Coverage
Mitchell’s NJPW Windy City Riot Results & Report! (4/12/24)
Will the winds of change blow?
NJPW starts a riot!
As NJPW lands in Chicago, the IWGP World Heavyweight Champion, Testuya Naito, defends the title against Jon Moxley! Is The Maniac going to become the face of NJPW?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Kickoff Show – Strong Survivor: Matt Vandagriff VS Zane Jay; Vandagriff wins.
- Kickoff Show – Mina Shirakawa & Viva Van VS Alex Windsor & Trish Adora; Windsor & Adora win.
- Minoru Suzuki VS Ren Narita; Narita wins.
- NJPW Strong Women’s Championship: Stephanie Vaquer VS AZM; Vaquer wins and retains the title.
- NJPW Strong Openweight Tag Team Championships Fatal 4 Way: El Phantasmo & Hikuleo VS TMDK VS West Coast Wrecking Crew VS #NoFilthyDaysOff; TMDK wins and become the new NJPW Strong Openweight Tag Team Champions.
- Shota Umino VS Jack Perry; Shota wins.
- Mustafa Ali VS Hiromu Takahashi; Ali wins.
- Riot Rules 8 Man Tag: Team Eddie Kingston VS Team Gabe Kidd; Team Kidd wins.
- NJPW World Television Championship: Matt Riddle VS Zack Sabre Jr; ZSJ wins and becomes the new NJPW World Television Champion.
- Nic Nemeth VS Tomohiro Ishii; Nemeth wins.
- IWGP World Heavyweight Championship: Tetsuya Naito VS Jon Moxley; Moxley wins and becomes the new IWGP World Heavyweight Champion.
PLAY BY PLAY
Minoru Suzuki VS Ren Narita!
Finally, months after the betrayal, The King of Pancrase gets his chance at teaching #SouledOut Narita a lesson! Will Meanest Man in the World show no mercy? Or will the House of Torture find a way to stack the deck even now?
The Windy City knows “KAZE NI NARE~!” and then Suzuki CLOBBERS Narita! The bell rings, Narita bails out and the fans fire up as Suzuki goes after him! Suzuki stomps Narita, whips him into railing, then storms up to stomp Narita down! The fans fire up for “SU-ZU-KI!” as he whips Narita hard into more railing! Suzuki stomps Narita more, then CHOKES Narita with camera cables! The fans fire up, the ref reprimands, but Suzuki lets go. The fans cheer the “MURDER GRAMPA!” as he gets a chair! Suzuki then stomps Narita, drags him up and puts his arm through railing! The ref reprimands as Suzuki pulls on the arm!
Suzuki lets off, the fans fire up more, and Suzuki drags Narita up. Suzuki brings Narita along, SMACKS him off the apron, and the ref finally starts a ring count. Suzuki kicks away on Narita then shoves him into the ring. The fans cheer and Suzuki drags Narita up. Suzuki whips but Narita flops and flounders out of the ring. The fans boo but Suzuki is amused. Suzuki taunts Narita, but Narita trips Suzuki and whips him into railing! The fans boo as Narita goes into the ring, builds speed, and as Suzuki gets on the apron, Narita BOOTS him back down! Narita stomps Suzuki against railing while the ring count starts.
Narita fires forearms, Suzuki eggs him on, so Narita claws the eyes! Suzuki gets in the ring, Narita storms in to stomp away at the ropes! The fans boo as Narita kicks Suzuki back out, then whips him hard into railing! Suzuki sputters, Narita brings Suzuki around to whip into more railing! Suzuki grabs a bottle of water to SPLASH Narita! The fans fire up but Narita kicks Suzuki, only to slip in the water! Narita puts Suzuki in the ring, stands on him for a cocky cover, TWO! The fans boo but Narita soaks up the heat. Suzuki rises, Narita fires a forearm then runs to BOOT! Suzuki staggers, Narita whips, but Suzuki reverses!
Suzuki runs in to BOOT Narita at the corner! The fans fire up as Suzuki fires forearm after forearm! The fans count and Suzuki goes past ten, and even tells the ref to back off! Narita sits down in the corner but Suzuki fires off more forearms! Suzuki tops it off at TWENTY! The fans fire up, Suzuki drags Narita to his feet, then snapmares Narita to PENALTY KICK! Cover, TWO! Suzuki keeps on Narita with a SLEEPER! Narita fights up, slips around, and has a SLEEPER! Suzuki switches to put the SLEEPER back on Narita! The fans fire up as Narita flails, but Suzuki drops back into body scissors! Narita is caught and the fans fire up!
Narita flails, reaches out, but Suzuki rolls him away from ropes! Narita is fading, the ref checks. The arm drops once! The arm drops twice! Narita comes back at the third and has the ROPEBREAK! The ref counts as Suzuki thrashes around! The ref pries at the hold, but Suzuki holds on! The ref counts again, Suzuki lets go at 4, and Suzuki gets in the ref’s face! Narita breathes again, rises up, and then runs up to KNEE STOMP! The fans boo as Narita goes to get a chair! The ref stops Narita, but Narita wedges the chair into the corner. But Suzuki kicks Narita first! Suzuki whips, follows, then shoots around to the SLEEPER!
Narita wrenches out! Narita whips, Suzuki stops himself, and then Suzuki BOOTS Narita down! The fans fire up as now Suzuki has the chair! The ref says no, the fans boo, and Narita has his push-up bar! Suzuki shoves the ref aside, PUSH-UP BAR SHOT!! Then the DOUBLE CROSSER! Cover, Narita wins!
Winner: Ren Narita, by pinfall
The fans boo because of course the Souled Out son of a gun had to cheat to win, but it’s surprising that he did it all on his own! Suzuki is pissed, he runs back up but the Young Lions keep him away! So the Young Lions are sent into railing for it! Will anyone ever humble Narita’s inflated ego?
NJPW Strong Women’s Championship: Stephanie Vaquer VS AZM!
Having dethroned Giulia in the background of Stardom’s Cinderella Tournament, La Primera feels unstoppable! But will she be able to keep up with the Highspeed Superstar? Or will Stephanie show she’s a real speed demon herself?
The introductions are made, the NJPW belt is raised, and we see who is truly a Strong Star!
The bell rings and the fans rally up already as the two circle. They tie up, are in a deadlock, but then Vaquer uses her height for leverage. AZM digs her heels in to push back, and the fans rally up more. Vaquer gets around to waistlock, sit-down, roll and JAPANESE BRIDGE! TWO, and the fans cheer as the two reset. AZM runs up to kick low, whip, but Vaquer reverses. Vaquer hurdles but AZM comes right back to shove, follow and run up again. Vaquer pops AZM up but AZM slips free to then duck ‘n’ dodge and trip Vaquer up! Then PENALTY KICK! SLIDING KICK! Kip up! The fans fire up with AZM and she gets them even hotter!
AZM gets Vaquer up but Vaquer JAWBREAKERS! AZM blocks a kick, gives a kick, then runs to sunset flip! Vaquer stays up, scuffs AZM and then runs to drop the leg, brother! The fans fire up and Vaquer clamps on a chinlock. Vaquer squeezes tight but AZM endures. The fans rally, AZM fights around, reaches out, but Vaquer drags her by her hair! The fans boo but Vaquer wraps on a headscissors, and she turns AZM over to RAM her into the mat again and again and again! The fans cheer as Vaquer lets off to cover, TWO! AZM stays in this but Vaquer stays calm. Vaquer looms over AZM, then springboard KNEE DROPS!
Vaquer digs her heel into AZM’s head, but the ref counts. Vaquer lets off, drags AZM up and the fans rally up. Vaquer bumps AZM off buckles, sits her down, then goes up to stand on AZM’s face! The ref counts, Vaquer steps off, and she drags AZM up. AZM fires a forearm but then falls over. Vaquer stands AZM up to HEADBUTT her down! AZM drags herself up to fire another forearm! Vaquer HEADBUTTS again! AZM forearms again and again and again! The fans fire up, but Vaquer HEADBUTTS again and again and again! Vaquer runs, AZM gets around and spins her, snap suplex! The fans fire up while both women are down!
AZM stands, whips Vaquer to a corner, but Vaquer stops herself to CLUB AZM! Vaquer whips, runs up, but into a BOOT! AZM fires up, but Vaquer puts AZM’s leg in the ropes! Vaquer has the other leg, to DRAPING DRAGON SCREW! AZM writhes, flops out of the ring, but Vaquer goes to the apron. Vaquer watches like a hawk, but AZM avoids the kick! AZM trips Vaquer to ROUNDHOUSE Vaquer down! Vaquer slumps to the floor, AZM goes up and up and SUPER DIVING STOMPS!! The fans are thunderous as AZM stands tall! AZM drags Vaquer up, puts her in, and then goes back up the corner!
AZM aims and the fans fire up for the MISSILE DROPKICK! Cover, TWO! But into the FUJIWARA ARMBAR! Vaquer reaches out, so AZM traps that arm and pulls the other arm! Vaquer endures as AZM has a mounted armlock! Then AZM YANKS the arm into an ARMBAR! Vaquer clasps hands to fight the hold, then kicks around, ROPEBREAK! AZM lets go and fans rally as she brings Vaquer around. AZM KICKS Vaquer in the side, then drags her into a drop zone! AZM steps on Vaquer before she climbs back up. The fans fire up for the DIVING- NO, Vaquer avoids the stomps to DROPKICK!
But AZM’s right back up! She ROUNDHOUSES Vaquer, then runs, but Vaquer reels her in, BIG back suplex! Both women are down again and the fans are thunderous! The two women slowly sit up and the fans rally again. AZM fires a forearm first, but Vaquer HEADBUTTS! AZM fires another forearm, so Vaquer HEADBUTTS! Forearm, HEADBUTT, then AZM fires a flurry! Vaquer SLAPS AZM! The fans fire up as Vaquer then blocks a slap into an ARMBAR! AZM stacks it, TWO! CROSSFACE!! Vaquer pulls way back on AZM, AZM is fading, reaches out, but Vaquer rolls her from ropes!
AZM kicks around still, ROPEBREAK behind Vaquer’s back! The fans fire up as Vaquer lets go in frustration. Vaquer drags AZM up, ducks the haymaker, then spins her to snap suplex! Cover, TWO! AZM is still in this and the fans fire up! Vaquer goes to a corner, climbs up, but AZM rises! AZM ROCKS Vaquer, but then Vaquer HEADBUTTS back! AZM ROUNDHOUSES back, goes up after Vaquer, and the fans fire up for the SUPERPLEX! AZM positions Vaquer just right, hurries back up top, and DIVING DOUBLE STOMPS!! Cover, TWO!! Vaquer survives and neither Chicago nor AZM can believe it!
AZM drags Vaquer up, “This is Awesome!” as she reels Vaquer in. Vaquer wrenches out, EAT DA FEET! Vaquer runs, AZM follows and tilt-o-whirls, LA MYSTICA! Then the step over, AZM SUSHI ROLL! TWO!! Vaquer escapes the cradle, and AZM hurries to a corner. AZM runs in, but is sent into buckles! HEADBUTT HEADBUTT HEADBUTT!! Vaquer sits AZM down, runs corner to corner, METEORA! Vaquer drags AZM up and tucks her in, but AZM pops free! AZM ducks ‘n’ dodges but into a SUPERKICK! Vaquer runs, but AZM follows again! Tilt-o-whirl but no Mystica! PACKAGE BACKBREAKER!! Cover, Vaquer wins!
Winner: Stephanie Vaquer, by pinfall (still NJPW Strong Women’s Champion)
AZM’s speed was there, but so was Vaquer’s strength! Vaquer keeps her THREE belts, from NJPW Strong to CMLL, but will she be able to hold onto all of them through the Summer?
Well hold on, speaking of, here comes Alex Windsor! She gets a mic to say, “Now I understand that you maybe don’t know who I am, so allow me to formally introduce myself. I am at the top of the UK Women’s Scene. I have conquered Europe, I have overcome Japan. Every single country, every single company I have been to, I have made my presence known. And trust me when I say, it doesn’t stop here. So uh, if you’re up for it, May 11th, Resurgence, you put your NJPW Strong Women’s Championship on the line against Alex Windsor!” The fans are torn on this, but Alex bloody dares Vaquer!
Vaquer looks Alex up and down, takes the mic, and says, “You’re on.” Will Vaquer be able to break the Iron Willed Windsor? Or will Alex prove she’s just as NJPW Strong, if not stronger?
NJPW Strong Openweight Tag Team Championships Fatal 4 Way: El Phantasmo & Hikuleo VS TMDK VS West Coast Wrecking Crew VS #NoFilthyDaysOff!
The Guerrillas of Destiny have passed on the torch, but there’s a chance the fire could be blown out in the Windy City! Can The Headbanga & Young Guerilla make it through Shane Haste, Mikey Nicholls, Royce Isaacs, Jorel Nelson, Tom Lawlor AND Fred Rosser all at once? Or are we guaranteed NEW Strong Tag Team Champions?
The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we see who defies the odds to win the gold!
Tensions are already running high given the beef between WCWC and their former leader, Lawlor. In this Fatal 4, only two teams are legal at a time, and ELP steps up to start against Hysterical Haste. The fans rally up with the bell as the two circle. They tie up, Shane headlocks, but ELP powers up and out. Shane runs ELP over, drags him back up, and runs, but ELP drops, hurdles, and drops again. ELP DROPKICKS Shane down then handsprings up! The fans cheer but Shane KICKS ELP, whips him to the corner, only for ELP to ROCK Mikey! Shane DROPKICKS ELP down! Tag to Mikey and TMDK double whip.
TMDK DOUBLE ELBOW ELP then SENTON FIST DROP COMBO! Cover, ONE, and Mikey whips ELP. Leo tags in, ELP gets around Mikey and sends him into the UPPERCUT! ELP BLASTS Shane, Leo sends Mikey to the corner to SPLASH! ELP back elbows, then feeds Mikey to Leo’s SIDEWALK SLAM! ELP is up, for the FALLING ELBOW! Then the high five! The fans fire up as Leo aims, but then Rosser tags in! Rosser eggs Mikey on, they RAM shoulders! And RAM again! Rosser runs but Mikey ELBOWS him! Mikey runs, Rosser dodges and ROLLING ELBOWS! Tag to Lawler, the fans fire up, and NFDO RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP TACKLE COMBO!
Rosser BLASTS WCWC, drops a leg on Mikey, then scoops Lawlor to SLAM him on Mikey! Rosser BLASTS Shane, too, but Royce sneaks a tag. The fans fire up as Lawlor and Royce stare down. The two circle, but then ELP tags in off Lawlor! No filthy showdown yet, but then Royce SHOVES ELP into Lawlor, then GERMAN SUPLEXES ELP! The fans boo as WCWC BLAST Leo! Royce RAMS ELP into the corner, stomps a mudhole in, then tags in Jorel. Jorel stands ELP up to CHOP, then CHOPS again! The fans rally up as Jorel winds up, but then he pokes ELP in the eyes! The fans boo but Jorel says he’s smarter than that.
Jorel RAMS ELP into the corner, tags Royce, and then WCWC wrench and DOUBLE ATOMIC DROP! ELP hobbles, Jorel sweeps the legs, and Royce deadlift suplexes! Royce holds ELP up, kicks Shane away, but then Lawlor reaches out to tag in! Royce SLAMS ELP down, but he has to exit now. Lawlor drags ELP up, and clamps on a GUILLOTINE! ELP endures, fights his way up, reaches out, but Lawlor redirects him. Rosser tags in and CLUBS ELP. NFDO double whip to ELBOW ELP down, then Lawlor hooks Rosser up, HALF NELSON FACEBUSTER SPLASH onto ELP! Cover, TWO! Rosser stares down WCWC then gets ELP up.
Rosser kicks and KNEES ELP, then HEADBUTTS! Rosser HIP ATTACKS ELP, runs, but Royce tags in! Royce then knees Rosser low and TOSSES him! Tag to Jorel, WCWC BLASTS everyone else! Then WCWC double wrench and double- NO, ELP slips free of the suplex! ELP go esup and over, slips under, but Royce gets a leg! ELP ENZIGIRIS but then Jorel gets a leg! ELP BOOTS Jorel into Royce! Hot tag to Leo! The fans fire up as Leo UPPERCUTS Jorel! Royce ducks ‘n’ dodges but Leo still BOOTS him! Leo scoops Jorel for SNAKE EYES, and the BOOT! Leo choke grips Royce, but Jorel gets up! So Leo gets him, too!
The fans fire up but WCWC break the guzels to throw hands! WCWC double whip, but Leo breaks the line to DOUBLE LARIAT back! The fans fire up but TMDK attack! They double whip but Leo breaks those lines, only for TMDK to get under! BACK SUPELX NECKBREAKER COMBO! NFDO fire off on TMDK! The fans fire up as NFDO double whip, but Shane JUMP KICKS Rosser and Mikey ELBOWS Lawlor! TMDK pinball Lawlor, get him up, but Lawlor slips free! Lawlor shoves Mikey into Shane, then he and Rosser clamp on, SLEEPER HOLD and CROSSFACE CHICKEN WING! The fans fire up as TMDK endure!
Mikey holds Shane’s hand, but then Leo DOUBLE LARIATS all four men!! The fans are thunderous as Leo gets NFDO, DOUBLE GODSENDS!! Leo SPLASHES Jorel, scoops him, and POWERSLAMS! The fans are thunderous as Leo tags ELP in! ELP and Leo coordinate, tune up, and Jorel stands. But Royce trips ELP! Leo still grabs Jorel, but Jorel STUNNERS! Royce LARIATS Leo up and out! Jorel KNEES ELP, Royce UPPERCUTS, feed to the POP UP POWERBOMB! And then CATAPULT into the fireman’s carry, DEATH VALLEY BACKBREAKER!! Cover, Lawlor breaks it! The fans are thunderous again and Royce is furious!
“This is Awesome!” as WCWC CLOBBER Lawlor! But Rosser gets in to stand Lawlor up. The four stare down, and the filthy brawl is on! The fans fire up as the forearms fly back and forth! NFDO DECK WCWC, then they DOUBLE ROLLING ELBOW on Jorel! NFDO aim at Royce, DOUBLE ROLLING ELBOW but Royce ducks! The elbows clash, Royce BOOTS Rosser! Lawlor sweeps the leg then KNEES Royce down! But Jorel SHOTGUNS Lawlor! But he turns around into SUDDEN DEATH! And then EKP DIVES onto the others before GODSEND!! ELP is back on the apron, he climbs up Leo, but Shane sneaks a tag!
SUPER THUNDERKISS, but Shane TOSSES ELP out! Mikey gets Leo, Shane LAST SUPPER on Jorel! TMDK WINS!!
Winners: TMDK, by pinfall (NEW NJPW Strong Openweight Tag Team Champions)
The Mighty Don’t Kneel, and they don’t let an opportunity get past them! Shane & Mikey have gold, will Zack Sabre Jr. join them later tonight?
Meanwhile, WCWC are pissed! They CLOBBER NFDO for it! Royce POSTS Rosser, then OVERHEAD BELLY2BELLY SUPLEXES to the floor! Jorel beats down on Lawlor, then shouts in his face, “WHY!? WHY!? WHY!?” WCWC gets Lawlor up, reel him in, PILEDRIVER!! MACHO ELBOW!! Team Filthy is truly no more, and then Jorel brings out SCISSORS!! The fans boo as Royce sits Lawlor up! Jorel grabs a handful of hair, and CUTS it away! The fans boo as Jorel & Royce disrespect their mentor as they just cut random pieces away! Jorel shouts, “It didn’t have to be this way!”
The fans tell Royce he’s sick as he EATS Lawlor’s hair! Rosser manages to rise to his feet, but he’s in no shape to fight! WCWC knows that, and Jorel MAKES Rosser eat hair!! The fans are disgusted, but the WCWC leaves. Will they prove they’re truly the filthiest of them all?
Shota Umino VS Jack Perry!
The Roughneck and his mentor, Jon Moxley, got the win over the Scapegoat and Ren Narita just a few days ago at NJPW Sakura Genesis. But now this is a more personal showdown as Shota wants to finally shut Jack up once and for all. Will there be a Paradigm Shift here in Chicago? Or will Perry prove Shota doesn’t know Jack?
As Jack makes his entrance, he has guards in riot gear. The fans are chanting “C M PUNK!” at him, but he came prepared! He has the flag of Chicago draped on his shoulders, then holds it up as he struts around. Then Jack turns around and drops the flag to reveal “CRY ME A RIVER” painted on the back of his jacket! Jack is rubbing it in everyone’s faces as he goes down to the ring, but will Shota make Jack cry?
Jack gets on a corner to soak up the heat, and Chicago sure gives him all he can handle. Though, there are some fans actually cheering “SCAPEGOAT! SCAPEGOAT!” The bell rings and the two circle. They tie up, go around, and Jack puts Shota on ropes. Jack lets off clean and that surprises Shota, maybe even confuses him. The two reset, tie up again, and now Shota puts Jack on ropes. The ref counts, Shota lets off with pats on the shoulder, but then Jack SLAPS Shota! Jack bails out while fans boo, and a ring count starts. Jack grabs some water to take a sip, then he SPLASHES the fans! Shota rushes out, but the water trips him up!
Jack and Shota brawl, Shota RAMS Jack into railing, then CLUBS Jack around. Shota puts Jack in, but Jack KICKS Shota down! The fans boo as Jack stomps Shota to ropes. Jack CHOPS Shota, Shota staggers away, and Jack whips, Shota reverses, scoops, DROPS and basement dropkicks! The fans fire up with Shota while Jack flounders to a corner. Shota runs up to CLUB Jack down, then stomps him around. But Jack CLAWS Shota’s face! Jack CLUBS Shota, snapmares, and basement dropkicks to the back! Cover, ONE!! Shota is tougher than that, the fans chant “You Got Choked Out!” “No He Didn’t!” in reference to the All In video.
Jack stalks Shota, stands him up, and facelocks! The GUILLOTINE is a direct shot at #BrawlIn! The fans are torn, but then Jack snap suplexes! Cover, TWO! Jack says okay, he drags Shota up and he whips Shota to a corner. Jack runs up to clothesline, then he stomps Shota down. The ref counts, Jack goes up the corner to soak up the heat. Jack then hops down to drag Shota up. Shota ROCKS Jack first! Jack CLUBS Shota, whips, but Shota ducks ‘n’ dodges to CLOBBER Jack! The fans fire up with Shota and he storms up on Jack again. Shota whips corner to corner, runs in and UPPERCUTS! Then FISHERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO!
Not quite perfect but Shota does the Jungle Life dance! The fans sing along, Shota drags Jack up, and then clinches. Jack fights the lift, throws elbows, and he CLAWS Shota’s back! The ref reprimands, but Jack runs up, into a drop toehold! Shota slingshots to APRON DDT! The fans fire up again while Jack flops to the floor! The ring count starts, Shota takes a full lap, then returns to Jack. Shota drags Jack up at 5 of 20, puts him in at 7, and Shota goes up the corner. Fans chant for “LUCHASAURUS!” while Shota MISSILE DROPKICKS! Shota then clinches to EXPLODER! Cover, TWO! Jack is still in this but Shota keeps his cool.
Shota drags Jack back up, dragon sleepers, and hits the TRI- NO, Jack slips free! Jack waistlocks, Shota standing switches, but Jack grabs the ref and then LOW BLOWS Shota!! The fans boo as Jack gets away with that one! Jack then drags Shota out, has him on the apron, DRAPING DDT to the floor! Jack drags Shota up, puts him back in, then brings Shota around to underhook. TIGER DRIVER! Cover, TWO!! Shota survives and the fans fire up! Jack sighs, rises up and hears all the boos. Jack walks around to soak up more heat, then he scuffs Shota. Shota crawls, Jack scuffs him again, but Shota shakes his head.
Jack scuffs Shota more, pie faces him, then eggs Shota on. Shota rises up to fire a forearm! Jack puts his hair back and Shota roars! Jack ROCKS Shota, Shota fires another forearm! Jack ROCKS Shota, Shota staggers around, but Shota comes back to forearm! Jack sighs, then SPITS at Shota! The fans boo more and Shota scowls. Shota storms up on Jack, then ROCKS him! Jack ROCKS Shota, Shota ROCKS Jack, repeat! They go back and forth, the fans strongly on Shota’s side! Shota gets the edge, then UPPERCUTS! Shota eggs Jack on, pie faces him, so Jack SLAPS back! Jack CLUBS Shota, runs, but into a DROPKICK!
The fans are thunderous as both men are down! Shota pounds the mat and rises up, and the fans rally behind him. Shota drags Jack back up, dragon sleepers, and TRIDENT! Cover, TWO!! Jack survives but Shota just fires up again! Shota drags Jack into a half nelson, spin and POP UP KNEE! IGNITION! Cover, TWO!! Jack is still in this but Shota is still fired up! The fans are still with him as he aims from a corner! Jack slowly sits up, Shota kicks low and underhooks, but Jack wrenches out! Shota blocks the superkick to ROCK, ROLLING- SUPERKICK! Jack hops up, POISON-RANA! But Shota’s up to BLAZE- NO, Jack ducks!
Jack runs, into a pop-up! But Jack blocks the uppercut and spins Shota around, for an UNPRETTIER?! Shoutout to Christian Cage as Jack covers, TWO!!! Shota survives and Jack is furiously headbutting the mat! Jack drags Shota up, calls the end, and runs up, GLASSJAW!! Cover, TWO?!? Shota survives the knee shot and Jack is beside himself! The fans chant “G T S! G T S!” Jack lets his hair back down, will he listen to Chicago? Shota is in a corner, Jack aims and runs in, SHINING WIZARD! Another shot at Phil Brooks! The fans are rowdy as ever as Jack flips them off, and he shoves Shota down. Jack says night-night!
Jack takes his time going up to Shota, then brings Shota up to fireman’s carry! Jack flips everyone off before the GO TO- DDT COUNTER!! The fans are electric as Shota aims from the corner! Shota says night-night to Jack! BLAZE BLADE!! Underhooks, DEATH RIDER!! Cover, Shota wins!!
Winner: Shota Umino, by pinfall
The Scapegoat was less fighting the Roughneck and more the specter of the Second City Saint, and perhaps that cost him! Shota brings Jack down tonight, but will he still bring a Paradigm Shift to NJPW?
Wait, Jack gets to his feet and offers a handshake? He suddenly respects Shota now? Shota trusts it and shakes Jack’s hand. Jack raises Shota’s hand in victory, but still flips off Chicago. Is this itself a paradigm shift in Jack’s personality?
Mustafa Ali VS Hiromu Takahashi!
Chicago’s other hometown hero is here, bringing the TNA X-Division Championship AND the DREAMWAVE Alternative Champion with him. The Beacon is shining with gold but he wants to have the Junior Heavyweight Division spotlight on him. Will he do that by defusing the Ticking Timebomb? Or will Hiromu still be the Best of the Super Juniors?
Hiromu shows off a very jacked Daryl Jr. but Ali refuses to accept that thing as alive. Ali gets on a corner for fans to cheer, but then Hiromu gets on a corner and all the fans cheer! The bell rings and the fans rally as the two circle. They tie up, are in a deadlock, and then they break. They circle again, the fans cheer on “TA-KA-HA-SHI!” and he bows to Chicago. Ali gets the fans fired up, but then Hiromu gets the fans really fired up! Ali and Hiromu feel things out, knuckle lock, but Ali brings Hiromu down to wrench. Hiromu slips through, puts the wristlock up and over, using Ali’s own head to break the hold.
Hiromu then wrenches Ali to a wristlock, but Ali rolls, handsprings and wrenches back. Hiromu wrenches, Ali wrenches, repeat! The fans fire up as Hiromu WRINGS Ali! Ali stands, uses ropes to flip through, then wrenches to hammerlock. Ali headlocks, Hiromu powers up and out, but Ali runs Hiromu over! Things speed up, Hiromu drops down, hurdles, but Ali drops on the monkey flip for a cover, TWO! Hiromu sweeps the legs to cover, ONE as Ali goes Matrix! Hiromu rolls Ali up, TWO! The two stand off and the fans cheer. Ali gets Chicago fired up again, then he shoves Hiromu. Hiromu sputters and claims Ali hit him so hard!
The ref has Ali stay back while Hiromu shouts, “Oh my gosh!” Hiromu goes to Daryl Jr. and has him sit in the center. Daryl flops over but Hiromu says Daryl can handle this. Hiromu gets fans chanting for Daryl, but Ali is annoyed by these antics. Ali says fine, he’s gonna mess Daryl Jr. up! Ali circles with Daryl, but then Hiromu slips in! Ali sees that and the fans boo. Hiromu apologizes, but then Ali takes a swing! Hiromu dodges, scoops up Daryl, they duck ‘n’ dodge and then Hiromu says MEOW~! Or no, Daryl says meow! Catch! Hiromu throws Daryl at Ali, Ali catches Daryl and then Hiromu dropkicks Ali’s legs out!
The fans cheer while Ali flounders, and Hiromu picks Daryl Jr. back up. Hiromu shows Daryl to the crowd, the fans cheer, but then Ali runs up! Hiromu dodges to CHOP! Hiromu CHOPS again, then follows Ali around. Hiromu CHOPS again, whips, but Ali holds ropes. Ali bails out but Hiromu pursues, and CHOPS! The fans fire up as Hiromu follows Ali, but then Ali takes a swing! Hiromu counter punches, says “Oh my gosh,” then chases Ali around the ring! Ali suckers Hiromu into a DRAPING DDT to the floor! The ring count climbs, Ali talks trash on Hiromu, then stomps him. Ali drags Hiromu up and in at 9 of 20.
Ali shouts, “What’s my name?” The fans chant for Ali and he goes in to KNEE Hiromu in the back, then clamps on the chinlock. Hiromu kicks around, the fans duel, and Hiromu has the ROPEBREAK! Ali CLUBS Hiromu as he lets off, then whips Hiromu to a corner. Hiromu reverses, runs up, but Ali slips out to ROUNDHOUSE! Ali slingshots for the NECKBREAKER! Cover with a bridge, TWO! Hiromu stays in this but Ali stays on Hiromu with another chinlock. Hiromu endures the squeeze and the fans rally up. Hiromu fights up to his feet, throws body shots, but Ali CLUBS him again. Ali whips Hiromu to a corner, then runs to NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO!
Ali is growing frustrated but he has the fans cheering. Ali sits Daryl up in the corner so he can watch what’s about to happen. Ali of course knows this is a stuffed animal, it doesn’t matter, but he’s still gonna mess Hiromu up. Ali kicks Hiromu around, tells him he’s crazy, but then Hiromu CHOPS! And CHOPS! Ali knees low, runs, but Hiromu follows to RANA! The fans fire up while Ali flounders to ropes. Hiromu drags himself up, they end up in corners, and Ali runs in. Hiromu dodges to clothesline, snapmare and basement dropkick! Ali bails out but Hiromu goes to the apron. FLYING SHOTGUN! Ali is sent into railing!
The fans fire up with Hiromu as he stands back up. The ring count starts, Hiromu goes back to Ali but we reach 10 of 20 before Hiromu gets him up. Hiromu puts Ali into the ring, cover, TWO! Hiromu drags Ali up by his hair, then fireman’s carries. But Ali slips free, runs up, but into a BOOT! Hiromu runs, but Ali ducks, only to swing into a spin and suplex, FALCON ARROW! Cover, TWO! The fans rally and duel again as Hiromu rises. Hiromu stalks Ali, drags him up and fireman’s carries, but Ali fights free again. Ali shoves, runs in, and DROPKICKS in the corner! Ali keeps moving, and he DROPKICKS again!
Ali goes again, but Hiromu LARIATS first! The fans fire up, Hiromu whips Ali to ropes, then scoops him, but Ali tilt-o-whirl DDTS! Cover, TWO! Hiromu survives but both men are down, and the fans rally up. Ali slowly rises, makes his way to ropes and goes up a corner. Ali reaches the top but Hiromu throws body shots and elbows first! Hiromu climbs from the outside, and fans are freaking out as Hiromu aims for the floor! Ali fires body shots to send Hiromu to the apron. But Hiromu UPPERCUTS Ali! Ali backflips, and lands on his feet!! The cameraman almost got an eyeful, though! Ali hurries up to SHOVE Hiromu down!
Hiromu hits railing, and then Ali DIVES into him! The railing is sent WAY back, commentary takes a hit, and the fans are thunderous! Ali is busted open, but he still drags Hiromu up and into the ring, then goes up the corner! The fans rally, Ali aims, 450- NO, he has to roll through as Hiromu moves! Ali comes back, but Hiromu sends him hard into buckles! The fans rally up while the ref checks both men. Ali and Hiromu are both somehow okay, as is Chris Charlton on commentary. Hiromu crawls his way over to Ali, brings him back up to the top rope, and then CHOPS! Hiromu climbs, brings Ali up, but Ali resists!
Ali throws body shots, then he HEADBUTTS Hiromu down! Hiromu staggers to his feet, Ali stands on the top rope, but Hiromu runs up! Ali jumps to SUNSET FLIP POWERBOMB! Ali then skins the cat, takes aim, and 450 SPLASHES! Cover, Ali wins!!
Winner: Mustafa Ali, by pinfall
The X-Division/Alternative Champion is triumphant here in his hometown! And best of all, Ali shows Hiromu respect by shaking his hand. Hiromu wants Ali to shake Daryl Jr’s hand, too, and so do the fans! Ali sighs, goes over to pick Daryl Jr. up, and he shakes Daryl Jr’s hand! The Windy City cheers him on, will Ali become the champion not just Chicago needs, but that the world needs?
Riot Rules 8 Man Tag: Team Eddie Kingston VS Team Gabe Kidd!
The Mad King has lost the AEW Continental Championship and the ROH World Championship, but he is still NJPW Strong! However, this War Dog vows he will take everything from the company that, in his eyes, has all but thrown away its identity. There are no rules holding these teams back, but no one even knows who recruited who! Who drew the hotter hand to take the win here in Chicago?
Well of course Gabe got his fellow War Dog, Clark Connors, as well as The Fang Revived, Kenta, and the LEADER of Bullet Club, #GoatSlayer Rebel, David Finlay! As for Eddie, he’s already bringing a trash can of goodies as he’s got The United Empire’s Jeff Cobb and TJP! The enemies of his enemies are his allies tonight, and then we add HOMICIDE! Eddie’s old friend has come around to F Kidd’s S up! Team Eddie rushes down the ramp, Bullet Club runs up to meet them, the bell rings as the brawl is on! No need for tags or count outs in this match, anyway! Homicide fires off on Kidd while TJP has Connors, Cobb has Kenta and Eddie is after Finlay!
TJP sends Connors into railing, Eddie throws Kenta over railing! Homicide and Kidd brawl, Kidd gets the edge, and Finlay helps out. TJP stomps away on Connors while digging a chair into him, and Eddie grabs the ring bell! Kidd CLUBS Eddie first, then throws hands. Homicide fires off on Finlay, Cobb UPPERCUTS Kenta! TJP brings more chairs, and one is wrapped in barbed wire! Homicide UPPERCUTS Kidd, TJP digs the wires into Connors’ head! Eddie places the bell against Connors’ head and DING! TJP kicks Finlay away, Kidd gets in the ring, and so does Homicide. Eddie joins Homicide, but then the Dogs drag Eddie out!
Homicide runs up, he CLOBBERS Kidd, then goes out to CHOKE Kidd! Finlay wraps a chinlock on Homicide, Eddie CHOPS Connors in the ring! Connors goes to a corner, Eddie fires MACHINE GUN CHOPS! But Finlay CLOBBERS Eddie with a shillelagh! The fans boo but then TJP runs up on Finlay. TJP SOBATS, runs, but Finlay dodges the boot! And he ducks the blood mist! But TJP DROPKICKS Finlay out all the same! TJP runs to WRECK Finlay with a dropkick, then Cobb brings out a TABLE! The fans fire up seeing that, and the Empire gets the table in the ring. The table is put in the corner, then TJP grabs Finlay.
TJP bends Finlay back in a chinlock stretch, then feeds him to Cobb. Cobb picks Finlay up but the War Dogs save Finlay! The fans boo but TJP and Homicide turn things around on the Dogs. Everyone falls out of the ring again, TJP throws down hands on Connors but Finlay pulls TJP’s hair. Homicide has fans move aside so he can TOSS Kidd over railing! Finlay gets in the ring with a chair while Homicide SMACKS Kidd with a trash can lid! Finlay undoes the red corner’s buckle pad, Eddie CLOBBERS Connors with the trash can! Eddie even headbutts the trash can until it’s dented! But Connors CHOP BLOCKS Eddie!
Cobb SMACKS Kenta with the buckle pad, but Finlay CLAWS Cobb’s face! TJP SMACKS Finlay with a kendo stick! The fans fire up as TJP CHOKES Finlay with the stick! Kenta CLUBS TJP, grabs the stick and SMACKS TJP with it! And SMACKS him again! Cobb CLOBBERS Connors off of Eddie! Cobb rains down fists, Eddie SMACKS Connors with the trash can! Finlay has a loose skateboard deck and SMACKS Cobb with it! Eddie crotches Connors on the railing, then CLOBBERS him! Eddie then goes out to the crowd to CLAW Connors’ face, and send him into the railing! Eddie fires hands, Kenta SMACKS away on Cobb with the kendo stick!
Cobb blocks a shot and JAMS Kenta in return! Cobb SMACKS Kenta, Connors hits Eddie back! Connors then crotches Eddie on the railing! Eddie falls over, Connors talks trash on the fans, but TJP drags Finlay around. Homicide and Kidd are brawling in the crowd! Fans count as Homicide rains down TEN fists, then takes a BITE out of Kidd’s forehead! Cobb puts Kenta in the ring, TJP drags Kenta around to trap an arm, and Eddie SMACKS Connors with a stop sign! TJP puts the skateboard on Connors’ back to ride him! Finlay CLOBBERS Eddie to rain down fists! TJP HIP DROPS Connors, then Cobb brings him up.
Homicide and Kidd are still brawling somewhere in the crowd, Cobb keeps Connors down in a corner, and TJP drop toeholds Finlay down! TJP skateboards on Finlay’s back! Finlay powers up to throw TJP off, then IRISH CURSE BACKBREAKER! Eddie grabs at Finlay but Finlay hits him back. Finlay goes out after Eddie, HEADBUTTS him, but the fans rally up. Finlay throws hands, Eddie hits back! Eddie CHOKES Finlay with camera cable! Eddie rains down fists and sits Finlay down. Cobb ROCKS Kenta, then CHUCKS the trash can! Kenta ducks, the can hits post! Eddie and Connors get in the ring, Eddie fires knees.
Eddie hits a BUTTERFLY SUPLEX and Connors writhes. Kidd TOSSES Homicide over railing! But Homicide hits Kidd with the railing! And again! And again! Finlay and Connors mug Eddie, CLAW his eyes, but TJP hurries over to CLOBBER Kidd! Kidd shoves TJP into railing, gets into the ring, but Homicide finds a ladder! The fans cheer as Homicide gets Kidd up, reels him into a corner, and CLAWS Kidd’s back! Then TORNADO- NO, Kidd powers out to LARIAT! “I’m a MAD MAN, y’know!!” The fans boo but Kidd grabs that ladder! Kidd RAMS Homicide low, then equips the ladder like Terry Funk!
Kidd CLOBBERS Cobb, CLOBBERS Eddie, and CLOBBERS TJP as he does the ladder-copter! But then Cobb returns, GERMAN SUPLEX!! The ladder dropped away just in time but Kidd still tumbles out. Connors runs up to SPEAR, but Cobb blocks it! Canadian Rack, but Connors slips free, ducks ‘n ‘dodges and SPEARS!! Down goes Cobb and the fans fire up! Connors grabs the barbed wire off his hat, wears it as a crown of thorns, and then he drags TJP up. The fans tell Connors he’s sick as he BARBED WIRE HEADBUTTS! And BARBED WIRE HEADBUTTS again! Connors fires up, drags TJP back up, but gets BLOOD MIST!!
The fans fire up as TJP then sits Connors in a corner, and digs that wire in! TJP scrubs Connors’ face through the wires! TJP goes side to side for the BARBED WIRE BOOT WASH! Homicide joins in, Connors is fed to an ELBOW! And then speaking of “fed,” Homicide has a FORK! Homicide DIGS the fork into Connors’ forehead!! Kenta runs in, but blocks the fork! URAKEN! Homicide sits back but TJP kicks Kenta. TJP whips, Kenta reverses and BOOTS! Kenta runs to HYDRAULIC DROPKICK Homicide! HYDRAULIC DROPKICK for TJP! Homicide puts TJP up top, climbs up after him, but Cobb CLUBS Kenta!
Cobb drags Kenta back but Kenta fires elbows. Kenta fireman’s carries, but Cobb’s too big! Cobb CLBUS Kenta, but Kenta CROSS COUNTERS! Kenta runs, into a LARIAT! TJP adjusts up top to MAMBA SPLASH, but he has to roll through as Kenta moves! Kenta fireman’s carries! GO TO SLEEP!! But Cobb CROSSBODIES! Finlay returns and SMACKS Cobb with a kendo stick! And again! Finlay whips Cobb into the barbed wire chair wedged in the corner!! Cobb falls out of the ring, but Eddie blocks the kendo stick smack! LOW BLOW! Eddie fires off shots on Finlay!! The fans are thunderous as Eddie even headbutts the stick to break it!
The straps come down, and finally, Eddie and Kidd meet! They LARIAT, CHOP, CHOP and repeat! The fans “WOO~” with every CHOP! Eddie CHOPS and CHOPS and CHOPS! Kidd BITES Eddie’s forehead! The Mad Man spits, flips everyone off, and Kidd whips Eddie! Eddie stops himself, then clinches! EXPLODER through the table!! The fans are thunderous as Eddie rises, barbed wire in hand! Eddie wraps his hand in the barbed wire, and he aims as Kidd rises! But then the Dogs CLOBBER Eddie! The fans boo as Finlay, Connors and Kenta all beat down Eddie! They get a steel chain to gag Eddie and sit him up!
Kidd storms around as the Dogs hold Eddie open! But Homicide returns and the fans fire up! Homicide fires off shots on Kidd! Kidd denies one cutter, shoves Homicide, but Homicide returns to CUTTER after all! Eddie meanwhile breaks free to fire off hands on Kenta and Connors! Connors hits low, CLUBS away, then he and Kenta mug Eddie. The chain wraps Eddie up, but Homicide gets Kidd up. Only for Finlay to SHILLELAGH Homicide! Feed to Kidd’s HANGING GUILLOTINE, then PILEDRIVER!! The Dogs keep Eddie down while Kidd covers, Bullet Club wins!
Winners: Team Gabe Kidd, by pinfall
The War Dogs worked together to tear down Eddie’s team, and Finlay says they run this! But Eddie still puts up a fight! As do TJP and Cobb! It is chaos as Eddie CHOKES Kidd and Cobb throws hands down on Finlay! Young Lions and refs rush in to stop this, but Eddie and Kidd still throw windmilling haymakers! TJP still wants after Kenta, refs pull him back, and Kidd ROCKS Eddie! TJP and Cobb stand tall as the Dogs fall back. Kidd wants to tear Eddie apart, and Eddie gets a mic! “Hey! HEY! Gabe! Get in, you effing t*at! You effing b*tch! May 11th! May 11th! California! No ropes, Last Man Standing, you effing p*ssy!”
The fans are thunderous as the challenge has been made, and Kidd even gets some last shots in on Eddie! Eddie grabs the ladder but is told to stand down! Eddie gets back on the mic to say, “I’m gonna kill that mother effer!!” The fans are loving this as Resurgence will become violence, but will the Mad Man dethrone the Mad King once and for all?
NJPW World Television Championship: Matt Riddle VS Zack Sabre Jr!
The Original Bro has been taking this title on Ex-BRO-dition to Major League Wrestling, where he even fought some TMDK members in Bad Dude Tito and Kosei Fujita. But now, the original star of this title division has come back to prove The Mighty Don’t Kneel! Will ZSJ have the answer to this Riddle? Or will the Super King prove he’s mightier than The Mighty?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see if “season three” gives way to a reboot!
The bell rings, 15 minutes on the clock, and the fans rally already as the two circle. They feel things out, Riddle goes for a leg but ZSJ flips him around to facelock. They go around, trade waistlocks, then break. The fans cheer as the two reset and go again. They feel things out, Riddle powers his way to a waistlock but ZSJ wrenches to an armlock. ZSJ steps over, headscissors Riddle onto his back, but Riddle moves around, and goes for the ARMBAR! ZSJ clasps hands, bridges up and rolls back, but they’re in the ropes. ZSJ still gets the KNEEBAR, but Riddle stands to pry ZSJ off! ZSJ goes for the leg again, Riddle gets away!
The fans cheer the technical exchange as the two reset. They circle, the fans sing for “OH~ Zack Sabre Jr~!” ZSJ pops Riddle up and drops him down into the ARMBAR! Riddle holds that off so ZSJ floats to a HEEL HOOK! Riddle endures, ZSJ eggs him on, and he pushes on the hold. Riddle rolls and rolls and rolls and also gets a HEEL HOOK! They duel with heel hooks, ZSJ kicks Riddle away, and the fans cheer the newest standoff. ZSJ and Riddle reset, feel things out, and ZSJ snapmares. Riddle avoids the Penalty Kick, trips ZSJ but ZSJ kicks him away. ZSJ avoids a Penalty Kick and the fans cheer again.
ZSJ and Riddle circle, feel things out again, and knuckle lock. Riddle shoots around, gut wrenches and SUPLEXES! Riddle rolls back, drags ZSJ up, GUT WRENCH PLEX! The fans are torn but Riddle smiles all the same. Riddle runs to BROTON but into an ARMBAR! Riddle scrambles, ROPEBREAK, but ZSJ has the DISARMER! The ref counts, ZSJ lets off and the fans fire up with him. ZSJ kicks Riddle, kicks again, but then Riddle blocks. Riddle stands up, ZSJ avoids the sweeps and SLAPS Riddle back! Riddle CHOPS ZSJ down! The fans are torn again while Riddle scowls now. ZSJ rises, and Riddle KICKS!
Riddle eggs ZSJ on, KICKS him again, and KICKS him again! Riddle kicks ZSJ around, then stands him up to KICK! ZSJ eggs Riddle on now, blocks that kick, and SNAPS a toe! Riddle falls over, ZSJ gets the foot and bends the toes back to SNAP! Then he twists the other foot all around, and STOMPS the leg down! Riddle bails out as we pass five minutes, and the fans are all fired up! Riddle hobbles up and into the ring, ZSJ is on him and snap suplexes! ZSJ gets the foot, hooks the leg, then twists the other foot! ZSJ turns Riddle over, ties the legs up, and has the BOW ‘N’ ARROW! Then ZSJ throws Riddle away!
Riddle storms up to CHOP! And forearm! ZSJ UPPERCUTS! Riddle goes to a corner, ZSJ runs in, but into a HANGING ARMBAR! The ref counts, Riddle lets go and ZSJ falls back. Riddle adjusts his shorts, goes up the corner, and leaps, FLYING KNEE into a HALF CRAB! ZSJ shifts to lean on that hold, STF, but Riddle has the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer this technical exchange, ZSJ brings Riddle up, but Riddle gets around to GERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO! ZSJ is still in this but Riddle BROTONS! The fans are torn but Riddle is having fun again as he goes up top. Riddle aims for the FLOATING- NO, he has to bail out as ZSJ moves!
ZSJ runs up, TRIANGLE HOLD! And he fires off ELBOWS! ZSJ squeezes with the legs but Riddle powers up to deadlift, and POWERBOMB! ZSJ sits up, FLASH KNEE! Cover, TWO! ZSJ survives, but Riddle crosses his arms to mock the fans. Riddle KICKS ZSJ, KICKS him again, and again! Riddle runs side to side to forearm SMASH! Then again, but ZSJ dodges to go up, around and TORNADO DDT! Into a GUILLOTINE!! ZSJ has the body scissors, too! ZSJ flails, endures, fights up, and he lifts ZSJ to then power through into a suplex! ZSJ slips free to SLEEPER! Riddle flails, throws ZSJ off, and ARMBAR!
ZSJ clasps hands to fight the hold, but Riddle works on breaking it. ZSJ lets it go so he can shift and have the ARMBAR! Riddle clasps hands but ZSJ pulls fingers! ZSJ has the ARMBAR, but Riddle shifts into the leg guard to fire shots! The ground ‘n’ pound favors Riddle, but then ZSJ catches him to a TRIANGLE HOLD! Riddle deadlifts, but ZSJ slips free to ZACK DRIVER! Cover, TWO!! We pass ten minutes, time is on Riddle’s side! ZSJ goes to the corner, runs up, but Riddle catches Penalty Kick into the HALF CRAB! Riddle pulls on the leg but ZSJ flips Riddle off as he endures! ZSJ reaches out, even as Riddle pulls way back!
Riddle lets go to deadlift but ZSJ PELES the arm! Riddle still gets ZSJ for a GERMAN SUPLEX! Then Riddle goes up top, FLOATING BRO! Cover, TWO!! ZSJ survives and the fans fire up! Riddle is stunned, that move almost never fails! Riddle has fans chanting “BRO! BRO! BRO!” for him as he aims, and KICKS! KICKS! And SLAPS, to then KICK! KICK! And CHOP! Three minute warning, Riddle just toys with ZSJ, but ZSJ kicks, KICKS, blocks, CHOPS, CHOPS and CHOPS! Riddle wobbles ZSJ grabs a leg, but Riddle JUMP KNEES! Riddle hurries to haul ZSJ up, ripcord and FINAL FLASH!
But Riddle’s not done with ZSJ, he gets the gut wrench and tuck, BRO- VICTORY ROLL! And EURO CLUTCH!! TWO?!? Riddle escapes, but ZSJ KICKS! Then he runs up, into a FLASH KNEE!! Two minute warning, Riddle runs, but ZSJ catches him in to a ghost pin! ZSJ wins!!
Winner: Zack Sabre Jr, by pinfall (NEW NJPW World Television Champion)
ZSJ goes from the first-ever champion to the first-ever TWO-TIME NJPW World TV Champion! Riddle is mad with himself and storms off. Is Riddle going to find a way to some other title opportunity in NJPW? Or will he come back for another try?
As for ZSJ, he gets the mic to say, “Alright, Chicago, what’s up, mates? Are we having a lovely time or what? Are you having a lovely time?” Chicago sure is! ZSJ says his year hasn’t gone well. He wanted the world title, but he had to get his baby back! Did she miss him? Also, he needs industrial cleaner, he doesn’t trust the last champion. But it’s been a minute, so this is usually where ZSJ goes talking about challengers, but he won’t bother, he’s tired, it’s straight to the pub. But he will defend this title in the US very, very soon. Cheerio, everyone, buh-bye. Wait! Someone is not letting ZSJ get away that easily, because here comes Cobb!
The fans cheer as The Imperial Unit makes his way back out here, and he steps in to the ring with ZSJ. Cobb looks at the title he’s come close to taking on multiple occasions, and ZSJ sets it down at his feet. ZSJ says not today, though, he’s tired. Cobb and ZSJ shake hands to agree on it, so when and where will we get this sequel? Wait, ZSJ tries to scoop Cobb! Cobb says nope and he scoops ZSJ! ZSJ slips away, bails out, and gets the mic back. “Hawaiian Jeffery, please may I have my championship back? And I promise, I’ll give you a championship match, just not today, I’m tired.” ZSJ also compliment’s Cobb hair.
Cobb hands the belt over, ZSJ thanks him and heads out. ZSJ is back on top of the NJPW World TV Division, but will he end up the first man to lose this title twice?
Nic Nemeth VS Tomohiro Ishii!
The Showoff is basically showing off now, saying he isn’t going to defend his IWGP Global Heavyweight Champion until he faces Hiroshi Tanahashi. Is he really looking past the Stone Pitbull like that? Or will Ishii not give Nemeth a choice on who has next?
The bell rings and the fans rally as the two circle. They feel things out, tie up, and they’re in a deadlock. Nemeth uses his height for leverage but Ishii gets around to waistlock. Nemeth switches and hooks Ishii up in the COBRA TWIST, but Ishii slips right out to waistlock. Nemeth switches, tries for the Cobra Twist but Ishii slips around again. Ishii lifts, Nemeth hooks a leg to fight it, and he switches to wrangle Ishii to a cover. TWO, they end up in ropes, and the ref has them both separate. The fans cheer as the two reset. They tie up, are in another deadlock, but Nemeth uses his height as leverage to put Ishii on ropes.
The ref counts, Nemeth lets off, but Ishii CHOPS! Nemeth CHOPS back! Ishii CHOPS again! Nemeth CHOPS again! The CHOPS go back and forth as fans “WOO~,” but then Nemeth throws a forearm! Ishii fires a forearm in return, they go back and forth and Nemeth gets the edge. The fans fire up but then Ishii ROCKS Nemeth again and again. Ishii runs, RAMS Nemeth, but Nemeth stays up. The fans fire up as Nemeth ROCKS Ishii, runs and RAMS him! Ishii rebounds to CLOBBER Nemeth! The fans fire up more while Nemeth flounders. Nemeth slowly rises, Ishii brings him up and bumps him off buckles.
Ishii CHOPS Nemeth and Nemeth falls over. Ishii eggs Nemeth on, Nemeth stands, and the fans rally. Nemeth fires forearms, but Ishii CHOPS him down! The fans rally behind Ishii as he looms over Nemeth. Ishii drags Nemeth up to suplex high and hard! Cover, TWO! Ishii kicks Nemeth around while egging him on. Ishii slaps Nemeth around, the fans rally, and Nemeth fires body shots! Nemeth kicks, DROPKICKS, and Ishii falls! The fans fire up while both men go to corners. Ishii stands, Nemeth runs in, STINGER SPLASH! And then NECKBREAKER! Nemeth drops ELBOW after ELBOW, then winds up for the JUMPING ELBOW! Cover, TWO!
Nemeth is a little annoyed but Ishii is tougher than that. Nemeth reels Ishii in, but Ishii fights the lift! Ishii powers up and back drops Nemeth away! The fans fire up while Nemeth staggers to his feet. Nemeth fires hands but Ishii just scowls. Nemeth looks around as the fans say he messed up, but he still throws hands! Ishii doesn’t budge, then he just DECKS Nemeth with one shot! The fans fire up while Nemeth flounders to a corner. Ishii storms up, brings Nemeth up to the top rope, and climbs. Ishii brings Nemeth up to the very top, for the STALLING SUPERPLEX! The fans are all fired up while both men are down!
Ishii rises, looms over Nemeth, then drags him up. Ishii reels Nemeth in, but Nemeth fights the lift now! Nemeth wrenches, and jumps on, SLEEPER! Ishii has Nemeth as a backpack, but he shifts around to put the SLEEPER on Nemeth! Nemeth flails, gets around, OLYMPIC SLAM! The fans fire up while both men are down again! Nemeth rises while the fans rally. Nemeth runs up, but Ishii denies the satellite DDT with a throw! Ishii runs up but Nemeth UPPERCUTS! Ishii ROCKS Nemeth, but Nemeth SWATS the lariat to SATELLITE DDT! Cover, TWO! Ishii survives and the fans fire up while Nemeth is a bit surprised.
The fans rally as Nemeth watches Ishii rise. Nemeth kicks low, runs, FAM- NO, Ishii turns the leg drop into a POWERBOMB! The fans fire up again and Ishii headbutts the buckles to fire himself up! Ishii runs but Nemeth ducks to HEADBUTT! And FAMOUSER! Cover, TWO!! Ishii survives and the fans fire up again! Nemeth is beside himself, but rises as the fans rally again. Nemeth goes to a corner, Ishii staggers to his feet, and Ishii runs in! Nemeth BOOTS Ishii, runs up, and LARIATS! Ishii just roars! Ishii ROCKS Nemeth but now Nemeth roars! The fans fire up with Nemeth, but then Ishii LARIATS him down! Cover, TWO!!
Nemeth survives and Ishii growls in frustration. Ishii sits Nemeth up while fans chant “This is Awesome!” Ishii runs but Nemeth ducks the sliding lariat! Ishii blocks Nemeth’s superkick, then ENZIGIRIS! The fans fire up again while Ishii aims from a corner! SLIDING LARIAT! Cover, TWO!! Nemeth survives again and Ishii grows further frustrated. Ishii fires back up and the fans are with him as he drags Nemeth up. Ishii suplexes, but Nemeth fights it! Nemeth wrenches, HEADBUTTS, but Ishii still whips! Nemeth reverses, but Ishii bucks the Danger Zone! Only to turn around into a SUPERKICK 101! Cover, TWO!!!
Ishii just gets an arm up and Nemeth’s shock is clear on his face, even with his hair over his eyes! The fans fire up again as both men slowly rise. Ishii winds up but Nemeth ROCKS him first! Then GERMAN SUPLEXES! But Ishii rises right up! Ishii staggers, but he avoids Danger Zone to STEAL DANGER ZONE!! The fans are thunderous as Nemeth staggers up, into the LARIAT!! Cover, ONE?!?! Nemeth shocks everyone as he kicks it into another gear! Ishii rises, into the SUPERKICK 101!! Cover, ONE?!?!? Now Ishii shocks everyone! “This is Awesome!” as both men are down, catching their breaths.
Ishii and Nemeth go to corners, then they run in! DOUBLE LARIATS collide but neither man falls, and then Ishii HEADBUTTS! Nemeth rebounds to HEADBUTT, but then they DOUBLE HEADBUTT! Ishii BATTERING RAM HEADBUTTS!! Cover, TWO!?!? Nemeth survives that shot, but Ishii roars as he rises up! Ishii slaps himself to get back in this! Ishii drags Nemeth up, reels him in, suplexes, but Nemeth slips free, DANGER- NO, Ishii clinches! Nemeth slips free, ROCKS Ishii, SUPERKICK 101! Then he dodges Ishii to DANGER ZONE!!! Cover, Nemeth wins!!
Winner: Nic Nemeth, by pinfall
Nemeth is a Wanted Man, and this is why! He took Ishii to the Danger Zone, proving that hanging with NJPW isn’t Mission: Impossible! But will Nemeth prove he’s a Top Gun when he finally gets his dream match with President Tanahashi?
IWGP World Heavyweight Championship: Tetsuya Naito VS Jon Moxley!
The Uncontrollable Charisma has finally been back on top of NJPW since WrestleKingdom, and he even just defeated his Los Ingobernables de Japon teammate, Yota Tsuji, just a week ago at Sakura Genesis. At the same time, The Maniac put out the challenge that same night, and Naito said okay! Will Naito continue to keep NJPW tranquilo? Or is there truly about to be a Paradigm Shift in the world of pro-wrestling?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see if the winds of change start to blow!
Moxley paces as Naito takes his time with his entrance attire, and Naito tells Moxley to tranquilo. Naito really takes his time with his pants, and is finally ready. The bell rings and the fans fire up already! Naito looks around but Moxley keeps his eyes right on Naito. The two slowly circle while the fans rally and duel. They approach but Naito dodges, and the fans cheer while Moxley keeps cool. They go again, and again Naito avoids Moxley’s grip. Naito again says tranquilo, and they circle. Moxley flips Naito off, the fans are torn, but Naito doesn’t even flinch. The two circle, tie up, and Moxley puts Naito on ropes.
The ref counts, Moxley lets off, but Naito SPITS at Moxley! Naito kicks low, TOSSES Moxley out, but gets Moxley with the fake out and tranquilo pose! The fans cheer while Moxley seethes. Moxley snarls, storms in, but Naito slips away to the outside. The fans cheer as Naito continues to troll Moxley, but then Moxley rushes out to fire off forearms! Moxley whips Naito into railing, then fires more forearms! Naito hits back, Moxley headlocks, and then he SMACKS Naito off the timekeeper’s table! The fans rally as Moxley goes up and over the railing to get Naito back up. The ref reprimands but Moxley ROCKS Naito!
Moxley SMACKS Naito off the table, SMACKS him off it again, then brings Naito around. The crowd moves aside as Moxley fires hockey scrum punches. Moxley then whips Naito, but Naito reverses and Moxley hits railing! The fans fire up, Naito checks his face, then he takes a seat to relax. The fans cheer, but then Moxley BOOTS Naito down! Moxley drags Naito up, brings him around, and back to ringside so he can POST Naito! Naito falls, the fans are torn, but Moxley paces around. Moxley storms back up on Naito, drags him up, and puts him in the ring. Moxley stalks Naito to the ropes, then stands on Naito’s face!
The ref counts, Moxley lets off to grab a hand, and Moxley SNAPS fingers! Moxley reels Naito in, PILEDRIVER! Cover, TWO! Naito’s still in this but Moxley paces again. Moxley waits on Naito to get up, then KICKS him! And ROCKS him! And ROCKS him, and ROCKS him again! Then Moxley KICKS a leg! And KICKS the leg, and then KICKS the leg out! Cover, TWO! Naito is still in this but Moxley eggs him on. Moxley paces around, drags Naito up and then CHOPS! Moxley KICKS, CHPOS, but Naito SPITS! Moxley KICKS, ROCKS, but Naito SPITS! Moxley fires off ELBOW after ELBOW, then whips, but Naito sunset flips!
Moxley rolls through, steps through, FIGURE FOUR! Naito endures, the fans rally, but Moxley talks trash even as he puts on pressure! Naito powers the main leg up but Moxley powers it back down! Naito sits up, SPITS at Moxley, but Moxley puts on more pressure! Naito fights around, turns things over, but Moxley slips free to get the legs again. Moxley SPITS, then he turns Naito over into a TEXAS CLOVERLEAF! Naito endures, the fans rally, and Naito fights his way around. Moxley drops down into a modified STF! Naito again endures, moves around, reaches out, and has the ROPEBREAK! The ref counts, Moxley lets go at 4.
Moxley eggs Naito on, talks more trash, then PENALTY KICKS! Naito sits up and shakes his head. Moxley KICKS again, but Naito again sits up. Naito even smirks as he annoy Moxley. Moxley KICKS but Naito blocks! Naito CLAWS the eyes, but Moxley kicks low! Moxley suplexes for a BRAINBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Moxley CHOKES Naito, the ref counts, but Moxley lets off. Moxley storms around, the fans rally, and Naito stirs. Moxley goes to the apron, then climbs a corner. Naito rises, Moxley leaps, Naito BODY SHOTS! Naito ENZIGIRIS, Moxley drops to his knees, but Naito still has to catch his breath.
The fans rally as Naito smirks and rises up. Naito brings Moxley around to fire forearm after forearm! Naito whips, atomic drops, and then runs to ELBOW Moxley down and basement dropkick in the back! Naito whips corner to corner, runs up, JUMP KICK! He can’t get up and over so he ELBOWS then NECKBREAKERS! Cover, TWO! Naito clamps on a cravat for a neck wrench on the mat! Moxley endures, the fans rally, but Naito thrashes him around. Moxley fights up, he drags Naito up and he DUMPS Naito to the apron! Naito gets up but Moxley fires a forearm! Naito gives it back, they go back and forth!
The fans rally as the shots keep going, faster and faster! Naito ROCKS Moxley but Moxley BOOTS Naito! Naito wobbles, Moxley goes out to the apron, but Naito fights the half nelson suplex! Naito fires elbows, gets free, but Moxley ELBOWS back! And then APRON DDT! Naito flops down to the floor while the fans fire up! Moxley leaves Naito behind to mock the tranquilo! The fans are torn but Naito stirs. Naito slowly crawls, the fans rally up, and Naito stands. Naito shakes out the cobwebs, flounders into the ring, and Moxley drags Naito up. Moxley TOSSES Naito out, then builds speed to DIVE into a chair?!
The fans fire up as Naito sneaks that one! The ref checks Moxley but he’s somehow still in this! Naito goes up to the apron and brings Moxley up, for an APRON NECKBREAKER! Moxley flops down while Naito leaves him behind. The ring count starts, Moxley stirs at about 3 of 20. Moxley turns over, he’s busted open! Naito counts along as we pass 10 of 20, then reach 15! Moxley rises at 17, staggers about, and slides in at 19.9!! The fans fire up and Naito is actually annoyed. Naito drags Moxley up, reels him in, and TORNADO DDTS! Moxley sits up in a daze, the crimson mask already complete on his face!
Moxley staggers back to his feet, Naito runs in, but Moxley KING KING LARIATS! Both men are down and the fans fire back up! The ref checks both men, especially Moxley with that blood, but they’re both okay to continue. Moxley sits up as we pass 15 minutes, a quarter of the allotted hour time limit. Moxley says he’s not gonna be taken alive! Not tonight! The fans fire up with Moxley as he is ready to Die Hard! Moxley fires a haymaker, Naito gives it back! Moxley throws another, so Naito SPITS, then ROCKS him! Moxley ROCKS Naito, Naito ROCKS Moxley, so Moxley SPITS! Naito SPITS, and the forearms fly again!
The fans are thunderous as this gets fast and furious! Moxley fires a flurry, then winds up to run, but Naito gets around! Waistlock, but Moxley switches, to a SLEEPER! Naito RAMS Moxley into buckles, gets free, but the CURB STOMP OUTTA NOWHERE! Cover, TWO!! Moxley hurries to clamp on, REAR NAKED CHOKE!! Naito flails but the body scissors are on! Blood pours off of Moxley’s head, will he give out before Naito does? The fans rally as Naito endures and fights around! Moxley uses that to get the BULLY CHOKE!! Naito fights to his feet, Moxley keeps a SLEEPER! The fans continue to rally as Naito flails!
Naito pries at the hold, then drops, victory roll! TWO!! Moxley stands, Naito wrenches and fires the heavy elbows! Again and again, and then the wrench, tilt-o-whirl, but Moxley slips free! CUTTER!! But that’s not all! DEATH RIDER!! Cover, TWO?!? Naito survives Moxley’s best shot and the fans are thunderous! Moxley snarls, the fans rally and duel, and Moxley wipes the blood from his eyes. Moxley underhooks Naito again, but Naito slips around to DESTINO!!! TWO!!! Moxley survives Naito’s best shot now! But Naito is just as confident about trying again! DESTI- NO!! Moxley slips free to ROLLING ELBOW! ROLLING ELBOW! DEATH RIDER!!! Cover, TWO?!?!?
The fans are electric as Naito survives another shot! But Moxley won’t let up, he KING KONG LARIATS again!! Cover, ONE?!?!? HOW?!?! Naito staggers about, but into a DEATH RIDER!!!! Cover, MOXLEY WINS!!!!
Winner: Jon Moxley, by pinfall (NEW IWGP World Heavyweight Champion)
Chicago cannot believe it, but they are loving it! From WWE World Champion to AEW World Champion to now NJPW’s IWGP World Champion, this is history being made before our eyes!! The Maniac makes himself a modern legend, but what does this mean for Naito? Is Naito’s destino simply that he cannot last?
As for Moxley, he does push-ups just to show he has more in that tank! He sets the title down on the lion logo then gets the mic. Moxley says a quick prayer while the fans say, “You Deserve It!” Moxley gets the mic on to say, “Arigato gozaimasu, Chicago! Holy s*it… This was a treat for everybody here that might not ever get a chance to fly across the ocean and NJPW, an authentic NJPW wrestling show live and in person. And it was special to be a part of it here, and there’s nowhere better to have done it than right here in Chicago.” The fans cheer that!
Moxley says he’s wrestled in every building in Chicago, big, small and tiny, and the fans have been with him every step of the way. He thanks them for being here to make it special, as he now stands atop the effin’ NJPW mountain!! The fans fire up for Moxley again, “Thank You, Moxley!” Moxley says he’s just getting started, so he has a message for everyone in NJPW and around the world. First order of business as the King of NJPW is to pick who’s coming at him first! Mox calls the shots, and the long list of Japanese legends he’s defeated over the last five years is really something, but that’s the easy stuff.
Moxley won’t run or hide from the Young Lions, the young and hungry stars of NJPW! He won’t sit atop a mountain and be scared of the hungriest hunters in the game. So stepping up first, this will be the final exam for #SHOOTER!! The fans fire up, but then in runs REN NARITA! PUSH-UP BAR ATTACK!! The fans boo as Narita stomps away on Moxley! Narita gets the mic while he CHOKES Moxley to tell “Shooter, no no no. I’m next challenger, mother effer!” Narita stomps away, but then here comes The Roughneck! Narita turns tail and runs, the fans cheering “SHOOTER! SHOOTER!” Narita laughs as he retreats, but Shota helps Moxley sit up.
Moxley manages to glare at Narita through the crimson mask, and Shota gets the mic for him. Moxley says, “What the heck, man? Narita! You just graduated from being a Young Boy… to being a dead man!” Moxley just said he isn’t gonna run and hide, so if Narita wants a fight, he’ll get a fight! Will The Maniac tear apart that Souled Out SOB? Will Shota get to have his match with his mentor sometime after that?
My Thoughts:
A great event for NJPW, and I did not think they’d have so many changes to the title landscape. Well, Vaquer retained but that’s because she only just got that belt off Giulia. And good on Windsor to step up, though I’m not sure she’ll take that title, either. Anyway, great Fatal 4 Way that also referenced the story between Tom Lawlor and Team Filthy falling apart. Great win for TMDK here, and rather surprising because I didn’t think ELP & Leo would be losing those belts. I wonder if ELP & Leo go back to the heavyweight titles for the Summer.
And then quite the surprise that ZSJ won the NJPW World TV title back. TMDK is taking over, and maybe this move was because Riddle is more an MLW wrestler than a NJPW wrestler. ZSJ VS Cobb the third time around is going to be awesome, great trilogy, and maybe Cobb wins this time. United Empire needs some positives in their post Ospreay era. Cobb and TJP did really good in helping Eddie and Homicide against what ended up being less Team Gabe Kidd and just Bullet Club War Dogs or whatever. Good win for Bullet Club here, and setting up a NO ROPES Last Man Standing for the NJPW Strong Championship is going to be awesome stuff.
Great non-title matches, too. Narita cheating Suzuki to win, but Shota winning despite Jack trying to cheat is good stuff for the Reiwa Musketeer rivals. Great fun in the Hiromu VS Ali match with Daryl Jr, aka El Hijo De Daryl cuz he had a little lucha mask. Great win for Ali, too, but he isn’t scheduled for the Best of the Super Juniors so maybe this was so Chicago gets a win. And then great match of Nemeth and Ishii with Nemeth getting a great win to keep his momentum up while waiting on a match with Tanahashi.
And of course, an awesome main event from Naito and Moxley. I should’ve known Moxley was gonna bleed, but I was NOT expecting Moxley to win the title. Great for Moxley personally, but I’m surprised NJPW made this move. Is Moxley going to bring this title to Dynasty AND Double or Nothing? Well, I suppose Moxley could tell us as much on Dynamite, but this is all still really surprising. I’m not gonna say I agree with Gabe Kidd’s claims NJPW is letting AEW get their way, but it certainly seems like NJPW is hoping AEW helps them with the American audience.
That stuff aside, Narita and Shota being winners works for them stepping up to the world title. Narita probably won’t win, but maybe Shota proves the student has surpassed the master. Might be a bit of NJPW fast tracking their new neo new musketeers, but it’s not like other companies haven’t done that.
My Score: 8.9/10
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Is Collision Undisputed?
March Madness is in full effect, and Collision is ready to Slam Dunk Saturday! But will Daniel Garcia still be AEW TNT Champion? Or will the Face of TNT be Adam Cole BAYBAY?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- AEW TNT Championship: Daniel Garcia VS Adam Cole; Time Limit Draw, Garcia retains the title.
- Best Wrestler Alive Open Challenge: Max Caster VS Hook; Hook wins.
- Julia Hart VS Queen Aminata; Hart wins.
- Six Man Tag: “Powerhouse” Will Hobbs, Mark Briscoe & Rocky Romero VS The Don Callis Family; The Callis Family wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
AEW TNT Championship: Daniel Garcia VS Adam Cole!
No time to waste, we’re jumping right to the action! Red Death and the Panama City Playboy had their previous match rudely interrupted, but now there is a ringside ban on EVERYBODY! Will Garcia prove he’s still the Face of TNT? Or will the title become Undisputed?
No introductions, the belt is raised, and it’s time to see who gets dunked on!
The bell rings and the fans rally up. Garcia and Cole hear the dueling from Omaha, and they step up. Cole offers a handshake, Garcia takes it, and the fans cheer. The two circle, tie up, and Cole wrenches to a wristlock. Garcia wrenches to wristlock in return, but Cole turns that back onto Garcia. Garcia reaches out, rolls, rolls, and rolls! Cole lets him free and Garcia wags a finger. The fans rally up as Garcia puts up the dukes, and does his dance! Cole smirks and circles with Garcia again. They feel things out, knuckle lock, then Cole wrenches and hammerlocks. Garcia reaches back to headlock, then shifts around to grind the hold.
The fans rally, Cole powers up but can’t power out as Garcia holds tight! Cole fights up and powers out the second try, but Garcia runs him over! Things keep moving, Garcia rolls over the dropdown but Cole arm-drags. Then Cole avoids Garcia’s arm-drag, to say, “ADAM COLE, BAYBAY!” The fans fire up, and Garcia smirks. Garcia and Cole reset, circle, and the fans fire up more. The two tie up, Garcia waistlocks, but Cole switches. Garcia headlocks again, then wrenches right away. Garcia waistlocks again, Cole pries at the hold, then switches. Garcia slips through to have an arm, for an ELBOW BREAKER!
The fans rally, Garcia keeps hold of Cole’s arm to then hammerlock. Cole switches that onto Garcia, then headlocks. Garcia powers up and out, but Cole runs him over! Cole brushes himself off, but Garcia grabs a leg! Cole hops around as he and Garcia stare down. Garcia throws the leg down but Cole headlocks. Cole hits a takeover, but Garcia headscissors. Cole kips free, the two tie up, and they fight for control. Garcia headlocks for a takeover, Cole headscissors, but Garcia kips free. Garcia stands tall and he stares Cole down. The fans cheer, Cole gets to his feet, and the two reset. They feel things out, knuckle lock, and Garcia waistlocks.
Cole switches, Garcia switches back, but Cole grabs the ROPEBREAK! Garcia and Cole clinch as the ref counts. Garcia gives as scuff, but Cole pie faces him back! They tie up, go along the ropes now, in and out of a corner, then end up in another clinch. The ref counts, Garcia and Cole slowly let off, but then Garcia avoids a cheap shot to CHOP! The fans fire up and “WOO~!” then Garcia whips. Cole reverses, Garcia SHOTGUNS him down! The fans fire up with Garcia and he runs in at the corner. Garcia LARIATS, then he climbs up. Garcia rains down fists, the fans count along, but Cole pops out at 7 to SHOVE Garcia to the floor!
The fans rally up while Garcia flounders. Cole waits a moment while the ring count starts. Garcia hobbles, Cole storms out after him, and Cole sends Garcia into the steel steps! Garcia falls in a heap and clutches his knee. Cole hurries to get Garcia up, to send him back into the steps! Garcia crashes and burns and takes a tumble! Cole refreshes the count, fetches Garcia, and he puts Garcia in the ring. Cole grabs the bad leg to stomp the hamstring, then stomps it again. Garcia scrambles away to ropes, but Cole stands on the bad leg against those ropes! The ref counts, the fans are torn, but Cole steps off at 4.
Cole drags Garcia to center for a STANDING KNEEBAR! Garcia endures, even as Cole tells him to just give up. Garcia reaches out, and he has the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer, the ref counts, and Cole lets go. Cole backs off for Garcia to stand, and Cole kicks the leg out! SHINING WIZARD! Cover, TWO! Not quite The Boom so Garcia survives, but Cole is right back on him. Cole has the leg, DDTS the foot, and Garcia scrambles away to more ropes. Cole stalks Garcia, drags him up, and bumps him off buckles. Cole stomps Garcia, then stand shim up. Garcia fires haymakers! Cole kicks the leg out!
Cole bumps Garcia off buckles again, puts the leg around the ropes, and pulls! The ref counts, Cole stops at 4, and Garcia slumps down. Cole runs to DROPKICK the bad leg! Garcia flounders away, clutches that leg, but he refuses to give up. Cole grabs the leg, steps through, but Garcia cradle counters! TWO, and both men stand! Cole blocks a kick, CLUBS the leg, then hits a BACKSTABBER! Garcia writhes, Cole covers him, TWO! Garcia toughs it out, and Collision goes picture in picture.
Cole is frustrated but he stays calm as he stands back up. Cole goes to a corner, waits on Garcia, then he goes up the ropes. Garcia hobbles but then falls, that bad leg a little too beat up for what Cole wants. Cole hops down to ROCK Garcia, then he goes back up the ropes. Garcia rises, and he UPPERCUTS Cole! Garcia ROCKS Cole, climbs up to get him, but Cole slips under! Cole SUPERKICKS the legs out! Garcia falls to the mat, Cole goes outside the ring, and Cole drags Garcia into the corner. Cole SLAMS the bad leg into the post! And then SLAMS it again! Garcia writhes in pain as Slam Dunk Saturday returns to single picture.
Speaking of, Cole SLAMS the leg into the post again! Cole ROCKS Garcia, then storms back into the ring. The fans rally up, Garcia crawls, and Cole talks some smack. The fans rally for “D G! WOOP WOOP!” Cole fires forearms, but Garcia refuses to back down. Garcia ROCKS Cole, Cole ROCKS Garcia! Garcia stands to ROCK Cole again! Cole fires a flurry, then eggs Garcia on. Garcia fires a flurry in return! The fans fire up but then Cole rains down fists! Garcia clamps onto Cole’s neck! Cole breaks free but Garcia CHOPS! Cole BOOTS! Cole then dodges a lariat to ENZIGIRI! Cole reels Garcia in, suplexes, but Garcia fights that to TWIST ‘N’ SHOUT!
The fans fire up while both men are down! Garcia drags himself up with the ropes, the fans rally, and Garcia dodges Cole to TWIST ‘N’ SHOUT again! Garcia drags Cole up again, but Cole suplexes! Garcia slips free, TOSSES Cole out, then he has Cole in the ropes! DRAPING TWIST ‘N’ SHOUT! Cover, TWO!! Cole survives but the fans rally and duel again. Garcia drags Cole up, but the bad leg won’t let him lift! Cole fireman’s carries, USHIGOROSHI! Cover, TWO! Garcia stays in this and Cole grows frustrated again. Cole grabs the bad leg, drags Garcia around, and then steps through. Garcia BOOTS Cole right out of the ring!
Cole gets back on the apron, but Garcia runs up to GAMANGIRI! Both men tumble up and out to the floor! The fans rally up, Garcia drags himself up, and the fans help him stand! Garcia smacks his leg into working, and he SHOTGUNS Cole into the barriers! The fans fire up and Garcia drags Cole back up. Garcia puts Cole in the ring, reels him in, but Cole suplexes for a GHOSTBUSTER! Cover, TWO!! Garcia survives again and Cole is further frustrated. The fans rally up, Cole goes to the corner, and he waits on Garcia. Garcia rises, Cole aims, but Garcia UPPERCUTS again! Garcia then twists Cole’s foot as he positions Cole just right.
We hit the five minute warning as Garcia climbs. Garcia tries to go to the very top, but the bad leg gives up! He falls back, and Cole jumps in for the PANAMA SUNRISE!! Cover, ROPEBREAK!!! Garcia survives and the fans fire up again! Cole brushes that off to go back up the corner. Omaha duels even harder now as Garcia rises. Cole reloads, but Garcia tumbles out of the ring! Whether he meant to or not, Garcia avoided the game ender. Wait! Cole just goes to the apron now! PANAMA- NO, Garcia dodges, and then KNEES low! Garcia reels Cole in, but the bad leg still prevents the lift! Cole runs in, but Garcia gets around! GERMAN SUPLEX to the floor!
Garcia puts Cole in, beats his leg into working, and he powers up! The fans fire up, but Cole resists the lift! Garcia powers through the pain to PILEDRIVER!! Cover, TWO!?! Cole survives and Garcia is beside himself! Garcia falls back, “This is Awesome!” and Cole goes back to a corner. Garcia hobbles, runs back in, but he can’t even make it! Cole hurries back up, PANAMA SUNRISE!! Cover, TWO!?!? Garcia survives, but Cole just goes to the FIGURE FOUR!! The fans are thunderous as Garcia endures, shouts in pain, and flails around! Garcia claws at the hold, but then he backstrokes towards ropes!
Cole puts on the pressure, Garcia bites his finger to ignore his leg pain, and he gets the ROPEBREAK!! Cole lets go in frustration while the fans fire up again. Cole drags Garcia back to center, but Garcia drags Cole down for a cradle! TWO, but Garcia has Cole’s legs! DRAGON TAMER!! Cole endures as Garcia sits deep, but Cole fights around! The fans fire up as Cole finds the ROPEBREAK! Garcia lets go, more because he couldn’t last much longer himself. Fans hope these two “FIGHT FOREVER!” but we know the time is running out. Garcia stalks Cole to the apron, brings him up to throw hands! Cole fires forearms in return!
The fans rally as these two go back and forth, forearm for forearm! We have ONE MINUTE LEFT! Garcia reels Cole in, but Cole fights the lift! Cole CLUBS away on the legs, then SUPERKICKS the legs out! Cole reels Garcia in, APRON DESTROYER!!! But Garcia flops to the floor! Cole hurries to get Garcia up and back in! Cole hurries to bring the kneepad down, but Garcia grabs that leg! Cole CLUBS away on Garcia! Cole runs, BUT TIME’S UP!!
Time Limit Draw; Garcia retains the title
Omaha can’t believe it! The 20 minutes are up, and Garcia survives to keep the title! But was Garcia saved by the bell? Or is Cole just not TNT Championship material?
BREAKING NEWS for May!
AEW returns to New Jersey by hitting up Atlantic City’s Boardwalk Hall! ROH Supercard of Honor on Friday, May 2nd, and AEW Collision live on Saturday, May 3rd! Ticket presale begins next Thursday, March 27th, then open to everyone on Monday, March 31st! Don’t miss out on all the elite action!
Best Wrestler Alive Open Challenge: Max Caster VS ???
Slam Dunk Saturday returns and Platinum Max is already in the ring. He has the mic to tell Omaha, “You are looking live at the Best Wrestler Alive!” The fans boo that claim given Caster is 0-5 at his own challenge. But Caster still says everyone knows that Caster is a very busy man. He has a packed schedule, unlike his former tag team partner… The fans chant, “We Want Bowens!” but Caster says he has some news for us: Bowens ain’t here, and he ain’t coming back, cuz Caster ran his ass outta AEW! The fans boo more, but Caster says surely there are a lot of Maximaniacs here today, so time to give them what they want, and that is to chant his name!
Okay, here goes! “Let’s Go, Max! You’re the Best Wrestler Alive! Let’s Go, Max! You’re the Best Wrestler Alive!” The fans boo that stupid chant, so Caster says it’s four on the floor. But anyway, let’s get to business! Who can survive the Best Wrestler Alive? The man to answer is… HOOK! Will the Cold-Hearted Handsome Devil make sure Caster finally learns his lesson?
The bell rings and the fans sing, “Hook is gonna kill~ you!” Caster says before they start, he knows Hook has a lot to say, so he should get it off his chest. Then Caster throws the mic at Hook! Caster attacks in that distraction, then CLUBS away on Hook! The fans boo, Caster whips but Hook reverses! Caster goes up and over, keeps moving, then ducks ‘n’ dodges. Caster cartwheels, cheers himself on, but then Hook trips Caster up! The fans cheer, and Hook clamps on REDRUM!! Caster TAPS, Hook wins!
Winner: Hook, by submission
Well, now it’s 0-6. Will Caster ever realize he’s not the Best Wrestler Alive?
Backstage interview with Queen Aminata.
Lexy Nair is with the One True African Queen, and notes that we are moments away from the tiebreaker with Julia Hart. They are 1-1, but Aminata won the previous match, so how does that momentum have her feeling? Aminata says she is- interrupted by Serena Deeb. Deeb says that was a fantastic win against Julia. What has she been telling Aminata? Listen to Deeb and you win! And tonight, it’s the rematch, and lucky for Aminata, Deeb came prepared. She has another playbook. This is 1000 holds, something Deeb has worked on for 20 years. It is everything Aminata needs to know to beat Julia, or anyone for that matter.
Deeb says it is all in this book. She hasn’t lied to Aminata yet, has she? Aminata tells The Professor thanks, but no thanks. Aminata is confident she can win this third match on her own. Aminata heads out and Deeb says well, we’ll see about that. What is Deeb about to do to test Aminata? Or will having one more match with the Princess of the Black Throne more than enough?
Julia Hart VS Queen Aminata!
The bell rings and Aminata circles with Hart. They tie up, Aminata waistlocks, then lifts, but Hart goes for a victory roll. Aminata stuffs that into a cover of her own, TWO!! Hart gets free, gets up, and gets around Aminata to crucifix takedown, TWO! Hart rolls Aminata, TWO! The two get up, run up, and Hart gets around to backslide! TWO, but Hart reels Aminata in for a cradle, TWO! The fans cheer this ongoing exchange, and then Hart waistlocks. Aminata bucks the O’Conner to then kick low! Aminata wags her finger, then reels Hart in. The fans duel, Aminata snap suplexes, and Hart tumbles to the corner.
Aminata storms over, drags Hart up, and brings her to the apron. Aminata clinches, and APRON SIDE EFFECTS! The fans fire up and Aminata grins. Aminata tosses her hair while Collision goes picture in picture.
Aminata CHOPS Hart on the chest, then taunts the Hart fans. Aminata brings Hart around to run and THROW her into the barriers! Hart falls in a heap, but Aminata makes her take a seat. Aminata refreshes the ring count, then runs at Hart, HIP ATTACK against railing! Aminata puts Hart in, then covers, TWO! Aminata doesn’t sweat it as she brings Hart around and clamps on with a chinlock. Hart endures, even as Aminata squeezes tight. Hart fights up, but Aminata wrangles her right back down. Aminata then shifts into a CROSSFACE! Hart endures, Aminata twists Hart’s nose, but the ref reprimands so Aminata stops.
Aminata fishhooks the nose! The ref counts, Aminata stops, but Hart powers her way through to a cover! TWO, Aminata lets Hart go, and then runs up to DROPKICK Hart down! Hart sputters, Aminata crawls over to have a cocky cover, TWO! Hart stays in this, but Collision goes to break.
Slam Dunk Saturday returns and Hart wrenches Aminata for an STO! The fans fire up as Hart STANDING MOONSAULTS! Cover, TWO! Aminata survives, Hart frowns, and Hart rises up. Hart waits on Aminata, then runs Around the World to LARIAT! Hart then goes side to side to ELBOW! Hart brings Aminata out to snapmare, but Aminata stands up. Hart runs in, Aminata lifts Hart up, tucks her, and runs for the AIR RAID CRASH! Cover, TWO!! Hart survives and Aminata is shocked! Hart has a bloody nose again, but Aminata KICKS her in the side! Aminata puts Hart in the drop zone, then climbs up.
Aminata reaches the top, but Hart trips her up! Hart ROCKS Aminata, climbs again, but Aminata fires body shots! Hart and Aminata brawl up top, and then Hart grabs Aminata for a SPIDER SUPERPLEX! The fans fire up as Hart hangs there like a bat, then sits up to adjust position! MOONSAULT- NO, Aminata dodges! Hart rolls through to stand back up, but into the QUEEN’S CROWN HEADBUTT!! Cover, TWO?!?! Hart survives losing her head and Aminata’s about to lose her mind! Aminata drags Hart up and around as the fans rally. Aminata fires Kawada Kicks, then whips. Hart grabs ropes to stop, and she KICKS Aminata!
Hart runs, but Aminata ROCKS her! Hart sits back, Aminata says “OFF WITH HER HEAD!” Aminata runs, but Hart avoids the boot! Aminata falls back, Hart hurries to high stack, HART WINS!!
Winner: Julia Hart, by pinfall
The tiebreaker goes to Julia, and Aminata is stunned! If the Hart Always Wins, will she make her way back to a championship? Will Aminata decide to take Deeb up on her teachings now?
Backstage interview with Harley Cameron.
Lexy is with the wild Aussie and brings up that tomorrow night, Slam Dunk Sunday, we see Harley get back in action! Plus, Komander & Hologram will take on Dralistico & Beast Mortos. Mortos has had some rather intriguing interactions with “Harley-gram.” Harley says, “Oh, Lexy, Lexy, Lexy. Lucha Libre is a fascinating and amazing world. And I’m sure tomorrow’s match will be fantastic. And y’know what? Tomorrow night, yes, I do have a match, but! I will also stick around and be on commentary for that match. So I don’t really see the point of us discussing the romantic capabilities of a beast, y’know?”
Lexy says yeah, but uh, isn’t “Harley-gram” just Harley? NO, FEEL THE WRATH! Harley runs off, but will Harley be able to focus on her match with Mortos around? Will Mortos be able to focus on his match with Harley around?
Six Man Tag: “Powerhouse” Will Hobbs, Mark Briscoe & Rocky Romero VS The Don Callis Family!
While the Book of Hobbs is stuck on a chapter involving the Don Callis Family, he has decided to conglomerate with the Sussex County Chicken & Azucar! Will Briscoe & Rocky help Hobbs get through the “writer’s block?” Or will Konosuke Takeshita, Brian Cage & Lance Archer make sure #EverybodyDies?
The trios sort out and Briscoe starts against Konosuke. Don Callis is on commentary and Schiavone is sure he is not in a good mood over his guy, Mark Davis, missing out on the International Championship. Callis focuses instead on the Six Man Tag, and his “three physical freaks” of the Callis Family. Briscoe and Konosuke tie up, Briscoe headlocks, and Omaha rallies for #DemBoys. Konosuke powers up and out, Briscoe RAMS him, but Konosuke comes back to run Briscoe over! Things keep moving, Konosuke bypasses Briscoe but Briscoe slides under. Briscoe springs up to hit the crane stance! Callis says that is disrespectful!
Konosuke blocks the crane kick, spins Briscoe around, and back suplexes, only for Briscoe to land out. Konosuke kicks low, whips Briscoe to a corner, but Briscoe goes up and out. Briscoe eggs Konosuke on, then counters the punch with a REDNECK KUNG-FU UPPERCUT! Briscoe climbs, aims, and leaps, but Konosuke BODY BLOWS the ax handle down! The fans boo but Konosuke stands Briscoe up. Konosuke whips Briscoe to the Callis corner, but Briscoe BOOTS Archer down! The fans fire up but Cage grabs Briscoe. Konosuke runs up, but Briscoe slips free, so Konosuke DECKS Cage! The fans fire up and Briscoe kicks low.
Briscoe whips, Konosuke reverses, Hobbs sneaks the tag. Briscoe DIVES onto Cage! Archer BOOTS Briscoe, but Rocky FLYING KNEES Archer! Hobbs runs in to CLOBBER Konosuke! And CLOBBERS him again! The fans fire up and Hobbs smirks. Hobbs stands Konosuke up to scoop him, and then he tags in Rocky. Rocky climbs, Hobbs POWERSLAMS Konosuke down for Rocky to DIVING DOUBLE STOMP! Konosuke sputters while Rocky gives some Azucar Heat. Rocky runs to DIVE, but Cage catches him! And hands him off to Konosuke! APRON POWERBOMB! Cage CLOBBERS Briscoe, Archer whips Hobbs into railing!
The fans boo, the Callis Family soaks up that heat, and Collision goes picture in picture.
The ring count starts, Archer talks smack tot he camera that we can’t hear, but Konosuke puts Rocky in the ring. Cover, TWO! Rocky survives but Konosuke drags him up. Konosuke bumps Rocky off buckles, tags Cage, and they stomp away. The ref counts, Konosuke stops but Cage digs his boots in. The ref counts more, Cage stops at 4, then Cage stands Rocky up. Cage CHOPS Rocky, tags Archer, and Archer drags Rocky up. Archer bumps Rocky off buckles, then fires forearm after forearm! Archer runs corner to corner and back again to ELBOW Rocky! Archer takes a page out of Rocky’s book, TWO-EVER ELBOW!
Archer keeps it going, THREE-EVER! Archer lets Rocky flop down, nothing lasts forever. Tag to Konosuke, and he stands between Rocky and his corner. Konosuke DECKS Rocky, then stalks him to ropes. Konosuke CHOKES Rocky, the ref counts, and Konosuke lets go of the ropes. The ref says that’s not the problem, he has to step off of Rocky! Konosuke does step off, then he brings Rocky up to whip to ropes. Konosuke ELBOWS Rocky down, covers, TWO! Rocky stays in this but Konosuke tags Cage. They mug Rocky, then Cage brings Rocky around to scoop and SLAM! Cage runs to drop a leg, brother! Cover, TWO!
Cage hauls Rocky up to TOSS him out! Cage taunts Briscoe, but this lets Archer and Callis to get their shots in! Callis grins, Briscoe & Hobbs protest, but nothing can be done now. Callis high-fives Archer and Cage puts Rocky back in. Cage tags Archer, Archer storms up on Rocky, and Archer puts him in a corner. Archer runs corner to corner, but Rocky dodges! Archer hits buckles, staggers around, and he tags to Konosuke. Konosuke drops an ELBOW on Rocky! Konosuke looms over Rocky, CLUBS him, and then brings him around. Konosuke whips Rocky hard into buckles and Rocky falls to the mat. Konosuke looms as Slam Dunk Saturday returns to single picture.
Konosuke taunts Rocky, the fans rally up, and Konosuke slaps Rocky around. Rocky rises to fire a forearm! Konosuke just shakes his head. Rocky fires another forearm, and another, but Konosuke SMACKS Rocky! Rocky roars and fires a flurry! The fans fire up but Konosuke fires boxing elbows! Then a ROLLING- UPPERCUT from Rocky! The fans fire up as both men wobble! Rocky dodges a lariat, goes up the ropes, FLYING TORNADO DDT! Both men are down and the fans fire up again! Rocky and Konosuke crawl as Callis admits, that was a great sequence. Hot tag to Briscoe! The fans fire up as Briscoe rallies with forearms and CHOPS!
Cage ducks a shot to waistlock, but Briscoe BOOTS Konosuke down! Briscoe then breaks free to PELE Cage! The fans fire up with Briscoe, but Konosuke kicks low. Konosuke whips, Briscoe flips through the backdrop! The fans fire up again, and Briscoe wrenches to kick and FISHERMAN BUSTER! Cover, Cage breaks it! Archer BLASTS Hobbs & Rocky! The fans boo but Cage ripcords and ROCKS Briscoe! Archer ROCKS Briscoe, Cage JUMP KNEES, and Archer HEADBUTTS! Konosuke ALPHA ELBOWS and down goes Briscoe! Cover, TWO! Briscoe survives but Konosuke tags Archer. Archer & Cage storm in, they get Briscoe up.
Archer BLASTS Hobbs off the apron again while Cage lifts Briscoe. Briscoe fights free and UPPERCUTS! CHOP for Archer! Cage runs up, Briscoe ducks, the LARIAT hits Archer! Hot tag to Hobbs! The fans chant “MEAT! MEAT! MEAT!” as Cage dodges, but runs into a POWERSLAM! Archer runs up to RAM Hobbs! Hobbs rebounds to LARIAT Archer! The fans fire up and Hobbs LARIATS in a corner! Then LARIAT for Cage! Then back for Archer! Back to Cage! The straps come down and Omaha is really hot! But Konosuke winds up! Hobbs dodges the elbow to SPINEBUSTER! But Cage runs up, DOUBLE LARIATS hit!
The DOUBLE LARIATS continue to collide but neither man falls! “MEAT!” echoes out with every shot! Cage BOOTS the lariat away, mule kicks then KICKS! But Hobbs swings! Cage gest around to GERMAN SUPLEX! Rocky tags in and goes up, CROSSBODY, but Cage catches him! Cage pops Rocky up, Rocky slips free and ENZIGIRIS! Cage staggers, into a SPINEBUSTER! Konosuke DECKS Rocky! And he KICKS Hobbs to then ROCK Hobbs! And then BLUE THUNDER BOMB!! Briscoe and Konosuke fire forearms back and forth, then Briscoe fires a flurry! Briscoe runs, into a BOOT! Konosuke runs, into an EXPLODER!
Archer runs in, Briscoe dodges the boot, but Archer breaks the clothesline to CLOBBER Briscoe! Rocky runs in, tilt-o-whirls, but into the BLACK- NO!! Rocky slips free to have the SLEEPER! Archer THROWS Rocky down! And then runs in, only for Rocky to dodge! Rocky dropkicks the legs out, then kicks. Archer blocks, ducks the enzigiri, but not the REWIND HEEL! Roll up, TWO! Archer is up, Rocky dodges to springboard, but into a HAYMAKER! Archer hauls Rocky up, Cage is there, MURDER BOMB!! DISCUS LARIAT for Briscoe! Tag to Konosuke, he hauls Rocky up, RAGING FIRE!! Cover, Don Callis Family wins!
Winners: The Don Callis family, by pinfall
Omaha was served up some meat and chicken with sugar on top, but the Don Callis Family ate it all! Will this win help Konosuke head back for a title opportunity in time for Dynasty? Will Hobbs at least be allowed to move on from the Don Callis Family?
My Thoughts:
A great Collision here for just the first half of the Slam Dunk Weekend, as recorded Wednesday night after Dynamite. I kinda like Collision being just one hour, but obviously they’ll go back to two hours on one night next week. Opening with the TNT Championship was quite the surprise, but that did help it go the full 20 minutes, which was a particularly clever move here. Garcia keeps the title but Cole was very close, so maybe we get a third match where they extend or completely do away with the time limit to get a definitive winner. And at that point, I would think Adam Cole wins to finally have a singles title in AEW.
Good stuff in Caster again losing his own Open Challenge. Good win for Hook as it’s been a minute since he’s had a singles match. With Caster harping on Bowens being absent, this really needs to culminate with Bowens answering the challenge, winning that first time, but then Caster wanting a rematch. Then that match will be awesome stuff, but still ultimately won by Bowens to get it in Caster’s head that he can’t just say he’s the Best Wrestler Alive and put it on a piece of paper. Then we can see Caster take his character in another direction, maybe do some soul searching. Or more likely, just double down and be even more insufferable.
Very good match for Hart VS Aminata 3, hard to say if it was that much better than the previous, but Hart winning makes sense with Aminata VS Deeb still needing to happen. A shame the Aminata-Deeb feud had to build in the background of the Aminata-Hart feud, but it’s not like they could do more on a week to week basis. Unless… Well, snark aside, Aminata will surely take Deeb up on at least that Pure Rules match for a first-time-ever in the Women’s Division, and I would love for a Women’s Pure Championship to be created in time for Supercard of Honor. It actually works out that Supercard had to be pushed back to avoid clashing with WrestleMania, because the pacing of the Women’s Division definitely can/will go all the way to May.
Very good promo from Harley to not just hype up Slam Dunk Sunday, but to also poke fun at how she is so obviously Harley-gram, and that there is some, uh, animal magnetism between her and Mortos. And Schiavone said that Komander & Hologram VS Mortos & Dralistico will be the main event, so you can bet there will be shenanigans involving Mortos and Harley/Harley-gram.
My Score: 8.8/10
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SmackDown’s in Italy and that’s no bologna!
SmackDown’s in Italy and that’s no bologna! Well, they are in Bologna, Italy, and Seth Rollins is looking to crash CM Punk talking with Roman Reigns! Will the Visionary #BurnItDown?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Damian Priest & Jimmy Uso VS Drew McIntyre & Shinsuke Nakamura; Priest & Jimmy win.
- WWE United States Championship #1 Contender’s Match: Jacob Fatu VS Braun Strowman; Braun wins, by disqualification, and will challenge LA Knight for the title.
- Zelina Vega VS Piper Niven w/ The Green Administration; Piper wins.
- Jade Cargill VS Liv Morgan w/ Raquel Rodriguez; Liv wins.
- The Street Profits VS Los Garza w/ Santos Escobar; The Profits win.
PLAY BY PLAY
Randy Orton is here!
Bologna fires up and sing along with Voices as The Viper makes his way to the ring. The fans especially cheer when Orton does his signature pose on the corner! Orton grabs the mic as the fans keep singing. The music stops, the fans cheer, and they cheer on “RANDY! RANDY!” Orton goes to speak, but KEVIN OWENS is here! The fans boo but Kevin says he knows what Orton wants to do, but hear him out first. Kevin has something important to tell Orton, so please listen. Kevin was wrong. The fans tell Kevin off but Kevin says they heard him right: he was wrong. Kevin was wrong for attacking Orton and hitting him with a piledriver, he did not deserve that.
Cody Rhodes deserved everything Kevin did to him. Sami Zayn deserved everything Kevin did to him. But not Randy. Look, Randy, you picked Cody over Kevin and that angered Kevin. That angered Kevin to the point of doing something he regrets. And if anyone can relate to letting their anger make them do stupid things they regret, it’s Orton. Orton’s spoken on it! He talked about his anger making him do things he wished he hadn’t, and that’s the same for Kevin. They’re just human. Kevin wants Randy to understand, he means it. Kevin can forgive Orton for picking Cody if Orton can forgive Kevin for what he did. Then they can put all of this in the past where it belongs.
Speaking of leaving things in the past, does Orton wanna know why Kevin pulled Carmelo Hayes out of the ring last week? It was because Kevin was trying to save and protect Orton from himself! Because Orton surely doesn’t want to go back to the man he was, who used to kick people in the head. No one wants to see that! That’s not who Orton is anymore! Orton has grown, and he has changed for the better. But what they should do now is look to the future, and that future is WrestleMania! Kevin thinks he and Orton should become WWE Tag Team Champions! Think about it? They were so close just a few months ago! They should’ve been champions, but they let stuff get between them.
So Kevin wants them to get past that and go for the titles! The fans chant “NO! NO! NO!” but Kevin tells them to shut their stupid faces. Orton, don’t listen to these idiots. Kevin asks what Orton says to his idea. The fans tell Kevin off again, but Orton says this is what he says. What he should do is run up the aisle and beat Kevin’s ass all over the arena! But… What Kevin said is intriguing. Orton has never heard Kevin admit that he was wrong. Orton wants to think about it for a minute. Hmm… Nope, scratch that. Take that halfhearted apology and shove it! The fans cheer, and Orton says Kevin can say whatever he has to in order to sleep at night.
Kevin can say this guy deserves this, that guy deserves that, but the only thing anyone deserves is Kevin having Orton kick him so hard that Orton gets a pat on the back from Roberto Baggio! The fans cheer that! Orton says Kevin used to be #FightOwensFight, but now he’s all “B*tch Owens B*tch.” The fans cheer that, too! Orton says Kevin regrets dropping Orton on his head with that piledriver and that he was saving Orton from himself. Well it’s a good thing Kevin dropped Orton on his head! Because now, Orton hears voices in his head! They counsel him, they understand! And does Kevin wanna know what those voices are saying now?
The voices say that whatever happens in Vegas stays in Vegas. But not for Kevin, because in Vegas, at WrestleMania, Orton kicks Kevin’s head clean off his shoulders! The Viper is ready to strike, will he have far more than just an RKO in store for The Prizefighter?
Damian Priest & Jimmy Uso VS Drew McIntyre & Shinsuke Nakamura!
The Punisher teams up with #BigJim team up in a rather crisscrossed grudge match. Will Priest & Jimmy make McIntyre pay for his cheap shots and cheap tricks? Or will The Scottish Warrior & The King of Strong Style stand side by side as sinister manslayers?
SmackDown returns as Nakamura makes his entrance, followed by McIntyre’s. Priest doesn’t even wait, he just runs back up the ram to go after McIntyre! The fans fire up as these two brawl, #OnSight! Priest ROCKS Drew, Drew hits back, and Nakamura joins in! They mug Priest, but Jimmy FLIES! Direct hit on Drew and Nakamura! T he fans fire up and Priest helps Jimmy stand. They drag Drew up and into the ring, the bell sounds, and the fans fire up. Jimmy is the legal man but Drew still swipes at Priest. The ref keeps these two apart, Drew says up Priest’s, but turns around into haymakers from Jimmy! The fans fire up as Jimmy then mule kicks Drew!
Jimmy pops, locks ‘n’ UPPERCUTS! Jimmy gets the fans to shout, “UCE! OH!” but Drew takes a swing! Jimmy dodges and CHOPS in return! And CHOPS! And then whips corner to corner, runs in, and SPLASHES into Drew’s arms! OVERHEAD BELLY2BELLY! The fans fire up as Drew finally puts his kilt aside. Drew taunts Priest, then stalks Jimmy. Drew has Jimmy on the ropes and CHOKES him! Drew stops as the ref counts, only to get the legs. ROPE GUILLOTINE! Jimmy sputters, Drew taunts Priest, and then Drew drags Jimmy up. Jimmy JAWBREAKERS free, Drew staggers back and Nakamura tags in.
Jimmy dodges Drew, ROCKS Nakamura, then UPPERCUTS Drew! Jimmy runs but Nakamura trips him! Nakamura drags Jimmy out, SMACKS him off the desk, then runs up to DYNAMIC DROPKICK! Jimmy flops onto the desk! T he fans fire up as Nakamura CHOKES Jimmy, and SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Nakamura puts Jimmy in the ring, but drags him out along the apron. Nakamura runs up to KNEE LIFT! Jimmy sputters, Nakamura storms in, and Nakamura stalks Jimmy to the corner. Nakamura CLUBS Jimmy, puts him up top, and then backs up to run in, TOP SHELF KNEE! Jimmy flops back down, Nakamura pushes him to a cover, TWO! Nakamura stays focused as he drags Jimmy up with a facelock. Nakamura puts Jimmy in the corner, tags Drew, and then Nakamura gives Jimmy BAD VIBRATIONS! Drew adds a stomp, then he CHOPS Jimmy down! Jimmy sputters, Drew drags him around, and Drew stomps Jimmy’s hand!
Drew clamps on with a chicken wing and chinbar! Jimmy endures, reaches out, and fights to his feet. Drew throws him down by his hair! Drew then sucker punches Priest! Drew deadlift suplexes Jimmy! Jimmy writhes while Drew seethes, and Drew mockingly tells Jimmy to go tag out. Drew stands Jimmy up, but Jimmy counter punches! And CHOPS! CHOPS! CHOPS! Jimmy runs, but Drew CLOBBERS him! Cover, TWO! Jimmy shakes his head, he’s tougher than that. Drew drags Jimmy into a top wristlock and he leans on the hold. Jimmy endures, fights up, and reaches out. Drew keeps him from Priest, KNEES low, then he sucker punches Priest again!
Drew taunts Priest, but turns around into a SAMOAN DROP! SmackDown returns to single picture while both men are down! The fans rally up while Drew crawls, tag to Nakamura! Nakamura drags Jimmy up, but Jimmy kicks! Nakamura blocks, but Jimmy hits the DRAGON WHIP! Jimmy rises up, hot tag to Priest! Priest BLASTS Drew, then dodges Nakamura to ELBOW! And FLAPJACK! Priest runs corner to corner to ELBOW Nakamura, then runs to CLOBBER him! The fans fire up and Priest brings Nakamura up for a knuckle lock> The fans rally for Priest as he goes up the corner, and gives us some OLD SCHOOL CROSSBODY!
The fans fire up and Priest powers up his arm! Priest runs, but Nakamura BOOTS the lariat, then WHEEL KICKS! Nakamura aims from a corner, “YAO~!” But Priest LARIATS Nakamura down first! Cover, Drew breaks it! Drew drags Priest up to POST him! Jimmy steps in and SUPERKICKS Drew! Drew bails out, Jimmy WRECKS him with a dropkick! But Nakamura KINSHASAS Jimmy off the apron! But Priest then grabs Nakamura, SOUTH OF HEAVEN! Cover, Priest & Jimmy win!
Winners: Damian Priest & Jimmy Uso, by pinfall
It was a fast ‘n’ furious finish, but Drew doesn’t let it end here! He CLOBBERS Priest! Drew rains down fists, and reminds Priest that every time he sees Priest, he’ll- Priest grabs Drew by the neck! Drew breaks free to HEADBUTT Priest, then he DRIBBLES Priest off the mat! Drew rains down furious fists while the fans boo, but then Drew stomps Priest as he lets off. Priest slowly rises, Drew gives us the countdown! “THREE! TWO! ONE!” CLAYMORE against the ropes!! Priest flops down in a daze and Drew tells him that he still blames Priest for having nothing. Every time Priest gets up, Drew will put him down until Priest stays down.
Drew slithers away, his rage never ending. Will nothing stop the Scottish Terminator from terrorizing Priest?
LA Knight finds Braun Strowman backstage.
The Monster of All Monsters is warming up for his match, and The Mega Star says #OneBigSOB is getting one big pump on. And Knight thinks about Braun VS Fatu, Braun better smack Fatu back to factory settings. And here’s the thing, these guys work with numbers, so Knight will be keeping his eyes on that match. Knight turns to go but Braun has him hold on. Braun will say, if there’s one thing he can’t wait for, it’s to #GetTheseHands on Fatu tonight. But you know why? Because Nick Aldis told him a bit ago, that the winner will get their shot at the US Championship. And as Braun sees it, winning that title punches his ticket to WrestleMania.
Knight says oh yeah? Braun says yeah. Knight says YEAH, and heads out. Will Knight have to fight Braun or the Samoan Werewolf on this Road to WrestleMania 41?
Charlotte Flair and Tiffany Stratton have video interview.
Joe Tessitore welcomes the 2025 Women’s Royal Rumble winner and the WWE Women’s Champion and thanks them both for taking this time. To start with Tiffany, we saw last week that there is a fire in her we haven’t seen before. What is the mindset just four weeks away from WrestleMania? Tiffany starts to speak, but Charlotte speaks up to say The Queen should speak first. And she couldn’t agree more, Tiffany finally looks like a star. Charlotte had a hard time trying to buy into the hype, but Charlotte always brings out the best in others. Tiffany speaks up now, saying Charlotte couldn’t see it?
Charlotte condescendingly says, “There she is!” Tiff is just like day one: Pick me! Pick me! Charlotte says she chose Tiff because Charlotte pities her. Tiff came out with a sob story about the comparisons to Charlotte, but Tiff’s the only one delusional enough to make those comparisons. Newsflash: Everyone is compared to Charlotte. Tiff is not special. Tiff feels special, being the one with the title on her shoulder. Charlotte points out Tiff got it via a cash-in. Oh, well, Tiff still earned it, and has proven worthy of it week after week. Oh, really? Earned because of a cash-in? Delusional, just as Charlotte said.
Here’s the thing: WrestleMania 41 will be the pinnacle of Tiff, while Charlotte gets to shine her light on some undeserving girl who, just because she’s blonde and can do flips, thinks she compares to Charlotte. No, Tiff has not earned that. Wow, delusional? Does Charlotte forget how at the start of Tiff’s career, Charlotte was actually one of her biggest supporters? Charlotte told Tiff she’d be a star, and Tiff looked up to Charlotte. But then they were in the ring together, and Tiff saw the real Charlotte. Charlotte couldn’t even look Tiff in the face because Charlotte knows Tiff is the woman to take her throne.
Charlotte mockingly says she’s tearing up. Yes, Tiff, Charlotte said Tiff was a star in the making. But what? Did Tiff expect Charlotte to come to the ring, give her a high-five, a big hug, and say, “Yes! We can do this, girl!” No, Charlotte is the only woman in the locker room that tells the truth. She is not here for friends, she is here for competition. Tiff says this is what Charlotte does! She finds the hottest ticket and throws water on it. It worked in the past but it won’t work on Tiff. Charlotte says Tiff’s not even the hottest ticket on SmackDown! Let alone this entire company. But tell Charlotte, what does she do?
Tiff says she just said, Charlotte finds the hottest new thing, pours water on it. The thing is, Tiff, you have never been across from Charlotte, only underneath her, struggling to catch your breath. Tiff says the only one struggling is Charlotte keeping up with the fans that don’t even want her back. Charlotte says the fans are either wooing or booing, take your pick. Tiff has her entire career to beat Charlotte’s accolades and- And Tiff will lucky to even have a job at Charlotte’s age. Tiff says this year, WrestleMania, she cements what she already knows: The WWE Universe does not bow to Charlotte, they run on #TiffyTime. See you at Mania.
The Princess has stepped to the Queen, but who will be on the throne atop the WWE Women’s Division?
WWE United States Championship #1 Contender’s Match: Jacob Fatu VS Braun Strowman!
As if this match wasn’t one to watch before, now there are championship stakes on the line! Will the Samoan Werewolf #GetTheseHands? Or will he bring down #OneBigSOB to go after LA Knight?
SmackDown returns as Braun makes his entrance. The bell rings and the fans rally. Braun and Jacob circle, and then Braun RAMS Jacob into a corner! Braun fires hands, then HEADBUTTS! Braun runs corner to corner, Jacob dodges and Jacob ROCKS Braun! Jacob RAMS into Braun again and again, stops as the ref counts, and the fans fire up. Jacob runs corner to corner, but Braun CLOBBERS him! The fans fire up again as Jacob flounders to a corner. Braun runs up, but Jacob BOOTS him back! Jacob runs up, but Braun BACKDROPS him away! The fans fire up while Jacob tumbles. Braun runs up to LARIAT Jacob up and out!
The fans cheer as Braun paces, and then Braun goes out after Jacob. Braun puts Jacob back in, storms back into the ring, and he stomps Jacob. The fans rally and sing, Braun whips corner to corner hard, and Jacob falls in a heap! Braun enjoys the singing, and he runs in at the corner to SPLASH! Jacob falls in a heap again, then bails out. Braun says it’s time and the fans cheer! Braun is on the tracks, STROWMAN EXPRESS is sent over the desk! Braun tumbles, Jacob goes to the apron, and Jacob aims, to FLYING LARIAT! Down goes Braun at the Hydration Station! The fans fire up and Jacob grins while SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Jacob looms over Braun, drags him up, and SMACKS him off the desk! Jacob refreshes the ring count, then stalks Braun. Jacob HEADBUTTS Braun, brings him around, and SMACKS him off the steel steps! Braun staggers away, Jacob storms over, and Braun UPPERCUTS! Braun brings Jacob around to send into the other steel steps! Jacob tumbles to the floor and the fans rally up. Braun stalks Jacob, stomps him against the barrier, then refreshes the ring count. Braun conducts the Bologna choir here, then goes back out after Jacob. Braun shoves Jacob into the ring, but Jacob KICKS Braun in the ropes!
Jacob fireman’s carries!? Braun fights free, runs, but Jacob dropkicks the legs out! Jacob keeps moving, and he LARIATS Braun down! The fans rally more while Braun writhes. Jacob soaks up the cheers, then he stalks Braun. Jacob CLUBS Braun, eggs him on, then twists Braun with the neck wrench. Braun endures, fights around, but Jacob puts on the pressure. Braun powers up, rises to his feet, and he pries Jacob’s hands away! SmackDown returns to single picture, and Jacob fires HEADBUTT after HEADBUTT on Braun! Jacob storms up on Braun but Braun CHOPS! Braun runs, into a SUPERKICK!
Jacob fireman’s carries to SAMOAN DROP! The fans fire up as Jacob adds a SENTON! Cover, TWO! Braun stays in this and the fans rally up again. Jacob stalks Braun, goes to the corner, and he runs corner to corner, HIP ATTACK! Braun sputters, Jacob geeks out and the fans fire up! Braun rises up!? Jacob runs in and SPLASHES, then he tells Braun he’s done! Jacob goes corner to corner again, but Braun runs to LARIAT! The fans fire up while both men are down! Braun rises, but so does Jacob! Braun ROCKS Jacob, ROCKS him again, then LARIATS! And LARIATS! The fans fire up and Braun stands Jacob up, for a CLUB to the chest!
The fans fire up more as Braun rips his shirt away! Jacob falls out of the ring while the shirt is a free souvenir to a fan! Braun then gets on track, STROWMAN EXPRESS sends Jacob onto the desk! The fans fire up while Braun catches his breath. Braun storms around to bring Jacob up and into the ring. Braun slides in, but Jacob runs up! Braun dodges and SPINEBUSTERS! The fans fire up with Braun, but then TAMA TONGA is here! Braun TOSSES Tama! Braun scoops Tama, but SOLO SIKOA ATTACKS!
Winner: Braun Strowman, by disqualification (NEW #1 Contender to the WWE US Championship)
The fans boo and even Jacob is upset. Solo & Tama hand Braun the win! That means Braun is going to face Knight! But Solo and Tama keep beating up on Braun, and Jacob joins in. But Braun gets up to CLOBBER Solo, TOSS Tama, only for Jacob to BODY CHECK Braun! But here comes LA KNIGHT! The Mega Star runs out here, he DECKS Tama, then he jumps into the ring! Knight dodges Solo to fire off JABS on Jacob and Solo! Tama CLOBBERS Knight, then he fires hands! The fans boo while Jacob runs in, but Knight dodges! Jacob POSTS himself! Knight HOTSHOTS Tama, and Braun CLOBBERS Solo!
Braun ROCKS Jacob, then Knight LARIATS Jacob up and out! The official announcement is now made, it will be Knight VS Braun for the US Championship in the UK! It’s London calling next Friday, will the Knight still be the champion?
Backstage interview with Liv Morgan & Raquel Rodriguez.
Cathy Kelley is with the WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions, and last week, these two interrupted the interview with Jade Cargill, and got themselves into this match tonight. But now that we know it was Naomi who attacked Jade, why do Liv & Raquel keep bothering Jade? Because, Cathy, if you were paying attention, you’d know Jade allowed everyone to still think it was Liv & Raquel who attacked her. Meanwhile, Jade had all the time in the world to update her Instagram, yet not enough to clear Liv’s name. So this is personal now.
Probably like how it was personal when Liv & Raquel beat Jade’s former friends, Bianca Belair & Naomi, to become the first-ever, history-making, record-breaking and GREATEST Women’s Tag Team Champions of all time! But she will say, she is impressed with what Naomi did. Too bad she didn’t finish the job. Tonight, Liv will do that for her. #WatchMe. Liv & Raquel leave, but will they survive the storm that’s headed their way?
Jacob is furious backstage!
He kicks and throws random stuff, but Solo tells him to calm down. Calm down?! Jacob CHUCKS a trash can and asks calm down about what?! Is this better?! He CHUCKS boxes, but Solo wants Jacob to listen. From what he and Tama saw, it looked like- LIKE WHAT?! What’d Solo “see?” Solo says they were just trying to help! Help who? Help yourself, Solo?! That match wasn’t nobody’s business, and it damn sure wasn’t Solo’s business! When Jacob is taking care of his, Solo better watch himself. Jacob storms off, Solo looks to Tama, and Tama stays silent. Is Solo only tearing down his own Bloodline?
Zelina Vega VS Piper Niven w/ The Green Administration!
La Muneca, the inaugural Queen of the Ring, wants to reign once again, and that starts with going after the Women’s United States Championship. But to get to Chelsea Green, Zelina has to make it through the Head of Security! Will Piper shut down the opposition? Or will we be seeing Vega heading for Vegas?
SmackDown returns and Zelina makes her entrance, an all new song, tron and gear to show this is her next chapter. The bell rings and Chelsea already talks trash on Zelina. The fans rally, Zelina and Piper step to each other, and Piper easily bumps Zelina back. Zelina laughs and SLAPS Piper back! Piper grabs Zelina, TOSSES her to a corner, then runs up. Zelina dodges, runs, dodges again, but Piper scoops! Zelina slips free, waistlocks, and they go to ropes. Piper bucks the O’Conner Roll, but Zelina avoids the elbow drop! BASEMENT KICK! Zelina fires up, runs and tilt-o-whirls, to then RANA Piper into the corner!
Zelina runs up, kicks low, then reels Piper in! Zelina hops on but Piper pops out of Code Red! Zelina whips but Piper blocks with ease! Piper then CLOBBERS Zelina with a shoulder tackle. Piper drags Zelina up, CLOBBERS her again, and then drags her back up. Piper CLOBBERS Zelina a third time, and she salutes her champion. Piper drags Zelina but Zelina spins to TWEAK the arm! Piper staggers, Zelina UP KICKS her! Zelina hurries to run the ropes, but Piper TOSSES her out! Zelina gets up to KICK Piper’s leg! Piper staggers, Zelina hops on, SLEEPER! Piper endures, reaches out, but Zelina squeezes tight!
Piper THROWS Zelina down into the drop zone! Piper stomps Zelina, then goes up the corner. The fans rally, and Zelina YANKS Piper down! Zelina fires hands, the fans fire up, and Zelina climbs up the corner. Zelina rains down fists and fans count all the way to sette (seven in Italian) before Piper DUMPS Zelina to the apron! But Zelina GAMANGIRIS back! Chelsea & Alba shout at Zelina, Zelina shouts back and storms into the ring, but Piper is there to URENAGE! The fans are torn while Zelina flounders, and SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns as Piper has Zelina in a COBRA CLUTCH! Zelina endures, even as Piper thrashes her around. The fans rally, Zelina pries at the hold, but Piper ripcords, only for Zelina to duck under and roll her up! TWO, and Piper CLOBBERS Zelina! Piper frowns as she looms over Zelina. Piper drags Zelina up, whips her into the corner, and then Zelina falls in a heap. Piper paces, then storms back up to stand Zelina up. Piper THROWS Zelina into the neighboring corner, then she storms back up. Piper drags Zelina up to TOSS her into another corner! Piper soaks up the heat, Chelsea reprimands the fans, but Piper drags Zelina to a cover, TWO!
Zelina stays in this but Piper stalks her. Piper drags Zelina right up into the COBRA CLUTCH! Zelina endures, the fans rally, and Chelsea gets annoyed. Piper ripcords and HEADBUTTS Zelina down! Piper soaks up more heat, then she stalks Zelina. Piper drags Zelina up, whips her to a corner hard and Zelina falls in a heap! Zelina crawls, Piper tells the fans to go to Naples, then she rains down fists on Zelina! Piper YANKS Zelina right up into a scoop, but Zelina fires elbows! Piper puts Zelina in a corner, but Zelina BOOTS back! Zelina goes up, but Piper SMACKS her first! Piper then military presses for the- SLEEPER! Zelina gets Piper again!
The fans fire up while Piper endures! Chelsea is upset, Piper reaches out, but Zelina holds on tight! Piper RAMS Zelina into a corner, is free of the sleeper, then she runs back in. Zelina slips around to crucifix for an IRON OCTOPUS! Chelsea panics while Piper endures! Zelina then slips into a sunset flip, TWO! Piper stays in this but Zelina SUPERKICKS! Cover, TWO! The fans rally, Zelina hurries to get Piper up, but Piper grabs Zelina by the hair! Zelina ELBOWS free and Piper goes to a corner! Zelina runs in and METEORA! The fans fire up as Zelina kicks Piper out. Zelina goes up, up, and METEORA! Cover, TWO!
Piper stays in this and Zelina isn’t sure what she has to do! Zelina waits on Piper to rise up, and then she hops back on! CODE- NO, Piper slips free again! Piper runs, but Zelina drop toeholds Piper onto ropes! Zelina dials it up, but Piper gets up, so Zelina tilt-o-whirls to DDT! Cover, TWO!! Piper survives, Chelsea shouts at Zelina, but Zelina DECKS Chelsea! So much for having her Secret Her-vice out here! Zelina redials and 619 on Piper! But Alba storms up! Zelina KICKS Alba, but Piper CROSSBODIES!! Cover, Piper wins!
Winner: Piper Niven, by pinfall
Despite what the card says, Zelina was basically up against three opponents tonight. Will anyone ever get a fair fight against the Green Administration?
Backstage interview with Jade Cargill.
Cathy apologizes for last week because of Liv & Raquel, but tonight, Jade faces Liv 1v1. Is Jade feeling ready for Liv being this is Jade’s first match back? Jade says, “How do I feel? You was right there, you could see exactly how I feel. Liv tried it that night. And since she wants to try and disrespect me and run her mouth, I’ma show her. And when I’m done with her… Naomi, all eyes on you. So I know you’re watching right now, and this is just a little preview of what I’ma do to you.” Will the storm be fiercer than ever before?
The darkness is looming.
The smoke is back, and is that a glimpse of dice? The number 4 is back, but what does it mean?
Jade Cargill VS Liv Morgan w/ Raquel Rodriguez!
The whodunnit may have been solved, but the problem still remains that Jade left everyone wondering, pointing fingers and making accusations. But while Jade had her reasons, will she also shut Liv up about her bad reputation being further tainted? Or will it be Judgment Day’s night here in Bologna?
The bell rings and Liv runs up, into a BOOT! Jade dusts her boot off while Liv flounders of the ring. Raquel helps Liv stand, but Jade storms out after them both! Raquel tells Jade to watch herself, but Jade still storms up on Ricky Desperado. Liv runs up, but Jade SMACKS her first! Jade THROWS Liv into barriers, THROWS her into the ring, then flexes. The fans cheer, and Jade storms in after Liv. Liv kicks low, runs, OBLI- NO, Jade stops that to scoop Liv! Liv slips free, but Jade ducks the enzigiri! Liv avoids the boot, but Jade stops the Code Breaker! Jade tosses Liv, scoops her, and FALL AWAY SLAMS! Then kips up!
The fans fire up and Jade revels in it. Liv says they should just go. Raquel & Liv hurry away but Jade chases them up the ramp! The fans fire up as Jade CLOBBERS Liv! Raquel doesn’t even realize it, and Jade drags Liv back to ringside! Liv fights back, Jade SMACKS her again, then puts her in the ring. The fans cheer, Jade stalks Liv to a corner, and she runs up, only for Liv to dodge! Jade hits buckles, Liv back body blocks! Liv comes back, SHINING- NO, Jade catches Liv to POWERBOMB! High stack, TWO! Liv survives but Jade is rather amused. Jade drags Liv up and clamps onto the arms, but Raquel says to leave Liv alone!
Jade shoves Liv down to storm up on Raquel. Raquel gets away, and Liv runs up! BACKSTABBER! Jade tumbles, Liv hurries to get her up, and Liv POSTS Jade! Jade flops to the apron then the floor, the fans fire up, and Liv smiles as SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns and Liv has Jade down with a chinlock. Jade endures, fights around, and fights up to her feet. Jade fires body shots, but Liv jumps on for the SLEEPER! Liv brings Jade down, but Jade fights around! The fans rally as Liv squeezes tight, body scissors wrapped on. Jade still fights, still rises, and she RAMS Liv into a corner! And again, and again, and again! Liv lets go, Jade runs back up, but Liv BOOTS her! Liv reels Jade into a facelock, and manages a snap suplexes! That’s Una Amiga, and Liv hits Dos Amigas! The fans are torn as Liv brings Jade up for THREE AMIGAS! Liv gives some Latina Heat and the fans fire up!
Liv runs to ENZIGIRI! Jade flounders to ropes, Liv runs in, but Jade again denies Oblivion to hit a GERMAN SUPLEX! Liv flops out of the ring and the fans rally up again. “This is Awesome!” as Jade kips up again! Jade then CLOBBERS Liv! And CLBOBERS her again! And then FLAPJACKS, to SUPERKICK! Liv ends up in a corner, Jade runs in and ELBOWS her! The fans fire up as Jade goes again, ELBOW! Jade says one more, and she catches Liv to SPINEBUSTER her! The fans fire up as Jade smiles and grabs an arm. Fans cheer “MAMMA MIA!” as Jade RIPCORDS Liv into a fireman’s carry! F5!!
Jade kips up a third time and the fans fire up again! Jade finally covers, TWO! Liv survives, Jade showing off a little too much. Jade decides to just finish this, and she chicken wings Liv. But NAOMI is here! The Glow has a caution tape based outfit, a very clever reference, and Jade runs at her! Naomi gets away, and INTO OBLIV- BACKBREAKER!! Jade still refuses to let that happen, but now Raquel distracts the ref! Naomi CLOBBERS Jade with a title belt!! Jade is down, the fans boo, but Naomi hides! Liv rises, and runs INTO OBLIVION! Cover, Liv wins!
Winner: Liv Morgan, by pinfall
A huge assist from Naomi, and now Naomi picks the bones! Naomi rains down fists on Jade, the fans boo, but nothing is stopping Naomi from beating Jade down! Naomi stops just to talk smack, and then she SLAPS Jade! Naomi grabs Jade’s wrists to sit her up, and STOMP her down! Naomi then puts Jade in the ropes for the HEATSEEKER! Jade flounders, stands up on the apron, and Naomi BLASTS her down! Jade hits the desk then flops to the floor! Naomi shows her dark side, will Jade have no choice but to #FeelTheGlow?
Backstage interview with Drew McIntyre.
Cathy catches Drew on his way out and brings up his pattern of attack on blindsiding Damian Priest. Where does this end? Drew says he didn’t start this, but he will end it. He explained things so simply last week that even a five-year-old could understand all the problems Drew has with Priest. Every time Drew got screwed over the past year, Priest was there like a vulture to pick the bones. In fact, Priest would probably brag how, “I beat Drew McIntyre in a tag team voice!” Drew mocks Priest’s voice, and says that what Drew would love for anyone, but especially Priest, though he’s probably not capable of it…
Drew would love for someone to verbally explain to him how he’s wrong. Drew tells the truth. Try to poke holes in his logic, but you can’t. But to Priest’s credit, he is as tough as he is stupid. Priest will surely pick himself up like he does every time, but Drew will put him back down. You know where to find him next week, in the land of the first and only British WWE World Champion. See you in London, mate. Arrivederci! Drew reaches the parking lot, only to cross paths with Seth Rollins. Rollins smirks, then continues on to gorilla position. The fans already sing for The Visionary, will Rollins have his face-to-face-to-face with Roman Reigns and CM Punk?
The Street Profits are here!
Bologna fires up for the NEW WWE Tag Team Champions, Montez Ford & Angelo Dawkins, who have a new theme song to go with their newest reign. Ford & Dawkins get the mics as the fans chant, “You Deserve It!” Ford tells Bologna, he’s heard they’re very generous and beautiful. But he’s got some news for you: For the first time in FOUR YEARS, the Profits are the NEW WWE Tag Team Champions! The fans cheer, and Dawkins gets everyone to join in on “HEY! HEY! HEY!” Dawkins says, “I mean… It’s about damn time. SIUUU~!” The fans join in on that, too, and Dawkins smiles.
But real talk, for the past four years, a lot of doubts have been creeping in. The Profits were questioning each other. But them holding these titles right here… “You Deserve It!” Dawkins says the Profits holding the titles now made it all worth it. Ford knows they’re celebrating, but to be serious for one second… For the past four years, the fact that no matter what happens, peaks and valleys, highs and lows, he can always count on his brother. The fans cheer that and the Profits do the secret handshake. But wait! Legado Del Fantasmo comes out here. The fans boo as Santos Escobar leads Los Garza to the ring to ruin the fun.
Santos says, “Signore e signori <ladies and gentlemen,>” it is an honor to be here in Italy. And this, what a moment. The Profits finally capture gold again. Beautiful. Too bad it will end abruptly! His familia, these two handsome, chiseled Latinos are pissed! They are angry just like the fans, but they are ready to take those titles off- “YES BOY~!” Pretty Deadly joins in now! Kit Wilson & Elton Prince have the mics, fans join in on “YES BOY~!” Kit tells Santos that he can run his mouth all night long, but what he’s forgetting is that a few weeks ago, Pretty Deadly earned the right to call themselves the #1 contenders.
The fans cheer, and Elton says what Legado needs to do is step aside. Santos shouts they will NOT step aside! Pretty Deadly says so scary~! Santos says the Profits chose to believe Pretty Deadly’s pathetic gossip, that is why they’re in this mess. By the way, Profits, Santos offered them the chance to apologize and you didn’t, so now this is personal! So Pretty Deadly should STAY OUT OF IT! Ford tells Santos, “Whoa whoa whoa whoa whoa whoa whoa. Whoa.” The fans cheer, and he tells to listen here, “mi amore.” Pretty Deadly have their title shots. But y’know what? Legado looks feisty tonight, wanting to get in a fight, right here in Bologna!
The fans like where this is going, and Ford says how about he says something they can all understand: Tonight, let’s get it on, chicos! Because the Profits are up, and #WeWantTheSmoke! Santos & Los Garza are fired up, but will the Profits get caught in a trap game? Or will they use Angel & Berto as tune-ups for facing Pretty Deadly?
The force of nature draws closer.
Fire, thunder, and now a silhouette, as well as glimpses of this mysterious newcomer. Is WWE ready to ANIMO?
The Street Profits VS Los Garza w/ Santos Escobar!
SmackDown returns, the match already going, and Ford drags Angel down to a cover, ONE! Angel is tougher than that but Ford keeps on him. Ford runs, and ROLLING THUNDER SPLASH! Ford SMACKS Angel off the mat, covers, ONE! The fans rally while Ford paces. Ford runs, and he KICKS Angel to ropes! Ford then stands Angel up, but Angel stomps a foot! Angel CHOPS Ford, tags Berto, and they mug Ford. Berto taunts the fans, but Ford CHOPS! The fans fire up, Ford ducks a kick but not the GAMANGIRI! The fans boo but Berto drags Ford up to CHOP! Berto tags Angel, they shove and double hip toss for TU LO SABE! DOUBLE SUPERKICK!
The fans boo but OFF COME THE PANTS! Angel throws the pants at Dawkins! The fans boo, the ref stops Dawkins from storming in, and Angel KICKS Ford! Angel puts Ford on the top rope, then climbs up to CLUB away on Ford’s neck! The fans boo but Los Garza just soak up the heat. Angel puts Ford in the Tree of Woe, then tags Berto. Los Garza stomp a double mudhole into Ford! The ref reprimands, the fans boo, but Angel steps out. Berto tags Angel back in, they mug Ford more, but the fans rally up. Angel swaggers, mocks the clapping, so the fans boo. Angel runs back in, but Ford dodges! Berto hurries to tag and stops Ford.
Ford kicks, Berto YANKS Ford up, but Ford lands on his feet! Ford then dodges Berto, and Berto almost runs into Angel! Hot tag to Dawkins! The fans fire up as Dawkins rallies on Los Garza! Then CYCLONE SPLASH for Berto, followed by the ENZIGIRI! The fans fire up as Dawkins whips, but Berto reverses. Angel distracts the ref while Dawkins hurdles Berto, and Santos DUMPS Dawkins out! The fans boo as Legado gets away with one! Berto builds speed and he DIVES! Down goes Dawkins and Legado fires up, only for fans to boo more. The Profits are down right now while SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns again and Angel has Dawkins in a chicken wing stretch. Dawkins endures and the fans rally up. Dawkins fights up, fires body shots, then runs, but into a DROPKICK! Angel covers, TWO! Santos is annoyed but the fans taunt Legado as Angel stands Dawkins up. Tag to Berto, Berto taunts Ford, and Los Garza hit a LEAP FROG ATTACK! Berto feeds Dawkins to Angel’s HAYMAKER! Dawkins falls, Berto drags him to a cover, TWO! The fans rally for the Profits but Santos makes the pecs dance as a way to stay cool. Berto CHOPS but Dawkins ROCKS Berto! Berto kicks, CLUBS, and scoops, to then SLAM Dawkins!
Berto soaks up the heat, rolls back and MOONSAULTS! The fans fire up, that was a good move. Tag to Angel and Los Garza put Dawkins in the ropes. Angel KICKS Dawkins’ leg out! Angel taunts Dawkins, but he sucker punches Ford! The ref has to stop Ford, Angel BOOTS Dawkins down, and then Angel taunts Ford. But Dawkins ROCKS Angel! Angel blocks a kick, spins and lifts Dawkins into a Gory Especial! Angel marches to the ropes, tags Berto, and Berto slingshots, GARZA ESPECIAL! Cover, Ford breaks it! Berto protests, but then he whips Dawkins to the corner. Dawkins BOOTS Berto, ELBOWS Angel, then FLAPJACKS Berto!
The fans fire up while Dawkins crawls! Hot tag to Ford! Berto runs up, but Ford GAMANGIRIS! Ford LARIATS Berto, BLASTS Angel, then dodges Berto to LARIAT again! The fans fire up with Ford and they pump up with “HEY! HEY! HEY!” Ford runs corner t corner, Berto puts him on the apron! But Ford ROCKS Berto back! Ford climbs, Berto staggers around, and Ford leaps over! Berto comes back, but into a SPINEBUSTER! Ford covers, TWO! The fans rally, Santos is getting frustrated, but Ford puts Berto in the drop zone. Ford climbs, Angel grabs at him! Ford kicks at Angel, but Berto runs up to GAMANGIRI!
Los Garza both climb up to get Ford, and they hoist him up for the M T- NO, Ford lands out on his feet!! Everyone is shocked and Bologna is electric! Los Garza hurry down but Ford still BLASTS Berto! Angel grabs at Ford, Dawkins CLOBBERS Angel! Angel dangles in the ropes while Ford goes up after Berto! Santos panics as Ford hits a SUPER DUPER PLEX!! Both men are down, Ford reaches out to cover, TWO!! Berto survives and the fans are thunderous again! Santos coaches his team while Berto and Ford flounder. “This is Awesome!” as Angel and Dawkins tag in! Angel dodges Dawkins to DROPKICK!
Angel runs, but Dawkins SPINEBUSTERS! Berto runs up, Dawkins TOSSES him out! Los Garza regroups outside, the fans rally for Dawkins, but Santos gets on the apron. Dawkins DECKS Santos! Dawkins fires up with “SIUUU~!” and he builds speed! Ford tags in as Dawkins FLIES! Direct hit on all of Legado! Dawkins puts Angel in, Ford goes up! FROM THE HEAVENS!! Cover, Profits win!
Winners: The Street Profits, by pinfall
Ford hit Angel from on high, and the Profits are rolling into their tag title defense! Will they still be golden through this tour? Or will Kit & Elton finally be crowned WWE Tag TEam Champions?
A car pulls into the parking lot.
The door opens, and Paul Heyman steps out! The Wise Man tells his Tribal Chief to wait just one moment while he goes to check things. Will everything be in order for the return of Roman Reigns?
DIY finds Pretty Deadly backstage.
Tommaso Ciampa sarcastically says, “There they are! Pretty Deadly, the #1 contenders to the WWE Tag Team titles.” Johnny Gargano says they must be excited. Actually, they are. Very excited. Because they’re getting to challenge The Profits next week, in the motherland, in London’s O2 Arena! Ciampa again sarcastically says, “Cheerio, mate! That’s great! Seriously, we’re happy for you guys.” They may have had their differences in the past, but if anything, this just made their relationship stronger. So how about some quid pro quo? Next week, DIY will make sure Pretty Deadly wins against the Profits, and they’ll be the champions!
A career defining moment in front of their home crowd. And in return, DIY take their rightful place as first in line for a match for the titles. Oh, so what DIY is saying is, a little “You scratch our backs, we scratch yours.” Exactly! Gargano had his heart broken in his hometown, and he’d hate for that to happen to Pretty Deadly. So what do they say? #YESBOY? Clever! But NO BOY~! Pretty Deadly says see you around. They leave, and Motor City Machine Guns walk in, spooking DIY. Sorry, but it just didn’t seem like that went well. But DIY, welcome to the back of the line where guess who’s waiting! A team you deceived and pissed off, just waiting for a chance to beat your asses.
And it’s MCMG, by the way, in case you weren’t sure. Sabin & Shelley head out, DIY argues about what to worry about more, but one thing at a time. Will Kit & Elton become the champions in London? Or will the Profits stay up on this Road to WrestleMania?
Roman Reigns heads to the ring!
Bologna puts the ones up for the OTC, YTC, THE Tribal Chief, as he walks out with Paul Heyman. Roman raises his finger, the pyro goes off, and Roman continues down the ramp. What will he have to say to CM Punk and Seth Rollins? We’ll find out in moments, but SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Roman finishes his walk into the ring, SmackDown returns to single picture, and Roman raises his finger for more pyro! The fans chant for “O T C! O T C!” and Heyman hands off the mic. Roman nods, the fans sing for him, then the fans cheer. Roman finally says, “BOLOGNA! Acknowledge Your Tribal Chief.” The fans cheer, and Roman says, “Your OTC loves you. So that’s why I’m gonna tell you what’s been on my mind. Last month at the Rumble, CM Punk screwed me.” The fans boo that, and Roman says last week in The Garden, Roman screwed CM Punk! The fans cheer that, but Roman says that’s not all.
Because also at the Rumble, Seth Rollins tried to kill Roman! But it’s okay, because in The Garden, Roman tried to kill Rollins! The fans cheer and chant “O T C! O T C!” Roman says here’s the deal: The OTC came a long way, so he’s going to take his time. He’ll be here for a good 15, 20 minutes, so if anyone wants to come confront their Tribal Chief, then PLEASE… let Roman know. Roman paces and waits, and “BURN IT DOWN!” The fans sing, “WHOA~ OH~ OHH~!” as The Visionary struts his way down the ring in a cross between blue suit and raincoat. Rollins steps into the ring, grabs a mic, and the fans keep singing.
Rollins tells Roman, “You messed up! You don’t understand how dangerous CM Punk is. You don’t understand how dangerous he is to the future of this industry, to the future of this company. You should’ve let me finish CM Punk when I had the chance!” The fans are torn, but Rollins says he gets it. This isn’t about Punk. It’s never been about Punk. This has always been about Roman and Rollins. They came into this company together. There is no Roman without Rollins, there is no Rollins without Roman. And they cannot coexist in the same space at the same time. The fans cheer that, and Heyman has a rather sinister smile on his face.
Rollins says this story of theirs has a lot of pages written, and it is about time they added another chapter. Fans like where that is going. Rollins unbuttons his jacket, but here comes C M PUNK! The fans fire up and Heyman is upset that Punk couldn’t wait. The fans sing along with Cult of Personality as Punk walks out on stage. Punk kneels and says, “IT’S CLOBBERIN’ TIME!” The fans cheer as Punk continues down to the ring to join Rollins and Roman. The mics drop aside already, but Punk grabs a mic for himself. Punk then climbs up onto the corner, and he holds up the mic to show the tape wrapped around that hand.
As the song fades out, Punk says, “This right hand is not taped up to hold a microphone. But before the circus kicks off, let’s talk about some facts. Big Chief, Grimace, neither of you have ever beaten me without the other one’s help. Think about that! Because you can’t! And Roman, I didn’t screw you. I know it’s been awhile since you’ve been in one, but in the Royal Rumble, it’s every man for himself. Your Wise Man should’ve clued you into that. And you wouldn’t even have made it to the Royal Rumble if I didn’t save your family’s ass in WarGames. Of which, by the way, I am owed a favor, Paul…” The fans like the sound of that.
Punk says no, before that, he wants to thank Heyman for delivering the Tribal Chief here on a silver platter for Punk. Punk appreciates that. Roman scowls as he looks at Heyman, and Heyman defends his innocence. But then Punk CLOBBERS Roman from behind, using the mic! Punk rains down fists, Heyman gets out of there, and Rollins is conflicted. He doesn’t really like either guy, so doe she let Punk just beat Roman up for him? Well, Roman turns things around, but Punk turns it back around, so Rollins goes after Punk! The fans fire up as Rollins and Punk scrap, but Roman THROWS Rollins aside! Roman fires hands on Punk!
The fans fire up as Roman fires hands and even HEADBUTTS on Punk in a corner! Rollins JUMPS onto Roman! The fans fire up, refs rush out here, Rollins stomps Punk! “This is Awesome!” as Roman puts Rollins in a SLEEPER! Roman puts Rollins in a corner, Punk storms back up, and Roman RAMS into Rollins! Rollins CLUBS Roman, Punk throws hands, and as the refs try to stop this, the fans chant “LET THEM FIGHT! LET THEM FIGHT!” It is a three man scrap, Rollins KNEES Roman but then rains down fists on Punk! Producers and security step in, the fans boo, but Punk goes out to the desk! Punk is all fired up, as are the fans!
Punk tells Roman and Rollins that PUNK is Best in the World! And then he points to WrestleMania! Heyman says no! HELL NO! Rollins and Roman go after each other again, and then Punk grabs at them both! Punk drags Roman out, throws more hands, but Rollins DIVES onto everyone! Rollins bowls Punk, Roman, and the cluster into the desk! Jamie Noble tells Rollins to leave it at this! Rollins tells Punk and Roman that if they want a piece of him, they’ll do it at WRESTLEMANIA! And then he DROPKICKS Punk down! Rollins fires more hands on Punk, Punk throws them back, and Aldis says to stop this! Roman has steel steps!
Roman CLOBBERS Punk! And he CLOBBERS Rollins! The fans fire up as Aldis tells Roman to stop! Roman stands tall over Rollins and Punk, and even HE says WrestleMania is where to go! Rollins and Punk get back up, this chaotic brawl continues, but SmackDown has to call it a night! Will these two brawl all the way from here to the UK and beyond?
My Thoughts:
A very good episode for SmackDown, but something felt a bit odd about how things were arranged. While there are many times the main event is “made” thanks to some promo segment, I don’t think it should happen the way they did it tonight. The Profits’ segment should’ve started the second hour. We’d still get the good promo segment we got, and the great match from Profits VS Garza, followed by those additional promos with Pretty Deadly, DIY & MCMG. Then, Jade VS Liv could’ve been the de facto main event match before going into the triple threat promo closer.
Profits win tonight to have momentum, but does that mean Pretty Deadly wins in London? Profits being transitional champions doesn’t feel right, unless we get some tag title hot potato going into WrestleMania. And speaking of Jade, Naomi getting involved did a good job in protecting Jade in the loss, and then Naomi got to do damage to Jade. That grudge match is going to be great, and this could probably go either way. Naomi started this with the attack, Jade got her revenge at Elimination Chamber, and they’ve gone back and forth on SmackDown already, it probably depends on the go-home match going into what I would assume WrestleMania.
Very good opening promo from Orton and Kevin to set up their WrestleMania match, but hopefully this build doesn’t hit rough patches like we’re seeing some of these other ones. The main example is Jey and Gunther, but another example might be this Charlotte VS Tiffany one. Last week was very exciting because of the brawl, but then the video chat interview was clunky. I can’t be sure, but it felt like Charlotte was going out of her way to bury Tiffany by mostly just speaking over her and not really letting Tiff get her point across. Tiff did finish strong, but I can’t be sure how much more they can do with a literal month left before Mania when we’ve had the brawl and the promos.
Very good match from Priest & Jimmy VS Drew & Nakamura, and a very good win for Priest & Jimmy, only for Drew to attack. They might as well make Drew VS Priest official for Mania already, Drew even said in his promo that he doesn’t need to say anymore. Priest can surely have his retort promo, but he’d again be saying Drew is his own worst enemy. If nothing else, Priest VS Drew should also be more than just a standard match given the heat between them. Priest is Street King of New York, make it a Vegas Street Fight so these two can go all out. Very good showing from Zelina against Piper, but of course Chelsea & Alba help Piper win. I’m still thinking Six Woman Tag: Zelina, B-Fab & Mia Yim VS The Green Administration.
Very good stuff with this US Championship story. Jacob VS Braun was really good, and the interference from Solo & Tama was a great way to have Jacob lose without really losing. Knight VS Braun for the US title will be great, and there are clearly more signs that Jacob VS Solo is coming. I’m thinking Knight beats Braun somehow, and then Jacob will get his turn. The question will be when and how things fall apart for Jacob and Solo. Solo could cost Jacob another opportunity, or screw him over during the actual title match, but there’s time to build all of this for a great WrestleMania moment.
And a very good promo segment to close, but a much better brawl. I feel like part of the problem was they were getting really close to the end of the show, and SmackDown does not get to do overrun or anything like that while still being on USA Network. This of course sets up a Triple Threat of Punk VS Roman VS Rollins, though I hope that doesn’t end up the “favor.” The “favor” should be either Heyman compelling Roman to let Punk win, or having Heyman politic this into Night One’s main event so Punk can say he’s had a Mania main event, the thing Rollins vowed to make sure Punk would never get. And at this point, hard to say who wins, depends on what title plans await for Backlash.
My Score: 8.7/10
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