Coverage

Mitchell’s NJPW Road to New Beginning Results & Report! (2/5/24)

LIJ VS J5G!

Published

1 year ago

February 5, 2024

Steven Mitchell

It’s another big faction showdown!

Before Tetsuya Naito and Sanada have their IWGP World Heavyweight Championship rematch, they settle whose faction is superior in a unique 5v5 gauntlet!

OFFICIAL RESULTS

Shoma Kato VS Katsuya Murashima; Time Limit Draw.
Six Man Tag: El Phantasmo, Hikuleo & Jado VS Bullet Club; Bullet Club wins.
10 Man Tag: Shota Umino, El Desperado, Tomoaki Honma, YOH & Boltin Oleg VS The House of Torture; Shota, Desperado, Honma, Yoh & Oleg wins.
8 Man Tag: Hiroshi Tanahashi, Tomohiro Ishii, Toru Yano & Togi Makabe VS TMDK; TMDK wins.
10 Man Tag: The United Empire VS Bullet Club War Dogs; The United Empire wins, by disqualification.
Faction Warfare Gauntlet: Los Ingobernables de Japon VS Just5Guys; LIJ wins.

PLAY BY PLAY

Faction Warfare Gauntlet: Los Ingobernables de Japon VS Just5Guys!

In a match heavily inspired by judo team matches, members will be sent out in order of ranking, saving the “generals” for last! Each round is 10 minutes or first to a fall, the “winner” staying on to stack the odds! If there’s no fall before the time limit is up, both men are eliminated! Will this end up a lopsided victory for one side? Or will it be neck and neck until the end?

Wait a minute, it seems both teams tried to catch the other off guard! SANADA is sent out first, as is Tetsuya Naito! Well then, a preview of the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship rematch starts things off, will either man make it to the end?

Tetsuya Naito VS SANADA!

Naito takes his time with his elaborate entrance attire, but Sanada is patient since he knows all the tricks. Naito is finally finished, the bell rings, and the fans cheer. They rally behind “NA-I-TO!” as he and Sanada stare down. The clock is ticking, but these two circle around slowly. They approach, Naito goes for the roll up! TWO, and Naito cradles! TWO, and Sanada sidesteps to O’Conner DEEP Roll! TWO!! Naito escapes and then bails to the outside while Sanada argues with Red Shoes. The count was fair so Sanada watches Naito go around the outside. Sanada holds the ropes open for Naito, but Naito slides under instead.

Naito and Sanada reset, Naito kicks low and SPITS! Sanada runs in, Naito dodges to arm-drag! And atomic drop to a trip, rolling jackknife bridge! TWO!! Sanada escapes but Naito stomps him. Naito brings Sanada up for the BACKBREAKER, into the leglock nelson! Sanada endures, moves around, but Naito puts on the pressure. Sanada still fights, but Naito hooks a leg, too! Sanada kicks with his only free limb and manages to move around. Sanada rolls to relieve some of the pressure, then reaches out for the ROPEBREAK! Surprisingly, Naito lets go right away, and he brings Sanada back up.

Naito cravats for a neck wrench, and he thrashes Sanada around. Sanada throws body shots, but Naito CLUBS him on the neck! Naito whips, Sanada reverses to hurdle, hurdle and DROPKICK! The fans fire up while Naito bails out again. Sanada hurries to PLANCHA! Direct hit and down goes Naito! The fans fire up and Sanada encourages them to get louder. The fans oblige, and Sanada nods. Sanada goes back for Naito, drags him up, and puts him in the ring. The fans applaud, Sanada rolls in to cover, TWO! Sanada keeps cool but the clock is still ticking. Sanada fireman’s carries but Naito fights free!

Naito DUMPS Sanada out, and he runs to WRECK Sanada with the dropkick! Naito catches his breath before going out to fetch Sanada. Naito drags Sanada up, and whips him into railing! Sanada slumps down but Naito opens the gate. Naito brings Sanada around, then closes the gate so he can bend Sanada against it! HOTSHOT NECKBREAKER! Sanada flounders away and Naito leaves him out there! Naito waits in the ring while Red Shoes hurries to check Sanada. Sanada is still in this so the ring count begins. The fans rally as Sanada slowly sits up. We’re already at 10 of 20 but Sanada is still down!

Sanada rises up at 13, hobbles through the gateway at 15, and slides in at 18! Naito is on Sanada, brings him up and throws those HEAVY elbows! Naito then puts Sanada up top and we’re at the three minute warning! SUPER STEINER! The fans fire up and Naito grins as he aims from the corner. Sanada slowly rises, Naito runs in, but Sanada dropkicks a leg! Then he DROPKICKS Naito down! Naito bails out, Sanada catches his breath then pursues. But Naito RAMS Sanada into railing! And then into more railing! We’re under two minutes here but Naito sends Sanada into the wall! And then he puts Sanada on the upper deck!

Fans fire up as Naito climbs up to join Sanada, and the chairs all get moved aside! Naito drags Sanada up to turn him, but Sanada fights free! Sanada trips Naito, then ties him up!! The ring count starts, but Naito kicks Sanada away! So Sanada dropkicks the legs out! Sanada hurries back to ringside, and he slides in at 10 of 20. Naito is still out there at 15! Naito flounders off the upper deck at 17, and hurries to slide in at 19! But then Sanada dropkicks the legs out! And we’re under ONE MINUTE! Sanada hurries to step through, but Naito cradles! TWO!! Sanada spins Naito around, for MAGIC- NO! Naito turns that around to TORNADO DDT!!

THIRTY SECONDS! Naito hurries to wrench, tilt-o-whirl, but no Destino! DEAD- NO, Naito slips free again! Sanada O’Conner Rolls, but TIME’S UP!!

Time Limit Draw, BOTH men are eliminated!

Naturally, ten minutes wouldn’t be enough for the current IWGP World Heavyweight Champion and the previous IWGP World Heavyweight Champion to settle things. So now, out comes the next two participants! The Blue Playmaker and… THE RAMPAGING DRAGON!?

Shingo Takagi VS Taka Michinoku!

It seems LIJ wants to keep going strong by sending out a former IWGP World Heavyweight Champion of their own! Will Takagi be able to bring down Taka in under 10 minutes?

Wait, Taka BOOTS first! And then SHINING WIZARD in the corner! The bell rings to get this on record as Takagi bails out. Taka builds speed, and he fakes the dive to slingshot out! But Takagi avoids that to then YANK Taka down! Takagi JABS Taka, and whips him hard into railing! Takagi storms up, brings Taka around, and whips him hard into more railing! The fans fire up with Takagi as we get another fast ‘n’ furious start. Takagi stomps Taka around, then drags him up to put in the ring. The fans cheer as Takagi storms in but Taka kicks the ropes! Takagi gets jammed up, and then Taka DRAGON SCREWS the leg!

Takagi falls, Taka slides out and brings Takagi to the corner. Taka SLAMS a leg into the post! And then he SLAMS the other leg into the post! Then Taka ties the legs up, for a HANGING FIGURE FOUR! Fans rally while Takagi endures! Red Shoes reprimands, Takagi claws at the leg lock, and Taka lets go. Takagi hobbles away but Taka headlocks him. They go past where Naito is still resting, and then end up backstage! Red Shoes starts the ring count, but what’s even going on back there? The count passes 10 of 20, and Taka rushes back out! He slides in at 15, Takagi storms back in at 17, but does he know the count is climbing?

Takagi is upset, he slides in at 19! Taka grabs a leg for an ANKLE LOCK! Takagi has the ROPEBREAK! Taka lets go to bring Takagi up but Takagi JABS, JABS and JABS! Then ROLLING- NO, Taka boots the lariat away and drop toeholds to the AKNLE LOCK! Takagi endures but Taka GRAPEVINES him! Takagi reaches out but Taka adds the other leg, INVERTED FIGURE FOUR! Takagi endures, crawls forward, and has the ROPEBREAK! Fans cheer and Taka lets go to then bring Takagi up. Takagi fights the scoop, throws body shots, then scoops Taka. Taka slips free but Takagi ELBOWS, JABS and YUKON LARIATS!

The fans fire up as Takagi brings Taka up to suplex high and hard! Cover, TWO! Takagi looks to the camera, “TOKI GA KITA! <The time has come!>” The fans fire up, Takagi runs to SLIDING LARIAT! Takagi eggs Taka on as we reach five minutes in this round. Taka sputters so Takagi brings him up. Taka fights the lift to jackknife bridge! ONE, but Taka SHINING WIZARDS! Both men are down and the fans rally up! Takagi and Taka rise, and Takagi fires a forearm! Taka JUMP SOBATS! Then JUMP KNEES! Then SUPER K! Cover, TWO! Takagi is still in this but Taka fires up. Taka scoops but Takagi fights that again!

Takagi throws elbows, then ELBOWS! JABS! Taka SLAPS and pokes the eyes! Trip and Oklahoma Roll! TWO!! SHINING WIZARD! But Takagi’s right up! PUMPING BOMBER!! Cover, TWO?!? Taka survives and the fans are thunderous! Takagi eggs Taka on, runs, and PUMPING BOMBERS!! Then he hauls Taka up for the YUKON BOMB!! Cover, TWO?!? STF!! Taka endures but Takagi rolls him into the TAKAGI STF!! Taka TAPS, Takagi ELIMINATES him!!

Winner: Shingo Takagi, by pinfall; stays in the match

Now with Takagi giving LIJ the advantage, here comes The Holy Emperor! Taichi not being saved for last is certainly a surprise, but he also knows Takagi well from their battles over the KOPW Championship so this is good timing. Takagi stays warmed up while Taichi takes off his elaborate entrance attire. The bell rings and the two rush in! They RAM shoulders again and again, then Takagi dodges Ax Bomber to RAM Taichi! Taichi rebounds to BOOT Takagi down! The fans fire up and Taichi runs, but Takagi blocks the boot to CLUB the leg! Takagi ROCKS Taichi, Taichi KICKS Takagi! Taichi KICKS again and again!

Takagi DOUBLE CHOPS but Taichi KICKS the leg! Takagi falls over and hurries to ropes, but Taichi kicks him out of the ring. Taichi then pursues, and he sends Takagi into railing! Taichi brings Takagi through the gateway to snapmare him in front of the fans. Taichi KICKS Takagi in the back! Takagi writhes but Taichi brings him up. Takagi ROCKS Taichi, Taichi BOOTS Takagi! Takagi stops from falling on fans, and Taichi whips him into a POST! Takagi slumps down but Taichi pushes him into the ring. Taichi drags Takagi around, has a standing toehold, then he stomps a leg. Taichi turns Takagi over, stomps him a bit, then has the HALF CRAB!

Takagi endures as Taichi pulls on the leg! Takagi fights his way forward, ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer, Taichi lets go in frustration, but he then stands on the leg. Taichi taunts Takagi then stomps the knee! Taichi scuffs Takagi, kicks at the leg, but Takagi sits up. Taichi gives Takagi more scuffing kicks, and he eggs Takagi on before a stomp! Takagi sits up but Taichi gives him Kawada Kicks. Takagi gets mad so Taichi gives him more Kawada Kicks! Takagi headbutts the buckle to fire back up! Taichi kicks the bad leg, then KICKS Takagi in the chest! Takagi falls back into the corner, and Taichi waits on him to stand.

Takagi stands, Taichi runs in, but into BOOTS! Taichi comes back, but Takagi BOOTS again! Takagi hobbles, swings, misses, but he fights Dangerous Saido to fireman’s carry! Taichi slips free but Takagi ELBOWS! JABS! YUKON feint and DDT! The fans fire up again while both men are down. Takagi sits up first, shakes out his arms and legs, then stalks Taichi to a corner. Takagi runs up but blocks a boot, to clothesline after all! The fans rally and Takagi fires off forearms in the corner! Takagi goes to TEN, then brings Taichi up. Takagi whips corner to corner, runs in and clotheslines again! Takagi reels Taichi in, Taichi fights the suplex, so Takagi SWINGING NECKBREAKERS!

Takagi crawls to cover at the five minute mark, TWO! Takagi keeps his focus and he hears the fans rally up. “TOKI GA KITA! <The time has come!>” The fans fire up and Takagi brings Taichi around. Takagi lifts but Taichi fights it! They fight for control, and Taichi back drops free! The fans fire up again, but Takagi runs in. Taichi swings, Takagi gets around to waistlock, but Taichi PELES Takagi’s arm! Taichi looks to the cameras now? Taichi finds the right one, but Takagi CLUBS him before he can copy Takagi’s catchphrase! Takagi then runs in at the corner, but Taichi dodges to GAMANGIRI! Both men fall and fans fire up again!

The fans rally as Taichi rises, and OFF COME THE PANTS! The fans fire up more as Taichi takes aim and builds his power. TENSHO- NO, Takagi dodges! We’re at the three minute warning as Taichi kicks a leg out! But Takagi blocks the buzzsaw! DRAGON SCREW! Both men are down, and Takagi rallies with “OI! OI! OI!” The fans join in, Takagi drags Taichi up, and he fires a forearm! Taichi KICKS in return! Takagi ridge hand chops Taichi! Taichi ridge hands back! They fire off these martial arts chops back and forth and the fans fire up! Takagi fires a flurry, so Taichi URAKENS! Takagi grits his teeth to CHOP! Taichi KICKS!

Takagi drops to a knee, Taichi KICKS him again! And again! Takagi leans into the shots and eggs Taichi on! Taichi kicks the bad leg and we’re at the two minute warning! Takagi fires boxing elbows! Taichi wrenches to HOOK KICK! Takagi rises to CLOBER Taichi! Takagi runs, but Taichi dodges! And clinches! They sumo wrestle! They go around, try for trips and throws! Taichi has the waistband to THROW Takagi!! Taichi runs, but Takagi ducks to GROUND COBRA CRADLE! TWO!!! Takagi ELBOWS! And JABS! But Taichi ROUNDHOUSES! Takagi rebounds to AX BOMBER!?! Both men are down as we’re under ONE MINUTE!!

The fans rally as hard as they can! Takagi rises up, he drags Taichi to his feet, and he runs with THIRTY seconds! DOUBLE BOMBERS collide! And then they collide again! And again! TWENTY SECONDS! Takagi runs, into a GAMANGIRI!! Cover, TWO!!! And we’re under TEN SECONDS!! Taichi flounders around, but TIME IS UP!!

Time Limit Draw, BOTH men are eliminated

Taichi and Takagi couldn’t finish this within the ten minutes, they’re both out! But that still helps LIJ as they have three men left and J5G has only two! Who is sent out next? It’s the Black Mask and Japones Del Mal!

BUSHI VS DOUKI!

The masked men of each team meet, as if it was meant to be! Will the Junior Heavyweights be able to finish this one faster than ten minutes?

Bushi rushes Douki and fires off! The bell rings, Bushi whips but Douki reverses. Bushi BOOTS back, TOSSES Douki out, then builds speed! Douki returns to ELBOW Bushi down! The fans fire up and Douki stomps Bushi around. Douki CHOPS Bushi, whips him corner to corner, but Bushi reverses. Bushi runs in to ELBOW, then he brings Douki out. Bushi spins Douki for a DDT! Cover, TWO! The fans rally up, Bushi stomps Douki around, and Bushi hauls Douki up. FISHERMAN- NO, Douki slips free to HELL STAB! Douki runs, into an ENZIGIRI! But Douki ENZIGIRIS back! Douki blocks Bushi’s kick, ducks the enzi but not the REWIND HEEL!

Douki wobbles while Bushi goes to a corner. Bushi runs up, CODE- NO, Douki stops the breaker! Douki wrenches, chinbars, ripcords and arm-drags, into a roll and SEATBELT!! DOUKI ELIMINATES BUSHI!!!

Winner: Douki, by pinfall; stays in the match

That WAS fast! And Douki also ties things up! Three rounds down, who is LIJ sending out fourth? Why, the Ticking Timebomb, of course! And he’s not waiting for anything, he runs up to SHOTGUN Douki! The bell rings, Hiromu clotheslines, snapmares and basement dropkicks! Douki bails out and the fans fire up! Hiromu aims from the apron and waits. Douki rises up, and Hiromu JOHN WOOS! The fans fire up with Hiromu as he shouts, “Moto!” The fans echo that, “Moto!” “Moto!” “Moto!” Hiromu then fetches Douki, puts him in the ring, covers, TWO! The fans rally as Hiromu brings Douki up and suplexes, but Douki slips free!

Douki swings but Hiromu fireman’s carries! But Douki slips free, shoves Hiromu to a corner, but Hiromu BOOTS back! Hiromu runs, Douki dodges and holds ropes, then BOOTS back! Douki is on the apron, Hiromu keeps going! FLYING SUNSET FLIP, but Douki holds ropes to block the bomb! Douki kicks Hiromu away, then ASAI MOONSAULTS! Direct hit and down goes Hiromu! The fans fire up while the teams coach their guys on. Hiromu and Douki stir while Red Shoes checks them. The ring count starts, Hiromu and Douki sit up at 5 of 20. Hiromu stands at 10, hobbles over to Douki and puts him in at 14.

The fans cheer and Hiromu brings Douki back up. Hiromu suplexes but Douki blocks! Hiromu still tries but Douki fights it! Douki suplexes but now Hiromu fights it! Hiromu tries again, but Douki wrenches out to waistlock. Hiromu switches, Douki throws elbows then runs, but Hiromu reels him in. Douki hooks free with a leg and then ENZIGIRIS! Hiromu goes to ropes, Douki whips, but Hiromu reverses. Douki springboards to FLYING BACK ELBOW! The fans fire up while both men are down. Douki fires up and stands, to run and DOUBLE STOMP! Cover, TWO! Douki keeps his cool as he brings Hiromu up.

Douki hooks the arms but Hiromu fights the Gory Especial. Douki still lifts! But Hiromu fights free! So Douki knees low, runs, but into a fireman’s carry! Douki slips free, shoves Hiromu away but Hiromu BOOTS him! Hiromu tries again but Douki pops him up into the Gory Especial! DODON NO- NO!! Hiromu arm-drags free! And then POP-UP, but Douki turns that into an ITALIAN STRETCH #32!! Hiromu endures and stays on his feet, even as Douki pulls on the arms! Hiromu fights around, but he’s fading! Red Shoes checks as we pass five minutes, and Hiromu kicks his way around! Hiromu reaches out for the ROPEBREAK!!

The fans cheer but Douki doesn’t let go until Red Shoes counts! Hiromu sputters while Douki goes to the apron. Douki slingshots, but Hiromu stops Daybreak! Hiromu pops Douki around to a fireman’s carry! CORNER DEATH VALLEY! Hiromu fires up and the fans are with him! Hiromu drags Douki up, fireman’s carries again, and swings, but Douki sunset flips! Hiromu sits on it! TWO!! Douki runs up, but into an ELBOW! Both men wobble, and then Douki fires a forearm! Hiromu fires back! They go back and forth with forearms, Hiromu gets the edge, but Douki HELL STABS! And he ducks the superkick to DOUBLE HELL STAB!

Douki runs but into a HIROMU-CHAN BOMBER! Douki stays up and we’re under three minutes! Both men run in, DOUBLE LARIATS collide! They both stagger around, then run in! Douki rolls Hiromu up, TWO!! Douki cradles, TWO and Hiromu has it! TWO and Douki has it! TWO! Hiromu has it again, TWO! Douki has it again, TWO! Hiromu has it, TWO!! Douki has it again!! TWO!!! Hiromu escapes and the fans are thunderous! Both men rise up, run in, and HIROMU-CHAN BOMBER hits! But Douki rises?! DOUKI-SAN BOMBER?!?! The fans are thunderous as we’re under two minutes!!

Douki roars and the fans are with him! Douki drags Hiromu up, runs, but into a SUPERKICK! Hiromu says he’s not done yet! Fireman’s carry and swing, but Douki sunset flips!! TWO!!! ITALIAN STRETCH!!! But Hiromu scrambles around! We’re under ONE MINUTE, but Douki drags Hiromu down! Hiromu is fading again, but he still fights back up! Hiromu powers his way over, but then Douki rolls him away! We’re under THIRTY SECONDS, as Hiromu pops Douki into VICTORY ROYALE!! Both men are down at TWENTY SECONDS!! The fans are going nuts as Hiromu crawls his way to a cover, TWO!!!

TEN SECONDS!! Hiromu dragon sleepers, TIMEBOMB- NO, Douki slips free to arm-drag! Hiromu takes a swing but Douki dodges, and TIME IS UP!

Time Limit Draw, BOTH men are eliminated

The two still keep going, Douki drags Hiromu down for a SEATBELT, but Red Shoes tells him it’s too late! And that means we have the fifth and final around! And that only mean a rematch of GENE BLAST VS HEAT STORM!

Yota Tsuji VS Yuya Uemura!

The fans fire up as we revisit WrestleKingdom in the final round! Uemura won in the Tokyo Dome, will he do it again in Korakuen Hall? Or will Tsuji avenge himself and make everything tranquilo?

The bell rings and now there’s NO time limit on this one! The fans fire up for that! Tsuji smiles while the fans rally behind him. He and Yuya circle, then Tsuji rushes in! Yuya gets around but Tsuji bucks the O’Conner Roll! Tsuji rushes back in, Yuya dodges, and both men run the ropes crisscross from each other! Yuya drops, then hurdles, but Tsuji avoids the arm-drag! Yuya avoids the stomp, and the two stand off! The fans cheer, Yuya and Tsuji get forehead to forehead, then Yuya shoves Tsuji. Tsuji ROCKS Yuya with a forearm! Yuya CHOPS back! Tsuji ROCKS Yuya again, so Yuya CHOPS again!

The fans rally up while Tsuji smiles and dusts himself off. Tsuji ROCKS Yuya with another forearm, but Yuya CHOPS again! Tsuji and Yuya continue, forearm for CHOP, and then Tsuji gets the edge with a flurry of shots! Tsuji whips, Yuta reverses, but Tsuji RANAS! Yuya tumbles out of the ring and Tsuji builds speed! The fans fire up as Tsuji DIVES into a forearm! Tsuji falls back but Yuya drags him out, and whips him hard into railing! The fans rally, Yuya drags Tsuji back up, then wrenches an arm. Yuya hammerlocks Tsuji to POST him shoulder first! Tsuji staggers away while the fans rally. Yuya slides into the ring while Red Shoes checks Tsuji.

Tsuji shakes out the arm, he’s okay to continue. Tsuji then has Yuya back up so he can get in the ring. The fans cheer, but Yuya CHOPS and CHOPS and CHOPS! Yuya snapmares Tsuji, grabs the bad arm and has a standing arm scissor, for the SNAP LOCK! The fans cheer the savage creativity, and Yuya paces around Tsuji. Yuya then scoops Tsuji to SLAM him, and then runs for an ELBOW DROP! Cover, TWO! Fans cheer but Yuya pushes Tsuji around and clamps onto the bad arm. Yuya cranks the hammerlock while he leans on Tsuji but Tsuji endures. The fans rally, Tsuji fights around and reaches out, but Yuya SNAP LOCKS the arm!

Tsuji rolls and stands but Yuya still has the hammerlock. Tsuji tries to switch it but Yuya switches it right back. Yuya keeps Tsuji from the ropes and fans cheer the technical prowess. Tsuji throws elbows but Yuya gets under to scoop and HAMMERLOCK SLAM! Fans cheer while Tsuji clutches the bad arm. Yuya covers, TWO! Yuya keeps Tsuji down with a top wristlock now. Tsuji fights up, but Yuya returns to the hammerlock. Yuya RAMS Tsuji into the corner! Then he runs up to CHOP! Yuya CHOPS again, the fans rally up, and Yuya wrenches to whip corner to corner. Yuya runs up but Tsuji BOOTS him!

Yuya comes back, blocks the boot, but Tsuji brings him in to DOUBLE STOMP! The fans fire up while Yuya flounders away. Tsuji smiles even as he shakes out the bad arm. Tsuji looms over Yuya, brings him up, and then fires off forearms! Tsuji whips, Yuya reverses but Tsuji BOOTS him down! The fans fire up with Tsuji and he brings Yuya around. Yuya wrenches to YANK the bad arm! But he runs into a tilt-o-whirl BACKBREAKER! The fans fire up again and Tsuji paces around Yuya. Yuya crawls but Tsuji stalks him. Tsuji gets Yuya’s legs, but Yuya scrambles and flails! Yuya reaches out and gets the ROPEBREAK!

The fans cheer while Tsuji lets off, and then Tsuji stomps away on Yuya! Tsuji runs side to side to BASEBALL SLIDE! Yuya falls out, Tsuji keeps going! Tsuji DIVES and sends Yuya into railing! The fans fire up again while Tsuji storms around. Tsuji has J5G back up, then he drags Yuya around. Tsuji puts Yuya in and the fans fire up as he waits on Yuya. Yuya rises, Tsuji runs, and Tsuji runs Yuya over. Tsuji then grabs the legs again, but Yuya still fights! Yuya kicks and kicks, then he traps the bad arm to SNAP KICK it! Tsuji comes back but into a kick and ARMBAR DDT! But Tsuji’s back up! Only for Yuya to DROPKICK him down!

The fans fire up and Yuya rises! Yuya paces, then he runs up to DOUBLE CHOP in the corner! Yuya reels Tsuji in for a BIG back suplex! Cover, TWO, but into the KIMURA!! Tsuji endures the double wristlock as Yuya pulls on it! Tsuji fights around, reaches out with legs, but Yuya CRANKS the hold! Tsuji still endures, still fights, and still manages the ROPEBREAK! The fans fire up and Yuya lets go. Tsuji is frustrated as he clutches his arm, but Yuya brings him back up. Yuya spins Tsuji around, but Tsuji fights the full nelson! Then Tsuji fights the waistlock! Tsuji throws elbows, he catches Yuya for the BACKBREAKER and COMPLETE SHOT, but Yuya avoids the stomp!

Tsuji ROCKS Yuya but Yuya PELES! Tsuji swings, but Yuya spins him! Tsuji still KNEES Yuya, then COMPLETE SHOTS! The fans fire up while Tsuji smiles again. Tsuji drags Yuya up, clinches, BACKBREAKER, COMPLETE SHOT and the STOMP! Fans fire up as Tsuji finishes his combo, then roars! Tsuji powers up in the corner, takes aim as Yuya rises, but then says hold on. BOOT! Tsuji gets the legs, and he flips Yuya over into the BOSTON CRAB! Tsuji sits deep, but Yuya endures, fights up, and powers his way forward! The fans fire up but Tsuji sits back down! Yuya still fights, but Tsuji drags him away from the ropes! Tsuji sits down deep again!!

Yuya still endures, J5G coaches him, and he fights back up! Yuya claws his way forward, to the ROPEBREAK!! The fans fire up and Tsuji lets go in frustration. Tsuji stands on Yuya’s neck, Red Shoes reprimands, and Tsuji steps away. Tsuji eggs Yuya on, Yuya sits up, but Tsuji kicks him around. Yuya stands but Tsuji smiles. Tsuji CHOPS, Yuya CHOPS, and then Yuya CHOPS and CHOPS and CHOPS! Tsuji still eggs him on, Yuya CHOPS more, but Tsuji gets in Yuya’s face. Yuya CHOPS, and CHOPS, and CHOPS! But Tsuji just smiles through it! Yuya CHOPS, Tsuji ROCKS him! Tsuji hurries to hoist Yuya up top, then CHOPS him back!

Tsuji climbs up, the fans rally, and Tsuji goes to the very top! Tsuji brings Yuya up, throws some forearms, but Yuya gives haymakers back! Tsuji falls! Yuya adjusts up top as Tsuji rises, but Tsuji gets under the jump! Yuya comes back, into a POP-UP POWERBOMB!! Less pop, more bomb! And then the BOSTON CRAB!! Tsuji sits deep on Yuya’s spine but the fans rally up! Yuya endures, fights back up, and he crawls his way over to where J5G is cheering! But Tsuji drags him away, turns him back over, and SWINGS him!! Tsuji TOSSES Yuya away then roars! The fans fire up as Tsuji hauls Yuya back around, and back into the BOSTON CRAB!

Tsuji is really wanting to embarrass Yuya with a “Young Lion” move! Fans fire up as Yuya endures all over again! Yuya fights, does hopping push-ups, but Tsuji drags him away again! And sits DEEP!! Yuya fights up again?! So Tsuji shifts to a LION TAMER!! Tsuji digs that knee into Yuya’s shoulder blades but Yuya refuses to give in! Tsuji lets him go out of frustration, then looms over Yuya. Tsuji drags Yuya back up, to CURB STOMP him down! Tsuij roars and powers up, and the fans rally. Tsuji aims from a corner as Yuya sits back up. Yuya stands, and RANAS Gene Blast, into an ARMBAR! But Tsuji stacks him! TWO!!

Yuya ENZIGIRIS! Tsuji rebounds, to GENE BLAST!!! Cover, TSUJI WINS!

Winners: Los Ingobernables de Japon, by pinfall

It was truly neck and neck in the end, with Tsuji avenging his loss at WrestleKingdom! LIJ stands together victorious in the end, but will Just5Guys be able to rebound in time for Osaka and Sapporo?

As for Tsuji, he gets the mic to speak. “Oi, Uemura. Oi. Hey, what did you say after you beat me last night? Should I say it? Oi. You stepped over that IWGP World Heavyweight Championship to say it. Me and you, we have to fight for that. That’s what you said, didn’t you? We can have a hell of a match every single night, BUT! Nothing will come of it. We have to settle this in Sapporo. At least for now.” So how about… they make it Hair VS Hair?! What does Uemura say to that? Uemura grabs the mic from Tsuji, and says, “I’m not interested in your hair. BUT! I won’t run from anyone or anything. So in Sapporo… I’ll do it! Hair VS Hair!!”

The fans fire up for this rather rare stipulation match! The future of NJPW wants to go for the top prize, willing to put up more than just their pride on the line! Which one of these lions loses their glorious manes while the other rises up towards the gold?

J5G leaves but Tsuji continues. “OI, Korakuen! And everyone watching around the world. We can’t keep going the way we are going in NJPW. I’ve thought this for a long time. Staying put gets you nowhere. There is a lot I wanna do right here. And to do what I wanna do, Naito… I need the belt that you have. I’m not saying it’s right now, but I will get results. I will produce wins, and I will face you for that IWGP World Heavyweight Championship.” Tsuji vows that this generation of NJPW is going to belong to him. Up, down, left and right, it will all be Tsuji’s! Tsuji vows to be the top of NJPW, just you wait and see.

Tsuji drops the mic and smiles, but Naito smirks as well. Naito brings the belt around nonchalantly like he does every belt, and sets it out in front of the group. Tsuji is first to raise the LIJ fist, and the rest join in. When and where will the Uncontrollable Charisma have to worry about Gene Blast? Will it even be Naito who holds the title when Tsuji comes around for his shot?

My Thoughts:

Okay I know I skipped a LOT on this one, but this was all just a tune-up night with one very big main event. Given the first four rounds were gonna be up to ten minutes, this was gonna end up a 40 minute main event at least. And then they went and had mostly time limit draws to get the maximum out of the whole thing. I did appreciate that Takagi of course beats Taka in the time limit given that’s a heavyweight beating a junior heavyweight, and then I also liked that Douki got to eliminate Bushi fast to show Douki’s risen up in the ranks.

And while surprising, the order everyone entered worked towards story. They didn’t have to choose between Sanada and Naito, and then they gave Tsuji the win over Uemura so that they’re personally 1-1 and will need the tiebreaker. Hair VS Hair is a wild choice, but could go either way because of it. And Tsuji calling out Naito for a potential future title match was pretty wild, too. Tsuji is one of the Reiwa Era Three Musketeers so NJPW clearly sees big things for him, and honestly, I don’t blame them. Tsuji’s big, has a great smile and good personality, he’s a shoe-in for the top spot, so might as well get going on that build.

My Score: 8.7/10

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Up Next

Mitchell’s WWE Raw Results & Report! (2/5/24)

Don't Miss

Mitchell’s NXT Vengeance Day Results & Report! (2/4/24)

Coverage

Mitchell’s ROH Results & Report! (4/18/25)

ROH says TGIF!

Published

3 hours ago

April 18, 2025

Steven Mitchell

420 Honor Club!

Can’t go wrong with ROH on a Friday afternoon! But will Dustin Rhodes & The Von Erichs still be World Six Man Tag Champions after facing #MXMTV?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

Bandido & Komander w/ Alex Abrahantes VS The Infantry w/ Shane Taylor Promotions; Bandido & Komander win.
ROH World Six Man Tag Team Championships: Dustin Rhodes & The Von Erichs VS Johnny TV & MXM Collection; Dustin & The Von Erichs win and retain the titles.
Sammy Guevara VS Lee Johnson w/ Blake Christian; wins.
The Frat House VS ???
Six Man Tag: Atlantis Jr, Fuego & Esfinge VS Euforia, Barbaro Cavernario & Zandokan Jr; win.
Evil Uno & Alex Reynolds VS Jon Cruz & Rosario Grillo; win.

PLAY BY PLAY

Bandido & Komander w/ Alex Abrahantes VS The Infantry w/ Shane Taylor Promotions!

The Most Wanted is once again ROH World Champion, but the Commander of the Skies just lost his ROH World Television Championship. Meanwhile, Captain Shawn Dean & “Bad News & Tattoos” Carlie Bravo want to take over the ROH Tag Division. Will someone be getting Two 2 Da Head? Or will the luchadores be dealing out a Blackjack 21?

The fans rally for Bandido already, which annoys The Infantry. The Code of Honor is not upheld as The Infantry strike first! The bell rings, the ref reprimands and the fans boo as Dean fires forearms with Komander while Bravo has Bandido. Dean kicks Komander, then Bravo SUPERKICKS Komander! Bandido BOOTS Dean, then he brawls with Bravo! They go back and forth, Bandido ROCKS, KNEES, and headlocks. Dean tags in as Bravo powers out, and then Bravo drops down for Dean to take a swing. Bandido blocks that to DECK Dean, but Bravo CHOP BLOCKS Bandido! Bravo shoves Bandido out for Dean to whip hard into railing!

The fans boo but Bravo says, “That’s how we get down! S T P!” Dean drags Bandido up and into the ring, then stays between him and Komander. The fans rally, but Dean RAMS Bandido into the corner! The Infantry mugs Bandido, the ref counts, and The Infantry lets off. Tag to Bravo and he CHOPS Bandido! Bravo puts a leg in the ropes, stomps it, then CHOPS! Bravo stomps Bandido again, then backs off as the ref reprimands. Bravo brings Bandido out, but Bandido fights the suplex! Bravo hooks a leg to FISHERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO! Not quite perfect, but Bravo drags Bandido from Komander with a HEEL HOOK!

Tag to Dean, Dean stomps Bandido, and Bravo says #TAIGASTYLE taught him that. Lee Moriarty gives a thumbs up, and Dean stomps Bandido. Dean puts Bandido’s leg on the ropes, then HIP DROPS it! The fans rally for Bandido but Dean stomps him down. Cover, TWO! Bandido stays in this but Dean drags him around by the leg. Dean drops an elbow on the knee! Then he drops an elbow on the other knee! Then back to the right knee! Then the left knee! The fans boo but Dean drags Bandido to the corner. Dean runs to ELBOW Bandido, then he tags Bravo. Dean scoops Bandido, Bravo goes up, ELBOW DROP BACKBREAKER!

Bravo swaggers while the fans boo, but then he goes back to cover Bandido. TWO, and the fans rally up. Bravo drags Bandido up to HEADBUTT, then he tags Dean. Dean sends Bravo in, but Bandido TOSSES Bravo out! Dean runs up, Bandido BOOTS him! Dean comes back, Bandido dodges and hobbles, hot tag to Komander! Komander springboards and salutes for the CROSSBODY! Bravo rushes back in, he has Komander, but Komander BOOTS Dean to go up and over Bravo! Komander shoves Bravo into Dean, then knuckle locks Bravo to CHOP! Komander goes up, jumps around, and FLYING RANAS Bravo away!

The fans fire up as Komander dodges Dean, ROCKS Bravo, then mule kicks Dean! Komander sends Dean into Bravo, then springboards to DROPKICK Bravo into giving Dean the DDT! Cover, but Bravo breaks it! Bandido runs up, Bravo wrenches and ROLLING ELBOWS! Bravo is fired up, but Komander SUPERKICKS him! Komander fires off on Dean with forearms and puts him in the corner. Bravo sneaks a tag while Komander climbs up. Komander rains down five punches, then whips Dean corner to corner. Dean reverses, Bravo runs up, CARLIE CROSSOVER! Then feed to Dean’s FLYING LARIAT!

The Infantry then hoist Komander up, wrench and URENAGE DOUBLE BACKBREAKER!! Bravo covers, but Bandido breaks it! The fans fire up as Dean whips but Bandido TOSSES him! Bravo runs up, Bandido SUPERKICKS him! The fans fire up as Bandido rises, but then Bravo distracts the ref. Shane Taylor gets on the apron, talks trash on Bandido, then ROCKS Bandido! Komander storms up, Shane grabs him, but Bandido comes back! Komander gives Bandido the boost to SUNSET FLIP POWERBOMB Shane onto Moriarty & Dean! The fans are all fired up as Komander then BOOTS Bravo, ENZIGIRIS, and calls to Bandido!

Komander tags Bandido, then he ROCKS Bravo! Komander goes corner to corner to go up, up, and ESCALARA MOONSAULT onto STP! Bandido scoops Bravo for the X KNEE!! Bravo is on the ropes. Bandido runs, BLACKJACK 21 PLEX!! Bridging cover, Bandido y Komander win!

Winners: Bandido & Komander, by pinfall

A big victory for Bandido y Komander! With Sueprcard of Honor just a few weeks away, who will step up to take on The Most Wanted for his most wanted ROH World Championship?

ROH World Six Man Tag Team Championships: Dustin Rhodes & The Von Erichs VS Johnny TV & MXM Collection!

The Natural may have been literally robbed of his belt, but he is still a champion alongside Marshall & Ross Von Erich. The Von Erichs are back to help Dustin take back that belt, will the Sons of Texas ride off into the sunset tonight? Or will they find they’re NOT #TVReady?

Speaking of not ready, Johnny, Mansoor & Mason Madden attack the Sons of Texas at the ramp! The fans boo the blindside attack, but Mansoor CLUBS Ross, Johnny CLUBS Marshall, and Mason stomps Dustin. Johnny kicks Marshall, Mason whips Dustin into the railing, and Mansoor RAMS Ross into the steel steps! The fans boo more, Mansoor tells them to shut up, but Marshall fights back! Marshall fires forearms, but Johnny CLAWS Marshall’s eyes! Mason sends Dustin into more railing, then LEG LARIATS Dustin down! Mansoor fires more shots on Ross, then he puts Ross in the ring for Johnny.

The ref checks on Ross, but Ross says he wants the match! The bell rings, and Johnny BOOTS, KICKS, ROCKS, and fires more shots on Ross! Taya Valkyrie shows off the remodeled ROH World Six Man belt while Johnny gives Ross some ground ‘n’ pound. The fans boo but Johnny drags Ross up. But Ross jumps to RANA! And then he arm-drags! And arm-drags again! And DROPKICKS! The fans fire up as Ross brings Johnny up, tags Marshall, and then whips so Marshall can DROPKICK! Cover, TWO! Johnny rolls to his feet, mule kicks Marshall, then hot tags Mansoor! But Marshall dodges to BLAST Mason!

Marshall ROCKS Mansoor with counter punch after punch, but Mansoor puts him in a corner for body shots and stomps! The ref counts, Mansoor digs his boot in, but then Mansoor stops at 4. Mansoor argues with the ref while sneaking kicks. Mansoor whips corner to corner, but Marshall comes back to LARIAT! Marshall fires more hands, then he UPPERCUTS! Marshall ROCKS Mansoor, wrenches and whips corner to corner, but Mansoor comes back! Marshall runs through the lariat to then LARIAT Mansoor! The fans fire up and Marshall calls his shot! CANNONBALL for Mansoor! Cover, TWO!

Marshall drags Mansoor up, headlocks, and Ross tags in. They mug Mansoor and the fans cheer that CHOP! Ross headlocks and grinds, but Mansoor hooks Ross’ nose! Mansoor headlocks now, but Ross powers up and out. Mansoor jumps the dropdown, Mason tags in, and Mason BLASTS Dustin off the apron to then LEG LARIAT SPINEBUSTER COMBO! The fans boo, Marshall protests, but MXM mugs Ross! Johnny joins in and they all stomp away! The fans rally for Dustin while Mason TOSSES Ross out. MXM distracts the ref so Taya can stomp away on Ross with those bright green boots!

The ref has to hold Marshall back, and Mason goes out to fetch Ross. Mason puts Ross in the ring, throat chops him, then fires body shots as he says he’s H O T T, O~ G~ O~! Tag to Mansoor, Johnny lets Chappell Roan know they’re big fans, and Mansoor BLASTS Marshall off the apron! Mason scoops Ross, Mansoor runs up, CATWALK SLAM! Cover, TWO! Ross survives and Mansoor snarls. Mansoor clamps on with a chinbar and armlock! Ross pries at the grip, reaches out for the ropes, and Marshall coaches him. Ross fights up, Mansoor holds him back, but then Mansoor THROWS Ross down by his hair!

The fans boo, but Mansoor drags Ross back to tag Johnny. Johnny stomps Ross, then drags him up, only for Ross to fire body shots! Johnny gets up and under Ross, Alabama ROLLING SLAM! Cover, TWO! Johnny stands over Ross and pulls on the arms while he tags in Mason. Mansoor runs around the outside to blindside Dustin! The fans boo and Marshall protests, but there’s nothing to be done as Mason drops an ELBOW on Ross! And another ELBOW! And then a JUMP ELBOW! Cover, TWO! Mason is annoyed, Dustin is down, and Mansoor tags in. Mansoor tells Marshall that he saw the Iron Claw movie, and it SUCKED!!

The fans boo but MXM hoist Ross up! Mason runs, but Marshall DUMPS him out! Ross CLUBS away on Mansoor, reaches for Marshall, but Mansoor holds onto a hand! Ross fires a forearm, the fans rally up, but Mansoor still holds on! Mansoor ducks the shot, back suplexes, but Ross lands out! DOUBLE LARIATS take both men down! The fans fire up as Ross and Mansoor crawl! But Mason is creeping up! Mason YANKS Marshall down, then THROWS him into the steel steps! And he CLUBS Dustin for good measure! Mansoor rolls up Ross, TWO! Ross feints high to BACKDROP Mansoor! Dustin rises up!

The fans are thunderous as Mansoor and Ross crawl, hot tags to Johnny and Dustin! The Natural rallies on the Guru of Greatness, then whips, but Johnny reverses! “Not Today!” UPPERCUT! SNAP POWERSLAM! Mansoor is in, but Dustin kicks and “Not Today!” UPPERCUT! SNAP POWERSLAM! Mason is in, but again, “Not Today!” But Mason grabs Dustin first! CHOKE- NO, Dustin slips free, and feeds Mason to a DOUBLE DROPKICK from the Von Erichs! Johnny CLUBS Dustin, whips, but Dustin hits a BULLDOG! Cover, Mansoor breaks it! The fans boo but Mansoor CLUBS Dustin. Mansoor whips, Dustin reverses, but Mansoor avoids the powerslam!

Mansoor DDTS Dustin, but Ross RANAS Mansoor! Johnny SUPERKICKS Ross! Marshall DISCUS LARIATS Johnny! Mason LEG LARIATS Marshall! Dustin storms up, Mason HEADBUTTS him! Mason runs, but Dustin dodges! Mason’s leg is in the ropes, and he begs Dustin not to. Dustin pokes Mason in the eyes! And then he puts Mason’s other leg in the ropes! Dustin takes a deep breath, but Johnny runs up! Dustin gets around and lifts Johnny, to stick him right in there with Mason! Taya protests, but that lets Dustin hit DOUBLE SHATTERED DREAMS!! Mansoor runs up, Dustin dodges, DESTROYER!!

Ross is in, and he gives Mansoor an IRON CLAW!! Marshall has Mason, and SLAM DUNKS him into Johnny’s TV! Johnny sits upright, right into Mansoor’s runway! Ross keeps Mansoor in a corner, and Dustin brings Johnny up! Dustin puts one out, then hits the FINAL RECKONING!! Cover, Sons of Texas win!!

Winners: Dustin Rhodes & The Von Erichs, by pinfall (still ROH World Six Man Tag Team Champions)

Taya is beside herself! Dustin gets his belt back as the Von Erichs keep theirs! Will no one ever truly stop The Last of His Kind from running the ROH Tag Division?

[Due to scheduling conflicts, coverage will be on delay]

About Chairshot Radio Network

MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)

TUESDAY - Musical Chairs (music) / Hockey Talk (NHL)

WEDNESDAY - The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling)

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CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS

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

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

Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5

Classic POD is WAR

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

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

Coverage

Andrew’s TNA iMAPCT! & Unbreakable Results & Match Ratings: 4.17.2025

iMPACT is the Pre-Show, Unbreakable is a TNA+ Special! See what happened!

Published

18 hours ago

April 18, 2025

Andrew Balaz

iMPACT! is getting the old Heat treatment as a TV episode pre-show. While nothing about the iMPACT episode seems overly intriguing, they all actually have narrative weight, and since the last two weeks have been devoid of weight and general cohesion…this might be a surprisingly good episode which would serve as a better pre-show than expected.

I’m still mad that it’s a damn Thursday and they want to have 4-5 hours of show because WrestleMania reasons. Even WWE realized doing long shows before workdays was stupid, so NJPW giving them the idea to break Mania into two nights is a boon for everyone over thirty.

Also the main reason I’m doing a joint article. Since Unbreakable starts immediately after iMPACT, I’m not gonna put up back to back articles. One stop shoppin it!

Will @AJFrancis410 be crowned the FIR$T TNA International Champion TONIGHT at #TNAUnbreakable?!

WATCH #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/rT1TusIxJd pic.twitter.com/rxiBn6PxPw

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) April 18, 2025

iMPACT! – Ratings:

Laredo vs Jason Hotch w/Tasha Steelz: Laredo wins via Laredo Fly – ** 1/4
Jazmyn Nyxx w/Fatal Influence vs Xia Brookside w/Lei Ying Lee: Xia wins via Small Package – **
KC Navarro vs Cody Deaner: KC wins via Loaded Fist – **
Maggie Lee & Heather by Elegance w/Personal Concierge vs Gigi Dolin & Tatum Paxley: Hot Topic Hotties win via Cemetery Drive – ** 1/4
Jakara Jackson w/Lash Legend vs Dani Luna w/Jody Threat: Dani wins via Luna Landing – ** 1/4
Leon Slater vs Brian Myers: Myers wins via Roster Cut – ** 1/2

Unbreakable – Quick Ratings:

Zachary Wentz vs Eric Young vs AJ Francis: Young wins via Piledriver – *** 1/4
Ace Austin vs Steve Maclin vs Eddie Edwards w/Alisha: Steve Maclin wins via KIA – *** 1/2
X Division Championship: Moose(c) w/Alisha vs Akeem: Moose wins via Lights Out – Long Squash
Mustafa Ali & Nemeths vs Hardys & Mike Santana: Jeff Hardy wins via Swanton Bomb – ***
Kaz & Tessa vs Joe Hendry & Masha: Hendry wins via Standing Ovation – ** 3/4
Barb Wire Massacre: Sami Callihan vs Mance Warner w/Steph De Lander: Callihan wins via Cactus Driver ’97 – ** 1/2
Inaugural International Championship: AJ Francis vs Steve Maclin vs Eric You: Maclin wins via K.I.A. – *** – TITLE CHANGE!!!

Results:

Laredo vs Jason Hotch w/Tasha Steelz

Laredo starts quick with a Straight Right, Tijeras, a few quick strikes, kicks Hotch out of the ring, wants a Plancha, but Tasha gets in the way to stop Laredo’s offense which gives Hotch an opening. Quick trip, a few chops and a hard Irish Whip has Laredo trying to catch his breath. Hotch tries to go for another Strong Irish Whip but Laredo reverses, two kicks, Flying Neckbreaker into a Missile Dropkick sending Hotch to the outside. Laredo finally pulls off his Suicida, and he’s rolling. Corner Forearm, Uno Mass Corkscrew Moonsaults, but Hotch manages to get away after two. A Snap Jab staggers Laredo, Ali style Outside In Rolling Neckbreaker and Hotch tries to take things to the top. But Laredo counters and Avalanche Michinoku Driver…only for two.

Laredo tries to keep things going, Back Handspring Crossbody, but Hotch catches him, big Tilt-a-Whirl Backbreaker for two. Hotch looks to the corner and then gets scared because he thinks Santana might strike, Hotch and Tasha argue, Laredo recovers and runs up the corner and hits the Laredo Fly for the win.

If @CodyDeaner can take down @KCwrestles tonight on #TNAiMPACT he punches his ticket Ultimate X at #TNARebellion! @milanmiracle

WATCH #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/rT1TusIxJd pic.twitter.com/T5zqKHVr24

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) April 18, 2025

Jazmyn Nyx w/Fatal Influence vs Xia Brookside w/Lei Ying Lee

Jazmyn and Xia go for a chain wrestling or World of Sport kind of start. Xia even gets out of the Head Scissors with the classic Hand Stand and pop. After a little taunting, Jazmyn tries to charge but Xia loops around for a flash Cradle, Nyx kicks out quick and retreats to her Fatal Influence friends for a breather. Xia catches her with a Dropkick, a few strikes and starts putting things together until Jazmyn catches her in the corner and Snake Eyes Xia the hard way and then starts leaning her into the ropes, a few Leg Sweeps, PK kicks and Jazmyn is in control. Fisherman’s Suplex Hold from Jazmyn but Xia kicks at two. She tries to fight back up but Jazmyn is using her positioning to keep control. Bulldog into the middle buckle, puts Xia between the ropes and lays in a Round Kick to her chest and Xia has been eating offense for the last few minutes. The crowd tries to rally the little British Angel, but Jazmyn lays in some forearms, hits the ropes, Xia ducks and they hit stereo High Kicks to double down for a few moments.

Xia starts to rally, gets a few shots in, Tijeras, Xia tries Angel Wings but Jazmyn moves. Jazmyn tries to stay on her, but a Jawbreaker gives Xia time to go to the corner, Xia hits the Crossbody, Angel Wings, and looks for a DDT or something but Fatal Influence get involved distracting everyone. Lei has Fallon hanled, but Jacy is mouthing off causing Rosemary to come down and make a Mist save. Jazmyn tries to be opportunistic, but Xia blocks her move and hits the Small Package for the win.

Overbooked and timing was a bit shoddy in some spots, but not offensive. Not bad, but not good either.

KC Navarro vs Cody Deaner

This is for a spot in the Ultimate X match. Here’s to hoping the Blessed One beats the hell out of the loser who’s about as over as Herpes. Meaning he never goes away, and he’s unlikable. Anyone that says “Funny Underdogs are needed on shows”, isn’t that like 60% of the roster? No one is funny if everyone tries to be funny. KC however, he’s fucking hilarious and amazing.

KC tries to pay off Deaner and get him to forfeit, Deaner of course does the underdog thing of fighting back, dumb looking punches, goofball corner spot that he lengthens to the put of looking dumb and not funny. Oh thank God KC hits the Spiderman in the ropes, ducks Deaner and 305 gets hit for a near fall. Now KC is rolling, nice quick offense, Snapmare, Front Roll Neck Snap, Stomp into Split into cover for only two. Deaner goes for the comeback, and a few Lariats, Bulldog, and everything looks soo stupid. Deaner puts KC in the Airplane spin, gets dizzy and then goes again, TKO for two.

Navarro tries to powder, Deaner goes after him but the ref gets Deaner off of him since KC was in the ropes, KC wraps his necklace around his knuckles and a quick Jab to the face as Deaner tries to suplex him, 1-2-3, Blessed WIN.

If Deaner was the only doofus guy he’d be fine, but when we have Santino, Arianna, Laredo, KC, Great Hands, Brian Myers, Dango, Alisha, Hendry (while not a doofus isn’t close to serious), Kaz, Elegance Brand (all 3 of them), Ryan Nemeth and those are just off the top of my head. Everyone can’t be silly or no one is silly and nothing matters.

Maggie Lee & Heather by Elegance w/Personal Concierge vs Gigi Dolin & Tatum Paxley

I’m gonna keep any Gigi drooling to a minimum since I respect my boy Wentz, but I will say, you gotta love Hot Topic Hotties. Yes I like walking red flags, I’m self aware, and okay with it.

Maggie and Gigi start, a few quick counters, Gigi manages the Double Hook Cradle for two, then Hot Topic Hotties go tandem with a Dropkick and a Twisting Elbow for another two. Tatum is officially legal, Maggie looks for the tag but Heather wants to push Maggie more. Which is exactly how ASH treated her. Tatum turns it around, Gigi tags in, Poetry Bronco, and then Kawada Kicks from Gigi. Concierge distracts, Maggie grabs her, Heather takes the cheap shot, Suplex from Maggie for two. Heather and Maggie get some offense in together, and Heather is working Gigi over in the heel corner. Unicorn Stampede essentially. Heather goes for a pinfall and its only 2. Heather is getting frustrated, Gigi with an Upkick headscissors, Heather tries to stop the tag out, but eats the Mule Kick.

Tatum starts beating on Heather, rams Heather into Maggie, Cartwheel Peach Sunrise, tags in Gigi, Double Headbutts and Cemetery Drive from the Hot Topic Hotties and everyone wins. Jesus…will never leave this chat, he started it.

Jakara Jackson w/Lash Legend vs Dani Luna w/Jody Threat

Things start a little slow, Collar & Elbow tie up that they won’t relent for a while, Jakara tries to turn it into a Headlock Takeover, but Dani is too strong. Dani gets a few shots in, hops the rope for something but Lash makes her present felt and trips Dani while Jakara distracts the referee. The referee didn’t see anything but ejects Lash anyway. Lash won’t go, tries to intimidate the ref and say no. Jakara keeps things moving against Dani while Lash takes her sweet time slowly walking away. Jakara tries a Roll-Up but Dani too thicc to keep down. Dani fights back up, scoops Jakara and drops her unceremoniously.

Jakara starts laying in a bunch of Falling Knees and gets a quick two, before locking in a Cravat that Dani tries to fight out of. Dani counters out of it, ducks the Line, and they crash into each other with Forearms. The Double Fall Down spot is a little played out and this is only the pre-show really.

Dani levels Jakara with a few Lariats, looks for the Luna Landing, Jakara slips it so Dani comes off the ropes with a Busaiku Knee. Luna wants a Blue Thunder but Jakara gets away until Luna grabs her again for the Rebound Blue Thunder Bomb and a near fall. Luna charges the corner, misses, Jakara hits the Tornado DDT, but only two. Jakara tries to ram Dani’s head into the buckles, but Luna blocks, fires and takes Jakara’s head off, Luna Landing gets his and Dani wins!

Elijah has a promo segment and they have a really Sesame Street style “Walk this Way” words on the screen thing. When they did the bouncing ball lyrics with Ron Killings, it was at least cool. This comes off as corny and low budget public broadcasting crap just for Elijah to announce an open challenge at Rebellion or something. Admittedly I zoned out cause I figured it would be nothing of note.

Leon Slater vs Brian Myers

Myers and Slater start in a shoving match jawing at each other, and then Leon lays in a Shoulder Tackle off the ropes, some jumping crap and Myers is getting bounced from corner to corner like a dork. Leon tries to continue the Around the World but a punch, Thrust Kick and Irish Whip across the ring gives him some confidence, but he eats the Feint Mule Kick, Back Handspring Back Elbow…and again System matches are “look stupid and get beat up for 70% of the match until a shortcut can be taken”. Speaking of short cuts, Leon goes for his Corner Leap, Myers guards from it, Leon repositions but gets tripped and eats a Spear. Then…we go to commercial.

Coming out of the commercials Myers is still in control. Leon slips out of a suplex and then connects with a flurry of offense, Myers eats more kicks than I can count, powders, Leon does his corner post leap, comes in and looks to win but an Implant DDT, dick kick and Roster Cut gives Myers the win.

Overall iMPACT! Rating: 5/10

Nothing special but at least it made some sense and was a better than the last few episodes. Low bar comparatively. Now immediately onto Unbreakable! So because this is a long night, I figured I’d do a Watch A Long with Mat Sarpraicone over on Dirt Sheet Radio because I have zero faith in Unbreakable being worth the 2-3 hours it will take to watch it.

So you’ll get quick results with ratings and an overall thoughts at the end of Unbreakable from me, because it’s late and I needed something to keep me awake.

Overall Unbreakable Rating: 4.5/10

The iMPACT! episode was easier to watch and digest, three Triple Threats is too many and the Main Event being a slow paced triple threat after a Barb Wire match and a bunch of faster matches really doesn’t resonate well with fans. Even though I didn’t love the Sami vs Mance match, ending on carnage and the “babyface” winning would’ve been a much better way to send the crowd home happy and we wouldn’t have needed so much time fill during the last hour of the show.

Maclin being the inaugural International Champion is cool, setting up the first defense against Eric Young is good for their story, so most of the marks were hit. It just was too damn slow and had no business being a main event. Champions vs Challengers was okay, but it only really picked up when Masha and Tessa were mixing it up. I liked Moose having the extended squash match for shits and giggles, but two Triples back to back to open the show is an easy way to burn out a crowd. Sure the Moose match was an extended piss break to recharge the crowd, but the card was just laid out awkwardly and things felt like far more of a chore than they should have.

All in all this was a very lame event. Yes I get it was purely stop gap to take advantage of WrestleMania weekend, but with Rebellion next week, we all knew it wasn’t gonna shake things up too much. But hot damn was I about to fall asleep if I wasn’t doing the watch-a-long to not pass out.