Coverage
Mitchell’s NJPW Fighting Spirit Unleashed Results & Report! (10/28/23)
Viva Las Vegas!
Who comes away with the jackpot?
NJPW hits Sin City and puts up the gold! Will Tama Tonga still be NEVER Openweight Champion? Or will he fail to slay the LIJ Dragon, Shingo Takagi?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Kickoff Match – Strong Survivor Match: Matt Vandagriff VS Buck Skynyr; Vandagriff wins.
- Kickoff Match – Six Man Tag: Team Filthy VS Baliyan Akki, Titus Alexander & Jakob Austin Young; Team Filthy wins.
- NJPW Strong Openweight Championship #1 Contender’s Fatal 4 Way: Satoshi Kojima VS Fred Rosser VS Jeff Cobb VS Alex Coughlin; Kojima wins and will challenge for the title.
- Johnnie Robbie & Lluvia VS Zeuxis & Stephanie Vaquer; Zeuxis & Vaquer win.
- Tom Lawlor VS Gabe Kidd; Kidd wins.
- Atlantis’ 40th USA Anniversary 8 Man Tag: Atlantis, Atlantis Jr, Mistico & Hiroshi Tanahashi VS Tiger Mask, Soberano Jr, Rocky Romero & Adrian Quest; Atlantis, Atlantis Jr, Mistico & Tanahashi win.
- NJPW Strong Women’s Championship: Giulia VS HYAN; Giulia wins and retains the title.
- NJPW Strong Openweight Tag Team Championships: El Phantasmo & Hikuleo VS Lance Archer & Alex Zayne; ELP & Leo win and retain the titles.
- NJPW Strong Openweight Championship: Eddie Kingston VS HENARE; Eddie wins and retains the title.
- SANADA & Yuya Uemura VS Tetsuya Naito & Hiromu Takahashi; Time Limit Draw.
- NEVER Openweight Championship: Tama Tonga VS Shingo Takagi; Takagi wins and becomes the new NEVER Openweight Champion.
PLAY BY PLAY
A video plays.
A man in cowboy boots walks into a bar. Old Westerns play on the TV. He takes a few shots, plays some arcade shooters, then throws darts at a picture of Toru Yano…? It’s JOEY JANELA!? The Bad Bad Boy is coming to NJPW, for the Lonestar Shootout!
NJPW Strong Women’s Championship: Giulia VS HYAN!
The Beautiful Madness is just the second woman to hold this title, and she doesn’t plan on letting go of it just yet. Will Giulia have Lady Luck on her side? Or will The Renaissance Woman add being a champion to her skillset?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who really has the hot hand!
The bell rings and fans rally up already. They cheer Giulia and she soaks it up. Hyan shrugs it off as she and Giulia circle. They tie up, Hyan powers Giulia back but Giulia powers Hyan back. Giuliar throws Hyan down but they stay tied up. Hyan fights up to headlock, then she throws Giulia! Hyan eggs Giulia on and fans rally up. Giulia offers a handshake and fans applaud. Hyan is wary but fans chant to “SHAKE HER HAND!” Hyan accepts, and then Giulia kicks low! Giulia headlocks, but Hyan throws her away! Giulia runs up, Hyan sweeps and covers, ONE! Giulia sweeps and covers, ONE! Hyan headlocks but Giulia powers out, only to get run over!
Fans cheer Hyan as she aims and runs corner to corner. Giulia dodges, to then CHOP! Fans rally as Giulia wrenches Hyan’s hair, then TOSSES her across the way! Giulia storms up, stomps Hyan, then goes to the opposite corner. Fans fire up as Giulia runs in to ELBOW Hyan! Then she snapmares and basement dropkicks! Cover, TWO! Hyan hangs tough but Giulia brings her up. Giulia whips, Hyan reverses but Giulia reverses back, IRON OCTOPUS! Fans cheer as Hyan endures, and Hyan steps her way to the ROPEBREAK! But Giulia shifts to a sunset flip! TWO, and Giulia whips. Hyan LARIATS Giulia down!
Fans rally, Hyan whips Giulia but Giulia reverses. Giulia runs in at the corner but into a BOOT! Hyan then runs to KNEE Giulia, and reel her in, for a BIG back suplex! Cover, TWO! Fans rally as Hyan stays focused. Hyan goes to a corner, she tunes up the band, and Giulia stands. Hyan runs in, but Giulia dodges to waistlock. Hyan elbows free, reels Giulia in, but Giulia back drops free! And SHOTGUNS Hyan down! Fans fire up as Giulia goes up top. Hyan stands, into Giulia’s MISSILE DROPKICK! Cover, TWO! Giulia stays cool and she hammerlocks. But Hyan CLUBS free! Giulia ROCKS Hyan, but Hyan ROCKS Giulia!
Giulia ROCKS Hyan again, but Hyan ROCKS Giulia again! They go back and forth, fans rally up, and Hyan- NO, Giulia blocks the knee! But Hyan HEADBUTTS! Hyan suplexes but Giulia fights it! Giulia suplexes but Hyan fights it! Hyan suplexes but Giulia DDT counters! Cover, TWO!! Hyan survives but Giulia drags her to an STF! Fans fire up and Hyan endures! Fans rally as Hyan crawls and reaches out, for the ROPEBREAK! The ref counts, Giulia lets go at 4. Giulia has Hyan on the apron but Hyan RAMS into Giulia! Hyan slingshots up and over, but Giulia holds ropes to stop the Sunset! Giulia sits on the cover, TWO and Giulia is sent out of the ring!
Hyan builds speed! She DIVES and direct hit into the railing! Fans fire up with Hyan and she drags Giulia into the ring. Hyan goes up the corner, but Giulia stands up! Giulia UPPERCUTS Hyan, climbs up to fire forearms, but Hyan hits back! They brawl up top, fans rally up and Hyan gets the edge! But Giulia HEADBUTTS in return! Fans fire up as Giulia brings Hyan into underhooks! SUPER BUTTERFLY PLEX!! Roll back and Giulia drags Hyan up, but Hyan FALCON ARROWS!! Both women are down and fans are all fired up! “This is Awesome!” as the ref checks. Hyan and Giulia are both still in this so a standing count begins.
Giulia and Hyan stir at 4 of 10, crawl after each other, and go forehead to forehead. Hyan SLAPS Giulia! Giulia SLAPS Hyan! They SLAP back and forth as they stand, and fans fire up as the shots go faster and faster! Giulia ROCKS Hyan, Hyan shoves Giulia, they both run, and Hyan FLYING ELBOWS! Hyan drags Giulia up to scoop and BACKBREAKER! Then she flips Giulia over, reels her in, and POWERBOMBS! High stack, TWO!! Giulia survives that power combo and Hyan can’t believe it! Giulia sputters, Hyan storms up on her, and Hyan drags Giulia up in chicken wings! GLAM- NO, Giulia arm-drags free!
Hyan runs up to BOOT Giulia, but Giulia comes back! Hyan gets around the lariat to back suplex, but Giulia lands on her feet! And GERMAN SUPLEXES in return! Fans fire up, Giulia brings Hyan in, but Hyan shoves back. They DOUBLE FOREARM! And DOUBLE FOREARM! And again! Giulia ROCKS Hyan this time, then fires off more forearms! Wind up, ITALIAN RIGHT HOOK! Fans fire up again and Giulia runs, into a SPEAR!! Cover, TWO!!! Giulia survives but Hyan just drags her back up! But then Giulia SAIDOS!! Hyan sits up, into a G-TRIGGER!! Cover, TWO!! But Giulia doesn’t stop, she scoops and NORTHERN LIGHTS BOMB!!! Cover, Giulia wins!
Winner: Giulia, by pinfall (still NJPW Strong Women’s Champion)
Giulia aces this match and walks away with the jackpot! But she still shows her opponent respect and the fans cheer that. Will Hyan look to come back around some day? Who is next for the #DangerousQueen now?
NJPW Strong Openweight Tag Team Championships: El Phantasmo & Hikuleo VS Lance Archer & Alex Zayne!
The Headbanga & The Young Guerilla took these titles off those nasty Bullet Club War Dogs, and now have their first defense on their hands. Will ELP & Leo show they’re not just a fluke? Or will they get burned by the #MonsterSauce?
Well, as is Archer’s pre-match ritual, he DECKS a Young Lion! And then another! And then another! Zayne figures whatever helps him get in the groove, that’s fine. Wait, where are the belts? Oh, “Bert & Ernie” bring them out for ELP & Leo. Well, it is almost Halloween. OH NO~, Archer CLOBBERS Bert & Ernie! Zayne says this is too far! Leo & ELP retaliate, then ELP puts Zayne in the ring. The bell rings, Zayne headlocks but ELP powers out. Zayne runs ELP over, things speed up as ELP hurdles and Zayne handsprings. They keep going and Zayne RANAS, but ELP handsprings through! Fans fire up as they keep going, and ELP DROPKICKS!
ELP kips up, fans chant for him, and he ROCKS Zayne! And CHOPS Zayne! And CHOPS again! ELP CHOPS Zayne in the corner, then tags in Leo. Leo storms up to- NO, Zayne dodges the chop! Archer reaches out, fans fire up, and Zayne tags him in! Fans fire up seeing the big, big men in here! Archer fires up, too, he’s been waiting to pick on someone his own size! They RAM shoulders, and neither falls! They RAM shoulders again, and again! They throw forearms, go back and forth, and fans chant “HE’S GOT GENES!” for Leo! Leo ROCKS Archer, ROCKS him again, and has him in a corner. Leo whips corner to corner, but Archer dodges!
Leo bounces off buckles, Archer kick slow, and reels him in?! Fans fire up and Archer wants them to get louder. The fans get louder, but Leo suplexes! Archer fights that to suplex! Leo fights that, swings but misses, and Archer CLOBBERS Leo! Fans fire up and Leo goes to a corner. Archer tags Zayne and gives him a boost, HIP TOSS SENTON! Then Archer BACK ELBOWS! Leo staggers, Zayne reels him in, but Leo CHOPS first! Zayne sputters, Leo runs in but Zayne dodges. Leo scoops, Zayne slips free and ENZIGURIS! Leo drops to a knee, but he still gets a leg! Zayne fires boxing elbows, then a mule kick!
Zayne runs, but into a HUGE back drop! Tag to ELP and he runs in, dodges Zayne and BLASTS Archer! Zayne runs in, ELP goes up and over, ducks ‘n’ dodges and CROSSBODIES! PLANCHA on Archer! Then SWANTON BOMB to LIONSAULT on Zayne! Cover, TWO! Zayne is still in this but fans rally for “E L P!” ELP reels Zayne in but Zayne Alabama Lifts! ELP fights that to get Zayne up, SITOUT BOMB! Cover, Archer breaks it! Leo kicks Archer and tosses him out. Leo then ROCKS Archer against railing! ELP knuckle locks and wrenches, but Archer sends Leo into railign! ELP goes up, up, kicks Zayne in the face, then tightrope walks!
ELP kicks Zayne again, keeps going around the corner, but then Archer has Leo to do the same!? They tightrope walk to the middle, ELP CHOPS! And CHOPS! Archer doesn’t flinch! PURPLE NURPLE! Archer just CHOPS ELP down, onto Zayne! But then Leo shoves Archer down onto ELP! Zayne BLASTS Leo off the apron, and Monster Sauce regroups! Archer ROCKS ELP, Zayne scoop, BAJA BLAST! Cover, TWO! ELP is still in this and fans rally up. Zayne drags ELP up, tags Archer, and they set ELP up. Kick, ROLLING AX KICK and LARIAT! Cover, TWO!! ELP survives and fans rally up. Archer tags Zayne and Monster Sauce coordinates.
Zayne suplexes but ELP slips free! ELP shoves Zayne into Archer! Then Leo runs in to clothesline Archer up and out! Zayne CHOPS Leo but ELP wrenches, straitjackets and torture racks! Leo runs to BOOT, and ELP spins around for the UFO NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO!! Zayne survives and fans fire up again! ELP pounds the mat, fans rally with him, and ELP goes up the corner. Zayne scrambles up, Archer runs in and STEP-UP KNEES ELP! Zayne then runs corner to corner to NO HANDS RANA!! Archer drags ELP up to the CHOKE SLAM!! And then CHOKE SLAM SAULT!! Cover, LEO BREAKS IT!
Fans fire up as Archer grabs Leo! “This is Awesome!” as Leo now grabs Archer! The giants fight claw for claw, Archer breaks free to ROCK Leo! Archer runs, but into the POWER TRIP SLAM! And then GODSEND!! Fans are thunderous as Leo gets Zayne! GODSEND- NO, Zayne slips free to ENZIGURI! SUDDEN DEATH from ELP! ELP DIVES to take out Archer, and Leo hits another GODSEND!! Leo helps ELP get up, SUPER THUNDERKISS!!! Cover, ELP & Leo win!
Winners: El Phantasmo & Hikuleo, by pinfall (still NJPW Strong Openweight Tag Team Champions)
But wait, WEST COAST WRECKING CREW rushes out!? And they DOUBLE LOW BLOW the champs!! Fans boo as Jorel Nelson & Royce Isaacs beat down on ELP & Leo! Jorel then calls for a mic, and he is given one. The fans boo more as Jorel tells Vegas to listen. “In case you forgot who built this brand, let us remind you. In case y’all forgot who built this tag division, let us remind you! And in case you forgot who the best GADDAMN tag team is here, let us remind you, that that is the West Coast Wrecking Crew!”
Jorel gives Royce the mic, and Royce says he is sick and tired of random, thrown together, fly by night tag teams getting the opportunities he and Jorel deserve! They threw together two people, put them in World Tag League and give them these NJPW Strong Openweight Tag title matches, and now they’re the Strong Openweight Tag Team Champions right now. Well Jorel & Royce are not waiting, they’re taking! So GoD better learn to P R A Y. November 10th, Lonestar Shootout, you are looking at the NEW Strong Openweight Tag Team Champions! That’s #WreckingCrewShid! But will the WCWC really run NJPW?
NJPW Strong Openweight Championship: Eddie Kingston VS HENARE!
The Mad King knows Jay Lethal is after his ROH World Championship, but his fight with the Face of Fury goes back to their instant classic in the G1 Climax! Will Eddie hold onto this title? Or will he be conquered by the United Empire?
The introductions are made, the NJPW belt is raised, and we see who is truly NJPW Strong!
The bell rings and fans rally for Eddie as he stares down with Henare. They step up, feel things out, fans sing “F him up, Eddie, F him up!” Henare ignores that as he ties up with Eddie. They’re in a deadlock, then break. Henare flexes but Eddie just circles with him again. They tie up, Eddie puts Henare on ropes, but Henare turns that around. The ref counts, Henare lets off slowly, to CHOP! Eddie swings but Henare dodges and strikes a Maori stance. Eddie and Henare tie up but Henare kicks low! Henare headlocks, Eddie powers out but Henare blows through the chop to BOOT! Eddie gets up to CHOP Henare down!
Henare gets up, feints one kick to SPIN KICK! And SLIDING KNEE! Eddie tumbles out of the ring while fans fire up with Henare. The ref checks Eddie but he’s okay to continue so a ring count starts. Henare goes out after Eddie before 3 of 20, and he CLUBS away on Eddie! Henare throws body shots and HEADBUTTS, then insults the fans! Henare digs his boots into Eddie against railing, but the ref counts. Henare lets off, Eddie gets up and stumbles while Henare eggs on the fans. Henare SMACKS Eddie off the apron, RAMS him into the apron, but Eddie CHOPS in return! Henare eggs Eddie on, so Eddie CHOPS!
Henare shoves Eddie, storms after him, and then KICKS him in the leg! The ref starts the ring count again, Henare whips Eddie into railing! But Eddie comes back to LARIAT Henare down! The count is 8 of 20 but Eddie puts Henare in. Henare goes to a corner, Eddie storms up but Henare body shots first! And again! Eddie sputters, Henare runs, and he runs Eddie over! Eddie goes to ropes but Henare CHOKES him! The ref reprimands, Henare lets off at 4, and fans start to duel, “Let’s Go, Eddie!” “HE-NA-RE!” Henare drags Eddie up to KNEE him in the head! And again! Eddie eggs Henare on!? Henare KNEES Eddie down!
Eddie is dazed but still conscious, so Henare drags him up. Eddie CHOPS the legs, CHOPS the chest, then CHOPS again! Henare nods and eggs Eddie on. Eddie CHOPS, Henare ROCKS Eddie, then whips. Eddie reverses to kitchen sink knee! Eddie underhooks but Henare blocks the suplex, to Eddie gives some Kawada kicks. Henare still blocks the underhooks, wrenches out and HEADBUTTS Eddie down! Fans fire up and Henare slaps sense into himself. Henare sits Eddie up to KICK him in the back, and SENTON! Cover, TWO! Eddie grits his teeth as he stays in this, but Henare keeps cool and the fans duel again.
Henare paces around, Eddie sits up, and Henare KICKS him! Eddie just snarls! Henare likes that, and he KICKS Eddie again! Eddie growls and grits his teeth again as he stands back up. Henare KICKS Eddie down! Cover, ONE!! Henare glares at the ref but his cover was a bit lax. Eddie goes to the corner, Henare runs in, but Eddie dodges the knee! MACHINE GUN CHOPS! The fans fire up, Eddie reloads to MACHINE GUN CHOP again! Eddie tops it off with one more CHOP, and then an EXPLODER! The fans fire up while both men are down! Henare sits up first as he clutches his neck, but he and Eddie head for each other.
Fans duel as Henare and Eddie rise to their feet. Eddie CHOPS! Henare staggers, but he comes back to CHOP! Eddie seethes, but he CHOPS again! Henare grits his teeth and CHOPS! Eddie brings down the straps, and CHOPS! They go CHOP for CHOP, but Eddie gets the edge! Eddie starts giving ridge hands! Eddie runs, into a JUMP KNEE! Eddie is dazed again, and Henare wants the full nelson! ULTIMA- NO, Eddie fights the lock! Henare tries, Eddie powers up, but Henare gets him for a FULL NELSON SLAM! The kneepad comes down and Henare fires himself up with a Haka! Eddie flounders to a corner, drags himself up, and Henare runs in to SHINING WIZARD!
Henare shoves Eddie out, runs back in, RAMPAGE!! Cover, TWO!! Eddie survives but Henare doesn’t stop, he PENALTY KICKS! Cover, TWO!! Henare is shocked but the fans fire up again! Eddie reaches out in a daze, but Henare has his Monster Rage boil up! Henare drags Eddie up and in, fisherman and- NO, Eddie fights out to URAKEN! Henare JUMP KNEES! URAKEN! HEADBUTT! URAKEN!! Eddie falls on the cover, TWO!!! Eddie almost had a repeat of their G1 match! Fans are thunderous as Eddie and Henare stir. Eddie and Henare rise up, the fans hope they “FIGHT FOREVER!” but this has to end somehow.
Eddie CHOPS, but Henare CHOPS! Eddie CHOPS again, so Henare fires a forearm! Eddie checks his face, and then CHOPS! They stand, Henare forearms! Eddie CHOPS! Forearm! CHOP! Repeat! Henare gets the edge and then KICKS, but Eddie blocks to URAKEN!! Henare swings, but into a SAIDO!! Henare roars to his feet, swings again, but into a HALF ‘N’ HALF!! And then the BACKFIST TO THE FUTURE!! TWICE!! Cover, Eddie wins!!
Winner: Eddie Kingston, by pinfall (still NJPW Strong Openweight Champion)
Somehow, someway, Eddie survives another instant classic! The sequel was even better than the original, but will we get a trilogy out of the Mad King and Face of Fury?
But wait! Here comes Satoshi Kojima! He won that Fatal 4 Way #1 Contender’s match earlier tonight, so he wants to look Eddie in the eyes. Kojima gets a mic so he can also say in person, “Congratulations, Mr. Eddie Kingston. You are very strong. But I love bread.” Fans chant for “BREAD! BREAD! BREAD!” Kojima says next time, NJPW is in Dallas, Texas. And one way or another, Kojima will kick Eddie’s ass! Fans fire up for that! Eddie steps to Kojima, but Kojima smiles and hands the mic over. Eddie tells Kojima, “I’ll see you in Texas, motha-” Fans cheer that! The Mad King or the King of Bread Style, who will truly be NJPW Strong?
NJPW has even more in store for Lonestar Shootout!
Friday, November 10th, Garland, Texas, NJPW brings along not just the NJPW Strong Openweight and Strong Openweight Tag Team Championships, but they’re roping in David Finlay, Jon Moxley, Mistico, Ultimo Guerrero, and Kenta! Tickets on sale now, and streaming on NJPW World, get ready to get wild in the Wild Wild West!
SANADA & Yuya Uemura VS Tetsuya Naito & Hiromu Takahashi!
The Cold Skull is set to face the Uncontrollable Charisma at WrestleKingdom 18, the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship on the line! So as both sides build momentum, can the Heat Storm help Sanada stay sharp? Or will the Ticking Timebomb help Naito have more, more, MORE fun in Las Vegas?
The fans rally for “NA-I-TO!” as he takes his time taking off his entrance attire. Then the fans chant for Sanada, for Hiromu, and for Yuya, until they decide to cheer on “All These Guys! All These Guys!” Naito finally puts the pants away, the teams sort out, and after LIJ fist bumps, Naito starts against Sanada in a preview of WrestleKingdom. Fans rally up with the bell, and the two circle. The chants duel, “SA-NA-DA!” “NA-I-TO!” The two mirror each other, Sanada knowing Naito’s tricks. They tie up, are in a deadlock, and fans cheer. Sanada powers Naito back a step at a time and has him on ropes, but Naito turns it around.
The ref counts, Naito lets off slowly and he pats his old teammate on the shoulders. Then SPITS at him! Sanada blocks the kick, CLUBS the leg, and tosses Naito out! Sanada cleans himself with the ref’s shirt, then builds speed, but Sanada tumbles up and out as Naito slides in! Naito BLAST Sanada off the apron, builds speed himself now, but Yuya trips him up! Sanada must’ve taught Yuya Naito’s tricks. Fans are torn but Sanada thanks his teammate for that. Sanada stomps Naito, tags Yuya, and now Yuya brings Naito up and around. Yuya CHOPS and Naito stumbles. Yuya CHOPS again, then CHOPS again!
Yuya headlocks and grinds the hold, but Naito powers up and fishhooks Yuya’s nose! Naito sends Yuya to a corner but Yuya goes up and over to arm-drag! And DOUBLE CHOP! Fans fire up with Yuya and he covers, TWO! Yuya BLASTS Hiromu for good measure before he brings Naito up. Yuya wrenches, YANKS, then whips. Naito reverses, atomic drops, and Hiromu is in to dropkick the legs out! Naito basement dropkicks while Hiromu BLASTS Sanada down! Naito turns Yuya over for a Camel Clutch, and Hiromu fires up to basement dropkick! Fans cheer LIJ and Hiromu gets them to get louder in a very Sanada move.
Naito brings Yuya up, tags in Hiromu, and Hiromu brings Yuya around to CLUB him! And CLUB him again! Yuya CHOPOS Hiromu, ROCKS Naito, then fires off CHOPS! Hiromu CHOPS in return! Yuya sits down but Hiromu stands him up, to CHOP him down! Tag to Naito and Naito drags Yuya up. Fans rally, LIJ double whip, and they DOUBLE LARIAT! Cover, TWO, but Naito clamps on the leg scissor nelson! Yuya endures, fights around, and has the ROPEBREAK! The ref counts, Naito claims he needs help as always, so the ref has to pry the legs off Yuya. Naito tags Hiromu back in and Hiromu stomps Yuya at the ropes.
Yuya stands up but Hiromu CHOPS him! And CHOPS him! And then suplexes, but Yuya slips free! Yuya ducks an elbow to CHOP! And SAI- NO, Hiromu fights the suplex, runs, but Yuya gets around to hit a BIG back suplex after all! Both men are down and the fans rally up. Yuya and Hiromu crawl, but Hiromu hot tags Naito! Naito kicks and whips but Yuya reverses to SAYANAGI, and DRAGON ARM SCREW! Fans rally up and Yuya hot tags Sanada! Sanada storms up on Naito to YANK the bad arm! And YANK again! Sanada whips, Naito reverses but Sanada dropkicks the leg to then DROPKICK Naito down!
Sanada kips up and fans fire up! Naito is in the corner, Sanada runs in but he blocks a boot. Sanada trips Naito, and he has the legs! Fans fire up as Sanada ties Naito up, but Naito kicks free. Naito runs in but into a RANA! But Naito rolls through, only for Sanada to roll through! Sanada ties Naito up in PARADISE! Fans fire up and Sanada has them get louder. The fans oblige and Sanada likes that. Sanada then runs to DROPKICK Naito out of Paradise! Cover, TWO! Naito is still in this, but Sanada still has the fans. Sanada drags Naito up, fireman’s carries, but Naito fights free! Naito then spins Sanada and hits a NECKBREAKER!
Fans rally up for Naito again and he tags Hiromu. Hiromu brings Sanada up, whips him to ropes, but Sanada reverses to RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP! Fans fire up and Sanada crawls for his corner, hot tag to Yuya! The Heat Storm fires up and he runs in at Hiromu, to SPLASH! And BULLDOG! Cover, TWO! Fans rally as Hiromu stays in this, but Yuya drags him up to trap the arms. But Hiromu fights free and ROCKS Yuya! Hiromu then dodges Yuya but Yuya follows to UPPERCUT! Yuya runs, but Hiromu follows to UPPERCUT! Hiromu runs but knows Yuya follows so he fireman’s carries! But Yuya fights free and shove Hiromu!
Yuya runs in, but into a BOOT! Hiromu runs but Yuya dodges to CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO! Hiromu is still in this but Yuya pounds the mat. The fans rally behind him as Hiromu goes to a corner. Yuya runs in to ELBOW, then he fires up again. Yuya whips corner to corner, runs in, but Hiromu dodges the splash! Naito is there to hip toss! LIJ BASEMENT DROPKICK SANDWICH! Naito BLASTS Sanada and Hiromu covers, TWO! Yuya is still in this for his team but Hiromu drags Yuya up. FALCON ARROW! Cover, TWO! Sanada and Naito scrap on the outside, and Sanada RAMS Naito into railing!
Hiromu drags Yuya up, but Yuya fires a forearm! Hiromu forearms Yuya, Yuya forearms back! Fans rally as the shots keep going! Hiromu roars, Yuya roars, and the forearms pick up speed! Hiromu ROCKS Yuya, then ducks Yuya’s forearm to fireman’s carry! But Yuya slips free and shoves again! Hiromu comes back, but Yuya traps the arms! KAMU- NO, Hiromu fights the suplex! And HEADBUTTS! But Yuya ROCKS him first! Hiromu SUPERKICKS! Yuya DROPKICKS! Both men are down and the fans fire up! The ref checks both men, they’re still in this, and “This is Awesome!” as both men crawl for their corners. Hot tags to Naito and Sanada!
Naito runs up, Sanada dodges to CHOP! Naito fires a forearm, so Sanada CHOPS! Forearm, CHOP, repeat! Fans rally up, Naito smiles and Sanada eggs Naito on. Naito fires a forearm, Sanada CHOPS, repeat! They keep going back and forth, and Naito gets the edge! Naito grins, but Sanada CHOPS and CHOPS and CHOPS! Naito just gets in Sanada’s face, to then throw a heavy back elbow! And another! And then he SPITS at Sanada again! Sanada reels Naito in for a BIG back suplex! Fans fire up while both men are down! Fans hope they “FIGHT FOREVER!” but this match only has a 20 minute time limit!
Sanada calls Yuya in, they get Naito up to double whip and DOUBLE DROPKICK! Yuya then goes after Hiromu while Sanada sets Naito up for MAGIC SCREW! Cover, TWO! Sanada shakes his head and the fans rally up as he paces around. Sanada puts Naito in the dragon sleeper! And the SKULL SWING! Fans fire up for the SKULL END! Naito endures, flails, and Hiromu fights off Yuya! But Yuya anchors Hiromu on the apron! Naito fades but gets a second wind at the 15 minute mark! Hiromu reaches out for Naito, Naito kicks around for ropes, ROPEBREAK! The fans fire up and the ref counts, but Sanada lets off quickly and cleanly.
Sanada drags Naito up as the fans duel again. Sanada scoops to BACKBREAKER, and Naito is in the drop zone! Sanada goes up top, but Hiromu anchors Sanada now! The ref counts, Sanada and Hiromu pull each other’s hair, but Naito smiles as he CLUBS Sanada! And CLUBS him again and again! Naito turns Sanada around, fires forearms, and SPITS at Sanada! Fans want that “One More Time!” Naito SPITS again! Fans cheer, and then Naito goes up, but Sanada slips under! Sanada drags Naito off the corner with a waistlock but Naito fights. Naito RAMS Sanada into a corner, then reels him in for those heavy elbows!
Naito goes up the corner, reels Sanada in at the three minute warning, and hits ESPERANZA! Fans fire up and Naito aims from the corner. Sanada rises slowly as the fans rally up. Naito runs in, but Sanada DROPKICKS! Naito ENZIGURIS! Naito wrenches but Yuya DROPKICKS! Hiromu gets in, spins Yuya, but Yuya fights the suplex! Yuya dodges the haymaker, but runs into the HIROM-CHAN BOMBER! Sanada runs in, Hiromu SUPERKICKS! Two minute warning, but Hiromu helps with the SWING- NO, Sanada slips free to ENZIGURI Naito and DROPKICK Hiromu! SHINING WIZARD!! All four men are down and the fans are thunderous!
Naito and Sanada stir, slowly sit up and head for each other, and Naito throws a forearm! Sanada throws a forearm, and we’re at the literal last minute! Fans are thunderous as the forearms just keep flying! Naito roars, the forearms pick up even more speed, and Sanada roars now! Sanada gets the edge, fireman’s carries, T K O!! Thirty seconds at the cover, HIROMU BREAKS IT! Sanada TOSSES Hiromu and hurries to drag Naito into the dragon sleeper! SKULL END!! Ten seconds left as Naito endures! Naito flails, reaches out, is he tapping?! The bell rings first!!
Time Limit Draw
Sanada almost had Naito there, but Naito was essentially saved by the bell! If this is how intense it is in a tag match, how much more intense will it be when these two go 1v1 with no limits?
Wait, who is this rolling Hiromu up on stage? Danny Limelight! TWO, and Danny cradles Hiromu now, TWO!! Danny wants that DDT Pro Ironman Heavyweight Championship but Hiromu runs away into the night! Can Hiromu make it out of Sin City with that second belt of his? Or will someone get lucky before the night is over?
NEVER Openweight Championship: Tama Tonga VS Shingo Takagi!
The Good Bad Guy finally got this title back back Destruction in Ryogoku, and was the one who challenged the Rampaging Dragon to this fight! Will Tama be able to slay that dragon? Or will Takagi make things tranquilo here in Sin City?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see if Tama’s gamble pays off!
The bell rings and the two circle as fans rally. They approach, tie up, and are in a deadlock. Takagi pushes Tama back a step, but Tama pushes Takagi back a step. They go back and forth, but then Tama puts Takagi on ropes. The ref counts, Tama lets off slowly, and he pats Takagi on the chest. The fans applaud the sportsmanship and the two reset. Takagi and Tama feel things out, knuckle lock, and then go shoulder to shoulder in a test of strength. Takagi then knees one knuckle lock apart, wrenches the other arm, and hammerlocks. Tama moves around, switches the hammerlock onto Takagi then headlocks for a takeover.
Takagi headscissors, Tama kips free, and the fans cheer the exchange. Tama and Takagi reset as the fans duel. The two circle, feel things out again, and knuckle lock, but then Takagi drop toeholds. Takagi headlocks, Tama slips out the back to headlock in return. Tama grinds the hold but Takagi fights up and powers out. Tama RAMS shoulders with Takagi but neither falls! Takagi eggs Tama on, then he fires a forearm! Tama gives it back so Takag shouts, “OI!” The forearms go back and forth, fans rally up, and Takagi JABS! JABS! And JABS! Takagi whips, Tama ducks ‘n’ dodges and RAMS Takagi, but Takagi rebounds, only for Tama to run him over!
Tama stalks Takagi, CLUBS him in the chest again and again, then brings him up. Tama scoops to SLAM Takagi, and he goes from the elbow to JUMPING ELBOW DROP! Cover, ONE!! Takagi is tougher than that but Tama keeps cool. Tama brings Takagi up, ROCKS him with a forearm, then ROCKS him again! Takagi eggs Tama on, Tama throws a HEADBUTT! Tama scoops, Takagi slips free to waistlock, but Tama elbows free. Tama runs, into an ELBOW! JAB! YUKON LARIAT! Fans fire up while Takagi steadies himself. Tama stands, Takagi clotheslines him up and out! Fans fire up more as Takagi goes out to fetch Tama.
Takagi gives the fans a quick Jushin Thunder Liger pose, then he stands on Tama’s face at the railing. The ref counts, Takagi steps away, and he drags Tama up. Takagi fireman’s carries to SNAKE EYES off the apron! Tama flounders about, Takagi kicks and DDTS him to the floor! The ref checks but Tama is still in this, so the fans rally up. The ring count starts but Takagi takes his time bringing Tama up. Tama is a bit of dead weight but Takagi still stands him and puts him in at 9 of 20. To then slingshot knee drop! Takagi digs that knee in at the ropes, the ref reprimands and counts, and Takagi lets go of the ropes with his hands. Not the problem!
Takagi stands on Tama, then DOUBLE STOMPS as he lets off! Fans cheer while Tama sputters. Takagi drags Tama up, snapmares and runs, to then drop an elbow! Cover, ONE!! Tama is tough but Takagi wraps on body scissors! Tama endures as Takagi squeezes, but Tama fires off elbows! Takagi BELL CLAPS Tama for that! Takagi drags Tama up, reels him in and suplexes high and hard! Tama writhes but Takagi pushes him to a cover, TWO! Takagi keeps cool while the fans fire back up. Takagi steps on Tama, then SENTONS! Fans rally and duel as Takagi stalks Tama. Takagi eggs Tama on and Tama throws body shots.
Tama fires a forearm, then another body shot, but Takagi HEADBUTTS him down! Tama goes to ropes, fans duel, and they boo the one drunk going “Shingo sucks!” Takagi KNEES Tama against ropes, KNEES him again, then whips Tama to ropes for another knee! Takagi runs, but into a DROPKICK! Both men are down again and fans fire back up! Fans rally up as Takagi goes to a corner and Tama stands back up. Tama aims, runs in, and clotheslines! Tama fires body shots and forearms, the ref counts, but Tama fires off even more shots! Tama KNEES, HEADBUTTS, and CLUBS Takagi, but lets off as the ref counts.
Tama whips Takagi into the corner to then clothesline again! Fans continue to rally as Tama whips corner to corner, but Takagi reverses. Tama comes back to LARIAT! And OFF COMES THE VEST! Tama paces as he watches Takagi, and Takagi gets up in a corner. Tama STINGER SPLASHES, then POWERSLAMS! Cover, TWO! Takagi sputters but he’s still in this. Tama keeps cool and he paces around. Tama throws down fists, and the fans duel as Tama brings Takagi up. Takagi holds ropes to stop the whip but Tama fires off forearms! Tama whips, Takagi reverses and fireman’s carries, but Tama sunset flips, to step through!
Fans fire up as Tama has the SHARPSHOOTER!! Takagi endures as Tama sits deep on the hold! Fans rally and duel, Takagi continues to endure and fight around! Takagi reaches out, but Tama drags him from ropes! Fans fire up as Takagi continues to endure! Takagi powers up, moves around, goes to the side, reaches out and has the ROPEBREAK! Tama lets go quickly and the fans continue to rally. Tama paces around Takagi, then rains down forearms! Tama lets off to bring Takagi up but Takagi blocks the urenage! Fans duel as Takagi throws elbows! Then ELBOW! JAB! YUKON FEINT to DDT!
Fans fire up while both men are down again! Takagi rises, and he looks to a camera. Takagi lets us know, IT’S TIME! Takagi drags Tama up, reels him in, but Tama CLUBS the saido down! Takagi ROCKS and whips Tama, but Tama reverses to- NO, Takagi avoids the dropkick, to SLIDING PUMPING BOMBER! Fans fire up and hope these two “FIGHT FOREVER!” This is the main event, it might as well keep going! Takagi gives Tama toying kicks, then hauls him up in a pump handle. Tama fights the lift, then gets around, but Takagi snapmares free! DOUBLE LARIATS collide, but neither man falls!
Takagi eggs Tama on, DOUBLE LARIATS collide again! Tama drops to a knee but Takagi stays up. Only for Tama to EXPLODER! We hit 15 minutes as Tama clinches, but Takagi hits an EXPLODER! But then Tama hits another EXPLODER! But then Takagi SAIDOS! Takagi runs, but Tama swats the lariat, jumps, for VENENO!! Wait, Takagi deadlifts out of the DDT?! To TWIST ‘N’ SHOUT!! Fans are thunderous again as both men are down! The ref checks, Tama is still in this and so is Takagi. “This is Awesome!” as Tama and Takagi stir. Takagi and Tama crawl after each other, and Takagi junkyard dog headbutts.
Tama throws a SLAP! Takagi CHOPS! Tama HEADBUTTS! Takagi CHOPS! Tama JABS! Takagi RIDGE HANDS! They stand, Tama fires a forearm! Takagi ROCKS Tama back! Tama ROCKS Takagi back! Fans fire up as Takagi wobbles, and Takagi comes back to fire boxing elbows! Tama PELES, then fireman’s carries! S R C! Tama goes up fast, to SUPREME FLOW!! Cover, TWO!?! Takagi survives the splash and fans fire up again! Tama watches as Takagi stirs again, and he pounds the mat. The fans clap along, Takagi stands, GUN- NO, Gory Especial for NOSHIGAMI! Takagi turns that around and both men are down again!
Fans rally, Takagi goes to a corner, and he drags himself up. The fans fire up as Takagi headbutts the buckle, to then PUMPING BOMBER!! Takagi isn’t done there, he pump handles, MADE IN JAPAN!! Cover, TWO?!? Tama survives and shocks Takagi! The fans fire up again as “Both These Guys! Both These Guys!” are still fighting. Takagi drags Tama up again, pump handles and torture racks, but Tama CLUBS free! Takagi LARIATS point blank, then tries again. Tama fights free again, to TONGAN TWIST! Both men are down again and the fans continue to rally! Tama rises first but Takagi follows.
Tama brings Takagi up but Takagi fights the suplex. Takagi throws body shots, powers out and ELBOWS! JABS! But Tama BOOTS the Yukon and ducks the discus to reel Takagi in for BLOODY SUNDAY!! Cover, TWO!! Takagi survives the shoutout to the Prince, but Tama vows to end this! Tama drags Takagi up, underhooks the arms, but Takagi fights the lift! Takagi wrenches out, but Tama dodges the lariat to GUN- NO! Takagi blocks to shove and GORY ESPECIAL BACKSLIDE! Tama rolls through but Takagi kicks low! Takagi reels Tama in, traps the arms, TAKAGI DRIVER 98!! Cover, TWO?!?!
Tama survives and the fans are thunderous again! Takagi and Tama slowly rise, Takagi runs in to SLIDING D! And then HAMMER ‘N’ ANVIL ELBOWS! Takagi then drags Tama up, SLEEPER! Then GROUND COBRA!! Takagi thrashes Tama around as he has him caught! Tama endures, fights around, reaches out with his free arm, scooting ever closer! Takagi thrashes Tama more and more, but Tama still fights over! ROPEBREAK!! Takagi lets go more in exhaustion than frustration, but he is a bit frustrated. Fans rally with Takagi as he drags Tama up. Tama is on the ropes, Takagi runs, PUMPING BOMBER!!! Cover, ONE?!?!? HOW?!?!
Takagi is shocked but now he’s mad! Takagi drags Tama up, reels him in, and he fires off boxing elbows! Takagi goes all the way to TEN, then he pump handles. Torture rack and LAST- GUN STUN!!!! Cover, TWO!??!? Now Takagi shocks Tama! At least, Tama would be shocked if he wasn’t so tired! Takagi stirs but Tama goes to ropes. Tama drags himself up, we pass 25 minutes and Tama storms up on Takagi. Tama reels Takagi in, underhooks, but Takagi blocks! Tama still tries, he CLUBS Takagi, then throws knees from all sides! Tama underhooks again, D- NO, Takagi BACK DROP BRIDGES! TWO!!!
Tama still has the arms! Tama drags Takagi up, but Takagi fights the lift with all he has left! Fans fire up and Takagi wrenches out. Tama swats but Takagi JABS! HEADBUTT! Tama HEADBUTTS back! Tama hauls Takagi up to D S- RANA??! Tama stands to SUPERMAN PUNCH! And GUN- NO, Takagi blocks and steals GUN STUN!?!? Fans are thunderous as Takagi PUMPING BOMBERS!!!! Cover, TWO?!?!?! As if the last time wasn’t shocking enough, Tama is still in this! Vegas is electric and Takagi roars! Pump handle, torture rack, LAST OF THE DRAGONS!!!!! TAKAGI WINS!!!!
Winner: Shingo Takagi, by pinfall (NEW NEVER Openweight Champion)
Las Vegas can’t believe it, but they love it! Tama put the belt up for ante and Takagi went all in to get it! Will the Good Bad Guy ever live down losing his own bet?
As for Takagi, he gets the belt put on his shoulder by the ref, given he’s rather tired. Takagi then gets a mic so he can say a little something. “My time. MY TIME is coming. TAKETAKE TA! I am so happy. Tama Tonga is good, is strong, but! I won.” Fans cheer that! Takagi then says actually, this is his third time as NEVER Openweight Champion. Fans chant, “You Deserve It!” Takagi nods and thanks them. So next? What’s next? Who is next?! Takagi wants someone to come out! Takagi waits, points at the stage, and says c’mon, somebody! Please! Takagi even says in Japanese that someone’s gotta answer him. Well, no one does so Takagi moves on.
Takagi promises that he will come back to Vegas. So see you next time, see you again! And in Japanese, he promises that this rampaging dragon will fly to the top! But wait, the lights go down? Then there’s a video. Trent Beretta!? Trent tells Takagi, “You, me, NEVER Openweight Championship. November 10th, Dallas, Texas. What do you say?” Takagi nods and says, “You got it!” Fans fire up, but can #JustTrent slay this Rampaging Dragon?
My Thoughts:
A great NJPW event for being stateside, and it’s wild that they’re gonna go again with Lonestar Shootout in just two weeks. I know I skipped to the latter half but that’s really where the meat of this show was anyway. Joey Janela coming to NJPW is awesome stuff for him, he’ll get to have a lot of fun just going kinda wild. Plus, him calling out Yano, they’re going to have a hilarious time. Giulia VS Hyan was a great match for the NJPW Strong Women’s title, but I had a feeling Giulia was going to win. She’s the second champ ever, she should really have a good, strong reign before losing.
Great tag title match, and I figured ELP & Leo would retain since their reign hasn’t been that long, either. But also great bit with WCWC attacking. Those guys are great, Royce Isaacs himself is looking bigger than the last time I… watched one of his matches… But ELP & Leo VS WCWC is going to be great stuff, but I feel like ELP & Leo will retain again. Awesome match from Eddie VS Henare, we definitely need a rematch of those two to finish the trilogy. And Eddie VS Kojima is going to be a lot of fun, especially since they both use Machine Gun Chops. Maybe Kojima wins so Eddie can focus on his ROH World title but I’m still leaning towards Eddie retaining.
The world title tune-up tag match was really good and I like that they went to time limit draw. It doesn’t hurt Sanada or Naito, and Hiromu is IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion, he can’t be taking losses. Yuya could’ve taken the loss but he’s also going hot since joining Just5Guys, this was a good move to keep his momentum up, too. And what an awesome main event from Tama and Takagi, and what a surprise that this is the belt that changes hands tonight! I did not see that coming, and I kinda feel bad for Tama, he only had that belt 20 days. But Takagi having the NEVER Openweight Championship back is still cool, and maybe Tama can springboard from here to the IWGP United Kingdom/States now.
And then Trent making that challenge? What a great surprise. He worded his video rather generically, so he was probably going to challenge whoever was NEVER Openweight Champion regardless. But Takagi VS Trent will be great stuff, and I would think Takagi retains before moving onto a really big defense for WrestleKingdom.
My Score: 9/10
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IF YA SMELLALALALALALA~…!
As Cody Rhodes teams with Damian Priest & Braun Strowman against Solo Sikoa’s Bloodline, FINALLY, The Rock has come back to SmackDown!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Drew McIntyre VS Jimmy Uso; Jimmy wins.
- The Miz & Carmelo Hayes VS R-Truth & LA Knight; Miz & Melo win.
- Tiffany Stratton VS Candice LeRae w/ Nia Jax; Tiff wins.
- Naomi w/ Bianca Belair VS Liv Morgan w/ Raquel Rodriguez; No Contest.
- WWE Tag Team Championships: #DIY VS Pretty Deadly; Pretty Deadly wins, by disqualification, and DIY retain the titles.
- Six Man Tag: Cody Rhodes, Damian Priest & Braun Strowman VS Solo Sikoa, Jacob Fatu & Tama Tonga; changed to…
- Damian Priest & Braun Strowman VS Solo Sikoa & Jacob Fatu w/ Tama Tonga; Priest & Braun win.
PLAY BY PLAY
Cody Rhodes talks with Nick Aldis backstage.
They shake hands, but the SmackDown General Manager tells the WWE Champion there’s been a change: Cody’s out of the Six Man Tag match. What? Why would Aldis do that? It is out of Aldis’s hands. Wait, Solo Sikoa shows up to do what he did, but they can’t do the Six Man Tag that they advertised? How is this out of Aldis’s hands? Who do they need to talk to so they can do the match? Aldis says there’s no one either of them can call, if you smell what’s cooking. This is coming from The Final Boss, and The Final Boss wants to see Cody in the ring tonight. What business could The Great One have with The American Nightmare?
Drew McIntyre VS Jimmy Uso!
The Scottish Terminator rubbed it in Big Jim’s face that only one of them is going to Elimination Chamber in Toronto, which Big Jim was able to brush off. But McIntyre harping on how only one Uso is going to WrestleMania was a step too far. These two look to have it out, but is Jimmy just playing into McIntyre’s hands? Or will McIntyre get embarrassed by “the other Uso” this close to that big time match?
Speaking of, Jimmy has a message for Drew as he heads to gorilla. “Everybody know you’re going to Elimination Chamber, right? But Big Jimmy got a question for the Big Easy: Will Drew go onto the Elimination Chamber and win that? Will Drew go onto WrestleMania and win that? Ey, Drew, I think we got an answer for you, Uce. The answer is…” “NO YEET!” Jimmy makes his entrance, the bell rings, and the fans rally behind Jimmy. Jimmy and Drew jaw, and then Drew raises his hands, to say UP YOURS! But Jimmy ROCKS and CHOPS away! Drew puts Jimmy in a corner, Jimmy dodges to CHOP!
Jimmy climbs and he rains down fists! The fans count, Drew dumps Jimmy tot eh apron at 5, but Jimmy GAMANGIRIS! Jimmy goes up, CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO! Jimmy hurries to CHOP, then he whips. Drew reverses to send Jimmy to the corner. Jimmy BOOTS back, goes up, and leaps, but into a clinch! OVERHEAD BELLY2BELLY! Jimmy flounders to a corner, Drew runs up to SPLASH and OVERHEAD BELLY2BELLY! Jimmy flounders again, the ref has Drew hold on, and Jimmy bails out. Drew storms out to get Jimmy and he whips Jimmy HARD into barrier! The fans boo but Drew looms over Jimmy.
The ring count starts, Drew mockingly calls him “Jey,” then puts Jimmy in the ring. Drew says NO MANIA for Jimmy. Drew stands Jimmy up, ROCKS him, then runs up, only for Jimmy to put him on the apron! Drew blocks a superkick, but not the DRAGON WHIP! Drew drops, Jimmy DIVES! Down goes Drew and the fans fire up! Jimmy grins, goes back to the apron, and then aims. But Drew stops the Penalty Kick to THROW Jimmy down! Drew then has Jimmy in the Reverse Alabama Lift! REVERSE ALABAMA SLAM onto the steel steps! Drew stands on the desk to say “NO YEET!” while SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Drew revels in the heat from New Orleans, then he leaves Jimmy behind. The ref checks Jimmy, he’s able to continue, so a ring count starts. Drew paces while Jimmy stirs. Jimmy drags himself up using the desk, then lunges in at 9! Drew is annoyed but he rains down fists! Drew stomps Jimmy, then eggs him on. Jimmy rises as the fans rally, but Drew is right on him in the corner. Drew winds up, but Jimmy counter punches! And CHOPS! And CHOPS! And whips, only for Drew to reverses. Jimmy goes up, but Drew KICKS him out of the air! Drew then hauls Jimmy up, snap suplex! Cover, TWO!
Drew says okay, Big Jim. He clamps onto Jimmy with a top wristlock and grinds the arm. Jimmy fights up, fireman’s carries, but Drew elbows free. Drew bumps Jimmy off buckles, then hauls him up to the top rope! Drew CLUBS Jimmy on the back, climbs up, then CLUBS Jimmy more. Jimmy fires elbows and Drew drops back. But Drew runs up to CLUB Jimmy again! SmackDown returns to single picture as Drew CLUBS away on Jimmy again! Jimmy keeps taunting “Jey,” then drags him up. Jimmy fights the back suplex! The fans rally, Jimmy fires hands and a HEADBUTT! Jimmy SMACKS Drew off the post!
Jimmy rises to USO IN THE WIND! Down goes Drew and the fans fire up! A standing count starts while both men stir on the mat. They both stand at 5, and Drew swings! Jimmy counter punches, then fires more shots! Mule kick, UPPERCUT, but then Jimmy dodges Drew! SAMOAN DROP! Cover, TWO! Drew is tougher than that, but Jimmy hurries to a corner. Jimmy aims as Drew goes to the other corner, “UCE! OH! UCE! OH!” Jimmy runs, but Drew FLYING HEADBUTTS! The Glasgow Kiss stuns Jimmy, and Drew hits a SPINEBUSTER! Jackknife bridge, TWO! Jimmy shows his own toughness, and the fans rally behind him.
Drew paces, then he stalks Jimmy. Drew stands Jimmy up, reels him in, but Jimmy fights the underhooks! Jimmy wrenches, UPPERCUTS, but Drew ROCKS Jimmy back! Jimmy UPPERCUTS, Drew HAYMAKERS! Drew whips, Jimmy reverses and Drew ends up on the apron! Drew ROCKS Jimmy first, then climbs the corner! FLYING- SUPERKICK! Jimmy runs to SPEAR! Cover, TWO!! Drew survives, Jimmy’s spear doesn’t hit quite like The Tribal Chief’s. Jimmy goes to the corner, climbs up, and the fans rally up. USO- NO, Jimmy rolls through as Drew moves! Drew dodges a lariat to NECKBREAKER!
Both men are down, the fans rally, and Drew kips up! Drew scowls as he aims at Jimmy. “THREE! TWO! ONE!” CLAY- SUPERKICK!! Jimmy hits first! GLASGOW KISS returns! Drew reels Jimmy in, “This is your WrestleMania! This is as close as you get!” Drew shouts Jimmy is nothing, then ROCKS him with forearm after forearm! GLASGOW KISS! Another Reverse Alabama, but Jimmy victory rolls it! JIMMY WINS!!!
Winner: Jimmy Uso, by pinfall
Drew is furious, but his own ego caught him there! But then Drew CLOBBERS Jimmy! The fans boo Drew being a sore loser, but he puts Jimmy back in the ring! Drew rains down fists, then he DRIBBLES Jimmy off the mat! The ref reprimands, the fans boo, but Drew says that was Jimmy’s Mania Moment! Drew will win the Chamber, he will go to Mania, and he will win there! Jimmy means NOTHING to Drew! Drew puts Jimmy up against the post, then takes aim! The fans boo, but refs and producers rush out here! They swarm Drew to keep him from going after Jimmy again. Drew says fine, fine, then takes his leave.
Producers help Jimmy to his feet, but then Drew BLASTS through the refs! CLAYMORE for Jimmy!! The Scottish Terminator hits his target, then laughs as he actually leaves. Will McIntyre make this his Road to WrestleMania?
A car pulls into the parking lot.
And out steps Solo Sikoa. Solo heads inside, and he finds Jacob Fatu & Tama Tonga waiting. Solo tells them that last week with Tama, that was an accident. Jacob says yeah, it’s all good, Uce. But keep it 100: If it wasn’t an accident, Solo wouldn’t be standing here right now. Well, good! Glad to see we’re all on the same page. Solo says he will be in the corner during the match for Jacob & Tama. Uh, no, Solo, no disrespect, but Jacob & Tama have been running things on SmackDown these past couple weeks. So tonight, it’s Jacob & Solo running the play? Yadada mean? Yeah, of course. And that right there, Jacob, is exactly why Solo loves him.
Solo says he’ll be back, he has to talk with Nick Aldis. Solo heads out, but will he really just step right back into place from before he lost the ula fala?
Carmelo Hayes is backstage.
R-Truth calls out to Melo, and says for the first time ever, Truth VS Melo! What’s Truth talking about? Duh, they have a match. No, Truth, Melo knows. But they had a match last week. Truth says he has never met Melo in his life, but they have a tag match tonight. What? No, they don’t. Who even made this match? Him. Truth, they are not going through this H1M who’s on first thing again. Melo is H1M. No, him made the match. The Miz!? Miz says he’s H1M. So now there’s two of you? No no no! Melo is H1M, this is The Miz! Yeah, #MeloDon’tMiz! NO! That’s not a thing! Tonight, they are. Who’s Truth’s partner?
Truth says he’s got a guy. A Louisiana legend! In fact, he just got here, so Truth’s gotta go. Laters. Miz says he has been workshopping this, and the fans love it. Think about it: Melo Don’t Miz! Melo Don’t Miz! And we are…! Melo shakes his head. Truth steps in and says Miz just wants Melo to say, “Awesome.” Miz offers a fist bump, Melo says no. Will Melo wish he had missed tonight’s show? Or will Miz actually help H1M get another win?
Zelina Vega speaks.
“My whole life, people have taken one look at me, and they try to define me. My size has never stopped me before. It never stopped me from becoming tag team champion. Or my personal favorite, the history-making first-time-ever Queen of the Ring. That’s me. Make no mistake about it, I’ve never had it easy. I had to scratch and claw to get anything around here. But this is a fresh start. Because I have something to prove. And my dreams are a lot bigger than your measuring stick. It ain’t over until Zelina Vega says it’s over.”
The Miz & Carmelo Hayes VS R-Truth & ???
Miz makes his entrance but Melo kinda steps all over it. So he already missed his cue… But who did Truth find to team with him in the Big Easy? We’ll see, after the break.
SmackDown returns and Truth makes his entrance. “What’s up?” Well, more like who is his partner? He’ll tell us! His tag team partner is a local legend, born and bred right here in New Orleans! Ladies and gentlemen, welcome Louisiana Knight! Wait, he means L A Knight! Yes, Louisiana abbreviated is LA, but that’s not… Oh, Truth… Truth gives Knight a Po’ Boy and some Mardi Gras beads, so Knight embraces it. The teams sort out, and Truth calls out him! Does he mean Miz or Melo? Well, Melo says he is H1M, so that’s who starts. The fans cheer on Knight while Truth and Melo tie up. Melo KNEES low, whips, but Truth reverses.
Melo springboards, FADEAWAY JUMPER! Melo makes his free throw, but Truth drop toeholds! Truth headlocks, Melo powers up and out but Truth whips! Melo turns hip toss into lateral press, TWO! Truth has a ghost pin, TWO! Melo trips to cover, ONE! Truth trips to cover, ONE! Melo runs up, Truth does the splits, and then hits a BIG hip toss! The fans fire up, Truth counts, Melo gets up at TWO, but Truth was just goofing. The ref explains to Truth that he is the ref, not Truth! Melo is annoyed, he runs up on Truth, but Truth wrenches him around! Melo pulls hair but Knight tags in. The fans fire up as Knight fires hands!
Knight ROCKS Melo, whips Melo, but Melo reverses! SWINGING NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Knight drags Melo up to tag Truth back in, and Truth ROCKS Melo! Melo staggers, but he refuses to tag! Truth arm-drags Melo, then grinds the arm. Melo insists he’s got this, then arm-drags free. Truth staggers up, he and Melo bump heads! Truth staggers around more, and he tags Miz?! Truth forgot The Awesome Truth isn’t a thing anymore! Again! Melo BLASTS Truth off the apron, the fans boo, but Miz tags himself in! Melo is annoyed, but Miz goes to fetch Truth while SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns again, and Melo has Truth. Truth ROCKS Melo, but Melo holds onto the wristlock! Truth reaches for Knight, Knight reaches for Truth, but Melo holds on. Truth takes a swing, but into an O’Conner Roll! TWO and Melo BLASTS Knight! Truth rolls Melo up, TWO! Melo kicks low, calls his shot, but Truth suplexes for a STUNNER! The fans fire up while both men are down! Truth and Melo crawl, hot tags to Miz and Knight! The fans fire up as Knight rallies on Miz! “YEAH! YEAH!” Knight whips, Miz reverses, but Knight lEAPING LARIATS! Knight TOSSES Melo in for good measure!
Knight stomps a mudhole into Melo, “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” LARIAT for Miz! KNEE for Melo! Knight scoops and POWERSLAMS Miz! Knight keeps running, JUMP ELBOW DROP! Cover, TWO! Knight stays on Miz as he brings Miz up. Knight ROCKS Miz, then ROCKS him again! Knight whips, Miz grabs the ropes. Miz KICKS, then takes a swing, but into a back suplex! Miz lands out, tag to Melo! Miz ELBOWS Knight, but Knight scoops! Miz tilt-o-whirls through, Melo SUPERKICKS Knight down! cover, TWO! Knight stays in this but Melo says he’s got this! Melo waits on Knight, then leaps, but NO 48!
Knight kicks low, but NO B F T! Tag to Truth! Knight ELBOWS Melo, Truth runs in! CENA SHOULDER TACKLES! Then the SPIN OUT BOMB! Truth says it’s time! “YOU CANT SEE ME~!” truth runs for the FIVE KNCUKLE SHUFFLE! Truth then fireman’s carries, but Melo slips free! Melo shoves, Truth dodges, and Truth hits the LIE DETECTOR! Truth then gets Melo in the S T R-TRUTH! But Miz CLOBBERS Truth! Knight ROCKS Miz, then LARIATS him up and out! Knight then goes out to THROW Miz into barriers! The fans fire up again, but NAKAMURA ATTACKS KNIGHT!
The fans boo, but the sinister samurai then POSTS Knight!! Nakamura slithers away while Melo keeps the ref’s attention! Truth sees Knight is down, Melo runs up, but Truth dodges! Miz tags in, full nelson, and a FIRST 48 FINALE COMBO?!? Cover, Miz & Melo win!!
Winners: The Miz & Carmelo Hayes, by pinfall
Well, what do you know? Nakamura aside, Miz and Melo made it work! Okay, they’re both trying to hog the spotlight, but is there a future for Melo Don’t Miz? Will Knight only have more of a reason to take that title off Nakamura now?
Charlotte Flair speaks.
“The GOAT… doesn’t have to call themselves The GOAT. Now, I have crafted a legacy that no one, I mean no one, can touch. And I’m back.” The Women’s Royal Rumble Winner chose Tiffany Stratton, but will The Queen take back her throne? Or will WWE always be on #TiffyTime? Speaking of…
Tiffany Stratton VS Candice LeRae!
The WWE Women’s Champion may have gotten past Nia Jax, but now she knows Charlotte Flair is waiting for her at WrestleMania, and is going to be teaming with Trish Stratus in Toronto! Will she be in Tiffy Top Shape for that Tiffy Trishy dream match? Or will the Poison Pixie be quite the problem all on her own?
Before the match, Tiff grabs a mic while the fans cheer. Tiffy says, “I know, I know. You know it, you know it, and you know it. Ever since I won this title, everybody’s just been so obsessed with me. And last week, I had Nia Jax beat, until Candice LeRae decided to interfere and help her little meal ticket. And at Elimination Chamber, Trish Stratus and I make sure the Unstoppable Force comes to a definitive end!” The fans cheer that, but Tiff says enough about them. Let’s talk Charlotte Flair. The fans boo that name, but Tiff says Charlotte took her sweet old time, grabbed a chair, grabbed a mic, and she looked down on Tiff.
Charlotte chose Tiff as her WrestleMania opponent. In that moment, Tiff’s dream came true! And as she lied down there and looked up at Charlotte, she realized the rumors are true: No one loves to kick a girl when she’s down quite like Charlotte Flair. So at WrestleMania, Tiff isn’t coming for Charlotte’s legacy; that’s all Charlotte’s. Tiff is coming for the spot Charlotte desires the most: The number one spot as the top girl in the WWE! But here comes Nia & Candice to interrupt. Nia has a mic to tell Tiffy, “I Have to say, this is really cute. Like, it’s really cute that you actually think you were gonna beat me last week.”
Doesn’t Candice think that is cute? Candice says yes, it is so~ cute. And Tiff wouldn’t even be standing there if not for little Trish Stratus~. Exactly! And it’s even cuter that Tiff is out here talking about Charlotte when she wont’ even see WrestleMania! Because after Nia & Candide destroy Tiff at Elimination Chamber, Nia is coming back for her WWE Women’s Championship. Nia & Candice step up to the ring, and Nia says Tiff won’t even see the Grandest Stage of Them All. Tiff tells Nia to just give it up. This title isn’t even hers anymore. And once Tiff beats Candice tonight, Nia won’t have anyone to do her dirty work anymore!
Candice tells Tiffy that while they’re meant have a match right now, she and Nia are feeling impatient. Nia says they should just get rid of Tiff right now! But the ref steps in and says not gonna happen! Tiff VS Candice will, after the break.
SmackDown returns and Candice has Tiffy down with an armlock. Tiff fights up as the fans rally, but Candice wrenches to wristlock. Tiff spins through, goes to ropes, then up the corner to flip and arm-drag! The fans fire up as Tiff rallies on Candice! DROPKICK, and Tiff snarls! Tiff goes to the corner, and Charlotte makes her entrance? The Queen chooses to be fashionably late all so everyone looks at her, including Tiffy. Tiffy handsprings, but Candice dodges! Candice runs up to UPPERCUT, then she snapmares and NECK SNAPPERS! Jackknife bridge, TWO! Candice clamps onto Tiffy with a top wristlock.
The fans “WOO~” as Charlotte now chooses to join commentary. Tiff fights up, has the ROPEBREAK, but Candice CLUBS away on her! Candice backs off, runs up, but Tiff drop toeholds her to ropes! Tiff runs, HIP ATTACKS, and Candice flops back! Cover, TWO! Tiff stays on Candice with a whip, but Candice reverses. Candice CLOBBERS Tiff, covers, TWO! Charlotte corrects Tiffy’s words earlier: Charlotte isn’t the “top girl,” she is THE woman in WWE. Candice HIP DROPS Tiff but the fans rally up. Candice scuffs Tiff, then grinds an arm to drop a knee on the elbow! And another knee drop! Tiff endures and the fans rally up.
Candice keeps on that arm, thrashes it around, but Tiff fights up. Tiff fires body shots, then shoves Candice to Alabama Lift her! Candice sunset flips, Tiff rolls through, TIFFY STOMPS! Cover, TWO! Tiff is frustrated and Candice bails out. Tiff goes to the apron, goes up the corner, and ARIHARA MOONSAULTS! Direct hit on Candice and Nia, and Tiff almost stuck the landing! The fans fire up with Tiff and she goes into the ring. Tiff points to the WrestleMania sign, and then at Charlotte, but SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Tiff waits on Candice, Candice slides in, and Tiff stomps her down! Candice bails out, Nia is there to coach her, but Tiff lets the ring count start. Candice gets on the apron, Tiff kicks her, but Candice RAMS Tiff! Candice CLUBS Tiff, has her in the ropes, and hits a NECKBREAKER HOTSHOT! Candice climbs, aims, and leaps to MISSILE DROPKICK Tiff down! Cover, TWO! Candice is frustrated but this is why Tiff’s a champ. The fans rally, but Candice stomps Tiff! Candice scowls at the fans, stalks Tiff, then brings her up. Tiff fires body shots, then she rolls Candice up! TWO, and Candice CLOBBERS Tiff! Cover, TWO, into a ghost pin! TWO!
Candice escapes to hit a CODE BREAKER! Both women are down, but Candice scowls again as she crawls over to Tiff. Candice rains down fists, Nia tells fans to shut up, and Candice steps on Tiff’s face. Candice huffs ‘n’ puffs, pushes Tiff around, then scuffs her. Tiff rolls Candice up again, TWO! Candice DECKS Tiff! Cover, TWO! Charlotte is stoic on commentary as Candice drags Tiff up and puts her in a corner. Candice fires hands, then backs off. Candice runs up to ROCK Tiff again! Candice then runs, but Tiff dodges! SmackDown returns to single picture, and Tiff rallies with LARIAT after LARIAT! The fans fire up, Tiff handsprings, BACK ELBOW!
Tiff then reels Candice in for a SKY HIGH! High stack, TWO! The fans rally for Tiff, Nia coaches Candice, but Charlotte still seems nonplussed. Tiff and Candice rise, and Candice runs up. Candice puts Tiff on the apron, but Tiff ROCKS her! Tiff bumps Candice off buckles, then goes up, but Candice ROCKS her back! Candice climbs up, and she fires hands on Tiff! Tiff fights the suplex! Tiff DECKS Candice, then adjusts position, to SANTON- FLOP! Candice ghost pins, TWO!! Tiff escapes, but Candice hits the step-up SENTON! And then a LIONSAUL FLOP! Tiff hurries to fireman’s carry, ROLLING SENTON! And then PRETTIEST MOON- NO, Nia drags Candice out of the ring!
The fans boo, Nia tells them to shut up, but Tiff is on the apron! Nia swings, Tiff cartwheels over, and then she DROPKICKS Nia! Tiff Alabama Lifts Candice, to ALABAMA SLAM her into barriers! Tiff stares down Charlotte, tells her just wait for Mania, then she puts Candice in the ring. Tiff goes to the corner, PRETTIEST MOONSAULT EVER!! Cover, Tiff wins!
Winner: Tiffany Stratton, by pinfall
Charlotte gives moderate applause, but Nia CLOBBERS Tiff from behind! The fans boo, but Nia just drags Tiff to a corner. Nia goes up, but wait! Trish is here!! The fans fire up for the legend as she rushes into the ring! Trish avoids a haymaker to CHICK KICK! Then THESZ PRESS for Candice! And then a SPINEBUSTER! Trish helps Tiff to her feet, but Nia grabs them both! Trish fires fast hands on Nia! Candice CHOP BLOCKS Trish! Tiff is still dazed, Nia HEADBUTTS her back down! Nia & Candice mug Trish, and then Nia HEADBUTTS Trish! Trish & Tiff are side by side, and Nia drags them into the drop zone! A-NIA-LATOR!!
The fans boo but there’s nothing can be done! Nia grins as she helps Candice away, will these two trash Trish & Tiff in Toronto? Charlotte steps into the ring, stands over Tiff, and points to the WrestleMania sign. Will The Irresistible Force & Poison Pixie unwittingly do the dirty work of The Queen of Flair?
Cody talks with Damian Priest backstage.
Priest asks why Cody’s boy, The Rock, is here tonight. Cody says given the time of year, his guess is as good as anyone’s. But tonight will surely be eventful. Cody congratulates Priest on entering the Elimination Chamber. Priest says what’s wild is, last year, they both walked out as champions. What sucks is that this year, only one of them can. Now, Priest is man enough and he respects Cody to say that after Chamber, he’s coming for that title. Cody says he wouldn’t have it any other way. Cody heads out, but what business does The Rock have tonight?
Braun Strowman steps in, and he tells Priest that congrats on winning, and good luck in the Chamber. But let’s be honest, Braun had Jacob dead to rights last week. If not for Solo Sikoa, things would look a lot different next week. Priest chuckles and says take it easy, he’s sounding like Drew with the excuses. But it is what it is, Priest just beat Braun to the punch. But that was last week. Tonight, Solo and Jacob, two of the baddest men in the business. Priest & Braun handling business? Oh, they’re handling business. The only business Braun cares about is getting his hands on those two. Priest says Braun definitely will.
Braun heads out, will the Monster of All Monsters and the Archer of Infamy make sure Solo & Jacob #GetTheseHands? Or will the rogues run roughshod all over SmackDown once again?
Backstage interview with Naomi & Bianca Belair.
Byron Saxton is with the WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions and brings up last week’s SmackDown, the security footage led us to believe Liv Morgan & Raquel Rodriguez were the ones behind Jade Cargill’s attack. Now, hold on, Saxton. They don’t think, Naomi knows they were. Fair enough. But this Monday, they can get their revenge when they defend the tag titles against Liv & Raquel. How ready are they for this match? Bianca says so ready! They have been waiting for months for an update. Jade has been recovering, she hasn’t been able to call or text, so the GlowEST took matters into their own hands to get revenge.
Bianca & Naomi will handle Liv & Raquel, then move on to Elimination Chamber, where one of them is gonna win to face Rhea at WrestleMania. Not only will you #FeelTheGlowEST on Monday, but Liv feels it tonight! #Let’sGLOW! The champs head out, but will they clear their Road to WrestleMania of any other distractions?
Alexa Bliss speaks.
“When I was away, there was a lot of… change that happened in me. But when I look around, I see this place is still the same. The names and faces may be different, but the desperation and insecurity remains the same. You’ll see Toronto when I turn the Elimination Chamber into something of a playground of my own. I know the Chamber. I love the Chamber. I’ve won the Chamber. And for the other five women, it’s gonna be a Hell like they’ve never experienced before. Need I remind you, this is my division, and I am in charge.” Bliss smiles and says, “See you soon.” The film comes off the reel, but will things get twisted in Toronto?
Naomi w/ Bianca Belair VS Liv Morgan w/ Raquel Rodriguez!
The Big Easy is all about having fun, and they’re fired up for Naomi’s entrance. But wait! Liv & Raquel don’t wait, they attack Bianca & Naomi while the lights are still down! They mug Naomi, but Bianca drags Liv out of the ring! Then Bianca storms in to fire off on Raquel! The fans fire up, but Liv returns to CHOP BLOCK Bianca! Raquel hauls Bianca up for a TEJANA BOMB!! Naomi runs up, fires more hands, but Liv brings Naomi around. Naomi fires hands on her, but Raquel throws her down! Liv runs up, OBLIVION!
Liv & Raquel stand tall, the refs rush out here, but clearly the singles match isn’t happening. Will we be getting something even meaner and nastier between these four on Monday?
The Rock arrives!
His truck pulls into the parking lot, but we’ll see him in the ring, after the break!
SmackDown returns and…
Aldis is chewing out Liv & Raquel for the attack. He doesn’t know what they get away with on Raw, but they can’t pull that crap here. Now get the hell out of his building. Liv & Raquel just laugh that off, but then Chelsea Green & Piper Niven walk in. Chelsea says have no fear, Chelsea & Piper are here to sub in for Bianca and Naomi at Elimination Chamber. Aldis sighs, and says they’re not missing the Chamber. What? But Chelsea had an outfit picked out! This is a travesty to not have the greatest Canadian export since maple syrup on a Canadian PLE! Does he know who she is? The first-ever, longest reigning, tallest, shortest, prettiest, richest, tannest, sparkliest, oldest, youngest Women’s US Champion! Piper asks what this is aboot, eh?
Aldis says this is them testing his patience. They need to pack their gear and whatever else they want, because they’ll be in action next week on SmackDown in Toronto. And oh, it’ll be a good one. Wait, they need more details! At least an e-calendar notification? Aldis is leaving Chelsea in the dark on what’s coming, will she absolutely hate it?
The Rock heads to the ring!
Wait, what is this New Orleans related remix? The Final Boss steps out on stage, he shows those goosebumps, then continues down the ramp, shaking hands with fans. The Rock hits his signature pose on the corner, but then takes the long way around to pick up a fan’s phone for them before going back into the ring. The fans all cheer for “ROCKY! ROCKY!” and he grabs himself a mic. He waits as the fans continue to chant his name, and then he says, “Ahh, you feel it, don’t you? You feel it. The Rock has got chills up and down his body because you know, on a Friday night, for the Final Boss to get inside his bird and fly all the way here, you know that I’m dropping some ish on you tonight!”
The fans fire up and The Rock smiles. Rock says, “Let’s get this show on the road.” The fans anticipate what’s coming but he says hold on, he’ll do it. “FINALLY! The Rock has come back…” “TO NEW ORLEANS~!” Rock smiles, and he adds, FINALLY, WrestleMania is coming back to New Orleans!! The fans are thunderous to hear that! WrestleMania 30, WrestleMania 34, and now WrestleMania 42!? Yes, next year, 2026, LIVE from the Superdome! One of the greatest cities on Earth in New Orleans, Louisiana! The pyro goes off to commemorate the occasion, and the logo is already on the tron! Rock smiles at that, then he smiles at the WrestleMania 41 Vegas logo.
The fans are losing their minds, as we now know April 11th and 12th, 2026, the Big Easy has the Grandest Stage of Them All. Rock says you damn right holy ish! Oh when the saints go marching in…! Oh how I’d love… Wait, no, this ain’t singalong with The Final Boss! Sit there, shut up, and let The Final Boss sing the song! The fans are torn, but Rock says he sings! Oh how I’d love, to be in that number~! Oh when the saints go marching in~! Okay, that’s good enough. You got him, that was a great duet. The Rock is singing with the largest collection of STD’d trailer trash he has ever seen! The fans can’t believe Rock would do that to them!
Rock says now, dropping this news wasn’t the only gift he was going to drop on us. The Final Boss came here to call somebody out. The Rock will call out a man who he respects, who he admires, and who we all admire. That man is our WWE Champion, the one and only, Cody Rhodes. The fans cheer as The American Nightmare makes his entrance! They sing along with the song, “WHOA~ OH~!” and we get Cody’s pyro before he goes to the ring. Cody gets his second “WHOA~ OH~!” and round of pyro, then he steps inside to join The Rock. The fans cheer Cody on, so he holds up the title and the fans cheer even more.
Cody grabs a mic, but Rock says, “That feels good, doesn’t it? I mean, that’s gotta feel amazing, right? They love you, man.” Cody tells NOLA, “I love you, too.” Rock says this is crazy. Pretty much no one knows this, but since after WrestleMania last year, they’ve actually become good friends. No, it’s true, they have. Last time they were together was the Raw Netflix debut. Rock gave Cody his flowers, told Cody he has carried the company like the incredible champion that he is, so thank you, Cody. Rock meant it, and that night, they went to the back, drank tequila for two hours and had a great ol’ time.
They chopped it up, had a blast, but Rock wants to call Cody out here for something important. Here’s the thing… The fans get a bit rowdy as they wait, and Rock says Cody is a great champion. A great WWE Champion. Cody knows that. Again, they’ve become good friends, so over the months, they’ve texted. Even their moms became good friends! Look! Mama Johnson & Mama Rhodes together after WrestleMania 40! It is a pleasure becoming Cody’s friend. But Rock wanted this face to face to tell him a few things. One: Cody has been a great champion, but he needs to understand. Yes, The Rock, The Final Boss, is on the Board of TKO. And TKO owns WWE.
The Rock is the Director of the Board of TKO. Don’t boo that! The Rock’s good friend, Ari Emanuel, who owns everything Endeavor, The Rock joked with Ari, “Can you believe that you own The WWE?” Ari says he doesn’t own the WWE, The Rock does. Rock said no, no, he doesn’t know if he owns the WWE. But The Rock knows he is the most powerful… Cody, you are a great champion. But Rock wants Cody to be something more. Rock wants Cody to be something more than just our champion. Rock wants Cody to be his champion. The fans don’t like where that’s going.
Cody says he did not expect them to become friends, nor their moms to become friends, nor the tequila. Cody didn’t have that on his bingo card. But becoming The Rock’s champion? The Rock of all people should know, Cody is the people’s champion. The fans cheer Cody more, and Rock says yes! Cody is their champion! Of course! The Rock is also The People’s Champion, he loves that about Cody. This is their universe, they were both born into this business. But Rock means something even bigger than just this. Rock knows Cody’s goal is to bring as much joy and happiness to everyone around the world, as many as possible.
The fans cheer, and Rock says that’s Cody. Cody is that guy, and everyone knows it. Cody is on social media, Instagram, millions of followers. Millions, and millions! The Rock has half a BILLION. That’s not a flex. But The Rock is the most followed American man in the world, that’s what he wants for Cody. Rock wants Cody to be even higher. If Cody becomes The Rock’s Champion, he will open doors to possibilities Cody never even imagined. If Cody becomes The Rock’s Champion, every dream he has ever had can come true. Every dream of Brandi’s, of their daughter’s. Think about how Rock brought them to the premiere of Moana 2, in Hawaii.
Thank you, by the way, for making that cross a BILLION dollars, fans, Rock loves you. Rock has met the Rhodes family, they’re amazing. But imagine it: Cody’s daughter’s children, their dreams, long after Rock and Cody are gone, all those dreams can come true. Rock just needs Cody to be his champion. The fans say don’t do it! Rock tells Cody to just think about it, though. Rock is a very lucky man, he has it all. Cody also has it all. They’re very fortunate. They’re Mama’s Boys, they’re Girl Dads, they’re lucky men. Fans say don’t do it, Rock tells them to shut up or he’ll slap the syphilis off their face! Rock is trying to have a moment here, shut your mouths!
The one thing that Rock has never had, that he wants more than anything, is a brother. And that is what Cody can be. Last year, WrestleMania, Rock’s goal was to face his cousin, Roman Reigns, for the title. Cody knows, the fans know. Rock talked with his friend, HHH. He talked with Nick Khan, who is his friend. They are also Cody’s friends. Rock knew it wasn’t in the plans, but they talked about moving Cody aside to make what was best for business: Rock VS Roman, WrestleMania 40! What’d Cody do? Cody pitched a b*tch fit! Cody told The Rock he ain’t doing it, and he stood up to The Rock. And y’know what else? Cody SLAPPED Rock!
No one does that and gets away with it. But that is why Cody is special. That is why Cody should be Rock’s Champion. And that is why Rock will take Cody from where he is to a level so far above. Rock will make sure every dream, every desire, for generations to come, it all comes true. Rock’s dad, Cody’s dad, Soul Man & American Dream, they are looking down right now. They were friends, Cody and Rock are friends, Cody should be Rock’s Champion. He doesn’t need to answer Rock tonight. He can think about it, talk with his wife and daughter, as will The Rock. Then Cody can think about it. Meet Rock in Toronto on March 1st to give him the answer.
Fans still say don’t do it, but Rock says it is okay. Before he leaves, this has been an amazing night, this is a hot crowd, thank you all very much. But before he leaves, Rock wants us to know this: The one thing Rock wants more than anything in this world… is that. Wait, the title? Cody’s title? The fans’ title? This is all this is about? No no no no! Brother… Rock doesn’t want the title. He wants Cody’s soul. The fans duel, “NO! NO! NO!” “SELL YOUR SOUL!” Rock pats Cody on the cheek and says see you in Toronto. The Rock leaves, giving Cody a lot to think about. Rock does give one last glance back at Cody, then smirks.
What will The American Nightmare choose: His integrity? Or his aspirations?
WWE Tag Team Championships: #DIY VS Pretty Deadly!
Did Tommaso Ciampa & Johnny Gargano got these titles thanks to Kit Wilson & Elton Prince? #YESBOY! Did they survive a couple title defenses thanks to Kit & Elton? #YESBOY! But when Pretty Deadly needed DIY, was DIY there for them? #NOBOY! So now, Kit & Elton are looking to give Ciampa & Gargano their comeuppance! Will we finally get another #SidePlateCheck? Or will Ciampa & Gargano remember for themselves, that if you wanna be champions, you gotta do it yourself?
But as DIY make their entrance, they have mics, and Johnny Wrestling tells NOLA, “Give it up one time for your TWO-TIME WWE Tag Team Champions…! The BTTITW (Best Tag Team In The World), D I Y~!” The fans boo instead. Ciampa says there is no denying that tonight has been electrifying. Gargano says this is a hot crowd. But please, if we could be somber for a second. Guys, this is serious. Two weeks ago, Pretty Deadly embarrassed DIY, and now reluctantly, DIY will return that favor by crushing their hopes and dreams of ever becoming WWE Tag Team Champions. So please, let us all rise to our feet… Yes, you in the LSU jersey, stand up.
Ciampa thanks Wade Barrett, and asks for everyone to remove their hands and bow their heads for a moment of silence for Pretty Deadly, beginning… now. The fans boo instead! And then Pretty Deadly make their entrance! The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we see who really needed who in this broken relationship!
But then DIY jumps Pretty Deadly! The ref reprimands, DIY whip but Pretty Deadly reverses! DOUBLE DORPKICKS! Then DOUBLE LARIATS send DIY up and out! The disco ball hasn’t even stopped spinning! The fans cheer while DIY throw a fit! They regroup, cool down, and go back to the ring. Gargano distracts Elton, Ciampa CLOBBERS him, and the bell rings. But Elton fires hands on Ciampa! Elton whips, Ciampa reverses and he pulls hair! The ref reprimands, Ciampa throws Elton to the apron and KNEES him down! Tag to Gargano and he aims, SUPERKICK! Elton goes down in a heap, DIY cheers themselves on, and SmackDown goes to break!
SmackDown returns, Gargano tags in, and DIY hits the BACK SUPLEX BOMBO COMBO! Cover, TWO! Elton stays in this but Gargano tags Ciampa back in. Gargano sends Ciampa in, but Elton ELBOWS him away! Gargano runs in, but Elton puts him on the apron! Gargano goes after Kit, but Kit blocks the kick! Kit BOOTS Gargano down, but then Ciampa BOOTS Kit! Elton dodges Ciampa to come back, DOUBLE CROSSBODIES collide! Elton and Ciampa are down, sputtering and writhing, and the fans rally up. Elton crawls, Kit rises, hot tags to Kit and Gargano! Kit rallies on DIY with big forearms! Kit whips, Gargano reverses, Kit UPPERCUTS!
Kit UPPERCUTS Ciampa in a corner, then LARIATS! Kit runs to LARIAT Gargano! Kit pushes Gargano down, kicks him and hits a TWIST- NO, Gargano slips through to ROCK Kit! Kit yoyos, DOUBLE LARIATS! The fans fire up, Kit tags Elton! They get Gargano up, but Gargano BOOTS Elton! Gargano ELBOWS Kit away, then runs up on Elton! Elton dodges, then gives Kit the boost, DRY MARTI-KNEES! Cover, TWO!! Gargano survives but Ciampa is in! Elton fireman’s carries Ciampa, but Ciampa slips free! Ciampa whips, Elton reverses, Kit UPPERCUTS Ciampa! Elton shows off his strength with the GOTCH LIFT PLEX!
Tag to Kit, but IN COME THE PROFITS! Ford SHOVES Kit down, Dawkins mugs him!!
Winners: Pretty Deadly, by disqualification; DIY retain the titles
Not again! Just like they did Motor City Machine Guns, The Profits make sure no one else takes these titles off DIY! URENAGE from Ford to Elton! Dawkins keeps hammering away on Kit, and then Ford POSTS Elton! Dawkins fireman’s carries Kit, to POST him, too! Looking like the All Mighty with that one! Gargano fires forearms in return, but ends up int he POUNCE GERMAN SUPLEX! Then Ciampa runs up into a FLAPJACK! Ford goes up top, then flies in FROM THE HEAVENS!! Direct hit on Ciampa! But wait! MCMG rushes out here, wanting their payback! The Profits brawl with MCMG, but Ford TOSSES Shelley to the apron!
Ford runs up, Shelley goes to kick, but Ford blocks it! Ford LARIATS Shelley down, Dawkins hits Sabin with THE BIG ENDING! The fans are torn as Dawkins whips Sabin, Profits get him for the REVELATION!! And if there’s been any revelation, it is that Ford & Dawkins don’t just want the smoke, they want to burn down the tag division to get it! Will nothing stop them once they’re back in action?
Kevin Owens speaks.
“You got what you wanted, huh? You got your match. You couldn’t, uh… You couldn’t just take the punishment that you deserved, that I’d already given you, and let it go. No, you… You wanted me and you to go again. You wanted to fight me, you want to hurt me, you want to end my career, which would hurt my family, by the way. Which is truly despicable. But what about your family, Sami? Huh? Have you thought of them? What about your family, huh?” Kevin reveals he is right outside the Zayn home! Kevin peers inside to watch Sami, his wife, and his son!
Kevin asks Sami via the video if Sami knows what he’s about to put them through, when they have to watch Kevin end Sami’s career. And what happens then, eh? When Sami can’t provide for them, and everything they have, like this nice house, the shelter, the security, the peace they have, when it’s all gone? And why? What for? Because Sami’s too proud? Because Sami’s selfish? Sami IS selfish. Because Sami is making Kevin do this to Sami’s family. Kevin will never forgive Sami for that. He’ll see Sami in Toronto. “But remember… You asked for this. It’s all your fault.” As if Kevin’s delusions aren’t already grand, will he continue to blame everyone else but himself?
Damian Priest & Braun Strowman VS Solo Sikoa & Jacob Fatu w/ Tama Tonga!
Elimination Chamber is on the horizon, and the Road to WrestleMania makes for strange bedfellows. Priest, Braun and Jacob were fighting each other just last week, but Solo’s return really threw things for a loop. Can Priest & Braun give Solo and the Samoan Werewolf their punishment? Or will everything (not) be fine in Solo’s Bloodline?
SmackDown returns as #OneBigSOB makes his entrance. As Solo, Jacob & Tama head to gorilla, we hear from Solo. “Tonight, we handle business. And it starts with Braun Strowman & Damian-” Jacob interrupts with, “Man, c’mon, DP! C’mon, Braun! I thought we did this! So tonight, we about to even up the score. If you ain’t know, I’m all gas, no brakes with it! See, since we touched the scene, we been dropping bodies like bread crumbs! Yadada mean!? FA-TUUU~! Hit my music!” The rogues enter to Jacob’s theme, is this alone proof he’s the new alpha? Or will the match be the last nail in that coffin?
The teams sort out, but Jacob stares down both Priest and Braun. NOLA seems to acknowledge Jacob, but Solo convinces him to stand down. Solo starts against Priest, the bell rings, and the two tie up. They go around, Priest powers Solo back, but Solo powers Priest back. They break, stare down, and Solo talks some trash. Solo shoves Priest, Priest shoves back. They circle again, tie up, and Priest puts Solo in a corner. The ref counts, Priest lets off at 4, but Solo stomps Priest’s foot! Solo throws hands, then a HEADBUTT! Priest staggers, but then he ROCKS Solo! And ROCKS him! And HEADBUTTS! That was a mistake!
Solo shakes his head to HEADBUTT Priest! Priest goes to a corner, Solo throws haymakers and body shots on repeat! The ref counts, Solo lets off and says see? Solo and Jacob as one! But Priest THROWS Solo to the corner to fire off haymakers of his own! Priest ROCKS Solo, the fans fire up, and Priest whips., Solo reverses to UPPERCUT! Solo talks smack but Priest ROCKS him again! Tag to Braun and the fans fire up! Braun stares Jacob down, tells him to shove it, then runs up to SPLASH Solo! Braun stares Jacob down again, goes back for Solo, and hits another LARIAT! Braun scoops, Solo slips free, but Braun runs up!
Solo ELBOWS Braun away, tags to Jacob, and Jacob runs in, but Braun dodges! Braun CROSSBODIES! Jacob is right up, but Braun BOOTS him right back down! Solo runs in but Braun TOSSES him! Priest hurries after Solo, Braun CLOBBERS Jacob! LEAPING LARIAT for Solo! Braun then gets on the track, STROWMAN EXPRESS SMACKS a chair out of Tama’s hand! The Good Bad Guy thought he was being sneaky! But then Jacob CROSSBODIES Braun into the timekeeper’s aera! The fans go wild as Jacob rises up, and SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Jacob hauls Braun up, drags him around the way, HEADBUTTS him, then brings him over to SMACK off the desk! Braun staggers, but he ROCKS Jacob in return! And THROWS Jacob into steel steps! Braun drags Jacob up, puts him in the ring, but Jacob SUPERKICKS Braun! Braun falls into the corner, Jacob HIP ATTACKS! Jacob’s all geeked up, then he tags in Solo. Solo soaks up some heat while Jacob HIP ATTACKS Braun again! Solo puts Braun on ropes to CHOKE him! The ref counts, Solo stops at 4, but Jacob gets a HEADBUTT in! Braun flounders, Solo taunts him and eggs him on, but Braun CHOPS him!
Solo HEADBUTTS Braun right down! Solo rains down fists, then lets off so he can put Braun on the ropes. Solo CHOKES Braun again, stops as the ref counts 4, and Jacob gets another cheap shot in! Solo tags Jacob in, then he HEADBUTTS Braun again and again! Jacob runs to BODY CHECK Braun! Jacob fires up, Braun flounders to ropes, but Jacob rains down fists! Tag to Solo, he soaks up heat from NOLA, then he stomps away on Braun! The ref counts, Solo lets off, then he keeps Braun from Priest by anchoring a leg. Tag to Jacob and Jacob climbs up, FROG SPLASH! Jacob roars while Braun writhes!
Jacob looms over Braun but he glares at Priest. Priest gets heated, but Jacob fires hands on Braun as SmackDown returns to single picture. Braun stands, but Jacob HEADBUTTS him again! Jacob runs for another BODY CHECK! And then a SENTON! Cover, TWO! Braun stays in this and he goes to a corner. Jacob snarls, tags Solo in, and the fans boo. Solo runs corner to corner to HIP ATTACK Braun! Solo grins as he copies Jacob’s geeking out. Tag back to Jacob and fans cheer! Jacob aims, runs, and HIP ATTACKS! Jacob keeps going, but Braun BOOTS from below!! The fans fire up while both men stagger to their feet.
Braun SPINEBUSTERS Jacob! Both monsters are down, the fans rally up, and they crawl, hot tags to Solo and Priest! Priest fires hands on Solo, then whips. Solo reverses but Priest SHOUDLER TACKLES Solo! Priest runs to BACK ELBOW! Jacob is back, but Priest dodges to WHEEL KICK! Priest then waits on Solo, but Solo catches Priest! Priest elbows free, but Solo SUPERKICKS! But Priest JUMPING ROUNDHOUSES! Solo comes back, Priest ROCKS him first! Solo swings, but into the FLATLINER! Cover, TWO! Solo survives but Priest puts him in a corner. Priest whips corner to corner, then runs, only for Solo to put him on th eapron!
Solo takes as swing, Priest dodges and ROUNDHOUSES! Priest then knuckle locks with Solo, goes up top, and he tightrope walks for some OLD SCHOOL! The fans fire up and Priest powers up the arm! Priest runs, but Solo ducks the Comebacker! Priest fights the fireman’s carry to BELL CLAP, ROUNDHOUSE, and then he reels Solo in! But Tama is on the apron! Priest DECKS Tama, but Jacob HOTSHOTS Priest! Solo hits the URENAGE! Cover, TWO!! Priest survives and Solo is stunned! Solo snarls, looks to his taped-up thumb, then he drags Priest up. The fans boo but Solo taunts the fans now. SAMOAN- NO! Priest grabs Solo!
But Jacob runs in! Priest ROCKS Jacob, ELBOWS Solo, then he dodges, so Jacob’s SUPERKICK hits Solo! An accident just like last week’s shot to Tama, but Jacob doesn’t seem as upset by it. Priest TOSSES Jacob, then CLOBBERS Solo! STROWMAN EXPRESS CLOBBERS Jacob & Tama!! Priest brings down the straps, the fans are thunderous, and Priest grabs Solo by the neck! SOUTH OF HEAVEN!! Cover, Priest & Braun win!
Winners: Damian Priest & Braun Strowman, by pinfall
Just as Solo thought it’d be like before, he and Jacob were not on the same page! Priest is rolling towards Elimination Chamber, will this be just what he needs to go back to WrestleMania?
My Thoughts:
A great SmackDown here, but with some interesting moves after the sudden change in plans with The Rock showing up. Naomi and Bianca had a good promo to hype up what was meant to be a full match of Naomi VS Liv, but word had already come out before the show that things were being cut for time. But at the very least, they did the right thing of making it a brawl that adds heat to the tag title match on Monday. Also, hilarious how Chelsea & Piper thought the beatdown on Bianca & Naomi was so bad that they would need to be pulled from the Chamber. I also can’t wait to see what happens on Toronto SmackDown.
As for The Rock, I do appreciate he used his authority to kayfabe change more things, all so he could have his promo with Cody. I also appreciate Rock blending his different roles and even different sides, both Heel and Face, to A) bring the news of WM42 being in NOLA, and B) recreate the Corporate Champion/People’s Champion story from the Attitude Era. That was some wild stuff he was saying to Cody. I’m sure quite a few people will try and talk with Cody next week in the go-home. Heels will say do it because they’d love to have what Rock can give, Faces will say not because Cody’s better than that. But naturally, Cody is not going to become The Rock’s Champion, causing Rock to turn on him and really up things going into WrestleMania 41 and perhaps even beyond.
Good stuff in the Elimination Chamber related stories. Jimmy VS McIntyre was great stuff to open, and how fitting that McIntyre loses to Jimmy after talking all that trash about Jimmy and Jey being the same. Jey got McIntyre with something quick, Jimmy got McIntyre with something quick, McIntyre’s ego is obviously his weakness. And at the same time, McIntyre of course destroys Jimmy after because that’s his other personality trait. Priest had good promos with Cody and Braun, and we got great stuff from Solo’s Bloodline. Naturally, we got a miscommunication spot to help finish, we’re really close to Solo VS Jacob, I can feel it. Priest & Braun get the win, mostly because Priest isn’t winning in the Chamber when you’ve got Punk and Cena in there.
Very good stuff with Tiffy Time, from the promos leading into the match to Charlotte being ringside just to watch. Nia & Candice of course get the better of Tiff & Trish, because Tiff & Trish are definitely winning the tag match in Toronto. Charlotte just seems to enjoy trolling Tiff with her presence, so Charlotte probably shows up in Toronto to then confront Tiff after the match. I expect the seven weeks after Elimination Chamber to really heat up, as will Charlotte’s involvement, where she’ll get more active verbally and physically. Also, hell, Rock should go full Corporation and have Charlotte be his Corporate Women’s Champion because of how established she is.
Hilarious stuff from Truth tonight, as always. Truth and Melo having their “who’s on first” again was good stuff, and of course Miz gets in on this story, too. Truth & Knight VS “Melo Don’t Miz” was really fun, but yeah, should’ve figured Nakamura would get involved, too. Melo & Miz making it work could also be really fun, and while Knight VS Nakamura is a rehash, I really hope they find a way to up things. It feels like we’re getting the same with the tag titles as Profits “ruined” that great tag match from DIY and Pretty Deadly, then brawled with MCMG to still come out on top. Last year had a ladder tag title match, so why not do one for these titles this year?
Speaking of escalating, Kevin filming a promo outside Sami’s house was some really well done stuff, as expected of someone as good as Kevin and in such a story as him and Sami. Their match should main event, it needs time to breathe, as it could be just as, if not more violent, than the Chamber matches. What a powerful closing moment we could have if it’s a bloody Kevin and Sami, and one of them is standing over the other, triumphant yet mournful because it was their best friend in the world that they just brutalized.
My Score: 8.9/10
About Chairshot Radio Network
Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!
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Coverage
Andrew’s TNA LIVE! iMPACT! Results & Match Ratings: 2.20.2025
So the first live episode got fairly positive praise from everyone; will this continue the trend?
Filming at Full Sail seems to have set the stage nicely this week! Going into a Live episode we got Moose and The Hardy Boyz on NXT, as well as Jordynne Grace’s involvement with Steph and Giulia giving a little shine to TNA happenings since she’s newly WWE.
This episode should be interesting, we finally see Lei Ying Lee (fka Xia Li) back in action, Rascalz take on Tyson and Tyriek, Tessa should be seeing some action as well…so generally interesting happenings for the second Live iMPACT! of 2025. Let’s see how this one goes down!
No matter where @ManceWarner and @stephdelander go, @TheSamiCallihan WILL FIND THEM!
Watch #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/NY8HgI02kY pic.twitter.com/mXz9U7m9PL
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) February 21, 2025
Ratings:
- Tyson & Tyriek w/Wes Lee vs The Rascalz w/Ace Austin: Rascalz win via Meteora/Swanton Combo – ***
- Lei Ying Lee vs Rosemary: Lei wins via Thunderstruck – **
- NoDQ Match: Leon Slater vs JDC: Dango wins via The System help – ** 3/4
- Masha Slamovich vs Mila Moore: Masha wins via Requiem – N/A
- Elijah & Joe Hendry vs The Colons: Elijah wins via Tombstone Piledriver – *** 1/4
Results:
Oh yeah, and another Hendry concert is…cut off by a commercial, LOLTNA. First Hendry is cut off by AXSTV’s new Anime Hour bumper, and now Primo and Epico are showing up in TNA. I definitely didn’t have this on my BINGO card. The crowd starts chanting “Where’s Carlito”, which they do acknowledge and play off of well. Oh they’re using their shoot names of Orlando and Eddie now…but before they attack the lights go out and we get another guitar strum! ELIAH/ELIAS/EZEKIEL/EBENERZER/EMERY/EL VAGABUNDO – shows up to back up Hendry. Okay I can apologize away the redundant concert since it played into an Elijah debut. The crowd is immediately popping and chanting “This is Awesome” 10 minutes into the show.
Tyson & Tyriek w/Wes Lee vs The Rascalz w/Ace Austin
Treehouse bros take it to the bigger men quickly, a few fast dives, a little MCMG style tandem strikes, Tyson fires and tries to take them out but they Low Bridge him. Tyriek comes in and they try similar things but Tyriek manhandles them both and throws them out of the ring, Trey is the first one back up and Tyriek and Tyson take his damn head off with his Corkscrew Running Euro Upper. Trey finally manages to flip out of the manhandle, tags in Wentz and Wentz goes for the hot and spicy cleaning house spot. Corner to Corner Knee Lifts for both big men, a Rolling Snapmare, into a Superkick for Tyson and Standing Shoot Star on Tyriek but only for two because Wes feints like he’s going to interfere.
Tyson and Tyriek pull off a tandem Assisted Backdrop Driver, but Wentz breaks it up, Tyson gets knocked out, Wentz hits the Tornillo, Wes tries to interfere again after Trey gets perched on the corner buckle but Ace runs around and trips Wes at the last second causing him to faceplant on the apron, Trey hits the Meteora, Wentz hits a Swanton from the other side of the ring and Trey gets the pinfall victory.
It was fast paced, all gas no brakes, but it didn’t overstay its welcome, so it was pretty fun all things considered.
After the match Wes grabs a mic, complains a little but challenges them to a 6 man match as Sacrifice. So we’re THAT’S where we’re getting the expected 3v3.
Fir$t Cla$$ comes out with an entourage of hot chicks and probably influencers or something. The “First Class Penthouse” , Gabby AF, Mafiosa Valentina, and Carolina are apparently known in their own way. Gabby I know was the awful one who did something for Impact a last year and sucked, but she’s part of the Busted Open Network I believe so that’s why she’s around. Two of them look like Noelle Foley and Frank the Clown…oh they actually are. Look at that. I do love KC Navarro as the Hype Man, they have this whole set up of AJ being mad that they haven’t gotten more Tag Title shots, so TNA placated him with his own Piper’s Pit and he’s *pregnant pause* totally happy with that. He says he loved Piper and hated Hogan before it was cool.
This is actually quality content and AJ is cutting a nice promo in this segment. They introduce their first guest, the greatest performer in TNA history, many whole say he’s Phenomenal with a whole lot of style….it’s A-J-Francis.
.@AJFrancis410 is GOING OFF!
Watch #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/NY8HgI02kY pic.twitter.com/kGehtp9iTE
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) February 21, 2025
Lei Ying Lee vs Rosemary
Things were slow until Rosemary took her into a corner quickly, hit the Upside Down, and we get a lot of Lei trying to avoid Rosemary’s offense. Rosemary goes for a Spear in the corner and Lei forward rolls, starts connecting with a bunch of right hands, backs Rosemary into the corner, goes for 10 Count Punches, pulls her out, Airplane Spin TKO for only a two count. Rosemary tries As Above So Below, Lei shrugs it off, Rosemary tries to go after Lei anyway and eats Thunderstruck! Lei Ying Lee wins!
After the match Rosemary catches Lei on the ramp and hits the Green mist in the eyes. Match was far too short and so many of Lei’s set up moves look better than her finish. We’ve seen Kofi Kingston do it for years so it’s not bad, just the current Knockouts Division are awful and don’t take the move well.
Eric Young and the jabronis come out, EY cuts a very basic power crazed psycho kind of promo, gets the “What” chants from the crowds. EY is trying to recruit Maclin even though Maclin made his line in the sand last week. EY tries to spin it as maybe he took out Josh FOR Maclin instead of in spite of his trust. This really doesn’t seem interesting at all, but that’s probably because I hate the two Jabronis EY is with.
NoDQ Match: Leon Slater vs JDC
I really don’t have any interest in Slater. He’s got no personality beyond “flippy guy with a British accent”.
Dango immediately powders, grabs a chair and goes to swing on him but misses. So Leon is making JDC look dumb by dodging the post chop, using the chair to shield himself from a punch by JDC, and then clapping Dango’s fingers between the chair. So typical System match, look inept for the first few minutes, then take advantage of something to take over. Oh look, Leon takes too long setting up the table, Dango gets in a few pot shots, tries to whip him into the table but Leon leaps over it, and then leaps back over to clobber Dango. Dango is still trying to recover so Leon hits his over the corner post con hilo, and the crowd appreciates it but I’m not interested. Leon panders to the crowd after the big spot and then eats an X-Plex into the chair from Dango.
JDC throws Leon back in, goes for a pinfall that’s only a two and we cut to a commercial. Coming out of the commercial JDC is in control with a Kendo Stick until he isn’t, Leon counters and takes the keno stick, brutalizes Dango a few times then comes off the ropes with the kendo shot for 2. Leon goes for another table, and again, at least the crowd is receptive to this match. Leon sets it up, looks for something off the apron but Dango stops him first until he eats a dropkick to fall onto the table, Leon hits the Swanton 450 through the table on the outside. Does it look cool? Sure. Do I care about dumbass moves? Nope.
Oh thankfully the rest of The System comes out to stop the pinfall, Shield Bomb Leon through the first table, and roll him back in for Dango to win.
The Hardy Boyz come out to try and make the save, but the numbers are against them, so Oba Femi’s music hits! Oba cleans house but doesn’t get his hands on Moose, so they’re at least building the eventual clash between Moose and Oba.
The crowd starts a “Tessa, we comin for you” chant before she even starts talking. Tessa is actually playing off the crowd well, Santino’s music hits and Tessa thinks he’ll help her out with the crowd and Santino calls bullshit basically. Santino says if Tessa doesn’t wrestle next week, she’s fired and Masha’s music hits. Masha decides to step in for Tessa’s enhancement talent match.
Masha Slamovich vs Mila Moore
Jobber tries to attack Masha early but Masha stops her, rocks her and Requiem ends the match.
Masha stares down Tessa, and then Cora Jade attacks from behind and hits Jaded.
Ryan Nemeth comes out to his Abyss music remix. What will Mokuba say today? “MYYYY BIIIGG BBRROOOOTTHHHEEEEER” he repeats at least 4 times and it’s hilariously cringe. He announces that Nic will return at Sacrifice, he literally just came out to give a PSA.
Elijah & Joe Hendry vs The Colons
Hendry starts with Eddie, after a brief tie up it seems like Hendry reads the room and points at Elijah and the crowd wants him in. So Joe tags in Elijah, a little back and forth, Shoulder Tackle from Elijah, Rope Walk with Elijah lays out Eddie and a tag to Joe allows for a quick tandem knockdown, but Eddie powders as the Walking and Talking Duo hold the ring going into the final commercial break.
We come back and Hendry is bouncing Orlando off the ropes as he return a strike, but Orlando is obviously losing, eats a Euro Upper, and then gets walked around in the Stalling Suplex for posterity. Eddie tries a sneak attack but gets caught and Sack of Shit, into Kip Up, turn and then Orlando with the ambush! A few quick short cuts and an Irish Whip/Dropkick combo gives the Colons a near fall. Hendry does get locomotion variation cradles, but eats a Dropkick to stop the attempt at momentum. Orlando stays on Joe, but Joe finally starts to fire up as the crowd starts to get behind him. Euro Uppers make some space, but a Snapmare says no.
Eddie gets tagged in and a quick Leg Sweep into a Front Chancery keeps Eddie in control. As Joe tries to get back up, Eddie turns it into a Guillotine, but finally the Suplex counter connects for Hendry! Simultaneous tags! Elijah bulls over Orlando, catches a Leap Frogging Orlando with the Manhattan Drop as Orlando retreats to a corner, Stinger Splash into Spinebuster for two. Elijah tries to keep up the attacks but Orlando finds a few ways to make space, launches himself from the middle rope and eats the Jumping Knee! Eddie breaks up the pinfall, Hendry takes Eddie out and Elijah hits the Tombstone Piledriver for the win!
Overall Score: 6/10
Well there were more live hiccups than the first episode, and this felt both more epic and less epic at the same time. Elijah and the Colons debuting was a nice way to kick things off, Oba Femi showing up for the save was fantastic. There were a few decent matches, but also a lot of really short and rushed matches. Tessa played off the crowd well, but Masha really is useless on the mic. Lei Ying Lee needs to framed stronger, her matches have done nothing to show off her ability. It just proves that the Knockouts don’t know how to sell a kick to the head because they all take it in the shoulder and fall in corny ways.
Viva La Sam could be something fun if the next 3 weeks are just hand cam footage of him being like “I’m Sami Callihan and I’m gonna kick Mance Warner’s ass”, Elegance Clique getting the rematch with a stipulation is nice to see and while I like Fir$t Cla$$, that segment went a little long for a cornball swerve payoff. It’s one thing to placate the Influencer squad especially when we’ve seen Logan Paul and Ishowspeed do so well in WWE…but these are like Z Tier Influencers that no one cares about. These kind of dorks stream on Kick because they aren’t relevant enough for Twitch, not because they chose Kick over it.
So yeah, the low lights were pretty low, and the highs were a little fleeting, but at least they were pretty fun. Not a bad show, just clunky with noticeable issues and Masha shouldn’t be allowed to speak English anymore. She’s such a charisma vacuum when she’s not rambling in Russian.
About Chairshot Radio Network
Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!
MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)
TUESDAY - Musical Chairs (music) / Hockey Talk (NHL)
WEDNESDAY - The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling)
THURSDAY - Keeping the news ridiculous... The Oddity / Chairshot NFL (NFL)
FRIDAY - DWI Podcast (Drunk Wrestling Intellect)
SATURDAY - The Mindless Wrestling Podcast
SUNDAY - The Front and Center Sports Podcast
CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS
Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)
TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends
Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5
Classic POD is WAR
Chairshot Radio Network Your home for the hardest hitting podcasts... Sports, Entertainment and Sports Entertainment!
Powered by RedCircle
Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!
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