Coverage
Mitchell’s NJPW Best of the Super Juniors Results & Report! (5/22/24)
It’s a mix and match night!
A Block Round 7, but B Block Round 6!
It’s a little complicated, but A Block’s going again while B Block’s getting back up. Point is, Best of the Super Juniors 31 is in the home stretch!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Best of the Super Juniors 31 A Block: Titan VS Kosei Fujita; Titan wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 31 B Block: Robbie Eagles VS Dragon Dia; Eagles wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 31 A Block: BUSHI VS Yoshinobu Kanemaru; Bushi wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 31 B Block: KUSHIDA VS “Drilla” Dan Moloney; Drilla wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 31 A Block: Kevin Knight VS HAYATA; Hayata wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 31 B Block: Taiji Ishimori VS Ninja Mack; Taiji wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 31 A Block: El Desperado VS Clark Connors; Despe wins, by disqualification.
- Best of the Super Juniors 31 A Block: TJP VS Blake Christian; TJP wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 31 B Block: DOUKI VS SHO; Sho wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
Here are the current A Block standings!
El Desperado: 4-2, 8 points
Blake Christian: 4-2, 8 points
Clark Connors: 4-2, 8 points
Titan: 4-2, 8 points
Kevin Knight: 3-3, 6 points
HAYATA: 3-3, 6 points
Yoshinobu Kanemaru: 2-4, 4 points
BUSHI: 2-4, 4 points
TJP: 2-4, 4 points
Kosei Fujita: 2-4, 4 points
BREAKING NEWS for Francesco Akira!
As reported by NJPW just yesterday, The Nova Fireball’s knee injury has taken him out of the tournament. The remaining matches he was scheduled to have will now be scored as “loss by forfeit,” and the points have already been awarded. Therefore…
Here are the NEW B Block standings!
KUSHIDA: 4-1, 8 points
DOUKI: 4-2, 8 points
Hiromu Takahashi: 4-2, 8 points
Robbie Eagles: 4-2, 8 points
Taiji Ishimori: 3-2, 6 points
SHO: 3-3, 6 points
“Drilla” Moloney: 3-2, 6 points
Francesco Akira: 2-3, 4 points
Ninja Mack: 2-3, 4 points
Dragon Dia: 0-5, 0 points [ELIMINATED]
Best of the Super Juniors 31 A Block: Titan VS Kosei Fujita!
El Inmortal is still alive in the block, but the Ichiban Young Punk needs this win! The Mighty Don’t Kneel, but do they still fall short? Or will Fujita ruin Titan’s chances of returning to the finals?
The bell rings, they tie up, then break. They tie up again, Fujita wrenches and wrenches and wristlocks. Titan rolls, kips up, bridges back to handspring again, then he arm-drags free. Fujita runs up into a sweep, cover, ONE! Fujita sweeps to cover, ONE! Titan kips up again and the fans cheer. Titan and Fujita reset, tie up, and Titan trips Fujita. Titan runs, cartwheels over Fujita, then dodges him, Fujita stops himself, Titan runs in but Fujita puts him on the apron. Titan blocks a punch to GAMANGIRI! Titan springboards to CROSSBODY! The fans fire up and Titan DROPKICKS Fujita down!
Fujita bails out, Titan builds speed and DIVES! Direct hit and Young Lions keep Fujita from hitting the front row! Titan clutches his arm, it still beat up from last night. Titan roars and rises up, and the fans rally behind him. Titan drags Fujita up, puts him in the ring, and then covers, TWO! Fujita’s still in this and the fans applaud. Titan stomps Fujita, drags him up, and then fireman’s carries. Fujita fights free, fires a forearm, but Titan gives it back. They go back and forth, the fans rally up, and Fujita kicks low. Fujita throws forearms, but Titan SUPERKICKS! Fujita HEEL KICKS! Fujita runs, but Titan goes Matrix to dodge!
Titan then CALF KICKS and whips. Fujita reverses to LEG LARIAT! The fans fire up while both men are down! Fujita goes to ropes on one side, Titan goes to the other. Fujita runs in to STRADDLE ATTACK! Fujita keeps moving and he PENALTY KICKS! Cover, TWO! The fans fire up and Fujita drags Titan up. Fujita ROCKS Titan, whips, but Titan blocks. Fujita ROCKS Titan, whips him but Titan reverses to TORNADO DDT! The fans fire up again and rally as Titan pounds the mat. Titan roars and rises, then drags Fujita around to step through and deathlock! But Fujita rolls it back, slips free, and he hooks Titan up now! CROSS CAMEL!
Titan reaches out, but Fujita gets the arms! QUEEN ANGELITO, but Titan fights to the ROPEBREAK! The fans fire up and Fujita roars! Fujita goes to a corner, aims at Titan and runs in, but Titan BOOTS! Fujita blocks that to ROCK Titan with a forearm! Fujita runs but Titan follows! LOCO LARIAT! The fans fire up and Titan goes to the apron! Titan climbs the corner, DIVING- NO, Fujita avoids the stomps! Titan comes back, but Fujita GERMAN SUPLEXES! Fujita can’t keep the bridge because of the bad arm, but he just deadlifts Titan for another GERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging this time, TWO! Titan survives but Fujita isn’t done!
Fujita waistlocks again, deadlifts again, but Titan fights the suplex with elbows! Titan runs, wheelbarrows, then rolls through to get the legs! Deathlock, JAVE INMORTAL!! Fujita endures, but now it’s the STRAITJACKET! Fujita quits, Titan wins!!
Winner: Titan, by submission (gains 2 points; Fujita earns 0)
Titan’s been on a roll with that devastating hold! Will El Inmortal return to the finals and take the trophy home? Will Fujita just have to settle to being a spoiler in these remaining rounds?
Best of the Super Juniors 31 B Block: Robbie Eagles VS Dragon Dia!
The Sniper of the Skies gets free points from Francesco Akira’s misfortune, but the Infinity Carat Diamond is out of luck. Will Dia shift into spoiler mode and ruin things for Robbie? Or will Eagles still fly high towards the top of the block?
The fans rally and duel already, and Eagles tries to figure out who is getting more. The bell rings, the two rush in, but then back off. Eagles has Dia take it easy, and they circle. Eagles gest a leg, trips Dia and rolls to get the RON MILLER SPECIAL! Dia gets the ROPEBREAK, the fans cheer and Eagles slowly lets off. Eagles slaps Dia around, whips but Dia blocks to CHOP! The fans cheer and Dia whips. Eagles blocks now, so Dia CHOPS again! Eagles drops to a knee, but Dia brings him up to whip. Eagles reverses to go up and around an darm-drag! Things speed up. Eagles hurdles but Dia hurdles back.
Dia runs, ducks the boot and tilt-o-whirl arm-drags! Then he DROPKICKS Eagles out! Eagles rewinds and RANAS! Dia runs up but into a WHEEL KICK! Eagles kips up, Dia bails out, and the fans rally up! Eagles builds speed but has to stop as Dia slides in! Dia fakes the plancha, mule kicks, then ASAI MOONSAULTS! Direct hit but Dia holds onto a knee. Dia shakes it out and fires up as he walks over. The fans applaud and Dia gets Eagles in the ring. Dia hops in, goes up, and aims for D D D- NO, Eagles moves, the leg jams, and then Eagles CHOP BLOCKS! Dia writhes and the fans duel a bit more as Eagles storms over to Dia.
Eagles and the fans get a “ROBBIE ROBBIE ROBBIE!” “OI OI OI!” going! “ROBBIE ROBBIE ROBBIE!” “OI OI OI!” “ROBBIE!” “OI!” “ROBBIE!” “OI!” “ROBBIE ROBBIE ROBBIE!” “OI OI OI!” The fans cheer and Eagles brings Dia around to step through and tie up the legs in a deathlock. Eagles then uses Dia as a skateboard! Eagles then SNAP LOCKS, and he lets Dia go. Dia clutches that leg, Eagles scuffs him and eggs him on. Dia CHOPS back, but Eagles eggs him on. Dia CHOPS again, so Eagles DRAGON SLEEPERS! Dia fights up, throws shots from below and gets free. But Eagles dropkicks the bad leg!
The fans rally as Dia crawls but Eagles is on him. Eagles sits Dia up to KICK! And KICK! And KICKS! Dia gets mad, Eagles pie faces and LEG LARIATS! Dia is folded up and the fans fire up. Eagles pounds the mat, the fans clap along, and he goes corner to corner, but Dia dodges the double knees! Dia goes to the apron, GAMANGIRIS, then avoids the low 619! Dia trips Eagles to slingshot TORNILLO SPLASH! The fans fire up and Eagles goes to ropes. Dia runs in to 619! Eagles staggers, Dia runs up to tilt-o-whirl and DEJA VU SPIKE! Eagles falls over, Dia STANDING MOONSAULTS! Cover, TWO!
The fans fire up and Dia stands Eagles up. Dia runs, rolls, but no Reptilians here! Eagles rolls Dia to a schoolboy bridge, TWO! RON MILLER- BOOT! Dia is free to SOBAT, but Eagles blocks! Eagles reels Dia in, TURBO- NO, Dia goes up and around, MYSTERIO RANA! Cover, TWO!! Eagles survives but Dia goes to the corner! Dia runs back in, rolls and REPTILIAN- NO, Eagles fireman’s carries! But Dia fights it to the REPTILIAN KAI! Cover, TWO!! Eagles survives and the fans are thunderous! Dia roars, and he goes to the corner! Dia climbs, aims, and D D D D- NO! Eagles stops the 4DT, ties up the legs, and DOUBLE KNEE CRUSHERS!
Eagles SUPERKICKS Dia down, goes out then up, for the 450 onto legs! Dia writhes, Eagles steps through to RON MILLER SPECIAL!! Dia flails, reaches out, but Eagles drags him from ropes! Dia TAPS, Eagles wins!
Winner: Robbie Eagles, by submission (gains 2 points; Dia earns 0)
Dia still has the goose egg in his win column after being shot down by The Sniper! Will Dia ever get points on the board? Will Eagles be unstoppable on his rise to the top?
Best of the Super Juniors 31 A Block: BUSHI VS Yoshinobu Kanemaru!
This is truly a make or break moment for Black Mask and Heel Master. Only one man can stay alive in the block, who will do whatever it takes to win?
But as Bushi is introduced, Kanemaru attacks! The fans boo as Kanemaru stomps Bushi on the floor! Kanemaru drags Bushi up, POSTS Him, and Bushi falls in a heap. Kanemaru stomps Bushi, drags him up, puts him in the ring, and the bell rings. Kanemaru whips Bushi then dropkicks Bushi’s legs out. Kanemaru grabs the bad leg to SMASH the knee on the mat! Kanemaru then drags Bushi to the corner, and he SLAMS the leg into the post! The ref reprimands, Bushi flops out of the ring, and the fans rally up. Kanemaru stomps Bushi, leaves him behind, and the fans rally as Bushi sits up.
Bushi wants to get in the ring but Kanemaru is near the ropes. The ref has Kanemaru give Bushi space and Bushi slides in. Kanemaru goes right after Bushi with stomps! Kanemaru takes Bushi’s shirt away then stomps away some more. Kanemaru drags Bushi and drops an elbow on the knee! Kanemaru has the toehold, Bushi endures, and Bushi drags Kanemaru along to the ROPEBREAK! The ref counts, Kanemaru lets go at 4. Kanemaru stomps Bushi to a corner, then drags him up. Kanemaru whips corner to cornre but Bushi barely makes it. Kanemaru runs in but Bushi BOOTS him! And then PENDULUM- NO, Kanemaru stops the kicks!
Kanemaru drags Bushi in, whips him again, but Bushi holds ropes. Kanemaru runs in, Bushi puts him on the apron! Bushi dropkicks the legs out! The fans rally and Bushi WRECKS Kanemaru with another dropkick! The fans rally again, Bushi builds speed, but Kanemaru’s back to dropkick the legs out! Bushi bails out, Kanemaru pursues and he grabs the bad leg. Kanemaru SMASHES the knee on the floor! Kanemaru leaves Bushi behind and the ring count begins. Bushi is still down at 5 of 20, sits up at 8, and rises up at 11. Bushi shakes out the bad leg, hobbles around at 16, and slides in at 18! Kanemaru dropkicks the leg agian!
Kanemaru drags Bushi around, steps through, but Bushi kicks him away! Kanemaru kicks again but Bushi blocks, CLUBS the leg, then dropkicks it out! Bushi gets his own leg moving, runs, but Kanemaru uses the ref as a shield! Bushi moves him aside, Kanemaru blocks the kick! Kanemaru ducks the enzigiri, but not the REWIND HEEL! The fans fire up as Bushi runs up again. CODE- NO, Kanemaru stops the Code Breaker, and then THROWS Bushi at the ref! Kanemaru gets the leg and he SMASHES the knee! The fans boo but Kanemaru goes for his whiskey! Kanemaru doesn’t bother with a sip, he just takes aim! BOTTLE SMASH to the leg!
Kanemaru steps through, but gets BLACK MIST!! Kanemaru staggers around blind, and Bushi goes up! M X!! Cover, BUSHI WINS!
Winner: Bushi, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Kanemaru earns 0)
The Black Mask gets the better of the Heel Master, and now Kanemaru is DONE! With no chance at a top spot, will Kanemaru just have to settle for being a spoiler? Can Bushi make that dark horse run at the top a reality?
Best of the Super Juniors 31 B Block: KUSHIDA VS “Drilla” Dan Moloney!
The Timesplitter leads the block, but time could be running out. Plus, 44 Caliber is aiming for the kill, will he hit the mark? Or can Kushida avoid disaster and head Back to the Future?
Kushida’s on the corner for his introduction, but Drilla rushes him! Kushida jumps up an dover, rolls through and then dodges Drilla’s boot! Drilla fires haymakers, but so does Kushida! Kushida whips, Drilla reverses, and the bell rings right before Kushida FLYING FOREARMS Drilla! The fans are all fired up as Kushida dumps Drilla out, then runs. Drilla avoids the baseball slide, but Kushida keeps him from sliding away. Drilla keeps Kushida from sliding in, and spins him around, for a DRAPING DDT to the floor! The ref reprimands then checks Kushida. The fans rally up, Drilla finally takes his own vest off, and he looms over Kushida.
The ref wants this in the ring, Drilla mocks Kushida checking his watch, and Drilla leaves Kushida behind. Kushida grits his teeth as he clutches a shoulder, and the ring count climbs. Drilla paces, a wild dog behind the fence as it were. Kushida is still down at 10 of 20, even Drilla dares Kushida to get up. Kushida rises at 15 and slides in at 16. Drilla drags Kushida up for a NECKBREAKER! Cover, ONE!! Kushida is still in this and the fans applaud. Drilla digs a boot into Kushida’s neck and shoulder, and he pulls on Kushida’s head! The ref counts as Drilla claws at Kushida’s eyes! Drilla lets go at 4, and Kushida crawls.
Drilla stalks Kushida, drags him up and CLUBS him on the neck! Drilla stalks Kushida around, then CHOKES him on the ropes! The ref counts, Drilla lets off at 4, and Drilla backs the ref down to a corner. Drilla then goes back for Kushida, drags him up and hooks him up for a chinbar style abdominal stretch! Kushida endures, pries free and throws elbows. Kushida kicks but Drilla dodges! Drilla drops down for a headlock but Kushida headscissors for the cradle! TWO!! Drilla CLOBBERS Kushida! Kushida bails out, finally takes his own vest off, but Drilla is there to RAM him into the apron! Drilla UPPERCUTS Kushida, then follows him around the corner.
Drilla storms up on Kushida, UPPERCUTS again, but Kushida gets in Drilla’s face now. Drilla CHOPS, then KICKS, then he clamps on that chinbar! Kushida endures, the ref reprimands, and Drilla ELBOWS Kushida down. Drilla leaves Kushida behind again and demands a ring count. The count begins, Kushida stands at 3 and slides in at 4. The fans rally up but Drilla ROCKS Kushida with a right. Drilla mocks Kushida, Kushida snarls but Drilla fires more forearms! The fans rally, Kushida storms back up and fires forearms of his own! They go back and forth, Drilla pie faces Kushida, so Kushida fires a flurry!
But Drilla gets under, spins Kushida, but Kushida ducks to then get the arm! Drilla steps over and ENZIGIRIS! But the FASTBALL hits back! The fans fire up for the Masahiro Tanaka and we’re at the five minute mark. Kushida STOMPS Drilla’s hands! Kushida eggs Drilla on, baits him into an ELBOW, then goes up to QUEBRADA! Kushida then hurries back up, for a MOONSAULT! Cover, TWO! Drilla’s tough and the fans rally up, but Kushida clamps onto the fingers! Drilla breaks free but Kushida KICKS and KICKS and KICKS! Drilla falls and goes to a corner while the fans fire up again. Kushida powers up, runs in, and SHOTEIS!
Kushida puts Drilla up top, climbs, but Drilla slips under! CHOP to the leg! Drilla then drags Kushida off the corner into DRILLA- NO, Kushida slips free! But Drilla ducks the buzzsaw! Roll up, TWO! Kushida leaps on, but Drilla pushes the Hoverboard away. Kushida comes back to RAM that bad arm! Then he jumps on, HOVER- NO, SPINEBUSTER! And DOUBLE STOMP ELBOW DROP COMBO! Kushida flounders out of the ring and Drilla pursues. Kushida still wants the arm, but Drilla RAMS him into the apron! Drilla follows Kushida to the corner and grabs for him, but Kushida YANKS Drilla into the post first!
Kushida YANKS Drilla into the post again, and then goes up the corner! Kushida pulls Drilla’s arm into the crossbar! The ref counts, Kushida lets go, and Drilla drops back. The ring count starts, the fans rally, but both men are still outside at 10. Drilla drags himself up but the bad arm lets go of the ropes! Kushida is in at 15, Drilla rises at 17! Drilla shakes out the bad arm, and rolls in at 19! Kushida PENALTY KICKS the bad arm! Kushida whips then hip tosses! Cartwheel and DROPKICK! Drilla staggers, Kushida gest the arm, KIMURA! Drilla endures, fights up, but now it’s the HOVERBOARD!! Drilla flails, reaches out, tries to stack, TWO!!
Kushida lets Drilla go and Drilla CHOPS! Kushida PELES! Drilla wobbles, Kushida whips, but Drilla reverses. Kushida handsprings but into DRILLA KILLA!! Cover, DRILLA WINS!!
Winner: “Drilla” Moloney, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Kushida earns 0)
Kushida tried to make Drilla into a one-armed man, but it wasn’t enough to stop him! Is Kushida’s comeback running out of time? Will the Best of the Super Juniors end up being an Abunai Gaijin?
Best of the Super Juniors 31 A Block: Kevin Knight VS HAYATA!
The Jet is squarely in the middle of the block right alongside the GHC National Champion. But will Knight be able to take flight? Or will he be left in the Silence of Darkness?
The bell rings and the fans rally up as the two stare down. They slowly circle, Hayata avoids Knight’s leg pick, and the two tie up. They’re in a deadlock, but Knight wrenches then wristlocks. Hayata wrenches back, but Knight rolls handsprings, and wrenches gain. Knight snapmares then drops a knee on the arm! The fans cheer and Knight keeps on the armlock. Knight brings Hayata up, wrenches again, then cording holds. Hayata slips through, wrenches, but Knight slips through to headlock for the takeover. Hayata headscissors, Knight kips free and the fans cheer. The two reset, circle, and they tie up.
Hayata trips Knight, things speed up, and Knight hurdles, hurdles, then follows. Hayata sidesteps but Knight goes up and over. Knight then arm-drags Hayata, arm-drags again, then runs up and springboards to FLYING arm-drag! The fans fire up and Hayata bails out. Knight aims, but has to stop the plancha as Hayata moves aside. Knight lands on the apron, jumps again, but Hayata YANKS him down! The fans cheer and rally up while Hayata shakes out the arms. Hayata brings Knight up, POSTS him, then brings him back up. Hayata headlocks Knight, brings him around and POSTS him again! The fans are torn but Hayata stalks Knight.
The ring count starts, Hayata drags Knight up at 5 of 20, then into the ring at 7. The fans applaud, and Hayata stalks Knight more. Hayata stomps Knight, CLUBS him, then snapamres. Hayata runs to basement dropkick! Cover, TWO! Knight is still in this, the fans rally, but Hayata clamps on with a headlock. Hayata grinds Knight down but Knight endures. The fans rally as Knight fights up, only for Hayata to wrangle him back down! Knight pries at the hold, fights up, and throws body shots. Hayata CLAWS the eyes! The ref reprimands but Hayata whips Knight to ropes. Knight hurdles over the lariat to then PELE! The fans fire up while both men are down!
Knight crawls to a corner as the fans rally. Knight runs back in at Hayata, to STINGER SPLASH! Then a whip and DROPKICK! Hayata bails out again, and the fans fire up as Knight kips up! Knight builds speed, slides as Hayata moves, then goes to the corner for the PLANCHA! Direct hit and Knight shouts “TSUYOI~!” The fans cheer and even high-five Knight, and he gets Hayata up and in the ring. Knight aims, springboards, but Hayata dodges! Knight comes back, to SKY 2 HIGH! Cover, TWO! Hayata survives and the fans fire up again! Knight watches Hayata stir and the fans rally. Knight runs up, SATELLITE- NO, Hayata stops the DDT!
Knight kicks, whips, but Hayata reverses to arm-drag! And atomic drop! Hayata runs and BULLDOGS Knight down! The fans still rally, Hayata BASEMENT ENZIGIRIS! Cover, TWO! Knight survives and the fans cheer! Hayata gets annoyed but he and Knight slowly rise. Hayata goes to a corner, runs back in and SHOTGUNS Knight into the other corner! Knight slumps down and the fans rally up! Hayata brings Knight in, TORNADO- NO, Knight stops the DDT to put Hayata on the corner! CHOP and UPPER ROOM! Hayata writhes and the fans fire up! Knight gets Hayata up, fireman’s carries, but Hayata slips free to cradle! TWO!!
Hayata dodges Knight to slip around, sunset, then Oklahoma! TWO and Knight cradles, TWO!! Hayata escapes, Knight feints the superkick to ROUNDHOUSE! Knight resets, Hayata rises, and Knight runs up to SATELLITE- NO, still no DDT! Hayata gets Knight around for the 403 IMPACT!! Cover, Hayata wins!
Winner: Hayata, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Knight earns 0)
Both Jet Setters get grounded in the same round! Will all flights to the semifinals be grounded? Will the GHC National Champion prove he is the Best of the Super Juniors?
Best of the Super Juniors 31 B Block: Taiji Ishimori VS Ninja Mack!
Francesco Akira’s withdrawal ended up giving points to Hiromu, Douki, Eagles & Sho, and that ended up bumping The Bone Soldier down a couple spots! Will he take his frustrations out on the American Shinobi? Or will the Mack Attack only add to his misery?
The bell rings, Mack offers a handshake, but Taiji kicks it away. They tie up, go around, Mack goes for a leg but Taiji holds it off. They reset, feel things out, and clinch. They end up on ropes and the ref calls the break. Mack lets off clean and the fans applaud. The two reset and tie up again, and Taiji headlocks. Mack powers up to put Taiji on ropes then power out of the hold. Taiji runs Mack over and fans applaud. Things speed up, Mack drops then hurdles, but Taiji leaps over. Mack stands and strikes his fighting stance! Then finger gun to taunt Taiji! Taiji runs in, but into a drop toehold and LION’S BARRAGE!
Mack aims, Taiji avoids the falling chop, but then Mack FALLING CHOPS again! Taiji bails out, Mack builds speed and the fans rally for the handspring, but Taiji gets in to leap up, REVERSE SHOT! Mack bails out and Taiji builds speed to go up and GOLDEN TRIANGLE MOONSAULT! Direct hit on Mack and the fans fire up! The ref checks Mack, and Taiji unties the blue buckle pad! The Bullet Club Special is in effect, and Taiji goes out after Mack. Taiji CLUBS Mack, but Mack throws body shots. Taiji throws a body shot, then he POSTS Mack! The fans fire up and Taiji stalks Mack. Taiji puts Mack in the ring, covers, ONE!
The fans rally as Mack stays in this, but Taiji stays on him with a COBRA CLUTCH! Mack endures, fights up, and the fans rally. But Taiji wrangles Mack into an almost Koji Klutch variation! Mack scrambles and has the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer and the ref counts, Taiji lets go at 4. Mack sputters but Taiji brings him up to wrench and POST in the open corner! The ref reprimands but Taiji hammerlocks and scoops, for a SHOULDER BUSTER! Cover, TWO! Mack is still in this and the fans cheer. Taiji goes to the corner, takes aim, and the fans rally again. Taiji runs up, but Mack ELBOWs, CHOPS, CHOPS and CHOPS!
Mack CHOPS and CHOPS more, then fires up, but Taiji ELBOWS him! And CHOPS! And ripcords, tilt-o-whirls, LA MYSTICA! And then BONE LOCK!! Mack flails, reaches out, and the fans rally! Mack claws his way to the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer, Taiji lets off in frustration, and he stalks Mack. Mack throws a body shot but Taiji CLUBS him. Taiji whips, Mack blocks, but that hurts Mack’s arm! Taiji stomps Mack, whips, but Mack reverses and SNAP GERMANS! Taiji stands up into the SUPERKICK! Taiji bails out, Mack builds speed! The fans fire up for the SASUKE SPECIAL! Direct hit and the fans fire up again!
Mack drags Taiji up, puts him in as the ring count climbs, and the fans cheer. Cover, ONE!! Taiji is tougher than that and now he’s mad! But Mack KICKS! And KICKS! And KICKS! Taiji goes to ropes, Mack KICKS more and more! But Taiji blocks one! Mack swings hands but Taiji ducks them to CLUB the leg. Taiji whips, Mack reverses again and SCREW HIGH KICKS! Mack crawls to a cover, TWO! Taiji is still in this but Mack hurries to CHOP him! Mack says BANG then he goes up the corner! Mack’s up top, for the NINJA- FLOP!! Taiji avoids the senton and clamps on the BONE LOCK!! Mack scrambles, reaches out, but Taiji rolls him away from ropes!
Taiji hauls Mack up, for BLOODY CROSS!! Cover, Taiji wins!
Winner: Taiji Ishimori, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Mack earns 0)
Taiji just proved you don’t bring a ninja to a gun fight! Will all of the BOSJ be reborn? Can Mack keep from falling off before the end?
Best of the Super Juniors 31 A Block: El Desperado VS Clark Connors!
The Rogue Luchador has won two main events in a row, but he’s still only on par with 100 Proof. Desperado wants to be the Best of the Super Juniors so badly, he can almost taste it, but will there be No Chaser to go with it? Or can he make it three in a row overall to head for the top?
Connors isn’t playing around, he’s brought chairs with him to the ring! He takes a seat while waiting on Despe’s entrance, then he pushes the ref aside so he can send one over to Despe. The ref says no, this isn’t that kind of match, but Connors wants a shootout with Desperado. Despe keeps the ref from taking the chair, and says if that’s what Connors wants… Despe picks the chair up, the ref says no, this won’t be a match then! Connors and Despe swing! They clash, clash and CLASH! Both men drop the chairs from the recoil, and now the bell rings! The fists start flying and the fans fire up! Despe knees low, CLUBS Connors, then runs, but into a THESZ PRESS!
Connors rains down fists, but Despe turns it around to give it back! Connors CHOKES Despe from below, the ref reprimands, and Connors knees low at 4. Connors runs but Despe follows to ELBOW! Despe runs but Connors goes the other way! JEEP FLIPPER! Despe tumbles out of the ring, Connors goes out after him. Connors stomps Despe, drags him up, and UPPERCUTS! Connors SMACKS Desep off the apron, but Despe CHOPS him in return. Despe CHOPS again, Connors staggers into the crowd and ends up sitting on a woman’s lap! Despe storms up and Young Lions hurry in, Despe ROCKS Connors!
Connors staggers along, fans move aside, and Connors sits in a chair. Despe throws hands but Connors hits back! The Young Lions keep fans back as Connors whips Despe into the back wall! Connors CLUBS Despe, and now they move through the back of the crowd! Connors CHOPS, Despe hits back, but we can’t see too well because the cameramen can’t follow! They’re continuing along, and a cameraman is there as Connors sends Despe into the corner wall! Then Connors grabs a spare railing and THROWS it at Despe! The ref reprimands, Despe UPPERCUTS Connors, and Connors staggers down an aisle.
Connors topples some railings over then he stumbles into an open chair. The fans move aside, Connors kicks Despe, then ROCKS him! Despe ROCKS Connors back, and then Despe SMACKS Connors off a fan’s chair! The Young Lions usher the fans out of the way, and Despe brings Connors up, but Connors RAMS Despe into the apron! The ref finally starts a ring count, but Connors SMACKS Despe off the timekeeper’s table! We reach 10 of 20, Connors ROCKS Despe, then throws him in the ring. The fans applaud as Connors follows, but then Despe bails out the side. The fans fire up as Despe wants to keep fighting outside!
Connors shoves the ref aside, goes out after Despe, but Despe throws body shots! Despe CLUBS Connors, whips him, but Connors reverses to POST Despe! The fans fire up and Connors goes around the way. Connors grabs the chair from earlier, brings it over, and he takes aim! He SMACKS Despe on the back! The ref reprimands but Connors argues with him. Connors drags Despe up, brings him around, and headlock punches! Connors tells fans to move and the Young Lions hurry to get them out of the way! Connors brings Despe up and whips, but Despe reverses! FLAPJACK off the apron! But now Despe wants to go bowling!
Despe whips Connors and STRIKE! Right into the middle of the crowd! The fans fire up with Despe, but then Connors SPEARS! Both men are down and the fans fire up more! Connors rises first as the fans rally, and he snarls as he pulls up floor mats! Connors goes back for Despe, CLUBS him, then drags him up. The ref reprimands and says not to, but Connors reels Despe in. But Despe fights the suplex! The fans rally but Connors suplexes! Despe slips free! Now Despe BACK- NO, Connors fights off the back suplex with fists! Despe runs up, but into a SNAP POWERSLAM! Luckily for Despe, it was to the floor mats that were nearby!
Connors snarls as he rises up, storms his way over to Despe, and drags him back up. Connors CLUBS Despe, then snarls at the fans. He clears one of the spare commentary tables! Fans move aside and the ref reprimands, but Connors hauls Despe up. Despe throws body shots but Connors ROCKS him! Connors reels Despe in, throws up the Too Sweet, and lifts Despe to POWERBOMB him through the table!! The fans are thunderous while the ref checks on Despe. Connors roars and beats his chest and the fans fire up again. The ref reprimands Connors but he just looms over Despe. Connors drags Despe up and puts him in the ring.
The fans applaud and Connors slowly rolls in. Connors pushes Despe to a cover but the ref refuses after all the shenanigans! Connors glares at the ref, but the ref shoves Connors! The fans fire up for the ref, but Connors grabs him by the shirt! The ref warns Connors, Connors says he’s lucky he’s a ref! But Despe runs up to LARIAT Connors and himself outta the ring! The fans fire up and both men spot the chair! They both scramble over, Connors grabs the chair but Despe stands on Connors’ hand! The fans cheer and Despe ROCKS Connors! Then Despe grabs the chair to SMACK Connors on the back!
The fans fire up and Connors writhes, but Despe goes to get another chair! The ref reprimands. but then Despe JAMS Connors with the new chair! Despe wants fans to move aside again, then he puts the old chair on Connors’ face! Despe grabs his new chair, CON-CHAIR-TO, Despe Remix!! Connors sputters and then feels the pain in his nose! Despe stalks Connors, taunts him, drags him back up, and puts him in the ring. Despe grabs the chair and brings it in again, but the ref says no. Despe and the ref argue, and the ref takes the chair from Despe. SPEAR!! Connors gets Despe again and he drags Despe back up!
Connors reels Despe in, serves it up, NO CHASE- NO, Despe fights No Chaser, wrenches out, and LOCO MONO!! Connors wobbles, Despe reels him in, underhooks and PINCHE- NO, Connors fights free to wrench and short arm LARIAT! The fans are thunderous and Connors goes to a corner! Connors aims, barks, runs in, SPEAR!!! Cover, TWO?!?! Despe survives and shocks Connors! The fans are thunderous but Connors rains down fists! The ref reprimands as Connors hammers away! Despe punches back but Connors traps those arms to just throw down fists! The ref wants Connors to stop but Connors shoves him away!
Connors checks Despe, he seems pretty out of it. Connors drags Despe up, reels him in, and NO CHASER!! Cover, ROPEBREAK!!! Despe survives and the fans are thunderous! Connors is stunned, and then Despe flips him off! Connors rains down more fists of fury! The ref tries but Connors shoves the ref aside again! The ref counts, Connors won’t stop! THE REF CALLS IT!! DESPE WINS!
Winner: El Desperado, by disqualification (gains 2 points; Connors earns 0)
Connors’ rage costs him! He wouldn’t listen, and now Desperado comes away with the points! Connors is mad with Marty Asami, so he SPEARS Marty Asami down!!! Then he TOSSES Young Lions aside! Then he gives one a GERMAN SUPLEX! The fans boo but Connors shows no remorse as he’s the one standing tall. Then he SNATCHES Desperado’s mask!! Then he SLAPS Desperado on the face! Connors then drags Despe out of the ring, stands on his head, and taunts the fans. Connors grabs a piece of the broken table, SLAPS a Young Lion aside, then looms over Despe. Connors sits Despe up, and SMACKS him in the head with the wood!
Connors flips Despe off then throws up the Too Sweet. Connors may have lost this round, but he has Despe’s mask as his trophy. Will Connors be unstoppable in these remaining rounds? Taichi gets off commentary to help his old friend, but will The Rogue Luchador even be able to continue at this point?
Best of the Super Juniors 31 A Block: TJP VS Blake Christian!
This is a tale of two tides turning. Being on the hotseat lit a fire under The Public Enemy while All Heat has cooled off. Can TJP keep this historic comeback going? Or will the GCW Champion end the Cinderella story right here?
Blake mockingly puts up the crown, but TJP throws his shirt to the crowd as a free souvenir. TJP tells Blake to stop the crown, he’s not United Empire. The bell rings and the fans rally up. They circle, tie up, and TJP waistlocks. Blake goes for the arms but TJP headlocks. TJP wrenches, Blake rolls and cartwheels, then slips through to wrench back. Blake snapmares to chinlock but TJP slips right out to wristlock. The fans cheer the exchange, and Blake wrenches back. Blake wristlocks but TJP stays on his feet. Blake wrenches again, but TJP rolls, spins, cartwheels, and drops to TWIST SCISSORS, but Blake handsprings through!
The fans cheer and Blake smirks as he taunts the crown. TJP kicks low, whips, but Blake reverses. TJP handsprings over the dropdown then sidesteps, but Blake handsprings over the back drop! Blake whips, TJP RANAS, but Blake handsprings through! The fans cheer this exchange and Blake again mocks the crown. TJP runs up but Blake kicks low. Blake whips, TJP goes up, comes back, mule kicks, then bumps Blake off buckles. TJP throws knees, then he pushes Blake down. The fans fire up as TJP scrubs Blake’s face! But then Blake bails out and the fans boo. TJP smirks as Blake doesn’t want to be washed clean.
Blake mocks the fans cheering him and TJP on, then paces as the ring count climbs. Blake returns at 9 of 20, he and TJP circle and feel things out. They knuckle lock, then TJP rolls to trip Blake. TJP turns Blake over, hooks up the legs, and the fans rally as TJP messes with Blake’s hair. TJP grabs Blake’s arms to pull, pull and pull Blake into the ROMERO SPECIAL! Blake endures and the fans fire up! TJP brings Blake back for the ROMERO BRIDGE, but it’s a double cover? TWO as TJP lets Blake go! TJP double checks with Red Shoes while Blake goes to a corner. TJP accepts Red Shoes’ reasoning and runs in at Blake.
TJP blocks the boot but not the ENZIGIRI! Blake rolls back, TJP avoids his Pele and kicks low. TJP whips, Blake reverses but TJP goes Spiderman. Blake runs up, TJP ROCKS him, but Blake jumps up as TJP rams in! GUILLOTINE SPLASH! TJP flops to the floor, Blake builds speed and fans fire up for the FOSBURY FLOP! Direct hit and down goes TJP! Blake walks it off, then mocks the fans clapping. Blake flips them off, the fans boo, and Blake goes back for TJP. Red Shoes checks TJP, TJP clutches his side but seems otherwise okay. Blake puts TJP in, follows, but now it might be TJP’s arm that’s bothering him.
Red Shoes has Blake stay back so he can check TJP. That arm is really bothering TJP, so Blake shoves Red Shoes aside to RAM TJP into a corner! Blake wrenches the arm, hits an ELBOW BREAKER, then hits another ELBOW BREAKER! TJP drops back to a corner, Blake wraps the bad arm around ropes! Red Shoes counts, Blake YANKS the arm, and TJP staggers away. TJP leans on Red Shoes a moment, but Blake rolls under to then PELE the arm! TJP clutches the elbow as he drops to his knees but Blake smirks. Blake grabs the bad arm, hammerlocks it while he has TJP down, and then he drives his knee into the arm again and again!
Blake lets off, TJP clutches the arm, and Blake mocks the fans rallying for TJP. Blake then isolates the arm to drop a leg on it! Blake wrenches but TJP throws body shots. TJP ELBOWS free, Blake ends up in a corner, but Blake dodges TJP to then BOOT him! TJP flops over, Blake covers, TWO! The fans rally up but Blake puts on a body scissors! Blake grabs the bad arm, hammerlocks it and puts a lot of pressure on the hold. Blake then rolls things to a cover, TWO! Blake still has TJP’s arm, steps over, and claps with TJP’s hand. Blake makes TJP flip the fans off, then he BITES that finger! Red Shoes reprimands and Blake lets off.
Blake mocks the fans more, grabs TJP’s arms, and pulls back on a motorcycle stretch. TJP endures, the fans rally, and TJP fights up. TJP moves around, and flip kicks Blake away! Blake comes back, TJP ROUNDHOUSES! But Blake PELES! TJP goes to a corner, Blake runs up, but TJP goes up and over to TORNADO DDT! The fans fire up while both men are down! TJP rises up, storms up on Blake, and atomic drops! WHEEL KICK! Blake staggers to a corner, TJP whips corner to corner hard! TJP runs in to ELBOW! Blake sits down, and now TJP scrubs his face! The fans rally up and TJP goes side to side, BOOT WASH!
The fans cheer and want it again! TJP obliges, and he scrubs Blake more! TJP runs side to side for the second BOOT WASH! The fans fire up and TJP waits on Blake. Blake staggers up, TJP kicks low and reels him in. “ICHI!” Half Hatch! “NI!” Half Hatch! “SAN!” The hattrick is complete and the fans fire up! TJP goes up the corner, aims, MAMBA- NO, TJP has to bail out as Blake moves! Blake wheelbarrows, somersaults and SPLASH! Blake goes to the corner, takes aim, and he somersaults for the ARMBAR DDT! FUJIWARA ARMBAR! TJP endures, the fans fire up and TJP moves around! TJP rolls, but Blake wrenches!
Blake tries to wrangle TJP but TJP uses that to get Blake down! TJP has the stepover, but Blake fights forward! TJP still gets the arm for the PINOY STRETCH! Blake BITES TJP’s hand! Red Shoes reprimands but then Blake has the ROPEBREAK! TJP lets go one way or another, and Blake goes to the apron. TJP crawls out after Blake and the fans rally up. Blake stands, TJP ROCKS him with a forearm! Blake ROCKS TJP back! TJP and Blake trade haymakers, then TJP CHOPS! Blake kicks, TJP blocks but Blake ENZIGIRIS! Blake reels TJP in to WRING the arm into the apron! Blake gets back up, slashes his throat, and he drags TJP up!
Blake reels TJP in but TJP fights the lift! TJP then Alabama Lifts but Blake fights it! Blake BOOTS, but TJP BOOTS back! TJP grabs for an arm but Blake steps over and STUNNERS! TJP flops into the ring, and Blake takes aim. The fans fire up as Blake springboards, and TJP anchors him! Fireman’s carry, DETONATION KICK! Cover, TWO!! Blake survives but the fans rally for “T! J P! T! J P!” TJP aims, runs up, ONE BY- NO, Blake ducks! And ROUNDHOUSES! TJP JUMP SOBATS! Blake kips up to SUPERKICK! Both men fall and the fans are thunderous! The fans rally again and both men slowly sit up.
Blake finds TJP, throws a forearm, but TJP gives it back. Blake throws another, so TJP gives it back. They stand, and Blake fires a haymaker! TJP fires one back! Blake fires another haymaker, but TJP KICKS Blake’s leg! Blake KICKS TJP’s arm! TJP KICKS Blake’s leg again! Blake KICKS TJP’s arm again! TJP fires off a flurry of kicks, but Blake JUMP KNEES! Blake runs up but into a SUPERKICK! Blake swings, into the FINAL CUT! TJP aims from the corner! ONE BY- SPANISH FLY!! Blake roars and aims from the corner! STEP-UP STOMPS!! Cover, TWO?!? TJP survives and the fans are thunderous again!
Blake storms his way to the apron and slashes his throat. Blake springboards, 450- CUTTER!! ONE BY ONE!! Cover, TWO?!!? But TJP won’t stop there, he goes up a corner! MAMBA SPLASH!! Cover, TJP WINS!
Winner: TJP, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Blake earns 0)
That was a fiery battle, but TJP wins not just for him but for Francesco Akira! Will the Public Enemy conquer this tournament for The United Empire? Is Blake’s heat about to go cold?
Best of the Super Juniors 31 B Block: DOUKI VS SHO!
This one’s gonna be good! It was Wrestling Satsuma no Kuni when Japones Del Mal got his shot at the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship, only for the Murder Machine to cheat him out of it. But now, Douki is ahead in the block and could do some serious damage with a win here! Will Douki earn both points and a golden ticket tonight? Or will Sho stack the deck so high it’ll reach the sky?
Wait, Sho is running out here from the exit side while Douki’s music is playing? Sho drops off his stuff and then grabs a chair so he can then wait by the tunnel! But where’s Douki? Sho peeks through the curtain, nothing. Douki is running in from the exit and he CLOBBERS Sho from behind! The fans cheer as Douki gets the better of Sho! Douki drags Sho up, brings him to ringside, and POSTS him! The fans cheer more but Red Shoes reprimands. Douki drags Sho up and puts him in the ring. The bell rings, Douki storms in and he stomps Sho around. Douki drags Sho up again to whip to ropes. Sho reverses but Douki arm-drags!
Douki runs, arm-drags again, but Sho gets mad! Sho swings, Douki dodges, and Douki tilt-o-whirls to RANA! Sho tumbles out, Douki builds speed, and Douki WRECKS Katsuya Murashima! Sho used the Young Lion as a shield! Sho then RAMS Douki into the apron! Sho snarls, drags Murashima up, and puts Murashima in the ring? Red Shoes hurries to usher the Young Lion out, but Sho grabs the bell hammer! Sho HAMMERS Douki, HAMMERS him again, then digs the hammer into Douki’s ribs! Red Shoes finally sees, Sho stops, and Sho drags Douki up to bring around the way. Sho RAMS Douki into the apron!
Sho storms off to the back corner, and pushes through an exit, to bring a dumpster in!? Sho laughs as he then goes to fetch “the trash.” Sho stomps Douki, brings him over to the dumpster, and then knees low into Douki’s ribs. Sho scoops and DUMPS Douki into the dumpster! The fans boo but Sho leaves him behind. The ring count starts while fans rally up. Sho talks trash, the ring count is 10 of 20, an Douki’s still stuck! Douki drags himself up and out of the dumpster, but we’re already at 17! 18! Douki slides in at 19.9! The fans cheer but Sho digs his boots into Douki! Sho scrapes Douki to the apron, pulls a sleeve off a crossbar, then pulls Douki onto the bar!
Red Shoes reprimands Sho while Douki suffers, but Sho pulls harder! Red Shoes counts and Sho lets off at 4. Sho storms in to stomp Douki and talks trash. Sho drags Douki up but Douki fires forearms! Sho kicks low, then he suplexes Douki to hang him out to dry! Sho climbs up onto Douki, then drags him off the ropes in a Canadian Rack. GUT BUSTER! Cover, TWO! Sho is upset so he stands on Douki and pulls on the arms! Douki endures, the fans rally, but then Sho shifts to clamp on the inverted straitjacket! Douki endures, so Sho shifts to dig heels into ribs, and pulls on an arm and leg! Douki endures again, fights around, but Sho pulls!
Douki still fights with his free leg, ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer, Red Shoes counts, and Sho lets off. Sho stands on Douki, digs his heel in, but steps away to bring Douki up. Sho whips corner to corner, runs in, and RAMS into Douki! Sho then hauls Douki up onto the top rope, CLUBS him again and again, then goes corner to corner. Sho runs up to TOP SHELF KNEE! Douki falls, Sho covers, TWO! Douki is still in this and the fans fire up! Sho paces around Douki, talks trash, and digs his heels in again. Douki pushes Sho away, fires up and fires off forearms! Douki runs, but Sho kitchen sink knees! Sho drags Douki up, whips, and kitchen sink knees again!
Sho taunts Douki while the fans rally, and Sho whips Douki again. But Douki turns kitchen sink into roll up, TWO! Sho runs up to kick low! Sho runs but Douki FLYING HEADBUTTS! Both men are down and the fans fire up again! Douki and Sho go to corners, and then Douki runs in. Douki ELBOWS Sho, runs, but Sho dodges! Douki still hip tosses, RAMS, then springboards to FLYING ARM-DRAG! Sho bails out, Douki builds speed to WRECK Sho with the dropkick! The fans fire up, Douki stalks Sho, then he drags Sho up to headlock. Douki brings Sho to the dumpster! Sho fights free, reels Douki in, and lifts, but Douki fights the bomb!
Sho tries again but Douki throws hands! Douki RANAS Sho into the dumpster! The fans fire up and Sho struggles to get out of the mess! Douki rises and the fans cheer as he leaves Sho behind. Sho flounders out of the dumpster covered in paper and plastic. Sho throws that away, we’re at 12 of 20! Sho staggers his way over and slides in at 16! But Douki dodges him to then DDT! Cover, TWO! Sho stays in this but Douki stays on him with a Gory Especial! Sho fights free by bending fingers! Sho then CLUBS the arm, but Douki blocks the kick! Douki spins Sho back into the Gory Especial, for the DODON NO JUTSU!! Backslide cover, TWO!
The fans rally, Douki goes to the apron, and he takes aim as Sho rises. DAY- NO, Sho uses Red Shoes as as shield! Then he SPEARS! Both men are down again and the fans rally for Douki. Sho shakes his head, aims his bow, and he drags Douki up. Sho reels Douki in, double pump handle, but Douki flips through to ITALIAN STRETCH #32! But Sho steps on Douki’s neck! Douki lets go, Sho reels him in, STRAITJACKET PILEDRIVER! Cover, TWO! The fans fire up but Sho shakes his head. Sho calls his shot again, and he drags Douki up. Sho reels Douki in for a Canadian Rack, but Douki fights free of that! ITALIAN STRETCH!!
Sho endures, moves around, reaches out, but Douki rolls him away from ropes! ITALIAN STRETCH!! Sho endures again, kicks at Douki, steps on him again, but Douki pulls on the hold! Sho falls over and the fans fire up! Red Shoes checks Sho, Sho sputters, and someone rings the bell! YUJIRO TAKAHASHI!! Not this trick again! Taichi storms off of commentary, but Yujiro PIMP CANE SHOTS Taichi down! The fans boo but Sho keeps Red Shoes from seeing Yujiro get in the ring. Douki dodges Yujiro to then DROPKICK him out! But Sho sneaks up to LOW BLOW! Roll up, with tights! TWO!! Sho is furious but Douki survives!
Sho storms over to his ring, grabs his IWGP Junior Heavyweight title, but Red Shoes says don’t try it! Sho gives the belt over, but then he throws Douki into Red Shoes! Down goes the ref and the fans boo! Sho laughs and he goes for his Torture Tool! The fans boo but Douki has his PIPE! The fans fire up and Sho freaks out! They stand off, Sho takes a swing but Douki blocks! Douki powers Sho back, takes a swing, but Sho goes low! Sho grins, winds up, but Douki gets around! LOW BLOW!! Sho suffers a taste of his own medicine! The fans fire up as Douki now has his pipe! Douki uses the pipe to CHOKE Sho, then turn him for a Gory Especial! METAL DODON NO JUTSU!!
The fans fire up as Douki now calls for Red Shoes. Red Shoes returns, none the wiser, and Douki fires up! Douki drags Sho up, torture racks, and swings Sho for the MARISHITE! Cover, YUJIRO YANKS RED SHOES OUT!! The fans boo as Tokyo Pimp just won’t go away! Yujiro sneaks up on Douki, CANE SHOT! Taichi is up but Yujiro BOOTS him down! Yujiro sits Douki up for PIMP JUICE! Yujiro helps Sho crawl to the cover, then Yujiro fetches Red Shoes! Red Shoes sees the cover and counts, TWO?!?! Douki lives and the fans are thunderous! And Taichi throws Yujiro into the ring! Red Shoes is confused, but Taichi storms around.
Taichi takes a chair from a fan, threatens Yujiro, but Red Shoes stands in the way. Taichi drops the chair, pushes Red Shoes aside, and he blocks Yujiro’s kick! LOW BLOW!! And no problems since Yujiro isn’t in the match! Taichi then runs to AX BOMBER!! The fans fire up and Taichi calls to Douki! Douki rises while Taichi drags Yujiro out of the ring and away from ringside! The fans cheer as things are 1v1 again, and Douki aims from the apron. Sho flounders about, rises up, but runs up! Douki RAMS into Sho, then slingshots for DAYBREAK!! Cover, TWO!! Sho survives but Douki just fires up! The fans are with Douki as he rises!
Douki wheelbarrows Sho, full nelsons, SUPLEX DE LA- NO, Sho fights free and throws elbows! Sho runs up, but Douki blocks the kick! But wait, it really hurt! What’s in Sho’s boot?! Sho KICKS Douki again!! Douki writhes and clutches ribs, but Sho aims from a corner! Sho PUNTS Douki in the side!! Cover, TWO?!?! Douki survives, even with Sho’s clearly loaded boot! Sho drags Douki up and reels him in as we reach 20 minutes! Gut wrench, Canadian Rack, PIMP SLAM!! Cover, SHO WINS!
Winner: Sho, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Douki earns 0)
Surprise, surprise, all this cheating helps Sho win! Sho needs an icepack for his leg, because he loaded his kick pad with a big piece of metal! Will Douki ever get one over on this snake?
Speaking of, Sho slithers over to get the mic so he can say, “Everyone thought Douki would win! You were all cheering for him! You at home were, too! You’re welcome, all of you!” The fans boo but Sho continues by saying, “Different day, same result. The champion is on a different level. A different level to all of you! Even if a scrub makes it to the finals, he doesn’t need to be in the main event. I’m winning this comfortably. Besides, you Osaka folks don’t really know wrestling.” The fans boo again, but Sho says that even if it’s in Osaka-Jo, it doesn’t need to be the main event, that’s how easily he’s gonna win.
“I’m on a different level from every other Junior Heavyweight out there, especially those in this Super Juniors!” Sho drops the mic and leaves Douki behind, will he do this to everyone left in the block?
Here are the NEW A Block standings!
Titan: 5-2, 10 points
El Desperado: 5-2, 10 points
HAYATA: 4-3, 8 points
Blake Christian: 4-3, 8 points
Clark Connors: 4-3, 8 points
Kevin Knight: 3-4, 6 points
BUSHI: 3-4, 6 points
TJP: 3-4, 6 points
Kosei Fujita: 2-5, 4 points [ELIMINATED]
Yoshinobu Kanemaru: 2-5, 4 points [ELIMINATED]
Here are the EVEN NEWER B Block standings!
Robbie Eagles: 5-2, 10 points
“Drilla” Moloney: 4-2, 8 points
KUSHIDA: 4-2, 8 points
Hiromu Takahashi: 4-2, 8 points
Taiji Ishimori: 4-2, 8 points
SHO: 4-3, 8 points
DOUKI: 4-3, 8 points
Ninja Mack: 2-4, 4 points [ELIMINATED]
Francesco Akira: 2-3, 4 points [FORFEIT]
Dragon Dia: 0-6, 0 points [ELIMINATED]
My Thoughts:
Another great night for BOSJ, and things are starting to take shape here. As I said last time, a shame about Akira’s injury, I thought he could really get things going for himself. But B Block is now just a touch lopsided since the forfeited points put some people ahead of others with less matches. Eagles of course gets a win off Dia, Dia has been “struggling” this whole tournament. Hiromu got the bye this round, so he can’t really move in the block. Kushida may have lost but he’s still ahead of Hiromu because Kushida beat Hiromu in their match.
Great win for Drilla in that, though, and he’s getting going at the right time. Drilla has Taiji and Hiromu left, those are going to be critical matches. Sho of course has to cheat again to win out, but it makes Douki look great and has the fans on his side. Douki has the top two, Eagles and Kushida, and he’d need to pull off some ultimate underdog stuff to beat them both and take a spot from one of them.
Meanwhile, A Block is looking like a race to the top between Desperado and Titan. Despe beat Titan in their match from an earlier round, so if he and Titan both win out from here, they’re both going to the semifinals just like that. Despe has TJP next, and TJP is making a great comeback, while Titan has Kanemaru who isn’t even in the running anymore. But TJP and Kanemaru can both go for a spoiler, so those are going to be really good matches. In fact, Titan also has TJP to top this off, he’s in for two big fights in a row. Though, Connors did a lot of damage to Despe, that adds more pressure to whether Despe can get past TJP and then Hayata after that.
My Score: 8.9/10
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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:
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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
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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!
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Coverage6 days agoMitchell’s WWE Vengeance Day Results & Report! (2/15/25)
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AEW Coverage6 days ago
Mitchell’s AEW Grand Slam: Australia Results & Report! (2/15/25)
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Coverage3 days ago
Mitchell’s ROH Global Wars Australia Results & Report! (2/17/25)
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Podcasts7 days agoMindless Wrestling Podcast: Cena’s First Time Is Now!