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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Can the Last Real Champion handle The Truth?
While the King & Queen of the Ring tournaments reach their semifinals, John Cena has his first match on SmackDown in years, against Ron Killings!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Queen of the Ring Semifinals: Asuka VS Alexa Bliss; Asuka wins and advances to Night of Champions.
- Aleister Black VS Kit Wilson; No Contest.
- King of the Ring Semifinals: Randy Orton VS Sami Zayn; Orton wins and advances to Night of Champions.
- Charlotte Flair VS Chelsea Green w/ The Secret Her-vice; Charlotte wins.
- Bronson Reed w/ Paul Heyman & Bron Breakker VS LA Knight; Knight wins, by disqualification.
- John Cena VS Ron Killings; Killings wins, by disqualification.
PLAY BY PLAY
LA Knight is here!
Grand Rapids fires up as the Mega Star marches right to the ring. Knight grabs a mic while the fans chant his name, and he says, “LEMME TALK TO YA!” The fans cheer, and Knight says, “Let’s just go ahead and rewind our mind a little bit. We go to back to Money in the Bank, Seth and his boys, they just happen to come down and screw this guy.” The fans boo that. Knight says usually, he lets things slide. But he just figured he couldn’t let it slide, so he made sure to screw on of Rollins’ boys in their title opportunity, King of the Ring. But then they came back, paid it back and screwed Knight outta KOTR, so he had to go and screw the other one over!
And it just has Knight thinking. Fans “YEAH!” and Knight says there is only one way this can go. He has gone back and forth between Raw and SmackDown, where it ends, nobody knows! Except Knight! He knows! He knows where this ends! The fans cheer that! And Knight says it ends with him and Rollins! And what better place than here? And what better time than now! Knight tells Rollins to come on out and talk to him! But “Ladies and gentlemen…” The fans boo as Paul Heyman walks out and gives his introductions. He serves as the Wise Man to Mr. Money in the Bank, Seth FREAKIN’ Rollins!
Heyman says you do not boo that name. And you screwed up your cue, so they’ll do this again. He serves as the Wise Man for Seth Freakin’ Rollins! The fans keep booing, Heyman wants to try again, but Knight says shut up and get to the point! Why is Heyman here?! Heyman walks to the ring and asks permission to step inside. The fans chant “O T C! O T C!” but Knight steps back. Heyman steps into the ring, and he says yes, there has been a lot of bad blood between Knight and Mr. MITB, Seth Freakin’ Rollins. However, Heyman happens to be, with all due respect to everyone here in Grand Rapids, Michigan…
The fans chant “C M PUNK!” at Heyman now and he frowns. Knight says Heyman has a lot of enemies. Heyman says he is the biggest LA Knight fan in all of WWE! Heyman’s been waiting a long time to say this: YEAH! Now, because of that, Seth Freakin’ Rollins (the fans boo again) has allowed Heyman to say to Knight, as a favor to Heyman… It is time for Knight to get the hell outta Grand Rapids, Michigan. Because if he does not, something really bad is going to happen to him before the end of the night. Have a nice evening. Heyman turns to go but the fans cheer Knight on. Knight says he couldn’t help but notice, but did you~ (poking fun at Heyman’s voice cracking) threaten Knight?
Because Knight wants to wrap his head around this. He’s heard Heyman say stuff like this before, because Heyman is a liar, a swindler, a grifter, a scammer and a schemer! Heyman leeches on to any talent that has a bit of hype, sucks ’em dry, then moves on to the next! Rollins just happens to be the latest in this. But where next? Who cares! But the bottom line is, Knight asked for Rollins but he got Heyman. And while he got Heyman, he got a Heyman out here talking all tough. So it has Knight thinking, he has a great idea.
Talking about wise man, wisdom, there was a point in time if Heyman had said something like that, a man like Knight would look at a “thing” like Heyman and punched his wisdom teeth down his throat! Knight won’t do that, yet. But here’s the deal: Heyman’s talking all tough, but if he can’t bring Rollins out here, then the only thing to do out here in Grand Rapids is Knight fighting Heyman here and now! The fans fire up for that! Knight asks if the fans want that, and they cheer! “HUH?” “YEAH!” “HUH?” “YEAH!” “YEAH!!” Knight promises he’ll turn around, take his vest off, and Heyman gets the first shot. He better make it good, or Knight will molly whop his ass right outta Grand Rapids!
The fans fire up as Knight does as promised. He turns around, his vest is off, but Heyman bails? The fans boo as the Wise Man doesn’t play along. Heyman says, “Remember when I told you to get the hell out of Grand Rapids or else something really bad is gonna happen to you before the end of the night? That wasn’t a prediction. That… was a spoiler!” Heyman throws down his mic, and here comes Bronson Reed & Bron Breakker! Rollins’ behemoths head to the ring, but Knight fires off on them first! The fans rally as Knight throws hands and feet, but then Bron TACKLES Knight! Bronson joins in and they mug Knight right out of the ring!
Bronson drags Knight up to TOSS him over barriers! Bron clears the desk, he wants Bronson to put Knight through it! But Knight has a chair! He JAMS Bron, JAMS Bronson, then SMACKS Bron and SMACKS Bronson! Knight gets in the ring, ready to hit whoever gets in! The fans cheer Knight but Heyman has Bron & Bronson stand down. Will Heyman have the henchmen try again before the end of tonight?
SmackDown returns and…
Heyman has Bron & Bronson calm down, they have this under control. It is all in their favor, and it always will be in their favor. That is the whole point behind this. Byron Saxton steps in and wants to talk to them, but Heyman has to hold Bron back like the dog he is! Heyman says no need to bite Byron. Byron apologizes, he has word from SmackDown GM, Nick Aldis, that Bronson Reed VS LA Knight is set for tonight. Heyman says okay, thank you, and goodbye. Byron leaves and Heyman smiles. He told them! Patience is not a virtue, it is strategy. Bronson smiles and nods. Will Auzsilla destroy LA here in Grand Rapids?
Queen of the Ring Semifinals: Asuka VS Alexa Bliss!
Two great returns to action through this tournament, and now they cross paths with each other. The Empress of Tomorrow overcame Ivy Nile, Raquel Rodriguez and Stephanie Vaquer while Lil’ Miss Bliss outsmarted Alba Fyre, Candice LeRae and Charlotte Flair. But whose comeback story overtakes the other’s here just one match away from Night of Champions?
The bell rings and the two circle. They tie up, Alexa headlocks, but Asuka powers up and out. Alexa RAMS Asuka, Asuka roars, and the fans fire up as Asuka fires hands! Alexa blocks a kick to THROW Asuka down, then basement DROPKICK! The fans cheer as Asuka and Alexa reset. Alexa kicks, Asuka blocks and slips through to waistlock. Alexa elbows free, runs, but Asuka runs past her to then RUN her over! The fans fire up and Asuka runs in again, HIP ATTACK! Alexa falls to the floor and the fans fire up while SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Asuka lets Alexa stay down while she soaks up the cheers. The ring count starts, Alexa rises, but Asuka goes out after her. Alexa slips inside and DROPKICKS Asuka’s leg! Asuka falls from the apron but she has to nod respect for that savvy move. Asuka steps back in at 6 of 10, and she resets with Alexa. They circle, feel things out, and tie up. Asuka wrenches and wristlocks, but Alexa rolls and wrenches to hammerlock. Alexa waistlocks, rolls Asuka, TWO! The two stand off again and they both nod respect. They reset, the fans rally up, and the two feel things out. Asuka trips Alexa, clamps on with a headlock, and she grinds Alexa down.
Alexa endures, Asuka turns her over to go after the arm, then she stands on Alexa’s arm. Alexa endures, Asuka shifts arms, but Alexa wrenches out to wrangle Asuka. Alexa shifts to a cording hold, but Asuka fights up and fires body shots. Alexa whips Asuka to a corner, but Asuka elbows her away! And BOOTS! Asuka goes up, leaps, and MISSILE DROPKICKS! Cover, TWO! Alexa stays in this but Asuka stays focused. Asuka drags Alexa around and gives her Kawada Kicks! SmackDown returns to single picture, and Asuka wrenches for a chicken wing! Alexa fights the Asuka Lock and JAWBREAKERS free! Alexa runs up to RUN Asuka over!
The fans rally as Alexa rallies, then hits a BLOCKBUSTER! The fans fire up as Alexa SLAPS, ROCKS, and KNEES Asuka down! Then SOMERSAULT SENTON! Cover, TWO! Asuka stays in this and Alexa grows frustrated. The fans rally while Alexa brings Asuka up. Asuka breaks free to URAKEN, SOBAT, FRONT KICK, and GERMAN SUPLEX! Alexa tumbles away, Asuka runs up, SLIDING KICK! Cover, TWO! The fans rally up as Asuka stands and takes aim. But Alexa ducks the buzzsaw! Cover, TWO! Alexa clinches, TWISTED- NO, Asuka rolls Alexa up! TWO! Alexa sits up, BUZZSAW! Cover, TWO!! Alexa survives but Asuka just fires up!
The fans rally as Asuka goes to the corner. Asuka climbs from the outside, and MISSILE- NO, Alexa dodges this time! Alexa kicks and DDTS! Cover, TWO! Asuka stays in this and the fans fire up! “This is Awesome!” as Alexa drags Asuka into the drop zone. Alexa goes up, up, and the fans fire up! TWISTED- NO, Asuka moves, so Alexa stops. Alexa won’t let Asuka sneak away, but then she gets caught in an ARMBAR!! Alexa flails, rolls, but ends up in an omoplata! RINGS OF SATURN!! Alexa fights around, pops her arm free for a cover, TWO!! Asuka reels Alexa in, NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO!!
The fans fire up as Alexa stays in this! Asuka fires up, the fans are with her, and she runs up, only for Alexa to ROCK her with a right! Alexa puts Asuka in the Tree of Woe, and she DROPKICKS Asuka out of it! Alexa climbs back up, and TWISTED BLISS onto knees!! Asuka still counters the moonsault, and hits the EMPRESS IMPACT!! Cover, Asuka wins!
Winner: Asuka, by pinfall (advances to Night of Champions)
The Empress says no one is ready for Asuka, and that has certainly been the case! But on Raw, we find out, will it be Jade Cargill or Roxanne Perez that meets Asuka in Saudi Arabia?
Jade Cargill, Mia Yim & B-Fab watch backstage.
And Fab says damn, Asuka just came back and she’s already making statements. Almost like she never left. Michin says maybe they need to make their own statements. They need to talk to Aldis about the tag titles. Fab agrees. Fab & Mia wish Jade luck before heading out. Byron walks in and asks if he can have a word. Jade says shoot. Byron says Asuka just advanced, but Jade has her match on Monday with Roxanne Perez. How does Jade feel about facing a talented competitor like Roxie? And how does she feel about the possibility of facing Asuka in the finals? Jade says “Rox” has potential. Roxie is quick and scrappy.
But she’s still trying to prove herself. And this isn’t a proving ground, this is a throne room, and Jade was built for royalty. As for Asuka, there’s a storm on the horizon. But news flash, Jade is that storm. This entire tournament wasn’t built for the future, but for a woman who can walk through fire, shatter glass ceilings, and take her crown on the way to the top. This Queen of the Ring, Jade isn’t just walking in to win. She’s here to reign. Will the Prodigy be washed away by the storm this Monday?
Alexa Bliss returns backstage.
And Chelsea Green finds her. Flanked by her Secret Her-vice, The Hot Mess asks, “Hey, little fu-fu, how’s your boo-boo?” Alexa asks back, “How’s yours?” Piper tells Chelsea not to get upset, Alexa is just jealous. Chelsea says this serves Alexa right. Chelsea should be Queen of the Ring, and she’d be building her parliament if not for Alexa! Oh, if she has that big of an issue, then try facing her in the ring. Chelsea says she will! But then Charlotte Flair walks in and says if anyone should’ve still been in this tournament, it’s her. But had Chelsea’s “replacement” tapped out sooner, maybe she would.
So here’s the deal: Charlotte will have a match made and tap Chelsea out instead. N-Not if Chelsea makes it a bank holiday! ROYAL DUTIES! NICHOLAS! Chelsea hurries away with the Secret Her-vice following, and Alexa tells Charlotte that she doesn’t need Charlotte’s help. Oh, that’s cute. Because Charlotte wasn’t helping Alexa. Charlotte leaves now, leaving Alexa to chew on that. Will The Queen chew up the Hot Mess and spit her out now that she has nothing better to do?
Aleister Black VS Kit Wilson!
The Dark Father is also directionless now that he is out of the King of the Ring tournament, but he never lets that bother him. Will he make himself the direction all roads lead when things #FadeToBlack? Or will Kit prove he can be Pretty Deadly all on his own?
Wait, who is attacking Kit? It’s R-TRUTH! But why’s Ron Killings going after Kit?! He POSTS Kit, drags him back out, and puts him in an STF!! The fans fire up and Kit taps, but it won’t matter when this isn’t a match! Killings lets Kit out of the hold and demands a mic. A mic is given, and Killings says, “Get John Cena out here now. I’m driving! On my terms! Cena, get out here!” The fans fire up and then Killings puts Kit back in the STF! Aleister is rather confused, but producers hurry out here to stop Truth. Truth lets Kit go, Jamie Noble asks Truth wait for the main event. Truth seethes, but he accepts the terms.
Killings leaves, walking right past Aleister. Will there be no denying The Truth when he finally gets his hands on the Last Real Champion?
Jamie Noble talks with Truth backstage.
Jamie says Truth has to calm down. Truth says he wants John Cena NOW! He’s driving! Yes, okay, but just wait. Truth promises that when he sees Cena, he is killing him tonight! Aleister steps in and asks Truth why he is getting involved in Aleister’s match. Truth says it wasn’t personal, it had nothing to do with Aleister. These two stare down, and then Damian Priest steps in. The Archer of Infamy has Aleister stand down. Truth is going through a lot, let Priest talk to him. Oh, of course. Aleister says, “Ron.” “Black.” Aleister leaves, Priest tells Truth that there’s no need for any of that. Priest gets Truth is frustrated, but he can’t just go beat up people for no reason.
Priest used to do that, and Truth was the guy there to make him smile. Truth made the world smile! All that anger and negativity, focus that on the match tonight. Focus that on John Cena. Go out there and handle business with Cena, then Priest and Truth can go downtown to celebrate. How’s that sound? Truth says sounds good, DP. They shake hands, and Priest heads out. Truth is still seething, but will he make sure it all explodes on Cena?
Cody Rhodes is here!
Grand Rapids sings along as The American Nightmare makes his way out, “WHOA~ OH~!” Cody gets his pyro, he high-fives fans in the front row, then looks closely at the King of the Ring’s crown. Cody goes to the ring and grabs the mic. He hears the fans cheer him on, but then Jey Uso is here! The fans fire up as Main Event Jey makes his way down through the crowd! A young fan joins in bouncing along, but so does all of Grand Rapids! Jey continues down the stands, finds another young fan, and they bounce along again. Jey then reaches ringside, high-fives the front row, and he joins Cody in the ring as we get the next wave of YEET!
Grand Rapids might want to YEET all night, but Jey hugs it out with Cody before he gets his own mic. The music dies down, the fans chant, “One More Time! One More Time!” and Cody says sure, one more is fine. Jey says okay, and yes, the fans get to YEET again! Jey says hey, Cody doesn’t even have to say nothing. They been in the trenches! “YEET!” Still in the trenches! “YEET!” From fighting The Bloodline… “YEET!” To winning tag titles… “YEET!” To finishing their stories at WrestleMania! “YEET!” They’ve both been to the mountaintop. “YEET!” But Cody, on Monday, there is only room for one of them.
The fans are intrigued, and Cody nods. Jey says there’s only one that can go. Cody VS Jey, Jey VS Cody, and Jey knows Cody will bring it. Jey has to get his, Uce. He has to, just like Cody has to get his. But that said, Uce, it ain’t personal. This all business. But that all said, too, Uce, on Monday, after they go to war, please believe that it will be four letters, one word, uh uh… YEET! Cody smiles and the fans cheer. They shake hands again, and wait! Here comes Sami Zayn! The fans cheer as the Great Liberator makes his way to the ring. Sami grabs a mic to say, “This is nice, isn’t it? I get to share the ring with two great friends.”
The fans applaud, and Sami says he is in the ring with two of the very best that this business has to offer! The fans cheer that, too! Sami says he’d be lying if he denied there was a part of him that sees the three of them in this ring, and notices how only one of them has never been world champion. Jey, Sami wants him to know, man to man, this year, Sami missed Mania. Sami had no reason to be in Las Vegas, but he got his ass on a plane to Vegas for one reason: To congratulate Jey the moment he won the World Heavyweight Championship! Sami loves Jey, and he is proud of him. And Cody, for years, everyone watched as Cody finished his story.
And when Cody did, he did the unthinkable and pinned Roman Reigns in the middle of this ring, Sami was the first one out here to congratulate Cody. Sami is so proud that Cody finished his story. So he hopes both men understand that now, it is time for Sami to finish HIS story! The fans cheer, but then here comes Randy Orton! The Viper looks at the crown, then goes to the ring. The fans sing along with Voices and Orton grabs himself a mic. “So Cody, same deal as last week but I’m gonna say it again. There is no line I will not cross, even if it means going through you, so that I can get to John Cena at SummerSlam, beat him, and get my FIFTEENTH world championship!”
The fans cheer, and Orton tells Jey, “Man, I respect the… Hell outta you, dude. Our families go way, way, way back. Nothing but love, dude. But if you’re standing across the ring from me at SummerSlam, it’s not gonna be four letters, one word. It’s gonna be three letters, one move.” The fans say it, “R K O!” And Orton says he not only speaks for himself but for everyone here in this arena when he says, and from the bottom of his heart, one day and one day soon, Sami Zayn will be world champion. But not at SummerSlam. Because tonight, Sami is on the receiving end of the three most dangerous letters in sports entertainment: R K O.
Orton drops the mic, and it is time to put those words into action. Will it be the Legend Killer or the Underdog from the Underground that heads for Saudi Arabia?
King of the Ring Semifinals: Randy Orton VS Sami Zayn!
SmackDown returns, the bell rings, and these two circle. They tie up, Sami wrenches, ELBOW BREAKERS, then wristlocks. Orton endures, fights up, and the fans duel. Orton wrenches Sami in return to then headlock. Sami endures, powers up to wrench again, and he grinds the arm. Sami wrenches and CHOPS, and Orton goes to the corner. Sami CHOPS, CHOPS, and CHOPS! The fans “WOO~” but the ref counts. Orton pushes past Sami, bails out of the ring, and he is pretty red already. Sami builds speed but he fakes Orton out with the Arabian Press! The fans fire up and Orton has to admit that was good.
Orton goes up the steps and steps back into the ring. The fans rally, Orton and Sami tie up, and Orton puts Sami in the corner. Orton lets off slowly, but he pokes Sami in the eyes! The fans boo but Orton UPPERCUTS! And UPPERCUTS! But Sami pokes Orton in the eyes! The ref caught that one and reprimands Sami. Sami TOSSES Orton out, goes to the apron, but Orton YANKS Sami down! Sami hits off the apron, and Orton reels him in, DESK BACK SUPLEX! Sami writhes and Orton rolls into the ring, just to refresh the count. Fans want that “One More Time!” and Orton agrees! DESK BACK SUPLEX again!
Sami writhes more and whatever monitor wasn’t busted, they’re busted now! Orton leaves Sami behind for a moment while SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Orton goes out to fetch Sami, but Sami fights off a third back suplex! Orton kicks low, brings Sami over, but Sami blocks the smack off the steel steps! Orton sputters, Sami stalks him, and Sami decides to give him some payback! But Orton ROCKS Sami first! Orton SMACKS Sami off the desk, puts him in the ring, and covers, TWO! Sami stays in this but Orton looms over him. Sami rises, Orton puts him in a corner, and Orton fires body shots. Orton climbs up and rains down fists! Orton gets to eight before Sami fires back! Sami has Orton in another corner, climbs up, and Sami rains down a fast TEN!
Sami huffs ‘n’ puffs and CHOPS! Orton is stinging but Sami CHOPS him again! Sami wrenches, ELBOW BREAKERS, and whips! Orton reverses, Sami hits buckles hard, and Sami falls in a heap. Orton dusts himself off and looms over Sami again. Orton stomps Sami’s hand! Sami writhes and clutches his finger. Orton stomps Sami’s foot, ten the other foot! And then the other hand! Sami sits up, SmackDown returns to single picture, and Orton CLUBS away on Sami’s chest! Orton DECKS Sami, the fans cheer, and Orton brings Sami up. Orton whips, Sami goes up and over, and Sami LARIATS Orton down! The fans fire up again as Sami rises!
Sami goes to the corner, Orton runs up, but Sami ELBOWS him! Sami goes up, AX HANDLES, and the fans fire up more! Orton takes a swing, but Sami slips around! Orton fights the Blue Thunder, then LARIATS! And LARIATS! Orton dodges Sami to SNAP POWERSLAM! The fans fire up while Sami goes to the apron. Orton drags Sami in through the ropes, and DRAPING DDTS! The fans fire up as Orton hears those voices! Orton watches Sami rise, but then Sami bails out! The fans are torn but Sami is smart to avoid what was coming. Orton goes out to fetch Sami, SMACKS him off the desk, and then back suplexes, only for Sami to lands out!
Sami CLUBS Orton, and hits a DESK BACK SUPLEX on Orton! Sami puts Orton in the ring, goes to a corner, and the fans fire up as Orton rises. Orton runs in, Sami dodges, and Orton POSTS himself! Sami runs corner to corner, HELLUVA- SNAP POWERSLAM! Cover, TWO! Sami survives and Orton seethes. “This is Awesome!” as Sami goes back to a corner. Orton runs back in and he LARIATS! Orton runs but Sami follows! But Orton dodges the Helluva Kick! Sami gets stuck on the to rope, frees himself, and hobbles into an RK- NO! BLUE THUNDER BOMB!! Cover, TWO!! Orton survives and the fans fire up again!
“This is Awesome!” as Sami drags Orton to the drop zone. Sami goes up the corner, Orton stands and he gets under the leap! R K- NO, Sami SLAMS Orton down! And then HELLUVA- RKO!!! Orton crawls to the cover, Orton wins!!
Winner: Randy Orton, by pinfall (advances to Night of Champions)
Sami fought his heart out, but the Viper still strikes! Orton is going back to back in KOTR finals, but will he win the crown this time?
Nia Jax is here!
Grand Rapids boos as The Irresistible Force goes to the ring. She grabs the mic dot say, “You know what’s crazy? Tiffany Stratton approached me to be under my wing, because she knew exactly what I could do for her. And look, she’s thriving! And what kind of thanks did I get for it? She betrayed me. She has MY title!” But wait, here comes Tiffy! Grand Rapids cheers as the WWE Women’s Champion has the mic to tell Nia, “You’re like that toxic ex I just can’t get away from. News flash: get over it! You make excuse after excuse, but when are you just gonna admit that maybe I’m just better than you?”
The fans cheer and Tiff heads to the ring. Nia says yeah, okay, if Tiff is so much better, then give Nia a rematch without kicking a chair into her face. Tiff says if Nia’s so desperate for a match, it is her lucky day! She made it official for next week: Tiff VS Nia! And Tiff will have more fun adding more scars to that “five head” of Nia’s. Because it won’t just be a regular match. It will be Last Woman Standing! Nia takes a swing but Tiff dodge! Tiff fires off, kicks low, and runs up, but into a POP-UP HEADBUTT! And then Nia drops a leg, brother! Nia holds up the belt and soaks up the heat. Nia thinks about leaving, but decides to add on! ANOTHER leg drop, brother!
The fans boo but Nia says that’s not enough! Nia tells Wade & Joe that she’s taking the title! But wait! NAOMI is here, with a ref! Is she doing it!? Is she doing it?! But Nia YANKS Naomi out! Naomi tells her back off! Nia doesn’t, Naomi shoves her, but Nia still grabs at her! Tiff DROPKICKS Naomi onto Nia! Tiff avoids a cash-in because Nia was in the way, but is she setting herself up for failure with that extreme title match?
Charlotte Flair VS Chelsea Green w/ The Secret Her-vice!
The Queen was denied her crown, but she’s not even angry at Alexa Bliss, the one who took that opportunity from her. She instead looks to humble the Hot Mess that claims she would be queen if her demands were met. Who vents their frustrations and comes away with the win?
SmackDown returns and Charlotte makes her entrance. The bell rings and the fans actually cheer on Chelsea. Alba distracts Charlotte and Chelsea sucker punches her! The ref reprimands but Chelsea SMACKS Charlotte off the mat again and again! Chelsea salutes, but Charlotte CHOPS! Chelsea KNEES low, whips, but Charlotte goes up and out at the corner. Charlotte BOOTS Chelsea away, avoids Alba and KICKS her! Chelsea runs up, Charlotte RAMS her, and then Charlotte climbs up. CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO! Chelsea scrambles away and Charlotte runs up, but into an ELBOW! Charlotte GAMANGIRIS!
Charlotte snapmares, Chelsea distracts the ref, and Alba grabs Charlotte by the hair! Alba HOTSHOTS Charlotte and Chelsea hits a BACKSTABBER! Cover, TWO! Chelsea is furious but Charlotte stays in this, and SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns and Chelsea hops onto Charlotte for a SLEEPER! The fans rally, but Charlotte hits a BACKPACK SENTON! Charlotte is free, Chelsea runs back up, but Charlotte gives her a BACKBREAKER and BUCKLE SHOT! Chelsea falls back, Charlotte huffs ‘n’ puffs and runs up to fire hands! The fans fire up as Charlotte CHOPS and CHOPS and CHOPS! Charlotte CHOPS again, then clinches for an EXPLODER! And a kip up! The fans fire up and Charlotte salutes to poke fun at Chelsea. Charlotte runs, dodges, and handsprings to LARIAT! Cover, TWO! Chelsea survives but Charlotte stays on her by going for a leg.
Alba gets on the apron, so Charlotte BOOTS her down! The fans cheer, but Charlotte turns around into a ROUGH RYDER! Cover, TWO!! Charlotte survives and Chelsea is furious! Chelsea takes off her face protector and drags Charlotte up. Chelsea has the arms, turns Charlotte, but Charlotte shoves her away! Charlotte dodges and SPEARS! Cover, TWO!! Chelsea survives but Charlotte has the leg! FIGURE- CRADLE!! TWO!! Charlotte has the leg again, FIGURE FOUR! And the bridge for the FIGURE EIGHT!! Chelsea TAPS, Charlotte wins!
Winner: Charlotte Flair, by submission
But then Piper Niven SENTONS onto Charlotte!! Alba storms in, she and Piper mug Charlotte, but here comes Alexa! She RAMS into Piper, she ROCKS Alba, then she catches Chelsea! Charlotte LARIATS Alba out while Alexa hits a TWISTED SISTER ABIGAIL! And then Charlotte BOOTS Piper down! Charlotte and Alexa look at each other, and despite what either one thinks, maybe they both need the other after all. Alexa offers the handshake, but Charlotte walks right past Alexa. Alexa lets that slide, but will Charlotte come around soon enough?
Solo Sikoa talks with JC Mateo.
Why is JC taping up? Uh, duh, he’ll take out Jacob. No, Solo is going out there alone to talk with Jacob. Solo was the only one that Jacob would listen to. Jacob needs Solo. Solo will smooth things over. JC accepts that, but Solo does say that JC should stay ready. Solo is covering his bases, but will he need the Imperial Unit to put down the Samoan Werewolf? Or will it all be alright between them all?
Solo Sikoa heads to the ring.
SmackDown returns as the former Tribal Chief makes his way out, and Grand Rapids boos. Solo grabs the mic, takes a moment, and says, “Alright, Jacob. I’m out here in the middle of the ring, all alone, with open arms, willing to talk to you face to face. I feel terrible about what happened. So if you’re back there, come on out so we can clear the air.” Jacob Fatu makes his entrance and Grand Rapids cheers! Fatu holds up the United States Championship before he steps into the ring, and he has a mic of his own. The fans cheer on “FATU! FATU!” and Solo says he didn’t come out here to fight him, okay? He’s not here for that.
Solo wants to make it clear to Fatu that he loves him, always has loved him, no matter what. One thing Solo learned from being Tribal Chief is how to love family and how to take care of them. That’s all he’s trying to do. Families fight all the time. They fight, they argue, they forgive, and then they move forward. So they should move forward together, Jacob. Move forward as one. The fans boo that, but Solo says nobody saw the potential in Jacob except Solo. Nobody wanted Jacob here in the WWE, except Solo. That is why Solo brought Fatu here and gave him the chance to change his life and put food on his family’s table.
And why did Solo do that? Because Solo loves Jacob. He does. And to be honest, Solo doesn’t have anybody else. Fatu isn’t sure about that, but Solo says all he has is Fatu. And he’s all Solo needs. So come back to the family, and even if Jacob doesn’t say those four words, Solo will. Solo will say it for him, to him, loud enough so everybody can hear it! Solo tells Jacob, “I love you, Jacob.” The fans boo, they don’t trust this. Fatu paces as he thinks on that. “So you love me, huh?” Solo nods yes. So this is what it comes down to, huh? Solo loves Fatu? The way Fatu sees things, Solo has been using Fatu! Solo has been using Fatu to gain power, to fight his battles, and to stay Tribal Chief.
Hell, Solo brought Fatu in so Fatu could bring Solo fame! Solo brought Fatu in because he thought Fatu would bring him gold! Is that all this is about? Fame? Gold? Power? SOLO, LOOK AT HIM! Solo looks up from the floor while the fans cheer Fatu on. Fatu tells Solo that ever since he won the US Championship, Solo is the one that’s been acting different. And maybe Fatu isn’t the problem. Fatu just figured it out! The problem… is this. The problem is the US Championship. Fatu sets it down between him and Solo, and he says if this is what he thinks it is, then just fight him for it! Fight Fatu for the title! The fans fire up for that!
And Solo, Fatu will only warn you one time: If you ever think about coming this way, you know what Fatu is about! You know what’s poppin’ with Fatu, blood! And you know Jacob Fatu is all gas, no brakes with it! YADADADA- SOLO TAKES A SWING! Fatu blocks the spike and he HEADBUTTS! JC Mateo rushes out here! Fatu HEADBUTTS him, too! But Solo CHOP BLOCKS the legs! The fans boo but JC & Solo mug Fatu! But then here comes JIMMY USO! The fans fire up as #BigJim slides in, dodges Solo, and SUPERKICKS JC! And then he SUPERKICKS Solo! But JC LARIATS Jimmy down! JC HAMMERS Jimmy and Solo has him put Jimmy in the corner.
The fans boo but Solo tells Jimmy that he should’ve chosen Solo’s side, not Jacob’s! But speaking of, Fatu is up! The fans fire up as Fatu BODY CHECKS JC! Then he SUPERKICKS Solo! Solo is in a corner, Fatu fires off on him, HEADBUTT after HEADBUTT! SUPERKICK for JC! HIP ATTACK for Solo! The fans are fired up for the Samoan Werewolf, and he locks eyes with Jimmy. Jimmy came to Fatu’s rescue, Fatu just saved him, so Fatu goes up, up, only for Solo to bail out! No Best Moonsaults here in Grand Rapids, but will Fatu cut Solo down soon enough?
Bronson Reed w/ Paul Heyman & Bron Breakker VS LA Knight!
The Wise Man warned, or rather threatened, the Mega Star that he should just cut and run, but that’s not how he does things. Knight is ready to fight, but will he survive a battle with Auszilla? Or is a Tsunami about wipe out LA?
Wait, Knight doesn’t enter from the stage! He enters from the crowd! And he POSTS Bron! The fans fire up as Knight evens things out! He TOSSES Bronson out, throws his vest at him, and Bronson snarls. Bronson has Bron stand down, and says, “Tonight, I kill him.” Bronson steps into the ring, the bell sounds, and Knight fires off! The fans fire up as Knight fires hands, but Bronson puts him in the corner. Knight ELBOWS back, Knight fires more hands, “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” Knight whips but Bronson blocks! Bronson whips Knight to a corner, runs up, but Knight dodges! Bronson POSTS himself, and Knight stomps a mudhole in!
The fans rally, the ref counts, and Knight goes corner to corner, but into a fireman’s carry! Knight slips down to sunset flip, but Bronson stays up! Bronson jumps but Knight avoids the hip drop! Then Knight basement BOOTS! The fans fire up and Knight storms up on Bronson. Bronson TOSSES Knight to the apron, but Knight slingshots back in! Bronson catches Knight to a fireman’s carry! Knight flails free and he RAMS Bronson into a corner! But Bronson holds ropes to deny the Jump Neckbreaker! Bronson runs but Knight avoids the senton! The fans fire up as Knight goes up, up, and FLYING BULLDOGS! That’s a Steiner move!
The fans fire up and spell it out, “L! A! KNIGHT!” but Bronson bails out! Knight runs to WRECK Bronson with a dropkick! Knight goes back up, springboards, CROSSBODY to the ramp! The fans fire up with Knight and SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns and Bronson has Knight up top. The fans rally as Knight fights back with body shots! Knight ROCKS Bronson, ROCKS him again, and ROCKS him again! “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” Bronson finally falls and Knight adjusts position. “L! A! KNIGHT! YEAH!” BOX JUMP ELBOW DROP! Cover, TWO! Bronson survives and Knight is rather stunned while Heyman is relieved. Knight aims, kicks, but Bronson denies the BFT! HEADBUTT, then a fireman’s carry! DEATH VALLEY DRIVER! Cover, TWO! Knight survives the “Jagged Edge” DVD but Bronson brings him right up. Bronson reels Knight in and says thumbs down.
Bronson lifts Knight up, but Knight flips the bomb into a DDT! The fans fire up but Bron barks at the apron! Knight DECKS the dog, tells Heyman to get the same, but Bronson runs up! Knight DUMPS Bronson out, builds speed, but BRON SPEARS!!
Winner: LA Knight, by disqualification
The fans boo but Bron handed Knight the win with that one. Bronson stands Knight up so Bron can build speed and SUPER SPEAR!! Grand Rapids is torn but plenty of fans bark. And now Bronson goes up!? TSUNAMI!! Bronson goes up again, the refs hurry out here, but TSUNAMI AGAIN!! The fans want another, so Bron scares the refs off to let Bronson go back up! THIRD TSUNAMI!!! Have Rollins’ rooks just broken Knight into pieces? Is this a message to everyone that no one can stop the vision?
Jacob Fatu speaks.
“Yeah, c’mon on widdit! I just spoke to the man, and you know the man makes everything possible here on SmackDown! So next week, next week on Saturday, me ‘n’ you, Solo! Night of Champions, mano a mano, I’m about to dog walk yo’ ass for the US Championship! Solo, you better get in where you fit in. Cuz if you don’t, then baby, it’s ’bout to be all gas, no breaks with it. Yadadadada mean?” The Samoan Werewolf will get to sink his teeth into Solo, but will he stay golden through it all?
John Cena VS Ron Killings!
The Undisputed WWE Champion was the exact opposite of grateful for R-Truth saving him from Randy Orton at Backlash, and he doubled down when Ron tried to show him the truth at Saturday Night’s Main Event. So, if Cena doesn’t want the Truth, he’ll get someone who knows about ruthless aggression! Will Ron Killings bring an early end to the retirement tour? Or will Cena continue to ruin wrestling for everyone else?
SmackDown returns as Cena makes his entrance. The fans sing “JOHN CENA SUCKS~!” despite him wearing the Detroit Pistons colors. Cena makes Mark Nash give the “proper” introduction: “He is the Greatest of All Time, the Never Seen Seventeen, gracing Grand Rapids with his presence one final time… He is the Last Real Champion, JOHN CENA~!” The fans boo, the bell rings, and Truth stares at Cena while Cena smirks hearing the “Let’s Go, Cena!” “CENA SUCKS!” Truth TACKLES Cena! He fires off hands but Cena bails out! So Truth goes out to DECK Cena! “What’s up!?” “WHAT’S UP!” Truth has Cena at the desk and SMACKS him off it!
Truth ROCKS Cena again, and shakes his hand out from hitting so hard. Truth SMACKS Cena off the apron, storms in after him, and whips him to a corner. Cena hits buckles hard and falls to the mat! The fans continue to duel while Truth keeps his eyes on Cena. Truth storms up on Cena while SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Truth stands Cena up, whips corner to corner again, and Cena hits buckles hard! Cena sputters, Truth looms over him, and Truth ROCKS Cena! Cena ROCKS Truth! They go back and forth with haymakers, and then Truth dodges to SHOULDER TACKLE! Truth still uses Cena’s own moves against him, and that includes the SPIN-OUT BOMB! Truth raises his hand and Grand Rapids joins in! “You Can’t See Me!” But then Cena bails out so Truth can’t hit him! Truth is annoyed, the fans give thumbs down, but here comes Truth. Cena ELBOWS him down! Cena drags Truth up, POSTS him, and he brings Truth back into the ring.
Cena HEADBUTTS Truth, CHOKES him on the ropes, but stops as the ref counts. Cena stomps away on Truth, then runs to KICK Truth in the back! Cena talks trash, then he runs to SHOULDER TACKLE! Cena takes his time, knowing it is what the fans want. Truth rises up, Cena runs to SHOULDER TACKLE again! Cena watches Truth rise again, gets around him, SPIN-OUT BOMB! And Cena raises his hand, reveling in the cheers and jeers. “You Can’t See Me!” SmackDown returns to single picture for the FIVE KNUCKLE SHUFFLE! Then Cena fireman’s carries, but Truth slips free! THESZ PRESS! And fast hands!
The fans fire up and Truth has Cena in a corner. Truth runs to STINGER SPLASH! Truth hitting all sorts of other iconic moves! Cena tumbles out and grabs the belt! Cena doesn’t care about this match anymore, he doesn’t need to take this! Truth says hold up! Truth runs Cena down and fires hands on the ramp! The fans fire up but Cena CLOBBERS Truth with the belt!!
Winner: Ron Killings, by disqualification
Cena wants to get another shot, but wait! PUNK IS HERE! Cena runs away into the ring, and he catches Punk as Punk slides in! The fans boo Cena but he huffs ‘n’ puffs. Cena drags Punk up, but Punk fires hands in return! Punk DECKS Cena, grabs the belt, and he holds it up! The fans cheer, and Punk aims, but Cena LOW BLOWS! Cena has a sinister smile as he grabs the belt. BELT SHOT for Punk!! The fans boo even more, but Cena decides to up the ante! Cena brings out a table! The fans cheer, everyone loves tables! Cena puts the table in the ring, then watches Punk sputter around. Cena sets the table up while the fans rally behind Punk.
Punk stands but Cena has the belt again! BELT SHOT!! Cena drags Punk up, fireman’s carries, ATTITUDE ADJUSTMENT through the table!! Cena made Punk snap into a Slim Jim, and then he grabs a mic. Cena laughs at Punk, and then sits up on the corner. “Punk… As you lay there in your most uncomfortable…” Cena pretends the mic cut out, taps it, and then says, “Somebody’s afraid of what I’m gonna say.” Cena grins and the fans boo as Cena flips the iconic “Pipebomb” moment on it’s head. “As you lay there in your most uncomfortable, I hope you can listen. I hope you can digest.
“Because before I leave here in six months with that WWE Championship, I gotta get a whole lotta stuff off my chest. First thing’s first, I don’t hate you. I don’t even dislike you. I like you. I like you more than anyone you ever shared a locker room with, that’s for sure. I hate this idea of you. This idea that you’re the Best int he World. You’re not. I’M the Greatest of All Time.” Grand Rapids is a bit torn on that statement, but Cena says Punk is better than Cena at one thing: You’re the best BS artist in the world. Oh no, kiddos~! John Cena just dropped a curse word! That means the show is off the rails! Hey, Stu, shoot this. Hi~! “I’m breaking the forth wall! HAHA!”
Cena then says the truth is, Punk… Cena is jealous of you. Cena is jealous that Punk has conned the fans into believing the myth that Punk is the Best in the World. Oh how they chant for Punk! Which they literally do right now. Hell, the fans even sing for Punk now. But they don’t believe a damn word you say. Because Punk changes his values as much as Cena changes his shirts! Punk is just a loud mouthed opportunist who steps on the necks of those who actually work hard if it gets him ahead. Oh, hey, look, another cameraman! “Hi, Claudio Castagnoli! Hey, Nic Nemeth! Hey, Matt Cardona! How’re you guys doing?”
The fans can’t believe Cena is going this far but Cena is loving it! “He’s heating up! He’s on fire! And there’s nobody back there that’s gonna cut my mic to save your ass, cuz I’m your only friend! Remember who gave you the stage for your pipebomb, pal! And what’ve you done with it since then, huh? You just regurgitated the same five microphone moves of doom. You’re promo potato salad, pal. Hey, you’re no longer the Voice of the Voiceless, you’re a friggin’ millionaire despite yourself. You’re not a punk, you’re a capitalist! And you’re not against TKO, dude, you are Mr. TKO. Cuz they knocked your balls technically off your body.
“Your tweets are strong, but your actions are weak. And in Saudi Arabia, you’re gonna face some loud, loud music when I finally prove to the world that each and every day, day in, day out, no days off for 25 YEARS, I have been the Greatest of All Time!” The fans cheer that a bit more now, to Cena’s surprise. “See, they know. And they know that you were the Best in the World… for seven minutes, 14 years ago. And if after Night of Champions, you’re still delusional enough to believe that you’re the Best in the World, well… I guess it’s a small world after all. You’re welcome, Grand Rapids.” The fans cheer, and Cena lets the world hear it.
Cena tells Punk to bring his A Game to Night of Champions. If Grand Rapids is any indication, the mood is starting to change. Refs finally appear to check on Punk, Cena says no, that’s fine. Punk needs to rest up for his big title match. Get a good shot of this: Best in the World VS Greatest of All Time, for THE most coveted prize in sports entertainment, THE WWE Undisputed Championship! And Cena knows the fans will sing and chant, but he also knows even the idiots are smart enough to see the truth: The Champ is Here. And USA Network, keep the extra two and half minutes. He doesn’t need a bomb to blow the “mother fudging” building.
Oh, and thanks, Punk, for letting Cena rip off your best promo just to make you look even more foolish. Cena finally drops the mic and he raises the belt up again. If the proverbial tables have turned this drastically, is there no saving WWE from losing its north star championship?
My Thoughts:
A great SmackDown with an awesome ending. All those years ago, when CM Punk dropped THE OG “Pipebomb” promo, no one could’ve ever in a million years guessed that here tonight, we would’ve gotten the John Cena remix. Not only was that promo of the year, but Cena blew up go-home math. I can’t see Cena losing the title to Punk now. He can lose the match since Cena loves getting disqualified, and there’s the possibility of Rollins trying a cash-in, but Cena is leaving Saudi Arabia as champion to then go to SummerSlam. It also works because Cody Rhodes still feels like the favorite for King of the Ring.
A lot of that has to do with how Sami lost to Orton tonight. Great promo from the four semifinalists, especially since it was Jey, Sami and Orton kinda keeping Cody from talking since there isn’t more Cody needs to say. Win or lose, no explanations needed at this point. Sami VS Orton was an awesome match, but I could just feel an RKO countering the Helluva Kick as the way to go and that’s what they did. Now, as awesome as it would be for Jey to beat Cody, and then for Jey to beat Orton to go for the World Heavyweight Championship again, there are a lot of moving parts right now that it would just be the easiest for Cody to win the crown and have his rematch with Cena.
And while talking the WHC, Gunther VS Goldberg IS confirmed for the title, but has also been confirmed as Goldberg’s last match. This is a huge indicator that despite Rollins teasing a cash-in on the Undisputed title, he will likely be thwarted and then falls back to the title he feels is rightfully his. That is to say, Rollins cashes in on the winner of Gunther VS Goldberg, which I half expected even before all this talk of Goldberg’s last match. Rollins can take this title from Gunther and Goldberg, and then we can throw Jey and even LA Knight into the mix as things are getting heated between Knight and the henchmen.
Great promo from Knight with Heyman, great match with Knight VS Bronson, and a really powerful beating Knight takes from Bron & Bronson. If nothing else, Knight costs Rollins his cash-in. Truth going after Kit Wilson was an interesting move. Also a shame Elton Prince is hurt, Pretty Deadly gets going and then something happens to slow them down. But Kit was going to lose to Aleister so this really messes Aleister up more than anything. Priest keeping the peace between Aleister and Truth was good stuff. Priest and Truth being allies on SmackDown can be some real fun stuff, and I feel like they’re already set up for a feud with Aleister.
Very good stuff with Fatu, Solo and this US Championship story. Fatu VS Solo was the natural move, and I like that Jimmy Uso ends up an ally for Fatu. The title match is set, I wonder if we get a tag match first. In fact, next week is title night in Riyadh with Tiffany Stratton giving Nia the Last Woman Standing match, and basically setting the stage for Naomi to cash in. She almost did tonight but Nia was again able to stop her, so I would think Naomi waits until the very end of the Last Woman Standing match to take full advantage. Then, if Jade wins Queen of the Ring, we get Jade VS Naomi at SummerSlam.
Good promo from Jade, B-Fab & Michin watching Asuka VS Alexa. Asuka winning made the most sense, Alexa clearly has story with Charlotte and Asuka is just that good. Jade VS Roxie will be a good match but Roxie’s story in Judgment Day might keep her from winning. But then the fallback there is Roxie might actually sub in for the tag titles like I was thinking. Charlotte VS Chelsea was very good, and of course the Secret Her-vice does what they can to help. The beatdown they put on Charlotte and then Alexa making the save, that’s going to be one of those “can they coexist?” tag matches for sure.
Honestly, a little surprised we didn’t get any tag team promos tonight, unless I completely missed something. I believe title night is going to have Profits VS Gacy & Lumis for the tag titles, too, so that’s going to be something wild. And while DIY is scared of the Wyatts, I feel like they’re going to interfere because they don’t want the Wyatts to take the titles. But at the same time, the Wyatts need something substantial this time around, so maybe they win the titles at SummerSlam.
My Score: 9/10
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)
WEDNESDAY - The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling)
THURSDAY - Keeping the news ridiculous... The Oddity / Chairshot NFL (NFL)
FRIDAY - DWI Podcast (Drunk Wrestling Intellect)
SATURDAY - The Mindless Wrestling Podcast
SUNDAY - The Front and Center Sports Podcast
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!
Powered by RedCircle
Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!
Coverage
Andrew’s TNA iMPACT! Results & Match Ratings: 6.19.25
Are we going to start trending upwards with Slammiversary to build toward?
Last week’s episode was lacking in ring work but had decent story moments and segments. Starting the build to Slammiversary we can either launch nicely or things can always get worse. Jason Hotch and KC Navarro are the real shining stars of the last few months, so lets hope once they get over this Leon Slater idiot ship, they can push X Division wrestlers with actual talent for pro wrestling and not just flippy charisma vacuums.
Oh and let’s not forget, it is the episode they celebrate the 23rd anniversary of TNA! TWENTY – THREE!! Somewhere PCO hates this.
.@Kelly_WP is back in TNA Wrestling and has a message for TNA Knockouts World Champion @mashaslamovich!
WATCH #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/cF0F1ZKKuL pic.twitter.com/tnm4TIuPUz
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) June 20, 2025
Ratings:
- Sami Callihan vs Eric Young w/Losers: EY wins via Piledriver – ** 3/4
- Lei Ying Lee & Masha Slamovich vs The Elegance Clique w/M & Personal Concierge: Elegantos win via Rarefied Air – ***
- Eddie Edwards & JDC w/Alisha & Brian Myers vs Matt Cardona & Home Town Man: HTM wins via Cradle – *
- Champion’s Challenge: The Rascalz, Joe Hendry, Leon Slater & Elijah vs The Kaiba Boys, Moose, Steve Maclin & Trick Williams: Elijah wins via Highwayman’s Farewell – ***
Results:
Sami Callihan vs Eric Young w/Losers
Sami knocks them all off the apron before the bell rings, he levels the loser children, finds a chair, attacks EY but EY counters and this is the excuse to use weapons since the bell didn’t ring yet. EY tries to break Sami’s hand on the steps with the chair, but Sami moves, throws EY back in the ring, bell rings and EY hits a Belly to Belly suplex for two. They slug it out, Sami goes for Headbutts, then Sami wants to run the ropes but a loser trips him, distracts long enough for EY to knock him out of the ring and loser children swarm as loser children do. EY does the classic, throw back out for losers to attack while EY grabs and distracts the ref. Sami is selling a few lame attacks from the losers like he got shot. It’s an excessive sell, so it’s honestly a dumb transitional moment.
EY levels Sami, Lariat into Scoop Slam, looks for the Macho Elbow but Sami hits the ropes to crotch EY. Sami Superplex time, but EY bites the face to make Sami drop, EY jumps at him but eats a straight right hand. Cactus Driver, but no, EY tries his Piledriver…they both gouge eyes at the same time, Sami catches an EY charge into a Flatliner as they’re both down…for…reasons? The selling in this match seems…poorly timed and kinda stupid. Hard Irish Whip, EY Flair Flips the corner, levels Sami, Macho Elbow for 2.9! EY threatens to hit the ref, but then goes to mad dog commentary. EY then wants to attack fans…he’s more unhinged than World Elite EY. Sami gives him the old Dick Twist into a Stunner but only for two! Losers try to distract, first one gets taken out, second one uses a chair, EY hits the Piledriver on Sami, EY wins.
I feel like this is gonna continue for a few weeks since it wasn’t a clean win.
Mustafa Ali’s group comes out, and I refuse to say the name because it’s dumb and they’re already fraying at the seams. Ali wants an apology session, Tasha and Hotch apologize to him but Skyler bites back and refuses, even shoved Ali. So Ali challenges him to a “Call to Arms” match. What in the hell is a Call to Arms match?
Lei Ying Lee & Masha Slamovich vs The Elegance Clique w/M & Personal Concierge
ASH does her borderline racist fake karate before Lei stares her down and tags in Heather. Heather avoids Lei, Lei throws a few Tornado Kicks to make a point and Heather tags out. Heather being 4’8″ helps her here. Concierge says “There’s no Karate in wrestling”. ASH, Lei and Masha are in the ring, ASH is trying to decide who she wants to face, but the Concierge google translated it and hands it to ASH, before the face team rocks ASH. Masha lifts up Lei and Lei does the Liu Kang Bicycle Kick, steering more into her Mortal Kombat aesthetic. Senton off the apron from Lei and Masha dives into the pile, the comedy heels are getting leveled. We go to commercial and come back with Lei getting Double Teamed but she spins it into a weird Neckbreaker..but can’t tag out just yet. Lei blocks Heather, Enzuigiri, simultaneous tag, Masha is Yakuza kicks for all and the 2 for 1 Lariat/DDT special. Near fall, but Masha goes for murder, but Heather breaks it, Rocket Launcher/Code Breaker from Elegance but Lei breaks up the pin. ASH tries to intimidate Lei with her fake Karate before throwing her out of the ring. Heather hits Lei with a handful of Glitter and then bounces her face off the post. Masha tries to stop ASH, Kelly’s music distracts Masha, Rarefied Air gives ASH the win.
Santino comes out and GOD DAMMIT no one wants to see Tommy Dreamer fight Mance Warner…that’s a useless thing. Pivot away…no one wants this. Oh no, now we have to listen to Steph talk too. Okay it seems to be a pivot, thankfully. Steph and Mance talk shit, Dreamer says something about Something is gonna happen…and Jake Something comes out. So…I guess we’re gonna build him up for 2 months and then job him out for 6 before he fucks off to his home galaxy or whatever?
.@indi_hartwell has a run in with Tessa Blanchard!
WATCH #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/cF0F1ZLikj pic.twitter.com/I6UCCk2fAG
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) June 20, 2025
Really wish Indi just opened with the Billy Butcher classic of, “Oi Cunt!” – but this wasn’t bad.
Eddie Edwards & JDC w/Alisha & Brian Myers vs Matt Cardona & Home Town Man
I hate… Cardona so much more now. Heel reasons for Cardona…go away heat for Deaner.
JDC wants the Home Town Man to start…and Deaner does his stupid Flip Flop and Fly, Cardona tags in, JDC is eating some offense, Cardona wants the Reboot, JDC powders, Cardona Dives but then Lish and the general numbers catch up to Cardona. Eddie is legal, and now they isolate Cardona with some decent tandem work and isolation. This turns into kind of a schmoz, lots of silly spots, near falls and then Home Town doofus gets the cradle pinfall on Eddie.
Whenever Deaner is involved I can’t be asked to care. The System beats Cardona and Deaner down, but Eddie did eat a pin. Which is embarrassing not even for work reasons, like it’s just sad.
Champion’s Challenge: The Rascalz, Joe Hendry, Leon Slater & Elijah vs The Kaiba Boys, Moose, Steve Maclin & Trick Williams
Elijah and Nic start things off, slow push off, arm wring, top wristlock, simple chain wrestling start. Nic breaks the chain and hits a Dropkick, Elijah runs the ropes and hits a Diving Lariat and starts the Rope Walk. Nic seems far to awake and alert for that move then, I hate how people pull that off too early. Wentz gets tagged in, Nic tags in Maclin who wasn’t looking for a tag, but him and Wentz have a nice clash, Trey tags in, they try to double him, but they pause and look at each other. Maclin asks for a tag, no one tags him so he Chops Ryan to tag him in and throws him in.
The little nod to Maclin and Rascalz history and the fact the faces realize Maclin isn’t a piece of shit. A little MCMG homage tandem attacks on Ryan, Wentz punctuates with the Handspring Knee Lift, Ryan tags out to Trick. Trick and Wentz go back and forth, Rascalz have Trick eating offense, Moose tries to slow things down, both Trick and Moose powder, Rascalz Double Golden Triangle Moonsaults. Trey gets tripped by Nic, Moose hits Lights Out, but there’s no referee so it’s a little chaotic.
Out of the commercial things are controlled kinda and we see a simultaneous tag to Moose and Leon. Leon comes out hot, level Moose with a Leg Lariat, attacks Nic Nemeth, attacks Ryan, and then Moose hits Leon with the Stun Gun. Moose looks to tag in Maclin but Maclin jumps off the apron. Trick takes the tag, keeps control, Trick forcibly tags in Maclin but Ryan tags himself in and pulls Leon to the Champions’ corner, Nic tags in and isolates Leon, with the Kaibas quick tagging and keeping Leon down.
Moose tags in, tries to Suplex Leon about four times but Leon stops it then counters the Suplex. Moose tries to cut him off, but the Champions distract the ref so the ref can’t see Leon tag out. Nic and Moose doubling up and Leon is the bump guy of this last portion of the match. Big Uranage from Moose…Moose looks for Lights Out but Small Package almost ruined things, Body Scissors Cradle, GAME CHANGER! Moose looks to hit a Jacknife Powerbomb but Leon turns it into a DDT. Maclin and Ryan start fighting, Nic Superkicks Maclin, Hendry and Nic tag in, Hendry is a house of fire. Sack of Shits for everyone! Nic, Ryan, there’s a pause when Hendry is face to face with Trick and Trick gets Uppercuts first then Sack of Shit! Standing Ovation on Nic, but Ryan blocks, Kaibas try a tandem attack but Hendry Lariats them both. Elijah tags in and is the maestro of the crowd and chopping Ryan to some fun. Ryan goes for a Polish Hammer but eats the Knee Lift. Signature spam time…
Ryan tries to use the International title but Maclin grabs the title away from Ryan, clocks Nic, Standing Ovation into the Highwayman’s Farewell. Champions lose!
Overall Score: 4/10
Well this was a rough one boys and girls. Sami and EY was just an overbooked shitshow, Lei Ying Lee is unfortunately in a spot where it’s obvious TNA has no clue how to use her, the Elegantos are the New Beautiful People, and I’m not mad at that. But you need to space out your goofball crap. You can’t have Elegance Clique, Home Town Moron and Santino in 3 consecutive segments. And if anyone goes “it was 3 out of 4” that’s doesn’t lessen my point, the beauty of Pro Wrestling being a variety show is…FOR VARIETY! When the lead match feels stupid because of bad pacing, poor selling and overbooking with two losers, it feels like a useless match with idiots, then comedy, followed by more comedy…you see how that’s literally NOT VARIETY.
Figure it out seriously. This was a disappointing episode. If you’re a casual viewer than it’s just chalk for TNA doing cringe and borderline goof crap since they’ve always steered a little more into the carny than other companies. But this show was…where’s Jisoo and Jenny? I feel like I need that gif:
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)
WEDNESDAY - The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling)
THURSDAY - Keeping the news ridiculous... The Oddity / Chairshot NFL (NFL)
FRIDAY - DWI Podcast (Drunk Wrestling Intellect)
SATURDAY - The Mindless Wrestling Podcast
SUNDAY - The Front and Center Sports Podcast
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!
Powered by RedCircle
Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!
4 Corners Podcast: The Fabulous Finals
The NBA and Stanely Cup Finals near their respective conclusions. Dave and Pat break down the action and whether anything...
4 Corners Podcast: Serving Up A Classic
Patrick returns as he and Dave discuss the Stanley Cup Finals, the NBA Finals, Coco Gauff's epic triumph, and a...
4 Corners Podcast: The Rematch & The Rebuild
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Bandwagon Nerds #292: Where’s Michael’s Guitar?
The first ever Movie Year Draft highlight's this week's Episode. Plus, the Trailer Park rolls on, as does the search...
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Mitchell’s WWE SmackDown Results & Report! (6/20/25)
One step closer to the end!
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Don't drink and drive, drink and podcast! Join AJ, DP and PC weekly for their thoughts on RAW, SmackDown and...
Andrew’s TNA iMPACT! Results & Match Ratings: 6.19.25
Are we going to start trending upwards with Slammiversary to build toward?
Mitchell’s ROH Results & Report! (6/19/25)
Rumble, Bad Man, Rumble!
Mitchell’s WWE Evolve Results & Report! (6/18/25)
Can the BOAT Evolve?
Mitchell’s AEW Dynamite Results & Report! (6/18/25)
Viva La AEW!
Babyface Heel Podcast: LOL Charlotte Wins… AGAIN!
Even when she's not wrestling, Charlotte Flair keeps winning! Greg and Patrick breakdown her latest winning comments!
Mitchell’s WWE NXT Results & Report! (6/17/25)
Trick'N Ain't Easy
Mitchell’s WWE Raw Results & Report! (6/16/25)
The last spots are on the line!
