Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE NXT Results & Report! (6/20/23)
NXT strikes gold!

Will Seth Rollins make it to tonight?
Finn Balor kept Seth Rollins from defending his title last night on Raw, but the Visionary won’t let that stop him from making his return to NXT! Will he #BurnItDown? Or will Bron Breakker become the NEW World Heavyweight Champion?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- NXT North American Championship, Special Referee Mustafa Ali: Wes Lee VS Tyler Bate; Wes wins and retains the title.
- NXT Tag Team Championships #1 Contenders Triple Threat: Josh Briggs & Brooks Jensen w/ Fallon Henley VS Hank Walker & Tank Ledger VS Malik Blade & Edris Enofe; Malik & Edris win and will challenge Gallus for the titles next week.
- Dana Brooke VS Cora Jade; Cora wins.
- Yulisa Leon & Valentina Feroz VS Lash Legend & Jakara Jackson w/ The Meta Four; Lash & Jakara win.
- WWE World Heavyweight Championship: Seth Rollins VS Bron Breakker; Rollins wins and retains the title.
PLAY BY PLAY
Seth Rollins arrives!
The Visionary is in the building, meaning he IS going to defend his title in tonight’s main event!
The journey to become champion begins with a rush of desire.
And that desire is for gold! For the first time ever, in a two week event, every title in NXT will be on the line! Carmelo Hayes will take on the Lone Wolf next week, will Baron Corbin get shut up by… HIM? Will “The Beacon,” Mustafa Ali call the North American title match down the line as the guest referee? Will Tiffany Stratton still be the Center of the Universe? Or will Thea Hail make this into the Chase U-niverse? And since we just saw him walk in, we know Seth Freakin’ Rollins returns to where it all began! The first-ever NXT Gold Rush starts now!
NXT North American Championship, Special Referee Mustafa Ali: Wes Lee VS Tyler Bate!
The Cardiac Kid and Big Strong Boi held onto their friendship as Wes held onto this title through Battleground. But now, at Ali’s suggestion, they’re having a friendly 1v1 match to truly see who is worthy. Who strikes gold to open this big two week event?
The introductions are raised, the belt is raised (by Ali), and we see if a friendship remains after the smoke clears.
The bell rings, Wes and Bate circle and fans rally up. They tie up, are in a deadlock, and Bate powers Wes back. Wes arm-drags Bate away and fans rally up again. The two reset and tie up, then Bate gets around to a waistlock. Bate SLAMS Wes down but Wes fights up. Fans rally, Wes pries free and rolls back to waistlock Bate! Wes brings Bate up, Bate breaks the hold to switch. Bate trips Wes to get a standing toehold. Wes fights back, rolls and throws Bate, but Bate cartwheels through! Fans cheer and the two reset again. Wes RAMS Bate, then headlocks. Bate powers out and things speed up as fans duel.
Bate hurdles. Wes front flips and fans fire up! The two go again, Wes slides under, rolls back, but Bate blocks the headscissors. Bate arm-drags Wes, headlocks for a takeover, and Wes’ shoulders are down! Ali counts fast, TWO!! Everyone, even Bate, looks at Ali with surprise. Wes rolls Bate, ONE!! Ali smirks and again everyone is confused. Wes rolls, he and Bate stand up, and Bate thrashes the headlock. Bate shifts grip again and again and grinds Wes, but Wes throws body shots. Wes powers out, Bate goes up and under and baits Wes into knuckle locks, to then wrench, headlock, bait, leapfrog, but Wes blocks the slide!
Wes body scissors for a Gedo Clutch, but Ali counts slowly now! TWO, but even Bate is upset by this bias. Wes gets in Ali’s face and Ali says he’s counting! Bate rolls Wes up, but now Ali goes slow for Bate! TWO, and Bate can’t believe the gall of Ali. Ali says he’s being fair now! Wes shoves Bate and accuses him of putting in the fix with Ali but Bate shoves back. Bate says Ali is doing himself, so they should do the same. They tie up, go around, and then on the mat. They get up, into a corner, and all around. They tumble out of the ring! Ali tells them to get in but the two tie up again! Bate pushes Wes against the desk, and the fans count!
Ali says no, that’s not real! Bate UPPERCUTS Wes, Wes KICKS Bate! Ali starts now at one, and so on. Wes staggers, Bate is after him, and NXT goes picture in picture.
Bate puts Wes in at what would be Ali’s 4 count, and he brings Wes up. Wes SHORYUKENS in return! Bate flops into the ring and Ali checks him. Bate is okay to continue so Wes drags Bate up. Bate shoves Wes, but Wes facelocks. Bate fights up and wrenches out, but Wes breaks free to CHOP! And haymaker! Wes gets an arm, STRAITJACKET NECKBREAKER! Cover, Ali goes normal, TWO! Ali says he was doing a fair count, so Wes can’t complain there. Wes drags Bate up, RAMS his shoulder, and RAMS him again! Wes wrenches, RAMS Bate and knocks him down! Wes chinbars Bate and grinds him down.
Ali checks with Bate as he endures. Bate fights up, pries at the hold, but Wes shifts to a facelock. Bate lifts Wes, Wes kicks to get back to his feet. Bate keeps trying, Wes keeps keeping him down, but Bate powers up again! Bate SLAMS Wes, then HIP DROPS him! Cover, Ali counts normal, TWO! Bate keeps cool and he stalks Wes to a corner. Bate brings Wes up, UPPERCUTS, and Wes staggers. Bate brings Wes up to shove, RAM, and then reel him in for a snap suplex! Cover, Ali counts normal, TWO! Bate keeps on Wes with a facelock and grinds him down. Bate thrashes Wes but Wes endures and fans rally up.
Wes fights to his feet, but Bate UPPERCUTS! Bate shoves Wes, Wes kicks back! Bate flounders, but he comes back to tackle Wes! Wes kicks Bate away but runs into a kick! Bate underhooks, but Wes fights to back drop free! Bate gets up fast, Wes dodges his haymaker and NXT returns to single picture as Bate now dodges. Both men run, DOUBLE LARIATS take both men down! Fans fire up while Ali checks both men. Fans chant for “NXT! NXT!” as Ali starts a standing count. This is a rather fair count, and both men rise at 5 of 10. They both stand at 7, and Bate UPPERCUTS! Wes ROCKS Bate! Bate UPPERCUTS again!
Wes ROCKS Bate! Ali reprimands about closed fists but Bate comes back with UPPERCUT after UPPERCUT! Wes ROCKS Bate again and again, then throws body shots and forearms! Bate UPPERCUTS, and uses his foot to bop him! And then another uppercut! Wes goes to backslide, but Bate rolls through! Wes fires off fast strikes, snapmares and basement dropkicks! Fans fire up and Wes aims from a corner. Wes runs in but blocks a boot, only for the KNEE to hit! Bate goes up to FLYING UPPERCUT! Wes tumbles away to a corner, Bate UPPERCUTS him again! And EXPLODERS! Bate kips up and fans fire up!
Bate aims, runs, SHOOTING STAR onto knees! Cover, TWO!! Wes ENZIGURIS Bate to a corner! Fans rally, Wes pounds the mat and stands up. Wes runs in to FOREARM SMASH! Bate shoves Wes back but Wes SUPERKICKS! Wes snapmares Bate, aims from the corner, CARDIAC- NO, Bate dodges to REBOUNDER! Cover, TWO!! Wes escapes and fans fire up again! Bate goes to a corner, “This is Awesome!” as he climbs. Bate reaches the top but Wes GAMANGIRIS! Fans hope they “FIGHT FOREVER!” but this is just the start of the night! Wes brings Bate up, and aims for the outside!
Bate fights, the fans freak out, and Bate throws body shots! Bate HEADBUTTS Wes, but Wes ROCKS Bate! Bate Bop up, but DOUBLE BANG hit! Both men fall, Bate inside and Wes outside! Ali starts a ring count, watches both men, but this count seems rather quick. Ali doesn’t want it to end this way, so he gets Wes up! Ali SLAPS Wes and tells him that HE is the champion so he needs to get in and fight! But then Ali fires Bate up, too! This is a fight, so get up and fight! Wes jumps in, CARDIAC KICK!! Cover, Wes wins!!
Winner: Wes Lee, by pinfall (still NXT North American Champion)
Wes is victorious, but he’s still confused as to what Ali was up to this entire match. Ali raises both men’s hands in celebration, because he says this is what NXT is all about. If so, then who will be next to challenge Wes for the North American title?
Gigi Dolin speaks.
“I’ve always been drawn to art and self-expression. I see it as living creativity. My dreary upbringing was brightened by escaping reality and diving into the images generated in my mind. It is reflected in the gear that I wear. I’ve been rejected by friends, by family, by life. That’s what makes me unique. That’s what sets me apart from everyone else. But no matter where I walk, I have the freedom to create whatever enters my mind.” Will Gigi soon express herself with the mat as her canvas?
Backstage interview with Kiana James.
McKenzie Mitchell asks her about Gigi’s vignette. Kiana says that isn’t art, that’s a waste of real estate. Kiana doesn’t talk about her feelings, or why colors motivate her. She is motivated by results, especially in that ring. But the irony is, they’re not so different. Believe it or not, when Kiana was young, she was reckless. She broke rules, got into trouble, but unlike Gigi, she grew up. Kiana took the path towards success, and it’s called ambition. Kiana has it, embraces it, and Gigi can’t even spell it! But hey, good for Gigi being happy in the pool of mediocrity. Will the Calculator soon find emotions defy the data?
It’s time for the Chase U Pep Rally!
Duke Hudson is in the ring and says as the MVP of Chase U, it is his honor and 6’5″ privilege to welcome us here to celebrate the star pupil, Thea Hail! Fans cheer, and Duke says we have seen Thea in the agony of defeat, but also in the thrill of victory. And victory is the name of the game, as next week, Thea will defeat Tiffany to become the youngest NXT champion, male or female, in history! So rise to your feet and welcome your future NXT Women’s Champion, the one and only Thea Hail! Fans cheer as Thea breaks through the banner! Thea goes to the ring and everyone cheers her on.
Thea joins Duke in the ring, as do some Chase U cheerleaders, and even Drew Gulak & Charlie Dempsey. Thea says this is the awesomest day of her whole life! Her heart is beating so fast, because next week’s match is the biggest match of her whole life. But you look up and down the roster now, and everyone has these insane accomplishments from their time in college. Honors, championships. The biggest thing Thea’s done so far is graduate high school. She didn’t even wanna go to college. She didn’t wanna be a doctor, lawyer or even Olympian, because she’s been too busy training to become what she’s always wanted to be: a WWE SUPERSTAR!!
Fans cheer that, and Thea says she doesn’t need national championships or a Master’s Degree, because next week, SHE’S GOING TO BECOME NXT WOMEN’S CHAMPION!! Gulak gets a mic to ask if Thea said she just graduated high school. Dempsey asks what they’ve gotten themselves into. Alright, Statler and Waldorf, c’mon. This is a pep rally! Thea doesn’t know who Statler and Waldorf are. But anyway, when she got into Chase U, she was finally accepted for who she is! Mr. Chase pushed her, and she pushed herself all the way to winning that battle royal! So first and foremost, she wants to thank Mr. Chase, sitting at home watching right now. Hi, Mr. Chase! Hi!
Yes, hooray for Mr. Chase. Okay, okay, of course she has to thank the MVP of Chase U, Duke Hudson! Duke smiles and he starts an “MVP! MVP!” chant. Thea thanks him for helping her gain the confidence she needed. But of course, she also wouldn’t be anywhere without her two favorite pains in the- butt… Dempsey & Gulak! Dempsey may not smile a lot but she’s sure he’s happy she’s #1 contender! And they taught her so many amazing moves that she’ll use against Tiffany to give her a Chase U sized… Can she say it? Yeah, go ahead. ASS WHOOPING!! Duke gets a “Hail Yeah!” from the fans, but here comes Tiffany.
Tiffany says yes, hi, uh, this is all so amazingly horrible. Duke, pretty tacky if you ask her. And for who? Thea? To be real for a second, Thea was literally NO ONE’s pick to win the battle royal, and definitely not Tiff’s. But kudos, she got lucky. Congrats. And that whole celebration is so cute. But if you think that for one second that it’ll happen again, but no offense, Thea would have to be the dumbest person in the entire BUILDING! Thea says her grades are fine! Tiff says she’s not one of Chase U’s poorly educated professors, but according to her calculations, Thea’s got a ZERO PERCENT chance of winning next week. Thea says she has a zero for Tiff!
But Tiff continues to say that this is so cringe. Duke tells Tiff that like, sounds “cringe.” That that like, is fetch and all, but next week, Thea’s taking that title. And at just 19! So much heart and determination, Thea leaves it in the ring every single week. And Tiff finds that out in seven days. Now, Duke understands that Tiff does not believe in Thea, but guess what? Duke believes! Chase U believes! EVERYONE IN THE AUDIENCE BELIEVES!! Tiff says, “Don’t make me gag.” Next week, not only will Thea NOT beat Tiff, but Thea will not tap her out! But Thea gets that arm! KIMURA!!! Tiff TAPS NOW!! Even Dempsey & Gulak like that!
Thea lets off Tiff to grab that belt and run around with it! But will Thea be doing victory laps next week at the end of Gold Rush? Or will #TiffyTime deny us history?
The Schism talks backstage.
Joe Gacy doesn’t understand. Why? What is it that they’re missing? Why is it Gacy that’s losing?! Is it somehow HIS fault? Are HIS misfortunes dragging everyone down?! HUH!? ARE THEY!? Jagger Reed is the one who says yes, they are! Look, did they win? No. So yeah, Gacy’s misfortunes are dragging them down. Ava Raine can’t believe Jagger! Jagger says Gacy preaches that ruthlessness strengthens connection, and that lies- Gacy shouts at Jagger. Because… He’s right. That’s why The Dyad is hitting harder than ever. Gacy will look inside, reevaluate, but togetherness is what is important, and NOBODY can afford to forget that!
Ava says enough. The tree will not fall from one single chop. They can’t change what happened. Four roots, one tree. There is tension building in the group, will The Schism be what ends up divided?
Diamond Mine sees this.
Ivy Nile wonders about that look. Julius Creed agrees, this isn’t good. Brutus Creed walks in and asks what they’re watching. Ivy shows him Schism and asks what is even going on with them. Brutus doesn’t know, but the leaves are gonna be falling off that tree. Ivy agrees. The only reason they won the Mixed Tag is cuz Ava hit Ivy with that mask! Julius says no more excuses or bad metaphors. The Schism is still a serious threat, and always have been. They’re a legit cancer to NXT. Brutus agrees there. If Schism doesn’t wanna stay, that’s fine, Diamond Mine can send ’em packing. Ivy likes where his head is at.
Brutus agrees, though Julius’ head is pretty big. Ha ha. Brutus, can you even see his head from down there? And don’t get him started on Ivy’s dent. Hey, what about Julius’ ears? What? The three joke around, but will they have the last laugh when taking on The Schism?
NXT Anonymous is watching.
Jacy Jayne enters backstage while talking on the phone, and complains that it should’ve been her, but then someone interrupts. Jacy hangs up and it’s Lyra Valkyria. She tells Jacy that she saw what Jacy had to say about her. If she’s got a problem with her, just say it to her face. Jacy says there’s no problem. Just locker room chit chat. Lyra says she doesn’t play games. Lyra heads out and Jacy says she should’ve just kicked Lyra in the face. Well, will Lyra hear this, too?
NXT Tag Team Championships #1 Contenders Triple Threat: Josh Briggs & Brooks Jensen w/ Fallon Henley VS Hank Walker & Tank Ledger VS Malik Blade & Edris Enofe!
The Tag Division is heating up for the Summer, and best friends take on best friends take on best friends! Who will prove themselves the closer and stronger tag team to then go after Gallus?
NXT returns and Hank ‘n’ Tank make their entrance, followed by Malik & Edris. In this Triple Threat, every team has one man in, so Briggs, Hank and Malik step up. The bell rings, but Jensen BLASTS Tank off the apron! Hank sees that, and then Briggs BOOTS Hank! Brigs swings, Malik fires back, and Briggs wrenches to trip. Malik dodges the stomp, then the clothesline, and Briggs ends up knocking Hank off the apron! Malik keeps moving, leaps to sunset flip, but Briggs drags him up! Malik kicks low, DROPKICKS, and Briggs wobbles. Jensen grabs at Malik but Malik DECKS Jensen! Malik tags Edris and they coordinate.
Malik runs, BOOTS Briggs, and Edris SLING-DOGS! Edris whips but Briggs blocks. Edris kicks, whips, but Briggs CLUBS him! Tag to Jensen and then feed to a KNEE! Cover, ONE!! Jensen drags Edris up, tags Briggs back in, and they double scoop to double SLAM! Hank gets in but he gets mugged! He also gets DOUBLE SLAMMED! Jensen drops an elbow, Briggs drops an elbow! They’re fired up, but we see Gallus backstage watching this. Briggs drags Edris up, whips, but Edris reverses. Hank ‘n’ Tank trip Brigs, drag him out, and FLAPJACK him off the apron! Hank gets in, Edris dodges but Hank BLASTS him!
Tag to Tank, and Hank traps Edris so Tank can SPLASH! Hank SPLASHES, then Tank facelocks. Tank suplexes, Jensen CLUBS him on the back! Jensen, Tank and Edris brawl. Jensen headlocks, Edris powers out, and then Edris dodges so the SHOTGUN hits Tank! Edris facelocks, Jensen powers out but Malik tags in. Malik & Edris stand off with the Country Boys, but then Hank ‘n’ Tank get in! The brawl is on, Briggs & Jensen taking on everyone else! Fans fire up as Briggs & Jensen whip Hank ‘n’ Tank onto ropes! They both run, slide, and DOUBLE- TOPE from Malik & Edris!! Direct hit at the ramp and fans fire up!
Edris & Malik get Briggs & Jensen up, but then Hank ‘n’ Tank go to the apron! They get on the ropes to DOUBLE VADER BOMB!! Fans are thunderous as Hank ‘n’ Tank put Malik in the ring. Wheelbarrow SIT OUT! Cover, Briggs breaks it in time!! Hank is furious and fans thought that was it as NXT goes picture in picture.
Hank and Briggs stare down, and they fire up! Hank RAMS Briggs to a corner, RAMS him again and again and then UPPERCUTS! Hank brings Briggs around to scoop, but Briggs slips free to shove him to ropes. Tank tags in, Hank ‘n’ Tank DOUBLE SHOULDER Briggs down! And then DOUBLE FALLING HEADBUTT! Tank covers, but Malik breaks it! In a way, Malik returns the favor. Malik brings Tank up and headlocks but Tank powers up. Tank wrenches free, headlocks back, but Malik throws body shots. Malik powers out, Tank runs him over! Tank runs, but Malik drops, hurdles, then CALF KICKS!
Fans fire up as Malik tags Edris. They drag Tank up, to double suplex! Edris covers, TWO! Hank was ready, but Edris stares him down. Edris drags Tank up to throw hands, but Tank gives them back! They brawl, Tank headlocks, but Edris powers up. Briggs adds on, he and Edris double whip to run Tank over! Briggs CHOPS Edris, puts him in a corner, then TOSSES him across the way! Edris ends up in a corner, Briggs BOOTS Tank, and Briggs drags Tank up. Gallus is amused as Briggs & Jensen tag. They double scoop Tank to SLAM him! Jensen covers, Edris breaks it! Edris and Jensen throw hands, and Jensen UPPERCUTS!
Edris DROPKICKS! Edris then gets Tank up but Tank whips Edris! Tank runs in to back body block! Tag to Hank and a feed to the scoop, and SLAM! Hank covers, Jensen breaks it! Hank throws hands but Jensen gives them back! Jensen then ENZIGURIS! Edris returns but Jensen ROCKS him! And again! And UPPERCUTS! Jensen runs in to HEADBUTT! Jensen snapmares Edris, CLUBS him, then brings him around to put in the corner. Jensen stomps Hank while NXT returns to single picture. Jensen runs in to ELBOW Edris, then he tags Briggs. Briggs runs corner to corner to clothesline Edris! Feed to the WHEEL KICK! BOOT for Hank!
Hank ends up on ropes, Briggs & Jensen both run and slide to DOUBLE SHOT! They have Edris on the other side, another DOUBLE SHOT! But Malik PLANCHAS, into Briggs’ arms! Briggs tosses Malik up to CLOBBER him! Briggs runs at Edris, but into a BOOT! Edris then box jumps Briggs so he can MISSILE DROPKICK Hank! Fans fire up for Edris but Briggs short arm LARIATS! Briggs gets Edris up, gives him to Hank, and CHOPS him! Briggs runs, BOOT DDT COMBO! Fans rally up as Briggs fires up. Briggs runs in, Hank dodges, but then Edris dodges Hank! Briggs dodges Edris but Hank CLOBBERS Briggs!
Malik tags in, Edris KNEES Hank! Malik fires off on Briggs and Hank, and fans rally for “MALIK! DA FREAK!” Malik whips, Briggs reverses but Malik CLOBBERS Hank! And then BLOCKBUSTERS Briggs! Malik fires up but Tank tags in! And he CLOBBERS Malik! And he CLOBBERS Briggs! Jensen tags in as Tank whips and FALL AWAY SLAMS Malik in one fluid motion! Jensen runs in to CLOBBER Tank! And SUPERKICK! And then NECKBREAKER! Cover, but Malik kicks Jensen! Jensen throws Malik down to haul him up, GUT WRENCH BOMB onto Tank! Tag to Briggs before the KNEE DROPS!
Briggs & Jensen get Tank up, for a HART ATTACK!! Jensen WHEEL KICKS Hank, but Edris MACHO ELBOWS the cover!! Malik FROG SPLASHES Tank!! Cover, MALIK & EDRIS WIN!!
Winners: Malik Blade & Edris Enofe, by pinfall (NEW #1 Contenders to the NXT Tag Team Champions)
The song says it clearly, they’re far from rookies! Will these two finally taste some gold to end the Gold Rush?
Gallus says Malik & Edris are tooled off, but time to hit the pub. But wait, wait, Los Lotharios walk in. Gallus is so lucky that Angel & Humberto weren’t in that contenders match. Because otherwise, they’d be losing to Los Lotharios next week. Yeah, but they weren’t in the match. Hasta luego. Yeah, sure, Joe, nice hair. But will they all be taken for a ride by Malik & Edris?
Damon Kemp finds Eddy Thorpe backstage.
The Golden Gopher tells the Alpha Wolf to take the headphones off so they can talk. Wow, it took all week for Kemp to come up with what match he wanted. Uh, he had a lot of options, and Kemp knows Thorpe uses every advantage to get past him. The ring skirt, the ropebreak, hell, Thorpe probably paid the ref off, too. Yeah, yeah, excuses. But then in two weeks time, Raw Underground comes to NXT. The what? Y’know, just them and the 20-by-20. No ropes, no pins, just knockouts, TKOs or submissions. Sweet. Let’s go, then. Yeah, well, Kemp trained in the trenches of his parents’ garage. Thorpe has no idea what he just signed up for. Fine, see you then.
Wait, something just happened off screen! Roxanne Perez just attacked Blair Davenport! The refs back Roxie off but Blair actually smiles. She says if Roxie wants to play, then it’s game on. But who will be the winner when it’s game over?
Seth Rollins prepares in the locker room.
And he sees his old trainee, Nathan Frazer! Congrats on winning that giant cup thing that you have to carry now. Yeah, it’s super heavy, but it’s also the coolest thing. And congrats to Rollins on being World Heavyweight Champion. How’s he feeling after all that on Raw? Eh, not quite 100%, but that’s on him. He wanted the very best version of Finn Balor and he got it. But let that be a lesson to Frazer. And speaking of, Rollins is proud of Frazer and the performer he’s become. Pass that along. Will do. Frazer did learn from the best. And then in walks Carmelo Hayes & Trick Williams.
Trick Melo Gang introduce themselves, and they ask what’s good. Rollins spaces out, but then laughs. That got them, too! But c’mon, guys, he knows who they are! He was waiting for them to say hey. As champ to champ, what can Rollins do for Melo? Melo wants to pay respects, champ to champ. Rollins appreciates that. But hey, hey, eyes up here, not on the belt. If you wanna really respect the champ, worry about your title. Is Melo gonna beat Corbin? Oh, yes. Is Rollins ready for Bron tonight? HAHAHA… You know he don’t miss. Melo wears it well, by the way. Thanks. Welcome back, Rollins. Melo heads out, will both champs still be champs after tonight?
Dana Brooke VS Cora Jade!
After confrontations in the ring and backstage, The Flex Appeal is looking to put the entitled and selfish Generation of Jade in its place. Will Dana make it look easy? Or will nothing stop the Punk Rock Mean Girl from getting her way?
NXT returns and Dana makes her entrance. The bell rings and the two talk some trash. Cora shoves Dana, but Dana RAMS her into a corner! Dana RAMS into Cora again and again, then digs her shoulder in. Dana lets off as the ref counts, and the two tie up. Cora puts Dana in a corner, the ref counts, and fans duel. Cora SLAPS Dana, laughs, but then runs away! Dana drags Cora back in, throws her down, and dribbles her off the mat! Dana CLUBS away on Cora, then cools off. Dana whips Cora, hip tosses her, and cartwheels to BOOT her down! Cover, TWO! Dana drags Cora up, scoops her, and SLAMS her!
Dana handstands, to SPLASH! Cover, TWO! Dana stalks Cora, brings her up, and wrenches, but Cora knees low! Cora talks trash, CLUBS Dana, and says you can’t do this to her. Cora dribbles Dana off the mat, then tells fans to shut up! Cora drags Dana up, bumps her off buckles, then storms up to stomp away! The ref counts, Cora digs her boot in but Cora lets off at 4. Cora dusts herself off, then kicks Dana at the ropes. Cora smacks Dana off the mat, then soaks up the heat from the fans. Cora kicks Dana to a corner, stomps her some more, but lets off as the ref counts. Cora says she could do this all day.
Cora runs, Dana avoids the stomps! Dana dodges, handsprings, and headscissors! Fans fire up as Dana DROPKICKS Cora outta the ring! Cora goes around the way but Dana is on the apron. Cora swings, Dana handsprings over! Cora scurries into the ring, comes back as Dana is on the apron, SHINING WIZARD! Cora drags Dana outta the ropes, covers, TWO! Cora is frustrated but she SLAMS Dana’s leg on the mat. And again! Cora underhooks, but Dana wrenches out to run her over! And again! Fans rally, Dana hobbles but she runs corner to corner to handspring, only for the leg to give out!
The ref checks Dana and has Cora stay back. The ref calls in medics, they check Dana, and Cora says Dana’s totally faking. NXT goes picture in picture while medics verify this. Dana doesn’t want this to end the match but a brace is brought out. Cora taunts Dana, Dana tells her to shut up, but the medics still put the brace on Dana’s leg. Cora paces around, eggs Dana on, and Dana can’t even walk, despite the brace. Cora gets up in Dana’s face about it but Dana tells her to back off. The ref also has Cora back off, and replay shows the knee had to have been hyper extended during that shot in the ropes.
A stretcher is brought out, Dana still doesn’t wanna go, but what choice does she have if her leg is that messed up? Cora taunts Dana the entire time she’s helped to the stretcher. Cora lounges and laughs, and Dana tells Cora to get back already. More refs come out to get Cora back, and Cora just squawks at Dana more as they go up the ramp with the stretcher. Cora gets up in Dana’s face, and Dana SLAPS her! NXT returns to single picture, and Dana gets off the stretcher to fire off on Cora! Even if it means hopping on one good leg! Dana ROCKS Cora, smacks her off the apron, and CLUBS away on her!
Cora scurries away into the ring, but the ref tells Dana she shouldn’t do this with a bad leg. Dana doesn’t care, she wants after Cora! Cora rushes in, Dana rolls her up! TWO!! Dana keeps the bad leg elevated while she glares at Cora. They both rise and fans rally. Dana ROCKS Cora, scoops her, but Cora slips out to CHOP BLOCK the bad leg! Cora SLAMS the bad leg, SLAMS it again, and then steps through. Dana kicks Cora to a corner, then dodges her on the return! Dana clotheslines, and clotheslines again! And then FLAPJACKS! Cover, TWO! Dana grits her teeth, both in pain and in frustration.
Dana drags Cora up, but Cora kicks the bad leg! Cora brings Dana up, whips her to a corner, and then runs in, but Dana elbows her down! Dana hops up the corner with her good leg, and VADER- FLOPS as Cora moves! Cora SLAMS the bad leg again, then turns Dana over for a HALF CRAB! Cora sits deep, but Dana claws her way forward! But Cora drags her back! And pulls back even further!! Dana claws at her own hair, but the REF calls it! Cora wins!
Winner: Cora Jade, by referee stoppage
Cora laughs at Dana, but her win is because Dana’s spirit was tougher than her leg. Will Cora continue to inflate that ego until she’s once again a champion in NXT?
Von Wagner and Robert Stone talk.
This was before the show started tonight and no one was around. Stone asks Von why he wanted to talk with him now. Because this is where it all started. Even when all the fans were here and didn’t care, Stone did. So then what’s this picture about? Von looks at Baby Von with the surgical scar on his head. Von had Trigonocephaly. That’s something he was born with. Baby skulls are meant to stretch and grow, but Von’s had fused into place early. That limits brain growth, and there was only one way to fix it.
Von takes a breath. He was only 15 months old in that picture, and it was a surgery that lasted over 14 hours. Neuro and plastic surgeons worked on him to fix it. They didn’t even know if Von would survive. They cut him ear to ear, pulled his face down and fixed his skull. That gave him his life. Stone can’t even imagine such a traumatic experience. Von was in intensive care for a week, lucky to be alive. His dad was working to pay for the bills, and his mom never left his side. It’s just as hard for them to talk about, even today. They sound like great parents. They are. This scarring was bad, he did look different.
Four and five year old kids used to call him a monster. And all he could do was take it. Because when he looked in the mirror, he did look different. Mom would drop him off, other parents would stare and tell their kids not to stare. It was hard. Von was just a kid. Stone has kids of his own, he can’t imagine how angry he’d be as a father. Von says this is good enough for today. Thanks, Stone. Stone takes a deep breath of his own. This journey has only just begun, can Stone stick it out with Von until the end?
Eddy Thorpe reviews Raw Underground footage.
Axiom & Scrypts are there, too. Raw Underground was a wild time. Guys throwing hands, knockouts and submissions. You could get messed up if you’re not ready. Well, Thorpe has two weeks to put together his fight camp to make sure he’s as ready as possible. Axiom says it’ll be hard to find someone to copy Kemp. Kemp’s a Division I Freestyle National Champion. But then GABLE STEVESON appears! Gable heard he needs a training partner. And if anyone knows Damon, it’s him. Let Thorpe know if he needs someone. Okay, then. They shake hands, will Gable help Thorpe against the Golden Gopher?
Baron Corbin is here.
He’s in the ring, and he waits as Trick Melo Gang makes their entrance for this face-to-face. Melo tells Trick it’s all good, and Trick stays back as Melo continues to the ring. Melo has a mic and so does Corbin. Corbin says enough with the music, he doesn’t have time for all that. And he doesn’t wanna wait for the posing and whatever else. Okay, okay, let’s start off hot then. Corbin says exactly. That posing and showmanship isn’t gonna keep the title on Melo’s waist. Melo walks around as champ, but take it from someone who walked the halls here for a long time. “Having that doesn’t mean you’ve made it.”
Melo may look cool, and have the swagger, but there’s nothing Melo can say Corbin hasn’t heard, and there’s nothing Melo can do in the ring that Corbin hasn’t seen. Melo says okay, okay. Something Corbin’s never seen, huh? Like an NXT title reign of his own? Like the respect of the fans? Melo could go on and on, but he’s already accepted the challenge. Corbin says this isn’t Melo’s hometown. He’s not talking to some guy who cares if the internet thinks he’s cool. Corbin does and says what he wants, because he doesn’t care what any of the fans think, nor does he care what Melo thinks.
Fans boo that but Melo says okay. But Melo thinks that Corbin thinks he’s gonna come into Melo’s home, and bull him over and take his title. On top of all that, Corbin is somehow gonna make himself relevant again. It’s possible, but it ain’t probable. But to be honest, Melo ain’t new to this. he’s had dudes from main try and challenge him. They’ve tried to pull his card. He’s defended his territory. And where’d those guys all end up? On a T-shirt in the rafters! Fans cheer that! Melo sent them all packing, and the only difference between them and Corbin, is not a DAMN THING! Fans cheer that, too!
Melo continues to say, “So Baron, if you think beating me is gonna be the big jackpot and you’re gonna be Happy Corbin again-” Corbin stops him there. If Melo wants to bring Happy Corbin into this, do you know what Happy Corbin did for him? It got him a $1.8 MILLION house! That’s what it did. That is why Corbin is back. So that Melo and all the 20-somethings with their surface level insults, they just don’t land. Corbin’s had an 8 year career already, that most of them can only dream of. So if you wanna talk about Happy, compare things, let’s compare that. Bank accounts, lifestyles, Mania Moments.
Corbin will let Melo pick the category, cuz Melo will take that L. Corbin got all of that being a main event player for nearly a decade! Fans aren’t so sure, but Melo says okay. Corbin used to be that, so what happened? What happened to Corbin? What Corbin has is a decade on him, sure. But if you wanna talk numbers, let’s talk numbers. At 26 years old, Melo won the NXT Breakout Tournament and cashed in successfully for a title. Corbin at 26 years old, he got cut from the Arizona Cardinals. Corbin grimaces and Melo said he didn’t wanna do that, but he had to. Fans chant “CUT! CUT! CUT!”
Melo puts it like this. After awhile, this whole Us VS You, Black ‘n’ Gold VS 2.0 and beyond, Melo is over it. He gives every single star of the Black ‘n’ Gold Era their credit. They set the bar high, really high. But one thing Melo refuses to do is live his life day to day, coming in to meet Corbin’s expectations. Melo won’t meet those, he’ll create expectations of his own! Because Corbin might say this is his house, and he hasn’t been back in awhile, but go and check the deed. The name on it is MELO’S! And since Corbin left, Melo built some more rooms in the house, put in some windows, and even put a new roof up cuz he tore that b*tch down so many times!
Fans are all fired up and Corbin is beside himself. Melo says it doesn’t matter how you flip it. Money, accolades, it don’t matter. At the end of the day, Melo is still HIM! Corbin stares Melo down and says he’ll teach Melo a lesson. “If you have to come out here and tell these people every week that you are Him, if you have to come out here every week and convince yourself that you are Him, you’re not. You’re a nobody. That’s why I barely noticed you sitting behind the barricade on SmackDown. You’re insignificant. Now normally, this is the part where I crack you in your teeth and leave you laying… But I don’t need to do that.
“When I’m done with you, I’m taking that title, I’m getting in my Porsche, and I’m driving back to my big ass house. I’m putting it on my mantle, I’m sitting in my chair, and my hot ass wife is gonna pour me a drink from a bottle you can’t afford. And I’m gonna say to myself, ‘Today was a good day.’ Melo, the lesson is over.” Corbin drops the mic and heads out. A lot has been said, but who backs it all up when the Gold Rush finishes?
Yulisa Leon & Valentina Feroz prepare backstage.
Feroz says that finally, they’re together again! And Leon says she missed Feroz. She is so proud of Feroz for standing up for herself and putting in the work. And tonight, they get it done. Dragon Lee walks over and fist bumps Feroz & Leon. He says that last week, Leon & Feroz showed everyone that they are badass. Now go show Lash & Jakara. Frazer walks over and they all high-five. He wanted to catch them before their match, and say that for last week, gracias. Seriously, last week was the coolest night of his life. Without them, he doesn’t know if it’d happen. Feroz says any time, amigo. Leon agrees. Now, vaminos!
Dragon says the NEW Heritage Cup Champion, congrats! Cheers, amigo! And Frazer was talking with his mentor, Rollins, earlier. He said to take care of those who helped you, so it is only fitting that Frazer gives Dragon the first shot at this cup. Really? Then okay! They’ll do it next week! The Gold Rush just gets bigger, who will be the Heritage Cup Champion after this battle of amigos?
NXT Media catches up with Gallus.
They ask the NXT Tag Team Champions how they feel about Malik & Edris winning tonight, but Gallus ignores them. But then someone calls Joe, and he hears that there are rats at the bar. Seriously? What rats? But then Channing Lorenzo rolls up and smacks Joe with the door! Stacks goes after Joe, and shoves him in the trunk! Time to go for a ride! Where is Stacks gonna take the Iron King?!
Yulisa Leon & Valentina Feroz VS Lash Legend & Jakara Jackson w/ The Meta Four!
NXT returns as The Meta Four make their entrance. Noam Dar still feels awful over his loss, especially now that there’s nothing to put on the pedestal. But then Feroz & Leon go after Lash & Jakara! Lash scoops Feroz for that, and SNAKE EYES off the steps! Jakara throws Leon in the ring, storms up, and the bell rings. Leon SOBATS, runs, and springboards to FLYING ARM-DRAG! Jakara gets up, dodges Leon, and Lash drags Leon out! Oro talks some trash, as does Lash, and Jakara adds on. The ref has them stop and he checks Leon. Leon is dizzy but okay to continue, so Jakara puts her back in.
Jakara drags Leon up, tags Lash, and they mug Leon. The ref counts, Jakara SLAPS Leon and Lash SLAMS her! Lash hits a SPLASH, cover, TWO! Lash dribbles Leon, but who is this strutting out? Elektra Lopez y Lola Vice! Fans fire up while Lash tags in Jakara, They get Leon up, WHEELBARROW CUTTER COMBO! Cover, TWO! Jakara wraps a chinlock on Leon but Leon endures and fans rally up. Jakara shifts into a seated cobra twist and she stretches Leon! Leon endures, Jakara talks trash, but Leon fights up! Leon hip tosses free! Fans fire up, hot tags to Feroz and Lash! Feroz dodges Lash to KICK and KICK and KICK!
Feroz roars, Lash ducks the buzzsaw but not the HEEL KICK! Feroz runs, and she METEORAS in the corner! Feroz goes up the corner, leaps, and FLYING RANAS! Fans fire up with the Brazilian as she runs to METEORA again! Feroz rolls, avoids Oro’s sweep and stomps his hand! Then CROSSBODIES Oro! Oro stays up, but Leon runs in to FLY! Direct hit and down goes Oro! Dar is upset again, and Feroz gets back in. Lash BOOTS Feroz down!! Cover, Lash & Jakara win!
Winners: Lash Legend & Jakara Jackson, by pinfall
Well, it wasn’t how Dar wanted it to go, but Oro did distract Feroz & Leon enough for their team to win. Will Lash & Jakara be watching the Women’s Tag Team Championship unification on SmackDown with full attention?
WWE World Heavyweight Championship: Seth Rollins VS Bron Breakker!
The Visionary isn’t letting what Finn Balor did to him be an excuse to go back on his word! He is here, and he is as ready as he can be in this title fight. Will Rollins still be the one meeting The Prince at Money in the Bank in London? Or will the Big Bad Booty Nephew use this as a springboard onto Monday Night Raw?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see if Rollins can still burn it down!
After the fans sing “WHOA~ OH~ OHH~,” they chant “WELCOME HOME! WELCOME HOME!” The bell rings, Rollins and Bron circle, and then Bron shoots in. Rollins hurdles, runs back in, but Bron avoids the stomp! Rollins avoids the grapple, kicks low, but Bron turns underhook to fireman’s carry. Rollins slips free and gives some Scott Hall fingers. Bron runs in but Rollins dumps him out! Rollins goes to the apron, aims and FLYING KNEES! Fans fire up and Rollins revels in it as NXT goes picture in picture.
Rollins smiles and he stalks Bron. Rollisn brings Bron up to CHOP him against the apron! Bron staggers, Rollins brings him around and smacks him off the apron! Rollins brings Bron around, CHOPS him against barriers, and fans fire up! Rollins is fired up, too, and that fires the fans up more. Rollins stalks Bron into the ring, but Bron CLOBBERS Rollins as soon as he’s in! Bron kicks Rollins in the bad ribs! Bron says he’s smarter than they think, and he stands Rollins up. Bron kicks the bad ribs and Rollins sputters to ropes. Bron mocks the fans, then brings Rollins up to whip. Rollins ducks ‘n’ dodges, and SLINGBLADES!
Rollins aims, kicks, underhooks, but Bron powers out with a back drop! Rollins writhes and goes to a corner, but Bron storms up. Bron RAMS a shoulder in again and again and again! The ref counts, Bron lets off at 4, and then he brings Rollins around. Bron throws a hard body shot and Rollins staggers away. Rollins kicks back, throws haymakers, then runs, but into a fireman’s carry! GUTBUSTER DROP! Rollins writhes, Bron covers, TWO! Bron smirks as Rollins bails out. Rollins sputters and catches his breath, but Bron goes out to fetch him. Bron RAMS Rollins into the apron!
Rollins hobbles away but Bron follows after. Bron wraps on a BEARHUG! Rollins endures, fights with elbows, and fans rally up. NXT returns to single picture as Rollins pries at the hold. Rollins CLUBS Bron, CLUBS him again, then CHOPS! Rollins whips, Bron reverses and RANAS! Fans still sing Rollins’ song but Bron covers, TWO! Fans rally for Rollins but Bron stalks Rollins to ropes. Bron puts Rollins in the corner, clinches and OVERHEAD Belly2Belly suplexes! Rollins writhes and fans boo but Bron just smirks as he stalks Rollins. Bron brings Rollins up, clinches again, and OVERHEAD Belly2Belly suplexes again! Cover, TWO!
Rollins sits up but Bron looms over him. Bron drags Rollins up, but Rollins CHOPS back! And CHOPS again! Bron is stinging, and Rollins CHOPS him again! Rollins whips, Bron reverses but Rollins sends Bron away to ELBOW him! Bron goes to a corner, Rollins runs in but Bron dodges! Rollins hits buckles and staggers back into a GERMAN SUPLEX! Fans chant “YOU STILL SUCK!” but Bron drags Rollins to a cover. TWO, but Bron does push-ups just to show off. Fans boo more but Bron goes to a corner. Bron aims as Rollins rises, and Bron runs in, but Rollins dodges to POST Bron! Bron clutches his arm as he gets out of the corner.
Fans rally up while both men are down. Rollins stands, runs in, and LARIATS! Bron stays up, so Rollins runs to LARIAT again! Rollins goes again, dodges Bron’s lariat to mule kick, front kick, and DISCUS LARIAT! Fans fire up with Rollins while Bron goes to a corner. Fans sing “OH~ OHH~ OHHH~!” as Rollins runs in. BIG forearm smash, and then a suplex, but Bron blocks it! The ribs hurt, and then Bron suplexes Rollins. Rollins knees free, then knees Bron outta the ring! Fans fire up and Rollins builds speed, to DIVE! Direct hit and down goes Bron! But Rollins keeps going, he DIVES again!
Fans are thunderous as Rollins goes again! Another DIVE and the hattrick is complete! Fans fire up and sing again as Rollins brings Bron up. Rollins puts Bron in, aims from the corner, and he runs in, but Bron bails out! Fans boo but Rollins just goes outside. Rollins runs in around the way, to LARIAT Bron down! Fans fire up again as Rollins catches his breath. Rollins looks at the desk, and fans like where he’s going with this. Rollins clears the desk off! Vic & Booker get back, but Bron grabs Rollins! Trophy lift, but Rollins slips off! SUPERKICK and Bron ends up on the desk! Fans fire up as Rollins goes up the corner!
Rollins aims, Booker says SHUCKY DUCKY QUACK QUACK for the FROG SPLASH through the desk!! Both men are down in the wreckage as NXT goes picture in picture again!
Rollins sits up, grits his teeth and clutches his ribs. Rollins and Bron are still down as the ring count starts. Both men start to crawl at about 7 of 10! And then stand and spring in at 9! Fans fire up as this continues! Rollins grits his teeth as he stands up, and he brings Bron up, only for Bron to throw body shots! Rollins throws a forearm! Bron comes back with a haymaker! Rollins comes back with a SLAP! Bron ROCKS Rollins, Rollins ROCKS Bron, and Bron throws another body shot! Rollins throws one in return! And another! And another! And then forearm after forearm! Bron knees low! Bron runs, into a BOOT!
Rollins runs, but into a THESZ- NO, Rollins catches Bron to BUCKLE BOMB! Cover, TWO!! Bron is still in this as NXT returns to single picture! Fans rally up, Rollins rises, and he waits on Bron. Bron stands, and Rollins ROLLING ELBOWS! And then the turn, but Bron powers out to waistlock! Rollins victory rolls, TWO! Both men stand, Rollins gets around to roll Bron up, TWO! SUPERKICK! Bron flops over and Rollins goes up top! FROG SPLASH FLOPS as Bron moves! Double-edged even if he were to hit it, Rollins takes even more damage from that crash landing! Bron brings down the straps and roars!
Fans boo as Bron gets the arms! STEINER RECLINER!! Rollins endures, fans rally behind him, and Rollins reaches out! Rollins powers the arms free and crawls forward to the ROPEBREAK! Bron lets go in frustration, and Rollins goes to a corner. Bron runs in but Rollins BOOTS him! Rollins goes up again, but Bron springs up after him! SUPER STEINER! Bron scoops Rollins to the trophy lift, BREAKKER SLAM!! Cover, TWO?!? Rollins survives and Bron can’t believe it! Bron goes to a corner as fans rally up, and he runs in to- A KNEE!! Rollins knows the Spear too well, and he hits a PEDIGREE!! Cover, TWO!??!
Now Rollins is shocked! But Rollins also fires up and he drags Bron back up for a forearm, the turn, and the DREAM SMASHER! Fans chant “BURN IT DOWN!” as Rollins runs, but into a SPEAR!! Cover, TWO!!! Rollins also knows how to survive a Spear! Fans chant for “NXT! NXT!” as Bron rises again. Bron goes back to a corner, takes aim, but then decides to go up the corner. Fans boo as Bron leaps, into a SUPERKICK! CURB STOMP!! Rollins goes to another corner and the fans are thunderous! “OH~ OHH~ OHHH~!” CURB STOMP AGAIN!!! Cover, Rollins wins!
Winner: Seth Rollins, by pinfall (still WWE World Heavyweight Champion)
And the singing continues! The Visionary holds on to the title, and is still heading to London. But he seems to nod some respect to Bron. Will Bron simply have to wait until it’s his time? Or will the mountaintop always belong to Seth Freakin’ Rollins?
WAIT! FINN ATTACKS AGAIN!!! Raw wasn’t enough, Finn followed Rollins back to NXT just to add damage to those ribs!! Security drags Finn off but Finn attacks them now! Finn RAMS Rollins into the apron, puts him back in the ring, and gets a chair!! Finn JAMS Rollins’ ribs, then SMACKS him on the back! Fans boo as Finn throws off his jacket and goes up a corner. Finn again says he’s waited seven years. But wait! Trick Melo Gang rushes out! Finn gets away, eyeing the World Heavyweight title as he goes. Will nothing stop The Prince from taking Rollins’ throne?
My Thoughts:
For a seemingly random time to do themed episodes, Gold Rush Part 1 was an awesome night for NXT. For one, awesome opener out of the North American Championship. I just had a feeling Ali would be up to something, and he basically tried to cheat it so Bate would become the new champion. A very unique dynamic where the Heel in the match isn’t even really in the match. But in the end, Ali costs Bate for all his trying to make this a heated match, and I’m sure this leads to Wes VS Ali, possibly at Great American Bash. It is rather frustrating that Ali, as great as he is in the ring and as a character, hasn’t been given any title reigns, so maybe a two-faced Heel Ali cheats the title off Wes, ending Wes’ record-setting reign.
Good promo from Gigi and Kiana to further their feud, and good NXT Anonymous promo to add to Jacy’s feud with Lyra. Both of those matches will be very good, and help each of the Faces build some momentum in the title race. Really fun pep rally promo from Chase U, and I like that even Dempsey & Gulak were happy for Thea when she put Tiff in her place with that armlock. At the same time, all this puts the go-home math in Tiff’s favor, this will definitely be her win next week. But even so, Thea will look great in her defeat, though I bet Dempsey & Gulak will go right back to being upset with her. And as they bully her, Andre Chase will make a triumphant return!
Really good Schism promo and good response promo from Diamond Mine. I’m honestly not sure what The Schism is to do if Gacy has yet to get any gold. There could be a Losers Leave NXT match out of Schism and Diamond Mine, or even just a match that determines if Schism stays Schism. And while Kemp could’ve chosen anything, I’m actually rather surprised he went with a “Raw Underground” match. That will be a really good technical match, since there won’t be ropebreaks to save anyone. Also, nice little wink wink, nudge nudge type deal bringing in Gable Steveson, who is Damon’s real-life brother. There’s a chance Gable is Face, but there’s also a chance he’s just setting Thorpe up to fail so that Gable and Damon can be a team.
Awesome Triple Threat Tag, and I’m again thankful for being able to pause with the DVR. As good as all the teams in the match are, I am very happy to see Malik & Edris win. They’ve been putting in the work, progressing as characters as well as wrestlers, and now they have their opportunity. Granted, after Stacks kidnapped Joe Coffey, the titles are still only changing hands should Stacks & Tony D’Angelo get another shot. But much like Thea Hail against Tiffany Stratton, Malik & Edris will have a great showing against Gallus.
Dana VS Cora was really good, though I feel like the drama about the bad leg was a couple minutes too long. Though, I guess those were the exact two minutes the had to cover during picture in picture commercial break. But anyway, of course Cora wins for that, and she’ll just have a bigger ego. Really good women’s tag match, too, though of course Meta-Four’s distractions help Lash & Jakara win. The real interesting part of that was seeing Elektra & Lola show up. I don’t know if they were scouting Leon & Feroz to recruit or to set up a feud, but it would all make sense given the short feud between Elektra and Feroz while Leon was injured.
Very good promo stuff from Rollins, Frazer and more, and I like that Frazer VS Dragon was made through friendly terms. They’re going to have a killer match, but who knows who, if anyone, will be in either man’s corner. Melo and Corbin had a really good promo, and I really thought Melo was gonna dig at Corbin not making the cash-in, but I suppose that was kayfabe while Corbin getting cut from the NFL was shoot and that hits harder. Corbin does a good job shaking it off to use his real-life standard of living against Melo, but it also doesn’t really land for me because who cares? That money is just money but the title is the title, and Melo’s definitely retaining.
The most powerful promo of the night was Von’s with Stone, because he shared a legit life story that’s really heart-wrenching. Von’s been the big bad wolf this whole time, but now you see why he sharpened those fangs. There’s half a chance that, as soon as a Heel takes a title, Von will be right there to go after them as a new Face. And then, what an awesome main event from Rollins VS Bron. Bron can hang, no question, and #MeanerThanEvil seems to work for him better than Mr. 2.0 brightly colored badass. But naturally, Rollins wins, and then to great surprise, Finn shows up to just keep beating Rollins up. Rollins will still go to MITB, of course, but he’s really going to be backed into a corner with this much damage to his ribs.
My Score: 8.9/10
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Main Event Jey goes for gold!
While Drew McIntyre wants the WWE World Heavyweight Championship, it’s Jey Uso who gets his shot at Seth Rollins tonight on Monday Night Raw!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Drew McIntyre VS Sami Zayn; McIntyre wins.
- Shayna Baszler VS Nia Jax; Nia wins.
- Best 2 Out of 3 Falls: #DIY VS Imperium; wins.
- The Creed Brothers w/ Ivy Nile VS JD McDonagh & Dominik Mysterio w/ Rhea Ripley; win.
- Natalya & Tegan Nox VS Kayden Carter & Katana Chance; win.
- Cody Rhodes VS Shinsuke Nakamura; wins.
- WWE World Heavyweight Championship: Seth Rollins VS Jey Uso; wins and
PLAY BY PLAY
Drew McIntyre is here!
The Scottish Warrior is ready to tear it all down, all because he didn’t get another title match with Seth Rollins when he wanted. But before he tears into Sami Zayn, McIntyres the mic to say, “It’s been awhile since I’ve done this, but welcome everybody to Monday Night Raw!” Fans cheer that! And McIntyre says Raw is the land where it feels like everyone’s lost their minds lately! “Liars, hypocrites, cowards, just plain idiots. Apparently, you can get fired, released, leave, do what you want for a bunch of time, come back, and you’re instantly forgiven these days!” Fans chant “CM PUNK!” but McIntyre says he could be talking about anyone.
Now, Rollins tried to pull a fast one on McIntyre. Rollins could’ve given the match to anyone, but McIntyre beat Jey Uso weeks ago. So Rollins sticks it to McIntyre, slaps him metaphorically, so he headbutts Rollins in his stupid face. And speaking of Jey, O M G, Jey can apologize! He ran to Randy Orton, tail between his legs, “Oh, I’m so sorry, Randy!” Well Jey, your time’s coming. And there’s someone McIntyre is forgetting. Oh, right! Sami Zayn! And wouldn’t you know? Here comes Sami! Fans cheer and sing Sami’s song as he makes his way to the ring, a mic of his in hand. The fans then chant for ‘SAMI! SAMI!” as he sits up top.
Sami tells McIntyre, he clearly has a lot to say about everybody, including Sami, so he may as well say it to Sami’s face. Oh, yes, McIntyre sure does. Last week, Sami wanted to say how alike they are, but they are not. McIntyre has something to say to Sami and it is the truth: Sami is the one person in the world who deserved to get screwed over by The Bloodline. The fans boo but McIntyre says he will explain. Sami was the Bloodline’s lapdog errand boy, he joined them because he was running away from McIntyre, and then what? Sami screwed Bloodline over! What did Sami think was gonna happen to him? Isn’t Sami supposed to be smart?
McIntyre says Sami deserved what he got, it’s the truth. Sami says McIntyre is right about one thing: Sami was wrong. Sami thought they were alike but the more Sami is seeing, the more “truth” he’s hearing, Sami realizes they are NOT anything alike! Sami is not a delusional person. He isn’t someone who points a finger at everyone else for his own shortcomings. And big difference here: When Sami lost in front of his family and let everyone down, he stayed hungry, driven and motivated and that carried him to victory in the main event of WrestleMania! Fans fire up for that! So Sami got his redemption. Sami got to make his family proud. Does McIntyre think he’s making his family proud?
McIntyre glares at Sami, and then says one of them is NOT walking out of here. Get a ref and ring the bell! Fans fire up as we get their match now! Will McIntyre absolutely explode after Sami set him off?
Drew McIntyre VS Sami Zayn!
The bell rings and fans are behind Sami in this one. Sami and McIntyre circle, then McIntyre RAMS Sami into a corner! And OVERHEAD Belly2Belly suplexes! McIntyre asks if it was a good idea to talk bad now. McIntyre ROCKS and DECKS Sami, then stalks him. Fans rally with “Let’s Go, Sami!” as he bails out. McIntyre pursues, and SMACKS him off the apron! McIntyre scoops Sami, but Sami slips free to POST McIntyre! Sami aims at the apron, McIntyre body shots and SMACKS Sami off the apron! McIntyre puts Sami in but Sami builds speed to FLY! Direct hit and down goes McIntyre! Fans fire up with Sami as Raw goes to break!
Raw returns and fans rally as McIntyre has Sami in a motorcycle stretch. But Sami flips then BOOTS McIntyre away! But McIntyre CHOPS Sami back! Sami bails out, McIntyre pursues, but Sami kicks and CHOPS and CHOPS and CHOPS! Sami throws hands, whips, but McIntyre reverses. Sami goes up the barriers to QUEBRADA! Down goes McIntyre again and fans fire back up! The ring count climbs, the fans fire up with Sami, and Sami brings McIntyre around to put him in at 7 of 10. Sami slides in, but McIntyre LARIATS Sami back down! McIntyre seethes while fans boo, and McIntyre throws fists down on Sami!
Fans rally even harder for Sami and Sami sits up. McIntyre drags Sami up, to CHOP! Sami flops right back down, McIntyre grins, and he drags Sami up. McIntyre CHOPS and Sami wobbles around! Sami shakes his head, grits his teeth, and CHOPS in return! And CHOPS! McIntyre CHOPS and Sami falls over! McIntyre stomps Sami, smother shim, then stomps his head again! McIntyre stomps Sami’s leg, then stomps the other leg! McIntyre paces around Sami, waits on Sami to get up, and Sami goes to a corner. McIntyre runs in but Sami ELBOWS him away! Sami goes up, McIntyre runs in but into a BOOT!
Sami leaps, AX HANDLE! Sami fires up with the fans, he kicks McIntyre and reels him in, but McIntyre is a little too big to suplex! McIntyre suplexes, Sami slips free, then he lures McIntyre into the corner to POST him! Sami kicks and reels McIntyre in, to SUPLEX! Fans fire up while both men are down! Sami clutches the ankle, but he stands up to fire off haymakers! Sami whips, McIntyre reverses but Sami ducks ‘n ‘ dodges to tilt-o-whirl DDT! Cover, TWO!! McIntyre survives and Sami is stunned! Sami hurries to the apron while fans fire up! Sami climbs, leaps, but into an OVERHEAD BELLY2BELLY! And then another OVERHEAD BELLY2BELLY!
McIntyre hits a NECKBREAKER, then kips up! Fans are torn as McIntyre shakes the ropes. But then Sami clotheslines him up and out! Sami aims, and PLANCHAS! McIntyre catches him! And SLINGS him over the desk! Fans lose their minds and McIntyre seethes as Raw goes to break.
Raw returns again and McIntyre ELBOWS Sami, then Reverse Alabama Lifts! For the REVERSE ALA- NO, Sami victory rolls! TWO!! Sami runs up, into a SPINEBUSTER! Jackknife bridge, TWO!! But McIntyre deadlift POWERBOMBS! Cover, TWO!?! Sami survives and surprises even himself! The fans declare “This is Awesome!” but McIntyre snarls. McIntyre sits Sami up, fireman’s carries, and then goes up a corner! SUPER- NO, Sami flails and fights to a SUPER SUNSET FLIP BOMB!! Cover, TWO!! McIntyre survives and Sami is beside himself! Sami hobbles up, fans rally behind him and he brings McIntyre around.
Sami reels McIntyre in but McIntyre fights the lift! Sami CLUBS away on McIntyre and fans fire up! Sami tries again, BLUE- NO, McIntyre fights free to GLASGOW KISS HEADBUTT! McIntyre then aims from the corner! Sami flounders up as the countdown begins! “THREE! TWO! ONE!” BOOT from Sami! BLUE THUNDER BOMB!! Cover, TWO!! McIntyre survives again and Sami can’t believe it! “This is Awesome!” as Sami and McIntyre rise again. Sami throws a haymaker, McIntyre gives it back. They stand, Sami CHOPS! McIntyre CHOPS in return! Both men wobble, McIntyre CHOPS again! Sami BOOTS! And BOOTS!
Sami whips, McIntyre reverses but Sami goes up and over. The leg jams! The ref keeps McIntyre back but he storms in, Sami ELBOWS McIntyre, then TOSSES him out! Sami thinks about it, he wants to build speed but the leg won’t let him do it! McIntyre sees a target, and he gets in to CHOP BLOCK! The ref reprimands and backs McIntyre off. McIntyre just aims, to CLAYMORE!!! Direct hit and McIntyre covers, McIntyre wins!
Winner: Drew McIntyre, by pinfall
No mercy from McIntyre, and that is how he wins! Will the Scottish Warrior force everyone’s hands by fighting his way to a title opportunity?
Zoey Stark finds Shayna Baszler backstage.
The Queen of Spades is getting ready, but then Byron Saxton walks over to ask a few questions. Shayna faces a former tag partner in Nia Jax- Look, she has one goal tonight. Shayna put Nia on the shelf by breaking her arm. So she’ll remind Nia of that, limb by limb. Shayna heads out, Zoey follows. Will the Irresistible Force run into that immovable object again tonight?
Jey Uso speaks.
“Tonight, I have a chance to do something I thought I’d never be able to do again. A few months ago, I had a chance to dethrone the Tribal Chief and become the WWE Undisputed Universal Champion. That moment was ripped away from me by the one man in this world I love the most, my Day One. My own twin brother. Man, that hurt me more than you could ever know. I couldn’t be around this business anymore, I had to walk away. I really convinced myself I was done. Until I got a call from Cody Rhodes.” Cody told Jey he couldn’t quit, he could have a fresh start to be his own man. And the more Jey thought about it, the more he realized Cody was right.
Jey’s whole life, he’s fought for others. For Roman, for his brothers, for his father. From now on, Jey fights for HIS legacy. Before the Bloodline, before record-breaking reigns, before the Uso Penitentiary, before the Day One, before the dance, the face paint, FCW and long ass training nights, making money, being broke… There was just Jey, Uce! So Seth Rollins, we know you’re about game. Rollins has fought against Jey, fought with Jey, but now you’re fighting a starving individual ready to eat! It’s just Jey now. Jey proves to the whole world, to Rollins, to his family and himself why he IS Main Event Jey Uso! But will he become World Champion Jey Uso?
Backstage interview with Sami Zayn.
Jackie Redmond shows Sami being checked by medical staff, but then McIntyre attacks! McIntyre throws Sami into road cases, rains down fists, and says Sami can’t talk about McIntyre’s family! They’re nothing alike! NOTHING! Sami brought this upon himself! Then he STOMPS the bad ankle!! Producers rush in to get McIntyre to leave, but has McIntyre just sidelined Sami for the rest of 2023?
Raw returns as Sami is being reevaluated.
The medics check the leg, Jey hurries over to say it’ll be alright, Uce. Jey looks around for McIntyre, will Jey be able to focus on his main event after this just happened?
Backstage interview with Becky Lynch.
Byron is with The Man and asks about last week, her statement that… Oh, Nia walks in now. She tells “Barney” she has this. And Becky, she talked about some fights on the horizon. Does one include anyone in particular? Yes, Nia, it does. Nia would be number one because Becky had forgotten about her, as everyone had, but then Nia showed up on Becky’s interview and they never got to this. Becky still owes Nia a receipt. A receipt, huh? Well, once Nia squashes Shayna, she is all Becky’s. Becky can’t wait. The music hits, will we see a big time grudge match in the near future?
Shayna Baszler VS Nia Jax!
The bell rings and Nia runs in, but Shayna dodges to KICK and KICK! Nia blocks one, SLAPS Shayna, then TOSSES her! Shayna gest up in a corner, but Nia SPLASHES in the corner! Shayna flounders, Nia pushes her around and slaps her some more. Nia talks trash then TOSSES Shayna across the way! Nia runs back in, but Shayna dodges! Nia hits buckles, Shayna KNEES Nia down! Shayna then knuckle locks and twists that wrist, then goes up the corner for a HANGING ARMBAR! Nia endures, powers up, and POWERBOMBS Shayna down! Shayna gets out of the ring, Nia pursues, and fans rally up as Nia drags Shayna up.
Nia SMACKS Shayna off the desk, then SMACKS her off the apron! Nia brings Shayna around, fireman’s carries, but Shayna fights free! And she POSTS Nia! Shayna slides into the ring, then goes to the apron to PENALTY KICK the arm! Shayna isolates that arm, lets her hair down, and says Nia’s done! But Nia SWEEPS the legs! Shayna hits the apron, and Nia gets up to APRON LEG DROP! Fans boo as Shayna writhes and Raw goes to break.
Raw returns again and Nia has Shayna in a neck wrench. Shayna endures, even as NIa leans on the hold. Fans rally, Shayna fights up, and she JAWBREAKERS free! Nia staggers, Shayna fires body shots and KICKS! Shayna ROCKS Nia into a corner, then runs, but Nia URENAGES Shayna down! Nia then drags Shayna up to POST her! Nia goes to the apron, lines up the shot, runs in and HIP ATTACKS against the post! Cover, TWO!! Shayna survives but Nia drags her up. Nia puts Shayna in a corner, throws body shots and slaps Shayna around, but Shayna fires off forearms! Shayna runs, but Nia scoops her! SIDEWALK SLAM!
Nia dribbles Shayna while taunting her, then she covers, TWO! Nia is frustrated but she drags Shayna up into a cobra clutch. Shayna endures, fans rally up, and Shayna throws elbows! Then kicks! And KICKS! And KICKS! Shayna runs, KICKS, then runs again. Another KICK but Nia still stays up! Shayna runs, dodges Nia, but Nia scoops to SAMOAN DROP! Shayna crawls to a corner, Nia runs in, but Shayna ducks and the hip attack hits buckles! Then Shayna hits a roll up into buckles! Shayna goes to the far corner, Nia crawls after her, but Shayna runs in to KNEE Nia down! Cover, TWO!! Nia survives and Shayna is frustrated.
Nia rises, Shayna KICKS! And KICKS! And KICKS, KICKS, KICKS! Fans fire up with each shot but Nia blocks one! Shayna gets free to BUZZSAW! Shayna runs, but Nia CLOBBERS her at the ropes! Nia pushes Shayna down, runs and SENTONS! Cover, TWO?!? Shayna survives and fans fire up! Nia is in disbelief, but she drags Shayna to a drop zone. Nia stomps Shayna, climbs up, but Shayna grabs a leg! ANKLE LOCK! Nia kicks Shayna away, but then Shayna returns, SUPER GERMAN SUPLEX!! Both women have a crash landing and fans fire up! Shayna drags herself up while Nia stirs, and the fans rally behind her!
Shayna stalks Nia, KIRAFUDA KLUTCH!! Nia endures but she has Shayna on her as a backpack! Fans fire up, but Nia stands up! Shayna drags her back down! Shayna rear mounts again, leans all her weight on the hold, but Nia fights back up! BACKPACK SENTON!! Both women are down again as Nia sputters and coughs. But then she gets mad, and she drags Shayna to the drop zone! Nia climbs, soaks up the heat, A-NIA-LATOR!! Cover, Nia wins!
Winner: Nia Jax, by pinfall
Shayna tried but she could not be the immovable object to the Irresistible Force. Nia crushes the Queen of Spades, but here comes Becky! Fans fire up but Nia backs down! This collision is coming, but will Becky be that big time roadblock to Nia?
DIY talks backstage.
Gargano & Ciampa know what they gotta do, but then in walk Candice & Indi. They’ll be cheering DIY on, ready for back to back wins, and then they all stand at attention because Imperium walks in. Oh, yes, good, show respect. Look at this lovely couple. Yes, a lovely couple of losers! Oh, ow, wow. But it’ll be embarrassing to get beat twice in one match. Hopefully Papa Gunther won’t be too mad after. The Way heads out, and Ludwig reminds Giovanni this is important. Don’t mess up out there. Oh, he’s got it. He hopes Ludwig does, too. The dysfunction between Impeccable German and the Pride of Italy is growing, will it be their downfall?
Best 2 Out of 3 Falls: #DIY VS Imperium!
Raw returns as Imperium makes their entrance. The teams sort out and Ciampa starts against Ludwig. The fans rally behind DIY as we start this first fall, and the two circle. Ciampa and Ludwig tie up, go around, and Ludwig puts Ciampa in a corner. The ref counts, Ludwig lets off slowly, but Ciampa avoids the cheap shot to ROCK and CHOP and repeat! Ciampa whips corner to corner, Ludwig reverses and runs in. He blocks a boot, “NEIN!” UPPERCUT! Ludwig stands over Ciampa, drags him up and bumps him off buckles. Ludwig ROCKS Ciampa, tags Vinci, and Vinci RAMS into Ciampa! Vinci then stays between Ciampa and Gargano to stomp Ciampa.
Vinci throws hands and UPPERCUTS, but Ciampa hits back! They brawl, Ciampa has the edge and whips, but Vinci ducks ‘n’ dodge to CROSSBODY! Fans boo but Vinci stomps Ciampa. Vinci KNEES Ciampa in the back, then he stomps Ciampa more. Vinci talks trash, stands Ciampa up and UPPERCUTS! Vinci CLUBS Ciampa in the back, tags Ludwig, and Imperium mugs Ciampa. Ludwig looms over Ciampa, then scrapes his soles off Ciampa’s face! Ludwig taunts Gargano, fans boo, but Ludwig smirks as he whips Ciampa. Ludwig ELBOWS Ciampa down, covers, TWO! Fans rally but Ludwig clamps onto Ciampa with a chinbar and armlock.
Ciampa fights up, fans rally harder as they go around and around, and Ciampa sends Ludwig into buckles! Fans fire up, Ciampa crawls, but Ludwig anchors the feet! Ciampa ENZIGURIS, but Ludwig still holds on! Ciampa fires forearms, Ludwig keeps him from Gargano to then dodge. But Ciampa dodges, hot tag to Gargano! Fans fire up as Gargano JUMP KICKS Ludwig, then schoolboy rolls and KICKS Vinci! Gargano rallies on Ludwig, whips him to ropes, but Ludwig reverses. Gargano ducks ‘n ‘dodges to tilt-o-whirl, LA MYSTICA! Fans fire up with Johnny Wrestling and he runs in at the corner, but Ludwig puts him on the apron!
Gargano GAMANGIRIS, then he avoids Vinci to SUPERKICK! SLINGSHOT SPEAR on Ludwig! Fans fire up again and Gargano tags Ciampa back in. DIY set up in corners, Ludwig sits up, but Vinci trips Gargano! Ludwig avoids the knee, rolls Ciampa with tights, Imperium scores!
DIY: 0; Imperium: 1
Fans boo as Imperium takes the crucial first fall! But while Vinci & Ludwig gloat, Gargano gets back up, CANNONBALL takes out Vinci! Ciampa PLANCHAS Ludwig down! DIY sits on the desk, and they pat themselves on the backs while applauding! Fans applaud and Raw goes to break.
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Sure #EverybodyDies, but who will tranquilo?
The World Tag League round robin is almost over, and B Block is looking saucy! Will Lance Archer & Alex Zayne burn Yota Tsuji & Zandokan Jr?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- BUSHI & Shingo Takagi VS SHO & Yoshinobu Kanemaru; win.
- Six Man Tag: Kaito Kiyomiya, Ryohei Oiwa & Oskar Leube VS The Gates of Agony & Boltin Oleg; win.
- Six Man Tag: Toru Yano, Tomohiro Ishii & Tomoaki Honma VS The United Empire; win(s).
- Six Man Tag: Shota Umino, Ren Narita & Ryusuke Taguchi VS The House of Torture; win(s).
- Six Man Tag: TMDK VS Bullet Club; wins.
- 2023 World Tag League, B Block: Taichi & Yuya Uemura VS Bad Luck Fale & Jack Bonza; Fale & Bonza win.
- 2023 World Tag League, B Block: El Phantasmo & Hikuleo VS Atlantis Jr. & Soberano Jr; ELP & Leo win.
- 2023 World Tag League, B Block: Bishamon VS Yuji Nagata & Minoru Suzuki; Bishamon wins.
- 2023 World Tag League, B Block: Lance Archer & Alex Zayne VS Yota Tsuji & Zandokan Jr; Tsuji & Zando win.
PLAY BY PLAY
Here are the current B Block standings.
Alex Zayne & Lance Archer: 4-1, 8 points
Taichi & Yuya Uemura: 4-1, 8 points
ELP & Hikuleo: 3-2, 6 points
Bishamon: 2-2-1, 5 points
Atlantis Jr. y Soberano Jr: 2-2-1, 5 points
Yota Tsuji & Zandokan Jr: 2-3, 4 points
Yuji Nagata & Minoru Suzuki: 1-4, 2 points
Bad Luck Fale & Jack Bonza: 1-4, 2 points
2023 World Tag League, B Block: Taichi & Yuya Uemura VS Bad Luck Fale & Jack Bonza!
The Holy Emperor & Heat Storm are just outside the top after their loss to Monster Sauce, but that’s way better than being at the bottom like the Rogue Army. But can Fale & Bonza ruin things for Taichi & Yuya? Or will B Block belong to Just5Guys?
The teams sort out and Yuya starts against Bonza. The fans rally up as the bell rings and the two stare down. They circle, tie up, and Bonza wrenches to hammerlock then waistlock. Yuya switches to then hammerlock, but Bonza switches the hammerlock back. Yuya reaches back, sits down, rolls and wrenches to a wristlock. Bonza spins, breaks free and pie faces Yuya! Yuya keeps cool, and he resets with Bonza. They tie up, but Bonza kicks low! Bonza runs, runs Yuya over, and says he’s pathetic! Bonza runs, Yuya stays low to then hurdle, and then he hip tosses Bonza down! Yuya scoops and SLAMS Bonza, then arm-drags him!
Fans fire up as Yuya has the armlock, but Fale runs in to throw body shots and scoop! Yuya slips free, but Fale’s too big for an arm-drag! Fale scoops again, and SLAMS Yuya! Then Fale DECKS Taichi for the hell of it! Bonza stomps Yuya around, brings him up, and bumps him off buckles. Tag to Fale and the Rogue Army mugs Yuya. Fale brings Yuya around to CLUB him down, then looms over him. Fans rally but Fale stands on Yuya! Fale goes surfing on the Heat Storm! Fale steps off, covers, TWO! Fans cheer but Fale tags Bonza. Bonza storms up on Yuya, drags him around, and then he goes surfing!
Bonza lets off to then drop an elbow! And then springboard stomp! Yuya sputters, Bonza drags him back up but Taichi rallies the fans. Yuya CHOPS Bonza, ROCKS Fale, repeat! Bonza ROCKS Yuya! Bonza bumps Yuya off buckles, whips him corner to corner, then runs in to elbow! Bonza keeps moving, but Yuya DROPKICKS! Both men are down and the fans fire up! Yuya crawls, hot tag to Taichi! Taichi storms up to Kawada Kick! Bonza says F U and ROCKS Taichi, but Taichi SOBATS back! Taichi tells Bonza off and BOOTS him in the corner! Fale runs in, but into a BOOT! Fale comes back, Taichi steps aside to GAMANGIRI!
Bonza kicks Taichi, whips him to a corner, but Taichi comes back to AX BOMBER! Fans fire up with Taichi, and OFF COME THE PANTS! Taichi then aims, but Bonza blocks the kick to ELBOW! Bonza whips, DISCUS LARIAT! Bonza fires up, he drags Taichi up, and he reels Taichi in to suplex! Taichi fights that off to suplex back! Bonza fights that off, they fight for suplex control, and fans rally up! In the end, Bonza gets Taichi up, but Taichi slips free! SAI- NO, Bonza fights with elbows! Bonza runs, into a RIDGE HAND! Taichi runs, but Bonza deflects the boot to hit a BIG back suplex! Tag to Fale and he storms up on Taichi.
Fale stomps Taichi, drags him up and CLUBS away on the back! Taichi falls over but Fale stalks him to the ropes. Fale drags Taichi up, but Taichi fights and wrenches to HOOK KICK! Fale runs up, into a clinch! Taichi is using sumo! Fale and Taichi hobble around, Fale tries to counter sumo with sumo! But Taichi still THROWS Fale!! Fans are thunderous and Taichi takes aim! BUZZSAW! Both men are down, fans rally up, hot tag to Yuya! Yuya roars, runs in and CHOPS Fale! Bonza runs in, but gets an arm-drag! And then a DROPKICK! Bonza bails out, Fale staggers up into a DROPKICK! He stays up, so Yuya DROPKICKS again!
Fale rebounds, into an ARM-DRAG!! The fans are thunderous and Yuya runs in at the corner. DOUBLE CHOP! Taichi adds a BOOT! Yuya runs in again, DROPKICK! Fale hobbles, Yuya pushes him out and goes up the corner! CROSSBODY! Down goes Fale! But Yuya isn’t done there! Yuya drags Fale up, wrenches and traps the arm, but Fale swings the other! Yuya catches it! But Fale’s too big for Kamuki! Fale TOSSES Yuya to a corner then SPLASHES! Fireman’s carry, but Yuya flails around! Sunset flip, but Fale stays up! So Taichi GAMANGIRIS him into it! High stack, TWO!! Fale escapes, but Yuya has an ARMBAR!!
Fans fire up as Fale endures! Fale fights around, but Yuya powers him down!! ARMBAR!! Fale flails and kicks around, reaches out, but Yuya shifts grip! Bonza sends Taichi into railing before he gets in, Fale has the ROPEBREAK! Bonza CLOBBERS Yuya for good measure! Fans fire up as Bonza BLASTS Taichi off the apron! Yuya CHOPS Bonza, CHOPS him again, and powers up, but Bonza dodges! Only for Yuya to catch the arms! But Bonza knees low! Yuya roars, but Bonza scoops him! BACKBREAKER to ELBOW DROP!! Cover, TAICHI BREAKS IT! Fans fire up but Bonza scoops Taichi! FIRE THUNDER DRIVER!!
Fale hoists Yuya up! Crucifix lift, for BAD LUCK FALL!!! Cover, Rogue Army wins!!
Winners: Bad Luke Fale & Jack Bonza, by pinfall (gain 2 points; Taichi & Yuya earn 0)
The Rogue General & Red Commander just brought down two of the five guys! Did they just blow up the chances of Taichi & Yuya going on to the semifinals? Or will luck be with J5G in the seventh?
2023 World Tag League, B Block: El Phantasmo & Hikuleo w/ Jado VS Atlantis Jr. & Soberano Jr!
The NJPW Strong Openweight Tag Team Champions take on the NWA World Historic Light Heavyweight Champion and a former World Middleweight Champion, but both teams are on the bubble in this block. Who pops off and who drops off right before the end?
ELP tries to get the fans cheering Soberano but it takes a second to warm them up. The fans fire up and the sons of lucha appreciate it. “AT-LAN-TIS!” and “SOBER-RA-NO!” then return the favor helping in a “HI-KU-LEO~!” chant. They all shake hands and high-five, and then the teams sort out. ELP starts against Soberano and fans rally up. The two wind up, and shake hands! Fans cheer and the two circle. They tie up, ELP headlocks, but Soberano powers up and out to then reel ELP back and run. ELP sidesteps, he avoids Soberano’s handspring, and fans cheer. Soberano flexes and fans cheer a little more.
ELP gives a mocking golf clap and then circles with Soberano again. Soberano headlocks, ELP throws body shots and powers out. Soberano runs ELP over, then things speed up. ELP hurdles but Soberano front flips! Fans fire up and Soberano looks off into the distance. Soberano then runs in, ELP dodges, Soberano RANAS but ELP handsprings through, then does his drop steps! Fans cheer as ELP flexes and kisses the biceps. ELP gives Soberano a push, Soberano pushes back. They start pushing a little harder, then things speed up again! Soberano ducks ‘n’ dodges and rolls off ELP’s back to then run and RANA!
ELP flounders out of the ring and Soberano builds speed! FOSBURY FLOP! Direct hit and fans fire up again! Soberano gets the fans rallying behind him then has the ref tranquilo. Soberano puts ELP in, then gets fans to actually chant for “PHAN-TAS-MO!” Soberano slides in, brings ELP around, and tags Atlantis. The luchadores mug ELP, and the fans still chant for “PHAN-TAS-MO!” but the luchadores double whip to DOUBLE ELBOW! Then wheelbarrow and ENZUGIRI FACEBUSTER COMBO! Cover, TWO! Atlantis keeps cool as he stomps ELP around. Atlantis drags ELP up, keeps him from Leo, and CLUBS away!
Atlantis suplexes but ELP blocks! ELP tries to suplex but Atlantis blocks! ELP RAMS Atlantis into the corner, CHOPS him, then tags Leo. ELP CHOPS again, then hushes the fans. Leo swings, Atlantis dodges to CHOP them in return! CHOP after CHOP then Atlantis runs, ducks ELP’s hurdle but ends up right in Leo’s DDT! Cover, TWO! Leo drags Atlantis up but Atlantis throws forearms and CHOPS! Leo CHOPS right back! Leo then fireman’s carries, but Atlantis fights free! Atlantis dodges the chop, tries to whip but Leo blocks and reverses! Leo runs in, Atlantis dodges and Leo’s boot gets stuck on the ropes! Atlantis dropkicks that leg!
Leo hobbles and Atlantis keeps moving, Atlantis dropkicks the legs out! Fans fire up as Atlantis stomps Leo’s leg, then SPLASHES down on a knee! Atlantis stomps the leg some more, but Jado & ELP coach Leo. Leo CHOPS Atlantis, but Atlantis stomps him down. Atlantis has the leg and works to turn Leo over! HALF CRAB! Leo endures and fans rally up! Leo fights his way over, ROPEBREAK! The ref counts, Atlantis lets go at 4, and Leo clutches his knee. Atlantis eggs Leo on, Soberano tags in, and they both taunt Leo to go taunt ELP. Leo crawls over, but then the luchadores bring Leo away. “Chotto matte ne!”
Fans applaud as the Mexican luchadores know some Japanese. Then they get LEo’s hands, bend the fingers, and then Soberano BOOTS Leo down! ELP protests, the ref reprimands, but Soberano BITES Leo’s foot! Soberano keeps Leo from ropes with a chinlock, then he and Atlantis get Leo up again. They double whip Leo to a corner, Atlantis runs in but is put on the apron. Leo DECKS Atlantis, and he catches Soberano’s splash! Soberano BELL CLAPS then BOOTS Leo! Soberano taunts ELP by blowing a kiss, then he goes back for Leo. Atlantis returns, they double whip but Leo breaks the line to DOUBLE LARIAT!
Fans fire up and Leo crawls, hot tag to ELP! ELP grins as he runs up to BOOT Soberano! Mule kick for Atlantis! Atomic drop for Soberano! ELP mocks Soberano’s pain, then he atomic drops Atlantis, into a RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP! ELP clotheslines Soberano up and out, but Atlantis kicks him low! Atlantis whips ELP to the corner but ELP goes up and over then springboards to CROSSBODY! Somersault, LIONSAULT! Another somersault, to PLANCHA Soberano! Fans fire up with ELP and he goes back to the corner. ELP waits on Atlantis to rise up, then he springboards in, FLYING TORNADO DDT!
Fans fire up and ELP drags Atlantis to a cover, TWO! Atlantis survives and the fans rally up again. ELP fires up and Soberano coaches Atlantis. ELP drags Atlantis up, reels him in, tucks the arms, but Atlantis fights! Atlantis ROCKS ELP, ELP ROCKS Atlantis, they go forearm for forearm! ELP whips, Atlantis reverses and Soberano jumps in! Double hip toss into TU LO SABE! Cover, TWO! ELP survives and that surprises Atlantis. The fans rally, Soberano stalks ELP to a corner and eggs him on. ELP slaps Soberano, Soberano SLAPS ELP! Atlantis BOOTS Leo, ELP throws hands on Soberano, but Atlantis kicks ELP low.
Atlantis puts ELP up top, Soberano GAMANGIRIS! Then the sons of lucha vow to end this! They both climb up after ELP, CLUB away on him, and bring him up. But Leo gets in, TOWER OF DOOM!! Fans fire up for the double powerbomb double superplex combo! Leo drags Soberano up to POWERBOMB onto Atlantis! Fans fire up again as Leo helps ELP up! Leo scoops, but Atlantis slips free to shove Leo into ELP! Then Atlantis dodges Leo to SUPERKICK ELP! And DROPKICK Leo! Leo runs back in but Atlantis dumps him out! ELP runs in but Atlantis goes up and over, rolls and SPIN POWERSLAMS!
Fans fire up as Atlantis goes up a corner! But ELP hurries to GAMANGIRI! Soberano sneaks a tag! ELP goes up to the very top, brings Atlantis up with him, SUPER STEINER! ELP goes up but Soberano is there! He springboards up to SUPER SPANISH FLY!! Fans are thunderous with everyone down, and Soberano crawls to a cover! Leo breaks it! Fans fire up again and Atlantis regroups with Soberano. Leo UPPERCUTS Atlantis, choke grips each of them, meeting of the minds! But then the luchadores double basement dropkick the legs out! Fans rally for Leo but Soberano & Atlantis have him! DOUBLE-
NO, Leo fights the suplexes to UPPERCUT Soberano! Atlantis dodges the haymaker but not the BOOT! Leo aims at Soberano now, choke grip! GOD- FLIP! Soberano ENZIGURIS! Leo roars! Soberano SUPERKICKS! ELP SUDDEN DEATH!! Fans fire up with ELP and he DIVES to take out Atlantis! Leo hits GODSEND!! ELP returns, he goes up, SUPER THUNDERKISS 86!!! Cover, ELP & Leo win!
Winners: El Phantasmo & Hikuleo, by pinfall (gain 2 points; Atlantis & Soberano earn 0)
The sons of lucha are eclipsed by the Guerrillas of Destiny! Will the “Big Blue Sexy Boys” still have a fighting chance of entering the semifinals?
2023 World Tag League, B Block: Bishamon VS Yuji Nagata & Minoru Suzuki!
Hirooki Goto & Yoshi-Hashi vow to break the curse that keeps IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Champions from winning the league! Will they pull it off? Or will Blue Justice & The Meanest Man in the World not only stop Bishamon, but get golden tickets at the same time?
The teams sort out and Suzuki stares Hashi down. Fans rally up and the two start. They circle, feel things out, and knuckle lock. But then Suzuki kicks one, wrenches the other to a hammerlock, but Hashi switches the hold onto Suzuki. Suzuki reaches back to cording hold and chinbar Hashi to ropes. The ref counts and Suzuki lets off slowly, then with strong pats on the shoulder. Fans cheer and Hashi keeps cool as the two reset. They step up, and Hashi fires a forearm! Suzuki fires back! They go back and forth and the fans rally as they pick up speed! Suzuki ROCKS Hashi, ROCKS him again, but Hashi comes back to CHOP!
Suzuki eggs Hashi on so Hashi CHOPS and CHOPS and CHOPS! Hashi CHOPS more and more but Suzuki stays standing on sheer anger! Hashi drags Suzuki over, tags Goto, and Bishamon double whip to then double shoulder tackle! Hashi BLASTS Nagata for good measure, then Goto stomps Suzuki. Goto drags Suzuki up, CLUBS him, then whips. Suzuki reverses to then headlock, but Goto powers out. Suzuki pulls hair to HEADBUTT! Suzuki CLUBS Goto down and Goto bails out! Nagata runs in to BLAST Hashi as payback, and then the murder grandpas go out after them! Suzuki whips Goto into railing, then brings him around while Nagata sends Hashi hard into railing!
Suzuki RAMS Goto into railing in front of commentary, then has a railing crossface! The ref reprimands, Suzuki lets off of Goto, but Nagata POSTS Hashi! Suzuki stomps Goto around, the ring count starts, and Suzuki stomps Goto again before sliding in. The count reaches 7 of 20, then 10 as Goto crawls. Goto clutches his neck, the count is 15! Goto stands at 17, and slides in at 19! Fans cheer but Suzuki clamps onto Goto with a camel clutch! Goto endures, Suzuki shifts to bring him up for a facelock. Nagata tags in and he CLUBS Goto on the neck! And CLUBS him again! Nagata wraps on a chinlock to grind Goto down!
Hashi coaches Goto as he fights around, and Goto gets the ROPEBREAK! Nagata lets go, to KICK Goto in the back! Nata then drags Goto up with a facelock and tags Suzuki. Suzuki snapmares Goto to KICK him! And then Suzuki pulls at the tape around the neck and shoulders! The ref reprimands but there’s nothing he can really do! Suzuki reels Goto in but Goto resists the Gotch lift! Suzuki powers up but Goto still fights. Suzuki CLUBS Goto, tags Nagata, and Nagata BOOTS Hashi down! Nagata KICKS Goto in the chest, then KICKS him again! Goto grits his teeth, Nagata eggs him on, but Goto blocks the next kick!
Goto CLUBS the leg, but Nagata ROCKS Goto with a forearm! Nagata whips, Goto reverses, but Nagata BOOTS back! Nagata runs, Goto follows to LARIAT! Both men are down and the fans fire up! Goto and Nagata crawl, hot tag to Hashi! Hashi runs to run Nagata over! Hashi BLASTS Suzuki off the apron and fans fire up as Hashi ROCKS, body shots and CHOPS! Then he fires off forearms over and over in the corner! Nagata sits down and Hashi keeps going! The ref reprimands, the fans fire up, and Hashi lets off to bring Nagata back up. Nagata shoves Hashi so Hashi eggs him on. The forearms go back and forth now!
Hashi gets the edge with forearms, then CHOPS Nagata back to the corner. Hashi whips corner to corner, Nagata reverses, but Hashi comes back to LARIAT! Cover, TWO! Fans rally again and Hashi fires up. Hashi reels Nagata in, suplexes, but Nagata fights it to suplex, and MAGIC SCREW! Hashi flounders, Nagata stands, and Nagata stomps Hashi. Nagata ROCKS Hashi, whips him to ropes, but Hashi holds ropes. Goto tags in, Hashi sidesteps Nagata and Goto ROCKS him! Hashi CHOPS Nagata down, then he BLASTS Suzuki. Hashi hauls Nagata up, turns him, and Goto adds on, HEAD BUSTER! Cover, TWO! Fans rally as Nagata hangs in there.
Bishamon set up in opposite corners, and they aim at Nagata. But Suzuki pushes Nagata to save him from the DOUBLE LARIAT SANDWICH! Hashi CHOPS, Goto CLUBS and then GOTO GO TO HUNTER! Bishamon have Nagata in a corner, Goto clotheslines! Hashi clotheslines! Feed to the fireman’s carry, FIERCE FLASH! Cover, TWO! Nagata survives and fans rally up again! Goto hauls Nagata up, Hashi calls the shot! Dragon sleeper and leg lift, but Suzuki catches Hashi to a SLEEPER! Nagata drags Goto down into a CROSSFACE! Goto endures, Hashi is turning red! Fans rally up as Goto fights his way around!
Goto reaches out, ROPEBREAK! Fans cheer, and Suzuki sends Goto to a corner! Suzuki BOOTS! Nagata BOOTS! Snapmare, DOUBLE PENALTY KICK SANDWICH! Then EXPLODER!! Cover, TWO!! Goto survives and fans fire up again! Nagata drags Goto up, but Goto fights the saido with elbows! Nagata knees low, and again, then CLUBS Goto’s neck! Goto falls and writhes, but Nagata drags him back up! Suzuki keeps Hashi out with an ANKLE LOCK, as Nagata SAI- NO, Goto fights free! Hashi also gets free, to SUPERKICK Nagata! Goto has a SLEEPER, then rolls it to GOTO NISHIKI!! Cover, Bishamon wins!!
Winners: Bishamon, by pinfall (gain 2 points; Nagata & Suzuki earn 0)
The murder grandpas almost had it, but Goto finds a way to survive! Does this mean the Fierce Warrior & Headhunter have a chance to #GetBackUp to the WTL finals after all?
2023 World Tag League, B Block: Lance Archer & Alex Zayne VS Yota Tsuji & Zandokan Jr!
The Monster Sauce is leading the way but they have to finish strong! Will they stay hot going into the seventh and final round? Or will they be sunk by The Gene Blast & King of the World?
Wait, Tetsuya Naito is coming out here? What a great surprise! It sure takes Shingo Takagi by surprise as he’s been on commentary this entire time. Naito joins commentary, even! And he puts his feet up on top of Milano Collection AT’s notes. He makes Milano hold the Right to Challenge bag while he puts his headset on. Monster Sauce then makes their entrance, and Archer suckers a Young Lion in by offering a high-five to then DECK him! He pats another on the shoulder, assuring him it’s fine. Then he RAMS him into railing! Zayne apologizes to each Young Lion in turn, it’s nothing personal. Archer and Zayne then have Red Shoes and Abe-san put on the jackets to see how they look.
Zando and Tsuji make their entrances, the teams sort out, and Archer says that smile of Tsuji’s is gonna be missing some teeth soon. However, Zayne and Zando step up to start and the fans rally up with the bell. They circle, tie up, and Zando powers Zayne to ropes. Zando lets off, fakes the chop, and tells Zayne to take it easy. Zayne and Zando reset and fans rally again. They tie up, Zayne puts Zando on ropes now, and Zayne fakes the chop to twirl his hair. Fans cheer and Zando smirks. The two reset again, tie up again, and Zando headlocks. Zayne wrenches out, but Zando wrenches back to wristlock.
Zayne rolls, handsprings, wrenches and wristlocks, but Zando spins, CHOPS, and whips Zayne to a corner. Zayne reverses, runs in and back elbows! Zayne slips out to the apron and slingshot RANAS! Things keep moving, Zayne ducks ‘n’ dodges and IMPLODER KNEE DROPS down on Zando’s dropdown! Zayne then rolls to STANDING MARIPOSA! Fans fire up and Zayne smirks as he twirls his hair again. Zayne stands Zando up, Zando throws hands but Zayne bobs ‘n’ weaves to body blow! Zayne runs, but Tsuji kicks him! Zayne swings on Tsuji, but Zando reels him in, chicken wings and DODON DROP!
Archer runs in to kick Zando low! Archer reels Zando in to CLUB him, then he runs. Tsuji trips Archer, Zando basement dropkicks! Tsuji then drags Archer out to RAM him into railing! Fans fire up with Zando, and Tsuji sends Archer into more railing! Zando TOSSES Zayne out of the ring, Tsuji fires off on Archer, then CHOPS him! Tsuji holds Archer out along railing, Zando runs in, LEAP FROG ATTACK! Fans fire up while Archer falls over! Tsuji finds Zayne and stomps him, to then put him in the ring for Zando. Zando storms up, drags Zayne up and has him on ropes. Zando lifts Zayne up and Tsuji runs, to LEAP FROG ATTACK!
Zayne flops over, fans rally up, and Zando tags Tsuji. Zando & Tsuij drag Zayne up to double whip. Archer returns, Red Shoes keeps him back, Zayne ends up in the POP-UP KICK! Zando & Tsuji run, basement dropkick sandwich! Fans cheer but Red Shoes reprimands. Zando exits, Tsuji digs his knees into Zayne at the ropes before a knee drop! Tsuji drags Zayne up while Archer and Zando shout at each other. Tsuji whips Zayne but reverses direction to send him into the red corner! Tsuji stomps Zayne, Zando CLUBS him, and then Zando tags in. Zando snapmares Zayne to a seated abdominal stretch! Zayne endures and the fans rally up.
Zayne reaches out, but then reaches up to drag Zando into a cradle! TWO, and Zando stomps away! Zando hits Archer, then laughs as he gets away. Zando drags Zayne back, CLUBS him, then grabs a leg. Zando steps over, then clinches, modified cobra twist! Zayne endures, hops on his one free leg, and fans rally up! Zayne reaches out, hot tag- NO, Tsuji drags Archer down and RAMS him into railing right in front of commentary! Zando wrangles Zayne to a cover, TWO! Fans cheer and Zando drags Zayne up. Zando wrenches, wristlocks, then he tags Tsuji. Tsuji BOOTS Zayne’s arm, then brings him around to ROCK with a forearm!
Fans rally up, Zayne ROCKS Tsuji back! And CHOPS! And ROCKS him again! Tsuji knees low, then wags his finger. Tsuji swings, Zayne counter punches! And again! Tsuji runs in, Zayne gets around, roll up and EDDY GORDO KICK! Both men are down and the fans fire up! Tsuji and Zayne crawl, hot tag to Archer! Archer storms around, fires up, and BLASTS Zando! It was a fake out at first, but now he runs to ELBOW Tsuji! “Ichi!” Archer keeps moving, and ELBOWS! “Ni!” Zayne runs in, tilt-o-whirl RANA CANNONBALL! But Zando SUPERKICKS Zayne! Archer CHOPS Zando but Zando just fires up!
Zando CHOPS Archer, and Archer just smiles! Archer CHOPS back! Archer eggs Zando on so Zando CHOPS! Archer CHOPS, eggs Zando on, and fans fire up as Zando CHOPS again! They CHOP back and forth, faster and faster! Archer CHOPS Zando down! Fans fire up with the Murderhawk and he storms up. Zando swings, but into a full nelson that Archer makes into a dragon sleeper. Tsuji runs in, but gets caught! URENAGE REVERSE DDT COMBO! Archer then drags Tsuji up, shoves him to a corner, and DOUBLE CHOPS! Zayne then LEAP FROG MISSILE DROPKICKS! Archer suplexes Tsuji! Then CHOKE SLAM SAULT! Cover, TWO!!
Tsuji survives and fans fire up but Archer fires himself back up. Tag to Zayne, he goes up, but Zando GAMANGIRIS! Archer grabs Zando, but Tsuji DUMPS Archer! Tsuji then rushes the corner, but Zayne jumps and over! Zayne comes back but Tsuji BOOTS him! Tsuji goes up, but Zayne returns, NO HANDS STEINER! Fans fire up as Zando hurries in. Zayne dodges the chop but Zando blocks the chip to CHOP after all! Zando suplexes, Zayne slips free to shove, but Zando blocks the kick! Zando ducks the enziguri, wheelbarrow GERMAN SUPLEX! Archer BOOTS Zando, ripcords, and HELLICOASTERS! Fans fire up with Archer again!
Archer hauls Zando back up, reels him in, but Tsuji saves Zando from the suplex! Tsuji & Zando mug Archer, then go to double suplex! Archer fights it, he wants to double suplex, but they fight it! Zando & Tsuji try again, DOUBLE SUPLEX! All four men are down and the fans fire up again! Zando stirs, flounders out of the ring, and Tsuji rises. Tsuji tags Zando in, they get Zayne up. They double whip, hip toss and SLAM! Then SPLASH, to LIONSAULT! Cover, TWO! Zayne hangs in there and Zando pounds the mat in frustration. The fans clap along, Tsuji & Zando get Zayne up, ANCHOR!! Cover, TWO!! Zayne survives and fans fire up again!
Zando pounds the mat some more and the fans clap along again. Tag to Tsuji, and he climbs up onto Zando’s shoulders! But Archer caches Tsuji, to CHOKE SLAM him into Zando! Then Archer fireman’s carries, Zayne runs in, ROLLING NECKBREAKER SAMOAN DROP COMBO!! Cover, Zando breaks it! Fans fire up, Archer runs in, but he doesn’t fall for the dump trick. Archer CLOBBERS Zando against ropes, then clotheslines him up and out of the ring! Fans fire up with Archer again and Zayne pounds the mat. Archer hauls Tsuji up, sets him up for Zayne, ROLLING- NO, Tsuji avoids the ax kick! Then he dodges Archer, and now Zando dumps him out!
Zayne mule kicks Tsuji, runs, but into the GENE BLAST SPEAR!!! Cover, LIJ WINS!!
Winners: Yota Tsuji & Zandokan Jr, by pinfall (gain 2 points; Archer & Zayne earn 0)
Monster Sauce drops, making the top of this block really interesting! If #EverybodyDies, are their chances at the finals in danger of dying off?
As for Tsuji & Zando, Tsuji gets the mic to say, “It looks like it’s someone’s birthday today.” It’s also someone in Los Ingobernables de Japon. “HIROMU-CHAN!” Oh wait, is he even here? Well, maybe Hiromu was too busy to be here, but Tsuji hopes tonight’s win is a good birthday gift. Fans applaud that, but then Tsuji says he also has some bad news. It would seem after tonight’s penultimate-penultimate results, there mathematically isn’t a chance for Tsuji & Zando to make it to the semifinals. He asks if that’s true or not. Even commentary has to check the math on that. So then, is there a chance?
Milano is sure it’s not zero percent. Really? Pretty sure. Then there IS a chance! The fans cheer and Tsuji says that even if it seems unlikely, should they win next round, Zandokan will be LIJ! Fans cheer for that, too! Tsuji then brings up that the other day, he talked with the others and hoped Takagi & Naito wouldn’t lose today. Takagi stands up from commentary to say that he does need to get better. Well, hey, tranquilo, right? Tsuji then lets Zando say a few words. “WATASHI WA…! ZANDOKAN JUNIOR!” AKA, he is Zandokan. Fans cheer the introduction, and then he says he’s a BIG DEAL! Fans also cheer that.
Zando then shouts in Spanish, Milano asks for a translation, but Tsuji asks if they’re ready for the tournament’s home stretch. Are you ready for him and Zando to do this? VAMOS, AMIGOS!! Fans cheer, but will Gene Blast & The King of The World really make it to the end?
Here are the NEW B Block standings!
Alex Zayne & Lance Archer: 4-2, 8 points
ELP & Hikuleo: 4-2, 8 points
Taichi & Yuya Uemura: 4-2, 8 points
Bishamon: 3-2-1, 7 points
Yota Tsuji & Zandokan Jr: 3-3, 6 points
Atlantis Jr. y Soberano Jr: 2-3-1, 5 points [ELIMINATED]
Bad Luck Fale & Jack Bonza: 2-4, 4 points [ELIMINATED]
Yuji Nagata & Minoru Suzuki: 1-5, 2 points [ELIMINATED]
My Thoughts:
A great round, and now with some really complex stuff at the top of the block. Monster Sauce lost to go down to 4-2 so that they’d be tied with ELP & Leo and with Taichi & Yuya. Monster Sauce VS ELP & Leo is next, and so one team will go to 5-2 with 10 points, the other will be 4-3 with 8. This scenario alone seems to be creating confusion because while commentary was not prepared to speak on who is still in this, NJPW’s official website has determined Tsuji & Zando are out despite that great main event win. Even if Tsuji & Zando beat Atlantis & Soberano next round, they’ll get to 8 points, BUT they lost to Taichi & Yuya.
And even if Taichi & Yuya lose, they’d be losing to Bishamon, who would then stand at 9 points, making THEM second place flat out. And if Taichi & Yuya win, they are in as second place, not Bishamon. So despite the moment of cheers and hope at the end of that main event, Tsuji & Zando are really just fighting for pride and apparently for Zando to become Sanada’s replacement so that LIJ maintains six members. That’d be cool stuff, but I wonder if Atlantis & Soberano being CMLL like Zando is CMLL comes into play…
My Score: 8.8/10
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