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Mitchell’s NJPW Best of the Super Juniors Results & Report! (5/18/23)

Round 6, FIGHT!

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BOSJ 30

Best of the Super Juniors 30: 66% Complete.

Best of the Super Juniors hits the two-thirds mark, and it is still anyone’s game! Who pulls away as we enter the homestretch?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

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

PLAY BY PLAY

Here are the current A Block standings.

Lio Rush: 4-1, 8 points
Taiji Ishimori: 4-1, 8 points
Mike Bailey: 4-1, 8 points
Hiromu Takahashi: 3-2, 6 points
Titán: 3-2, 6 points
TJP: 3-2, 6 points
DOUKI: 2-3, 4 points
SHO: 1-4, 2 points
KUSHIDA: 1-4, 2 points
Ryusuke Taguchi: 0-5, 0 points

 

Here are the current B Block standings.

Robbie Eagles: 4-1, 8 points
YOH: 3-2, 6 points
El Desperado: 3-2, 6 points
Clark Connors: 3-2, 6 points
Master Wato: 3-2, 6 points
Francesco Akira: 3-2, 6 points
Dan Moloney: 2-3, 4 points
Yoshinobu Kanemaru: 2-3, 4 points
Kevin Knight: 2-3, 4 points
BUSHI: 0-5, 0 points

 

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

Speedball is near the top of the block, but Japones Del Mal is coming off bringing down Lio Rush! Will Douki do it all again? Or will Mike Bailey get his kicks in round six?

The bell rings and the fans are fired up already. Mike gets the fans to get even louder, and the fans duel, “BAILEY!” “DOUKI!” “BAILEY!” “DOUKI!” They circle, tie up, and Douki waistlocks. Mike wrenches out, hammerlocks, then headlocks. Douki wrenches out, headlocks back, but Mike fights to a waistlock. Douki wrenches out again, has a wristlock, but Mike rolls, handsprings and wrenches back to then spin Douki around and arm-drags! Fans applaud while Mike has the armlock. Douki fights up, gets to ropes, and the ref counts the break. Mike lets off, but Douki kicks him low. Douki whips but Mike reverses.

Mike hurdles, drops, then KICKS Douki down! Fans fire up for that exchange while Douki sputters. Douki gets up, rushes in, but Mike dodges to fire lightning kicks! Mike tops it off with an ENZIGURI! Fans fire up while Douki bails out. Mike builds speed but Douki gets up, so Mike BOOTS him back down! Mike then triangle- NO, Douki intercepts him at the corner, to SLINGSHOT NECKBREAKER! Fans fire up and Mike flounders to ropes. Douki drags him up, whips him to ropes then CLOBBER Mike! Cover, TWO! Douki clamps onto Mike with a chinlock and bends him against the knee. Mike endures but Douki shifts to a headscissors hold.

Douki pushes up, Mike endures more, and Mike moves around. Mike reaches out, ROPEBREAK with a foot! Douki lets go quickly and he stomps Mike down. Douki drags Mike up but Mike CHOPS! And ROCKS Douki with a forearm! Douki rakes the eyes, runs, but into a CHOP! Mike swings but Douki ducks and whips. Mike handsprings but Douki dodges! Mike dodges Douki, to SHOTGUN BOOT! Fans fire up again while both men are down! Mike grits his teeth and fans rally. Mike waits on Douki, then SOBATS! AX KICKS! And ROUNDHOUSES! Douki is down and fans fire up for the SHOOTING STAR, into ITALIAN STRETCH #32!

Mike scrambles, ROPEBREAK! The ref counts, Douki lets go at 4. Douki brings Mike up, Gory Especials, but Mike fights it! Douki blocks the backslide, turns things back around on Mike, but Mike turns things back onto Douki! They fight for control, Douki Gory Especials but Mike slips out! Mike swings, Douki dodges and Douki LARIATS! Cover, TWO! Mike has a ghost pin! TWO, and Douki ghost pins Mike! TWO!! Mike escapes, fans fire up, and Mike BOOTS Douki from the corner! Mike goes up top and ULTIMA- NO, Douki dodges! Mike rolls through, Douki dodges the spin kick, but Mike sweeps the legs!

Mike PENALTY KICKS! And MOONSAULT KNEE DROPS! Direct hit and fans fire up again! Douki crawls to a corner, Mike takes aim, and TATSUMAKI- NO, Douki blocks the kick! Douki shoves Mike back and BOOTS him! But Mike THRUST KICKS! Mike puts Douki up top, tucks him in, and brings him out, but Douki sunset flips! TWO!! Into ITALIAN STRETCH 32!! Mike endures and fans fire up! Mike moves around, reaches out, but Douki rolls him away! ITALIAN STRETCH 32!! But Mike keeps fighting! Douki rolls to sit on Mike for a cover, TWO!! Douki falls out of the ring! Fans rally up while both men are down!

Mike kips up and fires up, to triangle jump QUEBRADA! Direct hit and fans fire up again! Mike goes up to the apron, but Douki anchors a foot. Douki trips Mike and he lands hard on the apron! Douki hurries up after Mike, wheelbarrows, and full nelsons! Mike fights free, trips Douki, and APRON MOONSAULT KNEE DROP only gets apron! Douki avoids disaster and fans rally up again! Douki aims from the apron as Mike rises, and DAYBREAK!! Cover, TWO!! Mike survives and fans are thunderous! Douki roars and he wheelbarrows again! Full nelson, but Mike breaks free! Mike drops, rolls, but Douki just wheelbarrows again!

Douki goes for the full nelson but Mike arm-drags free! Mike drags Douki around into La Magistrol! TWO!! Douki escapes in time, and he ENZIGURIS! Douki roars, but Mike BOOTS and HEEL KICKS! TATSUMAKI SENPUKKU! Mike goes right up top, for ULTIMA WEAPON!! Cover, Mike wins!!

Winner: Mike Bailey, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Douki earns 0)

An electric start to round six! The Speedball is going strong, will he be a guaranteed semifinalist?

 

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

The Heel Master may have lost to the Sniper, but at least he’s gotten a win by now. Will the Black Mask continue to have bad luck? Or will Bushi sour Kanemaru’s mood even more by becoming a spoiler?

The bell rings and Bushi kicks Kanemaru low! Bushi fires off forearms, whips Kanemaru to ropes, but Kanemaru reverses. Bushi jumps the low dropkick to then dropkick Kanemaru’s leg! Fans cheer and Bushi watches Kanemaru go to a corner. Bushi runs in but Kanemaru dodges. Kanemaru comes back but Bushi SWING KICKS him! Bushi goes up to MISSILE DROPKICK! Fans cheer the Bushirooni! Bushi stomps Kanemaru around, drags him up, and FISHER- NO, Kanemaru spins out of the screw! Kanemaru waistlocks, Bushi resists the lift, so Kanemaru shoves Bushi into the ref! And then ENZIGURIS!

Bushi and the ref go down and Kanemaru dropkicks the legs out! Kanemaru takes advantage of this moment and gets his whiskey! Fans cheer as Kanemaru takes a big swig, but Bushi CODE BREAKERS! The whiskey flies into the air! Bushi gets the whiskey!? Bushi takes a swig, not caring about germs or indirect kiss, and stands Kanemaru up to SPIT in his face! Bushi then goes up the corner, calls his shot, M X!! Bushi shouts to the ref, covers, and WINS!

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

Bushi tastes sweet, sweet victory, but also has to get the taste of that whiskey out of his mouth. Will Bushi have some of his favorite drink tonight to celebrate?

 

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

The Funky Weapon has been serious this year, but it just isn’t working for him. Will he go back to his King of Strange Style ways? Or will it not matter against Public Enemy Number One?

The bell rings and fans rally and duel, “T J P!” “TA-GU-CHI!” The two circle, feel things out, and knuckle lock. They go shoulder to shoulder, Taguchi bends TJP back but TJP slips through, headstands, then rolls to trip Taguchi. TJP has a standing toehold, but Taguchi rolls over and uses his leg to bring TJP down. Taguchi headlocks then wrenches to a wristlock, and fans applaud the technical exchange. Taguchi then trips TJP, has the leg for a standing kneebar, but TJP twisting headscissors! TJP has Taguchi down and fans applaud, but Taguchi moves around. Taguchi headstands much like TJP would, and fans applaud!

Taguchi pops free, and he pats TJP on the knee. Fans cheer as Taguchi shows he can keep up with the youngster. TJP handsprings up and the two reset. They tie up collar ‘n’ elbow, Taguchi puts TJP in a corner, and Taguchi lets off with a CHOP! Taguchi whips corner to corner, TJP goes up and headstands like a gentleman. Taguchi still runs in but TJP headscissors him away! Fans cheer, things speed up, and TJP goes Spider-Man. Taguchi runs in, TJP drops down, but Taguchi fakes him out! Taguchi dropkicks TJP out of the ring! Taguchi then builds speed to baseball slide dropkick! And then PLANCHA! Fans fire up as Taguchi stands tall!

Taguchi brings TJP up and into the ring, and fans applaud the sportsmanship. Taguchi baits TJP into a corner and BOOTS him! Taguchi goes up, jumps, but TJP DROPKICKS the missile hip out of the sky! TJP wags his finger, then brings Taguchi up. TJP scoops to SLAM Taguchi by the ropes, then goes out to SLINGSHOT SENTON! Cover, TWO! Taguchi also grabs the ropes for good measure. TJP brings Taguchi up, snapmares, and hammerlocks an arm before adding the chinlock. Fans rally, Taguchi endures, but TJP shifts to have the arms, SNAP ARMBAR! Taguchi writhes but TJP covers, TWO!

TJP drags Taguchi up, wrenches an arm to an ELBOW BREAKER, then he UPPERCUTS Taguchi to a corner. TJP whips corner to corner, runs in, and back elbows! Taguchi sits down, and fans rally up as TJP starts scrubbing laces on Taguchi’s face! TJP then runs side to side to BOOT WASH! Fans fire up and TJP has them get louder. TJP runs side to side again, but into a HIP ATTACK! TJP ends up on the ropes, Taguchi HIP ATTACKS! And then again! And then Taguchi comes back with a basement dropkick! TJP flops out of the ring, Taguchi triangle jump PLANCHAS! Direct hit, both men go down, and fans fire back up!

The ring count starts, Taguchi stands at 5 of 20 while TJP rises at 6. Taguchi puts TJP in at 9 and fans applaud. Taguchi springboards in, MISSILE HIP! Cover, TWO! Fans rally and Taguchi brings TJP back up. Taguchi chicken wings but TJP RAMS him into a corner! And then throws an elbow! TJP TORNADO- NO, Taguchi denies the DDT to KING KONG LARIAT! Or perhaps, Taguchi Bomber? Fans fire up all the same as Taguchi aims from the corner. “ORYA!” BUM-A-YE! Cover, TWO!! TJP survives but Taguchi doesn’t fret. Fans rally up and Taguchi brings TJP up. Taguchi chicken wings, but TJP resists the lift!

Taguchi CLUBS TJP, tries again, but TJP elbows free. TJP goes to a corner, Taguchi runs in but TJP goes up and over! TORNADO DDT! TJP then hurries up top, for the MAMBA SPLASH!! Cover, TWO!!! Taguchi survives, but TJP steps through to have the PINOY STRETCH!! Taguchi scrambles and reaches out, he drags TJP along, ROPEBREAK! Taguchi still survives and the fans rally back up. TJP drags Taguchi up, throws forearms, but Taguchi hits back. They brawl on their knees, then TJP throws forearms! TJP runs, but Taguchi HIP ATTACKS! Taguchi runs, but TJP JUMP SOBATS! Taguchi rebounds, but swings into an ARMBAR TAKEDOWN!!

Taguchi scrambles, stacks, ONE, and back to PINOY- NO! CRADLE!! TWO!!!! TJP escapes in time, gets around but Taguchi drops! But TJP sits on the cover, TWO!! Taguchi has OH MY GAH ANKLE!!! TJP endures, reaches out, but Taguchi drags him back! And then drops an elbow on the leg! TJP still reaches out, still fights forward, but Taguchi drags him back again! Chicken wings, DODON TO THE THRONE!!! Cover, TWO!?!? OH MY GAH ANKLE!!! TJP endures all over again as Taguchi leans on the hold! Fans are thunderous, but TJP fights up! TJP rolls, but Taguchi sits on the cover! TWO!!!

PINOY STRETCH!!!! TJP has Taguchi caught now!! Taguchi taps, TJP wins!!!

Winner: TJP, by submission (gains 2 points; Taguchi earns 0)

That was a nailbiter, but in the end, TJP takes down Serious Taguchi! As the only 0-6 man, Taguchi is OUT of the running, but will he at least get one win before the end? As for TJP, he is still alive, can he take a spot in the semifinals on behalf of the United Empire?

 

Best of the Super Juniors 30, B Block: Kevin Knight VS Dan Moloney!

The Jet is finally taking flight while #DaDrilla is getting back up from another loss. Will Moloney prove he is still one dangerous gaijin? Or will the BOSJ start to run on Knight time?

The bell rings and the two rush in! Knight dodges to headlock but Dan powers out to headlock. Knight powers out, but Dan avoids the hurdle. Dan elbows Knight, then runs him over! Fans fire up while Dan throws up the crown, only for Knight to kip up! Dan shoves him down, runs, and Knight catches his crossbody! Knight spins and SLAMS Dan, to then STANDING SPLASH! Cover, ONE!! Fans rally and Knight aims from the corner. Dan rises, Knight runs in, but no spike! Dan TOSSES Knight out of the ring! Knight lands hard on the outside, but he’s somehow okay to continue. The ring count starts as he stirs.

Knight is still down at 5 of 20, but he slowly rolls towards the ring. The count passes 10, Knight crawls, but he’s still down at 15! Dan thinks he’s got this already, but Knight springs up and in at 19! Fans cheer, but Dan storms over to suplex high and hard! Cover, TWO!! Knight is still in this but Dan says it was that close. Dan stomps Knight, UPPERCUTS him, then bumps him off buckles. Dan KICKS Knight’s leg, CHOPS him off his feet, then covers, TWO! Dan keeps his cool and he sits Knight up to KICK in the back! Dan wraps on a body scissors squeeze and he grinds his forearms into Knight’s face.

Knight endures, fights around, but Dan pulls Knight’s hair. The ref reprimands, Dan stops, and Knight CHOPS Dan! Dan CHOPS back, but Knight CHOPS again! Dan CHOPS, and then throws forearms! Knight still endures, still reaches out for ropes, but Dan grabs an arm. Knight still fights with his free arm, and gets the ROPEBREAK! Fans applaud and Dan lets off cleanly. Dan eggs Knight on, brings him up, and CLUBS him on the neck. Dan stomps Knight hard, then KICKS him in the side! Dan knees on Knight’s neck, the ref reprimands, and Dan steps off. Dan taunts Knight and brings him up.

Knight throws body shots but Dan throws forearms. Knight throws forearms but Dan throws another! Knight UPPERCUTS! Dan CHOPS! Knight CHOPS! And CHOPS! And ROCKS! Knight fires off forearm after forearm and has Dan in a corner. Knight whips, Dan reverses but Knight dodges in the corner. Knight springboards, but Dan gets under and the crossbody FLOPS! Dan stomps Knight, runs, but into a DROPKICK! Fans fire up while both men are down! Knight fires up and he stomps and UPPERCUTS Dan in a corner on repeat! Knight stomps a mudhole in, digs in his boot, but lets off to stand Dan up.

Knight whips corner to corner and STINGER SPLASHES! Then he runs to SLIDING SHOULDER! Cover, TWO! Fans rally up and Knight says it’s done. Knight watches Dan rise and then runs in, but Dan CHOPS! Dan goes up, but Knight jumps up after him! Dan slips out underneath but Knight adjusts. Knight jumps, Dan dodges and GORES! Cover, TWO!! Knight survives but Dan keeps close. Dan drags Knight up, fisherman’s, but Knight fights the lift! Dan says he’s abunai gaijin, and he powers through to a FISHERMAN BUSTER! Cover, TWO!! Knight survives and fans rally up! Dan goes to a corner and watches Knight.

Knight stands up, Dan runs in, but Knight leaps over to roll Dan up! TWO!! Dan escapes, but Knight jumps! Dan throws Knight away again to ENZIGURI! And then the Canadian Rack, but Knight slips free! Dan ripcords, but Knight pops Dan up for the SKY HIGH! Both men are down and fans fire back up! Knight runs back in, SPIKE DDT!! Cover, Knight wins!

Winner: Kevin Knight, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Moloney earns 0)

The IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champion lost to the United Empire once, he keeps from losing to them again! Will The Jet fly to new heights with this win?

 

Best of the Super Juniors 30, A Block: Taiji Ishimori VS SHO w/ Evil!

Ah, yes, Bullet Club VS Bullet Club. Well, wait, is House of Torture still Bullet Club? That aside, will The Bone Soldier be ready for whatever tricks the Murder Machine has planned? Or will Sho actually treat Taiji with respect?

Evil accompanies Sho to the ring to start this time, so at least they’re being upfront in that way. And Sho even holds the ropes open for Taiji, so that’s a nice show of respect. Sho makes a point of showing off the Bullet Club Decade shirts he and Evil are wearing. The bell rings, and Sho gets the mic. He says Taiji is amazing for being 4-1 right now. As for Sho, he has just one win, and that was against Taguchi. So Sho proposes they just all leave together, let it be a double count-out draw so they both get points. Plus, he doesn’t wanna wrestle in this “crap town” anyway! Milano tells him to go away then. The fans join Milano in that chant.

Sho hands the mic to Taiji and Taiji says okay, they’ll leave together. Taiji and Sho exit the ring and walk with Evil up the ramp. The ref is to count them out, but fans boo, this is no fun. The count begins, Bullet Club keeps moving on, and Evil raises both men’s hand in solidarity. But then Sho runs back to the ring! And Evil keeps Taiji back! Fans laugh at Taiji for falling for this! The count is 15! Then 17! Taiji breaks free at 18 to slide in at 19! Fans cheer and Evil apologizes for the trickery. Sho bails back out and he acts like it was all Evil! Evil gets mad at Sho, they start shoving, but then Sho takes off the shirt and throws it at Evil!

Sho gets in the ring, and Taiji attacks! Taiji throws hands on Sho, wrenches and whips to WRING Sho’s arm out! Fans cheer as Taiji ties Sho up in a cobra clutch. Sho fights up but Taiji ripcords, RAMS shoulders, then hammerlocks for a BACKSTABBER! Cover, TWO! Fans rally, Taiji brings Sho up and hammerlocks again. Taiji half nelsons and scoops but Sho slips out to rake the eyes! The ref counts, Sho runs, but Evil trips Sho!? Is the House of Torture falling apart? Taiji is a bit confused, but Evil tells Sho off and goes to Taiji’s corner! Taiji Too Sweets with Evil, and Taiji kicks Sho low.

Taiji hammerlocks, half nelsons, and SHOULDER BUSTERS! Fans rally up and Taiji aims. Taiji runs in, LA MYSTICA! BONELOCK!! Sho flails, scrambles, but Taiji rolls him away! Taiji drags Sho up, but Sho fights the lift off! Sho bends fingers, but Taiji thumbs him in the eye! Sho gets around Taiji, pop up into ARMBAR! Taiji fights around, to end up in the SNAKE BITE! But then Evil throws in the towel?! Evil being Taiji’s corner man, he’s quitting for Taiji!! Taiji says he never said Evil was a corner man! But Sho rolls Taiji up with tights! SHO WINS!

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

The snake in the grass just cheated Taiji! Evil defends his innocence, he really thought Taiji was in trouble. Sho says no hard feelings, right? Taiji accepts the handshake, but he tells Evil to go away. Evil suggests Too Sweet then. Taiji accepts that, and Bullet Club is still fine. But will Sho look to damage more runs before the end?

 

Best of the Super Juniors 30, B Block: El Desperado VS Clark Connors w/ Gedo!

The Rogue Luchador put on quite the show against Yoh just last night, but still lost in the main event. But 100 Proof managed to put out the Nova Fireball. Will there be No Chaser here for Desperado? Or will his Strong Style tame The Wild Rhino?

The bell rings and the two rush in! They RAM shoulders, but neither falls. They each talk a little trash, and Desperado throws the first forearm! Connors gives one back and they go back and forth. Fans rally as the shots go faster and faster, and Connors gets the edge! Connors roars but Desperado ROCKS Connors! Desperado runs, but Connors POUNCES him! Gedo likes what he sees and the fans do applaud the show of strength. Connors drags Desperado right up to GERMAN SUPLEX! Fans applaud again, and Connors drags Desperado up again. Desperado throws body shots, but Connors CLUBS Desperado!

Connors TOSSES Desperado out, then goes out after him. Connors shouts at the fans, then ROCKS Desperado with a haymaker. And an UPPERCUT! Desperado CHOPS back, but Connors CHOPS in return! They continue deeper into the crowd and Connors UPPERCUTS Desperado down. Connors stomps Desperado, then tells fans to get out the way. Desperado CHOPS, but Connors CHOPS back! Connors then whips, and he BOWLS Desperado into chairs! Gedo says that’s a strike, and Connors mocks the “DESPY~” chant. Connors moves chairs aside to drag Desperado up, but Desperado fires off CHOP after CHOP!

Connors ROCKS Desperado with haymaker after haymaker, then knees low to snap suplex to the floor! Desperado writhes and the ring count finally starts. Connors drags Desperado up at 7 of 20, puts him in at 8, and fans applaud. Connors aims from a corner, Desperado slowly rises, and Connors runs in, but into a SPINEBUSTER! Fans fire up as Desperado turns things around! Desperado drags Connors up now, and hits a BIG back suplex! Connors writhes and Desperado drags him up. Desperado tosses Connors out now, and then follows after. Fans get out of the way already, and Desperado CHOPS Connors into taking a seat!

Desperado CHOPS and CHOPS and CHOPS Connors, but Connors kicks back! Connors throws haymakers and CHOPS, but Desperado CHOPS in return! Fans fire up and Desperado brings Connors around to another part of the crowd! The fans move aside and Desperado ROCKS Connors. Desperado eggs Connors on and Connors CHOPS! Desperado CHOPS back! Desperado brings Connors around to yet another part of the crowd! They brawl as fans clear out of the way. Connors mule kicks, and he ROCKS Desperado again. Desperado throws a BODY BLOW! And then Desperado BOWLS Connors into chairs! Now THAT was a strike!

Fans fire up for Desperado and he’s all fired up. Connors rises from the chairs and Desperado eggs him on. The ring count returns, Connors kicks chairs aside and he storms to up to CHOP! And CHOP! Desperado SLAPS Connors! We’re at 10 of 20 but Desperado snap suplexes Connors to the floor! Desperado is all fired up and so are the fans! Desperado rolls in at 15 and Gedo shouts at Connors. Connors sits up at 17, hobbles at 18, and slides in at 19! Desperado is right on Connors with a wrench and OLYMPIC SLAM! Cover, ONE!! Connors is fuming and the fans rally as Desperado gut wrenches. GUITARRA DEL ANGEL!

But Desperado says that wasn’t good enough, so he gut wrenches again. GUITARRA DEL… ANGEL!! Cover, ONE?!?! Connors has a lot of fight left but Desperado eggs him on. Desperado throws Connors back out and Connors smacks off the commentary table! Desperado goes out the side, but Connors has a chair! Desperado dares him to get disqualified, and Connors raises the chair, only to get LOCO MONO! Desperado wags his finger, and he picks up the chair! Fans fire up, the ref reprimands, but Connors has another chair! Desperado says okay, let’s go to the ramp. Connors follows and fans rally up.

The ref reprimands, but the two CLASH with the chairs! The chairs fall apart but Connors disarms Desperado, then SMACKS away on Desperado’s back! The ref reprimands but Connors talks trash to a fan wearing a Desperado mask. Connors then sits Desperado up to mock him. Fans boo but Connors CHOKES Desperado with the frame of the chair! The ref counts, Connors lets off at 4, and he looms over Desperado. Fans rally up, “DE-SU-PE!” but Connors whips Desperado into the POST! Desperado falls in a heap but Connors paces around. Connors takes the timekeeper’s chair, and some other chairs, and stacks them!

Connors drags Desperado over to the chair pile, to snap suplex Desperado onto the chairs! Desperado writhes and Connors goes into the ring. Connors wants the ring count so the count begins. Fans rally as hard as they can for Desperado, and he stirs at 8 of 20. Desperado pushes chairs aside, reaches for the apron, but falls over at 14! We’re past 15 as Desperado drags himself up again! Desperado manages to crawl in at 19! Connors is on him with a whip and POWERSLAM! Connors aims from a corner as Desperado slowly rises! SPEAR!! Connors roars, and he drags Desperado back up!

Connors reels Desperado in, drinks and puts one out, but Desperado wrenches free! EL ES CULERO! DESPERADO WINS!!

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

Connors got cocky and he got caught! But now he’s a sore loser and he beats down Desperado! Young Lions rush in to stop this but Connors just throws them around now! GERMAN SUPLEX for one and a BOOT for another! Fans boo but Gedo says it’s time to make Desperado pay! Connors tosses Desperado out of the ring, then sets up a chair. Connors drags Desperado over to have him take a seat. Connors throws more forearms! Fans boo more but Gedo says it’s Spear time! Connors gets space, runs back in, but Desperado drop toeholds him into the chair! Desperado glares at Gedo, then gets another chair.

Desperado has Connors stuck on the chair, to CON-CHAIR-TO! The Rogue Luchador gets the better of Connors both in and after the match! Will Desperado also get the better of the block?

 

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

The Bad Child is feeling bad having lost to Douki just last round. El Inmortal is also coming off a loss to Speedball, but neither man is out of the running. Who will win a coveted 5-1 in the block?

The bell rings and fans rally as the two circle. They feel things out, both low to the mat. They knuckle lock, and then Lio spins around to trip Titan. Things speed up, Lio jumps the dropdown but Titan follows after. Lio stops to roll but Titan leaps over. Titan sweeps the leg to cover, ONE! Lio sweeps to cover, ONE! Both men go to arm-drag and those cancel out! Then they both dropkick but those cancel out! They both handspring up and fans fire up! The two reset, Lio offers a handshake, and Titan accepts. Fans applaud, but then both men kick low! They were both thinking the same thing! They both kick again, but they both block!

Lio and Titan argue about who lets go first. They agree to go at the same time, and they lower the other’s foot down. They back off, but then Lio whips! Titan reverses, Lio reverses back but Titan goes up and over. Titan rolls back, Lio runs in but Titan goes Matrix to dodge! CALF KICK! Titan runs but Lio goes Matrix now to kick and ENZIGURI! Fans fire up and Titan bails out. Lio builds speed but Titan ducks the slide! Lio comes back, to jump off the apron and RANA Titan away! Fans fire up more and Lio hurries back to the apron. QUEBRADA! Fans fire up again and Lio flexes. Lio gets fans to clap along, then he goes back into the ring.

Lio builds speed again! Lio DIVES and takes Titan out again! Both men are down by commentary and fans rally up. The ring count starts, Lio fires up and fans are with him. Lio drags Titan up at 10 of 20 and puts him in at 12. Fans applaud and Lio pounds the mat. The fans rally back up, Lio waits on Titan to rise, and then Lio storms up to him. But Titan trips Lio! And hooks the legs! Titan rolls for the TRAILER HITCH! Lio endures, Titan shifts around to a deathlock, and he grabs Lio’s arms! Lio resists but Titan SLAPS him in the side, getting the arms for an INVERTED SURFBOARD! Lio endures and fans rally up!

Lio fights to get his hands free, then he drags Titan down! Lio turns things around to have a CROSS HEEL! Titan rolls to the ROPEBREAK! Fans cheer as Lio lets go and the two get space. Lio goes to ropes, drags himself up, and goes back to Titan. Lio ROCKS Titan with a forearm, but Titan ROCKS Lio! Lio ROCKS Titan, Titan ROCKS Lio, repeat! Lio goes to ropes and shakes his head. Lio comes back to throw forearm after forearm, but Titan fires off a strike fest and SOBAT! But Lio spins Titan to ROLLING SLAP! Lio runs, into a SUPERKICK! But Lio SUPERKICKS back! Cover, TWO! Fans fire up while both men are down!

Lio sits up and he says it’s time. Titan rises, Lio runs, RUSH- NO, Titan blocks, shoves and SOBATS! Titan reels Lio in, Canadian Rack for a DOMINATOR GUTBUSTER and then a SUPERKICK! Cover, TWO!! Lio survives and fans fire up! But Titan goes to a corner and climbs up. The fans rally, Titan leaps, but Lio avoids the stomps! Lio goes to ropes, Titan rushes over but Lio avoids the kick. Lio whips, goes around and whips again, but Titan reverses to TORNADO- NO, Lio stops the DDT to mule kick and HEEL KICK! Lio runs, RUSH HOUR!! Fans fire up, Lio brings Titan up to whip and SPANISH FLY! Cover, TWO!

Fans fire up as Titan is still in this! Lio grows frustrated, and he slaps himself to refocus. Fans rally, Lio goes to a corner and then climbs up. But Titan GAMANGIRIS first! Titan CLUBS Lio, climbs up after him, and CLUBS him more. Titan drags Lio up and fans rally. Titan throws body shots, but Lio throws them back! Lio fights the lift, HEADBUTTS Titan, and HEADBUTTS again! And again and again and again! Titan falls back and Lio adjusts! Fans fire up for the FINAL- NO, Lio has to roll through as Titan moves! Lio comes back, into a SUPERKICK! Fans fire up again and Titan hurries to the corner!

Titan skins the cat to the top rope, leaps, but Lio dodges the stops again! Clothesline in the corner, whip to ropes, and a LARIAT knocks Titan back down! Lio heads back up top! But Titan gets away to the far corner. Lio hops down, runs in, but into a BOOT! SOBAT! KICK! CALF KICK! Lio staggers away and Titan powers up! Off comes the elbow pad, and Titan runs in to LOCO LARIAT! Lio is down in the drop zone, Titan goes back up! LA LANCER!! Cover, Titan wins!!

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

The Bad Child has fallen from the top spot! Is his time running out? Will El Inmortal stay alive in the block until the very end?

 

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

Direct Drive is feeling great after he won in the main event, and he’s ready to #StunTheWorld! But while Yoh beat Wato and Wato beat Akira, will Akira burn too hot to stop? Or is there no stopping Yoh now?

The moment Yoh’s introduction is done, he DROPKICKS Akira! The bell rings and Yoh drags Akira up, but Akira fights the underhooks. Akira CHOPS, whips, but Yoh CLOBBERS Akira! Akira bails out but Yoh hurries to PLANCHA! Akira slides in, Yoh lands on his feet but Akira builds speed to DIVE! Direct hit and down goes Yoh! Fans fire up and Akira puts Yoh back in. Akira climbs up, Yoh stands, CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO! Akira says if Yoh wants to play, here it comes! SINGLE KNEE STRIKE! Cover, TWO! Akira throws off his shirt and he stands on Yoh’s face. Akira mocks Yoh’s clapping then drags him up.

SPEED- NO, Yoh slips free to roll Akira up, TWO! Akira SUPERKICKS! Yoh staggers to ropes, I’LL BE BACK into another SUPERKICK! Akira saw the rewind coming, he throws up the crown, and he- NO, Yoh ducks the Fireball to O’Conner Roll! FIVE STAR CLUTCH! YOH WINS!!!

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

What a shocker! Not so much that Yoh won, but how quickly he won! Akira goes after Yoh but Yoh shoves him away and gets outta there! If Yoh can do this to even Akira, will there be no stopping him from becoming Best of the Super Juniors?

 

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

The Timesplitter has been struggling at only 1-4, but the Ticking Timebomb isn’t exactly untouchable this year. The IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champion collides with THE IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion, who comes out with the brighter golden ticket?

Hiromu’s picture diary entry for Kushida is that he is simply “Kushi.” When Hiromu approaches commentary, he looks to Tanahashi, but hands the diary to Milano! Milano is happy again! The bell rings and fans rally up for “HI-RO-MU!” Hiromu and Kushida circle, feel things out, and then circle more. But then Kushida bails out and goes around the outside. Hiromu waits and Kushida returns quickly enough. They tie up, and are in a deadlock. Hiromu pushes Kushida away and fans rally up. The two circle again, tie up again, and Kushida gets around to a waistlock. Hiromu pries the hold open and wrenches.

Kushida powers through to hammerlock Hiromu, but Hiromu reaches back to headlock. Hiromu then gets his arm free and spins around to have a proper headlock. Hiromu grinds Kushida down, but Kushida fights up. Kushida powers out, then whips Hiromu to hip toss and cartwheel basement dropkick! Hiromu bails out while fans fire up, and Kushida builds speed. Hiromu ducks the slide but Kushida waistlocks. Hiromu switches but Kushida wrenches out for a standing armlock! But Hiromu rakes eyes! The ref reprimands but Hiromu slides back in. Kushida drags him out to slide back in!

Hiromu hurries back in, but into a PENALTY KICK to the arm! Hiromu bails out but Kushida watches him closely. Hiromu rolls back in and Kushida is after the bad arm. Kushida wrenches, WRINGS, and then ties up the arms in that cross arm hold. Kushida pulls on one arm, then falls back to SNAP the lock! Kushida keeps on the pressure as he sits back up and ties up Hiromu’s legs! Hog tie cradle, TWO! Hiromu is free and he gets away to the outside. Kushida goes out to the apron, and he FLYING KNEES the arm! Hiromu clutches the elbow and shouts in pain while fans fire up. Kushida sees the diary, and flips off the “Kushi.”

Kushida drags Hiromu up, puts him in the ring, and pushes Hiromu to a cover. ONE, but Kushida keeps after that bad arm. Kushida has a keylock and he steps over to put more pressure on. Hiromu endures, fights up, and throws body shots. Kushida wrenches the arm to an EL- NO, Hiromu pushes Kushida away! Hiromu runs, but Kushida HANDSPRING KICKS! Hiromu flops out of the ring, and Kushida goes up the corner! Fans rally up and Kushida SUPER SWANTONS! Direct hit and down goes Hiromu! Fans fire up and Kushida brings Hiromu up. Kushida wrenches and puts Hiromu in.

Fans rally as Kushida stalks Hiromu. Hiromu crawls, but Kushida PENALTY KICKS the bad arm! Kushida then jumps on, but Hiromu shoves him away! Kushida runs, Hiromu follows and RANAS! Fans fire up while both men are down! Hiromu goes to a corner, Kushida runs in, but Hiromu dodges to then clothesline! Snapmare and basement dropkick! Cover, TWO! The bad arm might’ve held Hiromu back on that, but he keeps his focus. Hiromu brings Kushida up, suplexes, but Kushida slips out. Hiromu blocks the fastball to spin Kushida for FALCON ARROW! Cover, TWO! But Kushida fires back up!

Fans rally and Hiromu drags Kushida up. Hiromu fireman’s carries, Kushida slips off and BOOTS the bad arm! Hiromu swings, but into the HOVERBOARD! Hiromu hurries to clasp his hands behind his back, and then he powers through to ROCK Kushida with a forearm! Hiromu eggs Kushida on, so Kushida ROCKS Hiromu! Hiromu ROCKS Kushida, shakes out his bad arm, but Kushida ROCKS Hiromu again! The forearms go back and forth and the fans rally up! Kushida wobbles and Hiromu eggs him on. Kushida ROCKS Hiromu, so Hiromu ROCKS Kushida! They keep going and the fans rally back up!

Kushida forearms, Hiromu forearms, then Kushida ROCKS Hiromu again! Hiromu fires up and fires off a flurry! But Kushida SHOTEIS! And fires off knees! Kushida TOSSES Hiromu out, then goes out after him. Hiromu ROCKS Kushida and Kushida staggers to railing. Hiromu storms over, taunts Kushida, and Kushida ROCKS him again! Kushida pursues Hiromu and Hiromu ROCKS Kushida again! They walk up the ramp a bit, and Kushida ROCKS Hiromu into the railing! Kushida pulls the railing away to get at Hiromu and they brawl right into the crowd! Fans move aside as the forearms keep flying!

Hiromu ROCKS Kushida, follows him to another section, and eggs him on. They get face to face, then continue to go forearm to forearm! More fans move aside as this brawl keeps moving around! They go to the back rows, the spotlight keeping an eye on them. Hiromu gets the edge, but then Kushida choke grips! Hiromu choke grips back, and they push each other further along. The brawling begins again, and Hiromu ROCKS Kushida again! Kushida is dazed, Hiromu talks trash on him and eggs him on, before he ROCKS him again! Fans fire up, and Kushida CHOPS in return! Hiromu falls with some chairs!

Kushida drags Hiromu up, they continue brawling toward the very back of the arena! Hiromu RAMS Kushida into doors! They go backstage! Then outside!! They’re brawling on the lawn! Lights turn on out there so we can still see this! Red Shoes tells them to get back to the ring already! But Kushida puts on the HOVERBOARD!! Hiromu can only endure out here, and Red Shoes says this has to end inside, and also the ring! Hiromu fights up, fireman’s carries, and he DEATH VALLEYS Kushida into the side of the production truck! Fans are thunderous while both men are down!

Fans call to them both as they stir. Hiromu heads for the door, but Kushida tries to stop him. A ring count starts, but they’re so far away! Hiromu fights Kushida off and hurries back inside. Hiromu makes it into the arena, falls over some spare railing, and Kushida hurries in pursuit. But we’re already at 15 of 20! Kushida and Hiromu start running! Kushida slides in at 18, Hiromu slides in at 19.9!! Fans are loving this while both men are down again. Kushida grits his teeth and crawls over to Hiromu, and both men seem to be enjoying this fight now. They stand, and Kushida KICKS Hiromu’s bad arm!

Hiromu clutches the elbow, and Kushida eggs him on. Kushida puts his hands behind his back! Hiromu says he’ll pay for that, and he ROCKS Kushida with a forearm! Kushida staggers all the way to the ropes, and Hiromu eggs him on. Hiromu wants to see that former IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion Kushida! The fans rally as hard as ever, and Kushida stands back up. Kushida winds up, and ROCKS Hiromu! Then spins him, for a ROLLING ELBOW! Hiromu SUPERKICKS! Kushida goes to ropes, Hiromu clotheslines him to the apron! Hiromu runs, SUNSET FLIP, but Kushida holds on! Kushida stays on the apron!

Kushida punches Hiromu down! Kushida then builds speed, to SLIDING SUNSET BOMB! Kushida uses a remix of Hiromu’s move to take him down! The ring count starts again and Kushida clamps on the HOVERBOARD! But Hiromu RAMS Kushida into the apron! Hiromu goes to the apron, JOHN WOO but into an ARMBAR!! Kushida has Hiromu down but the count is climbing! We’re at 15 of 20 as Hiromu deadlifts Kushida, to POWERBOMB him on the floor!! We’re at 18!! Both men get up but only Hiromu gets in! Hiromu wins!!

Winner: Hiromu Takahashi, by count out (gains 2 points; Kushida earns 0)

The Ace of the Junior Heavyweights just got trumped by Hiromu! Kushida is out of the running while Hiromu is still heading for the top! It may have been by ring out, but will this prove to be Hiromu’s defining win?

 

Best of the Super Juniors 30, B Block: Master Wato VS Robbie Eagles w/ Kosei Fujita!

Two men who won big in the fifth round collide to close out the sixth! Will the Way of the Grandmaster avoid the eagle eye of The Sniper? Or will Eagles pull the Trigger and hit the mark?

The bell rings and the two rush in! Eagles victory rolls, then ties up Wato in the EAGLE LOCK! Wato gets the ropebreak quick and Eagles lets him go. Wato bails out to walk it off, but Eagles waits. Eagles gets the fans to join in on “ROBBIE ROBBIE ROBBIE!” “OI OI OI!” “ROBBIE ROBBIE ROBBIE!” “OI OI OI!”  “ROBBIE!” “OI!” “ROBBIE!” “OI!” “ROBBIE ROBBIE ROBBIE!” “OI OI OI!” Wato returns after that and the two reset. They feel things out, and Wato kicks Eagles’ leg! Eagles kicks Wato’s leg back. Wato kicks Eagles again, but Eagles trips Wato. Things speed up, Eagles hurdles and Wato leaps over!

Things keep moving, Wato ducks but Eagles arm-drags! Wato arm-drags back! Eagles ducks a kick, Wato ducks a kick, and double dropkicks cancel out! Eagles handsprings up and aims his finger gun. Fans fire up and the two reset again. Fans chant for “WATO! WATO!” and Eagles is annoyed. Eagles runs into a SOBAT, then Wato whips. Eagles reverses but Wato BOOTS back! And then BULLDOGS! Fans cheer and Eagles bails out. Wato watches him go around the way, then builds speed! Wato slides but Eagles gets away. Eagles comes back, into a tilt-o-whirl! But Eagles slips out, goes up and around, and arm-drags Wato to the floor!

Fans fire up while Wato writhes! Eagles gets in the ring while Wato uses the commentary desk to stand. Eagles builds speed and DIVES! Direct hit and fans fire up again! Eagles stands on a chair to get fans to join in “T M D K!” clap clap, clap clap clap. Eagles says arigato, and then he apologizes to Wato for this CHOP! Wato goes around the way, Eagles puts him in, and then drops a knee! Cover, TWO! Eagles sits Wato up to run and LEG LARIAT! Cover, TWO! Wato is still in this but Eagles keeps cool. Eagles pushes Wato around, messes with his hair, but Wato slaps Eagles! Eagles slaps back!

Wato throws a forearm, Eagles ROCKS Wato! Wato fires another forearm, and another and another! Eagles kicks low, runs, and catches Wato’s dropkick into a HEEL HOOK! Fans fire up, Wato scrambles around, ROPEBREAK! Fans cheer, Eagles lets off, and Wato clutches his knee. Eagles drags Wato over and brings the leg through ropes. Eagles pulls on the leg, but lets off as Red Shoes counts. Eagles then lines up the shot, and PENALTY KICKS the leg! Eagles says that’s six points! A reference to cricket perhaps? Eagles mockingly tries a “Wato Wato Wato!” chant but no one responds, so he has a good laugh.

Eagles drags Wato up but Wato throws body shots. Eagles eggs Wato on so Wato throws a forearm. Eagles blocks the kick to drop a knee on the knee! Fans rally, Eagles covers, TWO! Eagles keeps his cool and he gets Wato’s leg again. Eagles lets out a “WOO~!” and fans echo it. But Wato kicks away with his free leg! Eagles eggs Wato on, gives him toying kicks, and Wato sits up. Eagles stomps the bad leg, then KICKS Wato in the chest! And again! And again, but Wato blocks! Eagles forearms free, but Wato gets around the boot to ZIGZAG! Both men are down and fans rally back up. Wato goes to a corner, Eagles runs in but only gets buckles!

Wato returns but Eagles puts him on the apron. Wato GAMANGIRIS, springboards, and FLYING UPPERCUTS! Eagles bails out and fans fire up! Wato builds speed to FLY! Direct hit at the ramp! Both men are down, the fans fire up again, and Red Shoes checks. Wato stands, he fires up, and fans rally with him. Wato brings Eagles up, puts him in, and climbs up the corner. Eagles stands, Wato leaps, MISSILE DROPKICK! Cover, TWO! Fans continue to rally as Wato fires back up. Wato drags Eagles into a waistlock, but Eagles fights the German Suplex! Eagles mule kicks the leg, ASAI, but Wato slips free!

Eagles waistlocks, Wato switches, Eagles throws elbows but Wato crucifix rolls and brings Eagles up, RECIENTEMENTE! Cover, TWO!! Eagles escapes and shocks Wato! Wato hurries to body scissor and roll, VENDAVAL!! Eagles is caught in the butterfly stretch but he fights his way around. Fans rally, Eagles fights his way forward, but Wato rolls him away! Sunset flip, TWO!! Back to VENDAVAL!! Eagles endures, but he’s fading! Red Shoes checks Eagles, but he springs back to life! Eagles moves around, reaches out, inches his way over, and gets the ROPEBREAK! Wato lets go while fans cheer.

Wato keeps his focus, he brings Eagles up again and waistlocks. Eagles fights the half nelson, breaks free, but Wato ROCKS him! Then HALF ‘N- NO, Eagles arm-drags free! Wato goes to a corner, Eagles runs in but into a BOOT! Eagles LOW 619s! Eagles then rolls and comes back, METEORA! Wato is dazed while Eagles flops to the apron. Fans rally up as Wato crawls and Eagles stands. Eagles springboards to MISSILE DROPKICK the legs! And then back to the EAGLE LOCK!! Wato endures as Eagles thrashes him around! Wato reaches out, crawls, fights his way over, but Eagles drags him back!

Fans rally as hard as ever as Wato endures! Eagles puts as much pressure as he can on the hold, but Wato fights his way to the ROPEBREAK! Fans cheer as Eagles lets go in frustration. Eagles drags Wato out, traps the arms, and then SMASHES the knee! Wato writhes and Eagles takes aim again. Wato rises, Eagles runs in, but Wato blocks the Trigger! Eagles still goes for a leg, steps through, but Wato KICKS Eagles from below! Fans fire up while both men are down again! The fans rally as hard as they can while Eagles and Wato stir. Eagles sits up first but he flops back over. Wato crawls after him and they both sit up.

Fans rally as Wato throws a forearm! Eagles wobbles, but he comes back with a forearm! Wato shakes his head, and he comes back with another forearm! Eagles throws a forearm, Wato throws it back! Eagles throws another forearm, so Wato throws it back! Both men stand, and Eagles CHOPS! Wato grits his teeth and CHOPS back! Eagles CHOPS, Wato staggers, but Wato CHOPS in return. Eagles throws a forearm, Wato throws a forearm, they go back and forth! Fans rally up as the shots keep going, and Wato gets the edge! But Eagles KICKS away on the leg! Wato KICKS Eagles’ legs out!

Wato hurries to bring Eagles back up, for more forearms! Eagles KNEES low, but Wato blocks his kick! Wato spins Eagles for a ROUNDHOUSE! And SCREW HIGH- ROUNDHOUSE from Eagles!! Eagles roars as he rises up and gets Wato! ASAI DDT! Cover, TWO!!! Wato survives, but Eagles hurries to hook him up! But Wato fights off the Turbo Backpack to scoop and TTD!! Both men are down after the Tenzan Tombstone, and Wato crawls to a cover. TWO!!! Eagles survives but Wato is too tired to be upset. Wato drags Eagles to a drop zone, then goes to the corner. Wato drags himself to the apron and up the corner.

Fans rally up and Wato reaches the top. But Eagles hurries to anchor him! Wato CLUBS Eagles down, but Eagles comes right back. Eagles climbs up to join Wato but Wato fires off forearms! Eagles staggers away, but comes right back to GAMANGIRI! Wato wobbles up top and fans rally again. Eagles climbs up after Wato again, they both stand, and Eagles SUPER STEINERS!! Wato flounders, Eagles goes right back up! 450 onto knees! Wato saves himself but it was double-edged! Fans are thunderous as both men stir. Wato goes to ropes and stands up. He hobbles back to Eagles, brings him into a waistlock, GERMAN SUPLEX but Eagles lands on his feet!

Wato turns around into a ROUNDHOUSE! SUPERKICK! PELE!! Wato wobbles, Eagles roars, and TRI- NO, Wato ducks! SCREW HIGH KICK!! Eagles wobbles, Wato half nelsons, but Eagles victory rolls, only for Wato to kick him away! Wato O’Conner Rolls Eagles, into the TUTENKAKU!! Bridging cover, Wato wins!!

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

The Mighty Don’t Kneel, but Eagles falls out of the top spot!! Will The Sniper no longer be shooting for the semifinals with this?

As for Wato, he gets the mic to say “YOSHA~! <Alright!> I beat Kanemaru, and then that started a hot streak for me. Just like this, I’ll make the finals and I’ll win. I’ll open new doors for the junior heavyweight division!” Fans are excited to see it, will the Way of the Grandmaster lead to the top?

 

Here are the NEW A Block standings!

Mike Bailey: 5-1, 10 points
Taiji Ishimori: 4-2, 8 points
Hiromu Takahashi: 4-2, 8 points
Titán: 4-2, 8 points
Lio Rush: 4-2, 8 points
TJP: 4-2, 8 points
DOUKI: 2-4, 4 points [ELIMINATED]
SHO: 2-4, 2 points [ELIMINATED]
KUSHIDA: 1-5, 2 points [ELIMINATED]
Ryusuke Taguchi: 0-6, 0 points [ELIMINATED]

 

Here are the NEW B Block standings!

Master Wato: 4-2, 8 points
Robbie Eagles: 4-2, 8 points
YOH: 4-2, 8 points
El Desperado: 4-2, 8 points
Clark Connors: 3-3, 6 points
Francesco Akira: 3-3, 6 points
Kevin Knight: 3-3, 6 points
Dan Moloney: 2-4, 4 points [ELIMINATED]
Yoshinobu Kanemaru: 2-4, 4 points [ELIMINATED]
BUSHI: 1-5, 2 points [ELIMINATED]


My Thoughts:

An awesome round here! Everyone was going hard this round, like they were hoping to push things from last round. Great showing from Douki against Mike Bailey but it makes sense Bailey still wins to stay strong at the front of the block. Great win from Bushi, and Kanemaru was on the bubble as it was, so it’s not like Bushi really spoils anything. Another great showing from Taguchi and they really made it feel like he was gonna get this, but it still makes sense TJP wins out to keep his hopes alive. There is quite the traffic jam of 4-2 for A Block, these last three rounds are going to be awesome just on that.

Hilarious antics from Sho and Evil this time, you have to applaud how creative they’re being about cheating. Yoh beating Akira super fast was also really wild, really bold and creative. Yoh tends to be the dark horse choice in these tournaments, but he’s really making a push for it this time. There isn’t as much of a jam in B Block but having the top four all be 4-2 also makes for some really interesting outcomes these next three rounds. Wato gets a great main event win, and Hiromu having a count out win rather than something definitive is good stuff, too. Wato could also be a dark horse for the semifinals, I can’t wait to see how this unfolds.

My Score: 8.9/10

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Coverage

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

SmackDown in the UK!

Published

on

London calling to the champion crowns!

SmackDown brings gold to London as LA Knight defends his WWE US Championship and The Street Profits defend their tag team titles! Will the landscape change this close to WrestleMania?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

  • WWE Tag Team Championships: The Street Profits VS Pretty Deadly; The Profits win and retain the titles.
  • Kayden Carter & Katana Chance VS The Secret Her-vice w/ Chelsea Green; The Secret Her-vice wins.
  • WWE United States Championship: LA Knight VS Braun Strowman; Braun wins, by disqualification, and Knight retains the title.
  • Charlotte Flair VS Mia Yim w/ B-Fab; Charlotte wins.
  • Randy Orton VS Drew McIntyre; McIntyre wins.
  • Jimmy Uso VS The Miz; Jimmy wins.

PLAY BY PLAY

Cody Rhodes is here!

We follow The American Nightmare as walks to gorilla, then through the curtain, and London sings along with the song, “WHOA~ OH~!” Cody gets his pyro, says hello to fans along the ramp, and then we get the second “WHOA~ OH~!” and pyro. Cody goes to the ring, grabs a mic, then kneels down to kiss the WWE logo on the mat. The fans continue to sing along all the way to the end, “I AM MY KINGDOM!” The fans then cheer, and Cody holds up the belt to fire them up even more! The fans now sing for “CODY! CODY RHODES~!” and he soaks it in. The fans cheer again as Cody smiles, and he finally says, “So, London~! Whaddya wanna talk about?”

The fans chant “Let’s Go, Cena!” “CENA SUCKS!” Cody hears that dueling, and he smiles again. The song of “CODY! CODY RHODES~!” returns, then they cheer. Cody says, “At WrestleMania 41, I will be facing John Cena…” The fans boo, but Cody says, “I will be facing John Cena as he goes to break the record and win 17. But that is WrestleMania 41. In just a few nights, I will be standing face to face with John Cena in this very same city, in this very same arena.” The fans cheer that, but then here comes Randy Orton! Now the fans sing along with Voices as The Viper heads to the ring. Orton also high-fives fans before he joins Cody.

Orton grabs a mic, paces while the fans keep singing on their own, and then the fans cheer. Orton says he’s not really the sentimental type, but for Cody and for London, screw it. The fans chant “R K O! R K O!” and Orton tells Cody, “Look at you. Look at who you are now, the man you are now. Look at where he came from.” The fans cheer and sing “CODY! CODY RHODES~!” and Orton says he remembers a Cody in his early 20s, just breaking into the business. Cody was busting his ass harder than anyone else. He wasn’t exactly happy, and in fact, he was frustrated. But Cody was man enough, smart enough, to know he needed to grow, and that he couldn’t grow in the WWE.

Cody wasn’t exactly treated fairly in the WWE, so Cody left the WWE! That took some big ass balls to do what he did! Cody changed the business singlehandedly, and everyone in the back knows it. And Orton appreciates Cody for it. But then Cody came back, as they all knew one day he would. And the industry has been changed forever since the day Cody came back to the WWE. Cody is a bit teary eyed as Orton says Cody’s still the same guy, he just did what he set out to do, and he grew. Orton teases he would sing along with the fans, but the fans might leave. The fans again sing “CODY! CODY RHODES~!”

Orton asks if they remember when Cody Rhodes faced Seth Rollins in Hell in a Cell. The fans cheer because they do. Orton says that was impressive, and even impossible, as he started with a partially torn pec and then ended with a fully torn pec! His body changed all kinds of shades of purple that Orton’s never seen on a human body. The pain he must have been in. Cody persevered not just for himself. Maybe not even at all for Cody. It was not even for his family legacy; it was for each and every single fan out there! Then Cody went on to WrestleMania, beat Roman Reigns and finished the story!

But there’s always another story, isn’t there? And Cody’s right in the middle of one. Cody is in charge of his legacy, and it is a privilege for Orton to watch Cody take control of it. Ticket sales have been up, there’s more intrigue around the world, and listen to the people! It is 99.9% all because of Cody! The fans cheer that, and of course they sing. Orton says what he’s trying to say is a long-winded version of he respects Cody, loves him, and is very, very proud of him. The fans cheer that! Orton then says, “But… But now it is time for WrestleMania.” They both look to the sign, and Orton says he can guarantee Cody that Orton will kick Kevin Owens so hard in the head…!

Orton can just feel it already! He forgets how many days are left, but he can’t wait to remove Kevin’s head from his shoulders. And Orton knows Cody will enter champion, exit champion, but not before he beats the holy hell outta Cena all up and down the Vegas strip! But after all the smoke clears and the dust settles, just like Orton wants Number 17, there will come a time when Orton will want Number 15. But Orton won’t kick Cody in the balls like a coward. Orton will look Cody in the eye because he respects Cody, is proud of Cody, and sees him as an equal. Orton will look Cody in the eye and tell him that he’s coming for the title.

The fans cheer but wait! Drew McIntyre is here! The fans cheer the Scottish Terminator as he steps out on stage, mic in hand, and has a wry smile on his face as he looks at the ring. Drew waves as the fans now sing, “OH~ Drew McIntyre~!” Drew says, “Isn’t this wonderful? A couple of nepo babies having a love fest in the middle of the ring> It makes me absolutely sick. What’d you just say, Randy? if Cody gets through Cena at WrestleMania, you’re coming for that title? What exactly have you done since that big comeback to justify that title match? Aside be Randy Orton. The only big moment I can remember is you being on the shelf for months and months and months.

“People like to make jokes about it, but more people talk about my five-minute-45-second title reign than your entire comeback so far! So get to the back of the line, sunshine! As for you, Cody, you should’ve listened to me. But you shunned me. You attacked me. Everybody should’ve listened to me about John Cena, but they didn’t. And the next night, he kicked you right in the twig ‘n’ berries, proving me right as usual. And the main event of WrestleMania should be Cody Rhodes VS The UK’s only ever world champion, Drew McIntyre!” Fans do like that idea. But sadly, it’s not, because of that guyliner wearing Temu Undertaker, Damian Priest!

Drew wants to talk about what is happening. And what’s gonna happen! Drew steps up to the ring while fans sing for him again. Drew says it will not be Randy that takes the title from Cody, should he get through Cena; it’ll be McIntyre. The fans cheer, but Orton says they were trying to have a moment. Can Drew just cut the crap already? Drew says okay, sure. He’ll tell the truth, because that’s all he ever does. The truth is, Kevin might have a point! If those Voices are talking to Orton again, then they know Drew very, very well. And he’s thinking, “My God, Randy looks great! Absolutely jacked! On the outside.

On the inside, that back is hanging by a thread. And if Orton provokes McIntyre, McIntyre will break him. And as for Cody- Cody kicks Drew and UPPERCUTS him! The fans fire up, and Orton R- NO, Drew gets away! The fans boo, but the battlelines are drawn! Even if Cody makes it out of the frying pan that is Las Vegas, it’ll be into the fire that is these contenders waiting in line! Will the American Nightmare be ready for whoever comes for the crown?

 

WWE Tag Team Championships: The Street Profits VS Pretty Deadly!

Montez Ford & Angelo Dawkins are finally golden again, but it’s time to put the titles on the line already! And while they’re ready for the grind, they’re up against the hometown heroes! Will the Profits still be up in the O2? Or will Kit Wilson & Elton Prince say #YESBOY to a new reign of their own?

The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we see who really wants the smoke!

The teams sort out and Kit starts with Dawkins. They tie up, Dawkins headlocks, but Kit powers up and out. Dawkins runs Kit over, the fans fire up, and Dawkins fires hands on Kit in the corner! The fans rally for Pretty Deadly, Dawkins whips Kit to a corner, but Elton takes that bump! Kit CLOBBERS Dawkins, then tags Elton! Atomic drop into DROPKICK! Ford runs up, but into a DOUBLE HIP TOSS! Dawkins whips, Elton reverses, and then Elton hurdles so Kit can DDT! The fans fire up with Pretty Deadly while the Profits bail out. Pretty Deadly has control while SmackDown goes picture in picture.

Elton is right on Dawkins as he gets in, and UPPERCUTS him to the corner. Elton clinches Dawkins for another UPPERCUT! Tag to Kit, and Elton RAMS into Dawkins so Kit can UPPERCUT! Dawkins flops over, Kit drags him up to wrench the arm. Kit whips, Dawkins reverses, but Kit grabs ropes. Kit ELBOWS Dawkins, DECKS Ford, but Dawkins CLOBBERS Kit! The ref reprimands but Dawkins RAMS Kit into the corner again and again! The ref counts, Dawkins fires fast hands, then he tags in Ford. Ford says, “SUCK IT!” then he KICKS Kit! Ford scuffs Kit, then drags him to a cover, TWO!

Ford keeps Kit down with a facelock, but Kit endures the grind. Kit fights up, fires body shots, but Ford whips him away. Kit sunset flips! Ford rolls through, and PENALTY KICKS! Ford mocks Elton with the Scott Hall fingers, and the ref has to keep Elton back. Ford drags Kit up, tags Dawkins, and the Profits mug Kit. Dawkins CLUBS Kit down, then stalks him. Dawkins stays between Kit and Elton, then whips Kit into the Profits’ corner. CYCLONE- NO, Kit dodges! Ford tags in, he keeps Kit from Elton now, but Kit slips out of the suplex! Kit fakes high to go low, hot tag to Elton! Elton rallies with LARIAT after LARIAT!

Elton kicks and whips Ford to a corner, then UPPERCUTS! Elton whips the other way, UPPERCUTS again, and then does it again! Elton adds to the hattrick with a lift, Ford says a quick prayer before the SUPLEX! Ford flounders, gets to his feet, but Elton dodges to springboard and FLYING UPPERCUT! Cover, TWO! Ford stays in this, but Elton stays on him. SmackDown returns to single picture and fans rally for Pretty Deadly as Elton gives Ford a back suplex. Ford lands out, waistlocks, but Elton switches and shoves Ford. Ford CLOBBERS Elton in return! Ford is also dazed but he covers, ONE!

Kit reaches out, Elton and Ford both crawl, hot tags to Kit and Dawkins! The fans fire up as Dawkins wrenches Kit, underhooks and SILENCER! Dawkins Electric Chair Lifts Kit, Ford climbs, but Kit slips free! Kit shoves Dawkins into Ford! Ford falls to the floor, but Dawkins ENZIGIRIS Kit! Elton tags in, and Kit LARIATS Dawkins! Pretty Deadly combine for DRY MARTI-KNEES! Cover, TWO!! Dawkins survives and the Profits are a bit unsure of what to do next. Dawkins crawls to a corner, Elton runs up, but Dawkins dodges! Elton hits buckles and Dawkins TOSSES Kit, then Dawkins hits a SKY HIGH on Elton!

Dawkins hurries to tag Ford and Ford climbs up! But Kit pushes Elton out of the way! Kit takes FROM THE HEAVESN, and Elton ghost pins Ford! TWO!! Ford escapes, and he ROCKS Elton! Elton UPPERCUTS Ford! Dawkins sneaks a tag, Ford SUPERKICKS! POUNCE SAIDO COMBO!! Cover, KIT BREAKS IT! The fans fire up while all four men are down! The teams go to opposite ends, then they all stand up in the corners. They all roar, all run in, and Kit SPEARS Ford while Elton FLYING UPPERCUTS Dawkins!! London is thunderous, and Kit hurries to tag in! Pretty Deadly gets Dawkins up, for SPILT MILK!! Cover, FORD BREAKS IT!

The fans are shocked, as is Elton, but Ford saves this for his team! “This is Awesome!” as Ford runs up and Elton TOSSES him out! Now DRY MARTI- NO! Dawkins doesn’t accept the second serving, and he DUMPS Kit out! Kit skins the cat while Dawkins DECKS Elton! Dawkins catches Kit to an Electric Chair! Ford rises, DOOMSDAY BLOCKBUSTER!! Cover, Profits win!

Winners: The Street Profits, by pinfall (still WWE Tag Team Champions)

Pretty Deadly put up a heroic fight, but the hometown heroes could not capture the gold. Dawkins & Ford hold onto the gold, will this be the strongest the Profits have ever been?

 

Kayden & Katana talk with Zelina Vega.

Carter & Chance know La Muneca got screwed over by The Green Administration. Chelsea thinks she’s untouchable, but someone’s gonna stop them eventually. Well, speaking of, Alba Fyre leads the way in as she & Piper Niven “scope the perimeter.” There’s one small threat. They frisk the “miniscule” threat, but nothing they haven’t dealt with before. Chelsea struts in and says, “The Eagle has landed~!” Zelina says she is so glad the “Bootleg Men in Black” have crashed the party. Now, yeah, they all know she’s small. But clearly this small “threat” is a big threat to Chelsea’s title reign. Otherwise, it wouldn’t have taken all three of them to beat her.

KC Squared agree with that. How about tonight, we see what happens when the odds are even? Chelsea says that’s fine, because Agents P & A are ready. The Secret Her-vice has been given their next mission, but will they be able to crash the party? Or will the party crash them?

Kayden Carter & Katana Chance VS The Secret Her-vice!

SmackDown returns and The Green Administration makes their entrance. The teams sort out, Alba starts against Katana, and the two tie up. Alba KNEES low, CLUBS Katana down, then fireman’s carries. Katana fights free, tags Kayden, and they KICK, double whip, and then trip Alba up for the basement DROPKICK! Katana adds a slingshot SENTON, Kayden covers, TWO! Kayden tags Katana, they double whip Alba to a corner, then Kayden runs in. Alba DUMPS Kayden out, ROCKS Katana, and she tags Piper! Katana arm-drags Alba out, then goes out to run up. Kayden gives her a boost, Katana CROSSBODIES Alba down!

The fans fire up, but Piper goes up and out?! CANNONBALL and down goes KC Squared! Piper salutes Chelsea and SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns, Kayden rallies on Alba while the fans rally up. Kayden fires up, runs in and whips, but Alba reverses. Kayden wheelbarrows, victory rolls, then SUPERKICKS! Kayden fires up again but the fans are torn. Kayden runs in at Alba to BOOT WASH her against the ropes! Chelsea protests, Kayden kicks at her, then Kayden springboards for a LEG DROP! Cover, TWO! Alba survives, Kayden whips, but Alba KICKS back! Tag to Piper, but Kayden jackknife bridges Alba! The ref explains bout the tag, Piper runs up, but Kayden moves! The SENTON hits Alba! Piper panics, Kayden tags Katana!

Katana goes up onto Kayden’s shoulders, VICTORY ROLL LAUNCHER, but Piper catches Katana! Katana fires hands, BOOTS, and then hurries to go up again. Kayden ROCKS Piper, and fireman’s carries?! SAMOAN DROP! Kayden then gives Katana the boost, for the KEG STAND SPLASH!! Cover, ALBA BREAKS IT! Kayden runs up on Alba to BOOT her out! Katana gives Kayden the boost now, SUPER CROSSBODY onto Alba! Kayden hurries to tag back in, and she brings Piper up. Piper swings, Kayden dodges and SUPERKICKS! Katana goes up, Piper staggers over that way, but Chelsea distracts the ref!

The fans are torn as Alba grabs Katana. Katana kicks Alba down, chases Chelsea off, but Piper sends Kayden into her! Piper scoops to PIPER DRIVER!! Cover, Secret Her-vice wins!

Winner: The Secret Her-vice, by pinfall

The Women’s US Champion helps her team, and now they all mug Kayden & Katana! But here comes Zelina! Vega runs down the ramp, CLOBBERS Alba, and then she gets in the ring! Zelina tilt-o-whirl DDTS Piper! And she KNEES Alba off the apron! But Chelsea CLOBBERS Zelina! Chelsea fires up, the UK is oddly with her, and she chicken wings Zeina. But Zelina fights free to fire forearms and body shots! And a BACK ELBOW! Zelina reels Chelsea in, CODE- SUPERKICK from Alba! SENTON from Piper! The Green Administration is just too much for Zelina to fight against alone! But can she, Kayden & Katana find a way to turn things around?

 

WWE United States Championship: LA Knight VS Braun Strowman!

Did the Mega Star just get this title back from Shinsuke Nakamura? YEAH! Did he help the Monster of All Monsters fight off Solo Sikoa’s rouge bloodline? YEAH! And now, does he have to defend this title against the monster he just helped? YEAH!! But will Knight still reign this close to WrestleMania? Or will Braun #GetTheseHands back on a championship?

The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and it’s time for Knight’s biggest challenge, YEAH!

The bell rings and the fans rally up as the two circle. The two tie up, and Braun SHOVES Knight away. Knight comes back, Braun SHOVES him down again! Knight gets up, gets around, and he headlocks. Braun powers up to back suplex, but Knight lands out! Knight tries but Braun’s too big to suplex! Braun ELBOWS Knight, storms up on him, but Knight fires haymakers! Knight whips, Braun reverses, but Knight KICKS back! Knight runs, but Braun HIP TOSSES! Cover, TWO! Knight stays in this, but Braun brings him up. Braun puts Knight in a corner, CHOPS, then runs, for a SPLASH! Knight sputters along ropes, Braun keeps moving, but Knight DUMPS him out!

The fans fire up as Knight then WRECKS Braun with a dropkick! Knight keeps moving, and he WRECKS Braun again! The fans fire up with Knight, but then Braun BOOTS Knight down! The fans are torn but Braun stands tall as SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns and Braun puts Knight back in the ring. The fans cheer as Knight KICKS Braun! Knight tries again, but Braun’s still too big to back suplex! Braun CLUBS Knight, then runs in at the corner. Knight BOOTS Braun, goes up, and FLYING BULLDOGS! Both men are down and the fans fire up! Knight and Braun rise back up, and Knight dodges a shot to JAB! Then he dodges to JAB! JAB! JAB! “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” But Braun KNEES low! Braun scoops, Knight slips free, and Knight RAMS Braun into buckles! Then the BACK SUPLEX! The fans fire up and Knight rises again! Knight spells it out, “L! A! KNIGHT! YEAH!” ELBOW DROP! Cover, TWO!

Braun has plenty left in the tank but the fans rally for Knight. Knight stands Braun up to kick low, but Braun THROWS Knight away! Knight rises, and Braun LARIATS Knight up and out! The fans fire up as Braun rips the shirt! Braun gets on the track, and he runs in, STROWMAN EXPRESS MEETS JACOB FATU!! The Samoan Werewolf strikes Braun down!

Winner: Braun Strowman, by disqualification; LA Knight retains the title

The fans boo as Jacob now goes after Knight! He just ruined what was becoming a great match, but Jacob fires HEADBUTT after HEADBUTT on Braun! SAMOAN DROP onto the desk!! The desk doesn’t budge, but Braun might’ve been broken in half! The UK fires up for Fatu as he puts Braun in the ring! Jacob fires more HEADBUTTS, then HEADBUTTS away on Braun in the corner! The fans sing “OLE~ OLE OLE OLE, FATU~, FATU~!” Jacob runs corner to corner, but Knight kicks him first! Knight fires haymakers, “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” Jacob denies the BFT to POP-UP SAMOAN DROP! And then HIP ATTACK for Braun anyway!

Jacob keeps going, HIP ATTACK for Braun again! Jacob throws off his jacket, glares at Braun, and he runs in for a third HIP ATTACK! Braun flounders into the drop zone, so Jacob goes up, up, BEST MOONSAULT EVER! Direct hit on Braun, but the fans want that “ONE MORE TIME!” Jacob obliges, BEST MOONSAULT EVER! The Samoan Werewolf just tore up #OneBigSOB and LA Knight, will there be no stopping him from taking the United States Championship?

 

Backstage interview with Jimmy Uso.

Jackie Redmond is with #BigJim, and she says that while she knew WWE was going global this month, she did not know they’d get the slap heard ’round the world! Jimmy says he’d do it again, and he’ll slap Gunther as many times as he needs! Jimmy knows Jey is up in his own head, doubt is creeping on him. But just because Jey’s 0-3 against Gunther doesn’t mean Gunther’s unbeatable! The Ring General CAN be got! Jimmy’s going to Raw this Monday, he will bust Gunther’s ass, Jey will go to Mania and bust Gunther’s ass to become the WWE World Heavyweight Champion. And then they leave Las Vegas just like this: YEET!

Jimmy heads out, but then The Miz & Carmelo Hayes walk by. Miz is mocking Jimmy’s words, and he asks excuse me. Miz says it’s just funny that suddenly, Jimmy is a tough guy, even though for most of his career, he’s been “The Other Uso.” Doesn’t Jimmy get it? Jimmy and Jey are career sidekicks while Gunther is a main character. Gunther is the lead, neither Jimmy nor Jey can beat him. And here’s another thing: The Usos are just blips on the trailer that was Roman Reigns’ Bloodline. Melo says Jimmy & Jey are stuck outside the club, they can’t even get in.

Miz says as a former WWE Champion, a former WrestleMania main eventer, Jimmy will never know what it is to carry this industry. And after this year’s WrestleMania, neither will Jey. Oh, and by the way, if Jimmy ever slapped Miz like that, Jimmy would still be on the ground. Jimmy feints the slap and Miz freaks out. Jimmy says it may be him and Gunther on Monday, but he’ll holler at Aldis real quick so it can be Jimmy VS Miz here tonight. Yeah, YEET! Jimmy heads out, Melo says he thought Miz was gonna do something about the slap. Will Miz have to do something about running his mouth before he gets his teeth kicked in?

 

Solo Sikoa & Tama Tonga find Jacob Fatu backstage.

Solo asks Jacob what the Hell he was doing out there. Jacob goes out there alone without saying a thing to them? Jacob says he ain’t gotta say nothing to nobody! Matter fact, didn’t Solo not tap in with him last week? Tama says, “But Jacob,” only for Jacob to say, “But nothing, Tama!” Solo wants Jacob to lower his tone, but Jacob says okay. Let him be very clear with them. When it comes to Braun Strowman, Jacob WILL be the last man standing. Y’all better get in where you fit in, cuz that US title? Oh, Jacob’s bringing it home to the family. And he will do it with them, or without them! Yadada mean? Fatu heads out, is the Samoan Werewolf no longer following Solo?

 

Naomi speaks.

“I mean… How did we even get here? I don’t know. One thing that I do know is that I’ve always been the woman to do the right thing. I’ve always been the woman to do the right thing. So Bianca, what makes you think that my attack on Jade was anything different from me doing the right thing? When I sit here and I think about all that I’ve sacrificed, all that I’ve given, and that’s what really breaks my heart. Because through all of that, I’m made to be the bad one in this situation. I just don’t understand, how does Jade come in outta nowhere and take my place with you? I want you to ask yourself this, Bianca. Who inspired you? Hmm?

“Who’s inspired women over the last decade? Who’s always had your back from day one of you being here? Me. Not Jade. Hmm. But you know what? What I’ve learned through all of this: You teach people how to treat you. And I’m done with being treated as a third wheel. I’m done being pushed to the side, I’m done with being too nice, I’m done with being undervalued, underutilized, underappreciated! So moving forward, hmm… Moving forward, here’s my message to you, Jade. If you continue to be in my way, I strongly advise you to proceed with caution.” The Glow shows her dark side, but will the storm be moved?

 

Nick Aldis meets with Jade Cargill.

Speaking of, the SmackDown General Manager understands things have been rather difficult for her as of late. Jade says she’s been trying to get her hands on Naomi for the past few weeks, now where is she? No one has seen her all day, so as far as anyone knows, Naomi’s not here. Well, when Jade catches Naomi, it’s on sight. Jade leaves, B-Fab & Michin are there. They let her know that what Naomi did to her was straight trash, totally uncalled for behavior. And after Jade gets her hands on Naomi, she’ll handle that business. Jade agrees. Mia says they’ve all got business to handle. Jade’s got Naomi, and Mia’s gonna get Charlotte for messing with her girl, B.

B-Fab says Naomi’s got what’s coming to her: no sympathy, no regrets. Jade, just do what you gotta do. Oh, she will. Jade also wishes Mia luck tonight. Mia & B-Fab head out, will the Head Baddie in Charge make the Queen bow down in London?

 

The darkness approaches.

“You are as I was. As I am, you will be.” The shadows are starting to take shape, but is SmackDown about to fade to black?

 

Charlotte Flair VS Mia Yim w/ B-Fab!

The Queen looks down on everyone, so it’s no surprise that everyone else wants to take her down. Charlotte may have checked off B-Fab, but will the HBIC be a much different story? Or will Charlotte only sharpen her edge before facing Tiffany Stratton at WrestleMania?

WAIT! NAOMI ATTACKS B-FAB & MICHIN! Naomi drags Mia up for a FACEBUSTER! Naomi rains down fists, the ref reprimands and the fans boo, but Naomi tells the ref to back off. Naomi then BOOTS B-Fab off the apron! Naomi goes out after B-Fab to THRWO her into barriers! Naomi SLAPS B-Fab, tells her to stay down, but B-Fab gets up. Naomi fires hands, then she SMACKS B-Fab off the desk! Naomi rains down fists, but here comes Jade! Jade hurries down the ramp, she runs around the way, but Naomi runs away! Jade makes sure B-Fab is okay, but refs have to help her to the back. And what of Mia? Will she even be able to compete?

Charlotte makes her entrance, not really caring about what Naomi just did to Mia. But that means she also crosses paths with Jade. The fans like the look of this stare down, but Jade and Charlotte both let the other slide. Charlotte gets her pyro, and it seems she’ll still get her match. Will Mia be little more than an appetizer now?

The bell rings, and Charlotte BOOTS Mia down! Cover, TWO! Mia stays in this and the fans rally up. Charlotte just struts around while SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns, Charlotte has Mia down with a chinlock, but the fans rally up. Mia fights up, fires body shots, and she then blocks a shot to ROCK Charlotte! Mia ROCKS Charlotte again and again, then reels her in for a TORNADO DDT! The fans fire up as Mia hurries to cover, TWO! Mia drags Charlotte up, wrenches, but Charlotte says no to Da Feet! BIG back suplex! Mia stagger sup, Charlotte whips her, but Mia reverses! Charlotte goes up and out, BOOTS her away, then slingshots in and rolls Mia! Mia rolls through and BUZZSAWS! Mia runs corner to corner, but Charlotte avoids the cannonball!

Charlotte YAKUZA KICKS Mia down, then fires herself up! The fans “WOO~!” as Charlotte has Mia in the drop zone,. Charlotte steps on her, goes up the corner, but Mia gets underneath her! SIT-OUT POWERBOMB! Cover, TWO! Charlotte survives and Mia is shocked! Mia nods as the fans rally back up, and she brings Charlotte up. But Charlotte ROCKS Mia! Mia SOBATS, PELES, and then runs to PENALTY KICK! Cover, TWO! Charlotte stays in this, Mia grows frustrated, but the fans continue to rally. Mia uses that energy to stay focused, and she stalks Charlotte to waistlock. But Charlotte ELBOWS her away!

Charlotte CHOPS, and CHOPS, and CHOSP! Charlotte winds up, and she CHOPS again! Mia sputters, but then she dodges the boot! Charlotte is caught, and Mia hits a SAIDO! Charlotte flounders to a corner, the fans rally behind Mia, and Mia runs up, CANNONBALL! Mia hurries to wrench and EAT- NO, Charlotte shoves Mia away! Charlotte gets under, back suplexes, but Mia lands out! EAT DA FEET!! Cover, ROPEBREAK!! Charlotte’s long legs help her survive by a literal foot! Mia is beside herself while Charlotte bails out. Mia storms after Charlotte, runs up, but Charlotte dodges! Mia’s kick hits steel steps!

Mia hobbles away, goes to the apron, but Charlotte CHOP BLOCKS the bad leg out! Charlotte grabs Mia’s leg, drops a KNEE on the knee, but fans chant, “We Want Tiffy!” Charlotte just steps through, FIGURE FOUR, into FIGURE EIGHT!! Mia taps, Charlotte wins!

Winner: Charlotte Flair, by submission

Charlotte got more of a fight out of Mia than expected, but she still won. Will The Queen be more than ready to reign again after WrestleMania?

 

Backstage interview with Tiffany Stratton.

Jackie Redmond is with the WWE Women’s Champion and says Charlotte certainly looks confident. Let’s be real, Charlotte came at Tiff pretty hard. It got a lot of people talking. Tiff says yes, people talk. And Charlotte sure loves to hear herself talk. Ten years into the business and Charlotte is still so insecure that she can’t let a “rookie” get a word out. But last week, Tiff did learn something: She learned that walking into WrestleMania, she isn’t the one with something to lose. Truth is, if Tiff loses, then she lost to the great Charlotte Flair, as just a 25-year-old rookie with one year into SmackDown.

But if Charlotte loses… Well, then she lost to an “undeserving, delusional, unoriginal, backflip doing, blonde-hair-having, little girl.” Did she get it all? And Tiff can’t wait to hear the look on Charlotte’s face when they hear the words, “And STILL!” Then maybe Charlotte will finally shut up for the sake of literally everyone! They say what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas, and Tiff will make damn sure what stays is Charlotte’s massive ego. Tiff is walking into and out of Mania as the WWE Women’s Champion. Tootles! Tiff heads out, will it still be #TiffyTime after WrestleMania?

 

Randy Orton VS Drew McIntyre!

The Viper told Cody how proud he was, but also how he wants the next shot after John Cena. The Scottish Terminator took offense to that, and basically said he is taking that shot instead. Will this match be an unofficial #1 contender’s match between these two former world champions?

SmackDown returns and McIntyre makes his entrance. The bell rings and the fans sing, “OH~, Drew McIntyre~!” and chant “R K O! R K O!” Drew and Orton circle, tie up, and they go around in a deadlock. Drew powers Orton to a corner, but Orton headlocks back. Drew powers up and out, then he runs Orton over! Orton hurries to ropes and Drew mockingly asks, “How’s the back feel, Randy?” Orton stands, he and Drew reset, and the fans duel some more. Drew calls for a knuckle lock, Orton accepts, but then Drew kicks low! Drew bumps Orton off buckles, then climbs up, but he panders for too long and Orton YANKS him down!

The fans fire up as Orton climbs now! Orton rains down fists, and the fans count to nine. Orton hops down, brings Drew around, and POSTS him for ten! Drew tumbles out of the ring, Orton goes out after him, and they’re by the desk! But Drew kicks Orton first and SMACKS him off the desk! Drew clears the desk, and he brings Orton up for the DESK- NO, Orton fights free! Orton turns things around, DESK BACK SUPLEX for Drew! The fans fire up while Orton leaves Drew behind, and SmackDown goes picture in picture.

Drew writhes on the floor, but Orton goes out to fetch him! Orton brings Drew around, UPPERCUTS him, then says one more time! DESK BACK SUPLEX! Drew writhes as that desk stays standing! Orton grins, refreshes the ring count, and then he storms up on Drew. Drew pokes Orton in the eye! Drew POSTS Orton now, then brings him around to RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP into barriers! Orton slumps down, and Drew also grits his teeth from that double-edged attack, but Drew fires up as he stands tall. Drew drags Orton up, puts him in the ring, then stalks Orton. Drew looms over Orton, and HIP DROPS him!

Orton sputters, Drew says one more time, and he winds up for the HIP DROP! Drew paces around Orton, says maybe one more time, and he pretends he can’t hear the fans. Drew winds up again, but Orton flips over! Hip drop meets kneecaps! And then Orton pokes Drew in the eyes! The ref reprimands but Orton rises up. Drew sputters and flounders, Orton ROCKS him with a right! Drew ROCKS Orton back! Drew storms up, Orton kicks low, but Drew fires another haymaker! The haymakers go back and forth, Orton gets the edge, but Drew GLASGOW KISS HEADBUTTS! Cover, TWO! Drew clamps onto Orton with an armlock!

SmackDown returns to single picture and the fans rally up. Orton fights up, pries at the chinbar, and then throws right hands! Drew CHOPS Orton in return! The fans “WOO~” and Drew winds up. Drew ROCKS Orton again, eggs him on, then CHOPS again! Drew shoves Orton to a corner, CHOPS again, then dares Orton to fight! Drew whips corner to corner, but Orton comes back to LARIAT! And LARIAT! Drew swings, Orton dodges, SNAP POWERSLAM! The fans fire up as Orton stalks Drew to the apron. Drew HOTSHOTS Orton first! Drew then runs in, but Orton puts him through the ropes!

The fans fire up as Orton has Drew for the DRAPING DDT! The fans fire up for Orton, and Orton hears those voices! Drew rises, but then Orton spots KEVIN OWENS! The Prizefighter is on the ramp, Orton glares at him, but then he turns around into a CLAYMORE!! Cover, DREW WINS!

Winner: Drew McIntyre, by pinfall

Kevin’s mere presence costs Orton, and now Drew has a huge win propelling him down the Road to WrestleMania! As for Orton, Kevin drags him out of the ring, SMACKS him off the desk, and then climbs up to join him! The fans boo but Kevin and his hot pink sneakers have Orton in position, but Orton slips free and TRIPS Kevin up! Kevin hits the desk then the floor! Orton staggers around, the fans rally behind him, and Orton stalks Kevin to the corner of the barriers. Orton lines up the shot! Orton runs in, but Kevin jumps over barriers! Security is there to stop Orton from pursuing, so Kevin runs away into the night!

The fans boo, but The Viper was that close! Will Orton be able to strike Kevin down and completely take him out?

 

Fire, thunder, smoke…

The force of nature is drawing ever closer. And he’s ready to fly! REY FENIX arrives next Friday Night SmackDown!

 

Jimmy Uso VS The Miz!

#BigJim gave Gunther a piece of his mind and a mark on his cheek, but it seems not everyone got the message. Will the Hollywood A-lister soon star in the Uso Penitentiary? Or will he prove Jimmy is NOT ready for a world champion level opponent?

The bell rings and the two tie up. Jimmy powers Miz to a corner, Miz turns things around, and the ref counts. Miz takes a swing, Jimmy ducks it to CHOP! And CHOP! Miz shoves Jimmy back, then runs up, but Jimmy TACKLES Miz! Jimmy rains down fists, Miz shoves him away to go to ropes, but Jimmy storms back up. Miz ELBOWS Jimmy away, then runs back up, only for Jimmy to LARIAT him down! The fans fire up while Jimmy storms up on Miz. Jimmy CHOPS Miz, has him in a corner, then whips corner to corner. Miz reverses, Jimmy goes up and over, then UPPERCUTS! Miz staggers back to ropes, but Jimmy is right on him.

Jimmy whips, Miz reverses and kitchen sink knees! Then basement BOOTS! The fans fire up, Miz scowls, and Miz KNEES Jimmy in the back again and again. Miz stalks Jimmy to the ropes now, and he CHOKES Jimmy! The ref counts, Miz runs, and Miz STRADDLE ATTACKS! The fans boo, but Miz runs again. Jimmy ducks the boot, then dodges a lariat! Jimmy runs up to LARIAT Miz up and out! The fans fire up and Jimmy builds speed, but Miz runs away! Jimmy smirks as he goes out the side, and UPPERCUTS Miz over the barriers! Jimmy makes sure Gunther knows he’s coming to get him, but SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns and both men are down. Miz and Jimmy crawl, and Jimmy pounds the mat. The fans rally, Jimmy rises and runs up to LARIAT! And LARIAT! And mule kick! Jimmy then UPPERCUTS Miz, dodges a lariat, then SAMOAN DROPS! The fans fire up, Jimmy goes to the corner, “UCE! OH!” Jimmy runs in, but Miz puts him on the apron! Jimmy UPPERCUTS again! Jimmy climbs, leaps, but Miz gets under! Miz then waistlocks, ripcords, and MOVIE MAKER! Fans boo that blatant parody, but Miz full nelsons! Jimmy drops, victory rolls, TWO! Miz has the cover, TWO! Miz hurries to BASEMENT DDT! Cover, TWO!

The fans rally up as Jimmy survives! Miz stalks Jimmy, the fans rally up more, and Miz fires a KICK! And then another KICK! The fans say “YES! YES! YES!” to the It Kicks, but then Miz winds up. Jimmy ducks the buzzsaw, Miz blocks the superkick, but the DRAGON WHIP connects! Miz rebounds to B-MOVIE KNEE!! Cover, TWO!! The parodies don’t get it done, but Miz still has his original work to fall back on. The fans rally for “UCE! OH! UCE! OH!” Miz runs in, A-LIST LARIAT! Miz shoves Jimmy down, then springboards, but into a SUPERKICK! Jimmy hurries up top, for the USO SPLASH!! Cover, Jimmy wins!

Winner: Jimmy Uso, by pinfall

Miz may be a movie star, but Big Jim’s the one winning this main event! Jimmy then borrows Joe Tessitore’s headset to call out Gunther! He’s coming after dat ass on Monday! Gunther won’t be the ring general, he will be “Private Gunther,” and he will salute Big Jim! Uh, uh, YEET! Will Jimmy be the one making examples out of the World Heavyweight Champion? Or will everything come crashing down when Gunther gets his turn?

 

Drew McIntyre returns backstage.

And he says hey to Lewis Capaldi, the Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter, and also a big fan of Drew’s. They’re ready to have a good night in the pub, but Jackie Redmond walks over to congratulate him on the win tonight. She was hoping to get some thoughts on that victory and what happened with Orton and Kevin. Drew says it’s alright, this is what happens. He doesn’t care about anybody else’s business, but no one gets away with screwing him over. And when no one meddles in his business, he wins! Drew called out Priest, where is he? Priest doesn’t have the balls! So time to get mad in the pubs, everyone’s invited!

Drew turns the corner, but PRIEST IS THERE! Priest ROCKS Drew, SMACKS him off the door, then throws him into road cases! Priest ROCKS Drew, SMACKS him off the trunk of a car, and then again! Or since it’s London, “the boot.” The driver complains, but Priest BODY SLAMS that guy through a table! Drew comes back to KNEE Priest low, SMACK him off the trunk, and then off the side! They go to the hood, or bonnet for UK. Drew drags Priest up, but Priest CLAWS Drew’s eyes! Priest then sends Drew SOUTH OF HEAVEN through the windshield! Priest tells security that he’s done for now. Any more jokes, Drew? Didn’t think so! RIP, jackass!

Priest leaves, the producers hurry to help Drew, and Drew’s got glass in his eye! Will that glass help Drew see why he shouldn’t piss off the Punisher?

 

CM Punk heads to gorilla.

He has a security detail with him, and he passes by Drew writhing in pain. Punk chuckles, then continues on. Will his contract signing with Roman Reigns and Seth Rollins be just as brutal? We find out, after the break.

 

Nick Aldis is in the ring.

The SmackDown General Manager welcomes us back, and says it is his honor and privilege to be here in the O2 in London. Now, we all know why he and this table is here, and why additional security is here tonight. Tonight, we are here to sign a contract for a Triple Threat. Perhaps the biggest Triple Threat in the history of WrestleMania: Seth Rollins VS CM Punk VS Roman Reigns! The fans cheer all those names, and here comes the OTC! London puts the ones up, and Paul Heyman accompanies THE Tribal Chief out on stage. Roman raises his finger to the sky for the pyro, then security follows him to the ring.

SmackDown goes picture in picture as Roman’s entrance continues, and he raises his finger to the sky for the second round of pyro. Roman steps into the ring, SmackDown returns to single picture, and Heyman hands him a mic. The fans sing, “ROMAN! ROMAN REIGNS~!” Roman nods, the fans cheer, and now they chant, “O T C! O T C!” Roman tells London, “ACKNOWLEDGE ME!” The fans cheer again, and again chant, “O T C! O T C!” Roman smiles, but he sees the chairs are not to his liking. Heyman makes sure to put one at the head of the table. Heyman also dusts the chair off while Roman enjoys the singing of, “ROMAN! ROMAN REIGNS~!”

Roman takes a seat and says that was beautiful. The way they sing to their Tribal Chief, it’s just beautiful. The singing continues, and Heyman even joins in! Roman smiles, and he says that is what he’s talking about. That’s the OTC for you, baby! The biggest star on the planet! The OTC came here for two reasons. One: to be acknowledged; check! And two: to sign this contract. Roman does just that, and he says he’s checked both boxes. That means- “BURN IT DOWN!” Seth Rollins interrupts! The fans now sing, “WHOA~ OH~ OHH~!” Rollins struts out in his red wine paisley suit and conducts the O2 Choir all the way into the ring.

The fans cheer while Roman frowns, but Rollins takes the seat to Roman’s left. Rollins offers Heyman a chance to sing to this song, but Heyman frowns. Rollins chuckles, and he says the fans do have beautiful singing voices. He doesn’t know why Roman is in such a hurry to leave, though! This is their building! There’s a lot of history here! 12 years ago, they landed on the roof of this place in a helicopter! They came down those stairs over there, “ready to burn down the old guard!” They put the Undertaker down through the desk, and they were going to remake this company in their image!

Now don’t get him wrong, Rollins knows a lot has happened since then. They fought against each other, with each other, a little bit of love and a whole lot of hate. But Rollins dare says, as the fans continue to sing “WHOA~ OH~ OHH~,” that Rollins and Roman accomplished their mission. The fans start to chant for CM Punk, but Rollins tunes them out. Roman says, “We? We? You keep saying we. Our mission? We died a long time ago. It’s only been ME. You been here, but I done all the work! I’ve made this place what it is today! I took us to the level that we are here today! I made this place better than we found it!

“I’m the one that made us desirable to Netflix! I’m the one that took us into billion-dollar deals! Tell me, what have you done?” Rollins shouts, “I’ll tell you what I’ve done! YOU, YOU, YOU, it’s that mindset that keeps me having to screw you! You understand that? And your biggest mistake is not understanding the danger that’s right in front of us! The danger that’s right in front of you! You let the biggest snake in the world, CM Punk, into the garden! And you could’ve cut his head off at WarGames! But instead, you shook his hand. You could’ve let me finish him inside the cage at The Garden, but you didn’t. And now, I am left to do what I always do: Clean up your mess, again.”

Rollins drops his mic, picks up the pen, and signs his part. And now, here comes CM PUNK! The fans fire up and sing along with Cult of Personality, then join in on saying, “IT’S CLOBBERIN’ TIME~!” Punk goes to the ring, but as he grabs a mic, he goes up a corner, just like he did last Friday. “I have come here to chew bubblegum and sign a contract. And I’m all outta bubblegum.” The fans cheer the Rowdy Roddy Piper reference, and Punk hops down to take his seat on Roman’s right. Punk looks over said contract, but Roman asks if Punk needs a highlighter or something. What’s he doing? Just go to page four, clause five.

Punk does as Roman says, but Roman says Punk needs to hurry, this is precious TV time. Punk reads the segment, Roman tells Heyman to just smarten Punk up. Heyman tells Punk he knows what Punk is looking for. It is in there. They’re closing the show at WrestleMania. The fans go wild hearing that! Heyman tells Punk that he gets to live his dream of dreams. CM Punk will be a WrestleMania main eventer! The fans cheer and while Roman smiles, Rollins is furious. Roman says, “One man’s dream is another man’s favor! CHECK!” Wait, this was the favor? Rollins says no! This is not something to laugh at, and Punk does not get to tear up!

Punk is NOT deserving! He does NOT deserve this! The fans boo but Rollins continues to throw a fit! Main eventing WrestleMania is SACRED, the most important thing in the world to Rollins! More than anything! Except the fact that Punk NEVER gets to main event! This is all Roman’s fault! This is all Heyman’s fault! Rollins THROWS his mic down, paces angrily, but Punk picks up the mic. The fans cheer Punk on again, and Punk stands to thank London, to thank Chicago, to thank Louisville, Kentucky, and to thank ALL the fans. As corny as it sounds, he thanks the WWE Universe who stood by him and chanted his name for TEN LONG YEARS!

Roman says hold on, hold on. Punk shouldn’t be thanking the fans! He should be thanking the Tribal Chief! It is because of Roman that Punk gets this honor! So please, take this moment, close the show with that acknowledgement! Do this the right way. The credits are already rolling as Punk kneels before Roman!? Punk smiles, and he thanks “My Tribal Chief, the holder of the ula fala, the Head of the Table, the… Big Dog? Thank you for allowing a kid from Chicago to be graced by your presence. Thank you, My Tribal Chief, for allowing me to stand in your ring. And thank you so much. Thank you, Roman Reigns, so very much.

“But because of you, I will see you in the main event of WrestleMania.” And again, Rollins is agonizing over this. Punk finishes putting his signature on the contract, and London tells him, “You Deserve It!” Punk thanks Roman again, and then says, “But that’s not the favor that I’m owed.” WHAT?! Roman looks at Heyman and Heyman can’t look him in the eye! If getting this Triple Threat made into the main event isn’t the gift of the Wise Man, then what is?!


My Thoughts:

A good SmackDown, but they pulled off quite the paradox. They made it feel like they were struggling to fill three hours, yet they also filled the show to the point where that contract signing segment was almost bleeding over the three hour mark. Ironically, part of the problem was just how excited the London crowd was for this. The superstars still wanted to enjoy the chants and songs, but that’s time SmackDown doesn’t have to spare. It made the opening promo from Cody, Orton and Drew take longer, and it kinda did the same to the contract signing at the end. Even so, we still got a very good promo, and good stuff to set up Orton VS McIntyre.

Orton VS McIntyre was a great match, but of course Kevin costs Orton. McIntyre gets his win, Kevin and Orton have a bit of a brawl, but of course Kevin ends up on the losing end and runs off. McIntyre’s trash talk also comes back to bite him as Priest gets the better of him in their brawl. Here’s hoping Drew didn’t actually get glass in his eye, but that being the thing in kayfabe can be some good stuff. I can imagine McIntyre with an eyepatch, and he takes it off at the opportune time to get the better of Priest in their match. Also what a fitting choice for Punk to be passing by Drew suffering because of real glass.

Very good title matches tonight, but of course the status quo was kept. Pretty Deadly gets to look great here in London, but the Profits only just got the belts, they’re not going to be transitional champions like that. And Knight VS Braun was really good stuff, but honestly, Jacob Fatu going after them both should’ve been a given. Jacob also had a great promo with Solo & Tama to start adding to that divide between Jacob and Solo. I would hope Solo doesn’t screw Jacob out of the US Championship, but it feels like he will as Solo won’t stand for Jacob defying his authority, even though Solo’s been trying to make Jacob the champion all along.

Very good stuff from Jimmy Uso tonight, from his promo with #MeloDon’tMiz and then a great match with Miz. Their match ended up the de facto main event match, so that’s also great for both guys. Great win for Jimmy, but that’s likely because Jimmy is losing big time to Gunther on Monday. And it might just be me, but it feels like only now is the Jey VS Gunther build really moving, largely in part because Jimmy got involved. Jimmy’s promo after his match is something along the lines of what Jey should be saying. But I suppose as brothers, Jimmy is the one who knows Jey best and knows what Jey needs to be motivated again. And seeing Jimmy get beat up by Gunther will definitely motivate Jey…

Good final vignettes for Rey Fenix and Aleister Black. I’m a little surprised they confirmed Rey Fenix is showing up next week, and that they confirmed who Rey Fenix even is. I believe commentary confirmed Rey Fenix is Penta’s real brother, even namedropped “Lucha Brothers,” but all that is still surprising considering Fenix is going to start on SmackDown. Aleister’s vignette (at least I am fairly confident it’s his) was giving us glimpses of his silhouette, but I think there was usage of AI in the snake imagery. It was fine they did it for El Grande Americano because that is all trolling, but they really should try and do things the old fashioned way of photoshop and stock imagery.

Very good stuff in the Women’s Division tonight, though the WWE Women’s Championship portion was the weaker. Naomi’s got a great Heel persona going, her promo was great, and her going after B-Fab & Michin over them supporting Jade was a great detail. Jade runs Naomi off, helps B-Fab, but there was no helping Michin in being fed to Charlotte. Tiffany had a decent promo, and it does fit how Charlotte kept her from speaking so she finally gets things out here. It didn’t really add that much, though, but they already gave us a great brawl so not sure what more they can give.

KC Squared VS The Secret Her-vice was a very good match, but of course Chelsea made sure her team won. A Six Woman Tag of Zelina & KC Squared VS The Green Administration is certainly coming, to help give us Zelina VS Chelsea for the Women’s US Championship.

My Score: 8.7/10

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Andrew’s TNA iMPACT! Results & Match Ratings: 3.27.2025

Bad news out of the TNA management side, but this is a taped episode from El Paso! So we won’t see any of the fallout just yet!

Published

on

Now we all heard the news about the TNA change in hierarchy, and I…have no positive outlook on that. Delirious sucked at booking and creative in the dying days of ROH before it got bought as a B show. Dreamer having even more control is concerning because his ideas the last two years haven’t been much better.

Gail leaving makes more sense to me. Be it firing or a “you can’t quit, you’re fired” kind of situation, the Knockouts division is the worst it’s been in a long time and Gail was close with Scott D’Amore. So I don’t think Gail parting ways is as big of a problem since TNA has slowly been bleeding out with the Scott faithful.

Granted, I think the next few shows were already taped before the firing so things shouldn’t be completely unwatchable for at least a week or two. So let’s see where we’re going.

Ratings:

  • Gigi Dolin & Tatum Paxley vs Elegance Clique w/Personal Concierge: Ash wins via Rarefied Air – ** 1/4
  • Fir$t Cla$$ & Frankie Kazarian vs Laredo Kid, Octagon Jr & Chavo Guerrero Jr: Chavo wins via Gory Bomb into Frog Splash – *** 1/4
  • Jacy Jayne vs Masha Slamovich: Masha wins via Russian Death Device – ***
  • Eric Young w/two losers vs Ace Austin: Eric wins via Piledriver – ** 1/2
  • Seto & Mokuba – I mean – Nic Nemeth w/Ryan Nemeth vs Leon Slater: Nic wins via Danger Zone – *** 1/4

 

Results:

Gigi Dolin & Tatum Paxley vs Elegance Clique w/Personal Concierge

Ash and Gigi start off, Gigi with a little Rascalz after her first takedown. So both her and Wentz are making it obvious something’s going on between them, and I’m not mad at it. Good for my man Wentz.

Tatum and Gigi get some quick tandem offense in, Ash does manage to scurry off to a tag and Heather gets bent into a Pretzel. Some kind of Inverted Tarantula from Tatum, Gigi tags in, Bronco Buster on Heather followed by Kawada Kicks. Heather sells against the ropes, Gigi goes for a Hesitation Dropkick, but Concierge pulls her away so Gigi crashes and burns. Ref is distracted, Ash gets in some cheap shots and then the Elegant duo starts working over Gigi. A few quick tags, but once Heather comes in, Gigi fights out of the corner, gets the hot tag to Tatum. Tatum stacks up both Elegance members, Corner Stacked Crossbody, Butterfly Suplex and an Elbow Drop with some some flare. Tatum goes to the top rope, Heather pulls Gigi off the apron, Concierge shoves Tatum off the turnbuckle and Ash hits Rarefied Air for the win.

Post match the Elegance Clique wants to make their wish with the cake, they light the candles and Tatum and Gigi recover enough to do what we all expected last week, the cake in the face spot. Some…suggestive licking from both of our Hot Topic Hotties, so…no complaints here. 

Fir$t Cla$$ & Frankie Kazarian vs Laredo Kid, Octagon Jr & Chavo Guerrero Jr

Chavo and Kaz start since he’s King Petty, a quick rope run turns into a Headscissor from Chavo. Kaz recovers, they lock up, Kaz hits the Knee Lift during the lock up to tag out to KC. KC pulls off some athletic dodges, gloats a bit so Chavo waits, measures and nails a gorgeous Dropkick. Laredo comes in on fire, quick high spots that send KC bouncing around like HBK against Hulk. KC powders after sells the Satellite Takedown, AJ checks on him and we go to commercial.

Back from commercial, Octagon is lighting up KC’s chest with overhand chops, he perches, Sunset Headscissor Flip from corner to corner, KC tries to Back Drop him but Octagon does a headstand, kicks KC away and lays him out with a high spot. AJ gets on the apron to stop Octagon from running the ropes, the referee has a stroke or something because he stops paying attention and AJ pulls Octagon out of the ring and chucks him. KC with the Tope con Hilo and tag (tag ropes haven’t mattered since the 80s we all know this). So AJ is getting taunted by the crowd in Spanish, but he’s manhandling Octagon since it looks like a Child fighting their parent. AJ knocks off Chavo and Laredo, Laredo pops up and tries to get involved but he’s caught on the shoulders, Octagon goes for the Crossbody but gets caught and AJ pulls off “World’s Strongest Wasteland” but Chavo breaks up the pinfall. AJ throws Octagon into the corner, Tennessee Whiskey, and tag out to KC. KC hits a few moves, but starts to lose the momentum until he connects with a Super Kick. Simultaneous rope run into the Dueling Crossbodies, so we get the timely tag outs from both sides. Kaz and Laredo come in, Laredo lands like two moves before Kaz hits a Sole Butt, Lariat and eats his lunch. KC and Kaz try to double team Laredo but he fights out and the crowd is chanting for Chavo.

Chavo tags in, and he’s rocking KC, Saito Suplex, Low Bridge to AJ, Reverse the Whip so Chavo goes to the corner and perches, KC feeds, Chavo Backflips to safety, rolls through and lays out KC. Chavo is feeling himself, 3 Amigos start on KC but only 2, Kaz comes in and Chavo switches to Kaz for the Amigos, only 2 again before AJ breaks it up. AJ goes for the disrespect, but Chavo counters and hits the 3 Amigos on the biggest Culero. Aztec Warriors dive to stop AJ and Kaz, KC tries a Dirty Victory Roll but Chavo kicks out. GORY BOMB into FROG SPLASH!

Chavo looked fantastic and he’s the one in the best shape in the ring. I wouldn’t be mad at more Chavito. 

Jacy Jayne vs Masha Slamovich

I expect very little from this match.

Collar and Elbow, gator rolling for the first 30 seconds or so, then Jacy goes to some Hair Pull takedowns and does a little taunt before Masha pops back up and hits a Lariat into a Dive. Jacy sells it like she’s really hurt, even the ref tries to hold Masha back a little before Masha gets annoyed and just grabs her, Masha throws her in, looks for a Dive and Jacy sees it and powders. Masha tries to go back to the well for the Dive again but Jacy hits the Uppercut and then an Apron Run PK to drop Masha. Forearms rain down into a Foot Choke as Jacy continues to arrogantly play to the crowd. Another Foot Choke into a Cannonball, and near fall.

Masha gets space with a Sole Butt, tries to snap off Requiem but Jacy fights off, fights through a Sunset Flip another effective PK keeps Masha on her ass. Jacy looks for a kinda half-assed Camel Clutch as Masha is fighting up, but Jacy runs her into the corner, gets distracted mouthing off to the crowd, so Masha recovers, 5 Hole Up Kick sends Jacy into the corner, Yakuza Kick into Capo Kick for two. Requiem attempt again, but Jacy pushes off, a little back and forth, Masha tries a Backslide but Jacy gets away and hits a V-Trigger but only a 2 count. Jacy looks for the Discus Punch but Masha ducks it, they strike back and forth, but some dodges from both leave the exchange more even. Jacy with the Front Kick to the face sends Masha to the outside. Jacy wants another PK, but Masha blocks, Electric Chair Apron Snake Eyes. Masha throws her in, a PK into a near all. Requiem attempt 3, and thwarted from Jacy with a Superkick into a Neckbreaker. Senton misses from Jacy, Buzzsaw Kick, into Spinning Back Kick and Russian Death Device for the win.

Better than I expected, and Tessa attacks as soon as the bell rings. Xia Brookside and Lei Ying Li make the save after Tessa grabs the belt. 

Eric Young w/two losers vs Ace Austin

Ace and Eric tie up, World of Sport start but as soon as Ace starts to get away EY punches him in the face. Eric looks at the camera and says “This is what trust looks like”, turns his back on Ace, when Ace looks to attack, the loser duo cut him off. EY takes advantage of the weird situation, but Ace with some Up and Over quick spots, into an Inside Cradle and La Magistral. EY kicks out of the quick flash attempts, but eats a Dropkick, and Ace goes all Speed Kils on him with fast strikes and then a face buster for another near fall. Strike spot very early in the match, Ace gets the best of it, goes for a Tear Drop Suplex but EY sits on it to block, Headlocks to keep him close and then a snap Lariat into beatdown bully tactics. EY takes the referee’s attention and one of the nerds punch Ace in the face.

Eric tries to lean on Ace, but Ace fires, a few strikes, Click Click Boom, the Miz Seated Lariats in the corner, Mochizuki Triangle Kick connects! Only a 2 count, but Ace seems to be in control. Ace puts EY on the ropes, a few strikes to keep him rocked, wants a Superplex, but EY blocks, bites the face and Macho Elbow gets a very close two count. EY tries the Piledriver but Ace turns it into a Jacknife Cradle,Spinning Heel Kick, calls for The Fold, but the losers hop on the apron to distract, Ace attacks them. Ace tries to time out the Triangle Kick again, but Eric dodges, throws Ace head first through the buckles. As Ace stumbles out of the corner, Piledriver, and it’s over.

Oh look it’s the “we’ll hear from Joe Hendry” segment. Again, I’ve loved this gimmick since Day 1, even didn’t hate his What Culture Pro stuff, but there is such a thing as milking a cow too much. 

Elijah interrupts the whole “Who’s next” speech. When Elijah comes out he says he’s not the challenger and he believes in Joe. The crowd wants Elijah to turn on Hendry. Elijah pauses for a moment, and starts proving his friendship with stating his favorite color and a little “You Got a Friend in Me”. The crowd is into singing along and waving their cameras like Lighters to a 30 year old song. THANKFULLY Kaz breaks up the hug fest. Now he gets the “Culero” chant. 

Kaz pulls out a Bass…what the hell is this Jam Session. Kaz has to warm up so he plays “La Cucaracha” on the bass. Kaz…is a national treasure. Hendry kicks Kaz out of the ring after his Heelish and playfully racially charged song choices. Kaz tries to sow dissension, but Joe and Elijah pinball Kaz between them. Kaz slips a power move and tries to shove Elijah into Joe but Elijah puts the brakes on, a small tense moment. But then Joe and Elijah play “Nah Nah Nah Nah, Hey Hey, Goodbye”…and that goes right into a commercial. Oddly…perfect.

Nic Nemeth w/Ryan Nemeth vs Leon Slater

Nic shoots the half immediately for a flash pinfall but Leon kicks out at one. Nic continues to keep things grounded with his amateur wrestling skills, and then does a little Dolph Ziggler show off. So Nic isn’t really taking this seriously, and Leon starts getting the best of things with an Arm Wringer, into drag, Shoulder Tackle and rope run as Nic tries to Leap Frog and Leon puts on the brakes and just shoves Nic on his ass. Nic gets annoyed, a few strikes, grinds his face along the ropes, but Leon keeps stringing some offense together, Back Handspring Elbow into his Corner con Hilo.

Ahh the classic formula of the commercial gives the heel the advantage, Twisting Suplex from Leon stops Nic’s offense momentum, right hand, Leon lifts Nic up for something, Nic slips it, kicks him in the gut, looks for the FameAsser, but Leon catches him into a Blue Thunder Bomb variation. Slater wants the Swanton 450, but Nic powders. Leon tries to adjust into a Dive, but Nic cuts him off, counter for counter and a FameAsser out of the counters for a two count. Nic starts the big brother tactics, bootwashes and arrogance, Slater fires, punches into a Yakuza Kick. Leon wants another Lethal Injection variant, but Nic catches him into a Rear Naked Choke. Slater tries to turn it into a pin so Nic breaks it. Leon wants a Leg Lariat but misses and gets unceremoniously dropped by Nic. Nic puts Leon up on the buckles, Superplex possibly but Slater counters, tries to collect himself for a move, but Nic falls into the ropes to crotch Leon, and finally hits the Superplex.

Twist of Slate from Leon, Swanton 450 but knees get up. Locomotion Cradles from both but they kick out, Ryan picks the ankle to trip up Leon just a touch and then Danger Zone ends the match.

Ryan starts the post match beatdown, but the Hardy’s music hits and they come down to the ring for the save. Matt challenges the Nemeths for Rebellion because they’re not medically cleared yet.

 

Overall Score: 6.5/10

Decent story motion, no match was offensive, and there was actually some solid match action for television standards. I don’t have a ton to complain about aside from the Knockouts Division is in a weird spot, and giving Hendry a lot of just talking and hollow payoff segments feels stupid. If we need to hear from him every week, give him a talk segment like Highlight Reel or something. Yes I know First Class just got The Penthouse, but if Hendry is going to talk more than wrestle, give him a talk segment for us to sink our teeth into.

There was the announcement that Xia, Lei Ying and Masha will face Tessa, Jacy and a mystery partner. So you gotta wonder if there’s going to be another NXT mercenary, a surprise return or if it’ll just be Rosemary since she’s got her issues with Xia. Also I just realized that Unbreakable is going to be on a Thursday, seemingly after iMPACT? I’m gonna have to see how they do it, because if there’s an Impact episode and 2-3 hour PLE…I do not want to be awake until 1am. People need to work, and I will be Unwakeable if things go that long.

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