Coverage
Mitchell’s NJPW Best of the Super Juniors Results & Report! (5/16/23)
Round four, fight!

Will the Bad Child have bad luck?
The number four is bad luck in Japan, so whose luck in Best of the Super Juniors 30 turns sour in round four? Or will someone’s lucky actually turn around?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Best of the Super Juniors 30, B Block: YOH VS Clark Connors; Yoh wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 30, A Block: Ryusuke Taguchi VS Titán; Titán wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 30, B Block: BUSHI VS Robbie Eagles; Eagles wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 30, A Block: DOUKI VS TJP; TJP wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 30, B Block: Francesco Akira VS Dan Moloney; Akira wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 30, A Block: KUSHIDA VS Mike Bailey; Kushida wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 30, B Block: El Desperado VS Kevin Knight; Desperado wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 30, A Block: Hiromu Takahashi VS SHO; Hiromu wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 30, B Block: Master Wato VS Yoshinobu Kanemaru; Wato wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 30, A Block: Lio Rush VS Taiji Ishimori; Lio wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
Here are the current 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 current 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
Best of the Super Juniors 30, B Block: YOH VS Clark Connors w/ Gedo!
The Direct Drive couldn’t quite #StunTheWorld when facing Dan Moloney, but 100 Proof did give Bushi a hard shot. Will Yoh rev back up in round four? Or will there be No Chaser against the Wild Rhino?
The bell rings and the two rush in! Yoh jumps over Connors, and again! Connors is annoyed and he tries again, but Yoh trips him into a corner! Yoh then goes to the other corner and unties the buckle pad! Yoh’s given shoutouts to icons already, here’s one to Toru Yano. Connors snarls, runs in, but narrowly avoids hitting bare buckles! Yoh aims but the ref stops him from hitting Connors with the pad! Connors ROCKS Yoh, but Yoh kicks low. Yoh runs, but Connors goes the other way to CLOBBER Yoh! Fans fire up and Connors glares at the ref. Connors takes the buckle pad, to SMACK Yoh with it!
The ref reprimands but Connors SMACKS Yoh again! And again! Yoh flops out of the ring, Connors pursues, and Connors stalks Yoh towards commentary. Connors SMACKS Yoh with the pad, then smothers him with it! The ring count starts, Connors tosses the pad to the ring, and he drags Yoh up. The count is 8 of 20 and Connors POSTS Yoh at 10! Fans applaud while Connors stalks Yoh. Connors hears the count so he goes back into the ring at 14. The count continues, fans rally up, Yoh crawls over at 17! He springs in at 19! Fans applaud but Connors is annoyed. Connors drags Yoh up but Yoh throws forearms!
Connors UPPERCUTS, whips, and Yoh hits the bare buckles! Yoh probably forgot this strategy backfires on Yano every so often, too. Connors talks trash while he looms over Yoh and drags him up. Connors suplexes Yoh high and hard! Fans applaud while Connors pushes Yoh down. Connors runs and drops a BIG elbow! Gedo applauds, the fans also applaud, and then Connors sits Yoh up. Connors clamps on a chinlock with a knee in Yoh’s back. Yoh endures, fans rally up, and Yoh fights up. Yoh throws body shots but Connors CLUBS him down. Connors runs, but Yoh dodges! Yoh comes back to RANA Connors out!
Fans fire up and Yoh hurries to the apron. Yoh aims, runs in and CANNONBALLS! Direct hit and fans fire up. Gedo complains while Connors flounders, and Yoh comes back around. Yoh stomps Connors, puts him in the ring, and fans applaud as Yoh scoops to SLAM! Yoh goes up the corner, TWISTING VADER! Cover, TWO! Gedo coaches Connors but fans rally for Yoh. Yoh drags Connors back up, reels him in, but Connors fights the suplex. Connors swings, but into a full nelson! Connors breaks that, throws elbows, but Yoh reels him back in! Connors fights the German Suplex and Yoh’s back hurts! Connors then DECKS Yoh!
Fans applaud and Connors calls his shot. Connors drags Yoh up, whips him, but Yoh holds ropes. Yoh BOOTS back, spins, but into the POWERSLAM! Gedo is amazed and the fans fire up. Gedo says it’s time and Connors aims from a corner. Yoh stands, Connors runs in to SPEAR! Connors says he’ll finish this and Gedo says “Break his ass!” Connors puts one out, suplexes, but Yoh fights free to slip around, pop up, but Connors throws him into the bare buckles! Connors then runs corner to corner, but Yoh dodges! Connors hits buckles, and then Yoh SUPERKICKS! O’Conner, FIVE STAR CLUTCH! YOH WINS!
Winner: Yoh, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Connors gains 0)
Direct Drive snatches victory from the jaws of defeat and Connors can’t believe it! Will this help Yoh #StunTheWorld? But then Connors attacks Yoh as a sore loser! Connors beats him with the buckle pad! Fans boo but Connors drags Yoh up, for NO CHASER to the buckle pad! Actually, wouldn’t that make it hurt less? But either way, Gedo gets Connors a chair! Connors is showing us this is truly the Savage Era of Bullet Club, he puts Yoh’s head on the buckle and aims the chair! CON-CHAIR-TO!! Connors blames everyone else for his loss, but will Connors take responsibility for his actions in round five?
As for Yoh, he rolls out, hugging the buckle pad. He did win this, but will he be able to rebound next round?
Best of the Super Juniors 30, A Block: Ryusuke Taguchi VS Titán!
The Funky Weapon is the bottom of the block, all because he’s tried to get serious. Meanwhile, El Inmortal is still doing well at 2-1. Will Titan keep his chances alive? Or will Taguchi seriously get going in the block?
The bell rings and the two circle. The fans rally, the two tie up, and Titan facelocks. Taguchi gets around to a waistlock but Titan switches then spins Taguchi back to the facelock. Taguchi wrenches to a wristlock but Titan rolls, handsprings and arm-drags! Fans applaud the standoff and the two reset. They feel things out, then Titan rushes in to trip Taguchi. Things speed up, Taguchi bypasses, and bypasses, and bypasses for some classic Taguchi antics! But Titan sees through this and whips Taguchi, and now Titan returns the favor! He makes Taguchi run and run and run, and run and run and run!
Fans applaud as Taguchi starts to slow down, and he asks for a timeout. Titan shrugs, and Taguchi comes back, to whip Titan! Titan reverses and DROPKICKS! Taguchi bails out and fans fire up as Titan builds speed. Titan rolls and flips but Taguchi slides in! Triangle jump PLANCHA! Direct hit and down goes Titan! Fans applaud and Taguchi rises. Taguchi CLUBS Titan, follows him around the way, and then puts him back in the ring. Fans applaud and Taguchi takes aim from the apron. Springboard, MISSILE HIP! Cover, TWO! Taguchi gets a leg for a standing toehold and Titan endures.
Taguchi steps through for a deeper toehold, but Titan kicks at him with the other leg. Taguchi pushes that leg away, shifts his position, and he ties Titan up in a figure four and abdominal stretch! Fans applaud while Titan endures. Titan pops his legs free and gets to the ROPEBREAK! Taguchi lets off, but then holds onto a foot. The ref reprimands, Taguchi lets go, and he brings Titan up. Titan ROCKS Taguchi, SOBATS, but Taguchi DECKS Titan! Titan sputters, but Taguchi stomps him around. Taguchi CHOPS Titan, follows him around the way, and whips him to ropes. Titan reverses then goes Matrix to dodge! CALF KICK!
Fans fire up while Taguchi flops around. Titan runs in but Taguchi puts him on the apron. Titan blocks to GAMANGIRI! Taguchi staggers, Titan springboards, CROSSBODY! Fans fire up and Titan keeps moving, the DROPKICK sends Taguchi out! Titan then builds speed to DIVE! Direct hit in front of commentary! Fans fire up more while both men stir. Titan stands, he HIP DROPS Taguchi, then poses. Fans cheer, Titan puts Taguchi in the ring, and then covers, TWO! Titan holds onto a leg and ties Taguchi up in a deathlock! But Taguchi turns things over to have OH MY GAH ANKLE! Titan scrambles to a ROPEBREAK!
Taguchi lets go in frustration and Titan clutches his knee. Fans rally up, Taguchi stands Titan up but Titan fires off a strike fest! Titan runs but into a SOBAT! Taguchi fires off the same strike fest, with an ENZIGURI! Fans fire up as Taguchi runs, but into a SUPERKICK! Titan runs, but into a DROPKICK! The Master of the Dropkick shows him how it’s done! Fans rally up and both men stir. Titan goes to a corner, runs back in, pops up but Taguchi blocks the rana to OH MY GAH ANKLE! Titan crawls, reaches out, but Taguchi reels him in! Chicken wings, DODON TO THE THRONE!! Cover, TWO!!
Titan survives and fans fire up. Taguchi grits his teeth but he nods. Taguchi drags Titan up, tucks him in and spins around, VERTA- NO, Titan slips free! Titan goes to a corner, Taguchi runs in but into a BOOT! Titan SOBATS, front kicks and DROPKICKS Taguchi down! Fans fire up and Titan skins the cat to the top rope! Titan stands, leaps and DIVING- NO, Taguchi avoids the stomps! Titan jams his leg! BUM-A-YE!! Cover, TWO!?! Titan survives but Taguchi fires up! Taguchi drags Titan up, chicken wings again, but Titan fights free! Taguchi ROCKS Titan, whips, but Titan reverses to TORNADO DDT! Cover, TWO!
Fans fire up again and Titan fires up! Titan gets the leg, hooks it up, rolls Taguchi around to the deathlock, and then bridges back for INMORTAL LOCK! Taguchi taps, Titan wins!!
Winner: Titán, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Taguchi gains 0)
Serious Taguchi is in serious danger as he goes 0-4! Is he already doomed to miss the semifinals? As for Titan, his take on the Muta Lock wins him another one, is he going to take a spot in the semifinals?
Best of the Super Juniors 30, B Block: BUSHI VS Robbie Eagles!
The Black Mask is the bottom of his block, but there’s always time to score. Will Bushi drag the Sniper down? Or will Eagles still fly high towards the top?
The bell rings and fans rally as the two circle. They approach and Bushi kicks low. Bushi throws forearms, whips Eagles but Eagles reverses. Bushi counters arm-drag with arm-drag but Eagles counters back to roll Bushi then kip up and basement dropkick! Fans cheer that fast opening exchange while Bushi bails out. Eagles runs, but Bushi moves, so Eagles just springboards to backflip and reload. Eagles DIVES onto Bushi at the ramp! Fans fire up and Eagles fires up with them before going back to Bushi. Eagles drags Bushi up, CHOPS him, then follows him around the way while the ring count starts.
Eagles puts Bushi in at 4 of 20, then brings Bushi up. Bushi rakes the eyes! The ref reprimands, Bushi stops but Eagles KICKS him back! Eagles runs but Bushi dropkicks the leg out! Fans applaud while Eagles clutches his knee. Bushi stomps Eagles, drags him up, and turns him for a NECKBREAKER! Cover, ONE!! Eagles hangs tough but Bushi keeps cool. Bushi stomps Eagles more, drags him into a stepover leglock, and he pulls hard on the foot. Eagles endures, moves around, but Bushi gets him for a STF! Eagles still fights around as fans rally up, and Eagles reaches out for the ROPEBREAK! Fans applaud and the ref counts.
Bushi lets go quickly, and he paces around Eagles. Bushi stomps Eagles, drags him up and fisherman’s a leg, but Eagles fights the lift. Bushi kicks Eagles low, then brings him up to FISHERMAN- NO, Eagles slips out of the screw! But Bushi ducks the roundhouse, reels Eagles in, back suplex, but Eagles lands out of it! Eagles reels Bush in for a SNAP SAIDO! Fans fire up while both men are down. Bushi stirs, the fans rally up and Eagles rises. Eagles goes to ropes, then comes back to KICK Bushi in the chest! And KICK! And KICK! And then run, to LEG LARIAT! Cover, TWO! Bushi is still in this but Eagles rallies the fans.
“ROBBIE ROBBIE ROBBIE!” “OI OI OI!” “ROBBIE ROBBIE ROBBIE!” “OI OI OI!” “Robbie!” “OI!” “Robbie!” “OI!” “ROBBIE ROBBIE ROBBIE!” Eagles is all fired up now and he brings Bushi up. Eagles whips Bushi corner to corner, runs in and DOUBLE KNEES! Bushi sits down, Eagles runs back in, METEORA! Eagles pushes Bushi to a cover, TWO! Bushi survives but Eagles keeps his cool. Eagles drags Bushi around by a leg, but Bushi flounders to the ROPEBREAK! Eagles still steps through, so Bushi kicks him away. Eagles runs in, but into an elbow! Eagles LOW 619s the legs! And then springboards, but Bushi gets under!
Bushi kicks, Eagles blocks but Bushi fights the backpack. Bushi ROCKS Eagles, runs, but Eagles ROCKS him at the ropes! Eagles runs but Bushi DROPKICKS Eagles at the ropes! Fans fire up again while both men are down. Bushi goes to a corner, runs back in, but Eagles blocks the Code Breaker to a SPINEBUSTER! Cover, TWO, into the EAGLE LOCK! Bushi endures the Ron Miller Special and fans rally up! Bushi crawls around, reaches out, and gets the ROPEBREAK! The fans applaud and the ref counts, Eagles lets off cleanly. Eagles drags Bushi back to stomp the leg! Eagles then goes up the corner!
Eagles aims, 450, but Bushi dodges! Bushi BOOTS back but Eagles frowns. Eagles comes back, blocks a boot and he stomps the other leg! Bushi still kicks Eagles away, then goes up to avoid the Low 619! Bushi leaps but Eagles gets under, and Bushi’s leg jams! Eagles runs in but Bushi catches him and spins him, DDT but Eagles handsprings through!? Eagles runs in again, blocks one kick, ducks the enziguri, but the HEEL KICK hits! Fans fire up and Bushi FISHERMAN SCREWS! Cover, TWO! Eagles survives and fans rally up. Bushi goes out to the apron, drags Eagles through the ropes, DRAPING APRON DDT!
Eagles flops back and Bushi clutches his leg. Bushi fires up and fans fire up with him! Bushi rolls in, hobbles to Eagles and brings him up. Bushi reels Eagles in but Eagles Alabama Lifts! Eagles throws Bushi away, then ROUNDHOUSES! SUPERKICKS! And PELES! Bushi wobbles, Eagles roars, but Bushi turns asai into backslide! Eagles rolls through to TRIGGER KICK! Cover, Eagles wins!!
Winner: Robbie Eagles, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Bushi gains 0)
And just like that, the Sniper hits the mark! Bushi falls to 0-4 while Eagles is 3-1, will these trends continue until the end?
Best of the Super Juniors 30, A Block: DOUKI VS TJP!
Japones Del Mal may be 1-2 but he’s had nothing but strong showings so far. The same can be said for Public Enemy Number One, who is also at 1-2. Who has the stronger showing here and now to break even?
But as Douki makes his entrance, TJP dropkicks him off the apron! TJP then throws Douki into the ring, goes up top, the bell rings and TJP MAMBA SPLASHES!! Cover, TWO!!! Douki survives this sudden start and bails back out. But TJP PLANCHAS! Direct hit and fans fire up as TJP finally takes off his jacket. TJP puts Douki back in, goes back up top, MAMBA SPLASH into ITALIAN STRETCH #32!! Douki has TJP caught now, but TJP fights around! TJP reaches back, ROPEBREAK! Douki lets go as the ref counts and TJP bails out. Douki builds speed to DIVE! Direct hit at the ramp and the fans fire up again!
Fans rally up and Douki fetches TJP. Douki throws forearms but TJP throws them back. They brawl up the ramp, TJP aims at the entryway but Douki blocks! TJP CLUBS Douki, then SMACKS Douki off the steel! Fans rally, TJP finally takes off his shirt and throws it to the crowd, free souvenir! Douki throws body shots in return, then SMACKS TJP off the steel! Fans fire up and TJP flounders down the ramp. Douki brings TJP back up, but TJP blocks the suplex! TJP throws body shots, then snap suplexes Douki to the ramp! TJP kicks Douki around, throws up the crown, and fans rally up.
TJP waits on Douki to rise, and then runs down the ramp to CROSSBODY! Douki catches TJP! SAHARAWI to the ramp! Fans fire up, and then rally up as Douki rises. Douki roars and he brings TJP up as the ring count starts. Douki brings TJP over and in at 7 of 20 and then he climbs the corner. COUP DE GRACE! Cover, TWO! TJP survives the double stomps but Douki stalks TJP. Douki drags TJP up, Gory Especials, but TJP fights that off. Douki spins TJP to knee low and whip to ropes. TJP goes Spider-Man, then dodges as Douki runs in! Douki ends up on the apron, shoulders back in, and then slingshots, DAYBREAK!! Cover, TWO!!
Fans fire up and Douki roars again! Douki reels TJP into the wheelbarrow, full nelsons, but TJP fights it by bending fingers! TJP slips around, hooks Douki up, COBRA TWIST DRIVER!! Both men are down and fans fire up! TJP goes to one corner, Douki goes to the other. TJP runs corner to corner to back elbow! TJP sits Douki down, and fans rally up as TJP scrapes laces off Douki’s face! TJP runs side to side, but Douki is up! TJP dodges Douki, Douki dodges TJP but TJP SUPERKICKS! TJP keeps moving, and he BOOTS Douki! TJP goes side to side again, for a BOOT WASH! Fans fire up and TJP climbs the corner!
TJP leaps, MAMBA SPLASH onto knees!! Then ITALIAN STRETCH #32!! TJP is caught again but he reaches around! Fans rally as TJP drags Douki along, but Douki rolls him away to have ITALIAN- NO, TJP slips through and rolls Douki, only for Douki to cradle TJP! TWO!!! TJP escapes, JUMP SOBATS, but Douki ENZIGURIS! Douki runs, but TJP slips around. Douki drops to victory roll, TWO! Into the wheelbarrow! But TJP slips out of the full nelson to FINAL CUT! And then SLIDING KNEE! Cover, TWO!! Douki survives and fans fire up! But TJP pounds the mat and goes back up the corner! TJP aims, MAMBA SPLASH!!! Cover, TJP wins!
Winner: TJP, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Douki gains 0)
It took a few more shots than TJP expected, but he still came away with the win! Will the United Empire soon conquer the Best of the Super Juniors? Speaking of…
Best of the Super Juniors 30, B Block: Francesco Akira VS Dan Moloney!
The Nova Fireball and #DaDrilla are both United Empire, but they’re both 2-1 and they both want to be Best of the Super Juniors. Will this stay a friendly match? Or will things get tense within the team?
The two throw up the crowns to show respect and the fans applaud. The bell rings and the two circle. They tie up, and Dan powers Akira back to ropes. The ref counts, Dan lets off and he lets Akira come back. Akira gets fans to clap “A! KI-RA!” and the two tie up again. Dan headlocks, grinds Akira down, but Akira fights up, only for Dan to grind him back down. Akira keeps fighting, and he pushes on one of Dan’s legs to make him kneel. Akira then slips out to headlock back. Fans applaud and Dan fights up. Dan powers out, they RAM shoulders, and Dan eggs Akira on. Akira runs again, they RAM shoulders, but neither falls.
Dan flexes, but Akira kicks low! Akira CLUBS away on Dan’s neck, then says he’s smarter than Dan. But Dan blocks the whip! And blocks again! Dan whips Akira, Akira ducks ‘n’ dodges then CALF KICKS! Dan stays up because he’s bigger than Akira. Akira goes up a corner, Dan runs in but Akira BOOTS him! Akira leaps, but Dan catches him! Dan says, “Abunai gaijin desu <I’m a dangerous foreigner.>” Dan then pops Akira to a suplex but Akira slips free. Akira waistlocks, Dan breaks free and shoves Akira. Akira comes back but Dan hurdles, drops and DROPKICKS! Fans fire up and Dan suplexes Akira high and hard! Cover, TWO!
Fans rally and Dan keeps his cool. Akira crawls to a corner but Dan stalks him. Dan kicks Akira around, then CHOPS him! Dan stalks Akira to the other side now, but Akira throws forearms! Dan CHOPS again! Akira falls into the corner and Dan even shakes out his hand. Dan drags Akira up to kick, CHOP and repeat! Akira falls on the last chop, Dan covers, TWO! Fans rally up for “A! KI-RA!” but Dan stalks him. Dan CLUBS Akira and eggs him on. Akira throws a forearm, but Dan eggs him on more. Akira throws a forearm, and a CHOP! And a DOUBLE CHOP! Dan CHOPS Akira right back down!
Fans rally up, Dan runs, but Akira follows and wheelbarrows, victory roll for STOMP 182! Both men are down and fans fire up! Fans rally, both men go to corners, and Akira runs in to clotheslines! Akira goes corner to corner to back elbow! Akira fires up and shouts, “Akita! Iku ze! <Here we go!>” The fans fire up for Akira’s Japanese and he runs, ducks ‘n’ dodges, and RANAS! Dan bails out, Akira PLANCHAS! Direct hit and down goes Dan! Fans fire up and Akira puts Dan back in. Fans rally up, Akira climbs a corner, and Akira CROSSBODIES! Cover, TWO! Fans rally for “A! KI-RA!” again as he drags Dan around.
Akira tries to bring Dan up but he’s a big boy. Akira hooks Dan up but Dan fireman’s carries! Akira fights free, CLUBS Dan down, then runs again. Dan fireman’s carries! But Akira pops up, POISON-RANA!! Dan staggers, rebounds, ducks ‘n’ dodges and GORES!! Cover, TWO!! Akira survives and the fans fire up again! Dan sits up and slashes his throat. Dan drags Akira up, and shouts he is again the dangerous gaijin! But Akira arm-drags free, pops up, only for Dan to block the rana! Dan brings Akira up, pops him out and SPINNING CHOPS! Then fisherman BUSTER! Cover, TWO!
Fans fire up as Akira survives again. Dan pounds the mat and fans rally up. Dan drags Akira up but Akira is dead weight now. The ref checks Akira but Dan pats him on the shoulder. Dan drags Akira up, Canadian Racks, but Akira slips out to SUPERKICK! Dan sits up, but into a SLIDING KNEE! And then Akira aims, FIREBALL!! Cover, Akira wins!
Winner: Francesco Akira, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Moloney gains 0)
That was definitely a heated battle! And in the end, Akira proves he is the senpai in the team! They both still throw up the crowns, will this block still belong to the Empire?
Best of the Super Juniors 30, A Block: KUSHIDA VS Mike Bailey!
The Timesplitter has been slowing down but Speedball is speeding up! Will Kushida be stuck at the bottom of the block? Or can he bring Bailey down from the top?
The bell rings and fans applaud as the two fist bump to show respect. They feel things out, Mike gives testing kicks but Kushida pushes forward. Mike avoids Kushida’s drop toehold, and tries some palm strikes. Kushida keeps up his guard, each man tests with a kick, and then Kushida gets a leg. Mike slips free and the fans applaud. The two keep moving around, Mike again avoids Kushida’s toeholds, but Kushida blocks Mike’s cartwheel move. Mike floats to a waistlock, Kushida spins around and the two clinch onto ropes. The ref counts the break, Kushida lets off cleanly, and fans applaud.
Mike and Kushida feel things out, and then Kushida leaps for a body scissor! Mike fights out of that to turn Kushida over and facelock. Mike then floats to a waistlock, he gator rolls Kushida, but Kushida works on an escape. Kushida grabs Mike’s legs for leverage. Kushida spins around, Mike fights him off with hands but Kushida KICKS Mike in the side. Kushida drops on Mike but Mike spins to avoid the lateral press. Mike’s leg guard keeps Kushida back but Kushida gets around to a waistlock. Kushida then floats and he wants the double wristlock! Mike resists by clasping hands, then he back dorps Kushida!
Mike sets up, but Kushida sunset flips him before the knee drop! Both men get a HEEL HOOK! They fight each other while pulling on the holds, and they roll towards the apron. They both fall to the floor! Both men get up and are forehead to forehead. Kushida CHOPS! And CHOPS! And CHOPS! Mike KICKS in return! And KICKS! And KICKS but only gets post! Even the fans feel that one! Kushida body scissors Mike to drag him down for a KNEEBAR! The ref counts, Mike CLUBS away on Kushida, and Kushida lets go at 4. Mike clutches his leg but Kushida puts him back in the ring, which fans applaud.
Kushida keeps after Mike with the sliding kicks! Mike blocks one but Kushida just KICKS the leg out! Kushida lets the ref check Mike but Mike says he’s fine. It’s a standing count but Mike hobbles up at 3. Kushida then CHOP BLOCKS the leg! And SMASHES the knee on the mat! Kushida shows his mean side but Mike kicks at him. Kushida gives some kicks to the side but Mike keeps a leg guard up. Kushida kicks through the guard, and kicks and stomps and kicks! Kushida grabs the legs but Mike fights up to the ropes. Kushida brings him away, they go to the other side, and the ref counts the break this time.
Kushida lets go at 4, but he KICKS Mike’s arm! Mike KICKS back, and they KICK back and forth! Mike stumbles but he comes back for the lightning flurry! Fans fire up and Mike ENZIGURIS! Kushida stumbles and Mike grits his teeth. Fans rally up and Mike goes to a corner. Mike runs in to SOBAT! And AX KICK! And ROUNDHOUSE! Kushida falls, and Mike powers up to SHOOTING STAR into the body scissors! HOVERBOARD!! Mike scrambles to the ROPEBREAK! Kushida lets off quickly, then runs in! Mike avoids the roll-up, Kushida tries again, but Mike KNEES him down!! The ref checks and Kushida is dazed!
The ref starts a standing count for Kushida, but he’s still down past 5 of 10! Kushida stirs at 7, stands at 9, but Mike runs in! TATSUMAKI- NO, Kushida blocks! Kushida pushes Mike, Mike BOOTS but Kushida PELES! Kushida aims but Mike HEEL KICKS him first! Then ROUNDHOUSES! Then ROUNDHOUSES again! Mike kicks away on that arm, and rolls Kushida to an ARMBAR! But Kushida stacks it to a cover, TWO!! Kushida tries again, TWO!! Mike lets go to BACKFLIP KNEE DROP! And then ARMBAR!! Fans fire up as Kushida endures! Kushida kicks, flails, reaches out, but Mike traps the other arm, too! Kushida moves around, ROPEBREAK with a foot!
The fans applaud as Mike lets go. Mike rises, drags Kushida up by that arm, and he KICKS Kushida down! And then stands him up, to KICK him back down! Fans rally up, Mike stands Kushida to KICK him down again! Mike drags Kushida up once again, wrenches through, and ELBOW- NO! SLEEPER! Kushida squeezes tight, then shifts around, COBRA TWIST! But Mike powers out! And ROUNDHOUSES! And then THRUST KICKS! And then aims, to spin and TATSUMAKI ROUNDHOUSE!! Kushida falls, Mike goes up and fans fire up, ULTIMA- NO! Kushida moves, and PENALTY KICKS the bad arm!
Kushida KICKS away on the legs, drags Mike down, HOVERBOARD! But Mike throws knees! Mike stands, throws more knees, but Kushida scoops him! BACK TO THE FUTURE!! Cover, TWO!?! Kushida can’t believe it! But he winds up, fires off palm strikes, but Mike SOBATS! And fires off palm strikes in return! BODY BLOW! Kushida blocks the kick, rolls Mike up, HEEL HOOK!! Mike kicks away with his free leg but Kushida gets that, CROSS HEEL HOOK!! Mike taps, Kushida wins!!
Winner: Kushida, by submission (gains 2 points; Bailey gains 0)
The Ace of the Junior Heavyweight Division finally gets on the board! Is there still time for Kushida to turn this around? Will Mike be able to stay near the top after this stumble?
Best of the Super Juniors 30, B Block: El Desperado VS Kevin Knight!
The Rogue Luchador and The Jet are both up from round three, but Desperado is in better shape. Well, record wise at least. Will that leg hold out so Desperado can win again? Or will the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champion break even?
The bell rings and fans rally up as the two circle. Desperado avoids Knight’s drop toehold a la Kushida, and the two keep circling. Knight headlocks, Desperado powers out to headlock but Knight powers out in return. Things speed up, Knight hurdles and Desperado leaps. Things keep moving, Desperado drops and Knight hops over, to then leap over on the return! Fans cheer the opening exchange and even Desperado has to applaud Knight’s agility. Desperado then rushes in but Knight dodges and runs in to top rope springboard! FLYING ARM-DRAG! Desperado bails out, Knight slingshots but Desperado gets in!
Desperado BODY BLOWS Knight and he goes down. Desperado runs, slides, but Knight gets under. Knight sends Desperado into the apron, runs back in, but Desperado pops him up. Knight lands safe to mule kick Desperado, slingshot in and then PLANCHA back out! Fans fire up and Knight brings Desperado up. Knight CHOPS and Desperado goes around the way. Knight follows and CHOPS Desperado again. “Mo ikai!” Knight swings but Desperado ducks! But Knight stops from hitting the post! Desperado stands back up, and Knight CHOPS him again! Fans cheer while Desperado staggers away.
Knight says he outsmarted Desperado there and he puts Desperado in the ring. Snapmare and basement SHOULDER! Knight flexes and fans applaud. Cover, TWO! Knight drags Desperado up, but Desperado throws body shots. Knight knees low, whips, but Desperado avoids the dropkick! Desperado then runs Knight over and fans rally up. Desperado drags Knight up, to CHOP! And then Desperado gets a leg, for the SHIN BREAKER! Trip and elbow drop to the knee! Desperado pulls on the leg in a toehold but Knight endures. Fans rally, Knight crawls back, even as Desperado traps the leg, and gets the ROPEBREAK!
The ref counts, Desperado lets go, “Oops!” He drops a knee on the knee! Desperado plays dumb but Knight tells him no one believes him. Desperado goes to a corner and fans rally up. Knight rises, Desperado storms up and stomps the bad leg. Desperado then CLUBS Knight on the neck. Knight crawls, Desperado drags him up, but Knight throws body shots and an UPPERCUT! Desperado knees low in return. Desperado whips, Knight reverses and SPLASHES In the corner! Knight puts Desperado up top to DROPKICK Desperado to the floor! Fans fire up and Knight builds speed, to FLY! Direct hit and down goes Desperado!
Knight fires up, he puts Desperado back in and he aims from the apron. Desperado stands, Knight springboards to CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO! Knight went a long distance but didn’t get the win with that. Knight tells “Despy” to get up and he has him in a corner. Knight CHOPS, then he hoists Desperado up top. Knight says “Time to fly!” But Desperado jumps over! Desperado comes back, into the SKY HIGH SPINEBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Knight keeps focus, saying he’ll end it here. Desperado rises, Knight runs in, but Desperado stops the DDT! Desperado gets the bad leg, for the STRETCH MUFFLER!
Knight reaches out but Desperado drags him away! Desperado thrashes the leg, bends Knight back, but Knight claws his way forward! ROPEBREAK! Fans cheer as Desperado lets go quickly. Fans rally and duel as Desperado rises. Knight sits up and crawls around, but Desperado roars. Desperado reels Knight in but Knight fights the gut wrench. Knight then slips out, but Desperado switches to back suplex. Knight lands on his feet, swings, but into the gut wrench! GUITARRA DEL ANGEL! Cover, TWO! Knight is still in this and fans fire up! Desperado grows frustrated but he fires himself back up.
Desperado stalks Knight and brings him up. Underhooks and PINCHE- NO, Knight wrenches out! Sayanagi and ghost pin! TWO!! But then sunset flip! TWO but back to the ghost pin, TWO!! Desperado stands, blocks a kick, and rolls Knight, to the STRETCH MUFFLER! But Knight rolls it to a cradle! TWO!!! Desperado stands, but Knight SUPERKICKS! Knight says here goes! Knight brings Desperado up, reels him in, picks him up, but Desperado fights the bomb to PINCHE LOCO!! Cover, Desperado wins!
Winner: El Desperado, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Knight gains 0)
The Jet started to take off, but he got grounded quickly! Desperado wins this one for Team Strong Style, will he keep on representing until the finals?
Best of the Super Juniors 30, A Block: Hiromu Takahashi VS SHO!
The Ticking Timebomb fell in last round’s main event, and now he’s up against The Murder Machine, whose cheating ways finally helped him out. Will Hiromu be ready for whatever tricks Sho (and Evil) might pull? Or will the House stack the deck again?
Whoa, wait, Evil is already making his way out to the ring! The King of Darkness isn’t hiding that he’s here, even though fans want him to leave. Wait, is Evil joining commentary? Since when? He takes Milano Collection AT’s chair! Will this be all the input Evil has tonight? Sho makes his entrance, and surprisingly doesn’t have his jacket or towel to hide the wrench. In fact, he just has it out in the open. Sho gets the mic, to read a statement? It’s supposedly from Hiromu, and supposedly, Hiromu can’t make it tonight, so he apologizes to the fans but he has to forfeit this round. Fans boo but Sho says this is all true.
As such, Sho expects to be awarded this match. He wants the ring announcer to verify the message and officially award him the match. The announcer isn’t sure, and neither is the ref. But then Sho threatens the announcer into saying it! The announcer reads that Hiromu Takahashi is not able to make it to the show tonight, so he will let Sho win this match. Fans boo more but Sho won’t let the ref read the message. The fans chant for “HI-RO-MU!” but Sho tries to tell them he’s not here. Sho wants the ref to raise his hand, but the ref refuses. There’s nothing proving this is true, but Evil says it’s too bad the champ wasn’t here tonight.
Sho and Evil decide to leave, but the fans still want “HI-RO-MU! HI-RO-MU!” The House of Torture says there’s nothing that can be done if Hiromu can’t make it. But then Hiromu’s music hits! Sho and Evil are freaking out, because here comes Hiromu, all tied up!! He SHOTGUNS The House! The ref and Young Lions hurry to get Hiromu free of the wrist tape, and he throws Sho into the ring. Hiromu stomps Sho around, the bell rings, and Hiromu fires off forearms! This match is still happening and the fans fire up! The ref wants Hiromu to left off but Hiromu shoves him away to drag Sho back up.
Hiromu fireman’s carries and CORNER DEATH VALLEY! And then another fireman’s carry, but Sho bends the fingers! The ref stops Sho but Sho grabs hold of the ref. This is to distract as Evil gets in with a chair! But Hiromu dodges to SUPERKICK Evil! Hiromu gets the chair, but the ref sees him! The ref grabs the chair and Evil runs away! Sho shoves Hiromu into the ref! Then GERMAN SUPLEXES Hiromu! Fans boo as Evil slides back into the ring. Evil and Sho stomps away on Hiromu, then put one out. They drag Hiromu up and Sho has the chair. Fans boo but Sho SMACKS Hiromu right on the back! And again! And again!
Sho SMACKS Hiromu again, then tosses the chair. Fans boo but Evil puts the ref in the ring. Sho drags Hiromu up, reels him in, and POWERBOMBS! Then deadlift to POWERBOMB again! And then again! Sho covers, TWO!! Hiromu survives and fans fire up! But Sho has the legs for a BOSTON CRAB! Hiromu endures, the fans rally up, and Hiromu crawls his way forward! Evil has the bell hammer? He wants to wait for Sho to win so he can ring the bell himself! But Hiromu keeps fighting forward to the ROPEBREAK! Sho lets go in frustration and paces around. Sho drags Hiromu up but Hiromu’s dead weight.
Sho wants the ref to check Hiromu. Hiromu’s still in this so Sho drags him up and reels him in. Sho tucks the arms, SHOCK- NO, Hiromu body scissors! But Sho powers through that, but Hiromu slips out to suplex and FALCON ARROW! Fans fire up while both men crawl. Evil coaches Sho but the fans rally behind Hiromu. Hiromu stands, roars, and he drags Sho up to a fireman’s carry. Sho slips off, swings, misses, and Hiromu SUPERKICKS! Sho staggers, Hiromu fireman’s carries, DEATH VALLEY to the outside! Sho holds on, Hiromu runs to SUNSET FLIP, but Sho still holds onto the ropes!
Sho grabs at the ref! Fans boo as Evil JAMS Hiromu in the chest with a chair! Sho is free and he hurries to fetch Hiromu. Sho sends Hiromu back into the ring, then drags him up. Sho runs, to LARIAT! But Sho isn’t done there, he stands Hiromu up and reels him in to tuck the arms! STRAITJACKET PILEDRIVER! Cover, TWO!! Hiromu survives and fans fire up! Sho and Evil are furious but the count is the count! Fans rally for “HI-RO-MU!” but Sho slashes his throat. Sho drags Hiromu up, reels him back in and tucks the arms again, SHOCK- NO, Hiromu fights the lift! Hiromu Alabama Lifts but Sho fights it back down!
Sho lifts, but Hiromu RANAS through, and into TRIANGLE D! Evil distracts the ref, Sho claws at Hiromu’s face!! Sho gets free, and gets the wrench! Sho takes aim, but Hiromu blocks! Hiromu kicks low, and then pretends Sho hit him with the wrench!! The ref asks Sho about this, Sho defends his innocence, and Hiromu CLOBBERS Evil with the wrench! Sho runs in at Hiromu, into EVERYTHING IS EVIL!!! Hiromu then dragon sleepers to TIMEBOMB MK. II!! But Hiromu isn’t done there! Hiromu drags Sho back up, brings him around to a fireman’s carry, and TIMEBOMB!! Cover, Hiromu wins!
Winner: Hiromu Takahashi, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Sho gains 0)
The more Sho & Evil play games, the more they find out! The IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion isn’t so easy to cheat, will he not be stopped on his journey back to the finals?
Best of the Super Juniors 30, B Block: Master Wato VS Yoshinobu Kanemaru!
The Way of the Grandmaster lost to El Desperado, who lost to the Heel Master in an earlier round. So if Wato beats Kanemaru, can that propel him to the top? Or will Kanemaru keep climbing the ranks for Just5Guys?
The bell rings and fans rally as the two circle. They tie up, Kanemaru wrenches to a wristlock but Wato spins through to wrench back. Wato wristlocks but Kanemaru kicks low to wrench back. Kanemaru hammerlocks, Wato spins that around onto Kanemaru but Kanemaru spins it back onto Wato. Wato throws elbows to hammerlock then headlock. Wato hits the takeover but Kanemaru headscissors. Wato kips free but Kanemaru kicks him low. Kanemaru whips, Wato RANAS! Fans fire up while Kanemaru bails out. Wato runs but Kanemaru gets away. Kanemaru stretches while fans applaud the savvy.
Wato rushes out, Kanemaru runs around the way. Kanemaru slides back in Wato pursues, and Kanemaru runs him over. Kanemaru keeps moving, but he anticipates Wato’s back drop to whip him away. Wato still runs Kanemaru over on the return! Things keep moving, and Kanemaru trips Wato to SMASH the knee on the mat! The game plan that beat Desperado is coming into play. Kanemaru stomps Wato then throws him out. Kanemaru goes out after Wato, SMACKS him off the apron, and then talks some trash. Wato kicks, but Kanemaru blocks to send the leg into the POST! Wato falls and writhes and Red Shoes checks on him.
Kanemaru slides into the ring to wait. Wato is still in this so the ring count starts. Wato sits up at 5 of 20, fans rally, and Wato stands at 12. Wato slides in at 13 but Kanemaru is on him with a SHIN BREAKER! And then a YANK of the leg! Wato writhes more but Kanemaru YANKS the leg again! Fans rally up and Kanemaru SMASHES the knee on the mat! Wato writhes even more, but Kanemaru drops an elbow on the knee. Kanemaru has a toehold but Wato fights back with a chinlock. Kanemaru shrugs that off and pulls on the leg. Wato moves around, reaches out, ROPEBREAK! Fans applaud, Red Shoes counts, and Kanemaru lets go.
Kanemaru has his own take on Desperado’s “Oops,” he’s still kneeling on Wato’s knee! Red Shoes reprimands and Kanemaru plays dumb. Kanemaru steps away, then he drags Wato to center. Kanemaru steps through, ties the legs up, and he has a modified DEATHLOCK! Wato endures, flails, reaches out, and gets the ROPEBREAK! Kanemaru claims he needs help undoing the hold. Red Shoes counts, Kanemaru lets go for real, and Wato crawls away. Kanemaru stomps the leg, and stomps it again. Kanemaru gives toying kicks but Wato throws forearms! Kanemaru rakes the eyes, then kicks the bad leg!
Kanemaru whips Wato corner to corner, but Wato can’t even make it on that bad leg. Wato hobbles the rest of the way, Kanemaru runs in but into BOOTS! Wato then BULLDOGS! Fans applaud and Wato fires back up. Wato drags Kanemaru up, blocks a kick, and hits a ZIGZAG! Both men are down but Wato gets his bad leg working. Fans rally and Wato brings Kanemaru up to wrench and hook. Kanemaru fights the lift, so Wato throws knee after knee. Wato whips Kanemaru to a corner, runs in, but Kanemaru puts him on the apron. The bad leg jams! Kanemaru runs in but Wato dodges to GAMANGIRI!
Fans fire up and Wato aims, springboard, but Kanemaru dodges! The leg jams again! Kanemaru runs in to dropkick the leg out! Kanemaru then steps through, for a FIGURE FOUR! Wato endures the legendary leglock, and Kanemaru thrashes around to add more pressure! Wato grabs at Red Shoes, begging him not to call this! Wato flails, reaches out, and then he turns it over! Kanemaru turns things back over, but they’re in the ROPEBREAK! Kanemaru lets go of the hold and he drags Wato back up. Kanemaru scoops Wato to SLAM him down! Kanemaru then goes up the corner, for the MOONSAULT! Wato moves, Kanemaru lands on his feet!
Wato goes back to the apron, to springboard and FLYING UPPERCUT! Fans fire up while both men are down again. Wato goes to ropes, as does Kanemaru. Kanemaru runs in but Wato gets around to a crucifix takedown, and then he brings Kanemaru back up for RECIENTEMENTE! Cover, TWO!! Kanemaru escapes and fans fire up! Wato also fires up as he beats his bad leg into working. Wato waistlocks but Kanemaru fights the lift. Kanemaru mule kicks the bad leg, shoves and victory rolls, TWO! Kanemaru trips Wato, steps through, but Wato kicks back! SCREW HIGH KICK! Fans fire up as Wato drags Kanemaru back up.
TUTENKAKU GERMAN!! Bridging cover, Wato wins!!
Winner: Master Wato, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Kanemaru gains 0)
Even Wato is surprised with that result! Will this win over the Heel Master help the Way of the Grandmaster find his way to the finals?
Best of the Super Juniors 30, A Block: Lio Rush VS Taiji Ishimori!
The Bad Child won big last round, both because it was the main event and because it was against the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion. Will Lio continue to that momentum and truly be the Man of the Hour? Or will the Bone Soldier make sure #ItsReborn?
The bell rings and fans rally as the two stare down. Lio encourages the fans to get louder so they oblige. Taiji and Lio circle, feel things out, and then tie up collar ‘n’ elbow. They’re in a deadlock, but Taiji does find a point of leverage to put Lio in a corner. Red Shoes counts, and Taiji lets off with a pat on the shoulder. Taiji flexes while egging Lio on. Lio and Taiji reset, circle again, and tie up again. Taiji throws Lio down! Taiji grins, but Lio shoots around to waistlock. Taiji switches, Lio switches then spins Taiji. Taiji blocks the snapmare and spins Lio back to a waistlock. Lio switches to shove Taiji, then he goes the other way.
Taiji stops, Lio ducks ‘n’ dodges but Taiji follows to run Lio over! Fans fire up but Lio is right up to fire forearms! Taiji gives them back, Lio gets the edge and whips. Taiji reverses but Lio slides out. Lio dares Taiji to follow him out there and the fans fire up. Taiji doesn’t follow and he wants Lio to get back in. Red Shoes wants Lio to get back in, but Taiji rushes out after all. Lio slides back in and now Lio taunts Taiji to get back in. Taiji is annoyed, but he does slide in. Taiji blocks a kick, flips Lio, and things speed up again. Lio hurdles, Taiji goes around Lio but Lio avoids the basement dropkick!
Lio runs in to SLIDING LARIAT but Taiji catches it! Ghost pin, TWO! Lio has a cover, TWO! The two stand up, and DOUBLE LARIATS collide! Both men stay up and fans fire up. Taiji CHOPS, Lio nods. Lio CHOPS, Taiji shakes it off. Fans rally up and Taiji CHOPS again! Lio CHOPS again! Taiji CHOPS again! Lio gets the fans to get louder, and Lio winds up, to feint and fire off a strike fest! Lio eggs Taiji on, then he dodges the haymaker to fire off more shots and an ENZIGURI! Taiji bails out, Lio builds speed, but Taiji ducks the slide. Taiji fireman’s carries to POST Lio! Red Shoes checks Lio but Taiji unties the blue buckle pad.
Taiji has the Bullet Club Special in play as Red Shoes starts the ring count. Lio stands, gets back in the ring, and Taiji stalks him to a corner. Lio slips away to another corner but Taiji keeps after him. Taiji stomps Lio, CLUBS him, then throws down fists. Taiji digs his boots in but Red Shoes reprimands. Taiji lets off as Red Shoes counts, and Taiji drags Lio back up. Taiji wrenches the arm, then whips and WRINGS Lio’s arm out! Taiji then pulls on the arm, digging his boots into Lio’s shoulder! Lio endures, fans rally, and Lio fights. Lio kicks at Taiji then moves around to the ROPEBREAK! Fans applaud as Taiji lets go.
Taiji stalks Lio back to a corner and CLUBS him back down. Taiji whips Lio corner to corner, runs in corner to corner, but he blocks the boots. Taiji puts Lio in the ropes, ENZIGURI and then SLIDING GERMAN! Fans fire up and Taiji goes back in to cover, TWO! Lio is still in this but Taiji keeps cool. Taiji drags Lio around but Lio kicks at Taiji. Taiji twists the wrist, Lio sits up to throw body shots, but Taiji just twists harder. Taiji hammerlocks Lio, and aims at the bare buckles. Lio stops himself in time, then he throws elbows Taiji away! Lio ELBOWS Taiji more, ROCKS him again, and then whips.
Taiji holds ropes and blocks the hip, and that hurts Lio’s bad arm. Taiji swings but Lio bobs ‘n’ weaves. Lio whips, Taiji reverses, but Lio JUMP KNEES! And ELBOWS! Fans fire up as Taiji rushes back in, but Lio tosses him out! And then DIVES OUTTA NOWHERE! Direct hit at the ramp and the fans fire up! Red Shoes checks both men and they’re both okay to continue. The ring count starts, fans rally up, and Lio sits up first. Lio gets in the ring at 11, Taiji sits up at 13. Taiji crawls his way over, grabs at the apron at 18, but leaps in at 19! Lio then rushes up to FALCON ARROW! Cover, TWO! Lio’s shoutout to tag partner Yoh was not enough!
Lio grows a bit frustrated, but he says it is time! Lio runs the ropes, RUSH- NO, Taiji blocks! Taiji inverted suplexes but Lio slips out. Taiji knees low, whips, Lio reverses but Taiji handsprings for a NEURALIZER! Both men are down and fans fire back up. Taiji stands and storms over, drags Lio up, and POSTS him in the bare corner! Taiji hammerlocks, half nelsons, and scoops for the SHOULDER BUSTER! Lio writhes and fans rally up, but Taiji takes aim from the corner. Taiji runs in, LA MYSTICA! BONE LOCK!! Lio endures, fans rally up, and Taiji pulls back on the hold! Lio fights his way over, but Taiji kicks the ropes!
Taiji has Lio stuck in the center with the BONE LOCK!! Lio endures, fans rally as hard as they can, and Lio fights up again. Lio rolls Taiji to a cover, TWO! Taiji still has the BONE LOCK, but not the leverage! Lio endures, gets to his feet, and he scoops Taiji! But Taiji turns it around, only for Taiji to turn it back around! But Taiji fights it back around, only for Lio to slip out and schoolboy! TWO!! Lio runs in, DOUBLE LARIATS take both men down! The fans fire up again as both men stir. Taiji and Lio slowly rise, and Lio throws a forearm! Taiji throws it back, so Lio throws another! Taiji throws that one back, too!
Lio shakes his head, and he throws another forearm! Taiji shakes his head now, and both men stand. The forearms keep going back and forth, and fans rally as they go faster and faster! Taiji kicks low! Taiji brings Lio up by his hair, and swings, but Lio ducks to headbutt low! But Taiji avoids the Scissor Kick! But then Lio ducks the Penalty Kick! Lio rolls Taiji and spins to BASEMENT ENZIGURI! Fans fire up but Taiji roars! Taiji LARIATS but Lio stays up! Lio LARIATS right back! And then Lio fireman’s carries, spins and spins and F5!! Lio goes to the corner, goes up top, and fans fire up for the FINAL HOUR, onto knees!!
Lio sputters, Taiji drags him up and gut wrenches, for CIPHER UTAKI! Cover, TWO!! Lio survives and fans fire back up! Taiji is too tired to be upset, he just goes to the ropes. Taiji drags himself up, takes aim with his finger gun and says BANG! Taiji drags Lio back up, BLOODY- NO, Lio slips out! And then ducks as Taiji rushes in, to SPANISH FLY!! Cover, TWO!! Taiji survives and Lio is beside himself! Fans rally, Taiji gives Lio a kick while they’re both down. Lio sits up first, and he again says it’s time! Lio goes for a corner but Taiji anchors a foot. Lio hops up to HEEL KICK! And then Lio runs, RUSH- KNEE!!
Taiji roars as he disrupts Rush Hour! Dragon sleeper, 1916!! Cover, TWO!!! Lio survives Taiji’s shoutout to The Prince! Taiji drags Lio up, but Lio is dead weight. Taiji grins and drags Lio up again. Taiji gut wrenches, CIPHER- ROLLING SPIKE-RANA!! Lio counters with an almost inverted Destroyer! Fans are thunderous, Lio runs, RUSH HOUR!! Lio hurries up top for the FINAL HOUR!!! Cover, LIO WINS!
Winner: Lio Rush, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Taiji gains 0)
The Bad Child is the ONLY undefeated man in the entire tournament! Taiji joins the 3-1 club, will he have to work even harder to make sure that’s his only loss?
As for Lio, he gets the ice, catches his breath, and then gets the mic. Fans cheer Lio on as he sits up to say, “AKITAAA~! I am… I always have, from the moment that I was a little boy, just like that one right there. You see? Please. Show these kids.” Lio has the cameraman follow him out of the ring so he can point out the very young fans in the front row. “This right here is what it is all about. These two.” And on his wrist tape are the names of his boys, his babies, at home right now, watching Lio be UNDEFEATED in the BOSJ 30! Fans cheer that.
Lio says, “At the end of the day, these people are who I do it for. These people are why I am alive today. These people are why I breathe. Akita, you are why I feel more alive than ever before!” The fans cheer that, too, as they appreciate that. Lio continues with, “Look at me. Look at me! I am the best thing out today. I knew it since I was a little boy, I knew it since I was a child, and I will prove it at the end of this tournament that I am in deed the Best of the Super Juniors. And my name is the Bad Child, LIO! RUSH!” Fans cheer as the Man of the Hour waves hi to the young girl, and holds the little baby up. Will these young fans be Lio Rush fans for life?
Here are the NEW A Block standings!
Lio Rush: 4-0, 8 points
Taiji Ishimori: 3-1, 6 points
Mike Bailey: 3-1, 6 points
Titán: 3-1, 6 points
Hiromu Takahashi: 2-2, 4 points
TJP: 2-2, 4 points
SHO: 1-3, 2 points
DOUKI: 1-3, 2 points
KUSHIDA: 1-3, 2 points
Ryusuke Taguchi: 0-4, 0 points
Here are the NEW B Block standings!
Francesco Akira: 3-1, 6 points
Robbie Eagles: 3-1, 6 points
El Desperado: 3-1, 6 points
Master Wato: 2-2, 4 points
Yoshinobu Kanemaru: 2-2, 4 points
Dan Moloney: 2-2, 4 points
YOH: 2-2, 4 points
Clark Connors: 2-2, 4 points
Kevin Knight: 1-3, 2 points
BUSHI: 0-4, 0 points
My Thoughts:
Another great round of the BOSJ for the NJPW, and it is awesome that Lio not only won in the main event again, but that he is THE guy at 4-0 in this tournament. That is great for him, as NJPW seems to be the one promotion that fully understands Lio Rush. NXT did great, but RawDown didn’t (Vince). AEW tried, still didn’t quite do it right, but here, in NJPW, he has been able to really shine. I feel like he should definitely be a finalist, an they already gave him a win over Hiromu, so he doesn’t have to win the whole thing.
Speaking of Hiromu, it was hilarious that Sho’s newest way of faking genuineness was claiming Hiromu couldn’t make it like there was an accident or something. Hiromu wins out so that he breaks even, he’ll surely make it to the semifinals, probably even facing Lio again. Taguchi continuing to be winless is a bit of a surprise but I guess this is to add more power to when Serious Taguchi finally does win. Bushi’s in the same boat, but he isn’t really changing up his style, he just isn’t cutting it. Maybe Bushi’s big win is meant to be a big spoiler for someone wanting to get into the semifinals.
My Score: 8.7/10
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London calling to the champion crowns!
SmackDown brings gold to London as LA Knight defends his WWE US Championship and The Street Profits defend their tag team titles! Will the landscape change this close to WrestleMania?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- WWE Tag Team Championships: The Street Profits VS Pretty Deadly; The Profits win and retain the titles.
- Kayden Carter & Katana Chance VS The Secret Her-vice w/ Chelsea Green; The Secret Her-vice wins.
- WWE United States Championship: LA Knight VS Braun Strowman; Braun wins, by disqualification, and Knight retains the title.
- Charlotte Flair VS Mia Yim w/ B-Fab; Charlotte wins.
- Randy Orton VS Drew McIntyre; McIntyre wins.
- Jimmy Uso VS The Miz; Jimmy wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
Cody Rhodes is here!
We follow The American Nightmare as walks to gorilla, then through the curtain, and London sings along with the song, “WHOA~ OH~!” Cody gets his pyro, says hello to fans along the ramp, and then we get the second “WHOA~ OH~!” and pyro. Cody goes to the ring, grabs a mic, then kneels down to kiss the WWE logo on the mat. The fans continue to sing along all the way to the end, “I AM MY KINGDOM!” The fans then cheer, and Cody holds up the belt to fire them up even more! The fans now sing for “CODY! CODY RHODES~!” and he soaks it in. The fans cheer again as Cody smiles, and he finally says, “So, London~! Whaddya wanna talk about?”
The fans chant “Let’s Go, Cena!” “CENA SUCKS!” Cody hears that dueling, and he smiles again. The song of “CODY! CODY RHODES~!” returns, then they cheer. Cody says, “At WrestleMania 41, I will be facing John Cena…” The fans boo, but Cody says, “I will be facing John Cena as he goes to break the record and win 17. But that is WrestleMania 41. In just a few nights, I will be standing face to face with John Cena in this very same city, in this very same arena.” The fans cheer that, but then here comes Randy Orton! Now the fans sing along with Voices as The Viper heads to the ring. Orton also high-fives fans before he joins Cody.
Orton grabs a mic, paces while the fans keep singing on their own, and then the fans cheer. Orton says he’s not really the sentimental type, but for Cody and for London, screw it. The fans chant “R K O! R K O!” and Orton tells Cody, “Look at you. Look at who you are now, the man you are now. Look at where he came from.” The fans cheer and sing “CODY! CODY RHODES~!” and Orton says he remembers a Cody in his early 20s, just breaking into the business. Cody was busting his ass harder than anyone else. He wasn’t exactly happy, and in fact, he was frustrated. But Cody was man enough, smart enough, to know he needed to grow, and that he couldn’t grow in the WWE.
Cody wasn’t exactly treated fairly in the WWE, so Cody left the WWE! That took some big ass balls to do what he did! Cody changed the business singlehandedly, and everyone in the back knows it. And Orton appreciates Cody for it. But then Cody came back, as they all knew one day he would. And the industry has been changed forever since the day Cody came back to the WWE. Cody is a bit teary eyed as Orton says Cody’s still the same guy, he just did what he set out to do, and he grew. Orton teases he would sing along with the fans, but the fans might leave. The fans again sing “CODY! CODY RHODES~!”
Orton asks if they remember when Cody Rhodes faced Seth Rollins in Hell in a Cell. The fans cheer because they do. Orton says that was impressive, and even impossible, as he started with a partially torn pec and then ended with a fully torn pec! His body changed all kinds of shades of purple that Orton’s never seen on a human body. The pain he must have been in. Cody persevered not just for himself. Maybe not even at all for Cody. It was not even for his family legacy; it was for each and every single fan out there! Then Cody went on to WrestleMania, beat Roman Reigns and finished the story!
But there’s always another story, isn’t there? And Cody’s right in the middle of one. Cody is in charge of his legacy, and it is a privilege for Orton to watch Cody take control of it. Ticket sales have been up, there’s more intrigue around the world, and listen to the people! It is 99.9% all because of Cody! The fans cheer that, and of course they sing. Orton says what he’s trying to say is a long-winded version of he respects Cody, loves him, and is very, very proud of him. The fans cheer that! Orton then says, “But… But now it is time for WrestleMania.” They both look to the sign, and Orton says he can guarantee Cody that Orton will kick Kevin Owens so hard in the head…!
Orton can just feel it already! He forgets how many days are left, but he can’t wait to remove Kevin’s head from his shoulders. And Orton knows Cody will enter champion, exit champion, but not before he beats the holy hell outta Cena all up and down the Vegas strip! But after all the smoke clears and the dust settles, just like Orton wants Number 17, there will come a time when Orton will want Number 15. But Orton won’t kick Cody in the balls like a coward. Orton will look Cody in the eye because he respects Cody, is proud of Cody, and sees him as an equal. Orton will look Cody in the eye and tell him that he’s coming for the title.
The fans cheer but wait! Drew McIntyre is here! The fans cheer the Scottish Terminator as he steps out on stage, mic in hand, and has a wry smile on his face as he looks at the ring. Drew waves as the fans now sing, “OH~ Drew McIntyre~!” Drew says, “Isn’t this wonderful? A couple of nepo babies having a love fest in the middle of the ring> It makes me absolutely sick. What’d you just say, Randy? if Cody gets through Cena at WrestleMania, you’re coming for that title? What exactly have you done since that big comeback to justify that title match? Aside be Randy Orton. The only big moment I can remember is you being on the shelf for months and months and months.
“People like to make jokes about it, but more people talk about my five-minute-45-second title reign than your entire comeback so far! So get to the back of the line, sunshine! As for you, Cody, you should’ve listened to me. But you shunned me. You attacked me. Everybody should’ve listened to me about John Cena, but they didn’t. And the next night, he kicked you right in the twig ‘n’ berries, proving me right as usual. And the main event of WrestleMania should be Cody Rhodes VS The UK’s only ever world champion, Drew McIntyre!” Fans do like that idea. But sadly, it’s not, because of that guyliner wearing Temu Undertaker, Damian Priest!
Drew wants to talk about what is happening. And what’s gonna happen! Drew steps up to the ring while fans sing for him again. Drew says it will not be Randy that takes the title from Cody, should he get through Cena; it’ll be McIntyre. The fans cheer, but Orton says they were trying to have a moment. Can Drew just cut the crap already? Drew says okay, sure. He’ll tell the truth, because that’s all he ever does. The truth is, Kevin might have a point! If those Voices are talking to Orton again, then they know Drew very, very well. And he’s thinking, “My God, Randy looks great! Absolutely jacked! On the outside.”
On the inside, that back is hanging by a thread. And if Orton provokes McIntyre, McIntyre will break him. And as for Cody- Cody kicks Drew and UPPERCUTS him! The fans fire up, and Orton R- NO, Drew gets away! The fans boo, but the battlelines are drawn! Even if Cody makes it out of the frying pan that is Las Vegas, it’ll be into the fire that is these contenders waiting in line! Will the American Nightmare be ready for whoever comes for the crown?
WWE Tag Team Championships: The Street Profits VS Pretty Deadly!
Montez Ford & Angelo Dawkins are finally golden again, but it’s time to put the titles on the line already! And while they’re ready for the grind, they’re up against the hometown heroes! Will the Profits still be up in the O2? Or will Kit Wilson & Elton Prince say #YESBOY to a new reign of their own?
The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we see who really wants the smoke!
The teams sort out and Kit starts with Dawkins. They tie up, Dawkins headlocks, but Kit powers up and out. Dawkins runs Kit over, the fans fire up, and Dawkins fires hands on Kit in the corner! The fans rally for Pretty Deadly, Dawkins whips Kit to a corner, but Elton takes that bump! Kit CLOBBERS Dawkins, then tags Elton! Atomic drop into DROPKICK! Ford runs up, but into a DOUBLE HIP TOSS! Dawkins whips, Elton reverses, and then Elton hurdles so Kit can DDT! The fans fire up with Pretty Deadly while the Profits bail out. Pretty Deadly has control while SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Elton is right on Dawkins as he gets in, and UPPERCUTS him to the corner. Elton clinches Dawkins for another UPPERCUT! Tag to Kit, and Elton RAMS into Dawkins so Kit can UPPERCUT! Dawkins flops over, Kit drags him up to wrench the arm. Kit whips, Dawkins reverses, but Kit grabs ropes. Kit ELBOWS Dawkins, DECKS Ford, but Dawkins CLOBBERS Kit! The ref reprimands but Dawkins RAMS Kit into the corner again and again! The ref counts, Dawkins fires fast hands, then he tags in Ford. Ford says, “SUCK IT!” then he KICKS Kit! Ford scuffs Kit, then drags him to a cover, TWO!
Ford keeps Kit down with a facelock, but Kit endures the grind. Kit fights up, fires body shots, but Ford whips him away. Kit sunset flips! Ford rolls through, and PENALTY KICKS! Ford mocks Elton with the Scott Hall fingers, and the ref has to keep Elton back. Ford drags Kit up, tags Dawkins, and the Profits mug Kit. Dawkins CLUBS Kit down, then stalks him. Dawkins stays between Kit and Elton, then whips Kit into the Profits’ corner. CYCLONE- NO, Kit dodges! Ford tags in, he keeps Kit from Elton now, but Kit slips out of the suplex! Kit fakes high to go low, hot tag to Elton! Elton rallies with LARIAT after LARIAT!
Elton kicks and whips Ford to a corner, then UPPERCUTS! Elton whips the other way, UPPERCUTS again, and then does it again! Elton adds to the hattrick with a lift, Ford says a quick prayer before the SUPLEX! Ford flounders, gets to his feet, but Elton dodges to springboard and FLYING UPPERCUT! Cover, TWO! Ford stays in this, but Elton stays on him. SmackDown returns to single picture and fans rally for Pretty Deadly as Elton gives Ford a back suplex. Ford lands out, waistlocks, but Elton switches and shoves Ford. Ford CLOBBERS Elton in return! Ford is also dazed but he covers, ONE!
Kit reaches out, Elton and Ford both crawl, hot tags to Kit and Dawkins! The fans fire up as Dawkins wrenches Kit, underhooks and SILENCER! Dawkins Electric Chair Lifts Kit, Ford climbs, but Kit slips free! Kit shoves Dawkins into Ford! Ford falls to the floor, but Dawkins ENZIGIRIS Kit! Elton tags in, and Kit LARIATS Dawkins! Pretty Deadly combine for DRY MARTI-KNEES! Cover, TWO!! Dawkins survives and the Profits are a bit unsure of what to do next. Dawkins crawls to a corner, Elton runs up, but Dawkins dodges! Elton hits buckles and Dawkins TOSSES Kit, then Dawkins hits a SKY HIGH on Elton!
Dawkins hurries to tag Ford and Ford climbs up! But Kit pushes Elton out of the way! Kit takes FROM THE HEAVESN, and Elton ghost pins Ford! TWO!! Ford escapes, and he ROCKS Elton! Elton UPPERCUTS Ford! Dawkins sneaks a tag, Ford SUPERKICKS! POUNCE SAIDO COMBO!! Cover, KIT BREAKS IT! The fans fire up while all four men are down! The teams go to opposite ends, then they all stand up in the corners. They all roar, all run in, and Kit SPEARS Ford while Elton FLYING UPPERCUTS Dawkins!! London is thunderous, and Kit hurries to tag in! Pretty Deadly gets Dawkins up, for SPILT MILK!! Cover, FORD BREAKS IT!
The fans are shocked, as is Elton, but Ford saves this for his team! “This is Awesome!” as Ford runs up and Elton TOSSES him out! Now DRY MARTI- NO! Dawkins doesn’t accept the second serving, and he DUMPS Kit out! Kit skins the cat while Dawkins DECKS Elton! Dawkins catches Kit to an Electric Chair! Ford rises, DOOMSDAY BLOCKBUSTER!! Cover, Profits win!
Winners: The Street Profits, by pinfall (still WWE Tag Team Champions)
Pretty Deadly put up a heroic fight, but the hometown heroes could not capture the gold. Dawkins & Ford hold onto the gold, will this be the strongest the Profits have ever been?
Kayden & Katana talk with Zelina Vega.
Carter & Chance know La Muneca got screwed over by The Green Administration. Chelsea thinks she’s untouchable, but someone’s gonna stop them eventually. Well, speaking of, Alba Fyre leads the way in as she & Piper Niven “scope the perimeter.” There’s one small threat. They frisk the “miniscule” threat, but nothing they haven’t dealt with before. Chelsea struts in and says, “The Eagle has landed~!” Zelina says she is so glad the “Bootleg Men in Black” have crashed the party. Now, yeah, they all know she’s small. But clearly this small “threat” is a big threat to Chelsea’s title reign. Otherwise, it wouldn’t have taken all three of them to beat her.
KC Squared agree with that. How about tonight, we see what happens when the odds are even? Chelsea says that’s fine, because Agents P & A are ready. The Secret Her-vice has been given their next mission, but will they be able to crash the party? Or will the party crash them?
Kayden Carter & Katana Chance VS The Secret Her-vice!
SmackDown returns and The Green Administration makes their entrance. The teams sort out, Alba starts against Katana, and the two tie up. Alba KNEES low, CLUBS Katana down, then fireman’s carries. Katana fights free, tags Kayden, and they KICK, double whip, and then trip Alba up for the basement DROPKICK! Katana adds a slingshot SENTON, Kayden covers, TWO! Kayden tags Katana, they double whip Alba to a corner, then Kayden runs in. Alba DUMPS Kayden out, ROCKS Katana, and she tags Piper! Katana arm-drags Alba out, then goes out to run up. Kayden gives her a boost, Katana CROSSBODIES Alba down!
The fans fire up, but Piper goes up and out?! CANNONBALL and down goes KC Squared! Piper salutes Chelsea and SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns, Kayden rallies on Alba while the fans rally up. Kayden fires up, runs in and whips, but Alba reverses. Kayden wheelbarrows, victory rolls, then SUPERKICKS! Kayden fires up again but the fans are torn. Kayden runs in at Alba to BOOT WASH her against the ropes! Chelsea protests, Kayden kicks at her, then Kayden springboards for a LEG DROP! Cover, TWO! Alba survives, Kayden whips, but Alba KICKS back! Tag to Piper, but Kayden jackknife bridges Alba! The ref explains bout the tag, Piper runs up, but Kayden moves! The SENTON hits Alba! Piper panics, Kayden tags Katana!
Katana goes up onto Kayden’s shoulders, VICTORY ROLL LAUNCHER, but Piper catches Katana! Katana fires hands, BOOTS, and then hurries to go up again. Kayden ROCKS Piper, and fireman’s carries?! SAMOAN DROP! Kayden then gives Katana the boost, for the KEG STAND SPLASH!! Cover, ALBA BREAKS IT! Kayden runs up on Alba to BOOT her out! Katana gives Kayden the boost now, SUPER CROSSBODY onto Alba! Kayden hurries to tag back in, and she brings Piper up. Piper swings, Kayden dodges and SUPERKICKS! Katana goes up, Piper staggers over that way, but Chelsea distracts the ref!
The fans are torn as Alba grabs Katana. Katana kicks Alba down, chases Chelsea off, but Piper sends Kayden into her! Piper scoops to PIPER DRIVER!! Cover, Secret Her-vice wins!
Winner: The Secret Her-vice, by pinfall
The Women’s US Champion helps her team, and now they all mug Kayden & Katana! But here comes Zelina! Vega runs down the ramp, CLOBBERS Alba, and then she gets in the ring! Zelina tilt-o-whirl DDTS Piper! And she KNEES Alba off the apron! But Chelsea CLOBBERS Zelina! Chelsea fires up, the UK is oddly with her, and she chicken wings Zeina. But Zelina fights free to fire forearms and body shots! And a BACK ELBOW! Zelina reels Chelsea in, CODE- SUPERKICK from Alba! SENTON from Piper! The Green Administration is just too much for Zelina to fight against alone! But can she, Kayden & Katana find a way to turn things around?
WWE United States Championship: LA Knight VS Braun Strowman!
Did the Mega Star just get this title back from Shinsuke Nakamura? YEAH! Did he help the Monster of All Monsters fight off Solo Sikoa’s rouge bloodline? YEAH! And now, does he have to defend this title against the monster he just helped? YEAH!! But will Knight still reign this close to WrestleMania? Or will Braun #GetTheseHands back on a championship?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and it’s time for Knight’s biggest challenge, YEAH!
The bell rings and the fans rally up as the two circle. The two tie up, and Braun SHOVES Knight away. Knight comes back, Braun SHOVES him down again! Knight gets up, gets around, and he headlocks. Braun powers up to back suplex, but Knight lands out! Knight tries but Braun’s too big to suplex! Braun ELBOWS Knight, storms up on him, but Knight fires haymakers! Knight whips, Braun reverses, but Knight KICKS back! Knight runs, but Braun HIP TOSSES! Cover, TWO! Knight stays in this, but Braun brings him up. Braun puts Knight in a corner, CHOPS, then runs, for a SPLASH! Knight sputters along ropes, Braun keeps moving, but Knight DUMPS him out!
The fans fire up as Knight then WRECKS Braun with a dropkick! Knight keeps moving, and he WRECKS Braun again! The fans fire up with Knight, but then Braun BOOTS Knight down! The fans are torn but Braun stands tall as SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns and Braun puts Knight back in the ring. The fans cheer as Knight KICKS Braun! Knight tries again, but Braun’s still too big to back suplex! Braun CLUBS Knight, then runs in at the corner. Knight BOOTS Braun, goes up, and FLYING BULLDOGS! Both men are down and the fans fire up! Knight and Braun rise back up, and Knight dodges a shot to JAB! Then he dodges to JAB! JAB! JAB! “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” But Braun KNEES low! Braun scoops, Knight slips free, and Knight RAMS Braun into buckles! Then the BACK SUPLEX! The fans fire up and Knight rises again! Knight spells it out, “L! A! KNIGHT! YEAH!” ELBOW DROP! Cover, TWO!
Braun has plenty left in the tank but the fans rally for Knight. Knight stands Braun up to kick low, but Braun THROWS Knight away! Knight rises, and Braun LARIATS Knight up and out! The fans fire up as Braun rips the shirt! Braun gets on the track, and he runs in, STROWMAN EXPRESS MEETS JACOB FATU!! The Samoan Werewolf strikes Braun down!
Winner: Braun Strowman, by disqualification; LA Knight retains the title
The fans boo as Jacob now goes after Knight! He just ruined what was becoming a great match, but Jacob fires HEADBUTT after HEADBUTT on Braun! SAMOAN DROP onto the desk!! The desk doesn’t budge, but Braun might’ve been broken in half! The UK fires up for Fatu as he puts Braun in the ring! Jacob fires more HEADBUTTS, then HEADBUTTS away on Braun in the corner! The fans sing “OLE~ OLE OLE OLE, FATU~, FATU~!” Jacob runs corner to corner, but Knight kicks him first! Knight fires haymakers, “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” Jacob denies the BFT to POP-UP SAMOAN DROP! And then HIP ATTACK for Braun anyway!
Jacob keeps going, HIP ATTACK for Braun again! Jacob throws off his jacket, glares at Braun, and he runs in for a third HIP ATTACK! Braun flounders into the drop zone, so Jacob goes up, up, BEST MOONSAULT EVER! Direct hit on Braun, but the fans want that “ONE MORE TIME!” Jacob obliges, BEST MOONSAULT EVER! The Samoan Werewolf just tore up #OneBigSOB and LA Knight, will there be no stopping him from taking the United States Championship?
Backstage interview with Jimmy Uso.
Jackie Redmond is with #BigJim, and she says that while she knew WWE was going global this month, she did not know they’d get the slap heard ’round the world! Jimmy says he’d do it again, and he’ll slap Gunther as many times as he needs! Jimmy knows Jey is up in his own head, doubt is creeping on him. But just because Jey’s 0-3 against Gunther doesn’t mean Gunther’s unbeatable! The Ring General CAN be got! Jimmy’s going to Raw this Monday, he will bust Gunther’s ass, Jey will go to Mania and bust Gunther’s ass to become the WWE World Heavyweight Champion. And then they leave Las Vegas just like this: YEET!
Jimmy heads out, but then The Miz & Carmelo Hayes walk by. Miz is mocking Jimmy’s words, and he asks excuse me. Miz says it’s just funny that suddenly, Jimmy is a tough guy, even though for most of his career, he’s been “The Other Uso.” Doesn’t Jimmy get it? Jimmy and Jey are career sidekicks while Gunther is a main character. Gunther is the lead, neither Jimmy nor Jey can beat him. And here’s another thing: The Usos are just blips on the trailer that was Roman Reigns’ Bloodline. Melo says Jimmy & Jey are stuck outside the club, they can’t even get in.
Miz says as a former WWE Champion, a former WrestleMania main eventer, Jimmy will never know what it is to carry this industry. And after this year’s WrestleMania, neither will Jey. Oh, and by the way, if Jimmy ever slapped Miz like that, Jimmy would still be on the ground. Jimmy feints the slap and Miz freaks out. Jimmy says it may be him and Gunther on Monday, but he’ll holler at Aldis real quick so it can be Jimmy VS Miz here tonight. Yeah, YEET! Jimmy heads out, Melo says he thought Miz was gonna do something about the slap. Will Miz have to do something about running his mouth before he gets his teeth kicked in?
Solo Sikoa & Tama Tonga find Jacob Fatu backstage.
Solo asks Jacob what the Hell he was doing out there. Jacob goes out there alone without saying a thing to them? Jacob says he ain’t gotta say nothing to nobody! Matter fact, didn’t Solo not tap in with him last week? Tama says, “But Jacob,” only for Jacob to say, “But nothing, Tama!” Solo wants Jacob to lower his tone, but Jacob says okay. Let him be very clear with them. When it comes to Braun Strowman, Jacob WILL be the last man standing. Y’all better get in where you fit in, cuz that US title? Oh, Jacob’s bringing it home to the family. And he will do it with them, or without them! Yadada mean? Fatu heads out, is the Samoan Werewolf no longer following Solo?
Naomi speaks.
“I mean… How did we even get here? I don’t know. One thing that I do know is that I’ve always been the woman to do the right thing. I’ve always been the woman to do the right thing. So Bianca, what makes you think that my attack on Jade was anything different from me doing the right thing? When I sit here and I think about all that I’ve sacrificed, all that I’ve given, and that’s what really breaks my heart. Because through all of that, I’m made to be the bad one in this situation. I just don’t understand, how does Jade come in outta nowhere and take my place with you? I want you to ask yourself this, Bianca. Who inspired you? Hmm?
“Who’s inspired women over the last decade? Who’s always had your back from day one of you being here? Me. Not Jade. Hmm. But you know what? What I’ve learned through all of this: You teach people how to treat you. And I’m done with being treated as a third wheel. I’m done being pushed to the side, I’m done with being too nice, I’m done with being undervalued, underutilized, underappreciated! So moving forward, hmm… Moving forward, here’s my message to you, Jade. If you continue to be in my way, I strongly advise you to proceed with caution.” The Glow shows her dark side, but will the storm be moved?
Nick Aldis meets with Jade Cargill.
Speaking of, the SmackDown General Manager understands things have been rather difficult for her as of late. Jade says she’s been trying to get her hands on Naomi for the past few weeks, now where is she? No one has seen her all day, so as far as anyone knows, Naomi’s not here. Well, when Jade catches Naomi, it’s on sight. Jade leaves, B-Fab & Michin are there. They let her know that what Naomi did to her was straight trash, totally uncalled for behavior. And after Jade gets her hands on Naomi, she’ll handle that business. Jade agrees. Mia says they’ve all got business to handle. Jade’s got Naomi, and Mia’s gonna get Charlotte for messing with her girl, B.
B-Fab says Naomi’s got what’s coming to her: no sympathy, no regrets. Jade, just do what you gotta do. Oh, she will. Jade also wishes Mia luck tonight. Mia & B-Fab head out, will the Head Baddie in Charge make the Queen bow down in London?
The darkness approaches.
“You are as I was. As I am, you will be.” The shadows are starting to take shape, but is SmackDown about to fade to black?
Charlotte Flair VS Mia Yim w/ B-Fab!
The Queen looks down on everyone, so it’s no surprise that everyone else wants to take her down. Charlotte may have checked off B-Fab, but will the HBIC be a much different story? Or will Charlotte only sharpen her edge before facing Tiffany Stratton at WrestleMania?
WAIT! NAOMI ATTACKS B-FAB & MICHIN! Naomi drags Mia up for a FACEBUSTER! Naomi rains down fists, the ref reprimands and the fans boo, but Naomi tells the ref to back off. Naomi then BOOTS B-Fab off the apron! Naomi goes out after B-Fab to THRWO her into barriers! Naomi SLAPS B-Fab, tells her to stay down, but B-Fab gets up. Naomi fires hands, then she SMACKS B-Fab off the desk! Naomi rains down fists, but here comes Jade! Jade hurries down the ramp, she runs around the way, but Naomi runs away! Jade makes sure B-Fab is okay, but refs have to help her to the back. And what of Mia? Will she even be able to compete?
Charlotte makes her entrance, not really caring about what Naomi just did to Mia. But that means she also crosses paths with Jade. The fans like the look of this stare down, but Jade and Charlotte both let the other slide. Charlotte gets her pyro, and it seems she’ll still get her match. Will Mia be little more than an appetizer now?
The bell rings, and Charlotte BOOTS Mia down! Cover, TWO! Mia stays in this and the fans rally up. Charlotte just struts around while SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns, Charlotte has Mia down with a chinlock, but the fans rally up. Mia fights up, fires body shots, and she then blocks a shot to ROCK Charlotte! Mia ROCKS Charlotte again and again, then reels her in for a TORNADO DDT! The fans fire up as Mia hurries to cover, TWO! Mia drags Charlotte up, wrenches, but Charlotte says no to Da Feet! BIG back suplex! Mia stagger sup, Charlotte whips her, but Mia reverses! Charlotte goes up and out, BOOTS her away, then slingshots in and rolls Mia! Mia rolls through and BUZZSAWS! Mia runs corner to corner, but Charlotte avoids the cannonball!
Charlotte YAKUZA KICKS Mia down, then fires herself up! The fans “WOO~!” as Charlotte has Mia in the drop zone,. Charlotte steps on her, goes up the corner, but Mia gets underneath her! SIT-OUT POWERBOMB! Cover, TWO! Charlotte survives and Mia is shocked! Mia nods as the fans rally back up, and she brings Charlotte up. But Charlotte ROCKS Mia! Mia SOBATS, PELES, and then runs to PENALTY KICK! Cover, TWO! Charlotte stays in this, Mia grows frustrated, but the fans continue to rally. Mia uses that energy to stay focused, and she stalks Charlotte to waistlock. But Charlotte ELBOWS her away!
Charlotte CHOPS, and CHOPS, and CHOSP! Charlotte winds up, and she CHOPS again! Mia sputters, but then she dodges the boot! Charlotte is caught, and Mia hits a SAIDO! Charlotte flounders to a corner, the fans rally behind Mia, and Mia runs up, CANNONBALL! Mia hurries to wrench and EAT- NO, Charlotte shoves Mia away! Charlotte gets under, back suplexes, but Mia lands out! EAT DA FEET!! Cover, ROPEBREAK!! Charlotte’s long legs help her survive by a literal foot! Mia is beside herself while Charlotte bails out. Mia storms after Charlotte, runs up, but Charlotte dodges! Mia’s kick hits steel steps!
Mia hobbles away, goes to the apron, but Charlotte CHOP BLOCKS the bad leg out! Charlotte grabs Mia’s leg, drops a KNEE on the knee, but fans chant, “We Want Tiffy!” Charlotte just steps through, FIGURE FOUR, into FIGURE EIGHT!! Mia taps, Charlotte wins!
Winner: Charlotte Flair, by submission
Charlotte got more of a fight out of Mia than expected, but she still won. Will The Queen be more than ready to reign again after WrestleMania?
Backstage interview with Tiffany Stratton.
Jackie Redmond is with the WWE Women’s Champion and says Charlotte certainly looks confident. Let’s be real, Charlotte came at Tiff pretty hard. It got a lot of people talking. Tiff says yes, people talk. And Charlotte sure loves to hear herself talk. Ten years into the business and Charlotte is still so insecure that she can’t let a “rookie” get a word out. But last week, Tiff did learn something: She learned that walking into WrestleMania, she isn’t the one with something to lose. Truth is, if Tiff loses, then she lost to the great Charlotte Flair, as just a 25-year-old rookie with one year into SmackDown.
But if Charlotte loses… Well, then she lost to an “undeserving, delusional, unoriginal, backflip doing, blonde-hair-having, little girl.” Did she get it all? And Tiff can’t wait to hear the look on Charlotte’s face when they hear the words, “And STILL!” Then maybe Charlotte will finally shut up for the sake of literally everyone! They say what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas, and Tiff will make damn sure what stays is Charlotte’s massive ego. Tiff is walking into and out of Mania as the WWE Women’s Champion. Tootles! Tiff heads out, will it still be #TiffyTime after WrestleMania?
Randy Orton VS Drew McIntyre!
The Viper told Cody how proud he was, but also how he wants the next shot after John Cena. The Scottish Terminator took offense to that, and basically said he is taking that shot instead. Will this match be an unofficial #1 contender’s match between these two former world champions?
SmackDown returns and McIntyre makes his entrance. The bell rings and the fans sing, “OH~, Drew McIntyre~!” and chant “R K O! R K O!” Drew and Orton circle, tie up, and they go around in a deadlock. Drew powers Orton to a corner, but Orton headlocks back. Drew powers up and out, then he runs Orton over! Orton hurries to ropes and Drew mockingly asks, “How’s the back feel, Randy?” Orton stands, he and Drew reset, and the fans duel some more. Drew calls for a knuckle lock, Orton accepts, but then Drew kicks low! Drew bumps Orton off buckles, then climbs up, but he panders for too long and Orton YANKS him down!
The fans fire up as Orton climbs now! Orton rains down fists, and the fans count to nine. Orton hops down, brings Drew around, and POSTS him for ten! Drew tumbles out of the ring, Orton goes out after him, and they’re by the desk! But Drew kicks Orton first and SMACKS him off the desk! Drew clears the desk, and he brings Orton up for the DESK- NO, Orton fights free! Orton turns things around, DESK BACK SUPLEX for Drew! The fans fire up while Orton leaves Drew behind, and SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Drew writhes on the floor, but Orton goes out to fetch him! Orton brings Drew around, UPPERCUTS him, then says one more time! DESK BACK SUPLEX! Drew writhes as that desk stays standing! Orton grins, refreshes the ring count, and then he storms up on Drew. Drew pokes Orton in the eye! Drew POSTS Orton now, then brings him around to RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP into barriers! Orton slumps down, and Drew also grits his teeth from that double-edged attack, but Drew fires up as he stands tall. Drew drags Orton up, puts him in the ring, then stalks Orton. Drew looms over Orton, and HIP DROPS him!
Orton sputters, Drew says one more time, and he winds up for the HIP DROP! Drew paces around Orton, says maybe one more time, and he pretends he can’t hear the fans. Drew winds up again, but Orton flips over! Hip drop meets kneecaps! And then Orton pokes Drew in the eyes! The ref reprimands but Orton rises up. Drew sputters and flounders, Orton ROCKS him with a right! Drew ROCKS Orton back! Drew storms up, Orton kicks low, but Drew fires another haymaker! The haymakers go back and forth, Orton gets the edge, but Drew GLASGOW KISS HEADBUTTS! Cover, TWO! Drew clamps onto Orton with an armlock!
SmackDown returns to single picture and the fans rally up. Orton fights up, pries at the chinbar, and then throws right hands! Drew CHOPS Orton in return! The fans “WOO~” and Drew winds up. Drew ROCKS Orton again, eggs him on, then CHOPS again! Drew shoves Orton to a corner, CHOPS again, then dares Orton to fight! Drew whips corner to corner, but Orton comes back to LARIAT! And LARIAT! Drew swings, Orton dodges, SNAP POWERSLAM! The fans fire up as Orton stalks Drew to the apron. Drew HOTSHOTS Orton first! Drew then runs in, but Orton puts him through the ropes!
The fans fire up as Orton has Drew for the DRAPING DDT! The fans fire up for Orton, and Orton hears those voices! Drew rises, but then Orton spots KEVIN OWENS! The Prizefighter is on the ramp, Orton glares at him, but then he turns around into a CLAYMORE!! Cover, DREW WINS!
Winner: Drew McIntyre, by pinfall
Kevin’s mere presence costs Orton, and now Drew has a huge win propelling him down the Road to WrestleMania! As for Orton, Kevin drags him out of the ring, SMACKS him off the desk, and then climbs up to join him! The fans boo but Kevin and his hot pink sneakers have Orton in position, but Orton slips free and TRIPS Kevin up! Kevin hits the desk then the floor! Orton staggers around, the fans rally behind him, and Orton stalks Kevin to the corner of the barriers. Orton lines up the shot! Orton runs in, but Kevin jumps over barriers! Security is there to stop Orton from pursuing, so Kevin runs away into the night!
The fans boo, but The Viper was that close! Will Orton be able to strike Kevin down and completely take him out?
Fire, thunder, smoke…
The force of nature is drawing ever closer. And he’s ready to fly! REY FENIX arrives next Friday Night SmackDown!
Jimmy Uso VS The Miz!
#BigJim gave Gunther a piece of his mind and a mark on his cheek, but it seems not everyone got the message. Will the Hollywood A-lister soon star in the Uso Penitentiary? Or will he prove Jimmy is NOT ready for a world champion level opponent?
The bell rings and the two tie up. Jimmy powers Miz to a corner, Miz turns things around, and the ref counts. Miz takes a swing, Jimmy ducks it to CHOP! And CHOP! Miz shoves Jimmy back, then runs up, but Jimmy TACKLES Miz! Jimmy rains down fists, Miz shoves him away to go to ropes, but Jimmy storms back up. Miz ELBOWS Jimmy away, then runs back up, only for Jimmy to LARIAT him down! The fans fire up while Jimmy storms up on Miz. Jimmy CHOPS Miz, has him in a corner, then whips corner to corner. Miz reverses, Jimmy goes up and over, then UPPERCUTS! Miz staggers back to ropes, but Jimmy is right on him.
Jimmy whips, Miz reverses and kitchen sink knees! Then basement BOOTS! The fans fire up, Miz scowls, and Miz KNEES Jimmy in the back again and again. Miz stalks Jimmy to the ropes now, and he CHOKES Jimmy! The ref counts, Miz runs, and Miz STRADDLE ATTACKS! The fans boo, but Miz runs again. Jimmy ducks the boot, then dodges a lariat! Jimmy runs up to LARIAT Miz up and out! The fans fire up and Jimmy builds speed, but Miz runs away! Jimmy smirks as he goes out the side, and UPPERCUTS Miz over the barriers! Jimmy makes sure Gunther knows he’s coming to get him, but SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns and both men are down. Miz and Jimmy crawl, and Jimmy pounds the mat. The fans rally, Jimmy rises and runs up to LARIAT! And LARIAT! And mule kick! Jimmy then UPPERCUTS Miz, dodges a lariat, then SAMOAN DROPS! The fans fire up, Jimmy goes to the corner, “UCE! OH!” Jimmy runs in, but Miz puts him on the apron! Jimmy UPPERCUTS again! Jimmy climbs, leaps, but Miz gets under! Miz then waistlocks, ripcords, and MOVIE MAKER! Fans boo that blatant parody, but Miz full nelsons! Jimmy drops, victory rolls, TWO! Miz has the cover, TWO! Miz hurries to BASEMENT DDT! Cover, TWO!
The fans rally up as Jimmy survives! Miz stalks Jimmy, the fans rally up more, and Miz fires a KICK! And then another KICK! The fans say “YES! YES! YES!” to the It Kicks, but then Miz winds up. Jimmy ducks the buzzsaw, Miz blocks the superkick, but the DRAGON WHIP connects! Miz rebounds to B-MOVIE KNEE!! Cover, TWO!! The parodies don’t get it done, but Miz still has his original work to fall back on. The fans rally for “UCE! OH! UCE! OH!” Miz runs in, A-LIST LARIAT! Miz shoves Jimmy down, then springboards, but into a SUPERKICK! Jimmy hurries up top, for the USO SPLASH!! Cover, Jimmy wins!
Winner: Jimmy Uso, by pinfall
Miz may be a movie star, but Big Jim’s the one winning this main event! Jimmy then borrows Joe Tessitore’s headset to call out Gunther! He’s coming after dat ass on Monday! Gunther won’t be the ring general, he will be “Private Gunther,” and he will salute Big Jim! Uh, uh, YEET! Will Jimmy be the one making examples out of the World Heavyweight Champion? Or will everything come crashing down when Gunther gets his turn?
Drew McIntyre returns backstage.
And he says hey to Lewis Capaldi, the Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter, and also a big fan of Drew’s. They’re ready to have a good night in the pub, but Jackie Redmond walks over to congratulate him on the win tonight. She was hoping to get some thoughts on that victory and what happened with Orton and Kevin. Drew says it’s alright, this is what happens. He doesn’t care about anybody else’s business, but no one gets away with screwing him over. And when no one meddles in his business, he wins! Drew called out Priest, where is he? Priest doesn’t have the balls! So time to get mad in the pubs, everyone’s invited!
Drew turns the corner, but PRIEST IS THERE! Priest ROCKS Drew, SMACKS him off the door, then throws him into road cases! Priest ROCKS Drew, SMACKS him off the trunk of a car, and then again! Or since it’s London, “the boot.” The driver complains, but Priest BODY SLAMS that guy through a table! Drew comes back to KNEE Priest low, SMACK him off the trunk, and then off the side! They go to the hood, or bonnet for UK. Drew drags Priest up, but Priest CLAWS Drew’s eyes! Priest then sends Drew SOUTH OF HEAVEN through the windshield! Priest tells security that he’s done for now. Any more jokes, Drew? Didn’t think so! RIP, jackass!
Priest leaves, the producers hurry to help Drew, and Drew’s got glass in his eye! Will that glass help Drew see why he shouldn’t piss off the Punisher?
CM Punk heads to gorilla.
He has a security detail with him, and he passes by Drew writhing in pain. Punk chuckles, then continues on. Will his contract signing with Roman Reigns and Seth Rollins be just as brutal? We find out, after the break.
Nick Aldis is in the ring.
The SmackDown General Manager welcomes us back, and says it is his honor and privilege to be here in the O2 in London. Now, we all know why he and this table is here, and why additional security is here tonight. Tonight, we are here to sign a contract for a Triple Threat. Perhaps the biggest Triple Threat in the history of WrestleMania: Seth Rollins VS CM Punk VS Roman Reigns! The fans cheer all those names, and here comes the OTC! London puts the ones up, and Paul Heyman accompanies THE Tribal Chief out on stage. Roman raises his finger to the sky for the pyro, then security follows him to the ring.
SmackDown goes picture in picture as Roman’s entrance continues, and he raises his finger to the sky for the second round of pyro. Roman steps into the ring, SmackDown returns to single picture, and Heyman hands him a mic. The fans sing, “ROMAN! ROMAN REIGNS~!” Roman nods, the fans cheer, and now they chant, “O T C! O T C!” Roman tells London, “ACKNOWLEDGE ME!” The fans cheer again, and again chant, “O T C! O T C!” Roman smiles, but he sees the chairs are not to his liking. Heyman makes sure to put one at the head of the table. Heyman also dusts the chair off while Roman enjoys the singing of, “ROMAN! ROMAN REIGNS~!”
Roman takes a seat and says that was beautiful. The way they sing to their Tribal Chief, it’s just beautiful. The singing continues, and Heyman even joins in! Roman smiles, and he says that is what he’s talking about. That’s the OTC for you, baby! The biggest star on the planet! The OTC came here for two reasons. One: to be acknowledged; check! And two: to sign this contract. Roman does just that, and he says he’s checked both boxes. That means- “BURN IT DOWN!” Seth Rollins interrupts! The fans now sing, “WHOA~ OH~ OHH~!” Rollins struts out in his red wine paisley suit and conducts the O2 Choir all the way into the ring.
The fans cheer while Roman frowns, but Rollins takes the seat to Roman’s left. Rollins offers Heyman a chance to sing to this song, but Heyman frowns. Rollins chuckles, and he says the fans do have beautiful singing voices. He doesn’t know why Roman is in such a hurry to leave, though! This is their building! There’s a lot of history here! 12 years ago, they landed on the roof of this place in a helicopter! They came down those stairs over there, “ready to burn down the old guard!” They put the Undertaker down through the desk, and they were going to remake this company in their image!
Now don’t get him wrong, Rollins knows a lot has happened since then. They fought against each other, with each other, a little bit of love and a whole lot of hate. But Rollins dare says, as the fans continue to sing “WHOA~ OH~ OHH~,” that Rollins and Roman accomplished their mission. The fans start to chant for CM Punk, but Rollins tunes them out. Roman says, “We? We? You keep saying we. Our mission? We died a long time ago. It’s only been ME. You been here, but I done all the work! I’ve made this place what it is today! I took us to the level that we are here today! I made this place better than we found it!
“I’m the one that made us desirable to Netflix! I’m the one that took us into billion-dollar deals! Tell me, what have you done?” Rollins shouts, “I’ll tell you what I’ve done! YOU, YOU, YOU, it’s that mindset that keeps me having to screw you! You understand that? And your biggest mistake is not understanding the danger that’s right in front of us! The danger that’s right in front of you! You let the biggest snake in the world, CM Punk, into the garden! And you could’ve cut his head off at WarGames! But instead, you shook his hand. You could’ve let me finish him inside the cage at The Garden, but you didn’t. And now, I am left to do what I always do: Clean up your mess, again.”
Rollins drops his mic, picks up the pen, and signs his part. And now, here comes CM PUNK! The fans fire up and sing along with Cult of Personality, then join in on saying, “IT’S CLOBBERIN’ TIME~!” Punk goes to the ring, but as he grabs a mic, he goes up a corner, just like he did last Friday. “I have come here to chew bubblegum and sign a contract. And I’m all outta bubblegum.” The fans cheer the Rowdy Roddy Piper reference, and Punk hops down to take his seat on Roman’s right. Punk looks over said contract, but Roman asks if Punk needs a highlighter or something. What’s he doing? Just go to page four, clause five.
Punk does as Roman says, but Roman says Punk needs to hurry, this is precious TV time. Punk reads the segment, Roman tells Heyman to just smarten Punk up. Heyman tells Punk he knows what Punk is looking for. It is in there. They’re closing the show at WrestleMania. The fans go wild hearing that! Heyman tells Punk that he gets to live his dream of dreams. CM Punk will be a WrestleMania main eventer! The fans cheer and while Roman smiles, Rollins is furious. Roman says, “One man’s dream is another man’s favor! CHECK!” Wait, this was the favor? Rollins says no! This is not something to laugh at, and Punk does not get to tear up!
Punk is NOT deserving! He does NOT deserve this! The fans boo but Rollins continues to throw a fit! Main eventing WrestleMania is SACRED, the most important thing in the world to Rollins! More than anything! Except the fact that Punk NEVER gets to main event! This is all Roman’s fault! This is all Heyman’s fault! Rollins THROWS his mic down, paces angrily, but Punk picks up the mic. The fans cheer Punk on again, and Punk stands to thank London, to thank Chicago, to thank Louisville, Kentucky, and to thank ALL the fans. As corny as it sounds, he thanks the WWE Universe who stood by him and chanted his name for TEN LONG YEARS!
Roman says hold on, hold on. Punk shouldn’t be thanking the fans! He should be thanking the Tribal Chief! It is because of Roman that Punk gets this honor! So please, take this moment, close the show with that acknowledgement! Do this the right way. The credits are already rolling as Punk kneels before Roman!? Punk smiles, and he thanks “My Tribal Chief, the holder of the ula fala, the Head of the Table, the… Big Dog? Thank you for allowing a kid from Chicago to be graced by your presence. Thank you, My Tribal Chief, for allowing me to stand in your ring. And thank you so much. Thank you, Roman Reigns, so very much.
“But because of you, I will see you in the main event of WrestleMania.” And again, Rollins is agonizing over this. Punk finishes putting his signature on the contract, and London tells him, “You Deserve It!” Punk thanks Roman again, and then says, “But that’s not the favor that I’m owed.” WHAT?! Roman looks at Heyman and Heyman can’t look him in the eye! If getting this Triple Threat made into the main event isn’t the gift of the Wise Man, then what is?!
My Thoughts:
A good SmackDown, but they pulled off quite the paradox. They made it feel like they were struggling to fill three hours, yet they also filled the show to the point where that contract signing segment was almost bleeding over the three hour mark. Ironically, part of the problem was just how excited the London crowd was for this. The superstars still wanted to enjoy the chants and songs, but that’s time SmackDown doesn’t have to spare. It made the opening promo from Cody, Orton and Drew take longer, and it kinda did the same to the contract signing at the end. Even so, we still got a very good promo, and good stuff to set up Orton VS McIntyre.
Orton VS McIntyre was a great match, but of course Kevin costs Orton. McIntyre gets his win, Kevin and Orton have a bit of a brawl, but of course Kevin ends up on the losing end and runs off. McIntyre’s trash talk also comes back to bite him as Priest gets the better of him in their brawl. Here’s hoping Drew didn’t actually get glass in his eye, but that being the thing in kayfabe can be some good stuff. I can imagine McIntyre with an eyepatch, and he takes it off at the opportune time to get the better of Priest in their match. Also what a fitting choice for Punk to be passing by Drew suffering because of real glass.
Very good title matches tonight, but of course the status quo was kept. Pretty Deadly gets to look great here in London, but the Profits only just got the belts, they’re not going to be transitional champions like that. And Knight VS Braun was really good stuff, but honestly, Jacob Fatu going after them both should’ve been a given. Jacob also had a great promo with Solo & Tama to start adding to that divide between Jacob and Solo. I would hope Solo doesn’t screw Jacob out of the US Championship, but it feels like he will as Solo won’t stand for Jacob defying his authority, even though Solo’s been trying to make Jacob the champion all along.
Very good stuff from Jimmy Uso tonight, from his promo with #MeloDon’tMiz and then a great match with Miz. Their match ended up the de facto main event match, so that’s also great for both guys. Great win for Jimmy, but that’s likely because Jimmy is losing big time to Gunther on Monday. And it might just be me, but it feels like only now is the Jey VS Gunther build really moving, largely in part because Jimmy got involved. Jimmy’s promo after his match is something along the lines of what Jey should be saying. But I suppose as brothers, Jimmy is the one who knows Jey best and knows what Jey needs to be motivated again. And seeing Jimmy get beat up by Gunther will definitely motivate Jey…
Good final vignettes for Rey Fenix and Aleister Black. I’m a little surprised they confirmed Rey Fenix is showing up next week, and that they confirmed who Rey Fenix even is. I believe commentary confirmed Rey Fenix is Penta’s real brother, even namedropped “Lucha Brothers,” but all that is still surprising considering Fenix is going to start on SmackDown. Aleister’s vignette (at least I am fairly confident it’s his) was giving us glimpses of his silhouette, but I think there was usage of AI in the snake imagery. It was fine they did it for El Grande Americano because that is all trolling, but they really should try and do things the old fashioned way of photoshop and stock imagery.
Very good stuff in the Women’s Division tonight, though the WWE Women’s Championship portion was the weaker. Naomi’s got a great Heel persona going, her promo was great, and her going after B-Fab & Michin over them supporting Jade was a great detail. Jade runs Naomi off, helps B-Fab, but there was no helping Michin in being fed to Charlotte. Tiffany had a decent promo, and it does fit how Charlotte kept her from speaking so she finally gets things out here. It didn’t really add that much, though, but they already gave us a great brawl so not sure what more they can give.
KC Squared VS The Secret Her-vice was a very good match, but of course Chelsea made sure her team won. A Six Woman Tag of Zelina & KC Squared VS The Green Administration is certainly coming, to help give us Zelina VS Chelsea for the Women’s US Championship.
My Score: 8.7/10
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Coverage
Andrew’s TNA iMPACT! Results & Match Ratings: 3.27.2025
Bad news out of the TNA management side, but this is a taped episode from El Paso! So we won’t see any of the fallout just yet!

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