NXT has a contract signing for the TNA Championship?

Joe Hendry and Trick Williams look to settle their score, and if Trick can’t be champion of NXT, then he’ll make himself champion of TNA! But will things stay civil for the contract signing? Or will Hendry have to #WhoopDatTrick?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• Oba Femi VS Charlie Dempsey w/ No Quarter Catch Crew; Oba wins.
• Tony D’Angelo VS Wes Lee w/ Tyson Dupont & Tyriek Igwe; Wes wins.
• NXT Championship #1 Contender’s Match: Myles Borne VS Ethan Page; Myles wins and will challenge Oba Femi for the title at Battleground.
• Thea Hail VS Tatum Paxley; Thea wins, by disqualification.
• Stephanie Vaquer & Jordynne Grace VS The Fatal Influence; Vaquer & Grace win.

PLAY BY PLAY

No Quarter Catch Crew is here!

The fans cheer as Myles Borne leads the way for Tavion Heights, Wren Sinclair & Charlie Dempsey. They step into the ring and the fans cheer Myles on as he grabs the mic. “Last week, I shocked the damn world. 25 of the toughest men across NXT, LFG and Evolve, and I was the last man standing. And now, I’m going to Battleground. Now, I probably wasn’t your first pick. Or your second. Maybe not even your third. But that’s okay. I’m used to this. We’ve been dancing around this whole thing for awhile now, but I have a disability.” Fans pretend to be shocked, but Myles says he is partially deaf. It affects his speech, the way he talks, but he’ll tell you this.

Last week, when he eliminated Ethan Page AND Shawn Spears, he heard y’all go crazy! He doesn’t wanna just be known as “The Deaf Kid.” He wants to be judged by his ability, not by a disability. That is what everyone who has a disability wants. So Battleground, he’s the underdog. He’s facing a dominant champion. But he’s fighting for all the kids who are struggling with their own fight. He’ll prove that they, too, can have success! Oba Femi, Myles hopes you’re listening. Last week, they didn’t give Myles a shot, but look what happened. And May 25th, they might not be giving him a shot then either, but he’s ready to shock the world again!

The fans cheer, and Myles says he might be hard of hearing. But at Battleground, Myles will hear Mike Rome say, “AND NEW NXT CHAMPION!” But wait, here comes Ethan Page… All Ego says alright, enough with the sentimental crap. Myles might actually be worse than Ricky Saints with all his pandering to these “basic civilians.” Ethan gave Ricky a reality check, so now he’ll give Myles his. Myles won a battle royal, and won it on a fluke! A legitimate one in a million chance thing actually happened. The fans taunt Ethan with, “Myles Can’t Hear You!” Ethan says that’s probably true, sorry there’s no closed captions in real-life.

Ethan will do Myles a favor and say it slow so Myles can read his lips. “You. Can’t. Beat. Oba! You’re not on his level! You’re not on my level! Better yet, before you go to Battleground and embarrass yourself, I’ve got a better idea for you. You wanna prove to these people and yourself that you actually deserve this opportunity at this championship? Prove it. Prove it! Put the contendership on the line tonight, against me!” The fans boo but Dempsey takes over here. This is the perfect learning opportunity for Myles. Myles put Dempsey up against Oba for some advice, learn how to face Oba. Think about this: What better way to learn than to go toe-to-toe with a former NXT Champion?

Now, this is going to be the perfect fight camp! Iron sharpens iron, as they say. And Myles can silence the doubters, especially his biggest one. Myles says yeah, Charlie’s right. Challenge accepted! Ethan loves it, but here comes Ava first! The NXT General Manage has everyone dial it back. Myles, truthfully, Ava isn’t sure this is the right move. But she also sees how confident he is, and how badly he wants to prove himself. So she will allow it. Ethan Page VS Myles Borne, the contendership on the line! BUT that match is later. Right now, Charlie has some business to handle. Charlie’s match with Oba Femi is right now.

Charlie almost forgot about that. The Ruler makes his way to the ring, will he make an example out of the Son of the Gentleman Villain? Or could Charlie earn himself a title match in his own right?

Oba Femi VS Charlie Dempsey w/ No Quarter Catch Crew!

The bell rings, the two tie up, and Dempsey waistlocks. Oba elbows free, then waistlocks to SLAM Dempsey down! The fans chant, “Oba’s gonna kill~ you!” but Dempsey fights up to his feet. Dempsey wrenches the arm, then facelocks, but Oba powers up to lift Dempsey! Oba puts Dempsey on the apron, the ref counts the ropebreak, and Dempsey slowly lets go. Oba shoves Dempsey down! Tavion is there to catch Dempsey and help him up. NQCC coaches Dempsey up and he storms back in, but NXT goes picture in picture.

Dempsey headlocks, Oba powers up and out, but Dempsey ducks ‘n’ dodges to RAM Oba! Oba stays up so Dempsey runs again. They RAM shoulders, Dempsey runs again, but he slides under Oba to grab a leg! Dempsey wrangles Oba to a HEEL HOOK! Oba endures, grabs at Dempsey, but Dempsey pulls on the leg. Oba crawls back and drags Dempsey along, ROPEBREAK! Dempsey lets go slowly, and Oba CHOPS him! Then CLOBBERS him! Oba looms over Dempsey, but Dempsey KICKS at a leg! Oba grabs Dempsey but Dempsey reels him into an armlock, then omoplata! Oba powers out before Dempsey can crossface!

The two reset, circle, and tie up again. Dempsey waistlocks but Oba fights the lift. Oba wrenches and RAMS shoulders! Oba holds onto Dempsey’s arm to wrench and RAM him again! Dempsey ROCKS Oba with a forearm! And UPPERCUTS! Oba blocks then DECKS Dempsey in return! Oba scoops, but Dempsey slips into a SLEEPER! Oba RAMS Dempsey into the corner, snapmares him down, then covers, TWO! Dempsey stays in this but Oba stays on him with a KNEE to the back! Oba drags Dempsey up, whips, and HIP TOSSES! Oba fires up while Dempsey flounders. NQCC coaches Dempsey but Oba hauls him up.

Dempsey counters the suplex to a cradle! TWO, and Oba BOOTS Dempsey down! Oba huffs ‘n’ puffs, then drags Dempsey up. NXT returns to single picture as Oba whips again. Dempsey KICKS Oba, UPPERCUTS him, then whips. Oba reverses but Dempsey turns hip toss into hip- NO, Oba blocks the throw! But Dempsey HEADBUTTS, then hits a headscissor takedown! Dempsey has the wristlock and headscissors together but Oba endures! The fans rally, Oba kips free, but Dempsey keeps the arm! Dempsey reels Oba into a TRIANGLE HOLD! But Oba deadlifts Dempsey! Dempsey slips into a sunset flip!

Oba stays up, drags Dempsey to his feet, then shoves him for a BACKDROP! Dempsey staggers back up to his feet and into a corner. Oba is on him but Dempsey kicks low! Dempsey wrenches the arm, CHOPS, and repeat! Dempsey wrenches for an ELBOW BREAKER, then he RAMS Oba into buckles! Oba shakes out the arm but Dempsey grabs it! Dempsey brings the arm through ropes and YANKS Oba into buckles! Oba staggers back, Dempsey hurries after a leg, and Dempsey trips Oba! Dempsey then isolates the bad arm and STOMPS it! Oba writhes but Dempsey clamps onto him. Dempsey drags Oba up, but Oba fires elbows!

The fans rally, Oba ELBOWS again, but Dempsey CLUBS Oba! Dempsey facelocks, but Oba fights the underhooks! Oba RAMS Dempsey into buckles! Dempsey KNEES Oba down! Cover, TWO! Dempsey clamps onto the arm again but Oba fights the double wristlock! Oba fights up, NQCC coaches Dempsey, but Oba scoops and SLAMS Dempsey! Oba runs to AX HANDLE but onto knees! Dempsey turns things around, and then he waistlocks to GERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO! Oba survives but Dempsey grabs an arm! Oba fights the armbar so Dempsey shifts to short arm scissor on the other!

Oba endures, fights around, reaches out but then rolls back! High stack, TWO, into a deadlift and FALLING SLAM!! Both men are down and the fans fire up! Oba and Dempsey rise, and Dempsey SLAPS! Oba SLAPS! Dempsey and Oba trade forearms! Oba UPPERCUTS and Dempsey falls, only to get back up! But Oba UPPERCUTS! And UPPERCUTS again! Oba hits an EXPLODER! Oba runs and UPPERCUTS Dempsey! Oba goes corner to corner to UPPERCUT again! And then UPPERCUT again! The fans are thunderous as Oba hoists Dempsey up, SHOTPUT THROW! And then, the FALL FROM GRACE!! Cover, Oba wins!

Winner: Oba Femi, by pinfall

Dempsey got a lot closer than most, but he still failed to topple this mountain of a man. Myles Borne doesn’t shy away, but will Ethan Page steal his golden opportunity later tonight?

Karmen Petrovic and Thea Hail talk backstage.

Karmen appreciates Thea having her back last week and Thea says that’s what friends are for. Jaida Parker was coming in with another hip attack, Thea couldn’t just let it happen. But then they both hear Tatum throwing a fit! Tatum throws her toys all around, knocks her dollhouse over, and she says, “Oh look! The two new best friends!” Tatum says Thea is a “grown ass woman,” yet she can’t do anything alone! And now Tatum has lost everything and everyone! She can’t take this anymore! And yet THEA is the worst! Thea is Karmen’s friend? Well, she’ll just leave her, too! That’s what friends do! They just leave you all alone!

Tatum storms off, no one left to be her friend. What will become of NXT’s resident outcast now?

Ricky Saints finds Ethan Page backstage.

The Absolute sarcastically says, “There he is! Ethan, my man. Wow. You really are selfish, huh? It’s bad enough I live rent free in your head, but now you have to go and ruin Myles’ moment, as well. It seems to me that you really love raining on people’s parades around here, huh?” Ethan says oh yes, he really does. Ethan gets “immense pleasure in taking peoples’ moments from them.” Ethan though Ricky knew that by now. And Ethan says that while he said they’d pick things up later, that’s not now. There’s a title match at Battleground that desperately needs All Ego in it so he can win it.

Then after that, Ethan will restore balance to NXT. So Ricky can go back to playing second fiddle to him. Ethan heads out and Ricky says good luck with that. Will All Ego force us all to accept him as the #1 contender?

Tony D’Angelo VS Wes Lee w/ Tyson Dupont & Tyriek Igwe!

Well speaking of alone and unable to trust people, The Don was betrayed by the Underboss, his Consigliere is MIA and Rizzo has to stay in hiding until things blow over. “The High Ryze” had to go and rub it in, but will Tony make sure to cross them off the list? Or will nothing go right for Tony tonight?

NXT returns and Wes makes his entrance. The bell rings and the two circle. They tie up, Tony SHOVES Wes, but Wes rolls to his feet. Wes nods and sees Tony’s here to fight. They tie up, Wes dodges and ROCKS Tony in the back. Wes headlocks, Tony powers up but can’t power out as Wes holds on tight. Tony blocks the takeover, lifts Wes to a back suplex, but Wes lands on his feet. Wes dodges a haymaker and he taunts Tony. Tony scowls, storms up on Wes, but Wes dodges to fire fast strikes! Wes kicks, BOOTS, then ENZIGIRIS! Tony staggers to a corner while the fans rally. Wes runs in, Tony dodges, but Wes CROSSBODIES! Tony catches Wes!

Tony pops Wes up, body shots him, then fires more hockey scrum punches! Tony TOSSES Wes and the fans fire up! Tony runs to CLOBBER Wes and Wes tumbles to the apron. The fans rally behind Tony as he drags Wes up by his hair. Tony TOSSES Wes back in, then watches Wes flounder to ropes. Tyriek coaches Wes, Tyson jumps onto the apron, but Tony BLASTS Tyson! Then he DECKS Wes! Tony whips but Tyriek grabs Tony’s leg! Wes comes back, Tony gets free to BOOT Wes! Tony tells Wes he is still The Don! Do not disrespect him! Tony then TOSSES Wes out of the ring! Ty & Ty are there to catch Wes!

The fans cheer as Tony goes to the apron, and he CROSSBODIES! Tony topples the whole High Ryze and the fans fire up while NXT goes picture in picture.

Tony leaves Wes behind while the ring count climbs. The High Ryze regroups, talk strategy, and then Ty & Ty surround the ring! The ref reprimands, but then Wes rushes in and KNEES Tony from behind! Tony hits ropes, Wes fires hands, and Tony falls out! Wes builds speed to DIVE, and Tony is sent into the desk! Then Wes BOOTS Tony down, and KICKS him again and again, against the desk! The ref reprimands, Tyriek has Wes back down so he doesn’t get disqualified. Wes calms down and he puts Tony in the ring. Wes goes up the corner, and FROG SPLASHES! Cover, TWO! Tony survives but he clutches his ribs.

Wes clamps onto Tony with a facelock, then rains down fists! Tony sputters back to ropes but Wes is on him. Tony fires body shots, then ROCKS Wes! And ROCKS him again! Wes kicks a leg out, then KICKS the leg before he BUZZSAWS Tony down! Then Wes DOUBLE STOMPS! Tony writhes and flops out of the ring, but Wes clutches his foot. Wes has the ref check him, but this is just so Ty & Ty can mug Tony! The ref misses the mugging, and Tony crawls his way around. Tony rolls into the ring but Wes METEORAS! Cover, TWO! Tony stays in this and Wes grows frustrated. Wes stalks Tony to ropes, then ROCKS him with a right.

Tony goes to a corner but Wes RAMS into him! Wes digs his shoulders in, Tonty CLUBS Wes, and the ref counts. Wes RAMS Tony again and again, then lets off. Wes pulls Tony’s hair while NXT returns to single picture. The fans rally for Tony while Wes talks trash. Wes ROCKS Tony with a right, tells Tony he lost the Family, and then ROCKS Tony again. Wes says Tony lost his title, lost the Family, and now, he’s gonna lose his title as Don. But Tony clamps onto Wes’s neck! Tony is pissed, and he HEADBUTTS Wes again and again! Wes flops out of the ring! Tony storms out and THROWS Wes into his guys!

Tony runs up but Wes dodges, Tony DOUBLE LARIATS Ty & Ty! The fans fire up as Tony chases Wes back into the ring, only for Wes to roll him up! Feet on the ropes! TWO!! SUPERKICK! Wes runs up, but into a clinch! OVERHEAD BELLY2BELLY! The fans rally and Tony fires up! Tony storms up to ROCK Wes! And ROCK him again! And then he LARIATS! And LARIATS! And BELLY2BELLY SUPLEXES! And then GERMAN SUPLEXES! Tony roars and the fans are with him! Tony whips Wes to POWERSLAM! Cover, TWO! Wes survives but Tony is not stopping! Tony watches Wes rise, then clinches again, SPINE- RANA!

Wes hurries to ROUNDHOUSE! And then handspring, but Tony SPEARS Wes outta the air!! Tony roars, but Stacks talks on the tron! “Hey, T! T! Look familiar? Yeah it does. Of course I know where the Rizzo safehouse is.” What?! Stacks laughs and Tony can only watch in horror, but Wes CARDIAC KICKS Tony down! Cover, WES WINS!

Winner: Wes Lee, by pinfall

Stacks just made sure Tony takes the L, yet Stacks continues to taunt him! They’ve known each other a long time, they’ve put a lot of people in this safehouse. Tony always said to think like a Don. But now Stacks is, so he’s gonna go pay Rizzo a visit. Tony is distraught and hurries to the back! But there’s no way Tony can stop Stacks, so can Tony at least warn his guys on the inside?

OTM speaks.

Lucien Price says, “From the mud we rose. From the dirt and the pain. Not just through stone but through thunder and rain.” Bronco Nima says their struggles and failures aren’t just something you hear about, it’s there. So yeah, it is sink or swim for the entire tag team division. You better be ready, because they ain’t Noah, they ain’t saving no lives! OTM about to put all of N XT under! Every team that can hear them, listen. Once they’re back, it is the end of your games! When and where will NXT be #OutTheMud?

Stephanie Vaquer is here!

The fans fire up for the NXT Women’s Champion as she goes to the ring. Vaquer grabs the mic to say, “Last week, Jordynne became the #1 contender for my NXT Women’s Championship at Battleground.” The fans applaud, and Vaquer says she has much respect for Jordynne’s journey. She was of the top TNA Knockouts. And now, she wants to ascend to the top of NXT. Vaquer takes a moment to think on her words. She uses Española to tell Jordynne that she’s ready, but then she’s interrupted by the Fatal Influence. Fallon Henley has a mic to say, “Gosh, it must be nice to be on top of the world. I mean, everyone and their mom loves Stephani Vaquer. Am I right, guys?”

The fans do cheer, and Fallon says heck, Vaquer’s been on top ever since she got here. Vaquer is truly one of a kid. But see, that’s exactly what will make her downfall that much sweeter. And sure, Vaquer was the historic double champion! She was both NXT Women’s North American and- Jacy Jayne interrupts by saying Vaquer and Fallon must both know how great it is to have that title. Jacy on the other hand can’t relate. But since Vaquer did pin Fallon to win that North American Championship- Fallon interrupts Jacy to say yeah, but she also pinned Giulia to become NXT Women’s Champion. What’s the point, Jacy?

Jacy’s point is that she doesn’t think this (Vaque’s top title reign) lasts much longer. Fallon couldn’t agree more. Jacy says NXT is Fatal Influence’s world! A world Vaquer does not belong in. And just think: How ironic would it be if Fatal Influence took that title off Vaquer? But wait, here comes the Juggernaut! The fans cheer as Grace has her own mic to tell Fatal Influence, “You two can’t even get out of each other’s way. So how are you out here talking about the NXT Women’s Championship? I’m not here to save the day. I’m here to protect MY investment, MY opportunity.” Vaquer says she is no one’s investment.

Jacy & Fallon stir the pot as Jacy says she destroys friendships and flips this division on its head. And Fatal Influence- Fallon says that was the past, Jacy. Yeah, well, what she was getting at, is that Vaquer and Grace have collected stamps on their passports. Sure, awesome, whatever. But Fallon & Jacy were holding things down in NXT. And now, they deserve to be on top. And although they usually don’t like newbies, at least Vaquer has taken her opportunities and made them worth it. Vaquer says yes, Jordynne failed last time, and she’ll fail again. Grace laughs that off and tells Vaquer that a lot of growth can be made in a year.

Grace WILL beat Vaquer at Battleground and become champion. And nothing, especially not Fatal Influence, will stop her. So if she has to take care of those two again tonight, she will. As for Vaquer, Grace will make 100% sure that she makes it to Tampa in one piece. Jacy says it doesn’t matter who makes it through Battleground, because they’ll be ripe for the picking, and Fatal Influence will be the ones to do it. The Toxic Rockstar & Cowgirl take their leave, but will no one take down La Primera?

NQCC regroups backstage.

Myles warms up for his match, but Dempsey is still in rough shape. Dempsey says he’s okay, but Myles says there’s no way he can be ringside for Myles’ match. Dempsey says no, he insists. But then he almost falls over! Myles & Tavion keep him upright, and Myles says Tavion & Wren can help Dempsey to medical, Myles will handle Ethan. Wren says yeah he will! Myles heads to gorilla, will #BabyRandy silence All Ego?

Bubby Ray & The Undertaker are with the LFG finalists.

They tell Zena Sterling and Tyra Mae Steele congratulations on making it this far. They have earned the right to compete this Sunday in the finals of LFG. Not just that, but to compete in the mecca of sports and entertainment, New York City and Madison Square Garden! But only one can win THE NXT contract. Only one of them gets to fight, wrestle, compete, entertain in what is the best women’s division in the entire business. Boss man Taker will surely back Bubba up on this when he says the winner will have a giant bull’s eye the moment that- Izzi Dame & Nikkita Lyons walk over and look the LFG finalists up and down.

Izzi says they’re fighting to see who can make an impact here. Good luck lasting a minute in their locker room. But then Lash Legend walks over and says SKIRRR~! If they think that they’re gonna come for her spot, they’ll both wish they were on a second season of LFG. A few other women come by to see the new girls. Taker says whoever wins on Sunday, they’ve got their work cut out for them. Who will be the inaugural LFG Champion and be right in the mix of NXT?

NXT Media catches up with Tony D.

He tells then to shut up and just get in the car with him. They hurry to the safehouse to help Rizzo, but can they really make it in time?

NXT Championship #1 Contender’s Match: Myles Borne VS Ethan Page!

Clearly being runner-up to “The Deaf Kid” upset All Ego, and now he’s goaded Myles into putting the title opportunity back on the line! Will Myles shut up all the haters and doubters by taking down a former NXT Champion? Or will Ethan swoop right in and snatch away Myles’ golden ticket?

The bell rings and the two circle. They tie up, are in a deadlock, and Myles waistlocks. Myles SLAMS Ethan down, facelocks, but Ethan scoots back to a ROPEBREAK! The ref counts, Myles lets off, but Ethan ROCKS him with a sucker punch! Ethan headlocks, Myles endures, and Myles powers up and out. Myles drops down, hurdles over, then arm-drags! Myles clamps onto that arm and grinds Ethan down. Myles adds a chinbar but Ethan fights up. Ethan ROCKS Myles, ROCKS him again, then whips. Ethan LARIATS Myles down, CLUBS him, then ROCKS him! Ethan stomps Myles but the fans rally up.

Ethan drags Myles up to ELBOW him in the head! Ethan stands Myles up but Myles fires body shots! Ethan KNEES low, reels Myles in, but Myles suplexes! Myles ROCKS Ethan, UPPERCUTS him, and repeat! Myles UPPERCUTS more, then whips, but Ethan reverses. Ethan ELBOWS Myles down, the fans boo, but Ethan rains down fists! Ethan paces then clamps on a chinlock. Myles endures, the fans rally, and Myles fights up. The fans rally, wrenches around, and hits a BIG back suplex! The fans fire up for Myles, but Ethan is up first to CLOBBER Myles! Ethan clamps on with another chinlock but Myles endures.

Myles fights as the fans rally, and Myles fights to his feet. Ethan hops on as a backpack, but Myles RAMS him into the corner! Ethan holds on, but Myles RAMS him in again! Myles is free, and he ROCKS Ethan! Myles fires body shots and haymakers, then UPPERCUTS! And UPPERCUTS! And UPPERCUTS! Myles whips, runs in, and SPLASHES! Ethan sputters against the ropes but Myles whips him corner to corner. Ethan reverses, Myles goes up and over, but Ethan BOOTS back! Myles returns and LARIATS Ethan up and out! The fans fire up with Myles while NXT goes picture in picture.

Myles goes out after Ethan, UPPERCUTS him again, then UPPERCUTS him against barriers. Ethan staggers away but Myles pursues. Myles UPPERCUTS again, then pushes Ethan into the ring. Myles storms in but Ethan swings on him! Myles counter punches! Ethan kicks low, whips Myles but Myles reverses! Ethan hits buckles and falls back, but Myles stands him up to UPPERCUT! Ethan flops against ropes and Myles brings him around. Myles whips, Ethan reverses, but Myles BOOTS Ethan! Myles goes up, but Ethan UPPERCUTS! Ethan drags Myles off the corner for a RUNNING POWERSLAM! Cover, TWO!

Myles survives but Ethan stays on him. Ethan grabs the legs to turn Myles over for a BOSTON CRAB! Myles endures, reaches out, and he fights forward. Ethan sits deep, but Myles still fights! ROPEBREAK! The ref counts, Ethan lets go at 4, then he stomps Myles around. Ethan soaks up the heat, then stalks Myles to ropes. Myles fires body shots, but Ethan DECKS him! Ethan bumps Myles off buckles, soaks up heat, then drags Myles to his feet. Ethan whips Myles hard into buckles, and Myles falls to the mat. Ethan watches Myles writhe, then he drags Myles into a corner. Ethan ROCKS Myles, hoists him up top, then climbs.

The ref reprimands while NXT returns to single picture. Myles fights against the suplex, but Ethan goes to the very top! SUPER DUPER PLEX! Cover, TWO! Myles stays in this, but Ethan is right on the legs! BOSTON CRAB, but Myles rolls through! Myles BOOTS Ethan, dodges, and SNAP POWERSLAMS! The fans fire up for that #BabyRandy energy! Ethan stands, Myles counter punches, and counter punches, and then he LARIATS! And LARIATS! Myles wrenches to UPPERCUT, then he clinches, OVERHEAD BELLY2BELLY! Myles fires up, the fans fire up, and Myles SPLASHES Ethan in a corner! Then ANGLE SLAM! Cover, TWO!

Ethan survives but Myles stays on him. Myles fireman’s carries, but Ethan fights with elbows! Ethan waistlocks, Myles fires elbows back, but Ethan dodges the haymaker. Myles dodges a haymaker and DROPKICKS but into a FLAPJACK! Ethan covers, TWO! The fans boo but Ethan drags Myles up. Ethan puts Myles in a corner, puts him up top, and then he throws hands. Ethan climbs up, brings Myles onto his shoulder, but Myles fights with body shots! The fans chant for “M K O!” as he shoves Ethan away! FLYING FOREARM! Myles kips up, not the cleanest, but he still shoves Ethan. Ethan avoids the snap powerslam to BOOT!

Ethan reels Myles in, Canadian Rack, but Myles slips free! ANGLE- NO, Ethan slips free, TWISTED- NO, Myles powers out to DROPKICK! Jackknife cover, MYLES WINS!!

Winner: Myles Borne, by pinfall (still #1 Contender to the NXT Championship)

Ethan is absolutely shocked, but he shouldn’t really! Myles shows he was born for this, will he soon pull off the shocker of a lifetime?

Sean Legacy tweets.

The caption reads, “This video is for Je’Von Evans. If you’re not Je’Von Evans, keep scrolling!” The video says, “Man, from the WWE ID to Evolve to being in that battle royal last week, man, I felt that passion last week. That NXT passion I’ve heard so much about. That’s honestly the same energy I’m trying to bring to Evolve every Wednesday night on Tubi. And uh, y’know something? I’m not an NXT superstar. But hell, why not? I’m gonna throw this out there, I’ve got nothing to lose. Je’Von Evans. You know the roads I’m traveling on in the indies right now. You’ve walked in my shoes on this circuit right now.

“So, if you wanna recreate some of that magic we had in the battle royal, Je’Von, it’d be an honor for me. Just lemme know.”

Je’Von watches the video.

The Young OG wonders about Super Sean, but Ashante THEE Adonis says Je’Von doesn’t need to be worried about that “Evolve talent.” Je’Von says Ashante should worry about his pickup lines and less about Je’Von. Ashante says hey, he is THEE Adonis, but the girls call him Papi. The reason is natural, boy. And by the way, didn’t Je’Von main event Stand & Deliver? Then these indie boys don’t deserve his time. Je’Von says Ashante might be cool playing big timer, but Je’Von doesn’t forget where he came from. The indie scene’s got some dawgs, and Super Sean is one of ’em. Ashante says he ain’t trying to hear that.

And Adonisly, he could smoke them both! For real! Oh, really? Ricky Saints hears that and says he’d like to see that. Yeah, he really would. Unlike Ethan Page, Ricky ain’t one to cut somebody down before they get an opportunity. Ricky will talk with Ava, and the winner of Je’Von VS Ashante can see him on the other side of Battleground. Ricky heads out, Ashante says that’s something worthy entertaining. But is the pickup artist only giving the Young OG his chance to go for gold?

Tony’s arrived at the safehouse!

The car pulls up, Tony tells his driver to get the rest of the boys, and then NXT Media follows The Don up tot he doorstep. But Stack sis there to CLUB Tony with a crowbar! “Wrong move, T! As your Underboss, I studied you. I know every move that you’re gonna make. Now look at you! A desperate Don with no family, no best friend, no direction!” Tony takes a swing from the ground, but Stacks throws down fists! Stacks tells Tony to listen. He’s not the only one here with stroke. Stacks humiliated Tony at Stand & Deliver by choice! At Battleground, Stacks finishes The Don and puts an end to the D’Angelo Family once and for all!

Stacks storms off and Tony can only glare after him. What will Stacks do to tear apart what’s left of Tony’s life?

Thea Hail VS Tatum Paxley!

The Grown-Ass Woman is just being herself, as is Powerlifter Paxley, but only one of them seems to have any luck when it comes to friends. Will NXT all be saying #HailYeah?

NXT returns and Tatum makes her entrance. Thea wants Tatum to calm down but the bell rings and Tatum runs up. Thea dodges to waistlock, Tatum switches, but Thea switches back. Tatum ELBOWS Thea, but Thea ROCKS Tatum! Tatum falls back to ropes and Thea asks, “What’d I do to you?!” Tatum shoves Thea, but Thea traps Tatum’s arms! Thea snapmares Tatum to then KICK her down, and STANDING MOONSAULT! Cover, TWO! Thea clamps onto an arm for the FUJIWARA! Tatum rolls Thea, TWO! Tatum avoids the arm-drag, flips Thea over, but Thea arm-drags Tatum anyway! Thea runs up to wheelbarrow, but Tatum KICKS her down!

Thea flounders but Tatum stands her up to fire forearm after forearm! And a HEADBUTT! Thea falls back in a daze while Tatum clutches at her own sides, her emotional pain far worse than the physical. Tatum runs up on Thea, sends her at the corner, but Thea stops the buckle bump. Thea bumps Tatum off buckles, then runs up, only for Tatum to ELBOW her! Tatum runs up, Thea ELBOWS Tatum, and Jaida Parker watches backstage. Tatum comes back to ENZIGIRI Thea down! Cover, TWO! Tatum clamps onto Thea, Thea breaks free, but Tatum avoids the forearm and ENZIGIRIS again! But Thea still rolls Tatum up! TWO!

The fans rally as Thea counter punches Tatum and fires body shots. Thea ROCKS Tatum, ROCKS her again and again, then whips. Tatum grabs ropes and KICKS Thea back! The fans rally and Tatum runs, ROLLING SCISSOR KICK! Cover, TWO!! Thea survives and Tatum is frustrated. Tatum shouts, “Where’re my friends?!” Tatum clamps onto Thea, asks why Thea gets to have friends, but Thea HEADBUTTS her! Tatum comes back, waistlocks, but Thea arm-drags free! Thea then wrenches, ARM BREAKER! Tatum writhes, Thea fires up and CHOPS! CHOPS! And ROCKS! Tatum comes back, Thea dodges and DOUBLE AX HANDLES!

Thea ROCKS Tatum, kicks the legs out, and BASEMENT LARIATS! The fans fire up with Thea and she runs in at the corner. Tatum dodges, hits a KNEE SMASH, then reels Thea in! Suplex, but Thea fights that to a KIMURA!! Tatum flails, reaches out, and manages the ROPEBREAK! Thea lets go at 4, hurries up, and she blocks a kick to reel Tatum in! KIMURA! Tatum rolls Thea up, TWO! SUPERKICK! Thea runs and cartwheels into the underhooks, BUTTERFLY SLAM! KIMURA!! Tatum is trapped, but she CLAWS at Thea’s face!! The ref counts, Tatum doesn’t stop, so the ref disqualifies her!!

Winner: Thea Hail, by disqualification

The ref finally gets Tatum to stop, but then Tatum just HAMMERS away on Thea! She wants Thea’s EYES!! Tatum CLUBS away on Thea, so more refs rush out here to stop this! Tatum’s gone off the deep end! Will anyone ever save Tatum from her own darkness?

Meanwhile, Jaida Parker says Thea is so stupid. This is what happens when you play hero. But then Kelani Jordan walks in asking if anyone’s seen #ZaRuca. Oh, there they are. Jaida says no no no, she is not listening to any of their bitchin’. They’re no better than Thea. Jaida storms off, Kelani has no idea what her problem is, but she focuses back on Zaria. What was with the spear through barriers? Is Zaria feeling threatened? Or is she just jelly that Sol caught Kelani. Sol says sorry, she didn’t know any of that was gonna happen, but jealousy is not what’s going on here. Zaria asks what they’re even talking about.

There is no need to apologize to Kelani. Zaria pinned her fair and square. Bitch all you want, spear through a barrier or not, if they run this back, the result will be the same. Then let’s run it back next week! Then if Kelani wins, she gets her title shot with Sol at Battleground. Zaria sarcastically says yeah, sure. But Sol says fine by her. Zaria is confused but Kelani has her match. Will ZaRuca be able to iron out the details? Or will the Standout have her shot at taking back that title?

Ava, Joe Hendry & Trick Williams meet backstage.

The contract signing will happen in the boardroom, not the ring, and she thanks them both for being here at this historic signing. For the first time ever, the TNA World Championship will be on the line at a WWE event. “A brand that just celebrated 23 years, and a title that has been held by the likes of AJ Styles, Kurt Angle, LA Knight, and Bubba Ray Dudley. It all happens at Battleground.” But Trick tells Joe, “You did this to yourself, Joe. You took my opportunity at what meant the most to me. So you know what I’m gonna do? I’ma take what means the most to you, and that’s that TNA Title.

“You should’ve stayed in your sweet spot, where you were getting your flowers as the man in TNA. But next Sunday, we’re going to Battleground, and that’s my house.” Hendry says if anyone knows about breaking out, taking risks, having the confidence to do and be more, it’s Trick. But somewhere along the way, Trick forgot that. And instead, he bitched about what he deserves. Trick says Joe deserves a solid three minute ass whooping! Both men stand up up but Ava says she doesn’t care who did what. Security is right outside, do NOT make her call them. Sit down and sign the contract. Trick and Joe do as told and sit back down.

Joe says TNA is the hottest it has ever been in years. That’s because every morning, Joe wakes up and makes it his mission to make TNA the biggest brand it can be. That means him as champion, defending this against TNA wrestlers, NXT superstars, and putting them all down. Next Sunday, the TNA World Championship will be on the line on a WWE Premium Live Event! Does Trick understand how big that is? Of course Trick does! He’s in the match! This match is historic, thanks to Trick. And something Joe needs to realize is that while Joe is a social media sensation, Trick is bigger than NXT, bigger than TNA, and even both of them combined!

Dammit, this is Hollywood Trick! And Trick doesn’t have to tear Joe down or what Joe believes. Every man has his 15 minutes of fame. Except Trick Williams. Because next Sunday, Trick takes Joe’s fame, Joe’s title, and Joe’s company. Ava has Trick stop and shoves the contract at him. Trick signs his part as challenger, then slides the contract back to Ava. Joe says no one’s more confident than Trick. But that’s all on the outside. Yes, Trick main-evented back-to-back Stand & Delivers. Maybe this isn’t the biggest match of Trick’s career. But it Joe knows is the most important. Trick takes off his sunglasses to look at Joe more seriously as Joe continues.

Joe knows Trick is at a crossroads. There’s no road back to the NXT Championship. And after Joe beats Trick for the TNA Championship, then there’s no roads there, either. And then the number one star has no pathway to gold. That is when the doubt creeps in and Trick finds out that as fast as his star rose to the top, it can all come crashing down. So if anyone is gonna find out what it’s like for their 15 minutes of fame to expire, it’s Trick. Joe signs his part as champion, and now it is official! Ava thanks them both, and Joe heads out. Trick looks shook, is he starting to believe in Joe Hendry? Or will he still make TNA into Trick’s Newest Accomplishment?

Hank ‘n’ Tank find Josh Briggs in the locker room.

The big belly bandits ask how he’s doing. They thought they were having a rough week losing to Dark State. They feel for Briggs. He just lost a tag partner and best friend. Briggs says he didn’t want Yoshiki Inamura to leave. Inamura was like a brother to him. Inamura took care of Briggs while he was in Japan, and they all saw how happy he was when Inamura came to NXT. Briggs got mad because they kept losing and losing, he just wishes he didn’t push Inamura away. Hank says whatever Briggs needs, they’re here for him. He thanks them for that, but then Shawn Spears steps in. “You don’t appreciate what you have until it’s gone.”

The Chair Man says if Briggs had appreciated his best friend, his best friend would still be here. Briggs says he is not trying to hear about this from Spears. Spears clarifies, he meant Brooks Jensen, not this… uh, who was it? Inamura! Well, him, too. It happens a lot, huh? Tank says not the time. Spears says when it comes to friendships, Briggs is a cancer. They should change that before it consumes him and he has no choice but explode. Briggs says he has a lot on his mind right now, he doesn’t need Spears’ “wisdom.” Though, he has a really good idea on how to clear his head. Spears chuckles and leaves. Will the Bullhead Brawler have to expose Spears to some painful truth?

Kale Dixon & Uriah Connors meet with Ava.

She mentions how they both texted her 50 times, separately. What is going on? Kale says Chase U is back in full force, and it is time to get the ball rolling. Does she get what they mean? Afraid not. Uriah says what they want is that they don’t care who their opponents are, where they’re from or what they do, so long as Chase U gets back on the map. Ava says she feels they’re ready. Next week, they can have their debut tag team match. That easy? That easy. They’re excited, and Mr. Chase steps in. Ava says she loves the new fit, it is serving. Chase thanks her and asks what’s going on here.

Kale says he and Uriah have their very first tag team match next week! That’s great! Who against? Ava says the returning OTM. Oh no… Guys, WTF!? Will Kale & Uriah survive Nima & Price? Or are they just the first time to sink to the bottom?

BREAKING NEWS for next week’s episode.

It seems Ricky Saints’ talk with Ava inspired her to make a Triple Threat! Je’Von Evans VS Ashante THEE Adonis VS “Super” Sean Legacy, and the winner becomes #1 Contender to the NXT North American Championship! Will the Young OG humble Ashante while bringing that energy Sean is looking for?

BREAKING NEWS for Battleground!

Stacks said he’d end The D’Angelo Family, and he gets his chance in Tampa! Will the Underboss no longer be under anyone? Or will Tony avenge himself, Luca & Rizzo for everything Stacks has done?

Stephanie Vaquer & Jordynne Grace VS The Fatal Influence!

Despite the tension from earlier tonight, La Primera & The Juggernaut will try to put their differences aside in order to clear out the obstacles on the road to Tampa. Will it be easy pickings for champion and challenger against the dysfunctional Fallon & Jacy? Or can Cowgirl & Rockstar hold it together long enough to steal a win in this trap game?

The teams sort out and Grace starts against Fallon. They tie up, Grace headlocks, but Fallon powers up and out. Grace RUNS Fallon over, brushes herself off, then runs again. Fallon stays low, but then Grace dodges the lariat to shove, scoop, and BACKBREAKER! Grace stands Fallon up to LARIAT front and back and over again! Then Grace winds up, but Vaquer tags in! The fans are torn, but Vaquer springboards to CROSSBODY Fallon down! Things keep moving and Vaquer ducks ‘n’ dodges, then slides under a boot. Fallon CHOKES Vaquer, but Vaquer CHOPS! Vaquer knuckle locks, goes up and up, then jumps around, only for Fallon to kick the ropes!

Fallon has Vaquer stuck up top, bumps her off buckles, then brings her over. Tag to Jacy and the Influence mugs Vaquer. Jacy ROCKS Vaquer, says SHE should be champion, the pie faces Vaquer. The fans boo, Jacy SLAPS Vaquer, then Jacy reels Vaquer in. Jacy snap suplexes, covers, TWO! Jacy drags Vaquer up, whips her again, but Vaquer tilt-o-whirls and rolls Jacy up! TWO, and Jacy jackknife bridges, TWO! Vaquer manages the sunset flip, TWO! Body scissors and JAPANESE LEG ROLL CLUTCH! TWO!! Jacy escapes but Vaquer kicks low! Vaquer snapmares, and the fans fire up, only for Vaquer to chinlock.

The fans boo Vaquer teasing them, but she has Jacy’s arm trapped. Jacy endures and fights up to her feet. Jacy powers out and Fallon tags in. Vaquer dodges Jacy but Fallon KNEES her in the back! Jacy SUPERKICKS Vaquer down, then coordinates with Fallon. They reel Vaquer in, double suplex, but Vaquer lands out! Fallon gets away but Vaquer THROWS Jacy down! Vaquer then grabs Fallon, CODE BREAKER SENTON COMBO! The fans fire up, but Fallon trips Vaquer! Vaquer kicks Fallon but Fallon holds on. Fallon has both legs, but Vaquer BOOTS her away! But Jacy YANKS Grace off the corner!

Grace CHOPS Jacy, but Fallon BOOTS Vaquer! Fallon then sucker punches Grace! Jacy CANNONBALLS Grace down, Fallon goes up, up, and SUPER CROSSBODIES Grace & Vaquer! The Influence soaks up the heat, and NXT goes picture in picture.

The Influence drags Vaquer up and into the ring, and Vaquer goes to a corner. Fallon stomps away on Vaquer, digs her boot in, but stops as the ref counts. Fallon stands Vaquer up to cravat and neck wrench. Vaquer endures, Fallon throws knees, and Vaquer falls. Fallon sucker punches Grace again! Fallon whips Vaquer to the Influence’s corner, then storms up to ROCK her again! Tag to Jacy, she taunts Grace, then runs in for a CANNONBALL! Cover, TWO! Vaquer is tougher than that, but Jacy stomps her. Jacy taunts Grace more, sits Vaquer up, and KICKS her in the back! Cover, TWO! Jacy is annoyed but she brings Vaquer back around.

Jacy bumps Vaquer off buckles, tags Fallon, and Fallon snapmares. Fallon runs to SLIDING FOREARM! Cover, TWO! Fallon is annoyed but she drags Vaquer back up. Fallon whips Vaquer to a corner, ROCKS her again, then whips her corner to corner. Fallon runs up to ROCK Vaquer again! Vaquer fires forearms on Fallon, then SOBATS! Vaquer runs, but into a BOOT! Fallon drags Vaquer up, NXT returns to single picture, and Fallon bumps Vaquer off buckles. The fans rally but Fallon tags Jacy in. The Influence double whip but Vaquer crisscrosses them and CHOP away! Vaquer mule kicks Fallon out, but Jacy KNEES SMASHES and LARIATS! Cover, TWO!

The fans rally for Vaquer as she goes to a corner. Jacy runs in but Vaquer goes up and over! Vaquer rolls but Jacy BOOTS her down! Jacy drags Vaquer up, bumps her off buckles and stomps a mudhole in. Jacy puts Vaquer up, SLAPS her, then climbs. But Vaquer HEADBUTTS Jacy and fires body shots! Vaquer slips down, she tucks Jacy in, CHEEKY NANDOS! Then a FLAPJACK off the corner! The fans fire up while Jacy and Vaquer are both down! Jacy and Vaquer crawl, the fans rally up, hot tags to Fallon and Grace! The fans fire up as Grace rallies on the Influence! GERMAN SUPLEX for Fallon! GERMAN SUPLEX for Jacy!

Grace throws hands on Fallon in the corner, then CHOPS her! Then she ELBOWS Jacy, RAMS Jacy into Fallon, and then gives Jacy a SPINEBUSTER! Fallon is up, Grace fireman’s carries, ROLLING DEATH VALLEY! SLIDING FOREARM! Cover, Jacy breaks it in time! Jacy bails out before Grace can get her, so Grace ROCKS Jacy! Grace hoists Fallon to the top rope, CHOPS her, then climbs. Fallon fires body shots, Grace hops down and Fallon KICKS her! Fallon reels Grace in, TORNADO SNAP SUPLEX! Grace sputters, Fallon drags her up, but Grace ROCKS Fallon! And fireman’s carries, but Jacy saves Fallon!

Vaquer storms in and she ROCKS Fallon! Grace ROCKS Fallon, these four brawl and the fans fire up! The ref reprimands but Vaquer ROCKS Jacy, only for Jacy to BOOT Vaquer! Grace suplexes Fallon, but Jacy SWEEPS the leg, Fallon DDTS Grace! Vaquer is up, Jacy SUPERKICKS her! Vaquer tumbles out, but Fallon drags her back in! The Influence set Vaquer up and run, but Grace shoves Vaquer out of the way! FATAL CONNECTION!! Cover, TWO?!? Grace survives eating the bullet for Vaquer and Fallon is shocked! Vaquer is up but Fallon DECKS her! Fallon tags Jacy, Jacy PENALTY KICKS Vaquer!

Fallon drags Grace up, Jacy steps in, but Grace BOOTS Jacy first! Grace ELBOWS Fallon, HEADBUTTS her down, then ROCKS Jacy! Pump handle, BEAST MODE!! Cover, Grace & Vaquer win!

Winners: Stephanie Vaquer & Jordynne Grace, by pinfall

Fatal Influence is at a loss for words, but Vaquer is rather stunned herself. The Juggernaut took care of Jacy & Fallon all by herself, will Vaquer have no chance at Battleground? Or will this Dark Angel refuse to lose to Grace?

Something is happening backstage!

Ethan Page has just knocked down Ricky Saints! Ethan told Ricky they’d pick this up later, and it’s later. Ethan drops the North American Championship on the champion, then takes his leave. Will All Ego still take someone’s spotlight?

My Thoughts:

A great NXT that did a lot to set more up for Battleground. Great opening promo from Myles with NQCC and Ethan. And while it was clever for fans to use the “He Can’t Hear You!” line, they were rather rowdy the rest of the segment and I wish they would just let the promos be the promos. That aside, it helped set up other parts of the show, and it segued right into Dempsey VS Oba. That was a great match, especially with Dempsey not having wrestled on TV in some time. But naturally, Oba won to show his dominance. Myles VS Ethan was also great, and naturally Myles won to keep the #1 contender’s spot.

Ethan had a good segment with Ricky Saints, and then Ricky had a good part with Je’Von and Ashante. That Triple Threat will be some really good stuff, but I’m pretty sure Ashante is in the match so he can take the pin, presumably to Je’Von. Plus, with Ethan attacking Ricky to end the night, I think that gives us Ethan VS Ricky first, and Je’Von gets the winner. It’d be very fitting if Je’Von got his first singles title off of Ethan after all Ethan did to Je’Von. Good promo from OTM to issue one last warning to the tag division. And great promo in connection to that with Kale & Uriah stepping in it. OTM were of course going to win their return match, but knowing it is Kale & Uriah, it might even be easier than that.

Great segment with Briggs, Hank ‘n’ Tank, and Shawn Spears. Spears of course brought up how Briggs & Jensen didn’t work out, and obviously he was going to put all the blame on Briggs. I sense a Six Man Tag of The Culling VS Briggs, Hank ‘n’ Tank, and The Culling wins. From there, maybe Briggs breaks down and desperately wants Spears’ “guidance,” and Jensen is the one that vouches for him. Very good promo from Taker, Bubba and not just the women’s finalists from LFG, but pretty much all the women in the NXT midcard, and technically some from Evolve. I think everyone knows I haven’t been watching LFG or else there’d be articles, but Taker’s right, Zena and Tyra Mae are going from one big challenge to another here.

Speaking of the women’s division, great promo from Tatum because it helps put into context how these releases actually feel. Tatum’s trio especially got screwed by the last round of releases, because sadly even now, no one cares about that kind of stuff. Tatum being emotionally torn apart and then wanting to physically tear Thea apart is a good pivot to use all this for the sake of story. It also gave a segue to things with Jaida, Kelani and ZaRuca. Jaida having attitude over Thea’s personality is a bit beneath her in my opinion, but Kelani wanting after Sol is good stuff. I would think Kelani finds a way to beat Zaria, then we get Kelani VS Sol and that’ll be another awesome match.

Great stuff with the D’Angelo Family and how Stacks cost Tony against Wes and got the better of him with the safehouse. Stacks knew Tony would react that way, assuming the worst of Stacks, and Stacks took advantage. I just wish Tony VS Stacks at Battleground was a Street Fight. The animosity in this feud was automatic, so the No Disqualification nature of the match should’ve been just as automatic. And even more so, if Luca Crusifino makes his return, his interference wouldn’t end the match, but it would still decide it. If The Consigliere was somehow now on Stacks’ side, him showing up to clobber Tony and handing Stacks that win would be huge Heel heat.

I also like the name of Wes’s group, “High Ryze.” It’s not anywhere near as odd as “Dark State” or “The Culling,” which I will still argue don’t fit either faction. And High Ryze being “high rise” stylized, it speaks to how they’re on the rise and ready for that high rise lifestyle. Surprisingly, no Dark State tonight, though. Very good contract signing promo from Trick and Hendry, with Hendry getting the better of Trick in the war of words. It makes me wonder if that means Trick wins the TNA World Championship with underhanded tactics. And there’s still half a chance Trick reveals that he leads Dark State, as they could be how he wins.

And great stuff with the Women’s Championship story. Good promo from Vaquer with Fatal Influence and Jordynne Grace. Not sure where Jazmyn Nyx was tonight but maybe her presence would’ve kept Fallon & Jacy on the same page and the point is that the group is falling apart. Great match from Fatal Influence VS Vaquer & Grace, and Grace really does go Beast Mode to finish it. But that might partly be because Vaquer is going to find a way to win. Though at the same time, seems like a shame for Grace to strike out on the top title so soon. At the same time, that big Worlds Collide/Money in the Bank weekend is only two weeks after Battleground… Maybe Grace wins so that Vaquer’s rematch can be in front of a big audience of combined WWE and AAA fans.

My Score: 8.8/10

Opening weekend wraps up with the Funky Weapon!

There’s more mix ‘n’ match as Best of the Super Juniors 32 keeps going! But will Ryusuke Taguchi kick Bone Soldier butt in tonight’s main event?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• Dragon Dia & Katsuya Murashima VS Francesco Akira & Jakob Austin Young; Akira & Jakob win.
• El Desperado & Shoma Kato VS Nick Wayne & Daiki Nagai; Nick & Daiki win.
• Hiromu Takahashi & Shingo Takagi VS Kosei Fujita & Hartley Jackson; Hiromu & Takagi win.
• Best of the Super Juniors 32 A Block: Ninja Mack VS Robbie X; Mack wins.
• Best of the Super Juniors 32 B Block: Kevin Knight VS MAO; Mao wins.
• Best of the Super Juniors 32 A Block: Master Wato VS Clark Connors; Connors wins.
• Best of the Super Juniors 32 B Block: YOH VS Robbie Eagles; Eagles wins.
• Best of the Super Juniors 32 B Block: Ryusuke Taguchi VS Taiji Ishimori; Taguchi wins.

PLAY BY PLAY

Best of the Super Juniors 32 A Block: Ninja Mack VS Robbie X!

It’s the return of the Mack! Will the American Ninja start to take the block? Or will he be unable to solve for X?

The bell rings and the fans rally while the two circle. They start a “NINJA! NINJA!” chant, but then Robbie brings out a copy of the Ninja Mack mask! Just to rip it up! The fans boo, but Robbie throws it at Mack, and then SMACKS him down! The fans boo but Robbie stomps Mack at the ropes! The ref reprimands but Robbie ROCKS Mack! Robbie whips, Mack reverses, and Robbie handsprings over to then handspring with the ropes! Mack catches him, shove shim, hurdles over him, then backflips over, only for Robbie to SOBAT! The fans cheer, Robbie whips, but Mack reverses. Robbie goes up and over and shows off with his own handspring!

Mack runs in, Robbie slips out to the apron to ROCK Mack! Robbie springboards but Mack gets under. Robbie handsprings through, comes back and RANAS, but Mack handsprings through! The fans fire up and the two reset. Robbie runs up, Mack TOSSES him up and out! The fans fire up as Mack builds speed, and he handsprings for the NINJA- NO, Robbie moves back! But the Ninja Special continues even on the floor! Robbie runs away but Mack catches up, to HANDSPRING KICK him down at the stage! The fans fire up for that Super Ninja Special, and Mack leaves Robbie behind for the ring count.

Robbie sputters and crawls at 4 of 20, but is still far away at 10! Robbie hurries, the fans rally, and Robbie runs at 15 to slide in at 17! But Mack is on him with a facelock! Robbie fights up, lifts Mack, and then throws him away! Mack comes back, but Robbie uses the ref as a shield! Then he throws Mack down by his mask! Robbie throws down forearms and a stomp! The fans are torn but Robbie storms up on Mack to BOOT him in the corner! Robbie brings Mack around, suplexes then covers, ONE!! Mack is tougher than that and the fans rally up. Robbie CHOKES Mack on the ropes, then soaks up the cheers and jeers.

The ref counts, Robbie steps off at 4, then he WRECKS Mack with a dropkick! Mack is on the ground but the fans rally up. Robbie stands Mack up, CHOPS him, then stalks him to railing. Robbie pushes Mack into the ring, clamps on with a half nelson and covers, TWO! The fans cheer and Robbie gets annoyed. Robbie hauls Mack up to a fireman’s carry, but Mack slips around to sunset flip! TWO, and Robbie SWATS Mack’s haymaker to CHOP! Robbie whips, Mack reverses, but Robbie slides and then dodges! Mack is on the apron, Robbie runs to CANNONBALL KICK! The fans fire up as now Robbie builds speed!

Robbie goes up, up, and he ESCALARAS! Down goes Mack and the fans fire up with Robbie! Robbie drags Mack up and puts him back in the ring. Robbie then slingshots for a stalling SENTON! Cover, TWO! Mack is still in this and the fans rally up. Robbie and Mack slowly rise, and Robbie takes aim. Robbie runs in but blocks a boot! Robbie puts the leg on the ropes, KICKS the ropes, then SPIN KICKS Mack! Robbie snapmares Mack, RUNNING SHOOTING STAR onto knees! Mack cradles Robbie, TWO! Mack waits on Robbie, and DOUBLE CHOPS him! Then he DOUBLE CHOPS against the ropes! Mack won’t let Robbie get away as he unleashes CHOP after CHOP!

The fans fire up and Mack whips. Robbie reverses, then Robbie runs past Mack to fireman’s carry! ROLLING SENTON, STANDING SHOOTING STAR! Cover, TWO!! Robbie is frustrated but the fans fire up! Mack flounders to the corner, the fans rally up, and Robbie runs up to BOOT! Snapmare and now Robbie goes up the corner! From the top rope, X EX- NO, Mack dodges! Robbie rolls through, handsprings, but into a GERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO!! Mack holds on but Robbie victory rolls! TWO!! Mack and Robbie hurry up, Robbie handsprings, but into a DREAMCAST KICK AND CRADLE!! MACK WINS!!

Winner: Ninja Mack, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Robbie earns 0)

Innovating in the blink of an eye, Ninja Mack ends this just as quickly! Will every match Mack has be as fast ‘n’ furious as this? Or will someone find a way to slow Mack down?

Best of the Super Juniors 32 B Block: Kevin Knight VS MAO!

The Jet may be All Elite now, but he’s always going to be #2Flyy! However, he’s up against DDT Pro’s Idol Wrestler. Can Knight get through the Michinoku Tornado? Or will his flight to the top be grounded?

The bell rings and the fans rally as Knight and Mao stare down. The fans seem strongly behind Mao as he and Knight circle. They tie up, Knight headlocks, then he hits a takeover. Mao fights around, stands back up, and he powers his way out of the headlock to have the armlock. Mao steps over to wrench the arm, but Knight rolls, handsprings, and wrenches back! Knight hammerlocks, but Mao reaches back to headlock. The fans applaud, but Knight rolls Mao to get free. Mao ducks a kick, Knight dodges a spin kick, and the fans cheer the standoff. Mao runs up, Knight dodges then arm-drags! Knight runs up, springboards and FLYING ARM-DRAGS!

Mao is up but Knight FLYING SHOULDER TACKLES! The fans fire up and Knight runs corner to corner to LARIAT! Knight goes up to rally the fans, then he hops down to stomp and UPPERCUT on repeat! The ref counts as Knight stomps a mudhole in, and Knight snapmares Mao for a SLIDING SHOULDER TACKLE! The fans rally, Knight covers, TWO! The fans applaud while Mao grits his teeth. Knight stands Mao up but Mao fires body shots! Knight ROCKS Mao, runs, but Mao ELBOWS him! Mao runs, Knight follows, but Mao goes up and around! Knight tumbles out to the apron, but he ROCKS Mao first!

Knight springboards but Mao WHEEL KICKS him down! Mao wrenches an arm and SLINGSHOT CUTTERS! The fans fire up and Mao climbs up, to then SPLIT LEG MOONSAULT! Cover, TWO, but Mao goes right to the corner! Mao aims again, for a KING KONG KNEE DROP! Mao rolls off the impact, but then rolls back and has Knight in the COBRA TWIST! Knight endures, the fans rally, and Knight powers his way to switch the twist! Mao endures now and the fans rally more. Knight says he’s #MecchaTsuyoi, but then Mao throws elbows! Mao switches things back, and he says he is meccha, meccha, TSUKAKUI! Mao puffs up to show how strong and handsome he is!

The fans cheer, but Knight powers out with a HIP TOSS! But Mao drags Knight down into a JUST FACELOCK! Knight endures, reaches out, fights around, and has the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer again while Mao lets go. Mao rises and the fans rally while Knight is on the ropes. Mao runs and CANNONBALLS Knight against the ropes! Knight writhes but Mao brings him up, only for Knight to fire a forearm! Mao fires one back! Knight fires another forearm, so Mao fires back! They go forearm for forearm, then Knight has the edge. Knight winds up but Mao SHOTEIS! Mao whips Knight to a corner, but Knight comes back to LARIAT!

Knight LARIATS again, then whips, but Mao reverses. Knight goes up and over, runs back in, and he LARIATS again! The fans fire up with Knight as he goes to a corner. Knight aims, runs in corner to corner, but Mao dodges! Mao runs, but into a DROPKICK! Cover, TWO! Mao survives and Knight is stunned but the fans rally up! Knight fires up and the fans rally again. Knight runs up but Mao stops the satellite DDT! Mao BOOTS Knight against the ropes, then runs, but he goes Matrix to avoid Knight’s superkick! Mao BOOTS Knight’s lariat to SHOTEI, but Knight ROCKS Mao with a forearm! Mao REAR HEADBUTTS!

Mao runs, Knight hurdles over to PELE! But Mao tiger-feints and rewinds to SPIN KICK! The fans fire up even more while both men are down! Knight staggers to his feet, Mao ROCKS him with a hard right! Mao reels him in, but Knight suplexes first! The fans fire up and Knight covers, ONE as Mao goes Matrix again! Knight is stunned, runs up on Mao, but blocks a boot. Mao ENZIGIRIS Knight, goes up, only for Knight to go to the UPPER ROOM! The fans fire up as Knight hurries to the apron and then the corner. Knight climbs, but Mao rises again! Mao goes up the ropes to SUPER STEINER Knight in return!

The fans fire up as Mao hurries up top again, but Knight goes back up! But no Upper Room, this is a SUPER DUPER PLEX!! But Mao’s right up!? And so is Knight! But then both men fall over! The fans fire up as Knight and Mao slowly stir. They both rise up, but Knight goes to the apron. Knight springboards, but into a DREAMCAST KICK! Mao reels Knight in and gut wrenches, but Knight TORNADO DDTS free!! Knight roars, runs, but Mao uses the ref as a shield! Then Mao runs to jump over the ref, only for Knight to jump over Mao! ELBOW DROP! Cover, TWO!! Mao survives and the fans are thunderous!

Knight and Mao hurry back up, Knight runs up, but Mao stops the satellite again! MICHINOKU DRIVER!! Cover, TWO!?!? The fans rally as hard as they can and Mao aims, SUPERKICK! Cover, MAO WINS!

Winner: Mao, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Knight earns 0)

The Idol Warrior’s Samurai Kick strikes down the Knight! Knight shows respect with a bow, will we see these two meet again down the line? Will Mao soon take over the BOSJ for DDT Pro?

Best of the Super Juniors 32 A Block: Master Wato VS Clark Connors!

The Way of the Grandmaster is once again IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champion, but that just means he has a target on his back. Will Wato soon owe a golden ticket to this War Dog? Or will Wato be stronger than 100 Proof?

The bell rings and the fans rally up as the two stare down. Connors and Wato circle, the fans rally more, and the two feel things out. Wato stays away from the leg takedown, then they feel out a knuckle lock. They back off, step forward, but Connors KNEES low! Connors ROCKS Wato, CHOPS Wato, then whips Wato. Connors bypasses but Wato hurdles over the backdrop! Connors still ROCKS Wato and has him in a corner. Connors runs in, but Wato BOOTS Connors, then BULLDOGS! The fans fire up with Wato and he KICKS Connors’ leg. And KICKS, and KICKS! Wato snapmares Connors, KICKS him again, then KICKS, KICKS, KICKS!

Connors ducks Wato, shoves him, and then hits the JEEP FLIPPER! Wato tumbles out of the ring but Connors pursues. Connors SMACKS Wato off the apron, then tells fans to move! The Young Lions usher fans out of the way, and Connors BOWLS Wato into the chairs! That was a STRIKE and then some! The fans fire up and even bark with Connors. Connors storms over to Wato, stomps him, then drags him up to his feet. Connors SMACKS Wato of a chair, then brings him back around. Wato fires elbows and CHOPS, but Connors CHOPS back! Wato staggers deeper into the crowd and Connors pursues!

The fans rally as Connors BOWLS Wato into more chairs! Connors has cleared out the whole section! The fans rally as Connors shoves the ref aside. Connors JAMS Wato up with a chair, then tells another section of fans to move! They hurry out of the way as Connors BOWLS Wato into even more chairs! Connors hits a turkey, aka bowling hattrick, and the fans fire up more. The ref reprimands but Connors clears out the chairs so he can stand Wato up. Wato fires body shots and forearms! Wato ROCKS Connors, and then Connors falls onto chairs! This entire area is a mess but Wato drags Connors up.

Connors body shots Wato, then POSTS him! Wato falls in a heap and the fans are torn. Connors intimidates commentary, then he goes looking under the ring. Connors brings out… a TIRE?! Why was one of those under there?! The ref reprimands Connors but Connors shoves him aside! Connors brings the spare tire over and JAMS Wato up! Connors sets the tire down, and he has Wato’s leg! Connors SMASHES Wato’s knee on the hubcap! The fans are torn but maybe so is Wato’s knee! Connors puts Wato in the ring, covers, TWO! Wato stays in this and the fans applaud, but Connors ties the legs up in a knot!

Wato endures, reaches out, and he claws his way to the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer but Connors doesn’t let go. The ref counts so Connors stops at 4. Connors mocks the fans cheering Wato on, then drags Wato to his feet. Connors CHOPS Wato, whips him, but Wato blocks by holding ropes! Connors KNEES low, whips again, btu Wato reverses to ROCK, KNEE, and SHOTGUN Connors to a corner! The fans fire up and Wato rises. Wato runs in, Connors dodges, and Connors comes back, only for Wato to dodge! Wato then reels Connors in for a BIG back suplex! Cover, TWO! Connors stays in this but Wato goes to the apron.

Wato slaps his leg into working, then watches Connors rise. Wato springboards but Connors gets under! Wato lands on his feet but his bad leg jams! Connors CHOP BLOCKS the leg! The fans are torn as Wato writhes, but Connors circles like a shark. Connors runs, but Wato catches him to a cradle! TWO!! Wato ROUNDHOUSE, but Connors blocks! And pops Wato up for a SIT-OUT POWERBOMB! Both men are down and the fans fire back up! Connors rises, drags Wato up, then whips, but Wato avoids the powerslam! Wato runs in, tilt-o-whirls, then hooks Connors up, RECIENTEMENTE!! Cover, TWO!!

Connors survives but Wato doesn’t stop! He body scissors and rolls Connors into VENDEVAL!! Connors endures, fights around with his legs, and he rocks the boat, only for Wato to pour on the pressure! Connors still fights, but Wato puts even more pressure on!! Connors powers through to have the ROPEBREAK!! The fans cheer while Wato lets go in frustration. Wato drags Connors up, reels him in, but Connors holds ropes to fight the suplex! Wato KICKS the arms, TSUTEN- NO, Connors mule kicks the legs! Wato SOBATS and runs, but into a POWERSLAM!! Wato rises up, into a SPEAR!! Cover, TWO!!

The fans fire up as Wato survives, and Connors hurries to bring Wato up. Connors puts one out, but Wato fights No Chaser! ROUNDHOUSE, and Wato fires back up! The fans rally, Wato hooks Connors up, RECIENTE- NO, Connors slips free and reels Wato back in! NO CHASER!!! Cover, CONNORS WINS!!

Winner: Clark Connors, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Wato earns 0)

100 Proof gets his clear shot on Wato, and now he has both two points and a golden ticket for it! Will the DEFY Champion soon run the whole Junior Heavyweight Division?

Best of the Super Juniors 32 B Block: YOH VS Robbie Eagles!

The Direct Drive is also once again IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champion alongside Wato, but that means the same target is on his back. Will Yoh owe this Ichiban Sweet Boy a title shot? Or can he shoot down the Sniper of the Skies first?

Wait, Yoh’s near jacket and gear is made with… recycled Ziploc bags? Well, guess that’s one way to stay fresh. The bell rings and the two circle. They tie up, are in a deadlock, but Yoh’s height gives him leverage to put Eagles on ropes. The ref counts, Eagles turns things around on Yoh, but he lets off slowly, to kiss Yoh on the cheek. The fans cheer, especially the ladies, and then Eagles asks Yoh for one in return. Yoh steps closer, but Eagles headlocks! Eagles hits the takeover, Yoh headscissors, and Eagles kips free. Roles reverse and Yoh headlocks for a takeover and Eagles headscissors. Yoh kips free, the two stand off, and the fans cheer.

Eagles steps closer and he gives Yoh another kiss on the cheek. Yoh still wants to reciprocate but Eagles says no thanks. Because right now, he wants to “ROBBIE ROBBIE ROBBIE!” “OI OI OI!” “ROBBIE ROBBIE ROBBIE!” “OI OI OI!” “ROBBIE!” “OI!” “ROBBIE!” “OI!” “ROBBIE ROBBIE ROBBIE!” “OI OI OI!” And Yoh kisses Eagles on the cheek three times! The fans cheer and Eagles is stunned. Eagles slaps sense into himself, then SLAPS Yoh! Yoh runs up, Eagles trips him, but Yoh boots him away. Yoh drops down, bypasses, then drop toeholds Eagles! He calls Eagles a “hentai (pervert)” before he DROPKICKS Eagles!

Eagles tumbles out, Yoh PLANCHAS and direct hit! The fans fire up for Yoh, and he uses a fan’s towel to wipe his face. Yoh stalks Eagles, puts him in the ring, then hurries to a corner. The fans rally as Yoh climbs, and he CANNONBALLS! Cover, TWO! The fans rally while Eagles goes to a corner. Yoh stomps Eagles, throws forearms, then wrenches and whips corner to corner. Yoh runs in and ELBOWS Eagles, then turns him, but Eagles SAIDOS free! The fans fire up while both men are down! Eagles covers, TWO! The fans applaud and Eagles sits Yoh up to run and SLIDING KICK! Cover, TWO!

Eagles is annoyed but the fans rally up. Eagles kicks Yoh around, drags him up, and reels him in for a scoop and SLAM! Eagles soaks up the cheers, then covers, TWO! Eagles eggs Yoh on, so Yoh fires a forearm then a kick, and repeat. Eagles kicks low, CHOPS, then whips. Yoh reverses but Eagles stops himself, so Yoh’s dropkick gets nothing. Eagles runs up to roll Yoh into a KNEEBAR! Yoh endures as Eagles grapevines the leg, and the fans rally up. Yoh reaches out, crawls around, and manages the ROPEBREAK! The fans applaud and Eagles lets go. Eagles drags Yoh from the ropes to drop a KNEE on the knee!

The fans rally while Eagles paces. Yoh rises up, but Eagles KICKS, KICKS and KICKS! Yoh eggs Eagles on, so Eagles runs to LEG LARIAT! Cover, TWO! The fans rally and Eagles drags Yoh up. Eagles cravats but Yoh fights the rest. Eagles CLUBS away on Yoh, UPPERCUTS, then ASAI- NO, Yoh slips free of the Asai DDT! But Eagles back suplexes! Yoh lands out and waistlocks but Eagles switches and CHOP BLOCKS! Eagles runs, but into a DROPKICK! Both men are down and the fans rally up. Yoh and Eagles go to opposite ends, then they both run up! Yoh rallies with forearm after forearm, then whips, only for Eagles to reverses. But Yoh FLYING FOREARMS!

The fans rally more and Yoh brings Eagles around. Yoh scoops and SLAMS Eagles, then he sets up to soak up cheers. Yoh soaks up quite a lot, and then Yoh ELBOW DROPS! Cover, TWO! KNEE DROP! Cover, TWO, SPLASH! Cover, TWO! Eagles stays in this and the fans rally up again. Yoh brings Eagles around, reels him in, but Eagles fights the suplex! Yoh CLUBS away on Eagles, then brings him up to suplex, only for Eagles to fight free! Eagles wrenches, but Yoh ROCKS him! And ROLLING ELBOWS! Yoh reels Eagles back in, FALCON ARROW! Cover, TWO! Eagles survives and the fans fire up again!

Eagles and Yoh stir and Yoh goes to a corner. Yoh tunes up and the fans rally. Eagles rises, Yoh aims, but Eagles ducks the superkick to trip Yoh and tie up the legs! RON MILLER SPECIAL!! ROPEBREAK, but Eagles brings Yoh up fast, ASAI DDT!! Both men are down again and the fans rally back up. Eagles drags Yoh up, but Yoh breaks free, only for Eagles to KNEE low! And KICK down! Yoh goes to a corner, Eagles runs in, DOUBLE KNEES! Eagles comes back but Yoh BOOTS him! Eagles returns again to BASEMENT 619, but Yoh jumps it! Yoh then JUMP KNEES Eagles! Eagles DOUBLE KNEES Yoh again!

Yoh sits down, Eagles runs in yet again, METEORA! The fans fire up as Eagles drags Yoh to center and covers. TWO, but Eagles stands Yoh up to hook him up! But Yoh fights the backpack to scoop and FALCON GOROSHI! The fans fire up while both men are down, and Yoh clutches his leg. Yoh crawls to the cover, TWO! Yoh clamps on an ANACONDA VICE!! Eagles endures as Yoh uses Tenzan’s signature hold! Eagles fights around, stands up, but Yoh SLAMS Eagles down! Yoh pulls on the hold but Eagles still endures! The fans rally, Eagles reaches out, then manages to sit up! Eagles stands again, fights towards ropes, but Yoh ripcords and reels Eagles in!

DIRECT- NO, Eagles BACKDROPS out of that! Yoh sunset flips but Eagles rolls through! Eagles steps through, but Yoh BOOTS him away! Both men stand and the fans rally. Yoh ROCKS Eagles, Eagles kicks the leg, and both men back up. Yoh slaps his leg into working, and DOUBLE FOREARMS collide! DOUBLE FOREARMS collide again! And then again! Both men stagger all the way back to the ropes, for DOUBLE I’LL BE BACK! Eagles and Yoh SUPERKICK each other down! The fans fire up and both men go to corners. Eagles runs in, Yoh pops him up! Eagles lands on the apron, KICKS the leg out, then springboards to SNIPER DROPKICK!

The fans fire up as Yoh flounders! Eagles aims again, HYPER- NO, Yoh ducks that and rolls Eagles. Eagles rolls through but Yoh blocks the superkick! But Eagles stops the dragon screw, grabs an arm, and YANKS Yoh up to the fireman’s carry! Eagles shifts Yoh around to the TURBO BACKPACK!! Cover, TWO!!! Yoh survives and Eagles is shocked! The fans fire up as Eagles takes aim, BASEMENT SUPERKICK! Eagles hurries up top, takes aim, and WARP 4.5!! Direct hit on Yoh’s legs, and then Eagles steps through. But Yoh cradle counters! TWO!! Eagles escapes but he and Yoh fight for facelock control!

Yoh suplexes, Eagles slips through to waistlock, but Yoh switches! Yoh half nelsons, but Eagles fights the suplex! Yoh powers up and gets the full nelson! Eagles breaks free, but Yoh hops up to POISON-RANA!! Eagles rises, into a SUPERKICK!! The fans fire up and Yoh powers up again! Yoh drags Eagles up and in, DIRECT- NO, Eagles arm-drags and steps through, but Yoh turns Ron Miller Special into an O’Conner! STAR GAZE- NO, Eagles pushes on the bad leg! Yoh falls forward and Eagles ties the legs up! RON MILLER SPECIAL!!! Yoh endures, flails, and claws at the mat while the fans rally! Eagles drags Yoh away from ropes, YOH TAPS! EAGLES WINS!!

Winner: Robbie Eagles, by submission (gains 2 points; Yoh earns 0)

Both IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champions have lost! A golden ticket to Clark Connors, a golden ticket to Robbie Eagles, will Wato & Yoh be busy after the Best of the Super Juniors? Will Eagles use this win to go for the trophy?

Best of the Super Juniors 32 B Block: Ryusuke Taguchi VS Taiji Ishimori!

The Funky Weapon and the Bone Soldier have had quite a few battles through this tournament series, and more often than not, #ItsReborn! But will Taiji keep up that streak #ByGrace? Or will Taguchi finally get lucky here in the main event?

The bell rings and the fans rally behind “TA-GU-CHI!” Taguchi and Taiji circle, feel things out, then clinch. They go around, Taiji facelocks, but Taguchi wrenches out. Taiji wrenches in return and hammerlocks but Taguchi moves around. They stand, Taguchi switches the hammerlock, but Taiji drop toeholds. Taiji floats but Taguchi slips out the back to hammerlock again. The fans applaud this technical exchange, and Taguchi hooks an arm for a cover, TWO! Taguchi holds onto Taiji but Taiji fights up. Taiji wrenches out, but Taguchi rolls, trips Taiji and has the toehold. Taiji goes for an armbar but Taguchi goes for the leg!

Taiji scrambles forward and has the ROPEBREAK! The fans applaud and Taguchi lets go. Taguchi scoots back and keeps his eyes on Taiji. The fans rally as Taiji stands and the two reset. They circle, tie up again, and Taiji headlocks. Taguchi powers up and out and RAMS shoulders with Taiji! The fans cheer as Taiji dares Taguchi to run. Taguchi runs, they RAM shoulders again, and now Taiji runs. Taguchi drops down, hurdles, but Taiji waistlocks. Taguchi elbows free, whips to arm-drag, then he RAMS Taiji! Taguchi springboards to FLYING ARM-DRAG! And DROPKICK! The fans fire up as the Dropkick Master returns!

Taiji bails out but Taguchi builds speed! Taiji runs away but Taguchi rolls back and swivels them hips! Then Taguchi does the dance moves! The fans cheer but Taiji is annoyed. Taiji rushes up but Taguchi HIP ATTACKS him down! Taguchi slingshots, but Taiji YANKS him down! Taguchi hits apron then the floor, and Taiji stomps him. Taiji drags Taguchi around and CATAPULTS him into the POST! Taguchi falls and clutches his arm but the fans rally up. Taiji paces around the outside while Red Shoes checks Taguchi. Taguchi is okay to continue, but Taiji undoes the blue buckle pad! Red Shoes is none the wiser as he starts the ring count.

Taguchi shakes out the bad arm while he’s down on the mat. We go past 5 of 20, then past 10. Taguchi stands at 14 and the fans applaud. Taguchi hears 17 and rolls in at 19! The fans cheer as Taguchi maximizes his rest time, but then Taiji stomps Taguchi down! Taiji pulls on Taguchi’s bad arm, twists the wrist, and even stands on Taguchi’s face! Red Shoes reprimands, and it sounds like a young fan in the crowd shouts at Taiji. Taiji tries to spot the kid but he just pulls on Taguchi’s arm more. Taguchi fights up, but Taiji hammerlocks and POSTS him! The fans boo as Taguchi is stuck in the bare corner. Taiji brings Taguchi out to snapmare and FIST DROP! Cover, TWO!

The fans cheer but Taiji keeps Taguchi down with an armlock! Taguchi endures, and he reaches out to a ROPEBREAK with his foot! The fans cheer but Taiji holds on! Red Shoes reprimands and counts, Taiji lets go at 4, and the fans rally more. Taiji has Taguchi on the apron and drags him up. Taiji wrenches to HOTSHOT the arm! Taguchi drops to the apron and rolls in, clutching that shoulder. Taiji grins and looms over Taguchi. Taguchi CHOPS from below, but Taiji CLUBS him! Taguchi CHOPS again, but Taiji CLUBS Taguchi again! Taiji then grabs the bad arm for a STRAIGHT ARM BAR! Taguchi scrambles around again, ROPEBREAK!

Taiji still holds on so Red Shoes counts again. Taiji lets go at 4 and Taguchi crawls to the ropes. Taguchi kicks from below but Taiji eggs him on. Taguchi kicks more, so Taiji stomps him down! Taiji taunts the fans as they rally up for Taguchi. Taiji drags Taguchi up, Taguchi fires body shots, and the fans rally again. Taguchi runs, but jumps into an atomic drop! Taiji runs, btu Taguchi follows! Only to get another atomic drop! Taiji laughs while Taguchi drops to his knees. Taiji waistlocks but Taguchi fires elbows. Taguchi runs but fakes Taiji out, and then HIP ATTACKS! Then Taguchi TRIANGLE JUMP PLANCHAS! Direct hit and the fans cheer!

Taguchi still clutches the bad arm and shakes it out, but both he and Taiji are down as the ring count starts. Taguchi sits up at 6, drags Taiji up at 10, and puts him in at 11. Taguchi steps in and HIP DROPS! And HIP DROPS! And HIP DROPS again! Taguchi then goes back out to the apron, and he fires the fans up for the SLINGSHOT HIP DROP, but onto knees! Taiji turns things around on Taguchi and Taguchi hobbles away to a corner. Taiji runs in, but Taguchi BOOTS him! Taguchi goes up to get Taiji for the DEADLY BUTT SHADE! Taiji staggers back, Taguchi goes up, FLYING HIP ATTACK! The fans fire up and Taguchi covers, TWO!

Taguchi kips up and the fans fire up! Taguchi calls upon the powers of Strange Style, “ORYA~!” KETSU- NO, Taiji rolls Taguchi up! TWO!! Taiji ROCKS Taguchi, whips, but Taguchi reverses. Taiji handsprings to NEURALIZER KICK! Both men are down and the fans fire up again! Taiji hobbles over to Taguchi, drags him up, and gut wrenches. Taguchi slips free and waistlocks but Taiji switches. Taguchi drop toeholds but Taiji scrambles to the ROPEBREAK! Taguchi still uses OH MY GAH ANKLE!! Red Shoes reprimands, Taguchi stops, but then he drops KNEE after KNEE on Taiji’s ankle! Taguchi drags Taiji up and chicken wings!

DODON TO THE- NO, Taiji blocks the knees and deadlifts Taguchi into the CIPHER UTA- NO!! OH MY GAH- NO, VICTORY ROLL! TWO!! Taiji runs up, Taguchi dodges, ENZIGIRI! Both men are down again and the fans fire up! Taiji and Taguchi stir, and fans rally as Taguchi stands. Taguchi chicken wings but Taiji fights the lift! Taguchi CHOPS Taiji on the back, runs, but Taiji catches and spins him, to POST him again! Red Shoes reprimands but Taiji grabs Taguchi’s arm. Taiji hammerlocks one then half nelsons the other, but Taguchi fights the lift! Taiji powers through to hoist Taguchi up, SHOULDER BUSTER!

The fans rally while Taguchi writhes, and Taiji aims from the corner. Taguchi rises, Taiji runs in, LA MYST- NO, Taguchi powers through to roll Taiji up! TWO, and OH MY GAH ANKLE!! Taiji crawls, reaches out, but Taguchi drags him back! But Taiji drags Taguchi down! FUJIWARA, into the BONE LOCK!! Taguchi endures, fights around, reaches out, but Taiji rolls him away from ropes! Taguchi pops free to OH MY GAH ANKLE!! Taiji flails and reaches out, then grabs Red Shoes! Taiji YANKS Red Shoes into Taguchi, and that undoes the hold! Taguchi hurries back, but Taiji BOOTS Taguchi into Red Shoes!

The fans boo as Red Shoes goes down, but Taguchi rushes up on Taiji! Taiji slips around and hooks the arm, to LOW BLOW MULE KICK!! The fans boo more but Taiji GEDO CLUTCHES, TWO!!! Taguchi survives Taiji’s sneaky tactics and the fans fire up! Taiji, Taguchi and Red Shoes all slowly stand back up, and Taiji hobbles over to Taguchi. Taiji drags Taguchi up, but Taguchi is a ragdoll! Taiji snarls and he drags Taguchi up all the same, BLOODY- NO, Taguchi rolls through, and then has the OH MY GAH ANKLE!!! Taiji endures, Taguchi keeps him from ropes, and Taguchi pushes on that leg! The fans rally as hard as they can as Taguchi puts on the pressure!

Taiji grits his teeth, reaches out, but Taguchi twists the ankle more! Taiji fights forward, Taguchi drags him back, and repeat! Taguchi then yanks Taiji into the DODON BUSTER!!! Cover, TWO!?!? Taiji survives, but Taguchi just goes for OH MY GAH ANKLE!!!! The fans rally for Taguchi but Taiji rolls! Taguchi holds on!! Taguchi ELBOW DROPS the leg, then TWISTS the ankle!!! Taiji endures, but he TAPS!! TAGUCHI WINS!!!

Winner: Ryusuke Taguchi, by submission (gains 2 points; Taiji earns 0)

Taiji tried and tried, but who knew Taguchi would take this one so seriously? Will it only be #ByGrace that Taiji can turn this around and reach the top?

As for Taguchi, he ices his arm while the fans cheer him on. Then he gets the mic to say, “Thank you for the chants.” The fans cheer, and Taguchi continues, “Thank you all for so many of you showing up here in Iwanuma, and thank you for all the support.” The fans cheer again, and Taguchi adds that he’d like to thank Mayo Junichi Sato, as well as the Iwanuma City Board of Education. “The elementary and middle school kids were able to come here for free today, so we got so much support from the kids. For you to understand how pro-wrestling can give you strength is something that brings me so much joy.”

The fans applaud that, too, and Taguchi hopes they’ve all found a new hobby today in pro-wrestling. Please keep watching pro-wrestling, as there are so many great wrestlers for you to discover and enjoy. He hopes watching wrestling makes their lives more fun. He wishes them all the best. The fans applaud, and Taguchi says not just his opponent tonight, Taiji, but also Yoh and Mao are from here in the Miyagi Prefecture. “We produce a lot of great wrestlers, but I guess the Saito brothers are most famous.” The fans have a good laugh at that, and Taguchi says he hopes he can be like them in terms of popularity. Please continue to support him!

The fans applaud, and Taguchi says Hirooki Goto is leading NJPW and his Goto Revolution. The fans do applaud that, and Taguchi says he is willing to follow Goto. The G in IWGP may be for Goto, but the T in “The” that is in “Best of The Super Juniors” will now stand for Taguchi! The fans do like the sound of that. Taguchi says the BOSJ’s T will send his love to Iwanuma today. The fans like that, and Taguchi sees the cheerers are here, as is the mascot! The fans applaud and “Chief Clerk Iwanuma” waves. Taguchi says this is also on NJPW World, so this is good promotion around Japan and the world. You will see how great Iwanuma is today!

So, let’s go! The T in Best of the Super Juniors is for Taguchi! Iwanuma, daisuki desu~!” And since it’s been awhile, let’s do that, huh? The fans cheer and clap along as Taguchi does his dance! Will the Funky Weapon get even funkier as this tournament goes on? Will he lead the Junior Heavyweight Division just as Goto leads all of NJPW?

Here are the updated A Block standings!

Hiromu Takahashi: 1-0, 2 points
Dragon Dia: 1-0, 2 points
Kosei Fujita: 1-0, 2 points
Ninja Mack: 1-0, 2 points
Clark Connors: 1-0, 2 points
Master Wato: 0-1, 0 points
KUSHIDA: 0-1, 0 points
Yoshinobu Kanemaru: 0-1, 0 points
Francesco Akira: 0-1, 0 points
Robbie X: 0-1, 0 points

Here are the updated B Block standings!

El Desperado: 1-0, 2 points
Nick Wayne: 1-0, 2 points
MAO: 1-0, 2 points
Robbie Eagles: 1-0, 2 points
Ryusuke Taguchi: 1-0, 2 points
Kevin Knight: 0-1, 0 points
Titan: 0-1, 0 points
SHO: 0-1, 0 points
YOH: 0-1, 0 points
Taiji Ishimori: 0-1, 0 points

My Thoughts:

A great second day for BOSJ’s opening weekend. Mack VS Robbie X was immediately a high bar with that extra special Ninja Special Mack pulled off, and even how the finish came about with that spin kick into a cradle. Knight VS Mao also had some great innovation, and a great first win for Mao in his first-ever BOSJ. Connors and Eagles each getting a win over the tag team champions was a bit surprising, but they could do some big stuff with the tag teams after the tournament. I did like Connors using a tire in this match, and it sounds like that’s part of a new gimmick or something he’s doing. Yoh’s Ziplock outfit is pretty fun, too.

And great stuff out of the main event with getting “Serious Taguchi” here tonight. Taguchi is usually such a jokester so it’s great when he busts out a banger like this, especially when he wins. I appreciate Taguchi giving such a promo where he genuinely wants the kids to know pro-wrestling can be a hobby but also a career. I also like that he brought out the comedy here, copying Goto’s “the G in IWGP is for Goto” but to where it’s something irrelevant. Taguchi rising back up as a serious contender would be something to see, especially with all these crossovers.

My Score: 9/10