Coverage
Mitchell’s NJPW G1 Climax 33 Results & Report! (7/30/23)
C & D, round 5!
Who will lead the way into the home stretch?
Things are getting wild as the G1 Climax enters round five, and C Block has no clear leader! Will Tama Tonga, David Finlay or EVIL pull away from the pack?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- G1 Climax 33, C Block: HENARE VS David Finlay; Finlay wins.
- G1 Climax 33, D Block: Toru Yano VS Jeff Cobb; Yano wins.
- G1 Climax 33, C Block: Eddie Kingston VS Mikey Nicholls; Eddie wins.
- G1 Climax 33, D Block: Tetsuya Naito VS Alex Coughlin; Naito wins.
- G1 Climax 33, C Block: EVIL VS Tomohiro Ishii; Evil wins.
- G1 Climax 33, D Block: Zack Sabre Jr. VS Shane Haste; ZSJ wins.
- G1 Climax 33, C Block: Shingo Takagi VS Tama Tonga; Time Limit Draw.
- G1 Climax 33, D Block: Hiroshi Tanahashi VS Hirooki Goto; Tanahashi wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
Here are the current 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 current 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
Toru Yano: 0-4, 0 points [ELIMINATED]
G1 Climax 33, C Block: HENARE VS David Finlay w/ Gedo!
The Face of Fury is hanging on by a thread and time is running out! Will Henare be able to Rampage all over The Rebel? Or will Finlay fight his way back up to the top of the block?
The bell rings and fans rally as the two circle. They go forehead to forehead, then Finlay shoves Henare. Henare fires off a shot and the brawl is on! It’s fast and furious already, but Henare gets the edge! Henare HEADBUTTS, runs, and runs Finlay over! Fans fire up and Henare sits Finlay up to KICK him! And SENTON! Cover, TWO! Fans cheer as Henare storms around. Finlay goes to the apron, but Henare drags him up! Finlay HOTSHOTS, then tackles Henare to rain down fists! The ref counts, Finlay lets off, but then he throws Henare out! Finlay goes out after Henare, throws more hands and he sits Henare down at the railing.
Finlay SLAMS Henare back against the railing! And again! And again! The ref reprimands, Finlay argues with him, but Finlay drags Henare up and onto the apron. Finlay ELBOWS Henare against the edge! And again! Finlay crawls in to cover, TWO! Fans cheer but Finlay flips them off. Finlay drops a leg and then another! Cover, TWO! Finlay drags Henare up and turns him to hit a NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Finlay gets in the ref’s face but the ref says his count was fair. Finlay KNEES Henare in the back and clamps on a chinlock! Henare endures, reaches out, but Finlay pulls Henare against his knee!
Henare fights up, throws body shots, but Finlay clinches to IRISH CURSE BACKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Fans fire up as Henare survives but Finlay wraps on another chinlock! Finlay shifts around, it’s almost a Bully Choke! Henare reaches for Finlay’s head, but Finlay BITES Henare’s hand! The ref reprimands, Finlay stops biting but he keeps on the chinlock. Finlay pushes Henare to a cover, TWO! Fans cheer but Finlay clamps on a cravat neck wrench. Henare endures, fights up, and throws body shots! Finlay UPPERCUTS! And UPPERCUTS! And UPPERCUTS! Henare ends up in a corner, Finlay runs in but into an ELBOW!
Henare storms up but Finlay fires a forearm! Finlay runs, but into a POP-UP SAMOAN DROP! We pass five minutes as Finlay flounders to a corner. Henare storms over and he throws heavy body shots! The fans fire up with Henare and he whips corner to corner, to then clothesline! Henare whips to ropes, to scoop, BERSERKER BOMB! Cover, TWO! Finlay hangs tough but Henare snarls. Henare waits on Finlay to sit up, then Henare runs to PENALTY- NO, Finlay blocks! But Henare throws palm strikes from all sides! Fans rally, Henare blocks a kick to step over and WHEEL KICK! And then PENALTY KICK! Cover, TWO!
Fans rally up again and Henare goes to a corner. Henare stomps the mat and the fans clap along. Henare fires himself up, runs in, RAMPAGE- NO, Finlay fights with furious elbows! Finlay whips but Henare comes back! RAMP- SATELLITE DDT!! Gedo is all fired up as Finlay turns it around again! Finlay drags Henare up to throw crossface forearms! Finlay just keeps clubbing away! Gedo tells Henare to give it up, and Finlay runs, BLINDSIDER! Cover, TWO!! Henare is still in this and fans fire up! Finlay drags Henare up, but Henare fights the lift with elbows! Henare shoves Finlay to a corner, runs in, but Finlay dodges the Shining Wizard!
Finlay DUMPS Henare to the floor! Finlay then goes out to fetch Henare, and fireman’s carries so he can POST him! Henare goes down in a heap but Finlay has the ref move aside. Finlay puts Henare in the ring, drags him back up, for a BLUE THUNDER BOMB! Cover, TWO!! Henare is still in this and fans fire up again! Finlay is stunned and frustrated and we pass 10 minutes! Finlay pulls the kneepad down and slashes his throat. Finlay drags Henare up but Henare’s dead weight! Finlay CLUBS away on Henare, hauls him up again, but Henare fights free! BUSAIKU KNEE!! Fans fire up again as Finlay flounders!
Henare drags Finlay up, fisherman and STREETS- NO, Finlay slips free to RAM Henare into buckles! Finlay checks his chin, but Henare rises!? Finlay fires off forearms and HEADBUTTS, but that does nothing! ROLLING ELBOW! Henare wobbles, but he HEADBUTTS in return! Fans fire up again, and now Henare brings his kneepad down! Henare runs in, SHINING WIZARD in the corner! Henare shoves Finlay out, runs in, RAMPAGE!! But Henare isn’t done there! Henare drags Finlay up, STREETS- NO, Finlay slips free again! Finlay backslides, Henare rolls through, but Finlay suplexes him INTO OBLIVION!! Cover, Finlay wins!
Winner: David Finlay, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Henare earns 0)
Finlay redeems himself with a victory here, and he crosses Henare off the list at the same time! Will Finlay show that the G1 needs The Rebel?
G1 Climax 33, D Block: Toru Yano VS Jeff Cobb!
The Clown Prince having no wins at this point, and the Imperial Unit having no losses, it is obvious who’s still alive in the standings. But can Yano pull off the ultimate trick and spoil things for Cobb? Or will he take a Tour of the Island?
Cobb wants the ref to check Yano, that lump in his shirt is suspicious! Yano says it’s nothing, stop looking. Yano keeps the ref from frisking him, but Cobb rushes in to attack! Cobb whips, Yano reverses and throws Cobb down! The bell rings, and Yano unties a buckle pad! The ref reprimands, but Cobb storms up to ROCK Yano! Cobb pulls up the shirt to reveal several rolls of tape! And also beer and snack foods? Yano apologizes, and offers the beer and snacks as a peace offering! But then Yano goes to low blow! Cobb blocks it with one hand! And hands over the beer to the ref at the same time! Then Cobb reels Yano in for an ATHLETIC PLEX!
Cobb then goes back to the beer, cracks it open and takes a sip. That’s good stuff! Cobb takes another swig, then GACHIMUCHI MOONSAULT, onto Yano’s knees! The beer goes spewing outta Cobb’s mouth! Yano covers, TWO!! Yano blocks Cobb’s superkick! Yano turns Cobb around to hook the arms, but Cobb fights the backslide! Yano grabs the ref, and LOW BLOW MULE KICKS! Yano finishes the backslide, TWO!!! Cobb escapes, Yano runs, but into a DROPKICK! Fans fire up and Cobb is mad now! Cobb hauls Yano up, whips him to ropes, but Yano holds ropes and taunts Cobb! Yano then dives for his corner!
Yano grabs the red chair, and something else! Cobb drags Yano back, the ref takes the chair, but Yano SPRAYS Cobb with the disinfectant!! M U CRADLE!! YANO WINS?!?!
Winner: Toru Yano, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Cobb earns 0)
Yano snatches the win away from Cobb! And he snatches a beer before running away. Yano says cheers, but will this be the only celebration he has this G1?
G1 Climax 33, C Block: Eddie Kingston VS Mikey Nicholls w/ Kosei Fujita!
The Mad King and Mad Mikey are still fighting for a chance, but that chance can only go to one man! Will Eddie show he’s NJPW Strong? Or will he see The Mighty Don’t Kneel?
The bell rings and the two circle. Fans rally up as they feel things out, then tie up. Eddie powers Mikey to a corner but Mikey turns it around, only for them to go around the ropes, in and out of corners, and then along more ropes. Mikey puts Eddie in the red corner and the ref calls for the break. Mikey lets off slowly, then SLAPS Eddie across the face! Fans cheer and Mikey eggs Eddie on. Eddie smiles and resets with Mikey. They tie up again, break, and Mikey fires a forearm! Eddie spins but Mikey ducks the backfist! Mikey reels Eddie in for a SAIDO! But Eddie’s right up, and he gets out of the ring!
Mikey waits inside while Eddie clutches his shoulder. But then Mikey storms up to PLANCHA! Direct hit and fans fire up! Mikey encourages them to get louder, but the ref wants this back in the ring. Mikey says okay and he puts Eddie in, which fans cheer. Eddie goes to the far side but Mikey CHOKES him on the ropes! The ref counts, Mikey lets off, and Eddie sputters to the corner. Mikey drags Eddie up to suplex, and he holds Eddie up for a count of TEN before the SLAM! Cover, ONE!! Eddie is hanging tough but Mikey keeps on him. Mikey claws the face but the ref reprimands, so Mikey drops a knee!
Mikey mocks the fans rallying for Eddie and then stalks him. Mikey wraps on a chinlock and squeezes tight! Eddie endures, Mikey shifts to a partial Camel Clutch! The ref reprimands as Mikey fishhooks Eddie, so Mikey lets off. Mikey switches sides in the partial clutch, then he BITES Eddie’s forehead! The ref reprimands, Mikey lets off again, and he paces. Mikey sits Eddie up, but Eddie CHOPS! And CHOPS! Mikey knees low! Eddie falls over, but pushes himself back up. Mikey brings him up and reels him in, but Eddie fights the saido! Eddie throws down elbows, but Mikey waistlocks! Eddie bucks that and hits a DDT!
Fans rally as both men rise. Mikey goes to a corner, Eddie runs in, but Mikey dodges! Mikey runs in but Eddie BOOTS! Eddie goes up, FLYING BULLDOG! Fans fire up and Eddie sees Mikey crawling to ropes. Eddie storms up to fire off MACHINE GUN CHOPS! Fans fire up and that last one sits Mikey down! Eddie goes corner to corner to BOOT WASH! Mikey flounders, Eddie brings him up, FISHERMAN SCREW! Bridging cover, TWO!! We hit five minutes and Eddie watches Mikey flounder. Eddie prepares his hand and aims as Mikey stands. But Mikey ducks the backfist to waistlock! Eddie switches, ducks an elbow, but Mikey DDTs!
Fans rally up while both men are down again. Eddie sits up first but Mikey follows. They go to opposite ends, Mikey runs in, and he clotheslines in the corner! Mikey whips corner to corner, but runs into a BOOT! He still clotheslines through! Mikey whips Eddie to ropes for a SPINEBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Fans fire up as Mikey adjusts the elbow pads. Mikey whips Eddie to ropes but Eddie slips through. Mikey fireman’s carries to DEATH VALLEY BOMB! SLIDING LARIAT! Cover, TWO!! Fans fire up as Eddie hangs tough! Mikey pounds the mat, fans clap along, then Mikey slaps Eddie around and eggs him on.
Eddie stands, Mikey throws a forearm! Mikey avoids Eddie’s chop, then ROCKS Eddie again! Mikey talks trash, but Eddie CHOPS, and CHOPS, and CHOPS! Eddie blocks a kick to clinch and EXPLODER! Mikey staggers up into a SAIDO! Mikey swings but Eddie catches him! HALF NELSON SUPLEX! And then SLIDING FOREARM!! Cover, TWO!! Mikey survives Eddie’s take on Sliding D, but Eddie won’t give up here. Fans rally up and Eddie prepares another shot. URA- NO, Mikey blocks to ENZIGURI! But Eddie still URAKENS! Cover, EDDIE WINS!
Winner: Eddie Kingston, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Mikey earns 0)
One Backfist to the Future was all it took for Eddie to keep his G1 future alive! Will the Mad King make a strong comeback? As for Mikey, he didn’t kneel but he did fall, and now he’s mathematically OUT! Will he just have to settle for being a spoiler in the final two rounds?
G1 Climax 33, D Block: Tetsuya Naito VS Alex Coughlin!
The Uncontrollable Charisma is on the bubble, and that’s not a position he wants to be in when facing the Deadeye Dreadnought! Will Naito keep things tranquilo in the home stretch? Or will Coughlin strike him out in the fifth?
Coughlin says they’re on a schedule, he wants Naito to hurry up. But that only makes Naito take longer with entering the ring, and with taking off the entrance attire. Especially with the belt and pants. The bell rings and Coughlin rushes in, only for Naito to bail out! Coughlin is annoyed as Naito paces around the outside. Naito returns, but then dodges Coughlin to tranquilo! Fans cheer but Coughlin throws Naito’s hat to the floor! Coughlin rushes Naito again but Naito bails out again! Naito goes around the way, waits by the ramp, and then slides back in, only to slide right back out. Fans applaud as Naito trolls Coughlin.
But then Coughlin rushes out after Naito! They go around the way, Naito slides in and he kicks Coughlin! Naito runs, RANAS, and fans fire up! Coughlin runs back in, Naito dodges then holds ropes. Coughlin runs in, but into a BOOT! Naito runs but Coughlin scoops! FALL AWAY SLAM! Naito flounders out, Coughlin fetches him right away, to THROW into railing! Coughlin then stands Naito up to CHOP him! Coughlin CHOKES Naito against the railing! The ref reprimands, but Coughlin whip Naito into more railing! Coughlin goes into the ring, and he mocks Naito with his own take on Too Sweet android tranquilo!
Naito is down as the ring count starts. Naito crawls at 6 of 20, stands up at 10, and hurries over at 12, but Coughlin’s on him! Deadlift GUT WRENCH PLEX! Cover, TWO! Coughlin stalks Naito, stomps him, drags him up, and CHOKES him on the ropes! The ref counts, Coughlin lets off at 4, then YANKS the ropes to send Naito down! Coughlin clamps on a headlock and he pulls Naito! Naito scrubs his forearm in Coughlin’s face, but Coughlin throws hands! Naito claws at Coughlin’s face but the ref reprimands! Coughlin traps one arm with a leg scissor and pulls on the other in a top wristlock to add to this stretch!
Naito endures, and he throws knees! Coughlin lets off to stomp Naito down! Coughlin paces around while fans rally up. Coughlin stomps Naito, CHOPS him on the back, and has Naito in a corner. Coughlin CHOPS and fans fire up! Coughlin CHOPS again, keeps Naito in the corner, and says one more! Coughlin winds up, but then SPITS on Naito instead! Fans boo but Coughlin doesn’t care. Coughlin whips corner to corner, runs in, but Naito kicks low! NECKBREAKER! We hit five minutes as Coughlin goes to ropes. Naito fires forearms and kicks and whips, to arm-drag! And ELBOW! And basement DROPKICK!
Fans rally as Naito keeps going, and he whips Coughlin to a corner. Naito runs in, JUMP KICK! Leg sweep! COMBINACION feint, and Naito SPITS at Coughlin! Then he dropkicks! CABRON! Coughlin flounders, Naito poses over him! Fans cheer and Naito covers, ONE! Naito stands Coughlin up, cravats for a neck wrench, and he grinds Coughlin down. Coughlin fights back up, reaches out, but Naito keeps on the cravat. Coughlin scoops for a BACKBREAKER! And then he deadlift BACK SUPLEXES! Fans rally while Naito writhes and crawls to a corner. Coughlin storms up, CHOPS, and then whips!
Naito reverses and reels Coughlin in, but Coughlin blocks the tornado! Coughlin pops Naito up to a POWERBOMB! Cover, TWO!! Naito survives and fans rally up, but Coughlin drags Naito back. Coughlin reels Naito in, suplexes, but Naito fights! Coughlin keeps Naito up but then Naito slips out, shoves, and ELBOWS! ENZIGURIS! Coughlin wobbles, Naito runs in! CORRIENDO SHIKI- NO, Coughlin blocks! And pops Naito up, but Naito fights that! Naito throws those heavy elbows, but Coughlin blocks! Coughlin whips, scoops, SCRAPBUSTER! And then short arm LARIAT! Cover, TWO!! Fans fire up again as Naito survives!
Coughlin slashes his throat, drags Naito up, and suplexes again, but Naito fights it! DESTINO!! Cover, TWO!! Coughlin survives, we pass 10 minutes, and Naito tries again! Tilt-o-whirl DESTINO!! Cover, Naito wins!
Winner: Tetsuya Naito, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Coughlin earns 0)
If the Android wasn’t out of the running before, he surely is now! Naito keeps his own hopes alive, will he complete his mission to make it back to WrestleKingdom?
G1 Climax 33, C Block: EVIL w/ Dick Togo VS Tomohiro Ishii!
The King of Darkness is just behind the block leaders, but the Stone Pitbull is at the bottom! Will Ishii at least be able to take a bite out of Evil’s momentum? Or will Darkness Fall on the G1 Climax?
Evil attacks as soon as Ishii steps in the ring! Fans boo as Evil CLUBS Ishii down! The bell rings, Evil pulls Ishii’s shirt off him to lash him with it! Evil then drags Ishii up to toss him out! Evil goes out after Ishii and he stomps away on Ishii! The ref reprimands, Evil pushes Ishii back in, and Evil stomps Ishii right back out! Evil then goes after Ishii to whip, but Ishii reverses and sends Evil into railing! And then does it again! Ishii RAMS Evil into the railing a third time and fans fire up! Evil sputters, Ishii puts him in the ring, and Ishii kicks Evil around. Ishii slaps Evil around, stands him up, and then CHOPS him against ropes!
Ishii CHOPS and forearms and CHOPS and forearms, repeat! Fans rally up with every shot, but the ref reprimands. Ishii eggs Evil on, whips, but Evil reverses. Dick takes a swipe! Evil CLOBBERS Ishii and dumps him out! Evil then RAMS Ishii into the timekeeper! Down goes Abe-san! Oh and Dick takes the blue buckle pad away! Evil drags Ishii up, claws his eyes, and then looms over him. The ref helps Abe-san, but Evil CHOKES Ishii with the camera cables! Evil gets away with it, too! The ref tells Evil to get this in the ring but Ishii whips Evil into railing! Then he pushes the ref aside so he can get some chairs!
Dick distracts, Evil puts a chair around Ishii’s head! Evil has the second chair, but Ishii avoids it! That’s a strike! And then Ishii THROWS the chair off his head and into Evil! Ishii ROCKS Evil with forearms, but Evil knees low! Evil puts the chair around Ishii’s head again, to POST him! Ishii falls and Evil fetches the other chair. Evil CHOKES Ishii with it, but lets off before the ref sees. Evil goes into the ring and waits as Ishii writhes. The ring count starts, and Ishii drags himself up at 5 of 20. Ishii staggers around, makes it to the apron at 10, and is in! Evil drags Ishii up, to SMACK him off the bare buckles!
The ref reprimands, but Evil CHOKES Ishii on the ropes! The ref counts, Evil lets off at 4. Ishii falls back, clutching his face while sputtering. Evil covers, TWO! Another cover, TWO! A third cover, TWO!! And Ishii has a cover now! TWO!! Evil is upset that he almost got caught, and he stands on Ishii’s head. We pass five minutes, the ref reprimands and Evil steps away. Ishii kicks from below but Evil eggs him on. Ishii throws hands as he stands, but Evil rakes the eyes! Evil reels Ishii to suplex, but Ishii fights it to suplex back! Ishii takes Evil up and over, and fans fire up while both men are down!
Evil goes to a corner, and Ishii is right on him with a CHOP! And another CHOP! And another CHOP! Ishii whips, Evil reverses but Ishii comes back. Evil kicks low, rakes the eyes, but Ishii bends Evil’s fingers! Evil still blocks the kick, hands it off to the ref, and then mule kicks Ishii down! The ref reprimands but the damage is done. Evil hauls Ishii up, but Ishii SAIDOS! Both men are down again and fans fire up! Ishii growls and rises, then waits on Evil. Evil stands, Ishii runs, but Evil dodges the lariat! Ishii dodges an elbow, Evil ducks a lariat but Ishii elbows out of the waistlock! Ishii runs, but Evil goes to the corner, but Ishii ducks!
Ishii waistlocks but Evil grabs the ref to mess up the German Suplex! Ishii CLUBS Evil but Evil sends the ref at him! Ishii gets himself and the ref outta the way of the lariat! But then Dick slides in, and RAMS Ishii into the ref! Fans boo as Dick stomps away on Ishii! Evil grins, his Spoiler is always his ace in the hole! And Dick has the SPOILER CHOKER!! Fans tell Dick to go home but he just chokes Ishii while Evil goes to his corner. Evil brings Ishii’s merch shirt over, SPITS on it, then RIPS it! Fans boo as Evil then wipes the sweat off himself with the shirt before throwing it away. Dick lets off with the choker and then drags Ishii back up.
Fans rally for Ishii but Evil & Dick hit MAGIC KILLER!! The ref returns as Evil counts, TWO!?!? Ishii survives and fans fire up again! Evil slashes his throat, drags Ishii back up, and spins him around, EVERY- NO, Ishii fights it with elbows! Evil knees low, whips, but Ishii reverses! Evil hits bare buckles, and then Ishii gets him with a GERMAN SUPLEX! Both men are down again and fans fire back up! Dick coaches Evil as he and Ishii stir. Ishii rises and he brings Evil up. But Evil claws the eyes! We hit 15 minutes as the ref reprimands. Evil lets go, and Ishii just glares! Ishii CHOPS! And CHOPS! And ENZIGURIS!
Fans fire up and Ishii drags Evil around in chicken wings! The WL SPECIAL STRETCH! Evil endures as Ishii thrashes him around! Evil kicks forward, but Ishii drags him back! Evil grabs at the ref but can’t, the chicken wings give him T-Rex arms! But Dick has a chair! The ref sees that, and Ishii lets Evil go! Ishii storms up but Dick gets away, and now Evil has a chair! Evil swings, but hits DICK! Ishii LARIATS through the chair!! Fans fire up as Evil is down and Ishii shakes his arms out. Ishii roars and dares Evil to get back up. Evil rises, Ishii runs, LARIAT! Cover, TWO!! Evil survives but Ishii just roars again!
Ishii drags Evil up, suplexes, but Evil fights it! Evil wrenches out, clinches, but Ishii slips free! Evil LARAITS but Ishii stays up! Ishii HEADBUTTS, but Evil LARIATS on the return! Fans fire up while both men are down again! Fans rally, Evil stands, and he waits on Ishii now. Ishii rises, Evil runs, and LARIATS! Evil drags Ishii up, fireman’s carries, DARKNESS FALLS! Cover, TWO!!! Ishii survives and the fans are thunderous! Evil slashes his throat, he vows to end this! Evil stands Ishii up, spins him, EVERYTHING- NO, Ishii slips out! But Evil spins around to suplex! But Ishii wrenches out, only for Evil to reel him back in! Short arm- ISHII STEALS EVERYTHING IS EVIL!!
Fans are thunderous and Ishii drags Evil up! SLIDING LARIAT!!! Cover, TWO!?!? Evil survives and Ishii roars again! Ishii slashes his throat, he drags Evil up, suplex for the- NO, Evil fights that! They stumble into the ref, Evil grabs the ref, and Dick runs in to LOW BLOW Ishii!!! Evil drags Ishii up, EVERYTHING IS EVIL!!! Cover, Evil wins!!
Winner: Evil, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Ishii earns 0)
The King of Darkness and his court jester did it again! They found a way to cheat and win that Ishii didn’t expect! The Stone Pitbull is out of the running while Evil still lives! Will the House of Torture continue to stack the deck in order to take the G1?
G1 Climax 33, D Block: Zack Sabre Jr. VS Shante Haste!
The Mighty VS the Mighty!? How is this going to work? Not just in who moves up in the block, but who Kosei Fujita will second for?
Kosei is with Hysterical Haste as he makes his entrance, but then hurries back to make another entrance with The Front Man! That’s very fair of “Sweet Boy Fujita,” and of the group as a whole. But then Shane insists Kosei stay in his corner for the match, coaxing him over with the orange top hat. Kosei says he’ll just stay in a neutral corner to show he is neutral in this match. Well, that is also fair. The bell rings and fans rally up as the two circle. They tie up, Shane waistlocks, but ZSJ switches. Shane switches back, but ZSJ switches again. Shane pries the waistlock open, headlocks, and he grinds ZSJ down.
ZSJ fights up, powers out, and drops down to then arm-drag! ZSJ has the armlock but Shane headscissors! ZSJ kips free but Shane arm-drags! Shane armlocks, ZSJ headscissors, but Shane kips free! The two stand off and fans cheer! The two reset and circle again. Shane calls for a test of strength with knuckle locks but ZSJ says no thanks. They tie up collar ‘n’ elbow, and ZSJ uses his chin to trap a hand! ZSJ wrenches Shane, spins and wristlocks then twists the elbow! Shane goes around, ZSJ wrenches again, and ZSJ keeps Shane from grabbing ropes. ZSJ spins, wrangles Shane down, but Shane moves around and kips up!
Shane arm-drags and he KICKS ZSJ in the back! Shane then apologizes, he didn’t mean to hit that hard, they’re friends. It’s just habit! ZSJ says that was a pretty sharp kick. Shane apologizes again, but then he BOOTS! Shane grins, but ZSJ BOOTS back! ZSJ gives a kick, Shane shoves ZSJ, and they stare down forehead to forehead. Shane UPPERCUTS, but ZSJ UPPERCUTS back! Shane UPPERCUTS again, ZSJ UPPERCUTS back! ZSJ eggs Shane on, Shane UPPERCUTS again! ZSJ UPPERCUTS again! Shane UPPERCUTS, ZSJ UPPERCUTS, fans rally as the UPPERCUTS keep flying back and forth!
Shane gets the edge with UPPERCUT after UPPERCUT, but then ZSJ UPPERCUTS again! Fans fire up, Shane BOOTS, but ZSJ rebounds to BOOT! Shane rebounds to BOOT, then DROPKICKS ZSJ! Fans fire up as Shane outsmarts ZSJ there. ZSJ bails out, Shane goes out to fetch him. Shane brings ZSJ up, wants Kosei to help but Kosei says no, he’s neutral. Shane whips but he sends ZSJ into the ring. And KICKS ZSJ in the back again! That time was on purpose. Shane pushes ZSJ down and stands on one arm to bend the other arm! ZSJ endures this modified double armlock, and we pass five minutes.
ZSJ powers up, drags Shane down to a headscissor but Shane gets to the ropebreak! The ref separates them but Shane KICKS ZSJ again! ZSJ goes to a corner, Shane kicks and kicks and kicks and stomps! The ref reprimands, ZSJ sits up and Shane kicks him more! Shane scuffs ZSJ, kicks him, then KICKS him! Shane scuffs ZSJ some more, slaps him around and gives him more kicks. ZSJ stands but Shane KICKS his leg! And again! ZSJ blocks a kick for a HEEL HOOK! Shane stays up to pry the grapevine open and he KICKS that leg! Shane runs, but ZSJ DROPKICKS back! Fans fire up as ZSJ returns the favor for earlier!
ZSJ drags Shane up, snapmares, and then KICKS him in the back! ZSJ snapmares again, to NECK TWIST! Shane writhes and ZSJ grins. ZSJ drags Shane up, but Shane RAMS him into a corner! Shane gets space, runs back in, blocks a boot but ZSJ pushes him down! NECK TWIST! ZSJ brings Shane up, HALF HATCH BRIDGE! TWO! Shane escapes and fans rally up. ZSJ drags Shane up, he facelocks for a GUILLOTINE, but Shane powers up. ZSJ grabs thar arm for a DOUBLE WRISTLOCK! But Shane powers up again to FALCON ARROW! Fans fire up while both men are down! Kosei rallies the fans up for both guys!
Shane and ZSJ crawl to each other, and Shane fires forearms! Shane sits ZSJ up but ZSJ pushes him. ZSJ SLAPS Shane, and fans rally up again. Shane nods, and he SLAPS back! ZSJ SLAPS, Shane SLAPS, it’s a SLAP fight! Both men stand, and the SLAPPING palm strikes keep going! ZSJ responds as soon as Shane hits him! Shane SWINGS a big one! ZSJ nods, and he SLAPS right back! Shane staggers, fans rally up, and Shane ROCKS ZSJ again! ZSJ still responds as fast as he’s hit! The fans rally as these shots get fast and furious! Both men wobble, fire up, and DOUBLE SHOT! Then DOUBLE BOOT!! But ZSJ is up first! PENALTY KICK!!
We hit 10 minutes as both men are down again. ZSJ crawls over to Shane, stands him up, fires up, but Shane wrenches to KNEE a leg! Then LAST RIDE!!! Cover, TWO!?!? ZSJ survives and fans fire back up! Shane rises, he drags ZSJ back up but ZSJ pushes him away. Shane runs in, but ZSJ turns to the Shining Wizard into an STF!! Shane reaches out, but then ZSJ shifts to a RINGS OF SATURN! ZSJ bends the fingers! Shane endures, but ZSJ pushes Shane into TESCO MEAL DEAL! Shane endures, kicks around, but ZSJ grabs at a leg! CLARKY CAT! But Shane’s free leg gets the ROPEBREAK!!
ZSJ lets go in frustration but he goes to a corner. ZSJ KICKS Shane down, then waits until he sits up, for a PENALTY KICK! Fans fire up, ZSJ runs, but Shane LARIATS!! Shane fireman’s carries, ZSJ slips off to SLEEPER, but Shane SAIDOS free! Fans fire up with Shane, he point-blank LARIATS! Cover, TWO!! Shane fires up again, fireman’s carries, BOMB VALLEY- TRIANGLE HOLD!! ZSJ has Shane caught but Shane fights around! Shane powers up to deadlift but ZSJ shifts to victory roll! EURO CLUTCH!! ZSJ WINS!!
Winner: Zack Sabre Jr, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Shane earns 0)
The Mighty Don’t Kneel, but they can get caught! The Front Man bested Shane here, but TMDK is still united! Will ZSJ make sure the team takes the G1?
G1 Climax 33, C Block: Shingo Takagi VS Tama Tonga w/ Jado!
The Rampaging Dragon is just on the outside, but he hasn’t been grounded just yet! Will Takagi take down the Good Bad Guy? Or will Tama ensure he is THE guy in C Block?
The bell rings and fans rally up for “TA-KA-GI!” as he circles with Tama. They feel things out, tie up, and Takagi waistlocks. Tama pries the hold open, hammerlocks, but Takagi reaches back to headlock. Takagi facelocks, wrenches, but Tama spins to slip through and armlock. Takagi rolls, wrenches Tama back, then headlocks. Takagi grinds the headlock but Tama powers out. Takagi runs him over! Things speed up, Tama jumps but into a fireman’s carry! Tama slips out but Takagi throws elbows! Tama fires back, they brawl and fans rally up! Tama gets the edge, runs, RAMS, and then runs Takagi over on the rebound!
Fans fire up as Tama stomps Takagi. Takagi eggs Tama on so Tama throws forearms. Takagi keeps egging Tama on so the forearms keep going! Tama kicks, Takagi blocks and spins him but, but Tama elbows back! Tama runs, but into ELBOW! JAB! YUKON LARIAT! Fans fire up and Tama goes to ropes. Takagi runs in to clothesline Tama out! Takagi goes out, brings Tama up, and Takagi gives Tama SNAKE EYES off the apron! Takagi then drops a knee on Tama, brings him up and puts him in the ring. Fans rally up and Takagi reels Tama in. Takagi suplexes high and hard! But then wags his fingers, it’s not time yet.
Takagi runs to drop a BIG elbow! Cover, TWO! Takagi keeps cool and fans rally up. Takagi looms over Tama but Tama throws body shots! Takagi JABS, JABS, and JABS! Tama staggers, Red Shoes reprimands over closed fists but Takagi promises those were palms. Takagi whips Tama ropes, KNEES him at ropes, then runs, but into a DROPKICK! Fans fire up while both men are down! Tama snarls and gets to his feet while Takagi crawls to a corner. Tama brings Takagi up to ROCK him with a forearm, then fire off body shots! Tama ELBOWS, whips, and UPPERCUTS Takagi! Fans rally as Tama paces.
Tama whips corner to corner, but Takagi reverses! Tama comes back to LARIAT Takagi down! We’re at five minutes and off comes the vest! Tama runs in to STINGER SPLASH! And then GAMANGIRI! Fans rally up and Tama brings Takagi up. Tama scoops, but Takagi slips to the apron. Takagi ROCKS Tama, but Tama HOTSHOTS Takagi down! Fans rally up while Takagi is on the floor. Takagi stirs, the ring count starts, and Takagi sits up at 5 of 20. Tama goes out after Takagi at 7, puts Takagi in, and fans cheer the sportsmanship. Tama drags Takagi up but Takagi fires forearms! And a CHOP! And then JAB, CHOP, but Tama kicks back!
Tama whips, Takagi blocks! Tama knees low to scoop and BRUSH HOLD SLAM! Cover, TWO! Tama keeps his cool and stomps Takagi in the corner. Tama then snap suplexes, covers, TWO! Takagi hangs tough and fans cheer. Tama stalks Takagi, drags him up, but Takagi blocks the whip! Tama throws elbow after elbow and then CHOPS! Tama whips, but Takagi holds ropes to stop himself. Takagi BOOTS back, but Tama clinches! Takagi blocks that, throws some elbows, and ELBOWS! JABS! YUKON feint to DDT! Fans fire up while both men are down again! Takagi pounds the mat and fans rally up as he goes to a corner.
Tama stands, they both run in, but Takagi runs Tama over! Then scoop SLAMS, and SENTONS! Takagi wags his finger, it’s still not time yet. Fans rally and Takagi sees Tama go to a corner. Takagi runs in, but he blocks the boot! And then clotheslines through! Takagi runs, Tama sits down, SLIDING LARIAT! Cover, TWO! Takagi looks around, and… NOW IT’S TIME! Fans rally up and Takagi stalks Tama to a corner. Takagi throws a headbutt, then he hoists Tama up top! Takagi climbs up but Tama fires forearms! Takagi throws ridge hand chops! Tama throws HEADBUTTS, but Takagi CHOPS him!
Takagi climbs up, he brings Tama to the very top, SUPER DUPER PLEX!! Tama flounders away and fans fire up! We hit 10 minutes and both men are down! Takagi rises, he storms over to Tama, and he drags Tama up to pump handle! But Tama fights the lift with elbows! Tama ducks the lariat, dragon sleepers, but Takagi snapmares free! Tama jumps on, but Takagi turns guillotine into POP-UP POWERBOMB! Cover, TWO! Takagi gets a REAR NAKED CHOKE! But Tama fights free, so Takagi shifts to a GROUND COBRA TWIST! Tama fights back but Takagi thrashes him around! Tama endures, reaches out, and fans rally as he fights, gets his head free, and gets the ROPEBREAK!!
Fans cheer and Takagi lets off the hold. Takagi brings Tama up, pump handles, but again Tama fights the lift! Tama CLUBS Takagi, and again, and again! Takagi point-blank LARIATS! Then pump handle, LAST OF- Sunset flip! Tama steps through to have the legs, SHARPSHOOTER!! Takagi endures as Tama sits deep on the hold! Takagi fights around, but Tama drags him away to center!! Takagi keeps fighting around, claws his way over, ROPEBREAK! Tama lets go quickly and fans cheer. Tama rises first, he brings Takagi up but Takagi pushes him. Tama CLUBS Takagi, but Takagi gets up to throw a forearm! Tama throws a forearm back!
Takagi shakes out the stars in his head, and he ROCKS Tama! Tama ROCKS Takagi! Takagi ROCKS Tama again! Tama ROCKS Takagi again! Takagi JABS, forearms, but Tama haymakers and body shots! Takagi kicks low, but Tama eggs him on! Takagi shoves Tama, so Tama fires off forearms! Takagi fires off boxing elbows! Takagi eggs Tama on, Tama fireman’s carries! S R C!! We hit 15 minutes so Tama hurries up top! SUPREME FLOW!! Cover, TWO!! Takagi survives and fans fire up again! Tama pounds the mat, the fans rally up, and Takagi rises. Tama rushes in, GUN- URENAGE! Takagi spikes Tama to counter the cutter!
Takagi powers up, runs, PUMPING- NO, Tama ducks! GUN- NO, Takagi flips Tama over, underhooks, TAKAGI DRIVER ’98!! Cover, TWO!! Tama survives but Takagi then SLIDING FOREARMS! Fans fire up with Takagi’s “OI! OI! OI!” Takagi sits Tama up, and he rains down HAMMER ‘N’ ANVIL ELBOWS! Fans cheer “OI! OI! OI!” with each one! Three minute warning as Takagi torture racks, LAST OF- NO, Tama slips out, TONGAN TWIST!! Both men are down and fans are thunderous! Tama rises, he drags Takagi up, but Takagi fights the Half Hatch! Takagi wrenches out, Tama breaks free, Takagi JABS!
Tama JABS in return! Half Hatch, BLOODY SUNDAY!! Cover, TWO!! Takagi survives the shoutout to The Prince, but Tama won’t stop there. Tama brings Takagi up at the two minute warning, to D- NO, Takagi fights the lift to back drop free! Tama’s up, GUN- NO, Takagi shoves free to POP-UP CUTTER!! Takagi runs to PUMPING BOMBER!!! Cover, TWO!??! Tama survives and fans are thunderous again! But time is running out! Takagi roars, he drags Tama up and we’re at the last minute! Tama HEADBUTTS! Takagi JABS, then HEADBUTTS, then SLIDING LARIAT! Cover, ONE?!?!? Tama is roaring but Takagi runs in again, PUPMING BOMBER!!
Takagi won’t stop there, he hauls Tama up! But Tama fights the torture rack! We’re at 30 seconds, Takagi gets it up, LAST OF- GUN STUN?!?! TWENTY SECONDS!!! Tama crawls to a cover, TWO!?!? TEN SECONDS LEFT!!! Tama hurries to get Takagi up but Takagi jackknife bridge! TIME IS UP!!!!
Time Limit Draw; both men gain 1 point
The Good Bad Guy and the Rampaging Dragon were both too good for the other to beat in time! And with that comes much respect between these two. But will this result be what keeps Tama out of the quarterfinals? Or can he make a strong enough push in the final two rounds?
G1 Climax 33, D Block: Hiroshi Tanahashi VS Hirooki Goto!
The Ace of the Universe and the Fierce Warrior have battled time and again, and they’re about to add to that history! Who rises and who falls as the G1 enters the home stretch?
Tanahashi takes off the jacket and fans cheer the abs. The bell rings and the fans rally and duel. Red Shoes feels things are slightly in Goto’s favor. The two tie up, they’re in a deadlock, but Tanahashi manages to put Goto on ropes. Goto turns it around, Red Shoes calls for the break, and Goto lets off slowly. Then he kicks low and fires off forearms! Goto whips, Tanahashi reverses but Goto turns hip toss into hip toss! Goto runs, RAMS Tanahashi, and Tanahashi rebounds, but into a fireman’s carry! Ushigoroshi throw into the dragon sleeper, but Tanahashi fights free! Then cradle! TWO!! The two stand off and fans fire up!
Goto clutches a rib and Tanahashi storms over. Tanahashi throws body shots, then whips corner to corner. Tanahashi runs in but Goto runs him over! Fans rally, Tanahashi bails out, and Goto goes out after him! Goto kicks and CLUBS Tanahashi, then puts him back in the ring. Goto catches his breath but fans rally up. Goto steps in but Tanahashi dropkicks the leg! Then Tanahashi grabs the leg to DRAPING DRAGON SCREW! Goto falls to the floor and Tanahashi catches his own breath. Tanahashi considers if he should go out or not, and decides on going out. Tanahashi brings Goto up and into the ring and fans cheer.
Wait, Tanahashi drags Goto up at the ropes. Tanahashi puts the leg through ropes, to DRAPING DRAGON SCREW again! Goto falls over, Tanahashi gets the fans fired up, and he stomps away on Goto’s leg! Goto kicks at Tanahashi, but Tanahashi blocks that leg to stomp Goto in those bad ribs! Goto sputters and writhes and Red Shoes checks him. Goto is okay to continue, but then Tanahashi kneels on his ribs! Red Shoes reprimands, Tanahashi steps off, and then Tanahashi brings Goto up and around. Tanahashi bumps Goto off buckles, puts the bad leg in the ropes, and stomps away on it! Then DROPKICKS it!
Fans rally while Goto sits down. Goto drags himself up, Tanahashi brings him around but the bad leg gives up and Goto falls over. Red Shoes checks Goto but Tanahashi stomps the bad leg! Goto glares at Tanahashi as we pass five minutes. Tanahashi stands Goto up but Goto CHOPS and CHOPS and CHOPS! Tanahashi kicks the bad leg! Goto hobbles to a corner, Tanahashi stomps him and whips corner to corner. Goto reverses, runs in, but Tanahashi BOOTS! Tanahashi runs, but Goto follows to LARIAT! Fans fire up while both men are down! Goto shakes the bad leg and fans rally behind him.
Goto stalks Tanahashi, fires off forearms and whips corner to corner. Goto runs in but blocks a boot! He puts the leg in the ropes and KICKS it! Then MURAMASAS! Goto brings Tanahashi out to SAIDO! Cover, TWO! Fans rally up, Goto stands and he roars! Goto drags Tanahashi up but Tanahashi throws body shots! Tanahashi runs, but Goto ROCKS him! Goto runs in to clothesline Tanahashi up and out! Fans fire up while Goto sits down to catch his breath. Goto then goes out to fetch Tanahashi. Goto brings Tanahashi around just to put him in the ring. Fans cheer and Goto goes up to the apron.
Goto grits his teeth, he pounds the buckles to rally the fans, and Goto climbs up. But Tanahashi stands first! Tanahashi throws body shots, then climbs up after Goto! Fans fire up, and Goto fights back with body shots! Tanahashi throws a forearm, Goto gives it back! They brawl, Goto gets the edge, but Tanahashi gives those shots back! Tanahashi fires forearm after forearm, but Goto fires them back! Goto HEADBUTTS, then he tucks Tanahashi in! Fans fire up and Goto stands, but Tanahashi fights back! Tanahashi throws elbows, reels Goto in, but Goto throws body shots! Goto HEADBUTTS Tanahashi off the corner!
Tanahashi stands back up, runs in, blocks a boot, but SUPER DRAGON SCREWS it!! Fans fire up while both men are down! Fans rally up as Tanahashi stands and waits on Goto. Tanahashi runs, but Goto follows! But Tanahashi ducks, and SLINGBLADES! Both men are down again and fans fire back up! We hit 10 minutes and the fans rally up. Goto and Tanahashi stir, but Tanahashi is up first. Tanahashi drags Goto up, brings him around to full nelson, but Goto fights the lift! Goto breaks free, but Tanahashi straitjacket waistlocks! Goto fights, but Tanahashi still STRAITJACKET GERMANS! Bridging cover, TWO!!
Goto is still in this but Tanahashi goes up top! HIGH FLY FLOP as Goto moves! Goto runs in to fireman’s carry! But Tanahashi fights free! DRAGON PALM! Tanahashi runs, but into the fireman’s carry! USHIGOROSHI! Both men are down, that move hurting Goto’s legs in a double-edged tactic. But Goto roars and rises! Fans are dueling as Goto dragon sleepers! But Tanahashi fights from below! Goto blocks, spins Tanahashi, but Tanahashi ROCKS Goto! Goto HEADBUTTS Tanahashi! Goto drags Tanahashi back up, to HEADBUTT again!! Goto drags Tanahashi up one more time, fireman’s carries, G T W!!! Cover, TWO!?!?
The fans are thunderous that Tanahashi survives, but Goto roars! Goto drags Tanahashi up, dragon sleepers, but Tanahashi spins it around! But Goto fights the Twist! Goto suplexes, but the bad leg gives up! Tanahashi falls right onto Goto, and then stands back up! Tanahashi waits on Goto but gets impatient. Tanahashi whips, Goto reverses, but Tanahashi reverses to SLINGBLADE! Cover, TWO!! Goto survives but Tanahashi goes back up top! But Goto stands, into HIGH FLY ATTACK! Fans fire up and Tanahashi goes right back up! HIGH FLY FLOW!!! Cover, Tanahashi wins!!
Winner: Hiroshi Tanahashi, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Goto earns 0)
And the Ace stays alive another round! Goto lost to Tanahashi, Yoshi-Hashi lost to Okada, will Bishamon end up owing The Dream Team another shot at the IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Championships?
As for Tanahashi, he gets the mic while hearing the fans chant for him. “NJPW is back in Nagoya, and you guys are back with the noise!” Fans cheer that, they’re happy to be able to be loud, too! Then Tanahashi suddenly lies down and says he might die. He thanks the fans, they cheer him, and Tanahashi says, “From the bottom of my heart, I am truly grateful. I will make sure you guys keep enjoying pro-wrestling!” Fans cheer that, even as Tanahashi falls back over! Their cheers help him sit back up, and he even stands. “I’ll be doing my best for the rest of this G1. Thank you all so much.” Fans cheer and he sets the mic down.
But of course, as Tanahashi is about to leave, the fans want “that!” Tanahashi teases staying, then teases leaving, and repeat. But of course he chooses to stay! “It’s been so long that I’ve nearly forgotten how to do this, but shall we?” Fans cheer, they want it! Tanahashi has the Young Lions go find “it,” and Nakashima thinks he means water. No, not that. Nakashima looks again, and he finds the air guitar! He throws it to Tanahashi, it’s a high lob, but Tanahashi catches it! Nagoya fires up and the air guitar rock concert begins! Tanahashi finishes with a big jump, then rests back on the mat. But the fans want the encore!
Tanahashi sits up, grabs the mic, and says, “Okay! Last time!” And so the encore begins! Fans cheer, and then Tanahashi SMASHES the guitar! Fans fire up, they want another encore! But he smashed that guitar! A fan throws him their “made in Aichi” air guitar! A great pass for an easy catch! And so the second encore begins! Then Tanahashi throws it back! Perfect catch! The fans chant “TANAHASHI SA IKOU! <Tanahashi’s the best!>” Tanahashi says, “Tanahashi’s the best… But can he win the G1?” Nagoya sure thinks so! Tanahashi says that phrasing also sounded like an AJPW chant.
But Tanahashi vows to win this G1 “handily!” He thanks them all for staying until the end, because everyone Nagoya… “AISHETEMAAAASU~! <I LOVE YOU~!>” Another classic Tanahashi outro, but will he get to say that to the crowd at the G1 finals?
Here are the NEW C Block standings!
David Finlay: 4-1, 8 points
EVIL: 4-1, 8 points
Tama Tonga: 3-1-1, 7 points
Eddie Kingston: 3-2, 6 points
Shingo Takagi: 2-2-1, 5 points
Mikey Nicholls: 1-4, 2 points [ELIMINATED]
Aaron Henare: 1-4, 2 points [ELIMINATED]
Tomohiro Ishii: 1-4, 2 points [ELIMINATED]
Here are the NEW D Block standings!
Jeff Cobb: 4-1, 8 points
Zack Sabre Jr: 4-1, 8 points
Hiroshi Tanahashi: 3-2, 6 points
Tetsuya Naito: 3-2, 6 points
Shane Haste: 2-3, 4 points
Hirooki Goto: 2-3, 4 points
Alex Coughlin: 1-4, 2 points
Toru Yano: 1-4, 2 points [ELIMINATED]
My Thoughts:
Another great round here, and I hope I have it right about who is mathematically out. Though what a great little moment for Yano to snatch that win off Cobb, the top of the block. That might be Yano’s one win, and Cobb’s one loss, but it could end up affecting seeding now that I realized this year is going to have quarterfinals. But anyway, also good stuff from Shane and ZSJ being TMDK teammates, and I figured ZSJ would win. ZSJ keeps pace with Cobb now, but Cobb’s win from just last round is the tiebreaker there so Cobb will end up first seed to ZSJ’s second seed.
Evil and Finlay winning but Tama only getting a draw also changes up seeding in their block, but I loved that Tama and Takagi had a time limit draw. G1 playing with that this year is so good, because that’s just automatic drama for all of us. And even then, Tama isn’t too far from the top of the block, so if he can win out, he can at least get ahead of Finlay, who he beat before. That’s great drama there, too. And great main event to follow with Tanahashi VS Goto. For one, Tanahashi and the fans have a lot of fun with his closing promos. And also, it does give us a possible tag title story for after the G1, should neither Goto, Hashi, Okada or Tanahashi be G1 Champion.
My Score: 8.8/10
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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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