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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Will the Mad King regret this gamble?
Before putting both belts on the line against Katsuyori Shibata at AEW WrestleDream, Eddie Kingston defends his NJPW Strong title against Rocky Romero! Will plans have to change all thanks to Azucar?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- AEW World Trios Championships: The Acclaimed & Billy Gunn VS The Hardy Party; The Acclaimed & Billy win and retain the titles.
- NJPW Strong Openweight Championship: Eddie Kingston VS Rocky Romero; Eddie wins and retains the title.
- The Righteous VS Caleb Crush & Gunnar; The Righteous win.
- AEW Women’s World Championship #1 Contender’s match: Ruby Soho VS Hikaru Shida; Shida wins and will challenge Saraya for the title on Title Tuesday, October 10th.
PLAY BY PLAY
AEW World Trios Championships: The Acclaimed & Billy Gunn VS The Hardy Party!
The open challenge was put forth, and it was answered very quickly! Will Matt, Jeff & Brother Zay DELETE the Scissor World Tour? Or will Max Caster, Anthony Bowens & Daddy Ass keep the party going?
But of course, Platinum Max has a diss track! “Acclaimed on the mic, ’bout to leave these dudes up in smoke! Y’know we comin’ like the Colorado Buffalos! Matt, I don’t want any heat! I don’t need your crazy ass wife sendin’ me tweets! It’s the one guy in Private Party! Nowadays, he gets tag teamed by the Hardys! Jeff, I’m a leave you black in both eyes! You gonna need these sunglasses like Coach Prime.” Bowens takes the mic to say “COLORADOOOO~! The Acclaimed have arrived! Scissor Me, Daddy Ass~!” And he does! The belts are raised, and we see who survives WrestleDream weekend!
The trios sort out and Bowens starts against Kassidy. They shake hands, tie up, and Bowens waistlocks. Kassidy drop toeholds, facelocks but Bowens slips free to wrench. Kassidy rolls, handsprings, wrenches and hammerlocks to a headlock. Bowens powers out to headlock but Kassidy powers out, only for Bowens to run him over! Bowens self-scissors, then things speed up. Kassidy hurdles, Bowens shoves then follows but Kassidy arm-drags! Bowens arm-drags! Bowens blocks Kassidy’s arm-drag to whip, but Kassidy wheelbarrows and arm-drags! Bowens stands, into a RANA! Kassidy then pounds the mat and fans fire up.
Bowens kicks but Kassidy blocks to spin him. Kassidy kicks but Bowens blocks to flip him! Bowens then kicks, kicks and KOTARO KRUSHER! Fans fire up, “EVERYONE Loves The Acclaimed!” Bowens drags Kassidy up, tags in Caster, and they double whip. Kassidy holds ropes, TOSSES Bowens then BOOTS Caster! Tag to Matt and Matt BOOTS Caster! Kassidy hits a NECKBREAKER, Jeff tags in to go up, for the SPLASH! Cover, TWO! Jeff snapmares Caster to then NECK SNAPPER! Fans fire up with Jeff and he waits on Caster to stand. Kick but no Twist as Caster slips free! Jeff ducks the backhand to SPIN KICK!
Jeff CLUBS Caster, Caster scrambles away, tags to Billy and Matt! Fans fire up as Matt says “DELETE! DELETE!” Billy says “SUCK IT!” “DELETE!” “SUCK IT!” “DELETE!” “SUCK IT!” And repeat! Then Billy headlocks! Matt throws body shots, powers out, but Billy runs Matt over! Billy flexes and does a dance, and then he runs in. Matt ELBOWS Billy, BOOTS him, then bumps him off buckles! “DELETE! DELETE! DELETE!” Billy gets all three layers, and Matt tags Jeff. Jeff tags Kassidy, and the Hardys set up fort he classic POETRY IN MOTION! Then Kassidy adds PARTY IN MOTION! But The Acclaimed CLOBBER Kassidy & The Hardys!
Fans fire up as Caster has Kassidy up to scoop and SLAM! Billy helps get the legs, and Bowens goes up to SCISSOR ME TIMBERS! Kassidy squeals before impact! Cover, TWO! Kassidy survives but The Acclaimed have control as Rampage goes picture in picture.
Billy brings Kassidy up, bumps him off buckles, and he hears the fans singing. Billy ROCKS Kassidy with a right, apologizes to the ref, then tags to Bowens. Bowens drags Kassidy up to ROCK him with haymaker after haymaker! Bowens then brings Kassidy up to tag in Caster. They double suplex Kassidy, Caster covers, TWO! Another cover, TWO! Caster keeps Kassidy down with a chinlock while fans rally up. Kassidy fights to his feet, throws body shots, and he fires forearms as Rampage returns to single picture. Kassidy runs but Caster CLOBBERS him! Tag to Billy and they mug Kassidy.
Billy brings Kassidy to an open corner, stomps and ROCKS him on repeat, then lets off to smirk at the Hardys. He dares them to do something, but Matt tells Billy to suck it! So Billy DECKS Matt! Billy runs corner to corner but Kassidy dodges! The splash hits buckles and Billy falls back! Fans rally up as both men crawl, but Billy gets Kassidy’s leg! Kassidy stands up to ENZIGURI! Hot tag to Jeff! Jeff rallies on Billy, on Bowens, and on Caster! Fans fire up and Jeff clotheslines Billy up and out! Jeff CLOBBS Bowens, then catches him for a RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP! Leg hook cradle! Cover, Caster breaks it!
Caster helps Bowens up, then runs in, but Jeff ELBOWS caster and ROCKS Bowens! Jeff goes up, WHISPER IN THE WIND! Jeff gets both Caster and Bowens but everyone is down! Billy returns, kicks low, says ‘SUCK IT!” and runs, but Jeff dodges! Matt kicks Billy for a TWIST OF FATE! Jeff hurries up top, fans fire up, SWANTON BOMB! Cover, Bowens breaks it in time! Matt CLUBS Bowens, Bowens hits back, and Bowens calls to Caster. They whip Matt to a corner, forearm then ELBOW then forearm again! And a feed to the POWERSLAM! ROLLING ELBOW for Jeff! The Acclaimed regroup, and Billy crawls to the corner.
Fans fire up as Billy drags Jeff over. Jeff gets loose, hot tags to Kassidy and Bowens! Kassidy dodges Bowens to DROPKICK Caster! “This is Awesome!” as Kassidy BOOTS Bowens! Kassidy goes up, leaps, FLYING FLATLINER! Billy stands, runs in, but Kassidy dumps him out! Kassidy slingshots out then QUEBRADAS to take Billy down! Kassidy mocks the scissoring, then tells Bowens to get up. Kassidy springboards in, but Bowens dodges and Caster BACKHANDS Kassidy! Then Bowens BACKHANDS Kassidy! Bowens fires off the Five Tool Strike Fest! Caster hoists Kassidy up and Bowens helps, to give Kassidy the PLATINUM BOMB! Cover, The Acclaimed win!
Winners: The Acclaimed & Billy Gunn, by pinfall (still AEW World Trios Championships)
A huge win for the champions, and the Scissor World Tour continues! In fact, it is heading to Seattle for WrestleDream’s Zero Hour! TMDK’s Shane Haste, Mikey Nicholls & Bad Dude Tito are waiting, will they show The Acclaimed that The Mighty Don’t Kneel?
Eddie Kingston speaks.
“Well folks, tonight, it’s me and Big Rock, Rocky Romero, for the NJPW Strong Openweight Championship. Rock, I got nothing but respect for you, dawg, so it’s gonna be an honor and a pleasure to defend this against you. You’re the man that got me into the G1. You’re the man that got me-” Wait, Team Triple J is interrupting. Jay Lethal says that if we’re talking honor and respect, Eddie is standing here with two titles on his shoulders, and that is worth respecting. But Lethal can’t get behind how Eddie is the ROH World Champion. Lethal dedicated his life to that title! His blood, sweat, tears, all to honor a tradition that meant that every person to hold that title would be a pure athlete!
And Eddie, you are no pure athlete! Now as for this NJPW Strong Openweight title, Lethal doesn’t care if Eddie wins it or loses it here tonight. He really doesn’t. But he just cares that Eddie is unfit to be ROH World Champion! Eddie says okay, he’s got Lethal. But excuse his back, he’s gotta go beat up Romero. The Mad King leaves, but will he still have both crowns going into WrestleDream?
AEW shares an interview from after last week’s Collision.
Lexi Nair was with Andrade El Idolo after he was bandaged up from the beating Bullet Club Gold gave him. He almost won, but Juice Robinson interfered. What was that about? Andrade says everyone saw that Andrade had White beat. But the question for Juice is… “Do you have a problem with me? With Andrade El Idolo? Lemme tell you something. See you Saturday in Seattle!” Andrade wants his revenge on Rock Hard, will he get it on WrestleDream Eve?
NJPW Strong Openweight Championship: Eddie Kingston VS Rocky Romero!
The Mad King beat Kenta at NJPW Independence Day back in July to have his first singles title under the NJPW banner. And now he defends it against Azucar as a favor for getting him in the door. Will Rocky repay this favor by taking this title from Eddie? Or will Eddie still head to Seattle as a double champion?
The introductions are made, the NJPW belt is raised, and we see who is truly NJPW Strong!
The bell rings and fans rally up for “EDDIE! EDDIE!” The two circle, Rocky tests things with a kick but Eddie stays back. They feel things out, tie up, and are in a deadlock. Eddie waistlocks, Rocky wrenches, wristlocks, but Eddie clinches. Fans rally, Rocky keeps on the wristlock but Eddie powers through to wrench and wristlock back. Rocky rolls, breaks free and DROPKICKS! Fans are torn as Rocky swaggers, but he and Eddie reset. They feel things out, knuckle lock, and Rocky knees low. Rocky headlocks, grinds the hold, but Eddie powers up and out. They RAM shoulders, but Eddie stays up with a smirk.
Fans fire up as Rocky smirks back, but then pie faces Eddie! Rocky runs, ducks ‘n’ dodges, and RANAS! Eddie bails out, Rocky builds speed and DIVES! Direct hit but Eddie stays up, so Rocky goes again! DIVE and Eddie drops to his knees! Rocky keeps going, and he DIVES for the hattrick, only for Eddie to catch him! Stalling suplex, to the floor! Fans rally behind Eddie while Rampage goes picture in picture.
Eddie stands, stretches out his back, and then he gets Rocky up and into the ring. Cover, TWO! Eddie keeps cool, and also chooses not to rain down fists, instead clamping on a chinlock. Rocky endures as Eddie grinds him down, and fans rally up. Eddie cranks the headlock but Rocky refuses to give up. Rocky fights up, throws elbows, but Eddie knees him low! Eddie whips to knee low again, then whips for another knee! Eddie whips but Rocky rolls him up, TWO! Rocky BUZZSAWS Eddie, then TORNADO DDTS! Both men are down and a standing count begins. Rocky stirs at 3, crawls over, and he brings Eddie up.
Eddie pushes Rocky, runs, but into an IRON OCTOPUS! Eddie endures, pries at the hold, and pops free, only for Rocky to wrangle him with a ghost pin! TWO, and Eddie goes to ropes. Rocky storms up, KICKS Eddie in the back, but Eddie just grimaces. Eddie eggs Rocky on so Rocky KICKS him again! Eddie growls and eggs Rocky on more as Rampage goes picture in picture.
Rampage returns and Eddie suplexes, but Rocky knees free! Rocky knees low, Eddie rebounds, but into a JUMP KNEE! Eddie goes to ropes, Rocky storms over and brings him up through the ropes, to KICK! Eddie eggs Rocky on even though he’s stuck, so Rocky SLAPS Eddie! Eddie SLAPS Rocky! Rocky SOBATS! Then Rocky goes up a corner to MISSILE DROPKICK! Cover, TWO! Eddie is still in this and Rocky argues the count but the ref says it was fair. Rocky drags Eddie up, cravats, but no Sliced Bread! Eddie runs in to clothesline in the corner! And MACHINE GUN CHOPS! Fans fire up and Eddie hoists Rocky up top!
Eddie climbs up behind Rocky, stands him up, but Rocky throws hands! Rocky CLUBS Eddie, cravats, and hits SUPER SLICED BREAD! Cover, TWO!! Fans fire up as Eddie survives, and Rocky grits his teeth. Rocky pumps up and fans rally. Rocky runs in to clothesline! That’s one-ever! Two-ever! But URAKEN stops that! URAKEN again!! Eddie drags Rocky into the STRETCH PLUM!! Rocky taps, Eddie wins!!
Winner: Eddie Kingston, by submission (still NJPW Strong Openweight Champion)
Azucar could not dethrone The Mad King, but he still shows Eddie respect with a handshake and hug. Eddie is still NJWP Strong, but will he have to fight even harder to survive The Wrestler, Katsuyori Shibata?
Wait! That’s Shibata’s music! Shibata is HERE! He goes into the ring and shakes hands with Eddie. These two respect each other, and that means they will give it everything they’ve got! Will Eddie still be a two belt king? Or will Shibata become a TRIPLE CROWN Champion?
Aussie Open speaks.
Mark Davis says he is so tired. So tired of hearing the “top blokes” walk around here the last year, hubris unchecked, lying to the people that they are the best in the world. Kyle Fletcher says that for the last 365 days, everything Aussie Open has done has been to get back to FTR. When FTR beat them a year ago, it broke Fletcher. Fletcher felt like a failure and felt lost. So what he wants more than anything is to make FTR feel that pain. This Sunday, Aussie Open takes the AEW World Tag Team Championships, burns down the legacy of #7StarFTR, and from the ashes, rebuild a new empire that they will stand atop of to proclaim that THEY are the best tag team in the world!
The Aussie Arrow and Dunkzilla are ready to bring down Dax Harwood & Cash Wheeler, will they fulfill that WrestleDream?
The Righteous VS Caleb Crush & Gunnar!
Speaking of tag titles, Dutch & Vincent are aimed at the ROH World Tag Team Championships! However, Adam Cole will be out with injury so it’ll just be Maxwell Jacob Friedman meeting them in Seattle. Will this tune-up prove to be more than enough going into that tag title handicap match?
The teams sort out, but then Dutch just CLOBBERS Crush & Gunnar! Fans boo as Dutch says just a few more days and those titles will be theirs! Vincent rains down fists on Crush, then drags him up to UPPERCUT! Vincent bumps Crush off buckles, tags in Dutch, and the Righteous mugs Crush before the BOSS MAN SLAM! Gunnar staggers up but Dutch feeds him to Vinnie’s KNEE! Then Vinnie feeds him to a BOSS MAN SLAM! Tag to Vinnie, fans are torn as the Righteous pace around Crush. Vinnie snaps his fingers, then cravats, AUTUMN SUNSET! Cover, Righteous win!
Winners: The Righteous, by pinfall
A swift and dominant win, these are the two men coming for the tag titles! Will The Righteous purge ROH of the “false friendship” that is the brochachos? Or are even two Righteous men combined not on the level of the Devil?
Ortiz sits alone in a room.
He looks back on his career alongside Mike Santana. They were at the top of their game coming into AEW, but then it ended up going downhill. There’s even audio from Konnan touching on how Ortiz and Santana stopped talking to each other and how Konnan was saddened by that. Ortiz has the footage stop there. What will it take for him to get Santana to talk to him?
Darby Allin speaks.
After replaying what Christian Cage said just last Wednesday on Dynamite, the Relentless One reiterates that he is NOT losing in Seattle, Washington! Will Darby defend home turf against Captain Charisma?
Nick Wayne speaks.
He knows Darby has a lot to say about Christian Cage, and all of that will be part of the Countdown special. But Nick also knows Darby’s actions will speak louder than his words at WrestleDream. And although Darby told Nick not to be there ringside, Nick doesn’t really want to anyway because of what Christian & Luchasaurus are capable of. So, while they let Christian and Darby settle their business, how about Nick and Luchasaurus settle theirs? For months and months, Luchasaurus walked around here while another man held his title. And Luchasaurus followed Christian around like he was some kind of father figure.
And Nick isn’t sure what it is about Christian where he thinks he can even be such a figure to “us Lost Boys,” but Nick had a father. And he told Nick at a young age “to never leave your debts unpaid.” Nick owes Luchasaurus. At Wembley Stadium, Luchasaurus choke slammed Nick onto a skateboard and Nick never forgot it. Nick will repay Luchasaurus this Sunday during Zero Hour. And Nick will even hand Luchasaurus a receipt. Nick brings his own skateboard, will he grind it right into the Right Hand of Destruction?
BREAKING NEWS for Collision!
AEW is going to do it big for WrestleDream Eve as, with Zack Sabre Jr. on commentary, we see an 8 Man Tag! FTR teams with Bryan Danielson & Wheeler Yuta to take on Aussie Open, Ricky Starks & “Big Bill” Morrissey! Plus, Chris Jericho & Kenny Omega test their tag team chemistry against The Gates of Agony! Will The Ocho & The Cleaner survive Toa Liona & Bishop Kaun to take on the Don Callis Family? And Julia Hart gets in action to build some last minute momentum, will she be ready for Kris Statlander and their TBS Championship match set for Sunday?
Backstage interview with Zack Sabre Jr.
Renee Paquette is with The Front Man of TMDK, and says we’re just days away from WrestleDream, where ZSJ takes on The American Dragon, Bryan Danielson. ZSJ just came off a three week tour in NJPW and just got here to the States, is he worried at all about acclimating? ZSJ asks Bryan “Dragon Bullocks” Danielson, “Where are you, darling?” As Renee just said, ZSJ got off a 16 hour flight from Tokyo and is feeling fresh as a daisy. But perhaps this company’s keeping Bryan wrapped head to toe in bubble wrap, or keeps him in a giant Zorb ball. At this point, a strong gust of wind will knock Bryan over.
And is ZSJ supposed to be honored that Bryan chose him as part of the year long retirement tour? Newsflash: Bryan barely has a weekend. This Sunday isn’t just about finding out who the best technical wrestler is, no no. Bryan has retired once in Seattle, so ZSJ will make it final. Ya like that? The final retirement~! Submissions in Seattle, see you on Sunday. The NJPW World Television Champion has put Bryan on notice, but will he be able to slay the American Dragon?
AEW Women’s World Championship #1 Contender’s match: Ruby Soho VS Hikaru Shida!
While the Outcasts stand at two members, Saraya is looking forward to a friendly showdown with the Runaway in a little under two weeks! But will Ruby make sure there is No Future for the Shining Samurai? Or will Shida take down one Outcast to go after another?
The bell rings and the two circle. Fans fire up as Ruby and Shida step up, and they’re on Shida’s side. Ruby shoves, runs, and RAMS Shida, but Shida just fires up! Ruby headlocks, Shida throws body shots, and then she powers out. Shida then runs past Ruby to run Ruby over! Fans duel, Shida has the majority, and she goes to the corner. Shida climbs up but Ruby slips away before any fists can rain down! Shida is annoyed but she waits on Ruby to return. Ruby takes her time going to the apron, steps in at 6 of 10 but wants Shida to stay back. Shida gets annoyed as the ref keeps her back, but then Ruby pulls Shida’s hair to throw her down!
Ruby throws hands, puts Shida in the corner, then RAMS into her again and again! Fans boo but Ruby runs, only to miss! Shida ROCKS Ruby, then climbs up to rain down fists! Ruby gets away before three, runs back in but into a BOOT! Shida bumps Ruby off buckles, climbs up and rains down those fists! Ruby slips out at five to YANK Shida down! Ruby whips, Shida goes up and CROSSBODIES! Shida then drags Ruby up, puts her in yet another corner, and tries one more time! Shida rains down fists, and goes all the way to TEN! Fans fire up with Shida and she kicks Ruby out, to then MISSILE DROPKICK!
Fans fire up as Shida drags Ruby up, and Rampage goes picture in picture.
Ruby CLUBS away on Shida to stop the lift, then shoves her to a corner. Ruby runs in, Shida dodges, but Ruby ELBOWS her! Ruby goes up to hit DEADLY NIGHTSHADE! Ruby digs Shida into the buckles, lets off as the ref counts, and then brings Shida up to snapmare. Ruby covers, TWO! Ruby throws down fists now, but lets off with a smug smirk. Ruby puts Shida on ropes to CHOKE! The ref counts, Ruby lets off, and then Ruby has Shida in the ropes to throw knees! A shoutout to Saraya, and Ruby lets off at 4. Ruby stalks Shida, looms over her, and pushes her around. Shida pushes back but Ruby eggs her on.
Shida ROCKS Ruby, then fires again! Ruby claws Shida’s face! And throws her down by her hair again! The ref reprimands, but Ruby clamps on a straitjacket stretch! Shida endures, but Ruby grinds her into the mat! Fans rally, Shida fights up, and she arm-drags free! Ruby returns to CLOBBER Shida! Cover, TWO! Ruby is annoyed but Shida grabs at Ruby’s hair! Ruby CLUBS Shida, drags her up, and stomps a hand! Shida scrambles to a corner while the ref reprimands but Ruby stomps a mudhole in. Ruby lets off as the ref counts, and Ruby storms around. Shida drags herself up, but Ruby CHOKES her on the ropes!
The ref counts while Ruby BITES Shida’s ear! Ruby lets off at 4, drags Shida up, but Shida ROCKS her! And again! And again! And again! But Ruby knees low! Ruby talks trash, whips Shida to ropes, but Shida ducks ‘n’ dodges, and DOUBLE LARIATS knock both women down! Rampage returns to single picture as the standing count climbs. Fans rally, both women are down at 5 of 10 but Shida goes to ropes. Shida snarls, she and Ruby stand at 7, and they storm up. Shida fires a forearm, Ruby gives it back! Shida throws another, so Ruby gives it back! They go back and forth, harder and harder, faster and faster!
Ruby gets the edge, but Shida ROCKS her! And ROCKS her! And ROCKS her again! Shida whips to JUMP KNEE! Shida then suplexes high and hard! Cover, TWO! Shida fires up again and the fans are with her! Shida aims, KATA- NO, Ruby ducks and bails out! Fans boo but Shida goes out to pursue! Shida runs in, jumps off the steps, and DROPKICKS Ruby down! Fans fire up again and Shida stands Ruby up. Shida torture racks Ruby, then goes to the ramp!? Fans are thunderous but Ruby fights free! They throw forearms, and CHOPS! Shida CLUBS Ruby, Ruby throws body shots, but the count is climbing!
They both hear it’s 8 of 10 and start sprinting! They both slide in at 9.5!! Fans are thunderous and then Ruby swings, but Shida blocks! Ruby HEADBUTTS, blocks a kick, then KICKS back! SAIDO! Cover, TWO! Shida survives and Ruby grows frustrated. Ruby goes to a corner, and she takes Shida’s kendo stick for her own! The ref stops Ruby, takes the kendo stick, but then Ruby brings out the spray paint! Shida and the ref both block that and they’re all fighting over it! Down goes the ref!! Shida and Ruby are both stunned, but then Ruby HEADBUTTS! DESTINATION UNKNOWN! But no ref to count the cover!
Ruby is furious, she would’ve had this! But then she sees the kendo stick! Ruby grins as she wields Shida’s weapon! Fans boo, but Shida blocks the strike to kick and HEADSHOT! Then KATANA KICK!! Cover, but still no ref! Wait, here comes Aubrey! Aubrey slides in, counts the cover, TWO!! Ruby survives but Shida fires up! Shida puts Ruby in a drop zone, goes up the corner, and she METE- NO! Ruby dodges to then STO! Ruby drags herself up the corner, goes to the very top, and STAGE DIVE SENTONS onto knees! And then FALCON ARROW! Cover, TWO!! Ruby survives but Shida won’t stop there!
Shida hauls Ruby up but Ruby wrenches to NO FUTURE KICK! But Shida rebounds to KATANA!! Cover, Shida wins!!
Winner: Hikaru Shida, by pinfall (NEW #1 Contender to the AEW Women’s World Champion)
The Shining Samurai takes down The Runaway, but wait! Here comes Saraya! #TitleTuesday is coming, will that be a good Knight for the champ? Or will Shida take this belt back to become a historic THREE-TIME champion?
My Thoughts:
A great Rampage, especially as the go-home to WrestleDream. I figured the title matches would end with the champions retaining, but we got really good stuff out of Acclaimed VS Hardy Party and Eddie VS Rocky. As for their title defenses on WrestleDream, I don’t see TMDK taking the trios titles as this will be their AEW debuts. And as I’ve said a few times already, Eddie isn’t losing both belts he worked so hard to have so soon. Plus, it feels like there’s some tension between NJPW the company and Shibata, or else Shibata would already be NJPW Strong Openweight Champion and not one of ROH’s champs.
Speaking of Eddie, good promo from him before his match with Rocky, and good interaction with Team Triple J. I wasn’t exactly expecting Jay Lethal to be Eddie’s first actual feud for the ROH World Championship, but I suppose it does make sense as Lethal was a major player in ROH. I hope these guys actually show up on ROH programming, but also, Tony Khan wants this feud to be seen so it’ll end up on AEW programming instead. Y’know, just like all these other ROH title stories outside of the AEW Women’s title.
Good squash from The Righteous, and I’m really curious as to how the tag title match goes on Sunday. There’s a lot of stuff MJF still has to do with Cole, Roddy and The Kingdom, and now this intrigue with Jay White, Bullet Club Gold and the backstage attack at the end of Dynamite. I still feel it should’ve been The Kingdom in the PPV match anyway, but it seems they were going to drag this story out even before Cole hurt his foot. Good promo from Nick Wayne to call out Luchasaurus, but I feel like Luchasaurus ends up winning that match just to make a point of Nick not being able to show up ringside for Darby.
Good promo from Andrade to call out Juice for this week’s Collision, and I’m still wondering if/when La Faccion Ingobernable helps Andrade against Bullet Club Gold. For that matter, why can’t MJF be paying LFI to beat up on White and the BCG? He’s had business dealings with Andrade & Rush before, let’s strike that up again for some continuity. Really good promo from Aussie Open ahead of their tag title match, and from ZSJ to call out Bryan. That 8 Man Tag tomorrow night is going to be good stuff, and perhaps rather telling about where the PPV matches go. The only reason I don’t see Aussie Open winning against FTR is because of that big Fatal 4 Way tag contenders match, but who knows, maybe Aussie Open wins to bring the AEW belts to NJPW events as they take on like Goto & Hashi.
And of course, a great main event from Shida and Ruby. Seems a little silly to set up Ruby as a contender, wouldn’t that just end up in a Finger Poke of Doom situation with Saraya? Which therefore meant Shida was winning. Saraya VS Shida for this Title Tuesday Dynamite is going to be good stuff, but something makes me feel like Ruby is just gonna help Saraya retain. And not to be mean to Shida, but if she’s already a two-time champ, I don’t see her becoming three-time so soon. Why not get Shida in on the TBS Championship story? Britt Baker wants to be the first to have held both titles in AEW, but Shida should want that distinction, too. Then that lets us have Britt VS Shida as we should’ve gotten by now given everything else we’ve been seeing lately.
My Score: 8.7/10
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Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE SmackDown Results & Report! (9/29/23)
King VS Emperor to determine a champion!

One way or another, the US title belongs to the LWO!
Rey Mysterio defends his WWE United States Championship against friend and protege, Santos Escobar! But will things stay friendly between them?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Jimmy Uso w/ The Bloodline VS Karl Anderson; Jimmy wins.
- Austin Theory w/ Grayson Waller VS Cameron Grimes; Theory wins.
- WWE United States Championship: Rey Mysterio VS Santos Escobar; Rey wins and retains the title.
- Charlotte Flair VS Bayley w/ Damage CTRL; Charlotte wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
The Bloodline is here!
Fans boo as Jimmy Uso, Solo Sikoa & Paul Heyman head to the ring. And Jimmy is definitely hyped over how he and Solo took down AJ Styles and John Cena, putting the tag team match at Fastlane into question. Heyman has the mic to introduce himself, but the fans keep on booing. His name isn’t “Boo,” he’s Paul! Heyman! And tonight, a rare opportunity that he doesn’t have to do this into the phone but live to the world here from SmackDown, in the hell hole of Sacramento, California. “We ACKNOWLEDGE our Tribal Chief!” The Bloodline throws up the ones, and Heyman says, “And so do each and every single one of you!”
The fans boo, though some do raise the fingers. Heyman asks us why do they acknowledge Roman… Reigns? Because it is in Roman’s name that last week, the second greatest of all time, John Cena, took a beating at the hands of the Bloodline in a way Cena hasn’t taken in at least a decade. And to wit, Heyman calls our attention to the Bloodline version of the Zapruder Film. Heyman plays footage from just last week, where Cena was the only one who signed the contract to have a match for Fastlane. Cena hoped AJ Styles was going to be his partner, but then the Bloodline struck first and hospitalized AJ Styles.
And back to present, fans are booing but Jimmy’s almost cracking up. Heyman says not to get involved in Cena’s business, but a little birdie told Heyman that there are some transportation issues this evening. And while Cena is expected to make it here, you can’t see him because Cena is NOT here. But y’know who else ain’t here? AJ Styles! And why is that? Because he’s lying in a hospital bed, watching them on SmackDown and- Jimmy holds his hand out for the mic? Heyman says he wasn’t done but Jimmy snatches the mic. “Sacramento! The Bloodline is now in your city!” Heyman sighs while Jimmy raises the one.
Jimmy tells the Wise Man, you are too kind. The real reason Cena isn’t here tonight is because he’s scared! Scared of one JIM USO! Jimmy says if Cena is smart, he’ll stay far, far away. If not, they’ll take care of him like they did the Phenomenal One! The one who built the house, place, face- KARL ANDERSON CLOBBERS SOLO! Then he TACKLES Jimmy! Jimmy gets up but Karl clotheslines him up and out! Fans fire up for Karl as he represents for The OC! Karl says he told Styles not to get in Bloodline business and now Styles is in the hospital. So now, this is OC business! Any one of them, get in the ring with him!
Fans fire up but Heyman has Solo stand down. Heyman whispers things to The Enforcer, and then Solo tells Jimmy to handle this or he’ll do it for him. Jimmy says he’s got this. Solo doesn’t return the high-five, but will Jimmy return fire on the Machine Gun?
Jimmy Uso w/ The Bloodline VS Karl Anderson!
SmackDown returns and the match is going as Karl bumps Jimmy off buckles! Then CHOPS! And fires off haymakers! The ref counts, Karl lets off but then stomps a mudhole! Karl lets off to tell Heyman & Solo they made this personal. Karl stands Jimmy up but Jimmy swings. Karl dodges to JUMP KICK! Karl says he told Styles not to get involved but too late now. Karl whips, Jimmy BOOTS back! Jimmy runs, but Karl gives him a SPINEBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Heyman is worried but Solo is stoic as Jimmy survives. Karl storms up on Jimmy, UPPERCUTS him to the corner, then UPPERCUTS again!
Karl brings Jimmy up to the top rope, ROCKS him with rights, then climbs. Solo steps forward and that distracts Karl, as well as the ref. Jimmy CLAWS Karl’s eyes! The ref misses it but fans boo as Jimmy rains down fists on Karl. Jimmy snarls, goes to a corner, and he SUPERKICKS Karl down! Jimmy goes to the corner, climbs up, and scowls at the booing fans before the USO SPLASH! Cover, Jimmy wins!
Winner: Jimmy Uso, by pinfall
Heyman is relieved and he whispers something more to Solo. Jimmy may be getting himself into trouble, but he’s also getting himself out, will this get Jimmy back in the Bloodline?
Wait, Karl isn’t done! He gets up to throw more hands with Jimmy! Solo storms in to hit the SAMOAN SPIKE! Solo roars as Karl is down, no back-up even possible with both Styles and Gallows hurt. Is the OC no longer a problem for The Bloodline? Wait, Michin is here! She SLAPS Jimmy right down! Fans are thunderous as she storms to the ring. Jimmy asks what the heck! Mia Yim packs a punch, will that knock some sense into Jimmy?
Backstage interview with Santos Escobar.
Cathy Kelley is with The Emperor of Lucha, and says that he faces his mentor and LWO teammate, Rey Mysterio. Where is his mind at tonight? Santos says his mind is focused, but his stomach has butterflies. But this match is about heart. And Santos has already said this is a dream match for him, and he has been working his entire life for it. Now, with the whole world watching, he has a chance to make the dream come true. He never gives up on his dreams, and he will fight for them, so Rey is in for the fight of his life. May the best man win. Will it be Emperor or King of Lucha that reigns as the United States Champion?
The Bloodline regroups backstage.
Jimmy is fuming and he yells at a production staff member just for looking at him. He asks another if they saw what happened, then just shoves the guy down! Jimmy storms off, Solo follows and Heyman has the staff relax. Then he puts in a call to Roman Reigns. What will The Tribal Chief have to say about Jimmy’s attitude?
It’s an all new Grayson Waller Effect.
The Aussie Icon, the Moment Maker, the Dynamite From Down Under is already in the ring on his set, and he says what a wild night already. Cena may be the greatest of all time, but he ain’t the greatest at being on time! Hah! But don’t worry, because Waller is here to save the show. Fans boo but Waller thanks them. Waller’s guests just keep getting bigger, and this is literal given the physical specimen. He has done everything in the WWE as a performer, but not as a talent scout. But that’s alright, he gets what he’s always been missing: the Waller rub! Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome the All Mighty Bobby Lashley!
Fans cheer as Lashley makes his way out and Waller does some push-ups so he looks at least a little bigger standing next to him. They shake hands and then sit at the desk. Waller says he wasn’t lying when the guests keep getting bigger, right? How does he fit into the suit? But Waller appreciates Lashley being on the show, especially after the week he’s had. His boys, the Street Profits had a devastating loss last week. Lashley says he made a mistake. He was looking for the next big thing, he thought the Profits had what it takes to do whatever they want, but seems not. Back to the drawing board, huh?
Wow, that must be hard for the Profits to hear. But yeah, if you’re looking for a tag team, they need to be willing to do whatever it takes. A team with unbridled charisma! A team that is undefeated! Maybe a team like Austin Theory & Grayson Waller! Lashley’s stare makes Waller slow his roll. Lashley knows all about Theory, that’s a pass. Yeah, but Theory’s changed! If you get to know him, he’s a good bloke! And- Wait! Here come the Street Profits! Montez Ford & Angelo Dawkins came dressed to match Lashley, and Lashley seems rather upset and confused. The Profits step into the ring, mics in their hands.
Lashley steps to them, and he stops Dawkins before he gets started. No excuses, no reasons. If they want something out of Lashley, they need to prove it. Lashley goes to leave, and then the Profits look to each other. They storm out after Lashley and get up in his face! Lashley says he told them what to do. Now go do it. He keeps on moving, and Waller says how awkward. Hey, light the beam for the 153 million hit man, Austin Theory! Theory makes his entrance, walking past Lashley on the stage, and then continues down the ramp. He smirks at the Profits and goes to the steps, with Waller being the only one cheering.
But will it be A-Town Down as Theory faces Cameron Grimes? Or will SmackDown go TO~ THE~ MOON~?
Austin Theory w/ Grayson Waller VS Cameron Grimes!
SmackDown returns, Theory is busy looking at NXT’s Dragon Lee watching from the front row, and the bell rings. Theory turns around into a BOOT from Grimes! Grimes fires off KICKS, UPPERCUTS, and then CHOPS! Grimes whips, Theory reverses but Grimes CLOBBERS Theory! Grimes keeps moving and he CLOBBERS Theory again! Atomic drop, then KICK! Then a KICK, run, and SHOTGUN dropkick! Cover, ONE! Another cover, ONE! Theory scrambles, Grimes has the leg, and Grimes drags Theory back. Theory kicks free, Waller coaches Theory up and Theory ELBOWS Grimes! And throat chops!
Theory throws down clubbing hands while fans boo, but Theory shouts at everyone. Theory brings Grimes up, talks trash, but Grimes eggs him on! Grimes fires off fists, body shots, then backs Theory to a corner. Grimes whips, Theory reverses, then Theory runs in. Theory blocks a boot but Grimes ENZIGURIS! Grimes goes up, leaps, CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO! Theory hangs tough and Waller relaxes. Grimes aims, and he BUZZ- NO, Theory ducks! So Grimes backflips to deadlift GERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO! Theory survives but Grimes storms up on him in the corner. Grimes KICKS Theory against ropes!
Grimes runs, then he clotheslines Theory out of the ring! Grimes goes to the apron, and he PENALTY KICKS Theory down! Fans fire up with the Carolina Caveman as he takes it to Mr. ATL. Waller talks trash, though, and Grimes stares him down. Theory POSTS Grimes in the distraction! Waller laughs, Theory drags Grimes up and in, and then Theory slingshots. Somersault SHOTGUN! Grimes staggers into the fireman’s carry, A-TOWN DOWN! Cover, Theory wins!
Winner: Austin Theory, by pinfall
Waller’s a baller with that assist to his boy, and The Now comes out on top! Will these two look to take over SmackDown one win at a time? Theory also talks some trash on Dragon, then pie faces him! So Dragon hits back! Fans fire up but the ref keeps Theory back. Dragon is here as a guest, but Waller says Dragon can’t do nothing anyway. Will this duo hope Boy Wonder stays away from this brand?
Backstage interview with Rey Mysterio.
Kayla Braxton is with the US Champion and says earlier tonight, Santos said this wasn’t just a dream match, but the fight of their lives. What is Rey’s response? Rey says LWO is familia and will always be that. But he knows how hard Santos has worked to get here. Heck, Rey grew up watching Santos’ father, El Fantasma. So Rey has nothing but love and respect for Santos. But be careful what you wish for. Every time Rey steps in the ring, he expects the best of his opponent and brings the best in return. So Santos, like they say, this IS the fight of their lives! May the best man win. Rey seems to feel the same way as Santos, but will either man still feel good after taking a loss?
The Bloodline is beating up Ashante THEE Adonis?!
B-Fab shouts for Jimmy to stop but Jimmy stops when he says he’s stopping! Refs and producers rush in and Jimmy says okay, his bad, he’s done now. Adonis crawls away, but Solo is there! Jimmy says finish this, Solo! UREANGE through the table!! Hit Row suffers the wrath of The Bloodline, but when and where will it stop?
WWE United States Championship: Rey Mysterio VS Santos Escobar!
SmackDown returns as Zelina is ringside for both men, and Santos makes his entrance. Santos says hola to Dragon before getting in the ring. The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who holds gold for the L W O!
The bell rings and fans fire up as the two tie up. They go around, Santos waistlocks but Rey works on an escape. Santos holds tight, they sit down, and Rey moves around. Rey fights up, jumps, but Santos holds on during the flying mare! Santos shifts to go for an abdominal stretch but Rey fights it to have a toehold. Fans rally and duel, Santos chinlocks but Rey pulls on the leg. Santos uses that to body scissor, and he rolls Rey to a cover, ONE! Rey is still stuck in the scissors but he moves around. Rey claws at the hold, Santos shifts and has the back mount to then roll Rey again. Rey slips free and the two stand off.
Fans cheer as Rey and Santos reset. Santos trips Rey, blocks the headscissor, but Rey gets up. Santos wrenches, wristlocks, but Rey flips through! Santos whips, Rey reverses but Santos reverses again. Rey is on the apron but he RAMS into Santos! Rey slingshots but Santos stops the rana to GAMANGIRI! Rey falls, Santos PLANCHAS! Down goes Rey at the ramp and Zelina is worried for both men as SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns again and Santos has Rey in a modified stretch. Rey endures, Santos shifts his grip, but Rey fights free. Santos has a hammerlock to keep Rey close, and Santos wrangles Rey down. Rey fights up, fans rally, and Rey jumps to hit that flying-mare! Fans fire up as Santos speeds things up and runs Rey over! Things keep moving, Rey dodges but Santos DROPKICKS him down! Cover, TWO! Fans rally as Rey hangs tough, and Zelina is again torn. She rallies the fans more for the LWO than for either man. Santos waistlocks, Rey switches, but Santos switches back. They go to ropes and Rey bucks the O’Conner.
Rey ducks ‘n’ dodges and tilt-o-whirls to RANA Santos outta the ring! Fans fire up and Rey builds speed, goes up the corner to PLANCHA! Down goes Santos! Fans fire up with Rey and he hears the ring count. Rey drags Santos up, puts him in at 6 of 10, and then climbs the corner. Santos stands, Rey SEATED SENTONS! Rey keeps moving, and he CLOBBERS Santos! Both men are down and fans rally up more. But wait, Jimmy and Solo are still wreaking havoc backstage? SAMOAN SPIKE for security! Jimmy says that guy won’t be Cena’s partner, either! Back to the ring, fans rally for “619! 619!” as Rey goes to ropes.
Santos stands, he rushes in to sunset flip, but Rey rolls through to BUZZSAW! Santos is dazed, Rey calls his shot and he drop toeholds Santos onto ropes! Rey dials it up as fans go wild, but Santos SUPERKICKS Rey outta the ring! Santos takes aim, builds speed, ARROW FROM HELL!! Direct hit at the ramp and down goes Rey! Santos catches his breath while he stands back up, and then he goes up the barriers? To MOONSAULT Rey on the ramp! Zelina is worried again but Santos puts Rey back in the ring. Rey staggers and goes to the far side but Santos takes aim. “This is Awesome!” as Santos spells it out, “L! W! O!”
Santos goes corner to corner, DOUBLE KNEES! Rey wobbles, but Santos puts him back in the corner. Santos goes again, DOUBLE KNEES! Santos hoists Rey up top, climbs up after him, but Rey HEADBUTTS! Rey fires forearms and he knocks Santos down! Santos stands up while Rey steadies himself, but Santos GAMANGIRIS first! Santos climbs up again, goes to the very top, and he whistles for the SUPER STEINER! Zelina couldn’t even watch that, worried for both men. Santos goes to the apron, to SLINGSHOT SPLASH! Cover, TWO!! Rey survives and Santos is a bit surprised as SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns yet again and Santos has Rey against ropes. Santos CHOPS, and fans “WOO~!” as Rey staggers. Santos whips, BOOTS, and then brings Rey around. Santos picks Rey up into a GORY ESPECIAL! Rey endures being bent back, and Santos even pulls on the arms! Fans rally, Rey fights against the hold, and pops free to arm-drag! Fans fire up as REy goes to a corner, and Santos runs in, only to be put on the apron! Santos GAMANGIRIS, Rey staggers, and then Santos fires up! Santos climbs, leaps, but Rey dodges and the crossbody flops! Rey lines up a shot, runs and springboards but then Santos dodges!
Rey and Santos are both down after those belly flops, and fans rally as both men rise up. Santos runs in, scoops Rey and hits a BACKBREAKER! Fans rally as Rey staggers up, but into a tilt-o-whirl torture rack! Santos runs around with Rey, then hits a RACK DROP! Cover, TWO!! Zelina is relieved again but Santos is surprised. Rey tells Santos to bring it on, there needs to be a winner. Santos storms up to CHOP! And whip, but Rey KICKS back! Rey runs to RAN- NO, Santos blocks that! Santos swings Rey up but Rey sunset flips! TWO!! Santos escapes and even Zelina is stunned! Fans fire up again, “This is Awesome!”
Rey runs in, Santos puts him on the apron but Rey ROCKS Santos first! Then Rey goes up a corner, brings Santos up to join him, and then adjusts position to fire off hands! Fans fire up as Rey calls the shot, but Santos drags Rey into a fireman’s carry! Rey fights with elbows, then pops up to SUPER RANA!! Fans are thunderous while Santos sits up in a daze! Rey DROPKICKS Santos onto ropes! Dial it up! 6 1 9 BLOCKED! Santos drags Rey into an Alabama Lift! But Rey holds the ropes for dear life! Rey then RANAS Santos back onto ropes, redials, and 619 HITS!!! Rey hurries up top, says hey to Eddie, and hit a FROG- NO!
Santos avoids the splash, CLUBS Rey, covers, TWO into the ghost pin! TWO!!! Both men escape by nanoseconds but Santos fireman’s carries! PHANTOM- TAKEDOWN! Rey has a spladle! REY WINS!!
Winner: Rey Mysterio, by pinfall (still WWE United States Champion)
And the greatest luchador of all time comes out the champion! Santos is stunned, but Rey offers him a handshake of respect. They are still familiar, aren’t they? WAIT! The Profits attack!! Dawkins & Ford mug Rey & Santos, this must be how they’re proving Lashley wrong! They hit Escobar with a BIG LARIAT! Fans boo but here comes Lashley! The All Mighty says that’s it! That’s what he wanted! But then here comes the rest of the LWO! Lashley CLOBBERS Wilde while Ford & Dawkins mug Cruz! But Dragon Lee wants to get in! Security keeps him back, he’s just here as a guest! So Wilde is fed to the REVELATION!
The fans boo but The All Mighty has his Profits! Will they soon run SmackDown with iron fists?
The LWO regroups.
They’ve all got icepacks in the medical trainer’s room, and Kayla walks in to congratulate Rey on the win. But before the team could celebrate the moment, they got jumped by The Profits. Santos says sorry, excuse him, but the Profits ruined the moment! Rey says they beat the Profits last week, and now Lashley and them act like they run SmackDown! LWO challenges Lashley & The Profits to a match at Fastlane! Let’s see how tough they are when it’s fair and square! What will happen when these factions go to war in Indianapolis?
WWE announces a huge signing!
Former AEW TBS Champion and rising star, JADE CARGILL, is now with WWE! She got 20 MILLION views on a video just for showing up at the Performance Center! Will a storm be coming for the WWE Women’s Division?
John Cena arrives backstage!
He pulls in rather fast and furious, and he storms right into the arena, that tag match contract in his hands! Will Cena find someone Jimmy & Solo haven’t destroyed to sign on the dotted line? Is there even anyone left?
Pretty Deadly has a video message.
“On July 14th, 2023, Elton prince suffered a devastating shoulder injury. Despite all odds, he is on the road to recovery.” It’s another rehab workout montage, but Elton is still in the wheelchair… Elton works on reaching out for hot tags, swinging chairs, ends up rolling downhill during a celebration, and can’t even poke eyes properly. But as he continues to work at it, he has the courage to stand up and tag in Kit! #YESBOY! #EltonStrong.
The Brawling Brutes are watching this.
Ridge Holland and Pete Dunne look at each other, and neither of them can even process this. Dunne feels maybe they should’ve broken Elton’s leg. The idiots. Will Elton & Kit hope they can stay far, far, far away from Northern Grit and the Bruiserweight?
Charlotte Flair VS Bayley w/ Damage CTRL!
The Queen did what she could to help The Empress of Tomorrow hold off the Evil Genius and her cohorts, but all that got them was a win for Iyo Sky and this rivalry rematch with the Role Model! Will Bayley make an example out of her fellow Horsewoman? Or will Charlotte make Bayley bow down?
SmackDown returns and Bayley makes her entrance, Iyo and Dakota right behind her. But then Charlotte has Bayley hold on so she can get a mic. Charlotte has a question for Bayley: What’s happened to you? Bayley is one of the Four Horsewomen, but now she’s just happy carrying Iyo’s bags. Bayley has become a stepping stone while Charlotte is still the measuring stick. And in the end, it doesn’t matter. Bayley is just in Charlotte’s way. She’ll beat Bayley tonight, and then challenge Iyo for the WWE Women’s Championship at Fastlane! Fans fire up for that, and the bell rings. Bayley CLOBBERS Charlotte!
Bayley fires off, all riled up after what Charlotte said. DMG CTRL cheers and high-fives Bayley. Bayley CHOPS Charlotte, bumps her off buckles, then stomps a mudhole in! Bayley ROCKS Charlotte, lets off, and brings Charlotte around to whip. But Charlotte reverses to send Bayley into the corner, and she CHOPS! Fans “WOO~!” and Charlotte CHOPS again! Charlotte whips, Bayley reverses but Charlotte goes up and out to BOOT Bayley down! Iyo swipes at Charlotte, then Bayley BLASTS Charlotte down! Bayley goes out to the apron, to then FLYING ELBOW Charlotte down! DMG CTRL is fired up as SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns and Charlotte is up top, to CROSSBODY Bayley down! Fans fire up with Charlotte as she storms around. Bayley flounders to ropes, stands up, and Charlotte CHOPS her! And CHOPS her! And CHOPS her! And then CHOPS again! Fans fire up as Charlotte says one more, then CHOPS Bayley again! Charlotte swings, Bayley dodges but Charlotte scoops! FALL AWAY SLAM! Charlotte kips up and fans fire up again! Charlotte handsprings to LARIAT! Cover, TWO! Bayley is still in this but Charlotte knows she’s tough. Bayley bails out to the apron, Charlotte storms over, but Bayley HOTSHOTS!
Bayley slides in, waistlocks, but Charlotte bucks the O’Conner, to then trip Bayley! Bayley scrambles, Charlotte steps over to drop a knee on Bayley’s knee! Bayley goes to a corner and Charlotte GAMANGIRIS! Bayley staggers, but she BOOTS back! But then Charlotte BOOTS back! Cover, TWO! Charlotte keeps her cool while the fans rally up. Charlotte steps on Bayley and goes to the corner, then goes up the corner, only for Bayley to YANK her down! Bayley puts Charlotte in the ropes, throw hands, then hits a STOCK DROP! Shoutout to another of the Horsewomen! Bayley then SUNSET BOMBS Charlotte into buckles! Bayley drags Charlotte to a cover, TWO!
Bayley tells fans to shut up, don’t cheer for her! Dakota and Iyo cheer her on, though, and Bayley fires forearms on Charlotte! Bayley mocks the “WOO~!” then CHOPS! Bayley CHOPS Charlotte again and again, runs, but Charlotte SPEARS her down! Cover, Charlotte wins!!
Winner: Charlotte Flair, by pinfall
DMG CTRL can’t believe it, but their Role Model lost! The Queen is already wearing yellow ‘n’ block to match Fastlane’s logo, will she take that gold off Iyo? Bayley gets a mic to shout, “Cut the music, you idiots!” Bayley won’t let Charlotte just cut the line! Bayley vowed to end Charlotte, and that’s what DMG CTRL is gonna do! The three surround the ring, but here comes ASUKA! The Empress joins the Queen to run off their common enemies! Asuka gets a mic to shout “OI OI OI OI!” What do you idiots think you’re doing?! She won’t let them do whatever they want! Bayley says okay, they want a Triple Threat for the women’s title?! Then they’ve got it!!
Wait, what? Iyo is confused, but Bayley says this is totally what Asuka said. No, Iyo knows what Asuka said and it wasn’t that! But Bayley says this is so they can teach both Asuka and Charlotte a lesson! Bayley sticks her foot in Iyo’s mouth again, will the Evil Genius have to really work hard on a plan to survive Fastlane?
John Cena heads to the ring!
Sacramento fires up as Cena storms out, saying we’re getting serious tonight! Cena slides into the ring, contract still in hand. Cena also gets a mic, and he tells Sacramento, “I hear ya out there!” Sacramento chants for Cena and so he knows they hear him. And he knows that because last week, he said he was back to compete and that he wanted a match. The Bloodline didn’t take too kindly to that, though. They left Cena knocked out, but they also left him with the contract. This is the contract for a match with them at Fastlane. Yeah, a little lukewarm, because there’s a problem: Cena doesn’t have a partner.
Cena says tonight is very important, because now he has a choice to make. He could rip up the contract and act like this didn’t happen. Fans boo that idea. Or he could stand and fight. The fans like that! So what do you think the man who wears the words “Never Give Up” is gonna make? They cheer the second so he says that’s damn right! He will honor this contract! And if he doesn’t find a partner by Fastlane, then he will fight The Bloodline by himself in a 2v1 Handicap! But speaking of, here comes The Bloodline! Jimmy grins as he has the mic again. “Well, look who finally showed up.”
Cena’s out here talking about Fastlane? Did he not just see what The Bloodline’s been doing all night? They were sending messages! If you team with Cena, you get got by The Bloodline! Fans boo, but Jimmy goes to the apron to tell Cena, “You’re not making it to Fastlane!” But then Cena DECKS Jimmy! Solo stares Cena down, fans fire up, and Solo gets in the ring! Cena throws off the shirt because it is go time! Solo swings, misses, and Cena fireman’s carries, but Jimmy SUPERKICKS him! Flashbacks to last week, HIP ATTACK in the corner! Then Solo adds a HIP ATTACK in the corner! Then Jimmy whips Solo in for another HIP ATTACK!
Fans boo as Cena flops out of the ring. The Bloodline clears off the announce desk! They put Cena on it, and Jimmy raises the one. Jimmy goes up the steps but Solo stops him. Solo wants this one! Jimmy grins and nods and lets Solo climb. But L A KNIGHT is here!! Fans are thunderous as the Mega Star storms down, slides in, and he dodges Jimmy to BLAST Solo! And then he BLASTS Jimmy! Knight stomps a mudhole into Jimmy but Solo stops him! So Knight fires off haymakers! Solo TOSSES Knight, but misses the splash! JUMP NECKBREAKER! Jimmy is up, Knight scoops to POWERSLAM!
Fans fire up, and they spell it out, “L! A! KNIGHT! YEAH!” BIG elbow drop for Jimmy! Cena is back and he TOSSES Solo! Knight TOSSES Jimmy! Mega Star and Greatest of All Time look to each other, and Knight picks up the contract! Fans are electric as Knight signs his name! Cena can’t believe it, either! He has a tag partner for Fastlane? YEAH!! Will Cena and Knight show The Bloodline whose game is it? With EVERYBODY saying… L A KNIGHT, YEAH!!
My Thoughts:
An awesome episode of SmackDown, especially with how fired up the Sacramento crowd was for everything. Great stuff with Bloodline and such, taking logical yet still exciting turns. Karl Anderson going after The Bloodline was good, because as much as Karl didn’t want Styles getting involved, but he also wasn’t going to let The Bloodline get away with this. Though, Karl didn’t really accomplish much as he got cheated in that match. That slap from Mia was great, though. Then Jimmy & Solo going on a rampage backstage was a great way to show how Jimmy is drunk with power all because he thinks Roman will have his back. Roman most certainly won’t now that Jimmy’s actions have brought LA Knight into the story. Great save from Knight, and he will make a great team with Cena.
Great “main event” match from Charlotte VS Bayley, and that black ‘n’ yellow gear is pretty cool stuff from Charlotte. DMG CTRL of course tries to help Bayley but that backfires. And then I actually like that we’re going back to Bayley talking big and putting Iyo on the spot. The Triple Threat title match is going to be great, and is actually some mad genius thinking from Bayley. DMG CTRL can now legally interfere to make sure Iyo wins against Charlotte and Asuka, but I feel like this can also bring in Shotzi or even Bianca to counteract DMG CTRL. Either way, it’ll be some great stuff to really up things in the SmackDown Women’s Division.
Hilarious vignette from Pretty Deadly, and good response from Brawling Brutes. That feud will definitely start up again after Fastlane and give us a SmackDown contender for the Undisputed Tag Team Championships. Really good stuff out of the Grayson Waller Effect with Lashley putting the pressure on the Profits. Almost thought they were gonna jump Theory since Lashley doesn’t like Theory, but I guess that would make this faction Faces since Theory is Heel. It was nice to see Grimes back, though he does lose to Theory. Dragon Lee being here tonight makes me think he is called up to SmackDown after he screws Dominik Mysterio out of the North American title tomorrow night.
And after just an awesome US Championship match, the Profits instead go after the LWO, a logical move given the back and forth between the factions. LWO wants a Six Man Tag, but does that mean it’ll be Santos, Cruz & Wilde? Or is Rey going to take one of the spots? Either way it’ll be a good time but it feels like the All Mighty Profits are going to take that one to build their momentum towards their own title goals. Lashley VS Rey for the US Championship with Santos helping feels like the move. Maybe there’s tension created as Santos costs Rey, or as Rey says Santos can’t be bending rules just to win. It just feels like something’s going to/has to change in the group dynamic.
My Score: 8.9/10
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