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Mitchell’s NJPW Best of the Super Juniors Results & Report! (5/19/23)

Round 7, FIGHT!

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BOSJ 30

Anyone feeling lucky?

We’ve reached the Best of the Super Juniors homestretch, and Master Wato is red hot after a main event win! Will he keep that heat going through this round?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

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

PLAY BY PLAY

Here are the current 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 current 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]

 

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

The Way of the Grandmaster won big in last night’s main event, but now he’s leading off. Will Wato be able to hit harder than 100 Proof? Or will things start with No Chaser?

The bell rings and Connors rushes in! Wato SOBATS him, knees low then fires off kicks to the legs. Wato fires up and the fans are with him. Wato whips, Connors reverses but Wato holds ropes. Wato BOOTS Connors, runs in, but Connors TOSSES him away! Connors drags Wato up, CHOPS him back down, and fans rally up. Connors taunts Wato, CHOPS him to a corner, and CHOPS him again! And again! Connors storms around, then he UPPERCUTS Wato. Connors brings him up but Wato throws forearms! Connors UPPERCUTS again! Connors whips Wato hard into a corner! Wato bounces off buckles, Gedo cheers and the fans applaud.

Connors drags Wato up to suplex high and hard! Gedo cheers again and the fans rally for Wato. Connors stomps Wato, mocks the fans cheering for “WATO~!” then drops a BIG elbow! Connors sits Wato up into a chinlock! Wato endures the knee in his back, and Connors talks trash on the fans. Fans rally up, Wato fights up, and Wato throws elbows. Connors CLUBS Wato on the back! Wato KICKS Connors in the chest! And again! And again! Connors swings, Wato dodges and Wato ELBOWS! Wato runs to BOOT! Wato then whips, Connors reverses but Wato ducks ‘n’ dodges, to RANA Connors to a corner!

Fans fire up, Wato runs corner to corner, but Connors puts him on the apron. Wato GAMANGIRIS, fans rally up, and Wato springboards to FLYING UPPERCUT! Cover, TWO! Wato fires back up and the fans are with him! Wato brings Connors up, wrenches, reels him in, but Connors fireman’s carries! Wato fights free to waistlock but Connors elbows free of that. Connors runs, but Wato jumps to RANA again! Connors bails out, fans rally up and Wato aims to PLANCHA! But Connors catches him! And POSTS him! Wato falls and Connors snarls. Connors brings Wato up, to whip and POST him again!

A ring count starts as Connors storms over. Connors looms over Wato at 6 of 20, drags him back up, and puts him in at 10. Fans applaud, and Connors drags Wato back up to whip and POWERSLAM! Gedo fires up and the fans do applaud the show of strength. Connors aims from the corner as Wato rises, and Connors runs in to SPEAR! But Connors isn’t done there! He drags Wato up, but Gedo says pour on the pain! Connors says sure, and he runs to SPEAR Wato again! Gedo is loving this, and Connors says he wants one more! Connors waits for Wato to rise, and Wato goes to a corner.

Wato staggers around, Connors runs in, but Wato drop toeholds him to the ropes! Connors staggers back, into TUTENKAKU! Bridging cover, Wato wins!

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

There was no chaser here, Wato gave Connors a straight shot of his own! Wato’s still heading towards the top, but is 100 Proof all but done?

 

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

Two men out of the running are competing for pride! The Funky Weapon has been trying to fight seriously, will it work out now that the pressure’s off? Or will Japones Del Mal make Taguchi feel even worse?

The bell rings and fans rally up as the two stare down. They slowly circle, tie up, enter a deadlock, but Taguchi arm-drags! Fans cheer and the two reset. They circle, tie up and Taguchi arm-drags again! Douki rushes in, Taguchi trips him, and things speed up. Douki hurdles, Taguchi leaps over, keeps moving, springboard FLYING ARM-DRAG! And then a DROPKICK! Douki bails out, Taguchi slingshots, but Douki avoids the plancha! Douki builds speed to slide, but Taguchi gets under! Taguchi pops Douki up but Douki rebounds to DDT Taguchi to the floor! Fans rally, Douki brings Taguchi up and puts him in.

Fans applaud and Douki brings Taguchi up for another DDT! Cover, TWO! Douki clamps onto Taguchi with a chinlock, and he digs his knee into Taguchi’s back. Taguchi endures, kicks forward, but Douki pulls back on the hold! Taguchi scrambles and still gets the ROPEBREAK! Douki lets off, he brings Taguchi up, but Taguchi throws body shots. Taguchi throws more shots but Douki rakes the eyes! Douki turns Taguchi, but Taguchi turns it to a roll-up, TWO! Douki dodges and rams Taguchi, but Taguchi cartwheels to HIP ATTACK! Fans fire up as Douki flops out! Taguchi triangle jump PLANCHAS!

Fans fire up and Taguchi stands. Fans rally, the ring count climbs, but Taguchi puts Douki in at 9 of 20. Taguchi springboards to MISSILE HIP! Cover, TWO! OH MY GAH ANKLE! Douki scrambles to the ROPEBREAK! Taguchi holds on until the ref counts. Taguchi brings Douki up, has the leg, and hits a SHIN BREAKER! Taguchi then goes to the corner, “ORYA~!” But Douki ducks the bum! And he drags Taguchi into ITALIAN STRETCH #32! Taguchi endures, moves around, and reaches out for a ROPEBREAK! Douki lets go as the ref counts 4, and he goes to the apron. Taguchi rises, Douki slingshots, but Taguchi catches Douki! OH MY GAH ANKLE!

Douki flails around and fans fire up! Douki crawls, reaches out, but Taguchi drags him back! Chicken wings and DODON- NO, Douki victory rolls! But Taguchi rolls through that, OH MY GAH ANKLE!! Douki scrambles, but Taguchi brings him back, only for Douki to drag Taguchi into the ITALIAN STRETCH!! Taguchi moves around but he falls over! Douki pulls harder on the hold but Taguchi fights over to the ropes. Douki rolls Taguchi away! ITALIAN STRETCH!! Taguchi keeps fighting! He pushes through, turns Douki over, and OH MY GAH ANKLE!! Now Douki endures!

Douki crawls, but Taguchi drops an elbow on the knee! Douki flails, claws around, reaches out, but Taguchi drags him back! Chicken wings, DODON- NO, Douki pops free! Gory Especial, DOTON NO JUTSU! Cover, TWO!! But Douki floats, wheelbarrows, full nelson, SUPLEX DE LA LUNA!! Bridging cover, DOUKI WINS!!

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

Serious Taguchi fails to win again! He’s 0-7, will he ever get points this tournament? Douki may not be going for the finals, either, but is this a sign he’s finally reaching that next level?

 

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

The Jet is holding onto hope at 3-3, but that bubble could burst. Will the Sniper take out another contender? Or will Knight fly higher than Eagles?

The bell rings and the two circle. Knight uses a very Kushida style low advance, but Eagles keeps his distance. Knight stands, he and Eagles tie up, then Knight gets around to a waistlock. Eagles wrenches free to a wristlock but Knight forces right through to a wrench and snapmare. Knight headlocks but Eagles slips out to hammerlock. Eagles has Knight on the mat, traps the hammerlock then grabs the other arm, to have it clap along! Eagles then shifts to facelock and grind Knight down. Knight fights up, Eagles wrenches to wristlock, but Knight rolls, handsprings and wrenches to snapmare. Knight drops a knee on the arm!

Fans applaud the exchange while Knight keeps on the arm. Eagles rolls, gets to his feet and to ropes. Knight goes to whip but Eagles holds onto the ropes. Knight wrenches, whips, but Eagles reverses to go up and around, but Knight blocks the arm-drag to snapmare and ghost pin! TWO, Knight now sunset flips! TWO, and Knight goes back to the ghost, TWO!! Eagles narrowly escapes, but then Knight scoops, spins and SLAMS! Fans fire up and Knight flexes. But Eagles drags Knight right down to a kneebar, then the EAGLE LOCK! Knight scrambles and gets the ROPEBREAK! Fans cheer while Eagles lets go.

Knight gets up, Eagles rushes in, but Knight sends him out! Knight then PLANCHAS! Direct hit and fans fire up! Knight lets out a “WOO!” and the fans echo it. Knight drags Eagles up, puts him in the ring, and fans applaud as Knight stomps Eagles. Knight brings Eagles up to CLUB him on the back, and then he UPPERCUTS! Eagles staggers, Knight whips but Eagles reverses. Knight goes to the ropes but Eagles CHOP BLOCKS him! Knight gets stuck, Eagles goes to the apron, and Eagles DROPKICKS the legs! Fans fire up while Knight falls into the ring. Eagles hurries back in, for a spinning toehold! Eagles pushes Knight down, covers, ONE!

Eagles keeps on Knight with a STUMP PULLER! Knight endures as he’s being folded up, and Eagles twists a foot! Knight fights through to a roll-up, TWO! HEEL HOOK! Knight scrambles around, ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer and Eagles lets off with some kicks. The ref reprimands but Eagles apologizes. Eagles brings Knight up but Knight throws body shots. Knight throws forearms, and UPPERCUTS, but Eagles sweeps the legs! Fans rally and Eagles talks trash. Knight sits up, into a KICK! And another KICK! And another KICK! Eagles runs, but Knight blocks the kick! Eagles SOBATS, whips, but Knight reverses to DROPKICK!

Fans fire up but that was a little double-edged with the bad leg. Knight still goes to a corner, dares Eagles to get up, and he runs in to LARIAT! And ELBOW! Eagles goes to a corner, Knight hops his way to the SPLASH! Knight whips, scoops, and hits a BACKBREAKER! Again a little double-edged, but Knight covers, TWO! Knight scoops Eagles again but Eagles slips off to waistlock. Knight switches, Eagles blocks the superkick, and Eagles hooks Knight up, TURBO- NO, Knight handsprings through the throw! And rebounds to SLIDING SHOULDER! Fans fire up with Knight and he manages the JUMPING SPLASH! Cover, TWO!

Fans cheer as Eagles is still in this. Knight pounds the mat, watches Eagles rise, and he runs in, but Eagles dumps him over! Knight sunset flips but Eagles rolls through to a stack! TWO and back to the sunset, TWO! Eagles goes after the legs, Knight kicks him away! Eagles comes back but Knight gets around to ripcord and SKY- NO, Eagles wheelbarrows, victory rolls, and hooks up the legs! Knight drags Eagles down into a cradle! TWO!! Eagles escapes, shoots in, rolls Knight but Knight comes back to roll Eagles! SCHOOLBOY BRIDGE, TWO!! Eagles kicks, Knight ducks and SUPERKICKS!

Eagles is in a corner, Knight fires up and runs, but into a dropkick to the legs! Fans fire up and Knight goes to a corner. Eagles runs in, but Knight puts him on the apron. Eagles ROCKS Knight first, springboards, but Knight gets under! Knight comes back, ROCKS Eagles, ROUNDHOUSES, then roars! Knight puts Eagles up top, says it’s time, and he jumps for the- NO, Eagles lands on his feet from the Steiner! EAGLE LOCK!! Knight endures, reaches out, but Eagles drags him back! Fans rally as Knight keeps fighting, but Eagles drags him back again! Eagles throws knees into the knee, drops down, EAGLE LOCK!!! Knight taps, Eagles wins!

Winner: Robbie Eagles, by submission (gains 2 points; Knight earns 0)

Eagles flies over the Jet, and he keeps pace with the man who just beat him in Wato! Will the Sniper still have a shot at the semifinals?

 

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

El Inmortal is still alive in the block, unlike the Murder Machine. Sho cheated Taiji Ishimori just last round, will he cheat Titan here? Or will things still be tranquilo in the BOSJ?

Evil accompanies Sho out to ringside like yesterday, but as Sho wants to put one out with him, Evil leaves him hanging! And then he sits at the timekeeper’s area instead of standing in the corner! Is Evil still upset that Sho tried to put the blame on him? Sho looks worried, but then he attacks Titan on the ramp! Sho pulls at the mask! The ref reprimands, Sho lets off, and he drags Titan up to bring him around the way. Sho CLUBS Titan, and then asks Evil to help him mug Titan. Evil refuses! Sho frowns and he puts Titan in the ring. The bell rings, Sho kicks Titan around. Sho throws forearms, then runs, but Titan DROPKICKS him!

Fans fire up, Titan finally gets his jacket off, and Titan builds speed! Sho moves so Titan rolls and flips out of the ring! Sho rushes back in, but Titan dodges to RA- NO! Sho blocks to APRON POWERBOMB! Titan flops to the floor and Sho talks some trash. Sho brings Titan up, SMACKS him off the apron, and Titan staggers around the way. Sho stalks Titan, puts him back in the ring, and Evil walks around. Sho stomps Titan, drags him up and puts him on the top rope. Sho climbs and pulls at the mask! The fans boo and the ref reprimands, but Sho shoves the ref away! Sho has the mask halfway up!

The ref counts, Sho stops at 4, and Titan gets his mask back down. Sho CLUBS Titan into a Tree of Woe, then stomps away! Sho digs his boot in, the ref counts and Sho dumps Titan down. Sho drags Titan up, throws him out, and he distracts the ref. But Evil just stands there! Sho can’t believe it! Why’d Evil even come out here, then? Sho goes out after Titan, puts him back in, and Sho slides in. Sho drags Titan up, but Titan throws a forearm! And a SOBAT! And another forearm! Sho rakes Titan’s eyes! The ref reprimands but Sho whips. Titan holds ropes, BOOTS back, and fans fire up! But Sho ELBOWS Titan!

Sho whips, Titan reverses and TORNADO DDTS! Fans fire up while both men are down! Titan runs, but Sho dumps him to the apron! Sho runs, but Titan slingshots and body scissors Sho out of the ring! Titan fires up, springboards, TOP ROPE QUEBRADA! Evil doesn’t even try to make the save! Fans fire up as Titan roars, and he stomps Sho around. Titan puts Sho in, covers, TWO! Sho is hanging in there but Titan kicks him in the leg. And the other leg! And then a strike fest, and SOBAT! Fans fire up, Titan runs, but Sho shoves the ref in the way! Sho then runs to SPEAR Titan down!

Sho hurries to the corner, he grabs the wrench, and fans boo. Sho aims at Titan as he stands up, but Titan goes Matrix! CALF KICK! Down goes Sho! Cover, the ref is back, TWO!! But Titan has the leg to step over, tie Sho up, and JAVE MORTAL!! Sho endures the Muta Lock, Titan thrashes him around, and NOW Evil gets on the apron! Evil distracts while Sho taps! Fans boo, Titan would’ve won! Titan rushes over but Evil shoves the ref away so he can throw Titan by his mask! But Titan kips up to PELE! Fans fire up and Titan goes to a corner. Sho runs in, Titan KICKS and KICKS and CALF KICKS!

Fans fire up and Titan goes to the corner! Titan skins the cat to the top, aims and DIVING- NO, Sho gets clear! Sho JUMP KNEES, runs, but Titan gets him for a TORNADO DDT! Cover, TWO!! Sho survives but fans rally behind Titan. Titan roars, he grabs Sho’s leg, but Sho grabs the ref! Sho kicks Titan away and Evil SMACKS Titan with a chair!! Sho rolls Titan up, TWO!!! Titan survives and fans fire up! Sho aims his bow, drags Titan up and tucks him in, SHOCK ARROW!! Cover, Sho wins!

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

Evil comes through for Sho in the end, what a “good” friend. And then he and Sho stomp away on Titan! They pull his mask off, too!! Insult to injury and the fans boo! A Young Lion gives his shirt to Titan, but then Evil & Sho mug him, while putting Titan’s mask on the Young Lion! Titan covers the Young Lion, but the House put one out on them both. What a twisted happy ending this is. Sho may not be going to the semifinals, but will the House of Torture only get worse?

 

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

The Heel Master is out of the running, and the Nova Fireball is on the bubble. Will Kanemaru put out the fire right here? Or will Akira survive another round?

Changing things up, Akira has the Great-O-Khan with him now to help literally wave the United Empire’s banner. Kanemaru takes a swig, and then he kicks Akira low! Kanemaru CLUBS Akira, has him in a corner, the bell rings, and Kanemaru whips corner to corner. Akira BOOTS Kanemaru but Kanemaru elbows Akira. Kanemaru runs, Akira dodges him, and then Akira comes back to RANA! Kanemaru bails out, fans rally for “A! KI-RA!” and Akira builds speed. But Kanemaru slides in to dropkick the legs out! Kanemaru stalks Akira to a corner, brings him up and throws him out. Kanemaru then chases Akira, to get his leg and SHIN BREAKER!

Kanemaru then SWINGS the leg into the post! Akira writhes and clutches his leg while Kanemaru slides into the ring. Akira hobbles up and hops into the ring, but Kanemaru is after the leg. Kanemaru SMASHES the knee on the mat! Kanemaru grabs the leg again, drags Akira from ropes, and then YANKS the leg! Fans rally, Kanemaru steps through and has the CROSS HEEL DEATHLOCK! Akira endures, but he keeps his shoulders up. Akira grabs at Kanemaru but Kanemaru pulls on the legs! Akira reaches out, claws his way over, and gets the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer and the ref counts, and Kanemaru lets off slowly.

Akira crawls but Kanemaru stomps the legs. Kanemaru drags Akira up to get the leg again, SHIN- NO, sunset flip! TWO, and Kanemaru kicks the bad leg again. Kanemaru whips Akira corner to corner but Akira falls before making it there! Kanemaru runs in again but Akira avoids the dropkick! Akira wheelbarrows, victory rolls, and STOMP 182! Fans fire up while both men are down. Akira and Kanemaru go to corners and fans rally up. Akira runs in but into a BOOT! Kanemaru tilt-o-whirls but Akira throws him away! Akira rolls but Kanemaru throws him off! The leg jams, Kanemaru kicks it out, and Kanemaru steps through.

But Akira kicks Kanemaru away! Kanemaru rebounds and Akira trips him! Akira Oklahoma Rolls, TWO! Fans cheer and Kanemaru stomps the leg out. Kanemaru brings Akira up, SHIN- NO, Akira sunset flips again! But Kanemaru sits on the cover, TWO!! Akira escapes, hobbles up, and SUPERKICKS! Akira runs, but Kanemaru victory rolls him! TWO, Kanemaru steps through, but Akira drags him to a cradle! AKIRA WINS!

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

Akira defeats a man who’s been wrestling as long as Akira’s been alive! His leg may be hurting, but will Akira be able to fight his way to the top?

 

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

It seems almost unimaginable that the Ace of the Junior Heavyweight Division is 1-5 in the BOSJ, but he is, so he’s out of the running. Can he at least save face by bringing down The Bad Child? Or can not even the Timesplitter avoid the Final Hour?

The bell rings and fans rally as the two approach. Lio offers a handshake, Kushida accepts, and fans cheer the sportsmanship. The two go around, Kushida tries his drop toehold but Lio stays back. Lio tells Kushida to stand up so Kushida obliges and they feel things out. They start to knuckle lock but Lio rolls. Kushida baits Lio in by sitting down and reclining back, but he also has a leg guard ready. Lio copies Kushida, they go feet to feet and feel out a knuckle lock. They fight for control, Kushida grabs one arm with both hands to wristlock! Lio rolls but Kushida rolls with him to hold on!

Lio spins, breaks free, and speeds up! Kushida follows but Lio redirects! Kushida still keeps up, and Lio backs away to a corner. Kushida rushes in but Lio slips under! Lio then mocks Kushida by copying the leg bait. Fans cheer while Kushida tells him to stop. Lio scoots around, he and Kushida knuckle lock, and then Lio lifts Kushida up with his legs! They rock back, Lio jumps up, but Kushida blocks the monkey flip and jackknifes! ONE and Kushida gets moving. Lio avoids the Penalty Kick to the arm, goes Matrix to avoid the clothesline, but Kushida blocks the kick. Kushida flips Lio but Lio lands on his feet!

Lio bobs ‘n’ weaves as Kushida swings on him! Lio then whips, but Kushida reverses. Lio springboards to FLYING RANA! Kushida comes back, Lio dodges to mule kick and ENZIGURI! Cover, ONE!! Fans rally up and Lio follows Kushida to the apron. Lio brings Kushida up but Kushida KICKS him in the arm! Kushida goes for that arm, he has the double wristlock, but Lio steps through the ropes. Lio turns things around to have the armlock on Kushida! The ref counts, Kushida throws body shots, but Lio goes back to the apron. Lio gets around Kushida, sunset flips but Kushida holds off the bomb! APRON ARMBAR!

The ref counts, Kushida lets go at 4, and fans rally up. Kushida hits the arm with a FLYING KNEE! The fans fire up and Kushida brings Lio around. Kushida puts Lio in, drags him around, goes after the arm and steps through to hammerlock it. Kushida goes for the other arm, steps over, but Lio moves around to fight the pressure. Kushida traps the arm to SNAP LOCK it! Lio flounders to ropes, Kushida is after him again. Kushida wrenches, snapmares and drops a knee on the arm! Kushida chicken wings Lio on the mat, to move into CATTLE MUTILATION! Lio rolls to get out of the hold but ends up in a cover, TWO!

Fans cheer and Lio goes to ropes. Kushida SLIDE KICKS! Lio flounders to a corner, Kushida wrenches the arm and CHOPS! Kushida whips, hip tosses and cartwheels to basement dropkick! Lio bails out, fans fire up, and Kushida goes to the apron. Lio avoids the knee this time, and he mule kicks from the apron! Lio jumps in, builds speed and DIVES! Direct hit, but Kushida caught Lio into a KIMURA! Lio fights up, whips free, but Kushida comes back! DOUBLE LARIATS and both men are down on the floor! Fans rally up and the ring count starts! Lio sits up at 4, Kushida follows, and both men stand at 10.

Lio throws hands, goes for the ring, but Kushida yanks him back. Kushida slides in at 13, Lio hurries in, but Kushida PENALTY KICKS the arm! Fans fire up and Kushida says its time! But Lio avoids the Hoverboard! Kushida avoids the superman punch, and he PELES! But Lio blocks the fastball! Kushida avoids the heel kick, DOUBLE LARIATS, DOUBLE BOOTS, and then DOUBLE SHOTEIS take both men down! Fans fire up again and Kushida rises. Lio goes to ropes, swings, but Kushida dodges to KICK and KICK and KICK! Kushida whips, Lio reverses but Kushida handsprings! Lio dodges to run, RUSH- ARMBAR!!

Kushida has Lio but Lio moves around to stack! TWO, and Lio mule kicks! Kushida avoids the heel kick to KICK the bad arm! But then Lio spins to HEEL KICK after all! Both men are down again and fans fire back up! Lio goes to a corner, climbs up top, and FINAL- ARMBREAKER!! It was double-edged for Kushida, it ended up more a shoulder tackle from Lio now! Lio hurries back up, and he hits the FINAL HOUR!! Cover, LIO WINS!

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

Kushida tried a last ditch counter but it may have cost him more than just this loss! Will the Bad Child keep this momentum going into the final rounds?

 

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

Direct Drive is on a roll and having a lot of fun while he’s at it. Will he continue to #StunTheWorld? Or will the Black Mask look to spoil that fun?

The bell rings and the two circle. Fans rally up and the two approach. Bushi kicks low, CLUBS and whips, but Yoh reverses. Yoh drops, bypasses then drop toeholds. Yoh runs to basemen dropkick! Bushi bails out, Yoh builds speed, but then he rolls back to copy Bushi’s little lounging move. Bushi rushes in but Yoh kicks him first. Yoh stomps Bushi, then stomps a leg. Yoh brings Bushi up to ROCK him to a corner. Yoh stomps a mudhole in, then wrenches and whips corner to corner. Yoh runs in but into a BOOT! Bushi dropkicks a leg out! Fans rally up while both men are down, and Bushi stands first.

Bushi stomps Yoh, drags him up, and turns him for a NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Bushi drags Yoh into a chinlock, digs his knee into Yoh’s back, and pulls back into a headscissor. Yoh kicks around as he endures the squeeze, then kicks his way forward to the ROPEBREAK! Bushi smothers Yoh but lets off as the ref counts 4. Yoh sputters but Bushi stomps him down. Bushi drags Yoh up, but Yoh throws forearms. Bushi ROCKS Yoh back, then ROCKS him again! Bushi whips, Yoh CLOBBERS him in return! Bushi bails out but Yoh goes to the apron. Yoh CANNONBALLS and down goes Bushi!

Fans fire up and Yoh taunts Robbie Eagles now that he’s on commentary. Eagles tells him to focus on Bushi. Yoh drags Bushi up, puts him in at 10 of 20, then drags him up again. Fans rally as Yoh SLAMS Bushi into a drop zone, and then TWISTING VADER! Cover, TWO! Yoh keeps his focus and fans rally up. Yoh drags Bushi up, suplexes, but Bushi slips free! Bushi goes to ropes, Yoh runs in but Bushi dumps him to the apron. Bushi knocks Yoh off the apron, runs, but Yoh slides in to DROPKICK! Yoh then suplexes, FALCON ARROW! Cover, TWO! Both men are down and the fans rally back up.

Yoh goes to ropes, shakes his head, and he roars! Yoh tunes up the band, but Bushi blocks the superkick to fire off forearms! Bushi runs, but into an elbow! Yoh runs, but into a DROPKICK! Both men are down again and fans rally back up again. Yoh drags himself up with the ropes, Bushi storms up and blocks a kick. Bushi puts the leg in the ropes to DROPKICK the leg, then he DRAPING BACKSTABBERS! Fans fire up with Bushi and he brings Yoh up. FISHERMAN- NO, Yoh fights it by sprawling! Yoh throws body shots, knees low, and runs, but Bushi ENZIGURIS! Bushi brings Yoh up, FISHERMAN SCREW! Cover, TWO!

Yoh is still in this but Bushi calls his shot! Fans fire up and Bushi climbs the corner. Yoh rises, Bushi leaps, M- NO, Yoh gets around to waistlock! O’Conner, but Bushi slips out and backslides! Yoh rolls off, Bushi ducks a kick! Yoh blocks a kick, ducks the enziguri, but not the HEEL KICK! Bushi runs, but into Yoh’s SUPERKICK! Both men are down and fans fire up! Yoh goes to a corner, he goes up the corner, and he mocks Bushi! MX!?! Yoh hits Bushi’s own move and fans are thunderous! Yoh gets Bushi up to underhook, DIRECT DRIVE! Cover, Yoh wins!!

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

Just when it looked like Yoh wasn’t going to do something wild, he surprises Bushi with his own finisher! Yoh snatches the mask cover as perhaps a trophy, but will Yoh soon have the trophy?

 

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

The Bone Soldier got cheated by Sho, but he said there was no hard feelings. Meanwhile, Mike Bailey is the top of the block at 5-1! Will Speedball build even more momentum? Or will round seven be Too Sweet?

The bell rings and fans rally up. The two slowly circle, but Taiji rushes in to BOOT Mike down! BONELOCK, but Mike rolls free quickly! Taiji bails out to avoid the roundhouse! Fans applaud the stare down, but then Mike rushes out after Taiji. Taiji leads Mike on a cat ‘n’ mouse, and he stomps Mike as he slides in! Taiji wrenches but Mike rolls, handsprings, wrenches back and arm-drags! Taiji comes back but into a DROPKICK! Fans fire up and Mike aims. Mike fires lightning kicks but Taiji bails out! Mike slingshots to the apron, MOONSAULTS but Taiji dodges! Only for Mike continue the lightning kicks! But Taiji ducks the enziguri!

Taiji drags Mike up, wrenches, hammerlocks and POSTS him! Mike writhes, and Taiji tells fans to make room. Taiji whips Mike to BOWL him through chairs! A strike for Taiji and the ref checks on Mike. Taiji then unties the blue buckle pad. The Bullet Club Special comes into play, but the fans rally for Mike. Mike hobbles up, gets in the ring at 4 of 20, but Taiji CLUBS him down. Taiji wrenches, hammerlocks, and RAMS Mike into the bare buckles! Mike shouts in pain while he writhes, and Taiji stalks him. Taiji drags Mike up, wrenches and whips, to WRING the arm! Taiji grabs the arm for a keylock then steps over!

Mike endures and fans rally up. Taiji pulls on the arm but Mike claws his way forward, to the ROPEBREAK! The ref counts, Taiji lets off at 4, and Mike drags himself up. Taiji whips but Mike blocks by holding ropes! Taiji keeps trying, Mike holds on, so Taiji CLUBS him! Taiji whips, Mike handsprings, but Taiji dropkicks the arms out! Taiji grins and he stalks Mike. Taiji taunts Mike, fans rally up, and Taiji brings Mike up. Mike throws forearms, but Taiji ELBOWS Mike in the shoulder! Taiji runs, but into a KICK! Fans fire up and Mike grits his teeth as he gets back up. Taiji rises, Mike SOBATS! AX KICKS! And BUZZSAWS!

Fans fire up with Mike and he SHOOTING STARS! But the bad arm keeps him from making the cover! Fans rally for Mike, he shakes that arm out, and he aims, but Taiji ducks the kick to spin Mike! And POSTS him! Taiji drags Mike out, hammerlocks and scoops, for the SHOULDER BUSTER! Fans rally, Taiji aims from the corner, and Mike slowly rises up. Taiji runs in, tilt-o-whirl, but Mike blocks to roll Taiji with a body scissors cradle! TWO!! Taiji escapes, but Mike ROCKS him! Taiji CLUBS the bad arm! Mike ROCKS Taiji again! Taiji CLUBS the bad arm again! Mike ROCKS Taiji, Taiji fires off on the arm!

Mike CHOPS! Taiji staggers, Mike CHOPS again! But Taiji whips Mike! Mike stops from hitting bare buckles, then he elbows Taiji away! Taiji rushes back in, but into BOOTS! Mike goes up, ULTIMA- NO, Taiji moves! Mike rolls through, comes back, but Taiji ducks the spin kick! But the lightning kicks return! And the ENZIGURI hits! Fans fire up and Taiji flops to the outside. Fans rally up, Mike goes to the corner, but Taiji rolls into the ring! Taiji gets Mike’s arm to wrench, wrap, and runs to the corner! Mike stops the posting, ROCKS Taiji then GAMANGIRIS! Taiji flops back out, and Mike goes up the corner, to TORNILLO!!

Fans are thunderous again and Mike gets Taiji back up. Mike puts Taiji in at 5 of 20, goes back up the corner, and MISSILE DROPKICKS! Fans fire up again but Taiji comes back! Mike BOOTS, HEEL KICKS, then hoists Taiji up top! Mike ties Taiji up, brings him out, but Taiji sunset flips! Mike stays up, to then MOONSAULT KNEE DROP!! Mike then hurries back up top, ULTIMA WEAPON FLOPS as Taiji moves! BONELOCK!! But Mike rolls it to a cover, TWO!! Mike ROUNDHOUSES! And THRUST KICKS! And then TATSUMAKI, into the buckles!! Taiji SLAMS the arm against buckles, then drags Mike back with a dragon sleeper!

Taiji hoists Mike up, 1916!! Cover, TWO!?!? Mike survives, Taiji wrenches and tilt-o-whirls, LA MYSTICA! And the BONELOCK!!!! Mike taps, Taiji wins!!

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

The Bone Soldier is back up and is now the top of the block! Will this win be just what Taiji needed to make sure #ItsReborn?

 

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

The Rogue Luchador beat the Wild Rhino and even survived the attack afterward. Meanwhile, #DaDrilla’s got nothing left to lose since he’s out of the running. Will Moloney conquer Desperado for the United Empire? Or will Strong Style prevail?

The bell rings and the two rush right in to RAM shoulders! Dan eggs Desperado on so Desperado runs. They RAM shoulders again, and then again! Dan says this is too easy, so Desperado dares him to go then. Dan runs, and he runs Desperado over! Fans cheer the show of strength and Dan throws up the crown. Dan drags Desperado up, whips him to ropes, but Desperado avoids the dropkick! Desperado wants a leg but Dan scrambles to the ropes. Desperado lets off, brings Dan up, but Dan suplexes Desperado! GOURD BUSTER, and then Dan gets back in. Desperado swings, but into a BIG back suplex! Cover, TWO!

Fans rally while Desperado bails out. Dan goes out after him, brings him up, and CHOPS Desperado! Desperado staggers away, Dan follows, and he says he’s the man now! And he CHOPS Desperado again! Desperado eggs Dan on so Dan CHOPS him again! Desperado stands to CHOP! Dan CHOPS! Eagles likes this! Dan tells him to shut up and he follows Desperado. Dan stomps Desperado down, digs his boot into Desperado, and Red Shoes reprimands. Dan apologizes, but then he POSTS Desperado! Red Shoes checks Desperado but Dan leaves him behind. The fans rally up and a ring count starts.

Desperado gets in at 3 of 20 but Dan’s right on him, with a CHOP! Desperado goes to a corner, Dan stomps Desperado down. Dan stomps him more, then stands on him! Red Shoes counts, Dan lets off and apologizes. Dan stomps and kicks Desperado around, but Desperado CHOPS! And CHOPS again! Dan CHOPS back and Desperado staggers away. Dan reels Desperado in, but Desperado fights the suplex with body shots! So Dan CHOPS again! Desperado CHOPS again! Dan CHOPS again! Desperado sputters and drops to a knee, and Dan eggs him on. Fans rally, Desperado swings, but Dan dodges!

Dan gets around, waistlocks, ripcords, and CHOPS! Desperado staggers, Dan reels him back in, but Desperado suplexes first! Fans fire up while both men are down again. Desperado snarls at Dan and stalks him to a corner. Desperado whips corner to corner, runs in and clotheslines! And then a big lift, Dan fights back with punches, but Desperado still hits the BIG back suplex! Fans fire up and Desperado SPLASHES a leg! Desperado then puts on the STRETCH MUFFLER! Dan scrambles to the ROPEBREAK, and Red Shoes counts. Desperado lets off, and stomps the leg! Fans rally while Dan adjusts his kneepad.

Desperado drags Dan up, gut wrenches, but Dan fights off Guitarra! But Desperado kicks the bad leg! Desperado drags Dan up, GUITARRA- NO, Dan slips free, shoves and DROPKICKS! Both men are down and the fans rally up. Dan stands, hobbles over, and he brings Desperado up. Desperado blocks the suplex, but so does Dan. They fight for control, Dan’s leg bothers him, so Desperado kicks it out! Desperado drags Dan up, and suplexes, but Dan fights it! Dan fisherman’s, but Desperado fights that! Dan blocks the cradle counter, to FISHERMAN BUSTER! Cover, TWO! Desperado hangs tough and fans rally up.

Dan pounds the mat, slashes his throat and throws up the crown. Dan drags Desperado up, but Desperado wrenches out to EL ES CULERO! TWO!! Dan ROCKS Desperado, but Desperado CHOPS! And ROCKS him, and- ENZIGURI from Dan! Dan hurries to bring Desperado up and ripcords, but Desperado SPINEBUSTERS! Fans fire up as Desperado roars! Gut wrench, GUITARRA DEL ANGEL! Cover, TWO!! Dan survives but Desperado fires up again! Fans are with him, and Desperado drags Dan up. Desperado underhooks, PINCHE- NO, Dan fights it! Dan back drops, Desperado sunset flips, but Dan stays up to DOUBLE STOMP and then SENTON!

Fans fire up while both men are down again. Dan shakes out the bad leg, goes to a corner, and he runs in at Desperado, to GORE!! Cover, TWO!!! Desperado survives and Dan is shocked! Dan says he’s gonna finish this, and he drags Desperado back up. Dan reels Desperado in, throws up the crown, but Desperado sunset flips to the STRETCH MUFFLER! Fans fire up as Dan endures! Dan scrambles around, reaches out, but Desperado drags him back! NUMERO DOS!! Dan taps, Desperado wins!!

Winner: El Desperado, by submission (gains 2 points; Moloney earns 0)

Da Drilla might’ve gotten a little cocky and he got caught! And with this, The Rogue Luchador is 5-2, staying alongside the top of the block! Will Strong Style take Desperado to the semifinals?

 

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

The Ticking Timebomb overcame the Timesplitter but only by count-out. Meanwhile, Public Enemy Number One tapped out Taguchi in a seriously technical battle. Will the United Empire conquer even the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion? Or will Hiromu stay strong as the defending BOSJ winner?

Hiromu’s picture diary entry for TJP is TJP with a bloody face, the shot from after he lost the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championships. Hiromu then sees Great-O-Khan on commentary, is a bit intimidated, but still gives the book to Milano Collection AT. The bell rings and fans rally up for “HI-RO-MU!” as he stares TJP down. They slowly circle, there are “T J P!” chants going, and TJP points them out in appreciation. The chants start dueling, but Hiromu’s are stronger. The two tie up, go to ropes, and TJP turns things around. TJP has a Nakamura lean on Hiromu, but he lets off.

Hiromu swings but TJP dodges! TJP swings but Hiromu dodges! The fans cheer as the two stand off. They circle, feel things out, and knuckle lock. Hiromu tries to get in deeper but TJP keeps him back. TJP then spins to wrench and wrangle Hiromu to a top wristlock. Fans applaud, Hiromu gets up, and Hiromu wrenches, loops it around TJP and wrenches again. Hiromu has the wristlock, but TJP rolls, spins and slips around to drag Hiromu into the twisting headscissors! Fans applaud while Hiromu kicks around. Hiromu reaches up to headscissor back, but TJP moves and headstands. Fans applaud, and then TJP pops free.

TJP has Hiromu’s legs trapped, but Hiromu clinches to drag TJP into a body scissor. TJP hooks the leg, turns Hiromu over, and the two bridge up to headstand! Hiromu slaps, TJP slaps, and fans fire up for this upside-down slap fight! TJP brings things back to right-side-up, but Hiromu avoids the kick to trip TJP! Cover, ONE, and the fans applaud as the two stand off again. Hiromu and TJP reset, the fans rally up, and the two feel things out. Hiromu kicks low, CLUBS TJP, then whips. TJP goes Spider-Man, but Hiromu stays back to avoid the trap. Fans rally up as Hiromu sits down and dares TJP to come back.

TJP sits down on the apron and dares Hiromu to come on out. Hiromu lies down to lounge, and fans applaud the bravado. TJP also lounges, but then both men spring to their feet! Hiromu rushes in but TJP blocks the forearm! Hiromu blocks the gamangiri! TJP sidesteps the shoulder to get Hiromu in the ropes! ROPE OCTOPUS! Red Shoes counts, TJP lets go at 4, and Hiromu flops to the floor. Fans rally and TJP fetches Hiromu into the ring. TJP scrapes Hiromu’s face, KNEES him in the back, and then traps an arm for the SNAP ARMBAR! Hiromu writhes and TJP smirks. Cover, ONE, but TJP keeps cool.

TJP drags Hiromu up, CHOPS him to a corner, and whips corner to corner. Hiromu comes back to DROPKICK TJP in the shoulder! TJP has the tape on it, so Hiromu has his target! Hiromu brings TJP around but TJP drags him into a cradle! TWO! TJP kicks low, and he shakes out the arm. TJP uses ropes to pull the arm, and then TJP goes to suplex. The bad arm makes that difficult, so TJP shifts to a HALF HATCH! TJP drags Hiromu back up, another HALF HATCH! And then another HALF HATCH! A variation on Three Amigos and TJP covers, TWO! Fans rally up again while TJP backs off.

TJP swings his arm to get it working, and he brings Hiromu up. Hiromu CHOPS! And CHOPS! And CHOPS! TJP knees low! TJP runs, but Hiromu follows and RANAS! Fans fire up, TJP flounders to a corner, and Hiromu runs corner to corner, to clothesline! Snapmare and basement dropkick! But TJP bails out! Fans fire up and Hiromu goes to the apron, to JOHN WOO! TJP tumbles and fans fire up with Hiromu! Hiromu catches his breath while Red Shoes checks TJP. TJP is okay to continue so Hiromu brings TJP up. Hiromu puts TJP in, hurries after, and has TJP for a suplex. TJP slips out, swings, but Hiromu spins him around for FALCON ARROW! Cover, TWO!

Fans rally while both men are down. Hiromu drags TJP up, fireman’s carries, but TJP fights free! TJP avoids the backhand to HEADBUTT! Hiromu staggers, comes back, but into a SUPERKICK! Hiromu tries gain, but TJP BOOTS and JUMP SOBATS! Fans fire up while both men are down! TJP shakes out the bad arm, fans rally up as he stands, and TJP brings Hiromu up to whip. Hiromu reverses but TJP springboards to FLYING FOREARM! But because that was the bad arm, it slows TJP down. TJP goes to one corner, Hiromu goes to the other. TJP runs in to back elbow! TJP sits Hiromu down and fans fire up!

TJP gives Hiromu scrapes of the laces! TJP then goes side to side, to BOOT WASH! Fans fire up, and TJP drags Hiromu to center. TJP climbs up and fans rally. MAMBA- NO, he has to bail out as Hiromu move! Hiromu fireman’s carries, CORNER DEATH VALLEY! Both men are down and fans fire back up. Hiromu goes to a corner, he runs in and SHOTGUNS TJP! But TJP comes right back to SHOTGUN Hiromu! TJP keeps moving, and he BUSAIKU KNEES! Cover, TWO!! Hiromu survives and TJP is beside himself! Fans rally up, TJP stands and he brings Hiromu up. But Hiromu throws a forearm!

TJP wobbles but stays up. Hiromu ROCKS him with another forearm, and then another! TJP swings, Hiromu blocks and spins to TRIANGLE D!! TJP flails around, reaches out, and fans rally, ROPEBREAK! Hiromu lets go but he staggers back up. Hiromu drags TJP up, fireman’s carries, but TJP slips free and shoves Hiromu away. TJP goes to a corner, Hiromu runs in but only gets buckles! TORNADO- NO, Hiromu throws TJP off! Hiromu runs in, TJP gets around, but Hiromu drops! TJP blocks the victory roll and covers, TWO!! Hiromu escapes, runs in again, but TJP BOOTS him! TJP runs, but into the HIROMU-CHAN BOMBER!

Fans fire up while both men are down! Hiromu and TJP stir, and Hiromu stands first. Hiromu follows TJP out to the apron, brings him up, and fireman’s carries! TJP fights free, but Hiromu ROCKS him! TJP ROCKS Hiromu, Hiromu ROCKS TJP! TJP ROCKS Hiromu again, but hurts himself since that’s his bad arm! Hiromu fires off a flurry of forearms, then he brings TJP up! Red Shoes says don’t do this, and the fans are worried, too! But TJP fights the suplex! Hiromu keeps trying, but TJP slips out to SUPERKICK! Hiromu is stuck on the top rope, TJP goes up the corner, and TJP MAMBA GUILLOTINES!

Fans fire up and TJP watches Hiromu writhe. Hiromu sits up, into NOVA FIREBALL!! Cover, TWO!!! TJP shouting out his tag partner doesn’t finish this! But TJP puts Hiromu in a drop zone and goes up the corner. MAMBA- TRIANGLE D!!! TJP is caught, he reaches out, then stacks Hiromu to float over, PINOY STRETCH!! Hiromu endures, reaches out, drags TJP with him, but he starts fading! The fans rally up harder, and Hiromu gets a second wind to get the ROPEBREAK!! TJP lets go in frustration and the fans fire up. TJP drags Hiromu up, fireman’s carries, but Hiromu fights it!

Hiromu tries to get away, TJP has the wrist still, so Hiromu BOOTS TJP down! Hiromu drags TJP up, but TJP reels Hiromu in, STRAITJACKET DDT!! TJP runs, but Hiromu avoids the knee! Mule kick, front kick, but TJP ducks the superkick! Hiromu avoids the sobat to SUPERKICK! Hiromu runs, TJP dodges the lariat, but he runs into a fireman’s carry! Hiromu throws TJP to the dragon sleeper, TJP spins around, but Hiromu uses that to suplex! But TJP throws knees! Hiromu stays up with TJP, shifts back tot he fireman’s carry, DYNAMITE PLUNGER! Cover, TWO!! TJP survives and the fans fire up again!

Hiromu roars as we pass 20 minutes out of 30! TJP rises, Hiromu runs, but TJP ducks the lariat to dragon sleeper! Hiromu drops but TJP has the ARMBAR! Hiromu stacks TJP, deadlifts and POWERBOMBS! Hiromu runs, HIROMU-CHAN BOMBER!! Hiromu then fireman’s carries, for TIMEBOMB!!! Cover, Hiromu wins!!

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

The United Empire could not conquer this ungovernable! TJP is on the bubble in the block, will he keep it from bursting next round?

As for Hiromu, after his hand is raised and he’s handed his title and an icepack, he gets the mic. Fans chant for “HI-RO-MU! HI-RO-MU!” and Hiromu says, “I’m tired. So tired. I can’t do this anymore. I can’t stand! Ugh, I hurt all over! It’s impossible! I’m sorry! I can’t do it anymore! I can’t! I can’t! I’m sorry! I’m so sorry! BUT I’M FINE!” Fans cheer but which is it?! Hiromu then lies back down and asks, “Do you mind if I talk from down here? It’s understandable, right? Seven matches in eight days! Anyone would die!” Fans applaud that. Hiromu sits up to say that TJP, “I have to say… You’re too damned handsome!”

Fans laugh and applaud, apparently in agreement. Hiromu continues to tell TJP, “You look a little tool cool for this, don’t you?” A fan shouts, “Hiromu-chan’s cool, too!” Hiromu thanks them for that. “Thank you to the one fan who thinks Hiromu-chan looks handsome, too!” Hiromu sits up now and says the hashtags are #BOSJ30 and #TJPISSUPERHANDSOMEANDCOOL! Make sure to spell that right. Hiromu is sure they all remember what he said at the press conference. If not, remember: He doesn’t want just four in a row, he wants TEN IN A ROW! Fans cheer, but then Hiromu points out not all of them are cheering for him.

Does that mean they don’t want to see Hiromu even get four in a row? More fans cheer but Hiromu wants to take a survey. “Who wants to see me win Best of the Super Juniors four in a row? Clap.” The fans clap! Well in that case, Hiromu doesn’t wanna win four in a row. “It’s just a little too much for me, isn’t it? Who wants me not to win? Yell your favorite food right now!” What? Not everyone says something, and Hiromu goes, “That’s what I thought! Sounds good, except for that one guy who really likes sweet potatoes. Sorry to disappoint, but I will win four in a row!” Fans like the sound of that!

Hiromu says not only will he win four in a row, “and we’ll have more…” The fans echo “MORE!” MORE! MORE! MORE! MORE! MORE! MORE! MORE! MORE! MORE! MORE! MORE…! FUN TOGETHER~! The Ticking Timebomb has his goal in mind, will he accomplish it just to spite the haters?

 

Here are the NEW A Block standings!

Taiji Ishimori: 5-2, 10 points
Mike Bailey: 5-2, 10 points
Lio Rush: 5-2, 10 points
Hiromu Takahashi: 5-2, 10 points
Titán: 4-3, 8 points
TJP: 4-3, 8 points
DOUKI: 3-4, 6 points [ELIMINATED]
SHO: 3-4, 6 points [ELIMINATED]
KUSHIDA: 1-6, 2 points [ELIMINATED]
Ryusuke Taguchi: 0-7, 0 points [ELIMINATED]

 

Here are the NEW B Block standings!

Master Wato: 5-2, 10 points
Robbie Eagles: 5-2, 10 points
YOH: 5-2, 10 points
El Desperado: 5-2, 10 points
Francesco Akira: 4-3, 8 points
Kevin Knight: 3-4, 6 points
Clark Connors: 3-4, 6 points
Dan Moloney: 2-5, 4 points [ELIMINATED]
Yoshinobu Kanemaru: 2-5, 4 points [ELIMINATED]
BUSHI: 1-6, 2 points [ELIMINATED]


My Thoughts:

A great round for the BOSJ here, these blocks are getting really interesting. As I have written there, four men are out of the running in A Block but only three are out in B Block. Taguchi VS Douki was a match of men already out of the running but that was still a great match because that is what Taguchi has been doing this whole tournament: He brings a great match out of his opponent, and then puts them over. Great stuff for Douki, he can be a strong part of the Junior Heavyweight Division on behalf of Just5Guys. J5G helped Sanada finally reach world title level, Taichi got the KOPW title, why can’t Douki and Kanemaru take over the Junior Heavyweight Division in the summer?

I also like that on the flipside, there are four men at 5-2 in both blocks. Taiji, Bailey, Lio, Hiromu, Wato, Eagles, Yoh and Desperado, that’s a top eight right there that could easily do a traditional tournament. Any two from A Block, and any two from B Block, will make for awesome semifinals, I can’t wait. Also, Hiromu got a great win off TJP in tonight’s main event and he had me laughing out loud for real with his closing promo. Hiromu is comedic genius, he is a wrestling genius, and who knows, he really could get his fourth in a row, fifth overall. At the same time, he could still fall just short since four is bad luck in Japan. Either way, this is really exciting for NJPW.

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.

About Chairshot Radio Network

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

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CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS

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

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

Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5

Classic POD is WAR


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