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Mitchell’s NJPW Dominion Results & Report! (6/4/23)

Will Sanada survive Tsuji?

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Will the Cold Skull stay the gold skull?

NJPW returns to Osaka-Jo Hall for another epic edition of Dominion! But will Sanada stay IWGP World Heavyweight Champion against the returning Yota Tsuji?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

  • Kickoff match – Young Lion Hattrick Challenge: Oskar Leube VS Ryohei Oiwa, Boltin Oleg & Yuto Nakashima; Oiwa, Oleg & Nakashima win and Oskar gets no prizes.
  • IWGP United States Heavyweight Championship #1 Contender’s Tournament Finals: Will Ospreay VS Lance Archer; Ospreay wins and will challenge Kenny Omega for the title.
  • 8 Man Tag: Just5Guys VS Los Ingobernables de Japon; LIJ wins.
  • IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championships: Intergalactic Jet Setters VS Catch 2/2; Catch 2/2 wins and become the new IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champions.
  • NJPW World Television Championship: Zack Sabre Jr. VS Jeff Cobb; ZSJ wins and retains the title.
  • Vacated IWGP Heavyweight & NJPW Strong Openweight Tag Team Championships Triple Threat: Bishamon VS The House of Torture VS Great-O-Khan & Aaron Henare; Bishamon wins and are the new dual IWGP Heavyweight & NJPW Strong Openweight Tag Team Champions.
  • NEVER Openweight Championship: David Finlay VS El Phantasmo; Finlay wins and retains the title.
  • IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship: Hiromu Takahashi VS Master Wato; Hiromu wins and retains the title.
  • NEVER Openweight Six Man Tag Team Championships: Kazuchika Okada, Hiroshi Tanahashi & Tomohiro Ishii VS Blackpool Combat Club; win(s) and
  • IWGP World Heavyweight Championship: SANADA VS Yota Tsuji; Sanada wins and retains the title.

PLAY BY PLAY

IWGP United States Heavyweight Championship #1 Contender’s Tournament Finals: Will Ospreay VS Lance Archer!

The Commonwealth Kingpin and the Murderhawk Monster are former IWGP US Champions, and they both want that title back from Kenny Omega! Who wins here to face the Cleaner in the near future?

The second Ospreay hops off the corner in his introduction, Archer CLOBBERS him! Ospreay flops out of the ring,. Archer goes out after him and smacks him with his own jacket! Archer then RAMS Ospreay into railing in front of commentary! The bell rings and Archer drags Ospreay over to the timekeeper’s area! Archer clears off the table, choke grips, and CHOKE- NO, Ospreay lands safe on the table! Ospreay throws haymakers and gets Archer to stagger away. Ospreay then jumps off the railing, PIP PIP CHEERIO! Ospreay goes up top fast, and he ARIHARA TORNILLOS! The fans are thunderous as Ospreay takes Archer down!

Ospreay storms up on Archer, puts him in the ring and takes aim, to springboard, but into a choke grip! Ospreay flips out of the choke slam, ENZIGURIS, but Archer stays up! Ospreay dodges Archer to springboard, OSCUTTER!! Cover, TWO! Archer survives but Ospreay prepares the arm, only to run into a LARIAT! Fans fire up and Archer grins. Archer stalks Ospreay to a corner and brings Ospreay up. Ospreay SLAPS Archer! Archer ROCKS, KNEES and ROCKS Ospreay, then stomps away on him! Fans rally, Archer runs corner to corner and hits a BIG back elbow! Ospreay sputters and Archer keeps moving, to ELBOW Ospreay again!

Fans rally, Archer keeps going, and he hits another ELBOW! Ospreay falls over while fans fire back up. Archer stalks Ospreay, drags him up, but Ospreay throws a forearm. Archer ROCKS Ospreay right back! Ospreay throws more forearms in return, but Archer laughs and then ROCKS Ospreay! Ospreay wobbles around, goes to ropes, and fires himself up. Ospreay fires off more forearms, but Archer just ROCKS him! Ospreay gets mad and fires Kawada Kicks! Archer choke grips, Ospreay breaks free but Archer CHOPS! Archer whips, Ospreay handsprings, NEURALIZER! Fans fire up, Ospreay keeps moving, but Archer CLOBBERS him!

Fans fire up as Archer stands back up and looms over Ospreay. Archer drags Ospreay up and gives him the Kawada Kicks! Ospreay staggers up into a BOOT! Ospreay flops out of the ring and Archer goes out after him. Archer aims from the apron to CANNONBALL to the floor! Fans fire up as Archer grins. Archer drags Ospreay up and puts him in the ring, to then put Ospreay on the top rope. Archer ROCKS Ospreay, tells him he’s not winning, and then picks him up in the reverse crucifix! But Ospreay fights back with elbows! Ospreay shoves Archer away, BLINDSIDE PIP PIP CHEERIO! Fans fire up while Ospreay clutches the bad arm.

Ospreay roars, drags Archer up and reels him in, underhooks the arms, but the bad arm won’t let him lift Archer! Archer runs in, Ospreay ducks under the body check, to SPANISH FLY! Cover, TWO! Ospreay goes right to the corner and up top! Archer step-up KNEES Ospreay first! Archer positions Ospreay, inverted crucifix, BLACKOUT BOMB!! Cover, TWO!?! Ospreay survives and fans fire up again! Archer snarls, he drags Ospreay into the drop zone, and goes up!? Fans fire up, the Murderhawk doesn’t usually fly. Ospreay anchors a leg, Archer CLUBS away on him, but Ospreay tucks Archer in! CHEEKY NANDOS!

Ospreay then drags Archer out onto the Canadian Rack! But Archer is too big and he slips off! Choke grip, HUGE CHOKE SLAM!! Cover, TWO!! Ospreay survives but Archer grins. The fans are thunderous as Archer drags Ospreay up. Archer swings, Ospreay dodges to mule kick a leg out, HOOK KICK Archer’s face, and then HIDDEN BLADE!! Cover, ONE?!?! HOW?!? Archer gets up but Ospreay JUMPING HIDDEN BLADE! HIDDEN BLADE to the front! And then Ospreay throws off the elbow pad to go to the corner! TRUE HIDDEN BLADE!!! Cover, Ospreay wins!!

Winner: Will Ospreay, by pinfall (NEW #1 Contender to the IWGP US Heavyweight Championship)

It took a lot to slay the Murderhawk Monster, but The Aerial Assassin pulls it off! But Ospreay does show respect to Archer with a fist bump, and then gets on the mic. “Lance. Arigato gozaimashita. <Thank you very much.>” Fans rally for Ospreay, and Ospreay then calls out “KENNY OMEGA! Remember me?! I’m the guy you left covered in my own blood at the Tokyo Dome! Now, you shoulda killed me when you had the chance! Because I’m back for revenge! I will walk in to YOUR territory, bruv. I will walk into Canada, Ospreay VS Canada, and I am bringing BACK the IWGP United States Championship!”

Fans fire up for that mic drop, will the Kingpin once again be gold? Or will fighting the Best Bout Machine in his backyard be a mistake?

 

IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championships: Intergalactic Jet Setters VS Catch 2/2 w/ Dan Moloney!

Kushida & Kevin Knight may have taken these titles from TJP & Francesco Akira in a literal bloody fight, but the Public Enemy & Nova Fireball are back for more! Will the United Empire conquer the Junior Tag Division again? Or is there still time on the Intergalactic Jet Setters’ flight?

The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we see if history repeats itself!

Akira and Knight get at each other, Akira shoves but then Knight shoves. TJP and Kushida keep the peace, the teams sort out, and the two hot heads start. And they double dropkick! Those cancel out, the bell rings, and the forearms start flying! Fans fire up with every shot, Akira gets the edge, but he runs into a BOOT! Knight runs but into a forearm! Akira runs, but into a tilt-o-whirl BACKBREAKER! TJP runs in to BOOT Knight, but Kushida runs in to BOOT TJP! Kushida fires off on TJP in the corner but TJP turns things around to fire off body shots. Akira does the same on Knight, then Catch 2/2 coordinates.

Catch 2/2 whip the Jet Setters at each other, but the Jet Setters dosido and run back at Catch 2/2, but Catch 2/2 dodge! TJP & Akira trade targets, but then the Jet Setters dodge! STINGER SPLASH for Akira, BIG back elbow for TJP! Kushida then sets up and Knight runs in, BOOSTED STINGER SPLASH! TJP flops out, Kushida throws Akira out to join him, and then Kushida WRECKS them both with a dropkick! Moloney hurries over to help Catch 2/2 up but the Jet Setters go to the apron. Kushida helps Knight in the springboard, BOOSTED ASAI MOONSAULT!! Knight wipes out the United Empire at the ramp!

Fans fire up and Knight shouts, “TSUYOI!” Knight drags Akira up and puts him in for Kushida, who snapmares Akira to then set up, MOONSAULT SPLASH COMBO! Cover, TJP breaks it! TJP gets Akira out but the Jet Setters drag TJP back in! They double wrench, double snapmare, and then double knee drop each arm! Fans fire up as Knight SPLASHES TJP, and Kushida adds a back elbow! The Jet Setters whip TJP to a corner, Kushida elbows and then sets up. Knight runs in but TJP avoids the boosted splash! Knight lands safe on the second rope but TJP keeps Kushida down, and Akira uses Kushida to FIRE IN MOTION!

Akira’s dropkick sends Knight tumbling to the floor! Catch 2/2 send Kushida out, and fans rally up with them. TJP goes up and up and TRIANGLE DROPKICKS Kushida! “A! KI-RA!” builds speed to FLY! Direct hit on Jet Setters at the ramp! Fans fire up, Akira puts Knight back in, and he pushes Knight to a cover. ONE, but Akira snapmares Knight and tags in TJP. Catch 2/2 combine, “Take picture! Take pictures!” Electric Chair SENTON! TJP covers, TWO! TJP KNEES Knight in the back, drags him up and bumps him off buckles. TJP stomps Knight down, digs his boot in, and fans fire up as he starts up the scrubbing!

TJP scrapes Knight with his laces again and again, then runs side to side to BOOT WASH! Fans fire up and TJP says one more time! Fans chant “MOIKAI! MOIKAI!” and TJP puts Knight back in for more laces off the face! TJP runs side to side to BOOT WASH again! TJP signals those belts are theirs, and then tags in Akira. Catch 2/2 double whip, kick, but Knight blocks to hand it to TJP, and Knight ENZIGURIS Akira! Everyone falls over but TJP gets Knight’s leg. Knight ENZIGURIS TJP, too! Fans rally, Knight crawls, hot tag to Kushida! Kushida goes up to AX HANDLE Akira! And SHOTEI TJP!

Kushida KICKS away on Akira, whips, but Akira reverses, only for Kushida to HANDSPRING BACK ELBOW! Kushida keeps moving, SHOTEI for TJP! Akira dodges, runs in, but into a hip toss and cartwheel dropkick! Fans fire up with Kushida and he aims at Akira. Akira rises, Kushida goes for the arm but Akira holds him off! TJP rushes in but Kushida kicks TJP low. Kushida also grabs TJP’s arm! Kushida goes around with Catch 2/2 but they shove him away. Knight returns, TJP kick shim low and runs, but Kushida drops and Knight sidesteps. Then Knight drops, Kushida sidesteps, and then Knight DROPKICKS TJP down!

Fans fire up as Jet Setters combine, victory roll DDT! And roll through, into ARMBAR! Akira clasps hands, Moloney coaches TJP, but Kushida clubs Akira’s hands apart! ARMBAR! Knight SUPERKICKS TJP down, but Akira gets the ROPEBREAK! Fans fire up while Jet Setters get Akira up. Kushida Electric Chair Lifts, but Akira slips free to shove him into Knight! Akira whips, but Kushida is there, BOOSTED CROSSBODY FLOPS as Akira moves! Akira kicks and whips Kushida but Kushida reverses. TJP sneaks a tag, Akira ducks the Fastball and then slides under. TJP waistlocks Kushida to shove him, Kushida comes back into the ALLEY-OOP FACEBUSTER!

Catch 2/2 isn’t done there, they sit Kushida up! “CATCH! NI NI!” 2 BY 2!! Cover, Knight breaks it!! Fans fire up, Akira drags Knight up, Knight UPPRECUTS! Knight runs, into a SUPERKICK! Double whip, but he jumps the double lariat!? To DOUBLE PELE!! The fans fire up again as all four men are down! Kushida sits up as the fans rally, and he goes after TJP. Kushida ROCKS TJP, TJP UPPERCUTS Kushida! TJP whips, Kushida reverses, hip toss into ARMBAR!! TJP scrambles, flails, slips free, steps over, PINOY STRETCH!! Akira traps Knight in a TARANTULA!! Kushida crawls, ROPEBREAK!!

Catch 2/2 let the Jet Setters go in frustration, but Moloney coaches them up. The fans rally, TJP rises, and TJP drags Kushida up to fireman’s carry. Kushida fights free, ducks the lariat and PELES! Kushida crawls, hot tag to Knight! Knight runs in to STINGER- NO, TJP dodges the splash to TORNADO- NO, Knight stops that to swing, but into a dragon sleeper! Akira tags in, DOUBLE STOMP FINAL CUT COMBO!! Cover, TWO!!! Knight survives, but Catch 2/2 get the fans fired up! “CATCH! NI NI!” But Knight ducks the knees! TJP flops out, Kushida PLANCHAS him down! Kushida PENALTY KICKS Akira’s arm!

Kushida drags Akira up into the Electric Chair Lift, Knight says it’s time! TIME JET!!! Cover, TWO?!?! Akira survives and no one can believe it! But Knight just fires up to run in at Akira, STINGER ENZIGURI COMBO!! Knight puts Akira up, for the UP- NO, Akira boots him away! But Kushida HANDSPRING KICKS Akira, and then rushes TJP!  But TJP avoids the dropkick to send Kushida into railing! Knight goes up top, but Akira fights him. TJP joins in and Electric Chairs Knight! Catch 2/2 combine for LEANING TOWER!!! TJP WRECKS Kushida now! And then 2 BY 2!!!! Cover, Catch 2/2 win!!

Winners: Catch 2/2, by pinfall (NEW IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champions)

Talk about 2 by 2, Catch 2/2 are now TWO-TIME IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champions! The United Empire is on a roll, will they make this their Dominion?

Wait, the Bullet Club’s Clark Connors is on his way out here. 100 Proof is here, and Moloney is mad. But Connors says it will be Catch 2/2 VS him and… MOLONEY ATTACKS TJP & Akira?!?!? Da Drilla is betraying the United Empire!! He CHOKES Akira with his shirt! Fans boo as Moloney & Connors stomp them down! Did the battle between them in the Best of the Super Juniors convince Moloney to join Bullet Club?! Moloney tells TJP he’s not just some bodyguard! He feeds TJP to Connors’ POWERSLAM! Fans boo more but then Connors drags Akira up to feed him to Moloney! Fans tell them to go away, but Moloney hits DRILLA KILLA!!

But these two still aren’t done! They haul TJP up so that Connors can hit NO CHASER!! Moloney is an Abunai Gaijin, and he’s joining another dangerous man in this new, more savage Bullet Club. Will Catch 2/2 even stand a chance against these jacked Junior Heavyweights?

 

NJPW World Television Championship: Zack Sabre Jr. w/ Kosei Fujita VS Jeff Cobb!

TMDK’s Frontman made it through a busy week in the States, but he’s back in Japan to revisit his battle with the Imperial Unit! Last time, they went to the time limit. Will they need another 15 for this one? Or will we have a definitive winner in the sequel?

The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see if Cobb becomes the star of the show!

The bell rings and the 15 minutes are on the clock. The two rush in, ZSJ jumps on but Cobb RAMS him into a corner! Cobb whips ZSJ back in, but ZSJ BOOTS! ZSJ fires off forearms, but Cobb runs him over! ZSJ gets up to BOOT again! And again! ZSJ runs, but Cobb JUMPING SHOULDER TACKLES! Fans fire up, Cobb throws forearms, then reels ZSJ in, TOUR OF- NO, ZSJ slips free and tilt-o-whirls, LA MYSTICA! ZSJ has an arm but Cobb powers his way up. Cobb swings but ZSJ catches that arm to an ARMBAR! Cobb stacks ZSJ, TWO!! ZSJ escapes, UPPERCUTS, but Cobb DROPKICKS! Cover, TWO!

Cobb GACHIMUCHI MOONSAULTS but misses! ZSJ traps Cobb’s head with his legs, to TWIST! Cover, ONE!! Cobb still has strength to spare and fans fire up. Cobb and ZSJ talk trash on each other, and the two stand up. Cobb eggs ZSJ on so ZSJ fires forearms. Cobb ROCKS ZSJ with just one! ZSJ staggers, comes back to fire more shots, but Cobb ROCKS ZSJ again! Cobb eggs ZSJ on again, ZSJ fires more forearms, and he eggs Cobb on. Cobb DECKS ZSJ! ZSJ rises back up, leans on Cobb, and UPPERCUTS! And UPPERCUTS! And UPPERCUTS! Cobb ROCKS ZSJ, but ZSJ flails to stay up! So Cobb LARIATS him down!

Fans fire up, ZSJ goes to a corner, and Cobb runs in to UPPERCUT! Cobb hoists ZSJ up for a RUNNING BACK SUPLEX! Cover, TWO! Fans rally, ZSJ crawls to ropes, and Cobb storms up. Cobb brings ZSJ up to scoop and RAM into the corner! But ZSJ slips free to get a COBRA TWIST! Cobb powers out but ZSJ is after a leg! Cobb drags ZSJ back up! But ZSJ spins around to GUILLOTINE! Fans rally as Cobb powers out of that, so ZSJ goes for an arm! ZSJ drags Cobb down, Cobb stacks, but ZSJ slips around to DISARMER!! Cobb endures, ZSJ shifts to hammerlock that arm, and he pulls on a leg!

Cobb crawls, ZSJ grabs the far arm and pulls! ZSJ then gets a leg added, CLARKY CAT, BAD BALLOON REMIX! But Cobb powers right out! ZSJ is furious but the fans fire up. ZSJ says, “Sugoi, desu ne.” Cobb stands, ZSJ KICKS him in the chest! And again! And again! Cobb drops, blocks a kick, but ZSJ SLAPS him! Cobb just lifts ZSJ to SAMOAN DROP! Fans rally, Cobb drags ZSJ up and whips him to a corner hard! ZSJ flops down, Cobb brings him up to whip hard into the other corner! And then hard at the first corner, but ZSJ goes up and comes back! Cobb blocks the DDT, so ZSJ UPPERCUTS!

ZSJ runs, but into an ATHLETIC- NO, ZSJ slips around to a SLEEPER HOLD! ZSJ is backpack, so Cobb BACKPACK SENTONS! Both men are down and fans fire up! Cobb rises, he drags ZSJ up in a deadlift waistlock, but ZSJ pries the hold open! ZSJ switches, Cobb elbows him, but ZSJ gets around again. Cobb throws ZSJ off the waistlock, and deadlift suplexes, but ZSJ fights that to PELE an arm! ZSJ KICKS Cobb’s arm, then GERMAN SUPLEXES!! Fans fire up as ZSJ manages to throw Cobb! ZSJ runs, PENALTY KICK! Cover, ONE!! ZSJ just keeps moving,  another PENALTY KICK! Cover, TWO!

Fans rally while both men are down again. Cobb crawls away to a corner, but ZSJ keeps his eyes on him. ZSJ runs in, to UPPERCUT, and then TORNADO- NO, Cobb blocks that! Cobb pops ZSJ around for an OVERHEAD Belly2Belly! ZSJ staggers up against ropes, Cobb runs in, but ZSJ dodges the lariat. ZSJ avoid the dropkick, body scissors, but Cobb slips out to trip ZSJ! Cobb body scissors ZSJ into an O’Conner Bridge!! TWO!! ZSJ KICKS Cobb in the leg again and again! ZSJ runs, into the ATHLETIC PLEX!! ZSJ flops to the apron but Cobb drags him back in. Cobb deadlift GERMAN SUPLEXES!!

Fans fire up with Cobb and he brings ZSJ up. Cobb whips ZSJ to scoop and TOUR- NO, crucifix takedown! Cover, ZSJ WINS!!!!

Winner: Zack Sabre Jr, by pinfall (still NJPW World Television Champion)

Season one is still not done! ZSJ puts this one away in 8 minutes and 46 seconds and he shocks Cobb! Will anyone ever take this title from The Frontman?

 

Vacated IWGP Heavyweight & NJPW Strong Openweight Tag Team Championships Triple Threat: Bishamon VS The House of Torture VS Great-O-Khan & Aaron Henare!

The misfortune of Aussie Open becomes an opportunity for others! Hirooki Goto & Yoshi-Hashi thought they were 2v2 with EVIL & Yujiro Takahashi, but then the United Empire stepped back in. Will the Dominator & Ultimate Weapon take these titles back for the team? Will it be #LightsOut courtesy of Chaos? Or will Darkness Fall as the King of Darkness & The Tokyo Pimp rise?

But of course the House of Torture attacks before the bell! Evil, Yujiro and even Dick Togo attack The United Empire while they’re making their way down the ramp! Fans boo while they mug Henare, and then start brawling with Bishamon! They CHOKE Hashi with a shirt, and send Goto into railing! Evil then sends Hashi into railing for good measure. Yujiro drags Goto up and Evil has Hashi. The House both whip Bishamon, but Bishamon turns things around to send Evil into Yujiro! And then Goto DOUBLE LARIATS them down! Fans fire up and Bishamon sets the House up, for Hashi to FLY! Direct hit at the ramp!

Fans fire up more but the Empire returns! The bell rings so this is on record now, as Henare HEADBUTTS Hashi and Khan puts Goto in the ring. The Empire then keeps after Goto, IRON CLAW SLEEPER and some body shots! Then MONGOLIAN CHOP, and a KICK to the chest! This has clearly turned into a tornado tag. Khan SPLASHES, covers, TWO! Khan sits Goto up for Henare to KICK and SENTON! Cover, Hashi breaks it! Khan CLUBS Hashi, he and Henare stomp him, and then Khan whips Hashi into a corner to clothesline from behind! Fans fire up as Khan sits up on his throne! AKA on Hashi. Henare then runs in to BUTT PUNCH!!

Khan drags Hashi up, Henare climbs, FLYING CHUCK BACK SUPLEX COMBO! Cover, TWO! Hashi hangs tough but the Empire stomps him. The House of Torture returns and attacks the Empire! They whip Khan to a bare corner! When did the Bullet Club Special come into play!? But then Evil whips Henare into the bare buckles! Henare writhes and falls out of the ring, Dick stands on Khan’s neck! Yujiro RAMS Hashi into the bare buckles! Yujiro drags Hashi up, snapmares, and runs to drop a leg, brother! Cover, TWO! Evil drags Hashi up to throw him out of the ring. Evil distracts the ref, and Dick JAMS Hashi with a chair!

Fans boo, but Dick DECKS Goto then drags Hashi back up. Dick puts Hashi back in and Evil covers, TWO! Hashi is still in this but Evil argues with the ref. Fans rally, Evil & Yujiro kick and taunt Hashi. Fans rally up but Yujiro ROCKS Hashi with a forearm. Hashi ends up in a corner, the House mugs him, and the two double whip him corner to corner. Hashi avoids Evil’s clothesline to dropkick Yujiro’s legs out! Hashi dodges Evil again to SPIN BACK KICK! Fans fire up and Goto returns, he CLOBBERS Yujiro! Goto runs at Evil, blocks a boot and puts it in the ropes to KICK the leg! Yujiro runs in but is sent into Evil!

Goto kicks Yujiro, gets them both, DOUBLE BULLDOG for the House! Fans fire up, Goto drags Evil up but Evil rakes eyes. Evil runs, but into double shoulders from Bishamon! Then ZANMAI! Khan runs in but Goto kicks him first. Goto snap suplexes Khan onto Evil! Hashi mule kicks Henare, and Bishamon DRUMS away on him! Fans fire up as Bishamon flexes. Goto whips Henare corner to corner, runs in to clothesline, and then Hashi runs in to CHOP! Hashi feeds Henare to Goto’s clinch, Hashi runs, but Yujiro trips Hashi up! Yujiro drags Hashi out but Goto CLUBS Henare down. Yujiro whips Hashi into railing while Evil drags Goto out!

Evil RAMS Goto into the timekeeper’s area! Down goes Abe-san and Young Lions hurry over to help. Evil & Yujiro stomp away on Henare, Evil covers, TWO! Yujiro covers Henare, TWO! Evil covers, ONE!! Henare snarls but Yujiro SLIDING BOOTS! Cover, TWO! The House is annoyed with the count but the count is fair. Evil & Yujiro drag Henare up, mug him, but then Khan gets in! IRON CLAW, into the FGO PLEX! Henare elbows Evil to the corner, Khan runs in to clothesline! Henare adds the SHINING WIZARD! Henare feeds Evil to Khan, ASSISTED BERSERKER BOMB! Cover, TWO!! Evil survives but Khan BOOTS Yujiro out!

The Empire flexes! The Monster Rage is boiling! Henare fireman’s carries Evil, Khan runs, but Dick gets in the way! Khan MONGOLIAN CHOPS him for it! But Evil sends Henare into Khan! Khan falls, Goto LARIATS Henare! Evil kicks Goto and whips him into the bare buckles! Hashi returns, Evil kicks and whips but Hashi reverses! Evil hits bare buckles! Yujiro gets in, he dodges Hashi to then kick low, dragon sleeper, REVERSE DDT! Khan returns but Yujiro kicks him and runs. But he runs into the DOUBLE BOOT! Fans rally up, The Empire throw off their armbands to shoutout Aussie Open! DOUBLE LARIAT SANDWICH!

Khan drags Yujiro up into the HITSUJIGOROSHI! Henare gets the legs, FUBUKI! They thrash Yujiro around, and then hit MARINE!!! Cover, Dick drags the ref out!! Fans boo as Dick lives up to his namesake! But then SHO slides in, and he GERMAN SUPLEXES Henare! Khan swings on Sho, but Sho grabs the ponytail to LOW BLOW Khan! The House of Torture is in full force as they stomp out Bishamon! Fans boo as hard as they can but the House all stomp Goto! The fans tell Sho to go away but the House put one out on Goto. Then they drag Goto up, Evil & Dick hit MAGIC KILLER!! Dick gets the ref in, Evil covers, TWO!!!!

Fans fire up as Goto survives! Evil is furious with the ref, but this distraction allows Dick to get in with the SPOILER CHOKER!! But here comes YOH! Yoh has a skateboard, he throws it to Sho to then DROPKICK it into him! Yoh KNEES Dick out of the ring, SUPERKICKS Evil, and fans fire up! Yoh PLANCHAS Sho down! Fans fire up as Hashi gets in and aims at Yujiro. Yoh drags Sho away as Hashi runs in, but Yujiro boots him! Yujiro runs, but into a LARIAT from Hashi! Bishamon get Yujiro up, whip and fireman’s carry, to FIERCE FLASH!! And from there, Hashi calls their shot! They drag Yujiro back up, but Yujiro kicks free!

Yujiro grabs the ref, Dick SMACKS Goto with a chair!! But Henare is back to PENALTY KCIK Yujiro! And then he RAMPAGES into Goto!! Fans fire up as Henare roars! Fisherman suplex to torture rack, STREETS OF- SUPERKICK! Hashi takes Henare down but Yujiro TOSSES Hashi! Yujiro drags Goto up, PIMP JUICE!! Cover, TWO?!?! No one can believe it but Goto survives! Yujiro drags Goto up, fans are thunderous, but GOto fights Big Juice to waistlock. Yujiro switches, Goto RAMS him into a corner! Hashi runs in to LARIAT! Whip and CHOP! SUPERKICK! Fans fire up with Hashi and they bring Yujiro to the corner!

But Dick jumps in! Evil drags Hashi back, EVERYTHING- NO, Hashi slips free to send Evil into Dick! But Henare MONGOLIAN CHOPS Hashi and sends him into Goto! Evil returns, but Khan blocks the low blow! IRON CLAW!! ELIMINATOR SLAM!! IRON CLAW for Hashi, but Hashi slips free! SNAP DRAGON SUPLEX! BASEMENT BOOT from Yujiro! Yujiro roars, fans boo, but Yujiro has Hashi up, BIG- NO, no juice! Feed to a forearm, and then a SUPERKICK! Goto goes up top, Hashi brings Yujiro up, DANGEROUS DEED!!! Hashi SUPERKICKS Henare, and fans are thunderous as Bishamon resets!

They drag Yujiro up, SHOTO!!! Cover, BISHAMON WINS!!

Winners: Bishamon, by pinfall (NEW Dual IWGP Heavyweight & NJPW Strong Openweight Tag Team Champions)

What a battle for all these belts! The House of Torture tried to stack the deck, the United Empire tried to continue where Aussie Open left off, but it was Chaos who rose above the chaos! Goto & Hashi are now THREE-TIME IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Champions, and they have the NJPW Strong titles on top of it! Will Bishamon soon set a new standard for being tag team champions in NJPW?

Wait, what’s this? Bullet Club War Dogs? Who are they? ALEX COUGHLIN AND GABRIEL KIDD?!!? The Android and the Young Bull are now following David Finlay?! And they rush into the ring to fire off on Bishamon!! Fans are speechless as the new champions get beat down! Kidd flips everyone off and Coughlin shouts, that gets fans to boo. Kidd says if they’re not gonna be given chances, they’ll take ’em for themselves! And then Kidd drags Hashi up, Coughlin suplexes Goto, TOMBSTONE and a JACKHAMMER!! The Mechanical Bulls have transformed into the Rebel’s War Dogs, will Bullet Club grab up more gold?

 

NJPW announces the G1 Climax 33 field!

This year is massive! We will see Kazuchika Okada, Tetsuya Naito, Sanada, Will Ospreay, Hiroshi Tanahashi, David Finlay, Shota Umino, Shingo Takagi, Tomohiro Ishii, Tama Tonga, Tanga Loa, Hikuleo, Hirooki Goto, Yoshi-Hashi, Toru Yano, Kenta, Zack Sabre Jr, Taichi, Eddie Kingston, El Phantasmo, Ren Narita, Evil, Chase Owens, Jeff Cobb, Great-O-Khan, Aaron Henare, Gabriel Kidd, Alex Coughlin, Shane Haste, Mikey Nicholls, Yota Tsuji, and from Pro-Wrestling Noah, KAITO KIYOMIYA!! What epic history will be #BornInTheRing?

 

NEVER Openweight Championship: David Finlay w/ Bullet Club VS El Phantasmo!

In this Savages Only Era of Bullet Club, there was no room for the compassion ELP showed Tama Tonga. The Rebel kicked the Headbanga to the curb, but now ELP’s back for revenge! Will Finlay regret his hostile takeover? Or will he prove that NJPW needs The Rebel?

ELP has a remix of his theme to signify him leaving Bullet Club behind. As for Finlay, he doesn’t just have Gedo but he has Connors, and the newest recruits, Moloney, Coughlin & Kidd. Finlay hands off the belt to Gedo so he can rush the ring! ELP is ready, and the brawl is on! The bell rings, fans fire up, and ELP gets the edge! Finlay shoves ELP back, swings, but ELP dodges. Finlay narrowly dodges Sudden Death! ELP DIVES out onto Finlay to send him into railing! Fans fire up while Finlay staggers. ELP brings Finlay around to SMACK him off the apron! And then TOSS him over railing!

Finlay hits the other railing in front of the fans, and then ELP goes back into the ring. TO SPRINGBOARD CROSSBODY!! Direct hit in No Man’s Land and they both hit the railing! Fans are thunderous as ELP staggers back up. ELP fist bumps fans, drags Finlay up and tosses him back to ringside. ELP keeps after Finlay with a CHOP! Finlay kicks back, throws a forearm, but ELP ROCKS Finlay back. ELP puts Finlay in the ring, boots him to ropes, and then brings Finlay up to CHOP! Finlay whips corner to corner, Finlay reverses but ELP goes up and over. Things keep moving, ELP ducks to springboard and CROSSBODY! And then LIONSAULT! Cover, TWO!

Finlay grits his teeth but the fans rally for “E L P! E L P!” ELP stands Finlay up to ROCK him with a forearm, then ROCK him again! ELP hushes everyone, and he CHOPS! Finlay turns things around, but ELP dodges to CHOP again! Finlay tries again but ELP blocks the chop to knuckle lock and CHOP! ELP goes up, up, hops around, then FLYING RANAS! Not the smoothest but Finlay is still sent tumbling out. ELP builds speed, but the War Dogs stand in his way. Fans boo, but Finlay gets in to CLOBBER ELP from behind! Finlay rains down fists, the ref counts because those are closed fists, and Finlay lets off.

Fans boo but Finlay just flips them all off. Finlay goes out and drags ELP out to join him. Finlay ROCKS ELP, RAMS him into railing, and then stomps him. Finlay throws hands, the ref has him back off, and Finlay obeys. Fans rally for “E L P! E L P!” but Finlay comes back to then fireman’s carry ELP, and POST him! ELP falls in a heap and Finlay flexes. Fans boo again but Finlay goes looking under the ring. Finlay brings out a TABLE! Fans boo more as Finlay sets the table up. Finlay fetches ELP, drags him over, and he taunts the fans as he hauls ELP up. But ELP fights free of the bomb, gets on the apron, and he drags Finlay up!

Fans fire up as ELP reels Finlay in to hook the arms! Finlay fights, hooks ropes and gets into the ring. ELP hurries after but Finlay throat chops! Finlay whips to CLOBBER ELP, then he SENTONS! Cover, TWO! Finlay is annoyed but Gedo coaches him to stay on ELP. Finlay drags ELP up to whip him hard into a corner! ELP falls over in a heap and Gedo cheers while fans boo. Finlay stands on ELP on the apron but the ref counts. Finlay lets off, Gedo tells ELP to give up, and Finlay taunts ELP. Finlay drags ELP up, but ELP chops. There isn’t much to it, but ELP chops again. There’s still not much power, and Finlay taunts ELP.

ELP chops, but Finlay UPPERCUTS! Fans boo but the Bullet Club all soaks it up. Finlay drags ELP up to snap suplex! Cover, TWO! Finlay clamps onto ELP with a chinlock and he grinds ELP down. Fans rally, ELP fights but Finlay turns him for a full mount. Finlay KNEES ELP in the back, and again, and again! Finlay clamps back on with another chinlock to grind him down. ELP still endures and the fans rally up. ELP fights up to his feet, throws body shots, but Finlay throws ELP by his hair! Fans rally for ELP but Finlay looms over him. Finlay drags ELP up, and CLUBS him with a crossface forearm! And then another!

Fans boo but Finlay sits ELP up again for another crossface forearm! And another, and another, and then winds up to- NO, ELP ducks the blindsider! Things keep moving and ELP DROPKICKS Finlay down! Fans fire up while Bullet Club coaches Finlay up. Finlay stirs and ELP shakes his head. Fans rally again and ELP rises up. ELP goes to a corner, Finlay drags himself up with ropes. Finlay runs in, but into an atomic drop! ELP CHOPS, scoops, and SLAMS! ELP then goes to another corner, goes up top, and FALLING ELBOWS! Fans fire up as ELP tunes up the band! ELP aims but Moloney distracts! AND Connors!

Fans boo but Finlay runs in to CLOBBER ELP! Finlay stomps away on ELP and fans boo more. The ref counts, Finlay lets off at 4 and he dares the ref to keep acting tough. Finlay then drags ELP up for an EXPLODER! Finlay dusts off his hands while ELP crawls to the corner. Finlay runs in but ELP put shim right up top, and in a Tree of Woe! Gedo protests but fans fire up. ELP stands on Finlay’s crotch! The ref counts, ELP lets off, but the fans fire up! Finlay clutches his shillelagh and ELP goes Around the World, to SLIDING BOOT! Finlay falls out of the Tree and ELP drags him to a cover, TWO!

ELP goes outside, takes aim as Finlay rises, and ELP springboards to TORNADO DDT! Cover, TWO!! Finlay survives and Gedo is relieved. ELP drags Finlay up, reels him in, tucks the arms, but Finlay drops to a knee to fight the lift. Fans rally, ELP keeps trying, but Finlay spins out to ROCK ELP! ELP DECKS Finlay! Finlay goes to a corner, comes back and he ROCKS ELP! ELP winds up to DECK Finlay! Fans fire up while Finlay staggers back up. Finlay rakes the eyes! The ref counts, but ELP gives Finlay PURPLE NURPLES! Finlay throat chops, then SPITS at ELP! Fans boo but ELP swings, into an EXPLODER!

But ELP is right back up!? Fans fire up but Finlay is mad! Finlay slaps ELP around but ELP just palm strikes! And again! And again! ELP BOOTS Finlay into a corner then stomps away! The fans fire up, the ref counts, and ELP lets off to go to the far corner. ELP runs in, but Finlay ALLEY-OOPS him onto the buckles! ELP staggers back, into a BLUE THUNDER BOMB! Cover, TWO!! Fans fire up as ELP is still in this, but Finlay hauls him up. Finlay scoops, swings, IRISH CURSE BACKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Gedo is upset with the count but fans continue to rally. Finlay shakes his head and he looms over ELP.

Finlay drags ELP up to gut wrench, but ELP slips free to mule kick! ELP front kicks, then kicks a leg out, to BUZZSAW! ELP takes off an elbow pad while fans fire up. ELP runs, and LARIATS! A shoutout to “Daddy” Takagi on commentary? Cover, TWO! Fans fire up as ELP takes off another elbow pad. ELP brings Finlay up, slashes his throat, but it’s Finlay who suplexes! Finlay hangs ELP out to dry, then gut wrenches into the Canadian Rack! DOMINATOR! Cover, TWO!! ELP survives and Finlay is furious! Fans rally up for ELP but Finlay brings down his kneepad. Finlay slashes his throat but fans boo.

Finlay drags ELP up, suplexes, but ELP slips free! SUDDEN DEATH! ELP resets, to SUDDEN DEATH again!! Cover, TWO!! Finlay survives but fans are thunderous for ELP! ELP straitjackets, torture racks, and BURNING HAMMERS! No spin needed, ELP just goes to the corner! ELP climbs but Moloney gets up. ELP BOOTS him down onto Connors! And then he ARIHARA MOONSAULTS the War Dogs, Coughlin & Kidd! Then ELP goes back up, to SUPER SWANTON Connors & Moloney! Fans are thunderous again as ELP SUDDEN DEATHS Gedo!! ELP goes up top, Finlay is down, but then Finlay springs up to SHOVE ELP to the floor!

The Rebel played dead just so he could send ELP down! Finlay hurries out, brings ELP over to the table, and he POWERBOMBS ELP through the table!! Fans boo and the ref checks ELP. Finlay grins as he drags ELP up out of the wreckage. Finlay puts ELP in the ring, takes his time stalking him, and then drags ELP up for a POWERBOMB! Finlay doesn’t cover, he’s gonna torture ELP like he did Tama Tonga. Finlay drags ELP up, suplexes him, INTO OBLIVION! Cover, Finlay wins!!

Winner: David Finlay, by pinfall (still NEVER Openweight Champion)

The Rebel is victorious, but his savage pawns were a big part of this. Finlay calls out “Daddy” Takagi on commentary, daring him to do something to help “Baby” Phantasmo. Does NJPW really need The Rebel when The Rebel needs his War Dogs to win?

 

IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship: Hiromu Takahashi VS Master Wato!

The Ticking Timebomb could not make his four-peat dream come true, but he’s still proud to see the Way of the Grandmaster succeed. Will Hiromu still be proud should Wato actually win here? Or will Hiromu prove he is still the Best of the Super Juniors?

The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see if Wato walks away with it, the trophy and the banner!

The bell rings and fans rally and duel, “HI-RO-MU!” “WA-TO! WA-TO!” The two circle, tie up, and Wato wrenches an arm to a wristlock. Hiromu slips through, hammerlocks, but Wato switches that onto Hiromu. Hiromu headlocks for the takeover but Wato headscissors. Hiromu kips free and fans cheer the opening exchange. The two reset, circle again, and tie up. Wato headlocks, but Hiromu throws body shots. Hiromu powers out, Wato runs him over! Fans cheer, things keep moving, and Hiromu hurdles. Wato leaps over, comes back and arm-drags, then DROPKICKS! Hiromu falls out of the ring while fans rally up.

Wato builds speed but Hiromu slips in to trip Wato! Hiromu drags Wato out to RAM into railing, and then whip into more railing! But Wato comes back to BOOT Hiromu! Fans rally, Wato whips Hiromu but Hiromu reverses and Wato hits railing hard! Hiromu drags Wato up and shouts “MADA MADA! <NOT DONE YET!>” Hiromu whips Wato hard into more railing! Wato crawls, fans rally, and Hiromu aims from the apron. Hiromu JOHN WOOS Wato through the gate! Hiromu gets Wato back in the ring, covers, TWO! Wato is still in this but Hiromu keeps his cool. Hiromu drags Wato up but Wato throws body shots.

Hiromu eggs Wato on so Wato throws more shots. Hiromu CHOPS Wato, then shouts “MOTTO! <MORE!>” Fans echo that, and Hiromu CHOPS! “MOTTO!” “MOTTO!” CHOP! Hiromu whips corner to corner, clotheslines, then snapmares to basement dropkick! Fans rally as Wato bails out. Hiromu goes back to the apron, to JOHN- NO, Wato dodges! But then Hiromu dodges Wato to kick low and fireman’s carry. Hiromu takes Wato up the ramp! Fans fire up as Hiromu goes higher and higher, but Wato fights free. Hiromu kicks low to suplex Wato on the stage! The ref reprimands while fans rally and duel.

Hiromu leaves Wato behind while the ref checks him. Wato stirs, Hiromu rolls into the ring, and the ring count begins. Wato rolls his way down the ramp, and Hiromu is amused. The count is 11 of 20, Wato crawls as we reach 14. Wato stands at 15 and slides in at 16. Fans applaud and Hiromu brings Wato up. Hiromu CHOPS Wato, CHOPS him again, then whips. Wato holds ropes, he BOOTS back, and then he runs in, to CALF KICK Hiromu down! Hiromu bails out and Wato builds speed. Wato FLIES! Direct hit and Wato fires up! Fans rally, the ring count returns, but Wato puts Hiromu in at 5 of 20.

Wato aims from the apron, springboards in, but Hiromu gets under! Wato rolls to a corner and Hiromu runs in, but into a BOOT! Wato then runs to BULLDOG! Fans rally, Wato brings Hiromu up but Hiromu swings. Wato gets around to ZIGZAG! Cover, TWO! Wato keeps focus, and he rolls Hiromu into VENDAVAL! Hiromu scrambles to get the ROPEBREAK! Wato drags Hiromu back up to wrench and reel him in. Hiromu fights the lift, but Wato keeps trying. Hiromu wrenches out, fireman’s carries, but Wato slips free! Wato runs in but into a BOOT! Hiromu runs but Wato ducks to return, into a spin and FALCON ARROW!

Fans fire up while both men are down. Hiromu staggers up to his feet and brings Wato up. Hiromu fireman’s carries, to CORNER DEATH VALLEY! Hiromu then drags Wato back up to another fireman’s carry, to DYNAMITE- NO, Wato sunset flips! TWO, into VENDAVAL! Wato has Hiromu caught but Hiromu reaches out. Hiromu teetertotters the hold but Wato isn’t letting go! Hiromu keeps rocking things back and forth, getting closer and closer, but Wato puts on the pressure! Hiromu still endures, to get the ROPEBREAK! Fans cheer as Wato lets go in frustration. Wato drags Hiromu back up, but Hiromu fights the German Suplex!

Hiromu throws elbows, gets to ropes, but Wato pulls him back. Wato lifts again but Hiromu fights, and he ends up going up and over the ropes onto the apron. Hiromu pries at the waistlock but Wato just goes up the ropes! Hiromu fires more elbows and Wato lets go. But then Wato GAMANGIRIS Hiromu to the floor! Fans fire up, Wato builds speed and Wato TORNILLOS! Direct hit, and Wato puts Hiromu back in. Wato aims, springboards, FLYING UPPER- GERMAN!? Hiromu turns Wato’s flight into a crash landing! Fans fire up while Wato is dazed. Wato crawls to the far corner and Hiromu takes aim.

Hiromu runs in to SHOTGUN Wato into buckles! Then fireman’s carry, but Wato fights it. So Hiromu throws Wato to a dragon sleeper, spins him around, but Wato fights the suplex! Wato scoops but Hiromu fights free. Hiromu ducks the elbow, fireman’s carries again, and TIME BOMB 1.5! Cover, TWO!! Wato survives and fans rally up again. Hiromu roars, he waits on Wato to rise, and then runs, but Wato ducks! Wato comes back, but into the HIROMU-CHAN BOMBER! Hiromu dragon sleepers to inverted suplex, but Wato kicks around to turn things around on Hiromu! Wato scoops, to T T D!! Cover, TWO!!

Hiromu survives the Tenzan Tombstone Driver but Wato doesn’t fret. Fans rally as Wato goes to the apron and climbs up. But Hiromu CHOPS him first! And CHOPS him again! Hiromu climbs up but Wato throws headbutts! Wato adjusts, slips under Hiromu and waistlocks, and brings Hiromu off the ropes! Hiromu throws elbows to get free, but then Wato crucifix takedown, reset and RECIENTEMENTE!! Cover, TWO!! Hiromu survives but the fans are thunderous for Wato! Wato drags Hiromu up, Hiromu fights the lift and throws elbows, then reaches for ropes. Hiromu gets the ROPEBREAK, but Wato kicks that arm!

Wato reels Hiromu back in, GERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO!! It wasn’t quite Tsutenkaku so Hiromu manages to escape! Wato fires himself back up, he chicken wings and half nelsons, but Hiromu fights the suplex to a victory roll! Only for Wato to sit on the cover! TWO!!! But Wato then body scissors, for VENDAVAL!! Hiromu endures, but he’s fading! Fans rally, Wato pulls harder on the hold, but Hiromu gets a second wind! Hiromu fights his way around, uses the teetertotter technique again, but Wato PULLS on the hold!! Hiromu starts fading again! But he gets a third wind and fights his way around to the ROPEBREAK!!

Fans cheer as Wato lets go again. Wato is beside himself, but then he fires back up. Hiromu sputters but Wato brings him back up. Waistlock, TSUTEN- NO, Hiromu fights it! Hiromu throws elbows, reaches for ropes, but Wato brings him away! Hiromu throws more elbows and from all sides! Wato lets go, but then shoves, only for Hiromu to buck the O’Conner. Hiromu ELBOWS Wato, but Wato blocks the lariat to kick, KICK and ROUND- NO, Hiromu ducks to mule kick, front kick, and SUPERKICK! Wato shakes his head, but turns around into HIROMU-CHAN BOMBER!! Fans fire up as Hiromu roars!

Hiromu runs, but into the SCREW HIGH KICK! Wato roars and fans are thunderous! Wato drags Hiromu back up, TSUTENKAKU!!! Bridging cover, TWO?!?!? Hiromu narrowly escapes the bridge, but Wato still has the waistlock! Chicken wing, half nelson, RECIENTE- NO, Hiromu slips free! Hiromu ducks the roundhouse to pump handle and HIROMU-CHAN ROLL!! TWO?!?! Wato shocks himself by escaping! But he turn around into a SUPERKICK! Wato comes back, into another SUPERKICK! Wato staggers around, but he blocks the kick to spin Hiromu, tilt-o-whirl, but Hiromu blocks! And tucks, for a- NO, VICTORTY ROLL!

Hiromu slips free! And jackknife rolls to a fireman’s carry! TIMEBOMB!!!! Cover, TWO?!?!?! Wato survives and the fans are electric!! Hiromu stands Wato up, runs, and HIROMU-CHAN BOMBER!!! But Hiromu won’t stop there, he dragon sleepers to inverted suplex, and TIMEBOMB MKII!!!! Cover, HIROMU WINS!

Winner: Hiromu Takahashi, by pinfall (still IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion)

Hiromu now knows why Master Wato won this year’s tournament, but the world knows that Hiromu is still THE Best of the Super Juniors! The two show respect to one another, will we see them run it back somewhere down the line?

 

NEVER Openweight Six Man Tag Team Championships: Kazuchika Okada, Hiroshi Tanahashi & Tomohiro Ishii VS Blackpool Combat Club!

The Dream Trio has been going back and forth with Shota Umino and his pals from overseas, but now the Roughneck might have brought the best combination possible. Will #SHOOTER, Jon Moxley & Claudio Castagnoli bring these belts to AEW? Or will the Rainmaker, Ace of the Universe and Stone Pitbull be too much even for the BCC?

The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we see if these Death Riders can bring about a Paradigm Shift!

The trios sort out and Shota stares at Okada, much like the last match they were both in. And much like then, Okada just kinda ignores Shota. Fans cheer Tanahashi’s abs as he takes off the jacket, and finally, Okada looks at Shota. Okada talks some trash, then goes to the corner. Instead, Tanahashi steps up. So then the BCC let the Swiss Superman step up! Fans cheer getting to see the ROH World Champion in action as the bell rings. Fans rally up for Tanahashi as he and Claudio circle. They tie up, are in a deadlock, but Claudio uses his height as leverage to put Tanahashi on ropes.

Tanahashi turns things around, Red Shoes calls the break, and Tanahashi lets off slowly. Fans cheer and the two reset. They tie up again, and Tanahashi waistlocks. Tanahashi goes for arms but Claudio resists. Tanahashi shifts to a headlock, Claudio powers up to power out, and he runs Tanahashi over! Tanahashi sits up but Claudio brings him around to RAM into a corner, and then UPPERCUT! Fans fire up, Claudio whips corner to corner, then runs in, but into BOOTS! Tanahashi goes up, and CROSSBODIES! Fans cheer the air guitar, but Moxley gets in to CLOBBER Tanahashi! Moxley mocks the air guitar, but Ishii storms in!

Ishii ROCKS Moxley! Moxley choke grips, Ishii breaks that to choke grip, but then Moxley breaks that to go forehead to forehead. Fans fire up, Moxley ROCKS Ishii and runs to RAM him! But Ishii stays up, roars, and ROCKS Moxley! Moxley roars and ROCKS Ishii! Moxley whips, Ishii ducks and Tanahashi comes back to dropkick a leg! Ishii dropkicks a leg, and Okada BOOTS Moxley out! Claudio returns but into double dropkicks to the legs! Okada dodges Shota to shove him into a LARIAT! The Dream Trio stands tall and fans fire up. Red Shoes reprimands, and the others exit so Tanahashi has Claudio.

Claudio UPPERCUTS! Tanahashi forearms! Claudio forearms, so Tanahashi gives it back! Fans rally as the forearms go back and forth, but Claudio kicks low and UPPERCUTS! Claudio headlocks, Tanahashi powers out and drops, but leaps into Claudio’s arms! BACKBREAKER! Fans cheer the show of strength, and Claudio tags in Shota. Shota dares Okada to tag in, but Okada again ignores him. So Shota runs in to DECK Okada! What’s Okada’s response now? Fans rally, and Okada reaches in. Tanahashi tags him in, and then Shota rushes Okada. Okada dodges, drags Shota out, and whips him hard into railing!

Okada runs in to BOOT Shota up and over the railing! Fans fire up as Okada drags Shota up from No Man’s Land and out along the railing. But Shota slips off to RAM Okada into the post! And then Shota POSTS Okada, to then whip him hard into railing! Okada goes down in a heap, but Shota isn’t done with him, as he confiscates the timekeeper table! Shota CHUCKS it at Okada! Okada goes down, Claudio & Moxley throw Ishii & Tanahashi into railing! Shota returns the table to the timekeeper and the BCC “apologize” to Red Shoes. Shota drags Okada up, puts him in the ring, and fans applaud.

Shota stalks Okada, stomps him, then tags Moxley. Fans cheer as the Maniac stomps Okada now. And KICKS him in the chest! And again! And again! Okada falls over, tag to Claudio, and he stomps Okada. Claudio gut wrenches Okada up for the SUPLEX! Cover, TWO! Okada is still in this but Claudio tags Moxley back in. The BCC mug Okada, and then split the wishbone! Moxley stomps Okada, gets a leg, and turns Okada for a HALF CRAB! Okada endures but Ishii storms over to CLUB Moxley off the hold! Fans cheer but Red Shoes reprimands. Shota tags in, he stomps a leg, then BLASTS Ishii and Tanahashi off the apron!

Shota goes back to Okada, but Okada BLASTS Moxley and Claudio! Shota fires off on Okada in the corner, digs his boot in, but Red Shoes reprimands. Claudio tags in to stomp a mudhole into Okada! Claudio then lets off, to run in and BOOT Okada! Tag to Moxley, and he runs in to clothesline! Snapmare, KICK, cover, TWO! Moxley facelocks and he drags Okada back. Shota tags in again, and he hoists Okada up. Moxley runs, HART ATTACK! Cover, TWO! Okada is still in this but Shota argues with his dad about the count. Red Shoes says that was a fair count, so Shota kicks and taunts Okada.

Fans rally, Shota keeps egging Okada on with those scuffing kicks, and then he starts slapping Okada around. Okada swings, Shota catches him, but Okada fights the clinch. Shota kicks low, Okada BOOTS him back! Shota comes right back to CLUB away on Okada! Shota whips Okada corner to corner, runs in, but Okada dodges! Okada kicks and DDTs Shota down! Fans fire up while both men crawl. Hot tags to Claudio and Tanahashi! Tanahashi dodges to fire off fast hands on Claudio! Tanahashi whips, Claudio reverses but Tanahashi FLYING FOREARMS! Moxley gets in, Tanahashi shows forearm, but he dropkicks the legs out!

Shota runs in but Tanahashi DRAGON PALMS him down! Fans fire up with Tanahashi and he runs, but Claudio UPPERCUTS! Claudio BOOTS, but Tanahashi roars! Claudio runs, but Tanahashi blocks the boot to a DRAGON SCREW! Fans fire up while both men are down. Tanahashi crawls, hot tag to Ishii! Fans fire up as Ishii RAMS Claudio! Claudio ROCKS Ishii, suplexes, but Ishii fights it to suplex. Claudio fights but Ishii powers through to suplex high and hard! But Moxley kicks ow and whips Ishii to the corner. Ishii comes back to run Moxley over! Shota RAMS Ishii, but Ishii stays up to DECK Shota!

Fans fire up with the Stone Pitbull as he goes back to Claudio. Ishii fires forearm after forearm, but Claudio ROCKS him right back! Claudio SWATS Ishii’s lariat, UPPERCUTS him, then torture racks for a RACK BOMB! Tag to Moxley and fans fire up again. Moxley runs at Ishii in the corner to clothesline! Moxley gives another clothesline, and another clothesline, and then climbs up! Moxley rains down fists and fans rally with every shot! Moxley gets TEN, then he BITES Ishii! Red Shoes reprimands, Moxley lets off at 4, then he apologizes. But Ishii BOOTS back! Ishii runs, Moxley trips him and puts on the FIGURE FOUR!

But Okada stomps Moxley! Ishii is freed, Okada whips Moxley to ropes, and Okada boots, but Moxley blocks! Moxley trips Okada, but Okada kicks him away. Ishii ROCKS Moxley, Okada BOOTS Moxley, and they double whip him to ropes, but he DOUBLE LARIATS in return! Fans fire up and Moxley drags Ishii up. Moxley reels him in, for a PILEDRIVER!! Cover, Tanahashi breaks it! Claudio goes after Tanahashi and throws him out hard. Claudio goes out after Tanahashi to send him into railing! Fans rally as Moxley sits Ishii up, for HAMMER ‘N’ ANVIL ELBOWS! Fans rally, Moxley runs, SLIDING LARIAT! Cover, TWO!

Moxley stays clamped onto Ishii with a SLEEPER! Ishii endures but he’s already pretty red. Moxley shifts his grip to squeeze even tighter! Ishii fights up, reaches out, but then he SAIDOS! Moxley is right back up!? But Ishii LARIATS! Moxley’s right back up to LARIAT! But Ishii’s right back up!! DOUBLE LARIATS collide, but neither falls! Ishii HEADBUTTS! Moxley wobbles, Ishii runs, but Moxley slips around, DEATH RIDER!!! Moxley wants Ishii to get back up, and then he runs to to CURB STOMP!! Cover, but Okada breaks it! Shota goes after Okada and throws him out! Claudio BOOTS Tanahashi, then drags Ishii up!

Claudio scoops Ishii but Ishii fights free! Ishii staggers, into an UPPERCUT! And a KING KONG LARIAT!! Cover, TWO!!! Ishii survives and fans fire up again! Moxley’s busted open from that headbutt but that just motivates him. Moxley flips the Dream Trio off and calls his shot. Moxley drags Ishii up, underhooks, DEATH- NO, Ishii fights free to ROCK, HEADBUTT and ENZIGURI! Moxley wobbles, Tanahashi SLINGBLADES! Ishii SLIDING LARIATS! Cover, TWO!! Moxley survives but Ishii roars! Okada brawls with Shota, Tanahashi grapples with Claudio, and Ishii suplexes Moxley, but Moxley slips free! CUTTER!!

But Ishii’s right up to LARIAT!! Both men are down again and fans are thunderous! Fans rally, Shota and Okada are on their corners. Hot tags to the Roughneck and Rainmaker! Okada catches Shota for a HUGE FLAPJACK! Fans fire up as Shota flounders to a corner. Okada storms up, whips Shota corner to corner but Shota reverses. Shota runs in, into a BOOT! Okada SHOTGUNS Shota down! Fans fire up and Okada drags Shota up to wrench and MONEY CLIP!! Shota reaches out, Tanahashi goes after Moxley and fires hands. Okada squeezes tighter but Shota endures and fights up! Shota reaches out, and gets the ROPEBREAK!

Okada lets off with slapping hands! And a series of scuffing boots! Okada just HAMMERS away on Shota, then runs, into a DROPKICK! Fans fire up again as Shota BLASTS Ishii and Tanahashi! Claudio gets Okada by the legs, SWISS SWING!! Claudio goes around again and again and again, all the way to TWENTY-EIGHT!! Then the BCC get Okada up, Shota joins in, SHIELD POWERBOMB!!! High stack, TWO!!! Okada survives, which is good as Ishii is a nanosecond late! Claudio throws Ishii out, Moxley builds speed and Moxley DIVES to take out Ishii! Claudio goes out to keep Tanahashi down and Shota aims at Okada!

Shota runs in, SWINGING NECKBREAKER! And then underhooks, but Okada fights the lift! Okada back drops Shota away! Shota is right back up, runs back in to kick, but he runs into a DROPKICK! Okada staggers around while the fans are thunderous! Okada ripcords, RAIN- NO, Shota gets under and around, crisscrosses Okada’s arms, kicks low and reels him in, ELEVATED DEATH RIDER!!!! Cover, TWO!?!?!? Okada survives and the fans are electric! Shota roars, he brings Okada up again, and underhooks again. Okada fights it, Tanahashi runs in to SLINGBLADE! Claudio swings, but into TWIST ‘N’ SHOUT!

Moxley kicks, Tanahashi blocks to spin him! Moxley ROCKS Tanahashi but Tanahashi DRAGON PALMS! Ishii GERMAN SUPLEXES Moxley away! The Dream Trio has Shota all alone! They fire up, Okada BOOTS, Tanahashi DRAGON PALMS and Ishii LARIATS! And then they get Okada up, BOOSTED DDT!! Cover, TWO?!?!? Shota survives and fans are thunderous again! Claudio and Ishii brawl, Tanahashi and Moxley brawl, and Okada drags Shota up. Okada scoops but Shota slips free to throw a forearm! Okada scowls but Shota gets in his face. Shota throws forearms but Okada eggs him on!

Shota swings, Okada dodges and spins Shota, but Shota ducks the discus to kick low! Underhooks, but Okada scoops! EMERALD FLOWSION! And then ripcord, RAINMAKER!!! Cover, The Dream Trio wins!!

Winners: Kazuchika Okada, Hiroshi Tanahashi & Tomohiro Ishii, by pinfall (still NEVER Openweight Six Man Tag Team Champions)

It was one hell of a battle, but Shota and his mentor could not defeat the Dream Trio! Moxley is upset, he wants a mic! Moxley gets the mic, “Check one. Is this on? Hey, mother effers, I got somethin’ to say!” Abe-san helps him by pressing the on button. “Arigato. Hey! A lot of people think the three guys standing in the ring right now might be the best wrestlers in the world, but I disagree. The BCC disagrees, because we train with the undisputed best wrestler in the world, and we bring a message.” Moxley points to the tron.

“For the last 10 years, I’ve heard people talk about how great you are. How you’re the best wrestler of this generation. And I’ve also heard in interviews, that you said you wanna wrestle me. That you wanna fight me. Watching you, you’re good. I know you’re good. But I am the litmus test of ‘great.’ You wanna wrestle Bryan Danielson? You call yourself The Rainmaker? When you step in the ring with me, you’re going into the EFFING DESERT! And there ain’t no rain.” Fans go nuts seeing the American Dragon call out Okada! Fans chant “YES! YES! YES!” and Okada gets the mic. His response: “Bryan… You’re damn right I’ll fight you, ya bastard!”

Bryan just said stepping into the ring with him is like going into the desert? Then Okada’s gonna make it rain and drench that desert of Bryan’s! Fans love the sound of that! Okada then says, “Time to step through the Forbidden Door.” Fans really love the sound of that! Will Okada slay the American Dragon? Or will Bryan bring about a drought in Toronto?

 

IWGP World Heavyweight Championship: SANADA w/ Just5Guys VS Yota Tsuji w/ Los Ingobernables de Japon!

The Cold Skull won this title back at Sakura Genesis, but his short reign could be cut short here tonight! Will Tsuji bring about an apocalypse for Sanada? Or will NJPW still belong to Just5Guys?

The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see if the newest member of LIJ defeats the newest defector!

Takagi leaves commentary so he can be with the rest of LIJ, and Tsuji offers the fist bump. The others get on the apron, and fans cheer as they accept the fist bump. The bell rings and fans fire up as the two stare down. Fans are fired up for “YO-TA! YO-TA!” and he grins. Sanada seems a bit wary as he approaches, as Yota is a big dude. Yota just stares Sanada down as Sanada continues to approach. Sanada then backs off and fans applaud. The two circle slowly, then tie up. They’re in a deadlock as fans rally and duel. Yota pulls Sanada into a headlock and he grinds the hold. Sanada endures, throws body shots, and powers out. Yota runs Sanada over!

Fans cheer as Yota stands over Sanada and grins. Things speed up, Sanada drops then hurdle- SPEAR!! Yota takes Sanada out of the air and Sanada tumbles out of the ring! Fans fire up, Yota builds speed, and FOSBURY FLOPS?!? Fans are going nuts and Yota stands up with a big grin and a raised fist! Takagi is back on commentary and he can’t believe it! To him, that looked more like something Titan would do! Yota puts Sanada in, raises the arm and fans rally up. Sanada slowly rises, Yota takes a three point stance, and Yota runs in, but into a BOOT! Sanada stops the Spear but Yota comes right back!

Sanada blocks the Spear with a facelock and sprawl, but Yota suplexes first! Sanada slips out to SKULL END!! Yota is in the body scissors and Sanada squeezes tight! Yota endures, fans rally up, and Yota pops out of the sleeper, only for Sanada to get him again! SKULL SWING, and then SKULL END!! Yota is back in the body scissors as fans rally up. Yota fights around, reaches out, but Sanada thrashes the hold! Yota’s fading! Sanada lets him go to go up top, ROUNDING BODY PRESS onto knees! Yota saves himself, and fans rally while both men are down. Yota grins as he sits up. Is he having fun!?

Sanada stands, as does Yota. Yota ROCKS Sanada with a forearm! Sanada CHOPS in return! Yota ROCKS Sanada again, so Sanada CHOPS again! Sanada steps to Yota and Yota throws a forearm! Sanada CHOPS, Yota forearms, repeat! Yota just smiles as he ROCKS Sanada again! Sanada scowls as he UPPERCUTS! Sanada whips, Yota reverses, and Yota scoops Sanada for a BACKBREAKER! Yota gets the legs, and powers Sanada right over to a BOSTON CRAB! Yota is using a Young Lion level hold on the world champion to add insult to injury! Sanada endures, but Yota sits deep on the hold!

Fans rally and duel, and Sanada crawls towards ropes, only for Yota to pull him back! And then Yota reaches back to get Sanada’s arms! REVERSE CAMPANA! Sanada endures while Yota swings him around, and then Yota HIP DROPS him! Fans fire up with Yota and he brings Sanada up. Yota wrenches Sanada into a reverse Gory Especial! And hits a VERTEBREAKER!! Cover, TWO!! Sanada survives but Yota keeps cool. Yota goes up a corner, fans fire up, and Yota goes to the very top, for a ROUNDING BODY PRESS! But he FLOPS as Sanada dodges! Yota got a bit cheeky there, trying to steal Sanada’s favorite diving move.

Fans rally up while both men are down. Sanada goes to his corner and J5G coach him up. Yota runs in, but Sanada ELBOWS him! Sanada Quebrada but Yota gets under. Sanada dropkicks the legs and then DROPKICKS Yota out! Fans fire up as Sanada aims, to PLANCHA! Direct hit and down goes Yota! Fans fire up and Sanada encourages them to get louder. The fans oblige and Sanada is satisfied. Sanada drags Yota up and puts him in the ring. Fans rally, Sanada has them get louder, and then Sanada springboards in to MISSILE DROPKICK! But Yota’s right up!? And he SUPERKICKS Sanada!

Fans rally again while both men are down. Red Shoes checks and both men stir. Yota sits right up and fans cheer. Yota catches his breath by he nods as he stands up. Yota brings Sanada up, reels him in, but Sanada blocks the suplex! Yota throws body shots and he suplexes again, but Sanada knees free! Sanada and Yota storm up and Sanada CHOPS! Yota CHOPS back! Sanada is really stinging, but he comes back to CHOP again! Yota CHOPS again, and Sanada is stinging again! Yota grins, Sanada CHOPS, and Yota just keeps grinning! It’s starting to get a bit scary. Yota CHOPS, Sanada CHOPS, repeat!

Fans rally up with every CHOP, and Yota CHOPS! Sanada drops to a knee as he clutches his chest! Yota brings Sanada up but Sanada ROLLING ELBOWS! Sanada roars and runs, but Yota ducks the discus to BACKBREAKER, SLAM and STOMP! Yota then suplexes Sanada, for the POWERBOMB!! Cover, TWO!! Sanada survives the Orange Crush but Yota roars! Yota drags Sanada up, hoists him up top, and CHOPS him again! Yota then climbs up after Sanada and fans fire up. Yota brings Sanada up to the very top, CLUBS him, then clinches, for a SUPER SPANISH FLY!!! Cover, TWO!!!

Fans fire up that Sanada survives, and now Yota’s rage boils up! Yota powers up again and fans cheer him on! Sanada rises, Yota hits the three point stance, and SPEAR- NO, Sanada ducks it! DROPKICK! Yota stays up, runs in, but into a fireman’s carry! Throw into the SKULL END, but Yota arm-drags free! Yota blocks the Shining Wizard!! But Sanada blocks the superkick! Sanada reels Yota in, but Yota cartwheels outta Deadfall!??! And SUPERKICKS again! V-TRIGGER! HEADBUTT!! Yota roars, runs, and CURB STOMPS!!! Cover, TWO!???! Sanada survives that Gene Blast Blitz, but fans are thunderous for Yota!

Yota waits on Sanada to rise, and he runs in again, but he ducks ‘n’ dodges the clotheslines first. Yota SPEARS into a DROPKICK!! Fans are thunderous again as Sanada avoids disaster! Sanada goes up top, ROUNDING BODY PRESS!! Direct hit, and then Sanada runs to SHINING WIZARD!! Fans are thunderous as Sanada hits DEADFALL!!!! Cover, Sanada wins!!!

Winner: Sanada, by pinfall (still IWGP World Heavyweight Champion)

Yota Tsuji is truly a genetic freak, but he still fell short of dethroning Sanada! And even in defeat, he smiles. Yota is in the G1 Climax, will he turn it into the “Gene 1?”

As for Sanada, he gets the mic, and he tells Tsuji, “With what you’re capable of achieving, and what you can learn in LIJ, I’ll be waiting for your challenge anytime. Hey, let’s do it again.” Fans like the sound of that! Sanada then turns to the crowd to say that the next time NJPW is in Osaka will be for the G1 Climax. And this year, going in as the champion, Sanada vows to win it and name his own challenger! Sanada then looks to Taichi, who is also in the G1, and Taichi points to himself and says, “Me?” Sanada figures why not. But for now, Sanada wants to “do this thing.” Sanada says, “Gift, if you please.”

The lights go down and the phones come out to be the stars. Sanada says “Everyone, I have something really important to tell you all today. How’s that song go? ‘Osaka, so close, and yet so far away. I miss it so much, but something something.'” The fans encourage Sanada that he can remember it. The other Just5Guys aren’t quite sure what song he’s talking about, though. “Seriously, what was it?” The fans start singing for him. What? “‘I’m missing?'” Okay, okay. Sanada starts from the top. “Osaka, so close yet so far away. I’m missing it, Osaka. But honestly, out of everywhere in Japan, I love Osaka the most!”

Fans cheer because he said the thing! “OI, OSAKA! See you next time!” Sanada drops the mic, kicks it away, and the golden streamers fly! The Cold Skull Era has only just begun, will he make it through the Summer heat to decide his own fate?


My Thoughts:

An awesome, absolutely stacked Dominion. The kickoff match (which wasn’t part of the broadcast) being another Young Lion gauntlet challenge was really weird, especially when no one’s won even one prize. And opening with Ospreay VS Archer was a surprising choice but it was an awesome match all the same. I figured Ospreay would win, he and Omega can have just an awesome match, and depending on how they wanna play off the current story in AEW of Elite VS BCC, Ospreay could win that US title off Omega to bring it back to Japan and have it more involved in story here. And yeah, I skipped the 8 Man Tag, but we still saw all those guys as part of the main event so no big deal.

The United Empire as a whole had a great showing tonight, even though they went 50-50. Catch 2/2 winning to take the Junior Heavyweight Tag titles back was a bit of a surprise, I had hoped the Jet Setters would get to defend against more teams. Meanwhile, I figured ZSJ would retain and Bishamon would win the tag titles. In ZSJ’s case, it was a great surprise that it was under 10 minutes, and they’re doing this so ZSJ can still feud with Samoa Joe, TV Champ VS TV Champ. For Bishamon, it is mostly because Aussie Open is injured, and I figured NJPW would default to Bishamon for the time being.

Bullet Club also had a really strong night tonight, even though Finlay was the only one in a match. Connors gets Moloney to join him in Bullet Club to go after the Junior Heavyweight Tag titles, and then in an even bigger surprised, Coughlin & Kidd both turn Heel to join up and go after the Heavyweight & Openweight Tag titles. I guess Bullet Club needed some new bodies to replace those Finlay kicked out (ELP, Jay White, and I guess in a way, Juice), and this is a great chance for these younger guys to move up in the world. Finlay of course retains the NEVER Openweight title as yet another example of a Heel faction leader using his faction members, but I look forward to where things go from here.

Great stuff from Hiromu VS Wato, and as great as Wato has done, it all makes sense as to why Hiromu won. Great NEVER Openweight Six Man title match, and they did a great job teasing the BCC coming close to winning. But the Dream Trio of course wins to keep those titles here in NJPW, and I love that we’re getting Okada VS Bryan at Forbidden Door. And of course, an awesome main event for the world title, and Yota Tsuji really is a genetic freak. That Fosbury Flop was awesome given his size. But at the same time, I figured Sanada wasn’t losing, his reign is only a couple months old.

We’re getting a great G1 field, and I bet both Sanada and Yota have great showings. It has been awhile since a world champion won the G1, but I don’t think Sanada’s the guy they’re gonna give that to. And regardless of who wins, holy crap I hope Kaito Kiyomiya and Kazuchika Okada meet. From the graphic they gave us, it looks like they’re in separate blocks, so the only way they would is in the finals. But that’d be fine, because the finals would let them go all out, which is exactly what we need to see between them.

My Score: 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

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!

 MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)

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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!

 MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)

TUESDAY - Musical Chairs (music) / Hockey Talk (NHL)

WEDNESDAY - The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling) 

THURSDAY - Keeping the news ridiculous... The Oddity / Chairshot NFL (NFL)

FRIDAY - DWI Podcast (Drunk Wrestling Intellect)

SATURDAY - The Mindless Wrestling Podcast

SUNDAY - The Front and Center Sports Podcast 

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


Chairshot Radio Network Your home for the hardest hitting podcasts... Sports, Entertainment and Sports Entertainment!

All Shows On Demand


Powered by RedCircle


Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!
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