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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Coverage
Andrew’s TNA iMAPCT! & Unbreakable Results & Match Ratings: 4.17.2025
iMPACT is the Pre-Show, Unbreakable is a TNA+ Special! See what happened!

iMPACT! is getting the old Heat treatment as a TV episode pre-show. While nothing about the iMPACT episode seems overly intriguing, they all actually have narrative weight, and since the last two weeks have been devoid of weight and general cohesion…this might be a surprisingly good episode which would serve as a better pre-show than expected.
I’m still mad that it’s a damn Thursday and they want to have 4-5 hours of show because WrestleMania reasons. Even WWE realized doing long shows before workdays was stupid, so NJPW giving them the idea to break Mania into two nights is a boon for everyone over thirty.
Also the main reason I’m doing a joint article. Since Unbreakable starts immediately after iMPACT, I’m not gonna put up back to back articles. One stop shoppin it!
Will @AJFrancis410 be crowned the FIR$T TNA International Champion TONIGHT at #TNAUnbreakable?!
WATCH #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/rT1TusIxJd pic.twitter.com/rxiBn6PxPw
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) April 18, 2025
iMPACT! – Ratings:
- Laredo vs Jason Hotch w/Tasha Steelz: Laredo wins via Laredo Fly – ** 1/4
- Jazmyn Nyxx w/Fatal Influence vs Xia Brookside w/Lei Ying Lee: Xia wins via Small Package – **
- KC Navarro vs Cody Deaner: KC wins via Loaded Fist – **
- Maggie Lee & Heather by Elegance w/Personal Concierge vs Gigi Dolin & Tatum Paxley: Hot Topic Hotties win via Cemetery Drive – ** 1/4
- Jakara Jackson w/Lash Legend vs Dani Luna w/Jody Threat: Dani wins via Luna Landing – ** 1/4
- Leon Slater vs Brian Myers: Myers wins via Roster Cut – ** 1/2
Unbreakable – Quick Ratings:
- Zachary Wentz vs Eric Young vs AJ Francis: Young wins via Piledriver – *** 1/4
- Ace Austin vs Steve Maclin vs Eddie Edwards w/Alisha: Steve Maclin wins via KIA – *** 1/2
- X Division Championship: Moose(c) w/Alisha vs Akeem: Moose wins via Lights Out – Long Squash
- Mustafa Ali & Nemeths vs Hardys & Mike Santana: Jeff Hardy wins via Swanton Bomb – ***
- Kaz & Tessa vs Joe Hendry & Masha: Hendry wins via Standing Ovation – ** 3/4
- Barb Wire Massacre: Sami Callihan vs Mance Warner w/Steph De Lander: Callihan wins via Cactus Driver ’97 – ** 1/2
- Inaugural International Championship: AJ Francis vs Steve Maclin vs Eric You: Maclin wins via K.I.A. – *** – TITLE CHANGE!!!
Results:
Laredo vs Jason Hotch w/Tasha Steelz
Laredo starts quick with a Straight Right, Tijeras, a few quick strikes, kicks Hotch out of the ring, wants a Plancha, but Tasha gets in the way to stop Laredo’s offense which gives Hotch an opening. Quick trip, a few chops and a hard Irish Whip has Laredo trying to catch his breath. Hotch tries to go for another Strong Irish Whip but Laredo reverses, two kicks, Flying Neckbreaker into a Missile Dropkick sending Hotch to the outside. Laredo finally pulls off his Suicida, and he’s rolling. Corner Forearm, Uno Mass Corkscrew Moonsaults, but Hotch manages to get away after two. A Snap Jab staggers Laredo, Ali style Outside In Rolling Neckbreaker and Hotch tries to take things to the top. But Laredo counters and Avalanche Michinoku Driver…only for two.
Laredo tries to keep things going, Back Handspring Crossbody, but Hotch catches him, big Tilt-a-Whirl Backbreaker for two. Hotch looks to the corner and then gets scared because he thinks Santana might strike, Hotch and Tasha argue, Laredo recovers and runs up the corner and hits the Laredo Fly for the win.
If @CodyDeaner can take down @KCwrestles tonight on #TNAiMPACT he punches his ticket Ultimate X at #TNARebellion! @milanmiracle
WATCH #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/rT1TusIxJd pic.twitter.com/T5zqKHVr24
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) April 18, 2025
Jazmyn Nyx w/Fatal Influence vs Xia Brookside w/Lei Ying Lee
Jazmyn and Xia go for a chain wrestling or World of Sport kind of start. Xia even gets out of the Head Scissors with the classic Hand Stand and pop. After a little taunting, Jazmyn tries to charge but Xia loops around for a flash Cradle, Nyx kicks out quick and retreats to her Fatal Influence friends for a breather. Xia catches her with a Dropkick, a few strikes and starts putting things together until Jazmyn catches her in the corner and Snake Eyes Xia the hard way and then starts leaning her into the ropes, a few Leg Sweeps, PK kicks and Jazmyn is in control. Fisherman’s Suplex Hold from Jazmyn but Xia kicks at two. She tries to fight back up but Jazmyn is using her positioning to keep control. Bulldog into the middle buckle, puts Xia between the ropes and lays in a Round Kick to her chest and Xia has been eating offense for the last few minutes. The crowd tries to rally the little British Angel, but Jazmyn lays in some forearms, hits the ropes, Xia ducks and they hit stereo High Kicks to double down for a few moments.
Xia starts to rally, gets a few shots in, Tijeras, Xia tries Angel Wings but Jazmyn moves. Jazmyn tries to stay on her, but a Jawbreaker gives Xia time to go to the corner, Xia hits the Crossbody, Angel Wings, and looks for a DDT or something but Fatal Influence get involved distracting everyone. Lei has Fallon hanled, but Jacy is mouthing off causing Rosemary to come down and make a Mist save. Jazmyn tries to be opportunistic, but Xia blocks her move and hits the Small Package for the win.
Overbooked and timing was a bit shoddy in some spots, but not offensive. Not bad, but not good either.
KC Navarro vs Cody Deaner
This is for a spot in the Ultimate X match. Here’s to hoping the Blessed One beats the hell out of the loser who’s about as over as Herpes. Meaning he never goes away, and he’s unlikable. Anyone that says “Funny Underdogs are needed on shows”, isn’t that like 60% of the roster? No one is funny if everyone tries to be funny. KC however, he’s fucking hilarious and amazing.
KC tries to pay off Deaner and get him to forfeit, Deaner of course does the underdog thing of fighting back, dumb looking punches, goofball corner spot that he lengthens to the put of looking dumb and not funny. Oh thank God KC hits the Spiderman in the ropes, ducks Deaner and 305 gets hit for a near fall. Now KC is rolling, nice quick offense, Snapmare, Front Roll Neck Snap, Stomp into Split into cover for only two. Deaner goes for the comeback, and a few Lariats, Bulldog, and everything looks soo stupid. Deaner puts KC in the Airplane spin, gets dizzy and then goes again, TKO for two.
Navarro tries to powder, Deaner goes after him but the ref gets Deaner off of him since KC was in the ropes, KC wraps his necklace around his knuckles and a quick Jab to the face as Deaner tries to suplex him, 1-2-3, Blessed WIN.
If Deaner was the only doofus guy he’d be fine, but when we have Santino, Arianna, Laredo, KC, Great Hands, Brian Myers, Dango, Alisha, Hendry (while not a doofus isn’t close to serious), Kaz, Elegance Brand (all 3 of them), Ryan Nemeth and those are just off the top of my head. Everyone can’t be silly or no one is silly and nothing matters.
Maggie Lee & Heather by Elegance w/Personal Concierge vs Gigi Dolin & Tatum Paxley
I’m gonna keep any Gigi drooling to a minimum since I respect my boy Wentz, but I will say, you gotta love Hot Topic Hotties. Yes I like walking red flags, I’m self aware, and okay with it.
Maggie and Gigi start, a few quick counters, Gigi manages the Double Hook Cradle for two, then Hot Topic Hotties go tandem with a Dropkick and a Twisting Elbow for another two. Tatum is officially legal, Maggie looks for the tag but Heather wants to push Maggie more. Which is exactly how ASH treated her. Tatum turns it around, Gigi tags in, Poetry Bronco, and then Kawada Kicks from Gigi. Concierge distracts, Maggie grabs her, Heather takes the cheap shot, Suplex from Maggie for two. Heather and Maggie get some offense in together, and Heather is working Gigi over in the heel corner. Unicorn Stampede essentially. Heather goes for a pinfall and its only 2. Heather is getting frustrated, Gigi with an Upkick headscissors, Heather tries to stop the tag out, but eats the Mule Kick.
Tatum starts beating on Heather, rams Heather into Maggie, Cartwheel Peach Sunrise, tags in Gigi, Double Headbutts and Cemetery Drive from the Hot Topic Hotties and everyone wins. Jesus…will never leave this chat, he started it.
Jakara Jackson w/Lash Legend vs Dani Luna w/Jody Threat
Things start a little slow, Collar & Elbow tie up that they won’t relent for a while, Jakara tries to turn it into a Headlock Takeover, but Dani is too strong. Dani gets a few shots in, hops the rope for something but Lash makes her present felt and trips Dani while Jakara distracts the referee. The referee didn’t see anything but ejects Lash anyway. Lash won’t go, tries to intimidate the ref and say no. Jakara keeps things moving against Dani while Lash takes her sweet time slowly walking away. Jakara tries a Roll-Up but Dani too thicc to keep down. Dani fights back up, scoops Jakara and drops her unceremoniously.
Jakara starts laying in a bunch of Falling Knees and gets a quick two, before locking in a Cravat that Dani tries to fight out of. Dani counters out of it, ducks the Line, and they crash into each other with Forearms. The Double Fall Down spot is a little played out and this is only the pre-show really.
Dani levels Jakara with a few Lariats, looks for the Luna Landing, Jakara slips it so Dani comes off the ropes with a Busaiku Knee. Luna wants a Blue Thunder but Jakara gets away until Luna grabs her again for the Rebound Blue Thunder Bomb and a near fall. Luna charges the corner, misses, Jakara hits the Tornado DDT, but only two. Jakara tries to ram Dani’s head into the buckles, but Luna blocks, fires and takes Jakara’s head off, Luna Landing gets his and Dani wins!
Elijah has a promo segment and they have a really Sesame Street style “Walk this Way” words on the screen thing. When they did the bouncing ball lyrics with Ron Killings, it was at least cool. This comes off as corny and low budget public broadcasting crap just for Elijah to announce an open challenge at Rebellion or something. Admittedly I zoned out cause I figured it would be nothing of note.
Leon Slater vs Brian Myers
Myers and Slater start in a shoving match jawing at each other, and then Leon lays in a Shoulder Tackle off the ropes, some jumping crap and Myers is getting bounced from corner to corner like a dork. Leon tries to continue the Around the World but a punch, Thrust Kick and Irish Whip across the ring gives him some confidence, but he eats the Feint Mule Kick, Back Handspring Back Elbow…and again System matches are “look stupid and get beat up for 70% of the match until a shortcut can be taken”. Speaking of short cuts, Leon goes for his Corner Leap, Myers guards from it, Leon repositions but gets tripped and eats a Spear. Then…we go to commercial.
Coming out of the commercials Myers is still in control. Leon slips out of a suplex and then connects with a flurry of offense, Myers eats more kicks than I can count, powders, Leon does his corner post leap, comes in and looks to win but an Implant DDT, dick kick and Roster Cut gives Myers the win.
Overall iMPACT! Rating: 5/10
Nothing special but at least it made some sense and was a better than the last few episodes. Low bar comparatively. Now immediately onto Unbreakable! So because this is a long night, I figured I’d do a Watch A Long with Mat Sarpraicone over on Dirt Sheet Radio because I have zero faith in Unbreakable being worth the 2-3 hours it will take to watch it.
So you’ll get quick results with ratings and an overall thoughts at the end of Unbreakable from me, because it’s late and I needed something to keep me awake.
Overall Unbreakable Rating: 4.5/10
The iMPACT! episode was easier to watch and digest, three Triple Threats is too many and the Main Event being a slow paced triple threat after a Barb Wire match and a bunch of faster matches really doesn’t resonate well with fans. Even though I didn’t love the Sami vs Mance match, ending on carnage and the “babyface” winning would’ve been a much better way to send the crowd home happy and we wouldn’t have needed so much time fill during the last hour of the show.
Maclin being the inaugural International Champion is cool, setting up the first defense against Eric Young is good for their story, so most of the marks were hit. It just was too damn slow and had no business being a main event. Champions vs Challengers was okay, but it only really picked up when Masha and Tessa were mixing it up. I liked Moose having the extended squash match for shits and giggles, but two Triples back to back to open the show is an easy way to burn out a crowd. Sure the Moose match was an extended piss break to recharge the crowd, but the card was just laid out awkwardly and things felt like far more of a chore than they should have.
All in all this was a very lame event. Yes I get it was purely stop gap to take advantage of WrestleMania weekend, but with Rebellion next week, we all knew it wasn’t gonna shake things up too much. But hot damn was I about to fall asleep if I wasn’t doing the watch-a-long to not pass out.
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Is Thursday night alright for fighting?
AEW Spring Breakthru continues as Collision is brewin‘ up a TNT Championship Open Challenge! Will it be all about the BOOM for Adam Cole, Baybay?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Kevin Knight VS Lance Archer w/ Don Callis; Knight wins.
- Josh Alexander & Konosuke Takeshita VS Rocky Romero & Tomohiro Ishii; Alexander & Takeshita win.
- 2v1 Handicap Match: Megan Bayne w/ Penelope Ford VS Rebecca Scott & Ashley Vox; Megan wins.
- AEW TNT Championship Open Challenge: Adam Cole VS Claudio Castagnoli; Cole wins and retains the title.
- Six Man Tag: La Faccion Ingobernable VS Rosario Grillo, Leon St. Giovanni & KM; LFI wins.
- ROH World Television Championship: Komander w/ Alex Abrahantes VS Nick Wayne; Nick wins and becomes the new ROH World TV Champion.
- Mercedes Mone & Harley Cameron VS Kris Statlander & Julia Hart; Kris & Julia win.
PLAY BY PLAY
Marina Shafir storms out here!
She throws some poor rando around on stage, and then kicks her off stage, to then storm into the ring. Marina intimidates Arkady Aura into giving up her mic, then here come the Death Riders! Claudio Castagnoli SHOVES a cameraman down, then SMASHES the camera! Then he CHOKE SLAMS the cameraman through a table! Wheeler Yuta beats up more equipment, the fans boo these sore losers, because clearly this is all in response to losing the AEW World Trios Championships just last night. Boston tells off Yuta but he just uses that as motivation. Jon Moxley is in the ring, waiting for all of this to calm down a bit.
Marina gives Moxley the mic, and Moxley tells the fans and everyone celebrating last night better enjoy it now. “Hobbs, Swerve, Shibata, enjoy it now! Because it’s the last chance you’re gonna have to celebrate for a long time!” The fans boo, but Moxley tells The Young Bucks he officially doesn’t like them, he doesn’t like looking at them, so they better stay in their own lane. They cross the line with Moxley, he swears to God that they are never seen or heard from again, and he means that! Fans are torn there, but Moxley says from the first day he started in this sport, there was one undisputed baddest man in pro-wrestling. That man is Samoa Joe.
The fans cheer for “JOE! JOE! JOE!” and Moxley says he has always shown Joe respect, treated him with reverence. The fans sing, “Joe is gonna kill~ you!” Yuta tells them to shut up! Moxley says he has given Joe that reverence, he has given Joe his space, and it could’ve stayed that way. But Joe started something that Moxley has to finish. Because Moxley doesn’t know any other way, he will not run, he will not hide, he will not roll over and die. he knows no other way to do this but to fight Joe to the death for the AEW World Championship! Tomorrow, now, for better or worse! Mox will be clear: He is challenging Joe!
The fans again chant for “JOE! JOE! JOE!” Moxley says that’s all he’s gotta say. Joe’s known Moxley long enough to know exactly what he’s dealing with. Moxley then storms off, leading the Death Riders away. Will Samoa Joe accept that challenge, and perhaps even go Double or Nothing?
Kevin Knight VS Lance Archer w/ Don Callis!
The Jet is feeling real good having his share of $400,000, and he’s preparing for next month’s NJPW Best of the Super Juniors tournament. But will Knight still be too fly? Or will he be sent crashing down by the Murderhawk Monster?
The moment Archer hits the ring, he hits Knight! Archer fires off in a corner, the bell rings, and the ref counts. The fans boo but archer only stops to throw his jacket at Knight! Then he THROWS Knight out of the ring! The fans tell Callis off like they did last night, but Archer SMACKS Knight off the LED walls! Archer says night-night, Knight! He CLUBS Knight down on the stage, then drags him up to TOSS him down the ramp! Knight flounders to the apron but Archer steps inside to stop the ring count. Archer goes out to drag Knight up, choke grips, and CHOKE- NO, Knight flips free! Knight blocks a boot, ROCKS Archer, then goes up the corner, BIG triangle jump DROPKICK!
The fans fire up as night goes to the apron, springboards, QUEBRADA! They fall on the ramp and the fans fire up! Knight storms after Archer as they go into the ring, then Knight climbs up. Knight leaps to SEATED- NO, Archer catches Knight! Knight fights and RANAS Archer into a corner! Knight stomps and UPPERCUTS on repeat! Knight then stomps a mudhole, but stops as the ref counts 4. The fans fire up with Knight, but Archer LARIATS Knight inside-out! The fans boo but Archer drags Knight back up. Short arm LARIAT! Callis applauds while Archer rains down forearms on Knight’s head.
The ref reprimands about pulling hair but Archer tells him to shut up! Archer stomps Knight, paces around him, then drags him up. Archer CLUBS Knight on the back, then stalks him to a corner. Archer CHOPS Knight but the fans rally, “Let’s Go, Kevin!” Archer whips, Knight sunset flips, but Archer stays up! But Knight avoids the punch! Knight runs to SLIDING SHOULDER TACKLE! Archer tumbles out of the ring, Knight runs, and he WRECKS Archer with a dropkick! Archer pinballs off the desk, then Knight goes up the corner. But Callis grabs at Knight’s foot! The fans boo, Callis gets away with that, but Archer drags Knight down!
Archer ROCKS Knight, then SWINGS him into the steel steps! Archer is all fired up, Callis is happy, but the fans boo while Collision goes picture in picture.
Archer drags Knight up, brings him around, and whips him hard into railing! Knight sputters, the fans cheer him on, but Archer brings Knight up. Archer ROCKS Knight, sits him in a chair, and then runs up to BOOT him down! Knight slumps against the barriers while Archer refreshes the count. But this just lets Callis get his shots in! Callis hammers Knight, but stops before he gets caught. Callis talks smack on the fans, especially that one guy in the third row. Archer stands Knight up against barriers, calls out a small child in their father’s arms, and then CHOPS Knight! Archer drags Knight along the way, taunts more fans, but Knight fires body shots!
Knight CHOPS Archer, but Archer isn’t even bothered! Archer whips Knight back into the ring, then storms in after him. Archer looms over Knight, stands on Knight’s hand, then steps off as the ref reprimands. Archer taunts Knight, stands him up, and pulls hair to put him in the corner. Archer climbs up, taunts the fans, and he smothers Knight! Archer rains down fists, but he stops short of ten to rob the fans the satisfaction! Spring Breakthru returns to single picture and Archer runs corner to corner. ELBOW! Archer keeps moving, and he ELBOWS Knight again! Archer wants more, so he runs again, to ELBOW Knight again!
The fans are torn as Archer has his hattrick, and he looms over Knight again. Archer taunts Knight, slaps him around, but Knight fires a body shot! Archer nods, eggs Knight on, and Knight fires more hands! The fans fire up, but Archer DECKS Knight! Archer drags Knight around, has a cocky cover, ONE!! Knight is tougher than that as a former IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champion, and he flips Archer off! Archer grabs at him, Knight cradles, TWO!! Archer almost got caught, but he BOOTS Knight for that! And GERMAN SUPLEXES! Knight lands on his face and Archer grins. The fans rally for Knight but Archer puts him in a corner.
Archer hoists Knight up top, ROCKS him, then lifts Knight in the reverse crucifix! Knight flails, BLACKOUT- NO, Knight lands out! But Archer grabs him! CHOKE- DROPKICK! Knight turns things around, then fires hands! The fans rally as hard as they can for Knight as Knight fires shot after shot! Knight whips, Archer reverses, but knight slips to the outside! Archer hits buckles, Knight springboards in, but Archer gets clear. Knight comes back, but into a BOOT/STOMP! Archer drags Knight right up, then goes up the corner with him! The fans fire up already as Archer lifts Knight, but Knight fires elbows!
Knight fires body shots now, Archer pushes him back, but Knight returns, to the UPPER ROOM! Knight rolls and UFO SPLASHES! Cover, TWO! Archer is still in this, but Knight runs corner to corner, only for Archer to dodge! Arche comes back, DERAILER!! Archer hauls Knight up, BUCKLE BOMBS, and CHOKE SLAMS! Cover, TWO?!?! Knight survives and Callis is furious! Archer snarls but he drags Knight back to a corner. The fans rally as hard as they can for “KEVIN! KEVIN!” but Archer walks the tightrope! But Knight trips Archer up! Archer is stuck on the ropes, and Knight DROPKICKS him down!
The fans fire up as Knight springboards, FLYING FOREARM to the floor! The fans fire up and Knight puts Archer in! Knight springboards, but Archer catches him! Knight HOTSHOTS that arm, then springboards again, FLYING LARIAT!! Cover, Knight wins!!
Winner: Kevin Knight, by pinfall
The Jet flies high and takes the win! Will this literally big win help Knight take over the BOSJ?
The Opps speak.
After Dynamite went off the air, the NEW AEW World Trios Champions regrouped backstage. Samoa Joe said, “Do you understand the unusual thing about predators? Predators tend to think they are the largest and most evil thing in the jungle. They think that nothing pursues them because they are the pursuers. Tonight, the Death Riders learned that wasn’t the case. See, we are The Opps. We are not a movement, we are not an understanding between gentlemen, no. We are men who only need an opportunity and excuse to commit violence. We are men like Shibata. We are men like myself. And now, Death Riders, you learned we are men like Willy Hobbs.
“We are The Opps. We are your AEW Trios Champions. And we are coming for so much more.” The Death Riders were the hunters but are now the hunted, will their reign of terror end thanks to The Opps?
BREAKING NEWS for next week’s Collision!
While Collision will return to Saturday nights, it will also have to wait until after coverage of the NBA Playoffs. The silver lining? It’ll be live from coast to coast! Make sure you schedule accordingly so you don’t miss a minute of the Playoff Palooza!
Backstage interview with Jamie Hayter & Kris Statlander.
Renee Paquette is with these two ahead of their Women’s Owen Hart Foundation Tournament match, set for next week on Dynamite. It is a semifinal match, and yet this is also the first time Kris and Jamie face off 1v1. The winner goes on to Double or Nothing to face Mercedes Mone in the tournament finals, but Kris stops Renee there. Enough about Mone. And enough about Toni Storm, honestly. There are plenty of other women in this locker room who work just as hard, if not harder, than those two. Jamie says she won’t disagree there. Jamie works hard, Kris works hard, and Jamie won’t stand here to give endless pats on the back.
But Jamie also knows Kris is good, being a former TBS Champion. And Kris knows Jamie is good, being a former AEW Women’s World Champion. They both know they can go, and this right here has been a long time coming. Whoever wins this, they better go all the way. See you Wednesday, mate. That match is for Dynamite, but will Kris get a leg up on Mone in the tag match later tonight?
Tony Schiavone reads a letter from FTR.
Given the suspension as announced last night, Dax Harwood & Cash Wheeler are not allowed in the building, so they sent this message instead.
“Dear Tony & Nigel, I (Dax) wish I could take back everything we did to you guys last week. It was completely unacceptable, unnecessary, and unwarranted. I honestly think the punishment for us wasn’t severe enough.” Schiavone explains it is a suspension for a week, without pay. Dax’s letter continues to say, “Tony, I would never have gone through with the piledriver with you. You said some things about my daughter that I won’t hold against you. But in the heat of the moment, I felt I was justified to scare you a little. I love you, Tony.” Schiavone rolls his eyes, the fans boo because they don’t believe Dax’s words.
Schiavone explains this next part is addressed to Nigel. “I never wanted things to get physical between the three of us, I know your body, and your mind for that matter, is very fragile.” Nigel rolls his eyes at the passive aggressiveness there. “I’m sure you were thinking the same thing with emotions as we were. Even though you probably knew there was no way you could ever beat us up, LOL. Again, my sincerest apologies to you both, and I hope we can just move forward in a professional and productive manner. With love, Dax Harwood.” The fans still boo the ingenuine sentiments, and Nigel sarcastically accepts the apology. Will FTR ever actually learn their lesson?
Josh Alexander & Konosuke Takeshita VS Rocky Romero & Tomohiro Ishii!
The Walking Weapon couldn’t defeat the Cowboy, so he goes and sucker punches him after the match, then seemingly joins forces with The Don Callis Family! Will Alexander get his first win alongside The Alpha? Or can Azucar & Stone Pitbull conglomerate their way to a victory?
The teams sort out and Ishii starts against Konosuke in a battle of Openweight Champions! The fans fire up as Ishii and Konosuke go toe to toe, then they start shoving! The forearms start flying, the fans fire up, and Ishii gets the edge! Ishii runs, but Konosuke BOOTS him! Konosuke whips, Ishii reverses, and then Ishii ducks the lariat to waistlock. Ishii ducks an elbow, but Konosuke ROCKS Ishii! Konosuke reels Ishii in, but Ishii suplexes first! Konosuke fights free, then runs up, and they RAM shoulders! The fans fire up and Ishii runs to RAM Konosuke again! Konosuke returns, runs through the chop and he CLOBBERS Ishii!
Ishii is up, he runs through a chop and then CLOBBERS Konosuke! Konosuke is back up, both men run in, and they RAM each other down! The fans fire up while Konosuke and Ishii back off. Tag to Rocky and Alexander and the fans rally again. The two circle, tie up, and Alexander waistlocks. Rocky switches, Alexander switches, and Alexander SLAMS Rocky down! Rocky brushes that off while the fans rally. The two circle, tie up, and Rocky wrenches. Alexander knees low, whips, but Rocky slides under! Rocky wheelbarrows and arm-drags! Alexander comes back, Rocky dodges and RANAS! The fans fire up while Rocky gives some Azucar Heat!
Rocky runs up, Alexander DUMPS him to the apron, but Rocky UPPERCUTS! Alexander distracts the ref so that Konosuke can YANK Rocky down! Konosuke DOUBLE CHOPS Rocky, then DRIVE-BY DROPKICKS! Rocky sputters while Collision goes picture in picture.
Alexander runs to BODY CHECK Rocky off the apron! The Don Callis Family soaks up the heat, then they fetch Rocky off the ground. Alexander puts Rocky on the apron, CLUBS him, then slides in. Alexander has the ref watch Ishii, and then he stomps Rocky around. Alexander scoops and SLAMS Rocky, then tags Konosuke. Konosuke goes up to SUPER SENTON! Cover, TWO! Rocky stays in this, but Konosuke stays on Rocky with a snapmare and KCIK! Konosuke tags Alexander and Alexander stalks Rocky. Alexander drags Rocky from the ropes to drop a knee! Cover, TWO! Alexander stalks Rocky to the ropes, then bumps him off buckles.
Alexander CHOPS Rocky, and Collision goes to break.
Collision returns and Konosuke has Rocky up top! Rocky fights the back suplex with fists, then he BITES Konosuke! The ref reprimands, but Rocky cravats to hit a SUPER SLICED BREAD! The fans fire up while both men crawl, hot tags to Alexander and Ishii! The fans fire up as these two RAM, and RAM, and then Ishii ROCKS Alexander! Ishii whips, Alexander reverses, but Ishii comes back to CLOBBER Alexander! And SAIDO! Cover, TWO! Alexander survives but Ishii runs, only for Konosuke to get a cheap shot in! Ishii DECKS Konosuke for it! Alexander waistlocks, Ishii fights and switches, but Konosuke runs in!
Alexander ducks, Konosuke BOOTS Ishii! Konosuke runs, he and Ishii DOUBLE LARIAT! Konosuke rebounds to LARIT Ishii down! Rocky runs up, wrenches Konosuke, and kicks off Alexander to TORNADO DDT! Ishii LARIATS Konosuke back down, but Alexander kicks! Ishii blocks, feed to Rocky for a kick and UPPERCUT! Then Ishii hits a GERMAN SUPLEX! The fans fire up more as Ishii runs, and he LARIATS Alexander down! Cover, Rocky blocks Konosuke, but Konosuke SHOVES Rocky onto Ishii! The match is saved but the ref reprimands everyone for being in the ring. Ishii and Rocky argue, but Konosuke has Rocky!
Rocky avoids the forearm, so Konosuke DECKS Ishii! Alexander BOOTS Rocky out of the ring! Alexander torture racks Ishii, for the TOWER HACKER BOMB!! Cover, TWO?!? But into an ANKLE LOCK!! Rocky sends Konosuke into railing! Ishii endures, reaches out, but Rocky storms in! Rocky springboards to CROSSBODY Alexander! The fans fire up, but Konosuke runs in! Rocky DUMPS Konosuke out, then PLANCHAS! Ishii LARIATS Alexander, suplexes, but Alexander fights it! Alexander wrenches, Ishii wrenches back, but Alexander gets around to GERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, ROCKY BREAKS IT!
The fans fire up as we get another save! Rocky brings Alexander i, but Alexander waistlcoks. Rocky fights free, throws an elbow, then a HAYMAKER! Rocky reels Alexander in, but Alexander hits a GOURD BUSTER! Alexander hoists Rocky up, but Ishii helps Rocky RANA! Rocky KICKS Alexander, cravats, and Ishii gives him the boost! SHIRA- NO, Alexander slips free! Rocky waistlocks Alexander, Ishii runs up, but Alexander ducks! The LARIAT hits Rocky! Then Alexander rolls Ishii up, with tights! TWO!! Alexander fires a flurry of elbows, but Ishii roars! Ishii runs in, but into a GERMAN SUPLEX! But he’s right back up!?
Alexander runs up, Ishii SWATS a lariat, then ROCKS Alexander! Alexander ROCKS Ishii, but Ishii HEADBUTTS! The fans fire up while both men fall! A standing count starts, but Ishii crawls hover, hot- WHAT?! Rocky leaves Ishii hanging?! WHY?!? The fans boo, but Konosuke BOOTS Ishii! Then feed to a GERMAN SUPLEX! Alexander holds on, ripcord, DOUBLE ROLLING ELBOWS!! Then a POWERBOMB!! High stack, Don Callis Family wins!
Winners: Konosuke Takeshita & Josh Alexander, by pinfall
Rocky looks conflicted, but they why did he leave Ishii all alone to begin with?! Callis celebrates with his guys, will nothing stop the family from taking over AEW? Rocky goes back to help Ishii, but Ishii shoves Rocky! Ishii asks what the heck, but wait! Is that TRENT BERETTA!? Rocky CLOBBERS Ishii, and Trent takes off the jacket! Trent rains down fists on Ishii now, and the Callis Family returns?! Trent was Don Callis Family the last time we saw him, and it seems he still IS Don Callis Family! Callis explains to Konosuke that it’s fine, and he gives Trent the monkey wrench! The very thing that took Trent out almost a year ago!
Rocky stands Ishii up, and says goodbye. Trent CLOBBERS Ishii with the monkey wrench!!! Trent & Rocky are in the Family, will AEW soon belong to them?
Backstage interview with Mercedes Mone.
Lexy Nair welcomes in #FourBeltsMone, and Mone again says, “Bostooon~! Say hello to your C E O!” Lexy congratulates Mone on defeating Athena last night and advancing to the Women’s Owen Hart Cup finals at Double or Nothing. She will either face Kris or Jamie, and Kris is someone Mone has had a lot of history with. Mone stops Lexy there and says that history is where Mone won them all. Tonight, she is in the main event in another tag match alongside Harley Cameron. Mone already groans as Harley brings out “Mini Mone!” “Bostooooon~! Say hello to your C E O~!” Mone says she already did that.
Mini Mone knows Main Mone doesn’t wanna talk to Harley right now, but she has assured Mini Mone that things will be different this time. They better be! Now now, talk to Mini Mone. She’s not gonna do that! Harley, just stay out of the way and not be such a loser! Harley pouts but Mone says there’s no reason to be sad. Mini Mone says yeah, there’s no crying in wrestling! Damn right! Wait, wait, why is she talking like the puppet’s real!? Harley starts singing “Ride the Money Wrath Train~!” Mone says no no no! Mone storms off, but the train is on the tracks either way. Mini Mone says, “See you tonight!” Will The CEO and the wild Aussie stay on track as we head for Double or Nothing?
2v1 Handicap Match: Megan Bayne w/ Penelope Ford VS Rebecca Scott & Ashley Vox!
The wrath of the Megasus has yet to be satiated, so she is again doubling up on opponents. Will even Everyone’s Favorite Flight Attendant & The Reel Catch #BowDown?
The bell rings and Vox & Scott DOUBLE DROPKICK! The fans fire up as they bring the fight to Megan with fast hands! They double whip, but Megan crisscrosses them into each other, then DOUBLE GERMAN SUPLEXES!! The fans fire up as Megan roars, and she reels Vox in! Megan hauls Vox up to POWERBOMB! And deadlift for ANOTHER POWERBOMB! And ANOTHER POWERBOMB!! Vox flounders away while the fans fire up! Megan aims at Scott, runs in, and LEAPING LARIATS! Megan is all fired up, and she hauls Scott up, FATE’S DESCENT onto Vox!! Double cover, Megan wins!
Winner: Megan Bayne, by pinfall
Vox & Scott tried, but they could not stop this female titan! Megan then sits them both up and tells them, “BOW DOWN!” Megan SMACKS them off the mat! The Superbad Girl raises Megan’s hand in victory, will nothing stop Megan from storming back up the mountain?
Anthony Bowens speaks.
“Throughout my life, I’ve been told ‘no’ so many times. But if I wanted it bad enough, I always found a way. And here in AEW, I won’t take ‘no’ for an answer. My name is Anthony Bowens. I am AEW’s 5 Tool Player. The perfect combination of power, athleticism, intelligence, the look, and The It Factor. I am the Pride of Professional Wrestling, led by a badass. I intend to use every tool necessary to climb to the top of AEW. And oh, yeah, I intend to win gold. Let’s make history. So the question is, who’s next to step to the plate and get their ass Molly Whopped by THE Five Tool Player?! That journey starts now. Don’t believe me? Well I’ve got five tools and one rule: Prove them wrong!”
AEW TNT Championship Open Challenge: Adam Cole VS ???
The Panama City Playboy is in Boston, ready to make this City of Champions undisputed! But who will step to this paragon of wrestling? CLAUDIO CASTAGNOLI! The Death Riders never left the building, they were just lurking from the shadows! But will the Swiss Cyborg snatch away this title to make up for the one he lost?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who brings the boom!
The bell rings and the two tie up. Claudio powers Cole right to a corner, lets off as the ref counts, but then Cole avoids the sucker punch! Cole fires fast hands, the fans fire up, but the ref counts. Claudio scoops Cole first to SLAM him down! Claudio looms over Cole, drags him up, and he whips Cole, only for Cole to reverse. But Claudio bounces off buckles to BOOT Cole down! The fans boo but Claudio stalks Cole. Claudio drags Cole up, scoops again, but Cole fights around to a SLEEPER! The fans cheer, but Claudio RAMS Cole into buckles. Claudio is free, but Cole BOOTS him, then JUMP NECKBREAKERS! Cover, ONE!!
Cole hurries to headlock, but Claudio powers up and lifts Cole, only for Cole to sunset flip! Claudio drags Cole right up, but Cole fires forearms! The fans fire up as Cole whips, btu Claudio reverses. Cole grabs ropes, 52 Fake Out! SHINING WIZARD! Cover, TWO! Claudio stays in this but Cole runs up to BOOT him back down! Claudio bails out, throws a fit, but then Cole BOOTS him off the apron! The fans fire up for “ADAM COLE, BAYBAY!” Claudio goes to the apron, Cole storms up on him, but Claudio trips Cole up! Claudio drags Cole out, Cole fires forearms, but Claudio knees low! Claudio whips Cole hard into barriers!
Claudio winds up, runs up, but Cole dodges! Now Claudio hits the barriers! Cole fires forearms, stalks Claudio around the way, and he fires forearms again. Claudio YANKS Cole into the barriers! The ring count climbs, Claudio hauls Cole up, BARRIER BACK SUPLEX! Cole flops to the floor and the fans lose their minds! Claudio refreshes the ring count, but he does wait on Cole. Cole slowly crawls, so Claudio goes out to fetch him. Claudio UPPERCUTS Cole, Cole staggers around, and Claudio military presses him! Claudio TOSSES Cole out into the crowd! The fans go nuts again, and they cheer on “A E DUB! A E DUB!” for making this possible.
Claudio storms into the ring, soaks up the heat, and the ref checks Cole. That was a rough landing on that hardwood floor, but it seems Cole is okay to continue. The fans rally for Cole as he hobbles his way back to ringside. Cole rolls in, but Claudio runs up to LARIAT! Cover, TWO! Cole stays in this but Claudio clamps onto him with a chinlock. Cole endures, the fans rally, but Claudio squeezes tight. Cole fights around, fights to his feet, and the fans fire up as Cole fires body shots. But Claudio knees low, then TOSSES Cole back out! Cole flops to the floor, the fans boo more, but Claudio just soaks it all up as Collision goes picture in picture.
Cole gets checked by Doc Sampson, given that big bruise right on his side. The ring count climbs all the while, and Claudio paces as he waits on a verdict from Doc. Cole seems to be okay to continue, and he crawls his way over. Cole grabs at the apron skirt, drags himself up, and springs in at 9! Claudio is right on him and rains down fists! Claudio is all fired up, and also sports a cut on his arm from hitting these barriers. Claudio scoops to hit a BACKBREAKER, and then he bends Cole against his knee! Cole endures, throws hands from below, but Claudio shoves him down! Cole avoids the elbow drop! Claudio snarls, but Cole fires a forearm!
Claudio UPPERCUTS, Cole fires another forearm, repeat! Claudio looms over Cole but Cole still comes back with a forearm! The shots go back and forth, but then Claudio smothers Cole with a chinlock! Cole endures and fights back up, but Claudio pushes him down to the mat! Claudio leans on the hold as he grinds Cole down. Cole fights up again, fires body shots, and Spring Breakthru returns to single picture. Claudio ROCKS Cole, runs, but Cole ROCKS Claudio! Claudio UPPERCUTS into a backslide! TWO, and Cole fireman’s carries, but Claudio fights free! Claudio whips, UPPERCUTS, then whips corner to corner.
Claudio runs in and UPPERCUTS! Then he whips corner to corner again, for another UPPERCUT! Claudio tries again, but Cole SUPERKICKS him down! The fans fire up while a standing count begins again! Cole is in a corner, but Claudio rises up to get him. Cole JAWBREAKERS, then ELBOWS, then BOOTS! Claudio still comes back, Cole gets around, BACKSTABBER! Cover, TWO! Cole is frustrated and sore, but he still stands up. The fans fire up as Cole is in the corner, and he climbs up the ropes! Cole aims, Claudio stands, PANAMA- BACKDROP! Claudio wags his finger, then he storms up, but has to fight off another fireman’s carry!
Claudio short arm LARIATS, then he drags Cole up! Claudio reels Cole in, but Cole BACKDROPS! Claudio just manages to land out, but Cole SUPERKICKS again! Cole now fireman’s carries, for USHIGOROSHI! Cover, TWO! Claudio stays in this and Cole is frustrated, but the fans rally up behind Cole. Cole goes back to the corner, hops up again, and Claudio’s up. PANAMA SUN- NO, Claudio trips and SWINGS Cole! The fans are torn as Cole goes around and around! TEN and Claudio THROWS Cole! Cover, TWO!! But into a CROSSFACE! Claudio pulls back on Cole but Cole endures! The fans rally as Cole reaches out. Cole rolls to a cover, TWO!
Claudio THROWS Cole to a corner! Claudio runs, UPPERCUTS, and then runs again! But Cole DUMPS Claudio out! Claudio HOTSHOTS Cole, hurries up the corner, then leaps, into a SUPERKICK! Cole covers, TWO!! Claudio is still in this, but both men are running on fumes. Cole rises up, brings down the kneepad, and says it’s time. But Claudio stops Cole to waistlock, only for Cole to PELE! Cole runs, into a POP-UP UPPERCUT! Cover, TWO!! Cole survives and Claudio is in disbelief! Cole goes to a corner as Claudio snarls and rises up. Claudio runs up, UPPERCUTS, and UPPERCUTS, and UPPERCUTS!
The ref backs Claudio off, the fans boo, but Claudio just seethes. Cole drags himself up with the ropes, Claudio runs back in, UPPERCUT! UPPERCUT! UPPERCUT! Claudio just UPPERCUTS and ELBOWS away! The ref backs Claudio off, warns him to listen to authority, but Claudio goes back in for more UPPERCUTS! The fans rally for Cole as he takes these shots, but then Claudio hoists him up top! Claudio climbs, goes to the very top, SUPER DUPER PLEX!! Cover, ONE, and into a ghost pin! COLE WINS!!!
Winner: Adam Cole, by pinfall (still AEW TNT Champion)
Claudio is in shock! But perhaps his anger got the better of him as he could’ve done things different. But the rest of the Undisputed Kingdom/Paragon is here to celebrate with their guy! Will Cole, Roddy & Kyle all be rolling on the road to Double or Nothing? Wait, now Claudio FLIPS the desk over in his anger! And then he stands it up on it’s side to tip it the other way! And another way! Yuta and Moxley hurry out here to try and calm Claudio down, and the fans taunt Claudio, “That’s expensive! That’s expensive!” They even chant “LOSERS! LOSERS!” The Death Riders storm off, what will satiate their anger?
Backstage interview with “Big Bill” Morrissey & Bryan Keith.
Lexy Nair is with the former Learning Tree Branches, The Redwood & The Bad Apple. She brings up how last week, Chris Jericho said he wasn’t angry, he was just disappointed, and then he left them to themselves. Where do they go from here? Bill says Jericho was disappointed in them, but Bill is disappointed in Jericho. Jericho is supposed to be the leader, and yet he walks out on them? Quite honestly, Bill is getting… angry. Keith wants Bill to chill. Not right now. What? What’s the difference? They talked about this in private, what’s the difference with it being now? Keith says it is like Bill just said: It was in private.
Keith knows Jericho said they were family, and that means something to Keith. And he just feels that if they’re family, they should handle this like family, and that is internally. And maybe, if Bill didn’t put Jericho on blast last week, Jericho wouldn’t have left. Bill understands, family is very important. That is why Keith wants to get back in the good graces of Jericho. Bill gets that. He just isn’t sure they should be living and dying at the whims of Jericho. Either way, the strategy moving forward is the same: They need to get in the ring, crack some skulls, and stack some wins. Lexy, to answer the question of what’s next, that is next.
Bill heads out, Keith follows, but will they do better or worse without The Nueve?
Six Man Tag: La Faccion Ingobernable VS Rosario Grillo, Leon St. Giovanni & KM!
Finally, El Toro Blanco has returned! Rush leads Dralistico y The Beast Mortos into action again, will LFI finally stampede through AEW?
The trios sort out and LFI just attacks! Dralistico has Grillo, Rush has KM and Mortos as LSG! Things spill out side, LFI send their opponents into barriers, and then Darlistico CHOPS Grillo! Rush stomps KM, Dralistico stomps Grillo, and Mortos is back in the ring. The fans fire up with Mortos, and Dralistico sends Grillo into more railing! Rush regroups with his hermanos, both literal and in arms. Dralistico CHOPS LSG, Mortos SPLASHES, and then Mortos whips LSG corner to corner for another SPLASH! Mortos whips LSG to ropes now, for a POP-UP SAMOAN DROP! Tag to Dralistico and he springboards in, FLYING CODE BREAKER!
LSG flounders around and the fans fire up. KM tags in, but Dralistico SOBATS, KICKS, and ENZIGIRIS! The fans fire up as Dralistico tags in Rush! The fans fire up and Rush SUPERMAN PUNCHES KM! Then he DECKS LSG, HEADBUTTS Grillo, and he lets Dralistico FLY! Down go LSG and Grillo! Rush then says, “You mess with the bull…” YOU GET THE BULL’S HORNS!! KM takes those right in the face! Cover, LFI wins!
Winners: La Faccion Ingobernable, by pinfall
LFI makes quick work, and Rush says LFG! Will these three be like bulls in a China shop when it comes to the AEW Trios Division?
Backstage interview with Kevin Knight.
Renee catches up to The Jet as he and “Speedball” Mike Bailey say hey. A big congratulations for Knight in winning against Archer. Renee is pretty sure that match came about because Callis didn’t like the rejection he got in trying to recruit Knight and Speedball. Knight says pretty much, but that’s understandable. He doesn’t think the Don- Ricochet steps in, backwards hat and military coat not really going together, but he tells Knight to shut it. Ricochet says these goofs are not the story of the week. The story is how they screwed Ricochet last week and stole that prize money!
Speedball says if by “screwed,” Ricochet means Speedball’s team beat him fair and square to win 400 stacks, then yeah, he got screwed. Ricochet says first, you pinned Mortos, not Ricochet. And seeing as how they’re the new guys here, here’s some “veteran advice.” Don’t upset the top talent in AEW. You don’t disrupt the chain of command. And since Knight and Speedball are so low, at the bottom of the pole, take his advance before something bad happens. Knight says Ricochet has it all twisted, they respect him. Knight and Speedball respect the game, the in-ring talent, the hot wife, all of that.
But anything that Ricochet can do, the Jet can, too. In fact, here’s something he can do that Ricochet can’t. And then he shakes them dreads! Ricochet says here’s what he can do: he can smack Knight in his mouth! Then do it then! Maybe he will, if Knight keeps talking! Knight fakes a slap and makes Ricochet flinch! Ricochet says okay, he wants trouble now. Yeah, Knight needs that. Speedball says okay, just not tonight. Speedball and Knight head out, Renee tosses her hair and leaves. But will the One & Only find he’s the only one with a problem?
ROH World TV Championship: Komander w/ Alex Abrahantes VS Nick Wayne!
If Christian Cage is to be believed, this match has come about all thanks to him pulling the strings. But at the same time, he told his “son” that he’d have to win this one on his own. Will The Prodigy make The Patriarch of the Patriarchy proud? Or will the Commander of the Skies ruin Christian’s “gift?”
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who’s the real star of ROH TV!
The Code of Honor is not upheld as Nick SPITS at Komander! The bell rings, the fans boo, and Komander DORPKCIKS Nick! Komander fires off hands in the corner, Nick scurries away but Komander keeps on him! Komander CHOPS, Nick kicks low, and then Nick ROCKS Komander. Nick storms up, but Komander kicks, mule kicks, front kicks, and CHOPS! The fans fire up, Komander whips, but Nick reverses. Komander rolls off Nick’s back, then blocks the chop to knuckle lock and CHOP! Komander goes up, up, jumps around, and then FLYING RANAS! The fans fire up again while Nick flounders away.
Komander runs in, Nick TOSSES him to the ramp! Nick comes back, but Komander GAMANGIRIS him down! Komander goes up with Nick in the drop zone! But Nick hurries away, no Cielito. Komander still tightrope walks to ARABIAN PRESS, only for Nick to put him on the apron! Komander RAMS into Nick, springboards, and CROSSBODIES! Then DROPKICKS! The fans fire up while Nick bails out to the ramp. Komander aims, springboards, but Nick dodges! Komander comes back, Nick puts him in the ring, then he ducks a haymaker to HOTSHOT! Komander falls and the fans boo, but Nick checks his teeth.
We see Christian Cage, Kip Sabian & Mother Shayna are watching this backstage as Nick hurries back in the ring. Nick stomps Komander, RAMS him into a corner, then puts him up top. Komander wobbles, Nick winds up to CHOP, then Nick climbs. Komander fires hands and Nick backs off. Komander hops down, springboards, but Nick SHOVES him down! Komander crashes to the floor and Collision goes picture in picture.
Abrahantes coaches Komander, and Nick goes outside to taunt the fans. Nick then fetches Komander to THROW him into railing! Komander writhes, Nick soaks up heat much like he did during Prelude to Spring Breakthru. Nick fetches Komander again, puts him in the ring, and taunts the fans before stepping inside. Cover, TWO! Nick is annoyed but he looms over Komander. Nick drags Komander up, throws him into the ropes, then CHOKES him! The ref counts, Nick steps off and he taunts the fans before he CHOKES Komander again! The ref counts again, Nick steps off, and Komander sputters while Nick swaggers around.
Nick drags Komander up, brings him around, and snapmares for a leg drop! Cover, TWO! Komander stays in this and Nick grows frustrated. Nick tells the fans to shut up, but Collision goes to break.
Collision returns and Nick again has Komander on the ropes, literally. Nick whips Komander then KNEES him against the ropes! Nick soaks up the heat, whips Komander again, but Komander springboards to go up and FLYING ARM-DRAG! Then he reels Nick into a EURO CLUTCH! TWO!! Nick escapes in time, but Komander CHOPS! And CHOPS! Nick kicks low, runs, but Komander scoops to BACKBREAKER! The fans fire up while both men are down! Abrahantes and Boston rally for “KO-MAN-DER!” Nick goes to a corner, Komander runs up, but Nick dodges! Nick runs in, but Komander puts him up top, ROCKS and CHOPS him, then triangle jump ENZIGIRIS!
Nick flops to the ramp and the fans fire up! Komander builds speed, and he FLIES to SWANTON Nick on the ramp! A rough landing no matter what, but Komander still kicks Nick in the ring. Komander aims from the corner, tunes up the band and the fans join in. Komander runs, goes up, up, and MOONSAULTS! Cover, TWO! Nick survives but the fans taunt him with “Whose Mom?” “NICK’S MOM!” Komander drags Nick up, torture racks, but Nick fires hands! Nick is free, he goes to a corner, but Komander runs up. Nick goes up and over, victory rolls, TWO! Komander runs back in, but Nick sends him hard into buckles!
The fans boo while Nick takes aim. Nick kicks but Komander ducks it! Komander RAMS Nick into the corner, then hops up, POISON-RANA! Cover, TWO! Nick survives and both men are down while the fans fire back up. Komander goes back to the corner, aims and springboards, but Nick slips around! DRAGON SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO!! Nick is stunned, but he takes aim again! Komander rises, into Nick’s ROUNDHOUSE! Then up, up, WAYNE- TIGER FEINT sweeps the legs! And then a FLYING DESTROYER!! Nick tumbles out of the ring, staggers around, and the fans are thunderous as Komander builds speed!
Komander goes up, up, and ARIHARA MOONSAULTS!! Direct hit on Nick and Boston is erupting! Komander puts Nick in, “This is Awesome!” as Komander climbs again. Nick is in the drop zone, for CIELITO LINDO onto BOOTS!! Nick turns things around, then takes aim, ROUNDHOUSE! Nick roars, reels Komander in to pump handle and PRODIGY PLEX!! Cover, NICK WINS!!!
Winner: Nick Wayne, by pinfall (NEW ROH World Television Champion)
Boston doesn’t like it, but Nick Wayne just became the youngest singles champion in ROH! The Patriarchy is certainly proud, but then Christian Cage leaves Shayna and Kip to go off somewhere. Will he prepare some other gift for his Prodigy as celebration?
Hologram is loading.
And Hologram will return to action next week for Playoff Palooza! Will the incredible win streak continue?
Top Flight speaks.
Dante Martin calls out Action Andretti & Lio Rush to say, “Guess what? We just came from Tony Khan’s office, and there’s no more running, there’s no more hiding, no more ducking, because we have a match next week.” Darius says it isn’t just any match. This has been going on for far too long, so they’re over the wrestling part of this. They want to fight The Cru! Forget the rules, forget the tags, it is a TORNADO TAG MATCH! Leila Grey tells Action & Lio that they’ll see ’em next week for Collision: Playoff Palooza. That is, if The Cru has the balls to show up. Well hold on, The Cru shows up now!
Lio & Action tell Top Flight that they don’t have to wait! Security steps in and keeps this from getting out of hand, but what will happen when there’s nothing holding these teams back?
BREAKING NEWS for a future Dynamite!
It will be AEW’s return to Portland, Oregon, June 11th, when AEW does the unthinkable! It will be the first-ever AEW Summer Blockbuster, a FOUR HOUR edition of Dynamite! That’s right, F O U R!! Get tickets next Thursday, or at least set your DVRs so you do not miss what could be an instant classic!
Toni Storm is here!
The Timeless AEW Women’s World Champion was present last night to watch from afar, but now she wants to get a closer look at tonight’s main event!
Mercedes Mone & Harley Cameron VS Kris Statlander & Julia Hart!
The CEO is reluctant to step back into the ring alongside the wild Aussie, but Harley’s probably the only person who would team with her at this point. Can Harley help Mone keep the Money (Wrath) Train on track? Or will the #BornAgainKristen and the Princess of the Black Throne make a winning combination?
The teams sort out and Mone starts against Kris for both a revival of their rivalry, and also a teaser of what could be for the Owen Hart Cup finals. The two tie up, and Kris SHOVES Mone down! The fans cheer as Kris flexes, but Mone tags Harley. Harley and Kris tie up, and Kris SHOVES Harley away! Harley tags Mone back in, and then picks up Mini Mone! Wait, wait, Harley tags in Mini Mone? Is this a substitution or a 3v2 Handicap now? Harley THROWS Mini Mone at Kris, which Kris easily catches. Kris passes Mini Mone to Julia, how just puts Mini Mone down to step on! Harley tries to roll Kris up but Kris stays up.
Kris drags Harley to her feet, then slips around to roll Harley up! Harley rolls through, Oklahoma Rolls back, TWO! Kris runs up, Harley headlocks, but Kris powers up and out. Harley tilt-o-whirls and HARLEY-GO-ROUNDS! Kris ends up in a corner, the fans fire up, and Harley shouts, “Feel The Wrath~!” Harley runs in, Kris dodges, and then Kris runs in. Harley ELBOWS Kris, has Kris in the ropes, and sunset flips! TWO! Kris kicks, then deadlifts Harley for a suplex! The fans fire up, Kris tags Julia, and Julia takes the handoff to wrench and YANK Harley’s arm! Julia YANKS the arm again and again, then goes up the ropes.
Julia knuckle locks, then tightrope walks! The fans fire up as Julia hits an OLD SCHOOL! Then she adds a BLINDSIDE LARIAT! Cover, but Mone breaks it! The fans cheer, but Julia drags Harley up. Harley JAWBREAKERS, then runs, dodges, and ENZIGIRIS! Tag to Mone, but Julia drop toeholds! Julia dribbles Mone off the mat, but Mone gets free. Mone goes to a corner, Julia runs up and ELBOWS! Julia runs side to side, tags Kris, then goes back to ELBOW Mone again! Kris runs in and KNEES Mone down! Kris brings Mone around to scoop, and FALL AWAY SLAMS! The fans fire up while Mone flounders out and Kris flexes.
Kris goes to the apron, Mone blocks the kick, but Kris handstands out of the throw! Kris also avoids the sweep of her arms, but Mone goes up! Kris avoids the meteora, and they both stop as the other shows haymaker! They then look at Toni Storm, and then they both ROCK the other! Julia and Harley run up, but Mone and Kris DECK them! Then they fire fast hands with each other! The fans fire up, Kris KNEES low, and Collision goes picture in picture.
Kris reels Mone in and FLAPJACKS her off the apron! Mone flounders, Kris stands on her while doing the CEO dance! Kris hauls Mone up and into the ring, covers, TWO! Kris drags Mone up, tags Julia, and they mug Mone. Julia ROCKS Mone, whips her to a corner, but Mone reverses. Mone runs up, blocks boots and ROCKS Julia! Julia is in the ropes and Mone hits the STOCK DROP! Mone huffs ‘n’ puffs before she drags Julia to a cover, TWO! Mone is annoyed but she drags Julia up again. Mone snapmares Julia, runs, and METEORAS! Cover, TWO! Julia stays in this but Mone taunts Kris. Mone dares Julia to crawl to Kris, but then she bumps Julia off buckles.
Mone tags Harley and they mug Julia. Harley brings Julia around, whips her to ropes, and ELBOWS her down! Cover, TWO! Harley stays between Julia and Kris, then brings her around. Julia JAWBREAKERS free, then CLUBS Harley. Julia CHOPS Harley at the ropes, CHOPS her again, then fires forearms. The ref counts, Julia backs off, but then Julia whips Harley to ropes. Harley ducks ‘n ‘dodges, and DOUBLE LARIATS take them both down! The fans rally while Julia and Harley crawl, and Spring Breakthru returns to single picture as they hot tag Mone and Kris! The fans fire up as Mone CHOPS, knuckle locks and goes up, up, and FLYING ARM-DRAGS!
Mone does her dance, then runs corner to corner, DOUBLE KNEES! Mone reels Kris in, the fans rally, and Mone snap suplexes! That’s Una Amiga, and then Mone gets Kris up for Dos Amigas! then THREE AMIGAS! But Kris stops it before quatro! Harley makes the save, and she helps Mone, only for Kris to DOUBLE SUPLEX! Kris rolls through?! DOS DOUBLE SUPLEX! Kris rolls through again and THREE DOUBLE SUPLEX!! The fans are thunderous, we see Jamie Hayter watching backstage and applauding, and Kris puts Mone & Harley in the drop zone! Kris goes up, but Harley rolls with Mone to avoid the 450 Splash!
The fans fire up as Kris tags Julia while Mone and Harley seem to have a tender moment of friendship. Julia ruins the moment with a STANDING MOONSUALT! Julia then tilt-o-whirls Mone, but Mone stops that to RAM Julia into the corner! And then she puts Julia in the Tree of Woe for KNEE after KNEE after KNEE! Mone goes out, goes up, but Julia SPIDER SUPLEXES her away! Harley runs up, Julia sits up to then roll back, and she takes a swing! Harley reels Julia in for a NECKBREAKER! Kris kicks Harley, reels her in, and hits a NORTHERN LIGHTS BOMB! But then Mone METEORAS Kris! Julia stalks Mone, runs up, wrench and STO!
Julia puts Mone in the drop zone, goes back up the corner, and HART SAULT gets KNEES! The fans fire up while Julia and Mone are both down! Julia and Mone stir, “This is Awesome!” as a standing count starts. Mone and Julia stir at about 4 of 10, crawl for their corners, hot tag to Kris! Kris fires off on Mone with forearms! Kris ROUNDHOUSES Mone, BLASTS Harley, and then runs up on Mone. Mone hooks her into the Gory Especial! Kris fights free, scoops Mone, but Mone kicks and flails! Kris’ legs give out, they both flop down, and the two fight on the mat. Kris powers up to her feet, but Harley tags in!
Harley brings Mone out of the gut wrench, but Kris hits the DISCUS LARIAT! Kris kicks, Mone blocks, and Mone KNEES Kris in return! Mone whips, Kris reverses, and Mone is sent into Julia’s TARANTULA!! But Harley rolls Kris up! TWO!! Mone is stuck as Kris scoops Harley and hits a BACKBREAKER! Then Kris cording holds Harley’s arm, kisses the bicep, and hits the Hayterade?! Cover, Kris & Julia win!
Winner: Kris Statlander & Julia Hart, by pinfall
That wasn’t just the game winner Kris hit on Harley, it was a message sent to Jamie! Luther helps Toni Storm to the ring so she can applaud Kris, and even blow a kiss! Will Kris go Double or Nothing with Mone to then go All In with Toni? Or will Kris feel a Hayterade from the source?
My Thoughts:
A great Collision to not just wrap Spring Breakthru but to keep things going immediately from last night. Very good promo from The Opps after their win, and some great stuff with The Death Riders for once. The Death Riders throwing a fit was good stuff, and Moxley had a good promo to call out Samoa Joe. Moxley wants his match with Samoa Joe, that’s a great detail in itself, and that is going to be a great match for Double or Nothing. Claudio stepping up to Adam Cole’s Open Challenge was also cool, and that was a great match. Cole surviving was a good touch, especially with how it just pissed Claudio off more.
Very good promo from Bill & Keith, and it feels very obvious that Keith will betray Bill to side with Jericho. We will get Bill VS Jericho, Keith will screw Bill, but then something will happen where Bill gets his rematch and wins over Jericho in the end. Really good “letter” from FTR to keep up their passive aggressive nature, and you can bet they’ll just do all the same things again next week when they’re back. Great to see LFI back in full force, but let’s just hope they actually get going this time around. There could even be some interesting intertwining of stories if LFI challenge for the trios titles at Double or Nothing, putting Joe in a double header situation since he’ll face Moxley for the world title.
Good promo from Top Flight with Cru to hype up next week’s Collision. But does every post-basketball Collision need a nickname? And as nicknames go, “Playoff Palooza” sounds more like a promotional deal run at a supermarket or car dealership. Really good stuff from the Don Callis Family tonight. Great match from Knight VS Archer and a great win for Knight. Knight and Speedball have a good promo with Ricochet, and a match of Knight VS Ricochet would be awesome, I hope we see it before Knight’s off for Best of the Super Juniors.
Great tag match of Alexander & Takeshita VS Ishii & Rocky, and I should’ve realized watching ROH Prelude to Spring Breakthru was teasing something for tonight. Rocky was salty over that loss there, and then he got even saltier during this match. Great to see Trent back, and now Roppongi Vice is Don Callis Family! They can be the tag team of the faction while Konosuke, Kyle Fletcher and now Josh Alexander all go for singles titles. Awesome ROH World Television Championship match from Komander and Nick Wayne, and again to my surprise, the Prelude foreshadowed stuff. Nick brought momentum into this match, he won this title, and unless he loses it back to Komander at like Supercard of Honor, he probably will bring the title to NJPW BOSJ.
Another great handicap match win for Megan Bayne, but she’ll still be spinning her wheels until after Double or Nothing with all this other stuff going on. Great promo from Mone, Harley & Mini Mone before their main event tag match, and same for Kris having a good promo with Jamie Hayter. That was of course a great match, and Kris winning using Jamie’s finisher was wild. I feel like with Toni Storm paying more attention to Kris, that’s a sign Kris is beating Jamie to face Mone at Double or Nothing. It’s still anyone’s guess who wins the Cup, because Toni VS Kris and Toni VS Mone are both great matches.
My Score: 8.9/10
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SUNDAY - The Front and Center Sports Podcast
CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS
Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)
TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends
Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5
Classic POD is WAR
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