Coverage
Mitchell’s NJPW G1 Climax 33 Results & Report! (7/19/23)
C & D return to action!

Who rebounds in the second round?
There were quite the shockers in Blocks C and D, but can last round’s winners keep up the momentum? Or will tables be turned right around?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- G1 Climax 33, D Block: Zack Sabre Jr. VS Toru Yano; ZSJ wins.
- G1 Climax 33, C Block: Mikey Nicholls VS David Finlay; Finlay wins.
- G1 Climax 33, D Block: Jeff Cobb VS Alex Coughlin; Cobb wins.
- G1 Climax 33, C Block: Eddie Kingston VS EVIL; Evil wins.
- G1 Climax 33, D Block: Hiroshi Tanahashi VS Shane Haste; Tanahashi wins.
- G1 Climax 33, C Block: Shingo Takagi VS HENARE; Henare wins.
- G1 Climax 33, D Block: Tetsuya Naito VS Hirooki Goto; Naito wins.
- G1 Climax 33, C Block: Tomohiro Ishii VS Tama Tonga; Tama wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
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
G1 Climax 33, D Block: Zack Sabre Jr. VS Toru Yano!
The Front Man leads off tonight against another familiar foe in the Clown Prince! Will ZSJ make Yano #JustTapOut? Or will Yano continue to bring out new tricks?
Wait, Kosei Fujita is walking out as if he’s ZSJ? Yano is confused by TMDK trying to trick him. So then Yano decides that one of the Young Lions is going to be him! Fans cheer as Yano puts Yuto in the ring and tells him to wrestle for him. But then ZSJ grabs Yano on stage with a SLEEPER! The bell rings and this is on record! ZSJ tells Yano night-night! The ref rushes out and reprimands ZSJ but ZSJ holds until Yano fades! ZSJ then lets go, fans cheer as ZSJ goes to the ring, and ZSJ has Kosei secure all buckle pads with tape! Red corner, check. Neutral corner number one, check! ZSJ has Kosei hustle and the blue corner and final corner are secure!
ZSJ tells Yano to wake up, then he gets fans to clap along with “OI! OI! OI! OI!” ZSJ does a lap, runs up the ramp, and Yano still ducks the Penalty Kick! Yano atomic drops, then he trips ZSJ! Yano brings out his own roll of tape! The ref reprimands but Yano ties up ZSJ’s legs! Yano uses almost the whole roll! Yano leaves ZSJ behind and goes to the ring. ZSJ is furious and all Kosei can do is coach him. The ring count starts and ZSJ does a push up to get to his feet! But then he wobbles and falls over! We’re at 7 of 20 but ZSJ gets back up to hop! But he falls over again! We’re past 10 but ZSJ tries again. ZSJ hops, then falls on his back!
Yano wants the count to go faster but we’re at 14 of 20! ZSJ hops and hops and hops, but he falls over again! Fans rally for ZSJ and he tries one more time! ZSJ hops and hops and falls at ringside! And gets tangled in cables! We’re at 19!! ZSJ hops and slides in at 19.9!! But Yano rolls him up! TWO!! ZSJ escapes but Yano says time for buckle pads! But then he’s shocked to see the tape on the blue corner! And on the white corner! ZSJ gets scissors to cut the tape around his ankles! Yano is frustrated to see all the corners are taped! Yano tries to undo the tape but it’s frustrating. Yano goes back to ZSJ as ZSJ pretends his ankles are still taped.
Yano grabs the legs, but surprise! TRIANGLE HOLD!! And then ARMBAR! Yano stacks ZSJ, TWO!! ZSJ has the omoplata, then the ghost pin! ZSJ WINS!!
Winner: Zack Sabre Jr, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Yano earns 0)
ZSJ tricked the trickster and snatches a quick victory! Will Yano have to go back to the drawing board to come up with something truly tricky?
G1 Climax 33, C Block: Mikey Nicholls w/ Kosei Fujita VS David Finlay w/ Gedo!
The Mighty G1 streak is growing, and now Mad Mikey takes on Bullet Club’s new savage leader! Will Mikey prove no one needs The Rebel? Or will Finlay be the one to make the mighty kneel?
The bell rings and the two circle. Fans rally up and the two tie up. They’re in a deadlock, but Finlay finds a point of leverage. Finlay puts Mikey in the corner, taunts him and pushes him but Mikey pushes Finlay down! Finlay comes back, but is sent into buckles! Mikey whips, drops, but Finlay whips Mikey away. Mikey catches Finlay for a suplex! Finlay slips free, but Mikey catches him again! Another suplex, and fans cheer as Mikey keeps Finlay up for a count of FIFTEEN! Cover, TWO! Fans rally behind Mikey and he brings Finlay up to whip and DROPKICK! Cover, TWO! Mikey keeps on Finlay with a fishhook to the nose!
The ref reprimands, Gedo complains but Mikey lets off. Mikey stalks Finlay, stomps him down, then drags him around to whip. Finlay reverses and TACKLES Mikey outta the ring! Finlay sends Mikey into railing! And then he rains down fists! And SMACKS him against the railing! And again! The ref reprimands but Finlay SMACKS Mikey off railing a third time! Finlay throws up to Too Sweet and fans rally. Finlay paces around but the ref tells him to get in the ring. Finlay hoists Mikey up to a fireman’s carry, to POST him! Gedo is fired up and Finlay Backhand Sweets him. Mikey sits up while Finlay leaves him behind.
The ring count starts, Mikey staggers to his feet but he leans against railing. Mikey staggers over and slides in at 6 of 20 but Finlay stomps him down! Finlay rains down fists, the ref reprimands but Finlay claims that was all palm. Finlay stomps Mikey’s arm, drags him up, and UPPERCUTS him to a corner. Finlay stomps a mudhole, rains down fists again, and BITES Mikey on the face! The ref reprimands, Finlay lets off, and Mikey rises as fans rally. Finlay stands Mikey up but Mikey CHOPS him! Finlay UPPERCUTS! And UPPERCUTS and UPPERCUTS and UPPERCUTS! Finlay whips Mikey corner to corner hard and Mikey falls to the mat.
Mikey drags himself up with the ropes and Finlay runs in, but into an ELBOW! Mikey runs, Finlay gets under but Mikey spins around to DDT! Fans fire up while both men are down! Finlay flounders to a corner while Mikey sits up. Fans rally as Mikey stands, and he fires himself up by headbutting buckles! Mikey runs corner to corner to clothesline! And he whips corner to corner, but runs into BOOTS! He still clotheslines! And CHOPS! Mikey roars and fans fire up with him! Mikey puts Finlay up top, climbs up after him, but Finlay throws body shots. Mikey hops down but he UPPERCUTS Finlay!
Mikey fireman’s carries Finlay but Finlay fights free to waistlock. Mikey bucks the O’Conner, but Finlay ducks the sliding lariat! Finlay UPPERCUTS, ROLLING ELBOWS, and runs, into a SPINEBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Finlay survives but Mikey stays focused as fans rally up. Mikey drags Finlay up, hoists him to the top rope, and fans fire up as Mikey climbs again. But Finlay fights back with body shots! Finlay CLUBS away, then SUPER SUNSET POWERBOMBS! Cover, TWO!! Mikey survives and fans fire up again! Finlay taunts Mikey but the fans rally up. Finlay drags Mikey up to fishhook and crossface forearm!
Finlay gives more crossface shots, but again claims that was all palm. Finlay sits Mikey up to BLINDSIDE LARIAT! Cover, TWO! Fans fire up as Mikey hangs in there. But Gedo says X marks the spot and Finlay brings down the kneepad! Finlay suplexes but Mikey slips free to SLIDING LARIAT! Mikey hurries to fireman’s carry Finlay for the DEATH VALLEY BOMB, and then a SLIDING LARIAT! Cover, TWO!! Finlay survives but Mikey fires up! The fans are with him as he drags Finlay back up. Mikey whips, scoops, but Finlay slips free to dragon sleeper! OSAKA- NO, Mikey slips free to scoop!
But Finlay slips free, spins Mikey to a backslide and roll through, INTO OBLIVION!! Cover, Finlay wins!
Winner: David Finlay, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Mikey earns 0)
The Mighty may not kneel, but they do fall Into Oblivion! Will the NEVER Openweight Champion start to take over the G1?
G1 Climax 33, D Block: Jeff Cobb VS Alex Coughlin!
Now this is a big match up! The Imperial Unit conquered Tetsuya Naito in the opening round’s main event, while the Dreadnought could not sink Shane Haste. Will Cobb take this War Dog on a Tour of the Islands? Or will Coughlin redeem himself in a big way?
Coughlin is already smashing stuff on the way in, like the railing along the ramp and the steel steps that lead into the ring! The bell rings and fans rally up for Cobb as he stares down with Coughlin. They circle, tie up, and are in a deadlock. Coughlin powers Cobb back a step at a time, but Cobb digs his heels in. They break and the fans applaud. They go again, tie up, and Coughlin again pushes Cobb back. But Cobb pushes Coughlin back, only for Coughlin to turn it around and put Cobb on ropes. The ref counts the break, Coughlin lets off slowly, but then he CHOPS! Cobb rushes in, Coughlin gets around and headlocks.
Cobb powers out, they RAM shoulders, and Cobb RAMS Coughlin again! Coughlin rebounds to RAM Cobb, but Cobb rebounds to JUMPING SHOULDER TACKLE! Coughlin tumbles out of the ring, and he throws a tantrum on the outside. Cobb throws up the crown as fans rally, and Coughlin goes around the way. Coughlin goes out to No Man’s Land and behind commentary. Then he jumps over railing, and has his NJPW Strong Openweight Tag Team Championship! The ref stops Coughlin but Coughlin argues that it’s his belt, so he should be allowed to have it. Cobb storms up but Coughlin tosses the ref at him!
Cobb catches the ref, sets him down gently, but then Coughlin sends Young Lion Boltin Oleg into him! Cobb and Oleg tumble, and Coughlin fires off on Cobb! Coughlin whips Cobb into railing! The railing closes the gap! Coughlin holds up the title belt and boasts but fans boo. Coughlin brings Cobb up to RAM him into more railing! Cobb falls in a heap and Coughlin soaks up the heat from the fans. Coughlin even goes into the ring to flex and say, “Who’s the strongest now?!” Coughlin demands a ring count start, and the ref starts the count. Cobb stands, crawls in at 4 of 20 but Coughlin is on him with stomps!
Coughlin gut wrench suplexes Cobb!! Fans are torn, that was impressive. Coughlin covers, ONE!! Cobb is hanging tough but Coughlin CLUBS him, then pulls him into a chinlock stretch. Cobb powers up but Coughlin HIP DROPS him down! Coughlin paces around Cobb and fans rally up. Coughlin stands Cobb up but Cobb throws body shots! And a CHOP! Cobb ROCKS Coughlin, he staggers, and Cobb scoops! Coughlin slips free to throw Cobb down by his hair! Fans boo and the ref reprimands but Coughlin doesn’t care. Coughlin drags Cobb up to scoop Cobb, and pop shim up to a trophy lift, and PRESS SLAM!
Fans are torn again, that was impressive. Coughlin pushes Cobb over to cover, TWO! Cobb is still in this and Coughlin grows annoyed. Coughlin drags Cobb up, whips him to a corner, then runs in, but Cobb dodges! And clotheslines! And clotheslines and clotheslines and clotheslines! Fans cheer with every hit as Cobb goes all the way to THIRTEEN! Cobb then runs, to LARIAT! Coughlin stays up!? Coughlin runs in, Cobb drops down to DROPKICK! Fans fire up from Cobb’s display of agility, but then Coughlin knees low! Coughlin whips Cobb, Cobb reverses and scoops, ATHLETIC PLEX! Fans fire up and Cobb covers, TWO!
GACHIMUCHI MOONSAULT! Cover, TWO!! Coughlin survives being squashed but Cobb says they’re going for a ride! Cobb drags Coughlin up, ripcords, but Coughlin slides under and pump handles! Cobb CLUBS Coughlin and is free, but Coughlin kicks low! Coughlin scoops Cobb, runs to the corner, but Cobb slips off! Cobb UPPERCUTS Coughlin then whips him corner to corner, only to bring him back into the blue corner. Cobb runs in to SPLASH but Coughlin catches him!? And OVERHEAD BELLY2BELLY SUPLEXES! And then deadlift BACK SUPLEXES! Cover, TWO!! Cobb survives that onslaught!
Fans fire up as Coughlin roars! Coughlin drags Cobb up, reels him in, but Cobb wrenches out. Cobb swings, misses, but then ducks ‘n’ dodges, only for Coughlin to BLACK HOLE SLAM! Cover, TWO! Coughlin roars and drags Cobb back up. Coughlin reels Cobb in, suplexes, but Cobb slips free! Cobb waistlocks, Coughlin elbows free but Cobb JABS, and GERMAN SUPLEXES! Cobb roars, reels Coughlin in, TOUR OF THE ISLANDS!! Cover, Cobb wins!
Winner: Jeff Cobb, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Coughlin earns 0)
A clash of titans to be sure, but it was the United Empire’s titan that won! Will Cobb conquer the G1 at this rate? What will it take for Coughlin to get on the board?
G1 Climax 33, C Block: Eddie Kingston VS EVIL w/ Dick Togo!
AEW’s Mad King clashes with the House of Torture’s King of Darkness! Will Eddie be ready for every trick in the book? Or will Darkness Fall on Eddie’s G1 run already?
Eddie IS ready, because he has a kendo stick! The ref wants him to hold on and Evil gets outta the ring! Eddie wants after Evil and his little Spoiler pal, but he still gives the stick over. And that’s when Evil attacks from behind! Evil kicks Eddie low, the bell rings, and Evil CLUBS Eddie down. Fans rally but Evil pulls on Eddie’s ears! Evil knees low, runs, and runs Eddie over! Fans rally as Evil stands on Eddie’s face. Evil scuffs Eddie, stomps his legs, and then stomps a hand! Evil drags Eddie up, CLUBS him on the neck, and runs, but Eddie follows to kitchen sink knee! Fans fire up and Eddie steadies himself.
Eddie CHOPS Evil and Evil shouts from the stinging pain! Eddie CHOPS again and Evil shouts again! Eddie CHOPS a third time, and again Evil shouts! Evil drops to his knees, but Eddie brings him up. Evil holds ropes to block the whip, so Eddie CHOPS him again! Eddie whips, Evil reverses and then distracts the ref, Dick trips Eddie! Fans boo but Evil drags Eddie up to throw him out. Evil goes out after Eddie, whips him around, and sends him into railing! Evil then opens the gate and throws railing aside to bring Eddie to the back section. Fans move out of the way, and Evil BOWLS Eddie into their chairs!
Fans boo Evil as Evil folds a chair. The ref reprimands and Evil lets go of the chair. Evil CHOKES Eddie with someone’s umbrella! Eddie grabs at Evil, but Evil lets off. Evil leaves Eddie behind and closes the gate before going back into the ring. Fans rally for Eddie while he’s down, and the ring count starts. Eddie rises at 4 of 20, hobbles his way along, and makes it back to No Man’s Land at 8. He opens the gate at 10, hobbles to the ring and slides in at 14! Evil storms up to stomp away on Eddie! Eddie turns over to prevent a pin so Evil stomps him more! Cover, TWO! Evil is annoyed with the ref but Eddie grabs at him.
Evil pulls Eddie’s arm and stands on his face. The ref reprimands, Evil lets off, and Eddie goes to ropes. Evil fishhooks Eddie’s nose and claws his eye! The ref reprimands, Evil lets off to argue with the ref, and Eddie goes to the corner. Evil storms up to pull Eddie’s shirt off, and SLAP him with it! Evil then CHOPS Eddie! Eddie brings down a strap as he hobbles away. Evil storms up to CHOP again! Eddie snarls and brings down the other strap! Evil fakes the chop to claw the eyes! The ref reprimands, fans boo, and Eddie staggers around blindly. Evil eggs Eddie on, Eddie swings and he tumbles out of the ring!
The ref checks Eddie while fans boo Evil. Evil waits on Eddie and fans rally as the ring count starts. Eddie drags himself up at 6 of 20 and in at 8. Evil drags Eddie up to bring him in, but Eddie blocks the suplex! Eddie suplexes Evil up and over instead! Fans fire up and Eddie rises. Evil goes to a corner, Eddie goes to ropes, and fans rally again. Eddie grits his teeth, runs in and clotheslines! Fans fire up as Eddie MACHINE GUN CHOPS! That last one stung! Dick gets up but Eddie DECKS him! Eddie goes side to side, BOOT WASH! Cover, TWO! Fans continue to rally for Eddie and he stands up again.
Eddie grits his teeth and fires up, and the fans are with him! Eddie runs in but Evil dumps him out! Evil brings Eddie up and uh oh! He RAMS Eddie into the timekeeper! Down goes Abe-san! What’s Evil’s deal with him anyway?! Eddie writhes, and a ring count starts. Evil puts Eddie in the SHARPSHOOTER instead of the ring! Evil makes Eddie endure as the ring count climbs! We pass 10, Evil leaves Eddie behind! Eddie is down as we hit 15! Fans rally, Eddie rises, but Dick anchors Eddie’s foot! Eddie stomps away on Dick and gets in at 19! Fans fire up and Evil is furious, but Evil runs in to clothesline! And FISHERMAN BUSTER! Cover, TWO!
Fans fire up as Eddie hangs in there! Evil drags Eddie up, wrenches and fireman’s carries, but Eddie fights it with elbows! And he DDTS Evil down! Fans rally as Eddie and Evil both stir. Eddie pushes himself up, fans rally behind him, and Eddie calls his shot. Eddie hobbles over, drags Evil up, and he half nelsons! Evil fights, kicks at the ref, but the ref gets back! Evil switches with Eddie and shoves him into the ref! The ref goes down, Evil runs, but Eddie LARIATS Evil down first! All three are down and the fans rally for Eddie. But Dick gets in with the SPOILER CHOKER! Eddie fights around, but Evil gets that kendo stick!
Evil aims as Eddie LOW BLOWS Dick! Eddie dodges, Evil SMACKS Dick! And then Eddie CHOPS Evil! Eddie has the kendo stick and he SMACKS away on them both!! Fans fire up and Dick bails out, so Eddie SMACKS Evil again! And again! The stick is coming apart but Eddie SMACKS Evil one more time! Evil is down and fans fire up! Eddie drags Evil up, clinches, and EXPLODERS! Eddie calls for the ref and brings him back in. Fans cheer as Eddie goes back to Evil. And blocks the low blow! To SAIDO! Cover, TWO!! Evil survives and Eddie grows frustrated, but the fans rally up again.
Eddie stands, hobbles over to Evil and brings him up, and reels him in. But Evil blocks the scoop! Evil powers out, blocks the backhand, and clinches! But Eddie elbows free! And fires off ridge hand after ridge hand! URAKEN!! Cover, TWO!! Eddie can’t believe it but Evil survives! Eddie growls, drags Evil up again, and scoops, but Evil pulls on an ear! Eddie breaks free but Evil sends the ref at him! Evil kicks Eddie low, hoists Eddie up, and uses the ref in MAGIC KILLER! But that means the ref’s down again! Fans rally but Evil goes to a corner. Eddie drags himself to the other, and they both stand up.
Evil runs in, but Eddie meets him, and they DOUBLE LARIAT! And DOUBLE LARIAT again! Eddie drops to a knee and Evil runs, into an ENZIGURI! Fans fire up and Eddie fires up, too! STRETCH PLUM!! Evil endures as Eddie twists him around! Evil grabs at the ref!! Dick SMACKS Eddie with the kendo stick! But Eddie doesn’t fall over!? Eddie is just pissed now! But Evil LOW BLOWS Eddie!! EVERYTHING IS EVIL!!! Cover, Evil wins!
Winner: Evil, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Eddie earns 0)
Once again, the Spoiler spoils the match so Evil can survive! Will no one stand a chance when the House of Torture constantly stacks the deck?
G1 Climax 33, D Block: Hiroshi Tanahashi VS Shane Haste w/ Kosei Fujita!
The Ace of the Universe already lost to TMDK’s Front Man, and now he’s up against Hysterical Haste! Will Tanahashi be able to rebound in Miyagi? Or will The Mighty bounce back on the night?
The bell rings and fans rally for “TA-NAHA-SHI! TA-NAHA-SHI!” as he and Shane circle. They tie up, and Shane pushes Tanahashi down! Shane flexes and fans applaud. Tanahashi flexes and fans cheer! The two reset and they tie up. Tanahashi wrenches and wristlocks but Shane reaches out for ropes. Tanahashi keeps him from ropes and hammerlocks the arm, but Shane reaches back. Tanahashi keeps his hair from Shane’s grip so Shane slips around to hammerlock Tanahashi. Tanahashi switches it back onto Shane but Shane switches it again, and pulls on hair! The ref reprimands and the two end up in a corner.
The ref counts, Shane lets off, but Tanahashi throws a back elbow! Shane runs in, but into an arm-drag! Shane tries again but gets another elbow! Tanahashi goes up to CROSSBODY! Fans fire up as Tanahashi air guitars. Shane flounders around, Tanahashi goes up the ropes, but Shane YANKS him down! Tanahashi hits buckles as he falls, and then Shane basement dropkicks! Fans rally as Shane drags Tanahashi up. Shane snapmares and then digs a knee in for a NECK CRACKER! Cover, TWO! Fans rally as Tanahashi hangs tough. Shane kicks Tanahashi around, and even kicks Tanahashi’s legs.
Shane drags Tanahashi up but Tanahashi throws a palm strike! Shane kicks a leg and he bumps Tanahashi off buckles. Shane CLUBS Tanahashi, kicks him and digs his boots in, but the ref reprimands and counts. Shane mocks the air guitar as he lets off. Shane stomps Tanahashi again, drags him to the apron, and smothers him as he brings him out, DRAPING BACKBREAKER! Fans rally and Shane mocks the fans with the Go Ace towel. Tanahashi writhes, Shane again mocks the air guitar, and a ring count starts. Shane gets on the air drums as Tanahashi rises at 6 of 20. Tanahashi slides in at 8 but Shane stomps him!
Shane digs his knee in and bends Tanahashi with a chinbar stretch! Tanahashi endures, fans rally, but Shane stands for a full neck wrench. Tanahashi moves around to a ROPEBREAK! Shane lets off at 4, then stomps Tanahashi. Tanahashi sits up but Shane throws down hands! Shane KICKS Tanahashi right in the chest! Shane stands on Tanahashi’s hands and fans rally, but Shane stomps the fingers! Shane eggs Tanahashi on, the fans rally up, and Tanahashi fires off fast hands, and an UPPERCUT! But Shane pulls hair! Shane whips, Tanahashi ducks ‘n’ dodges and FLYING FOREARMS!
Fans fire up with Tanahashi and he waits on Shane to stand. Tanahashi fires more fast hands, then scoops Shane to SLAM him into the drop zone! Fans fire up as Tanahashi hops up, to SUNSET SENTON! Cover, TWO! Shane crawls but fans rally for Tanahashi as he builds speed. But Shane DROPKICKS Tanahashi down! Tanahashi flops out of the ring and Shane storms up. Shane grabs at Tanahashi through the ropes but Tanahashi UPPERCUTS! Shane holds on to SLINGSHOT TOPE! Both men go down and fans fire up! Shane drags Tanahashi up and puts him in, and fans cheer as he stalks Tanahashi.
Shane KICKS Tanahashi, BOOTS him, then fisherman’s, but Tanahashi throws down elbows! But Shane shifts sides, SNAP SAIDO! Cover, TWO!! Tanahashi survives but Shane has a wild look in his eyes. Fans rally, Shane KICKS Tanahashi in the back, in the front, and in the back again! Shane lines up the shot, runs in, PENALTY- NO, Tanahashi blocks it! Tanahashi stands to DRAGON SCREW the leg! And dropkick it! And then he grabs the leg again, to wave bye and DRAGON SCREW! Fans rally up and Tanahashi runs, but Shane turns Slingblade into SAIDO! Fans fire up while both men are down!
Shane crawls after Tanahashi, Tanahashi stands, and they throw forearms back and forth! Fans rally, Shane UPPERCUTS, Tanahashi throws it back! Shane KICKS the leg, but that hurts his own leg! Tanahashi DRAGON PALMS and down goes Shane! We pass 10 minutes, and Tanahashi drags Shane up. But Shane suplexes to FALCON BOMB! Cover, TWO!! Tanahashi survives but Shane goes to a corner as fans rally up. Shane brings Tanahashi up in the fireman’s carry but Tanahashi slips free to full nelson! Shane breaks that, but ends up in a STRAITJACKET GERMAN! Bridging cover, TWO!!
Fans fire up and Tanahashi builds speed, but runs into the fireman’s carry! BOMB VALLEY- NO, Tanahashi lands on his feet to TWIST ‘N’ SHOUT! And then SLINGBLADE! Cover, TWO! But Tanahashi just goes to the corner! Tanahashi climbs up, but Shane UPPERCUTS first! Shane climbs up, brings Tanahashi in, but Tanahashi fights the saido! Tanahashi CLUBS Shane, then DRAGON PALMS him down! Shane flounders back up, into HIGH FLY ATTACK! Fans are thunderous as Tanahashi goes back up top! HIGH FLY FLOW!! Cover, Tanahashi wins!
Winner: Hiroshi Tanahashi, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Shane earns 0)
And the Ace is on the board! Will he use this to make a comeback and take the block? The Mighty go 1-2 on the night, with Shane and Mikey both 1-1. Will the #YoungPunks be able to stay strong in the G1?
G1 Climax 33, C Block: Shingo Takagi VS HENARE!
The Rampaging Dragon and the new Face of Fury are in the same boat of going down in the first round. Only one man can rebound, so will Takagi make the block tranquilo? Or will Henare conquer this ungovernable for The United Empire?
The bell rings and the fans rally for “TA-KA-GI!” as he stares down Henare. They feel things out, tie up, and Takagi waistlcoks. Henare pries the hold and wrenches free, but Takagi tackles him with a single leg takedown! Takagi has a toehold but Henare gets the ROPEBREAK. Takagi lets off quickly, the two reset, and feel things out again. They clinch, go around, and Henare goes for arms. Takagi goes back to the waistlock and he brings Henare down. Henare moves around and gets the ROPEBREAK again. The fans applaud the technical exchange as Takagi lets off. Henare is frustrated, though, and he smacks the mat in anger.
Henare and Takagi reset, feel things out again, and knuckle lock. Henare then kicks low, snapmares, and KICKS Takagi in the back! Takagi just eggs him on and fans cheer. Henare KICKS again, and Takagi stands to forearm! Henare forearms in return, they go back and forth, but then Takagi knees low and headlocks. Henare powers out, but Takagi RAMS shoulders with him! They both stay standing so Henare runs to RAM shoulders again! Takagi brushes that off, runs, and he RAMS Henare! Henare rebounds to RAM Takagi, but Takagi rebounds to RAM Henare! Henare rebounds, into an elbow! Takagi runs, into a WHEEL KICK!
Takagi bails out and Henare waits on him. Takagi takes a moment to steady himself, and he slides in as the ring count starts. Henare fires off hands in the corner! And a HEADBUTT! Henare fireman’s carries but Takagi slips free. Henare elbows the waistlock away but Takagi HEADBUTTS Henare on the back! Then ELBOWS! JABS! YUKON- NO, Takagi pulls back as Henare gets his guard up. Takagi brings the guard down, but then feints Henare into the DDT! Fans fire up for Takagi’s pumping brain power and he goes out after Henare. Takagi drags Henare around, to drop a knee on the back of the neck!
Fans rally, Takagi leaves Henare alone while the ref checks him. Henare crawls, drags himself up with the railing, but Takagi is on him. Takagi puts Henare in the ring, drags him up, and KNEES him against the ropes! And again! Takagi whips, KNEES Henare again, then runs to run him over! Fans fire up as Takagi drags Henare around and suplexes high and hard! Cover, TWO! Fans rally as Takagi looks to cameras. IT’S TIME~! Fans fire up and Takagi looms over Henare. Takagi gives Henare toying kicks, then drags him up. Henare fights the back suplex with a headlock! Henare CLUBS away on Takagi, but Takagi CLUBS back!
Takagi runs, but into a POP-UP SAMOAN DROP! But that proves double-edged given the damage to Henare’s neck! Henare snarls as he sits back up, then rises. Henare storms up on Takagi in a corner and fires off fast hands! The ref reprimands but Henare just growls. Henare whips Takagi corner to corner, runs in and SPLASHES! Then whips Takagi to ropes for a BERSERKER BOMB! Cover, TWO!! Takagi survives but Henare goes up the corner. Henare leaps, SUPER SENTON! Cover, TWO! Henare grows frustrated as Takagi survives again. Henare storms around, aims from a corner, and he waits on Takagi to rise.
Henare runs in, but Takagi blocks the Rampage! Takagi fires off knees, but Henare gets around! ULTIMA NELSON, but Takagi RAMS him back into a corner! Takagi throws an elbow, whips corner to corner, then runs in, into an ELBOW! FLYING CHUCK! Both men go down but fans fire up! Henare rises and aims from a corner again. Takagi rises, Henare runs in, RAMPAGE DDT?!? Takagi turns it around on Henare, and then sits him up! SLIDING PUMPING BOMBER! Takagi roars and fans fire up with him! Takagi pump handles, torture racks, but Henare slips free to shove, and SHINING- NO! Takagi POWERBOMBS Henare down! High stack, TWO!!
Takagi rolls Henare into body scissors and the GROUND COBRA TWIST!! Henare endures, pries at the hold, reaches out for ropes, but Takagi thrashes him around! Takagi brings the crossface up higher, but Henare turns and gets the ROPEBREAK! Fans fire up as Takagi lets Henare go. We pass 10 minutes and Takagi hears the fans rallying. Takagi brings Henare up, starts up “OI! OI! OI!” and then pump handles. But Henare fights the lift! Takagi knees low, LARIATS point blank, but Henare stays up! Takagi LARIATS again, and Henare drops to a knee! Takagi brings Henare up but Henare ELBOW JABS!
Takagi swings, Henare bobs ‘n’ weaves and BODY BLOWS! HAYMAKERS! And SPIN BACK HEEL KICKS!! Takagi falls, Henare takes aim. RAMPAGE SPEAR!! Cover, TWO?!?! But Henare clamps on ULTIMA!! And with body scissors!! Takagi endures and fans rally up, but Henare puts on the pressure! Takagi reaches out to a ROPEBREAK! Takagi survives by a literal foot, and Henare lets off in frustration. Henare vows to end this, and he suplexes, but Takagi fights it to a TWIST ‘N’ SHOUT!! Takagi slaps Henare around and Henare sits up with anger in his eyes. They go forehead to forehead, and Takagi HEADBUTTS! Henare HEADBUTTS back!
Takagi HEADBUTTS but Henare’s head seems rock hard! Henare HEADBUTTS, but Takagi gives headbutt after headbutt! Henare keeps it going and he HEADBUTTS back! And then SHINING WIZARD in the corner! Snapmare, and a PENALTY KICK! Henare drags Takagi up to STREETS OF- NO, Takagi slips out to backslide! TWO!! BUSAIKU KNEE!! Henare roars and fans are thunderous! Henare drags Takagi up, fisherman, but Takagi wrenches out and ROCKS him with a forearm! Henare HEADBUTTS Takagi down!! But that was double-edged because of the pain in his neck! Fans rally and Henare has a wild look in his eyes!
Henare gets Takagi up, STREETS OF RAGE!! But Henare can’t cover, the neck hurts too much! Takagi rolls away and Henare crawls after him! But they’re in the ropes now! Fans fire up while Henare grows frustrated. Henare drags Takagi up, reels him in, but Takagi fights the suplex! Henare keeps trying to get that leg to fisherman it, but Takagi keeps it back out of reach. Takagi CLUBS Henare, shoves him away, but Takagi falls over before he can do anything. We reach 15 minutes, time is running out! Takagi rises up, and Henare aims to PENALTY- NO, Takagi blocks! Henare fires off palm strikes, but Takagi just catches an arm! SNAP MADE IN JAPAN!!
Fans are thunderous as now Takagi cannot make the cover! Fans rally and Takagi drags himself to a corner. Takagi stands up, aims at Henare, and runs in to PUMPING BOMBER!! Cover, ONE?!?! Henare survives and shocks everyone!! We hit the three minute warning and Takagi runs again, to PUMPING BOMBER!!! Cover, TWO!??! Again, Henare shocks everyone! This is the power of Maori pride! Takagi pounds the mat in frustration, and he roars as he brings Henare up! Pump handle, torture rack, but Henare slips free! Takagi throws a forearm, but Henare gives it back. So Takagi SLAPS Henare!
Henare throws another forearm, and Takagi SLAPS him again! It becomes a SLAP fight! Fans fire up as Takagi fires off forearms! And then boxing elbows! Takagi goes all the way to nine, but Henare BODY BLOWS! Two minute warning as Henare SPIN HEEL KICKS! But Takagi ENZIGURIS! But Henare PENALTY KICKS! But Takagi’s up, DOUBLE LARIATS collide!! Both men lean on each other and fans are thunderous! They clinch, and Takagi powers up, but Henare HEADBUTTS! Takagi HEADBUTTS! DOUBLE HEADBUTTS collide!! Takagi JABS!! Henare HEADBUTTS and falls on the cover! ONE?!?!?
Fans are electric as Henare PENALTY KICKS!! Cover, TWO!??!!??! We’re at the last minute now!! Henare hurries to get Takagi up but Takagi holds onto Henare’s leg! Takagi fires fast shots, but so does Henare! Henare HEAEDBUTTS, HEADBUTTS, and STREETS OF RAGE!!! But again he can’t make the cover!!! THIRTY SECONDS, and Henare crawls over! Henare hooks a leg to cover, HENARE WINS!!!!
Winner: Henare, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Takagi earns 0)
With just seconds to spare, the Face of Fury has a massive win! This isn’t just a win in the G1 but a win over a former KOPW, NEVER Openweight AND IWGP World Heavyweight Champion! Is this a sign that big things are in Henare’s future?
G1 Climax 33, D Block: Tetsuya Naito VS Hirooki Goto!
The leader of Los Ingobernables de Japon took a Tour of the Islands last round, but the Fierce Warrior came out on top against fellow Chaos member, Yano. Will Goto keep the momentum going towards former prominence? Or will Naito hit one out of the park?
As usual, Naito takes his time with his elaborate entrance attire. Goto is patient, and he waits as Naito takes his time with the pants. The bell rings and the fans rally up and duel, “NA-I-TO!” “GO~TO!” Goto and Naito circle, approach, but then back away. They circle again, tie up, and are in a deadlock. Goto powers Naito back, Red Shoes calls the break, and Goto lets off with pats on the shoulders. Fans cheer the sportsmanship and the two reset. Goto and Naito circle again, tie up, and Goto waistlocks. Naito wrenches out, keeps Goto from ropes with the wristlock, but Goto rolls and wrenches back.
Naito slips through to full nelson, but Goto breaks that and hammerlocks. Naito switches the hammerlock onto Goto then headlocks. Goto endures as Naito grinds, and Goto powers up and out. Naito holds ropes, then BOOTS back! Naito swings, Goto ducks ‘n’ dodges, but Naito rolls under the lariat to tranquilo! Only for Goto to KICK him in the back! Naito writhes his way out of the ring and Goto pursues. Goto puts Naito back in, fans rally up, but Naito bails out the side. Goto goes back out after Naito and kicks him before putting him back in again. Only for Naito to roll all the way to the other side.
Naito bails out again but Goto still pursues. Naito kicks now, and whips Goto into railing! Goto staggers, and Naito kicks him again! Then NECKBREAKER to the floor! Both men are down and Red Shoes checks them. Fans rally up as Naito and Goto are both okay to continue. Red Shoes starts a ring count but Naito gets in quickly. Goto writhes at 5 of 20, sputters and sits up at 10, and he crawls his way around at 12. Goto clutches his neck and stands at 17, to slide in at 18! And Naito stomps Goto down! Naito brings Goto up, whips him to ropes, and ELBOWS him down, to then basement dropkick! Naito stands Goto up, to NECKBREAKER again! Cover, TWO!
Naito keeps cool and he brings Goto up again. Naito snapmares Goto, to then cravat and neck wrench! Goto endures, kicks around, fights up, but Naito CLUBS him! And SPITS at him! Goto goes to a corner, Naito whips him corner to corner and runs in, but Goto avoids the jump kick! Naito BOOTS back, ELBOWS Goto, then runs, but Goto follows to LARIAT! Both men are down again and fans rally up! Goto crawls after Naito and brings him up to bump off buckles. Goto then whips corner to corner, runs in, and MURAMASA! Then SAIDO! Fans rally up again while both men are down, and Goto checks his neck before standing up.
Goto brings Naito up, fireman’s carries, but Naito CLUBS free! Goto avoids the heavy back elbow, and he ROCKS Naito with a forearm! Naito goes to the corner and Goto clotheslines him! Goto snapmares Naito down, then goes up the corner! Fans rally as Goto DIVING ELBOWS! Cover, TWO! Naito is still in this but Goto brings him back up. Goto drags Naito up, fireman’s carries, but Naito fights with more elbows! Naito then atomic drops, and TORNADO DDTS! Both men are down again and fans fire back up! Naito and Goto stir, and Naito sits up first. Fans rally and Naito stalks Goto to a corner.
Naito puts Goto up top, climbs up after him, and fires forearms! Goto fires forearms back and they brawl up top! Naito gets the edge, then stands on the very top, to SUPER STEINER! Fans fire up and Naito crawls to the cover, TWO! But into PLUMA BLANCA! Goto endures Naito’s modified Koji Klutch and he kicks around! Fans rally, Goto keeps fighting, but he’s also fading! Goto reaches out with a leg, fights his way over, but Naito pulls tighter on the hold! Goto kicks and kicks and gets the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer and Red Shoes counts, but Naito holds on, so Red Shoes pries at the hold. Naito lets go and fans rally up.
Goto sputters while Naito stands. Naito drags Goto up, but Goto fights the scoop! Goto throws body shots, but Naito ROCKS him with forearm after forearm! Goto drops to a knee, so Naito stands him up. Naito goes to scoop but Goto fights it again! Naito throws those heavy back elbows! Goto falls over, but Naito drags him back up. Naito reels Goto in, but Goto shoots around to roll Naito up! TWO, and Naito stands to throw an elbow! And an ENZIGURI! Goto staggers around, Naito CORRIENDO- NO, Goto blocks to SHOULDER BUSTER USHIGOROSHI! Fans rally up while both men are down again!
Red Shoes checks both men as Naito writhes and Goto stirs. Goto sits up, but Naito throws a forearm! So Goto throws a forearm back! Both men sit up, then Naito throws another forearm! Goto sits up and throws another forearm himself! Fans rally as Naito sits back up. Naito throws a forearm, Goto throws it back, and they go back and forth! Fans rally up as they pick up speed! Naito SPITS in Goto’s face, then fires a flurry! Goto SPITS back and fires a flurry! Fans fire up as Goto eggs Naito on! But Naito throws those heavy elbows! Goto drops to his knees and fans rally as Naito brings Goto back up. Goto HEADBUTTS!
Goto brings Naito up, and HEADBUTTS again! Naito goes to a corner, slumps down, and fans rally and duel! “GO~TO!” “NA-I-TO!” Goto staggers, Naito drags himself up with ropes, and Goto runs in! Goto blocks boots, puts Naito in ropes, and DRAPING GTRS!! Naito flounders, Goto covers, TWO!! Naito survives and fans rally up again. Goto drags Naito back up, turns him around, but Naito spins that around to scoop! Goto fights free, wrenches, but Naito ROCKS him, and ROLLING KICKS! We hit 15 minutes as Goto LARIATS Naito down! Fans fire up as Goto goes back to Naito and drags him up!
Goto fireman’s carries, USHIGOROSHI! Cover, TWO!! Naito is still in this and fans rally up! Goto pounds the mat, fans rally behind him and he drags Naito up. Goto dragon sleepers, but Naito throws hands from below! Goto blocks that to reel Naito in for another fireman’s carry! But Naito DESTINOS free of it!! Both men are down and fans rally up again. Naito pushes himself up off the mat and he crawls after Goto. Naito raises the LIJ fist and fans fire up! Naito staggers over, brings Goto up in the corner, and then hops up for REVERSE TORNADO DDT!! Cover, TWO!! Goto survives and we hit the three minute warning!
Fans fire up as Naito stands Goto up again. Naito wrenches, but Goto elbows him away! So Naito throws a heavy elbow! Naito wrenches, tilt-o-whirls, DESTINO!!! Cover, Naito wins!
Winner: Tetsuya Naito, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Goto earns 0)
The Uncontrollable Charisma makes good on his second at-bat! But there are still many more innings to go, will Naito avoid being struck out this year? As for Goto, is his return to the top of the G1 now that much trickier?
G1 Climax 33, C Block: Tomohiro Ishii VS Tama Tonga w/ Jado!
Neither the Stone Pitbull or the Good Bad Guy won in the opening round, but surely one of them changes that tonight. Who rebounds in the best way and closes out the night?
The bell rings and fans rally as the two tie up. They’re in a deadlock, but Ishii pushes Tama back a step. Tama digs in his heels to push Ishii back a step, and then they break. Ishii fires a forearm, Tama hits him back, and Ishii eggs him on! They go back and forth, faster and faster, and fans rally up. Ishii gets the edge, whips, but Tama reverses. Ishii holds ropes, RAMS Tama, but Tama rebounds to run Ishii over! Fans fire up and Tama CLUBS away on Ishii’s chest! Tama lets off to stomps Ishii around, but Ishii just eggs him on! Tama stomps Ishii again, throws down elbows, but Ishii is still defiant. So Tama CLUBS Ishii in the head!
Tama brings Ishii up but Ishii lifts! Tama fights that with a headlock but Ishii powers out. Tama holds ropes now, runs in, but Ishii runs him over! Fans fire up while Ishii steadies himself. Ishii goes to Tama, drags him up, and CHOPS him! Tama staggers, Red Shoes says that was a little high. Ishii CHOPS Tama in the corner, and CHOPS, but Tama eggs him on. So Ishii CHOPS again! And again! And again! Tama feels those and he staggers away. Ishii eggs Tama on, Tama throws a forearm, but Ishii doesn’t budge! Ishii storms up on Tama in the corner, and Tama tries to push him away. Ishii holds firm, even as Tama fires forearm after forearm!
Ishii CHOPS Tama right down! Fans rally and Ishii looms over Tama. Ishii kicks Tama around, brings him up, but Tama again fights the back suplex. Tama UPPERCUTS, UPPERCUTS again, but Ishii just takes them! Ishii hooks the arms but Tama rolls through the backslide to UPPERCUT Ishii down! Fans rally up and Tama drags Ishii up. Tama whips Ishii to a corner, runs in and elbows! Tama whips Ishii back into the corner to elbow again! Tama whips, Ishii reverses but Tama comes back to CLOBBER Ishii! Fans rally as Tama stalks Ishii. Ishii goes to a corner, so Tama gets space. Tama runs in to STINGER SPLASH!
Fans fire up as Tama scoops Ishii to POWERSLAM! Cover, TWO! Ishii is tough but Tama stays focused. Tama kicks Ishii around, drags him up, but Ishii suplexes Tama first! Fans fire up while both men are down again! Ishii rises and he stalks Tama to a corner. Ishii slaps Tama around, then CHOPS him! And forearms! And CHOPS! And forearms! Ishii repeats that over and over, then sits Tama down with forearms! Red Shoes reprimands and counts but Ishii keeps raining them in! Ishii then eggs Tama on and fans rally up. Tama crawls but Ishii brings Tama up to whip corner to corner, only for Tama to reverse!
Ishii comes back, Tama throws a forearm! Ishii roars so Tama fires off forearm after forearm! Ishii ROCKS Tama with just one! Ishii then reels Tama in and GERMAN SUPLEXES! Fans fire up while both men are down! Ishii rises first, watches Tama rise, and then Ishii runs, but Tama ducks the lariat to shove, follow, redirect and swing, but Ishii shoves him away! Things keep moving, Tama hurdles but Ishii redirects?! Tama keeps moving, and he catches Ishii for an EXPLODER! But Ishii’s right up! He gets around to GERMAN SUPLEX again! But Tama stands, ducks a lariat, and fireman’s carries for S R C!
But Ishii’s right up!? Only to flop over! And Tama hurries up top! SUPREME FLOP as Ishii moves! Fans rally up while both men are down, and Tama rolls away to the far corner. Tama drags himself up, Ishii runs in, and Ishii clotheslines Tama! Fans rally, Ishii brings Tama up and puts him on the top rope. Ishii climbs up after Tama, and brings Tama up for a STALLING SUPERPLEX!! Fans fire up again, and Ishii crawls to a cover! TWO!! Fans rally as Ishii roars back to his feet! Ishii then watches Tama rise, and runs, but into a DROPKICK! Fans fire up as both men are down again!
Jado coaches Tama up and Tama drags himself up with ropes. Fans rally again, and Tama drags Ishii up. Ishii ROCKS Tama with a forearm first! And again, and again! Tama fires back but Ishii growls! Ishii boxing elbows, Tama swings, but into a fireman’s carry! But Tama slips free, TONGAN TWIST! We reach 10 minutes and Tama pounds the mat! Fans clap along, Ishii rises, and Tama runs in, but Ishii CLOBBERS him first! Ishii rises again, he drags Tama up, but Tama ROCKS him with a forearm! But Ishii HEADBUTTS! Tama SUPER FOREARMS! But Ishii HEADBUTTS again!!
Fans fire up as Ishii staggers back to Tama. Ishii gets Tama up, for the RUNNING POWERBOMB! High stack, TWO!! Tama survives and fans fire back up! Ishii sits Tama up, runs, and SLIDING- NO, Tama ducks it to GUN- NO, Ishii just slam dunks Tama! And then SLIDING LARIATS!! Cover, TWO!! Tama survives and Ishii roars! Ishii drags Tama back up, reels him in, but Tama suplexes first! But Ishii rises! Tama jumps in, VENENO!! And OFF COMES THE VEST! Tama goes to the corner, climbs up, SUPREME FLOW!! Cover, TWO?!? Ishii survives and Tama can’t believe it! But the fans rally up as Tama watches Ishii.
Ishii stands, Tama runs in, but still no Gun Stun! Ishii SWATS the lariat, ENZIGURIS Tama, but Tama roars! Tama dodges the lariat, spins Ishii around, BLOODY SUNDAY!! Cover, TWO!?!? Ishii survives Tama’s shoutout to The Prince, but Tama says it’s time to finish this! Tama drags Ishii up, reels him in and underhooks, but Ishii fights free! Ishii dodges a lariat, and steals GUN STUN!?!? Fans are thunderous as Ishii roars! Ishii waits on Tama, then he runs to LARIAT!! Cover, TWO?!?!?! Tama survives and fans are thunderous! But Ishii vows to end this! Ishii drags Tama up, reels him in and suplexes, but Tama knees free!
Tama dodges a lariat, spins Ishii around, DEAD SHOCK- NO, Ishii back drops free! But Tama lands on his feet to ENZIGURI! Fans fire up as we hit 15 minutes, and Ishii runs in! Tama dodges the lariat, but Ishii fights off the Gun Stun again! Ishii suplexes, but Tama GUN STUNS out of it!!! Tama roars, drags Ishii back up, and reels him in! Underhooks for DEAD SHOCK DRIVER!!! Cover, TAMA WINS!
Winner: Tama Tonga, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Ishii earns 0)
The GBG wins with the DSD, and now he’s on the board! The Stone Pitbull, however, is 0-2 and at the bottom of the block! Will Ishii be able to make the third round the charm?
As for Tama, Jado gets him the mic, and Tama tells Ishii, “Arigato. <Thank you.>” Fans cheer the show of respect, and Tama continues to say, “You know my story. A NJPW dojo boy.” Fans cheer that, and Tama says, “I promise, never give up, and I promise this G1, my best G1 ever. SENDAAAAI~!” Fans cheer and Tama tells them in Japanese, “Thank you all for coming tonight!” Tama takes a bow and the fans cheer again. Will the Good Bad Guy be the best guy the rest of this G1?
Here are the NEW C Block standings!
David Finlay: 2-0, 4 points
EVIL: 2-0, 4 points
Mikey Nicholls: 1-1, 2 points
Eddie Kingston: 1-1, 2 points
Aaron Henare: 1-1, 2 points
Tama Tonga: 1-1, 2 points
Shingo Takagi: 0-2, 0 points
Tomohiro Ishii: 0-2, 0 points
Here are the NEW D Block standings!
Jeff Cobb: 2-0, 4 points
Zack Sabre Jr: 2-0. 4 points
Tetsuya Naito: 1-1, 2 points
Hiroshi Tanahashi: 1-1, 2 points
Hirooki Goto: 1-1, 2 points
Shane Haste: 1-1, 2 points
Toru Yano: 0-1, 0 points
Alex Coughlin: 0-2, 0 points
My Thoughts:
A great fourth night for the G1, and second night for the C and D Blocks. Not that many surprising results, but I really like how they’re playing close to that 20 minute time limit. They got a couple of matches within those last few minutes, and that adds to the drama automatically. Henare winning was perhaps the big surprise of the night, especially with how close he and Takagi came to a time limit draw. But even without that, Henare beating Takagi is a great move for his second round match, given it is redemption from losing last round in the debut of his new Face of Fury look.
ZSJ VS Yano was a hilarious opener, Finlay got a solid match with Mikey, and Cobb VS Coughlin was a great display of two men who are surprisingly agile and strong. And of course Evil finds a way to cheat Eddie so he can stay undefeated in the block. This really pumps up the next round, Evil VS Finlay as leaders of their factions within the larger, convoluted Bullet Club family tree. I really hope NJPW pulls the trigger (pun intended) on a Bullet Club Civil War, and they could even do it as a war on two fronts. Finlay’s War Dogs can battle the House of Torture to finally have House of Torture split off and be their own thing, and the War Dogs will also fight Bullet Club Gold in a crossover with AEW or something like that. We just finally need closure.
My Score: 8.8/10
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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.
About Chairshot Radio Network
Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!
MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)
TUESDAY - Musical Chairs (music) / Hockey Talk (NHL)
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THURSDAY - Keeping the news ridiculous... The Oddity / Chairshot NFL (NFL)
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CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS
Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)
TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends
Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5
Classic POD is WAR
Chairshot Radio Network Your home for the hardest hitting podcasts... Sports, Entertainment and Sports Entertainment!
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