Coverage

Mitchell’s NJPW New Japan Cup Results & Report! (3/12/24)

Just Too Sweet!

Published

2 years ago

March 12, 2024

Steven Mitchell

Bullet Club looks to take over!

David Finlay wants it all, and that starts with him taking the New Japan Cup! Will NJPW and the world learn that they need The Rebel?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

Six Man Tag: Chaos VS Tomoaki Honma Boltin Oleg & Katsuya Murashima; Chaos wins.
El Desperado & Ryusuke Taguchi VS Catch 2/2; Catch 2/2 wins.
Six Man Tag: Just5Guys VS The United Empire; Just5Guys win.
Yota Tsuji & BUSHI VS Zack Sabre Jr. & Mikey Nicholls; ZSJ & Mikey win.
10 Man Tag: Shota Umino, El Phantasmo, Hikuleo, Togi Makabe & YOH VS The House of Torture; House of Torture wins.
Six Man Tag: Los Ingobernables de Japon VS Bullet Club; Bullet Club wins.
2024 New Japan Cup Second Round: Tanga Loa VS David Finlay; Finlay wins and advances.
2024 New Japan Cup Second Round: Hirooki Goto VS Chase Owens; Goto wins and advances.

PLAY BY PLAY

2024 New Japan Cup Second Round: Tanga Loa w/ Jado VS David Finlay w/ Gedo!

Both The Silverback and The Rebel conquered members of the United Empire to get here, but neither came this far to only come this far. Will Loa beat Finlay down for what he did to the Guerrillas of Destiny? Or will nothing stop the alpha War Dog from taking everything?

Loa decides to get a jump on things and he waits for Finlay by the entryway. Finlay steps through and Loa fires off fists! Then he whips Finlay into a door! Gedo protests and the ref reprimands but Loa keeps after Finlay. Loa CLUBS Finlay, HEADBUTTS him, and brings him to ringside. Loa puts Finlay in, the bell rings and this is on record. Finlay bails out but Loa pursues. Finlay kicks low, CLUBS Loa in return, then SMACKS Loa off the apron. Finlay slides in but Loa grabs a foot! Loa drags Finlay right out and sends him into railing! Then Loa brings Finlay through the gate, but Finlay fights back! Finlay whips but Loa reverses, and Finlay BOWSL through chairs!

The fans rally but also have to clear the area. Loa takes a seat and “checks” on Finlay before he SMACKS Finlay off a chair! The ref reprimands and wants this back to the ring. Loa CLUBS Finlay, has Jado watch Gedo, and then stomps Finlay around. Loa brings Finlay up to HEADBUTTS him back down! Loa then stomps on Finlay’s stomach! Finlay tries to fight back but Loa steps off. The ring count starts, Loa hauls Finlay up and ROCKS him with a forearm. Finlay staggers away but Loa brings him up and around. Loa SMACKS Finlay off the apron at 10 of 20, then says don’t worry, he’ll bring Finlay in.

Loa pushes Finlay into the ring, fans applaud, and Loa stalks Finlay to a corner. Finlay stands but Loa RAMS into him! And RAMS him again! Loa lets off to then rip Finlay’s shirt away! Loa throws that aside to CHOP! Finlay sputters and goes to another corner, but Loa is on him with another CHOP! Finlay sputters again and staggers to another corner, but Loa says this is for Chase Owens! Loa CHOPS and Finlay shouts as he drops to his knees! Loa then puts Finlay in the fourth corner, but Finlay dodges! But then Loa dodges and CHOPS Finlay off his feet! The fans cheer while Finlay clutches his chest.

Loa hauls Finlay up, fireman’s carries, and SAMOAN DROPS! Loa stalks Finlay, drags him up, and whips him, only for Finlay to reverse and ROCK Loa! Finlay runs up but into a BOOT! Finlay returns and clotheslines Loa and himself up and out of the ring! Finlay says this is for getting the jump on him! Scoop and SLAM to the floor! Gedo is happy now while Finlay eggs Loa on. Finlay stalks Loa as he crawls, and then runs in to RAM him into railing! Finlay then brings Loa back to the crowd to BOWL him through chairs! Finlay seethes and storms around, then drags Loa up in a facelock. Finlay UPPERCUTS Loa then goes back to ringside.

Finlay says the count can handle this. He slides into the ring and leaves Loa on the outside. The fans rally up as the count begins, and Loa stands at 3 of 20. Loa makes his way back in at 8, but Finlay stomps away on him! The ref reprimands as they’re in the ropes, and Finlay lets off to argue with the ref. Finlay drags Loa up to snap suplex! Cover, TWO! The fans applaud but Finlay HIP DROPS Loa down! And HIP DROPS again! Finlay taunts Loa, HIP DROPS again, then pulls him into a cobra clutch! Loa endures, the fans rally, and Loa fights up. Loa throws body shots, then runs, but Finlay gets around to a SLEEPER!

The fans rally, Loa slips around to a BIG back suplex! The fans rally more as Finlay and Loa are down. Finlay goes to a corner, Loa runs in but into a BOOT! Finlay goes up, but Loa SHOVES him down! Finlay hits apron then floor, and Loa goes out after him. Loa drags Finlay up, whips him into railing, then brings him around to whip him back into railing! Finlay crawls but Loa whips him into the railing again! Gedo is furious but Loa whips Finlay into the railing again! The ring count climbs, and Loa looms over Finlay at 10 of 20. Loa hauls Finlay up to APRON BACK SUPLEX! Finlay writhes into the ring while the fans applaud.

Loa fires himself up, pounds the mat, and the fans rally behind him. Finlay stands, Loa runs corner to corner, A-LIST LARIAT! Finlay falls, Loa climbs, and Loa CROSSBODIES! Cover, TWO! Finlay is still in this but the fans cheer Loa on. Loa watches Finlay crawl while he fires back up. The fans rally up again, Loa runs up to the ropes, but the 619 is a mess! Loa figures he’ll scoop and SLAM instead! Loa says he’ll get this, and he puts Finlay in the ropes again. Loa redials, 619! Fans applaud as Loa then fires up and slingshot SENTONS onto knees! A bit double-edged but Finlay turns things around on Loa!

Finlay hauls Loa up to DDT him right back down! Loa and Finlay are down again, Jado and Gedo coaching each of them up. The fans rally, Finlay brings Loa up, and he fires forearms! Finlay eggs Loa on but Loa DECKS him! Loa eggs Finlay on now, and Finlay stands to fire forearm after forearm! Loa DECKS Finlay again! Finlay staggers up, fires another flurry, Loa swings, but into the IRISH CURSE BACKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Loa is still in this but Finlay stays focused. Loa goes to a corner, Finlay runs in to UPPERCUT! Finlay point blank clotheslines again and again and again! Gedo fires up but the ref counts, so Finlay reels Loa in, short arm LARIAT!

But Loa stays up! Finlay short arm LARIATS again, but Loa stays up! Finlay aims a finger gun, runs, but Loa picks him up! Loa RAMS Finlay into a corner again and again and again! Loa lets off to give back those point blank clotheslines! The fans fire up but the ref counts, so Loa lets off at 4. Loa reels Finlay in to short arm LARIAT! Finlay gets turned inside-out and the fans fire up! Loa scoops Finlay, swings him, and hits a SIDE SLAM! Cover, TWO! Finlay survives and the fans fire up! Loa hauls Finlay up to scoop, but Finlay slips free to backslide! Loa rolls through but Finlay suplexes! Loa slips free and reels Finlay in! POWERBOMB! Cover, TWO!!

Finlay survives again and the fans fire up! Loa crawls over to Finlay, drags him up, and he has the wrists! KAMI- NO! Finlay blocks and then spins Loa around to suplex, INTO OBLIVION!! Cover, TWO?!? Loa survives and the fans fire up! Finlay fumes and he drags Loa back up. Finlay reels Loa in, lifts, but Loa slips free! Loa RAMS into Finlay, then scoops, APE SHID!! Cover, TWO!?!? Finlay survives now but Loa hurries to KAMI- HEADBUTT from Finlay!! Finlay hauls Loa back up, for the POWERBOMB! Cover, TWO!! The fans are thunderous and Finlay is furious! Finlay slashes his throat, suplexes, OVERKILL!! Cover, Finlay wins!

Winner: David Finlay, by pinfall (advances to the next round)

Both men unloaded their arsenals, but it was The Rebel who survived the shootout! Will no one stop Finlay’s rise to the top?

2024 New Japan Cup Second Round: Hirooki Goto VS Chase Owens!

Chaos and Bullet Club have already been battling all over this tournament. Yoshi-Hashi won against Kenta, will Goto eliminate the other IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Champion? Or will the Crown Jewel continue to shine in the New Japan Cup?

Chase throws his shirt at Goto but Goto catches it to throw it back. The bell rings and Chase bails out! Goto is annoyed already but Chase takes his time pacing around. Chase comes back, circles with Goto, but then kicks low and CLUBS away! Chase gloats but Goto CLUBS him back! Goto bumps Chase off buckles, runs him corner to corner then side to side for more buckles! Goto stomps a mudhole but Red Shoes counts. Goto lets off, gives another stomp, then drags Chase up. Goto whips, Chase reverses but then Goto counters hip toss with hip toss! Goto runs Chase over and the fans fire up!

Chase bails out, but gets up on the apron, only for Goto to BLAST him down! Chase throws a water bottle at Goto, then eggs him on. Goto chases Chase around the ring but Chase slides in. Goto is annoyed again, slides in, but Chase stomps and CLUBS Goto down! Goto fires off CHOPS but Chase headlocks. Goto powers out but Chase runs him over! Things keep moving, Chase blocks a hip toss to LARIAT! The fans applaud while Goto bails out. Chase hurries after Goto, and drops AX HANDLES from the apron! Goto falls, Chase looms over him and brings him up. Chase headlocks and punches Goto right in the face!

Goto CHOPS, but Chase headlocks for another punch! Red Shoes reprimands and wants this back in the ring. Chase leaves Goto behind, but just long enough to refresh the count. Chase brings Goto up, RAMS him into railing, then leaves Goto behind again. The count begins, Chase paces while Goto sits up. The fans rally for Goto as he crawls his way over. The count is 10 of 20, then 13. Goto rolls in at 14 and the fans cheer, but Chase digs a knee into Goto’s neck! Red Shoes reprimands and Chase steps away. Chase hauls Goto up to whip to ropes. Chase CLOBBERS Goto with forearms, then mocks the fans rallying for Goto.

Chase looms over Goto, then headscissors to NECK SNAP! Goto writhes but the fans rally up for him. Chase smirks but Goto glares back. Chase brings Goto up, but Goto fights the suplex! Goto knees low but Chase throws Goto down by his hair! Red Shoes reprimands, the fans rally for Goto, but Chase sits Goto up to KICK him in the back. Goto rises, Chase snapmares him back down, and runs, but slows down to chinlock! Goto endures and fights up but Chase shifts to a facelock. Goto throws body shots, then ROCKS Chase with a forearm! Goto whips corner to corner but Chase reverses. Chase runs up, blocks a boot, and UPPERCUTS!

Goto falls over and fans rally back up. Chase goes up a corner to soak up the cheers and jeers. Chase then goes back to Goto, taunts him, kicks him around, and even slaps him on the back. Chase slaps Goto around but Goto stands to COHP! And CHOP! And CHOP! Chase throat chops back! Chase whips Goto to a corner, but Goto reverses. Goto runs in, but into a BOOT! Chase runs, but Goto follows to LARIAT! The fans fire up while both men are down again. Chase goes to ropes and drags himself up but Goto storms up to fire forearm after forearm! Goto whips corner to corner, runs in, MURAMASA! Goto reels Chase in to SAIDO! Cover, TWO!

The fans rally behind Goto while he keeps cool. Goto paces around, brings Chase up, but Chase blocks the fireman’s carry! Chase CLUBS away on Goto, then ROCKS him! Goto glares at Chase, then DECKS him! The fans fire up again and Goto steadies himself. Goto runs in at the corner, but into a clinch! BUCKLE SHOT and STO, to a SENTON! Chase checks his chin while the fans rally up. Chase watches Goto rise, then runs up to forearm smash! Short arm LARIAT! Cover, TWO! Goto stays in this and the fans continue to rally. Chase is annoyed, but he drags Goto back up. Chase fireman’s carries, but Goto fights free!

Goto waistlocks, Chase elbows free, and Chase runs, but Goto follows! Chase dodges, Goto dodges, they both redirect, and Goto LARIATS! Chase stays up, roars, but Goto LARIATS him down! Chase flounders, the fans fire up, Goto runs up, but Chase LARIATS him down! The fans fire up again and Chase goes to a corner. Chase aims at Goto as Goto rises, and the fans rally. Chase runs up, but Goto dodges! Goto fireman’s carries for USHIGOROSHI! Both men are down and the fans rally again! Chase sits up, Goto brings him around and fires a forearm! Chase stands up to fire a forearm in return!

Goto steadies himself and throws another forearm! Chase staggers but comes back to forearm! The shots go back and forth, faster and faster, and the fans rally up! Chase ROCKS Goto, but Goto ROCKS Chase! Chase fires a flurry, then ROCKS Goto again! The fans fire up as Goto grits his teeth and roars! Goto fires a flurry in return, and Chase drops to a knee! Chase stands up, roars, but Goto has the SLEEPER! Chase pries at the hold, reaches out, but Goto keeps him from the ropes! Chase sputters, he’s fading! Goto sits Chase down and Red Shoes checks! Chase wags his finger, he isn’t done. Or is he? Chase is red in the face!

Red Shoes checks, Chase revives, but Goto lets him go to PENALTY KICK! Shoutout to Shibata with that combo. Then Goto fireman’s carries Chase, for G T W! Cover, TWO!! Chase lives and the fans fire up! Goto stays focused and he hauls Chase up to a dragon sleeper! Chase drops to victory roll! TWO!! Goto has the SLEEPER, but Chase runs to HOTSHOT Goto into ropes! Goto tumbles out, Chase builds speed!? Chase WRECKS Goto with the dropkick! Chase hurries to turn Goto, NECKBREAKER to the floor! The fans fire up and rally while both men are down! Chase rises, stands himself up with railing, and goes back for Goto.

Chase drags Goto up, puts him in the ring, but then drags him back to the apron. Chase brings Goto up, reels him in, and tucks the arms! The fans freak out, but Goto fights the lift! Goto shoves Chase away then rolls into the ring. The fans cheer but Chase is annoyed. Chase drags Goto back out and fires off fists! Then Chase whips Goto hard into railing! Goto falls in a heap, and Chase peels floor mats away! Red Shoes reprimands but Chase storms up on Goto. Chase hauls Goto up, reels him in, and he tucks the arms! Fans freak out more, but Goto fights the driver! Goto back drops Chase onto the bare floor!

Red Shoes checks Chase as he writhes. Chase is okay to continue so the ring count begins. Chase and Goto sit up at 5 of 20, then stand at 9. Chase runs up but Goto BOOTS him! Goto swings but Chase ducks, Goto LARIATS POST! Chase leaves Goto behind at 14 of 20! Goto clutches the arm while he writhes, and we’re past 15! Then 18! Goto jumps in at 19! C-TRIGGER! And then half nelson, spin and NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO!! Goto survives and Chase is frustrated, but Chase hauls Goto up again. Chase puts Goto in the ropes and wants to be a Viper! DRAPING DDT!! Kenta likes that move, too! Chase covers, TWO!!

Goto survives and the fans fire up again! Chase is beside himself, and he roars as he stands back up. Chase storms up on Goto, reels him in and tucks the arms, but Goto fights the lift! Chase lets off because his back is bothering him, but he ROCKS Goto with a forearm! Chase reels Goto back in, but Goto RAMS Chase into the buckles! Goto then crawls away from Chase while Chase clutches his back. Goto roars, runs up, but into a BOOT! Chase goes up but Goto YANKS him down! Chase hits buckles on the way down! The fans rally while Chase writhes and flounders all the way to the other corner. Goto grits his teeth as he stands up, and he runs in, but blocks boots!

Goto puts Chase in the ropes, for a DRAPING SHOTO!! Cover, TWO!!! Chase survives and Goto snarls, and Goto drags Chase back up. Goto dragon sleepers, but Chase CLAWS Goto’s face! Chase snapmares free, both men rise up, and Goto runs up! Chase SWATS the lariat, fires off the strike fest, then runs, but Goto follows! Chase ENZIGIRIS in anticipation! But Goto stays up! C-TRIGGER takes him down!! Chase aims, runs, and C-TRIGGERS at the ropes!! Chase even tumbles up and over the top rope! Chase hurries back up and in, tucks Goto in, but Goto fights the driver! Goto wrenches, blocks Chase’s uraken, and HEADBUTTS!

The fans fire up and Goto roars! Goto hauls Chase up, to HEADBUTT! Chase falls right down but Goto isn’t done with him! Goto powers up and takes aim! BUZZSAW! Then the dragon sleeper! G T R!! Cover, Goto wins!!

Winner: Hirooki Goto, by pinfall (advances to the next round)

The Crown Jewel did indeed shine, but he could not withstand the pressure from the Fierce Warrior! Will the IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Champions now owe Bishamon a title shot after the Cup?

As for Goto, he gets the mic to say, “To everyone here tonight, thank you for coming. Of course today’s victory was due to everyone’s cheers, but I also believe it was due to the strength of my father, who I lost a month ago.” Fans applaud Goto’s tribute to his father. Goto continues to say that the New Japan Cup has only just begun, but he’s already into the third round. The fans applaud, and Goto says that “the battle to dye NJPW with Chaos still continues, but until that time tomorrow in Okayama, I will turn the lights out!” And then the lights do go out! The Fierce Warrior is looking to return to former glory, will he have it through the Cup?

My Thoughts:

Another really good night for NJPW in the Cup, and a little surprised at the match order. Loa VS Finlay ended up being the overall better match in my opinion, what with the false finishes and Finlay needing Overkill to take Loa down. But maybe NJPW felt Finlay main-eventing and having another closing promo after the one he had just last round would be overkill of its own. Goto VS Chase was still really good, and Goto wins out as the Face to perhaps give the fans a happy sendoff.

My Score: 8.7/10

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Up Next

Mitchell’s WWE NXT Results & Report! (3/12/24)

Don't Miss

Andrew’s Xplosion Results & Match Ratings: 3.8.2024

Coverage

Mitchell’s ROH Results & Report! (1/22/26)

TAIGASTYLE steps on the Proving Ground!

Published

3 hours ago

January 22, 2026

Steven Mitchell

Will Daddy Magic earn a golden ticket?

Lee Moriarty is still ROH Pure Champion, but he’s looking for contenders! Will Matt Menard survive the Proving Ground? Or will he lose in ten minutes or less?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

Six Man Tag: Dalton Castle & The Outrunners VS ???
Ace Austin VS Johnny TV w/ Taya Valkyrie; wins.
Adam Priest & Tommy Billington VS The Premier Athletes; win.
Alec Price & Jordan Oliver VS CRU; win(s).
“Big Bill” Morrissey & Bryan Keith VS ???
Billie Starkz & Diamante w/ Athena VS Londyn Dior & Rachael Ellering; win.
Satnam Singh VS ???
ROH Pure Championship Proving Grounds: Lee Moriarty VS Matt Menard; wins and

PLAY BY PLAY

[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)

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!

All Shows On Demand

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

Coverage

Mitchell’s WWE Evolve Results & Report! (1/21/26)

Straight like that!

Published

22 hours ago

January 21, 2026

Steven Mitchell

Will there still be a Kali Connection in Evolve?

After falling short in the WWE Evolve Women’s Championship match, Kali Armstrong was taunted by Karmen Petrovic. Will Karmen eat her words tonight?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

WWE Evolve Women’s Championship: Kendal Grey VS Wendy Choo; Kendal wins and retains the title.
Marcus Mathers VS Braxton Cole; Cole wins.
Kali Armstrong VS Karmen Petrovic; Karmen wins.

PLAY BY PLAY

Karmen Petrovic walks ‘n’ talks.

“2026 has been a crazy couple weeks, right? WWE ID clashing with PC talent, Harlem Lewis is back, but I’m focused on the stacked and evolving Women’s Division. Tonight, I’m gonna handle Kali Armstrong. Cuz to me, you’ve just been coasting off being the first Evolve Women’s Champion, and pookie, that’s just so last year. You made your first and last mistake when you jumped me over the barricade last week. So tonight, I’m gonna make sure that the difference is made, just not by you.” The Blackbelt Beauty is ready to Shing-Shing, but will she back up everything she’s said? Or will she be hit with a Kali Connection?

Wendy Choo is here!

The fans cheer the formerly Sleepy Psycho who is now positive and confident in herself. She grabs the mic to say, “Hey, y’all. New Year, New Me! Do I look good or what? Sheee~!” The fans cheer that. “But in all seriousness, I have three New Year’s Resolutions this year. And that’s to be unbothered, unfiltered, and unapologetic. And let’s be real for a second, it’s been almost a whole year, and I never had a real shot at the WWE Evolve Women’s Championship. So, I’m calling out the woman who opened up Pandora’s Box, and the person you can blame for having me never shut up again, Kendal Grey.” The fans cheer that!

And with that, here comes the Evolve Women’s Champion! Chuey Martinez catches up to Kendal and says wait, she was given the week off given her title defense. What’s she doing already in her gear? Kendal asks why she would need a break. If Wendy wants it, she can get it! Kendal will defend this title right now even! The fans cheer that! Chuey asks if they can do this, and a ref is already sent out here. The ref lets them know, the match is now official! Then okay, Kendal VS Wendy for THE Evolve Women’s Championship! Let’s do it! What a way to OPEN the show! Will the Grey Area stay golden? Or will Wendy catch Kendal off guard?

WWE Evolve Women’s Championship: Kendal Grey VS Wendy Choo!

The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who’s really ready for anything!

The bell rings and the two circle while the fans rally and duel. They tie up, Kendal waistlocks, and she SLAMS Wendy down. Kendal holds on as Wendy moves around, and she goes for the ARMBAR! Wendy high stacks, TWO! DIRTNAP, but Kendal rolls back to a cover! TWO! Both women back off and the fans cheer the standoff. Wendy and Kendal reset, tie up, and Kendal waistlocks. Wendy arm-drags free, ROCKS Kendal in the corner, then runs side to side for a YAKUZA KICK! Wendy snapmares Kendal, then SHOTGUNS! The fans cheer while Kendal flounders and Wendy heads after her.

Wendy brings Kendal up but Kendal ROCKS her! And SMACKS her off buckles! Kendal slips under, redirects, then ducks the boot! SHOTGUN! The fans fire up while Wendy bails out. Wendy cools off, then storms up to the apron. She avoids the baseball slide to CANNONBALL! The fans fire up again and Wendy is feeling it! Wendy storms over to Kendal while Evolve goes to break.

Evolve returns and Wendy has Kendal in a Tree of Woe! The fans duel as Wendy runs, and she DROPKICKS Kendal outta the Tree! Cover, TWO! Kendal survives but the fans rally up again. Wendy brings Kendal up, suplex, but Kendal fights it to a cradle! TWO, and Wendy has it! TWO and both women stand. Kendal trips Wendy, high stacks, TWO! Wendy tucks Kendal for a cover, TWO! Kendal sits on it, TWO! Wendy has it again, TWO! The fans cheer as both ladies kick low! Then double forearm! Then DOUBLE LARIATS! Both women are down and the fans fire up! The ref checks and both women are okay to continue.

Kendal and Wendy sit up, and Kendal fires a forearm. Wendy fires back, so Kendal fires another. They stand up to throw bigger shots! The fans rally, Wendy CHIPOS, Kendal KICKS and CHOPS and CHOPS! But Wendy CHOPS, CHOPS, and kicks! Kendal ducks the roundhouse to GERMAN SUPLEX! The fans fire up as the straps come down! Kendal runs up, trips Wendy, and spins her around for the slingshot STOMPS! Cover, TWO! Wendy stays in this but Kendal stays on her for a fireman’s carry. Wendy fights free, shoves her away, but Kendal runs up. Wendy pops Kendal to the apron, then avoids a lariat! And another!

Wendy ROUNDHOUSES Kendal, then has her in the ropes! Wendy brings Kendal in, SWINGING NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO!! Kendal survives, Wendy is frustrated, but the fans fire up again! The dueling continues as Wendy hauls Kendal up. Kendal fights the nelson, but Wendy stops the victory roll! DIRTNAP!! Kendal flails and fights around! Kendal arm-drags free, then wrenches Wendy, ARMBAR TAKEDOWN! Wendy clasps hands to fight it off, but Kendal pries at that grip! Wendy stacks her again, TWO! Both women stand, Kendal SUPERKICKS Wendy! Kendal hurries to the apron, then up the corner.

Wendy UPPERCUTS Kendal first! Wendy climbs, brings Kendal up, SUPERPLEX! But that’s not all, Wendy rolls it through to BRAINBUSTER!! Cover, TWO!! Kendal survives again and Wendy is beside herself! “This is Awesome!” Wendy looms over Kendal, snatches her into the nelson, but Kendal breaks again! Wendy blocks the superkick to spin and SLAP Kendal! Then the TWIST- NO, Kendal slips through! SHADES OF GREY!! Cover, Kendal wins!

Winner: Kendal Grey, by pinfall (still WWE Evolve Women’s Champion)

Wendy wanted her match, she got her match, but she could not take the title from Kendal! The Grey Area stays golden, but for how much longer?

Kali Armstrong finishes watching the match.

She nods and tells Kendal to keep doing her thing as champ, cuz their paths will cross again. Tonight, Kali is focused on Karmen. Karmen keeps asking how Kali gets all these opportunities, but Kali doesn’t see Karmen doing nothing trying to work her way to the top. Other than running her mouth! Damn right Kali carried Evolve as the first Women’s Champion. Karmen must’ve forgotten, Kali already ran through her once. And tonight, it ain’t be no difference. All gas, no brakes ’til she gets that title back! Now get outta her way. Kali is ready to put pedal to the metal, but will Karmen run her off the road?

Nikkita Lyons & Arianna Grace visit a psychic…?

They enter the mysterious mystic room, and Lyons asks Grace how she found out about this place. Grace had a giant stack of fan mail, and inside was a coupon for a free psychic reading. And then the lights turn on and the psychic is at her table. “I’ve been waiting for you.” She knew they were coming? Oh, of course, psychic, duh. Grace & Lyons sit at the table, and Lyons asks if she makes her first million this year or next year. And who will she sit next to at the Grammy’s? Oh, wait, is she going to be champion soon? The psychic does palm reading, and says, “Oh. Oh! Oh, my… Ooh…” Is this good or bad?

There is much darkness in their lifelines. OH NO! What does that mean? Let us ask the tarot cards. Five of Swords, conflict and hollow victories. The TEN of Swords, suffering and pain. And lastly… The Tower! Sunset Tower? No, reversal! Destruction! Grace & Lyons freak out, but the psychic says to change their ways! Okay, yes, they will! They will! The psychic keeps telling them to change their ways or else! Does that mean Grace & Lyons will have to… be nice to people?!

Evolve congratulates their first graduates!

Eli Knight, Keanu Carver, Sean Legacy, and all three members of The Vanity Project, Jackson Drake, Brad Baylor, and Ricky Smokes, are all officially signed to the NXT roster, as we saw just last night. But even so, Jackson Drake still has a hard road ahead of him with next week’s 3v1 Handicap Match, followed by his title defense against Kam Hendrix on February 4th. Will the Carolina Reaper survive to bring the Evolve Championship to NXT? Or will Wednesdays soon be about Lights, Kam-era, Action?

Marcus Mathers VS Braxton Cole!

The war of WWE ID VS WWE PC continues as Philly’s Finest takes on the newest addition to the Evolve roster. Will Mathers make his teammates proud with a big win? Or will Mr. Letterman lead the way into next week’s takeover?

The bell rings and the fans rally as the two feel things out. Cole corners Mathers, gets a leg, but Mathers dodges the lariat to fire haymakers and CHOPS! The fans fire up but Cole shoves Mathers away. Mathers dodges the lariat to DROPKICK! And DROPKICK! And- NO, Cole catches him with both hands! Cole TOSSES Mathers to the corner, but Mathers ELBOWS Cole away. Mathers goes up, but Cole trips him off the ropes! Cole runs for a NECKBREAKER DROP! The fans applaud, and Cole clamps onto Mathers to HAMMER him with elbows! Cole grinds Mathers down, then CLUBS him down! And CLUBS him again!

Mathers snarls as he rises up, and the fans rally, only for Cole to CLUB Mathers again. Cole whips Mathers and LARIATS, then covers, TWO! Cole pushes Mathers around, talks trash on him, then drags him up. But Mathers fires body shots! The fans rally for Mathers but Cole UPPERCUTS him down! Cole drags Mathers up, puts him on the ropes, and goes to the apron for a HOTSHOT! Mathers flounders away, but Cole brings him up for a NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Mathers survives but Cole drags him up for a neck wrench! The fans rally for Mathers as he endures, but Cole puts on the pressure.

Mathers fights up, claws at the grip, and refuses to give up. The fans rally even more, and Mathers fires body shots. Cole UPPERCUTS Mathers down and the fans boo. Cole pushes Mathers around, then stands him up, but Mathers holds ropes to deny the neckbreaker! Cole flounders, comes back, but Mathers dodges the splash! And he BOOTS Cole back! Mathers goes up, up, and CROSSBODIES! The fans fire up again, and Mathers CHOPS, ROCKS and CHOPS Cole on repeat! Cole shoves Mathers, but Mathers ducks ‘n’ dodges to LEAPING LARIAT! The fans fire up with Mathers and he goes up, up, and FLYING STUNNER!

The fans fire up again as Mathers waistlocks! GERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO! Cole survives and Mathers is frustrated, but the fans continue to rally. Mathers clamps onto Cole, drags him up, and CLUBS away on Cole. Mathers winds up to ROCK Cole, and then brings him back around. But Cole suplexes for the X PLEX! Cover, TWO! Mathers survives and the fans fire up again! Cole is frustrated but he vows to finish this. Cole drags Mathers up, fireman’s carries, but Mathers fights with elbows. Mathers HAMMERS away on Cole, but Cole powers up again. Cole UPPER- NO, Mathers hooks the arm!

Mathers and Cole fight for control! Mathers almost has Cole, but he powers up out of the backslide! Cole flips Mathers over, blocks a kick, but not the ENZIGIRI! And the HOOK KICK! Mathers hurries to the apron, hurries up the corner, but Kam Hendrix shows up just to distract Mathers! Mathers leaps, Cole dodges! Mathers runs up, Cole dodges, and Kam is there! Cole rolls Mathers up, high stack! Cole wins!!

Winner: Braxton Cole, by pinfall

Speaking of handicap, Cole only won because of Kam! And then Kam CHOP BLOCKS Mathers! The fans boo as these two are basically just high school bullies! Team ID says nuh-uh, but Cole hits a DEATH VALLEY BOMB! Wait, someone locked the WWE ID door?! Kam puts a chair on Mathers’ leg! DIVING STOMP!! The fans boo, but Team PC doesn’t care what anyone thinks, only that they get results! Even Brooks Jensen likes how that went. But Keanu Carver’s the one who questions Jensen even being here. Riggins says easy, Keanu. Riggins assures Jensen that Keanu isn’t really a people person, but he’s a stone cold killer.

Jensen says yeah, it’s all good. Now, everyone knows they- Keanu again questions Jensen, how is he part of this? Riggins calms Keanu down again, but Jensen says when Team PC has control, they’re also looking for people to inflict pain on the ID clowns. So hear Jensen out: Let Jensen be one of those guys. Let him inflict pain on Cappuccino Jones. That little punk, what he did to Jensen in the gauntlet, not only will Jensen win, he’ll knock Jones’ freakin’ head off his freakin’ shoulders! Riggins likes that! Presley likes that! Even Keanu likes that. They can make that happen, and more. They’ve got some things cooking.

Jensen heads out, Team PC is starting to like where he’s coming from. Will the Lost Cause get himself a big win on the Performance Center takeover? Or will he fail to bring Cappuccino Jones down from his caffeine high?

Harlem Lewis speaks.

“Do you think I give a damn that Kam Hendrix, Keanu Carver, and all those stooges are running the show next week? That doesn’t matter to me. But I heard that Jackson Drake will be here next week. Which means I will be here next week. Team PC and Team ID, they can tear each other to shreds, they can do whatever they wanna do. But while they’re fighting for control, I’ll be fighting for gold. Cuz mark my words, Harlem Lewis IS the next Evolve Champion.” He has put all of Evolve on notice, but who will heed his warning?

Kali Armstrong VS Karmen Petrovic!

The inaugural Evolve Women’s Champion has been without that title for almost 100 days, and she is hungry for her second taste. But will she eat up the competition and go right back to the top? Or will is the Shing-Shing about to Evolve?

The big fight introductions are made, and we see who truly holds the “title” of Difference Maker!

The bell rings, the two circle, and the fans rally up. The two tie up, Kali drop toeholds, then she slaps Karmen around. Karmen is mad already but the fans cheer. Karmen waistlocks, but Kali THROWS her off! The fans chant, “Too Strong, Armstrong!” Karmen goes for a leg, but Kali THROWS her away again! Kali then whips Karmen to ropes, but Karmen dodges the shot to fire off KICK after KICK! Karmen SOBATS, eggs Kali on, then dodges her! Karmen swings around, crucifix takedown, TWO, but into body scissors! Kali endures the squeeze, and we see Tyra Mae Steele is not only back in Evolve, but she’s watching from the VIP Lounge.

The fans rally as Kali endures, but Karmen shifts to a LEG HOOK NELSON! Kali endures, powers up, and pushes back to a high stack! TWO, and Karmen turns Kali over for a leg clutch cover, TWO! Karmen is right back on with the body scissors, but Kali elbows free! Kali kicks and whips, but Karmen goes up to SOBAT! Karmen runs, tilt-o-whirl SPLASH! Cover, TWO! Karmen CLUBS Kali down and clamps on with the armlock. Karmen gets the fans to chant, “SHING SHING! SHING SHING!” Is that something she learned from Natalya? Kali fights up, fights around, but Karmen grinds her back down to the mat.

The fans rally as Kali endures, and Kali fights back up. Kali pulls hair, KNEES low, and then scoops, only for Karmen to slips free! Kali bucks the O’Conner, but Karmen dodges Kali! Kali tumbles out of the ring, and Karmen builds speed to DIVE! Down goes Kali at the ramp! The fans fire up with Karmen, and she dares Kali to make a difference now! Karmen stands tall while Evolve goes to break.

Evolve returns once more as Kali runs up to RAM Karmen in the corner! Kali RAMS Karmen again and again, stops as the ref counts, and then runs corner to corner to RAM Karmen again! The fans fire up while Karmen slumps down. Kali eggs Karmen on now, then runs around the world to BOOT WASH! Karmen sputters and even Tyra Mae is stunned seeing that. Kali runs again, but Karmen KNEES Kali! Karmen then JUMP KICKS, and she dodges the splash! ELBOW and run, FLYING FOREARM! And another! Then a wrench and SOLE FOOD! The fans fire up as Karmen keeps moving, SLIDING KICK against the ropes!

Kali staggers, Karmen ROUNDHOUSES, and then Karmen runs up to SHING-BLADE! Cover, TWO! Kali survives and Karmen is shocked, but Tyra Mae applauds along with the fans. Karmen suplexes but Kali blocks! Kali wrenches out, kicks low, then whips Karmen. Karmen goes up but gets caught! Kali runs, Karmen slips free, O’Conner Roll, TWO! Karmen rebounds, Kali scoops, POWERSLAM! The fans fire up with Kali, and she starts building speed! Karmen stands, but dodges! Kali hits ropes and stumbles, into the PETROFIER! Karmen reloads, PETROFIER AGAIN!! Cover, KARMEN WINS!

Winner: Karmen Petrovic, by pinfall

Kali’s momentum came back to bite her and Karmen arguable scored the biggest win in her career! Even Tyra Mae Steele is impressed. Karmen grabs the mic to say for herself that this is her biggest win in Evolve! Now, it seems to her that the gold blooded killer is #1 contender to the Evolve Women’s Championship! So Kendal Grey, Karmen’s got next! Kendal makes her way back out here, and she applauds Karmen’s win. Kendal has the mic to say they can go next week! She doesn’t stop, she will do it all day! Karmen says okay then! And so, is it official?

We check in with Team PC, as they will be in charge next week. Kam says nah, that ain’t happening next week. PC runs things! And WWE ID got a preview of when Marcus Mathers went down. It will be a full-blown nightmare for them next week. Presley says everything that will happen is justified. Riggins says that reminds him of that clown, Tate Wilder. The cowboy’s gonna learn there are consequences. Kam says the table is set. They take care of Jackson Drake and he’ll become Evolve Champion. Then they’ll control everything! Team PC is ready to do whatever they want, whenever they want, to whoever they want! But will it all go according to plan?

My Thoughts:

A very good but also very strange episode. I suppose Evolve is in an adjustment period given all the “graduations” to NXT. Like, I thought them giving us Wendy VS Kendal outta nowhere was to give us a surprise title change, but apparently not. It was a great showing for the new Wendy Choo, though this doesn’t really help her if even her new form isn’t enough to be champion. Kali VS Karmen was a very good main event, but was there some weird editing magic to make it seem as if Kendal accepted the title challenge? And even then, they wouldn’t claim they want the match next week if they knew Team PC wasn’t gonna honor it.

Though that does put good Heel heat on Team PC for saying “LOL No.” I suppose the whole point of PC winning over ID has been to get them big Heel heat, which they have. Them screwing Mathers over was also good Heel heat, really gets you to dislike Kam and Cole. I wonder if the chair spot on Mathers’ leg is to excuse him from Evolve tapings for a minute while he does indie dates. Jensen also wanting credit for being Team PC was a clever promo, and he’ll have a great match with Cappuccino Jones. And at this rate, it does seem Kam will take the Evolve title off Drake, setting him up as the new Heel champion for a Face Harlem Lewis to challenge.