Coverage
Mitchell’s NJPW G1 Climax 33 Results & Report! (7/26/23)
C & D, round 4!
The Front Man and the Imperial Unit meet again!
They’ve battled over the NJPW World TV Championship a few times already, but now Zack Sabre Jr. and Jeff Cobb clash in the G1 Climax!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- G1 Climax 33, C Block: HENARE VS EVIL; Evil wins.
- G1 Climax 33, D Block: Hirooki Goto VS Alex Coughlin; Coughlin wins.
- G1 Climax 33, C Block: Shingo Takagi VS Mikey Nicholls; Takagi wins.
- G1 Climax 33, D Block: Toru Yano VS Hiroshi Tanahashi; Tanahashi wins.
- G1 Climax 33, C Block: Eddie Kingston VS Tomohiro Ishii; Ishii wins.
- G1 Climax 33, D Block: Tetsuya Naito VS Shante Haste; Shane wins.
- G1 Climax 33, C Block: David Finlay VS Tama Tonga; Tama wins.
- G1 Climax 33, D Block: Zack Sabre Jr. VS Jeff Cobb; Cobb wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
Here are the current C Block standings.
David Finlay: 3-0, 6 points
EVIL: 2-1, 4 points
Tama Tonga: 2-1, 4 points
Eddie Kingston: 2-1, 4 points
Mikey Nicholls: 1-2, 2 points
Aaron Henare: 1-2, 2 points
Shingo Takagi: 1-2, 2 points
Tomohiro Ishii: 0-3, 0 points
Here are the current D Block standings.
Jeff Cobb: 3-0, 6 points
Zack Sabre Jr: 3-0, 6 points
Tetsuya Naito: 2-1, 4 points
Hiroshi Tanahashi: 1-2, 2 points
Hirooki Goto: 2-1, 4 points
Shane Haste: 1-2, 2 points
Toru Yano: 0-3, 0 points
Alex Coughlin: 0-3, 0 points
G1 Climax 33, C Block: HENARE VS EVIL w/ Dick Togo!
The Face of Fury is certainly furious after losing to the Mad King, and now he’s up against The King of Darkness! Will Henare go on a Rampage to stay alive in the block? Or will even Henare see Everything is Evil?
Wait, where is Dick? He’s supposed to be by Evil’s side. WAIT, Dick attacks Henare during his entrance! And with a chair, no less! Fans boo as Dick SMACKS Henare, and SMACKS him again! Evil keeps the ref from doing anything about this and Dick JAMS Henare with the chair! Dick drags Henare up and puts him in the ring. Fans tell Dick to go away but the bell rings. Evil covers, TWO! Another cover, TWO! A third cover, TWO!! Evil is upset with the ref but fans rally behind Henare. Evil drags Henare up, puts him through ropes, and then bends him back! The ref reprimands but Evil pushes him away!
Fans boo more, the ref reprimands again and now he counts! Evil lets off at 4 and argues with the ref. Henare flops out of the ring so Evil goes out after him. Evil RAMS Henare into the timekeeper! Fans boo as Abe-san goes down pretty hard! Evil CHOKES Henare with the mic cable and tells him to give up, but Henare can only shout and cough! Fans boo but Evil finally lets off to drag Henare to the crowd! They go right up the bleachers and fans move out of the way. Henare blocks the bump off the West sign! And he fires off shots! Then Henare SMACKS Evil off the West sign! Fans cheer for Henare as he does it again! And again!
Henare drags Evil up, brings him back down the bleachers and a ring count starts. Henare throws headbutts as he keeps Evil moving. Henare puts Evil in at 8 of 20 and he stalks Evil to a corner. Evil stands, Henare fires body shots and another HEADBUTT! Fans rally as Henare snapmares and KICKS Evil, to then SENTON! Cover, TWO! Fans rally for Henare as he looms over Evil. Henare drags Evil up, but Evil swings, into the ULTIMA! But Evil fights the full nelson and elbows free! Evil runs in, into an ELBOW! Henare goes up but Evil ducks the Flying Chuck! Henare comes back, into a boot! But he still clotheslines in the corner!
Henare whips Evil to ropes, scoops and BERSERKER BOMBS! Cover, TWO! Evil survives but Henare aims from the corner. Fans rally up, Evil rises, but then Evil bails out to avoid the Rampage! Fans boo, but then Henare goes out after Evil. Dick creeps up but Henare scares him off, only for Evil to attack from behind! Evil then whips Henare into railing hard! Henare tumbles up and over! The ref reprimands but Evil goes out to fetch Henare. Evil drags Henare up and RAMS him into the barriers! The ref reprimands, he wants this back in the ring, but Evil opens the gate to go up the stands! And all the way to the back aisle!
Evil brings Henare up, FISHERMAN- NO, Henare fights that! Henare throws body shots, but then Evil grabs the ref! Dick uses the SPOILER CHOKER! Fans boo but Henare powers up! Henare pulls the choker away, and he BOOTS Evil! And ELBOWS Dick! And then sends Evil into Dick! Henare DOUBLE LARIATS them down! Fans fire up for Henare as he looms over Evil. Henare drags Evil up, CLUBS him, and brings him back down the stands, to RAM him into those same barriers! Fans fire up and Henare drags Evil back up. Henare puts Evil in the ring and fans cheer. Henare drags Evil up and fireman’s carries, for a SAMOAN DROP! Cover, TWO!
Henare sits Evil up, and he clamps on a half nelson! And then goes for the full! Evil fights up, fights the full nelson, and he stomps Henare’s foot! Evil whips Henare into bare buckles! When did Dick do that?! But Henare just runs at Evil to BUSAIKU KNEE! Fans fire up while both men are down! Fans rally up, Henare goes to a corner, and he aims as Evil rises. Henare runs back in, but Evil sends the spear into a buckle pad! Evil then runs in to clothesline, and FISHERMAN BUSTER! Cover, TWO! Henare is still in this and fans rally up. Evil rises, he drags Henare up, and he fireman’s carries! DARKNESS FALLS! Cover, TWO!! Fans fire up as Henare survives!
Both men are down again and the fans rally back up. Evil stands up as we pass 10 minutes, and he slashes his throat! Evil drags Henare up, for EVERY- NO, Henare fights it! Evil tries again but Henare CLUBS him! Evil kicks, Henare blocks, and steps over to WHEEL KICK! Evil goes to a corner, Henare runs in, SHINING WIZARD! Henare pushes Evil down, takes aim again, and RAMPAGE!! But Henare isn’t done there! He drags Evil back up, fisherman’s, but Evil fights the lift! Evil wrenches, clinches, but Henare fights out! DOUBLE LAIRATS hit, and Henare HEADBUTTS Evil down! And then PENALTY KICK! Cover, TWO!!
Evil survives but Henare throws off the shoulder tape. Fans rally behind “HE-NA-RE!” as he hauls Evil up. Fisherman, but Evil CLAWS the eyes! Evil grabs the ref, and Dick has a chair! Dick JAMS Henare, but then Henare PUNCHES the chair apart! Dick throws the frame to Henare then runs away! The ref sees just Henare and what’s left of the chair, so the ref takes the chair away. Evil LOW BLOWS Henare!! EVERYTHING IS EVIL!!! Cover, Evil wins!!
Winner: Evil, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Henare earns 0)
Once again, the Spoiler saves his King of Darkness! Will anyone ever stop the House of Torture from stacking the deck? Or will Evil take the G1 Climax by any means necessary?
G1 Climax 33, D Block: Hirooki Goto VS Alex Coughlin!
It was only three weeks ago that The Fierce Warrior and the Deadeye Dreadnought battled over the tag titles. The War Dogs won the NJPW Strong Openweight Tag Team Championships but Bishamon held onto the IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Championships. Who wins a golden ticket to a rematch for the Fall?
But as Goto takes off his coat, Coughlin attacks! Fans boo but Coughlin throws Goto out as the bell rings! Coughlin RAMS Goto into railing, and he throws up the Too Sweet. Then Coughlin jumps the railing, takes someone’s seat, and he storms over to Goto. The ref tries to stop Coughlin, but Coughlin shoves the ref aside and JAMS Goto! Fans boo but Coughlin just soaks up the heat. Coughlin then tells the ref to count Goto out. Fans boo but Coughlin just throws up the Too Sweet. The count climbs while Goto writhes, and Goto is still down at 10 of 20. Goto sits up at 13, drags himself up at 15, and slides in at 16, only for Coughlin to stomp away!
Fans boo more as Coughlin stands on Goto! The ref counts, Coughlin steps away, but he stomps Goto more. Coughlin drags Goto up, but Goto CHOPS! And CHOPS! And CHOPS! Coughlin kicks low and gets the bad ribs, as beat up by Shane Haste. Goto bails out but Coughlin pursues. Coughlin drags Goto up to RAM him into railing! Fans boo but Coughlin puts Goto back in the ring. Coughlin covers, TWO! Coughlin argues the count but the fans rally for Goto. Coughlin clamps on a chinlock, then shifts to a seated cobra twist. Coughlin throws punches into the ribs, but Goto moves around! Coughlin makes it a COBRA CRADLE! TWO, but Goto is still in the twist!
Fans rally, Goto reaches out, and has the ROPEBREAK! Coughlin lets go quickly, and he eggs Goto on. Coughlin drags Goto up, but Goto CHOPS! And CHOPS! And CHOPS! But Coughlin knees low! Coughlin wags his finger, but Goto turns things around to fire off forearms in the corner! Coughlin turns it around to CHOP! Goto sits right down and fans do cheer that chop. Coughlin stands Goto up to whip him corner to corner, but Goto reverses! Goto runs in, blocks a boot, puts that leg in the ropes, and then KICKS the knee! Then MURAMASA! Fans fire up while Coughlin staggers, into Goto’s SAIDO!
Both men are down and Goto crawls after Coughlin. Cover, TWO! Goto grits his teeth, too sore to be upset. Fans rally up, we pass five minutes, and Goto drags Coughlin up. Coughlin fights the fireman’s carry with elbows, then runs, but Goto follows! Only for Coughlin to CHOP him down! Coughlin powers up and fans can’t help but fire up as he drags Goto back up. Coughlin suplexes, but Goto slips free to shove and fireman’s carry! USHIGOROSHI throw and then a SLAP!! Goto dragon sleepers, but Coughlin claws at Goto’s face! Coughlin elbows free, then KNEES hard and low! Coughlin powers up again and he storms up on Goto.
Coughlin deadlift suplexes Goto! And then JACKHAMMERS! Cover, COUGHLIN WINS!!
Winner: Alex Coughlin, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Goto earns 0)
The Dreadnought sinks Goto and gets his first win in the G1! Sure, he had bad ribs, but Goto isn’t the kind to make excuses. Then will he just have to fight even harder to keep from having a losing record in the block?
G1 Climax 33, C Block: Shingo Takagi VS Mikey Nicholls w/ Kosei Fujita!
The Rampaging Dragon finally got on the board after he broke through the Stone Pitbull, and Mad Mikey’s been on a bit downward trend. The Mighty Don’t Kneel, but will Takagi make Mikey tranquilo?
The bell rings and the fans rally for “TA-KA-GI!” as the two circle. They tie up, are in a deadlock, but Takagi pushes Mikey back. Mikey applauds and resets to circle with Takagi again. They knuckle lock, but Takagi kicks low! Takagi headlocks, Mikey powers out, and they RAM shoulders! Mikey runs and RAMS Takagi, but Takagi fires a forearm! Mikey gives it back, they go back and forth and the fans fire up, but then Takagi JABS, JABS and JABS! The ref reprimands about closed fists, but Mikey runs Takagi over! Mikey runs again, Takagi ELBOWS, snapmares and runs to SLIDING- NO, Mikey avoids the lariat and fans cheer the standoff!
Takagi and Mikey reset and circle again. They feel things out, Mikey toys around with the knuckle lock then kicks low. Mikey headlocks, Takagi powers up but Mikey holds tight! Mikey thrashes the hold to grind Takagi, but Takagi pries at the hold. Mikey puts the hold on tighter so Takagi throws body shots! Takagi pries the hold open again, wrenches out, and headlocks. But Mikey hits a BIG back suplex! Mikey dusts off his hands, goes out after Takagi, and RAMS him into railing! Then APRON BACK SUPLEXES! Fans fire up and Mikey grins while Takagi flops to the floor. Mikey slides into the ring and lets the count handle this.
Takagi stirs and fans rally up. Takagi sits up at 8 of 20, stands up at 12, and slides in at 14. Mikey is on him to suplex! And stall! Fans rally as Mikey holds Takagi for TWENTY before the SLAM! Cover, TWO!! Mikey drags Takagi around into a partial Camel Clutch! Mikey fishhooks the face and the ref reprimands. Mikey lets off, changes arms in the stretch, but then BITES Takagi on the forehead! The ref reprimands and counts, Mikey lets go and kicks Takagi around. Mikey slaps Takagi around, so Takagi ROCKS him with forearms! Mikey knees low, snapmares and runs, but Takagi avoids the sliding lariat!
Mike comes back but Takagi ELBOWS, JABS, and YUKON LARIATS! Fans fire up as Takagi goes to a corner. Mikey flounders and Takagi feeds off the energy from the fans. He doesn’t say “it” yet, but he runs Mikey over to SENTON! “Mada mada!” Takagi drags Mikey up to suplex high and hard! Cover, TWO! Takagi looks to the cameras, and NOW it’s time! Fans fire up with that and Takagi drags Mikey up to whip him to a corner. Takagi runs in, blocks a boot and clotheslines through! Takagi runs to SLIDING LARIAT! Cover, TWO! Fans fire up as we pass five minutes. Takagi starts up the “OI! OI! OI!” and the fans join in!
Takagi rises, he brings Mikey up, but Mikey fights the fireman’s carry! Takagi powers through but Mikey slips out. Takagi waistlocks, ducks Mikey’s elbow, but Mikey DDTs! Mikey aims from a corner, and he mocks Takagi by headbutting the buckles! Mikey runs to clothesline, then whips corner to corner! Mikey runs in, Takagi BOOTS him, but Mikey still clotheslines! Mikey puts Takagi up top, climbs up after him, and fans rally up as he goes to the very top! SUPERPLEX!! Both men are down and fans are thunderous! Mikey and Takagi crawl to each other, and they give junkyard dog headbutts!
They stand, and the forearms start flying! But then Takagi HEADBUTTS! Mikey throws another forearm, Takagi throws another headbutt! They go back to throwing forearms, but Takagi throws boxing elbows! Mikey SLAPS Takagi! Takagi rebounds, into a fireman’s carry! DEATH VALLEY BOMB! SLIDING LARIAT! Cover, TWO!! Takagi survives and the fans fire up again! Mikey drags Takagi up, whips him to ropes, but Takagi holds ropes! Mikey runs in, but into a fireman’s carry! DEATH VALLEY DRIVER! Mikey’s back up, he LARAITS! Cover, ONE?!?! Takagi PUMPING BOMBERS! Cover, ONE?!!?
Fans are thunderous as both men are still in this! Takagi runs in again, but DOUBLE LARIATS collide! And then DOUBLE LARIATS again! Takagi swats a lariat but Mikey CHOPS! Takagi JABS! Mikey UPPERCUTS! Takagi HEADBUTTS! Takagi runs, RAMS shoulders, then fires a forearm! Takagi runs again, Mikey HEADBUTTS! Mikey throws a forearm, headlocks, but Takagi powers out! Takagi then dodges, PUMPING BODY CHECK!! Cover, Takagi wins!!
Winner: Shingo Takagi, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Mikey earns 0)
It’s hard to say what really happened at the end there, but it was effective! Will Takagi continue to throw everything he has into winning the G1?
G1 Climax 33, D Block: Toru Yano VS Hiroshi Tanahashi!
Oh no! The Joker and the Ace, who have teamed together in World Tag League the last few years, are now battling each other here in the fourth! Will Tanahashi thwart whatever tricks Yano has up his proverbial sleeve? Will they both be able to laugh it off if he can’t?
The bell rings and fans rally up, and then Yano squats at the center of the ring! So Tanahashi squats with him! They both fire up, but Yano rolls Tanahashi up! TWO!! Yano says sorry, he was just joking around! Tanahashi says yeah right. Tanahashi wants the ref to do a more thorough check. Tanahashi says there’s something in Yano’s waistband! Yano says no, that’s just his belly. But if you look closely… Yano says fine, and he throws out the roll of tape he was hiding! Fans cheer, but Yano says hush. But wait, there’s another roll! Yano is clean now, and he and Tanahashi circle. Tanahashi offers a handshake and Yano takes it.
Fans cheer as the two tie up and Tanahashi puts Yano on ropes. Tanahashi then lets off and the two go again. They tie up, Yano puts Tanahashi on ropes, and then Yano lets off. Fans cheer the clean break as the two reset again. They tie up, Yano waistlocks, but Tanahashi switches. Yano switches, Tanahashi pries the waistlock open and wrenches, but Yano facelocks to a takedown! BRIDGING COVER, TWO!! Tanahashi headlocks for a takeover, Yano headscissors, and Tanahashi kips free! Fans cheer and the two bump shoulders. The forearms start flying and fans fire up as they go back and forth!
Tanahashi fires the strike fest, then whips! Yano reverses but Tanahashi FLYING FOREARMS! Fans fire up with The Ace and he eggs Yano on. Yano rises, Tanahashi ROCKS him with a forearm and throws body shots. Tanahashi scoops to SLAM Yano into the drop zone! Fans cheer as Tanahashi goes up, to SUNSET- NO, Yano dodges and Tanahashi lands on his back! Maybe he hesitated? Yano drags Tanahashi out and then whips him into railing! Tanahashi hits hard and falls in a heap! Yano then goes to look under the ring, and he brings out spare tape! Of course he has a secret stash!
Yano storms up on Tanahashi, but Tanahashi kicks low! Tanahashi CLUBS Yano down, and Tanahashi has the tape! To give to a fan as a souvenir! Fans cheer and Tanahashi drags Yano up. Tanahashi puts Yano in the ring, and then drags him back up. Tanahashi throws body shots, whips corner to corner, but Yano reverses! And then he unties the buckle pad! The ref says don’t do it, but Yano swings! Tanahashi blocks! Tanahashi says how dare Yano try this on him! Yano says come off it, and then he DRAGON SCREWS the buckle pad and somehow throws Tanahashi with it! Fans fire up and we pass five minutes.
Yano drags Tanahashi up, whips him and Tanahashi hits bare buckles! Then Yano atomic drops, trips Tanahashi, and CATAPULTS him into the bare buckles! Tanahashi staggers into a lift, ONIGO- NO, Tanahashi fights free! Yano swings, misses, and Tanahashi DRAGON PALMS! But Tanahashi blocks the low blow! ARM SCREW! Yano staggers up, kicks, but Tanahashi blocks to DRAGON SCREW! Fans rally up as Yano writhes. Tanahashi runs as Yano rises, SLING- NO, Yano gets around and shoves Tanahashi at the ref! Tanahashi stops himself but Yano runs to TACKLE Tanahashi into the ref! Yano hurries to grab his red chair!
Yano waits on Tanahashi to rise, and he runs in, but Tanahashi dodges! DRAGON PALM through the chair! Tanahashi gets the chair out of the ring, and he eggs Yano on. Fans fire up as Tanahashi runs again, SLINGBLADE! Tanahashi goes to a corner and fans fire up as he climbs! HIGH FLY FLOW!! Cover, Tanahashi wins!
Winner: Hiroshi Tanahashi, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Yano earns 0)
The Ace was ready for all the Joker’s tricks, and now he has broken even. Will Tanahashi be able to keep this hot hand rolling and head for the top of the block? As for Yano, he’s 0-4, will he ever even get points?
G1 Climax 33, C Block: Eddie Kingston VS Tomohiro Ishii!
The Mad King slayed the Rampaging Dragon, and he practically knocked out the Face of Fury, but he once again meets the Stone Pitbull. Will Eddie be able to break through for another win? Or will Ishii avoid going 0-4?
The bell rings and fans rally up for “I-SHI-I!” as he and Eddie step up. They tie up, are in a deadlock, but Eddie finds a point of leverage given he’s taller. Eddie has Ishii on the ropes, but he lets off, only for Ishii to dodge his chop! But then Eddie dodges Ishii’s chop! Fans fire up and Eddie takes a moment to do some stretches. Eddie calls for a knuckle lock and Ishii obliges. They tie up, go shoulder to shoulder, and Ishii powers Eddie down to his knees! Fans cheer, and then Eddie fights up to his feet. Eddie powers Ishii down to his knees! Fans rally, Ishii fights back up, and Ishii kicks low! Ishii whips, Eddie reverses to knee low!
Eddie whips, Ishii reverses but Eddie knees low! Eddie then GOURD BUSTERS! And DOUBLE STOMPS! Fans rally but Eddie still hobbles a bit from all the damage he’s taken in the past matches. Eddie rallies for Ishii as much as the fans do, and Ishii rises. They step up again, and Ishii CHOPS! And CHOPS! Eddie laughs it off so Ishii CHOPS again! Eddie CHOPS! Ishii felt that one but he still shakes his head. Ishii CHOPS, so Eddie CHOPS! Ishii CHOPS again! Fans rally as Eddie felt that. Eddie CHOPS, Ishii CHOPS, repeat! Eddie gets Ishii with a good one, then CHOPS him again! And another! Eddie runs, but Ishii runs him over!
Fans fire up and Ishii stalks Eddie as he crawls. Ishii sits Eddie up to KICK him! Eddie goes to stand, but his back brings him down! Ishii KICKS Eddie again and again, then drags him up. Eddie throws body shots but Ishii doesn’t budge. Fans rally, Ishii CHOPS again! Eddie falls right over! Ishii eggs Eddie on, gives him toying kicks, then stands Eddie up to CHOP against ropes! And again! And again! Eddie staggers but he still has his dukes up. Ishii brings Eddie around but Eddie fights the saido with elbows! Eddie whips, but Ishii reverses then reels Eddie in, SAIDO! Fans fire up while both men are down!
Ishii sees Eddie drag himself to ropes and shake out the bad arm. Fans rally for Eddie, and Ishii runs in, but into a BOOT! Ishii runs in again, into an ELBOW! Eddie goes up, FLYING KNEE! Fans fire up while both men are down again! Eddie rises, Ishii goes to a corner, and Eddie runs in to clothesline! Eddie fires up and MACHINE GUN CHOPS! Fans cheer and Eddie reels Ishii in, EXPLODER! Cover, TWO! Ishii is still in this and the fans rally up as Eddie shakes out the arms. Ishii rises, Eddie reels him in but Ishii fights the suplex with elbows. So Eddie CHOPS! Ishii doesn’t react?! Ishii just CHOPS in return!
Eddie nods, and CHOPS again! Ishii CHOPS again, and Eddie scowls. Eddie CHOPS, Ishii CHOPS, repeat! Fans rally as the CHOPS keep going back and forth! Eddie brings down the straps and fans fire up! Ishii CHOPS, Eddie CHOPS, repeat! Eddie takes a second and fans fire up! Eddie CHOPS, Ishii CHOPS, and Eddie is starting to get frustrated. Eddie CHOPS, Ishii CHOPS, and Eddie shouts as he CHOPS! Ishii CHOPS, Eddie CHOPS, repeat! Both men start feeling the stinging, and fans fire up as Eddie nods again. Eddie CHOPS, Ishii CHOPS, and Eddie grits his teeth! Eddie CHOPS, Ishii CHOPS, repeat!
Wait, now Ishii is wobbling! So Eddie CHOPS! And CHOPS! And CHOPS!! Ishii falls!! Eddie rests against ropes while fans are thunderous! Eddie hobbles around, brings Ishii up, and half nelsons! Ishii fights the nelson, but Eddie RIDGEHANDS over and over! Ishii fires boxing elbows! But Eddie gets around to HALF ‘N’ HALF! And SLINDING FOREARM! Cover, TWO!! Ishii survives and fans are thunderous again! We reach 10 minutes and both men drag themselves up. Eddie powers up his hand, but Ishii SWATS the Uraken! To GERMAN SUPELX! But Eddie’s right up! Eddie swings, but into another GERMAN SUPLEX!
But Eddie stands up! Only to flop right back over! Fans are thunderous again as both men are down! Ishii sits up in a daze, flops over and he rolls towards a corner. Eddie is by the ropes, Ishii waits on him to sit up. Fans rally and duel, Ishii runs, but Eddie swats the lariat! Ishii SOUTHPAW LARIATS! Eddie ENZI- NO, Ishii ducks it! But then Eddie avoids the sliding lariat to LARIAT Ishii! Fans fire up and Eddie drags Ishii up, to SAIDO! Cover, TWO!! Ishii is still in this and Eddie is again frustrated! But the fans are loving it as Eddie steps over! STRETCH PLUM!! Ishii endures, even as Eddie twists him!
Fans rally, Ishii reaches out but he’s already fading! Eddie twists Ishii even further! Ishii is fading, so Eddie covers! TWO!!! Ishii gets his arm up with nanoseconds to spare and the fans rally back up! Eddie shakes out his arms, drags Ishii back up, but Ishii ducks the Uraken to HEADBUTT low, HEADBUTT high, then RUNNING HEADBUTT! Cover, TWO!!! Eddie survives the onslaught and fans are thunderous again! Ishii drags Eddie up, but Eddie CHOPS! Both men wobble, Eddie chops again but there’s no power behind it. But then Eddie powers up to CHOP! Ishii ENZIGURIS! Ishii roars and fans fire up!
Ishii runs, into Eddie’s ENZIGURI! But he comes right back to LARIAT!! Cover, ONE?!?!? Eddie shakes his head and fans are electric! Ishii runs to LARIAT again!! Cover, TWO!?!?! The fans are electric again as Ishii roars! Ishii drags Eddie up, suplexes, but Eddie fights! Eddie SLAPS, then URAKENS!! Ishii staggers, roars, but Eddie URAKENS again!! Cover, TWO!?!?? Not even going Backfist to the Future twice can stop Ishii, and we pass 15 minutes! Eddie is beside himself, and the fans are rallying as hard as they can! Eddie stands, he roars, and he drags Ishii back up. Eddie scoops, but Ishii slips free! Ishii hits a CODE BREAKER?! And a SLIDING LARIAT!! Cover, TWO!?!?!
Ishii can’t believe that Eddie is still in this! Ishii fires up, the fans are electric again, and he suplexes Eddie, for a BRAINBUSTER!!! Cover, Ishii wins!!
Winner: Tomohiro Ishii, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Eddie earns 0)
The Mad King may be NJPW Strong Openweight Champion, but he wasn’t able to deny the Stone Pitbull! Ishii is finally on the board with this win, but will he and Eddie meet again down the line?
G1 Climax 33, D Block: Tetsuya Naito VS Shante Haste w/ Kosei Fujita!
The Uncontrollable Charisma snatched the win from the Clown Prince, Toru Yano, but he might need to take “Hysterical Haste” a bit more seriously. Will Naito keep things tranquilo? Or will Shane show him that The Mighty Don’t Kneel?
As is Naito’s way, he takes his time with his elaborate entrance attire. Shane is patient, we’ve all seen this before. Naito puts the pants away, and then Naito wants to trade hats? His baseball cap for the orange top hat? Shane and Naito put the hats on, then Naito asks to see the top hat. Shane hands it over, Naito puts it on, and Shane says it looks good on him. Naito compares the two, then TOSSES the top hat away! Free souvenir? Shane runs in, Naito CLUBS him and throws him out at the bell! Naito then puts his baseball cap on and poses. Fans cheer “NA-I-TO! NA-I-TO!” while Shane keeps his cool.
Shane rushes in but Naito CLUBS him! Naito claws Shane’s face, lets off as the ref reprimands, and then whips. Shane reverses to DROPKICK Naito down! Shane then takes Naito’s hat, and he puts it! Fans cheer, Shane runs to UPPERCUT, and then he snapmares Naito to a basement dropkick! Shane turns that hat around and mocks the LIJ fist. Fans still cheer, and then Shane tosses Naito’s hat! Another free souvenir? Shane kicks Naito, reels him in, but Naito blocks the suplex! Naito throws body shots, but Shane UPPERCUTS! Shane whips Naito to a corner, runs in but only gets buckles! Naito returns, and blocks boots!
Naito puts Shane in the ropes for a DRAPING BACKBREAKER! Naito then climbs up, stands Shane up, but Shane swings on him! Naito avoids the punch to HOTSHOT and DROPKICK Shane down! Fans rally while Naito goes out after Shane. Naito drags Shane up and whips him hard into railing! Shane goes down in a heap but Naito storms up on him. Naito drags Shane into the crowd area, CLUBS him down, then goes back to close the gate? Naito drags Shane up turns him around, NECKBREAKER into the railing! The ref reprimands and Kosei checks Shane while Naito leaves him behind.
The ring count starts, Shane stirs at 5 of 20. Shane sits up, checks his neck, and crawls back to ringside. Shane stands at 13, hobbles, and slides into the ring at 16! Naito drags Shane up, cravats and cranks the neck. Shane endures, but Naito snapmares Shane down, still keeping on the neck wrench! Shane endures, even as Naito thrashes him! Shane reaches back to the ROPEBREAK! Naito drags Shane up to NECKBREAKER! Shane flounders to ropes but Naito keeps after him. The ref checks Shane but he’s okay to continue, so Naito stomps him! Naito drags Shane up, has the cravat again, and he cranks on the neck wrench!
Naito thrashes Shane, but Shane fights up and scoops! But Naito slips free to headlock, and he goes back to the cravat! Naito grinds Shane down to the mat, Shane endures again, and fans rally up. Shane pushes up, throws body shots, and he arm-drags Naito away. Naito kicks low, runs, but into a DROPKICK! Fans fire up while both men are down! Shane crawls over to Naito, waits on him to stand, and Shane KICKS! BOOTS! And back suplexes so hard, Naito lands face down! Fans fire up as Shane paces around, then deadlifts Naito for a FALCON ARROW! Cover, TWO! Naito is still in this but Shane has a wild look in his eyes.
Shane makes Naito do the LIJ fist, then he KICKS Naito in the back! Fans fire up as Shane aims from a corner and Naito rises. Shane prepares his foot, and runs in, but Naito blocks the kick! Naito shoves, Shane blocks the hip toss to body shot! Shane runs, into an arm-drag! Naito ELBOWS and BASEMENT DROPKICKS! Fans rally while both men slowly rise. Naito shakes out his head and stands up. Naito drags Shane up, and throws heavy back elbows! Shane drops to his knees but Naito drags him back up. Naito throws more of those back elbows! Shane falls over and fans rally up again!
Naito goes to a corner, climbs up, and he reels Shane in. ESPERANZA!! Fans fire up while Shane flounders away! Naito aims from the corner, runs in, CORRI- UPPERCUT! But Naito’s right up to ENZIGURI! And then he headlocks, but Shane deadlift BACK SUPLEXES! Fans fire up while both men are down again! Shane and Naito stir and we pass 10 minutes. Shane throws a forearm, but Naito hits back! Shane throws another forearm, but Naito gives it back! The forearms fly faster and faster, the two stand up, and Naito SPITS at Shane! Naito fires forearms, but Shane fires UPPERCUTS and PALM STRIKES!
Shane UPPERCUTS Naito, then whips! Naito reverses, reels Shane in, TORNADO DDT! And a stiff one! Fans fire up again as Naito drags Shane up. But Shane wrenches out, kicks the leg out, then hits a SWINGING SAIDO! Cover, TWO!! Naito survives and fans fire up! Shane fireman’s carries, BOMB VALLEY- DESTINO!! Naito hits one outta nowhere, and now he wants another! But Shane slips free to LARIAT Naito inside out!! Fans are thunderous as both men are down! Naito and Shane stir, Shane crawls over after Naito, and Shane drags Naito up. Shane fireman’s carries but Naito fires off elbows!
Naito throws more heavy elbows, but Shane fireman’s carries! Naito slips free, CORRIENDO SHIKI DESTINO!! Cover, TWO!! Shane survives again and fans are thunderous! Naito stands Shane up, wrenches, tilt-o-whirl- BOMB VALLEY DEATH!! Cover, SHANE WINS!!!
Winner: Shane Haste, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Naito earns 0)
Naito got greedy, wanting to put a punctuation on the match, but ended up getting caught! Shane has the last laugh, will this be the loss that keeps Naito from the semifinals?
G1 Climax 33, C Block: David Finlay w/ Gedo VS Tama Tonga!
There seems to be a subtle them of facing familiar foes tonight, as the Rebel is the man who brutalized the Good Bad Guy and dethroned him as NEVER Openweight Champion back at Wrestling Dontaku. But will Tama get payback on Finlay here tonight? Or will Finlay just repeat the same savagery from the Spring?
But since there’s no love lost, Tama jumps out of the ring and goes after Finlay at the ramp! They brawl by the crowd, fans fire up and the bell rings as Tama SMACKS Finlay off the upper level! Tama throws more punches, then brings Finlay up into the crowd! Finlay hits back but Tama RAMS him into the wall! Fans fire up as Tama stomps Finlay down! Tama stands on Finlay and fans cheer! Tama then drags Finlay up, CLUBS him on the back and brings him down the stands, to ROCK him and SMACK him off the bleachers! Red Shoes reprimands, fans move aside, and Tama leaves Finlay behind.
Fans cheer as Tama sticks to the “good” part, but then decides to be the “bad” part and he goes back for more! Fans cheer Tama as he punches away on Finlay! Red Shoes reprimands, Tama lets off and fans fire up with him! Red Shoes warns Tama, but Tama drags Finlay up. Tama has Red Shoes move aside, and he brings Finlay up! Finlay fights the suplex desperately, then throws body shots! Finlay shoves Tama to the floor! Tama clutches a leg, Finlay hurries down to stomp away! Finlay confiscates a fan’s chair to JAM Tama with it! Finlay drags Tama up by his hair while Red Shoes returns the chair.
Finlay beats Tama down, then paces. Finlay drags Tama up, SMACKS him off the apron, and fans boo. Finlay looms over Tama while a ring count starts. Finlay stomps Tama’s leg, the count hits 10 of 20 but Finlay puts Tama in at 12. Fans cheer but Finlay drags Tama to ropes. Finlay HIP DROPS the bad leg! Finlay drags Tama out, SLAMS the leg on the apron edge, and fans boo while Tama writhes. But Finlay just SLAMS the leg on the apron again! Finlay slides in, puts the leg back on the ropes, and fans boo again. Finlay flips them off, then HIP DROPS the leg! Tama writhes, Finlay drags him around, and turns Tama!
Tama fights but Finlay still steps over for the HALF BOSTON CRAB! Tama endures, fans rally, and Tama turns over to kick away! Finlay DDTs the leg! Tama writhes and Finlay mocks him. Finlay then drags Tama up, but Tama throws body shots! Finlay DECKS Tama, then CLUBS away on him! Finlay drags Tama up, scoops, but Tama slips free to waistlock. Finlay throws elbows, Finlay runs, but into a DROPKICK! Fans fire up as both men are down! Tama clutches the leg, crawls to ropes, and he storms up on Finlay in the corner. Tama throws an elbow, whips Finlay back into the corner, and clotheslines!
Fans rally up, Tama drags Finlay up and throws haymakers! Tama fires shots, whips Tama corner to corner, but Finlay reverses! Tama comes back to CLOBBER Finlay! And OFF COMES THE VEST! Fans fire up with Tama as he glares at Finlay. Finlay crawls to a corner, Tama runs in, STINGER SPLASH! Scoop and POWERSLAM! Then cover, TWO!! Finlay survives and Gedo coaches him up, but Tama looms over him. Tama CLUBS Finlay down, then throws down elbows! Fans rally, Tama ELBOWS Finlay in the head! Tama paces, drags Finlay up, but Finlay snapmares free! Tama runs in, but Finlay avoid the Gun Stun!
Tama runs back in, but into an IRISH CURSE BACKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Tama hangs tough but Finlay drags him back up. Finlay gut wrenches for the Canadian rack but Tama slips out! Finlay spins things around, Tama fights the suplex but Finlay ROCKS him! Tama PELES! Fireman’s carry, S R C! Fans fire up and Tama goes up the corner! SUPREME FLOW onto knees!! Finlay saves himself but perhaps a bit double-edged! Gedo is happy either way that Finlay’s still in this. Fans rally, both men stir, and Finlay stands first. Finlay drags Tama up, scoops and SLAMS him into ropes, just to tweak the legs!
Finlay steps through, turns Tama over as we hit 10 minutes, and he has the SHARPSHOOTER! Tama endures and fans rally up! Finlay sits deep on the hold, but Tama fights his way forward! Finlay sits down all the way, it’s almost a deathlock! Tama reaches out, ROPEBREAK! Finlay lets off in frustration but Gedo smiles, he is sure this is in the bag. Finlay drags Tama up, but Tama fights the lift! Tama back drops Finlay outta the ring! Fans fire up as Tama rises again! Tama hurries to PLANCHA! Direct hit and down goes Finlay! Tama hurries to put Finlay back in, and he goes back up the corner! SUPREME FLOW!! Cover, TWO!!
Finlay survives but Tama says he’ll finish this! Finlay stands, but turns Gun Stun to backslide! Roll through, INTO- NO, Tama slips free to underhook! But Finlay slips out to get around, BLUE THUNDER BOMB!! Cover, TWO!! Tama survives and Finlay is furious! Finlay gut wrenches, Canadian DOMINATOR!! Cover, TWO!!! Tama survives, and was that a low blow kick out!? Did Tama borrow an idea from the Tribal Chief? Finlay hobbles up, he still wants to end this! But Tama cradles!! TWO!!! GUN- NO, Finlay spins Tama around, gets him up, but Tama fights free! They brawl with forearms and fans fire up!
Finlay gets the edge, UPPERCUTS, Tama SUPER- NO, Finlay ROCKS him! And ROLLING ELBOWS! And ROLLING ELBOWS again!! Fans are thunderous for Tama but Finlay aims from a corner. Tama flounders but stands, Finlay runs in to SPEAR!! Finlay vows to end this now! POWER- RANA!! Cover, TAMA WINS!!!
Winner: Tama Tonga, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Finlay earns 0)
Vengeance, thy name is Tama! Tama gets the better of The Rebel, is now the top man in the block, and that pisses Finlay off! Finlay attacks like a sore loser and fans boo! Gedo tosses the shillelagh in, but Finlay says hold on. POWERBOMB!! Fans boo, and now Finlay has the shillelagh! Gedo drags Tama up, Finlay aims, SHILLELAGH SHOT!! Fans boo as The Rebel still stands tall, and he flips everyone off. Tama didn’t have back-up, but will he be rolling three Guerrillas deep when he and Finlay meet again?
G1 Climax 33, D Block: Zack Sabre Jr. w/ Kosei Fujita VS Jeff Cobb!
At Wrestling Dontaku, the Front Man held onto the NJPW World Television Championship because of a time limit draw. At Dominion, ZSJ was able to wrap things up much faster than 15 minutes. But the bottom line is that Cobb is 0-2 against ZSJ this year. Will the Imperial Unit be able to finally take ZSJ on a Tour of the Island? Or will ZSJ finally get Cobb to #JustTapOut?
ZSJ takes a moment to walk through the crowd so the adoring fans can cheer him on even more. ZSJ even goes up into the stands, but Cobb waits patiently as ZSJ makes his way back down. ZSJ then steps into the ring, the bell rings and ZSJ actually has some breathing room since this is a 20 minute time limit, not 15. Fans rally as the two circle, feel things out, and then circle some more. ZSJ keeps away from Cobb, and Cobb gets annoyed. Fans cheer as the two tie up, and Cobb headlocks. Cobb grinds then hits a takeover, and he shrugs the headscissor off. ZSJ keeps trying, and succeeds on the third time, but Cobb kips free.
ZSJ headlocks, but Cobb blocks the takeover. ZSJ keeps trying, and again succeeds on the third time! But Cobb headscissors on his first try! ZSJ kicks and kicks and kips free on the third try! Fans cheer but Cobb frowns. The two reset, circle, and feel things out. They knuckle lock and ZSJ rolls to wrench and wrangle Cobb! Cobb rolls to his feet, wrenches through and wristlocks. ZSJ rolls, spins, spins and bridges to then slips through and wristlock! ZSJ wrangles Cobb again and fans cheer. But Cobb stands, rolls, kips up, and he slips through to wrench back! Cobb WRINGS ZSJ out, but ZSJ kips up to WRING Cobb, but Cobb handsprings!?
Fans fire up as Cobb shows his agility! Even ZSJ says that was amazing! Fans rally, the two reset, and they tie up. ZSJ clinches, waistlocks, but Cobb smirks. Cobb pries the hold open, wrenches but ZSJ shifts around to headlock. Cobb powers out, they RAM shoulders, and ZSJ staggers back! Fans fire up and ZSJ goes again. ZSJ RAMS Cobb but ZSJ’s the one falling back! Cobb acts like he doesn’t know what happened. Cobb eggs ZJS on, ZSJ runs again, but Cobb drops, then hurdles! ZSJ RAMS Cobb, Cobb rebounds, but Cobb runs ZSJ over! Fans fire up while ZSJ goes to the apron. Cobb goes out and he drags ZSJ off the apron, to ROCK him with a right!
Cobb HEADBUTTS ZSJ against railing, right in front of commentary! Cobb apologizes, drags ZSJ up, but ZSJ UPPERCUTS! And UPPERCUTS! And UPPERCUTS! Cobb DECKS ZSJ with a forearm! Fans fire up again but Red Shoes wants this back in the ring. Cobb stands ZSJ up to CLUB him on the back! Cobb then brings ZSJ around, to ROCK him again! Cobb whips ZSJ as we hit five minutes, and ZSJ hits railing hard! ZSJ flops down, Cobb refreshes the ring count. Cobb drags ZSJ up to whip him the other way! ZSJ hits railing, but comes right back! GUILLOTINE! But Cobb BACK DROPS ZSJ to the floor!
Fans rally and the ring count starts again. Cobb refreshes the count again, and he drags ZSJ up. Cobb puts ZSJ in the ring and fans applaud. Cobb drags ZSJ up, brings him around, and RAMS into him at the corner! Cobb digs his shoulder in, then RAMS in again! Red Shoes counts, Cobb whips corner to corner hard! ZSJ bounces off buckles and falls to the mat! ZSJ writhes, Cobb paces, and then Cobb drags ZSJ up. Cobb bumps ZSJ off buckles, then HEADBUTTS him! And HEADBUTTS! Cobb wrenches, whips corner to corner hard and ZSJ bounces off buckles again! Fans rally while ZSJ slumps against ropes.
Cobb mocks ZSJ, puts him near the ropes, and jumps on! Cobb stands on ZSJ’s back, Red Shoes counts, and Cobb lets go of the ropes. Red Shoes reprimands and Cobb “realizes” the problem! Cobb steps off ZSJ’s back and “apologizes” to Red Shoes. Cobb stalks ZSJ as he crawls, and brings him up. ZSJ HEADBUTTS low, HEADBUTTS low again, but then Cobb KNEES him down! Cobb stalks ZSJ to a corner, whips him corner to corner, then runs in corner to corner, but ZSJ avoids the back elbow! ZSJ comes back, goes up and around to TORNADO DDT! Fans fire up while both men are down!
Cobb and ZSJ rise, and Cobb staggers around. ZSJ UPPERCUTS him! And UPPERCUTS again! And again! And again! And again! And again, and again, and again! ZSJ runs, but Cobb reels him in to CLUB him on the back! Cobb runs, into a DROPKICK! Cobb goes to a corner and fans fire up! ZSJ runs in, to UPPERCUT! But then Cobb TOSSES ZSJ to the corner! Cobb runs in, blocks a boot, but ZSJ brings Cobb down with a headscissors, to NECK TWIST! Cobb writhes and goes to ropes, but ZSJ storms up on him. ZSJ whips, Cobb wrenches and reels ZSJ in! ATHLETIC- SLEEPER! ZSJ turns things around, but then Cobb BACKPACK SENTONS!
But ZSJ sits up to SLEEPER again! Cobb pushes back but ZSJ shifts around to an ARMBAR, and we’re at 10 minutes! Familiar territory for ZSJ as he pulls on the arm, but Cobb reaches out to the ROPEBREAK! Cobb escapes by a literal foot and the fans rally up. ZSJ brings Cobb up, tries to scoop, but Cobb’s too big! ZSJ lifts Cobb on the third try! But Cobb fights free! And CHOPS ZSJ down! Cobb brings ZSJ up to CHOP him again! ZSJ shakes his head, stands back up, so Cobb CHOPS, but ZSJ blocks! ZSJ UPPERCUTS the arm, but Cobb DOUBLE CHOSP! ZSJ PALM STRIKE! And then hops on for a GUILLOTINE!
Cobb drops ZSJ down, but ZSJ has a TRIANGLE! So Cobb deadlifts ZSJ, and shifts him around to a BRAINBUSTER! Fans fire up again while both men are down! Cobb goes to a corner and he watches ZSJ go to the other. Cobb locks ‘n’ loads, runs in as ZSJ rises, but DOUBLE LARIATS collide! Cobb stays up! Cobb eggs ZSJ on so ZSJ swings, DOUBLE LARIATS collide again! And again! ZSJ runs, but Cobb LARIATS through ZSJ! Cobb drags ZSJ up, reels him in, but ZSJ wrenches and PELES! But Cobb DROPKICKS!! ZSJ flounders to a corner and fans rally up. Cobb storms over, drags ZSJ by a leg but ZSJ kicks at CObb.
ZSJ kicks and kicks, but Cobb YANKS ZSJ from the ropes, fumbles a bit, but reels him in! ATHLETIC PLEX!! Then a whip to ropes, for the scoop, TOUR OF THE- CRUCIFIX TAKEDOWN!! TWO!!! CLARKY CAT!!! ZSJ has Cobb caught, and even adds a leg for the BAD BALLOON REMIX!! Cobb endures, kicks with his one free leg, and gets the ROPEBREAK! Fans are thunderous as ZSJ lets Cobb go! ZSJ and Cobb rise, and ZSJ UPPERCUTS! And UPPERCUTS again! And UPPERCUTS again! But Cobb ROCKS ZSJ, whips him, but ZSJ BOOTS! Cobb sits down, ZSJ BLINDSIDE BASEMENT DROPKICKS!
ZSJ sits Cobb up but Cobb slides out the back and trips him! And body scissors, to steal EURO CLU- NO, ZSJ trips Cobb into a SLEEPER! But Cobb rolls back! Cover, TWO!! ZSJ escapes but Cobb runs him over! GACHIMUCHI FLOP as ZSJ moves! NECK TWIST! Body scissors, EURO CLUTCH! TWO!! Cobb escapes and we hit the 15 minute mark! That’s the second time for these two but there’s still the home stretch to go! Fans are thunderous as both men stand, and Cobb says ZSJ ain’t sh*t! Both men run in, ZSJ BOOTS the lariat! And ROUNDHOUSES the haymaker! And then waistlocks, to GERMAN SUPLEX?!?
But Cobb rises! He deadlift GERMAN SUPLEXES ZSJ! But ZSJ rises?!? PENALTY KICK!! ZSJ roars and fans fire up with him! ZSJ runs again, but into a fireman’s carry! F5 THOUSAND!! And then the ripcord, TOUR OF THE ISLAND!!! Cover, COBB WINS!!
Winner: Jeff Cobb, by pinfall (gains 2 points; ZSJ earns 0)
The Imperial Unit finally gets one over on the Front Man! The NJPW World Television Champion is not untouchable, will this damage his chances of staying champion?
As for Cobb, he gets the mic and wants everyone to calm down a moment. “Choto matte… <Wait a moment…>” Fans cheer as Cobb rests with an ice pack on his chest. Cobb then says, still in Japanese, “Today… Today, once again in Tokyo… It’s a scorcher!” Fans cheer that, it IS a hot summer. Cobb continues so that “But this G1 Climax is even hotter!” Fans cheer that, too! “Choto matte…” Cobb gets more ice packs, and fans cheer him on as he stands back up. Cobb tells Korakuen Hall, “DOMO ARIGATOGOZAIMASU!” Fans cheer in thanks back, and Cobb stands alone as the ONLY 4-0 on this side of the Climax! Will that mean he conquers the whole thing for the United Empire?
Here are the NEW C Block standings!
Tama Tonga: 3-1, 6 points
David Finlay: 3-1, 6 points
EVIL: 3-1, 6 points
Eddie Kingston: 2-2, 4 points
Shingo Takagi: 2-2, 4 points
Mikey Nicholls: 1-3, 2 points
Aaron Henare: 1-3, 2 points
Tomohiro Ishii: 1-3, 2 points
Here are the NEW D Block standings!
Jeff Cobb: 4-0, 8 points
Zack Sabre Jr: 3-1, 6 points
Hiroshi Tanahashi: 2-2, 4 points
Shane Haste: 2-2, 4 points
Tetsuya Naito: 2-2, 4 points
Hirooki Goto: 2-2, 4 points
Alex Coughlin: 1-3, 2 points [ELIMINATED]
Toru Yano: 0-4, 0 points [ELIMINATED]
My Thoughts:
Another great round for the G1, and especially for these two blocks. Ishii and Coughlin each getting their first wins off Eddie and Goto was great stuff, especially since it doesn’t really hurt either guy, mostly because I don’t expect Ishii, Coughlin, Eddie or Goto to be the semifinalists. Of course Evil cheats to beat Henare, and then an awesome win from Tama over Finlay, now we have three 3-1 records to top C Block. In fact, Evil beat Tama, Tama beat Finlay, Finlay beat Evil, that’s a true tie right there, and it’ll really come down to these last three rounds. They could really milk this to where it all comes down to round 7.
Yano being winless so far feels about right. We all love Yano, and while he is the best comedy wrestler perhaps ever, he is still comedy wrestler. Though he could play a great spoiler at this point. And a great main event from Cobb and ZSJ, they’ve definitely got great chemistry as opponents. And an awesome move for Cobb to win, as he pretty much dominated this match, pushed ZSJ past the 15, and then took the win with minutes to spare. Cobb would be a great semifinalist from D Block, already having beat the big names of ZSJ, Tanahashi and Naito. Sanada feels primed to take A Block and Okada would take B, the C Block three way tie can go to anyone, and then Cobb probably still bulldozes whoever comes out of C Block to be a finalist.
My Score: 8.9/10
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IF YA SMELLALALALALALA~…!
As Cody Rhodes teams with Damian Priest & Braun Strowman against Solo Sikoa’s Bloodline, FINALLY, The Rock has come back to SmackDown!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Drew McIntyre VS Jimmy Uso; Jimmy wins.
- The Miz & Carmelo Hayes VS R-Truth & LA Knight; Miz & Melo win.
- Tiffany Stratton VS Candice LeRae w/ Nia Jax; Tiff wins.
- Naomi w/ Bianca Belair VS Liv Morgan w/ Raquel Rodriguez; No Contest.
- WWE Tag Team Championships: #DIY VS Pretty Deadly; Pretty Deadly wins, by disqualification, and DIY retain the titles.
- Six Man Tag: Cody Rhodes, Damian Priest & Braun Strowman VS Solo Sikoa, Jacob Fatu & Tama Tonga; changed to…
- Damian Priest & Braun Strowman VS Solo Sikoa & Jacob Fatu w/ Tama Tonga; Priest & Braun win.
PLAY BY PLAY
Cody Rhodes talks with Nick Aldis backstage.
They shake hands, but the SmackDown General Manager tells the WWE Champion there’s been a change: Cody’s out of the Six Man Tag match. What? Why would Aldis do that? It is out of Aldis’s hands. Wait, Solo Sikoa shows up to do what he did, but they can’t do the Six Man Tag that they advertised? How is this out of Aldis’s hands? Who do they need to talk to so they can do the match? Aldis says there’s no one either of them can call, if you smell what’s cooking. This is coming from The Final Boss, and The Final Boss wants to see Cody in the ring tonight. What business could The Great One have with The American Nightmare?
Drew McIntyre VS Jimmy Uso!
The Scottish Terminator rubbed it in Big Jim’s face that only one of them is going to Elimination Chamber in Toronto, which Big Jim was able to brush off. But McIntyre harping on how only one Uso is going to WrestleMania was a step too far. These two look to have it out, but is Jimmy just playing into McIntyre’s hands? Or will McIntyre get embarrassed by “the other Uso” this close to that big time match?
Speaking of, Jimmy has a message for Drew as he heads to gorilla. “Everybody know you’re going to Elimination Chamber, right? But Big Jimmy got a question for the Big Easy: Will Drew go onto the Elimination Chamber and win that? Will Drew go onto WrestleMania and win that? Ey, Drew, I think we got an answer for you, Uce. The answer is…” “NO YEET!” Jimmy makes his entrance, the bell rings, and the fans rally behind Jimmy. Jimmy and Drew jaw, and then Drew raises his hands, to say UP YOURS! But Jimmy ROCKS and CHOPS away! Drew puts Jimmy in a corner, Jimmy dodges to CHOP!
Jimmy climbs and he rains down fists! The fans count, Drew dumps Jimmy tot eh apron at 5, but Jimmy GAMANGIRIS! Jimmy goes up, CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO! Jimmy hurries to CHOP, then he whips. Drew reverses to send Jimmy to the corner. Jimmy BOOTS back, goes up, and leaps, but into a clinch! OVERHEAD BELLY2BELLY! Jimmy flounders to a corner, Drew runs up to SPLASH and OVERHEAD BELLY2BELLY! Jimmy flounders again, the ref has Drew hold on, and Jimmy bails out. Drew storms out to get Jimmy and he whips Jimmy HARD into barrier! The fans boo but Drew looms over Jimmy.
The ring count starts, Drew mockingly calls him “Jey,” then puts Jimmy in the ring. Drew says NO MANIA for Jimmy. Drew stands Jimmy up, ROCKS him, then runs up, only for Jimmy to put him on the apron! Drew blocks a superkick, but not the DRAGON WHIP! Drew drops, Jimmy DIVES! Down goes Drew and the fans fire up! Jimmy grins, goes back to the apron, and then aims. But Drew stops the Penalty Kick to THROW Jimmy down! Drew then has Jimmy in the Reverse Alabama Lift! REVERSE ALABAMA SLAM onto the steel steps! Drew stands on the desk to say “NO YEET!” while SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Drew revels in the heat from New Orleans, then he leaves Jimmy behind. The ref checks Jimmy, he’s able to continue, so a ring count starts. Drew paces while Jimmy stirs. Jimmy drags himself up using the desk, then lunges in at 9! Drew is annoyed but he rains down fists! Drew stomps Jimmy, then eggs him on. Jimmy rises as the fans rally, but Drew is right on him in the corner. Drew winds up, but Jimmy counter punches! And CHOPS! And CHOPS! And whips, only for Drew to reverses. Jimmy goes up, but Drew KICKS him out of the air! Drew then hauls Jimmy up, snap suplex! Cover, TWO!
Drew says okay, Big Jim. He clamps onto Jimmy with a top wristlock and grinds the arm. Jimmy fights up, fireman’s carries, but Drew elbows free. Drew bumps Jimmy off buckles, then hauls him up to the top rope! Drew CLUBS Jimmy on the back, climbs up, then CLUBS Jimmy more. Jimmy fires elbows and Drew drops back. But Drew runs up to CLUB Jimmy again! SmackDown returns to single picture as Drew CLUBS away on Jimmy again! Jimmy keeps taunting “Jey,” then drags him up. Jimmy fights the back suplex! The fans rally, Jimmy fires hands and a HEADBUTT! Jimmy SMACKS Drew off the post!
Jimmy rises to USO IN THE WIND! Down goes Drew and the fans fire up! A standing count starts while both men stir on the mat. They both stand at 5, and Drew swings! Jimmy counter punches, then fires more shots! Mule kick, UPPERCUT, but then Jimmy dodges Drew! SAMOAN DROP! Cover, TWO! Drew is tougher than that, but Jimmy hurries to a corner. Jimmy aims as Drew goes to the other corner, “UCE! OH! UCE! OH!” Jimmy runs, but Drew FLYING HEADBUTTS! The Glasgow Kiss stuns Jimmy, and Drew hits a SPINEBUSTER! Jackknife bridge, TWO! Jimmy shows his own toughness, and the fans rally behind him.
Drew paces, then he stalks Jimmy. Drew stands Jimmy up, reels him in, but Jimmy fights the underhooks! Jimmy wrenches, UPPERCUTS, but Drew ROCKS Jimmy back! Jimmy UPPERCUTS, Drew HAYMAKERS! Drew whips, Jimmy reverses and Drew ends up on the apron! Drew ROCKS Jimmy first, then climbs the corner! FLYING- SUPERKICK! Jimmy runs to SPEAR! Cover, TWO!! Drew survives, Jimmy’s spear doesn’t hit quite like The Tribal Chief’s. Jimmy goes to the corner, climbs up, and the fans rally up. USO- NO, Jimmy rolls through as Drew moves! Drew dodges a lariat to NECKBREAKER!
Both men are down, the fans rally, and Drew kips up! Drew scowls as he aims at Jimmy. “THREE! TWO! ONE!” CLAY- SUPERKICK!! Jimmy hits first! GLASGOW KISS returns! Drew reels Jimmy in, “This is your WrestleMania! This is as close as you get!” Drew shouts Jimmy is nothing, then ROCKS him with forearm after forearm! GLASGOW KISS! Another Reverse Alabama, but Jimmy victory rolls it! JIMMY WINS!!!
Winner: Jimmy Uso, by pinfall
Drew is furious, but his own ego caught him there! But then Drew CLOBBERS Jimmy! The fans boo Drew being a sore loser, but he puts Jimmy back in the ring! Drew rains down fists, then he DRIBBLES Jimmy off the mat! The ref reprimands, the fans boo, but Drew says that was Jimmy’s Mania Moment! Drew will win the Chamber, he will go to Mania, and he will win there! Jimmy means NOTHING to Drew! Drew puts Jimmy up against the post, then takes aim! The fans boo, but refs and producers rush out here! They swarm Drew to keep him from going after Jimmy again. Drew says fine, fine, then takes his leave.
Producers help Jimmy to his feet, but then Drew BLASTS through the refs! CLAYMORE for Jimmy!! The Scottish Terminator hits his target, then laughs as he actually leaves. Will McIntyre make this his Road to WrestleMania?
A car pulls into the parking lot.
And out steps Solo Sikoa. Solo heads inside, and he finds Jacob Fatu & Tama Tonga waiting. Solo tells them that last week with Tama, that was an accident. Jacob says yeah, it’s all good, Uce. But keep it 100: If it wasn’t an accident, Solo wouldn’t be standing here right now. Well, good! Glad to see we’re all on the same page. Solo says he will be in the corner during the match for Jacob & Tama. Uh, no, Solo, no disrespect, but Jacob & Tama have been running things on SmackDown these past couple weeks. So tonight, it’s Jacob & Solo running the play? Yadada mean? Yeah, of course. And that right there, Jacob, is exactly why Solo loves him.
Solo says he’ll be back, he has to talk with Nick Aldis. Solo heads out, but will he really just step right back into place from before he lost the ula fala?
Carmelo Hayes is backstage.
R-Truth calls out to Melo, and says for the first time ever, Truth VS Melo! What’s Truth talking about? Duh, they have a match. No, Truth, Melo knows. But they had a match last week. Truth says he has never met Melo in his life, but they have a tag match tonight. What? No, they don’t. Who even made this match? Him. Truth, they are not going through this H1M who’s on first thing again. Melo is H1M. No, him made the match. The Miz!? Miz says he’s H1M. So now there’s two of you? No no no! Melo is H1M, this is The Miz! Yeah, #MeloDon’tMiz! NO! That’s not a thing! Tonight, they are. Who’s Truth’s partner?
Truth says he’s got a guy. A Louisiana legend! In fact, he just got here, so Truth’s gotta go. Laters. Miz says he has been workshopping this, and the fans love it. Think about it: Melo Don’t Miz! Melo Don’t Miz! And we are…! Melo shakes his head. Truth steps in and says Miz just wants Melo to say, “Awesome.” Miz offers a fist bump, Melo says no. Will Melo wish he had missed tonight’s show? Or will Miz actually help H1M get another win?
Zelina Vega speaks.
“My whole life, people have taken one look at me, and they try to define me. My size has never stopped me before. It never stopped me from becoming tag team champion. Or my personal favorite, the history-making first-time-ever Queen of the Ring. That’s me. Make no mistake about it, I’ve never had it easy. I had to scratch and claw to get anything around here. But this is a fresh start. Because I have something to prove. And my dreams are a lot bigger than your measuring stick. It ain’t over until Zelina Vega says it’s over.”
The Miz & Carmelo Hayes VS R-Truth & ???
Miz makes his entrance but Melo kinda steps all over it. So he already missed his cue… But who did Truth find to team with him in the Big Easy? We’ll see, after the break.
SmackDown returns and Truth makes his entrance. “What’s up?” Well, more like who is his partner? He’ll tell us! His tag team partner is a local legend, born and bred right here in New Orleans! Ladies and gentlemen, welcome Louisiana Knight! Wait, he means L A Knight! Yes, Louisiana abbreviated is LA, but that’s not… Oh, Truth… Truth gives Knight a Po’ Boy and some Mardi Gras beads, so Knight embraces it. The teams sort out, and Truth calls out him! Does he mean Miz or Melo? Well, Melo says he is H1M, so that’s who starts. The fans cheer on Knight while Truth and Melo tie up. Melo KNEES low, whips, but Truth reverses.
Melo springboards, FADEAWAY JUMPER! Melo makes his free throw, but Truth drop toeholds! Truth headlocks, Melo powers up and out but Truth whips! Melo turns hip toss into lateral press, TWO! Truth has a ghost pin, TWO! Melo trips to cover, ONE! Truth trips to cover, ONE! Melo runs up, Truth does the splits, and then hits a BIG hip toss! The fans fire up, Truth counts, Melo gets up at TWO, but Truth was just goofing. The ref explains to Truth that he is the ref, not Truth! Melo is annoyed, he runs up on Truth, but Truth wrenches him around! Melo pulls hair but Knight tags in. The fans fire up as Knight fires hands!
Knight ROCKS Melo, whips Melo, but Melo reverses! SWINGING NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Knight drags Melo up to tag Truth back in, and Truth ROCKS Melo! Melo staggers, but he refuses to tag! Truth arm-drags Melo, then grinds the arm. Melo insists he’s got this, then arm-drags free. Truth staggers up, he and Melo bump heads! Truth staggers around more, and he tags Miz?! Truth forgot The Awesome Truth isn’t a thing anymore! Again! Melo BLASTS Truth off the apron, the fans boo, but Miz tags himself in! Melo is annoyed, but Miz goes to fetch Truth while SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns again, and Melo has Truth. Truth ROCKS Melo, but Melo holds onto the wristlock! Truth reaches for Knight, Knight reaches for Truth, but Melo holds on. Truth takes a swing, but into an O’Conner Roll! TWO and Melo BLASTS Knight! Truth rolls Melo up, TWO! Melo kicks low, calls his shot, but Truth suplexes for a STUNNER! The fans fire up while both men are down! Truth and Melo crawl, hot tags to Miz and Knight! The fans fire up as Knight rallies on Miz! “YEAH! YEAH!” Knight whips, Miz reverses, but Knight lEAPING LARIATS! Knight TOSSES Melo in for good measure!
Knight stomps a mudhole into Melo, “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” LARIAT for Miz! KNEE for Melo! Knight scoops and POWERSLAMS Miz! Knight keeps running, JUMP ELBOW DROP! Cover, TWO! Knight stays on Miz as he brings Miz up. Knight ROCKS Miz, then ROCKS him again! Knight whips, Miz grabs the ropes. Miz KICKS, then takes a swing, but into a back suplex! Miz lands out, tag to Melo! Miz ELBOWS Knight, but Knight scoops! Miz tilt-o-whirls through, Melo SUPERKICKS Knight down! cover, TWO! Knight stays in this but Melo says he’s got this! Melo waits on Knight, then leaps, but NO 48!
Knight kicks low, but NO B F T! Tag to Truth! Knight ELBOWS Melo, Truth runs in! CENA SHOULDER TACKLES! Then the SPIN OUT BOMB! Truth says it’s time! “YOU CANT SEE ME~!” truth runs for the FIVE KNCUKLE SHUFFLE! Truth then fireman’s carries, but Melo slips free! Melo shoves, Truth dodges, and Truth hits the LIE DETECTOR! Truth then gets Melo in the S T R-TRUTH! But Miz CLOBBERS Truth! Knight ROCKS Miz, then LARIATS him up and out! Knight then goes out to THROW Miz into barriers! The fans fire up again, but NAKAMURA ATTACKS KNIGHT!
The fans boo, but the sinister samurai then POSTS Knight!! Nakamura slithers away while Melo keeps the ref’s attention! Truth sees Knight is down, Melo runs up, but Truth dodges! Miz tags in, full nelson, and a FIRST 48 FINALE COMBO?!? Cover, Miz & Melo win!!
Winners: The Miz & Carmelo Hayes, by pinfall
Well, what do you know? Nakamura aside, Miz and Melo made it work! Okay, they’re both trying to hog the spotlight, but is there a future for Melo Don’t Miz? Will Knight only have more of a reason to take that title off Nakamura now?
Charlotte Flair speaks.
“The GOAT… doesn’t have to call themselves The GOAT. Now, I have crafted a legacy that no one, I mean no one, can touch. And I’m back.” The Women’s Royal Rumble Winner chose Tiffany Stratton, but will The Queen take back her throne? Or will WWE always be on #TiffyTime? Speaking of…
Tiffany Stratton VS Candice LeRae!
The WWE Women’s Champion may have gotten past Nia Jax, but now she knows Charlotte Flair is waiting for her at WrestleMania, and is going to be teaming with Trish Stratus in Toronto! Will she be in Tiffy Top Shape for that Tiffy Trishy dream match? Or will the Poison Pixie be quite the problem all on her own?
Before the match, Tiff grabs a mic while the fans cheer. Tiffy says, “I know, I know. You know it, you know it, and you know it. Ever since I won this title, everybody’s just been so obsessed with me. And last week, I had Nia Jax beat, until Candice LeRae decided to interfere and help her little meal ticket. And at Elimination Chamber, Trish Stratus and I make sure the Unstoppable Force comes to a definitive end!” The fans cheer that, but Tiff says enough about them. Let’s talk Charlotte Flair. The fans boo that name, but Tiff says Charlotte took her sweet old time, grabbed a chair, grabbed a mic, and she looked down on Tiff.
Charlotte chose Tiff as her WrestleMania opponent. In that moment, Tiff’s dream came true! And as she lied down there and looked up at Charlotte, she realized the rumors are true: No one loves to kick a girl when she’s down quite like Charlotte Flair. So at WrestleMania, Tiff isn’t coming for Charlotte’s legacy; that’s all Charlotte’s. Tiff is coming for the spot Charlotte desires the most: The number one spot as the top girl in the WWE! But here comes Nia & Candice to interrupt. Nia has a mic to tell Tiffy, “I Have to say, this is really cute. Like, it’s really cute that you actually think you were gonna beat me last week.”
Doesn’t Candice think that is cute? Candice says yes, it is so~ cute. And Tiff wouldn’t even be standing there if not for little Trish Stratus~. Exactly! And it’s even cuter that Tiff is out here talking about Charlotte when she wont’ even see WrestleMania! Because after Nia & Candide destroy Tiff at Elimination Chamber, Nia is coming back for her WWE Women’s Championship. Nia & Candice step up to the ring, and Nia says Tiff won’t even see the Grandest Stage of Them All. Tiff tells Nia to just give it up. This title isn’t even hers anymore. And once Tiff beats Candice tonight, Nia won’t have anyone to do her dirty work anymore!
Candice tells Tiffy that while they’re meant have a match right now, she and Nia are feeling impatient. Nia says they should just get rid of Tiff right now! But the ref steps in and says not gonna happen! Tiff VS Candice will, after the break.
SmackDown returns and Candice has Tiffy down with an armlock. Tiff fights up as the fans rally, but Candice wrenches to wristlock. Tiff spins through, goes to ropes, then up the corner to flip and arm-drag! The fans fire up as Tiff rallies on Candice! DROPKICK, and Tiff snarls! Tiff goes to the corner, and Charlotte makes her entrance? The Queen chooses to be fashionably late all so everyone looks at her, including Tiffy. Tiffy handsprings, but Candice dodges! Candice runs up to UPPERCUT, then she snapmares and NECK SNAPPERS! Jackknife bridge, TWO! Candice clamps onto Tiffy with a top wristlock.
The fans “WOO~” as Charlotte now chooses to join commentary. Tiff fights up, has the ROPEBREAK, but Candice CLUBS away on her! Candice backs off, runs up, but Tiff drop toeholds her to ropes! Tiff runs, HIP ATTACKS, and Candice flops back! Cover, TWO! Tiff stays on Candice with a whip, but Candice reverses. Candice CLOBBERS Tiff, covers, TWO! Charlotte corrects Tiffy’s words earlier: Charlotte isn’t the “top girl,” she is THE woman in WWE. Candice HIP DROPS Tiff but the fans rally up. Candice scuffs Tiff, then grinds an arm to drop a knee on the elbow! And another knee drop! Tiff endures and the fans rally up.
Candice keeps on that arm, thrashes it around, but Tiff fights up. Tiff fires body shots, then shoves Candice to Alabama Lift her! Candice sunset flips, Tiff rolls through, TIFFY STOMPS! Cover, TWO! Tiff is frustrated and Candice bails out. Tiff goes to the apron, goes up the corner, and ARIHARA MOONSAULTS! Direct hit on Candice and Nia, and Tiff almost stuck the landing! The fans fire up with Tiff and she goes into the ring. Tiff points to the WrestleMania sign, and then at Charlotte, but SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Tiff waits on Candice, Candice slides in, and Tiff stomps her down! Candice bails out, Nia is there to coach her, but Tiff lets the ring count start. Candice gets on the apron, Tiff kicks her, but Candice RAMS Tiff! Candice CLUBS Tiff, has her in the ropes, and hits a NECKBREAKER HOTSHOT! Candice climbs, aims, and leaps to MISSILE DROPKICK Tiff down! Cover, TWO! Candice is frustrated but this is why Tiff’s a champ. The fans rally, but Candice stomps Tiff! Candice scowls at the fans, stalks Tiff, then brings her up. Tiff fires body shots, then she rolls Candice up! TWO, and Candice CLOBBERS Tiff! Cover, TWO, into a ghost pin! TWO!
Candice escapes to hit a CODE BREAKER! Both women are down, but Candice scowls again as she crawls over to Tiff. Candice rains down fists, Nia tells fans to shut up, and Candice steps on Tiff’s face. Candice huffs ‘n’ puffs, pushes Tiff around, then scuffs her. Tiff rolls Candice up again, TWO! Candice DECKS Tiff! Cover, TWO! Charlotte is stoic on commentary as Candice drags Tiff up and puts her in a corner. Candice fires hands, then backs off. Candice runs up to ROCK Tiff again! Candice then runs, but Tiff dodges! SmackDown returns to single picture, and Tiff rallies with LARIAT after LARIAT! The fans fire up, Tiff handsprings, BACK ELBOW!
Tiff then reels Candice in for a SKY HIGH! High stack, TWO! The fans rally for Tiff, Nia coaches Candice, but Charlotte still seems nonplussed. Tiff and Candice rise, and Candice runs up. Candice puts Tiff on the apron, but Tiff ROCKS her! Tiff bumps Candice off buckles, then goes up, but Candice ROCKS her back! Candice climbs up, and she fires hands on Tiff! Tiff fights the suplex! Tiff DECKS Candice, then adjusts position, to SANTON- FLOP! Candice ghost pins, TWO!! Tiff escapes, but Candice hits the step-up SENTON! And then a LIONSAUL FLOP! Tiff hurries to fireman’s carry, ROLLING SENTON! And then PRETTIEST MOON- NO, Nia drags Candice out of the ring!
The fans boo, Nia tells them to shut up, but Tiff is on the apron! Nia swings, Tiff cartwheels over, and then she DROPKICKS Nia! Tiff Alabama Lifts Candice, to ALABAMA SLAM her into barriers! Tiff stares down Charlotte, tells her just wait for Mania, then she puts Candice in the ring. Tiff goes to the corner, PRETTIEST MOONSAULT EVER!! Cover, Tiff wins!
Winner: Tiffany Stratton, by pinfall
Charlotte gives moderate applause, but Nia CLOBBERS Tiff from behind! The fans boo, but Nia just drags Tiff to a corner. Nia goes up, but wait! Trish is here!! The fans fire up for the legend as she rushes into the ring! Trish avoids a haymaker to CHICK KICK! Then THESZ PRESS for Candice! And then a SPINEBUSTER! Trish helps Tiff to her feet, but Nia grabs them both! Trish fires fast hands on Nia! Candice CHOP BLOCKS Trish! Tiff is still dazed, Nia HEADBUTTS her back down! Nia & Candice mug Trish, and then Nia HEADBUTTS Trish! Trish & Tiff are side by side, and Nia drags them into the drop zone! A-NIA-LATOR!!
The fans boo but there’s nothing can be done! Nia grins as she helps Candice away, will these two trash Trish & Tiff in Toronto? Charlotte steps into the ring, stands over Tiff, and points to the WrestleMania sign. Will The Irresistible Force & Poison Pixie unwittingly do the dirty work of The Queen of Flair?
Cody talks with Damian Priest backstage.
Priest asks why Cody’s boy, The Rock, is here tonight. Cody says given the time of year, his guess is as good as anyone’s. But tonight will surely be eventful. Cody congratulates Priest on entering the Elimination Chamber. Priest says what’s wild is, last year, they both walked out as champions. What sucks is that this year, only one of them can. Now, Priest is man enough and he respects Cody to say that after Chamber, he’s coming for that title. Cody says he wouldn’t have it any other way. Cody heads out, but what business does The Rock have tonight?
Braun Strowman steps in, and he tells Priest that congrats on winning, and good luck in the Chamber. But let’s be honest, Braun had Jacob dead to rights last week. If not for Solo Sikoa, things would look a lot different next week. Priest chuckles and says take it easy, he’s sounding like Drew with the excuses. But it is what it is, Priest just beat Braun to the punch. But that was last week. Tonight, Solo and Jacob, two of the baddest men in the business. Priest & Braun handling business? Oh, they’re handling business. The only business Braun cares about is getting his hands on those two. Priest says Braun definitely will.
Braun heads out, will the Monster of All Monsters and the Archer of Infamy make sure Solo & Jacob #GetTheseHands? Or will the rogues run roughshod all over SmackDown once again?
Backstage interview with Naomi & Bianca Belair.
Byron Saxton is with the WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions and brings up last week’s SmackDown, the security footage led us to believe Liv Morgan & Raquel Rodriguez were the ones behind Jade Cargill’s attack. Now, hold on, Saxton. They don’t think, Naomi knows they were. Fair enough. But this Monday, they can get their revenge when they defend the tag titles against Liv & Raquel. How ready are they for this match? Bianca says so ready! They have been waiting for months for an update. Jade has been recovering, she hasn’t been able to call or text, so the GlowEST took matters into their own hands to get revenge.
Bianca & Naomi will handle Liv & Raquel, then move on to Elimination Chamber, where one of them is gonna win to face Rhea at WrestleMania. Not only will you #FeelTheGlowEST on Monday, but Liv feels it tonight! #Let’sGLOW! The champs head out, but will they clear their Road to WrestleMania of any other distractions?
Alexa Bliss speaks.
“When I was away, there was a lot of… change that happened in me. But when I look around, I see this place is still the same. The names and faces may be different, but the desperation and insecurity remains the same. You’ll see Toronto when I turn the Elimination Chamber into something of a playground of my own. I know the Chamber. I love the Chamber. I’ve won the Chamber. And for the other five women, it’s gonna be a Hell like they’ve never experienced before. Need I remind you, this is my division, and I am in charge.” Bliss smiles and says, “See you soon.” The film comes off the reel, but will things get twisted in Toronto?
Naomi w/ Bianca Belair VS Liv Morgan w/ Raquel Rodriguez!
The Big Easy is all about having fun, and they’re fired up for Naomi’s entrance. But wait! Liv & Raquel don’t wait, they attack Bianca & Naomi while the lights are still down! They mug Naomi, but Bianca drags Liv out of the ring! Then Bianca storms in to fire off on Raquel! The fans fire up, but Liv returns to CHOP BLOCK Bianca! Raquel hauls Bianca up for a TEJANA BOMB!! Naomi runs up, fires more hands, but Liv brings Naomi around. Naomi fires hands on her, but Raquel throws her down! Liv runs up, OBLIVION!
Liv & Raquel stand tall, the refs rush out here, but clearly the singles match isn’t happening. Will we be getting something even meaner and nastier between these four on Monday?
The Rock arrives!
His truck pulls into the parking lot, but we’ll see him in the ring, after the break!
SmackDown returns and…
Aldis is chewing out Liv & Raquel for the attack. He doesn’t know what they get away with on Raw, but they can’t pull that crap here. Now get the hell out of his building. Liv & Raquel just laugh that off, but then Chelsea Green & Piper Niven walk in. Chelsea says have no fear, Chelsea & Piper are here to sub in for Bianca and Naomi at Elimination Chamber. Aldis sighs, and says they’re not missing the Chamber. What? But Chelsea had an outfit picked out! This is a travesty to not have the greatest Canadian export since maple syrup on a Canadian PLE! Does he know who she is? The first-ever, longest reigning, tallest, shortest, prettiest, richest, tannest, sparkliest, oldest, youngest Women’s US Champion! Piper asks what this is aboot, eh?
Aldis says this is them testing his patience. They need to pack their gear and whatever else they want, because they’ll be in action next week on SmackDown in Toronto. And oh, it’ll be a good one. Wait, they need more details! At least an e-calendar notification? Aldis is leaving Chelsea in the dark on what’s coming, will she absolutely hate it?
The Rock heads to the ring!
Wait, what is this New Orleans related remix? The Final Boss steps out on stage, he shows those goosebumps, then continues down the ramp, shaking hands with fans. The Rock hits his signature pose on the corner, but then takes the long way around to pick up a fan’s phone for them before going back into the ring. The fans all cheer for “ROCKY! ROCKY!” and he grabs himself a mic. He waits as the fans continue to chant his name, and then he says, “Ahh, you feel it, don’t you? You feel it. The Rock has got chills up and down his body because you know, on a Friday night, for the Final Boss to get inside his bird and fly all the way here, you know that I’m dropping some ish on you tonight!”
The fans fire up and The Rock smiles. Rock says, “Let’s get this show on the road.” The fans anticipate what’s coming but he says hold on, he’ll do it. “FINALLY! The Rock has come back…” “TO NEW ORLEANS~!” Rock smiles, and he adds, FINALLY, WrestleMania is coming back to New Orleans!! The fans are thunderous to hear that! WrestleMania 30, WrestleMania 34, and now WrestleMania 42!? Yes, next year, 2026, LIVE from the Superdome! One of the greatest cities on Earth in New Orleans, Louisiana! The pyro goes off to commemorate the occasion, and the logo is already on the tron! Rock smiles at that, then he smiles at the WrestleMania 41 Vegas logo.
The fans are losing their minds, as we now know April 11th and 12th, 2026, the Big Easy has the Grandest Stage of Them All. Rock says you damn right holy ish! Oh when the saints go marching in…! Oh how I’d love… Wait, no, this ain’t singalong with The Final Boss! Sit there, shut up, and let The Final Boss sing the song! The fans are torn, but Rock says he sings! Oh how I’d love, to be in that number~! Oh when the saints go marching in~! Okay, that’s good enough. You got him, that was a great duet. The Rock is singing with the largest collection of STD’d trailer trash he has ever seen! The fans can’t believe Rock would do that to them!
Rock says now, dropping this news wasn’t the only gift he was going to drop on us. The Final Boss came here to call somebody out. The Rock will call out a man who he respects, who he admires, and who we all admire. That man is our WWE Champion, the one and only, Cody Rhodes. The fans cheer as The American Nightmare makes his entrance! They sing along with the song, “WHOA~ OH~!” and we get Cody’s pyro before he goes to the ring. Cody gets his second “WHOA~ OH~!” and round of pyro, then he steps inside to join The Rock. The fans cheer Cody on, so he holds up the title and the fans cheer even more.
Cody grabs a mic, but Rock says, “That feels good, doesn’t it? I mean, that’s gotta feel amazing, right? They love you, man.” Cody tells NOLA, “I love you, too.” Rock says this is crazy. Pretty much no one knows this, but since after WrestleMania last year, they’ve actually become good friends. No, it’s true, they have. Last time they were together was the Raw Netflix debut. Rock gave Cody his flowers, told Cody he has carried the company like the incredible champion that he is, so thank you, Cody. Rock meant it, and that night, they went to the back, drank tequila for two hours and had a great ol’ time.
They chopped it up, had a blast, but Rock wants to call Cody out here for something important. Here’s the thing… The fans get a bit rowdy as they wait, and Rock says Cody is a great champion. A great WWE Champion. Cody knows that. Again, they’ve become good friends, so over the months, they’ve texted. Even their moms became good friends! Look! Mama Johnson & Mama Rhodes together after WrestleMania 40! It is a pleasure becoming Cody’s friend. But Rock wanted this face to face to tell him a few things. One: Cody has been a great champion, but he needs to understand. Yes, The Rock, The Final Boss, is on the Board of TKO. And TKO owns WWE.
The Rock is the Director of the Board of TKO. Don’t boo that! The Rock’s good friend, Ari Emanuel, who owns everything Endeavor, The Rock joked with Ari, “Can you believe that you own The WWE?” Ari says he doesn’t own the WWE, The Rock does. Rock said no, no, he doesn’t know if he owns the WWE. But The Rock knows he is the most powerful… Cody, you are a great champion. But Rock wants Cody to be something more. Rock wants Cody to be something more than just our champion. Rock wants Cody to be his champion. The fans don’t like where that’s going.
Cody says he did not expect them to become friends, nor their moms to become friends, nor the tequila. Cody didn’t have that on his bingo card. But becoming The Rock’s champion? The Rock of all people should know, Cody is the people’s champion. The fans cheer Cody more, and Rock says yes! Cody is their champion! Of course! The Rock is also The People’s Champion, he loves that about Cody. This is their universe, they were both born into this business. But Rock means something even bigger than just this. Rock knows Cody’s goal is to bring as much joy and happiness to everyone around the world, as many as possible.
The fans cheer, and Rock says that’s Cody. Cody is that guy, and everyone knows it. Cody is on social media, Instagram, millions of followers. Millions, and millions! The Rock has half a BILLION. That’s not a flex. But The Rock is the most followed American man in the world, that’s what he wants for Cody. Rock wants Cody to be even higher. If Cody becomes The Rock’s Champion, he will open doors to possibilities Cody never even imagined. If Cody becomes The Rock’s Champion, every dream he has ever had can come true. Every dream of Brandi’s, of their daughter’s. Think about how Rock brought them to the premiere of Moana 2, in Hawaii.
Thank you, by the way, for making that cross a BILLION dollars, fans, Rock loves you. Rock has met the Rhodes family, they’re amazing. But imagine it: Cody’s daughter’s children, their dreams, long after Rock and Cody are gone, all those dreams can come true. Rock just needs Cody to be his champion. The fans say don’t do it! Rock tells Cody to just think about it, though. Rock is a very lucky man, he has it all. Cody also has it all. They’re very fortunate. They’re Mama’s Boys, they’re Girl Dads, they’re lucky men. Fans say don’t do it, Rock tells them to shut up or he’ll slap the syphilis off their face! Rock is trying to have a moment here, shut your mouths!
The one thing that Rock has never had, that he wants more than anything, is a brother. And that is what Cody can be. Last year, WrestleMania, Rock’s goal was to face his cousin, Roman Reigns, for the title. Cody knows, the fans know. Rock talked with his friend, HHH. He talked with Nick Khan, who is his friend. They are also Cody’s friends. Rock knew it wasn’t in the plans, but they talked about moving Cody aside to make what was best for business: Rock VS Roman, WrestleMania 40! What’d Cody do? Cody pitched a b*tch fit! Cody told The Rock he ain’t doing it, and he stood up to The Rock. And y’know what else? Cody SLAPPED Rock!
No one does that and gets away with it. But that is why Cody is special. That is why Cody should be Rock’s Champion. And that is why Rock will take Cody from where he is to a level so far above. Rock will make sure every dream, every desire, for generations to come, it all comes true. Rock’s dad, Cody’s dad, Soul Man & American Dream, they are looking down right now. They were friends, Cody and Rock are friends, Cody should be Rock’s Champion. He doesn’t need to answer Rock tonight. He can think about it, talk with his wife and daughter, as will The Rock. Then Cody can think about it. Meet Rock in Toronto on March 1st to give him the answer.
Fans still say don’t do it, but Rock says it is okay. Before he leaves, this has been an amazing night, this is a hot crowd, thank you all very much. But before he leaves, Rock wants us to know this: The one thing Rock wants more than anything in this world… is that. Wait, the title? Cody’s title? The fans’ title? This is all this is about? No no no no! Brother… Rock doesn’t want the title. He wants Cody’s soul. The fans duel, “NO! NO! NO!” “SELL YOUR SOUL!” Rock pats Cody on the cheek and says see you in Toronto. The Rock leaves, giving Cody a lot to think about. Rock does give one last glance back at Cody, then smirks.
What will The American Nightmare choose: His integrity? Or his aspirations?
WWE Tag Team Championships: #DIY VS Pretty Deadly!
Did Tommaso Ciampa & Johnny Gargano got these titles thanks to Kit Wilson & Elton Prince? #YESBOY! Did they survive a couple title defenses thanks to Kit & Elton? #YESBOY! But when Pretty Deadly needed DIY, was DIY there for them? #NOBOY! So now, Kit & Elton are looking to give Ciampa & Gargano their comeuppance! Will we finally get another #SidePlateCheck? Or will Ciampa & Gargano remember for themselves, that if you wanna be champions, you gotta do it yourself?
But as DIY make their entrance, they have mics, and Johnny Wrestling tells NOLA, “Give it up one time for your TWO-TIME WWE Tag Team Champions…! The BTTITW (Best Tag Team In The World), D I Y~!” The fans boo instead. Ciampa says there is no denying that tonight has been electrifying. Gargano says this is a hot crowd. But please, if we could be somber for a second. Guys, this is serious. Two weeks ago, Pretty Deadly embarrassed DIY, and now reluctantly, DIY will return that favor by crushing their hopes and dreams of ever becoming WWE Tag Team Champions. So please, let us all rise to our feet… Yes, you in the LSU jersey, stand up.
Ciampa thanks Wade Barrett, and asks for everyone to remove their hands and bow their heads for a moment of silence for Pretty Deadly, beginning… now. The fans boo instead! And then Pretty Deadly make their entrance! The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we see who really needed who in this broken relationship!
But then DIY jumps Pretty Deadly! The ref reprimands, DIY whip but Pretty Deadly reverses! DOUBLE DORPKICKS! Then DOUBLE LARIATS send DIY up and out! The disco ball hasn’t even stopped spinning! The fans cheer while DIY throw a fit! They regroup, cool down, and go back to the ring. Gargano distracts Elton, Ciampa CLOBBERS him, and the bell rings. But Elton fires hands on Ciampa! Elton whips, Ciampa reverses and he pulls hair! The ref reprimands, Ciampa throws Elton to the apron and KNEES him down! Tag to Gargano and he aims, SUPERKICK! Elton goes down in a heap, DIY cheers themselves on, and SmackDown goes to break!
SmackDown returns, Gargano tags in, and DIY hits the BACK SUPLEX BOMBO COMBO! Cover, TWO! Elton stays in this but Gargano tags Ciampa back in. Gargano sends Ciampa in, but Elton ELBOWS him away! Gargano runs in, but Elton puts him on the apron! Gargano goes after Kit, but Kit blocks the kick! Kit BOOTS Gargano down, but then Ciampa BOOTS Kit! Elton dodges Ciampa to come back, DOUBLE CROSSBODIES collide! Elton and Ciampa are down, sputtering and writhing, and the fans rally up. Elton crawls, Kit rises, hot tags to Kit and Gargano! Kit rallies on DIY with big forearms! Kit whips, Gargano reverses, Kit UPPERCUTS!
Kit UPPERCUTS Ciampa in a corner, then LARIATS! Kit runs to LARIAT Gargano! Kit pushes Gargano down, kicks him and hits a TWIST- NO, Gargano slips through to ROCK Kit! Kit yoyos, DOUBLE LARIATS! The fans fire up, Kit tags Elton! They get Gargano up, but Gargano BOOTS Elton! Gargano ELBOWS Kit away, then runs up on Elton! Elton dodges, then gives Kit the boost, DRY MARTI-KNEES! Cover, TWO!! Gargano survives but Ciampa is in! Elton fireman’s carries Ciampa, but Ciampa slips free! Ciampa whips, Elton reverses, Kit UPPERCUTS Ciampa! Elton shows off his strength with the GOTCH LIFT PLEX!
Tag to Kit, but IN COME THE PROFITS! Ford SHOVES Kit down, Dawkins mugs him!!
Winners: Pretty Deadly, by disqualification; DIY retain the titles
Not again! Just like they did Motor City Machine Guns, The Profits make sure no one else takes these titles off DIY! URENAGE from Ford to Elton! Dawkins keeps hammering away on Kit, and then Ford POSTS Elton! Dawkins fireman’s carries Kit, to POST him, too! Looking like the All Mighty with that one! Gargano fires forearms in return, but ends up int he POUNCE GERMAN SUPLEX! Then Ciampa runs up into a FLAPJACK! Ford goes up top, then flies in FROM THE HEAVENS!! Direct hit on Ciampa! But wait! MCMG rushes out here, wanting their payback! The Profits brawl with MCMG, but Ford TOSSES Shelley to the apron!
Ford runs up, Shelley goes to kick, but Ford blocks it! Ford LARIATS Shelley down, Dawkins hits Sabin with THE BIG ENDING! The fans are torn as Dawkins whips Sabin, Profits get him for the REVELATION!! And if there’s been any revelation, it is that Ford & Dawkins don’t just want the smoke, they want to burn down the tag division to get it! Will nothing stop them once they’re back in action?
Kevin Owens speaks.
“You got what you wanted, huh? You got your match. You couldn’t, uh… You couldn’t just take the punishment that you deserved, that I’d already given you, and let it go. No, you… You wanted me and you to go again. You wanted to fight me, you want to hurt me, you want to end my career, which would hurt my family, by the way. Which is truly despicable. But what about your family, Sami? Huh? Have you thought of them? What about your family, huh?” Kevin reveals he is right outside the Zayn home! Kevin peers inside to watch Sami, his wife, and his son!
Kevin asks Sami via the video if Sami knows what he’s about to put them through, when they have to watch Kevin end Sami’s career. And what happens then, eh? When Sami can’t provide for them, and everything they have, like this nice house, the shelter, the security, the peace they have, when it’s all gone? And why? What for? Because Sami’s too proud? Because Sami’s selfish? Sami IS selfish. Because Sami is making Kevin do this to Sami’s family. Kevin will never forgive Sami for that. He’ll see Sami in Toronto. “But remember… You asked for this. It’s all your fault.” As if Kevin’s delusions aren’t already grand, will he continue to blame everyone else but himself?
Damian Priest & Braun Strowman VS Solo Sikoa & Jacob Fatu w/ Tama Tonga!
Elimination Chamber is on the horizon, and the Road to WrestleMania makes for strange bedfellows. Priest, Braun and Jacob were fighting each other just last week, but Solo’s return really threw things for a loop. Can Priest & Braun give Solo and the Samoan Werewolf their punishment? Or will everything (not) be fine in Solo’s Bloodline?
SmackDown returns as #OneBigSOB makes his entrance. As Solo, Jacob & Tama head to gorilla, we hear from Solo. “Tonight, we handle business. And it starts with Braun Strowman & Damian-” Jacob interrupts with, “Man, c’mon, DP! C’mon, Braun! I thought we did this! So tonight, we about to even up the score. If you ain’t know, I’m all gas, no brakes with it! See, since we touched the scene, we been dropping bodies like bread crumbs! Yadada mean!? FA-TUUU~! Hit my music!” The rogues enter to Jacob’s theme, is this alone proof he’s the new alpha? Or will the match be the last nail in that coffin?
The teams sort out, but Jacob stares down both Priest and Braun. NOLA seems to acknowledge Jacob, but Solo convinces him to stand down. Solo starts against Priest, the bell rings, and the two tie up. They go around, Priest powers Solo back, but Solo powers Priest back. They break, stare down, and Solo talks some trash. Solo shoves Priest, Priest shoves back. They circle again, tie up, and Priest puts Solo in a corner. The ref counts, Priest lets off at 4, but Solo stomps Priest’s foot! Solo throws hands, then a HEADBUTT! Priest staggers, but then he ROCKS Solo! And ROCKS him! And HEADBUTTS! That was a mistake!
Solo shakes his head to HEADBUTT Priest! Priest goes to a corner, Solo throws haymakers and body shots on repeat! The ref counts, Solo lets off and says see? Solo and Jacob as one! But Priest THROWS Solo to the corner to fire off haymakers of his own! Priest ROCKS Solo, the fans fire up, and Priest whips., Solo reverses to UPPERCUT! Solo talks smack but Priest ROCKS him again! Tag to Braun and the fans fire up! Braun stares Jacob down, tells him to shove it, then runs up to SPLASH Solo! Braun stares Jacob down again, goes back for Solo, and hits another LARIAT! Braun scoops, Solo slips free, but Braun runs up!
Solo ELBOWS Braun away, tags to Jacob, and Jacob runs in, but Braun dodges! Braun CROSSBODIES! Jacob is right up, but Braun BOOTS him right back down! Solo runs in but Braun TOSSES him! Priest hurries after Solo, Braun CLOBBERS Jacob! LEAPING LARIAT for Solo! Braun then gets on the track, STROWMAN EXPRESS SMACKS a chair out of Tama’s hand! The Good Bad Guy thought he was being sneaky! But then Jacob CROSSBODIES Braun into the timekeeper’s aera! The fans go wild as Jacob rises up, and SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Jacob hauls Braun up, drags him around the way, HEADBUTTS him, then brings him over to SMACK off the desk! Braun staggers, but he ROCKS Jacob in return! And THROWS Jacob into steel steps! Braun drags Jacob up, puts him in the ring, but Jacob SUPERKICKS Braun! Braun falls into the corner, Jacob HIP ATTACKS! Jacob’s all geeked up, then he tags in Solo. Solo soaks up some heat while Jacob HIP ATTACKS Braun again! Solo puts Braun on ropes to CHOKE him! The ref counts, Solo stops at 4, but Jacob gets a HEADBUTT in! Braun flounders, Solo taunts him and eggs him on, but Braun CHOPS him!
Solo HEADBUTTS Braun right down! Solo rains down fists, then lets off so he can put Braun on the ropes. Solo CHOKES Braun again, stops as the ref counts 4, and Jacob gets another cheap shot in! Solo tags Jacob in, then he HEADBUTTS Braun again and again! Jacob runs to BODY CHECK Braun! Jacob fires up, Braun flounders to ropes, but Jacob rains down fists! Tag to Solo, he soaks up heat from NOLA, then he stomps away on Braun! The ref counts, Solo lets off, then he keeps Braun from Priest by anchoring a leg. Tag to Jacob and Jacob climbs up, FROG SPLASH! Jacob roars while Braun writhes!
Jacob looms over Braun but he glares at Priest. Priest gets heated, but Jacob fires hands on Braun as SmackDown returns to single picture. Braun stands, but Jacob HEADBUTTS him again! Jacob runs for another BODY CHECK! And then a SENTON! Cover, TWO! Braun stays in this and he goes to a corner. Jacob snarls, tags Solo in, and the fans boo. Solo runs corner to corner to HIP ATTACK Braun! Solo grins as he copies Jacob’s geeking out. Tag back to Jacob and fans cheer! Jacob aims, runs, and HIP ATTACKS! Jacob keeps going, but Braun BOOTS from below!! The fans fire up while both men stagger to their feet.
Braun SPINEBUSTERS Jacob! Both monsters are down, the fans rally up, and they crawl, hot tags to Solo and Priest! Priest fires hands on Solo, then whips. Solo reverses but Priest SHOUDLER TACKLES Solo! Priest runs to BACK ELBOW! Jacob is back, but Priest dodges to WHEEL KICK! Priest then waits on Solo, but Solo catches Priest! Priest elbows free, but Solo SUPERKICKS! But Priest JUMPING ROUNDHOUSES! Solo comes back, Priest ROCKS him first! Solo swings, but into the FLATLINER! Cover, TWO! Solo survives but Priest puts him in a corner. Priest whips corner to corner, then runs, only for Solo to put him on th eapron!
Solo takes as swing, Priest dodges and ROUNDHOUSES! Priest then knuckle locks with Solo, goes up top, and he tightrope walks for some OLD SCHOOL! The fans fire up and Priest powers up the arm! Priest runs, but Solo ducks the Comebacker! Priest fights the fireman’s carry to BELL CLAP, ROUNDHOUSE, and then he reels Solo in! But Tama is on the apron! Priest DECKS Tama, but Jacob HOTSHOTS Priest! Solo hits the URENAGE! Cover, TWO!! Priest survives and Solo is stunned! Solo snarls, looks to his taped-up thumb, then he drags Priest up. The fans boo but Solo taunts the fans now. SAMOAN- NO! Priest grabs Solo!
But Jacob runs in! Priest ROCKS Jacob, ELBOWS Solo, then he dodges, so Jacob’s SUPERKICK hits Solo! An accident just like last week’s shot to Tama, but Jacob doesn’t seem as upset by it. Priest TOSSES Jacob, then CLOBBERS Solo! STROWMAN EXPRESS CLOBBERS Jacob & Tama!! Priest brings down the straps, the fans are thunderous, and Priest grabs Solo by the neck! SOUTH OF HEAVEN!! Cover, Priest & Braun win!
Winners: Damian Priest & Braun Strowman, by pinfall
Just as Solo thought it’d be like before, he and Jacob were not on the same page! Priest is rolling towards Elimination Chamber, will this be just what he needs to go back to WrestleMania?
My Thoughts:
A great SmackDown here, but with some interesting moves after the sudden change in plans with The Rock showing up. Naomi and Bianca had a good promo to hype up what was meant to be a full match of Naomi VS Liv, but word had already come out before the show that things were being cut for time. But at the very least, they did the right thing of making it a brawl that adds heat to the tag title match on Monday. Also, hilarious how Chelsea & Piper thought the beatdown on Bianca & Naomi was so bad that they would need to be pulled from the Chamber. I also can’t wait to see what happens on Toronto SmackDown.
As for The Rock, I do appreciate he used his authority to kayfabe change more things, all so he could have his promo with Cody. I also appreciate Rock blending his different roles and even different sides, both Heel and Face, to A) bring the news of WM42 being in NOLA, and B) recreate the Corporate Champion/People’s Champion story from the Attitude Era. That was some wild stuff he was saying to Cody. I’m sure quite a few people will try and talk with Cody next week in the go-home. Heels will say do it because they’d love to have what Rock can give, Faces will say not because Cody’s better than that. But naturally, Cody is not going to become The Rock’s Champion, causing Rock to turn on him and really up things going into WrestleMania 41 and perhaps even beyond.
Good stuff in the Elimination Chamber related stories. Jimmy VS McIntyre was great stuff to open, and how fitting that McIntyre loses to Jimmy after talking all that trash about Jimmy and Jey being the same. Jey got McIntyre with something quick, Jimmy got McIntyre with something quick, McIntyre’s ego is obviously his weakness. And at the same time, McIntyre of course destroys Jimmy after because that’s his other personality trait. Priest had good promos with Cody and Braun, and we got great stuff from Solo’s Bloodline. Naturally, we got a miscommunication spot to help finish, we’re really close to Solo VS Jacob, I can feel it. Priest & Braun get the win, mostly because Priest isn’t winning in the Chamber when you’ve got Punk and Cena in there.
Very good stuff with Tiffy Time, from the promos leading into the match to Charlotte being ringside just to watch. Nia & Candice of course get the better of Tiff & Trish, because Tiff & Trish are definitely winning the tag match in Toronto. Charlotte just seems to enjoy trolling Tiff with her presence, so Charlotte probably shows up in Toronto to then confront Tiff after the match. I expect the seven weeks after Elimination Chamber to really heat up, as will Charlotte’s involvement, where she’ll get more active verbally and physically. Also, hell, Rock should go full Corporation and have Charlotte be his Corporate Women’s Champion because of how established she is.
Hilarious stuff from Truth tonight, as always. Truth and Melo having their “who’s on first” again was good stuff, and of course Miz gets in on this story, too. Truth & Knight VS “Melo Don’t Miz” was really fun, but yeah, should’ve figured Nakamura would get involved, too. Melo & Miz making it work could also be really fun, and while Knight VS Nakamura is a rehash, I really hope they find a way to up things. It feels like we’re getting the same with the tag titles as Profits “ruined” that great tag match from DIY and Pretty Deadly, then brawled with MCMG to still come out on top. Last year had a ladder tag title match, so why not do one for these titles this year?
Speaking of escalating, Kevin filming a promo outside Sami’s house was some really well done stuff, as expected of someone as good as Kevin and in such a story as him and Sami. Their match should main event, it needs time to breathe, as it could be just as, if not more violent, than the Chamber matches. What a powerful closing moment we could have if it’s a bloody Kevin and Sami, and one of them is standing over the other, triumphant yet mournful because it was their best friend in the world that they just brutalized.
My Score: 8.9/10
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Coverage
Andrew’s TNA LIVE! iMPACT! Results & Match Ratings: 2.20.2025
So the first live episode got fairly positive praise from everyone; will this continue the trend?
Filming at Full Sail seems to have set the stage nicely this week! Going into a Live episode we got Moose and The Hardy Boyz on NXT, as well as Jordynne Grace’s involvement with Steph and Giulia giving a little shine to TNA happenings since she’s newly WWE.
This episode should be interesting, we finally see Lei Ying Lee (fka Xia Li) back in action, Rascalz take on Tyson and Tyriek, Tessa should be seeing some action as well…so generally interesting happenings for the second Live iMPACT! of 2025. Let’s see how this one goes down!
No matter where @ManceWarner and @stephdelander go, @TheSamiCallihan WILL FIND THEM!
Watch #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/NY8HgI02kY pic.twitter.com/mXz9U7m9PL
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) February 21, 2025
Ratings:
- Tyson & Tyriek w/Wes Lee vs The Rascalz w/Ace Austin: Rascalz win via Meteora/Swanton Combo – ***
- Lei Ying Lee vs Rosemary: Lei wins via Thunderstruck – **
- NoDQ Match: Leon Slater vs JDC: Dango wins via The System help – ** 3/4
- Masha Slamovich vs Mila Moore: Masha wins via Requiem – N/A
- Elijah & Joe Hendry vs The Colons: Elijah wins via Tombstone Piledriver – *** 1/4
Results:
Oh yeah, and another Hendry concert is…cut off by a commercial, LOLTNA. First Hendry is cut off by AXSTV’s new Anime Hour bumper, and now Primo and Epico are showing up in TNA. I definitely didn’t have this on my BINGO card. The crowd starts chanting “Where’s Carlito”, which they do acknowledge and play off of well. Oh they’re using their shoot names of Orlando and Eddie now…but before they attack the lights go out and we get another guitar strum! ELIAH/ELIAS/EZEKIEL/EBENERZER/EMERY/EL VAGABUNDO – shows up to back up Hendry. Okay I can apologize away the redundant concert since it played into an Elijah debut. The crowd is immediately popping and chanting “This is Awesome” 10 minutes into the show.
Tyson & Tyriek w/Wes Lee vs The Rascalz w/Ace Austin
Treehouse bros take it to the bigger men quickly, a few fast dives, a little MCMG style tandem strikes, Tyson fires and tries to take them out but they Low Bridge him. Tyriek comes in and they try similar things but Tyriek manhandles them both and throws them out of the ring, Trey is the first one back up and Tyriek and Tyson take his damn head off with his Corkscrew Running Euro Upper. Trey finally manages to flip out of the manhandle, tags in Wentz and Wentz goes for the hot and spicy cleaning house spot. Corner to Corner Knee Lifts for both big men, a Rolling Snapmare, into a Superkick for Tyson and Standing Shoot Star on Tyriek but only for two because Wes feints like he’s going to interfere.
Tyson and Tyriek pull off a tandem Assisted Backdrop Driver, but Wentz breaks it up, Tyson gets knocked out, Wentz hits the Tornillo, Wes tries to interfere again after Trey gets perched on the corner buckle but Ace runs around and trips Wes at the last second causing him to faceplant on the apron, Trey hits the Meteora, Wentz hits a Swanton from the other side of the ring and Trey gets the pinfall victory.
It was fast paced, all gas no brakes, but it didn’t overstay its welcome, so it was pretty fun all things considered.
After the match Wes grabs a mic, complains a little but challenges them to a 6 man match as Sacrifice. So we’re THAT’S where we’re getting the expected 3v3.
Fir$t Cla$$ comes out with an entourage of hot chicks and probably influencers or something. The “First Class Penthouse” , Gabby AF, Mafiosa Valentina, and Carolina are apparently known in their own way. Gabby I know was the awful one who did something for Impact a last year and sucked, but she’s part of the Busted Open Network I believe so that’s why she’s around. Two of them look like Noelle Foley and Frank the Clown…oh they actually are. Look at that. I do love KC Navarro as the Hype Man, they have this whole set up of AJ being mad that they haven’t gotten more Tag Title shots, so TNA placated him with his own Piper’s Pit and he’s *pregnant pause* totally happy with that. He says he loved Piper and hated Hogan before it was cool.
This is actually quality content and AJ is cutting a nice promo in this segment. They introduce their first guest, the greatest performer in TNA history, many whole say he’s Phenomenal with a whole lot of style….it’s A-J-Francis.
.@AJFrancis410 is GOING OFF!
Watch #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/NY8HgI02kY pic.twitter.com/kGehtp9iTE
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) February 21, 2025
Lei Ying Lee vs Rosemary
Things were slow until Rosemary took her into a corner quickly, hit the Upside Down, and we get a lot of Lei trying to avoid Rosemary’s offense. Rosemary goes for a Spear in the corner and Lei forward rolls, starts connecting with a bunch of right hands, backs Rosemary into the corner, goes for 10 Count Punches, pulls her out, Airplane Spin TKO for only a two count. Rosemary tries As Above So Below, Lei shrugs it off, Rosemary tries to go after Lei anyway and eats Thunderstruck! Lei Ying Lee wins!
After the match Rosemary catches Lei on the ramp and hits the Green mist in the eyes. Match was far too short and so many of Lei’s set up moves look better than her finish. We’ve seen Kofi Kingston do it for years so it’s not bad, just the current Knockouts Division are awful and don’t take the move well.
Eric Young and the jabronis come out, EY cuts a very basic power crazed psycho kind of promo, gets the “What” chants from the crowds. EY is trying to recruit Maclin even though Maclin made his line in the sand last week. EY tries to spin it as maybe he took out Josh FOR Maclin instead of in spite of his trust. This really doesn’t seem interesting at all, but that’s probably because I hate the two Jabronis EY is with.
NoDQ Match: Leon Slater vs JDC
I really don’t have any interest in Slater. He’s got no personality beyond “flippy guy with a British accent”.
Dango immediately powders, grabs a chair and goes to swing on him but misses. So Leon is making JDC look dumb by dodging the post chop, using the chair to shield himself from a punch by JDC, and then clapping Dango’s fingers between the chair. So typical System match, look inept for the first few minutes, then take advantage of something to take over. Oh look, Leon takes too long setting up the table, Dango gets in a few pot shots, tries to whip him into the table but Leon leaps over it, and then leaps back over to clobber Dango. Dango is still trying to recover so Leon hits his over the corner post con hilo, and the crowd appreciates it but I’m not interested. Leon panders to the crowd after the big spot and then eats an X-Plex into the chair from Dango.
JDC throws Leon back in, goes for a pinfall that’s only a two and we cut to a commercial. Coming out of the commercial JDC is in control with a Kendo Stick until he isn’t, Leon counters and takes the keno stick, brutalizes Dango a few times then comes off the ropes with the kendo shot for 2. Leon goes for another table, and again, at least the crowd is receptive to this match. Leon sets it up, looks for something off the apron but Dango stops him first until he eats a dropkick to fall onto the table, Leon hits the Swanton 450 through the table on the outside. Does it look cool? Sure. Do I care about dumbass moves? Nope.
Oh thankfully the rest of The System comes out to stop the pinfall, Shield Bomb Leon through the first table, and roll him back in for Dango to win.
The Hardy Boyz come out to try and make the save, but the numbers are against them, so Oba Femi’s music hits! Oba cleans house but doesn’t get his hands on Moose, so they’re at least building the eventual clash between Moose and Oba.
The crowd starts a “Tessa, we comin for you” chant before she even starts talking. Tessa is actually playing off the crowd well, Santino’s music hits and Tessa thinks he’ll help her out with the crowd and Santino calls bullshit basically. Santino says if Tessa doesn’t wrestle next week, she’s fired and Masha’s music hits. Masha decides to step in for Tessa’s enhancement talent match.
Masha Slamovich vs Mila Moore
Jobber tries to attack Masha early but Masha stops her, rocks her and Requiem ends the match.
Masha stares down Tessa, and then Cora Jade attacks from behind and hits Jaded.
Ryan Nemeth comes out to his Abyss music remix. What will Mokuba say today? “MYYYY BIIIGG BBRROOOOTTHHHEEEEER” he repeats at least 4 times and it’s hilariously cringe. He announces that Nic will return at Sacrifice, he literally just came out to give a PSA.
Elijah & Joe Hendry vs The Colons
Hendry starts with Eddie, after a brief tie up it seems like Hendry reads the room and points at Elijah and the crowd wants him in. So Joe tags in Elijah, a little back and forth, Shoulder Tackle from Elijah, Rope Walk with Elijah lays out Eddie and a tag to Joe allows for a quick tandem knockdown, but Eddie powders as the Walking and Talking Duo hold the ring going into the final commercial break.
We come back and Hendry is bouncing Orlando off the ropes as he return a strike, but Orlando is obviously losing, eats a Euro Upper, and then gets walked around in the Stalling Suplex for posterity. Eddie tries a sneak attack but gets caught and Sack of Shit, into Kip Up, turn and then Orlando with the ambush! A few quick short cuts and an Irish Whip/Dropkick combo gives the Colons a near fall. Hendry does get locomotion variation cradles, but eats a Dropkick to stop the attempt at momentum. Orlando stays on Joe, but Joe finally starts to fire up as the crowd starts to get behind him. Euro Uppers make some space, but a Snapmare says no.
Eddie gets tagged in and a quick Leg Sweep into a Front Chancery keeps Eddie in control. As Joe tries to get back up, Eddie turns it into a Guillotine, but finally the Suplex counter connects for Hendry! Simultaneous tags! Elijah bulls over Orlando, catches a Leap Frogging Orlando with the Manhattan Drop as Orlando retreats to a corner, Stinger Splash into Spinebuster for two. Elijah tries to keep up the attacks but Orlando finds a few ways to make space, launches himself from the middle rope and eats the Jumping Knee! Eddie breaks up the pinfall, Hendry takes Eddie out and Elijah hits the Tombstone Piledriver for the win!
Overall Score: 6/10
Well there were more live hiccups than the first episode, and this felt both more epic and less epic at the same time. Elijah and the Colons debuting was a nice way to kick things off, Oba Femi showing up for the save was fantastic. There were a few decent matches, but also a lot of really short and rushed matches. Tessa played off the crowd well, but Masha really is useless on the mic. Lei Ying Lee needs to framed stronger, her matches have done nothing to show off her ability. It just proves that the Knockouts don’t know how to sell a kick to the head because they all take it in the shoulder and fall in corny ways.
Viva La Sam could be something fun if the next 3 weeks are just hand cam footage of him being like “I’m Sami Callihan and I’m gonna kick Mance Warner’s ass”, Elegance Clique getting the rematch with a stipulation is nice to see and while I like Fir$t Cla$$, that segment went a little long for a cornball swerve payoff. It’s one thing to placate the Influencer squad especially when we’ve seen Logan Paul and Ishowspeed do so well in WWE…but these are like Z Tier Influencers that no one cares about. These kind of dorks stream on Kick because they aren’t relevant enough for Twitch, not because they chose Kick over it.
So yeah, the low lights were pretty low, and the highs were a little fleeting, but at least they were pretty fun. Not a bad show, just clunky with noticeable issues and Masha shouldn’t be allowed to speak English anymore. She’s such a charisma vacuum when she’s not rambling in Russian.
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