Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE WrestleMania 40 Results & Report! (4/6/24)
And so it begins!
It’s the biggest dream team tag match in WrestleMania history!
To determine if the WWE Universal Championship is fair and square or Bloodline Rules, Cody Rhodes & Seth Rollins take on The Rock & Roman Reigns! Will this weekend become a #FreakinNightmare for The Final Boss & Tribal Chief? Or will that be the other way around?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- WWE Women’s World Championship: Rhea Ripley VS Becky Lynch; Rhea wins and retains the title.
- Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championship Six Pack Ladder Match: Finn Balor & Damian Priest VS #DIY VS The Awesome Truth VS The New Day VS New Catch Republic VS A-Town Down Under; A-Town Down Under win the SmackDown titles and Awesome Truth win the Raw titles.
- Rey Mysterio & Andrade El Idolo VS Dominik Mysterio & Santos Escobar; Rey & Andrade win.
- Jey Uso VS Jimmy Uso; Jey wins.
- Six Woman Tag: Naomi, Bianca Belair & Jade Cargill VS Damage CTRL; Naomi, Bianca & Jade win.
- WWE Intercontinental Championship: GUNTHER VS Sami Zayn; Sami wins and becomes the new WWE Intercontinental Champion.
- The Dream Team Tag Match: Cody Rhodes & Seth Rollins VS The Rock & Roman Reigns; The Rock & Roman win and establish Bloodline Rules for the Universal Championship match on Night Two.
PLAY BY PLAY
It’s the WrestleMania 40 Kickoff Show!
Join Michael Cole, Pat McAfee, CM Punk and Big E for this TWO HOUR kickoff show, as they discuss, analyze and predict all of the action on the first night of the biggest WrestleMania Weekend of all time! Punk even says you can’t have a Philly WrestleMania without #PhilE! Get it?
Meek Mill speaks.
“Every city lives by a code. Only difference is, when you crack that Philly code, you put the whole world on notice. Tonight, we got some mess around and find out type o’ guys. Straight up code breakers. So if you come for The Bloodline, you best not miss. We been showin’ out for 40 years, and we got forever to go. And it’s about to be legendary. Philly, WrestleMania, let’s get it!”
Triple H has a sit-down interview.
Megan Morant is with the The Game, the Cerebral Assassin, the Chief Content Officer of the WWE at the WWE headquarters. She thanks him for taking this time during this busy part of the year, and starts with a tough one: How’s he doing? He’s great. There’s no better time than WrestleMania season, and especially for the biggest Mania ever. First Mania under TKO, what’s that like? TKO sort of coming in allowed WWE to think outside the box. They’ve been able to look at things with fresh eyes and you’ll see that going forward from now on. It is different, but it is fun.
Six weeks ago, the Mania main event looked rather different. But here we are, Mania Saturday. How does HHH adapt and evolve? HHH notes that things were different. It started with The Rock saying he wanted to come back and get involved. There’s one thing about The Rock is that he’s known this business his entire life. He listens to fans, hears their reactions. The best stories are when you can blur the lines of real-life and fiction, and they have followed the path most intriguing to the fans. This is now everything it should be.
Megan notes the “complicated” history between HHH and The Rock. What is the dynamic now that they both have executive level responsibilities? It is funny to think of how their careers are wildly different yet also parallel. It’s rather poetic going into WrestleMania 40. Looking back at Rocky Maivia and Hunter Hearst Hemsley, it’s so hard to imagine them both being where they are today. The Rock is the biggest star in the world yet HHH still sees him as that young guy. It’s just fun.
Megan notes HHH also has the most experience in a WrestleMania ring than anyone in WWE today. Does he miss any part of performing? Not the physicality. But it is interesting that in your career, it is rather self-centered. “Can I deliver? Can I still do it?” Being in the leadership role is now more external, more collaborative, and having a building full of talented people, the roster and the crew. It is more fun and exciting than even his wrestling career. They’re an entertainment company, they keep that in mind as they work on it. If they’re having fun working, you’ll have fun watching.
This is just part one of this interview, watch the rest of this interview tomorrow as part of night two!
Peter Rosenberg and Braun Strowman are at Cheekie’s & Pete’s!
They’re having some Wheatley American Vodka, and they’re talking the Dream Team Tag Match. Braun would be nervous but confident, because Cody Rhodes is gonna #FinishHisStory. Big day, big weekend, big thirst! Braun wants to make some American Mules for the fans! The fans cheer as he starts pouring the drinks, and they all toast “CODY! CODY!” Will everyone be drinking to Cody’s success? Or will there be some drowning of sorrows instead?
Backstage interview with Sami Zayn.
Jackie Redmond is with the Great Liberator and speaks to how she’s been along for the ride on Sami’s WrestleMania journey. He said he’d find a way, here it is, he faces Gunther for the Intercontinental Championship. There have been highs and lows, but where is Sami at right now? Sami says the interesting part is the “right now” thing. Maybe an hour ago, his answer would be different, and an hour from now it’ll be different again. It’s been that crazy of a day, and part of it is that reality is setting it about what’s going down. Sami knows others wouldn’t admit this, but he’ll say it: he’s nervous.
And he knows others interpret that as self-doubt but that’s not this. These are the kinds of nerves that happen when you’re ready to go to war. Ready to push through something you didn’t know you had, ready to be tested in a way no planning could prepare you for. So right now, Sami will say that he’ll use that. He’ll ride the nerves, accept them, and use them as he goes to war. Jackie says Sami wanted to prove to everyone that they were right about him, so she wishes him luck. Will Sami be able to take everything he’s felt up to this point and use it against Der Ring General?
Backstage interview with Trish Stratus.
Cathy Kelley is with the living legend, and she has had many Mania moments, and even faced Becky Lynch. Does she have any predictions? Trish has faced off with Becky inside a steel cage, a Match of the Year contender. And Trish will say that Becky is the best she’s ever stepped in with. Now “Mother” Trish hasn’t stepped into the ring with Mami Rhea, but we all know Rhea’s been unstoppable since winning the world title. Hard to stay if Becky can stop Rhea. Speaking of stepping into the ring, is Trish returning to action in WWE any time soon? Trish says never say never.
Backstage interview with JBL.
Kayla Braxton is with John Bradshaw Layfield and asks how excited he is for the weekend. JBL says his first Mania was HBK ziplining in from the ceiling. JBL retired at Mania, he saw the greatest matches ever, such as HBK VS Taker. His college buddies pitched in so they could all watch Hogan scoop slam Andre! Mania makes you immortal. Hearts will be broken, legends will be created, he can’t wait. Any particular match? Yes, JBL met Rey Mysterio when Rey first came to the WWE, and JBL knew Rey was a deadbeat dad even then. He’s like a lucha libre Darth Vader, it’s horrible. But Dominik Mysterio is like Gandhi, a man who persevered through prison and then turned his life around to be a great role model. JBL can’t wait to see Dom get justice on his father.
And then of course, the main event. Roman Reigns is a modern day Bruno Sammartino, and he’s gonna team with The Rock to take on Daddy’s Boy Cody and Seth Freakin’ Rollins, he can’t wait.
Tom Rinaldi relates a story of sports and charity.
In one crucial moment, a championship belt sparked a bond between a boy in need and the player who helped. The Kansas City Chiefs won Super Bowl LVIII, from offensive lineman Trey Smith to the Chiefs Assistant GM Mike Borgonzi. They had their parade on Valentine’s Day 2024, and the community was all united by that moment. To match the rings, the WWE gave the team a Legacy belt. Trey loved having that belt, it was glorious. But as the parade was ending, everything changed as a shooting between angry teens broke out. The Chiefs staff was evacuated, and Trey saw Joey, Mike’s son.
Joey was really scared seeing everyone running to get away. There were so many ambulances, he was really nervous. Trey sat with Joey, could tell Joey was panicked, and his parents didn’t know what to do to calm him down. Mike was sure the fear came from the possibility that the shooter was on the bus. Trey thought how to calm Joey down, and behold, his WWE Legacy belt. Little did Trey know, Joey loves the WWE. Rey threw his shirt to the crowd, and Joey caught it! Joey got to even be Rey for Halloween with that shirt. Joey held onto the belt, and just talked pro-wrestling. He calmed down, and that was a great relief.
Trey telling Joey he was a champion helped Joey forget about the chaos outside. Jill, Joey’s mom, was so grateful that Trey was there with them. Joey thought about his two favorite things, the WWE and the NFL, and it helped him be brave. These childhood moments do carry over into adulthood, so Mike is sure that moment in time changed Joey. When looking back on that day, Joey brings up Trey, the WWE Legacy title, and that Trey let Joey have the belt because he’s the champ. It meant a lot to Joey, he keeps the title by his bed at night to encourage him.
So what is a hero? Joey says a hero is someone who, just like Trey, can help those who are afraid and cheer them up. Trey helped Joey through that scary time, so that’s why Trey’s a hero. And speaking of, Tom welcomes Joey and Trey to the show! Joey got to meet Rey, and Joey thanks Rey and the WWE for giving him such a great experience. Tom says Joey’s an incredible kid. Trey, could this be part of his future? Trey thinks back to being a kid watching WWE, he loves it. Tom says this is a great story, a special bond, and that’s what WWE helps bring into the world. Stay tuned for more kickoff show after this.
Jackie Redmond and Wade Barrett tag in for the panel.
Obviously Michael Cole & Pat McAfee need to make their way to commentary, it’s probably gonna take all 45 minutes left to get there. The fans chant for CM Punk, but then they even chant for Jackie.
Backstage interview with Judgment Day.
Cathy Kelly is with Finn & Priest, and note they’ve been dominant the past few months. But are the odds stacked against them tonight? Priest is pissed because of course they’d be pissed about this situation! They’re the best, no one team can beat them, so now they stack the odds! Five teams?! Seriously? But Finn says they can keep stacking them up so Judgment Day can keep knocking them down! Finn & Priest fist bump, united, but will they still fail to retain all their titles?
WWE honors local Philadelphia non-profits.
Fly Forward, Yeah Philly and The Lighthouse are all given commemorative titles, but that’s not all! In partnership with Slim Jim, WWE awards these organization $50 THOUSAND!! The fans cheer the community champions, here’s hoping that money helps even more people.
Backstage interview with Natalya.
Cathy is with the Queen of Harts who has a lot of Mania moments, but what match is she looking forward to? Well, Philly is the City of Brotherly Love, so she wants to see Yeet VS No Yeet, Jey VS Jimmy. She’s Team YEET, but she’s so excited to see how far these two came. Naturally, she loves looking back to Bret VS Owen, Hart VS Hart, WrestleMania 10, so it’s fitting that WrestleMania 40 is also Brother VS Brother. Cathy says Natty looks so lovely right now she’ll just leave it at that, and sends it over to Kayla.
Backstage interview with Dominik Mysterio & Santos Escobar.
Kayla Braxton is with Dom & Santos, but how much does strategy change – Dom says nothing changes, they just want to destroy The LWO. Andrade will learn what happens when you turn on Santos, and Rey will finally pay for turning on those who loved him. Santos agrees with Dom: the strategy remains the same, they will ERADICATE Rey and the LWO. Will Dirty Dom and the Emperor finally get what they want? Or just what they deserve?
Sit down interview with Cody Rhodes & Seth Rollins.
Jackie Redmond asks them… What do they wanna talk about? Clever, and they fist bump Jackie over it. Jackie says after all the history they had, what is it like to be teaming together? Cody knows they put each other through hell, but they both know what it’d mean if this were to become a Bloodline dominated WWE. The Rock has power on the Board of Directors, what else was Rollins supposed to do? Who else would step up if not Rollins? Jackie also brings up how Rollins got to know Dusty Rhodes back in the day. How much did that motivate this partnership?
Rollins takes the sunglasses off to get serious. Dusty believed in Rollins when he didn’t even believe in himself. Dusty was the first person in the WWE that told Rollins to be himself. And so Rollins being under that learning tree means a lot. What would Dusty make of this partnership? A Dusty Kid and one of his sons. Cody is sure that Dusty seeing the inaugural NXT Champion at WrestleMania, he’d be so proud. Dusty’s fingerprints are all over the WWE in 2024. Then this will probably also be hard to talk about, but what about the confrontation with The Rock in Chicago?
Cody says it was embarrassing more than anything. And the last thing The Rock should’ve done was embarrass Cody. Cody wants to see what it’ll be like facing The Rock in a fair fight. Jackie brings up the ambush in Brooklyn, and Rollins says The Bloodline underestimates their opponents. Rollins has had Roman’s number every step of the way, and that hubris and complacency for Roman is gonna bite him on the ass. The Rock hasn’t wrestled in 12 years, and got hurt the last time he did. Roman has been holding on by fingertips, needing the Bloodline in every title match. Bet it all on Cody & Seth for this one.
Then final question: If they lose, Cody’s match becomes Bloodline Rules, Anything Goes. How massive are the repercussions if this doesn’t go how they hope? The reality is, it was always Bloodline Rules. So it can’t be anything other than a win this time. This is their moment, their time, they are united: just win. Some risks are worth taking, they need this win, and that’s what they will do. Confident as they are, can Team Freakin’ Nightmare pull it off?
Coco Jones sings the American National Anthem.
Triple H steps out on stage!
Philly knew The Game was here, but now The Game walks out to see the people! He takes a moment to revel in their cheers, then heads down to the ring. HHH gets on the corner for his signature pose and the fans cheer even more. HHH then gets a mic to say, “Man, I live for this. Welcome to a new time. Welcome to a new era! Welcome to WrestleMania!!” The fans fire up for that, and HHH takes his leave, having made his message short and sweet. Are you ready for The HHH Era?
WWE Women’s World Championship: Rhea Ripley VS Becky Lynch!
When it comes to the Raw Women’s Division, Mami has been on top for an entire YEAR, having taken this throne from The Queen, Charlotte Flair. But now, Rhea runs into The Man, and The Man wants to get back to the Big Time! Will Becky show Rhea that dominance doesn’t last forever? Or will Rhea simply eradicate another of the Four Horsewomen?
Becky’s entrance includes a quote from her autobiography, Not Your Average Average Girl. “If you bring forth what is within you, what you bring forth will complete you. If you do not bring forth what is within you, what you bring forth will destroy you.” Becky found what she loved. She wasn’t good at it, but she wanted to be, and that was enough. She was addicted to the euphoria, and couldn’t believe anyone wanted to do anything else. Average height, average weight, average upbringing, average anxieties, yet she has done some extraordinary things. For she is… THE MAN! Becky steps through the cover of her book and WEARS her book, because she lives it!
As for Rhea, she has Motionless In White live to perform her theme song! They eat, sleep, bleed the demons in your dreams, and Rhea is ready to rock Philadelphia! The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who is truly on top tonight!
The bell rings and the fans fire up as the two stare down. They circle, tie up, and Rhea shoves Becky down! The fans duel already as Rhea eggs on The Man. Becky scowls, and then SLAPS Rhea! Rhea SLAPS back! Then Rhea whips Becky to a corner, runs up, but Becky dodges. Rhea blocks the jump kick, puts Becky on the apron and bumps her off buckles! Becky sputters, Rhea brings her in but Becky HOTSHOTS an arm and POSTS Rhea’s shoulder! Becky goes up, MISSLE DROPKICKS, and Rhea tumbles out. Becky builds speed and slides, but Rhea blocks the kick! Rhea Electric Chair Lifts, but Becky gets free to kick the arm! Then FLYING FOREARM!
Becky hurries after Rhea, puts her in the ring, then storms back in. Rhea swings, Becky bobs ‘n’ weaves and ROCKS her back! Becky swings, but Thea gets under, atomic FACEBUSTER right on the Prime logo. Then Rhea NORTHERN LIGHTS! Bridging cover, TWO! Becky scrambles away but Rhea smiles. Rhea sees Becky go to ropes. kicks her around, then puts her in a corner. Rhea bumps Becky off buckles, RAMS into her, and RAMS in again. The ref counts, Rhea lets off, Becky kicks back. Rhea ROCKS and DECKS Becky! Rhea hauls Becky up, reels her in, and she suplexes, but Becky cradle counters! TWO, and Rhea deadlifts Becky!
Rhea SLAMS Becky on the mat, covers, TWO! Rhea is a little amused that Becky’s hanging in there. Rhea pushes Becky around, but Becky fires forearms! Rhea kicks low, CLUBS Becky and CLUBS her again. Rhea whips, DROPKICKS and Becky flounders. The fans rally up as Rhea dusts herself off. Rhea stalks Becky, gets a leg, drags her around with it, then stomps her into a drop zone. Rhea shows some Latina Heat and goes up top. The fans are torn but Becky is after Rhea to SUPER ARM-DRAG! Both women are down and the fans rally up again! Becky crawls her way to ropes, Rhea runs up but Becky counter punches! And again, and again!
They trade haymakers, body shots, and forearms! Becky UPPERCUTS, SOBATS, but Rhea kicks low, stomps a foot, and SMASHES Becky off a knee! But Becky fights the suplex to TORNADO DDT! Becky hurries to cover, TWO! Rhea is still in this but Becky keeps her cool. Becky stands, gets the fans fired up again, then brings Rhea up. Rhea fights the clinch, whips Becky to a corner, then runs up, but Becky dodges! JUMP KICK! Rhea is stuck in the ropes now, and Becky goes up to APRON LEG DROP! Becky gets Rhea up to clinch and BARRIER BECKSPLODER! Rhea writhes, Becky puts her in the ring, and Becky climbs a corner! THE MAN’S LEG DROP! Cover, TWO!
Rhea is still in this and seething, but Becky brings her around. Becky SLAMS the bad arm off the mat, SLAMS it again, and again! Becky goes to mount but Rhea pushes her away! Rhea runs up, into an ELBOW! Becky goes up and up and leaps, into Rhea’s arms! Rhea pops Becky up to a fireman’s carry, for a DROP! And a KNEE! Cover, TWO!! Becky survives and Rhea is shocked! Rhea seethes, dribbles Becky off the Prime logo, then drags her up. Rhea pump handles, RIP- NO, Becky slips free and shoves, BACKSTABBER! Shoutout to The Boss, and Becky gets the ARMBAR! Rhea flails, kicks around, but she’s going away from the ropes!
Becky keeps the arm extended, but Rhea stacks her, and deadlifts, to POWERBOMB! Becky holds on, so Rhea BOMBS her again! And BOMBS her again!! Cover, TWO!! Becky survives and Rhea is beside herself! Rhea looks around as she thinks of what she has to do now. Becky drags herself up, elbows back, but Rhea HEADBUTTS! Rhea whips, but Becky wrangles an arm to TWEAK it! But Rhea BOOTS her for it! Cover, TWO! Rhea is losing her cool, and she hammers away on Becky! Rhea KICKS Becky in the side, CLUBS away, but Becky CHOPS! Rhea CHOPS, they CHOP and CHOP and SLAP and CHOP!
The fans fire up and “WOO~!” and Rhea HEADBUTTS again! Rhea runs in, but Becky POSTS her! Then Becky has Rhea in the ropes, DISARM-HER!! The ref counts, Becky lets off at 4.52! Becky BOOTS Rhea into the post! Rhea falls back, Becky adjusts, THE MAN’S LEG DROP BLOCKED into the PRISM TRAP!! Becky endures the Cloverleaf and reaches out, but Rhea drags her back! Becky still fights forward, but Rhea drags her back again! And then drops down to body scissor! Becky is caught right on the Prime logo, but she uses her arms as best she can to fight around! They roll and roll, into a cover! TWO!!
Rhea gets up, ROUNDHOUSES Becky, but Becky stays up. Rhea pump handles, RIP- NO, Becky slips free to MANHANDLE SLAM!! Cover, TWO!!! Rhea survives and shocks everyone, especially Becky! “This is Awesome!” as Becky thinks on what she has to do now. Becky grabs the arm but Rhea moves around. Rhea shoves Becky away, but Becky gets around. Rhea turns the backslide around to flip Becky up and over! Pump handle, RIPTIDE!!! Cover, TWO?!?!? Becky survives and everyone’s shocked all over again! Rhea asks just what the what, and she pushes Becky to a drop zone. Rhea goes up top, but the bad arm bothers her.
Becky hits ropes to trip Rhea up! Rhea gets stuck up top, Becky ROCKS her! Becky climbs up, throws haymakers, windmills away on Rhea, then climbs to the very top. Becky brings Rhea up, for a SUPERPLEX! Roll through, ARMBAR! Rhea moves around, but Becky uses that to get the DISARM-HER!!! Rhea is caught now, but she kicks and pushes up! Rhea Electric Chair Lifts! Becky throws hands, then victory rolls to the outside! Rhea lands on her feet to bring Becky around, ELECTRIC CHAIR SLAM to the floor!! Rhea fires up and the fans fire up, too! Rhea puts Becky in, climbs a corner, and FROG SPLASHES!! Cover, TWO?!?!? Becky does it again, but how?!
Rhea is furious, and she tells Becky she could’ve made this a lot easier on herself. Becky’s on the apron, Rhea goes up the corner. Rhea drags Becky up, to deadlift SUPER- NO, Becky fights that off! Becky pops free to UPPERCUT, HOTSHOT, and then climb up after Rhea! Becky clinches for a SUPER MAN- NO, Rhea slips free! HAYMAKER! Pump handle, RIPTIDE BUCKLE BOMB STYLE! Then another RIPTIDE!!! Cover, Rhea wins!!
Winner: Rhea Ripley, by pinfall (still WWE Women’s World Champion)
One year and counting for Mami! It took more than even she expected it to, but if Rhea can beat even the Big Time, will anyone ever stand a chance of stopping her?
Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championship Six Pack Ladder Match: Finn Balor & Damian Priest VS #DIY VS The Awesome Truth VS The New Day VS New Catch Republic VS A-Town Down Under!
From Judgment Day to Judgment Day, we see if the boys can follow Mami’s example. However, The Prince & The Punisher aren’t just facing one team, or even two teams. FIVE teams from both Raw and SmackDown get their shot in what very well could be the biggest tag team championship match then, now and forever! Now, there is a sliver of hope: the match doesn’t end until BOTH the red and the blue belts are brought down! Can Finn & Priest come away with at least a little gold? Or will it all be gone in one fell swoop?
To go along with R-Truth thinking they’re DX, Gargano & Ciampa have a very DX inspired graphics package and ring attire so that Truth won’t have to face the truth. Meanwhile, Kofi Kingston is Rocky while Xavier Woods is Creed, and they’re ready to go as many rounds as needed! All the introductions are made, the belts are already hanging in the balance, and we see if the Judgment Day stays golden!
The bell rings and all five challenger teams go after the champs! The fans fire up as Finn gets mugged outside while Priest gets mugged inside! Then things spill out as everyone goes for ladders! The different teams go after each other, Finn hits a POST, and then A-Town Down Under get ladders under each set of belts! They want to get it all done all at once! DIY, Awesome Truth and New Catch Republic stop them, then they all fight over who gets to climb! Miz gets ahead on the Raw belts, as does Truth for SmackDown, but everyone goes after them now! NCR brawl with DIY, A-Town Down Under join in, and then new Day sneak in the middle!
Kofi tips the Raw Ladder! Woods tips the SmackDown ladder! They each reach for belts but the Judgment Day go after them! Kofi gets SMACKED off rungs, Woods is put in an corner! UPPERCUT from Priest! Kofi keeps Finn from climbing so Finn TOSSES him out! Dunne goes after Finn, Finn ROCKS Dunne! Priest CHUCKS a ladder at Waller & Theory! Dunne is sent into a ladder by Finn! Ciampa’s back, but Priest sends a ladder into him! The Judgment Day put ladders in corners, they mug Bate, and then puts Bate against a ladder. Priest runs up, but Bate moves, Priest splashes onto the rungs! Bate ROCKS Finn, then torture racks him and a ladder!
The fans fire up as the AIRPLANE SPIN gets going, Jumbo Jet style! Kofi gets in but gets SMACKED! The ladder falls away but the spin continues for Finn! Bate stops at about ten, then TOSSES Finn onto the ladder! Bate calls to Dunne but Woods drags Bate out! Ciampa CHOPS Waller down, Woods brawls with Bate, Dunne BOOTS Theory! Bate & Dunne climb the tallest ladder standing! The other teams are brawling, and so NCR say go! DOUBLE ARIHARA MOONSAULTS!! The fans are thunderous as all the other teams get wiped out! NCR get the ladders in the ring and go for the SmackDown belts first.
Dunne RAMS into Priest to keep him away as Bate goes up. But Priest lifts Dunne, to RAZOR’S EDGE him into Bate and the ladder! Bate takes the worse of the falls, and Priest goes up! Priest has to choose which belt first, but Miz CLUBS him down! Miz full nelsons, but Priest fights it! The ladder is tipped over, Priest ROCKS Miz! Finn joins in to CLUB away on Miz and knee him down! The Judgment Day move the ladder aside, but Truth… wants to tag in!? Did he get hit so hard he forgot what kind of match this is?! Judgment Day whips Miz to a the ladder, Miz stops himself and doges, hot tag to Truth! Truth does the splits to dump Priest!
Truth runs to rally with the big shoulder tackles! Finn swings, into the SPIN OUT BOMB! Truth gets up and the fans are with him as he says, “YOU CAN’T SEE ME~!” Truth runs, shimmy and FIVE KNUCKLE SHUFFLE! Then fireman’s carry, and ATTITUDE ADJUSTMENT through a ladder! Truth covers but that’s not the kind of match this is! Truth counts it, he feels he won. Miz reminds him, this is a LADDER match! GO up! Priest choke grips Awesome Truth but they kick back! THE AWESOME FINALE! Truth tells “HBK” to tune up, so Gargano tunes up! SWEET CHIN MUSIC for Priest! And then a PEDGIREE from “HHH!”
The fans fire up as #RegenerationX coordinates, and they get ladders up under the belts! Miz & Truth have the blue ones in sight, DIY has the red! The fans cheer this on, but then Waller TIPS Awesome Truth! Theory TIPS DIY! The fans boo as A-Town Down Under now has to go and climb! Waller has the blue belts down, they’re the SmackDown champions!
A-Town Down Under are NEW Smackdown Tag Team Champions
Well, whether we like it or not, they’ve got half the prize here! Theory gets the ladder set up for the red belts, but New Day mugs him first! Bate says Bop up, BANG on Waller! He and Dunne then get Waller up to DOUBLE POWERBOMB through a ladder bridge!!! The fans lose their minds as the Grayson Waller Effect just got brutally neutralized! New Catch Republic then moves on to WRECK the New Day with dropkicks! They hurry to stop Ciampa getting his ladder in, and they RAM him into barriers! Gargano is up, Dunne runs up but Gargano DUMPS him! Bate runs up into a GAMANGIRI! Gargano CANNONBALLS onto Dunne and Finn!
Ciampa RAMS Bate into the Prime drink tank! DIY say, “GET THE TABLES!” Philly fires up as now they go Team 3DIY! Truth helps out to set things up ringside as fans cheer for “E C DUB! E C DUB!” And not just one but THREE tables! Dunne DECKS Truth, Ciampa has Woods at the ropes. Gargano joins in, but Kofi saves Woods from the double suplex! Kofi hits TROUBL EIN PARADISE, Ciampa keeps Gargano from falling in ladders! Woods KNEES Ciampa, he and Kofi mug Ciampa, then SMACK him off another ladder bridge! Woods goes to the top and takes aim! Tightrope and LIMIT BREAKER on the ladder!!
Woods writhes, Kofi gets the ladder bridge outta the way, then TOSSES Dunne as he runs in! Kofi BOOTS Miz, Woods climbs, but Finn is back! Kofi kicks him, kicks Priest, brawls with Bate, and then kicks Miz! Woods and Kofi both climb, so Kofi SUPER TRUST FALLS to take everyone out!! Woods reaches out for the red belts in hand, but Theory CLUBS him! And KNEES him, and TOSSES him! Theory hurries to adjust the ladder, the fans boo! But NCR return! They drag Theory down, and bend his fingers! Dunne SNAPS Theory’s digits, then he and Bate hit the BIRMINGHAMMER!!
Dunne holds the ladder in place, Bate climbs, but Gargano’s back. Dunne runs up but Gargano puts him on the apron, GAMANGIRI! Ciampa climbs to intercept Bate! Gargano slingshots, ONE FINAL BEAT through a table!!! Bate and Ciampa brawl while fans lose their minds, and Bate touches belts! But Ciampa Alabama Lifts! SUPER AIR RAID CRASH!!! The ladder falls with them!! Philly again loses their minds, and wait! Truth rises up! Truth sees the belts, he sees the ladder, and the fans cheer him on! Truth stands the ladder back up, hurries to climb, but JD MCDONAGH attacks!? The Irish Ace YANKS him down, DEVLINSIDE!!
JD calls to Judgment Day as the fans boo as hard as they can! JD hurries to get Finn in and up the ladder! JD even helps Finn climb! Finn reaches out, but Woods returns! And Kofi! Kofi has a chair to SMACK JD! Woods fires off on Finn, then lets Kofi SMACK him, too! And again! JD sees he’s alone now, and the New Day carries the ladder over to tip it! JD falls through the tables!!! And then New Day resets the ladder, only for Priest to BOOT Woods! Priest CLUBS Kofi down, has him in the crucifix, RAZOR’S EDGE onto a chair!! Priest storms up the ladder while fans boo, but Priest just soaks up all that heat.
Priest grabs the belts, but MIZ returns! Miz fires off hands to bring Priest down! Miz grabs onto the belts, but Priest choke grips Miz! SUPER SOUTH OF HEAVEN! It wasn’t the cleanest given the ladder itself is beat up, but Priest chucks it to get a new one. Truth is there but Priest BOOTS him! Priest stands this new ladder up, and the fans rally for Truth to get up! Truth rises again and he TIP the ladder! Priest hotshots off ropes, and into a fireman’s carry! ATTITUDE ADJUSTMENT out of the ring! Truth hurries to get the ladder up again! Truth climbs and the fans are thunderous already! Truth grabs the belts, brings them down, and Awesome Truth win!!
The Awesome Truth are the NEW Raw Tag Team Champions
Judgment Day loses it all as Truth finally has a WrestleMania moment! He and Miz celebrate finally reigning together, will they make the rest of 2024 truly AWESOME?
Rey Mysterio & Andrade El Idolo VS Dominik Mysterio & Santos Escobar!
It was just last year that the father and son battled, and now on the biggest WrestleMania ever, this blood feud has escalated! The former La Sombra and the former El Hijo Del Fantasma are themselves multi-generational luchadores, each with their own ideas of what lucha libre should be. In shocking fashion, Andrade rejected Dom & Santos to join Rey, will they make him regret it? Or will the Prodigal Son and the Emperor of Lucha finally be humbled?
Naturally, both sides bring all their back up in the rest of the LWO and Legado Del Fantasma. The teams sort out and Rey starts against Santos. Santos JUMP KNEES, whips, then drops. Rey ducks ‘n ‘dodges and tilt-o-whirls to RANA! Santos staggers, Dom tags in and the fans boo. Dom stares Rey down but Rey smirks. Rey runs up, Dom dodges and kicks low! Dom reels Rey in, gives some Latino Heat, but Rey slips right out! Rey BOOTS, then tags in Andrade! Andrade CHOPS and CHOPS and CHOPS Dom! Dom falls, Andrade DECKS Santos! Dom kicks low, CHOPS back, then runs, but into the boot feint and ELBOW!
Dom bails out, Andrade tags Rey, and they combine to wheelbarrow RANA to send Santos out! Andrade then climbs up, Rey climbs up onto Andrade’s shoulders, and they DOUBLE DECKER CROSSBODY! Direct hit and the fans all fire up! Rey bumps Dom off barriers, then brings him around to SLAP him! Dom gets into the ring, Rey goes up a corner to slingshot and RANA! Dom hits POST, then Rey takes off his belt! The ref reprimands, but Dom mule kicks! Dom whips Rey to the apron, but Rey ROCKS him! Rey springboards but Dom DECKS him! The fans boo but Dom KNEES Andrade off the apron!
Dom has the ref pay attention as he tags in Santos. Santos then KICKS Rey in the side! Fans boo as Santos puts Rey in the ring. Santos steps in to LEG DROP! Santos rains down fists, then he drags Rey up. Santos talks trash, whips Rey to ropes, and tilt-o-whirl BACKBREAKERS! Cover, TWO! Rey is tougher than that but Santos drags him up. Tag to Dom then Santos whips, BACKBREAKER and Dom slingshot SENTONS! Cover, TWO! Dom is annoyed but the ref defends his count. Dom facelocks to keep Rey away from Andrade. Rey fights up as the fans rally, and he throws body shots! Rey runs, but Dom UPPERCUTS him down! Cover, TWO!
Dom is annoyed and he brings Rey up to tag in Santos. They double whip Rey to ropes, then ELBOW him down! They both run to DOUBLE BASEMENT DROPKICK! Cover, TWO! Santos is annoyed, and he drags Rey up to put him up top. Santos climbs, he pulls on the mask, but the fans boo! The ref reprimands, Santos lets go to then bring Rey into the Tree of Woe. Santos goes corner to corner, runs in, and PENALTY KICKS Rey out of the Tree! Santos smiles as he drags Rey up, snapmares, and clamps onto a seated Cobra Twist! Rey endures, the fans rally, and Andrade reaches out. Rey fights up, throws hands, but Santos shoves him to a corner.
Santos runs up but Rey BOOTS him! Rey bumps Santos off buckles, climbs up and he rains down fists! But Santos Electric Chair Lifts Rey! Rey throws hands, shifts around, but Santos blocks the sunset! Rey sits up to go again, CODE RED! Both men are down, the fans rally up, hot tags to Dom and Andrade! El Idolo rallies on Santos and Dom, DRAGON SCREW for DRAGON SCREW! Andrade ducks ‘n’ dodges to CLOBBER Dom! Andrade kips up, the fans fire up, and Andrade sees Dom in a corner! Andrade has the fans chanting “SI! SI! SI!” Andrade runs to CIEN SHADOWS! Andrade then goes up the corner, MOONSAULT!
Dom moves, but Andrade STANDING MOONSAULTS! Cover, TWO! Dom stays in this but Andrade whips him to ropes. Dom reverses, dodges, and NECKBREAKERS! Dom crawls, as does Andrade, hot tags to Santos and Rey! Rey goes up to SEATED SENTON! Then he runs to RANA Santos onto ropes! Rey dials it up and the fans love it, but Dom runs in! Rey TOSSES Dom, redials, 619!! Andrade goes up to ARIHARA MOONSAULT Dom down! Rey then goes up but Angel distracts the ref! Humberto anchors Rey and Santos GAMANGIRIS! Santos then goes up to get Rey for a SUPER DUPER STEINER! Cover, TWO!!
The fans fire up as Rey survives! Lopez gets mad at the ref, but Zelina YANKS her down! Zelina goes up the corner now to ASAI MOONSAULT! Down goes Lopez, Angel is mad, and Carlito has to keep Zelina from getting after him! That’s fine, Cruz Del Toro FLIES out onto Angel! Humberto DIVES onto Cruz! Carlito RAMS Humberto into Angel! Wilde says let’s get a Mania moment! Carlito and Cruz agree! BOOSTED CROSSBODY takes out Angel & Humberto!! The fans are thunderous, but Santos runs up at Rey! DOUBLE KNEES in the corner, then Santos POSTS Rey! The ref sorts out the chaos on the outside as Santos tells Dom to bash Rey’s head out!
Wait, who are these guys in lucha masks!? They’re huge! They POST Dom, then put him in the ring! Just what happened here!? Santos is freaking out, Andrade CLUBS Santos and Rey puts him on ropes, too! DOUBLE 619!! Then Andrade gives Dom THE MESSAGE! Rey hits the FROG SPLASH on Santos! Cover, LWO wins!!
Winners: Rey Mysterio & Andrade El Idolo, by pinfall
But seriously, who’re these towering dudes in the lucha masks? They take off the masks, and surprise! Jason Kelce and Lane Johnson of the Philadelphia Eagles! Fly, Eagles, Fly indeed! Will this finally be enough to humble Legado?
Jey Uso VS Jimmy Uso!
Two twins that were down since day one, but torn apart by pride and jealousy, these two will battle in just the third-ever Brother VS Brother singles match in WrestleMania history. This is twin VS twin, Uso VS Uso, YEET VS NO YEET, who will establish their own identity once and for all?
Given the deal they made just this past week, Jey gets Lil’ Wayne to be part of his entrance! Jimmy comes out here solo, so Jey DIVES right onto him! The fans fire up and “YEET! YEET! YEET!” as Jey POSTS Jimmy! Jey ROCKS Jimmy, POSTS him again, and then pushes Jimmy into the ring. Jimmy gets up, swings, but the bell rings as Jey dodges! Jey fires haymakers, whips, but Jimmy holds ropes. Jey clotheslines Jimmy up and out! Jey throws off the vest and he DIVES onto Jimmy again! The fans fire up as Jey gets Jimmy up and into the ring. Jimmy comes back, into a GAMANGIRI! Jey goes up, to CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO!
Jimmy sputters but he survives and flounders to the corner. Jey takes aim from across the way, runs in, but Jimmy pops him up, SAMOAN DROP! Not the cleanest but Jimmy finally gets his vest off. Jimmy aims from the corner now, runs in, HIP ATTACK! Jey sputters now while fans boo. Jimmy keeps going, and he HIP ATTACKS again! Big Brother Jimmy shows no mercy as he then runs up to BOOT Jey down! Jimmy soaks up the heat for being Mr. No Yeet, then runs in again. Jey BOOTS Jimmy back! Jey goes up, leaps, but into an UPPERCUT! Jimmy grins as he says this is too easy. Jimmy eggs Jey on as Jey slowly rises.
Jey stands, into a SUPERKICK! Jey falls, Jimmy throws up the one, but the fans boo. Jimmy runs up to SUPERKICK again! Jimmy eggs Jey on more, and Jey stands again. SUPERKICK! Jey leans against ropes as Jimmy eggs Jey on. Jimmy aims, SUPERKICKS, and Jey flops around against ropes! The fans chant “JIMMY SUCKS! JIMMY SUCKS!” Jimmy says he doesn’t suck, and he SUPERKICKS Jey back down! The fans boo more but Jimmy just revels in it. Jimmy goes up the corner, mocks Jey’s bounce, but the fans give thumbs down. Jimmy aims at Jey, to USO SPLASH, but he has to roll out as Jey moves! Jey SUPERKICKS now!
Both Usos are down and the fans rally up! Jey and Jimmy slowly rise, they stare down, and oddly they both smile. Jimmy throws a haymaker, so Jey gives it back! Jimmy UPPERCUTS, to Jey HAYMAKERS! “NO YEET! YEET! NO YEET! YEET!” and repeat! Jey ducks to fireman’s carry, but Jimmy fights free! Jimmy mule kicks, UPPERCUTS, but Jey returns the mule kick and the uppercut! Jey blocks a kick but Jimmy DRAGON WHIPS! So Jey PELES! The fans fire up as both Usos are evenly matched! This will come down to who makes the smarter move! Jey grins, Jimmy gets mad, and the fans rally up as the hands fly!
Jey fireman’s carries again, but Jimmy fights free again. SUPERKICK! Jey wobbles, but then he SUPERKICKS! Jimmy goes to ropes, Jey eggs him on now! Jimmy returns, to SUPERKICK! Jey rebounds to SUPERKICK! Jimmy goes to a corner, Jey eggs him on, so Jimmy SUPERKICKS again! Jey SUPERKICKS again! It’s a Superkick Party as Jey SUPERKICKS Jimmy in a corner! Jimmy’s dazed and Jey fires up! The fans rally, Jey SUPERKICKS again! Jey wants Jimmy to get up, and eggs him on! “I’m your twin brother!” Jimmy wobbles, the fans rally, and Jey goes corner to corner to SUPER SUPERKICK!! Jimmy falls in a heap!
The ref checks Jimmy but somehow, he’s still in this! Jey tells Jimmy to get up, he knows this isn’t it. Jimmy rises up, Jey says “Line ’em all up, knock ’em down!” SUPER- NO, Jimmy puts up the guard and Jey holds back! The fans boo, they don’t think Jimmy is sincere. Jimmy is apologizing?! He’s sorry for what he’s done!? The fans still don’t believe Jimmy, but what does Jey believe? Jimmy reaches out a hand, apologizes some more, and Jey takes it! The Usos hug it out! But then Jimmy SUPERKICKS!! The fans knew it all along! Jimmy hurries up top, to USO SPLASH!! Cover, TWO!!! Jey survives and Jimmy is shocked!
The fans fire up with “YEET! YEET! YEET!” Jey crawls to a corner, Jimmy aims from the other. Jimmy glares at Jey as he rises, and then Jimmy runs in, SPEAR from Jey!! Jey drags Jimmy to the drop zone, goes up the corner, and USO SPLASH!! Cover, JEY WINS!
Winner: Jey Uso, by pinfall
It was Uso VS Uso, twin VS twin, and YEET wins out! Jey stands tall, is this the end of the family feud?
Six Woman Tag: Naomi, Bianca Belair & Jade Cargill VS Damage CTRL!
While Bayley got betrayed by her own team, she isn’t the only one that has beef with Damage CTRL. The Glow, The EST and even SmackDown’s newest star can’t stand how Asuka, Kairi Sane & Dakota Kai think they run this, and they’re taking a stand! Will this power trio tear down DMG CTRL once and for all? Or will not even the GlowEST Storm be ready for the Empress of Tomorrow, the Pirate Princess and #CobraKai?
Fitting of the Kabuki Warriors’ style, they have Japanese maidens waving fans and sprinkling cherry blossoms around for their entrance. The theme song seems to even have a Japanese remix now. As for Naomi, Bianca & Jade, they descend from the sky, ready to not just glow but to shine! The trios sort out, Asuka starts against Naomi and the fans rally up. Asuka and Naomi circle, tie up, and go around. Naomi headlocks, Asuka powers up and out and tags Kairi. Naomi ducks the Kabuki Warriors to SHOTGUN them both! Naomi kips up, runs at Kairi, basement dropkick! Naomi drags Kairi int position, SPLIT LEG SPLASH! Cover, TWO!
Kairi scrambles up, Naomi runs in but is put on the apron. Kairi runs up but into a ROUNDHOUSE! Naomi goes up, but Asuka runs over! Naomi ROCKS Asuka but Kairi goes after the hair! The ref backs Kairi off but Dakota BOOTS Naomi down! The fans boo but DMG CTRL uses numbers to their advantage as always. Kairi goes up to SUPER FLYING KABUKI ELBOW! DMG CTRL talks trash and soaks up the heat, then Kairi puts Naomi in. Cover, TWO! Naomi stays in this but Kairi clamps onto Naomi. Kairi drags her over, bumps her off buckles and tags Asuka. The Kabuki Warriors double whip to bypass, KICK, AX KICK, BULLDOG and BASEMENT DROPKICK! Cover, TWO!
Naomi stays in this but Asuka stays on her. The fans rally, Asuka gives thumbs down, but Naomi throws body shots! Asuka SLAPS Naomi, but Naomi blocks the buzzsaw! Naomi spins Asuka but Asuka SLAPS her down! Asuka whips Naomi to the corner, runs in, but Naomi BOOTS back! Naomi fires off on Dakota and Kairi, then DOUBLE STUNNERS! The fans fire up and Naomi stands, but Asuka runs in! Asuka blocks kicks but not the REBOUND ENZIGIRI! Naomi crawls, but Asuka tags Dakota! Dakota anchors Naomi’s feet, brings her back, and Kairi runs up! Jade BOOTS Kairi, Naomi gets free to hot tag Bianca!
Bianca rallies on Dakota, DROPKICKS her down, then gets Asuka for a BACKBREAKER! Kairi returns, but Bianca wrenches and suplexes! Bianca holds Kairi up, marches around then SLAMS her down! Bianca kips up, the fans fire up, and Bianca runs to RAM both Kabuki Warriors in a corner! Bianca climbs up, and she rains down fists on them both! The fans count all the way to TEN, but Dakota runs in! Bianca backflips up and over, then scoops Dakota to a GUTBUSTER! Asuka runs up, SPINEBUSTER! Kairi goes up but Bianca ROCKS her first! Bianca trophy lifts Kairi to then DROP her onto Asuka and Dakota!
Bianca fires up, builds speed and handsprings to MOONSAULT! Three for one, triple cover! TWO!! The fans fire up as Bianca points to Jade! But Dakota gets the hair! Dakota puts Bianca on the apron, avoids Bianca’s shoulder and STOMPS her down! Cover, TWO! Tag to Kairi, and she tags Asuka. DMG CTRL gets Bianca up, Asuka CODE BREAKERS and Kairi BLOCKBUSTERS! Asuka then SLIDING KNEES! Cover, TWO!! Bianca’s the toughEST for a reason, but Asuka brings her up. Asuka whips Bianca to the corner, runs up, and ELBOWS! Dakota tags in, but Bianca fires off forearms on everyone!
Asuka mule kicks, she and Dakota bring Bianca around. But Bianca handsprings out of the double suplex, dodges the double lariats, hot tag to Jade! DMG CTRL is worried now! They run up, Jade DECKS Asuka, BOOTS Dakota, then choke grips Asuka for a CHOKE SLAM! Kairi is up top, she leaps at Jade, but Jade catches her! Jade swings Kairi around to a BACKBREAKER! Jade says Kairi chose the wrong one! Dakota runs up, ducks ‘n’ dodges, but Jade back drops her hard! Jade fires up, runs up, and STINGER SPLASHES! Jade brings Dakota around, suplexes to a MICHINOKU DRIVER! Cover, Kabuki Warriors break it!
Bianca gets in, she wrenches Kairi to a torture rack! But Asuka makes the save! Kairi waistlocks, but Bianca ducks, BLUE MIST into Kairi! BUBBA BOMB for Kairi, Bianca LASHES Asuka with the braid!! Torture rack, KISS OF DEATH!! Dakota runs up at Jade, but Jade turns wheelbarrow into chicken wings! JADED!! Cover, Jade’s team wins!
Winners: Naomi, Bianca Belair & Jade Cargill, by pinfall
Her first WrestleMania, and Jade makes it a victorious one! Will this win lead all of the #Big3 to big things in the near future?
WWE Intercontinental Championship: GUNTHER VS Sami Zayn!
Der Ring General has reached Day 667 of his reign, adding to the historic record with every defense. However, the Great Liberator vowed to do something truly historic for this WrestleMania, and dethroning the “greatest Intercontinental Champion in history” would certainly fit the bill! Chad Gable helped train Sami to be ready for this, will it all pay off? Or will nothing stop Gunther from keeping this mat sacred?
Before the match, Sami’s wife and son visit him backstage. They tell him tonight is the night. He can do it! Sami is so happy his son believes in him, and blows a kiss. Gable is there to tell him it’s time. Sami is ready, but Gable says he can’t go out there with him. Really? After all that training? Gable says Sami got this on his own, he always did, but don’t forget: you owe Gable a favor. Sami nods and shakes Gable’s hand. Sami goes up the long ramp to gorilla, then turns the corner to see Kevin Owens there! Kevin gives him a push and a hug, and tells him to go do it! Sami goes through the curtain to gorilla, then out on stage because it’s time!
As for Gunther, he has Imperium accompany him on stage, and they take his coat for him before he goes down to the ring. The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see just what kind of history is made here tonight!
The bell rings, the fans rally up for Sami as he circles around Gunther. They feel things out, circle some more, and they tie up. Gunther puts Sami in a corner, the ref counts, but Gunther lets off slowly. Sami sees chop and puts up his guard, and Gunther laughs. Gunther pie faces Sami, so Sami CHOPS! And CHOPS! And CHOPS! Gunther shoves Sami back, Sami dodges the chop to CHOP, CHOP and then climb up! Sami rains down fists and the fans count. Gunther stops Sami at 7, swings, but Sami dodges to CHOP! CHOP! And whip, but Gunther reverses! Sami goes up but Gunther catches him to a GERMAN SUPLEX!
Sami writhes while Gunther paces. Gunther drags Sami up, CHOPS again, and Sami staggers away to ropes. Gunther gives Sami kicks then BOOTS him down! Gunther drags Sami up, scoops him and SLAMS him! Sami writhes more, but Gunther paces. Gunther stands Sami up just to CHOP him down! Gunther eggs Sami on, CHOPS him again, and Sami falls back over. Sami shakes his head as he rises back up, but Gunther UPPERCUTS! Sami goes to a corner, the fans duel, and Gunther storms up. Sami CHOPS! And CHOPS! But Gunther UPPERCUTS! Gunther runs to clothesline! Gunther puts Sami up top to CHOP again!
Gunther climbs up to STAND on Sami and bend him against the top rope! The ref counts, Gunther lets off, and Sami flops down to the mat. Gunther soaks up the heat and grins as Sami sits up. Gunther storms up on Sami and stands him up, to CLUB him on the back! Sami scowls but Gunther UPPERCUTS Sami right down! Sami’s wife is in the front row coaching Sami but Gunther talks trash. Gunther stands Sami up to KICK, and KICK, and CHOP! Sami flops down, but Gunther stands Sami up. Sami CHOPS! Gunther CHOPS! Repeat! The fans “WOO~”, Sami dodges Gunther to LARIAT! The fans and Mrs. Zayn fire up!
Sami brings Gunther up, but Gunther CHOPS! Sami roars as he stays up, so Gunther CHOPS again! And CHOPS again! Sami CHPOS, JABS, fires off haymakers and fast hands! The fans fire up as Gunther has to cover up! Gunther shoves Sami, Sami BOOTS the lariat, then HALF ‘N’ HALF SUPLEXES! Gunther staggers up, into another HALF ‘N’ HALF! But Gunther LARIATS Sami right down! Cover, TWO!! Sami survives and Gunther is annoyed. Gunther storms up on Sami, stands him up, but Sami CHOPS! Gunther CHOPS Sami down! Gunther hauls Sami up but Sami fights the lift! Sami wrenches, CHOPS, CHOPS and SLAPS!
Sami goes up and up and TORNADO DDTS! Gunther flounders to a corner and the fans fire up! Sami takes aim, runs in, HELLUVA- SLEEPER! Gunther squeezes tight but Sami arm-drags free! Sami gets around, but Gunther headlocks to fight the Blue Thunder! Sami slips out the back to CLUB, CLUB, crossface forearm and repeat! Sami lifts, Gunther slips out, SLEEPER! Body scissors added on, Sami is caught on top of the Prime logo! The fans rally as Sami endures and reaches out! Sami moves around, fights to his feet, and Gunther’s a backpack on him! Sami marches his way forward, reaches his hand out, but he’s also turning red!
Gunther shifts to GERMAN SUPLEX Sami away from ropes! Sami flounders to a corner, Gunther runs in, but into a clinch! CORNER EXPLODER! The fans fire up as Sami goes to the opposite corner, then runs in, but into a T-REX SHOTGUN! GUNTHER BOMB!! High stack, TWO?!?! Sami survives and the fans fire up! Gunther is surprised and thinks on what he has to try now. The fans rally as hard as they can for Sami as he rises up. Sami wobbles and hobbles his way to a corner, Gunther runs in, and Gunther HELLUVA KICKS!? Gunther grins as he parodies Sami’s best move, and then stands Sami up.
Gunther runs, Sami follows! HELLUVA KICK!!! Cover, TWO!!! Gunther survives and Sami can’t believe it! Sami refocuses, goes back to a corner, and he waits on Gunther to stand. Sami runs back in, but into a LARIAT!! Gunther hauls Sami right up, GUNTHER BOMB!! Deadlift and ANOTHER GUNTHER BOMB!! Cover, TWO?!?!? Sami shocks everyone, including Gunther! Philly is thunderous as Sami is still in this, but Gunther talks trash to Sami’s wife! Sami’s wife gives it right back to Gunther, so Gunther SLAPS Sami, CHOPS Sami, and stands over him. Gunther sits Sami up to KICK him!
Sami is on ropes, Gunther CHOKES him! The ref counts, Gunther steps away, but then stomps a mudhole in! The fans sing “OLE~ OLE OLE OLE~!” but Gunther stomps more! The ref backs Gunther down, Sami drags himself up with ropes. Gunther soaks up heat, runs up, and LARIATS Sami back down! Gunther wants the ref to check Sami, but Sami is already sitting up! Gunther is annoyed, he again talks trash to Sami’s wife and family, and even says Mrs. Zayn should get in the ring to check on her husband. She just coaches Sami on instead, so Gunther hauls Sami up, GUNTHER BOMB right on the Prime logo!
Commentary is starting to get worried for Sami, but the fans are torn. Gunther grins as the ref checks Sami, but Sami still wants to fight! Gunther goes up, GUNTHER SPLASH! Gunther smiles, he’s just toying with Sami now! Gunther goes up the corner again, to GUNTHER SPLASH again!! The fans boo, but Gunther decides he’ll top it off. Gunther taunts Mrs. Zayn, but Sami is stirring! Sami is rising! The fans are firing up as Sami is firing up! Gunther can’t believe this, but he hurries up top! Sami HELLUVA KICKS the legs!! Sami goes up, brings Gunther to the top rope, for a TOP ROPE BRAINBUSTER!!! The fans lose their minds!
Sami aims, Gunther stands, and Sami gives him a HELLUVA KICK!!! Gunther sits down int he corner, Sami goes back to the other side, and the fans are thunderous for the HELLUVA KICK!!!! Gunther falls, Sami covers, SAMI WINS!!!!
Winner: Sami Zayn, by pinfall (NEW WWE Intercontinental Champion)
“Historic” might be an understatement! Something about this is miraculous yet also inevitable! Sami once again holds the Intercontinental Championship after making the impossible possible! The Zayn family celebrates Baba Sami bringing home the gold, will this be the best reign Sami’s had yet?
Nick Aldis and Adam Pearce are here!
The General Managers of SmackDown and Raw want to take a moment to thank everyone live and everyone around the world making this truly the biggest WrestleMania of all time! And they’ve only just begin. All night long, the fans have given the WWE their passion and energy, and as we prepare for the biggest tag team match of all time, please give a little bit more. On behalf of the WWE, and the 72,543 beautiful souls that have filled the seats in The Linc, thank you!
The Dream Team Tag Match: Cody Rhodes & Seth Rollins VS The Rock & Roman Reigns!
The American Nightmare won the Royal Rumble for the second year in a row, and his moment of hesitancy created this entire mess we’ve found ourselves in. The Final Boss and Tribal Chief who escalated things, and now this main event will directly affect tomorrow night’s main event! If The American Nightmare & Visionary win, Roman Reigns must finally have a title match that is fair and square, no Bloodline allowed ringside. However, if Cody & Seth lose, it’s the exact opposite! Bloodline Rules, anything goes, and The Rock has promised time and again to make Cody suffer and bleed! Then will Night Two be by the book? Or will it turn into a #FreakinNightmare?
The fans of course sing along with Cody’s song, “WHOA~ OH~!” and he gets his pyro. Cody also hugs his mom, Michelle, at ringside before handing the Freakin’ Nightmare belt to his father-in-law, Otis Friedman, who battled cancer and chemo to be here. Rollins makes his entrance and the fans again sing, “WHOA~ OH~ OHH~!” Rollins’ robe has quite the long train, and it’s a hybrid of blue velvet on one side and a gold ‘n’ black leaf pattern on the other. But then the lights drop down for The Rock’s Brahma Bull Black Adam entrance, “ACTIVATING V.10.0. FINAL BOSS ENGAGED.” Lightning and fire, and The Rock steps out on stage!
The Rock shows off The People’s Championship, as bestowed upon him by Lonnie Ali, wife to the late, great Muhammad Ali. And after The Rock makes it down to the ring, Roman finally makes his entrance, Paul Heyman by his side once again. Roman holds up the Universal Championship and gets his pyro as he stands her on Day 1315. Roman makes his way into the ring, holds the belt up again, and has his second round of pyro. The introductions are made, because the stakes are raised, and we see if The Bloodline gets their way like always!
The teams stare down and the fans fire up, but this still has to be 1v1. The ref wants them all to calm down and sort things out, but the stare downs only get more intense! Neither side is budging, not wanting to be the side that concedes first. The ref still insists, there have to be legal men and men waiting on the corner. Rock and Roman talk it out, fist bump, and Roman steps up! Cody and Rollins shake hands as Rollins steps up. Roman is amused and the fans fire up as we see the Shield brother rematch. They circle, the fans sing “WHOA~ OHH~ OHHH~!” Rollins is amused now while Roman is annoyed.
Roman and Rollins feel things out, tie up, and are in a deadlock. They go around, Roman headlocks, but Rollins powers up and out. Roman runs Rollins over and Rollins tumbles. Roman puts up the one, as does The Rock, and Roman says Rollins already knows, “I’ll run the b*tch over real quick.” Rollins and Roman reset, go again, and they tie up. Roman headlocks, Rollins powers up and out, but Rollins drops down to hurdle and redirect! Rollins ducks ‘n’ dodges to mule kick! Roman sputters, Rollins wrenches and reaches for Cody, but Roman breaks free! Rollins smirks as Roman seems to be avoiding Cody.
Cody still wants to tag in and the fans want to see it, so Rollins tags Cody! We get our appetizer of the Universal Championship match as these two circle, and they tie up. Cody wrenches, wristlocks, and UPPERCUTS the arm! Cody CLUBS the arm, wrenches again, then whips. Roman reverses, runs in and clotheslines! Roman mocks the fans chanting for Cody, then CLUBS Cody down. Roman CLUBS Cody along the ropes, headlocks, but Cody powers up and out. Cody drops, hurdles, and kitchen sink knees! Cody ROCKS Roman, ROCKS him again, then UPPERCUTS! Roman headlocks, Cody powers up and out, but Rollins misses the tag.
Roman ducks ‘n’ dodges but hesitates, unsure if Rollins is making a move. Cody and Roman reset, knuckle lock, and go shoulder to shoulder. The Test of Strength goes around, and Cody wrenches to wristlock then headlock. Now Rollins tags in as Roman powers up and out. Cody ducks, Roman stops as he sees both Cody and Rollins there. The fans rally up as The Rock reaches out! Rollins smirks and Roman looks around. The fans chant “ROCKY! ROCKY!” so Roman tags him in! The fans fire up as the World Heavyweight Champion and the People’s Champion finally circle and feel things out. They tie up, and Rollins digs his heels in.
Rollins starts to push The Rock back, but Rock SHOVES Rollins down! Rollins sits up and nods as he admits, that was good, The Rock’s not just putting on Hollywood muscles here. They reset, tie up, and Rollins waistlocks, headlocks, hammerlocks then shoves The Rock! Rollins mocks The Rock to show it takes more than size to keep up with him. The fans sing “WHOA~ OHH~ OHHH~!” but also chant for “ROCKY! ROCKY!” The two tie up again, go around, and Rock puts Rollins in the ring. The ref counts, Rock lets off slowly, but then kicks low and hard! The Rock talks trash, throws hands, then DECKS Rollins!
Rollins flounders up, The Rock swings again but Rollins counter punches! And again and again and again! Rollins whips Rock to the corner but Rock comes back to LARIAT! Rock dares Cody to #JustBringIt! The fans fire up, they want to see it, too! Rollins stands, and he tags in Cody! The fans fire up as now Cody gets a chance to avenge that attack in Chicago! Cody and Rock stare down, circle, and tie up. Cody powers Rock back but Rock puts Cody in a corner. They go along the ropes, then back to center, then break. The fans rally as the two stare down again. Cody and Rock hear the energy building, and then the hands fly!
Cody counter punches, throws hands, but Rock kicks low! Rock whips, Cody reverses to kick and drop, RHODES UPPERCUT! Cody bumps Rock off buckles, CHOPS him, then ROCKS him! Cody stomps a mudhole in, then fires more hands! Cody bumps Rock off buckles, throws more hands, and he ROCKS The Rock! Tag to Rollins, they mug Rock and Philly fires up! They double whip Rock, DOUBLE ELBOW him, then Roman runs in! Cody kicks, RHODES UPPERCUTS, and Rollins SLINGBLADES! The fans fire up as Cody and Rollins watch Rock and Roman regroup. The ref wants things to calm down, one in and one out.
Cody and Rollins say okay, but then they fire off on Roman & Rock! Cody TOSSES Roman out, Rollins pursues Rock. Cody SMACKS Roman off the apron, Rollins sends Rock into the #HydrationStation! Roman turns things around on Cody, Rollins SPITS Prime into Rock’s face! Rock’s mama is there to yell at Rollins! Rollins ROCKS Rock, Rock CLAWS Rollins’ face! Rock SMACKS Rollins off steps! Rock says the ref counts this match out, he’s fired! Rock says IDGAF, The Rock is The Final Boss! Roman and Cody keep brawling up the ramp, Rock brings Rollins up, and Rollins CLOBBERS Rock with a Prime tank! Cody SMACKS Roman off the ramp!
Rollins DUMPS Rock over barriers and right into the crowd! Rollins pursues, the fans fire up as the brawling gets even closer! Rock SMACKS Rollins off the girder support! Rock tries again but Rollins blocks to SMACK Rock off the support! Then he SMACKS Rock off railing! Roman is sent into the giant L on stage! Foreshadowing? Rollins winds up to ROCK Rock! Roman kicks Cody, Rollins and Rock keep brawling! Roman suplexes but Cody blocks! Rock SMACKS Rollins off a trash can! Cody snap suplexes Roman on stage! Rock CLOBBERS Rollins with a trash can! Rock drags Rollins up but Rollins blocks the railing bump!
Rollins bumps Rock off railing, then ROCKS him again. Rock staggers away, Rollins pursues, and HEADBUTTS him! Rock and Rollins are returning to ringside as they go, but then Rock SMACKS Rollins off railing. Rock takes a swig and SPITS water in Rollins’ face! Probably tastes better than Prime. Anyway, Rock brings Rollins around, Rollins throws body shots and he TOSSES Rock back over. Meanwhile, Roman and Cody are now brawling down the ramp to ringside! Rollins goes up the barrier, to AX HANDLE Rock down! Rock flounders, Rollins stalks him, and Rollins whips Rock into barriers! Rollins puts Rock in the ring and says it’s harder to do this bell to bell, isn’t it?
Rollins goes up the apron, but Rock distracts the ref and Roman CHOP BLOCKS Rollins! Rollins’ leg only just recovered to 100%, he’s already clutching the knee and hobbling around. Rock goes out to KICK the bad leg! Rock finds Cody and DECKS him! Rock & Roman get Rollins in the ring, and Rock gets the leg to SMASH the knee on the mat! Rollins writhes but Rock brings him over to a corner. Rock SLAMS the bad leg against the post! Rock gets the leg again and he SLAMS the leg against post again! Cody protests but the erf’s hands are tied by The Final Boss. Rock rolls into the ring, tags Roman, and they stomp Rollins around.
The Bloodline picks Rollins apart, and then Roman bumps Rollins off buckles. Roman gets the bad leg in the ropes and pulls! Rollins fights but Rock kicks the leg from the outside! Cody protests, but again the ref is too scared of The Final Boss’ authority! Roman gets Rollins’ leg, trips him, and then steps over to a HALF CRAB! Rollins endures, the fans rally up, but Roman sits deep! Cody coaches Rollins, the fans rally up, and Rollins grabs at a leg. Rollins turns back over and he KICKS Roman away! Rollins throws hands, CHOPS, but Roman kicks low! Roman DECKS Cody with a sucker punch! Rollins dodges Roman to clothesline him out!
Roman staggers up, Rollins goes to the apron, but The Rock is there to attack! Rock whips Rollins into steel steps! The fans boo as Rock continues to abuse his authority! He whips Rollins back into the steel steps! Roman stomps Rollins, the ref keeps Cody back but that’s because Cody isn’t the boss. Rock puts Rollins in for Roman while Roman taunts Cody. The fans boo as Roman holds up the one to the sky, then Roman brings Rollins up. Roman whips Rollins hard into the corner and Rollins falls! Rock tags in, he drags Rollins up, and Rock whips Rollins back in hard! Rollins falls in a heap, Roman tags back in.
Rock & Roman get Rollins up, they double whip him into the corner hard, and Rollins falls again! Rock intimidates the ref, Roman taunts Cody, and then Roman also intimidates the ref. Rollins slowly rises, hobbles along the ropes and to a corner, but Roman HEADBUTTS him. Roman winds up to fire off the point-blank clotheslines! Roman goes all the way TEN, then brings Rollins around so he can run and BOOT Rollins down! Roman stares Cody down, puts up the one, and smiles as he soaks up the heat. Roman goes to the open corner, he locks ‘n’ loads, then takes aim at Rollins. Rollins stands, into the SUPERMAN- NO, Rollins gets around to NECKBREAKER!
The fans fire up while both men are down! Rollins and Roman crawl, hot tag to Rock and Rock gets Rollins’ legs! Rock drags Rollins away, then LOW BLOWS quite blatantly! But the ref is too intimidated to say anything about it! Rock whips Rollins to CLOBBER him! Rollins sputters but Rock stomps him around. Rollins glares in defiance but Rock stands him up. Rollins ROCKS Rock! Rock ROCKS Rollins! Rollins ROCKS Rock, Rock ROCKS Rollins, repeat! Rock gets the edge with those haymakers, but Rollins PELES! Both men are down and the fans fire up! Rollins crawls, Roman panics and calls to Rock! Roman just runs in, Rollins TOSSES him!
Rollins hurries but Roman YANKS Cody down! The fans boo but Rock is on Rollins with a takedown, step through, and THE PEOPLE’S SHARPSHOOTER! The fans are torn as Rollins endures! Rollins grips his hair, grits his teeth, reaches out, but Cody gets in to SLAP Rock!! The fans fire up as Cody defies The Final Boss’ authority! Rock runs up, so Cody HOTSHOTS him! Rollins SUPERKICKS him! CURB STOMP!!! But the bad leg gives out!! Rollins clutches the knee, the fans are thunderous as he and The Rock crawl! Hot tags to Roman and Cody! Cody rallies on Roman with haymakers! Cody whips, Roman reverses but Cody CLOBBERS Roman!
Cody goes to a corner, goes up and over, then SNAP POWERSLAMS! The fans are thunderous as Cody takes aim, runs, and springboards, BEAUTIFUL DISASTER KICK! The fans fire up again as Cody drags Roman up and runs to springboard, CODY CUTTER!! Cover, TWO!! Roman survives and Cody is frustrated, but he still has some cards to play. Cody storms around, glares at The Wise Man, and then calls his shot! Dragon sleeper, CROSS- NO, Roman snapmares! Cody avoids the Superman Punch, springboards, into a SUPERMAN PUNCH! Cover, TWO!! Cody survives and Roman is a little surprised!
Roman sees he has a bloody nose, and he’s furious! Nobody makes Roman bleed his own blood! NOBODY! Cody rises, Roman aims from the corner, “OOOAH~!” Roman runs in, but Cody sunset flips the spear! TWO!! Cody dodges the Superman Punch, goes up and up and Rollins tags in before a SUPER CODY CUTTER!! FROG SPLASH!! Cover, TWO?!?! Roman survives and Rollins can’t believe it! Rollins taunts Heyman, and Heyman says he hates Rollins’ song! The fans sing it anyway, “OH~ OHH~ OHHH~!” Rollins aims from the corner, runs up, but Roman pops him up! POWERBOMB! Rollins flounders, Roman staggers, but “OOOAH~!”
Roman runs in, Rollins KICKS him! Cody tags, SUPERKICKS, and then Rollins SUPERKICKS! Roman rebounds, into DOUBLE SUPERKICKS!! Cody says this is it, and Rollins runs up, CURB STOMP!! CROSS RHODES!!! Cover, Rock YANKS the ref out! The fans boo as The Rock skips intimidation and just abuses the ref! Rollins runs up but Rock kicks low! Rock whips Rollins into barriers, then dares Cody to do something. Roman LOW BLOWS Cody first!! Roman runs to SPEAR!! Rock shoves the ref in to count this, TWO?!?! Cody survives and Rock is furious! Roman can’t believe it but the fans are thunderous!
Roman is losing his cool, and he hammers down fists on Cody’s head! Roman scuffs Cody with the heel of his boot, then drags him up into the GUILLOTINE FACELOCK!! Cody flails, grabs at Roman’s leg, but he’s fading! The fans rally, Cody gets a second wind, but even that is being squeezed out of Cody! The ref checks, but Cody comes back to life! Roman is shocked, so Rock trips Cody! They’re under the ropes, this should be a ropebreak! The Rock dares the ref to defy him, but Rollins CURB STOMPS Roman!! The leg hurts again, but Rock is on Rollins to TOSS him out! The Rock storms back to his corner and tags himself in.
The Rock hears the fans booing, which only upsets him more. The Rock then remembers his promise to Mama Rhodes, aka Michelle. Rock takes out the Mama Rhodes weight belt! He tells her the belt already tasted blood, now it’ll taste Mama’s tears! Rock storms into the ring, but Cody kicks back! Cody has the belt! Rock ROCKS Cody first! Rock wags his finger, the ref gets the belt away, Cody JABS! JABS! And JABS! Flip, Flop, Fly, BIONIC ELBOW! The fans fire up for Dusty as Cody powers up! Cody runs, but into a SPINEBUSTER! The fans go nuts because they know what follows! The Rock stands over Cody, and he takes off an elbow pad!
The Rock runs side to side, but Cody gets up to CODY CUTTER!! The fans are thunderous all the same, and Cody roars as Rock rises up. Cody dragon sleepers, but Roman’s back to SUPERMAN PUNCH! Rock, Roman and Cody are down, Rollins is on the outside with his bad leg. The fans rally as Roman seethes and stands back up. Roman aims from the corner as Cody slowly rises. “OOOAH~!” Roman runs in, Rollins gets Cody outta the way, SPEAR TO ROCK!!! The fans go nuts, Cody and Rollins each get Rock and Roman! DOUBLE PEDIGREEES!!! Cover, TWO?!?!? HHH isn’t gonna be happy his finisher just failed twice in the same match!
The fans are thunderous as Cody and Rollins regroup. They strategize, fire themselves up, and then they go out to get each man. Cody fires off on Rock but Rollins goes up! SUPER CROSSBODY onto Roman! Cody clears off the English commentary desk but Rock CLAWS Cody’s face! Rock SMACKS Cody off steps, then clears off the Spanish commentary desk! That desk sure has been through a lot today… Rock SPITS water at Cody, then brings him around to SMACK off the Spanish announce desk. Rock scoops, tells Mama Rhodes to watch her son. Rock SLAMS Cody on the desk, then gets up on the desk with him.
Rock drags Cody up, clinches, but Rollins anchors Rock’s foot! Rock kicks Rollins away, but Cody throws elbows! Cody clinches, to ROCK BOTTOM through the English commentary desk!!! But Roman SPEARS Rollins through barriers!! The fans lose their minds over both these things! Cody manages to rise up, and he drags Rock from the wreckage. Cody puts Rock in the ring, but Roman hits a DRIVEBY DROPKICK! Roman drags himself up, Rock tags him in, and Roman glares at Cody. Roman hobbles while Rock says to end that POS. Roman stomps Cody around, shouts “HE DON’T BELONG HERE!” then DECKS Cody!
Roman paces around Cody some more, DECKS him again, but Cody leans on Roman’s leg. The fans boo as Roman looms over Cody, then ROCKS him again. Roman stands Cody up, but Cody ROCKS Roman! Roman ROCKS Cody, Cody ROCKS Roman, repeat! The haymakers keep going, Cody then body shots! Roman UPPERCUTS! Cody rebounds, gets around, CROSS RHODES!!! Cody drags Roman up to CROSS RHODES AGAIN!!! And then they get up again, but Rock LASHES Cody with the weight belt!! Cody drops to his knees, Roman SPEARS him back down!! Roman looks to Rock and Rock reaches out. Roman tags Rock in, and Rock snarls as he stands over Cody.
The fans boo as The Final Boss clearly insists on ending this match himself. Rock hits his Brahma Bull stance, Cody rises up, into the clinch and ROCK BOTTOM!! But Rock won’t end it there, he wants to hit the most electrifying move in all of sports entertainment! He raises the one to the sky, goes side to side, for the PEOPLE’S ELBOW!! Cover, Bloodline wins!
Winners: The Rock & Roman Reigns, by pinfall (The Universal Championship will be Bloodline Rules)
After bending the rules right until they broke and then bending them even more, The Final Boss gets the win and has sealed Cody’s fate. Will the only ending left for Cody’s story be a tragic one? Or is there some sliver of hope for Cody, even with the deck stacked so heavily against him?
My Thoughts:
An awesome first night for the biggest WrestleMania ever, though I’m really surprised we got a two-hour kickoff show with not one kickoff match. Well, I’m not disappointed, I was having dinner during the kickoff show anyway. Fun stuff in the kickoff show, too, with Big E and CM Punk being part of it. I really like that they grouped the Judgment Day related matches all together all at the start. Great match from Rhea VS Becky to open, and great win for Rhea after dealing out a lot of damage to Becky. The ladder match was awesome stuff, and I predicted half of that right. A-Town Down Under won the SmackDown titles but then got taken out for the rest of things, and how great for Awesome Truth to win. Now surely Priest will be desperate and want to cash in on something tomorrow to make up for this.
Rey & Andrade VS Dom & Santos was really good, but given all the overbooking, it might as well have been the huge 8 Man Tag between LWO and Legado. But a slightly surprising move that LWO won out then, though getting some Eagles players involved makes some sense given how closely WWE and NFL have been working together for a long time. And there’s a chance the feud only escalates from here going towards Backlash. Really good stuff out of Uso VS Uso, though it felt like it lagged in the middle as Jey just gave superkick after superkick to Jimmy. Jey winning was the right call with how much grief he’s been given by Roman and Jimmy.
Amazing ring gear from pretty much everyone in the Six Woman Tag, especially The GlowEST Storm mixing country and sci-fi. They were like space cowgirl bounty hunters or something, and as I said the other night, of course they won. Jade’s Mania debut goes her way, and surely she will stick together with Naomi & Bianca until some combination of the three take the tag titles off Kabuki Warriors. Awesome stuff in the Intercontinental Championship story. Sami didn’t need a big fancy entrance, just one that was emotional because it had his family, his trainer and his best friend all encouraging him.
Awesome stuff that Sami won, too, I wasn’t really sure if it was gonna happen. At the same time, Gable said Sami owes him now, so maybe Gable gets a title shot now? That’d be wild if Gable only trained Sami to make sure he could beat Gunther and then use what he learned about Sami against him to win. And of course, great stuff out of the main event tag match. Though, night one only went past the 11 PM Eastern mark because the entrances took so long. Roman & Rock winning was of course happening to put all the pressure on Cody, and Bloodline Rules, Anything Goes, that means no “Dusty Finish” to rob Cody of a proper ending to this story. Cody will surely assemble the WWE Avengers to battle The Bloodline, and somehow, someway, Cody wins and ends Roman’s reign.
My Score: 9.2/10
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Who truly leads the NJPW revolution?
Hirooki Goto finally has THE top title in NJPW, but David Finlay looks to take it for his own! Will the Fierce Warrior fail to stop The Rebel?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Kickoff – Katsuya Murashima VS Daiki Nagai; Murashima wins.
- Yuya Uemura VS SANADA; Uemura wins.
- NJPW World TV Championship: El Phantasmo VS Great-O-Khan; Khan wins and becomes the new NJPW World TV Champion.
- Hiroshi Tanahashi VS Shota Umino; Shota wins.
- NEVER Openweight Six Man Tag Team Championships: The House of Torture VS Bullet Club War Dogs; The House of Torture wins and retains the titles.
- NEVER Openweight Championship: Konosuke Takeshita VS Ryohei Oiwa; Takeshita wins and retains the title.
- IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Championships: Tetsuya Naito & Hiromu Takahashi VS Jeff Cobb & Callum Newman; Cobb & Callum win and become the new IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Champions.
- IWGP Global Heavyweight Championship: Yota Tsuji VS EVIL; Tsuji wins and retains the title.
- IWGP World Heavyweight Championship: Hirooki Goto VS David Finlay; Goto wins and retains the title.
PLAY BY PLAY
Yuya Uemura w/ Just4Guys VS SANADA!
It used to be Just5Guys, but the Heat Storm went down with injury, and the Cold Skull showed how Cold-Blooded he really was. Will Yuya make this War Dog pay for his crimes? Or will Sakura Genesis start with a Skull End?
The bell rings and the fans rally behind Yuya as he stares down with Sanada. They circle, feel things out, then tie up. Yuya wrenches, wristlocks, then hammerlocks, but Sanada reaches back to headlock. Yuya pries the hold open and puts the headlock on Sanada. Yuya hits the takeover, but Sanada rolls him to a cover, ONE! Yuya holds on, the two stand up, and Yuya wrenches again. Sanada rolls, kips up, and cartwheels to then handspring and wrench Yuya! Sanada hammerlocks, headlocks, spins to hammerlock again, but Yuya switches that onto Sanada. Yuya then spins through to hammerlock, headlock, cravat and snapmare, but Sanada handsprings through!
The fans cheer this great opening exchange, and the two reset. Sanada and Yuya circle, the fans rally up, and the two feel things out. They knuckle lock, then Yuya kicks an arm to wrench the other. Sanada kicks free to wrench back, but Yuya wrenches again. Sanada wrenches through, wrenches again, but Yuya wrenches right back! Sanada reaches for ropes but Yuya keeps him back. Sanada rolls but Yuya rolls with him! The fans cheer, and Sanada tries again. Sanada rolls, but Yuya rolls with him! The fans cheer again, but Sanada fights up to snapmare. But Yuya holds on and he wrenches again. Sanada tries another snapmare, but Yuya still holds on.
Yuya wrangles Sanada, traps the arm, and SNAP LOCKS it! The fans cheer while Sanada clutches his arm. Yuya runs and basement DROPKICKS! Sanada bails out, shakes out the arm, and the fans rally up. Yuya waits on Sanada while he paces around the outside. Sanada slides in but Yuya knees him first. Yuya whips, Sanada reverses, but Yuya goes up and over! Yuya arm-drags Sanada, then DROPKICKS him down! The fans cheer and Yuya fires up! Sanada goes to a corner, Yuya runs corner to corner, and he CHOP LARIATS! Yuya then reels Sanada in for a BIG back suplex! Cover, TWO! Sanada stays in this but the fans rally behind Yuya.
Yuya looms over Sanada, brings him up, and clinches, but Sanada fights back with elbows. Yuya CHOPS! The fans cheer while Sanada sputters, and Yuya whips. Sanada reverses again to hurdle, hurdle, and DROPKICK! Yuya falls and goes to the outside, but Sanada PLANCHAS! Down goes Yuya and the fans still fire up! Sanada brings Yuya up, headlocks and brings him around the way, to then whip Yuya hard into railing! Yuya sputters while he leans against the railing. The fans boo but Sanada soak up all that heat. Sanada opens the gate and brings Yuya out into the crowd! The fans are told to back up, but Sanada SMACKS Yuya off Milano Collection AT-san!
The fans boo this unorthodox way of weaponizing the surroundings, but Sanada isn’t done! Sanada drags Milano out of his seat, the fans cheer Milano on, and Sanada stands Yuya up. Yuya CHOPS Sanada, and Sanada falls onto Milano! Milano suffers further damage and embarrassment, but Sanada CLAWS Yuya’s face! Sanada then THROWS Yuya down onto Milano! The fans boo more, but Sanada drags Yuya up. They go past English commentary, and Sanada brings Yuya back to ringside. Sanada puts Yuya in the ring, but then has him on the apron! MAGIC SCREW to the floor! The ref reprimands but Sanada doesn’t care.
Taichi checks on Yuya, and he glares at Sanada. Sanada storms over to drag Yuya back up, and he puts Yuya in the ring. The fans cheer while Sanada drags Yuya back up. Sanada puts Yuya on the ropes, for another MAGIC SCREW! Sanada mocks the fans cheering for Yuya, then he drags Yuya into the dragon sleeper! Yuya endures, and he arm-drags free! Sanada comes back, into Yuya’s SWINGING ARM-DRAG! And the URENAGE! The fans fire up while both men are down! Yuya crawls his way over, and he fires back up! The fans are with him as he goes to a corner! Yuya climbs, then watches Sanada stand.
Yuya leaps, but Sanada gets under! Yuya rolls through, but Sanada comes back! Yuya ducks the Shining Wizard, and he ENZIGIRIS! Sanada staggers, but he ENZIGIRIS! Sanada waistlocks, Yuya switches, GERMAN SUPLEX! Sanada lands on his feet! Tilt-o-whirl and dragon sleeper! Sanada holds on tight for the SKULL- NO, Yuya rolls back and pops free! Yuya catches one arm, then swings Sanada around, but Sanada catches Yuya! DEAD- NO, Yuya slips out of Deadfall, only for Sanada to shove him into the ref! The fans boo, but Sanada pops Yuya up to LOW BLOW! The fans boo more while Yuya drops to his knees!
Sanada goes to a corner, then runs up, SHINING WIZARD! Sanada isn’t done as he drags Yuya to the drop zone! Sanada goes up, ROUNDING- NO, Yuya dodges, and he RANAS! Then ARMBAR!! Sanada TAPS, Yuya wins!!
Winner: Yuya Uemura, by submission
Sanada tried to steal this one like he did with Taichi, but Yuya powered through! Justice has been served, will Sanada see where he went wrong? Will the Heat Storm rise to the top and prove he’s the future of NJPW?
NJPW World TV Championship: El Phantasmo w/ Jado VS Great-O-Khan w/ The United Empire!
The Headbanga knew the United Empire was coming for his gold, but his match with “Captain” TJP was just to soften him up for The Dominator! Will Khan bring this gold back to the Empire? Or will this still be the ELP Show?
It seems the United Empire is bringing a special guest! It’s the man who designed the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship belt, Masami Obari! Obari-san puts up the crown with the Empire, and joins Francesco Akira & Jakob Austin Young in Khan’s corner. Is this a sign Obari could also be designing something special for Khan? That aside, the match introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who’s really the Face of NJPW World!
The bell rings and we’re on the clock. ELP BOOTS Khan and Khan bails out! ELP builds speed and DIVES! Direct hit into railing and the fans fire up! ELP hauls Kahn up while fans duel, and ELP TOSSES Khan over railing! Fans move back as ELP ROCKS Khan with a right! ELP then goes into the ring, up the ropes, and fans join in as he says, “E! L! P!” SUPER CROSSBODY into the crowd! Direct hit and ELP ends up taking a seat! ELP smiles and high-fives the fans, then hurries to his feet. The fans rally behind ELP as he drags Khan up and CHOPS him! Khan flops over the railing and ELP gets fans to join in on “One more time!”
ELP hops over railing, drags Khan up, but Khan fights the suplex! Khan scoops, and SLAMS ELP on the railing! ELP flops to the floor while fans fire up again! Khan drags chair after chair out from under the ring, and he sets them up nearby. The ref reprimands but Khan shoves him aside. Khan has created a makeshift table using the chairs, and he drags ELP up! ELP slips free, kicks low, and he reels Khan in! But the bad arm won’t let him lift! Khan hauls ELP up, and he APRON SPINEBUSTER! The fans fire up while ELP sputters on the floor. Khan drags ELP into the ring, covers, TWO! ELP stays in this but Khan scoops him back up for a BACKBREAKER! Cover, TWO!
Khan pushes ELP around, gut wrenches him, and then GUT BUSTERS! Cover, TWO! Khan doesn’t let up, he gut wrenches for a GUT WRENCH PLEX! Cover, TWO! ELP is still in this and Khan is a bit surprised. The fans rally and duel, but the “O-KHAN! O-KHAN!” side seems stronger. Khan storms up but ELP fires a body shot! There wasn’t much behind it, and Khan taunts ELP. ELP rises to fire a forearm, but that’s the bad arm! Khan smirks but the fans rally again. ELP fires a forearm, but Khan Mongolian Chops him down! The “O-KHAN!” side again outdoes the “E L P!” ELP still rises to throw a chop, but there is still little behind it.
Khan brushes himself off, takes a swing, but ELP catches him, wrenches, straitjacket and- NO, the bad arm won’t let him lift Khan into the torture rack! ELP goes to a corner, but Khan Mongolian Chops him! The fans are torn but Khan hops up to sit on his throne! But then ELP slips right out and GAMANGIRIS! ELP climbs up to get Khan, but Khan GROIN CLAWS?! The fans boo and somehow the ref missed that! Khan scoops ELP from that position, but ELP slips down! ELP slingshots back up, then SUPER STEINERS! The fans fire up while both men are down! ELP rises back up, goes right up top, and THUNDERKISS 86 onto knees!!
Khan drags ELP into a roll up, TWO!! ELP survives, but Khan clamps on with the HITSUJIGOROSHI and then clinches for the FLATINER! Then the IRON CLAW! Khan drags ELP up for the ELIMIN- NO, ELP flips through! ELP then ducks, goes up the corner, and FLYING TORNADO DDTS! The fans fire up while both men are down again! ELP kips up and the fans cheer! ELP tunes up in the corner, Khan rises, SUDDEN- NO, Khan shoots around to IRON CLAW BACKBREAKER, then a spin, and Khan ROCKS ELP with an elbow! ELP BOOTS in return! Khan roars, blocks a kick, but not the ENZIGIRI!
Both men are down again and the fans fire back up! Time is running out and that favors ELP. Khan crawls over to ELP, the two sit up, and Khan fires a forearm! ELP snarls and fires a forearm in return! But the bad shoulder doesn’t help. Khan fires a forearm, so ELP winds up and fires back! Khan fires another forearm, but ELP shakes his head. Both men stand, and ELP storms up to Khan. ELP rips the shoulder tape away! Khan eggs ELP on, so ELP SLAPS, SLAPS, and fires palm strikes! Then a HEADBUTT! ELP runs, but Khan dodges! Khan returns, ELP dodges! DOUBLE LARIATS collide, and ELP stays up!?
The fans fire up and ELP calls to Jado. Jado takes ELP’s hand and helps POP that shoulder! ELP storms up on Khan, fires forearm after forearm after forearm, then he ROCKS Khan on the ropes! The fans rally, ELP whips, and ELP DROPKICKS! Then ELP handsprings and the fans fire up more! ELP drags Khan up, straitjacket and torture rack! ELP spins for the BRAIN SALAD! Cover, TWO!! Khan survives but ELP vows to end this! The fans fire up as ELP tucks the arms. Khan wrenches out to IRON RIGHT! But SUDDEN DEATH returns! ELP hurries to tuck Khan in, and C R 2!! Cover, TWO?!? Khan survives and the fans are thunderous!
ELP isn’t sure what to make of this, but we’re past 10 minutes. ELP drags Khan to the drop zone, goes up the corner, but Khan bails out. The fans boo but ELP hops down. The ring count starts, but ELP goes out the side! ELP storms up on Khan as we pass 5 of 20! Jado stops Khan from using a chair! So Khan sends Jado at ELP! ELP stops Jado from running into him, and now ELP has the chair! Khan wants mercy, Jado tells ELP not to use the chair. ELP drops the chair, but the IRON RIGHT hits! We’re at 12 of 20 as Khan scoops ELP! T T D on the chair structure!! Khan rolls in at 17, ELP is down at 18! 19! 20!! KHAN WINS!!
Winner: Great-O-Khan, by count out (NEW NJPW World Television Champion)
Khan grins as his master plan worked out! TJP weakened ELP, then the chairs came into play like Chekov’s Gun. Khan has conquered another title, but what will he have in store for his “season” as NJPW World TV Champion?
Hiroshi Tanahashi VS Shota Umino!
The Ace continues down the Final Road, but the Roughneck is just starting his Second Chapter. However, after losing to David Finlay, could Shota be embracing a darker path? Or can President Tanahashi still show him the light?
Tanahashi is partially cosplaying Terry Bogard from Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves, and joining him is top cosplayer, Momo Momoto. Get your copy of Fatal Fury on April 24th! That aside, Shota makes his entrance, and despite his new edge, he still wears his shining white pants and jacket. The jackets are put aside, and Tanahashi shows off the abs. The fans cheer, and the bell rings. The fans rally for Tanahashi but Shota tunes it all out. They tie up, Tanahashi waistlocks but Shota wrenches. Tanahashi wrenches back, but Shota rolls, slips through, and hammerlocks. Tanahashi reaches around, and he elbows Shota into a headlock.
Shota powers up, but Tanahashi holds tight! The fans cheer and Tanahashi grinds the hold, but Shota fights back up. Shota fires body shots, powers up and out, but Tanahashi RAMS him! Shota rebounds and runs Tanahashi over! The fans fire up again while Shota shakes out the stars. Shota drags Tanahashi up, whips him to a corner, then runs in, only for Tanahashi to BOOT him away. Tanahashi goes up, up, and CROSSBODIES! Tanahashi bounces off and plays air guitar. The fans cheer while Shota goes to a corner. Tanahashi runs in but Shota dodges! Tanahashi hits buckles, Shota runs back in, but Shota blocks Tanahashi’s boots!
Shota brings Tanahashi out of the corner to DRAGON SCREW! The fans rally while Shota paces around Tanahashi. Shota stomps Tanahashi’s legs, then stomps them again. Shota drops knee after knee on Tanahashi’s knee, then shifts into a toehold. Tanahashi endures as Shota shifts around to get a different angle. Tanahashi keeps his shoulders up, then works on his escape. Shota pulls on the leg, but Tanahashi has the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer, Shota lets go, and he stands Tanahashi up to grab the leg again. Tanahashi fights the lift with elbows, then he runs, only for Shota to dropkick the legs out!
Shota hurries to stand Tanahashi back up, and he has the leg for a SHIN BREAKER! Tanahashi falls, Shota steps over, S T F! Tanahashi endures, reaches out, crawls forward, and the fans rally as he drags Shota along. Shota shifts to have the leg and he drags Tanahashi back! KNEE SMASH into the mat! Back to the STF! Tanahashi endures again but the fans continue to rally! Tanahashi fights to the side, reaches out, but Shota pulls on the crossface! Tanahashi still manages the ROPEBREAK! Shota lets go while the fans cheer, and Tanahashi crawls to a corner. Shota storms over, stomps Tanahashi’s leg, then stomps it again, and again!
Shota digs his boot in but the ref counts, so Shota steps off. Shota stands Tanahashi up to fire a forearm! And another! And another! Tanahashi turns things around to fire forearm after forearm! Shota turns things around to fire forearm after forearm! Tanahashi turns things back around for more forearms, but then so does Shota! Tanahashi turns things around again for another round of forearms! Shota shoves Tanahashi and eggs him on! The forearms fly back and forth, then Shota gets the edge! Shota bumps Tanahashi off buckles, ROCKS him, then ROCKS him again! Shota eggs Tanahashi on while the fans fire up!
Tanahashi rises up, and Shota fires another forearm! Tanahashi leans into it! And he leans into another! And another! Shota throws a flurry, but Tanahashi swings! Shota ducks to SHOTEI in return! Tanahashi wobbles, Shota kicks, but Tanahashi blocks it, to DRAGON SCREW! The fans fire up while Tanahashi rises. Tanahashi drags Shota up, fires a strike fest, then whips. Shota reverses, Tanahashi FLYING FOREARMS! The fans fire up with Tanahashi and he drags Shota up. Tanahashi scoops and SLAMS Shota down into the drop zone! Tanahashi goes up, SUNSET SENTON! Cover, TWO! Shota survives that solid impact and the fans rally up again!
Tanahashi waits on Shota, then he runs to SLING- NO, Shota slips around to half nelson! Tanahashi runs to ropes, bucks the nelson, but Shota ELBOWS and ENZIGIRIS! Tanahashi staggers, roars, but swings into the HALF ‘N’ HALF! Tanahashi’s back up, but runs into another HALF ‘N’ HALF But Tanahashi’s up again!? Shota gets him for a third HALF ‘N’ HALF! Bridging cover, TWO!! Tanahashi escapes and the fans are thunderous! Shota rises and now he waits on Tanahashi. Tanahashi slowly stands up, Shota runs the ropes, but Tanahasih slips under and spins Shota for TWIST ‘n’ SHOUT! And then another TWIST ‘N’ SHOUT!
Tanahashi roars as he brings Shota back up, but Shota fights the hattrick! Tanahashi fires body shots, Shota fires them back! Shota hooks the leg, SECOND- NO, Tanahashi fights the driver! But Shota fights the twist! Shota wrenches, swings, but into a full nelson! Shota breaks that, but ends up in a STRAITJACKET GERMAN! Bridging cover, TWO!! Shota escapes and the fans are thunderous again! Tanahashi gets moving, and he SLINGBLADES! Cover, TWO! Tanahashi hurries right up top! The fans fire up while Shota stands, HIGH FLY ATTACK! Shota is down, so Tanahashi goes back up!
The fans fire up as Tanahashi aims again! HIGH FLY FLOW FLOPS as Shota moves! Shota aims from the corner, fire in his eyes as Tanahashi rises. BLINDSIDE BUSAIKU KNEE!! Shota rises again while the fans rally as hard as they can for Tanahashi! Shota roars as he goes back to the corner! Tanahashi rises, into a BUSAIKU KNEE!! Shota isn’t done, as he drags Tanahashi up, hooks the leg, and SECOND- CRADLE from Tanahashi! TWO!!! Shota escapes in time! Both men stand, both men roar and run in! Shota dodges to then LARIAT!! Cover, TWO?!?! Tanahashi survives and Shota is furious, but the fans are electric!
Shota drags Tanahashi back up, reels him back in, and he hooks that leg! SECOND CHAPTER!!! Cover, SHOTA WINS!
Winner: Shota Umino, by pinfall
Whether light or dark, good or evil, that might just be a matter of perspective. What is clear is that Shota’s Second Chapter just punctuated a major part of Tanahashi’s last chapter! But wait, Shota wishes to speak. The mic is handed over, and the fans cheer Shota as he kneels by Tanahashi. “Tanahashi-san… I have just one decision, one option. I will lead Hontai here in NJPW!” Shota takes a bow of respect to President Tanahashi, but will he really lead the main unit when he is not yet atop the mountain? As for Tanahashi, he now has a week to prepare for his next match, that being with Konosuke Takeshita! Will The Ace be ready for The Alpha?
NEVER Openweight Six Man Tag Team Championships: The House of Torture VS Bullet Club War Dogs!
The Bullet Club Civil War continues to rage on, and now Ren Narita, Yujiro Takahashi & Sho must put up their gold against Gabe Kidd, “Drilla” Dan Moloney & Taiji Ishimori! Will the House use all the tricks in the book to keep these titles? Or will the War Dogs be bringing gold and bodies back to the pound?
The introductions are made, the NEVER belts are raised, and we see who is truly Bullet Club Prime!
The War Dogs TRIPLE SHOTGUN! Yujiro & Ren fall out of the ring, Sho takes a TRIPLE SUPERKICK! The fans fire up as Taiji and Gabe go up the corners, to DOUBLE ASAI MOONSAULT! Down go Yujiro & Ren and the fans fire up! The bell rings and Drilla drags Sho up. Gabe & Taiji set up Yujiro & Ren, Drilla SPLASH MOUNTAINS Sho out onto them!! The fans are thunderous and Drilla is all fired up! Gabe drags Ren out into the crowd to UPPERCUT! Taiji fires hands on Yujiro, Drilla has Sho, and it is chaos all around the arena! Drilla BOWLS Sho into chairs! Gabe does the same to Ren in some other segment!
Taiji SMACKS Yujiro off the timekeeper’s table! The fans rally, the ref reprimands, but Drilla drags Sho back to ringside. Drilla DECKS Sho, but Ren JAMS Gabe up with a chair! Ren has Gabe behind commentary and SMACKS him off a desk! Gabe falls back, Sho CHOKES Drilla, and then Sho puts Drilla in the ring. The fans boo but Ren POSTS Gabe! Sho stomps Drilla around, then tags in Yujiro. Sho stomps Drilla more, and the House all joins in. They drag Drilla up, whip him to a corner, then Sho runs up to forearm SMASH! Yujiro runs up to BOOT! Ren runs up to ELBOW! Ren snapmares Drilla down, then distracts the ref from seeing Yujiro’s FALLING HEADBUTT LOW BLOW!
The fans boo but Tokyo Pimp covers, only for Gabe to break it! Ren kicks Gabe back out, then Yujiro tags Ren in. The Souled Out Son of Strong Style storms up, but Drilla RAMS him into the corner! Gabe tags in, Taiji BLASTS the House, and now Taiji handsprings so he and Drilla can NEURALIZER HART ATTACK! Then CATAPULT into a HAYMAKER! Drilla lifts Ren into the Electric Chair, and Gabe goes up, up, and DOOMSDAY DEVICE!! Cover, Sho & Yujiro break it! The House brawls with the War Dogs, they go back and forth with forearms, but then the House just CLAW eyes! But the Dogs bark and CLAW eyes in return!
Taiji & Drilla whip, but Sho & Yujiro grab ropes! They TOSS Taiji, but Drilla sends Yujiro into Sho! GORE for Yujiro! Sho dodges Drilla to SPEAR! But Taiji springboards back in, SEATED SENTON! Ren BOOTS Taiji! Gable gets around Ren to ripcord, HAYMAKER, and Ren wobbles! The fans are thunderous, Gabe roars, and Gabe runs, only for Ren to dodge! Gabe rebounds, but into the NECKBREAKER DROP! Everyone is down, and this is just the first five minutes! Ren crawls to the corner, he tags Sho in, and Sho laughs as he stomps Gabe down. Ren and Sho stomp Gabe, digs their heels in, and soak up the heat.
Sho & Ren CHOKE Gabe, have him on the ropes, and then they double whip. Gabe DOUBLE LARIATS! The fans fire up as the anti-hero stands tall! Gabe barks, the fans join in, and Gabe runs to COMEBACKER LARIAT on Sho! Taiji returns, Gabe tags Drilla. Taiji gut wrenches Sho for CIPHER UTAKI, and Drilla deadlifts Sho! But Yujiro & Ren drag Gabe & Taiji outta the ring! Sho slips free to shove Drilla into the ref! The fans boo, but t hen Sho LOW BLOWS Drilla, and shoves him back into the ref!! The fans boo even more, but now Ren has his pushup bar! Ren CLOBBERS Gabe! The House regroups and they haul Drilla up.
Ren & Yujiro hold Drilla up while Sho has his “Torture Tool!” But then Sho spots something! CLARK CONNORS & SANADA are here! 100 Proof CLOBBERS Yujiro & Ren! Then he dodges Sho to UPPERCUT! Sanada… is in Astro Boy boots? What? But he has his guitar, and he aims at Sho! BUT HE SMASHES DRILLA?!?! Sanada gets the ref in the ring, Sho covers Drilla, House of Torture wins!!
Winners: The House of Torture, by pinfall (still NEVER Openweight Six Man Tag Team Champions)
The Cold Blooded snake does it again!! He ditched LIJ for Just5Guys, then he betrayed J5G to be Bullet Club 4 Life! Only to now betray the War Dogs and join the House of Torture!! Sanada unzips his jacket to confirm it, he’s wearing a “House of Torture is Real Bullet Club” shirt!! But then he and the House run away as Gabe gets back up! Is this Sanada’s final form? Is this going to be the deciding battle in the Bullet Club Civil War?
NJPW announces the field for the Best of the Super Juniors 32!
The fastest moving round robin tournament is on its way back! And in this year’s field, it will be: last year’s winner, El Desperado; “Funky Weapon” Ryusuke Taguchi; Mr. Direct Drive, YOH; “The Way to the Grandmaster,” Master Wato; “The Time Splitter,” KUSHIDA; “The Jet,” Kevin Knight; “The American Shinobi,” Ninja Mack; “Japanese Young Punk,” Kosei Fujita; “The Sniper of the Skies,” Robbie Eagles; “The Ticking Timebomb” and perhaps the most decorated winner of all, Hiromu Takahashi; “The Black Mask,” BUSHI; “The Crown of Fire,” Francesco Akira; “The Bone Soldier Reborn,” Taiji Ishimori; “100 Proof,” Clark Connors; “The Murder Machine,” SHO; “Heel Master,” Yoshinobu Kanemaru; a wild card from CMLL; Dragongate’s Dragon Dia; DDT Pro’s MAO; and AEW’s Nick Wayne!
So that’s TWENTY in all, two blocks of 10, and it all begins May 10th! Desperado is on commentary and is very excited about those crossover names. But will he go back to back? Or will another prove they are the Best of the Super Juniors?
NEVER Openweight Championship: Konosuke Takeshita VS Ryohei Oiwa w/ TMDK!
The Alpha became a double champion to start the year off strong, but he has since hit a speedbump. Kenny Omega is now AEW International Champion, but Konosuke still has gold to defend. Will Konosuke keep this title as he also prepares for the Windy City Riot? Or will The Mighty Mullet get a grip on some gold?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who NEVER gives in!
The bell rings and the fans rally up. The crowd seems split down the middle as Konosuke and Oiwa circle. They feel things out, back up, then tie up collar ‘n’ elbow. Oiwa waistlocks, but Konosuke switches. Oiwa switches back, but Konosuke grabs a leg and trips him. Oiwa goes for an arm, Konosuke rolls back, and Konosuke floats to a facelock. The two stand, they’re on the ropes, and the ref counts. Konosuke lets off slowly, pats Oiwa on the shoulders, and the fans applaud. Oiwa and Konosuke go again, and Konosuke grabs an arm. Konosuke wrenches to wristlock, but Oiwa rolls, wrenches and wristlocks in return.
Konosuke rolls, Oiwa wrangles him, and Oiwa STOMPS the arm! The fans applaud, and Oiwa top wristlocks Konosuke. Konosuke arm-drags free, headlocks for the takeover, but Oiwa headscissors. Konosuke kips free, Oiwa headlocks for the takeover, but Konosuke headscissors. Konosuke hooks a leg to stop the kip up and he has the cradle! TWO and both men hurry to their feet. Oiwa headlocks, Konosuke powers up and out, then he drops down to jump over. But Oiwa drops on the monkey flip for a cover! TWO, and Konosuke bails out! Oiwa hurries out after him, headlocks again, but Konosuke powers up and out.
Oiwa whips Konosuke to send him hard into railing! The fans cheer, Oiwa drags Konosuke up, and Oiwa whips Konosuke, only for Konosuke to reverse! Oiwa hits railing, then Konosuke runs up to BOOT Oiwa! But Konosuke goes so hard, he falls over the railing! Konosuke gets back up while Oiwa is still down, and he drags Oiwa up. Konosuke puts Oiwa in the ring, the fans applaud, and Konosuke springboards! Oiwa dodges, runs up and ELBOWS Konosuke in the corner! Oiwa whips Konosuke to a corner, then runs up to ELBOW him again! Oiwa fires up, the fans are with him, and he whips corner to corner just to YANK the arm!
The fans applaud the savvy, and Oiwa clamps onto Konosuke’s arm. Konosuke endures as Oiwa grinds the shoulder. Konosuke fights up, Oiwa wrenches and wristlocks, but Konosuke powers up, only for Oiwa to wrangle him to the mat! Oiwa hammerlocks that arm, cording holds the other, and he rolls Konosuke up, TWO! Oiwa keeps Konosuke down with a double wristlock! Konosuke fights up, but Oiwa RAMS him into the corner! Konosuke drops to his knees but Oiwa drags him back up. Oiwa clamps onto the arm again, but Konosuke fights against it. Konosuke eggs Oiwa on so Oiwa puts on the pressure! Only for Konosuke to scoop and SLAM!
But Oiwa holds on and drags Konosuke down! Oiwa pulls on the arm with that keylock, but Konosuke fights up to his feet. Oiwa whips Konosuke to a corner, Konosuke stops himself and ELBOWS Oiwa back. And ELBOWS him again! Konosuke goes up, but Oiwa DROPKICKS him first! Konosuke falls against the buckles, and Oiwa goes out to grab the bad arm! The ref reprimands but Oiwa climbs up to throw down elbows. Oiwa then has a facelock, and the bad arm, but Konosuke fires body shots! Konosuke HEADBUTTS Oiwa! The fans rally as both men adjust their position, and Konosuke has Oiwa on the very top!
Konosuke fires up for the SUPER DUPER PLEX! The fans are thunderous while both men are down! Konosuke clutches the bad arm, but he still rises back up! Konosuke drags Oiwa up, reels him in, but Oiwa fights with elbows! Oiwa wants the arm, Konosuke rolls through! Oiwa dodges the lariat to SNAP GERMAN! And then he waistlocks for another GERMAN SUPLEX! Konosuke stands, Oiwa runs up, but into an EXPLODER! Oiwa rises up, swings again, but into the BLUE THUNDER BOMB! Cover, TWO!! Oiwa survives and the fans fire up! Konosuke huffs ‘n’ puffs and stands back up, daring Oiwa to do the same.
Oiwa stands, and Konosuke fires a forearm! Oiwa snarls and fires one in return! Konosuke fires another forearm, Oiwa staggers, but he stays up. Oiwa comes back to fire a forearm! The forearms go back and forth, the fans rally up as they go harder, but then Oiwa wrenches and YANKS the arm! Oiwa wrenches to an ELBOW BREAKER, then another ELBOW- NO, Konosuke has a SLEEPER! Oiwa slips free to put the SLEEPER on Konosuke! Konosuke shifts, powers up and out, and they RAM shoulders! Both men rebound, and Konosuke JUMP KNEES Oiwa down! Konosuke fires up, hauls Oiwa up, but Oiwa SAIDOS!
The fans fire up while both men are down! Oiwa rises, the fans rally, and Oiwa goes to a corner. Oiwa climbs up, takes aim, and DIVING SPLASHES onto knees! Cradle, TWO!! Oiwa is free, and he runs up to HEADSCISSOR TAKEDOWN! Cover, TWO! Oiwa and Konosuke DOUBLE LARIAT! They stay up, Konosuke BOOTS Oiwa’s next lariat, then dodges the other! But he runs into a LARIAT all the same! The fans fire up and Oiwa waistlocks! Oiwa then spins Konosuke, but Konosuke dodges The Grip! Konosuke waistlocks, Oiwa switches, Konosuke switches back, and O’Conner CHAOS THEORY! Bridging cover, TWO!!
Oiwa survives and the fans fire up! Konosuke grits his teeth and rises back up. Konosuke aims from a corner, Oiwa rises, POWER- NO, Oiwa catches Konosuke to a DOCTOR BOMB!! Cover, TWO!! Oiwa hurries to clamp on the keylock! Oiwa drags Konosuke into SHANKLY GATES!! Konosuke endures being bent and twisted while the fans rally up! Konosuke shifts around, reaches out, but Oiwa puts all he can onto the hold! Konosuke still manages the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer while Oiwa lets go in frustration. Konosuke rises, but Oiwa waistlocks! Konosuke holds onto the ropes with one hand, but Oiwa pulls him free! GERMAN SUPLEX! Konosuke lands out!?
Konosuke runs up, dodges a lariat, and then DOUBLE LARIATS collide! Both men rebound, and Konosuke LARIATS through! Konosuke hurries to suplex, RAGIN- NO, Oiwa fights the fire, but Konosuke suplexes for a BRAINBUSTER! Cover, ONE?!!? Oiwa shows some true grit, and Konosuke is impressed! Konosuke storms up to ROCK Oiwa, then ROCK him again! Oiwa wobbles but Konosuke ROCKS him again! Konosuke spins, but so does Oiwa! Oiwa ROLLING ELBOWS first! SLEEPER! And then THE GRIP misses! ROLLING ELBOW from Konosuke! Elbow pad off, ALPHA ELBOW hits!! And then RAGING FIRE!!! Cover, Konosuke wins!!
Winner: Konosuke Takeshita, by pinfall (still NEVER Openweight Champion)
While The Mighty Don’t Kneel, Oiwa could not withstand The Alpha’s arsenal! Konosuke keeps this title around his waist, and now he must prepare for April 11th. Will Konosuke be ready for the Once in a Century Talent?
IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Championships: Tetsuya Naito & Hiromu Takahashi VS Jeff Cobb & Callum Newman!
The leader and, uh, other leader(?) of Los Ingobernables de Japon won the World Tag League, and eventually won these titles off the Young Bucks. But the United Empire wants to take back what they never truly lost! Will the Imperial Unit & Prince of Pace avenge Aaron Henare? Or will things in the Heavyweight Tag Division stay tranquilo?
The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we see if the Empire gains more gold!
Naito takes his time with his elaborate entrance attire, as is his wont. The pants are put aside, the teams sort out, and after the LIJ fist bump, Hiromu starts against Callum. The bell rings, the fans rally, and Hiromu stares down Callum. Hiromu vibes with the chants for “HI-RO-MU! HI-RO-MU!” The two tie up, are in a deadlock, and they go around. Callum uses his height to put Hiromu on the ropes, but then Hiromu turns things around. The ref counts the break, Hiromu lets off, but Callum avoids the chop! Callum whips, Hiromu reverses, but Callum ducks ‘n’ dodges, but then so does Hiromu! Hiromu RANAS, Callum handsprings through!
Callum runs up, Hiromu dodges and RANAS again, but Callum still handsprings through! But Hiromu spins Callum, only for Callum to fight the suplex! Hiromu CHOPS, Naito jumps in, and they double whip! But Callum BOOTS through Tendedero! LIJ tries again, Callum ducks this time, and he runs again, only for LIJ to avoid the boot! TENDEDERO! Naito & Hiromu hit Cobb with TENDEDERO! Cobb is furious but Hiromu goes after Callum. Hiromu drags Callum over to bump off buckles, then he tags Naito. The fans rally for Naito while he cravats Callum. Callum endures the neck wrench, Hiromu puts his boots in, and Naito sends Callum into them!
The fans applaud while Naito brings Callum up. Hiromu joins in and picks Callum’s legs up, DRAPING NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Naito tags Hiromu, then drags Callum up for a CHOP! Hiromu CHOPS Callum in the corner, whips corner to corner, then runs up to LARIAT! Snapmare and Hiromu gets moving, but Callum dodges to basement DROPKICK! The fans rally up, Callum rolls and hot tags Cobb! The fans cheer as Cobb brings Hiromu up, reels him in, and then SLAMS him down by his waistband! Cobb steps on Hiromu but dares Naito to come in. GACHIMUCHI MOONSAULT on Hiromu’s back!
Cobb mocks the LIJ fist with a hang loose, then he ROCKS Hiromu. Cobb whips Hiromu corner to corner, but Hiromu runs back to CROSSBODY! Cobb catches Hiromu, and swings, but Hiromu slips free! Hiromu ducks ‘n’ dodges to RAN- NO! Cobb stops that and he lifts Hiromu up! But Hiromu pops free to DDT! Both men are down and the fans fire up! Hot tag to Naito! Naito fires hands on Cobb, kicks and CLUBS him, but Cobb just frowns. Cobb swings, Naito dodges to waistlock, but Cobb switches. Cobb shoves Naito, but Naito grabs the ropes. Cobb runs up, Naito BOOTS him, but Cobb eggs him on.
Naito fires forearms, but Cobb runs up, but into an atomic drop! Naito runs, ELBOWS Cobb down, then basement DROPKICKS! The fans rally, Naito BLASTS Callum off the apron, then whips Cobb. Cobb reverses, but Naoto BOOTS him! Naito goes up, and hits ESPERANZA! Cobb flounders, stands up, and Naito CORRIENDO SHIKI- ATHLETIC PLEX! The fans fire up as Cobb turns things around on Naito, and now he crawls to hot tag Callum! Callum runs corner to corner to JUMP KICK Naito! And then he brings Naito around to suplex, but Hiromu runs in! Hiromu dropkicks Callum’s legs out! Cobb “JOHN CENA!” SHOULDER TACKLES!
Naito wrenches Cobb, reels him in, and TORNADO DDTS! Cobb flounders away, Naito catches Callum and feeds him to a SUPERKICK! CORRIENDO SHIKI DESTINO!! Cover, TWO!! Callum survives and the fans fire up! The fans rally, Naito drags Callum up, and Hiromu waits on Naito. Hiromu gives Naito the boost, but Callum stops the DDT! Callum and Naito switch, Naito feeds Callum to Hiromu for a dosido and roll-up! Callum rolls through, but runs into TENDEDERO! Naito wrenches, throws elbows, then wrenches again! DESTI- NO! Callum stops it, so Hiromu SHOTGUNS Callum into the DESTINO!! Cover, Cobb SHOVES Hiromu down to break it!
Cobb waistlocks and deadlifts Naito, but Naito fights with elbows! Cobb lets go to SUPERKICK Naito, then reels him in for a TOUR OF THE- CROSSBODY from Hiromu! The fans fire up with Hiromu, and he drags Cobb up. Hiromu fireman’s carries Cobb!? But Cobb slips free, and he TOSSES Hiromu out! Cobb calls to Callum, then he scoops Naito. But Hiromu SUPERKICKS Cobb to save Naito! And he SUPERKICKS Callum! But Callum stays up, dodges a lariat, and he GERMAN SUPLEXES Hiromu! Callum runs, but into an OVERHEAD SUPLEX into buckles! Hiromu fires up, the fans are with him, and he brings Callum back up.
Hiromu fireman’s carries, but Callum slips free! Feed to a POP-UP POEWRBOMB! Cobb hurries to TOUR OF THE ISLANDS!! Hiromu flounders away, but Naito runs up! But into a TOUR OF- DESTINO!! Callum runs up, ducks ‘n’ dodges, springboard, OSCUTTER 2.0!! And then the fisherman, for FIREBOLT!! Cover, TWO!?!? Naito survives and Callum is shocked! But Callum hurries to stand Naito up, reel him back in, but Naito wrenches out! Naito fires elbow after elbow, but Callum ducks! Callum ELBOWS Naito, but Naito SPITS at Callum! Callum CHOPS, Naito ELBOWS, and Naito ROLLING KICKS!
Naito hurries to get Callum back up, wrench, and DESTIN- NO!! Callum blocks to flip Naito into a TOUR OF THE ISLANDS!!! Cobb roars, and he tells Callum to get this done! Cobb scoops, Callum aims, LAWN DART KNEE SHOT!! The fans are thunderous as Callum adds the BLOODY SUNDAY!!! Cover, COBB & CALLUM WIN!!!
Winners: Jeff Cobb & Callum Newman, by pinfall (NEW IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Champions)
The Empire once again conquers the Heavyweight Tag Division, and Callum finally has gold here in NJPW! Khan waves the banner as he also wears the NJPW World TV Champion, is this Sakura Genesis just the beginning of The United Empire completely conquering NJPW?
IWGP Global Heavyweight Championship: Yota Tsuji VS EVIL w/ Dick Togo!
The Gene Blast took this title off of David Finlay, then kept it from Gabe Kidd, but now, amidst the Bullet Club Civil War, it is the House of Torture’s King of Darkness that wants this title. Will Evil rub it in The Rebel’s face that he has Finlay’s creation? Or will Yota be the one to keep things tranquilo tonight?
Evil & Dick don’t wait for the introductions, they attack Tsuji on the outside! They beat him down, drag him up, and put him in the ring! Evil stomps away on Tsuji and pulls the jacket off him, but that’s not YOTA Tsuji! That’s Yota’s older brother! The Tsuji brothers used this trick before, and it worked out again! Yota runs in and CLOBBERS Dick! Evil takes a swing but Yota BODY BLOWS first! The fans fire up as Yota BOOTS Evil down! Yota grins, then helps his brother up. The fans cheer as they both smile, and then Yota holds up the title. Yota hands that to the ref, the bell rings, and Evil suddenly wants mercy?
The fans rally for Yota and he eggs Evil on. Evil offers a handshake, but then goes for the eye poke! But Yota blocks with the classic one hand prayer! And then he pokes Evil in the eyes! The fans cheer, Yota runs, but Evil distracts the ref and Dick trips Yota up! The fans boo but Dick pretends his hands are clean. Evil kicks Yota around, but then Dick goes after Yota’s brother! Dick drags Elder Tsuji away from ringside and Evil mockingly says goodbye. Then he RAMS Yota into the timekeeper! Abe-san suffers again and the fans boo. Evil grabs the mic while he digs his boots into Yota, and he tells Yota that he wasn’t gonna get away with that cheap trick!
Evil talks trash on Yota, “Are you ready to fall like cherry blossoms off the tree?” Evil then laughs and stomps Yota down. Evil slips into the ring, the ref checks Yota, and Yota says he’s fine. Yota hobbles into the ring, but Evil pushes him down. Evil stomps away on the bad leg, then drops an elbow on the knee! Yota endures as Evil pulls on the leg, but Evil digs his elbow in. Yota drags Evil along to the ROPEBREAK! The ref counts, Evil lets go at 4, and Evil distracts the ref again so Dick can SLAM Yota’s leg on the apron! Dick then hits a DRIVE-BY DROPKICK! Yota staggers away, the ref reprimands Dick, and Dick backs away.
Evil again argues with the ref, and Dick puts Yota in for him. Evil ties up the legs, and he salutes as he has Yota in a BLUE JUSTICE FIGURE FOUR! Evil mocks Yuji Nagata, and says HE is justice now! Yota endures, reaches out, and drags Evil along again. The fans rally as Yota keeps fighting his way over, and he has the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer but Evil holds on so the ref reprimands. Evil lets go of Yota, then tells Yota to just quit now. Evil stands on the bad leg, but the ref has him back off. Yota grits his teeth and clutches the bad leg, but the fans rally behind him. Evil drags Yota up, but Yota fires a forearm!
Yota fires another forearm, and another, but Evil kicks the bad leg! Evil whips, but Yota can’t even make it to the ropes! Evil grins, and he grabs the bad leg to SMASH the knee on the mat! The ref checks on Yota but Yota refuses to let it end here. Evil stands on the bad leg, then he drags Yota up. Evil whips Yota into a corner, then runs up, but Yota BOOTS him! Evil tries again, and he blocks a boot, only for Yota to reel him in! DOUBLE STOMP! But that was double-edged given the bad knee! Yota falls over, shakes out the leg, and he tells the ref he can continue. Yota fires up and walks off the pain, and the fans rally as he goes after Evil.
Yota fires forearm after forearm, then whips. Evil reverses, but Yota RANAS! The fans fire up while Evil tumbles out of the ring! Yota fires up again, and he builds speed to DIVE! Direct hit and Evil hits railing! The fans fire up while both men are down! Dick is lurking nearby, but Yota stands up and fires up again! The fans cheer Yota on, and he drags Evil up. Yota puts Evil in the ring, the fans cheer again, but Dick is creeping! Dick grabs a leg, but Yota BOOTS him away! Yota ROCKS Evil, then slingshots and somersaults! Yota keeps moving, and he runs Evil over! Then SPLASH DOWN! Cover, TWO! Evil stays in this but Yota stays focused.
Yota drags Evil up, brings him around, and stomps him down. Yota goes to the corner, jumps up, up, but Evil dodges! No Marlowe Crush, and the leg jams again! Evil CHOP BLOCKS the leg! Both men are down and the fans rally up. Evil grins while Yota grits his teeth, and Evil stands first. Evil drags Yota around, stomps the bad leg again and again, then turns Yota over to SMASH the knee! Yota writhes and crawls to a corner, but Evil winds up the arm. Evil runs in, LARIATS, then FISHERMAN BUSTER! Cover, TWO! Yota stays in this and the fans fire up. Evil tells the fans to shut up, and then he talks more trash on those cheering for Yota.
Evil drags Yota up, reels him in, but Yota fights the fireman’s carry! Yota throws elbows, but Evil LARIATS! Yota stays up, and he glares defiantly at Evil. Evil LARIATS again, and Yota drops to a knee! Evil winds up, runs, but Yota blocks the lariat to ROCK! And SUPERKICK! But Evil CLUBS the knee, ROCKS Yota, ROLLING ELBOWS, then winds up to LARIAT! Cover, TWO!! Yota survives and the fans fire up! But Evil has the legs, for the SCORPION DEATHLOCK! Yota endures as Evil sits deep on the iconic hold! The fans rally as hard as they can, and Yota powers up! Yota fights forward, claws at the mat, but Evil sits back down!
The fans rally more as Yota still endures! Yota shouts in pain, but he also powers up again! Yota fights forward, reaches out, and has the ROPEBREAK! The ref counts, Evil lets go at 4, and paces in frustration. Evil then smirks as he drags Yota by his arm. Evil wants the ref to ask Yota, but Yota refuses to give in. Evil stands on Yota’s head, then drags him back up. Evil slaps Yota around, but Yota fires short headbutts into Evil’s chest. Evil laughs, fireman’s carries, but Yota flails free! But the leg jams! Evil kicks the bad leg, then whips Yota! Evil goes to the corner and comes back, but into the BACKBREAKER! FLATLINER! CURB STOMP!!
The fans fire up as the Gene Combination hits! Yota sits back and clutches the bad knee, and tries to get it working again. Yota rises, fires back up, and he roars! The fans rally behind him and Yota drags Evil up to CLUB him back down. Yota goes to the corner, then goes up, up, and wait! Kanemaru has Elder Tsuji hostage! The distraction lets Evil CHOP BLOCK Yota off the corner! The fans boo but Dick CLOBBERS the ref!? Dick stomps away on Yota while Kanemaru puts Yota’s brother in the ring! Evil grins as now he, Kanemaru & Dick stomp away on the Tsuji brothers! Dick ROCKS Yota and has him in the corner.
Dick & Kanemaru double whip Yota, then Dick runs in for an ELBOW! Kanemaru adds an ELBOW, and Evil adds a LARIAT! They snapmare Yota, hold him up, and Dick goes up top! DICK CHOP!! The fans boo, but the Tsuji brothers are put together for a DOUBLE SPOILER CHOKER! The fans boo more, but here comes Shingo Takagi! He CLOBBERS Kanemaru, CLUBS Dick, then DECKS Dick! Takagi gets Yota’s brother out of there, but Kanemaru CLAWS Takagi’s eyes! Kanemaru runs, but into the ELBOW! JAB! And YUKON LARIAT! The fans fire up for the Rampaging Dragon, “TOKI GA KITA!”
But Evil LOW BLOWS Takagi! Evil laughs at Takagi, but Yota LOW BLOWS Evil!! The fans cheer as now things are even! The fans rally up behind Yota and he hobbles over to Evil. Yota drags Evil up, reels him in, but Evil fights the suplex! They fight for control, and Evil suplexes Yota, but gets STUN DOG MILLIONAIRE! And then Yota suplexes for the ORANGE CRUSH!! Cover, TWO!! Evil survives and Yota roars! The fans fire up with Yota as he takes aim from the corner. Evil rises, but he sends the ref at Yota! Then Evil kicks low, and uses the ref to help with MAGIC KILLER! But that sends the ref tumbling!
The fans rally while Evil grins. Evil rises, he brings Yota up and runs, to LARIAT!! Cover, TWO!! Yota survives and the fans are thunderous! Evil is furious but he drags Yota to his feet. Fireman’s carry and DARKNESS FALLS! Cover, TWO!! Yota survives and the fans fire up again! Evil is even angrier now, but he slashes his throat and vows to end this! Evil drags Yota up, spins him around, EVERY- NO, Yota slips free and clinches! Evil fights free, but GENE BLASTER OUTTA NOWHERE!! Cover, TWO?!?! Evil survives but Yota just goes to the corner! Yota rises up, takes aim again, and the fans fire up as Yota roars!
Evil rises, Yota runs up, GENE- NO, Evil sends him into a corner! Dick drags the ref out! Evil has Yota up, Dick takes aim, but Yota ducks! POCKET SAND hits Evil!! The fans fire up as Yota DECKS Dick! Kanemaru is back, and he dropkicks Yota’s legs out! Kanemaru calls to Evil, then he gets the whiskey! Evil stands Yota up, but Yota ducks again, WHISKEY MIST hits Evil in the face!! Takagi is back to PUMPING BOMBER Kanemaru!! Yota reloads, runs up, and GENE TRIGGERS! Yota goes up, up, and MARLOWE CRUSH!! Yota roars and the fans are thunderous! Evil rises, into the GENE BLASTER!!! Cover, YOTA WINS!!
Winner: Yota Tsuji, by pinfall (still IWGP Global Heavyweight Champion)
The King of Darkness could not claim his throne, and that is TRUE justice! Will the House of Torture simply focus on battling with the War Dogs?
As for Yota, Takagi helps him stand, and Yota grabs the mic. The fans cheer, and Yota says, “I am the ray of hope to the new era of NJPW. But, how about you?” Wait! Yuya Uemura is here! Yota continues by saying, “Can you be the sun to light up this NJPW ring? OI, UEMURA!” Yota turns around to see Yuya there. Yota invites him in, and Yuya steps inside. Yota tells Yuya, “My next challenger is you.” The fans cheer, and Yuya takes the mic to say, “It’s not the belt that motivates me right now. To erase the memory of that day, I want to fight the Tsuji of today!” The fans cheer that! Yuya then says, “I, the Heat Storm, will be the one to light up pro-wrestling and everyone here!”
The fans cheer and Yuya gives the mic back to Yota. Yota smiles and says, “Oi, Uemura. Are you ready?” The fans cheer as Yota drops the mic. Gene Blast or Heat Storm, who will be forged in gold when these two collide?
IWGP World Heavyweight Championship: Hirooki Goto w/ YOSHI-HASHI VS David Finlay w/ Gedo!
The Fierce Warrior finally leads the charge as THE champion here in NJPW, and he was even given the reins of Hontai by Hiroshi Tanahashi himself. But The Rebel does things his own way, from taking over Bullet Club to finally winning the New Japan Cup. There is only room for ONE world champion here, so will the G in IWGP still be for Goto? Or will the Savage King finally reign supreme?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who truly leads the revolution!
The bell rings and the fans rally for “GO-TO-O! GO-TO-O!” Red Shoes doesn’t even bother taking the measure, it is very clear Goto holds the crowd. Goto and Finlay circle, feel things out, and tie up. Finlay has the arm, hammerlocks, but Goto switches that onto Finlay. Goto headlocks, hits the takeover, but Finlay headscissors. Goto kips free, the two stand off, and the fans cheer. Finlay and Goto reset, circle again, and Finlay smirks as the crowd continues to cheer on Goto. They tie up again, are in a deadlock right at center, but Goto’s slight height advantage helps push Finlay back a couple steps. Goto puts Finlay on the ropes, and Red Shoes calls the break.
Goto and Finlay slowly let off, and Goto pats Finlay on the shoulders. But then Finlay ROCKS Goto with a cheap shot and headlocks! The fans boo and Red Shoes reprimands, but Finlay grinds the hold. Goto powers up and out to then headlock Finlay in return. Finlay powers up but can’t power out as Goto holds tight! The fans cheer, Finlay fights up, and Finlay fires body shots. Finlay powers up and out, but Goto runs him over! The fans cheer and Goto looms over Finlay. Things get moving, and Finlay drops down, hurdles over, but runs into a HIP TOSS! Finlay hurries to his feet, but Goto TOSSES him out! Finlay tumbles into the railing!
The fans cheer and Goto eggs Finlay on. Finlay storms in but Goto kicks and CLUBS him! Goto CLUBS Finlay more, whips him, but Finlay reverses. Goto ducks ‘n’ dodges but then Finlay ducks to kick low! Finlay runs, but into a BACKDROP! The fans cheer while Finlay writhes. Goto stomps Finlay, then CLUBS him again. Goto CLUBS Finlay more and Finlay falls against ropes. Goto brings Finlay up, but Finlay fireman’s carries to HOTSHOT, then RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP! Cover, TWO! Goto is tougher than that but Finlay stays focused. Finlay rains down fists, but Red Shoes reprimands about the closed fists.
Finlay lets off, and he throws up the Too Sweet while the fans boo. Finlay stands on Goto but Red Shoes doesn’t like the cocky cover. Finlay argues with Red Shoes, but Red Shoes won’t budge. Finlay clamps onto Goto for a neck wrench, but he also fishhooks Goto’s nose! Red Shoes reprimands, and Goto kicks forward to get the ROPEBREAK! Finlay lets go with just one hand but Red Shoes counts. Finlay CLUBS Goto down at 4! The fans rally for Goto while Red Shoes reprimands Finlay. Finlay drags Goto up and whips Goto hard into the corner! Gedo tells Goto to give up, but Finlay whips Goto hard into the other corner!
The fans boo but Finlay shrugs, then flexes. Finlay grins and covers Goto, TWO! Goto is tougher than that, but Finlay drags Goto up. Goto CHOPS! And CHOPS! And CHOPS! But Finlay throat chops! Finlay whips, but Goto reverses, and then Goto runs up, but into BOOTS! Finlay runs, but Goto follows and LARIATS! The fans fire up while both men are down! Gedo coaches Finlay but Goto brings him up for forearms. Goto whips corner to corner, then runs in, only for Finlay to FLAPJACK him off the buckles! Finlay then runs and LARIATS Goto and himself out of the ring! That was a rougher landing for Finlay and Red Shoes checks on him.
Finlay shakes out the bad hand, and he drags Goto up. Finlay RAMS Goto hard into railing! The fans boo but Finlay soaks up that heat. His hand seems to be alright as he waves to the fans. Finlay then dumps the belt off the timekeeper’s table! Finlay throws the tablecloth at the fans, then sets that table up near ringside. Finlay brings out a second table, and he places it right next to the first. Gedo tells Goto to give up now, and Finlay refreshes the ring count. Finlay brings Goto over to the tables, reels him in, and POWER- NO, Goto fights free! Goto RAMS Finlay into railing! Both men are down and the fans fire up!
Gedo coaches Finlay but Goto stomps him down. Goto stomps Finlay more, then whips him hard into the railing! Finlay falls to the floor but Goto stomps him. Goto drags Finlay up to CLUB him, but Finlay fireman’s carries! And POSTS him! Gedo loves it but the fans are torn at best. Finlay storms through the gate, but Red Shoes says to keep this near the ring. Finlay pretends not to hear that, and he hoists Goto up! But Goto RANAS out of the bomb and POSTS Finlay at the same time! The fans fire up while both men are down! The ring count starts again and Goto crawls his way over to Finlay by 7 of 20.
Goto stands at 9, and he drags Finlay up at 12. Goto puts Finlay in the ring and the fans cheer. We’re only ten minutes into this but Goto fires up. Goto fires forearms, then whips corner to corner. Goto runs up, MURAMASA! And then SAIDO! Cover, TWO! Finlay is tougher than that, but the fans continue to rally for Goto. Goto drags Finlay up, fireman’s carries, but Finlay slips free to roll Goto up! High stack, TWO! Finlay basement UPPERCUTS! Goto sputters and rolls away to a corner. Finlay goes to the other and barks. There are fans who join in, and Finlay runs corner to corner, but into a BOOT! Finlay still LARIATS!
Finlay LARIATS Goto in the corner again and again! Finlay then clinches, but Goto fights with elbows! Finlay fires a forearm, Goto fires back! Finlay fires another forearm, but Goto fires back! The fans rally as Finlay wobbles already! Finlay fires another shot, Goto fires another shot, and they go back and forth! The fans rally but Finlay gets the edge! ROLLING- NO, Goto catches Finlay to an URA GTR! Goto runs, DOUBLE LARIATS collide! Finlay runs, Goto follows, but Finlay dodges to LARIAT through! Cover, TWO!! Goto survives and the fans fire up again! Finlay is annoyed but he watches Goto crawl to a corner.
Finlay runs in, and he UPPERCUTS! Then Finlay suplexes to TOSS Goto away! The fans boo but Finlay flexes and swaggers around. Cover, TWO! Goto is still tougher than that, but Finlay seems more amused than anything. Finlay sits Goto up and makes him look to the camera. Finlay fires crossface forearm after crossface forearm! Gedo tells Goto to just give up! Finlay fires more forearms, then stands over Goto. Finlay again taunts Goto’s kids like he did months ago, and the fans boo Finlay more. The fans continue to rally behind Goto, and Finlay clinches for the BACKBREAKER! Then he reels Goto in for a CANADIAN HAMMER! Cover, TWO!!
The fans fire up as Goto survives! Gedo tells Finlay to keep on Goto, and Finlay pushes Goto to the apron. They’re near the tables! Finlay goes to the apron and tells the kids to say goodbye to daddy. Finlay reels Goto in, lifts him up, but Goto fights free! Finlay BOOTS Goto, stomps him on the apron, but Red Shoes reprimands. Finlay hauls Goto up and reels him in again, then mocks the tears. The fans boo, but Goto fireman’s carries Finlay! The fans fire up for the DEATH VALLEY DRIVER through the tables! Only one table breaks properly but Finlay suffers all the same! The fans are thunderous while both men are down!
Red Shoes checks and Finlay is somehow okay to continue. A ring count begins, the fans continue to cheer for “GO-TO-O!” and he rise sup. Goto heads for Finlay at 7 of 20, but reaches him at 13. Goto drags Finlay up at 14 and puts him in at 15! The fans cheer as Goto wants to win this the honorable way. Goto rolls in, drags Finlay up, and fireman’s carries for the G T W!! Cover, TWO!! Finlay survives and the fans rally up again. Gedo pounds the apron to rally for Finlay but the crowd is still with Goto. Goto rises, hobbles around, and he roars! The fans cheer as Goto aims, BUZZSAW! Finlay flops back but Goto drags him up!
Goto dragon sleepers, but Finlay spins through! Goto fights the suplex, but so does Finlay! Got suplexes, Finlay slips free and then SNAP OVERKILL!! Cover, TWO!!! Goto survives as Finlay couldn’t get the full impact! The fans rally as hard as they can while both men are down! Finlay grits his teeth, clutches his back, and crawls back to Goto. Finlay drags Goto up, reels him in, and hoists him up for a BUCKLE BOMB! But Goto comes back! Finlay dodges the lariat to POWERBOMB!! Cover, TWO!!! Goto survives again and Finlay grows frustrated! We hit 20 minutes and yet this feels like far less time! Finlay snarls as he drags Goto back up.
Finlay puts Goto on the top rope, then fires forearms. Finlay climbs while the fans rally more, and Finlay hoists Goto up. Goto fires body shots! Then he ROCKS Finlay with a forearm! Finlay drops back, but runs up and ROCKS Goto again! Finlay climbs to fire off more forearms, but Goto fires back! Goto HEADBUTTS Finlay again and again! Goto tucks Finlay in and the fans are already going nuts! Goto rises up to SUPER SUNSET BOMB!! Cover, TWO!!! Finlay survives and the fans are thunderous! Goto roars and he brings Finlay back up, only for Finlay to suplex, INTO OBLIVION!! Cover, TWO!?!?
Finlay staggers around, completely shocked! But he vows to end this now! Finlay drags Goto up, suplexes and OVER- NO, Goto cradle counters! TWO! Finlay holds on, suplexes again, OVER- NO!! Goto blocks the knee! Finlay fires furious fists and forearms, but Goto just HEADBUTTS him! Goto snarls and the fans are thunderous again! Finlay sputters, Goto stands him up to fireman’s carry! But Finlay sunset flips! Goto rolls through, into PRIMA NOCTA!! Finlay hauls Goto up, but Goto suplexes!! SHOTEN KAI!!! Cover, TWO!?!? Finlay survives and the fans are electric! Gedo himself is going nuts!
Goto hauls Finlay up, dragon sleepers, G T- NO, Finlay hooks the arm! The two fight for the backslide, but Goto spins Finlay through! G T R!!! But he’s not done! ANOTHER G T R!!!! Wait, Goto still isn’t done?!? Talk about overkill as Goto hammerlocks an arm, and gives Finlay the G T R KAI!!!! Cover, GOTO WINS!
Winner: Hirooki Goto, by pinfall (still IWGP World Heavyweight Champion)
The fans erupt for “GO-TO-O!” as he crushes the dream of the would-be king! If Finlay fought this hard just to fall short, how much harder must he fight to truly stand atop the mountain?
As for Goto, Red Shoes & Yoshi-Hashi help put the belt back on the champion while the fans cheer. Goto then gets the mic to say, “This is no Cinderella fairytale. This is reality!” The fans cheer that! Goto tells his son and daughter, “Thank you for fighting alongside me.” The fans applaud, and Goto continues to say, “No matter how many times you get beaten, if you don’t give up, then you don’t really lose. Children, you’ll face many adversities in life. But never back down!” The fans applaud that, too, and Goto tells everyone thanks for coming today. “Next up is Chicago in America. I know who I want to face.”
The fans are intrigued, and Goto tells Shota Umino to come out! Now the fans aren’t so sure about this. Goto says he knows Shota is watching, so please, come on out. The Roughneck returns, and Goto invites him into the ring. Shota takes off his jacket and hat, then steps into the ring to be face to face with Goto. The fans boo, so Shota hops back down. Goto says no, hold on, he’s not done talking. Goto wants Shota to step into the ring, so Shota does it for Goto. Goto knows Shota has “freed himself from doubt.” Then, they’ll fight with this belt on the line. The fans are again torn, but Goto tells Shota that they can show America a REAL NJPW match! What’s he say to that?
Goto holds out the mic, and Shota takes it. The fans are torn, with plenty of boos but also plenty of cheers. Shota tells Goto, “First of all, congratulations on your defense. Daddy’s pretty cool, isn’t he? Let’s show the world the power of NJPW’s Hontai.” The fans do applaud that, and Shota says, “I’ll give you everything I’ve got to take that belt.” Shota drops the mic to shake Goto’s hand, then he heads out. As for Goto, he continues to say that “The Goto Revolution isn’t just limited to Japan. The Goto Revolution continues, make sure you follow me! The G in IWGP, you’ve caught on, haven’t you? Let’s do this! The G in IWGP stands for GOTO!”
And with that, The Fierce Warrior is moving forward! Will he continue to lead NJPW and its new era? Or will the Paradigm Shift Shota speaks of just be a week away?
My Thoughts:
A great event for NJPW, Sakura Genesis is certainly one of the biggest nights on their calendar now. We got some great matches and some great story developments all over the place, really bringing some intrigue into the rest of the year and maybe even beyond. Great win for Yuya over Sanada, and then perhaps Sanada had about enough of being a War Dog, because he finally did what I knew he would and turned to the House of Torture. Great stuff in that on its own, and per Finlay’s backstage comments at the very end of the night, we’re getting another “Dog Pound Steel Cage match” for the blowoff.
The original was with United Empire, and that one got a little too wild, aka it ended Alex Coughlin’s in-ring career, so let’s just hope they don’t go as wild as they did that time. Either way, that blowoff will be great stuff, and it makes sense that no high level title is in either faction because this feud doesn’t really need it. Speaking of which, great stuff in the Global Heavyweight Championship match, with the Tsuji brothers pulling that old bait ‘n’ switch trick again. And of course the House had to get involved there, only for Shingo Takagi to counter that. Great win for Yota, and Uemura beating Sanada, Yota VS Yuya is going to be some great stuff, too.
I’m rather surprised we got new champions in Great-O-Khan and the Cobb Callum combination. Clearly, rumors of Cobb’s departure were greatly exaggerated. Surely Cobb & Callum will have a very good reign, as will Khan as NJPW World TV Champion. The most curious thing is that Obari the belt designer is with them. The most Bullet Club War Dogs did to the titles they held was put white straps on them. Perhaps Obari will give the Empire their own custom green? Or some new face plates to mark this new era of NJPW? His design for THE IWGP World title was a bit out of the norm at the time it was introduced, but it isn’t the worst so he could probably give the tag titles a fresh start.
Great match from Konosuke VS Oiwa, but I figured Konosuke would win so that he has momentum going into Windy City Riot next week. Great match from Tanahashi VS Shota, and it’s only a little surprising Shota won. After all, Shota is still one of the Reiwa Era Musketeers, NJPW still has high hopes for him despite the audience’s feelings. Likewise, a great main event from Goto VS Finlay, and a great win for Goto. Goto sure has his own high expectations for Shota, and their match at Windy City Riot could also be a measure of where Shota’s going both in story and in character. Chicago’s a tough town, they might not care for Shota even if he does start getting edgier.
Shota told Tanahashi he wants to lead Hontai and essentially be the face of NJPW, and becoming world champion would help do that. I just don’t think a show down in America is going to be where any of that happens. Shota may have to prove himself through the G1 Climax instead.
My Score: 9/10
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Will the Death Riders be ready for Rated FTR?
Not even 24 hours before AEW Dynasty, Cash Wheeler will battle Pac, both looking for last minute momentum before the World Trios Championship match!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Konosuke Takeshita & Kyle Fletcher VS Will Hobbs & Tomohiro Ishii; Konosuke & Kyle win.
- Best Wrestler Alive Open Challenge: Max Caster VS Mark Briscoe; Briscoe wins.
- Top Flight VS The Cru; Top Flight wins.
- Cash Wheeler VS PAC; Pac wins.
- “Speedball” Mike Bailey VS Dralistico w/ The Beast Mortos; Bailey wins.
- Mercedes Mone & Harley Cameron VS Julia Hart & Athena; Hart & Athena win.
PLAY BY PLAY
Konosuke Takeshita & Kyle Fletcher VS Will Hobbs & Tomohiro Ishii w/ Rocky Romero!
The Don Callis Family is going to be a big part of this year’s Owen Hart Foundation Tournament, but they’ve still got some business to handle. But will The Alpha & The Aussie Arrow shoot down The Powerhouse & Stone Pitbull? Or will Hobbs & Ishii conglomerate and handle town bidness?
The teams sort out and Ishii starts, and he calls out Konosuke! The fans like that, and Konosuke says fine. They step up as the bell rings, and Ishii shoves Konosuke. Konosuke shoves back! The fans fire up as the two run and RAM into each other! And then RAM again! And RAM again! Konosuke and Ishii fire forearms back and forth and the fans fire up more! Neither man is backing down, then Konosuke fires a flurry! Ishii roars and ROCKS Konosuke! The fans fire up, but Konosuke snarls. Ishii RAMS Konosuke! Konosuke rebounds to RAM Ishii! They RAM again and again, and Konosuke wobbles! Ishii runs, but into a BOOT!
Konosuke whips, Ishii reverses, and Konosuke RAMS him! Ishii rebounds to CLOBBER Konosuke! Konosuke is up to CLOBBER Ishii! They RAM again, then roar! They RAM shoulders one more time, and finally fall over! The fans fire up, both men crawl, hot tags to Hobbs and Kyle! Fletcher is a bit worried, but then he frowns as fans chant “MEAT! MEAT! MEAT!” Kyle steps in, circles with Hobbs, and the two tie up. The fans rally as the two push each other, and Hobbs powers Kyle back. Kyle turns things around to put Hobbs in a corner, then he rolls back just to flex. “Meat, baby! Meat!” The fans boo, that’s not enough meat.
Hobbs grins as Kyle says he is that real meat! Hobbs and Kyle circle, tie up, and Hobbs puts Kyle in the corner! Kyle shouts for the ref, the ref counts, and Hobbs backs off. Hobbs flexes and fans cheer that meat! Hobbs and Kyle reset, circle, and then Kyle BOOTS Hobbs! Kyle fires off kicks and stomps in the corner! The fans boo, the ref counts, and Kyle stops at 4. Kyle soaks up the heat, then he drags Hobbs up. Kyle reels Hobbs in, but Hobbs powers out of the DDT! Hobbs drags Kyle up to TOSS him into the corner! Hobbs fires fast hands and the fans fire up! Kyle guards, Hobbs waits, and then Kyle lets his guard down. Hobbs ROCKS him!
Hobbs tags Ishii and they double whip Kyle. Ishii ROCKS Kyle, Hobbs POUNCES Kyle! The fans cheer and Ishii stalks Kyle. Kyle sputters, Ishii stands him up, but Kyle scoops to SLAM! The fans rally, Kyle runs, but then Kyle fakes that Rocky trips him! The ref was busy with Konosuke so he isn’t sure what happened, but then Kyle DECKS Ishii! Hobbs ROCKS Kyle! Konosuke BOOTS Hobbs! Kyle & Konosuke whip Ishii to DOUBLE SHOULDER TACKLE! They both flex, the fans boo, but Collision goes picture in picture.
Kyle rains down fists on Ishii, then rains down forearms! Kyle lets off to huff ‘n’ puff and storm around. Kyle tags Konosuke, Konosuke drags Ishii up, and Konosuke whips Ishii out of the ring. Konosuke storms out after Ishii, and SMACKS him off the commentary desk! Konosuke ROCKS Ishii, CHOPS him, then puts him in the ring. Konosuke stands Ishii up to CHOP, and CHOP, and then ROCK Ishii! Ishii shakes his head and eggs Konosuke on! Konosuke fires forearm after forearm, then a BOOT! Ishii CHOPS Konosuke, but Konosuke DECKS Ishii! Konosuke drags Ishii up, snapmares and clamps on a chinlock.
Ishii endures while Konosuke grinds him down. Hobbs and the fans rally up, and Ishii fights to his feet. Ishii fires body shots but Konosuke fires knees! Konosuke suplexes, but Ishii fights free! Ishii wrenches, ducks a lariat, but Konosuke fights the back suplex! Konosuke rains down elbows, then fires boxing elbows! Ishii wobbles, Konosuke winds up, ROLLING0 NO, Ishii ducks to SAIDO! Both men are down and Collision returns to single picture, but Kyle BLASTS Hobbs! Kyle says “SUCK IT!” while the fans boo. Kyle & Konosuke whip Ishii to a corner, then Konosuke runs up. Ishii dodges to then ROCK Kyle!
Konosuke runs back in but Ishii sends him into Kyle! Kyle flops out of the ring, Ishii fires forearms on Konosuke! Konosuke fires back, whips, but Ishii reverses. Konosuke swings, but Ishii ducks the lariat! ALPHA ELBOW! Konosuke roars, but Ishii suplexes first! The fans rally while both men are down, and Ishii crawls for his corner. Hot tag to Hobbs! The fans fire up as Callis calls Hobbs a vulture. Hobbs rallies on Kyle & Konosuke, LARIAT after LARIAT! The fans fire up but Kyle & Konosuke mug Hobbs. They whip, Hobbs breaks the double lariat to DOUBLE SHOULDER TACKLE! The fans fire up with “MEAT! MEAT! MEAT!”
Hobbs nods, and he runs in at the corner! SPLASH for Konosuke! SPLASH for Kyle! And repeat! And repeat! The fans fire up as the straps come down! Hobbs catches Kyle for an URENAGE! POWER DRIVE- NO, Hobbs blocks the knee to fire forearms! Hobbs whips, then pops Konosuke up, but Konosuke ELBOWS him! Hobbs takes a swing, but Konosuke slips around to waistlock! Konosuke powers up to GERMAN SUPLEX! The fans fire up, Konosuke takes aim, POWER DRIVE- SPINEBUSTER!! Hobbs can’t make the cover, he’s running on empty! Hobbs crawls to his corner, but so does Konosuke, hot tags to Ishii and Kyle!
Kyle runs up, Ishii dodges the boot! Ishii ROCKS Kyle again and again, then ducks a lariat! Ishii waistlocks, Kyle switches, but Ishii fights the Half ‘n’ Half! Ishii elbows free, runs, but Kyle CALF KICKS at the ropes! Kyle brings Ishii in, scoops and- NO, Ishii slips free! GERMAN SUPLEX! Kyle is dazed while Ishii rises! Ishii runs, but Kyle ducks the lariat to SNAP HALF ‘N’ HALF! Ishii flounders away, Konosuke joins Kyle. Hobbs runs up, but Kyle & Konosuke dodge to SUPERKICK ALPHA ELBOW COMBO! They then run in together, DOUBLE BOOTS for Ishii! Then Kyle goes up, Konosuke suplexes Ishii to him!
But Ishii SUPER STEINERS free?! The fans are thunderous and Hobbs returns! Konosuke ROCKS Hobbs, swings on Ishii, but Ishii catches him to a suplex! Ishii uses that to hand Konosuke off to Hobbs! POWERSLAM! Ishii ROCKS Kyle, whips him, and Hobbs SNAP POWERSLAMS! Ishii runs to SLIDING LARIAT! The fans fire up and Ishii stands Kyle up. Ishii suplexes. Kyle fights that to wrench out, but Ishii HEADBUTTS and LARIATS!! Cover, TWO!! The fans rally as Ishii rises. Ishii drags Kyle up, suplexes, but Kyle fights that! Ishii fights Kyle’s suplex, Konosuke joins in, and they DOUBLE BRAINBUSTER!! Cover, HOBBS BREAKS IT!
The fans fire up as this one continues! Konosuke and Hobbs DOUBLE LARIAT! Konosuke BOOTS, ROCKS, and reels Hobbs in, BLUE THUNDER BOMB!! Kyle has Ishii, winds up, and LARIATS! But Ishii’s right up!? The fans fire up, but Kyle SUPERKICKS! Ishii roars, runs back in, but into a gut wrench, TOMBSTONE!! Kyle isn’t done, he suplexes for the BRAINBUSTER! Cover, Don Callis Family wins!
Winners: Konosuke Takeshita & Kyle Fletcher, by pinfall
Callis is proud of his guys, because now they’re rolling into those Owen Hart Cup matches! Will Kyle once again best Mark Briscoe to then head for the Cup?
The Cru speaks.
Action Andretti calls out Dante & Darius Martin, and says, “Are y’all really sure you wanna do this tonight? Y’all been ducking us for months! Months! And now we’re here.” Lio Rush says, “We put y’all in the spotlight. You understand that? After beating y’all’s ass week after week after week, and tonight, it ain’t gonna be no different.” But then they spot Nick Wayne. The Cru steps to him and asks what’s up. Nick says sup, and Action tells Nick that they’ve got Top Flight tonight. Wherever Top Flight goes, AR Fox seems to follow. Remember that conversation had last week? Has he been thinking about it?
Nick says yeah, he has. So what’s he say? Nick is thinking of all the factors, all the outcomes if he helps The Cru. But in all honesty, he’s just too valuable to help them. Best of luck to them, but Nick says no. Oh, wow, Nick said no? Guess he needs daddy’s permission to do stuff, huh? What was that? Lio says Daddy Cage has Nick in a cage, and needs to give his permission for Nick to come out and play. Nick needs no one’s permission. He does what he wants, when he wants, and how he wants. So just know, if he sees Fox, it’s not for them. It’s for him. The Prodigy heads out, but will he still help The Cru one way or another?
Best Wrestler Alive Open Challenge: Max Caster VS ???
So for the seventh time now, Platinum Max is in the ring with the documentation and mic in hand. “Peoria, you are looking live at the Best Wrestler Alive!” The fans boo, but Caster says he is lucky to be alive because he had to drive here, by himself, through a tornado, through gale force winds, all just to wrestle for you here today. Unlike someone he used to team with, not that he’ll say names. But there is only one thing that the people in “P-Town” want! The Maximaniacs wanna chant his name! It’s easy to do, so follow along! “Let’s Go, Max! You’re The Best Wrestler Alive!” No, the fans prefer “Max, You Suck!”
Caster says he should’ve known that Peoria couldn’t remember eight words, they are just so stupid. But that’s why the Best Wrestler Alive is going to a real city. Sunday in Philadelphia, the Open Challenge is on in the City of Brotherly Love! And based on the lack of rhythm here, there ain’t no brothers here in Peoria. The fans boo, but Caster says time to get to business. Who can survive the Best Wrestler Alive? Caster waits, but “Reach for the sky, boy!” It’s Mark Briscoe! Caster is freaking out, because now he’s got the Sussex County Chicken to deal with! Will Caster fail to #ManUp against the former ROH World Champion?
The bell rings and Caster swings! Mark dodges to CHOP! Mark fires forearm after forearm, then fires up! The fans are with him, and Mark runs, but he ducks a boot! Redneck Crane Stance! Caster still swings, but Mark blocks and REDNECK UPPERCUTS! Caster falls, the fans fire up, and Mark stalks Caster to ropes. Mark whips, Caster reverses, but Mark CLOBBERS him! Callis complains that Redneck Kung-Fu can’t be legal. Mark runs in at Caster, but Caster BOOTS him! Caster goes up, but another UPPERCUT sends Caster down! Mark then runs to CANNONBALL TOPE! Down goes Caster and Mark high-fives the front-row!
Mark stalks Caster back into the ring, and says time to take his head off! The fans cheer that and Mark runs, but Caster follows Mark! But Mark catches Caster and reels him in to underhook! JAY DRILLER! Cover, Mark wins!
Winner: Mark Briscoe, by pinfall
Platinum Max is now 0-7 for his own challenge, and now Mark has momentum going into his battle with Kyle Fletcher. Will it be #DemBoys that move on towards the Cup? Will Caster reconsider putting that Open Challenge out in Philly?
Backstage interview with Jay White.
Lexy Nair is with The Switchblade, his left hand wrapped up heavily, as she brings up the horrible circumstances that now rule him out for the Owen Hart Cup. Replacing him is Kevin Knight, and White says he perhaps spoke too soon that it wouldn’t be Knight’s year in The Owen. Congratulations to Knight on this opportunity, White is very happy for him. Just remember, Knight, you’re only there because White can’t. And as for Will Ospreay, he gets to avoid Jay White once more. Ospreay can keep peddling the lie that he is on some unobtainable level, prancing around as the unchecked “GOAT” in White’s ring.
Ospreay’s words will catch up to him, just not today. He can flap those gums a little bit longer, all thanks to The Death Riders. Because White cannot compete, let alone win, the 2025 Owen Hart Cup thanks to The Death Riders. Even though the gold should already be on White’s shoulder, it is not! All thanks to The Death Riders. Moxley and his gang wanna make this personal, to put it lightly. But that is fine! They didn’t take White out, they just gave him a gift. They gave him time to plan and prepare! And when they see him again, Moxley & The Death Riders will regret ever thinking about The Switchblade.
Because White quite often enjoys reminding people who he is, but it is time he reminds himself. White IS The Switchblade, a cut above, and nobody’s got what he’s got. White heads out, but when and where will we see him return for revenge?
Top Flight w/ Leila Grey VS The Cru!
What was a high-flying fleet of four was eventually split in half because of ego and ambition. Darius & Dante want payback for the ambush attacks, but Action & Lio just want to leave them in the rearview mirror. Will AEW soon be under Cru’s control? Or will Top Flight reach new heights?
Leila struts out on stage, but where are Darius & Dante? They CLOBBER The Cru from behind! Payback for the blindside attacks, and the fans fire up as the brawl is on! Dante CLUBS Action, Darius UPPERCUTS Lio, and repeat! Darius CHOPS Lio, Dante CHOPS Action, and then Darius SMACKS Lio off the apron! Leila nods as her boys have control. Darius sends Lio into the steps, Dante CHOKES Action, and then things go into the ring. The bell rings, Top Flight storms up, but The Cru run! Top Flight duck, and now they’ve surrounded The Cru! Top Flight throw hands, Darius keeping on Lio and Dante with Action.
They’re in the corners, and Top Flight rain down fists! The fans count along, and we go all the way to TEN! Darius TOSSES Lio, Dante CHOPS Action, and Dante brings Action around to bump off buckles. Tag to Darius, Dante spins Action, STO LARIAT COMBO! Darius rains down fists, then he wrenches Action to a wristlock. The fans rally for Top Flight but Action breaks free and throat chops! Tag to Lio, but Darius DROPKICKS him down! Darius CHOPS Lio, UPPERCUTS, then whips. Lio reverses, leaps, but into an atomic drop! Darius runs and BULLDOG HOTSHOTS Lio! But Action mule kicks Darius! Then ARABIAN PRESS!
The fans are torn while Darius is down, but Dante DAREDEVIL DROPKICKS Action! But Lio DIVES onto Dante! All four men are down on the outside and the fans rally up. “This is Awesome!” even as The Cru puts Darius in the ring, and Collision goes picture in picture.
The Cru stalks Darius, then CHOP! And ROCK! And CLUB him down, to then CLOBBER him! Lio soaks up the heat, then he CLOBBERS Darius! Lio rains down fists, BITES Darius’ forehead, but stops as the ref counts. Lio talks trash on Peoria, then on Dante, before he CHOPS Darius! Lio puts Darius in the corner, CHOKES him, but Action tags in. The Cru mugs Darius more, then Lio tags back in. Lio stomps a mudhole in, tags Action, and Action drags Darius up. Darius fires body shots, UPPERCUTS, but Action CLUBS him down! Action scoops and SLAMS Darius! Cover, TWO! Action is annoyed, but he stays between Darius and Dante.
Lio jaws at Dante, Action puts Darius on the ropes, and Action CHOKES Darius again, but Collision goes to break.
Collision returns and Action has Darius in a chinlock. Darius endures and the fans rally up. Darius fights to his feet, fires body shots, then ROCKS Action! Action shoves Darius, runs up, but into BOOTS! Action comes back, DOUBLE LARIATS take both men down! The fans rally for Top Flight as Action and Darius crawl. Leila coaches Darius, hot tags to Lio and Dante! Dante CLOBBERS Lio, CLOBBERS him again, then ducks a shot to JUMP KNEE! Half nelson, but Lio fights free to shove, only for Dante to springboard SHOTGUN! Cover, TWO! Lio stays in this but Dante fires up. The fans fire up with him as he drags Lio up.
Dante has a cravat, but Lio CLAWS Dante’s eyes! The ref reprimands but Lio tags Action. Lio rolls to get a leg, and Action hits a NECKBREAKER! Dante is down, but here comes Darius! Lio spins him for Action to mule kick, knee lift and ROLLING ELBOW! Lio fires fast hands and DECKS Darius! Darius flops onto ropes, Action drags Dante up, and Action whips. Dante reverses to send Action to a corner. Lio ROCKS Dante, whips him in, but Dante reverses! Action goes up and out, Lio slips under, and he UP KICKS Dante into an ENZIGIRI! Lio LARIATS Dante down, but Dante gets back up! Only for Action to springboard FLYING LARIAT! Cover, TWO!
Action is frustrated and argues with the ref, as does Lio, but the ref defends his count. The Cru snarl and drag Dante up. Darius saves Dante from the double suplex! The Cru and Top Flight trade haymakers back and forth! The fans rally up as things speed up! Action & Lio kick low, then fire more shots! Lio whips Darius, Action whips Dante, but Top Flight grabs the ropes to stop. The Cru runs up, but Dante jumps over and Darius BOOTS Action! Dante DIVES onto Lio! Darius mule kicks Action! Darius suplexes, but Action turns that around for a FALCON ARROW! Only for Dante to ghost pin! TOP FLIGHT WINS!
Winners: Top Flight, by pinfall
Lio CLOBBERS Dante, he’s a sore loser! The fans boo but Action adds on with stomps! Action shouts, “You think you better than us?” But AR FOX is here! Fox BOOTS Action, and BOOTS Lio! But here’s Nick Wayne! He goes up, up, and WAYNE’S WORLD!! Nick says he told Fox that he’s got his eye on him! Nick does it for Nick, but then he looks at The Cru. BREAKING NEWS from Tony Khan, this isn’t going to end here! Nick Wayne & The Cru are now facing AR Fox & Top Flight in a Six Man Tag for Dynasty: Zero Hour! Will The Prodigy, The Sight to See & The Man of the Hour show Fox & The Martins who really run things?
Backstage interview with Jamie Hayter and Billie Starkz.
Lexy Nair is with two of the Women’s Owen Hart Cup contenders, and says it is official that they face off in the first round. They all know that the winner of the Cup will face THE AEW Women’s World Champion for the title at All In: Texas. Jamie was impressed with Billie here, and she must say, fair play. Billie does hold her own. Jamie liked Billie before, but she really likes her now. That said, some friendly advice: Watch out for Athena. What was she doing coming out after their match, eh? Trying to steal the moment? Why’s she up in Billie’s business like that? Jamie would keep an eye on her if she were Billie.
But to be honest, if Billie thinks that for one second, Jamie will question herself going into the tournament when she’s already beat Billie, then Billie’s in fairytale land. Although, Jamie is up to Billie changing her mind. Billie snatches the mic from Lexy to tell Jamie that she’s not a failure, and has been trying to prove that to everyone here! And Jamie will see that in the Owen Hart Cup. Billie storms off, and Jamie says yes, she will. It is going to be quite the rematch to help open the 2025 Owen Hart Foundation Tournament, but will Billie be reminded that Hayter Hits Hard?
Renee Paquette moderates a sit-down meeting.
She thanks Daniel Garcia, Matt Menard, Adam Cole, Roderick Strong & Kyle O’Reilly for taking this time to talk ahead of the TNT Championship match. There will be no time limit and no one else allowed at ringside. Garcia is finally defending the title on PPV as a fighting champion against someone with a veteran status like Adam Cole. Is Garcia feeling the pressure? Cole apologizes for interrupting and taking Garcia’s turn, but he would like to say something. Earlier today, Cole was thinking about the very first time he and Garcia faced off. It was about two years ago, Cole coming off the worst injury of his career while Garcia was still young, brash, and maybe confused.
After all, Garcia had aligned himself with Chris Jericho, was trying to figure out who he was. Fast forward to today, and Garcia is THE TNT Champion and a damn good one. But recently, Cole has been thinking that Garcia hasn’t really changed much. Garcia is still confused, because he thinks that he’ll beat Cole for this title at Dynasty. Cole has beaten Garcia before, Garcia has never beaten Cole. The last time they faced each other, if Cole had just five seconds more, five seconds, Cole would be champion now. Plus, this Sunday will mark Adam Cole’s 17th wrestling anniversary, and it is in Philadelphia, where Cole had his very first match.
Cole says it has been a long time coming to win singles gold here in AEW. And he promises us that it his destiny at Dynasty to win this championship. Garcia says Menard was right. Garcia didn’t have to give Cole another shot at this. But Garcia wanted to out of respect for everything Cole has done in these 17 years. Cole has done a lot, and has had many chances to show he is “the guy” around here. But just like how Garcia has given Cole chances at this title, Cole hasn’t done that, either. Garcia wants that to settle in: This is Cole’s last chance with Garcia. No more shot at this or that, it is done. There have been 17 years of opportunities for Cole, those were Cole’s 17 years.
But the next 17 years will belong to Garcia. Cole asks Roddy & Kyle to step out, and then asks Renee for that, as well. Garcia also has Menard exit, so now it is just Garcia and Cole. Cole wants Garcia to listen. Cole knows Garcia knows this, but Cole has a ton of respect for Garcia. Cole said it before, will say it again. But sometimes, he has to tell Garcia the truth. And the truth is, Garcia is not ready to lead the charge. Garcia is not ready to run a promotion, he is not ready to be THE champion. But Cole has ran practically every promotion he’s ever worked for. He has been world champion, he has broken records in more places than he can count.
Cole has been “The guy” longer than Garcia’s been wrestling! So if anyone knows what it takes to be a true champion, it is Cole. Garcia is not ready. Not yet. And if he doesn’t understand that, Cole will whoop that ass and show him on Sunday. Garcia gets up in a huff but Cole stands up, too. Garcia knocks on the table, then takes the title and leaves. Will Garcia make Cole eat those words? Or will the TNT Championship soon be Undisputed?
Cash Wheeler VS PAC!
Dax Harwood got caught off guard by Wheeler Yuta, but then Adam Copeland took Claudio Castagnoli to the limit, making Rated FTR and Death Riders 1-1 in this singles match series. This tiebreaker is all about momentum going into the AEW World Trios Championship match, which side will have the upper hand at Dynasty?
The bell rings and the two circle. They tie up, go around, and Cash puts Pac on ropes. The ref counts, Cash lets off slowly, but Pac shoves him down! The fans boo but Pac mockingly claps. Pac offers a hand but Cash storms up on him instead. They tie up, end up in a corner, and Pac has Cash cornered. The ref counts, but Pac headlocks. Pac hits the takeover, Cash moves around, but Pac pushes him to a cover. ONE, and the two stand up. Cash powers up and out, Pac runs him over, but Cash is back up! Pac hits a headlock takeover again and he grinds Cash down. Cash endures, fights up, and he powers out again.
Pac runs Cash over again, then keeps moving. He runs Cash over again, then runs, handsprings over the dropdown and he hip tosses! Then he hits another headlock takeover! The Bastard taunts Cash that he’s got the technical edge, but Cash fights up and wrenches free. Pac knees low, bumps Cash off buckles, and then bumps him off more buckles. Pac bumps Cash off more buckles, then he soaks up heat from Peoria. Pac stomps Cash’s leg, kicks him more, but the ref counts. Pac pie faces Cash, eggs him on, then whips corner to corner. Cash reverses, then catches Pac to a backslide! TWO, and Cash reels Pac in for a headlock.
Pac powers up and out, but Cash runs him over! And runs him over again! Things speed up. Pac hurdles but Cash turns hip toss into hip toss! Then he dodges a lariat to DROPKICK! The fans fire up while Pac tumbles out! Pac is frustrated, but Cash mockingly offers a hand. Pac seethes and the ref has Cash back up. The ring count climbs while Pac calms down, and Pac says hold on. Pac is back at 7 of 10, RAMS into Cash, and he slingshots up and over! Pac keeps moving, counters the hip toss, but then Cash counters the counter! They go back and forth like that, Pac puts Cash on the apron, but Cash DECKS Pac!
Cash climbs, the fans fire up, but Pac anchors Cash’s legs. Cash CLUBS Pac, but Pac ROCKS Cash! Pac climbs up, then brings Cash to the top rope! But Cash fires body shots! Cash ROCKS Pac, hops down, and he LARIATS Pac off the corner! The fans fire up and Cash climbs up again, but Pac hurries to trip Cash up! Cash falls to the apron in a heap! Cash hobbles back up, and Pac runs to BLAST Cash off the apron! Cash hits railing on the way down, and he writhes on the floor. Pac goes to the apron as Cash stands, and mule kicks him! Then ASAI MOONSAULTS! Down goes Cash and Pac is fired up while Collision goes picture in picture.
Pac paces around to soak up more heat, then he hauls Cash up for a BACK SUPLEX on the floor! Cash writhes more, Pac mockingly blows a kiss, and he leaves Cash behind. The ring count is climbing, Cash is still down at 8, but he springs in at 9.5! Pac mockingly applauds again, then he stomps Cash down! Pac stomps Cash some more, circles him as he goes, and then kneels for a cover. ONE, but Pac clamps on with a headlock. Pac grinds Cash down but Cash endures. Cash fights up, fires body shots, but Pac hits a BACK- NO, Cash makes it a CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO! Pac CLOBBERS Cash! Pac snarls while Cash checks his jaw.
Cash sits up, goes for ropes, but Pac stalks him. Pac CHOKES Cash on the ropes, soaks up the heat, but he stops as the ref counts 4. Pac paces while Cash sputters, and Pac talks some trash on Cash. Pac stomps Cash down, clamps on a chinlock, and he even digs his knee into Cash’s back. Cash endures, pries at the hold, fights up, and he fires body shots! Collision returns to single picture as Pac kicks low and snap suplexes! Cash goes to a corner, Pac grins and runs in, and UPPERCUTS! Cash flops down, Pac pushes him to a cover, TWO! Cash is still in this but Pac stays on him with a chinlock. Cash endures again while the fans rally up.
Cash fights up, JAWBREAKERS free, and the fans rally more as Cash ROCKS and CHOPS! Pac SOBATS! Pac reels Cash in to snap suplex again! Cash flounders to a corner, but Pac runs up, only for Cash to TOSS Pac up and out! Cash gets moving, and he DIVES! Direct hit at the ramp! The fans fire up as Cash roars and rises to his feet! Cash huffs ‘n’ puffs, then he drags Pac up and into the ring. Cash goes up, up, and CROSSBODIES! Cover, TWO! Pac survives but Cash JABS! JABS! JABS! Pac swings, but into a wrench and UPPERCUT! Cash runs, ducks ‘n’ dodges, then LARIATS! The fans fire up with Cash again!
Pac goes to a corner, but Cash CHOPS him! And ROCKS him! And CHOPS again! Cash fires forearm after forearm, then whips corner to corner. Pac reverses, Cash goes up and over, and Cash keeps moving. Pac drops down, jumps up, but into a POWERSLAM from Cash! Cover, TWO! Pac survives but Cash stays focused. Cash drags Pac into the drop zone, climbs up the corner, and CAHS SPLASH FLOPS as Pac moves! Both men are down now and the fans rally up! Pac crawls to ropes, drags himself up the corner, and he goes to the very top! Pac aims, but Cash hurries up after Pac now! SUPER HALF HATCH! Cover, TWO!
Pac survives and Cash grows frustrated, but he fireman’s carries. Pac slips free to SOBAT! And front KICK! And then SOBAT again! Pac runs, and he BOOTS Cash in the back, to then SNAP SUPLEX! Pac stands Cash up, but Cash LARIATS! Both men are down again, but Cash huffs ‘n’ puffs and rises back up. The fans rally for Cash as he goes to a corner. Cash runs corner to corner, but Pac SUPERKICKS him down! Pac then hurries up top! BLACK ARROW but Cash moves! Cash reels Pac in, PILEDRIVER! Cover, TWO?!? Pac survives and neither Cash nor Peoria can believe it! But wait, here come Wheeler Yuta & Claudio Castagnoli!
The fans boo, but wait! Cope is here! Cope brawls with Claudio, but Yuta slips in while the ref is busy with them! BUT DAX IS HERE! Yuta CLOBBERS Dax with the bell hammer! Cash hits Yuta with a PILEDRIVER! But Pac ghost pins Cash! PAC WINS!!
Winner: Pac, by pinfall
The Death Riders regroup and grin at Rated FTR as they steal this one away! They wave bye and say see you in Philly. Cope & Cash look to Dax, who took that proverbial bullet for Cash. Cope & Cash offer their hands to Dax, and Dax accepts. The fans cheer as these three stand tall together, but will they be able to grab the gold on Sunday?
Shane Taylor Promotions speaks.
Shane Taylor himself says, “Hey, yo, check this out, Bravo.” Carlie Bravo asks what’s up. Shane says he is sick of letting people walk around here feeling safe. He is sick of letting people walk around here feeling comfortable. He is sick of hearing people talking about battlefields and warfare, and talking like they all gangster, when we know they ain’t built like that! Bravo says yeah, it is crazy. People here talk about battlefields, wars, “better not catch you lacking,” like they somebody’s big homies. Like, they ain’t your homies. They don’t even respect big homies. It’s why STP got the problems they got!
People be like, “STP, chill!” Chill for what? Who is these dudes? They ain’t Opps, they just opportunities! Shawn Dean says there’s nothing but space and opportunity. They slide on opps like Joe all the time! They done told y’all that STP is them! They done told y’all to run ‘n’ hide cuz STP is outside! They gonna stay outside! STP hopes you see them like good vision, because STP can’t wait to disrespect them. Rumble, bad men, rumble. Shane & The Infantry have called out Samoa Joe, Hook & Katsuyori Shibata, will these teams open fire on each other?
Ricochet is here!
Peoria is annoyed to see The One & Only walk out to the ring, but he’ll be on commentary for this next match. Will he keep it to just watching? Or will he make sure Speedball hits a speedbump?
“Speedball” Mike Bailey VS Dralistico w/ The Beast Mortos!
Collision returns as Speedball makes his entrance. Ricochet says he got tricked. He was told he’d do commentary, but he had no idea it was for this match. The bell rings and the fans rally up. Dralistico tries but the fans boo him. Bailey steps up and the fans cheer. Dralistico tries, he gets boos. Bailey tries and he gets cheers. Dralistico says forget it, and he goes to leave. The fans boo more, so Dralistico says fine, he’ll stay. Dralistico storms in, Bailey trips him, and things speed up. Bailey handsprings over, then hurdles, drops, but Dralistico leaps. Dralistico RANAS, but Bailey comes back to trip Darlistico up.
Bailey stands Dralistico up to whip, but Dralistico reverses. Bailey RANAS, then kips up! Dralistico swings, Bailey dodges and the two trade off strikes and blocks. The fans cheer as the two have a standoff. Dralistico and Bailey bow in respect, but then Dralistico flips Bailey off! Bailey blocks a kick, but Dralistico dodges a chop to body blow! And CHOP! Dralistico whips, Bailey reverses and KICKS Dralistico down! The fans fire up but Mortos is annoyed. Ricochet claims Bailey isn’t looking at commentary because he’s afraid of Ricochet. Bailey stands Dralistico up, but Dralistico CHOKES Bailey to the corner!
The ref reprimands, Dralistico lets off, and he CHOPS! Bailey sputters along the ropes, Dralistico cheers himself on, then he whips. Bailey handsprings, Dralistico sidesteps, but Bailey fires off the lightning kicks! ENZIGIRI and Dralistico falls. Now Bailey looks at Ricochet and dares him to come closer. Bailey goes out, but to go after Dralistico. However, Mortos stands in his way! Bailey says move aside, but then Dralistico KICKS Bailey in the leg! And whips Bailey into railing! Ricochet applauds, and Dralistico gives Bailey an atomic drop off the desk! Then SUPERKICKS him down! Ricochet cheers, the fans boo, and Collision goes picture in picture.
Dralistico drags Bailey up, stands him against the desk, and he wants Ricochet to hear this one. CHOP! Ricochet likes it! Dralistico soaks up the heat while he leaves Bailey behind in the ring. Dralistico argues with the ref, but that lets Mortos BOOT Bailey down! Mortos scuffs Bailey, steps on Bailey’s toes, but steps away as Dralistico steps back out. Dralistico SMACKS Bailey off the steps! Dralistico pulls on Bailey’s hair, the ref reprimands, but Dralistico lets off to argue. Dralistico puts Bailey back in the ring, then CHOKES him in the corner! The ref counts, so Dralistico rains down fists! The ref coutns again, so Dralistico stops.
Dralistico runs side to side and BOOT WASHES! Dralistico then lounges on the corner to say tranquilo. Dralistico clamps onto Bailey with a GROUND COBRA! Bailey endures, Dralistico lets go to then put him in the corner, but Collision goes to break.
Collision returns and Dralistico springboards in, but Bailey dodges! Bailey goes up to springboard and MISSILE DROPKICK! The fans fire up and Bailey snarls. Ricochet looks a bit worried, but Bailey aims to mule kick! And AX KICK! And then BUZZSAW! Dralistico is down but the fans fire up as Bailey STANDING SHOOTING STARS! Cover, TWO! Dralistico toughs it out, but he also bails out to the apron. Mortos helps Dralistico up, but Bailey goes up, up, and GOLDEN TRIANGLE! Mortos takes the hit! Bailey glares at Ricochet, Ricochet dares him to do something. Dralistico FLIES and takes out Bailey!
The fans boo as Dralistico puts Bailey in the ring. Dralistico springboards, FLYING CODE BREAKER! Cover, TWO! Bailey survives and the fans fire up! Dralistico argues with the ref but the count was fair. Dralistico underhooks, TIGER- RARNA from Bailey! TWO and Dralistico sunset flips! TWO, and Bailey kicks, but Dralistico ducks to roll him up! TWO!! Bailey dodges a lariat, comes back, but Dralistico dodges! HEEL KICK from Bailey! Then the SPINNING HEEL KICK!! Cover, Bailey wins!
Winner: “Speedball” Mike Bailey, by pinfall
Ricochet is annoyed, but then he storms in to LOW BLOW Bailey!! The fans boo as Ricochet smirks and Bailey falls. Ricochet then locks ‘n’ loads for the SPIRIT GUN! Ricochet takes his leave, but will he get away with cheap shots like that when it’s him, Bailey and Kenny Omega fighting all at once?
Backstage interview with Kris Statlander & Thunder Rosa.
Lexy Nair is with The Galaxy’s Greatest and La Mera Mera, and notes that they will be facing each other in the opening round of The Owen Hart Cup. Rosa says for the first time ever, too. Kris says she’s been waiting a long time for this. Rosa says her, too. Unfortunately, the circumstances aren’t quite what Rosa wanted, so she’ll apologize right now. A lot of people depend on Rosa, from her family to her own future in AEW. So nothing personal, but she will take this all the way. Kris says if it’s nothing personal, send Kris’ apologies to Papa Thunder. Because that Owen Hart Cup is coming home to her.
Rosa says first off, don’t talk about her dad. Second, Kris doesn’t know what it is to be THE AEW Women’s World Champion! Oh, does Rosa mean the title she gave up? They argue about what’s coming, and then Rosa shoves Kris! Kris grabs Rosa by the neck, but Rosa SLAPS back! The two get face to face, and Kris says she’ll see her in round one. Kris storms off, could their match determine the whole thing?
Mercedes Mone and Harley Cameron warm up backstage.
#FourBeltsMone still can’t believe she’s stuck with Harley as her partner. Harley can’t believe it, either! She’s so pumped up! No, remember, stick to the plan: Stay out of Mone’s way. Mone’s got this. Yes, they’ve got this! No, Mone’s got this. Mini Mone says they’ve got this, and Harley thanks her. Mone tells the puppet to shut up, forgetting it’s really Harley. Harley, why’re you down there? Stretch normal. Harley is stretching all parts at once! Arms and hips! Ride the Money Wrath Train~! Don’t sing a song about it… Mone has Harley stand up, and they finish their stretching. Will this odd couple be alright going into the Owen Hart Cup?
Mercedes Mone & Harley Cameron VS Julia Hart & Athena!
Speaking of the Women’s Owen Hart Foundation Tournament, The CEO is going to face The Princess of the Black Throne in the opening round and it happens at Dynasty! The wild Aussie and the Fallen Goddess meet in the opening round at a later date, so this is all about moment. Will the #MoneyWrathTrain (all Harley’s idea) run right through Peoria? Or will the Hart and Forever Champion Always Win?
The teams sort out but the ref has to keep Athena and Mone from popping off already. The fans cheer on Athena as she starts against Mone, and this could be a preview of things to come. They talk trash, start pushing, and then Mone pie faces Athena! Athena pie faces back, but then Mone dodges her to tag Harley! Mone laughs but the fans boo. Athena smirks as she circles with Harley now. They tie up, go around, and Athena waistlocks. Harley drop toeholds, floats to a facelock, then gator rolls with her. Athena slips out to facelock in return, but Harley wrenches out. Athena handsprings, arm-drags, and she has an armlock on Harley.
Harley fights up, reaches out, but Hart tags in first. Athena hands Harley off to Hart for a wrench, wrench, and arm-drag! Hart has the armlock but Harley endures. Harley fights up, but Hart reels her into a cradle, TWO! Harley is up but Hart kicks low. Hart whips Harley to a corner, runs up, and she ROCKS Harley! Hart grins, runs, but Harley dodges! Harley ROUNDHOUSES from the apron, then goes up, in, and around to ENZIGIRI! Cover, TWO! Harley stays cool and she brings Hart up. Harley clamps onto the arm, tags Mone, and Mone brings Hart around to scoop. Hart slips free to roll Mone, TWO!
Mone runs up, but into a backslide, TWO! Mone knees low, throws Harty down, then dusts herself off. Athena is upset with the ref, but Mone scoops Hart to put her in the Tree of Woe. Mone stomps a mudhole in, then stops as the ref counts. Mone does her dance, then runs corner to corner. Hart sits up and Mone hits buckles! The fans rally as Hart then hangs upside-down like a bat! Mone is unsettled, but she runs in again. Hart sits back up, flips over Mone and rolls her to an O’Conner! TWO, but Hart dodges to run and tilt-o-whirl! IRON OCTOPUS! Mone endures, reaches out, but Hart pulls on that arm!
Harley has Mini Mone and throws her in! The ref picks up the puppet, but that lets Mone pull hair to get free! Mone gut wrenches Hart for a CIPHER UTAKI! Cover, TWO! Hart stays in this but Mone stays on her as Collision goes picture in picture.
Mone rains down fists, then covers, TWO! Mone stays on Hart and bumps her off buckles. Tag to Harley, they reel Hart in and double suplex! Harley covers, TWO! Hart stays in this but Harley stays on her. Harley KNEES Hart low, KNEES her again, then RUSSIAN LEG SWEEPS! Cover, TWO! Harley stays between Hart and Athena, then brings her up to bump off buckles. Tag to Mone, she stomps Hart down, then digs her boot in. The ref counts, Mone steps off, and Mone snapmares Hart to run and METEORA! Cover, TWO! Hart stays in this but Mone stays between her and Athena. Mone taunts Hart, then sucker punches Athena!
Mone drags Hart over, the ref stops Athena, but that lets Harley & Mone mug Hart! Mone soaks up the heat, then tags Harley. Harley stomps Hart, brings her up, and whips her to ropes. Harley CLOBBERS Hart, covers, TWO! Harley stays on Hart and bumps her off buckles. Tag to Mone, and Mone scoops Hart for a SLAM! Mone clamps on a chinlock and digs her knee into Hart’s back. Hart endures, fights around, and Collision returns to single picture as the fans rally. Mone shifts to a motorcycle stretch, but Hart fights up to JAWBREAKER! Mone comes back, she keeps Hart from the corner, then whips her into the corner!
Harley tags in and she stomps a mudhole into Hart. Harley rolls, runs back in, but Hart BOOTS her! Hart ELBOWS Mone, slips under Harley, but Harley reels her into a waistlock! Hart fires elbows, then hot tags Athena! Mone tags in, but Athena dodges! Mone blocks a kick, spins Athena and Gory Especials, but Athena flips up and out! Athena reels Mone in, lifts her up, Canadian Rack! Mone slips free, but Athena BOOTS her down! And DROPKICKS her back down! The fans fire up but Harley tags in! Athena fireman’s carries Harley, but Mone runs up! Athena catches the crossbody! The fans fire up for this feat of strength, FALL AWAY SLAM SAMOAN DROP COMBO!
Athena kips up and roars! The fans fire up as Athena tunes up, and runs up, WAR GODDESS FOREARM! Cover, but Mone breaks it! The fans boo but Mone whips. Athena reverses and sends Mone out! Athena builds speed and DIVES! Direct hit and down goes Mone! Athena shouts, “This is MY show now!” But Harley grabs her at the apron! TORNADO DDT to the floor! Harley helps Mone up, but Hart is up on the corner! Hart SUPER CROSSBODIES! Down goes everyone! The fans fire up while all four are on the floor, and they cheer for “A E DUB! A E DUB!” Athena and Harley crawl into the ring and rise back up.
Harley fires a forearm! And another! And another! Harley fires a flurry, then roars! The fans are torn but Harley runs, into a POP-UP POWERBOMB! Athena high stacks, then deadlifts Harley! Hart tags in, Athena hits the SIT-OUT POWERBOMB! Hart is up top, for the HARTSAULT! Harley moves, Hart rolls through, but Mone hits a BACKSTABBER! Athena gets under Mone for a POWERBOMB! Harley wrenches Athena for a SWINGING NECKBREAKER! The fans fire up while all four women are down again! Athena and Mone bail out, Hart and Harley crawl to each other. Hart fires as shot, Harley fires back!
“This is Awesome!” as the shots go back and forth! Harley wrenches and serves up SOLE FOOD! Then she clamps onto Hart for the PUMP HANDLE SAIDO! The fans fire up again and Harley shouts, “FEEL! THE! WRATH!!” Harley drags Hart up into the dragon sleeper, but Hart slips free to shove Harley back! Hart kicks low, reels Harley in, but Harley fights the lift! Harley Alabama Lifts Hart for an ALABAMA- NO, Hart flails around to have the IRON OCTOPUS! Harley endures, Athena intercepts Mone! Mone backs off, Harley TAPS! Athena & Hart win!
Winners: Julia Hart & Athena, by submission
The Fallen Goddess struck fear into the heart of The CEO, and Mone claims she doesn’t care. Mone storms off, but will she soon see how heartless Julia Hart can be? Or will Mone look to add the Queen of Harts Championship to her collection?
My Thoughts:
A great Collision as the go-home to Dynasty, with some good Dynasty hype packages that I skipped. Good go-home stuff here, such as the promos going into the Women’s Owen Hart Cup. Good promo from Hayter and Billie, though it makes me think Hayter doesn’t know Athena has been Billie’s abusive mentor the last two years. And very good promo from Rosa and Kris to really add some heat to their match. And of course, great move with the women’s tag match main eventing, given the star power of Mone and Athena alone. Great win for Hart & Athena, but that would suggest Mone wins at Dynasty.
Great stuff for the Men’s Owen Hart Cup, as well. Konosuke & Kyle VS Hobbs & Ishii was a great opener, and while I figured the Don Callis Family would win, I feel bad that Hobbs has started to drop off again. He’s not in the tournament, and no other matches are being added to Dynasty at this point, so I guess Hobbs just has to wait and see if he’s getting a midcard title match for Double or Nothing. Speaking of, very good promo segment from Garcia and Cole to add some last bit of heat to their match. While Cole told Garcia he “isn’t ready,” and that would suggest Garcia wins to show Cole he is ready, I feel like Cole does still win this because he really needs something to stay afloat.
Caster’s Open Challenge getting the better of him never gets old, and this was a good win for Mark Briscoe going into what will likely be a loss to Kyle Fletcher at Dynasty. If Caster is holding the Open Challenge again so soon, I really hope Bowens answers it. That’d be a great little surprise for Dynasty, as we’ve all been waiting and wondering about Bowens’ return. And it can kick off a proper feud between Caster and Bowens that can go on to Double or Nothing and maybe even All In: Texas. After all, as two of AEW’s top homegrown names, these guys deserve something big to really top off their story together.
Very good promo for Shane Taylor Promotions to call out The Opps, and that can be a great feud to build both teams in the trios division. Good promo with The Cru, though being Heels, they of course spin things as if they weren’t the ones staying away for so long. And good involvement of Nick Wayne again. Very good match of Cru VS Top Flight, and a good combination of Top Flight winning but Cru & Nick Wayne standing tall. That Six Man Tag will be good stuff, and regardless of who wins, this will definitely add to the story of Nick Wayne and Christian Cage.
Very good stuff from Cash VS Pac, and naturally Claudio & Yuta had to get involved. That brought out Cope & Dax, and while Pac steals the match, at least Rated FTR stands together united. At least, for right now. There’s still a big chance that the moment they lose, Rated FTR falls apart and Dax again loses his cool. The question will be if Cash sticks by Dax or by Cope. I feel like FTR needs to stick together so that the AEW Tag Division doesn’t lose a great team. Plus, it would just make sense as it felt like both Dax & Cash were turning given their feud with The Undisputed Kingdom.
Very good promo from Jay White to put Knight over while still putting him, Ospreay, and even the Death Riders on notice. While it is a shame that White will be out for some time because of the busted hand, this could be an opportunity for him to return with the Bang Bang Gang alongside him to stand against The Death Riders. Like, Juice Robinson is still out with his own injury, but The Gunns kinda dropped off the mat after losing to The Hurt Syndicate. I’m pretty sure Austin & Colten still owe Death Riders for some such beatdown over the past year, but they could also just want the trios titles back.
And a great match from Bailey VS Dralistico, even with Mortos and Ricochet hanging around. Great win for Bailey, but Ricochet of course had to attack him just because. Given this math, I would think Kenny Omega retains because Bailey and Ricochet focus more on each other than on him. Kenny may not be what he once was given the diverticulitis taking some of his intestines, but he’s shown to still have the same savvy and grit as before, and so this can be a case where both challengers are underestimating him and they both fail for that reason.
My Score: 8.8/10
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