Coverage
Mitchell’s NJPW G1 Climax 33 Results & Report! (7/16/23)
The opening G1 weekend concludes!

Now C and D Blocks get their start!
After a great start to another G1 Climax, we move on to Blocks C and D, with Tetsuya Naito taking on Jeff Cobb in the main event!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- G1 Climax 33, C Block: Tomohiro Ishii VS David Finlay; Finlay wins.
- G1 Climax 33, D Block: Hirooki Goto VS Toru Yano; Goto wins.
- G1 Climax 33, C Block: Mikey Nicholls VS Aaron Henare; Mikey wins.
- G1 Climax 33, D Block: Shane Haste VS Alex Coughlin; Shane wins.
- G1 Climax 33, C Block: Shingo Takagi VS Eddie Kingston; Eddie wins.
- G1 Climax 33, D Block: Hiroshi Tanahashi VS Zack Sabre Jr; ZSJ wins.
- G1 Climax 33, C Block: Tama Tonga VS EVIL; Evil wins.
- G1 Climax 33, D Block: Tetsuya Naito VS Jeff Cobb; Cobb wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
G1 Climax 33, C Block: Tomohiro Ishii VS David Finlay w/ Gedo!
The Stone Pitbull is a NEVER Openweight Six Man Tag Team Champion with the Dream Team of Kazuchika Okada & Hiroshi Tanahashi, but here comes THE NEVER Openweight Champion! Will The Rebel start night two of opening weekend with a win? Or will Ishii be too much for even this savage to stop?
The bell rings and fans rally up. Ishii and Finlay tie up, are in a deadlock, and Ishii powers Finlay back. Finlay turns it around to put Ishii on ropes, and he slaps Ishii around. The ref reprimands but Ishii grabs Finlay back the neck! Finlay breaks free to throw a forearm, but Ishii just eggs him on! Finlay throws more forearms, but Ishii hits him back, and the brawl is on! Fans rally as the forearms go back and forth, faster and faster! Ishii gets the edge, runs, but Finlay ROCKS him! Finlay runs, RAMS Ishii, but Ishii rebounds to run Finlay over! Fans fire up and Ishii kicks Finlay around. Finlay stands up to throw another forearm! Ishii still doesn’t budge!
Finlay laughs it off and throws more forearms. Ishii just leans into them and backs Finlay down! Gedo coaches Finlay and Finlay throws more shots, but Ishii just takes them all! And then Ishii ROCKS Finlay! And again and again and again! Finlay sits down, the reprimands, but Ishii keeps throwing shots! The ref finally gets Ishii to back off, and fans rally up again. Finlay drags himself up, Ishii runs in but Finlay dodges. Finlay runs in, but into a BOOT! Ishii swings, but Finlay dodges to CHOP BLOCK! Gedo likes that! Finlay gets the leg and turns Ishii, to then DDT the foot! Finlay drags Ishii around, puts the leg on the ropes, and HIP DROPS it!
Ishii writhes but Finlay drags him to the apron. Finlay SLAMS the leg on the edge! Ishii writhes and crawls away but Finlay slides in to get the leg again. Finlay stomps the leg again and again and again, then drags him up to UPPERCUT! Ishii goes to a corner, Finlay stomps him, then wraps the leg around ropes! The ref reprimands and counts, Finlay lets off at 4. Finlay gets in the ref’s face but then goes back to Ishii. Finlay mocks the fans and Ishii with a chant of “I-SHI-I! I-SHI-I!” Ishii throws a forearm! Finlay throws one back, Ishii throws another, but Finlay ROCKS Ishii! And then CHOPS him!
Finlay fires forearms and CHOPS on repeat, very much like Ishii would! The ref counts, Finlay lets off, and Finlay throws up the Too Sweets. Ishii snarls and fans rally up again. Finlay drags Ishii up by an arm, whips him corner to corner, but Ishii reverses. Ishii runs in, but into BOOTS! Finlay runs, into a POWERSLAM! Fans fire up and Finlay goes to a corner. Ishii storms up on Finlay and CHOPS! And forearms! And CHOPS! Now Ishii is on the repeat cycle and fans rally up! Ishii rains down shots as Gedo protests and the ref counts. Ishii lets off but tells the ref to leave him alone. Ishii then drags Finlay up out of the corner.
Ishii suplexes high and hard! Cover, TWO! Finlay hangs tough, but Ishii stalks him. Ishii drags Finlay up but Finlay fights the suplex with elbows. Finlay whips, Ishii reverses to SAIDO! Fans fire up as Ishii rises. Finlay stands, Ishii runs, but Finlay avoids the lariat, only for Ishii to slip out of Blue Thunder! Finlay fireman’s carries Ishii for a HOTSHOT off ropes, then a BIG back suplex! Both men are down, but Ishii crawls to a corner. Finlay talks trash, runs in and UPPERCUTS! And clotheslines! And whips Ishii around into the corner, only for Ishii to rebound off buckles! But Finlay catches Ishii for an IRISH CURSE BACKBREAKER! Cover, TWO!
Fans rally up while Gedo argues the count. The ref says his count was fair, but Finlay ties up the legs into a DEATHLOCK! Finlay pushes on the knees but Ishii endures. Ishii eggs Finlay on but Finlay puts on more pressure! Fans rally as Ishii sits up and grabs at an ear. Finlay fights him but Ishii slaps and slaps and slaps! Finlay throws backhands and then lets off the hold to rain down fists! The ref reprimands over closed fists but Finlay lets off, claiming it was the butt of his palm. Finlay drags Ishii up, gut wrenches, but Ishii slips out! Finlay kicks the leg, but Ishii doesn’t budge! Ishii even eggs him on!
Finlay kicks again, Ishii swings, but Finlay dodges to dropkick the leg from behind! Ishii staggers but he runs back in to POUNCE Finlay! Fans fire up as Finlay crashes down in the corner! Ishii and Finlay stir and the fans rally back up. Ishii crawls his way over, stands up, and he brings Finlay up in a facelock. Ishii hoists Finlay up to the top rope, then climbs up after him. Gedo freaks out as Ishii hits the stalling SUPERPLEX! Fans fire up while Ishii crawls to the cover, TWO! Finlay is still in this, but Ishii keeps on him. Ishii reels Finlay in, but Finlay resists the lift. Gedo coaches Finlay and he wrenches out to kick. Ishii blocks!
Ishii spins Finlay around to GERMAN SUPLEX! Both men are down again and the fans fire back up. Ishii storms over to Finlay, sits him up, and runs, but Finlay avoids the sliding lariat! Finlay UPPERCUTS Ishii down but Ishii’s right back up! Finlay ROLLING ELBOWS, but Ishii rebounds, only for Finlay to swat his lariat, and GERMAN SUPLEX! But Finlay isn’t done there! Gut wrench to Canadian Rack, DOMINATOR! Cover, TWO!! Ishii survives and fans fire up again! Finlay is frustrated but the fans rally for “I-SHI-I! I-SHI-I!” Finlay goes to a corner and takes aim. Ishii rises, Finlay runs in, but Ishii blocks the spear!
Ishii gets Finlay up but Finlay slips out! Finlay ROCKS Ishii, but Ishii roars and DECKS Finlay! Finlay flounders around, Ishii ROCKS him again! Finlay rebounds and SPEARS! Cover, TWO!! Ishii survives and Finlay is again frustrated. Finlay drags Ishii up, reels him in, but Ishii fights the lift. Finlay CLUBS away, then fires off HEADBUTTS! Ishii HEADBUTTS back, Finlay roars, so Ishii HEADBUTTS!! Finlay goes right down and fans fire right up! Ishii drags Finlay back up for a POWERBOMB! High stack, TWO!! Finlay survives and the fans continue to rally. Ishii rises again as Gedo panics!
Finlay sits up, Ishii runs, but Finlay swats the lariat! And HEADBUTTS! And BLUE THUNDER BOMBS! Cover, TWO! Finlay is furious and he gets Ishii up to POWERBOMB him! Gedo says keep it up, and Finlay brings down the kneepad. The fans rally up but Finlay slashes his throat. Finlay drags Ishii up, suplexes, but Ishii slips free! RUNNING HEADBUTT!! Ishii practically went through Finlay! Ishii goes to a corner, runs in, SLIDING LARIAT! Cover, TWO!! Finlay survives but Ishii roars! Fans fire up with Ishii as he suplexes, but Finlay slips free! Finlay shoves, wrenches, backslides, and then reels Ishii in!
Finlay suplexes but Ishii knees free! Finlay ROCKS Ishii, spins, but into an ENZIGURI! Fans fire up while Ishii headbutts the mat and slaps himself! Ishii roars again, runs, and LARIATS Finlay inside-out! Cover, TWO!!! Finlay survives and shocks the fans, but Ishii is roaring! We hit 15 minutes, and the limit is 20! Ishii suplexes Finlay, but Finlay fights it! Finlay wrenches out, but Ishii spins him. Finlay suplexes, but Ishii wrenches out to scoop! Finlay slips free, dragon sleepers, but Ishii turns around! Finlay fights the suplex again, spins Ishii around, and inverted suplexes! OSAKA STREET CUTTER!!
Finlay keeps going, he suplexes again, INTO OBLIVION!! Cover, Finlay wins!!
Winner: David Finlay, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Ishii earns 0)
Finlay made it through this battle and came out on top! Will he prove that NJPW and the G1 needs The Rebel?
G1 Climax 33, D Block: Hirooki Goto VS Toru Yano w/ Tomukun!
Chaos clashes with Chaos as the Fierce Warrior faces Clown Prince. Will things still be friendly between them even after this opening round?
Goto knows Yano’s tricks so he tells Yano to wrestle this fairly. Yano says okay, no worries. The bell rings and they both rush in, and Yano gets around to backslide! TWO!! Goto escapes, rushes in, avoids the mule kick and hooks up the legs! Deathlock, roll, but Yano turns it around on Goto! Cover, TWO!! Goto rushes in but Yano dumps him out! Yano then goes to a buckle pad and unties it! Yano goes out and he fires up. The fans fire up, but Goto avoids the pad smack to RAM Yano into railing! Goto then brings Yano around, but Yano reverses, only for Goto to reverse! They go around and around, and then around some more!
Goto and Yano keep countering each other! They end up getting dizzy and stagger around! Goto kicks Yano, whips, but Yano reverses and finally Goto hits railing! Fans rally up and Yano brings Goto up. Yano apologizes to the ref, before he whips Goto into more railing! Yano then drags Goto up and brings him around, to put under the ring! Yano then brings Tomukun around, and puts him under the ring?! And then Yano crawls under their with them!? What in the world? The ref pursues them all, but it’s too dark to see. Something is going on under there, so the ref just starts a ring count.
Fans rally, Yano scrambles out from under the ring and inside, and we pass 7 of 20. Now it’s more like Marco Polo or something! Wait, someone else scrambles out from under! GOTOMU!? Goto’s wearing Tomukun’s head! Goto staggers around blindly, bumps into a post, and we pass 15 of 20! Goto carefully feels his way around, gets out of the head, and jumps in at 19! But Yano drags Goto up and around to whip, but Goto reverses! Only for Yano to avoid the bare buckles and taunt Goto. Goto runs in but is sent into bare buckles! Yano rolls Goto up, TWO!! Goto survives the shenanigans but Yano rallies the fans.
Yano runs, but Goto follows to LARIAT Yano down! Fans continue to rally, and Yano goes to another corner. Goto runs in to MURAMASA! And BULLDOG! Cover, TWO! Fans rally, Goto drags Yano up and around, and fireman’s carries. But Yano fights with elbows! Yano runs, but Goto follows, only for Yano to fake him out! Atomic drop! And whip into the bare buckles! Goto staggers, and Yano brings him up to ONIGO- NO, Goto fights free! Goto swings, misses, and Yano hits M U! Cover, TWO, but into a fireman’s carry takeover! Cover, TWO!! Goto staggers up, and he blocks the low blow! Yano apologizes! But then tries the other hand!
Goto blocks the second low blow, and he drags Yano up to HEADBUTT! And then another HEADBUTT! Goto drags Yano up again, to HEADBUTT again! Goto won’t let Yano fall, he stands Yano back up to turn him, G T R!! Cover, Goto wins!
Winner: Hirooki Goto, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Yano earns 0)
Yano did use all the tricks he had, and even used Tomukun as a pawn, but he still couldn’t snatch this win from Goto. Will Goto look to make this year his return to prominence?
G1 Climax 33, C Block: Mikey Nicholls w/ Kosei Fujita VS Aaron Henare!
The G1 keeps getting stronger as The Mighty’s Mad Mikey clashes with the United Empire’s Ultimate Weapon! But will Henare see for himself that The Mighty Don’t Kneel? Or will Mikey be just the first one conquered by the United Empire?
Henare has a new look, with his shaved head and warpaint! He is now the Face of Fury, but will he be the face of C Block after this? The bell rings and fans rally up. Henare and Mikey circle, feel things out, and tie up. They’re in a deadlock but Henare finds a point of leverage. Henare puts Mikey on the ropes but Mikey turns it around. The ref counts while the two push each other, and Mikey lets off. Fans applaud as the two reset. Henare and Mikey tie up again, and Mikey headlocks. Mikey grinds the hold but Henare powers up and out. They RAM shoulders, but neither falls! Henare runs again and RAMS Mikey, but Mikey eggs him on.
Henare runs, Mikey follows and ELBOWS, then he runs Henare over! But Henare’s right up to run Mikey over! They RAM shoulders again, then fire off forearms! Fans fire up as it turns into a scrap! They tumble out of the ring and to the floor! Mikey rains down fists then storms off. Henare stands but Mikey comes back to SMACK him off the apron! And again! Mikey whips but Henare reverses to send Mikey into railing! Mikey hits so hard, he tumbles over railing! Kosei checks on Mikey, as does the ref. Mikey stands and Henare is on him with a JUMPING HEADBUTT! Henare then ROCKS Mikey with forearms, and KICKS him against the railing!
Mikey eggs Henare on so Henare KICKS and throws more forearms! Mikey forearms and CHOPS, then CHOPS Henare again! Fans rally up as Mikey follows Henare around and puts him in the ring. Henare stands, Mikey storms up but into an ELBOW! Henare goes up but Mikey ducks the kick! Mikey runs in but Henare ROCKS him, whips him, and pops him up for a SAMOAN DROP! Fans fire up while Henare snarls. Henare drags Mikey up, throws body shots and backs Mikey to a corner. Henare lets off, only to bring Mikey up and snapmare him down. Henare KICKS Mikey in the back, then KICKS him in the front! And SENTONS!
Henare storms around, tells Kosei to watch himself, and then drags Mikey into a leglock. Henare punches Mikey in the sides to get his arms, and Henare nods as he has the modified surfboard, into a STOMP! Cover, TWO!! Mikey survives and pushes Henare from below. Henare just growls and storms around. Henare brings Mikey up, eggs him on, and Mikey fires forearms and CHOPS! Henare SPIN HEEL KICKS! Fans fire up while Henare snarls again. Henare brings Mikey up to HEADBUTT him to the corner! Henare then digs hits boots in! The ref counts, Henare lets off at 4 and glares at the ref.
Henare paces around, runs in, but Mikey ELBOWS him back! Mikey swings, but Henare ducks, only for Mikey to get a DDT! Fans rally behind Mikey as he and Henare go to corners. Mikey runs corner to corner to clothesline! Mikey whips corner to corner, runs in but into a BOOT! Mikey still clotheslines Henare in the corner! Mikey reels Henare in, goes up, TORNADO DDT! Cover, TWO! Henare is still in this but Mikey drags him back up. Mikey puts Henare up top, climbs up after him, and fans rally as he brings Henare up. But Henare fights back with body shots! Henare HEADBUTTS Mikey down, but Mikey UPPERCUTS Henare!
Mikey climbs back up, and goes to the very top! Fans fire up for the SUPER DUPER PLEX! Both men are down and fans rally up. Mikey and Henare crawl for each other, give junkyard dog headbutts back and forth, then stand to give stronger headbutts! Mikey is busted open, but he and Henare just start throwing forearms! The fans rally, Henare ROCKS Mikey but Mikey fires a flurry! Mikey wobbles, runs, but into an ELBOW! Henare runs but into a KNEE! But Henare still gets the waistlock!? Henare ignores the pain, but Mikey switches the waistlock. Henare ELBOWS Mikey, but Mikey elbows back! Henare still RAMS Mikey into a corner!
Henare runs corner to corner but Mikey dodges! Mikey runs back in, into a back drop! Mikey sunset flips it, Henare rolls through, but runs into a MIKEY BOMB!! Cover, TWO?!? Mikey’s shock shows through the crimson mask growing on his face! Mikey sits Henare up, runs, but Henare avoids the sliding lariat! Henare winds up for the BODY BLOW! Mikey sputters but stays standing, so Henare clamps on the half nelson. Mikey fights but Henare manages the ULTIMA FULL NELSON! Mikey endures, reaches out for ropes, and he stomps his way forward! ROPEBREAK! The ref counts and Henare lets off in frustration.
Mikey flops back and Henare says he’ll end this. Mikey staggers back up, Henare reels him in, and has the fisherman! Mikey fights free, wrenches and CLUBS the arm, then fireman’s carry! DEATH VALLEY DRIVER! And SLIDING LARIAT! Cover, TWO!! Henare survives and Mikey is frustrated. Fans rally up but Mikey’s still in rough shape. He roars to his feet and fans fire up as he points to the corner! Mikey climbs to the top, to MOONSAULT FLOP! Henare avoids disaster and he goes to the corner. Mikey flounders and Henare waits on him to rise. Mikey stands and Henare fires another BODY BLOW! And a strike fest!
Mikey blocks a kick to SLAP and SLAP but Henare JUMP KNEES! Fans fire up as Henare brings down the kneepad! Henare runs corner to corner, SHINING WIZARD!! And then fisherman, but Mikey fights free! Henare HEADBUTTS!! Henare whips, Mikey reverses and scoops, but Henare slips free! Mikey switches, Henare ELBOWS him! But Mikey fights through to lift, MASTER BLASTER!!! Cover, MIKEY WINS!!!
Winner: Mikey Nicholls, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Henare earns 0)
Everyone’s shocked by that comeback! But Mikey just proved that the Mighty may bleed, but they do not kneel! But after what this opening round took out of them, will either Mikey or Henare be able to last until the end?
G1 Climax 33, D Block: Shane Haste w/ Kosei Fujita VS Alex Coughlin!
It’s a Mighty double header as now Hysterical Haste steps up to the plate against one of the Bullet Club War Dogs! Coughlin is an NJPW Strong Openweight Tag Team Champion, will he be able to defend himself? Or can Shane snatch some golden tickets for TMDK’s #YoungPunks?
The bell rings and Coughlin CLOBBERS Shane! And then scoops him for a FALL AWAY SLAM! Shane flounders away and Coughlin swaggers his way over. Shane throws a forearm but Coughlin just DECKS him for it! Coughlin CLUBS Shane, brings him up, but Shane CHOPS! Coughlin just CHOPS back! Shane falls over but Coughlin CHOKES him at the ropes! The ref counts, Coughlin lets off and gets in the ref’s face. The ref warns Coughlin, and Coughlin brings Shane to CHOP! Shane CLAWS Coughlin’s eyes! Coughlin staggers, but then he glares at Shane. Coughlin kicks Shane low then UPPERCUTS him to the corner!
Coughlin brings Shane around to CHOP against ropes, then stalks him around the way. Coughlin stands Shane up, whips, but Shane reverses to DROPKICK! Fans fire up as Coughlin bails out. Shane builds speed and he DIVES! He almost doesn’t make it, but Coughlin still catches him! To OVERHEAD SUPLEX him to the floor! Coughlin throws up the Too Sweet, then stomps Shane around. Coughlin drags Shane up to BOWL him into railing! Coughlin tells the ref to leave him alone, he’ll get Shane in on his own. Coughlin stands on Shane’s hand, then CHOPS him on the back! Coughlin then RAMS Shane into more railing!
Coughlin paces around, Shane throws elbows, but Coughlin CLUBS Shane on the back. The ring count starts but Coughlin stands Shane up in front of commentary, before he wraps on a SLEEPER! Shane sputters and then Coughlin ELBOWS him in the head! The ring count reaches 10 of 20 but Coughlin stalks Shane. Coughlin refreshes the ring count but Shane ROCKS him! And then APRON BACK SUPLEXES! Coughlin writhes and crawls into the ring, and Shane goes up a corner. Fans fire up but Coughlin DECKS Shane first! Shane is on the apron, and Coughlin drags him up! DEADLIFT GUT WRENCH SUPERPLEX!!
Fans applaud the showing of sheer strength and Coughlin covers, TWO! Coughlin is frustrated and he kicks Shane around. Coughlin stands Shane up and CHOPS him to a corner. Coughlin digs his knees in and CHOKES Shane on the ropes! The ref counts, Coughlin taunts Kosei, and then he whips Shane corner to corner hard! Shane hits buckles and falls, and Coughlin takes his time. Coughlin UPPERCUTS Shane again, whips him corner to corner hard again, and Shane slumps against the ropes. Coughlin brings Shane up but Shane pushes him. Coughlin CLUBS him! And CLUBS him! And then whips, only for Shane to blocks!
Shane ROCKS and CHOPS, but Coughlin PALM STRIKES! Coughlin whips, Shane reverses and SAIDOS! Fans fire up as Shane rises! Shane KICKS and BOOTS and reels Coughlin in, FLIP OUT BACK SUPLEX! Coughlin flounders, and Shane runs in, SHANE-NING WIZARD!! Cover, TWO!! Coughlin survives and fans rally up! Shane has a wild look in his eyes as he gets Coughlin back up. Shane suplexes but Coughlin blocks. Coughlin throws body shots, suplexes, but Shane slips free to waistlock. Coughlin elbows free, swings, but into a spin and BROKEN ARROW! Cover, TWO! Coughlin survives but Shane says okay then.
Fans rally up and Shane sits Coughlin up to KICK! And KICK! And KICK again! Shane gives more kicks, then an UPPERCUT! And another UPPERCUT! Coughlin avoids the third but Shane fights the waistlock. Coughlin still GERMAN SUPLEXES! And then fireman’s carries, for a DEATH VALLEY BOMB! Cover, TWO! Coughlin rains down fists and elbows in frustration, then CHOKES Shane! The ref counts, Coughlin lets off, and he drags Shane up. But Shane BOOTS him! Shane swings, but Coughlin blocks to POINT-BLANK LARIAT! Cover, TWO!! Shane survives and Coughlin grows frustrated.
The fans rally up, but Coughlin looms over Shane. Coughlin hauls Shane up, suplexes, but Shane fights! Coughlin still keeps Shane up! Shane keeps fighting, and manages body scissors and the KIMURA! But Coughlin CLUBS Shane, ROCKS him, and pops him up for a POWERBOMB!! Cover, TWO!! Shane survives and Coughlin is pissed at the ref! Coughlin then throws Shane out of the ring, brings him up and RAMS him into railing! Coughlin goes looking under the ring, and he brings out a chair! Coughlin tosses that into the ring, then gets another chair, to also toss into the ring. Coughlin SMACKS Shane off the timekeeper’s table!
Coughlin puts Shane in the ring, grabs his NJPW Strong Openweight Tag belt, but the ref keeps him from using it! Coughlin shoves the ref down, but Shane SAIDOS Coughlin onto the chairs!! Shane hurries to get Coughlin up, fireman’s carry and BOMB VALLEY DEATH!! Cover, SHANE WINS!!
Winner: Shane Haste, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Coughlin earns 0)
It’s a sweep for the TMDK OG as both Shane and Mikey win their matches! And with Shane scoring the win on a tag champion, will he and Mikey look to be golden after the G1?
G1 Climax 33, C Block: Shingo Takagi VS Eddie Kingston!
The Rampaging Dragon has been IWGP World Heavyweight Champion, Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champion, NEVER Openweight Six Man Tag Team Champion, the NEVER Openweight Championship, and the KOPW Championship, but he’s never had the NJPW Strong Openweight title. Given how long and hard Eddie fought to become a champion in NJPW, is there no stopping him now? Or will Takagi make the Mad King tranquilo here in Hokkaido?
The bell rings and the two storm right up to go chest to chest! Fans rally up as they push each other with shoulders. Eddie shoves Takagi, Takagi RAMS Eddie, but Eddie stays put. Takagi runs to RAM Eddie, and then Eddie runs to RAM Takagi! Takagi rebounds, they RAM shoulders, then Takagi shoves Eddie to a corner. Takagi runs in, blocks a boot, and clotheslines through! Fans fire up and Takagi CHOPS! Eddie brings the straps down already!? Eddie eggs Takagi on and Takagi CHOPS! Eddie CHOPS! Fans fire up and Takagi sputters for a second, but Takagi comes back to CHOP! Eddie is stinging, but he fires up to CHOP again!
Fans rally as Takagi pumps up to CHOP! Eddie takes a second, Takagi eggs him on, and Eddie fires back up to CHOP again! Takagi JABS, JABS and JABS! Takagi whips, Eddie reverses and CHOPS! Takagi DOUBLE CHOPS and Eddie falls! Takagi finally feels that stinging, and he gives Eddie some toying kicks. Eddie stands up to slap, so Takagi slaps! It’s a SLAP fight! Takagi eggs Eddie on, so Eddie SLAPS, and SLAPS! Takagi JABS! Eddie URAKENS!! Takagi falls outta the ring! Fans fire up and Eddie takes a second to steady himself. Eddie waits on Takagi but the ref goes out to check him. Takagi is somehow still in this so Eddie goes out to fetch him!
Eddie drags Takagi up to CHOP him against railing! And CHOPS him again! Eddie brings Takagi around with a fishhook, to CHOP again! Takagi staggers away, but he ELBOWS Eddie back! Eddie knees low, and whips Takagi into railing! Eddie seethes and storms up, but Takagi clinches and whips! Eddie hits railing, but he comes right back to run Takagi over! Fans rally up and Eddie grits his teeth. Eddie looms over Takagi, brings him up, and puts him in at 6 of 20. Fans cheer and Eddie storms up on Takagi in a corner. Eddie fires off MACHINE GUN CHOPS! Takagi turns it around to JAB and CHOP on repeat!
Fans fire up as Takagi JABS, JABS and CHOPS! But Eddie turns it around for more MACHINE GUN CHOPS! And an EXPLODER! Cover, TWO! Eddie keeps his cool and stalks behind Takagi. Eddie brings Takagi up but Takagi fights the half nelson. Takagi RAMS Eddie into buckles, but Eddie storms up! Into ELBOW! JAB! YUKON LARIAT! Fans rally up as Takagi shouts. Takagi goes back to Eddie and drags him up. Takagi whips, then KNEES Eddie against ropes! Takagi runs to run Eddie over! Fans fire up and Takagi brings Eddie up to suplex! Then he looks to the camera, but he holds off on saying the line.
Takagi storms up on Eddie in the corner, hoists him up to the top rope, and he climbs up after him. And then he hits a SUPERPLEX! Fans fire up for how fast that went! Takagi crawls to the cover, TWO! Eddie is still in this, and Takagi now says IT’S TIME! Fans rally with “OI! OI! OI!” and Takagi rises. Takagi sits Eddie up, gives him toying kicks, and Eddie scowls. Takagi JABS, but Eddie eggs him on. Takagi JABS again, but Eddie just shakes his head. Takagi CHOPS, so Eddie stands up! And he fires off ridge hand chops! Takagi fires off ridge hands in return! Eddie gives them back, then powers up, but Takagi ducks the backhand to SAIDO!
Takagi hurries to run, but Eddie BOOTS! Takagi ELBOWS, Eddie ENZIGURIS! And then SAIDOS! Cover, TWO!! Fans fire up while both men are down and stirring. Fans rally, Eddie sits up first, and then stands. Eddie storms up on Takagi, brings him up, NORTHERN- NO, Takagi fights free! They go to opposite corners, and fans rally up. Eddie shouts at Takagi and Takagi stands. Takagi headbutts the buckles and Eddie powers up his hand! They both run in, DOUBLE LARIATS collide! Neither falls, so DOUBLE LARIATS collide again! And still, Takagi ELBOWS! JABS! But Eddie PALM STRIKES!
Eddie ROCKS Takagi, runs, but into a lariat! Takagi keeps moving, but Eddie LARIATS him down! But Takagi’s right up to PUMPING BOMBER! Eddie’s right up!? HALF ‘N’ HALF SUPLEX! Takagi stands, to PUMPING BOMBER again!! Fans are thunderous while both men are down! We pass 10 minutes and fans rally up. Takagi stirs and sits up, then fires fans up with “OI! OI! OI!” Takagi brings Eddie up, but Eddie spins, only for Takagi to block the uraken! Takagi JABS, HEADBUTTS, and then BACK ELBOWS! Takagi steals NORTHERN LIGHTS BOMB!! Cover, ONE?!?! Takagi is shocked but he watches Eddie rise. Takagi runs, PUMPING BOMBER!! Cover, TWO!!
Fans rally up as Eddie survives again! But Takagi fires up and drags Eddie up. Takagi pump handles and torture racks, but Eddie slips free! Takagi fights the dragon sleeper to suplex, but Eddie fights free to LARIAT! Cover, ONE?!?! Takagi shocks Eddie now! Fans rally up, Eddie and Takagi glare at each other as they rise. Takagi fires a forearm, but Eddie eggs him on! Takagi throws more shots, but Eddie stays on his feet. Takagi fires boxing elbows! Fans rally and Takagi ROCKS Eddie, but Eddie URAKENS! Eddie roars and URAKENS, but Takagi LARIATS! Neither falls, Eddie rebounds to block the lariat and URAKEN!!
Fans fire up with Eddie and he reels Takagi in! NORTHERN LIGHTS BOMB!! Cover, EDDIE WINS!
Winner: Eddie Kingston, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Takagi earns 0)
Calling this an upset is underselling Eddie Kingston! The Mad King slays the Rampaging Dragon, will he fight his way to the top of NJPW?
G1 Climax 33, D Block: Hiroshi Tanahashi VS Zack Sabre Jr w/ Kosei Fujita!
The Ace of the Universe and the Submission Master are no strangers, this is but another chapter in their rivalry. But will Tanahashi refuse to #JustTapOut? Or will the Frontman complete the Mighty sweep?
Tanahashi takes off the jacket and fans cheer for the muscles. ZSJ then flexes and poses and fans cheer his muscles. The bell rings and fans rally, “Let’s Go, Ace! Let’s Go, Ace!” Tanahashi and ZSJ circle, feel things out, and then back away. Tanahashi fires up with an “OSU!” and the fans cheer. The two tie up, Tanahashi headlocks and hits a takeover. ZSJ headscissors, squeezes tight, and keeps Tanahashi down. Tanahashi bridges back, turns ZSJ over and ties up the legs, but ZSJ slips free and gets away. Fans cheer this opening exchange, and the two go again. They tie up, ZSJ headlocks, and he hits a takeover.
Tanahashi headscissors and now he holds tight. Tanahashi puts on the pressure but ZSJ moves around. ZSJ goes side to side, gets up and hops around to then kip free. Fans cheer and ZSJ eggs Tanahashi on. Tanahashi resets and circles with ZSJ, and Tanahashi flexes. ZSJ and Tanahashi tie up, they’re in a deadlock, but ZSJ powers Tanahashi back, using his height as leverage! But Tanahashi powers back and puts ZSJ in the corner! The ref counts, ZSJ and Tanahashi let off, but then ZSJ UPPERCUTS! So Tanahashi UPPERCUTS! ZSJ UPPERCUTS! Tanahashi UPPERCUTS again! Fans fire up as the two UPPERCUT back and forth!
Tanahashi uppercuts again and again but ZSJ catches his arms! Tanahashi fights the backslide, then switches the hooks! ZSJ switches them back, but then Tanahashi switches back, and the two go back and forth with that! ZSJ eggs Tanahashi on, they both turn around and Tanahashi wrenches the arm! ELBOW BREAKER! Fans rally and Tanahashi drags ZSJ up with a double wristlock and takedown! Into short arm scissors! ZSJ endures, moves around, turns Tanahashi over, but Tanahashi powers him back down. ZSJ rolls back and stacks Tanahashi, ONE! Tanahashi still has the arm scissor!
ZSJ moves around again, turns Tanahashi over, and powers his way through, only for Tanahashi to bring him back down! ZSJ reaches out to the ROPEBREAK! Tanahashi lets go quickly, and fans cheer. Tanahashi drags ZSJ up and to the ropes. Tanahashi wrenches the arm again, but ZSJ turns it into a SLEEPER! The ref counts, Tanahashi’s already red as ZSJ lets go at 4. Tanahashi steps in, but ZSJ gets the leg! DRAPING DRAGON SCREW! ZSJ grabs that leg for a standing toehold, then he drops knees on the knee! Tanahashi writhes, and ZSJ drags him around to hook the leg, and then bridges! INVERTED DEATHLOCK!
Fans rally as Tanahashi endures. ZSJ then adds more pressure, HEEL HOOK! They roll, and into the ropes! Fans cheer as Tanahashi is saved. ZSJ lets Tanahashi go, stalks him, and then hits a SPIN TOEHOLD! And then drops knees on the knee again! Tanahashi writhes but ZSJ paces. Tanahashi eggs ZSJ on so ZSJ KICKS him down! And kicks at the bad leg! ZSJ toys with Tanahashi, but Tanahashi stands, so ZSJ KICKS him! Tanahashi eggs him on so ZSJ KICKS him again, and again! Tanahashi fires forearms in return! And an UPPERCUT! Tanahashi wrenches an arm, but ZSJ kicks the bad leg!
ZSJ whips but Tanahashi blocks by holding ropes! ZSJ keeps trying, but Tanahashi uses that to TWEAK ZSJ’s arm! ZSJ kicks the bad leg, whips, but Tanahashi FLYING FOREARMS! Fans rally up and Tanahashi waits on ZSJ. ZSJ stands and Tanahashi fires fast hands! Tanahashi backs ZSJ down, then scoops him to SLAM him into the drop zone! Fans fire up as Tanahashi hops up, but ZSJ stands! Tanahashi BOOTS ZSJ, reels him in, HANGING KIMURA! ZSJ clasps hands behind his back to relieve pressure, but Tanahashi hops down. They go around, Tanahashi scoops and SLAMS again! Tanahashi goes up, to SUNSET SENTON! Cover, TWO!
Fans rally, Tanahashi runs, but ZSJ gets around to a COBRA TWIST! But Tanahashi fights it to switch it onto ZSJ! ZSJ bends fingers to get around, COBRA TWIST! But Tanahashi hip tosses free! Tanahashi runs, but ZSJ dropkicks the legs out! We’ve passed the 10 minute mark and both men are down. Fans rally, Tanahashi goes to a corner and hobbles up. ZSJ storms up, and blocks a boot! Then blocks the other boot, to DRAGON SCREW! Tanahashi falls over and rolls away, clutching the knee. ZSJ storms up, gets the leg, and has a STANDING HEEL HOOK! Tanahashi kicks with the free leg, but ZSJ catches it!
ZSJ works to turn Tanahashi over, but Tanahashi resists! Tanahashi knows ZSJ is going for the Texas Cloverleaf, and so he drags ZSJ down into the TRIANGLE HOLD! Tanahashi has ZSJ in one of ZSJ’s favorites! ZSJ endures, fights around, powers through, and GROUND DRAGON SCREWS! ZSJ eggs Tanahashi on and Tanahashi sits up. ZSJ KICKS Tanahashi, but Tanahashi eggs him on! PENALTY- NO, Tanahashi catches ZSJ! But ZSJ still slips to SPINNING TOEHOLD, into a HEEL HOOK! ZSJ bends the leg in a modified Calf Killer! Fans rally as Tanahashi endures, and they roll into the ROPEBREAK!
Fans cheer as Tanahashi is saved again, but the damage to that leg keeps piling on. ZSJ goes to a corner, then runs in to PENALTY- NO, Tanahashi blocks again! And spins ZSJ, but ZSJ UPPERCUTS! ZSJ bobs ‘n’ weaves, KICKS the bad leg, but Tanahashi fights the Shinbreaker to TWIST ‘N’ SHOUT! Fans fire up and Tanahashi brings ZSJ around. GROUND ARM SCREW! And then another! Tanahashi drags ZSJ up to GROUND ARM SCREW again! Tanahashi fires up, but ZSJ snatches him for a SLEEPER! Tanahashi fights and grabs the bad arm, ELBOW BREAKER! ZSJ KICKS the bad leg! Tanahashi DRAGON PALMS!
ZSJ rebounds to dropkick the legs out! But Tanahashi gets up to basement dropkick ZSJ! Tanahashi whips, ZSJ reverses but Tanahashi SLINGBLADES! Cover, TWO! ZSJ is still in this but Tanahashi fires up! Tanahashi goes up top at the 15 minute mark! Tanahashi aims, to HIGH FLY ATTACK! But ZSJ rolls it through, and PENALTY KICKS! Cover, TWO! ZSJ keeps cool and brings Tanahashi up. ZSJ scoops, but Tanahashi slips free to ARMBAR TAKEDOWN!! ZSJ clasps hands to fight but Tanahashi pries the grip apart! But ZSJ stands to put the ARMBAR on Tanahashi! But Tanahashi stands to put the ARMBAR back on ZSJ!
ZSJ clasps hands again so Tanahashi CLUBS the grip! But ZSJ rolls to a deep stack, and WINS!!
Winner: Zack Sabre Jr, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Tanahashi earns 0)
The Frontman pulls victory from outta nowhere, and TMDK has swept the night! Tanahashi faces another #YoungPunk next round, will he be able to redeem himself? Will ZSJ lead the way to making NJPW mighty?
G1 Climax 33, C Block: Tama Tonga w/ Jado VS EVIL!
Tama Tonga may be the Good Bad Guy, but he’s up against the King of Darkness. Will Tama be ready for all the tricks the House of Torture has up their proverbial sleeves? Or will he see that Everything is Evil?
But of course, Evil attacks Tama while he’s posing on the corner! Evil CLUBS Tama, then CHOKES him with his House of Torture shirt! Red Shoes reprimands and fans boo but Evil lets Tama go. The bell rings and Evil fireman’s carries! Tama fights free, catches Evil to a clinch, and EXPLODER! Fans fire up as Tama pursues Evil out of the ring. Tama throws hands, then SMACKS him off the apron! And again! Tama headlocks to punch Evil, and Evil staggers around while fans rally up. Tama puts Evil in the ring, Evil wants mercy as he goes to the corner, but Tama fires off haymakers, stomps and fast hands!
Tama climbs up and fans fire up as he rains down punches! Tama goes all the way to 9, gives some flip, flop ‘n’ fly to then BIONIC ELBOW for the tenth! Tama whips corner to corner hard, and fans rally up with him. Tama goes corner to corner to STINGER- NO, Evil dodges and pulls the buckle pad away! Tama hits bare buckles, tasting the Bullet Club Special already! Tama writhes, fans boo, and Red Shoes reprimands, but how’d that even happen? Wait! There’s Dick Togo! He snuck out here like the snake he is! Evil drags Tama up, throws him out, and then goes out to CLUB him down! Fans boo, and Jado keeps Dick from getting closer.
Evil brings Tama up the ramp, to suplex him to the floor! Evil then pulls railing apart and drags Tama into the crowd! Fans get out of the way and Young Lions stay between them and the action, but Evil still SMACKS Tama off a chair! And stomps him! Evil drags Tama up, has more fans move as he brings Tama that way, but Tama fights back! But Evil CLAWS the eyes! Evil stomps Tama down, drags him up, and brings him along to BOWL him into chairs! Evil leaves Tama behind to go to the ring. Red Shoes reprimands but there’s not much more he can do. Fans rally for Tama while Evil gives a thumbs down to English commentary.
The ring count starts, Tama stirs at 5 of 20 and rises at 7. But then Evil just snatches the hammer to ring the bell! Fans boo, he doesn’t decide that the match is over! The count starts over because of that! Evil is annoyed while Tama flounders his way to the aisle. Tama stands at 13 and walks the rest of the way, but he still stumbles at 17! Tama hurries back up, and SLIDES in at 19.9!! Evil is upset with Red Shoes for starting over, but then he covers. Red Shoes says no, it’s not fair. Evil & Dick protest but Jado has a good laugh. Evil hauls Tama up to a BACKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Tama is still in this and Evil again blames Red Shoes.
Evil stands on Tama’s face, taunts him and the fans, then gives Tama toying kicks. Jado coaches Tama up, fans rally up, but Evil kicks Tama again. Tama gets mad and he throws body shots! Evil CLAWS the eyes again! Red Shoes reprimands, Evil whips, but Tama comes back! But into a mule kick! But Tama DROPKICKS Evil down! Fans rally up as Tama and Evil stir. Jado coaches Tama and he stands up. Tama rallies on Evil with forearms and clotheslines, and then a scoop SLAM! Fans fire up and Tama aims as Evil goes to the corner. Tama runs in, STINGER SPLASH! Evil falls and Tama covers, TWO!
Tama stays focused, and he CLUBS Evil! And CLUBS him again! Tama CLOBBERS Evil point blank, then covers, TWO! Evil is hanging tough but Tama drags him up into a dragon sleeper. Evil fights from below, and fishhooks Tama’s nose! Red Shoes reprimands but Tama lets go. Evil blocks Tama’s kick, hands the foot to Red Shoes, but Tama blocks Evil’s kick! Red Shoes lets go, Tama CLUBS Evil’s leg! Tama whips, Evil reverses and then grabs at Red Shoes, but Tama body blows Evil first! Tama suplexes, but Evil fights it! Evil powers through to hit the FISHERMAN BUSTER! Cover, TWO, and Evil falls on Red Shoes!
Evil drags Tama up and Young Lions check on Red Shoes. Evil hits another FISHERMAN BUSTER! And then Dick storms in! Jado gets up on the apron, blocks Dick’s punch, but then Dick blocks Jado’s punch to DECK Jado! Fans boo but Dick puts one out. Evil grins as he and Dick stomp away on Tama! Fans boo more as Evil puts one out now. The fans tell Dick to go away, but he says no. Dick and Evil get Tama up, MAGIC KILLER!! Evil calls to Red Shoes and Red Shoes returns. Evil covers, ONE?!?! Evil can’t believe it! Evil hurries to step through, but Tama resists the turn! Evil powers through, to get the SHARPSHOOTER!
Tama endures and we pass 10 minutes. Tama moves around, fans rally up, and Tama powers his way forward! Jado coaches Tama, and Tama gets the ROPEBREAK! Evil holds until Red Shoes counts 4! Evil stalks Tama, talks trash, and then drags him up. Evil drags Tama up, fireman’s carries, but Tama fights free! TONGAN TWIST!! Fans fire up while both men are down! Tama goes to a corner, drags himself up, and Evil stands. Evil storms up but Tama BOOTS him! Tama runs to SUPERMAN FOREARM! Evil rushes in but into a fireman’s carry! Evil slips free but Tama PELES! And then SPINEBUSTERS!
Fans fire up with Tama again and he goes right up the corner! SUPREME FLOW!! Cover, TWO!! Evil survives and Tama grows frustrated. Jado coaches Tama and Tama rallies the fans by pounding the mat. The clapping speeds up, but Dick drags Evil out of the ring! Fans boo but Dick scurries away. Dick then gets on the apron, but Jado points it out! Problem is, Red Shoes tells Jado to get down! Tama rushes Dick but Dick HOTSHOTS him away! Evil returns and turns Tama around! EVERYTHING- NO, Tama gets around to roll Evil up! TWO!! Evil swings, but Tama waistlocks, shoves, follows, then redirects to GUN-
NO! Evil blocks it! Evil shoves Tama away, goes to the corner, LARIAT! Both men are down again and fans rally for Tama! Evil brings Tama around as we hit 15 minutes. Evil stands Tama up, fireman’s carries, DARKNESS FALLS! Cover, TWO!! Tama survives and fans fire up! Evil is too tired to be upset, and the fans rally back up. Evil snarls and slashes his throat. He drags Tama up, spins him around, EVERYTHING- NO, Tama fights with elbows! Tama is free but Evil LARIATS! Tama stays up! Evil runs in again to LARIAT! Tama stays up! Evil whips Tama into the bare buckles! But Tama rises! And LARIATS Evil!!
Fans fire up as OFF COMES THE VEST! Dick gets in!? GUNSTUN for Dick!! Tama hurries to get Evil up, Half Hatch to BLOODY SUNDAY!! Cover, TWO!?! Evil survives but Tama vows to end this! Three minute warning and Tama underhooks! But Evil fights the lift, wrenches out, and catches Tama! Evil pulls hair, whips Tama to the bare buckles, but Tama goes up! Evil sends Red Shoes in! Tama goes up and over Red Shoes, to GUN- NO, Evil blocks and LOW BLOWS!! EVERYTHING IS EVIL!!! Cover, EVIL WINS!!
Winner: Evil, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Tama earns 0)
Just when you think Evil hasn’t found new lows, he does! The King of Darkness continues to steal victories, will he end up stealing the entire G1?
G1 Climax 33, D Block: Tetsuya Naito VS Jeff Cobb!
The Uncontrollable Charisma has once again vowed to make it to WrestleKingdom and fight for the world title, but that’s a long road to travel. Will Naito make that journey back to the top of NJPW? Or will the United Empire’s Imperial Unit be a massive roadblock?
Naturally, Naito takes his time with his elaborate entrance attire. Cobb is annoyed but he stays patient. Naito finishes with the pants, the bell rings and fans rally for “NA-I-TO! NA-I-TO!” Cobb shrugs that off, steps to Naito, and Naito raises the LIJ fist. Cobb says okay, but then raises the hang loose. So Naito kicks low! And CLUBS Cobb, then throws him out! Naito builds speed, but Cobb trips Naito up! Cobb knows that trick and he drags Naito out to RAM into railing! Cobb brings Naito around to whip, but Naito reverses and now Cobb hits railing! But Cobb comes back, only for Naito to kick him and whip him into more railing!
Naito puts Cobb in the ring and fans cheer. Naito cravats for a neck wrench, but Cobb goes to a corner. Red Shoes counts, Naito thrashes but then Cobb grabs Naito. Naito keeps on the cravat, Red Shoes reprimands them both, and both men slowly let off. Naito then kicks Cobb low again! Naito whips corner to corner, runs in and JUMP KICKS! Naito struggles to get up and over, but he still sweeps the legs and swings in, but Cobb catches Naito! Cobb runs but Naito sunset flips! Cobb rolls through to DROPKICK Naito down! Fans fire up for the display of agility! Naito flounders to ropes, so Cobb kicks him all the way out.
Naito leans against railing, and fans rally up as Cobb considers it. Cobb builds speed! But then he copies Naito with the roll and tranquilo! Cobb goes out to fetch Naito but “Oops!” he steps on him! Cobb pretends he didn’t see Naito there, and he drags Naito up. Cobb SMACKS Naito off the apron, then brings him around to commentary. Cobb makes Naito open his eye, and do the fist bump, then he CLUBS away on Naito’s chest! Red Shoes reprimands, Cobb leaves Naito behind and goes into the ring. Cobb lounges while the ring count starts. Naito sits up at 6 of 20, crawls to the corner, then stands at 12.
Naito goes around the way, slides in at 16, and Cobb stomps him! Cobb drags Naito up, and throat chops! Naito goes to the corner but Cobb brings him out, to suplex, and he holds Naito up with one arm! Fans cheer the feat of strength as Cobb waves, then he SLAMS Naito down! Cocky cover, TWO! Cobb pretends to be surprised, but he drags Naito up. Naito throws body shots and kicks! Naito runs, but into a lift, and Cobb RAMS Naito into the corner! Cobb runs in to JUMP KICK!? Leg sweep?! COMBINACION COBB-RON!! Fans fire up as Cobb continues to copy Naito rather accurately! Cobb then drags Naito to another cocky cover, ONE!
Cobb keeps cool and he brings Naito up. But Naito fires forearms! Cobb knees low, whips Naito, but Naito reverses and TORNADO- NO, Cobb blocks it! Cobb then powers Naito to another suplex! Naito fights free, and pulls Cobb’s hair! Naito brings Cobb around for a NECKBREAKER! Fans rally while both men are down! Cobb and Naito slowly rise, and Naito fires haymakers and kicks! Naito CLUBS and whips Cobb, but Cobb blocks the hip toss to whip Naito away. Naito RAMS into Cobb, keeps moving, and then ELBOWS him! Cobb comes back, Naito gets around to shove and arm-drag! And then an ELBOW, into the basement dropkick!
Fans fire up while Cobb is down. Naito brings Cobb up and whips him to a corner, then runs in to JUMP KICK! Leg sweep! COMBINACION feint, and then CABRON! Cobb falls for it and Naito drags him up. Naito snapmares and then wraps on PLUMA BLANCA! Cobb endures as Naito thrashes, and Cobb throws short hammer fists! Naito grabs that arm to add to the hold, but Cobb powers his way around. Cobb deadlifts Naito!? Naito lets go to throw heavy elbows! Cobb flops into a corner and Naito catches his breath. Cobb stands but Naito hoists him up top. Naito climbs up, throws forearm after forearm, then goes to the very top!
Fans fire up but Cobb turns things around! SUPER POWERBOMB!!! Both men are down as Cobb goes all out! Red Shoes checks Naito, he looks dazed! Cobb crawls to the cover, TWO!! Naito is still in this, but Cobb GACHIMUCHI MOONSAULTS! Cover, TWO! Naito survives again and we hit the 10 minute mark. Naito goes to the apron, Cobb storms over and brings Naito up. Cobb drags Naito up, to deadlift SUPER- NO, Naito fights with body shots! Naito throws forearm after forearms, then he DECKS Cobb! Cobb stands and Naito FLYING RANAS! Not the smoothest but Cobb tumbles away!
Naito hurries to whip, Cobb reverses, but then Naito reverses to TORNADO DDT! Fans fire up as Naito brings Cobb back up. Naito hammerlocks, half nelsons, but Cobb CLUBS Naito with that arm! Naito ripcords but Cobb uses that to ATHLETIC PLEX! Fans fire up and Cobb roars! Cobb drags Naito up, brings him around, and ripcords, but Naito throws heavy elbows! Naito then ducks the haymaker, stops himself with ropes, and BOOTS Cobb! Tilt-o-whirl, but Cobb sets Naito down! Naito ENZIGURIS, tilt-o-whirls again, CORRIENDOSHIKI DESTINO! Naito then wrenches, tilt-o-whirls, but Cobb blocks it and pops Naito around!! TOUR OF THE ISLANDS!!
Fans are thunderous as both men are down! A standing count starts and fans rally up! Naito and Cobb stir at 5, but Cobb stands at 7! Naito is still down at 8, but he springs to his feet at 9.5!! Cobb runs in, into a heavy elbow! And ROLLING KICK! Naito atomic drops and Cobb falls, ROLLING JACKKNIFE BRIDGE! TWO!! Naito keeps moving, but Cobb scoops! Naito turns it to a cradle! TWO!! Cobb JABS, then GERMAN SUPLEXES!! But Naito’s right up!?! Naito runs in, into a HEADBUTT!! Cobb fires up, he deadlifts Naito for the TOUR OF THE ISLAND!!! Cover, COBB WINS!!
Winner: Jeff Cobb, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Naito earns 0)
The unthinkable just happened! Not that Naito lost, but that he lost after getting all fired up! If this is how his (potentially) last G1 starts, how will it end?!
As for Cobb, he snatches Naito’s baseball cap! Cobb wears it like he’s Naito, and then calls for the mic. The mic is given, and Cobb says, “Who thought that I was beating Naito tonight, huh!?” Fans do cheer, there were some. Cobb says for all the doubters, the only thing that matters is the United Empire’s wining the G1! Mainly me! Fans do like the sound of that. Cobb says he will end this on a high note since he has Naito’s sweet hat. And he again copies Naito by saying this is naturally the only way they can close this out! United Empire roll call?! “Ospreay! O-Khan! Henare! TJP! Akira! Aussie Open! Gideon Grey! Callum!” Cobb catches his breath, that’s a lot of names.
Fans cheer and Cobb finishes, “Y Cobb! I wanna hear you guys. NOSOTROS! UNITED! EM-PI-RE!!” Fans cheer Cobb’s LIJ parody, and then he stomps out Naito’s hat! Will the United Empire find a way to completely dominate the G1 Climax?
Here are the current C Block standings!
David Finlay: 1-0, 2 points
EVIL: 1-0, 2 points
Mikey Nicholls: 1-0, 2 points
Eddie Kingston: 1-0, 2 points
Shingo Takagi: 0-1, 0 points
Tama Tonga: 0-1, 0 points
Tomohiro Ishii: 0-1, 0 points
Aaron Henare: 0-1, 0 points
Here are the current D Block standings!
Jeff Cobb: 1-0, 2 points
Zack Sabre Jr: 1-0. 2 points
Hirooki Goto: 1-0, 2 points
Shane Haste: 1-0, 2 points
Hiroshi Tanahashi: 0-1, 0 points
Tetsuya Naito: 0-1, 0 points
Toru Yano: 0-1, 0 points
Alex Coughlin: 0-1, 0 points
My Thoughts:
A great second night for the G1 to give us a strong opening weekend. And a lot of great and surprising wins here. I did not think TMDK was going to sweep the night, with Mikey being the most surprising of the three. Henare returned with a new look and nickname, but I guess only WWE/American wrestling logic says the person with the new gimmick wins automatically. Shane getting a win over Coughlin is great to branch things into TMDK VS War Dogs for the NJPW Strong Openweight Tag titles. ZSJ getting a win made a lot of sense, he and Tanahashi have gone back and forth in the past, and Tanahashi isn’t the kind of wrestler the NJPW World TV Championship is supposed to be about, cuz he’s been around for years.
And now that I think on it, I would love TMDK VS Dream Trio for the NEVER Openweight Six Man titles. It’d be awesome to see ZSJ interact with Ishii, Tanahashi and Okada all in the same match, and of course seeing the same from Shane and Mikey tying up with Okada. But at the same time, TMDK probably wouldn’t win that because it’s still Ishii, Tanahashi & Okada. Finlay beating Ishii also feels fitting, the Bullet Club is rebuilding so Finlay having a good showing in the G1 would go with that. Goto VS Yano was a ton of fun, as pretty much all Yano matches are, and I really like how they got Tomukun in on it.
Takagi VS Eddie was a great match, and that was a great win for Eddie here in what I believe is his first G1. As I said before at NJPW Independence Day, I don’t see Eddie taking his block, but he is going to have a great run, especially with so many first-time-ever matches. Tama VS Evil was really good but of course Evil cheats to win. They still come up with clever ways for him to do it, but they’re bound to run out of those. And then Naito VS Cobb was a great main event, especially with Cobb copying Naito again and again. Great win for Cobb, and it adds pressure to Naito’s story of making it through so he can go to WrestleKingdom. Though, that’s the same story he had last year. Maybe he makes it through to the end after all?
My Score: 8.9/10
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London calling to the champion crowns!
SmackDown brings gold to London as LA Knight defends his WWE US Championship and The Street Profits defend their tag team titles! Will the landscape change this close to WrestleMania?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- WWE Tag Team Championships: The Street Profits VS Pretty Deadly; The Profits win and retain the titles.
- Kayden Carter & Katana Chance VS The Secret Her-vice w/ Chelsea Green; The Secret Her-vice wins.
- WWE United States Championship: LA Knight VS Braun Strowman; Braun wins, by disqualification, and Knight retains the title.
- Charlotte Flair VS Mia Yim w/ B-Fab; Charlotte wins.
- Randy Orton VS Drew McIntyre; McIntyre wins.
- Jimmy Uso VS The Miz; Jimmy wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
Cody Rhodes is here!
We follow The American Nightmare as walks to gorilla, then through the curtain, and London sings along with the song, “WHOA~ OH~!” Cody gets his pyro, says hello to fans along the ramp, and then we get the second “WHOA~ OH~!” and pyro. Cody goes to the ring, grabs a mic, then kneels down to kiss the WWE logo on the mat. The fans continue to sing along all the way to the end, “I AM MY KINGDOM!” The fans then cheer, and Cody holds up the belt to fire them up even more! The fans now sing for “CODY! CODY RHODES~!” and he soaks it in. The fans cheer again as Cody smiles, and he finally says, “So, London~! Whaddya wanna talk about?”
The fans chant “Let’s Go, Cena!” “CENA SUCKS!” Cody hears that dueling, and he smiles again. The song of “CODY! CODY RHODES~!” returns, then they cheer. Cody says, “At WrestleMania 41, I will be facing John Cena…” The fans boo, but Cody says, “I will be facing John Cena as he goes to break the record and win 17. But that is WrestleMania 41. In just a few nights, I will be standing face to face with John Cena in this very same city, in this very same arena.” The fans cheer that, but then here comes Randy Orton! Now the fans sing along with Voices as The Viper heads to the ring. Orton also high-fives fans before he joins Cody.
Orton grabs a mic, paces while the fans keep singing on their own, and then the fans cheer. Orton says he’s not really the sentimental type, but for Cody and for London, screw it. The fans chant “R K O! R K O!” and Orton tells Cody, “Look at you. Look at who you are now, the man you are now. Look at where he came from.” The fans cheer and sing “CODY! CODY RHODES~!” and Orton says he remembers a Cody in his early 20s, just breaking into the business. Cody was busting his ass harder than anyone else. He wasn’t exactly happy, and in fact, he was frustrated. But Cody was man enough, smart enough, to know he needed to grow, and that he couldn’t grow in the WWE.
Cody wasn’t exactly treated fairly in the WWE, so Cody left the WWE! That took some big ass balls to do what he did! Cody changed the business singlehandedly, and everyone in the back knows it. And Orton appreciates Cody for it. But then Cody came back, as they all knew one day he would. And the industry has been changed forever since the day Cody came back to the WWE. Cody is a bit teary eyed as Orton says Cody’s still the same guy, he just did what he set out to do, and he grew. Orton teases he would sing along with the fans, but the fans might leave. The fans again sing “CODY! CODY RHODES~!”
Orton asks if they remember when Cody Rhodes faced Seth Rollins in Hell in a Cell. The fans cheer because they do. Orton says that was impressive, and even impossible, as he started with a partially torn pec and then ended with a fully torn pec! His body changed all kinds of shades of purple that Orton’s never seen on a human body. The pain he must have been in. Cody persevered not just for himself. Maybe not even at all for Cody. It was not even for his family legacy; it was for each and every single fan out there! Then Cody went on to WrestleMania, beat Roman Reigns and finished the story!
But there’s always another story, isn’t there? And Cody’s right in the middle of one. Cody is in charge of his legacy, and it is a privilege for Orton to watch Cody take control of it. Ticket sales have been up, there’s more intrigue around the world, and listen to the people! It is 99.9% all because of Cody! The fans cheer that, and of course they sing. Orton says what he’s trying to say is a long-winded version of he respects Cody, loves him, and is very, very proud of him. The fans cheer that! Orton then says, “But… But now it is time for WrestleMania.” They both look to the sign, and Orton says he can guarantee Cody that Orton will kick Kevin Owens so hard in the head…!
Orton can just feel it already! He forgets how many days are left, but he can’t wait to remove Kevin’s head from his shoulders. And Orton knows Cody will enter champion, exit champion, but not before he beats the holy hell outta Cena all up and down the Vegas strip! But after all the smoke clears and the dust settles, just like Orton wants Number 17, there will come a time when Orton will want Number 15. But Orton won’t kick Cody in the balls like a coward. Orton will look Cody in the eye because he respects Cody, is proud of Cody, and sees him as an equal. Orton will look Cody in the eye and tell him that he’s coming for the title.
The fans cheer but wait! Drew McIntyre is here! The fans cheer the Scottish Terminator as he steps out on stage, mic in hand, and has a wry smile on his face as he looks at the ring. Drew waves as the fans now sing, “OH~ Drew McIntyre~!” Drew says, “Isn’t this wonderful? A couple of nepo babies having a love fest in the middle of the ring> It makes me absolutely sick. What’d you just say, Randy? if Cody gets through Cena at WrestleMania, you’re coming for that title? What exactly have you done since that big comeback to justify that title match? Aside be Randy Orton. The only big moment I can remember is you being on the shelf for months and months and months.
“People like to make jokes about it, but more people talk about my five-minute-45-second title reign than your entire comeback so far! So get to the back of the line, sunshine! As for you, Cody, you should’ve listened to me. But you shunned me. You attacked me. Everybody should’ve listened to me about John Cena, but they didn’t. And the next night, he kicked you right in the twig ‘n’ berries, proving me right as usual. And the main event of WrestleMania should be Cody Rhodes VS The UK’s only ever world champion, Drew McIntyre!” Fans do like that idea. But sadly, it’s not, because of that guyliner wearing Temu Undertaker, Damian Priest!
Drew wants to talk about what is happening. And what’s gonna happen! Drew steps up to the ring while fans sing for him again. Drew says it will not be Randy that takes the title from Cody, should he get through Cena; it’ll be McIntyre. The fans cheer, but Orton says they were trying to have a moment. Can Drew just cut the crap already? Drew says okay, sure. He’ll tell the truth, because that’s all he ever does. The truth is, Kevin might have a point! If those Voices are talking to Orton again, then they know Drew very, very well. And he’s thinking, “My God, Randy looks great! Absolutely jacked! On the outside.”
On the inside, that back is hanging by a thread. And if Orton provokes McIntyre, McIntyre will break him. And as for Cody- Cody kicks Drew and UPPERCUTS him! The fans fire up, and Orton R- NO, Drew gets away! The fans boo, but the battlelines are drawn! Even if Cody makes it out of the frying pan that is Las Vegas, it’ll be into the fire that is these contenders waiting in line! Will the American Nightmare be ready for whoever comes for the crown?
WWE Tag Team Championships: The Street Profits VS Pretty Deadly!
Montez Ford & Angelo Dawkins are finally golden again, but it’s time to put the titles on the line already! And while they’re ready for the grind, they’re up against the hometown heroes! Will the Profits still be up in the O2? Or will Kit Wilson & Elton Prince say #YESBOY to a new reign of their own?
The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we see who really wants the smoke!
The teams sort out and Kit starts with Dawkins. They tie up, Dawkins headlocks, but Kit powers up and out. Dawkins runs Kit over, the fans fire up, and Dawkins fires hands on Kit in the corner! The fans rally for Pretty Deadly, Dawkins whips Kit to a corner, but Elton takes that bump! Kit CLOBBERS Dawkins, then tags Elton! Atomic drop into DROPKICK! Ford runs up, but into a DOUBLE HIP TOSS! Dawkins whips, Elton reverses, and then Elton hurdles so Kit can DDT! The fans fire up with Pretty Deadly while the Profits bail out. Pretty Deadly has control while SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Elton is right on Dawkins as he gets in, and UPPERCUTS him to the corner. Elton clinches Dawkins for another UPPERCUT! Tag to Kit, and Elton RAMS into Dawkins so Kit can UPPERCUT! Dawkins flops over, Kit drags him up to wrench the arm. Kit whips, Dawkins reverses, but Kit grabs ropes. Kit ELBOWS Dawkins, DECKS Ford, but Dawkins CLOBBERS Kit! The ref reprimands but Dawkins RAMS Kit into the corner again and again! The ref counts, Dawkins fires fast hands, then he tags in Ford. Ford says, “SUCK IT!” then he KICKS Kit! Ford scuffs Kit, then drags him to a cover, TWO!
Ford keeps Kit down with a facelock, but Kit endures the grind. Kit fights up, fires body shots, but Ford whips him away. Kit sunset flips! Ford rolls through, and PENALTY KICKS! Ford mocks Elton with the Scott Hall fingers, and the ref has to keep Elton back. Ford drags Kit up, tags Dawkins, and the Profits mug Kit. Dawkins CLUBS Kit down, then stalks him. Dawkins stays between Kit and Elton, then whips Kit into the Profits’ corner. CYCLONE- NO, Kit dodges! Ford tags in, he keeps Kit from Elton now, but Kit slips out of the suplex! Kit fakes high to go low, hot tag to Elton! Elton rallies with LARIAT after LARIAT!
Elton kicks and whips Ford to a corner, then UPPERCUTS! Elton whips the other way, UPPERCUTS again, and then does it again! Elton adds to the hattrick with a lift, Ford says a quick prayer before the SUPLEX! Ford flounders, gets to his feet, but Elton dodges to springboard and FLYING UPPERCUT! Cover, TWO! Ford stays in this, but Elton stays on him. SmackDown returns to single picture and fans rally for Pretty Deadly as Elton gives Ford a back suplex. Ford lands out, waistlocks, but Elton switches and shoves Ford. Ford CLOBBERS Elton in return! Ford is also dazed but he covers, ONE!
Kit reaches out, Elton and Ford both crawl, hot tags to Kit and Dawkins! The fans fire up as Dawkins wrenches Kit, underhooks and SILENCER! Dawkins Electric Chair Lifts Kit, Ford climbs, but Kit slips free! Kit shoves Dawkins into Ford! Ford falls to the floor, but Dawkins ENZIGIRIS Kit! Elton tags in, and Kit LARIATS Dawkins! Pretty Deadly combine for DRY MARTI-KNEES! Cover, TWO!! Dawkins survives and the Profits are a bit unsure of what to do next. Dawkins crawls to a corner, Elton runs up, but Dawkins dodges! Elton hits buckles and Dawkins TOSSES Kit, then Dawkins hits a SKY HIGH on Elton!
Dawkins hurries to tag Ford and Ford climbs up! But Kit pushes Elton out of the way! Kit takes FROM THE HEAVESN, and Elton ghost pins Ford! TWO!! Ford escapes, and he ROCKS Elton! Elton UPPERCUTS Ford! Dawkins sneaks a tag, Ford SUPERKICKS! POUNCE SAIDO COMBO!! Cover, KIT BREAKS IT! The fans fire up while all four men are down! The teams go to opposite ends, then they all stand up in the corners. They all roar, all run in, and Kit SPEARS Ford while Elton FLYING UPPERCUTS Dawkins!! London is thunderous, and Kit hurries to tag in! Pretty Deadly gets Dawkins up, for SPILT MILK!! Cover, FORD BREAKS IT!
The fans are shocked, as is Elton, but Ford saves this for his team! “This is Awesome!” as Ford runs up and Elton TOSSES him out! Now DRY MARTI- NO! Dawkins doesn’t accept the second serving, and he DUMPS Kit out! Kit skins the cat while Dawkins DECKS Elton! Dawkins catches Kit to an Electric Chair! Ford rises, DOOMSDAY BLOCKBUSTER!! Cover, Profits win!
Winners: The Street Profits, by pinfall (still WWE Tag Team Champions)
Pretty Deadly put up a heroic fight, but the hometown heroes could not capture the gold. Dawkins & Ford hold onto the gold, will this be the strongest the Profits have ever been?
Kayden & Katana talk with Zelina Vega.
Carter & Chance know La Muneca got screwed over by The Green Administration. Chelsea thinks she’s untouchable, but someone’s gonna stop them eventually. Well, speaking of, Alba Fyre leads the way in as she & Piper Niven “scope the perimeter.” There’s one small threat. They frisk the “miniscule” threat, but nothing they haven’t dealt with before. Chelsea struts in and says, “The Eagle has landed~!” Zelina says she is so glad the “Bootleg Men in Black” have crashed the party. Now, yeah, they all know she’s small. But clearly this small “threat” is a big threat to Chelsea’s title reign. Otherwise, it wouldn’t have taken all three of them to beat her.
KC Squared agree with that. How about tonight, we see what happens when the odds are even? Chelsea says that’s fine, because Agents P & A are ready. The Secret Her-vice has been given their next mission, but will they be able to crash the party? Or will the party crash them?
Kayden Carter & Katana Chance VS The Secret Her-vice!
SmackDown returns and The Green Administration makes their entrance. The teams sort out, Alba starts against Katana, and the two tie up. Alba KNEES low, CLUBS Katana down, then fireman’s carries. Katana fights free, tags Kayden, and they KICK, double whip, and then trip Alba up for the basement DROPKICK! Katana adds a slingshot SENTON, Kayden covers, TWO! Kayden tags Katana, they double whip Alba to a corner, then Kayden runs in. Alba DUMPS Kayden out, ROCKS Katana, and she tags Piper! Katana arm-drags Alba out, then goes out to run up. Kayden gives her a boost, Katana CROSSBODIES Alba down!
The fans fire up, but Piper goes up and out?! CANNONBALL and down goes KC Squared! Piper salutes Chelsea and SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns, Kayden rallies on Alba while the fans rally up. Kayden fires up, runs in and whips, but Alba reverses. Kayden wheelbarrows, victory rolls, then SUPERKICKS! Kayden fires up again but the fans are torn. Kayden runs in at Alba to BOOT WASH her against the ropes! Chelsea protests, Kayden kicks at her, then Kayden springboards for a LEG DROP! Cover, TWO! Alba survives, Kayden whips, but Alba KICKS back! Tag to Piper, but Kayden jackknife bridges Alba! The ref explains bout the tag, Piper runs up, but Kayden moves! The SENTON hits Alba! Piper panics, Kayden tags Katana!
Katana goes up onto Kayden’s shoulders, VICTORY ROLL LAUNCHER, but Piper catches Katana! Katana fires hands, BOOTS, and then hurries to go up again. Kayden ROCKS Piper, and fireman’s carries?! SAMOAN DROP! Kayden then gives Katana the boost, for the KEG STAND SPLASH!! Cover, ALBA BREAKS IT! Kayden runs up on Alba to BOOT her out! Katana gives Kayden the boost now, SUPER CROSSBODY onto Alba! Kayden hurries to tag back in, and she brings Piper up. Piper swings, Kayden dodges and SUPERKICKS! Katana goes up, Piper staggers over that way, but Chelsea distracts the ref!
The fans are torn as Alba grabs Katana. Katana kicks Alba down, chases Chelsea off, but Piper sends Kayden into her! Piper scoops to PIPER DRIVER!! Cover, Secret Her-vice wins!
Winner: The Secret Her-vice, by pinfall
The Women’s US Champion helps her team, and now they all mug Kayden & Katana! But here comes Zelina! Vega runs down the ramp, CLOBBERS Alba, and then she gets in the ring! Zelina tilt-o-whirl DDTS Piper! And she KNEES Alba off the apron! But Chelsea CLOBBERS Zelina! Chelsea fires up, the UK is oddly with her, and she chicken wings Zeina. But Zelina fights free to fire forearms and body shots! And a BACK ELBOW! Zelina reels Chelsea in, CODE- SUPERKICK from Alba! SENTON from Piper! The Green Administration is just too much for Zelina to fight against alone! But can she, Kayden & Katana find a way to turn things around?
WWE United States Championship: LA Knight VS Braun Strowman!
Did the Mega Star just get this title back from Shinsuke Nakamura? YEAH! Did he help the Monster of All Monsters fight off Solo Sikoa’s rouge bloodline? YEAH! And now, does he have to defend this title against the monster he just helped? YEAH!! But will Knight still reign this close to WrestleMania? Or will Braun #GetTheseHands back on a championship?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and it’s time for Knight’s biggest challenge, YEAH!
The bell rings and the fans rally up as the two circle. The two tie up, and Braun SHOVES Knight away. Knight comes back, Braun SHOVES him down again! Knight gets up, gets around, and he headlocks. Braun powers up to back suplex, but Knight lands out! Knight tries but Braun’s too big to suplex! Braun ELBOWS Knight, storms up on him, but Knight fires haymakers! Knight whips, Braun reverses, but Knight KICKS back! Knight runs, but Braun HIP TOSSES! Cover, TWO! Knight stays in this, but Braun brings him up. Braun puts Knight in a corner, CHOPS, then runs, for a SPLASH! Knight sputters along ropes, Braun keeps moving, but Knight DUMPS him out!
The fans fire up as Knight then WRECKS Braun with a dropkick! Knight keeps moving, and he WRECKS Braun again! The fans fire up with Knight, but then Braun BOOTS Knight down! The fans are torn but Braun stands tall as SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns and Braun puts Knight back in the ring. The fans cheer as Knight KICKS Braun! Knight tries again, but Braun’s still too big to back suplex! Braun CLUBS Knight, then runs in at the corner. Knight BOOTS Braun, goes up, and FLYING BULLDOGS! Both men are down and the fans fire up! Knight and Braun rise back up, and Knight dodges a shot to JAB! Then he dodges to JAB! JAB! JAB! “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” But Braun KNEES low! Braun scoops, Knight slips free, and Knight RAMS Braun into buckles! Then the BACK SUPLEX! The fans fire up and Knight rises again! Knight spells it out, “L! A! KNIGHT! YEAH!” ELBOW DROP! Cover, TWO!
Braun has plenty left in the tank but the fans rally for Knight. Knight stands Braun up to kick low, but Braun THROWS Knight away! Knight rises, and Braun LARIATS Knight up and out! The fans fire up as Braun rips the shirt! Braun gets on the track, and he runs in, STROWMAN EXPRESS MEETS JACOB FATU!! The Samoan Werewolf strikes Braun down!
Winner: Braun Strowman, by disqualification; LA Knight retains the title
The fans boo as Jacob now goes after Knight! He just ruined what was becoming a great match, but Jacob fires HEADBUTT after HEADBUTT on Braun! SAMOAN DROP onto the desk!! The desk doesn’t budge, but Braun might’ve been broken in half! The UK fires up for Fatu as he puts Braun in the ring! Jacob fires more HEADBUTTS, then HEADBUTTS away on Braun in the corner! The fans sing “OLE~ OLE OLE OLE, FATU~, FATU~!” Jacob runs corner to corner, but Knight kicks him first! Knight fires haymakers, “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” Jacob denies the BFT to POP-UP SAMOAN DROP! And then HIP ATTACK for Braun anyway!
Jacob keeps going, HIP ATTACK for Braun again! Jacob throws off his jacket, glares at Braun, and he runs in for a third HIP ATTACK! Braun flounders into the drop zone, so Jacob goes up, up, BEST MOONSAULT EVER! Direct hit on Braun, but the fans want that “ONE MORE TIME!” Jacob obliges, BEST MOONSAULT EVER! The Samoan Werewolf just tore up #OneBigSOB and LA Knight, will there be no stopping him from taking the United States Championship?
Backstage interview with Jimmy Uso.
Jackie Redmond is with #BigJim, and she says that while she knew WWE was going global this month, she did not know they’d get the slap heard ’round the world! Jimmy says he’d do it again, and he’ll slap Gunther as many times as he needs! Jimmy knows Jey is up in his own head, doubt is creeping on him. But just because Jey’s 0-3 against Gunther doesn’t mean Gunther’s unbeatable! The Ring General CAN be got! Jimmy’s going to Raw this Monday, he will bust Gunther’s ass, Jey will go to Mania and bust Gunther’s ass to become the WWE World Heavyweight Champion. And then they leave Las Vegas just like this: YEET!
Jimmy heads out, but then The Miz & Carmelo Hayes walk by. Miz is mocking Jimmy’s words, and he asks excuse me. Miz says it’s just funny that suddenly, Jimmy is a tough guy, even though for most of his career, he’s been “The Other Uso.” Doesn’t Jimmy get it? Jimmy and Jey are career sidekicks while Gunther is a main character. Gunther is the lead, neither Jimmy nor Jey can beat him. And here’s another thing: The Usos are just blips on the trailer that was Roman Reigns’ Bloodline. Melo says Jimmy & Jey are stuck outside the club, they can’t even get in.
Miz says as a former WWE Champion, a former WrestleMania main eventer, Jimmy will never know what it is to carry this industry. And after this year’s WrestleMania, neither will Jey. Oh, and by the way, if Jimmy ever slapped Miz like that, Jimmy would still be on the ground. Jimmy feints the slap and Miz freaks out. Jimmy says it may be him and Gunther on Monday, but he’ll holler at Aldis real quick so it can be Jimmy VS Miz here tonight. Yeah, YEET! Jimmy heads out, Melo says he thought Miz was gonna do something about the slap. Will Miz have to do something about running his mouth before he gets his teeth kicked in?
Solo Sikoa & Tama Tonga find Jacob Fatu backstage.
Solo asks Jacob what the Hell he was doing out there. Jacob goes out there alone without saying a thing to them? Jacob says he ain’t gotta say nothing to nobody! Matter fact, didn’t Solo not tap in with him last week? Tama says, “But Jacob,” only for Jacob to say, “But nothing, Tama!” Solo wants Jacob to lower his tone, but Jacob says okay. Let him be very clear with them. When it comes to Braun Strowman, Jacob WILL be the last man standing. Y’all better get in where you fit in, cuz that US title? Oh, Jacob’s bringing it home to the family. And he will do it with them, or without them! Yadada mean? Fatu heads out, is the Samoan Werewolf no longer following Solo?
Naomi speaks.
“I mean… How did we even get here? I don’t know. One thing that I do know is that I’ve always been the woman to do the right thing. I’ve always been the woman to do the right thing. So Bianca, what makes you think that my attack on Jade was anything different from me doing the right thing? When I sit here and I think about all that I’ve sacrificed, all that I’ve given, and that’s what really breaks my heart. Because through all of that, I’m made to be the bad one in this situation. I just don’t understand, how does Jade come in outta nowhere and take my place with you? I want you to ask yourself this, Bianca. Who inspired you? Hmm?
“Who’s inspired women over the last decade? Who’s always had your back from day one of you being here? Me. Not Jade. Hmm. But you know what? What I’ve learned through all of this: You teach people how to treat you. And I’m done with being treated as a third wheel. I’m done being pushed to the side, I’m done with being too nice, I’m done with being undervalued, underutilized, underappreciated! So moving forward, hmm… Moving forward, here’s my message to you, Jade. If you continue to be in my way, I strongly advise you to proceed with caution.” The Glow shows her dark side, but will the storm be moved?
Nick Aldis meets with Jade Cargill.
Speaking of, the SmackDown General Manager understands things have been rather difficult for her as of late. Jade says she’s been trying to get her hands on Naomi for the past few weeks, now where is she? No one has seen her all day, so as far as anyone knows, Naomi’s not here. Well, when Jade catches Naomi, it’s on sight. Jade leaves, B-Fab & Michin are there. They let her know that what Naomi did to her was straight trash, totally uncalled for behavior. And after Jade gets her hands on Naomi, she’ll handle that business. Jade agrees. Mia says they’ve all got business to handle. Jade’s got Naomi, and Mia’s gonna get Charlotte for messing with her girl, B.
B-Fab says Naomi’s got what’s coming to her: no sympathy, no regrets. Jade, just do what you gotta do. Oh, she will. Jade also wishes Mia luck tonight. Mia & B-Fab head out, will the Head Baddie in Charge make the Queen bow down in London?
The darkness approaches.
“You are as I was. As I am, you will be.” The shadows are starting to take shape, but is SmackDown about to fade to black?
Charlotte Flair VS Mia Yim w/ B-Fab!
The Queen looks down on everyone, so it’s no surprise that everyone else wants to take her down. Charlotte may have checked off B-Fab, but will the HBIC be a much different story? Or will Charlotte only sharpen her edge before facing Tiffany Stratton at WrestleMania?
WAIT! NAOMI ATTACKS B-FAB & MICHIN! Naomi drags Mia up for a FACEBUSTER! Naomi rains down fists, the ref reprimands and the fans boo, but Naomi tells the ref to back off. Naomi then BOOTS B-Fab off the apron! Naomi goes out after B-Fab to THRWO her into barriers! Naomi SLAPS B-Fab, tells her to stay down, but B-Fab gets up. Naomi fires hands, then she SMACKS B-Fab off the desk! Naomi rains down fists, but here comes Jade! Jade hurries down the ramp, she runs around the way, but Naomi runs away! Jade makes sure B-Fab is okay, but refs have to help her to the back. And what of Mia? Will she even be able to compete?
Charlotte makes her entrance, not really caring about what Naomi just did to Mia. But that means she also crosses paths with Jade. The fans like the look of this stare down, but Jade and Charlotte both let the other slide. Charlotte gets her pyro, and it seems she’ll still get her match. Will Mia be little more than an appetizer now?
The bell rings, and Charlotte BOOTS Mia down! Cover, TWO! Mia stays in this and the fans rally up. Charlotte just struts around while SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns, Charlotte has Mia down with a chinlock, but the fans rally up. Mia fights up, fires body shots, and she then blocks a shot to ROCK Charlotte! Mia ROCKS Charlotte again and again, then reels her in for a TORNADO DDT! The fans fire up as Mia hurries to cover, TWO! Mia drags Charlotte up, wrenches, but Charlotte says no to Da Feet! BIG back suplex! Mia stagger sup, Charlotte whips her, but Mia reverses! Charlotte goes up and out, BOOTS her away, then slingshots in and rolls Mia! Mia rolls through and BUZZSAWS! Mia runs corner to corner, but Charlotte avoids the cannonball!
Charlotte YAKUZA KICKS Mia down, then fires herself up! The fans “WOO~!” as Charlotte has Mia in the drop zone,. Charlotte steps on her, goes up the corner, but Mia gets underneath her! SIT-OUT POWERBOMB! Cover, TWO! Charlotte survives and Mia is shocked! Mia nods as the fans rally back up, and she brings Charlotte up. But Charlotte ROCKS Mia! Mia SOBATS, PELES, and then runs to PENALTY KICK! Cover, TWO! Charlotte stays in this, Mia grows frustrated, but the fans continue to rally. Mia uses that energy to stay focused, and she stalks Charlotte to waistlock. But Charlotte ELBOWS her away!
Charlotte CHOPS, and CHOPS, and CHOSP! Charlotte winds up, and she CHOPS again! Mia sputters, but then she dodges the boot! Charlotte is caught, and Mia hits a SAIDO! Charlotte flounders to a corner, the fans rally behind Mia, and Mia runs up, CANNONBALL! Mia hurries to wrench and EAT- NO, Charlotte shoves Mia away! Charlotte gets under, back suplexes, but Mia lands out! EAT DA FEET!! Cover, ROPEBREAK!! Charlotte’s long legs help her survive by a literal foot! Mia is beside herself while Charlotte bails out. Mia storms after Charlotte, runs up, but Charlotte dodges! Mia’s kick hits steel steps!
Mia hobbles away, goes to the apron, but Charlotte CHOP BLOCKS the bad leg out! Charlotte grabs Mia’s leg, drops a KNEE on the knee, but fans chant, “We Want Tiffy!” Charlotte just steps through, FIGURE FOUR, into FIGURE EIGHT!! Mia taps, Charlotte wins!
Winner: Charlotte Flair, by submission
Charlotte got more of a fight out of Mia than expected, but she still won. Will The Queen be more than ready to reign again after WrestleMania?
Backstage interview with Tiffany Stratton.
Jackie Redmond is with the WWE Women’s Champion and says Charlotte certainly looks confident. Let’s be real, Charlotte came at Tiff pretty hard. It got a lot of people talking. Tiff says yes, people talk. And Charlotte sure loves to hear herself talk. Ten years into the business and Charlotte is still so insecure that she can’t let a “rookie” get a word out. But last week, Tiff did learn something: She learned that walking into WrestleMania, she isn’t the one with something to lose. Truth is, if Tiff loses, then she lost to the great Charlotte Flair, as just a 25-year-old rookie with one year into SmackDown.
But if Charlotte loses… Well, then she lost to an “undeserving, delusional, unoriginal, backflip doing, blonde-hair-having, little girl.” Did she get it all? And Tiff can’t wait to hear the look on Charlotte’s face when they hear the words, “And STILL!” Then maybe Charlotte will finally shut up for the sake of literally everyone! They say what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas, and Tiff will make damn sure what stays is Charlotte’s massive ego. Tiff is walking into and out of Mania as the WWE Women’s Champion. Tootles! Tiff heads out, will it still be #TiffyTime after WrestleMania?
Randy Orton VS Drew McIntyre!
The Viper told Cody how proud he was, but also how he wants the next shot after John Cena. The Scottish Terminator took offense to that, and basically said he is taking that shot instead. Will this match be an unofficial #1 contender’s match between these two former world champions?
SmackDown returns and McIntyre makes his entrance. The bell rings and the fans sing, “OH~, Drew McIntyre~!” and chant “R K O! R K O!” Drew and Orton circle, tie up, and they go around in a deadlock. Drew powers Orton to a corner, but Orton headlocks back. Drew powers up and out, then he runs Orton over! Orton hurries to ropes and Drew mockingly asks, “How’s the back feel, Randy?” Orton stands, he and Drew reset, and the fans duel some more. Drew calls for a knuckle lock, Orton accepts, but then Drew kicks low! Drew bumps Orton off buckles, then climbs up, but he panders for too long and Orton YANKS him down!
The fans fire up as Orton climbs now! Orton rains down fists, and the fans count to nine. Orton hops down, brings Drew around, and POSTS him for ten! Drew tumbles out of the ring, Orton goes out after him, and they’re by the desk! But Drew kicks Orton first and SMACKS him off the desk! Drew clears the desk, and he brings Orton up for the DESK- NO, Orton fights free! Orton turns things around, DESK BACK SUPLEX for Drew! The fans fire up while Orton leaves Drew behind, and SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Drew writhes on the floor, but Orton goes out to fetch him! Orton brings Drew around, UPPERCUTS him, then says one more time! DESK BACK SUPLEX! Drew writhes as that desk stays standing! Orton grins, refreshes the ring count, and then he storms up on Drew. Drew pokes Orton in the eye! Drew POSTS Orton now, then brings him around to RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP into barriers! Orton slumps down, and Drew also grits his teeth from that double-edged attack, but Drew fires up as he stands tall. Drew drags Orton up, puts him in the ring, then stalks Orton. Drew looms over Orton, and HIP DROPS him!
Orton sputters, Drew says one more time, and he winds up for the HIP DROP! Drew paces around Orton, says maybe one more time, and he pretends he can’t hear the fans. Drew winds up again, but Orton flips over! Hip drop meets kneecaps! And then Orton pokes Drew in the eyes! The ref reprimands but Orton rises up. Drew sputters and flounders, Orton ROCKS him with a right! Drew ROCKS Orton back! Drew storms up, Orton kicks low, but Drew fires another haymaker! The haymakers go back and forth, Orton gets the edge, but Drew GLASGOW KISS HEADBUTTS! Cover, TWO! Drew clamps onto Orton with an armlock!
SmackDown returns to single picture and the fans rally up. Orton fights up, pries at the chinbar, and then throws right hands! Drew CHOPS Orton in return! The fans “WOO~” and Drew winds up. Drew ROCKS Orton again, eggs him on, then CHOPS again! Drew shoves Orton to a corner, CHOPS again, then dares Orton to fight! Drew whips corner to corner, but Orton comes back to LARIAT! And LARIAT! Drew swings, Orton dodges, SNAP POWERSLAM! The fans fire up as Orton stalks Drew to the apron. Drew HOTSHOTS Orton first! Drew then runs in, but Orton puts him through the ropes!
The fans fire up as Orton has Drew for the DRAPING DDT! The fans fire up for Orton, and Orton hears those voices! Drew rises, but then Orton spots KEVIN OWENS! The Prizefighter is on the ramp, Orton glares at him, but then he turns around into a CLAYMORE!! Cover, DREW WINS!
Winner: Drew McIntyre, by pinfall
Kevin’s mere presence costs Orton, and now Drew has a huge win propelling him down the Road to WrestleMania! As for Orton, Kevin drags him out of the ring, SMACKS him off the desk, and then climbs up to join him! The fans boo but Kevin and his hot pink sneakers have Orton in position, but Orton slips free and TRIPS Kevin up! Kevin hits the desk then the floor! Orton staggers around, the fans rally behind him, and Orton stalks Kevin to the corner of the barriers. Orton lines up the shot! Orton runs in, but Kevin jumps over barriers! Security is there to stop Orton from pursuing, so Kevin runs away into the night!
The fans boo, but The Viper was that close! Will Orton be able to strike Kevin down and completely take him out?
Fire, thunder, smoke…
The force of nature is drawing ever closer. And he’s ready to fly! REY FENIX arrives next Friday Night SmackDown!
Jimmy Uso VS The Miz!
#BigJim gave Gunther a piece of his mind and a mark on his cheek, but it seems not everyone got the message. Will the Hollywood A-lister soon star in the Uso Penitentiary? Or will he prove Jimmy is NOT ready for a world champion level opponent?
The bell rings and the two tie up. Jimmy powers Miz to a corner, Miz turns things around, and the ref counts. Miz takes a swing, Jimmy ducks it to CHOP! And CHOP! Miz shoves Jimmy back, then runs up, but Jimmy TACKLES Miz! Jimmy rains down fists, Miz shoves him away to go to ropes, but Jimmy storms back up. Miz ELBOWS Jimmy away, then runs back up, only for Jimmy to LARIAT him down! The fans fire up while Jimmy storms up on Miz. Jimmy CHOPS Miz, has him in a corner, then whips corner to corner. Miz reverses, Jimmy goes up and over, then UPPERCUTS! Miz staggers back to ropes, but Jimmy is right on him.
Jimmy whips, Miz reverses and kitchen sink knees! Then basement BOOTS! The fans fire up, Miz scowls, and Miz KNEES Jimmy in the back again and again. Miz stalks Jimmy to the ropes now, and he CHOKES Jimmy! The ref counts, Miz runs, and Miz STRADDLE ATTACKS! The fans boo, but Miz runs again. Jimmy ducks the boot, then dodges a lariat! Jimmy runs up to LARIAT Miz up and out! The fans fire up and Jimmy builds speed, but Miz runs away! Jimmy smirks as he goes out the side, and UPPERCUTS Miz over the barriers! Jimmy makes sure Gunther knows he’s coming to get him, but SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns and both men are down. Miz and Jimmy crawl, and Jimmy pounds the mat. The fans rally, Jimmy rises and runs up to LARIAT! And LARIAT! And mule kick! Jimmy then UPPERCUTS Miz, dodges a lariat, then SAMOAN DROPS! The fans fire up, Jimmy goes to the corner, “UCE! OH!” Jimmy runs in, but Miz puts him on the apron! Jimmy UPPERCUTS again! Jimmy climbs, leaps, but Miz gets under! Miz then waistlocks, ripcords, and MOVIE MAKER! Fans boo that blatant parody, but Miz full nelsons! Jimmy drops, victory rolls, TWO! Miz has the cover, TWO! Miz hurries to BASEMENT DDT! Cover, TWO!
The fans rally up as Jimmy survives! Miz stalks Jimmy, the fans rally up more, and Miz fires a KICK! And then another KICK! The fans say “YES! YES! YES!” to the It Kicks, but then Miz winds up. Jimmy ducks the buzzsaw, Miz blocks the superkick, but the DRAGON WHIP connects! Miz rebounds to B-MOVIE KNEE!! Cover, TWO!! The parodies don’t get it done, but Miz still has his original work to fall back on. The fans rally for “UCE! OH! UCE! OH!” Miz runs in, A-LIST LARIAT! Miz shoves Jimmy down, then springboards, but into a SUPERKICK! Jimmy hurries up top, for the USO SPLASH!! Cover, Jimmy wins!
Winner: Jimmy Uso, by pinfall
Miz may be a movie star, but Big Jim’s the one winning this main event! Jimmy then borrows Joe Tessitore’s headset to call out Gunther! He’s coming after dat ass on Monday! Gunther won’t be the ring general, he will be “Private Gunther,” and he will salute Big Jim! Uh, uh, YEET! Will Jimmy be the one making examples out of the World Heavyweight Champion? Or will everything come crashing down when Gunther gets his turn?
Drew McIntyre returns backstage.
And he says hey to Lewis Capaldi, the Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter, and also a big fan of Drew’s. They’re ready to have a good night in the pub, but Jackie Redmond walks over to congratulate him on the win tonight. She was hoping to get some thoughts on that victory and what happened with Orton and Kevin. Drew says it’s alright, this is what happens. He doesn’t care about anybody else’s business, but no one gets away with screwing him over. And when no one meddles in his business, he wins! Drew called out Priest, where is he? Priest doesn’t have the balls! So time to get mad in the pubs, everyone’s invited!
Drew turns the corner, but PRIEST IS THERE! Priest ROCKS Drew, SMACKS him off the door, then throws him into road cases! Priest ROCKS Drew, SMACKS him off the trunk of a car, and then again! Or since it’s London, “the boot.” The driver complains, but Priest BODY SLAMS that guy through a table! Drew comes back to KNEE Priest low, SMACK him off the trunk, and then off the side! They go to the hood, or bonnet for UK. Drew drags Priest up, but Priest CLAWS Drew’s eyes! Priest then sends Drew SOUTH OF HEAVEN through the windshield! Priest tells security that he’s done for now. Any more jokes, Drew? Didn’t think so! RIP, jackass!
Priest leaves, the producers hurry to help Drew, and Drew’s got glass in his eye! Will that glass help Drew see why he shouldn’t piss off the Punisher?
CM Punk heads to gorilla.
He has a security detail with him, and he passes by Drew writhing in pain. Punk chuckles, then continues on. Will his contract signing with Roman Reigns and Seth Rollins be just as brutal? We find out, after the break.
Nick Aldis is in the ring.
The SmackDown General Manager welcomes us back, and says it is his honor and privilege to be here in the O2 in London. Now, we all know why he and this table is here, and why additional security is here tonight. Tonight, we are here to sign a contract for a Triple Threat. Perhaps the biggest Triple Threat in the history of WrestleMania: Seth Rollins VS CM Punk VS Roman Reigns! The fans cheer all those names, and here comes the OTC! London puts the ones up, and Paul Heyman accompanies THE Tribal Chief out on stage. Roman raises his finger to the sky for the pyro, then security follows him to the ring.
SmackDown goes picture in picture as Roman’s entrance continues, and he raises his finger to the sky for the second round of pyro. Roman steps into the ring, SmackDown returns to single picture, and Heyman hands him a mic. The fans sing, “ROMAN! ROMAN REIGNS~!” Roman nods, the fans cheer, and now they chant, “O T C! O T C!” Roman tells London, “ACKNOWLEDGE ME!” The fans cheer again, and again chant, “O T C! O T C!” Roman smiles, but he sees the chairs are not to his liking. Heyman makes sure to put one at the head of the table. Heyman also dusts the chair off while Roman enjoys the singing of, “ROMAN! ROMAN REIGNS~!”
Roman takes a seat and says that was beautiful. The way they sing to their Tribal Chief, it’s just beautiful. The singing continues, and Heyman even joins in! Roman smiles, and he says that is what he’s talking about. That’s the OTC for you, baby! The biggest star on the planet! The OTC came here for two reasons. One: to be acknowledged; check! And two: to sign this contract. Roman does just that, and he says he’s checked both boxes. That means- “BURN IT DOWN!” Seth Rollins interrupts! The fans now sing, “WHOA~ OH~ OHH~!” Rollins struts out in his red wine paisley suit and conducts the O2 Choir all the way into the ring.
The fans cheer while Roman frowns, but Rollins takes the seat to Roman’s left. Rollins offers Heyman a chance to sing to this song, but Heyman frowns. Rollins chuckles, and he says the fans do have beautiful singing voices. He doesn’t know why Roman is in such a hurry to leave, though! This is their building! There’s a lot of history here! 12 years ago, they landed on the roof of this place in a helicopter! They came down those stairs over there, “ready to burn down the old guard!” They put the Undertaker down through the desk, and they were going to remake this company in their image!
Now don’t get him wrong, Rollins knows a lot has happened since then. They fought against each other, with each other, a little bit of love and a whole lot of hate. But Rollins dare says, as the fans continue to sing “WHOA~ OH~ OHH~,” that Rollins and Roman accomplished their mission. The fans start to chant for CM Punk, but Rollins tunes them out. Roman says, “We? We? You keep saying we. Our mission? We died a long time ago. It’s only been ME. You been here, but I done all the work! I’ve made this place what it is today! I took us to the level that we are here today! I made this place better than we found it!
“I’m the one that made us desirable to Netflix! I’m the one that took us into billion-dollar deals! Tell me, what have you done?” Rollins shouts, “I’ll tell you what I’ve done! YOU, YOU, YOU, it’s that mindset that keeps me having to screw you! You understand that? And your biggest mistake is not understanding the danger that’s right in front of us! The danger that’s right in front of you! You let the biggest snake in the world, CM Punk, into the garden! And you could’ve cut his head off at WarGames! But instead, you shook his hand. You could’ve let me finish him inside the cage at The Garden, but you didn’t. And now, I am left to do what I always do: Clean up your mess, again.”
Rollins drops his mic, picks up the pen, and signs his part. And now, here comes CM PUNK! The fans fire up and sing along with Cult of Personality, then join in on saying, “IT’S CLOBBERIN’ TIME~!” Punk goes to the ring, but as he grabs a mic, he goes up a corner, just like he did last Friday. “I have come here to chew bubblegum and sign a contract. And I’m all outta bubblegum.” The fans cheer the Rowdy Roddy Piper reference, and Punk hops down to take his seat on Roman’s right. Punk looks over said contract, but Roman asks if Punk needs a highlighter or something. What’s he doing? Just go to page four, clause five.
Punk does as Roman says, but Roman says Punk needs to hurry, this is precious TV time. Punk reads the segment, Roman tells Heyman to just smarten Punk up. Heyman tells Punk he knows what Punk is looking for. It is in there. They’re closing the show at WrestleMania. The fans go wild hearing that! Heyman tells Punk that he gets to live his dream of dreams. CM Punk will be a WrestleMania main eventer! The fans cheer and while Roman smiles, Rollins is furious. Roman says, “One man’s dream is another man’s favor! CHECK!” Wait, this was the favor? Rollins says no! This is not something to laugh at, and Punk does not get to tear up!
Punk is NOT deserving! He does NOT deserve this! The fans boo but Rollins continues to throw a fit! Main eventing WrestleMania is SACRED, the most important thing in the world to Rollins! More than anything! Except the fact that Punk NEVER gets to main event! This is all Roman’s fault! This is all Heyman’s fault! Rollins THROWS his mic down, paces angrily, but Punk picks up the mic. The fans cheer Punk on again, and Punk stands to thank London, to thank Chicago, to thank Louisville, Kentucky, and to thank ALL the fans. As corny as it sounds, he thanks the WWE Universe who stood by him and chanted his name for TEN LONG YEARS!
Roman says hold on, hold on. Punk shouldn’t be thanking the fans! He should be thanking the Tribal Chief! It is because of Roman that Punk gets this honor! So please, take this moment, close the show with that acknowledgement! Do this the right way. The credits are already rolling as Punk kneels before Roman!? Punk smiles, and he thanks “My Tribal Chief, the holder of the ula fala, the Head of the Table, the… Big Dog? Thank you for allowing a kid from Chicago to be graced by your presence. Thank you, My Tribal Chief, for allowing me to stand in your ring. And thank you so much. Thank you, Roman Reigns, so very much.
“But because of you, I will see you in the main event of WrestleMania.” And again, Rollins is agonizing over this. Punk finishes putting his signature on the contract, and London tells him, “You Deserve It!” Punk thanks Roman again, and then says, “But that’s not the favor that I’m owed.” WHAT?! Roman looks at Heyman and Heyman can’t look him in the eye! If getting this Triple Threat made into the main event isn’t the gift of the Wise Man, then what is?!
My Thoughts:
A good SmackDown, but they pulled off quite the paradox. They made it feel like they were struggling to fill three hours, yet they also filled the show to the point where that contract signing segment was almost bleeding over the three hour mark. Ironically, part of the problem was just how excited the London crowd was for this. The superstars still wanted to enjoy the chants and songs, but that’s time SmackDown doesn’t have to spare. It made the opening promo from Cody, Orton and Drew take longer, and it kinda did the same to the contract signing at the end. Even so, we still got a very good promo, and good stuff to set up Orton VS McIntyre.
Orton VS McIntyre was a great match, but of course Kevin costs Orton. McIntyre gets his win, Kevin and Orton have a bit of a brawl, but of course Kevin ends up on the losing end and runs off. McIntyre’s trash talk also comes back to bite him as Priest gets the better of him in their brawl. Here’s hoping Drew didn’t actually get glass in his eye, but that being the thing in kayfabe can be some good stuff. I can imagine McIntyre with an eyepatch, and he takes it off at the opportune time to get the better of Priest in their match. Also what a fitting choice for Punk to be passing by Drew suffering because of real glass.
Very good title matches tonight, but of course the status quo was kept. Pretty Deadly gets to look great here in London, but the Profits only just got the belts, they’re not going to be transitional champions like that. And Knight VS Braun was really good stuff, but honestly, Jacob Fatu going after them both should’ve been a given. Jacob also had a great promo with Solo & Tama to start adding to that divide between Jacob and Solo. I would hope Solo doesn’t screw Jacob out of the US Championship, but it feels like he will as Solo won’t stand for Jacob defying his authority, even though Solo’s been trying to make Jacob the champion all along.
Very good stuff from Jimmy Uso tonight, from his promo with #MeloDon’tMiz and then a great match with Miz. Their match ended up the de facto main event match, so that’s also great for both guys. Great win for Jimmy, but that’s likely because Jimmy is losing big time to Gunther on Monday. And it might just be me, but it feels like only now is the Jey VS Gunther build really moving, largely in part because Jimmy got involved. Jimmy’s promo after his match is something along the lines of what Jey should be saying. But I suppose as brothers, Jimmy is the one who knows Jey best and knows what Jey needs to be motivated again. And seeing Jimmy get beat up by Gunther will definitely motivate Jey…
Good final vignettes for Rey Fenix and Aleister Black. I’m a little surprised they confirmed Rey Fenix is showing up next week, and that they confirmed who Rey Fenix even is. I believe commentary confirmed Rey Fenix is Penta’s real brother, even namedropped “Lucha Brothers,” but all that is still surprising considering Fenix is going to start on SmackDown. Aleister’s vignette (at least I am fairly confident it’s his) was giving us glimpses of his silhouette, but I think there was usage of AI in the snake imagery. It was fine they did it for El Grande Americano because that is all trolling, but they really should try and do things the old fashioned way of photoshop and stock imagery.
Very good stuff in the Women’s Division tonight, though the WWE Women’s Championship portion was the weaker. Naomi’s got a great Heel persona going, her promo was great, and her going after B-Fab & Michin over them supporting Jade was a great detail. Jade runs Naomi off, helps B-Fab, but there was no helping Michin in being fed to Charlotte. Tiffany had a decent promo, and it does fit how Charlotte kept her from speaking so she finally gets things out here. It didn’t really add that much, though, but they already gave us a great brawl so not sure what more they can give.
KC Squared VS The Secret Her-vice was a very good match, but of course Chelsea made sure her team won. A Six Woman Tag of Zelina & KC Squared VS The Green Administration is certainly coming, to help give us Zelina VS Chelsea for the Women’s US Championship.
My Score: 8.7/10
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Coverage
Andrew’s TNA iMPACT! Results & Match Ratings: 3.27.2025
Bad news out of the TNA management side, but this is a taped episode from El Paso! So we won’t see any of the fallout just yet!

Now we all heard the news about the TNA change in hierarchy, and I…have no positive outlook on that. Delirious sucked at booking and creative in the dying days of ROH before it got bought as a B show. Dreamer having even more control is concerning because his ideas the last two years haven’t been much better.
Gail leaving makes more sense to me. Be it firing or a “you can’t quit, you’re fired” kind of situation, the Knockouts division is the worst it’s been in a long time and Gail was close with Scott D’Amore. So I don’t think Gail parting ways is as big of a problem since TNA has slowly been bleeding out with the Scott faithful.
Granted, I think the next few shows were already taped before the firing so things shouldn’t be completely unwatchable for at least a week or two. So let’s see where we’re going.
.@WeAreRosemary sends @XiaBrookside a CHILLING message!
WATCH #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/LaVxF6l2yc pic.twitter.com/srciTTbel0
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) March 28, 2025
Ratings:
- Gigi Dolin & Tatum Paxley vs Elegance Clique w/Personal Concierge: Ash wins via Rarefied Air – ** 1/4
- Fir$t Cla$$ & Frankie Kazarian vs Laredo Kid, Octagon Jr & Chavo Guerrero Jr: Chavo wins via Gory Bomb into Frog Splash – *** 1/4
- Jacy Jayne vs Masha Slamovich: Masha wins via Russian Death Device – ***
- Eric Young w/two losers vs Ace Austin: Eric wins via Piledriver – ** 1/2
- Seto & Mokuba – I mean – Nic Nemeth w/Ryan Nemeth vs Leon Slater: Nic wins via Danger Zone – *** 1/4
Results:
Gigi Dolin & Tatum Paxley vs Elegance Clique w/Personal Concierge
Ash and Gigi start off, Gigi with a little Rascalz after her first takedown. So both her and Wentz are making it obvious something’s going on between them, and I’m not mad at it. Good for my man Wentz.
Tatum and Gigi get some quick tandem offense in, Ash does manage to scurry off to a tag and Heather gets bent into a Pretzel. Some kind of Inverted Tarantula from Tatum, Gigi tags in, Bronco Buster on Heather followed by Kawada Kicks. Heather sells against the ropes, Gigi goes for a Hesitation Dropkick, but Concierge pulls her away so Gigi crashes and burns. Ref is distracted, Ash gets in some cheap shots and then the Elegant duo starts working over Gigi. A few quick tags, but once Heather comes in, Gigi fights out of the corner, gets the hot tag to Tatum. Tatum stacks up both Elegance members, Corner Stacked Crossbody, Butterfly Suplex and an Elbow Drop with some some flare. Tatum goes to the top rope, Heather pulls Gigi off the apron, Concierge shoves Tatum off the turnbuckle and Ash hits Rarefied Air for the win.
Post match the Elegance Clique wants to make their wish with the cake, they light the candles and Tatum and Gigi recover enough to do what we all expected last week, the cake in the face spot. Some…suggestive licking from both of our Hot Topic Hotties, so…no complaints here.
.@Ashamae_Sebera, @Heathereckless and @IamGeorgeIceman are having a meltdown!
WATCH #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/LaVxF6l2yc pic.twitter.com/FnKwPqm2ff
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) March 28, 2025
Fir$t Cla$$ & Frankie Kazarian vs Laredo Kid, Octagon Jr & Chavo Guerrero Jr
Chavo and Kaz start since he’s King Petty, a quick rope run turns into a Headscissor from Chavo. Kaz recovers, they lock up, Kaz hits the Knee Lift during the lock up to tag out to KC. KC pulls off some athletic dodges, gloats a bit so Chavo waits, measures and nails a gorgeous Dropkick. Laredo comes in on fire, quick high spots that send KC bouncing around like HBK against Hulk. KC powders after sells the Satellite Takedown, AJ checks on him and we go to commercial.
Back from commercial, Octagon is lighting up KC’s chest with overhand chops, he perches, Sunset Headscissor Flip from corner to corner, KC tries to Back Drop him but Octagon does a headstand, kicks KC away and lays him out with a high spot. AJ gets on the apron to stop Octagon from running the ropes, the referee has a stroke or something because he stops paying attention and AJ pulls Octagon out of the ring and chucks him. KC with the Tope con Hilo and tag (tag ropes haven’t mattered since the 80s we all know this). So AJ is getting taunted by the crowd in Spanish, but he’s manhandling Octagon since it looks like a Child fighting their parent. AJ knocks off Chavo and Laredo, Laredo pops up and tries to get involved but he’s caught on the shoulders, Octagon goes for the Crossbody but gets caught and AJ pulls off “World’s Strongest Wasteland” but Chavo breaks up the pinfall. AJ throws Octagon into the corner, Tennessee Whiskey, and tag out to KC. KC hits a few moves, but starts to lose the momentum until he connects with a Super Kick. Simultaneous rope run into the Dueling Crossbodies, so we get the timely tag outs from both sides. Kaz and Laredo come in, Laredo lands like two moves before Kaz hits a Sole Butt, Lariat and eats his lunch. KC and Kaz try to double team Laredo but he fights out and the crowd is chanting for Chavo.
Chavo tags in, and he’s rocking KC, Saito Suplex, Low Bridge to AJ, Reverse the Whip so Chavo goes to the corner and perches, KC feeds, Chavo Backflips to safety, rolls through and lays out KC. Chavo is feeling himself, 3 Amigos start on KC but only 2, Kaz comes in and Chavo switches to Kaz for the Amigos, only 2 again before AJ breaks it up. AJ goes for the disrespect, but Chavo counters and hits the 3 Amigos on the biggest Culero. Aztec Warriors dive to stop AJ and Kaz, KC tries a Dirty Victory Roll but Chavo kicks out. GORY BOMB into FROG SPLASH!
Chavo looked fantastic and he’s the one in the best shape in the ring. I wouldn’t be mad at more Chavito.
Jacy Jayne vs Masha Slamovich
I expect very little from this match.
Collar and Elbow, gator rolling for the first 30 seconds or so, then Jacy goes to some Hair Pull takedowns and does a little taunt before Masha pops back up and hits a Lariat into a Dive. Jacy sells it like she’s really hurt, even the ref tries to hold Masha back a little before Masha gets annoyed and just grabs her, Masha throws her in, looks for a Dive and Jacy sees it and powders. Masha tries to go back to the well for the Dive again but Jacy hits the Uppercut and then an Apron Run PK to drop Masha. Forearms rain down into a Foot Choke as Jacy continues to arrogantly play to the crowd. Another Foot Choke into a Cannonball, and near fall.
Masha gets space with a Sole Butt, tries to snap off Requiem but Jacy fights off, fights through a Sunset Flip another effective PK keeps Masha on her ass. Jacy looks for a kinda half-assed Camel Clutch as Masha is fighting up, but Jacy runs her into the corner, gets distracted mouthing off to the crowd, so Masha recovers, 5 Hole Up Kick sends Jacy into the corner, Yakuza Kick into Capo Kick for two. Requiem attempt again, but Jacy pushes off, a little back and forth, Masha tries a Backslide but Jacy gets away and hits a V-Trigger but only a 2 count. Jacy looks for the Discus Punch but Masha ducks it, they strike back and forth, but some dodges from both leave the exchange more even. Jacy with the Front Kick to the face sends Masha to the outside. Jacy wants another PK, but Masha blocks, Electric Chair Apron Snake Eyes. Masha throws her in, a PK into a near all. Requiem attempt 3, and thwarted from Jacy with a Superkick into a Neckbreaker. Senton misses from Jacy, Buzzsaw Kick, into Spinning Back Kick and Russian Death Device for the win.
Better than I expected, and Tessa attacks as soon as the bell rings. Xia Brookside and Lei Ying Li make the save after Tessa grabs the belt.
Eric Young w/two losers vs Ace Austin
Ace and Eric tie up, World of Sport start but as soon as Ace starts to get away EY punches him in the face. Eric looks at the camera and says “This is what trust looks like”, turns his back on Ace, when Ace looks to attack, the loser duo cut him off. EY takes advantage of the weird situation, but Ace with some Up and Over quick spots, into an Inside Cradle and La Magistral. EY kicks out of the quick flash attempts, but eats a Dropkick, and Ace goes all Speed Kils on him with fast strikes and then a face buster for another near fall. Strike spot very early in the match, Ace gets the best of it, goes for a Tear Drop Suplex but EY sits on it to block, Headlocks to keep him close and then a snap Lariat into beatdown bully tactics. EY takes the referee’s attention and one of the nerds punch Ace in the face.
Eric tries to lean on Ace, but Ace fires, a few strikes, Click Click Boom, the Miz Seated Lariats in the corner, Mochizuki Triangle Kick connects! Only a 2 count, but Ace seems to be in control. Ace puts EY on the ropes, a few strikes to keep him rocked, wants a Superplex, but EY blocks, bites the face and Macho Elbow gets a very close two count. EY tries the Piledriver but Ace turns it into a Jacknife Cradle,Spinning Heel Kick, calls for The Fold, but the losers hop on the apron to distract, Ace attacks them. Ace tries to time out the Triangle Kick again, but Eric dodges, throws Ace head first through the buckles. As Ace stumbles out of the corner, Piledriver, and it’s over.
Oh look it’s the “we’ll hear from Joe Hendry” segment. Again, I’ve loved this gimmick since Day 1, even didn’t hate his What Culture Pro stuff, but there is such a thing as milking a cow too much.
Elijah interrupts the whole “Who’s next” speech. When Elijah comes out he says he’s not the challenger and he believes in Joe. The crowd wants Elijah to turn on Hendry. Elijah pauses for a moment, and starts proving his friendship with stating his favorite color and a little “You Got a Friend in Me”. The crowd is into singing along and waving their cameras like Lighters to a 30 year old song. THANKFULLY Kaz breaks up the hug fest. Now he gets the “Culero” chant.
Kaz pulls out a Bass…what the hell is this Jam Session. Kaz has to warm up so he plays “La Cucaracha” on the bass. Kaz…is a national treasure. Hendry kicks Kaz out of the ring after his Heelish and playfully racially charged song choices. Kaz tries to sow dissension, but Joe and Elijah pinball Kaz between them. Kaz slips a power move and tries to shove Elijah into Joe but Elijah puts the brakes on, a small tense moment. But then Joe and Elijah play “Nah Nah Nah Nah, Hey Hey, Goodbye”…and that goes right into a commercial. Oddly…perfect.
Nic Nemeth w/Ryan Nemeth vs Leon Slater
Nic shoots the half immediately for a flash pinfall but Leon kicks out at one. Nic continues to keep things grounded with his amateur wrestling skills, and then does a little Dolph Ziggler show off. So Nic isn’t really taking this seriously, and Leon starts getting the best of things with an Arm Wringer, into drag, Shoulder Tackle and rope run as Nic tries to Leap Frog and Leon puts on the brakes and just shoves Nic on his ass. Nic gets annoyed, a few strikes, grinds his face along the ropes, but Leon keeps stringing some offense together, Back Handspring Elbow into his Corner con Hilo.
Ahh the classic formula of the commercial gives the heel the advantage, Twisting Suplex from Leon stops Nic’s offense momentum, right hand, Leon lifts Nic up for something, Nic slips it, kicks him in the gut, looks for the FameAsser, but Leon catches him into a Blue Thunder Bomb variation. Slater wants the Swanton 450, but Nic powders. Leon tries to adjust into a Dive, but Nic cuts him off, counter for counter and a FameAsser out of the counters for a two count. Nic starts the big brother tactics, bootwashes and arrogance, Slater fires, punches into a Yakuza Kick. Leon wants another Lethal Injection variant, but Nic catches him into a Rear Naked Choke. Slater tries to turn it into a pin so Nic breaks it. Leon wants a Leg Lariat but misses and gets unceremoniously dropped by Nic. Nic puts Leon up on the buckles, Superplex possibly but Slater counters, tries to collect himself for a move, but Nic falls into the ropes to crotch Leon, and finally hits the Superplex.
Twist of Slate from Leon, Swanton 450 but knees get up. Locomotion Cradles from both but they kick out, Ryan picks the ankle to trip up Leon just a touch and then Danger Zone ends the match.
Ryan starts the post match beatdown, but the Hardy’s music hits and they come down to the ring for the save. Matt challenges the Nemeths for Rebellion because they’re not medically cleared yet.
Overall Score: 6.5/10
Decent story motion, no match was offensive, and there was actually some solid match action for television standards. I don’t have a ton to complain about aside from the Knockouts Division is in a weird spot, and giving Hendry a lot of just talking and hollow payoff segments feels stupid. If we need to hear from him every week, give him a talk segment like Highlight Reel or something. Yes I know First Class just got The Penthouse, but if Hendry is going to talk more than wrestle, give him a talk segment for us to sink our teeth into.
There was the announcement that Xia, Lei Ying and Masha will face Tessa, Jacy and a mystery partner. So you gotta wonder if there’s going to be another NXT mercenary, a surprise return or if it’ll just be Rosemary since she’s got her issues with Xia. Also I just realized that Unbreakable is going to be on a Thursday, seemingly after iMPACT? I’m gonna have to see how they do it, because if there’s an Impact episode and 2-3 hour PLE…I do not want to be awake until 1am. People need to work, and I will be Unwakeable if things go that long.
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