Coverage
Mitchell’s NJPW New Beginning Sapporo Results & Report! (2/23/24)
Night one!

It’s a golden New Beginning in Sapporo!
NJPW returns to Sapporo, with FIVE different championships on the line, from the IWPG Women’s title to the new IWGP Global Championship! Will NJPW’s landscape change drastically tonight?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Frontier Zone: Toru Yano & Tomoya VS Tomoaki Honma VS Shoma Kato; Yano & Tomoya win.
- Yuji Nagata VS Zack Sabre Jr; ZSJ wins.
- Six Man Tag: Ryusuke Taguchi, Togi Makabe & Boltin Oleg VS The House of Torture; The House of Torture wins.
- 8 Man Tag: Chaos VS The United Empire; Chaos wins.
- 10 Man Tag: Los Ingobernables de Japon VS Just5Guys; LIJ wins.
- IWGP Women’s Championship: Mayu Iwatani VS Mina Shirakawa; Mayu wins and retains the title.
- IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship: El Desperado VS SHO; Sho wins and becomes the new IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion.
- NEVER Openweight Championship: EVIL VS Shota Umino; Evil wins and retains the title.
- NJPW World Television Championship: Hiroshi Tanahashi VS Matt Riddle; Riddle wins and becomes the new NJPW World Television Champion.
- IWGP Global Heavyweight Championship: David Finlay VS Nic Nemeth; Nemeth wins and becomes the new IWGP Global Heavyweight Champion.
PLAY BY PLAY
IWGP Women’s Championship: Mayu Iwatani VS Mina Shirakawa!
The Sky Blue Hyper Technician continues her reign as the third-ever champion, but she’s running into quite the challenger. The “Fighting H-Cup Gravure Wrestler” wants to add gold to the Glamorous Collection Mina, will she do it? Or will there be no new beginning for this title just yet?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who is truly the Icon of Stardom!
The bell rings and the two rush in! Mina ducks the booth, gets around to headlock, but Mayu powers out. Mina jumps the dropdown, then redirects! She slides under another boot but Mayu ELBOWS her down! The fans fire up and Mayu bumps Mina off buckles. Mayu whips corner to corner, runs in, but Mina dropkicks the legs out! The fans rally up as Mina kicks Mayu around. Mina grabs a leg, SMASHES the knee, and then stalks Mayu to ropes. Mina kicks Mayu around, drags her up, and then carries her. Mina ties up the legs and the fans rally, before the DOUBLE KNEE BUSTER! Mayu writhes more but Mina grabs the legs again.
Mina steps through, ties the legs up, and then DROPS into the Trailer Hitch! Mina lets Mayu go to kick her around, but Mayu CHOPS! Mina just smiles and KICKS the bad leg. Mina bumps Mayu off buckles, puts the bad leg in ropes and pulls! Mayu pulls hair in return, the ref reprimands and counts. Mina lets go to dropkick the leg! Fans rally up again as Mayu gets free of the ropes. Mina goes corner to corner, but Mayu slips around rolls, Mina up, and basement dropkicks her down! The fans fire up with Mayu, then she gest going, DROPKICK against ropes! Mayu drags Mina up, NORTHERN LIGHTS! Bridging cover, TWO!
The fans rally up again as Mayu brings Mina around. Mina’s in the drop zone as Mayu goes up, but Mina rises! Mina SLAPS Mayu, then SUPER DRAGON SCREWS the leg! Mina steps through again, and has the FIGURE FOUR! Mayu scrambles and flails, and reaches for the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer while Mina lets go in frustration. Mina stalks Mayu, gets a leg, but Mayu holds ropes. Mina KICKS Mayu’s arms, suplexes her, and hits MAGIC SCREW! Cover, TWO! Mayu is still in this and the fans rally up again. Mina shouts and eggs Mayu on. Mina stands Mayu up, Electric Chair Lifts, but Mayu POISON-RANAS free!
The fans rally while both women are down! Mina stirs while Mayu crawls her way over. Mina fires a forearm first! Mayu gives it back! Mina throws another forearm, but so does Mayu! They stand as the shots keep going, faster and faster! The fans rally up as Mayu gest the edge! But Mina blocks to UPPERCUT! Mina eggs Mayu on, Mayu SLAPS her back! Mina roars and fires palm strike after palm strike! Mina ROCKS Mayu, runs, but Mayu follows to ELBOW her! Mayu snapmares and KICKS her in the back! The fans fire up and Mayu drags Mina back up. But Mina breaks free, only to swing into a SNAP DRAGON!
Mayu aims, SUPERKICK! Mina flounders around while the fans rally behind Mayu. Mayu puts Mina back in the drop zone, steps over her and goes up the corner. The bad leg worries her but she makes it to the top. Mayu aims, and FROG SPLASHES! Cover, TWO!! Mina survives and the fans fire up again! Mayu steps on Mina this time, and she goes back up top! Mayu takes aim, to MOONSAULT FLOP as Mina moves! Mina aims from the corner now, and she runs in to GLAMOROUS SWORD ENZIGIRI! Mina roars as she drags Mayu back up. Mina Electric Chair Lifts again! GLAMOROUS DRAGON SCREW!!
And then Mina goes right into the FIGURE FOUR!! Mayu endures as she’s right on the NJPW lion logo! Mayu flails, reaches out, but Mina pulls on the leg! Mina thrashes around but Mayu drags her along! They turn over, and over, and Mayu has lost ground! Mayu shouts and powers her way around, only for Mina to power her back! Mina thrashes more, but Mayu fights one more time! They roll and roll, but Mina stops Mayu short! Mayu fights, claws at the mat, and has the ROPEBREAK! The fans fire up again while Mina lets go in frustration! Mina storms around, drags Mayu back to center, and wants it again! But Mayu BOOTS her!
Mayu gets up, into a ROLLING ELBOW! URAKEN! IMPALER DDT! Cover, TWO!! Mina is stunned and the fans fire up again! Mina snarls, drags Mayu back up and dragon sleepers, and even figure-fours the legs! GLAMOROUS- NO, Mayu fights off the driver! Mayu gut wrenches, and TOMBSTONE PILEDRIVERS!! The fans fire up again as Mayu BUZZSAWS Mina down! Mina flounders to a corner, Mayu’s leg keeping her from making a cover. Mina stands up, Mayu runs in to DROPKICK! Mina staggers around and Mayu fires up! Mina falls into the drop zone as Mayu climbs! Mina stands up for the MISSILE DROPKICK!
Mayu says “MADA MADA! <NOT YET!>” Mayu goes back up, to DIVING DOUBLE STOMP!! And yet that’s still not it?! Mayu goes back up, she wants the MOONSAULT!! Cover, TWO?!?! Mina survives the onslaught and the fans are thunderous! Mayu drags Mina up and reels her into a full nelson. SNAP- NO, Mina slips free to reel Mayu in! GLAMOROUS COLLECTION MINA! TWO!!! Mayu escapes, Mina runs, but into a SUPERKICK! Mina rebounds but Mayu gets around, SNAP DRAGON! Bridging cover, TWO!?!? Mina escapes and Mayu is raging! Mayu BUZZSAWS, SUPERKICKS, and BUZZSAWS again!
Mina flops over and the ref checks. She’s somehow still in this so Mayu drags her up. Mayu waistlocks, and HIGH ANGLE DRAGON SUPLEX! Bridging cover, Mayu wins!
Winner: Mayu Iwatani, by pinfall (still IWGP Women’s Champion)
Mina put on a truly glamorous fight, but it was just not enough to stop Mayu’s reign! Will Mayu continue to be the Icon of both Stardom and NJPW?
IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship: El Desperado VS SHO!
Despite not wanting to be “the face of a division,” the Rogue Luchador has proven himself to be the Best of the Super Juniors. He dethroned Hiromu Takahashi and thwarted Yoshinobu Kanemaru, but now the Murder Machine wants his turn as Player One! Will Sho have the deck stacked in his favor? Or will Desperado make it 2-0 against The House of Torture?
Whoa, hold on now! Desperado has already turned the tables, he’s dragging Sho out here! Desperado laughs as he has the belt on his shoulder and Sho in a headlock, but then Sho fights free as they reach the ramp. Sho throws chops but Desperado SLAPS Sho down! Desperado eggs Sho on, stomps him down, then stands on him. Desperado drags Sho along again, pulling his hair. Sho calls for the ref to stop this but it doesn’t matter since this isn’t a match yet. Desperado SMACKS Sho off the apron again and again! Desperado makes Show look at the belt. The name plate doesn’t show Sho, so it ain’t his yet!
Desperado shoves Sho into the ring, then steps in to explain to the ref that it’s all okay. The fans cheer, the bell rings, and now it’s a match! Desperado hauls Sho up for a BIG back suplex! Cover, TWO! Desperado gets a leg and has the STRETCH MUFFLER! Sho flails and scrambles to the ROPEBREAK! Desperado holds until the ref counts 4! Desperado knees on the leg, but lets off as the ref counts. Desperado stomps the leg, stalks him, then scuffs Sho. Desperado whips but Sho blocks by holding ropes. Desperado still tries, but Sho still blocks. Desperado kicks low, whips, but Sho bails out!
Desperado pursues but Sho goes under the ring! Desperado drags Sho back out and ROCKS him! Sho flounders against railing and Desperado stalks him. Sho grabs the hammer for the bell! The ref stops Sho but sho shoves the ref away! Sho then uses the belt to CLOBBER Desperado! Fans boo and Sho hurries into the ring. The ref checks Desperado, having missed the shenanigans. Sho laughs at Desperado as the ring count starts. Desperado is down even at 10 of 20. Desperado rises slowly, checking his face and his mask. He stands at 14 and hobbles over to crawl in at 16. Fans cheer but Sho storms up on Desperado.
Sho stands Desperado up to then run and LARIAT! Desperado falls and Sho hobbles back over. SNAKE BITE! Desperado flails and fights but Sho squeezes tight! Desperado reaches out with his legs, then CLAWS at Sho’s face! The ref reprimands Desperado and Sho still keeps the hold! Desperado is fading! The ref checks, but Desperado revives! Desperado fights around, kicks his legs, and has the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer but the ref counts, Sho lets go at 4. Sho hobbles and drags Desperado up. Sho reels Desperado in, for POWER BREAKER! The knee bothers Sho but he manages the cover, TWO!!
Desperado survives and the fans rally up again! Sho aims his bow and he drags Desperado up. Sho reels Desperado back in, tucks the arms, SHOCK- NO, Desperado fights the lift! Sho still tries, but the knee stops him! Desperado falls over, both men are in bad shape. Desperado sits up, Sho goes after him, and Desperado dropkicks the bad leg! Fans cheer as Sho hobbles away. Desperado slowly rises, still looking worse for wear, but he stares Sho down. Sho kicks Desperado, but Desperado growls. Desperado blocks a boot but Sho HEADBUTTS free of the back suplex! Sho goes for it again, SHOCK- NO, Desperado slips free to SPINEBUSTER!
Both men are down again and the fans rally back up! Desperado drags himself up with the ropes, hobbles his way over to Sho, and he brings Sho up to have the leg. But Sho CLAWS the eyes! Desperado still hits the KNEE BREAKER! GROUND DRAGON SCREW! STRETCH MUFFLER!! Sho flails, reaches out, but Desperado rolls Sho away! NUMERO DOS PLUS! But the lights go out! Of course! What’s the House of Torture gonna do now? We hear someone attacking Desperado, and the lights come up to show it’s Kanemaru! Fans boo but Kanemaru just blows snot at them! The ref is nowhere to be seen as Kanemaru TOSSES Desperado out!
The fans tell the Heel Master to go away but Kanemaru POSTS Desperado instead! Fans boo as Kanemaru stomps Desperado, and Sho slides out to join them. Sho has his “Torture Tool” wrench and Kanemaru sets Desperado up. Sho winds up, but here comes Ryusuke Taguchi! Taguchi HIP ATTACKS Kanemaru down, then he HIP ATTACKS Sho! Desperado has friends in the “main unit” watching his back! Taguchi stomps away on Kanemaru, then takes the wrench to CHOKE Kanemaru with it! Taguchi brings Kanemaru away, digging that wrench into Kanemaru’s nose! Fans cheer as now this is back to 1v1!
Desperado nods and hobbles his way over to Sho. Desperado drags Sho up, POSTS him, then hobbles around again. Desperado hauls Sho up to POST the knee! Sho writhes, Desperado eggs him on, and then Desperado puts Sho in the ring. Desperado calls for the ref and finds him by the timekeeper. Desperado helps the ref up into the ring, then he YANKS Sho’s bad leg, GROUND DRAGON SCREW, and NUMERO DOS! Sho flails, but Desperado rolls away from ropes! NUMERO DOS PLUS!! Sho endures, fights up with his core strength, and pops into the lift! But the bad leg stops the driver! Desperado Alabama Lifts, but Sho fights!
Desperado tucks Sho in, for a BASTARD DRIVER!! Cover, TWO?!? Sho survives and Desperado is surprised! Desperado roars, the fans fire up with him, and Desperado hauls Sho up. Desperado reels Sho in, tucks the arms, PINCHE- NO, Sho fights it, and RAMS Desperado into the ref! LOW BLOW!! And then another shove into the ref!! The fans boo as Sho pulls out more nasty tricks! Sho goes outside, again takes the belt, and hobbles back into the ring. The fans boo as Sho aims, BELT- LOCO MONO!! Desperado stops Sho with that big right hand! Sho tumbles out of the ring, and he gets a chair!
Desperado roars, runs, and DIVES into a chairshot!!! The seat cushion goes flying while Desperado tumbles down! The fans boo again as Sho flounders his way past Desperado. Sho laughs as he then finds more chairs. Sho sets one up nearby, and he makes Desperado take a seat. Sho gets the other chair, aims again, HEADSHOT! Fans boo as hard as they can while Desperado slumps over in the seat. Sho has an even nastier idea! The cushion is gone, so he wants to go the skinny way! The ref sees this now and stops Sho, but Sho shoves him down! Sho aims, but Desperado LOW BLOWS Sho!! The fans cheer the poetic justice!
Desperado flips Sho off and SMACKS him off the chair! Desperado then grabs that frame, to HOME RUN! Sho flounders all the way to the railing! The ref is shocked to see the aftermath but the fans rally up. Both Desperado and Sho are down at ringside, so the ref starts a ring count. Both men stir at 5 of 20, drag themselves up with railing, and Desperado stands at 9. Desperado staggers over, and he drags himself in at 13. Sho still flops around a bit, but wait! Someone else is coming out from under the ring!? REN NARITA drags Desperado out and into a SLEEPER!! The ref doesn’t see, he’s busy watching Sho!
Sho staggers up and in at 19!! Desperado is outside at 20, Sho wins!!!
Winner: Sho, by count-out (NEW IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion)
The fans boo as the House of Torture finds a new way to screw someone over! Because unlike other promotions, NJPW says even count-outs can win you a belt! Sho couldn’t beat Desperado alone, but will nothing stop the House of Torture from taking more gold?
NEVER Openweight Championship: EVIL w/ Dick Togo VS Shota Umino!
We just saw the House of Torture cheat like hell, and now the King of Darkness might just do the same. Will Darkness Fall on Sapporo? Or will the Roughneck come through for Tama Tonga and deal out some justice?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and Evil adds more black spray paint to it! Shota attacks and the fans fire up! Shota ROCKS Evil, makes sure the belt is secured, and the bell rings. Evil claws Shota’s eyes! Evil whips, Shota reverses and scoops to DROP Evil, then DROPKICK him! The fans fire up with Shota while Evil bails out. Evil claims his shoulder hurts so the ref checks him. That allows Dick to sneak attack Shota! Shota doesn’t fall over, so Dick runs away! Shota chases Dick into the ring, and Evil LARIATS Shota down! Fans boo but Evil brings Shota up. Evil throws Shota back out and RAMS him into the timekeeper!
Fans boo as Abe-san suffers at Evil’s hands again! Evil sits Shota up to SMASH a water bottle into him! Evil grabs the mic and the belt to tell Shota, “You want this belt? It’ll NEVER be yours, it’s mine!” The ref takes the belt back and Evil leaves Shota behind to go into the ring. Evil wants a count out, but Abe has to get up. The ref is counting for himself so Shota crawls in at 5 of 20. Evil soaks up the heat and storms back up on Shota. Evil CHOPS Shota in a corner, then brings him around to bump off buckles. Evil CHOPS again but Shota eggs him on! So Evil winds up and fakes a chop to CLAW Shota’s eyes!
The ref reprimands and counts, Evil lets off at 4. Evil whips Shota corner to corner hard and surprise, the buckle pad is gone! Dick snuck the Bullet Club Special into this one, and Evil covers Shota. TWO, and Evil covers again. TWO, and Evil covers again, TWO!! Evil pushes Shota’s shoulders down, TWO!! A leg cradle, TWO!!! Shota escapes again and Evil is frustrated. Evil drags Shota back up, throws him out, and distracts the ref so Dick can beat up on Shota! Fans boo but Dick puts Shota in for Evil to cover, TWO! Evil is frustrated again but he kicks Shota around. Evil slaps Shota around, talks trash on the fans, but Shota snarls.
Shota stands to ROCK Evil! And ROCK him again! And again! But Evil CLAWS Shota’s eyes again! Evil whips, but Shota uses that to WRECK Dick with a dropkick! Evil kicks and whips but Shota DROPKICKS Evil down! The fans fire up with Shota and they rally behind him. Shota rises, drags Evil up, and whips him to a corner. Shota runs up to UPPERCUT, then he FISHERMAN SUPLEXES! Bridging cover, TWO! Not quite perfect but Shota doesn’t let that slow him down. Shota drags Evil up, clinches, but Evil pulls hair! Shota breaks free to ROCK Evil! This is why Shota got the haircut, it seems.
Shota runs up but Evil BOOTS him away! Evil calls to the ramp but no one’s there, he got Shota with that one! And he CLOBBERS Shota for it, too! Fans boo but Evil smirks. Evil takes a moment to stretch before he drags Shota up. Evil hits a FISHERMAN BUSTER! Cover, TWO! Shota grits his teeth and Evil frowns. Evil drags Shota up again, but Shota fights the fireman’s carry! Evil body shots and whips, but Shota holds ropes! Shota BOOTS Evil, then he calls for someone! He gets Evil back in return and drop toeholds him to ropes! Then SLINGSHOT APRON DDT! The fans fire up while Evil flops to the floor!
Shota paces, and the ref has to keep Dick back. Shota stands on Evil’s face and eggs him on. Shota puts Evil in, and he chases Dick off before going up a corner. Shota MISSILE DROPKICKS Evil, then brings him up! Full nelson, spin around, and pop-up KNEE! Then IGNITION! Cover, TWO! Evil survives but Shota hurries to get the legs! STF! Evil endures, reaches out, but wait, now someone from the House rushes out here! Yujiro Takahashi rings the bell to fool everyone!! Evil CLUBS Shota, then RAMS him into the ref! Fans boo as the House pulls out even more tricks! Yujiro gets in the ring with Dick and they stomp away on Shota!
The House “puts one out” on Shota and drags him up. Dick bumps Shota off buckles, then he and Yujiro double whip. Dick runs in to ELBOW! Yujiro runs in to BOOT! They snapmare Shota then set him up, and Dick climbs up, for the DICK CHOP! Evil calls for a ref, the back-up ref hurries out here to count the cover, TWO! Shota survives but now Evil gets in this ref’s face! They argue, and that allows Yujiro to slip back in! Yujiro drags Shota up, for the PIMP JUICE! Evil covers, TWO!!! Shota survives and the fans fire up! Evil slashes his throat, vowing to end this! Evil drags Shota up, spins him around, but Shota fights off the STO!
Shota slips around, TONGAN TWIST!! A shoutout to the Good Bad Guy and both men are down! The fans rally up as Shota crawls to a corner. Shota drags himself up with ropes, Evil runs in, but Shota ELBOWS him away! Then SHOTGUNS him down! Shota fires up but Evil grabs at the ref. Evil sends the ref into Shota, then CLOBBERS them both! Fans boo again as Dick gets back in, with the SPOILER CHOKER! Shota flails, fights up, but Dick keeps him on his knees! Fans boo even harder but Dick then sets Shota up for Evil and MAGIC- NO, Shota kicks free! Then he uses Dick to TORNADO DDT Evil!
Yujiro’s in, but Shota avoids the pimp cane to ENZIGIRI! POP-UP UPPERCUT for Evil! HALF ‘N’ HALF for Yujiro! The fans fire up as Shota has new life! And now he really does call reinforcements! Shota fires off forearms on Evil, then HALF NELSON SUPLEXES! Another ref appears to count the bridging cover, TWO!! Evil escapes but Shota fires up to another gear! The fans rally as Shota aims from a corner. Shota runs up, BLAZE- NO, Evil ducks the blade! Fireman’s carry, but Shota slips free! Shota underhooks but Evil wrenches out! EVERY- NO, Shota slips free and steals EVERY- NO, Evil avoids his own finisher!
Evil swings, misses, Shota GUN STUNS!! Cover, TWO!?!? Shota is raging and the fans are fired up again! Shota reloads in the corner and aims again! BLAZE BLADE!! Shota then hauls Evil up but Evil sends him into bare buckles! Shota just roars! But into a LARIAT!! Shota roars as he rises up, but into a fireman’s carry! DARKNESS FALLS! Cover, TWO!!! Shota is not done yet but Evil says he’ll finish this! Evil stands Shota up, spins him, EVERYTHING IS EVIL!! Cover, Evil wins!
Winner: Evil, by pinfall (still NEVER Openweight Champion)
Shota put up a fight worthy of a champion, but he got cheated just like Desperado! Evil spray paints the belt to make it even darker, and he puts an X on Shota’s chest. Will no one be able to stop the House of Torture with them always stacking the deck?
NJPW World Television Championship: Hiroshi Tanahashi VS Matt Riddle!
The Ace of the Universe may or may not know who The Original Bro is, but that doesn’t mean he’ll be looking down on him. Riddle’s resume is a strong one, will he add another title to it tonight? Or will his 15 minutes of fame run out already?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see if the “Super King” trumps The Ace!
The fans cheer Tanahashi’s abs as always. The bell rings and we’re on the clock. The fans rally for Tanahashi as he and Riddle circle. They feel things out, Riddle shoots in and around but Tanahashi switches. Riddle switches, Tanahashi switches but Riddle rolls free and the fans cheer the technical exchange. The fans start to duel a bit as the two reset. They knuckle lock, but Tanahashi wrenches and hammerlocks to then headlock. Riddle powers up to put Tanahashi in a corner. Red Shoes calls the break and Riddle lets off with a push. Tanahashi keeps cool and resets with Riddle. They tie up, go around, and Riddle waistlocks. Tanahashi wrenches free but Riddle goes to a corner.
Red Shoes calls for another break, but Tanahashi pulls hair! So Riddle pulls hair! They shout at each other, Red Shoes counts on them both, and they both let go at 4. But then they both grab hold of hair again! Tanahashi puts Riddle in a corner and fires off body shots! Tanahashi whips corner to corner, but Riddle reverses. Riddle runs up but into an elbow! Tanahashi goes up to CROSSBODY, but Riddle rolls through to an ARMBAR! Tanahashi rolls to the ROPEBREAK! Riddle lets go and eggs Tanahashi on while Tanahashi goes out to railing. The fans rally for “BRO! BRO! BRO!” Tanahashi eggs Riddle on, but then slides in as Riddle slides out! They each tell the other, “C’mon!”
Riddle slides back in but Tanahashi slides back out! Tanahashi air guitars and fans cheer, but then Riddle rushes out. Tanahashi dodges Riddle to RAM him into the apron! Tanahashi then slides in to PLANCHA onto Riddle! The fans fire up while Riddle goes down! Tanahashi storms up on Riddle, puts him in the ring and Tanahashi scoops to SLAM! Riddle is in the drop zone and Tanahashi goes up, for a SUNSET SENTON FLOP as Riddle moves! Riddle runs to KNEE Tanahashi down! Cover, TWO! Riddle stays cool but time is still on Tanahashi’s side. Riddle paces around while the fans rally, and he stomps and kicks Tanahashi around.
Riddle stands Tanahashi up to ROCK him, and CHOP him, and he nods. Riddle says how’s this, Mr. President? Riddle CHOPS, so Tanahashi fires off fast hands! Tanahashi runs, but into a RANA out to the apron! Riddle aims and PENALTY KICKS from above! Tanahashi wobbles and Riddle SPRINGBOARD BROTONS! Direct hit and now we hit the five minute limit! Riddle hurries to get Tanahashi in the ring, and he BROTONS again! Tanahashi is in a drop zone, so Riddle goes up the corner. FLOATING BRO onto knees! Riddle flounders around, Tanahashi runs and SLING- NO, Riddle gets aroudn to waistlock!
Tanahashi fights the lift, switches, spins Riddle around, TWIST ‘N’ SHOUT! Tanahashi runs and SLINGBLADES Riddle back down! Cover, TWO! Riddle is still in this but the fans rally as Tanahashi goes to a corner. Tanahashi climbs but Riddle ROCKS him! Riddle CHOPS Tanahashi, then has him on the apron to drag him up the ropes! Tanahashi fights the Super German Suplex with elbows! Tanahashi grabs Riddle’s leg, DRAPING DRAGON SCREW! Riddle falls back and Tanahashi hurries back up! Riddle stands, into the HIGH FLY ATTACK into a FLASH KNEE! Both men are down and the fans fire back up!
Riddle sits up and watches Tanahashi writhe. Riddle stands Tanahashi up, gut wrenches and tucks, but Tanahashi rolls through to victory roll! TWO and Riddle has it, TWO! Tanahashi has it back, TWO!! Riddle gets up, runs up and CHOPS! And CHOPS! Riddle fires off palm strikes, and KICKS! Tanahashi fires up and blocks a kick to CLUB the leg and SHOTEI! Tanahashi runs but into a FLASH KNEE! And then a scoop for the BRO STONE!! Cover, RIDDLE WINS!
Winner: Matt Riddle, by pinfall (NEW NJPW World Television Champion)
In 8 minutes and 53 seconds, a new champion has been crowned! Riddle stands tall and shouts, “What’d you think was gonna happen? I come to Japan and lose? Wrong, bro!” There is truly a New Beginning in Sapporo, will Riddle make “season three” the biggest and the best one yet?
IWGP Global Heavyweight Championship: David Finlay w/ Gedo VS Nic Nemeth!
The Rebel and his War Dogs battled tooth and nail with the United Empire and came out on top. However, this fight is to show the Showoff that he’s biting off more than he can chew. Will Finlay hold on to the title made just for him? Or will Nemeth bring it into the Danger Zone?
Wait, Gedo is making his way out here with the shillelagh, but where’s Finlay? He comes in from the crowd side to ambush Nemeth! Fans boo as Finlay tosses Nemeth out and stomps away at the railing! Bullet Club gonna Bullet Club, it seems. Finlay then whips Nemeth hard into railing, then hauls him up to whip him hard into MORE railing! Gedo cheers but Red Shoes reprimands, so Finlay puts Nemeth in the ring. Finlay kisses his belt before handing it over, and the bell finally rings. Finlay runs up, into a SUPERKICK! Cover, TWO!! Finlay survives and bails out, so Nemeth pursues! Nemeth SMACKS Finlay off railing in return!
Nemeth brings Finlay around to SMACK him off more railing! Gedo protests but Nemeth drags Finlay up. Finlay pulls hair but Nemeth pulls hair in return. Nemeth SMACKS Finlay off more railing, right in front of commentary! Nemeth POSTS Finlay, brings him around, and whips, only for Finlay to reverse! Nemeth stops from hitting railing, but Finlay TACKLES him through the gate! Red Shoes checks Nemeth but Finlay drags him back to ringside. Finlay POSTS Nemeth, drags him up again, and puts him in the ring. Finlay pushes Nemeth to a cover, TWO! The fans rally up but Finlay snarls as he kicks Nemeth around.
Finlay rains down fists from all sides, then lets off because of closed fists. Nemeth flounders against ropes but Finlay drags him up and whips him hard into buckles! Nemeth falls back and Finlay says this is too easy. Cover, ONE!! Nemeth shows he’s tougher than that so Finlay throws down headbutts! Finlay digs his elbow into Nemeth’s face, Red Shoes reprimands, and Finlay lets off. Finlay puts Nemeth on ropes to CHOKE him! Finlay makes Nemeth smile with fishhooks! Red Shoes counts, Finlay lets off at 4, and then Finlay drags Nemeth up. Finlay throws up the Too Sweet as fans boo, and he snap suplexes Nemeth down! Cover, ONE!!
The fans rally while Gedo protests the “bad count.” Finlay clamps on a headlock and pushes up to grind the hold. Nemeth endures, even though he’s turning red. The fans rally, Nemeth kicks around and reaches out, but Finlay pulls on the headlock harder! Nemeth fights to his feet, throws body shots, and they end up on ropes. Nemeth runs, but Finlay catches him to a SLEEPER! Nemeth gets around to hit a BIG back suplex! Both men are down and the fans fire up again! Finlay flounders to a corner, then staggers out, into a LARIAT from Nemeth! Nemeth SPLASHES in a corner, turns Finlay and hits a NECKBREAKER!
The fans fire up as Nemeth then drops an ELBOW! And another! And another! Nemeth just rains down elbow after elbow, the fans counting along! Nemeth goes all the way to nine, then swivels those hips for the TENTH! Cover, TWO!! Finlay sputters from surviving all those “heartstoppers” but Nemeth brings him up. Nemeth ROCKS Finlay, runs up at the ropes and clotheslines Finlay and himself up and out! Red Shoes has Gedo stay back, but Gedo still coaches Finlay. Nemeth rises using railing, Gedo helps Finlay. Nemeth aims but Finlay moves, the SUPERKICK hits Gedo! Finlay ROCKS Nemeth and puts him in the ring!
Finlay checks on Gedo, is frustrated, and he storms up to the apron, but into a SUPERKICK! Finlay falls onto Gedo! Gedo holds his shillelagh, and we don’t mean the wood club! Nemeth goes out to get Finlay, puts him in, but now Gedo distracts Red Shoes with his pain. Finlay has the wood club! SHILLELAGH SHOT to the leg! Nemeth goes down in a heap, Finlay covers, TWO!! Nemeth survives and Finlay is furious! The fans rally but Finlay YANKS and stomps the bad leg over and over. Finlay DDTS the foot! Nemeth writhes and goes to the apron but Finlay talks trash. Finlay drags Nemeth around, puts the leg on ropes, and HIP DROPS!
Nemeth writhes, the fans boo, but Finlay soaks it all up. Finlay stalks Nemeth, taunts him, and drags him up. Finlay scoops Nemeth to SLAM him into the ropes! Nemeth clutches the knee but Finlay pretends he can’t hear the fans. The fans boo harder but Finlay stalks Nemeth. Finlay brings Nemeth around, hauls him up, and has the leg for the SHIN- NO, Nemeth sunset flips! TWO, but Nemeth has the ghost pin! TWO!! Finlay kicks, Nemeth blocks and spins him, OLYMPIC- NO, Finlay slips free! Finlay back suplexes but Nemeth lands out! And he reels Finlay in for the OLYMPIC SLAM! The fans fire up while both men are down!
Nemeth and Finlay writhe while the fans rally. Finlay goes to a corner but Nemeth crawls after him. Finlay stands in the corner, Nemeth runs up to SPLASH! Nemeth hobbles around, goes corner to corner again, but Finlay moves and pulls the pad! Nemeth hits the steel!! Finlay then POSTS Nemeth! Fans boo but Finlay storms back up. Finlay drags Nemeth out, clinches, and IRISH CURSE BACKBREAKERS! Cover, TWO!! Nemeth survives but Finlay says fine, he just wants more. The fans rally for Nemeth and that annoys Finlay. Finlay hauls Nemeth up but Nemeth back drops free! Finlay stands, into the SATELLITE- NO, Finlay TOSSES Nemeth out of the ring!!
Nemeth writhes and clutches the knee while Finlay talks a lot of trash! Red Shoes checks, Finlay wants this to be called! Nemeth says no, he’s still in this, so a ring count starts instead. Nemeth grabs at the railing, drags himself up, but we’re already at 10 of 20! Nemeth hobbles on one good leg, claws at the ring at 15, but he’s still down at 18! Nemeth springs up and in at 19! But into a SPEAR!! Cover, TWO!! Finlay gets Nemeth up to DOMINATOR!! Cover, TWO!!! Nemeth survives again but Finlay goes right into a FIGURE FOUR!! Finlay even positions himself between Nemeth and ropes! Nemeth endures and the fans rally up!
Nemeth’s shoulders are down, that’s a cover! TWO as Nemeth sits up! Finlay puts more pressure on the hold but Nemeth continues to endure! Nemeth reaches out, tries to turn things, but Finlay blocks! The fans rally as hard as they can as Nemeth turns the pressure onto Finlay!! But Finlay turns it right back around! Finlay thrashes the hold, pulls on the bad leg, but Nemeth still reaches out! Nemeth grits his teeth, claws at the mat, and he drags Finlay along as he moves forward! Nemeth fights to the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer, Red Shoes counts, but Finlay lets go at 4. Nemeth clutches his leg and Finlay says he should’ve just quit.
Finlay vows to end Nemeth’s whole career if he doesn’t give up. Finlay says he’ll make Nemeth respect him and tell him he’s the man. If he does, Finlay will show mercy! Nemeth sits up, and SPITS at Finlay! The fans fire up but Finlay ROLLING ELBOWS! Finlay drags Nemeth back to center, steps through, but Nemeth cradle counters! TWO!! Finlay comes back, Nemeth UPPERCUTS! Finlay rebounds to LARIAT! Finlay says it’s still just that easy! Finlay drags Nemeth up, reels him in, but Nemeth resists! Finlay CLUBS away on Nemeth, reels him back in, and lifts, but Nemeth fires fists! Nemeth lands out of the bomb and UPPERCUTS!
Nemeth BOOTS with the good leg, then BOOTS him again! Finlay staggers, Nemeth aims, but the plant leg won’t let him! Finlay POWERBOMBS!! Cover, TWO!?!? Not even Gedo understands how Nemeth survived! Finlay looms over Nemeth while Sapporo rallies for the Wanted Man. Finlay says Nemeth had his chance, this is what he gets. Finlay throws crossface forearms on Nemeth again and again, Gedo cheering each shot! Finlay drags Nemeth up again for even more crossface forearms, showing him exactly the lack of mercy he just promised. Nemeth still reaches out for ropes but Finlay stands on him as he brings the kneepad down.
Finlay roars as he drags Nemeth up, suplexes, but Nemeth slips free! Nemeth staggers back, Finlay runs up, but Nemeth sends him into bare buckles! Finlay falls back and fans fire up! Nemeth drags Finlay up, and SMACKS him off the bare buckles! And again! And again! Red Shoes reprimands, Gedo protests, and Nemeth tells Finlay, “You listen to me, you POS!” Nemeth POSTS Finlay, then hits the SATELLITE DDT! And then FAMOUSER! Cover, TWO!! Finlay survives but Nemeth is too tired to be upset! Gedo is very upset, though, and he shouts for Finlay to get up. We hit 20 minutes, time might be on Finlay’s side here.
Finlay and Nemeth slowly stir, and Nemeth slaps some life back into himself. Nemeth drags Finlay around in a facelock, reels him in, but Finlay flops down. Nemeth slaps himself again, the fans rally for him, but Finlay wrenches! Nemeth CLUBS Finlay, fires off at the ropes, then lines up the shot! But Finlay denies the move formerly known as Zigzag! Nemeth swings, Finlay gets around and suplexes, INTO OBLIVION!! Cover, TWO?!?!? Finlay is furious and the fans are thunderous that Nemeth survives again! Finlay seethes as he makes his way back over to Nemeth. Nemeth shakes his head and throws a haymaker!
Finlay throws a forearm in return, so Nemeth throws another haymaker! They go back and forth with shots, and they rise up to their feet. Nemeth eggs Finlay on so Finlay throws a forearm! Nemeth throws another haymaker! Finlay snarls, ROCKS Nemeth, but Nemeth ROCKS Finlay! The shots keep going, faster and faster, and the fans love how it’s just a scrum! Finlay kicks a leg out, then gator rolls Nemeth for OVER- NO, Nemeth blocks the leg! HEADBUTT!! But Finlay HEADBUTTS back! Finlay blocks the superkick but Nemeth HEADBUTTS again! And SUPERKICKS!! DANGER ZONE!! Cover, NEMETH WINS?!?!
Winner: Nic Nemeth, by pinfall (NEW IWGP Global Heavyweight Champion)
The fans are stunned but they’re also loving this! It’s another New Beginning in Sapporo as Nemeth now adds to his WWE Grand Slam Champion resume by taking this title away from Finlay, the man who created it! What is The Rebel going to do now that he lost his prized possession?
As for Nemeth, he gets the belt and the mic to say, “Sapporo, Japan, I want you to know one thing: You may not know me, but you are going to. This championship right here, this championship right here…! I will defend anywhere, anytime! You name the place, you name the fighter, and I will leave it all in the ring every damn night! NJPW, all over the world, I am your Global Champion, and I will prove it every day until the day I die! Thank you so much! Arigato, Sapporo. NJPW, LET’S EFFING GO~!!” The confetti flies and the music rocks, is this truly the New Beginning of NJPW’s biggest chapter yet?
Wait, wait, Nemeth has one more thing to say. He goes back to the mic to say, “I have one more request before I leave. I’m a big fan of Tanahashi. He’s a hero of mine. And I would be honored, I would be honored, if Tanahashi would be my tag team partner tomorrow night, right here! What do you say?!” The fans like that idea! Nemeth wants to make it happen, will the President of NJPW agree to change things up outta nowhere?
My Thoughts:
An awesome event for NJPW to start a big weekend in Sapporo. All the title matches were great stuff, but that main event was the most shocking to me. I did NOT think Nemeth was going to win and take the title off Finlay. For one, Finlay just won that title at WrestleKingdom only 50 days ago. But I suppose if what Nemeth is saying is right, he’s going to visit other promotions to defend this title as a parallel to the AEW International Championship. That’s good strategy to strengthen the bonds of NJPW with its American partners. But him wanting to team with Tanahashi is a surprise. There was already a change to plans for Sapporo with Henare out of action, but is Nemeth thinking of swapping Taguchi out for Tanahashi against Finlay & Gedo tomorrow night?
Speaking of Tanahashi, a bit surprised Riddle won the NJPW World TV title. Though as Riddle said himself, he wasn’t gonna show up here just to lose his first match, and Riddle can have a lot of fun with this belt and its 15 minute time limit. Tanahashi is also now free of belts, he can do whatever he wants. Great match from Mayu VS Mina, great defense for Mayu, but I’m not as familiar with Stardom so I don’t know who there is who will take this title next. And then of course House of Torture cheats to not just keep Evil’s title but to steal Desperado’s. If nothing else, I feel like Tanahashi needs to get involved as President of NJPW to be a Face Authority Figure to stop House of Torture’s antics since no faction seems able.
My Score: 8.9/10
About Chairshot Radio Network
Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!
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!

St. Paul is All Elite!
Forces of nature converge as Toni Storm & Thunder Rosa reunite against The Megasus & The Superbad Girl in a powerful tag team match!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Kenny Omega VS Blake Christian w/ Lee Johnson; wins.
- Kyle Fletcher w/ Don Callis VS Brody King; wins.
- “Powerhouse” Will Hobbs VS Mark Davis w/ Don Callis; wins.
- Mark Briscoe VS Konosuke Takeshita w/ Don Callis; wins.
- Thunder Rosa & Toni Storm VS Megan Bayne & Penelope Ford; win.
PLAY BY PLAY
[Due to scheduling conflicts, coverage will be on delay]
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!

So much gold is on the line!
Stephanie Vaquer is the first ever NXT Women’s Double Champion, and she’s willing to defend both belts separately! Will Vaquer still be golden after tonight?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- NXT Women’s Championship: Stephanie Vaquer VS Jaida Parker; Vaquer wins and retains the title.
- Hank ‘n’ Tank VS Tyriek Igwe & Tyson Dupont w/ Wes Lee; Igwe & Dupont win.
- NXT Heritage Cup Championship: Lexis King VS Je’Von Evans; Lexis wins and retains the title.
- Gigi Dolin & Tatum Paxley VS Lash Legend & Jakara Jackson; Gigi & Tatum win.
- Ethan Page VS Andre Chase w/ Kale Dixon & Uriah Connors; Ethan wins.
- NXT Women’s North American Championship: Stephanie Vaquer VS Fallon Henley; Vaquer wins and retains the title.
PLAY BY PLAY
NXT Women’s Championship: Stephanie Vaquer VS Jaida Parker!
The Dark Angel starts her Double Header to start the show, and Miss Parker is ready to take her shot on goal! Will Jaida get out the mud with this one? Or will she learn that La Primera don’t play, either?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and both title and history are on the line!
The bell rings and the fans duel already. The two tie up, go around, and Jaida knees low! Jaida wrenches, wristlocks, and YANKS the arm. Jaida wrenches, YANKS, and wrenches again, but Vaquer rolls, handsprings, and wrenches to a wristlock in return. Jaida powers through to scoop and SLAM! She eggs Vaquer on, scoops her again, and SLAMS her! Jaida talks trash, the fans rally, and Vaquer goes for a leg. Jaida stops Vaquer with a facelock, shifts to hook the arms, but Vaquer slips through to trip Jaida up! Vaquer has the toehold, then ties Jaida’s legs up into a DEATH LOCK! The fans fire up while se see Ava Raine and the Women’s Division watching backstage.
Jaida endures, crawls back, and reaches out to the ROPEBREAK! The ref counts, Vaquer lets go, but Jaida runs up. Vaquer dodges, comes back, and tilt-o-whirls to a roll-up! TWO, Vaquer dodges Jaida and sits her down for body scissors! Gedo Clutch, TWO! Jaida escapes that one and the fans fire up. The two reset, circle again, and tie up. They’re in a deadlock, but Jaida powers her way to a facelock. Jaida CLUBS Vaquer, headlocks, then THROWS Vaquer down! Jaida wraps on the body scissors, but Vaquer pushes back to a cover, TWO! Jaida CLUBS away on Vaquer, rolls her over to a cover, TWO!
Jaida facelocks, drags Vaquer up, but Vaquer wrenches free. Vaquer whips, Jaida reverses, but Vaquer RANAS! Jaida tumbles to a corner and the fans fire up. Vaquer runs up and LARIATS, but Jaida fires a forearm! Vaquer CHOPS, SOBATS, and whips corner to corner. Jaida goes up, over, and HIP DROPS! Jaida caught Vaquer with that one and the fans fire up! Jaida talks more smack before she rains down fists, and NXT goes picture in picture.
Jaida lets off of Vaquer to clap back at the Vaquer fans. Jaida whips Vaquer to a corner hard, then scoops for a BACKBRAEKER! Vaquer writhes, Jaida drags her back up, and Jaida whips Vaquer to then ROCK her! Jaida whips Vaquer and CLUBS her, then she brings Vaquer around for a snap suplex! Cover, TWO! Jaida stays on Vaquer with a facelock, and snap suplexes again! Cover, TWO! Jaida is annoyed, but she whips Vaquer, only for Vaquer to fire off forearms! Vaquer dodges a lariat, ROCKS Jaida again and again, but Jaida knees low! Jaida stands Vaquer up, runs and BLOCKBUSTERS! Cover, TWO!
Jaida grows frustrated but she pushes Vaquer over. Jaida digs a knee into Vaquer’s back and pulls her back! Vaquer endures, fights to her feet, but Jaida wrangles her back down. Jaida digs her knee in more but Vaquer still endures. Vaquer fights back up, only for Jaida to CLUB her back down! Jaida whips Vaquer to a corner, then whips her back in! Jaida talks some smack while NXT returns to single picture. Jaida whips Vaquer back into the corner, then corner to corner. Vaquer staggers, Jaida scoops, but Vaquer slips free and drops down, VICTORY- NO, Jaida stuffs it! TWO, and both women stand! Jaida blocks a shot, wrenches and slips around, BACKSTABBER! Cover, TWO!
The fans rally up as Vaquer goes to a corner. Jaida runs in, but into a BOOT! Jaida comes back, but into a HANGING TRIANGLE! The fans fire up, the ref counts, and Vaquer lets go at 4. Jaida staggers away, Vaquer springboards in and CROSSBODIES! Direct hit, and the watch party loses a few guests, such as Jordynne Grace. The fans fire up as Vaquer runs and dials it up, 619! Jaida flounders, Vaquer storms up, and the fans fire up for the headscissors! Vaquer turns Jaida over for the PRIMERA DRILLER! Vaquer goes all the way to TEN, then brings Jaida up. Vaquer underhooks but Jaida wrenches free!
Jaida knees low, reels Vaquer in and suplexes, FALCON ARROW! Cover, TWO! Vaquer survives and Jaida grows further frustrated. Jaida drags Vaquer up, dragon sleepers, “This is Awesome!” as Vaquer slips free. Vaquer waistlocks. Jaida switches and shoves, then SPINEBUSTER! Jaida drags Vaquer back up, POSTS her, then has her in the ropes! Jaida CHOPS Vaquer, then runs to TEARDROP! Jaida high steps, but GRACE is ringside! The Juggernaut is not happy with how Jaida interrupted her last week! Jaida frowns, but she still blocks Vaquer’s kick! Jaida ROCKS Vaquer, runs and builds speed, into a victory roll! VAQUER WINS!!
Winner: Stephanie Vaquer, by pinfall (still NXT Women’s Champion)
Jaida is beside herself, but she let someone else get in her head before the end. Refs rush out here to keep Jaida from going after Jordynne. The bottom line is that Vaquer still has the top title in the NXT Women’s Division. But FATAL INFLUENCE ATTACKS! The fans boo as Fallon, Jacy & Jazmyn mug Vaquer, wanting to soften her up for the main event! Jacy drops a SENTON, then another SENTON! Then a third SENTON! The fans boo as hard as they can, but will NXT once again be under the Influence?
Trick Williams paces backstage.
But he spots someone walking in and says he doesn’t wanna hear any of that, he doesn’t have time for it today. But Je’Von Evans says, “Deadass, I didn’t like how you pushed me to the side last week. I was focused on Dark State, and I was trying to tell you and Oba that-” Trick says Je’Von still doesn’t get it! Just because they’re from the Carolinas, they’re supposed to be brothers? Trick told him once and he’ll tell Je’Von again, the focus is on Stand & Deliver and the NXT Championship. Je’Von knows Trick’s obsessed with Oba, he’s been that way for the last four months! How is Trick focused so hard on Oba that he couldn’t do what Je’Von did and just drop him?
Trick says be real. Je’Von only dropped Oba because Oba was focused on Trick. Oh, really? Well, if Trick keeps on doubting Je’Von, then Je’Von will just keep on shocking him. Trick said Je’Von would never be champion, but tonight, Je’Von proves Trick wrong again. Trick says yeah, Je’Von has potential, good for him. Randy Orton said Je’Von’s got potential, there’s all these “cosigns,” but there’s a difference between having potential and having the title. Everybody can’t hold that title in the air. Je’Von says he thought Trick was mad before. But that title has really changed Trick into someone else.
Trick says it’s a champion thing, dawg. That’s something Je’Von doesn’t understand. Well, after tonight, Je’Von will. The Young OG heads out, but will he take the Drama King’s throne as Heritage Cup Champion?
The NXT Women’s Division Watch Party continues.
As the others murmur about how the opening match ended, Ava says she needs to go check on Vaquer. But Lash Legend says, “SKRRT! Excuse me, Miss Mayor.” Ava says, “Yes, Lashes?” Lash needs to check into why Gigi Dolin & Tatum Paxley have a title match with the TNA Knockouts Tag Team Champions when it should be the Meta Girls. Ava tries to start, but Gigi says maybe it’s because Ava is tired of giving Lash & Jakara opportunities and they lose. Ever think about that? Tatum says first, Gigi & Tatum will beat Ash & Heather By Elegance, and then they’ll bring those TNA titles to NXT!
Jakara says whatever, she and the Bougie Bully have been a real tag team a lot longer than anyone else in this room. Zaria steps up but Sol Ruca has her calm down. Lash tells them both to sit back down. Jakara says you don’t send girls to do a woman’s job. They ran up on Ash & Heather but Gigi & Tatum went and took their shot. Oh, “took their shot,” huh? Please, Miss Jackson. If you’re about the action, Gigi & Tatum will show them something. Lash says don’t even go there. The Meta Girls head out, telling Ava to fix this. Ava has a lot on her plate, but will Gigi & Tatum show they can make an impact?
Sit-down interview with Ricky Saints.
Vic Joseph sits down with The Absolute and says he has been waiting for this moment ever since Ricky arrived over a month ago. Ricky has already had some big moments, but there are those in the locker room that say Ricky doesn’t belong. It’s Stand & Deliver Season, tensions are high, is that all white noise or motivation? A bit of both. Ricky thinks it is funny, as there are superstars back there that have had a head start on him. And it wasn’t until he actually showed up that the decided to up their game. Vic and the fans are finding out just how confident Ricky is as a performer. And confidence can scare people.
That is what Ricky has been dealing with all his life. So coming here and getting that is nothing new to Ricky. Then where does Ricky find that inner confidence? Ricky says when he was breaking into the business, he was living out of his car. There were times he didn’t know how he was going to eat for that weekend. He didn’t know if he’d have money for food or clothes. But at the end of those days, the only thing he actually had was his confidence. The confidence in the fact that he was going to get out of that situation. That is why he’s sitting with Vic right now, in NXT and the WWE. It is because of that confidence.
Ricky wears the scars and battle wounds as pride. But wait, Shawn Spears interrupts? Vic tries to explain this is an exclusive interview, but The Chair Man says he is going to take it from here. Vic steps aside and Spears tells Saints to relax, he’s just sitting down. Spears says they’ve known each other a long time. Ricky says too long. Then why does Ricky think Spears didn’t ask Ricky to join The Culling. Because Spears knew Ricky would say no. Spears knew Ricky would say that, and tells Ricky that he’s wrong. Remember that conversation in Philly? How many times has Spears had to talk Ricky off the metaphorical ledge?
How many times did Ricky not believe in himself? All the advice he’s given over the years. The reason Spears didn’t offer is because, sadly, Ricky is still the same man he left over a year ago. Nothing’s changed. This arrogance is a plague everywhere Ricky goes. All he does is create a long line of enemies, and it is all his fault. Wow, what’s really weird to Ricky is that Spears doesn’t get how if he wants to be number one here in not just NXT but in WWE, it’s that he’s going to make enemies. Spears has heard that same thing, “You wanna make friends? Or do you wanna make money?” That is Spears’ point with Ricky!
Look at Spears! He is a champion in the WWE, with three of his best friends, family even, right by his side. Ricky says they’re the only reason he has that title. And Ricky is going to be the one to take it from Spears. Oh, so Ricky wants the North American Championship? Is he sure? Even though they both know what the outcome’s going to be? Do not add Spears to your long list of enemies, Ricky. You know what they are capable of. Jensen, Niko & Izzi step in, but Spears has them stay back. Spears tells Ricky that in case it doesn’t work out, he can always go back to… Oh, no, never mind. They both know Ricky burnt every bridge.
The Culling leaves, and Ricky says he’ll just have to win then. Will Spears still be so high and mighty when Saints comes marching in?
Other superstars finish watching the interview.
Wes Lee’s guys, Tyriek Igwe & Tyson Dupont, cannot believe this. What is Ricky doing? He can’t be for real. Wes says no, he is. It’s “Ricky ‘Everything is About Me Once I Walk Through the Door’ Saints.” But in time, he’ll realize he ain’t the guy around here. But don’t sweat it, it’s almost time for their match. Let’s get it. The Wes Side heads out, Ethan Page puts his coat up, and Kale Dixon tells Uriah Connors that Ricky is pulling an Ethan Page. That’s what All Ego did, didn’t he? That’s gotta suck. Ethan says two more words, and Kale will get knocked out again. Uriah steps up for Kale, but then Andre Chase steps in.
Chase tells Ethan, “What the hell is your problem? You know that’s not how we handle things here.” Oh, and this isn’t a classroom, professor, this is the real world. Yeah, and Ethan knows better. Kale & Uriah are young and inexperienced. Oh, then Chase better teach them that their words have consequences. Actually, Ethan forgot that their dead-end university is closed. Oh, is that how Ethan feels? Yeah! Then maybe Chase should teach them about sensitive tough guys like Ethan who can’t handle the truth. Ethan says, “We’ll see.” Ethan heads out, Chase tells Kale & Uriah that he’ll handle this. And seeing how eager they are, Chase lets Kale & Uriah follow.
Kale & Uriah are excited to see Mr. Chase handle business, but will All Ego stomp all over the name of Chase U?
Hank ‘n’ Tank walk ‘n’ talk.
They’re riled up from last week, being talked down to by Wes, but forget about last week. Right here, right now, these two will prove they’re not just two individuals. They are two minds intertwined! Nobody is more connected than the Bodacious Belly Boys! What does Motor City Machine Guns say to that? Alex Shelley & Chris Sabin are waiting and they like the energy. Hank ‘n’ Tank have got this! One time for the boys! HONK HONK! MCMG wants to see Hank ‘n’ Tank bring out that it factor, will this be the night they level up? Or will Ty & Ty show them what it takes to evolve?
Hank ‘n’ Tank VS Tyriek Igwe & Tyson Dupont w/ Wes Lee!
NXT is picture in picture for entrances, and while the teams sort out. Igwe starts against Tank and the two circle. They tie up, are in a deadlock as Igwe is taller but Tank is wider. The two reset, tie up again, and Igwe waistlocks. Igwe SLAMS Tank down, holds him down, but Tank fights back up. Tank wiggles and swivels and switches, but Igwe fires elbows! Igwe goes to ropes, bucks Tank, then runs him over! Igwe drags Tank up, tags Dupont, and they double wrench to double YANK the arms! Tank goes to ropes, Dupont brings him around, and Dupont CLUBS the arm! Dupont wrenches to RAM shoulders, then taunts Tank.
Dupont stands Tank up but Tank rolls Dupont up! TWO, and Tank wrenches to YANK the arm! Tank wrenches the arm again, Dupont fights the elbow breaker, but Tank powers him into the corner! Hank tags in, sets up, and Tank HONK HONKS the ELBOW BREAKER! Hank runs up and LARIATS Dupont! Hank bumps Dupont off buckles, then goes corner to corner with Dupont to bump him off more buckles! Hank whips, Dupont reverses, and Dupont SPLASHES! Dupont talks trash, then whips corner to corner. Hank goes up and over, and he BODY BLOWS! NXT returns to single picture as Hank climbs up!
Igwe storms in but Tank intercepts! The fans fire up as Tank bumps Igwe off buckles and climbs up! Hank ‘n’ Tank coordinate, and they rain down fists! The fans count along, and we go to nine, wind up, and TEN! Hank ‘n’ Tank send Ty & Ty into each other, and then HONK HONK, BIG BELLY SANDWICH! Igwe falls out, Wes is annoyed, and Hank wrenches Dupont to YANK the arm. Tag to Tank, drop toehold and ELBOW DROP! Tank then sits Dupont up for Hank to run, run, and run, to DROPKICK! The fans fire up and Tank hurries to get Dupont for a cover, TWO! MCMG watches this backstage, Tank whips but Dupont blocks!
Dupont reels Tank in to LARIAT! Tag to Igwe, Ty & Ty double whip to DOUBLE SHOULDER TACKLE! Igwe snarls, but Tank avoids the stomp! Igwe hobbles, Dupont tags in and he CLOBBERS Tank! Dupont talks trash, whips Tank, but Tank KICKS Dupont! Tag to Hank, and Hank TOSSES Dupont onto Igwe! The fans fire up as Tank holds the way open! Shoutout to MCMG, Hank DIVES! Direct hit and Hank even hits the desk! The fans are losing their minds over the world’s biggest “five hole goal” as Hank puts Dupont in the ring. Dupont goes to a corner, Hank runs in, BACK BODY BLOCK and BULLDOG! The fans fire up with Hank, but Wes distracts him!
Hank takes a swipe, Wes gets away, and Dupont UPPERCUTS Hank down! Tag to Igwe, he stomps away, and Igwe clamps onto Hank’s arms, to then pull and STOMP! Igwe then drags Hank up to fire hands, then he lines up a shot. Hank wobbles, Igwe BOOTS him down! Igwe drags Hank up, whips him to the corner, then he runs up to RAM into Hank! Dupont tags in, but Hank fights back! Dupont full nelsons, Igwe BODY BLOWS, and Dupont FULL NELSON SLAMS! Cover, TWO! Hank survives that mugging but Dupont drags him back up. Dupont has the full nelson and he thrashes Hank around! Hank fights up and hits a JAWBREAKER!
Dupont staggers, Igwe tags in! Igwe drags Hank from Tank, but Hank fights and flails! Hank powers up, the fans rally, and Hank steps forward. Igwe CLUBS Hank on the back! Igwe keeps the facelock, but then takes a swing on Tank! Tank dodges. then Hank dodges, hot tag to Tank! Tank rallies on Ty & Ty with big forearms and LARIATS! Tank dodges Igwe to then OVERHEAD BELLY2BELLY! Dupont storms up but Tank ROCKS him, and BLASTS him! Wes is freaking out as Tank cartwheels past Igwe to LARIAT! The fans fire up as Tank suplexes Igwe, FISHERMAN SPINEBUSTER! Cover, DUPONT BREAKS IT!
The fans rally, Igwe goes to a corner, and Tank runs in. Igwe runs up, Tank dodges to go up, up and FLYING SHOULDER TACKLE! Tag back to Hank, and Tank goes up? Hank turns Igwe, but Wes slides in! The ref stops Wes, but that lets Dupont trip Tank up! No Skull ‘n’ Bones, Igwe shoves Hank away! BOOT and Hank is on spaghetti legs! Dupont tags in, SLAM DUNK SAIDO!! Cover, Ty & Ty win!
Winners: Tyriek Igwe & Tyson Dupont, by pinfall
The Wes Side used numbers against Hank ‘n’ Tank trying to use another legendary team’s style. Will Hank ‘n’ Tank ever find that thing that makes them a legendary tag team?
Ava Raine checks on Vaquer.
Vaquer is being iced and taped up from that attack earlier, and the NXT GM says she should’ve known better. Is Vaquer sure she can defend the North American Championship tonight? After what Fatal Influence did, Ava- Vaquer stops Ava there. Vaquer is the double champion, and she will keep her word to Ava, to the NXT Women’s Division, and to her home country of Chile. Vaquer IS La Primer. Fallon will still get her title match. Okay, but is Vaquer sure? They can always reschedule. Vaquer says she’s sure, thank you. Vaquer heads out with both belts in hand but ice wrapped around her waist. Will Vaquer still make history by successfully pulling off the double header?
Backstage interview with Fraxiom.
Sarah Schreiber is with the NXT Tag Team Champions and brings up that the last time we saw them, they were battling it out with The Hardy Boyz at Roadblock. What was it like for Axiom to go home to Spain and push Der Ring General, Gunther, to his limits? Axiom says that was a dream come true. Axiom pushed the WWE World Heavyweight Champion to his limits in front of Axiom’s home crowd. His friends, his family! That’s a moment he’ll never forget. Nathan Frazer says him, too, amigo. Because Frazer didn’t get invited to that. But hey, it’s Stand & Deliver Season, and-
Axiom stops Frazer there. They talked about this. It was all meant to be a big surprise for everyone, and… Frazer has a big mouth. So- Oh, what is that supposed to mean? Does Axiom think Frazer was going to tweet it out or something? Well, he’s kinda done something like that before… Hey, maybe if Frazer was there, Axiom would’ve beat Gunther! Okay, what is that supposed to mean? Wait, as Fraxiom argue, someone pulls up. It’s OBA FEMI! And The Ruler does not look happy. Axiom gets out of there, and Frazer is unsure where he’s going. Frazer follows, will the dysfunction start up all over again?
NXT Heritage Cup Championship: Lexis King VS Je’Von Evans!
The Drama King continues to talk a big game, but perhaps changing the rules from British Rounds to First Fall might come back to bite him. Will this Cup still be Lexis’ prized possession? Or will the Young OG shock the world by adding his name to the Heritage Cup legacy?
NXT returns as Lexis makes his entrance. The introductions are made, the trophy is raised, and we see if this is still Lexis’ way and Lexis’ life.
The bell rings and the two approach. Lexis takes a swing, Je’Von dodges, and Je’Von asks if Lexis is still mad about last week. Lexis runs up, Je’Von headlocks, and Je’Von thrashes the hold. Lexis powers up but can’t power out. Je’Von thrashes the headlock more, but Lexis pries at the grip. Lexis pulls hair, puts Je’Von in a corner, but lets off as the ref counts. Je’Von dodges the sucker punch to hit a headlock takeover! The fans cheer as Je’Von shows he has that technical side, but Lexis headscissors. Je’Von kips free, headlocks again, but Lexis fires body shots. Je’Von CLUBS Lexis and CHOPS him, then it’s back tot he headlock.
But Lexis hits a BIG back suplex! The fans boo but Lexis stomps away on Je’Von. Lexis soaks up the heat, drags Je’Von up and scoops for a SLAM! Cover, TWO! Je’Von is tougher than that and Lexis stays focused. Lexis taunts Je’Von, clamps on the chinlock, but Je’Von endures. Je’Von fights up, but Lexis crossface forearms Je’Von down! Cover, TWO! The fans rally for “YOUNG O G!” Lexis tells them to shut up, then he winds up. Je’Von dodges to springboard and FLYING SCHOOLBOY! TWO, and Lexis swings, into a wrench! Je’Von goes up the ropes, BOUNCY~” RANA! Lexis gets up, Je’Von dodges him, for a springboard CROSSSBODY! Cover, TWO!
Je’Von DROPKICKS Lexis right down and the fans fire up! Lexis bails out, Je’Von grins and builds speed. Je’Von DIVES, direct hit on Lexis and he ends up on the desk! The fans fire up as Je’Von cheers himself on, and NXT goes picture in picture.
Je’Von perches on the desk as he waits for Lexis to get up. The ref reprimands and wants this in the ring, so Je’Von hops down to fetch Lexis. Je’Von CHOPS Lexis, brings Lexis around, but Lexis SHOVES Je’Von into steel steps! Je’Von writhes, Lexis talks trash, and he drags Je’Von up to put him in the ring. Lexis drags Je’Von up to scrape laces off the face, then he KICKS Je’Von in the back! Je’Von grits his teeth but Lexis stands him up. Lexis bumps Je’Von off buckles, then headlocks to throw in some sneaky punches! The ref sees those and reprimands, but Lexis drags Je’Von up. Je’Von stops the buckle bump to give a buckle bump!
Je’Von CHOPS and Lexis sputters! Je’Von CHOPS again, but Lexis dodges to throat chop! The ref reprimands, but Lexis stomps Je’Von around. Lexis hoists Je’Von up for a BIG back suplex, covers, TWO! Lexis looms over Je’Von, stomps him, then drags him up to bump off buckles. Lexis uses the ropes so he can dig both boots in! The ref counts, Lexis backs off, and he drags Je’Von out from the corner. Je’Von fires body shots, then whips, only for Lexis to reverse. Lexis DROPKICKS Je’Von down, covers, TWO! Je’Von stays in this but Lexis stays on him with a chinlock. Lexis leans on Je’Von but Je’Von still endures.
NXT returns to single picture as Je’Von rises up. Je’Von arm-drags free, then BODY BLOWS! And BODY BLOWS! Lexis ROCKS Je’Von right back! Lexis runs up to LARIAT in the corner, and CHOP! Lexis wrenches, then has an inside fisherman, for a FISHERMAN DRIVER!! Cover, TWO!! Je’Von survives and Lexis is furious! The ref defends his count was fair, so Lexis drags Je’Von back up. Lexis talks trash, Je’Von CHOPS! The fans fire up while Lexis sputters and drops to his knees! Je’Von then goes to a corner, and Lexis snarls. Lexis runs up, blocks a boot, but Je’Von stands on Lexis’ foot! Je’Von ROCKS Lexis, UPPERCUTS, then runs and hits a SUPER OG PUNCH!
The fans fire up and Je’Von keeps moving, springboard and DREAMCAST KICK! The fans fire up as Je’Von hurries to the apron! Je’Von then climbs, FIVE STAR FROG SPLASH!! Cover, TWO?!? Lexis survives and the fans are thunderous! Je’Von just brushes that off and brings Lexis up. Je’Von underhooks, “This is Awesome!” but Lexis BACKDROPS free! Je’Von lands on his feet! Lexis runs up to SUPERKICK! Lexis snarls, drags Je’Von back up and reels him in! “LONG! LIVE! THE KING!” CORO- NO! Je’Von wrenches out, whips, but Lexis reverses! Je’Von hits a NEURALIZER! Lexis tumbles out while the fans fire up!
Je’Von shakes the ropes, he is all fired up! Je’Von runs and FLIES! Direct hit at the ramp and the fans fire up again! Je’Von hurries to get Lexis in, then he goes up the apron. Lexis distracts the ref, OBA GRABS JE’VON! APRON POWERBOMB!!! The Young OG writhes, the fans boo, but the ring count is climbing! The Ruler counts along as we pass 5 of 10, and then 8! 9! TEN! Lexis wins!!
Winner: Lexis King, by count-out (still NXT Heritage Cup Champion)
The King keeps his crown thanks to The Ruler getting revenge on Je’Von! And while Oba stalks Je’Von back into the ring, the lights go out! Because THEY are here! Dark State is in the crowd! Je’Von fights Oba while Dion, Saquon, Cutler & Osiris creep closer! Oba ROCKS Je’Von, reels him in, but Je’Von gets out of the bomb! Trick Williams runs in, Oba dodges, TRICK SHOT hits Je’Von!! Trick is a bit stunned, but refs and security rush out here! Dark State waits at the barriers to see how this plays out. Fans want to “LET THEM FIGHT! LET THEM FIGHT!” but the refs won’t let Trick and Oba get started! Dark State is loving this! Will NXT truly fall into chaos?
Gigi Dolin & Tatum Paxley VS Lash Legend & Jakara Jackson!
It was last week that these teams “crossed the line” into TNA to call out Ash & Heather By Elegance, but it was the “weird girls” who were given the title opportunity. Will Gigi & Tatum make Lash & Jakara understand why? Or will the Meta Girls make them pump the brakes?
The teams sort out and Gigi starts against Lash. They circle, tie up, and go around. Gigi arm- NO, Lash blocks the arm-drag to then press Gigi down. But then Sol & Zaria walk out on stage to watch this in person. Lash whips and THROWS Gigi away! Lash talks smack on Sol & Zaria, then tags in Jakara. The Meta Girls double whip Gigi to the corner, then Lash sends Jakara in for a back body block! Lash runs up to SPLASH, then she feeds Gigi to Jakara’s SLINGBLADE! Cover, TWO! Gigi stays in this but Jakara stays on her. Gigi reaches up to RANA Jakara to the corner! Gigi back body blocks, tag to Tatum!
Gigi sends Tatum and she CROSSBODIES Jakara in the corner! Tatum sets up, Gigi runs up, POETRY IN BRONCO BUSTER! Gigi gives Jakara a wild ride, then Tatum high stacks, TWO! Jakara toughs it out and then ROCKS Tatum with a right! But Tatum drop toeholds! Tatum drags Jakara back, then top mounts to hook the legs, and she turns Jakara over for the SPIDER-WEB SURFBOARD! Jakara endures, Lash storms in and pushes things over! Lash drags Tatum up, tells her off, and then Jakara HOTSHOT BULLDOGS! Tatum flounders, Jakara tags Lash, and Lash BOOTS Tatum down! Lash puts Tatum on the ropes and dares Zaria to do something.
Tag to Jakara, and she drops a knee on Tatum’s face! And another knee! Jakara runs to cartwheel ELBOW DROP! Cover, TWO! Jakara drags Tatum up, tags Lash, and then Jakara feeds Tatum to Lash’s scoop! Lash SLAMS Tatum, talks trash to Zaria & Sol, then covers Tatum. TWO, and Lash is annoyed. Tag to Jakara, the Meta Girls mug Tatum, but Jakara swaggers too soon! Tatum BOOTS her away! Tatum breaks free of Lash, leaps, but Lash catches her! Tatum still reaches out, tag to Gigi! Lash throws Tatum back, Tatum dodges Jakara, Jakara ROCKS Lash! Gigi goes up to DOUBLE FLYING LARIAT the Meta Girls!
The fans fire up as Gigi hurries to DECK Jakara! SUPERKICK for Lash! Gigi wrenches and ROCKS Jakara, to then ripcord and LARIAT! Tag back to Tatum, Gigi gives her a boost to ENZIGIRI Lash! Tatum & Gigi then set Jakara up, DOUBLE HEADBUTT SANDWICH!! But that’s not all! They hook Jakara up, CEMETERY DRIVE!! Cover, Tatum & Gigi win!
Winners: Gigi Dolin & Tatum Paxley, by pinfall
The combination of STO and Lightning Spiral is certainly deadly! Will it help them knock out the Knockouts Tag Team Champions?
Tony D’Angelo is at the restaurant.
The cousins tell The Don, “the streets are talking.” “And they’re talking a lot.” Tony knows that. He hears everything. He’ll handle it. The rest of the Family arrives, and they sit with Tony. Luca asks how he’s doing, and Tony says he’ll be alright. Those four guys put a pretty good beating on him. Tony doesn’t even know who they are. Tony wants intel. He wants to know who they are, what’s their motive, what’s their purpose, and where they eat before they even do. Understood? Rizzo says got it. They’ll take care of it. Luca says Tony can count on them. Tony says he knows he can. Stacks stays silent, but then Tony tells him to hold on.
Stacks sits back down while the others leave, and Tony asks if Stacks is good. Yeah, everything’s alright. Besides this “Dark State.” But why? Tony says Stacks is Underboss for a reason. They grew up together. Remember back in high school, when Stacks and Ralphie Ziparetto hit that high roller card game? Yeah, he does. There were some big sharks there. That there were. And remember when they tried to pull his card and Tony had to step up and convince them to give Stacks a pass? Yeah, he remembers. He’ll never forget what Tony’s done for him. Tony knows Stacks won’t. Because Tony believes in Stacks, trusts him, and can always trust him. Right?
Stacks stands up and pats Tony on the shoulder. “You can always trust me, T. Always.” Stacks leaves, but is that enough for Tony to believe him? Or is something brewing in the background of all this?
Hank ‘n’ Tank regroup with MCMG.
Tank doesn’t get it! They did everything Sabin & Shelley said: Stay connected, step in unison! Shelley says okay, enough. Let’s talk them off the ledge. MCMG thinks Hank ‘n’ Tank did great. But hey, they’ve also been in this game a long time, wrestled all sorts of teams from all over the world. They definitely feel Hank ‘n’ Tank are future champions, but… They have to remember that everyone’s process is different. Everyone takes a different path to the top. It’s short term pain for long term gain. There are levels to this, but a couple words of advice: trust your partner, and don’t compare yourselves to other teams. MCMG’s been together well over a decade.
But y’know what? This isn’t linear, it is undulating. It took MCMG a long time to get to the top, to get to the WWE. And within weeks, they were WWE Tag Team Champions! The most important thing: Don’t give up. Don’t give up! Tank says yeah, they’ll get there, and they’ll see MCMG down the line. They all fist bump, but what path will it be? Will Hank ‘n’ Tank just need more time? Or will they find a major breakthrough as soon as next week?
Ethan Page VS Andre Chase w/ Kale Dixon & Uriah Connors!
While All Ego and The Professor have different philosophies, they do have something in common: They both want to rebound from some disappointing losses. Wait, Ricky Saints pushes right past Ethan to join commentary. The Absolute wants to watch this in person, will he see Ethan rebuild his ego? Or will we finally see some school spirit again?
NXT returns and Chase makes his entrance, still a bit worse for wear, but Kale & Uriah are pumped up enough for all three of them. Chase has them remember, it’s not Chase U, though. Even so, Uriah & Kale put up that U and cheer Mr. Chase on. On commentary, Vic apologizes for Shawn Spears interrupting their interview. Ricky says hey, just one more Canadian wrestler who doesn’t like him. The bell rings and the two tie up. Chase headlocks, Ethan pries at the hold, and Ethan powers up and out. Chase goes up the corner and around to roll Ethan up! TWO, Chase trips Ethan, steps through, but Ethan boots him away.
Chase comes back, Ethan drops down, but Chase counters hip toss with a hip toss! Ethan hits a headlock takeover, and he holds Ethan down as Ethan kicks around. Ethan fights up, the fans chant, “We Want Thea!” Ethan stomps Chase’s foot, headlocks back, but Chase powers up and out. Ethan runs Chase over! Things speed up, Ethan counters hip toss with hip- NO, Chase MONKEY FLIPS that hip toss away! The fans fire up and Chase headlocks. Ethan powers up to hit a BIG back suplex! The fans rally but Ethan KNEES Chase in the side, stomps away, then drops an ELBOW! Ethan brings Chase up, but Chase stops the buckle bump!
Chase fires forearms, then whips, but Ethan reverses to DECK Chase! Ethan DECKS Chase again, then looms over Chase at the ropes. The fans boo but Ethan drags Chase up again. Ethan whips Chase to ropes, but Chase grabs ropes! Chase DUMPS Ethan out, then takes aim, only for Ethan to step aside. Ethan glares at Kale & Uriah, but Chase is on the apron! SUPERKICK! The fans fire up for Chase as he FLYING LARIATS! Down goes Ethan and the fans fire up! Chase wants Kale & Uriah to calm down, and NXT goes picture in picture.
Chase drags Ethan up, puts him in the ring, then storms up to suplex high and hard! Cover, TWO! Ethan is tougher than that but Chase brings him back up. Chase whips Ethan to a corner, but Ethan reverses. Ethan runs in, Chase ELBOWS him away, then Chase goes up. Ethan ROCKS Chase first, then brings him off the corner for an OKLAHOMA STAMPEDE! Ethan stomps Chase, then drops an ELBOW! Cover, TWO! Ethan clamps onto Chase with a chinlock and he grinds Chase down. Chase endures, Uriah & Kale rally the fans, and Chase fights up! Chase fires body shots, then runs, but into a DROPKICK! Ethan covers, TWO!
Ethan grows frustrated, but he clamps back on with a chinlock. Chase endures, even as Ethan grinds him into the mat. Kale & Uriah keep cheering Chase on with the U, and Chase fights up again. Chase JAWBREAKERS free! Ethan staggers, but he still scoops and SLAMS Chase! And back to the chinlock! Chase endures all over again as Ethan squeezes tight. Chase fights up, pries at the hold, and NXT returns to single picture as Chase fires body shots. Ethan knees low, then whips, but Chase KICKS Ethan back! Chase then wrenches and SWINGING NECKBREAKERS! The fans fire up while Ethan and Chase are both down.
Chase and Ethan go to corners, and Ethan runs up, only for Chase to dodge! Chase rallies with ELBOW after ELBOW! Chase whips, Ethan reverses, but Chase reverses back, RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP! The fans fire up and Chase starts to spell it out, but he feels so conflicted! Uriah & Kale tell him it’s okay! Spell it out! Chase says alright! “C! H! A! S!” But Ethan blocks the E! Only for Chase to dodge the roundhouse and SIDE EFFECT! Cover, TWO! Ethan stays in this but Kale & Uriah coach Mr. Chase to keep going. The fans fire up, Chase storms up on Ethan and brings him around. Chase goes up the corner, reels Ethan in, but Ethan wrenches out! ICONOCLASM!
Ethan then RIPCORD CODE BREAKERS! Cover, TWO!! Chase survives and the fans fire up! Ethan is frustrated but Uriah is relieved and Kale is pumped up! Ethan and Chase rise up, and Ethan pie faces Chase. “Stay down! Stay down!” Chase eggs Ethan on! Ethan SLAPS! Chase SLAPS! Chase CHOPS, CHOPS, runs, but Ethan BOOTS him! Ethan goes to the apron to get Chase, and brings him up, only for Chase to APRON NECKBREAKER! Chase hurries in, goes up, and TORNADO DDTS! Cover, TWO!! Ethan survives and the fans fire up for “NXT! NXT!” Chase hurries back up top, but Ethan hits the ropes! Chase gets tripped up!
Ethan goes up the corner, hoists Chase onto his shoulder, and fans boo as Ethan hits a SUPER POWERSLAM!! Cover, TWO?!?! Chase survives and the fans are thunderous! But TWISTED GRIN!! Cover, Ethan wins!
Winner: Ethan Page, by pinfall
Chase gave Ethan much more of a fight than expected, but Ethan still won out. All Ego talks trash on Ricky, Ricky says if Ethan wants some, he’s right here. But then SHAWEN SPEARS CLOBBERS RICKY! The Culling mocks Ricky’s pain and Ethan smirks. Will they all make sure Ricky has nothing to show for showing up in NXT?
Dark State speaks.
They post to X as Dion shouts, “Y’all like that, huh? Y’all like that?! We ain’t even gotta do nothing and y’all go crazy!” Cutler says, “Just ask Tony D what happens when we decide to get involved!” Osiris says, “When the lights go out, anxiety goes through the roof!” Saquon asks, “Are y’all slow? When are y’all gonna realize that when Dark State strikes, ain’t nobody safe! NOBODY!” They head out into the night, when will they strike again?
NXT Media catches up with Trick Williams.
The reporter asks if Trick meant to hit Je’Von earlier tonight. Trick says everyone wants to talk about Je’Von. Everyone who can see knows Trick was aiming for Oba. Je’Von was just collateral damage. Nah, forget that! Je’Von’s a distraction! Just like how Eddy Thorpe was a distraction! A distraction from what Trick wants. Everyone’s a distraction from the fact that Trick is the man around here! Trick is supposed to be NXT Champion. Oba knows it. And if Oba is still The Ruler, then he knows where to find Trick right here next week. Trick turns to go but the reporter asks his opinion on Dark State.
Tricky says that ain’t his business. Trick leaves, not interested in distractions. But is he overlooking a major problem gnawing away at the foundation of NXT?
NXT Women’s North American Championship: Stephanie Vaquer VS Fallon Henley w/ The Fatal Influence!
La Primera made it through Jaida Parker, perhaps in part thanks to Grace. But Fatal Influence still had to stack the deck against Vaquer with an ambush. Will the Toxic Cowgirl just be picking the bones like a vulture? Or will the Dark Angel still have gold on each shoulder?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see if Vaquer can defy the odds to make history again!
The bell rings and the fans rally behind “LA PRIMERA!” But Jacy distracts Vaquer and Fallon RAMS her into the corner! Fallon RAMS in again and again, then drags Vaquer out to snap suplex! Vaquer writhes, Fallon covers, TWO! Fallon top mounts but Vaquer pushes her up and away. Vaquer then fires a flurry of forearms! Fallon kicks low then whips Vaquer. Fallon KNEES low, the fans boo, but Fallon covers, TWO! Fallon snarls, storms around, and she drags Vaquer up. Fallon bumps Vaquer off buckles, then stomps a mudhole in. Fallon whips corner to corner, runs up, but Vaquer BOOTS her away! Vaquer then DROPKICKS Fallon down! Cover, TWO!
Vaquer and Fallon rise up, and Fallon BOOTS Vaquer down! Fallon drags Vaquer to then stomp her in the stomach and ribs! The fans rally but Fallon covers, TWO! Fallon frowns, but she clamps on with a REAR BEARHUG! Vaquer endures, the fans rally for her, and Vaquer pries at the grip. Vaquer turns around to JAWBRAEKER, and SUPERKICK! Fallon falls onto ropes, Vaquer dials it up, but Jacy & Jazmyn warn Fallon! Fallon ducks the 619, then RAMS into Vaquer! Fallon POSTS Vaquer, then runs to swing and TIGER FEINT Vaquer down! The fans boo but Fatal Influence soaks up that heat while NXT goes picture in picture.
Fallon storms back into the ring, stalks Vaquer, and drags her up. Vaquer fires body shots, but Fallon KNEES low! Vaquer falls over, clutches the ribs, but Fallon drags her back up. Fallon bumps Vaquer off buckles, stomps her down, then talks trash. Fallon stomps away on Vaquer, digs her boot in, but steps off as the ref counts. Fallon drags Vaquer up, TOSSES her out, then paces. The ring count starts while Vaquer writhes. Fallon storms out to stand Vaquer up, and she RAMS Vaquer into the apron! Fallon drags Vaquer up again, SMACKS her off the desk, then puts her in the ring. Fallon stomps away on Vaquer, covers, TWO!
Vaquer toughs it out and Fallon grows frustrated. Fallon drags Vaquer by her hair, talks smack on the fans, but Vaquer ROCKS Fallon again and again! Vaquer SOBATS, runs, but Fallon BOOTS her down! Fallon huffs ‘n’ puffs and drags Vaquer around again. Fallon clamps on a top wristlock and grinds the arm. Vaquer endures, fights up, and NXT returns to single picture. Vaquer fires shots, but Fallon kicks low! The fans boo but Fallon whips and ROCKS Vaquer! Fallon cravats, Vaquer powers out, but Fallon comes back to get around. Fallon waistlocks and sits Vaquer down! Fallon then runs to SLIDING FOREARM!
Fallon keeps moving and she KICKS Vaquer in the side! Vaquer writhes, but Fallon drags her up to bump her off buckles. Fallon goes out to the apron, and she redials, but Vaquer dodges the feint kick to bump Fallon off the buckles! Then they go side to side, but Fallon blocks the buckle bump! Fallon SMACKS Vaquer, goes up the corner, but Vaquer SMACKS Fallon back! Vaquer goes up, but Fallon fights back. Vaquer HEADBUTTS again and again and again! Then she brings Fallon up for a SUPERPLEX! The fans fire up for “NXT! NXT!” while both women are down! Fallon and Vaquer crawl to each other, and Fallon SLAPS Vaquer!
Vaquer HEADBUTTS Fallon! Fallon ROCKS Vaquer! Vaquer HEADBUTTS again! Fallon kicks low, Vaquer sits down, but Fallon is right on her. Fallon whips, Vaquer reverses, EAT DA FEET! Vaquer bumps Fallon off buckles again and again and again, all three levels! Vaquer scrubs Fallon’s face with her boot, then goes corner to corner! METEORA! The fans fire up as Vaquer snapmares Fallon, and wraps on the headscissors! But Fallon victory rolls, and she STOMPS Vaquer’s ribs! Fallon then drags Vaquer up, clinches, pump handle, FALL AWAY SLAM! Fallon stomps Vaquer again whiel fans boo.
Fallon stands Vaquer up, runs, but Vaquer victory rolls! TWO!! Fallon SOBATS, then she TOSSES Vaquer out! The ref argues with Fallon, but that lets the Influence rush in! Vaquer dodges Jacy to SUPERKICK! But Jazmyn’s NYX KICK hits!! The fans boo as Jazmyn puts Vaquer in, and Fallon goes up, up, and BLOCKBUSTER! Cover, TWO!! Vaquer survives and Fallon is shocked! Fallon argues with the ref, then she snarls at Vaquer. Fallon runs in, Vaquer dodges! SUPERKICK! Vaquer tucks the arms, but Jazmyn gets on the apron! Vaquer runs up but Jazmyn scurries away. Fallon hooks Vaquer up again, but Vaquer slips underneath!
Vaquer shoves Fallon into Jazmyn! Then roll-up, roll through, and tuck! S V B!! Cover, Vaquer wins!!
Winner: Stephanie Vaquer, by pinfall (still NXT Women’s North American Champion)
The Influence is shocked, but their numbers game backfired! La Primera keeps both titles, but then Jacy & Jazmyn attack! The fans boo as they and Fallon stomp Vaquer again! They set her up, but HERE COMES JORDYNNE! The Juggernaut is back, and she picks Fallon up, BOOTS Jacy, and then SMACKS Jazmyn using Fallon! Grace ELBOWS Fallon down, then LARIATS Jacy! A BACKHAND for Fallon, and the fans fire up! Grace picks up both belts, and she hands them back to Vaquer. But she kinda holds on, too… Grace lets them go, Vaquer gets fired up, but then Jaida SHOVES Grace into Vaquer!
Jaida fires hands on Grace, but Grace DECKS her in return! And then she runs up to HIP ATTACK Jaida down! Grace shows Miss Parker isn’t the only one that’s hip-notic. But then Vaquer turns Grace around so they can stare down. Grace bailed Vaquer out two times tonight, will Vaquer have to face Grace two times in one night?
We cut back to the watch party, and Ava tells Stevie Turner that this is historic. No one has pulled off two defenses in one night, but Vaquer did. Lola Vice steps up and says she wants next. Kelani Jordan says nope, not before her! She deserves her own shot at the title. Cora Jade says she wants in, but so does Izzi Dame, Karmen Petrovic, and pretty much everyone else in the room. Ava says okay, okay! She will figure this out! Just what will Mayor Ava choose for Stand & Deliver Season?
My Thoughts:
An awesome NXT, really packed for just the two hours, and with some great story intertwining. Saints VS Spears next week for the North American Championship is a touch surprising, but they laid the groundwork really well tonight. Good interview promo where Spears “interrupts” and gives Ricky that not so subtle threat. Then with that promo, they cleverly used it to make Ethan VS Chase and put Ricky on commentary. I wonder, though… Ricky’s line about Canadians hating him, was that a shot at Adam Copeland taking those cheap shots at him last year?
That aside, great match from Ethan VS Chase, but I figured Ethan would win, this keeps building anticipation for the moment Chase U returns. But also, Ricky jawing with Ethan was a good distraction for Spears to attack. It feels like Ricky is going to win, but The Culling could easily cheat him out of the title and we extend things towards Stand & Deliver. Igwe & Dupont VS Hank ‘n’ Tank was a great match, but between Wes interfering and Hank ‘n’ Tank clearly trying to do things like MCMG and not their own way, Hank ‘n’ Tank were of course losing. I believe I said this when “going extreme” like the Hardys didn’t work out that Hank ‘n’ Tank just need to find a team more their style, aka The Dudleys.
Very good promo from Tony D with The Family, with Tony’s strength as The Don being questioned by “the streets,” but also perhaps Tony questioning if Stacks is going to stay loyal this time. They teased Stacks turning on Tony way back when The D’Angelos were feuding with Gallus, but they might actually pull the trigger now. The Culling is working to replace The D’Angelos as the top faction, Tony has done almost everything in NXT, and something would be very fitting if Tony was betrayed before he can win THE NXT Championship and become the Grand Slam Champion.
Very good stuff in this Dark State story, though it’s really more the others in it, like Je’Von, Trick and Oba. Je’Von VS Lexis was a great match, but I should’ve figured Oba would cost Je’Von. Also, good promo from Fraxiom to revive their dysfunction while also segueing into Oba showing up. Trick hitting Je’Von by accident was also a good touch, and he had a good promo after. Him claiming he doesn’t care about Dark State is intriguing, too. Could Trick be working with them behind the scenes? It’d be very “CM Punk helped The Shield” of them to do in this story. Perhaps Dark State affects the NXT Championship match for that purpose.
And of course, the highlight of the night, the throughline story, is NXT’s incredible women’s division. Opening with Vaquer VS Jaida for THE NXT Women’s Championship was rather telling that Jaida would lose, but it’s a bit disappointing it had to be because of Jordynne. I get wanting to keep Jaida strong and they’re clearly planting sees of Jaida VS Jordynne there, but it doesn’t really help Vaquer. Though they also have Fatal Influence attack to put Vaquer in the underdog position with the beat up ribs. Vaquer does get to show her grit by overcoming the unofficial 3v1, but all that could’ve still happened without Jordynne costing Jaida on some level.
I also did appreciate that the watch party had a part to play. Gigi & Tatum VS Meta Girls was really good stuff, and I really like that team finisher from Gigi & Tatum. They probably won’t beat Ash & Heather By Elegance, but they can have a great showing. And all the other women wanting their shot at Vaquer’s belts, Ava can definitely give us something big in the last three weeks before Stand & Deliver. Maybe a small tournament, maybe a battle royal, it really depends on if Vaquer will defend the belts in another double header or in a Winner Takes All match.
My Score: 9/10
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