Coverage
Mitchell’s NJPW Best of the Super Juniors Results & Report! (5/13/24)
Time for round 2!
Don’t count anyone out just yet!
NJPW Best of the Super Juniors 31 has only just begun, and while Hiromu Takahashi and El Desperado fell short, there’s still time to turn it around! Will they and the other first round misfires score redemption?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Best of the Super Juniors 31 A Block: Kevin Knight VS Blake Christian; Blake wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 31 B Block: Francesco Akira VS Ninja Mack; Mack wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 31 A Block: HAYATA VS Clark Connors; Connors wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 31 B Block: Robbie Eagles VS “Drilla” Dan Moloney; Eagles wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 31 A Block: TJP VS Yoshinobu Kanemaru; Kanemaru wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 31 B Block: Dragon Dia VS Taiji Ishimori; Taiji wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 31 A Block: BUSHI VS Titan; Titan wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 31 B Block: KUSHIDA VS SHO; Kushida wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 31 A Block: El Desperado VS Kosei Fujita; Desperado wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 31 B Block: Hiromu Takahashi VS DOUKI; Douki wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
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
Best of the Super Juniors 31 A Block: Kevin Knight VS Blake Christian!
The Jet is flying high after taking down Public Enemy, but All Heat was able to burn 100 Proof. Only one continues on into the 2-0 club, so who’s heading there first class?
Knight flexes and says tsuyoi, and the fans applaud. The bell rings and the fans rally up as Knight and Blake stare down. Blake runs in, Knight dodges and Blake ends up in the corner. Knight runs in, Blake dodges, but then Knight dodges again to kick low. Knight whips, Blake reverses then hurdles, but Knight leaps over! Blake kips up, Knight hurdles, Blake handsprings, and they keep going. Blake stops himself to avoid the dropkick, but Knight flips through! The fans fire up but Blake says “SUCK IT!” Blake then eggs Knight on, dodges him, but Knight ducks the enzigiri to DUMP Blake out! Knight then PLANCHAS and down goes Blake!
The fans fire up with Knight, he fist bumps the front row, then he puts Blake in. Knight runs, redirects, and handsprings to SPLASH! The fans cheer and Knight covers, ONE!! Blake toughs it out but Knight stomps him. Knight CLUBS Blake, eggs him on, then wrenches to whip. Knight catches Blake to a COBRA TWIST! The fans cheer as Knight says he’s very, very, very strong! But Blake pries the hold open to hip toss! Knight handsprings through, ducks ‘n’ dodges, then he stops at the ropes. Blake runs in but Knight dumps him back out! Knight builds speed but Blake moves. Knight slips out to the apron to go over the corner, but Blake moves!
Blake is in and he builds speed, to FOSBURY FLOP! And then FINAL CUT! The fans cheer as Blake flexes, then he gets them to boo. Blake goes back for Knight, POSTS him, and the fans boo more. Blake drags Knight up, wrenches and wristlocks, to then bring Knight to the apron. Blake STOMPS Knight’s hand on the edge! The fans boo more and Knight scrambles into the ring. Blake stalks Knight to a corner, ROCKS him with a right, then CHOPS him in the corner! But Knight puts Blake in to CHOP! The fans cheer but Blake knees low to then UPPERCUT! Blake whips corner to corner, Knight reverses, but Blake goes up and over.
Blake comes back, rolls under, slips out, then flips away! Blake trips Knight, slingshots and SPLASHES! Fans cheer, Blake drags Knight to a cover, TWO! The fans applaud again while Blake brings Knight to center. Blake hooks up the legs, grabs at the arms, and the fans rally up. Blake mockingly claps along with Knight’s hands, to then make Knight do the dirty bird! Blake STOMPS the knees! The fans boo but Blake mockingly applauds again. The fans rally, Blake brings Knight up but Knight throws body shots! Blake knees low, whips, but Knight comes back to LARIAT! And LARIAT again! The fans fire up as Knight whips but Blake reverses
Knight goes up and over, to SKY HIGH! And we’re just five minutes in! The fans rally up, Knight rises, and he watches Blake go to a corner. Knight runs corner to corner, but Blake dodges! ENZIGIRI! URENAGE! IMPLODER SENTON! Blake then goes up the corner as fans rally, and Blake DIVING- NO, Knight moves! Blake comes back, but Knight puts him up top! Time for the- NO, Blake pushes Knight away! So Knight DROPKICKS! Blake wobbles up top and the fans fire up! Knight goes up after Blake, brings him around, throws some body shots, but Blake gives those back! Knight ROCKS Blake with a forearm and Blake falls to the apron!
Knight fakes Blake out, to then springboard and SUPER CROSSBODY! The Young Lions act as barriers so the crash landing doesn’t end up in the crowd! The fans fire up while the ref checks both men. Knight shouts and rises, and the fans fire up! Knight gets Blake back in the ring, then springboards in for a FLYING LARIAT! Cover, TWO! Blake toughs it out, he’s the GCW Champion after all. But Knight calls for “JETTO! JETTO!” The fans clap along and Knight runs up, but no DDT for Knight! Blake goes to the apron, Knight pursues, but Blake holds ropes! Blake kicks and STUNNERS! Knight wobbles, Blake runs up, but into a BOOT!
Knight runs up, to APRON- NO, still no DDT! Blake blocks a kick, puts the leg in the ropes, then KICKS the ropes! The fans boo and the ref reprimands but Blake just grins. Blake runs up to APRON CURB STOMP! Knight flounders away, Blake springboards to 450 SPLASH!! Cover, Blake wins!
Winner: Blake Christian, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Knight earns 0)
All Heat is turning up the heat with another nasty way to win! But will he have to be careful he doesn’t burn himself out? And after losing some altitude, can Knight take flight again in the next round?
Best of the Super Juniors 31 B Block: Francesco Akira VS Ninja Mack!
The Nova Fireball cracked the Infinity Carat Diamond while the American Shinobi cut down the Sniper of the Skies. Will Akira stay hot going into the third round? Or will the Mack attack rack up another two points?
The bell rings and the fans rally for “A! KI RA!” already. Mack gets on the corner to get the “NIN-JA! NIN-JA!” going. Mack offers a handshake, Akira asks if he should trust it. But then Akira SHOTGUNS Mack! Akira throws Mack out, then PLANCHAS! Direct hit, and Akira gets Mack back in! Akira goes up to CROSSBODY! Cover, ONE!! The fans fire up and Akira talks some smack on Mack. But Mack throws a body shot! Akira CHOPS Mack, then whips him to a corner. Akira hits a clothesline, then runs to UPPERCUT! Akira snapmares to a cover, TWO! Akira keeps cool as he brings Mack up but Mack fires body shots!
The fans rally as Mack backs Akira down, but Akira knees low! Akira says F U and then CHOPS! Akira whips Mack to a corner, Mack reverses and runs in, but Akira goes up and over, to get the TARANTULA! The fans cheer but the ref counts, and Akira lets go at 4. Akira “apologizes” then slaps Mack around. Akira eggs Mack on, kicks him around, and says NJPW superior to Noah! Mack fires forearms, Akira knees low, then whips. Mack rolls off Akira’s back to then DROPKICK! The fans fire up and Mack brings Akira around. Akira breaks free but Mack ROCKS, CHOPS and SOBATS, to then LEG SWEEP and DOUBLE STOMP! Cover, TWO! Another cover, TWO!
Akira stays in this but Mack floats to bring him up. Mack CHOPS, Akira goes to a corner, and Mack DOUBLE CHOPS! The fans fire up for that one, and Mack puts Akira up top. Akira BOOTS Mack, but Mack jumps up after him! Akira fires elbows, Mack drops back, and Mack ducks Akira’s jump to CHOP! Mack runs, Akira clotheslines at ropes! Akira runs, Mack clotheslines at ropes! Mack runs, Akira fires up and gets a COLLISION COURSE! The fans fire up while both men are down! Akira roars and rises up, then reels Mack in. Mack spins free to SCREW HIGH KICK! Both men are down again and the fans fire back up!
Mack crawls towards ropes on one end, Akira goes to the other. Mack powers up and runs in, but Akira dumps him to the apron! Mack ROCKS Akira first, then goes up a corner! But Akira goes up after him! SUPER STEINER but Mack lands out! Just like Will Ospreay! Mack runs in, but Akira gets around to SNAP HALF ‘N’ HALF! Then SUPERKICK! Cover, TWO!! Mack survives and the fans fire up again! The fans rally and duel as Akira goes to a corner. Mack rises, Akira pounds the mat, and fans join in. “A! KI RA!” FIRE- NO, Mack ducks! Akira turns around, into a JUMP KNEE! Mack cravats and goes up the corner, SHIRA-
NO, Akira shrugs that off! Mack keeps moving, comes back, but Akira catches him to a backslide! TWO, Akira tires again but Mack rolls through! But into SPEED FIRE! Akira crawls for the cover, TWO!! Mack survives and the fans are thunderous! Akira goes to a corner, takes aim, but Mack SUPERKICKS! Mack gets Akira up, cravats again, SHIRANUI!! Cover, TWO?!? Akira survives and shocks Mack! Mack puts Akira in a drop zone, CHOPS him, then goes up! NINJA BOMB!!! Cover, Mack wins!
Winner: Ninja Mack, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Akira earns 0)
The Phoenix 630 hits the mark, and Ninja Mack rises to 2-0! Will nothing stop the rise of the ninja? Will the Nova Fireball be able to reignite in the next round?
Best of the Super Juniors 31 A Block: HAYATA VS Clark Connors!
Pro-Wrestling Noah’s Falcon scored in the first round while 100 Proof got burnt. Will Connors redeem himself right away? Or will Hayata refuse to have No Chaser?
The bell rings and Connors runs in! Hayata dodges, CLAWS eyes, but the ref reprimands. Hayata lets off to stomp away on Connors, then he whips. Connors reverses and runs Hayata over! The fans fire up and Connors drags Hayata up. Connors TOSSES Hayata out, goes out after him to stomp, and then UPPERCUT! Hayata staggers, Connors ROCKS him with a haymaker. Connors has fans clear out, then he SMACKS Hayata off the chairs. The fans fire up, and Connors brings Hayata up to POST him! The ref reprimands and wants this in the ring but Connors shrugs him off. Connors stomps Hayata, then brings him up.
Connors snap suplexes Hayata to the floor! The fans cheer as Connors throws up the Too Sweet. The ring count starts, Connors attacks a Young Lion! Connors scoops and SLAMS him onto Hayata! The fans boo as Connors leaves Hayata behind at 10 of 20. Hayata sits up at 13, drags himself up at 16, and slides in at 18! The fans cheer but Connors covers, TWO! The fans rally as Hayata stays in this, but Connors drags him back up. Connors CHOPS and Hayata staggers to ropes. Connors brings Hayata up but Hayata fires a forearm! Connors fires one in return! Connors suplexes but Hayata slips free!
Connors kicks low, runs, but into a Manhattan drop! Hayata TOSSES Connors out, then goes right after him in the front row! Fans clear out fast, and Hayata SMACKS Connors off the chairs! The ref reprimands but the fans fire up. Hayata brings Connors up, and aims for another section! Fans clear out so Hayata can BOWL Connors into the chairs! Not quite a strike but it was still a good throw. Connors flounders around, the ring count starts again, and Hayata brings Connors up. Hayata snapmares Connors, then grabs the Young Lion from before! Scoop SLAM onto Connors! Poor Shoma Kato! Not how you wanna “debut” in a tournament.
Hayata leaves Connors behind, the ring count passes 10 while Connors crawls around. Connors hobbles up at 14, but flops over at 15! Connors forces himself back up at 17, and flounders in at 19! Hayata stomps Connors, then brings him up. Hayata talks some trash, but Connors SLAPS Hayata! And SLAPS! And SLAPS again! Hayata CLAWS Connors’ eyes! The fans boo but Hayata storms back up on Connors. Hayata snapmares, runs, but Connors avoids the boot! SNAP POWERSLAM! The fans fire up and Connors aims from a corner. The fans bark along with Connors, and he runs in, but into a KNEE! And DDT!
Both men are down and the fans fire up again! Hayata stands and he brings Connors up. Hayata straitjackets the arms but Connors fights the suplex! Connors turns things, breaks free of the arms, then runs. But Hayata catches him for chicken wings, then turns him into the STRAITJACKET DDT! Cover, TWO! Connors is still in this and the fans fire back up! Hayata slashes his throat, stands Connors up and reels him in, but Connors fights the lift! Connors throws Hayata to a corner, runs up, but Hayata dodges! TORNADO- NO, Connors stops the DDT to THROW Hayata away! The fans fire up again as Connors shows his strength!
Connors aims as Hayata rises, but Hayata dodges the lariat! Connors keeps going, but Hayata avoids the pounce, only for Connors to come right back! JEEP FLIPPER!! The fans fire up as Connors aims, runs in, and SPEARS!! Cover, TWO?!?! Hayata survives and Connors is seething! The fans are thunderous as Connors drags Hayata back up. NO CHASE- NO, Hayata wrenches out, rolls Connors up, tights! TWO!! ENZIGIRI!! Hayata roars and reels Connors in, for 40- NO, Connors HEADBUTTS, then NO CHASER!! Cover, Connors wins!
Winner: Clark Connors, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Hayata earns 0)
The IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champion takes down the GHC National Champion! Will Connors serve up more L’s with No Chaser? Will Hayata be able to rebound in the next round?
Best of the Super Juniors 31 B Block: Robbie Eagles VS “Drilla” Dan Moloney!
The Sniper of the Skies may have lost to Ninja Mack, and 44 Caliber might’ve been cheated by Sho, but now both men reload and take aim. Who wins this shootout to get on the board?
The fans already fire up with “ROBBIE ROBBIE ROBBIE!” “OI OI OI!” “ROBBIE ROBBIE ROBBIE!” “OI OI OI!” “ROBBIE!” “OI!” “ROBBIE!” “OI!” “ROBBIE ROBBIE ROBBIE!” “OI OI OI!” Drilla is already annoyed. The bell rings and the fans rally up. Drilla runs in, Eagles gets around but Drilla switches the waistlock. Eagles ducks the ripcord chop to schoolboy, but Drilla rolls through! Drilla kicks low and CHOPS! Eagles staggers to ropes, Drilla storms up on him and whips. Eagles reverses to go up and around and arm-drag! Things speed up, Eagles hurdles and RANAS! The fans fire up as Eagles taunts Drilla, then WHEEL KICKS!
Drilla staggers and steps out to the apron, but Eagles basement 619s to sweep the legs! The fans join Robbie in another “ROBBIE ROBBIE ROBBIE!” then he builds speed But Drilla gets in, hurdles, drops down, then DROPKICKS! Eagles tumbles out, Drilla builds speed and WRECKS him with a dropkick! Moloney gets a “DRILLA DRILLA DRILLA!” “OI OI OI!” out of the fans, then stalks Eagles on the outside. Drilla drags Eagles up, brings him into the bleachers, and SMACKS him off the West sign! And again, and again! Eagles flops back and Drilla leaves him behind for the ring count to start.
The fans rally as Eagles sits up and rolls his way down the bleachers. Eagles returns to the floor at 10 of 20, crawls over, then slides in at 15! The fans cheer and Drilla smirks. Drilla stands on Eagles’ head, then scrapes his sole off Eagles’ face! The fans still rally for Eagles but Drilla stands him up. Drilla CHOPS Eagles down, covers, TWO! The fans cheer as Eagles stays in this, but then Drilla KICKS him in the side! Eagles sputters and writhes, Drilla stands on Eagles’ stomach! The ref counts, the fans boo, and Drilla steps away at 4. Drilla storms up on the ref but the ref backs off. Drilla stomps Eagles, kicks him around, then KICKS him in the chest! Cover, ONE!
The fans applaud as Eagles toughs it out. Drilla is annoyed, but Eagles CHOPS him! Eagles CHOPS again, then swings, but Drilla gets around to ripcord CHOP! Drilla reels Eagles in, but Eagles wrenches out to schoolboy bridge! TWO!! Drilla escapes that, Eagles wants the legs but Drilla kicks him away! Eagles comes back to SOBAT! Cravat! SHIRA- NO, Drilla stops Eagles, pops him around, but Eagles RANAS! Cover, TWO! The fans fire up again and Eagles goes to ropes. The fans rally, Drilla runs up but into a BOOT! Eagles runs up, but fights off the pop-up! Eagles ROCKS, KICKS and CHOPS, then KICKS and CHOPS again!
Eagles ROCKS Drilla in the corner, the fans fire up, and he whips corner to corner. Drilla reverses, and catches Eagles as he goes up! Drilla pops Eagles around again but Eagles arm-drags free! Eagles gets around, kicks out a leg, then keeps moving to BLINDSIDE LARIAT! The fans fire up while both men are down! Eagles stands first, and he KICKS Drilla in the chest! Then KICKS again! And again! Eagles runs, but Drilla blocks the Penalty Kick! Drilla reels Eagles in and pops him up to the Canadian Rack! Eagles slips free but Drilla SUPERKICKS! Drilla whips, Eagles reverses to knee low! Eagles KICKS Drilla down!
The fans fire up again as Eagles pounds the mat. Drilla goes to a corner, Eagles runs in, DOUBLE KNEES! Eagles rolls back, runs in again, but Drilla dodges the Meteora! Drilla runs, but Eagles snatches his jump knee! RON MILLER SPECIAL!! Drilla flails, reaches out, claws his way forward, ROPEBREAK! Eagles lets go, for a spinning toehold! Eagles then goes to a corner and the fans fire up! Eagles climbs, the fans get even more fired up, and Eagles 450- NO, he has to roll through as Drilla moves! Drilla runs up, Eagles trips him, but Drilla kicks Eagles away! Drilla ducks a kick, schoolboys, and deadlift URENAGES!!
The fans fire up again and Drilla loads up. Eagles rises, Drilla runs in, LEG LARIAT! Cover, TWO! Drilla slashes his throat and drags Eagles up again. Canadian rack, but Eagles sunset flips through! Eagles ties up the legs, RON MILLER SPECIAL!! Drilla claws his way around, but Eagles drags him away! Drilla tries but he can’t, he TAPS! Eagles wins!!
Winner: Robbie Eagles, by submission (gains 2 points; Drilla earns 0)
The Sniper shoots down an IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champion! And he even snatches both belts to show off how they color coordinate. Eagles still gives Drilla his belt back, but will the Soul of PWA soon look to add that to the collection? Will 44 Caliber reload to take down his opponent next round?
Best of the Super Juniors 31 A Block: TJP VS Yoshinobu Kanemaru!
Public Enemy was left in the dirt by The Jet, and the Heel Master couldn’t bring down the Young Punk of TMDK. Will TJP recover and get back on track? Or will Kanemaru use his bag of tricks to snatch away some much needed points?
The fans already rally for “T J P! T J P!” But Kanemaru attacks while TJP puts the United Empire banner away! Kanemaru TOSSES TJP out, but then TJP slides in as Kanemaru steps out! The bell rings and Kanemaru slides back in, but TJP stomps him! TJP whips, Kanemaru reverses but TJP RANAS! The fans fire up while Kanemaru tumbles out and TJP builds speed! TJP WRECKS Kanemaru with a dropkick and the fans fire up again! TJP goes back into the ring, the fans rally up and he builds speed, only for Kanemaru to run away. The fans boo but TJP throws his shirt off so he can pursue! Kanemaru slides back in and he taunts TJP.
TJP slows it down to be cautious. TJP steps in, and Kanemaru KICKS the ropes to jam TJP up! The fans boo but Kanemaru stomps TJP. Kanemaru whips, TJP reverses but Kanemaru tilt-o-whirls. TJP pushes Kanemaru away, elbows and runs, but Kanemaru sends the ref into TJP! The fans boo more but Kanemaru storms up on TJP to whip. TJP springboards to FLYING FOREARM! The fans rally up and TJP goes corner to corner, to BOOT! Kanemaru sits down, and the fans rally up as TJP scrubs his face! TJP goes side to side, but Kanemaru takes a swig! WHISKEY MIST! The fans boo more and TJP swings blindly!
TJP sees Kanemaru, but Kanemaru ducks the blood mist! Kanemaru shoves, victory rolls, KANEMARU WINS!
Winner: Yoshinobu Kanemaru, by pinfall (gains 2 points; TJP earns 0)
The Heel Master indeed resorted to his dirty tricks and he dirtied up this win! Will Kanemaru do anything and everything he has to in order to take the block? Will TJP have to bring out that dark side of his in order to stay alive in the tournament?
Best of the Super Juniors 31 B Block: Dragon Dia VS Taiji Ishimori!
The Infinity Carat Diamond may have fallen in the first round but it’ll take more than that to break him. But will Dia be able to break the Bone Soldier? Or will Taiji continue to prove #ItsReborn?
The bell rings and the two rush in! Dia dodges, kicks, then whips, but Taiji reverses. Dia ducks ‘n’ dodges and slides under a boot to tilt-o-whirl and arm-drag! The fans fire up, Dia DROPKICKS and Taiji bails out! The fans rally as Dia feints the plancha, but then Taiji YANKS him down anyway! The fans are torn but Taiji drags Dia up to POST him! Dia tumbles away, and Taiji snatches the bell hammer! The ref sees that and says don’t even try it. Taiji says okay and throws the hammer into the ring. The ref fetches the hammer, Taiji grabs Dia’s skateboard! Skater boy, see ya later boy, Taiji CLOBBERS Dia with the board!
The fans are torn, and the ref sees Taiji walking around with the board! Taiji puts the board back in Dia’s corner and then walks around the ring. The fans rally for Dia as he rises up, but Taiji is on him first. Taiji puts Dia in the ring, covers, but then Taiji CHOKES Dia! The ref reprimands, Taiji lets off, and he fist drops! Dia writhes, Taiji talks some smack, and then Taiji grabs the arms. Taiji pulls the arms back, spins Dia around, and then hooks a leg! Taiji lifts Dia into a rather interesting stretch! Then Taiji uses it for a SHOULDER BUSTER! Cover, TWO! The fans fire up but Taiji is annoyed. Taiji taunts Dia as he stands up, and Dia fires a forearm.
Taiji eggs Dia on, Dia fires more forearms, so Taiji CLAWS the eyes! Taiji whips, Dia stops himself, then dodges as Taiji runs in! Taiji ends up outside and Dia runs up, 619! Taiji goes to the floor, Dia ASAI MOONSAULTS! Direct hit and down goes Taiji! The fans fire up and Dia rises! Dia drags Taiji up, puts him in the ring, and then Dia shouts “IKU ZO!” Dia whips but Taiji reverses. Taiji runs in but Dia dodges! Dia goes to the apron, trips Taiji up and slingshots to TORNILLO SPLASH! The fans fire up with Dia and he storms up on Taiji in the corner. Dia hoists Taiji up top, climbs up after him, and again shots “IKU ZO!” STORM SCISSOR!
The fans fire up and Dia runs up! Victory roll FACEBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Taiji survives but Dia roars! The fans fire up with Dia and he runs, to roll and REPTILIAN RANA! But Taiji sunset flips through!? TWO!! Taiji gets Dia’s arm, sends him at the ref, but Dia stops from running into him! So Taiji shoves Dia into the ref! Then Taiji whips, pops Dia up, and LOW BLOWS!! The fans boo but Taiji hooks Dia to a BLOODY CROSS!! Cover, Taiji wins!
Winner: Taiji Ishimori, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Dia earns 0)
The Bone Soldier resorts to new lows just to get points! Wait, Taiji grabs Dia’s skateboard again? And he CLOBBERS Dia with it! The fans boo, that was just unnecessary! But will Taiji stop at nothing until he’s finally on top again? Can Dia find a way to shine even when he’s down 0-2?
Best of the Super Juniors 31 A Block: BUSHI VS Titan!
Los Ingobernables de Japon clashes with Los Ingobernables de Japon as Black Mask and El Inmortal meet already! Will Bushi bounce back from his loss? Or will Titan keep momentum going until he’s back at the finals?
The bell rings and the fans rally as the two circle. The fans cheer for Titan as he and Bushi tie up. They go around, Titan puts Bushi on ropes but Bushi turns it around. Bushi lets off clean to roll back and tease Titan. Titan runs up but Bushi avoids the basement dropkick. Titan sweeps the legs, covers, ONE! Titan avoids the sweep, but Bushi ducks the buzzsaw, and Bushi taunts Titan again. The fans cheer and the LIJ teammates reset. They circle, feel things out, and knuckle lock. Titan then trips Bushi, runs, but Bushi stays low. Bushi gets up to bypass, but Titan avoids the hurdle. Titan sends Bushi out, builds speed, Bushi moves but Titan rolls to backflip!
The fans cheer Titan landing on his feet, but Bushi kicks him low. Bushi SMACKS Titan off the apron, then brings him around. Bushi CLUBS Titan, fires the fans up, and then brings Titan to the orange seats! The fans cheer as the lights come up and Bushi brings Titan higher and higher. Titan hits Bushi first! Bushi CHOPS! Titan hits back, they go back and forth, and Titan fires off kicks! SUPERKICK! The fans fire up with Titan and he goes to the upper level! Fans help Titan balance on the ledge, to then SUPER CROSSBODY Bushi down! The fans fire up again while both men are down! Titan rises and roars, but the ref wants this in the ring!
Titan stomps Bushi, brings him up and headlocks to bring him along. They return to ground level, Titan throws a knee, then he puts Bushi in the ring. The fans cheer and Titan aims from the apron. The fans rally up and Titan springboards to CROSSBODY! Direct hit and Titan hurries to get Bushi back up. Bushi CHOPS! And CHOPS! And CHOPS! Bushi whips, Titan reverses, then Titan goes Matrix to avoid the lariat! Titan CALF KICKS Bushi, then whips. Bushi reverses, then he dropkicks the legs out! But Titan kips up to PELE! Titan runs from the corner and back, into an ENZIGIRI! Both men are down and the fans fire up again!
Bushi and Titan stir, and Bushi stands first. Bushi brings Titan up, has a leg, and hits a SHIN BREAKER! Titan falls, Bushi SMASHES that knee into the mat! Bushi then ties the legs up, FABLE FIGURE FOUR! Titan endures, reaches out, drags Bushi along with him, and has the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer, Bushi lets go as the ref counts, and Titan rolls away. Bushi goes to a corner and climbs. The fans rally as Bushi aims, for M- NO, Titan moves aside! Titan BOOTS, SOBATS, KICKS, fires palm strikes then WHEEL KICKS! Bushi falls and the fans fire up again! Titan roars and he drags Bushi around to step through, roll and then deathlock!
The fans fire up for JAVE INMORTAL!! Bushi reaches out, flails, but he’s caught! Bushi pries at the crossface, claws his way over, and has the ROPEBREAK! Titan lets go in frustration, but the fans continue to rally. Titan throws off the armbands and pounds the mat. The fans rally, Titan drags Bushi up and reels him in, to Canadian Rack and spin! But Bushi slips free to BACKSTABBER! The fans fire up while both men are down again! Bushi stands, he reels Titan in, but Titan slips free of the fisherman! Bushi kicks, whips, but Titan reverses! TORNADO- NO, Bushi stops the DDT to backslide! Titan rolls free, but Bushi blocks the superkick!
Bushi spins Titan, but then Titan blocks a kick! Titan ducks the enzigiri but not the REWIND HEEL! Both men fall again and the fans fire back up! Titan goes to ropes, Bushi hobbles over, and Bushi whips. Titan reverses to TORNADO roll and then suplex for a GOURD BUSTER! SUPERKICK! Bushi flops over and Titan hurries for the corner! The fans rally as Titan skins the cat! Titan is now up top, for LA LANZA!! Cover, TWO!! Bushi survives the double stomps and the fans are thunderous! Titan roars, gets Bushi’s leg and steps through, for the deathlock! JAVE…! INMORTAL!!! Bushi endures all over again, but Titan has the straitjacket added!!
Bushi endures, crawls with his elbows, but it’s not enough! Bushi quits, Titan wins!!
Winner: Titan, by submission (gains 2 points; Bushi earns 0)
Two matches in two rounds, that’s two victories for Titan! However, the same goes for Bushi with two losses. Will the trend continue so that El Inmortal returns to the finals? Can Bushi stop from being dead last in the block?
Best of the Super Juniors 31 B Block: KUSHIDA VS SHO!
The Timesplitter knows how to be a proper IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion, but the Murder Machine knows how to win by any means necessary! Will Kushida not just get points but a golden ticket back to the top? Or will Sho stack the deck and screw over another opponent?
Sho gets the mic to remind us all, Kushida included, that Kushida’s just a substitute for Yoh, because Sho hurt Yoh just before the tournament. Therefore, Kushida only has his spot because of Sho! As such, Kushida should show gratitude by just letting Sho win here. And maybe they’ll still meet in the end! Or is Kushida too scared to face Sho at all? Kushida DROPKICKS in response! The fans fire up, Sho tumbles out, and Kushida builds speed! The bell rings right before the HANDSPRING KICK sends Sho back down! The fans fire up and Kushida goes out, and he grabs the belt! Sho is upset but also wary, but then Kushida throws the belt into the ring!
Both ref and Sho go for the belt but Kushida yanks Sho out of the ring! Kushida slides in, Sho slides back in and scurries after the belt, and Kushida KICKS him in the side! The fans fire up, Kushida wrenches and ELBOW BREAKERS! Then Kushida KICKS the leg! And KICKS it again! Sho goes to ropes, Kushida runs up to DROPKICK Sho’s arm! Kushida stands on Sho’s arm, the fans fire up, and Sho begs for mercy. Kushida drags Sho up instead, but Sho CLAWS Kushida’s eyes! Kushida CLAWS Sho back! Kushida whips, drops down, then hip tosses! Handspring, but Sho BOOTS from below! Sho then wants the ref to check his arm.
The ref does check Sho, but this is all just a distraction so Yujiro Takahashi can sneak out here! Tokyo Pimp hits a REVERSE DDT to the floor! The fans boo as the cheating begins already! Yujiro puts Kushida in, Sho covers, ONE!! Kushida is tougher than that but Sho grins as he digs his heel into Kushida’s arm. Sho stomps the arm, drags Kushida up and knuckle locks. Sho wrenches to ELBOW BREAKER, then he cording holds. Kushida endures, Sho wrenches both arms to then STO! The fans rally as Kushida goes to the apron, but Sho cuts him off at the corner! Yujiro has a chair to distract the ref, so that Sho can pull Kushida into the post!
The ref reprimands, Yujiro drops the chair but he still distracts the ref by arguing with him, allowing Sho to get the chair! CHAIR SHOT against the post! The fans boo harder but Sho pushes Kushida back in. Sho drags Kushida up to wrangle him into a KIMURA! Sho is adding insult to injury as he wants to use Kushida’s favorite hold! The fans rally as Kushida endures, fights up, and powers his way around for a takedown! ARMBAR!! Sho scrambles to the ROPEBREAK! The ref counts, Kushida lets off, but Sho writhes and grits his teeth. The fans rally, both men rise, and Sho KICKS Kushida’s arm! Kushida ROCKS Sho!
Sho KICKS, Kushida ROCKS, repeat! Sho talks some smack as Kushida staggers, so Kushida ROCKS him again! Sho KICKS, KICKS and KICKS, but then he blocks the fastball! Sho bends the fingers, but Kushida stomps a foot! Kushida winds up but Sho uses the ref as a shield! Sho then runs and SPEARS Kushida down! But Kushida rolls through!? ARMBAR!! The fans fire up as Sho fights around! Kushida’s bad hand holds him back, and Sho stacks to deadlift and POWERBOMB! Both men are down and the fans fire up again! Sho and Kushida rise, talk some trash, and Kushida KICKS the arm again and again!
Kushida whips, Sho reverses, but Kushida handsprings to BACK ELBOW! Kushida dodges Sho’s lariat to PELE! Sho wobbles, Kushida jumps on, HOVERBOARD!! But Sho goes to ropes and HOTSHOTS him! Sho then distracts the ref so Yujiro can PIMP CANE SHOT! Sho rolls Kushida up, with tights! TWO!!! Kushida escapes and the fans fire up! Sho is upset, but he goes to his corner to get his Torture Tool! The ref says no, he and Sho fight over the wrench, but Yujiro gets in the ring! Kushida FASTBALLS! But Sho LOW BLOWS! The fans boo but Sho grins and aims his bow. Sho drags Kushida up, reels him in and pump handles, for SHOCK- NO, Kushida slips free!
Kushida reels Sho into a straitjacket and roll, JACKKNIFE BRIDGE! KUSHIDA WINS!!!
Winner: Kushida, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Sho earns 0)
The Timesplitter took all those tricks and still won out! But Sho & Yujiro now beat Kushida down for it! But here comes Kevin Knight! The Jet runs the House of Torture off, and the bottom line is Kushida has that golden ticket in his back pocket! Will Kushida have his shot at the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion no matter what? Will the Murder Machine make sure Kushida has to use it by keeping the trophy from him?
Best of the Super Juniors 31 A Block: El Desperado VS Kosei Fujita!
The Rogue Luchador failed to beat Titan again, but this tournament has only just begun. Will Desperado bring down the Young Punk? Or will he see for himself that The Mighty Don’t Kneel?
The bell rings, the fans rally up, and it sounds like they favor Fujita. Desperado just grins as he and Fujita circle. They feel things out, Fujita goes for a leg and he brings Desperado down to a waistlock. Desperado rolls, has a leg, then a headlock, but Fujita slips out for a top mount. Desperado and Fujita hand fight for control, but Fujita slips away before Desperado turns things around. The fans cheer the exchange and the two go again. They clinch, Fujita wants a leg but Desperado gut wrenches to roll Fujita. They end up on ropes, but then Fujita slips around to facelock. Desperado keeps fighting and they stand up in a clinch.
Fujita arm-drags Desperado down, top mounts, wants an arm but Desperado clasps hands to fight that off. Desperado pushes through Fujita’s leg guard to headlock, then he works on a top wristlock. The fans cheer this continuing exchange as Fujita keeps his shoulders up. Fujita rolls back but Desperado slips around to spladle, STRETCH MUFFLER! Desperado catches the other leg, this is almost like Zack Sabre Jr’s Orienteering! Fujita endures, fights around, but Desperado shifts to have an ANKLE LOCK! Fujita rolls to get the ANKLE LOCK on Desperado! Desperado turns over but Fujita SLAPS him! Fujita then drops into the ARMBAR!
Desperado hurries to clasp hands, but Fujita pulls at the grip! Desperado holds on, stacks and has the leg, HEEL HOOK! The fans cheer and Desperado thrashes the hold! Fujita HEEL HOOKS in return! The fans fire up for the dueling submissions! Both men roll into the ropes, then the apron, and then Fujita pulls! Both men fall to the floor, but they won’t let go of the holds! Red Shoes reprimands but both men keep pulling on the other’s ankle! The fans rally, the ring count starts, but both men are still fighting, even as we reach 10 of 20! Then to 15! Desperado wants to let go but Fujita won’t! Desperado kicks free, both men jump in at 18!
The fans fire up as both men catch their breath. Desperado and Fujita reset, circle, and egg each other on. Fujita fires a forearm, but Desperado gives it back! Fujita fires another, so Desperado gives it back! The forearms go back and forth, then Fujita CHOPS! The fans fire up, and Desperado CHOPS! And CHOPS! And CHOPS again! Fujita snarls and Desperado eggs him on while the fans fire up! Fujita KICKS Desperado, whips him, but Desperado blocks! So Fujita YANKS the arm, but then Desperado bails out. The fans rally, Fujita aims, PLANCHA but he lands out as Desperado moves! Desperado blocks the Penalty Kick to YANK Fujita down!
APRON STRETCH MUFFER! NUMERO DOS!! The fans rally and Red Shoes reprimands, but Desperado lets go to SMASH the knee on the floor! The fans rally up while Desperado hobbles after Fujita. Desperado gets Fujita up, brings him along, aims at the crowd, but puts him in the ring. Desperado then gets on the apron, but Fujita DECKS him! Fujita then PLANCHAS and down goes Despe! The fans rally up again and Fujita storms over to Desperado. Fujita drags Desperado up, puts him in the ring, and the fans rally up. Fujita storms in but Desperado KICKS the leg out! Fujita falls over as he clutches the knee!
The fans rally again and Desperado stalks Fujita. Desperado puts the leg on ropes to HIP DROP! Red Shoes reprimands but Desperado stalks Fujita. Desperado brings Fujita to center, to drop an elbow on the knee! Desperado grinds the toehold but Fujita endures! Fujita crawls, reaches out, but Desperado digs his knee into the knee! Fujita still endures, the fans still rally up, so Desperado sits back to tie up the legs into the INDIAN DEATHLOCK! Fujita endures, Desperado pretends he can’t hear the fans, but Fujita throws forearms! Desperado eggs Fujita on and Fujita CHOPS! Desperado “falls” back and that puts on the pressure!
The fans rally as Fujita flails, reaches out, and gets the ROPEBREAK! Desperado lets go and grins as he mockingly cheers Fujita on with the fans. Desperado stands on Fujita’s knee, taunts him, then drags him up. Desperado CHOPS Fujita, talks some trash, then eggs him on. Fujita CHOPS and Desperado nods! Fujita CHOPS, Desperado nods again, and he kicks the bad leg! Desperado brings Fujita up but Fujita fights the lift! Fujita throws elbows, but Desperado lifts! Fujita KNEES free! The fans rally and Desperado staggers. Fujita storms up, Desperado kicks the bad leg! Desperado whips, Fujita reverses and WHEEL KICKS!
The fans fire up while both men are down again! Desperado and Fujita go to corners. and Fujita gets the bad leg working. Fujita runs up to CHOP! Fujita snapmares Desperado, goes out to the apron, then springboards to MISSILE DROPKICK! Cover, TWO! Fujita runs to PENALTY KICK! Cover, TWO! The fans rally up as Fujita rises and stalks Desperado. Fujita waistlocks to deadlift Desperado, but Desperado fights! Desperado reaches out, but Fujita keeps him from ropes! Desperado throws elbows, then mule kicks the bad leg! Fujita CHOPS back, then waistlocks. Desperado switches, Fujita elbows and whips, but Desperado reverses, to SPINEBUSTER!
The fans fire up, Desperado high stacks, TWO! Into STRETCH MUFFLER! Fujita endures, fights, but Desperado gets the arm for NUMERO DOS!! Fujita still fights, but Desperado gets the other arm! NUMERO DOS PLUS!! But wait, Fujita is using that against Desperado for a wristlock, and INVERTED ARMBAR!! Desperado flails, reaches out, kicks around, but then Fujita switches! Omoplata and then he gets the other arm! JIM BREAKS ARMBAR!! Fujita is showing the teachings of ZSJ! Desperado kicks around, but Fujita gets that leg! CLARKY CAT! Desperado fights and kicks free to the ROPEBREAK!! The fans are thunderous as Desperado survives!
Fujita is frustrated but the fans rally hard as ever! Fujita storms back up to Desperado, and clamps on a SLEEPER! Desperado endures but he looks to be fading! Desperado flails, reaches out again, but Fujita drags him from the ropes! Red Shoes checks as Desperado is fading! Fujita hits a GERMAN SUPLEX!! Bridging cover, TWO?!? Desperado still has live and the fans are thunderous! Fujita roars and rises, then brings Desperado up and in. But Desperado blocks the suplex! Fujita still tries, only for Desperado to wrench free! Fujita ROCKS Desperado with a forearm, but Desperado holds onto the wristlock!
Fujita ROCKS Desperado again, but still Desperado holds onto the wristlock! Fujita winds up to ROCK Desperado, Desperado DECKS Fujita!! Both men fall and the fans are thunderous again! Desperado rises and roars and he drags Fujita up! Desperado underhooks the arms, PINCHE- NO, Fujita fights free and wrenches to a standing armlock! Desperado fights, but Fujita keeps him from ropes! So Desperado rolls through to STRETCH MUFFLER!! Fujita flails, Desperado thrashes, and then NUMERO DOS!! Fujita endures, reaches out, but Desperado thrashes around and around! The fans rally as hard as they can and Fujita keeps fighting forward!!
Fujita reaches out but Desperado steps over! NUMERO DOS EXTRA!! Fujita taps, Desperado wins!!
Winner: El Desperado, by submission (gains 2 points; Fujita earns 0)
The Rogue Luchador showed that he could do technical as good as anyone, and the Young Punk could not overcome! Will Fujita have to fight even harder if he wants to reach that next level? Is this how hard Desperado’s gonna fight every round in order to make it to the finals?
Best of the Super Juniors 31 B Block: Hiromu Takahashi VS DOUKI!
The Ticking Timebomb couldn’t blow up the Timesplitter, Japones Del Mal couldn’t break the Bone Soldier. But now, one of them will get on the board, but will it be LIJ or Just5Guys that takes the day?
Hiromu once again gifts Milano Collection AT-san with a framed copy of his headshot. Taichi looks at it, and prays as if it were the picture of a fallen family member. The bell rings and surprisingly, the fans are strongly behind Douki! The two circle, tie up, and are in a deadlock. Douki powers Hiromu to ropes, but Hiromu turns things around. Red Shoes calls for the ropebreak, Hiromu slowly lets off, but then swings! Douki dodges, whips, but Hiromu reverses. Hiromu drops down, hurdles, but Douki intercepts the monkey flip to wheelbarrow! SUPLEX DE LA- NO, Hiromu arm-drags Douki away! Hiromu runs up to RAM Douki!
Hiromu puts Douki on the ropes, KICKS the ropes, then runs and SHOTGUNS Douki down! The fans fire up while Douki tumbles out, and Hiomru points to the upper level. Hiromu goes out, and he brings Douki around. But Douki throws body shots, and he THROWS Hiromu into the barriers! Now Douki decides that they will go up into the orange seats! The fans cheer as they reach that upper level, and Douki reels Hiromu in. But Hiromu snap suplexes Douki to the floor! The fans fire up again and Hiromu scuffs Douki. Hiromu high-fives with the fans and the fans join in on shouting “MOTO! MOTO! MOTO!”
Hiromu goes all the way to the far wall, runs back in, but Douki ELBOWS first! Douki then gets around, DOUBLE LARIATS collide! Both men stay up, so they DOUBLE CROSSBODY! Both men fall and the fans fire up again! Red Shoes starts the ring count, both men are still down at 8 of 20. Hiromu sits up at 10 and starts heading down. Douki hurries after, Hiromu takes a shortcut around commentary! Hiromu slides in at 18, Douki slides in at 19.5!! The fans cheer as this match continues! Hiromu grits his teeth and storms after Douki. Douki fires a forearm! Hiromu gives it back! They go back and forth, forearm for forearm, then Hiromu gets the edge!
Douki gets around to waistlock but Hiromu switches. Douki elbows Hiromu, goes to run but Hiromu reels him in. Douki kicks free and DDTs! Both men are down again and the fans fire up! Hiromu goes to ropes but Douki storms up behind him. Douki whips Hiromu but Hiromu reverses. Douki arm-drags Hiromu to a corner! Douki runs in to ELBOW, then he keeps moving, springboard BACK ELBOW! Cover, TWO! Into ITALIAN STRETCH #32! But Hiromu scrambles right to the ROPEBREAK! Douki lets go, and can you believe this is only the first five minutes? Douki goes to the apron and aims, but Hiromu ducks Daybreak!
Douki comes back, Hiromu BOOTS him, then jumps up for a HANGING HEADSCISSOR! Red Shoes reprimands and counts, Hiromu lets go at 4, then he runs in to whip Douki to a corner. Hiromu snapmares and runs to basement dropkick! The fans fire up while Douki tumbles out of the ring. Hiromu goes to the apron, aims and FLYING SHOTGUNS! Down goes Douki and Hiromu fires up! The fans are with “HI-RO-MU!” and he goes back for Douki. Hiromu puts Douki in, covers, TWO! The fans rally up as Douki is still in this, but Hiromu brings Douki up. Hiromu fireman’s carries but Douki fights the lift!
Douki throws elbows but Hiromu still fireman’s carries! Douki slips free, shoves Hiromu to a corner and runs up, but into a BOOT! Hiromu runs up, Douki gets around, and Douki ducks the elbow to HELL STAB! Douki runs but Hiromu fireman’s carries, to CORNER DEATH VALLEY! Hiromu grins and he storms over to Douki. Hiromu fireman’s carries again, but Douki sunset flips! Hiromu rolls through but Douki reels him in, ITALIAN STRETCH- NO, Hiromu pops fere and rolls Douki to his feet! Suplex, but Douki slips free to Gory Especial! DOTON- NO! Hiromu arm-drags free! Douki comes back, pop-up and ITALIAN STRETCH #32!
The fans fire up as Hiromu endures and fights around! Douki pulls on the hold, Hiromu starts to fade! Hiromu reaches out with his feet, and fights his way over, only for Douki to roll him far, far away! But then Hiromu jackknife bridges! TWO as Douki bridges up! Douki spins Hiromu around, Gory Especial for DOTON NO JUTSU!! Backslide, TWO!! But Douki rolls over Hiromu to wheelbarrow, but Hiromu COMPLETE SHOT COUNTERS! The fans fire up again while both men are down! Douki and Hiromu crawl to their corners, the fans rally up, and Hiromu shouts at Douki. Hiromu says this isn’t over yet!
Douki and Hiromu run in, DOUBLE LARIATS collide! Douki runs, Hiromu ELBOWS him! Hiromu runs but that just lures Douki in for an ELBOW! Hiromu ROLLING- NO, Douki ducks, anticipates, and SNAP GERMANS! But Hiromu rises! He dodges to SNAP GERMAN back! But Douki rises! Into HIROMU-CHAN BOMBER!! But Douki’s right up! DOUKI-SAN BOMBER!! Both men rise, run in, DOUBLE LARIATS again! Both men stagger and fall back into their corners and the fans are thunderous! Red Shoes checks both men, they’re okay to continue, and they slowly rise up. Hiromu shouts at Douki again, and they both run in! HIROMU-CHAN BOMBER!!
Hiromu hurries to get Douki up to fireman’s carry! TIMEBOMB 1.5!! Cover, TWO?! Douki survives and the fans fire up again! Hiromu fires back up, drags Douki back up, dragon sleepers and TIMEBOMB- NO, Douki kicks and kicks and gets free! So Hiromu suplexes, only for Douki to wrench! Hiromu SUPERKICKS! Both men wobble, Douki fires up, but Hiromu SUPERKICKS again! Hiromu roars, dragon sleepers and TIMEBOMB- NO, Douki flails to fight free again! O’Conner, Hiromu sits on it, but Douki quickly tips it over to a victory roll! TWO, and Douki wheelbarrows Hiromu! Full nelson, but Hiromu breaks that to somersault clutch! But Douki stifles it!
Douki tries again, but Hiromu pops free of the wheelbarrow to SOMERSAULT CLUTCH! TWO!! SUPERKICK! Hiromu grins as he and Douki both drop to a knee! Douki is face down but Hiromu hauls him up! VICTORY ROYALE!! Cover, TWO?!?! Douki survives and the fans are thunderous again! Hiromu is beside himself, but he dragon sleepers Douki. Douki slips around, to IMPALER DDT! And then ITALIAN STRETCH #32!! Hiromu endures, the fans duel as hard as they can, and Douki pulls on the hold as hard as he can! Hiromu fights around, but Douki rolls him from ropes! Only for Hiromu to lift Douki!
Hiromu powers Douki through, VICTORY- NO, Douki drags Hiromu back down! ITALIAN STRETCH #32!! Hiromu is fading! Hiromu tips over, the fans duel even harder than before, and Douki pulls on the hold! Hiromu gets a second wind, stands back up, and manages to deadlift Douki, but Douki PULLS!!! Hiromu is still on his feet but he’s turning red! Red Shoes checks, Hiromu refuses to give up, but he falls over! Hiromu’s foaming from the mouth, Red Shoes calls it!! DOUKI WINS!!
Winner: Douki, by referee stoppage (gains 2 points; Hiromu earns 0)
Hiromu sputters awake moments later, and Red Shoes tells him that Douki took the win! That makes Hiromu a shocking 0-2 start! Is it no longer the Timebomb’s time?
As for Douki, he sits down but has the mic to call to Hiromu. Hiromu doesn’t turn around until the third time, and Douki tells him, “You’re certainly one of the best wrestlers in the world.” The fans applaud that show of respect. “But for today, I am the better man.” The fans cheer for that one! Douki continues by saying Hiromu is surely disappointed right now. “Sorry to you and all the Hiromu fans. You’ll all go home disappointed today.” The Douki fans cheer that! Douki then asks the fans, “What did you think of today’s show?” They cheer because it was a great one!
Douki says, “These are NJPW’s Junior Heavyweights! And I just beat Hiromu, the face of the division! All that’s left is to win the whole damn thing!” The fans especially like the sound of that! Douki leaves it there, but will he come through and prove he’s The Best of the Super Juniors now?
Here are the NEW A Block standings!
Titan: 2-0, 4 points
Blake Christian: 2-0, 4 points
El Desperado: 1-1, 2 points
Kosei Fujita: 1-1, 2 points
Kevin Knight: 1-1, 2 points
HAYATA: 1-1, 2 points
Yoshinobu Kanemaru: 1-1, 2 points
Clark Connors: 1-1, 2 points
TJP: 0-2, 0 points
BUSHI: 0-2, 0 points
Here are the NEW B Block standings!
Ninja Mack: 2-0, 4 points
Taiji Ishimori: 2-0, 4 points
KUSHIDA: 2-0, 4 points
SHO: 1-1, 2 points
Francesco Akira: 1-1, 2 points
Robbie Eagles: 1-1, 2 points
DOUKI: 1-1, 2 points
Hiromu Takahashi: 0-2, 0 points
Dragon Dia: 0-2, 0 points
“Drilla” Moloney: 0-2, 0 points
My Thoughts:
An awesome second round for the BOSJ, especially with some of these more shocking results. A Block is really competitive with so many 1-1 records right now, and I really like their choices for the top two right now. One is Titan, last year’s runner-up, and the other is Blake Christian, who has bounced around all over the place. I was first aware of him through NXT, but that was sadly NXT 2.0 as run by Vince McMahon and he had no idea what he was doing with well over half of NXT 2.0.
Blake Christian avoided a really sad take on a superhero persona under Vince, and while he’s been in AEW and ROH, he clearly found something that works in GCW to where they gave him their top title. Blake would make for a great dark horse in this tournament. B Block is also looking good, with Ninja Mack, Taiji Ishimori and Kushida leading the way. Kushida’s win over Sho was awesome stuff, would love to see Kushida and Sho have a title match before the BOSJ 31 winner gets his.
And in both blocks, there has been great drama surrounding how Desperado and Hiromu are doing this year. Desperado gets probably the best match out of Fujita I’ve ever seen, gets the win, that was probably the actual best match of the night. But then Hiromu VS Douki was still awesome stuff, too, especially with Douki getting that upset victory. Douki’s hit that spot like Yoshi-Hashi before him, in that he’s been here long enough that fans are coming around to him, want to see him succeed, and it’s all coming together. I don’t know if Douki wins this tournament but the way he’s been going, he’s gotta make it outta the round robin phase.
My Score: 9.1/10
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Coverage
Andrew’s TNA iMPACT! Results & Match Ratings: 6.27.2024
Road to Slammiversary Qualifiers continue! Nic Nemeth vs Rich Swann & Steve Maclin vs Sami Callihan!
We’re continuing the Road to Slammiversary qualifiers and generally building the storylines. Jordynne will probably confront ASH by Elegance after the interaction last week, we could get more information on exactly how JDC plays into The System and The ABC wanted to prove they were ready for a tag title shot, so we get to see what or who their litmus test is.
I expect a lot of building blocks, so maybe still nothing of heavy must-see stature, but here’s to hoping its decent!
Ratings:
- Masha Slamovich w/Alisha Edwards vs Xia Brookside: Masha wins via Russian Death Device – ** 1/2
- The ABC (Ace Austin & Chris Bey) vs The Deaners (Jake Something & Cody Deaner) vs The Rascalz (Trey Miguel & Zachary Wentz): ABC win via 1-2-Sweet – ** 1/4
- Road to Slammiversary Qualifier: Steve Maclin vs Sami Callihan: Maclin wins via Rope Hung KIA – ***
- Kushida vs Alan Angels: Kushida wins via Hoverboard Lock – * 1/2
- Road to Slammiversary Qualifier: Nic Nemeth vs Rich Swann: Nic Nemeth wins via Danger Zone – *** 1/4
Results:
Things open up with Thicc Mama Pump Jordynne Grace coming out to the ring for an interview with Gia Miller. Jordynne says she talked to Santino about a match with ASH, and its for TONIGHT! Concierge and ASH come out to explain that they read the contract and made an amendment, the match will happen at Slammiversary. ASH and Concierge send security to go escort her out because ‘she’s violent’, and Jordynne beats the hell out of them.
Masha Slamovich w/Alisha Edwards vs Xia Brookside
World of Sport chain wrestling opening, with Xia getting out of an Arm Wringer, Headlock Takeover from Xia, but Masha stands up, posts Xia in the corner, but when Masha tries to charge in to continue, Xia raises a foot, works Masha into an opposite corner, a corner Rocket Launcher with Xia’s little dance flair, before Masha powders and Xia goes for the Dive but Alisha grabs her foot. This turns the tide of momentum and now Xia is getting worked over, choked against the ropes and Alisha gets involved again leading to a Snap Suplex from Masha for a near fall. Short Arm Lariats, Garvin Stomps, and Xia keeps fighting back up. Masha misses two Sambo Kicks, Xia hits a Flurry of Shoteis, rope run into a Headscissors Takedown which causes Masha to retreat to the corner and eat Broken Wings into a Neckbreaker.
Xia connects with a Knee Lift, Alisha tries to get involved again, but Xia clocks her, but Masha takes advantage of the opening, Roundhouse Kick connects into the Russian Death Device! Masha wins!
https://x.com/i/status/1806482393785934081
So AJ Francis buys a classic belt, the International Heavyweight Championship, former MAC World Heavyweight Championship. He declares himself the new champion of a belt that’s been deactivated since 1975. If this is just some attempt at psychological warfare against PCO to bring out the man over the monster, it has my attention.
Mustafa Ali comes out to address the tape, he basically says it was an AI generated Deepfake. A small chant for we want Speedball starts, Ali shuts it down and kicks out the people chanting against him. Nice reference to Trump kicking out certain media outlets who are against him. A ‘fan’ throws a drink in Ali’s face, Ali attacks the plant, goes crazy and Speedball makes the save for the fan. Bailey and Ali get separated, Ali starts attacking Speedball, and I guess we have our Slammiversary match set up right here. Ali makes a declaration that he’s sick of people saying he’s scared of Speedball and just over it, so Ali challenges Speedball just to silence the doubters.
The ABC (Ace Austin & Chris Bey) vs The Deaners (Jake Something & Cody Deaner) vs The Rascalz (Trey Miguel & Zachary Wentz)
Jake is relegated to tag team stupidity with a fucking moron now? Why can’t they ever push this damn man? Why must you weigh him down with a piece of garbage like Deaner? If you’re gonna start and stop with Jake all the damn time, just fire him, its infuriating to try and watch.
Rascalz get split apart and shared between the two ‘babyface’ teams. Deaner starts with Trey in the ring, and Cody is still asking dumb things to the audience. Deaner doesn’t have “Go Away” heat, he has “Get hit by bus, watch the bus kick it into reverse to run him over again, and then shoot him in the head” heat. I can’t bring myself to care about this match until Cody is out of the ring. He’s a dweeb, he ain’t winning shit, so he’s a larger waste of space than Yoshi Hashi. Oh after Deaner bores me for a few minutes, Ace finally tags himself in and Cody out, so he wipes out the Rascalz, hits the Wheelbarrow Side Slam, Click Click Boom, and Bey and Wentz get in so we get some quick tandem shenanigans. Rascalz do get the best of things, Assisted Shotgun Dropkicks into the corner, Superkick, Backbend, Tandem Double Stomp, as Bey breaks the pin. Jake tags himself in by Chopping Trey across the chest, and just runs over all four of the smaller competitors and lands a Sitout Powerbomb on Ace! Rascalz with the Double Superkick Save, Kick Flurry, Wentz dives on to Jake but Jake shrugs it off, Trey tries the 619 Fakeout into the Headscissors, but Jake rolls through twice to Powerbomb Trey into Wentz, Ace tries his handstand dodge and Jake just grabs him and Dumps him Release Brainbuster style on The Rascalz. Jake gets neutralized with help of the ropes, 1-2-Sweet from ABC pin Deaner, to literally no one’s surprise.
Deaner is a complete waste of space.
Road to Slammiversary Qualifier: Steve Maclin vs Sami Callihan
Maclin opens immediately with the Busaiku Knee! Tries the Jar-Headbutt, but misses and Sami rushes the Cactus Driver! 1-2-Kick out! So the fast flurry turns into both men trading shots and things just being more of a brawl. Maclin gets the early advantage with a Lariat, Sami powders, Maclin tries the SCUD and Sami sidesteps and connects with a Forearm to the temple. Sami feeds Maclin back in, gets through the ropes and EATS A BUSAIKU KNEE! Jar-Headbutt connects for a near fall!
They go outside and Maclin starts bouncing Sami’s face off the post, Maclin runs along the apron and hits a Mick Foley style Elbow Drop! Both are exhausted, take until the 8 count to get back in the ring and then start throwing hands. Strike exchanges, Maclin hits a Backbreaker for a near fall but Callihan grabs the rope and refuses to go with the Suplex. Callihan shifts his weight and rolls over Maclin, Maclin charges and Sami catches him into a T-Bone Suplex and both sell for a standing count. Sami drags Maclin to the corner, brings him to the top and is looking for an Avalanche Cactus Driver, but Maclin blocks it, big Forearm stops it and then his starts clubbing Sami across the face and chest. But Sami grabs Maclin, Avalanche Death Valley Driver, Cactus Driver ’97; MACLIN KICKS OUT! Sami tries another Cactus Driver from the apron to the floor, but Maclin fights him off, they trade shots and headbutts, but Sami Lariats Maclin back into the ring. Sami slowly heads back in, eats a Sideswipe Busaiku Knee! Rope Hung KIA (Green Killer if you will), and Maclin wins!
Kushida vs Alan Angels
Angels tries to attack Kushida before the bell because he’s garbage, but Kushida avoids Angel’s attempts at trying to wrestle. Kushida Soccer Kick’s the arm, Angels goes to the ropes and ends up using the rope to Stun Gun Kushida and starts working over Kushida, Corner Splash into a Neckbreaker for a quick near fall, but Kushida is looking like a dork giving Angels offense. Angels has Kushida in a Headlock and the stereotypical fight back up with the crowd claps spot, and Kushida hits a few kicks, goes for his Springboard Back Elbow but Angels Dropkicks him out of the ring. Angels cockily heads out to collect Kushida, but Kushida grabs an Armbreaker and then DDT’s the Arm on the outside. A little rope run, Angels tries a Springboard move but Kushida connects with the Tanaka Punch and then Hoverboard Lock to win.
Match was entirely too close to competitive. But Gresham attacks Kushida after, tries to give Kushida the Inky Hawk Tuah, but the referees and security stop it.
https://x.com/i/status/1806501016789020919
Road to Slammiversary Qualifier: Nic Nemeth vs Rich Swann
Rich comes out with AJ Francis and DJ Whoo Kid. AJ Francis going full Ryouji Sai is very amusing to me, but like I said earlier, if this is an angle to provoke the human side of PCO, I could dig on this International Heavyweight title.
Early on there’s not a ton of important contact, Rich powders to embrace AJ and just be a generally chiding asshat, he even calls up DJ Whoo Kid to give him a drink like a corner man. AJ gets involved, the referee is distracted with Whoo Kid and Rich, AJ cracks Nic with a can of Gin & Juice, Rich rolls him up, but he kicks out. Rich tries to distract the referee again, but this time he catches AJ mid wind up, and ejects AJ Francis. Even with the ejection, Rich keeps a few kicks and back elbows flying, so Nemeth hasn’t quite been able to find an angle into the match. His momentary spurts get instantly stopped by Rich. Spinning Backfist by Rich into a Snapping Round Kick to the face. Nic retreats to a corner and manages to keep Rich at bay with some Push Kicks. Nic hits a Flying Bodypress, into a Splash in the corner, then a Neckbreaker and hits multitude of Elbows for a near fall. Rich retreats this time and keeps Nic at kicking distance, Flying Seated Clothesline from Rich gives him a near fall, but now the momentum has left Nemeth.
Rich tries to Spear Nic in the corner, misses and bounces out, FAME ASS-ER! Rear Naked Choke from Nic, but Rich fights to his feet, grabs the ropes, Danger Zone attempt, but Rich keeps hold of the ropes and then hits a big kick to the dome for a 2 count. Rich goes for the Middle Rope Frog Splash, but Nic gets his knees up and turns it into a Cradle, only 2. Rich snaps off a kick Spinning Heel Kick into a Lethal Injection for 2! Fighting Spirit spot as the fists fly. Headbutts, Traded Superkicks, Jumping DDT into Danger Zone from Nic!
Overall Score: 6/10
The expected people won the qualifying matches, AJ Francis resurrected a defunct belt from PCO’s past, Cody Deaner is more useless than Biden in a debate, Mustafa Ali became unhinged and Xia Brookside is…still goddamn adorable. WHY DID SHE HAVE TO HAVE A DECENT MATCH! I have openly cringed and hated at her wrestling since 2017, but somehow in this last month she has turned a corner OR I hit my head entirely too hard. Xia is really bringing out my inner Tsundere, because I don’t want to like her, I liked when I thought she was trash, so I t-t-totally don’t like you, Xia BAKAside! *huffs off to a vending machine for coffee*
Onto more important things, Steve Maclin and Nic Nemeth were the right choices today to win. All of house Hardy being in action in Philly is fun information, Reby and Matt vs Eddie and Alisha, Jeff will be in action as well, so that should finish selling out the 2300 Arena if it wasn’t already. But some of the bad stuff was honestly, the whole premise for the ASH and Jordynne open was stupid and convoluted, especially with a heel demanding security remove the champion from the ring because of “past aggression” but nothing that happened today…that’s just dumb. Also Jonathan Gresham’s character is dead in the water. They murdered the octopus in a month. This character seems desperate and pathetic after only like a month of existing. Good job ruining a potentially interesting gimmick.
Complaints aside, the episode was fine. It didn’t really do anything to WOW people, but in was inoffensive and added a little more clarity to Slammiversary.
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Will Kyle Fletcher truly become the best in ROH?
Mark Briscoe defends his ROH World Championship against the ROH World TV Champion, Kyle Fletcher! Will we see the rise of the Two Belt Protostar? Or will the Sussex County Chicken stay golden?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Lee Johnson VS Alex Reynolds w/ Evil Uno; Lee wins.
- Marina Shafir VS Erica Leigh; Marina wins.
- Six Man Tag: Lance Archer & The Righteous VS Duke Davis, Victor Benjamin & Ganon Jones Jr; Archer & The Righteous win.
- Taya Valkyrie VS Trish Adora; Taya wins.
- ROH Women’s World Television Championship Proving Ground: Billie Starkz VS Angelica Risk; Billie wins and denies Risk a title match.
- ROH World Championship: Mark Briscoe VS Kyle Fletcher; Mark wins and retains the title.
PLAY BY PLAY
Backstage interview with Athena & Billie Starkz.
Lexy Nair is with the ROH Women’s World Champion and ROH Women’s World TV Champion, as well as some MIT (Minion In Training) security, and Lexy says, “Ladies and gentlemen, we are calling an Emergency MEM, a Minion Empowerment Meeting.” Athena does not feel safe at work anymore. Queen Aminata & Red Velvet have tried to take everything from them. They even took three to four more months away from Athena. What? Yeah, now the ligament is torn all the way through! Now she’s out for eight to twelve! Athena got these Minions, they are nowhere near ready to graduate but they are their private security from here on out.
Billie says she is so sorry Athena has had to put up with this. The disrespect done by Aminata & Velvet is unimaginable! Athena has done so much for the ROH Women’s Division! They only have jobs here because of Athena. Billie says it is ridiculous. She tells the security to step up and protect Athena. Lexy says those… hussies need to learn who really runs ROH! M I T 4 EVER! Baddest ones swing first! Athena says they should get Lexy a championship or something. Idea! Minions, let’s roll out. Billie helps Athena along, what kind of title are they gonna gift Lexy? Will Athena and Billie lose their belts long before then?
Lee Johnson VS Alex Reynolds w/ Evil Uno!
Big Shotty had one last shot at the ROH World TV Championship last time, and though Kyle Fletcher resorted to dirty tactics, Lee still lost. Will Lee still stay afloat in the rankings, waiting for his chance at another title? Or will Number 3 make himself into a number one contender in his own right?
The Code of Honor is upheld, the bell rings, and the two circle. The fans rally, the two tie up, and Reynolds wrenches. Lee rolls, kips up, and wrenches back. Reynolds rolls, slips through to waistlock then spin Lee to a snapmare. Reynolds chinlocks but Lee slips right out to hammerlock. Reynolds endures, fights up, but Lee shifts to a headlock. Lee hits the takeover, Reynolds headscissors, but Lee kips up! Lee waits on Reynolds, and the fans applaud the sportsmanship, as does Evil Uno. Reynolds says okay, alright, and the two reset. They tie up and Reynolds headlocks. Lee powers Reynolds down to his knees, then pops out the back.
Lee headlocks, Reynolds powers up and out, but Lee reverses the whip. Lee drops, hurdles, but Reynolds stops himself. Reynolds comes back, Lee sweeps the legs, cover, ONE! Lee slides, runs up, but Reynolds ducks the Penalty Kick to roll Lee up! TWO, and Lee runs up again. They both try an arm-drag, those cancel out, but Lee slips around to a backslide! TWO, the arms are still hooked and both men stand! Reynolds swings out but Lee arm-drags! And arm-drags again! And DROPKICKS! Cover, ONE!! Reynolds stays in this but he’s also a bit frustrated. Reynolds shoves Lee, Lee shoves back, and the fans rally up.
Reynolds apologizes for getting heated, offers a handshake, and Lee takes it. The two reset while the fans cheer. They tie up, and Reynolds waistlocks. Lee switches, Reynolds switches, repeat. Reynolds ELBOWS free, runs, but Lee follows to LARAIT Reynolds up and out! The fans fire up and Lee builds speed, to FLY! Direct hit and down goes Reynolds! The fans fire up again and Lee even high-fives the front row. Lee drags Reynolds up as fans chant for “R O H! R O H!” Lee aims from the apron but Uno storms over. The ref stops Uno there, Lee steps in, but Reynolds KNEES him to the floor! Reynolds goes out and throws Lee into steel steps!
Lee clutches a shoulder while he’s down on the floor. Reynolds drags Lee up, puts him in and covers, TWO! Reynolds drags Lee up and throws him out of the ring! Uno helps Lee up, only to send him into the steel steps! The fans are torn but Reynolds goes out to fetch Lee. Reynolds puts Lee in the ring, covers, TWO! Lee toughs it out but Reynolds keeps on him. Reynolds cravats for a neck wrench, then he throws knees. Reynolds hits a CRAVAT PLEX! Lee writhes but Reynolds goes to a corner. Reynolds climbs up to the top, MOONSAULT FLOPS as Lee moves just in time! Uno panics while Lee drags himself up.
Reynolds also pulls himself up with ropes, runs back in, but Lee ALLEY-OOPS him tot he buckles! Reynolds staggers, Lee runs to LARIAT! And LARIAT again! Lee whips, Reynolds reverses but Lee slides to a stop! Lee gets around to NECKBREAKER! Lee kips up and fires up, and the fans are with him! Lee PENALTY KICKS, then STANDING MOONSAULTS! Cover, TWO! Reynolds is tough but Lee punches the fire back into himself. Lee stalks Reynolds, drags him up and dragon sleepers, but Reynolds throws knees from below! Reynolds snapmares free, Lee comes back, but into a POP-UP KNEE!
Reynolds reels Lee in, underhooks the arms, TIGER- RANA COUNTER! Cover, TWO!! Reynolds escapes in time, and BOOTS! ROLLING- SUPERKICK from Lee! Lee runs, into the ROLLING ELBOW! Reynolds shoves Lee at ropes, then BLINDSIDE ROLLING ELBOWS! Cover, TWO!! Lee survives but Reynolds drags him right up! Underhooks and TIGER DRIVER! Flip over, and STUFF PILEDRIVER!! Cover, TWO?!?! Lee survives and shocks Reynolds! Uno argues the count but it was fair. Reynolds, blood in his mouth, snarls and rises up. The fans rally for Lee but Reynolds drags him back up to fisherman and- CRADLE COUNTER! TWO!!
Reynolds tips things to his cover, TWO!! Lee slips around, full nelson and spin into the dragon sleeper! Reynolds fights with fists, spins the dragon sleeper around again, and he inverted suplexes! But Lee slips through to have the dragon sleeper back! BIG SHOT LAWN DART! The fans fire up and Lee drags Reynolds from the corner. Uno gets on the apron, so Lee SUPERKICKS him down! Dragon sleeper, BIG SHOT DROP! Cover, Lee wins!
Winner: Lee Johnson, by pinfall
Now that was a rebound victory! Lee is back on the right track, will enough truly be enough? Will Lee finally get himself some gold?
Backstage interview with The Undisputed Kingdom.
Arkady Aura is with Matt Taven & Mike Bennett, and wants to ask- Taven stops here there to apologize. She’s not just “Not Lexy,” what’s her name? Arkady. No, seriously, what’s her name? Arkady. Is she playing around right now? Is she messing with him? What IS her name? It really is Arkady. That cannot be a real name, no way her parents did that to her. Why is everyone around here wasting Taven’s time? 2Point0, The Infantry, ALL these teams of ROH, all wasting his time! The Kingdom is THE greatest tag team in ROH history, and they’re just trying to prove that night after night, and yet he’s got people like Arkady wasting his time!
Bennett adds that the real problem is, they need more competition. Maybe Bennett needs to beg for more competition. Maybe he needs to pray for it. He’s never been very religious, he’s got a contentious relationship with God, but hey, he’ll give it a try. Bennett kneels, he isn’t sure who he’s praying to. Oh, he’ll pray to “The Booker Man,” Tony Khan. Also Taven points out that Bennett on his knees is still taller than Arkady. But Bennett says, “Dear Tony, I am begging you, please, from the bottom of my cold, black heart, I am begging you please, give us some competition. Give us a team that is as talented as us, that is as strong as us, that is as athletic as us.
“And maybe, a team that’s as good looking as us? I dunno, but please, give us some competition. Amen.” Bennett stands and says with all that said, he’ll talk to the ROH Tag Division, to the AEW Tag Division, to the tag teams EVERYWHERE around the world! Listen up! Bennett wants competition, because when you step in the ring with Taven & Bennett, you get the very best team in the world! The Kingdom has traveled every single country, every single US state! They show up every single time, and all they want is a challenge. So if you’re out there, come talk to The Kingdom. That’s quite the open challenge, but who will answer it?
BREAKING NEWS!
Tony Khan has heard Bennett’s “prayer” and has made it official for next week! In an ROH World Tag Team Championship Proving Ground match, The Kingdom will take on Komander & Metalik! Will the Commander of the Skies & The King of the Ropes be able to get one over on the self-professed best tag team today?
Taya Valkyrie VS Trish Adora!
While Athena’s reign is on hold with that leg injury, the chase is always ongoing! La Wera Loca collides with The AfroPunk, but who proves they’re truly TV Ready?
Trish gets the fans to “OORAH!” with her, but Taya tells her to shut up already. The Code of Honor is upheld, the bell rings, and Taya fires off forearms! Taya knuckle locks, CHOPS, then CHOPS again! Taya CHOPS a third time, then wrenches to YANK the arm. And YANKS it again! Taya wristlocks, but Trish powers through to wrench back. And CHOP! CHOP! CHOP! Trish WRINGS the arm out, then storms up to CHOP at the ropes! And CHOP again! Trish snapmares, KICKS Taya in the back, and she grabs the arms. The fans cheer as Trish has the motorcycle stretch, then steps over. Then Trish does the splits! The fans fire up as Taya is folded up under Trish!
Taya endures as Trish bounces on her! Trish grins as she stands up, hooks Taya’s arms, and the fans clap along as Trish slaps. Trish salutes, then rolls for a sunset flip, TWO! Taya escapes, goes to ropes, but dodges Trish! Taya bails out and needs a breather. Taya says she’s so smart, but then Trish WRECKS her with a dropkick! The fans rally, Trish SMACKS Taya off the apron, but Taya blocks the lariat! Taya ROCKS Trish, mule kicks, and SMACKS her off the apron in return! Taya brings Trish around to SMACK her off steel steps! And SMACKS her off the steps again! The ring count climbs while Taya soaks up the heat.
Taya puts Trish in the ring, slaps her around, then CLUBS her! Trish snarls and ROCKS Taya! Taya ROCKS Trish! Trish ROCKS Taya! Taya kicks low, whips Trish to a corner, then ELBOWS her! And ROUNDHOUSES her! And ROUNDHOUSES again, and again! Taya sits Trish down, goes corner to corner, and METEORA! Taya grins as she drags Trish out to a cover, TWO! Trish stays in this and the fans rally up again. Taya hooks the arms, KNEES Trish in the back, then KICKS her! Trish grits her teeth but Taya goes back to the arms. Taya has her own motorcycle stretch on Trish now, but the fans rally as Trish endures.
Trish stomps around, the fans clap along, and Trish stands up to arm-drag free! Taya returns to LARIAT! Cover, TWO! Taya is frustrated with Trish and storms back up. Taya stands Trish up, SLAPS her, then reels her in. Trish fights the underhook lift, even as Taya keeps trying. Trish wrenches out, ducks a lariat, and fires big forearms! Trish winds up to ROCK Taya! The fans fire up, Taya swings but Trish dodges to CROSSBODY! Taya goes to a corner, Trish runs up and SPLASHES! Trish brings Taya out to then snap suplex! Bridging cover, TWO! Taya escapes but Trish fires herself back up.
The fans rally again and Trish fireman’s carries. Taya fires elbows to fight free, and slip around into a SLEEPER! Taya has the body scissors to be a backpack, but Trish fights the grip! Trish RAMS Taya into buckles, but Taya holds on! Trish moves around, but Taya drops down to arm-drag into an armlock! Trish fights but Taya shifts to stand on Trish for some stomps! Then SHANIA PAIN! Taya says that’s not all! She hooks up the legs, gets the arms again, SHANIA PAIN ENCORE!! Cover, Taya wins!
Winner: Taya Valkyrie, by pinfall
The self-proclaimed “Main Character” of the ROH Women’s Division gets a vicious victory! Will Taya make sure that one way or another, the title scenes are TV Ready?
Backstage interview with Leyla Hirsch.
Arkady Aura is now with The LEGIT One, and congratulates her on last week’s win over Diamante. Leyla thanks Arkady, and says she has faced Diamante four times. Every time, Diamante has pushed Leyla to her limits. But at the same time, Leyla gotten that win. Then to what happened after that match, Diamante brutally attacked Leyla, how is Leyla feeling? Leyla wasn’t surprised. But if she was Diamante, she’d be just as pissed, because Diamante just can’t beat Leyla. But then Diamante walks in to say that no one remembers Diamante losing to her four times. But what we do remember is Diamante leaving Leyla laying. Diamante walked away, Leyla didn’t.
Or wait, even worse, Leyla had the refs help her walk away. And see, every one of those loses were in wrestling matches. Diamante wants a fight! Leyla says Diamante’s talking her language. So how’s this? Next time, it will be NO HOLDS BARRED, suka! Then Diamante accepts, perra! The two rivals are turning up the heat, who will win when there’s nothing holding them back?
ROH Women’s World Television Championship Proving Ground: Billie Starkz VS Angelica Risk!
Clearly, things are heating up in the ROH Women’s Division, and Minion 400,237.75 is looking to protect the honor of her Fallen Goddess along with her title reign! Will Billie keep the win streak going to 12-0? Or is she taking on a big risk with this match?
Billie is clearly bummed, and Risk mockingly asks what’s wrong. Billie says she can’t see the competition, she’s too small! Risk says she’s never heard that before. The Code of Honor is upheld, the bell rings, but Billie pie faces Risk! Risk pie faces back and with some stank! Risk fires haymakers, Billie shoves her back then CHOKES her! The ref reprimands but Billie has Risk on the ropes. Risk breaks free, runs, and tilt-o-whirls, but Billie stops that to shove Risk away. Billie then follows to BOOT Risk down! Risk goes to a corner, Billie ROCKS her with a forearm. Billie whips corner to corner, runs up, and ROCKS Risk!
Billie sits Risk down, scuffs her over and over, but the ref counts. Billie digs her boot in, but the ref backs her off and reprimands. Billie “apologizes,” then jukes the ref to BOOT Risk again! Billie keeps after Risk but the ref backs her off. The fans rally up as Billie swaggers a bit, then runs corner to corner to BOOT WASH! Risk sputters, Billie tells the fans to stop yelling at the ref, that’s her job. Billie then stands Risk up to SMACK her! Risk SLAPS back! Billie ROCKS Risk, stomps her down, then gets in the ref’s face as he reprimands. Billie snarls, follows Risk and whips her to a corner, but Risk goes up, only for Billie to catch her!
Billie fireman’s carries Risk around, then TOSSES her to the apron! Risk flops to the floor, Billie “kicks dirt” at her, then goes out the side. Billie storms up on Risk, gets her up but Risk ROCKS her! And kicks her! And ROCKS her again! Billie KNEES Risk low, then RAMS her into the barriers! The fans fire up and Billie frolics away. Billie grins, runs back in, and SHOTGUNS Risk into the barriers! The fans fire up again and Billie says that was for Boss Athena! Get well soon! Billie stalks Risk, puts her in the ring, then climbs up a corner. Risk rolls away to the far side, and Billie is annoyed. Billie hops down, throws a fit, then stalks Risk.
Billie SLAPS Risk around, talks trash, and the fans rally up. Billie says she’s smart, she’s got this. Billie puts Risk on ropes, and mocks Red Velvet stirrin’ it up. Billie runs, but Risk moves! Billie jumps into the ropes and gets caught up! Risk slaps Billie around and shouts, “Screw you, ya little punk!” Now Risk runs and comes back, to 619! Billie wobbles, Risk steps in, TORNADO- NO, Billie stops the DDT to HEEL KICK! #OffWithHerHead! And then Billie clamps onto Risk, hammerlock and CHINBAR! Risk TAPS, Billie wins!
Winner: Billie Starkz, by submission (denies Angelica Risk a title opportunity)
That twisted hold gets Billie another one, and she promises to hold it down while Athena recovers. But will the Minion be able to keep this going with Red Velvet chasing after her?
ROH World Championship: Mark Briscoe VS Kyle Fletcher!
The top two men in ROH battle to prove who is truly the best! Will the Sussex County Chicken still be bringing his gold to the TNT Championship Ladder Match this Sunday? Or will he be shot down by The Aussie Arrow?
The introductions are made, the top title is raised, and we see who truly embodies the spirit of ROH!
The Code of Honor is not upheld, but that’s par for the course with Kyle. The bell rings, the two circle, and the fans rally behind Mark. Mark and Kyle tie up, Mark wrenches and wristlocks, but Kyle wrenches back. Kyle whips, Mark slides under and then crane stance. Kyle doesn’t take that seriously, but he still blocks the kick. Kyle spins Mark around, back suplexes, but Mark lands out! Mark ducks, whips, arm-drags for an armlock, but Kyle headscissors! Mark kips free, the two stand off, and the fans fire up! Allentown chants “MAN UP! MAN UP!” and that annoys Kyle. Mark and Kyle reset and circle again.
The two tie up, Mark headlocks and he grinds Kyle down. Kyle powers up but can’t power out as Mark holds tight! Mark grinds the headlock but Kyle powers up again. Kyle puts Mark on ropes, the ref counts, and Mark lets go. But then Kyle headlocks back! Mark powers out, Kyle sunset flips, but Mark rolls through to jump right on for a headlock! The fans cheer as Mark grinds the hold, pushes things to a cover, TWO! Kyle fights up, throws body shots, then powers out. Mark RAMS Kyle, Kyle rebounds, but Mark CHOPS! Mark says Kyle’s a big man, huh? Mark runs, but Kyle runs him over! The fans boo but Kyle brushes himself off.
Mark goes to a corner, Kyle storms over and stomps him down! Kyle stomps more, the ref counts, and Kyle lets off. Mark stands to CHOP! And CHOP! Kyle ROCKS Mark back! Kyle brings Mark around to CHOP! Mark goes to a corner, Kyle whips corner to corner, then he runs in, but Mark dodges! Mark runs in, blocks a boot, but not the SUPERKICK! Kyle goes up, but Mark REDNECK KUNG-FU UPPERCUTS! The fans fire up as Kyle falls to the floor! Mark builds speed, and he DIVES! Direct hit at the ramp and the fans are thunderous! Mark high-fives everyone, and borrows a fan’s hat for a photo op!
Mark gives the hat back, then CHOPS Kyle again! Kyle sputters as he staggers away, but Mark turns him around, REDNECK UPPERCUT! The fans fire up again, CRANE DROPKICK! Mark puts Kyle in the ring, fires up with the fans, but Kyle comes back to CALF KICK! Kyle goes out to get Mark for an APRON BACK SUPLEX! Kyle then takes aim to PENALTY KICK! Mark falls, Kyle shouts this is why he’s a champ! The fans boo but Kyle says he’s gonna soon be double champ! Kyle then drags Mark up and whips him hard into barriers! Mark even tumbles up and over! The fans boo Kyle but he soaks up the heat.
Mark drags himself up, Kyle hears the ring count, and he taunts the fans. Kyle suplexes Mark up and lands hard on the floor! The fans chant “YOU STILL SUCK!” Kyle soaks up that heat, but Mark CHOPS him! And CHOPS! And CHOPS! Kyle whips Mark into more barriers! Mark ends up in the laps of the fans! Kyle lounges while Mark flounders his way back up and over to ringside. Kyle puts Mark in the ring at 15 of 20, covers, TWO! Mark stays in this but Kyle stays calm. Mark goes to a corner, Kyle stalks him. Kyle brings Mark up to whip, then he ELBOWS Mark down! Kyle soaks up more heat as he paces around the ring.
Mark rises, Kyle aims and fires a haymaker! Mark has a wild look in his eyes, and the fans rally, “Let’s Go, Briscoe!” Kyle throws more hands but Mark just powers up! Mark blocks to ROCK Kyle! Kyle fires a forearm, Mark hits back, and they go back and forth! The fans are on Mark’s side but Kyle gets the edge! But a REDNECK UPPERCUT hits! Mark fires more shots, then whips, but Kyle reverses, only for Mark to CLOBBER him! The fans are thunderous as Mark goes to a corner. Mark powers up, runs in and SPLASHES! Mark then reels Kyle in, for a FISHERMAN BUSTER! Cover, TWO! Kyle survives and Mark is surprised.
Mark grits his teeth, the fans rally up, and Mark stands Kyle up. Mark CHOPS Kyle and he goes to a corner. Mark puts Kyle up top, climbs up after him, but Kyle shoves Mark away! Kyle leaps, but into a kick! Mark then scoops but Kyle slips free to waistlock. Mark breaks free of that to PELE! Kyle staggers, rebounds, and Mark ROLLING ELBOWS! The fans fire up as Mark says time to go up! Mark climbs a corner, but Kyle rises! GAMANGIRI! Mark is stuck on the corner, Kyle climbs up after him! Kyle suplexes, but Mark slips free! Mark then SHOVES Kyle onto the crossbar! Kyle is stuck and Mark climbs up!
Mark brings Kyle around, goes to the very top, and gives Kyle a SUPER DUPER FISHERMAN BUSTER!! Both men are down and the fans are thunderous! A standing count begins and the fans rally again. Mark crawls after Kyle but Kyle manages to roll away to the ropes! The fans boo as Kyle flops to the floor, saving himself there, but not for long! Mark says “I got his ass!” But then Kyle gets to the apron and SUPERKICKS! Kyle reels Mark in, grins, APRON- NO, Mark fights the driver to UPPERCUT! Mark runs up to SHOTGUN BOOT Kyle down! Kyle falls on the apron then to the floor, and Mark says BANG BANG! FOLEY ELBOW!
Mark puts Kyle in, goes up top, and the fans are thunderous for the FROGGY BOW, onto knees!! Ghost pin, TWO!! Mark survives, slips free as Kyle reels him in, and then tilt-o-whirls, but into the gut wrench! SPINNING TOMBSTONE!! Cover, TWO!!! Mark survives and shocks Kyle! Allentown is electric while Kyle and Mark are down. The fans rally up as Mark and Kyle rise. Mark stands first but Kyle takes aim. Kyle runs in to CALF KICK! And then he reels Mark in, but Mark trips him up! Jackknife bridge, TWO!! Kyle escapes, SUPERKICKS, then runs, into a fireman’s carry! ROLLING DEATH VALLEY!
Mark hurries right up top, and he aims again! FROGGY BOW!! Cover, TWO?!?! Kyle survives and shocks everyone, especially Mark! Kyle’s eyes are distant but clearly his fighting spirit is burning! Mark drags Kyle up, underhooks the arms, but Kyle fights the lift! Kyle wrenches out, dodges a lariat, and ROCKS Mark with a forearm! Kyle runs, Mark ROCKS Kyle now! Mark runs, Kyle follows to CALF KICK! Kyle runs, but he lures Mark in to SUPERKICK! And then SUPERKICK again! Kyle roars, runs, but into a KING KONG LARIAT!! Mark drags Kyle right up, underhooks, and JAY DRILLER!!! Cover, MARK WINS!
Winner: Mark Briscoe, by pinfall (still ROH World Champion)
The Protostar shined bright tonight, but not enough to burn up the Chicken! Mark reaches up to Heaven to show love and honor to his brother, Jay. Will all of ROH have to #ManUp if they wanna keep up with the champion?
My Thoughts:
A really good ROH clocking in at just an hour and 7 minutes. Good continued story of “Is Athena really hurt?” Athena claims she now needs eight months to a year, but based on last week, I’m still certain Athena is just using this to avoid fighting Aminata for the title. She will surely be found out within the next couple of weeks, and then have no choice but to face Aminata at Death Before Dishonor. Billie had a very good match with Angelica Risk, but I figured Billie would win. Her next challenger is of course Red Velvet, probably also at Death Before Dishonor, and honestly, both Athena and Billie could lose their belts and move up to AEW to go after those titles because they’re both great talents.
Really good opener from Lee winning over Reynolds. Lee did miss out on the ROH TV title for now, and will have to wait until Kyle loses it to go for it again. Wheeler Yuta is back, so the Pure Championship is also back, but Tony Khan doesn’t seem to be in any hurry to have a story for that title. Really good promo from The Kingdom to call out teams from around the world, though Bennett was a bit blasphemous with his fake prayer. The Kingdom VS Metalik & Komander will be a really good match, and I kinda hope that since it’s just a Proving Grounds match, Metalik & Komander can get a win by time limit, forcing a title match for Death Before Dishonor.
Good squash wins for Marina and the trio of Archer & The Righteous. Marina is building herself up so that no matter what happens with the women’s titles at DBD, she is a logical choice to be next up. Good promo from Leyla and Diamante to set up a No Holds Barred match, that also can help set someone up for a title match on the other side. Taya VS Trish was very good, and really good win for Taya. Taya is herself in the running for a title match on the other side of DBD, the obvious choice being the Women’s TV Championship since she was in the tournament and is all about “being TV Ready.”
And great main event from Mark and Kyle, though Mark was of course winning. Kyle is great but he’s not double champion great, yet. Plus, Kyle is going to defend the ROH World TV title tomorrow on a CMLL show against Atlantis Jr. Atlantis Jr. is also really good, but I don’t think the ROH World TV title changes hands on a non-ROH show. Kyle will surely return from Arena Mexico victorious to take on any number of possible choices at DBD. Maybe Mark even returns the favor by challenging for the TV title, as Mark surely loses out on the AEW TNT title at Forbidden Door.
My Score: 8.7/10
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