Coverage
Mitchell’s NJPW Best of the Super Juniors Results & Report! (5/19/23)
Round 7, FIGHT!
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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And with the first overall pick of the 2024 WWE Draft, SmackDown selects…
The WWE Draft returns for 2024, the first four rounds being right here on Friday Night SmackDown! With champions protected, who ends up where to challenge them?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Rey Mysterio & Dragon Lee w/ Zelina Vega & Carlito VS Angel Garza & Humberto Carrillo; Rey & Dragon win.
- Bron Breakker VS Cedric Alexander; Bron wins.
- WWE Women’s Championship #1 Contender’s Match: Naomi VS Tiffany Stratton; No Contest.
- Cody Rhodes VS Carmelo Hayes; Cody wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
Backstage interview with Paul Heyman.
Kayla Braxton is with the Wise Man and says that here on night one of the Draft, there are already rumors circulating, including those about The Tribal Chief, Roman Reigns. Heyman will clarify these are not rumors regarding The Tribal Chief, Roman… Reigns. These are facts! Ladies and gentlemen, Your Tribal Chief, Roman Reigns, has voluntarily withdrawn from eligibility for this year’s Draft. That is not a negative but a positive. Who built SmackDown since the Pandemic? Roman Reigns. Who is the biggest star in the entire industry? Roman Reigns. Why would Roman Reigns hog the number one draft pick spotlight when he won’t be returning in the immediate future?
Read into his words, Kayla, that is not what a real Tribal Chief would do. Instead now, the pressure is on Nick Aldis. Because if Roman Reigns isn’t the first draft pick, then who is? The first two picks make history in a brand new era. And Heyman doesn’t know about you, but he is intrigued. No Tribal Chief up for grabs, who gets their opportunity to shine in the spotlight?
SmackDown throws it to the NXT Performance Center.
Jackie Redmond says the emotion down here is palpable! There is excitement, hope, and a little bit of nerves. But for these NXT Superstars, tonight is the culmination of a lifetime of hard work, dedication, a little bit of luck and a whole lot of self-belief. It was just last year that the NEW WWE Tag Team Champion, Grayson Waller, was hoping his name would be called. And it is funny this is NXT, but time to buy a vowel, throw in an E! Who is next? We find out tonight! The draft pool is deep, who rises to the top of the list?
Corey Graves is in the ring.
Corey welcomes Cincinnati and all of us at home to night one of the 2024 WWE Draft. Understandably, the GMs have their hands full, so Corey will be moderating the contract signing for the WWE Championship match that takes place next Saturday for Backlash: France. Without further ado, it’s the #1 contender, The Phenomenal AJ Styles! Styles makes his entrance, taking a seat at the table on camera right. And now, the Undisputed WWE Champion, the American Nightmare, Cody Rhodes! Cincy fires up and sings along, “WHOA~ OH~!” as Cody makes his entrance and gets his pyro before joining everyone in the ring.
Styles looks over the contract, absolutely tuning out the fans going wild for “CODY! CODY!” Styles then gets the mic to say before he signs, he doesn’t know if we realize that we’ve got two Georgia boys about to mix it up for the first time, and for the biggest prize in the game. Styles understands why they boo, but they gotta know that he doesn’t respect LA Knight, LA Knight got under his skin. He accepts that. But that’s why Styles lost at Mania. But what happened? Styles got his composure back and realized that he is Phenomenal. Styles BEAT Knight to earn the right to face Cody Rhodes at Backlash.
Now unlike Knight, Styles does respect Cody. They hadn’t crossed paths yet, but they’ve been down the same roads. They had to prove themselves outside of the WWE. And Styles is willing to believe that the same man who gave him advice a long time ago gave Cody the same advice, on how to stand on their own two feet and be the men they are today. That man was The American Dream, Dusty Rhodes. The fans cheer for “DUSTY! DUSTY!” Styles learned a lot from Dusty. Styles gets a little emotional thinking about Dusty, he was a good man. Dusty taught Styles how to carry himself, and to carry the weight of a championship.
And Styles looks at this WWE Championship here. The weight of this isn’t just the leather and gold. And at Backlash, we see if Cody can carry it. Styles goes back to his table, signs the contract, and then hands it off to Corey. Corey brings that to Cody, and Cody picks up his mic. “So… Cincinnati…! Whadda we wanna talk about? Certainly, we can talk about respect. There is not a locker room on Earth that you’ll find where everyone in it, every single person, they all respect AJ Styles. Last week, I went on to say you are the modern day Excellence of Execution. I respect the roads that you have traveled down to get here, the parallel paths that perhaps you and I have.
“Mutual respect, much respect. But that respect goes by the wayside at Backlash. I can feel it in your words to a degree. You’ve been here before. And it seems you’re implying that I cannot carry the weight of that championship. Well, good thing the man who trained me not far from where I sit now used to tell me all the time, it’s not about winning the title, it’s about keeping it.” The fans cheer that. Cody says boy does he respect Styles’ familiarity with Cody’s last name. But when you put C O D Y in front of it on this paper, that means they’ve never touched before. That means Backlash is a level playing field.
That means no matter how Phenomenal Styles is, this isn’t a dream match for Cody. It’s a must-win! Cody signs while the fans cheer, and it is official! Cody even throws the pen to the crowd as a free souvenir. Cody then offers a handshake, and Styles says y’know what? It was a beautiful thing to see Cody #FInishTheStory and win the title. But it’s a shame that Cody’s title reign will end at Backlash. Styles still shakes Cody’s hand, and then walks away. Cody picks up the belt and holds it high, will he get to hold it high again in Lyon, France?
Triple H is here!
Just as Cody was on his way to the back, The Game makes his way out here! HHH raises Cody’s hand, then invites him over to the podium. HHH welcomes us to the first round of the 2024 WWE Draft. It is a night that changes the landscape of the WWE going into the future, and things are a bit different this year. As the GMs ponder their next steps, they have to understand it is about protecting the roster they have as it is making the roster they want. Meaning that when they use their picks, they have just as much of a chance gaining a superstar as they do losing one they already have.
HHH just felt that since champs are protected and Cody will be staying here on SmackDown, maybe Cody could help read the SmackDown picks and HHH can read the Raw picks. And since SmackDown goes first, Cody reads first. Cody takes the card to say that with the first pick of the 2024 WWE Draft, SmackDown selects… The E S T, Bianca Belair! The stongEST, fastEST, roughEST, toughEST stays on Friday nights! HHH reads that for the second pick of the 2024 WWE Draft, Raw selects… YEET! JEY USO! Monday nights will still have Main Event Jey Uso! And the fans “YEET!” Cody says for the third pick, SmackDown selects… NXT’s Carmelo Hayes!
The fans fire up as SmackDown manages to snag… HIM! The former NXT Champion makes history again by being the first NXT superstar to be chosen this high in the Draft! HHH says that’s a hell of a pick. But then the fourth and final pick of this first round, Raw selects… SETH! FREAKIN’! ROLLINS! It is still going to be Monday Night Rollins as the Visionary stays on the red brand! Cody and HHH shake hands, and then Melo makes his way out! Melo has the mic to say when they talk about who’s next up, about who’s the hottest out, they don’t call them “the hottest out,” they just call him “Carmelo Hayes.”
The fans chant “WHOOP DAT TRICK!” to remind Melo how he’s leaving NXT. Melo says okay, okay. But then to Cody Rhodes, ever since Cody won the title, he’s been talking about “If you aim for the king, you best not miss.” Well, funny how that works. Because when Melo shoots, Melo don’t miss. And as a first round draft pick, what better way to shoot his shot on SmackDown than to shoot it right at Cody? Melo leaves the mic with Cody but Cody picks it up to say, “Fortune certainly favors the bold, but I dunno. You folks don’t wanna see me in action tonight, do ya?” The fans go wild! Oh, but what if Cody forgot his gear?
Oh that’s right! He didn’t forget his gear! And this title right here, for Cody, means absolutely 100%, Melo’s on! They shake on it, and we’re about to see a huge first-time-ever showdown! But will this bold first move work out for… HIM?
Rey Mysterio & Dragon Lee w/ Zelina Vega & Carlito VS Angel Garza & Humberto Carrillo!
The LWO is still not convinced Legado Del Fantasma had nothing to do with the beating that took the Boy Wonder out ahead of WrestleMania. Will the King of Lucha help get to the bottom of things? Or will Angel & “Berto” make it as easy as ABC, 1-2-3?
The teams sort out, Dragon runs up on Humberto but Humberto LARIATS him down! Humberto drags Dragon up, tears the shirt away and CHOPS! Humberto whips, Dragon ducks ‘n’ dodges to RANA! Humberto tumbles out, Dragon builds speed and FLIES! Direct hit and down goes Humberto! The fans fire up as Dragon pushes Humberto into the ring, goes up a corner, and then CROSSBODIES! Cover, TWO! Dragon facelocks to drag Humberto up, but Humberto wrenches out to CLUB Dragon down. Humberto waistlocks but Dragon throws elbows. Angel tags in as Humberto shoves Dragon. Dragon ducks but Angel holds ropes open, and Dragon tumbles to the floor!
The fans boo and LWO hurries to check on Dragon! Angel & Humberto just soak up the heat as SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns and both Dragon and Humberto are down! They crawl, hot tags to Angel and Rey! The fans fire up as Rey ducks ‘n’ dodges and tilt-o-whirl RANAS! Angel ends up in a corner, he puts Rey on the apron, but Rey ROCKS Angel! Rey goes up to SEATED SENTON! Rey keeps moving, wrenches and kicks, then hops on! CODE RED! Cover, Humberto breaks it! The fans boo but Humberto hauls Rey up. Rey fights and RANAS Humberto up and out! But Angelo kicks, scoops, but Rey slips free! Angelo kicks low, reels REy in, and underhooks, but Rey fights those to RANA Angel onto ropes! Rey dials it up to 619!
Tag to Dragon and he takes aim! Angel stands, into the tilt-o-whirl, PROJECT DRAGON!! Cover, LWO wins!
Winners: Rey Mysterio & Dragon Lee, by pinfall
Carlito and Zelina hug it out with the team, but then Santos Escobar & Elektra Lopez walk out here. Santos says whoa, whoa, whoa, hold that celebration. Because Santos is many things, but a liar is not one of them. And when Santos said he did NOT attack Dragon that night before Mania, he meant it. Elektra has been working for weeks to track down the security footage from that night. And Rey… Oh, Rey. What you’re about to see, you will find very, very interesting. The footage plays, and it was CARLITO!! Carlito throw Dragon around backstage! No one can believe it, because of how well Carlito fooled even Dragno.
Speaking of, Carlito RAMS Dragon into Rey, then hits a BACKSTABBER! Never has that move’s name been more fitting! Carlito runs away in a panic, and Rey stands back up in a rage! Santos says he told Rey that he was right all along. They were supposed to be family, and yet look how that turned out. How will the LWO recover from this shocking development?
Bron Breakker VS Cedric Alexander!
The Big Bad Booty Nephew has been making a case for himself ever since showing up on SmackDown, and he’s already bringing the straps down! Is he going to break PRIMED Alexander while also breaking match time records? Or will Cedric prove he’s too fly for Bron?
The bell rings and Cedric dodges Bron to CHOP and ROCK! Cedric whips, Bron reverses and Cedric handsprings, into a SPEAR!! Cover, Bron wins!
Winner: Bron Breakker, by pinfall
Well, hard to say if that’s an all-time fast match, but that was a fast match! QR Code stuff going on, but will we all see Bron take the world by storm?
Nick Aldis heads out.
And waiting is Tiffany Stratton. She asks if he saw what she did last week. Wait, of course he did. Because she is the Center of the Universe. She dropped Naomi and Bayley, where is her title match? Aldis tells Tiff to look at his watch. It is NOT set to #TiffyTime. And he was this close to sending her to the back of the line. But then someone convinced him otherwise, good for her. Tonight, she goes 1v1 with Naomi again, and the winner faces Bayley for the title at Backlash. Whose stupid idea was that?! Bayley says DING DONG, it was hers. It is a win-win situation here. If Naomi wins, she gets the match she got cheated out of.
And if Tiff wins, then she’ll find out when she attacks the Role Model. Tiff gasps as she has a #TiffanyEpiphany. Bayley should be ringside for that match so she can see Tiff do what Bayley couldn’t, and that’s beat Naomi. Tootles. Tiff leaves, but will the only thing she gets is to #FeelTheGlow?
Michelle McCool and Torrie Wilson are here!
One is a former WWE Women’s Champion, the other is a WWE Hall of Famer, but they’re both here to present Draft picks! Michelle says with the first pick of the second round, SmackDown selects… The Viper, Randy Orton! SmackDown will still have to watch out for an RKO outta nowhere! Torrie says that with the second pick of the second round, Raw selects… BRON BREAKKER! We just saw Bron make quick work of opponents here on SmackDown, but now he’s gonna be rampaging on Raw!
Michelle says that with the third pick of the second round, SmackDown selects… NIA JAX! The Irresistible Force may have to change targets from the Women’s World to the Undisputed Women’s title, but will she be unstoppable all the same? And with the fourth and final pick of this round, Raw selects… LIV MORGAN! The Revenge Tour will still be part of Monday nights, will we watch Liv rise to the top?
The Bloodline arrives backstage.
Paul Heyman is there to greet them and open the door to the SUV. He apologizes for not being faster about that, but Solo Sikoa asks The Bloodline if they’ve been drafted. Not yet. Then give Solo the details. Okay, well, Roman Reigns withdrew right before the show began, and then Solo keeps adding members, so no one really knows what they’re getting if they draft The Bloodline! Solo sighs, and here comes Tama Tonga. Heyman asks they be patient but Solo wants Heyman to repeat that for him. Heyman gets scared, but then KEVIN OWENS jumps in! Kevin fires off on Tama, security and refs rush in to stop it!
The Prizefighter wants Solo’s “MFT” to bring the fight like he did last week! Security still drags Kevin away, but will he get that fight he wants?
Kayla Braxton is on stage.
SmackDown returns and Kayla welcomes us back to the show. And please welcome out the first overall pick, Bianca Belair! The fans fire up as The EST walks out on stage, and Kayla congratulates her on being the first overall pick. But let’s talk Backlash. Breaking news, Bianca and Jade Cargill are going to challenge for the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships, against the Kabuki Warriors. How satisfying would it be to dethrone them on the stage of this magnitude? Bianca says so satisfying. She really hopes Jade gets drafted to SmackDown because given all this history with Damage CTRL, all the partners by her side, Bianca has never been the one to finally end it with them.
For everything they’ve done to her and this division, Bianca feels Jade is the perfect woman to help her end this. Now, DMG CTRL is falling apart piece by piece, and that final piece is the tag titles. So once Bianca & Jade take the gold at Backlash, the Kabuki Warriors won’t even have a reason to come back to SmackDown. But wait, they’re here now! Asuka & Kairi walk out here and Kayla moves aside. The Empress of Tomorrow and the Pirate Princess taunt the EST, but here comes The Storm! Jade makes her way to stand right by Bianca’s side. The four shout and argue, but this will be settled on May 4th!
WHOA! Tama and Kevin are brawling their way out here! The ladies move aside so the gentlemen can brawl all the way down to ringside! Tama hits low, gets in the ring, but Kevin pursues! Kevin TACKLES Tama, but Solo CLOBBERS Kevin! The fans boo as The Bloodline beats Kevin down! The refs hurry out here but clearly Solo’s Bloodline won’t listen! Tama DECKS producers, DECKS guards, HEADBUTTS them, throws hands and even THROWS the guards! Tama and Solo beat Kevin down again, but here comes Randy Orton! The Viper is still on SmackDown and he’s still pals with Kevin, so here he comes!
Orton DECKS Tama, fires hands on Solo, then RK- NO, Solo gets free and gets away! Orton wants to pursue, almost runs Jamie Noble and refs over to do it, but the Bloodline has gotten away! The fans cheer Randy on, and KAevin even hugs him! But then Kevin and Randy try to give chase! Security stops this, when and where will we see #RKKO strike down Solo and Tama?
The Dudley Boyz are here!
The fans fire up as Bubba Ray & D-Von are both here for the next round of picks! Cincy chants for “E C DUB! E C DUB!” Bubba and D-Von look at the cards, it’s hard to read. So out come the glasses! Bubba says with the first pick of the third round of the 2024 WWE Draft, SmackDown selects… L A KNIGHT! YEAH!! The Mega Star stays on Fridays! D-Von says with the second pick of the third round, Raw selects… RICOCHET! Mondays still has the One and Only, is Ricochet going to bring that WWE Speed Championship home to Raw, too?
Bubba says with the third pick of the third round, SmackDown selects… THE BLOODLINE! That means Solo Sikoa, Tama Tonga and Paul Heyman are staying right here on Friday nights. And D-Von says with the final pick of this round, Raw selects… SHEAMUS! The Celtic Warrior just got back, but he won’t have to worry about going anywhere else but Monday nights.
WWE Women’s Championship #1 Contender’s Match: Naomi VS Tiffany Stratton!
It’s time to run it back once again! The Glow got robbed by the Spoiled Rich Girl, but supposedly, it’s #TiffyTime. Will Naomi prove there’s no such time on the clock? Or will Bayley be the one feeling the Backlash over giving Tiffany one more chance?
The bell rings and Naomi hits a THESZ PRESS! Naomi rains down fists, Tiffy shoves her away and goes to ropes, but Naomi gets up in Tiff’s face. Naomi whips, Tiff holds ropes to bail out and fans boo. Naomi scowls, runs in and WRECKS Tiff with a dropkick! Naomi then gets Tiff up, SMACKS her off the apron, and then SMACKS her off it again! And again! Naomi puts Tiff in, goes up a corner, but Tiff gets under the jump! Naomi runs back up but Tiff YANKS her into ropes! Tiff runs to HIP ATTACK! Naomi sputters, Tiff scowls and drags Naomi up, to then put through ropes. But Naomi RAMS into Tiff!
Naomi reels Tiff in, for a HEATSEEKER! Tiff flops to the floor, and then Naomi SPLIT LEG DROPS! Naomi says it’s #NaomiTime, but SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns and Naomi runs, but into a SPINEBUSTER! High stack, TWO! Naomi survives and Tiff is frustrated but the fans rally up. Tiff drags Naomi up, whips her to a corner, but Naomi goes up and sunset flips! TWO! Tiff escapes, knees Naomi low, then whips. Naomi slides under the lariat to then mule kick! Then she headscissor SPIKES Tiff down! Cover, TWO! Tiff survives but barely, and Naomi keeps her cool. Naomi headlocks, but Tiff shoves her into buckles! Tiff runs, but Naomi follows, DOUBLE RUNNING FACEBUSTERS take them both down! The fans fire up as the two rise!
Naomi KICKS, ROCKS and ROCKS Tiff again! Naomi fires shots again and again but Tiff knees low! Tiff reels Naomi in, but Naomi wrenches out to ENZIGIRI! And then BUCKLE BULLDOG! But then NIA JAX attacks Bayley!? Nia SMACKS Bayley off buckles, rains down fists, and this momentarily distracts Naomi. Naomi refocuses, but by now, Tiff’s slipped away! Nia KICKS Bayley in the side, so Naomi goes out to ROCK her! Nia POSTS Naomi and that throws the match out!
No Contest
The fans boo as Nia ruins the fun, then runs Bayley over! Nia smiles as she blows kisses to Cincy. Tiff smiles, she drags Naomi up and puts her in the ring. Then she drags Bayley in! Tiff wants a repeat of last week as she puts them side by side in the drop zone! Tiff then goes up and up for the PRETTIEST MOONSAULT EVER!! Tiff says it’s her time, but the #1 contendership is still in question. Who gets their shot at the Role Model at Backlash?
B-Fab and the Street Profits meet up backstage.
Angelo Dawkins has a “WHO-DEY” sign, but Montez Ford is wondering where Bobby Lashley is right now. B-Fab says calm down, he’ll be here. Byron Saxton walks over and apologizes for interrupting. He doesn’t know what the Draft destination for this group will be until Monday Night Raw, but we do know that The Profits will challenge A-Town Down Under for the WWE Tag Team Championships. YESSIIIIIIR~! B-Fab says it doesn’t matter where they get drafted. The Profits are going to take down A-Town Down Under and take those titles. Then they’ll have their first class tickets right back to SmackDown.
SmackDown? Did someone say SmackDown~? In walk Austin Theory & Grayson Waller, showing off the titles. And Theory says you can’t have SmackDown without the GREATEST undefeated tag team of all time. And sorry, Dawkins, but these are championships, something the Bengals know nothing about! B-Fab keeps Dawkins back, but then in steps Bobby Lashley! The All Mighty scares Theory & Waller right off, and Dawkins says see y’all next Friday! Will there be nothing keeping these Profits down the night before Backlash?
The Final Testament speaks.
Karrion Kross says good evening. What’s going on here? You guessed it! More random acts of violence! Just follow him. Kross & Scarlett lead the way to show The Authors of Pain beating down New Catch Republic! Rezar beats down Pete Dunne while Akam victimizes Tyler Bate! Paul Ellering says they will know about sacrifice! Kross says whether they get drafted to Raw or stay on SmackDown, the violence will continue until they get what they want! So sayeth The Final Testament!!
Teddy Long and JBL are here!
The Hall of Famer General Manager and the Hall of Famer WWE Champion are both here, ready to give us the fourth and final round of picks tonight! Teddy gets right to it! The first pick of the fourth round, SmackDown selects… AJ STYLES! The Phenomenal One is really an obvious choice, because one way or another, the WWE Championship stays with SmackDown! JBL says the second pick of the fourth round, Raw selects… THE ALPHA ACADEMY! Raw keeps Chad Gable, Otis, Maxxine Dupri & Akira Tozawa, A THANK YEW~!
Teddy says with the third pick of this round, SmackDown selects… ANDRADE! A big move as now El Idolo will be part of Friday nights. And with the final pick of this fourth round, Raw selects… NXT’S Kiana James! The Calculator, the former NXT Women’s Tag Team Champion, has the Raw hat to put on, and after a quick hype package, Jackie Redmond is there to interview her. Kiana, congratulations! You are heading to Monday Night Raw! How much does this mean to her? This means the world to her. She is filled with gratitude, but also knows every decision she has made up to this point has been by design to get her here.
Kiana is so proud of her time in NXT, but she’s ready to show Raw why she is the One Percent. Was she surprised? Of course she was! HBK is here to wish her luck and congratulations. Is Kiana going to start the hostile takeover of the Raw Women’s Division?
Backstage interview with Nick Aldis.
Kayla is with the SmackDown GM and says that with night one in the books, how does he feel about SmackDown’s selections? He feels really good about them. SmackDown’s future is bright, he can’t wait for the new recruits to show up and show out for the blue brand. But he also wants to turn attentions to Backlash, because he’s got some new matches to announce! The first PLE in France, this is exciting stuff, Kayla. Aldis says that the WWE Women’s Championship will now be on the line in a Triple Threat! Bayley VS Naomi VS Tiffany Stratton! Will the odds make it that much harder for the Role Model to succeed?
There’s one more match to announce, but Aldis will let the GM GOAT take it from here. Teddy Long steps in, and don’t forget. We’ll talk about this tag team match. The Bloodline VS Kevin Owens & Randy Orton! Holla, players. Solo & Tama will have to face The Viper and the Prizefighter, will #RKKO strike fast and strike hard?
Cody Rhodes VS Carmelo Hayes!
The American Nightmare just put pen to paper for his match with the Phenomenal One, but he isn’t one to shy away from a challenge. The former NXT Champion is shooting his shot, but will this be nothing but net? Or will it be a frustrating airball?
The bell rings and the two circle. They tie up, the fans rally for Cody as he puts Melo in a corner then arm-drags him away. Melo runs up, Cody headlocks, Melo powers out then drops. Melo hurdles, but Cody kicks low to RHODES UPPERCUT! Melo staggers to ropes, the fans fire up, but then melo throat chops and springboard FLYING LARIATS! Melo says that’s why he’s a first round pick! But then Cody CLOBBERS him! Cody asks if Melo’s ready for this, and SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns once again and Cody has a headlock. Cody hits a takeover, Melo flails and kicks around, but Cody grinds him down. Melo pushes with his forearm, then headscissors, but Cody kips free. Melo CHOPS, the fans “WOO~!” but Cody brushes himself off. Melo pie faces Cody! Cody fires forearms on Melo, then whips, but Melo reverses. Melo ELBOWS Cody, then runs up to KICK him in the side! Melo fires forearms and CHOPS in a corner, then throws body shots. Melo digs his boot in, the ref counts, and Cody goes to another corner. Cody eggs Melo on, Melo storms up, but Cody puts him in the corner to CHOP!
Cody swings, Melo dodges and CHOPS! Cody turns things around to CHOP! The fans rally, Cody whips corner to corner, then he back drops Melo away! Melo staggers up, Cody runs, and he rallies on Melo with forearms! Cody goes up and over in a corner but Melo tilt-o-whirls, LA MYSTICA! Melo springboards, FADE AWAY! Cover, TWO! Cody survives that flying DDT, but we see the NXT roster all fired up watching Melo take it to the champ. Melo sits Cody up, drags him into a facelock, but the fans rally for Cody. Cody fireman’s carries but Melo slips free to dragon sleeper! Melo grins, but Cody cradles! TWO!!
Melo swings, Cody boots, then Cody springboards to BEAUTIFUL DISASTER! Melo flips inside-out, Cody covers, TWO! Melo is still in this and he snarls up at Cody. Melo gives a forearm, Cody gives it back, and the fans rally up. Cody scoops Melo, storms around, and then hits a RUNNING POWERSLAM! Cover, TWO! Melo survives and Cody grows frustrated. Cody pounds the mat, the fans rally up, and then Cody goes to ropes. Cody springboards again, CODY CUTTER! Cover, TWO!! Melo survives yet again, proving why he’s a former NXT Champion, on top of NXT North American Champion! But then Cody drags him up!
Cody back suplexes, Melo lands out of it, then FIRST 48! Doe goes Cody and Melo goes up! Melo is setting up for the game winner! NOTHING BUT- NO, Cody avoids the flying leg drop! Melo rolls through, Cody dodges to SUPERKICK! Cody brings Melo around, but Melo gets free! They both run, both springboard, but completely miss each other, and Cody takes a rough landing! Melo drags Cody up, reels him in, but Cody wrenches out to dragon sleeper! CROSS RHODES!! Cody shakes out the bad arm but still makes the cover, and Cody wins!
Winner: Cody Rhodes, by pinfall
Melo took his shot but it was blocked! Even so, Cody sits Melo up to show him respect and tell him he’s still the future. But did this match end up more of a trap game for Cody after that crash landing? Or will he be alright in time for Backlash and his phenomenal opponent?
Speaking of, Styles sneaks right into the ring! Cody sees him in time and Styles stays back. Cody and Styles stare down, but Styles says it was that close. Styles offers a handshake, and Cody takes it. There’s still respect here, for now. But will nothing stop Styles from turning Cody’s story into a tragedy after all?
My Thoughts:
A great SmackDown to open the WWE Draft but to also set up Backlash. To recap, SmackDown took Bianca, Melo, Orton, Nia, LA Knight, The Bloodline, Styles and Andrade while Raw took Jey, Rollins, Bron, Liv, Ricochet, Sheamus, The Alpha Academy, and Kiana. Many of those choices made sense, as picks won’t be wasted on keeping champions on brands, and just need to be used to keep most stories alive and change up a few others. Kiana is perhaps one of the more surprising moves, but well-deserved. She has been a solid character and solid in-ring performer almost from the start, she’s a solid addition to Raw.
Bron of course demolished his opponent tonight, it’s just a shame it was Cedric and not local enhancement talent. But Bron will also be a good addition to Raw, but maybe he can move past his squash match phase and get right to story. Melo being a first round pick was great stuff, and he had a great promo with Cody to give us tonight’s main event. That double springboard whiff was definitely a timing problem, but at the same time, a Fade Away countered into a Cody Cutter would’ve been way too epic just for TV. Cody with a great win, and we got a really good contract signing segment, but you can bet Cody retains.
Really good tag match from LWO VS Legado but naturally Rey & Dragon won. I knew it was only a matter of time before Carlito was outed, and how he handled being exposed was pretty good. And with Andrade being drafted to SmackDown, you just know that means Andrade joins the LWO. The Final Testament attacking New Catch Republic was a wild moment, I almost thought Ellering was going to use the pliers in his hands to grab at fingers. Maybe we get that next week for SmackDown in France. Good promos from A-Town Down Under and the still technically unnamed faction of Bobby Lashley’s. As great as The Profits are, it feels like Theory & Waller will cheat to retain.
Really good promo with Tiff and Bayley to set up Naomi VS Tiff round 3, but I did not think Nia Jax would disrupt all that. A Triple Threat at Backlash is good stuff, it will protect Bayley if she loses, but can also protect Naomi and Tiff if Bayley uses them against each other to win. Good promo from Bianca that then turned into the shouting match of Bianca & Jade with Kabuki Warriors. Their tag title match is official, and I’m pretty sure Bianca & Jade win. I also liked that this segment ended up having Kevin and Tama brawl right through it. Orton saving Kevin was a great move, RKKO VS Solo & Tama is going to be awesome stuff, I can’t wait to see it.
My Score: 8.8/10
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Coverage
Andrew’s TNA iMPACT! Results & Match Ratings: 4.25.2024
We just got done with Rebellion, and Under Siege is two weeks away! Gotta see how these dots connect!
Rebellion had quite a few returns, Mike Santana, Sami Callihan and Broken Matt Hardy. All three of these guys could easily be main event players, and its nice to mix up and expand what felt like a rather small pool of potential challengers.
Under Siege is only like 2 weeks out, so we’ll see how the dots connect in such a short period of time.
.@AJFrancis410, Rich Swann, and rap legend @BunBTrillOG are IN THE HOUSE Meanwhile, @joehendry announces he will deliver an apology to Fir$t Cla$$ NEXT WEEK on #TNAiMPACT! pic.twitter.com/4GNe2xWfyU
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) April 26, 2024
Ratings:
- Mike Santana vs Myron Reed w/Trey Miguel & Zachary Wentz: Santana wins via Spin the Block – ** 1/2
- #1 Contender: Frankie Kazarian vs Josh Alexander: Josh wins via Grapevine Ankle Lock – ***
- ASH by Elegance vs Xia Brookside: Xia wins via School Girl Roll-Up – ** 3/4
- Sami Callihan vs The Good Hands: Sami Callihan wins via Cactus Driver ’97 – SQUASH
- Eddie Edwards w/Alisha Edwards & Brian Myers vs Nic Nemeth: Eddie wins via Boston Knee Party – *** 1/4
Results:
Did @NicTNemeth say BROKEN? @MATTHARDYBRAND has arrived in the iMPACT Zone! #TNAiMPACT pic.twitter.com/HbkUangt6e
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) April 26, 2024
A weird opening that is just framed to put Nemeth and Hardy together against The System. Feels a little awkward, but who knows how it will play out.
.@JordynneGrace vs @miyu_tjp NEXT WEEK on #TNAiMPACT will now be for the Knockouts World Championship! pic.twitter.com/YnKZjb9yjx
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) April 26, 2024
Mike Santana vs Myron Reed w/Trey Miguel & Zachary Wentz
Ahh I didn’t really pay attention to Santana’s theme at Rebellion, but its pretty damn cool. Good stuff.
Rascalz blindside Santana early, but the heel advantage doesn’t last more than a few moves. Santana whips Myron from corner to corner, hits a few Hip Attacks before Myron finally dodges one and starts using his unique offense and agility to his advantage. Matrix dodge, into an Leaping Outside Back in Slingshot Codebreaker. Some more offense and Santana powders to the ramp, Myron jumps over the rope and tries a Flying Cutter, but Santana blocks it, turns things around, gets pushed forward and hits the Rolling Cutter. Santana takes out the Rascalz, heads back into the ring, Myron tries to catch him unawares but eats the Spin the Block off the rope run! Santana wins fairly quickly.
Maclin’s music hits, he tries to employ the help of The Rascalz to attack Santana, but as soon as Maclin positions himself to get in, The Rascalz bail and flip off Maclin. Maclin makes it out of the confrontation relatively unscathed, but at least we know where he’s going for Under Siege probably.
OH FUCK ME WITH RUSTY KNIVES. Because Cardona is hurt Kon is paired with SDL, and she just challenges Jordynne and PCO to a tag match. WHY!? STOP IT. This is hot garbage.
Josh Alexander comes out…I wonder who’s Super Finisher he’s gonna conveniently kick out this time? Brian Myers? Frankie Kazarian? Rich Swann? Because yes, I’m still annoyed that Hammerstone has been in TNA for half a sandwich, he already connects with a Super version of his finish on tacks, and that’s not a finish. Oh Kaz’s music hits. Okay, so time for Josh to kick out of Fade to Black or Flux Capacitor. Kaz talks smack, says he won his match too so he should have a say in who’s number one contender. Josh challenges him, Kaz says not right now, but a referee runs out and says the match is official.
#1 Contender: Frankie Kazarian vs Josh Alexander
Kaz throws his jacket on Josh’s head, and attacks him with some strikes before Josh fights back and throws Kaz out. Commercial break, we see Kaz misses his Apron Guillotine, Josh goes for the Low Crossbody but Kaz dodges and Josh goes flying. Kaz starts throwing some chops and claws at the cauliflowered ears of Josh. Russian Leg Sweep from Kaz for a near fall. Josh swings wildly and Kaz ducks the strike and levels Josh with a Lariat.
Josh blocks a Vertical Suplex attempt, but Frankie pulls off a Fisherman’s Suplex after a few overhead strikes for a near fall. Josh stands up and connects with a straight right, rocks Kaz, Back Body Drop, into a Charging Forearm, Rolling Senton, 2 count! C4 Spike attempt countered into a Back Stabber and then Chicken Wing, but Josh fights it off, rolls through and into an Ankle Lock, Kaz kicks off and into a Head and Arm Cradle for a near fall and then the Guillotine Leg Drop into Slingshot DDT spot from Kaz for another 2 count!
Fade to Black, but its fought off, Big Boot but then Kaz counters the next move with a Power Slam into the Springboard Guillotine Leg Drop, but Josh grabs the Ankle Lock! Locomotion German Suplex time from Josh, Halfhatch Suplex after the Germans, floats over for a 2 count! C4 Spike attempt again, but Kaz fights it off, dumps him over the top rope, slingshots him in and into the Cutter for a near fall for Kaz! After the 2 Kaz grabs a chair and chain, the referee stops the chair of course, so he tries the chain, EY runs down and grabs the chain so Kaz pulls the Eddie Guerrero and the referee admonishes EY, but doesn’t DQ Josh. So as Kaz is busy laughing at EY, Josh picks the ankle, Ankle Lock with the Grapevine, Kaz taps.
Tensions are sky-high between @alexhammerstone and @JakeSomething_! #TNAiMPACT pic.twitter.com/LLCUJOCy7H
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) April 26, 2024
ASH by Elegance vs Xia Brookside
Both are jawing at each other and then throw hands before Xia gets the upper hand with a Headscissors from the Top Turnbuckle, Charging Knees, a Flurry of Kicks, but when the ref forces some space in the corner, ASH is finally able to dodge and work over Xia with her Twisting Body Splash, a few choking moves, a corner Stomp into a Snap Suplex for 2. ASH is in charge elegantly, but the referee keeps forcing space on both of them when they go for corner attacks. Xia manages to take advantage a little, but ASH regains control, kicks Xia up the ramp and then lands her Cartwheel Back Elbow up the ramp. It actually looks pretty cool executed like that.
Headlocks and Hair Pulling to keep Xia down and using energy to kick out. ASH is getting frustrated but Xia is remaining persistent. ASH goes back to the Headlock, but Xia fights up, Jawbreaker, Back Elbow, Kick to the gut and Drop Toe Hold sends ASH face first into the middle buckle. Xia rips off 4 Double Knee Smashes to the back of ASH’s head into her Flying Crossbody for a close 2! Xia pulls her up, but ASH spins out, then Xia slips it, but ASH kicks her in the chest and deposits her to the outside and demands a count from the referee. Iceman puts Jeweled Knuckles/Rings on ASH’s hand, the referee catches her, removes the stuff from her fingers and Xia hits the School Girl Roll-Up for the flash win.
Fraud has thrown the Ballot Box Battle into chaos, but also paved the way for an explosive showdown between @TheTreyMiguel and @The_Ace_Austin NEXT WEEK to determine the #1 Contender for the X Division Championship! #TNAiMPACT pic.twitter.com/lYHrtgNrc3
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) April 26, 2024
Sami Callihan vs The Good Hands
So the Good Hand Jobs are about to do their job to Sami. I’m just gonna assume Sami beats the hell out of both and wins with a Cactus Driver ’97. If anything interesting happens I might actually cover it, but come on now.
.@SteveMaclin has a proposition for @FrankieKazarian#TNAiMPACT pic.twitter.com/XY6lMdmSWo
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) April 26, 2024
Kaz makes a Metallica reference with the “Wash Your Back So You Won’t Stab Mine”…and Sweet Amber is the only good song on St. Anger. So…I ain’t mad.
Eddie Edwards w/Alisha Edwards & Brian Myers vs Nic Nemeth
A little early ground wrestling and headlocks for control from both men. Nothing super flashy to start until we get to the rope run and Nemeth goes for the Flying Body Press to drop Eddie. Before Nemeth can follow up, Lish grabs his foot. Nic does have his brother Ryan in the crowd, trying to get chants going and do the old school ‘power up the babyface’ thing, but Eddie has been in control since Lish got involved. Simple offense, chokes, strikes, Snap Suplexes, Knee Drops, simple yet effective. But then Eddie ducks his head too early, Nemeth kicks him in the face, bounces his head off the buckles a few times, Dropkick sends Eddie reeling to the corner, Nemeth starts the 10 Count Punches but Myers hits the apron to distract and Eddie manages to slip the situation and push Nemeth to the floor.
Commercial break happens, Nemeth is trying to fight back with Chops, but a Kitchen Sink from Eddie puts Nemeth on the floor again! Clubbing blow from Eddie, but Eddie then misses the Hip Attack in the corner and Nemeth counters with the Rude Awakening into the 10 Count Rain of Elbows. Fame Ass-er miss, Eddie tries something but Nemeth turns it into that hesitation DDT for 2! Tuning up the band starts to build and Eddie powders to avoid it. Nemeth throws Eddie back in, goes to the top, but Eddie crotches him, rises up and hits the Superplex into Tiger Driver for 2! Eddie starts mocking with Tuning Up the band but Nemeth hits his own Superkick into an Olympic Slam for 2!
Both men just trade strikes Fighting Spirit style, Eddie says “Always Trust the System” and Nemeth shuts him up with a Headbutt. Danger Zone is blocked, Boston Knee Party gets ducked, they level each other with Lariats! Myers and Ryan Nemeth start fighting to distract the referee, Moose hits the ring and hits Nemeth with the belt. Eddie lands Boston Knee Party and The System wins again!
Overall Score: 6/10
A lame opening segment, a squash match, ASH by Elegance getting her first loss, and a weird way of just pulling the number one contender out of mid air makes for an awkward show. Also Kon still be involved in, literally anything, is negative. However, I can say there was a ton of stuff thrown at the wall this episode, so there’s a chance that some things landed better with other people than myself. The ballot segments were amusing, they overused the “I need to talk to you Santino” gimmick a bit much and personally I feel like having Jake versus Hammerstone is booking yourself into a weird corner.
But hey, the main event was fun, Nemeth getting laid out to the point that there could be a story reason to take him out of the Under Siege match. Kaz with the Metallica reference was pop worthy and I guess its a lot of ‘let’s see where it goes’ kind of angle creation. So it wasn’t complete trash, but its definitely a wait and see episode.
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