Coverage

Mitchell’s NJPW New Beginning Nagoya Results & Report! (1/20/24)

Will Darkness Fall?

Published

8 months ago

January 20, 2024

Steven Mitchell

The Good Bad Guy VS The King of Darkness!

Tama Tonga just got the NEVER Openweight Championship back, will he lose it all over again? Or will Evil be denied his New Beginning in Nagoya?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

Kickoff Match – Shoma Kato VS Katsuya Murashima; Time Limit Draw.
Shota Umino & Tomoaki Honma VS Ren Narita & Yujiro Takahashi; Narita & Yujiro win.
10 Man Tag: The United Empire VS Bullet Club War Dogs; Bullet Club War Dogs win.
#DespeWato VS SHO & Yoshinobu Kanemaru; Sho & Kanemaru win.
8 Man Tag: Kazuchika Okada, Hiroshi Tanahashi, Tomohiro Ishii & Togi Makabe VS TMDK; TMDK wins.
10 Man Tag: Los Ingobernables de Japon VS Just5Guys; Just5Guys win.
KOPW Championship 10 Minute Ring Fit Match: Taiji Ishimori VS Great-O-Khan; Khan wins and becomes the new KOPW Champion.
NJPW Strong Openweight Tag Team Championships: El Phantasmo & Hikuleo VS Chase Owens & KENTA; ELP & Leo win and retain the titles.
NEVER Openweight Championship: Tama Tonga VS EVIL; No Contest, restarted as…
NEVER Openweight Championship Lumberjack Match: Tama Tonga VS EVIL; Evil wins and becomes the new NEVER Openweight Champion.

PLAY BY PLAY

8 Man Tag: Kazuchika Okada, Hiroshi Tanahashi, Tomohiro Ishii & Togi Makabe VS TMDK!

The Rainmaker shocked the world by announcing he’s leaving NJPW! The countdown begins now, will he, The Ace, the Stone Pitbull and the Uncaged Gorilla start things off with a bang? Or will Zack Sabre Jr, Shane Haste, Mikey Nicholls & Kosei Fujita ruin this New Beginning?

The teams sort out and fans already cheer for Okada. However, it is Ishii who steps up to start, and he gets Hysterical Haste. The bell rings, the fans rally as the two go forehead to forehead, then go forearm for forearm! Shane and Ishii go back and forth, Shane UPPERCUTS then runs. Shane RAMS Ishii, Ishii rebounds but Shane drops then hurdles. Ishii swings, Shane dodges, but Ishii blocks Shane’s kick. Ishii waistlocks, Shane resists the lift and elbows free. Shane snapmares, basement dropkicks, and fans fire up as he flexes. Shane KICKS Ishii in the back, but Ishii stands right up! Ishii grabs Shane by the neck, but Shane ROCKS Ishii!

Ishii ROCKS Shane, Shane BOOTS Ishii, but then Ishii full nelsons and spins Shane to a suplex! Tag to Tanahashi and fans fire up! “Ace-Sachou” fires forearms, whips Shane, but Shane reverses. Mikey gets a cheap shot in, but Tanahashi DECKS him for it! Tanahashi fires off shots on Shane, runs, but Fujita gets a cheap shot in! Tanahashi storms up but Fujita CHOPS first! Shane DROPKICKS Tanahashi, Fujita BLASTS Ishii, Okada & Makabe off the corner! Shane tags Mikey and he drags Tanahashi up to the corner. Mikey fires off body shots, then smothers him! Tag to ZSJ and he wrenches Tanahashi again and again.

ZSJ slips through, wrenches again, then tags Fujita. They double wrench Tanahashi to then double leg trip and double standing toehold! Shane BLASTS Ishii off the apron while ZSJ & Fujita split the wishbone! Then they both STOMP Tanahashi’s arms! ZSJ falls back and Ichiban Sweet Boy stands Tanahashi up to CHOP! Tag to Shane and he CHOPS Tanahashi! Tag to Mikey and he CHOPS Tanahashi! Tanashi sputters, but he fires back with forearms. Mikey knees low, tags Shane, and they double whip. They DOUBLE ELBOW Tanahashi down, then FIST DROP SPLASH COMBO! Cover, TWO!

Fans rally up but Shane keeps Tanahashi down with a chinlock, that he then shifts to a chinbar and forearm grind. Tanahashi endures and fans continue to rally. Mikey tries to hold the ropes back, but Tanahashi still gets the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer and Shane lets off, then he tags in Fujita. Fujita stomps Tanahashi, drags him up, and UPPERCUTS! Tanahashi goes to ropes, Fujita CHOPS him, then Fujita tags Mikey. Mikey kicks Tanahashi but Tanahashi fires forearms. Mikey knees Tanahashi low, BLASTS Okada & Ishii, but then runs into BOOTS! Tanahashi runs up, into an elbow! Mikey suplexes, but Tanahashi fights that to TWIST ‘N’ SHOUT!

The fans fire up while both men are down. They crawl, and hot tag to Okada! Fans fire up as Okada rallies on TMDK! He BOOTS Mikey, runs, ducks ‘n’ dodges to then ELBOW Mikey down! Fans fire up, Okada runs in at the corner and JUMP ELBOWS! Then kick low, but Shane runs in. Okada kicks him, too, and DOUBLE DDTS! Cover on Mikey, TWO! The fans fire up as Okada waits on Mikey. Mikey stands, Okada Alabama Lifts but Mikey CLUBS free. Mikey runs in, but Okada pops him up to REVERSE NECKBREAKER! Fans rally again as Okada scoops Mikey and SLAMS him down! Okada goes to the corner but Fujita attacks!

Mikey runs up to ROCK Okada, then ROCKET LAUNCH him! Tag to Fujita and he runs up to DROPKICK! Fujita fires forearms on Okada, ROCKS him, but Okada gets up Fujita’s face! Fujita CHOPS him! Fujita whips corner to corner, runs in, and CHOPS again! Okada sputters, Fujita goes up and out to springboard MISSILE DROPKICK! Cover, TWO! Fans fire up but Fujita slashes his throat. Fujita hauls Okada up but Okada fights the suplex! Fujita throws body shots, CHOPS, then runs, but Okada FLAPJACKS him down! Fans fire up again while Okada and Fujita are down. Okada crawls, hot tag to Makabe!

Fans rally as Makabe BLASTS ZSJ off the apron, then SPLASHES Fujita in the corner. Makabe climbs and rains down fists! But Fujita slips out to DROPKICK Makabe down! Makabe storms up but Fujita gets around to waistlock. Makabe elbows free, runs, but into a WHEEL KICK! Fujita and Makabe are down, and Fujita crawls his way over, hot tag to ZSJ! ZSJ UPPERCUTS Makabe, UPPERCUTS again, then UPPERCUTS again! Makabe roars and he ROCKS ZSJ! Makabe runs, into a BOOT! But he spins, only for ZSJ to wrench and PELE the left arm! ZSJ then isolates and STOMPS that arm! Then he and TMDK BLAST the Dream Trio!

Ishii storms in but Shane & Mikey whip him to a corner. ZSJ runs in, Ishii dodges and he sends Mikey into Shane! Ishii blocks ZSJ’s boot, gives it to Tanahashi, DRAGON SCREW! Then Ishii and Tanahashi get Shane and Mikey for DOUBLE DRAGON SCREWS! They double whip Fujita, he ducks ‘n ‘dodges, then DOUBLE DROPKICKS them! Okada gets in, Fujita CHOPS! Fujita runs, but Okada DROPKICKS! Fans fire up as Okada gets Fujita out of the ring. ZSJ runs in, but Makabe LARIATS ZSJ! Then Makabe runs to LARIAT ZSJ again! Fans fire up and Makabe goes up a corner! KING KONG- NO, ZSJ avoids the knee!

ZSJ STOMPS the leg, then PENALTY KICKS! Cover, TWO!! But into a KNEEBAR HEEL HOOK!! Makabe endures, but ZSJ shifts to DEATHLOCK!! Makabe taps, TMDK wins!

Winners: TMDK, by submission

The Front Man may no longer be NJPW World Television Champion, but he is still a Submission Master! And he calls out Bryan Danielson and his one good eye, telling him to be ready for their rematch! Will ZSJ make the American Dragon #JustTapOut? And with Okada’s days in NJPW literally numbered, is this a sign his Dream Trio is going to give up the gold to Fujita, Haste & Nicholls? Either way, Okada gets back in the ring to bow to the Nagoya fans one last time.

KOPW Championship 10 Minute Ring Fit Match: Taiji Ishimori VS Great-O-Khan!

The Bone Soldier Reborn won the championship scramble and quite literally ran away with this belt. But now he’s really going to test both his and Khan’s cardio in this modified version of the scramble! Ten minutes on the clock, and every three minutes they stop for a 30 second “high intensity circuit training” session! As for falls, you either pin your opponent, make them submit, or have physical possession of the belt by the end. Will Khan’s body fail him before his spirit does? Or will the Dominator find a way to beat Ishimori at his own game?

The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who is truly fit to be champion!

The bell rings, we’re on the clock, and Khan kicks low! Khan CLUBS Taiji, Mongolian Chops him down, then stomps him. Khan drags Taiji up but Taiji pokes him in the eye! Taiji CLUBS Khan, whips him corner to corner but Khan reverses. Taiji slips out, slides under, goes around, and shoulders into Khan, to then springboard SEATED SENTON! Fans fire up and Taiji flexes. Taiji drags Khan up to throw hands, then runs, but Khan shoots around! IRON CLAW SLEEPER! Khan drags Taiji down, Taiji flails around, reaches out, and manages the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer, but Khan lets go slowly.

Khan drags Taiji up, UPPERCUTS him, and Taiji goes to a corner. Khan UPPERCUTS again, then UPPERCUTS again! Taiji sits down, Khan drags him up, and Khan TOSSES Taiji across the way! Taiji writhes, Khan covers, TWO! The fans cheer but Khan storms around. Khan stomps Taiji, drags him up, and CLUBS him on the neck. Khan whips, Taiji slides out, and we’re nearing the first three minute mark. Taiji grabs the belt and starts running with it! Khan gives chase, they go out to the crowd, but Taiji is just stalling for time! It’s time for the circuit training! The clock stops so both men can return to ringside.

Fans cheer as this first 30 second period is: Jumping, high knees, and burpies! Khan is already unsure he can do that. Khan makes his way back into the ring, he and Taiji set up, and the ref says go! Taiji does his jumps and his high knees so much faster than Khan, and goes to burpies after only seven seconds! Khan does his best to keep up, and Taiji’s down at 20 seconds! Khan finishes just in time, and the fans cheer! Now, we get back on the 10-minute clock and we have another three minutes! Khan keeps Taiji from going back outside so Taiji fires off forearms! Khan UPPERCUTS Taiji down! Then has to catch his breath!

Khan paces, gives a thumbs up, and then suplexes Taiji. But Taiji blocks! Khan keeps trying, he gets Taiji up, but Taiji kicks and flails! Khan still holds Taiji up, but then lets him down to Mongolian Chop! Khan even drops to his knees, still needing to catch his breath. The fans rally, Khan throws hands, then whips. Taiji handsprings but into Khan’s clutches! Khan pops Taiji around to suplex high and hard! Fans fire up but Khan is still gasping. Khan crawls his way over to Taiji, covers at the five minute mark, TWO! Khan is frustrated but he drags Taiji around, into the HEAD ‘N’ ARM TRIANGLE! Taiji endures as Khan puts on the squeeze!

We’re 30 seconds away from the next period, Taiji fights up, but Khan SAYANAGIS, back into the HEAD ‘N’ ARM! Taiji endures, we’ve got 10 seconds! Khan leans all his weight, but Taiji is saved by the buzzer! Khan is frustrated, but the ref tells him to let go! Khan lets go, because now it’s time for push-ups, “V-crunches,” and squats! Khan and Taiji set up, and begin! Taiji blazes through the push-ups, and a “V-crunch” is where you bring up your legs as well as upper body to make a V shape! He blazes through those, too! And he gets to squats at 10 seconds! He’s done at 20, just like before! Khan hustles up, and he finishes in time!

Fans cheer but Khan is surely feeling the burn inside and out. No pain, no gain, as they say! We’re back on the regular clock now, and Taiji CLUBS Khan! Khan eggs Taiji on, and Taiji kicks him low. And again! Khan goes to ropes, still eggs Taiji on, so Taiji CLUBS him! Taiji whips, but Khan flops right over! The ref checks Khan but Khan says he’s still in this. Taiji removes the blue buckle pad while the ref isn’t watching! Taiji wrenches Khan, and sends him into the POST! We’re at the seven minute mark, and Taiji wrenches to hit an ARM CODE BREAKER! Taiji takes aim, BANG, and he drags Khan back up.

Taiji brings Khan into a cradle, TWO! Another cradle, TWO!! Khan just barely gets his arm off the mat and Taiji can’t believe it! Taiji argues with the ref, Khan swings, but it’s so sluggish! Taiji rolls Khan up, TWO! Eight minutes in and Taiji has the BONE LOCK! Khan scrambles, reaches out, but Taiji kicks off the ropes to get Khan turned around! Khan endures, and he BITES Taiji’s arm! The ref reprimands, Taiji pulls on the hold, but Khan keeps fighting! Khan reaches, maybe he can last until it’s time for the final circuit training session! The fans count it down, ROPEBREAK, and it’s time! The final session: More jumping, “jumping lunges,” and “mountain climbs!”

Khan and Taiji set up, and Khan is begging for mercy. The ref says sorry, these are the rules. Khan stands, and it’s go time! Taiji jumps, Khan tries to keep up, but Taiji’s already at the lunges! Taiji goes to the “climbs” at 10 seconds, and he finishes at 20! Taiji’s pace is consistent, but Khan’s slowing down! He barely finishes the lunges and time is up! Taiji wants the ref to name him the winner, Khan couldn’t finish that set! Khan begs not to, there was nothing about actually having to! The fans want it, though, so Khan has to finish his lunges and climbs after all! At least he gets all 30 seconds to do it! Wait, he still doesn’t make it?

Taiji kicks at Khan now, so Khan flips him off! Khan just keeps doing the climbs, and the fans help him count! Khan finishes, and finally, we can have the final minute! Taiji gets the belt, shoves the ref aside, and takes aim! But Khan IRON RIGHT HANDS first!! Khan on weak legs goes for HITSUJIGOROSHI! But Taiji powers out, LA MYSTICA, but Khan shifts to the HITSUJI- NO, Taiji flips free! Last 30 seconds as Taiji wants the Bone Lock! Khan resists, but he also needs to score a fall! TEN SECONDS! IRON CLAW! ELIMINATOR!! But Khan falls the wrong way! Time’s up, and wait! Khan fell on the belt!! KHAN WINS!!

Winner: Great-O-Khan, by possession of the belt (NEW KOPW Champion)

Khan wakes back up, and realizes he’s actually triumphed! He can barely stand right now, but emptying the gas tank was worth it! Will this be a new era for both the KOPW Division and the United Empire?

NJPW Strong Openweight Tag Team Championships: El Phantasmo & Hikuleo w/ Jado VS Chase Owens & KENTA!

The Headbanga & Young Guerilla held onto these belts through a Battle in the Valley, but Bullet Club has a lot of ammo to throw at them! The Crown Jewel & Fang Revived are locked and loaded, will they bring these belts back to the Club? Or will ELP & Leo make them regret ever kicking them off the team?

The introductions are made, the blue belts are raised, and we see if the Guerillas can stay NJPW Strong!

The fans rally for “E L P! E L P!” already, and ELP lets a young fan hold the IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team titles for a photo op. ELP then gets fans to cheer Leo and Jado as the teams sort out. ELP starts against Kenta, and fans rally up as the two stare down. Kenta is confused by the fans being so strongly behind ELP, but he and ELP still circle. But then Kenta backs off before he and ELP circle again. Kenta then steps outside to the apron, and he taunts trash on the fans. ELP gets the fans to cheer Kenta on if it’ll encourage him to get back in. Kenta ignores the fans, but the ref tells him to get in the ring, so Kenta steps back in.

But then ELP returns to favor by stepping outside. Leo gives ELP a shoulder rub to loosen him up. The fans rally for ELP, and ELP handsprings back in. ELP and Kenta stare down, but then Kenta tags out to Chase. ELP sighs and Chase takes his own time getting warmed up. Chase then bails out, and ELP points out how no one cares. ELP rushes out and chases Chase, but Chase gets in. ELP avoids Chase & Kenta stomping him, then they egg him on! ELP says no thanks, and then Kenta & Chase turn around to see Leo! Leo grabs them both, meeting of the minds, then a double shoulder tackle! Fans fire up and ELP gets in, he and Leo put Chase & Kenta in the corners.

ELP & Leo send Chase and Kenta into each other, then they atomic drop in stereo! Both Kenta and Chase hobble around, so Leo sends Chase into a corner. ELP sends Kenta into Chase, then sends Leo in to DOUBLE SPLASH! Kenta falls, ELP runs up to ELBOW Chase! Feed to Leo, SIDEWALK SLAM and FALLING AX HANDLE! Fans fire up and ELP winds up, for the high-five! ELP flexes and the fans cheer while he brings Chase up. ELP ROCKS Chase, ROCKS him again and Chase falls over. ELP eggs Chase on, but Chase knees him low! Chase runs, but ELP hurdles, drops, and DROPKICKS! Then handsprings up!

Fans cheer and ELP flexes again. ELP brings Chase up but Chase fires off fast hands and a forearm! Chase runs up to forearm smash, then short arm LARIAT! Cover, TWO! Fans rally but Chase stays cool. Chase coordinates with Kenta, and he sends ELP in. ELP stops himself, ELBOWS Kenta, then backflips over Chase to duck ‘n’ dodge and springboard CROSSBODY! ELP somersaults to ropes, but Kenta YANKS him up and out! Chase BLASTS Leo, and Kenta sends ELP into railing! Kenta then POSTS ELP, then stomps him down. Kenta argues with the ref, then he puts ELP in the ring. Chase covers, TWO!

Chase argues with the ref but the fans cheer. Chase whips ELP to ropes and CLOBBERS him! Tag to Kenta, and he drags ELP up to whip. Kenta ELBOWS ELP down, covers, TWO! Kenta clamps on a chinlock and he grinds ELP down. ELP endures, even as Kenta pushes up to put on the pressure. ELP fights around, fights up, and throws body shots. But Kenta throws ELP down! Kenta tags Chase, and they split the wishbone on ELP! Chase stalks ELP, keeps him from Leo, and headlock punches! Chase then hits a BIG back suplex! Cover, TWO! Fans rally as ELP reaches out for Leo, but Chase slaps Leo’s hand away!

Chase drags ELP away as the ref keeps Leo back. Kenta tags in and Bullet Club mugs ELP. Kenta KICKS ELP, sits him back up, and KICKS again! Kenta eggs ELP on but ELP fires forearms in return! Kenta claws the eyes! Fans boo, but Kenta snapmares to KICK ELP! Cover, ROPEBREAK! ELP’s long legs save him there, and Kenta is frustrated. The fans rally behind the Guerillas, but Kenta drags ELP around. Kenta bumps ELP off Chase’s boot. Kenta tags Chase, and Chase puts ELP under the ropes to ROPE GUILLOTINE! Kenta goes out after ELP to RAM him into railing! Leo storms over and Kenta hurries away.

The ring count is climbing, Leo coaches ELP up, but ELP is still down at 10 of 20. ELP crawls, Leo stares Kenta down, but ELP makes it in at 15! Chase is on ELP with a facelock, CLUBS him on the back, then tags Kenta. Kenta storms up on ELP to whip him to ropes. ELP sunset flips, TWO! Kenta gets free, and he grabs ELP’s leg to keep him from Leo! Chase tags in, he stomps ELP down, and then he drags ELP up. Chase & Kenta double whip but ELP holds ropes. ELP BOOTS Chase, DUMPS Kenta out, then runs up to RANA! The fans fire up and ELP hurries for the corner! Hot tag to- NO, Kenta YANKS Leo down!

Fans boo as Kenta stomps Leo, and Chase stomps ELP. Kenta slides in, he and Chase double back suplex! But ELP lands on his feet! ELP goes up and over Kenta, slides under Chase, but Chase grabs legs! ELP ENZUGIRIS Chase! Kenta hurries in to grab ELP’s legs, but ELP BOOTS him into Chase! Hot tag to Leo! The fans fire up as Leo rallies on Kenta with big elbows! Chase ducks ‘n’ dodges, but Leo runs him over! Kenta staggers up, Leo scoops him to SNAKE EYES! Leo keeps moving and he runs Kenta over! Chase fires forearms but Leo clamps on! Leo TOSSES Chase to a corner, then runs up, only for Chase to BOOT him!

Chase runs up to ROCK Leo, but Leo UPPERCUTS Chase! Leo choke grips Chase, grabs Kenta, but they break free! They kick low, double whip, but Leo breaks the line to DOUBLE LARIAT them! The fans fire up and Leo aims at Chase. Choke grip, but Chase breaks free! Chase aims, but Leo UPPERCUTS! Leo reels Chase in but Chase wrenches out to BOOT! Chase blocks Leo’s haymaker to KNEE back! Chase reels Leo in, tucks the arms, but Leo’s too big for the Heist! Leo back drops free! Chase sunset flips, but Leo drags him up with both hands! But Kenta pulls hair to THROW Leo onto Chase’s knees!

Leo writhes, Chase tags Kenta, and Kenta runs to WRECK ELP with a dropkick! Kenta then sends Chase in at Leo to forearm smash! Chase goes up and over, sweeps the legs, and Kenta runs up to HYDRAULIC DROPKICK! Leo is down in the drop zone and Kenta climbs up! DIVING DOUBLE STOMP!! Cover, TWO!!! Leo survives the Coup De Grace and Kenta can’t believe it! Fans fire up but Kenta slashes his throat. Kenta drags Leo up, fireman’s carries, but Leo is so big! Leo then flails free, grips Kenta, but Chase runs in! Leo shoves Kenta to BOOT Chase! Kenta blocks Leo’s kick to KNEE BREAKER!

Kenta fires off haymaker after haymaker, and Leo falls to his knees! Kenta runs up, but into the SNAP POWERSLAM! Fans fire up while both men are down! Leo crawls his way over, hot tag to ELP! ELP goes up the ropes to SWANTON BOMB! Then he somersaults to LIONSAULT! But he keeps moving, another somersault so he can TORNADO DDT Chase to the floor! Fans fire up as ELP hurries back up! ELP climbs a corner, and he THUNDER KISS- NO, Kenta moves! ELP rolls through, Kenta runs up to JUMP KICK! Then he puts ELP in the ropes, GREEN KILLER! Cover, TWO!!

The fans fire up as ELP survives, but Kenta brings down his kneepad. Kenta drags ELP up, fireman’s carries, but ELP fights free to backslide! Roll through, arms tucked, but Kenta fireman’s carries free! ELP slips free again, tucks again, but Kenta wrenches out! Kenta blocks a haymaker to URAKEN! ELP roars, but Kenta URAKENS again! Fireman’s carry for GO- NO! ELP turns GTS into a cradle, TWO!!! Kenta runs up, ELP gets around, O’Conner Roll! TWO into a BOOT from Chase! APRON DDT!! The ref reprimands but Kenta rolls ELP up, TWO!!! ELP survives and the fans fire up! But Kenta gets an arm, for the GAME OVER CROSSFACE!

ELP endures, he reaches out, and Jado coaches him towards that side! Kenta pulls back, but ELP has the ROPEBREAK with a foot! Chase runs up to stomp ELP! Leo storms in to kick Chase and CLUB away on him! Kenta fires off on Leo, but Leo choke grips! Chase CLUBS Leo, Kenta runs up, but Leo gets free! The BOOT takes out Chase! Leo CHOPS Kenta, ELP straitjackets and torture racks! Leo runs to BOOT Kenta into BRAIN SALAD!! Cover, TWO!! Kenta survives being the “Unidentified Flying Opponent,” but Leo & ELP pound the mat! They take up the corner and tune up the band!

Kenta rises, but Chase trips Leo! Chase YANKS Leo backwards into the post! Kenta dodges Sudden Death to DISCUS LARIAT! ELP and Kenta are down but the fans rally up! Kenta tags Chase, we’re at 20 minutes of the 30 minute time limit, and Bullet Club double whip! Double hip toss into a TU LO SABE! Cover, TWO!! ELP survives the powerbomb-neckbreaker combo, but Kenta hurries up top! Chase drags ELP up to tuck him in, but ELP wrenches free! ELP sends Chase to the ropes, and that trips Kenta up! ELP rolls Chase up, TWO! Chase runs in, ELP dodges the C-Trigger to SUDDEN DEATH!! Cover, TWO!!!

ELP hurries to haul Chase up, straitjacket and torture rack! BURNING HAMMER!! But Kenta aims, leaps, but ELP moves! Chase takes the DIVING DOUBLE STOMPS!! Leo storms in, choke grips Kenta, GODSEND!! ELP gives Chase CR2!!! Cover, the Guerrillas win!!

Winners: El Phantasmo & Hikuleo, by pinfall (still NJPW Strong Openweight Tag Team Champions)

A great win for ELP & Leo, but this was just round one. Chase & Kenta will be back for those IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Championships in Osaka, February 11th! Will the Two Belt Guerillas make it through the New Beginnings?

NEVER Openweight Championship: Tama Tonga VS EVIL w/ House of Torture!

The Good Bad Guy knows what it is to win and lose this belt, but so does the King of Darkness. With Sanada thwarting Evil from stealing the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship from Naito, will Evil just steal this title instead? Or will nothing stop the THREE-TIME NEVER Openweight Champion?

Naturally, Evil has the entire House with him tonight, but Tama decides to come out here on his own. The introductions are made, but the moment Tama’s in the ring, he CLOBBERS Evil! The fans fire up and Red Shoes rings the bell as Tama throws down fists! Evil gets away and bails out but Tama pursues. Evil kicks low, whips, but Tama reverses to send Evil into railing! Fans fire up as Tama whips Evil back into the railing! Evil writhes, the House complains, but Tama puts Evil in the ring. Tama storms in, he CLUBS away on Evil, then he brings out scissors! Red Shoes says no, but Tama wants to return the favor of the bad haircut!

Evil grabs at Red Shoes, and that keeps him from seeing the House get in! They grab the scissors, mug Tama, and fans boo as Evil keeps Red Shoes from seeing all this! But wait! Here come the Guerrillas, and even Desperado & Shota Umino! The Roughneck goes after his nemesis, Narita, Desperado goes after Kanemaru, Leo & ELP go after the rest! Fans cheer, Red Shoes asks what the heck, and here comes Jado with a kendo stick! The brawl is all over the ring, Tama keeps after Evil and vice-versa, and oddly no one else has touched either guy so there are no reasons to disqualify this one!

Red Shoes still reprimands as Tama pulls Evil’s hair and Evil claws at Tama’s face! Jado and Yujiro square off, kendo stick for pimp cane! Leo CLUBS Yujiro, Jado runs Dick Togo off! Red Shoes sighs as Shota choke Narita and ELP keeps Sho down. Evil claws Tama’s eyes, knees low, and Red Shoes says this is enough! Throw it out!

No Contest

The fans boo, it was just getting good! But Red Shoes’ orders are absolute, and Tama retains the title because of this. Tama didn’t want it like that, he still wants to fight! Evil shouts at Tama, too, but what can they do with all these other guys around? Tama gets a mic so he can speak, and the fans cheer him on. Tama says, “Hey, Evil, you SOB! We’re not done! We’re not done! We’re fighting today! You have your people, I have MY people! Let’s make this… a LUMBERJACK MATCH!” Fans like the sound of that! Evil says fine, and then Red Shoes assesses the situation. He makes sure this is all kosher, and the match is a go!

NEVER Openweight Championship Lumberjack Match: Tama Tonga VS EVIL!

Nagoya is all fired up for this escalated main event, and Evil slides in. The bell rings, and the brawl continues between these two! Tama fires off haymakers and an UPPERCUT, but Evil claws the eyes! Evil runs, but Tama CLOBBERS him! Evil bails out, but nope! Tama’s lumberjacks put him right in! Tama HEADBUTTS Evil, fires off body shots and an UPPERCUT, then storms around. Tama storms back up on Evil, but Evil shoves him away. Evil crawls out but Tama drags him back in! Tama kicks low, fireman’s carries, but Evil claws eyes! Fans boo, Red Shoes reprimands, but Evil TOSSES Tama out to the House’s side!

Tama fires off on Evil’s lumberjacks, and then Tama’s lumberjacks run up to fight them off! Fans fire up, even as Dick uses a chair and Yujiro uses his pimp cane! The House ends up standing tall as Evil blocks Red Shoes from seeing things clearly, and then Dick & Kanemaru drag the mats up! They DOUBLE SUPLEX Tama to the hardwood floor! Tama writhes, Evil gloats, but fans boo. Evil drags Tama up and brings him around. The lumberjacks continue to scrap, such as Narita and Shota going after each other, but Evil RAMS Tama into the timekeeper! Down goes Abe-san! Evil grabs the mic while Sho unties the blue buckle pad.

Evil says Tama’s FIRED from NJPW, then he stomps away on the Good Bad Guy. Evil storms into the ring, Sho throws Tama back in for him, and Evil drags Tama up. Evil talks more trash, then he whips Tama into the bare buckles! Tama writhes but Evil wants Red Shoes to check him. Red Shoes does check Tama, but Tama isn’t done just yet. Evil is being sneaky, he has Red Shoes check Tama’s guys so that he can then CHOKE Tama with a House of Torture shirt! Fans boo, Tama’s guys protest, but Evil gets away with that one. Evil then covers, but Red Shoes refuses because he knows there were shenanigans!

The House complains but the fans cheer, this is what Evil gets! Evil taunts Tama, Tama pushes him away, but Evil scuffs Tama around. Evil drags Tama up, tosses him back out, and Sho throws Tama back in. Evil then throws Tama back out, just so Sho can throw him back in. They’re doing this just to disorient Tama, but he DECKS Sho all the same! Tama is dizzy but still fighting, and ELP tells Sho to back off. Sho storms up so Leo goes after him! ELP joins in again, the brawling is back on, and at least it keeps Tama from taking cheap shots. Red Shoes tells them all to separate, and then Sho pushes Tama back into the ring.

Evil soaks up the heat, stomps away on Tama, and then CLUBS him down. Cover, TWO! The fans cheer but Evil clamps on with a chinlock. The fans rally as Tama endures, fights up, and pries the hold away. Tama body shots and elbows low, then runs. But Kanemaru trips Evil! Evil runs, so Desperado trips him! Fans cheer as the Rogue Luchador evens things with The Heel Master! Evil and Tama stir, the fans rally up, and both men stand. Evil swings but Tama counter punches Evil! And then counter punches again! And again! And again, and again, and again! Fans fire up as Tama punches then whips, but Evil reverses!

Tama comes right back to LARIAT! Tama rallies on Evil with more LARIATS, then the House gets mad! Tama DECKS Dick, DECKS Narita and DECKS Yujiro! Tama dodges Evil, hoists him up, BLUE THUNDER BOMB! Tama then goes up a corner, but Evil rolls away to the far side. Sho laughs at Tama but Tama says okay, PLANCHA! Down goes Sho & Kanemaru! But wait, Evil is trying to run away with the belt! This isn’t a scramble, that was earlier! Leo CLOBBERS Evil from behind! Leo stands Evil up for ELP to PURPLE NURPLE~! Evil endures the pain and then ELP brings him back to ringside.

ELP puts Evil in, the fans rally up as hard as they can, and now Evil wants mercy? Tama says nope, and he fireman’s carries! S R C! Tama goes up to the top, for SUPREME FLOW! Cover, TWO!! Evil survives, but Tama doesn’t waste time being frustrated! The fans rally as Tama slithers around and watches Evil. Tama’s guys pound the mat along with him, and the fans clap along. Evil rises, Tama GUN- NO, Evil uses Red Shoes as a shield! Then Evil kicks low, hoists Tama up, and he uses Red Shoes to help in MAGIC KILLER!! Yujiro drags Tama out, the House goes after the Guerillas, and Yujiro hits PIMP JUICE to the floor!

Fans boo as the House has control again, and Yujiro puts Tama in for Evil. Evil crawls to the cover, Red Shoes counts, TWO!!! Tama survives and the fans fire up! Evil is frustrated but he drags Tama up. Evil fireman’s carries, for DARKNESS FALLS! Cover, TWO!!! Tama survives again and the fans are thunderous! Evil is beside himself, and the fans are chanting “Let’s Go, Tama!” Evil says no, and he slashes his throat. Evil drags Tama back up, EVERYTHING- NO, Tama fights the STO with elbows! Evil LARIATS, but Tama stays up! The fans fire up again but Evil runs again, to LARIAT! Tama is still up on his feet!!

Tama grits his teeth, Evil throws off the elbow pad, and he runs, into a TONGAN TWIST!! Both men are down and the fans fire back up! Red Shoes checks, Tama and Evil stir, and both men push up off the mat. Evil grabs at Tama but Tama CHOPS! And CHOPS again! And CHOPS again! Evil kicks low, whips, but Tama reverses! Evil hits bare buckles! But he fights the back suplex! Tama waistlocks, Evil grabs Red Shoes’ sleeve! Tama lifts but Evil holds on, but Red Shoes swats Evil’s arm away! Tama O’Conner Rolls Evil, TWO!! Into a CHAIR SHOT from Dick!!! Evil rolls Tama up, TWO?!?!? The House can’t believe that didn’t work!!

Fans fire up as Tama rises! Evil runs in, but Tama drop toeholds him into Jado’s KENDO STICK STRIKE!! Roll up, TWO?!?!? Evil survives and the House is relieved! Tama goes to a corner, Evil sits up as he clutches his head, and Tama runs in. But the SPLASH is sent into Red Shoes! Narita BOOTS Tama! Shota SHOTGUNS Narita! Sho and Desperado get in! Desperado dodges the “Murder Tool” to SPINEBUSTER Sho! But Kanemaru dropkicks Desperado’s legs out! Leo storms in but Kanemaru dropkicks his legs out, too! Yujiro runs up, he and Kanemaru double whip, only for Leo to DOUBLE LARIAT!

ELP joins in, Leo gives him the boost to go up and up and ARIHARA MOONSAULT! Down goes so much of the House! But Evil has the belt!! He runs up, but Tama dodges! DROPKICK sends the belt into Evil’s face!! Tama aims, GUN- NO, Evil blocks, for EVERY- NO, Tama powers out! Tama runs to GUN- NO?!? Evil blocks, sends Tama at the bare buckles, but Tama stops himself! Evil shoves Red Shoes, Tama jumps up and over to GUN STUN!!!! Cover, TWO!?!?!? HOW?!?! Tama roars, he just drags Evil up again! Underhooks for the DIVE SHACK DRIVER!!! Cover, DICK DRAGS RED SHOES OUT!!!!

Fans boo as The Spoiler has his SPOILER CHOKER!!! Tama fights it, Jado SMACKS Dick! GUN STUN for Dick!! The fans are thunderous as Tama drags Evil back up. Underhooks and lift, but Evil fights it! Evil rams Tama to the ropes, Narita CRACKS Tama with his push-up bar!! EVERYTHING IS EVIL!!!! Cover, EVIL WINS!!!!

Winner: Evil, by pinfall (NEW NEVER Openweight Champion)

Just when Tama thought he could make it past one-and-done, just when he thought he had things fair and square, The House of Torture finds a new way to cheat! The Good Bad Guy’s final singles match in NJPW in Japan, and it has to end like this. After 14 years, is it going to be this asterisk that punctuates Tama’s career?

As for Evil, he truly does steal this title, and the House heads out to celebrate. What is going to become of NJPW if the House of Torture continues its reign of terror?

As for Tama, he stands back up, naturally emotional over what this moment really means. The fans cheer him, and he gets the mic again. “NJPW, arigato gozaimashete. NJPW fans, thank you. Thank you. Thank you for everything. Thank you for taking care of me. Thank you for giving me a home. Thank you for giving me a chance to know you. I love you.” The fans cheer again as Tama sets down the mic and blows a kiss goodbye. He also hugs it out with Leo, Jado and the rest. As the song says, ain’t nobody realer than Guerrilla, but what does the future hold for the Good Bad Guy?

My Thoughts:

A great event for NJPW to start a stacked New Beginning series. Okada announcing he’s on his way out of NJPW was definitely shocking, but he’s still gonna wrap things up with this New Beginning series. Good 8 Man Tag tonight, a little surprising TMDK won here but perhaps they and Okada’s team go back and forth leading up to the NEVER Openweight Six Man Tag title match. I would think TMDK wins that, and we worry about where Okada finds himself (AEW VS WWE, obviously) afterward.

Great “Ring Fit” match, and while Taiji wasn’t always doing best form as he blazed through the exercises, it was hilarious story for him to be so quick at it while Khan struggled. But what a great surprise that Khan still won out. Khan wants to make the KOPW more serious, similar to Takagi and Taichi, so I can’t be sure how much more he can do when Takagi was having endurance matches and No Disqualifications. Well, maybe Khan chooses to do that, too, with a more technical flair given he’s an established amateur wrestler and Mixed Martial Artist. Though, let’s not do the amateur judo match he did with Takagi. The fans voted for it but then got bored watching it.

Great Strong Openweight Tag Team Championship match with ELP & Leo of course retaining against Kenta & Chase. Them putting this on as a preview of the IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Championship match was an interesting move, but Nagoya sure didn’t care about Chase & Kenta. Hopefully the next crowd gets a bit more invested in the Heels, though I don’t suspect ELP & Leo losing the heavyweight titles, either. And wild stuff with Tama VS Evil. The No Contest, then the Lumberjack match, all pretty much allowing The House of Torture to do all the cheating they want, but I suppose it makes sense with Tama also on his way out.

Tama’s impending departure might be overshadowed by Okada’s, but Tama has always been a solid part of NJPW over his 14 years. From helping found Bullet Club with Prince Devitt/Finn Balor to carrying Bullet Club as members left for other places, to being ejected from Bullet Club, all the while building a great IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Championship legacy, and even having the NEVER Openweight Six Man and NEVER singles title along the way, Tama is himself a solid get for any stateside promotion. Though, I feel like he’d just get lost in the shuffle in AEW or even in WWE. He could go fulltime NJPW Strong, but maybe staying in NJPW in any form would kinda undercut the emotional goodbye we just got tonight.

My Score: 8.9/10

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Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!

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Up Next

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Coverage

Andrew’s TNA iMPACT! Match Results & Ratings: 9.19.2024

Victory Road was damn good, but behind us now. So let’s see how the build for Bound for Glory starts!

Published

7 hours ago

September 19, 2024

Andrew Balaz

Well hot damn, Victory Road was a solid night of action, surprises and an overall enjoyable watch. Even with the major let down segments of SDL and the Knockouts Tag, they were placed right in the middle…so there was energy aplenty for the last four matches. We do get to see where they’re going with Bound For Glory in about 6 weeks.

My fantasy booking has The System, ABC and Hardyz heading towards a championship 3 way dance. DeMALISH is done, so at least Masha is back on the singles circuit. Lets hope she makes short work of Lish and/or Tasha.

Time to see where the early steps take us on the way to Bound for Glory.

.@mashaslamovich LIVES A DREAM teaming with @MATTHARDYBRAND and @JEFFHARDYBRAND TONIGHT on iMPACT!

Subscribe to TNA to watch #TNAiMPACT NOW: https://t.co/UOkcaGoNH4 pic.twitter.com/N08dnmuwPv

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) September 20, 2024

Ratings:

First Cla$$ (KC Navarro & AJ Francis) vs Sinner & Saint ( Judas Icarus & Travis Williams): First Cla$$ win via Down Payment/Frog Splash combo – ** 1/4
Matt Cardona vs Rhino: Cardona DQ’d – My time wasted
Knockouts Tag Championship: Spitfire (Dani Luna & Jody Threat) (c) vs Kendal Grey & Carlee Bright: Spirefire retains via Pressure Drop – * 1/2
Texas Death Match: JDC vs Mike Santana: Santana wins – ** 3/4
Eddie Edwards, Brian Myers & Tasha Steelz w/Alisha Edwards vs Masha Slamovich & The Hardyz: Hardyz win via Twist & Swanton combo – *** 1/4

Results:

Lish talks smack, Masha comes out, Lish says she doesn’t even understand her – AND FINALLY – Masha speaks English. So she runs down Lish, says she’s sick of her but Tasha jumps Masha from behind. Lish grabs Kendra, attacks Masha and we see Tasha and Lish beatdown Masha until Jordynne makes the save for Masha. The System comes out to tip the numbers game, but then The Hardyz come out to save Masha and Jordynne.

Santino’s goofy music hits and I guess we’re heading to the 3×3 since Lish is still injured. Masha Slamabitch and the Hard Boyz will fight Tasha and System boys. Arianna’s music hits before Santino can say something to Jordynne, and she declares Jordynne gets an NXT friend next week to fight Rosemary and Wendy Choo. I just like Santino and Arianna playing together. It’s wholesomely moronic.

First Cla$$ (KC Navarro & AJ Francis) vs Sinner & Saint ( Judas Icarus & Travis Williams)

KC and Travis start off, KC hits some athletic counters, taunts a little and extends the hand but Travis turns it into an Arm Whip, tags in Icarus, they Double Team, AJ blind tags as KC rope runs, Spiderman pose in the ropes, AJ levels Icarus, KC takes out Travis, hits the tandem move The Deposit, into Tennessee Whiskey. KC tags back in, Snapmare into Footstomp and a near fall before AJ tags back in. They go for a tandem move on Icarus in the corner, but Icarus dumps KC to the outside, turns a Suplex into a DDT, and then crawls to Travis for simultaneous tags as Travis is working KC over. KC powders, tries to change sides but Sinner and Saint tandem redirect the dive. Inverted Suplex for a near fall.

AJ comes in, Lawn Darts Icarus into Travis, Down Payment, Frog Splash from KC…and First Cla$$ win!

Matt Cardona vs Rhino

Obviously just a step towards the eventual PCO versus Cardona, prolly at Bound for Glory. So this match is useless and Cardona has no reason to lose.

Cardona tries to pick his spot, but just gets his Foot picked out of mid air, and Rhino throws Cardona around the ring, Lariat, sets up for a Gore…but Cardona powders. Rhino follows and Suplexes Cardona onto the ramp, throws him back in and a Throat Chop from Cardona finally gives him some space. Missile Dropkick for an unnecessary pinfall, and then just grinding the Forearm into Rhino’s face in the corner. 10 Count Punches turned into a Powerbomb from Rhino for 2.

Rhino goes to get a chair, the ref admonishes him, Rhino throws the chair in, Cardona uses it in front of the referee and gets DQ’d. Radio Silence on Rhino after the DQ, Cardona looks to continue the punishment but lights go out and PCO attacks. Chokeslam, goes for the PCO-Sault, but Cardona powders and runs away. PCO goes full Ric Flair, attacks the chair and then PCO-Saults a steel chair.

Well…that’s new.

Knockouts Tag Championship: Spitfire (Dani Luna & Jody Threat) (c) vs Kendal Grey & Carlee Bright

You know how I’ve said these titles are useless right? Now they’re being defended against…no one. Bright Grey? That’s not even a Crayola Crayon color. I think I would enjoy constipation more than this match.

Jody and…Grey?… start and its just slow, headlocky, I guess trying to get across Grey’s amateur background, but it looks terribly…meh. Dani tags in and now my attention is peaked. Powerbomb attempt but Grey tries to slip it into a Cradle, Dani kicks out, catches Grey and Sack of Shit into Kip Up. Tandem Stalling Suplex after the tag, but only 2. Dani gets tagged in, they don’t seem to be taking Grey super seriously, so Grey finally kicks off and gets the tag to Bright. Okay, Cartwheel Knees is unique offense, not the Cheerleader Back Handspirng, I can respect that. Oh nice Standing Moonsault from Bright. Grey tags in, Jody takes a few seconds too long for the “blind tag”, Senton off the ropes to kill the two NXT girls, Pressure Drop, title retained.

Burn these belts and push Dani as a singles.

Texas Death Match: JDC vs Mike Santana

Jade looks like she’s cosplaying Peg Bundy during the intros but…ya know…not complaining. And it sounds like they’re doing the rules correctly with pinfall and then 10 count. So, that’s nice the rules seem to be clear.

JDC tries to attack Santana as he comes in from the crowd, Santana turns it around as expected and starts running JDC from corner to corner, Enzuigiri and multiple Bootwash corner spots. Santana looks for a Cannonball, but JDC powders, so Santana stalks a little, Tope con Hilo connects! Santana finds some chairs as the morons start chanting for tables when it’s 4 minutes in. That chant just screams inbred and stupid anymore.

Santana puts the two chairs back to back and looks to hit the old Eddie Kingston spot on JDC, but JDC fights it off, 10 count punches that JDC counters with the Powerbomb through the back to back chairs. Trash can and kendo stick time for Dango. Dude, Stomp is soo 1999 but its apparently cool in Texas. DOWN AND DIRTY on the trash can from JDC! But he can’t cover since now he’s selling his own pain for dropping on a can. Santana smartly powders and JDC tries to remember how to walk. Santana crawls up to his feet bleeding, but he also found a Barbedwire Bat! Dango tries to grab him, BAT TO FACE! Of course they head to a commercial right as the match gets bloody…sigh.

So we’re back and they’re fighting in the crowd, or no, some staging area about the crowd. Dango is bleeding, Santana is bleeding, Santana counters Dango and hits a Piledriver on the stage for 2! Brawling up some steps, JDC kicks off Santana and connects with a Tornado DDT for 2! Santana rolls over and flops off the stage as he crawls to…somewhere. JDC with the low speed pursuit, he finally charges and gets tossed into some broken barricade makeshift something! Santana slams a production case into Dango a few times, as Dango tries to crawl up a table to get away. Santana walks back up to the stage, and stops himself mid-charge. FINDS A LADDER. Santana gets the ref and someone else to hold it, goes to the top of the ladder…and Splash through JDC on the table.

Takes entirely too long, so while it looks cool its pretty stupid. 1-2-3, the pinfall happens, but lets see if the 10 count holds. 10 count goes through, Santana wins.

Moose attacks afterwards and just beats the tar out of him with a chair.

Lei Ying Lee debuts NEXT WEEK on #TNAiMPACT!

Subscribe to TNA to watch iMPACT NOW: https://t.co/UOkcaGoNH4 pic.twitter.com/kHtnOSs0Gj

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) September 20, 2024

Hendry comes out, Kaz interrupts, Nic Nemeth basically agrees to fight everyone. So Santino makes it shot and succulent, and decides for Hendry and Kaz to have a number 1 contender match next week. Nothing of crazy merit was said during the promo, so I decided to take Santino’s directions and go for short and succulent.

Eddie Edwards, Brian Myers & Tasha Steelz w/Alisha Edwards vs Masha Slamovich & The Hardyz

Well right after intros they cut to a commercial, so maybe we won’t get anymore. Tasha and Masha start off, and throw fists fast, things stay close and they trade. Masha gets the advantage after a Drop Toe Hold into the middle rope, kick to the face, running knees and Tasha tags out to Eddie. Masha doesn’t care she wants to fight Eddie but Eddie cheap shots Matt on the apron and Matt tells Masha to tag him in. So Eddie doesn’t look like a completely shitty heel, and the crowd pops for a Hardy.

Matt chokes Eddie along the ropes, Leg Drape attack and tags in my name is Jeff. A little classic Hardy tandem work, Myers just runs in, stack the dorks, Splash version of Poetry in Motion. System gets Lariated out, Tasha tries to attack Matt but Masha eats Tasha. Whips her 3 times into corners and Poetry in Moscow. All of the System is on the outside, so Masha goes to the top, Senton off the top rope and Bowling Balls The System. Ugh…picture in picture is awful…stop with commercials at bad times. I really miss the commercial free YouTube version.

So to no one’s surprise, of course The System take control during the distraction break, Masha is being isolated, Eddie tags in and he’s taking his sweet time for a chop. So again, Eddie doesn’t make contact. Masha drops Tasha, ducks the men, hot tag to Jeff! Jeff lights up Eddie, looks for Whisper in the Wind but Myers pulls Eddie out of the way and Jeff hits nothing. And unlike Jinder, Eddie didn’t bump to a breeze. Eddie tags out to Myers, Russian Leg Sweep and Front Face Lock is keeping Jeff down. Jeff fights back up, but Myers clocks him. Myers tags in Tasha, and Tasha goes with the Knife Edge Chops on Jeff, mocks the Jeff dance, then twerks in his face before tagging Eddie back in.

Myers attacks Matt off the apron and even Masha, but Jeff starts to fight back, goes for the Whisper again, and this time connects on both! Jeff tags in Matt, so he starts working through the System boys. Neckbreaker into the Delete Headsmashes for both members of the System. Side Effect on Myers for only two. Matt calls for the Twist, the crowd responds well, but the Twist is countered, Lish grabs Matt’s foot but the referee sees it. EJECTION! Poor Tami-Lynn, she doesn’t wanna go, Hardys and Masha laugh and sing the Hey Hey Hey song, Lish says no so the ABC walk down and pick her up and carry her out. Twist of Fates for everyone, Swanton Bomb from Jeff, Hardyz and Masha win!

Overall Score: 6/10

Serviceable in regards to setting up most of the threads for Bound for Glory. The actual wrestling could’ve been a lot better, but for a starting point, it could’ve been worse. Xia Li getting her new name revealed, which I like. Some kind of Thunder reference, mixed in with the fact her vignettes give Mortal Kombat vibes, its very cool. The Knockouts Tags definitely feel like useless metal, Santana and JDC was probably better to experience in person, because the commercial break broke the momentum…and Gods damn was that finish sooo slow. At least the Texas Death Match rules were correct.

Crowd was also hot for the Hardyz, so the combination of “evil Russian” dropping the accent and proving to be a Hardy fangirl and get the Hardyz babyface rub sets up Masha nicely. She should be the next face of the Knockouts Division.

Next week we’ll hopefully get a touch more clarity or reasons for multi-person shmoz matches. But reasons are reasons, and this moved in logical enough directions.

About Chairshot Radio Network

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CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS

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

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

Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5

Classic POD is WAR

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Coverage

Mitchell’s ROH Results & Report! (9/19/24)

Is Dark Order good enough?

Published

10 hours ago

September 19, 2024

Steven Mitchell

Team Texas meets Dark Order on the Proving Ground!

Dustin Rhodes & Sammy Guevara need challengers for the ROH World Tag Team Championships, so Evil Uno & Alex Reynolds are put to the test! Will they last the necessary ten minutes?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

ROH Women’s World TV Championship Proving Grounds: Red Velvet VS Allysin Kay; Velvet wins and denies Allysin a title opportunity.
The Gates of Agony VS Dante Leon & Trip Jordy; The Gates of Agony win.
Preston Vance VS Brandon Cutler; Vance wins.
John Silver w/ The Dark Order VS KM; Silver wins.
Rachael Ellering VS Maggie Lee; Rachael wins.
The Infantry w/ Trish Adora VS Spanish Announce Project; The Infantry wins.
Anthony Ogogo w/ Shane Taylor VS Kit Sackett; Ogogo wins.
Brian Cage VS Deonn Rusman; Cage wins.
ROH World Tag Team Championships Proving Ground: Dustin Rhodes & Sammy Guevara VS Evil Uno & Alex Reynolds w/ John Silver; Dustin & Sammy win and deny The Dark Order a title opportunity.

PLAY BY PLAY

ROH Women’s World TV Championship Proving Grounds: Red Velvet VS Allysin Kay!

The Chef is cooking, and she even whipped up a new look for the belt! Will Velvet have the whole women’s division seeing red? Or will AK say pinkies out as she eats up this dish?

The Code of Honor is upheld with a pinkie swear, and the two circle. They tie up and Allysin shoves Velvet down. Velvet gets up, dodges Allysin, and wags a finger. Allysin runs up again, Velvet slides under, then she ducks ‘n’ dodges to tilt-o-whirl RANA! The fans fire up and Velvet fires off body shots in the corner! Velvet lets off, but then comes back to stomp high and low. Velvet lets off to dig her boot in! The fans cheer as Velvet does the splits and stirs it up. Velvet lets off as the ref counts, then she comes back to fire forearms. Velvet runs, wheelbarrows, but Allysin says no to the bulldog, WHEELBARROW GERMAN! Cover, TWO!

Allysin drags Velvet up to TOSS her to a corner, then CHOPS her! The fans fire up, Allysin CHOPS again. Allysin bumps Velvet off buckles, Velvet hits back, but Allysin fires her own body shots. Then a fireman’s carry to a SAMOAN DROP! Cover, TWO! Allysin drags Velvet up, Velvet fires body shots of her own again! Velvet runs, but Allysin catches the crossbody! FALL AWAY SLAM! Cover, TWO! Velvet toughs it out but Allysin drags her back up. Velvet fires more body shots, Allysin shoves her away, but Velvet runs up. Allysin sidesteps and runs, Velvet CALF KICKS, but Allysin deflects it! Then she gets an ANKLE LOCK!

Velvet endures as Allysin twists the foot. The fans rally, Velvet reaches out, ROPEBREAK! Allysin lets go at 4, then storms back up. Allysin snapmares Velvet, and clamps on with a straitjacket stretch! Velvet endures, even as Allysin digs a knee into her back. The fans rally up, Velvet fights up, and Velvet arm-drags free! Velvet runs up, to tilt-o-whirl and IRON OCTOPUS! Allysin endures, the fans rally, and Allysin powers right into a gut wrench! But Velvet clicks her heels, slips free, and hits a STUNNER! Velvet runs, but into a SPINEBUSTER! Cover, TWO!! Velvet survives and Allysin grows frustrated.

Allysin drags Velvet up and in, Canadian Rack into the Gory Especial, but Velvet sunset flips it! TWO, and both women stand! Velvet LARIATS, but Allysin stays up! Velvet runs again, and she LARIATS again, but Allysin wags her finger. Velvet tries again, ducks Allysin’s lariat and LEAPING LARIATS! Then she CALF KICKS! Allysin falls, Velvet roars and the fans fire up! Velvet runs, wheelbarrows, and STUNNERS! Allysin falls back, Velvet goes after her at the ropes. The fans rally, Velvet pumps up and runs, to DOUBLE KNEE! Velvet YANKS Allysin off ropes, rolls with her, and dragon sleepers! JUST DESSERTS! Cover, Velvet wins!

Winner: Red Velvet, by pinfall (denies Allysin Kay a title match)

A solid win from The Chef, and she tells Diamante that she has the blood of a fighter! Eat, sleep, breathe, wrestling! Will everyone be served up some hot, fresh L’s in Red Velvet’s kitchen?

The Dark Order speak.

Dustin Rhodes wants more championships, and it makes Evil Uno sick! Alex Reynolds says that greed will lead to Dustin’s downfall. The funny thing about this Proving Ground is that The Dark Order has nothing to prove. Dustin & Sammy have to show they can beat The Dark Order in 10 minutes. All Dark Order has to do is beat the clock, and then unlike Dustin & Sammy, the Dark Order will earn a title opportunity. Dark Order is ROH, and they vow to get both revenge, and those ROH World Tag Team Championships. Will Evil Uno & Alex Reynolds show the world #DarkOrderisGood enough?

The Outrunners speak.

Truth Magnum tells The Iron Savages, “You wanna attack The Outrunners from behind?” Turbo Floyd & Erica Leigh shake their heads. But they don’t call him The Truth for nothing! And the truth is, if you’ve got beef, here are two Grade A master chefs, and they’re running hot! Keep your “savage sauce,” because you’re looking two young men absolutely jacked to the gills on “best-tosterone!” Turbo says the Savages have a few things he can respect: their muscles; their tans; their glitz; but they ain’t got no glamour! That’s what The Outrunners have! And in ROH, if you want it, let him tell you: Any time, any place!

Because if you haven’t seen The Outrunners, you haven’t seen nothing yet! Erica barks, but will Truth & Turbo find they’re barking up the wrong tree?

The Premier Athletes speak.

Mark Sterling says, “Whoa, whoa, hold on. Do you recognize this man? Of course you do. Because over a million of you saw him do the most impressive wrestling move you’ve ever seen in your life. But did you just see the move and scroll past it? Or did you actually think about who was the man that did the move? I’ll tell you who that man is. This is Josh Woods, National Champion, 108 collegiate wins, four-time All American! And there’s more where that came from.” Woods says he can do that to anybody. Anytime, anywhere. Then when and where will we see the Technical Beast do that for some gold?

The Infantry w/ Trish Adora VS Spanish Announce Project!

While Shawn Dean & Carlie Bravo have made amends with The Outrunners, they’re still aiming at the ROH World Tag Team Championships. But that just means they’re one of many, because the reinvigorated Angelico Y Serpentico want their shot! Who rises up the ranks with a win while the other falls in Sioux Falls?

The teams sort out and #BadNews&Tattoos starts against the South African Stud. They shake hands for the Code of Honor, and Bravo gets an “OORAH!” going. Bravo and Angelico circle, the fans rally, and the two tie up. Angelico wrenches, wristlocks, but Bravo reaches down, slips around, and he wristlocks back. Bravo says they’re really wrestling and the fans have a laugh. Bravo keeps on the wrist, but spins, opens the hold, then steps over for a modified cording hold! Then Angelico wrenches the other wrist, but Bravo rolls, handsprings, pops ‘n’ locks and he gets Angelico with that vibe! Then Bravo reels Angelico in for a headlock!

The fans cheer, but Angelico powers up and out. Angelico drops, then hip tosses, but Bravo spins through it to arm-drag! The fans cheer again, Bravo eggs Angelico on, ducks the haymaker, but Angelico ducks the backhand. Bravo ducks the roundhouse, jumps the sweep, and dropkicks cancel out! Angelico spins to his feet while Bravo kips up, and both men Bernie Lean and walk it out! The fans cheer, and the two tag to The Captain and #SNAKEMAN. The fans “OORAH!” with Bravo again, and Dean shakes hands with Serpentico. They tie up, Dean headlocks, but Serpentico powers out. Dean runs Serpentico over!

The fans rally as Bran says Dean is so strong. Things speed up, Dean hurdles but Serpentico ducks ‘n’ dodges to RANA! The fans fire up but Dean is on his feet. Dean runs up, but into BOOTS! Dean tries again but Serpentico RANAS! But then Dean arm-drags! And arm-drags again! And DROPKICK! The fans fire up and Dean brings Serpentico up. Dean wrenches Serpentico, tags Bravo, and The Infantry double whip. DOUBLE HIP TOSS! A rough landing for Serpentico, but Infantry DOUBLE FIST DROP! Angelico storms in, Dean blocks a kick, hands it to Bravo, then ENZIGIRIS Bravo slips around to hit a NECKBREAKER!

The fans fire up while Angelico bails out. Serpentico slowly rises, Bravo brings him up, but Serpentico headlocks. Bravo powers out but Angelico tags in. Serpentico ducks Bravo and Angelico scoops to BACKBREAKER! Angelico stands Bravo up, Serpentico runs in, NECKBREAKER DROP BACKBREAKER COMBO! Cover, TWO! Bravo stays in this but Angelico stays on him with a cording hold. Bravo endures, the fans rally up, and Bravo fights up, only for Angelico to knee low! Tag to Serpentico, SAP double whip, then they both drop. Bravo is very surprised by that but clears them both. Angelico hip tosses Bravo, then SAP ZENMAI! Cover, TWO!

The fans rally as Bravo stays in this. Serpentico drags Bravo up, tags Angelico back in, and SAP mugs Bravo. Angelico stomps Bravo while Adora rallies the fans with “Let’s Go, Bravo, Let’s Go!” Bravo CHOPS Angelico, Angelico KNEES low! Angelico JABS Bravo, wrenches and lifts, BIG back suplex! Cover, TWO! Angelico keeps Bravo down by bending his arm against a knee. Bravo endures, the fans rally, but Angelico top wristlocks. Bravo fights up, fires body shots, but Angelico ROCKS him! Angelico stalks Bravo to ropes, brings him up, and then wrenches. Angelico back suplexes, but Bravo lands out! Bravo reaches out, but Angelico keeps him back!

The fans rally, and Bravo BACKHANDS Angelico away! Hot tags to Dean and Serpentico! The fans fire up as Dean rallies on SAP with LARIAT after LARIAT! Then he floats on Angelico to DDT! Kip up, and he gets Serpentico, spin and “SONIC BOOM~” LARIAT! The fans fire up while Serpentico goes to a corner, and Dean says, “OORAH!” The fans echo “OORAH!” and Dean ELBOWS Serpentico! Bravo tags in then follows Dean as he takes Serpentico side to side. Buckle bump and a BOOT, then Dean goes back to a corner. Bravo bumps Serpentico off buckles again, and Dean runs in to LEAPING LARIAT!

The fans fire up while Dean lands safe on the apron, and Bravo scoops Serpentico to MICHINOKU DRIVER! Cover, TWO!! Serpentico survives and Bravo is stunned! Dean calls for Boot Camp and he tags in. Dean hooks Serpentico up, Bravo runs, but Angelico trips him! Angelico drags Bravo out to UPPERCUT, and Serpentico snapmares Dean. Serpentico mule kicks, ROCKS and SUPERKICKS! Angelico steps in to clinch and FLATLINER! Serpentico goes up, FROG SPLASH! Cover, TWO!! Dean survives and SAP is shocked! The fans rally up but SAP drags Dean up. SAP coordinate, Angelico runs, but Bravo trips Angelico up!

Bravo drags Angelico out now, and ROLLING ELBOW! Serpentico ROCKS Dean, runs, but Bravo returns! Infantry dodges Serpentico to fire off the Captain & Bucky combo! Then DOUBLE ROLLING ELBOWS! The fans fire up with The Infantry, and they hook Serpentico up again. Time for BOOT CAMP!! Cover, Infantry wins!

Winners: The Infantry, by pinfall

SAP put up a fight, but The Infantry are marching up towards the top of the rankings! Bravo says never fear, the Infantry is here! But will they be armed and ready for a title shot in the near future? And perhaps best of all, The Infantry offer the Code of Honor, and SAP takes it!

Shane Taylor Promotions speaks.

Anthony Ogogo says it is so good to be Anthony Ogogo! The skull-crackin’, jaw-jackin’ Gov’nah is back in ROH! Shane Taylor himself says it’s great to have him back. Ogogo says he was in Paris for the Olympics, watching the very best athletes win gold. But brother, it got Ogogo thinking. It’s time for him to win gold in ROH! Shane likes that, too. Shane says a wise man once said, “First you get the money, then you get the power.” Around here, winning gold is both! And STP is gonna start taking every championship ROH has to offer. AEW is where the best wrestler, but ROH is where the baddest rumble! Will Ogogo and Big Bad Shaney T. soon join Lee Moriarty as champions of ROH?

ROH World Tag Team Championships Proving Ground: Dustin Rhodes & Sammy Guevara VS Evil Uno & Alex Reynolds w/ John Silver!

Dustin is a double champion here in ROH, and that’s all the reason The Dark Order needed to despise him! But will they be able to bring down The Natural & The Spanish God? Or will Team Texas be riding high in South Dakota?

The Code of Honor is tentatively upheld, but Reynolds does go and push Sammy. The teams sort out and Sammy starts against Reynolds. The fans rally as the two circle, but then Reynolds bails out. Sammy is annoyed, the fans boo, but Reynolds reminds us, the Dark Order doesn’t even need to beat the champs, just last the ten minutes. Silver and Reynolds high-five, the fans rally for Sammy, and he waits on Reynolds. Reynolds takes his time returning, and then Reynolds tags Uno. And Uno tells Sammy, “I want this guy!” He points at Dustin, Sammy points at Dustin, and the fans fire up as Sammy tags Dustin!

Dustin and Uno circle, they approach, but then Uno bails out to troll Dustin. Uno does a sarcastic victory lap, but Dustin cuts him off. Uno says whoa, hold on, only to turn around and see Sammy! The fans cheer but Uno runs away into the ring! Team Texas grabs at him, knocks him down, and then Uno gets up into an UPPERCUT! Sammy hooks Uno up, Dustin joins in, DOUBLE RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP! Sammy kips up, Reynolds runs in, but into a DROPKICK! Sammy kips real smooth, and then he tells Dustin to dive! The fans fire up, Dustin fires up, and while Dark Order regroups, Team Texas builds speed!

But then Dark Order scurries away, Sammy & Dustin put on the brakes, and the fans boo. Sammy spins and poses, so Dustin busts out the spinarooni! Dustin poses, too, and the fans fire up! The Dark Order gets mad, but turnabout is fair play. The Dark Order decides to just bail, but Dustin chases them down! Dustin SMACKS Uno, ROCKS Reynolds, then gets Silver to back off. Dustin UPPERCUTS Uno, SMACKS him off the apron, then stalks him around the way. Dustin puts Uno in the ring, but Reynolds storms up. Dustin counter punches! Uno distracts the ref, allowing Silver to POST Dustin! The fans boo and Silver protests, but Reynolds throws hands on Dustin.

Reynolds puts Dustin in, Uno bumps him off buckles, and he stomps a mudhole. Tag to Reynolds, the Dark Order mugs Dustin, and Reynolds snapmares Dustin. Reynolds steps on Dustin, then uses the ropes to IMPLODER ELBOW DROP! Cover, TWO! Reynolds keeps Dustin from Sammy, bumps him off buckles, and tags Uno. The fans rally, Uno CHOPS Dustin, then he soaks up the heat. Uno goes back to Dustin, but Dustin UPPERCUTS! Reynolds grabs Dustin but Dustin ROCKS him! Dustin fires more shots on Uno, but Reynolds barks at Dustin. So Dustin DECKS Reynolds! But he turns around into a kick from Uno!

Uno runs, but he runs into the SNAP POWERSLAM! The fans fire up while both men are down! Uno crawls to his corner, but there’s no Reynolds! Dustin crawls, but Silver distracts the ref from the hot tag! The ref stops Sammy, not knowing what happened, and then Uno BOOTS Sammy! Uno SPLASHES Dustin, bumps him off buckles, and Reynolds goes up. Uno sets Dustin up for a FLYING DOUBLE STOMP! Reynolds then DIVES onto Sammy! Uno hits a PILEDRIVER on Dustin! Cover, TWO!! Dustin survives and Uno is shocked! Another cover, TWO! Uno grows frustrated but we’re five minutes in, time is still on their side.

Uno calls to Reynolds, brings Dustin over, and tags Reynolds in. The Dark Order mugs Dustin, but Dustin fights back with big hands! But then Dark Order pushes Dustin back! Dustin dodges Uno, dodges Reynolds, and the ref sees this hot tag! Sammy goes up to DOUBLE CROSSBODY The Dark Order down! The fans fire up, Sammy CLOBBERS Uno, then keeps moving to duck ‘n’ dodge Reynolds so he can CLOBBER him, too! The fans fire up as Sammy kips up, and Sammy RAMS in to Reynolds! Sammy goes to the apron to ENZIGIRI Reynolds, and he SUPERKICKS Uno! Reynolds then springboards in, but Reynolds gets under!

Reynolds runs up, into a CUTTER! Dustin runs in to add a SHINING WIZARD! Cover, Uno breaks it! Dustin storms up, Uno shouts “STOP~!” Then he ROCKS Dustin with a right hand! But Sammy JUMP KNEES Uno! Uno tumbles out, Sammy goes for Reynolds, but Silver drags him out! The fans boo as Dark Order regroups again. Sammy says that’s fine, and he builds speed, to FLY! Down goes The Dark Order! Sammy puts Reynolds in for Dustin to hop on, DESTROYER! Dustin brings Reynolds up, Sammy climbs, and we get a FINAL RECKONING, into the SWANTON BOMB! Cover, Team Texas wins!

Winners: Dustin Rhodes & Sammy Guevara, by pinfall (denies The Dark Order a title match)

Uno & Reynolds played not to win but to not lose, and that only backfired every step of the way! But wait! THE CAGE OF AGONY ATTACKS! The fans boo, but Brian Cage fireman’s carries Sammy, for an F5!! The Gates mug Dustin, The Dark Order cheers while the fans boo! Kaun & Liona hold up the tag titles, then they stand Dustin up, for the DOUBLE LARIAT SANDWICH!! Dustin falls over, is this just a foreshadowing of what is to come? Or can Dustin & Sammy survive the gauntlet of challengers?

My Thoughts:

A very good episode of ROH, with it coming in at an hour and 10 minutes. It still had a lot of matches that were easily filler, but I again commend them on giving everyone good showings. A little surprised, and maybe a little disappointed, that Harley Cameron did not appear to go after Rachael Ellering. They could get that story going if they really wanted but they sure drag things out. But I do like that a big development was Red Velvet changing the belt, the red strap looks so good with the dark silver ROH uses for their belts. We just need them to hurry up and give us Velvet VS Diamante, not sure what they’re waiting on.

Sterling’s promo with Josh Woods was itself basically filler, because we already went through the phase of “Let’s hype The Premier Athletes up.” Just get Woods going in the Pure Division so he can eventually face Lee Moriarty, and maybe even give us some STP beating up on Tony Nese & Ariya Daivari. Speaking of which, after Ogogo of course “knocked out” his opponent tonight, good promo from him and Shane. STP is a team I’d definitely like seeing pull of the “dripping with gold” trope. Moriarty has the Pure Championship, the whole crew can be Six Man Champs, and I suppose Ogogo can “knock out” Atlantis Jr. to get the TV title while Shane finally beats Mark Briscoe to get the world title.

And a lot of good stuff is cooking in the Six Man as well as traditional Tag Divisions. We got a very good match from Infantry and SAP, and a very good promo from Outrunners calling out The Iron Savages. And while we got a really good tag match out of Dark Order and Team Texas, I figured Team Texas would win out. Clearly, Cage of Agony wants next, but I would think Kaun & Liona have a better chance getting the World Tag titles than the whole faction does the Six Man titles. Cage of Agony, while they were Mogul Embassy, already had a dominant run with the Six Man belts, let another faction have their time.