Coverage

Mitchell’s WWE SmackDown Results & Report! (9/22/23)

You Can’t See Me, Uce!

Published

2 years ago

September 22, 2023

Steven Mitchell

Will John Cena survive (what’s left of) The Bloodline?

John Cena’s WWE return tour continues, but he’s being diverted to the Island of Relevancy! Will Jimmy Uso & Solo Sikoa end the Cena problem?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

Rey Mysterio & Santos Escobar VS The Street Profits; Rey & Escobar win.
WWE Women’s Championship: Iyo Sky w/ Damage CTRL VS Asuka; Iyo wins and retains the title.
The Brawling Brutes VS Grayson Waller & Austin Theory; Waller & Theory win.

PLAY BY PLAY

John Cena is here!

Phoenix, Arizona gets hot as the Greatest Of All Time, the Leader of the Cenation, heads to the ring! Cena gets the mic to say for those watching at home, welcome to another sold out Friday Night SmackDown! And Cena needed to come out here to open the show tonight, Since they allowed him to come home, he’s done a whole lot of thigs. he’s been a talk show guest, a host, a backstage correspondent, a referee, “WHAT?” an official. “WHAT?” Someone who imposes the rules during a match. “WHAT?” He’s out of alternates, you guys win. Fans cheer that, and Cena says the journey has taken him to Hershey, to Pittsburgh, to Denver, and all of those events have all been sold out, but not like tonight!

Fans cheer and Cena says tonight is a very special night, Cena wanted to come out to say how special this is and how different tonight will be. He doesn’t wanna be a ref, a host, a correspondent. He is back to compete! And he feels tonight, is the night he’d like to have a match! Fans are thunderous, and Cena says as you get older, hearing is the first to go. He wants their permission. Is tonight a good night to have a match? “YES!” Is it? “YES!!” Well okay, thank you for the energy! Cena is more than just excited, he is also angry. He is angry with the Bloodline. Fans boo and Cena says oh yeah, he’s ready to fight Solo & Jimmy alone!

But as luck would have it, Cena has a partner. Someone who is just as angry as Cena. Cena has found himself a phenomenal partner. Fans fire up even more as AJ Styles makes his way out! Styles joins Cena in the ring, takes the mic from Cena, and fans chant for “AJ STYLES~!” Styles hears all that, then he says, “Lemme get this straight. You want AJ Styles and John Cena VS The Bloodline?” Fans love that! “YES! YES! YES!” Cena says the fans want it. Styles tells The Bloodline that if they want some, COME GET SOME! Fans fire up as Styles uses Cena’s catchphrase, and here come Jimmy & Solo!

Fans boo as the last Uso in the family and the Enforcer of the Island get right up on the ring. Styles & Cena stand their ground, and Cena even throws off the hat and shirt to get extra ready! Jimmy & Solo snarl, but then Jimmy grins and backs off. Fans boo, but Solo stares Cena down a little longer. Solo eventually backs away and Jimmy says not tonight. Fans boo more, but is this because they have to wait on Roman Reigns giving his cousins permission?

John Cena & AJ Styles talk with Adam Pearce backstage.

They want him to understand how much the fans want to see the tag match! Pearce does, and he loves it, too. But anything with the Bloodline gets… complicated. Complicated?! Isn’t Pearce in charge? Quantum mechanics is complicated! But Pearce points out that when you deal with The Bloodline, you deal with Paul Heyman. So let him go find Heyman and work this out. Deal? They don’t really have a choice. But will Pearce be able to work something out with The Wise Man?

Rey Mysterio & Santos Escobar w/ Zelina Vega VS The Street Profits w/ Bobby Lashley!

The King of Lucha & The Emperor of Lucha agreed to battle over the United States Championship in a battle of friendship and respect, but Bobby Lashley and his new friends didn’t like that. Will Montez Ford & Angelo Dawkins use their new attitude to bring down the champ and his challenger? Or will they fail to sweep the LWO?

SmackDown returns as The Profits make their entrance, The All Mighty by their side. The teams sort out and Dawkins starts against Escobar. They talk some trash, tie up, and Dawkins headlocks. Escobar powers up but can’t power out as Dawkins holds on tight. Escobar throws body shots, powers out, but Dawkins runs him over. Things speed up, Escobar hurdles but Dawkins handsprings, only for Escobar to DROPKICK! Cover, TWO! Escobar wrenches an arm to a wristlock and he tags in Rey. Fans fire up as Rey KICKS the arm! Escobar gives Rey a boost to RANA Dawkins away! But Dawkins comes back to ROCK Rey!

Dawkins brings Rey over, tags Ford, and they whip to DROPKICK! Lashley likes what he sees and Ford covers, TWO! Ford whips Rey to ropes, hurdles, hurdles and lariats but Rey gets under to springboard CROSSBODY! Rey then ROCKS Dawkins, DUMPS Ford out, and he WRECKS Ford with a dropkick! Fans fire up as Rey builds speed, but Dawkins saves Ford from the sliding splash! Rey crashes down, Escobar hurries over, but Dawkins POUNCES him! Fans boo but Lashley cheers his guys on as SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns, Rey has Ford on the ropes and ROCKS him! Rey RAMS into Ford, slingshot sunset flips, ONE!! Ford LARIATS Rey down! Lashley applauds and Ford shakes out the stars. Cover, TWO! Ford is frustrated but Lashley coaches him on. Ford drags Rey up, CLUBS him, but fans rally up behind Rey. Rey throws body shots but Ford knees low! Ford whips Rey to the corner, runs in but into a BOOT! Rey ELBOWS DWKins, BOOTS Ford, repeat! Rey slides under but Ford gets a leg! Ford drags Ree back to an Electric Chair Lift! But Rey throws down hands, and he victory rolls Ford into buckles!

Fans fire up and Lashley is frustrated now as Rey crawls! Hot tag to Escobar! Fans fire up as Escobar runs Ford over, ROCKS Dawkins, then dodges Ford to come back and CLOBBER him! Escobar keeps moving with big shoulder tackles! Escobar runs at the corner, Ford puts him in the apron but the GAMANGIRI rocks Ford! Escobar goes up, “SUCK IT!” CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO! Ford is still in this and Lashley is relieved, but Escobar is right on him. Ford back drops, Escobar sunset flips but Ford rolls through to PENALTY KICK! Run and SPLASH! Cover, TWO! Escobar is still in this but Ford goes up a corner.

Ford aims but Escobar GAMANGIRIS again! Escobar goes up after Ford, for a SUPER DUPER STEINER! Cover, TWO!! Ford is still in this and now Zelina is frustrated for her team. Escobar and Ford rise, and Escobar goes to a corner, “L! W! O!” Escobar runs in, METEORA! Fireman’s carry, but Ford slips off to SUPERKICK! Tag to Dawkins and he fireman’s carries, T K O! Cover, TWO!! Escobar survives but Dawkins hauls him up. Escobar slips free to JUMP KNEE! Tag to Rey! Rey dodges Dawkins, tilt-o-whirls and DDTS! Fans fire up as Dawkins staggers up, and Rey dropkicks him into ropes!

Rey dials it up but Dawkins is up! SKY HIGH!! Cover, Escobar breaks it! Ford runs in but Escobar TOSSES Ford out! Dawkins DECKS Escobar! Rey runs in but Dawkins TOSSES him out, onto Ford! Dawkins sees what happened, hurries out but the ref has him stay in. So Lashley gets Rey with an APRON SPINEBUSTER!! Dawkins again sees what happened but takes advantage anyway, POWER- NO, Rey sunset flips! LWO WINS!!

Winners: Rey Mysterio & Santos Escobar, by pinfall

The Profits are stunned! Lashley tried to help but their hesitation may have cost them! Lashley shakes his head and heads out, will he forgive them for failing him? As for Rey & Escobar, both men are rolling into their friendly title match. Who comes away as not just the US Champion but as the true alpha of the LWO?

Austin Theory is here, but unexpectedly!

The Now jumps the railing to get in the face of commentary. He says the 153 MILLION views of The Rock’s return last week are because of him! Refs storm over to tell Theory to go, he’s not scheduled to be out here. Theory rants and raves, what will it take to appease that ego of his?

Alba Fyre & Isla Dawn speak.

“Since the beginning of time, magic has been in our blood. We see what others do not. It seems everyone that’s touched the women’s tag team titles have found… misfortune. Almost like… they’re cursed. Now, who would go and conjure a spell like that?” The Fire Keeper & The Wicked Witch are on their way back, who will be their first targets?

Pearce argues with Theory.

Theory can’t just go an hijack the show! Oh, Theory hijacked? What about last week with The Rock just showing up? But then as they arrive at Pearce’s office, The Brawling Brutes are waiting. Over 100 MILLION views, huh? That’s what they heard. All to see Theory get slapped and embarrassed by The Rock! Theory says no one embarrassed him, but then Grayson Waller walks over. He tells Theory to relax, these two “flops” are just jealous that they’re not real stars. Well what the Brutes do know about is fighting! So they’ll teach Waller & Theory all about it tonight! Pearce says that’s a hell of an idea! The Brawling Brutes VS Waller & Theory is official!

Then that means it is FIGHT NIGHT! Ridge Holland & Pete Dunne head out, Waller complains he has plans tonight and Theory brings up the 153 million views, but Pearce tells them enough! Pearce has to go talk to Heyman now. Theory and Waller complain, but the match is made! Will A-Town Down Under survive against Northern Grit & The Bruiserweight?

The Profits regroup with Lashley.

Lashley asks what was all that! They had it won and Dawkins didn’t finish this! He wants the watches, the suits and everything back! If they can’t pull the trigger, go sit in catering while he finds someone who can! Lashley storms off, what will the Profits do with this ultimatum?

Pearce finds Heyman on the phone.

Pearce asks if they can talk. Heyman explains to the person on the phone, more than likely The Tribal Chief. Will Roman join the conversation between Special Counsel and General Manager?

WWE Women’s Championship: Iyo Sky w/ Damage CTRL VS Asuka!

A main event anywhere and a dream match everywhere, the Evil Genius of the Sky and the Empress of Tomorrow have history that dates all the way back to when they were first starting their wrestling journeys. Will 15 YEARS of animosity explode here tonight? And who will walk away with the title when the smoke clears?

SmackDown returns and Iyo makes her entrance, Bayley and Dakota Kai by her side. The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who is truly ICHIBAN!

The bell rings and wait! Charlotte Flair is here? The Queen loves the spotlight, and she knows DMG CTRL uses numbers to their advantage. She’s taking care of two birds with one stone, so will Bayley & Dakota behave? Iyo and Asuka circle, fans rally up and even duel as the two tie up. They go around, Asuka wrenches and wristlocks but Sky slips around to wristlock. Asuka wrenches to wristlock, Sky rolls and handsprings and wrenches back. Asuka rolls and wrenches then headlocks. Sky powers up but can’t power out as Asuka holds on tight! They fight up, Asuka grinds the hold, but Sky pops out to headlock back.

Asuka throws body shots, but now she can’t power out as Sky holds on tight! Asuka powers out the back, headlocks Sky again, then hits a takeover. Sky headscissors, Asuka kips free and roles reverse and Sky hits a headlock, Asuka headscissors and Sky kips free. They go again, Sky ducks ‘n’ dodges and handsprings but Asuka dodges. Fans fire up and even Charlotte applauds. Asuka offers a handshake, fans cheer, but Sky kicks the hand! So Asuka kicks a leg! Asuka whips, Sky reverses but Asuka turns hip toss into takedown and cover! TWO, and Asuka arm-drags! And arm-drags again! Asuka goes up a corner but Sky is right after her! SUPER ARM-DRAG!

Fans fire up as Asuka bails out. Sky goes to the apron to ASAI- NO, Asuka dodges, then ROUNDHOUSES Sky down! DMG CTRL is very worried as Asuka grins, and SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns again and Asuka has Sky up top! They fight with body shots, fans fire up, and Sky ROCKS Asuka! Then HOTSHOTS an arm! Asuka flounders away and Sky takes aim. Sky springboards to MISSILE DROPKICK! Sky waits on Asuka, then runs to SLIDING KICK at the ropes! Asuka staggers up and Sky springboard MISSILE DROPKICKS again! Fans fire up and Sky is feeling it. Sky runs in, wheelbarrow, STOMP 182! Fans fire up more as Sky runs again, METEORA! Cover, TWO! Asuka escapes and Sky grits her teeth. Sky drags Asuka around, kicks her around, then brings Asuka to a drop zone.

Fans fire up as Sky goes up and up, but Asuka YANKS her down! Sky gets stuck on the top rope, Asuka fires up, but Sky SLAPS her back! So Asuka gives her KAWADA KICKS! The ref counts, Asuka lets off at 4, and then she climbs up after Sky again. Asuka fires up and the fans are with her! Asuka has Sky on the very top, to SUPER SUPER PLEX! Both women are down but Asuka crawls to a cover, TWO!! Sky survives and Asuka is beside herself! DMG CTRL is relieved, and Sky stands to fires off shots! Sky runs, into a KICK!! Cover, TWO!! Asuka stomps Sky around, runs, but Sky follows and SHOTEIS on the run! Cover, TWO!!

Asuka is still in this but the fans rally behind Sky. Sky drags Asuka up into a waistlock but Asuka reaches for ropes. Asuka gets the ROPEBREAK but Sky yanks her back into a GERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO!! And into a KIMURA HEADSCISSOR COMBO!! Sky is fading as Asuka has her caught! Then Asuka just shifts to a full ARMBAR!! Sky scrambles to stack, and she CLUBS away on Asuka’s chest! Sky then kicks but Asuka blocks! Sky slips free to ROUNDHOUSE Asuka down! Fans fire up as Asuka crawls to the corner. Bayley is there to talk trash, but Asuka still ELBOWS Sky away! And ROUNDHOUSEES!

Asuka goes up and up and MISSILE DROPKICKS! Sky flounders to a corner and Asuka runs in to ELBOW her down! Then GERMAN- No, Sky fights the suplex! Asuka shoves, POP-UP KNEE! URAKEN! SOBAT! KICK! URAKEN! HEEL KICK!! SLIDING KICK!! Cover, TWO!! Sky survives the onslaught, but Asuka goes for a FUJIWARA ARMBAR!! Sky endures, reaches out, but Asuka stomps the bad arm! “This is Awesome!” as Asuka storms around. Asuka goes up the corner again, but Sky hurries up to SPRINGBOARD DROPKICK! Asuka falls to the floor and fans are thunderous! Asuka hurries back up but Sky runs in to SHOTEI!

Sky runs again, to SUPER SUNSET- NO, Asuka holds the ropes! But Sky pries her free to POWERBOMB after all! Asuka hobbles up, ROUNDHOUSE but it hits POST! Sky avoids disaster and it bites Asuka in return! Sky hurries back into the ring, goes back up, and ARIHARA MOONSAULTS Asuka down!! DMG CTRL and Phoenix are all fired up as SmackDown goes to break!

SmackDown returns again and Sky has Asuka down in a chinlock. Asuka endures the knee in her back and fights up to her feet. Fans rally, Asuka rolls Sky up, TWO! Asuka swings, Sky ducks and GERMAN SUPLEXES! Bridging cover, TWO!! Asuka escapes and Sky can’t believe it! DMG CTRL coaches her and Sky drags Asuka into a CROSSFACE! Asuka kicks around, reaches out, but Sky shifts sides to keep her from ropes! Asuka still fights around, rolls Sky, pops free, ASUKA LOCK!! Sky flails, reaches out, claws at Asuka’s arm, and makes a cover, ONE!! BUZZSAW! Cover, ROPEBREAK!! Sky survives by fingertips!

Asuka seethes as she aims, but Sky ducks the buzzsaw to shove! Asuka mule kicks, goes up, and leaps, MISSILE DROPKICK again! Cover, TWO! Sky is still in this, Asuka grows frustrated, but then Asuka throws a forearm! Sky hits back, they brawl on their knees! Fans fire up as the shots keep going, and then they fight up! Sky fires forearms, then SHO- NO! ARMBAR TAKEDOWN!! Sky flails, reaches out, kicks around, stacks but Asuka shifts again! ASUKA LOCK!!! Sky flails, sits up, but Asuka keeps the chicken wing! Sky powers out but Asuka drags her back in! ASUKA LOCK!!! Sky fights and moves around, stands up, and elbows free!

Sky victory rolls, TWO! Asuka has it, ONE! ASUKA LOCK!! But Sky stays on her feet, only for Asuka to YANK her down! Sky flails, Charlotte watches but Bayley pushes the rope closer! Sky still can’t reach, but Charlotte hurries over. Bayley puts Sky’s foot on the ropes!? Charlotte DECKS Bayley for that! Fans are thunderous and Asuka says that’s what Bayley gets! But Sky DOUBLE KNEES Asuka down!! Sky goes up, OVER THE MOONSAULT!! Cover, Sky wins!!

Winner: Iyo Sky, by pinfall (still WWE Women’s Champion)

The Evil Genius gets a bit lucky thanks to Bayley taking the initiative! And also a forearm to the face. But will DMG CTRL have to worry about The Queen coming for the crown?

Heyman, Solo and Jimmy are in the private suite.

Jimmy says he ain’t scared. Pearce walks in and Jimmy has Solo stand down. Come on in, AP. Pearce brings the contract for the tag team match. Heyman says he’s sorry, he doesn’t care. As long as this match is not tonight, he’s fine with it. Pearce says it isn’t tonight. It’s at Fastlane. Who made that decision!? Jimmy says looks good to him. They’ll go out to the ring to sign that. Pearce will let Cena 7 Styles know. Yeet! Jimmy is happy but Heyman says that usually, decisions like that… need approval from The Tribal Chief. Jimmy says okay, let him know what Roman says. Jimmy then excuses himself.

Heyman sighs but Solo says don’t worry. He’ll make sure there won’t be anyone to fight them at Fastlane. Heyman sighs again and calls Roman again. Is the Bloodline falling apart more because of who is in rather than who is out?

Pretty Deadly speak.

Kit Wilson quotes Olivia Rodrigo, “It’s brutal out here.” And on the 14th of July, 2023, that sentiment echoed throughout the WWE as Elton Prince suffered a “catastrophic” shoulder injury at the hands of Ridge Holland. And now, Elton walks the long, difficult road to recover. AKA not being able to reach what was on the counter. Elton’s rehab is catching, shaking, getting hit with a medicine ball, standing up even though it’s not his leg that was hurt… And then falling over! Dr. Geena Meiame says he’ll be fine, it is just a separated shoulder. But Kit still gives Elton a pep talk to keep on fighting. That is beautiful. But careful with his hair. Right, sorry. #EltonStrong.

The Brawling Brutes VS Grayson Waller & Austin Theory!

Ridge Holland & Pete Dunne are always ready for FIGHT NIGHT! But with the Bruiserweight also set for his Heritage Cup Contender’s match on Tuesday, will he be able to spare some aggression for The Aussie Icon & The Now?

SmackDown returns and A-Town Down Under make their entrances. The teams sort out and Dunne starts against Theory. They rush in, Dunne dodges to CHOP and CHOP and whip. Theory reverses, then follows to LARIAT Dunne down! Theory brushes himself off, drags Dunne up to rain down fists! Fans boo but Theory looms over Dunne. Waller reaches out so Theory tags him in. They mug Dunne, then Waller cravats for a neck wrench. Waller throws knee after knee, then he drop steps to show off. Waller clamps onto an armlock but Dunne endures. Dunne wrenches back to FUJIWARA, then he bends fingers!

Dunne isolates the arm to STOMP it! Dunne runs in at Waller to ROCK him, then tag to Ridge. Feed to the facelock and SWING! Fans fire up as Ridge goes around five times, then underhooks to BUTTERLFY STALLING SUPLEX! Ridge grins, he stomps Waller’s fingers, then he drags Waller up to whip him to the corner. Ridge SPLASHES, Dunne tags in, and then Ridge KICKS and CLUBS Waller! Dunne slingshot STOMPS! Dunne looms over Waller, grabs that bad arm, but Waller pulls hair! Waller whips, Dunne dodges but Theory opens ropes so Dunne falls out! Fans boo but then Waller slides out. Dunne dodges, comes back, but Waller tosses him!

Dunne lands on his feet to have Waller against barriers! Ridge grabs Theory at the ropes, and we get DOUBLE BEATS OF THE BODHRAIN! Fans count along, all the way to TEN! Dunne and Ridge regroup and Phoenix is loving this as SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns again and Theory has Dunne in an armlock. Dunne fights up and fires off forearms! Dunne runs, but into an ELBOW! Cover, TWO! Theory is frustrated but he rains down fists! Waller hypes Theory up, then Theory tags Waller. They stomp away on Dunne, then Waller stomps Dunne’s legs. Waller drags Dunne up, throws knees, then tags Theory. Fans chant “THEORY SUCKS!” but he whips Waller in to clothesline Dunne! Theory says what? What? Tag to Waller. Waller whips but it’s a fake out! Theory sends Waller at Ridge so he can slide and trip Ridge! Theory SPLASHES Dunne!

Ridge chases Waller but Waller still clotheslines Dunne! Fans boo but Waller taunts Ridge. Waller then drags Dunne up on the ropes, and fans boo more as Waller parodies the Bodhrain! But Dunne PULLS those fingers, and SNAPS them! Waller shouts, Dunne slingshots up and over, tag to Ridge! Northern Grit rallies on A-Town Down Under! Scoop and SLAM for Waller! then an EXPLODER! Then another EXPLODER! Ridge blocks Waller’s haymakers, to OVERHEAD BELLY2BELLY! Cover, TWO! Waller calls to Theory but fans rally behind Ridge. Ridge scoops, Waller slips free and tags Theory.

Waller ELBOWS Ridge, then he and Theory DOUBLE CHOP BLOCK! Theory DECKS Ridge! Cover, Dunne breaks it! Dunne ROCKS Waller, Waller ROCKS Dunne! Waller fires off more shots but Dunne MONKEY FILPS him up and out! Theory ROCKS Dunne, Waller slingshots, but into a POUNCE from Ridge!! Fans fire up as Theory somersaults, but into a gorilla press! Ridge then POWERSLAMS Theory! Cover, TWO!! Ridge can’t believe it but Theory survives! Fans rally up for Ridge as he stands. Dunne goes up the corner, to ASAI MOONSAULT Waller! Ridge gut wrenches Theory, but Theory claws eyes and rolls Ridge up! TWO!

Theory fireman’s carries, but Ridge fights free to HEADBUTT! And then Alabama Lift, ALABAMA SLAM! Cover, TWO!! Theory is still in this, but Ridge won’t let off! Theory kicks, Ridge blocks, and Ridge works to turn Theory over! BOSTON CRAB! Fans fire up as Theory endures! Dunne catches Waller in a SLEEPER! Waller flails, but he RAMS Dunne into a post! Dunne falls, Waller ROLLING STUNNERS!! Theory fireman’s carries, A-TOWN DOWN!! Cover, A-Town Down Under wins!!

Winners: Austin Theory & Grayson Waller, by pinfall

The fans may not like it, but this young team of young stars just won a huge match! And with the Undisputed Tag Team Championships on the line this Monday on Raw, will Theory & Waller look to be next in line?

Adam Pearce is in the ring.

He welcomes us to this official contract signing for the tag team “main event” at Fastlane! So without further ado, welcome THE Greatest Of All Time, John Cena! Cena makes his way back out and is much more business than he was even earlier tonight. He grabs the pen and already signs his part! Pearce says Cena’s tag team partner is The Phenomenal AJ Styles! The music hits, but we see Jimmy & Solo mugging Styles backstage!! Fans boo as Jimmy rains down fists on Styles, and then SMACKS him off a road case! Solo watches from higher above! Cena rushes out of the ring, Jimmy shoves Styles off the case, and Solo shouts before a SUPER SPLASH!!

Jimmy is all fired up but referees and producers shout at Jimmy! Jimmy says sorry, but The Enforcer may have just crushed Styles! And even electric equipment that starts sparking! Medics clear things out, Cena shows up, and the call is put in for an ambulance! Will the Fastlane match be cancelled just like Solo wanted?

SmackDown returns with Styles on a stretcher!

Cena and The OC are there as Styles is being strapped in and moved to the ambulance. Meanwhile, Paul Heyman heads to the ring. Fans boo as the Special Counsel, with no music, walks to the ring. Styles is loaded in, Mia rides with him, and Karl Anderson tells Cena this is why they shouldn’t get involved with The Bloodline. The ambulance heads out, what is Cena to do now?

And back to the ring, Jimmy & Solo have joined Heyman now. Jimmy mocks the fans booing them, and they go tot he table. Solo CHUCKS the armchairs out, and then the table! Heyman wants Solo to calm down but Jimmy just revels in this moment. Heyman holds the contract in one hand, microphone in the other. “Ladies and gentlemen…” The fans boo harder as Heyman tries to introduce himself. Heyman laughs it off as the fans booing themselves. But Heyman continues, only getting more boos. They can boo him kosher tukus all they want. But lo and behold, he has in his hand a contract signed by the second greatest of all time, John Cena, but with no tag team partner!

Now, that’s- Jimmy snatches the mic?! “Well look what happens when you mess with the Bloodline! Ey yo, John! If you smart like you say you smart, you would jump your ass in that ambulance with AJ Styles, and would go far, far, far away from The Bloodline. But hey, hey, check this out! John gonna end up in an ambulance anyways. That’s not a prediction, that’s a spoiler! And John, check this out, Uce. I’ve been waiting to tell you this. You the two! And we-” CENA IS BACK! Cena brawls with Solo, whips him into the steps, then goes after Jimmy! BIG shoulder tackle! SPIN OUT BOMB! Off comes the shirt, but Solo returns!

Cena gets Solo in a fireman’s carry but Jimmy SUPERKICKS him down! Fans boo but now The Bloodline has Cena all alone! Solo puts a thumb up and Jimmy nods! SAMOAN SPIKE!! Down goes Cena! Fans boo and Jimmy says he sees him! Jimmy goes to a corner, a ref reprimands but he says there’s no problem. Jimmy and Solo then stomp away on Cena! Fans boo harder but Jimmy just soaks it all up! Jimmy goes up the corner, looks down on Cena, and then grins as he takes aim. Solo drags Cena up again?! ANOTHER SAMOAN SPIKE?!?! Jimmy then says “YOU CAN’T SEE ME!” USO SPLASH!!

Heyman is stunned but also not complaining, until Jimmy takes the contract. Jimmy signs his part, and Heyman says Solo might as well. Solo signs his part, so now it might end up a Handicap match for Fastlane? Jimmy then places the contract on Cena’s chest, and goes back up top! USO SPLASH AGAIN!! Fans haven’t stopped booing for even a nanosecond, but Jimmy and Solo raise their fingers. Are they the ones who will end John Cena’s career?

My Thoughts:

A great SmackDown, using a “less is more” approach here. Cena wanting to wrestle tonight is great character stuff, and it naturally led to a tag team story with him, Styles, Jimmy & Solo. But it also made a lot of sense for Jimmy & Solo to at least seemingly sideline Styles here, somewhat proving Machine Gun Anderson right. I’m sure Styles makes a “miraculous” comeback, a very Cena move in itself, and we still get the tag match at Fastlane. At the most dramatic, Styles will show up during the match as it seems Cena is about to lose. If only Gallows wasn’t legit hurt, he could have a part to play in this, too, maybe a go-home tag of Jimmy & Solo VS Good Brothers.

Great tag matches tonight, too. Rey & Escobar VS The Profits went a different direction than I expected, but I do appreciate them showing us the Heel turn in progress rather than just making The Profits bad guys right away. Lashley wants them to get that edge but the Profits haven’t really been that kind of team before so they have to learn how to unlock that. And they will definitely unlock that, perhaps even ruining the US Championship match. Lashley will be proud, and then Lashley steps in so he gets a US Championship match. Maybe at Fastlane, as there haven’t been that many matches made for it.

They made a good move using what happened with The Rock, McAfee and Theory as story. Theory is still self-involved but he and Waller get a great tag match with The Brawling Brutes. “A-Town Down Under” gets the win rather cleanly, but also on Ridge so that Dunne still has individual momentum going into NXT’s go-home to No Mercy. Pretty Deadly had a good and funny vignette with Elton playing up having bad legs when it’s his arm. Not quite AEW’s “Neck Strong” with Roddy & The Kingdom but hey, they’re doing it with their flavor of Heel. And Pretty Deadly might even be so bold as to think they can get revenge on The Brawling Brutes for their return match.

Just as I was wondering on NXT where Alba & Isla have been, we get a really well made vignette from them. And I really like that they’re kayfabing the “curse” of the women’s tag titles where partners get hurt. Chelsea & Piper should really show up on SmackDown to spark a feud with them, and I personally would put the tag titles back on Alba & Isla. They were used as a catalyst for Shayna VS Ronda, they deserve to get back on track from where they were after being called up as NXT Women’s Tag Team Champions.

And then just an awesome match for the WWE Women’s Championship. They were busting out their best, might’ve actually started running low on energy near the end because Sky “fighting” the Asuka Lock wasn’t as strong as it could’ve been. But also, I personally would NOT have sent Charlotte out there before the match got going. The fans were going “WOO~” when the focus should’ve be on the women IN the match. Logically, Charlotte counters Bayley’s cheating, but it doesn’t cost Iyo, it costs Asuka. Charlotte VS Bayley is coming, and maybe this shifts things towards Charlotte VS Sky for the title. Because duh, it’s Charlotte. If Dakota wasn’t hurt, I would’ve liked a Six Woman Tag, DMG CTRL VS Charlotte, Asuka & Shotzi.

My Score: 8.9/10

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Coverage

Andrew’s TNA iMPACT! Results & Match Ratings: 4.10.2025

This week surely can’t be worse than last week…right? Right? Oh no…

Published

17 hours ago

April 10, 2025

Andrew Balaz

Last week was so bad, the best takeaway is that this HAS to be better. Sure…it could be even worse, but even under new management TNA has a very consistent history of inconsistency. They can have 2 months of abysmal garbage and then suddenly surprise you with the most entertaining show you’ve seen in weeks. That was true during the Russo years, Cornette, Dutch, Billy Corgan, Don Callis, D’amour and even last year with the early shades of Dreamer’s collective.

Now we get to see if my faith in this brand continues to plummet like stock prices when Sheriff Tariff was running the economy, or if they put a pause on my disdain.

To the television machine!

.@TheJohnSkyler pays the price for @MustafaAli_X! @Santana_Proud

WATCH #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/WhydO0lwow pic.twitter.com/QQp9wRYU3l

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) April 11, 2025

Ratings:

Mustafa Ali w/Cabinet vs Ace Austin: Ace wins via DQ – N/A
TNA World Championship: Moose (c) w/Dango & Myers vs Deaner: Moose retains via Lights Out – zero
The Rascalz vs The System: System wins via Cheat Assisted Pinfall – **
Sami Callihan vs Mance Warner w/Steph De Lander vs AJ Francis w/KC Navarro: AJ wins via TFL – ** 3/4
Ryan “Mokuba” Nemeth vs Leon “Charisma Vacuum” Slater: Slater wins via Swanton 450 – **
Eddie Edwards w/Alisha vs Steve Maclin: Eddie wins via Boston Knee Party – ***

Results:

Ethan Page opens the show similarly to how he ended last week. I still don’t care. Kaz comes down sounding like a corny doofus, it really sounds like he’s doing a Parody of Jericho without any engaging lines. These first 10 minutes are such a bore and then Santino comes out to tell us that even though he’s injured JOE HENDRY WILL TALK LATER. I hate this redundant gimmick. Leave it to Dreamer and Delirious to really make me start hating Joe Hendry.

Going to commercial I think I heard the commentary call Ali the head of Order 4? Why aren’t they just The Cabinet? Order 4 is the laziest most inane name I ever heard. It’s like a Chinese Supermarket knockoff Faction name. New World Order? Nah. 4 Horsemen? Nope…but we got Order 4. And coming out of commercial they confirm the worst faction name I’ve ever heard.

Mustafa Ali w/Cabinet vs Ace Austin

Ali starts off quick, quick strikes, Rolling Neckbreaker, classic signature Ali offense…and then my power spikes out for like 40 seconds because it’s windy…and by the time I get everything up again, the Dork Hands are in the ring abusing Ace. Ali is handed a chair, before he can use it, Santana appears out of the crowd and punches away the chair and goes after Ali.

Well I’m glad the power went out because this could’ve been a decent match and then turned into a nothing finish because…idiots are booking this show.

TNA World Championship: Moose (c) w/Dango & Myers vs Deaner

From one worthless match to next. You can tell imbeciles are booking this show. Dango cuts Deaner’s stupidity off saying that he could join in a minion/young boy role because his kids need their dad to have job security. Dango has charisma so I like when he talks, but this is a useless match and useless interaction. Cody says the other option is getting an X Division shot. Moose laughs, says if you last 2 minutes you can get a title shot.

Deaner tries to start quick, but a right hand and Jacknife Powerbomb has Deaner dying, another Jacknife Powerbomb for fun, goes for the pinfall just to pull him up and beat on him more. The crowd doesn’t care, Moose goes for the Lights Out, Deaner powders, and is just killing time. Deaner lasts the 2 minutes because he runs away, this smells like Delirious idiocy.

Moose tries a Lights Out, Deaner Sunsets over it, gets a two count and then Moose catches him with a follow up Lights Out and retains. A waste of like 4 minutes.

System goes for the beatdown but The Rascalz make the save to kick off the tag match immediately after the commercial.

The Rascalz vs The System

Wentz and Trey start quick, double up on Dango immediately, the MCMG homage into the Bronco Buster in the corner from Wentz. Dango gets over to Myers while Wentz is pandering, Myers comes in to eat the ABC homage combo attacks. Just a very chaotic start, Dango cuts off another double team, so Myers manages to isolate Trey, Stomp a Mudhole in the corner, Russian Leg Sweep, and finally The System has space to breathe. Quick tag to Dango, Chops, Rake to the Eyes, Overhand Rights, Shortarm Lariats, and Trey is just eating everything. Dango with the Vertical Suplex, float over and near fall. Finally Trey makes some space with a Pele Kick. Simultaneous tag, Wentz lights up Myers, Back Handspring Knee Lift from Wentz and two count helps the Rascalz start to roll. Rascalz want a tandem Suplex, but Dango saves Myers, System gets tossed out, Stereo Dives and Rascalz are still in control.

Small spam moment of cut offs and signatures. Dango pushes Wentz off the top rope, Trey kicks Dango off the apron, Trey tries the Outside In Vertical Suplex, but Myers shifts his weight and falls on top of Trey while Dango holds the feet down and The System wins.

Sami Callihan vs Mance Warner w/Steph De Lander vs AJ Francis w/KC Navarro

Callihan produces a hook and wants to take out Mancer’s eye they struggle in the middle, AJ relaxes in one corner until he takes advantage of the situation and wipes out both guys with a Double Lariat, Double Shot of Tennessee Whiskey, KC and AJ taunt a little, SDL confronts them, AJ mouths off a little and walks back into the ring…while KC just points at her assertively and says “You’re a big girl” and scurries away. I really am a fan of KC.

Sami and Mance work together to take out AJ, but then they immediately go back to trying to murder each other. Sami finds a Sacrifice Poster, Paper Cut between the fingers, wants to do another across the eyes but AJ interrupts only to get his own Papercut between his Chokeslam fingers. Mance levels Sami, goes to find some chairs and starts setting up the play place. Chair between buckles, Whip, Brakes, Reverse, Brakes, Sami rips the chair out, Mance grabs the other one he found and Samurai Chair Duel. AJ gets involved before anything really interesting happens, AJ hits the Down Payment on Mance, Sami chairshot to break the pinfall. Sami focuses on Mance, but Mance does turn it around, sets up a chair spot but Sami turns that around, Death Valley Driver through the chairs. Sami gras the hook again, drives it into Mance’s face, celebrates a little and AJ hits the TFL out of nowhere to win the match.

Honestly…not terrible.

.@TheSamiCallihan wants @ManceWarner in BARBED WIRE MASSACRE! @milanmiracle

WATCH #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/6Uwb5wNfXW pic.twitter.com/CMpKaXuulo

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) April 11, 2025

Ryan “Mokuba” Nemeth vs Leon “Charisma Vacuum” Slater

Bell rings, Slater comes out with a Flying Kick and Ryan eats it, Rewind Mule Kick next keeps Leon in control, then he wears out Ryan from corner to corner. Leon tries a Suplex but Ryan finds the ropes, Back Elbow gives space. Around the Rosey powder, Leon chases like a stupid babyface, Ryan cuts him off trying to come back in the ring and just leans on him. Claws at Leon’s face, stomps, Headlocks to keep him down, Ryan takes off his shirt, mocks the Extreme Elbow and actually hits it but it’s slow and Slater took it stupid. Nemeth tries a Twist of Fate next and Leon kicks Ryan’s head off. Chops, Running Missile Dropkick in the corner, Twisting Suplex, Lethal Injection, and a two count. Leon tries another suplex, Ryan slips it, Leon tries a Leg Lariat but Ryan powders. They do a little Bugs Bunny of pulls each other out and trying to fun back in, but Leon gets the best of it.

Leon lights up Ryan, throws him back in, back and forth, big Elevated DDT from Ryan for two. Leon counters Ryan’s attempts with a Blue Thunder Bomb, Ryan goes to look for chairs again, but the Hardyz are late to the spot to pull the chair away, so Ryan looks a little silly. Twist of Slate, Swanton 450, and meh.

TNA Throwback: Unbreakable 2005, Christopher Daniels vs Samoa Joe vs AJ Styles

Eddie Edwards w/Alisha vs Steve Maclin

Eddie is in Kawada colors…but why? He usually is Green through and through, Misawa and the Celtics. So the yellow just looks…weird. And I’ll blame the color of his gear for why Maclin is beating the hell out of Eddie early. Strikes, SCUD, and just generally beating Eddie’s ass before Alisha causes enough of a distraction for Eddie to catch Maclin in a Blue Thunder Bomb. Lish gets involved again and we go to commercial.

Coming back from nap time, Eddie has Maclin grounded with a Sleeper, but Maclin fights up to his feet, but Eddie keeps things close with a Short Arm Clothesline and Maclin keeps trying to fight back up and rally. Maclin goes fight up, Jawjacker, a small double sell before rope runs. Thesz Press into the Ground and Pound and then Olympic Slam from Steve. Lish distracts Maclin again so Eddie sideswipes him with a Gowan Lariat. Maclin tries to cut Eddie off when Eddie goes up top, some jockeying, but an Avalanche Olympic Slam has Eddie reeling, Caught in the Crosshairs! Myers and Dango come out to distract, Northern Armoury follows but EY stops them from getting involved to make a point. Lish gives Eddie the rings for the Loaded Punch into the Boston Knee Party for the win.

EY slides in his Casey Jones mask and then walk off as Steve is left to contemplate.

Overall Score: 3.5/10

So not a good episode and opened with a lot of non-finishes and dumb crap. I also am growing very sick of “We’re gonna hear from Joe Hendry”, at least he’s starting the promo off somber, so its a little less cliche. The crowd was at least eating out of his hand when he made it seem like he was gonna vacate the belt because of the injury. So at least that’s good crowd manipulation and the crowd was willing to play with it instead of just try to get themselves over.

But still, the first match that was interesting was the International Championship Qualifier 3 way, and it still wasn’t wonderful, it was just serviceable. The main event was overbooked but it was pushing the EY and Maclin story forward so I can only be so critical. As to not mince words though, this was a bad episode. Santana going full Crime Drama Murderer, Callihan calling for a Barbed Wire Massacre match…I mean it all feels entirely cringe and edgy just for edgy sake. Sure I didn’t mind the last one which I think was OVE vs LAX. It was actually a solid match during the Twitch/Covid years. But did we learn nothing from the stupid nail bat spot? That doesn’t sell tickets (especially when it announced so shortly before the event). So it’s just senseless hardcore garbage for the sake of being a senseless hardcore garbage match.

Could it be entertaining? Sure. I liked Sami…100 pounds ago, and Mance used to be interesting in MLW. But whatever they’ve done so far this year, has been pissed in dog water. I’d rather get an enema from a blow torch than subject myself to whatever that’s gonna be. But alas…coverage dictates I can’t play with fire apparently.

Bad episode, better than last week and next week is gonna suck. iMPACT for 2 hours followed by 2-3 hours of Unbreakable right after iMPACT on a THURSDAY.

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CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS

Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)

TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends

Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5

Classic POD is WAR

Chairshot Radio Network Your home for the hardest hitting podcasts... Sports, Entertainment and Sports Entertainment!

All Shows On Demand

Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!

Coverage

Mitchell’s ROH Results & Report! (4/10/25)

It’s a new era!

Published

20 hours ago

April 10, 2025

Steven Mitchell

The Franchise VS The Most Wanted!

Bandido finally took the ROH World Championship from Chris Jericho, and now he’s stepping onto the Proving Ground with perhaps one of the best in Jay Lethal!

OFFICIAL RESULTS

Johnny TV & MXM Collection VS Ryan Matthews, Jordan Kross & Drake Daniels; Johnny & MXM win.
Marina Shafir VS Nixi XS; Marina wins.
Preston Vance w/ The Frat House VS Tomohiro Ishii; Ishii wins.
Dustin Rhodes & The Von Erichs VS Dominic Garrini, Kevin Ku & Davey Bang; Dustin & The Von Erichs win.
ROH World Championship Proving Ground: Bandido VS Jay Lethal; Bandido wins and denies Lethal a title match.

PLAY BY PLAY

Johnny TV & MXM Collection w/ Taya Valkyrie VS Ryan Matthews, Jordan Kross & Drake Daniels!

The obsession with tag team gold has shifted from the ROH World Tag Team Championships to the ROH World Six Man Tag Team Championships, as evident by how Mansoor & Mason Madden are bringing the belt they stole from Dustin Rhodes! But will #MXMTV earn their shot at a proper title shot? Or will their obsession cloud their judgment?

The trios sort out and Johnny starts against Jordan. They keep the Code of Honor and the bell rings. The fans rally as the two circle, and then Johnny dodges to roll, do some breakdancing and a “Johnny-rooni,” to then pose. That’s not just taunting Jordan, that’s sending a shot at Sammy Guevara! Johnny even kips up! Jordan and Johnny circle, tie up, but then Jordan mocks Mason with the twerking! The fans cheer, MXM is upset, but Johnny grabs Jordan for a MOONLIGHT DRIVE! Johnny KICKS Jordan in the side, then SHINING WIZARDS! The fans boo but Johnny drags Jordan onto the ropes. Johnny CHOKES Jordan, the ref counts, but Johnny lets off at 4.

Johnny argues with the ref, Mason asks what the five fingers said to the face. Taya SLAPS Jordan! Get it? Johnny dodges Drake, and he hits the FLYING CHUCK! Johnny then RAMS Jordan into the corner, tags Mansoor, and Mansoor fakes the chop to say look up. Then he CHOPS, CHOPS! Tag to Mason, Mansoor BLASTS Ryan, then Mason sends Mansoor in for a LARIAT! Mason adds an ELBOW, then feed to the atomic drop! Mansoor runs, he bumps Drake aside to then dropkick Jordan’s legs out! Mason pulls up for the HIP ATTACK! The fans cheer as MXM pose, but then Mr. & Mrs. TV kiss right in front of the camera.

Ryan tags in, he CLUBS Mason, but Mason doesn’t budge! Ryan apologizes, and claims it was Drake. Mason HEADBUTTS Ryan to the corner! Mason then fires body shots, H O T T O~ G O~! And then the GRIZZLY MAGNUM! The fans fire up as Mason puts Ryan in the corner, then tags Mansoor. Mansoor feeds Ryan to Mason’s scoop, SIDEWALK SLAM LEG DROP COMBO! Fans fire up for the Catwalk Combo, then MXM points to Johnny. Johnny & Taya kiss again, and MXM cheer. Ryan flounders, Mansoor keeps him from his corner and ROCKS him with a forearm. Mansoor scoops, Ryan slips free, tag to Drake!

Drake fires hands on Mansoor, then whips, but Mansoor reverses. Drake ducks ‘n’ dodges but Mason tags in! Mansoor picks Drake up and Mason runs, LEG LARIAT SPINEBUSTER COMBO! The fans rally, Mansoor rolls through to haul Drake up. Johnny tags in and goes up, DOUBLE STOMP DEATH VALLEY DRIVER COMBO! MXM TV is all fired up and the fans cheer. Jordan runs in, but Mason picks him up! Ryan runs in but gets a BOOT! Then Mason CHOKE SLAMS Jordan! Johnny drags Drake to center, and MXM TV stands over him, to POSE! Then they get Drake up, for a TRIPLE CENTER FOLD! Cover, MXM TV wins!

Winners: Johnny TV & MXM Collection, by pinfall

When you look good, you feel good, and MXM TV certainly feels good after that win. They hold up their stolen title, and then they drag the ref into POSING with them! But will The Sons of Texas bring these fashionable thieves to justice soon enough?

The Von Erichs talk with Dustin Rhodes backstage.

Marshall wants The Natural to understand, they saw what MXM did. Dustin & Sammy can handle their business, they’re Texans! The Von Erichs know all about that. But the moment MXM even touched those titles, it frankly pissed Marshall off. The Von Erichs just got here, barely proved themselves, and what kind of tone does that set? Ross has his brother calm down, and says that where they come from, you don’t touch what you didn’t earn. They saw what happened, and now it is time to give ROH a reminder of what respect looks like. Dustin nods, and he tells MXM TV to listen closely.

“You wanted to get our attention? Well, now you’ve got it. You stealing my title was very juvenile, and stupid. And yes, I’m calling you all stupid. At no time in my 37 year career have I ever backed down from a challenge, and I’m not about to start. So that’s why I brought in the heavy hitters. Texas’ favorite sons, The Von Erichs, and The Natural, Dustin Rhodes! So how about you, MXM, and you, Johnny TV, show up next week, if ya got the balls, so we can rearrange your pretty faces and get back what’s mine?” The Sons of Texas have thrown down the gauntlet, will MXM TV accept? Will they regret ever stealing from the living legend?

Backstage interview with Bandido.

AEW shares footage from after Dynasty and the ROH World Championship match. Alicia Atout congratulates Bandido and his familia, as he defeated Chris Jericho to once again be ROH World Champion. What does this moment mean to him? Bandido takes a moment, and says this means everything. When he was just a child starting in this sport, he just dreamt of this moment. Now it is come true! He is grateful to God to be here with his family and this championship. He isn’t the real champion, his mama is! She’s always taking care of him, his brother, his sister, the whole family. The familia celebrates together, will they all have even more to celebrate as Bandido is back on top of ROH?

Dustin Rhodes & The Von Erichs VS Dominic Garrini, Kevin Ku & Davey Bang!

We heard from The Sons of Texas, and now we’ll see them hit the ring together again! Will they be doubling down on that message to MXM TV with a huge return win? Or will they learn that #ViolenceIsForever?

The trios sort out and Dustin starts against Kevin. The fans rally for Dustin, but Kevin kicks the hand away! No Code of Honor here, but the bell rings and the two circle. They tie up, Dustin headlocks, but Kevin powers up and out. Dustin runs Kevin over, keeps moving, and hops over the dropdown. Kevin sets up but Dustin says, “Not Today!” UPPERCUT! Dustin then arm-drags Kevin into an armlock. The fans rally, “You Still Got It!” but Kevin fires a body shot. Kevin whips, Davey gets a cheap shot in, but Dustin DECKS him! Kevin takes a swing, Dustin dodges, and Kevin is sent into Dominic! Kevin then staggers into a SNAP POWERSLAM!

The fans fire up as Dustin drags Kevin over, and tag to Ross. They whip, Dustin drops down and Ross DROPKICKS! Kevin staggers, tags Dominic, and Dominic knees Ross! Dominic CHOPS, whips, but Ross reverses. Ross hits a HIP TOSS, then he arm-drags! The fans rally as Ross arm-drags again, then JUMP RANAS! Cover, TWO! Dominic stays in this but Ross stays focused. Ross headlocks, Dominic powers up and RAMS him into the corner! Dominic keeps Ross trapped, Marshall protests, and the ref holds Marshall back. This just lets Team Violence Is Forever mug Ross behind the ref’s back! The fans boo but VIF gets away with it all!

Dominic tags in Davey and Davey stomps Ross. Davey drags Ross up but the fans rally. Davey UPPERCUTS Ross’s arm, sends him to a corner, and ELBOWS him! Davey GRINDS Ross’s face off the ropes, then tags Dominic. Dominic ROCKS Ross, tags Kevin, and Kevin CHOPS Ross. VIF double whips, but Ross crisscrosses them into each other! Ross reaches for his corner but Kevin waistlocks to keep him back. Feed to Dominic, ROUNDHOUSE SAIDO COMBO! Cover, TWO! Ross survives but Dominic drags Ross over. Tag to Kevin, then they stand Ross up. Suplex and- NO, Ross slips free! He shoves Dominic into Kevin!

Ross hurries, hot tag to Marshall! The fans fire up, Davey tags in, but Marshall dodges him and Kevin to BOOT Dominic! DOUBLE LARIATS for Kevin & Davey! Then forearm after forearm, Marshall DECKS man after man! ROLLING ELBOW for Davey! ROLLING ELBOW for Kevin! Marshall fires up and LARIATS Davey in a corner! Then he runs to LARIAT Kevin in a corner! Marshall calls his shot, the fans fire up, and Marshall CANNONBALLS Davey! Cover, Kevin & Dominic break it! But Ross goes up, and he CROSSBODIES VIF down! Dustin storms in, he and Ross LARIAT VIF up and out of the ring!

Davey climbs up, leaps at Marshall, but he gets caught into the IRON CLAW!! Davey is fading, Marshall tops it off with a scoop and SWINGING SLAM!! Cover, Sons of Texas win!

Winners: Dustin Rhodes & The Von Erichs, by pinfall

A big return indeed, and a big win for the REAL ROH World Six Man Tag Team Champions! But will they get that stolen belt back from MXM TV? Or will Johnny, Mansoor & Mason keep playing games?

Taya Valkyrie speaks.

“I have been in ROH now for two years. Clawing, fighting, waiting patiently- I mean, well, not so patiently sometimes, for an opportunity at a championship. And now, I finally have it. The opportunity to go after Red Velvet and the Women’s TV Championship. But there’s one person in my way, and that’s La Catalina, La Diva de la CMLL. Now, Catalina, I understand what kind of crazy it takes to leave your country, follow your dream, and find your place within this artform and sport, cuz I did it. I wrote the book, I am the blueprint, you basically copied me. And if you think La Diva is gonna get in the way of La Wera Loca, then you don’t know me.

“So on that night, in mi casa, may the best woman win. And we all know who that is.” Taya has made the challenge, Catalina will return to ROH to accept it, but then who moves on to face The Chef in her kitchen?

ROH World Championship Proving Ground: Bandido VS Jay Lethal!

This is already a historic Proving Ground match as the two-time and NEW ROH World Champion is going to put the longest reigning (combined days) ROH World Champion to the test! Can Bandido beat The Franchise in ten minutes or less? Or will Lethal earn himself his golden ticket back to the title scene?

The fans duel already as the two men step up. The Code of Honor is upheld, the bell rings, and we’re on the clock. Bandido and Lethal circle, the fans rally, and the two tie up. Lethal waistlocks, Bandido switches, Lethal switches, repeat. They go around and around, Bandido ends up on the apron and he HOTSHOTS Lethal! Lethal runs back up but Bandido jumps over the slide! Bandido then ASAI MOONSAULTS, but Lethal moves! Bandido lands on his feet, both men go to the apron, and Bandido blocks a kick! Bandido CHOPS, then LARAITS Lethal into the ring, but Lethal lands on his feet! Lethal DROPKICKS Bandido down!

Lethal builds speed, and he DIVES! Direct hit and Bandido tumbles to the ramp! The fans fire up as Lethal shows some Black Machismo, then he CHOPS Bandido. Lethal puts Bandido in, climbs up, and aims for the MACHO- NO, Lethal blocks Bandido’s boots! The fans “WOO~!” with Lethal and he steps through, but Bandido makes it a cradle! TWO, and Lethal CHOPS again! Bandido goes to ropes while Lethal shakes out his hand. Bandido comes back and CHOPS! Bandido eggs Lethal on, and Lethal nods. Lethal CHOPS! Bandido CHOPS! The fans rally up and the CHOPS just start flying fast ‘n’ furious!

Bandido CHPOS, CHOPS, CHOPS, then whips, but Lethal reverses to CHOP! Lethal runs, but Bandido POP-UP CUTTERS! The fans fire up as Lethal staggers, and Bandido runs in at the corner. Lethal BOOTS Bandido, runs up, but into a scoop and BACKBREAKER! Lethal runs back in, but into another BACKBREAKER! Another scoop, then the torture rack! Lethal fights the arm hook, Bandido still finds it, X KNE- NO!! Lethal blocks that knee, CLUBS that leg, and DISCUS LARIATS Bandido inside-out! The fans fire up, Lethal has the legs, “WOO~!” FIGURE FOUR- NO, Bandido kicks! Lethal blocks that kick, steps in on that leg, but Bandido cradles again! TWO!!

Bandido kicks, Lethal blocks, DRAGON SCREW! Lethal steps through, FIGURE FOUR! Lethal has the iconic hold on and Bandido endures! Bandido flails, reaches out, but his shoulders are down! The ref counts the cover, TWO as Bandido sits back up! The fans duel, Bandido reaches out, but Lethal puts on the pressure! Bandido still fights towards the ropes, but Lethal drags him back to center! The fans rally, Bandido fights his way around to the side, ROPEBREAK! Lethal lets go, then he brings Bandido around to SMASH the knee off the mat! Lethal drags Bandido up, stomps that bad leg, then KICKS the leg!

Bandido hobbles, Lethal KICKS the leg again, then he KICKS the leg out! Bandido is on his knees and fans chant, “One More Time!” Lethal obliges and KICKS that leg! Lethal then calls his shot, but Bandido reels him in! Lethal ELBOWS free, ROCKS Bandido again, then whips. Bandido reverses, Lethal handsprings, but into the torture rack! X KNEE!! Bandido hobbles but he takes aim! Lethal’s on the ropes, Bandido runs in! BLACKJACK 21 PLEX!! Bridging cover, Bandido wins!

Winner: Bandido, by pinfall (denies Jay Lethal a title match)

This match was fast ‘n’ furious, but Bandido wins with time to spare! More importantly than that, he shows Lethal respect by shaking his hand and even hugging it out. The champ surely has a long line of contenders forming at this very moment, but who will get their shot at The Most Wanted?

My Thoughts:

A very good ROH here, clocking in at just under 47 minutes. Very good stuff in this ROH World Six Man Tag title story, as MXM TV get a good win in their match, but we also get a good promo from Dustin & The Von Erichs to call them out. Good match with Violence is Forever plus Davey Bang, and I feel Ross might still need to iron some things out. His escape from that suplex could’ve been cleaner. And while Ross & Marshall are good guys, I feel like this really should be where their reign as Six Man Tag champs ends. They’ve held those since last summer, haven’t done anything in a long time, we need to move on and put those belts on wrestlers who travel with AEW & ROH.

Very good promo from Taya to call out Catalina, and they’ll have a very good match. If Red Velvet is still going to be a Heel, I feel like Catalina wins to challenge her, and then Velvet gets another win as the champ. Marina of course won her match, she really dominated Nixi. Ishii VS Vance was rather competitive, but I figured Ishii would win anyway. And while we got a great 8 minute (give or take) match from Bandido VS Lethal, I suppose Bandido was going to win. Even if it was just a Proving Ground match, Bandido wasn’t going to turn around from winning this title on Sunday to lose here. Supercard of Honor is May 2nd, they have three episodes to build someone into a contender and I have no idea who that will be.