Coverage
Mitchell’s ROH Results & Report! (8/3/23)
Will Josh Woods have the goods?
Who will reign as THE Wrestler?
As the Television Championship Contender Tournament continues, Katsuyori Shibata defends his ROH Pure Championship against Josh Woods!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- ROH World Television Championship Eliminator Tournament, Semifinal: Christopher Daniels VS Shane Taylor; Shane wins and advances to the finals.
- ROH World Tag Team Championships: Aussie Open VS The Iron Savages w/ Jacked Jameson; Aussie Open wins and retains the titles.
- ROH Pure Championship: Katsuyori Shibata VS Josh Woods w/ The Varsity Athletes; Shibata wins and retains the title.
- Dalton Castle w/ The Boys VS “The Reality” Zack Clayton; Castle wins.
- The Infantry w/ Trish Adora VS Nick Comoroto & Jora Johl; The Infantry wins.
- Leyla Hirsch VS Miranda Vionette; Leyla wins.
- ROH World Television Championship Eliminator Tournament, Semifinal: Gravity VS Tony Nese w/ The Varsity Athletes; Gravity wins and advances to the finals.
- ROH Women’s World Championship: Athena VS Diamante; Athena wins and retains the title.
- The Boys VS The Gates of Agony w/ Prince Nana; The Gates of Agony win.
- Cole Karter VS Leon St. Giovanni; Karter wins.
- Robyn Renegade w/ Charlette Renegade VS Christina Marie; Robyn wins.
- El Hijo Del Vikingo & Komander w/ Alex Abrahantes VS The Workhorsemen; Vikingo & Komander win.
PLAY BY PLAY
ROH World Television Championship Eliminator Tournament, Semifinal: Christopher Daniels VS Shane Taylor!
The Fallen Angel and Bad Boy Shaney T. are both prime choices for facing Samoa Joe, but only one can move on to the final round! Will Daniels fly on Angel’s Wings? Or will he get knocked out by the baddest ROH World TV Champion ever?
Fans rally up for Daniels already as the Code of Honor is upheld. The bell rings, the two circle, and then Daniels waistlocks to get a headlock. Daniels shifts, wrenches an arm, but Shane blocks the arm-drag! Shane shoves Daniels to ropes, and the two reset. They tie up, Daniels tries a drop toehold but Shane stays up! Daniels lets off and slaps a buckle in frustration. Daniels and Shane feel out a knuckle lock, but then Daniels kicks a leg! Daniels headlocks, but Shane powers out. Shane runs in at the corner but only gets buckles! Daniels CHOPS and fires off forearms! Daniels climbs up, CLUBS away, but Shane shoves him away.
Daniels runs in, but now only he gets buckles! Shane DECKS Daniels with a left jab! Shane brings Daniels up, throws a body shot, and Daniels sputters as he goes to ropes. Shane reels Daniels in to short arm LARIAT! Fans fire up and Daniels flounders to ropes. Shane CHOKES Daniels and the ref counts, Shane lets off at 4. Fans continue to rally for Daniels but Shane whips him to ropes. Daniels ducks then jumps over the dropdown, but Shane CLOBBERS Daniels! Fans boo but Shane storms around to cover. TWO, and Shane is frustrated. Shane says he’s gonna beat dat ass, but Daniels JAWBREAKERS! Daniels fires forearms, then runs!
Shane swings, Daniels ducks, but the SOUTHPAW hits! Cover, TWO! Shane glares as Daniels rises, and the fans rally up. Shane brings Daniels up, and DECKS him with a hard right! The ref checks Daniels but he’s still conscious. Shane shakes his head, lines up a shot, and he drops a BIG elbow on Daniels! Cover, TWO! Shane wraps on a chinlock and he squeezes tight. Fans rally, Daniels fights up, and Daniels throws body shots! But Shane CLUBS Daniels, whips but Daniels kicks back! And NECKBREAKER! Daniels goes to a corner, Shane wobbles as he stands back up, and Daniels runs in to LARIAT! Shane stays up!
Daniels runs, LARIATS, but Shane still stays up! Daniels LARIATS again, btu Shane throws him to the corner! Shane runs in, but only gets buckles! Daniels ENZIGURIS, then he goes up, to FLYING RANA! Fans fire up with Daniels and he runs to BLINDSIDE LARIAT! Cover, TWO! Shane is still in this but Daniels goes up a corner. Shane staggers up, Daniels leaps, but Shane catches him! URENAGE! Shane runs to SPLASH! Cover, TWO! Daniels survives and Shane is shocked, but the fans fire up! Shane shakes his head, he drags Daniels to a corner and then goes up. Shane reels Daniels in but Daniels SHOTEIS! And GAMANGIRIS!
Daniels crosses the arms, but Shane claws Daniels’ face! The ref counts and fans boo, and Shane lets off at 4, to then CROSSBODY!! Shane isn’t done there, he drags Daniels up and tucks him in! MARCUS GARVEY DRIVER!! Shane wins!
Winner: Shane Taylor, by pinfall (advances to the finals)
The Fallen Angel falls, and now Shane Taylor is one step closer to facing Samoa Joe! Who will meet Shane in the finals of this contender eliminator tournament?
Backstage interview with The Iron Savages.
Lexi Nair is with Jacked Jameson, Dirty Bulk Bronson and Beefcake Boulder, and she brings up how last week, they called out the Mogul Embassy and challenged them for the ROH World Six Man Tag Team Championships. They did come up short, but word is, they want the tag titles now? Yes! The Shredded Savage, Polls Malone, Flex Luger, Jacked Jameson says these broad behemoths, Bulk Bronson & Beefcake Boulder, have been sippin’ the Savage Sauce and livin’ hoss. Oi, Beefcake, what’s the John Dory?
Beefcake doesn’t know what that means, but he tells Aussie Open that they’re a couple of men. Especially Mark Davis, that’s a big body man. But Kyle Fletcher’s a man, too. Point is, last week, the Iron Savages were within an eyelash of taking those Six Man titles, so when MEN like them get a taste, they don’t stop until their power bellies are full! Bronson says the “Fat Jacked Army” is calling Aussie Open out! So what do they say? For the first time in Honor Club history, Aussie Open puts the ROH World Tag titles on the line against Bronson & Boulder? And then they’ll make you SUCK BRICKS! “And IIIIIII’M GONNA BUST!”
Jameson shouts, “Who are we?” “Iron Savages!” “Who are we?!” “Iron Savages!” “WHO, ARE, WE!?!” “IRON SAVAGES!!” These three are all fired up, and the challenge has been accepted! Will these savages shred Fletcher & Davis? Or will the best tag team in the world prove it by winning two defenses in two nights?
ROH World Tag Team Championships: Aussie Open VS The Iron Savages w/ Jacked Jameson!
Jameson again gives the team his hyped up introduction, Fletcher talks during his entrance with Davis. “Iron Savages, you wanna start calling shots? You wanna call out the best tag team in the world? And you want a shot at our pretty little belts? No problem, but I guarantee they ain’t going nowhere! And I’m so confident, Tony Khan, keeps these warm for us, we’ll be back in a minute.” Fletcher & Davis drop their belts off with TK, Bobby Cruise gives them their proper introductions, and we see if Fletcher & Davis pick those belts back up from TK.
The teams sort out and Bronson starts against the Aussie Arrow. The Code of Honor is upheld, and the two circle. Fans rally up, the two tie up, and Fletcher wrenches an arm. Fletcher has the wristlock but Bronson brings him to a knee. Bronson powers through to wrench and wristlock in return but Fletcher wrenches fast to headlock back. But Bronson powers up and out, then RAMS Fletcher! Fletcher stays up to throw a forearm! Bronson doesn’t budge, and he throws a forearm! The forearms start going back and forth, fans fire up as Fletcher ROCKS Bronson! Fletcher runs, into an ELBOW! Bronson then trophy lifts!
Bronson lifts Fletcher way up but Fletcher slips free! Fletcher manages to scoop and SLAM Bronson! Tag to Davis and Aussie Open double whip. Bronson holds ropes, then tags Beefcake. Fans fire up and Beefcake shows off that beef. He and Davis tie up, are in a deadlock, but Boulder uses his height to power Davis to ropes. The ref counts, Beefcake lets off, and fans rally up for Aussie Open. Davis kicks low, headlocks, but Boulder powers up and powers out. They RAM shoulders, but no one falls. Davis runs, RAMS Boulder but Boulder doesn’t budge! Davis dares Boulder to do something, so Boulder runs, through the chop, and he CLOBBERS Davis!
Fans fire up and Boulder drags Davis up. Boulder bumps Davis off buckles, tags in Bronson, and then Bronson whips Boulder in to SPLASH! Feed to an ELBOW, but Fletcher runs in! But Boulder scoops him, carries him around, and SIDEWALK SLAMS! Bronson adds a SENTON! Fans fire up as the Savages flex! Aussie Open stands, the Savages run in but are sent right out! But then the Savages grab Aussie Open, only to get DOUBLE FOREARMS! Davis runs side to side, Bronson ducks and Boulder takes the LARIAT! Fletcher BOOTS Bronson down! Jameson is worried for his hosses but fans fire up behind Aussie Open.
Aussie Open goes out, they haul Bronson up, and they THROW him into Boulder, and Boulder hits railings! Fans fire up again as Aussie Open throws up the crowns. Davis drags Bronson up, puts him in, and paces around him. Davis stomps Bronson, drags him up, and CHOPS him to the corner! Tag to Fletcher, Aussie Open double whip, and DOUBLE CHOP, PENALTY KICK to SENTON! Cover, TWO! Bronson is hanging tough but Fletcher stays cool. Fans rally, Fletcher brings Bronson up but Bronson throws body shots! Fletcher shoves him to the corner to CHOP! Tag to Davis, Davis taunts Boulder, then storms up on Bronson.
Davis swings but Bronson blocks! Bronson fires off haymakers on Davis and on Fletcher! Fans fire up as Bronson hurries but Aussie Open bring him back! They both run in but into DOUBLE BOOTS! Bronson goes up to DOUBLE CROSSBODY! Hot tag to Boulder! The Beefcake breaks through the double lariats to DOUBLE LARIAT Aussie Open! Scoop SLAM on Davis, scoop SLAM on Fletcher! Boulder then goes corner to corner to SPLASH Davis! Davis staggers around, into a fireman’s carry! Fletcher runs in, shouting he’ll save Davis, but Boulder catches him! Fans fire up as Boulder carries Aussie Open around, SAMOAN DROP FALL AWAY SLAM COMBO!!
Fans are thunderous as the straps come down! Boulder storms up to Fletcher, whips him to ropes, and tilt-o-whirl scoops to POWERSLAM! Cover, TWO! Fletcher survives but Boulder keeps his cool. Boulder points to a corner, he goes up, and fans fire up! But Fletcher anchors a foot! Boulder shoves him away, and then jumps up, BEEFCAKE SAULT FLOPS as Fletcher moves! Tag to Davis, and Aussie Open takes aim from opposite corners! They run in, but Boulder grabs each of them in a choke grip! But they wrench out, DOUBLE FOREARM SANDWICH! And then fireman’s carry, but Bronson CLOBBERS Fletcher!
Boulder shoves Davis into Bronson for a FOREARM, then Boulder BOOTS Davis down! Fletcher staggers, Bronson scoops him, HIP DROP MICHINOKU DRIVER COMBO!! Bronson tags back in, he and Boulder get Davis up to double whip, and DOUBLE SPINEBUSTER! Cover, TWO!! Davis survives and fans fire up! The Savages are shocked but Jameson gets the fans chanting “SA-VA-GES!” Bronson steps on Davis, tags Boulder back in, and it’s time to go up! Bronson climbs, Boulder has him on his shoulders, but Davis is slowly rolling away! The Savages follow after, but Fletcher goes up top! INADVERTENT DOOMSDAY DEVICE!!
Boulder is stunned, but he swings on Fletcher! Fletcher dodges to SUPERKICK! Davis BOOTS! Boulder roars, so they BOOT SUPERKICK COMBO! Davis fireman’s carries, AUSSIE DENTAL PLAN!! Cover, TWO!!! Boulder survives, but Davis tags Fletcher in! Fans are thunderous as Aussie Open take aim, for the CROSS BOMBER!! And then, double pump handles, COREALIS!!! Cover, Aussie Open wins!!
Winners: Aussie Open, by pinfall (still ROH World Tag Team Champions)
The Savages put up one hell of a fight, just like against the Mogul Embassy, but it just wasn’t enough! Fletcher & Davis are only getting started, will they take over AEW, ROH, NJPW and anywhere else they go?
ROH Media catches Aussie Open returning backstage.
Fletcher & Davis take the belts back from Tony Khan and Tony says that was impressive to do that two nights in a row. They have a photo op with TK then head out.
Backstage interview with Stokely Hathaway.
Lexi Nair is with a member of the board and says he asked for this time, so the floor is his. Stokely thanks Lexi, and wants to thank everyone for the positive feedback in regards to the Contender Eliminator Tournament for the ROH World TV Championship. In fact, he might even do another one in a few weeks once Joe runs through whoever wins this one! Because in order to get to the greatest ROH World TV Champion of all time, you gotta go through some hoops. But then Dalton Castle storms in and calls Stokely a maggot! Everything coming outta Stokely’s mouth is straight GARBAGE! Stokely knows he stole something from the viewers at Death Before Dishonor!
Stokely helped Joe keep the title, and that means they STOLE it from Castle! And now, there’s this ridiculous contender’s tournament that he isn’t even in! Why is that? Why? Stokely says someone accidentally erased Castle’s name out of the notebook! That’s crazy! But just like Juicy Smollett (Jussie Smollett?), Stokely is gonna get to the bottom of this! There will be punishments! Castle has no idea what Stokely means, but smell this. He holds out his arm, The Boys smell it, and Castle says he smells like smoke cuz he’s raging like a furnace! He was so close to beating Joe and Stokely knew it! And if Stokely were to give Castle another chance, he’d beat Joe then, and Stokely knows it!
But in steps Samoa Joe! He says THIS is ridiculous! How dare you talk to Big Boss Stokely the way you are right now! So if Castle wants this the “right” way, then Joe will give him what he wants! He’ll even give Castle time to prepare. In two weeks, The Boys VS Joe & Stokely in a tag match! You brought this on yourself! What? How does that help Castle? Joe storms off, and Stokely is very worried. Stokely whimpers, “We’ll whoop your ass!” then chases after Joe. Joe is using Castle’s own Boys as a shield between them, but will he come to regret it?
ROH Pure Championship: Katsuyori Shibata VS Josh Woods w/ The Varsity Athletes!
The Wrestler beat Daniel Garcia at Death Before Dishonor, but The Technical Beast has been building up momentum in the background. Mark Sterling promises Woods is going to beat Shibata with Shibata’s own moves and do it better, but did Sterling’s mouth just write a check Woods’ body can’t cash?
Our judges tonight are Jerry Lynn, Jimmy Jacobs and John Walters. The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who is truly worthy of the title!
The Code of Honor is upheld, the bell rings, and we’re on the clock! The two circle, feel things out, knuckle lock and go around. They fight for control, Shibata KICKS Woods in the leg. Woods shrugs that off. goes for a leg, but Shibata stays up. Fans rally behind Shibata as he and Woods clinch. Shibata reaches for a leg, but Woods brings him down to the mat! Woods floats to a facelock but Shibata trips him up. Shibata has the leg for a toehold and he pulls! Woods rolls Shibata back to a bridging cover, TWO! Woods keeps on Shibata with a waistlock. Shibata breaks free, switches, and then waistlocks Woods.
Woods breaks free, rolls, but Shibata steps back. Fans cheer as we’re just a minute in. The two go again, clinch, and Woods wants a leg! Shibata blocks the takedown and pushes Woods down. Woods keeps his shoulders up as Shibata shifts around. Shibata wants the arm! Woods powers out, and now he wants the arm! Shibata shifts arm, but then Woods shifts around, they go back and forth, but then Shibata has the KNEEBAR! Woods HEEL HOOKS, so Shibata uses the same! Both men pull on the other’s leg, we pass two minutes, and then they knuckle lock! Woods kicks with his free leg but Shibata just pulls on the leg!
Woods rolls, they end up in the ropes then on the apron! Both men fall to the floor, but Shibata keeps the HEEL HOOK! Woods stomps away with the free foot but Shibata refuses to let go! The ref counts, Shibata lets off but Woods avoids the Penalty Kick! Fans fire up as the two reset again. They tie up even though they’re outside, and they go around the railing! The ring count is 7 of 20, then 8! The two keep pushing each other around as we hit 10, and they just keep going around! The count is 13 as they go around the corner. And then we’re at 16, so both men break to slide in at 17! Fans fire up as the two tie up again!
We near four minutes, the two break, and then Woods shoots in to get a single leg takedown! Woods steps over the leg guard to then headlocks and the judges check their score sheets. Shibata fights up, Woods shifts to a clinch, but Shibata shoots around to a waistlock. Woods blocks the lift, goes to ropes and he bucks Shibata! The ref calls that a neutral break, Shibata argues, but Sterling gets on the apron to argue back. Shibata tells the ref and the ref tells Sterling to get down, but Woods CLOBBERS Shibata! Sterling is a nuisance of a manager again, and then Woods BLASTS Shibata off the apron!
We reach five minutes as Sterling talks trash on Shibata. Woods goes out to drag Shibata up, brings him around, and RAMS him into railing! Shibata falls over and Woods looms over him. Woods drags Shibata up as the ring count climbs. Woods CLUBS away on Shibata’s arm! The fans boo, Woods tells them to shut up, and Woods puts Shibata in at 10 of 20. Woods storms up to cover, TWO! Woods is annoyed but he keeps a wristlock in Shibata. Woods then puts on a cording hold, but Shibata fights up at six minutes. Shibata wrenches, Woods wrenches, but Shibata wrenches back! Woods wrenches, Shibata wrenches, repeat!
Fans rally behind Shibata but Woods wrenches then whips but Shibata reverses! Woods tumbles out, Shibata pursues! A little cat ‘n’ mouse and Woods ROCKS Shibata! Woods wrenches the arm, UPPERCUTS it, then drops a leg on it, to put on a short arm scissor! Fans fire up as Shibata endures, fights up, and stacks Woods! TWO, Woods lets Shibata go to KICK the arm! Woods hammerlocks then gut wrenches to SUPLEX Shibata! Shibata lands on the arm, and then Woods storms over to push him to a cover. TWO, and Woods is annoyed again. We pass seven-and-a-half minutes as Woods deadlift GUT WRENCH BOMBS! High stack, TWO!
Woods sits Shibata up and he runs! PENALTY KICK! That was not prettier than Shibata’s, despite what Sterling says, and Shibata stands right up! Shibata BOOTS Woods, puts him in a corner and BOOTS again! Shibata fires off forearms and he sits Woods down, to then go corner to corner! HYDRAULIC DROPKICK! Fans fire up and Shibata shakes out his arms. Woods flounders, Sterling is freaking out, Shibata HALF HATCH SUPLEXES! Cover, TWO! Shibata waits on Woods to stand, and he KICKS Woods back down! Cover, TWO! Shibata stays cool and wraps on the SLEEPER! Woods flails as we reach nine minutes!
Woods goes to the ropes, that’s the first break! But then Shibata KNEES low and SAIDOS! Woods gets up to SAIDO back! But Shibata’s right up to GERMAN SUPLEX! Fans fire up, Shibata takes aim, and he fires a forearm! Woods throws it back! Shibata throws another, so Woods throws it back! Shibata ROCKS Woods, and again, but Woods CLUBS Shibata’s other arm! They both forearm, then they both BOOT! Both men are down and fans fire up as we reach ten minutes! Fans rally, Sterling coaches Woods, and both men rise. Shibata fires forearms on Woods, UPPERCUTS him, then runs, to BOOT!
Woods staggers but stays up, and he fires up to run! Woods LARIATS, but Shibata just takes it! Both men roar, they both run, and DOUBLE LARIATS collide! Woods’ lariat wins out! Cover, TWO! Woods isolates Shibata’s arm, stomps away, then gives it Kawada Kicks! Woods fireman’s carries, but Shibata slips free to SLEEPER!! Woods is flailing and Sterling is freaking out! Shibata sits Woods down, runs in, PENALTY KICK! Cover, Shibata wins!
Winner: Katsuyori Shibata, by pinfall (still ROH Pure Champion)
In 11 minutes and 11 seconds, Shibata proves he is still The Wrestler! But while Sterling is upset, Shibata does show Woods respect with the Code of Honor. Woods returns that, and perhaps we will see this match-up once again down the line. Who will step up to Shibata next as he continues his Pure reign?
Dalton Castle w/ The Boys VS “The Reality” Zack Clayton!
The Peacock is upset that Samoa Joe is doing everything he can to avoid him, but the reality is, Stokely is in Joe’s back pocket. Will Castle take all that fiery frustration out on the Jersey Shore star?
The Code of Honor is upheld, the fans rally behind Castle and the bell rings. The two circle, tie up, and Clayton powers Castle to a corner, then lets off. Fans rally up for Castle and The Boys as he resets with Clayton. Castle sits in a corner and lets The Boys fan him off. Castle then comes back to circle with Clayton, he gets around and waistlocks, but Clayton gets the ropes. Castle brings Clayton away from the ropes, but Clayton goes to the other side. The ref calls the break, Castle lets off slowly, but Clayton elbows him! Clayton spins Castle, UPPERCUTS, then UPPERCUTS, then stomps a mudhole into him!
Fans boo as Clayton talks trash. Clayton says “Fan this fool!” Clayton stomps Castle some more, but the ref has him back off. Clayton storms back up to ROCK Castle with haymakers in the corner, but Castle shoves him away. Clayton returns but Castle ROCKS him back! And CHOPS! And ROCKS! And CHOPS! Clayton goes to a corner, Castle fires off, then whips corner to corner. Clayton reverses and runs in to clothesline! Clayton then reels Castle in for an EXPLODER! Clayton drags Castle up, CLUBS him, throws hands, but Castle shoves him again. Clayton DECKS Castle but fans boo. Clayton KNEE DROPS Castle’s face!
Fans rally for Castle but Clayton CHOKES him on the ropes! Castle endures, the ref counts, and Clayton lets off. The Boys fan Castle but Clayton hauls Castle up. Castle slips out of the scoop to spin and ELBOW Clayton! Clayton staggers into a BOOT! Castle CHOPS and ROCKS Clayton again and again! Clayton shoves Castle but Castle runs in, into an ELBOW! Clayton spins, into the clinch! EXPLODER! Fans fire up and Clayton runs into another clinch, into a SPINNING SPINEBUSTER! Castle UPPERCUTS in the corner, then goes to the opposite corner. Fans fire up for Castle and he runs in, to JUMP KNEE! And clothesline!
Castle whips, Alabama Lifts, and spins for the BANGARANG!! Cover, Castle wins!
Winner: Dalton Castle, by pinfall
The Peacock may not be in the tournament, and he may have the deck stacked against him, but will Castle find a way to dethrone the King of Wrestling Television?
Backstage interview with Josh Woods.
Lexi Nair is with the Technical Beast after his hard-fought loss to Shibata. He has something to say? “When you look at me, what do you see? A four-time All American, a collegiate national champion, a former ROH Pure Champion. Those are things that got me here, those are things that give me the opportunities that I’ve earned, but what have I really done? I lost to Claudio for the ROH World title, I lost to Samoa Joe for the ROH Television title, and I just lost to Shibata to regain the ROH Pure title. I don’t know what, I don’t know how, but something has to change.” Woods heads out, will he be able to find what he is missing?
The Infantry w/ Trish Adora VS Nick Comoroto & Jora Johl!
Captain Shawn Dean and Carlie Bravo are headed back into action against a new tag team of the Wrecking Ball and the Punjabi Lion. Will the Infantry march right on up the ranks in the ROH Tag Division? Or will Comoroto & Johl find chemistry in the chaos?
The Code of Honor is upheld, then the teams sort out. Carlie starts against Johl and they circle as fans rally up. The two tie up, are in a deadlock, but Johl headlocks. Carlie powers out but Johl runs him over! Johl brushes himself off, things speed up, and Carlie hurdles, dodges and running arm-drags! Johl comes back but Carlie dodges to UPPERCUT him down! Fans fire up and Carlie has Johl in the corner, to JAB! JAB! And CLUB him down! Then a BOOT! Johl staggers, Carlie runs back in to LARIAT! Cover, TWO! Carlie drags Johl up, he whips him to ropes, but Johl reverses. Carlie holds ropes and ELBOWS back!
Johl distracts the ref, Comoroto CLOBBERS Carlie! Johl pushes Carlie down to rain down fists! The ref reprimands, Johl lets off and he storms around. Johl puts Carlie in the corner, RAMS in, and then tags Comoroto. Comoroto stands Carlie up to CLUB him down! Comoroto bumps Carlie off buckles then CLUBS him again! Comoroto whips corner to corner, runs in and SPLASHES! Comoroto then trophy lifts Carlie and Carlie freaks out before the PRESS SLAM! Comoroto fires up, he brings Carlie up, and then he bumps Carlie off buckles. Tag to Johl, he and Comoroto double whip, to DOUBL ELBOW! Johl covers, TWO!
Johl grows frustrated as Carlie survives. Johl drags Carlie up, suplexes high and hard, then covers, TWO! Dean rallies the fans but Johl stomps Carlie around. Johl drags Carlie up, but Carlie fires body shots. Johl CLUBS away on Carlie, drags him back up, and suplexes, but Carlie slips free! Carlie ducks the superkick and it hits Comoroto! Tag to Dean! Johl dodges once but Dean rallies on him on the return! FLAPJACK! Kip up! Dean BOOTS Comoroto, then he fires up with the fans! Dean runs in, blocks boots, and he puts Johl in the ropes to ENZIGURI and DRAPING NECKBREAKER! Cover, Comoroto breaks it!
Comoroto drags Dean up, whips him, but Dean holds ropes. Dean BOOTS back, but Comoroto just roars! So Dean puts him in the ropes, Carlie SCISSOR KICKS! Carlie shouts “Watch your six!” Dean dodges as Johl runs in, and Carlie ROCKS Johl! The Infantry then coordinate, BOOT LEG SWEEP COMBO! Cover, The Infantry wins!
Winners: The Infantry, by pinfall
Big win by Dean & Bravo, and they’re on fire! Will they be ready to take on the ROH World Tag Team Champions next?
Leyla Hirsch VS Miranda Vionette!
Leyla continues to legitimize the ROH Women’s Division, but will she continue her run towards the top of the rankings? Or will she underestimate the debuting #LittleMV?
The Code of Honor is not upheld as Leyla kicks Miranda’s hand away. The bell rings, Miranda and Leyla circle, and they tie up. They go around, Miranda waistlocks but Leyla elbows out hard and then waistlocks to SLAM! Leyla floats all around, gator rolls Miranda around, and then again, then gets the arm to WRING it! Leyla drags Miranda up, CLUBS her, whips her, but Miranda gets around to KNEE SMASH and cradle! TWO! Miranda runs up to roll-up, TWO! Leyla staggers around, a bit dizzy still, and Miranda runs in, only for Leyla to dropkick the legs out! Maria Kanellis-Bennett appears on stage, she’s watching Leyla!
Leyla digs her boots in, lets off as the ref counts, and then RAMS into Miranda! And again! The ref counts, Leyla lets off at 4, and she suplexes Miranda high and hard! Leyla pushes Miranda down, for some ground ‘n’ pound! The ref counts, Leyla lets off with those closed fists, but then she rains down more shots! The ref counts again, Leyla lets off and argues with the ref. Fans rally but then Leyla goes back for Miranda. Miranda kicks her away, but Leyla comes back to BOOT her down! Maria seems to like what she sees, and Leyla toys with Miranda now. Fans rally, Leyla YANKS Miranda right up into a SAIDO!
Leyla smiles and paces around. She aims from a corner, runs in corner to corner at Miranda, but Miranda dodges to UPPERCUT! And UPPERCUT again! Miranda brings Leyla up to scoop and SLAM! Miranda runs to SLIDING- NO! Leyla catches her to the LEGIT ARMBAR!! Miranda taps, Leyla wins!
Winner: Leyla Hirsch, by submission
Maria smiles as the woman she brought into ROH continues to win. Will Leyla continue to make the First Lady proud by becoming a LEGIT Women’s Champion?
ROH World Television Championship Eliminator Tournament, Semifinal: Gravity VS Tony Nese w/ The Varsity Athletes!
We know Shane Taylor awaits the winner of this match in the final round, but that won’t intimidate either of these men! Gravity is constant, but will the Premier Athlete and his 8 pack defy Gravity all the same?
Oh of course Sterling has to talk. He says it would behoove Hartford to quiet down, because his client has something to say. Nese tells Hartford that it is his personal opinion that it was “the dumbest thing ever” that the Whalers left a city like this. Fans actually cheer that, but then Nese says all he sees in Hartford IS whales! It’s disgusting! But… Nese has great news! Being a personal trainer, before he wins this match against Gravity, Nese wants to help them all with their battle against gravity! Time for GROUP TRAINING! Stand up and start with a stretch to the sky! Stretch those muscles inside that fat!
Wait, here comes Gravity! The Spaceman slides in and handsprings, will he achieve liftoff into the tournament finals? The Code of Honor is reluctantly upheld and the bell rings. The two circle, tie up, and Nese waistlocks to SLAM Gravity down! Nese flexes but fans boo. Gravity shakes out the stars, he and Nese tie up again. Nese powers Gravity to the corner, lets off, and then throws body shots and a HAYMAKER! Nese soaks up the heat from Hartford, then whips corner to corner. Gravity dodges as Nese runs in, then Gravity Arabian Press Arm-Drags! Then Gravity trophy lifts Nese, and SLAMS him down!
Fans fire up as Gravity slow-motion walks! Gravity flexes to show his muscles, but Nese snarls. Nese storms up to SOBAT! Nese pie faces Gravity, whips him to ropes, but Gravity handsprings and back elbows! Nese stagger sup, Gravity clotheslines him up and out of the ring! Fans rally, Gravity builds speed but Sterling stands in the way! Fans boo, but Nese runs back in to CLOBBER Gravity! Cover, ONE!! Nese drags Gravity up to TOSS him out! The ref tells Sterling to stay back, but Nese distracts, so Sterling stomps Gravity down! Fans boo, Nese goes out to fetch Gravity, and Nese puts Gravity in the ring.
Nese stalks Gravity, sits him up and wraps on a chinlock. Nese squeezes tight but Gravity endures. Fans rally up, Gravity throws body shots, and he CHOPS! And CHOPS! And CHOPS! Nese CHOPS back! Gravity fires up to CHOP again! Nese staggers, Gravity storms up but Nese throat chops! Nese then HOTSHOT BULLDOGS! Gravity staggers around, Nese runs back in, but Gravity dumps him right out! Gravity builds speed, but Sterling is in the way again! So Gravity goes up the corner, and ESCALARA CROSSBODIES! Fans fire up with Gravity and Sterling shouts for Nese to get up! Gravity brings Nese up and puts him in.
Fans fire up, Nese swings but Gravity ROCKS Nese! And again! Gravity gets around, waistlock and he puts Nese in the ropes. Gravity ROCKS Nese, goes to the corner again, and GUILLOTINE SPLASH! Cover, TWO!! Fans fire up with Gravity as he keeps focus on Nese. Gravity goes up the corner, but Nese SHORYUKENS! Nese then drags Gravity off the corner, but Gravity waistlocks! Nese switches, shoves, but Gravity sunset flips! But Nese rolls through to SOBAT! Cover, TWO!! Nese is furious, he runs in, but Gravity gets around to roll him up! DEADLIFT POWERBOMB!! Gravity then goes up the corner, for the SUPER PLANKING SPLASH!! Cover, Gravity wins!
Winner: Gravity, by pinfall (advances to the finals)
Gravity is rolling, but if he wants another shot at Samoa Joe, he has to make it through Big Bad Shaney T! Will Gravity bring down one behemoth before going after another? Or will Gravity be the one crashing down in the final round?
ROH Women’s World Championship: Athena VS Diamante!
The Fallen Goddess has been getting bored of breaking “porcelain hussies,” but now she’s taking on a Cuban Diamond! Will Athena find away to break the unbreakable? Or will Diamante finally shine with gold?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see if streak or spirit breaks first!
The Code of Honor is upheld, the bell rings, and the two circle. Fans rally up and Athena taunts Diamante. They tie up, Diamante wrenches and wristlocks, but Athena cartwheels, wrenches, and arm-drags! Athena kips up and cheers herself on. Fans cheer, too, as Athena and Diamante reset. They tie up, Diamante waistlocks but Athena wrenches out and whips. Diamante ducks ‘n ‘dodges and tilt-o-whirls to RANA, but Athena handsprings through! Athena takes a bow as fans cheer, and Diamante admits that was good. The two reset, and Athena offers a free shot. Hartford chants for Athena and she puts her arms back.
Diamante swings but Athena catches the shot to wrangle her down! Of course it was a trick! But Diamante still rolls through, gets up and ROCKS Athena! Athena goes to a corner, Diamante runs in and MONKEY FLIPS, but Athena cartwheels through! Athena cheers herself on and the fans join in, but Diamante SHOTGUNS her down! And again! Diamante then gets around to SAIDO! Athena bails to the apron and fans rally with Diamante! Diamante runs to baseball slide Athena down to the floor! Athena scowls as she checks her chin. Athena stands, turns around, Diamante CROSSBODIES from the apron! Athena turns it into a POWERSLAM!
Athena drags Diamante up, scoops and SWINGS her into railing! Athena shouts, “This is MY show!” Fans are torn but Athena makes sure commentary knows who runs this! Athena then goes into the ring and lets the count handle Diamante. Diamante crawls over at 4 of 10, drags herself up and in at 6, but Athena CLUBS her right back down! And KICKS her on the back! Athena drags Diamante up, tells the ref not to tell her what to do, but Diamante throws body shots! And a JAWBREAKER! Diamante runs, into a leg sweep! And a SENTON! Cartwheel KNEE DROP! Athena is having fun now, and she clamps onto Diamante.
Athena ties up the legs, drives her knee in, and has the BOW ‘N’ ARROW STRETCH! Diamante endures, fights the grip, but Athena thrashes her around! Diamante pops free but Athena throws her away! Athena storms up and brings Diamante around. Athena puts Diamante through ropes to bend her against the ropes, pulling on the hair! The ref reprimands, Athena lest go and then goes to the apron. Athena counts it out as she CLUBS away on Diamante’s back! The fans join in, but Athena stops at 5. But Diamante avoids the boot! Diamante waistlocks but Athena flails and fights the suplex! Athena runs to HOTSHOT Diamante in the corner!
Athena then gets Diamante for an APRON SIDE EFFECT! Athena is gleeful as she covers Diamante, TWO! Athena is now annoyed, and she stalks Diamante to a corner. Diamante drags herself up and Athena RAMS into her! And again! Athena then hoists Diamante up but Diamante sunset flips! Athena rolls through, Diamante ducks the kick to roll Athena, but Athena rolls through! Diamante avoids the sliding forearm, bobs ‘n’ weaves, then ROCKS Athena! Diamante rallies with LARIAT after LARIAT, and then tilt-o-whirl RANAS! It hits this time, and fans fire up! Diamante runs corner to corner to MONKEY FLIP! Another hit!
Diamante adds a BUZZSAW! And then a SLIDING LARIAT! Cover, TWO!! Athena survives the onslaught but Diamante keeps on her. Diamante drags Athena up, slashes her throat, and waistlocks. But Diamante’s back hurts! Athena CLUBS away on Diamante, and shouts, “YOU THINK THIS IS A GAME?!” Athena whips, scoops, tilt-o-whirl BACKBREAKER! Cover, TWO!! Diamante survives and Athena is fuming. Athena goes to a corner, and she climbs up! Fans fire up, but Diamante trips Athena up! Athena kicks Diamante away, then leaps, but NO O-Face! Diamante O’Conner Rolls to CHAOS THEORY!! Cover, TWO!!!
Athena survives and shocks Diamante! Fans fire up as Diamante goes up a corner now. Athena rises, and Diamante leaps, but into a BOOT!! And then CROSSFACE!! Athena pulls Diamante back, but Diamante endures! Diamante rolls back but Athena keeps the hold! Diamante tries again, cover, TWO!! Athena BOOTS, roll-up, SCHOOLGIRL BRIDGE! Athena wins!!
Winner: Athena, by pinfall (still ROH Women’s World Champion)
The Fallen Goddess snatches this win, but she was perhaps pushed further than she expected here tonight. But then she drags Diamante up and positions the belt! Diamante glares at Athena defiantly, almost daring her to do it. But then Athena shoves Diamante down. Was this mercy because of respect? Or because she won’t do what Diamante wants?
The Boys VS The Gates of Agony w/ Prince Nana!
The Tate Twins know they have Samoa Joe and Stokely Hathaway in a few weeks, but they might not even make it there! Will Brandon & Brent find a way to survive? Or will Bishop Kaun & Toa Liona slam the gates shut on the Boys?
The Code of Honor is not upheld, and the teams sort out. Kaun and Brent start and the fans rally up. Kaun kicks low, CLUBS Brent, then puts him in a corner to CHOP! Kaun stomps a mudhole into Brent, digs his boots in, but the ref counts. Kaun lets off, he drags Brent back up, and then whips him corner to corner. Brent goes up and over and then slides under to BOOT back! Brent goes up to CROSSBODY, but Kaun catches him! Kaun tosses Brent up but he slips out! Things speed up, and Kaun LARIATS Brent inside-out! Fans boo but Kaun grins as he covers, TWO! Kaun drags Brent up, and he tags in Liona.
The Gates mug Brent, then they fire each other up. Kaun whips Liona in to SPLASH! Brent flops down and Liona soaks up the heat. Liona drags Brent up, CHOKES him on ropes, but lets off as the ref counts. Nana gets his shots in while the ref argues with Liona! Liona then drags Brent up to SLAM him down! Tag to Kaun, Kaun drags Brent up, and he scoops to SLAM! Kaun runs to SENTON! Brent writhes, Kaun has a cocky cover, TWO! Fans rally for Brent but Kaun drags him up. Brent throws body shots, Kaun whips him and kitchen sink knees him down! Kaun looms over Brent, drags him over, and tags in Liona.
The Gates double whip Brent to a corner, then Liona whips Kaun in. Brent BOOTS Kaun, dodges Liona, and dumps Kaun out! Liona staggers over, drags Brent up, and scoops, only for Brent to slip free! But Liona gets a leg! But Brent ENZIGURIS! Fans fire up, Brent scrambles over, hot tag to Brandon! Brandon GAMANGIRIS Liona, kicks Kaun away, and then springboards up and over! Brandon dodges Liona to FLY out onto Kaun! Brandon gets in, Liona blocks a kick but Brandon ENZIGURIS! Brent ENZIGURIS! Liona roars, but the Boys DOUBLE DROPKICK! Liona staggers, and the Boys double whip! Liona blocks and shoves them away!
The Boys get up, dodge Liona, but Kaun trips Brent and throws him into railing! Liona SAMOAN DROPS Brandon! Kaun joins in, the Gates get Brandon up, they OPEN THE GATES!! Cover, the Gates win!
Winners: The Gates of Agony, by pinfall
The ROH World Six Man Tag Team Champions continue to be unstoppable in all formats, will any team ever dethrone them? As for The Boys, can they regroup and somehow be ready for Samoa Joe?
Backstage interview with Diamante.
Lexi is with Diamante and says she had a great match with Athena. But then Athena didn’t go after her like she has prior opponents. What does that mean to her? Diamante doesn’t understand Athena, and it doesn’t seem like anyone does. But then Athena walks in, and she tells Lexi that instead of asking “The Porcelain,” why not just ask the champ? C’mon, do your job. Lexi then asks Athena why she did not beat Diamante down like she has others. Why? Athena says when she looked “Diabla” in her eyes- Um, it’s Diamante. Girl, you already have Athena here, don’t push your luck.
But as she was saying, when she looked Diabla in her eyes, she saw something very familiar. You could say it reminded Athena of a ‘younger version” of herself. So from champion to porcelain, Diamante has to change it up. She has what it takes, but she’s just missing something. So stay the hell away from Athena while you figure it out. Diamante rolls her eyes at that. Will the only thing Diamante figure out is how to push Athena even further than she did tonight?
Cole Karter VS Leon St. Giovanni!
If Cole could become diamonds, he would. But right now, he’s feeling worth about two dimes. Will he up his value in the ROH rankings here tonight? Or will the Human Rocket finally take flight again?
The Code of Honor is upheld, then Karter pie faces LSG! The bell rings and LSG storms up, into a DROPKICK! Karter blows a kiss, he brings LSG up and whips him to a corner, but LSG goes up and over and handsprings, then ducks ‘n’ dodges and redirects to run Karter over! Fans fire up, LSG drags Karter up but Karter wrenches out. Karter ducks the haymaker, waistlocks, but LSG switches. Karter runs to ropes to HOTSHOT LSG away! Karter grins, then LARIATS LSG down! Karter blows kisses to the fans but Hartford doesn’t really care. Karter drops an elbow, covers, ONE! LSG sputters but Karter storms up on him.
Karter drags LSG up to DROPKICK him back down! Karter grins, drags LSG up again and bumps him off buckles. Karter whips corner to corner hard and LSG falls back. Karter soaks up the heat while showing off the muscles. Karter stomps away on LSG in the corner, lets off as the ref counts, and he drags LSG up to snap suplex! Cover, TWO! Maria is watching this match now? Karter says okay, and he drags LSG up. Karter reels LSG in, hoists him up to a Canadian Rack, but LSG slips off! LSG JABS, JABS, JABS, and then ROCKS Karter with that right! LSG whips, Karter reverses and runs in, but into a BOOT!
Karter comes back, blocks a boot, but LSG brings him down to KICK him away! LSG goes up, FLYING LARIAT! Fans fire up with LSG and Maria looks disappointed. She must expect more out of Karter, LSGO springboards, into a JUMP KNEE!! Canadian Rack, CLIFFHANGER DDT! Cover, Karter wins!
Winner: Cole Karter, by pinfall
Now Maria is happy. With Mike Bennett & Matt Taven dabbling in AEW, is Maria looking to expand The Kingdom to keep a strong hold in ROH?
The Righteous speaks.
This was only moments after Death Before Dishonor and the Six Man Fight Without Honor as Vincent says, “Finally, yes! Dark Order, this is all we wanted man! You’re not shells of your former selves! Look at us, man! We’re covered, y’know what I’m saying?” But in walk The Dark Order. Uno applauds, then offers a handshake. Stu takes it, and Uno thanks his old friend. Stu says finally! The trios part ways, this being the spark that reignited the Dark Order. Will The Righteous look to reignite more lost causes on their way to the top?
Robyn Renegade w/ Charlette Renegade VS Christina Marie!
The Renegades just proved themselves in tag team action last week, and now Robyn is looking to lead the way in singles action again. Will she do just that here in Hartford? Or will #CourageousChristina fight the good fight?
The Code of Honor is upheld, the bell rings, and the two circle. They tie up, go around, and Robyn waistlocks. Christina switches, Robyn pries free and headlocks. Robyn hits the takeover, Christina moves around and rolls to a cover, TWO! Robyn holds on and grinds the hold. Christina fights up, powers out, and arm-drags Robyn to then DROPKICK! Fans fire up as Christina scoops and SLAMS Robyn down! Cover, TWO! Robyn scrambles out and regroups with Charlette. Robyn takes a moment to composes herself but Christina storms out after her. They go around the way, Christian slides in, but then avoids the elbow!
But Robyn distracts the ref and Charlette POSTS Christina! Charlette puts Christina in for Robyn to stomp away! Robyn CLUBS away on Christina, Charlette mocks her, and Christina goes to a corner. Robyn whips corner to corner hard, then SHOTGUNS her back into the corners! Robyn runs in to DOUBLE KNEE, then she snapmares. Robyn runs to basement dropkick! Cover, TWO! Robyn seethes and Charlette says to finish this. Robyn pie faces Christina, says this is HER show and HER time! Robyn slaps Christina but Christina throws body shots! Robyn CLUBS Christina down, soaks up the heat, but Christina rolls her up! TWO!!
Robyn CLOBBERS Christina for that! Cover, TWO! Robyn wraps on a chinlock but fans rally up. Christina fights to her feet, and JAWBREAKERS free! Christina then runs, dodges and LARIATS! And BACK ELBOWS! And DROPKICKS! Fans fire up with Christina, she runs corner to corner but is put on the apron. Christina counter punches Robyn, then shoulders into her! Then slingshots up and over and keeps moving, ducks a haymaker to waistlock and torture rack! Robyn fights free, shoves Christina, then gets around to hook her up, COBRA TWIST! GROUND COBRA, to a STRETCH! Christina taps, Robyn wins!
Winner: Robyn Renegade, by submission
There’s more in the arsenal of Robyn than we knew, and she celebrates with her sister. Will they look to take over ROH together?
El Hijo Del Vikingo & Komander w/ Alex Abrahantes VS The Workhorsemen!
The AAA Mega Champion and his rival turned ally gave Aussie Open quite the first defense just last night on Dynamite, but they fell short of those ROH World Tag Team Championships. Will Vikingo & Komander rebuild towards another opportunity? Or will JD Drake & Anthony Henry put in the work and bring the luchadores down?
The Code of Honor is not upheld, and Henry starts with Komander. They circle, fans rally for “LUCHA LIBRE!” but Henry shoots in to get a single leg takedown. Henry has an arm, he twists the wrist, but Komander gets up and spins through to then use the ropes to flip through. But Henry throws Komander down by his mask! Henry stomps Komander, whips him, but Komander ducks ‘n’ dodges to springboard and FLYING ARM-DRAG! Then more arm-drags! Then a DROPKICK! Fans fire up but Henry tags in JD. JD storms up, Komander fires forearms but JD doesn’t budge. JD shoves Komander, pops him up, but Komander DROPKICKS!
Komander runs, ducks ‘n’ dodges and tags Vikingo! Komander dropkicks a leg out, then Vikingo MISSILE DROPKICKS! Henry runs in but Vikingo BOOTS him, HEEL KICKS him, and Henry flops out of the ring! Komander & Vikingo salute and high-five, then DOUBLE DIVE! Direct hits on both sides of the ring! JD goes down at the ramp, Henry hits the commentary desk! Komander & Vikingo regroup, they get JD in the ring, and Vikingo gives some Latino Heat before the FROG SPLASH! Cover, TWO!! Vikingo fires hands, JD shoves him and swings, but Vikingo dodges to TORNILLO RANA! Fans fire up as JD tumbles around!
Vikingo runs corner to corner, but JD pops him up and out! Henry runs in, APRON SPINEBUSTER! JD sucker punches Komander for good measure! JD goes out after Vikingo, CHOPS him against the apron, and then puts him in the ring. JD storms up on Vikingo as the fans rally, and JD whips him to the corner. Tag to Henry, and he runs in to forearm smash! Tag back to JD, and feed to the LARIAT! Henry NECK TWISTS, JD slingshot SENTONS! JD keeps between the luchadores, and he stomps Vikingo’s hand! Vikingo clutches his fingers, but JD drags him up. JD clinches but Vikingo fires forearms!
JD headlocks, Henry tags in as Vikingo powers out, and then JD back suplexes. Vikingo lands out, but Henry catches him! JD runs in, BOOT LEG SWEEP COMBO! Cover, TWO! Vikingo survives and fans fire up. Henry paces around Vikingo, taunts him, and taunts Komander, too. Fans boo but Vikingo staggers up. Vikingo CHOPS Henry but Henry eggs him on. Vikingo fires a forearm, but Henry HEEL KICKS! Henry runs in, but Vikingo dodges to SCREW HIGH KICK! Both men stagger, Henry BOOTS Komander to deny the tag! Henry then gest around Vikingo, BACKSTABBER! Henry runs in to JUMP KNEE Vikingo!
Tag to JD, Henry hits an INVERTED EXPLODER! JD hits a SHINING WIZARD! Cover, TWO!! Vikingo survives and the fans rally up! JD drags Vikingo up and reels him in, says it’s done, but Vikingo turns Canadian Rack into CODE RED!! Hot tag to Komander! Komander CROSSBODIES Henry! Komander rallies on Henry with running forearms! Fans fire up, JD runs in but Komander dodges to HEEL KICK! JD wobbles, Komander runs, SLIDING KICK! Cover, TWO! Henry returns, he whips but Komander reverses to send Henry out! Komander runs to BOOT Henry down! Hot tag to Vikingo, and fans fire up as he goes to the ropes.
Vikingo slingshots up and around while Komander builds speed, but JD trips Komander up and drags him out while Henry anchors Vikingo’s feet! JD pops Komander up to HAYMAKER! Henry brings Vikingo down but Vikingo dodges the haymaker to DECK Henry! Vikingo springboards at JD, but JD catches the rana to pop Vikingo into a BUTTERFLY ANARCHY!! Henry DOUBLE STOMPS for good measure! Cover, Komander MISSILE DROPKICKS it apart! Henry is furious, he whips Vikingo but Vikingo BOOTS back! Komander BOOTS, Vikingo ENZIGURIS! Henry falls, fans rally for “LUCHA LIBRE!”
JD runs in, but he gets a mule kick, Tiger Wall Kick, and then STEP-UP SHOTGUN! The Workhorsemen regroup outside, so the luchadores go to corners! DOUBLE TIGHTROPE WALK ASAI MOONSAULTS!!! Direct hit at the ramp and fans are losing their minds! Komander gets JD in, he and Komander both go up, and they used this on Dynamite! DOUBLE 450 SPLASHES!! Cover, Vikingo & Komander win!
Winners: El Hijo Del Vikingo & Komander, by pinfall
The Lucha Dream Team keeps it NINE HUNDRED and get a great win! Will they prove to be a top tier team and go for gold together?
My Thoughts:
A good ROH, but this being back to two hours was a little much for me. Mostly because just as I thought we were getting to advertised matches, nope, random filler. Infantry still had a good match with Comoroto & Johl, and they tied Karter’s match into this new story with Maria. Maria logically was watching Leyla in hopes of properly recruiting her to The Kingdom, but Cole Karter? Really? He’s got promise, which I guess is the point of this, but I feel like there are others she could scout. Maybe this is because Karter is still someone Mike, Matt & Maria can order around as ROH veterans and Karter being the new kid.
Good promo from Righteous and Dark Order, but why wasn’t this shared sooner? Death Before Dishonor was two weeks ago, why not give us this last week? We’ve already heard from Dark Order on AEW programming, undercutting the point of this promo. But I did like the impromptu tag title match from Aussie Open VS Iron Savages. Obviously the Savages were losing but Aussie Open gets the best out of every team they face, and I’ve felt that even while they were Bear Country, Bronson & Boulder have shown promise. It is just a shame so many other great teams are in the title scene ahead of them.
Another thing that was odd was making Komander & Vikingo VS Workhorsemen the main event. It was a great tag match, don’t get me wrong, but it was a tag match with no stakes. Why not make one of the advertised title matches the main event? Or one of the ROH World TV Championship Contender Tournament matches, that’d be fitting. The tournament matches were great, and the finals being Shane VS Gravity is great stuff. But as I said after Gravity faced and lost to Joe on Dynamite, what point is there to him in this tournament now? Gravity winning against big Shane to then lose to Joe again on ROH TV is a bit rough for everyone but Joe.
At the same time, they’re clearly building things to Joe VS Castle round 2. Great promo from all parts involved, and it’s hilarious and great how Joe is using Stokely and The Boys as a shield from Castle. Castle gets a good win off Clayton, but uh, The Boys VS Gates of Agony could’ve been used next week as the go-home match to Boys VS Joe & Stokely. It’d be obvious for Joe to beat The Boys down, so I bet The Boys snatch a win off Stokely. Joe surely beats whoever is the next contender, whether Gravity or Shane, but Joe VS Castle round 2 could really go either way. And as great as Joe is, I’d love for Castle to win and Joe moves on to either the top title or over to AEW for those titles.
And great stuff from the planned title matches. I would’ve made the Pure title the main event just on it being Shibata, and guess what? The tag team main event was roughly the same length as the Pure title match, so it wouldn’t have been that different. Shibata of course wins, but I suppose they wanted Woods’ promo to be here tonight to start him down the road to a change. Namely, he gets away from The Varsity Athletes, because what have they really done for him? Then we got great stuff out of Athena VS Diamante, but since this was on ROH TV, of course Athena wins. Athena also putting it on Diamante to “figure herself out” was a good promo, but pretty sure Diamante isn’t changing anything. Willow got two matches, Kiera got two matches, pretty sure Diamante gets another match.
My Score: 8.4/10
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London calling to the champion crowns!
SmackDown brings gold to London as LA Knight defends his WWE US Championship and The Street Profits defend their tag team titles! Will the landscape change this close to WrestleMania?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- WWE Tag Team Championships: The Street Profits VS Pretty Deadly; The Profits win and retain the titles.
- Kayden Carter & Katana Chance VS The Secret Her-vice w/ Chelsea Green; The Secret Her-vice wins.
- WWE United States Championship: LA Knight VS Braun Strowman; Braun wins, by disqualification, and Knight retains the title.
- Charlotte Flair VS Mia Yim w/ B-Fab; Charlotte wins.
- Randy Orton VS Drew McIntyre; McIntyre wins.
- Jimmy Uso VS The Miz; Jimmy wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
Cody Rhodes is here!
We follow The American Nightmare as walks to gorilla, then through the curtain, and London sings along with the song, “WHOA~ OH~!” Cody gets his pyro, says hello to fans along the ramp, and then we get the second “WHOA~ OH~!” and pyro. Cody goes to the ring, grabs a mic, then kneels down to kiss the WWE logo on the mat. The fans continue to sing along all the way to the end, “I AM MY KINGDOM!” The fans then cheer, and Cody holds up the belt to fire them up even more! The fans now sing for “CODY! CODY RHODES~!” and he soaks it in. The fans cheer again as Cody smiles, and he finally says, “So, London~! Whaddya wanna talk about?”
The fans chant “Let’s Go, Cena!” “CENA SUCKS!” Cody hears that dueling, and he smiles again. The song of “CODY! CODY RHODES~!” returns, then they cheer. Cody says, “At WrestleMania 41, I will be facing John Cena…” The fans boo, but Cody says, “I will be facing John Cena as he goes to break the record and win 17. But that is WrestleMania 41. In just a few nights, I will be standing face to face with John Cena in this very same city, in this very same arena.” The fans cheer that, but then here comes Randy Orton! Now the fans sing along with Voices as The Viper heads to the ring. Orton also high-fives fans before he joins Cody.
Orton grabs a mic, paces while the fans keep singing on their own, and then the fans cheer. Orton says he’s not really the sentimental type, but for Cody and for London, screw it. The fans chant “R K O! R K O!” and Orton tells Cody, “Look at you. Look at who you are now, the man you are now. Look at where he came from.” The fans cheer and sing “CODY! CODY RHODES~!” and Orton says he remembers a Cody in his early 20s, just breaking into the business. Cody was busting his ass harder than anyone else. He wasn’t exactly happy, and in fact, he was frustrated. But Cody was man enough, smart enough, to know he needed to grow, and that he couldn’t grow in the WWE.
Cody wasn’t exactly treated fairly in the WWE, so Cody left the WWE! That took some big ass balls to do what he did! Cody changed the business singlehandedly, and everyone in the back knows it. And Orton appreciates Cody for it. But then Cody came back, as they all knew one day he would. And the industry has been changed forever since the day Cody came back to the WWE. Cody is a bit teary eyed as Orton says Cody’s still the same guy, he just did what he set out to do, and he grew. Orton teases he would sing along with the fans, but the fans might leave. The fans again sing “CODY! CODY RHODES~!”
Orton asks if they remember when Cody Rhodes faced Seth Rollins in Hell in a Cell. The fans cheer because they do. Orton says that was impressive, and even impossible, as he started with a partially torn pec and then ended with a fully torn pec! His body changed all kinds of shades of purple that Orton’s never seen on a human body. The pain he must have been in. Cody persevered not just for himself. Maybe not even at all for Cody. It was not even for his family legacy; it was for each and every single fan out there! Then Cody went on to WrestleMania, beat Roman Reigns and finished the story!
But there’s always another story, isn’t there? And Cody’s right in the middle of one. Cody is in charge of his legacy, and it is a privilege for Orton to watch Cody take control of it. Ticket sales have been up, there’s more intrigue around the world, and listen to the people! It is 99.9% all because of Cody! The fans cheer that, and of course they sing. Orton says what he’s trying to say is a long-winded version of he respects Cody, loves him, and is very, very proud of him. The fans cheer that! Orton then says, “But… But now it is time for WrestleMania.” They both look to the sign, and Orton says he can guarantee Cody that Orton will kick Kevin Owens so hard in the head…!
Orton can just feel it already! He forgets how many days are left, but he can’t wait to remove Kevin’s head from his shoulders. And Orton knows Cody will enter champion, exit champion, but not before he beats the holy hell outta Cena all up and down the Vegas strip! But after all the smoke clears and the dust settles, just like Orton wants Number 17, there will come a time when Orton will want Number 15. But Orton won’t kick Cody in the balls like a coward. Orton will look Cody in the eye because he respects Cody, is proud of Cody, and sees him as an equal. Orton will look Cody in the eye and tell him that he’s coming for the title.
The fans cheer but wait! Drew McIntyre is here! The fans cheer the Scottish Terminator as he steps out on stage, mic in hand, and has a wry smile on his face as he looks at the ring. Drew waves as the fans now sing, “OH~ Drew McIntyre~!” Drew says, “Isn’t this wonderful? A couple of nepo babies having a love fest in the middle of the ring> It makes me absolutely sick. What’d you just say, Randy? if Cody gets through Cena at WrestleMania, you’re coming for that title? What exactly have you done since that big comeback to justify that title match? Aside be Randy Orton. The only big moment I can remember is you being on the shelf for months and months and months.
“People like to make jokes about it, but more people talk about my five-minute-45-second title reign than your entire comeback so far! So get to the back of the line, sunshine! As for you, Cody, you should’ve listened to me. But you shunned me. You attacked me. Everybody should’ve listened to me about John Cena, but they didn’t. And the next night, he kicked you right in the twig ‘n’ berries, proving me right as usual. And the main event of WrestleMania should be Cody Rhodes VS The UK’s only ever world champion, Drew McIntyre!” Fans do like that idea. But sadly, it’s not, because of that guyliner wearing Temu Undertaker, Damian Priest!
Drew wants to talk about what is happening. And what’s gonna happen! Drew steps up to the ring while fans sing for him again. Drew says it will not be Randy that takes the title from Cody, should he get through Cena; it’ll be McIntyre. The fans cheer, but Orton says they were trying to have a moment. Can Drew just cut the crap already? Drew says okay, sure. He’ll tell the truth, because that’s all he ever does. The truth is, Kevin might have a point! If those Voices are talking to Orton again, then they know Drew very, very well. And he’s thinking, “My God, Randy looks great! Absolutely jacked! On the outside.”
On the inside, that back is hanging by a thread. And if Orton provokes McIntyre, McIntyre will break him. And as for Cody- Cody kicks Drew and UPPERCUTS him! The fans fire up, and Orton R- NO, Drew gets away! The fans boo, but the battlelines are drawn! Even if Cody makes it out of the frying pan that is Las Vegas, it’ll be into the fire that is these contenders waiting in line! Will the American Nightmare be ready for whoever comes for the crown?
WWE Tag Team Championships: The Street Profits VS Pretty Deadly!
Montez Ford & Angelo Dawkins are finally golden again, but it’s time to put the titles on the line already! And while they’re ready for the grind, they’re up against the hometown heroes! Will the Profits still be up in the O2? Or will Kit Wilson & Elton Prince say #YESBOY to a new reign of their own?
The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we see who really wants the smoke!
The teams sort out and Kit starts with Dawkins. They tie up, Dawkins headlocks, but Kit powers up and out. Dawkins runs Kit over, the fans fire up, and Dawkins fires hands on Kit in the corner! The fans rally for Pretty Deadly, Dawkins whips Kit to a corner, but Elton takes that bump! Kit CLOBBERS Dawkins, then tags Elton! Atomic drop into DROPKICK! Ford runs up, but into a DOUBLE HIP TOSS! Dawkins whips, Elton reverses, and then Elton hurdles so Kit can DDT! The fans fire up with Pretty Deadly while the Profits bail out. Pretty Deadly has control while SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Elton is right on Dawkins as he gets in, and UPPERCUTS him to the corner. Elton clinches Dawkins for another UPPERCUT! Tag to Kit, and Elton RAMS into Dawkins so Kit can UPPERCUT! Dawkins flops over, Kit drags him up to wrench the arm. Kit whips, Dawkins reverses, but Kit grabs ropes. Kit ELBOWS Dawkins, DECKS Ford, but Dawkins CLOBBERS Kit! The ref reprimands but Dawkins RAMS Kit into the corner again and again! The ref counts, Dawkins fires fast hands, then he tags in Ford. Ford says, “SUCK IT!” then he KICKS Kit! Ford scuffs Kit, then drags him to a cover, TWO!
Ford keeps Kit down with a facelock, but Kit endures the grind. Kit fights up, fires body shots, but Ford whips him away. Kit sunset flips! Ford rolls through, and PENALTY KICKS! Ford mocks Elton with the Scott Hall fingers, and the ref has to keep Elton back. Ford drags Kit up, tags Dawkins, and the Profits mug Kit. Dawkins CLUBS Kit down, then stalks him. Dawkins stays between Kit and Elton, then whips Kit into the Profits’ corner. CYCLONE- NO, Kit dodges! Ford tags in, he keeps Kit from Elton now, but Kit slips out of the suplex! Kit fakes high to go low, hot tag to Elton! Elton rallies with LARIAT after LARIAT!
Elton kicks and whips Ford to a corner, then UPPERCUTS! Elton whips the other way, UPPERCUTS again, and then does it again! Elton adds to the hattrick with a lift, Ford says a quick prayer before the SUPLEX! Ford flounders, gets to his feet, but Elton dodges to springboard and FLYING UPPERCUT! Cover, TWO! Ford stays in this, but Elton stays on him. SmackDown returns to single picture and fans rally for Pretty Deadly as Elton gives Ford a back suplex. Ford lands out, waistlocks, but Elton switches and shoves Ford. Ford CLOBBERS Elton in return! Ford is also dazed but he covers, ONE!
Kit reaches out, Elton and Ford both crawl, hot tags to Kit and Dawkins! The fans fire up as Dawkins wrenches Kit, underhooks and SILENCER! Dawkins Electric Chair Lifts Kit, Ford climbs, but Kit slips free! Kit shoves Dawkins into Ford! Ford falls to the floor, but Dawkins ENZIGIRIS Kit! Elton tags in, and Kit LARIATS Dawkins! Pretty Deadly combine for DRY MARTI-KNEES! Cover, TWO!! Dawkins survives and the Profits are a bit unsure of what to do next. Dawkins crawls to a corner, Elton runs up, but Dawkins dodges! Elton hits buckles and Dawkins TOSSES Kit, then Dawkins hits a SKY HIGH on Elton!
Dawkins hurries to tag Ford and Ford climbs up! But Kit pushes Elton out of the way! Kit takes FROM THE HEAVESN, and Elton ghost pins Ford! TWO!! Ford escapes, and he ROCKS Elton! Elton UPPERCUTS Ford! Dawkins sneaks a tag, Ford SUPERKICKS! POUNCE SAIDO COMBO!! Cover, KIT BREAKS IT! The fans fire up while all four men are down! The teams go to opposite ends, then they all stand up in the corners. They all roar, all run in, and Kit SPEARS Ford while Elton FLYING UPPERCUTS Dawkins!! London is thunderous, and Kit hurries to tag in! Pretty Deadly gets Dawkins up, for SPILT MILK!! Cover, FORD BREAKS IT!
The fans are shocked, as is Elton, but Ford saves this for his team! “This is Awesome!” as Ford runs up and Elton TOSSES him out! Now DRY MARTI- NO! Dawkins doesn’t accept the second serving, and he DUMPS Kit out! Kit skins the cat while Dawkins DECKS Elton! Dawkins catches Kit to an Electric Chair! Ford rises, DOOMSDAY BLOCKBUSTER!! Cover, Profits win!
Winners: The Street Profits, by pinfall (still WWE Tag Team Champions)
Pretty Deadly put up a heroic fight, but the hometown heroes could not capture the gold. Dawkins & Ford hold onto the gold, will this be the strongest the Profits have ever been?
Kayden & Katana talk with Zelina Vega.
Carter & Chance know La Muneca got screwed over by The Green Administration. Chelsea thinks she’s untouchable, but someone’s gonna stop them eventually. Well, speaking of, Alba Fyre leads the way in as she & Piper Niven “scope the perimeter.” There’s one small threat. They frisk the “miniscule” threat, but nothing they haven’t dealt with before. Chelsea struts in and says, “The Eagle has landed~!” Zelina says she is so glad the “Bootleg Men in Black” have crashed the party. Now, yeah, they all know she’s small. But clearly this small “threat” is a big threat to Chelsea’s title reign. Otherwise, it wouldn’t have taken all three of them to beat her.
KC Squared agree with that. How about tonight, we see what happens when the odds are even? Chelsea says that’s fine, because Agents P & A are ready. The Secret Her-vice has been given their next mission, but will they be able to crash the party? Or will the party crash them?
Kayden Carter & Katana Chance VS The Secret Her-vice!
SmackDown returns and The Green Administration makes their entrance. The teams sort out, Alba starts against Katana, and the two tie up. Alba KNEES low, CLUBS Katana down, then fireman’s carries. Katana fights free, tags Kayden, and they KICK, double whip, and then trip Alba up for the basement DROPKICK! Katana adds a slingshot SENTON, Kayden covers, TWO! Kayden tags Katana, they double whip Alba to a corner, then Kayden runs in. Alba DUMPS Kayden out, ROCKS Katana, and she tags Piper! Katana arm-drags Alba out, then goes out to run up. Kayden gives her a boost, Katana CROSSBODIES Alba down!
The fans fire up, but Piper goes up and out?! CANNONBALL and down goes KC Squared! Piper salutes Chelsea and SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns, Kayden rallies on Alba while the fans rally up. Kayden fires up, runs in and whips, but Alba reverses. Kayden wheelbarrows, victory rolls, then SUPERKICKS! Kayden fires up again but the fans are torn. Kayden runs in at Alba to BOOT WASH her against the ropes! Chelsea protests, Kayden kicks at her, then Kayden springboards for a LEG DROP! Cover, TWO! Alba survives, Kayden whips, but Alba KICKS back! Tag to Piper, but Kayden jackknife bridges Alba! The ref explains bout the tag, Piper runs up, but Kayden moves! The SENTON hits Alba! Piper panics, Kayden tags Katana!
Katana goes up onto Kayden’s shoulders, VICTORY ROLL LAUNCHER, but Piper catches Katana! Katana fires hands, BOOTS, and then hurries to go up again. Kayden ROCKS Piper, and fireman’s carries?! SAMOAN DROP! Kayden then gives Katana the boost, for the KEG STAND SPLASH!! Cover, ALBA BREAKS IT! Kayden runs up on Alba to BOOT her out! Katana gives Kayden the boost now, SUPER CROSSBODY onto Alba! Kayden hurries to tag back in, and she brings Piper up. Piper swings, Kayden dodges and SUPERKICKS! Katana goes up, Piper staggers over that way, but Chelsea distracts the ref!
The fans are torn as Alba grabs Katana. Katana kicks Alba down, chases Chelsea off, but Piper sends Kayden into her! Piper scoops to PIPER DRIVER!! Cover, Secret Her-vice wins!
Winner: The Secret Her-vice, by pinfall
The Women’s US Champion helps her team, and now they all mug Kayden & Katana! But here comes Zelina! Vega runs down the ramp, CLOBBERS Alba, and then she gets in the ring! Zelina tilt-o-whirl DDTS Piper! And she KNEES Alba off the apron! But Chelsea CLOBBERS Zelina! Chelsea fires up, the UK is oddly with her, and she chicken wings Zeina. But Zelina fights free to fire forearms and body shots! And a BACK ELBOW! Zelina reels Chelsea in, CODE- SUPERKICK from Alba! SENTON from Piper! The Green Administration is just too much for Zelina to fight against alone! But can she, Kayden & Katana find a way to turn things around?
WWE United States Championship: LA Knight VS Braun Strowman!
Did the Mega Star just get this title back from Shinsuke Nakamura? YEAH! Did he help the Monster of All Monsters fight off Solo Sikoa’s rouge bloodline? YEAH! And now, does he have to defend this title against the monster he just helped? YEAH!! But will Knight still reign this close to WrestleMania? Or will Braun #GetTheseHands back on a championship?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and it’s time for Knight’s biggest challenge, YEAH!
The bell rings and the fans rally up as the two circle. The two tie up, and Braun SHOVES Knight away. Knight comes back, Braun SHOVES him down again! Knight gets up, gets around, and he headlocks. Braun powers up to back suplex, but Knight lands out! Knight tries but Braun’s too big to suplex! Braun ELBOWS Knight, storms up on him, but Knight fires haymakers! Knight whips, Braun reverses, but Knight KICKS back! Knight runs, but Braun HIP TOSSES! Cover, TWO! Knight stays in this, but Braun brings him up. Braun puts Knight in a corner, CHOPS, then runs, for a SPLASH! Knight sputters along ropes, Braun keeps moving, but Knight DUMPS him out!
The fans fire up as Knight then WRECKS Braun with a dropkick! Knight keeps moving, and he WRECKS Braun again! The fans fire up with Knight, but then Braun BOOTS Knight down! The fans are torn but Braun stands tall as SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns and Braun puts Knight back in the ring. The fans cheer as Knight KICKS Braun! Knight tries again, but Braun’s still too big to back suplex! Braun CLUBS Knight, then runs in at the corner. Knight BOOTS Braun, goes up, and FLYING BULLDOGS! Both men are down and the fans fire up! Knight and Braun rise back up, and Knight dodges a shot to JAB! Then he dodges to JAB! JAB! JAB! “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” But Braun KNEES low! Braun scoops, Knight slips free, and Knight RAMS Braun into buckles! Then the BACK SUPLEX! The fans fire up and Knight rises again! Knight spells it out, “L! A! KNIGHT! YEAH!” ELBOW DROP! Cover, TWO!
Braun has plenty left in the tank but the fans rally for Knight. Knight stands Braun up to kick low, but Braun THROWS Knight away! Knight rises, and Braun LARIATS Knight up and out! The fans fire up as Braun rips the shirt! Braun gets on the track, and he runs in, STROWMAN EXPRESS MEETS JACOB FATU!! The Samoan Werewolf strikes Braun down!
Winner: Braun Strowman, by disqualification; LA Knight retains the title
The fans boo as Jacob now goes after Knight! He just ruined what was becoming a great match, but Jacob fires HEADBUTT after HEADBUTT on Braun! SAMOAN DROP onto the desk!! The desk doesn’t budge, but Braun might’ve been broken in half! The UK fires up for Fatu as he puts Braun in the ring! Jacob fires more HEADBUTTS, then HEADBUTTS away on Braun in the corner! The fans sing “OLE~ OLE OLE OLE, FATU~, FATU~!” Jacob runs corner to corner, but Knight kicks him first! Knight fires haymakers, “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” Jacob denies the BFT to POP-UP SAMOAN DROP! And then HIP ATTACK for Braun anyway!
Jacob keeps going, HIP ATTACK for Braun again! Jacob throws off his jacket, glares at Braun, and he runs in for a third HIP ATTACK! Braun flounders into the drop zone, so Jacob goes up, up, BEST MOONSAULT EVER! Direct hit on Braun, but the fans want that “ONE MORE TIME!” Jacob obliges, BEST MOONSAULT EVER! The Samoan Werewolf just tore up #OneBigSOB and LA Knight, will there be no stopping him from taking the United States Championship?
Backstage interview with Jimmy Uso.
Jackie Redmond is with #BigJim, and she says that while she knew WWE was going global this month, she did not know they’d get the slap heard ’round the world! Jimmy says he’d do it again, and he’ll slap Gunther as many times as he needs! Jimmy knows Jey is up in his own head, doubt is creeping on him. But just because Jey’s 0-3 against Gunther doesn’t mean Gunther’s unbeatable! The Ring General CAN be got! Jimmy’s going to Raw this Monday, he will bust Gunther’s ass, Jey will go to Mania and bust Gunther’s ass to become the WWE World Heavyweight Champion. And then they leave Las Vegas just like this: YEET!
Jimmy heads out, but then The Miz & Carmelo Hayes walk by. Miz is mocking Jimmy’s words, and he asks excuse me. Miz says it’s just funny that suddenly, Jimmy is a tough guy, even though for most of his career, he’s been “The Other Uso.” Doesn’t Jimmy get it? Jimmy and Jey are career sidekicks while Gunther is a main character. Gunther is the lead, neither Jimmy nor Jey can beat him. And here’s another thing: The Usos are just blips on the trailer that was Roman Reigns’ Bloodline. Melo says Jimmy & Jey are stuck outside the club, they can’t even get in.
Miz says as a former WWE Champion, a former WrestleMania main eventer, Jimmy will never know what it is to carry this industry. And after this year’s WrestleMania, neither will Jey. Oh, and by the way, if Jimmy ever slapped Miz like that, Jimmy would still be on the ground. Jimmy feints the slap and Miz freaks out. Jimmy says it may be him and Gunther on Monday, but he’ll holler at Aldis real quick so it can be Jimmy VS Miz here tonight. Yeah, YEET! Jimmy heads out, Melo says he thought Miz was gonna do something about the slap. Will Miz have to do something about running his mouth before he gets his teeth kicked in?
Solo Sikoa & Tama Tonga find Jacob Fatu backstage.
Solo asks Jacob what the Hell he was doing out there. Jacob goes out there alone without saying a thing to them? Jacob says he ain’t gotta say nothing to nobody! Matter fact, didn’t Solo not tap in with him last week? Tama says, “But Jacob,” only for Jacob to say, “But nothing, Tama!” Solo wants Jacob to lower his tone, but Jacob says okay. Let him be very clear with them. When it comes to Braun Strowman, Jacob WILL be the last man standing. Y’all better get in where you fit in, cuz that US title? Oh, Jacob’s bringing it home to the family. And he will do it with them, or without them! Yadada mean? Fatu heads out, is the Samoan Werewolf no longer following Solo?
Naomi speaks.
“I mean… How did we even get here? I don’t know. One thing that I do know is that I’ve always been the woman to do the right thing. I’ve always been the woman to do the right thing. So Bianca, what makes you think that my attack on Jade was anything different from me doing the right thing? When I sit here and I think about all that I’ve sacrificed, all that I’ve given, and that’s what really breaks my heart. Because through all of that, I’m made to be the bad one in this situation. I just don’t understand, how does Jade come in outta nowhere and take my place with you? I want you to ask yourself this, Bianca. Who inspired you? Hmm?
“Who’s inspired women over the last decade? Who’s always had your back from day one of you being here? Me. Not Jade. Hmm. But you know what? What I’ve learned through all of this: You teach people how to treat you. And I’m done with being treated as a third wheel. I’m done being pushed to the side, I’m done with being too nice, I’m done with being undervalued, underutilized, underappreciated! So moving forward, hmm… Moving forward, here’s my message to you, Jade. If you continue to be in my way, I strongly advise you to proceed with caution.” The Glow shows her dark side, but will the storm be moved?
Nick Aldis meets with Jade Cargill.
Speaking of, the SmackDown General Manager understands things have been rather difficult for her as of late. Jade says she’s been trying to get her hands on Naomi for the past few weeks, now where is she? No one has seen her all day, so as far as anyone knows, Naomi’s not here. Well, when Jade catches Naomi, it’s on sight. Jade leaves, B-Fab & Michin are there. They let her know that what Naomi did to her was straight trash, totally uncalled for behavior. And after Jade gets her hands on Naomi, she’ll handle that business. Jade agrees. Mia says they’ve all got business to handle. Jade’s got Naomi, and Mia’s gonna get Charlotte for messing with her girl, B.
B-Fab says Naomi’s got what’s coming to her: no sympathy, no regrets. Jade, just do what you gotta do. Oh, she will. Jade also wishes Mia luck tonight. Mia & B-Fab head out, will the Head Baddie in Charge make the Queen bow down in London?
The darkness approaches.
“You are as I was. As I am, you will be.” The shadows are starting to take shape, but is SmackDown about to fade to black?
Charlotte Flair VS Mia Yim w/ B-Fab!
The Queen looks down on everyone, so it’s no surprise that everyone else wants to take her down. Charlotte may have checked off B-Fab, but will the HBIC be a much different story? Or will Charlotte only sharpen her edge before facing Tiffany Stratton at WrestleMania?
WAIT! NAOMI ATTACKS B-FAB & MICHIN! Naomi drags Mia up for a FACEBUSTER! Naomi rains down fists, the ref reprimands and the fans boo, but Naomi tells the ref to back off. Naomi then BOOTS B-Fab off the apron! Naomi goes out after B-Fab to THRWO her into barriers! Naomi SLAPS B-Fab, tells her to stay down, but B-Fab gets up. Naomi fires hands, then she SMACKS B-Fab off the desk! Naomi rains down fists, but here comes Jade! Jade hurries down the ramp, she runs around the way, but Naomi runs away! Jade makes sure B-Fab is okay, but refs have to help her to the back. And what of Mia? Will she even be able to compete?
Charlotte makes her entrance, not really caring about what Naomi just did to Mia. But that means she also crosses paths with Jade. The fans like the look of this stare down, but Jade and Charlotte both let the other slide. Charlotte gets her pyro, and it seems she’ll still get her match. Will Mia be little more than an appetizer now?
The bell rings, and Charlotte BOOTS Mia down! Cover, TWO! Mia stays in this and the fans rally up. Charlotte just struts around while SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns, Charlotte has Mia down with a chinlock, but the fans rally up. Mia fights up, fires body shots, and she then blocks a shot to ROCK Charlotte! Mia ROCKS Charlotte again and again, then reels her in for a TORNADO DDT! The fans fire up as Mia hurries to cover, TWO! Mia drags Charlotte up, wrenches, but Charlotte says no to Da Feet! BIG back suplex! Mia stagger sup, Charlotte whips her, but Mia reverses! Charlotte goes up and out, BOOTS her away, then slingshots in and rolls Mia! Mia rolls through and BUZZSAWS! Mia runs corner to corner, but Charlotte avoids the cannonball!
Charlotte YAKUZA KICKS Mia down, then fires herself up! The fans “WOO~!” as Charlotte has Mia in the drop zone,. Charlotte steps on her, goes up the corner, but Mia gets underneath her! SIT-OUT POWERBOMB! Cover, TWO! Charlotte survives and Mia is shocked! Mia nods as the fans rally back up, and she brings Charlotte up. But Charlotte ROCKS Mia! Mia SOBATS, PELES, and then runs to PENALTY KICK! Cover, TWO! Charlotte stays in this, Mia grows frustrated, but the fans continue to rally. Mia uses that energy to stay focused, and she stalks Charlotte to waistlock. But Charlotte ELBOWS her away!
Charlotte CHOPS, and CHOPS, and CHOSP! Charlotte winds up, and she CHOPS again! Mia sputters, but then she dodges the boot! Charlotte is caught, and Mia hits a SAIDO! Charlotte flounders to a corner, the fans rally behind Mia, and Mia runs up, CANNONBALL! Mia hurries to wrench and EAT- NO, Charlotte shoves Mia away! Charlotte gets under, back suplexes, but Mia lands out! EAT DA FEET!! Cover, ROPEBREAK!! Charlotte’s long legs help her survive by a literal foot! Mia is beside herself while Charlotte bails out. Mia storms after Charlotte, runs up, but Charlotte dodges! Mia’s kick hits steel steps!
Mia hobbles away, goes to the apron, but Charlotte CHOP BLOCKS the bad leg out! Charlotte grabs Mia’s leg, drops a KNEE on the knee, but fans chant, “We Want Tiffy!” Charlotte just steps through, FIGURE FOUR, into FIGURE EIGHT!! Mia taps, Charlotte wins!
Winner: Charlotte Flair, by submission
Charlotte got more of a fight out of Mia than expected, but she still won. Will The Queen be more than ready to reign again after WrestleMania?
Backstage interview with Tiffany Stratton.
Jackie Redmond is with the WWE Women’s Champion and says Charlotte certainly looks confident. Let’s be real, Charlotte came at Tiff pretty hard. It got a lot of people talking. Tiff says yes, people talk. And Charlotte sure loves to hear herself talk. Ten years into the business and Charlotte is still so insecure that she can’t let a “rookie” get a word out. But last week, Tiff did learn something: She learned that walking into WrestleMania, she isn’t the one with something to lose. Truth is, if Tiff loses, then she lost to the great Charlotte Flair, as just a 25-year-old rookie with one year into SmackDown.
But if Charlotte loses… Well, then she lost to an “undeserving, delusional, unoriginal, backflip doing, blonde-hair-having, little girl.” Did she get it all? And Tiff can’t wait to hear the look on Charlotte’s face when they hear the words, “And STILL!” Then maybe Charlotte will finally shut up for the sake of literally everyone! They say what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas, and Tiff will make damn sure what stays is Charlotte’s massive ego. Tiff is walking into and out of Mania as the WWE Women’s Champion. Tootles! Tiff heads out, will it still be #TiffyTime after WrestleMania?
Randy Orton VS Drew McIntyre!
The Viper told Cody how proud he was, but also how he wants the next shot after John Cena. The Scottish Terminator took offense to that, and basically said he is taking that shot instead. Will this match be an unofficial #1 contender’s match between these two former world champions?
SmackDown returns and McIntyre makes his entrance. The bell rings and the fans sing, “OH~, Drew McIntyre~!” and chant “R K O! R K O!” Drew and Orton circle, tie up, and they go around in a deadlock. Drew powers Orton to a corner, but Orton headlocks back. Drew powers up and out, then he runs Orton over! Orton hurries to ropes and Drew mockingly asks, “How’s the back feel, Randy?” Orton stands, he and Drew reset, and the fans duel some more. Drew calls for a knuckle lock, Orton accepts, but then Drew kicks low! Drew bumps Orton off buckles, then climbs up, but he panders for too long and Orton YANKS him down!
The fans fire up as Orton climbs now! Orton rains down fists, and the fans count to nine. Orton hops down, brings Drew around, and POSTS him for ten! Drew tumbles out of the ring, Orton goes out after him, and they’re by the desk! But Drew kicks Orton first and SMACKS him off the desk! Drew clears the desk, and he brings Orton up for the DESK- NO, Orton fights free! Orton turns things around, DESK BACK SUPLEX for Drew! The fans fire up while Orton leaves Drew behind, and SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Drew writhes on the floor, but Orton goes out to fetch him! Orton brings Drew around, UPPERCUTS him, then says one more time! DESK BACK SUPLEX! Drew writhes as that desk stays standing! Orton grins, refreshes the ring count, and then he storms up on Drew. Drew pokes Orton in the eye! Drew POSTS Orton now, then brings him around to RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP into barriers! Orton slumps down, and Drew also grits his teeth from that double-edged attack, but Drew fires up as he stands tall. Drew drags Orton up, puts him in the ring, then stalks Orton. Drew looms over Orton, and HIP DROPS him!
Orton sputters, Drew says one more time, and he winds up for the HIP DROP! Drew paces around Orton, says maybe one more time, and he pretends he can’t hear the fans. Drew winds up again, but Orton flips over! Hip drop meets kneecaps! And then Orton pokes Drew in the eyes! The ref reprimands but Orton rises up. Drew sputters and flounders, Orton ROCKS him with a right! Drew ROCKS Orton back! Drew storms up, Orton kicks low, but Drew fires another haymaker! The haymakers go back and forth, Orton gets the edge, but Drew GLASGOW KISS HEADBUTTS! Cover, TWO! Drew clamps onto Orton with an armlock!
SmackDown returns to single picture and the fans rally up. Orton fights up, pries at the chinbar, and then throws right hands! Drew CHOPS Orton in return! The fans “WOO~” and Drew winds up. Drew ROCKS Orton again, eggs him on, then CHOPS again! Drew shoves Orton to a corner, CHOPS again, then dares Orton to fight! Drew whips corner to corner, but Orton comes back to LARIAT! And LARIAT! Drew swings, Orton dodges, SNAP POWERSLAM! The fans fire up as Orton stalks Drew to the apron. Drew HOTSHOTS Orton first! Drew then runs in, but Orton puts him through the ropes!
The fans fire up as Orton has Drew for the DRAPING DDT! The fans fire up for Orton, and Orton hears those voices! Drew rises, but then Orton spots KEVIN OWENS! The Prizefighter is on the ramp, Orton glares at him, but then he turns around into a CLAYMORE!! Cover, DREW WINS!
Winner: Drew McIntyre, by pinfall
Kevin’s mere presence costs Orton, and now Drew has a huge win propelling him down the Road to WrestleMania! As for Orton, Kevin drags him out of the ring, SMACKS him off the desk, and then climbs up to join him! The fans boo but Kevin and his hot pink sneakers have Orton in position, but Orton slips free and TRIPS Kevin up! Kevin hits the desk then the floor! Orton staggers around, the fans rally behind him, and Orton stalks Kevin to the corner of the barriers. Orton lines up the shot! Orton runs in, but Kevin jumps over barriers! Security is there to stop Orton from pursuing, so Kevin runs away into the night!
The fans boo, but The Viper was that close! Will Orton be able to strike Kevin down and completely take him out?
Fire, thunder, smoke…
The force of nature is drawing ever closer. And he’s ready to fly! REY FENIX arrives next Friday Night SmackDown!
Jimmy Uso VS The Miz!
#BigJim gave Gunther a piece of his mind and a mark on his cheek, but it seems not everyone got the message. Will the Hollywood A-lister soon star in the Uso Penitentiary? Or will he prove Jimmy is NOT ready for a world champion level opponent?
The bell rings and the two tie up. Jimmy powers Miz to a corner, Miz turns things around, and the ref counts. Miz takes a swing, Jimmy ducks it to CHOP! And CHOP! Miz shoves Jimmy back, then runs up, but Jimmy TACKLES Miz! Jimmy rains down fists, Miz shoves him away to go to ropes, but Jimmy storms back up. Miz ELBOWS Jimmy away, then runs back up, only for Jimmy to LARIAT him down! The fans fire up while Jimmy storms up on Miz. Jimmy CHOPS Miz, has him in a corner, then whips corner to corner. Miz reverses, Jimmy goes up and over, then UPPERCUTS! Miz staggers back to ropes, but Jimmy is right on him.
Jimmy whips, Miz reverses and kitchen sink knees! Then basement BOOTS! The fans fire up, Miz scowls, and Miz KNEES Jimmy in the back again and again. Miz stalks Jimmy to the ropes now, and he CHOKES Jimmy! The ref counts, Miz runs, and Miz STRADDLE ATTACKS! The fans boo, but Miz runs again. Jimmy ducks the boot, then dodges a lariat! Jimmy runs up to LARIAT Miz up and out! The fans fire up and Jimmy builds speed, but Miz runs away! Jimmy smirks as he goes out the side, and UPPERCUTS Miz over the barriers! Jimmy makes sure Gunther knows he’s coming to get him, but SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns and both men are down. Miz and Jimmy crawl, and Jimmy pounds the mat. The fans rally, Jimmy rises and runs up to LARIAT! And LARIAT! And mule kick! Jimmy then UPPERCUTS Miz, dodges a lariat, then SAMOAN DROPS! The fans fire up, Jimmy goes to the corner, “UCE! OH!” Jimmy runs in, but Miz puts him on the apron! Jimmy UPPERCUTS again! Jimmy climbs, leaps, but Miz gets under! Miz then waistlocks, ripcords, and MOVIE MAKER! Fans boo that blatant parody, but Miz full nelsons! Jimmy drops, victory rolls, TWO! Miz has the cover, TWO! Miz hurries to BASEMENT DDT! Cover, TWO!
The fans rally up as Jimmy survives! Miz stalks Jimmy, the fans rally up more, and Miz fires a KICK! And then another KICK! The fans say “YES! YES! YES!” to the It Kicks, but then Miz winds up. Jimmy ducks the buzzsaw, Miz blocks the superkick, but the DRAGON WHIP connects! Miz rebounds to B-MOVIE KNEE!! Cover, TWO!! The parodies don’t get it done, but Miz still has his original work to fall back on. The fans rally for “UCE! OH! UCE! OH!” Miz runs in, A-LIST LARIAT! Miz shoves Jimmy down, then springboards, but into a SUPERKICK! Jimmy hurries up top, for the USO SPLASH!! Cover, Jimmy wins!
Winner: Jimmy Uso, by pinfall
Miz may be a movie star, but Big Jim’s the one winning this main event! Jimmy then borrows Joe Tessitore’s headset to call out Gunther! He’s coming after dat ass on Monday! Gunther won’t be the ring general, he will be “Private Gunther,” and he will salute Big Jim! Uh, uh, YEET! Will Jimmy be the one making examples out of the World Heavyweight Champion? Or will everything come crashing down when Gunther gets his turn?
Drew McIntyre returns backstage.
And he says hey to Lewis Capaldi, the Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter, and also a big fan of Drew’s. They’re ready to have a good night in the pub, but Jackie Redmond walks over to congratulate him on the win tonight. She was hoping to get some thoughts on that victory and what happened with Orton and Kevin. Drew says it’s alright, this is what happens. He doesn’t care about anybody else’s business, but no one gets away with screwing him over. And when no one meddles in his business, he wins! Drew called out Priest, where is he? Priest doesn’t have the balls! So time to get mad in the pubs, everyone’s invited!
Drew turns the corner, but PRIEST IS THERE! Priest ROCKS Drew, SMACKS him off the door, then throws him into road cases! Priest ROCKS Drew, SMACKS him off the trunk of a car, and then again! Or since it’s London, “the boot.” The driver complains, but Priest BODY SLAMS that guy through a table! Drew comes back to KNEE Priest low, SMACK him off the trunk, and then off the side! They go to the hood, or bonnet for UK. Drew drags Priest up, but Priest CLAWS Drew’s eyes! Priest then sends Drew SOUTH OF HEAVEN through the windshield! Priest tells security that he’s done for now. Any more jokes, Drew? Didn’t think so! RIP, jackass!
Priest leaves, the producers hurry to help Drew, and Drew’s got glass in his eye! Will that glass help Drew see why he shouldn’t piss off the Punisher?
CM Punk heads to gorilla.
He has a security detail with him, and he passes by Drew writhing in pain. Punk chuckles, then continues on. Will his contract signing with Roman Reigns and Seth Rollins be just as brutal? We find out, after the break.
Nick Aldis is in the ring.
The SmackDown General Manager welcomes us back, and says it is his honor and privilege to be here in the O2 in London. Now, we all know why he and this table is here, and why additional security is here tonight. Tonight, we are here to sign a contract for a Triple Threat. Perhaps the biggest Triple Threat in the history of WrestleMania: Seth Rollins VS CM Punk VS Roman Reigns! The fans cheer all those names, and here comes the OTC! London puts the ones up, and Paul Heyman accompanies THE Tribal Chief out on stage. Roman raises his finger to the sky for the pyro, then security follows him to the ring.
SmackDown goes picture in picture as Roman’s entrance continues, and he raises his finger to the sky for the second round of pyro. Roman steps into the ring, SmackDown returns to single picture, and Heyman hands him a mic. The fans sing, “ROMAN! ROMAN REIGNS~!” Roman nods, the fans cheer, and now they chant, “O T C! O T C!” Roman tells London, “ACKNOWLEDGE ME!” The fans cheer again, and again chant, “O T C! O T C!” Roman smiles, but he sees the chairs are not to his liking. Heyman makes sure to put one at the head of the table. Heyman also dusts the chair off while Roman enjoys the singing of, “ROMAN! ROMAN REIGNS~!”
Roman takes a seat and says that was beautiful. The way they sing to their Tribal Chief, it’s just beautiful. The singing continues, and Heyman even joins in! Roman smiles, and he says that is what he’s talking about. That’s the OTC for you, baby! The biggest star on the planet! The OTC came here for two reasons. One: to be acknowledged; check! And two: to sign this contract. Roman does just that, and he says he’s checked both boxes. That means- “BURN IT DOWN!” Seth Rollins interrupts! The fans now sing, “WHOA~ OH~ OHH~!” Rollins struts out in his red wine paisley suit and conducts the O2 Choir all the way into the ring.
The fans cheer while Roman frowns, but Rollins takes the seat to Roman’s left. Rollins offers Heyman a chance to sing to this song, but Heyman frowns. Rollins chuckles, and he says the fans do have beautiful singing voices. He doesn’t know why Roman is in such a hurry to leave, though! This is their building! There’s a lot of history here! 12 years ago, they landed on the roof of this place in a helicopter! They came down those stairs over there, “ready to burn down the old guard!” They put the Undertaker down through the desk, and they were going to remake this company in their image!
Now don’t get him wrong, Rollins knows a lot has happened since then. They fought against each other, with each other, a little bit of love and a whole lot of hate. But Rollins dare says, as the fans continue to sing “WHOA~ OH~ OHH~,” that Rollins and Roman accomplished their mission. The fans start to chant for CM Punk, but Rollins tunes them out. Roman says, “We? We? You keep saying we. Our mission? We died a long time ago. It’s only been ME. You been here, but I done all the work! I’ve made this place what it is today! I took us to the level that we are here today! I made this place better than we found it!
“I’m the one that made us desirable to Netflix! I’m the one that took us into billion-dollar deals! Tell me, what have you done?” Rollins shouts, “I’ll tell you what I’ve done! YOU, YOU, YOU, it’s that mindset that keeps me having to screw you! You understand that? And your biggest mistake is not understanding the danger that’s right in front of us! The danger that’s right in front of you! You let the biggest snake in the world, CM Punk, into the garden! And you could’ve cut his head off at WarGames! But instead, you shook his hand. You could’ve let me finish him inside the cage at The Garden, but you didn’t. And now, I am left to do what I always do: Clean up your mess, again.”
Rollins drops his mic, picks up the pen, and signs his part. And now, here comes CM PUNK! The fans fire up and sing along with Cult of Personality, then join in on saying, “IT’S CLOBBERIN’ TIME~!” Punk goes to the ring, but as he grabs a mic, he goes up a corner, just like he did last Friday. “I have come here to chew bubblegum and sign a contract. And I’m all outta bubblegum.” The fans cheer the Rowdy Roddy Piper reference, and Punk hops down to take his seat on Roman’s right. Punk looks over said contract, but Roman asks if Punk needs a highlighter or something. What’s he doing? Just go to page four, clause five.
Punk does as Roman says, but Roman says Punk needs to hurry, this is precious TV time. Punk reads the segment, Roman tells Heyman to just smarten Punk up. Heyman tells Punk he knows what Punk is looking for. It is in there. They’re closing the show at WrestleMania. The fans go wild hearing that! Heyman tells Punk that he gets to live his dream of dreams. CM Punk will be a WrestleMania main eventer! The fans cheer and while Roman smiles, Rollins is furious. Roman says, “One man’s dream is another man’s favor! CHECK!” Wait, this was the favor? Rollins says no! This is not something to laugh at, and Punk does not get to tear up!
Punk is NOT deserving! He does NOT deserve this! The fans boo but Rollins continues to throw a fit! Main eventing WrestleMania is SACRED, the most important thing in the world to Rollins! More than anything! Except the fact that Punk NEVER gets to main event! This is all Roman’s fault! This is all Heyman’s fault! Rollins THROWS his mic down, paces angrily, but Punk picks up the mic. The fans cheer Punk on again, and Punk stands to thank London, to thank Chicago, to thank Louisville, Kentucky, and to thank ALL the fans. As corny as it sounds, he thanks the WWE Universe who stood by him and chanted his name for TEN LONG YEARS!
Roman says hold on, hold on. Punk shouldn’t be thanking the fans! He should be thanking the Tribal Chief! It is because of Roman that Punk gets this honor! So please, take this moment, close the show with that acknowledgement! Do this the right way. The credits are already rolling as Punk kneels before Roman!? Punk smiles, and he thanks “My Tribal Chief, the holder of the ula fala, the Head of the Table, the… Big Dog? Thank you for allowing a kid from Chicago to be graced by your presence. Thank you, My Tribal Chief, for allowing me to stand in your ring. And thank you so much. Thank you, Roman Reigns, so very much.
“But because of you, I will see you in the main event of WrestleMania.” And again, Rollins is agonizing over this. Punk finishes putting his signature on the contract, and London tells him, “You Deserve It!” Punk thanks Roman again, and then says, “But that’s not the favor that I’m owed.” WHAT?! Roman looks at Heyman and Heyman can’t look him in the eye! If getting this Triple Threat made into the main event isn’t the gift of the Wise Man, then what is?!
My Thoughts:
A good SmackDown, but they pulled off quite the paradox. They made it feel like they were struggling to fill three hours, yet they also filled the show to the point where that contract signing segment was almost bleeding over the three hour mark. Ironically, part of the problem was just how excited the London crowd was for this. The superstars still wanted to enjoy the chants and songs, but that’s time SmackDown doesn’t have to spare. It made the opening promo from Cody, Orton and Drew take longer, and it kinda did the same to the contract signing at the end. Even so, we still got a very good promo, and good stuff to set up Orton VS McIntyre.
Orton VS McIntyre was a great match, but of course Kevin costs Orton. McIntyre gets his win, Kevin and Orton have a bit of a brawl, but of course Kevin ends up on the losing end and runs off. McIntyre’s trash talk also comes back to bite him as Priest gets the better of him in their brawl. Here’s hoping Drew didn’t actually get glass in his eye, but that being the thing in kayfabe can be some good stuff. I can imagine McIntyre with an eyepatch, and he takes it off at the opportune time to get the better of Priest in their match. Also what a fitting choice for Punk to be passing by Drew suffering because of real glass.
Very good title matches tonight, but of course the status quo was kept. Pretty Deadly gets to look great here in London, but the Profits only just got the belts, they’re not going to be transitional champions like that. And Knight VS Braun was really good stuff, but honestly, Jacob Fatu going after them both should’ve been a given. Jacob also had a great promo with Solo & Tama to start adding to that divide between Jacob and Solo. I would hope Solo doesn’t screw Jacob out of the US Championship, but it feels like he will as Solo won’t stand for Jacob defying his authority, even though Solo’s been trying to make Jacob the champion all along.
Very good stuff from Jimmy Uso tonight, from his promo with #MeloDon’tMiz and then a great match with Miz. Their match ended up the de facto main event match, so that’s also great for both guys. Great win for Jimmy, but that’s likely because Jimmy is losing big time to Gunther on Monday. And it might just be me, but it feels like only now is the Jey VS Gunther build really moving, largely in part because Jimmy got involved. Jimmy’s promo after his match is something along the lines of what Jey should be saying. But I suppose as brothers, Jimmy is the one who knows Jey best and knows what Jey needs to be motivated again. And seeing Jimmy get beat up by Gunther will definitely motivate Jey…
Good final vignettes for Rey Fenix and Aleister Black. I’m a little surprised they confirmed Rey Fenix is showing up next week, and that they confirmed who Rey Fenix even is. I believe commentary confirmed Rey Fenix is Penta’s real brother, even namedropped “Lucha Brothers,” but all that is still surprising considering Fenix is going to start on SmackDown. Aleister’s vignette (at least I am fairly confident it’s his) was giving us glimpses of his silhouette, but I think there was usage of AI in the snake imagery. It was fine they did it for El Grande Americano because that is all trolling, but they really should try and do things the old fashioned way of photoshop and stock imagery.
Very good stuff in the Women’s Division tonight, though the WWE Women’s Championship portion was the weaker. Naomi’s got a great Heel persona going, her promo was great, and her going after B-Fab & Michin over them supporting Jade was a great detail. Jade runs Naomi off, helps B-Fab, but there was no helping Michin in being fed to Charlotte. Tiffany had a decent promo, and it does fit how Charlotte kept her from speaking so she finally gets things out here. It didn’t really add that much, though, but they already gave us a great brawl so not sure what more they can give.
KC Squared VS The Secret Her-vice was a very good match, but of course Chelsea made sure her team won. A Six Woman Tag of Zelina & KC Squared VS The Green Administration is certainly coming, to help give us Zelina VS Chelsea for the Women’s US Championship.
My Score: 8.7/10
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Coverage
Andrew’s TNA iMPACT! Results & Match Ratings: 3.27.2025
Bad news out of the TNA management side, but this is a taped episode from El Paso! So we won’t see any of the fallout just yet!
Now we all heard the news about the TNA change in hierarchy, and I…have no positive outlook on that. Delirious sucked at booking and creative in the dying days of ROH before it got bought as a B show. Dreamer having even more control is concerning because his ideas the last two years haven’t been much better.
Gail leaving makes more sense to me. Be it firing or a “you can’t quit, you’re fired” kind of situation, the Knockouts division is the worst it’s been in a long time and Gail was close with Scott D’Amore. So I don’t think Gail parting ways is as big of a problem since TNA has slowly been bleeding out with the Scott faithful.
Granted, I think the next few shows were already taped before the firing so things shouldn’t be completely unwatchable for at least a week or two. So let’s see where we’re going.
.@WeAreRosemary sends @XiaBrookside a CHILLING message!
WATCH #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/LaVxF6l2yc pic.twitter.com/srciTTbel0
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) March 28, 2025
Ratings:
- Gigi Dolin & Tatum Paxley vs Elegance Clique w/Personal Concierge: Ash wins via Rarefied Air – ** 1/4
- Fir$t Cla$$ & Frankie Kazarian vs Laredo Kid, Octagon Jr & Chavo Guerrero Jr: Chavo wins via Gory Bomb into Frog Splash – *** 1/4
- Jacy Jayne vs Masha Slamovich: Masha wins via Russian Death Device – ***
- Eric Young w/two losers vs Ace Austin: Eric wins via Piledriver – ** 1/2
- Seto & Mokuba – I mean – Nic Nemeth w/Ryan Nemeth vs Leon Slater: Nic wins via Danger Zone – *** 1/4
Results:
Gigi Dolin & Tatum Paxley vs Elegance Clique w/Personal Concierge
Ash and Gigi start off, Gigi with a little Rascalz after her first takedown. So both her and Wentz are making it obvious something’s going on between them, and I’m not mad at it. Good for my man Wentz.
Tatum and Gigi get some quick tandem offense in, Ash does manage to scurry off to a tag and Heather gets bent into a Pretzel. Some kind of Inverted Tarantula from Tatum, Gigi tags in, Bronco Buster on Heather followed by Kawada Kicks. Heather sells against the ropes, Gigi goes for a Hesitation Dropkick, but Concierge pulls her away so Gigi crashes and burns. Ref is distracted, Ash gets in some cheap shots and then the Elegant duo starts working over Gigi. A few quick tags, but once Heather comes in, Gigi fights out of the corner, gets the hot tag to Tatum. Tatum stacks up both Elegance members, Corner Stacked Crossbody, Butterfly Suplex and an Elbow Drop with some some flare. Tatum goes to the top rope, Heather pulls Gigi off the apron, Concierge shoves Tatum off the turnbuckle and Ash hits Rarefied Air for the win.
Post match the Elegance Clique wants to make their wish with the cake, they light the candles and Tatum and Gigi recover enough to do what we all expected last week, the cake in the face spot. Some…suggestive licking from both of our Hot Topic Hotties, so…no complaints here.
.@Ashamae_Sebera, @Heathereckless and @IamGeorgeIceman are having a meltdown!
WATCH #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/LaVxF6l2yc pic.twitter.com/FnKwPqm2ff
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) March 28, 2025
Fir$t Cla$$ & Frankie Kazarian vs Laredo Kid, Octagon Jr & Chavo Guerrero Jr
Chavo and Kaz start since he’s King Petty, a quick rope run turns into a Headscissor from Chavo. Kaz recovers, they lock up, Kaz hits the Knee Lift during the lock up to tag out to KC. KC pulls off some athletic dodges, gloats a bit so Chavo waits, measures and nails a gorgeous Dropkick. Laredo comes in on fire, quick high spots that send KC bouncing around like HBK against Hulk. KC powders after sells the Satellite Takedown, AJ checks on him and we go to commercial.
Back from commercial, Octagon is lighting up KC’s chest with overhand chops, he perches, Sunset Headscissor Flip from corner to corner, KC tries to Back Drop him but Octagon does a headstand, kicks KC away and lays him out with a high spot. AJ gets on the apron to stop Octagon from running the ropes, the referee has a stroke or something because he stops paying attention and AJ pulls Octagon out of the ring and chucks him. KC with the Tope con Hilo and tag (tag ropes haven’t mattered since the 80s we all know this). So AJ is getting taunted by the crowd in Spanish, but he’s manhandling Octagon since it looks like a Child fighting their parent. AJ knocks off Chavo and Laredo, Laredo pops up and tries to get involved but he’s caught on the shoulders, Octagon goes for the Crossbody but gets caught and AJ pulls off “World’s Strongest Wasteland” but Chavo breaks up the pinfall. AJ throws Octagon into the corner, Tennessee Whiskey, and tag out to KC. KC hits a few moves, but starts to lose the momentum until he connects with a Super Kick. Simultaneous rope run into the Dueling Crossbodies, so we get the timely tag outs from both sides. Kaz and Laredo come in, Laredo lands like two moves before Kaz hits a Sole Butt, Lariat and eats his lunch. KC and Kaz try to double team Laredo but he fights out and the crowd is chanting for Chavo.
Chavo tags in, and he’s rocking KC, Saito Suplex, Low Bridge to AJ, Reverse the Whip so Chavo goes to the corner and perches, KC feeds, Chavo Backflips to safety, rolls through and lays out KC. Chavo is feeling himself, 3 Amigos start on KC but only 2, Kaz comes in and Chavo switches to Kaz for the Amigos, only 2 again before AJ breaks it up. AJ goes for the disrespect, but Chavo counters and hits the 3 Amigos on the biggest Culero. Aztec Warriors dive to stop AJ and Kaz, KC tries a Dirty Victory Roll but Chavo kicks out. GORY BOMB into FROG SPLASH!
Chavo looked fantastic and he’s the one in the best shape in the ring. I wouldn’t be mad at more Chavito.
Jacy Jayne vs Masha Slamovich
I expect very little from this match.
Collar and Elbow, gator rolling for the first 30 seconds or so, then Jacy goes to some Hair Pull takedowns and does a little taunt before Masha pops back up and hits a Lariat into a Dive. Jacy sells it like she’s really hurt, even the ref tries to hold Masha back a little before Masha gets annoyed and just grabs her, Masha throws her in, looks for a Dive and Jacy sees it and powders. Masha tries to go back to the well for the Dive again but Jacy hits the Uppercut and then an Apron Run PK to drop Masha. Forearms rain down into a Foot Choke as Jacy continues to arrogantly play to the crowd. Another Foot Choke into a Cannonball, and near fall.
Masha gets space with a Sole Butt, tries to snap off Requiem but Jacy fights off, fights through a Sunset Flip another effective PK keeps Masha on her ass. Jacy looks for a kinda half-assed Camel Clutch as Masha is fighting up, but Jacy runs her into the corner, gets distracted mouthing off to the crowd, so Masha recovers, 5 Hole Up Kick sends Jacy into the corner, Yakuza Kick into Capo Kick for two. Requiem attempt again, but Jacy pushes off, a little back and forth, Masha tries a Backslide but Jacy gets away and hits a V-Trigger but only a 2 count. Jacy looks for the Discus Punch but Masha ducks it, they strike back and forth, but some dodges from both leave the exchange more even. Jacy with the Front Kick to the face sends Masha to the outside. Jacy wants another PK, but Masha blocks, Electric Chair Apron Snake Eyes. Masha throws her in, a PK into a near all. Requiem attempt 3, and thwarted from Jacy with a Superkick into a Neckbreaker. Senton misses from Jacy, Buzzsaw Kick, into Spinning Back Kick and Russian Death Device for the win.
Better than I expected, and Tessa attacks as soon as the bell rings. Xia Brookside and Lei Ying Li make the save after Tessa grabs the belt.
Eric Young w/two losers vs Ace Austin
Ace and Eric tie up, World of Sport start but as soon as Ace starts to get away EY punches him in the face. Eric looks at the camera and says “This is what trust looks like”, turns his back on Ace, when Ace looks to attack, the loser duo cut him off. EY takes advantage of the weird situation, but Ace with some Up and Over quick spots, into an Inside Cradle and La Magistral. EY kicks out of the quick flash attempts, but eats a Dropkick, and Ace goes all Speed Kils on him with fast strikes and then a face buster for another near fall. Strike spot very early in the match, Ace gets the best of it, goes for a Tear Drop Suplex but EY sits on it to block, Headlocks to keep him close and then a snap Lariat into beatdown bully tactics. EY takes the referee’s attention and one of the nerds punch Ace in the face.
Eric tries to lean on Ace, but Ace fires, a few strikes, Click Click Boom, the Miz Seated Lariats in the corner, Mochizuki Triangle Kick connects! Only a 2 count, but Ace seems to be in control. Ace puts EY on the ropes, a few strikes to keep him rocked, wants a Superplex, but EY blocks, bites the face and Macho Elbow gets a very close two count. EY tries the Piledriver but Ace turns it into a Jacknife Cradle,Spinning Heel Kick, calls for The Fold, but the losers hop on the apron to distract, Ace attacks them. Ace tries to time out the Triangle Kick again, but Eric dodges, throws Ace head first through the buckles. As Ace stumbles out of the corner, Piledriver, and it’s over.
Oh look it’s the “we’ll hear from Joe Hendry” segment. Again, I’ve loved this gimmick since Day 1, even didn’t hate his What Culture Pro stuff, but there is such a thing as milking a cow too much.
Elijah interrupts the whole “Who’s next” speech. When Elijah comes out he says he’s not the challenger and he believes in Joe. The crowd wants Elijah to turn on Hendry. Elijah pauses for a moment, and starts proving his friendship with stating his favorite color and a little “You Got a Friend in Me”. The crowd is into singing along and waving their cameras like Lighters to a 30 year old song. THANKFULLY Kaz breaks up the hug fest. Now he gets the “Culero” chant.
Kaz pulls out a Bass…what the hell is this Jam Session. Kaz has to warm up so he plays “La Cucaracha” on the bass. Kaz…is a national treasure. Hendry kicks Kaz out of the ring after his Heelish and playfully racially charged song choices. Kaz tries to sow dissension, but Joe and Elijah pinball Kaz between them. Kaz slips a power move and tries to shove Elijah into Joe but Elijah puts the brakes on, a small tense moment. But then Joe and Elijah play “Nah Nah Nah Nah, Hey Hey, Goodbye”…and that goes right into a commercial. Oddly…perfect.
Nic Nemeth w/Ryan Nemeth vs Leon Slater
Nic shoots the half immediately for a flash pinfall but Leon kicks out at one. Nic continues to keep things grounded with his amateur wrestling skills, and then does a little Dolph Ziggler show off. So Nic isn’t really taking this seriously, and Leon starts getting the best of things with an Arm Wringer, into drag, Shoulder Tackle and rope run as Nic tries to Leap Frog and Leon puts on the brakes and just shoves Nic on his ass. Nic gets annoyed, a few strikes, grinds his face along the ropes, but Leon keeps stringing some offense together, Back Handspring Elbow into his Corner con Hilo.
Ahh the classic formula of the commercial gives the heel the advantage, Twisting Suplex from Leon stops Nic’s offense momentum, right hand, Leon lifts Nic up for something, Nic slips it, kicks him in the gut, looks for the FameAsser, but Leon catches him into a Blue Thunder Bomb variation. Slater wants the Swanton 450, but Nic powders. Leon tries to adjust into a Dive, but Nic cuts him off, counter for counter and a FameAsser out of the counters for a two count. Nic starts the big brother tactics, bootwashes and arrogance, Slater fires, punches into a Yakuza Kick. Leon wants another Lethal Injection variant, but Nic catches him into a Rear Naked Choke. Slater tries to turn it into a pin so Nic breaks it. Leon wants a Leg Lariat but misses and gets unceremoniously dropped by Nic. Nic puts Leon up on the buckles, Superplex possibly but Slater counters, tries to collect himself for a move, but Nic falls into the ropes to crotch Leon, and finally hits the Superplex.
Twist of Slate from Leon, Swanton 450 but knees get up. Locomotion Cradles from both but they kick out, Ryan picks the ankle to trip up Leon just a touch and then Danger Zone ends the match.
Ryan starts the post match beatdown, but the Hardy’s music hits and they come down to the ring for the save. Matt challenges the Nemeths for Rebellion because they’re not medically cleared yet.
Overall Score: 6.5/10
Decent story motion, no match was offensive, and there was actually some solid match action for television standards. I don’t have a ton to complain about aside from the Knockouts Division is in a weird spot, and giving Hendry a lot of just talking and hollow payoff segments feels stupid. If we need to hear from him every week, give him a talk segment like Highlight Reel or something. Yes I know First Class just got The Penthouse, but if Hendry is going to talk more than wrestle, give him a talk segment for us to sink our teeth into.
There was the announcement that Xia, Lei Ying and Masha will face Tessa, Jacy and a mystery partner. So you gotta wonder if there’s going to be another NXT mercenary, a surprise return or if it’ll just be Rosemary since she’s got her issues with Xia. Also I just realized that Unbreakable is going to be on a Thursday, seemingly after iMPACT? I’m gonna have to see how they do it, because if there’s an Impact episode and 2-3 hour PLE…I do not want to be awake until 1am. People need to work, and I will be Unwakeable if things go that long.
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TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends
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