Coverage
Mitchell’s NJPW Best of the Super Juniors Results & Report! (5/16/23)
Round four, fight!
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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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IF YA SMELLALALALALALA~…!
As Cody Rhodes teams with Damian Priest & Braun Strowman against Solo Sikoa’s Bloodline, FINALLY, The Rock has come back to SmackDown!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Drew McIntyre VS Jimmy Uso; Jimmy wins.
- The Miz & Carmelo Hayes VS R-Truth & LA Knight; Miz & Melo win.
- Tiffany Stratton VS Candice LeRae w/ Nia Jax; Tiff wins.
- Naomi w/ Bianca Belair VS Liv Morgan w/ Raquel Rodriguez; No Contest.
- WWE Tag Team Championships: #DIY VS Pretty Deadly; Pretty Deadly wins, by disqualification, and DIY retain the titles.
- Six Man Tag: Cody Rhodes, Damian Priest & Braun Strowman VS Solo Sikoa, Jacob Fatu & Tama Tonga; changed to…
- Damian Priest & Braun Strowman VS Solo Sikoa & Jacob Fatu w/ Tama Tonga; Priest & Braun win.
PLAY BY PLAY
Cody Rhodes talks with Nick Aldis backstage.
They shake hands, but the SmackDown General Manager tells the WWE Champion there’s been a change: Cody’s out of the Six Man Tag match. What? Why would Aldis do that? It is out of Aldis’s hands. Wait, Solo Sikoa shows up to do what he did, but they can’t do the Six Man Tag that they advertised? How is this out of Aldis’s hands? Who do they need to talk to so they can do the match? Aldis says there’s no one either of them can call, if you smell what’s cooking. This is coming from The Final Boss, and The Final Boss wants to see Cody in the ring tonight. What business could The Great One have with The American Nightmare?
Drew McIntyre VS Jimmy Uso!
The Scottish Terminator rubbed it in Big Jim’s face that only one of them is going to Elimination Chamber in Toronto, which Big Jim was able to brush off. But McIntyre harping on how only one Uso is going to WrestleMania was a step too far. These two look to have it out, but is Jimmy just playing into McIntyre’s hands? Or will McIntyre get embarrassed by “the other Uso” this close to that big time match?
Speaking of, Jimmy has a message for Drew as he heads to gorilla. “Everybody know you’re going to Elimination Chamber, right? But Big Jimmy got a question for the Big Easy: Will Drew go onto the Elimination Chamber and win that? Will Drew go onto WrestleMania and win that? Ey, Drew, I think we got an answer for you, Uce. The answer is…” “NO YEET!” Jimmy makes his entrance, the bell rings, and the fans rally behind Jimmy. Jimmy and Drew jaw, and then Drew raises his hands, to say UP YOURS! But Jimmy ROCKS and CHOPS away! Drew puts Jimmy in a corner, Jimmy dodges to CHOP!
Jimmy climbs and he rains down fists! The fans count, Drew dumps Jimmy tot eh apron at 5, but Jimmy GAMANGIRIS! Jimmy goes up, CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO! Jimmy hurries to CHOP, then he whips. Drew reverses to send Jimmy to the corner. Jimmy BOOTS back, goes up, and leaps, but into a clinch! OVERHEAD BELLY2BELLY! Jimmy flounders to a corner, Drew runs up to SPLASH and OVERHEAD BELLY2BELLY! Jimmy flounders again, the ref has Drew hold on, and Jimmy bails out. Drew storms out to get Jimmy and he whips Jimmy HARD into barrier! The fans boo but Drew looms over Jimmy.
The ring count starts, Drew mockingly calls him “Jey,” then puts Jimmy in the ring. Drew says NO MANIA for Jimmy. Drew stands Jimmy up, ROCKS him, then runs up, only for Jimmy to put him on the apron! Drew blocks a superkick, but not the DRAGON WHIP! Drew drops, Jimmy DIVES! Down goes Drew and the fans fire up! Jimmy grins, goes back to the apron, and then aims. But Drew stops the Penalty Kick to THROW Jimmy down! Drew then has Jimmy in the Reverse Alabama Lift! REVERSE ALABAMA SLAM onto the steel steps! Drew stands on the desk to say “NO YEET!” while SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Drew revels in the heat from New Orleans, then he leaves Jimmy behind. The ref checks Jimmy, he’s able to continue, so a ring count starts. Drew paces while Jimmy stirs. Jimmy drags himself up using the desk, then lunges in at 9! Drew is annoyed but he rains down fists! Drew stomps Jimmy, then eggs him on. Jimmy rises as the fans rally, but Drew is right on him in the corner. Drew winds up, but Jimmy counter punches! And CHOPS! And CHOPS! And whips, only for Drew to reverses. Jimmy goes up, but Drew KICKS him out of the air! Drew then hauls Jimmy up, snap suplex! Cover, TWO!
Drew says okay, Big Jim. He clamps onto Jimmy with a top wristlock and grinds the arm. Jimmy fights up, fireman’s carries, but Drew elbows free. Drew bumps Jimmy off buckles, then hauls him up to the top rope! Drew CLUBS Jimmy on the back, climbs up, then CLUBS Jimmy more. Jimmy fires elbows and Drew drops back. But Drew runs up to CLUB Jimmy again! SmackDown returns to single picture as Drew CLUBS away on Jimmy again! Jimmy keeps taunting “Jey,” then drags him up. Jimmy fights the back suplex! The fans rally, Jimmy fires hands and a HEADBUTT! Jimmy SMACKS Drew off the post!
Jimmy rises to USO IN THE WIND! Down goes Drew and the fans fire up! A standing count starts while both men stir on the mat. They both stand at 5, and Drew swings! Jimmy counter punches, then fires more shots! Mule kick, UPPERCUT, but then Jimmy dodges Drew! SAMOAN DROP! Cover, TWO! Drew is tougher than that, but Jimmy hurries to a corner. Jimmy aims as Drew goes to the other corner, “UCE! OH! UCE! OH!” Jimmy runs, but Drew FLYING HEADBUTTS! The Glasgow Kiss stuns Jimmy, and Drew hits a SPINEBUSTER! Jackknife bridge, TWO! Jimmy shows his own toughness, and the fans rally behind him.
Drew paces, then he stalks Jimmy. Drew stands Jimmy up, reels him in, but Jimmy fights the underhooks! Jimmy wrenches, UPPERCUTS, but Drew ROCKS Jimmy back! Jimmy UPPERCUTS, Drew HAYMAKERS! Drew whips, Jimmy reverses and Drew ends up on the apron! Drew ROCKS Jimmy first, then climbs the corner! FLYING- SUPERKICK! Jimmy runs to SPEAR! Cover, TWO!! Drew survives, Jimmy’s spear doesn’t hit quite like The Tribal Chief’s. Jimmy goes to the corner, climbs up, and the fans rally up. USO- NO, Jimmy rolls through as Drew moves! Drew dodges a lariat to NECKBREAKER!
Both men are down, the fans rally, and Drew kips up! Drew scowls as he aims at Jimmy. “THREE! TWO! ONE!” CLAY- SUPERKICK!! Jimmy hits first! GLASGOW KISS returns! Drew reels Jimmy in, “This is your WrestleMania! This is as close as you get!” Drew shouts Jimmy is nothing, then ROCKS him with forearm after forearm! GLASGOW KISS! Another Reverse Alabama, but Jimmy victory rolls it! JIMMY WINS!!!
Winner: Jimmy Uso, by pinfall
Drew is furious, but his own ego caught him there! But then Drew CLOBBERS Jimmy! The fans boo Drew being a sore loser, but he puts Jimmy back in the ring! Drew rains down fists, then he DRIBBLES Jimmy off the mat! The ref reprimands, the fans boo, but Drew says that was Jimmy’s Mania Moment! Drew will win the Chamber, he will go to Mania, and he will win there! Jimmy means NOTHING to Drew! Drew puts Jimmy up against the post, then takes aim! The fans boo, but refs and producers rush out here! They swarm Drew to keep him from going after Jimmy again. Drew says fine, fine, then takes his leave.
Producers help Jimmy to his feet, but then Drew BLASTS through the refs! CLAYMORE for Jimmy!! The Scottish Terminator hits his target, then laughs as he actually leaves. Will McIntyre make this his Road to WrestleMania?
A car pulls into the parking lot.
And out steps Solo Sikoa. Solo heads inside, and he finds Jacob Fatu & Tama Tonga waiting. Solo tells them that last week with Tama, that was an accident. Jacob says yeah, it’s all good, Uce. But keep it 100: If it wasn’t an accident, Solo wouldn’t be standing here right now. Well, good! Glad to see we’re all on the same page. Solo says he will be in the corner during the match for Jacob & Tama. Uh, no, Solo, no disrespect, but Jacob & Tama have been running things on SmackDown these past couple weeks. So tonight, it’s Jacob & Solo running the play? Yadada mean? Yeah, of course. And that right there, Jacob, is exactly why Solo loves him.
Solo says he’ll be back, he has to talk with Nick Aldis. Solo heads out, but will he really just step right back into place from before he lost the ula fala?
Carmelo Hayes is backstage.
R-Truth calls out to Melo, and says for the first time ever, Truth VS Melo! What’s Truth talking about? Duh, they have a match. No, Truth, Melo knows. But they had a match last week. Truth says he has never met Melo in his life, but they have a tag match tonight. What? No, they don’t. Who even made this match? Him. Truth, they are not going through this H1M who’s on first thing again. Melo is H1M. No, him made the match. The Miz!? Miz says he’s H1M. So now there’s two of you? No no no! Melo is H1M, this is The Miz! Yeah, #MeloDon’tMiz! NO! That’s not a thing! Tonight, they are. Who’s Truth’s partner?
Truth says he’s got a guy. A Louisiana legend! In fact, he just got here, so Truth’s gotta go. Laters. Miz says he has been workshopping this, and the fans love it. Think about it: Melo Don’t Miz! Melo Don’t Miz! And we are…! Melo shakes his head. Truth steps in and says Miz just wants Melo to say, “Awesome.” Miz offers a fist bump, Melo says no. Will Melo wish he had missed tonight’s show? Or will Miz actually help H1M get another win?
Zelina Vega speaks.
“My whole life, people have taken one look at me, and they try to define me. My size has never stopped me before. It never stopped me from becoming tag team champion. Or my personal favorite, the history-making first-time-ever Queen of the Ring. That’s me. Make no mistake about it, I’ve never had it easy. I had to scratch and claw to get anything around here. But this is a fresh start. Because I have something to prove. And my dreams are a lot bigger than your measuring stick. It ain’t over until Zelina Vega says it’s over.”
The Miz & Carmelo Hayes VS R-Truth & ???
Miz makes his entrance but Melo kinda steps all over it. So he already missed his cue… But who did Truth find to team with him in the Big Easy? We’ll see, after the break.
SmackDown returns and Truth makes his entrance. “What’s up?” Well, more like who is his partner? He’ll tell us! His tag team partner is a local legend, born and bred right here in New Orleans! Ladies and gentlemen, welcome Louisiana Knight! Wait, he means L A Knight! Yes, Louisiana abbreviated is LA, but that’s not… Oh, Truth… Truth gives Knight a Po’ Boy and some Mardi Gras beads, so Knight embraces it. The teams sort out, and Truth calls out him! Does he mean Miz or Melo? Well, Melo says he is H1M, so that’s who starts. The fans cheer on Knight while Truth and Melo tie up. Melo KNEES low, whips, but Truth reverses.
Melo springboards, FADEAWAY JUMPER! Melo makes his free throw, but Truth drop toeholds! Truth headlocks, Melo powers up and out but Truth whips! Melo turns hip toss into lateral press, TWO! Truth has a ghost pin, TWO! Melo trips to cover, ONE! Truth trips to cover, ONE! Melo runs up, Truth does the splits, and then hits a BIG hip toss! The fans fire up, Truth counts, Melo gets up at TWO, but Truth was just goofing. The ref explains to Truth that he is the ref, not Truth! Melo is annoyed, he runs up on Truth, but Truth wrenches him around! Melo pulls hair but Knight tags in. The fans fire up as Knight fires hands!
Knight ROCKS Melo, whips Melo, but Melo reverses! SWINGING NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Knight drags Melo up to tag Truth back in, and Truth ROCKS Melo! Melo staggers, but he refuses to tag! Truth arm-drags Melo, then grinds the arm. Melo insists he’s got this, then arm-drags free. Truth staggers up, he and Melo bump heads! Truth staggers around more, and he tags Miz?! Truth forgot The Awesome Truth isn’t a thing anymore! Again! Melo BLASTS Truth off the apron, the fans boo, but Miz tags himself in! Melo is annoyed, but Miz goes to fetch Truth while SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns again, and Melo has Truth. Truth ROCKS Melo, but Melo holds onto the wristlock! Truth reaches for Knight, Knight reaches for Truth, but Melo holds on. Truth takes a swing, but into an O’Conner Roll! TWO and Melo BLASTS Knight! Truth rolls Melo up, TWO! Melo kicks low, calls his shot, but Truth suplexes for a STUNNER! The fans fire up while both men are down! Truth and Melo crawl, hot tags to Miz and Knight! The fans fire up as Knight rallies on Miz! “YEAH! YEAH!” Knight whips, Miz reverses, but Knight lEAPING LARIATS! Knight TOSSES Melo in for good measure!
Knight stomps a mudhole into Melo, “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” LARIAT for Miz! KNEE for Melo! Knight scoops and POWERSLAMS Miz! Knight keeps running, JUMP ELBOW DROP! Cover, TWO! Knight stays on Miz as he brings Miz up. Knight ROCKS Miz, then ROCKS him again! Knight whips, Miz grabs the ropes. Miz KICKS, then takes a swing, but into a back suplex! Miz lands out, tag to Melo! Miz ELBOWS Knight, but Knight scoops! Miz tilt-o-whirls through, Melo SUPERKICKS Knight down! cover, TWO! Knight stays in this but Melo says he’s got this! Melo waits on Knight, then leaps, but NO 48!
Knight kicks low, but NO B F T! Tag to Truth! Knight ELBOWS Melo, Truth runs in! CENA SHOULDER TACKLES! Then the SPIN OUT BOMB! Truth says it’s time! “YOU CANT SEE ME~!” truth runs for the FIVE KNCUKLE SHUFFLE! Truth then fireman’s carries, but Melo slips free! Melo shoves, Truth dodges, and Truth hits the LIE DETECTOR! Truth then gets Melo in the S T R-TRUTH! But Miz CLOBBERS Truth! Knight ROCKS Miz, then LARIATS him up and out! Knight then goes out to THROW Miz into barriers! The fans fire up again, but NAKAMURA ATTACKS KNIGHT!
The fans boo, but the sinister samurai then POSTS Knight!! Nakamura slithers away while Melo keeps the ref’s attention! Truth sees Knight is down, Melo runs up, but Truth dodges! Miz tags in, full nelson, and a FIRST 48 FINALE COMBO?!? Cover, Miz & Melo win!!
Winners: The Miz & Carmelo Hayes, by pinfall
Well, what do you know? Nakamura aside, Miz and Melo made it work! Okay, they’re both trying to hog the spotlight, but is there a future for Melo Don’t Miz? Will Knight only have more of a reason to take that title off Nakamura now?
Charlotte Flair speaks.
“The GOAT… doesn’t have to call themselves The GOAT. Now, I have crafted a legacy that no one, I mean no one, can touch. And I’m back.” The Women’s Royal Rumble Winner chose Tiffany Stratton, but will The Queen take back her throne? Or will WWE always be on #TiffyTime? Speaking of…
Tiffany Stratton VS Candice LeRae!
The WWE Women’s Champion may have gotten past Nia Jax, but now she knows Charlotte Flair is waiting for her at WrestleMania, and is going to be teaming with Trish Stratus in Toronto! Will she be in Tiffy Top Shape for that Tiffy Trishy dream match? Or will the Poison Pixie be quite the problem all on her own?
Before the match, Tiff grabs a mic while the fans cheer. Tiffy says, “I know, I know. You know it, you know it, and you know it. Ever since I won this title, everybody’s just been so obsessed with me. And last week, I had Nia Jax beat, until Candice LeRae decided to interfere and help her little meal ticket. And at Elimination Chamber, Trish Stratus and I make sure the Unstoppable Force comes to a definitive end!” The fans cheer that, but Tiff says enough about them. Let’s talk Charlotte Flair. The fans boo that name, but Tiff says Charlotte took her sweet old time, grabbed a chair, grabbed a mic, and she looked down on Tiff.
Charlotte chose Tiff as her WrestleMania opponent. In that moment, Tiff’s dream came true! And as she lied down there and looked up at Charlotte, she realized the rumors are true: No one loves to kick a girl when she’s down quite like Charlotte Flair. So at WrestleMania, Tiff isn’t coming for Charlotte’s legacy; that’s all Charlotte’s. Tiff is coming for the spot Charlotte desires the most: The number one spot as the top girl in the WWE! But here comes Nia & Candice to interrupt. Nia has a mic to tell Tiffy, “I Have to say, this is really cute. Like, it’s really cute that you actually think you were gonna beat me last week.”
Doesn’t Candice think that is cute? Candice says yes, it is so~ cute. And Tiff wouldn’t even be standing there if not for little Trish Stratus~. Exactly! And it’s even cuter that Tiff is out here talking about Charlotte when she wont’ even see WrestleMania! Because after Nia & Candide destroy Tiff at Elimination Chamber, Nia is coming back for her WWE Women’s Championship. Nia & Candice step up to the ring, and Nia says Tiff won’t even see the Grandest Stage of Them All. Tiff tells Nia to just give it up. This title isn’t even hers anymore. And once Tiff beats Candice tonight, Nia won’t have anyone to do her dirty work anymore!
Candice tells Tiffy that while they’re meant have a match right now, she and Nia are feeling impatient. Nia says they should just get rid of Tiff right now! But the ref steps in and says not gonna happen! Tiff VS Candice will, after the break.
SmackDown returns and Candice has Tiffy down with an armlock. Tiff fights up as the fans rally, but Candice wrenches to wristlock. Tiff spins through, goes to ropes, then up the corner to flip and arm-drag! The fans fire up as Tiff rallies on Candice! DROPKICK, and Tiff snarls! Tiff goes to the corner, and Charlotte makes her entrance? The Queen chooses to be fashionably late all so everyone looks at her, including Tiffy. Tiffy handsprings, but Candice dodges! Candice runs up to UPPERCUT, then she snapmares and NECK SNAPPERS! Jackknife bridge, TWO! Candice clamps onto Tiffy with a top wristlock.
The fans “WOO~” as Charlotte now chooses to join commentary. Tiff fights up, has the ROPEBREAK, but Candice CLUBS away on her! Candice backs off, runs up, but Tiff drop toeholds her to ropes! Tiff runs, HIP ATTACKS, and Candice flops back! Cover, TWO! Tiff stays on Candice with a whip, but Candice reverses. Candice CLOBBERS Tiff, covers, TWO! Charlotte corrects Tiffy’s words earlier: Charlotte isn’t the “top girl,” she is THE woman in WWE. Candice HIP DROPS Tiff but the fans rally up. Candice scuffs Tiff, then grinds an arm to drop a knee on the elbow! And another knee drop! Tiff endures and the fans rally up.
Candice keeps on that arm, thrashes it around, but Tiff fights up. Tiff fires body shots, then shoves Candice to Alabama Lift her! Candice sunset flips, Tiff rolls through, TIFFY STOMPS! Cover, TWO! Tiff is frustrated and Candice bails out. Tiff goes to the apron, goes up the corner, and ARIHARA MOONSAULTS! Direct hit on Candice and Nia, and Tiff almost stuck the landing! The fans fire up with Tiff and she goes into the ring. Tiff points to the WrestleMania sign, and then at Charlotte, but SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Tiff waits on Candice, Candice slides in, and Tiff stomps her down! Candice bails out, Nia is there to coach her, but Tiff lets the ring count start. Candice gets on the apron, Tiff kicks her, but Candice RAMS Tiff! Candice CLUBS Tiff, has her in the ropes, and hits a NECKBREAKER HOTSHOT! Candice climbs, aims, and leaps to MISSILE DROPKICK Tiff down! Cover, TWO! Candice is frustrated but this is why Tiff’s a champ. The fans rally, but Candice stomps Tiff! Candice scowls at the fans, stalks Tiff, then brings her up. Tiff fires body shots, then she rolls Candice up! TWO, and Candice CLOBBERS Tiff! Cover, TWO, into a ghost pin! TWO!
Candice escapes to hit a CODE BREAKER! Both women are down, but Candice scowls again as she crawls over to Tiff. Candice rains down fists, Nia tells fans to shut up, and Candice steps on Tiff’s face. Candice huffs ‘n’ puffs, pushes Tiff around, then scuffs her. Tiff rolls Candice up again, TWO! Candice DECKS Tiff! Cover, TWO! Charlotte is stoic on commentary as Candice drags Tiff up and puts her in a corner. Candice fires hands, then backs off. Candice runs up to ROCK Tiff again! Candice then runs, but Tiff dodges! SmackDown returns to single picture, and Tiff rallies with LARIAT after LARIAT! The fans fire up, Tiff handsprings, BACK ELBOW!
Tiff then reels Candice in for a SKY HIGH! High stack, TWO! The fans rally for Tiff, Nia coaches Candice, but Charlotte still seems nonplussed. Tiff and Candice rise, and Candice runs up. Candice puts Tiff on the apron, but Tiff ROCKS her! Tiff bumps Candice off buckles, then goes up, but Candice ROCKS her back! Candice climbs up, and she fires hands on Tiff! Tiff fights the suplex! Tiff DECKS Candice, then adjusts position, to SANTON- FLOP! Candice ghost pins, TWO!! Tiff escapes, but Candice hits the step-up SENTON! And then a LIONSAUL FLOP! Tiff hurries to fireman’s carry, ROLLING SENTON! And then PRETTIEST MOON- NO, Nia drags Candice out of the ring!
The fans boo, Nia tells them to shut up, but Tiff is on the apron! Nia swings, Tiff cartwheels over, and then she DROPKICKS Nia! Tiff Alabama Lifts Candice, to ALABAMA SLAM her into barriers! Tiff stares down Charlotte, tells her just wait for Mania, then she puts Candice in the ring. Tiff goes to the corner, PRETTIEST MOONSAULT EVER!! Cover, Tiff wins!
Winner: Tiffany Stratton, by pinfall
Charlotte gives moderate applause, but Nia CLOBBERS Tiff from behind! The fans boo, but Nia just drags Tiff to a corner. Nia goes up, but wait! Trish is here!! The fans fire up for the legend as she rushes into the ring! Trish avoids a haymaker to CHICK KICK! Then THESZ PRESS for Candice! And then a SPINEBUSTER! Trish helps Tiff to her feet, but Nia grabs them both! Trish fires fast hands on Nia! Candice CHOP BLOCKS Trish! Tiff is still dazed, Nia HEADBUTTS her back down! Nia & Candice mug Trish, and then Nia HEADBUTTS Trish! Trish & Tiff are side by side, and Nia drags them into the drop zone! A-NIA-LATOR!!
The fans boo but there’s nothing can be done! Nia grins as she helps Candice away, will these two trash Trish & Tiff in Toronto? Charlotte steps into the ring, stands over Tiff, and points to the WrestleMania sign. Will The Irresistible Force & Poison Pixie unwittingly do the dirty work of The Queen of Flair?
Cody talks with Damian Priest backstage.
Priest asks why Cody’s boy, The Rock, is here tonight. Cody says given the time of year, his guess is as good as anyone’s. But tonight will surely be eventful. Cody congratulates Priest on entering the Elimination Chamber. Priest says what’s wild is, last year, they both walked out as champions. What sucks is that this year, only one of them can. Now, Priest is man enough and he respects Cody to say that after Chamber, he’s coming for that title. Cody says he wouldn’t have it any other way. Cody heads out, but what business does The Rock have tonight?
Braun Strowman steps in, and he tells Priest that congrats on winning, and good luck in the Chamber. But let’s be honest, Braun had Jacob dead to rights last week. If not for Solo Sikoa, things would look a lot different next week. Priest chuckles and says take it easy, he’s sounding like Drew with the excuses. But it is what it is, Priest just beat Braun to the punch. But that was last week. Tonight, Solo and Jacob, two of the baddest men in the business. Priest & Braun handling business? Oh, they’re handling business. The only business Braun cares about is getting his hands on those two. Priest says Braun definitely will.
Braun heads out, will the Monster of All Monsters and the Archer of Infamy make sure Solo & Jacob #GetTheseHands? Or will the rogues run roughshod all over SmackDown once again?
Backstage interview with Naomi & Bianca Belair.
Byron Saxton is with the WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions and brings up last week’s SmackDown, the security footage led us to believe Liv Morgan & Raquel Rodriguez were the ones behind Jade Cargill’s attack. Now, hold on, Saxton. They don’t think, Naomi knows they were. Fair enough. But this Monday, they can get their revenge when they defend the tag titles against Liv & Raquel. How ready are they for this match? Bianca says so ready! They have been waiting for months for an update. Jade has been recovering, she hasn’t been able to call or text, so the GlowEST took matters into their own hands to get revenge.
Bianca & Naomi will handle Liv & Raquel, then move on to Elimination Chamber, where one of them is gonna win to face Rhea at WrestleMania. Not only will you #FeelTheGlowEST on Monday, but Liv feels it tonight! #Let’sGLOW! The champs head out, but will they clear their Road to WrestleMania of any other distractions?
Alexa Bliss speaks.
“When I was away, there was a lot of… change that happened in me. But when I look around, I see this place is still the same. The names and faces may be different, but the desperation and insecurity remains the same. You’ll see Toronto when I turn the Elimination Chamber into something of a playground of my own. I know the Chamber. I love the Chamber. I’ve won the Chamber. And for the other five women, it’s gonna be a Hell like they’ve never experienced before. Need I remind you, this is my division, and I am in charge.” Bliss smiles and says, “See you soon.” The film comes off the reel, but will things get twisted in Toronto?
Naomi w/ Bianca Belair VS Liv Morgan w/ Raquel Rodriguez!
The Big Easy is all about having fun, and they’re fired up for Naomi’s entrance. But wait! Liv & Raquel don’t wait, they attack Bianca & Naomi while the lights are still down! They mug Naomi, but Bianca drags Liv out of the ring! Then Bianca storms in to fire off on Raquel! The fans fire up, but Liv returns to CHOP BLOCK Bianca! Raquel hauls Bianca up for a TEJANA BOMB!! Naomi runs up, fires more hands, but Liv brings Naomi around. Naomi fires hands on her, but Raquel throws her down! Liv runs up, OBLIVION!
Liv & Raquel stand tall, the refs rush out here, but clearly the singles match isn’t happening. Will we be getting something even meaner and nastier between these four on Monday?
The Rock arrives!
His truck pulls into the parking lot, but we’ll see him in the ring, after the break!
SmackDown returns and…
Aldis is chewing out Liv & Raquel for the attack. He doesn’t know what they get away with on Raw, but they can’t pull that crap here. Now get the hell out of his building. Liv & Raquel just laugh that off, but then Chelsea Green & Piper Niven walk in. Chelsea says have no fear, Chelsea & Piper are here to sub in for Bianca and Naomi at Elimination Chamber. Aldis sighs, and says they’re not missing the Chamber. What? But Chelsea had an outfit picked out! This is a travesty to not have the greatest Canadian export since maple syrup on a Canadian PLE! Does he know who she is? The first-ever, longest reigning, tallest, shortest, prettiest, richest, tannest, sparkliest, oldest, youngest Women’s US Champion! Piper asks what this is aboot, eh?
Aldis says this is them testing his patience. They need to pack their gear and whatever else they want, because they’ll be in action next week on SmackDown in Toronto. And oh, it’ll be a good one. Wait, they need more details! At least an e-calendar notification? Aldis is leaving Chelsea in the dark on what’s coming, will she absolutely hate it?
The Rock heads to the ring!
Wait, what is this New Orleans related remix? The Final Boss steps out on stage, he shows those goosebumps, then continues down the ramp, shaking hands with fans. The Rock hits his signature pose on the corner, but then takes the long way around to pick up a fan’s phone for them before going back into the ring. The fans all cheer for “ROCKY! ROCKY!” and he grabs himself a mic. He waits as the fans continue to chant his name, and then he says, “Ahh, you feel it, don’t you? You feel it. The Rock has got chills up and down his body because you know, on a Friday night, for the Final Boss to get inside his bird and fly all the way here, you know that I’m dropping some ish on you tonight!”
The fans fire up and The Rock smiles. Rock says, “Let’s get this show on the road.” The fans anticipate what’s coming but he says hold on, he’ll do it. “FINALLY! The Rock has come back…” “TO NEW ORLEANS~!” Rock smiles, and he adds, FINALLY, WrestleMania is coming back to New Orleans!! The fans are thunderous to hear that! WrestleMania 30, WrestleMania 34, and now WrestleMania 42!? Yes, next year, 2026, LIVE from the Superdome! One of the greatest cities on Earth in New Orleans, Louisiana! The pyro goes off to commemorate the occasion, and the logo is already on the tron! Rock smiles at that, then he smiles at the WrestleMania 41 Vegas logo.
The fans are losing their minds, as we now know April 11th and 12th, 2026, the Big Easy has the Grandest Stage of Them All. Rock says you damn right holy ish! Oh when the saints go marching in…! Oh how I’d love… Wait, no, this ain’t singalong with The Final Boss! Sit there, shut up, and let The Final Boss sing the song! The fans are torn, but Rock says he sings! Oh how I’d love, to be in that number~! Oh when the saints go marching in~! Okay, that’s good enough. You got him, that was a great duet. The Rock is singing with the largest collection of STD’d trailer trash he has ever seen! The fans can’t believe Rock would do that to them!
Rock says now, dropping this news wasn’t the only gift he was going to drop on us. The Final Boss came here to call somebody out. The Rock will call out a man who he respects, who he admires, and who we all admire. That man is our WWE Champion, the one and only, Cody Rhodes. The fans cheer as The American Nightmare makes his entrance! They sing along with the song, “WHOA~ OH~!” and we get Cody’s pyro before he goes to the ring. Cody gets his second “WHOA~ OH~!” and round of pyro, then he steps inside to join The Rock. The fans cheer Cody on, so he holds up the title and the fans cheer even more.
Cody grabs a mic, but Rock says, “That feels good, doesn’t it? I mean, that’s gotta feel amazing, right? They love you, man.” Cody tells NOLA, “I love you, too.” Rock says this is crazy. Pretty much no one knows this, but since after WrestleMania last year, they’ve actually become good friends. No, it’s true, they have. Last time they were together was the Raw Netflix debut. Rock gave Cody his flowers, told Cody he has carried the company like the incredible champion that he is, so thank you, Cody. Rock meant it, and that night, they went to the back, drank tequila for two hours and had a great ol’ time.
They chopped it up, had a blast, but Rock wants to call Cody out here for something important. Here’s the thing… The fans get a bit rowdy as they wait, and Rock says Cody is a great champion. A great WWE Champion. Cody knows that. Again, they’ve become good friends, so over the months, they’ve texted. Even their moms became good friends! Look! Mama Johnson & Mama Rhodes together after WrestleMania 40! It is a pleasure becoming Cody’s friend. But Rock wanted this face to face to tell him a few things. One: Cody has been a great champion, but he needs to understand. Yes, The Rock, The Final Boss, is on the Board of TKO. And TKO owns WWE.
The Rock is the Director of the Board of TKO. Don’t boo that! The Rock’s good friend, Ari Emanuel, who owns everything Endeavor, The Rock joked with Ari, “Can you believe that you own The WWE?” Ari says he doesn’t own the WWE, The Rock does. Rock said no, no, he doesn’t know if he owns the WWE. But The Rock knows he is the most powerful… Cody, you are a great champion. But Rock wants Cody to be something more. Rock wants Cody to be something more than just our champion. Rock wants Cody to be his champion. The fans don’t like where that’s going.
Cody says he did not expect them to become friends, nor their moms to become friends, nor the tequila. Cody didn’t have that on his bingo card. But becoming The Rock’s champion? The Rock of all people should know, Cody is the people’s champion. The fans cheer Cody more, and Rock says yes! Cody is their champion! Of course! The Rock is also The People’s Champion, he loves that about Cody. This is their universe, they were both born into this business. But Rock means something even bigger than just this. Rock knows Cody’s goal is to bring as much joy and happiness to everyone around the world, as many as possible.
The fans cheer, and Rock says that’s Cody. Cody is that guy, and everyone knows it. Cody is on social media, Instagram, millions of followers. Millions, and millions! The Rock has half a BILLION. That’s not a flex. But The Rock is the most followed American man in the world, that’s what he wants for Cody. Rock wants Cody to be even higher. If Cody becomes The Rock’s Champion, he will open doors to possibilities Cody never even imagined. If Cody becomes The Rock’s Champion, every dream he has ever had can come true. Every dream of Brandi’s, of their daughter’s. Think about how Rock brought them to the premiere of Moana 2, in Hawaii.
Thank you, by the way, for making that cross a BILLION dollars, fans, Rock loves you. Rock has met the Rhodes family, they’re amazing. But imagine it: Cody’s daughter’s children, their dreams, long after Rock and Cody are gone, all those dreams can come true. Rock just needs Cody to be his champion. The fans say don’t do it! Rock tells Cody to just think about it, though. Rock is a very lucky man, he has it all. Cody also has it all. They’re very fortunate. They’re Mama’s Boys, they’re Girl Dads, they’re lucky men. Fans say don’t do it, Rock tells them to shut up or he’ll slap the syphilis off their face! Rock is trying to have a moment here, shut your mouths!
The one thing that Rock has never had, that he wants more than anything, is a brother. And that is what Cody can be. Last year, WrestleMania, Rock’s goal was to face his cousin, Roman Reigns, for the title. Cody knows, the fans know. Rock talked with his friend, HHH. He talked with Nick Khan, who is his friend. They are also Cody’s friends. Rock knew it wasn’t in the plans, but they talked about moving Cody aside to make what was best for business: Rock VS Roman, WrestleMania 40! What’d Cody do? Cody pitched a b*tch fit! Cody told The Rock he ain’t doing it, and he stood up to The Rock. And y’know what else? Cody SLAPPED Rock!
No one does that and gets away with it. But that is why Cody is special. That is why Cody should be Rock’s Champion. And that is why Rock will take Cody from where he is to a level so far above. Rock will make sure every dream, every desire, for generations to come, it all comes true. Rock’s dad, Cody’s dad, Soul Man & American Dream, they are looking down right now. They were friends, Cody and Rock are friends, Cody should be Rock’s Champion. He doesn’t need to answer Rock tonight. He can think about it, talk with his wife and daughter, as will The Rock. Then Cody can think about it. Meet Rock in Toronto on March 1st to give him the answer.
Fans still say don’t do it, but Rock says it is okay. Before he leaves, this has been an amazing night, this is a hot crowd, thank you all very much. But before he leaves, Rock wants us to know this: The one thing Rock wants more than anything in this world… is that. Wait, the title? Cody’s title? The fans’ title? This is all this is about? No no no no! Brother… Rock doesn’t want the title. He wants Cody’s soul. The fans duel, “NO! NO! NO!” “SELL YOUR SOUL!” Rock pats Cody on the cheek and says see you in Toronto. The Rock leaves, giving Cody a lot to think about. Rock does give one last glance back at Cody, then smirks.
What will The American Nightmare choose: His integrity? Or his aspirations?
WWE Tag Team Championships: #DIY VS Pretty Deadly!
Did Tommaso Ciampa & Johnny Gargano got these titles thanks to Kit Wilson & Elton Prince? #YESBOY! Did they survive a couple title defenses thanks to Kit & Elton? #YESBOY! But when Pretty Deadly needed DIY, was DIY there for them? #NOBOY! So now, Kit & Elton are looking to give Ciampa & Gargano their comeuppance! Will we finally get another #SidePlateCheck? Or will Ciampa & Gargano remember for themselves, that if you wanna be champions, you gotta do it yourself?
But as DIY make their entrance, they have mics, and Johnny Wrestling tells NOLA, “Give it up one time for your TWO-TIME WWE Tag Team Champions…! The BTTITW (Best Tag Team In The World), D I Y~!” The fans boo instead. Ciampa says there is no denying that tonight has been electrifying. Gargano says this is a hot crowd. But please, if we could be somber for a second. Guys, this is serious. Two weeks ago, Pretty Deadly embarrassed DIY, and now reluctantly, DIY will return that favor by crushing their hopes and dreams of ever becoming WWE Tag Team Champions. So please, let us all rise to our feet… Yes, you in the LSU jersey, stand up.
Ciampa thanks Wade Barrett, and asks for everyone to remove their hands and bow their heads for a moment of silence for Pretty Deadly, beginning… now. The fans boo instead! And then Pretty Deadly make their entrance! The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we see who really needed who in this broken relationship!
But then DIY jumps Pretty Deadly! The ref reprimands, DIY whip but Pretty Deadly reverses! DOUBLE DORPKICKS! Then DOUBLE LARIATS send DIY up and out! The disco ball hasn’t even stopped spinning! The fans cheer while DIY throw a fit! They regroup, cool down, and go back to the ring. Gargano distracts Elton, Ciampa CLOBBERS him, and the bell rings. But Elton fires hands on Ciampa! Elton whips, Ciampa reverses and he pulls hair! The ref reprimands, Ciampa throws Elton to the apron and KNEES him down! Tag to Gargano and he aims, SUPERKICK! Elton goes down in a heap, DIY cheers themselves on, and SmackDown goes to break!
SmackDown returns, Gargano tags in, and DIY hits the BACK SUPLEX BOMBO COMBO! Cover, TWO! Elton stays in this but Gargano tags Ciampa back in. Gargano sends Ciampa in, but Elton ELBOWS him away! Gargano runs in, but Elton puts him on the apron! Gargano goes after Kit, but Kit blocks the kick! Kit BOOTS Gargano down, but then Ciampa BOOTS Kit! Elton dodges Ciampa to come back, DOUBLE CROSSBODIES collide! Elton and Ciampa are down, sputtering and writhing, and the fans rally up. Elton crawls, Kit rises, hot tags to Kit and Gargano! Kit rallies on DIY with big forearms! Kit whips, Gargano reverses, Kit UPPERCUTS!
Kit UPPERCUTS Ciampa in a corner, then LARIATS! Kit runs to LARIAT Gargano! Kit pushes Gargano down, kicks him and hits a TWIST- NO, Gargano slips through to ROCK Kit! Kit yoyos, DOUBLE LARIATS! The fans fire up, Kit tags Elton! They get Gargano up, but Gargano BOOTS Elton! Gargano ELBOWS Kit away, then runs up on Elton! Elton dodges, then gives Kit the boost, DRY MARTI-KNEES! Cover, TWO!! Gargano survives but Ciampa is in! Elton fireman’s carries Ciampa, but Ciampa slips free! Ciampa whips, Elton reverses, Kit UPPERCUTS Ciampa! Elton shows off his strength with the GOTCH LIFT PLEX!
Tag to Kit, but IN COME THE PROFITS! Ford SHOVES Kit down, Dawkins mugs him!!
Winners: Pretty Deadly, by disqualification; DIY retain the titles
Not again! Just like they did Motor City Machine Guns, The Profits make sure no one else takes these titles off DIY! URENAGE from Ford to Elton! Dawkins keeps hammering away on Kit, and then Ford POSTS Elton! Dawkins fireman’s carries Kit, to POST him, too! Looking like the All Mighty with that one! Gargano fires forearms in return, but ends up int he POUNCE GERMAN SUPLEX! Then Ciampa runs up into a FLAPJACK! Ford goes up top, then flies in FROM THE HEAVENS!! Direct hit on Ciampa! But wait! MCMG rushes out here, wanting their payback! The Profits brawl with MCMG, but Ford TOSSES Shelley to the apron!
Ford runs up, Shelley goes to kick, but Ford blocks it! Ford LARIATS Shelley down, Dawkins hits Sabin with THE BIG ENDING! The fans are torn as Dawkins whips Sabin, Profits get him for the REVELATION!! And if there’s been any revelation, it is that Ford & Dawkins don’t just want the smoke, they want to burn down the tag division to get it! Will nothing stop them once they’re back in action?
Kevin Owens speaks.
“You got what you wanted, huh? You got your match. You couldn’t, uh… You couldn’t just take the punishment that you deserved, that I’d already given you, and let it go. No, you… You wanted me and you to go again. You wanted to fight me, you want to hurt me, you want to end my career, which would hurt my family, by the way. Which is truly despicable. But what about your family, Sami? Huh? Have you thought of them? What about your family, huh?” Kevin reveals he is right outside the Zayn home! Kevin peers inside to watch Sami, his wife, and his son!
Kevin asks Sami via the video if Sami knows what he’s about to put them through, when they have to watch Kevin end Sami’s career. And what happens then, eh? When Sami can’t provide for them, and everything they have, like this nice house, the shelter, the security, the peace they have, when it’s all gone? And why? What for? Because Sami’s too proud? Because Sami’s selfish? Sami IS selfish. Because Sami is making Kevin do this to Sami’s family. Kevin will never forgive Sami for that. He’ll see Sami in Toronto. “But remember… You asked for this. It’s all your fault.” As if Kevin’s delusions aren’t already grand, will he continue to blame everyone else but himself?
Damian Priest & Braun Strowman VS Solo Sikoa & Jacob Fatu w/ Tama Tonga!
Elimination Chamber is on the horizon, and the Road to WrestleMania makes for strange bedfellows. Priest, Braun and Jacob were fighting each other just last week, but Solo’s return really threw things for a loop. Can Priest & Braun give Solo and the Samoan Werewolf their punishment? Or will everything (not) be fine in Solo’s Bloodline?
SmackDown returns as #OneBigSOB makes his entrance. As Solo, Jacob & Tama head to gorilla, we hear from Solo. “Tonight, we handle business. And it starts with Braun Strowman & Damian-” Jacob interrupts with, “Man, c’mon, DP! C’mon, Braun! I thought we did this! So tonight, we about to even up the score. If you ain’t know, I’m all gas, no brakes with it! See, since we touched the scene, we been dropping bodies like bread crumbs! Yadada mean!? FA-TUUU~! Hit my music!” The rogues enter to Jacob’s theme, is this alone proof he’s the new alpha? Or will the match be the last nail in that coffin?
The teams sort out, but Jacob stares down both Priest and Braun. NOLA seems to acknowledge Jacob, but Solo convinces him to stand down. Solo starts against Priest, the bell rings, and the two tie up. They go around, Priest powers Solo back, but Solo powers Priest back. They break, stare down, and Solo talks some trash. Solo shoves Priest, Priest shoves back. They circle again, tie up, and Priest puts Solo in a corner. The ref counts, Priest lets off at 4, but Solo stomps Priest’s foot! Solo throws hands, then a HEADBUTT! Priest staggers, but then he ROCKS Solo! And ROCKS him! And HEADBUTTS! That was a mistake!
Solo shakes his head to HEADBUTT Priest! Priest goes to a corner, Solo throws haymakers and body shots on repeat! The ref counts, Solo lets off and says see? Solo and Jacob as one! But Priest THROWS Solo to the corner to fire off haymakers of his own! Priest ROCKS Solo, the fans fire up, and Priest whips., Solo reverses to UPPERCUT! Solo talks smack but Priest ROCKS him again! Tag to Braun and the fans fire up! Braun stares Jacob down, tells him to shove it, then runs up to SPLASH Solo! Braun stares Jacob down again, goes back for Solo, and hits another LARIAT! Braun scoops, Solo slips free, but Braun runs up!
Solo ELBOWS Braun away, tags to Jacob, and Jacob runs in, but Braun dodges! Braun CROSSBODIES! Jacob is right up, but Braun BOOTS him right back down! Solo runs in but Braun TOSSES him! Priest hurries after Solo, Braun CLOBBERS Jacob! LEAPING LARIAT for Solo! Braun then gets on the track, STROWMAN EXPRESS SMACKS a chair out of Tama’s hand! The Good Bad Guy thought he was being sneaky! But then Jacob CROSSBODIES Braun into the timekeeper’s aera! The fans go wild as Jacob rises up, and SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Jacob hauls Braun up, drags him around the way, HEADBUTTS him, then brings him over to SMACK off the desk! Braun staggers, but he ROCKS Jacob in return! And THROWS Jacob into steel steps! Braun drags Jacob up, puts him in the ring, but Jacob SUPERKICKS Braun! Braun falls into the corner, Jacob HIP ATTACKS! Jacob’s all geeked up, then he tags in Solo. Solo soaks up some heat while Jacob HIP ATTACKS Braun again! Solo puts Braun on ropes to CHOKE him! The ref counts, Solo stops at 4, but Jacob gets a HEADBUTT in! Braun flounders, Solo taunts him and eggs him on, but Braun CHOPS him!
Solo HEADBUTTS Braun right down! Solo rains down fists, then lets off so he can put Braun on the ropes. Solo CHOKES Braun again, stops as the ref counts 4, and Jacob gets another cheap shot in! Solo tags Jacob in, then he HEADBUTTS Braun again and again! Jacob runs to BODY CHECK Braun! Jacob fires up, Braun flounders to ropes, but Jacob rains down fists! Tag to Solo, he soaks up heat from NOLA, then he stomps away on Braun! The ref counts, Solo lets off, then he keeps Braun from Priest by anchoring a leg. Tag to Jacob and Jacob climbs up, FROG SPLASH! Jacob roars while Braun writhes!
Jacob looms over Braun but he glares at Priest. Priest gets heated, but Jacob fires hands on Braun as SmackDown returns to single picture. Braun stands, but Jacob HEADBUTTS him again! Jacob runs for another BODY CHECK! And then a SENTON! Cover, TWO! Braun stays in this and he goes to a corner. Jacob snarls, tags Solo in, and the fans boo. Solo runs corner to corner to HIP ATTACK Braun! Solo grins as he copies Jacob’s geeking out. Tag back to Jacob and fans cheer! Jacob aims, runs, and HIP ATTACKS! Jacob keeps going, but Braun BOOTS from below!! The fans fire up while both men stagger to their feet.
Braun SPINEBUSTERS Jacob! Both monsters are down, the fans rally up, and they crawl, hot tags to Solo and Priest! Priest fires hands on Solo, then whips. Solo reverses but Priest SHOUDLER TACKLES Solo! Priest runs to BACK ELBOW! Jacob is back, but Priest dodges to WHEEL KICK! Priest then waits on Solo, but Solo catches Priest! Priest elbows free, but Solo SUPERKICKS! But Priest JUMPING ROUNDHOUSES! Solo comes back, Priest ROCKS him first! Solo swings, but into the FLATLINER! Cover, TWO! Solo survives but Priest puts him in a corner. Priest whips corner to corner, then runs, only for Solo to put him on th eapron!
Solo takes as swing, Priest dodges and ROUNDHOUSES! Priest then knuckle locks with Solo, goes up top, and he tightrope walks for some OLD SCHOOL! The fans fire up and Priest powers up the arm! Priest runs, but Solo ducks the Comebacker! Priest fights the fireman’s carry to BELL CLAP, ROUNDHOUSE, and then he reels Solo in! But Tama is on the apron! Priest DECKS Tama, but Jacob HOTSHOTS Priest! Solo hits the URENAGE! Cover, TWO!! Priest survives and Solo is stunned! Solo snarls, looks to his taped-up thumb, then he drags Priest up. The fans boo but Solo taunts the fans now. SAMOAN- NO! Priest grabs Solo!
But Jacob runs in! Priest ROCKS Jacob, ELBOWS Solo, then he dodges, so Jacob’s SUPERKICK hits Solo! An accident just like last week’s shot to Tama, but Jacob doesn’t seem as upset by it. Priest TOSSES Jacob, then CLOBBERS Solo! STROWMAN EXPRESS CLOBBERS Jacob & Tama!! Priest brings down the straps, the fans are thunderous, and Priest grabs Solo by the neck! SOUTH OF HEAVEN!! Cover, Priest & Braun win!
Winners: Damian Priest & Braun Strowman, by pinfall
Just as Solo thought it’d be like before, he and Jacob were not on the same page! Priest is rolling towards Elimination Chamber, will this be just what he needs to go back to WrestleMania?
My Thoughts:
A great SmackDown here, but with some interesting moves after the sudden change in plans with The Rock showing up. Naomi and Bianca had a good promo to hype up what was meant to be a full match of Naomi VS Liv, but word had already come out before the show that things were being cut for time. But at the very least, they did the right thing of making it a brawl that adds heat to the tag title match on Monday. Also, hilarious how Chelsea & Piper thought the beatdown on Bianca & Naomi was so bad that they would need to be pulled from the Chamber. I also can’t wait to see what happens on Toronto SmackDown.
As for The Rock, I do appreciate he used his authority to kayfabe change more things, all so he could have his promo with Cody. I also appreciate Rock blending his different roles and even different sides, both Heel and Face, to A) bring the news of WM42 being in NOLA, and B) recreate the Corporate Champion/People’s Champion story from the Attitude Era. That was some wild stuff he was saying to Cody. I’m sure quite a few people will try and talk with Cody next week in the go-home. Heels will say do it because they’d love to have what Rock can give, Faces will say not because Cody’s better than that. But naturally, Cody is not going to become The Rock’s Champion, causing Rock to turn on him and really up things going into WrestleMania 41 and perhaps even beyond.
Good stuff in the Elimination Chamber related stories. Jimmy VS McIntyre was great stuff to open, and how fitting that McIntyre loses to Jimmy after talking all that trash about Jimmy and Jey being the same. Jey got McIntyre with something quick, Jimmy got McIntyre with something quick, McIntyre’s ego is obviously his weakness. And at the same time, McIntyre of course destroys Jimmy after because that’s his other personality trait. Priest had good promos with Cody and Braun, and we got great stuff from Solo’s Bloodline. Naturally, we got a miscommunication spot to help finish, we’re really close to Solo VS Jacob, I can feel it. Priest & Braun get the win, mostly because Priest isn’t winning in the Chamber when you’ve got Punk and Cena in there.
Very good stuff with Tiffy Time, from the promos leading into the match to Charlotte being ringside just to watch. Nia & Candice of course get the better of Tiff & Trish, because Tiff & Trish are definitely winning the tag match in Toronto. Charlotte just seems to enjoy trolling Tiff with her presence, so Charlotte probably shows up in Toronto to then confront Tiff after the match. I expect the seven weeks after Elimination Chamber to really heat up, as will Charlotte’s involvement, where she’ll get more active verbally and physically. Also, hell, Rock should go full Corporation and have Charlotte be his Corporate Women’s Champion because of how established she is.
Hilarious stuff from Truth tonight, as always. Truth and Melo having their “who’s on first” again was good stuff, and of course Miz gets in on this story, too. Truth & Knight VS “Melo Don’t Miz” was really fun, but yeah, should’ve figured Nakamura would get involved, too. Melo & Miz making it work could also be really fun, and while Knight VS Nakamura is a rehash, I really hope they find a way to up things. It feels like we’re getting the same with the tag titles as Profits “ruined” that great tag match from DIY and Pretty Deadly, then brawled with MCMG to still come out on top. Last year had a ladder tag title match, so why not do one for these titles this year?
Speaking of escalating, Kevin filming a promo outside Sami’s house was some really well done stuff, as expected of someone as good as Kevin and in such a story as him and Sami. Their match should main event, it needs time to breathe, as it could be just as, if not more violent, than the Chamber matches. What a powerful closing moment we could have if it’s a bloody Kevin and Sami, and one of them is standing over the other, triumphant yet mournful because it was their best friend in the world that they just brutalized.
My Score: 8.9/10
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Coverage
Andrew’s TNA LIVE! iMPACT! Results & Match Ratings: 2.20.2025
So the first live episode got fairly positive praise from everyone; will this continue the trend?
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Filming at Full Sail seems to have set the stage nicely this week! Going into a Live episode we got Moose and The Hardy Boyz on NXT, as well as Jordynne Grace’s involvement with Steph and Giulia giving a little shine to TNA happenings since she’s newly WWE.
This episode should be interesting, we finally see Lei Ying Lee (fka Xia Li) back in action, Rascalz take on Tyson and Tyriek, Tessa should be seeing some action as well…so generally interesting happenings for the second Live iMPACT! of 2025. Let’s see how this one goes down!
No matter where @ManceWarner and @stephdelander go, @TheSamiCallihan WILL FIND THEM!
Watch #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/NY8HgI02kY pic.twitter.com/mXz9U7m9PL
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) February 21, 2025
Ratings:
- Tyson & Tyriek w/Wes Lee vs The Rascalz w/Ace Austin: Rascalz win via Meteora/Swanton Combo – ***
- Lei Ying Lee vs Rosemary: Lei wins via Thunderstruck – **
- NoDQ Match: Leon Slater vs JDC: Dango wins via The System help – ** 3/4
- Masha Slamovich vs Mila Moore: Masha wins via Requiem – N/A
- Elijah & Joe Hendry vs The Colons: Elijah wins via Tombstone Piledriver – *** 1/4
Results:
Oh yeah, and another Hendry concert is…cut off by a commercial, LOLTNA. First Hendry is cut off by AXSTV’s new Anime Hour bumper, and now Primo and Epico are showing up in TNA. I definitely didn’t have this on my BINGO card. The crowd starts chanting “Where’s Carlito”, which they do acknowledge and play off of well. Oh they’re using their shoot names of Orlando and Eddie now…but before they attack the lights go out and we get another guitar strum! ELIAH/ELIAS/EZEKIEL/EBENERZER/EMERY/EL VAGABUNDO – shows up to back up Hendry. Okay I can apologize away the redundant concert since it played into an Elijah debut. The crowd is immediately popping and chanting “This is Awesome” 10 minutes into the show.
Tyson & Tyriek w/Wes Lee vs The Rascalz w/Ace Austin
Treehouse bros take it to the bigger men quickly, a few fast dives, a little MCMG style tandem strikes, Tyson fires and tries to take them out but they Low Bridge him. Tyriek comes in and they try similar things but Tyriek manhandles them both and throws them out of the ring, Trey is the first one back up and Tyriek and Tyson take his damn head off with his Corkscrew Running Euro Upper. Trey finally manages to flip out of the manhandle, tags in Wentz and Wentz goes for the hot and spicy cleaning house spot. Corner to Corner Knee Lifts for both big men, a Rolling Snapmare, into a Superkick for Tyson and Standing Shoot Star on Tyriek but only for two because Wes feints like he’s going to interfere.
Tyson and Tyriek pull off a tandem Assisted Backdrop Driver, but Wentz breaks it up, Tyson gets knocked out, Wentz hits the Tornillo, Wes tries to interfere again after Trey gets perched on the corner buckle but Ace runs around and trips Wes at the last second causing him to faceplant on the apron, Trey hits the Meteora, Wentz hits a Swanton from the other side of the ring and Trey gets the pinfall victory.
It was fast paced, all gas no brakes, but it didn’t overstay its welcome, so it was pretty fun all things considered.
After the match Wes grabs a mic, complains a little but challenges them to a 6 man match as Sacrifice. So we’re THAT’S where we’re getting the expected 3v3.
Fir$t Cla$$ comes out with an entourage of hot chicks and probably influencers or something. The “First Class Penthouse” , Gabby AF, Mafiosa Valentina, and Carolina are apparently known in their own way. Gabby I know was the awful one who did something for Impact a last year and sucked, but she’s part of the Busted Open Network I believe so that’s why she’s around. Two of them look like Noelle Foley and Frank the Clown…oh they actually are. Look at that. I do love KC Navarro as the Hype Man, they have this whole set up of AJ being mad that they haven’t gotten more Tag Title shots, so TNA placated him with his own Piper’s Pit and he’s *pregnant pause* totally happy with that. He says he loved Piper and hated Hogan before it was cool.
This is actually quality content and AJ is cutting a nice promo in this segment. They introduce their first guest, the greatest performer in TNA history, many whole say he’s Phenomenal with a whole lot of style….it’s A-J-Francis.
.@AJFrancis410 is GOING OFF!
Watch #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/NY8HgI02kY pic.twitter.com/kGehtp9iTE
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) February 21, 2025
Lei Ying Lee vs Rosemary
Things were slow until Rosemary took her into a corner quickly, hit the Upside Down, and we get a lot of Lei trying to avoid Rosemary’s offense. Rosemary goes for a Spear in the corner and Lei forward rolls, starts connecting with a bunch of right hands, backs Rosemary into the corner, goes for 10 Count Punches, pulls her out, Airplane Spin TKO for only a two count. Rosemary tries As Above So Below, Lei shrugs it off, Rosemary tries to go after Lei anyway and eats Thunderstruck! Lei Ying Lee wins!
After the match Rosemary catches Lei on the ramp and hits the Green mist in the eyes. Match was far too short and so many of Lei’s set up moves look better than her finish. We’ve seen Kofi Kingston do it for years so it’s not bad, just the current Knockouts Division are awful and don’t take the move well.
Eric Young and the jabronis come out, EY cuts a very basic power crazed psycho kind of promo, gets the “What” chants from the crowds. EY is trying to recruit Maclin even though Maclin made his line in the sand last week. EY tries to spin it as maybe he took out Josh FOR Maclin instead of in spite of his trust. This really doesn’t seem interesting at all, but that’s probably because I hate the two Jabronis EY is with.
NoDQ Match: Leon Slater vs JDC
I really don’t have any interest in Slater. He’s got no personality beyond “flippy guy with a British accent”.
Dango immediately powders, grabs a chair and goes to swing on him but misses. So Leon is making JDC look dumb by dodging the post chop, using the chair to shield himself from a punch by JDC, and then clapping Dango’s fingers between the chair. So typical System match, look inept for the first few minutes, then take advantage of something to take over. Oh look, Leon takes too long setting up the table, Dango gets in a few pot shots, tries to whip him into the table but Leon leaps over it, and then leaps back over to clobber Dango. Dango is still trying to recover so Leon hits his over the corner post con hilo, and the crowd appreciates it but I’m not interested. Leon panders to the crowd after the big spot and then eats an X-Plex into the chair from Dango.
JDC throws Leon back in, goes for a pinfall that’s only a two and we cut to a commercial. Coming out of the commercial JDC is in control with a Kendo Stick until he isn’t, Leon counters and takes the keno stick, brutalizes Dango a few times then comes off the ropes with the kendo shot for 2. Leon goes for another table, and again, at least the crowd is receptive to this match. Leon sets it up, looks for something off the apron but Dango stops him first until he eats a dropkick to fall onto the table, Leon hits the Swanton 450 through the table on the outside. Does it look cool? Sure. Do I care about dumbass moves? Nope.
Oh thankfully the rest of The System comes out to stop the pinfall, Shield Bomb Leon through the first table, and roll him back in for Dango to win.
The Hardy Boyz come out to try and make the save, but the numbers are against them, so Oba Femi’s music hits! Oba cleans house but doesn’t get his hands on Moose, so they’re at least building the eventual clash between Moose and Oba.
The crowd starts a “Tessa, we comin for you” chant before she even starts talking. Tessa is actually playing off the crowd well, Santino’s music hits and Tessa thinks he’ll help her out with the crowd and Santino calls bullshit basically. Santino says if Tessa doesn’t wrestle next week, she’s fired and Masha’s music hits. Masha decides to step in for Tessa’s enhancement talent match.
Masha Slamovich vs Mila Moore
Jobber tries to attack Masha early but Masha stops her, rocks her and Requiem ends the match.
Masha stares down Tessa, and then Cora Jade attacks from behind and hits Jaded.
Ryan Nemeth comes out to his Abyss music remix. What will Mokuba say today? “MYYYY BIIIGG BBRROOOOTTHHHEEEEER” he repeats at least 4 times and it’s hilariously cringe. He announces that Nic will return at Sacrifice, he literally just came out to give a PSA.
Elijah & Joe Hendry vs The Colons
Hendry starts with Eddie, after a brief tie up it seems like Hendry reads the room and points at Elijah and the crowd wants him in. So Joe tags in Elijah, a little back and forth, Shoulder Tackle from Elijah, Rope Walk with Elijah lays out Eddie and a tag to Joe allows for a quick tandem knockdown, but Eddie powders as the Walking and Talking Duo hold the ring going into the final commercial break.
We come back and Hendry is bouncing Orlando off the ropes as he return a strike, but Orlando is obviously losing, eats a Euro Upper, and then gets walked around in the Stalling Suplex for posterity. Eddie tries a sneak attack but gets caught and Sack of Shit, into Kip Up, turn and then Orlando with the ambush! A few quick short cuts and an Irish Whip/Dropkick combo gives the Colons a near fall. Hendry does get locomotion variation cradles, but eats a Dropkick to stop the attempt at momentum. Orlando stays on Joe, but Joe finally starts to fire up as the crowd starts to get behind him. Euro Uppers make some space, but a Snapmare says no.
Eddie gets tagged in and a quick Leg Sweep into a Front Chancery keeps Eddie in control. As Joe tries to get back up, Eddie turns it into a Guillotine, but finally the Suplex counter connects for Hendry! Simultaneous tags! Elijah bulls over Orlando, catches a Leap Frogging Orlando with the Manhattan Drop as Orlando retreats to a corner, Stinger Splash into Spinebuster for two. Elijah tries to keep up the attacks but Orlando finds a few ways to make space, launches himself from the middle rope and eats the Jumping Knee! Eddie breaks up the pinfall, Hendry takes Eddie out and Elijah hits the Tombstone Piledriver for the win!
Overall Score: 6/10
Well there were more live hiccups than the first episode, and this felt both more epic and less epic at the same time. Elijah and the Colons debuting was a nice way to kick things off, Oba Femi showing up for the save was fantastic. There were a few decent matches, but also a lot of really short and rushed matches. Tessa played off the crowd well, but Masha really is useless on the mic. Lei Ying Lee needs to framed stronger, her matches have done nothing to show off her ability. It just proves that the Knockouts don’t know how to sell a kick to the head because they all take it in the shoulder and fall in corny ways.
Viva La Sam could be something fun if the next 3 weeks are just hand cam footage of him being like “I’m Sami Callihan and I’m gonna kick Mance Warner’s ass”, Elegance Clique getting the rematch with a stipulation is nice to see and while I like Fir$t Cla$$, that segment went a little long for a cornball swerve payoff. It’s one thing to placate the Influencer squad especially when we’ve seen Logan Paul and Ishowspeed do so well in WWE…but these are like Z Tier Influencers that no one cares about. These kind of dorks stream on Kick because they aren’t relevant enough for Twitch, not because they chose Kick over it.
So yeah, the low lights were pretty low, and the highs were a little fleeting, but at least they were pretty fun. Not a bad show, just clunky with noticeable issues and Masha shouldn’t be allowed to speak English anymore. She’s such a charisma vacuum when she’s not rambling in Russian.
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