on the apron, and TJP avoids the boot to trip Mike! TJP drags Mike out to RAM him into the apron! TJP gets back in the ring and fans rally. TJP goes to the corner, triangle jump, but Mike avoids the dropkick! TJP lands hard on the apron, and then Mike KICKS him down! Mike drags TJP up, puts him in the ring, and he stalks TJP. TJP sits up, into a CHOP! TJP flounders to ropes, but Mike is on him. Mike wrenches, whips, but TJP goes Spider-Man! TJP slides under but Mike catches his legs! TJP holds the ropes, the ref counts, Mike lets off, but then TJP gets Mike in the ropes for a GUILLOTINE!
The ref counts again, TJP lets Mike go, and then revels in the cheers for a moment. TJP goes back in, brings Mike up and scoops to SLAM near the ropes. TJP goes to the apron for a SLINGSHOT SENTON! Cover, TWO! TJP stalks Mike to a corner, and bumps him off buckles. TJP has Mike sit up, fans rally and TJP scrapes his laces off Mike’s face! TJP then goes side to side, to BOOT WASH! Fans cheer and TJP says “MO IKAI!” Fans cheer for that and TJP goes back to Mike. But Mike shoves TJP away, so TJP stomps him down. TJP whips, Mike reverses, TJP dodges a kick but Mike dodges a lariat! Mike goes up to MISSILE DROPKICK!
Fans rally up and Mike powers up. Mike aims, SOBATS, AX KICKS, then BUZZSAWS! Fans fire up more and Mike runs, SHOOTING STAR! Cover, TWO! TJP hangs tough but Mike keeps cool. Mike aims as TJP sits up, but TJP blocks the buzzsaw! Mike throws forearms but TJP holds onto the leg! Mike ROCKS TJP, but TJP ROLLING SOBATS Mike! TJP whips, Mike handsprings and avoids the sweep! TJP whips, Mike reverses, TJP goes Spider-Man, then TJP dodges Mike to send him through the ropes. TJP runs in, blocks Mike’s punch and stomps the toes! TJP runs, but Mike jumps over the slide to TOP ROPE QUEBRADA! Direct hit!!
Fans fire up again while both men are down! Mike fires up, the fans rally behind him, and Mike puts TJP in. TJP crawls to a corner, Mike powers up, TATSUMAKI- NO, TJP blocks the kick! TJP puts Mike in a corner but Mike KNEES him back! Mike hops up, ULTIMA- NO, TJP avoids the knees, and he grabs Mike’s leg! Roll back into the stepover, but Mike resists the rest of the hold! TJP still snatches that arm, PINOY STRETCH!! Mike endures, fans rally, and Mike fights his way forward! ROPEBREAK! TJP lets go in frustration while fans cheer. Mike sputters but TJP stands and the fans rally up.
TJP grabs Mike’s arms, drags him up, and wrenches an arm for an ELBOW BREAKER! TJP holds onto the arm, Mike resists as best he can, but TJP still wrenches to an ELBOW BREAKER! Mike swings but TJP kicks low. TJP wrenches, Mike BOOTS, but TJP avoids the kicks to SUPERKICK! TJP wags his finger but Mike THRUST KICKS! Fans fire up while TJP leans against ropes. TJP and Mike both rush in, TJP blocks a kick to CHOP, stomp the toes, slip around and LEG CAPTURE SUPLEX! Fans fire up and TJP brings Mike back up. TJP fireman’s carries, but Mike sunset flips! TJP rolls through but Mike PENALTY KICKS!
Mike focuses, and STANDING- NO, TJP avoids the knees again, hits a headlock takeover to a lateral press, TWO as Mike ghost pins! TWO!! TJP headlocks, goes up the corner and sunset flips, but Mike stays up! Mike slaps the hands away, to BACKFLIP KNEE DROP!! Fans fire up and Mike drags TJP up. Mike puts TJP on the top rope, ties up the legs and brings him off the corner in a backpack, but TJP slips free to dragon sleeper! Mike drops, victory rolls, TWO!! TJP escapes in time! The fans rally up and TJP goes to a corner. Mike runs in, TJP goes up and over, TORNADO DDT! Then TJP goes to the apron!
Mike stands, TJP springboards, MAMBA DDT!! Cover, TWO!!! Mike survives and fans are thunderous! TJP says he’s gonna end this, and he goes up the corner. But Mike springs up to CHOP TJP! TJP throws hands but Mike GAMANGIRIS! Mike goes up but TJP GOURD BUSTERS him away! MAMBA- NO, TJP has to roll through! He turns around into TATSUMAKI SENPUKKU!! And then the leg cross and lift, FLAMINGO DRIVER!! Cover, Mike wins!!
Winner: Mike Bailey, by pinfall (gains 2 points; TJP earns 0)
TJP tried to dunk on Speedball but Speedball dunked TJP! Mike Bailey is 3-0 with six points, will nothing stomp him from becoming the Best of the Super Juniors?
Best of the Super Juniors 30, B Block: El Desperado VS Master Wato!
The Rogue Luchador and Way of the Grandmaster are no strangers to each other, but does either man consider this a rivalry? Perhaps we’ll see as they fight over the difference between 2-1 and 1-2!
The bell rings and fans rally and duel. Desperado and Wato circle, tie up, and Wato headlocks. Desperado powers up but can’t power out as Wato holds tight. Wato grinds Desperado down, but Desperado fights up to throw body shots. Desperado powers out to then headlock Wato, but Wato slips out to headlock back. They switch back and forth on the headlock, again and again, then Desperado shifts to a facelock! Desperado spins Wato, headlocks again, but Wato slips out to get the headlock back. Wato grinds Desperado again, thrashes around, but Desperado fights back up. Desperado pops out to wrench and hammerlock, but Wato switches that onto Desperado.
Desperado goes to the ropes, steps through and steps back in to wrap Wato’s arm around the ropes! Fans applaud, and then Desperado goes back to the headlock. Wato powers out, Desperado runs him over, and fans applaud again. Things speed up, Desperado hobbles a bit, and Wato dropkicks that leg out! Desperado bails out, still recovering from what Kanemaru and Bushi did to the knee. Wato pursues, and he fires forearms! Desperado CHOPS, Wato ROCKS him with more forearms! Desperado CHOPS, but Wato comes back with more forearms! Wato cravats and brings Desperado around for knees!
Wato lets go of Desperado and follows him around the way. Desperado CHOPS back! Wato kicks low, SMACKS Desperado off the apron, and puts him in the ring. Fans fire up with Wato, and he hurries in after Desperado. Desperado blocks the boot, whips Wato to a corner, then runs in, but into BOOTS! Wato BULLDOGS, covers, ONE!! Wato clamps onto Desperado with a chinlock, then spins him to a cravat. Desperado gets the ROPEBREAK, and Wato lets off to stomp Desperado down. Wato brings Desperado up, snapmares and wraps on a headscissors squeeze. Desperado endures but Wato pushes up for pressure.
Desperado kicks around, reaches out, but Wato puts on more pressure. Desperado still gets the ROPEBREAK! Wato lets go, Desperado bails out, and Red Shoes checks on Desperado. Wato hurries out after Desperado and stomps him down! Wato brings Desperado up, throws knees, then kicks low! Wato CHOPS and Desperado grits his teeth. Desperado CHOPS, but Wato CHOPS again! They CHOP back and forth, Wato ROCKS Desperado and throws more forearms! Desperado crawls away, and Wato stalks him. Wato puts Desperado in the ring, covers, ONE!! Desperado is hanging tough but Wato keeps cool.
Wato brings Desperado up, CLUBS him on the neck, but Desperado scoops! Wato slips out, headlocks, but Desperado lifts! Wato fights that off with elbows, but then Desperado reels Wato back in for a BIG back suplex! Fans fire up while both men are down. Desperado storms up on Wato, drags him up and whips him to a corner. Desperado runs in, back elbows, then reels Wato in for a high and hard suplex! Cover, TWO! Desperado drags Wato up, but Wato ROCKS Desperado with forearms! Wato rears back but Desperado blocks the kick! Desperado trips Wato to a STRETCH MUFFLER!
Wato flails, reaches out, but Desperado thrashes him around! Wato reaches out to the ROPEBREAK! Desperado lets off, drags Wato up, and Desperado whips, only for Wato to block! Desperado kicks Wato’s legs, whips him, but Wato reverses and CALF KICKS! Both men are down but Desperado bails out. Fans rally up, Wato builds speed and FLIES! Direct hit and down goes Desperado! Fans fire up with Wato and he hurries to put Desperado in. Wato aims from the apron, springboards in, FLYING UPPERCUT! Cover, TWO! Wato is frustrated but he fires back up. Fans rally and Wato drags Desperado up.
Wato ROCKS Desperado with a forearm, but Desperado fights the scoop. Desperado wrenches but Wato ROCKS him with another forearm! Desperado CHOPS back! Wato dodges Desperado, SOBATS, hops on, CODE RED! Cover, TWO, into VENDAVAL!! Desperado shouts as he endures the hold! Fans rally, Desperado moves around, reaches out, but Wato pulls on the hold! Desperado powers through to the ROPEBREAK! Wato lets go and fans fire up. Wato grabs at Desperado but Desperado is dead weight. Wato stomps Desperado, drags him back up, and scoops, but Desperado slips out! But the leg jams!
Wato kicks, Desperado ducks and waistlocks but Wato switches. Desperado spins things around to gut wrench and GUITARRA- NO, Wato slips free! Wato waistlocks, lifts, but Desperado fights! Desperado reaches for the ropes but Wato brings him back. Desperado elbows free, spins around, but Wato blocks the suplex! Fans rally and duel as the two struggle for control! Desperado suplexes but Wato scoops! TTD!! Fans fire up and Wato puts Desperado in a drop zone! Wato goes up top, takes aim, R P P FLOPS! Desperado avoids the hit and fans fire back up! Desperado roars, runs in from the corner, and SPEARS!!
Fans fire up, Desperado drags Wato up, GUITARRA DEL ANGEL!! Cover, TWO!! Wato survives and Desperado can’t believe it! Desperado roars, fans fire up with him, and he drags Wato back up. Desperado reels Wato in, underhooks, PINCHE- NO, Wato sunset flips it! TWO!! Desperado prawn holds, TWO!! They roll around, Desperado gets the leg for the STRETCH MUFFLER!! Wato rolls it to a cradle, TWO!! Wato hurries up, takes aim, and BUZZSAWS! Both men are down and fans fire back up! Wato roars, he wants Desperado to get up! Desperado rises, Wato- LOCO MONO!!! Desperado staggers around, but he fires back up!
Desperado drags Wato up, for PINCHE LOCO!!! Cover, Desperado wins!
Winner: El Desperado, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Wato earns 0)
Rivals or not, that was a powerful showdown! And in the end, the Rogue Luchador is still near the front of the pack! Will he be able to use this momentum to take a spot in the semifinals?
Best of the Super Juniors 30, A Block: Lio Rush VS Hiromu Takahashi!
The Bad Child has been rolling, overcoming Sho’s cheating and taking Taguchi seriously. But now he runs into the Ticking Timebomb, who while 1-1, is still the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion and defending BOSJ winner. Will Lio’s win streak blow up in his face? Or will this be Hiromu’s Final Hour?
Hiromu’s picture diary entry for Lio Rush is that he is a “dangerous dragon.” The bell rings and fans rally up for “HI-RO-MU!” Lio and Hiromu get face to face, and Lio says it won’t go like last time. Then both men run the ropes, but then stop before running into each other. They go to their respective rights, but then stop again. They both go Lio’s left, but then stop to go Hiromu’s left, and then stop again! Fans cheer as these two stand off. Lio and Hiromu decide to circle now, and Lio rallies the fans up with claps. The two then approach, crouch low, and feel things out. They knuckle lock but then Hiromu kicks low.
Hiromu whips, Lio slides to stop, Hiromu rushes in but Lio gets out of the way. Hiromu chases Lio to the other corner, and Red Shoes barely gets out of the way in time as Lio runs to the next corner. Lio slides out of the ring, eggs Hiromu on, then goes around the corner as Hiromu rushes out. Lio slides in, Hiromu pursues, but Lio goes Matrix, then fires off kick after kick and an ENZIGURI! Hiromu bails out and fans rally as Lio builds speed. Hiromu slides back in, but Lio redirects. Hiromu follows, Lio ducks, but Hiromu SHOTGUNS! Lio bails out now and Hiromu rolls out after him. Hiromu brings Lio up and fireman’s carries.
Lio fights free, RAMS Hiromu into the apron, then gets space. Lio comes back, but Hiromu fireman’s carries! Hiromu tells commentary to brace itself! Milano Collection AT and the rest panic but Lio slips off to stop Hiromu. Lio then snap suplexes Hiromu to the floor! Hiromu writhes and Lio grabs the picture diary to hold it up for everyone to see. “That’s a damn good picture.” Lio fetches Hiromu, he asks a fan if he can borrow a chair, and the fan obliges. Lio tells Red Shoes it’s okay, it’s not like that. Lio ROCKS Hiromu, makes him take a seat, and then CHOPS Hiromu! Red Shoes reprimands and tells Lio to get in the ring.
Lio obliges, and he slides into the ring, to then slide back out. Lio rallies the fans again, gets some space, and then he runs all the way around the ring, to come back in, only for Hiromu to OVERHEAD Belly2Belly Lio onto the chair! Fans fire up while Lio writhes. Red Shoes checks on Lio but somehow he’s okay to continue. Red Shoes isn’t sure what to do with the busted chair, though. Hiromu kindly asks someone bring a new one for the fan to use. Hiromu then puts Lio in the ring, covers, but Red Shoes says hold on! Hiromu asks why and Red Shoes brings up the chair! Hiromu stalks Lio to a corner, and CHOPS!
Lio staggers away to another corner, but Hiromu CHOPS him there, too. Lio goes to another corner, and Hiromu waits on him to stand up. Hiromu whips corner to corner to clothesline, snapmare and basement dropkick! Cover, TWO! Hiromu wraps on a headscissors squeeze! Lio endures, Hiromu pushes up for more pressure, but Lio pushes back. Lio turns things over, Hiromu holds tight, but Lio turns again and gets the ROPEBREAK! Fans applaud as Hiromu lets off slowly and cleanly. Hiromu stalks Lio, eggs him on, and Lio throws body shots. Hiromu eggs him on more, Lio throws forearms, but Hiromu DECKS Lio!
Hiromu drags Lio up, whips him to ropes, but Lio reverses. Hiromu holds ropes, BOOTS back, then goes up to get the headscissors! Lio pries the hold open, but Hiromu clamps on again! Red Shoes reprimands Hiromu but Lio keeps prying at the scissors. Hiromu tightens down again, but Lio powers up a third time. Lio dumps Hiromu up and out! Hiromu hits off the apron and clutches a shin. Lio goes out to the apron and KICKS Hiromu! Hiromu staggers, Lio builds speed, and Lio DIVES! Direct hit and they land between Japanese and English commentary! But Lio keeps going, he gets in and DIVES again!
Fans fire up as the Young Lions keep them from falling onto fans. Lio gets back into the ring, he goes again, for another… Wait, Lio rebounds to build even more speed, and then DIVE!! Direct hit and now even the Young Lions fall over! Red Shoes checks everyone, and somehow, both men are okay. The fans rally for “HI-RO-MU!” and a ring count starts. Lio stirs at 5 of 20, crawls his way over, but both men are still down at 10. The count reaches 15, Lio reaches the apron! Lio slides in at 17, Hiromu springs in at 19! Fans cheer and Lio is beside himself. Lio rises up and the fans rally again.
Lio hobbles over, brings Hiromu up, but Hiromu ROCKS him with a forearm! Lio shakes it off, brings Hiromu up, but Hiromu ROCKS him again! Lio tries again, but Hiromu ROCKS him again! Hiromu fireman’s carries, but Lio fights free. Lio fires off a flurry and forearm! But Hiromu roars! Lio dodges, and comes back with a JUMP KNEE! Lio brings Hiromu up, fireman’s carries, and spins around, for a COUNTERCLOCKWISE F5! Would that be a 5F? Cover, TWO!! Hiromu survives and Lio grows frustrated. Fans rally, Lio says it is time! Lio waits as Hiromu rises, and then Lio springboards, RUSH- NO, Hiromu catches him to a waistlock!
Hiromu lifts, Lio fights it and slips under! Lio kicks but Hiromu blocks it! Hiromu flips Lio, Lio lands on his feet, but Hiromu fireman’s carries! CORNER DEATH VALLEY! Both men are down and fans fire up again! Lio crawls to the apron but Hiromu follows him out there. Hiromu drags Lio up, but Lio SLAPS him! Lio flips Hiromu off, so Hiromu SUPERKICKS him! Hiromu roars, fireman’s carries, and APRON DEATH VALLEY! Lio flops off the apron and Hiromu has a wild grin on his face. Hiromu roars again, fans fire back up, and Hiromu puts Lio back in the ring. Another fireman’s carry, DYNAMITE PLUNGER! Cover, TWO!!
Lio survives and the fans rally up. Lio flounders around but Hiromu crawls after him. Hiromu fires up, runs the ropes, but Lio SUPERKICKS!! Lio hurries to a corner! Lio climbs up, fans fire up, FINAL- NO, Lio has to bail out as Hiromu moves! Lio runs back in, into an OVERHEAD- Wait! Lio lands safe on the ropes! And then mule kicks Hiromu down, to VADER BOMB! And then Lio goes back up top, for a FINAL HOUR onto knees! Hiromu saves himself, rolls to the fireman’s carry, TIME- NO, Lio slips out of the timebomb! Hiromu SUPERKICKS! Lio PELES! Hiromu ROLLING ELBOWS! Lio 720 ROLLING ELBOWS!!
Both men wobble, Lio roars and fans fire up! Lio runs, but Hiromu dodges! HIROMU-CHAN BOMBER! Lio takes it, drops to his knees, but Hiromu fires up more! Hiromu runs again, into SPANISH FLY!! And then a STUNNER!! Hiromu flops into a drop zone and Lio hurries to a corner! Lio goes up, roars, and FINAL- NO, Hiromu is up! CUTTER!! Cover, TWO!!! The fans are thunderous as Hiromu rises. Hiromu drags Lio up by his hair, fireman’s carries, but Lio pops up to POISON-RANA! Lio roars, runs, springboard and RUSH HOUR!!! Lio hurries to a corner, climbs up, and FINAL HOUR to Hiromu’s back!!
Hiromu writhes, Lio crawls back to cover him, TWO!!! Hiromu survives somehow, but Lio is too tired to be upset. Both men stir as Red Shoes checks them. The fans rally up, Lio hobbles to a corner and climbs back up. Hiromu hurries after him! Hiromu lifts Lio into a fireman’s carry, but Lio throws down elbows! Lio slips down, and he HEADBUTTS Hiromu! And again! And again and again and again!! Lio roars, and gives one last BIG HEADBUTT! Hiromu falls, into FINAL HOUR!!! Cover, LIO WINS!!
Winner: Lio Rush, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Hiromu earns 0)
The IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion falls in the main event! He’s 1-2, will he have to give Lio a title match no matter what happens in the tournament?
As for Lio, he takes a moment and gets the mic. “NAGOYAAA~!” The fans cheer, and then chant for “LIO! LIO! LIO!” Lio says, “In my eyes, this… was the hardest test that I’ve had to overcome in my life! NAGOYAAAA~! This win means everything to me. This win… means everything to my family. And believe it or not, you guys… are my family!” Fans cheer Lio again and he encourages them to get louder! Lio then says he will leave it at this: “One simple task. One last thing I will leave you all with. The Best of Super Junior 30 Champion will be the Bad Child, Lio Rush!” Fans love the confidence! Will Lio truly be the Man of the Hour in this tournament?
Here are the NEW A Block standings!
Mike Bailey: 3-0, 6 points
Taiji Ishimori: 3-0, 6 points
Lio Rush: 3-0, 6 points
Titán: 2-1, 4 points
Hiromu Takahashi: 1-2, 2 points
DOUKI: 1-2, 2 points
TJP: 1-2, 2 points
SHO: 1-2, 2 points
KUSHIDA: 0-3, 0 points
Ryusuke Taguchi: 0-3, 0 points
Here are the NEW B Block standings!
Francesco Akira: 2-1, 4 points
Robbie Eagles: 2-1, 4 points
Yoshinobu Kanemaru: 2-1, 4 points
Clark Connors: 2-1, 4 points
Dan Moloney: 2-1, 4 points
El Desperado: 2-1, 4 points
YOH: 1-2, 2 points
Master Wato: 1-2, 2 points
Kevin Knight: 1-2, 2 points
BUSHI: 0-3, 0 points
My Thoughts:
An awesome round here to round out the weekend. I suppose the only real low point was that it was The House of Torture winning against Taguchi instead of Serious Taguchi winning out. But at least there was some creativity, where for that first half, it looked like Sho was gonna be straight up with Taguchi. The shocker is that Kushida is 0-3 right now, because he is both IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champion and Kushida. At this point, it feels like Kushida won’t even be a semifinalist because he’d have to win six straight.
I do like that Mike Bailey, Taiji Ishimori and Lio Rush are 3-0. All great matches from each of them, but Lio VS Hiromu was awesome stuff. That was definitely main event worthy, and quite the surprise for Hiromu to be on the downside at this point. As I said for a previous night, Hiromu will owe those who beat him after the tournament, as is NJPW’s use of tradition. Hiromu VS Speedball and Hiromu VS Lio before taking on the tournament winner (assuming it isn’t him for a fourth year in a row) will be awesome rematches, and will make for great summer content.
My Score: 8.9/10
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IF YA SMELLALALALALALA~…!
As Cody Rhodes teams with Damian Priest & Braun Strowman against Solo Sikoa’s Bloodline, FINALLY, The Rock has come back to SmackDown!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Drew McIntyre VS Jimmy Uso; Jimmy wins.
- The Miz & Carmelo Hayes VS R-Truth & LA Knight; Miz & Melo win.
- Tiffany Stratton VS Candice LeRae w/ Nia Jax; Tiff wins.
- Naomi w/ Bianca Belair VS Liv Morgan w/ Raquel Rodriguez; No Contest.
- WWE Tag Team Championships: #DIY VS Pretty Deadly; Pretty Deadly wins, by disqualification, and DIY retain the titles.
- Six Man Tag: Cody Rhodes, Damian Priest & Braun Strowman VS Solo Sikoa, Jacob Fatu & Tama Tonga; changed to…
- Damian Priest & Braun Strowman VS Solo Sikoa & Jacob Fatu w/ Tama Tonga; Priest & Braun win.
PLAY BY PLAY
Cody Rhodes talks with Nick Aldis backstage.
They shake hands, but the SmackDown General Manager tells the WWE Champion there’s been a change: Cody’s out of the Six Man Tag match. What? Why would Aldis do that? It is out of Aldis’s hands. Wait, Solo Sikoa shows up to do what he did, but they can’t do the Six Man Tag that they advertised? How is this out of Aldis’s hands? Who do they need to talk to so they can do the match? Aldis says there’s no one either of them can call, if you smell what’s cooking. This is coming from The Final Boss, and The Final Boss wants to see Cody in the ring tonight. What business could The Great One have with The American Nightmare?
Drew McIntyre VS Jimmy Uso!
The Scottish Terminator rubbed it in Big Jim’s face that only one of them is going to Elimination Chamber in Toronto, which Big Jim was able to brush off. But McIntyre harping on how only one Uso is going to WrestleMania was a step too far. These two look to have it out, but is Jimmy just playing into McIntyre’s hands? Or will McIntyre get embarrassed by “the other Uso” this close to that big time match?
Speaking of, Jimmy has a message for Drew as he heads to gorilla. “Everybody know you’re going to Elimination Chamber, right? But Big Jimmy got a question for the Big Easy: Will Drew go onto the Elimination Chamber and win that? Will Drew go onto WrestleMania and win that? Ey, Drew, I think we got an answer for you, Uce. The answer is…” “NO YEET!” Jimmy makes his entrance, the bell rings, and the fans rally behind Jimmy. Jimmy and Drew jaw, and then Drew raises his hands, to say UP YOURS! But Jimmy ROCKS and CHOPS away! Drew puts Jimmy in a corner, Jimmy dodges to CHOP!
Jimmy climbs and he rains down fists! The fans count, Drew dumps Jimmy tot eh apron at 5, but Jimmy GAMANGIRIS! Jimmy goes up, CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO! Jimmy hurries to CHOP, then he whips. Drew reverses to send Jimmy to the corner. Jimmy BOOTS back, goes up, and leaps, but into a clinch! OVERHEAD BELLY2BELLY! Jimmy flounders to a corner, Drew runs up to SPLASH and OVERHEAD BELLY2BELLY! Jimmy flounders again, the ref has Drew hold on, and Jimmy bails out. Drew storms out to get Jimmy and he whips Jimmy HARD into barrier! The fans boo but Drew looms over Jimmy.
The ring count starts, Drew mockingly calls him “Jey,” then puts Jimmy in the ring. Drew says NO MANIA for Jimmy. Drew stands Jimmy up, ROCKS him, then runs up, only for Jimmy to put him on the apron! Drew blocks a superkick, but not the DRAGON WHIP! Drew drops, Jimmy DIVES! Down goes Drew and the fans fire up! Jimmy grins, goes back to the apron, and then aims. But Drew stops the Penalty Kick to THROW Jimmy down! Drew then has Jimmy in the Reverse Alabama Lift! REVERSE ALABAMA SLAM onto the steel steps! Drew stands on the desk to say “NO YEET!” while SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Drew revels in the heat from New Orleans, then he leaves Jimmy behind. The ref checks Jimmy, he’s able to continue, so a ring count starts. Drew paces while Jimmy stirs. Jimmy drags himself up using the desk, then lunges in at 9! Drew is annoyed but he rains down fists! Drew stomps Jimmy, then eggs him on. Jimmy rises as the fans rally, but Drew is right on him in the corner. Drew winds up, but Jimmy counter punches! And CHOPS! And CHOPS! And whips, only for Drew to reverses. Jimmy goes up, but Drew KICKS him out of the air! Drew then hauls Jimmy up, snap suplex! Cover, TWO!
Drew says okay, Big Jim. He clamps onto Jimmy with a top wristlock and grinds the arm. Jimmy fights up, fireman’s carries, but Drew elbows free. Drew bumps Jimmy off buckles, then hauls him up to the top rope! Drew CLUBS Jimmy on the back, climbs up, then CLUBS Jimmy more. Jimmy fires elbows and Drew drops back. But Drew runs up to CLUB Jimmy again! SmackDown returns to single picture as Drew CLUBS away on Jimmy again! Jimmy keeps taunting “Jey,” then drags him up. Jimmy fights the back suplex! The fans rally, Jimmy fires hands and a HEADBUTT! Jimmy SMACKS Drew off the post!
Jimmy rises to USO IN THE WIND! Down goes Drew and the fans fire up! A standing count starts while both men stir on the mat. They both stand at 5, and Drew swings! Jimmy counter punches, then fires more shots! Mule kick, UPPERCUT, but then Jimmy dodges Drew! SAMOAN DROP! Cover, TWO! Drew is tougher than that, but Jimmy hurries to a corner. Jimmy aims as Drew goes to the other corner, “UCE! OH! UCE! OH!” Jimmy runs, but Drew FLYING HEADBUTTS! The Glasgow Kiss stuns Jimmy, and Drew hits a SPINEBUSTER! Jackknife bridge, TWO! Jimmy shows his own toughness, and the fans rally behind him.
Drew paces, then he stalks Jimmy. Drew stands Jimmy up, reels him in, but Jimmy fights the underhooks! Jimmy wrenches, UPPERCUTS, but Drew ROCKS Jimmy back! Jimmy UPPERCUTS, Drew HAYMAKERS! Drew whips, Jimmy reverses and Drew ends up on the apron! Drew ROCKS Jimmy first, then climbs the corner! FLYING- SUPERKICK! Jimmy runs to SPEAR! Cover, TWO!! Drew survives, Jimmy’s spear doesn’t hit quite like The Tribal Chief’s. Jimmy goes to the corner, climbs up, and the fans rally up. USO- NO, Jimmy rolls through as Drew moves! Drew dodges a lariat to NECKBREAKER!
Both men are down, the fans rally, and Drew kips up! Drew scowls as he aims at Jimmy. “THREE! TWO! ONE!” CLAY- SUPERKICK!! Jimmy hits first! GLASGOW KISS returns! Drew reels Jimmy in, “This is your WrestleMania! This is as close as you get!” Drew shouts Jimmy is nothing, then ROCKS him with forearm after forearm! GLASGOW KISS! Another Reverse Alabama, but Jimmy victory rolls it! JIMMY WINS!!!
Winner: Jimmy Uso, by pinfall
Drew is furious, but his own ego caught him there! But then Drew CLOBBERS Jimmy! The fans boo Drew being a sore loser, but he puts Jimmy back in the ring! Drew rains down fists, then he DRIBBLES Jimmy off the mat! The ref reprimands, the fans boo, but Drew says that was Jimmy’s Mania Moment! Drew will win the Chamber, he will go to Mania, and he will win there! Jimmy means NOTHING to Drew! Drew puts Jimmy up against the post, then takes aim! The fans boo, but refs and producers rush out here! They swarm Drew to keep him from going after Jimmy again. Drew says fine, fine, then takes his leave.
Producers help Jimmy to his feet, but then Drew BLASTS through the refs! CLAYMORE for Jimmy!! The Scottish Terminator hits his target, then laughs as he actually leaves. Will McIntyre make this his Road to WrestleMania?
A car pulls into the parking lot.
And out steps Solo Sikoa. Solo heads inside, and he finds Jacob Fatu & Tama Tonga waiting. Solo tells them that last week with Tama, that was an accident. Jacob says yeah, it’s all good, Uce. But keep it 100: If it wasn’t an accident, Solo wouldn’t be standing here right now. Well, good! Glad to see we’re all on the same page. Solo says he will be in the corner during the match for Jacob & Tama. Uh, no, Solo, no disrespect, but Jacob & Tama have been running things on SmackDown these past couple weeks. So tonight, it’s Jacob & Solo running the play? Yadada mean? Yeah, of course. And that right there, Jacob, is exactly why Solo loves him.
Solo says he’ll be back, he has to talk with Nick Aldis. Solo heads out, but will he really just step right back into place from before he lost the ula fala?
Carmelo Hayes is backstage.
R-Truth calls out to Melo, and says for the first time ever, Truth VS Melo! What’s Truth talking about? Duh, they have a match. No, Truth, Melo knows. But they had a match last week. Truth says he has never met Melo in his life, but they have a tag match tonight. What? No, they don’t. Who even made this match? Him. Truth, they are not going through this H1M who’s on first thing again. Melo is H1M. No, him made the match. The Miz!? Miz says he’s H1M. So now there’s two of you? No no no! Melo is H1M, this is The Miz! Yeah, #MeloDon’tMiz! NO! That’s not a thing! Tonight, they are. Who’s Truth’s partner?
Truth says he’s got a guy. A Louisiana legend! In fact, he just got here, so Truth’s gotta go. Laters. Miz says he has been workshopping this, and the fans love it. Think about it: Melo Don’t Miz! Melo Don’t Miz! And we are…! Melo shakes his head. Truth steps in and says Miz just wants Melo to say, “Awesome.” Miz offers a fist bump, Melo says no. Will Melo wish he had missed tonight’s show? Or will Miz actually help H1M get another win?
Zelina Vega speaks.
“My whole life, people have taken one look at me, and they try to define me. My size has never stopped me before. It never stopped me from becoming tag team champion. Or my personal favorite, the history-making first-time-ever Queen of the Ring. That’s me. Make no mistake about it, I’ve never had it easy. I had to scratch and claw to get anything around here. But this is a fresh start. Because I have something to prove. And my dreams are a lot bigger than your measuring stick. It ain’t over until Zelina Vega says it’s over.”
The Miz & Carmelo Hayes VS R-Truth & ???
Miz makes his entrance but Melo kinda steps all over it. So he already missed his cue… But who did Truth find to team with him in the Big Easy? We’ll see, after the break.
SmackDown returns and Truth makes his entrance. “What’s up?” Well, more like who is his partner? He’ll tell us! His tag team partner is a local legend, born and bred right here in New Orleans! Ladies and gentlemen, welcome Louisiana Knight! Wait, he means L A Knight! Yes, Louisiana abbreviated is LA, but that’s not… Oh, Truth… Truth gives Knight a Po’ Boy and some Mardi Gras beads, so Knight embraces it. The teams sort out, and Truth calls out him! Does he mean Miz or Melo? Well, Melo says he is H1M, so that’s who starts. The fans cheer on Knight while Truth and Melo tie up. Melo KNEES low, whips, but Truth reverses.
Melo springboards, FADEAWAY JUMPER! Melo makes his free throw, but Truth drop toeholds! Truth headlocks, Melo powers up and out but Truth whips! Melo turns hip toss into lateral press, TWO! Truth has a ghost pin, TWO! Melo trips to cover, ONE! Truth trips to cover, ONE! Melo runs up, Truth does the splits, and then hits a BIG hip toss! The fans fire up, Truth counts, Melo gets up at TWO, but Truth was just goofing. The ref explains to Truth that he is the ref, not Truth! Melo is annoyed, he runs up on Truth, but Truth wrenches him around! Melo pulls hair but Knight tags in. The fans fire up as Knight fires hands!
Knight ROCKS Melo, whips Melo, but Melo reverses! SWINGING NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Knight drags Melo up to tag Truth back in, and Truth ROCKS Melo! Melo staggers, but he refuses to tag! Truth arm-drags Melo, then grinds the arm. Melo insists he’s got this, then arm-drags free. Truth staggers up, he and Melo bump heads! Truth staggers around more, and he tags Miz?! Truth forgot The Awesome Truth isn’t a thing anymore! Again! Melo BLASTS Truth off the apron, the fans boo, but Miz tags himself in! Melo is annoyed, but Miz goes to fetch Truth while SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns again, and Melo has Truth. Truth ROCKS Melo, but Melo holds onto the wristlock! Truth reaches for Knight, Knight reaches for Truth, but Melo holds on. Truth takes a swing, but into an O’Conner Roll! TWO and Melo BLASTS Knight! Truth rolls Melo up, TWO! Melo kicks low, calls his shot, but Truth suplexes for a STUNNER! The fans fire up while both men are down! Truth and Melo crawl, hot tags to Miz and Knight! The fans fire up as Knight rallies on Miz! “YEAH! YEAH!” Knight whips, Miz reverses, but Knight lEAPING LARIATS! Knight TOSSES Melo in for good measure!
Knight stomps a mudhole into Melo, “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” LARIAT for Miz! KNEE for Melo! Knight scoops and POWERSLAMS Miz! Knight keeps running, JUMP ELBOW DROP! Cover, TWO! Knight stays on Miz as he brings Miz up. Knight ROCKS Miz, then ROCKS him again! Knight whips, Miz grabs the ropes. Miz KICKS, then takes a swing, but into a back suplex! Miz lands out, tag to Melo! Miz ELBOWS Knight, but Knight scoops! Miz tilt-o-whirls through, Melo SUPERKICKS Knight down! cover, TWO! Knight stays in this but Melo says he’s got this! Melo waits on Knight, then leaps, but NO 48!
Knight kicks low, but NO B F T! Tag to Truth! Knight ELBOWS Melo, Truth runs in! CENA SHOULDER TACKLES! Then the SPIN OUT BOMB! Truth says it’s time! “YOU CANT SEE ME~!” truth runs for the FIVE KNCUKLE SHUFFLE! Truth then fireman’s carries, but Melo slips free! Melo shoves, Truth dodges, and Truth hits the LIE DETECTOR! Truth then gets Melo in the S T R-TRUTH! But Miz CLOBBERS Truth! Knight ROCKS Miz, then LARIATS him up and out! Knight then goes out to THROW Miz into barriers! The fans fire up again, but NAKAMURA ATTACKS KNIGHT!
The fans boo, but the sinister samurai then POSTS Knight!! Nakamura slithers away while Melo keeps the ref’s attention! Truth sees Knight is down, Melo runs up, but Truth dodges! Miz tags in, full nelson, and a FIRST 48 FINALE COMBO?!? Cover, Miz & Melo win!!
Winners: The Miz & Carmelo Hayes, by pinfall
Well, what do you know? Nakamura aside, Miz and Melo made it work! Okay, they’re both trying to hog the spotlight, but is there a future for Melo Don’t Miz? Will Knight only have more of a reason to take that title off Nakamura now?
Charlotte Flair speaks.
“The GOAT… doesn’t have to call themselves The GOAT. Now, I have crafted a legacy that no one, I mean no one, can touch. And I’m back.” The Women’s Royal Rumble Winner chose Tiffany Stratton, but will The Queen take back her throne? Or will WWE always be on #TiffyTime? Speaking of…
Tiffany Stratton VS Candice LeRae!
The WWE Women’s Champion may have gotten past Nia Jax, but now she knows Charlotte Flair is waiting for her at WrestleMania, and is going to be teaming with Trish Stratus in Toronto! Will she be in Tiffy Top Shape for that Tiffy Trishy dream match? Or will the Poison Pixie be quite the problem all on her own?
Before the match, Tiff grabs a mic while the fans cheer. Tiffy says, “I know, I know. You know it, you know it, and you know it. Ever since I won this title, everybody’s just been so obsessed with me. And last week, I had Nia Jax beat, until Candice LeRae decided to interfere and help her little meal ticket. And at Elimination Chamber, Trish Stratus and I make sure the Unstoppable Force comes to a definitive end!” The fans cheer that, but Tiff says enough about them. Let’s talk Charlotte Flair. The fans boo that name, but Tiff says Charlotte took her sweet old time, grabbed a chair, grabbed a mic, and she looked down on Tiff.
Charlotte chose Tiff as her WrestleMania opponent. In that moment, Tiff’s dream came true! And as she lied down there and looked up at Charlotte, she realized the rumors are true: No one loves to kick a girl when she’s down quite like Charlotte Flair. So at WrestleMania, Tiff isn’t coming for Charlotte’s legacy; that’s all Charlotte’s. Tiff is coming for the spot Charlotte desires the most: The number one spot as the top girl in the WWE! But here comes Nia & Candice to interrupt. Nia has a mic to tell Tiffy, “I Have to say, this is really cute. Like, it’s really cute that you actually think you were gonna beat me last week.”
Doesn’t Candice think that is cute? Candice says yes, it is so~ cute. And Tiff wouldn’t even be standing there if not for little Trish Stratus~. Exactly! And it’s even cuter that Tiff is out here talking about Charlotte when she wont’ even see WrestleMania! Because after Nia & Candide destroy Tiff at Elimination Chamber, Nia is coming back for her WWE Women’s Championship. Nia & Candice step up to the ring, and Nia says Tiff won’t even see the Grandest Stage of Them All. Tiff tells Nia to just give it up. This title isn’t even hers anymore. And once Tiff beats Candice tonight, Nia won’t have anyone to do her dirty work anymore!
Candice tells Tiffy that while they’re meant have a match right now, she and Nia are feeling impatient. Nia says they should just get rid of Tiff right now! But the ref steps in and says not gonna happen! Tiff VS Candice will, after the break.
SmackDown returns and Candice has Tiffy down with an armlock. Tiff fights up as the fans rally, but Candice wrenches to wristlock. Tiff spins through, goes to ropes, then up the corner to flip and arm-drag! The fans fire up as Tiff rallies on Candice! DROPKICK, and Tiff snarls! Tiff goes to the corner, and Charlotte makes her entrance? The Queen chooses to be fashionably late all so everyone looks at her, including Tiffy. Tiffy handsprings, but Candice dodges! Candice runs up to UPPERCUT, then she snapmares and NECK SNAPPERS! Jackknife bridge, TWO! Candice clamps onto Tiffy with a top wristlock.
The fans “WOO~” as Charlotte now chooses to join commentary. Tiff fights up, has the ROPEBREAK, but Candice CLUBS away on her! Candice backs off, runs up, but Tiff drop toeholds her to ropes! Tiff runs, HIP ATTACKS, and Candice flops back! Cover, TWO! Tiff stays on Candice with a whip, but Candice reverses. Candice CLOBBERS Tiff, covers, TWO! Charlotte corrects Tiffy’s words earlier: Charlotte isn’t the “top girl,” she is THE woman in WWE. Candice HIP DROPS Tiff but the fans rally up. Candice scuffs Tiff, then grinds an arm to drop a knee on the elbow! And another knee drop! Tiff endures and the fans rally up.
Candice keeps on that arm, thrashes it around, but Tiff fights up. Tiff fires body shots, then shoves Candice to Alabama Lift her! Candice sunset flips, Tiff rolls through, TIFFY STOMPS! Cover, TWO! Tiff is frustrated and Candice bails out. Tiff goes to the apron, goes up the corner, and ARIHARA MOONSAULTS! Direct hit on Candice and Nia, and Tiff almost stuck the landing! The fans fire up with Tiff and she goes into the ring. Tiff points to the WrestleMania sign, and then at Charlotte, but SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Tiff waits on Candice, Candice slides in, and Tiff stomps her down! Candice bails out, Nia is there to coach her, but Tiff lets the ring count start. Candice gets on the apron, Tiff kicks her, but Candice RAMS Tiff! Candice CLUBS Tiff, has her in the ropes, and hits a NECKBREAKER HOTSHOT! Candice climbs, aims, and leaps to MISSILE DROPKICK Tiff down! Cover, TWO! Candice is frustrated but this is why Tiff’s a champ. The fans rally, but Candice stomps Tiff! Candice scowls at the fans, stalks Tiff, then brings her up. Tiff fires body shots, then she rolls Candice up! TWO, and Candice CLOBBERS Tiff! Cover, TWO, into a ghost pin! TWO!
Candice escapes to hit a CODE BREAKER! Both women are down, but Candice scowls again as she crawls over to Tiff. Candice rains down fists, Nia tells fans to shut up, and Candice steps on Tiff’s face. Candice huffs ‘n’ puffs, pushes Tiff around, then scuffs her. Tiff rolls Candice up again, TWO! Candice DECKS Tiff! Cover, TWO! Charlotte is stoic on commentary as Candice drags Tiff up and puts her in a corner. Candice fires hands, then backs off. Candice runs up to ROCK Tiff again! Candice then runs, but Tiff dodges! SmackDown returns to single picture, and Tiff rallies with LARIAT after LARIAT! The fans fire up, Tiff handsprings, BACK ELBOW!
Tiff then reels Candice in for a SKY HIGH! High stack, TWO! The fans rally for Tiff, Nia coaches Candice, but Charlotte still seems nonplussed. Tiff and Candice rise, and Candice runs up. Candice puts Tiff on the apron, but Tiff ROCKS her! Tiff bumps Candice off buckles, then goes up, but Candice ROCKS her back! Candice climbs up, and she fires hands on Tiff! Tiff fights the suplex! Tiff DECKS Candice, then adjusts position, to SANTON- FLOP! Candice ghost pins, TWO!! Tiff escapes, but Candice hits the step-up SENTON! And then a LIONSAUL FLOP! Tiff hurries to fireman’s carry, ROLLING SENTON! And then PRETTIEST MOON- NO, Nia drags Candice out of the ring!
The fans boo, Nia tells them to shut up, but Tiff is on the apron! Nia swings, Tiff cartwheels over, and then she DROPKICKS Nia! Tiff Alabama Lifts Candice, to ALABAMA SLAM her into barriers! Tiff stares down Charlotte, tells her just wait for Mania, then she puts Candice in the ring. Tiff goes to the corner, PRETTIEST MOONSAULT EVER!! Cover, Tiff wins!
Winner: Tiffany Stratton, by pinfall
Charlotte gives moderate applause, but Nia CLOBBERS Tiff from behind! The fans boo, but Nia just drags Tiff to a corner. Nia goes up, but wait! Trish is here!! The fans fire up for the legend as she rushes into the ring! Trish avoids a haymaker to CHICK KICK! Then THESZ PRESS for Candice! And then a SPINEBUSTER! Trish helps Tiff to her feet, but Nia grabs them both! Trish fires fast hands on Nia! Candice CHOP BLOCKS Trish! Tiff is still dazed, Nia HEADBUTTS her back down! Nia & Candice mug Trish, and then Nia HEADBUTTS Trish! Trish & Tiff are side by side, and Nia drags them into the drop zone! A-NIA-LATOR!!
The fans boo but there’s nothing can be done! Nia grins as she helps Candice away, will these two trash Trish & Tiff in Toronto? Charlotte steps into the ring, stands over Tiff, and points to the WrestleMania sign. Will The Irresistible Force & Poison Pixie unwittingly do the dirty work of The Queen of Flair?
Cody talks with Damian Priest backstage.
Priest asks why Cody’s boy, The Rock, is here tonight. Cody says given the time of year, his guess is as good as anyone’s. But tonight will surely be eventful. Cody congratulates Priest on entering the Elimination Chamber. Priest says what’s wild is, last year, they both walked out as champions. What sucks is that this year, only one of them can. Now, Priest is man enough and he respects Cody to say that after Chamber, he’s coming for that title. Cody says he wouldn’t have it any other way. Cody heads out, but what business does The Rock have tonight?
Braun Strowman steps in, and he tells Priest that congrats on winning, and good luck in the Chamber. But let’s be honest, Braun had Jacob dead to rights last week. If not for Solo Sikoa, things would look a lot different next week. Priest chuckles and says take it easy, he’s sounding like Drew with the excuses. But it is what it is, Priest just beat Braun to the punch. But that was last week. Tonight, Solo and Jacob, two of the baddest men in the business. Priest & Braun handling business? Oh, they’re handling business. The only business Braun cares about is getting his hands on those two. Priest says Braun definitely will.
Braun heads out, will the Monster of All Monsters and the Archer of Infamy make sure Solo & Jacob #GetTheseHands? Or will the rogues run roughshod all over SmackDown once again?
Backstage interview with Naomi & Bianca Belair.
Byron Saxton is with the WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions and brings up last week’s SmackDown, the security footage led us to believe Liv Morgan & Raquel Rodriguez were the ones behind Jade Cargill’s attack. Now, hold on, Saxton. They don’t think, Naomi knows they were. Fair enough. But this Monday, they can get their revenge when they defend the tag titles against Liv & Raquel. How ready are they for this match? Bianca says so ready! They have been waiting for months for an update. Jade has been recovering, she hasn’t been able to call or text, so the GlowEST took matters into their own hands to get revenge.
Bianca & Naomi will handle Liv & Raquel, then move on to Elimination Chamber, where one of them is gonna win to face Rhea at WrestleMania. Not only will you #FeelTheGlowEST on Monday, but Liv feels it tonight! #Let’sGLOW! The champs head out, but will they clear their Road to WrestleMania of any other distractions?
Alexa Bliss speaks.
“When I was away, there was a lot of… change that happened in me. But when I look around, I see this place is still the same. The names and faces may be different, but the desperation and insecurity remains the same. You’ll see Toronto when I turn the Elimination Chamber into something of a playground of my own. I know the Chamber. I love the Chamber. I’ve won the Chamber. And for the other five women, it’s gonna be a Hell like they’ve never experienced before. Need I remind you, this is my division, and I am in charge.” Bliss smiles and says, “See you soon.” The film comes off the reel, but will things get twisted in Toronto?
Naomi w/ Bianca Belair VS Liv Morgan w/ Raquel Rodriguez!
The Big Easy is all about having fun, and they’re fired up for Naomi’s entrance. But wait! Liv & Raquel don’t wait, they attack Bianca & Naomi while the lights are still down! They mug Naomi, but Bianca drags Liv out of the ring! Then Bianca storms in to fire off on Raquel! The fans fire up, but Liv returns to CHOP BLOCK Bianca! Raquel hauls Bianca up for a TEJANA BOMB!! Naomi runs up, fires more hands, but Liv brings Naomi around. Naomi fires hands on her, but Raquel throws her down! Liv runs up, OBLIVION!
Liv & Raquel stand tall, the refs rush out here, but clearly the singles match isn’t happening. Will we be getting something even meaner and nastier between these four on Monday?
The Rock arrives!
His truck pulls into the parking lot, but we’ll see him in the ring, after the break!
SmackDown returns and…
Aldis is chewing out Liv & Raquel for the attack. He doesn’t know what they get away with on Raw, but they can’t pull that crap here. Now get the hell out of his building. Liv & Raquel just laugh that off, but then Chelsea Green & Piper Niven walk in. Chelsea says have no fear, Chelsea & Piper are here to sub in for Bianca and Naomi at Elimination Chamber. Aldis sighs, and says they’re not missing the Chamber. What? But Chelsea had an outfit picked out! This is a travesty to not have the greatest Canadian export since maple syrup on a Canadian PLE! Does he know who she is? The first-ever, longest reigning, tallest, shortest, prettiest, richest, tannest, sparkliest, oldest, youngest Women’s US Champion! Piper asks what this is aboot, eh?
Aldis says this is them testing his patience. They need to pack their gear and whatever else they want, because they’ll be in action next week on SmackDown in Toronto. And oh, it’ll be a good one. Wait, they need more details! At least an e-calendar notification? Aldis is leaving Chelsea in the dark on what’s coming, will she absolutely hate it?
The Rock heads to the ring!
Wait, what is this New Orleans related remix? The Final Boss steps out on stage, he shows those goosebumps, then continues down the ramp, shaking hands with fans. The Rock hits his signature pose on the corner, but then takes the long way around to pick up a fan’s phone for them before going back into the ring. The fans all cheer for “ROCKY! ROCKY!” and he grabs himself a mic. He waits as the fans continue to chant his name, and then he says, “Ahh, you feel it, don’t you? You feel it. The Rock has got chills up and down his body because you know, on a Friday night, for the Final Boss to get inside his bird and fly all the way here, you know that I’m dropping some ish on you tonight!”
The fans fire up and The Rock smiles. Rock says, “Let’s get this show on the road.” The fans anticipate what’s coming but he says hold on, he’ll do it. “FINALLY! The Rock has come back…” “TO NEW ORLEANS~!” Rock smiles, and he adds, FINALLY, WrestleMania is coming back to New Orleans!! The fans are thunderous to hear that! WrestleMania 30, WrestleMania 34, and now WrestleMania 42!? Yes, next year, 2026, LIVE from the Superdome! One of the greatest cities on Earth in New Orleans, Louisiana! The pyro goes off to commemorate the occasion, and the logo is already on the tron! Rock smiles at that, then he smiles at the WrestleMania 41 Vegas logo.
The fans are losing their minds, as we now know April 11th and 12th, 2026, the Big Easy has the Grandest Stage of Them All. Rock says you damn right holy ish! Oh when the saints go marching in…! Oh how I’d love… Wait, no, this ain’t singalong with The Final Boss! Sit there, shut up, and let The Final Boss sing the song! The fans are torn, but Rock says he sings! Oh how I’d love, to be in that number~! Oh when the saints go marching in~! Okay, that’s good enough. You got him, that was a great duet. The Rock is singing with the largest collection of STD’d trailer trash he has ever seen! The fans can’t believe Rock would do that to them!
Rock says now, dropping this news wasn’t the only gift he was going to drop on us. The Final Boss came here to call somebody out. The Rock will call out a man who he respects, who he admires, and who we all admire. That man is our WWE Champion, the one and only, Cody Rhodes. The fans cheer as The American Nightmare makes his entrance! They sing along with the song, “WHOA~ OH~!” and we get Cody’s pyro before he goes to the ring. Cody gets his second “WHOA~ OH~!” and round of pyro, then he steps inside to join The Rock. The fans cheer Cody on, so he holds up the title and the fans cheer even more.
Cody grabs a mic, but Rock says, “That feels good, doesn’t it? I mean, that’s gotta feel amazing, right? They love you, man.” Cody tells NOLA, “I love you, too.” Rock says this is crazy. Pretty much no one knows this, but since after WrestleMania last year, they’ve actually become good friends. No, it’s true, they have. Last time they were together was the Raw Netflix debut. Rock gave Cody his flowers, told Cody he has carried the company like the incredible champion that he is, so thank you, Cody. Rock meant it, and that night, they went to the back, drank tequila for two hours and had a great ol’ time.
They chopped it up, had a blast, but Rock wants to call Cody out here for something important. Here’s the thing… The fans get a bit rowdy as they wait, and Rock says Cody is a great champion. A great WWE Champion. Cody knows that. Again, they’ve become good friends, so over the months, they’ve texted. Even their moms became good friends! Look! Mama Johnson & Mama Rhodes together after WrestleMania 40! It is a pleasure becoming Cody’s friend. But Rock wanted this face to face to tell him a few things. One: Cody has been a great champion, but he needs to understand. Yes, The Rock, The Final Boss, is on the Board of TKO. And TKO owns WWE.
The Rock is the Director of the Board of TKO. Don’t boo that! The Rock’s good friend, Ari Emanuel, who owns everything Endeavor, The Rock joked with Ari, “Can you believe that you own The WWE?” Ari says he doesn’t own the WWE, The Rock does. Rock said no, no, he doesn’t know if he owns the WWE. But The Rock knows he is the most powerful… Cody, you are a great champion. But Rock wants Cody to be something more. Rock wants Cody to be something more than just our champion. Rock wants Cody to be his champion. The fans don’t like where that’s going.
Cody says he did not expect them to become friends, nor their moms to become friends, nor the tequila. Cody didn’t have that on his bingo card. But becoming The Rock’s champion? The Rock of all people should know, Cody is the people’s champion. The fans cheer Cody more, and Rock says yes! Cody is their champion! Of course! The Rock is also The People’s Champion, he loves that about Cody. This is their universe, they were both born into this business. But Rock means something even bigger than just this. Rock knows Cody’s goal is to bring as much joy and happiness to everyone around the world, as many as possible.
The fans cheer, and Rock says that’s Cody. Cody is that guy, and everyone knows it. Cody is on social media, Instagram, millions of followers. Millions, and millions! The Rock has half a BILLION. That’s not a flex. But The Rock is the most followed American man in the world, that’s what he wants for Cody. Rock wants Cody to be even higher. If Cody becomes The Rock’s Champion, he will open doors to possibilities Cody never even imagined. If Cody becomes The Rock’s Champion, every dream he has ever had can come true. Every dream of Brandi’s, of their daughter’s. Think about how Rock brought them to the premiere of Moana 2, in Hawaii.
Thank you, by the way, for making that cross a BILLION dollars, fans, Rock loves you. Rock has met the Rhodes family, they’re amazing. But imagine it: Cody’s daughter’s children, their dreams, long after Rock and Cody are gone, all those dreams can come true. Rock just needs Cody to be his champion. The fans say don’t do it! Rock tells Cody to just think about it, though. Rock is a very lucky man, he has it all. Cody also has it all. They’re very fortunate. They’re Mama’s Boys, they’re Girl Dads, they’re lucky men. Fans say don’t do it, Rock tells them to shut up or he’ll slap the syphilis off their face! Rock is trying to have a moment here, shut your mouths!
The one thing that Rock has never had, that he wants more than anything, is a brother. And that is what Cody can be. Last year, WrestleMania, Rock’s goal was to face his cousin, Roman Reigns, for the title. Cody knows, the fans know. Rock talked with his friend, HHH. He talked with Nick Khan, who is his friend. They are also Cody’s friends. Rock knew it wasn’t in the plans, but they talked about moving Cody aside to make what was best for business: Rock VS Roman, WrestleMania 40! What’d Cody do? Cody pitched a b*tch fit! Cody told The Rock he ain’t doing it, and he stood up to The Rock. And y’know what else? Cody SLAPPED Rock!
No one does that and gets away with it. But that is why Cody is special. That is why Cody should be Rock’s Champion. And that is why Rock will take Cody from where he is to a level so far above. Rock will make sure every dream, every desire, for generations to come, it all comes true. Rock’s dad, Cody’s dad, Soul Man & American Dream, they are looking down right now. They were friends, Cody and Rock are friends, Cody should be Rock’s Champion. He doesn’t need to answer Rock tonight. He can think about it, talk with his wife and daughter, as will The Rock. Then Cody can think about it. Meet Rock in Toronto on March 1st to give him the answer.
Fans still say don’t do it, but Rock says it is okay. Before he leaves, this has been an amazing night, this is a hot crowd, thank you all very much. But before he leaves, Rock wants us to know this: The one thing Rock wants more than anything in this world… is that. Wait, the title? Cody’s title? The fans’ title? This is all this is about? No no no no! Brother… Rock doesn’t want the title. He wants Cody’s soul. The fans duel, “NO! NO! NO!” “SELL YOUR SOUL!” Rock pats Cody on the cheek and says see you in Toronto. The Rock leaves, giving Cody a lot to think about. Rock does give one last glance back at Cody, then smirks.
What will The American Nightmare choose: His integrity? Or his aspirations?
WWE Tag Team Championships: #DIY VS Pretty Deadly!
Did Tommaso Ciampa & Johnny Gargano got these titles thanks to Kit Wilson & Elton Prince? #YESBOY! Did they survive a couple title defenses thanks to Kit & Elton? #YESBOY! But when Pretty Deadly needed DIY, was DIY there for them? #NOBOY! So now, Kit & Elton are looking to give Ciampa & Gargano their comeuppance! Will we finally get another #SidePlateCheck? Or will Ciampa & Gargano remember for themselves, that if you wanna be champions, you gotta do it yourself?
But as DIY make their entrance, they have mics, and Johnny Wrestling tells NOLA, “Give it up one time for your TWO-TIME WWE Tag Team Champions…! The BTTITW (Best Tag Team In The World), D I Y~!” The fans boo instead. Ciampa says there is no denying that tonight has been electrifying. Gargano says this is a hot crowd. But please, if we could be somber for a second. Guys, this is serious. Two weeks ago, Pretty Deadly embarrassed DIY, and now reluctantly, DIY will return that favor by crushing their hopes and dreams of ever becoming WWE Tag Team Champions. So please, let us all rise to our feet… Yes, you in the LSU jersey, stand up.
Ciampa thanks Wade Barrett, and asks for everyone to remove their hands and bow their heads for a moment of silence for Pretty Deadly, beginning… now. The fans boo instead! And then Pretty Deadly make their entrance! The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we see who really needed who in this broken relationship!
But then DIY jumps Pretty Deadly! The ref reprimands, DIY whip but Pretty Deadly reverses! DOUBLE DORPKICKS! Then DOUBLE LARIATS send DIY up and out! The disco ball hasn’t even stopped spinning! The fans cheer while DIY throw a fit! They regroup, cool down, and go back to the ring. Gargano distracts Elton, Ciampa CLOBBERS him, and the bell rings. But Elton fires hands on Ciampa! Elton whips, Ciampa reverses and he pulls hair! The ref reprimands, Ciampa throws Elton to the apron and KNEES him down! Tag to Gargano and he aims, SUPERKICK! Elton goes down in a heap, DIY cheers themselves on, and SmackDown goes to break!
SmackDown returns, Gargano tags in, and DIY hits the BACK SUPLEX BOMBO COMBO! Cover, TWO! Elton stays in this but Gargano tags Ciampa back in. Gargano sends Ciampa in, but Elton ELBOWS him away! Gargano runs in, but Elton puts him on the apron! Gargano goes after Kit, but Kit blocks the kick! Kit BOOTS Gargano down, but then Ciampa BOOTS Kit! Elton dodges Ciampa to come back, DOUBLE CROSSBODIES collide! Elton and Ciampa are down, sputtering and writhing, and the fans rally up. Elton crawls, Kit rises, hot tags to Kit and Gargano! Kit rallies on DIY with big forearms! Kit whips, Gargano reverses, Kit UPPERCUTS!
Kit UPPERCUTS Ciampa in a corner, then LARIATS! Kit runs to LARIAT Gargano! Kit pushes Gargano down, kicks him and hits a TWIST- NO, Gargano slips through to ROCK Kit! Kit yoyos, DOUBLE LARIATS! The fans fire up, Kit tags Elton! They get Gargano up, but Gargano BOOTS Elton! Gargano ELBOWS Kit away, then runs up on Elton! Elton dodges, then gives Kit the boost, DRY MARTI-KNEES! Cover, TWO!! Gargano survives but Ciampa is in! Elton fireman’s carries Ciampa, but Ciampa slips free! Ciampa whips, Elton reverses, Kit UPPERCUTS Ciampa! Elton shows off his strength with the GOTCH LIFT PLEX!
Tag to Kit, but IN COME THE PROFITS! Ford SHOVES Kit down, Dawkins mugs him!!
Winners: Pretty Deadly, by disqualification; DIY retain the titles
Not again! Just like they did Motor City Machine Guns, The Profits make sure no one else takes these titles off DIY! URENAGE from Ford to Elton! Dawkins keeps hammering away on Kit, and then Ford POSTS Elton! Dawkins fireman’s carries Kit, to POST him, too! Looking like the All Mighty with that one! Gargano fires forearms in return, but ends up int he POUNCE GERMAN SUPLEX! Then Ciampa runs up into a FLAPJACK! Ford goes up top, then flies in FROM THE HEAVENS!! Direct hit on Ciampa! But wait! MCMG rushes out here, wanting their payback! The Profits brawl with MCMG, but Ford TOSSES Shelley to the apron!
Ford runs up, Shelley goes to kick, but Ford blocks it! Ford LARIATS Shelley down, Dawkins hits Sabin with THE BIG ENDING! The fans are torn as Dawkins whips Sabin, Profits get him for the REVELATION!! And if there’s been any revelation, it is that Ford & Dawkins don’t just want the smoke, they want to burn down the tag division to get it! Will nothing stop them once they’re back in action?
Kevin Owens speaks.
“You got what you wanted, huh? You got your match. You couldn’t, uh… You couldn’t just take the punishment that you deserved, that I’d already given you, and let it go. No, you… You wanted me and you to go again. You wanted to fight me, you want to hurt me, you want to end my career, which would hurt my family, by the way. Which is truly despicable. But what about your family, Sami? Huh? Have you thought of them? What about your family, huh?” Kevin reveals he is right outside the Zayn home! Kevin peers inside to watch Sami, his wife, and his son!
Kevin asks Sami via the video if Sami knows what he’s about to put them through, when they have to watch Kevin end Sami’s career. And what happens then, eh? When Sami can’t provide for them, and everything they have, like this nice house, the shelter, the security, the peace they have, when it’s all gone? And why? What for? Because Sami’s too proud? Because Sami’s selfish? Sami IS selfish. Because Sami is making Kevin do this to Sami’s family. Kevin will never forgive Sami for that. He’ll see Sami in Toronto. “But remember… You asked for this. It’s all your fault.” As if Kevin’s delusions aren’t already grand, will he continue to blame everyone else but himself?
Damian Priest & Braun Strowman VS Solo Sikoa & Jacob Fatu w/ Tama Tonga!
Elimination Chamber is on the horizon, and the Road to WrestleMania makes for strange bedfellows. Priest, Braun and Jacob were fighting each other just last week, but Solo’s return really threw things for a loop. Can Priest & Braun give Solo and the Samoan Werewolf their punishment? Or will everything (not) be fine in Solo’s Bloodline?
SmackDown returns as #OneBigSOB makes his entrance. As Solo, Jacob & Tama head to gorilla, we hear from Solo. “Tonight, we handle business. And it starts with Braun Strowman & Damian-” Jacob interrupts with, “Man, c’mon, DP! C’mon, Braun! I thought we did this! So tonight, we about to even up the score. If you ain’t know, I’m all gas, no brakes with it! See, since we touched the scene, we been dropping bodies like bread crumbs! Yadada mean!? FA-TUUU~! Hit my music!” The rogues enter to Jacob’s theme, is this alone proof he’s the new alpha? Or will the match be the last nail in that coffin?
The teams sort out, but Jacob stares down both Priest and Braun. NOLA seems to acknowledge Jacob, but Solo convinces him to stand down. Solo starts against Priest, the bell rings, and the two tie up. They go around, Priest powers Solo back, but Solo powers Priest back. They break, stare down, and Solo talks some trash. Solo shoves Priest, Priest shoves back. They circle again, tie up, and Priest puts Solo in a corner. The ref counts, Priest lets off at 4, but Solo stomps Priest’s foot! Solo throws hands, then a HEADBUTT! Priest staggers, but then he ROCKS Solo! And ROCKS him! And HEADBUTTS! That was a mistake!
Solo shakes his head to HEADBUTT Priest! Priest goes to a corner, Solo throws haymakers and body shots on repeat! The ref counts, Solo lets off and says see? Solo and Jacob as one! But Priest THROWS Solo to the corner to fire off haymakers of his own! Priest ROCKS Solo, the fans fire up, and Priest whips., Solo reverses to UPPERCUT! Solo talks smack but Priest ROCKS him again! Tag to Braun and the fans fire up! Braun stares Jacob down, tells him to shove it, then runs up to SPLASH Solo! Braun stares Jacob down again, goes back for Solo, and hits another LARIAT! Braun scoops, Solo slips free, but Braun runs up!
Solo ELBOWS Braun away, tags to Jacob, and Jacob runs in, but Braun dodges! Braun CROSSBODIES! Jacob is right up, but Braun BOOTS him right back down! Solo runs in but Braun TOSSES him! Priest hurries after Solo, Braun CLOBBERS Jacob! LEAPING LARIAT for Solo! Braun then gets on the track, STROWMAN EXPRESS SMACKS a chair out of Tama’s hand! The Good Bad Guy thought he was being sneaky! But then Jacob CROSSBODIES Braun into the timekeeper’s aera! The fans go wild as Jacob rises up, and SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Jacob hauls Braun up, drags him around the way, HEADBUTTS him, then brings him over to SMACK off the desk! Braun staggers, but he ROCKS Jacob in return! And THROWS Jacob into steel steps! Braun drags Jacob up, puts him in the ring, but Jacob SUPERKICKS Braun! Braun falls into the corner, Jacob HIP ATTACKS! Jacob’s all geeked up, then he tags in Solo. Solo soaks up some heat while Jacob HIP ATTACKS Braun again! Solo puts Braun on ropes to CHOKE him! The ref counts, Solo stops at 4, but Jacob gets a HEADBUTT in! Braun flounders, Solo taunts him and eggs him on, but Braun CHOPS him!
Solo HEADBUTTS Braun right down! Solo rains down fists, then lets off so he can put Braun on the ropes. Solo CHOKES Braun again, stops as the ref counts 4, and Jacob gets another cheap shot in! Solo tags Jacob in, then he HEADBUTTS Braun again and again! Jacob runs to BODY CHECK Braun! Jacob fires up, Braun flounders to ropes, but Jacob rains down fists! Tag to Solo, he soaks up heat from NOLA, then he stomps away on Braun! The ref counts, Solo lets off, then he keeps Braun from Priest by anchoring a leg. Tag to Jacob and Jacob climbs up, FROG SPLASH! Jacob roars while Braun writhes!
Jacob looms over Braun but he glares at Priest. Priest gets heated, but Jacob fires hands on Braun as SmackDown returns to single picture. Braun stands, but Jacob HEADBUTTS him again! Jacob runs for another BODY CHECK! And then a SENTON! Cover, TWO! Braun stays in this and he goes to a corner. Jacob snarls, tags Solo in, and the fans boo. Solo runs corner to corner to HIP ATTACK Braun! Solo grins as he copies Jacob’s geeking out. Tag back to Jacob and fans cheer! Jacob aims, runs, and HIP ATTACKS! Jacob keeps going, but Braun BOOTS from below!! The fans fire up while both men stagger to their feet.
Braun SPINEBUSTERS Jacob! Both monsters are down, the fans rally up, and they crawl, hot tags to Solo and Priest! Priest fires hands on Solo, then whips. Solo reverses but Priest SHOUDLER TACKLES Solo! Priest runs to BACK ELBOW! Jacob is back, but Priest dodges to WHEEL KICK! Priest then waits on Solo, but Solo catches Priest! Priest elbows free, but Solo SUPERKICKS! But Priest JUMPING ROUNDHOUSES! Solo comes back, Priest ROCKS him first! Solo swings, but into the FLATLINER! Cover, TWO! Solo survives but Priest puts him in a corner. Priest whips corner to corner, then runs, only for Solo to put him on th eapron!
Solo takes as swing, Priest dodges and ROUNDHOUSES! Priest then knuckle locks with Solo, goes up top, and he tightrope walks for some OLD SCHOOL! The fans fire up and Priest powers up the arm! Priest runs, but Solo ducks the Comebacker! Priest fights the fireman’s carry to BELL CLAP, ROUNDHOUSE, and then he reels Solo in! But Tama is on the apron! Priest DECKS Tama, but Jacob HOTSHOTS Priest! Solo hits the URENAGE! Cover, TWO!! Priest survives and Solo is stunned! Solo snarls, looks to his taped-up thumb, then he drags Priest up. The fans boo but Solo taunts the fans now. SAMOAN- NO! Priest grabs Solo!
But Jacob runs in! Priest ROCKS Jacob, ELBOWS Solo, then he dodges, so Jacob’s SUPERKICK hits Solo! An accident just like last week’s shot to Tama, but Jacob doesn’t seem as upset by it. Priest TOSSES Jacob, then CLOBBERS Solo! STROWMAN EXPRESS CLOBBERS Jacob & Tama!! Priest brings down the straps, the fans are thunderous, and Priest grabs Solo by the neck! SOUTH OF HEAVEN!! Cover, Priest & Braun win!
Winners: Damian Priest & Braun Strowman, by pinfall
Just as Solo thought it’d be like before, he and Jacob were not on the same page! Priest is rolling towards Elimination Chamber, will this be just what he needs to go back to WrestleMania?
My Thoughts:
A great SmackDown here, but with some interesting moves after the sudden change in plans with The Rock showing up. Naomi and Bianca had a good promo to hype up what was meant to be a full match of Naomi VS Liv, but word had already come out before the show that things were being cut for time. But at the very least, they did the right thing of making it a brawl that adds heat to the tag title match on Monday. Also, hilarious how Chelsea & Piper thought the beatdown on Bianca & Naomi was so bad that they would need to be pulled from the Chamber. I also can’t wait to see what happens on Toronto SmackDown.
As for The Rock, I do appreciate he used his authority to kayfabe change more things, all so he could have his promo with Cody. I also appreciate Rock blending his different roles and even different sides, both Heel and Face, to A) bring the news of WM42 being in NOLA, and B) recreate the Corporate Champion/People’s Champion story from the Attitude Era. That was some wild stuff he was saying to Cody. I’m sure quite a few people will try and talk with Cody next week in the go-home. Heels will say do it because they’d love to have what Rock can give, Faces will say not because Cody’s better than that. But naturally, Cody is not going to become The Rock’s Champion, causing Rock to turn on him and really up things going into WrestleMania 41 and perhaps even beyond.
Good stuff in the Elimination Chamber related stories. Jimmy VS McIntyre was great stuff to open, and how fitting that McIntyre loses to Jimmy after talking all that trash about Jimmy and Jey being the same. Jey got McIntyre with something quick, Jimmy got McIntyre with something quick, McIntyre’s ego is obviously his weakness. And at the same time, McIntyre of course destroys Jimmy after because that’s his other personality trait. Priest had good promos with Cody and Braun, and we got great stuff from Solo’s Bloodline. Naturally, we got a miscommunication spot to help finish, we’re really close to Solo VS Jacob, I can feel it. Priest & Braun get the win, mostly because Priest isn’t winning in the Chamber when you’ve got Punk and Cena in there.
Very good stuff with Tiffy Time, from the promos leading into the match to Charlotte being ringside just to watch. Nia & Candice of course get the better of Tiff & Trish, because Tiff & Trish are definitely winning the tag match in Toronto. Charlotte just seems to enjoy trolling Tiff with her presence, so Charlotte probably shows up in Toronto to then confront Tiff after the match. I expect the seven weeks after Elimination Chamber to really heat up, as will Charlotte’s involvement, where she’ll get more active verbally and physically. Also, hell, Rock should go full Corporation and have Charlotte be his Corporate Women’s Champion because of how established she is.
Hilarious stuff from Truth tonight, as always. Truth and Melo having their “who’s on first” again was good stuff, and of course Miz gets in on this story, too. Truth & Knight VS “Melo Don’t Miz” was really fun, but yeah, should’ve figured Nakamura would get involved, too. Melo & Miz making it work could also be really fun, and while Knight VS Nakamura is a rehash, I really hope they find a way to up things. It feels like we’re getting the same with the tag titles as Profits “ruined” that great tag match from DIY and Pretty Deadly, then brawled with MCMG to still come out on top. Last year had a ladder tag title match, so why not do one for these titles this year?
Speaking of escalating, Kevin filming a promo outside Sami’s house was some really well done stuff, as expected of someone as good as Kevin and in such a story as him and Sami. Their match should main event, it needs time to breathe, as it could be just as, if not more violent, than the Chamber matches. What a powerful closing moment we could have if it’s a bloody Kevin and Sami, and one of them is standing over the other, triumphant yet mournful because it was their best friend in the world that they just brutalized.
My Score: 8.9/10
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Coverage
Andrew’s TNA LIVE! iMPACT! Results & Match Ratings: 2.20.2025
So the first live episode got fairly positive praise from everyone; will this continue the trend?
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Filming at Full Sail seems to have set the stage nicely this week! Going into a Live episode we got Moose and The Hardy Boyz on NXT, as well as Jordynne Grace’s involvement with Steph and Giulia giving a little shine to TNA happenings since she’s newly WWE.
This episode should be interesting, we finally see Lei Ying Lee (fka Xia Li) back in action, Rascalz take on Tyson and Tyriek, Tessa should be seeing some action as well…so generally interesting happenings for the second Live iMPACT! of 2025. Let’s see how this one goes down!
No matter where @ManceWarner and @stephdelander go, @TheSamiCallihan WILL FIND THEM!
Watch #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/NY8HgI02kY pic.twitter.com/mXz9U7m9PL
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) February 21, 2025
Ratings:
- Tyson & Tyriek w/Wes Lee vs The Rascalz w/Ace Austin: Rascalz win via Meteora/Swanton Combo – ***
- Lei Ying Lee vs Rosemary: Lei wins via Thunderstruck – **
- NoDQ Match: Leon Slater vs JDC: Dango wins via The System help – ** 3/4
- Masha Slamovich vs Mila Moore: Masha wins via Requiem – N/A
- Elijah & Joe Hendry vs The Colons: Elijah wins via Tombstone Piledriver – *** 1/4
Results:
Oh yeah, and another Hendry concert is…cut off by a commercial, LOLTNA. First Hendry is cut off by AXSTV’s new Anime Hour bumper, and now Primo and Epico are showing up in TNA. I definitely didn’t have this on my BINGO card. The crowd starts chanting “Where’s Carlito”, which they do acknowledge and play off of well. Oh they’re using their shoot names of Orlando and Eddie now…but before they attack the lights go out and we get another guitar strum! ELIAH/ELIAS/EZEKIEL/EBENERZER/EMERY/EL VAGABUNDO – shows up to back up Hendry. Okay I can apologize away the redundant concert since it played into an Elijah debut. The crowd is immediately popping and chanting “This is Awesome” 10 minutes into the show.
Tyson & Tyriek w/Wes Lee vs The Rascalz w/Ace Austin
Treehouse bros take it to the bigger men quickly, a few fast dives, a little MCMG style tandem strikes, Tyson fires and tries to take them out but they Low Bridge him. Tyriek comes in and they try similar things but Tyriek manhandles them both and throws them out of the ring, Trey is the first one back up and Tyriek and Tyson take his damn head off with his Corkscrew Running Euro Upper. Trey finally manages to flip out of the manhandle, tags in Wentz and Wentz goes for the hot and spicy cleaning house spot. Corner to Corner Knee Lifts for both big men, a Rolling Snapmare, into a Superkick for Tyson and Standing Shoot Star on Tyriek but only for two because Wes feints like he’s going to interfere.
Tyson and Tyriek pull off a tandem Assisted Backdrop Driver, but Wentz breaks it up, Tyson gets knocked out, Wentz hits the Tornillo, Wes tries to interfere again after Trey gets perched on the corner buckle but Ace runs around and trips Wes at the last second causing him to faceplant on the apron, Trey hits the Meteora, Wentz hits a Swanton from the other side of the ring and Trey gets the pinfall victory.
It was fast paced, all gas no brakes, but it didn’t overstay its welcome, so it was pretty fun all things considered.
After the match Wes grabs a mic, complains a little but challenges them to a 6 man match as Sacrifice. So we’re THAT’S where we’re getting the expected 3v3.
Fir$t Cla$$ comes out with an entourage of hot chicks and probably influencers or something. The “First Class Penthouse” , Gabby AF, Mafiosa Valentina, and Carolina are apparently known in their own way. Gabby I know was the awful one who did something for Impact a last year and sucked, but she’s part of the Busted Open Network I believe so that’s why she’s around. Two of them look like Noelle Foley and Frank the Clown…oh they actually are. Look at that. I do love KC Navarro as the Hype Man, they have this whole set up of AJ being mad that they haven’t gotten more Tag Title shots, so TNA placated him with his own Piper’s Pit and he’s *pregnant pause* totally happy with that. He says he loved Piper and hated Hogan before it was cool.
This is actually quality content and AJ is cutting a nice promo in this segment. They introduce their first guest, the greatest performer in TNA history, many whole say he’s Phenomenal with a whole lot of style….it’s A-J-Francis.
.@AJFrancis410 is GOING OFF!
Watch #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/NY8HgI02kY pic.twitter.com/kGehtp9iTE
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) February 21, 2025
Lei Ying Lee vs Rosemary
Things were slow until Rosemary took her into a corner quickly, hit the Upside Down, and we get a lot of Lei trying to avoid Rosemary’s offense. Rosemary goes for a Spear in the corner and Lei forward rolls, starts connecting with a bunch of right hands, backs Rosemary into the corner, goes for 10 Count Punches, pulls her out, Airplane Spin TKO for only a two count. Rosemary tries As Above So Below, Lei shrugs it off, Rosemary tries to go after Lei anyway and eats Thunderstruck! Lei Ying Lee wins!
After the match Rosemary catches Lei on the ramp and hits the Green mist in the eyes. Match was far too short and so many of Lei’s set up moves look better than her finish. We’ve seen Kofi Kingston do it for years so it’s not bad, just the current Knockouts Division are awful and don’t take the move well.
Eric Young and the jabronis come out, EY cuts a very basic power crazed psycho kind of promo, gets the “What” chants from the crowds. EY is trying to recruit Maclin even though Maclin made his line in the sand last week. EY tries to spin it as maybe he took out Josh FOR Maclin instead of in spite of his trust. This really doesn’t seem interesting at all, but that’s probably because I hate the two Jabronis EY is with.
NoDQ Match: Leon Slater vs JDC
I really don’t have any interest in Slater. He’s got no personality beyond “flippy guy with a British accent”.
Dango immediately powders, grabs a chair and goes to swing on him but misses. So Leon is making JDC look dumb by dodging the post chop, using the chair to shield himself from a punch by JDC, and then clapping Dango’s fingers between the chair. So typical System match, look inept for the first few minutes, then take advantage of something to take over. Oh look, Leon takes too long setting up the table, Dango gets in a few pot shots, tries to whip him into the table but Leon leaps over it, and then leaps back over to clobber Dango. Dango is still trying to recover so Leon hits his over the corner post con hilo, and the crowd appreciates it but I’m not interested. Leon panders to the crowd after the big spot and then eats an X-Plex into the chair from Dango.
JDC throws Leon back in, goes for a pinfall that’s only a two and we cut to a commercial. Coming out of the commercial JDC is in control with a Kendo Stick until he isn’t, Leon counters and takes the keno stick, brutalizes Dango a few times then comes off the ropes with the kendo shot for 2. Leon goes for another table, and again, at least the crowd is receptive to this match. Leon sets it up, looks for something off the apron but Dango stops him first until he eats a dropkick to fall onto the table, Leon hits the Swanton 450 through the table on the outside. Does it look cool? Sure. Do I care about dumbass moves? Nope.
Oh thankfully the rest of The System comes out to stop the pinfall, Shield Bomb Leon through the first table, and roll him back in for Dango to win.
The Hardy Boyz come out to try and make the save, but the numbers are against them, so Oba Femi’s music hits! Oba cleans house but doesn’t get his hands on Moose, so they’re at least building the eventual clash between Moose and Oba.
The crowd starts a “Tessa, we comin for you” chant before she even starts talking. Tessa is actually playing off the crowd well, Santino’s music hits and Tessa thinks he’ll help her out with the crowd and Santino calls bullshit basically. Santino says if Tessa doesn’t wrestle next week, she’s fired and Masha’s music hits. Masha decides to step in for Tessa’s enhancement talent match.
Masha Slamovich vs Mila Moore
Jobber tries to attack Masha early but Masha stops her, rocks her and Requiem ends the match.
Masha stares down Tessa, and then Cora Jade attacks from behind and hits Jaded.
Ryan Nemeth comes out to his Abyss music remix. What will Mokuba say today? “MYYYY BIIIGG BBRROOOOTTHHHEEEEER” he repeats at least 4 times and it’s hilariously cringe. He announces that Nic will return at Sacrifice, he literally just came out to give a PSA.
Elijah & Joe Hendry vs The Colons
Hendry starts with Eddie, after a brief tie up it seems like Hendry reads the room and points at Elijah and the crowd wants him in. So Joe tags in Elijah, a little back and forth, Shoulder Tackle from Elijah, Rope Walk with Elijah lays out Eddie and a tag to Joe allows for a quick tandem knockdown, but Eddie powders as the Walking and Talking Duo hold the ring going into the final commercial break.
We come back and Hendry is bouncing Orlando off the ropes as he return a strike, but Orlando is obviously losing, eats a Euro Upper, and then gets walked around in the Stalling Suplex for posterity. Eddie tries a sneak attack but gets caught and Sack of Shit, into Kip Up, turn and then Orlando with the ambush! A few quick short cuts and an Irish Whip/Dropkick combo gives the Colons a near fall. Hendry does get locomotion variation cradles, but eats a Dropkick to stop the attempt at momentum. Orlando stays on Joe, but Joe finally starts to fire up as the crowd starts to get behind him. Euro Uppers make some space, but a Snapmare says no.
Eddie gets tagged in and a quick Leg Sweep into a Front Chancery keeps Eddie in control. As Joe tries to get back up, Eddie turns it into a Guillotine, but finally the Suplex counter connects for Hendry! Simultaneous tags! Elijah bulls over Orlando, catches a Leap Frogging Orlando with the Manhattan Drop as Orlando retreats to a corner, Stinger Splash into Spinebuster for two. Elijah tries to keep up the attacks but Orlando finds a few ways to make space, launches himself from the middle rope and eats the Jumping Knee! Eddie breaks up the pinfall, Hendry takes Eddie out and Elijah hits the Tombstone Piledriver for the win!
Overall Score: 6/10
Well there were more live hiccups than the first episode, and this felt both more epic and less epic at the same time. Elijah and the Colons debuting was a nice way to kick things off, Oba Femi showing up for the save was fantastic. There were a few decent matches, but also a lot of really short and rushed matches. Tessa played off the crowd well, but Masha really is useless on the mic. Lei Ying Lee needs to framed stronger, her matches have done nothing to show off her ability. It just proves that the Knockouts don’t know how to sell a kick to the head because they all take it in the shoulder and fall in corny ways.
Viva La Sam could be something fun if the next 3 weeks are just hand cam footage of him being like “I’m Sami Callihan and I’m gonna kick Mance Warner’s ass”, Elegance Clique getting the rematch with a stipulation is nice to see and while I like Fir$t Cla$$, that segment went a little long for a cornball swerve payoff. It’s one thing to placate the Influencer squad especially when we’ve seen Logan Paul and Ishowspeed do so well in WWE…but these are like Z Tier Influencers that no one cares about. These kind of dorks stream on Kick because they aren’t relevant enough for Twitch, not because they chose Kick over it.
So yeah, the low lights were pretty low, and the highs were a little fleeting, but at least they were pretty fun. Not a bad show, just clunky with noticeable issues and Masha shouldn’t be allowed to speak English anymore. She’s such a charisma vacuum when she’s not rambling in Russian.
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