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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Will Bishamon have to tranquilo?
The IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Champions fought to a time limit draw last round, will Hirooki Goto & Yoshi-Hashi be able to #GetBackUp this round? Or will Yota Tsuji & Zandokan Jr. sink their ship?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Toru Yano & Tomohiro Ishii VS Yuto Nakashima & Oskar Leube; Yano & Ishii win.
- Six Man Tag: The United Empire VS The Gates of Agony & Boltin Oleg; The Gates of Agony & Oleg win.
- 8 Man Tag: Bullet Club War Dogs VS The House of Torture; The House of Torture wins.
- Six Man Tag: Master Wato, Shota Umino & Ren Narita VS TMDK; Wato, Shota & Narita win.
- 2023 World Tag League, B Block: El Phantasmo & Hikuleo VS Bad Luck Fale & Jack Bonza; ELP & Leo win.
- 2023 World Tag League, B Block: Taichi & Yuya Uemura VS Atlantis Jr. & Soberano Jr; Taichi & Yuya win.
- 2023 World Tag League, B Block: Yuji Nagata & Minoru Suzuki VS Lance Archer & Alex Zayne; Nagata & Suzuki win.
- 2023 World Tag League, B Block: Bishamon VS Yota Tsuji & Zandokan Jr; Bishamon wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
Here are the current B Block standings.
Alex Zayne & Lance Archer: 4-0, 8 points
Taichi & Yuya Uemura: 3-1, 6 points
Atlantis Jr. y Soberano Jr: 2-1-1, 5 points
Yota Tsuji & Zandokan Jr: 2-2, 4 points
ELP & Hikuleo: 2-2, 4 points
Bishamon: 1-2-1, 3 points
Bad Luck Fale & Jack Bonza: 1-3, 2 points
Yuji Nagata & Minoru Suzuki: 0-4, 0 points
2023 World Tag League, B Block: El Phantasmo & Hikuleo w/ Jado VS Bad Luck Fale & Jack Bonza!
The Headbanga & Young Guerilla survived the murder grandpas but are still a long way from the front of the block. Though that’s a touch better than the Bullet Club’s Rogue Army, who only just got on the board! Will the NJPW Strong Openweight Tag Team Champions stay strong? Or will they end up on the bottom of the block?
Fans rally up as ELP builds up the energy to high five Leo! The teams sort out and ELP starts against the Red Commando, who mockingly builds up energy to salute the Rogue General. The bell rings, and the fans rally up while ELP swivels as he takes off his shirt. ELP and Bonza circle, tie up, and Bonza waistlocks. ELP switches, Bonza pries free to switch back and wrench to a wristlock. ELP rolls, trips Bonza, and then hooks up the legs to get Bonza in a BOW ‘N’ ARROW! Fans rally, Bonza pops free to a cover, ONE! Fans applaud as the two reset. Fans rally behind ELP but Bonza tells them to shut up. That only makes them chant harder!
ELP and Bonza reset, tie up, and Bonza headlocks. ELP throws body shots, powers out, but Bonza runs him over! Things keep moving, ELP avoids the elbow drop to hit an elbow drop, but Bonza makes it a ghost pin! TWO and ELP rolls Bonza up, TWO! ELP reels Bonza in, spins him but Bonza fights the backslide! ELP still gets the shoulders down, TWO! ELP stomps the hands! ELP knuckle locks, CHOPS, and goes up, up and jumps around, to FLYING RANA! Fans fire up and ELP handsprings to his feet. ELP CHOPS Bonza to the red corner, then CHOPS him again. Tag to Leo, and Leo hushes the crowd. But Bonza avoids the chop!
Bonza tags in Fale, and fans rally up as the big guys stare down. Leo offers a handshake, but Fale just pie faces Leo. So Leo fires forearms! Fale throws them back! ELP leads the fans in the “YAY! BOO!” as the two giants go back and forth! Leo gets the edge but Fale kicks a leg. Fale RAMS Leo, but Leo stays up! Fans rally up as they RAM again! Leo eggs Fale on, they RAM shoulders again! Leo then kicks low, and goes to scoop! But Fale’s so bulky! Leo gets Fale up!! But Bonza CHOP BLOCKS a leg and Leo falls back! Fale covers, TWO! Bonza drags Leo to the blue corner and Fale tags Bonza in. The Rogue Army mugs Leo in the corner!
Leo crawls, Bonza turns him over and keeps him from ELP. Bonza steps through, SPINNING TOEHOLD! Leo clutches the knee and Bonza talks some trash. SPINNING TOEHOLD! Bonza pie faces Leo, eggs him on, then mocks the heart hands. Leo CHOPS Bonza! Bonza kicks Leo down, stomps him around, then even springboard stomps him! Tag to Fale and Bonza rushes ELP. ELP avoids getting blasted off the apron, but Fale stays between ELP and Leo. Fale then stands on Leo as a surfboard! ELP CLUBS Fale, so Fale DECKS ELP! Fale tags Bonza, and Bonza CLUBS Leo down. Fans rally up but Bonza CLUBS Leo more.
Bonza drags Leo up, whips him to the corner, but Leo BLASTS Fale away! Leo then BOOTS Bonza, hurries for his corner, but Bonza dropkicks the legs out! Bonza snarls, backs ELP off, then he reels Leo in. Bonza finger guns and calls his shot, but Leo’s too big to bomb! Leo back drops Bonza away! Fans fire up while both men crawl, hot tag to ELP! ELP fires off on Bonza, whips him to ropes, but Bonza reverses. ELP ducks ‘n ‘dodges to CLOBBER Bonza! And kip up! Fans fire up as ELP atomic drops Bonza, then mocks his pain. Bonza swings, into another atomic drop! ELP hobbles, but he still hooks Bonza up, RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP!
ELP cartwheels to the corner, goes up and takes aim, FALLING AX HANDLE! Fans rally as ELP tunes up the band. SUDDEN- NO, Bonza blocks, then DISCUS LARIATS! Cover, TWO! Bonza is frustrated but he drags ELP up and calls another shot. Bonza suplexes, holds, but ELP kicks free to DDT! Fans fire up again as Bonza and ELP crawl. ELP drags Bonza from Fale, straitjacket and torture rack, then tag to Leo. Leo BLASTS Fale, BOOTS Bonza, into the BRAIN SALAD! Leo covers, TWO! Bonza survives being scrambled but the fans rally with E-Leo-P! They coordinate, tune up, and Bonza rises. But Fale CLOBBERS Leo!
Bonza ROCKS and KNEES ELP, into a GERMAN SUPLEX! Fale runs corner to corner to SPLASH Leo! And then fireman’s carry, SAMOAN DROP to MACHO ELBOW! Cover, ELP breaks it! Fans fire up but Fale kicks ELP. Fale drags ELP up but he fires forearms and CHOPS on the Rogue Army! ELP runs, but into double shoulders! Leo rises while ELP flounders out of the ring, and the Rogue Army mugs him at the ropes. The Rogue Army double whips, but Leo breaks the line to DOUBLE LARIAT! Only Bonza falls, but Leo roars as he SPLASHES Fale in a corner! Leo scoops?! AND SLAMS!! Fans fire up with Leo as the alpha giant!
Leo drags Bonza up, choke grip, but Bonza knees free! SUDDEN DEATH! Choke grip, and ELP DIVES onto Fale! Leo hits GODSEND!! Then ELP climbs onto Leo’s shoulders for the SUPER THUNDER KISS 86!! Cover, ELP & Leo win!
Winners: El Phantasmo & Hikuleo, by pinfall (gain 2 points; Rogue Army earns 0)
Just as Fale & Bonza were locked and loaded, they misfire and fall back down! Will they have to shift into spoiler mode in the tournament’s second half? As for the NJPW Strong Openweight Tag Team Champions, do they still have an outside shot at those WTL trophies?
2023 World Tag League, B Block: Taichi & Yuya Uemura VS Atlantis Jr. & Soberano Jr!
The Holy Emperor & Heat Storm took a loss to Monster Sauce, but they’re still near the front of the block! But the sons of lucha libre are right behind them! Will this match go a long way to determining B Block’s finalists?
The teams sort out and Soberano starts against Yuya. The fans rally up as Soberano offers a handshake. Yuya reaches out but then Soberano leaves him hanging. The two circle, tie up, and are in a deadlock. Yuya waistlocks, but Soberano wrenches out to wristlock. Soberano YANKS the arm, but Yuya rolls, wrenches, hammerlocks and he brings Soberano around. Soberano rolls, drop toeholds and then has the legs tied up to go after the arms. Soberano has a modified Queen Angelito but Yuya fights up. Soberano stands on Yuya’s shoulders for a modified motorcycle stretch, to then shift to a headlock.
Fans rally as Yuya fights up but Soberano grinds the hold. Yuya pries free, but Soberano pulls hair! The ref reprimands but Soberano snapmares Yuya. Yuya gets right up and the fans applaud. Yuya and Soberano reset, circle, and feel things out. They knuckle lock, but Soberano steps on an arm and double wristlocks the other. Soberano then spins Yuya, arm-drags him, but Yuya arm-drags back! Soberano sweeps and covers, ONE! Yuya hits a headlock takeover, but Soberano headscissors, so Yuya kips free. Both men stand back up and fans applaud the standoff. Soberano offers the handshake for real and Yuya takes it.
Fans applaud the sportsmanship as the two then back down, and they tag in Taichi and Atlantis. The KOPW Champion and NWA World Historic Light Heavyweight Champion RAM shoulders again and again! Then Atlantis runs to RAM Taichi! Taichi rebounds to BOOT! Atlantis rebounds to CHOP! Atlantis eggs Taichi on, so Taichi CHOPS back! Fans fire up as Taichi eggs Atlantis on, and he comes back to CHOP! Fans cheer more, and Taichi CHOPS again! Atlantis CHOPS, it’s a CHOP fight! They go back and forth faster and faster, but Taichi sputters. Atlantis eggs him on, so Taichi KICKS and KICKS!
Atlantis blocks a kick, dodges the forearm and RANAS! Fans fire up while Taichi goes to a corner. Atlantis runs in, but Taichi puts him on the apron. Atlantis counter punches then goes up top to CROSSBODY! Atlantis is right back up to run in, but Taichi BOOTS him! Atlantis returns but Taichi sends him into the corner for the GAMANGIRI! Yuya then runs in to BLAST Soberano! Fans rally up as Yuya coaches Taichi. Taichi and Atlantis rise, but Taichi brings Atlantis around to bump off buckles. Tag to Yuya and he CLUBS Atlantis down. Yuya whips Atlantis to ropes, DOUBLE CHOPS him down, then covers, TWO!
Fans rally as Yuya keeps cool. Yuya brings Atlantis around, snapmares and CLUBS him! Yuya then clamps onto an armlock and he grinds that taped shoulder down. Atlantis reaches out, but Yuya drags him from ropes to keep on that arm. Atlantis endures, Yuya floats to a cover, TWO! Yuya keeps on the arm with a double wristlock now but Atlantis continues to endure. Atlantis fights up, reaches out, ROPEBREAK! But Taichi tags in, and he CLUBS Atlantis on the back. Taichi snapmares Atlantis to KICK him in the back, and fans rally up. Taichi drags Atlantis around for Kawada Kicks, egging him on at the same time.
Atlantis stands right up to fire off forearms! Taichi kicks low and gives more Kawada Kicks! Atlantis sits up, and blocks the buzzsaw! He dodges the Ax Bomber to SUPERKICK! Both men are down and the fans rally back up! Atlantis crawls, hot tag to Soberano! Soberano goes up and CROSSBODIES Taichi down! Soberano then runs corner to corner, but into a BOOT! Taichi runs, Soberano dodges, goes up and over and dodges a boot to ENZIGURI! Fans fire up, and Yuya CLUBS Soberano. Yuya runs, but into a SOBAT! Step-up FAMOUSER! Soberano TOSSES Yuya, sidesteps Taichi, and SPIN POWERSLAMS!
Soberano sets Taichi in the middle of the ring to LIONSAULT! Cover, TWO! Fans rally up as Taichi stays in this, and Soberano keeps his cool. Soberano stomps Taichi, drags him up, and fireman’s carries. Taichi fights free but Soberano kicks low again. Soberano talks some trash, runs but into a BOOT! Soberano comes back, but Taichi gest around, only for Soberano to fight the saido! Soberano whips, Taichi reverses and avoids the handspring to AX BOMBER! Both men are down and fans fire up again! Soberano and Taichi crawl for their corners, hot tag to Yuya and he stops Soberano! Yuya CHOPS but Soberano eggs him on!
Yuya CHOPS again, whips, but Soberano reverses. Yuya FLYING FOREARMS! And arm-drags! And DOUBLE CHOPS! Fans fire up with Yuya and he drags Soberano up again. Yuya whips to a corner, runs in and SPLASHES! Then BULLDOGS! Cover, TWO! Yuya looms over Soberano, stands him back up, and he traps the arms! But Soberano fights the suplex with knees! Yuya CHOPS, runs, but Soberano DROPKICKS him down! Fans fire up again as both men crawl! Yuya goes to a neutral corner, Soberano hot tags Atlantis! Atlantis runs to BLAST Taichi, then he runs to kick Yuya! Atlantis whips, Yuya reverses!
Atlantis dodges Yuya in the corner, and he SPIN POWERSLAMS! Cover, TWO! Yuya hangs in there but Atlantis stays focused. The fans rally up, Atlantis whips and Soberano joins in, TU LO SABE! Cover, Taichi breaks it! Soberano kicks Taichi out then goes out after him. Yuya goes back to a neutral corner and Atlantis storms over. Soberano dribbles Taichi off the apron as Atlantis stands Yuya up and scoops. Yuya fights free, and he CHOPS! Taichi sends Soberano into railing! Atlantis CHOPS Yuya! Yuya CHOPS Atlantis! They go CHOP for CHOP, the fans rally up, and Yuya sputters. But he dodges to waistlock!
Yuya sends Atlantis into Taichi’s RIDGEHAND! Yuya CHOPS again! Taichi SOBATS! Yuya BULLDOGS! Cover, TWO! Atlantis survives the assault and fans rally up. Yuya fires up and he climbs a corner! CROSS- NO, Atlantis moves and Yuya has to roll through! But then Soberano CROSSBODIES! Taichi storms in to kick Soberano, but Atlantis scoops to BACKBREAKER! Taichi bails back out and Soberano builds speed! FOSBURY FLOP! Direct hit and fans fire up! Atlantis scoops Yuya, MICHINOKU DRIVER! Atlantis hurries up top, FROG SPLASH! Cover, TWO!! Yuya survives and Atlantis is furious!
The fans fire up for Yuya but Atlantis refocuses. Atlantis vows to end this and he drags Yuya back up. Atlantis whips, Yuya holds ropes to BOOT back! Atlantis scoops Yuya and then gut wrenches, but Yuya RANAS free! Atlantis stands, into an arm-drag! Ghost pin, and Taichi keeps Soberano out! JUST5GUYS WIN!
Winners: Taichi & Yuya Uemura, by pinfall (gain 2 points; Atlantis & Soberano earn 0)
Taichi is so proud of Yuya! Not only did he win this for the team, he just pinned the NWA World Historic Light Heavyweight Champion! Too bad he’s just outside the weight requirements to challenge for that belt. But that aside, will this help Yuya & Taichi secure a shot at the IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Champions?
2023 World Tag League, B Block: Yuji Nagata & Minoru Suzuki VS Lance Archer & Alex Zayne!
In a shocking twist, Blue Justice & The Meanest Man in the World are 0-4 this deep into World Tag League! But will Nagata & Suzuki finally make it work at the halfway point? Or will Monster Sauce continue their hot streak and be the only 5-0 team in the entire tournament?
Surprisingly, the Murderhawk Monster doesn’t maul Young Lions at ringside. But perhaps that is because he is saving all his energy for Suzuki. As such, he doesn’t even budge as Suzuki steps into the ring for “KAZE NI NARE~!” The former boss and subordinate stare down, so Nagata and Zayne let them start. The fans cheer as Archer brings out a Suzuki-Gun shirt! Archer then throws the shirt aside as he tells Suzuki, “Tonight, we fight. So you better bring it our I’m gonna knock your teeth out! Let’s go, Suzuki!” The bell rings and the fans fire up with Archer! Suzuki ROCKS him with a forearm already!
Suzuki eggs Archer on, and Archer grins as he comes back. Archer ROCKS Suzuki right back! Suzuki staggers, stays standing, and he also grins! Archer laughs, he and Suzuki start trading forearms! The fans fire up as the shots keep going! Suzuki gets the edge, then BOOTS! Archer wobbles but he BOOTS right back! Down goes Suzuki! Fans cheer, Suzuki stands up, and Nagata tags himself in. Zayne also tags in, and now fans rally as these two circle. They tie up, Zayne waistlocks but Nagata wrenches to a wristlock. Zayne spins, wrenches, wrangles Nagata, but Nagata kicks him away. The fans cheer as the two reset.
Nagata and Zayne tie up, Zayne headlocks, but Nagata throws body shots. Nagata powers out but Zayne runs him over! Things speed up, Zayne IMPLODER KNEE DROPS onto Nagata’s dropdown! Then he STANDING MARIPOSAS! Fans fire up and Zayne drags Nagata up. Zayne puts Nagata in a corner, tags to Archer, and he taunts Suzuki with “You Suck!” Suzuki says shut up, but Archer stomps away on Nagata. Red Shoes counts, Archer lets off and says Suzuki’s next. Suzuki says to still shut up, but Archer snapmares Nagata. Archer continues to taunt Suzuki then he CLUBS away on Nagata’s chest! Cover, TWO!
Archer is mad at Red Shoes, and Suzuki steps in just to flip Archer off. Archer tags Zayne, and scoops him to SLAM him onto Nagata! Cover, TWO! Zayne stays between Nagata and Suzuki, then bumps Nagata off buckles. Zayne ELBOWS Nagata, tags Archer, and Archer CHOPS Nagata! Nagata eggs him on so Archer CHOPS again! Even Zayne felt that one. Nagata still eggs Archer on, but Archer eggs Nagata on, so Nagata fires forearms! Archer knees low, whips Nagata to a corner, then runs in, but Nagata BOOTS him! Nagata fakes the dropkick high to dropkick low! Archer hobbles, Nagata tags in Suzuki!
Fans rally up as Suzuki fires forearms on Archer. Suzuki backs Archer down, but Archer tells him to hit harder! Suzuki fires off even more shots and he sits Archer down in a corner! Suzuki growls and the fans fire up. Suzuki knees low, whips corner to corner, then runs in to BOOT! Suzuki cravats but Archer fights the snapmare. Archer whips Suzuki to a corner, ELBOWS him, “Ichi!” Archer keeps moving to ELBOW again! “NI!” Archer keeps going, “SAN!” Hattrick achieved, and then a KNEE DROP! Cover, TWO! Archer ROCKS Suzuki, puts him on the top rope, and then lifts with the inverted crucifix!
But Suzuki fights free! Archer choke grips, but Suzuki breaks free to ROCK Archer! Archer ROCKS Suzuki! Suzuki laughs as they trade forearms back and forth again! Fans rally up, Suzuki keeps laughing, but both men ROCK the other! Fans fire up as Archer and Suzuki stand back up! They egg each other on, and the forearms fly again! They go back and forth, faster and faster! Archer wobbles, Suzuki taunts him, but then the forearms start up again! Suzuki gets the edge but Archer ROCKS him! Suzuki rises right up to ROCK Archer! Both men fall over and the fans are thunderous! Suzuki and Archer crawl, hot tags to Zayne and Nagata!
Now Zayne and Nagata trade forearms! Nagata ROCKS Zayne, KICKS him, and KICKS him! And KICKS again! Zayne ends up in a corner, Nagata fires up and whips corner to corner. BOOT! Zayne fights the clinch, suplexes, but Nagata fights that. Nagata suplexes Zayne, for MAGIC SCREW! And then an EXPLODER! Cover, TWO! But into CROSSFACE! Suzuki intercepts Archer into a SLEEPER! Monster Sauce endures stereo submissions! The fans rally, Suzuki keeps adjusting his grip, but Archer fights up! Archer storms over to BOOT Nagata, then he RAMS Suzuki into buckles! Zayne gets the boost, HIP TOSS CANNONBALL!
Archer ELBOWS Nagata down, then Zayne runs in, tilt-o-whirl RANA CANNONBALL for Archer! Fans fire up as Archer gets Zayne, CHOKE SLAM SAULT! SENTON! Cover, TWO!! Nagata survives but Archer BLASTS Suzuki back down! Zayne goes up and gets as lift from Archer, but Suzuki stops the Blackout Swanton! Suzuki DECKS Zayne, Archer knees Suzuki and TOSSES him! But Suzuki gets Archer’s legs! APRON KNEEBAR! Archer endures, Nagata cradles but Zayne smothers it into his own cover, TWO!! Nagata is free again, but Zayne kicks low. Zayne straitjackets but Nagata fights free!
Zayne fires boxing elbows, back elbow, mule kick, only to run into a WHEEL KCIK! SAIDO BRIDGE! MURDER GRANDPAS WIN!!
Winners: Yuji Nagata & Minoru Suzuki, by pinfall (gain 2 points; Monster Sauce earns 0)
The top team finally falls, and it was to the two most grizzled and experienced men in the whole tournament! Suzuki tells Archer & Zayne to still take this thing, and they fist bump as the old Suzuki-Gun theme plays. Will Monster Sauce still burn B Block and head for those trophies?
2023 World Tag League, B Block: Bishamon VS Yota Tsuji & Zandokan Jr!
Hirooki Goto & Yoshi-Hashi have been struggling, but they always #GetBackUp. Will they be able to #TurnItAllAround and make the threepeat a reality? Or will Gene Blast & The King of the World make the IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Champions tranquilo?
The teams sort out and Tsuji calls out Hashi. Fans cheer as Hashi accepts, and the bell rings. Hashi and Tsuji circle, the fans rally up, and the two tie up. Hashi headlocks and grinds the hold, but Tsuji fights up with body shots. Tsuji powers out but Hashi RAMS shoulders with him! Tsuji dares Hashi to bring it, so Hashi runs. But Tsuji follows to then RANA! Fans cheer and Tsuji smiles. Tsuji stomps Hashi, drags him up at the ropes, and CHOPS! Hashi staggers but Tsuji is on him to whip to ropes. Hashi holds ropes, Goto tags in, Bishamon double shoulder tackles Tsuji down! Hashi runs for Goto to hip toss, ZANMAI!
Zando runs in but Bishamon kicks him first. They then HAMMER away on Zando’s back! The fans fire up while Goto & Hashi flex. Zando bails out and Goto stomps Tsuji. Goto drags Tsuji up, CLUBS him, fireman’s carries, but Tsuji fights with elbows. Goto ROCKS Tsuji, runs, but Zando trips him and Tsuji basement dropkicks! Tsuji BLASTS Hashi, Zando drags Goto out to throw him into railing! Tsuji goes out after Hashi, drags him up, and we hear Zando send Goto into more railing. Tsuji whips Hashi into railing, too! Fans rally up, Zando gets a chair and he SMACKS Goto with it! It wasn’t even a folding chair, it was a spare chair from the crowd!
Red Shoes reprimands, Zando puts Goto in for Tsuji, but Red Shoes won’t count the cover with all the shenanigans. Tsuji stomps Goto, tags Zando, and they double whip Goto to POP-UP KICK! And then DOUBLE BASEMENT DROPKICK! Zando covers, TWO! Hashi gets up but Zando boots him off the apron. Zando snapmares Goto into a chinlock, but he also fishhooks the mouth! Red Shoes reprimands, Zando lets off to tag Tsuji, and they set Goto up on the ropes. Fans rally but Hashi is in Tsuji’s way. Red Shoes reprimands and Hashi moves so Tsuji can run and LEAP FROG ATTACK! Goto falls and fans fire up.
Zando BLASTS Hashi, Tsuji covers Goto, TWO! Tsuji still smiles and he drags Goto up. Goto CHOPS! And CHOPS! And CHOPS! But Tsuji knees low! Tsuji whips but Goto reverses. Goto runs in but Tsuji BOOTS him away! Tsuji runs, but Goto follows to LARIAT! Fans fire up while both men are down! Goto crawls, hot tag to Hashi! Hashi runs up to run Tsuji over, then he BLASTS Zando! Tsuji kicks back, whips Hashi to a corner, but Hashi returns to CHOP! Fans fire up as Hashi mule kicks then turns Tsuji, but Tsuji fights the neckbreaker. Hashi dodges the lariat to hit the BLOCKBUSTER! Fans fire up with Hashi as Tsuji goes to a corner.
Hashi runs corner to corner to clothesline, then he reels Tsuji in for the NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! The fans rally up and Hashi looms over Tsuji. Hashi drags Tsuji up, reels him in, but Tsuji blocks the suplex! Hashi keeps trying, the fans rally, and Tsuji hoists Hashi up! Hashi fights that, tries again, but Tsuji slips free. Hashi elbows Tsuji, runs, but into a BOOT! Fans fire up and Goto coaches Hashi. Hashi and Tsuji both crawl, hot tag to Goto! Goto KICKS Tsuji down then BLASTS Zando! Goto drags Tsuji up, fires off forearms, then whips Tsuji corner to corner. Goto runs, blocks a boot but Tsuji DOUBLE STOMPS him down!
Tsuji calls to Zando, hurries over, and fans fire up for the hot tag! Zando storms up on Goto, but Goto fires off CHOP after CHOP! Zando winds up to CHOP back! Fans fire up while Goto is stinging. Zando BLASTS Hashi, then he and Tsuji get Goto up. They double whip, double hip toss and cradle, for a DOUBLE SLAM! Tsuji SPLASHES, Zando goes up the ropes to LIONSAULT! Zando just makes it, then covers, TWO! Fans rally up while Tsuji paces around. Zando drags Goto up, he and Tsuji hook Goto up but Hashi saves Goto from the Anchor! Hashi fires forearms, Tsuji kicks low and whips Hashi to a corner.
Tsuji sends Zando in but Hashi dodges to then LARIAT Tsuji! Zando UPPERCUTS Hashi! Goto runs in but Zando kicks and runs. But Goto fireman’s carries! USHIGOROSHI! Fans fire up while all four men are down! Goto roars and rises, and he drags Zando up. Goto reels Zando in, dragon sleepers, but Zando drops to victory roll! TWO!! Goto escapes, hurries to a corner, and Zando runs in to clothesline! And then he undoes the wrist tape so he can run in again, and CHOP! Fans fire up and Zando says “UNO MAS!” Zando runs but Goto follows to MURAMASA! And then SAIDO! Both men are down again and the fans rally back up.
Goto crawls, hot tag to Hashi! Hashi runs to BLAST Tsuji, then he goes back for Zando. Hashi runs, but Zando BOOTS! Hashi spins through to CHOP! Zando staggers, roars, and CHOPS in return! Zando fireman’s carries, but Hashi fights free and feeds him to Goto’s forearm! Mule kick and then the clinch, GOTO GO TO HUNTER! Cover, Tsuji breaks it! Goto tosses Tsuji, and Bishamon coordinates. Goto goes up a corner, but Tsuji GAMANGIRIS him down! Zando TOSSES Hashi, and fans fire up as the amigos coordinate. Zando DIVES onto Goto, Tsuji CROSSBODIES Hashi and Young Lion Boltin Oleg!
Fans fire up as Tsuji & Zando rise! Tsuji drags Hashi up, he and Zando get him in the ring. Tsuji & Zando stand Hashi up, hook him up, ANCHOR!! Zando covers, TWO!! Hashi survives but Tsuji is already at the corner. Tsuji climbs, he stands on Zando’s shoulders, VAMOS FLOP as Hashi moves! Goto TOSSES Tsuji, and he LARIATS Zando! Zando stays up to LARIAT back! GOto drops to a knee, Zando runs again, but Goto SWATS the lariat! Goto suplexes, Zando slips free, but Goto puts him in the corner! Hashi runs in to clothesline! Tsuji runs in, but into the FIERCE FLASH! Goto clotheslines Zando, Hashi clotheslines, too!
Hashi hoists Zando up, Goto climbs, BULLDOG FLAPJACK COMBO! The fans fire up with Bishamon as they hoist Zando up and call their shot! Dragon sleeper and leg lift, SHOTO!!! Cover, BISHAMON WINS!
Winners: Bishamon, by pinfall (gain 2 points; Tsuji & Zando earn 0)
The IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Champions shine through as they turn the lights out on LIJ! Will Tsuji & Zando be able to stay afloat in WTL’s second half?
As for Bishamon, Hashi gets the mic first to say, “Oi, Tsuji! How was Bishamon? Was it sweet? Was it spicy? Or maybe salty?” Tsuji walks back to the ring and Hashi lets him have the mic. Tsuji says, “Now that I’ve faced Bishamon, I’ve learned… that you guys are amazing.” Fans cheer that! But Tsuji also knows Bishamon can’t stay like this. He’s sure they’ll make it back to the WTL finals. Tsuij then sends the mic back as he takes his leave, and Hashi thanks him.
Hashi continues to say that he can’t be sure if WTL can get more exciting, but if the fans aren’t already excited, then there’s no way that’ll change. But this win here gets Bishamon one step closer to that threepeat. Hashi brings up the supposed curse that keeps the IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Champions from winning WTL. But he vows that “Gocchan and I will definitely break the curse.” Fans cheer that! Hashi continues to say that as IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Champions, Bishamon will win WTL for a third time in a row, and they’ll do it… IN A FLASH! The Fierce Warrior & Headhunter still have life, but will they have those trophies three years running?
Here are the NEW B Block standings!
Alex Zayne & Lance Archer: 4-1, 8 points
Taichi & Yuya Uemura: 4-1, 8 points
ELP & Hikuleo: 3-2, 6 points
Bishamon: 2-2-1, 5 points
Atlantis Jr. y Soberano Jr: 2-2-1, 5 points
Yota Tsuji & Zandokan Jr: 2-3, 4 points
Yuji Nagata & Minoru Suzuki: 1-4, 2 points
Bad Luck Fale & Jack Bonza: 1-4, 2 points
My Thoughts:
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AEW Coverage
Mitchell’s AEW Collision Results & Report! (12/2/23)
The American Dragon is back in action!

Bryan Danielson and Andrade El Idolo finally start in the Blue League!
As the AEW Continental Classic’s second round continues, Bryan Danielson and Andrade El Idolo finally have their first taste of action! Will the American Dragon and Face of Latino Wrestling both get points tonight?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- AEW Continental Classic, Blue League: Claudio Castagnoli VS Brody King; Brody wins.
- Abadon VS Kiera Hogan; Abadon wins.
- AEW Continental Classic, Blue League: Andrade El Idolo VS Daniel Garcia; Andrade wins.
- The Kingdom w/ Roderick Strong VS The Iron Savages w/ Jacked Jameson; The Kingdom wins.
- Malakai Black & Buddy Matthews VS Christopher Daniels & Matt Sydal; The House of Black win.
- El Hijo Del Vikingo VS Kip Sabian; Vikingo wins.
- AEW Continental Classic, Blue League: Bryan Danielson VS Eddie Kingston; Bryan wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
Brody King speaks.
“Tonight on Collision, in Erie, PA, Blue League round two against Claudio. I’m here to prove why I’m not just an upset win, and I’m the most dominant wrestler in this tournament. HARU!”
Claudio Castagnoli speaks.
“Time for talking is over. Swiss to C2, tonight I’m going to take a King’s head.”
CJ Perry & Andrade El Idolo speak.
The Coldest Manager in the Game says tonight, her client will take down Daniel Garcia again tonight, and take home that fat check. And his name is Andrade The Idol. No, no, es El Idolo. And everyone knows who he is, but Garcia, see you tonight.
Daniel Garcia speaks.
“Andrade, you wanna know what really, really makes me mad? It’s when someone likes you comes in here and thinks they can step all over people like me. Well I’m not having it anymore. Tonight, I fight back. And if I needed any more motivation to win other than getting those three points, it’s putting somebody like you in his place.”
Bryan Danielson speaks.
“Eddie Kingston, tonight, it’s you and me in the Continental Classic. And do y’know what? I don’t want depressed Eddie Kingston. I don’t want Eddie Kingston who feels bad about himself because he lost his first round match. I want the Eddie Kingston that won the ROH World title. I want the Eddie Kingston who’s confident enough to put in BOTH his titles in this tournament! Eddie Kingston, I want the best version of you because if you don’t bring it, you’re gonna get hurt.”
Eddie Kingston speaks.
“Look, guys, I know we gotta do this cold open thing. It’s the cool thing to do on Collision. I don’t have time. I gotta go get ready, I’m 0-1 in this tournament already, I do NOT wanna go 0-2. Bryan, I do respect you, sort of, so I don’t care about your eye, I don’t care about your arm, I don’t care about anything about you. All I care about is winning. So guess what? I’m gonna bust you up.”
AEW Continental Classic, Blue League: Claudio Castagnoli VS Brody King!
The Swiss Superman is ready for his Collision with the King of Death! But with both men at 1-0, who, if either of them, moves on to be Blue League’s only 2-0 leader?
The bell rings, 20 minutes is ticking down, but Claudio and Brody run in to RAM shoulders! Claudio BOOTS, Brody BOOTS, and Claudio fires a forearm! Brody forearms back, fans fire up as the shots keep going! They pick up speed with those forearms, Brody CHOPS and CHOPS and CHOPS! Then he LARIATS! Claudio stays up!? Claudio seethes and fans fire up as he comes back to CHOP! CHOP! And CHOP! Claudio LARIATS, but Brody stays up! Brody LARIATS, Claudio LARIATS, repeat! Claudio rebounds, DOUBLE LARIATS collide! Neither falls, they DOUBLE LARIAT again, and again, then Claudio dodges! DOUBLE LARIATS finally take both men down!
Fans fire up as Brody and Claudio roll out opposite ends of the ring. Claudio and Brody stand back up, the ring count climbs, but both men storm up around the way to DOUBLE LARAIT! And DOUBLE LARIAT! The count is 9, both men slide in at 9.9!! Fans fire up as Brody and Claudio start throwing forearms again! Brody gets the edge, runs, and he BOOTS Claudio down! Brody then scoops Claudio but Claudio slips free to BOOT! Claudio scoops, to SLAM Brody! Fans fire up, Brody staggers back up and Claudio runs, to clothesline Brody up and out! Fans fire up, Claudio goes out and he runs in around the way, UPPERCUT!
Fans fire up more and Claudio drags Brody up. Claudio whips Brody hard into railing, but Brody comes back to CLOBBER Claudio! Fans fire up as Brody peels the bumpers off the railing, then he throws forearms with Claudio. Brody knees low, whips, and Claudio hits railing hard! Claudio tumbles up and over and Collision goes picture in picture.
Brody catches his breath, storms over to where Claudio is, and drags him up. Fans fire up as Brody suplexes Claudio to the floor! Both men writhe, but Brody storms up on Claudio to stand him up. Brody CHOPS and Claudio sputters! Brody CHOPS again! Claudio staggers back, Brody whips him hard into the apron! Brody CLUBS Claudio, stalks him as he hobbles, then POSTS Claudio! Claudio staggers and falls over, and Brody refreshes the ring count. Brody storms back up on Claudio, ROCKS him, then puts him in the ring. Brody CHOPS Claudio again, ROCKS him to a corner, then ROCKS him again.
Claudio goes to another corner but Brody CLUBS him! And CHOPS him! Claudio UPPERCUTS! Brody CHOPS! Repeat! Brody gets the edge as he ROCKS Claudio again, then CHOPS him down! Claudio leans against ropes as he coughs and gasps for air. Brody clamps on with a chinlock, digs his forearm cast into Claudio’s face, and Collision returns to single picture. Claudio endures, pries the hold open, and he stands to wrench the arm, for an ELBOW BREAKER! The forearms fly again, Claudio runs but Brody scoops to SLAM! And then SENTON! Fans rally up while Claudio crawls to a corner.
Brody runs in to SPLASH at the corner! The fans bark and hoot with Brody, but Claudio UPPERCUTS him in the corner! Claudio fires UPPERCUT after UPPERCUT from all sides! Then he jukes the ref to UPPERCUT again! Claudio fires more shots, roars, and takes a moment to steady himself. Claudio whips but Brody blocks, so Claudio UPPERCUTS again! Claudio whips, Brody reverses and runs in to SPLASH! Then fireman’s carry, but Claudio fights free to UPPERCUT the back! Claudio trips Brody, but Brody kicks him away! Claudio comes back to DOUBLE STOMP! Cover, TWO! Brody survives but Claudio keeps his cool.
Claudio drags Brody up, but Brody fights the fireman’s carry. Brody ROCKS Claudio, CHOPS him, then runs, into a POP-UP UPPERCUT!! Cover, TWO!! Brody survives but the fans fire up behind Claudio as he stands. Claudio gets the legs, to SWING Brody!! Claudio goes around and around, and fans count all the way to TEN! Then the SHARPSHOOTER!! Fans fire up while Claudio sits deep! Brody endures, claws at the mat, fights around, and he reaches out! But Claudio grabs that bad arm to hold it back! Brody still fights forward, ROPEBREAK! Claudio lets go in frustration while Brody crawls to a corner.
Claudio waits on Brody to stand, then runs in, but Brody dodges! Claudio POSTS himself, then Brody GERMAN SUPLEXES him away! Brody runs in to CANNONBALL! Brody drags Claudio to a cover, ONE?!? Fans are stunned and so is Brody! Brody ROCKS Claudio, reels him in, but Claudio slips free of the bomb to fireman’s carry! DEATH VALLEY DRIVER!! Cover, ONE?!? Brody survives and Claudio is shocked! “This is Awesome!” and Claudio drags Brody up and reels him in. Claudio Gotch Lifts but Brody back drops free! Claudio lands on his feet! Springboard- HAYMAKER!! STUFF PILEDRIVER!! Cover, TWO?!?
Fans are thunderous as Brody hurries to get Claudio up. LARIAT!! Cover, Brody wins!!
Winner: Brody King, by pinfall (gains 3 points; Claudio earns 0)
That deadly right arm brings down the Swiss Superman, and Brody has six points! Is the Blue League soon going to belong to the House of Black?
Jon Moxley speaks.
“If it turns out that entering this Continental Classic tournament was a bad idea, I won’t find out ’til it’s too late. I’m banged up. Maybe the last four years is finally catching with me, because nobody’s done it anywhere in the world like I do it the last four years. My head hurts, my neck hurts, my back hurts, now my knee hurts. Getting that tingly-ness in my fingers now all the time. I live in pain on a day to day basis like most people couldn’t even imagine. Now on top of that, my head’s not screwed on straight all the time lately. The doctors are prescribing me this medication, that medication.
“And I’m just sick of it all. I’m sick and tired of being sick and tired. I’m sick and tired of being pissed off at my body failing me, I’m sick and tired of being depressed, I’m being sick and tired about being pissed about the entire last year. I’m sick and tired of being pissed off. So I’m gonna do the only thing I know how to do, the only thing I’m good at: I’m gonna wrestle my way out of it. I’m gonna fight my way out of it. I’m gonna put every ounce, every drop of sweat and effort and will I have into winning this Continental Classic tournament.
“This kind of thing, this is what AEW was built on, man. Two guys in the ring, the best wrestlers in the world, giving it their all, feeling that feeling when you’ve given every ounce of yourself in the ring, and pushing the limits, and pushing the boundaries, and making people stand up and go ‘Oh my God!’ What’d I just see?’ Feeling that connection with an audience that loves wrestling as much as we do. That is what AEW is about. Somebody’s gotta step up and win this tournament, and show the world exactly what AEW is, exactly what All Elite Wrestling can be! And that’s just gonna have to be me.
“Because anybody can say what they want but I’m the Ace of the World, b*tch, and that’s just the way it is. And there is nobody in this tournament that can do anything to me worse than what I deal with on a daily basis. Nothing they can do to me that’s worse than fighting the demons that I fight on a daily basis. If you think I’m shot, if you think my trigger’s been pulled, if you think I’m ripe for the picking, please, please, take your shot.” The Maniac is going to go until he can’t go any more, will El Toro Blanco look to take that shot this Wednesday?
Abadon VS Kiera Hogan!
With title chases never stopping, the Undead Girl and the Hottest Flame are fighting to get ahead. Who wins here to move up in the rankings towards the champions of AEW?
The bell rings, Kiera is wary of Abadon, and the two circle. Abadon corners Kiera, run sin, but Kiera dodges. Kiera SHOTGUNS Abadon down and fans fire up! Kiera runs in but Abadon sends her into buckles! Abadon fires off clothesline after clothesline, but lets off as the ref counts. Abadon runs in but Kiera avoids the boot to then KICK the legs out! Kiera runs, and she HIP ATTACKS Abadon against ropes! Kiera then snapmares, Abadon ducks the buzzsaw but not the SUPERKICK! Kiera runs Around the World to BOOT WASH! Cover, TWO! Kiera keeps cool as she runs again, but Abadon catches her for a SCRAPBUSTER!
Abadon roars and the fans fire up! Abadon runs in to SPLASH Kiera in a corner, then whips. Kiera reverse, Abadon slips out and then ROCKS Kiera! HEADSHOT CUTTER! Cover, TWO! Kiera is still in this but Abadon mocks the peace fingers. Abadon stalks Kiera, has her in the ropes, and mocks that pretty face. Abadon licks Kiera, YANKS her off the ropes, and then storms around. Abadon kicks, Kiera ducks and rolls her up, TWO! Kiera SOBATS, ROUNDHOUSES, then reels her in! NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Abadon survives and Kiera is frustrated. Kiera pounds the mat, the fans rally up behind her, and she stalks Abadon.
Kiera fires forearms, says to stay down and she SLAPS! Abadon SCORPION KICKS, then runs to KNEE Kiera down! Abadon drags Kiera up, hammerlocks, BLACK DAHLIA!! Cover, Abadon wins!
Winner: Abadon, by pinfall
Like the Nightmare Before Christmas, Abadon is bringing the scary to the merry season! But will Abadon earn a championship match as a Christmas gift to herself?
Wait! The lights go out! And when the lights come back, JULIA HART is here! Abadon turns around to see her, and the TBS Champion smiles. The lights go out again, and when they come back again, Julia’s gone. Abadon shrieks into the night, will this be like Jason VS Freddy for the title?
Backsatge interview with Samoa Joe.
Alex Marvez says the last time we saw Joe, he was furious that MJF accepted a tag team challenge from “The Devil of AEW.” Joe says why wouldn’t he be? But then someone shouts “SAMOA JOOOE~!” In rolls Roderick Strong & The Kingdom. Roddy tells Joe that Roddy is willing to forgive Joe for trying to end his career with a broken neck not just once but twice. And he knows Joe has his world title match with Max, but c’mon, this is clearly a trap! MJF is the Devil! But hey, Roddy’s best friend “ADAAAM~!” likes Joe and thinks of him as a friend. So as Adam Cole’s best friend, that makes Roddy a friend to Joe.
So hey, Wednesday, it’s a set-up. Those goons will beat the crap out of Joe! And MJF isn’t even here right now! He’s probably plotting how they’re gonna do it! The Kingdom says yeah, Roddy’s right. So just listen to him, okay? Joe chuckles and leaves. Does Joe think they’re joking? Between Joe and “The Devil,” who will have the last laugh on Dynamite?
AEW Continental Classic, Blue League: Andrade El Idolo VS Daniel Garcia!
We saw this showdown before when CJ Perry was recruiting clients, and we saw which way that went. But then will history repeat itself? Or will Red Death ruin Andrade’s start in the Blue League?
While no “seconds” are allowed, meaning even manager CJ must return to the back, Daddy Magic found a loophole by joining commentary. He still disapproves of the Garcia dance. Anyway, the bell rings, we’re on the clock, and the two circle. Fans rally up as the two tie up, Garcia rolls Andrade up, ONE! Garcia says he almost had Andrade, but Andrade just smirks. The two reset, tie up again, and Andrade headlocks. Andrade holds on tight, but Garcia powers up to power out. But Andrade runs Garcia over! Fans rally and duel, cheer and jeer, and Andrade CHOPS Garcia! Andrade whips but Garcia stops himself to whip Andrade!
Andrade goes Spider-Man in the ropes to tranquilo! Fans fire up for that, but then Garcia puts his dukes up. Andrade says no dance, but then Garcia clamps on a SLEEPER! Andrade RAMS Garcia into buckles, goes up the ropes, and he CROSSBODIES! Garcia staggers up, Andrade CHOPS him! Andrade whips, but Garcia reverses. Andrade goes up and over, then dropkicks the dropdown! Garcia goes to the apron, and Andrade PLANCHAS! Fans fire up, Andrade puts Garcia in, and he covers, ONE!! Garcia hangs tough but Andrade brings him up. Andrade gives some Latino Heat but Garcia wrenches out. Andrade ROCKS Garcia, but Garcia hits a SHIN BREAKER!
Garcia DRAGON SCREWS the leg, GROUDN DRAGON SCREWS it, then basement dropkicks! Fans fire up, Garcia covers, ONE!! ANKLE LOCK! Andrade scrambles to the ROPEBREAK! Garcia lets go, Andrade bails out, and Andrade shakes out the bad leg. Garcia goes out, Menard likes what he sees, but Andrade kicks low! Andrade RAMS Garcia into the apron, but Garcia kicks low and CLUBS him! Then RAMS him into railing! Garcia grabs at Andrade but Andrade gets in the ring. Garcia hurries to KNEE Andrade down, covers, ONE! Andrade CHOPS! Andrade whips to a corner, but Garcia BOOTS him back!
Garcia goes up, Andrade CLOBBERS Garcia to the floor! Fans fire up and Andrade paces while Garcia is dazed, and Collision goes picture in picture.
Andrade paces, walking off the pain in his leg, while Garcia clutches his neck and shoulder. The ring count climbs, Andrade goes out to commentary to have one of their WOOOOO energy drinks! “WOO~!” Andrade then makes his way around to fetch Garcia, and he SMACKS Garcia off the steel steps! Andrade drags Garcia back up to put in the ring, and he has a cocky cover. ONE, but Andrade stalks Garcia to ropes. Andrade kicks Garcia around, pie faces him, and eggs him on. Garcia huffs and puffs, then CHOPS back! And CHOPS and CHOPS and CHOPS! Garcia whips, Andrade reverses to then CLOBBER Garcia!
Andrade clamps onto Garcia with a headlock and grinds him down, and Collision goes to break.
Collision returns and Garcia fights up out of a headlock to SAIDO! Fans fire up while both men are down! Garcia pushes up, Menard says this has been Garcia’s best match so far! And zero dancing! Garcia stands, he counter punches Andrade, and counters again! Then he dodges, fires off haymakers and fast hands, the ref counts but Garcia lets off. The fans are thunderous as Garcia runs to BOOT Andrade, then put him up top! Garcia drags Andrade into the Tree of Woe, CLUBS him, then stands on the corner to punch away on the legs! Garcia goes all the way to TEN, then lets off. Dukes up, and he does some dancing before the BASEMENT DROPKICK!
Andrade falls out of the Tree, Garcia hoists him up, BRAINBUSTER! Cover, TWO!! Andrade survives and fans rally up again! Garcia drags Andrade into a waistlock, drags him back up, but Andrade ELBOWS Garcia! Garcia holds on, so Andrade throws more heavy elbows! Garcia ducks to CHOP! Garcia whips, Andrade ducks ‘n’ dodges to FLYING FOREARM! And he kips up! The fans fire up, Andrade takes aim as Garcia is in a corner, and Andrade builds speed corner to corner, but has to dodge a lariat! Andrade kicks and snap suplexes, Uno Amigo! Fans fire up as Andrade hits Dos Amigos! Andrade gives us some Latino Heat, but Garcia wrenches out! SLEEPER!!
Garcia squeezes tight but Andrade throws elbows. Andrade is fere, but Garcia hops back on! SLEEPER! Andrade carries Garcia as a backpack as he climbs the corner! Garcia CLUBS Andrade, shifts around, and the two brawl. Andrade has Garcia now, for a SUPERPLEX! And then he still rolls through to restart! Uno Amigo! Dos Amigos! THREE AMIGOS! Cover, TWO!! Garcia survives many amigos and Menard loves it! But Andrade steps through, only for Garcia to roll through, step through, DRAGONTAMER!! Andrade endures as Garcia bridges back! But Andrade grabs Garcia’s head! But Garcia rolls through!
Andrade wrenches out, hammerlocks and LA SOMBRA DDT!! Cover, Andrade wins!!
Winner: Andrade El Idolo, by pinfall (gains 3 points; Garcia earns 0)
Andrade’s first tournament match is his first win! Garcia is 0-2, Menard says this is a hole they’ll have to dig out of. Andrade still shows Garcia respect, but is Garcia going to be mathematically eliminated before long?
Willie Mack speaks.
“See, Wardlow, I know you’ve been going through a lot of things these past few weeks, putting your hands on people. But one thing you know about me is you don’t put your hands on my friends. Y’see, this is a person who I’ve tagged with and won multiple tag team championships in other promotions with. So what I’ma have to do, is I’ma have to reach out and touch you. So next week, we’re gonna have to do the damn thing in the ring, so guess what? You better pack a lunch, because I’m a big boy, and I’m a big meal to try to eat.” Mack is standing up for AR Fox, but will the Return of the Mack end up Wardlow’s newest victim?
The Kingdom w/ Roderick Strong VS The Iron Savages w/ Jacked Jameson!
Roddy shouts at “DASHAAAA!” to stop, and he has the music cut. First thing’s first, Roddy wants to say to his NEW best friend by proxy, “SAMOAAA Joe.” Listen, Roddy told him the truth back there. They roll down the ring as Roddy says MJF is the Devil and Joe will find out soon. And then those three dweebs in the ring, they ain’t gonna #NeckTheHalls, no. The Kingdom’s gonna beat their… AAAAASS! And Roddy wants to dedicate this to his best friend, whether he wants Roddy to or not, ADAAAM! “Get ’em, fellas!” The Kingdom fire off on The Savages as the bell rings! Bennett DECKS Dirty Bulk Bronson to then help Taven mug Beefcake Boulder!
The Kingdom mock the “DOUBLE CLOHTESLINE!” as they whip, but Boulder breaks through to DOUBLE CROSSBODY! Fans fire up as Boulder shows off the “BEEF! BEEF!” Boulder goes out to get Bennett up, but he SUPERKICKS first! BOSTON BAYONET! Then another BOSTON- NO, Boulder catches Bennett to APRON CHOKE SLAM! Taven WRECKS Boulder with a dropkick, but Bronson DIVES!? Direct hit and Bronson fires up! Bronson puts Taven in, storms up to whip corner to corner. Taven stops himself, ducks under and ENZIGURIS! Roll up, TWO! Taven swings, misses, and Bronson hits a SPINEBUSTER! Cover, TWO!
Fans fire up as Bronson tags Boulder. Boulder swivels and wiggles, then goes up and hup to SAVAGE FLOP as Taven moves! Bronson tags back in, Bennett tags, too. SUPERKICK and fireman’s carry, DEATH VALLEY DRIVER into JUST THE TIP of the knee! The Kingdom shouts #NeckStrong, and then Taven FLIES out onto Boulder! Bennett hauls Bronson up, Taven is on the corner, NECK CHECK PILEDRIVER!! Cover, The Kingdom wins!
Winners: The Kingdom, by pinfall
And then Roddy STRONG KNEES Jacked Jameson! He flounders back out of the ring and The Kingdom helps him get in the wheelchair. The Kingdom rolls out, will they be proven right on all fronts?
Backstage interview with Ethan Page.
Lexi Nair is with All Ego, who has requested this time. Ethan says that ever since losing out on the AEW World Championship to MJF, in his home country of Canada, Ethan has had to regroup and refocus. He’s gotten into the best physical shape of his life, he has been in ROH building up win after win. And so, here Ethan is to make a challenge and check off a bucket list thing. AEW is going back to Canada, and Ethan wants to be THE biggest name in Canadian wrestling. So therefore, to be the King of Canada, he needs his crown. That crown is currently on someone else’s head.
So in Montreal, 1v1, we find out who the best Canadian wrestler truly is, as Ethan calls out KENNY OMEGA! Will The Cleaner give All Ego that opportunity?
AEW hears from Willow Nightingale and Mercedes Martinez.
The Babe with the Power tells Mercedes, “our history goes further back than you probably even realize. I’ve been such a fan, and I’ve admired you so much.” The OG Badass says the first time they met, Willow “was this night little pretty Willow.” Willow says she is constantly disappointed in Mercedes’ behavior as of late, and in herself because she hasn’t been able to beat Mercedes. Mercedes asks how many times must Willow dance her way into Mercedes’ business? Isn’t Willow tired of being everyone’s hero? Next time they meet, Willow will need to be saved. Because Mercedes will dance and stomp all over her.
Malakai Black & Buddy Matthews VS Christopher Daniels & Matt Sydal!
Brody took the lead in the Blue League, and Julia has called out her next target. Will the Dark Father and Aussie Juggernaut make sure that the House Always Wins? Or will the Fallen Angel & Zen Assassin finally stake a claim in the AEW Tag Division?
The teams sort out, Buddy starts against Sydal, and the two circle. They knuckle lock, Buddy trips and covers, ONE as Sydal gets an arm up! Buddy pushes it down, ONE as the other arm comes up. Buddy pushes that down, TWO as Sydal bridges up. Buddy jumps but Sydal stops that to then go up and over for a sunset flip, only for Buddy to stand back up! Buddy TOSSES Sydal to a corner, but Sydal slips out to the apron to bump Buddy off buckles. Sydal climbs, CROSSBODIES, but Buddy rolls through! Buddy pops Sydal up to a fireman’s carry, but Sydal slips free. Sydal KICKS, KICKS, but Buddy ELBOWS him down!
Buddy drags Sydal up, whips, but Sydal wrenches, ducks ‘n’ dodges, tilt-o-whirls, but Buddy stops the DDT! Buddy suplexes but Sydal throws knees! Sydal waistlocks. Buddy switches and back suplexes, but Sydal lands on his feet! Sydal shoves Buddy to the corner, but Buddy pie faces Daniels! Sydal ROUNDHOUSES Buddy, tags Daniels, but Buddy fights them both off! Sydal RAMS Buddy, Daniels GAMANGIRIS! Feed to a ROUNDHOUSE then the STO! STANDING MARIPOSA! Cover, TWO! Daniels drags Buddy up, CHOPS, and whips. Buddy blocks, boots, then tags Malakai. Fans fire up as Malakai and Daniels stare down.
The two rush in, Daniels gets around to shove, then CALF KICK! Malakai goes to a corner, Daniels runs in and blocks a boot, but not the other BOOT! Malakai wrenches, tag to Buddy, but Daniels avoids the double stomp to CHOP and CHOP! Daniels whips, Buddy reverses and sends him into Malakai’s BOOT! Buddy TOSSES Daniels out, Malakai goes up and out to ASAI MOONSAULT! Buddy BLASTS Sydal for good measure, and then sits with Malakai as Collision goes picture in picture.
Daniels crawls his way back to the ring, drags himself in, and Buddy looms over him. Buddy drags Daniels up to ROCK him! Tag to Malakai, the House mugs Daniels, and then Malakai whips Daniels to ropes. BIG elbow! Malakai drags Daniels into an armlock but Daniels endures. Sydal coaches Daniels, rallies the fans, and Daniels fights up. Malakai wrenches to step over and have a COBRA TWIST! Daniels endures the stretch, so Malakai CLUBS him on the neck. Malakai UPPERCUTS Daniels, tags Buddy, and the House mugs Daniels again. Buddy pushes Daniels around, CLUBS him, then snapmares for a KICK! Cover, TWO!
Buddy keeps on Daniels with a chinlock and he grinds Daniels down. Daniels endures, Sydal coaches him and the fans rally up. Daniels fights up, reaches out, and throws body shots. Daniels RAMS buddy into a corner, but Buddy holds on! Daniels RAMS Buddy in again, but Buddy still holds on! Daniels tries again but Buddy sends Daniels into buckles! But Daniels BOOTS back! Daniels leaps, FLYING COMPLETE SHOT! Collision returns to single picture and both men crawl. Buddy grabs a leg, but Daniels boots him away! Malakai tags in, hot tag to Sydal! Sydal DROPKICKS Malakai, dodges to UPPERCUT Buddy, then tilt-o-whirl RANAS Malakai!
Fans fire up as Sydal KICKS and KICKS, but Malakai blocks one! Sydal ducks the jump knee to dragon sleeper, SLICE LEG DROP! Cover, TWO!! Malakai survives but Sydal calls to Daniels. Sydal goes to the corner, climbs up, but Malakai CLUBS him first! Malakai climbs up after Sydal but Daniels sneaks a tag! Daniels CLUBS Malakai, gets under, but Malakai backflips out of the bomb! Malakai ROCKS Daniels, but Daniels ducks Black Mass! Only for Buddy to METEORA! But so does Sydal to Malakai!! Fans fire up and Buddy fires off on Sydal! Kick, stomp to the foot, but Sydal avoids the knee to JUMPS OBAT!
Sydal runs, into a V-TRIGGER! Buddy runs, into a JUMP KNEE! Buddy flops out of the ring, Sydal builds speed, but Malakai trips him up and drags him out! Malakai CLUBS Sydal down, btu Daniels DIVES! Malakai is sent into the desk! Fans fire up with Daniels as he puts Malakai back in the ring. Sydal climbs, Daniels hoists Malakai up, but Buddy SHOVES Sydal down! Daniels still rolls Malakai up, TWO! Malakai sweeps the leg, Buddy runs to CURB STOMP Daniels down! Buddy sees Sydal coming and dodges, JUMP KNEE from Malakai! And BLACK MASS!! Cover, House of Black wins!
Winner: The House of Black, by pinfall
Another Collision, another sweep for the Dark Father and his family. The lights go down, but why? The House is already here. But here comes FTR! Cash Wheeler & Dax Harwood storm down to the ring bathed in the magenta light! Malakai tells them that before they do anything, Malakai assumes that they’re both here because they are joining the House. Dax chuckles but Malakai says he is a family man. And we know it’s been weeks. The only people in AEW that have been here for the both of them has been The House of Black. Malakai’s done a lot of things, but not once has he told a lie.
The fans chant “HOUSE OF BLACK!” and Malakai drops the mic for FTR to take. Dax picks it up, but Buddy KNEES him down! Cash goes after Buddy but he gets mugged! Cash still throws hands, but Buddy CURB STOMPS him down! Buddy then drags Dax up, and he makes Dax watch as Malakai sets Cash up! BLACK MASS!! Dax is seething but he can’t get free of Buddy’s chinbar, and Malakai says see! Not one single person has come to help them! And was Malakai right or what? No one is coming to help. Dax flips Malakai off, so he gets BLACK MASS!! Is this going to be the end for FTR in AEW once and for all?
Backstage interview with Toni Storm.
Renee Paquette is with “Timeless Toni,” bringing up last week as Storm accepting the AEW Women’s World Championship, and Storm says yes, she knows, she has no time for these prepared questions. And where is “that man who usually does my interviews? He has so much more poise.” And she isn’t even finished doing her hair because they were too busy with some blonde floosy! And yes, Storm did accept her championship last week, Renee was a dear for presenting that. But Storm was unceremoniously interrupted by Skye Blue!
Storm tells Skye that if she had any advice at all, it’d be to walk backwards! The only time anyone has anything nice to say about Skye, it’s in reference to her bottom! Is Storm supposed to be worried because Skye’s all spooky now? With that little thing on her head? Storm used to wear hats and be spooky. BOO. See? Not that hard. Interrupt her, fine. She can be first to challenge for “this little huckleberry right here.” But until then, chin up, chest out, and oh… she’s bare foot. Sorry. She takes RENEE’S shoe to throw around! Toni is timeless, but will the Storm strike down Chicago Skye?
Skye Blue speaks.
Well first, she sighs. “Toni, I have met you through every single one of your phases, but this little midlife crisis your going through is the most pathetic I have seen thus far. But you haven’t met this Skye Blue. So bring your little butler, bring your little blond bimbo, and whatever 1940s black ‘n’ white crap you got up that robe, because none of it is going to stop me from taking that championship from you. So I’m gonna have my chin up, my chest out, and I’m gonna shove your shoe right up your ass.” Strong words from a fired up challenger, will she be the new leading lady of AEW?
Christian Cage speaks.
Captain Charisma says, “I don’t think it’s any secret to anybody how far back my relationship with Adam Copeland goes. I think I more or less tolerated Adam. He was a hanger-on, he wanted to be like me, which is why he’s always tried to steal my spotlight wherever we’ve gone.” And that held Christian back. Edge got what he never got. He was pushed all the way to the bottom when they broke up as a tag team. But Christian willed himself to the top. he is here to be the best, anyone else is expendable. And Edge wants to take away everything Christian’s built up the last three years? Christian has nothing to prove to himself, but Edge has everything to prove to Christian.
This time, Christian is what everyone talks about. Whether it’s Dynamite, Rampage or Collision, Christian nis on the tip of everyone’s tongue. He is the Face of TNT, the Face of AEW, then, now and forever! Christian has always been better than Edge, and in Montreal, everyone will finally know. But will “The Patriarch” be the one in for a shock when things get Rated R on Wednesday?
El Hijo Del Vikingo VS Kip Sabian!
The AAA Mega Champion is coming off a big trios win last night on Rampage, but Mr. Superbad just thinks of him as the most overrated wrestler on the AEW roster. Will Kip put his money where his mouth is? Or will he be on the losing end of this Collision?
The bell rings, the two circle, and they feel things out. They tie up, Kip cording holds but Vikingo whips. Kip arm-drags and holds on, but Vikingo goes up and over! Kip just changes up cording holds, arm-drags, but then Vikingo pushes him. Kip arm-drags again and keeps the hold, wagging his finger. Then Kip CHOPS, Vikingo CHOPS back! Vikingo throws knees, goes up and out to HOTSHOT Kip! Then Vikingo springboards, but Kip slides out., Vikingo keeps moving, but he fakes Kip out! Fans fire up, Kip runs in but Vikingo dodges to HEEL KCIK! Kip goes to a corner, Vikingo whips but Kip reverses.
Viking slips out to the apron, Kip hits buckles, then Vikingo GAMANGIRIS! Vikingo goes up and around and FLYING ARM-DRAGS! Things keep moving, Vikingo CORKSCREW RANAS Kip out! Then Vikingo DIVES into a GAMANGIRI! Kip intercepts Vikingo and talks some trash. Then Kip ARABIAN PRESSES to take Vikingo down! Fans fire up and Collision goes picture in picture.
Kip drags Vikingo up, puts him in the ring, then drags him up to ROCK him with a forearm. Kip bumps Vikingo off buckles, then whips corner to corner hard! Vikingo falls back, Kip flexes, and Kip drags Vikingo to a cover, TWO! Kip drags Vikingo into a mounted armlock, but Vikingo endures. Kip BITES Vikingo’s hand! The ref misses that, but Vikingo fights to the ROPEBREAK! Kip lets go, then stands Vikingo up to ELBOW him to the corner. Kip stomps Vikingo again and again, then sits him down. Kip backs up to then run in again, CANNONBALL! Kip drags Vikingo to a cover, TWO! Vikingo is hanging in there but Kip keeps cool as Collision goes to break.
Collision returns and Kip ROCKS Vikingo with forearm after forearm. Fans boo, Kip whips, but Vikingo rebounds, gets under, and DREAMCAST KICKS! Kip flops against ropes and fans rally with Vikingo. Vikingo runs in at the corner, but stops as Kip moves. Kip returns, into a scoop and torture rack! Argentine Flip KNEE STRIKE! Like an inverted GTS! Kip falls, Vikingo drags him to a drop zone and goes up the ropes from the outside. INSIDE-OUT PHOENIX SPLASH!! Cover, TWO!! Kip survives and he manages to smile about it. Vikingo drags Kip back to another drop zone, but Kip goes after Vikingo as he climbs!
Kip climbs up after Vikingo, fans fire up and Vikingo throws body shots. Vikingo HEADBUTTS, Kip flops to the apron. But then Kip springboards u to SUPER STEINER! Kip hurries to scoop, FISHERMAN BUSTER! Cover, TWO!! Kip is stunned as Vikingo survives! Kip drags Vikingo up again, waistlocks, then torture racks. DEATHLY- NO, Vikngo flips free, dodges and SUPERMAN PUNCHES! Vikingo goes up as Kip bails out, to tightrope walk TORNILLO!!! Direct hit and the fans lose their minds! Vikingo puts Kip back in, runs corner to corner, METEORA! And then Vikingo goes right up, for the 630 SENTON!!! Cover, Vikingo wins!!
Winner: El Hijo Del Vikingo, by pinfall
The AAA Mega Champion cools off Kip’s hot take, because no one who can do what Vikingo did in this match is “overrated!” But Vikingo does show Kip a sign of respect by offering a handshake. The fans cheer to shake hands, but Kip says no! Will Kip ever get over himself? Will Vikingo earn even more gold in the New Year?
Backstage interview with Keith Lee.
Lexi is with the Limitless One, and says last time, he mentioned “him.” Just who is “him?” But then in walks Shane Taylor, because he knows who “him” is! Because Keith ain’t dumb enough to look past Shane. But last year’s match didn’t solve anything, so this year, they give the people the fight they really wanna see. Keith VS Shane, 1v1, Final Battle, so Shane can beat Keith’s ass in front of the entire world! Keith thinks on that a moment. Challenge accepted. And see #TAIGASTYLE later, too. Then in two weeks, in Garland, Texas, will that truly be the Pretty Boy Killers’ Final Battle?
Backstage interview with CJ Perry.
Lexi and CJ are outside Andrade’s office, and notes that Andrade’s first win was impressive. UH OH, here comes Miro! Miro says move, CJ says no! Miro can’t go in there! She knows he thinks things will go poorly, but when Miro chose his god over her, she has to prove herself. By Andrade winning, it will help CJ. So if Miro wants to go in there, fine, he’s a grown man. But if there is any love left for CJ, do not do this. Do not lay a hand on her client. Please? Miro says if His God was still with him, he would be in this tournament and have ripped Andrade’s spine out already! Miro then caresses CJ’s face, and says he won’t touch her client. She has his word.
Miro storms off, but what will The Redeemer do to prove himself worthy of gold in the background of the Continental Classic?
AEW Continental Classic, Blue League: Bryan Danielson VS Eddie Kingston!
The American Dragon was the first entrant named to this tournament, but could not compete in it until now. And he doesn’t think The Mad King is ready if one loss takes away all the confidence he had going into this. Will Bryan just pour fuel on that fire? Or will Eddie be the one to earn his first points tonight?
The bell rings and we’re on the clock. The fans fire up as Bryan and Eddie stare down. They slowly circle and approach. They feel things out, knuckle lock, but then Eddie tests things with a kick. Bryan stays back, they reset, and Eddie guards a kick. Bryan keeps trying but Eddie pushes back. Bryan uses ropes as a defense and the fans boo. Bryan smirks as he and Eddie reset, and they test the waters again. Bryan gives kicks, Eddie walks it off, and they feel things out again. Eddie fires off hands, clinches Bryan on the ropes, and the ref counts. Eddie puts Bryan in a corner, the ref counts but Bryan turns things around.
Bryan lets off slowly, but then CHOPS! Eddie just snarls while fans “WOO~!” Eddie storms up on Bryan, they feel things out, and Eddie tries some kicks now. Bryan also kicks, neither man lands a strong shot yet. They end up in a corner, Bryan turns things around on Eddie, then he CHOPS! Eddie CHOPS Bryan down! Fans fire up as Eddie stares Bryan down again. Bryan stands, he and Eddie feel things out again, and fans are behind Eddie more than they are Bryan. The two grapple, Eddie rolls but Bryan facelocks. They go to ropes, the ref counts, and Eddie fights up. The ref gets in between but Bryan KICKS Eddie!
Bryan fires off fast hands but then so does Eddie! Bryan kicks, but then Eddie kicks the bad arm! Bryan falls back, Eddie storms up but Bryan trips Eddie! Eddie goes for knuckle locks but Eddie’s leg guard keeps him back. Bryan KICKS a leg, KICKS again, then KICKS again! Bryan KICKS Eddie in the back! Bryan sits Eddie up to CHOP! Eddie eggs him on! Bryan CHOPS again, but Eddie brings the straps down! Bryan CHOPS again! Eddie is stinging but he grits his teeth. Bryan KICKS! And KICKS! And then snapmares to cover, ONE!! Bryan keeps on Eddie with a motorcycle stretch but Eddie endures.
Fans rally, Eddie fights up, but Bryan digs his forehead into Eddie’s shoulder blades. Eddie still turns things around to have Bryan in the stretch! Bryan endures, powers up, and waistlocks to GERMAN SUPLEX! Eddie stands up but then falls back over! Eddie goes to the apron, shakes out the stars, but Bryan runs in to BOOT him! Eddie holds onto ropes! Bryan runs up again to BOOT! Eddie still holds on, and he CHOPS! And CHOPS! Eddie swings, Bryan ducks to dropkick the legs out! Bryan then builds speed to slide, but Eddie avoids him! SAIDO to the floor! Fans fire up while both men are down, and Collision goes picture in picture!
The ref checks both men, and both men are somehow still in this. Eddie shakes out his arms as he sits up, and he drags Bryan up. Eddie CHOPS Bryan, then follows him around the way. Eddie CHOPS Bryan against railing! Eddie puts Bryan in the ring, stalks him, but Bryan bails out the other side. Eddie pursues, and CHOPS! And HEADBUTTS! Bryan staggers away, Eddie follows, and Eddie CHOPS Bryan against commentary! And again! And again! Bryan flounders, Eddie puts him in the ring, and Eddie storms up in the corner. Eddie stands Bryan up to MACHINE GUN CHOP! Bryan sits down, Eddie CHOPS him again!
Eddie digs his boots in, the ref counts, but Eddie lets off. Eddie drags Bryan up, and puts him up top for another CHOP! Eddie then climbs up after Bryan, brings him up, but Bryan resists the suplex! Bryan throws body shots, then he HEADBUTTS Eddie down! Eddie comes back to CHOP! Eddie CHOPS again, and Collision returns to single picture. Eddie CHOPS one more time, climbs up after Bryan, but Bryan again resists the suplex! Fans fire up as Bryan throws down elbows again and again! “YES! YES! YES!” Bryan HEADBUTTS again and Eddie staggers away. Bryan adjusts, MISSILE DROPKICKS, and down goes Eddie!
Eddie flounders to a corner and the fans rally up. Bryan huffs and puffs and rises up. Eddie also stands, he CHOPS Bryan! Bryan throws body shots! Eddie CHOPS! Bryan fires body shots! CHOP! Bryan KICKS and KICKS, but Eddie CHOPS and CHOPS and CHOPS! EXPLO- TAKEDOWN! Bryan has an arm, then grabs at the crossface! Eddie resists, fights around, but Bryan still gets the LEBELL LOCK!! Fans rally for Eddie as he endures, fights around, and reaches out! Bryan rolls Eddie back, and has the LEBELL LOCK again! Eddie fights around, pushes Bryan down and he fires down forearms as fans fire up!
Bryan CHOPS and SLAPS from below! Eddie SLAPOS and CHOPS in return! And then some more! They go shot for shot, and then Eddie rains down more forearms! Eddie hauls Bryan up, half nelsons, but Bryan arm-drags free! Bryan runs in, but Eddie dodges the knee to SAIDO!! Bryan stands, into the URAKEN!! Eddie falls on the cover, TWO!! Bryan survives and fans fire up! Eddie stands, drags Bryan up, and suplexes, NORTHERN LIGHTS BOMB! Cover, TWO!! Bryan survives and fans fire up again! Both men are down, a standing count climbs, and Eddie sits up first. The count is 5 of 10, Eddie stands up!
Eddie storms up on Bryan, drags him up and reels him in, but Bryan resists the lift! So Eddie fires KNEES to that bad eye! Eddie reels Bryan back in, but Bryan back drops free! Bryan aims, BUZZSAW! Bryan huffs and puffs and the fans fire up! Eddie sits up in a daze, Bryan aims again, to KICK! And KICK! And KICK! “YES! YES! YES!” Eddie stays up, so Bryan runs to- NO, Eddie blocks the kick to CHOP! And CHOP! Fans fire up as Eddie CHOPS again! Bryan grits his teeth, fires up, and Eddie CHOPS! Bryan KICKS! And KICKS! And KICKS! But Eddie glares at Bryan, ducks the roundhouse and ENZIGURIS!
Eddie HALF ‘N’ HALF SUPLEXES, then runs up to URA- NO, Bryan blocks! Clinch, FISHERMAN BACK SUPLEX! “This is Awesome!” as both men are down again! Eddie and Bryan slowly stir, and then slowly rise. Bryan aims again, to KICK! Eddie shoves Bryan, so Bryan KICKS again! Eddie CLUBS Bryan, Bryan KICKS, KICKS and KICKS! We get the five minute warning as Eddie throws hands! Bryan has the leg again, BRIDGING BACK SUPLEX! Cover, TWO!! Eddie escapes but Bryan says time to kick his head in!! DRAGON STOMPS!! “YES! YES! YES!” Bryan runs out of gas but somehow Eddie is still in this!
Bryan and Eddie crawl to each other, Eddie FLIPS BRYAN OFF! “This is Awesome!” as Eddie rises. Bryan aims from a corner, BUSAIKU KNEE!!! Cover, BRYAN WINS!!
Winner: Bryan Danielson, by pinfall (gains 3 points; Eddie earns 0)
THIS is the fight Bryan wanted from Eddie! But in the end, Bryan is the one to win the fight! Will Bryan keep on going through his next four fights? Eddie is technically still ROH World & NJPW Strong Openweight Champion, but with an 0-2 start, has he all but lost them both?
My Thoughts:
A great Collision, with awesome Continental Classic matches, but also matches they kayfabe’d as “standby” to try and kayfabe the tournament matches not going closer to their 20 minute time limits. A weird move to me but it’s not like we haven’t seen such a move by American televised pro-wrestling before. And surprisingly great stuff out of Vikingo VS Kip, but that was partly the point. Kip calls Vikingo overrated, then gets beat by Vikingo to show how legit Vikingo is, and there could even be a rivalry in the making or something. Kip still has Butcher & Blade to call on, that trio could take on Vikingo, Komander & Penta at some point.
Good match from Abadon and Kiera, with a really good win for Abadon. Julia showing up to basically call Abadon out was an interesting move but I also like it. Different kinds of spooky wrestlers are going to collide, this will be a good program for them both. And very good promos from both Storm and Skye to hype up their title match this Wednesday. Renee definitely looked like she was struggling to not break during Storm’s part, that’s how good Storm is. And I would think Storm retains because she’ll have Luther and Mariah May ringside. And good promo from Willow and Mercedes to set up their match, that’ll be really good stuff.
Good promo from Willie Mack to call out Wardlow but I would think Wardlow beats him to continue his dominance. Good promo from Christian to add some final hype onto the TNT Championship match. And good promo from Ethan Page to not just plug his time in ROH, but also to call out Kenny Omega. Ethan VS Omega is going to be really good, but that probably ends up being Omega’s win to build momentum going into the next round against Don Callis Family. But it also just makes me think Tony Khan still doesn’t get how ROH is supposed to matter. Ethan is in the middle of stuff with Tony Nese and he’s dividing his attention by wanting to be King of Canadian Wrestlers? What?
But thankfully, we did get a promo from Keith Lee and Shane Taylor to finally set up that match. And I do appreciate that it will be part of Final Battle since that’s where this feud started. Anything to make up for poor ticket sales and no ROH World Championship. Or even tag team championship at this point, right? The Kingdom called out MJF but MJF hasn’t taken the time to respond, he has The Devil of AEW to worry about. Good promo from Joe with Roddy & The Kingdom before The Kingdom beat The Iron Savages. Roddy was extra dramatic in his floundering out of the ring this time, can’t wait to see whether he and The Kingdom are still in on the whole Devil goon squad stuff.
Very good tag match from House of Black VS Daniels & Sydal but of course the House won. And good promo with FTR that then turned into a beatdown. That tag match is definitely going to be big for like Winter is Coming. And then, the Continental Classic. Great opening match from Claudio VS Brody, with a great win for Brody to lead the way in this block. And just as I expected, while we got awesome showings in the other matches, Garcia and Eddie each lost to Andrade and Bryan. Good promo for Miro wanting after Andrade but showing mercy for CJ’s sake. That feud probably waits until after the tournament, assuming Andrade isn’t a finalist. Worlds End would be a good PPV for Miro VS Andrade to happen as part of this ongoing story.
I also appreciated Eddie saying he doesn’t want to do cold open promos when he has a big match to get ready for. Doing coverage like I do, I don’t want to fall behind on the broadcast already trying to keep up with what people are saying at the very start like that. Even Claudio did a short promo because he also just wants to have his match, so they really should just have the matches and save promos for later in the night.
My Score: 8.8/10
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