Coverage
Mitchell’s NJPW Battle in the Valley Results & Report! (1/13/23)
NJPW returns to California!
There’s California Love for NJPW!
It’s been eleven months since last time, but NJPW is back to Battle in the Valley! Will Will Ospreay win one last match against Kazuchika Okada? Or will the Rainmaker rain on Ospreay’s parade?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Kickoff Match – Matt Vandagriff VS Goldy; Vandagriff wins.
- Kickoff Match – Viva Van VS Stephanie Vaquer; Vaquer wins.
- Six Man Tag: Shota Umino, Fred Rosser & Jacob Fatu VS Team Filthy; Shota, Rosser & Fatu win.
- Mascara Dorada & Volador Jr. VS Rocky Romero & Soberano Jr; Dorada & Volador win.
- TJP VS David Finlay; Finlay wins.
- NJPW Strong Openweight Tag Team Championships: El Phantasmo & Hikuleo VS Alex Coughlin & Clark Connors; ELP & Leo win and retain the titles.
- NJPW Strong Women’s Championship: Giulia VS Trish Adora; Giulia wins and retains the title.
- Matt Riddle & ??? VS Zack Sabre Jr. & Bad Dude Tito; Riddle & Jeff Cobb win.
- AEW Continental Crown Championships: Eddie Kingston VS Gabe Kidd; Double Count-Out Draw, Eddie retains the titles.
- No Disqualifications: Shingo Takagi VS Jon Moxley; Moxley wins.
- Kazuchika Okada VS Will Ospreay; Okada wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
After the opening Six Man Tag…
The Roughneck, Shota Umino, wins alongside “No Days Off” Fred Rosser & “The Samoan Werewolf,” Jacob Fatu, and fans cheer as he gives a young fan his wristband and a hug, while also giving another young fan a wristband and a selfie. But then a fan in a Bushi mask attacks!?! Is it really Bushi or an imposter? That’s happened before, y’know. Security steps in, but then the mask is taken off, and it’s JACK PERRY!? Fans go nuts seeing the former Jungle Boy here at a NJPW event! He’s still on suspension in AEW, so what business does he have here?! He puts Shota on the railing, to DRAPING DDT to the floor!!
Fans boo but Jack drags Shota into the ring! Jack takes aim from the corner, and he runs in to JUMP KNEE! Shota falls and fans boo even harder! Jack then takes something out of his jacket. It’s his AEW CONTRACT!? And he RIPS IT UP!?! Is Jack quitting AEW to be here in NJPW?! Jack takes out an armband and it has the word “Scapegoat” on it. Jack puts that on, making a statement to Tony Khan and AEW. Fans still boo, but he soaks it all up. Jack then leaves without a word. What is Hollywood Jack Perry planning for his 2024?
NJPW Strong Openweight Tag Team Championships: El Phantasmo & Hikuleo VS Alex Coughlin & Clark Connors!
With “Madman” Gabe Kidd fighting for the Continental Triple Crown later on, the Headbanga & Young Guerrilla are facing a unique combination from the Bullet Club War Dogs tonight. Will Dreadnought & 100 Proof prove to be a winning combination? Or will they fail to take these straps from the DUAL NJPW Tag Team Champions?
The introductions are made, the blue belts are raised, and we see if Bullet Club adds more gold to the collection!
Fans wind up with ELP, but Coughlin & Connors attack to stop the champs from high-fiving! Fans boo, the bell rings, and Coughlin CHOKES Leo in a corner. Connors whips, ELP reverses then hurdles, drops then DROPKICKS! Connors flops around while Leo turns things around on Coughlin, and CHOPS! Leo then SPLASHES Connors in a corner! ELP ELBOWS Connors, whips him into the scoop, and then SIDEWALK SLAM! ELP throws off the shirt as he goes up, to FALLING AX HANDLE! Coughlin knees low, ROCKS Leo, CLUBS ELP, repeat! Coughlin pie faces them both, runs, but ELP hurdles for Leo to DDT Coughlin down!
Fans fire up, and ELP finally high-fives Leo! ELP then tunes up and Leo aims from the other corner. Coughlin rises, but Connors CHOP BLOCKS Leo! Coughlin DECKS ELP, and fans boo as Connors drags Leo to the corner. Connors SLAMS the leg into the post! Then Coughlin SLAMS Leo’s leg into the post! Fans boo as Leo flops to the floor, but Connors stomps ELP and eggs on the fans. Connors CHOKES ELP against railing! The ref reprimands, Coughlin bends Leo’s leg then stomps him. The fans chant “You Suck!” at the War Dogs but Coughlin puts Leo in. Connors covers, ONE! Fans rally but Connors sits Leo up.
Connors DECKS Leo with a forearm! Connors drops an elbow on the bad leg, and he has the toehold now. The fans rally as Leo endures. His shoulders are down, the ref counts, ONE! Leo grabs at Connors but Connors drops another elbow on the knee. Fans boo but Connors stalks Leo to a corner. Connors throws body shots, UPPERCUTS Leo, then he BLASTS ELP off the apron! Coughlin CHOKES Leo in the blue corner, the fans boo, but Connors RAMS in! Tag to Coughlin and he stands on Leo’s head. The ref counts, Coughlin lets off, then drags Leo up. Coughlin ROCKS Leo, CHOPS him, then runs up on ELP! ELP gets away but Connors CHOKES Leo!
Coughlin runs in to SPLASH Leo, then UPPERCUT! Coughlin taunts ELP while Connors stands Leo back up. Coughlin sucker punches ELP, but Leo fights free to BOOT Coughlin down! Fans fire up as Leo hurries over, but Connors YANKS ELP down! Fans boo as Coughlin then gets Leo’s leg, SHIN BREAKER! Connors and Coughlin drag Leo up and double whip him to the corner. But he comes back to DOUBLE LARIAT! The fans fire up as Leo crawls over! Hot tag to ELP! ELP CROSSBODIES both dogs down! ELP rains fists on Connors, whips him and DROPKICKS him, then dodges Coughlin to RANA!
Fans fire up, ELP kips up, and he atomic drops Connors! Connors swings, ELP gets under to atomic drop again! Connors staggers around but Coughlin back suplexes! ELP lands out, and he gives Coughlin an atomic drop! Russian Leg Sweep for Coughlin, and then a clothesline for Connors! Fans fire up and ELP builds speed, but Coughlin UPPERCUTS him! Fans boo, Coughlin storms up on ELP and whips corner to corner. ELP reverses but Coughlin blocks! Coughlin whips again, ELP goes up and over, ducks ‘n’ dodges, and springboards to CROSSBODY! Somersault and LIONSAULT! Then somersault and TORNADO DDT to the floor for Connors!!
The fans are all fired up as ELP rises! ELP climbs a corner, slingshots and TORNADO DDTS Coughlin! Then he kips up! ELP tags in Leo and they get Coughlin up. Straitjacket torture rack and Leo runs, BOOT into the BRAIN SALAD! Cover, TWO!! Coughlin survives being scrambled but ELP & Leo aim from the corners. The fans rally up as ELP tunes up. Coughlin rises, into SUDDEN- NO, Coughlin blocks! Leo choke grips but Coughlin sends him at ELP! ELP stops Leo, but Coughlin GERMAN SUPLEXES Leo away! ELP runs up, but Coughlin ducks the kick to pump handle and scoop! Fireman’s carry, DREADNOUGHT DRIVER!!
Fans fire up and Coughlin roars! Coughlin tags Connors, and Connors aims as Leo stands! SPEAR!! Fans boo but Connors coordinates with Coughlin, and they both take aim at Leo. HIT AND RUN!! Cover, TWO!?! Leo survives the high-low and Bullet Club is shocked! The fans fire up, Connors & Coughlin haul Leo up, suplex for the- NO, Leo fights out, ROCKS Connors, then on one good leg, GOD- NO! Connors slips free and Coughlin CHOP BLOCKS Leo! DOUBLE FOREARM SANDWICH! Then the lift and ASSISTED BRAINBUSTER!! Cover, TWO!!! Coughlin DECKS ELP off the apron and then Connors goes up!
Fans rally as Connors & Coughlin hit the the FULL CLIP!!! Cover, ELP BREAKS IT!! Coughlin stomps ELP and kicks him out, then goes back to the corner. Connors tags Coughlin in, the fans rally for “G O D! G O D!” Coughlin hauls Leo, Connors climbs back up, and Coughlin gut wrenches as they load up the usually heavyweight combo. But ELP returns to GAMANGIRI Connors! Leo slips free of Coughlin, to SNAP POWERSLAM! Fans fire up as Leo drags Coughlin back up! Coughlin pries the grip away! But ELP hits SUDDEN DEATH! Leo grips again, for the GODSEND!! ELP hurries up onto Leo’s shoulders! SUPER THUNDERKISS!!! Cover, the Guerrillas win!
Winners: El Phantasmo & Hikuleo, by pinfall (still NJPW Strong Openweight Champions)
Coughlin & Connors threw a lot at them, but the Guerrillas make it through! But the dance card still has Chase Owens & Kenta coming for the IWGP Heavyweight Tag titles, will ELP & Leo keep it 100?
NJPW Strong Women’s Championship: Giulia VS Trish Adora w/ The Infantry!
The Beautiful Madness has truly been a Strong Women’s Champion, but now she’s facing a truly strong contender in the AfroPunk! Will Adora bring this belt with her to AEW & ROH? Or will Giulia still be a golden gladiator?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who is truly NJPW Strong!
The bell rings and fans rally up behind Giulia. Giulia grins as she and Adora circle. The fans do cheer Adora, too, and she offers a handshake. Giulia isn’t familiar with the ROH Code of Honor, but she still accepts. Fans cheer the sportsmanship, but then Giulia reels Adora in! Adora fights off the Saido and gets free, and Giulia grins as she wags her finger. She wants everyone to calm down, and she offers the handshake back. Adora is wary now, but she accepts anyway. Giulia then brings Adora in to stare her down. The two reset and circle and the fans rally up. They feel things out, knuckle lock, and Adora headlocks.
Giulia pops out the back to hammerlock then headlock, but Adora pries the hold open. Adora wrenches to wristlock, but Giulia rolls, slips around, full nelsons and cravats to crank on a neck wrench. Adora endures, Giulia snapmares and chinlocks. Adora fights up, fans rally, and Adora pries the hold open to double wristlock! Adora drags Giulia down, Giulia fights up, and she powers Adora into a corner. The ref counts, Giulia lets off slowly, and fans cheer the sportsmanship. But then Giulia CHOPS! Adora storms up on Giulia but Giulia slips around, waistlocks, and whips. Adora reverses, Giulia swings around to IRON OCTOPUS!
Adora stays up while the fans fire up! Adora powers back up and she turns this around into an Air Raid Stretch! Giulia endures, fans rally up, and Adora pushes on the arm! Giulia flails, gets free, but Adora wristlocks to wrangle her back down. Adora drops a leg on the arm, and has a short arm scissor! Giulia kicks around, moves around, rolls back but Adora sends her into a corner! Adora CHOPS and fans “WOO~!” Giulia gets in Adora’s face, so Adora CHOPS again! Giulia storms up again, but into another CHOP! Giulia runs in but into a scoop and SLAM! Fans fire up and Adora drags Giulia back to her feet.
Giulia fires forearms on Adora, then runs, but Adora scoops for a BLACK HOLE BACKBREAKER! Then Adora makes it a backbreaker stretch! Adora SLAPS Giulia’s stomach over an dover, but Giulia powers up and out! Only for Adora to reel her back in, and PANCAKE PLEX! Bridging cover, TWO! Adora drags Giulia back up, suplexes again, but Giulia fights it to snap suplex back! Fans rally up, Giulia storms up on Adora and fires forearms. Adora fires back! They go back and forth and the fans rally up. Giulia ROCKS Adora, but Adora ROCKS Giulia! And again and again and again! Adora ROCKS Giulia then powers up the arm!
Giulia gets around, uses leg scissors to get the drop toehold, and STF!! The fans fire up, Adora endures, and Adora fights around to find the ROPEBREAK! Giulia lets off and the fans rally up again. Giulia aims, runs corner to corner and ELBOWS! Giulia whips, Adora reverses and runs in, but into a BOOT! Giulia goes up to MISSILE DROPKICK! Cover, TWO! Giulia drags Adora back up and reels her in, but Adora fights the scoop! Adora wrenches and waistlocks but now Giulia fights the lift. Giulia switches, Adora switches, Giulia fights but Adora still GERMAN SUPLEXES! But Giulia’s back on her feet?! And she GERMAN SUPLEXES Adora!!
Adora flounders up to her feet, but ducks the lariat to GERMAN SUPLEX! Giulia stands, ducks the lariat, to SAIDO! Giulia isn’t done, she scoops, but Adora fights free! Adora WRINGS the arm, and SENTONS! The fans fire up while both women are down! Giulia flounders to ropes, “This is Awesome!” as Adora goes to the other side. They both run in, and Giulia SHOTGUN BOOTS! Giulia whips, Adora reverses and avoids a boot to JAB! Giulia rises, ducks the haymaker, but Adora gets away to BUBBA BOMB! And CATTLE MUTILATION!! Giulia fights, one arm gets free but Adora keeps the other! They move around, Giulia reaches out, ROPEBREAK!
Fans fire up as Giulia flops to the floor. Adora pursues, drags Giulia up, and CLUBS away on her! Adora then scoops Giulia while the fans duel, and Adora POWERSLAMS Giulia to the floor! The ring count starts but Adora drags Giulia up. Adora suplexes but Giulia fights free to whip Adora into railing! And then snap suplex to the floor! Giulia goes up the apron at 10 of 20, but then climbs the corner! The count stops all the same, and Adora hurries up after Giulia! Adora throws hands, climbs up after Giulia, and fans fire up as Adora aims for the floor! But Giulia fights with body shots! Giulia ROCKS Adora, then steps inside!
Giulia drags Adora to the very top, underhooks the arms, SUPER BUTTERFLY SUPLEX!! Cover, ONE?!?! The fans were already thunderous and now they’re electric! Adora sits up but Giulia KNEES her down!! Cover, TWO!! Adora is still in this but Giulia keeps moving! Adora BOOTS Giulia, but Giulia stands! Giulia ducks the haymaker to ITALIAN HOOK!! And then scoop, NORTHERN BOMB!!! Cover, Giulia wins!
Winner: Giulia, by pinfall (still NJPW Strong Women’s Champion)
The AfroPunk put up one hell of a fight, but she couldn’t stop the Beautiful Madness! Giulia still shows Adora respect by helping her up and shaking her hand. With the second-ever Strong Women’s Champion being this strong, will there ever be a third-ever?
Mustafa Ali has a video!
“Good evening, esteemed citizens of the world! I am here to announce that I am bringing my campaign to NJPW. Y’see, in recent times, certain individuals have, regrettably, not represented NJPW in the matter in which it deserves! I speak of such individuals as Hiromu Takahashi. A man who is mentally unstable! A man who literally goes into battle with a stuffed animal in his arms. A stuffed animal! Ladies and gentlemen, no! NJPW deserves better than this. And I will see to it that it is rebuilt, reignited, and reclaims its former glory.
“So Mr. Takahashi, I am here to inform you that you are unfit to be a leader. You will be replaced, you will be removed. And as the great ambassador to this great sport, I am here to issue an executive order that you and I will have a match, April 12th, at the Windy City Riot.” Ali then tells Hiromu in Japanese that he will lose that night. Thank you, good night, and remember: In Ali We Trust! The Beacon has come to NJPW, will he be the guiding light of NJPW whether Hiromu likes it or not?
Matt Riddle & ??? VS Zack Sabre Jr. & Bad Dude Tito!
The King of Bros is in NJPW, and though he’s aiming for Hiroshi Tanahashi and the NJPW World TV Championship, he’ll gladly take on the OG NJPW World TV Champion to get started. But just who is his tag partner? It’s JEFF COBB!! The Chosen Bros are reunited, will they turn this into the San Bro-se Valley?
The teams sort out and ZSJ starts against Riddle. They circle, feel things out, and ZSJ facelocks, floats around, waistlocks, but Riddle gets up. They reset, go again, and Riddle grabs a leg to then trip ZSJ up. ZSJ uses a leg guard, Riddle takes a shot but ZSJ goes for an arm. Riddle moves around, ZSJ wants a leg but Riddle keeps moving. ZSJ facelocks, Riddle rolls free and the fans cheer this technical masterclass. Riddle and ZSJ push each other, the fans rally up, and the two knuckle lock. Riddle shoots in, waistlocks, and SLAMS ZSJ! Then Riddle gut wrenches to throw ZSJ around and around, very Jeff Cobb of him!
But ZSJ turns that into a TRIANGLE HOLD! ZSJ throws elbows but Riddle pops free! ZSJ avoids the buzzsaw and the fans fire up again! Riddle and ZSJ reset, egg each other on, and ZSJ tags in Tito. Riddle points to Cobb, fans cheer, and Riddle tags Cobb in. Cobb steps to Tito, Tito shoves him, so Cobb shoves back. Fans cheer for “MEAT! MEAT! MEAT!” as the shoves turn to forearms! Cobb fires a flurry, whips, but Tito reverses. Cobb RAMS Tito, Tito RAMS Cobb, repeat! Then the forearms return! The fans fire up, Tito kicks low and runs, but Cobb drops, hurdles, and DROPKICKS! Fans fire up as Cobb poses a la Riddle!
Cobb drags Tito up, tags in Riddle, and the Chosen Bros mug Tito with a KICK to the chest! Cobb scoops Tito, SLAMS him, then he gives Riddle the boost, ASSISTED FLOATING BRO! Riddle pushes Tito to a cover, ONE! Tito hangs tough but Riddle clamps on a facelock. Tito lifts Riddle and RAMS him into the corner! Tag to ZSJ and ZSJ DROPKICKS Cobb down! ZSJ returns to UPPERCUT Riddle! Fans fire up as ZSJ flexes, then ZSJ strikes a crane stance to mock Riddle. ZSJ cravats to snapmare Riddle, tag to Tito. NECK TWIST and SENTON! Tito paces while Riddle writhes. Tito CHOPS Riddle, but Riddle CHOPS back!
Tito SLAPS Riddle, stomps away, then tags in ZSJ. ZSJ drags Riddle to have a standing toehold, emphasis on toe! ZSJ SNAPS toe after toe, then STOMPS the foot! Tag to Tito and Tito drops a knee on the leg! The fans tell ZSJ he’s sick, but Tito ROCKS Riddle with a forearm. Tito fires off forearms and CHOPS in the open corner, then wrenches and short arm LARIATS! Cover, TWO! Tito drags Riddle up and brings him over, tag to ZSJ. TMDK mugs Riddle, ZSJ UPPERCUTS and UPPERCUTS! ZSJ snapmares Riddle, for the NECK- KICK from Riddle! PENALTY KICK! Fans rally up as Riddle and ZSJ crawl, hot tag to Cobb!
Cobb catches ZSJ, RAMS him into Tito, then whips ZSJ into the corner! Cobb UPPERCUTS, scoops, and RUNNING BACK SUPLEXES! Cover, Tito breaks it! Tito fires off on Cobb, but Cobb suplexes Tito! Tito tumbles out and fans fire up for Cobb. Cobb hauls ZSJ up to scoop and SLAM, then GACHIMUCHI MOONSAULT FLOPS as ZSJ moves! NECK TWIST! Cobb writhes, ZSJ flexes, and ZSJ brings Cobb up. Fans sing for “OH~ Zack Sabre Junior~!” but Cobb blocks the scoop! Cobb powers out, ZSJ BOOTS and whips. Cobb reverses, ZSJ avoids the dropkick to body scissor and clutch, ONE?!? ZSJ runs back up to LARIAT, but Cobb stays up!
ZSJ SLAPS Cobb, runs, but Cobb LARIATS ZSJ! Cobb whips ZSJ to scoop and TOUR OF- CRUCIFIX TAKEDOWN! TWO!! Cobb fireman’s carries right out of it! ZSJ slips down, Cobb throws elbows, but ZSJ ducks the lariat to waistlock. Cobb throws ZSJ away, then JABS! Cobb whips ZSJ into a corner but ZSJ goes up and TORNADO DDTS! Fans fire up while both men are down! ZSJ and Cobb crawl, hot tags to Tito and Riddle! Riddle fires off palm strikes, KICKS and BOOTS, then spins Tito around to PELE! Riddle handsprings, runs up to forearm smash, then runs side to side to forearm smash again!
Tito fights the Brosploder, ducks the haymaker, mule kick and ENZIGURI! Deadlift GERMAN SUPLEX! Cover, Cobb breaks it! ZSJ storms in to UPPERCUT Cobb! Tito ROCKS Cobb, repeat! Cobb CHOPS Tito, ROCKS ZSJ, repeat! ZSJ UPPERCUTS, Tito ROCKS, Cobb CHOPS! ZSJ baits Cobb in to dump him out! ZSJ goes out to PNEALTY- NO, Cobb blocks to YANK ZSJ down, ATHLETIC- SLEEPER!! ZSJ has Cobb, but Riddle fires off on Tito! Tito ROCKS Riddle, Riddle KICKS! KICKS! Tito ducks to DREAM SMASHER ELBOW! Tito back suplexes, Riddle lands out, but Tito gets around! BLUE THUNDER BOMB!! Cover, TWO!!!
Fans fire up and Tito drags Riddle up. Tito fireman’s carries to F- NO, Riddle lands out! Riddle BOOTS Tito, goes up and up and WHISPER IN THE WIND! ZSJ is back to CHOP! Riddle CHOPS! ZSJ CHOPS! They CHOP and CHOP back and forth, but then Riddle KICKS! Riddle blocks a kick to PELE- NO! ZSJ catches that to an ANKLE LOCK! Riddle endures, rolls, and that feeds ZSJ to Cobb’s reverse crucifix lift! LAWN DART FLASH KNEE COMBO!! Tito stands up to CHOP Cobb, CHOP Riddle, repeat! Riddle KNEES Tito into Cobb’s GERMAN SUPLEX! Tito rises up?! And he EXPLODERS Cobb!! Riddle ROUNDHOUSES Tito!
Tito roars, runs in, but Riddle gets around! Ripcord, FINAL FLASH! And then gut wrench, tuck, BRO DEREK!! Cover, Chosen Bros win!!
Winners: Matt Riddle & Jeff Cobb, by pinfall
The fans chant “BRO! BRO! BRO!” as Riddle and Cobb celebrate! Was this reunion a one time deal? Or could there be a future for the Chosen Bros in NJPW?
AEW Continental Crown Championship: Eddie Kingston VS Gabe Kidd!
The Mad King has been on a roll, and is even coming off a win against Wheeler Yuta on AEW Rampage! Will Eddie be able to go coast to coast with title defenses? Or will this War Dog grab three belts in one go?
The introductions are made, but of course Kidd attacks Eddie the moment he’s in the ring! The fans boo as Kidd fires off up the ramp. Kidd flips off the fans, but Eddie hits back with haymakers! Eddie DECKS Kidd and sends him back to ringside. Eddie ROCKS Kidd, the ref wants this in the ring, so Eddie brings Kidd up. Kidd hits low, CLUBS Eddie, and reels him in! Kidd lifts but Eddie back drops free! Fans fire up while Kidd writhes, and Eddie takes off his merch shirt to CHOKE Kidd with it! The ref reprimands, even though this isn’t officially a match yet. Eddie lets off on Kidd, stalks him to railing, and ROCKS him with a right!
Eddie DECKS Kidd again, stomps him around, then JABS! JABS! And CHOPS! Kidd leans against railing, Eddie CHOKES him! The ref reprimands, Eddie lets go, and Kidd staggers around. Eddie brings Kidd around but Kidd blocks the suplex! Kidd gets around, to GERMAN SUPLEX Eddie to the floor! Fans boo, the ref reprimands and tells Kidd to get this in the ring, but Kidd drags Eddie up to POST him! Eddie wobbles, Kidd grabs his arms and YANKS him into the post! And YANKS him in again! Kidd tells Eddie off, YANKS him into the post again, then flips the fans off. Fans boo but Kidd CLAWS Eddie’s face!
The ref reprimands, Kidd lets off, and Eddie swings wild. Kidd DECKS Eddie in return! Kidd stands on Eddie, the fans boo, so Kidd just spits at them. Kidd finally puts Eddie in the ring, slides in, and now it’s a match! Kidd kicks Eddie around, taunts him and the fans, but Eddie scowls and rises up. Eddie CHOPS and Kidd drops to a knee! Fans fire up as Eddie eggs Kidd on. Kidd CHOPS, Eddie staggers, but he comes back to CHOP again! Kidd dusts himself off, and CHOPS! Eddie CHOPS, the fans “WOO~!” as the two go back and forth, CHOP for CHOP! Eddie catches his breath, then CHOPS again!
Down come the straps! The fans fire up as Kidd CHOPS, Eddie CHOPS, repeat! They go CHOP for CHOP again and again, and the fans are loving it! Eddie CHOPS, Kidd shakes the ropes! Kidd says he’s a madman, and he CHOPS Eddie! Kidd flips off the fans as they rally for Eddie, but Eddie CHOPS again! Kidd headbutts the buckle, then comes back to CHOP! Kidd talks trash, gets in Eddie’s face, so Eddie CHOPS! Kidd stays up as he grits his teeth! Eddie points to the logo, this is NJPW dammit! Kidd CHOPS! Kidd eggs Eddie on, the fans rally, and Eddie CHOPS again! Kidd CHOPS but Eddie roars! Eddie CHOPS and CHOPS and CHOPS!
Kidd BITES Eddie’s face! The fans boo, the ref reprimands, but Kidd lets off to shout at everyone! Kidd whips, Eddie reverses to SAIDO! Eddie sends Kidd flying and the fans fire up! Kidd flounders to a corner and the fans rally behind Eddie. Kidd stands in the corner, “Let’s Go Eddie!” “F U GABE!” Eddie clotheslines Kidd in the corner, then MACHINE GUN CHOPS! The fans fire up and Eddie tops it off with one more CHOP! Kidd sits down and sputters, Eddie runs side to side, but Kidd gets up to ROCK Eddie with forearms! Eddie staggers around as Kidd ROCKS him again. Kidd fires more shots, then ROCKS Eddie again!
Kidd suplexes, to BRAINBUSTER! Cover, TWO!! Eddie survives and Kidd scowls. But then Kidd grins and laughs as the fans tell him off. Kidd scuffs Eddie, does squats to show off his stamina, and then drags Eddie around. Eddie pushes Kidd away so Kidd stomps him down. Kidd drags Eddie up and reels him in. The fans rally, Eddie wrenches free, and he ducks a haymaker to HALF ‘N’ HALF! Kidd rises, but into the URAKEN!! Cover, TWO!! Kidd survives the Backfist to the Future but Eddie is too sore to be upset. The fans rally up as Kidd and Eddie stir. Eddie shakes out the arms and rises up.
Eddie storms over to Kidd and the fans are all fired up. Eddie drags Kidd up, reels him in and scoops, but Kidd slips free to SAIDO! But Eddie rises up?! Eddie staggers around, Kidd ROCKS him then gut wrenches, to the TOMBSTONE!! Cover, TWO!!! Eddie survives and fans fire up again! Kidd huffs and puffs and bites the rope in frustration. Kidd snarls and sits cross-legged, a message to Shibata. Kidd eggs Eddie on, they both crawl to each other, and they junkyard dog headbutt! And again! And again! Kidd SLAPS Eddie, Eddie SLAPS Kidd, repeat! Eddie then SLAPS Kidd down! Kidd comes back to HEADBUTT!
Eddie HEADBUTTS again, but Eddie HEADBUTTS! Fans fire up while both men are dizzy from all those impacts! Kidd and Eddie rise, go forehead to forehead, then Kidd CHOPS! And CHOPS! And CHOPS! Fans boo, but then Eddie CHOPS! And CHOPS! And CHOPS! Kidd SLAPS and SLAPS and SLAPS! Eddie drops to his knees, Kidd SPITS at him, but that just pisses Eddie off!! The fans tell Kidd he just messed up, and Eddie fires off fast hands! Kidd fires them back, the fans are thunderous! Eddie roars and SLAPS!! And URAKENS!!! Eddie falls over, Kidd falls out!! The fans are thunderous for Eddie while both men are down!
Eddie sits up, clears out an ear for the sake of equilibrium, and the fans sing, “F HIM UP, EDDIE, F HIM UP!” But Kidd drags Eddie out! Eddie still CHOPS! Kidd CHOPS! Eddie CHOPS! Kidd shakes the railing, CHOPS again, but Eddie returns it! The ref reprimands, they both tell him to shut up already! The ring count starts as the CHOPS keep going, then the HEADBUTTS return! Eddie CHOPS Kidd, we’re at 8 of 20 as Kidd fires forearms! Kidd swings into an EXPLODER to the floor!! Both men are down at 15 of 20! Kidd grabs the timekeeper’s mic not just to stop the count, but to tell Eddie, “Is that all you got, you fat b*tch!?”
Fans go nuts hearing that, and Eddie CHOKES Kidd! The count returns, we hit TWENTY!!! THE MATCH IS OVER!
Double Count-Out Draw
The fans boo but Eddie is just as pissed! He grabs the timekeeper’s table but Kidd fires off on Eddie! Young Lions hurry to stop this, fans want to “LET THEM FIGHT!” Kidd gets loose and he LEAPS at Eddie! Eddie and Kidd scrap, referees rush out here to stop this, but Kidd gets loose again! Kidd CLOBBERS Young Lions to get at Eddie! Fans fire up as the two are pulled apart again! Kidd cost himself the belt but he still grabs it, to SLAM it down! Eddie storms in to TACKLE Kidd! Eddie BITES Kidd, rains down fists, and the fans are thunderous! Eddie snarls as he grabs the rest of his belts, and takes aim! Kidd flounders up, but Connors & Coughlin attack!
Fans boo as Bullet Club beats down on Eddie like the pack of feral dogs they are! Kidd holds up the Continental Championship, sets it down by Eddie, and then Connors & Coughlin haul Eddie up! They work together to PILEDRIVER onto the belt!! Kidd holds up the belt like he won it, but fans boo because he’s just a madman! Kidd throws the AEW belt down, kicks the other belts aside, then stands on Eddie. The War Dogs are about bringing belts and bodies, but will the Mad King put them all down one by one?
No Disqualifications: Shingo Takagi VS Jon Moxley!
The Rampaging Dragon called out The Maniac back when he was still NEVER Openweight Champion, but losing the title doesn’t mean he’s backing down from his own challenge. Will Takagi rebound from WrestleKingdom? Or will Moxley slay the dragon in the valley?
Takagi takes off the robe to reveal he’s in his Street Fight gear! Fans fire up, the bell rings and the two get face to face. They chest bump each other, then go forehead to forehead. Takagi scuffs Moxley, the forearms start flying, and the fans fire up as they go back and forth! Takagi responds as fast as Moxley, they go fast and furious, then Moxley HEADBUTTS! Moxley runs to RAM Takagi, but Takagi runs to RAM Moxley! Moxley flips Takagi off, they both run, and they both RAM! And RAM! They grapple, tumble out of the ring, and Moxley SMACKS Takagi off the apron! Takagi body shots, SMACKS Moxley off the apron, and then goes looking.
Fans fire up as Takagi brings out kendo sticks! Takagi passes one to Moxley and the fans fire up even more! Both men show off their skills, then they CLASH! Moxley disarms Takagi?! And then JAMS him low, to kendo Russian Leg Sweep into railing! Moxley JAMS Takagi, then digs the stick into Takagi’s shoulder! And then into Takagi’s mouth! Moxley smothers Takagi, then lets off to go looking for more. Moxley brings out a steel chain, and a trash can lid! Moxley SMACKS Takagi with the lid! Red Shoes reprimands about the head shot, Moxley apologizes and shakes his hand, then has the chain. Moxley wraps his fist to throw steel punches!
Moxley CHOPS Takagi against the post, then puts him in the ring. Takagi keeps moving and he runs Moxley over! Moxley sits up in a daze, and Takagi snap suplexes! Then ELBOW DROPS! Takagi pushes Moxley back down to run and ELBOW DROP! The fans rally and duel, and Takagi takes off his belt! Moxley shakes his head, Takagi DECKS him! Takagi drops knees on Moxley, then clamps on a chinlock. Moxley endures, but Takagi BELL CLAPS him! Then SENTONS! Fans fire up while Moxley bails out. Takagi is annoyed, so he storms over, but into a TRASH CAN LID SMACK! Fans cheer while Takagi flops over!
Moxley still has the lid, Red Shoes is wary of him as he storms around, but then Moxley goes out. Moxley SMACKS Takagi again! Moxley puts the lid aside to bring Takagi up again. Takagi’s busted open, but Moxley crotches him on the railing! Moxley LARIATS Takagi down! Fans cheer Moxley as he flexes, and he puts the kendo sticks in the ring. Moxley also puts the chain in the ring, then drags Moxley up to punch away on the bloody forehead! Fans fire up as Moxley shows them up close and personal as he punches and HEADBUTTS Takagi down. Moxley goes looking for more things, and he finds a trash can!
Moxley tosses the can in, the lid in, and then goes after Takagi again. Moxley puts Takagi in, fans want tables, but Moxley has the trash can first. Moxley kicks and fires off forearms! Takagi flops against ropes, Moxley puts the can around him! Moxley grabs a kendo stick to SMACK the can! And again! And then again! Takagi falls over and fans fire up for Moxley. Moxley pulls the kendo stick apart, to JAB at Takagi’s bloody forehead! It’s like using giant bamboo skewers! The fans tell Moxley he’s sick, but Moxley lets off to reel Takagi in, PILEDRIVER! Cover, TWO!! Takagi is still in this, but Moxley ties up the legs!
Moxley claws at Takagi’s head but Takagi has pieces of bamboo! Takagi tries to jab at Moxley down low, but Moxley grabs the bamboo to put it in Takagi’s mouth! Moxley pulls Takagi back, but Takagi gets another of the pieces! Takagi jabs at Moxley again, but Moxley takes that piece, to dig at Takagi’s cheek! Moxley uses the pieces to torture Takagi’s mouth, then he lets off. Takagi swings wild, but Moxley BOOTS him! And BOOTS him! Takagi throws forearms, Moxley hits back, then BOOTS! Moxley DECKS Takagi, runs, and SLIDING LARIATS! Takagi sits right up!? Fans fire up and even Moxley smirks.
Moxley and Takagi stand, and Moxley throws a forearm! Takagi comes back, so Moxley throws another! And another! Takagi headbutts a buckle to fire back up! Takagi hobbles over, Moxley ROCKS him, then runs, into the ELBOW! JAB! YUKON LARIAT! Fans fire up while both men are down! Fans join in with “OI! OI! OI!” and Takagi rises up. Takagi runs but Moxley boots! Takagi blocks to clothesline through! Takagi fires off forearm after forearm, then whips corner to corner. Takagi clotheslines, then he reels Moxley in, suplex high and hard! Cover, TWO! Takagi looks for a camera, and says “TOKI GA KITA! <IT’S TIME!>”
Fans fire up, Moxley rises, and Takagi storms up. Moxley BITES Takagi’s bloody forehead! Then he clotheslines Takagi up and out! Moxley builds speed, and DIVES into a TRASH CAN LID SMASH!! Moxley flops to the floor while the fans are thunderous! Takagi storms over to Moxley, brings him around, and sets Moxley against railing. Fans rally with “OI! OI! OI!” as Takagi aims. Takagi runs up, to JUMP SMASH!! Moxley has a bloody forehead of his own now! And now Takagi brings out chairs! Takagi BOOTS Moxley, goes up a corner and he unties the buckle pad. Takagi drags Moxley in, to bump Moxley off the bare steel!
Takagi fireman’s carries to SNAKE EYES Moxley, and then says one more time! Takagi hoists Moxley up top, climbs up after him, and then brings him to the very top! SUPER DUPER PLEX!! Fans fire up while Takagi crawls over and sits Moxley up. “This is Awesome!” as Takagi throws HAMMER ‘N’ ANVIL ELBOWS! Takagi uses the Blackpool Combat Club signature, then runs to SLIDING LARIAT! Moxley sits up!? Fans fire up as both men sport crimson masks. Takagi HEADBUTTS< forearms, and JABS! Moxley stays up, to HEADBUTT back! Takagi HEADBUTTS! They HEADBUTT again and again, and again!
Takagi runs, but Moxley LARIATS with him! Moxley eggs Takagi on, they LARIAT! Then Moxley gets around to SNAP GERMAN! Takagi’s right up to SNAP SAIDO! Moxley’s right up, LARIATS collide again! Takagi SWATS one, to PUMPING- NO, PARADIGM SHIFT! SLIDING FOREARM?!? Both men are down and the fans are thunderous! Takagi and Moxley slowly rise, and they both roar, before they both flop out of the ring! Takagi and Moxley find their ways around the corner, and they both go looking under the ring. They’re both looking for something, Takagi throws chair after chair in! So does Moxley!
Fans want a table but there are plenty of chairs first. They CLASH with the chairs like they’re swords! Moxley blocks a shot, but Takagi claps the chair closed right on Moxley’s fingers!! Then he DECKS Moxley! Takagi wraps the chain around his fist and fans fire up! Takagi runs up, IRON PUMPING BOMBER!! Cover, TWO!! Moxley survives but Takagi has a kendo stick! HEADSHOT! Takagi puts Moxley on the apron, then goes looking under the ring. Finally, a TABLE! The fans are thunderous as Takagi sets that up nearby. These American tables are bigger and trickier than the Japanese tables but Takagi still stands it up.
Takagi then goes to the apron, fireman’s carries Moxley, but Moxley slips free! Moxley CHOKES Takagi with the chain!! Takagi sputters as Moxley pulls it tight! Red Shoes checks, Takagi stays in this, but Moxley shoves Takagi away. Moxley puts Takagi on the table, CHOKES him some more, then goes up the corner! Moxley aims while fans freak out, and Moxley MACHO ELBOWS through the table!! The fans lose their minds while Moxley drags himself up from the wreckage! Moxley staggers back over to Takagi, puts him in the ring, and covers, TWO!!! Takagi still lives and Moxley is furious!
Moxley argues with Red Shoes but Red Shoes defends his count. Moxley goes back out, goes looking again, and he brings out another TABLE! Fans fire up as Moxley puts this table in the ring! Moxley CHOKES Takagi again, then he sets the table up near a corner. Moxley lines up the shot, licks the table, then brings Takagi over. The fans tell Moxley he’s sick but he drags Takagi up to the top rope. Moxley underhooks the arms! Takagi fights back with body shots! Moxley HEADBUTTS, and HEADBUTTS, and HEADBUTTS! Takagi GREEN MISTS?!? When did he get that?! Moxley flails blindly, Takagi adjusts the table’s position, then goes back up!
Fans are thunderous as Takagi fireman’s carries Moxley! STAY DREAM through the table!!! The fans are thunderous again, and Takagi has a piece of the table! Takagi SMACKS Moxley with it! Then SMACKS him with another piece! Then runs to PUMPING BOMBER!! The fans are thunderous again as Takagi tucks the arms, to TAKAGI DRIVER 98!! Cover, TWO?!?! Moxley survives but Takagi grabs some chairs! Takagi CHUCKS one into Moxley’s face, then pump handles! MADE IN JAPAN onto the other chair!!! Cover, TWO?!?!? No one can believe it but Moxley survives!! Moxley shakes his head but Takagi roars!
Takagi reels Moxley up and pump handles. Moxley fights, throws down elbows, but Takagi LARIATS! Moxley stays up so Moxley LARIATS again! Moxley roars, fires boxing elbows like Takagi would, but Takagi just grits his teeth! Takagi fires boxing elbows in return! Moxley roars, Takagi JABS! Ands HEADBUTTS! And spins, but into a CUTTER!!! Moxley staggers to his feet, gets moving, CURB STOMP!!! And then DEATH RIDER!!! Cover, TWO?!?!? Takagi survives and no one can believe it! The fans are electric and Moxley drags Takagi up. Fans hope they “FIGHT FOREVER!” but this isn’t the main event!
Moxley rains down HAMMER ‘N’ ANVIL ELBOWS! Moxley clamps on a SLEEPER and he squeezes tight! Takagi endures, the fans rally up, and Takagi fights up! Takagi turns, torture racks, but Moxley slips free! SNAP SLEEPER SUPLEX! And REGAL KNEE!! Cover, ONE?!?!?! WHAT?!?! Moxley is pissed and he runs up to KING KONG LARIAT!! Moxley gets a chair, sits it up, and brings Takagi over! FULL METAL DEATH RIDER!!! Cover, Moxley wins!!!
Winner: Jon Moxley, by pinfall
The Rampaging Dragon proved he can hang with The Maniac, but the Maniac proved he is still that damn nuts! Will Moxley use this momentum to go after a championship, whether that’s in NJPW or AEW? Moxley then knees and Takagi crawls over. They show each other respect with a fist bump, will Takagi just have to fight even harder to prove he’s worthy of another title opportunity?
The fans cheer for Moxley as Moxley gets a mic to speak. Wait, the mic doesn’t work. “That was my fault, I didn’t press the button.” Moxley says the smell of the air in the valley, the taste of blood and sweat on his lips, he knows it is time. “In the year of 2024, I only got one name in all of professional wrestling on my mind. NAITO!!” Fans fire up as Moxley calls out the NEW IWGP World Heavyweight Champion!! Moxley says, “The time has come.” The Maniac leaves it at that, is this a sign Moxley is aiming to take the top spot in NJPW for his own?
Kazuchika Okada VS Will Ospreay!
The Rainmaker and Aerial Assassin have been through a lot together since 2015: mentor and protege; allies and teammates; bitter enemies and rivals. But as Ospreay is moving on from NJPW to AEW, this could potentially be the last time we see these two in the same ring. Who wins what could be the final chapter in this incredible story?
The bell rings and the fans are already losing their minds just witnessing this match. Ospreay and Okada take a moment to appreciate the moment, then they circle. They then stare down, “This is Awesome!” and then the two tie up. Ospreay gets around to waistlock but Okada wrenches out to wristlock. Ospreay rolls, wrenches, wristlocks, but Okada rolls, trips Ospreay and has a toehold. Okada pulls on the hold but Ospreay uses his free leg to hook Okada. Okada fights off the armbar, rolls Ospreay to a stack cover, ONE! The fans fire up as the two reset. The fans duel as Ospreay and Okada stare down again.
Okada and Ospreay circle, feel things out, and tie up again. They’re in a deadlock, but Okada powers Ospreay back. Ospreay turns things around to put Okada on ropes, and he lets off slowly. Okada dares Ospreay to do something by sticking his neck out, but Ospreay doesn’t go for it. Okada then turns things around on Ospreay, Red Shoes counts, and Okada lets off slowly. Okada grabs Ospreay by the neck, but then lets off with pats on the shoulders. Fans cheer Okada changing up his usual tactics. Ospreay rushes up but Okada kicks him low. Okada headlocks, Ospreay powers up and out. Okada runs him over, only for Ospreay to kip up!
Ospreay headlocks now, Okada powers up and out, things speed up as Okada drops then hurdles, then hip- NO, Ospreay arm-drag counters! Ospreay ducks ‘n’ dodges to RANA! Fans fire up as Ospreay paces around. Ospreay storms up on Okada, drags him up, and UPPERCUTS! Ospreay CLUBS Okada’s neck, fans duel, and Ospreay KICKS Okada in the face! The fans rally with “AUSSIE AUSSIE AUSSIE! OI OI OI!” but Ospreay says no, he’s British! British! Ospreay drags Okada up to whip and run in, but Okada dodges. Okada runs back in, Ospreay ELBOWS him then runs, but he fakes Okada’s back drop out to KICK him!
Ospreay then runs up to clothesline Okada up and out! Fans fire up with Ospreay and they stick to just “OI! OI! OI!” as he aims. PLANCHA, but Okada dodges! Okada kicks low, DDT to the floor! Ospreay writhes and Red Shoes hurries out to check on him, but Okada keeps his cool. Fans duel again as Okada rises up. Ospreay is okay to continue, so Okada drags him up and CLUBS him on the neck. The fans sing for “Ospreay~ Ospreay Ospreay Ospreay~! Ospreay~, Ospreay~!” Okada CLUBS Ospreay but Ospreay fires back! They go forearm for forearm, then Okada UPPERCUTS! Ospreay staggers and the ring count starts.
Okada puts Ospreay in to stop the count, then drags Ospreay out along the apron, to DRAPING DDT to the floor! Fans are torn while Red Shoes reprimands, but Okada leaves Ospreay behind. Ospreay is still in this so Red Shoes restarts the ring count. Ospreay sits up at 6 of 20, hobbles over and rolls in at 10 of 20. Okada sits Ospreay up so he can run and BASEMENT DROPKICK! Okada cocky covers, ONE! Fans boo this rude side of Okada but he brings Ospreay up to CLUB him. Ospreay goes to a corner, Okada is after him, and the fans continue to duel. Okada ELBOWS Ospreay, then taunts the fans chanting for Ospreay.
Okada ELBOWS Ospreay again, lets off as Red Shoes counts, and Okada comes back around to bring Ospreay up. Ospreay CHOPS! Fans fire up, Ospreay fires forearms, but Okada knees low. Okada whips, Ospreay reverses but Okada ELBOWS Ospreay down! Fans fire up as Ospreay goes to a corner, they much prefer hard-hitting Okada. Okada whips corner to corner to then run in and back elbow Ospreay! Okada then kicks low, but Ospreay suplexes first! Fans fire up while both men are down! Okada sits up while clutching his back and Ospreay rises. The fans rally, Ospreay fires forearms and he ROCKS Okada.
Ospreay whips, Okada reverses but Ospreay handsprings to NEURALIZER KICK! Okada bails out, Ospreay aims and PLANCHAS! Direct hit this time and the fans fire back up! Ospreay drags Okada up and into the ring, then aims from the apron. Springboard, PIP PIP CHEERIO! Cover, TWO! Ospreay keeps cool and the fans rally back up. Ospreay hobbles but he still brings Okada up. Okada resists the lift so Ospreay gives him Kawada Kicks. And then a CHOP! Okada goes to a corner, Ospreay runs in but Okada dodges to put Ospreay up. Ospreay BOOTS back, Okada returns but Ospreay puts him up top!
Okada BOOTS Ospreay, Ospreay CHOPS Okada, but Ospreay runs into the FLAPJACK! Fans fire up while both men are down again! The fans rally and duel harder now while both men stir. Okada rises first, drags Ospreay up and Alabama Lifts! REVERSE NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Okada grabs Ospreay’s arm to wrap on the MONEY CLIP! Ospreay endures, the fans rally up, and Okada thrashes Ospreay around! Okada pulls on the hold but Ospreay fights to his feet! Ospreay RAMS Okada into a corner and gets free, but Okada ROCKS him with a forearm! Okada runs, into the Tiger Wall Kick and ENZIGURI!
Fans fire up, Ospreay reels Okada in and lifts, but Okada slips free! UPPERCUT, GERMAN SUPLEX! Ospreay lands on his feet to ROUNDHOUSE! Ospreay whips, Okada reverses but Ospreay avoids the dropkick! STANDING SHOOTING STAR gets knees! Both men know each other so well! Okada whips, and he DROPKICKS Ospreay down! Okada drags Ospreay back up, gut wrenches, but Ospreay fights free to HOOK KICK! Okada swings, but Ospreay SWATS the lariat to HOOK KICK again! Ospreay then runs, springboards, OSCUTTER!! Fans fire up as Ospreay covers, TWO!! Okada stays in this, but Ospreay stays on him!
Fans chant “This is Awesome!” again as Ospreay scoops and SLAMS Okada into a drop zone. Ospreay then goes up the corner, and he LEAP OF- NO, Ospreay has to land out of the Leap of Faith as Okada moves! And then Okada SHOTGUNS Ospreay down! Ospreay ends up in the corner while fans fire up again. Okada stirs, goes out to the apron after Ospreay, and brings him around to gut wrench, and TOMBSTONE to the floor!! Ospreay sputters and Okada flops over while fans fire up! Red Shoes checks on both men and the fans cheer Red Shoes on. Okada stands up, he brings Ospreay up and puts him back in.
Okada drags Ospreay up, scoops and SLAMS him, then per the formula, goes up the corner. MACHO ELBOW! And that of course brings out the Rainmaker Pose! Fans fire up again and Okada drags Ospreay up. Okada waistlocks but Ospreay throws elbows! Okada ROCKS Ospreay with a forearm! And another! Ospreay goes to a corner, Okada fires more forearms! Red Shoes counts, Ospreay pushes Okada, but Okada gives Ospreay scuffing kicks to the face. Red Shoes backs Okada off, but Okada comes back to scuff Ospreay more. Okada eggs Ospreay on as he digs his boots in, but Ospreay stands up! Fans fire up as Ospreay backs Okada down!
Okada ROCKS Ospreay, Ospreay SUPERKICKS! Ospreay springboards, but Okada blocks the cutter! Ripcord, RAIN- SPANISH FLY?!? Ospreay turns things around, covers, TWO!! Okada hangs in there but Ospreay drags him back up. But Okada scoops to LANDSLIDE! Okada roars, he drags Ospreay back up and ripcords, but Ospreay ducks under and swings around to sunset flip! ONE, but Ospreay drags Okada right up, into a STYLES CLASH!!! Roll over to the cover, TWO!!! Okada survives, Ospreay isn’t quite phenomenal just yet! The fans rally up again as Ospreay and Okada stir. Okada goes to ropes and Ospreay considers his options.
Ospreay already copied one Bullet Club member, so he loads up a finger gun to copy another! BANG and- DROPKICK from Okada! Okada drags Ospreay up, ripcords, but Ospreay gets under to ripcord! Okada ducks, backslides, Ospreay rolls through so Okada underhooks to steal STORMBREAKER!! Cover, TWO!! Okada hurries to ripcord and RAINMAKER!! Cover, TWO?!?! Okada is shocked and the fans are electric! “This is Awesome!” while both men are down. Okada rises first, and he flips off the Ospreay fans. Fans boo this extra rude Okada, but he just drags Ospreay up. Okada waistlocks but Ospreay throws elbows!
Okada BLINDSIDE DROPKICKS! Then he whips, to DROP- SITOUT POWERBOMB!! Ospreay turns things around on Okada and both men are down again! The fans are thunderous as Ospreay reaches out. Ospreay finds his way to Okada as Okada rises, and the two go forehead to forehead. Okada throws a forearm, but Ospreay gives it back! Okada throws another, but Ospreay shakes his head. Ospreay throws a forearm back! Okada grits his teeth, shakes his head, and fires another forearm! Ospreay shouts, shakes the ropes, and Okada puts his hands back. Ospreay ROCKS Okada with a forearm! Okada smiles?!
The fans fire up as Okada goes back to ROCK Ospreay! The forearms go back and forth, Okada eggs Ospreay on, Ospreay throws more shots, so Okada ROCKS him again! And again! Ospreay shakes he’s all fired up! Okada fires a forearm, Ospreay gives Kawada Kicks! Okada fires off forearms, then an UPPERCUT! Ospreay drops to his knees, Okada leans on ropes, and the fans fire up! Okada brings Ospreay around, but Ospreay dodges the lariat to ELBOW! Ospreay copies the Rainmaker Pose! Ripcord, but Okada ducks the lariat, only for Ospreay to DROPKICK! And then Ospreay steals RAINMAKER!! Cover, TWO!!
The fans are thunderous again and Ospreay drags Okada up. Ospreay underhooks, Okada back drops and sits down, TWO!! Okada ducks the Buzzsaw, ROLLING- NO, Ospreay rolls through that to underhook and STORMBREAKER!!! Cover, TWO!?!? Now Okada shocks Ospreay for surviving! The fans are electric again while both men are down! “This is Awesome!” and Ospreay makes his way to a corner. Ospreay pulls off the elbow pad and the fans are fired up! Ospreay takes aim as Okada sits up. HIDDEN- DROPKICK! But Ospreay’s right back up! HIDDEN- Scoop and POWERSLAM! Okada drags Ospreay back up to ripcord! RAIN- BOOT!!
Ospreay BOOTS again, and again, but Okada LARIATS! Okada holds onto the wristlock but Ospreay roars! Okada LARIATS again, but Ospreay stays on his feet! Okada LARIATS and Ospreay drops to his knees! Okada keeps Ospreay up, fans boo his menacing glare at Ospreay, fireman’s carry to HEAVY RAIN! And then ripcord to RAINMAKER!!! Stack cover, OKADA WINS!!!
Winner: Kazuchika Okada, by pinfall
7-2 now becomes 8-2 as Okada once again brings down Ospreay! The tenth chapter, possibly the last, and it is The Rainmaker that writes the ending. But Okada shows Ospreay respect by helping him to his feet. And they even hug it out! Fans cheer that these two rivals can find friendship even after all of this. Wait, what’re the Bullet Club War Dogs doing storming out here? They may have that coming 10 Man Cage match against the United Empire, but now they wanna piss all over this moment! DAVID FINLAY appears from the crowd side!? SHILLELAGH SMASH on Okada!! The War Dogs mug Ospreay while fans boo!
Finlay rains down fists on Ospreay with fury! As if winning the Global Championship at WrestleKingdom wasn’t enough, Finlay wants his Dogs to stand Ospreay up. But here comes TJP and Jeff Cobb! TJP SUPERKICKS Finlay, Cobb fires off on the Dogs, and then EDDIE KINGSTON is here! He still wants after Kidd! The fans fire up as Eddie clotheslines Kidd up and out! RED MIST from TJP to Connors! Eddie grabs the ring bell! He wants to hit someone with it, so he runs up on Coughlin! Coughlin dodges, ring bell hits post! The Dogs regroup at the ramp, tails tucked between their legs but still barking mad!
Ospreay, Cobb & TJP stand together, Eddie out in front still holding the bell! The fans cheer, “Thank You, Ospreay!” knowing this is the last time he’ll be here under NJPW. Ospreay is given the mic and he says, “Oi! Oi! You can thank me after I wipe the floor with Bullet Club in a effing steel cage, bruv.” Fans like the sound of that! Ospreay tells Finlay that he and his “sex slaves” can run around all they want, they’ll see them in Osaka. As for Eddie, Ospreay owes him one, thanks for that. Ospreay then takes a moment to sit down. He gets an icepack, thanks the Empire for having his back, he loves ’em for it.
The fans chant “Thank You, Ospreay!” again, and Ospreay continues to say, “On a serious note, thank you, guys. It’s been a real fun eight years. This is weird. I came into NJPW when I was 22 years old. Didn’t know much about myself, I found out a lot about myself on the way around. NJPW gave me the opportunity of being a young, immature man, and allowing me to make mistakes and face every single one of you guys eye to eye and grow from it.” Fans applaud that. Ospreay takes a moment to catch his breath and compose himself before saying, “There’s so many things that I could say about Okada, man. I mean, Okada is literally the best wrestler ever.” Fans cheer that!
Ospreay has so many words he wants to say but he’ll save it for backstage. He cannot express the gratitude he has to perform out here for everyone who watches NJPW. Fans continue to chant for Ospreay, and Ospreay says, “Not bad for some little autistic kid from Essex, mate. I can’t believe the journey that I have had. I am so thankful, I am so blessed to have been able to grow up and been able to perform under this lion mark. I am so grateful that I have people looking out for like the United Empire, who have been my boys since day one when we formed.
“And listen, this is gonna be my new home from now on, for the next couple of years. You and me are gonna get to know each other very well.” Fans cheer that, and say “You Deserve It!” He appreciates that, and says this chapter is closing, but a new one is beginning. Before we close the book, there’s one more match, in Osaka, and finally in front of a live crowd. They’re bringing a friggin’ steel cage to NJPW! And listen, Ospreay’s done the 30 minute singles matches, the 45 minute singles matches, but believe it or not, he was a “backyard wrestler” when he got started! He’s bringing that to NJPW!
And fair warning, if you don’t like violence, if you don’t like blood, if you don’t like the sound of breaking bones and tearing tendons, don’t watch it. “But if you’re a sick little effer like I am… Let’s take that pissant Bullet Club and effin’ bury it!!” The fans cheer that! Will Will Ospreay’s last ride with the United Empire and NJPW be the most epic sendoff ever?
My Thoughts:
An awesome event for NJPW, technically under NJPW Strong, but when you get Okada and Ospreay in the main event, this might as well be considered a mainline NJPW event. This was a full weekend of wrestling, too, with AEW having usual programming but also Impact returning to being TNA with Hard to Kill, and that’s great in itself. I did skip stuff but duh, with the other stuff to cover, had to trim down something. To think Jack Perry would show up here, blending his AEW story into a NJPW debut. I suppose by “Scapegoat,” he feels he was punished unjustly for the #BrawlIn incident with CM Punk and isn’t going to let AEW control him anymore.
Great promo from Mustafa Ali to target Hiromu Takahashi for a great Junior Heavyweight/Cruiserweight showdown. Ali getting a match in his hometown of Chicago is great stuff but I can’t be sure that helps him win. Great match from Giulia VS Adora, Adora is definitely coming into her own with all the reps between NJPW Strong and ROH, but logically Giulia retained because Adora still isn’t title ready just yet. Great move to have Chosen Bros reunite here, and of course they win for that with Bad Dude Tito taking the pin.
Just an awesome, wild No Disqualification match from Takagi and Moxley. I really thought Takagi was gonna win with him busting out Great Muta green mist, but given Moxley is now calling out Naito, I guess the win makes sense. Moxley will make a solid first defense for Naito, because I’m pretty sure Moxley, who is an AEW guy, isn’t winning NJPW’s top title. And great stuff in everything related to Bullet Club War Dogs. Great NJPW Strong tag title match, but of course ELP & Leo win to notch their first defense since that historic WrestleKingdom match.
Great stuff from Eddie and Kidd, and while fans were upset, there’s something to the Count-Out Draw that I really liked. Kidd is doing great as a character and as a singles competitor, he could be who Bullet Club War Dogs uses to go after a singles title like the NJPW World TV Championship or the NEVER Openweight Championship, assuming Tama Tonga doesn’t lose it to Evil next Saturday.
Just amazing stuff in the main event, and as I said, that was enough to make this go from NJPW Strong level event to NJPW prime level event. I didn’t realize Okada and Ospreay had faced off ten times, and that the record was so one-sided. Well, I suppose that part makes sense, actually. But at the same time, with Ospreay basically on his way out, Okada winning also made sense because that’s tradition. But Bullet Club going after them both, then the Empire and Eddie showing up, that was some great stuff. And Ospreay got to close us out tonight, technically not the tradition, but that is because of how Ospreay is on his way out. Great promo, Ospreay’s really fired up and so am I, I kinda hope NJPW breaks tradition to let Ospreay leave on top inside that cage.
My Score: 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!
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!
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! GLAWSGO 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 [Technical difficulties suck] 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:
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!
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!
Oblong Ball Foot Show: One For The Road
The Philadelphia Eagles are Super Bowl Champions! Tune in as we recap an excellent NFL season and touch on a...
Oblong Ball Foot Show: Super Bowl LIX Preview
The culmination of a season long journey is upon us. Andrew, Rey and Tunney break it all down for you...
The Front and Center Sports Podcast – NFL Conference Championships and Jimmy Butler
The Chairshot presents a new episode of The Front and Center Sports Podcast, with an NFL Conference Championship preview, and...
Oblong Ball Foot Show: NFL Conference Championships
It's Championship Sunday and the gents have you covered as we breakdown both AFC and NFC title games!
Oblong Ball Foot Show: NFL Divisional Playoffs
Rey, Andrew and Tunney catch you up on the NFL coaching carousel and breakdown the Divisional round matchups.
Bandwagon Nerds #276: Do You Style Your Moustache?
The Nerds continue their review of Season 3 of Invincible, review Captain America: Brave New World, and check out trailers...
Bandwagon Nerds #275: Master of Porpoise
The Nerds begin their review of Season 3 of Invincible and look at the latest trailers for Final Destination, Jurassic...
Mitchell’s Hyrule Puro-Resu News Report! (2/5/25)
There’s a lot going on this time around!
Bandwagon Nerds #274: Rey Cash Caught Sleeping On The Job
Tune in for another episode of BANDWAGON NERDS for your weekly fix in the world of Comics & Pop Culture!
Mitchell’s Hyrule Puro-Resu Results & Report! (1/31/25)
The Bracket of Courage!
Mitchell’s WWE SmackDown Results & Report! (2/21/25)
The Final Boss is back!
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?
Mitchell’s ROH Results & Report! (2/20/25)
Anillo de Honor!
DWI Podcast #464: NXT Vengeance Day & SNL 50
NBA All-Star weekend, SNL 50th anniversary and plenty of Rasslin' talk this week on the DWI podcast.
Mitchell’s AEW Dynamite Results & Report! (2/19/25)
Phoenix is Dynamite!
Mitchell’s WWE NXT Results & Report! (2/18/25)
NXT is Absolute!
Mitchell’s ROH Global Wars Australia Results & Report! (2/17/25)
G'day, mates!
Mitchell’s WWE Raw Results & Report! (2/17/25)
Visionary VS Prince!
#TheOddity 028: One Monkey = Total Chaos
Join Dave Wortz and PC Tunney for your weekly newsletter on the ridiculous and dumb of actual headlines from around...
Mitchell’s AEW Grand Slam: Australia Results & Report! (2/15/25)
AEW goes down under!
-
Coverage6 days agoMitchell’s WWE Vengeance Day Results & Report! (2/15/25)
-
AEW Coverage6 days ago
Mitchell’s AEW Grand Slam: Australia Results & Report! (2/15/25)
-
Coverage3 days ago
Mitchell’s ROH Global Wars Australia Results & Report! (2/17/25)
-
Podcasts7 days agoMindless Wrestling Podcast: Cena’s First Time Is Now!