Coverage
Mitchell’s NJPW G1 Climax 33 Results & Report! (8/1/23)
A & B, Round 6!
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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And with the first overall pick of the 2024 WWE Draft, SmackDown selects…
The WWE Draft returns for 2024, the first four rounds being right here on Friday Night SmackDown! With champions protected, who ends up where to challenge them?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Rey Mysterio & Dragon Lee w/ Zelina Vega & Carlito VS Angel Garza & Humberto Carrillo; Rey & Dragon win.
- Bron Breakker VS Cedric Alexander; Bron wins.
- WWE Women’s Championship #1 Contender’s Match: Naomi VS Tiffany Stratton; No Contest.
- Cody Rhodes VS Carmelo Hayes; Cody wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
Backstage interview with Paul Heyman.
Kayla Braxton is with the Wise Man and says that here on night one of the Draft, there are already rumors circulating, including those about The Tribal Chief, Roman Reigns. Heyman will clarify these are not rumors regarding The Tribal Chief, Roman… Reigns. These are facts! Ladies and gentlemen, Your Tribal Chief, Roman Reigns, has voluntarily withdrawn from eligibility for this year’s Draft. That is not a negative but a positive. Who built SmackDown since the Pandemic? Roman Reigns. Who is the biggest star in the entire industry? Roman Reigns. Why would Roman Reigns hog the number one draft pick spotlight when he won’t be returning in the immediate future?
Read into his words, Kayla, that is not what a real Tribal Chief would do. Instead now, the pressure is on Nick Aldis. Because if Roman Reigns isn’t the first draft pick, then who is? The first two picks make history in a brand new era. And Heyman doesn’t know about you, but he is intrigued. No Tribal Chief up for grabs, who gets their opportunity to shine in the spotlight?
SmackDown throws it to the NXT Performance Center.
Jackie Redmond says the emotion down here is palpable! There is excitement, hope, and a little bit of nerves. But for these NXT Superstars, tonight is the culmination of a lifetime of hard work, dedication, a little bit of luck and a whole lot of self-belief. It was just last year that the NEW WWE Tag Team Champion, Grayson Waller, was hoping his name would be called. And it is funny this is NXT, but time to buy a vowel, throw in an E! Who is next? We find out tonight! The draft pool is deep, who rises to the top of the list?
Corey Graves is in the ring.
Corey welcomes Cincinnati and all of us at home to night one of the 2024 WWE Draft. Understandably, the GMs have their hands full, so Corey will be moderating the contract signing for the WWE Championship match that takes place next Saturday for Backlash: France. Without further ado, it’s the #1 contender, The Phenomenal AJ Styles! Styles makes his entrance, taking a seat at the table on camera right. And now, the Undisputed WWE Champion, the American Nightmare, Cody Rhodes! Cincy fires up and sings along, “WHOA~ OH~!” as Cody makes his entrance and gets his pyro before joining everyone in the ring.
Styles looks over the contract, absolutely tuning out the fans going wild for “CODY! CODY!” Styles then gets the mic to say before he signs, he doesn’t know if we realize that we’ve got two Georgia boys about to mix it up for the first time, and for the biggest prize in the game. Styles understands why they boo, but they gotta know that he doesn’t respect LA Knight, LA Knight got under his skin. He accepts that. But that’s why Styles lost at Mania. But what happened? Styles got his composure back and realized that he is Phenomenal. Styles BEAT Knight to earn the right to face Cody Rhodes at Backlash.
Now unlike Knight, Styles does respect Cody. They hadn’t crossed paths yet, but they’ve been down the same roads. They had to prove themselves outside of the WWE. And Styles is willing to believe that the same man who gave him advice a long time ago gave Cody the same advice, on how to stand on their own two feet and be the men they are today. That man was The American Dream, Dusty Rhodes. The fans cheer for “DUSTY! DUSTY!” Styles learned a lot from Dusty. Styles gets a little emotional thinking about Dusty, he was a good man. Dusty taught Styles how to carry himself, and to carry the weight of a championship.
And Styles looks at this WWE Championship here. The weight of this isn’t just the leather and gold. And at Backlash, we see if Cody can carry it. Styles goes back to his table, signs the contract, and then hands it off to Corey. Corey brings that to Cody, and Cody picks up his mic. “So… Cincinnati…! Whadda we wanna talk about? Certainly, we can talk about respect. There is not a locker room on Earth that you’ll find where everyone in it, every single person, they all respect AJ Styles. Last week, I went on to say you are the modern day Excellence of Execution. I respect the roads that you have traveled down to get here, the parallel paths that perhaps you and I have.
“Mutual respect, much respect. But that respect goes by the wayside at Backlash. I can feel it in your words to a degree. You’ve been here before. And it seems you’re implying that I cannot carry the weight of that championship. Well, good thing the man who trained me not far from where I sit now used to tell me all the time, it’s not about winning the title, it’s about keeping it.” The fans cheer that. Cody says boy does he respect Styles’ familiarity with Cody’s last name. But when you put C O D Y in front of it on this paper, that means they’ve never touched before. That means Backlash is a level playing field.
That means no matter how Phenomenal Styles is, this isn’t a dream match for Cody. It’s a must-win! Cody signs while the fans cheer, and it is official! Cody even throws the pen to the crowd as a free souvenir. Cody then offers a handshake, and Styles says y’know what? It was a beautiful thing to see Cody #FInishTheStory and win the title. But it’s a shame that Cody’s title reign will end at Backlash. Styles still shakes Cody’s hand, and then walks away. Cody picks up the belt and holds it high, will he get to hold it high again in Lyon, France?
Triple H is here!
Just as Cody was on his way to the back, The Game makes his way out here! HHH raises Cody’s hand, then invites him over to the podium. HHH welcomes us to the first round of the 2024 WWE Draft. It is a night that changes the landscape of the WWE going into the future, and things are a bit different this year. As the GMs ponder their next steps, they have to understand it is about protecting the roster they have as it is making the roster they want. Meaning that when they use their picks, they have just as much of a chance gaining a superstar as they do losing one they already have.
HHH just felt that since champs are protected and Cody will be staying here on SmackDown, maybe Cody could help read the SmackDown picks and HHH can read the Raw picks. And since SmackDown goes first, Cody reads first. Cody takes the card to say that with the first pick of the 2024 WWE Draft, SmackDown selects… The E S T, Bianca Belair! The stongEST, fastEST, roughEST, toughEST stays on Friday nights! HHH reads that for the second pick of the 2024 WWE Draft, Raw selects… YEET! JEY USO! Monday nights will still have Main Event Jey Uso! And the fans “YEET!” Cody says for the third pick, SmackDown selects… NXT’s Carmelo Hayes!
The fans fire up as SmackDown manages to snag… HIM! The former NXT Champion makes history again by being the first NXT superstar to be chosen this high in the Draft! HHH says that’s a hell of a pick. But then the fourth and final pick of this first round, Raw selects… SETH! FREAKIN’! ROLLINS! It is still going to be Monday Night Rollins as the Visionary stays on the red brand! Cody and HHH shake hands, and then Melo makes his way out! Melo has the mic to say when they talk about who’s next up, about who’s the hottest out, they don’t call them “the hottest out,” they just call him “Carmelo Hayes.”
The fans chant “WHOOP DAT TRICK!” to remind Melo how he’s leaving NXT. Melo says okay, okay. But then to Cody Rhodes, ever since Cody won the title, he’s been talking about “If you aim for the king, you best not miss.” Well, funny how that works. Because when Melo shoots, Melo don’t miss. And as a first round draft pick, what better way to shoot his shot on SmackDown than to shoot it right at Cody? Melo leaves the mic with Cody but Cody picks it up to say, “Fortune certainly favors the bold, but I dunno. You folks don’t wanna see me in action tonight, do ya?” The fans go wild! Oh, but what if Cody forgot his gear?
Oh that’s right! He didn’t forget his gear! And this title right here, for Cody, means absolutely 100%, Melo’s on! They shake on it, and we’re about to see a huge first-time-ever showdown! But will this bold first move work out for… HIM?
Rey Mysterio & Dragon Lee w/ Zelina Vega & Carlito VS Angel Garza & Humberto Carrillo!
The LWO is still not convinced Legado Del Fantasma had nothing to do with the beating that took the Boy Wonder out ahead of WrestleMania. Will the King of Lucha help get to the bottom of things? Or will Angel & “Berto” make it as easy as ABC, 1-2-3?
The teams sort out, Dragon runs up on Humberto but Humberto LARIATS him down! Humberto drags Dragon up, tears the shirt away and CHOPS! Humberto whips, Dragon ducks ‘n’ dodges to RANA! Humberto tumbles out, Dragon builds speed and FLIES! Direct hit and down goes Humberto! The fans fire up as Dragon pushes Humberto into the ring, goes up a corner, and then CROSSBODIES! Cover, TWO! Dragon facelocks to drag Humberto up, but Humberto wrenches out to CLUB Dragon down. Humberto waistlocks but Dragon throws elbows. Angel tags in as Humberto shoves Dragon. Dragon ducks but Angel holds ropes open, and Dragon tumbles to the floor!
The fans boo and LWO hurries to check on Dragon! Angel & Humberto just soak up the heat as SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns and both Dragon and Humberto are down! They crawl, hot tags to Angel and Rey! The fans fire up as Rey ducks ‘n’ dodges and tilt-o-whirl RANAS! Angel ends up in a corner, he puts Rey on the apron, but Rey ROCKS Angel! Rey goes up to SEATED SENTON! Rey keeps moving, wrenches and kicks, then hops on! CODE RED! Cover, Humberto breaks it! The fans boo but Humberto hauls Rey up. Rey fights and RANAS Humberto up and out! But Angelo kicks, scoops, but Rey slips free! Angelo kicks low, reels REy in, and underhooks, but Rey fights those to RANA Angel onto ropes! Rey dials it up to 619!
Tag to Dragon and he takes aim! Angel stands, into the tilt-o-whirl, PROJECT DRAGON!! Cover, LWO wins!
Winners: Rey Mysterio & Dragon Lee, by pinfall
Carlito and Zelina hug it out with the team, but then Santos Escobar & Elektra Lopez walk out here. Santos says whoa, whoa, whoa, hold that celebration. Because Santos is many things, but a liar is not one of them. And when Santos said he did NOT attack Dragon that night before Mania, he meant it. Elektra has been working for weeks to track down the security footage from that night. And Rey… Oh, Rey. What you’re about to see, you will find very, very interesting. The footage plays, and it was CARLITO!! Carlito throw Dragon around backstage! No one can believe it, because of how well Carlito fooled even Dragno.
Speaking of, Carlito RAMS Dragon into Rey, then hits a BACKSTABBER! Never has that move’s name been more fitting! Carlito runs away in a panic, and Rey stands back up in a rage! Santos says he told Rey that he was right all along. They were supposed to be family, and yet look how that turned out. How will the LWO recover from this shocking development?
Bron Breakker VS Cedric Alexander!
The Big Bad Booty Nephew has been making a case for himself ever since showing up on SmackDown, and he’s already bringing the straps down! Is he going to break PRIMED Alexander while also breaking match time records? Or will Cedric prove he’s too fly for Bron?
The bell rings and Cedric dodges Bron to CHOP and ROCK! Cedric whips, Bron reverses and Cedric handsprings, into a SPEAR!! Cover, Bron wins!
Winner: Bron Breakker, by pinfall
Well, hard to say if that’s an all-time fast match, but that was a fast match! QR Code stuff going on, but will we all see Bron take the world by storm?
Nick Aldis heads out.
And waiting is Tiffany Stratton. She asks if he saw what she did last week. Wait, of course he did. Because she is the Center of the Universe. She dropped Naomi and Bayley, where is her title match? Aldis tells Tiff to look at his watch. It is NOT set to #TiffyTime. And he was this close to sending her to the back of the line. But then someone convinced him otherwise, good for her. Tonight, she goes 1v1 with Naomi again, and the winner faces Bayley for the title at Backlash. Whose stupid idea was that?! Bayley says DING DONG, it was hers. It is a win-win situation here. If Naomi wins, she gets the match she got cheated out of.
And if Tiff wins, then she’ll find out when she attacks the Role Model. Tiff gasps as she has a #TiffanyEpiphany. Bayley should be ringside for that match so she can see Tiff do what Bayley couldn’t, and that’s beat Naomi. Tootles. Tiff leaves, but will the only thing she gets is to #FeelTheGlow?
Michelle McCool and Torrie Wilson are here!
One is a former WWE Women’s Champion, the other is a WWE Hall of Famer, but they’re both here to present Draft picks! Michelle says with the first pick of the second round, SmackDown selects… The Viper, Randy Orton! SmackDown will still have to watch out for an RKO outta nowhere! Torrie says that with the second pick of the second round, Raw selects… BRON BREAKKER! We just saw Bron make quick work of opponents here on SmackDown, but now he’s gonna be rampaging on Raw!
Michelle says that with the third pick of the second round, SmackDown selects… NIA JAX! The Irresistible Force may have to change targets from the Women’s World to the Undisputed Women’s title, but will she be unstoppable all the same? And with the fourth and final pick of this round, Raw selects… LIV MORGAN! The Revenge Tour will still be part of Monday nights, will we watch Liv rise to the top?
The Bloodline arrives backstage.
Paul Heyman is there to greet them and open the door to the SUV. He apologizes for not being faster about that, but Solo Sikoa asks The Bloodline if they’ve been drafted. Not yet. Then give Solo the details. Okay, well, Roman Reigns withdrew right before the show began, and then Solo keeps adding members, so no one really knows what they’re getting if they draft The Bloodline! Solo sighs, and here comes Tama Tonga. Heyman asks they be patient but Solo wants Heyman to repeat that for him. Heyman gets scared, but then KEVIN OWENS jumps in! Kevin fires off on Tama, security and refs rush in to stop it!
The Prizefighter wants Solo’s “MFT” to bring the fight like he did last week! Security still drags Kevin away, but will he get that fight he wants?
Kayla Braxton is on stage.
SmackDown returns and Kayla welcomes us back to the show. And please welcome out the first overall pick, Bianca Belair! The fans fire up as The EST walks out on stage, and Kayla congratulates her on being the first overall pick. But let’s talk Backlash. Breaking news, Bianca and Jade Cargill are going to challenge for the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships, against the Kabuki Warriors. How satisfying would it be to dethrone them on the stage of this magnitude? Bianca says so satisfying. She really hopes Jade gets drafted to SmackDown because given all this history with Damage CTRL, all the partners by her side, Bianca has never been the one to finally end it with them.
For everything they’ve done to her and this division, Bianca feels Jade is the perfect woman to help her end this. Now, DMG CTRL is falling apart piece by piece, and that final piece is the tag titles. So once Bianca & Jade take the gold at Backlash, the Kabuki Warriors won’t even have a reason to come back to SmackDown. But wait, they’re here now! Asuka & Kairi walk out here and Kayla moves aside. The Empress of Tomorrow and the Pirate Princess taunt the EST, but here comes The Storm! Jade makes her way to stand right by Bianca’s side. The four shout and argue, but this will be settled on May 4th!
WHOA! Tama and Kevin are brawling their way out here! The ladies move aside so the gentlemen can brawl all the way down to ringside! Tama hits low, gets in the ring, but Kevin pursues! Kevin TACKLES Tama, but Solo CLOBBERS Kevin! The fans boo as The Bloodline beats Kevin down! The refs hurry out here but clearly Solo’s Bloodline won’t listen! Tama DECKS producers, DECKS guards, HEADBUTTS them, throws hands and even THROWS the guards! Tama and Solo beat Kevin down again, but here comes Randy Orton! The Viper is still on SmackDown and he’s still pals with Kevin, so here he comes!
Orton DECKS Tama, fires hands on Solo, then RK- NO, Solo gets free and gets away! Orton wants to pursue, almost runs Jamie Noble and refs over to do it, but the Bloodline has gotten away! The fans cheer Randy on, and KAevin even hugs him! But then Kevin and Randy try to give chase! Security stops this, when and where will we see #RKKO strike down Solo and Tama?
The Dudley Boyz are here!
The fans fire up as Bubba Ray & D-Von are both here for the next round of picks! Cincy chants for “E C DUB! E C DUB!” Bubba and D-Von look at the cards, it’s hard to read. So out come the glasses! Bubba says with the first pick of the third round of the 2024 WWE Draft, SmackDown selects… L A KNIGHT! YEAH!! The Mega Star stays on Fridays! D-Von says with the second pick of the third round, Raw selects… RICOCHET! Mondays still has the One and Only, is Ricochet going to bring that WWE Speed Championship home to Raw, too?
Bubba says with the third pick of the third round, SmackDown selects… THE BLOODLINE! That means Solo Sikoa, Tama Tonga and Paul Heyman are staying right here on Friday nights. And D-Von says with the final pick of this round, Raw selects… SHEAMUS! The Celtic Warrior just got back, but he won’t have to worry about going anywhere else but Monday nights.
WWE Women’s Championship #1 Contender’s Match: Naomi VS Tiffany Stratton!
It’s time to run it back once again! The Glow got robbed by the Spoiled Rich Girl, but supposedly, it’s #TiffyTime. Will Naomi prove there’s no such time on the clock? Or will Bayley be the one feeling the Backlash over giving Tiffany one more chance?
The bell rings and Naomi hits a THESZ PRESS! Naomi rains down fists, Tiffy shoves her away and goes to ropes, but Naomi gets up in Tiff’s face. Naomi whips, Tiff holds ropes to bail out and fans boo. Naomi scowls, runs in and WRECKS Tiff with a dropkick! Naomi then gets Tiff up, SMACKS her off the apron, and then SMACKS her off it again! And again! Naomi puts Tiff in, goes up a corner, but Tiff gets under the jump! Naomi runs back up but Tiff YANKS her into ropes! Tiff runs to HIP ATTACK! Naomi sputters, Tiff scowls and drags Naomi up, to then put through ropes. But Naomi RAMS into Tiff!
Naomi reels Tiff in, for a HEATSEEKER! Tiff flops to the floor, and then Naomi SPLIT LEG DROPS! Naomi says it’s #NaomiTime, but SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns and Naomi runs, but into a SPINEBUSTER! High stack, TWO! Naomi survives and Tiff is frustrated but the fans rally up. Tiff drags Naomi up, whips her to a corner, but Naomi goes up and sunset flips! TWO! Tiff escapes, knees Naomi low, then whips. Naomi slides under the lariat to then mule kick! Then she headscissor SPIKES Tiff down! Cover, TWO! Tiff survives but barely, and Naomi keeps her cool. Naomi headlocks, but Tiff shoves her into buckles! Tiff runs, but Naomi follows, DOUBLE RUNNING FACEBUSTERS take them both down! The fans fire up as the two rise!
Naomi KICKS, ROCKS and ROCKS Tiff again! Naomi fires shots again and again but Tiff knees low! Tiff reels Naomi in, but Naomi wrenches out to ENZIGIRI! And then BUCKLE BULLDOG! But then NIA JAX attacks Bayley!? Nia SMACKS Bayley off buckles, rains down fists, and this momentarily distracts Naomi. Naomi refocuses, but by now, Tiff’s slipped away! Nia KICKS Bayley in the side, so Naomi goes out to ROCK her! Nia POSTS Naomi and that throws the match out!
No Contest
The fans boo as Nia ruins the fun, then runs Bayley over! Nia smiles as she blows kisses to Cincy. Tiff smiles, she drags Naomi up and puts her in the ring. Then she drags Bayley in! Tiff wants a repeat of last week as she puts them side by side in the drop zone! Tiff then goes up and up for the PRETTIEST MOONSAULT EVER!! Tiff says it’s her time, but the #1 contendership is still in question. Who gets their shot at the Role Model at Backlash?
B-Fab and the Street Profits meet up backstage.
Angelo Dawkins has a “WHO-DEY” sign, but Montez Ford is wondering where Bobby Lashley is right now. B-Fab says calm down, he’ll be here. Byron Saxton walks over and apologizes for interrupting. He doesn’t know what the Draft destination for this group will be until Monday Night Raw, but we do know that The Profits will challenge A-Town Down Under for the WWE Tag Team Championships. YESSIIIIIIR~! B-Fab says it doesn’t matter where they get drafted. The Profits are going to take down A-Town Down Under and take those titles. Then they’ll have their first class tickets right back to SmackDown.
SmackDown? Did someone say SmackDown~? In walk Austin Theory & Grayson Waller, showing off the titles. And Theory says you can’t have SmackDown without the GREATEST undefeated tag team of all time. And sorry, Dawkins, but these are championships, something the Bengals know nothing about! B-Fab keeps Dawkins back, but then in steps Bobby Lashley! The All Mighty scares Theory & Waller right off, and Dawkins says see y’all next Friday! Will there be nothing keeping these Profits down the night before Backlash?
The Final Testament speaks.
Karrion Kross says good evening. What’s going on here? You guessed it! More random acts of violence! Just follow him. Kross & Scarlett lead the way to show The Authors of Pain beating down New Catch Republic! Rezar beats down Pete Dunne while Akam victimizes Tyler Bate! Paul Ellering says they will know about sacrifice! Kross says whether they get drafted to Raw or stay on SmackDown, the violence will continue until they get what they want! So sayeth The Final Testament!!
Teddy Long and JBL are here!
The Hall of Famer General Manager and the Hall of Famer WWE Champion are both here, ready to give us the fourth and final round of picks tonight! Teddy gets right to it! The first pick of the fourth round, SmackDown selects… AJ STYLES! The Phenomenal One is really an obvious choice, because one way or another, the WWE Championship stays with SmackDown! JBL says the second pick of the fourth round, Raw selects… THE ALPHA ACADEMY! Raw keeps Chad Gable, Otis, Maxxine Dupri & Akira Tozawa, A THANK YEW~!
Teddy says with the third pick of this round, SmackDown selects… ANDRADE! A big move as now El Idolo will be part of Friday nights. And with the final pick of this fourth round, Raw selects… NXT’S Kiana James! The Calculator, the former NXT Women’s Tag Team Champion, has the Raw hat to put on, and after a quick hype package, Jackie Redmond is there to interview her. Kiana, congratulations! You are heading to Monday Night Raw! How much does this mean to her? This means the world to her. She is filled with gratitude, but also knows every decision she has made up to this point has been by design to get her here.
Kiana is so proud of her time in NXT, but she’s ready to show Raw why she is the One Percent. Was she surprised? Of course she was! HBK is here to wish her luck and congratulations. Is Kiana going to start the hostile takeover of the Raw Women’s Division?
Backstage interview with Nick Aldis.
Kayla is with the SmackDown GM and says that with night one in the books, how does he feel about SmackDown’s selections? He feels really good about them. SmackDown’s future is bright, he can’t wait for the new recruits to show up and show out for the blue brand. But he also wants to turn attentions to Backlash, because he’s got some new matches to announce! The first PLE in France, this is exciting stuff, Kayla. Aldis says that the WWE Women’s Championship will now be on the line in a Triple Threat! Bayley VS Naomi VS Tiffany Stratton! Will the odds make it that much harder for the Role Model to succeed?
There’s one more match to announce, but Aldis will let the GM GOAT take it from here. Teddy Long steps in, and don’t forget. We’ll talk about this tag team match. The Bloodline VS Kevin Owens & Randy Orton! Holla, players. Solo & Tama will have to face The Viper and the Prizefighter, will #RKKO strike fast and strike hard?
Cody Rhodes VS Carmelo Hayes!
The American Nightmare just put pen to paper for his match with the Phenomenal One, but he isn’t one to shy away from a challenge. The former NXT Champion is shooting his shot, but will this be nothing but net? Or will it be a frustrating airball?
The bell rings and the two circle. They tie up, the fans rally for Cody as he puts Melo in a corner then arm-drags him away. Melo runs up, Cody headlocks, Melo powers out then drops. Melo hurdles, but Cody kicks low to RHODES UPPERCUT! Melo staggers to ropes, the fans fire up, but then melo throat chops and springboard FLYING LARIATS! Melo says that’s why he’s a first round pick! But then Cody CLOBBERS him! Cody asks if Melo’s ready for this, and SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns once again and Cody has a headlock. Cody hits a takeover, Melo flails and kicks around, but Cody grinds him down. Melo pushes with his forearm, then headscissors, but Cody kips free. Melo CHOPS, the fans “WOO~!” but Cody brushes himself off. Melo pie faces Cody! Cody fires forearms on Melo, then whips, but Melo reverses. Melo ELBOWS Cody, then runs up to KICK him in the side! Melo fires forearms and CHOPS in a corner, then throws body shots. Melo digs his boot in, the ref counts, and Cody goes to another corner. Cody eggs Melo on, Melo storms up, but Cody puts him in the corner to CHOP!
Cody swings, Melo dodges and CHOPS! Cody turns things around to CHOP! The fans rally, Cody whips corner to corner, then he back drops Melo away! Melo staggers up, Cody runs, and he rallies on Melo with forearms! Cody goes up and over in a corner but Melo tilt-o-whirls, LA MYSTICA! Melo springboards, FADE AWAY! Cover, TWO! Cody survives that flying DDT, but we see the NXT roster all fired up watching Melo take it to the champ. Melo sits Cody up, drags him into a facelock, but the fans rally for Cody. Cody fireman’s carries but Melo slips free to dragon sleeper! Melo grins, but Cody cradles! TWO!!
Melo swings, Cody boots, then Cody springboards to BEAUTIFUL DISASTER! Melo flips inside-out, Cody covers, TWO! Melo is still in this and he snarls up at Cody. Melo gives a forearm, Cody gives it back, and the fans rally up. Cody scoops Melo, storms around, and then hits a RUNNING POWERSLAM! Cover, TWO! Melo survives and Cody grows frustrated. Cody pounds the mat, the fans rally up, and then Cody goes to ropes. Cody springboards again, CODY CUTTER! Cover, TWO!! Melo survives yet again, proving why he’s a former NXT Champion, on top of NXT North American Champion! But then Cody drags him up!
Cody back suplexes, Melo lands out of it, then FIRST 48! Doe goes Cody and Melo goes up! Melo is setting up for the game winner! NOTHING BUT- NO, Cody avoids the flying leg drop! Melo rolls through, Cody dodges to SUPERKICK! Cody brings Melo around, but Melo gets free! They both run, both springboard, but completely miss each other, and Cody takes a rough landing! Melo drags Cody up, reels him in, but Cody wrenches out to dragon sleeper! CROSS RHODES!! Cody shakes out the bad arm but still makes the cover, and Cody wins!
Winner: Cody Rhodes, by pinfall
Melo took his shot but it was blocked! Even so, Cody sits Melo up to show him respect and tell him he’s still the future. But did this match end up more of a trap game for Cody after that crash landing? Or will he be alright in time for Backlash and his phenomenal opponent?
Speaking of, Styles sneaks right into the ring! Cody sees him in time and Styles stays back. Cody and Styles stare down, but Styles says it was that close. Styles offers a handshake, and Cody takes it. There’s still respect here, for now. But will nothing stop Styles from turning Cody’s story into a tragedy after all?
My Thoughts:
A great SmackDown to open the WWE Draft but to also set up Backlash. To recap, SmackDown took Bianca, Melo, Orton, Nia, LA Knight, The Bloodline, Styles and Andrade while Raw took Jey, Rollins, Bron, Liv, Ricochet, Sheamus, The Alpha Academy, and Kiana. Many of those choices made sense, as picks won’t be wasted on keeping champions on brands, and just need to be used to keep most stories alive and change up a few others. Kiana is perhaps one of the more surprising moves, but well-deserved. She has been a solid character and solid in-ring performer almost from the start, she’s a solid addition to Raw.
Bron of course demolished his opponent tonight, it’s just a shame it was Cedric and not local enhancement talent. But Bron will also be a good addition to Raw, but maybe he can move past his squash match phase and get right to story. Melo being a first round pick was great stuff, and he had a great promo with Cody to give us tonight’s main event. That double springboard whiff was definitely a timing problem, but at the same time, a Fade Away countered into a Cody Cutter would’ve been way too epic just for TV. Cody with a great win, and we got a really good contract signing segment, but you can bet Cody retains.
Really good tag match from LWO VS Legado but naturally Rey & Dragon won. I knew it was only a matter of time before Carlito was outed, and how he handled being exposed was pretty good. And with Andrade being drafted to SmackDown, you just know that means Andrade joins the LWO. The Final Testament attacking New Catch Republic was a wild moment, I almost thought Ellering was going to use the pliers in his hands to grab at fingers. Maybe we get that next week for SmackDown in France. Good promos from A-Town Down Under and the still technically unnamed faction of Bobby Lashley’s. As great as The Profits are, it feels like Theory & Waller will cheat to retain.
Really good promo with Tiff and Bayley to set up Naomi VS Tiff round 3, but I did not think Nia Jax would disrupt all that. A Triple Threat at Backlash is good stuff, it will protect Bayley if she loses, but can also protect Naomi and Tiff if Bayley uses them against each other to win. Good promo from Bianca that then turned into the shouting match of Bianca & Jade with Kabuki Warriors. Their tag title match is official, and I’m pretty sure Bianca & Jade win. I also liked that this segment ended up having Kevin and Tama brawl right through it. Orton saving Kevin was a great move, RKKO VS Solo & Tama is going to be awesome stuff, I can’t wait to see it.
My Score: 8.8/10
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Coverage
Andrew’s TNA iMPACT! Results & Match Ratings: 4.25.2024
We just got done with Rebellion, and Under Siege is two weeks away! Gotta see how these dots connect!
Rebellion had quite a few returns, Mike Santana, Sami Callihan and Broken Matt Hardy. All three of these guys could easily be main event players, and its nice to mix up and expand what felt like a rather small pool of potential challengers.
Under Siege is only like 2 weeks out, so we’ll see how the dots connect in such a short period of time.
.@AJFrancis410, Rich Swann, and rap legend @BunBTrillOG are IN THE HOUSE Meanwhile, @joehendry announces he will deliver an apology to Fir$t Cla$$ NEXT WEEK on #TNAiMPACT! pic.twitter.com/4GNe2xWfyU
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) April 26, 2024
Ratings:
- Mike Santana vs Myron Reed w/Trey Miguel & Zachary Wentz: Santana wins via Spin the Block – ** 1/2
- #1 Contender: Frankie Kazarian vs Josh Alexander: Josh wins via Grapevine Ankle Lock – ***
- ASH by Elegance vs Xia Brookside: Xia wins via School Girl Roll-Up – ** 3/4
- Sami Callihan vs The Good Hands: Sami Callihan wins via Cactus Driver ’97 – SQUASH
- Eddie Edwards w/Alisha Edwards & Brian Myers vs Nic Nemeth: Eddie wins via Boston Knee Party – *** 1/4
Results:
Did @NicTNemeth say BROKEN? @MATTHARDYBRAND has arrived in the iMPACT Zone! #TNAiMPACT pic.twitter.com/HbkUangt6e
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) April 26, 2024
A weird opening that is just framed to put Nemeth and Hardy together against The System. Feels a little awkward, but who knows how it will play out.
.@JordynneGrace vs @miyu_tjp NEXT WEEK on #TNAiMPACT will now be for the Knockouts World Championship! pic.twitter.com/YnKZjb9yjx
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) April 26, 2024
Mike Santana vs Myron Reed w/Trey Miguel & Zachary Wentz
Ahh I didn’t really pay attention to Santana’s theme at Rebellion, but its pretty damn cool. Good stuff.
Rascalz blindside Santana early, but the heel advantage doesn’t last more than a few moves. Santana whips Myron from corner to corner, hits a few Hip Attacks before Myron finally dodges one and starts using his unique offense and agility to his advantage. Matrix dodge, into an Leaping Outside Back in Slingshot Codebreaker. Some more offense and Santana powders to the ramp, Myron jumps over the rope and tries a Flying Cutter, but Santana blocks it, turns things around, gets pushed forward and hits the Rolling Cutter. Santana takes out the Rascalz, heads back into the ring, Myron tries to catch him unawares but eats the Spin the Block off the rope run! Santana wins fairly quickly.
Maclin’s music hits, he tries to employ the help of The Rascalz to attack Santana, but as soon as Maclin positions himself to get in, The Rascalz bail and flip off Maclin. Maclin makes it out of the confrontation relatively unscathed, but at least we know where he’s going for Under Siege probably.
OH FUCK ME WITH RUSTY KNIVES. Because Cardona is hurt Kon is paired with SDL, and she just challenges Jordynne and PCO to a tag match. WHY!? STOP IT. This is hot garbage.
Josh Alexander comes out…I wonder who’s Super Finisher he’s gonna conveniently kick out this time? Brian Myers? Frankie Kazarian? Rich Swann? Because yes, I’m still annoyed that Hammerstone has been in TNA for half a sandwich, he already connects with a Super version of his finish on tacks, and that’s not a finish. Oh Kaz’s music hits. Okay, so time for Josh to kick out of Fade to Black or Flux Capacitor. Kaz talks smack, says he won his match too so he should have a say in who’s number one contender. Josh challenges him, Kaz says not right now, but a referee runs out and says the match is official.
#1 Contender: Frankie Kazarian vs Josh Alexander
Kaz throws his jacket on Josh’s head, and attacks him with some strikes before Josh fights back and throws Kaz out. Commercial break, we see Kaz misses his Apron Guillotine, Josh goes for the Low Crossbody but Kaz dodges and Josh goes flying. Kaz starts throwing some chops and claws at the cauliflowered ears of Josh. Russian Leg Sweep from Kaz for a near fall. Josh swings wildly and Kaz ducks the strike and levels Josh with a Lariat.
Josh blocks a Vertical Suplex attempt, but Frankie pulls off a Fisherman’s Suplex after a few overhead strikes for a near fall. Josh stands up and connects with a straight right, rocks Kaz, Back Body Drop, into a Charging Forearm, Rolling Senton, 2 count! C4 Spike attempt countered into a Back Stabber and then Chicken Wing, but Josh fights it off, rolls through and into an Ankle Lock, Kaz kicks off and into a Head and Arm Cradle for a near fall and then the Guillotine Leg Drop into Slingshot DDT spot from Kaz for another 2 count!
Fade to Black, but its fought off, Big Boot but then Kaz counters the next move with a Power Slam into the Springboard Guillotine Leg Drop, but Josh grabs the Ankle Lock! Locomotion German Suplex time from Josh, Halfhatch Suplex after the Germans, floats over for a 2 count! C4 Spike attempt again, but Kaz fights it off, dumps him over the top rope, slingshots him in and into the Cutter for a near fall for Kaz! After the 2 Kaz grabs a chair and chain, the referee stops the chair of course, so he tries the chain, EY runs down and grabs the chain so Kaz pulls the Eddie Guerrero and the referee admonishes EY, but doesn’t DQ Josh. So as Kaz is busy laughing at EY, Josh picks the ankle, Ankle Lock with the Grapevine, Kaz taps.
Tensions are sky-high between @alexhammerstone and @JakeSomething_! #TNAiMPACT pic.twitter.com/LLCUJOCy7H
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) April 26, 2024
ASH by Elegance vs Xia Brookside
Both are jawing at each other and then throw hands before Xia gets the upper hand with a Headscissors from the Top Turnbuckle, Charging Knees, a Flurry of Kicks, but when the ref forces some space in the corner, ASH is finally able to dodge and work over Xia with her Twisting Body Splash, a few choking moves, a corner Stomp into a Snap Suplex for 2. ASH is in charge elegantly, but the referee keeps forcing space on both of them when they go for corner attacks. Xia manages to take advantage a little, but ASH regains control, kicks Xia up the ramp and then lands her Cartwheel Back Elbow up the ramp. It actually looks pretty cool executed like that.
Headlocks and Hair Pulling to keep Xia down and using energy to kick out. ASH is getting frustrated but Xia is remaining persistent. ASH goes back to the Headlock, but Xia fights up, Jawbreaker, Back Elbow, Kick to the gut and Drop Toe Hold sends ASH face first into the middle buckle. Xia rips off 4 Double Knee Smashes to the back of ASH’s head into her Flying Crossbody for a close 2! Xia pulls her up, but ASH spins out, then Xia slips it, but ASH kicks her in the chest and deposits her to the outside and demands a count from the referee. Iceman puts Jeweled Knuckles/Rings on ASH’s hand, the referee catches her, removes the stuff from her fingers and Xia hits the School Girl Roll-Up for the flash win.
Fraud has thrown the Ballot Box Battle into chaos, but also paved the way for an explosive showdown between @TheTreyMiguel and @The_Ace_Austin NEXT WEEK to determine the #1 Contender for the X Division Championship! #TNAiMPACT pic.twitter.com/lYHrtgNrc3
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) April 26, 2024
Sami Callihan vs The Good Hands
So the Good Hand Jobs are about to do their job to Sami. I’m just gonna assume Sami beats the hell out of both and wins with a Cactus Driver ’97. If anything interesting happens I might actually cover it, but come on now.
.@SteveMaclin has a proposition for @FrankieKazarian#TNAiMPACT pic.twitter.com/XY6lMdmSWo
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) April 26, 2024
Kaz makes a Metallica reference with the “Wash Your Back So You Won’t Stab Mine”…and Sweet Amber is the only good song on St. Anger. So…I ain’t mad.
Eddie Edwards w/Alisha Edwards & Brian Myers vs Nic Nemeth
A little early ground wrestling and headlocks for control from both men. Nothing super flashy to start until we get to the rope run and Nemeth goes for the Flying Body Press to drop Eddie. Before Nemeth can follow up, Lish grabs his foot. Nic does have his brother Ryan in the crowd, trying to get chants going and do the old school ‘power up the babyface’ thing, but Eddie has been in control since Lish got involved. Simple offense, chokes, strikes, Snap Suplexes, Knee Drops, simple yet effective. But then Eddie ducks his head too early, Nemeth kicks him in the face, bounces his head off the buckles a few times, Dropkick sends Eddie reeling to the corner, Nemeth starts the 10 Count Punches but Myers hits the apron to distract and Eddie manages to slip the situation and push Nemeth to the floor.
Commercial break happens, Nemeth is trying to fight back with Chops, but a Kitchen Sink from Eddie puts Nemeth on the floor again! Clubbing blow from Eddie, but Eddie then misses the Hip Attack in the corner and Nemeth counters with the Rude Awakening into the 10 Count Rain of Elbows. Fame Ass-er miss, Eddie tries something but Nemeth turns it into that hesitation DDT for 2! Tuning up the band starts to build and Eddie powders to avoid it. Nemeth throws Eddie back in, goes to the top, but Eddie crotches him, rises up and hits the Superplex into Tiger Driver for 2! Eddie starts mocking with Tuning Up the band but Nemeth hits his own Superkick into an Olympic Slam for 2!
Both men just trade strikes Fighting Spirit style, Eddie says “Always Trust the System” and Nemeth shuts him up with a Headbutt. Danger Zone is blocked, Boston Knee Party gets ducked, they level each other with Lariats! Myers and Ryan Nemeth start fighting to distract the referee, Moose hits the ring and hits Nemeth with the belt. Eddie lands Boston Knee Party and The System wins again!
Overall Score: 6/10
A lame opening segment, a squash match, ASH by Elegance getting her first loss, and a weird way of just pulling the number one contender out of mid air makes for an awkward show. Also Kon still be involved in, literally anything, is negative. However, I can say there was a ton of stuff thrown at the wall this episode, so there’s a chance that some things landed better with other people than myself. The ballot segments were amusing, they overused the “I need to talk to you Santino” gimmick a bit much and personally I feel like having Jake versus Hammerstone is booking yourself into a weird corner.
But hey, the main event was fun, Nemeth getting laid out to the point that there could be a story reason to take him out of the Under Siege match. Kaz with the Metallica reference was pop worthy and I guess its a lot of ‘let’s see where it goes’ kind of angle creation. So it wasn’t complete trash, but its definitely a wait and see episode.
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