Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE Raw Results & Report! (6/12/23)
The mat is sacred!
Will Gunther MAKE Kevin & Sami respect him?
Imperium is looking to take over Raw, but Der Ring General barely defeated Kevin Owens! Will he and Ludwig Kaiser be able to conquer Kevin AND Sami?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Cody Rhodes VS The Miz; Cody wins.
- Becky Lynch VS Chelsea Green w/ Sonya Deville; Becky wins.
- Men’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match Qualifier: Matt Riddle VS Damian Priest; Priest wins and advances to MITB.
- Ricochet VS Bronson Reed; Bronson wins, by disqualification.
- Raquel Rodriguez VS Shayna Baszler w/ Ronda Rousey; Shayna wins.
- Chad Gable w/ The Alpha Academy VS Erik w/ The Viking Raiders; Gable wins.
- Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championships: Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn VS GUNTHER & Ludwig Kaiser; Kevin & Sami win and retain the titles.
PLAY BY PLAY
Rhea Ripley is here!
The fans go wild for Mami as she brings her SmackDown Women’s Championship with her to the ring and Adam Pearce gives her introductions. And much like on SmackDown when Asuka was presented a new belt, there’s a podium with something covered. And Pearce says on behalf of the WWE, it is his pleasure to recognize Rhea’s status as champion with the brand new Women’s World Championship! And yes, it is the men’s belt with a white strap. Fans cheer for “MAMI! MAMI!” as Pearce hands the belt over and Rhea raises it up. But then the fans boo when Dominik Mysterio rushes in to help her put it on.
Rhea and her Dom-Dom celebrate, and Rhea gets the mic. “Dom-Dom, tell ’em how amazing I am.” She hands over the mic and fans boo even louder than before. Dom says that is disrespectful to Mami AND to him! Everyone knows that behind a great woman is a great man, and he is glad to be that for Rhea. He will always be there to support her. But wait! Here comes Cody! Fans sing along with the song, “WHOA~ OH~!” Cody gets his pyro, then high-fives fans and even hugs a few. Then Cody gets a mic and steps into the ring with Dommy & Mami. Fans chant for “CODY! CODY!” and asks Kansas, “What do you guys wanna talk about?”
They could talk about Rhea and her beautiful new belt and the legacy she is starting. It is all well-earned and deserved, all the respect in the world to Rhea. And we could also talk about Cody’s match with The Miz later tonight. But… Let’s try this out. Let’s take a look at what Cody wants to talk about. Footage replays of Dom talking trash on Cody for being a bad father on MizTV last week, and Cody giving it back, and then Dom getting away with a cheap shot on Cody. Back in live, Cody says it would be nice to come out here, hear Brock Lesnar’s music as a sign he finally accepts Cody’s challenge for the tiebreaker. But we all know Brock doesn’t have the balls to do it.
But Dom! Dom just slaps Cody and thinks he can get away with it? Why not try this on for size, Dom? Dom VS Cody, at Money in the Bank! Fans like that idea, but what does Dom say? Dom says, “As you all saw…” The fans boo again. Dom says he’s NOT afraid of anyone! And he took Cody Rhodes “and embarrassed him in the middle of this ring,” just like Dom would anyone else! Rhea smiles, Dom smirks, but Cody seems to expect more. Fans chant “YOU SUCK!” at Dom, and Cody says he’ll make it a bit more clear. The fans were saying something, though. What was it? “YOU SUCK! YOU SUCK!” Ah, okay.
Cody says it is a yes or no answer. Fans say “YES! YES! YES!” but Rhea says that her Latino Heat is more of a man than anyone in this arena, or watching at home, and certainly more than Cody! Then again, he asks- Rhea says Dom accepts! And then Miz runs in from the crowd side! Cody DECKS Miz, and he STOPS Dom from getting a cheap shot! Miz gets up, Cody clotheslines Miz out of the ring! And then Dom still gets his cheap shot!! Rhea says the match is on for MITB, but will Dom see The Miz become an example of what to expect from The American Nightmare?
Cody Rhodes VS The Miz!
Raw returns and this match begins! The two rush in, Miz gets around, Cody fights the waistlock and ROCKS Miz! Fans taunt Miz about his “TINY BALLS! TINY BALLS!” as Cody whips and DROPKICKS Miz down! Miz gets up, swings, misses, and Cody kicks low to drop down, Rhodes Uppercut! Cody then hits a back suplex, but Miz lands on his feet! Miz waistlocks but Cody RAMS him into buckles, arm-drags him away, and then tosses him out of the ring! Fans fire up as Cody springboards, BEAUTIFUL DISASTER! Miz falls to the floor and Cody goes up top, but Miz hurries away. Fans boo but Cody hops down, to then DIVE!
Fans fire up as Miz hits barriers! Cody puts Miz in, storms up on him, but Miz wants mercy! The ref has Cody stay back but Cody blocks the cheap shot! DRAGON SCREW! Cody stomps Miz’s leg, drags him around, and then YANKS the leg! Miz hobbles, Cody stalks him, and fans rally up behind him. Cody brings Miz up to CLUB him, then whips him to the corner. But Miz’s leg gives up! Cody keeps on Miz with an armlock, and puts him in the corner to CHOP! Cody runs Miz corner to corner to bump him off buckles, and then he stomps a mudhole in him! Fans rally, Cody goes corner to corner, but Miz puts him on the apron.
Miz slides under and trips Cody to SMACK him off the steps! Miz then hobbles up to SMACK Cody off the desk! Miz stalks Cody around the way, CLUBS him into the ring, and follows. Fans rally, Miz kicks Cody around, and he stomps Cody more. Miz ROCKS Cody with a haymaker, then ROCKS him again! Miz wraps Cody’s bad arm around ropes! Cody throws hands with the good arm but Miz CHOPS him! And CHOPS again! Miz kicks Cody, reels him in, and glares at the fans. But Cody wrenches out to reel Miz in, and Cody suplexes! Fans fire up as Cody holds Miz in the air, before the GOURD BUSTER!
Miz goes to a corner, Cody runs in, but Miz moves to POST Cody! Cody flops out of the ring, Miz goes out after him to RAM him into the other steel steps! The American Nightmare is down while fans boo the Hollywood A-Lister, and Raw goes to break.
Raw returns again and Miz runs in to A-LIST LARIAT Cody in the corner! Miz pushes Cody down, climbs up the corner, but Cody is right up after him! But Miz shoves Cody away! Miz leaps, Cody gets under, Miz comes back, but into a SIDE EFFECT! Both men are down and fans rally up. Miz swings, Cody dodges and runs to CLOBBER Miz! Miz gets up, Cody goes up and over to then POWERSLAM! Fans fire up with Cody and he keeps moving, another BEAUTIFUL DISASTER! Cover, TWO! Miz survives and Cody is frustrated but the fans still rally. Cody slowly stands, and he brings Miz back up.
Cody reels Miz in, but Miz trips him! Miz steps through, Cody kicks him away, and Cody springboards again! But into a full nelson! Cody drops, victory rolls, TWO! Miz kicks legs out to fire off IT KICKS! Miz powers up, but Cody ducks the buzzsaw to roll Miz! Miz rolls through, he BOOTS the bad arm and BUZZSAWS, tot he BASEMENT DDT! Cover, TWO!! Cody survives and now Miz is frustrated! Fans rally for Cody but Miz shakes his head. Miz stalks Cody and shouts, “MASSIVE! BALLS!” But Cody fights the full nelson and arm-drags free! Springboard, CODY CUTTER! Fans fire up with Cody as his rage boils up!
Cody dragon sleepers Miz, to CROSS RHODES!! Cover, Cody wins!
Winner: Cody Rhodes, by pinfall
Cody has cuts and bruises and even a bit of blood on the back of his head, all adding to the broken arm in the brace. But even so, Cody wants to keep on fighting! Will The American Nightmare stand tall in the UK? Or will the Prodigal Son show us he’s the better second generation star?
Becky Lynch talks with Sami Zayn & Kevin Owens backstage.
They’re all old pals, and it seems the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Champions are encouraging The Man. Becky heads out, sees the Alpha Academy showing Maxxine Dupri some basic holds, then keeps moving to go to gorilla. Becky’s head to the ring! Fans cheer, but will Kansas enter the Big Time? Or will the Hot Mess avenge Sonya Deville missing out on MITB?
Becky Lynch VS Chelsea Green w/ Sonya Deville!
Raw returns and fans cheer Becky on as she has the mic. “The Man has come around to Wichita! And the Man is going to Money in the Bank! I have been lucky enough to do a lot of things in my career, but there is one thing that has always eluded me, and that is winning the Money in the Bank Ladder match. But this year, this year, oh, I got a good feeling about this year!” Fans like the sound of that! Becky knows we’ve all been conditioned to think that the #1 person in this company is the person who holds the championships. And on the women’s side, we’ve got a brand new, shiny championship.
But Becky is thinking, the reality is, that the person that is #1 in this company is the person that holds the power! And who holds more power than the person holding that briefcase? Because they have the power to make the champion scared. They have the power to take the champion of their game! And all this talk about power is getting Becky all tongue tied cuz she loves power! So when Becky has the power to make the champions scared, and when people get scared, they do crazy, stupid, dangerous things! And Becky likes it when people do dangerous things because it makes HER better!
But when you think about people being scared, look no further than Trish Stratus. Because Trish Stratus was so scared that she was about to be exposed at Night of Champions, she got herself an insurance policy in Zoey Stark. In Trish’s mind, she’d already lost the match before it even began, and now Zoey-” is here! Becky sighs as The Hunter struts her way out with her own mic to say, “Okay, alright, I heard about enough.” Zoey knows Becky has a list of accomplishments, and good for her. But does Becky know the one accomplishment she’ll never get? That’s beat Trish Stratus! And at MITB, add on “not beating Zoey Stark” on her list of failures.
Becky tells Zoey that yes, she has so many failures, but she learned from every single one of ’em, and that is what makes Becky great. But speaking of learning, we haven’t learned much about Zoey, have we? But there are some things Becky knows already. Becky knows Zoey is special in this ring. That Zoey has finesse, agility and strength in this ring, she is built like a Pitbull! And the one thing Zoey lacks is a personality! Oh, wow, of all the people to talk about personality, it’s Becky? Does she not own a damn mirror?! Becky didn’t become relevant off personality, no! She became relevant off someone breaking her face!
And now, Becky is scratching, clawing, desperately holding onto that fame, and onto Trish. Fans “What?” and she tells ’em to shut up. Zoey will tell Becky this much: at MITB, Zoey will break Becky’s face and make her famous! Oh, Zoey, you ain’t gotta wait until then. They can do this here in Wichita! But wait, here comes the Complaint Department. Sonya wants everyone to hold on. Music down please. Thank you. Chelsea is “sorry” to interrupt. Zoey, was it? Zoey steps to Chelsea and Sonya tells her to relax. They must address the elephant in the room, and that is the BLATANT disrespect from Becky last week!
Becky attacked Chelsea unprovoked, and the only reason Chelsea didn’t retaliate is because she didn’t want to cost Sonya her rightful place at MITB. The only reason Becky won is cuz Sonya cares about her friends and was tending to Chelsea- Becky cuts them off there, and tells Chelsea to get in the ring to have this match already. Zoey, you can even sit ringside to see just why Becky is so famous. The fans fire up with The Man as she throws down the mic and her jacket. Will Becky clean up the Hot Mess?
The bell rings, Chelsea runs in, Becky dodges and CLOBBERS her! Becky gets the arm, Chelsea whips her away, but Becky comes back with a DROPKICK! Becky runs in, Chelsea BOOTS her away and goes up top. Becky SHOVES Chelsea to the floor! Fans fire up, Becky is ready to fight all three of them, and Raw goes to break.
Raw returns again and Chelsea throws Becky down by her hair! Chelsea then clamps on with a chinlock and she thrashes Becky around. The fans rally, Becky endures, and Becky fights up. Zoey watches from atop a ladder on stage as Becky arm-drags Chelsea away. Becky fires forearm son Chelsea, then a SOBAT, but Chelsea blocks to trip her up! Chelsea sits Becky up to surfboard STOMP Becky into buckles! Fans boo as Chelsea takes a bow. Chelsea drags Becky up, slaps her around, and talks trash. But Becky fires forearms again! And uppercuts! Chelsea kicks low, whips, but Becky reverses. Becky runs in but is put on the apron!
Chelsea swings but Becky counter punches! Becky climbs but Chelsea SLAPS her! Chelsea climbs, CLUBS away on Becky, and Sonya cheers Chelsea on. But Becky throws hands! And a HEADBUTT! Chelsea falls away, Becky gets up and leaps, MISSILE DROPKICK! Fans fire up for Becky as Chelsea bails out, but Becky WRECKS her with a dropkick! And then AX HANDLES from the apron! And then RAMS her into barriers! And again! And again! Fans fire up, Becky puts Chelsea in the ring and then hurries after her. But Chelsea YHANKS her into buckles! Chelsea runs back in, btu Becky blocks a boot, only to get an ENZIGURI!
Chelsea drags Becky up, underhooks, but Becky turns it around! Clinch, but Chelsea slips free to roll up, TWO! Into the DISARM-HER! Chelsea taps, Becky wins again!
Winner: Becky Lynch, by submission
Sonya AND Zoey are furious that The Man is still on a roll! Will Becky take down Zoey and all the rest in that Women’s MITB Ladder match?
The Judgment Day regroups backstage.
Rhea shows off the new belt, and Damian Priest says she should be given a new one every week. And MITB, Dom VS Cody, that’s gonna be awesome! Her Dom-Dom knows how to handle a ladder. Priest asks Dom a question in Spanish but Rhea seems to understand and she smacks Priest on the shoulder. Hey, just asking. But Dom winks. Rhea says Cody’s gonna get smacked, and Priest says Dom’s gonna wipe the floor with that boy. Wait, Finn, are you okay? He’s been rather quiet. Yeah, he just has a lot on his mind. Priest says what he has on his mind is making sure Riddle faces a reckoning and Priest goes on to MITB, too.
The only thing Priest asks is that everyone else stays in the back. He wants to go out there alone. Priest gives Finn a look before moving past him, will The Prince obey his friend’s request this time?
Men’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match Qualifier: Matt Riddle VS Damian Priest!
The Original Bro wants after Gunther, and Der Ring General dared him to go win the MITB briefcase and use that on him. Will Riddle do just that? Or will the Punisher make sure no one but himself has that final spot?
Raw returns as Priest makes his entrance. The bell rings and the two circle. They approach, Priest kicks low and CLUBS Riddle down. And then he CLUBS Riddle again! Priest brings Riddle up to KICK in the leg, but then Riddle blocks the kick to an ANKLE LOCK! Priest goes to the ropes, Riddle lets off, but Riddle eggs Priest on. Priest shoves Riddle, but then Riddle avoids the boot. Riddle jumps up to get the KIMURA! Priest stays on his feet but Riddle has the body scissors. Priest powers up to suplex but Riddle shifts to a SLEEPER! Priest RAMS Riddle into buckles, but lets off slowly. To then cheap shot with an elbow!
Fans boo as Priest stalks Riddle. Priest TOSSES Riddle to a corner, but Riddle fires off forearms and palm strikes! Riddle whips but Priest blocks it to whip Riddle away! Riddle ducks ‘n; dodges to FLYING FOREARM! And kip up! Fans fire up with Riddle, he runs in to forearm Priest in the corner, then goes side to side. Riddle ducks Priest’s spin kick to forearm again! Priest swings, but into more forearms! Priest gets mad now, but Riddle just eggs him on! Fans rally for the Bro, Priest runs in but Riddle dumps him out! Riddle goes up and out and PENALTY- NO, Priest blocks to trip Riddle! Riddle hits apron on the way down!
Priest goes into the ring, lets the ring count climb, and Riddle crawls. Fans boo but Priest goes out the side, to run in, and leap! Only for Riddle to dodge! Priest wipes out on the desk! Riddle brings Priest up, calls him stupid, and puts him into the ring! Riddle gets in, runs in, and SPLASHES in the corner! Riddle fires off more forearms, then runs side to side to forearm smash! Riddle kicks but Priest blocks! Riddle swings, Priest gest around, clinch and FLATLINER! Fans fire up again as Priest aims from a corner. Priest drags Riddle up, TOSSES him to a corner and he fires off! The ref counts, backs Priest off, and Priest soaks up the heat.
Priest storms back over to Riddle, brings him up, but Riddle throws body shots,. Priest KNEES low, whips and SWINGING BACKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Priest keeps Riddle down with a motorcycle stretch. Riddle endures the knee in his back and fans rally up. Riddle fights up, rolls, and MONKEY FLIPS Priest to a EuroClutch! TWO!! Priest escapes in time, and he boots, but Riddle blocks! Riddle dodges the haymakers to KICK Priest again and again! Riddle fires off palm strikes, a BOOT, and then a spin for the PELE! Priest staggers, Riddle kips up and he clinches, BROSPLODER! BROTON!
Fans fire up while Priest bails out, and Riddle goes up and out again! PENALTY KICK! It’s a hit! And then Riddle SPRINGBOARD FLOATING BROS! Fans fire up with Riddle and he gets Priest back into the ring! Riddle stalks up behind Priest, scoops and gut wrenches, but Priest turns that around! But Riddle slips free, to GERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO!! Priest escapes again and both men are down! Fans rally, Riddle rises first, but Priest throws a forearm! Riddle gives it back! Riddle fires those palm strikes again, then blocks a punch, but Priest blocks the Pele to roll and KICK! KICK! KICK! ROLLING ELBOW!
Priest powers up but runs into the FINAL FLASH! Priest’s legs are noodles, Riddle reels him in! But Priest suplexes first! BROKEN ARROW! Both men are down and Wichita fires up as Raw goes to break!
Raw returns again and Riddle KICKS and KICKS, but then Priest blocks! But Riddle drops to get a takedown, to the ANKLE LOCK!! Priest flails, turns, kicks at Riddle with the free leg, but Riddle just gets that leg to turn Priest over! SLEEPER!! Priest fights up, has Riddle as a backpack, for a BACKPACK SENTON! Priest is free, but Riddle sits up! SLEEPER! Priest rolls back, gets free, and LARIATS Riddle down! Riddle sputters, flounders, and goes to a corner. Priest runs in to back elbow! Priest keeps moving, but into BODY SCISSORS! HANGING TRIANGLE!! The ref counts, Riddle lets off, and Priest staggers away.
Riddle hurries up, slingshots, but into a HAYMAKER! Priest then drags Riddle off the ropes for a DRAPING DIRTY DEEDS!! Cover, TWO!! Riddle survives that elevated headlock driver and Priest is furious! Priest waits on Riddle to stand, then choke grips. SOUTH OF- NO, Riddle slips free! Riddle BOOTS Priest, goes up the corner, but Priest trips him up! Riddle lands on his little bro, and Priest goes up to get Riddle! Crucifix lift, but Riddle slips free! Priest BOOTS Riddle, but Riddle goes right up after him! SUPER FISHERMAN SUPLEX!! Both men are down but Riddle crawls to the cover, TWO!?!?
Fans fire up again while Riddle is beside himself. Riddle drags priest to a drop zone, “This is Awesome!” as Riddle climbs! FLOATING- NO, Priest moves and Riddle lands on his feet. Priest shoves Riddle to ropes, Riddle goes up, but Priest catches him! RAZOR’S EDGE!! Priest wins!!
Winner: Damian Priest, by pinfall (advances to MITB)
The Punisher is heading to the UK! And most of all, the Judgment Day listened and didn’t get involved. Will Priest also ascend the ladder and bring down the prize all by himself?
As for Riddle, Gunther & Ludwig are on their way out here. Giovanni Vinci is not here after Riddle messed up his ankle in that backstage brawl. Priest looks the WWE Intercontinental Champion in the eye, and then tells him, “Pick the bones.” Priest heads to the back, Gunther & Ludwig go tot he ring! Riddle fires off on Gunther but Gunther throws knees into him! Gunther SLAPS Riddle around, and Ludwig simply watches and mocks Riddle. Ludwig then stands Riddle up so Gunther can CHOP him back down! The Bro sputters, and Ludwig hands Gunther his title. Fans boo as Ludwig dares Riddle to say something now.
Riddle writhes from the damage done by both Priest and by Gunther. Will Riddle have to be more careful around Raw these days?
Backstage interview with Cody Rhodes.
Cathy Kelley is with Cody and says that it is official, we’re getting Cody VS Dom at MITB. His thoughts? Well, made official by Mami cuz Dom probably wouldn’t have the guts to accept it himself, so she had to do it for him. And that’s a reoccurring thing, isn’t it? Judgment Day, from Finn to Damian to Rhea, protecting Dom after every cheap shot. What’s going to happen is that Dom is going to get hurt. The problem Cody has is that Brock won’t show up while Dom won’t go away. And Cody isn’t naïve. April 2nd, ref’s hand hits the mat, 1-2-3, everyone in the sports world who watches the WWE, all eyes on him.
They all wanted to know what would happen next. Cody facing adversity, will he quit and run away? No, he runs out there. That is why Cody smiles, hands off his weight belt, and loses his mind when the fans lose their minds singing his song. Because every second on this path to finish the story, Cody is clinging to it. He really is. So Brock, Dom, you name ’em. They are NOT going to knock Cody off the path. London, MITB, good luck to Dom-Dom. Cody is more fired up than the logo on his shirt, will he use that to blaze his trail back to a title match?
Backstage interview with Natalya.
Byron Saxton asks the Queen of Harts that ever since losing to Rhea Ripley, there are those saying she hasn’t been the sane. Natty says maybe never being the same is a good thing. Because being Natty has gotten her nowhere. And maybe she isn’t sure how to be herself anymore. Natty heads out, but then Byron spots Sami & Kevin. He asks then that last week, tough loss to Gunther, how is Kevin feeling tonight? Yeah, that was tough, cuz Kevin felt he was this close to beating the seemingly unbeatable. But it’s fine, because tonight, Kevin & Sami get payback. But then Imperium walk over.
Ludwig says, “Payback is exactly what happened to Matt Riddle out there. And speaking of it, if I remember correctly, you, my friend, lost against Der Ring General already.” Sami keeps Kevin calm, and says to them, they have no place to brag since it took all three of them to steal that victory. And speaking of, didn’t Riddle take out one of you? There’s usually three, where’s Baldy at? Where’s Baldy? Oh, speaking of, Adam Pearce walks over. Sami says there’s no problem, he and Kevin are just letting these boys know what’s in store for them tonight. Oh, how confident. Then why not put the tag titles on the line?
Kevin says if that’s supposed to intimidate them, FINE! They’ll put the belts on the line! If it means they get to kick some Imperium ass this week, next week, every week! He’s gonna get his gear on, cuz he can’t wrestle in regular shorts and a T-shirt! He needs his different shorts and shirt! Let’s go! Kevin storms off, Ludwig & Gunther laugh. Oh, that’s funny? Well, get a good look. Because you’re lookin gat the UNDISPUTED Tag Team Champions, got that? Sami heads out, and Gunther says Pearce heard all that. So make it official. Pearce says he’ll consider it. But will it really happen? Will Kevin & Sami regret raising the stakes on themselves?
Indus Sher speaks.
Jinder Mahal says their opponents last week became prey before the bell ever rang. But they are not satisfied. If their opponents are still walking, the job is not done. “Shelton Benjamin, Cedric Alexander. You’ve shown us respect with the fear in your eyes. We offer you a proper match, a proper chance at survival. Just know, every single one of your fears will be justified.” So says the Modern Day Maharaja.
Ricochet VS Bronson Reed!
The One and Only is in the Men’s MITB, and that really annoys Auszilla. Will Bronson wash Ricochet out of that match with a Tsunami? Or will even The Colossal One fail to ground the King of Flight?
Raw returns as Bronson makes his entrance. The bell rings and the two rush in! Ricochet DROPKICKS, but Bronson stays up! Ricochet fires off hands, Bronson pushes him back, but Ricochet comes back for more! Bronson pushes Ricochet away again, but Ricochet KICKS away on a leg. Bronson grabs Ricochet by the neck! Ricochet fights free, throws more forearms, but Bronson just glares at him. Bronson TOSSES Ricochet to a corner, then DECKS him! The ref checks on Ricochet but he’s still in this. But then Shinsuke Nakamura swaggers down the ramp. Fans cheer but Bronson tells him to stay back.
Bronson runs in, Ricochet dodges and ROCKS Bronson with a forearm! Bronson stays up so Ricochet runs again. Bronson swings, Ricochet ducks ‘n dodges then tilt-o-whirls, but Bronson blocks the DDT! Bronson suplexes Ricochet to hang him out to dry! Then he YANKS the rope to send Ricochet flying! Ricochet flounders to the other side, Bronson runs in to BODY CHECK Ricochet! Nakamura seems mildly impressed but Bronson still warns him to stay away, and Raw goes to break.
Raw returns again and Bronson has Ricochet up in an Electric Chair Lift! Ricochet throws down hands on Bronson, slips around but Bronson blocks the huricanrana! Bronson brings Ricochet back up but Ricochet escapes the bomb! Ricochet ducks, runs, handsprings and back elbows! But Bronson stays up! Ricochet fires forearms, Bronson shoves him, but Ricochet BOOTS back! Ricochet Tiger Wall Kicks then ENZIGURIS! Bronson wobbles and fans fire up with Ricochet! Nakamura watches as Ricochet runs in, but is put on the apron. Bronson swings, misses, and Ricochet GAMANGIRIS! Then Ricochet springboards to MISSILE DORPKICK!
Bronson tumbles out of the ring, Ricochet builds speed and DIVES! Bronson hits the desk! Fans fire up and Nakamura likes that. Ricochet puts Bronson back in the ring, springboards back in, CROSSBODY! Down goes Bronson, but then Ricochet LIONSAULTS! Cover, TWO! Bronson is still in this but Ricochet keeps his cool. Bronson goes to the apron, Ricochet storms up, but Bronson ELBOWS Ricochet back! Ricochet triangle jumps to ENZIGURI again! Bronson flops to the floor, and Ricochet goes up to ASAI MOONSAULT! But Bronson catches him, to TOSS him into Nakamura! Fans fire up while both men fall!
Bronson drags Ricochet up, puts him in the ring, and Bronson grins as he pounds his chest. Bronson then goes up the corner, but Nakamura GAMANGIRIS!
Winner: Bronson Reed, by disqualification
The King of Strong Style is pissed and he fires off on Bronson! But that just gives Bronson the win! Ricochet is upset with Nakamura now, they argue, but then Bronson CLOBBERS them both!! Bronson reels Nakamura in, short arm LARIAT! Bronson is gonna repeat last week as he climbs up the corner again! But Ricochet GAMANGIRIS first! Ricochet fires off hands but Bronson shoves him away. Nakamura GAMANGIRIS again, climbs up after Bronson, and Ricochet helps out! Fans fire up as the two kings hit a DOUBLE SUPERPLEX! A rough landing for all, but especially for Bronson!
Fans lose their minds, Ricochet and Nakamura look to each other, and they nod. They have a common enemy and they just took care of him! But who will truly be the king after Money in the Bank?
Sami and Kevin talk backstage.
Sami says that now with the titles on the line, they have to be careful. Kevin knows that. But Sami does want to know, what was that with Imperium? What was what? Uh, Kevin exploding on them. He’s doing that a lot lately. He’s like always at a ten. Kevin is not! He’s at a six. Kevin does his best to calm down, but he says it is the months of stress and frustration with The Bloodline, all the way up to WrestleMania, and then even after WrestleMania, he thought they were done and now that they are, it’s just all problems! There’s the two tall guys with the long neck and the big ears, and they’re speakin’ European. Kevin should know but he’s French, they’re not French.
Sami calms Kevin down again. He just wants to know that when they go out there, is Kevin good? Yes. He’s great, even. Okay, okay, that’s all that matters. Good. Kevin’s gonna get water. Good, yes, hydrate. Does Sami want one? Yes, yes, thank you. Kevin heads out, but Sami still has to convince himself Kevin is good. Will things be good when the two of them face Gunther & Ludwig later tonight?
Adam Pearce is on the phone.
He’s glad they see it the same way. Yes, it is official, the tag titles are on the line tonight! And yes, he’ll let everyone know that. But then Ricochet walks over. Ricochet asks Pearce what he has to do, but he needs a rematch with Bronson Reed. Pearce says he understands the frustrations, but Bronson already has a match for next week. Oh, of course. Against who? Shinsuke Nakamura. And he walks up now with a smile. Then please, Nakamura, explain what the problem is. Because that was Ricochet’s fight! What Nakamura did is not cool. Ricochet didn’t ask for help and he doesn’t need it.
Nakamura, if you do that again, they are gonna finish what they started before MITB. Nakamura tells Ricochet it was nothing personal. It is his turn to succeed where Ricochet failed. Oh, failed? But don’t worry! You can have what’s left after Nakamura’s done. Will the King of Strong Style be the one to tear down Auszilla?
Finn Balor heads to the ring!
The Prince has been in a sour mood all night, and it looks like he wants to share what’s been on his mind. He gets the mic while fans are torn between jeers and cheers, and he says, “Seth Rollins! The Workhorse Champion! I know you’re here. And I’m here. And we need to talk. No jokes, no zingers, no singalongs! Just facts. So get out here now.” Finn waits, and Seth Rollins makes his entrance! Fans sing “WHOA~ OH~ OHHH~!” as the World Heavyweight Champion makes his way out, belt around his waist as he wears another wild gold ‘n’ black suit. Rollins joins Finn in the ring, mic in hand, but also enjoys the fans singing his song.
Finn asks if they’re done. They keep going, so no. Finn says he’s been waiting seven years to say this and he’s not waiting another second, so everyone better shut up! Rollins patiently waits with a smirk on his face, and Finn paces. Finn says if they wanna sing about something, sing about this! Seven years ago, Finn was a first rounds draft pick to Monday Night Raw! He beat Roman Reigns on his first night! And three weeks later, he beat Rollins to become the FIRST-EVER Universal Champion! Sing all night, because Finn has a lot more to say. Fans keep singing, and Rollins’ smile grows bigger.
Finn says this isn’t funny! This is serious! And y’know what else is serious!? The singing continues but Rollins finally says, “Kansas, are you having fun tonight?” The fans cheer because they are. Finn says he’s not having fun! This is serious! He’s been waiting seven YEARS! Rollins says, “You’ve been waiting seven years to say what? What do you want to say? If it’s that damn important that you’re gonna ruin their party, then get it off your chest and do it right now!” Fans cheer, and Finn says he will! He’ll do it right now! What should’ve been the highest of highest for Finn became the lowest of lows in an instant, all because of Rollins.
A torn bicep, a torn pec, a torn labrum, and a fractured socket. Now, Finn ain’t complaining about the injury. This is a hard business, this is a tough business. Injuries happen. But what really bothered Finn, other than that these idiots won’t stop singing…! They’re still going. Finn says Rollins loves it when they sing, huh? Just cuz he has a catchy song, that means everyone likes him? They don’t like Rollins! They don’t even know Rollins! Rollins asks what Finn’s getting at. Finn says that Rollins took EVERYTHING from Finn! Rollins took Finn’s momentum, his title, and a year off his career! Rollins took EVERYTHING!
But guess what? Now it’s Finn’s turn to take everything back, and take it all form Rollins! What Finn is gonna take is Rollins’ momentum! He’ll take Rollins’ momentum, and a year off Rollins’ career! And it’ll all happen at Money in the Bank! Rollins isn’t affected by that challenge as the fans keep singing. Rollins then laughs, and laughs, and laughs! Fans cheer and Rollins says, “Kansas, you’re too kind. But I’m not laughing cuz you sang his promo outta the building, no no. I’m laughing because this is the Finn Balor I’ve been waiting to see for the past seven years!”
To paint a picture, inaugural Universal Championship match, SummerSlam in Brooklyn, that match sent them both on career trajectories that were completely different. And why? Because one got bitter, and the other got better. The singing returns, and Rollins grins. Rollins won’t lie, he’s done some bad things over those past seven years. But y’know what else he’s done? Rollins has made memories, made history, and made moments that the fans will never forget! Fans cheer that! And Rollins did that because he changed! He adapted! He rolled with the punches! Rollins got better every single day, and now he is the greatest version of Seth Freakin’ Rollins!
You want the proof? It’s the World Heavyweight Championship! Finn wants a crack at it? “YOU! ARE! ON!” Rollins then asks Finn, “Which version of you is gonna come to London and fight for this title? Because this bitter shell of a champion, he don’t stand a chance. But… The Finn Balor that beat me to become the first-ever Universal Champion with his arm hanging off his body, HE’S got a shot! So here’s my question to you: Are you gonna bring that Finn Balor to Money in the Bank? Or are you gonna bring the guy who’s been walking for the past seven years acting like a little b*tch?” Rollins throws down the challenge to Finn’s challenge, just what happens at MITB in the UK?
Raquel Rodriguez VS Shayna Baszler w/ Ronda Rousey!
Big Mami Cool still owes the Baddest Women on the Planet a little something from that Women’s Tag Fatal 4. Will she give the Queen of Spades a parting shot before the tag title unification match in a few weeks? Or will Shayna break Raquel as an example to Alba Fyre & Isla Dawn?
Raw returns as Shayna & Ronda make their entrance. Shayna shows off her tag title and her black belt, then the bell rings. They tie up, Raquel doesn’t budge, and she shoves Shayna way. They go again, Shayna wrenches an arm to a wristlock and then a double wristlock, but Raquel scoops with one arm! FALL AWAY SLAM! Raquel then SPLASHES int he corner, scoops again, and FALL AWAY SLAMS again! Then she runs corner to corner, but Shayna bails out! Raquel goes out after her but Ronda’s in the way. Raquel tells Ronda to back off, and she puts Shayna in the ring. Raquel runs, Shayna dodges the boot and sweeps the leg!
Ronda smiles as Shayna grabs a leg and pulls on it. Raquel kicks with her other leg but Shayna pulls on the one she has! Shayna then turns Ronda over, isolates the foot and STOMPS the ankle! Ronda grins while Raquel clutches her foot. Raquel shoves Shayna away but Shayna’s after the leg again. Shayna ducks a lariat but not the SOUTHPAW! Shayna gets back up but Raquel blocks her kick to then KICK Shayna’s leg! Raquel kicks away on the thigh, and Shayna hobbles away, only for Raquel to KICK the leg out! Shayna ends up in the drop zone, Raquel steps on her to go up, TWISTING VADER!
Raquel hauls Shayna up but Ronda distracts. Raquel grabs Ronda, but Shayna rolls her up! With Ronda helping! Shayna wins!
Winner: Shayna Baszler, by pinfall
This should’ve been put down as a handicap match since it took them both to win! But if it took both of them to stop Ricky Desperado, do Ronda & Shayna stand a chance against the Wicked Witches of NXT?
WWE mourns the loss of The Iron Sheik.
Growing up in Iran, The Iron Sheik was as tough as they came. Sheik himself said that his country was known for two things: oil and wrestling. He was a wrestling champion in the Iranian National Army, then made the jump to sports entertainment. He used the political tension to become “one of the most despised villains” of his era. The flag, the clothes, the boots even. An impressive physique and strength, and his Camel Clutch was devastating. And in 1983, Sheik would shock the world by becoming a world champion. Sheik’s ability to get a strong reaction from fans was instrumental to bringing the WWE up in the 1980s.
Sheik’s impact and notoriety are undeniable, and he joined the WWE Hall of Fame in 2005. From captivating persona to unparalleled charisma, the Iron Sheik’s legendary career puts him in a special place in the hearts of fans worldwide. Gone but never forgotten!
Chad Gable w/ The Alpha Academy VS Erik w/ The Viking Raiders!
“Master” Gable has been coaching Maxxine Dupri in the ways of Alpha style wrestling, and now he looks to teach by showing. Will he give a master class? Or will Erik be the one to say “A Thank Yew?”
The bell rings and the two circle. Erik roars but Gable says, “SHOOOOSH!” Erik runs in, Gable dodges, then arm-drags! Gable has the armlock, he drags Erik around, and Gable makes sure Maxxine was watching closely. Gable wrenches, whips, but Erik reverses to CLOBBER Gable! Sarah Logan and Ivar cheer while Erik fires off forearms. Erik puts Gable up top, climbs up after him, but Gable fires forearms and chops! Erik falls back, Gable adjusts, and Gable DIVING HEADBUTTS! Fans fire up while both men are down! Otis says that’s using your head! Logan glares at Maxxine from across the way, and starts running that way!
Maxxine hits an arm-drag?! Fans cheer as Maxxine gets the better of Valhalla! Ivar keeps Logan back, but Erik whips Gable to a corner. Gable goes up and over, sunset flip, GABLE WINS!
Winner: Chad Gable, by pinfall
Big wins for everyone in Alpha Academy! Maxxine hit her first arm-drag ever, and Gable got a huge win over Erik! Will this trio take over Raw this Summer break? Or will the raid only come back angrier and more violent?
Finn Balor talks with JD McDonagh backstage.
The Prince talks to his former student that Raw isn’t about friends, but making impacts. McDonagh points out Priest walking up, and then says thanks for the advice. They’ll catch up later. And when it comes to “that other problem,” maybe Finn should take his own advice. The Irish Ace heads out and Finn says hey, congrats on qualifying, Priest. Yeah, thanks. Finn is in a better mood. Must have to do with that title match he has now. Congrats on that, too. Yeah, yeah. When Priest wins the MITB contract, he wouldn’t cash in on Finn, would he? Dawg, are you really asking that? Of course Priest wouldn’t. Finn has his word on that.
But in the future, Finn should really keep his word with Priest. Priest is happy about the opportunities they both have coming up, but really, Rollins has Finn up and down and all over the place, causing tension between them. Make it worth it. At MITB, Finn must end this. Priest heads out, and Finn has something new on his mind. Will the Prince and the Punisher be able to put this behind them once the Judgment Day is truly on top of the world?
Backstage interview with Seth Rollins.
Cathy talks with the World Heavyweight Champion now and brings up his match against Finn at MITB. This is seven years in the making, is Rollins prepared for a “bitter” Balor? Ooooh~, HAHAHAHA! He is as prepared and confident as one man can be. The real question is: is Finn Balor prepared for Rollins? After Rollins beats Finn at MITB, Finn won’t just lose his mind. He might lose his friend, Priest, too! And something is missing. Rollins is feeling frisky, spry, like… Yeah, yeah! Let’s blow this up and throw a monkey wrench into it! Next week, live on Raw, let’s do an OPEN CHALLENGE for the WORLD! HEAVYWEIGHT! CHAMPIONSHIP!
He IS a Visionary, he IS a Revolutionary, he IS Seth Freakin’ Rollins! HAHAHAHA! Rollins heads out, but between Finn on Raw, Bron Breakker over in NXT, and whoever else is out there, is he going to end up losing this belt already?
Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championships: Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn VS GUNTHER & Ludwig Kaiser!
What was going to be a rematch of The Prizefighter & Great Liberator against Imperium’s soldiers turned into Kevin & Sami VS Der Ring General and Ludwig, given Vinci’s run-in with Riddle. But then that went from a match about respect to a match about titles! Will Kevin & Sami defend the prizes they fought so hard to get in the first place? Or will Gunther soon be holding three belts instead of just the one?
Raw returns and Imperium makes their entrance. The introductions are made, the tag belts are raised, and we see if the mat is truly sacred!
The teams sort out and fans cheer for Sami as he steps to Gunther! The two circle, feel things out, and then tie up. Gunther doesn’t budge, and he shoves Sami down! Sami goes to a corner, gets back up, and he shakes it off. The two circle again, feel things out, and tie up again. Gunther powers Sami to a corner, lets off slowly as the ref counts, but Sami avoids the chop to CHOP! And CHOP! And CHOP! Gunther pie faces Sami down, then kicks him low! Gunther UPPERCUTS Sami, then hits a headlock takeover! Fans rally and duel, Sami fights up, but Gunther knees low! Gunther UPPERCUTS Sami to ropes!
Gunther whips, Sami holds ropes and then dumps Gunther out! Sami builds speed to FLY! Direct hit at the ramp and down goes the Intercontinental Champion! Fans fire up for Sami while fans go to break.
Raw returns again and Sami fires off on Ludwig in the corner. Sami brings Ludwig out to throw hands, but Ludwig kicks low. Ludwig headlocks, Sami powers out, but Ludwig runs him over. Things speed up, Sami hurdles then arm-drags Ludwig to an armlock! Ludwig fights up, pulls hair, and he puts Sami in a corner. Ludwig throws hands, but the fans rally up. Ludwig whips, Sami reverses but then Ludwig puts Sami on the top rope. Sami blocks Ludwig’s gamangiri! Ludwig hobbles, Sami AX HANDLES! Cover, ONE!! Ludwig hangs tough and Gunther coaches him, but Sami brings Ludwig up and around.
Sami bumps Ludwig off buckles, tags in Kevin, and they whip Ludwig to then drop toehold and SENTON! Kevin stares Gunther down, then brings Ludwig around to stomp him. Kevin goes up, MOONSAULT! Cover, TWO! Ludwig is still in this but Kevin brings Ludwig up. But Ludwig throws hands! Kevin gives them back, they go back and forth and fans fire up! Kevin gets the edge, but Ludwig kicks low! Ludwig whips, Kevin reveres, but Ludwig UPEPRCUTS! And ROCKS Kevin with a right! But Ludwig runs into a LARIAT! Kevin SENTONS again! Cover, TWO! Fans rally as Kevin brings Ludwig up and over.
Sami tags in, he and Kevin mug Ludwig, then Sami brings Ludwig out. But Ludwig powers him to the Imperium corner! Ludwig swings, but Sami counter punches! Sami even hits Gunther some! Sami whips but Gunther tags in as Ludwig reverses. Kevin tries to warn Sami but Sami clotheslines Ludwig up and out! Gunther runs in to BOOT Sami down! And then he BOOTS Kevin for good measure! SPLASH on Sami! Cover, TWO! Sami survives but Gunther looms over him. Gunther kicks Sami to a corner, brings him up, and CHOPS him down! Fans rally for Sami but Gunther CHOPS him down again!
Tag to Ludwig and he taunts Sami. Ludwig clamps on a chinlock and he grinds Sami down. Fans rally, Sami fights up, and Sami throws body shots! Ludwig ROCKS Sami with a right hand! Ludwig puts Sami in the ropes, Gunther holds him, and Ludwig runs side to side to DROPKICK Sami out to the floor! Ludwig then distracts the ref so Gunther can hit Sami with an APRON BACK SUPLEX! Fans boo but Imperium soaks up the heat as Raw goes to break.
Raw returns once again and Sami brawls with Ludwig up top! Sami fires off, the fans fire up, and Sami gets up to SUNSET FLIP POWERBOMB!! Fans are thunderous as Sami reaches out to his corner! Ludwig and Sami both crawl, hot tags to Gunther and Kevin! Fans fire up as Kevin dodges to CHOP and fire off on Gunther! A revisit to last week’s main event as Kevin roars and runs! LARIAT, but Gunther stays up! So Kevin LARIATS again! Gunther is still up, and he BOOTS back! But Kevin LARIATS on the return! And SENTON! Gunther stagger sup, into a clinch, EXPLODER sends Gunther to a corner!
Kevin goes to the opposite corner, Ludwig runs up but Kevin DECKS him! Gunther runs up but into a SUPERKICK! Gunther’s back in the corner, Kevin runs in, CANNONBALL! Kevin pushes Gunther to the drop zone then goes up top! SWANTON BOMB!! Cover, TWO!! Gunther survives, this is why he’s the longest reigning Intercontinental Champion of the 2000s! Fans chant “ONE MORE TIME! ONE MORE TIME!” Kevin waits on Gunther, but Ludwig slithers in! Kevin runs Ludwig off, but Gunther rolls Kevin up! TWO!! Kevin escapes, he kicks low, but Gunther shoves Kevin away! Kevin comes back, DOUBLE BOOTS take both men down!
Fans are thunderous as Sami returns to his corner! Kevin and Gunther crawl, hot tags to Ludwig and Sami! Ludwig runs into an EXPLODER into the corner! Sami then goes to the far side, but Gunther drags him out! But Sami ducks, the CHOP hits POST! Gunther clutches his hand, Sami gets back in and he catches Ludwig for a BLUE THUNDER- NO, Ludwig slips out to ENZIGURI! Ludwig shoves, fireman’s carry, ROLLING DEATH VALLEY! Tag to Gunther, PENALTY KCIK! Ludwig GAMANGIRIS Kevin off the corner, then Gunther gets Sami up! Toss into the UPPERCUT! And then Ludwig DIVES to take out Kevin!!
Gunther LARIATS Sami inside-out!! Cover, TWO!?!? Sami survives and shocks everyone!! Gunther drags Sami up again to CHOP! And then POINT-BLANK LARIAT!! Cover, TWO!!!! Sami is alive and Gunther is furious! Tag to Ludwig, and he climbs up top. Gunther Electric Chair Lifts Sami, to IMPERIAL DOOMSDAY!! Cover, Kevin barrels into Gunther to break it!! All four men are down and the fans are thunderous! Gunther and Kevin flop out of the ring, Ludwig crawls to Sami, and “This is Awesome!” as Kevin and Gunther brawl outside! The ref reprimands, but Gunther POSTS Kevin!
Kevin and Gunther stagger around, but HERE COMES RIDDLE!! The other refs and some producers are trying to stop him, but Riddle jukes ’em! But Gunther BOOTS Riddle first! Kevin goes after Gunther, DDT to the ramp!! Sami has Ludwig all alone and catches him for BLUE THUNDER BOMB!!! Cover, Sami & Kevin win!!
Winners: Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn, by pinfall (still Undisputed WWE Tag Team Champions)
Gunther & Ludwig came within reach, but they could not take these titles from Kevin & Sami! We know that SmackDown will hold a #1 contenders gauntlet, who comes out of the blue brand ready to battle this battletested team?
My Thoughts:
A great episode here, with a lot more set up towards MITB. One thing I figured would happen was Rhea would be given her own new belt, the Women’s World Championship. And no surprise, it parallels the World Heavyweight Championship. There’s nothing wrong using the same molds for these belts, it’s what they literally did the first time around with the WWE World Championship and the WWE Women’s Championship that then became the Raw Women’s Championship that was copied in the SmackDown Women’s Championship. And perhaps it’s just really hard to come up with completely new designs that can be agreed upon as good looking belts.
I also like that Cody confronts Dominik over last week, as he should. Granted, Dominik still got the better of Cody for that Heel heat, but Cody got to take his anger out on Miz in a great opening match. Cody VS Dom is gonna be really good stuff just for how Dom can play off the fans booing him to death. And with how much Cody is egging Brock on, I bet Brock shows up to screw Cody out of that match so Dom can have another win over someone really accomplished to further inflate that ego. And Cody’s promo later on has a point: Dom’s gonna get so high on himself that he’ll pick a fight with the wrong guy and get “hurt.” Hell, it might be Brock…
Good promo from Seth and Finn, though the fans constantly singing kinda made it go longer than it needed to go. But at the same time, it speaks to how much the fans like Rollins, and how much they like his song. Seth VS Finn is going to be great stuff at MITB, and I like that it is feeding into the tension within Judgment Day. Riddle VS Priest was an awesome MITB qualifying match, and I figured Priest would win that given Riddle’s story with Gunther. But Priest and Finn are at odds as to who is going to be the real leading man in Judgment Day. Finn talking to McDonagh is a big tell as to what could happen here. JD replacing Priest in Judgment Day just makes sense, given the history with Finn, and how he’s already “JD.”
Becky had a good promo with Zoey Stark that also led into her match with Chelsea Green. Of course Becky won but her role in MITB is more about fighting Zoey Stark than actually winning the thing, I feel. A bit disappointing there was no Women’s MITB qualifier tonight even though Raw is to have the last spot there. I thought Raquel was gonna have such a match but she was just helping Shayna & Ronda build momentum. To that end, a little disappointed there were now supernatural shenanigans from Alba & Isla given we’ve only got so much time before that match happens. How are RawDown only viewers supposed to see Alba & Isla as real threats if they don’t do anything past that brawl on SmackDown?
Not sure how they’re gonna work out things between the Men’s MITB entrants on Raw, though. Ricochet VS Bronson getting “ruined” by Nakamura, and then Nakamura VS Bronson for next week, I thought this was how Bronson was getting in but then we got Riddle VS Priest tonight. I don’t see them making a special exception made for Bronson if they’re also not going to do the same for the women on the other side. I’m still not really sure what the plan is for Bronson Reed, I thought he was gonna get a midcard title before the Draft but then the Draft itself kinda screwed up how that would’ve worked.
Pretty hilarious stuff out of Alpha Academy and Viking Raiders. I thought they were going to give us Maxxine VS Sarah already, but I suppose Maxxine getting the moral victory of hitting Sarah with one good move was enough for now. Though the Viking Raiders continuing to be chumped out is a bit disappointing, too. I mean, they could’ve been in the WWE Triple Crown Tag Team club but they missed out on the SmackDown titles because of the Bloodline building things and having those titles on The Usos. And as great as The Alpha Academy are in the ring and as characters, it’s a shame Sarah, Erik & Ivar are probably gonna lose to them in a Mixed Six or something.
Great stuff out of the tag title story with Imperium, though. Gunther & Ludwig of course went after Riddle after he lost to Priest, and I did like that Sami did talk with Kevin about his apparent new temper. Kevin’s logic was sound, he’s still dealing with the frustrations from the Bloodline story. They had an awesome main event with Gunther & Ludwig, and I do appreciate that they kept Vinci away to sell the power of Riddle’s ankle lock. Riddle was also a natural choice for distraction to keep Imperium from winning, though I’m sure Kevin & Sami would’ve found a way. Now Kevin & Sami can watch SmackDown’s gauntlet match, will more than likely be won by Pretty Deadly, and that build will be hilarious.
My Score: 8.7/10
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Who truly leads the NJPW revolution?
Hirooki Goto finally has THE top title in NJPW, but David Finlay looks to take it for his own! Will the Fierce Warrior fail to stop The Rebel?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Kickoff – Katsuya Murashima VS Daiki Nagai; Murashima wins.
- Yuya Uemura VS SANADA; Uemura wins.
- NJPW World TV Championship: El Phantasmo VS Great-O-Khan; Khan wins and becomes the new NJPW World TV Champion.
- Hiroshi Tanahashi VS Shota Umino; Shota wins.
- NEVER Openweight Six Man Tag Team Championships: The House of Torture VS Bullet Club War Dogs; The House of Torture wins and retains the titles.
- NEVER Openweight Championship: Konosuke Takeshita VS Ryohei Oiwa; Takeshita wins and retains the title.
- IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Championships: Tetsuya Naito & Hiromu Takahashi VS Jeff Cobb & Callum Newman; Cobb & Callum win and become the new IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Champions.
- IWGP Global Heavyweight Championship: Yota Tsuji VS EVIL; Tsuji wins and retains the title.
- IWGP World Heavyweight Championship: Hirooki Goto VS David Finlay; Goto wins and retains the title.
PLAY BY PLAY
Yuya Uemura w/ Just4Guys VS SANADA!
It used to be Just5Guys, but the Heat Storm went down with injury, and the Cold Skull showed how Cold-Blooded he really was. Will Yuya make this War Dog pay for his crimes? Or will Sakura Genesis start with a Skull End?
The bell rings and the fans rally behind Yuya as he stares down with Sanada. They circle, feel things out, then tie up. Yuya wrenches, wristlocks, then hammerlocks, but Sanada reaches back to headlock. Yuya pries the hold open and puts the headlock on Sanada. Yuya hits the takeover, but Sanada rolls him to a cover, ONE! Yuya holds on, the two stand up, and Yuya wrenches again. Sanada rolls, kips up, and cartwheels to then handspring and wrench Yuya! Sanada hammerlocks, headlocks, spins to hammerlock again, but Yuya switches that onto Sanada. Yuya then spins through to hammerlock, headlock, cravat and snapmare, but Sanada handsprings through!
The fans cheer this great opening exchange, and the two reset. Sanada and Yuya circle, the fans rally up, and the two feel things out. They knuckle lock, then Yuya kicks an arm to wrench the other. Sanada kicks free to wrench back, but Yuya wrenches again. Sanada wrenches through, wrenches again, but Yuya wrenches right back! Sanada reaches for ropes but Yuya keeps him back. Sanada rolls but Yuya rolls with him! The fans cheer, and Sanada tries again. Sanada rolls, but Yuya rolls with him! The fans cheer again, but Sanada fights up to snapmare. But Yuya holds on and he wrenches again. Sanada tries another snapmare, but Yuya still holds on.
Yuya wrangles Sanada, traps the arm, and SNAP LOCKS it! The fans cheer while Sanada clutches his arm. Yuya runs and basement DROPKICKS! Sanada bails out, shakes out the arm, and the fans rally up. Yuya waits on Sanada while he paces around the outside. Sanada slides in but Yuya knees him first. Yuya whips, Sanada reverses, but Yuya goes up and over! Yuya arm-drags Sanada, then DROPKICKS him down! The fans cheer and Yuya fires up! Sanada goes to a corner, Yuya runs corner to corner, and he CHOP LARIATS! Yuya then reels Sanada in for a BIG back suplex! Cover, TWO! Sanada stays in this but the fans rally behind Yuya.
Yuya looms over Sanada, brings him up, and clinches, but Sanada fights back with elbows. Yuya CHOPS! The fans cheer while Sanada sputters, and Yuya whips. Sanada reverses again to hurdle, hurdle, and DROPKICK! Yuya falls and goes to the outside, but Sanada PLANCHAS! Down goes Yuya and the fans still fire up! Sanada brings Yuya up, headlocks and brings him around the way, to then whip Yuya hard into railing! Yuya sputters while he leans against the railing. The fans boo but Sanada soak up all that heat. Sanada opens the gate and brings Yuya out into the crowd! The fans are told to back up, but Sanada SMACKS Yuya off Milano Collection AT-san!
The fans boo this unorthodox way of weaponizing the surroundings, but Sanada isn’t done! Sanada drags Milano out of his seat, the fans cheer Milano on, and Sanada stands Yuya up. Yuya CHOPS Sanada, and Sanada falls onto Milano! Milano suffers further damage and embarrassment, but Sanada CLAWS Yuya’s face! Sanada then THROWS Yuya down onto Milano! The fans boo more, but Sanada drags Yuya up. They go past English commentary, and Sanada brings Yuya back to ringside. Sanada puts Yuya in the ring, but then has him on the apron! MAGIC SCREW to the floor! The ref reprimands but Sanada doesn’t care.
Taichi checks on Yuya, and he glares at Sanada. Sanada storms over to drag Yuya back up, and he puts Yuya in the ring. The fans cheer while Sanada drags Yuya back up. Sanada puts Yuya on the ropes, for another MAGIC SCREW! Sanada mocks the fans cheering for Yuya, then he drags Yuya into the dragon sleeper! Yuya endures, and he arm-drags free! Sanada comes back, into Yuya’s SWINGING ARM-DRAG! And the URENAGE! The fans fire up while both men are down! Yuya crawls his way over, and he fires back up! The fans are with him as he goes to a corner! Yuya climbs, then watches Sanada stand.
Yuya leaps, but Sanada gets under! Yuya rolls through, but Sanada comes back! Yuya ducks the Shining Wizard, and he ENZIGIRIS! Sanada staggers, but he ENZIGIRIS! Sanada waistlocks, Yuya switches, GERMAN SUPLEX! Sanada lands on his feet! Tilt-o-whirl and dragon sleeper! Sanada holds on tight for the SKULL- NO, Yuya rolls back and pops free! Yuya catches one arm, then swings Sanada around, but Sanada catches Yuya! DEAD- NO, Yuya slips out of Deadfall, only for Sanada to shove him into the ref! The fans boo, but Sanada pops Yuya up to LOW BLOW! The fans boo more while Yuya drops to his knees!
Sanada goes to a corner, then runs up, SHINING WIZARD! Sanada isn’t done as he drags Yuya to the drop zone! Sanada goes up, ROUNDING- NO, Yuya dodges, and he RANAS! Then ARMBAR!! Sanada TAPS, Yuya wins!!
Winner: Yuya Uemura, by submission
Sanada tried to steal this one like he did with Taichi, but Yuya powered through! Justice has been served, will Sanada see where he went wrong? Will the Heat Storm rise to the top and prove he’s the future of NJPW?
NJPW World TV Championship: El Phantasmo w/ Jado VS Great-O-Khan w/ The United Empire!
The Headbanga knew the United Empire was coming for his gold, but his match with “Captain” TJP was just to soften him up for The Dominator! Will Khan bring this gold back to the Empire? Or will this still be the ELP Show?
It seems the United Empire is bringing a special guest! It’s the man who designed the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship belt, Masami Obari! Obari-san puts up the crown with the Empire, and joins Francesco Akira & Jakob Austin Young in Khan’s corner. Is this a sign Obari could also be designing something special for Khan? That aside, the match introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who’s really the Face of NJPW World!
The bell rings and we’re on the clock. ELP BOOTS Khan and Khan bails out! ELP builds speed and DIVES! Direct hit into railing and the fans fire up! ELP hauls Kahn up while fans duel, and ELP TOSSES Khan over railing! Fans move back as ELP ROCKS Khan with a right! ELP then goes into the ring, up the ropes, and fans join in as he says, “E! L! P!” SUPER CROSSBODY into the crowd! Direct hit and ELP ends up taking a seat! ELP smiles and high-fives the fans, then hurries to his feet. The fans rally behind ELP as he drags Khan up and CHOPS him! Khan flops over the railing and ELP gets fans to join in on “One more time!”
ELP hops over railing, drags Khan up, but Khan fights the suplex! Khan scoops, and SLAMS ELP on the railing! ELP flops to the floor while fans fire up again! Khan drags chair after chair out from under the ring, and he sets them up nearby. The ref reprimands but Khan shoves him aside. Khan has created a makeshift table using the chairs, and he drags ELP up! ELP slips free, kicks low, and he reels Khan in! But the bad arm won’t let him lift! Khan hauls ELP up, and he APRON SPINEBUSTER! The fans fire up while ELP sputters on the floor. Khan drags ELP into the ring, covers, TWO! ELP stays in this but Khan scoops him back up for a BACKBREAKER! Cover, TWO!
Khan pushes ELP around, gut wrenches him, and then GUT BUSTERS! Cover, TWO! Khan doesn’t let up, he gut wrenches for a GUT WRENCH PLEX! Cover, TWO! ELP is still in this and Khan is a bit surprised. The fans rally and duel, but the “O-KHAN! O-KHAN!” side seems stronger. Khan storms up but ELP fires a body shot! There wasn’t much behind it, and Khan taunts ELP. ELP rises to fire a forearm, but that’s the bad arm! Khan smirks but the fans rally again. ELP fires a forearm, but Khan Mongolian Chops him down! The “O-KHAN!” side again outdoes the “E L P!” ELP still rises to throw a chop, but there is still little behind it.
Khan brushes himself off, takes a swing, but ELP catches him, wrenches, straitjacket and- NO, the bad arm won’t let him lift Khan into the torture rack! ELP goes to a corner, but Khan Mongolian Chops him! The fans are torn but Khan hops up to sit on his throne! But then ELP slips right out and GAMANGIRIS! ELP climbs up to get Khan, but Khan GROIN CLAWS?! The fans boo and somehow the ref missed that! Khan scoops ELP from that position, but ELP slips down! ELP slingshots back up, then SUPER STEINERS! The fans fire up while both men are down! ELP rises back up, goes right up top, and THUNDERKISS 86 onto knees!!
Khan drags ELP into a roll up, TWO!! ELP survives, but Khan clamps on with the HITSUJIGOROSHI and then clinches for the FLATINER! Then the IRON CLAW! Khan drags ELP up for the ELIMIN- NO, ELP flips through! ELP then ducks, goes up the corner, and FLYING TORNADO DDTS! The fans fire up while both men are down again! ELP kips up and the fans cheer! ELP tunes up in the corner, Khan rises, SUDDEN- NO, Khan shoots around to IRON CLAW BACKBREAKER, then a spin, and Khan ROCKS ELP with an elbow! ELP BOOTS in return! Khan roars, blocks a kick, but not the ENZIGIRI!
Both men are down again and the fans fire back up! Time is running out and that favors ELP. Khan crawls over to ELP, the two sit up, and Khan fires a forearm! ELP snarls and fires a forearm in return! But the bad shoulder doesn’t help. Khan fires a forearm, so ELP winds up and fires back! Khan fires another forearm, but ELP shakes his head. Both men stand, and ELP storms up to Khan. ELP rips the shoulder tape away! Khan eggs ELP on, so ELP SLAPS, SLAPS, and fires palm strikes! Then a HEADBUTT! ELP runs, but Khan dodges! Khan returns, ELP dodges! DOUBLE LARIATS collide, and ELP stays up!?
The fans fire up and ELP calls to Jado. Jado takes ELP’s hand and helps POP that shoulder! ELP storms up on Khan, fires forearm after forearm after forearm, then he ROCKS Khan on the ropes! The fans rally, ELP whips, and ELP DROPKICKS! Then ELP handsprings and the fans fire up more! ELP drags Khan up, straitjacket and torture rack! ELP spins for the BRAIN SALAD! Cover, TWO!! Khan survives but ELP vows to end this! The fans fire up as ELP tucks the arms. Khan wrenches out to IRON RIGHT! But SUDDEN DEATH returns! ELP hurries to tuck Khan in, and C R 2!! Cover, TWO?!? Khan survives and the fans are thunderous!
ELP isn’t sure what to make of this, but we’re past 10 minutes. ELP drags Khan to the drop zone, goes up the corner, but Khan bails out. The fans boo but ELP hops down. The ring count starts, but ELP goes out the side! ELP storms up on Khan as we pass 5 of 20! Jado stops Khan from using a chair! So Khan sends Jado at ELP! ELP stops Jado from running into him, and now ELP has the chair! Khan wants mercy, Jado tells ELP not to use the chair. ELP drops the chair, but the IRON RIGHT hits! We’re at 12 of 20 as Khan scoops ELP! T T D on the chair structure!! Khan rolls in at 17, ELP is down at 18! 19! 20!! KHAN WINS!!
Winner: Great-O-Khan, by count out (NEW NJPW World Television Champion)
Khan grins as his master plan worked out! TJP weakened ELP, then the chairs came into play like Chekov’s Gun. Khan has conquered another title, but what will he have in store for his “season” as NJPW World TV Champion?
Hiroshi Tanahashi VS Shota Umino!
The Ace continues down the Final Road, but the Roughneck is just starting his Second Chapter. However, after losing to David Finlay, could Shota be embracing a darker path? Or can President Tanahashi still show him the light?
Tanahashi is partially cosplaying Terry Bogard from Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves, and joining him is top cosplayer, Momo Momoto. Get your copy of Fatal Fury on April 24th! That aside, Shota makes his entrance, and despite his new edge, he still wears his shining white pants and jacket. The jackets are put aside, and Tanahashi shows off the abs. The fans cheer, and the bell rings. The fans rally for Tanahashi but Shota tunes it all out. They tie up, Tanahashi waistlocks but Shota wrenches. Tanahashi wrenches back, but Shota rolls, slips through, and hammerlocks. Tanahashi reaches around, and he elbows Shota into a headlock.
Shota powers up, but Tanahashi holds tight! The fans cheer and Tanahashi grinds the hold, but Shota fights back up. Shota fires body shots, powers up and out, but Tanahashi RAMS him! Shota rebounds and runs Tanahashi over! The fans fire up again while Shota shakes out the stars. Shota drags Tanahashi up, whips him to a corner, then runs in, only for Tanahashi to BOOT him away. Tanahashi goes up, up, and CROSSBODIES! Tanahashi bounces off and plays air guitar. The fans cheer while Shota goes to a corner. Tanahashi runs in but Shota dodges! Tanahashi hits buckles, Shota runs back in, but Shota blocks Tanahashi’s boots!
Shota brings Tanahashi out of the corner to DRAGON SCREW! The fans rally while Shota paces around Tanahashi. Shota stomps Tanahashi’s legs, then stomps them again. Shota drops knee after knee on Tanahashi’s knee, then shifts into a toehold. Tanahashi endures as Shota shifts around to get a different angle. Tanahashi keeps his shoulders up, then works on his escape. Shota pulls on the leg, but Tanahashi has the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer, Shota lets go, and he stands Tanahashi up to grab the leg again. Tanahashi fights the lift with elbows, then he runs, only for Shota to dropkick the legs out!
Shota hurries to stand Tanahashi back up, and he has the leg for a SHIN BREAKER! Tanahashi falls, Shota steps over, S T F! Tanahashi endures, reaches out, crawls forward, and the fans rally as he drags Shota along. Shota shifts to have the leg and he drags Tanahashi back! KNEE SMASH into the mat! Back to the STF! Tanahashi endures again but the fans continue to rally! Tanahashi fights to the side, reaches out, but Shota pulls on the crossface! Tanahashi still manages the ROPEBREAK! Shota lets go while the fans cheer, and Tanahashi crawls to a corner. Shota storms over, stomps Tanahashi’s leg, then stomps it again, and again!
Shota digs his boot in but the ref counts, so Shota steps off. Shota stands Tanahashi up to fire a forearm! And another! And another! Tanahashi turns things around to fire forearm after forearm! Shota turns things around to fire forearm after forearm! Tanahashi turns things back around for more forearms, but then so does Shota! Tanahashi turns things around again for another round of forearms! Shota shoves Tanahashi and eggs him on! The forearms fly back and forth, then Shota gets the edge! Shota bumps Tanahashi off buckles, ROCKS him, then ROCKS him again! Shota eggs Tanahashi on while the fans fire up!
Tanahashi rises up, and Shota fires another forearm! Tanahashi leans into it! And he leans into another! And another! Shota throws a flurry, but Tanahashi swings! Shota ducks to SHOTEI in return! Tanahashi wobbles, Shota kicks, but Tanahashi blocks it, to DRAGON SCREW! The fans fire up while Tanahashi rises. Tanahashi drags Shota up, fires a strike fest, then whips. Shota reverses, Tanahashi FLYING FOREARMS! The fans fire up with Tanahashi and he drags Shota up. Tanahashi scoops and SLAMS Shota down into the drop zone! Tanahashi goes up, SUNSET SENTON! Cover, TWO! Shota survives that solid impact and the fans rally up again!
Tanahashi waits on Shota, then he runs to SLING- NO, Shota slips around to half nelson! Tanahashi runs to ropes, bucks the nelson, but Shota ELBOWS and ENZIGIRIS! Tanahashi staggers, roars, but swings into the HALF ‘N’ HALF! Tanahashi’s back up, but runs into another HALF ‘N’ HALF But Tanahashi’s up again!? Shota gets him for a third HALF ‘N’ HALF! Bridging cover, TWO!! Tanahashi escapes and the fans are thunderous! Shota rises and now he waits on Tanahashi. Tanahashi slowly stands up, Shota runs the ropes, but Tanahasih slips under and spins Shota for TWIST ‘n’ SHOUT! And then another TWIST ‘N’ SHOUT!
Tanahashi roars as he brings Shota back up, but Shota fights the hattrick! Tanahashi fires body shots, Shota fires them back! Shota hooks the leg, SECOND- NO, Tanahashi fights the driver! But Shota fights the twist! Shota wrenches, swings, but into a full nelson! Shota breaks that, but ends up in a STRAITJACKET GERMAN! Bridging cover, TWO!! Shota escapes and the fans are thunderous again! Tanahashi gets moving, and he SLINGBLADES! Cover, TWO! Tanahashi hurries right up top! The fans fire up while Shota stands, HIGH FLY ATTACK! Shota is down, so Tanahashi goes back up!
The fans fire up as Tanahashi aims again! HIGH FLY FLOW FLOPS as Shota moves! Shota aims from the corner, fire in his eyes as Tanahashi rises. BLINDSIDE BUSAIKU KNEE!! Shota rises again while the fans rally as hard as they can for Tanahashi! Shota roars as he goes back to the corner! Tanahashi rises, into a BUSAIKU KNEE!! Shota isn’t done, as he drags Tanahashi up, hooks the leg, and SECOND- CRADLE from Tanahashi! TWO!!! Shota escapes in time! Both men stand, both men roar and run in! Shota dodges to then LARIAT!! Cover, TWO?!?! Tanahashi survives and Shota is furious, but the fans are electric!
Shota drags Tanahashi back up, reels him back in, and he hooks that leg! SECOND CHAPTER!!! Cover, SHOTA WINS!
Winner: Shota Umino, by pinfall
Whether light or dark, good or evil, that might just be a matter of perspective. What is clear is that Shota’s Second Chapter just punctuated a major part of Tanahashi’s last chapter! But wait, Shota wishes to speak. The mic is handed over, and the fans cheer Shota as he kneels by Tanahashi. “Tanahashi-san… I have just one decision, one option. I will lead Hontai here in NJPW!” Shota takes a bow of respect to President Tanahashi, but will he really lead the main unit when he is not yet atop the mountain? As for Tanahashi, he now has a week to prepare for his next match, that being with Konosuke Takeshita! Will The Ace be ready for The Alpha?
NEVER Openweight Six Man Tag Team Championships: The House of Torture VS Bullet Club War Dogs!
The Bullet Club Civil War continues to rage on, and now Ren Narita, Yujiro Takahashi & Sho must put up their gold against Gabe Kidd, “Drilla” Dan Moloney & Taiji Ishimori! Will the House use all the tricks in the book to keep these titles? Or will the War Dogs be bringing gold and bodies back to the pound?
The introductions are made, the NEVER belts are raised, and we see who is truly Bullet Club Prime!
The War Dogs TRIPLE SHOTGUN! Yujiro & Ren fall out of the ring, Sho takes a TRIPLE SUPERKICK! The fans fire up as Taiji and Gabe go up the corners, to DOUBLE ASAI MOONSAULT! Down go Yujiro & Ren and the fans fire up! The bell rings and Drilla drags Sho up. Gabe & Taiji set up Yujiro & Ren, Drilla SPLASH MOUNTAINS Sho out onto them!! The fans are thunderous and Drilla is all fired up! Gabe drags Ren out into the crowd to UPPERCUT! Taiji fires hands on Yujiro, Drilla has Sho, and it is chaos all around the arena! Drilla BOWLS Sho into chairs! Gabe does the same to Ren in some other segment!
Taiji SMACKS Yujiro off the timekeeper’s table! The fans rally, the ref reprimands, but Drilla drags Sho back to ringside. Drilla DECKS Sho, but Ren JAMS Gabe up with a chair! Ren has Gabe behind commentary and SMACKS him off a desk! Gabe falls back, Sho CHOKES Drilla, and then Sho puts Drilla in the ring. The fans boo but Ren POSTS Gabe! Sho stomps Drilla around, then tags in Yujiro. Sho stomps Drilla more, and the House all joins in. They drag Drilla up, whip him to a corner, then Sho runs up to forearm SMASH! Yujiro runs up to BOOT! Ren runs up to ELBOW! Ren snapmares Drilla down, then distracts the ref from seeing Yujiro’s FALLING HEADBUTT LOW BLOW!
The fans boo but Tokyo Pimp covers, only for Gabe to break it! Ren kicks Gabe back out, then Yujiro tags Ren in. The Souled Out Son of Strong Style storms up, but Drilla RAMS him into the corner! Gabe tags in, Taiji BLASTS the House, and now Taiji handsprings so he and Drilla can NEURALIZER HART ATTACK! Then CATAPULT into a HAYMAKER! Drilla lifts Ren into the Electric Chair, and Gabe goes up, up, and DOOMSDAY DEVICE!! Cover, Sho & Yujiro break it! The House brawls with the War Dogs, they go back and forth with forearms, but then the House just CLAW eyes! But the Dogs bark and CLAW eyes in return!
Taiji & Drilla whip, but Sho & Yujiro grab ropes! They TOSS Taiji, but Drilla sends Yujiro into Sho! GORE for Yujiro! Sho dodges Drilla to SPEAR! But Taiji springboards back in, SEATED SENTON! Ren BOOTS Taiji! Gable gets around Ren to ripcord, HAYMAKER, and Ren wobbles! The fans are thunderous, Gabe roars, and Gabe runs, only for Ren to dodge! Gabe rebounds, but into the NECKBREAKER DROP! Everyone is down, and this is just the first five minutes! Ren crawls to the corner, he tags Sho in, and Sho laughs as he stomps Gabe down. Ren and Sho stomp Gabe, digs their heels in, and soak up the heat.
Sho & Ren CHOKE Gabe, have him on the ropes, and then they double whip. Gabe DOUBLE LARIATS! The fans fire up as the anti-hero stands tall! Gabe barks, the fans join in, and Gabe runs to COMEBACKER LARIAT on Sho! Taiji returns, Gabe tags Drilla. Taiji gut wrenches Sho for CIPHER UTAKI, and Drilla deadlifts Sho! But Yujiro & Ren drag Gabe & Taiji outta the ring! Sho slips free to shove Drilla into the ref! The fans boo, but t hen Sho LOW BLOWS Drilla, and shoves him back into the ref!! The fans boo even more, but now Ren has his pushup bar! Ren CLOBBERS Gabe! The House regroups and they haul Drilla up.
Ren & Yujiro hold Drilla up while Sho has his “Torture Tool!” But then Sho spots something! CLARK CONNORS & SANADA are here! 100 Proof CLOBBERS Yujiro & Ren! Then he dodges Sho to UPPERCUT! Sanada… is in Astro Boy boots? What? But he has his guitar, and he aims at Sho! BUT HE SMASHES DRILLA?!?! Sanada gets the ref in the ring, Sho covers Drilla, House of Torture wins!!
Winners: The House of Torture, by pinfall (still NEVER Openweight Six Man Tag Team Champions)
The Cold Blooded snake does it again!! He ditched LIJ for Just5Guys, then he betrayed J5G to be Bullet Club 4 Life! Only to now betray the War Dogs and join the House of Torture!! Sanada unzips his jacket to confirm it, he’s wearing a “House of Torture is Real Bullet Club” shirt!! But then he and the House run away as Gabe gets back up! Is this Sanada’s final form? Is this going to be the deciding battle in the Bullet Club Civil War?
NJPW announces the field for the Best of the Super Juniors 32!
The fastest moving round robin tournament is on its way back! And in this year’s field, it will be: last year’s winner, El Desperado; “Funky Weapon” Ryusuke Taguchi; Mr. Direct Drive, YOH; “The Way to the Grandmaster,” Master Wato; “The Time Splitter,” KUSHIDA; “The Jet,” Kevin Knight; “The American Shinobi,” Ninja Mack; “Japanese Young Punk,” Kosei Fujita; “The Sniper of the Skies,” Robbie Eagles; “The Ticking Timebomb” and perhaps the most decorated winner of all, Hiromu Takahashi; “The Black Mask,” BUSHI; “The Crown of Fire,” Francesco Akira; “The Bone Soldier Reborn,” Taiji Ishimori; “100 Proof,” Clark Connors; “The Murder Machine,” SHO; “Heel Master,” Yoshinobu Kanemaru; a wild card from CMLL; Dragongate’s Dragon Dia; DDT Pro’s MAO; and AEW’s Nick Wayne!
So that’s TWENTY in all, two blocks of 10, and it all begins May 10th! Desperado is on commentary and is very excited about those crossover names. But will he go back to back? Or will another prove they are the Best of the Super Juniors?
NEVER Openweight Championship: Konosuke Takeshita VS Ryohei Oiwa w/ TMDK!
The Alpha became a double champion to start the year off strong, but he has since hit a speedbump. Kenny Omega is now AEW International Champion, but Konosuke still has gold to defend. Will Konosuke keep this title as he also prepares for the Windy City Riot? Or will The Mighty Mullet get a grip on some gold?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who NEVER gives in!
The bell rings and the fans rally up. The crowd seems split down the middle as Konosuke and Oiwa circle. They feel things out, back up, then tie up collar ‘n’ elbow. Oiwa waistlocks, but Konosuke switches. Oiwa switches back, but Konosuke grabs a leg and trips him. Oiwa goes for an arm, Konosuke rolls back, and Konosuke floats to a facelock. The two stand, they’re on the ropes, and the ref counts. Konosuke lets off slowly, pats Oiwa on the shoulders, and the fans applaud. Oiwa and Konosuke go again, and Konosuke grabs an arm. Konosuke wrenches to wristlock, but Oiwa rolls, wrenches and wristlocks in return.
Konosuke rolls, Oiwa wrangles him, and Oiwa STOMPS the arm! The fans applaud, and Oiwa top wristlocks Konosuke. Konosuke arm-drags free, headlocks for the takeover, but Oiwa headscissors. Konosuke kips free, Oiwa headlocks for the takeover, but Konosuke headscissors. Konosuke hooks a leg to stop the kip up and he has the cradle! TWO and both men hurry to their feet. Oiwa headlocks, Konosuke powers up and out, then he drops down to jump over. But Oiwa drops on the monkey flip for a cover! TWO, and Konosuke bails out! Oiwa hurries out after him, headlocks again, but Konosuke powers up and out.
Oiwa whips Konosuke to send him hard into railing! The fans cheer, Oiwa drags Konosuke up, and Oiwa whips Konosuke, only for Konosuke to reverse! Oiwa hits railing, then Konosuke runs up to BOOT Oiwa! But Konosuke goes so hard, he falls over the railing! Konosuke gets back up while Oiwa is still down, and he drags Oiwa up. Konosuke puts Oiwa in the ring, the fans applaud, and Konosuke springboards! Oiwa dodges, runs up and ELBOWS Konosuke in the corner! Oiwa whips Konosuke to a corner, then runs up to ELBOW him again! Oiwa fires up, the fans are with him, and he whips corner to corner just to YANK the arm!
The fans applaud the savvy, and Oiwa clamps onto Konosuke’s arm. Konosuke endures as Oiwa grinds the shoulder. Konosuke fights up, Oiwa wrenches and wristlocks, but Konosuke powers up, only for Oiwa to wrangle him to the mat! Oiwa hammerlocks that arm, cording holds the other, and he rolls Konosuke up, TWO! Oiwa keeps Konosuke down with a double wristlock! Konosuke fights up, but Oiwa RAMS him into the corner! Konosuke drops to his knees but Oiwa drags him back up. Oiwa clamps onto the arm again, but Konosuke fights against it. Konosuke eggs Oiwa on so Oiwa puts on the pressure! Only for Konosuke to scoop and SLAM!
But Oiwa holds on and drags Konosuke down! Oiwa pulls on the arm with that keylock, but Konosuke fights up to his feet. Oiwa whips Konosuke to a corner, Konosuke stops himself and ELBOWS Oiwa back. And ELBOWS him again! Konosuke goes up, but Oiwa DROPKICKS him first! Konosuke falls against the buckles, and Oiwa goes out to grab the bad arm! The ref reprimands but Oiwa climbs up to throw down elbows. Oiwa then has a facelock, and the bad arm, but Konosuke fires body shots! Konosuke HEADBUTTS Oiwa! The fans rally as both men adjust their position, and Konosuke has Oiwa on the very top!
Konosuke fires up for the SUPER DUPER PLEX! The fans are thunderous while both men are down! Konosuke clutches the bad arm, but he still rises back up! Konosuke drags Oiwa up, reels him in, but Oiwa fights with elbows! Oiwa wants the arm, Konosuke rolls through! Oiwa dodges the lariat to SNAP GERMAN! And then he waistlocks for another GERMAN SUPLEX! Konosuke stands, Oiwa runs up, but into an EXPLODER! Oiwa rises up, swings again, but into the BLUE THUNDER BOMB! Cover, TWO!! Oiwa survives and the fans fire up! Konosuke huffs ‘n’ puffs and stands back up, daring Oiwa to do the same.
Oiwa stands, and Konosuke fires a forearm! Oiwa snarls and fires one in return! Konosuke fires another forearm, Oiwa staggers, but he stays up. Oiwa comes back to fire a forearm! The forearms go back and forth, the fans rally up as they go harder, but then Oiwa wrenches and YANKS the arm! Oiwa wrenches to an ELBOW BREAKER, then another ELBOW- NO, Konosuke has a SLEEPER! Oiwa slips free to put the SLEEPER on Konosuke! Konosuke shifts, powers up and out, and they RAM shoulders! Both men rebound, and Konosuke JUMP KNEES Oiwa down! Konosuke fires up, hauls Oiwa up, but Oiwa SAIDOS!
The fans fire up while both men are down! Oiwa rises, the fans rally, and Oiwa goes to a corner. Oiwa climbs up, takes aim, and DIVING SPLASHES onto knees! Cradle, TWO!! Oiwa is free, and he runs up to HEADSCISSOR TAKEDOWN! Cover, TWO! Oiwa and Konosuke DOUBLE LARIAT! They stay up, Konosuke BOOTS Oiwa’s next lariat, then dodges the other! But he runs into a LARIAT all the same! The fans fire up and Oiwa waistlocks! Oiwa then spins Konosuke, but Konosuke dodges The Grip! Konosuke waistlocks, Oiwa switches, Konosuke switches back, and O’Conner CHAOS THEORY! Bridging cover, TWO!!
Oiwa survives and the fans fire up! Konosuke grits his teeth and rises back up. Konosuke aims from a corner, Oiwa rises, POWER- NO, Oiwa catches Konosuke to a DOCTOR BOMB!! Cover, TWO!! Oiwa hurries to clamp on the keylock! Oiwa drags Konosuke into SHANKLY GATES!! Konosuke endures being bent and twisted while the fans rally up! Konosuke shifts around, reaches out, but Oiwa puts all he can onto the hold! Konosuke still manages the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer while Oiwa lets go in frustration. Konosuke rises, but Oiwa waistlocks! Konosuke holds onto the ropes with one hand, but Oiwa pulls him free! GERMAN SUPLEX! Konosuke lands out!?
Konosuke runs up, dodges a lariat, and then DOUBLE LARIATS collide! Both men rebound, and Konosuke LARIATS through! Konosuke hurries to suplex, RAGIN- NO, Oiwa fights the fire, but Konosuke suplexes for a BRAINBUSTER! Cover, ONE?!!? Oiwa shows some true grit, and Konosuke is impressed! Konosuke storms up to ROCK Oiwa, then ROCK him again! Oiwa wobbles but Konosuke ROCKS him again! Konosuke spins, but so does Oiwa! Oiwa ROLLING ELBOWS first! SLEEPER! And then THE GRIP misses! ROLLING ELBOW from Konosuke! Elbow pad off, ALPHA ELBOW hits!! And then RAGING FIRE!!! Cover, Konosuke wins!!
Winner: Konosuke Takeshita, by pinfall (still NEVER Openweight Champion)
While The Mighty Don’t Kneel, Oiwa could not withstand The Alpha’s arsenal! Konosuke keeps this title around his waist, and now he must prepare for April 11th. Will Konosuke be ready for the Once in a Century Talent?
IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Championships: Tetsuya Naito & Hiromu Takahashi VS Jeff Cobb & Callum Newman!
The leader and, uh, other leader(?) of Los Ingobernables de Japon won the World Tag League, and eventually won these titles off the Young Bucks. But the United Empire wants to take back what they never truly lost! Will the Imperial Unit & Prince of Pace avenge Aaron Henare? Or will things in the Heavyweight Tag Division stay tranquilo?
The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we see if the Empire gains more gold!
Naito takes his time with his elaborate entrance attire, as is his wont. The pants are put aside, the teams sort out, and after the LIJ fist bump, Hiromu starts against Callum. The bell rings, the fans rally, and Hiromu stares down Callum. Hiromu vibes with the chants for “HI-RO-MU! HI-RO-MU!” The two tie up, are in a deadlock, and they go around. Callum uses his height to put Hiromu on the ropes, but then Hiromu turns things around. The ref counts the break, Hiromu lets off, but Callum avoids the chop! Callum whips, Hiromu reverses, but Callum ducks ‘n’ dodges, but then so does Hiromu! Hiromu RANAS, Callum handsprings through!
Callum runs up, Hiromu dodges and RANAS again, but Callum still handsprings through! But Hiromu spins Callum, only for Callum to fight the suplex! Hiromu CHOPS, Naito jumps in, and they double whip! But Callum BOOTS through Tendedero! LIJ tries again, Callum ducks this time, and he runs again, only for LIJ to avoid the boot! TENDEDERO! Naito & Hiromu hit Cobb with TENDEDERO! Cobb is furious but Hiromu goes after Callum. Hiromu drags Callum over to bump off buckles, then he tags Naito. The fans rally for Naito while he cravats Callum. Callum endures the neck wrench, Hiromu puts his boots in, and Naito sends Callum into them!
The fans applaud while Naito brings Callum up. Hiromu joins in and picks Callum’s legs up, DRAPING NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Naito tags Hiromu, then drags Callum up for a CHOP! Hiromu CHOPS Callum in the corner, whips corner to corner, then runs up to LARIAT! Snapmare and Hiromu gets moving, but Callum dodges to basement DROPKICK! The fans rally up, Callum rolls and hot tags Cobb! The fans cheer as Cobb brings Hiromu up, reels him in, and then SLAMS him down by his waistband! Cobb steps on Hiromu but dares Naito to come in. GACHIMUCHI MOONSAULT on Hiromu’s back!
Cobb mocks the LIJ fist with a hang loose, then he ROCKS Hiromu. Cobb whips Hiromu corner to corner, but Hiromu runs back to CROSSBODY! Cobb catches Hiromu, and swings, but Hiromu slips free! Hiromu ducks ‘n’ dodges to RAN- NO! Cobb stops that and he lifts Hiromu up! But Hiromu pops free to DDT! Both men are down and the fans fire up! Hot tag to Naito! Naito fires hands on Cobb, kicks and CLUBS him, but Cobb just frowns. Cobb swings, Naito dodges to waistlock, but Cobb switches. Cobb shoves Naito, but Naito grabs the ropes. Cobb runs up, Naito BOOTS him, but Cobb eggs him on.
Naito fires forearms, but Cobb runs up, but into an atomic drop! Naito runs, ELBOWS Cobb down, then basement DROPKICKS! The fans rally, Naito BLASTS Callum off the apron, then whips Cobb. Cobb reverses, but Naoto BOOTS him! Naito goes up, and hits ESPERANZA! Cobb flounders, stands up, and Naito CORRIENDO SHIKI- ATHLETIC PLEX! The fans fire up as Cobb turns things around on Naito, and now he crawls to hot tag Callum! Callum runs corner to corner to JUMP KICK Naito! And then he brings Naito around to suplex, but Hiromu runs in! Hiromu dropkicks Callum’s legs out! Cobb “JOHN CENA!” SHOULDER TACKLES!
Naito wrenches Cobb, reels him in, and TORNADO DDTS! Cobb flounders away, Naito catches Callum and feeds him to a SUPERKICK! CORRIENDO SHIKI DESTINO!! Cover, TWO!! Callum survives and the fans fire up! The fans rally, Naito drags Callum up, and Hiromu waits on Naito. Hiromu gives Naito the boost, but Callum stops the DDT! Callum and Naito switch, Naito feeds Callum to Hiromu for a dosido and roll-up! Callum rolls through, but runs into TENDEDERO! Naito wrenches, throws elbows, then wrenches again! DESTI- NO! Callum stops it, so Hiromu SHOTGUNS Callum into the DESTINO!! Cover, Cobb SHOVES Hiromu down to break it!
Cobb waistlocks and deadlifts Naito, but Naito fights with elbows! Cobb lets go to SUPERKICK Naito, then reels him in for a TOUR OF THE- CROSSBODY from Hiromu! The fans fire up with Hiromu, and he drags Cobb up. Hiromu fireman’s carries Cobb!? But Cobb slips free, and he TOSSES Hiromu out! Cobb calls to Callum, then he scoops Naito. But Hiromu SUPERKICKS Cobb to save Naito! And he SUPERKICKS Callum! But Callum stays up, dodges a lariat, and he GERMAN SUPLEXES Hiromu! Callum runs, but into an OVERHEAD SUPLEX into buckles! Hiromu fires up, the fans are with him, and he brings Callum back up.
Hiromu fireman’s carries, but Callum slips free! Feed to a POP-UP POEWRBOMB! Cobb hurries to TOUR OF THE ISLANDS!! Hiromu flounders away, but Naito runs up! But into a TOUR OF- DESTINO!! Callum runs up, ducks ‘n’ dodges, springboard, OSCUTTER 2.0!! And then the fisherman, for FIREBOLT!! Cover, TWO!?!? Naito survives and Callum is shocked! But Callum hurries to stand Naito up, reel him back in, but Naito wrenches out! Naito fires elbow after elbow, but Callum ducks! Callum ELBOWS Naito, but Naito SPITS at Callum! Callum CHOPS, Naito ELBOWS, and Naito ROLLING KICKS!
Naito hurries to get Callum back up, wrench, and DESTIN- NO!! Callum blocks to flip Naito into a TOUR OF THE ISLANDS!!! Cobb roars, and he tells Callum to get this done! Cobb scoops, Callum aims, LAWN DART KNEE SHOT!! The fans are thunderous as Callum adds the BLOODY SUNDAY!!! Cover, COBB & CALLUM WIN!!!
Winners: Jeff Cobb & Callum Newman, by pinfall (NEW IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Champions)
The Empire once again conquers the Heavyweight Tag Division, and Callum finally has gold here in NJPW! Khan waves the banner as he also wears the NJPW World TV Champion, is this Sakura Genesis just the beginning of The United Empire completely conquering NJPW?
IWGP Global Heavyweight Championship: Yota Tsuji VS EVIL w/ Dick Togo!
The Gene Blast took this title off of David Finlay, then kept it from Gabe Kidd, but now, amidst the Bullet Club Civil War, it is the House of Torture’s King of Darkness that wants this title. Will Evil rub it in The Rebel’s face that he has Finlay’s creation? Or will Yota be the one to keep things tranquilo tonight?
Evil & Dick don’t wait for the introductions, they attack Tsuji on the outside! They beat him down, drag him up, and put him in the ring! Evil stomps away on Tsuji and pulls the jacket off him, but that’s not YOTA Tsuji! That’s Yota’s older brother! The Tsuji brothers used this trick before, and it worked out again! Yota runs in and CLOBBERS Dick! Evil takes a swing but Yota BODY BLOWS first! The fans fire up as Yota BOOTS Evil down! Yota grins, then helps his brother up. The fans cheer as they both smile, and then Yota holds up the title. Yota hands that to the ref, the bell rings, and Evil suddenly wants mercy?
The fans rally for Yota and he eggs Evil on. Evil offers a handshake, but then goes for the eye poke! But Yota blocks with the classic one hand prayer! And then he pokes Evil in the eyes! The fans cheer, Yota runs, but Evil distracts the ref and Dick trips Yota up! The fans boo but Dick pretends his hands are clean. Evil kicks Yota around, but then Dick goes after Yota’s brother! Dick drags Elder Tsuji away from ringside and Evil mockingly says goodbye. Then he RAMS Yota into the timekeeper! Abe-san suffers again and the fans boo. Evil grabs the mic while he digs his boots into Yota, and he tells Yota that he wasn’t gonna get away with that cheap trick!
Evil talks trash on Yota, “Are you ready to fall like cherry blossoms off the tree?” Evil then laughs and stomps Yota down. Evil slips into the ring, the ref checks Yota, and Yota says he’s fine. Yota hobbles into the ring, but Evil pushes him down. Evil stomps away on the bad leg, then drops an elbow on the knee! Yota endures as Evil pulls on the leg, but Evil digs his elbow in. Yota drags Evil along to the ROPEBREAK! The ref counts, Evil lets go at 4, and Evil distracts the ref again so Dick can SLAM Yota’s leg on the apron! Dick then hits a DRIVE-BY DROPKICK! Yota staggers away, the ref reprimands Dick, and Dick backs away.
Evil again argues with the ref, and Dick puts Yota in for him. Evil ties up the legs, and he salutes as he has Yota in a BLUE JUSTICE FIGURE FOUR! Evil mocks Yuji Nagata, and says HE is justice now! Yota endures, reaches out, and drags Evil along again. The fans rally as Yota keeps fighting his way over, and he has the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer but Evil holds on so the ref reprimands. Evil lets go of Yota, then tells Yota to just quit now. Evil stands on the bad leg, but the ref has him back off. Yota grits his teeth and clutches the bad leg, but the fans rally behind him. Evil drags Yota up, but Yota fires a forearm!
Yota fires another forearm, and another, but Evil kicks the bad leg! Evil whips, but Yota can’t even make it to the ropes! Evil grins, and he grabs the bad leg to SMASH the knee on the mat! The ref checks on Yota but Yota refuses to let it end here. Evil stands on the bad leg, then he drags Yota up. Evil whips Yota into a corner, then runs up, but Yota BOOTS him! Evil tries again, and he blocks a boot, only for Yota to reel him in! DOUBLE STOMP! But that was double-edged given the bad knee! Yota falls over, shakes out the leg, and he tells the ref he can continue. Yota fires up and walks off the pain, and the fans rally as he goes after Evil.
Yota fires forearm after forearm, then whips. Evil reverses, but Yota RANAS! The fans fire up while Evil tumbles out of the ring! Yota fires up again, and he builds speed to DIVE! Direct hit and Evil hits railing! The fans fire up while both men are down! Dick is lurking nearby, but Yota stands up and fires up again! The fans cheer Yota on, and he drags Evil up. Yota puts Evil in the ring, the fans cheer again, but Dick is creeping! Dick grabs a leg, but Yota BOOTS him away! Yota ROCKS Evil, then slingshots and somersaults! Yota keeps moving, and he runs Evil over! Then SPLASH DOWN! Cover, TWO! Evil stays in this but Yota stays focused.
Yota drags Evil up, brings him around, and stomps him down. Yota goes to the corner, jumps up, up, but Evil dodges! No Marlowe Crush, and the leg jams again! Evil CHOP BLOCKS the leg! Both men are down and the fans rally up. Evil grins while Yota grits his teeth, and Evil stands first. Evil drags Yota around, stomps the bad leg again and again, then turns Yota over to SMASH the knee! Yota writhes and crawls to a corner, but Evil winds up the arm. Evil runs in, LARIATS, then FISHERMAN BUSTER! Cover, TWO! Yota stays in this and the fans fire up. Evil tells the fans to shut up, and then he talks more trash on those cheering for Yota.
Evil drags Yota up, reels him in, but Yota fights the fireman’s carry! Yota throws elbows, but Evil LARIATS! Yota stays up, and he glares defiantly at Evil. Evil LARIATS again, and Yota drops to a knee! Evil winds up, runs, but Yota blocks the lariat to ROCK! And SUPERKICK! But Evil CLUBS the knee, ROCKS Yota, ROLLING ELBOWS, then winds up to LARIAT! Cover, TWO!! Yota survives and the fans fire up! But Evil has the legs, for the SCORPION DEATHLOCK! Yota endures as Evil sits deep on the iconic hold! The fans rally as hard as they can, and Yota powers up! Yota fights forward, claws at the mat, but Evil sits back down!
The fans rally more as Yota still endures! Yota shouts in pain, but he also powers up again! Yota fights forward, reaches out, and has the ROPEBREAK! The ref counts, Evil lets go at 4, and paces in frustration. Evil then smirks as he drags Yota by his arm. Evil wants the ref to ask Yota, but Yota refuses to give in. Evil stands on Yota’s head, then drags him back up. Evil slaps Yota around, but Yota fires short headbutts into Evil’s chest. Evil laughs, fireman’s carries, but Yota flails free! But the leg jams! Evil kicks the bad leg, then whips Yota! Evil goes to the corner and comes back, but into the BACKBREAKER! FLATLINER! CURB STOMP!!
The fans fire up as the Gene Combination hits! Yota sits back and clutches the bad knee, and tries to get it working again. Yota rises, fires back up, and he roars! The fans rally behind him and Yota drags Evil up to CLUB him back down. Yota goes to the corner, then goes up, up, and wait! Kanemaru has Elder Tsuji hostage! The distraction lets Evil CHOP BLOCK Yota off the corner! The fans boo but Dick CLOBBERS the ref!? Dick stomps away on Yota while Kanemaru puts Yota’s brother in the ring! Evil grins as now he, Kanemaru & Dick stomp away on the Tsuji brothers! Dick ROCKS Yota and has him in the corner.
Dick & Kanemaru double whip Yota, then Dick runs in for an ELBOW! Kanemaru adds an ELBOW, and Evil adds a LARIAT! They snapmare Yota, hold him up, and Dick goes up top! DICK CHOP!! The fans boo, but the Tsuji brothers are put together for a DOUBLE SPOILER CHOKER! The fans boo more, but here comes Shingo Takagi! He CLOBBERS Kanemaru, CLUBS Dick, then DECKS Dick! Takagi gets Yota’s brother out of there, but Kanemaru CLAWS Takagi’s eyes! Kanemaru runs, but into the ELBOW! JAB! And YUKON LARIAT! The fans fire up for the Rampaging Dragon, “TOKI GA KITA!”
But Evil LOW BLOWS Takagi! Evil laughs at Takagi, but Yota LOW BLOWS Evil!! The fans cheer as now things are even! The fans rally up behind Yota and he hobbles over to Evil. Yota drags Evil up, reels him in, but Evil fights the suplex! They fight for control, and Evil suplexes Yota, but gets STUN DOG MILLIONAIRE! And then Yota suplexes for the ORANGE CRUSH!! Cover, TWO!! Evil survives and Yota roars! The fans fire up with Yota as he takes aim from the corner. Evil rises, but he sends the ref at Yota! Then Evil kicks low, and uses the ref to help with MAGIC KILLER! But that sends the ref tumbling!
The fans rally while Evil grins. Evil rises, he brings Yota up and runs, to LARIAT!! Cover, TWO!! Yota survives and the fans are thunderous! Evil is furious but he drags Yota to his feet. Fireman’s carry and DARKNESS FALLS! Cover, TWO!! Yota survives and the fans fire up again! Evil is even angrier now, but he slashes his throat and vows to end this! Evil drags Yota up, spins him around, EVERY- NO, Yota slips free and clinches! Evil fights free, but GENE BLASTER OUTTA NOWHERE!! Cover, TWO?!?! Evil survives but Yota just goes to the corner! Yota rises up, takes aim again, and the fans fire up as Yota roars!
Evil rises, Yota runs up, GENE- NO, Evil sends him into a corner! Dick drags the ref out! Evil has Yota up, Dick takes aim, but Yota ducks! POCKET SAND hits Evil!! The fans fire up as Yota DECKS Dick! Kanemaru is back, and he dropkicks Yota’s legs out! Kanemaru calls to Evil, then he gets the whiskey! Evil stands Yota up, but Yota ducks again, WHISKEY MIST hits Evil in the face!! Takagi is back to PUMPING BOMBER Kanemaru!! Yota reloads, runs up, and GENE TRIGGERS! Yota goes up, up, and MARLOWE CRUSH!! Yota roars and the fans are thunderous! Evil rises, into the GENE BLASTER!!! Cover, YOTA WINS!!
Winner: Yota Tsuji, by pinfall (still IWGP Global Heavyweight Champion)
The King of Darkness could not claim his throne, and that is TRUE justice! Will the House of Torture simply focus on battling with the War Dogs?
As for Yota, Takagi helps him stand, and Yota grabs the mic. The fans cheer, and Yota says, “I am the ray of hope to the new era of NJPW. But, how about you?” Wait! Yuya Uemura is here! Yota continues by saying, “Can you be the sun to light up this NJPW ring? OI, UEMURA!” Yota turns around to see Yuya there. Yota invites him in, and Yuya steps inside. Yota tells Yuya, “My next challenger is you.” The fans cheer, and Yuya takes the mic to say, “It’s not the belt that motivates me right now. To erase the memory of that day, I want to fight the Tsuji of today!” The fans cheer that! Yuya then says, “I, the Heat Storm, will be the one to light up pro-wrestling and everyone here!”
The fans cheer and Yuya gives the mic back to Yota. Yota smiles and says, “Oi, Uemura. Are you ready?” The fans cheer as Yota drops the mic. Gene Blast or Heat Storm, who will be forged in gold when these two collide?
IWGP World Heavyweight Championship: Hirooki Goto w/ YOSHI-HASHI VS David Finlay w/ Gedo!
The Fierce Warrior finally leads the charge as THE champion here in NJPW, and he was even given the reins of Hontai by Hiroshi Tanahashi himself. But The Rebel does things his own way, from taking over Bullet Club to finally winning the New Japan Cup. There is only room for ONE world champion here, so will the G in IWGP still be for Goto? Or will the Savage King finally reign supreme?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who truly leads the revolution!
The bell rings and the fans rally for “GO-TO-O! GO-TO-O!” Red Shoes doesn’t even bother taking the measure, it is very clear Goto holds the crowd. Goto and Finlay circle, feel things out, and tie up. Finlay has the arm, hammerlocks, but Goto switches that onto Finlay. Goto headlocks, hits the takeover, but Finlay headscissors. Goto kips free, the two stand off, and the fans cheer. Finlay and Goto reset, circle again, and Finlay smirks as the crowd continues to cheer on Goto. They tie up again, are in a deadlock right at center, but Goto’s slight height advantage helps push Finlay back a couple steps. Goto puts Finlay on the ropes, and Red Shoes calls the break.
Goto and Finlay slowly let off, and Goto pats Finlay on the shoulders. But then Finlay ROCKS Goto with a cheap shot and headlocks! The fans boo and Red Shoes reprimands, but Finlay grinds the hold. Goto powers up and out to then headlock Finlay in return. Finlay powers up but can’t power out as Goto holds tight! The fans cheer, Finlay fights up, and Finlay fires body shots. Finlay powers up and out, but Goto runs him over! The fans cheer and Goto looms over Finlay. Things get moving, and Finlay drops down, hurdles over, but runs into a HIP TOSS! Finlay hurries to his feet, but Goto TOSSES him out! Finlay tumbles into the railing!
The fans cheer and Goto eggs Finlay on. Finlay storms in but Goto kicks and CLUBS him! Goto CLUBS Finlay more, whips him, but Finlay reverses. Goto ducks ‘n’ dodges but then Finlay ducks to kick low! Finlay runs, but into a BACKDROP! The fans cheer while Finlay writhes. Goto stomps Finlay, then CLUBS him again. Goto CLUBS Finlay more and Finlay falls against ropes. Goto brings Finlay up, but Finlay fireman’s carries to HOTSHOT, then RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP! Cover, TWO! Goto is tougher than that but Finlay stays focused. Finlay rains down fists, but Red Shoes reprimands about the closed fists.
Finlay lets off, and he throws up the Too Sweet while the fans boo. Finlay stands on Goto but Red Shoes doesn’t like the cocky cover. Finlay argues with Red Shoes, but Red Shoes won’t budge. Finlay clamps onto Goto for a neck wrench, but he also fishhooks Goto’s nose! Red Shoes reprimands, and Goto kicks forward to get the ROPEBREAK! Finlay lets go with just one hand but Red Shoes counts. Finlay CLUBS Goto down at 4! The fans rally for Goto while Red Shoes reprimands Finlay. Finlay drags Goto up and whips Goto hard into the corner! Gedo tells Goto to give up, but Finlay whips Goto hard into the other corner!
The fans boo but Finlay shrugs, then flexes. Finlay grins and covers Goto, TWO! Goto is tougher than that, but Finlay drags Goto up. Goto CHOPS! And CHOPS! And CHOPS! But Finlay throat chops! Finlay whips, but Goto reverses, and then Goto runs up, but into BOOTS! Finlay runs, but Goto follows and LARIATS! The fans fire up while both men are down! Gedo coaches Finlay but Goto brings him up for forearms. Goto whips corner to corner, then runs in, only for Finlay to FLAPJACK him off the buckles! Finlay then runs and LARIATS Goto and himself out of the ring! That was a rougher landing for Finlay and Red Shoes checks on him.
Finlay shakes out the bad hand, and he drags Goto up. Finlay RAMS Goto hard into railing! The fans boo but Finlay soaks up that heat. His hand seems to be alright as he waves to the fans. Finlay then dumps the belt off the timekeeper’s table! Finlay throws the tablecloth at the fans, then sets that table up near ringside. Finlay brings out a second table, and he places it right next to the first. Gedo tells Goto to give up now, and Finlay refreshes the ring count. Finlay brings Goto over to the tables, reels him in, and POWER- NO, Goto fights free! Goto RAMS Finlay into railing! Both men are down and the fans fire up!
Gedo coaches Finlay but Goto stomps him down. Goto stomps Finlay more, then whips him hard into the railing! Finlay falls to the floor but Goto stomps him. Goto drags Finlay up to CLUB him, but Finlay fireman’s carries! And POSTS him! Gedo loves it but the fans are torn at best. Finlay storms through the gate, but Red Shoes says to keep this near the ring. Finlay pretends not to hear that, and he hoists Goto up! But Goto RANAS out of the bomb and POSTS Finlay at the same time! The fans fire up while both men are down! The ring count starts again and Goto crawls his way over to Finlay by 7 of 20.
Goto stands at 9, and he drags Finlay up at 12. Goto puts Finlay in the ring and the fans cheer. We’re only ten minutes into this but Goto fires up. Goto fires forearms, then whips corner to corner. Goto runs up, MURAMASA! And then SAIDO! Cover, TWO! Finlay is tougher than that, but the fans continue to rally for Goto. Goto drags Finlay up, fireman’s carries, but Finlay slips free to roll Goto up! High stack, TWO! Finlay basement UPPERCUTS! Goto sputters and rolls away to a corner. Finlay goes to the other and barks. There are fans who join in, and Finlay runs corner to corner, but into a BOOT! Finlay still LARIATS!
Finlay LARIATS Goto in the corner again and again! Finlay then clinches, but Goto fights with elbows! Finlay fires a forearm, Goto fires back! Finlay fires another forearm, but Goto fires back! The fans rally as Finlay wobbles already! Finlay fires another shot, Goto fires another shot, and they go back and forth! The fans rally but Finlay gets the edge! ROLLING- NO, Goto catches Finlay to an URA GTR! Goto runs, DOUBLE LARIATS collide! Finlay runs, Goto follows, but Finlay dodges to LARIAT through! Cover, TWO!! Goto survives and the fans fire up again! Finlay is annoyed but he watches Goto crawl to a corner.
Finlay runs in, and he UPPERCUTS! Then Finlay suplexes to TOSS Goto away! The fans boo but Finlay flexes and swaggers around. Cover, TWO! Goto is still tougher than that, but Finlay seems more amused than anything. Finlay sits Goto up and makes him look to the camera. Finlay fires crossface forearm after crossface forearm! Gedo tells Goto to just give up! Finlay fires more forearms, then stands over Goto. Finlay again taunts Goto’s kids like he did months ago, and the fans boo Finlay more. The fans continue to rally behind Goto, and Finlay clinches for the BACKBREAKER! Then he reels Goto in for a CANADIAN HAMMER! Cover, TWO!!
The fans fire up as Goto survives! Gedo tells Finlay to keep on Goto, and Finlay pushes Goto to the apron. They’re near the tables! Finlay goes to the apron and tells the kids to say goodbye to daddy. Finlay reels Goto in, lifts him up, but Goto fights free! Finlay BOOTS Goto, stomps him on the apron, but Red Shoes reprimands. Finlay hauls Goto up and reels him in again, then mocks the tears. The fans boo, but Goto fireman’s carries Finlay! The fans fire up for the DEATH VALLEY DRIVER through the tables! Only one table breaks properly but Finlay suffers all the same! The fans are thunderous while both men are down!
Red Shoes checks and Finlay is somehow okay to continue. A ring count begins, the fans continue to cheer for “GO-TO-O!” and he rise sup. Goto heads for Finlay at 7 of 20, but reaches him at 13. Goto drags Finlay up at 14 and puts him in at 15! The fans cheer as Goto wants to win this the honorable way. Goto rolls in, drags Finlay up, and fireman’s carries for the G T W!! Cover, TWO!! Finlay survives and the fans rally up again. Gedo pounds the apron to rally for Finlay but the crowd is still with Goto. Goto rises, hobbles around, and he roars! The fans cheer as Goto aims, BUZZSAW! Finlay flops back but Goto drags him up!
Goto dragon sleepers, but Finlay spins through! Goto fights the suplex, but so does Finlay! Got suplexes, Finlay slips free and then SNAP OVERKILL!! Cover, TWO!!! Goto survives as Finlay couldn’t get the full impact! The fans rally as hard as they can while both men are down! Finlay grits his teeth, clutches his back, and crawls back to Goto. Finlay drags Goto up, reels him in, and hoists him up for a BUCKLE BOMB! But Goto comes back! Finlay dodges the lariat to POWERBOMB!! Cover, TWO!!! Goto survives again and Finlay grows frustrated! We hit 20 minutes and yet this feels like far less time! Finlay snarls as he drags Goto back up.
Finlay puts Goto on the top rope, then fires forearms. Finlay climbs while the fans rally more, and Finlay hoists Goto up. Goto fires body shots! Then he ROCKS Finlay with a forearm! Finlay drops back, but runs up and ROCKS Goto again! Finlay climbs to fire off more forearms, but Goto fires back! Goto HEADBUTTS Finlay again and again! Goto tucks Finlay in and the fans are already going nuts! Goto rises up to SUPER SUNSET BOMB!! Cover, TWO!!! Finlay survives and the fans are thunderous! Goto roars and he brings Finlay back up, only for Finlay to suplex, INTO OBLIVION!! Cover, TWO!?!?
Finlay staggers around, completely shocked! But he vows to end this now! Finlay drags Goto up, suplexes and OVER- NO, Goto cradle counters! TWO! Finlay holds on, suplexes again, OVER- NO!! Goto blocks the knee! Finlay fires furious fists and forearms, but Goto just HEADBUTTS him! Goto snarls and the fans are thunderous again! Finlay sputters, Goto stands him up to fireman’s carry! But Finlay sunset flips! Goto rolls through, into PRIMA NOCTA!! Finlay hauls Goto up, but Goto suplexes!! SHOTEN KAI!!! Cover, TWO!?!? Finlay survives and the fans are electric! Gedo himself is going nuts!
Goto hauls Finlay up, dragon sleepers, G T- NO, Finlay hooks the arm! The two fight for the backslide, but Goto spins Finlay through! G T R!!! But he’s not done! ANOTHER G T R!!!! Wait, Goto still isn’t done?!? Talk about overkill as Goto hammerlocks an arm, and gives Finlay the G T R KAI!!!! Cover, GOTO WINS!
Winner: Hirooki Goto, by pinfall (still IWGP World Heavyweight Champion)
The fans erupt for “GO-TO-O!” as he crushes the dream of the would-be king! If Finlay fought this hard just to fall short, how much harder must he fight to truly stand atop the mountain?
As for Goto, Red Shoes & Yoshi-Hashi help put the belt back on the champion while the fans cheer. Goto then gets the mic to say, “This is no Cinderella fairytale. This is reality!” The fans cheer that! Goto tells his son and daughter, “Thank you for fighting alongside me.” The fans applaud, and Goto continues to say, “No matter how many times you get beaten, if you don’t give up, then you don’t really lose. Children, you’ll face many adversities in life. But never back down!” The fans applaud that, too, and Goto tells everyone thanks for coming today. “Next up is Chicago in America. I know who I want to face.”
The fans are intrigued, and Goto tells Shota Umino to come out! Now the fans aren’t so sure about this. Goto says he knows Shota is watching, so please, come on out. The Roughneck returns, and Goto invites him into the ring. Shota takes off his jacket and hat, then steps into the ring to be face to face with Goto. The fans boo, so Shota hops back down. Goto says no, hold on, he’s not done talking. Goto wants Shota to step into the ring, so Shota does it for Goto. Goto knows Shota has “freed himself from doubt.” Then, they’ll fight with this belt on the line. The fans are again torn, but Goto tells Shota that they can show America a REAL NJPW match! What’s he say to that?
Goto holds out the mic, and Shota takes it. The fans are torn, with plenty of boos but also plenty of cheers. Shota tells Goto, “First of all, congratulations on your defense. Daddy’s pretty cool, isn’t he? Let’s show the world the power of NJPW’s Hontai.” The fans do applaud that, and Shota says, “I’ll give you everything I’ve got to take that belt.” Shota drops the mic to shake Goto’s hand, then he heads out. As for Goto, he continues to say that “The Goto Revolution isn’t just limited to Japan. The Goto Revolution continues, make sure you follow me! The G in IWGP, you’ve caught on, haven’t you? Let’s do this! The G in IWGP stands for GOTO!”
And with that, The Fierce Warrior is moving forward! Will he continue to lead NJPW and its new era? Or will the Paradigm Shift Shota speaks of just be a week away?
My Thoughts:
A great event for NJPW, Sakura Genesis is certainly one of the biggest nights on their calendar now. We got some great matches and some great story developments all over the place, really bringing some intrigue into the rest of the year and maybe even beyond. Great win for Yuya over Sanada, and then perhaps Sanada had about enough of being a War Dog, because he finally did what I knew he would and turned to the House of Torture. Great stuff in that on its own, and per Finlay’s backstage comments at the very end of the night, we’re getting another “Dog Pound Steel Cage match” for the blowoff.
The original was with United Empire, and that one got a little too wild, aka it ended Alex Coughlin’s in-ring career, so let’s just hope they don’t go as wild as they did that time. Either way, that blowoff will be great stuff, and it makes sense that no high level title is in either faction because this feud doesn’t really need it. Speaking of which, great stuff in the Global Heavyweight Championship match, with the Tsuji brothers pulling that old bait ‘n’ switch trick again. And of course the House had to get involved there, only for Shingo Takagi to counter that. Great win for Yota, and Uemura beating Sanada, Yota VS Yuya is going to be some great stuff, too.
I’m rather surprised we got new champions in Great-O-Khan and the Cobb Callum combination. Clearly, rumors of Cobb’s departure were greatly exaggerated. Surely Cobb & Callum will have a very good reign, as will Khan as NJPW World TV Champion. The most curious thing is that Obari the belt designer is with them. The most Bullet Club War Dogs did to the titles they held was put white straps on them. Perhaps Obari will give the Empire their own custom green? Or some new face plates to mark this new era of NJPW? His design for THE IWGP World title was a bit out of the norm at the time it was introduced, but it isn’t the worst so he could probably give the tag titles a fresh start.
Great match from Konosuke VS Oiwa, but I figured Konosuke would win so that he has momentum going into Windy City Riot next week. Great match from Tanahashi VS Shota, and it’s only a little surprising Shota won. After all, Shota is still one of the Reiwa Era Musketeers, NJPW still has high hopes for him despite the audience’s feelings. Likewise, a great main event from Goto VS Finlay, and a great win for Goto. Goto sure has his own high expectations for Shota, and their match at Windy City Riot could also be a measure of where Shota’s going both in story and in character. Chicago’s a tough town, they might not care for Shota even if he does start getting edgier.
Shota told Tanahashi he wants to lead Hontai and essentially be the face of NJPW, and becoming world champion would help do that. I just don’t think a show down in America is going to be where any of that happens. Shota may have to prove himself through the G1 Climax instead.
My Score: 9/10
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Will the Death Riders be ready for Rated FTR?
Not even 24 hours before AEW Dynasty, Cash Wheeler will battle Pac, both looking for last minute momentum before the World Trios Championship match!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Konosuke Takeshita & Kyle Fletcher VS Will Hobbs & Tomohiro Ishii; Konosuke & Kyle win.
- Best Wrestler Alive Open Challenge: Max Caster VS Mark Briscoe; Briscoe wins.
- Top Flight VS The Cru; Top Flight wins.
- Cash Wheeler VS PAC; Pac wins.
- “Speedball” Mike Bailey VS Dralistico w/ The Beast Mortos; Bailey wins.
- Mercedes Mone & Harley Cameron VS Julia Hart & Athena; Hart & Athena win.
PLAY BY PLAY
Konosuke Takeshita & Kyle Fletcher VS Will Hobbs & Tomohiro Ishii w/ Rocky Romero!
The Don Callis Family is going to be a big part of this year’s Owen Hart Foundation Tournament, but they’ve still got some business to handle. But will The Alpha & The Aussie Arrow shoot down The Powerhouse & Stone Pitbull? Or will Hobbs & Ishii conglomerate and handle town bidness?
The teams sort out and Ishii starts, and he calls out Konosuke! The fans like that, and Konosuke says fine. They step up as the bell rings, and Ishii shoves Konosuke. Konosuke shoves back! The fans fire up as the two run and RAM into each other! And then RAM again! And RAM again! Konosuke and Ishii fire forearms back and forth and the fans fire up more! Neither man is backing down, then Konosuke fires a flurry! Ishii roars and ROCKS Konosuke! The fans fire up, but Konosuke snarls. Ishii RAMS Konosuke! Konosuke rebounds to RAM Ishii! They RAM again and again, and Konosuke wobbles! Ishii runs, but into a BOOT!
Konosuke whips, Ishii reverses, and Konosuke RAMS him! Ishii rebounds to CLOBBER Konosuke! Konosuke is up to CLOBBER Ishii! They RAM again, then roar! They RAM shoulders one more time, and finally fall over! The fans fire up, both men crawl, hot tags to Hobbs and Kyle! Fletcher is a bit worried, but then he frowns as fans chant “MEAT! MEAT! MEAT!” Kyle steps in, circles with Hobbs, and the two tie up. The fans rally as the two push each other, and Hobbs powers Kyle back. Kyle turns things around to put Hobbs in a corner, then he rolls back just to flex. “Meat, baby! Meat!” The fans boo, that’s not enough meat.
Hobbs grins as Kyle says he is that real meat! Hobbs and Kyle circle, tie up, and Hobbs puts Kyle in the corner! Kyle shouts for the ref, the ref counts, and Hobbs backs off. Hobbs flexes and fans cheer that meat! Hobbs and Kyle reset, circle, and then Kyle BOOTS Hobbs! Kyle fires off kicks and stomps in the corner! The fans boo, the ref counts, and Kyle stops at 4. Kyle soaks up the heat, then he drags Hobbs up. Kyle reels Hobbs in, but Hobbs powers out of the DDT! Hobbs drags Kyle up to TOSS him into the corner! Hobbs fires fast hands and the fans fire up! Kyle guards, Hobbs waits, and then Kyle lets his guard down. Hobbs ROCKS him!
Hobbs tags Ishii and they double whip Kyle. Ishii ROCKS Kyle, Hobbs POUNCES Kyle! The fans cheer and Ishii stalks Kyle. Kyle sputters, Ishii stands him up, but Kyle scoops to SLAM! The fans rally, Kyle runs, but then Kyle fakes that Rocky trips him! The ref was busy with Konosuke so he isn’t sure what happened, but then Kyle DECKS Ishii! Hobbs ROCKS Kyle! Konosuke BOOTS Hobbs! Kyle & Konosuke whip Ishii to DOUBLE SHOULDER TACKLE! They both flex, the fans boo, but Collision goes picture in picture.
Kyle rains down fists on Ishii, then rains down forearms! Kyle lets off to huff ‘n’ puff and storm around. Kyle tags Konosuke, Konosuke drags Ishii up, and Konosuke whips Ishii out of the ring. Konosuke storms out after Ishii, and SMACKS him off the commentary desk! Konosuke ROCKS Ishii, CHOPS him, then puts him in the ring. Konosuke stands Ishii up to CHOP, and CHOP, and then ROCK Ishii! Ishii shakes his head and eggs Konosuke on! Konosuke fires forearm after forearm, then a BOOT! Ishii CHOPS Konosuke, but Konosuke DECKS Ishii! Konosuke drags Ishii up, snapmares and clamps on a chinlock.
Ishii endures while Konosuke grinds him down. Hobbs and the fans rally up, and Ishii fights to his feet. Ishii fires body shots but Konosuke fires knees! Konosuke suplexes, but Ishii fights free! Ishii wrenches, ducks a lariat, but Konosuke fights the back suplex! Konosuke rains down elbows, then fires boxing elbows! Ishii wobbles, Konosuke winds up, ROLLING0 NO, Ishii ducks to SAIDO! Both men are down and Collision returns to single picture, but Kyle BLASTS Hobbs! Kyle says “SUCK IT!” while the fans boo. Kyle & Konosuke whip Ishii to a corner, then Konosuke runs up. Ishii dodges to then ROCK Kyle!
Konosuke runs back in but Ishii sends him into Kyle! Kyle flops out of the ring, Ishii fires forearms on Konosuke! Konosuke fires back, whips, but Ishii reverses. Konosuke swings, but Ishii ducks the lariat! ALPHA ELBOW! Konosuke roars, but Ishii suplexes first! The fans rally while both men are down, and Ishii crawls for his corner. Hot tag to Hobbs! The fans fire up as Callis calls Hobbs a vulture. Hobbs rallies on Kyle & Konosuke, LARIAT after LARIAT! The fans fire up but Kyle & Konosuke mug Hobbs. They whip, Hobbs breaks the double lariat to DOUBLE SHOULDER TACKLE! The fans fire up with “MEAT! MEAT! MEAT!”
Hobbs nods, and he runs in at the corner! SPLASH for Konosuke! SPLASH for Kyle! And repeat! And repeat! The fans fire up as the straps come down! Hobbs catches Kyle for an URENAGE! POWER DRIVE- NO, Hobbs blocks the knee to fire forearms! Hobbs whips, then pops Konosuke up, but Konosuke ELBOWS him! Hobbs takes a swing, but Konosuke slips around to waistlock! Konosuke powers up to GERMAN SUPLEX! The fans fire up, Konosuke takes aim, POWER DRIVE- SPINEBUSTER!! Hobbs can’t make the cover, he’s running on empty! Hobbs crawls to his corner, but so does Konosuke, hot tags to Ishii and Kyle!
Kyle runs up, Ishii dodges the boot! Ishii ROCKS Kyle again and again, then ducks a lariat! Ishii waistlocks, Kyle switches, but Ishii fights the Half ‘n’ Half! Ishii elbows free, runs, but Kyle CALF KICKS at the ropes! Kyle brings Ishii in, scoops and- NO, Ishii slips free! GERMAN SUPLEX! Kyle is dazed while Ishii rises! Ishii runs, but Kyle ducks the lariat to SNAP HALF ‘N’ HALF! Ishii flounders away, Konosuke joins Kyle. Hobbs runs up, but Kyle & Konosuke dodge to SUPERKICK ALPHA ELBOW COMBO! They then run in together, DOUBLE BOOTS for Ishii! Then Kyle goes up, Konosuke suplexes Ishii to him!
But Ishii SUPER STEINERS free?! The fans are thunderous and Hobbs returns! Konosuke ROCKS Hobbs, swings on Ishii, but Ishii catches him to a suplex! Ishii uses that to hand Konosuke off to Hobbs! POWERSLAM! Ishii ROCKS Kyle, whips him, and Hobbs SNAP POWERSLAMS! Ishii runs to SLIDING LARIAT! The fans fire up and Ishii stands Kyle up. Ishii suplexes. Kyle fights that to wrench out, but Ishii HEADBUTTS and LARIATS!! Cover, TWO!! The fans rally as Ishii rises. Ishii drags Kyle up, suplexes, but Kyle fights that! Ishii fights Kyle’s suplex, Konosuke joins in, and they DOUBLE BRAINBUSTER!! Cover, HOBBS BREAKS IT!
The fans fire up as this one continues! Konosuke and Hobbs DOUBLE LARIAT! Konosuke BOOTS, ROCKS, and reels Hobbs in, BLUE THUNDER BOMB!! Kyle has Ishii, winds up, and LARIATS! But Ishii’s right up!? The fans fire up, but Kyle SUPERKICKS! Ishii roars, runs back in, but into a gut wrench, TOMBSTONE!! Kyle isn’t done, he suplexes for the BRAINBUSTER! Cover, Don Callis Family wins!
Winners: Konosuke Takeshita & Kyle Fletcher, by pinfall
Callis is proud of his guys, because now they’re rolling into those Owen Hart Cup matches! Will Kyle once again best Mark Briscoe to then head for the Cup?
The Cru speaks.
Action Andretti calls out Dante & Darius Martin, and says, “Are y’all really sure you wanna do this tonight? Y’all been ducking us for months! Months! And now we’re here.” Lio Rush says, “We put y’all in the spotlight. You understand that? After beating y’all’s ass week after week after week, and tonight, it ain’t gonna be no different.” But then they spot Nick Wayne. The Cru steps to him and asks what’s up. Nick says sup, and Action tells Nick that they’ve got Top Flight tonight. Wherever Top Flight goes, AR Fox seems to follow. Remember that conversation had last week? Has he been thinking about it?
Nick says yeah, he has. So what’s he say? Nick is thinking of all the factors, all the outcomes if he helps The Cru. But in all honesty, he’s just too valuable to help them. Best of luck to them, but Nick says no. Oh, wow, Nick said no? Guess he needs daddy’s permission to do stuff, huh? What was that? Lio says Daddy Cage has Nick in a cage, and needs to give his permission for Nick to come out and play. Nick needs no one’s permission. He does what he wants, when he wants, and how he wants. So just know, if he sees Fox, it’s not for them. It’s for him. The Prodigy heads out, but will he still help The Cru one way or another?
Best Wrestler Alive Open Challenge: Max Caster VS ???
So for the seventh time now, Platinum Max is in the ring with the documentation and mic in hand. “Peoria, you are looking live at the Best Wrestler Alive!” The fans boo, but Caster says he is lucky to be alive because he had to drive here, by himself, through a tornado, through gale force winds, all just to wrestle for you here today. Unlike someone he used to team with, not that he’ll say names. But there is only one thing that the people in “P-Town” want! The Maximaniacs wanna chant his name! It’s easy to do, so follow along! “Let’s Go, Max! You’re The Best Wrestler Alive!” No, the fans prefer “Max, You Suck!”
Caster says he should’ve known that Peoria couldn’t remember eight words, they are just so stupid. But that’s why the Best Wrestler Alive is going to a real city. Sunday in Philadelphia, the Open Challenge is on in the City of Brotherly Love! And based on the lack of rhythm here, there ain’t no brothers here in Peoria. The fans boo, but Caster says time to get to business. Who can survive the Best Wrestler Alive? Caster waits, but “Reach for the sky, boy!” It’s Mark Briscoe! Caster is freaking out, because now he’s got the Sussex County Chicken to deal with! Will Caster fail to #ManUp against the former ROH World Champion?
The bell rings and Caster swings! Mark dodges to CHOP! Mark fires forearm after forearm, then fires up! The fans are with him, and Mark runs, but he ducks a boot! Redneck Crane Stance! Caster still swings, but Mark blocks and REDNECK UPPERCUTS! Caster falls, the fans fire up, and Mark stalks Caster to ropes. Mark whips, Caster reverses, but Mark CLOBBERS him! Callis complains that Redneck Kung-Fu can’t be legal. Mark runs in at Caster, but Caster BOOTS him! Caster goes up, but another UPPERCUT sends Caster down! Mark then runs to CANNONBALL TOPE! Down goes Caster and Mark high-fives the front-row!
Mark stalks Caster back into the ring, and says time to take his head off! The fans cheer that and Mark runs, but Caster follows Mark! But Mark catches Caster and reels him in to underhook! JAY DRILLER! Cover, Mark wins!
Winner: Mark Briscoe, by pinfall
Platinum Max is now 0-7 for his own challenge, and now Mark has momentum going into his battle with Kyle Fletcher. Will it be #DemBoys that move on towards the Cup? Will Caster reconsider putting that Open Challenge out in Philly?
Backstage interview with Jay White.
Lexy Nair is with The Switchblade, his left hand wrapped up heavily, as she brings up the horrible circumstances that now rule him out for the Owen Hart Cup. Replacing him is Kevin Knight, and White says he perhaps spoke too soon that it wouldn’t be Knight’s year in The Owen. Congratulations to Knight on this opportunity, White is very happy for him. Just remember, Knight, you’re only there because White can’t. And as for Will Ospreay, he gets to avoid Jay White once more. Ospreay can keep peddling the lie that he is on some unobtainable level, prancing around as the unchecked “GOAT” in White’s ring.
Ospreay’s words will catch up to him, just not today. He can flap those gums a little bit longer, all thanks to The Death Riders. Because White cannot compete, let alone win, the 2025 Owen Hart Cup thanks to The Death Riders. Even though the gold should already be on White’s shoulder, it is not! All thanks to The Death Riders. Moxley and his gang wanna make this personal, to put it lightly. But that is fine! They didn’t take White out, they just gave him a gift. They gave him time to plan and prepare! And when they see him again, Moxley & The Death Riders will regret ever thinking about The Switchblade.
Because White quite often enjoys reminding people who he is, but it is time he reminds himself. White IS The Switchblade, a cut above, and nobody’s got what he’s got. White heads out, but when and where will we see him return for revenge?
Top Flight w/ Leila Grey VS The Cru!
What was a high-flying fleet of four was eventually split in half because of ego and ambition. Darius & Dante want payback for the ambush attacks, but Action & Lio just want to leave them in the rearview mirror. Will AEW soon be under Cru’s control? Or will Top Flight reach new heights?
Leila struts out on stage, but where are Darius & Dante? They CLOBBER The Cru from behind! Payback for the blindside attacks, and the fans fire up as the brawl is on! Dante CLUBS Action, Darius UPPERCUTS Lio, and repeat! Darius CHOPS Lio, Dante CHOPS Action, and then Darius SMACKS Lio off the apron! Leila nods as her boys have control. Darius sends Lio into the steps, Dante CHOKES Action, and then things go into the ring. The bell rings, Top Flight storms up, but The Cru run! Top Flight duck, and now they’ve surrounded The Cru! Top Flight throw hands, Darius keeping on Lio and Dante with Action.
They’re in the corners, and Top Flight rain down fists! The fans count along, and we go all the way to TEN! Darius TOSSES Lio, Dante CHOPS Action, and Dante brings Action around to bump off buckles. Tag to Darius, Dante spins Action, STO LARIAT COMBO! Darius rains down fists, then he wrenches Action to a wristlock. The fans rally for Top Flight but Action breaks free and throat chops! Tag to Lio, but Darius DROPKICKS him down! Darius CHOPS Lio, UPPERCUTS, then whips. Lio reverses, leaps, but into an atomic drop! Darius runs and BULLDOG HOTSHOTS Lio! But Action mule kicks Darius! Then ARABIAN PRESS!
The fans are torn while Darius is down, but Dante DAREDEVIL DROPKICKS Action! But Lio DIVES onto Dante! All four men are down on the outside and the fans rally up. “This is Awesome!” even as The Cru puts Darius in the ring, and Collision goes picture in picture.
The Cru stalks Darius, then CHOP! And ROCK! And CLUB him down, to then CLOBBER him! Lio soaks up the heat, then he CLOBBERS Darius! Lio rains down fists, BITES Darius’ forehead, but stops as the ref counts. Lio talks trash on Peoria, then on Dante, before he CHOPS Darius! Lio puts Darius in the corner, CHOKES him, but Action tags in. The Cru mugs Darius more, then Lio tags back in. Lio stomps a mudhole in, tags Action, and Action drags Darius up. Darius fires body shots, UPPERCUTS, but Action CLUBS him down! Action scoops and SLAMS Darius! Cover, TWO! Action is annoyed, but he stays between Darius and Dante.
Lio jaws at Dante, Action puts Darius on the ropes, and Action CHOKES Darius again, but Collision goes to break.
Collision returns and Action has Darius in a chinlock. Darius endures and the fans rally up. Darius fights to his feet, fires body shots, then ROCKS Action! Action shoves Darius, runs up, but into BOOTS! Action comes back, DOUBLE LARIATS take both men down! The fans rally for Top Flight as Action and Darius crawl. Leila coaches Darius, hot tags to Lio and Dante! Dante CLOBBERS Lio, CLOBBERS him again, then ducks a shot to JUMP KNEE! Half nelson, but Lio fights free to shove, only for Dante to springboard SHOTGUN! Cover, TWO! Lio stays in this but Dante fires up. The fans fire up with him as he drags Lio up.
Dante has a cravat, but Lio CLAWS Dante’s eyes! The ref reprimands but Lio tags Action. Lio rolls to get a leg, and Action hits a NECKBREAKER! Dante is down, but here comes Darius! Lio spins him for Action to mule kick, knee lift and ROLLING ELBOW! Lio fires fast hands and DECKS Darius! Darius flops onto ropes, Action drags Dante up, and Action whips. Dante reverses to send Action to a corner. Lio ROCKS Dante, whips him in, but Dante reverses! Action goes up and out, Lio slips under, and he UP KICKS Dante into an ENZIGIRI! Lio LARIATS Dante down, but Dante gets back up! Only for Action to springboard FLYING LARIAT! Cover, TWO!
Action is frustrated and argues with the ref, as does Lio, but the ref defends his count. The Cru snarl and drag Dante up. Darius saves Dante from the double suplex! The Cru and Top Flight trade haymakers back and forth! The fans rally up as things speed up! Action & Lio kick low, then fire more shots! Lio whips Darius, Action whips Dante, but Top Flight grabs the ropes to stop. The Cru runs up, but Dante jumps over and Darius BOOTS Action! Dante DIVES onto Lio! Darius mule kicks Action! Darius suplexes, but Action turns that around for a FALCON ARROW! Only for Dante to ghost pin! TOP FLIGHT WINS!
Winners: Top Flight, by pinfall
Lio CLOBBERS Dante, he’s a sore loser! The fans boo but Action adds on with stomps! Action shouts, “You think you better than us?” But AR FOX is here! Fox BOOTS Action, and BOOTS Lio! But here’s Nick Wayne! He goes up, up, and WAYNE’S WORLD!! Nick says he told Fox that he’s got his eye on him! Nick does it for Nick, but then he looks at The Cru. BREAKING NEWS from Tony Khan, this isn’t going to end here! Nick Wayne & The Cru are now facing AR Fox & Top Flight in a Six Man Tag for Dynasty: Zero Hour! Will The Prodigy, The Sight to See & The Man of the Hour show Fox & The Martins who really run things?
Backstage interview with Jamie Hayter and Billie Starkz.
Lexy Nair is with two of the Women’s Owen Hart Cup contenders, and says it is official that they face off in the first round. They all know that the winner of the Cup will face THE AEW Women’s World Champion for the title at All In: Texas. Jamie was impressed with Billie here, and she must say, fair play. Billie does hold her own. Jamie liked Billie before, but she really likes her now. That said, some friendly advice: Watch out for Athena. What was she doing coming out after their match, eh? Trying to steal the moment? Why’s she up in Billie’s business like that? Jamie would keep an eye on her if she were Billie.
But to be honest, if Billie thinks that for one second, Jamie will question herself going into the tournament when she’s already beat Billie, then Billie’s in fairytale land. Although, Jamie is up to Billie changing her mind. Billie snatches the mic from Lexy to tell Jamie that she’s not a failure, and has been trying to prove that to everyone here! And Jamie will see that in the Owen Hart Cup. Billie storms off, and Jamie says yes, she will. It is going to be quite the rematch to help open the 2025 Owen Hart Foundation Tournament, but will Billie be reminded that Hayter Hits Hard?
Renee Paquette moderates a sit-down meeting.
She thanks Daniel Garcia, Matt Menard, Adam Cole, Roderick Strong & Kyle O’Reilly for taking this time to talk ahead of the TNT Championship match. There will be no time limit and no one else allowed at ringside. Garcia is finally defending the title on PPV as a fighting champion against someone with a veteran status like Adam Cole. Is Garcia feeling the pressure? Cole apologizes for interrupting and taking Garcia’s turn, but he would like to say something. Earlier today, Cole was thinking about the very first time he and Garcia faced off. It was about two years ago, Cole coming off the worst injury of his career while Garcia was still young, brash, and maybe confused.
After all, Garcia had aligned himself with Chris Jericho, was trying to figure out who he was. Fast forward to today, and Garcia is THE TNT Champion and a damn good one. But recently, Cole has been thinking that Garcia hasn’t really changed much. Garcia is still confused, because he thinks that he’ll beat Cole for this title at Dynasty. Cole has beaten Garcia before, Garcia has never beaten Cole. The last time they faced each other, if Cole had just five seconds more, five seconds, Cole would be champion now. Plus, this Sunday will mark Adam Cole’s 17th wrestling anniversary, and it is in Philadelphia, where Cole had his very first match.
Cole says it has been a long time coming to win singles gold here in AEW. And he promises us that it his destiny at Dynasty to win this championship. Garcia says Menard was right. Garcia didn’t have to give Cole another shot at this. But Garcia wanted to out of respect for everything Cole has done in these 17 years. Cole has done a lot, and has had many chances to show he is “the guy” around here. But just like how Garcia has given Cole chances at this title, Cole hasn’t done that, either. Garcia wants that to settle in: This is Cole’s last chance with Garcia. No more shot at this or that, it is done. There have been 17 years of opportunities for Cole, those were Cole’s 17 years.
But the next 17 years will belong to Garcia. Cole asks Roddy & Kyle to step out, and then asks Renee for that, as well. Garcia also has Menard exit, so now it is just Garcia and Cole. Cole wants Garcia to listen. Cole knows Garcia knows this, but Cole has a ton of respect for Garcia. Cole said it before, will say it again. But sometimes, he has to tell Garcia the truth. And the truth is, Garcia is not ready to lead the charge. Garcia is not ready to run a promotion, he is not ready to be THE champion. But Cole has ran practically every promotion he’s ever worked for. He has been world champion, he has broken records in more places than he can count.
Cole has been “The guy” longer than Garcia’s been wrestling! So if anyone knows what it takes to be a true champion, it is Cole. Garcia is not ready. Not yet. And if he doesn’t understand that, Cole will whoop that ass and show him on Sunday. Garcia gets up in a huff but Cole stands up, too. Garcia knocks on the table, then takes the title and leaves. Will Garcia make Cole eat those words? Or will the TNT Championship soon be Undisputed?
Cash Wheeler VS PAC!
Dax Harwood got caught off guard by Wheeler Yuta, but then Adam Copeland took Claudio Castagnoli to the limit, making Rated FTR and Death Riders 1-1 in this singles match series. This tiebreaker is all about momentum going into the AEW World Trios Championship match, which side will have the upper hand at Dynasty?
The bell rings and the two circle. They tie up, go around, and Cash puts Pac on ropes. The ref counts, Cash lets off slowly, but Pac shoves him down! The fans boo but Pac mockingly claps. Pac offers a hand but Cash storms up on him instead. They tie up, end up in a corner, and Pac has Cash cornered. The ref counts, but Pac headlocks. Pac hits the takeover, Cash moves around, but Pac pushes him to a cover. ONE, and the two stand up. Cash powers up and out, Pac runs him over, but Cash is back up! Pac hits a headlock takeover again and he grinds Cash down. Cash endures, fights up, and he powers out again.
Pac runs Cash over again, then keeps moving. He runs Cash over again, then runs, handsprings over the dropdown and he hip tosses! Then he hits another headlock takeover! The Bastard taunts Cash that he’s got the technical edge, but Cash fights up and wrenches free. Pac knees low, bumps Cash off buckles, and then bumps him off more buckles. Pac bumps Cash off more buckles, then he soaks up heat from Peoria. Pac stomps Cash’s leg, kicks him more, but the ref counts. Pac pie faces Cash, eggs him on, then whips corner to corner. Cash reverses, then catches Pac to a backslide! TWO, and Cash reels Pac in for a headlock.
Pac powers up and out, but Cash runs him over! And runs him over again! Things speed up. Pac hurdles but Cash turns hip toss into hip toss! Then he dodges a lariat to DROPKICK! The fans fire up while Pac tumbles out! Pac is frustrated, but Cash mockingly offers a hand. Pac seethes and the ref has Cash back up. The ring count climbs while Pac calms down, and Pac says hold on. Pac is back at 7 of 10, RAMS into Cash, and he slingshots up and over! Pac keeps moving, counters the hip toss, but then Cash counters the counter! They go back and forth like that, Pac puts Cash on the apron, but Cash DECKS Pac!
Cash climbs, the fans fire up, but Pac anchors Cash’s legs. Cash CLUBS Pac, but Pac ROCKS Cash! Pac climbs up, then brings Cash to the top rope! But Cash fires body shots! Cash ROCKS Pac, hops down, and he LARIATS Pac off the corner! The fans fire up and Cash climbs up again, but Pac hurries to trip Cash up! Cash falls to the apron in a heap! Cash hobbles back up, and Pac runs to BLAST Cash off the apron! Cash hits railing on the way down, and he writhes on the floor. Pac goes to the apron as Cash stands, and mule kicks him! Then ASAI MOONSAULTS! Down goes Cash and Pac is fired up while Collision goes picture in picture.
Pac paces around to soak up more heat, then he hauls Cash up for a BACK SUPLEX on the floor! Cash writhes more, Pac mockingly blows a kiss, and he leaves Cash behind. The ring count is climbing, Cash is still down at 8, but he springs in at 9.5! Pac mockingly applauds again, then he stomps Cash down! Pac stomps Cash some more, circles him as he goes, and then kneels for a cover. ONE, but Pac clamps on with a headlock. Pac grinds Cash down but Cash endures. Cash fights up, fires body shots, but Pac hits a BACK- NO, Cash makes it a CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO! Pac CLOBBERS Cash! Pac snarls while Cash checks his jaw.
Cash sits up, goes for ropes, but Pac stalks him. Pac CHOKES Cash on the ropes, soaks up the heat, but he stops as the ref counts 4. Pac paces while Cash sputters, and Pac talks some trash on Cash. Pac stomps Cash down, clamps on a chinlock, and he even digs his knee into Cash’s back. Cash endures, pries at the hold, fights up, and he fires body shots! Collision returns to single picture as Pac kicks low and snap suplexes! Cash goes to a corner, Pac grins and runs in, and UPPERCUTS! Cash flops down, Pac pushes him to a cover, TWO! Cash is still in this but Pac stays on him with a chinlock. Cash endures again while the fans rally up.
Cash fights up, JAWBREAKERS free, and the fans rally more as Cash ROCKS and CHOPS! Pac SOBATS! Pac reels Cash in to snap suplex again! Cash flounders to a corner, but Pac runs up, only for Cash to TOSS Pac up and out! Cash gets moving, and he DIVES! Direct hit at the ramp! The fans fire up as Cash roars and rises to his feet! Cash huffs ‘n’ puffs, then he drags Pac up and into the ring. Cash goes up, up, and CROSSBODIES! Cover, TWO! Pac survives but Cash JABS! JABS! JABS! Pac swings, but into a wrench and UPPERCUT! Cash runs, ducks ‘n’ dodges, then LARIATS! The fans fire up with Cash again!
Pac goes to a corner, but Cash CHOPS him! And ROCKS him! And CHOPS again! Cash fires forearm after forearm, then whips corner to corner. Pac reverses, Cash goes up and over, and Cash keeps moving. Pac drops down, jumps up, but into a POWERSLAM from Cash! Cover, TWO! Pac survives but Cash stays focused. Cash drags Pac into the drop zone, climbs up the corner, and CAHS SPLASH FLOPS as Pac moves! Both men are down now and the fans rally up! Pac crawls to ropes, drags himself up the corner, and he goes to the very top! Pac aims, but Cash hurries up after Pac now! SUPER HALF HATCH! Cover, TWO!
Pac survives and Cash grows frustrated, but he fireman’s carries. Pac slips free to SOBAT! And front KICK! And then SOBAT again! Pac runs, and he BOOTS Cash in the back, to then SNAP SUPLEX! Pac stands Cash up, but Cash LARIATS! Both men are down again, but Cash huffs ‘n’ puffs and rises back up. The fans rally for Cash as he goes to a corner. Cash runs corner to corner, but Pac SUPERKICKS him down! Pac then hurries up top! BLACK ARROW but Cash moves! Cash reels Pac in, PILEDRIVER! Cover, TWO?!? Pac survives and neither Cash nor Peoria can believe it! But wait, here come Wheeler Yuta & Claudio Castagnoli!
The fans boo, but wait! Cope is here! Cope brawls with Claudio, but Yuta slips in while the ref is busy with them! BUT DAX IS HERE! Yuta CLOBBERS Dax with the bell hammer! Cash hits Yuta with a PILEDRIVER! But Pac ghost pins Cash! PAC WINS!!
Winner: Pac, by pinfall
The Death Riders regroup and grin at Rated FTR as they steal this one away! They wave bye and say see you in Philly. Cope & Cash look to Dax, who took that proverbial bullet for Cash. Cope & Cash offer their hands to Dax, and Dax accepts. The fans cheer as these three stand tall together, but will they be able to grab the gold on Sunday?
Shane Taylor Promotions speaks.
Shane Taylor himself says, “Hey, yo, check this out, Bravo.” Carlie Bravo asks what’s up. Shane says he is sick of letting people walk around here feeling safe. He is sick of letting people walk around here feeling comfortable. He is sick of hearing people talking about battlefields and warfare, and talking like they all gangster, when we know they ain’t built like that! Bravo says yeah, it is crazy. People here talk about battlefields, wars, “better not catch you lacking,” like they somebody’s big homies. Like, they ain’t your homies. They don’t even respect big homies. It’s why STP got the problems they got!
People be like, “STP, chill!” Chill for what? Who is these dudes? They ain’t Opps, they just opportunities! Shawn Dean says there’s nothing but space and opportunity. They slide on opps like Joe all the time! They done told y’all that STP is them! They done told y’all to run ‘n’ hide cuz STP is outside! They gonna stay outside! STP hopes you see them like good vision, because STP can’t wait to disrespect them. Rumble, bad men, rumble. Shane & The Infantry have called out Samoa Joe, Hook & Katsuyori Shibata, will these teams open fire on each other?
Ricochet is here!
Peoria is annoyed to see The One & Only walk out to the ring, but he’ll be on commentary for this next match. Will he keep it to just watching? Or will he make sure Speedball hits a speedbump?
“Speedball” Mike Bailey VS Dralistico w/ The Beast Mortos!
Collision returns as Speedball makes his entrance. Ricochet says he got tricked. He was told he’d do commentary, but he had no idea it was for this match. The bell rings and the fans rally up. Dralistico tries but the fans boo him. Bailey steps up and the fans cheer. Dralistico tries, he gets boos. Bailey tries and he gets cheers. Dralistico says forget it, and he goes to leave. The fans boo more, so Dralistico says fine, he’ll stay. Dralistico storms in, Bailey trips him, and things speed up. Bailey handsprings over, then hurdles, drops, but Dralistico leaps. Dralistico RANAS, but Bailey comes back to trip Darlistico up.
Bailey stands Dralistico up to whip, but Dralistico reverses. Bailey RANAS, then kips up! Dralistico swings, Bailey dodges and the two trade off strikes and blocks. The fans cheer as the two have a standoff. Dralistico and Bailey bow in respect, but then Dralistico flips Bailey off! Bailey blocks a kick, but Dralistico dodges a chop to body blow! And CHOP! Dralistico whips, Bailey reverses and KICKS Dralistico down! The fans fire up but Mortos is annoyed. Ricochet claims Bailey isn’t looking at commentary because he’s afraid of Ricochet. Bailey stands Dralistico up, but Dralistico CHOKES Bailey to the corner!
The ref reprimands, Dralistico lets off, and he CHOPS! Bailey sputters along the ropes, Dralistico cheers himself on, then he whips. Bailey handsprings, Dralistico sidesteps, but Bailey fires off the lightning kicks! ENZIGIRI and Dralistico falls. Now Bailey looks at Ricochet and dares him to come closer. Bailey goes out, but to go after Dralistico. However, Mortos stands in his way! Bailey says move aside, but then Dralistico KICKS Bailey in the leg! And whips Bailey into railing! Ricochet applauds, and Dralistico gives Bailey an atomic drop off the desk! Then SUPERKICKS him down! Ricochet cheers, the fans boo, and Collision goes picture in picture.
Dralistico drags Bailey up, stands him against the desk, and he wants Ricochet to hear this one. CHOP! Ricochet likes it! Dralistico soaks up the heat while he leaves Bailey behind in the ring. Dralistico argues with the ref, but that lets Mortos BOOT Bailey down! Mortos scuffs Bailey, steps on Bailey’s toes, but steps away as Dralistico steps back out. Dralistico SMACKS Bailey off the steps! Dralistico pulls on Bailey’s hair, the ref reprimands, but Dralistico lets off to argue. Dralistico puts Bailey back in the ring, then CHOKES him in the corner! The ref counts, so Dralistico rains down fists! The ref coutns again, so Dralistico stops.
Dralistico runs side to side and BOOT WASHES! Dralistico then lounges on the corner to say tranquilo. Dralistico clamps onto Bailey with a GROUND COBRA! Bailey endures, Dralistico lets go to then put him in the corner, but Collision goes to break.
Collision returns and Dralistico springboards in, but Bailey dodges! Bailey goes up to springboard and MISSILE DROPKICK! The fans fire up and Bailey snarls. Ricochet looks a bit worried, but Bailey aims to mule kick! And AX KICK! And then BUZZSAW! Dralistico is down but the fans fire up as Bailey STANDING SHOOTING STARS! Cover, TWO! Dralistico toughs it out, but he also bails out to the apron. Mortos helps Dralistico up, but Bailey goes up, up, and GOLDEN TRIANGLE! Mortos takes the hit! Bailey glares at Ricochet, Ricochet dares him to do something. Dralistico FLIES and takes out Bailey!
The fans boo as Dralistico puts Bailey in the ring. Dralistico springboards, FLYING CODE BREAKER! Cover, TWO! Bailey survives and the fans fire up! Dralistico argues with the ref but the count was fair. Dralistico underhooks, TIGER- RARNA from Bailey! TWO and Dralistico sunset flips! TWO, and Bailey kicks, but Dralistico ducks to roll him up! TWO!! Bailey dodges a lariat, comes back, but Dralistico dodges! HEEL KICK from Bailey! Then the SPINNING HEEL KICK!! Cover, Bailey wins!
Winner: “Speedball” Mike Bailey, by pinfall
Ricochet is annoyed, but then he storms in to LOW BLOW Bailey!! The fans boo as Ricochet smirks and Bailey falls. Ricochet then locks ‘n’ loads for the SPIRIT GUN! Ricochet takes his leave, but will he get away with cheap shots like that when it’s him, Bailey and Kenny Omega fighting all at once?
Backstage interview with Kris Statlander & Thunder Rosa.
Lexy Nair is with The Galaxy’s Greatest and La Mera Mera, and notes that they will be facing each other in the opening round of The Owen Hart Cup. Rosa says for the first time ever, too. Kris says she’s been waiting a long time for this. Rosa says her, too. Unfortunately, the circumstances aren’t quite what Rosa wanted, so she’ll apologize right now. A lot of people depend on Rosa, from her family to her own future in AEW. So nothing personal, but she will take this all the way. Kris says if it’s nothing personal, send Kris’ apologies to Papa Thunder. Because that Owen Hart Cup is coming home to her.
Rosa says first off, don’t talk about her dad. Second, Kris doesn’t know what it is to be THE AEW Women’s World Champion! Oh, does Rosa mean the title she gave up? They argue about what’s coming, and then Rosa shoves Kris! Kris grabs Rosa by the neck, but Rosa SLAPS back! The two get face to face, and Kris says she’ll see her in round one. Kris storms off, could their match determine the whole thing?
Mercedes Mone and Harley Cameron warm up backstage.
#FourBeltsMone still can’t believe she’s stuck with Harley as her partner. Harley can’t believe it, either! She’s so pumped up! No, remember, stick to the plan: Stay out of Mone’s way. Mone’s got this. Yes, they’ve got this! No, Mone’s got this. Mini Mone says they’ve got this, and Harley thanks her. Mone tells the puppet to shut up, forgetting it’s really Harley. Harley, why’re you down there? Stretch normal. Harley is stretching all parts at once! Arms and hips! Ride the Money Wrath Train~! Don’t sing a song about it… Mone has Harley stand up, and they finish their stretching. Will this odd couple be alright going into the Owen Hart Cup?
Mercedes Mone & Harley Cameron VS Julia Hart & Athena!
Speaking of the Women’s Owen Hart Foundation Tournament, The CEO is going to face The Princess of the Black Throne in the opening round and it happens at Dynasty! The wild Aussie and the Fallen Goddess meet in the opening round at a later date, so this is all about moment. Will the #MoneyWrathTrain (all Harley’s idea) run right through Peoria? Or will the Hart and Forever Champion Always Win?
The teams sort out but the ref has to keep Athena and Mone from popping off already. The fans cheer on Athena as she starts against Mone, and this could be a preview of things to come. They talk trash, start pushing, and then Mone pie faces Athena! Athena pie faces back, but then Mone dodges her to tag Harley! Mone laughs but the fans boo. Athena smirks as she circles with Harley now. They tie up, go around, and Athena waistlocks. Harley drop toeholds, floats to a facelock, then gator rolls with her. Athena slips out to facelock in return, but Harley wrenches out. Athena handsprings, arm-drags, and she has an armlock on Harley.
Harley fights up, reaches out, but Hart tags in first. Athena hands Harley off to Hart for a wrench, wrench, and arm-drag! Hart has the armlock but Harley endures. Harley fights up, but Hart reels her into a cradle, TWO! Harley is up but Hart kicks low. Hart whips Harley to a corner, runs up, and she ROCKS Harley! Hart grins, runs, but Harley dodges! Harley ROUNDHOUSES from the apron, then goes up, in, and around to ENZIGIRI! Cover, TWO! Harley stays cool and she brings Hart up. Harley clamps onto the arm, tags Mone, and Mone brings Hart around to scoop. Hart slips free to roll Mone, TWO!
Mone runs up, but into a backslide, TWO! Mone knees low, throws Harty down, then dusts herself off. Athena is upset with the ref, but Mone scoops Hart to put her in the Tree of Woe. Mone stomps a mudhole in, then stops as the ref counts. Mone does her dance, then runs corner to corner. Hart sits up and Mone hits buckles! The fans rally as Hart then hangs upside-down like a bat! Mone is unsettled, but she runs in again. Hart sits back up, flips over Mone and rolls her to an O’Conner! TWO, but Hart dodges to run and tilt-o-whirl! IRON OCTOPUS! Mone endures, reaches out, but Hart pulls on that arm!
Harley has Mini Mone and throws her in! The ref picks up the puppet, but that lets Mone pull hair to get free! Mone gut wrenches Hart for a CIPHER UTAKI! Cover, TWO! Hart stays in this but Mone stays on her as Collision goes picture in picture.
Mone rains down fists, then covers, TWO! Mone stays on Hart and bumps her off buckles. Tag to Harley, they reel Hart in and double suplex! Harley covers, TWO! Hart stays in this but Harley stays on her. Harley KNEES Hart low, KNEES her again, then RUSSIAN LEG SWEEPS! Cover, TWO! Harley stays between Hart and Athena, then brings her up to bump off buckles. Tag to Mone, she stomps Hart down, then digs her boot in. The ref counts, Mone steps off, and Mone snapmares Hart to run and METEORA! Cover, TWO! Hart stays in this but Mone stays between her and Athena. Mone taunts Hart, then sucker punches Athena!
Mone drags Hart over, the ref stops Athena, but that lets Harley & Mone mug Hart! Mone soaks up the heat, then tags Harley. Harley stomps Hart, brings her up, and whips her to ropes. Harley CLOBBERS Hart, covers, TWO! Harley stays on Hart and bumps her off buckles. Tag to Mone, and Mone scoops Hart for a SLAM! Mone clamps on a chinlock and digs her knee into Hart’s back. Hart endures, fights around, and Collision returns to single picture as the fans rally. Mone shifts to a motorcycle stretch, but Hart fights up to JAWBREAKER! Mone comes back, she keeps Hart from the corner, then whips her into the corner!
Harley tags in and she stomps a mudhole into Hart. Harley rolls, runs back in, but Hart BOOTS her! Hart ELBOWS Mone, slips under Harley, but Harley reels her into a waistlock! Hart fires elbows, then hot tags Athena! Mone tags in, but Athena dodges! Mone blocks a kick, spins Athena and Gory Especials, but Athena flips up and out! Athena reels Mone in, lifts her up, Canadian Rack! Mone slips free, but Athena BOOTS her down! And DROPKICKS her back down! The fans fire up but Harley tags in! Athena fireman’s carries Harley, but Mone runs up! Athena catches the crossbody! The fans fire up for this feat of strength, FALL AWAY SLAM SAMOAN DROP COMBO!
Athena kips up and roars! The fans fire up as Athena tunes up, and runs up, WAR GODDESS FOREARM! Cover, but Mone breaks it! The fans boo but Mone whips. Athena reverses and sends Mone out! Athena builds speed and DIVES! Direct hit and down goes Mone! Athena shouts, “This is MY show now!” But Harley grabs her at the apron! TORNADO DDT to the floor! Harley helps Mone up, but Hart is up on the corner! Hart SUPER CROSSBODIES! Down goes everyone! The fans fire up while all four are on the floor, and they cheer for “A E DUB! A E DUB!” Athena and Harley crawl into the ring and rise back up.
Harley fires a forearm! And another! And another! Harley fires a flurry, then roars! The fans are torn but Harley runs, into a POP-UP POWERBOMB! Athena high stacks, then deadlifts Harley! Hart tags in, Athena hits the SIT-OUT POWERBOMB! Hart is up top, for the HARTSAULT! Harley moves, Hart rolls through, but Mone hits a BACKSTABBER! Athena gets under Mone for a POWERBOMB! Harley wrenches Athena for a SWINGING NECKBREAKER! The fans fire up while all four women are down again! Athena and Mone bail out, Hart and Harley crawl to each other. Hart fires as shot, Harley fires back!
“This is Awesome!” as the shots go back and forth! Harley wrenches and serves up SOLE FOOD! Then she clamps onto Hart for the PUMP HANDLE SAIDO! The fans fire up again and Harley shouts, “FEEL! THE! WRATH!!” Harley drags Hart up into the dragon sleeper, but Hart slips free to shove Harley back! Hart kicks low, reels Harley in, but Harley fights the lift! Harley Alabama Lifts Hart for an ALABAMA- NO, Hart flails around to have the IRON OCTOPUS! Harley endures, Athena intercepts Mone! Mone backs off, Harley TAPS! Athena & Hart win!
Winners: Julia Hart & Athena, by submission
The Fallen Goddess struck fear into the heart of The CEO, and Mone claims she doesn’t care. Mone storms off, but will she soon see how heartless Julia Hart can be? Or will Mone look to add the Queen of Harts Championship to her collection?
My Thoughts:
A great Collision as the go-home to Dynasty, with some good Dynasty hype packages that I skipped. Good go-home stuff here, such as the promos going into the Women’s Owen Hart Cup. Good promo from Hayter and Billie, though it makes me think Hayter doesn’t know Athena has been Billie’s abusive mentor the last two years. And very good promo from Rosa and Kris to really add some heat to their match. And of course, great move with the women’s tag match main eventing, given the star power of Mone and Athena alone. Great win for Hart & Athena, but that would suggest Mone wins at Dynasty.
Great stuff for the Men’s Owen Hart Cup, as well. Konosuke & Kyle VS Hobbs & Ishii was a great opener, and while I figured the Don Callis Family would win, I feel bad that Hobbs has started to drop off again. He’s not in the tournament, and no other matches are being added to Dynasty at this point, so I guess Hobbs just has to wait and see if he’s getting a midcard title match for Double or Nothing. Speaking of, very good promo segment from Garcia and Cole to add some last bit of heat to their match. While Cole told Garcia he “isn’t ready,” and that would suggest Garcia wins to show Cole he is ready, I feel like Cole does still win this because he really needs something to stay afloat.
Caster’s Open Challenge getting the better of him never gets old, and this was a good win for Mark Briscoe going into what will likely be a loss to Kyle Fletcher at Dynasty. If Caster is holding the Open Challenge again so soon, I really hope Bowens answers it. That’d be a great little surprise for Dynasty, as we’ve all been waiting and wondering about Bowens’ return. And it can kick off a proper feud between Caster and Bowens that can go on to Double or Nothing and maybe even All In: Texas. After all, as two of AEW’s top homegrown names, these guys deserve something big to really top off their story together.
Very good promo for Shane Taylor Promotions to call out The Opps, and that can be a great feud to build both teams in the trios division. Good promo with The Cru, though being Heels, they of course spin things as if they weren’t the ones staying away for so long. And good involvement of Nick Wayne again. Very good match of Cru VS Top Flight, and a good combination of Top Flight winning but Cru & Nick Wayne standing tall. That Six Man Tag will be good stuff, and regardless of who wins, this will definitely add to the story of Nick Wayne and Christian Cage.
Very good stuff from Cash VS Pac, and naturally Claudio & Yuta had to get involved. That brought out Cope & Dax, and while Pac steals the match, at least Rated FTR stands together united. At least, for right now. There’s still a big chance that the moment they lose, Rated FTR falls apart and Dax again loses his cool. The question will be if Cash sticks by Dax or by Cope. I feel like FTR needs to stick together so that the AEW Tag Division doesn’t lose a great team. Plus, it would just make sense as it felt like both Dax & Cash were turning given their feud with The Undisputed Kingdom.
Very good promo from Jay White to put Knight over while still putting him, Ospreay, and even the Death Riders on notice. While it is a shame that White will be out for some time because of the busted hand, this could be an opportunity for him to return with the Bang Bang Gang alongside him to stand against The Death Riders. Like, Juice Robinson is still out with his own injury, but The Gunns kinda dropped off the mat after losing to The Hurt Syndicate. I’m pretty sure Austin & Colten still owe Death Riders for some such beatdown over the past year, but they could also just want the trios titles back.
And a great match from Bailey VS Dralistico, even with Mortos and Ricochet hanging around. Great win for Bailey, but Ricochet of course had to attack him just because. Given this math, I would think Kenny Omega retains because Bailey and Ricochet focus more on each other than on him. Kenny may not be what he once was given the diverticulitis taking some of his intestines, but he’s shown to still have the same savvy and grit as before, and so this can be a case where both challengers are underestimating him and they both fail for that reason.
My Score: 8.8/10
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