Coverage
Mitchell’s ROH Results & Report! (6/1/23)
THREE titles, one night!
A golden start to the Summer!
Athena, Zack Sabre Jr. and Katsuyori Shibata all defend their titles on this Double or Nothing aftermath ROH! Will the landscape look very different for Summer?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- The Kingdom w/ Maria Kanellis-Bennett VS The Infantry; The Kingdom wins.
- Skye Blue VS Trish Adora; Skye wins.
- Six Man Tag: Stu Grayson & The Righteous VS The Dark Order; Stu & The Righteous win.
- Diamante VS Promise Braxton; Diamante wins.
- Brian Cage w/ Prince Nana VS Willie Mack; Cage wins.
- NJPW World Television Championship: Zack Sabre Jr. VS Rocky Romero; ZSJ wins and retains the title.
- Action Andretti & Darius Martin VS The WorkHorsemen; Action & Darius win.
- Six Man Tag: The Superbad Squad w/ Penelope Ford VS Bryce Saturn, Jakob Austin Young & Shogun Jones; The Superbad Squad wins.
- Six Man Tag: Bandido, El Hijo del Vikingo & Komander VS Spanish Announce Project & Jack Cartwheel; Bandido, Vikingo & Komander win.
- ROH Pure Championship: Katsuyori Shibata VS Alex Coughlin; Shibata wins and retains the title.
- ROH Women’s World Championship: Athena VS Kiera Hogan; Athena wins and retains the title.
PLAY BY PLAY
The Kingdom w/ Maria Kanellis-Bennett VS The Infantry!
The #OGK has been rebuilding, and they continue to face younger stars in the process. Will Matt Taven & Mike Bennett continue to defend their territory? Or will Captain Shawn Dean & Carlie Bravo march in and win?
The Code of Honor is upheld, but then the Kingdom tries a cheap shot! The Infantry block those kicks, the bell rings, and then the Infantry trade legs and DECK the Kingdom! Fans fire up and the Infantry get the legs again. DOUBLE WISHBONES! Dean clotheslines Mike out, runs in at Taven in the corner, BIG back elbow! Tag to Carlie, he RAMS in, then jukes Taven to DECK him! Tag to Dean, feed to the SKY HIGH! Cover, TWO! Taven survives but Dean brings him around. Dean wrenches, tags Carlie and he goes up to AX HANDLE the arm! Taven goes to an open corner, Carlie storms up and ROCKS him with a right!
Carlie then runs corner to corner but Taven puts him on the apron. Carlie still ROCKS Taven, Mike runs in but Carlie ELBOWS him! Carlie ROCKS Taven again, ROCKS Mike, but Taven springboards, KICK OF THE KING! Carlie falls to the floor, Mike rebounds off ropes to ROCK Carlie! Taven BLASTS Dean, Mike puts Carlie in and he tells the fans to shut up. The ref stops Dean from storming up, The Kingdom tags. GOURD BUSTER and DREAM SMASHER ELBOW! Cover, TWO! Carlie survives, fans rally up but Mike drags him up. Mike puts Carlie in the corner, and he CHOPS! Carlie CHOPS back!
Carlie CHOPS Taven, CHOPS Mike, throws elbows, but Mike whips him into a FLAPJACK HOTSHOT! Tag to Taven, BRAINBUSTER and FROG SPLASH! Cover, TWO!! Dean runs in but Mike knees and kicks him out! The Kingdom focus on Carlie but he fires off forearms and CHOPS! Carlie fires up, runs, but into a fireman’s carry! DEATH VALLEY DRIVER, but Carlie ducks the knee! Roll up on Taven, TWO! Carlie dodges to hot tag Dean! Dean rallies on The Kingdom! BIG back drop for Mike! Spin and float, DDT for Taven! Dean kips up and fans fire up! Dean sees his target, he runs, but Mike distracts so Maria can trip Dean up!
Fans boo but Maria gets away with it. Taven HEEL KICKS Dean, Mike SUPERKICKS Carlie! The Kingdom put Dean up top, coordinate, PROTON PACK! Cover, The Kingdom wins!
Winners: The Kingdom, by pinfall
The OGK do it again, not having left the old tactics behind. They do uphold the Code of Honor, though. But will “the best damn tag team in professional wrestling” prove it by getting the ROH World Tag Team Championships back?
Skye Blue VS Trish Adora!
Chicago Skye may not have the gold, but the silver lining is that there’s always another chance. Will she fight her way to another opportunity? Or will the Afropunk be the one waiting on the other side of tonight’s main event?
The Code of Honor is upheld and the bell rings. They circle, approach, and Skye waistlocks. Adora switches, Skye headlocks but Adora picks her up. Skye thrashes the hold, but Adora picks her up again. Skye uses that for a flying headlock takeover, but Adora fights up to her feet. Adora pries free, wrenches to a top wristlock, then wrenches to WRING Skye out! Adora KICKS Skye, runs, and BOOTS her down! Cover, ONE! Skye hangs tough but Adora drags her up. Adora suplexes but Skye blocks. Skye wrenches, swings, but into a waistlock! Skye throws elbows to fight the lift, bucks the O’Conner and covers Adora, TWO!
Skye mule kicks a leg, Adora blocks the superkick, but not the BASEMENT KICK! Adora goes to a corner, Skye goes corner to corner, but Adora dodges! Skye hits buckles, Adora comes back but she stops Skye from slipping out, into a DRAPING NECKBREAKER! Adora CLUBS Skye, drags her to HIP DROP the arm, and then LA MAGISTROL, TWO! Skye escapes but Adora is after her to wrench. Adora reels Skye in, snap suplexes and bridges, TWO! Skye escapes again but Adora stalks her to ropes. Fans rally for Skye and she throws body shots. But Adora CLUBS her back down! Adora brings Skye up but Skye cradles! TWO!!
Skye gets up but Adora BOOTS her back down! Adora drags Skye up, Alabama Lifts, and tucks Skye into Air Raid STRETCH! Skye endures while upside-down, and she fights out! Adora wrenches but Skye fires forearms! Adora ROCKS Skye back! Adora whips, Skye ducks ‘n’ dodges to tilt-o-whirl and headscissor! Adora is at the ropes, Skye runs to SHINING WIZARD! Skye keeps moving, SHOTGUN BOOT! Cover, TWO! Adora is still in this but is also a bit dazed. Skye keeps focus and she runs back in, springboards and wheelbarrows, but Adora blocks! Adora brings Skye up, WHEELBARROW GERMAN! Bridging cover, TWO!!
Skye survives and the fans fire up! Adora grits her teeth and she glares at Skye. Adora drags Skye up, ROCKS her with a forearm, but Skye gives it back! Adora ROCKS Skye, Skye ROCKS Adora, Adora gets the edge! Skye flounders, Adora drags her to center to cover, TWO! Skye still has fight but Adora brings her up. Adora suplexes, Skye slips free, fans rally and duel as Skye SUPERKICKS! And SUPERKICKS! Skye runs again, hops on, CODE BLUE!! Cover, TWO!?! Skye can’t believe it, but she ghost pins, TWO! Adora has the cover, TWO! They both get up, Skye gets around, SKYE FALL!! Cover, Skye wins!
Winner: Skye Blue, by pinfall
Adora falls and Skye is rising! They keep the Code of Honor, but will Skye keep on climbing back to the title scene?
Six Man Tag: Stu Grayson & The Righteous VS The Dark Order!
As shocking as it may seem, Player Two is still teaming with Dutch & Vincent! Is this the beginning of a new trio? Or can Evil Uno, Alex Reynolds & John Silver get through to their friend before it’s too late?
The Code of Honor is upheld by Vinnie making Uno shake his hand, so that might not be genuine at all. The trios sort out, Vincent starts with Uno and Uno DECKS him! Vincent is surprised, he tags out to Stu! He’s forcing the Smash Brothers to face off! Uno tries to reason with Stu but Stu tells him to hit him. Uno refuses so Stu DECKS Uno! Stu dares someone to hit him as Uno scrambles back. Uno reaches up to grab the ropes, and Silver tags in! Fans fire up as The Meat Man rushes in, dodges Stu, and then KICKS! And KICKS! And blocks a kick to spin Stu and UPPERCUT!
Silver whips, Stu KICKS back! Stu then hoists Silver up to RAM him into the Righteous corner. Stu CHOPS Silver, tags Vinnie, and Vinnie CHOPS Silver. Vinnie whips but Silver reverses to KICK back! Silver bumps Vinnie off buckles, tags Reynolds, and the Beaver Boys double whip to drop toehold, roll and DOUBLE BASEMENT DROPKICK! Reynolds covers, ONE! Reynolds BLASTS Dutch but Vinnie ROCKS him! Vinnie whips, Reynolds reverses, Vinnie ducks ‘n’ dodges but runs into a DROPKICK! Fans fire up as Reynolds runs in but is put on the apron. But Reynolds counter punches Vinnie!
Reynolds bump Vinnie off buckles, and he ELBOWS Stu down! Vinnie THROWS Reynolds at Dutch for a SCRAPBUSTER to the floor! The ref starts a ring count but Dutch drags Reynolds up and puts him in. Vinnie stands on Reynolds, tags Stu, and Vinnie stands on Reynolds. Stu rains down fists on Reynolds, the ref reprimands about closed fists, and Stu lets off to shout at his old friends. Stu CHOPS Reynolds, tags Vinnie, and they double whip Reynolds to ropes for a KNEE, KICK, SWEEP and BASEMENT FLATLINER! Cover, TWO! Vinnie drags Reynolds up, puts him in the corner, and tags Dutch.
The Righteous double whip Reynolds into the corner, and then again! And then scoop to a BACK SUPLEX NECKBREAKER COMBO! Cover, TWO! Reynolds hangs tough but Dutch stares Uno down. Fans rally, Uno reaches out, so Dutch DECKS Uno! Reynolds throws body shots on Dutch but Dutch CLUBS him down. Dutch bumps Reynolds off buckles, tags Stu, and Stu stomps Reynolds down. Stu drags Reynolds up, shoves him, and CLOBBERS him! Fans rally for Uno but Stu drags Reynolds up. Stu whips Reynolds back to the corner, tags Dutch back in, and Dutch runs in, but into a BOOT!
Reynolds DECKS Vinnie, DECKS Stu, but Dutch back drops him! Dutch BLASTS Silver, then he drags Reynolds over. Stu tags in, Dutch stands on Reynolds while Stu glares at Uno. Stu eggs Reynolds on while pacing around. Stu drags Reynolds up, clinches, and he stares Uno down before the URE- NO! Arm-drag! And a pop-up KNEE! Stu staggers, Vinnie tags in! Uno tags in, too! Uno rallies on The Righteous! Fans fire up as Player One fires forearms and CHOPS! But Dutch shoves, only for Uno to dodge and clothesline Dutch out! Vinnie ROCKS Uno, runs in at the corner, but Uno dodges! Uno returns, but Vinnie dodges!
Vinnie runs back in but Uno BOOTS him! Uno then hurries to suplex, for the BRAINBUSTER! Cover, TWO!! Vinnie survives but Uno STOMPS a hand! Tag to Silver and fans fire up. Uno & Silver double whip, but Vinnie gets around to shove Uno into Silver! Vinnie CLOBBERS Silver, tags Dutch, and Dutch runs in. Uno dropkicks the legs out! Silver runs in to KNEE Dutch in the back! And then GERMAN SUPLEX!! The Meat Man has power! Cover, but Stu breaks it! Fans boo, but Stu and Uno stare down. They go to their corners, and they both tag in! Fans fire up as these two step to each other!
But Vinnie runs in to BLAST Uno! Silver BOOTS Vinnie! Stu runs in but Silver sends him into the corner! Silver & Reynolds unleash the WOMBO COMBO, but Stu counters the stunner into a GERMAN SUPLEX! Silver still PENALTY KICKS! Vinnie runs in, tilt-o-whirl RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP! Vinnie calls to Dutch and he builds speed!? Dutch FLIES to take out Reynolds & Silver!! Dutch grins and flickers his tongue. But Uno BLASTS Vinnie! And now he’s all alone with Stu! Player One and Player Two go face to face. Stu asks, “Wath do I have to do to make you hit me?!” Uno is conflicted, but then he CLOBBERS Stu!!
Fans fire up, Uno runs to CHOP! Uno fires off forearms and the ref counts. Stu shoves back but Uno BOOTS him down! Fans fire up even more, but then Uno thinks. Uno is conflicted again, but he brings Stu up. Stu shoves Uno and shouts at him, “FINISH IT!” Uno ROCKS Stu, reels him in, but Vinnie saves Stu! Uno kicks Vinnie out, Stu KNEES Uno at the ropes! Stu torture racks Uno! Even Stu is conflicted now, but he has no choice! NIGHT FALL!! Vinnie tags in so he can cover, The Righteous win!
Winners: Stu Grayson & The Righteous, by pinfall
Vinnie tells Stu that he did what he had to. Uno and the Dark Order did this to Stu, so they deserved this. Has Player Two been lost to the other side?
Backstage interview with Zack Sabre Jr. & Samoa Joe.
Dasha is with #ZSJOE, the NJPW World and ROH World Television Champions, they teamed up to face Christopher Daniels & Matt Sydal, how did it feel? Joe starts by admitting he didn’t give ZSJ the warmest of welcomes. But after being in the ring together, Joe sees ZSJ is a very accomplished grappler and tremendous athlete. It was very fun to be in there with ZSJ. And thanks to Joe’s superior skill and prowess, they secured victory, and in dominant fashion. ZSJ tells “Joseph” that maybe they’re not too different. They’re both the top TV champions in all of pro-wrestling. They’re both island boys, Joe of the Samoan Islands, and ZSJ a “Sheppey boy.” Perhaps they are the Island Bois!
Joe says after being in the ring together, they both have a clear idea who the better champion is. Um, do we? Yes, we do. It’s very clear who the better champion is. ZSJ asks if it really is that crystal clear, and Joe says it is, unless ZSJ needs him to make it clear. Well, it is a bit foggy to ZSJ. It isn’t quite that clear. Then maybe they’ll find out. Yes, maybe they will. When and where are we going to see this epic battle of TV Champions?
Diamante VS Promise Braxton!
The Cuban Diamond continues to shine, but she wants to shine with gold. Will she climb up the ranks to head for the ROH Women’s World Championship? Or will this be one Promise you cannot break?
The bell rings, Diamante offers the handshake, and Promise upholds the Code of Honor. They circle, tie up, and go around. Diamante headlocks, Promise wrenches out to wristlock then hammerlock. Diamante reaches around, powers Promise to a corner, then elbows free. The ref reprimands them both, Diamante says he should’ve done that sooner, but then Promise dodges Diamante’s haymaker to CHOP! And CHOP! Promise whips corner to corner, Diamante reverses but Promise goes up and over and rolls Diamante up, TWO! Diamante KNEES Promise back into the corner, and fans rally behind her.
Diamante stomps away on Promise, the ref counts, and Diamante lets off. Diamante goes corner to corner to HYRDRAULIC DROPKICK! Shoutout to Shibata who’s in the building, then Diamante drags Promise to the cover, ONE!! Promise is tough, but Diamante CLUBS her. Diamante whips, Promise holds ropes and BOOTS back! Promise catches Diamante’s haymaker and spins her, NORTHERN LIGHTS! Lateral press, TWO! Fans rally and Promise has her on the ropes. The ref gets in between but Diamante rakes eyes! Diamante CLOBBERS Promise! Diamante flexes, fans fire up, and she stalks Promise to a corner.
Diamante puts Promise on ropes to CHOKE, the ref counts and Diamante lets off. Diamante CHOPS, UPPERCUTS, then CHOPS again! Diamante UPPERCUTS again, fans rally up, and Diamante runs in to RAM Promise! And RAM her again! Fans rally, Diamante feeds off that, runs in but Promise POSTS her! Promise fires off forearms, Diamante swings but misses, and Promise gives more forearms! Promise rallies with big clotheslines! Spin and gut wrench, GUTBUSTER! Fans fire up with Promise and she runs, runs and BLINDSIDE METEORA! Cover, TWO!! Diamante survives but Promise fires up again.
Fans rally behind Promise, she brings Diamante to a fireman’s carry, but Diamante fights free! Diamante waistlocks to GERMAN SUPLEX! Diamante slashes her throat, wraps one arm around Promise, CUBAN STRAITJACKET! Promise taps, Diamante wins!
Winner: Diamante, by submission
The Cuban Diamond’s pressure crushes another one, she’s building momentum. Will she soon be aiming at a champion for the summer?
Brian Cage w/ Prince Nana VS Willie Mack!
These two are no strangers to each other, and they meet again here tonight! Will the Machine bring down the Mack Daddy once and for all? Or will Mack continue to be the answer to “Who betta than Cage?”
The bell rings, the Code of Honor is skipped, and the two tie up. Fans rally, Cage waistlocks then ripcords to ROCK, SOBAT and KICK! Cage whips, Mack ducks ‘n’ dodges and GAMANGIRIS! Cage staggers, Mack clinches but Cage throws elbows. Cage wrenches to hit a BIG back suplex! Fans rally for Mack but Cage says he’s got this. Cage drags Mack up, ROCKS him in a corner, then CHOPS him! Cage whips corner to corner, runs in, but Mack BOOTS him! Fans rally, Mack goes up but Cage YANKS him down! Nana cheers while Mack writhes. Cage soaks up the heat then stalks Mack to ropes.
Cage brings Mack up to bump him off buckles. Cage stomps away on Mack but the ref counts. Cage ROCKS Mack, runs in and UPPERCUTS! LARIAT! And wrench to a SAIDO! Cover, TWO! Mack is hanging tough, Nana complains but the ref says the count is fair. Cage kicks Mack around, scuffs him, then brings him up. Fans rally and Mack CHOPS! And CHOPS! And then CHOPS! But Cage JUMP KNEES back! Mack staggers to ropes, Cage brings him up and snap suplexes! Cage flexes and says, “Who betta than Cage?” Cage stalks Mack, Nana applauds, and Cage fireman’s carries. But Mack slips free!
Mack waistlocks, Cage switches, but Mack elbows free! Mack runs and clinches to T-BONE SUPLEX! Cage flounders to ropes now and fans rally up for Mack. Mack slaps some sense into himself, he runs in and he ROCKS Cage! Mack goes side to side to BOOT Cage! Cage sits down, Mack goes to the far corner, and fans fire up as Mack runs back in, CANNONBALL! Nana is worried but the fans fire up as Mack waits on Cage. Cage stands, Mack fireman’s carries, SAMOAN DROP! Fans rally, and Mack stirs. A standing count starts, Mack kips up at 5 of 10! Fans fire up and Mack STANDING MOONSAULTS! Cover, TWO!
Mack is shocked that Cage survives! Mack kicks Cage, but Cage denies the stunner to BOOT! Cage reels Mack in, Nana wants Cage to finish this, and Cage suplexes. But Mack fights free to waistlock. Cage throws elbows, wrenches out and fireman’s carries, F- NO! Mack slips free, but Cage blocks a kick to KNEE back! And SUPERKICK! DISCUS- ROUNDHOUSE from Mack!! Both men wobble and stagger, Mack runs, but Cage gets around! GERMAN SUPLEX! But Mack is right up! Fans fire up and he waistlocks Cage! GERMAN SUPLEX! But CAGE is right up! They both run in, Mack dodges but then Cage dodges, DOUBLE LARIATS collide!
Fans are thunderous as both men are down! Nana shouts to Cage, a standing count begins again, and “This is Awesome!” We’re at 5 of 10 but Cage rises first. Mack follows at 6, and Cage swings, into a STUNNER!! Mack hurries to the corner and climbs up! Nana freaks out but the fans are fired up for the FROG SPLASH!! But Mack’s own gut hurts! Mack falls onto the cover, TWO!! Cage survives because of that delay! Fans keep rallying and Mack says he’ll finish this. Mack fireman’s carries, but Cage fights free to POST him! And then pump handle and FACEBUSTER! Cage aims, DISCUS LARIAT!! Cover, Cage wins!
Winner: Brian Cage, by pinfall
That was another epic chapter in this storied rivalry, but The Machine is the one who stands tall! Will nothing stop The Mogul Embassy from dominating AEW and ROH?
NJPW World Television Championship: Zack Sabre Jr. VS Rocky Romero!
TMDK’s Frontman is setting the standard for this title as its inaugural champion, but we did see him argue it out with Samoa Joe about who is the better. Will ZSJ show Joe who is the better? Or will Azucar snatch this title to add to his collection?
The introductions are made, the NJPW title is raised, and we see if this becomes The Rocky Romero Show!
The fans sing for “OH~ Zack Sabre Junior~!” The Code of Honor is upheld, but ZSJ also pats Rocky on the cheek. The bell rings and we have 15 minutes on the clock. ZSJ and Rocky circle, tie up, and ZSJ chinbars to wrangle Rocky. Rocky gets up, rolls, wrenches, but ZSJ rolls to get away. ZSJ says this is big tekkers, and they circle again. They knuckle lock, ZSJ bridges and rolls to top wristlock. Then ZSJ wrenches to a wristlock but Rocky cording holds. Rocky wrenches, wristlocks, but ZSJ spins, slips through, wrenches and wrangles Rocky to the mat. Fans cheer that exchange but Rocky fights back up.
ZSJ bends fingers but Rocky trips ZSJ to have a standing toehold. ZSJ turns over, reels Rocky in and headlocks to a takeover. Rocky keeps his shoulders up, headscissors, but ZSJ moves to pop free and get the toehold back. Rocky copies ZSJ by turning over, reels ZSJ in, but ZSJ blocks that to put Rocky in a BOW ‘N’ ARROW! But Rocky pops out to cover, TWO! Rocky rushes up but ZSJ blocks the arm-drag! ZSJ brings Rocky up but Rocky arm-drags from the other side! Things speed up, Rocky ducks ‘n’ dodges, then RANAS! Fans fire up for Rocky as ZSJ goes to a corner. Rocky runs in but only gets buckles!
ZSJ runs in but Rocky puts him on the apron. Rocky swings, but into a SLEEPER! The ref counts, Rocky pries the hold open to ELBOW BREAKER! Fans fire up, Rocky KICKS ZSJ in the ropes! Rocky goes to a corner, gives us Latino Heat, and he MISSILE DROPKICKS ZSJ to the floor! Fans fire up again as Rocky builds speed, to DIVE! Direct hit at the ramp and Rocky slides in. Rocky builds speed again to DIVE again! Another direct hit, but Rocky isn’t done! Rocky builds speed to DIVE into a cravat! ZSJ then throws Rocky onto the apron, goes up and NECK TWISTS! Rocky writhes and the ref reprimands.
ZSJ goes back in, fans rally and duel, “ROCKY!” “SABRE!” ZSJ drags Rocky up, wrenches the arm and has the double wristlock! Takedown into headscissors, and ZSJ puts on the pressure! Rocky endures, even as ZSJ goes around to twist him! ZSJ gets the leg to add a Half Crab Toehold combo! Rocky gets the ROPEBREAK, and ZSJ lets go. Fans rally and duel, ZSJ snapmares but Rocky bridges up to snapmare! ZSJ bridges to snapmare but then blocks Rocky’s bridge to NECK TWIST again! ZSJ grins and tells the fans they’re the ones who suck. ZSJ drags Rocky up, UPPERCUTS, and this is only the five minute point!
ZSJ UPPERCUTS again but Rocky CHOPS! Fans “WOO~!” while ZSJ is stinging, and Rocky CHOPS again! ZSJ blocks a chop to UPPERCUT the arm! ZSJ drags Rocky back up, cravats, and then cranks on the neck. Rocky throws body shots, clubs free but ZSJ gets the cravat again. ZSJ taunts Rocky but Rocky throws more body shots. Rocky breaks free again, only for ZSJ to cravat again! Rocky spins though, snap suplexes, and fans fire up! Rocky and ZSJ both stand up, and Rocky CHOPS! Rocky whips ZSJ to ropes, but ZSJ reverses. Rocky blows past the boot to RAN- NO! ANKLE LOCK! ZSJ has Rocky caught!
Rocky reaches out, fans fire up, and ZSJ leans on the hold. Rocky fights up, ZSJ ducks the enziguri but not the REWIND HEEL! Fans fire up and ZSJ goes to a corner. Rocky storms up to CHOP! And CHOP! And CHOP! Rocky brings ZSJ up, winds up, but pokes ZSJ in the eyes! Fans cheer but the ref reprimands. Rocky whips, ZSJ reverses but Rocky holds ropes. Rocky UPPERCUTS then springboards, TORNADO DDT! Cover, TWO! ZSJ is still in this but Rocky has evened things up. Rocky brings ZSJ up, cravats, but ZSJ shoves him away. Rocky goes up and out to ROCK ZSJ, and then catches ZSJ to a HANGING ARMBAR!
The ref counts, ZSJ digs his boots into Rocky’s back, and he gets Rocky in a HANGING TRIANGLE HOLD! The ref reprimands, Rocky flails, and ZSJ lets go at 4. Rocky sputters as he crawls back into the ring. ZSJ tells the fans to shut up again, and then he GUILLOTINES Rocky, before a snap suplex! And a basement dropkick! Cover, TWO! Rocky is still in this and ZSJ mockingly applauds. ZSJ gives toying kicks to Rocky but Rocky grimaces. ZSJ stands Rocky up, UPPERCUTS him, then pie faces him. ZSJ UPPERCUTS again, pie faces more, and repeat! Rocky leans into the uppercuts, catches ZSJ and wrenches to an ELBOW BREAKER!
Rocky KICKS that arm, KICKS it again, but ZSJ blocks one! Rocky fires off fast palm strikes and he ROCKS ZSJ with the last one! ZSJ wobbles, runs back in, but into the JUMP KNEE! Rocky wobbles but he’s standing tall. Rocky runs, SHIRANUI!! Cover, TWO!! ZSJ survives and Rocky can’t believe it! The clock is ticking as we hit the ten minute mark, so Rocky cravats ZSJ again. Rocky goes up the corner, but ZSJ blocks the Shiranui to body scissor and SLEEPER!! Rocky endures, powers back to roll ZSJ up, TWO! ZSJ has it, TWO! Rocky has it back, TWO! ZSJ tries again, TWO! Rocky has it again, TWO!?!?
Even ZSJ has to check with the ref, but he did escape! Rocky KICKS the bad arm! And KICKS, but ZSJ blocks to CHOP! ZSJ runs in, into an ARMBAR TAKEDOWN!! Rocky stomps ZSJ, ZSJ gets the legs and pries free! ZSJ has the legs now, CALF KILLER! Rocky endures, rolls it, and has the ARMBAR! ZSJ gets another leg, and he has a toehold! Rocky reaches back, but into the GROUND OCTOPUS!! Rocky taps, ZSJ wins!!
Winner: Zack Sabre Jr, by submission (still NJPW World Television Champion)
With four minutes to spare, ZSJ snatches Rocky into the right position and finishes him off! Will “Samoan Joseph” still question who is the top TV champion in wrestling today? Or will ZSJ gladly give him the answer?
Action Andretti & Darius Martin VS The WorkHorsemen!
The Sight to See and the Air Wolf have been climbing the ranks, but so have JD Drake & Anthony Henry. Will Action & Darius continue to reach new heights in ROH? Or will they be grounded by Scrap Metal & The Saint of Augusta?
The Code of Honor is upheld though flippantly by the WorkHorsemen. The teams sort out, Henry shakes hands with Darius again, but that’s to reel him into a hammerlock then wristlock! Henry wrangles Darius, but Darius rolls, kips up, waistlocks and spins to snapmare. Fans cheer, but Henry fires off big hands! Darius arm-drags, SOBATS, then whips. Henry reverses, throws Darius down but Darius catches himself! Henry avoids the body shots, feints a kick to then KICK Darius! Then tag to JD and he storms up, and he blocks an arm-drag! JD brings Darius up but Darius gets around to headlock.
JD pries free but then Darius slips around to headlock again. JD powers out, Darius RAMS JD but JD rebounds. JD powers through the chop to run Darius over! Darius stagger sup, ducks a chop but JD blocks a whip. Darius dropkicks the leg! Then DROPKICKS JD away! JD storms up but Darius hurries away. Action tags in to GAMANGIRI JD! Then Darius bumps JD off buckles, Action MISSILE DROPKICKS! JD tags Henry but Action spins Henry to CHOP and knuckle lock. Action goes up and up and FLYING ARM-DRAGS! Henry staggers up into a DROPKICK! Action keeps going, IMPLODER TORNILLO! Cover, TWO!
Action headlocks for a takeover and fans rally. Henry powers up to back suplex but Action lands on his feet to waistlock. Henry powers Action back into the corner, but Darius tags in! Darius jumps in to intercept Henry and RAM him into Action’s knees! Darius snapmares Henry, Action runs to BLAST JD, and then Darius sits Henry up for Action’s basement dropkick, right into Darius’ ghost pin! TWO!! Henry escapes but Darius CHOPS! Henry staggers, Darius headlocks, but Henry shoves him away. Darius slips out to the floor, he dodges JD and comes back, but JD pops him up, only for Darius to BOOT JD away!
Henry rushes over but Darius elbows him away! Darius BOOTS JD again, Henry returns to DROPKICK Henry into the FOREARM from JD! Henry BOOTS Action for good measure! The ref reprimands but Henry soaks up the heat. JD puts Darius in, Henry brings him up and whips him to the corner. Henry ROCKS Darius in the corner, tags JD, and then feeds Darius to JD’s LARIAT! Darius is down, Henry NECK TWISTS and JD slingshot sentons! JD mocks the Top Flight poses, then he drags Darius up. Darius CHOPS JD, but JD CHOPS Darius! Fans “WOO~” for those as Darius CHOPS again! JD CHOPS Darius off his feet!
Darius gets up to CHOP, but JD headlocks. Henry tags in as Darius powers out, and JD reverses. Darius comes back but he atomic drops Henry! Darius sends Henry into JD, then reaches out. Henry whips Darius away, runs in at the corner, but Darius goes up and over to handspring and jump, hot tag to Action! Action ducks a kick, rallies with big forearms and uppercuts! Action whips, Henry reverses, but Action handsprings, only for Henry to catch him! GERMAN SUPLEX, but Action lands on his feet! Action stares Henry down, things speed up again, Action ducks ‘n’ dodges to DIVE and hit JD!
Action goes up to ROCK Henry, mule kick JD, and repeat! Action fakes Henry out to ARABIAN PRESS JD! Action gets in, handsprings again, but into the GERMAN SUPLEX! This one hits, and JD runs in to LEG LARIAT! Henry runs corner to corner, METEORA!! And then feed to JD, ENZIGURI END OF DAYS COMBO!! Cover, Darius dodges JD to break it up!! JD is furious, he CHOPS Darius! JD runs in but only gets buckles! Henry waistlocks Action elbows free. Darius mule kicks, they both KICK Henry, then Darius whips Action to handspring KICK JD down! Darius & Action get Henry up, DOUBLE POWERSLAM! Cover, Action & Darius win!
Winners: Action Andretti & Darius Martin, by pinfall
The WorkHorsemen could not bring these two high flyers down, and they don’t even show respect with the Code of Honor. Will nothing get Action & Darius down as they continue to soar?
Six Man Tag: The Superbad Squad w/ Penelope Ford VS Bryce Saturn, Jakob Austin Young & Shogun Jones!
Kip Sabian, The Butcher & The Blade could not take the International Championship from Orange Cassidy in the Blackjack Battle Royal, but they aren’t going to stop hunting for gold. Will they use their opponents to whet their appetites until their next title shot?
The Code of Honor is NOT upheld as Saturn, Young & Shogun attack! That’s usually a Superbad Squad move, so they didn’t see it coming! The fans fire up, the bell rings, and while Kip brawls with Shogun and Blade brawls with Young, Butcher hits Saturn with an IRISH CURSE BACKBREAKER! Blade CHOPS Shogun, Kip clotheslines Young out, and then Kip runs in to CANNONBALL on Young! Kip stands Young up for Butcher to run in and KNEE! Blade runs in to CHOP, and then Blade drags Young right up. Saturn gets in to CHOP Kip, but Kip ROCKS Saturn! Kip reels Saturn in, DEATHLY HOLLOWS!
Butcher & Blade get Young up, to DRAG THE LAKE!! Cover, the Superbad Squad wins!
Winners: The Superbad Squad, by pinfall
And that’s it! You bring the fight to the Superbad Squad, they end the fight! But will they be fighting their way up towards trios titles for the Summer?
Six Man Tag: Bandido, El Hijo del Vikingo & Komander VS Spanish Announce Project & Jack Cartwheel w/ Luther!
This is quite the assembly of luchadores! Tomorrow night is a Championship Friday edition of Rampage, where the AAA Mega Championship is on the line in a Triple Threat, with Komander being one of Vikingo’s challengers! Will they be able to stay focused on winning together tonight? Or can Angelico, Serpentico & The Rocketwheel take advantage of some dysfunction?
The Code of Honor is upheld, the trios sort out, and Angelico starts against Komander. They circle, tie up, and Angelico waistlocks to SLAM Komander down. Angelico flips Komander over but Komander kips and kips and spins, but Angelico arm-drags him down. Angelico has the armlock, but Komander kips up to arm-drag free! They keep moving, Komander KICKS then runs, tilt-o-whirls and headscissors! Angelico flops out to the apron but hurries back in. Komander and Angelico back off to tag in Bandido and Serpentico. Fans rally behind Bandido and he fires forearms with Serpentico!
Bandido sobats, whips, Serpentico reverses and things speed up. Bandido handsprings but Serpentico dodges to BOOT! Bandido goes to a corner, Serpentico runs in but Bandido dodges! Serpentico ELBOWS back, RANAS, but Bandido handsprings through! Bandido sweeps and covers, ONE! Serpentico sweeps and covers, ONE! Both men handspring up and fans fire up! Bandido and Serpentico circle, nod the proverbial caps, and then tag out to Vikingo and Cartwheel! Fans cheer as both men circle. They speed up, Jack cartwheels over Vikingo but Viking dodges the clothesline. Jack ducks the heel kick to run, but Vikingo follows.
Jack drops down, Vikingo handsprings and jumps over him, then comes back. Jack hurdles then cartwheels, then goes up, leaps, but into Vikingo’s arms! Vikingo swings Jack but Jack slips free and reels Vikingo in, but Vikingo fights free. Jack kicks low, whips but Vikingo reverses. Jack goes up and out slowly using his incredible core strength, then he sweeps the legs! Jack rises up, slingshots and SPLASHES! Jack covers, TWO! Fans fire up but Luther is upset. Jack swings, Vikingo blocks, wrenches, traps the arms and has the legs, FLOATING BOW ‘N’ ARROW! Serpentico gets in to ROCK Vikingo!
Bandido gets in to BOOT Serpentico! Angelico gets in to kick Bandido and CLUB away on him! Angelico throws knees, has Bandido down, but Komander SUPERKICKS him! Vikingo SUPERKICKS Jack! Jack and SAP bail out, the luchadores build speed and fans fire up, but Luther trips Komander! Angelico & Serpentico ROCK Vikingo and Bandido! Jack gets back in to build speed, then FOSBURY FLOP! Down goes Komander and Luther is cheering! Angelico sends Bandido into the steps! Serpentico hits a COMPLETE SHOT on Komander, then Angelico adds a BIG back suplex! Jack goes up top and fans fire up.
Jack SHOOTING STAR STOMPS but Komander moves! Jack keeps moving, he cartwheels over Komander to come back and HANDSPRING MOONSAULT! Cover, TWO!! Komander survives and shocks Jack! Jack drags Komander up, fans rally, and Jack puts Komander in the corner. Tag to Angelico, he and Jack mug Komander, and Angelico stomps away. The ref counts, Angelico digs his boots in but lets off at 4. Serpentico CHOKES Komander as the ref is busy with Angelico! Angelico tags Jack, Jack keeps Komander from his corner, and he RAMS Komander back into the SAP corner. Fans rally for “LUCHA! LUCHA!” and Komander fights back!
Komander dodges jack but Jack waistlocks and ripcords, cartwheel and lift, to a POWER- NO, Komander slips free, DESTROYER!! Both men crawl, hot tag to Bandido! Bandido LARIATRS Jack, ELBOWS Serpentico, and KNEES Angelico! Bandido whips, pops Angelico up to a trophy lift, but Serpentico kicks low! SAP mugs Bandido, double whip him, but Vikingo tags in. Bandido BOOTS Serpentico, Vikingo FLYING RANAS Angelico! Fans fire up as they double whip Serpentico, then TOSS him out! Komander gets in and fans rally up. The lucadores try again, they TRIPLE TOPE!! SAP and Jack go down!
Fans are thunderous and the luchadores get Jack up and in. Bandido brings Jack around, he and Vikingo whip him to a corner. Bandido runs in to UPPERCUT! Komander runs in to clothesline! Feed to a POP-UP MISSILE DROPKKICK COMBO!!! Cover, but the SAP break it up! They throw Vikingo out, bump Komander off buckles, and Serpentico puts Komander up top. Komander shoves Serpentico away, but then Luther takes a swipe! Komander gets him to back off but Serpentico GAMANGIRIS! Serpentico climbs, but Bandido rushes up. Komander resists the superplex, then feeds Serpentico tot he trophy lift!
Bandido TOSSES Serpentico onto Luther! Bandido then builds speed and FLIES! Direct hit on Luther & Serpentico! Komander tightrope walks and jumps to ARIHARA MOONSAULT Angelico! Jack gets in, he kicks Vikingo, they both cartwheel, but Vikingo goes up top. Jack runs in but into a BOOT! Vikingo then jumps up but Jack trips him up! Jack climbs up behind Vikingo, “This is Awesome!” as Jack Electric Chair Lifts. But Vikingo uses that for a SUPER POISON-RANA!! Jack staggers all the way to the other corner, METEORA from Vikingo! Vikingo puts Jack in the drop zone, goes up top, and 630 SENTONS!! Cover, Vikingo’s team wins!
Winners: Bandido, El Hijo Del Vikingo & Komander, by pinfall
The AAA Mega Champion finishes things off, and his team of luchadores is victorious! But will Vikingo be able to hold onto that title when he faces Komander and LFI’s Dralistico? Or will there be a new champion after Rampage?
ROH Pure Championship: Katsuyori Shibata VS Alex Coughlin!
Speaking of that Championship Friday Rampage, this title will be part of that golden night. But will it be The Wrestler or The Android that moves on to face #TAIGASTYLE, Lee Moriarty?
For this match, the judges are BJ Whitmer, Madison Rayne & Jerry Lynn, their scores only needed should this go to the sixty minute time limit. The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see if the student can defeat the sensei!
The Code of Honor is upheld and fans chant for “SHI-BA-TA!” The bell rings, the two circle and feel things out. They knuckle lock, then shoot in. Shibata blocks Coughlin going for a leg to facelock, then keeps on Coughlin as he moves around. Shibata chinlocks, Coughlin fights up and moves around but Shibata keeps on him with a waistlock. Fans cheer as the two keep moving around on the mat. Shibata floats to a top mount and grabs an arm, but Coughlin quickly clasps hands to fight the armbar. Shibata breaks the grip but Coughlin gets the ROPEBREAK! Shibata lets off, but that is the first of three used up for Coughlin.
The two reset while fans applaud. They feel things out again, clinch, Shibata waistlocks, but Coughlin pries things open. But Shibata rolls Coughlin to have the top mount again. Coughlin tries to push him away but Shibata goes for the arm again! Coughlin rolls to stack Shibata but Shibata just uses that to get a TRIANGLE HOLD! Coughlin scrambles to the ROPEBREAK! That’s the second already! Coughlin is already at a huge disadvantage, but he and Shibata reset again. They feel things out, knuckle lock and then go shoulder to shoulder. They clinch, fight for control, and Shibata wants an arm.
Coughlin moves around but Shibata gets behind Coughlin and sits him down. Shibata goes for a chinlock but Coughlin blocks it. Shibata traps an arm, has the chinlock, and fans rally up. Shibata has both arms now for a motorcycle stretch. Coughlin fights up, stomps around, and fans rally. Coughlin turns the hold but Shibata turns it back! Coughlin still fights, using his size and strength, and he has the hold on Shibata now! Shibata now endures, but he rolls, kips up and shoots around to hook a leg! Coughlin fights the Cobra Twist but Shibata climbs up to have an elevated armlock!
Coughlin stays up but Shibata wants the other arm! Now it’s a true Motorcycle Stretch and fans cheer this technical display! Coughlin fights goes forward, and with his teeth, gets the ROPEBREAK! But that’s his last one! Shibata KICKS Coughlin from the ropes! Coughlin goes to a corner, Shibata fires off forearms and he can just keep going now! Shibata hammers Coughlin into sitting down, then he goes corner to corner and back again, HYDRAULIC DROPKICK!! Shibata drags Coughlin up, HALF HATCH! Cover, TWO!! Coughlin survives but Shibata keeps his cool. Shibata stomps Coughlin’s arm, then kicks him in the side!
Shibata grabs a leg, sits down on the toehold, and then he ties up the other leg! BUTTERFLY DEATHLOCK! Coughlin endures, keeps his shoulders up and he sits up to get in Shibata’s face. But Shibata ROCKS him! Coughlin sits up again, so Shibata fires off forearm after forearm! Fans fire up as Shibata finally stops to put pressure on the leg lock. Coughlin sits up again but Shibata knocks him back down! Coughlin sits up again, so Shibata adds a DOUBLE WRISTLOCK! Fans rally as Coughlin endures two holds, and powers through to get a facelock! Coughlin powers the deathlock open, to suplex Shibata and then stand up!
Fans fire up for the Android’s show of strength, and then he SLAMS Shibata down! “This is Awesome!” as Coughlin’s power evens things up with Shibata. Coughlin CHOPS Shibata, CHOPS him in the corner, then fires off more CHOPS! Shibata just gets in Coughlin’s face! Coughlin CHOPS Shibata down! Coughlin whips corner to corner, runs in and CHOPS! Shibata sits and Coughlin roars! Coughlin calls his shot, drags Shibata up and scoops, FALL AWAY BRIDGE! Cover, TWO!! Shibata gets free but Coughlin CHOPS him back down! Coughlin deadlift gut wrenches, to SLAM Shibata down! Cover, TWO!
Shibata shows his own toughness, but Coughlin deadlifts again! Gut wrench drop and Coughlin wants the arm! But Shibata shifts around to get Coughlin’s arm! Coughlin clasps hands, Shibata pries at the hold, but Coughlin stacks him. But that puts him back in the TRIANGLE! Coughlin fights to deadlift and POWERBOMB!! Fans fire up while both men are down! Fans rally and the two rise. Coughlin CHOPS! And CHOPS! And CHOPS! Coughlin runs, LARIATS, but Shibata stays up!? Shibata runs to BOOT! Coughlin stays up! Shibata knees low, runs, but Coughlin dodges to SHOULDER TACKLE!
Fans fire up as Coughlin slaps the mat! Fans fire up, Coughlin drags Shibata up and reels him in to suplex. Shibata slips free, to get the SLEEPER!! Coughlin pries at the hold but he’s fading! Shibata sits him down, runs in and PENALTY KICKS! Cover, Shibata wins!!
Winner: Katsuyori Shibata, by pinfall (still ROH Pure Champion)
The Android gave The Wrestler one hell of a match, but Shibata is the master for a reason. Shibata shows Coughlin respect and it is mutual, but will Shibata get the same from Lee Moriarty tomorrow night?
ROH Women’s World Championship: Athena VS Kiera Hogan!
The Fallen Goddess continues to tear into opponents both during and after her matches, but she might have picked on the wrong target. Athena lit a fire in Kiera, will she be the one burned? Or will she be able to stomp out Kiera’s flames and crush her dreams?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see if Kiera can put an end to Athena’s win streak!
The Code of Honor is upheld, though with tension, and then Athena DECKS Kiera at the bell! Athena stomps away on Kiera, shouts at the ref to back off, and then drags Kiera up to snapmare and KICK her in the back! Athena shouts, “This is MY show!” Then she drags Kiera up to ROCK her with another forearm! Athena brings Kiera up, whips her to the corner and ELBOWS her! Athena then whips Kiera to ropes to BOOT her down! Athena scowls, then soaks up the cheers and jeers from the fans. Athena grins, drags Kiera up, reels her in, and Canadian Racks, but Kiera fights free! Kiera rolls Athean up, TWO!
Athena gets up, but Kiera drop toeholds her onto ropes! Kiera runs to HIP ATTACK! Athena staggers, but she blocks a boot, only for Kiera to ENZIGURI! Kiera runs to step up, but Athena avoid the leg drop! Kiera ducks the Penalty Kick and rolls Athena up, but Athena rolls through and gets an arm to WRING Kiera out! Kiera writhes and clutches her shoulder, but she refuses to give up here. Athena drags Kiera up, throws her out of the ring, then shouts at the ref that she can do what she wants! Athena goes out to drag Kiera up and CLUB the arm! The ref starts a ring count, Athena drags Kiera up and RAMS her into railing!
Kiera slumps over, still clutching the arm. Athena tells the ref to count, and the count continues. Athena paces, the count is 4 of 10 while Athena lounges on the top rope. Kiera sits up at 6, crawls at 7, drags herself up at 8 and in at 9. Athena storms over, drags Kiera up but Kiera rolls her up! TWO, and Athena BOOTS Kiera down! “You think this is a game?!” Athena drags Kiera up, reels her in and hammerlocks the arm, to then snap suplex! Cover, TWO!! Kiera is still in this but Athena stomps away on the bad arm! Kiera throws body shots with the good arm, and she CHOPS! Athena CLUBS and SLAPS away on Kiera in return!
Athena drags Kiera up, CLUBS her, then shouts at the fans who rally for Kiera. Athena pushes Kiera, tucks her in and has a mounted armlock! Kiera endures being bent around and the fans rally. Athena grins, taunts the fans, but Kiera sits up! Kiera CLUBS Athena’s leg, trips her, then SUPERKICKS her! Fans rally up as Kiera runs, STEP-UP LEG DROP! Cover, TWO!! Athena survives but Kiera grits her teeth. Kiera drags Athena up, reels her in and turns her, but Athena powers out. Kiera comes back, but Athena catches the crossbody, SWINGING BACKBREAKER! Wrench and CODE BRAKER to the arm! FUJIWARA ARMBAR!!!
Kiera endures, reaches out, but Athena thrashes! Athena bridges as far back as she can, but Kiera refuses to give up! Kiera turns Athena to a cover, TWO!! Athena gets up to mule kick! Athena reels Kiera in, suplexes, and she carries Kiera to the corner. Athena puts Kiera up top but Kiera ROCKS Athena back! And BOOTS her! And leaps to FLYING RANA! Athena flounders, Kiera runs in, HIP ATTACK in the corner! Kiera keeps moving, but Athena avoids the boot wash! Kiera BOOTS Athena anyway! And ROUNDHOUSES! Athena staggers, Kiera runs, tilt-o-whirl DDT! Cover, TWO!! Athena is still in this and Kiera can’t believe it!
Kiera slaps her bad arm into working and the fans rally up. Kiera grits her teeth, drags Athena up, and reels her in. Kiera has a single leg hold, but the bad arm won’t let her lift! Athena waistlocks, Kiera switches, but Athena blocks the O’Conner to smother it! With tights! Athena wins!!
Winner: Athena, by pinfall (still ROH Women’s World Champion)
The Fallen Goddess definitely got into a fight with Kiera, but Kiera isn’t done with Athena now! Kiera ROCKS Athena, giving her a taste of her own medicine! Kiera RAMS Athena into the railing! Fans fire up and Kiera RAMS Athena into steel steps! Kiera is furious and she gets a chair! The ref and security tell her not to, but Kiera aims at Athena! The ref takes the chair, the fans boo, and Kiera says this ain’t over! Kiera storms up on the security, they tell her to calm down. Kiera’s Spider-Sense helps her dodge Athena, the SHOTGUN DROPKICK takes out the guard! Kiera CLUBS away on Athena!
Athena RAMS Kiera into railing, the brawl is on! Security pulls them apart, Kiera SUPERKICKS but it hits the guard! The ref stops Kiera but she stalks Athena. Athena is grinning but Kiera shouts at her that she cheated! Kiera storms up but Athena DECKS her!! Athena puts Kiera back in the ring, fans fire up and Athena cheers herself on. Athena slide sin, but Kiera SLIDING BOOTS Athena! And she rains down fists! More refs rush out, as well as more security. They separate the two, but fans wanna “Let Them Fight!” Athena gest free to BLAST Kiera and the cluster around her! The security backs Athena off again, and Kiera is in bad shape.
Medics rush in, did Athena do more damage than just a bad arm to Kiera? She DECKS security guards now!! The Fallen Goddess is one of war and fury, but will Kiera rise from the ashes like a phoenix to go another round?
My Thoughts:
A really good ROH, and thankfully under two hours. Again, really good matches, good wins for The Kingdom, Skye, Diamante, Action & Darius, The Superbad Squad and the lucha trio. Stu & The Righteous VS Dark Order was also really good, especially for the story beat. Uno and Stu played being conflicted very well, and it’s a bit telling that Silver & Reynolds were not hesitant to fight Stu. Stu & The Righteous of course win for that, and I can’t wait to see where this goes next. And I really like that we got Cage VS Mack to add to their rivalry throughout their careers. But I figured Cage would win, Mack Attack’s gonna need a third Mack if they wanna get at the ROH World Six Man Tag titles.
Great promo from ZSJ and Joe, though it felt rather awkward as they argued about how clear or not clear things were. Maybe some of that was on purpose. But obviously they’re just waiting for an opportunity to give us ZSJ VS Joe for at least one TV title. ZSJ VS Rocky was a great match, as all these NJPW World TV Championship matches have been. But given ZSJ has to defend this belt on Sunday at Dominion, he wasn’t gonna lose here, and he won’t lose it on Rampage, either. For that matter, same goes for Shibata. He had a really good match with Coughlin here, and he’ll have a great match with Moriarty on Rampage, but I doubt Shibata loses just yet.
And we got great stuff out of the main event with Athena VS Kiera. Kiera got a great showing, even in a loss, and I really like that she went after Athena afterward. Great brawl, especially with the guards taking some big hits, too. I hope that last bit wasn’t legit, it’d be a shame if this brawl did real damage when it’s just meant to further the story. Assuming Kiera is okay, she and Athena will surely have a rematch, perhaps as part of an ROH special/PPV.
My Score: 8.6/10
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IF YA SMELLALALALALALA~…!
As Cody Rhodes teams with Damian Priest & Braun Strowman against Solo Sikoa’s Bloodline, FINALLY, The Rock has come back to SmackDown!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Drew McIntyre VS Jimmy Uso; Jimmy wins.
- The Miz & Carmelo Hayes VS R-Truth & LA Knight; Miz & Melo win.
- Tiffany Stratton VS Candice LeRae w/ Nia Jax; Tiff wins.
- Naomi w/ Bianca Belair VS Liv Morgan w/ Raquel Rodriguez; No Contest.
- WWE Tag Team Championships: #DIY VS Pretty Deadly; Pretty Deadly wins, by disqualification, and DIY retain the titles.
- Six Man Tag: Cody Rhodes, Damian Priest & Braun Strowman VS Solo Sikoa, Jacob Fatu & Tama Tonga; changed to…
- Damian Priest & Braun Strowman VS Solo Sikoa & Jacob Fatu w/ Tama Tonga; Priest & Braun win.
PLAY BY PLAY
Cody Rhodes talks with Nick Aldis backstage.
They shake hands, but the SmackDown General Manager tells the WWE Champion there’s been a change: Cody’s out of the Six Man Tag match. What? Why would Aldis do that? It is out of Aldis’s hands. Wait, Solo Sikoa shows up to do what he did, but they can’t do the Six Man Tag that they advertised? How is this out of Aldis’s hands? Who do they need to talk to so they can do the match? Aldis says there’s no one either of them can call, if you smell what’s cooking. This is coming from The Final Boss, and The Final Boss wants to see Cody in the ring tonight. What business could The Great One have with The American Nightmare?
Drew McIntyre VS Jimmy Uso!
The Scottish Terminator rubbed it in Big Jim’s face that only one of them is going to Elimination Chamber in Toronto, which Big Jim was able to brush off. But McIntyre harping on how only one Uso is going to WrestleMania was a step too far. These two look to have it out, but is Jimmy just playing into McIntyre’s hands? Or will McIntyre get embarrassed by “the other Uso” this close to that big time match?
Speaking of, Jimmy has a message for Drew as he heads to gorilla. “Everybody know you’re going to Elimination Chamber, right? But Big Jimmy got a question for the Big Easy: Will Drew go onto the Elimination Chamber and win that? Will Drew go onto WrestleMania and win that? Ey, Drew, I think we got an answer for you, Uce. The answer is…” “NO YEET!” Jimmy makes his entrance, the bell rings, and the fans rally behind Jimmy. Jimmy and Drew jaw, and then Drew raises his hands, to say UP YOURS! But Jimmy ROCKS and CHOPS away! Drew puts Jimmy in a corner, Jimmy dodges to CHOP!
Jimmy climbs and he rains down fists! The fans count, Drew dumps Jimmy tot eh apron at 5, but Jimmy GAMANGIRIS! Jimmy goes up, CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO! Jimmy hurries to CHOP, then he whips. Drew reverses to send Jimmy to the corner. Jimmy BOOTS back, goes up, and leaps, but into a clinch! OVERHEAD BELLY2BELLY! Jimmy flounders to a corner, Drew runs up to SPLASH and OVERHEAD BELLY2BELLY! Jimmy flounders again, the ref has Drew hold on, and Jimmy bails out. Drew storms out to get Jimmy and he whips Jimmy HARD into barrier! The fans boo but Drew looms over Jimmy.
The ring count starts, Drew mockingly calls him “Jey,” then puts Jimmy in the ring. Drew says NO MANIA for Jimmy. Drew stands Jimmy up, ROCKS him, then runs up, only for Jimmy to put him on the apron! Drew blocks a superkick, but not the DRAGON WHIP! Drew drops, Jimmy DIVES! Down goes Drew and the fans fire up! Jimmy grins, goes back to the apron, and then aims. But Drew stops the Penalty Kick to THROW Jimmy down! Drew then has Jimmy in the Reverse Alabama Lift! REVERSE ALABAMA SLAM onto the steel steps! Drew stands on the desk to say “NO YEET!” while SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Drew revels in the heat from New Orleans, then he leaves Jimmy behind. The ref checks Jimmy, he’s able to continue, so a ring count starts. Drew paces while Jimmy stirs. Jimmy drags himself up using the desk, then lunges in at 9! Drew is annoyed but he rains down fists! Drew stomps Jimmy, then eggs him on. Jimmy rises as the fans rally, but Drew is right on him in the corner. Drew winds up, but Jimmy counter punches! And CHOPS! And CHOPS! And whips, only for Drew to reverses. Jimmy goes up, but Drew KICKS him out of the air! Drew then hauls Jimmy up, snap suplex! Cover, TWO!
Drew says okay, Big Jim. He clamps onto Jimmy with a top wristlock and grinds the arm. Jimmy fights up, fireman’s carries, but Drew elbows free. Drew bumps Jimmy off buckles, then hauls him up to the top rope! Drew CLUBS Jimmy on the back, climbs up, then CLUBS Jimmy more. Jimmy fires elbows and Drew drops back. But Drew runs up to CLUB Jimmy again! SmackDown returns to single picture as Drew CLUBS away on Jimmy again! Jimmy keeps taunting “Jey,” then drags him up. Jimmy fights the back suplex! The fans rally, Jimmy fires hands and a HEADBUTT! Jimmy SMACKS Drew off the post!
Jimmy rises to USO IN THE WIND! Down goes Drew and the fans fire up! A standing count starts while both men stir on the mat. They both stand at 5, and Drew swings! Jimmy counter punches, then fires more shots! Mule kick, UPPERCUT, but then Jimmy dodges Drew! SAMOAN DROP! Cover, TWO! Drew is tougher than that, but Jimmy hurries to a corner. Jimmy aims as Drew goes to the other corner, “UCE! OH! UCE! OH!” Jimmy runs, but Drew FLYING HEADBUTTS! The Glasgow Kiss stuns Jimmy, and Drew hits a SPINEBUSTER! Jackknife bridge, TWO! Jimmy shows his own toughness, and the fans rally behind him.
Drew paces, then he stalks Jimmy. Drew stands Jimmy up, reels him in, but Jimmy fights the underhooks! Jimmy wrenches, UPPERCUTS, but Drew ROCKS Jimmy back! Jimmy UPPERCUTS, Drew HAYMAKERS! Drew whips, Jimmy reverses and Drew ends up on the apron! Drew ROCKS Jimmy first, then climbs the corner! FLYING- SUPERKICK! Jimmy runs to SPEAR! Cover, TWO!! Drew survives, Jimmy’s spear doesn’t hit quite like The Tribal Chief’s. Jimmy goes to the corner, climbs up, and the fans rally up. USO- NO, Jimmy rolls through as Drew moves! Drew dodges a lariat to NECKBREAKER!
Both men are down, the fans rally, and Drew kips up! Drew scowls as he aims at Jimmy. “THREE! TWO! ONE!” CLAY- SUPERKICK!! Jimmy hits first! GLASGOW KISS returns! Drew reels Jimmy in, “This is your WrestleMania! This is as close as you get!” Drew shouts Jimmy is nothing, then ROCKS him with forearm after forearm! GLASGOW KISS! Another Reverse Alabama, but Jimmy victory rolls it! JIMMY WINS!!!
Winner: Jimmy Uso, by pinfall
Drew is furious, but his own ego caught him there! But then Drew CLOBBERS Jimmy! The fans boo Drew being a sore loser, but he puts Jimmy back in the ring! Drew rains down fists, then he DRIBBLES Jimmy off the mat! The ref reprimands, the fans boo, but Drew says that was Jimmy’s Mania Moment! Drew will win the Chamber, he will go to Mania, and he will win there! Jimmy means NOTHING to Drew! Drew puts Jimmy up against the post, then takes aim! The fans boo, but refs and producers rush out here! They swarm Drew to keep him from going after Jimmy again. Drew says fine, fine, then takes his leave.
Producers help Jimmy to his feet, but then Drew BLASTS through the refs! CLAYMORE for Jimmy!! The Scottish Terminator hits his target, then laughs as he actually leaves. Will McIntyre make this his Road to WrestleMania?
A car pulls into the parking lot.
And out steps Solo Sikoa. Solo heads inside, and he finds Jacob Fatu & Tama Tonga waiting. Solo tells them that last week with Tama, that was an accident. Jacob says yeah, it’s all good, Uce. But keep it 100: If it wasn’t an accident, Solo wouldn’t be standing here right now. Well, good! Glad to see we’re all on the same page. Solo says he will be in the corner during the match for Jacob & Tama. Uh, no, Solo, no disrespect, but Jacob & Tama have been running things on SmackDown these past couple weeks. So tonight, it’s Jacob & Solo running the play? Yadada mean? Yeah, of course. And that right there, Jacob, is exactly why Solo loves him.
Solo says he’ll be back, he has to talk with Nick Aldis. Solo heads out, but will he really just step right back into place from before he lost the ula fala?
Carmelo Hayes is backstage.
R-Truth calls out to Melo, and says for the first time ever, Truth VS Melo! What’s Truth talking about? Duh, they have a match. No, Truth, Melo knows. But they had a match last week. Truth says he has never met Melo in his life, but they have a tag match tonight. What? No, they don’t. Who even made this match? Him. Truth, they are not going through this H1M who’s on first thing again. Melo is H1M. No, him made the match. The Miz!? Miz says he’s H1M. So now there’s two of you? No no no! Melo is H1M, this is The Miz! Yeah, #MeloDon’tMiz! NO! That’s not a thing! Tonight, they are. Who’s Truth’s partner?
Truth says he’s got a guy. A Louisiana legend! In fact, he just got here, so Truth’s gotta go. Laters. Miz says he has been workshopping this, and the fans love it. Think about it: Melo Don’t Miz! Melo Don’t Miz! And we are…! Melo shakes his head. Truth steps in and says Miz just wants Melo to say, “Awesome.” Miz offers a fist bump, Melo says no. Will Melo wish he had missed tonight’s show? Or will Miz actually help H1M get another win?
Zelina Vega speaks.
“My whole life, people have taken one look at me, and they try to define me. My size has never stopped me before. It never stopped me from becoming tag team champion. Or my personal favorite, the history-making first-time-ever Queen of the Ring. That’s me. Make no mistake about it, I’ve never had it easy. I had to scratch and claw to get anything around here. But this is a fresh start. Because I have something to prove. And my dreams are a lot bigger than your measuring stick. It ain’t over until Zelina Vega says it’s over.”
The Miz & Carmelo Hayes VS R-Truth & ???
Miz makes his entrance but Melo kinda steps all over it. So he already missed his cue… But who did Truth find to team with him in the Big Easy? We’ll see, after the break.
SmackDown returns and Truth makes his entrance. “What’s up?” Well, more like who is his partner? He’ll tell us! His tag team partner is a local legend, born and bred right here in New Orleans! Ladies and gentlemen, welcome Louisiana Knight! Wait, he means L A Knight! Yes, Louisiana abbreviated is LA, but that’s not… Oh, Truth… Truth gives Knight a Po’ Boy and some Mardi Gras beads, so Knight embraces it. The teams sort out, and Truth calls out him! Does he mean Miz or Melo? Well, Melo says he is H1M, so that’s who starts. The fans cheer on Knight while Truth and Melo tie up. Melo KNEES low, whips, but Truth reverses.
Melo springboards, FADEAWAY JUMPER! Melo makes his free throw, but Truth drop toeholds! Truth headlocks, Melo powers up and out but Truth whips! Melo turns hip toss into lateral press, TWO! Truth has a ghost pin, TWO! Melo trips to cover, ONE! Truth trips to cover, ONE! Melo runs up, Truth does the splits, and then hits a BIG hip toss! The fans fire up, Truth counts, Melo gets up at TWO, but Truth was just goofing. The ref explains to Truth that he is the ref, not Truth! Melo is annoyed, he runs up on Truth, but Truth wrenches him around! Melo pulls hair but Knight tags in. The fans fire up as Knight fires hands!
Knight ROCKS Melo, whips Melo, but Melo reverses! SWINGING NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Knight drags Melo up to tag Truth back in, and Truth ROCKS Melo! Melo staggers, but he refuses to tag! Truth arm-drags Melo, then grinds the arm. Melo insists he’s got this, then arm-drags free. Truth staggers up, he and Melo bump heads! Truth staggers around more, and he tags Miz?! Truth forgot The Awesome Truth isn’t a thing anymore! Again! Melo BLASTS Truth off the apron, the fans boo, but Miz tags himself in! Melo is annoyed, but Miz goes to fetch Truth while SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns again, and Melo has Truth. Truth ROCKS Melo, but Melo holds onto the wristlock! Truth reaches for Knight, Knight reaches for Truth, but Melo holds on. Truth takes a swing, but into an O’Conner Roll! TWO and Melo BLASTS Knight! Truth rolls Melo up, TWO! Melo kicks low, calls his shot, but Truth suplexes for a STUNNER! The fans fire up while both men are down! Truth and Melo crawl, hot tags to Miz and Knight! The fans fire up as Knight rallies on Miz! “YEAH! YEAH!” Knight whips, Miz reverses, but Knight lEAPING LARIATS! Knight TOSSES Melo in for good measure!
Knight stomps a mudhole into Melo, “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” LARIAT for Miz! KNEE for Melo! Knight scoops and POWERSLAMS Miz! Knight keeps running, JUMP ELBOW DROP! Cover, TWO! Knight stays on Miz as he brings Miz up. Knight ROCKS Miz, then ROCKS him again! Knight whips, Miz grabs the ropes. Miz KICKS, then takes a swing, but into a back suplex! Miz lands out, tag to Melo! Miz ELBOWS Knight, but Knight scoops! Miz tilt-o-whirls through, Melo SUPERKICKS Knight down! cover, TWO! Knight stays in this but Melo says he’s got this! Melo waits on Knight, then leaps, but NO 48!
Knight kicks low, but NO B F T! Tag to Truth! Knight ELBOWS Melo, Truth runs in! CENA SHOULDER TACKLES! Then the SPIN OUT BOMB! Truth says it’s time! “YOU CANT SEE ME~!” truth runs for the FIVE KNCUKLE SHUFFLE! Truth then fireman’s carries, but Melo slips free! Melo shoves, Truth dodges, and Truth hits the LIE DETECTOR! Truth then gets Melo in the S T R-TRUTH! But Miz CLOBBERS Truth! Knight ROCKS Miz, then LARIATS him up and out! Knight then goes out to THROW Miz into barriers! The fans fire up again, but NAKAMURA ATTACKS KNIGHT!
The fans boo, but the sinister samurai then POSTS Knight!! Nakamura slithers away while Melo keeps the ref’s attention! Truth sees Knight is down, Melo runs up, but Truth dodges! Miz tags in, full nelson, and a FIRST 48 FINALE COMBO?!? Cover, Miz & Melo win!!
Winners: The Miz & Carmelo Hayes, by pinfall
Well, what do you know? Nakamura aside, Miz and Melo made it work! Okay, they’re both trying to hog the spotlight, but is there a future for Melo Don’t Miz? Will Knight only have more of a reason to take that title off Nakamura now?
Charlotte Flair speaks.
“The GOAT… doesn’t have to call themselves The GOAT. Now, I have crafted a legacy that no one, I mean no one, can touch. And I’m back.” The Women’s Royal Rumble Winner chose Tiffany Stratton, but will The Queen take back her throne? Or will WWE always be on #TiffyTime? Speaking of…
Tiffany Stratton VS Candice LeRae!
The WWE Women’s Champion may have gotten past Nia Jax, but now she knows Charlotte Flair is waiting for her at WrestleMania, and is going to be teaming with Trish Stratus in Toronto! Will she be in Tiffy Top Shape for that Tiffy Trishy dream match? Or will the Poison Pixie be quite the problem all on her own?
Before the match, Tiff grabs a mic while the fans cheer. Tiffy says, “I know, I know. You know it, you know it, and you know it. Ever since I won this title, everybody’s just been so obsessed with me. And last week, I had Nia Jax beat, until Candice LeRae decided to interfere and help her little meal ticket. And at Elimination Chamber, Trish Stratus and I make sure the Unstoppable Force comes to a definitive end!” The fans cheer that, but Tiff says enough about them. Let’s talk Charlotte Flair. The fans boo that name, but Tiff says Charlotte took her sweet old time, grabbed a chair, grabbed a mic, and she looked down on Tiff.
Charlotte chose Tiff as her WrestleMania opponent. In that moment, Tiff’s dream came true! And as she lied down there and looked up at Charlotte, she realized the rumors are true: No one loves to kick a girl when she’s down quite like Charlotte Flair. So at WrestleMania, Tiff isn’t coming for Charlotte’s legacy; that’s all Charlotte’s. Tiff is coming for the spot Charlotte desires the most: The number one spot as the top girl in the WWE! But here comes Nia & Candice to interrupt. Nia has a mic to tell Tiffy, “I Have to say, this is really cute. Like, it’s really cute that you actually think you were gonna beat me last week.”
Doesn’t Candice think that is cute? Candice says yes, it is so~ cute. And Tiff wouldn’t even be standing there if not for little Trish Stratus~. Exactly! And it’s even cuter that Tiff is out here talking about Charlotte when she wont’ even see WrestleMania! Because after Nia & Candide destroy Tiff at Elimination Chamber, Nia is coming back for her WWE Women’s Championship. Nia & Candice step up to the ring, and Nia says Tiff won’t even see the Grandest Stage of Them All. Tiff tells Nia to just give it up. This title isn’t even hers anymore. And once Tiff beats Candice tonight, Nia won’t have anyone to do her dirty work anymore!
Candice tells Tiffy that while they’re meant have a match right now, she and Nia are feeling impatient. Nia says they should just get rid of Tiff right now! But the ref steps in and says not gonna happen! Tiff VS Candice will, after the break.
SmackDown returns and Candice has Tiffy down with an armlock. Tiff fights up as the fans rally, but Candice wrenches to wristlock. Tiff spins through, goes to ropes, then up the corner to flip and arm-drag! The fans fire up as Tiff rallies on Candice! DROPKICK, and Tiff snarls! Tiff goes to the corner, and Charlotte makes her entrance? The Queen chooses to be fashionably late all so everyone looks at her, including Tiffy. Tiffy handsprings, but Candice dodges! Candice runs up to UPPERCUT, then she snapmares and NECK SNAPPERS! Jackknife bridge, TWO! Candice clamps onto Tiffy with a top wristlock.
The fans “WOO~” as Charlotte now chooses to join commentary. Tiff fights up, has the ROPEBREAK, but Candice CLUBS away on her! Candice backs off, runs up, but Tiff drop toeholds her to ropes! Tiff runs, HIP ATTACKS, and Candice flops back! Cover, TWO! Tiff stays on Candice with a whip, but Candice reverses. Candice CLOBBERS Tiff, covers, TWO! Charlotte corrects Tiffy’s words earlier: Charlotte isn’t the “top girl,” she is THE woman in WWE. Candice HIP DROPS Tiff but the fans rally up. Candice scuffs Tiff, then grinds an arm to drop a knee on the elbow! And another knee drop! Tiff endures and the fans rally up.
Candice keeps on that arm, thrashes it around, but Tiff fights up. Tiff fires body shots, then shoves Candice to Alabama Lift her! Candice sunset flips, Tiff rolls through, TIFFY STOMPS! Cover, TWO! Tiff is frustrated and Candice bails out. Tiff goes to the apron, goes up the corner, and ARIHARA MOONSAULTS! Direct hit on Candice and Nia, and Tiff almost stuck the landing! The fans fire up with Tiff and she goes into the ring. Tiff points to the WrestleMania sign, and then at Charlotte, but SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Tiff waits on Candice, Candice slides in, and Tiff stomps her down! Candice bails out, Nia is there to coach her, but Tiff lets the ring count start. Candice gets on the apron, Tiff kicks her, but Candice RAMS Tiff! Candice CLUBS Tiff, has her in the ropes, and hits a NECKBREAKER HOTSHOT! Candice climbs, aims, and leaps to MISSILE DROPKICK Tiff down! Cover, TWO! Candice is frustrated but this is why Tiff’s a champ. The fans rally, but Candice stomps Tiff! Candice scowls at the fans, stalks Tiff, then brings her up. Tiff fires body shots, then she rolls Candice up! TWO, and Candice CLOBBERS Tiff! Cover, TWO, into a ghost pin! TWO!
Candice escapes to hit a CODE BREAKER! Both women are down, but Candice scowls again as she crawls over to Tiff. Candice rains down fists, Nia tells fans to shut up, and Candice steps on Tiff’s face. Candice huffs ‘n’ puffs, pushes Tiff around, then scuffs her. Tiff rolls Candice up again, TWO! Candice DECKS Tiff! Cover, TWO! Charlotte is stoic on commentary as Candice drags Tiff up and puts her in a corner. Candice fires hands, then backs off. Candice runs up to ROCK Tiff again! Candice then runs, but Tiff dodges! SmackDown returns to single picture, and Tiff rallies with LARIAT after LARIAT! The fans fire up, Tiff handsprings, BACK ELBOW!
Tiff then reels Candice in for a SKY HIGH! High stack, TWO! The fans rally for Tiff, Nia coaches Candice, but Charlotte still seems nonplussed. Tiff and Candice rise, and Candice runs up. Candice puts Tiff on the apron, but Tiff ROCKS her! Tiff bumps Candice off buckles, then goes up, but Candice ROCKS her back! Candice climbs up, and she fires hands on Tiff! Tiff fights the suplex! Tiff DECKS Candice, then adjusts position, to SANTON- FLOP! Candice ghost pins, TWO!! Tiff escapes, but Candice hits the step-up SENTON! And then a LIONSAUL FLOP! Tiff hurries to fireman’s carry, ROLLING SENTON! And then PRETTIEST MOON- NO, Nia drags Candice out of the ring!
The fans boo, Nia tells them to shut up, but Tiff is on the apron! Nia swings, Tiff cartwheels over, and then she DROPKICKS Nia! Tiff Alabama Lifts Candice, to ALABAMA SLAM her into barriers! Tiff stares down Charlotte, tells her just wait for Mania, then she puts Candice in the ring. Tiff goes to the corner, PRETTIEST MOONSAULT EVER!! Cover, Tiff wins!
Winner: Tiffany Stratton, by pinfall
Charlotte gives moderate applause, but Nia CLOBBERS Tiff from behind! The fans boo, but Nia just drags Tiff to a corner. Nia goes up, but wait! Trish is here!! The fans fire up for the legend as she rushes into the ring! Trish avoids a haymaker to CHICK KICK! Then THESZ PRESS for Candice! And then a SPINEBUSTER! Trish helps Tiff to her feet, but Nia grabs them both! Trish fires fast hands on Nia! Candice CHOP BLOCKS Trish! Tiff is still dazed, Nia HEADBUTTS her back down! Nia & Candice mug Trish, and then Nia HEADBUTTS Trish! Trish & Tiff are side by side, and Nia drags them into the drop zone! A-NIA-LATOR!!
The fans boo but there’s nothing can be done! Nia grins as she helps Candice away, will these two trash Trish & Tiff in Toronto? Charlotte steps into the ring, stands over Tiff, and points to the WrestleMania sign. Will The Irresistible Force & Poison Pixie unwittingly do the dirty work of The Queen of Flair?
Cody talks with Damian Priest backstage.
Priest asks why Cody’s boy, The Rock, is here tonight. Cody says given the time of year, his guess is as good as anyone’s. But tonight will surely be eventful. Cody congratulates Priest on entering the Elimination Chamber. Priest says what’s wild is, last year, they both walked out as champions. What sucks is that this year, only one of them can. Now, Priest is man enough and he respects Cody to say that after Chamber, he’s coming for that title. Cody says he wouldn’t have it any other way. Cody heads out, but what business does The Rock have tonight?
Braun Strowman steps in, and he tells Priest that congrats on winning, and good luck in the Chamber. But let’s be honest, Braun had Jacob dead to rights last week. If not for Solo Sikoa, things would look a lot different next week. Priest chuckles and says take it easy, he’s sounding like Drew with the excuses. But it is what it is, Priest just beat Braun to the punch. But that was last week. Tonight, Solo and Jacob, two of the baddest men in the business. Priest & Braun handling business? Oh, they’re handling business. The only business Braun cares about is getting his hands on those two. Priest says Braun definitely will.
Braun heads out, will the Monster of All Monsters and the Archer of Infamy make sure Solo & Jacob #GetTheseHands? Or will the rogues run roughshod all over SmackDown once again?
Backstage interview with Naomi & Bianca Belair.
Byron Saxton is with the WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions and brings up last week’s SmackDown, the security footage led us to believe Liv Morgan & Raquel Rodriguez were the ones behind Jade Cargill’s attack. Now, hold on, Saxton. They don’t think, Naomi knows they were. Fair enough. But this Monday, they can get their revenge when they defend the tag titles against Liv & Raquel. How ready are they for this match? Bianca says so ready! They have been waiting for months for an update. Jade has been recovering, she hasn’t been able to call or text, so the GlowEST took matters into their own hands to get revenge.
Bianca & Naomi will handle Liv & Raquel, then move on to Elimination Chamber, where one of them is gonna win to face Rhea at WrestleMania. Not only will you #FeelTheGlowEST on Monday, but Liv feels it tonight! #Let’sGLOW! The champs head out, but will they clear their Road to WrestleMania of any other distractions?
Alexa Bliss speaks.
“When I was away, there was a lot of… change that happened in me. But when I look around, I see this place is still the same. The names and faces may be different, but the desperation and insecurity remains the same. You’ll see Toronto when I turn the Elimination Chamber into something of a playground of my own. I know the Chamber. I love the Chamber. I’ve won the Chamber. And for the other five women, it’s gonna be a Hell like they’ve never experienced before. Need I remind you, this is my division, and I am in charge.” Bliss smiles and says, “See you soon.” The film comes off the reel, but will things get twisted in Toronto?
Naomi w/ Bianca Belair VS Liv Morgan w/ Raquel Rodriguez!
The Big Easy is all about having fun, and they’re fired up for Naomi’s entrance. But wait! Liv & Raquel don’t wait, they attack Bianca & Naomi while the lights are still down! They mug Naomi, but Bianca drags Liv out of the ring! Then Bianca storms in to fire off on Raquel! The fans fire up, but Liv returns to CHOP BLOCK Bianca! Raquel hauls Bianca up for a TEJANA BOMB!! Naomi runs up, fires more hands, but Liv brings Naomi around. Naomi fires hands on her, but Raquel throws her down! Liv runs up, OBLIVION!
Liv & Raquel stand tall, the refs rush out here, but clearly the singles match isn’t happening. Will we be getting something even meaner and nastier between these four on Monday?
The Rock arrives!
His truck pulls into the parking lot, but we’ll see him in the ring, after the break!
SmackDown returns and…
Aldis is chewing out Liv & Raquel for the attack. He doesn’t know what they get away with on Raw, but they can’t pull that crap here. Now get the hell out of his building. Liv & Raquel just laugh that off, but then Chelsea Green & Piper Niven walk in. Chelsea says have no fear, Chelsea & Piper are here to sub in for Bianca and Naomi at Elimination Chamber. Aldis sighs, and says they’re not missing the Chamber. What? But Chelsea had an outfit picked out! This is a travesty to not have the greatest Canadian export since maple syrup on a Canadian PLE! Does he know who she is? The first-ever, longest reigning, tallest, shortest, prettiest, richest, tannest, sparkliest, oldest, youngest Women’s US Champion! Piper asks what this is aboot, eh?
Aldis says this is them testing his patience. They need to pack their gear and whatever else they want, because they’ll be in action next week on SmackDown in Toronto. And oh, it’ll be a good one. Wait, they need more details! At least an e-calendar notification? Aldis is leaving Chelsea in the dark on what’s coming, will she absolutely hate it?
The Rock heads to the ring!
Wait, what is this New Orleans related remix? The Final Boss steps out on stage, he shows those goosebumps, then continues down the ramp, shaking hands with fans. The Rock hits his signature pose on the corner, but then takes the long way around to pick up a fan’s phone for them before going back into the ring. The fans all cheer for “ROCKY! ROCKY!” and he grabs himself a mic. He waits as the fans continue to chant his name, and then he says, “Ahh, you feel it, don’t you? You feel it. The Rock has got chills up and down his body because you know, on a Friday night, for the Final Boss to get inside his bird and fly all the way here, you know that I’m dropping some ish on you tonight!”
The fans fire up and The Rock smiles. Rock says, “Let’s get this show on the road.” The fans anticipate what’s coming but he says hold on, he’ll do it. “FINALLY! The Rock has come back…” “TO NEW ORLEANS~!” Rock smiles, and he adds, FINALLY, WrestleMania is coming back to New Orleans!! The fans are thunderous to hear that! WrestleMania 30, WrestleMania 34, and now WrestleMania 42!? Yes, next year, 2026, LIVE from the Superdome! One of the greatest cities on Earth in New Orleans, Louisiana! The pyro goes off to commemorate the occasion, and the logo is already on the tron! Rock smiles at that, then he smiles at the WrestleMania 41 Vegas logo.
The fans are losing their minds, as we now know April 11th and 12th, 2026, the Big Easy has the Grandest Stage of Them All. Rock says you damn right holy ish! Oh when the saints go marching in…! Oh how I’d love… Wait, no, this ain’t singalong with The Final Boss! Sit there, shut up, and let The Final Boss sing the song! The fans are torn, but Rock says he sings! Oh how I’d love, to be in that number~! Oh when the saints go marching in~! Okay, that’s good enough. You got him, that was a great duet. The Rock is singing with the largest collection of STD’d trailer trash he has ever seen! The fans can’t believe Rock would do that to them!
Rock says now, dropping this news wasn’t the only gift he was going to drop on us. The Final Boss came here to call somebody out. The Rock will call out a man who he respects, who he admires, and who we all admire. That man is our WWE Champion, the one and only, Cody Rhodes. The fans cheer as The American Nightmare makes his entrance! They sing along with the song, “WHOA~ OH~!” and we get Cody’s pyro before he goes to the ring. Cody gets his second “WHOA~ OH~!” and round of pyro, then he steps inside to join The Rock. The fans cheer Cody on, so he holds up the title and the fans cheer even more.
Cody grabs a mic, but Rock says, “That feels good, doesn’t it? I mean, that’s gotta feel amazing, right? They love you, man.” Cody tells NOLA, “I love you, too.” Rock says this is crazy. Pretty much no one knows this, but since after WrestleMania last year, they’ve actually become good friends. No, it’s true, they have. Last time they were together was the Raw Netflix debut. Rock gave Cody his flowers, told Cody he has carried the company like the incredible champion that he is, so thank you, Cody. Rock meant it, and that night, they went to the back, drank tequila for two hours and had a great ol’ time.
They chopped it up, had a blast, but Rock wants to call Cody out here for something important. Here’s the thing… The fans get a bit rowdy as they wait, and Rock says Cody is a great champion. A great WWE Champion. Cody knows that. Again, they’ve become good friends, so over the months, they’ve texted. Even their moms became good friends! Look! Mama Johnson & Mama Rhodes together after WrestleMania 40! It is a pleasure becoming Cody’s friend. But Rock wanted this face to face to tell him a few things. One: Cody has been a great champion, but he needs to understand. Yes, The Rock, The Final Boss, is on the Board of TKO. And TKO owns WWE.
The Rock is the Director of the Board of TKO. Don’t boo that! The Rock’s good friend, Ari Emanuel, who owns everything Endeavor, The Rock joked with Ari, “Can you believe that you own The WWE?” Ari says he doesn’t own the WWE, The Rock does. Rock said no, no, he doesn’t know if he owns the WWE. But The Rock knows he is the most powerful… Cody, you are a great champion. But Rock wants Cody to be something more. Rock wants Cody to be something more than just our champion. Rock wants Cody to be his champion. The fans don’t like where that’s going.
Cody says he did not expect them to become friends, nor their moms to become friends, nor the tequila. Cody didn’t have that on his bingo card. But becoming The Rock’s champion? The Rock of all people should know, Cody is the people’s champion. The fans cheer Cody more, and Rock says yes! Cody is their champion! Of course! The Rock is also The People’s Champion, he loves that about Cody. This is their universe, they were both born into this business. But Rock means something even bigger than just this. Rock knows Cody’s goal is to bring as much joy and happiness to everyone around the world, as many as possible.
The fans cheer, and Rock says that’s Cody. Cody is that guy, and everyone knows it. Cody is on social media, Instagram, millions of followers. Millions, and millions! The Rock has half a BILLION. That’s not a flex. But The Rock is the most followed American man in the world, that’s what he wants for Cody. Rock wants Cody to be even higher. If Cody becomes The Rock’s Champion, he will open doors to possibilities Cody never even imagined. If Cody becomes The Rock’s Champion, every dream he has ever had can come true. Every dream of Brandi’s, of their daughter’s. Think about how Rock brought them to the premiere of Moana 2, in Hawaii.
Thank you, by the way, for making that cross a BILLION dollars, fans, Rock loves you. Rock has met the Rhodes family, they’re amazing. But imagine it: Cody’s daughter’s children, their dreams, long after Rock and Cody are gone, all those dreams can come true. Rock just needs Cody to be his champion. The fans say don’t do it! Rock tells Cody to just think about it, though. Rock is a very lucky man, he has it all. Cody also has it all. They’re very fortunate. They’re Mama’s Boys, they’re Girl Dads, they’re lucky men. Fans say don’t do it, Rock tells them to shut up or he’ll slap the syphilis off their face! Rock is trying to have a moment here, shut your mouths!
The one thing that Rock has never had, that he wants more than anything, is a brother. And that is what Cody can be. Last year, WrestleMania, Rock’s goal was to face his cousin, Roman Reigns, for the title. Cody knows, the fans know. Rock talked with his friend, HHH. He talked with Nick Khan, who is his friend. They are also Cody’s friends. Rock knew it wasn’t in the plans, but they talked about moving Cody aside to make what was best for business: Rock VS Roman, WrestleMania 40! What’d Cody do? Cody pitched a b*tch fit! Cody told The Rock he ain’t doing it, and he stood up to The Rock. And y’know what else? Cody SLAPPED Rock!
No one does that and gets away with it. But that is why Cody is special. That is why Cody should be Rock’s Champion. And that is why Rock will take Cody from where he is to a level so far above. Rock will make sure every dream, every desire, for generations to come, it all comes true. Rock’s dad, Cody’s dad, Soul Man & American Dream, they are looking down right now. They were friends, Cody and Rock are friends, Cody should be Rock’s Champion. He doesn’t need to answer Rock tonight. He can think about it, talk with his wife and daughter, as will The Rock. Then Cody can think about it. Meet Rock in Toronto on March 1st to give him the answer.
Fans still say don’t do it, but Rock says it is okay. Before he leaves, this has been an amazing night, this is a hot crowd, thank you all very much. But before he leaves, Rock wants us to know this: The one thing Rock wants more than anything in this world… is that. Wait, the title? Cody’s title? The fans’ title? This is all this is about? No no no no! Brother… Rock doesn’t want the title. He wants Cody’s soul. The fans duel, “NO! NO! NO!” “SELL YOUR SOUL!” Rock pats Cody on the cheek and says see you in Toronto. The Rock leaves, giving Cody a lot to think about. Rock does give one last glance back at Cody, then smirks.
What will The American Nightmare choose: His integrity? Or his aspirations?
WWE Tag Team Championships: #DIY VS Pretty Deadly!
Did Tommaso Ciampa & Johnny Gargano got these titles thanks to Kit Wilson & Elton Prince? #YESBOY! Did they survive a couple title defenses thanks to Kit & Elton? #YESBOY! But when Pretty Deadly needed DIY, was DIY there for them? #NOBOY! So now, Kit & Elton are looking to give Ciampa & Gargano their comeuppance! Will we finally get another #SidePlateCheck? Or will Ciampa & Gargano remember for themselves, that if you wanna be champions, you gotta do it yourself?
But as DIY make their entrance, they have mics, and Johnny Wrestling tells NOLA, “Give it up one time for your TWO-TIME WWE Tag Team Champions…! The BTTITW (Best Tag Team In The World), D I Y~!” The fans boo instead. Ciampa says there is no denying that tonight has been electrifying. Gargano says this is a hot crowd. But please, if we could be somber for a second. Guys, this is serious. Two weeks ago, Pretty Deadly embarrassed DIY, and now reluctantly, DIY will return that favor by crushing their hopes and dreams of ever becoming WWE Tag Team Champions. So please, let us all rise to our feet… Yes, you in the LSU jersey, stand up.
Ciampa thanks Wade Barrett, and asks for everyone to remove their hands and bow their heads for a moment of silence for Pretty Deadly, beginning… now. The fans boo instead! And then Pretty Deadly make their entrance! The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we see who really needed who in this broken relationship!
But then DIY jumps Pretty Deadly! The ref reprimands, DIY whip but Pretty Deadly reverses! DOUBLE DORPKICKS! Then DOUBLE LARIATS send DIY up and out! The disco ball hasn’t even stopped spinning! The fans cheer while DIY throw a fit! They regroup, cool down, and go back to the ring. Gargano distracts Elton, Ciampa CLOBBERS him, and the bell rings. But Elton fires hands on Ciampa! Elton whips, Ciampa reverses and he pulls hair! The ref reprimands, Ciampa throws Elton to the apron and KNEES him down! Tag to Gargano and he aims, SUPERKICK! Elton goes down in a heap, DIY cheers themselves on, and SmackDown goes to break!
SmackDown returns, Gargano tags in, and DIY hits the BACK SUPLEX BOMBO COMBO! Cover, TWO! Elton stays in this but Gargano tags Ciampa back in. Gargano sends Ciampa in, but Elton ELBOWS him away! Gargano runs in, but Elton puts him on the apron! Gargano goes after Kit, but Kit blocks the kick! Kit BOOTS Gargano down, but then Ciampa BOOTS Kit! Elton dodges Ciampa to come back, DOUBLE CROSSBODIES collide! Elton and Ciampa are down, sputtering and writhing, and the fans rally up. Elton crawls, Kit rises, hot tags to Kit and Gargano! Kit rallies on DIY with big forearms! Kit whips, Gargano reverses, Kit UPPERCUTS!
Kit UPPERCUTS Ciampa in a corner, then LARIATS! Kit runs to LARIAT Gargano! Kit pushes Gargano down, kicks him and hits a TWIST- NO, Gargano slips through to ROCK Kit! Kit yoyos, DOUBLE LARIATS! The fans fire up, Kit tags Elton! They get Gargano up, but Gargano BOOTS Elton! Gargano ELBOWS Kit away, then runs up on Elton! Elton dodges, then gives Kit the boost, DRY MARTI-KNEES! Cover, TWO!! Gargano survives but Ciampa is in! Elton fireman’s carries Ciampa, but Ciampa slips free! Ciampa whips, Elton reverses, Kit UPPERCUTS Ciampa! Elton shows off his strength with the GOTCH LIFT PLEX!
Tag to Kit, but IN COME THE PROFITS! Ford SHOVES Kit down, Dawkins mugs him!!
Winners: Pretty Deadly, by disqualification; DIY retain the titles
Not again! Just like they did Motor City Machine Guns, The Profits make sure no one else takes these titles off DIY! URENAGE from Ford to Elton! Dawkins keeps hammering away on Kit, and then Ford POSTS Elton! Dawkins fireman’s carries Kit, to POST him, too! Looking like the All Mighty with that one! Gargano fires forearms in return, but ends up int he POUNCE GERMAN SUPLEX! Then Ciampa runs up into a FLAPJACK! Ford goes up top, then flies in FROM THE HEAVENS!! Direct hit on Ciampa! But wait! MCMG rushes out here, wanting their payback! The Profits brawl with MCMG, but Ford TOSSES Shelley to the apron!
Ford runs up, Shelley goes to kick, but Ford blocks it! Ford LARIATS Shelley down, Dawkins hits Sabin with THE BIG ENDING! The fans are torn as Dawkins whips Sabin, Profits get him for the REVELATION!! And if there’s been any revelation, it is that Ford & Dawkins don’t just want the smoke, they want to burn down the tag division to get it! Will nothing stop them once they’re back in action?
Kevin Owens speaks.
“You got what you wanted, huh? You got your match. You couldn’t, uh… You couldn’t just take the punishment that you deserved, that I’d already given you, and let it go. No, you… You wanted me and you to go again. You wanted to fight me, you want to hurt me, you want to end my career, which would hurt my family, by the way. Which is truly despicable. But what about your family, Sami? Huh? Have you thought of them? What about your family, huh?” Kevin reveals he is right outside the Zayn home! Kevin peers inside to watch Sami, his wife, and his son!
Kevin asks Sami via the video if Sami knows what he’s about to put them through, when they have to watch Kevin end Sami’s career. And what happens then, eh? When Sami can’t provide for them, and everything they have, like this nice house, the shelter, the security, the peace they have, when it’s all gone? And why? What for? Because Sami’s too proud? Because Sami’s selfish? Sami IS selfish. Because Sami is making Kevin do this to Sami’s family. Kevin will never forgive Sami for that. He’ll see Sami in Toronto. “But remember… You asked for this. It’s all your fault.” As if Kevin’s delusions aren’t already grand, will he continue to blame everyone else but himself?
Damian Priest & Braun Strowman VS Solo Sikoa & Jacob Fatu w/ Tama Tonga!
Elimination Chamber is on the horizon, and the Road to WrestleMania makes for strange bedfellows. Priest, Braun and Jacob were fighting each other just last week, but Solo’s return really threw things for a loop. Can Priest & Braun give Solo and the Samoan Werewolf their punishment? Or will everything (not) be fine in Solo’s Bloodline?
SmackDown returns as #OneBigSOB makes his entrance. As Solo, Jacob & Tama head to gorilla, we hear from Solo. “Tonight, we handle business. And it starts with Braun Strowman & Damian-” Jacob interrupts with, “Man, c’mon, DP! C’mon, Braun! I thought we did this! So tonight, we about to even up the score. If you ain’t know, I’m all gas, no brakes with it! See, since we touched the scene, we been dropping bodies like bread crumbs! Yadada mean!? FA-TUUU~! Hit my music!” The rogues enter to Jacob’s theme, is this alone proof he’s the new alpha? Or will the match be the last nail in that coffin?
The teams sort out, but Jacob stares down both Priest and Braun. NOLA seems to acknowledge Jacob, but Solo convinces him to stand down. Solo starts against Priest, the bell rings, and the two tie up. They go around, Priest powers Solo back, but Solo powers Priest back. They break, stare down, and Solo talks some trash. Solo shoves Priest, Priest shoves back. They circle again, tie up, and Priest puts Solo in a corner. The ref counts, Priest lets off at 4, but Solo stomps Priest’s foot! Solo throws hands, then a HEADBUTT! Priest staggers, but then he ROCKS Solo! And ROCKS him! And HEADBUTTS! That was a mistake!
Solo shakes his head to HEADBUTT Priest! Priest goes to a corner, Solo throws haymakers and body shots on repeat! The ref counts, Solo lets off and says see? Solo and Jacob as one! But Priest THROWS Solo to the corner to fire off haymakers of his own! Priest ROCKS Solo, the fans fire up, and Priest whips., Solo reverses to UPPERCUT! Solo talks smack but Priest ROCKS him again! Tag to Braun and the fans fire up! Braun stares Jacob down, tells him to shove it, then runs up to SPLASH Solo! Braun stares Jacob down again, goes back for Solo, and hits another LARIAT! Braun scoops, Solo slips free, but Braun runs up!
Solo ELBOWS Braun away, tags to Jacob, and Jacob runs in, but Braun dodges! Braun CROSSBODIES! Jacob is right up, but Braun BOOTS him right back down! Solo runs in but Braun TOSSES him! Priest hurries after Solo, Braun CLOBBERS Jacob! LEAPING LARIAT for Solo! Braun then gets on the track, STROWMAN EXPRESS SMACKS a chair out of Tama’s hand! The Good Bad Guy thought he was being sneaky! But then Jacob CROSSBODIES Braun into the timekeeper’s aera! The fans go wild as Jacob rises up, and SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Jacob hauls Braun up, drags him around the way, HEADBUTTS him, then brings him over to SMACK off the desk! Braun staggers, but he ROCKS Jacob in return! And THROWS Jacob into steel steps! Braun drags Jacob up, puts him in the ring, but Jacob SUPERKICKS Braun! Braun falls into the corner, Jacob HIP ATTACKS! Jacob’s all geeked up, then he tags in Solo. Solo soaks up some heat while Jacob HIP ATTACKS Braun again! Solo puts Braun on ropes to CHOKE him! The ref counts, Solo stops at 4, but Jacob gets a HEADBUTT in! Braun flounders, Solo taunts him and eggs him on, but Braun CHOPS him!
Solo HEADBUTTS Braun right down! Solo rains down fists, then lets off so he can put Braun on the ropes. Solo CHOKES Braun again, stops as the ref counts 4, and Jacob gets another cheap shot in! Solo tags Jacob in, then he HEADBUTTS Braun again and again! Jacob runs to BODY CHECK Braun! Jacob fires up, Braun flounders to ropes, but Jacob rains down fists! Tag to Solo, he soaks up heat from NOLA, then he stomps away on Braun! The ref counts, Solo lets off, then he keeps Braun from Priest by anchoring a leg. Tag to Jacob and Jacob climbs up, FROG SPLASH! Jacob roars while Braun writhes!
Jacob looms over Braun but he glares at Priest. Priest gets heated, but Jacob fires hands on Braun as SmackDown returns to single picture. Braun stands, but Jacob HEADBUTTS him again! Jacob runs for another BODY CHECK! And then a SENTON! Cover, TWO! Braun stays in this and he goes to a corner. Jacob snarls, tags Solo in, and the fans boo. Solo runs corner to corner to HIP ATTACK Braun! Solo grins as he copies Jacob’s geeking out. Tag back to Jacob and fans cheer! Jacob aims, runs, and HIP ATTACKS! Jacob keeps going, but Braun BOOTS from below!! The fans fire up while both men stagger to their feet.
Braun SPINEBUSTERS Jacob! Both monsters are down, the fans rally up, and they crawl, hot tags to Solo and Priest! Priest fires hands on Solo, then whips. Solo reverses but Priest SHOUDLER TACKLES Solo! Priest runs to BACK ELBOW! Jacob is back, but Priest dodges to WHEEL KICK! Priest then waits on Solo, but Solo catches Priest! Priest elbows free, but Solo SUPERKICKS! But Priest JUMPING ROUNDHOUSES! Solo comes back, Priest ROCKS him first! Solo swings, but into the FLATLINER! Cover, TWO! Solo survives but Priest puts him in a corner. Priest whips corner to corner, then runs, only for Solo to put him on th eapron!
Solo takes as swing, Priest dodges and ROUNDHOUSES! Priest then knuckle locks with Solo, goes up top, and he tightrope walks for some OLD SCHOOL! The fans fire up and Priest powers up the arm! Priest runs, but Solo ducks the Comebacker! Priest fights the fireman’s carry to BELL CLAP, ROUNDHOUSE, and then he reels Solo in! But Tama is on the apron! Priest DECKS Tama, but Jacob HOTSHOTS Priest! Solo hits the URENAGE! Cover, TWO!! Priest survives and Solo is stunned! Solo snarls, looks to his taped-up thumb, then he drags Priest up. The fans boo but Solo taunts the fans now. SAMOAN- NO! Priest grabs Solo!
But Jacob runs in! Priest ROCKS Jacob, ELBOWS Solo, then he dodges, so Jacob’s SUPERKICK hits Solo! An accident just like last week’s shot to Tama, but Jacob doesn’t seem as upset by it. Priest TOSSES Jacob, then CLOBBERS Solo! STROWMAN EXPRESS CLOBBERS Jacob & Tama!! Priest brings down the straps, the fans are thunderous, and Priest grabs Solo by the neck! SOUTH OF HEAVEN!! Cover, Priest & Braun win!
Winners: Damian Priest & Braun Strowman, by pinfall
Just as Solo thought it’d be like before, he and Jacob were not on the same page! Priest is rolling towards Elimination Chamber, will this be just what he needs to go back to WrestleMania?
My Thoughts:
A great SmackDown here, but with some interesting moves after the sudden change in plans with The Rock showing up. Naomi and Bianca had a good promo to hype up what was meant to be a full match of Naomi VS Liv, but word had already come out before the show that things were being cut for time. But at the very least, they did the right thing of making it a brawl that adds heat to the tag title match on Monday. Also, hilarious how Chelsea & Piper thought the beatdown on Bianca & Naomi was so bad that they would need to be pulled from the Chamber. I also can’t wait to see what happens on Toronto SmackDown.
As for The Rock, I do appreciate he used his authority to kayfabe change more things, all so he could have his promo with Cody. I also appreciate Rock blending his different roles and even different sides, both Heel and Face, to A) bring the news of WM42 being in NOLA, and B) recreate the Corporate Champion/People’s Champion story from the Attitude Era. That was some wild stuff he was saying to Cody. I’m sure quite a few people will try and talk with Cody next week in the go-home. Heels will say do it because they’d love to have what Rock can give, Faces will say not because Cody’s better than that. But naturally, Cody is not going to become The Rock’s Champion, causing Rock to turn on him and really up things going into WrestleMania 41 and perhaps even beyond.
Good stuff in the Elimination Chamber related stories. Jimmy VS McIntyre was great stuff to open, and how fitting that McIntyre loses to Jimmy after talking all that trash about Jimmy and Jey being the same. Jey got McIntyre with something quick, Jimmy got McIntyre with something quick, McIntyre’s ego is obviously his weakness. And at the same time, McIntyre of course destroys Jimmy after because that’s his other personality trait. Priest had good promos with Cody and Braun, and we got great stuff from Solo’s Bloodline. Naturally, we got a miscommunication spot to help finish, we’re really close to Solo VS Jacob, I can feel it. Priest & Braun get the win, mostly because Priest isn’t winning in the Chamber when you’ve got Punk and Cena in there.
Very good stuff with Tiffy Time, from the promos leading into the match to Charlotte being ringside just to watch. Nia & Candice of course get the better of Tiff & Trish, because Tiff & Trish are definitely winning the tag match in Toronto. Charlotte just seems to enjoy trolling Tiff with her presence, so Charlotte probably shows up in Toronto to then confront Tiff after the match. I expect the seven weeks after Elimination Chamber to really heat up, as will Charlotte’s involvement, where she’ll get more active verbally and physically. Also, hell, Rock should go full Corporation and have Charlotte be his Corporate Women’s Champion because of how established she is.
Hilarious stuff from Truth tonight, as always. Truth and Melo having their “who’s on first” again was good stuff, and of course Miz gets in on this story, too. Truth & Knight VS “Melo Don’t Miz” was really fun, but yeah, should’ve figured Nakamura would get involved, too. Melo & Miz making it work could also be really fun, and while Knight VS Nakamura is a rehash, I really hope they find a way to up things. It feels like we’re getting the same with the tag titles as Profits “ruined” that great tag match from DIY and Pretty Deadly, then brawled with MCMG to still come out on top. Last year had a ladder tag title match, so why not do one for these titles this year?
Speaking of escalating, Kevin filming a promo outside Sami’s house was some really well done stuff, as expected of someone as good as Kevin and in such a story as him and Sami. Their match should main event, it needs time to breathe, as it could be just as, if not more violent, than the Chamber matches. What a powerful closing moment we could have if it’s a bloody Kevin and Sami, and one of them is standing over the other, triumphant yet mournful because it was their best friend in the world that they just brutalized.
My Score: 8.9/10
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Coverage
Andrew’s TNA LIVE! iMPACT! Results & Match Ratings: 2.20.2025
So the first live episode got fairly positive praise from everyone; will this continue the trend?
Filming at Full Sail seems to have set the stage nicely this week! Going into a Live episode we got Moose and The Hardy Boyz on NXT, as well as Jordynne Grace’s involvement with Steph and Giulia giving a little shine to TNA happenings since she’s newly WWE.
This episode should be interesting, we finally see Lei Ying Lee (fka Xia Li) back in action, Rascalz take on Tyson and Tyriek, Tessa should be seeing some action as well…so generally interesting happenings for the second Live iMPACT! of 2025. Let’s see how this one goes down!
No matter where @ManceWarner and @stephdelander go, @TheSamiCallihan WILL FIND THEM!
Watch #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/NY8HgI02kY pic.twitter.com/mXz9U7m9PL
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) February 21, 2025
Ratings:
- Tyson & Tyriek w/Wes Lee vs The Rascalz w/Ace Austin: Rascalz win via Meteora/Swanton Combo – ***
- Lei Ying Lee vs Rosemary: Lei wins via Thunderstruck – **
- NoDQ Match: Leon Slater vs JDC: Dango wins via The System help – ** 3/4
- Masha Slamovich vs Mila Moore: Masha wins via Requiem – N/A
- Elijah & Joe Hendry vs The Colons: Elijah wins via Tombstone Piledriver – *** 1/4
Results:
Oh yeah, and another Hendry concert is…cut off by a commercial, LOLTNA. First Hendry is cut off by AXSTV’s new Anime Hour bumper, and now Primo and Epico are showing up in TNA. I definitely didn’t have this on my BINGO card. The crowd starts chanting “Where’s Carlito”, which they do acknowledge and play off of well. Oh they’re using their shoot names of Orlando and Eddie now…but before they attack the lights go out and we get another guitar strum! ELIAH/ELIAS/EZEKIEL/EBENERZER/EMERY/EL VAGABUNDO – shows up to back up Hendry. Okay I can apologize away the redundant concert since it played into an Elijah debut. The crowd is immediately popping and chanting “This is Awesome” 10 minutes into the show.
Tyson & Tyriek w/Wes Lee vs The Rascalz w/Ace Austin
Treehouse bros take it to the bigger men quickly, a few fast dives, a little MCMG style tandem strikes, Tyson fires and tries to take them out but they Low Bridge him. Tyriek comes in and they try similar things but Tyriek manhandles them both and throws them out of the ring, Trey is the first one back up and Tyriek and Tyson take his damn head off with his Corkscrew Running Euro Upper. Trey finally manages to flip out of the manhandle, tags in Wentz and Wentz goes for the hot and spicy cleaning house spot. Corner to Corner Knee Lifts for both big men, a Rolling Snapmare, into a Superkick for Tyson and Standing Shoot Star on Tyriek but only for two because Wes feints like he’s going to interfere.
Tyson and Tyriek pull off a tandem Assisted Backdrop Driver, but Wentz breaks it up, Tyson gets knocked out, Wentz hits the Tornillo, Wes tries to interfere again after Trey gets perched on the corner buckle but Ace runs around and trips Wes at the last second causing him to faceplant on the apron, Trey hits the Meteora, Wentz hits a Swanton from the other side of the ring and Trey gets the pinfall victory.
It was fast paced, all gas no brakes, but it didn’t overstay its welcome, so it was pretty fun all things considered.
After the match Wes grabs a mic, complains a little but challenges them to a 6 man match as Sacrifice. So we’re THAT’S where we’re getting the expected 3v3.
Fir$t Cla$$ comes out with an entourage of hot chicks and probably influencers or something. The “First Class Penthouse” , Gabby AF, Mafiosa Valentina, and Carolina are apparently known in their own way. Gabby I know was the awful one who did something for Impact a last year and sucked, but she’s part of the Busted Open Network I believe so that’s why she’s around. Two of them look like Noelle Foley and Frank the Clown…oh they actually are. Look at that. I do love KC Navarro as the Hype Man, they have this whole set up of AJ being mad that they haven’t gotten more Tag Title shots, so TNA placated him with his own Piper’s Pit and he’s *pregnant pause* totally happy with that. He says he loved Piper and hated Hogan before it was cool.
This is actually quality content and AJ is cutting a nice promo in this segment. They introduce their first guest, the greatest performer in TNA history, many whole say he’s Phenomenal with a whole lot of style….it’s A-J-Francis.
.@AJFrancis410 is GOING OFF!
Watch #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/NY8HgI02kY pic.twitter.com/kGehtp9iTE
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) February 21, 2025
Lei Ying Lee vs Rosemary
Things were slow until Rosemary took her into a corner quickly, hit the Upside Down, and we get a lot of Lei trying to avoid Rosemary’s offense. Rosemary goes for a Spear in the corner and Lei forward rolls, starts connecting with a bunch of right hands, backs Rosemary into the corner, goes for 10 Count Punches, pulls her out, Airplane Spin TKO for only a two count. Rosemary tries As Above So Below, Lei shrugs it off, Rosemary tries to go after Lei anyway and eats Thunderstruck! Lei Ying Lee wins!
After the match Rosemary catches Lei on the ramp and hits the Green mist in the eyes. Match was far too short and so many of Lei’s set up moves look better than her finish. We’ve seen Kofi Kingston do it for years so it’s not bad, just the current Knockouts Division are awful and don’t take the move well.
Eric Young and the jabronis come out, EY cuts a very basic power crazed psycho kind of promo, gets the “What” chants from the crowds. EY is trying to recruit Maclin even though Maclin made his line in the sand last week. EY tries to spin it as maybe he took out Josh FOR Maclin instead of in spite of his trust. This really doesn’t seem interesting at all, but that’s probably because I hate the two Jabronis EY is with.
NoDQ Match: Leon Slater vs JDC
I really don’t have any interest in Slater. He’s got no personality beyond “flippy guy with a British accent”.
Dango immediately powders, grabs a chair and goes to swing on him but misses. So Leon is making JDC look dumb by dodging the post chop, using the chair to shield himself from a punch by JDC, and then clapping Dango’s fingers between the chair. So typical System match, look inept for the first few minutes, then take advantage of something to take over. Oh look, Leon takes too long setting up the table, Dango gets in a few pot shots, tries to whip him into the table but Leon leaps over it, and then leaps back over to clobber Dango. Dango is still trying to recover so Leon hits his over the corner post con hilo, and the crowd appreciates it but I’m not interested. Leon panders to the crowd after the big spot and then eats an X-Plex into the chair from Dango.
JDC throws Leon back in, goes for a pinfall that’s only a two and we cut to a commercial. Coming out of the commercial JDC is in control with a Kendo Stick until he isn’t, Leon counters and takes the keno stick, brutalizes Dango a few times then comes off the ropes with the kendo shot for 2. Leon goes for another table, and again, at least the crowd is receptive to this match. Leon sets it up, looks for something off the apron but Dango stops him first until he eats a dropkick to fall onto the table, Leon hits the Swanton 450 through the table on the outside. Does it look cool? Sure. Do I care about dumbass moves? Nope.
Oh thankfully the rest of The System comes out to stop the pinfall, Shield Bomb Leon through the first table, and roll him back in for Dango to win.
The Hardy Boyz come out to try and make the save, but the numbers are against them, so Oba Femi’s music hits! Oba cleans house but doesn’t get his hands on Moose, so they’re at least building the eventual clash between Moose and Oba.
The crowd starts a “Tessa, we comin for you” chant before she even starts talking. Tessa is actually playing off the crowd well, Santino’s music hits and Tessa thinks he’ll help her out with the crowd and Santino calls bullshit basically. Santino says if Tessa doesn’t wrestle next week, she’s fired and Masha’s music hits. Masha decides to step in for Tessa’s enhancement talent match.
Masha Slamovich vs Mila Moore
Jobber tries to attack Masha early but Masha stops her, rocks her and Requiem ends the match.
Masha stares down Tessa, and then Cora Jade attacks from behind and hits Jaded.
Ryan Nemeth comes out to his Abyss music remix. What will Mokuba say today? “MYYYY BIIIGG BBRROOOOTTHHHEEEEER” he repeats at least 4 times and it’s hilariously cringe. He announces that Nic will return at Sacrifice, he literally just came out to give a PSA.
Elijah & Joe Hendry vs The Colons
Hendry starts with Eddie, after a brief tie up it seems like Hendry reads the room and points at Elijah and the crowd wants him in. So Joe tags in Elijah, a little back and forth, Shoulder Tackle from Elijah, Rope Walk with Elijah lays out Eddie and a tag to Joe allows for a quick tandem knockdown, but Eddie powders as the Walking and Talking Duo hold the ring going into the final commercial break.
We come back and Hendry is bouncing Orlando off the ropes as he return a strike, but Orlando is obviously losing, eats a Euro Upper, and then gets walked around in the Stalling Suplex for posterity. Eddie tries a sneak attack but gets caught and Sack of Shit, into Kip Up, turn and then Orlando with the ambush! A few quick short cuts and an Irish Whip/Dropkick combo gives the Colons a near fall. Hendry does get locomotion variation cradles, but eats a Dropkick to stop the attempt at momentum. Orlando stays on Joe, but Joe finally starts to fire up as the crowd starts to get behind him. Euro Uppers make some space, but a Snapmare says no.
Eddie gets tagged in and a quick Leg Sweep into a Front Chancery keeps Eddie in control. As Joe tries to get back up, Eddie turns it into a Guillotine, but finally the Suplex counter connects for Hendry! Simultaneous tags! Elijah bulls over Orlando, catches a Leap Frogging Orlando with the Manhattan Drop as Orlando retreats to a corner, Stinger Splash into Spinebuster for two. Elijah tries to keep up the attacks but Orlando finds a few ways to make space, launches himself from the middle rope and eats the Jumping Knee! Eddie breaks up the pinfall, Hendry takes Eddie out and Elijah hits the Tombstone Piledriver for the win!
Overall Score: 6/10
Well there were more live hiccups than the first episode, and this felt both more epic and less epic at the same time. Elijah and the Colons debuting was a nice way to kick things off, Oba Femi showing up for the save was fantastic. There were a few decent matches, but also a lot of really short and rushed matches. Tessa played off the crowd well, but Masha really is useless on the mic. Lei Ying Lee needs to framed stronger, her matches have done nothing to show off her ability. It just proves that the Knockouts don’t know how to sell a kick to the head because they all take it in the shoulder and fall in corny ways.
Viva La Sam could be something fun if the next 3 weeks are just hand cam footage of him being like “I’m Sami Callihan and I’m gonna kick Mance Warner’s ass”, Elegance Clique getting the rematch with a stipulation is nice to see and while I like Fir$t Cla$$, that segment went a little long for a cornball swerve payoff. It’s one thing to placate the Influencer squad especially when we’ve seen Logan Paul and Ishowspeed do so well in WWE…but these are like Z Tier Influencers that no one cares about. These kind of dorks stream on Kick because they aren’t relevant enough for Twitch, not because they chose Kick over it.
So yeah, the low lights were pretty low, and the highs were a little fleeting, but at least they were pretty fun. Not a bad show, just clunky with noticeable issues and Masha shouldn’t be allowed to speak English anymore. She’s such a charisma vacuum when she’s not rambling in Russian.
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)
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CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS
Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)
TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends
Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5
Classic POD is WAR
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Oblong Ball Foot Show: One For The Road
The Philadelphia Eagles are Super Bowl Champions! Tune in as we recap an excellent NFL season and touch on a...
Oblong Ball Foot Show: Super Bowl LIX Preview
The culmination of a season long journey is upon us. Andrew, Rey and Tunney break it all down for you...
The Front and Center Sports Podcast – NFL Conference Championships and Jimmy Butler
The Chairshot presents a new episode of The Front and Center Sports Podcast, with an NFL Conference Championship preview, and...
Oblong Ball Foot Show: NFL Conference Championships
It's Championship Sunday and the gents have you covered as we breakdown both AFC and NFC title games!
Oblong Ball Foot Show: NFL Divisional Playoffs
Rey, Andrew and Tunney catch you up on the NFL coaching carousel and breakdown the Divisional round matchups.
Bandwagon Nerds #276: Do You Style Your Moustache?
The Nerds continue their review of Season 3 of Invincible, review Captain America: Brave New World, and check out trailers...
Bandwagon Nerds #275: Master of Porpoise
The Nerds begin their review of Season 3 of Invincible and look at the latest trailers for Final Destination, Jurassic...
Mitchell’s Hyrule Puro-Resu News Report! (2/5/25)
There’s a lot going on this time around!
Bandwagon Nerds #274: Rey Cash Caught Sleeping On The Job
Tune in for another episode of BANDWAGON NERDS for your weekly fix in the world of Comics & Pop Culture!
Mitchell’s Hyrule Puro-Resu Results & Report! (1/31/25)
The Bracket of Courage!
Mitchell’s WWE SmackDown Results & Report! (2/21/25)
The Final Boss is back!
Andrew’s TNA LIVE! iMPACT! Results & Match Ratings: 2.20.2025
So the first live episode got fairly positive praise from everyone; will this continue the trend?
Mitchell’s ROH Results & Report! (2/20/25)
Anillo de Honor!
DWI Podcast #464: NXT Vengeance Day & SNL 50
NBA All-Star weekend, SNL 50th anniversary and plenty of Rasslin' talk this week on the DWI podcast.
Mitchell’s AEW Dynamite Results & Report! (2/19/25)
Phoenix is Dynamite!
Mitchell’s WWE NXT Results & Report! (2/18/25)
NXT is Absolute!
Mitchell’s ROH Global Wars Australia Results & Report! (2/17/25)
G'day, mates!
Mitchell’s WWE Raw Results & Report! (2/17/25)
Visionary VS Prince!
#TheOddity 028: One Monkey = Total Chaos
Join Dave Wortz and PC Tunney for your weekly newsletter on the ridiculous and dumb of actual headlines from around...
Mitchell’s AEW Grand Slam: Australia Results & Report! (2/15/25)
AEW goes down under!
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