Coverage
Mitchell’s NJPW Best of the Super Juniors Results & Report! (5/11/24)
Time to see who’s the best!
An explosive start to the round robin!
NJPW’s Best of the Super Juniors returns for a 31st year, and it looks to be even more star-studded than ever before! But will this be Hiromu’s redemption? Or is he no longer the Best of the Super Juniors?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Best of the Super Juniors 31 B Block: Francesco Akira VS Dragon Dia; Akira wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 31 A Block: BUSHI VS HAYATA; Hayata wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 31 B Block: Robbie Eagles VS Ninja Mack; Mack wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 31 A Block: Kosei Fujita VS Yoshinobu Kanemaru; Fujita wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 31 B Block: “Drilla” Dan Moloney VS SHO; Sho wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 31 A Block: Blake Christian VS Clark Connors; Blake wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 31 B Block: DOUKI VS Taiji Ishimori; Taiji wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 31 A Block: Kevin Knight VS TJP; Knight wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 31 B Block: Hiromu Takahashi VS KUSHIDA; Kushida wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 31 A Block: El Desperado VS Titan; Titan wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
Best of the Super Juniors 31 B Block: Francesco Akira VS Dragon Dia!
The Nova Fireball starts things off against the Infinity Carat Diamond! Will Akira win for the United Empire and the home team, NJPW? Or will Dragon Dia score one for Dragon Gate?
The bell rings and the fans rally up as the two circle. They tie up, Dia waistlocks but Akira sits and wrenches free. Dia rolls, wrenches back, but Akira rolls, slips through, wrenches and spins Dia to arm-drag! Akira grinds the arm with a cording hold, but Dia rolls back. Akira gets him for a headlock and takeover, but Dia headscissors. Akira kips free and the fans cheer the standoff. Dia and Akira reset, tie up, and Akira arm-drags! Then he runs Dia over! The fans fire up, Akira gets going, but he hops over the dropdown to whip. Dia ducks the hurdle to tilt-o-whirl arm-drag and DROPKICK! Akira bails out and fans fire up!
Dia builds speed, Akira slides back in and sends Dia out! Akira builds speed but Dia slides back in! Akira lands out safe but turns around as Dia FLIES! Direct hit with the tope conjilo and the fans fire up again! Dia fires up and the fans cheer. Dia drags Akira up and puts him in the ring, then aims from the apron. The fans rally, Dia springboards but Akira gets under! Akira runs in but Dia drop toeholds him to ropes! Dia then dials it up, 619! The fans fire up and Dia slingshot TORNILLO, but onto knees! Akira saves himself with a somewhat double-edged move but the fans rally up. Akira hobbles his way over, brings Dia up, but Dia HIP ATTACKS!
Dia whips Akira to a corner, but Akira comes back to CALF KICK! The fans fire up while both men are down! Dia and Akira go to opposite corners, and Akira runs corner to corner to clothesline! Akira keeps moving, and says “Kon’nichiwa!” before the UPPERCUT! Akira pushes Dia down, goes up and out, and shouts “IKU ZO!” The fans fire up with Akira as he goes up the corner, and CROSSBODIES! Cover, TWO! Dia gets outta that one but Akira just fires up more! Akira pounds the mat, “A! KI RA! A! KI RA!” But Dia ducks the Fireball! SOBAT! Dia runs, but Akira clotheslines! Akira runs, but into an ENZIGIRI!
Dia STANDING MOONSAULTS! Cover, TWO! Akira is up but Dia reels him in! Fisherman and EMERALD FLOWSION! Cover, TWO!! Akira survives #EndOver and the fans are thunderous! Dia thinks what he has to do now, and he goes to a corner. The fans rally as Dia climbs up and takes aim. Akira stands, Dia leaps in, but Akira gets around him! Dia fights the waistlock, gets free, runs, but into a COLLISION COURSE! The fans fire up with Akira and he drags Dia up! SPEED FIRE! Akira then aims from the corner and pounds the mat! “A! KI RA! A! KI RA!” NOVA FIREBALL!! Cover, Akira wins!
Winner: Francesco Akira, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Dia earns 0)
A fiery first match here tonight to be sure! Akira is getting hot at the right time, will he blaze a trail to the top of this tournament? Can Dia withstand the pressure of going down in the first round?
Best of the Super Juniors 31 A Block: BUSHI VS HAYATA!
It’s another crossover match as NJPW’s Black Mask takes on Pro-Wrestling Noah’s Falcon! Will Bushi make things tranquilo in Chiba? Or will he need some Painkillers after tonight?
The moment Hayata puts his coat aside, Bushi SHOTGUNS him down! The bell rings and Bushi stomps away in the corner! The ref has Bushi back off, but Bushi brings Hayata up to CHOP! Bushi whips, Hayata reverses, but Bushi RANAS! Hayata bails out but Bushi builds speed! Hayata returns to ELBOW Bushi down! Things speed up, and Hayata catches Bushi’s hurdle into an atomic drop! Then he runs to SHOTGUN BOOT Bushi down! The fans fire up while Bushi goes to the apron. Bushi goes to the floor, Hayata waits on him. The ref checks Bushi, he seems okay to continue, so Hayata goes out to fetch him, and POST him!
Bushi tumbles, Hayata paces around him, and the ring count climbs. Hayata drags Bushi up at 9 of 20, puts him in at 10, and the fans applaud. Hayata stands on Bushi for a cocky cover, TWO! Hayata drags Bushi up, bumps him off buckles, and Hayata stomps away! Hayata digs his boot in, the ref counts, and Hayata lets off at 4. Hayata drags Bushi up, snapmares, and he clamps on a chinlock! Bushi endures, kicks around, reaches out, but Hayata grinds him into the mat. Bushi still fights and has the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer, Hayata lets off and he stomps Bushi around. Hayata brings Bushi up but Bushi CHOPS!
Bushi CHOPS again, and CHOPS again! Hayata kicks low but Bushi body blows and dropkicks the legs out! The fans rally while both men are down. Bushi goes to a corner, Hayata runs up but into a BOOT! Bushi runs to RANA and Hayata goes to the apron! The fans rally up again as Hayata stands. Bushi runs to DECK him! Then Bushi builds speed, and DIVES! Direct hit and down goes Hayata! The fans fire up again while Bushi rises! Bushi drags Hayata up and puts him back in. Bushi puts Hayata in a corner to whip corner to corner. Bushi runs in to ELBOW, then he puts Hayata’s leg in the rope! Bushi DROPKICKS the leg, then DRAPING BACKSTABBERS!
Bushi gets Hayata up, blocks his haymaker to spin and DDT him down! Cover, TWO! Hayata is still in this but Bushi SMASHES his knee into the mat! Then dropkicks the leg! Bushi ties the legs up for the ASHIROAD CLOVER! Hayata endures, grabs at Bushi’s mask, but the ref reprimands. Bushi pulls on the leglock and the fans rally up! Hayata fights his way around, reaches out, but Bushi powers him down! Hayata still fights to have the ROPEBREAK! Bushi lets go and the fans rally. Bushi brings Hayata up, has the leg, but Hayata fights the shin breaker with elbows! Hayata goes to a corner, Bushi around in but Hayata dodges to TORNADO DDT!
The fans fire up while both men are down! Hayata grits his teeth, gets to his feet, and storms back to Bushi. Hayata brings Bushi up, says this is it, but Bushi fights the DDT to backslide! Hayata slips free, but Bushi blocks the superkick! Bushi kicks, whips, but Hayata reverses to PELE! Bushi wobbles, Hayata tucks the arms and reels him in, STRAITJACKET DDT!! Cover, TWO! Bushi survives but Hayata gets him back up! 403 IMPACT!! Cover, Hayata wins!
Winner: Hayata, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Bushi earns 0)
Yep, Bushi’s definitely gonna need ibuprofen after that one! But will he be feeling better in time for round two on Monday? Will Hayata continue to show the power of Noah and his GHC National Championship through this tournament?
Best of the Super Juniors 31 B Block: Robbie Eagles VS Ninja Mack!
The Sniper of the Skies returns because The Mighty Don’t Kneel! He also returns as the Soul of PWA Champion! But he’s up against Noah’s American Shinobi! Will Eagles be able to shoot Mack down? Or will this Mack attack send Eagles to the back of the pack?
The bell rings and the fans rally for Robbie. Eagles has them hold on, and we gotta do this right. “ROBBIE ROBBIE ROBBIE!” “OI OI OI!” “ROBBIE ROBBIE ROBBIE!” “OI OI OI!” “ROBBIE!” “OI!” “ROBBIE!” “OI!” “ROBBIE ROBBIE ROBBIE!” “OI OI OI!” The fans cheer again and Mack has everyone hold on. “NIN-JA! NIN-JA!” The fans join in on “NIN-JA! NIN-JA!” The two tie up, go around, and Mack wrenches to a hammerlock. Eagles switches that onto Mack, but Mack reaches down. Eagles keeps his legs back but Mack snapmares free. Mack has an armlock but Eagles fights up. Mack wrenches, wristlocks, but Eagles rolls, handsprings, and wrenches back!
The fans cheer this technical exchange, and Eagles wrenches again. Eagles keeps Mack from the ropes, but Mack backflips and headlocks! The fans cheer for “NIN-JA! NIN-JA!” but Eagles powers up and out. Mack ducks the boot, shoves Eagles then hurdles, and backflips to handspring! The fans fire up for the agility as Mack and Eagles take fighting stances. They circle, Mack powers up, but Eagles blocks his strike to wrench, go up and around, then arm-drag! Things keep moving, Eagles hurdles then RANAS, but Mack handsprings and flips through! That last part was just Mack showing off. Eagles gets mad and rushes in!
Mack gets around, Eagles bucks the O’Conner, then he puts Mack on the apron. Mack ROCKS Eagles, but Eagles tiger feints to sweep the leg! Eagles then runs to DIVE! Direct hit with the somersault tope and the fans fire up! Eagles goes all the way to the back row and comes back to high-five everyone. Eagles then gets Mack up and puts him against the post, to KICK! The ref wants this in the ring, so Eagles slides in, just to slide back out. Eagles goes after Mack, brings him up and around, and the fans rally up. Eagles aims and KICKS Mack against the post! The fans fire up with Eagles but the ref insists this goes back inside.
Eagles slides in, the slides back out, only for Mack to CHOP! And CHOP! But Eagles clips the legs! Eagles puts Mack in and pounds the mat. The fans rally, Eagles aims from the apron, and he springboards, only for Mack to get clear! Eagles still comes back to dropkick the legs out! The fans rally, Eagles has Mack’s leg and he says “WOO~!” The fans “WOO~!” with him, then he steps through, only for Mack to KICK and KICK and KICK! But Eagles KICKS Mack’s leg! Eagles brings Mack up but Mack fires palm strikes! Mack whips Eagles to a corner, Eagles reverses, but Mack goes up and over and rolls, then comes back to UPPERCUT!
The fans fire up and Mack goes to a corner. “NIN-JA! NIN-JA!” LION’S BARRAGE! Cover, TWO! Another cover, TWO! Mack is annoyed but he focuses his power. Eagles is still down as Mack runs, jumps up and up and PHOENIX SPLASH onto knees! Eagles saves himself, though a bit double-edged. The fans rally up, Mack goes to a corner and Eagles fires up. Eagles runs in but Mack BOOTS him! Mack runs up but Eagles BOOTS him! Eagles runs in but Mack jumps the lose tiger feint! Eagles avoids Mack’s knee, Mack ducks the roundhouse, but Eagles blocks Mack’s superkick! And hooks him up, only for Mack to roll him up! TWO!!
Eagles runs up, but into a drop toehold! OKLAHOMA ROLL! TWO, Eagles covers, TWO! Eagles runs up, gest around, schoolboy BRIDGE! TWO, but Eagles steps through! Mack counters with a cradle! TWO!! The fans fire up, Mack sunset flips, TWO! Eagles sits on it, TWO! Mack rolls, Eagles rolls through to stack! TWO! Mack has it back, TWO!! GHOST PIN!! TWO!! Eagles has a cradle, TWO!! Mack has a cradle, and stacks it deep! MACK WINS!!
Winner: Ninja Mack, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Eagles earns 0)
Even Mack is a bit surprised he got that one! It certainly went fast and furious by the end, but will Eagles be able to reload and be ready for next round? Will Ninja Mack prove even an American Shinobi can be the Best of the Super Juniors?
Best of the Super Juniors 31 A Block: Kosei Fujita VS Yoshinobu Kanemaru!
The Ichiban Young Punk of TMDK takes on the Heel Master of the House of Torture! But this is less about who’s the Best of the Super Juniors and more about keeping Fujita away from the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion, Sho! Will Kanemaru do his part to protect the Murder Machine? Or will Fujita be ready for every trick in the book?
Kanemaru takes a quick swig of whiskey, mists it to the fans, then he rushes Fujita and CLOBBERS him! The fans boo as Kanemaru TOSSES Fujita out, goes out after him, then throws him into open chairs! Young Lions help fans clear out as the bell rings and Kanemaru drags Fujita up. Kanemaru puts Fujita in the ring, whips him to a corner, then runs in, but into a BOOT! Fujita runs, ducks ‘n’ dodges, then RANAS! The fans fire up and Fujita DROPKICKS Kanemaru! Kanemaru bails out but Fujita runs up to PLANCHA! Kanemaru moves, Fujita lands safe on the apron! Fujita kicks but Kanemaru blocks to YANK Fujita down!
Kanemaru pushes Fujita back to the apron, to SUPER KNEE SMASH to the floor! The ref checks on Fujita while Kanemaru paces. The fans rally, and Fujita seems okay to continue, so Kanemaru makes his way back over. Kanemaru rolls into the ring just to refresh the count, then he puts Fujita in. Kanemaru drags Fujita up, whips him to ropes, and he dropkicks Fujita’s leg! Kanemaru gets that leg and steps through for the FIGURE FOUR! The fans rally while Fujita endures! Fujita fights his way over, ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer but Kanemaru holds on, so the ref pries at the hold! The ref reprimands and Kanemaru finally sets Fujita free.
Now Kanemaru steps through to knee drop on the knee! Kanemaru then YANKS the bad leg, and drops an elbow on the knee! Kanemaru has a toehold but Fujita endures. The fans rally, even as Kanemaru pulls on the leg! Fujita drags Kanemaru along as he crawls over, and the fans rally again. Fujita reaches out, but Kanemaru drags him away from the ropes, to YANK the leg again! Fujita writhes but Kanemaru stomps him. Kanemaru stands on the leg and makes Fujita suffer, then he stomps the knee! Kanemaru drags Fujita up, has the leg, but Fujita fights back with a headlock! Fujita throws down elbows, but Kanemaru kicks the leg!
Kanemaru kicks Fujita around but Fujita fires forearms! So Kanemaru CLAWS the eyes! The ref reprimands but Kanemaru kicks and whips. Fujita reverses to LEG LARIAT! The fans fire up while both men are down! Fujita rolls to one corner, Kanemaru goes to the other. Fujita slaps his leg into working, and he runs corner to corner, only for Kanemaru to put him on the apron! The leg jams, and then Kanemaru kicks it! Kanemaru runs up but Fujita RAMS into him! Fujita aims, slingshots, but Kanemaru throws the ref into him! Both ref and Fujita fall! Kanemaru checks on the ref as if he didn’t just do that!
With the ref down, Kanemaru goes to get his whiskey! Kanemaru takes another swig, but Fujita springboard MISSILE DROPKICKS! The mist goes flying into the air again, and Fujita fires up! Fujita runs to PENALTY KICK! Cover, TWO! Fujita roars and the fans fire up with him! Fujita waistlocks Kanemaru, drags him up, but Kanemaru grabs the ropes! Fujita CLUBS Kanemaru on the back! Fujita runs, but Kanemaru dropkicks the legs again! Kanemaru SMASHES the knee! And then steps through, to FIGURE FOUR! Fujita endures, the fans rally, but Kanemaru puts on the pressure! Fujita still fights his way over!
Fujita drags Kanemaru along but Kanemaru thrashes the hold! The fans rally harder, Fujita keeps going, and he has the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer while Kanemaru lets off in frustration. Kanemaru drags Fujita up, reels him in, and scoops to BRITISH- NO, Fujita turns that around! But Fujita’s leg makes it hard to suplex! Kanemaru suplexes back, Fujita slips free, but then the leg jams up! Kanemaru trips Fujita, steps through, but Fujita cradles! TWO!! Kanemaru kicks, Fujita gets around, O’Conner Roll and- Kanemaru grabs at the ref!! All three men drop to the mat, but Fujita still holds onto the waistlock! But Kanemaru gets his whiskey!
The ref sees the bottle, takes it from Kanemaru, but Kanemaru mule kicks the leg! Kanemaru runs, but into a pop-up GERMAN SUPLEX! Fujita brings Kanemaru up and spins him around to suplex, ABANDON HOPE! Cover off the cutter, Fujita wins!
Winner: Kosei Fujita, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Kanemaru earns 0)
The Mighty Don’t Kneel, and Fujita proved that here! Will he fight his way up to the top of the block? Will Kanemaru have to apologize to Sho for failing in this first round?
Best of the Super Juniors 31 B Block: “Drilla” Dan Moloney VS SHO!
Bullet Club faces Bullet Club as the War Dogs’ 44 Caliber squares off with the House of Torture’s Murder Machine. But it is also champion VS champion as one half of the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champions faces THE IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion! Will Drilla killa man just to get that golden ticket? Or will Sho show no mercy, even to a fellow Club member?
Actually, from the look of it, Sho’s trying to be #1 War Dogs fan. He’s wearing one of their merch shirts, is showing off the autograph he got during Drilla’s own meet ‘n’ greet session, and has some really odd props, like a skeleton backpack and a bull skull hat… Drilla digs it all either way. Sho lets the ref check him, and says that the autograph is proof that War Dogs and House of Torture are good friends. The champs shake hands and hold up their belts, which the fans do applaud. The bell rings, and then both champs take aim with their belts! The ref reprimands, each guy claims they were just checking, joking around a little.
Drilla and Sho each back off to put their belts down in their corners, but then they both rush up again! And they both block kicks down low! They both say they’ll have a good clean match, and they set the other man’s foot down. Only to try and block a kick from the other leg! They both say okay, clean break. The ref helps with that as they lower the legs down. But then Sho pulls Drilla’s nose to get a headlock! Sho grinds the hold, Drilla powers up and out, and they RAM shoulders! Drilla and Sho fire forearms back and forth, and Drilla gets the edge! But then Sho CLAWS Drilla’s eyes! Sho runs, but Drilla hurdles, drops, but avoids the basement dropkick!
Drilla KICKS Sho on the back, scoops him, and laughs before the BACKBREAKER! Sho hobbles up, Drilla whips him corner to corner hard, then reminds Sho this is a clean fight. Drilla drags Sho up, reels him in, but Sho bends fingers! Drilla UPPERCUTS! Drilla runs, Sho uses the ref as a shield! Sho then dodges Drilla, bails out, and wants things to cool off. Drilla waits as Sho goes around the outside, but then storms out after him. Sho sneaks the bell hammer?! Drilla pushes the ref aside, Sho JAMS Drilla, then HAMMERS him! Sho CHOKES Drilla, the ref storms over and reprimands, but Sho gives it back to Abe-san, claiming it was Abe’s idea!
Sho then CHOKES Drilla using a camera cable! The ref backs Sho down and reprimands him. Sho CLAWS Drilla’s eyes as he drags him up, and SMACKS him off chairs! Sho leaves Drilla behind while Drilla sits up and the ring count starts. Drilla storms back in but Sho stomps him down! Sho digs his boot in, the ref counts and Sho lets off at 4. Sho CHOKES Drilla, but the ref counts. Sho takes off his shirt, hands it to the ref, and that distraction lets Sho fishhook Drilla into a chinlock! Sho pulls on the hold, it’s almost a choke! Drilla goes to the ROPEBREAK, the ref counts, and Sho lets off. Sho mockingly says there’s no such thing as a clean fight.
Sho kicks Drilla, but Drilla CHOPS! Drilla fires forearms, but Sho CLAWS Drilla’s eyes! Sho runs, Drilla scoops, but Sho slips free! Sho goes to a corner, Drilla runs in but Sho puts him on the apron. Drilla ROCKS Sho, then GAMANGIRIS! Sho flops and flounders, Drilla runs in, but has to hurdle over Sho! Sho keeps going, Drilla DROPKICKS him! The fans fire up while both men are down! Sho scrambles to another corner, Drilla runs in, but Sho BOOTS him! Sho runs up but Drilla gets under, ripcord, but Sho blocks the chop! Sho kicks, runs, but into a SPINEBUSTER! “Clean fight!” DOUBLE STOMP! Cover, TWO!
Drilla is annoyed but the fans rally up behind him. Drilla aims from a corner as Sho rises, and Drilla runs in, but Sho ducks the boot! But Drilla stuffs Sho’s spear to reel him in! Canadian Rack, but Sho CLAWS eyes! The ref reprimands, Sho reels Drilla in and tucks the arms, but Drilla fights the lift! Drilla wrenches out but Sho ducks the chop, to SPEAR! Cover, TWO! Sho is frustrated but the fans rally up again. Sho snarls and drags Drilla up to TOSS him out! Sho goes after Drilla with stomps, and he brings Drilla to the back end of the crowd! Sho SMACKS Drilla off chairs, then pulls down railing to get at the tech area!
Sho dribbles Drilla off the table, then gets space. Sho runs, but Drilla FLAPJACKS him off the table! Drilla leaves Sho behind and wants the count! The count does start as Drilla rests in the ring and Sho crawls his way back! Sho stands at 5 of 20, hobbles his way through the crowd and makes it back to ringside at 10. Drilla tells the ref to go faster! But this just slows the ref down! Wait, Gedo sneaks out here, and he LOW BLOWS Sho!! The Blacksmith gets the better of the Murder Machine and we’re now at 15 of 20! But the ref’s so busy watching Sho that Yujiro Takahashi sneaks in to LOW BLOW Drilla!! Tokyo Pimp evens things up!
The count still climbs, Sho hobbles around, and slides in at 19! Yujiro then goes after Gedo on the outside! Yujiro throws Gedo in, letting Sho get the Torture Tool! WRENCH SHOT!! Cover, Sho wins!!
Winner: Sho, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Drilla earns 0)
Guess they were lying about that clean fight right from the start! Will Bullet Club (not) be fine after all these shenanigans? Or will someone finally catch the House of Torture red handed?
Best of the Super Juniors 31 A Block: Blake Christian VS Clark Connors!
After becoming GCW World Champion, All Heart is now All Heat, and he looks to use that heat to burn up the block! Will Blake’s career be hotter than ever before? Or will he burn out after facing 100 Proof?
The bell rings, Connors throws up the Too Sweet and barks. He says BANG at Blake, but Blake says hold on. He digs down into his tights, brings out a finger gun, but makes it into a dirty bird! The fans cheer, Connors runs in, but Blake dodges to kick, KICK and he ROCKS Connors in the corner! Blake stomps a mudhole, then gives some Good Vibrations! Blake shouts out the King of Strong Style, then gives a little vafanapoli. Blake goes back for Connors, whips, but Connors reverses, only for Blake to reverse back and RANA! Connors ends up on ropes, so Blake 619s! Then he springboard UPPERCUTS! Cover, TWO!
The fans cheer this fast ‘n’ furious opening, and Blake headlocks to keep Connors down. Connors endures, Blake says this isn’t a War Dog but a puppy. Blake uses the Too Sweet to noogie Connors! Connors fights up, powers up and out, but Blake handsprings over his dropdown! Things keep moving, Blake rolls off Connors’ back to waistlock. Connors elbows free but Blake CLUBS Connors in return! Connors doubles over, Blake dropkicks from between the legs! The fans fire up as Connors wobbles, and Blake brings him back to kip up and whip. Connors reverses, Blake handsprings but Connors gets clear to POUNCE!
Blake tumbles outta the ring from the #JeepFlipper, then Connors goes out after him. Connors throws hands on Blake, and he shouts for fans to move! Young Lions hurry to get fans clear, and Connors BOWLS Blake right into the chairs! Now that was a strike! The fans cheer, but the ref wants Connors to hold on now. Connors storms through, flips hats off fans’ heads, then leaves Blake behind in the wreckage. The fans rally up as Blake rises, but Connors sends a Young Lion into him! Connors slips into the ring and the count begins. Blake sits up, crawls his way back to ringside, and stands at 11 of 20. Blake hobbles over, and slides in at 16!
The fans cheer but Connors is right on Blake. Connors snap suplexes then ELBOW DROPS! Cover, TWO! Connors keeps on Blake with a half nelson, then full nelsons! Blake endures as Connors thrashes him around, and he pries at the hold. Connors holds tighter, and the fans rally as Blake reaches out, and he gets a ROPEBREAK with a foot! Connors lets go, pushes Blake around, then stands him up to CHOP! Connors whips but Blake holds ropes to block! Connors ROCKS Blake, but Blake still holds ropes! Then Blake CLAWS Connors eyes, and BITES Connors’ forehead! Blake whips, Connors reverses, but Blake handsprings to wheelbarrow, victory roll, and SPLASH!
The fans fire up and Blake keeps going! Blake gets up a corner and aims, MACHO ELBOW DROP! Cover, TWO! Connors survives and bails out but the fans fire up. Blake says don’t cheer, boo him! He then builds speed to FOSBURY FLOP into a REVERSE DDT! It wasn’t the cleanest transition but Blake still takes Connors down! Blake gets Connors back in the ring, then DDTS a leg! Blake mockingly applauds but the fans still cheer, and Blake brings Connors up. Connors headlocks to fight the back suplex but Blake throws body shots. Then Blake hits the BIG back suplex! Blake goes up a corner, aims, and 450- NO, Connors moves!
Blake lands on his feet, but turns around into Connors’ SNAP POWERSLAM! The fans fire up while both men are down, and Connors grins as he goes to a corner. Connors barks, the fans clap along, and Connors runs in, into a KIOCK! And ENZIGIRI! Blake runs, but into a LARIAT! Cover, TWO! Blake survives being turned inside-out, but Connors drags him back up. Connors reels Blake in, puts his stamp on it, but Blake wrenches free to PELE! Connors wobbles, Blake runs, but into a HEADBUTT! Blake’s right up!? SUPERKICK! The fans fire up, Blake goes up and up and leaps, into an UPPERCUT! Connors runs, into a SPANISH FLY! Cover, TWO!
The fans fire up again while both men are down! Blake finds the sole of his shoe has split! Blake gets up, Connors kicks low and reels him in! But Blake fights No Chaser to wrench and ROCK Connors! Connors goes to a corner, but comes back to SPEAR!! Cover, ROPEBREAK!! Blake survives by a literal foot and he bails out, but Connors storms after him. Connors reaches through the ropes but Blake HOTSHOTS him! Blake hurries to grab Connors’ tag title? The ref stops that, but Blake shoves the ref down! And he brings out… BRASS KNUCKLES! Blake aims, but Connors kicks first! NO CHASE- NO, Blake still fights it!
Blake wrenches free, BRASS KNUCKLE PUNCH!! Blake hides the evidence, then torture racks Connors! The fans boo but Blake hits a ROLLING BURNING HAMMER!! And then a STEP-UP CURB STOMP!! Cover, Blake wins!!
Winner: Blake Christian, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Connors earns 0)
Talk about heat! Blake’s gonna have everyone upset with him over the lows he resorted to! But will nothing stop the GCW World Champion from taking over NJPW?
Best of the Super Juniors 31 B Block: DOUKI VS Taiji Ishimori!
Japones Del Mal almost the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship, but he couldn’t fend off all of Sho’s tricks. Will he have an easier time against the Bone Soldier? Or will Taiji prove #ItsReborn?
The bell rings and the fans rally up. They tie up, break, and then Douki trips Taiji. Things speed up but Douki trips Taiji, rolls him back and whips, but Taiji rolls through. They keep going, and Douki arm-drags! Then DROPKICKS! Taiji tumbles out, Douki builds speed and slides, but Taiji ducks under! Taiji fireman’s carries to POST Douki! The fans are torn while Douki writhes. The ref checks and Douki is okay to continue, but Taiji is untying the blue buckle pad! The Bullet Club Special is now in play! Douki slowly rises as the ring count starts. Taiji waits on Douki, and Douki stands at 8 to roll in at 9 of 20.
The fans cheer, Taiji storms up on Douki, and Taiji stomps Douki. Taiji wrenches Douki to a wristlock and he digs a knee into Douki’s shoulder. Taiji drags Douki up to wrench, hammerlock, and RAM him into the bare buckles! Douki drops to his knees, the ref reprimands about the bare corner, but Taiji drags Douki up. Taiji wristlocks, then snapmares so he can step over and trap the arm, then rolls Douki into an ARMBAR! Taiji even stomps on Douki’s head! The fans rally as Douki endures and fights around! Taiji stomps Douki more! Douki still fights, and has the ROPEBREAK! The ref counts, Taiji lets go at 4.
Douki clutches his arm while the fans rally. Taiji paces around, kicks at Douki, taunts him, but Douki gets up to fire forearms! Taiji CLUBS Douki on the bad arm! Taiji wrenches and hammerlocks to scoop, but Douki slips free! Douki waistlocks, Taiji switches, but Douki throws elbows. Taiji keeps Douki from running but Douki kicks free. Douki then kicks low to DDT! The fans rally up while both men are down! Taiji goes to a corner, Douki shakes out the bad arm. Douki runs in to clothesline! Douki keeps going, but Taiji ducks ‘n’ dodges, only for Douki to hip toss him! Doui RAMS Taiji, runs and springboards to FLYING ARM-DRAG!
Taiji bails out, Douki runs, slides, but he’s ready for Taiji’s duck! Douki runs back in, Taiji throws him to the apron but Douki rebounds off ropes to TORNADO DDT to the floor! Taiji writhes and the fans fire up! Douki shakes out the bad arm and the ring count starts. Douki stands at 5 of 20, fires up and the fans fire up with him. Douki drags Taiji up, brings him around, and puts him in the ring. The fans applaud and Douki brings Taiji around. Scoop and swing, SAHARAWI SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO! Taiji stays in this but Douki stays focused. Douki drags Taiji up, hooks him up, but Taiji fights the Gory Especial!
Douki still lifts but Taiji slips free to CLAW the eyes! Taiji whips, Douki reverses, but Taiji handsprings for the NEURALIZER! The fans fire up while both men are down again! Douki and Taiji crawl their way to opposite ends and stand up in the corners. Taiji runs corner to corner to DOUBLE KNEE! Then he wrenches and whips, to WRING and WRING the arm again! Douki writhes, Taiji looms over him. Taiji brings Douki up to then POST him in the open corner! The ref reprimands but Taiji brings Douki around. Taiji hammerlocks, scoops, and SHOULDER BUSTERS! Douki writhes but Taiji catches his breath.
Taiji aims from the corner as Douki slowly rises. Taiji runs in, tilt-o-whirl, but Douki stops that! Douki has Taiji int he gut wrench, but Taiji flips it around! CIPHER U- NO! Douki lands out and then wheelbarrows Taiji! But Taiji arm-drags free! Taiji runs up, but into the Bow ‘n’ Arrow Rack! Douki spins around for the FACEBUSTER! Cover, TWO! But into ITALIAN STRETCH #32!! Taiji endures and the fans fire up! Taiji’s face is already turning purple! Taiji tips over, but he fights back up! Douki only pulls harder on the arms! Taiji stands, steps over to the left, ROPEBREAK! Douki lets go in frustration.
The fans rally, Douki says this is it, and he goes to the apron. Taiji stands, Douki slingshots, but into a CODE BREAKER! Both men are down again and the fans rally back up. Taiji rises, drags Douki up, but Douki HELL STABS! Douki runs, into a PUMP KICK! They both roar, DOUBLE LARIATS collide! Both men stay up, but then Douki dodges and comes back to LARIAT! Douki hurries to get Taiji up, torture racks, and he swings for the SWINGING SIDEWALK SLAM! Cover, TWO!! Taiji survives and the fans fire up again! Douki roars and the fans are with him! Douki gets Taiji’s legs for the wheelbarrow!
Douki brings Taiji up, full nelsons, but Taiji pries free! Taiji switches but Douki elbows free! Taiji ducks ‘n’ dodges to LA MYSTIC- NO, Douki slips free, drags Taiji down, JORGE RIVERA- NO, Taiji slips free, but Douki cradles! TWO!!! Taiji wants Douki’s arms but Douki gets ITALIAN STRETCH!! Douki rolls Taiji from ropes but Taiji rolls Douki to his feet! BLOODY CROSS!!! Cover, Taiji wins!!
Winner: Taiji Ishimori, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Douki earns 0)
Both men turned it up a notch at the end, but it was The Bone Soldier who hits the mark! Will Douki have to work even harder to finally have his moment? Will Taiji make his way back to the top of the division first?
Best of the Super Juniors 31 A Block: Kevin Knight VS TJP!
The Intergalactic Jet Setters and Catch 2/2 are no strangers to each other given the battles over the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championships, but each man is still yearning for a moment with THE IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship. Will Knight be too fly for the United Empire to conquer? Or will the Public Enemy prove he is a worthy successor to Will Ospreay?
The bell rings and the fans rally up. The two circle, feel things out, then tie up. TJP waistlocks, Knight pries free to wrench and wristlock. TJP slips through to wrench and wristlock back. Knight rolls, handsprings and wrenches again. Knight arm-drags TJP down into the wristlock and the fans cheer. TJP gets up, Knight wrenches and wristlocks again, but TJP rolls, wrenches, cartwheels and drops down to SPIN HEADSCISSOR! Knight rolls but TJP floats to a cover, ONE! TJP headlocks, Knight headscissors, and Knight squeezes tight. The fans rally, TJP moves around and headstands. TJP holds it, the fans cheer, and then TJP turns Knight over.
TJP rolls back, hooks up the legs, BOW ‘N’ ARROW! Knight pops free, covers, ONE! TJP trips, covers, ONE! Both men handspring up and the fans cheer. Knight says that was nice, and the two reset. Knight calls for knuckle locks and TJP obliges. They go shoulder to shoulder, then Knight uses his height to power TJP to ropes. Knight pads TJP on the shoulder, then CHOPS! The fans fire up but TJP turns things around to CHOP Knight! TJP whips, Knight reverses then hurdles, hurdles and arm-drags! TJP bails out, Knight fires up and builds speed! But TJP springboards back in to FLYING ARM-DRAG!
Knight tumbles out now, and TJP runs to WRECK him with a dropkick! The fans fire up as TJP throws up the crown. TJP goes back for Knight, puts him in the ring, and then slingshot SENTONS! Cover, ONE! The fans rally, TJP keeps his cool, and TJP brings Knight up. TJP snapmares Knight to then get the legs, step through, and turn Knight over! TJP hooks the legs in the deathlock, and the fans rally up as TJP bridges back, MUTA LOCK! Knight endures and reaches out! TJP lets go to focus on the legs, but Knight rolls things over and gets the ROPEBREAK! TJP lets Knight go, then brings him up to put in a corner.
TJP UPPERCUTS Knight then goes to the opposite corner. The fans rally up, TJP runs in, but Knight puts TJP up top! Knight CHOPS, then says it’s time for the UP- NO, TJP doesn’t want the Upper Room! TJP shoves Knight down but Knight comes back to DROPKICK! TJP wobbles up top and the fans fire up! Knight says now it’s time, for the UPPER ROOM! But TJP springs right up?! TJP runs, Knight scoops but TJP slips free to SOBAT! TJP runs and slips around, crucifix takedown into a ghost pin, ONE! Knight DROPKICKS TJP outta the ring! The fans fire up, Knight builds speed, but TJP moves! Knight uses a very TJP slip out to the apron!
Knight goes to the corner and slingshots over for a PLANCHA! The fans fire up with Knight and he drags TJP up. Knight puts TJP in, springboards, and FLYING LARIATS! Cover, TWO! Knight stays cool and he stomps TJP towards a corner. Knight brings TJP up and scoops to SLAM him! Then JUMP SPLASH! Knight says tsuyoi (so strong) and covers, TWO! The fans rally up and Knight wrenches TJP to whip. Knight catches TJP to a COBRA TWIST! TJP endures, Knight flexes and says he’s really, really, really strong! But TJP fights the hold, but Knight shifts to a straitjacket! But TJP bridges and spins to get Knight in an IRON OCTOPUS!
TJP flexes as he says he’s tsuyoi! But Knight powers out! TJP slips behind, trips Knight, and traps an arm to then SNAP the other! Knight writhes from suffering the Sacrifice! TJP goes to a corner, Knight runs in but TJP goes up and over! TORNADO- NO, Knight stops TJP and ROCKS him up top! UPPER- NO, TJP slips under to kick the legs out! Knight tumbles down, but TJP drags him into the Tree of Woe! The fans rally as TJP scrubs Knight’s face! TJP scrubs and scrubs then runs side to side, basement DROPKICK! The fans fire up as TJP then goes up top! Knight tries to sit up, but TJP gives him WOE STOMPS first! Cover, TWO!
The fans rally as Knight stays in this, but TJP pounds the mat. The fans clap along, “T! J P! T! J P!” TJP aims, runs up, but Knight avoids the dropkick! Knight swings, but TJP catches him to a dragon sleeper! Knight drops down to victory roll, TWO! Knight runs up but TJP turns satellite DDT into a FLAPJACK on the top rope! Knight is stuck, TJP goes to the corner and climbs! TJP aims to GUILLOTINE MAMBA SPLASH!! Not the cleanest hit but both men still fall to apron then floor! The ref checks them both, they’re both somehow okay to continue, so a ring count starts. The count reaches 10 of 20 before either man sits up.
TJP drags himself up with the apron skirt, as does Knight. We hit 15, and then both men slide in at 18! TJP and Knight then each go back to the apron and head for each other. TJP throws a forearm, but Knight gives it back! TJP throws another forearm, so Knight gives it back! They go back and forth, shot for shot! TJP SUPERKICKS, then gets space. TJP runs up, but Knight hits an APRON SATELLITE DDT!! Knight falls to the floor and TJP flops into the ring! The fans fire up as Knight rises again! Knight goes up the corner, takes aim, and steals MAMBA SPLASH!! Cover, TWO!!! But Knight has the KIMURA!!
The fans fire up as TJP endures the double wristlock! TJP scrambles, reaches out, but Knight rolls him from ropes to crank the KIMURA!! TJP fights up to his feet, rolls Knight into a cradle, TWO!! Knight escapes, but TJP ROUNDHOUSES him! Knight SUPERKICKS back! Then BOOTS! TJP ducks the lariat to run, into a pop-up, but TJP steals the SATELLITE DDT!! TJP gets even with Knight and both men are down! The fans rally up, TJP and Knight go to corners. Knight runs up but TJP goes up and over! TORNADO DDT! TJP aims, “T! J P!” echoes out. TJP runs in, but Knight fireman’s carries! F5!! Cover, TWO!!!
The fans are thunderous as TJP survives! Knight is shocked, but he’s not exactly The Beast. But Knight says he’s a jet, so he’s about to take flight! SATELLITE- NORTHERN LIGHTS!! Bridging cover, TWO!! TJP SUPERKICKS again! Then reloads, runs up, SLIDING KNEE!! Then another SLIDING KNEE!! Cover, TWO!!! Knight survives the “One By One” twice, but TJP gets him into a drop zone! TJP goes up the corner, but Knight hits UPPER ROOM again!! The fans are thunderous as Knight roars! Knight runs back in, SATELLITE DDT!!! Cover, KNIGHT WINS!!
Winner: Kevin Knight, by pinfall (gains 2 points; TJP earns 0)
The Jet even surprises himself as he manages to bring down the three-time Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champion! Does this mean it is Knight’s time to shine? Or can TJP rework his game plan and still take the block?
Best of the Super Juniors 31 B Block: Hiromu Takahashi VS KUSHIDA!
The Ticking Timebomb will not get his dream of a 10 year streak of him winning the whole tournament, as he fell short last year. But can he at least start on a new threepeat with this one? Or will the Timesplitter make sure history doesn’t repeat itself?
Instead of his usual BOSJ giant notepad, Hiromu hands out headshots of himself, and even has a framed one for Milano Collection AT-san. The fans already chant for “HI-RO-MU! HI-RO-MU!” The bell rings and the two circle. Hiromu avoids Kushida’s leg trip. Things speed up, Kushida drops then RAMS Hiromu. Kushida runs, Hiromu follows, but Kushida slides out. Hiromu slides out, Kushida slides in, but Hiromu slides back in, and narrowly avoids the Penalty Kick! The fans cheer and Kushida says it was that close. Kushida and Hiromu reset, tie up, and Hiromu trips Kushida. Things speed up again, Kushida jumps but Hiromu catches him!
Hiromu runs at the ropes and he puts Kushida on the apron. Hiromu then builds speed to FLYING SUNSET FLIP, only for Kushida to hold onto ropes! Kushida throws down hands, then drops down to MONKEY FLIP Hiromu away! Hiromu flounders around the corner but Kushida storms after him. Kushida brings Hiromu up but Hiromu shoves him away! Kushida ends up on the laps of the front row, and Young Lions help him up. Hiromu runs in, but Kushida catches him for a COMPLETE SHOT to a chair! Kushida gets Hiromu in the ring, drags him up and wrenches to CLUB the arm, UPPERCUT the arm, then CLUB it again!
Kushida wrenches and wrangles Hiromu with a top wristlock, then shifts around to a hammerlock, but Hiromu gets the ROPEBREAK! Kushida lets off, but then drags Hiromu from ropes! Kushida trips Hiromu, turns him over, and has the SEATED SURFBOARD! Hiromu endures even as Kushida pulls him back! Kushida rocks the boat but Hiromu fights against it. Kushida stands, brings Hiromu around and wrenches the arm for an ELBOW BREAKER! Hiromu hobbles away, but Kushida storms up. Hiromu CHOPS, then CHOPS, but Kushida grabs the bad arm! Kushida wrenches again but Hiromu CHOPS and CHOPS! Kushida KICKS the arm!
Hiromu goes to a corner, Kushida wraps the bad arm around ropes and pulls! Red Shoes reprimands, Kushida lets off, and then Kushida CHOPS! Kushida wrenches and whips Hiromu corner to corner, but Hiromu reverses. Kushida goes up and over, Hiromu ducks ‘n’ dodges and RANAS! The fans fire up while Kushida goes to a corner. Hiromu goes to the opposite end, but Kushida runs in! Hiromu dodges, then he clotheslines! Hiromu snapmares and basement dropkicks! Cover, TWO! The fans rally and Hiromu drags Kushida up to fireman’s carry. Kushida fights free, shoves Hiromu to a corner, but HIromu BOOTS!
Hiromu runs, avoids the fastball, then gets around to spin Kushida. Kushida fights the suplex to wrench the arm and bend fingers! But Hiromu fireman’s carries! Kushida still has the arm but Hiromu fights through to CORNER DEATH VALLEY! The fans fire up while Hiromu drags Kushida up and fireman’s carries. TIME- NO, Kushida slips free, victory rolls, but then jumps up to turn Hiromu over, and he PENALTY KICKS the arm! The fans fire up, Kushida jumps, HOVERBOARD!! Hiromu endures as Kushida thrashes the bad arm! Hiromu reaches for ropes, but Kushida goes after that arm! KIMURA!
Hiromu still fights, so Kushida goes back to the bad arm for a KIMURA! Hiromu clasps hands behind his back to fight back, then he manages to switch and shove, ELBOW and ROLLING ELBOW! Kushida winds up, Hiromu blocks the fastball! SUPERKICK! Hiromu runs, but into the FASTBALL! Both men fall back and Kushida shakes out the right hand. Kushida paces around, brings Hiromu up and reels him in, But Hiromu scoops to a fireman’s carry! Kushida slips free and he KICKS Hiromu’s leg! And KICKS it again! And then whips, but Hiromu reverses. Kushida handsprings, but inot the GERMAN SUPELX!
Kushida gets up but the HIROMU-CHAN BOMBER hits! Hiromu fires up, the fans are with him, but Kushida drags Hiromu into a cradle! Roll through, BACK TO THE FUTURE!! But both men are down as Kushida couldn’t cradle! Kushida stands, he brings Hiromu up, and BACK TO- NO, Hiromu powers out, to VICTORY ROYALE! A rough landing for Kushida but Hiromu pushes him to a cover, TWO!! Kushida survives and the fans rally up. Hiromu rises and drags Kushida back up. Dragon sleeper, but Kushida slips out of the suplex to backslide! TWO! Hiromu escapes, Kushida rolls him up, TWO! FAST- TRIANGLE D! But Kushida jackknife bridges! TWO!!!
The fans are thunderous as Hiromu escapes! Kushida dodges Hiromu once, but HIROMU-CHAN BOMBER hits on the return! And then fireman’s carry, for TIMEBOMB 1.5!! Cover, TWO!!! Kushida survives and the fans fire up again! Hiromu grits his teeth, stands Kushida back up, dragon sleeper for TIMEBOMB- NO, Kushida pries at an arm! HANGING KIMURA! Hiromu stays on his feet, but Kushida drags him down! HOVERBOARD!!! Hiromu endures, reaches out, the fans rally as hard as they can and he fights around! But Kushida rolls him from ropes! But Hiromu cradles back! TWO!!! Both men stand, Kushida gets around Hiromu and arm-drags! KIMURA!!
Hiromu endures as Kushida again has the double wristlock! Kushida rolls to keep Hiromu from ropes, then CRANKS the Kimura! HIROMU TAPS, KUSHIDA WINS!
Winner: Kushida, by submission (gains 2 points; Hiromu earns 0)
The Timebomb didn’t go off, and now he’s off to a bad start on his redemption run! Will Hiromu be able to rebound and prove he’s still the Best of the Super Juniors? Or is Kushida going to turn back time to when he was on top of the Junior Heavyweight Division?
Best of the Super Juniors 31 A Block: El Desperado VS Titan!
The Rogue Luchador and El Inmortal met in the semifinals of last year’s tournament, so what a perfect choice for the opening round’s main event! Will Desperado redeem himself from losing last year? Or will Titan make sure history does repeat itself here?
The bell rings and the fans rally up. The two circle, feel things out, and then tie up. They break, tie up again, and Desperado waistlcoks. Titan turns around to facelock but Desperado wrenches free. Titan rolls, kips up, bridges back, then handsprings to arm-drag! Then Titan handsprings up and the fans cheer. The two reset, circle, and feel things out. They knuckle lock, go shoulder to shoulder in a test of strength, and Desperado powers Titan back! Titan bridges, powers himself upright, then wrenches to hammerlock. Desperado reaches back to headlock, then he wrenches to hammerlock back. Titan throws elbows, jumps and FLYING-MARES!
The fans cheer as the two stand off again. Desperado also applauds, admitting that was good. The two reset, feel things out again, and then Titan just trips Desperado! Things speed up, Titan handsprings over the dropdown, then gets around to waistlock. Titan ripcords and CHPOS, then knuckle locks as he goes up and up and tightrope walks, to FLYING RANA! Desperado tumbles out, the fans fire up and Titan builds speed! Despe moves, Titan rolls to Fosbury Flop and land on his feet! Despe runs in, Titan dodges, and then Titan runs up to tilt-o-whirl, only for Desperado to turn that into a snap suplex to the floor!
The fans rally while Titan writhes, and Desperado stands. Desperado storms over to Titan, brings him up and RAMS him into the apron! Titan drops to his knees, Desperado brings him back up, and Desperado CLUBS him in the back! Titan drops to his knees again but Desperado brings him up to whip at the ring. But Titan rolls and comes back to DIVE! Direct hit and Desperado tumbles into Young Lions! The fans fire up with Titan, and he stomps Desperado. Titan brings Desperado up, knees low, then knees low again! Titan puts Desperado in, covers, TWO! The fans applaud and Titan looms over Desperado.
Titan stomps Desperado, brings him up and snapmares to run and basement dropkick! Cover, TWO! The fans cheer while Desperado goes to a corner. Titan stomps Desperado, CHOPS him, but Desperado hits back! Desperado body shots, CHOPS, CHOPS and CHOPS again! Titan CHOPS in return, eggs Desperado on, so Desperado CHOPS! Titan kicks, kicks and SOBATS! Titan then wrenches and whips corner to corner, but Desperado reverses. Desperado runs in, but into a BOOT! Titan goes up, but Desperado YANKS him down! The fans rally while Desperado gets Titan up, and hits a BIG back suplex! Cover, TWO! Titan stays in this and the fans applaud.
Desperado keeps Titan down with a knee pressed against his knee. Titan endures, but Desperado SPLASHES down on the leg! Desperado backs up and Titan clutches the knee. Desperado drags Titan up, but Titan SOBATS! Desperado CHOPS! Titan drops to a knee and the fans rally again. Desperado taunts Titan, stands on his back, then steps all over him. Desperado hooks up the leg, to SNAP LOCK! Titan scrambles away but Desperado stalks after him. Desperado drags Titan up, but Titan fires a forearm! Desperado shakes his head so Titan fires more forearms! Desperado knees low, gut wrenches, but Titan slips free!
Titan shoves, gets Desperado at the ropes, and TORNADO DDTS! The fans fire up while both men are down! Titan pounds the mat, the fans rally up, and Titan roars! Titan gets Desperado’s legs, ties them up, roll and has the deathlock! But Desperado powers out and gets a leg, STRETCH MUFFLER! Titan grabs the ROPEBREAK, but Desperado thrashes until Red Shoes counts! Desperado lets go to then bring Titan up. Desperado kicks the bad leg, whips, but Titan reverses to TORNADO- NO, Desperado DUMPS Titan to the apron! Titan blocks a punch and GAMANGIRIS! But Desperado UPPERCUTS back!
Desperado runs but Titan jumps to BODY SCISSOR THROW Desperado up and out! The fans fire up again and rally as Titan rises. Titan roars, and TOP ROPE ASAI MOONSAULTS! Direct hit and down goes Despe! The fans fire up again and Titan rises. Titan fires up, brings Desperado up and into the ring, then aims from the apron. The fans rally as Titan then climbs a corner, leaps, but Desperado avoids the double stomps! Titan turns around, into a SPEAR! Both men are down again and the fans rally back up! Both men rise and crawl to each other to get forehead to forehead. Desperado fires a forearm, Titan CHOPS!
Desperado CHOPS, but Titan CHOPS again! They CHOP as they stand, and go back and forth! The fans fire up with every CHOP, then Desperado fires a flurry! But Titan fires off a strike fest, tops it off with a SOBAT, but Desperado ROCKS him! Desperado runs, Titan goes Matrix! CALF KICK! Then Titan whips, but Desperado reverses, to SPINEBUSTER! High stack, TWO! But into the STRETCH MUFFLER!! Titan flails, reaches out, but Desperado thrashes the leg! The fans rally and duel as Titan still endures! Titan claws his way over, but Desperado pushes on the leg! Desperado drags Titan back, grabs an arm, NUMERO DOS!!
Titan still fights with his free arm, and he has the ROPEBREAK!! Desperado lets go but the fans fire up again! Desperado underhooks, PINCHE- NO, Titan fights that, wrenches and tilt-o-whirls, to then hook Desperado up, only for Desperado to roll! STRETCH MUFFLER, but Titan makes it a cradle! TWO!! Desperado UPPERCUTS! The fans are thunderous as Desperado gets Titan up. Desperado whips, Titan reverses, TORNADO DDT! And roll through to a GOURD BUSTER! SUPERKICK! Both men are down but Titan throws off his elbow pads! Titan skins the cat to the top rope, then aims, to DIVING DOUBLE STOMP!! Cover, TWO!!!
Desperado survives, but Titan has his legs all tied up now! Deathlock, and JAVE INMORTAL!! Desperado endures this modified Muta Lock, reaches out with an arm, but Titan grabs it to make it a straitjacket variation! Desperado QUITS, Titan wins!!!
Winner: Titan, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Desperado earns 0)
The Rogue Luchador could not win the rematch, and it is another shocking upset! Will Desperado have to fight even harder if he wants to finally get that BOSJ trophy?
As for Titan, he gets the mic to say en Espanol, “Glory to the Lord!” And then in Japanese, Titan says, “Good morning, everyone!” The fans cheer and Titan says he figured to try some Japanese. But back in Spanish, he notes how one year ago, he reached the BOSJ finals against Master Wato. But he has returned here to NJPW, “back here for these wonderful fans of Japan,” not to just get some points, but to win the entire Best of the Super Juniors 31!! And it’s for all of you, the fans! The fans cheer that! “So, keep watching El Inmortal, Titan. I’m here representing CMLL. I’m here representing Mexican Lucha Libre. And I’m here representing Los Ingobernables de Japon!”
The fans cheer and Titan stands triumphant, but will he continue all the way back to the finals and finally take the trophy home?
Here are the A Block standings!
Titan: 1-0, 2 points
HAYATA: 1-0, 2 points
Blake Christian: 1-0, 2 points
Kosei Fujita: 1-0, 2 points
Kevin Knight: 1-0, 2 points
El Desperado: 0-1, 0 points
TJP: 0-1, 0 points
BUSHI: 0-1, 0 points
Yoshinobu Kanemaru: 0-1, 0 points
Clark Connors: 0-1, 0 points
Here are the B Block standings!
SHO: 1-0, 2 points
Francesco Akira: 1-0, 2 points
Ninja Mack: 1-0, 2 points
Taiji Ishimori: 1-0, 2 points
KUSHIDA: 1-0, 2 points
Hiromu Takahashi: 0-1, 0 points
DOUKI: 0-1, 0 points
“Drilla” Moloney: 0-1, 0 points
Dragon Dia: 0-1, 0 points
Robbie Eagles: 0-1, 0 points
My Thoughts:
A great start to this year’s BOSJ, and fittingly, a lot of the action was high-speed. There were even some great surprises, as I did not think both Hiromu and Desperado were losing to open the tournament. At the same time, Kushida is an accomplished Super Junior, and he should definitely have a strong showing. Titan likewise wins again to follow up from last year and his incredibly strong showing. I don’t know if Titan makes it back to the finals but there are a lot of rounds to go and he could definitely make it out of the block.
My Score: 8.8/10
About Chairshot Radio Network
Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!
MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)
TUESDAY - Musical Chairs (music) / Hockey Talk (NHL)
WEDNESDAY - The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling)
THURSDAY - Keeping the news ridiculous... The Oddity / Chairshot NFL (NFL)
FRIDAY - DWI Podcast (Drunk Wrestling Intellect)
SATURDAY - The Mindless Wrestling Podcast
SUNDAY - The Front and Center Sports Podcast
CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS
Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)
TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends
Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5
Classic POD is WAR
Chairshot Radio Network Your home for the hardest hitting podcasts... Sports, Entertainment and Sports Entertainment!
Powered by RedCircle
Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!
IF YA SMELLALALALALALA~…!
As Cody Rhodes teams with Damian Priest & Braun Strowman against Solo Sikoa’s Bloodline, FINALLY, The Rock has come back to SmackDown!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Drew McIntyre VS Jimmy Uso; Jimmy wins.
- The Miz & Carmelo Hayes VS R-Truth & LA Knight; Miz & Melo win.
- Tiffany Stratton VS Candice LeRae w/ Nia Jax; Tiff wins.
- Naomi w/ Bianca Belair VS Liv Morgan w/ Raquel Rodriguez; No Contest.
- WWE Tag Team Championships: #DIY VS Pretty Deadly; Pretty Deadly wins, by disqualification, and DIY retain the titles.
- Six Man Tag: Cody Rhodes, Damian Priest & Braun Strowman VS Solo Sikoa, Jacob Fatu & Tama Tonga; changed to…
- Damian Priest & Braun Strowman VS Solo Sikoa & Jacob Fatu w/ Tama Tonga; Priest & Braun win.
PLAY BY PLAY
Cody Rhodes talks with Nick Aldis backstage.
They shake hands, but the SmackDown General Manager tells the WWE Champion there’s been a change: Cody’s out of the Six Man Tag match. What? Why would Aldis do that? It is out of Aldis’s hands. Wait, Solo Sikoa shows up to do what he did, but they can’t do the Six Man Tag that they advertised? How is this out of Aldis’s hands? Who do they need to talk to so they can do the match? Aldis says there’s no one either of them can call, if you smell what’s cooking. This is coming from The Final Boss, and The Final Boss wants to see Cody in the ring tonight. What business could The Great One have with The American Nightmare?
Drew McIntyre VS Jimmy Uso!
The Scottish Terminator rubbed it in Big Jim’s face that only one of them is going to Elimination Chamber in Toronto, which Big Jim was able to brush off. But McIntyre harping on how only one Uso is going to WrestleMania was a step too far. These two look to have it out, but is Jimmy just playing into McIntyre’s hands? Or will McIntyre get embarrassed by “the other Uso” this close to that big time match?
Speaking of, Jimmy has a message for Drew as he heads to gorilla. “Everybody know you’re going to Elimination Chamber, right? But Big Jimmy got a question for the Big Easy: Will Drew go onto the Elimination Chamber and win that? Will Drew go onto WrestleMania and win that? Ey, Drew, I think we got an answer for you, Uce. The answer is…” “NO YEET!” Jimmy makes his entrance, the bell rings, and the fans rally behind Jimmy. Jimmy and Drew jaw, and then Drew raises his hands, to say UP YOURS! But Jimmy ROCKS and CHOPS away! Drew puts Jimmy in a corner, Jimmy dodges to CHOP!
Jimmy climbs and he rains down fists! The fans count, Drew dumps Jimmy tot eh apron at 5, but Jimmy GAMANGIRIS! Jimmy goes up, CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO! Jimmy hurries to CHOP, then he whips. Drew reverses to send Jimmy to the corner. Jimmy BOOTS back, goes up, and leaps, but into a clinch! OVERHEAD BELLY2BELLY! Jimmy flounders to a corner, Drew runs up to SPLASH and OVERHEAD BELLY2BELLY! Jimmy flounders again, the ref has Drew hold on, and Jimmy bails out. Drew storms out to get Jimmy and he whips Jimmy HARD into barrier! The fans boo but Drew looms over Jimmy.
The ring count starts, Drew mockingly calls him “Jey,” then puts Jimmy in the ring. Drew says NO MANIA for Jimmy. Drew stands Jimmy up, ROCKS him, then runs up, only for Jimmy to put him on the apron! Drew blocks a superkick, but not the DRAGON WHIP! Drew drops, Jimmy DIVES! Down goes Drew and the fans fire up! Jimmy grins, goes back to the apron, and then aims. But Drew stops the Penalty Kick to THROW Jimmy down! Drew then has Jimmy in the Reverse Alabama Lift! REVERSE ALABAMA SLAM onto the steel steps! Drew stands on the desk to say “NO YEET!” while SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Drew revels in the heat from New Orleans, then he leaves Jimmy behind. The ref checks Jimmy, he’s able to continue, so a ring count starts. Drew paces while Jimmy stirs. Jimmy drags himself up using the desk, then lunges in at 9! Drew is annoyed but he rains down fists! Drew stomps Jimmy, then eggs him on. Jimmy rises as the fans rally, but Drew is right on him in the corner. Drew winds up, but Jimmy counter punches! And CHOPS! And CHOPS! And whips, only for Drew to reverses. Jimmy goes up, but Drew KICKS him out of the air! Drew then hauls Jimmy up, snap suplex! Cover, TWO!
Drew says okay, Big Jim. He clamps onto Jimmy with a top wristlock and grinds the arm. Jimmy fights up, fireman’s carries, but Drew elbows free. Drew bumps Jimmy off buckles, then hauls him up to the top rope! Drew CLUBS Jimmy on the back, climbs up, then CLUBS Jimmy more. Jimmy fires elbows and Drew drops back. But Drew runs up to CLUB Jimmy again! SmackDown returns to single picture as Drew CLUBS away on Jimmy again! Jimmy keeps taunting “Jey,” then drags him up. Jimmy fights the back suplex! The fans rally, Jimmy fires hands and a HEADBUTT! Jimmy SMACKS Drew off the post!
Jimmy rises to USO IN THE WIND! Down goes Drew and the fans fire up! A standing count starts while both men stir on the mat. They both stand at 5, and Drew swings! Jimmy counter punches, then fires more shots! Mule kick, UPPERCUT, but then Jimmy dodges Drew! SAMOAN DROP! Cover, TWO! Drew is tougher than that, but Jimmy hurries to a corner. Jimmy aims as Drew goes to the other corner, “UCE! OH! UCE! OH!” Jimmy runs, but Drew FLYING HEADBUTTS! The Glasgow Kiss stuns Jimmy, and Drew hits a SPINEBUSTER! Jackknife bridge, TWO! Jimmy shows his own toughness, and the fans rally behind him.
Drew paces, then he stalks Jimmy. Drew stands Jimmy up, reels him in, but Jimmy fights the underhooks! Jimmy wrenches, UPPERCUTS, but Drew ROCKS Jimmy back! Jimmy UPPERCUTS, Drew HAYMAKERS! Drew whips, Jimmy reverses and Drew ends up on the apron! Drew ROCKS Jimmy first, then climbs the corner! FLYING- SUPERKICK! Jimmy runs to SPEAR! Cover, TWO!! Drew survives, Jimmy’s spear doesn’t hit quite like The Tribal Chief’s. Jimmy goes to the corner, climbs up, and the fans rally up. USO- NO, Jimmy rolls through as Drew moves! Drew dodges a lariat to NECKBREAKER!
Both men are down, the fans rally, and Drew kips up! Drew scowls as he aims at Jimmy. “THREE! TWO! ONE!” CLAY- SUPERKICK!! Jimmy hits first! GLASGOW KISS returns! Drew reels Jimmy in, “This is your WrestleMania! This is as close as you get!” Drew shouts Jimmy is nothing, then ROCKS him with forearm after forearm! GLAWSGO KISS! Another Reverse Alabama, but Jimmy victory rolls it! JIMMY WINS!!!
Winner: Jimmy Uso, by pinfall
Drew is furious, but his own ego caught him there! But then Drew CLOBBERS Jimmy! The fans boo Drew being a sore loser, but he puts Jimmy back in the ring! Drew rains down fists, then he DRIBBLES Jimmy off the mat! The ref reprimands, the fans boo, but Drew says that was Jimmy’s Mania Moment! Drew will win the Chamber, he will go to Mania, and he will win there! Jimmy means NOTHING to Drew! Drew puts Jimmy up against the post, then takes aim! The fans boo, but refs and producers rush out here! They swarm Drew to keep him from going after Jimmy again. Drew says fine, fine, then takes his leave.
Producers help Jimmy to his feet, but then Drew BLASTS through the refs! CLAYMORE for Jimmy!! The Scottish Terminator hits his target, then laughs as he actually leaves. Will McIntyre make this his Road to WrestleMania?
A car pulls into the parking lot.
And out steps Solo Sikoa. Solo heads inside, and he finds Jacob Fatu & Tama Tonga waiting. Solo tells them that last week with Tama, that was an accident. Jacob says yeah, it’s all good, Uce. But keep it 100: If it wasn’t an accident, Solo wouldn’t be standing here right now. Well, good! Glad to see we’re all on the same page. Solo says he will be in the corner during the match for Jacob & Tama. Uh, no, Solo, no disrespect, but Jacob & Tama have been running things on SmackDown these past couple weeks. So tonight, it’s Jacob & Solo running the play? Yadada mean? Yeah, of course. And that right there, Jacob, is exactly why Solo loves him.
Solo says he’ll be back, he has to talk with Nick Aldis. Solo heads out, but will he really just step right back into place from before he lost the ula fala?
Carmelo Hayes is backstage.
R-Truth calls out to Melo, and says for the first time ever, Truth VS Melo! What’s Truth talking about? Duh, they have a match. No, Truth, Melo knows. But they had a match last week. Truth says he has never met Melo in his life, but they have a tag match tonight. What? No, they don’t. Who even made this match? Him. Truth, they are not going through this H1M who’s on first thing again. Melo is H1M. No, him made the match. The Miz!? Miz says he’s H1M. So now there’s two of you? No no no! Melo is H1M, this is The Miz! Yeah, #MeloDon’tMiz! NO! That’s not a thing! Tonight, they are. Who’s Truth’s partner?
Truth says he’s got a guy. A Louisiana legend! In fact, he just got here, so Truth’s gotta go. Laters. Miz says he has been workshopping this, and the fans love it. Think about it: Melo Don’t Miz! Melo Don’t Miz! And we are…! Melo shakes his head. Truth steps in and says Miz just wants Melo to say, “Awesome.” Miz offers a fist bump, Melo says no. Will Melo wish he had missed tonight’s show? Or will Miz actually help H1M get another win?
Zelina Vega speaks.
“My whole life, people have taken one look at me, and they try to define me. My size has never stopped me before. It never stopped me from becoming tag team champion. Or my personal favorite, the history-making first-time-ever Queen of the Ring. That’s me. Make no mistake about it, I’ve never had it easy. I had to scratch and claw to get anything around here. But this is a fresh start. Because I have something to prove. And my dreams are a lot bigger than your measuring stick. It ain’t over until Zelina Vega says it’s over.”
The Miz & Carmelo Hayes VS R-Truth & ???
Miz makes his entrance but Melo kinda steps all over it. So he already missed his cue… But who did Truth find to team with him in the Big Easy? We’ll see, after the break.
SmackDown returns and Truth makes his entrance. “What’s up?” Well, more like who is his partner? He’ll tell us! His tag team partner is a local legend, born and bred right here in New Orleans! Ladies and gentlemen, welcome Louisiana Knight! Wait, he means L A Knight! Yes, Louisiana abbreviated is LA, but that’s not… Oh, Truth… Truth gives Knight a Po’ Boy and some Mardi Gras beads, so Knight embraces it. The teams sort out, and Truth calls out him! Does he mean Miz or Melo? Well, Melo says he is H1M, so that’s who starts. The fans cheer on Knight while Truth and Melo tie up. Melo KNEES low, whips, but Truth reverses.
Melo springboards, FADEAWAY JUMPER! Melo makes his free throw, but Truth drop toeholds! Truth headlocks, Melo powers up and out but Truth whips! Melo turns hip toss into lateral press, TWO! Truth has a ghost pin, TWO! Melo trips to cover, ONE! Truth trips to cover, ONE! Melo runs up, Truth does the splits, and then hits a BIG hip toss! The fans fire up, Truth counts, Melo gets up at TWO, but Truth was just goofing. The ref explains to Truth that he is the ref, not Truth! Melo is annoyed, he runs up on Truth, but Truth wrenches him around! Melo pulls hair but Knight tags in. The fans fire up as Knight fires hands!
Knight ROCKS Melo, whips Melo, but Melo reverses! SWINGING NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Knight drags Melo up to tag Truth back in, and Truth ROCKS Melo! Melo staggers, but he refuses to tag! Truth arm-drags Melo, then grinds the arm. Melo insists he’s got this, then arm-drags free. Truth staggers up, he and Melo bump heads! Truth staggers around more, and he tags Miz?! Truth forgot The Awesome Truth isn’t a thing anymore! Again! Melo BLASTS Truth off the apron, the fans boo, but Miz tags himself in! Melo is annoyed, but Miz goes to fetch Truth while SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns again, and Melo has Truth. Truth ROCKS Melo, but Melo holds onto the wristlock! Truth reaches for Knight, Knight reaches for Truth, but Melo holds on. Truth takes a swing, but into an O’Conner Roll! TWO and Melo BLASTS Knight! Truth rolls Melo up, TWO! Melo kicks low, calls his shot, but Truth suplexes for a STUNNER! The fans fire up while both men are down! Truth and Melo crawl, hot tags to Miz and Knight! The fans fire up as Knight rallies on Miz! “YEAH! YEAH!” Knight whips, Miz reverses, but Knight lEAPING LARIATS! Knight TOSSES Melo in for good measure!
Knight stomps a mudhole into Melo, “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” LARIAT for Miz! KNEE for Melo! Knight scoops and POWERSLAMS Miz! Knight keeps running, JUMP ELBOW DROP! Cover, TWO! Knight stays on Miz as he brings Miz up. Knight ROCKS Miz, then ROCKS him again! Knight whips, Miz grabs the ropes. Miz KICKS, then takes a swing, but into a back suplex! Miz lands out, tag to Melo! Miz ELBOWS Knight, but Knight scoops! Miz tilt-o-whirls through, Melo SUPERKICKS Knight down! cover, TWO! Knight stays in this but Melo says he’s got this! Melo waits on Knight, then leaps, but NO 48!
Knight kicks low, but NO B F T! Tag to Truth! Knight ELBOWS Melo, Truth runs in! CENA SHOULDER TACKLES! Then the SPIN OUT BOMB! Truth says it’s time! “YOU CANT SEE ME~!” truth runs for the FIVE KNCUKLE SHUFFLE! Truth then fireman’s carries, but Melo slips free! Melo shoves, Truth dodges, and Truth hits the LIE DETECTOR! Truth then gets Melo in the S T R-TRUTH! But Miz CLOBBERS Truth! Knight ROCKS Miz, then LARIATS him up and out! Knight then goes out to THROW Miz into barriers! The fans fire up again, but NAKAMURA ATTACKS KNIGHT!
The fans boo, but the sinister samurai then POSTS Knight!! Nakamura slithers away while Melo keeps the ref’s attention! Truth sees Knight is down, Melo runs up, but Truth dodges! Miz tags in, full nelson, and a FIRST 48 FINALE COMBO?!? Cover, Miz & Melo win!!
Winners: The Miz & Carmelo Hayes, by pinfall
Well, what do you know? Nakamura aside, Miz and Melo made it work! Okay, they’re both trying to hog the spotlight, but is there a future for Melo Don’t Miz? Will Knight only have more of a reason to take that title off Nakamura now?
Charlotte Flair speaks.
“The GOAT… doesn’t have to call themselves The GOAT. Now, I have crafted a legacy that no one, I mean no one, can touch. And I’m back.” The Women’s Royal Rumble Winner chose Tiffany Stratton, but will The Queen take back her throne? Or will WWE always be on #TiffyTime? Speaking of…
Tiffany Stratton VS Candice LeRae!
The WWE Women’s Champion may have gotten past Nia Jax, but now she knows Charlotte Flair is waiting for her at WrestleMania, and is going to be teaming with Trish Stratus in Toronto! Will she be in Tiffy Top Shape for that Tiffy Trishy dream match? Or will the Poison Pixie be quite the problem all on her own?
Before the match, Tiff grabs a mic while the fans cheer. Tiffy says, “I know, I know. You know it, you know it, and you know it. Ever since I won this title, everybody’s just been so obsessed with me. And last week, I had Nia Jax beat, until Candice LeRae decided to interfere and help her little meal ticket. And at Elimination Chamber, Trish Stratus and I make sure the Unstoppable Force comes to a definitive end!” The fans cheer that, but Tiff says enough about them. Let’s talk Charlotte Flair. The fans boo that name, but Tiff says Charlotte took her sweet old time, grabbed a chair, grabbed a mic, and she looked down on Tiff.
Charlotte chose Tiff as her WrestleMania opponent. In that moment, Tiff’s dream came true! And as she lied down there and looked up at Charlotte, she realized the rumors are true: No one loves to kick a girl when she’s down quite like Charlotte Flair. So at WrestleMania, Tiff isn’t coming for Charlotte’s legacy; that’s all Charlotte’s. Tiff is coming for the spot Charlotte desires the most: The number one spot as the top girl in the WWE! But here comes Nia & Candice to interrupt. Nia has a mic to tell Tiffy, “I Have to say, this is really cute. Like, it’s really cute that you actually think you were gonna beat me last week.”
Doesn’t Candice think that is cute? Candice says yes, it is so~ cute. And Tiff wouldn’t even be standing there if not for little Trish Stratus~. Exactly! And it’s even cuter that Tiff is out here talking about Charlotte when she wont’ even see WrestleMania! Because after Nia & Candide destroy Tiff at Elimination Chamber, Nia is coming back for her WWE Women’s Championship. Nia & Candice step up to the ring, and Nia says Tiff won’t even see the Grandest Stage of Them All. Tiff tells Nia to just give it up. This title isn’t even hers anymore. And once Tiff beats Candice tonight, Nia won’t have anyone to do her dirty work anymore!
Candice tells Tiffy that while they’re meant have a match right now, she and Nia are feeling impatient. Nia says they should just get rid of Tiff right now! But the ref steps in and says not gonna happen! Tiff VS Candice will, after the break.
SmackDown returns [Technical difficulties suck] TWO! Candice is frustrated but this is why Tiff’s a champ. The fans rally, but Candice stomps Tiff! Candice scowls at the fans, stalks Tiff, then brings her up. Tiff fires body shots, then she rolls Candice up! TWO, and Candice CLOBBERS Tiff! Cover, TWO, into a ghost pin! TWO! Candice escapes to hit a CODE BREAKER! Both women are down, but Candice scowls again as she crawls over to Tiff. Candice rains down fists, Nia tells fans to shut up, and Candice steps on Tiff’s face. Candice huffs ‘n’ puffs, pushes Tiff around, then scuffs her. Tiff rolls Candice up again, TWO! Candice DECKS Tiff! Cover, TWO!
Charlotte is stoic on commentary as Candice drags Tiff up and puts her in a corner. Candice fires hands, then backs off. Candice runs up to ROCK Tiff again! Candice then runs, but Tiff dodges! SmackDown returns to single picture, and Tiff rallies with LARIAT after LARIAT! The fans fire up, Tiff handsprings, BACK ELBOW! Tiff then reels Candice in for a SKY HIGH! High stack, TWO! The fans rally for Tiff, Nia coaches Candice, but Charlotte still seems nonplussed. Tiff and Candice rise, and Candice runs up. Candice puts Tiff on the apron, but Tiff ROCKS her! Tiff bumps Candice off buckles, then goes up, but Candice ROCKS her back!
Candice climbs up, and she fires hands on Tiff! Tiff fights the suplex! Tiff DECKS Candice, then adjusts position, to SANTON- FLOP! Candice ghost pins, TWO!! Tiff escapes, but Candice hits the step-up SENTON! And then a LIONSAUL FLOP! Tiff hurries to fireman’s carry, ROLLING SENTON! And then PRETTIEST MOON- NO, Nia drags Candice out of the ring! The fans boo, Nia tells them to shut up, but Tiff is on the apron! Nia swings, Tiff cartwheels over, and then she DROPKICKS Nia! Tiff Alabama Lifts Candice, to ALABAMA SLAM her into barriers! Tiff stares down Charlotte, tells her just wait for Mania, then she puts Candice in the ring.
Tiff goes to the corner, PRETTIEST MOONSAULT EVER!! Cover, Tiff wins!
Winner: Tiffany Stratton, by pinfall
Charlotte gives moderate applause, but Nia CLOBBERS Tiff from behind! The fans boo, but Nia just drags Tiff to a corner. Nia goes up, but wait! Trish is here!! The fans fire up for the legend as she rushes into the ring! Trish avoids a haymaker to CHICK KICK! Then THESZ PRESS for Candice! And then a SPINEBUSTER! Trish helps Tiff to her feet, but Nia grabs them both! Trish fires fast hands on Nia! Candice CHOP BLOCKS Trish! Tiff is still dazed, Nia HEADBUTTS her back down! Nia & Candice mug Trish, and then Nia HEADBUTTS Trish! Trish & Tiff are side by side, and Nia drags them into the drop zone! A-NIA-LATOR!!
The fans boo but there’s nothing can be done! Nia grins as she helps Candice away, will these two trash Trish & Tiff in Toronto? Charlotte steps into the ring, stands over Tiff, and points to the WrestleMania sign. Will The Irresistible Force & Poison Pixie unwittingly do the dirty work of The Queen of Flair?
Cody talks with Damian Priest backstage.
Priest asks why Cody’s boy, The Rock, is here tonight. Cody says given the time of year, his guess is as good as anyone’s. But tonight will surely be eventful. Cody congratulates Priest on entering the Elimination Chamber. Priest says what’s wild is, last year, they both walked out as champions. What sucks is that this year, only one of them can. Now, Priest is man enough and he respects Cody to say that after Chamber, he’s coming for that title. Cody says he wouldn’t have it any other way. Cody heads out, but what business does The Rock have tonight?
Braun Strowman steps in, and he tells Priest that congrats on winning, and good luck in the Chamber. But let’s be honest, Braun had Jacob dead to rights last week. If not for Solo Sikoa, things would look a lot different next week. Priest chuckles and says take it easy, he’s sounding like Drew with the excuses. But it is what it is, Priest just beat Braun to the punch. But that was last week. Tonight, Solo and Jacob, two of the baddest men in the business. Priest & Braun handling business? Oh, they’re handling business. The only business Braun cares about is getting his hands on those two. Priest says Braun definitely will.
Braun heads out, will the Monster of All Monsters and the Archer of Infamy make sure Solo & Jacob #GetTheseHands? Or will the rogues run roughshod all over SmackDown once again?
Backstage interview with Naomi & Bianca Belair.
Byron Saxton is with the WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions and brings up last week’s SmackDown, the security footage led us to believe Liv Morgan & Raquel Rodriguez were the ones behind Jade Cargill’s attack. Now, hold on, Saxton. They don’t think, Naomi knows they were. Fair enough. But this Monday, they can get their revenge when they defend the tag titles against Liv & Raquel. How ready are they for this match? Bianca says so ready! They have been waiting for months for an update. Jade has been recovering, she hasn’t been able to call or text, so the GlowEST took matters into their own hands to get revenge.
Bianca & Naomi will handle Liv & Raquel, then move on to Elimination Chamber, where one of them is gonna win to face Rhea at WrestleMania. Not only will you #FeelTheGlowEST on Monday, but Liv feels it tonight! #Let’sGLOW! The champs head out, but will they clear their Road to WrestleMania of any other distractions?
Alexa Bliss speaks.
“When I was away, there was a lot of… change that happened in me. But when I look around, I see this place is still the same. The names and faces may be different, but the desperation and insecurity remains the same. You’ll see Toronto when I turn the Elimination Chamber into something of a playground of my own. I know the Chamber. I love the Chamber. I’ve won the Chamber. And for the other five women, it’s gonna be a Hell like they’ve never experienced before. Need I remind you, this is my division, and I am in charge.” Bliss smiles and says, “See you soon.” The film comes off the reel, but will things get twisted in Toronto?
Naomi w/ Bianca Belair VS Liv Morgan w/ Raquel Rodriguez!
The Big Easy is all about having fun, and they’re fired up for Naomi’s entrance. But wait! Liv & Raquel don’t wait, they attack Bianca & Naomi while the lights are still down! They mug Naomi, but Bianca drags Liv out of the ring! Then Bianca storms in to fire off on Raquel! The fans fire up, but Liv returns to CHOP BLOCK Bianca! Raquel hauls Bianca up for a TEJANA BOMB!! Naomi runs up, fires more hands, but Liv brings Naomi around. Naomi fires hands on her, but Raquel throws her down! Liv runs up, OBLIVION!
Liv & Raquel stand tall, the refs rush out here, but clearly the singles match isn’t happening. Will we be getting something even meaner and nastier between these four on Monday?
The Rock arrives!
His truck pulls into the parking lot, but we’ll see him in the ring, after the break!
SmackDown returns and…
Aldis is chewing out Liv & Raquel for the attack. He doesn’t know what they get away with on Raw, but they can’t pull that crap here. Now get the hell out of his building. Liv & Raquel just laugh that off, but then Chelsea Green & Piper Niven walk in. Chelsea says have no fear, Chelsea & Piper are here to sub in for Bianca and Naomi at Elimination Chamber. Aldis sighs, and says they’re not missing the Chamber. What? But Chelsea had an outfit picked out! This is a travesty to not have the greatest Canadian export since maple syrup on a Canadian PLE! Does he know who she is? The first-ever, longest reigning, tallest, shortest, prettiest, richest, tannest, sparkliest, oldest, youngest Women’s US Champion! Piper asks what this is aboot, eh?
Aldis says this is them testing his patience. They need to pack their gear and whatever else they want, because they’ll be in action next week on SmackDown in Toronto. And oh, it’ll be a good one. Wait, they need more details! At least an e-calendar notification? Aldis is leaving Chelsea in the dark on what’s coming, will she absolutely hate it?
The Rock heads to the ring!
Wait, what is this New Orleans related remix? The Final Boss steps out on stage, he shows those goosebumps, then continues down the ramp, shaking hands with fans. The Rock hits his signature pose on the corner, but then takes the long way around to pick up a fan’s phone for them before going back into the ring. The fans all cheer for “ROCKY! ROCKY!” and he grabs himself a mic. He waits as the fans continue to chant his name, and then he says, “Ahh, you feel it, don’t you? You feel it. The Rock has got chills up and down his body because you know, on a Friday night, for the Final Boss to get inside his bird and fly all the way here, you know that I’m dropping some ish on you tonight!”
The fans fire up and The Rock smiles. Rock says, “Let’s get this show on the road.” The fans anticipate what’s coming but he says hold on, he’ll do it. “FINALLY! The Rock has come back…” “TO NEW ORLEANS~!” Rock smiles, and he adds, FINALLY, WrestleMania is coming back to New Orleans!! The fans are thunderous to hear that! WrestleMania 30, WrestleMania 34, and now WrestleMania 42!? Yes, next year, 2026, LIVE from the Superdome! One of the greatest cities on Earth in New Orleans, Louisiana! The pyro goes off to commemorate the occasion, and the logo is already on the tron! Rock smiles at that, then he smiles at the WrestleMania 41 Vegas logo.
The fans are losing their minds, as we now know April 11th and 12th, 2026, the Big Easy has the Grandest Stage of Them All. Rock says you damn right holy ish! Oh when the saints go marching in…! Oh how I’d love… Wait, no, this ain’t singalong with The Final Boss! Sit there, shut up, and let The Final Boss sing the song! The fans are torn, but Rock says he sings! Oh how I’d love, to be in that number~! Oh when the saints go marching in~! Okay, that’s good enough. You got him, that was a great duet. The Rock is singing with the largest collection of STD’d trailer trash he has ever seen! The fans can’t believe Rock would do that to them!
Rock says now, dropping this news wasn’t the only gift he was going to drop on us. The Final Boss came here to call somebody out. The Rock will call out a man who he respects, who he admires, and who we all admire. That man is our WWE Champion, the one and only, Cody Rhodes. The fans cheer as The American Nightmare makes his entrance! They sing along with the song, “WHOA~ OH~!” and we get Cody’s pyro before he goes to the ring. Cody gets his second “WHOA~ OH~!” and round of pyro, then he steps inside to join The Rock. The fans cheer Cody on, so he holds up the title and the fans cheer even more.
Cody grabs a mic, but Rock says, “That feels good, doesn’t it? I mean, that’s gotta feel amazing, right? They love you, man.” Cody tells NOLA, “I love you, too.” Rock says this is crazy. Pretty much no one knows this, but since after WrestleMania last year, they’ve actually become good friends. No, it’s true, they have. Last time they were together was the Raw Netflix debut. Rock gave Cody his flowers, told Cody he has carried the company like the incredible champion that he is, so thank you, Cody. Rock meant it, and that night, they went to the back, drank tequila for two hours and had a great ol’ time.
They chopped it up, had a blast, but Rock wants to call Cody out here for something important. Here’s the thing… The fans get a bit rowdy as they wait, and Rock says Cody is a great champion. A great WWE Champion. Cody knows that. Again, they’ve become good friends, so over the months, they’ve texted. Even their moms became good friends! Look! Mama Johnson & Mama Rhodes together after WrestleMania 40! It is a pleasure becoming Cody’s friend. But Rock wanted this face to face to tell him a few things. One: Cody has been a great champion, but he needs to understand. Yes, The Rock, The Final Boss, is on the Board of TKO. And TKO owns WWE.
The Rock is the Director of the Board of TKO. Don’t boo that! The Rock’s good friend, Ari Emanuel, who owns everything Endeavor, The Rock joked with Ari, “Can you believe that you own The WWE?” Ari says he doesn’t own the WWE, The Rock does. Rock said no, no, he doesn’t know if he owns the WWE. But The Rock knows he is the most powerful… Cody, you are a great champion. But Rock wants Cody to be something more. Rock wants Cody to be something more than just our champion. Rock wants Cody to be his champion. The fans don’t like where that’s going.
Cody says he did not expect them to become friends, nor their moms to become friends, nor the tequila. Cody didn’t have that on his bingo card. But becoming The Rock’s champion? The Rock of all people should know, Cody is the people’s champion. The fans cheer Cody more, and Rock says yes! Cody is their champion! Of course! The Rock is also The People’s Champion, he loves that about Cody. This is their universe, they were both born into this business. But Rock means something even bigger than just this. Rock knows Cody’s goal is to bring as much joy and happiness to everyone around the world, as many as possible.
The fans cheer, and Rock says that’s Cody. Cody is that guy, and everyone knows it. Cody is on social media, Instagram, millions of followers. Millions, and millions! The Rock has half a BILLION. That’s not a flex. But The Rock is the most followed American man in the world, that’s what he wants for Cody. Rock wants Cody to be even higher. If Cody becomes The Rock’s Champion, he will open doors to possibilities Cody never even imagined. If Cody becomes The Rock’s Champion, every dream he has ever had can come true. Every dream of Brandi’s, of their daughter’s. Think about how Rock brought them to the premiere of Moana 2, in Hawaii.
Thank you, by the way, for making that cross a BILLION dollars, fans, Rock loves you. Rock has met the Rhodes family, they’re amazing. But imagine it: Cody’s daughter’s children, their dreams, long after Rock and Cody are gone, all those dreams can come true. Rock just needs Cody to be his champion. The fans say don’t do it! Rock tells Cody to just think about it, though. Rock is a very lucky man, he has it all. Cody also has it all. They’re very fortunate. They’re Mama’s Boys, they’re Girl Dads, they’re lucky men. Fans say don’t do it, Rock tells them to shut up or he’ll slap the syphilis off their face! Rock is trying to have a moment here, shut your mouths!
The one thing that Rock has never had, that he wants more than anything, is a brother. And that is what Cody can be. Last year, WrestleMania, Rock’s goal was to face his cousin, Roman Reigns, for the title. Cody knows, the fans know. Rock talked with his friend, HHH. He talked with Nick Khan, who is his friend. They are also Cody’s friends. Rock knew it wasn’t in the plans, but they talked about moving Cody aside to make what was best for business: Rock VS Roman, WrestleMania 40! What’d Cody do? Cody pitched a b*tch fit! Cody told The Rock he ain’t doing it, and he stood up to The Rock. And y’know what else? Cody SLAPPED Rock!
No one does that and gets away with it. But that is why Cody is special. That is why Cody should be Rock’s Champion. And that is why Rock will take Cody from where he is to a level so far above. Rock will make sure every dream, every desire, for generations to come, it all comes true. Rock’s dad, Cody’s dad, Soul Man & American Dream, they are looking down right now. They were friends, Cody and Rock are friends, Cody should be Rock’s Champion. He doesn’t need to answer Rock tonight. He can think about it, talk with his wife and daughter, as will The Rock. Then Cody can think about it. Meet Rock in Toronto on March 1st to give him the answer.
Fans still say don’t do it, but Rock says it is okay. Before he leaves, this has been an amazing night, this is a hot crowd, thank you all very much. But before he leaves, Rock wants us to know this: The one thing Rock wants more than anything in this world… is that. Wait, the title? Cody’s title? The fans’ title? This is all this is about? No no no no! Brother… Rock doesn’t want the title. He wants Cody’s soul. The fans duel, “NO! NO! NO!” “SELL YOUR SOUL!” Rock pats Cody on the cheek and says see you in Toronto. The Rock leaves, giving Cody a lot to think about. Rock does give one last glance back at Cody, then smirks.
What will The American Nightmare choose: His integrity? Or his aspirations?
WWE Tag Team Championships: #DIY VS Pretty Deadly!
Did Tommaso Ciampa & Johnny Gargano got these titles thanks to Kit Wilson & Elton Prince? #YESBOY! Did they survive a couple title defenses thanks to Kit & Elton? #YESBOY! But when Pretty Deadly needed DIY, was DIY there for them? #NOBOY! So now, Kit & Elton are looking to give Ciampa & Gargano their comeuppance! Will we finally get another #SidePlateCheck? Or will Ciampa & Gargano remember for themselves, that if you wanna be champions, you gotta do it yourself?
But as DIY make their entrance, they have mics, and Johnny Wrestling tells NOLA, “Give it up one time for your TWO-TIME WWE Tag Team Champions…! The BTTITW (Best Tag Team In The World), D I Y~!” The fans boo instead. Ciampa says there is no denying that tonight has been electrifying. Gargano says this is a hot crowd. But please, if we could be somber for a second. Guys, this is serious. Two weeks ago, Pretty Deadly embarrassed DIY, and now reluctantly, DIY will return that favor by crushing their hopes and dreams of ever becoming WWE Tag Team Champions. So please, let us all rise to our feet… Yes, you in the LSU jersey, stand up.
Ciampa thanks Wade Barrett, and asks for everyone to remove their hands and bow their heads for a moment of silence for Pretty Deadly, beginning… now. The fans boo instead! And then Pretty Deadly make their entrance! The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we see who really needed who in this broken relationship!
But then DIY jumps Pretty Deadly! The ref reprimands, DIY whip but Pretty Deadly reverses! DOUBLE DORPKICKS! Then DOUBLE LARIATS send DIY up and out! The disco ball hasn’t even stopped spinning! The fans cheer while DIY throw a fit! They regroup, cool down, and go back to the ring. Gargano distracts Elton, Ciampa CLOBBERS him, and the bell rings. But Elton fires hands on Ciampa! Elton whips, Ciampa reverses and he pulls hair! The ref reprimands, Ciampa throws Elton to the apron and KNEES him down! Tag to Gargano and he aims, SUPERKICK! Elton goes down in a heap, DIY cheers themselves on, and SmackDown goes to break!
SmackDown returns, Gargano tags in, and DIY hits the BACK SUPLEX BOMBO COMBO! Cover, TWO! Elton stays in this but Gargano tags Ciampa back in. Gargano sends Ciampa in, but Elton ELBOWS him away! Gargano runs in, but Elton puts him on the apron! Gargano goes after Kit, but Kit blocks the kick! Kit BOOTS Gargano down, but then Ciampa BOOTS Kit! Elton dodges Ciampa to come back, DOUBLE CROSSBODIES collide! Elton and Ciampa are down, sputtering and writhing, and the fans rally up. Elton crawls, Kit rises, hot tags to Kit and Gargano! Kit rallies on DIY with big forearms! Kit whips, Gargano reverses, Kit UPPERCUTS!
Kit UPPERCUTS Ciampa in a corner, then LARIATS! Kit runs to LARIAT Gargano! Kit pushes Gargano down, kicks him and hits a TWIST- NO, Gargano slips through to ROCK Kit! Kit yoyos, DOUBLE LARIATS! The fans fire up, Kit tags Elton! They get Gargano up, but Gargano BOOTS Elton! Gargano ELBOWS Kit away, then runs up on Elton! Elton dodges, then gives Kit the boost, DRY MARTI-KNEES! Cover, TWO!! Gargano survives but Ciampa is in! Elton fireman’s carries Ciampa, but Ciampa slips free! Ciampa whips, Elton reverses, Kit UPPERCUTS Ciampa! Elton shows off his strength with the GOTCH LIFT PLEX!
Tag to Kit, but IN COME THE PROFITS! Ford SHOVES Kit down, Dawkins mugs him!!
Winners: Pretty Deadly, by disqualification; DIY retain the titles
Not again! Just like they did Motor City Machine Guns, The Profits make sure no one else takes these titles off DIY! URENAGE from Ford to Elton! Dawkins keeps hammering away on Kit, and then Ford POSTS Elton! Dawkins fireman’s carries Kit, to POST him, too! Looking like the All Mighty with that one! Gargano fires forearms in return, but ends up int he POUNCE GERMAN SUPLEX! Then Ciampa runs up into a FLAPJACK! Ford goes up top, then flies in FROM THE HEAVENS!! Direct hit on Ciampa! But wait! MCMG rushes out here, wanting their payback! The Profits brawl with MCMG, but Ford TOSSES Shelley to the apron!
Ford runs up, Shelley goes to kick, but Ford blocks it! Ford LARIATS Shelley down, Dawkins hits Sabin with THE BIG ENDING! The fans are torn as Dawkins whips Sabin, Profits get him for the REVELATION!! And if there’s been any revelation, it is that Ford & Dawkins don’t just want the smoke, they want to burn down the tag division to get it! Will nothing stop them once they’re back in action?
Kevin Owens speaks.
“You got what you wanted, huh? You got your match. You couldn’t, uh… You couldn’t just take the punishment that you deserved, that I’d already given you, and let it go. No, you… You wanted me and you to go again. You wanted to fight me, you want to hurt me, you want to end my career, which would hurt my family, by the way. Which is truly despicable. But what about your family, Sami? Huh? Have you thought of them? What about your family, huh?” Kevin reveals he is right outside the Zayn home! Kevin peers inside to watch Sami, his wife, and his son!
Kevin asks Sami via the video if Sami knows what he’s about to put them through, when they have to watch Kevin end Sami’s career. And what happens then, eh? When Sami can’t provide for them, and everything they have, like this nice house, the shelter, the security, the peace they have, when it’s all gone? And why? What for? Because Sami’s too proud? Because Sami’s selfish? Sami IS selfish. Because Sami is making Kevin do this to Sami’s family. Kevin will never forgive Sami for that. He’ll see Sami in Toronto. “But remember… You asked for this. It’s all your fault.” As if Kevin’s delusions aren’t already grand, will he continue to blame everyone else but himself?
Damian Priest & Braun Strowman VS Solo Sikoa & Jacob Fatu w/ Tama Tonga!
Elimination Chamber is on the horizon, and the Road to WrestleMania makes for strange bedfellows. Priest, Braun and Jacob were fighting each other just last week, but Solo’s return really threw things for a loop. Can Priest & Braun give Solo and the Samoan Werewolf their punishment? Or will everything (not) be fine in Solo’s Bloodline?
SmackDown returns as #OneBigSOB makes his entrance. As Solo, Jacob & Tama head to gorilla, we hear from Solo. “Tonight, we handle business. And it starts with Braun Strowman & Damian-” Jacob interrupts with, “Man, c’mon, DP! C’mon, Braun! I thought we did this! So tonight, we about to even up the score. If you ain’t know, I’m all gas, no brakes with it! See, since we touched the scene, we been dropping bodies like bread crumbs! Yadada mean!? FA-TUUU~! Hit my music!” The rogues enter to Jacob’s theme, is this alone proof he’s the new alpha? Or will the match be the last nail in that coffin?
The teams sort out, but Jacob stares down both Priest and Braun. NOLA seems to acknowledge Jacob, but Solo convinces him to stand down. Solo starts against Priest, the bell rings, and the two tie up. They go around, Priest powers Solo back, but Solo powers Priest back. They break, stare down, and Solo talks some trash. Solo shoves Priest, Priest shoves back. They circle again, tie up, and Priest puts Solo in a corner. The ref counts, Priest lets off at 4, but Solo stomps Priest’s foot! Solo throws hands, then a HEADBUTT! Priest staggers, but then he ROCKS Solo! And ROCKS him! And HEADBUTTS! That was a mistake!
Solo shakes his head to HEADBUTT Priest! Priest goes to a corner, Solo throws haymakers and body shots on repeat! The ref counts, Solo lets off and says see? Solo and Jacob as one! But Priest THROWS Solo to the corner to fire off haymakers of his own! Priest ROCKS Solo, the fans fire up, and Priest whips., Solo reverses to UPPERCUT! Solo talks smack but Priest ROCKS him again! Tag to Braun and the fans fire up! Braun stares Jacob down, tells him to shove it, then runs up to SPLASH Solo! Braun stares Jacob down again, goes back for Solo, and hits another LARIAT! Braun scoops, Solo slips free, but Braun runs up!
Solo ELBOWS Braun away, tags to Jacob, and Jacob runs in, but Braun dodges! Braun CROSSBODIES! Jacob is right up, but Braun BOOTS him right back down! Solo runs in but Braun TOSSES him! Priest hurries after Solo, Braun CLOBBERS Jacob! LEAPING LARIAT for Solo! Braun then gets on the track, STROWMAN EXPRESS SMACKS a chair out of Tama’s hand! The Good Bad Guy thought he was being sneaky! But then Jacob CROSSBODIES Braun into the timekeeper’s aera! The fans go wild as Jacob rises up, and SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Jacob hauls Braun up, drags him around the way, HEADBUTTS him, then brings him over to SMACK off the desk! Braun staggers, but he ROCKS Jacob in return! And THROWS Jacob into steel steps! Braun drags Jacob up, puts him in the ring, but Jacob SUPERKICKS Braun! Braun falls into the corner, Jacob HIP ATTACKS! Jacob’s all geeked up, then he tags in Solo. Solo soaks up some heat while Jacob HIP ATTACKS Braun again! Solo puts Braun on ropes to CHOKE him! The ref counts, Solo stops at 4, but Jacob gets a HEADBUTT in! Braun flounders, Solo taunts him and eggs him on, but Braun CHOPS him!
Solo HEADBUTTS Braun right down! Solo rains down fists, then lets off so he can put Braun on the ropes. Solo CHOKES Braun again, stops as the ref counts 4, and Jacob gets another cheap shot in! Solo tags Jacob in, then he HEADBUTTS Braun again and again! Jacob runs to BODY CHECK Braun! Jacob fires up, Braun flounders to ropes, but Jacob rains down fists! Tag to Solo, he soaks up heat from NOLA, then he stomps away on Braun! The ref counts, Solo lets off, then he keeps Braun from Priest by anchoring a leg. Tag to Jacob and Jacob climbs up, FROG SPLASH! Jacob roars while Braun writhes!
Jacob looms over Braun but he glares at Priest. Priest gets heated, but Jacob fires hands on Braun as SmackDown returns to single picture. Braun stands, but Jacob HEADBUTTS him again! Jacob runs for another BODY CHECK! And then a SENTON! Cover, TWO! Braun stays in this and he goes to a corner. Jacob snarls, tags Solo in, and the fans boo. Solo runs corner to corner to HIP ATTACK Braun! Solo grins as he copies Jacob’s geeking out. Tag back to Jacob and fans cheer! Jacob aims, runs, and HIP ATTACKS! Jacob keeps going, but Braun BOOTS from below!! The fans fire up while both men stagger to their feet.
Braun SPINEBUSTERS Jacob! Both monsters are down, the fans rally up, and they crawl, hot tags to Solo and Priest! Priest fires hands on Solo, then whips. Solo reverses but Priest SHOUDLER TACKLES Solo! Priest runs to BACK ELBOW! Jacob is back, but Priest dodges to WHEEL KICK! Priest then waits on Solo, but Solo catches Priest! Priest elbows free, but Solo SUPERKICKS! But Priest JUMPING ROUNDHOUSES! Solo comes back, Priest ROCKS him first! Solo swings, but into the FLATLINER! Cover, TWO! Solo survives but Priest puts him in a corner. Priest whips corner to corner, then runs, only for Solo to put him on th eapron!
Solo takes as swing, Priest dodges and ROUNDHOUSES! Priest then knuckle locks with Solo, goes up top, and he tightrope walks for some OLD SCHOOL! The fans fire up and Priest powers up the arm! Priest runs, but Solo ducks the Comebacker! Priest fights the fireman’s carry to BELL CLAP, ROUNDHOUSE, and then he reels Solo in! But Tama is on the apron! Priest DECKS Tama, but Jacob HOTSHOTS Priest! Solo hits the URENAGE! Cover, TWO!! Priest survives and Solo is stunned! Solo snarls, looks to his taped-up thumb, then he drags Priest up. The fans boo but Solo taunts the fans now. SAMOAN- NO! Priest grabs Solo!
But Jacob runs in! Priest ROCKS Jacob, ELBOWS Solo, then he dodges, so Jacob’s SUPERKICK hits Solo! An accident just like last week’s shot to Tama, but Jacob doesn’t seem as upset by it. Priest TOSSES Jacob, then CLOBBERS Solo! STROWMAN EXPRESS CLOBBERS Jacob & Tama!! Priest brings down the straps, the fans are thunderous, and Priest grabs Solo by the neck! SOUTH OF HEAVEN!! Cover, Priest & Braun win!
Winners: Damian Priest & Braun Strowman, by pinfall
Just as Solo thought it’d be like before, he and Jacob were not on the same page! Priest is rolling towards Elimination Chamber, will this be just what he needs to go back to WrestleMania?
My Thoughts:
About Chairshot Radio Network
Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!
MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)
TUESDAY - Musical Chairs (music) / Hockey Talk (NHL)
WEDNESDAY - The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling)
THURSDAY - Keeping the news ridiculous... The Oddity / Chairshot NFL (NFL)
FRIDAY - DWI Podcast (Drunk Wrestling Intellect)
SATURDAY - The Mindless Wrestling Podcast
SUNDAY - The Front and Center Sports Podcast
CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS
Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)
TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends
Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5
Classic POD is WAR
Chairshot Radio Network Your home for the hardest hitting podcasts... Sports, Entertainment and Sports Entertainment!
Powered by RedCircle
Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!
Coverage
Andrew’s TNA LIVE! iMPACT! Results & Match Ratings: 2.20.2025
So the first live episode got fairly positive praise from everyone; will this continue the trend?
Filming at Full Sail seems to have set the stage nicely this week! Going into a Live episode we got Moose and The Hardy Boyz on NXT, as well as Jordynne Grace’s involvement with Steph and Giulia giving a little shine to TNA happenings since she’s newly WWE.
This episode should be interesting, we finally see Lei Ying Lee (fka Xia Li) back in action, Rascalz take on Tyson and Tyriek, Tessa should be seeing some action as well…so generally interesting happenings for the second Live iMPACT! of 2025. Let’s see how this one goes down!
No matter where @ManceWarner and @stephdelander go, @TheSamiCallihan WILL FIND THEM!
Watch #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/NY8HgI02kY pic.twitter.com/mXz9U7m9PL
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) February 21, 2025
Ratings:
- Tyson & Tyriek w/Wes Lee vs The Rascalz w/Ace Austin: Rascalz win via Meteora/Swanton Combo – ***
- Lei Ying Lee vs Rosemary: Lei wins via Thunderstruck – **
- NoDQ Match: Leon Slater vs JDC: Dango wins via The System help – ** 3/4
- Masha Slamovich vs Mila Moore: Masha wins via Requiem – N/A
- Elijah & Joe Hendry vs The Colons: Elijah wins via Tombstone Piledriver – *** 1/4
Results:
Oh yeah, and another Hendry concert is…cut off by a commercial, LOLTNA. First Hendry is cut off by AXSTV’s new Anime Hour bumper, and now Primo and Epico are showing up in TNA. I definitely didn’t have this on my BINGO card. The crowd starts chanting “Where’s Carlito”, which they do acknowledge and play off of well. Oh they’re using their shoot names of Orlando and Eddie now…but before they attack the lights go out and we get another guitar strum! ELIAH/ELIAS/EZEKIEL/EBENERZER/EMERY/EL VAGABUNDO – shows up to back up Hendry. Okay I can apologize away the redundant concert since it played into an Elijah debut. The crowd is immediately popping and chanting “This is Awesome” 10 minutes into the show.
Tyson & Tyriek w/Wes Lee vs The Rascalz w/Ace Austin
Treehouse bros take it to the bigger men quickly, a few fast dives, a little MCMG style tandem strikes, Tyson fires and tries to take them out but they Low Bridge him. Tyriek comes in and they try similar things but Tyriek manhandles them both and throws them out of the ring, Trey is the first one back up and Tyriek and Tyson take his damn head off with his Corkscrew Running Euro Upper. Trey finally manages to flip out of the manhandle, tags in Wentz and Wentz goes for the hot and spicy cleaning house spot. Corner to Corner Knee Lifts for both big men, a Rolling Snapmare, into a Superkick for Tyson and Standing Shoot Star on Tyriek but only for two because Wes feints like he’s going to interfere.
Tyson and Tyriek pull off a tandem Assisted Backdrop Driver, but Wentz breaks it up, Tyson gets knocked out, Wentz hits the Tornillo, Wes tries to interfere again after Trey gets perched on the corner buckle but Ace runs around and trips Wes at the last second causing him to faceplant on the apron, Trey hits the Meteora, Wentz hits a Swanton from the other side of the ring and Trey gets the pinfall victory.
It was fast paced, all gas no brakes, but it didn’t overstay its welcome, so it was pretty fun all things considered.
After the match Wes grabs a mic, complains a little but challenges them to a 6 man match as Sacrifice. So we’re THAT’S where we’re getting the expected 3v3.
Fir$t Cla$$ comes out with an entourage of hot chicks and probably influencers or something. The “First Class Penthouse” , Gabby AF, Mafiosa Valentina, and Carolina are apparently known in their own way. Gabby I know was the awful one who did something for Impact a last year and sucked, but she’s part of the Busted Open Network I believe so that’s why she’s around. Two of them look like Noelle Foley and Frank the Clown…oh they actually are. Look at that. I do love KC Navarro as the Hype Man, they have this whole set up of AJ being mad that they haven’t gotten more Tag Title shots, so TNA placated him with his own Piper’s Pit and he’s *pregnant pause* totally happy with that. He says he loved Piper and hated Hogan before it was cool.
This is actually quality content and AJ is cutting a nice promo in this segment. They introduce their first guest, the greatest performer in TNA history, many whole say he’s Phenomenal with a whole lot of style….it’s A-J-Francis.
.@AJFrancis410 is GOING OFF!
Watch #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/NY8HgI02kY pic.twitter.com/kGehtp9iTE
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) February 21, 2025
Lei Ying Lee vs Rosemary
Things were slow until Rosemary took her into a corner quickly, hit the Upside Down, and we get a lot of Lei trying to avoid Rosemary’s offense. Rosemary goes for a Spear in the corner and Lei forward rolls, starts connecting with a bunch of right hands, backs Rosemary into the corner, goes for 10 Count Punches, pulls her out, Airplane Spin TKO for only a two count. Rosemary tries As Above So Below, Lei shrugs it off, Rosemary tries to go after Lei anyway and eats Thunderstruck! Lei Ying Lee wins!
After the match Rosemary catches Lei on the ramp and hits the Green mist in the eyes. Match was far too short and so many of Lei’s set up moves look better than her finish. We’ve seen Kofi Kingston do it for years so it’s not bad, just the current Knockouts Division are awful and don’t take the move well.
Eric Young and the jabronis come out, EY cuts a very basic power crazed psycho kind of promo, gets the “What” chants from the crowds. EY is trying to recruit Maclin even though Maclin made his line in the sand last week. EY tries to spin it as maybe he took out Josh FOR Maclin instead of in spite of his trust. This really doesn’t seem interesting at all, but that’s probably because I hate the two Jabronis EY is with.
NoDQ Match: Leon Slater vs JDC
I really don’t have any interest in Slater. He’s got no personality beyond “flippy guy with a British accent”.
Dango immediately powders, grabs a chair and goes to swing on him but misses. So Leon is making JDC look dumb by dodging the post chop, using the chair to shield himself from a punch by JDC, and then clapping Dango’s fingers between the chair. So typical System match, look inept for the first few minutes, then take advantage of something to take over. Oh look, Leon takes too long setting up the table, Dango gets in a few pot shots, tries to whip him into the table but Leon leaps over it, and then leaps back over to clobber Dango. Dango is still trying to recover so Leon hits his over the corner post con hilo, and the crowd appreciates it but I’m not interested. Leon panders to the crowd after the big spot and then eats an X-Plex into the chair from Dango.
JDC throws Leon back in, goes for a pinfall that’s only a two and we cut to a commercial. Coming out of the commercial JDC is in control with a Kendo Stick until he isn’t, Leon counters and takes the keno stick, brutalizes Dango a few times then comes off the ropes with the kendo shot for 2. Leon goes for another table, and again, at least the crowd is receptive to this match. Leon sets it up, looks for something off the apron but Dango stops him first until he eats a dropkick to fall onto the table, Leon hits the Swanton 450 through the table on the outside. Does it look cool? Sure. Do I care about dumbass moves? Nope.
Oh thankfully the rest of The System comes out to stop the pinfall, Shield Bomb Leon through the first table, and roll him back in for Dango to win.
The Hardy Boyz come out to try and make the save, but the numbers are against them, so Oba Femi’s music hits! Oba cleans house but doesn’t get his hands on Moose, so they’re at least building the eventual clash between Moose and Oba.
The crowd starts a “Tessa, we comin for you” chant before she even starts talking. Tessa is actually playing off the crowd well, Santino’s music hits and Tessa thinks he’ll help her out with the crowd and Santino calls bullshit basically. Santino says if Tessa doesn’t wrestle next week, she’s fired and Masha’s music hits. Masha decides to step in for Tessa’s enhancement talent match.
Masha Slamovich vs Mila Moore
Jobber tries to attack Masha early but Masha stops her, rocks her and Requiem ends the match.
Masha stares down Tessa, and then Cora Jade attacks from behind and hits Jaded.
Ryan Nemeth comes out to his Abyss music remix. What will Mokuba say today? “MYYYY BIIIGG BBRROOOOTTHHHEEEEER” he repeats at least 4 times and it’s hilariously cringe. He announces that Nic will return at Sacrifice, he literally just came out to give a PSA.
Elijah & Joe Hendry vs The Colons
Hendry starts with Eddie, after a brief tie up it seems like Hendry reads the room and points at Elijah and the crowd wants him in. So Joe tags in Elijah, a little back and forth, Shoulder Tackle from Elijah, Rope Walk with Elijah lays out Eddie and a tag to Joe allows for a quick tandem knockdown, but Eddie powders as the Walking and Talking Duo hold the ring going into the final commercial break.
We come back and Hendry is bouncing Orlando off the ropes as he return a strike, but Orlando is obviously losing, eats a Euro Upper, and then gets walked around in the Stalling Suplex for posterity. Eddie tries a sneak attack but gets caught and Sack of Shit, into Kip Up, turn and then Orlando with the ambush! A few quick short cuts and an Irish Whip/Dropkick combo gives the Colons a near fall. Hendry does get locomotion variation cradles, but eats a Dropkick to stop the attempt at momentum. Orlando stays on Joe, but Joe finally starts to fire up as the crowd starts to get behind him. Euro Uppers make some space, but a Snapmare says no.
Eddie gets tagged in and a quick Leg Sweep into a Front Chancery keeps Eddie in control. As Joe tries to get back up, Eddie turns it into a Guillotine, but finally the Suplex counter connects for Hendry! Simultaneous tags! Elijah bulls over Orlando, catches a Leap Frogging Orlando with the Manhattan Drop as Orlando retreats to a corner, Stinger Splash into Spinebuster for two. Elijah tries to keep up the attacks but Orlando finds a few ways to make space, launches himself from the middle rope and eats the Jumping Knee! Eddie breaks up the pinfall, Hendry takes Eddie out and Elijah hits the Tombstone Piledriver for the win!
Overall Score: 6/10
Well there were more live hiccups than the first episode, and this felt both more epic and less epic at the same time. Elijah and the Colons debuting was a nice way to kick things off, Oba Femi showing up for the save was fantastic. There were a few decent matches, but also a lot of really short and rushed matches. Tessa played off the crowd well, but Masha really is useless on the mic. Lei Ying Lee needs to framed stronger, her matches have done nothing to show off her ability. It just proves that the Knockouts don’t know how to sell a kick to the head because they all take it in the shoulder and fall in corny ways.
Viva La Sam could be something fun if the next 3 weeks are just hand cam footage of him being like “I’m Sami Callihan and I’m gonna kick Mance Warner’s ass”, Elegance Clique getting the rematch with a stipulation is nice to see and while I like Fir$t Cla$$, that segment went a little long for a cornball swerve payoff. It’s one thing to placate the Influencer squad especially when we’ve seen Logan Paul and Ishowspeed do so well in WWE…but these are like Z Tier Influencers that no one cares about. These kind of dorks stream on Kick because they aren’t relevant enough for Twitch, not because they chose Kick over it.
So yeah, the low lights were pretty low, and the highs were a little fleeting, but at least they were pretty fun. Not a bad show, just clunky with noticeable issues and Masha shouldn’t be allowed to speak English anymore. She’s such a charisma vacuum when she’s not rambling in Russian.
About Chairshot Radio Network
Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!
MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)
TUESDAY - Musical Chairs (music) / Hockey Talk (NHL)
WEDNESDAY - The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling)
THURSDAY - Keeping the news ridiculous... The Oddity / Chairshot NFL (NFL)
FRIDAY - DWI Podcast (Drunk Wrestling Intellect)
SATURDAY - The Mindless Wrestling Podcast
SUNDAY - The Front and Center Sports Podcast
CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS
Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)
TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends
Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5
Classic POD is WAR
Chairshot Radio Network Your home for the hardest hitting podcasts... Sports, Entertainment and Sports Entertainment!
Powered by RedCircle
Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!
Oblong Ball Foot Show: One For The Road
The Philadelphia Eagles are Super Bowl Champions! Tune in as we recap an excellent NFL season and touch on a...
Oblong Ball Foot Show: Super Bowl LIX Preview
The culmination of a season long journey is upon us. Andrew, Rey and Tunney break it all down for you...
The Front and Center Sports Podcast – NFL Conference Championships and Jimmy Butler
The Chairshot presents a new episode of The Front and Center Sports Podcast, with an NFL Conference Championship preview, and...
Oblong Ball Foot Show: NFL Conference Championships
It's Championship Sunday and the gents have you covered as we breakdown both AFC and NFC title games!
Oblong Ball Foot Show: NFL Divisional Playoffs
Rey, Andrew and Tunney catch you up on the NFL coaching carousel and breakdown the Divisional round matchups.
Bandwagon Nerds #276: Do You Style Your Moustache?
The Nerds continue their review of Season 3 of Invincible, review Captain America: Brave New World, and check out trailers...
Bandwagon Nerds #275: Master of Porpoise
The Nerds begin their review of Season 3 of Invincible and look at the latest trailers for Final Destination, Jurassic...
Mitchell’s Hyrule Puro-Resu News Report! (2/5/25)
There’s a lot going on this time around!
Bandwagon Nerds #274: Rey Cash Caught Sleeping On The Job
Tune in for another episode of BANDWAGON NERDS for your weekly fix in the world of Comics & Pop Culture!
Mitchell’s Hyrule Puro-Resu Results & Report! (1/31/25)
The Bracket of Courage!
Mitchell’s WWE SmackDown Results & Report! (2/21/25)
The Final Boss is back!
Andrew’s TNA LIVE! iMPACT! Results & Match Ratings: 2.20.2025
So the first live episode got fairly positive praise from everyone; will this continue the trend?
Mitchell’s ROH Results & Report! (2/20/25)
Anillo de Honor!
DWI Podcast #464: NXT Vengeance Day & SNL 50
NBA All-Star weekend, SNL 50th anniversary and plenty of Rasslin' talk this week on the DWI podcast.
Mitchell’s AEW Dynamite Results & Report! (2/19/25)
Phoenix is Dynamite!
Mitchell’s WWE NXT Results & Report! (2/18/25)
NXT is Absolute!
Mitchell’s ROH Global Wars Australia Results & Report! (2/17/25)
G'day, mates!
Mitchell’s WWE Raw Results & Report! (2/17/25)
Visionary VS Prince!
#TheOddity 028: One Monkey = Total Chaos
Join Dave Wortz and PC Tunney for your weekly newsletter on the ridiculous and dumb of actual headlines from around...
Mitchell’s AEW Grand Slam: Australia Results & Report! (2/15/25)
AEW goes down under!
-
Coverage6 days agoMitchell’s WWE Vengeance Day Results & Report! (2/15/25)
-
AEW Coverage6 days ago
Mitchell’s AEW Grand Slam: Australia Results & Report! (2/15/25)
-
Coverage3 days ago
Mitchell’s ROH Global Wars Australia Results & Report! (2/17/25)
-
Podcasts7 days agoMindless Wrestling Podcast: Cena’s First Time Is Now!