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Mitchell’s NJPW G1 Climax 33 Results & Report! (8/1/23)

A & B, Round 6!

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Will it rain in round six?

Kazuchika Okada may be coming off a loss, but he isn’t out of the running just yet! Will he make it rain on Kenta? Or will he Go To Sleep?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

  • G1 Climax 33, A Block: Hikuleo VS Kaito Kiyomiya; Hikuleo wins.
  • G1 Climax 33, B Block: YOSHI-HASHI VS Great-O-Khan; Khan wins.
  • G1 Climax 33, A Block: Ren Narita VS Chase Owens; Narita wins.
  • G1 Climax 33, B Block: Taichi VS El Phantasmo; ELP wins.
  • G1 Climax 33, A Block: SANADA VS Gabe Kidd; Sanada wins.
  • G1 Climax 33, B Block: Tanga Loa VS Will Ospreay; Loa wins.
  • G1 Climax 33, A Block: Shota Umino VS Yota Tsuji; Tsuji wins.
  • G1 Climax 33, B Block: Kazuchika Okada VS KENTA; Okada wins.

PLAY BY PLAY

Here are the current A Block standings.

Sanada: 5-0, 10 points [QUALIFIED, A1]
Kaito Kiyomiya: 2-1-2, 6 points
Shota Umino: 2-1-2, 6 points
Gabe Kidd: 2-2-1, 5 points
Chase Owens: 2-3, 4 points
Hikuleo: 2-3, 4 points
Yota Tsuji: 1-2-2, 3 points
Ren Narita: 0-3-2, 2 points [ELIMINATED]

 

Here are the current B Block standings.

Will Ospreay: 4-1, 8 points
Kazuchika Okada: 4-1, 8 points
Taichi: 3-2, 6 points
El Phantasmo: 2-3, 4 points
Kenta: 2-3, 4 points
YOSHI-HASHI: 2-3, 4 points
Tanga Loa: 2-3, 4 points
Great-O-Khan: 1-4, 2 points [ELIMINATED]

 

G1 Climax 33, A Block: Hikuleo w/ Jado VS Kaito Kiyomiya!

The Young Guerilla is clinging to life in the G1, but the Supernova of NOAH is fighting to be second! Will the bubble burst on Hikuleo? Or will Kaito find a way to make this the GREEN1?

The bell rings and the two rush in! Kaito avoids a boot to fire off forearms! Kaito runs and RAMS Hiku, but he stays up! Fans rally, Kaito runs and RAMS Hiku again. Hiku stays standing so Kaito dropkicks the legs! And again! Kaito runs, but Hiku back drops him! Fans fire up and Hiku shakes his legs out. Hiku kicks Kaito out of the ring, then goes out to bring Kaito up. Hiku ROCKS Kaito, but Kaito CHOPS! Hiku just CHOPS right back! Hiku scoops Kaito, carries him around, and gives him SNAKE EYES off the railing! Kaito falls in a heap and fans fire up! Hiku drags Kaito up, puts him back in the ring, and fans cheer. Hiku covers, TWO!

Fans rally up as Hiku looms over Kaito. Hiku stomps Kaito, drags him up, and whips him to a corner. Kaito goes up but can’t get over as Hiku’s so tall! But Kaito fights the snake eyes and slips off the back, to dropkick the legs out! Fans fire up while both men are down. Kaito storms up on Hiku, stomps his legs, and brings Hiku up. Hiku CHOPS Kaito! Kaito stomps the leg! Kaito puts the leg on the ropes, and he stomps it! The ref reprimands but Kaito brings Hiku up in a corner. Kaito puts the bad leg around the ropes and pulls! The ref reprimands and counts, Kaito lets off at 4. Hiku tries to get free but Kaito’s on him again.

Kaito CLUBS Hiku, CHOPS him, but Hiku scowls. Hiku ROCKS Kaito! Kaito CHOPS Hiku! Hiku headlocks! But Kaito grabs the bad leg and CLUBS it! Fans rally up while Hiku sits down. Kaito grabs the bad leg to YANK it! Then Kaito puts the leg on ropes, to HIP DROP it! Kaito drags Hiku by his leg, goes up the corner, to FLYING YANK! Hiku crawls back to a corner but Kaito stomps the leg again. Hiku snarls, and he choke grips! Kaito breaks free to stomp the leg! Fans rally, Kaito brings Hiku up at five minutes, and he goes to put the leg around ropes. Hiku resists, and he CHOPS Kaito on the back!

Hiku shoves Kaito away, but Kaito comes back! Kaito blocks the boot, but Hiku CHOSP him! And CHOPS him! And UPPERCUTS! Kaito goes to a corner, Hiku runs in to SPLASH! Hiku scoops, SNAKE EYES! And a LARIAT! Fans fire up with Hiku and he drags Kaito up, for a BIG suplex! Cover, TWO! Fans rally up as Kaito survives that fall. Fans rally, Hiku drags Kaito up and whips him to ropes, but Kaito holds ropes to stop himself! Kaito blocks the boot to DRAGON SCREW! Kaito then hurries to a corner and climbs up, MISSILE DROPKICK to the leg! Kaito grabs that leg, steps through, and has the FIGURE FOUR!

Fans fire up as Hiku endures the legendary leglock! Hiku drags Kaito along as he moves around, and reaches out for the ROPEBREAK! Kaito lets go reluctantly but he watches Hiku. Kaito storms up behind Hiku, and chicken wings! Hiku resists the lift, and breaks free! But Kaito fires off forearm after forearm! Kaito runs, ROLLING ELBOW! And then chicken wings, to TIGER PLEX!! Bridging cover, TWO!! Hiku survives and fans are thunderous! Kaito fires up with them, and he brings Hiku back up. Chicken wings, but Hiku fights free again! Hiku scoops Kaito for a STAMPEDE POWERSLAM!

Fans fire up while both men are down! Hiku rises first, and he takes aim as Kaito stands. Choke grip, but Kaito kicks the bad leg! But Hiku avoids the dropkick! Choke grip and deadlift, into the- NO, Kaito ranas outta the slam! Cover, TWO!! Hiku escapes and fans fire up again! Kaito runs to JUMP KNEE! Hiku roars, swings, misses, and Kaito RAN- NO!! Hiku gets Kaito up, but Kaito slips out the back! Only to run into the SNAP POWERSLAM! Then the choke grip and GODSEND!! Cover, Hiku wins!

Winner: Hikuleo, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Kaito earns 0)

And with this win, the Young Guerilla surges up the standings! Is there still a chance Hikuleo moves on to the quarterfinals? As for Kaito, he is 2-2-2, which way will things split in the seventh?

 

G1 Climax 33, B Block: YOSHI-HASHI VS Great-O-Khan!

The Head Hunter is also clinging to life in the G1, but he’s doing better than the eliminated Dominator! Will Hashi just add to the woes? Or will the United Empire ruin things for the IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Champion?

The bell rings and the two circle. Fans rally as they feel out the grapple. Khan pushes forward, takes Hashi down with a leg and then goes for an arm. Hashi moves around to hold off the double wristlock but Khan shifts to go for an armbar. Hashi clasps hands, stacks Khan but Khan shifts to a Triangle Hold! Hashi pops free, but slips away before Khan can waistlock. Fans cheer this technical exchange, and the two reset. They feel things out, Khan goes for a leg, waitslocks and rolls Hashi to a bridge, TWO! Hashi slips free of the waistlock and now he wants a double wristlock! Khan moves, Hashi gets the ARMBAR! But Khan scrambles to the ROPEBREAK!

Fans cheer and the ref counts, and Hashi lets off cleanly. Khan shakes out his arm and resets with Hashi again. Khan SLAPS Hashi, grabs his ear, CLUBS it, then trips Hashi into the HEAD ‘N’ ARM TRIANGLE! Hashi endures, kicks around, but Khan leans all his weight on the hold. Khan pulls back, fans rally, and Hashi keeps fighting. Khan stands  Hashi up to SAYANAGI, into the HEAD ‘N’ ARM! Hashi flails, but Khan squeezes tight! Hsahi’s turning red, maybe even purple, as Khan leans all his weight on the hold again. Hashi kicks around, reaches out, but Khan steps over to limit Hashi’s legs! Hashi keeps fighting but Khan shifts his grip!

Khan has a SLEEPER now! Hashi is fading again, but he keeps kicking around, and finds the ROPEBREAK! Khan lets go and fans rally up again. Khan stands Hashi up, bumps him off buckles, then puts stank on his Mongolian Chops! Fans fire up as Khan stands Hashi up, for another Mongolian Chop! Khan drags Hashi up again, and fans rally as Khan sits on his throne! The ref reprimands and counts, but Khan pulls Hashi’s arms back! Khan hops off at 4, and Hashi sputters. Khan brings Hashi around for a BIG back suplex! Kneeling cover, TWO! Khan’s a bit cocky there, and we pass five minutes.

Khan kicks Hashi around, but Hashi stands up to stare him down. Hashi fires off forearms, and a CHOP! Fans fire up for that, but the Mongolian Chops knock Hashi down! Khan stalks Hashi to a corner, kicks him down, then digs his boots in. Khan drags Hashi up, whips him corner to corner, but Hashi comes back to dropkick the legs out! Fans fire up as both men are down! Hashi crawls to a corner, Khan is in the other, and fans rally up as Hashi runs corner to corner. Hashi CHOPS Khan, then whips him to CHOP again! Hashi mule kicks, runs, and BLOCKBUSTERS! Fans fire up with Hashi while Khan flounders to ropes.

Hashi runs back in, to CHOP again! Hashi hangs Khan out to dry, runs side to side, and DROPKICKS Khan down! Fans fire up with Hashi again as he goes up top! Khan stands into Hashi’s FLYING BLOCKBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Khan is still in this and fans rally up. Hashi brings Khan up, reels him in, but Khan fights the lift! Khan back drops Hashi away! Khan goes to a corner, Hashi runs in but into a BOOT! Hashi runs back in but Khan sends him into the buckles! Then Khan torture racks Hashi for the stretch! Hashi endures but then Khan swings for a NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Hashi survives and fans fire up again!

Hashi and Khan stir, Khan rises first, and he drags Hashi back up. Khan reels Hashi in, suplexes, but Hashi slips free! Khan elbows Hashi, but Hashi reels him in! Khan gets around, HITSUJIGOROSHI! Khan thrashes Hashi around but Hashi reaches out! Hashi looks to be fading, though! Fans rally up, and Hashi gets a second wind to throw hands! But Khan KNEES him, and shifts, F G O PLEX! Khan then scoops Hashi for the T T D!! Cover, TWO!! Hashi survives and Khan is stunned! Fans are thunderous, through, as we pass 15 minutes! Khan lets the Monster Rage loose, and he IRON CLAWS Hashi’s face!

Khan drags Hashi up, ELIMIN- NO, Hashi SATELLITE DDT counters! Fans fire up as both men are down again! Hashi and Khan stir, rise to their feet, and Hashi runs to LARIAT! Khan stays up to ROCK Hashi! Khan runs, Hashi duck sunder, SNAP DRAGON! But Khan and Hashi both roar, run in, and Hashi’s LARIAT wins out! Fans fire up as Hashi gets Khan back up! Hashi reels Khan in, gets him up, SITOUT POWERBOMB! Cover, TWO!! Khan survives and fans are thunderous again! Hashi feeds off that energy and roars again! Hashi stands Khan up, reels him back in, fisherman for the KUMA- NO, Khan snap suplexes first! PANCAKE BRIDGE, TWO!!

Fans are thunderous again as Hashi goes to a corner. Khan headbutts the mat to fire himself up! Khan runs in but Hashi dodges! Hashi BLINDSIDE LARIATS, then rolls Khan with bridge! TWO!! SUPERKICK! Hashi fires up again and he brings Khan up. Fisherman for the KUMAGOROSHI!! Cover, TWO!?!? Khan barely gets his arm up in time! The fans are electric and Hashi fires back up! Hashi drags Khan up, brings him around, full nelson then pump handle, but Khan switches! IRON CLAW SLEEPER! Hashi pries at the hold but Khan thrashes him around! Hashi fights up, throws elbow after elbow, but Khan clamps back on!

ELIMIN- NO, Hashi fights out! SUPERKICK! Hashi runs in, POP-UP ELIMINATOR?!? Cover, KHAN WINS!!

Winner: Great-O-Khan, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Hashi earns 0)

And with that Eliminator, Hashi is mathematically eliminated! Khan may not be moving on in the G1, but will the United Empire look to again go after those IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Championships?

 

G1 Climax 33, A Block: Ren Narita VS Chase Owens!

The Son of Strong Style has struggled to get points, but now he can shift and play spoiler! Will he do that to the Crown Jewel this close to the end? Or will Chase be Too Sweet in the sixth?

The bell rings and fans rally up as the two stare down. Chase and Narita circle, feel things out, but then Chase backs away. The two reset, tie up, and Chase wrenches an arm to a wristlock. Narita rolls, slips through and wrenches Chase to a wristlock. Chase wrenches back, but Narita wrenches back. Chase steps into the ropes and fans applaud. The ref counts the break, Narita lets off, and Chase claims hair pulling. Narita says he did no such thing, and the two reset. The two tie up, Narita wrenches and wristlocks but now Chase pulls hair to throw Narita down! The ref reprimands but Chase slaps Narita around.

Chase says Narita is still a Young Lion! Chase slaps and slaps and slaps, but Narita knees low! Narita CLUBS Chase, tosses him out, and he goes out to ROCK Chase with forearm after forearm! Chase staggers away, but Narita whips him hard into railing! Narita puts Chase in  the ring, storms up, and HALF HATCH SUPLEXES! Cover, TWO! Fans rally as Chase bails out and Narita pursues. Narita whips Chase into more railing! Narita CLUBS Chase, then gets space. Narita runs in, but Chase dodges! Narita’s boot gets stuck on the apron and Chase sweeps the other leg! Narita falls hard and writhes his way over to railing.

Chase catches his breath and stretches his back out, then rolls into the ring. The ring count starts, but then Chase goes right out after Narita. Chase drags Narita up, brings him around, and hits an APRON BACK SUPLEX! Narita falls to the floor and Chase leaves him behind again. The count restarts, Narita clutches a shoulder but is still down at 10 of 20. Narita drags himself up at 12, but Chase brings Narita in through the ropes! HOTSHOT NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Narita is still in this and fans applaud. Chase stalks Narita, drags him up, and CLUBS him on the back. Chase then clamps on a claw into the shoulder!

Narita endures, fans rally up, but Chase KNEES him in the back! Narita flounders to a corner, and Chase drags him up. Narita throws body shots and a CHOP! Chase whips Narita to ropes to ELBOW him down! Fans rally as we pass five minutes. Chase paces around, kicks Narita around, toying with him really. Chase slaps Narita, kicks him, taunts him, and sits him up to ROCK him with a forearm! Chase eggs Narita on but Narita grits his teeth. Narita throws a forearm in return! Chase ROCKS Narita again! Narita ROCKS Chase! Chase ROCKS Narita, Narita ROCKS Chase! Narita fires forearm after forearm, but Chase throat chops!

Chase runs, but into a WHEEL KICK! Fans fire up as both men are down! Narita goes to a corner, Chase is in the opposite. Narita runs in to BACK ELBOW! And HALF HATCH BRIDGE! Cover, TWO! Narita clamps right on with a SLEEPER! But Chase arm-drags free! Narita runs back in but into a BOOT! Chase then reels Narita in, BUCKLE PLEX to SAI- NO, Narita slips out to SLEEPER! But Chase runs around to HOTSHOT Narita into ropes! Fans rally up, Chase runs in and LARIATS! Chase throws up the Too Sweet and fans rally up again. Narita sits up, Chase runs in, but Narita deflects the C-Trigger!

Narita gets around, COBRA- NO, Chase rolls Narita up! TWO! Both men stand, Chase swings, into an BLIZZARD SUPLEX BRIDGE! TWO! Chase escapes but fans fire up with Narita! Narita DOUBLE WRIST ARMSAULTS, then rolls through to drag Chase up! Clinch, but Chase BELL CLAPS! Chase runs in, C-TRIGGER! Chase then reels Narita in, tucks the arms, PACKAGE- NO, Narita fights and kicks and flails, and he finally back drops free! Fans fire up and Narita swings, but Chase gets around! Backslide, roll through, C-TRIGGER! Chase reels Narita back up, and SPIN BACK ELBOWS! Then wrench and hammerlock, but Narita ducks the lariat! COBRA TWIST!

Chase endures, reaches out, but Narita shifts to a SLEEPER! Chase reaches out, but then Narita has the COBRA TWIST again! Chase taps, Narita wins!!

Winner: Ren Narita, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Chase earns 0)

FINALLY, a victory for Narita! He drags Chase down and out of the running, is there still hope for the Son of Strong Style as a Three Musketeer?

 

G1 Climax 33, B Block: Taichi VS El Phantasmo!

The Holy Emperor is just outside the top of the block, and the Headbanga is on the bubble! Will Taichi end ELP’s run to keep his alive? Or will ELP get a win on the KOPW Champion?

ELP tests Taichi’s mic, but it doesn’t work. ELP asks if Taichi knows that. Taichi just ignores that and puts the mic stand aside. Fans rally behind “E L P! E L P!” ELP offers a handshake and fans applaud. Taichi is wary, but he still shakes ELP’s hand. The bell rings and the two circle slowly. Fans rally up and Taichi gets fans cheering him on. The two tie up, ELP pushes Taichi back a step but Taichi pushes ELP back. They break, and Taichi avoids Sudden Death! ELP avoids Tensho Jujiho! Fans applaud, and then Taichi BOOTS! ELP BOOTS! Tachi BOOTS back! ELP BOOTS back! Taichi BOOTS again!

ELP wobbles and fans applaud as he comes back. ELP KICKS Taichi in the leg, but Taichi shrugs it off! ELP KICKS and KICKS but Taichi KICKS and down goes ELP! Fans fire up and ELP hobbles up and around. ELP comes back, and he CHOPS! Taichi smirks and he CHOPS! ELP sputters but walks it off. ELP comes back to CHOP again! Fans rally as Taichi CHOPS again! ELP eggs Taichi on so Taichi CHOPS! ELP CHOPS, CHOPS, and CHOPS! Taichi SOBATS! Taichi whips ELP to ropes, ELP ducks ‘n’ dodges to RANA! Taichi bails out and ELP handsprings up! Fans fire up as ELP aims, to PLANCHA! Direct hit at the ramp!

ELP gets the fans behind him as he brings Taichi up. ELP mule kicks, then goes up the apron! ASAI MOONSAULT! Direct hit at the ramp again! Fans fire up and ELP brings Taichi around. ELP CHOPS Taichi against railing! Fans rally up and ELP CHOPS again! ELP puts Taichi back in, fans rally up and he encourages it to get louder. ELP then aims from the corner, springboards in, but Taichi DECKS ELP! Taichi hurries to get ELP back up, to DANGEROUS SAIDO! Cover, ROPEBREAK! Fans cheer as ELP survives! ELP staggers up and to another corner, clutching a leg. Taichi KNEES ELP low! Taichi whips, then kitchen sink knees!

Taichi aims and KICKS ELP in the back! ELP falls over and we pass five minutes. Taichi drags ELP up, but ELP fights off the Cobra Twist! But Taichi powers through to have the abdominal stretch! Taichi pushes ELP, then wraps him in the Cobra Twist! ELP fights with elbows, reaches out for ropes, but Taichi pushes ELP’s head and neck down! ELP still flails and reaches out, to get the ROPEBREAK! Taichi lets go quickly and fans rally up again. Taichi storms back up to ELP but ELP throws body shots. Taichi kicks ELP and eggs him on, and ELP stands. ELP winds up to fire a forearm! Taichi wrenches to DANGEROUS HOOK KICK!

Fans fire back up as Taichi stalks ELP to a corner. Taichi drags ELP up, whips him corner to corner, and then runs in, but ELP goes up and over! ELP then ducks ‘n’ dodges and springboards to CROSSBODY! And LIONSAULT! Cover, TWO! Taichi is still in this and fans rally back up. Both men stir, and ELP kips up! Fans fire up, ELP atomic drops then CHOPS! And CHOPS! And CHOPS! Scoop and SLAM, and ELP goes to a corner! Fans rally, ELP hops up, and he FALLING AX HANDLES! Fans rally as ELP goes to the other corner, and he tunes up the band! Taichi rises, ELP aims, but Taichi dodgse Sudden Death!

Taichi BOOTS, ELP BOOTS, Taichi GAMANGIRIS! Fans fire up again as Taichi stands back up. OFF COME THE PANTS! Fans fire up as Taichi aims from the corner now. ELP rises, TENSHO- NO, ELP dodges! ELP BOOTS, Taichi BOOTS and ELP ENZI- NO, Taichi blocks! ELP sits back up, into a BUZZSAW! Fans fire up with Taichi now and he aims at ELP again. ELP stands, but he blocks Tensho! ELP spins Taichi, mule kicks, front kicks and ENZIGURIS! ELP brings Taichi up, straitjacket and torture rack, for the BURNING HAMMER! Cover, TWO!! Taichi survives and fans fire up again as we pass 10 minutes!

ELP shakes out his bad arm, goes back to a corner, and he retunes the band! Taichi rises, ELP aims, and SUDDEN- NO, Taichi blocks! Taichi flips ELP, he lands on his feet, and ELP dodges, but the AX BOMBER catches him! Fans fire up with Taichi and he hauls ELP up, SAIDO BRIDGE!! TWO!! Fans fire up again as Taichi roars! But ELP rises, too! SUDDEN DEATH!! Cover, TWO!! Taichi survives and fans rally up again. ELP pounds the mat and slashes his throat as he vows to end this! ELP reels Taichi in, but Taichi wrenches out and shoves, TENSHO JUJIHOU!! Both men are down again and fans fire back up!

Taichi rises, he storms around and gets ELP back up! Alabama Lift, but ELP fights it! ELP tucks the arms, but Taichi fights to the Alabama! ELP slips free, O’Conner, but Taichi trips him! GEDO CLUTCH!! TWO!?!? ELP escapes, and hurries to use the GEDO CLUTCH!! TWO!!! Fans are thunderous and ELP throws his elbow pads at Taichi! Taichi stands, ELP LARIATS! Taichi stays standing and he AX BOMBERS! But ELP stays up! ELP BACKHANDS, Taichi HAYMAKERS! Taichi ROUNDHOUSES, roars, TENSHO- SUDDEN DEATH!! And then ELP GEDO CLUTCH!! ELP WINS!!

Winner: El Phantasmo, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Taichi earns 0)

The Headbanga snatches the victory from Taichi! Both are 3-3, but this win gives ELP the edge! Will ELP then block Taichi from getting to the quarterfinals?

 

G1 Climax 33, A Block: SANADA VS Gabe Kidd!

The Cold Skull doesn’t need to sweat anything, he IS in the G1 Climax Quarterfinals. But then will he overlook this War Dog and get bit? Or will Gabe have nothing to show for his G1 run?

Gabe makes his entrance from the crowd side so he can storm over to English commentary and tell us, “I’m gonna beat the IWGP World Heavyweight Champion, you better call that, Kevin! You better call that! You know what I’m on.” GK vows he’s gonna step up, and we’re about to see if he’s right. Sanada makes his entrance, but as he raises his world title, Gabe CLOBBERS him with the NJPW Strong Openweight Tag title! Fans boo as Gabe goes out, and he whips Sanada into railing! And then into more railing! The ref reprimands, the fans boo, but Gabe UPPERCUTS Sanada down! Gabe then storms off to grab a chair from under the ring.

Fans boo but Gabe soaks up the heat. The ref wants him to stop but Gabe shoves the ref down! Gabe swings, HEADSHOT!! Gabe flips off the fans and talks trash on Kaito even. Gabe puts Sanada in, he wants the bell, but the ref tells him to back off first. The bell rings, Gabe drags Sanada up, SAIDO! Cover, TWO!! Sanada survives and fans fire up! Gabe drags Sanada up, puts him on the top rope, and then SHOVES him to the floor! Fans boo more but Gabe goes out the side. Gabe grabs the world title from the timekeeper and he holds it up like he won it already. Fans boo but Gabe mocks Sanada by asking the fans get louder.

Gabe holds the belt up to soak up all the heat, and Gabe says he’s the future of this! But then he throws the belt away! Gabe tells the ref to count but the ref tells him to calm down. Gabe tells the ref to shut up and then he shoves the ref down! Gabe goes out to fetch Sanada, and CHOPS! Gabe takes Sanada out into the crowd fast, and fans move aside. Gabe SMACKS Sanada off an open chair! Gabe shouts at one lady who didn’t get out of her seat and a Young Lion gets her away. Gabe CHOPS Sanada again, then whips him to BOWL him into the chairs! Gabe smacks a Young Lion and tells the rest of the fans to move!

Gabe drags Sanada up, sits him in a chair, and CHOPS him again! Gabe then goes to another part of the crowd, has them clear out, just so he can have more space to run back in! Gabe CANNONBALLS and BOWLS Sanada into more chairs! Gabe stands back up and soaks up all the heat. Fans rally for “SA-NA-DA!” as Gabe drags Sanada up and headlocks. Gabe brings Sanada into the ring, covers, TWO! Sanada is tougher than all that but Gabe continues to mock him. Gabe paces around Sanada, mocks the champ, “He’s a little b*tch!” Gabe drags Sanada up to suplex, but Sanada fights it! Sanada then suplexes Gabe!

Gabe fights that, and he BITES Sanada’s ear! The ref counts, Gabe lets off and runs, but Sanada dodges to dropkick a leg! Gabe hobbles, Sanada DROPKICKS Gabe down! Fans fire up as Gabe flops out of the ring. Sanada grits his teeth, goes to the ropes, and fans fire up as Sanada PLANCHAS! Direct hit and down goes Gabe! And now fans get loud for Sanada! We pass five minutes, and Sanada whips Gabe into railing! The ring count starts, Sanada brings Gabe around and whips him into more railing! Sanada doesn’t let off, he drags Gabe out to the other corner of the crowd! We hit 10 of 20 as Sanada PILEDRIVERS to the floor!!

Fans fire up, Sanada hears the count hit 15 and he brings Gabe back. But Gabe whips Sanada into railing! Sanada tumbles over! We’re at 18!! Sanada hurries in at 19.9!! Gabe drags Sanada up, but Sanada suplexes first! MAGIC SCREW! Fans fire up as Sanada kips up! Sanada then fireman’s carries to TKO! Cover, TWO! Sanada puts Gabe in a drop zone and goes up top, ROUNDING BODY- NO, he has to land out as Gabe moves! Sanada runs in, but Gabe BOOTS him! Gabe goes up but Sanada’s right on him! Sanada fires hands, but Gabe BITES Sanada’s ear again! The ref counts, and Gabe lets off at 4.

Gabe drags Sanada up, HANGING GUILLOTINE! The ref counts, the fans boo, but Gabe lets go at 4. Sanada flops back, Gabe storms around, and then Gabe drags Sanada up. Suplex for the BRAINBUSTER! Cover, TWO!! Fans rally up and Gabe looms over Sanada. Gabe drags Sanada up, reels him in, hooks a leg, but Sanada fights the driver! Gabe keeps trying but Sanada keeps fighting! Sanada then back drops Gabe away! Fans fire up, Sanada runs in, SHINING WIZARD! Sanada’s not done there, he clinches, but Gabe slips out and shoves Sanada at the ref! Sanada stops himself, but Gabe LOW BLOW UPPERCUTS!

Fans boo but Gabe gut wrenches! SPINNING TOMBSTONE!! Cover, TWO?!?! Sanada survives and fans are thunderous! Gabe drags Sanada up but Sanada’s deadweight. The ref checks Sanada and he’s conscious, so Gabe drags him up. Sanada is still deadweight, so Gabe goes up top! ROUNDING BODY FLOP as Sanada moves! We pass 10 minutes and fans rally up again. Sanada goes to the corner, Gabe runs in but Sanada ELBOWS him! Sanada QUEBRADA to the dragon sleeper! But Gabe turns it around, lifts Sanada, but Sanada fights t the dragon sleeper! Gabe spins, suplexes, but Sanada lsips out!

Gabe bucks the O’Conner and BOOTS, but Sanada DROPKICKS! Gabe CHOPS, talks more trash, then CHOPS Sanada on the back! Sanada ROCKS, ROLLING ELBOWS, runs but Gabe uses the ref as a shield! Sanada moves the ref aside, Gabe DECKS Sanada with a closed fist! But Sanada FALLING LOW BLOWS Gabe! Both men are down and fans are thunderous again! Gabe drags himself up with ropes, runs in, but Sanada gets around to O’Conner NO BRIDGE! TWO!! SHINING WIZARD! Sanada drags Gabe back up, reels him in, DEADFALL!!! Cover, Sanada wins!

Winner: Sanada, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Gabe earns 0)

Gabe was #WarReady, but the Cold Skull still made it through! Will the IWGP World Heavyweight Champion stay spotless in the round robin and be a shoe-in for the quarterfinals?

 

G1 Climax 33, B Block: Tanga Loa w/ Jado VS Will Ospreay!

The Silverback needs a win to stay in the running, but he’s up against the IWGP United States Champion who is determined to be B Block’s leader! Will this be the end for Loa’s G1 hopes? Or will he go Ape Shit on the Aerial Assassin?

The bell rings and fans rally up for Ospreay. Ospreay and Loa circle, tie up, and are in a deadlock. Loa digs in his heels and pushes Ospreay away. Fans rally up again and the two reset. They tie up, Ospreay headlocks, but Loa powers up and carries Ospreay to the apron! He sets Ospreay down easy, too, surprisingly. Ospreay lets off slowly, Loa backs away, and Loa even welcomes Ospreay into the ring. Ospreay is wary as Loa doesn’t stay that far away. Loa keeps with Ospreay as he keeps trying to step in through the ropes. Fans cheer, and then Ospreay fires forearms! Loa just laughs them off! And he DECKS Ospreay with one!

Loa drags Ospreay back up, and then TOSSES Ospreay in! Fans fire up and Loa brings Ospreay up again. Loa CLUBS Ospreay on the back, whips him to ropes, but Ospreay BOOTS! Loa rebounds, Ospreay dodges and rolls off his back! Loa blocks the superkick, rolls Ospreay up, TWO! Loa kicks low and fans applaud this quick exchange. Loa ROCKS Ospreay with a forearm, throws hands in the corner, then whips corner to corner. Loa runs in but Ospreay BOOTS him! Loa comes back, into BOOTS! Ospreay goes up, FLYING FOREARM! Cover, TWO! Fans rally up and Ospreay CLUBS Loa. Ospreay stands Loa up to ROCK him with a forearm!

Ospreay storms up, but Loa blocks the whip by holding ropes! So Ospreay CHOPS! Ospreay whips, Loa reverses and back drops! Fans fire up and Ospreay bails out. Loa pursues, and he hits an APRON BACK SUPLEX! Ospreay writhes, Loa pushes him in, and then Loa slingshot SENTONS! Cover, TWO! Ospreay clutches his stomach but he’s still in this. Loa applauds with the fans, and then Loa brings Ospreay up. Loa bumps Ospreay off buckles, stomps a mudhole into him, but the ref counts. Loa lets off at 4, and we pass five minutes. Loa drags Ospreay up, fires forearms, but Ospreay storms around.

Fans fire up and Ospreay fires forearms on Loa! Loa just powers up to DECK Ospreay! Loa then hauls Ospreay up to suplex! Uno Amigo! And then another suplex, DOS AMIGOS! Loa keeps on Ospreay, and he stalls and even marches around, TWENTY COUNT on the JACKHAMMER! Cover, TWO!!  Ospreay survives, but Loa keeps cool. Loa stands Ospreay up but Ospreay fires forearms! Loa pokes Ospreay in the eye! Loa CLUBS Ospreay, whips him to ropes, but Ospreay handsprings to NEURALIZER! Fans fire up as both men are down again! Ospreay and Loa go to opposite corners, and Ospreay runs in to BOOT!

Ospreay pushes Loa and then goes to the apron. Springboard, PIP PIP CHEERIO! Cover, TWO! Loa is still in this but Ospreay fires up! Fans fire up with Ospreay and he drags Loa up! Ospreay underhooks but Loa fights, so Ospreay fires Kawada Kicks! But Loa blocks the chop! Loa body blows, uppercuts, and repeat! Fans fire up as Loa backs Ospreay into the corner, then fires off more and more and more and more! Then he CHOPS Ospreay off his feet! Loa brings Ospreay up, and whips him corner to corner, to then run in and clothesline! Loa whips Ospreay out to send him back in, for another clothesline!

Ospreay sputters and Loa waits on him. Waistlock, GERMAN SUPLEX! Ospreay lands on his feet! ROUNDHOUSE! Loa stays up and roars, but Ospreay swats the haymaker to HOOK KICK! Ospreay underhooks, but Loa fights free to scoop! APE- NO, Ospreay slips off to HOOK KICK again! Ospreay runs, but into a BLUE THUNDER BOMB! Fans fire up while both men are down! Ospreay and Loa sit up, they crawl to each other, and Loa fires a forearm. Ospreay sits up, shakes his head, and he stands to fire a forearm! Loa fires a forearm back! Ospreay staggers, Loa eggs him on, and we hit 10 minutes!

Ospreay fires a forearm, Loa fires it back, and they go back and forth! Fans rally as they pick up speed, and Loa gets the edge! Ospreay wobbles, and Loa HEADBUTTS him down! Fans rally up, Ospreay growls and stands up to fire Kawada Kicks! Ospreay then fires forearm after forearm! Ospreay backs Loa down to a corner, fires off more shots, the ref counts and backs Ospreay off. Ospreay shoves the ref away, and Loa DECKS Ospreay!! Fans fire up with Loa as he runs, to LARIAT Ospreay inside-out! Cover, TWO!! Ospreay survives but Loa powers up! Loa drags Ospreay up, reels him in and scoops, but Ospreay STUN-DOG MILLIONAIRES!

Ospreay runs, springboard, OSCUTTER!! Cover, TWO!! Loa survives but Ospreay drags him to a drop zone! Ospreay fires up and climbs and the fans fire up with him! LEAP OF FAITH, but Ospreay has to land out as Loa moves! Loa goes outside, Ospreay PLANCHAS into an uppercut! Both men are down and the fans rally back up. Loa roars and he rises again, then he stomps away on Ospreay! Loa drags Ospreay up, and he whips Ospreay at the railing! Ospreay stops himself, then SUPERKICKS back! Ospreay calls his shot, jumps up onto the railing, but Loa anchors him! Young Lions hurry to clear the fans out, and Loa LAUNCHES Ospreay into the seats!!

Fans fire up while Loa goes out to fetch Ospreay! Ospreay sits up in a chair, Loa clears some space, and then Loa runs in to SPEAR Ospreay into more chairs!! The ring count starts as both men are down! The count passes 10 of 20, and Loa rises. Loa leaves Ospreay behind as the count hits 15! Loa gets back to ringside at 17 but Ospreay is still down! Ospreay scrambles up at 18, but Loa SPEARS him down again!! Loa is in, Ospreay is out, LOA WINS!!

Winner: Tanga Loa, by count-out (gains 2 points; Ospreay earns 0)

Jado celebrates with the Silverback as he finds a way to stop the IWGP United States Champion! Did Loa just change the whole landscape of the quarterfinals with this? Will he be able to do it again in the seventh round when he goes against Kazuchika Okada?

 

G1 Climax 33, A Block: Shota Umino VS Yota Tsuji!

Both men are holding onto the edge, but someone has to fall! Will the Roughneck continue his Paradigm Shift in NJPW? Or will this be the resurgence of the GENE1?

Fans rally for “YO~TA! YO~TA!” and Tsuji grins as he encourages them to keep going. The bell rings and Shota runs in to SHOTGUN Tsuji down! Shota drags Tsuji up, fires off forearms, then whips. Tsuji reverses, but Shota holds ropes. Shota dodges then arm-drags, ELBOWS, and basement dropkicks! Fans fire up with Shota and he stomps away on Tsuji. Shota brings Tsuji up and around to CLUB him on the back. Tsuji goes to a corner, Shota ROCKS him then whips Tsuji corner to corner. Shota runs in but blocks a boot. Tsuji breaks free to then bring Shota down with the STOMP! Fans fire up while Shota goes to the apron.

Tsuji runs side to side to baseball slide Shota to the floor! Tsuji then runs and DIVES! Direct hit and they go into railing! Fans fire up with Tsuji and Tsuji does a full lap around the ring. Tsuji drags Shota up, puts him in the ring, and fans applaud. Tsuji grins and he steps back in, to then stomp Shota around. Tsuji drags Shota up, bump him off buckles, then RAMS his shoulder in again and again! Tsuji scoops Shota, SLAMS him, then runs to SPLASH! Cover, ONE!! Shota is hanging tough but Tsuji just grins. Fans rally as Tsuji stands and Shota writhes. Tsuji drags Shota up, brings him around, and cravats for a neck wrench.

Shota endures, Tsuji snapmares and shifts to a chinlock. Shota endures, kicks around, but Tsuji leans on the hold. Tsuji squeezes tight, but Shota fights up to throw elbows and body shots! Tsuji ROCKS Shota, ROCKS him again, but Shota hits back with forearms of his own! Shota ROCKS Tsuji, but then Tsuji BODY SHOTS! Shota falls right over and fans fire up! Tsuji paces around Shota, then gives him some toying kicks. Shota goes to ropes, grits his teeth as he drags himself up, but Tsuji stomps him down! Tsuji slaps Shota around, mockingly asks what’s wrong, and we pass five minutes as Shota fires forearms!

Tsuji KNEES Shota low! Tsuji whips, Shota reverses to scoop and DOPR, then runs to BASEMENT UPPERCUT! Fans fire up with Shota and now they shift from “Yota!” to “SHOTA! SHOTA!” Shota whips Yota to a corner, runs in, and UPPERCUTS! FISHERMAN SUPELX! Bridging cover, TWO! Not quite perfect but Shota fires up! Shota drags Tsuji up, but Tsuji fights the clinch. So Shota knees low! Tsuji still fights the lift, so Shota whips him to a corner. Tsuji comes back, but into an EXPLODER! Tsuji flops out of the ring, fans fire up and duel, “SHOTA!” “YOTA!” and Shota aims from the apron. Tsuji stands, into a CANNONBALL from Shota!

Fans fire up with Shota again and he storms back to Tsuji. Shota puts Tsuji in the ring, climbs a corner, and MISSILE DROPKICKS! Shota then hurries to dragon sleeper and fisherman, TRIDENT! Cover, TWO! Tsuji survives but Shota goes to a corner. Fans rally up, Shota takes aim, and Shota runs in, but Tsuji scoops to tilt-o-whirl BACKBREAKER! Both men are down and fans rally up! Tsuji sits up, grits his teeth and then rises up. Tsuji drags Shota up, reels him in, but Shota fights the suplex! Tsuji powers through but Shota fights free! Shota blocks the kick, but Tsuji catches the uppercut to backslide!

Shota rolls through and he blocks the knee! But then Tsuji ROCKS Shota! Tsuji whips but Shota reverses to DROPKICK! Both men are down again and the fans fire back up! Shota rises, he drags Tsuji up and around to waistlock. Tsuji fights the lift, throws elbows, then runs, ducks ‘n’ dodges, to RANA! Shota tumbles out of the ring as we hit 10 minutes! Tsuji gets the fans to cheer louder and louder, and then he builds speed! But Shota CLUBS Tsuji first! Tsuji runs back in, ROCKS Shota, but Shota avoids the shoulder to DROPKICK him down! Tsuji falls back into the ring, but Shota runs in from the railing to DRIVE-BY DROPKICK!

Shota shouts at Tsuji to stand up, and Tsuji does. Shota slingshots, DDT! Fans fire up and Shota waits on Tsuji to rise. Tsuji stands, Shota runs in to kick and underhook! But Tsuji fights and back drops free! Fans fire up as both men grit their teeth and stand up. Shota rushes in, but into a BACKBREAKR, COMPLETE SHOT and STOMP! Tsuji runs, to CURB STOMP!! Fans fire up with Tsuji and he aims from the corner! Shota rises, and he ducks the spear to roll Tsuji back, into an STF!! Tsuji endures, reaches out, claws his way over, but Shota pulls back on the crossface! Tsuji still fights forward, but Shota CLUBS away on his neck!

Shota pulls on that crossface, but Tsuji refuses to stop here! Tsuji reaches out to the ROPEBREAK! Shota lets go in frustration while fans fire up! Shota rises and he stalks Tsuji to a corner. Shota stomps Tsuji, and again, and again. Shota eggs Tsuji on, but Tsuji just grins! So Shota throws a forearm! Shota asks what’s so funny, but Tsuji keeps grinning. Shota throws another forearm, then another! Tsuji sits back, but Shota brings him up again, to fire another forearm! The fans rally up again, this time for “YOTA! YOTA!” Shota kicks Tsuji around and throws more forearms, but Tsuji stands. Shota throws another forearm! And another!

We pass 15 minutes and Tsuji hits back! The forearms go back and forth, but then Shota HAMMERS away on Tsuji’s back and stomps him down! But Tsuji stands right up to fire off forearms! Shota hits back, it is a fast and furious brawl! Fans fire up as the shots keep going, and Tsuji gets the edge! Shota eggs him on, then fires back! Shota UPPERCUTS, but Tsuji comes back, into a POP-UP KNEE! But Tsuji JUMP KNEES and SUPERKICKS! Shota ROLLING ELBOWS and ENZIGURI! Tsuji ROCKS Shota, Shota roars, Tsuji HEADBUTTS Shota down!! And then falls down, too! Fans are thunderous as Red Shoes checks them both.

The fans rally and duel, “SHOTA!” “YOTA!” Both men stir, and Tsuji sits up first. Shota crawls to a corner but Tsuji roars as he rises up! Tsuji aims from the opposite corner, runs in at Shota, STINGER SPLASH! Tsuji puts Shota up as we hit the three minute warning! Tsuji climbs up and fans fire up! Tsuji brings Shota to the very top, clinches, and SUPER SPANISH FLIES!! Cover, TWO!!! Shota survives but Tsuji gets him up to suplex, ORANGE CRUSH!! Cover, TWO!!! Shota survives again but Tsuji roars!! Fans are thunderous as Tsuji aims from a corner! Shota stirs, and we hit the two minute warning!

Tsuji runs in, but Shota DOUBLE STOMPS the spear!! Fans fire up with Shota now as he pounds the mat! Shota drags himself up, aims from a corner, and Shota runs in, IGNITION!! Cover, TWO!?!? Tsuji survives but Shota doesn’t waste time! Shota lifts Tsuji, underhooks, DEATH RIDER!! Cover, TWO!??! Tsuji survives again and we’re at the last minute! Shota drags Tsuji up, underhooks, but Tsuji wrenches out! POP-UP GENE BLAST!!! Cover, TSUJI WINS!!

Winner: Yota Tsuji, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Shota earns 0)

At just after 19 minutes, Tsuji snatches the victory away from Shota! And even bigger than staying alive in the G1, is the fact that this is only Tsuji’s second win over Shota ever! And Tsuji makes sure Shota knows it by throwing him outta the ring! Will this be all the momentum Tsuji needs to take a spot in the quarterfinals?

 

G1 Climax 33, B Block: Kazuchika Okada VS KENTA!

The Rainmaker lost to Will Ospreay last round, but his G1 threepeat isn’t impossible just yet! Will he break the Fang Revived? Or will Kenta make Okada #GoToSleep in the main event?

The bell rings and fans rally and duel between “O-KA-DA!” and “KEN~TA!” as the two stare down. Red Shoes figures it’s rather even, but then Kenta bails out. Kenta wants the fans to keep going, and they cheer for “KEN~TA! KEN~TA!” Kenta likes that, and he slides back in. Only to roll right out the side. Okada is patient as he watches Kenta go around the corner. Kenta hops up to the apron and steps inside, but then steps back out. Okada goes to the ropes, but Kenta keeps his distance. Kenta wants Okada to step back, so Okada obliges. Kenta takes his time going around the way, and then he checks something at the timekeeper’s desk.

Kenta steps to the apron, Red Shoes has Okada give Kenta space, but Kenta still takes his time stepping in. Okada rushes up but Kenta slips right back out! Fans cheer the trolling, and Kenta goes around the way again. Okada rushes out but Kenta slides in! Now Kenta dares Okada to come back. Okada takes his time going around the outside, then rushes in! Kenta slides out! The cat ‘n’ mouse game continues, and Okada fakes going out and has Kenta! Kenta apologizes but Okada stomps him! And CLUBS him! And ROCKS him with a forearm! Okada whips, Kenta holds ropes and bails out! Okada rushes out but Kenta RAMS him into the apron!

Kenta UPPERCUTS, then he whips Okada into railing hard! Okada goes down in a heap and Kenta stomps him around. Kenta kicks Okada, drags him up and KICKS him in the back! And again! Kenta brings Okada around, POSTS him, and Okada falls over. Kenta drags Okada up, brings him around and puts him back in the ring. Fans cheer and Kenta storms up to KICK Okada in the chest! And again! Okada eggs Kenta on so Kenta KICKS him again! And again! Okada ROCKS Kenta with a forearm! Kenta catches the next one to spin Okada to a DDT! Cover, TWO! Kenta wraps Okada up in a headscissors!

Okada endures and the fans rally up. Okada moves around, but Kenta squeezes tighter! Okada still kicks his way forward, but Kenta drags him back! Kenta puts on the pressure, but Okada moves around to the ROPEBREAK! Fans cheer and Kenta claims Okada’s the one holding on. Red Shoes has the headscissors undone and Kenta stands. Kenta drags Okada up, turns him, and hits a NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Kenta clamps onto Okada with a chinlock and grinds him down! Okada endures, fights up, throws elbows, but Kenta throws Okada down by his hair! Red Shoes reprimands but Kenta paces around.

Kenta kicks at Okada, toying with him. Okada rises and he blocks a kicks to ROCK Kenta! Okada CLUBS away on Kenta, then ROCKS him again! Kenta ROCKS Okada right back! Kenta eggs Okada on and Okada ROCKS Kenta! Kenta ROCKS Okada again! Okada snarls but Kenta KICKS him to the corner! Kenta digs his boot in but Red Shoes reprimands. Red Shoes then counts, and Kenta lets off quickly. Kenta drags Okada up to snapmare and KICK him in the back! Then Kenta drops a knee! And another! And then brings down the kneepad, to JUMP, and scuff Okada! Fans cheer the trolling as Kenta then drops that bare knee into Okada’s back!

Kenta drags Okada up, but Okada fires forearms! Kenta knees low! Kenta whips, Okada reverses and runs in, but Kenta avoids the elbow! Only for Okada to BOOT him down on the return! Fans fire up while both men are down. Okada rises first, and he brings Kenta around to fire off forearm after forearm! Okada whips, avoids Kenta’s boot and then ELBOWS Kenta down! Fans rally up and Okada drags Kenta up. Okada whips Kenta corner to corner, runs in and BACK ELBOWS! Then kick and DDT! Cover, TWO! Okada keeps cool as we pass five minutes. Okada gut wrenches but Kenta fights and claws free!

Kenta goes to a corner, Okada runs in but into a BOOT! Kenta goes up, reels Okada in, but Okada denies the tornado! Okada puts Kenta back up top, and he DROPKICKS Kenta to the floor! Fans rally up while both men are down again! Okada goes out to fetch Kenta, and he whips Kenta to railing! Okada runs in to BOOT Kenta over the railing and into No Man’s Land! Fans rally as Okada then drags Kenta up and over the railing, only for Kenta to fight that and POST Okada! Kenta then puts Okada on railing, DRAPING DDT to the floor! Both men are down and Red Shoes checks on them both.

Fans rally again as Kenta and Okada stir. The ring count starts, and Kenta drags himself up and in at 6 of 20. Okada stirs at 9, sits up at 12, and pushes himself up at 15. Okada slides in at 17, but Kenta is ready in the other corner! Kenta runs in to JUMP KICK! And then Kenta runs to HYDRAULIC DROPKICK! Fans fire up and Kenta roars as he goes to the corner! Kenta climbs, DIVING DOUBLE STOMP!! Cover, TWO!! Okada survives Kenta’s coup de grace but Kenta slashes his throat! Kenta drags Okada up, fireman’s carries, but Okada fights with elbows! Kenta ROCKS Okada, but Okada ROCKS Kenta!

The forearms keep going back and forth, but Kenta SOBATS! Kenta runs in, but Okada pops him up to an Alabama Lift! REVERSE NECKBREAKER! Both men are down again and fans rally up for “O-KA-DA!” Okada rises and he drags Kenta up by a wristlock. Okada wrenches to put on the MONEY CLIP! Kenta grabs at Red Shoes! Red Shoes reprimands, he gets free, but Kenta grabs for ropes now! Okada brings Kenta back, but Kenta RAMS Okada into Red Shoes and the corner! Kenta kicks low and DDTS Okada down! We hit 10 minutes as Kenta kicks Red Shoes out of the ring! Kenta then goes to get a kendo stick from under the ring!

Kenta SMACKS Okada on the back! Kenta grins as fans boo, and Kenta SMACKS Okada again! And again! And then he SMACKS Okada in the ribs, and SMACKS him on the back! Kenta mocks the fans by booing them and flipping them off. But then Okada SHOTGUNS Kenta down! Fans fire up as Okada has the stick! Okada throws the stick out! But Kenta has the Defy Championship! Okada SHOTGUNS Kenta again! Okada shouts for Red Shoes and Red Shoes gets in the ring. Okada brings Kenta up to short arm LARIAT! But Okada holds onto the wrist and we hit the three minute warning! Short arm LARIAT again!

Fans fire up as Okada ripcords, but Kenta catches the lariat to a cradle! TWO!! Okada escapes, scoops Kenta, and SPINNING TOMBSTONES! Okada then drags Kenta up, brings him around, DISCUS- CROSS COUNTER! Kenta fires off overhand palm strikes again and again and again, until Okada falls! Kenta mocks the Rainmaker Pose! Ripcord, BUSAIKU KNEE!! Kenta runs again, another BUSAIKU KNEE!! Cover, TWO!! And two minutes left!! Kenta fireman’s carries, but Okada slips off! Backslide, roll through, RAIN- BOOT! Kenta URAKEN! URAKEN! But Okada DROPKICKS back! Fans fire up as Okada rises!

Kenta runs in, but Okada catches him! And pops him around, into a POWERSLAM! Okada drags Kenta up, ripcords, RAIN- NO, Kenta ducks! Okada hurries after Kenta to keep him in the ring! Scoop and LANDSLIDE! Then Okada drags Kenta up at the last minute! Ripcord, RAINMAKER!!! Cover, Okada wins!

Winner: Kazuchika Okada, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Kenta earns 0)

And with just under a minute to go, Okada brings Kenta down! And he mocks Kenta with a Too Sweet! Kenta is out of the running, and is facing Yoshi-Hashi next round. Will Kenta find a way to finish his G1 strong?

As for Okada, he gets the mic and catches his breath to say, “MY FIFTH WIIIN~!” Fans cheer that, and Okada thanks them all for their “red hot support” tonight. Okada then admits, “That’s a champion, that Kenta. I don’t know what the hell belt that is, but you clearly have a champion’s will. That helped make today even hotter.” Fans cheer that, and Okada continues to say he is back at the top of B Block. “Next, I’ll show everyone in Osaka the strength of Kazuchika Okada.” Fans like the sound of that! Okada says he’ll “eat well, rest up, and head to my third consecutive G1 Climax trophy!” The fans also love the sound of that!

Okada says just you wait, he’ll return here as the G1 winner. “So please bring this same heat, then! We’re past halfway in the G1, but the summer heat continues! Kazuchika Okada will win the G1 Climax again, come back to Takamatsu, and MAKE IT RAIN~!” Fans fire up for that! Will Okada not evaporate in the heat, and accomplish a historic threepeat?

 

Here are the NEW A Block standings!

Sanada: 6-0, 12 points [QUALIFIED, A1]
Hikuleo: 3-3, 6 points
Kaito Kiyomiya: 2-2-2, 6 points
Yota Tsuji: 2-2-2, 6 points
Shota Umino: 2-2-2, 6 points
Gabe Kidd: 2-3-1, 5 points
Chase Owens: 2-4, 4 points [ELIMINATED]
Ren Narita: 1-3-2, 4 points [ELIMINATED]

 

Here are the NEW B Block standings!

Kazuchika Okada: 5-1, 10 points [QUALIFIED]
Will Ospreay: 4-2, 8 points
El Phantasmo: 3-3, 6 points
Taichi: 3-3, 6 points
Tanga Loa: 3-3, 6 points
Kenta: 2-4, 4 points [ELIMINATED]
YOSHI-HASHI: 2-4, 4 points [ELIMINATED]
Great-O-Khan: 2-4, 4 points [ELIMINATED]


My Thoughts:

A great penultimate round A and B Blocks in the G1 before each block gets their own individual day this weekend and beyond. Sanada is spotless for good reason, and Okada winning to be back up in B Block were expected, but what a great win for Loa to bring Ospreay down a spot. Ospreay’s final round robin match is with ELP, and ELP had a great match with Taichi and a great win. ELP could not just spoil things for Ospreay, but he could totally take that second seed spot from him, that is going to be a lot of fun.

While Sanada is number one in A Block, the fight for second is a wild mess. So many draws, and we’ve got FOUR guys with 6 points, and then Gabe with 5. Gabe and Tsuji meet in the final round, so if Gabe wins, he’ll have 7 points. However, Hikuleo and Shota Umino are also a final round match, and if one of them wins to get 8 points, Gabe is done. Actually, even if Hiku and Shota draw, they’ll each have 7 points, and then Shota has the win over Gabe when they faced off, so Shota would make it through by default. Gabe’s kinda screwed unless there’s a no contest or something. Honestly, it feels like Kaito should go forward, I need there to be at least the potential of Okada VS Kaito, that’d be amazing.

My Score: 8.8/10

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Coverage

Mitchell’s WWE SmackDown Results & Report! (2/21/25)

The Final Boss is back!

Published

on

IF YA SMELLALALALALALA~…!

As Cody Rhodes teams with Damian Priest & Braun Strowman against Solo Sikoa’s Bloodline, FINALLY, The Rock has come back to SmackDown!

OFFICIAL RESULTS

  • Drew McIntyre VS Jimmy Uso; Jimmy wins.
  • The Miz & Carmelo Hayes VS R-Truth & LA Knight; Miz & Melo win.
  • Tiffany Stratton VS Candice LeRae w/ Nia Jax; Tiff wins.
  • Naomi w/ Bianca Belair VS Liv Morgan w/ Raquel Rodriguez; No Contest.
  • WWE Tag Team Championships: #DIY VS Pretty Deadly; Pretty Deadly wins, by disqualification, and DIY retain the titles.
  • Six Man Tag: Cody Rhodes, Damian Priest & Braun Strowman VS Solo Sikoa, Jacob Fatu & Tama Tonga; changed to…
  • Damian Priest & Braun Strowman VS Solo Sikoa & Jacob Fatu w/ Tama Tonga; Priest & Braun win.

PLAY BY PLAY

Cody Rhodes talks with Nick Aldis backstage.

They shake hands, but the SmackDown General Manager tells the WWE Champion there’s been a change: Cody’s out of the Six Man Tag match. What? Why would Aldis do that? It is out of Aldis’s hands. Wait, Solo Sikoa shows up to do what he did, but they can’t do the Six Man Tag that they advertised? How is this out of Aldis’s hands? Who do they need to talk to so they can do the match? Aldis says there’s no one either of them can call, if you smell what’s cooking. This is coming from The Final Boss, and The Final Boss wants to see Cody in the ring tonight. What business could The Great One have with The American Nightmare?

 

Drew McIntyre VS Jimmy Uso!

The Scottish Terminator rubbed it in Big Jim’s face that only one of them is going to Elimination Chamber in Toronto, which Big Jim was able to brush off. But McIntyre harping on how only one Uso is going to WrestleMania was a step too far. These two look to have it out, but is Jimmy just playing into McIntyre’s hands? Or will McIntyre get embarrassed by “the other Uso” this close to that big time match?

Speaking of, Jimmy has a message for Drew as he heads to gorilla. “Everybody know you’re going to Elimination Chamber, right? But Big Jimmy got a question for the Big Easy: Will Drew go onto the Elimination Chamber and win that? Will Drew go onto WrestleMania and win that? Ey, Drew, I think we got an answer for you, Uce. The answer is…” “NO YEET!” Jimmy makes his entrance, the bell rings, and the fans rally behind Jimmy. Jimmy and Drew jaw, and then Drew raises his hands, to say UP YOURS! But Jimmy ROCKS and CHOPS away! Drew puts Jimmy in a corner, Jimmy dodges to CHOP!

Jimmy climbs and he rains down fists! The fans count, Drew dumps Jimmy tot eh apron at 5, but Jimmy GAMANGIRIS! Jimmy goes up, CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO! Jimmy hurries to CHOP, then he whips. Drew reverses to send Jimmy to the corner. Jimmy BOOTS back, goes up, and leaps, but into a clinch! OVERHEAD BELLY2BELLY! Jimmy flounders to a corner, Drew runs up to SPLASH and OVERHEAD BELLY2BELLY! Jimmy flounders again, the ref has Drew hold on, and Jimmy bails out. Drew storms out to get Jimmy and he whips Jimmy HARD into barrier! The fans boo but Drew looms over Jimmy.

The ring count starts, Drew mockingly calls him “Jey,” then puts Jimmy in the ring. Drew says NO MANIA for Jimmy. Drew stands Jimmy up, ROCKS him, then runs up, only for Jimmy to put him on the apron! Drew blocks a superkick, but not the DRAGON WHIP! Drew drops, Jimmy DIVES! Down goes Drew and the fans fire up! Jimmy grins, goes back to the apron, and then aims. But Drew stops the Penalty Kick to THROW Jimmy down! Drew then has Jimmy in the Reverse Alabama Lift! REVERSE ALABAMA SLAM onto the steel steps! Drew stands on the desk to say “NO YEET!” while SmackDown goes picture in picture.

Drew revels in the heat from New Orleans, then he leaves Jimmy behind. The ref checks Jimmy, he’s able to continue, so a ring count starts. Drew paces while Jimmy stirs. Jimmy drags himself up using the desk, then lunges in at 9! Drew is annoyed but he rains down fists! Drew stomps Jimmy, then eggs him on. Jimmy rises as the fans rally, but Drew is right on him in the corner. Drew winds up, but Jimmy counter punches! And CHOPS! And CHOPS! And whips, only for Drew to reverses. Jimmy goes up, but Drew KICKS him out of the air! Drew then hauls Jimmy up, snap suplex! Cover, TWO!

Drew says okay, Big Jim. He clamps onto Jimmy with a top wristlock and grinds the arm. Jimmy fights up, fireman’s carries, but Drew elbows free. Drew bumps Jimmy off buckles, then hauls him up to the top rope! Drew CLUBS Jimmy on the back, climbs up, then CLUBS Jimmy more. Jimmy fires elbows and Drew drops back. But Drew runs up to CLUB Jimmy again! SmackDown returns to single picture as Drew CLUBS away on Jimmy again! Jimmy keeps taunting “Jey,” then drags him up. Jimmy fights the back suplex! The fans rally, Jimmy fires hands and a HEADBUTT! Jimmy SMACKS Drew off the post!

Jimmy rises to USO IN THE WIND! Down goes Drew and the fans fire up! A standing count starts while both men stir on the mat. They both stand at 5, and Drew swings! Jimmy counter punches, then fires more shots! Mule kick, UPPERCUT, but then Jimmy dodges Drew! SAMOAN DROP! Cover, TWO! Drew is tougher than that, but Jimmy hurries to a corner. Jimmy aims as Drew goes to the other corner, “UCE! OH! UCE! OH!” Jimmy runs, but Drew FLYING HEADBUTTS! The Glasgow Kiss stuns Jimmy, and Drew hits a SPINEBUSTER! Jackknife bridge, TWO! Jimmy shows his own toughness, and the fans rally behind him.

Drew paces, then he stalks Jimmy. Drew stands Jimmy up, reels him in, but Jimmy fights the underhooks! Jimmy wrenches, UPPERCUTS, but Drew ROCKS Jimmy back! Jimmy UPPERCUTS, Drew HAYMAKERS! Drew whips, Jimmy reverses and Drew ends up on the apron! Drew ROCKS Jimmy first, then climbs the corner! FLYING- SUPERKICK! Jimmy runs to SPEAR! Cover, TWO!! Drew survives, Jimmy’s spear doesn’t hit quite like The Tribal Chief’s. Jimmy goes to the corner, climbs up, and the fans rally up. USO- NO, Jimmy rolls through as Drew moves! Drew dodges a lariat to NECKBREAKER!

Both men are down, the fans rally, and Drew kips up! Drew scowls as he aims at Jimmy. “THREE! TWO! ONE!” CLAY- SUPERKICK!! Jimmy hits first! GLASGOW KISS returns! Drew reels Jimmy in, “This is your WrestleMania! This is as close as you get!” Drew shouts Jimmy is nothing, then ROCKS him with forearm after forearm! GLASGOW KISS! Another Reverse Alabama, but Jimmy victory rolls it! JIMMY WINS!!!

Winner: Jimmy Uso, by pinfall

Drew is furious, but his own ego caught him there! But then Drew CLOBBERS Jimmy! The fans boo Drew being a sore loser, but he puts Jimmy back in the ring! Drew rains down fists, then he DRIBBLES Jimmy off the mat! The ref reprimands, the fans boo, but Drew says that was Jimmy’s Mania Moment! Drew will win the Chamber, he will go to Mania, and he will win there! Jimmy means NOTHING to Drew! Drew puts Jimmy up against the post, then takes aim! The fans boo, but refs and producers rush out here! They swarm Drew to keep him from going after Jimmy again. Drew says fine, fine, then takes his leave.

Producers help Jimmy to his feet, but then Drew BLASTS through the refs! CLAYMORE for Jimmy!! The Scottish Terminator hits his target, then laughs as he actually leaves. Will McIntyre make this his Road to WrestleMania?

 

A car pulls into the parking lot.

And out steps Solo Sikoa. Solo heads inside, and he finds Jacob Fatu & Tama Tonga waiting. Solo tells them that last week with Tama, that was an accident. Jacob says yeah, it’s all good, Uce. But keep it 100: If it wasn’t an accident, Solo wouldn’t be standing here right now. Well, good! Glad to see we’re all on the same page. Solo says he will be in the corner during the match for Jacob & Tama. Uh, no, Solo, no disrespect, but Jacob & Tama have been running things on SmackDown these past couple weeks. So tonight, it’s Jacob & Solo running the play? Yadada mean? Yeah, of course. And that right there, Jacob, is exactly why Solo loves him.

Solo says he’ll be back, he has to talk with Nick Aldis. Solo heads out, but will he really just step right back into place from before he lost the ula fala?

 

Carmelo Hayes is backstage.

R-Truth calls out to Melo, and says for the first time ever, Truth VS Melo! What’s Truth talking about? Duh, they have a match. No, Truth, Melo knows. But they had a match last week. Truth says he has never met Melo in his life, but they have a tag match tonight. What? No, they don’t. Who even made this match? Him. Truth, they are not going through this H1M who’s on first thing again. Melo is H1M. No, him made the match. The Miz!? Miz says he’s H1M. So now there’s two of you? No no no! Melo is H1M, this is The Miz! Yeah, #MeloDon’tMiz! NO! That’s not a thing! Tonight, they are. Who’s Truth’s partner?

Truth says he’s got a guy. A Louisiana legend! In fact, he just got here, so Truth’s gotta go. Laters. Miz says he has been workshopping this, and the fans love it. Think about it: Melo Don’t Miz! Melo Don’t Miz! And we are…! Melo shakes his head. Truth steps in and says Miz just wants Melo to say, “Awesome.” Miz offers a fist bump, Melo says no. Will Melo wish he had missed tonight’s show? Or will Miz actually help H1M get another win?

 

Zelina Vega speaks.

“My whole life, people have taken one look at me, and they try to define me. My size has never stopped me before. It never stopped me from becoming tag team champion. Or my personal favorite, the history-making first-time-ever Queen of the Ring. That’s me. Make no mistake about it, I’ve never had it easy. I had to scratch and claw to get anything around here. But this is a fresh start. Because I have something to prove. And my dreams are a lot bigger than your measuring stick. It ain’t over until Zelina Vega says it’s over.”

 

The Miz & Carmelo Hayes VS R-Truth & ???

Miz makes his entrance but Melo kinda steps all over it. So he already missed his cue… But who did Truth find to team with him in the Big Easy? We’ll see, after the break.

SmackDown returns and Truth makes his entrance. “What’s up?” Well, more like who is his partner? He’ll tell us! His tag team partner is a local legend, born and bred right here in New Orleans! Ladies and gentlemen, welcome Louisiana Knight! Wait, he means L A Knight! Yes, Louisiana abbreviated is LA, but that’s not… Oh, Truth… Truth gives Knight a Po’ Boy and some Mardi Gras beads, so Knight embraces it. The teams sort out, and Truth calls out him! Does he mean Miz or Melo? Well, Melo says he is H1M, so that’s who starts. The fans cheer on Knight while Truth and Melo tie up. Melo KNEES low, whips, but Truth reverses.

Melo springboards, FADEAWAY JUMPER! Melo makes his free throw, but Truth drop toeholds! Truth headlocks, Melo powers up and out but Truth whips! Melo turns hip toss into lateral press, TWO! Truth has a ghost pin, TWO! Melo trips to cover, ONE! Truth trips to cover, ONE! Melo runs up, Truth does the splits, and then hits a BIG hip toss! The fans fire up, Truth counts, Melo gets up at TWO, but Truth was just goofing. The ref explains to Truth that he is the ref, not Truth! Melo is annoyed, he runs up on Truth, but Truth wrenches him around! Melo pulls hair but Knight tags in. The fans fire up as Knight fires hands!

Knight ROCKS Melo, whips Melo, but Melo reverses! SWINGING NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Knight drags Melo up to tag Truth back in, and Truth ROCKS Melo! Melo staggers, but he refuses to tag! Truth arm-drags Melo, then grinds the arm. Melo insists he’s got this, then arm-drags free. Truth staggers up, he and Melo bump heads! Truth staggers around more, and he tags Miz?! Truth forgot The Awesome Truth isn’t a thing anymore! Again! Melo BLASTS Truth off the apron, the fans boo, but Miz tags himself in! Melo is annoyed, but Miz goes to fetch Truth while SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns again, and Melo has Truth. Truth ROCKS Melo, but Melo holds onto the wristlock! Truth reaches for Knight, Knight reaches for Truth, but Melo holds on. Truth takes a swing, but into an O’Conner Roll! TWO and Melo BLASTS Knight! Truth rolls Melo up, TWO! Melo kicks low, calls his shot, but Truth suplexes for a STUNNER! The fans fire up while both men are down! Truth and Melo crawl, hot tags to Miz and Knight! The fans fire up as Knight rallies on Miz! “YEAH! YEAH!” Knight whips, Miz reverses, but Knight lEAPING LARIATS! Knight TOSSES Melo in for good measure!

Knight stomps a mudhole into Melo, “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” LARIAT for Miz! KNEE for Melo! Knight scoops and POWERSLAMS Miz! Knight keeps running, JUMP ELBOW DROP! Cover, TWO! Knight stays on Miz as he brings Miz up. Knight ROCKS Miz, then ROCKS him again! Knight whips, Miz grabs the ropes. Miz KICKS, then takes a swing, but into a back suplex! Miz lands out, tag to Melo! Miz ELBOWS Knight, but Knight scoops! Miz tilt-o-whirls through, Melo SUPERKICKS Knight down! cover, TWO! Knight stays in this but Melo says he’s got this! Melo waits on Knight, then leaps, but NO 48!

Knight kicks low, but NO B F T! Tag to Truth! Knight ELBOWS Melo, Truth runs in! CENA SHOULDER TACKLES! Then the SPIN OUT BOMB! Truth says it’s time! “YOU CANT SEE ME~!” truth runs for the FIVE KNCUKLE SHUFFLE! Truth then fireman’s carries, but Melo slips free! Melo shoves, Truth dodges, and Truth hits the LIE DETECTOR! Truth then gets Melo in the S T R-TRUTH! But Miz CLOBBERS Truth! Knight ROCKS Miz, then LARIATS him up and out! Knight then goes out to THROW Miz into barriers! The fans fire up again, but NAKAMURA ATTACKS KNIGHT!

The fans boo, but the sinister samurai then POSTS Knight!! Nakamura slithers away while Melo keeps the ref’s attention! Truth sees Knight is down, Melo runs up, but Truth dodges! Miz tags in, full nelson, and a FIRST 48 FINALE COMBO?!? Cover, Miz & Melo win!!

Winners: The Miz & Carmelo Hayes, by pinfall

Well, what do you know? Nakamura aside, Miz and Melo made it work! Okay, they’re both trying to hog the spotlight, but is there a future for Melo Don’t Miz? Will Knight only have more of a reason to take that title off Nakamura now?

 

Charlotte Flair speaks.

“The GOAT… doesn’t have to call themselves The GOAT. Now, I have crafted a legacy that no one, I mean no one, can touch. And I’m back.” The Women’s Royal Rumble Winner chose Tiffany Stratton, but will The Queen take back her throne? Or will WWE always be on #TiffyTime? Speaking of…

 

Tiffany Stratton VS Candice LeRae!

The WWE Women’s Champion may have gotten past Nia Jax, but now she knows Charlotte Flair is waiting for her at WrestleMania, and is going to be teaming with Trish Stratus in Toronto! Will she be in Tiffy Top Shape for that Tiffy Trishy dream match? Or will the Poison Pixie be quite the problem all on her own?

Before the match, Tiff grabs a mic while the fans cheer. Tiffy says, “I know, I know. You know it, you know it, and you know it. Ever since I won this title, everybody’s just been so obsessed with me. And last week, I had Nia Jax beat, until Candice LeRae decided to interfere and help her little meal ticket. And at Elimination Chamber, Trish Stratus and I make sure the Unstoppable Force comes to a definitive end!” The fans cheer that, but Tiff says enough about them. Let’s talk Charlotte Flair. The fans boo that name, but Tiff says Charlotte took her sweet old time, grabbed a chair, grabbed a mic, and she looked down on Tiff.

Charlotte chose Tiff as her WrestleMania opponent. In that moment, Tiff’s dream came true! And as she lied down there and looked up at Charlotte, she realized the rumors are true: No one loves to kick a girl when she’s down quite like Charlotte Flair. So at WrestleMania, Tiff isn’t coming for Charlotte’s legacy; that’s all Charlotte’s. Tiff is coming for the spot Charlotte desires the most: The number one spot as the top girl in the WWE! But here comes Nia & Candice to interrupt. Nia has a mic to tell Tiffy, “I Have to say, this is really cute. Like, it’s really cute that you actually think you were gonna beat me last week.”

Doesn’t Candice think that is cute? Candice says yes, it is so~ cute. And Tiff wouldn’t even be standing there if not for little Trish Stratus~. Exactly! And it’s even cuter that Tiff is out here talking about Charlotte when she wont’ even see WrestleMania! Because after Nia & Candide destroy Tiff at Elimination Chamber, Nia is coming back for her WWE Women’s Championship. Nia & Candice step up to the ring, and Nia says Tiff won’t even see the Grandest Stage of Them All. Tiff tells Nia to just give it up. This title isn’t even hers anymore. And once Tiff beats Candice tonight, Nia won’t have anyone to do her dirty work anymore!

Candice tells Tiffy that while they’re meant have a match right now, she and Nia are feeling impatient. Nia says they should just get rid of Tiff right now! But the ref steps in and says not gonna happen! Tiff VS Candice will, after the break.

SmackDown returns and Candice has Tiffy down with an armlock. Tiff fights up as the fans rally, but Candice wrenches to wristlock. Tiff spins through, goes to ropes, then up the corner to flip and arm-drag! The fans fire up as Tiff rallies on Candice! DROPKICK, and Tiff snarls! Tiff goes to the corner, and Charlotte makes her entrance? The Queen chooses to be fashionably late all so everyone looks at her, including Tiffy. Tiffy handsprings, but Candice dodges! Candice runs up to UPPERCUT, then she snapmares and NECK SNAPPERS! Jackknife bridge, TWO! Candice clamps onto Tiffy with a top wristlock.

The fans “WOO~” as Charlotte now chooses to join commentary. Tiff fights up, has the ROPEBREAK, but Candice CLUBS away on her! Candice backs off, runs up, but Tiff drop toeholds her to ropes! Tiff runs, HIP ATTACKS, and Candice flops back! Cover, TWO! Tiff stays on Candice with a whip, but Candice reverses. Candice CLOBBERS Tiff, covers, TWO! Charlotte corrects Tiffy’s words earlier: Charlotte isn’t the “top girl,” she is THE woman in WWE. Candice HIP DROPS Tiff but the fans rally up. Candice scuffs Tiff, then grinds an arm to drop a knee on the elbow! And another knee drop! Tiff endures and the fans rally up.

Candice keeps on that arm, thrashes it around, but Tiff fights up. Tiff fires body shots, then shoves Candice to Alabama Lift her! Candice sunset flips, Tiff rolls through, TIFFY STOMPS! Cover, TWO! Tiff is frustrated and Candice bails out. Tiff goes to the apron, goes up the corner, and ARIHARA MOONSAULTS! Direct hit on Candice and Nia, and Tiff almost stuck the landing! The fans fire up with Tiff and she goes into the ring. Tiff points to the WrestleMania sign, and then at Charlotte, but SmackDown goes picture in picture.

Tiff waits on Candice, Candice slides in, and Tiff stomps her down! Candice bails out, Nia is there to coach her, but Tiff lets the ring count start. Candice gets on the apron, Tiff kicks her, but Candice RAMS Tiff! Candice CLUBS Tiff, has her in the ropes, and hits a NECKBREAKER HOTSHOT! Candice climbs, aims, and leaps to MISSILE DROPKICK Tiff down! Cover, TWO! Candice is frustrated but this is why Tiff’s a champ. The fans rally, but Candice stomps Tiff! Candice scowls at the fans, stalks Tiff, then brings her up. Tiff fires body shots, then she rolls Candice up! TWO, and Candice CLOBBERS Tiff! Cover, TWO, into a ghost pin! TWO!

Candice escapes to hit a CODE BREAKER! Both women are down, but Candice scowls again as she crawls over to Tiff. Candice rains down fists, Nia tells fans to shut up, and Candice steps on Tiff’s face. Candice huffs ‘n’ puffs, pushes Tiff around, then scuffs her. Tiff rolls Candice up again, TWO! Candice DECKS Tiff! Cover, TWO! Charlotte is stoic on commentary as Candice drags Tiff up and puts her in a corner. Candice fires hands, then backs off. Candice runs up to ROCK Tiff again! Candice then runs, but Tiff dodges! SmackDown returns to single picture, and Tiff rallies with LARIAT after LARIAT! The fans fire up, Tiff handsprings, BACK ELBOW!

Tiff then reels Candice in for a SKY HIGH! High stack, TWO! The fans rally for Tiff, Nia coaches Candice, but Charlotte still seems nonplussed. Tiff and Candice rise, and Candice runs up. Candice puts Tiff on the apron, but Tiff ROCKS her! Tiff bumps Candice off buckles, then goes up, but Candice ROCKS her back! Candice climbs up, and she fires hands on Tiff! Tiff fights the suplex! Tiff DECKS Candice, then adjusts position, to SANTON- FLOP! Candice ghost pins, TWO!! Tiff escapes, but Candice hits the step-up SENTON! And then a LIONSAUL FLOP! Tiff hurries to fireman’s carry, ROLLING SENTON! And then PRETTIEST MOON- NO, Nia drags Candice out of the ring!

The fans boo, Nia tells them to shut up, but Tiff is on the apron! Nia swings, Tiff cartwheels over, and then she DROPKICKS Nia! Tiff Alabama Lifts Candice, to ALABAMA SLAM her into barriers! Tiff stares down Charlotte, tells her just wait for Mania, then she puts Candice in the ring. Tiff goes to the corner, PRETTIEST MOONSAULT EVER!! Cover, Tiff wins!

Winner: Tiffany Stratton, by pinfall

Charlotte gives moderate applause, but Nia CLOBBERS Tiff from behind! The fans boo, but Nia just drags Tiff to a corner. Nia goes up, but wait! Trish is here!! The fans fire up for the legend as she rushes into the ring! Trish avoids a haymaker to CHICK KICK! Then THESZ PRESS for Candice! And then a SPINEBUSTER! Trish helps Tiff to her feet, but Nia grabs them both! Trish fires fast hands on Nia! Candice CHOP BLOCKS Trish! Tiff is still dazed, Nia HEADBUTTS her back down! Nia & Candice mug Trish, and then Nia HEADBUTTS Trish! Trish & Tiff are side by side, and Nia drags them into the drop zone! A-NIA-LATOR!!

The fans boo but there’s nothing can be done! Nia grins as she helps Candice away, will these two trash Trish & Tiff in Toronto? Charlotte steps into the ring, stands over Tiff, and points to the WrestleMania sign. Will The Irresistible Force & Poison Pixie unwittingly do the dirty work of The Queen of Flair?

 

Cody talks with Damian Priest backstage.

Priest asks why Cody’s boy, The Rock, is here tonight. Cody says given the time of year, his guess is as good as anyone’s. But tonight will surely be eventful. Cody congratulates Priest on entering the Elimination Chamber. Priest says what’s wild is, last year, they both walked out as champions. What sucks is that this year, only one of them can. Now, Priest is man enough and he respects Cody to say that after Chamber, he’s coming for that title. Cody says he wouldn’t have it any other way. Cody heads out, but what business does The Rock have tonight?

Braun Strowman steps in, and he tells Priest that congrats on winning, and good luck in the Chamber. But let’s be honest, Braun had Jacob dead to rights last week. If not for Solo Sikoa, things would look a lot different next week. Priest chuckles and says take it easy, he’s sounding like Drew with the excuses. But it is what it is, Priest just beat Braun to the punch. But that was last week. Tonight, Solo and Jacob, two of the baddest men in the business. Priest & Braun handling business? Oh, they’re handling business. The only business Braun cares about is getting his hands on those two. Priest says Braun definitely will.

Braun heads out, will the Monster of All Monsters and the Archer of Infamy make sure Solo & Jacob #GetTheseHands? Or will the rogues run roughshod all over SmackDown once again?

 

Backstage interview with Naomi & Bianca Belair.

Byron Saxton is with the WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions and brings up last week’s SmackDown, the security footage led us to believe Liv Morgan & Raquel Rodriguez were the ones behind Jade Cargill’s attack. Now, hold on, Saxton. They don’t think, Naomi knows they were. Fair enough. But this Monday, they can get their revenge when they defend the tag titles against Liv & Raquel. How ready are they for this match? Bianca says so ready! They have been waiting for months for an update. Jade has been recovering, she hasn’t been able to call or text, so the GlowEST took matters into their own hands to get revenge.

Bianca & Naomi will handle Liv & Raquel, then move on to Elimination Chamber, where one of them is gonna win to face Rhea at WrestleMania. Not only will you #FeelTheGlowEST on Monday, but Liv feels it tonight! #Let’sGLOW! The champs head out, but will they clear their Road to WrestleMania of any other distractions?

 

Alexa Bliss speaks.

“When I was away, there was a lot of… change that happened in me. But when I look around, I see this place is still the same. The names and faces may be different, but the desperation and insecurity remains the same. You’ll see Toronto when I turn the Elimination Chamber into something of a playground of my own. I know the Chamber. I love the Chamber. I’ve won the Chamber. And for the other five women, it’s gonna be a Hell like they’ve never experienced before. Need I remind you, this is my division, and I am in charge.” Bliss smiles and says, “See you soon.” The film comes off the reel, but will things get twisted in Toronto?

 

Naomi w/ Bianca Belair VS Liv Morgan w/ Raquel Rodriguez!

The Big Easy is all about having fun, and they’re fired up for Naomi’s entrance. But wait! Liv & Raquel don’t wait, they attack Bianca & Naomi while the lights are still down! They mug Naomi, but Bianca drags Liv out of the ring! Then Bianca storms in to fire off on Raquel! The fans fire up, but Liv returns to CHOP BLOCK Bianca! Raquel hauls Bianca up for a TEJANA BOMB!! Naomi runs up, fires more hands, but Liv brings Naomi around. Naomi fires hands on her, but Raquel throws her down! Liv runs up, OBLIVION!

Liv & Raquel stand tall, the refs rush out here, but clearly the singles match isn’t happening. Will we be getting something even meaner and nastier between these four on Monday?

 

The Rock arrives!

His truck pulls into the parking lot, but we’ll see him in the ring, after the break!

 

SmackDown returns and…

Aldis is chewing out Liv & Raquel for the attack. He doesn’t know what they get away with on Raw, but they can’t pull that crap here. Now get the hell out of his building. Liv & Raquel just laugh that off, but then Chelsea Green & Piper Niven walk in. Chelsea says have no fear, Chelsea & Piper are here to sub in for Bianca and Naomi at Elimination Chamber. Aldis sighs, and says they’re not missing the Chamber. What? But Chelsea had an outfit picked out! This is a travesty to not have the greatest Canadian export since maple syrup on a Canadian PLE! Does he know who she is? The first-ever, longest reigning, tallest, shortest, prettiest, richest, tannest, sparkliest, oldest, youngest Women’s US Champion! Piper asks what this is aboot, eh?

Aldis says this is them testing his patience. They need to pack their gear and whatever else they want, because they’ll be in action next week on SmackDown in Toronto. And oh, it’ll be a good one. Wait, they need more details! At least an e-calendar notification? Aldis is leaving Chelsea in the dark on what’s coming, will she absolutely hate it?

 

The Rock heads to the ring!

Wait, what is this New Orleans related remix? The Final Boss steps out on stage, he shows those goosebumps, then continues down the ramp, shaking hands with fans. The Rock hits his signature pose on the corner, but then takes the long way around to pick up a fan’s phone for them before going back into the ring. The fans all cheer for “ROCKY! ROCKY!” and he grabs himself a mic. He waits as the fans continue to chant his name, and then he says, “Ahh, you feel it, don’t you? You feel it. The Rock has got chills up and down his body because you know, on a Friday night, for the Final Boss to get inside his bird and fly all the way here, you know that I’m dropping some ish on you tonight!”

The fans fire up and The Rock smiles. Rock says, “Let’s get this show on the road.” The fans anticipate what’s coming but he says hold on, he’ll do it. “FINALLY! The Rock has come back…” “TO NEW ORLEANS~!” Rock smiles, and he adds, FINALLY, WrestleMania is coming back to New Orleans!! The fans are thunderous to hear that! WrestleMania 30, WrestleMania 34, and now WrestleMania 42!? Yes, next year, 2026, LIVE from the Superdome! One of the greatest cities on Earth in New Orleans, Louisiana! The pyro goes off to commemorate the occasion, and the logo is already on the tron! Rock smiles at that, then he smiles at the WrestleMania 41 Vegas logo.

The fans are losing their minds, as we now know April 11th and 12th, 2026, the Big Easy has the Grandest Stage of Them All. Rock says you damn right holy ish! Oh when the saints go marching in…! Oh how I’d love… Wait, no, this ain’t singalong with The Final Boss! Sit there, shut up, and let The Final Boss sing the song! The fans are torn, but Rock says he sings! Oh how I’d love, to be in that number~! Oh when the saints go marching in~! Okay, that’s good enough. You got him, that was a great duet. The Rock is singing with the largest collection of STD’d trailer trash he has ever seen! The fans can’t believe Rock would do that to them!

Rock says now, dropping this news wasn’t the only gift he was going to drop on us. The Final Boss came here to call somebody out. The Rock will call out a man who he respects, who he admires, and who we all admire. That man is our WWE Champion, the one and only, Cody Rhodes. The fans cheer as The American Nightmare makes his entrance! They sing along with the song, “WHOA~ OH~!” and we get Cody’s pyro before he goes to the ring. Cody gets his second “WHOA~ OH~!” and round of pyro, then he steps inside to join The Rock. The fans cheer Cody on, so he holds up the title and the fans cheer even more.

Cody grabs a mic, but Rock says, “That feels good, doesn’t it? I mean, that’s gotta feel amazing, right? They love you, man.” Cody tells NOLA, “I love you, too.” Rock says this is crazy. Pretty much no one knows this, but since after WrestleMania last year, they’ve actually become good friends. No, it’s true, they have. Last time they were together was the Raw Netflix debut. Rock gave Cody his flowers, told Cody he has carried the company like the incredible champion that he is, so thank you, Cody. Rock meant it, and that night, they went to the back, drank tequila for two hours and had a great ol’ time.

They chopped it up, had a blast, but Rock wants to call Cody out here for something important. Here’s the thing… The fans get a bit rowdy as they wait, and Rock says Cody is a great champion. A great WWE Champion. Cody knows that. Again, they’ve become good friends, so over the months, they’ve texted. Even their moms became good friends! Look! Mama Johnson & Mama Rhodes together after WrestleMania 40! It is a pleasure becoming Cody’s friend. But Rock wanted this face to face to tell him a few things. One: Cody has been a great champion, but he needs to understand. Yes, The Rock, The Final Boss, is on the Board of TKO. And TKO owns WWE.

The Rock is the Director of the Board of TKO. Don’t boo that! The Rock’s good friend, Ari Emanuel, who owns everything Endeavor, The Rock joked with Ari, “Can you believe that you own The WWE?” Ari says he doesn’t own the WWE, The Rock does. Rock said no, no, he doesn’t know if he owns the WWE. But The Rock knows he is the most powerful… Cody, you are a great champion. But Rock wants Cody to be something more. Rock wants Cody to be something more than just our champion. Rock wants Cody to be his champion. The fans don’t like where that’s going.

Cody says he did not expect them to become friends, nor their moms to become friends, nor the tequila. Cody didn’t have that on his bingo card. But becoming The Rock’s champion? The Rock of all people should know, Cody is the people’s champion. The fans cheer Cody more, and Rock says yes! Cody is their champion! Of course! The Rock is also The People’s Champion, he loves that about Cody. This is their universe, they were both born into this business. But Rock means something even bigger than just this. Rock knows Cody’s goal is to bring as much joy and happiness to everyone around the world, as many as possible.

The fans cheer, and Rock says that’s Cody. Cody is that guy, and everyone knows it. Cody is on social media, Instagram, millions of followers. Millions, and millions! The Rock has half a BILLION. That’s not a flex. But The Rock is the most followed American man in the world, that’s what he wants for Cody. Rock wants Cody to be even higher. If Cody becomes The Rock’s Champion, he will open doors to possibilities Cody never even imagined. If Cody becomes The Rock’s Champion, every dream he has ever had can come true. Every dream of Brandi’s, of their daughter’s. Think about how Rock brought them to the premiere of Moana 2, in Hawaii.

Thank you, by the way, for making that cross a BILLION dollars, fans, Rock loves you. Rock has met the Rhodes family, they’re amazing. But imagine it: Cody’s daughter’s children, their dreams, long after Rock and Cody are gone, all those dreams can come true. Rock just needs Cody to be his champion. The fans say don’t do it! Rock tells Cody to just think about it, though. Rock is a very lucky man, he has it all. Cody also has it all. They’re very fortunate. They’re Mama’s Boys, they’re Girl Dads, they’re lucky men. Fans say don’t do it, Rock tells them to shut up or he’ll slap the syphilis off their face! Rock is trying to have a moment here, shut your mouths!

The one thing that Rock has never had, that he wants more than anything, is a brother. And that is what Cody can be. Last year, WrestleMania, Rock’s goal was to face his cousin, Roman Reigns, for the title. Cody knows, the fans know. Rock talked with his friend, HHH. He talked with Nick Khan, who is his friend. They are also Cody’s friends. Rock knew it wasn’t in the plans, but they talked about moving Cody aside to make what was best for business: Rock VS Roman, WrestleMania 40! What’d Cody do? Cody pitched a b*tch fit! Cody told The Rock he ain’t doing it, and he stood up to The Rock. And y’know what else? Cody SLAPPED Rock!

No one does that and gets away with it. But that is why Cody is special. That is why Cody should be Rock’s Champion. And that is why Rock will take Cody from where he is to a level so far above. Rock will make sure every dream, every desire, for generations to come, it all comes true. Rock’s dad, Cody’s dad, Soul Man & American Dream, they are looking down right now. They were friends, Cody and Rock are friends, Cody should be Rock’s Champion. He doesn’t need to answer Rock tonight. He can think about it, talk with his wife and daughter, as will The Rock. Then Cody can think about it. Meet Rock in Toronto on March 1st to give him the answer.

Fans still say don’t do it, but Rock says it is okay. Before he leaves, this has been an amazing night, this is a hot crowd, thank you all very much. But before he leaves, Rock wants us to know this: The one thing Rock wants more than anything in this world… is that. Wait, the title? Cody’s title? The fans’ title? This is all this is about? No no no no! Brother… Rock doesn’t want the title. He wants Cody’s soul. The fans duel, “NO! NO! NO!” “SELL YOUR SOUL!” Rock pats Cody on the cheek and says see you in Toronto. The Rock leaves, giving Cody a lot to think about. Rock does give one last glance back at Cody, then smirks.

What will The American Nightmare choose: His integrity? Or his aspirations?

 

WWE Tag Team Championships: #DIY VS Pretty Deadly!

Did Tommaso Ciampa & Johnny Gargano got these titles thanks to Kit Wilson & Elton Prince? #YESBOY! Did they survive a couple title defenses thanks to Kit & Elton? #YESBOY! But when Pretty Deadly needed DIY, was DIY there for them? #NOBOY! So now, Kit & Elton are looking to give Ciampa & Gargano their comeuppance! Will we finally get another #SidePlateCheck? Or will Ciampa & Gargano remember for themselves, that if you wanna be champions, you gotta do it yourself?

But as DIY make their entrance, they have mics, and Johnny Wrestling tells NOLA, “Give it up one time for your TWO-TIME WWE Tag Team Champions…! The BTTITW (Best Tag Team In The World), D I Y~!” The fans boo instead. Ciampa says there is no denying that tonight has been electrifying. Gargano says this is a hot crowd. But please, if we could be somber for a second. Guys, this is serious. Two weeks ago, Pretty Deadly embarrassed DIY, and now reluctantly, DIY will return that favor by crushing their hopes and dreams of ever becoming WWE Tag Team Champions. So please, let us all rise to our feet… Yes, you in the LSU jersey, stand up.

Ciampa thanks Wade Barrett, and asks for everyone to remove their hands and bow their heads for a moment of silence for Pretty Deadly, beginning… now. The fans boo instead! And then Pretty Deadly make their entrance! The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we see who really needed who in this broken relationship!

But then DIY jumps Pretty Deadly! The ref reprimands, DIY whip but Pretty Deadly reverses! DOUBLE DORPKICKS! Then DOUBLE LARIATS send DIY up and out! The disco ball hasn’t even stopped spinning! The fans cheer while DIY throw a fit! They regroup, cool down, and go back to the ring. Gargano distracts Elton, Ciampa CLOBBERS him, and the bell rings. But Elton fires hands on Ciampa! Elton whips, Ciampa reverses and he pulls hair! The ref reprimands, Ciampa throws Elton to the apron and KNEES him down! Tag to Gargano and he aims, SUPERKICK! Elton goes down in a heap, DIY cheers themselves on, and SmackDown goes to break!

SmackDown returns, Gargano tags in, and DIY hits the BACK SUPLEX BOMBO COMBO! Cover, TWO! Elton stays in this but Gargano tags Ciampa back in. Gargano sends Ciampa in, but Elton ELBOWS him away! Gargano runs in, but Elton puts him on the apron! Gargano goes after Kit, but Kit blocks the kick! Kit BOOTS Gargano down, but then Ciampa BOOTS Kit! Elton dodges Ciampa to come back, DOUBLE CROSSBODIES collide! Elton and Ciampa are down, sputtering and writhing, and the fans rally up. Elton crawls, Kit rises, hot tags to Kit and Gargano! Kit rallies on DIY with big forearms! Kit whips, Gargano reverses, Kit UPPERCUTS!

Kit UPPERCUTS Ciampa in a corner, then LARIATS! Kit runs to LARIAT Gargano! Kit pushes Gargano down, kicks him and hits a TWIST- NO, Gargano slips through to ROCK Kit! Kit yoyos, DOUBLE LARIATS! The fans fire up, Kit tags Elton! They get Gargano up, but Gargano BOOTS Elton! Gargano ELBOWS Kit away, then runs up on Elton! Elton dodges, then gives Kit the boost, DRY MARTI-KNEES! Cover, TWO!! Gargano survives but Ciampa is in! Elton fireman’s carries Ciampa, but Ciampa slips free! Ciampa whips, Elton reverses, Kit UPPERCUTS Ciampa! Elton shows off his strength with the GOTCH LIFT PLEX!

Tag to Kit, but IN COME THE PROFITS! Ford SHOVES Kit down, Dawkins mugs him!!

Winners: Pretty Deadly, by disqualification; DIY retain the titles

Not again! Just like they did Motor City Machine Guns, The Profits make sure no one else takes these titles off DIY! URENAGE from Ford to Elton! Dawkins keeps hammering away on Kit, and then Ford POSTS Elton! Dawkins fireman’s carries Kit, to POST him, too! Looking like the All Mighty with that one! Gargano fires forearms in return, but ends up int he POUNCE GERMAN SUPLEX! Then Ciampa runs up into a FLAPJACK! Ford goes up top, then flies in FROM THE HEAVENS!! Direct hit on Ciampa! But wait! MCMG rushes out here, wanting their payback! The Profits brawl with MCMG, but Ford TOSSES Shelley to the apron!

Ford runs up, Shelley goes to kick, but Ford blocks it! Ford LARIATS Shelley down, Dawkins hits Sabin with THE BIG ENDING! The fans are torn as Dawkins whips Sabin, Profits get him for the REVELATION!! And if there’s been any revelation, it is that Ford & Dawkins don’t just want the smoke, they want to burn down the tag division to get it! Will nothing stop them once they’re back in action?

 

Kevin Owens speaks.

“You got what you wanted, huh? You got your match. You couldn’t, uh… You couldn’t just take the punishment that you deserved, that I’d already given you, and let it go. No, you… You wanted me and you to go again. You wanted to fight me, you want to hurt me, you want to end my career, which would hurt my family, by the way. Which is truly despicable. But what about your family, Sami? Huh? Have you thought of them? What about your family, huh?” Kevin reveals he is right outside the Zayn home! Kevin peers inside to watch Sami, his wife, and his son!

Kevin asks Sami via the video if Sami knows what he’s about to put them through, when they have to watch Kevin end Sami’s career. And what happens then, eh? When Sami can’t provide for them, and everything they have, like this nice house, the shelter, the security, the peace they have, when it’s all gone? And why? What for? Because Sami’s too proud? Because Sami’s selfish? Sami IS selfish. Because Sami is making Kevin do this to Sami’s family. Kevin will never forgive Sami for that. He’ll see Sami in Toronto. “But remember… You asked for this. It’s all your fault.” As if Kevin’s delusions aren’t already grand, will he continue to blame everyone else but himself?

 

Damian Priest & Braun Strowman VS Solo Sikoa & Jacob Fatu w/ Tama Tonga!

Elimination Chamber is on the horizon, and the Road to WrestleMania makes for strange bedfellows. Priest, Braun and Jacob were fighting each other just last week, but Solo’s return really threw things for a loop. Can Priest & Braun give Solo and the Samoan Werewolf their punishment? Or will everything (not) be fine in Solo’s Bloodline?

SmackDown returns as #OneBigSOB makes his entrance. As Solo, Jacob & Tama head to gorilla, we hear from Solo. “Tonight, we handle business. And it starts with Braun Strowman & Damian-” Jacob interrupts with, “Man, c’mon, DP! C’mon, Braun! I thought we did this! So tonight, we about to even up the score. If you ain’t know, I’m all gas, no brakes with it! See, since we touched the scene, we been dropping bodies like bread crumbs! Yadada mean!? FA-TUUU~! Hit my music!” The rogues enter to Jacob’s theme, is this alone proof he’s the new alpha? Or will the match be the last nail in that coffin?

The teams sort out, but Jacob stares down both Priest and Braun. NOLA seems to acknowledge Jacob, but Solo convinces him to stand down. Solo starts against Priest, the bell rings, and the two tie up. They go around, Priest powers Solo back, but Solo powers Priest back. They break, stare down, and Solo talks some trash. Solo shoves Priest, Priest shoves back. They circle again, tie up, and Priest puts Solo in a corner. The ref counts, Priest lets off at 4, but Solo stomps Priest’s foot! Solo throws hands, then a HEADBUTT! Priest staggers, but then he ROCKS Solo! And ROCKS him! And HEADBUTTS! That was a mistake!

Solo shakes his head to HEADBUTT Priest! Priest goes to a corner, Solo throws haymakers and body shots on repeat! The ref counts, Solo lets off and says see? Solo and Jacob as one! But Priest THROWS Solo to the corner to fire off haymakers of his own! Priest ROCKS Solo, the fans fire up, and Priest whips., Solo reverses to UPPERCUT! Solo talks smack but Priest ROCKS him again! Tag to Braun and the fans fire up! Braun stares Jacob down, tells him to shove it, then runs up to SPLASH Solo! Braun stares Jacob down again, goes back for Solo, and hits another LARIAT! Braun scoops, Solo slips free, but Braun runs up!

Solo ELBOWS Braun away, tags to Jacob, and Jacob runs in, but Braun dodges! Braun CROSSBODIES! Jacob is right up, but Braun BOOTS him right back down! Solo runs in but Braun TOSSES him! Priest hurries after Solo, Braun CLOBBERS Jacob! LEAPING LARIAT for Solo! Braun then gets on the track, STROWMAN EXPRESS SMACKS a chair out of Tama’s hand! The Good Bad Guy thought he was being sneaky! But then Jacob CROSSBODIES Braun into the timekeeper’s aera! The fans go wild as Jacob rises up, and SmackDown goes picture in picture.

Jacob hauls Braun up, drags him around the way, HEADBUTTS him, then brings him over to SMACK off the desk! Braun staggers, but he ROCKS Jacob in return! And THROWS Jacob into steel steps! Braun drags Jacob up, puts him in the ring, but Jacob SUPERKICKS Braun! Braun falls into the corner, Jacob HIP ATTACKS! Jacob’s all geeked up, then he tags in Solo. Solo soaks up some heat while Jacob HIP ATTACKS Braun again! Solo puts Braun on ropes to CHOKE him! The ref counts, Solo stops at 4, but Jacob gets a HEADBUTT in! Braun flounders, Solo taunts him and eggs him on, but Braun CHOPS him!

Solo HEADBUTTS Braun right down! Solo rains down fists, then lets off so he can put Braun on the ropes. Solo CHOKES Braun again, stops as the ref counts 4, and Jacob gets another cheap shot in! Solo tags Jacob in, then he HEADBUTTS Braun again and again! Jacob runs to BODY CHECK Braun! Jacob fires up, Braun flounders to ropes, but Jacob rains down fists! Tag to Solo, he soaks up heat from NOLA, then he stomps away on Braun! The ref counts, Solo lets off, then he keeps Braun from Priest by anchoring a leg. Tag to Jacob and Jacob climbs up, FROG SPLASH! Jacob roars while Braun writhes!

Jacob looms over Braun but he glares at Priest. Priest gets heated, but Jacob fires hands on Braun as SmackDown returns to single picture. Braun stands, but Jacob HEADBUTTS him again! Jacob runs for another BODY CHECK! And then a SENTON! Cover, TWO! Braun stays in this and he goes to a corner. Jacob snarls, tags Solo in, and the fans boo. Solo runs corner to corner to HIP ATTACK Braun! Solo grins as he copies Jacob’s geeking out. Tag back to Jacob and fans cheer! Jacob aims, runs, and HIP ATTACKS! Jacob keeps going, but Braun BOOTS from below!! The fans fire up while both men stagger to their feet.

Braun SPINEBUSTERS Jacob! Both monsters are down, the fans rally up, and they crawl, hot tags to Solo and Priest! Priest fires hands on Solo, then whips. Solo reverses but Priest SHOUDLER TACKLES Solo! Priest runs to BACK ELBOW! Jacob is back, but Priest dodges to WHEEL KICK! Priest then waits on Solo, but Solo catches Priest! Priest elbows free, but Solo SUPERKICKS! But Priest JUMPING ROUNDHOUSES! Solo comes back, Priest ROCKS him first! Solo swings, but into the FLATLINER! Cover, TWO! Solo survives but Priest puts him in a corner. Priest whips corner to corner, then runs, only for Solo to put him on th eapron!

Solo takes as swing, Priest dodges and ROUNDHOUSES! Priest then knuckle locks with Solo, goes up top, and he tightrope walks for some OLD SCHOOL! The fans fire up and Priest powers up the arm! Priest runs, but Solo ducks the Comebacker! Priest fights the fireman’s carry to BELL CLAP, ROUNDHOUSE, and then he reels Solo in! But Tama is on the apron! Priest DECKS Tama, but Jacob HOTSHOTS Priest! Solo hits the URENAGE! Cover, TWO!! Priest survives and Solo is stunned! Solo snarls, looks to his taped-up thumb, then he drags Priest up. The fans boo but Solo taunts the fans now. SAMOAN- NO! Priest grabs Solo!

But Jacob runs in! Priest ROCKS Jacob, ELBOWS Solo, then he dodges, so Jacob’s SUPERKICK hits Solo! An accident just like last week’s shot to Tama, but Jacob doesn’t seem as upset by it. Priest TOSSES Jacob, then CLOBBERS Solo! STROWMAN EXPRESS CLOBBERS Jacob & Tama!! Priest brings down the straps, the fans are thunderous, and Priest grabs Solo by the neck! SOUTH OF HEAVEN!! Cover, Priest & Braun win!

Winners: Damian Priest & Braun Strowman, by pinfall

Just as Solo thought it’d be like before, he and Jacob were not on the same page! Priest is rolling towards Elimination Chamber, will this be just what he needs to go back to WrestleMania?


My Thoughts:

A great SmackDown here, but with some interesting moves after the sudden change in plans with The Rock showing up. Naomi and Bianca had a good promo to hype up what was meant to be a full match of Naomi VS Liv, but word had already come out before the show that things were being cut for time. But at the very least, they did the right thing of making it a brawl that adds heat to the tag title match on Monday. Also, hilarious how Chelsea & Piper thought the beatdown on Bianca & Naomi was so bad that they would need to be pulled from the Chamber. I also can’t wait to see what happens on Toronto SmackDown.

As for The Rock, I do appreciate he used his authority to kayfabe change more things, all so he could have his promo with Cody. I also appreciate Rock blending his different roles and even different sides, both Heel and Face, to A) bring the news of WM42 being in NOLA, and B) recreate the Corporate Champion/People’s Champion story from the Attitude Era. That was some wild stuff he was saying to Cody. I’m sure quite a few people will try and talk with Cody next week in the go-home. Heels will say do it because they’d love to have what Rock can give, Faces will say not because Cody’s better than that. But naturally, Cody is not going to become The Rock’s Champion, causing Rock to turn on him and really up things going into WrestleMania 41 and perhaps even beyond.

Good stuff in the Elimination Chamber related stories. Jimmy VS McIntyre was great stuff to open, and how fitting that McIntyre loses to Jimmy after talking all that trash about Jimmy and Jey being the same. Jey got McIntyre with something quick, Jimmy got McIntyre with something quick, McIntyre’s ego is obviously his weakness. And at the same time, McIntyre of course destroys Jimmy after because that’s his other personality trait. Priest had good promos with Cody and Braun, and we got great stuff from Solo’s Bloodline. Naturally, we got a miscommunication spot to help finish, we’re really close to Solo VS Jacob, I can feel it. Priest & Braun get the win, mostly because Priest isn’t winning in the Chamber when you’ve got Punk and Cena in there.

Very good stuff with Tiffy Time, from the promos leading into the match to Charlotte being ringside just to watch. Nia & Candice of course get the better of Tiff & Trish, because Tiff & Trish are definitely winning the tag match in Toronto. Charlotte just seems to enjoy trolling Tiff with her presence, so Charlotte probably shows up in Toronto to then confront Tiff after the match. I expect the seven weeks after Elimination Chamber to really heat up, as will Charlotte’s involvement, where she’ll get more active verbally and physically. Also, hell, Rock should go full Corporation and have Charlotte be his Corporate Women’s Champion because of how established she is.

Hilarious stuff from Truth tonight, as always. Truth and Melo having their “who’s on first” again was good stuff, and of course Miz gets in on this story, too. Truth & Knight VS “Melo Don’t Miz” was really fun, but yeah, should’ve figured Nakamura would get involved, too. Melo & Miz making it work could also be really fun, and while Knight VS Nakamura is a rehash, I really hope they find a way to up things. It feels like we’re getting the same with the tag titles as Profits “ruined” that great tag match from DIY and Pretty Deadly, then brawled with MCMG to still come out on top. Last year had a ladder tag title match, so why not do one for these titles this year?

Speaking of escalating, Kevin filming a promo outside Sami’s house was some really well done stuff, as expected of someone as good as Kevin and in such a story as him and Sami. Their match should main event, it needs time to breathe, as it could be just as, if not more violent, than the Chamber matches. What a powerful closing moment we could have if it’s a bloody Kevin and Sami, and one of them is standing over the other, triumphant yet mournful because it was their best friend in the world that they just brutalized.

My Score: 8.9/10

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Andrew’s TNA LIVE! iMPACT! Results & Match Ratings: 2.20.2025

So the first live episode got fairly positive praise from everyone; will this continue the trend?

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Filming at Full Sail seems to have set the stage nicely this week! Going into a Live episode we got Moose and The Hardy Boyz on NXT, as well as Jordynne Grace’s involvement with Steph and Giulia giving a little shine to TNA happenings since she’s newly WWE.

This episode should be interesting, we finally see Lei Ying Lee (fka Xia Li) back in action, Rascalz take on Tyson and Tyriek, Tessa should be seeing some action as well…so generally interesting happenings for the second Live iMPACT! of 2025. Let’s see how this one goes down!

Ratings:

  • Tyson & Tyriek w/Wes Lee vs The Rascalz w/Ace Austin: Rascalz win via Meteora/Swanton Combo – ***
  • Lei Ying Lee vs Rosemary: Lei wins via Thunderstruck – **
  • NoDQ Match: Leon Slater vs JDC: Dango wins via The System help – ** 3/4
  • Masha Slamovich vs Mila Moore: Masha wins via Requiem – N/A
  • Elijah & Joe Hendry vs The Colons: Elijah wins via Tombstone Piledriver – *** 1/4

Results:

Oh yeah, and another Hendry concert is…cut off by a commercial, LOLTNA. First Hendry is cut off by AXSTV’s new Anime Hour bumper, and now Primo and Epico are showing up in TNA. I definitely didn’t have this on my BINGO card. The crowd starts chanting “Where’s Carlito”, which they do acknowledge and play off of well. Oh they’re using their shoot names of Orlando and Eddie now…but before they attack the lights go out and we get another guitar strum! ELIAH/ELIAS/EZEKIEL/EBENERZER/EMERY/EL VAGABUNDO – shows up to back up Hendry. Okay I can apologize away the redundant concert since it played into an Elijah debut. The crowd is immediately popping and chanting “This is Awesome” 10 minutes into the show. 

Tyson & Tyriek w/Wes Lee vs The Rascalz w/Ace Austin

Treehouse bros take it to the bigger men quickly, a few fast dives, a little MCMG style tandem strikes, Tyson fires and tries to take them out but they Low Bridge him. Tyriek comes in and they try similar things but Tyriek manhandles them both and throws them out of the ring, Trey is the first one back up and Tyriek and Tyson take his damn head off with his Corkscrew Running Euro Upper. Trey finally manages to flip out of the manhandle, tags in Wentz and Wentz goes for the hot and spicy cleaning house spot. Corner to Corner Knee Lifts for both big men, a Rolling Snapmare, into a Superkick for Tyson and Standing Shoot Star on Tyriek but only for two because Wes feints like he’s going to interfere.

Tyson and Tyriek pull off a tandem Assisted Backdrop Driver, but Wentz breaks it up, Tyson gets knocked out, Wentz hits the Tornillo, Wes tries to interfere again after Trey gets perched on the corner buckle but Ace runs around and trips Wes at the last second causing him to faceplant on the apron, Trey hits the Meteora, Wentz hits a Swanton from the other side of the ring and Trey gets the pinfall victory.

It was fast paced, all gas no brakes, but it didn’t overstay its welcome, so it was pretty fun all things considered.

After the match Wes grabs a mic, complains a little but challenges them to a 6 man match as Sacrifice. So we’re THAT’S where we’re getting the expected 3v3. 

Fir$t Cla$$ comes out with an entourage of hot chicks and probably influencers or something. The “First Class Penthouse” , Gabby AF, Mafiosa Valentina, and Carolina are apparently known in their own way. Gabby I know was the awful one who did something for Impact a last year and sucked, but she’s part of the Busted Open Network I believe so that’s why she’s around. Two of them look like Noelle Foley and Frank the Clown…oh they actually are. Look at that. I do love KC Navarro as the Hype Man, they have this whole set up of AJ being mad that they haven’t gotten more Tag Title shots, so TNA placated him with his own Piper’s Pit and he’s *pregnant pause* totally happy with that. He says he loved Piper and hated Hogan before it was cool.

This is actually quality content and AJ is cutting a nice promo in this segment. They introduce their first guest, the greatest performer in TNA history, many whole say he’s Phenomenal with a whole lot of style….it’s A-J-Francis. 

Lei Ying Lee vs Rosemary

Things were slow until Rosemary took her into a corner quickly, hit the Upside Down, and we get a lot of Lei trying to avoid Rosemary’s offense. Rosemary goes for a Spear in the corner and Lei forward rolls, starts connecting with a bunch of right hands, backs Rosemary into the corner, goes for 10 Count Punches, pulls her out, Airplane Spin TKO for only a two count. Rosemary tries As Above So Below, Lei shrugs it off, Rosemary tries to go after Lei anyway and eats Thunderstruck! Lei Ying Lee wins!

After the match Rosemary catches Lei on the ramp and hits the Green mist in the eyes. Match was far too short and so many of Lei’s set up moves look better than her finish. We’ve seen Kofi Kingston do it for years so it’s not bad, just the current Knockouts Division are awful and don’t take the move well. 

Eric Young and the jabronis come out, EY cuts a very basic power crazed psycho kind of promo, gets the “What” chants from the crowds. EY is trying to recruit Maclin even though Maclin made his line in the sand last week. EY tries to spin it as maybe he took out Josh FOR Maclin instead of in spite of his trust. This really doesn’t seem interesting at all, but that’s probably because I hate the two Jabronis EY is with. 

NoDQ Match: Leon Slater vs JDC

I really don’t have any interest in Slater. He’s got no personality beyond “flippy guy with a British accent”. 

Dango immediately powders, grabs a chair and goes to swing on him but misses. So Leon is making JDC look dumb by dodging the post chop, using the chair to shield himself from a punch by JDC, and then clapping Dango’s fingers between the chair. So typical System match, look inept for the first few minutes, then take advantage of something to take over. Oh look, Leon takes too long setting up the table, Dango gets in a few pot shots, tries to whip him into the table but Leon leaps over it, and then leaps back over to clobber Dango. Dango is still trying to recover so Leon hits his over the corner post con hilo, and the crowd appreciates it but I’m not interested. Leon panders to the crowd after the big spot and then eats an X-Plex into the chair from Dango.

JDC throws Leon back in, goes for a pinfall that’s only a two and we cut to a commercial. Coming out of the commercial JDC is in control with a Kendo Stick until he isn’t, Leon counters and takes the keno stick, brutalizes Dango a few times then comes off the ropes with the kendo shot for 2. Leon goes for another table, and again, at least the crowd is receptive to this match. Leon sets it up, looks for something off the apron but Dango stops him first until he eats a dropkick to fall onto the table, Leon hits the Swanton 450 through the table on the outside. Does it look cool? Sure. Do I care about dumbass moves? Nope.

Oh thankfully the rest of The System comes out to stop the pinfall, Shield Bomb Leon through the first table, and roll him back in for Dango to win.

The Hardy Boyz come out to try and make the save, but the numbers are against them, so Oba Femi’s music hits! Oba cleans house but doesn’t get his hands on Moose, so they’re at least building the eventual clash between Moose and Oba. 

The crowd starts a “Tessa, we comin for you” chant before she even starts talking. Tessa is actually playing off the crowd well, Santino’s music hits and Tessa thinks he’ll help her out with the crowd and Santino calls bullshit basically. Santino says if Tessa doesn’t wrestle next week, she’s fired and Masha’s music hits. Masha decides to step in for Tessa’s enhancement talent match. 

Masha Slamovich vs Mila Moore

Jobber tries to attack Masha early but Masha stops her, rocks her and Requiem ends the match.

Masha stares down Tessa, and then Cora Jade attacks from behind and hits Jaded. 

Ryan Nemeth comes out to his Abyss music remix. What will Mokuba say today? “MYYYY BIIIGG BBRROOOOTTHHHEEEEER” he repeats at least 4 times and it’s hilariously cringe. He announces that Nic will return at Sacrifice, he literally just came out to give a PSA. 

Elijah & Joe Hendry vs The Colons

Hendry starts with Eddie, after a brief tie up it seems like Hendry reads the room and points at Elijah and the crowd wants him in. So Joe tags in Elijah, a little back and forth, Shoulder Tackle from Elijah, Rope Walk with Elijah lays out Eddie and a tag to Joe allows for a quick tandem knockdown, but Eddie powders as the Walking and Talking Duo hold the ring going into the final commercial break.

We come back and Hendry is bouncing Orlando off the ropes as he return a strike, but Orlando is obviously losing, eats a Euro Upper, and then gets walked around in the Stalling Suplex for posterity. Eddie tries a sneak attack but gets caught and Sack of Shit, into Kip Up, turn and then Orlando with the ambush! A few quick short cuts and an Irish Whip/Dropkick combo gives the Colons a near fall. Hendry does get locomotion variation cradles, but eats a Dropkick to stop the attempt at momentum. Orlando stays on Joe, but Joe finally starts to fire up as the crowd starts to get behind him. Euro Uppers make some space, but a Snapmare says no.

Eddie gets tagged in and a quick Leg Sweep into a Front Chancery keeps Eddie in control. As Joe tries to get back up, Eddie turns it into a Guillotine, but finally the Suplex counter connects for Hendry! Simultaneous tags! Elijah bulls over Orlando, catches a Leap Frogging Orlando with the Manhattan Drop as Orlando retreats to a corner, Stinger Splash into Spinebuster for two.  Elijah tries to keep up the attacks but Orlando finds a few ways to make space, launches himself from the middle rope and eats the Jumping Knee! Eddie breaks up the pinfall, Hendry takes Eddie out and Elijah hits the Tombstone Piledriver for the win!

Overall Score: 6/10

Well there were more live hiccups than the first episode, and this felt both more epic and less epic at the same time. Elijah and the Colons debuting was a nice way to kick things off, Oba Femi showing up for the save was fantastic. There were a few decent matches, but also a lot of really short and rushed matches. Tessa played off the crowd well, but Masha really is useless on the mic. Lei Ying Lee needs to framed stronger, her matches have done nothing to show off her ability. It just proves that the Knockouts don’t know how to sell a kick to the head because they all take it in the shoulder and fall in corny ways.

Viva La Sam could be something fun if the next 3 weeks are just hand cam footage of him being like “I’m Sami Callihan and I’m gonna kick Mance Warner’s ass”, Elegance Clique getting the rematch with a stipulation is nice to see and while I like Fir$t Cla$$, that segment went a little long for a cornball swerve payoff. It’s one thing to placate the Influencer squad especially when we’ve seen Logan Paul and Ishowspeed do so well in WWE…but these are like Z Tier Influencers that no one cares about. These kind of dorks stream on Kick because they aren’t relevant enough for Twitch, not because they chose Kick over it.

So yeah, the low lights were pretty low, and the highs were a little fleeting, but at least they were pretty fun. Not a bad show, just clunky with noticeable issues and Masha shouldn’t be allowed to speak English anymore. She’s such a charisma vacuum when she’s not rambling in Russian.

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