Coverage
Mitchell’s NJPW G1 Climax 33 Results & Report! (7/15/23)
The G1 begins again!
Opening night goes to Blocks A and B!
NJPW’s greatest tradition, the G1 Climax, begins again! And starting things off this year, Blocks A and B, with IWGP World Champion, SANADA!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- G1 Climax 33, B Block: YOSHI-HASHI VS El Phantasmo; Hashi wins.
- G1 Climax 33, A Block: Chase Owens VS Gabe Kidd; Chase wins.
- G1 Climax 33, B Block: Tanga Loa VS KENTA; Loa wins.
- G1 Climax 33, A Block: Shota Umino VS Ren Narita; Time Limit Draw.
- G1 Climax 33, B Block: Kazuchika Okada VS Great-O-Khan; Okada wins.
- G1 Climax 33, A Block: Yota Tsuji VS Kaito Kiyomiya; Kaito wins.
- G1 Climax 33, B Block: Taichi VS Will Ospreay; Taichi wins.
- G1 Climax 33, A Block: SANADA VS Hikuleo; Sanada wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
G1 Climax 33, B Block: YOSHI-HASHI VS El Phantasmo!
The Head Hunter made it through back-to-back tag title matches and is still one half of the IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Champions. But the Headbanga is looking for something to call his own. Will ELP get the 1-2-3? Or will Hashi have a strong start to the tournament?
Fans rally for ELP and ELP enjoys that. ELP then offers a handshake, and Hashi takes it. Fans applaud and the bell rings. The two circle, tie up, and ELP waistlocks. Hashi pries free, switches, but ELP switches to SLAM! ELP floats around and facelocks but Hashi slips free, and the two stand off. Fans cheer and the two reset. They tie up, Hashi headlocks but ELP powers out, to then headlock back. Hashi powers up and out, but ELP runs him over! Fans cheer as ELP flexes and kisses his biceps. Things speed up, Hashi hurdles and BLOCKBUSTERS! ELP bails out and Hashi rallies the fans. Hashi then builds speed, but ELP slides in to DROPKICK! Cover, TWO!
ELP keeps his cool and drags Hashi up. ELP suplexes high and hard! Cover, TWO! ELP drags Hashi up, ROCKS him with a forearm, then scoops him for a SLAM! ELP goes to the corner, hops up, lines up his shot, and drops the AX HANDLE! Cover, TWO! Another cover, TWO! Fans applaud while ELP checks his neck. ELP then stands on Hashi’s hand! The ref reprimands, ELP rallies the fans and he brings Hashi up. ELP snapmares and KICKS Hashi in the back, but Hashi stands right up! Hashi kicks low, snapmares ELP, but ELP gets right up to BOOT Hashi down! Fans applaud while Hashi checks his chin.
ELP drags Hashi up, CHOPS him, and Hashi falls right over! Fans applaud, ELP stands Hashi up again and whips him corner to corner. ELP howls and fans echo it. ELP then runs corner to corner, but Hashi dropkicks the legs out! Both men are down and fans rally up! ELP goes to a corner and Hashi crawls to the opposite. Hashi then runs in to clothesline! Hashi whips and CHOPS! And mule kicks! And turns ELP for the NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Fans rally and Hashi brings ELP up again. Hashi whips ELP to ropes, to back drop! Hashi watches ELP rise, and he runs in again, to clothesline ELP up and out!
Fans rally again as Hashi builds speed! Hashi FLIES to take ELP out at the ramp! Fans fire up as Hashi flexes now! Hashi drags ELP up, puts him in the ring, and Hashi climbs the corner. Fans rally again and ELP stands, into Hashi’s FLYING BLOCKBUSTER! Cover, ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer while Hashi pounds the mat. Fans rally up again, and Hashi brings ELP up. Hashi reels ELP in, fisherman’s, but ELP blocks! ELP throws body shots, then NORTHERN LIGHTS! Bridging cover, TWO!! Hashi escapes and fans cheer again. ELP calls his shot and he drags Hashi up. ELP straitjackets and torture racks, but Hashi fights!
Hashi CHOPS ELP and ELP goes to a corner. Hsahi runs in but ELP goes up and over! ELP keeps moving, ducks ‘n’ dodges, springboard CROSSBODY! And then somersault to LIONSAULT! Cover, TWO! Hashi survives again but ELP resets with the torture rack! SPINNING NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO!! Hashi survives yet again and ELP grows frustrated. ELP drags Hashi up, reels him in, but Hashi fights free to CHOP! ELP snarls and storms up on Hashi, but Hashi CHOPS again! ELP goes to the corner, Hashi runs in, and CHOPS! Hashi rallies the fans and runs corner to corner, but ELP follows to DISCUS CHOP!
ELP keeps moving, Hashi follows, but into SUDDEN DEATH! ELP suckered Hashi in, and now he goes up the ropes! SPRINGBOARD THUNDER KISS 86!! Cover, TWO?!?! Hashi survives and everyone is shocked! ELP refocuses, and he rallies the fans up. ELP slashes his throat, drags Hashi up and reels him in, but Hashi trips him to a jackknife bridge! TWO!! ELP sunset flips it, TWO! Hashi sits on it, TWO, ELP has the ghost pin! TWO!!! Both men have to check real quick but the ref confirms, that was two! Hashi rushes in, ELP dodges and mule kicks! Then front kicks! Then ENZIGURIS! Hashi staggers, but he comes back with a SUPERKICK!
Hashi runs, and LARIATS ELP inside out!! Fans fire up with Hashi and he drags ELP up. CRUCIFIX DRIVER!! Cover, Hashi wins!!
Winner: Yoshi-Hashi, by pinfall (gains 2 points; ELP earns 0)
The old dog busts out a new trick! Will this be yet another resurgence for Yoshi-Hashi? As for ELP, that was a rough way to lose in the first round, will he be able to rebound?
G1 Climax 33, A Block: Chase Owens VS Gabe Kidd!
We may have seen Bullet Club VS Bullet Club before, but this is a new flavor all its own. Will the Crown Jewel show the new kid a thing or two? Or will this War Dog show Chase how savage he really is?
Wait, Kidd rushes out and CLOBBERS Chase on stage, with a chair! Kidd taunts the fans, then SMACKS Chase with the chair on the back! Kidd continues to taunt the fans as they boo, and the ref runs up to reprimand Kidd. Kidd stands Chase up to ROCK him with a forearm, and HEADBUTT him! Kidd reels Chase in, and wants to throw him off the stage! Chase fights up but Kidd CLUBS him down! And BITES his head! Kidd UPPERCUTS Chase and he goes tumbling down the ramp! Kidd stalks Chase all the way down, then ROCKS him with another shot! Fans boo but Kidd brings Chase up and headlocks.
Kidd brings Chase further along and HEADBUTTS him again! But Chase throws shots in return! Kidd UPPERCUTS Chase again! Kidd brings Chase around and through the gate to CHOKE him against the railing in front of the fans! And then Kidd pulls those railings apart! Kidd then snatches chairs and throws those around, and brings Chase over to SMACK him off other chairs! He even uses a fan’s umbrella to SMACK Chase, and CHOKE him! The ref reprimands, Kidd lets off, this isn’t even a match yet! Kidd brings Chase around to the other side of the aisle, rips those railings apart, and smacks Chase off those chairs!
Fans move aside and Young Lions help, and Chase fights back! Kidd ROCKS Chase, brings him around to yet another section and HEADBUTTS Chase down! Kidd then DECKS a Young Lion! And another! And another! Kidd has gone past savage and is just crazy! The ref makes him go to the ringside area, but then Kidd runs past to go back up the ramp! And then Kidd runs down the ramp to FLY!! And he takes out Chase and the Young Lions!! Fans are thunderous and the ref checks everyone. Kidd is up and he shakes the railing apart! Kidd then chases Chase to ringside, and claws his face!
Chase staggers away, and Kidd ROCKS him! Kidd headlocks to bring Chase around, and UPPERCUTS him down! Kidd tells English commentary, “You wanna talk? Let’s talk then!” Kidd heard what Chris had to say a few years ago about going out and banging a Japanese woman. Well guess what? Kidd’s gonna find him THREE! Then Kidd goes back to firing shots on Chase! And he tells commentary to shut up. Fans rally for Chase as Kidd puts him in the ring, and then Kidd flips them all off. Fans boo and Kidd goes into the ring. The bell finally rings, and this is finally a match! And Chase BOOTS Kidd down!
Fans rally as Chase finally has a chance to rest. Chase goes to ropes, drags himself up, and he watches Kidd flounder to the other side. Chase runs in and CLOBBERS Kidd! And again! Chase whips, Kidd reverses and runs in but Chase BOOTS him! And then CORNER BACK SUPLEX, to a SAIDO! Fans fire up with Chase and he hauls Kidd up. Chase tucks Kidd in, but Kidd powers out to swing. Chase ducks the lariat but Kidd elbows back. Chase RAMS Kidd into a corner, then LARIATS him down! Cover, TWO! Fans rally as Chase paces around. Chase locks ‘n’ loads, aims and runs in, but Kidd dodges!
Kidd runs, Chase dodges! Kidd dodges! Chase dodges! Kidd dodges! And then Kidd CLOBBERS Chase! Kidd drags Chase up to a BRAINBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Chase survives and Kidd is furious! Kidd glares at Chase while the fans rally up. Kidd stalks Chase to ropes, throws forearms, and Chase sits down. Kidd kicks Chase around, taunts him, and even SPITS on him! Kidd digs his boots in and shouts, “What’re you gonna do?!” The ref counts, Kidd lets off, and Chase stands. Chase CHOPS Kidd, Kidd ROCKS Chase! Kidd puts Chase up top, CHOPS him, and then climbs up after him. Kidd wants to bite again, but Chase slips out and under!
Chase trips Kidd! Kidd staggers, Chase BOOTS him! Kidd CHOPS, but Chase SUPERKICKS! Kidd rebounds, but Chase ducks the lariat to HALF ‘N’ HALF! And C-TRIGGER! And then the tuck and PACKAGE DRIVER!! Cover, CHASE WINS!!
Winner: Chase Owens, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Kidd earns 0)
Gabe Kidd gave his Bullet Club senpai one hell of a shootout, but in the end, you can’t steal one from the Crown Jewel. Chase gives Kidd a Too Sweet after all, so is all good in the Bullet Club main branch?
G1 Climax 33, B Block: Tanga Loa w/ Jado VS KENTA!
The Silverback is back, and he wants his turn at revenge against Bullet Club! But will he be able to break the Fang Revived? Or will Kenta make him #GoToSleep?
The bell rings and fans rally as the two stare down. They slowly circle, approach, and tie up. Loa powers Kenta to ropes, but lets off as the ref counts. Fans applaud the clean break, and Kenta circles with Loa again. They tie up, are in a deadlock, but Loa uses size to power Kenta back. They end up against ropes again, but Kenta turns it around. Loa turns it back, and they go around and around again. The ref counts as Loa has Kenta in the corner. Loa lets off, and the fans applaud. They circle again, but Kenta bails out. Kenta takes a moment but the fans rally up. Kenta comes back, tells fans to shut up, then steps inside.
Loa and Kenta circle again, and Kenta kicks the bad leg! Kenta headlocks, but Loa throws body shots. Loa powers out, they RAM shoulders, but Loa stays up. Fans rally, Kenta runs and RAMS Loa again, but Loa is still standing! Loa grins and applauds, and he eggs Kenta on. Kenta kicks the bad leg! Kenta runs, but Loa runs him over! Fans cheer and Kenta bails out again. Loa goes out after him this time, and Loa CLUBS Kenta on the back! Kenta staggers but Loa CLUBS him again. Loa keeps after Kenta and ROCKS him in front of English commentary. Loa smothers Kenta with a mic, then pushes him into the ring.
Kenta crawls away but Loa catches him first! Loa drags Kenta up, RAMS him against the ropes, and again! And again! The ref reprimands, Loa lets off and whips Kenta to ropes. Kenta holds ropes and bails out. Loa rushes out, Kenta slides in, then slides out to get the bad leg! DRAPING DRAGON SCREW! Loa falls to the floor and scrambles away! The ref checks Loa while Kenta paces. Kenta stomps Loa, and again, and then drags Loa up. Kenta puts the bad leg around the railing! Kenta traps the leg, and then DROPKICKS it! The ref reprimands and Kenta backs off, only to run in and BOOT the railing!
Loa falls over and Kenta stalks him. The ref wants this back in the ring, but Kenta drags Loa up to kick the bad leg again. Loa crawls away, Kenta refreshes the ring count, and Kenta stalks him to the corner. Kenta stomps the bad leg, KICKS it, then paces. Loa drags himself up and pushes Kenta away, but Kenta KICKS Loa in the chest! The count passes 10 of 20 but Kenta puts Loa in at 13. Fans rally and Loa pushes Kenta away. Kenta taunts Loa but Jado coaches him up. Loa sits up, but Kenta stomps the bad leg! Kenta drags Loa up, but Loa throws body shots! And uppercuts! But Kenta SOBATS!
Loa goes to a corner, Kenta runs in, and Kenta blocks Loa’s boot! Kenta kicks the bad leg! And puts it in the ropes, to DROPKICK it again! Loa falls over in a heap and Kenta soaks up the heat. Kenta mocks those booing him, then storms over to Loa. Fans rally for Loa as he crawls, but Kenta stalks him. Kenta talks trash on Jado, sits Loa up, and he stomps the bad leg again. Loa clutches the knee but Kenta keeps kicking it! Kenta kicks Loa around, stomps the bad leg, but Loa grits his teeth. Loa glares at Kenta, rises to his feet, and he blocks a kick! Loa throws body shots, UPPERCUTS, and then scoops, to SWINGING SIDE SLAM!
Fans fire up while Loa and Kenta are both down! Loa rises while Kenta rolls to a corner. Loa runs corner to corner and clotheslines! Then he whips Kenta in to clothesline again! And then GERMAN SUPLEX! Loa drags Kenta right up for the BLUE THUNDER BOMB! Cover, TWO!! Kenta survives, perhaps Loa’s bomb wasn’t strong enough with the bad leg. Loa drags Kenta back up, reels him in, but then changes up to scoop. Kenta grabs at the ref! They all spin around, the ref goes down, and Kenta slips free to kick low! DDT! Both men are down and Jado checks on the ref. And Kenta sees his opening!
Kenta scrambles out of the ring, looks underneath, and he brings out a chair! Kenta gets back in, takes aim, and JAMS Loa, then SMACKS him! And SMACKS him again! Kenta kicks Loa over and fans boo, but Kenta isolates the leg! Kenta SMASHES the knee!! Fans boo but Kenta says he’ll go again! Another SMASH to the knee!! Fans boo even harder as Kenta kicks Loa down again. Kenta puts the chair on the knee, then goes up the corner! DIVING- NO, Loa moves! Loa avoids disaster, swings on Kenta, but Kenta dodges, only for the SOUTHPAW to hit! Fans fire up as Loa now has Kenta down! Jado gets the ref back in, too!
Loa helps the ref sit up, and he aims at Kenta. Kenta rises, Loa runs in, but Kenta drops! Loa has to hobble to a stop, but he won’t let Kenta deny him. Buti then Kenta cradles! TWO!! Loa gets free but Kenta rolls him! Feet on the ropes! The ref sees that and says NOPE! Fans cheer but Kenta is furious! Kenta corners the ref, Loa runs in, but almost hits the ref! LOW BLOW!! Fireman’s carry, but Loa slips free! Kenta URAKENS, then runs! INTO A SPEAR!! Fans fire up with Loa as he roars! Loa drags Kenta up, scoops him, and goes APE SHIT!!! Cover, Loa wins!
Winner: Tanga Loa, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Kenta earns 0)
Now that’s how you return to action! Loa pins the DEFY Wrestling Champion and earns himself those crucial first points! Will this be the year the Silverback becomes an alpha male?
G1 Climax 33, A Block: Shota Umino VS Ren Narita!
Two young upstart stars clash to start off this year’s G1! Will the Roughneck continue to bring about the Paradigm Shift in NJPW? Or will Narita show us all why he’s the Son of Strong Style?
Shota may be a student of Jon Moxley, but taking off his elaborate entrance attire is rather Naito of him. Narita is patient, though, as a student of Katsuyori Shibata and Minoru Suzuki. The bell rings and the two rush in! Narita BOOTS Shota, but Shota’s right up to CLOBBER Narita! They stare down face to face and fans fire up. Shota throws a forearm, Narita gives it back! Shota throws another, and so does Narita! They go back and forth, faster and faster, and the fans rally up with every shot. Things keep going faster and faster, and then Shota eggs Narita on! Narita fires off a flurry, then eggs Shota on. Shota stares Narita down, then fires heavy shots!
Narita comes back with another forearm of his own, and he eggs Shota on. Shota throws a shot, Narita shakes his head. Narita throws a shot, and Shota scowls. Shota winds way back to throw a forearm! Narita shakes his head and fires another. Shota fires another, Narita fires another, and then Shota throws a flurry! Narita fires a strike fest! Shota wobbles, Narita stomps him into the corner! Narita rains down forearms and stomps but the ref counts. Narita runs but Shota follows fast to ELBOW! Shota fires off a flurry now, and even some UPPERCUTS! The ref reprimands, Shota lets off and runs, but Narita follows to BOOT!
But Shota stays up and shoves Narita! So Narita UPPERCUTS Shota off his feet! Fans fire up while Shota goes to the corner. Narita storms up to dig his boot in. The ref counts, but Narita just adds more pressure! The ref reprimands, counts, and Narita finally lets off. Fans cheer the intensity and Narita drags Shota up. Narita CLUBS Shota on the neck, CLUBS him again, then whips him to ropes. Shota holds ropes, dodges Narita and arm-drags! And elbows! And basement dropkicks! Fans fire up with Shota, and then he dusts himself off. Shota paces around, stomps Narita, and brings him up with a cravat.
Narita endures the neck wrench, but then Shota CLUBS him down. Shota kicks Narita around and eggs him on. Shota whips Narita to a corner but Narita reverses! Narita runs in, into a BOOT! And another boot! Shota runs, into a leg scissor throw! KNEEBAR! Shota endures as Narita has his leg! Shota crawls, drags Narita along, and backstrokes to the ROPEBREAK! Narita gets up to drag Shota from the ropes to reapply the KNEEBAR! Fans rally and duel while Shota endures! Shota reaches out, and gets the ROPEBREAK again! The ref counts but Narita keeps on the hold until 4.
Narita drags Shota back from ropes again, and has a standing toehold! Shota CHOPS from below but Narita holds on! Narita leans on the hold, then drags Shota around again. Narita steps through to put more pressure on, and then does it again! Shota endures, even as Narita hits another spinning toehold, into the FIGURE FOUR! Fans cheer while Shota endures more! Shota fights to turn things over, but Narita powers him back down! Shota keeps fighting, drags Narita along towards ropes, but Narita pushes up! Shota still reaches out for the ROPEBREAK! The ref counts, but again Narita holds on until 4.
Narita grabs at the legs but Shota kicks at him. Narita lets go, but he stomps Shota! Shota eggs Narita on so Narita stomps him more! And more! Narita drags Shota up but Shota throws forearm after forearm! Narita kicks the bad leg! Narita whips, Shota reverses and scoops to THROW, then run and SLIDING UPPERCUT! Fans fire up as Shota now has control. Shota hobbles over to Narita in the corner. Shota whips Narita corner to corner, runs in and UPPERCUTS! Shota then FISHERMAN SUPLEXES! Bridging cover, TWO! Not quite perfect but fans still rally up. Shota goes out and climbs the corner!
Shota reaches the top, Narita stands, and Shota MISSILE DROPKICKS! Then Shota steps through to an STF! Narita endures and reaches out, even as Shota pulls back on the hold! Narita claws at the mat, powers his way forward, and gets the ROPEBREAK! The ref counts, Shota holds until 3 as a little payback on Narita. Shota then drags Narita up, clinches, but Narita resists the lift. Shota snapmares, then throws down HAMMER ‘N’ ANVIL ELBOWS! Shota got that from the BCC! Shota then hauls Narita up, but Narita fights the clinch with elbows! Shota knees low, runs, but into a WHEEL KICK! Fans rally up while both men are down!
Shota crawls to a corner, Narita goes to the opposite. Narita runs corner to corner to BACK ELBOW! And then HALF HATCH BRIDGE! TWO!! Shota escapes but Narita clamps right on with a SLEEPER! Shota fights up, RAMS Narita into buckles, and is free. Shota kicks low, whips Narita but Narita reverses, to hip toss! Narita then brings Shota up, clinches, but Shota slips free! CROSS RHODES! Shota holds on to drag Narita back up, another CROSS RHODES! Shota drags Narita up again, hooks a leg, SAVING GRACE! Cover, TWO!! Narita survives and Shota is shocked! But Shota hurries to a corner as fans rally up.
Narita staggers up and Shota runs in, but Narita avoids the swing! Narita knees low! Narita runs, into a scoop! HOTSHOT and UPPERCUT! Shota then slingshots in, ONE FINAL BEAT! Fans fire up after the slingshot DDT and Shota aims again. Narita rises, Shota kicks low and underhooks! But Narita fights Paradigm Shift to EXPLODER! Fans fire up while both men are down again! Shota and Narita stir, Narita stands first and he brings Shota up. Narita hits an BLIZZARD SUPLEX BRIDGE! TWO!!! Fans fire up as Narita clamps on with another SLEEPER! Shota fights up, arm-drags free, but Narita gets the leg!
Narita drags Shota down to a HEEL HOOK! Shota reaches for ropes, but Narita shifts, rolls and has the TEXAS CLOVERHOLD!! Shota endures, fights back up and moves toward ropes! But Narita sits deep! Shota still powers his way to the ROPEBREAK! Narita lets go in frustration but the fans rally up. Narita calls his shot and drags Shota up. Shota fights the Belly2Belly! Narita BOOTS Shota, but Shota stays standing! Shota shakes his head, so Narita BOOTS him again! Shota is still standing, so Narita runs and BOOTS him again! Shota wobbles but he’s still standing! Narita runs, to BOOT Shota down! But Shota’s right back up!?
Shota clinches to EXPLODER! But Narita’s right back up! Narita hits an EXPLODER! Shota roars as he rises! Shota dodges a boot to GERMAN SUPLEX! But Narita’s right up to GERMAN SUPLEX! Fans are thunderous as both men rise again! Shota staggers around, Narita storms up, both men DECK the other with a palm strike! Fans are thunderous again as they duel for these young stars! Shota and Narita each crawl to the other. Shota throws a forearm, but Narita throws it back! But there’s only THREE MINUTES left in the time limit! Narita throws another forearm! Shota eggs him on!
The two stand, fans fire up again and the forearms go back and forth! Shota UPPERCUTS, UPPERCUTS and UPPERCUTS! Narita fires a strike fest and UPPERCUTS! Shota forearms, back elbows, then boxing elbows! Shota spins, into a kick! And ENZIGURI! Narita roars, runs, but Shota DROPKICKS! Fans keep rallying as Shota stalks Narita to a corner. Two minute warning, and Shota hits a TORNADO DDT! Shota aims from the corner as Narita rises! Shota runs in, IGNITION!! Cover off the swinging neckbreaker, TWO?!?! Narita survives but Shota won’t stop there! He drags Narita up and picks him up! ELEVATED DEATH RIDER!! Cover, TWO!?!?
Narita survives again and no one can believe it! But Shota won’t stop here! We hit the LAST MINUTE, and Shota underhooks! But Narita slips out to COBRA TWIST! Shota fights to get free but Narita just clamps on tighter! We’re at THIRTY SECONDS! Shota reaches out, Narita shifts, GERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO!!! Fans are thunderous as the seconds tick away! Narita hurries as we hit TEN! Clinch and- NO, Shota fights it! POP-UP UPPERCUT!! TIME’S UP!!!!
Time Limit Draw, both men gain 1 point
How long has it been since there was a DRAW in the G1? This match could not only make the difference in both men’s first run, but this could have just solidified the future of NJPW! Will we see Narita and Shota fight again and again in the coming years?
G1 Climax 33, B Block: Kazuchika Okada VS Great-O-Khan!
The Rainmaker is a former G1 Climax Champion, and he’s currently NEVER Openweight Six Man Tag Team Champion. Meanwhile, The Dominator is still Rev-Pro Wrestling’s British Heavyweight Champion. But only one can start off their G1 with a win, so will Okada make it rain? Or will Khan conquer the leader of Chaos for The United Empire?
The bell rings and the two circle. Fans rally up for “O-KA-DA!” but Khan corners him. The ref has Khan back away and Khan eggs Okada on. They tie up, Khan gets a leg and then a waistlock but Okada counters with a facelock. Khan pushes through but Okada avoids the cover. Khan shoots in, Okada sprawls to block but Khan scrambles to the back. Khan pushes Okada back down, cover, TWO! Khan keeps on Okada with a facelock, then shifts to a waistlock and roll. Cover, ONE! Khan wants an armlock but Okada fights it. Khan facelocks but Okada fights to his feet, only for Khan to throw him down. Cover, ONE!
Okada keeps on Khan now with a waistlock. Okada drags Khan up, but Khan swings an elbow. Okada ducks it to back drop! And sits on the cover, TWO!! Khan escapes and fans fire up! Okada eggs Khan on, Khan rushes back in and tackles Okada! Khan clinches Okada to a HEAD ‘N’ ARM TRIANGLE! Okada endures as Khan leans his weight on the hold! Fans rally, Okada moves around and reaches out, but Khan squeezes tight! Okada’s turning red as Khan puts all his weight into it! Okada gets one last gasp to the ROPEBREAK! Khan lets off, and he then shifts around to a KIMURA! But they’re still in the ropes!
Khan grabs Okada’s leg and adds it to the hold for a modified bow ‘n’ arrow! Okada endures as he’s caught head to toe! Khan lets off to drop knees on the arm, and then SPLASHES the arm! Khan keeps on that arm with an elbow digging into the shoulder. Khan stands on Okada’s shoulder, pulls the arm back, but fans rally as Okada endures. Khan stomps Okada down! Khan drags Okada up, whips him hard into the corner, then turns him around for Mongolian Chops! Fans rally up as Khan sits up on his throne! The ref reprimands, Khan hops down at 4, and he then drags Okada back up.
Khan suplexes Okada high and hard! Cover, TWO! Khan clamps back onto Okada’s arm and traps it with a leg scissor! Khan bends the fingers and twists the wrist, digging his elbow into Okada’s ribs. Okada fights around, but Khan grabs that leg! Okada fights around to get the ROPEBREAK after all! Khan lets go quickly and looms over Okada. Khan kicks Okada around, CLUBS him, and CLUBS him again! Khan stands Okada up but Okada ROCKS Khan with a forearm! And again! Khan eggs Okada on so Okada throws another forearm! Khan ROCKS Okada in return! Khan whips, Okada ducks ‘n’ dodges to CLOBBER Khan!
Fans rally as Okada rises again. Okada runs in to rally with forearms and elbows! Okada whips, Khan reverses but Okada kicks low and DDTs! Fans rally up, Okada drags Khan up, but Khan grabs an ear! And CLUBS it! Khan runs, but into Okada’s FLAPJACK! Cover, TWO! Okada drags Khan up by his arm and paces around. Okada wrenches and wraps Khan up in the MONEY CLIP! Khan powers Okada back but Okada sends Khan into the corner! Okada then puts Khan up top, to DROPKICK him to the floor! Khan tumbles into railing while fans fire up! Okada catches his breath, then goes out to fetch Khan.
Okada drags Khan up, and whips him into railing! Okada then BOOTS Khan! Khan gets caught up but he still falls to the other side! Okada fetches Khan from No Man’s Land and brings him along by his ponytail. Okada uses that to pull Khan onto the railing, and drags him out, DRAPING DDT to the floor! Fans cheer Okada striking like a viper but the ref starts a ring count. Okada paces, brings Khan up at 8 of 20, and puts him in at 12. Fans applaud as Okada steps in to bring Khan up. Okada goes to gut wrench but Khan fights it! Okada CLUBS Khan down, Alabama Lifts, but Khan fights that, too!
Okada knees Khan low, CLUBS him on the back, then UPPERCUTS! Okada runs, dodges Khan’s lariat, but Khan hits a NECKBREAKER DROP on the return! Fans rally while both men are down and crawling to corners. Khan runs in but into a BOOT! Khan comes back, into another BOOT! Okada BOOTS but Khan Mongolian Chops! And again and again and again! Machine Gun Mongolians?! Fans fire up as Okada drops to his knees! Khan then gut wrenches Okada for the suplex! Cover, TWO! Fans rally and Khan hauls Okada up. Okada fights the back suplex with elbows, but Khan powers through to ATOMIC DROP! HITSUJIGOROSHI!!
Fans rally as Okada endures the Sheep Killer! Okada throws clubbing shots but Khan thrashes him around! Okada keeps fighting, but Khan drops MARINE! Cover, TWO!! Okada survives but Khan says he’ll finish it now. Khan drags Okada up, reels him in, but Okada fights the suplex! Khan throws body shots, CLUBS Okada then stomps him down! Khan drags Okada up, but Okada shoots around! GERMAN SUPLEX! Okada holds in, brings Khan up, but Khan fights with elbows! Khan runs, into the DROPKICK! Fans fire up and Okada gut wrenches, LANDSLIDE! Okada isn’t done there, he drags Khan back up!
Okada ripcords, but Khan ducks the lariat to IRON CLAW SLEEPER! Okada reaches out, but he’s fading fast! The ref checks on Okada, but Okada gets a second wind! So Khan brings Okada around, ELIMI- NO, Okada fights with elbows! Okada wrenches Khan’s arm, brings him around, but Khan SAYANAGIS in return! Khan holds onto Okada’s wrist to drag him up, IRON CLAW SLEEPER, into F G O!! Cover, TWO!!! Okada survives and fans are thunderous! Khan roars with the monster rage and he clamps the iron claw back on! He drags Okada up, ELIMIN- NO, Okada arm-drags free! Khan rushes back in but Okada avoids the boot!
Okada wristlocks and ripcords but Khan boots the lariat away! Khan reels Okada in, scoops, but Okada slips free! Okada inverted suplexes, but Khan slips free! IRON- NO, Okada ducks the iron fist to ripcord and RAINMAKER!! Cover, Okada wins!
Winner: Kazuchika Okada, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Khan earns 0)
In the end, Khan wasn’t able to avoid the signature lariat, and Okada has a big win to kick off the G1! Will Okada become a back-to-back G1 Climax Champion?
G1 Climax 33, A Block: Yota Tsuji VS Kaito Kiyomiya!
What does the G in G1 stand for? Well, that could be determined right here and now! Will it be GENE 1 for LIJ’s newest recruit? Or will it be GREEN 1 for Pro-Wrestling Noah’s Supernova?
Wait, while Kaito is preening for the NJPW crowd, Tsuji builds speed! Tsuji DIVES onto Kaito and sends him into railing! Fans fire up with Tsuji and the bell rings to get this on record! Tsuji stomps Kaito against railing, then drags him up. Tsuji gets Kaito’s jacket off and puts him in the ring. Fans fire up for Tsuji, this is definitely a NJPW crowd. Tsuji stalks Kaito, stands on his head, and grins as he scrapes Kaito around. Tsuji sits Kaito up, but Kaito swings, into the BACKBREAKER and SLAM, and STOMP! Fans fire up for Tsuji as he stomps a mudhole in the center of the ring! Tsuji eggs Kaito on and Kaito slowly rises.
Tsuji kicks Kaito around, eggs him on, and Kaito stands up. Kaito throws a forearm, but Tsuji gives it back. Kaito throws another forearm, so Tsuji CHOPS him! Tsuji brings Kaito around, suplexes him up, but Kaito slips free to CHOP BLOCK a leg! Kaito runs, but Tsuji scoops him for a BACKBREAKER! Fans rally behind Tsuji as he pushes Kaito to a cover, TWO! Kaito hangs tough, seeing as he is a former GHC Heavyweight Champion. Tsuji keeps smiling and the fans continue to cheer him on. Tsuji brings Kaito up but Kaito CHOPS! Tsuji shrugs that off, though, and eggs Kaito on. So Kaito CHOPS again!
Tsuji eggs Kaito on more, so Kaito CHOPS! Tsuji felt that one! Tsuji BOOTS, but Kaito blocks! DRAGON SCREW! Fans rally as Kaito evens things out. Kaito drags Tsuji around by that leg and drops elbow after elbow on the knee! Kaito then runs to drop a FLASH ELBOW! Kaito drags Tsuij to a corner, and right to the post! Kaito SLAMS the leg into the post! Tsuji flops out to the floor while the ref reprimands Kaito. Kaito kicks Tsuji around, brings him up, and puts him in the ring. Fans cheer as Kaito then steps in, to jumping stomp! Kaito stomps Tsuji more, drags him up, but Tsuji ROCKS him with a forearm!
Kaito goes to a corner, Tsuji runs in but Kaito elbows him! And springboard FLYING FOREARMS! Cover, TWO! Fans rally and Kaito drags Tsuji around by a leg. Kaito throws knees into the thigh, and then basement dropkicks the leg! Tsuji goes to a corner but Kaito storms up. Kaito gives almost toying stomps in the corner, but Tsuji just grins through it. Kaito slaps Tsuji around but Tsuji stands up. Tsuji goes forehead to forehead with Kaito, then fires off a flurry of forearms! But Kaito DROPKICKS him! Kaito puts the bad leg on the ropes and pulls! The ref counts, Tsuji CLUBS Kaito, but Kaito knees the knee!
Kaito runs side to side, but Tsuji BOOTS him! Kaito comes back, blocks the boot, but Tsuji brings Kaito down, and STOMPS him down! Fans fire up as Tsuji walks off the pain. Kaito stands int he corner, and Tsuji runs in to STINGER SPLASH! Tsuji keeps going, and he ducks ‘n’ dodges to tilt-o-whirl RANA!? And then he runs Kaito over! Fans fire up as Tsuji scoops, for the RUNNING POWERSLAM! Cover, TWO! Kaito is still in this but fans rally as Tsuji rises. Tsuji waits on Kaito, then he runs, but Kaito dropkicks the leg! Kaito storms up, blocks another boot, and DRAGON SCREWS again!
Kaito steps through, ties up the legs, FIGURE FOUR! Tsuji endures the classic, even as Kaito puts more pressure on. Tsuji pries the hold open, but Kaito fights it back on tighter! Tsuji endures, reaches out, but Kaito pulls on the main leg! Tsuji pries at the hold again, grits his teeth, and works to turn the hold over! He succeeds! But then Kaito turns it back over, only for Tsuji to get the ROPEBREAK! The ref counts, helps undo the hold, and Tsuji is free. Kaito stands and fires up! Fans are torn as Kaito goes to the corner and climbs up. Tsuji stands, Kaito MISSILE DROPKICKS! Kaito keeps on Tsuji by bringing him back up.
Tsuji swings, Kaito gets under, GERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO! Tsuji survives but Kaito keeps his cool. Kaito vows to end it now and he brings Tsuji back up. Kaito chicken wings, but Tsuji fights the Tiger Plex! Kaito UPPERCUTS Tsuji in the back! And then chicken wings again, TIGER SUPLEX! But Tsuji lands on his feet?! Kaito storms up to UPPERCUT again and again! Kaito runs, ROLLING ELBOW! Tsuji stays up to ROCK and then HEADBUTT!! Fans are thunderous as both men fall! And Tsuji sits up with a grin! Tsuji’s enjoying this like he did the world title match with Sanada!
Kaito slowly rises and Tsuji brings him around. Tsuji suplexes, Kaito slips free and shoves to DROPKICK again! But Tsuji’s right up to BOOT! SUPERKICK! Tsuji hurries to get Kaito back up, suplexes him, FALCON BOMB!! Cover, TWO!?! Kaito survives but fans are thunderous for Tsuji! Tsuji gets his legs working and he waits on Kaito. Kaito slowly rises, Tsuji runs, CURB STOMP! And then Tsuji roars! Fans fire up again as Tsuji drags Kaito up and hooks him up in the Inverted Gory Especial. But Kaito slips free! RANA! Cover, TWO!! Tsuji escapes, Kaito goes to a corner but runs in, JUMP KNEE!!
Fans fire up and Kaito roars! Kaito hauls Tsuji up, chicken wings, TIGER PLEX!! Bridging cover, TWO!?!? Kaito actually smiles, too, because he can’t believe Tsuji escapes! Kaito drags Tsuji up, chicken wings again, and then flips Tsuji for the TIGER DRIVER 23!! Kaito then goes to a corner and waits on Tsuji. Kaito roars, runs in, EVOLVED SHINING WIZARD!! Cover, Kaito wins!!
Winner: Kaito Kiyomiya, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Tsuji earns 0)
Tonight, G stands for green! Kaito gets a truly huge win over Tsuji, will the Next Generation Ace be the first man to win a NOAH Global League/N-1 Victory and a NJPW G1 Climax in his career?
G1 Climax 33, B Block: Taichi VS Will Ospreay!
The Holy Emperor is KOPW Champion while the Aerial Assassin is the NEW IWGP United States Heavyweight Champion. It’s another golden battle in B Block, who proves they’re the stronger champion?
The entrance attire and belts are put aside, and the bell rings. The fans rally as the two stare down, and it seems the “Let’s Go, Taichi!” and “Let’s Go, Ospreay!” are evenly matched. Taichi and Ospreay circle, tie up, and are in a deadlock. They break and stare down again. Taichi CHOPS! Ospreay applauds, then ROCKS Taichi with a forearm! Taichi CHOPS again, so Ospreay fires another forearm! Another CHOP, another forearm! Taichi kicks a leg, Ospreay runs to forearm again! Taichi rebounds to BOOT! Ospreay rebounds to forearm! Taichi rebounds to BOOT, kicks but Ospreay blocks! Ospreay CLUBS the leg but Taichi ducks the heel kick!
Taichi SOBATS Ospreay, runs and BOOTS Ospreay right out of the ring! Ospreay gets right up but Taichi BOOTS him back down! Fans rally while Ospreay steadies himself at the ramp. Taichi goes out after him but Ospreay knees low! Ospreay CLUBS Taichi, whips him hard into railing, and then brings Taichi around. But Taichi blocks the chip to choke grip! Ospreay headbutts free, and then whips Taichi into railing hard! Taichi tumbles up and over! Ospreay goes out after Taichi, drags him up, and runs him to the back section. Ospreay stomps Taichi around, brings him up, and ROCKS him! Taichi takes a seat in the open chairs.
Ospreay drags Taichi up, Young Lions have fans move, and Ospreay BOWLS Taichi into the chairs! Strike! Ospreay then moves chairs aside to drags Taichi back up. Ospreay ROCKS Taichi, Taichi leans against the railing and almost brings it down. Ospreay drags Taichi up again, to DDTÂ to the floor! Taichi writhes and Red Shoes reprimands but fans rally up. Ospreay leaves Taichi behind, fans rally for “TAICHI! TAICHI!” and a ring count starts. Taichi stirs at 4 of 20, sits up at 6, and drags himself up at 10. Taichi hobbles his way back to ringside, and slides in at 16. But Ospreay springboards, COAST2COAST!
Ospreay drags Taichi out to the apron, for a DRAPING CUTTERÂ to the floor! Ospreay gloats and fans cheer while Red Shoes checks Taichi. Ospreay waits on Taichi to get back up, but the ring count climbs. The count is 10 of 20 as Ospreay eggs Taichi on. Ospreay rolls into the ring, Taichi sits up at 14. Taichi drags himself up at 17, and slides in at 19! Fans cheer but Ospreay is aimed and ready again. Ospreay springboards in, PIP PIP CHEERIO! Cover, TWO!! Taichi survives but Ospreay drags Taichi up. Ospreay whips corner to corner but Taichi falls over before he makes it. Ospreay taunts the fans, ‘This your boy?”
Ospreay goes out, checks the time and it’s just been six-and-a-half minutes. Ospreay promises that with this 20 minute time limit, Taichi is gonna suffer. Ospreay taunts Taichi, tells him to fight for the fans, and then kicks Taichi in the back! Ospreay stomps Taichi around, eggs him on more, and drags him up. Ospreay scoops for a BACKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Taichi is hanging tough but Ospreay drags him up. Ospreay scoops for the SPIN OUT BACKBREAKER! Taichi writhes, Ospreay covers, TWO! Ospreay is annoyed but he did say he’ll make Taichi suffer. Fans rally for Taichi but Ospreay shows off with jumping jacks.
Ospreay kicks Taichi around and Taichi sits up. Ospreay drags Taichi up to ROCK him with a forearm! Taichi CHOPS, but Ospreay doesn’t budge. Taichi CHOPS again, but he still doesn’t have much. Taichi kicks, but Ospreay slaps him around. Taichi CHOPS again, but Ospreay DECKS him with a forearm! Ospreay looms over Taichi at the ropes, eggs him on again, and tells him time to wake up. Ospreay whips corner to corner but Taichi reverses! Taichi runs in but into a BOOT! Ospreay whips, but Taichi reverses, only for Ospreay to handspring! Into a SAIDO- NO, Ospreay lands on his feet! And PENALTY KICKS Taichi down!
Fans rally as Ospreay drags Taichi up. Ospreay suplexes, holds him up, and hits a BRAINBUSTER! Cover, TWO!! Taichi is still in this and fans rally up. Ospreay grins, he knows they’re not even at ten minutes yet. Taichi stirs as fans continue to rally, but Ospreay drags him up. Taichi is dead weight, but Ospreay gets him up and underhooks. Ospreay lifts, but Taichi fights it! Taichi powers out of the underhooks and he Alabama Lifts, only for Ospreay to fight that! Ospreay gives one Kawada Kick, and then CHOPS! Taichi goes to a corner, Ospreay runs in, but Taichi dodges to GAMAN- NO, Ospreay blocks it! And CHOPS Taichi down!
Fans rally while Ospreay leans against ropes. Ospreay shakes out his ear, that gamangiri still made some kinda contact. Ospreay goes to the apron, but he has to sit down! Did that kick rattle him more than he thought? Ospreay tells Red Shoes he can still continue, but he’s careful as he climbs. Ospreay wobbles and he drops to the second rope! Red Shoes checks with Ospreay, but Ospreay tells him to not even dare calling this. Ospreay gets Taichi up, but Taichi SAID- NO, Ospreay fights that to a DREAM SMASHER ELBOW! That much Ospreay can still do, dizzy as he is. Ospreay slaps himself and prepares the elbow.
Ospreay aims from the corner, Taichi sits up, but the inner ear problem is still bothering him. Taichi flops back down, so Ospreay takes a bit more time to steady himself. Ospreay storms up on Taichi, slaps him around and eggs him on. Ospreay gives more Kawada Kicks, but almost mockingly. Taichi stands up to stare Ospreay down, and Ospreay even positions himself for Taichi. So Taichi gives him Kawada Kicks! Ospreay then gives real Kawada Kicks! Taichi wrenches and HOOK KICKS! And off come the pants!! Fans fire up as Taichi aims, but Ospreay blocks the buzzsaw to short arm LARIAT!
Fans rally up as Ospreay staggers around. Ospreay is determined to finish this out, and he waits on Taichi. Taichi rises, Ospreay runs and springboards, OS- NO, Taichi blocks and Alabama Lifts! But Ospreay fights it so Taichi back drops him away! Ospreay lands on his feet, springboards again, OSCUTTER!! Direct hit and fans fire up! Ospreay pushes Taichi to a cover, TWO!! Taichi survives and Ospreay is frustrated, but he gets back to his feet. Ospreay still shakes out the stars going around his head, and he prepares the elbow again. Taichi sits up, Ospreay runs in, but Taichi ducks the Hidden Blade to ENZIGURI!
Fans fire up as we hit 15 minutes! Ospreay elbows the gamangiri away, to HIDDEN BLADE!! Cover, ROPEBREAK!! Taichi survives by a miscalculation on Ospreay’s part! Ospreay refocuses, brings Taichi up and underhooks, Canadian Rack for- NO, Taichi slips free and O’Conner Rolls, into GEDO CLUTCH!! TWO!!! Ospreay escapes but Taichi hurries! Ospreay blocks the lariat to HOOK KICK! But Taichi still AX BOMBERS! Ospreay stays up to ROLLING ELBOW! Taichi falls and Ospreay shakes out the stars again. Ospreay calls his shot, fans rally up, and Ospreay goes up the corner! SUPER- NO, Taichi CLUBs him first!
Taichi goes up after Ospreay but Ospreay CLUBS away on Taichi! Taichi CLUBS Ospreay in return, throwing down ridge hands! Taichi brings Ospreay up to SUPER DANGEROUS SAIDO!!! Fans are thunderous and Taichi rises! Taichi runs, AX BOMBER!! But he isn’t done there! We’re at three minutes left, SAIDO BRIDGE!! TWO!!! Fans are thunderous again as Taichi roars and brings Ospreay up! Alabama Lift, but Ospreay slips free to steal DANGEROUS SAIDO! HIDDEN- SUPERKICK!!! Taichi hits first, then Alabama Lifts, for BLACK MEPHISTO!!! Cover, TAICHI WINS!!
Winner: Taichi, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Ospreay earns 0)
The entire arena is fired up as the KOPW Champion trumps the IWGP US Champion! Will Taichi look to take Ospreay’s title after the G1 Climax?
G1 Climax 33, A Block: SANADA VS Hikuleo w/ Jado!
Speaking of champions, the IWGP World Heavyweight Champion naturally gets the main event. Will the Cold Skull prove his dominance, even against this giant Guerrilla of Destiny? Or will Hikuleo get the biggest win of his career?
The bell rings and Hiku BOOTS Sanada down! Hiku whips Sanada to ropes but Sanada holds ropes. Sanada then baits Hiku in, O’Conner Bridge! TWO!! Hiku gets free, CHOPS Sanada, and Sanada drops to his knees. Hiku drags Sanada up and brings him around, to RAM him into a corner! Sanada flops out of the ring, Hiku goes out after him, and drags Sanada up. Hiku RAMS Sanada into the apron! Sanada sits down, but Hiku stands Sanada up to CHOP him! And CHOP him again! Sanada staggers away and Hiku says one more! Hiku brings Sanada around, and CHOPS him again! Fans rally as Hiku then scoops Sanada and carries him around!
Hiku aims, but Sanada slips free and POSTS Hiku first! Then RAMS him into railing! Sanada paces while fans rally up. Red Shoes says to get this in the ring but Sanada drags Hiku up to bring him around, and whip him, only for Hiku to reverse! Sanada hits railing hard and tumbles over! A ring count starts, Hiku storms out to fetch Sanada, and brings him up at 11 of 20. They go back to ringside, Hiku puts Sanada in at 14. Fans applaud and Hiku steps in. Hiku CHOPS Sanada and Sanada goes to a corner. Hiku storms up to whip corner to corner, run in, but Sanada dodges! Sanada comes back, ducks ‘n’ dodges, but Hiku back drops him away! Cover, TWO!
Fans rally more and Hiku drags Sanada up. Hiku suplexes Sanada but Sanada slips free! Sanada dodges the elbow to dropkick the leg! Hiku stays up so Sanada DROPKICKS him! Hiku runs back in but Sanada dumps him to the apron! And DROPKICKS him down! Hiku gets up in a rage, but Sanada PLANCHAS him back down! Fans fire up and Sanada encourages them to get louder. The fans oblige but Sanada insists they get louder and louder still. The fans chant for “SA-NA-DA!” and that pleases him. Sanada then brings Hiku up, puts him in, and fans applaud. Cover, TWO! Hiku is still in this but Sanada stays cool.
Sanada drags Hiku up, but Hiku’s too big for the fireman’s carry! Hiku CLUBS away on Sanada, then CHOPS him! Sanada goes to a corner, Hiku runs corner to corner, but into an elbow! Sanada QUEBRADA, but Hiku catches him! And SNAKE EYES! Hiku runs to LARIAT! Fans fire up with Hiku and he drags Sanada up. Suplex for a BIG BRAINBUSTER! Cover, TWO!! Sanada survives but Hiku keeps his cool. Hiku drags Sanada up, fireman’s carries, but Sanada fights free. Sanada then runs in, tilt-o-whirls, and manages to get the dragon sleeper! But Hiku powers through to suplex! Only for Sanada to turn it around and suplex Hiku!
Fans fire up while both men are down! Jado coaches Hiku but Sanada kips up! Sanada goes right up top, to ROUNDING BODY- NO, he has to last out as Hiku moves! Sanada tries another tilt-o-whirl but Hiku blocks it! Only for Sanada to still try the dragon sleeper! Hiku still POWERSLAMS! Cover, TWO! Both men are down and fans rally up. Hiku rises as Jado coaches him. Hiku drags Sanada up, whips, but Sanada clinches! Hiku fights out, shoves Sanada, SNAP POWERSLAM! Fans fire up as Hiku clamps on the choke grip! Hiku stands Sanada up, but Sanada kicks free! And SHINING WIZARDS! Cover, TWO!!
Hiku survives and Sanada grits his teeth. Sanada says he’ll finish this now and the fans rally back up. Sanada brings Hiku up and clinches, but Hiku slips free to a waistlock! GERMAN SUPLEX, but Sanada lands out of it! And RAN- NO! Hiku blocks the rana to get Sanada up! For a LAST RIDE!! High stack, TWO!?!? Sanada survives but Jado calls the shot! Hiku drags Sanada up with the choke grip as we pass 10 minutes. GIANT CHOKE- NO, Sanada fights free! Clinch and DEADFALL!! Cover, Sanada wins!!
Winner: Sanada, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Hikuleo earns 0)
The victory quite truly slips through Hikuleo’s fingers, but this is the difference between him and the world champion! Will the young star rebound in the next round?
As for Sanada, he goes out to get the mic to walk ‘n’ talk. “People of Sapporo… Just5Guys just won both the semifinal and main events tonight. And since we’re here, why don’t we call out the hometown boy to help wrap this up?” The fans cheer, and Sanada feels a “Taichi!” chant should do it. The fans chant for Taichi, and he appears! Sanada doesn’t see him yet, and wonders if “Taichi-nii” would’ve worked better. The fans join in on that, and Taichi hustles into the ring. Fans cheer as the KOPW and World Heavyweight Champs stand together.
Sanada brings up how, at the press conference, Taichi said he’d do both wrestling and YouTube. “Maybe the fans here can convince you to do a livestream?” The fans do like the sound of that! They now chant “LIVESTREAM! LIVESTREAM!” Sanada hands over the mic so Taichi can respond. “It’s been awhile since I’ve gotten a hometown win. Like Sana-nii said, I aim to succeed at pro-wrestling and YouTube. I want to be someone Hokkaido can be proud of.” Fans also like the sound of that. He wants people to say to him, “Keep repping Hokkaido well!” And if they don’t approve of how he represents them, please like and subscribe anyway.
Fans have a good laugh, and Taichi promises that they will do a livestream after this. Fans cheer that, and Sanada says before that, let’s do “that thing.” The lights go down, the fans use their phones to make the stars come out, and Sanada says, “You all know this. Let’s keep it simple. From all of Japan, I think Sappara-” Oh, oops. Wrong vowel. Fans boo and Taichi turns to leave! Sanada apologizes and asks for a second chance. Taichi says okay, and the fans chant “MO IKAI! MO IKAI!” Sanada says, “From all of Japan, I think I like Sapporo the best.” Fans cheer the correct name, and Sanada says, “OI, SAPPORO! See you next time.”
The IWGP World Heavyweight Champion and KOPW Champion stand tall as Just5Guys takes the night! Will they soon take over both blocks and guarantee this becomes the J5G1 Climax?
Here are the current A Block standings!
Sanada: 1-0, 2 points
Kaito Kiyomiya: 1-0, 2 points
Chase Owens: 1-0, 2 points
Ren Narita: 0-0-1, 1 point
Shota Umino: 0-0-1, 1 point
Yota Tsuji: 0-1, 0 points
Hikuleo: 0-1, 0 points
Gabe Kidd: 0-1, 0 points
Here are the current B Block standings!
Kazuchika Okada: 1-0, 2 points
Taichi: 1-0, 2 points
YOSHI-HASHI: 1-0, 2 points
Tanga Loa: 1-0, 2 points
Will Ospreay: 0-1, 0 points
Great-O-Khan: 0-1, 0 points
Kenta: 0-1, 0 points
El Phantasmo: 0-1, 0 points
My Thoughts:
A great start to this year’s G1, and with just two of the four blocks! Hashi getting the opening win was rather surprising, but I suppose ELP can’t pin a tag champ when he doesn’t have a tag partner right now. Kidd going after Chase that hard was also a surprise, but great comeback win from Chase. Great return win from Loa, and I love that they went with a time limit draw for Narita and Shota. Those two really are going to be the future of NJPW and perhaps even wrestling in general if they travel to NJPW’s partners like AEW. And of course Okada wins, but Khan had a great showing all the same.
Tsuji VS Kaito was a great match, but I’m rather surprised Kaito won. Tsuji has been impressive but he hasn’t really gotten that definitive singles win. And as I said, Kaito is going to make a run at the semifinals, teasing the history of being an N-1 and G1 winner in his career. He probably won’t do it, but that’s still something to tease. Honestly, it feels like they could give us Kaito as the A Block winner and Okada as the B Block winner so that they meet in the semifinals to have out their feud.
Great move for the Just5Guys members to both win tonight. Though honestly, Taichi VS Ospreay was the better match. Sapporo gets to cheer their hometown guy and their general favorite, but neither guy really needs to win the G1. Taichi can easily feud with Ospreay between their two titles, the KOPW and the US, and Sanada being THE champion, he of course faces whoever has the G1 Climax contract. Can’t wait to see how C and D Blocks start off tomorrow.
My Score: 8.9/10
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Can the Last Real Champion handle The Truth?
While the King & Queen of the Ring tournaments reach their semifinals, John Cena has his first match on SmackDown in years, against Ron Killings!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Queen of the Ring Semifinals: Asuka VS Alexa Bliss; Asuka wins and advances to Night of Champions.
- Aleister Black VS Kit Wilson; No Contest.
- King of the Ring Semifinals: Randy Orton VS Sami Zayn; Orton wins and advances to Night of Champions.
- Charlotte Flair VS Chelsea Green w/ The Secret Her-vice; Charlotte wins.
- Bronson Reed w/ Paul Heyman & Bron Breakker VS LA Knight; Knight wins, by disqualification.
- John Cena VS Ron Killings; Killings wins, by disqualification.
PLAY BY PLAY
LA Knight is here!
Grand Rapids fires up as the Mega Star marches right to the ring. Knight grabs a mic while the fans chant his name, and he says, “LEMME TALK TO YA!” The fans cheer, and Knight says, “Let’s just go ahead and rewind our mind a little bit. We go to back to Money in the Bank, Seth and his boys, they just happen to come down and screw this guy.” The fans boo that. Knight says usually, he lets things slide. But he just figured he couldn’t let it slide, so he made sure to screw on of Rollins’ boys in their title opportunity, King of the Ring. But then they came back, paid it back and screwed Knight outta KOTR, so he had to go and screw the other one over!
And it just has Knight thinking. Fans “YEAH!” and Knight says there is only one way this can go. He has gone back and forth between Raw and SmackDown, where it ends, nobody knows! Except Knight! He knows! He knows where this ends! The fans cheer that! And Knight says it ends with him and Rollins! And what better place than here? And what better time than now! Knight tells Rollins to come on out and talk to him! But “Ladies and gentlemen…” The fans boo as Paul Heyman walks out and gives his introductions. He serves as the Wise Man to Mr. Money in the Bank, Seth FREAKIN’ Rollins!
Heyman says you do not boo that name. And you screwed up your cue, so they’ll do this again. He serves as the Wise Man for Seth Freakin’ Rollins! The fans keep booing, Heyman wants to try again, but Knight says shut up and get to the point! Why is Heyman here?! Heyman walks to the ring and asks permission to step inside. The fans chant “O T C! O T C!” but Knight steps back. Heyman steps into the ring, and he says yes, there has been a lot of bad blood between Knight and Mr. MITB, Seth Freakin’ Rollins. However, Heyman happens to be, with all due respect to everyone here in Grand Rapids, Michigan…
The fans chant “C M PUNK!” at Heyman now and he frowns. Knight says Heyman has a lot of enemies. Heyman says he is the biggest LA Knight fan in all of WWE! Heyman’s been waiting a long time to say this: YEAH! Now, because of that, Seth Freakin’ Rollins (the fans boo again) has allowed Heyman to say to Knight, as a favor to Heyman… It is time for Knight to get the hell outta Grand Rapids, Michigan. Because if he does not, something really bad is going to happen to him before the end of the night. Have a nice evening. Heyman turns to go but the fans cheer Knight on. Knight says he couldn’t help but notice, but did you~ (poking fun at Heyman’s voice cracking) threaten Knight?
Because Knight wants to wrap his head around this. He’s heard Heyman say stuff like this before, because Heyman is a liar, a swindler, a grifter, a scammer and a schemer! Heyman leeches on to any talent that has a bit of hype, sucks ’em dry, then moves on to the next! Rollins just happens to be the latest in this. But where next? Who cares! But the bottom line is, Knight asked for Rollins but he got Heyman. And while he got Heyman, he got a Heyman out here talking all tough. So it has Knight thinking, he has a great idea.
Talking about wise man, wisdom, there was a point in time if Heyman had said something like that, a man like Knight would look at a “thing” like Heyman and punched his wisdom teeth down his throat! Knight won’t do that, yet. But here’s the deal: Heyman’s talking all tough, but if he can’t bring Rollins out here, then the only thing to do out here in Grand Rapids is Knight fighting Heyman here and now! The fans fire up for that! Knight asks if the fans want that, and they cheer! “HUH?” “YEAH!” “HUH?” “YEAH!” “YEAH!!” Knight promises he’ll turn around, take his vest off, and Heyman gets the first shot. He better make it good, or Knight will molly whop his ass right outta Grand Rapids!
The fans fire up as Knight does as promised. He turns around, his vest is off, but Heyman bails? The fans boo as the Wise Man doesn’t play along. Heyman says, “Remember when I told you to get the hell out of Grand Rapids or else something really bad is gonna happen to you before the end of the night? That wasn’t a prediction. That… was a spoiler!” Heyman throws down his mic, and here comes Bronson Reed & Bron Breakker! Rollins’ behemoths head to the ring, but Knight fires off on them first! The fans rally as Knight throws hands and feet, but then Bron TACKLES Knight! Bronson joins in and they mug Knight right out of the ring!
Bronson drags Knight up to TOSS him over barriers! Bron clears the desk, he wants Bronson to put Knight through it! But Knight has a chair! He JAMS Bron, JAMS Bronson, then SMACKS Bron and SMACKS Bronson! Knight gets in the ring, ready to hit whoever gets in! The fans cheer Knight but Heyman has Bron & Bronson stand down. Will Heyman have the henchmen try again before the end of tonight?
SmackDown returns and…
Heyman has Bron & Bronson calm down, they have this under control. It is all in their favor, and it always will be in their favor. That is the whole point behind this. Byron Saxton steps in and wants to talk to them, but Heyman has to hold Bron back like the dog he is! Heyman says no need to bite Byron. Byron apologizes, he has word from SmackDown GM, Nick Aldis, that Bronson Reed VS LA Knight is set for tonight. Heyman says okay, thank you, and goodbye. Byron leaves and Heyman smiles. He told them! Patience is not a virtue, it is strategy. Bronson smiles and nods. Will Auzsilla destroy LA here in Grand Rapids?
Queen of the Ring Semifinals: Asuka VS Alexa Bliss!
Two great returns to action through this tournament, and now they cross paths with each other. The Empress of Tomorrow overcame Ivy Nile, Raquel Rodriguez and Stephanie Vaquer while Lil’ Miss Bliss outsmarted Alba Fyre, Candice LeRae and Charlotte Flair. But whose comeback story overtakes the other’s here just one match away from Night of Champions?
The bell rings and the two circle. They tie up, Alexa headlocks, but Asuka powers up and out. Alexa RAMS Asuka, Asuka roars, and the fans fire up as Asuka fires hands! Alexa blocks a kick to THROW Asuka down, then basement DROPKICK! The fans cheer as Asuka and Alexa reset. Alexa kicks, Asuka blocks and slips through to waistlock. Alexa elbows free, runs, but Asuka runs past her to then RUN her over! The fans fire up and Asuka runs in again, HIP ATTACK! Alexa falls to the floor and the fans fire up while SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Asuka lets Alexa stay down while she soaks up the cheers. The ring count starts, Alexa rises, but Asuka goes out after her. Alexa slips inside and DROPKICKS Asuka’s leg! Asuka falls from the apron but she has to nod respect for that savvy move. Asuka steps back in at 6 of 10, and she resets with Alexa. They circle, feel things out, and tie up. Asuka wrenches and wristlocks, but Alexa rolls and wrenches to hammerlock. Alexa waistlocks, rolls Asuka, TWO! The two stand off again and they both nod respect. They reset, the fans rally up, and the two feel things out. Asuka trips Alexa, clamps on with a headlock, and she grinds Alexa down.
Alexa endures, Asuka turns her over to go after the arm, then she stands on Alexa’s arm. Alexa endures, Asuka shifts arms, but Alexa wrenches out to wrangle Asuka. Alexa shifts to a cording hold, but Asuka fights up and fires body shots. Alexa whips Asuka to a corner, but Asuka elbows her away! And BOOTS! Asuka goes up, leaps, and MISSILE DROPKICKS! Cover, TWO! Alexa stays in this but Asuka stays focused. Asuka drags Alexa around and gives her Kawada Kicks! SmackDown returns to single picture, and Asuka wrenches for a chicken wing! Alexa fights the Asuka Lock and JAWBREAKERS free! Alexa runs up to RUN Asuka over!
The fans rally as Alexa rallies, then hits a BLOCKBUSTER! The fans fire up as Alexa SLAPS, ROCKS, and KNEES Asuka down! Then SOMERSAULT SENTON! Cover, TWO! Asuka stays in this and Alexa grows frustrated. The fans rally while Alexa brings Asuka up. Asuka breaks free to URAKEN, SOBAT, FRONT KICK, and GERMAN SUPLEX! Alexa tumbles away, Asuka runs up, SLIDING KICK! Cover, TWO! The fans rally up as Asuka stands and takes aim. But Alexa ducks the buzzsaw! Cover, TWO! Alexa clinches, TWISTED- NO, Asuka rolls Alexa up! TWO! Alexa sits up, BUZZSAW! Cover, TWO!! Alexa survives but Asuka just fires up!
The fans rally as Asuka goes to the corner. Asuka climbs from the outside, and MISSILE- NO, Alexa dodges this time! Alexa kicks and DDTS! Cover, TWO! Asuka stays in this and the fans fire up! “This is Awesome!” as Alexa drags Asuka into the drop zone. Alexa goes up, up, and the fans fire up! TWISTED- NO, Asuka moves, so Alexa stops. Alexa won’t let Asuka sneak away, but then she gets caught in an ARMBAR!! Alexa flails, rolls, but ends up in an omoplata! RINGS OF SATURN!! Alexa fights around, pops her arm free for a cover, TWO!! Asuka reels Alexa in, NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO!!
The fans fire up as Alexa stays in this! Asuka fires up, the fans are with her, and she runs up, only for Alexa to ROCK her with a right! Alexa puts Asuka in the Tree of Woe, and she DROPKICKS Asuka out of it! Alexa climbs back up, and TWISTED BLISSÂ onto knees!! Asuka still counters the moonsault, and hits the EMPRESS IMPACT!! Cover, Asuka wins!
Winner: Asuka, by pinfall (advances to Night of Champions)
The Empress says no one is ready for Asuka, and that has certainly been the case! But on Raw, we find out, will it be Jade Cargill or Roxanne Perez that meets Asuka in Saudi Arabia?
Jade Cargill, Mia Yim & B-Fab watch backstage.
And Fab says damn, Asuka just came back and she’s already making statements. Almost like she never left. Michin says maybe they need to make their own statements. They need to talk to Aldis about the tag titles. Fab agrees. Fab & Mia wish Jade luck before heading out. Byron walks in and asks if he can have a word. Jade says shoot. Byron says Asuka just advanced, but Jade has her match on Monday with Roxanne Perez. How does Jade feel about facing a talented competitor like Roxie? And how does she feel about the possibility of facing Asuka in the finals? Jade says “Rox” has potential. Roxie is quick and scrappy.
But she’s still trying to prove herself. And this isn’t a proving ground, this is a throne room, and Jade was built for royalty. As for Asuka, there’s a storm on the horizon. But news flash, Jade is that storm. This entire tournament wasn’t built for the future, but for a woman who can walk through fire, shatter glass ceilings, and take her crown on the way to the top. This Queen of the Ring, Jade isn’t just walking in to win. She’s here to reign. Will the Prodigy be washed away by the storm this Monday?
Alexa Bliss returns backstage.
And Chelsea Green finds her. Flanked by her Secret Her-vice, The Hot Mess asks, “Hey, little fu-fu, how’s your boo-boo?” Alexa asks back, “How’s yours?” Piper tells Chelsea not to get upset, Alexa is just jealous. Chelsea says this serves Alexa right. Chelsea should be Queen of the Ring, and she’d be building her parliament if not for Alexa! Oh, if she has that big of an issue, then try facing her in the ring. Chelsea says she will! But then Charlotte Flair walks in and says if anyone should’ve still been in this tournament, it’s her. But had Chelsea’s “replacement” tapped out sooner, maybe she would.
So here’s the deal: Charlotte will have a match made and tap Chelsea out instead. N-Not if Chelsea makes it a bank holiday! ROYAL DUTIES! NICHOLAS! Chelsea hurries away with the Secret Her-vice following, and Alexa tells Charlotte that she doesn’t need Charlotte’s help. Oh, that’s cute. Because Charlotte wasn’t helping Alexa. Charlotte leaves now, leaving Alexa to chew on that. Will The Queen chew up the Hot Mess and spit her out now that she has nothing better to do?
Aleister Black VS Kit Wilson!
The Dark Father is also directionless now that he is out of the King of the Ring tournament, but he never lets that bother him. Will he make himself the direction all roads lead when things #FadeToBlack? Or will Kit prove he can be Pretty Deadly all on his own?
Wait, who is attacking Kit? It’s R-TRUTH! But why’s Ron Killings going after Kit?! He POSTS Kit, drags him back out, and puts him in an STF!! The fans fire up and Kit taps, but it won’t matter when this isn’t a match! Killings lets Kit out of the hold and demands a mic. A mic is given, and Killings says, “Get John Cena out here now. I’m driving! On my terms! Cena, get out here!” The fans fire up and then Killings puts Kit back in the STF! Aleister is rather confused, but producers hurry out here to stop Truth. Truth lets Kit go, Jamie Noble asks Truth wait for the main event. Truth seethes, but he accepts the terms.
Killings leaves, walking right past Aleister. Will there be no denying The Truth when he finally gets his hands on the Last Real Champion?
Jamie Noble talks with Truth backstage.
Jamie says Truth has to calm down. Truth says he wants John Cena NOW! He’s driving! Yes, okay, but just wait. Truth promises that when he sees Cena, he is killing him tonight! Aleister steps in and asks Truth why he is getting involved in Aleister’s match. Truth says it wasn’t personal, it had nothing to do with Aleister. These two stare down, and then Damian Priest steps in. The Archer of Infamy has Aleister stand down. Truth is going through a lot, let Priest talk to him. Oh, of course. Aleister says, “Ron.” “Black.” Aleister leaves, Priest tells Truth that there’s no need for any of that. Priest gets Truth is frustrated, but he can’t just go beat up people for no reason.
Priest used to do that, and Truth was the guy there to make him smile. Truth made the world smile! All that anger and negativity, focus that on the match tonight. Focus that on John Cena. Go out there and handle business with Cena, then Priest and Truth can go downtown to celebrate. How’s that sound? Truth says sounds good, DP. They shake hands, and Priest heads out. Truth is still seething, but will he make sure it all explodes on Cena?
Cody Rhodes is here!
Grand Rapids sings along as The American Nightmare makes his way out, “WHOA~ OH~!” Cody gets his pyro, he high-fives fans in the front row, then looks closely at the King of the Ring’s crown. Cody goes to the ring and grabs the mic. He hears the fans cheer him on, but then Jey Uso is here! The fans fire up as Main Event Jey makes his way down through the crowd! A young fan joins in bouncing along, but so does all of Grand Rapids! Jey continues down the stands, finds another young fan, and they bounce along again. Jey then reaches ringside, high-fives the front row, and he joins Cody in the ring as we get the next wave of YEET!
Grand Rapids might want to YEET all night, but Jey hugs it out with Cody before he gets his own mic. The music dies down, the fans chant, “One More Time! One More Time!” and Cody says sure, one more is fine. Jey says okay, and yes, the fans get to YEET again! Jey says hey, Cody doesn’t even have to say nothing. They been in the trenches! “YEET!” Still in the trenches! “YEET!” From fighting The Bloodline… “YEET!” To winning tag titles… “YEET!” To finishing their stories at WrestleMania! “YEET!” They’ve both been to the mountaintop. “YEET!” But Cody, on Monday, there is only room for one of them.
The fans are intrigued, and Cody nods. Jey says there’s only one that can go. Cody VS Jey, Jey VS Cody, and Jey knows Cody will bring it. Jey has to get his, Uce. He has to, just like Cody has to get his. But that said, Uce, it ain’t personal. This all business. But that all said, too, Uce, on Monday, after they go to war, please believe that it will be four letters, one word, uh uh… YEET! Cody smiles and the fans cheer. They shake hands again, and wait! Here comes Sami Zayn! The fans cheer as the Great Liberator makes his way to the ring. Sami grabs a mic to say, “This is nice, isn’t it? I get to share the ring with two great friends.”
The fans applaud, and Sami says he is in the ring with two of the very best that this business has to offer! The fans cheer that, too! Sami says he’d be lying if he denied there was a part of him that sees the three of them in this ring, and notices how only one of them has never been world champion. Jey, Sami wants him to know, man to man, this year, Sami missed Mania. Sami had no reason to be in Las Vegas, but he got his ass on a plane to Vegas for one reason: To congratulate Jey the moment he won the World Heavyweight Championship! Sami loves Jey, and he is proud of him. And Cody, for years, everyone watched as Cody finished his story.
And when Cody did, he did the unthinkable and pinned Roman Reigns in the middle of this ring, Sami was the first one out here to congratulate Cody. Sami is so proud that Cody finished his story. So he hopes both men understand that now, it is time for Sami to finish HIS story! The fans cheer, but then here comes Randy Orton! The Viper looks at the crown, then goes to the ring. The fans sing along with Voices and Orton grabs himself a mic. “So Cody, same deal as last week but I’m gonna say it again. There is no line I will not cross, even if it means going through you, so that I can get to John Cena at SummerSlam, beat him, and get my FIFTEENTH world championship!”
The fans cheer, and Orton tells Jey, “Man, I respect the… Hell outta you, dude. Our families go way, way, way back. Nothing but love, dude. But if you’re standing across the ring from me at SummerSlam, it’s not gonna be four letters, one word. It’s gonna be three letters, one move.” The fans say it, “R K O!” And Orton says he not only speaks for himself but for everyone here in this arena when he says, and from the bottom of his heart, one day and one day soon, Sami Zayn will be world champion. But not at SummerSlam. Because tonight, Sami is on the receiving end of the three most dangerous letters in sports entertainment: R K O.
Orton drops the mic, and it is time to put those words into action. Will it be the Legend Killer or the Underdog from the Underground that heads for Saudi Arabia?
King of the Ring Semifinals: Randy Orton VS Sami Zayn!
SmackDown returns, the bell rings, and these two circle. They tie up, Sami wrenches, ELBOW BREAKERS, then wristlocks. Orton endures, fights up, and the fans duel. Orton wrenches Sami in return to then headlock. Sami endures, powers up to wrench again, and he grinds the arm. Sami wrenches and CHOPS, and Orton goes to the corner. Sami CHOPS, CHOPS, and CHOPS! The fans “WOO~” but the ref counts. Orton pushes past Sami, bails out of the ring, and he is pretty red already. Sami builds speed but he fakes Orton out with the Arabian Press! The fans fire up and Orton has to admit that was good.
Orton goes up the steps and steps back into the ring. The fans rally, Orton and Sami tie up, and Orton puts Sami in the corner. Orton lets off slowly, but he pokes Sami in the eyes! The fans boo but Orton UPPERCUTS! And UPPERCUTS! But Sami pokes Orton in the eyes! The ref caught that one and reprimands Sami. Sami TOSSES Orton out, goes to the apron, but Orton YANKS Sami down! Sami hits off the apron, and Orton reels him in, DESK BACK SUPLEX! Sami writhes and Orton rolls into the ring, just to refresh the count. Fans want that “One More Time!” and Orton agrees! DESK BACK SUPLEXÂ again!
Sami writhes more and whatever monitor wasn’t busted, they’re busted now! Orton leaves Sami behind for a moment while SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Orton goes out to fetch Sami, but Sami fights off a third back suplex! Orton kicks low, brings Sami over, but Sami blocks the smack off the steel steps! Orton sputters, Sami stalks him, and Sami decides to give him some payback! But Orton ROCKS Sami first! Orton SMACKS Sami off the desk, puts him in the ring, and covers, TWO! Sami stays in this but Orton looms over him. Sami rises, Orton puts him in a corner, and Orton fires body shots. Orton climbs up and rains down fists! Orton gets to eight before Sami fires back! Sami has Orton in another corner, climbs up, and Sami rains down a fast TEN!
Sami huffs ‘n’ puffs and CHOPS! Orton is stinging but Sami CHOPS him again! Sami wrenches, ELBOW BREAKERS, and whips! Orton reverses, Sami hits buckles hard, and Sami falls in a heap. Orton dusts himself off and looms over Sami again. Orton stomps Sami’s hand! Sami writhes and clutches his finger. Orton stomps Sami’s foot, ten the other foot! And then the other hand! Sami sits up, SmackDown returns to single picture, and Orton CLUBS away on Sami’s chest! Orton DECKS Sami, the fans cheer, and Orton brings Sami up. Orton whips, Sami goes up and over, and Sami LARIATS Orton down! The fans fire up again as Sami rises!
Sami goes to the corner, Orton runs up, but Sami ELBOWS him! Sami goes up, AX HANDLES, and the fans fire up more! Orton takes a swing, but Sami slips around! Orton fights the Blue Thunder, then LARIATS! And LARIATS! Orton dodges Sami to SNAP POWERSLAM! The fans fire up while Sami goes to the apron. Orton drags Sami in through the ropes, and DRAPING DDTS! The fans fire up as Orton hears those voices! Orton watches Sami rise, but then Sami bails out! The fans are torn but Sami is smart to avoid what was coming. Orton goes out to fetch Sami, SMACKS him off the desk, and then back suplexes, only for Sami to lands out!
Sami CLUBS Orton, and hits a DESK BACK SUPLEX on Orton! Sami puts Orton in the ring, goes to a corner, and the fans fire up as Orton rises. Orton runs in, Sami dodges, and Orton POSTS himself! Sami runs corner to corner, HELLUVA- SNAP POWERSLAM! Cover, TWO! Sami survives and Orton seethes. “This is Awesome!” as Sami goes back to a corner. Orton runs back in and he LARIATS! Orton runs but Sami follows! But Orton dodges the Helluva Kick! Sami gets stuck on the to rope, frees himself, and hobbles into an RK- NO! BLUE THUNDER BOMB!! Cover, TWO!! Orton survives and the fans fire up again!
“This is Awesome!” as Sami drags Orton to the drop zone. Sami goes up the corner, Orton stands and he gets under the leap! R K- NO, Sami SLAMS Orton down! And then HELLUVA- RKO!!! Orton crawls to the cover, Orton wins!!
Winner: Randy Orton, by pinfall (advances to Night of Champions)
Sami fought his heart out, but the Viper still strikes! Orton is going back to back in KOTR finals, but will he win the crown this time?
Nia Jax is here!
Grand Rapids boos as The Irresistible Force goes to the ring. She grabs the mic dot say, “You know what’s crazy? Tiffany Stratton approached me to be under my wing, because she knew exactly what I could do for her. And look, she’s thriving! And what kind of thanks did I get for it? She betrayed me. She has MY title!” But wait, here comes Tiffy! Grand Rapids cheers as the WWE Women’s Champion has the mic to tell Nia, “You’re like that toxic ex I just can’t get away from. News flash: get over it! You make excuse after excuse, but when are you just gonna admit that maybe I’m just better than you?”
The fans cheer and Tiff heads to the ring. Nia says yeah, okay, if Tiff is so much better, then give Nia a rematch without kicking a chair into her face. Tiff says if Nia’s so desperate for a match, it is her lucky day! She made it official for next week: Tiff VS Nia! And Tiff will have more fun adding more scars to that “five head” of Nia’s. Because it won’t just be a regular match. It will be Last Woman Standing! Nia takes a swing but Tiff dodge! Tiff fires off, kicks low, and runs up, but into a POP-UP HEADBUTT! And then Nia drops a leg, brother! Nia holds up the belt and soaks up the heat. Nia thinks about leaving, but decides to add on! ANOTHER leg drop, brother!
The fans boo but Nia says that’s not enough! Nia tells Wade & Joe that she’s taking the title! But wait! NAOMI is here, with a ref! Is she doing it!? Is she doing it?! But Nia YANKS Naomi out! Naomi tells her back off! Nia doesn’t, Naomi shoves her, but Nia still grabs at her! Tiff DROPKICKS Naomi onto Nia! Tiff avoids a cash-in because Nia was in the way, but is she setting herself up for failure with that extreme title match?
Charlotte Flair VS Chelsea Green w/ The Secret Her-vice!
The Queen was denied her crown, but she’s not even angry at Alexa Bliss, the one who took that opportunity from her. She instead looks to humble the Hot Mess that claims she would be queen if her demands were met. Who vents their frustrations and comes away with the win?
SmackDown returns and Charlotte makes her entrance. The bell rings and the fans actually cheer on Chelsea. Alba distracts Charlotte and Chelsea sucker punches her! The ref reprimands but Chelsea SMACKS Charlotte off the mat again and again! Chelsea salutes, but Charlotte CHOPS! Chelsea KNEES low, whips, but Charlotte goes up and out at the corner. Charlotte BOOTS Chelsea away, avoids Alba and KICKS her! Chelsea runs up, Charlotte RAMS her, and then Charlotte climbs up. CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO! Chelsea scrambles away and Charlotte runs up, but into an ELBOW! Charlotte GAMANGIRIS!
Charlotte snapmares, Chelsea distracts the ref, and Alba grabs Charlotte by the hair! Alba HOTSHOTS Charlotte and Chelsea hits a BACKSTABBER! Cover, TWO! Chelsea is furious but Charlotte stays in this, and SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns and Chelsea hops onto Charlotte for a SLEEPER! The fans rally, but Charlotte hits a BACKPACK SENTON! Charlotte is free, Chelsea runs back up, but Charlotte gives her a BACKBREAKER and BUCKLE SHOT! Chelsea falls back, Charlotte huffs ‘n’ puffs and runs up to fire hands! The fans fire up as Charlotte CHOPS and CHOPS and CHOPS! Charlotte CHOPS again, then clinches for an EXPLODER! And a kip up! The fans fire up and Charlotte salutes to poke fun at Chelsea. Charlotte runs, dodges, and handsprings to LARIAT! Cover, TWO! Chelsea survives but Charlotte stays on her by going for a leg.
Alba gets on the apron, so Charlotte BOOTS her down! The fans cheer, but Charlotte turns around into a ROUGH RYDER! Cover, TWO!! Charlotte survives and Chelsea is furious! Chelsea takes off her face protector and drags Charlotte up. Chelsea has the arms, turns Charlotte, but Charlotte shoves her away! Charlotte dodges and SPEARS! Cover, TWO!! Chelsea survives but Charlotte has the leg! FIGURE- CRADLE!! TWO!! Charlotte has the leg again, FIGURE FOUR! And the bridge for the FIGURE EIGHT!! Chelsea TAPS, Charlotte wins!
Winner: Charlotte Flair, by submission
But then Piper Niven SENTONS onto Charlotte!! Alba storms in, she and Piper mug Charlotte, but here comes Alexa! She RAMS into Piper, she ROCKS Alba, then she catches Chelsea! Charlotte LARIATS Alba out while Alexa hits a TWISTED SISTER ABIGAIL! And then Charlotte BOOTS Piper down! Charlotte and Alexa look at each other, and despite what either one thinks, maybe they both need the other after all. Alexa offers the handshake, but Charlotte walks right past Alexa. Alexa lets that slide, but will Charlotte come around soon enough?
Solo Sikoa talks with JC Mateo.
Why is JC taping up? Uh, duh, he’ll take out Jacob. No, Solo is going out there alone to talk with Jacob. Solo was the only one that Jacob would listen to. Jacob needs Solo. Solo will smooth things over. JC accepts that, but Solo does say that JC should stay ready. Solo is covering his bases, but will he need the Imperial Unit to put down the Samoan Werewolf? Or will it all be alright between them all?
Solo Sikoa heads to the ring.
SmackDown returns as the former Tribal Chief makes his way out, and Grand Rapids boos. Solo grabs the mic, takes a moment, and says, “Alright, Jacob. I’m out here in the middle of the ring, all alone, with open arms, willing to talk to you face to face. I feel terrible about what happened. So if you’re back there, come on out so we can clear the air.” Jacob Fatu makes his entrance and Grand Rapids cheers! Fatu holds up the United States Championship before he steps into the ring, and he has a mic of his own. The fans cheer on “FATU! FATU!” and Solo says he didn’t come out here to fight him, okay? He’s not here for that.
Solo wants to make it clear to Fatu that he loves him, always has loved him, no matter what. One thing Solo learned from being Tribal Chief is how to love family and how to take care of them. That’s all he’s trying to do. Families fight all the time. They fight, they argue, they forgive, and then they move forward. So they should move forward together, Jacob. Move forward as one. The fans boo that, but Solo says nobody saw the potential in Jacob except Solo. Nobody wanted Jacob here in the WWE, except Solo. That is why Solo brought Fatu here and gave him the chance to change his life and put food on his family’s table.
And why did Solo do that? Because Solo loves Jacob. He does. And to be honest, Solo doesn’t have anybody else. Fatu isn’t sure about that, but Solo says all he has is Fatu. And he’s all Solo needs. So come back to the family, and even if Jacob doesn’t say those four words, Solo will. Solo will say it for him, to him, loud enough so everybody can hear it! Solo tells Jacob, “I love you, Jacob.” The fans boo, they don’t trust this. Fatu paces as he thinks on that. “So you love me, huh?” Solo nods yes. So this is what it comes down to, huh? Solo loves Fatu? The way Fatu sees things, Solo has been using Fatu! Solo has been using Fatu to gain power, to fight his battles, and to stay Tribal Chief.
Hell, Solo brought Fatu in so Fatu could bring Solo fame! Solo brought Fatu in because he thought Fatu would bring him gold! Is that all this is about? Fame? Gold? Power? SOLO, LOOK AT HIM! Solo looks up from the floor while the fans cheer Fatu on. Fatu tells Solo that ever since he won the US Championship, Solo is the one that’s been acting different. And maybe Fatu isn’t the problem. Fatu just figured it out! The problem… is this. The problem is the US Championship. Fatu sets it down between him and Solo, and he says if this is what he thinks it is, then just fight him for it! Fight Fatu for the title! The fans fire up for that!
And Solo, Fatu will only warn you one time: If you ever think about coming this way, you know what Fatu is about! You know what’s poppin’ with Fatu, blood! And you know Jacob Fatu is all gas, no brakes with it! YADADADA- SOLO TAKES A SWING! Fatu blocks the spike and he HEADBUTTS! JC Mateo rushes out here! Fatu HEADBUTTS him, too! But Solo CHOP BLOCKS the legs! The fans boo but JC & Solo mug Fatu! But then here comes JIMMY USO! The fans fire up as #BigJim slides in, dodges Solo, and SUPERKICKS JC! And then he SUPERKICKS Solo! But JC LARIATS Jimmy down! JC HAMMERS Jimmy and Solo has him put Jimmy in the corner.
The fans boo but Solo tells Jimmy that he should’ve chosen Solo’s side, not Jacob’s! But speaking of, Fatu is up! The fans fire up as Fatu BODY CHECKS JC! Then he SUPERKICKS Solo! Solo is in a corner, Fatu fires off on him, HEADBUTT after HEADBUTT! SUPERKICK for JC! HIP ATTACK for Solo! The fans are fired up for the Samoan Werewolf, and he locks eyes with Jimmy. Jimmy came to Fatu’s rescue, Fatu just saved him, so Fatu goes up, up, only for Solo to bail out! No Best Moonsaults here in Grand Rapids, but will Fatu cut Solo down soon enough?
Bronson Reed w/ Paul Heyman & Bron Breakker VS LA Knight!
The Wise Man warned, or rather threatened, the Mega Star that he should just cut and run, but that’s not how he does things. Knight is ready to fight, but will he survive a battle with Auszilla? Or is a Tsunami about wipe out LA?
Wait, Knight doesn’t enter from the stage! He enters from the crowd! And he POSTS Bron! The fans fire up as Knight evens things out! He TOSSES Bronson out, throws his vest at him, and Bronson snarls. Bronson has Bron stand down, and says, “Tonight, I kill him.” Bronson steps into the ring, the bell sounds, and Knight fires off! The fans fire up as Knight fires hands, but Bronson puts him in the corner. Knight ELBOWS back, Knight fires more hands, “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” Knight whips but Bronson blocks! Bronson whips Knight to a corner, runs up, but Knight dodges! Bronson POSTS himself, and Knight stomps a mudhole in!
The fans rally, the ref counts, and Knight goes corner to corner, but into a fireman’s carry! Knight slips down to sunset flip, but Bronson stays up! Bronson jumps but Knight avoids the hip drop! Then Knight basement BOOTS! The fans fire up and Knight storms up on Bronson. Bronson TOSSES Knight to the apron, but Knight slingshots back in! Bronson catches Knight to a fireman’s carry! Knight flails free and he RAMS Bronson into a corner! But Bronson holds ropes to deny the Jump Neckbreaker! Bronson runs but Knight avoids the senton! The fans fire up as Knight goes up, up, and FLYING BULLDOGS! That’s a Steiner move!
The fans fire up and spell it out, “L! A! KNIGHT!” but Bronson bails out! Knight runs to WRECK Bronson with a dropkick! Knight goes back up, springboards, CROSSBODY to the ramp! The fans fire up with Knight and SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns and Bronson has Knight up top. The fans rally as Knight fights back with body shots! Knight ROCKS Bronson, ROCKS him again, and ROCKS him again! “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” Bronson finally falls and Knight adjusts position. “L! A! KNIGHT! YEAH!” BOX JUMP ELBOW DROP! Cover, TWO! Bronson survives and Knight is rather stunned while Heyman is relieved. Knight aims, kicks, but Bronson denies the BFT! HEADBUTT, then a fireman’s carry! DEATH VALLEY DRIVER! Cover, TWO! Knight survives the “Jagged Edge” DVD but Bronson brings him right up. Bronson reels Knight in and says thumbs down.
Bronson lifts Knight up, but Knight flips the bomb into a DDT! The fans fire up but Bron barks at the apron! Knight DECKS the dog, tells Heyman to get the same, but Bronson runs up! Knight DUMPS Bronson out, builds speed, but BRON SPEARS!!
Winner: LA Knight, by disqualification
The fans boo but Bron handed Knight the win with that one. Bronson stands Knight up so Bron can build speed and SUPER SPEAR!! Grand Rapids is torn but plenty of fans bark. And now Bronson goes up!? TSUNAMI!! Bronson goes up again, the refs hurry out here, but TSUNAMI AGAIN!! The fans want another, so Bron scares the refs off to let Bronson go back up! THIRD TSUNAMI!!! Have Rollins’ rooks just broken Knight into pieces? Is this a message to everyone that no one can stop the vision?
Jacob Fatu speaks.
“Yeah, c’mon on widdit! I just spoke to the man, and you know the man makes everything possible here on SmackDown! So next week, next week on Saturday, me ‘n’ you, Solo! Night of Champions, mano a mano, I’m about to dog walk yo’ ass for the US Championship! Solo, you better get in where you fit in. Cuz if you don’t, then baby, it’s ’bout to be all gas, no breaks with it. Yadadadada mean?” The Samoan Werewolf will get to sink his teeth into Solo, but will he stay golden through it all?
John Cena VS Ron Killings!
The Undisputed WWE Champion was the exact opposite of grateful for R-Truth saving him from Randy Orton at Backlash, and he doubled down when Ron tried to show him the truth at Saturday Night’s Main Event. So, if Cena doesn’t want the Truth, he’ll get someone who knows about ruthless aggression! Will Ron Killings bring an early end to the retirement tour? Or will Cena continue to ruin wrestling for everyone else?
SmackDown returns as Cena makes his entrance. The fans sing “JOHN CENA SUCKS~!” despite him wearing the Detroit Pistons colors. Cena makes Mark Nash give the “proper” introduction: “He is the Greatest of All Time, the Never Seen Seventeen, gracing Grand Rapids with his presence one final time… He is the Last Real Champion, JOHN CENA~!” The fans boo, the bell rings, and Truth stares at Cena while Cena smirks hearing the “Let’s Go, Cena!” “CENA SUCKS!” Truth TACKLES Cena! He fires off hands but Cena bails out! So Truth goes out to DECK Cena! “What’s up!?” “WHAT’S UP!” Truth has Cena at the desk and SMACKS him off it!
Truth ROCKS Cena again, and shakes his hand out from hitting so hard. Truth SMACKS Cena off the apron, storms in after him, and whips him to a corner. Cena hits buckles hard and falls to the mat! The fans continue to duel while Truth keeps his eyes on Cena. Truth storms up on Cena while SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Truth stands Cena up, whips corner to corner again, and Cena hits buckles hard! Cena sputters, Truth looms over him, and Truth ROCKS Cena! Cena ROCKS Truth! They go back and forth with haymakers, and then Truth dodges to SHOULDER TACKLE! Truth still uses Cena’s own moves against him, and that includes the SPIN-OUT BOMB! Truth raises his hand and Grand Rapids joins in! “You Can’t See Me!” But then Cena bails out so Truth can’t hit him! Truth is annoyed, the fans give thumbs down, but here comes Truth. Cena ELBOWS him down! Cena drags Truth up, POSTS him, and he brings Truth back into the ring.
Cena HEADBUTTS Truth, CHOKES him on the ropes, but stops as the ref counts. Cena stomps away on Truth, then runs to KICK Truth in the back! Cena talks trash, then he runs to SHOULDER TACKLE! Cena takes his time, knowing it is what the fans want. Truth rises up, Cena runs to SHOULDER TACKLE again! Cena watches Truth rise again, gets around him, SPIN-OUT BOMB! And Cena raises his hand, reveling in the cheers and jeers. “You Can’t See Me!” SmackDown returns to single picture for the FIVE KNUCKLE SHUFFLE! Then Cena fireman’s carries, but Truth slips free! THESZ PRESS! And fast hands!
The fans fire up and Truth has Cena in a corner. Truth runs to STINGER SPLASH! Truth hitting all sorts of other iconic moves! Cena tumbles out and grabs the belt! Cena doesn’t care about this match anymore, he doesn’t need to take this! Truth says hold up! Truth runs Cena down and fires hands on the ramp! The fans fire up but Cena CLOBBERS Truth with the belt!!
Winner: Ron Killings, by disqualification
Cena wants to get another shot, but wait! PUNK IS HERE! Cena runs away into the ring, and he catches Punk as Punk slides in! The fans boo Cena but he huffs ‘n’ puffs. Cena drags Punk up, but Punk fires hands in return! Punk DECKS Cena, grabs the belt, and he holds it up! The fans cheer, and Punk aims, but Cena LOW BLOWS! Cena has a sinister smile as he grabs the belt. BELT SHOT for Punk!! The fans boo even more, but Cena decides to up the ante! Cena brings out a table! The fans cheer, everyone loves tables! Cena puts the table in the ring, then watches Punk sputter around. Cena sets the table up while the fans rally behind Punk.
Punk stands but Cena has the belt again! BELT SHOT!! Cena drags Punk up, fireman’s carries, ATTITUDE ADJUSTMENTÂ through the table!! Cena made Punk snap into a Slim Jim, and then he grabs a mic. Cena laughs at Punk, and then sits up on the corner. “Punk… As you lay there in your most uncomfortable…” Cena pretends the mic cut out, taps it, and then says, “Somebody’s afraid of what I’m gonna say.” Cena grins and the fans boo as Cena flips the iconic “Pipebomb” moment on it’s head. “As you lay there in your most uncomfortable, I hope you can listen. I hope you can digest.
“Because before I leave here in six months with that WWE Championship, I gotta get a whole lotta stuff off my chest. First thing’s first, I don’t hate you. I don’t even dislike you. I like you. I like you more than anyone you ever shared a locker room with, that’s for sure. I hate this idea of you. This idea that you’re the Best int he World. You’re not. I’M the Greatest of All Time.” Grand Rapids is a bit torn on that statement, but Cena says Punk is better than Cena at one thing: You’re the best BS artist in the world. Oh no, kiddos~! John Cena just dropped a curse word! That means the show is off the rails! Hey, Stu, shoot this. Hi~! “I’m breaking the forth wall! HAHA!”
Cena then says the truth is, Punk… Cena is jealous of you. Cena is jealous that Punk has conned the fans into believing the myth that Punk is the Best in the World. Oh how they chant for Punk! Which they literally do right now. Hell, the fans even sing for Punk now. But they don’t believe a damn word you say. Because Punk changes his values as much as Cena changes his shirts! Punk is just a loud mouthed opportunist who steps on the necks of those who actually work hard if it gets him ahead. Oh, hey, look, another cameraman! “Hi, Claudio Castagnoli! Hey, Nic Nemeth! Hey, Matt Cardona! How’re you guys doing?”
The fans can’t believe Cena is going this far but Cena is loving it! “He’s heating up! He’s on fire! And there’s nobody back there that’s gonna cut my mic to save your ass, cuz I’m your only friend! Remember who gave you the stage for your pipebomb, pal! And what’ve you done with it since then, huh? You just regurgitated the same five microphone moves of doom. You’re promo potato salad, pal. Hey, you’re no longer the Voice of the Voiceless, you’re a friggin’ millionaire despite yourself. You’re not a punk, you’re a capitalist! And you’re not against TKO, dude, you are Mr. TKO. Cuz they knocked your balls technically off your body.
“Your tweets are strong, but your actions are weak. And in Saudi Arabia, you’re gonna face some loud, loud music when I finally prove to the world that each and every day, day in, day out, no days off for 25 YEARS, I have been the Greatest of All Time!” The fans cheer that a bit more now, to Cena’s surprise. “See, they know. And they know that you were the Best in the World… for seven minutes, 14 years ago. And if after Night of Champions, you’re still delusional enough to believe that you’re the Best in the World, well… I guess it’s a small world after all. You’re welcome, Grand Rapids.” The fans cheer, and Cena lets the world hear it.
Cena tells Punk to bring his A Game to Night of Champions. If Grand Rapids is any indication, the mood is starting to change. Refs finally appear to check on Punk, Cena says no, that’s fine. Punk needs to rest up for his big title match. Get a good shot of this: Best in the World VS Greatest of All Time, for THE most coveted prize in sports entertainment, THE WWE Undisputed Championship! And Cena knows the fans will sing and chant, but he also knows even the idiots are smart enough to see the truth: The Champ is Here. And USA Network, keep the extra two and half minutes. He doesn’t need a bomb to blow the “mother fudging” building.
Oh, and thanks, Punk, for letting Cena rip off your best promo just to make you look even more foolish. Cena finally drops the mic and he raises the belt up again. If the proverbial tables have turned this drastically, is there no saving WWE from losing its north star championship?
My Thoughts:
A great SmackDown with an awesome ending. All those years ago, when CM Punk dropped THE OG “Pipebomb” promo, no one could’ve ever in a million years guessed that here tonight, we would’ve gotten the John Cena remix. Not only was that promo of the year, but Cena blew up go-home math. I can’t see Cena losing the title to Punk now. He can lose the match since Cena loves getting disqualified, and there’s the possibility of Rollins trying a cash-in, but Cena is leaving Saudi Arabia as champion to then go to SummerSlam. It also works because Cody Rhodes still feels like the favorite for King of the Ring.
A lot of that has to do with how Sami lost to Orton tonight. Great promo from the four semifinalists, especially since it was Jey, Sami and Orton kinda keeping Cody from talking since there isn’t more Cody needs to say. Win or lose, no explanations needed at this point. Sami VS Orton was an awesome match, but I could just feel an RKO countering the Helluva Kick as the way to go and that’s what they did. Now, as awesome as it would be for Jey to beat Cody, and then for Jey to beat Orton to go for the World Heavyweight Championship again, there are a lot of moving parts right now that it would just be the easiest for Cody to win the crown and have his rematch with Cena.
And while talking the WHC, Gunther VS Goldberg IS confirmed for the title, but has also been confirmed as Goldberg’s last match. This is a huge indicator that despite Rollins teasing a cash-in on the Undisputed title, he will likely be thwarted and then falls back to the title he feels is rightfully his. That is to say, Rollins cashes in on the winner of Gunther VS Goldberg, which I half expected even before all this talk of Goldberg’s last match. Rollins can take this title from Gunther and Goldberg, and then we can throw Jey and even LA Knight into the mix as things are getting heated between Knight and the henchmen.
Great promo from Knight with Heyman, great match with Knight VS Bronson, and a really powerful beating Knight takes from Bron & Bronson. If nothing else, Knight costs Rollins his cash-in. Truth going after Kit Wilson was an interesting move. Also a shame Elton Prince is hurt, Pretty Deadly gets going and then something happens to slow them down. But Kit was going to lose to Aleister so this really messes Aleister up more than anything. Priest keeping the peace between Aleister and Truth was good stuff. Priest and Truth being allies on SmackDown can be some real fun stuff, and I feel like they’re already set up for a feud with Aleister.
Very good stuff with Fatu, Solo and this US Championship story. Fatu VS Solo was the natural move, and I like that Jimmy Uso ends up an ally for Fatu. The title match is set, I wonder if we get a tag match first. In fact, next week is title night in Riyadh with Tiffany Stratton giving Nia the Last Woman Standing match, and basically setting the stage for Naomi to cash in. She almost did tonight but Nia was again able to stop her, so I would think Naomi waits until the very end of the Last Woman Standing match to take full advantage. Then, if Jade wins Queen of the Ring, we get Jade VS Naomi at SummerSlam.
Good promo from Jade, B-Fab & Michin watching Asuka VS Alexa. Asuka winning made the most sense, Alexa clearly has story with Charlotte and Asuka is just that good. Jade VS Roxie will be a good match but Roxie’s story in Judgment Day might keep her from winning. But then the fallback there is Roxie might actually sub in for the tag titles like I was thinking. Charlotte VS Chelsea was very good, and of course the Secret Her-vice does what they can to help. The beatdown they put on Charlotte and then Alexa making the save, that’s going to be one of those “can they coexist?” tag matches for sure.
Honestly, a little surprised we didn’t get any tag team promos tonight, unless I completely missed something. I believe title night is going to have Profits VS Gacy & Lumis for the tag titles, too, so that’s going to be something wild. And while DIY is scared of the Wyatts, I feel like they’re going to interfere because they don’t want the Wyatts to take the titles. But at the same time, the Wyatts need something substantial this time around, so maybe they win the titles at SummerSlam.
My Score: 9/10
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Coverage
Andrew’s TNA iMPACT! Results & Match Ratings: 6.19.25
Are we going to start trending upwards with Slammiversary to build toward?
Last week’s episode was lacking in ring work but had decent story moments and segments. Starting the build to Slammiversary we can either launch nicely or things can always get worse. Jason Hotch and KC Navarro are the real shining stars of the last few months, so lets hope once they get over this Leon Slater idiot ship, they can push X Division wrestlers with actual talent for pro wrestling and not just flippy charisma vacuums.
Oh and let’s not forget, it is the episode they celebrate the 23rd anniversary of TNA! TWENTY – THREE!! Somewhere PCO hates this.
.@Kelly_WP is back in TNA Wrestling and has a message for TNA Knockouts World Champion @mashaslamovich!
WATCH #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/cF0F1ZKKuL pic.twitter.com/tnm4TIuPUz
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) June 20, 2025
Ratings:
- Sami Callihan vs Eric Young w/Losers: EY wins via Piledriver – ** 3/4
- Lei Ying Lee & Masha Slamovich vs The Elegance Clique w/M & Personal Concierge: Elegantos win via Rarefied Air – ***
- Eddie Edwards & JDC w/Alisha & Brian Myers vs Matt Cardona & Home Town Man: HTM wins via Cradle – *
- Champion’s Challenge: The Rascalz, Joe Hendry, Leon Slater & Elijah vs The Kaiba Boys, Moose, Steve Maclin & Trick Williams: Elijah wins via Highwayman’s Farewell – ***
Results:
Sami Callihan vs Eric Young w/Losers
Sami knocks them all off the apron before the bell rings, he levels the loser children, finds a chair, attacks EY but EY counters and this is the excuse to use weapons since the bell didn’t ring yet. EY tries to break Sami’s hand on the steps with the chair, but Sami moves, throws EY back in the ring, bell rings and EY hits a Belly to Belly suplex for two. They slug it out, Sami goes for Headbutts, then Sami wants to run the ropes but a loser trips him, distracts long enough for EY to knock him out of the ring and loser children swarm as loser children do. EY does the classic, throw back out for losers to attack while EY grabs and distracts the ref. Sami is selling a few lame attacks from the losers like he got shot. It’s an excessive sell, so it’s honestly a dumb transitional moment.
EY levels Sami, Lariat into Scoop Slam, looks for the Macho Elbow but Sami hits the ropes to crotch EY. Sami Superplex time, but EY bites the face to make Sami drop, EY jumps at him but eats a straight right hand. Cactus Driver, but no, EY tries his Piledriver…they both gouge eyes at the same time, Sami catches an EY charge into a Flatliner as they’re both down…for…reasons? The selling in this match seems…poorly timed and kinda stupid. Hard Irish Whip, EY Flair Flips the corner, levels Sami, Macho Elbow for 2.9! EY threatens to hit the ref, but then goes to mad dog commentary. EY then wants to attack fans…he’s more unhinged than World Elite EY. Sami gives him the old Dick Twist into a Stunner but only for two! Losers try to distract, first one gets taken out, second one uses a chair, EY hits the Piledriver on Sami, EY wins.
I feel like this is gonna continue for a few weeks since it wasn’t a clean win.Â
Mustafa Ali’s group comes out, and I refuse to say the name because it’s dumb and they’re already fraying at the seams. Ali wants an apology session, Tasha and Hotch apologize to him but Skyler bites back and refuses, even shoved Ali. So Ali challenges him to a “Call to Arms” match. What in the hell is a Call to Arms match?Â
Lei Ying Lee & Masha Slamovich vs The Elegance Clique w/M & Personal Concierge
ASH does her borderline racist fake karate before Lei stares her down and tags in Heather. Heather avoids Lei, Lei throws a few Tornado Kicks to make a point and Heather tags out. Heather being 4’8″ helps her here. Concierge says “There’s no Karate in wrestling”. ASH, Lei and Masha are in the ring, ASH is trying to decide who she wants to face, but the Concierge google translated it and hands it to ASH, before the face team rocks ASH. Masha lifts up Lei and Lei does the Liu Kang Bicycle Kick, steering more into her Mortal Kombat aesthetic. Senton off the apron from Lei and Masha dives into the pile, the comedy heels are getting leveled. We go to commercial and come back with Lei getting Double Teamed but she spins it into a weird Neckbreaker..but can’t tag out just yet. Lei blocks Heather, Enzuigiri, simultaneous tag, Masha is Yakuza kicks for all and the 2 for 1 Lariat/DDT special. Near fall, but Masha goes for murder, but Heather breaks it, Rocket Launcher/Code Breaker from Elegance but Lei breaks up the pin. ASH tries to intimidate Lei with her fake Karate before throwing her out of the ring. Heather hits Lei with a handful of Glitter and then bounces her face off the post. Masha tries to stop ASH, Kelly’s music distracts Masha, Rarefied Air gives ASH the win.
Santino comes out and GOD DAMMIT no one wants to see Tommy Dreamer fight Mance Warner…that’s a useless thing. Pivot away…no one wants this. Oh no, now we have to listen to Steph talk too. Okay it seems to be a pivot, thankfully. Steph and Mance talk shit, Dreamer says something about Something is gonna happen…and Jake Something comes out. So…I guess we’re gonna build him up for 2 months and then job him out for 6 before he fucks off to his home galaxy or whatever?Â
.@indi_hartwell has a run in with Tessa Blanchard!
WATCH #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/cF0F1ZLikj pic.twitter.com/I6UCCk2fAG
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) June 20, 2025
Really wish Indi just opened with the Billy Butcher classic of, “Oi Cunt!” – but this wasn’t bad.Â
Eddie Edwards & JDC w/Alisha & Brian Myers vs Matt Cardona & Home Town Man
I hate… Cardona so much more now. Heel reasons for Cardona…go away heat for Deaner.
JDC wants the Home Town Man to start…and Deaner does his stupid Flip Flop and Fly, Cardona tags in, JDC is eating some offense, Cardona wants the Reboot, JDC powders, Cardona Dives but then Lish and the general numbers catch up to Cardona. Eddie is legal, and now they isolate Cardona with some decent tandem work and isolation. This turns into kind of a schmoz, lots of silly spots, near falls and then Home Town doofus gets the cradle pinfall on Eddie.
Whenever Deaner is involved I can’t be asked to care. The System beats Cardona and Deaner down, but Eddie did eat a pin. Which is embarrassing not even for work reasons, like it’s just sad.
Champion’s Challenge: The Rascalz, Joe Hendry, Leon Slater & Elijah vs The Kaiba Boys, Moose, Steve Maclin & Trick Williams
Elijah and Nic start things off, slow push off, arm wring, top wristlock, simple chain wrestling start. Nic breaks the chain and hits a Dropkick, Elijah runs the ropes and hits a Diving Lariat and starts the Rope Walk. Nic seems far to awake and alert for that move then, I hate how people pull that off too early. Wentz gets tagged in, Nic tags in Maclin who wasn’t looking for a tag, but him and Wentz have a nice clash, Trey tags in, they try to double him, but they pause and look at each other. Maclin asks for a tag, no one tags him so he Chops Ryan to tag him in and throws him in.
The little nod to Maclin and Rascalz history and the fact the faces realize Maclin isn’t a piece of shit. A little MCMG homage tandem attacks on Ryan, Wentz punctuates with the Handspring Knee Lift, Ryan tags out to Trick. Trick and Wentz go back and forth, Rascalz have Trick eating offense, Moose tries to slow things down, both Trick and Moose powder, Rascalz Double Golden Triangle Moonsaults. Trey gets tripped by Nic, Moose hits Lights Out, but there’s no referee so it’s a little chaotic.
Out of the commercial things are controlled kinda and we see a simultaneous tag to Moose and Leon. Leon comes out hot, level Moose with a Leg Lariat, attacks Nic Nemeth, attacks Ryan, and then Moose hits Leon with the Stun Gun. Moose looks to tag in Maclin but Maclin jumps off the apron. Trick takes the tag, keeps control, Trick forcibly tags in Maclin but Ryan tags himself in and pulls Leon to the Champions’ corner, Nic tags in and isolates Leon, with the Kaibas quick tagging and keeping Leon down.
Moose tags in, tries to Suplex Leon about four times but Leon stops it then counters the Suplex. Moose tries to cut him off, but the Champions distract the ref so the ref can’t see Leon tag out. Nic and Moose doubling up and Leon is the bump guy of this last portion of the match. Big Uranage from Moose…Moose looks for Lights Out but Small Package almost ruined things, Body Scissors Cradle, GAME CHANGER! Moose looks to hit a Jacknife Powerbomb but Leon turns it into a DDT. Maclin and Ryan start fighting, Nic Superkicks Maclin, Hendry and Nic tag in, Hendry is a house of fire. Sack of Shits for everyone! Nic, Ryan, there’s a pause when Hendry is face to face with Trick and Trick gets Uppercuts first then Sack of Shit! Standing Ovation on Nic, but Ryan blocks, Kaibas try a tandem attack but Hendry Lariats them both. Elijah tags in and is the maestro of the crowd and chopping Ryan to some fun. Ryan goes for a Polish Hammer but eats the Knee Lift. Signature spam time…
Ryan tries to use the International title but Maclin grabs the title away from Ryan, clocks Nic, Standing Ovation into the Highwayman’s Farewell. Champions lose!
Overall Score: 4/10
Well this was a rough one boys and girls. Sami and EY was just an overbooked shitshow, Lei Ying Lee is unfortunately in a spot where it’s obvious TNA has no clue how to use her, the Elegantos are the New Beautiful People, and I’m not mad at that. But you need to space out your goofball crap. You can’t have Elegance Clique, Home Town Moron and Santino in 3 consecutive segments. And if anyone goes “it was 3 out of 4” that’s doesn’t lessen my point, the beauty of Pro Wrestling being a variety show is…FOR VARIETY! When the lead match feels stupid because of bad pacing, poor selling and overbooking with two losers, it feels like a useless match with idiots, then comedy, followed by more comedy…you see how that’s literally NOT VARIETY.
Figure it out seriously. This was a disappointing episode. If you’re a casual viewer than it’s just chalk for TNA doing cringe and borderline goof crap since they’ve always steered a little more into the carny than other companies. But this show was…where’s Jisoo and Jenny? I feel like I need that gif:
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Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!
 MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)
TUESDAY - Musical Chairs (music) / Hockey Talk (NHL)
WEDNESDAY - The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling)Â
THURSDAY - Keeping the news ridiculous... The Oddity / Chairshot NFL (NFL)
FRIDAY - DWI Podcast (Drunk Wrestling Intellect)
SATURDAY - The Mindless Wrestling Podcast
SUNDAY - The Front and Center Sports PodcastÂ
CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS
Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)
TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends
Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5
Classic POD is WAR
Chairshot Radio Network Your home for the hardest hitting podcasts... Sports, Entertainment and Sports Entertainment!
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4 Corners Podcast: The Fabulous Finals
The NBA and Stanely Cup Finals near their respective conclusions. Dave and Pat break down the action and whether anything...
4 Corners Podcast: Serving Up A Classic
Patrick returns as he and Dave discuss the Stanley Cup Finals, the NBA Finals, Coco Gauff's epic triumph, and a...
4 Corners Podcast: The Rematch & The Rebuild
Dave and PC Tunney preview the NBA Finals and Stanley Cup Finals as the NBA and NHL reach the conclusion...
4 Corners Podcast: Blown Off Course
Dave and Tunney break down the Conference Finals in the NHL and NBA, discuss the NFL going to the Olympics,...
4 Corners Podcast: Bettor Late Than Never?
Dave, Patrick, and Tunney break down the NHL and NBA Playoffs and a pretty stunning decision from the MLB Commissioner's...
Mitchell’s Hyrule Puro-Resu Results & Report! (6/20/25)
It's Electric!
Bandwagon Nerds #293: Father Figures
The Nerds review the latest trailers for Iron Heart and Superman. A Spaceballs sequel is now official and why are...
Bandwagon Nerds #292: Where’s Michael’s Guitar?
The first ever Movie Year Draft highlight's this week's Episode. Plus, the Trailer Park rolls on, as does the search...
Attitude Of Aggression #310- Unidentified History: The Battle of Los Angeles
Unidentified History returns as Dave recaps his visit to Contact in the Desert and the guys do a deep dive...
Bandwagon Nerds #291: Its Pronounced Tuh-Doom
The Nerds cover all the best trailers from Tudum, discuss DC- Marvel crossovers, and get concerned for the future of...
Mitchell’s WWE SmackDown Results & Report! (6/20/25)
One step closer to the end!
DWI Podcast #479: Ron The Truth Simmons
Don't drink and drive, drink and podcast! Join AJ, DP and PC weekly for their thoughts on RAW, SmackDown and...
Andrew’s TNA iMPACT! Results & Match Ratings: 6.19.25
Are we going to start trending upwards with Slammiversary to build toward?
Mitchell’s ROH Results & Report! (6/19/25)
Rumble, Bad Man, Rumble!
Mitchell’s WWE Evolve Results & Report! (6/18/25)
Can the BOAT Evolve?
Mitchell’s AEW Dynamite Results & Report! (6/18/25)
Viva La AEW!
Babyface Heel Podcast: LOL Charlotte Wins… AGAIN!
Even when she's not wrestling, Charlotte Flair keeps winning! Greg and Patrick breakdown her latest winning comments!
Mitchell’s WWE NXT Results & Report! (6/17/25)
Trick'N Ain't Easy
Mitchell’s WWE Raw Results & Report! (6/16/25)
The last spots are on the line!
Mitchell’s NJPW Dominion Results & Report! (6/15/25)
Who leads the revolution?
