Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE Raw Results & Report! (5/13/24)
Raw enters the second round!
Can Kofi Kingston avenge Xavier Woods?
Der Ring General put Xavier Woods on the shelf, then took out The Fella in the first round! But will Kofi Kingston show him why New Day Rocks?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Queen of the Ring Quarterfinals: Shayna Baszler VS Iyo Sky; Iyo wins and advances.
- King of the Ring Quarterfinals: GUNTHER VS Kofi Kingston; Gunther wins and advances.
- Akira Tozawa VS Bronson Reed; Bronson wins.
- Queen of the Ring Quarterfinals: Lyra Valkyria VS Zoey Stark; Lyra wins and advances.
- Otis VS Sami Zayn; Sami wins.
- Becky Lynch VS Dakota Kai w/ Damage CTRL; Becky wins, by disqualification.
- WWE World Tag Team Championship #1 Contenders Fatal 4 Way: New Catch Republic VS Authors of Pain VS The Creed Brothers VS Finn Balor & JD McDonagh; Finn & JD win and will challenge The Awesome Truth for the titles.
- King of the Ring Quarterfinals: Jey Uso VS Ilja Dragunov; Jey wins and advances.
PLAY BY PLAY
Drew McIntyre storms right to gorilla.
The Scottish Terminator’s music hits and he goes right out on stage! The fans in Greenville, South Carolina fire up as he gets his pyro, then he goes to the ring. He passes by commentary and Pat McAfee sells out Michael Cole about calling McIntyre a hypocrite! McIntyre then steps into the ring, gets more pyro, but then the fans chant “C M PUNK! C M PUNK!” McIntyre says maybe if we were in Atlanta or Charlotte, sure, but Punk’s not coming to Greenville. He only works the big cities, brother! The fans boo but McIntyre brings up Punk’s favorite line, “The greatest trick the Devil ever pulled was convincing the world he doesn’t exist.”
McIntyre says the greatest trick Punk ever pulled was looking like a drug without ever taking any drugs. No, in seriousness, the greatest trick of Punk’s is making the fans believe in him, no matter how many times he breaks their trust! Management takes Punk back like an abusive relationship and McIntyre doesn’t understand it. Another thing he doesn’t understand is the fans buy all the crap he spews! McIntyre doesn’t like talking down to people like they’re stupid, but if you’re a fan of CM Punk, you’re stupid! Just look at the facts! Punk was here, calling McIntyre a coward, challenging him to a fight, after literally watching McIntyre take his leave!
Punk arrived a second later, talked trash, and it’s like he’s got a stooge on the inside, Adam Pearce. And then before that, McIntyre’s on stage, Punk’s in a skybox. McIntyre goes to the skybox, Punk’s down in the ring! Punk is running from McIntyre, but eventually, McIntyre will get his hands on Punk, torture him, and Punk will be begging for McIntyre to tear his triceps again. But until then, McIntyre won’t waste time on a guy who might not be cleared for the next 20 YEARS. And speaking of things that’ll never happen, Jey Uso lost another title match. The fans boo but McIntyre says that should’ve been his title match. Jey’s reward? McIntyre’s spot in King of the Ring!
McIntyre will deal with that BS later because number one on his list is the World Heavyweight Championship and that paper champion, Damian Priest! McIntyre’s been watching Priest, walking around like the big man with his limp Bloodline- Wait! Here comes Damian Priest! The fans fire up for El Campeon as he raises the world title up and heads to the ring. McIntyre smirks as Priest steps into the ring with him, then Priest gets himself a mic. Priest tells McIntyre that he’s got some serious issues. Since McIntyre can’t shut that hole in his face, maybe he should do something different tonight? McIntyre should say what he says, to that person’s face.
McIntyre says he’d love to, but if Priest was listening, Punk keeps running away from McIntyre every week. But at least Priest is stepping up to him. McIntyre will say something positive. Priest has a very inspirational story, worked his arse off, put his shift in, paid his dues. He deserves all the success in the world, but just not the World Heavyweight Championship. McIntyre’s next door neighbor, Dave, has a pretty inspirational story, but that doesn’t mean he should be world champion. But this is a case of the title making the title. This title is in its infant stage still, and it needs the man to make the title! It needs Drew McIntyre!
The fans boo but McIntyre says Priest knew he couldn’t beat McIntyre 1v1, so he had to use the briefcase- Priest stops McIntyre there. McIntyre is delusional! McIntyre is out here blaming everyone else for his own failures! Priest asks a question: did McIntyre not choose this life? He chose to be a WWE superstar, right? Yes, since he was 21 years old! And say “What” if you think Priest is a BS champion. “WHAT?” Gottee! Priest says that means he’s still champion. But check it, here’s what McIntyre should do. McIntyre should choose to find a mirror, take a look at the reflection, and then blame “that a-hole.”
Priest will break it down for McIntyre more. Priest wanted to cash in on Rollins, he really did. Then he and McIntyre could’ve gone to war at WrestleMania. But McIntyre had to go and stop Priest multiple times. That is McIntyre’s fault. Wait, oh, and then, McIntyre explained to the world that if Priest was smart, he’d wait for McIntyre to beat Rollins, and then he’d cash in on McIntyre! And so what happened? That’s on McIntyre. But let’s go back to WrestleMania. McIntyre finally achieved his goal, and all he had to do was take his wife and leave, enjoy the moment. But what happened? Priest says he acted like an idiot.
McIntyre saw Punk, made Punk more important than himself, this title, and his wife. Oh, wait, let’s also not forget that McIntyre got whooped by a one-armed man. So yeah Priest cashed in! McIntyre’s elbow will heal, he’ll get cleared. He wants his shot at the world title? Fine, he’s got it! But check this out, McIntyre. Call Priest a paper champion all you want, but when Priest is done, McIntyre will eat his words. #ALLRISE to that. Priest drops the mic and leaves McIntyre seething. That seems to happen a lot to McIntyre these days. Will McIntyre make good on this shot now that he has it?
WWE share footage from just before the show.
Shayna Baszler & Zoey Stark arrived at the same time as Damage CTRL. Iyo Sky gets Shayna’s attention, tells her off in Japanese, but Shayna shoves Iyo! Producers stepped in to keep this from getting physical, and DMG CTRL moved on. The Evil Genius and the Queen of Spades will have it out tonight, who takes one step closer to the throne?
Queen of the Ring Quarterfinals: Shayna Baszler VS Iyo Sky!
The moment Iyo’s in the ring, Shayna rushes up from outta nowhere and TOSSES her back out! The fans fire up as Iyo is learning not to give Shayna fuel for the fire! Shayna ROCKS Iyo, refs rush out here, and they keep Shayna from adding on! The Evil Genius needs to rethink her strategy fast while Raw goes to break!
Raw returns and the match is officially underway as Shayna whips Iyo to ropes. Iyo ducks ‘n’ waistlocks then redirects. Iyo ducks the boot, handsprings over Shayna’s back, then trips Shayna up! Iyo won’t stop, she basement dropkicks! The fans fire up as Iyo kips up! Iyo says she’ll wear the crown, then she runs up, but Shayna moves! Iyo slips out to the outside safe, but Shayna is on the apron! Iyo blocks the Penalty Kick, TRIPS Shayna up, and we get a QR Code before Iyo hurries back to the apron. Shayna stands, catches Iyo from the springboard, and HOTSHOTS her down! Shayna then goes up a corner, and she drags Iyo up by her arm!
The fans fire up for the HANGING WRISTLOCK! The ref counts, Shayna drops Iyo, and Iyo flops to the floor! Shayna goes out to get Iyo and whip her into barriers! Then into the apron! Then the barriers! The ring count climbs so Shayna SMACKS Iyo off the apron and puts her in the ring. Shayna slides in, Iyo scrambles back out, and Shayna is annoyed. Shayna goes out after Iyo to KICK her in the back! Shayna then opens the apron skirt and gets Iyo’s arm through the frame! Shayna BOOTS the arm, and she grins as Iyo writhes! The count climbs to 5 of 10, fans want tables, but that’s not this kind of match, Greenville.
Shayna puts Iyo in the ring, covers, TWO! Shayna clamps onto the bad arm and grinds it to a top wristlock. Shayna isolates that arm, lets her hair down, and the fans know what that means! But Iyo trips Shayna first! Shayna gets up, goes after the arm, but Iyo fires forearms! Iyo is free but Shayna shoves her. Things speed up and Iyo RANAS! Shayna tumbles, Iyo BUZZSAWS! The fans rally and duel while Iyo shakes out the bad arm. Iyo gets Shayna up, reels her in, underhooks, but Shayna wrenches out! Shayna headlocks but Iyo slips out the back to hammerlock. Shayna wrenches the arm again to hit SOLE FOOD!
Iyo staggers to a corner, Shayna runs up to KNEE! Shayna puts Iyo up top, climbs up after her, and the fans fire up! Shayna brings Iyo into a gut wrench, but Iyo fights with body shots! Shayna still tries but Iyo still fights the suplex! Iyo manages to SUSNET FLIP free! Iyo then SHOVES Shayna down! Shayna’s stuck in a Tree of Woe, the ref checks and helps her get free. Shayna goes to the floor but Iyo goes to the apron! ASAI MOONSAULT! Direct hit and down goes Shayna! The fans are fired up and Raw goes to break!
Raw returns again and Shayna goes for an ARMBAR! Iyo stacks, TWO! SHOTEI!! Iyo fires forearms, puts Shayna in a corner, then fires off fast hands! The ref counts, Iyo lets off and she goes corner to corner, but is put on the apron! Shayna kicks, Iyo blocks, to HOTSHOT the leg! Shayna scrambles away, and Iyo takes aim again. Iyo springboards to MISSILE DROPKICK! Shayna tumbles to ropes, Iyo runs up to DOUBLE KNEE! Cover, TWO!! Shayna survives but Iyo stays focused. Iyo steps on Shayna, goes up the corner, and OVER THE MOONSAULT! Iyo blocks Shayna’s boots! Iyo sits Shayna up, BUZZSAW!
Shayna wobbles, Iyo steps over, LA MAGISTROL, and bridge! TWO!! KIRAFUDA KLUTCH!!! Iyo flails, reaches out, but Shayna shifts grips! Iyo rolls it back, pops free, and has a CROSSFACE!! Now Iyo makes Shayna suffer! Shayna fights up, pries free, dragon sleeper, BACKBREAKER! KNEE!! Cover, TWO!! Iyo survives and Shayna is beside herself! “This is Awesome!” as Shayna aims from a corner., Shayna runs up, but Iyo blocks the kick! DRAGON SCREW! Shayna hobbles to a corner, Iyo runs in, SHINKANSEN! Then she puts Shayna in the drop zone, goes up top, OVER THE MOONSAULT!! Cover, Iyo wins!
Winner: Iyo Sky, by pinfall (advances to the next round)
And with that, The Evil Genius moves on to the semifinals! Jackie Redmond interviews Iyo in the ring, congratulating her on advancing. She faces either Zoey Stark or Lyra Valkyria, what can we expect? Iyo takes the mic, and in Japanese, she promises to be the Queen of the Ring, and then the WWE Women’s World Champion! The fans fire up for that! Will the Evil Genius soon become an evil queen?
The Judgment Day are in the clubhouse.
They finish playing darts, and JD McDonagh says should get bonus points for his grouping rather than his accuracy. Finn says to worry more about Braun Strowman than about a game. And wait, Carlito is in here? Priest steps in and asks what’s up. Dom says he knows Carlito and Priest have history, but now is a good time to work together. They all agree on a lot of things, right? They agree that Rey Mysterio is a selfish bastard, right? Right! They know that from when Rey gave away Carlito’s WrestleMania moment to Dragon Lee. But no one knows more than Dom.
But hey, Rhea Ripley is out, Dom is hurt. Carlito can be the crew’s extra muscle. Well, all he’s saying is, they can all benefit mutually from this arrangement. Priest says what Carlito is saying does sound good. If the boys want to work with him, fine. But as far as Priest is concerned, Carlito’s not welcomed. Carlito gets it. Priest doesn’t trust him. But he trusts the boys, right? Then Carlito will say this: the most stubborn minds can be changed, and maybe one day, they can all be amigos. Carlito leaves, will The Punisher come around to accepting Caribbean Cool?
The Alpha Academy meets backstage.
Chad Gable says, “Well here we are. On the cusp of my big Intercontinental Championship match in Saudi, and uh… Maxxine. What a weekend you had, huh? Out there, galivanting around, blowing opportunities in Queen of the Ring, embarrassing the Alpha Academy, it’s pathetic! You’ve learned nothing! fortunately, I’ve got a chance at redemption. Talked with Pearce, got a couple matches for you two.” Otis will face Bronson Reed while Tozawa will face… Wait, no. It should be Otis VS Sami Zayn! That’s what Gable needs! He needs his number one guy to soften up Sami for Saudi, but no funny business! No hips shaking, no Worm stuff. Be serious, Otis. You know what that means, right?
Otis says yes, sir. No matter what. But Gable wants him to say it louder. No matter what. Otis heads out, and Gable tells Tozawa he has a big opportunity tonight so don’t blow it. He’s taking on Bronson Reed, and Gable swears, if he sees that dance…! Let’s go. Gable leads Tozawa away and Maxxine stays behind. Ivy Nile finds Maxxine and asks why she didn’t mention that QOTR match. Ivy could’ve helped her prepare. Maxxine says she’s sorry, but Coach Gable doesn’t want her training outside The Academy anymore. What? Maxxine, you don’t have to put up with this. But then Gable comes back and asks what is going on. Go do something! Anything!
Maxxine hurries away and Gable says Ivy has talent. She even has potential. But a piece of advice: stop wasting time with “Taylor Not So Swift,” okay? That one’s free. Gable heads out and Ivy can’t even! But is The Academy only going to fail when put under so much pressure?
Backstage interview with The New Day.
Cathy Kelley is with Kofi Kingston & Xavier Woods. Kofi did the unthinkable time and again in his career. He is preparing for Gunther tonight, how will he do the unthinkable again and win against Der Ring General? Kofi says not to toot his own horn, but he is quite familiar with the unthinkable. But tonight isn’t about that. Tonight is about payback! Tonight is giving Gunther what he deserves for what he did to Woods! Over the weekend, Kofi went toe to toe with the greatest luchador of all time in Rey Mysterio. And it reminded Kofi of a few things: there is no room for fear in that ring. There is no room for self doubt! And most of all, there’s no room for failure!
Kofi knows how much this all means to Woods. Woods says this is something Gunther will never understand. Everyone knows how dangerous Gunther is, but Gunther… King of the Ring is something that brings honor! Earning that title brings honor! Because of what Gunther did to him, Woods can’t go out there to defend that honor. But luckily, Woods knows someone who is an incredible candidate to go out there and beat the hell outta Gunther, and that is one of the greatest champions of all time in Kofi Kingston. Tonight, Kofi goes out there and shows Gunther exactly why… NEW! DAY ROCKS!
Samantha Irvin introduces Lilian Garcia!
The iconic ring announcer is back and the fans cheer! Samantha wants Lilian to help her do the honor of introducing this next match. Lilian says she would absolutely love to! It’d be amazing, the fans are amazing, Samantha is amazing! The fans cheer, Lilian says she is so proud of Samantha, and they hug it out. Lilian then says the following is a King of the Ring Quarterfinals Match scheduled for one fall! Kofi makes his entrance first, looks at the crown on display, but will he get to wear it at the end of all this? Or will Der Ring General make himself Der Konig des Ring?
Adam Pearce talks with R-Truth.
Does the Raw General Manager see what he’s saying? He does. Truth thinks they’ve got a great plan for these titles. Tonight’s gonna be hot as hell! Miz steps in and again says please talk to him before putting their titles on the line. Truth says their titles aren’t on the line. Pearce confirms, it wasn’t about that. But they do need #1 contenders, so tonight, the Raw Tag Division will be having a hell of an opportunity. Truth says tell ’em! Miz double checks, The Awesome Truth is not defending the belts? Then why’re they here? In steps Kiana James!
The newest member of the division says that while they spoke on the phone last week, she wants to reiterate that she is so looking forward to working with Adam Pearce. And she looks forward to leveraging this opportunity to prove she is The One Percent. Pearce appreciates that, and says if she needs anything at all, don’t hesitate to call. She never hesitates. She adjudicates. She does what in the workplace? Truth doesn’t even know if that’s PG. Pearce sighs, but what is cooking for the Raw Tag Division here?
King of the Ring Quarterfinals: GUNTHER VS Kofi Kingston!
Raw returns and Der Ring General makes his entrance. And then Kofi DROPKICKS him off the apron! The fans fire up, Kofi goes out after Gunther to fire off hands, then he gets in the ring to build speed! Kofi DIVES and takes Gunther down! Kofi fires more hands, Gunther gets loose, but Kofi DROPKICKS him into the apron! Kofi SLAMS Gunther’s leg against the apron! Kofi stomps that leg, all payback for Woods! But Gunther CHOPS back! The ref wants this in the ring, it isn’t even a match yet! Gunther whips, but Kofi goes up and up and SUPER CROSSBODIES! The fans fire up with Kofi and he keeps Gunther from getting away!
Kofi SLAMS the leg on the apron! Then he drags Gunther to a corner, to SLAM it into the post! Kofi storms into the ring, puts the leg around ropes and pulls! The ref reprimands, Kofi lets off, just to run and DROPKICK the leg! The fans are all fired up for KofiMania, and the bell rings! Gunther hobbles up, but he avoids Trouble in Paradise! GERMAN SUPLEX, but Kofi lands out! Kofi runs up to dropkick the legs! Gunther falls, Kofi goes to a corner! Kofi climbs, aims, and SUPER BOOM DROPS!! Cover, TWO!! Gunther survives and Kofi scowls while the fans fire up! Gunther bails out, leans on the desk, but Kofi builds speed! Kofi DIVES, but into a clinch!
Gunther RAMS Kofi into the apron! Gunther seethes, drags Kofi up, and CHOPS him! Gunther then hits a BARRIER BACK SUPLEX! Kofi writhes, the ring count starts, but Gunther gets Kofi up. Gunther copies Randy Orton with a DESK BACK SUPLEX! Kofi writhes, Gunther refreshes the count, and he goes back for Kofi. Gunther gets Kofi’s legs as he stands on the desk, for a BOSTON CRAB! The ref reprimands and counts, Gunther lets off at 4 and the fans boo. Gunther goes to a HALF CRAB!! Kofi endures, the ref reprimands, but Raw goes to break!
Raw returns again and Gunther has Kofi in the ring. Gunther shoves but Kofi ROCKS Gunther! Kofi kicks at the bad leg, has Gunther in a corner, but Gunther turns things around to CHOP! The fans “WOO~!” for that one, but Gunther goes out to the apron to stomp Kofi back into the ring! Gunther taunts Kofi, kicks him around, and he brings Kofi up. Gunther whips Kofi to the corner hard, and Kofi falls to the mat! The fans rally with “NEW! DAY ROCKS!” but Gunther brings Kofi up. Kofi CHOPS! And CHOPS! And fires forearms! Kofi KICKS the bad leg, but Gunther scoops to SLAM him!
Gunther scowls, Kofi writhes, and Gunther knees on Kofi’s back. Gunther ties up the legs, even as the fans rally, but Gunther pulls Kofi into a BOW ‘N’ ARROW! Kofi endures, pops free to a cover, TWO! Gunther BOOTS Kofi down! Gunther hobbles while Kofi flops on the ropes. Gunther looms over Kofi, drags him back around, and he eggs Kofi on. Kofi slowly rises, and he KICKS the bad leg! Kofi stands to KICK again! But Gunther CHOPS! Kofi storms up to JAWBREAKER! Kofi runs, but into a scoop and BACKBREAKER! Kofi writhes, Gunther shakes out the bad leg since he had to use it in the move, and the fans continue to rally.
Gunther drags Kofi around, and drops an ELBOW on the back! Gunther goes up a corner, to FALLING ELBOW DROP but misses as Kofi moves! The fans fire up with “NEW! DAY ROCKS!” as Kofi stands. Kofi KICKS the bad leg! And KICKS! And KICKS! And KICKS, but Gunther blocks! Gunther CLUBS Kofi on the back, ripcords, but Kofi slips under! But Gunther turns SOS into gut wrench! Kofi slips free, Gunther hobbles, and Gunther runs into a PENDULUM KICK! Kofi goes up top, and CROSSBODIES! Both men are down and the fans fire up again! Kofi stands, but Gunther trips him! BOSTON CRAB!!
Kofi endures, the fans freak out! Gunther puts pressure on the hold but Kofi slips under and kicks from below! Kick kicks the bad leg! Gunther hobbles away, swings, but into SOS!! Cover, TWO!! Gunther survives and the fans rally again! “This is Awesome!” as Kofi goes to a corner. Kofi climbs up, and CROSS- NO, Gunther moves! Kofi staggers up, into a BLINDSIDE SHOTGUN! Gunther then ripcords Kofi to LARIAT! Cover, TWO!! Kofi survives and Gunther is a bit surprised, but the fans continue to rally. Gunther taunts Kofi, eggs him on, then drags him to a corner. Gunther pulls Kofi against the post!
The ref reprimands and counts, Gunther lets go at 4, and the fans boo. Gunther gets Kofi up, to GENERAL- RANA!! Kofi posts Gunther with that, and then runs up to TROUBLE IN PARADISE!! Both men are down on the outside and the ring count is climbing! Kofi crawls, drags himself up with the apron skirt, and slides in at 7! Gunther stands at 8 and hobbles around! Gunther is in at 9.5!! The fans can’t believe it, but the match continues! Kofi aims from a corner, Gunther stands, into TROUBLE IN- NO, Gunther avoids it again, to GENERAL BOMB!! High stack, TWO!! BOSTON CRAB!!! Gunther sits deep on the hold! Kofi TAPS, Gunther wins!!
Winner: Gunther, by submission (advances to the next round)
A fiery start but a miscalculation at the end, Kofi fails to avenge Woods’ injury! Gunther already claims the crown, but who will meet him in the semifinals?
Backstage interview with Lyra Valkyria.
Jackie Redmond is now with The Morrigan and asks how she’s feeling after last week’s big Raw debut. Not only did Lyra beat Dakota Kai, she came to the rescue for The Man, Becky Lynch. Lyra says what a perfect way to kickstart her rise to the top! And, to also send a message at the same time. DMG CTRL better get used to seeing Lyra, because she’s here to stay. And any time Becky needs a little Irish back-up, Lyra will be there. Speaking of, Becky steps in to thank Lyra for it! Great to have her on Raw! Becky wants Lyra to go crush it later tonight! Fighting Irish, ‘ey? Jackie says Becky’s the best, huh?
But to the match, Lyra faces Zoey Stark, how has she been preparing? Well, Zoey and Lyra have never gone 1v1 but- In steps Liv Morgan. Liv “doesn’t mean” to interrupt, but she just wanted to say hi and to congratulate Lyra, and says she’ll have so much fun here. Oh, uh, thanks, Liv. That’s really nice of you. Liv does want to say one thing, though. Has Becky always been such a b*tch? Lyra tells Liv to ask her directly. Becky circled back around to get behind Liv! Liv turns around, they both smile, and then Becky BOPS Liv right in the mouth! Becky says she’s not the one scared of a face-to-face fight, b*tch!
Becky heads out for real this time, but Liv seems to smirk. Will this revenge tour hit the Big Time as hard as the Big Time hit her?
Kofi returns backstage.
He’s definitely hurting, but then Karrion Kross finds him! Kross tells Kofi that was a “tough loss.” But don’t worry, there’s always time to turn things around. Kross leaves, Woods finds Koi and gives him an icepack. What did Kross want? Kofi isn’t sure. But will Mr. Doomsday make his intentions clear sooner rather than later?
Akira Tozawa w/ Chad Gable VS Bronson Reed!
The Alpha Academy is having to deal with major tests, all because Master Gable wants his opponents worn out before the Intercontinental Championship Triple Threat. Will the Stamina Monster find a way to bring down the Colossal Aussie? Or will it just be disappointment after disappointment for Gable?
The bell rings, Bronson runs in but Tozawa dodge! Tozawa fires off fists, but Bronson TOSSES Tozawa to a corner! Tozawa BOOTS Bronson, runs, ducks ‘n’ dodges, then slides under to SUPERKICK! Gable keeps on shouting how this is what happens when you listen to him! Tozawa spins, but Bronson ducks the kick, only for the SPIN KICK to hit on the second try! Tozawa hurries up top, MISSILE DROPKICKS, and Bronson actually falls! The fans fire up and Tozawa rips the shirt open! Gable gets mad, no fan pandering! That’s not what he taught Tozawa! Tozawa goes up, leaps, but Bronson catches him!
Bronson pops Tozawa up into a fireman’s carry, and a DEATH VALLEY DRIVER! Tozawa is dazed, Bronson puts him in the drop zone! Gable says Tozawa’s an idiot, this is not on him! TSUNAMI!! Cover, Bronson wins!
Winner: Bronson Reed, by pinfall
Well, whether or not Tozawa’s failure is on Gable’s hands, he has a big fight on his hands in two weeks. Will Gable fail his own greatest test in that Triple Threat?
Imperium regroups backstage.
Ludwig Kaiser says that was impressive out there, but then Cathy Kelley walks over. She excuses the intrusion but Gunther says sorry, no interview today. Kaiser scolds Cathy. The first thing when he comes out of there, she bothers him? After winning, he has to answer questions? What’re we doing here? Cathy says there’s no denying the momentum, but she did want to address his history with the remaining competitors in this tournament. The last time Gunther faced Ilja Dragunov, Ilja won. And Gunther’s win over Jey Uso was partially because of Jimmy Uso interfering. And then last week, Kaiser had to help Gunther against Sheamus.
Kaiser asks Cathy, “Who’re we talking about here? We are talking about Der Ring General, we are talking about the most successful, the longest reigning Intercontinental Heavyweight Campion in history! 666 DAYS! Gunther does not have to prove anything to anyone around here. Is that clear?” And she brought up Sheamus. If anyone out there actually believes, if Sheamus himself thinks he lost because of Kaiser, then they must be delusional! But Sheamus has had a legendary career, no problem admitting that. But one thing he’s never achieved is beating Gunther 1v1. Never happened, never will.
In fact, Sheamus should be standing here next to Kaiser thanking him, because Kaiser saved Sheamus last week! If Sheamus has a problem with that, then Kaiser will be the guy to put Sheamus out of his misery! Kaiser will expose and embarrass Sheamus in front of the whole wide world! We’re done here. Kaiser follows after Gunther, but is the Impeccable German perhaps getting ahead of himself when it comes to the Celtic Warrior?
Backstage interview with Adam Pearce.
Jackie Redmond is now with the Raw GM, and wants to talk this big announcement he has for the tag division. But first in steps New Catch Republic! Tyler Bate has to usher Pete Dunne along, and then he apologizes to everyone for the interruption. He just wants to thank Pearce for this great opportunity here on Raw to show some unbelievable tekkers. Well, Pearce appreciates that and wishes them luck. They head out, and Pearce says the Draft is behind us, the roster has a new look, and it is a new era. That means new opportunities. Tonight, he put together a Fatal 4 Way to determine new #1 contenders to the World Tag Team Championships.
So obvious, New Catch Republic, VS Authors of Pain VS The Creed Brothers VS Finn Balor & JD McDonagh. The winners get their shot at The Awesome Truth. Jackie loves it! Opportunity is in the air, but also, while she has him, she wants to ask Pearce why Bron Breakker, a top pick in the Draft, wasn’t in the KOTR. Can he explain that decision? Well isn’t she a broadcast journalist. Pearce already talked with Bron last week. Bron has unlimited potential, anyone with eyes can see it, but the guy son this roster have earned spots at the highest levels. Pearce explained this to Bron, didn’t wanna shove him into the deep end.
But wait, here comes Bron. “The deep end,” huh? Bron will explain this to Pearce now: Bron’s opponents, when it comes to KOTR, he wouldn’t have been in the deep end with them, they would’ve been in that deep end with him. And Bron would’ve dragged them all under and watched them drown, while he smiled. Bron should’ve been in the damn thing. Bron storms out, Pearce is a bit stunned, but will the Big Bad Booty Nephew prove he’s a genetic freak and he’s not normal?
Queen of the Ring Quarterfinals: Lyra Valkyria VS Zoey Stark!
A former NXT Women’s Champion faces off with a former NXT Women’s Tag Team Champion, and it is truly a glimpse at the bright future of the Raw Women’s Division. But will The Morrigan soar to new heights as she steps closer to the crown? Or will the Hunter take down her prey as she builds her legacy?
The bell rings and the two tie up. Zoey powers Lyra back but Lyra puts her in the corner. Lyra lets off, Zoey shoves her, so Lyra shoves back! Lyra dodges the lariat to headlock, but Zoey powers out. Lyra goes up and over, handsprings, then arm-drags Zoey! Lyra then dodges Zoey to go up and up and FLYING ELBOW! Another arm-drag, and Lyra has the armlock! Zoey fights up, powers Lyra to ropes and KNEES low! Zoey pie faces Lyra, whips, but Lyra ducks ‘n’ dodges. Lyra then jumps up to RANA Zoey out of the ring! The fans fire up as Lyra goes to the apron, but Zoey blocks the kick! Lyra kicks free, leaps, but Zoey dodges!
Zoey runs up to LARIAT Lyra down! The fans boo but Zoey soaks it up as Raw goes to break.
Raw returns and Lyra flounders. Zoey springboards in to MISSILE DROPKICK! Cover, TWO! Zoey mocks Lyra’s posing, flexes on her, then clamps onto Lyra with a cravat. Lyra endures the neck wrench, Zoey shouts at Pat McAfee to put her dropkick over, but Lyra fights up. The fans rally as Lyra fires body shots, but Zoey fires forearms and elbows! Zoey kicks the legs out, then pushes Lyra around. Zoey runs, but Lyra avoids the knee to ghost pin! TWO, and both women stand up! Lyra blocks a shot to ROCK Zoey! And ROCK! SOBAT! KICK! ENZIGIRI! Zoey tumbles out of the ring and the fans fire up!
Lyra builds speed and WRECKS Zoey with a dropkick! Lyra puts Zoey in fast, goes up a corner, and CROSSBODIES! Lyra pushes Zoey around, gets her up, TORNADO DDT! Cover, TWO! Zoey stays in this but Lyra stays focused. The fans rally behind Lyra and she drags Zoey up. Lyra fireman’s carries, but Zoey slips free to waistlock. Lyra switches, Zoey elbows out! Zoey CLUBS Lyra, KICKS the legs out, then runs up, but Lyra ducks the kick! Lyra kips up but Zoey ducks the enzigiri to SUPERKICK! And then HALF ‘N’ HALF! Cover, TWO! Lyra survives and Zoey is losing her cool! Zoey storms to a corner, says she’s done!
Zoey climbs, DIVING- NO, Lyra moves and Zoey rolls through! But Lyra hits a WHEEL KICK! And then she reels Zoey in, TORNADO- NO, Zoey stops that to snap suplex into the buckles! Cover, TWO!! Lyra survives again and Zoey is furious! Zoey pie faces and pushes Lyra around, then she drags her up. Zoey SLAPS Lyra, Lyra SLAPS back! The fans fire up and Zoey SUPERKICKS again! Zoey scoops, Z 3- NO, Lyra blocks and fireman’s carries, into the NIGHTWING DRIVER!! Cover, Lyra wins!
Winner: Lyra Valkyria, by pinfall (advances to the next round)
And now Raw’s half of the semifinals are set! Jackie interviews Lyra in the ring, saying she is making quite the first impression! Congratulations on moving on in the QOTR! Anything she’d like to say to Iyo ahead of their match? Lyra asks back if they wanna know why she’s so confident. Lyra speaks in Gaelic, then says you’ll find out what that means later. But she will say that she is Lyra Valkyria, the former NXT Women’s Champion, and she travels as the crow flies: straight to the top! The fans fire up as The Morrigan and the Evil Genius are set to collide! Who will own the skies and fly right to the finals?
Jey Uso speaks.
“Uh-huh! Uh-huh! Drew McIntyre couldn’t cut it, so they put ya boi in the King of the Ring tournament! Last week, Finn Balor got the YEET down! Tonight, though, the newcomer, Ilja Dragunov, welcome to Mon-Jey Night Raw, Uce! But you gonna get this work, too! Just like next week, Da Ring General, Gunther, YEET down. And then I’m gonna get a new crown, where it’s gonna go down, where I become the NEW King of the Ring. YEET!” Main Event Jey is ready for said main event, but will he be able to slay the Mad Dragon?
Otis w/ Chad Gable VS Sami Zayn!
Tozawa failed to slow Bronson Reed down by even a step, but now the Academy’s number one guy steps up to the Intercontinental Champion himself! Will this tree trunk fall on Sami and ruin his run up to the KQOTR event? Or will the Great Liberator help show the Academy’s ways aren’t working?
Raw returns as The Academy makes their entrance. The bell rings, Sami and Otis tie up, and Otis powers Sami to a corner., Sami gets free to fire off forearms! Otis puts Sami back in the corner to CLUB away on him! The fans boo but Gable cheers. The ref counts, Otis lets off, and Otis whips Sami to ropes. WRECKER ELBOW! Otis huffs and puffs and Gable says that’s the one he’s been looking for! Sami goes to a corner, Otis runs in to SPLASH! Sami flops and Otis is tempted. The fans want it, Pat wants it, but Gable says don’t do it! Otis starts getting that motor running but Gable tells him no! Otis really wants to, though!
Gable says NO, slow that roll! Otis listens… TO HIS HEART! He rips the shirt open, does the CATERPILLAR and ELBOW DROPS! The fans fire up but Gable is furious! Otis looks at Gable shouting at him, and he goes up the corner as told. VADER BOMBÂ FLOPS! Sami now takes aim, and runs in to HELLUVA KICK!! Cover, Sami wins!
Winner: Sami Zayn, by pinfall
Okay, that one was on Gable. If he’d just let Otis be Otis, Otis would’ve won, the whole point of this match! Gable storms into the ring to berate Otis, but the fans boo. Gable SLAPS Otis?! Sami rushes back into the ring to go after Gable! CORNER EXPLODER! The fans are thunderous as Sami then runs up, but Gable bails out! Otis helps Gable up, even though he doesn’t deserve it, and Gable shakes Otis off. Gable doesn’t want Otis’ help! Gable blames Otis for all this, and then SLAPS Otis again!! Gable storms off, just how much more abuse is Otis going to put up with?
Braun Strowman talks with The Creed Brothers.
The Monster Among Men just wants to let Julius & Brutus know, they have a hell of an opportunity. It has been a lot of fun watching them make a name for themselves here on Raw, they’ve got a hecc of a future ahead of them. And just check the pipes on Ivy, she could give Braun a run for his money. But then JD calls Strowman out. Braun asks what JD wants, and JD says Braun got in their business. And? Here on Raw, Judgment Day doesn’t appreciate people sticking their nose in their business. Braun chuckles. What’s JD gonna do about it? JD says he should consider himself warned. JD storms off and Braun chuckles. He’s been warned~!
But anyway, Braun wishes The Creeds good luck in the Fatal 4 Way. Will Julius & Brutus make it through to then reach The Awesome Truth?
Becky Lynch VS Dakota Kai w/ Damage CTRL!
The Women’s World Champion got even with Liv Morgan for leaving her high and dry, but now she’s going to settle things with #CobraKai for picking the fight in the first place. Will Dakota see what happens when The Man comes around? Or will she be ready for The Big Time?
The bell rings and the two circle. The fans rally up, the two start shoving, and then Becky dodges a shot to ROCK Dakota! Becky stomps away on Dakota in a corner, lets off as the ref counts, then runs back in. Dakota boots but Becky blocks to ELBOW Dakota! Becky bumps Dakota off buckles, brings her around, and bumps her off more buckles! And then off buckles in the third corner! Becky dribbles Dakota off the buckle, then lets off as the ref counts. Dakota bails out, Becky builds speed, and Becky WRECKS Dakota with a dropkick! Becky goes to the apron, and then hits a FLYING FOREARM! Dakota falls again, but Becky gets her up.
Becky SMACKS Dakota off the apron, brings her around, and SMACKS her off more apron. Becky puts Dakota in, storms up but Dakota shoulders in. Becky KICKS Dakota in the ropes, ROUNDHOUSES her away, but Iyo runs up! Becky BOOTS Iyo, then Becky goes up a corner. Kairi is there to distract Becky, and Dakota BOOTS Becky! Dakota THROWS Becky off the top, then storms over to stomp her! Dakota puts Becky on ropes to CHOKE! The ref counts, Dakota lets off, and she taunts Becky as she hits buckle bumps in return! Dakota counts along with her dribbling, but Becky hits back to bump Dakota off buckles!
Becky whips, Dakota reverses, but Becky reverses again! Dakota dodges, runs around the world, and BOOTS Becky down! Dakota stomps Becky, drags her up, and clamps on a chinlock! Becky endures as Dakota squeezes tight, and the fans rally up. Becky fights up, arm-drags free, but then Dakota blocks a boot! Becky ENZIGIRIS! Dakota goes to a corner, Becky runs up but only gets buckles. Dakota tries going Around the World again but Becky dodges! JUMP KICK! Both women are down and the fans fire up as Raw goes to break.
Raw returns and Dakota drags Becky up to a fireman’s carry. Becky slips free, waistlocks, and O’Conner Rolls, TWO! Dakota has the roll-up, TWO! Becky stands, Dakota kicks and TOSSES her to the apron! Dakota puts Becky in ropes to JUMP STOMP her down! Cover, TWO! Becky survives and Dakota is furious! Dakota rises, tells Becky to get up, and then Dakota runs in, but Becky BOOTS back! Dakota ROCKS Becky, runs again, but Becky runs! Dakota sees that and ROCKS Becky again! But Becky runs up, into an ELBOW! Dakota whips, Becky reverses, and now Dakota’s on the apron! But Dakota RAMS into Becky!
Dakota drags Becky into ropes, but Becky avoids the stomp! She gets Dakota in the ropes to ROCK, UPPERCUT and SOBAT! Becky goes up the corner, GUILLOTINE LEG DROP! Cover, TWO! Dakota stays in this and DMG CTRL is relieved. The fans rally up as Becky and Dakota stir. Becky slaps herself to get that fire back, and she storms up on Dakota. Clinch and- NO, Dakota slips free, shoves and BOOTS in the corner! Becky falls, Dakota covers, TWO!! Becky survives and Dakota is losing her mind! Dakota goes back to the corner, climbs up, but Becky trips her up first! Becky now climbs and the fans rally!
Dakota CLUBS Becky, Becky hits back! They brawl up top, Becky CLUBS away and then brings Dakota up! The fans fire up for the SUPERPLEX! And then ARMBAR! Dakota flails, fights around, stacks, TWO! Becky pops Dakota into a cradle, TWO! Dakota high stacks, ONE!! DISARM-HER! DMG CTRL ATTACKS!!
Winner: Becky Lynch, by disqualification
The fans boo as Iyo & Kairi beat Becky down, but here comes Lyra! Lyra did say she’d have Becky’s back so here she is! ENZIGIRI for Dakota! ENZIGIRI for Kairi! Iyo and Lyra stare down, but Iyo swings first! Lyra ducks, Becky CLOBBERS Iyo! The fans fire up as the Irish lasses kick some asses, but then Liv runs in to POST Becky!! Liv runs away, but this blindside only proves Becky right! Will Liv do whatever she has to in order to get that Women’s World Championship? Will Becky do what she must to put Liv in her place?
Backstage interview with Ilja Dragunov.
Jackie is now with The Mad Dragon and says last week, he kicked off the tournament with a thrilling victory over Ricochet. Tonight is a quarterfinal match with Main Event Jey in the main event, what is Ilja’s mindset going in? Dragunov says some believe it is a dream, or destiny, to be here. To be in this spot, to feel a moment like this. But for Dragunov, it is not enough just to be here. He is here to make an impact night in and night out, and it starts with him becoming The Czar of the Ring! Last week, he and Ricochet pushed themselves to the absolute limits! And when it was time to strike, Dragunov took it!
Dragunov promises to bring the same fight to the Main Event, Jey Uso, tonight! And Dragunov knows Jey is ready for a battle. But what is waiting on the other side is a different kind of animal. One only a few have beaten. But Dragunov is more than a different kind of animal. He is a different kind of DRAGON! Dragunov beat Gunther! And so Dragunov and Gunther have a long history together. But one thing is for sure, it is NOT over! And wait, Gunther steps in! Gunther smirks a bit as he looks Dragunov over. Gunther leaves, will he end up with an even better look in the semifinals?
WWE World Tag Team Championship #1 Contenders Fatal 4 Way: New Catch Republic VS Authors of Pain VS The Creed Brothers VS Finn Balor & JD McDonagh!
Tyler Bate & Pete Dunne, Akam & Rezar, Julius & Brutus, The Prince & The Irish Ace. This is a star-studded match to be sure, but only one team can make it through! Who defies the odds to head for The Awesome Truth?
Raw returns and speaking of The Awesome Truth, they’re ringside to watch this in person! New Catch Republic make their entrance now, followed by The Creeds, and that leaves The Final Testament to make theirs last but certainly not least. For this Fatal 4 Way, only two teams are legal at a time, so The Big Strong Boi steps to Finn. They circle, feel things out, and Finn kicks low! Finn CLUBS Bate, bumps him off buckles, then ROCKS him. Tag to JD, he stomps Bate a few times, then snapmares. Bate is up but JD trips him. JD stomps Bate in the stomach, but Bate reaches up to twist and headscissor hold JD!
Bate handstand walks his way to the corner, tag to The Bruiserweight, and Bate RANAS! NCR double whip JD, then double back drop! The fans fire up, Dunne keeps JD from Finn and bends the fingers! JD suffers, the fans fire up, and Dunne isolates that arm to STOMP it! JD writhes but Dunne brings him up to wrench. JD ROCKS Dunne, Julius tags in! Julis tags Brutus, they KNEE JD back and forth! Then they DOUBLE GUTBUSTER! The Creeds double whip JD, but JD holds ropes to BOOT them both away! Akam CLOBBERS JD, then Rezar CLOBBERS The Creeds! Akam BLASTS Finn, Rezar SPINEBUSTERS Bate! Akam scoops and SLAMS Dunne onto Bate!
The fans boo but the AOP just shout at everyone. AOP get JD up to DOUBLE HIP TOSS him out onto everyone else! The fans boo but the Authors of Pain are all fired up as Raw goes to break.
Raw returns again and Finn fires off hands on Brutus in the corner. The fans boo but Finn soaks up the heat. Tag to JD, JD stomps Brutus down, then he tags Finn back in. The Judgment Day gets Brutus up but then they sucker punch NCR! The fans boo again but JD & Finn turn around, into DOUBLE LARIATS from Brutus! The fans rally as Brutus crawls for his corner, Finn goes to the other wat. Hot tag to Julius, Finn runs up into an OVERHEAD SUPLEX! Julius kips up to OVERHEAD SUPLEX JD! Julius kips up to DROPKICK Akam, and he DECKS Rezar! JD & Finn mug Julius, double whip, but Juilus reverse sto reel them in! DOUBLE NORTHERN LIGHTS!
Julius kips up, the fans fire up, and Awesome Truth are in awe as Julius STANDING SHOOTING STARS! JD hurries over but Juilus oves, the ax handle hits Finn! Julius TOSSES JD out, but Finn rolls Julius up! TWO, and Finn aims form a corner! SLINGBLADE! Finn aims again, to SHOTGUN Julius down! Finn hurries up top but that’s the AOP corner! NCR CLOBBER Finn first, fight off AOP, but then Dunne ASAI MOONSAULTS Akam, Bate ASAI MOONSAULTS Rezar! Julius gets Finn for a SUPER DUPER PLEX!! Cover, TWO!! The fans fire up as Julius hurries to get Finn up. Tag to Brutus, and Julius Electric Chair Lifts!
JD saves Finn and shoves Julius into Brutus! AOP get in to attack Judgment Day! “This is Awesome!” as we get a SUPER COLLIDER!! Bate & Dunne DOUBLE GAMANGIRI Akam! Then they DOUBLE FOREARM Rezar! Akam returns, grabs both of them and he SHOVES NCR up and out! Akam gets Brutus up but Brutus lifts Akam! SAIDO!! The fans fire up with Brutus and he goes up a corner. Bate tags in before the BRUTUS BALL!! Brutus takes out the AOP and Dunne, but Bate aims at Akam! REBOUNDER, and fireman’s carry!! For an AIRPLANE SPIN!! Around and around and around we go, and the fans fire up for the THROW!
But Finn gets Bate for a roll-up! TWO!! Bate says Bop up, BANG! Dunne tags in, NCR get Finn for a DOUBLE TYLER DRIVER!! Cover, JD breaks it!! The fans boo but Bate builds speed to DIVE and take out JDÂ into the desk! Dunne hurries after JD, to rain down fists of fury! The fans are thunderous, but then CARLITO attacks Dunne! BACKSTABBERÂ on the desk!! Caribbean Cool helps out his amigos, and JD HEADBUTTS Bate! JD puts Dunne in, Finn goes up top! COUP DE GRACE!! Cover, Judgment Day wins!!
Winners: Finn Balor & JD McDonagh, by pinfall (NEW #1 Contenders to the World Tag Team Championships)
Finn grins at Miz & Truth, because here we go again! Finn also nods to Carlito for the assist, is Carlito going to win the Judgment Day over the way JD once did? Will it be even better when Finn & JD bring the tag titles back to the Judgment Day?
Ricochet finds Ilja Dragunov backstage.
The One and Only says he just wants to show respect for the match last week. That was one hell of a fight. And the next time this happens, Ricochet promises the outcome will be different. But as far as tonight goes, he wishes Dragunov good luck, and to go get the crown. Will the Czar do just that? Or will we all hail #KingYEET?
Judgment Day regroups backstage.
Priest talks Dom’s new facial hair with him, but then gets serious. Are Dom and Rhea good? Yeah, why does he ask? But then Finn & JD step in, celebrating with Carlito! Big assist to have the #1 contendership, they’re getting those tag titles! But Priest doesn’t look happy, and Carlito says he gest it. He’s not wanted. But then Priest tells Carlito that what happened out there… was cool. He said it! Priest then tells Carlito that he brought up Rey Mysterio. The boys will have his back, but Carlito can handle his business, right? Of course! Good. Because the crew doesn’t roll with cowards. Don’t let them down, amigo.
Priest heads out, Carlito says no one’s scared of Rey. But they all celebrate winning Priest over, will Caribbean Cool bring down the King of Lucha Libre?
King of the Ring Quarterfinals: Jey Uso VS Ilja Dragunov!
Raw returns and Dragunov makes his entrance. The bell rings and the fans “YEET! YEET! YEET!” as Jey circles with Dragunov. They tie up, go around, and Jey puts Dragunov in a corner. Dragunov turns it around, but lets off slowly. The fans chant for “UCE! OH!” but Jey ducks the backhand! Dragunov blocks a haymaker to CHOP! And CHOP! Jey shoves, kicks, but Dragunov blocks! And he ducks the Dragon Whip! Jey stagger sup, into a SPINNING CHOP! The fans rally but Dragunov says he will be the CZAR of the Ring! Jey goes to a corner, Dragunov runs up to KNEE him down! Dragunov then pushes Jey down, goes up, and KING KONG KNEE DROPS!
Dragunov fires up, fans are torn, and Dragunov goes up a corner. But Jey gets up to UPPERCUT first! Dragunov tumbles to the apron then the floor, and Jey builds speed! Jey DIVES and Dragunov hits the desk! Both men fall and the fans fire up! A standing count starts, but fans chant “YEET! YEET! YEET!” as Jey gets Dragunov up. Jey fireman’s carries, but Dragunov slips free and JUMP KICKS! Jey falls, Dragunov refreshes the count, and he fires up again! The fans are torn but they like him clearing off the desk! Dragunov brings Jey up to CHOP him onto the desk! Dragunov then positions Jey just right, and goes up the barriers!
The fans fire up as Dragunov aims, to H-BOMB only desk! Jey avoids disaster and Dragunov clutches his hand! Jey slides into the ring but slides right back out, to SPEAR Dragunov over the desk!! The fans are thunderous while both men are down and Raw goes to break!
Raw returns again and Dragunov has Jey caught with a COBRA TWIST! Jey endures, pries at the hold, and the fans rally up. Jey hip tosses free! Both men are down and the fans rally again. Jey rises and he aims at Dragunov. Jey runs up to ROCK him with a haymaker! Dragunov wobbles, but he comes back to ROCK Jey! Jey ROCKS Dragunov, “YEET!” Dragunov drops to a knee, but he rises to CHOP! Jey UPPERCUTS, “YEET!” Jey shoves Dragunov, Dragunov CHOPS back! Dragunov fires boxing elbows, then winds up, but Jey counter punches! And again! And again! “YEET! YEET! YEET!” Jey pops, locks ‘n’ puts stank on it to DECK Dragunov!
The fans fire up, Jey kicks but Dragunov blocks! The DRAGON WHIP hits this time! Dragunov falls, Jey has the fans fire up with a “YEET! YEET! YEET!” Jey runs corner to corner, but Dragunov BOOTS him down! Dragunov stalks Jey, Jey rises, and Dragunov waistlocks! GERMAN SUPLEX! Dragunov holds on and says Jey’s not going anywhere! Dragunov hauls Jey up, to GERMAN SUPLEX again! Dragunov still holds on, but Jey fights with elbows! Jey arm-drags free, and mule kicks! Then UPERCUTS! But Dragunov springs up to PELE! Dragunov runs, CONSTANTINE SPECIAL! Cover, TWO!! Jey survives and Dragunov is stunned!
The fans rally, “This is Awesome!” as both men rise. Dragunov shakes his head, he storms up on Jey in a corner, and he CHOPS! And CHOPS! And CHOPS, CHOPS, CHOPS! The fans “WOO~!” as Dragunov MACHINE GUN CHOPS! Dragunov then scrapes his boot on Jey’s face! And again! Dragunov runs side to side, to BOOT WASH! Dragunov snarls and he drags Jey back up. Dragunov waistlocks, but Jey fights the hold! Jey switches, shoves, CONSTANTINE- BOOT! Jey then SUPERKICKS! SUPERKICK again! Cover, TWO!! Dragunov survives but Jey keeps cool. Jey’s ear is bleeding from where the earring is, but he doesn’t let it bother him.
Jey aims from a corner, runs up, but into a KNEE! Dragunov runs up to KNEE Jey down! Dragunov then drags Jey up, reels him in, and POWERBOMBS! Dragunov goes to a corner, takes aim, and H-BOMBS!! Cover, TWO!! Dragunov couldn’t keep Jey down from the pain in his hand, but now he reloads! “UN! BE! SIEG! BAR!!” TORPEDO MOS- SPEAR!! Jey hurries up top to USO SPLASH!! Cover, JEY WINS!!
Winner: Jey Uso, by pinfall (advances to the next round)
Dragunov brought out the intensity, and Jey managed to match it! And that means Jey will be facing Gunther in the semifinals in Greensboro! And speaking of, Gunther makes his way out here! He gives a look to Dragunov, then steps into the ring with Jey. The fans fire up as Jey and Gunther have a stare down! Will Der Ring General catch this YEET down? Or will nothing stop Gunther from heading for the crown?
My Thoughts:
A great episode for Raw, and they really gave each of these quarterfinal matches the room to breathe and really get going. Great use of recording the superstar arrivals to add to story this time, with Iyo getting at Shayna for Shayna to then get at her right before the match. Great promo segment from Lyra, Liv and Becky, really good match from Lyra VS Zoey. Really good match from Becky VS Dakota, but it was a little sloppy in the middle. Perhaps just simple miscommunication. Those two haven’t faced off much, they just needed to get a rhythm. Good move having Becky win by DQ, and then good move of Liv getting back at Becky for the punch. Iyo VS Lyra next week is going to be awesome, Becky VS Liv is going to be wild stuff for KQOTR.
The King of the Ring matches were also great. Kofi & Woods had a really good promo going into Kofi’s match with Gunther, which was awesome. Gunther winning out made sense, though, given who was on the other side of the bracket. Great promo from Kaiser running down Sheamus, and you can bet Sheamus comes back to Brogue Kaiser in the face. Good promo from Jey to call out Gunther and Dragunov, good promo from Dragunov, and great little bit of Gunther during Dragunov’s segment. Awesome main event match, and while Gunther VS Dragunov would’ve been awesome, it’ll still be awesome later on so let’s get the awesome rematch of Gunther VS Jey now. That match could really go either way, SmackDown’s bracket will also go a long way to figuring this out.
And we still got great non-tournament content going towards KQOTR. Great promo from McIntyre to call out Punk, because I just knew he’d spin Punk calling him out around like that. Great stuff from Priest, too, as McIntyre again gets the truth thrown in his face and can’t reply in the moment. Great stuff with Judgment Day wanting to have Carlito join up and all that, and I did not think Carlito would make a move to earn his place so soon. That Fatal 4 Tag was awesome stuff, but it made a lot of sense for JD & Finn to win their shot at the tag titles. I hope Awesome Truth find a way to retain, they’ve been too fun as a team to lose these belts already.
Good little promo from Braun with The Creeds and JD. Braun being the “Monster” is sure being a nice guy right now, but he’ll definitely pulverize JD at some point. All this Wyatt 6 teasing, I wonder if Braun’s being a nice guy all to “swerve” us and reveal he’s one of the masterminds behind what’s coming. And really good stuff with the Intercontinental Championship story. Gable keeps taking his anger all out on The Academy, and that is the real reason they’ve been failing. I almost thought Gable slapping Otis was gonna be the last straw, but perhaps The Academy standing up to Gable is why he loses at KQOTR. It’ll definitely be a great moment as the fans are definitely behind Otis on this. Otis has been doing good stuff for a long time, he deserves to have something.
My Score: 8.8/10
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Is Orange Cassidy coldblooded? Or just in control?
Before their AEW World Championship match at Full Gear, Jon Moxley puts Wheeler Yuta in Orange Cassidy’s way! Will Cassidy destroy The Decoder before going for The Maniac?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- 8 Man Tag: Will Ospreay, Mark Davis, Ricochet & “Powerhouse” Will Hobbs VS The Don Callis Family; The Don Callis Family wins.
- Kris Statlander VS Hikaru Shida; Kris wins.
- 2v1 Handicap: Bobby Lashley w/ The Hurt Syndicate VS Joe Keys & Cheeseburger; Lashley wins.
- Darby Allin VS Claudio Castagnoli; Claudio wins.
- Orange Cassidy VS Wheeler Yuta w/ The Death Riders; Cassidy wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
8 Man Tag: Will Ospreay, Mark Davis, Ricochet & “Powerhouse” Will Hobbs VS The Don Callis Family!
This All-Star 8 Man is going to make for a massive match! The Aerial Assassin, Dunk Zilla, The One & Only and the man the family foolishly forgot are now teamed together against Konosuke Takeshita, Kyle Fletcher, Brian Cage & Lance Archer! Will Ospreay lead this team to victory ahead of the grudge matches at Full Gear? Or will Callis’ Alpha, Aussie Arrow, Machine & Murderhawk Monster make sure #EverybodyDies?
Well forget sorting out, Ospreay leads his team in attacking the Callis Family right on the ramp! The fans fire up as Hobbs is after Archer, Davis is after Cage, and of course Ricochet is after Konosuke while Ospreay is after Kyle! Hobbs smacks Archer off railing, Kyle CLUBS Ospreay on the back, but Ospreay kicks low. Ospreay sends Kyle into railing, rips the tearaway pants right off him, and then LASHES him with them! Davis sends Cage into railing while Ospreay uses those pants to SLING Kyle into more railing! Davis CLUBS away on Cage, Ospreay blows snot on Kyle’s pants, and Davis sends Cage into more railing.
Kyle turns things around to send Ospreay into railing! Konosuke helps Cage against Davis but Hobbs still throws hands on Archer. Kyle CLUBS Ospreay, CLUBS Ricochet, but Konosuke puts Davis in the ring. The bell rings and this is finally a match. Konosuke headlocks Davis but Davis fires body shots. Davis powers up and out, but Konosuke RAMS him! The fans fire up as Davis stays up. Davis runs to RAM Konosuke! Konosuke stays up and the fans rally. Konosuke runs to RAM Davis, but Davis runs. Konosuke bypasses, leaps, but Davis catches him for a TOSS! And a SENTON! The fans fire up with Davis, and Ricochet reaches out.
Davis tags Ricochet in , then holds the way open, for Ricochet to FOSBURY FLOP onto Konosuke! But Cage CLOBBERS Davis! Cage then RAMS Ricochet into the apron, POSTS him, but Ospreay PENALTY KICKS Cage! The fans fire up as Ospreay goes up, but Kyle UPPERCUTS him! The fans boo as Kyle goes up, CLUBS away on Ospreay, and Ospreay falls to the floor. But now Hobbs is up! Kyle says wait! Then he fires hands! Hobbs just CHOPS Kyle! Hobbs climbs up to get Kyle, but Archer CLUBS Hobbs! Archer drags Hobbs down, throws hands, then puts Hobbs in between steps and post! Hobbs fights back, but Cage sends Ospreay into the steps!
The fans boo as Hobbs’ leg is crushed between steps and post! Archer puts Ricochet in the ring while a medic checks Hobbs. Archer brings Ricochet up but Ricochet slips free to fire off fast strikes! Hobbs is being helped to the back and Ospreay is concerned that this is now 4v3. Ricochet still fires strikes on Archer, but Archer grabs Ricochet by the neck! CHOKE- NO, Ricochet RANAS Archer first! Archer tumbles, stands up, and Ricochet springboards, but Archer CLOBBERS Him out of the sky! Archer BLASTS Davis, then catches Ospreay out of the air! Archer TOSSES Ospreay away and fans boo. But Ricochet springboards back in!
Archer catches Ricochet, and he CHOKE SLAMS Ricochet out onto Ospreay and Davis! The fans boo as the Don Callis Family is in control, and Dynamite goes picture in picture.
Cage & Kyle flex to soak up the heat, then Archer goes out after Ospreay and the rest. Konosuke fetches Ricochet into the ring, waistlocks, and then brings him away from the corner. Archer beats up on Ospreay while Konosuke fires knees into Ricochet. Ricochet tumbles to ropes but Konosuke is on him. Davis fires hands on Archer, then sends him into railing! Davis fires more hands, but Konosuke CHOKES Ricochet at the ropes! The ref counts, Konosuke steps off and tags Kyle. Kyle stays between Ricochet and his corner. Kyle taunts Ricochet, stomps him around, then whips him to ropes. Kyle ELBOWS Ricochet down, then stalks him to a corner.
Kyle stomps away on Ricochet while Archer intimidates commentary. Kyle shouts at the camera while the ref counts, and Kyle steps off of Ricochet’s neck. Kyle bumps Ricochet off buckles, tags Cage, and Cage stands Ricochet up. Cage CHOPS Ricochet, then whips him to ropes for an ELBOW! Cage flexes while he taunts Ospreay & Davis. Cage drags Ricochet up but Ricochet RAMS him! And RAMS him! And fires forearms! Cage ROCKS Ricochet, then runs, but into a tiger wall kick and ENZIGIRI! Konosuke tags in and storms after Ricochet. Konosuke stomps Ricochet, then rains down fists! The ref reprimands while Dynamite returns to single picture.
Konosuke argues with the ref while Ospreay rallies the fans. Konosuke stays between Ricochet and his team, but Ricochet SLAPS Konosuke! Konosuke ROCKS Ricochet for it! Ricochet fires forearms and an UPPERCUT! Konosuke keeps Ricochet from his corner, reels Ricochet in, but Ricochet victory rolls! TWO, and Ricochet ducks a chop to handspring BACK ELBOW! The fans fire up while both men are down! Ricochet and Konosuke crawl, hot tags to Kyle and Ospreay! The fans fire up as these two fire fists and forearms! Kyle kicks and whips but Ospreay ducks ‘n’ dodges to CLOBBER Kyle!
Ospreay whips, Kyle reverses, Ospreay handsprings to NEURALIZER KICK! Kyle staggers, Konosuke tags back in! Ospreay dodges Konosuke to BLAST Cage & Archer! Ospreay fires fists on Konosuke, but Konosuke CLAWS Ospreay’s face! Konosuke runs, but Davis intercepts with a fireman’s carry! AUSSIE DENTAL PLAN! Or maybe in this case, just a United Empire Dental Plan! But in any case, Davis scoops Konosuke, for the LAWN DART CUTTER! Cover, TWO!! Konosuke survives but the fans fire up. Ospreay & Davis bring Konosuke up, double pump handle, but the #MurderMachines make the save!
Archer puts Davis in a corner, Cage ducks Ospreay’s haymaker to waistlock. Archer runs up, BOOT GERMAN SUPLEX COMBO! Davis fires hands on Archer but Cage waistlocks, ripcords, and ROCKS Davis! Then fireman’s carry into the ASSISTED NECKBREAKER! The fans boo but the Murder Machines DOUBLE RIPCORD Ospreay up for Konosuke’s BLUE THUNDER BOMB!! Cover, TWO!! Ospreay survives and shocks everyone! Archer argues with the ref but the count was fair. Konosuke tags Kyle while fans rally up behind Ospreay. Kyle smirks as he stalks Ospreay. Kyle BOOTS Ricochet off the apron for good measure!
Kyle tells Ospreay that this is how he wants it, right? All about Ospreay! Kyle stomps away on Ospreay in the corner, then digs his boots in! The ref counts but wait! Here comes Hobbs! Hobbs hobbles but Kyle hurries to send Ospreay to the Callis corner. Tag to Konosuke and then Kyle slides out. Kyle runs up on Hobbs, but Hobbs CLOBBERS him! The fans fire up as Hobbs makes his way to the corner. Ospreay fights free of the corner but Konosuke holds him back! Ospreay fires forearms, reaches out, repeat! The fans rally as hard as they can, but Konosuke reels Ospreay in! Konosuke hits a back suplex, but Ospreay lands out!
Ospreay dodges Konosuke, hot tag to Hobbs! The Powerhouse powers up to rally on Konosuke! The fans fire up as Hobbs TOSSES Kyle, but the Murder Machines attack! They reel Hobbs in, but Hobbs fights the double suplex! The fans fire up but the Murder Machines double whip. Hobbs DOUBLE LARIATS! The fans fire up as Hobbs has targets in all corners! SPLASH for Konosuke! SPLASH for Cage! SPLASH for Kyle! SPLASH for Archer! The fans are thunderous and Hobbs brings the straps down. Archer kicks low, then runs, but Hobbs dodges, to SNAP POWERSLAM! The fans fire up again, and Hobbs tags Davis!
Davis runs up to BOOT Konosuke, BOOT him again, but Konosuke just fires up! Ospreay CANNONBALLS onto Kyle while Konosuke fires hands! Konosuke spins, but Davis DECKS him! Davis roars, stands Konosuke up, but Konosuke backdrops back! POWER- NO, Davis stops the knee to ENZIGIRI! Davis gut wrenches Konosuke, for a PILEDRIVER!! Cover, KYLE BREAKS IT! The fans boo but now Aussie Open is face to face! Kyle pie faces Davis, talks trash, but Davis glares at him. Kyle SLAPS Davis, so Davis TACKLES Kyle! Davis throws hands, Kyle gets up, and Davis runs up! Kyle dodges and Konosuke DECKS Davis!
Ricochet springboards, FLYING LARIAT on Konosuke! But Cage POP-UP POWERBOMBS Ricochet! Hobbs SPINEBUSTERS Cage! Archer CHOKE SLAMS Hobbs! Ospreay hits the PIP PIP CHEERIO FOREARM on Archer! Ospreay dares Kyle to man up and fight him! Kyle snarls, gets in, and they fire forearms again! Kyle swings, Ospreay catches him, but Kyle breaks the full nelson with an elbow! Ospreay HOOK KICKS Kyle! Ospreay runs, Kyle dodges, but then Ospreay slips through the lariat! Kyle slips through the bomb, hoists Ospreay up, but Ospreay slips free! Kyle ducks the hook kick to SUPERKICK! Kyle runs, into the SPANISH FLY!!
The fans are thunderous as Ospreay takes aim from a corner! Kyle rises, so does Davis, and Ospreay runs up, Kyle uses Davis as a shield from the HIDDEN BLADE!! Ospreay freaks out, Kyle SUPERKICKS Ospreay out of the ring! Then Kyle DIVES onto Ospreay! Konosuke brings down his kneepad, aims at Davis, POWER DRIVE KNEE!!! Cover, Don Callis Family wins!!
Winners: The Don Callis Family, by pinfall
The Alpha stands tall over Davis as friendly fire takes out Ospreay’s team. But what happens when things divide into 1v1 matches? Will Konosuke still be International Champion after he and Ricochet go #OuttaThisWorld? Will Kyle prove that he IS The Protostar after tearing down Will Ospreay?
Jon Moxley & The Death Riders speak.
“Despite recent discoveries that Orange Cassidy is a snake, coldblooded, uncaring, unmoving, a serpent lurking in the darkest corners of the battlefield, my objective remains the same, my job on Saturday night remains the same. You may be this borderline sociopath, you may be a great guy just like everybody thinks. I don’t care if you’re a great guy. I don’t care what kind of person you are. When the bell rings on Saturday night, and the AEW World Championship hangs in the balance, you are a threat to my people. And I will destroy you.
“There’s so much more going on behind Orange Cassidy’s eyes than any of us could’ve imagined. You may make it to Full Gear with your mind in tact, but your body… For that matter, Darby Allin’s body… Still up for grabs.” Claudio jumps in, speaking in German about what he’ll do to Darby. Then in English, he says, “Tonight, I’m gonna end you.” Moxley pats Claudio on the shoulder. Will The Maniac’s top henchmen do his dirty work for him when they dismantle Cassidy & Darby? Or will it just be fuel on the fire for Freshly Squeezed & The Relentless One? Speaking of…
Darby Allin speaks.
“Claudio, I’m gonna keep this really short. Let’s not forget you’re the one who put the chair around Bryan’s neck and pulled the trigger on his career. Every single one of you Death Riders will have your day. And Claudio, today’s your day.” Will Moxley’s men be dealt with in brutal fashion before he suffers the same?
The Hurt Syndicate arrive.
Renee Paquette waits in the parking lot as an SUV pulls up, and she welcomes Montel Vontavious Porter, Shelton Benjamin & Bobby Lashley to the show. She heard MVP has a surprise in store, what’s he got planned? MVP says yes, there is a special treat for the AEW audience, and that is this announcement: The All Mighty Bobby Lashley will be in action here tonight on Dynamite in Reading, Pennsylvania, prior to his PPV debut on Saturday! Renee asks if MVP is at all concerned to put Lashley in a match- OH NO, Swerve attacks!! Swerve knocks Lashley over, then laughs as he gets away!
Shelton helps Lashley up but that ambush might’ve been with Swerve’s own silver chain. Will Lashley elect not to compete tonight after all? Or is he about to make an example out of whatever poor soul is put in front of him?
Adam Cole is here!
Reading fires up as the Panama City Playboy makes his way to the ring. They join in with the “BOOM!” and “ADAM COLE, BAYBAY!” Cole grabs a mic to ask, “Who’s ready for Storytime with Adam Cole, Baybay?” Reading sure is ready! Cole wishes so so badly that he could get his hands on MJF this Saturday, but he’s not. MJF did everything in his power to make sure he and Cole didn’t fight on Saturday, and he succeeded. But do you know who else succeeded last week? Roderick Strong did! The fans cheer as Cole says he and Roddy have the exact same goal: Give MJF the ass whooping of a lifetime! And that is exactly what happens at Full Gear!
The fans cheer, and wait, Kyle O’Reilly makes his way out here. The longtime friend of Cole & Roddy makes his way out here, and already has a mic. Kyle isn’t sure if Cole remembers, but 14 years ago, right here in Reading, PA, Cole and Kyle had their second match ever against each other. They’ve come a long way. Being associated with Cole has given Kyle some incredible highs, and some serious lows. And through those lows, Kyle knows Cole better than anyone. Which makes Kyle the only one willing to tell Cole the truth. The truth is, this crusade against MJF has got to end before someone gets hurt.
This obsession, Cole needs to wash his hands of it. His ankle has already been reconstructed, what’s next? Cole has friends willing to take a bullet for him, Kyle included, but Cole has got to stop having his friends fight his battles. Roddy barely makes it out alive last week, and now he wants to fight MJF! He wants to END MJF, all because of Cole. Kyle just doesn’t have a good feeling about any of this. Cole asks Kyle what he’s trying to say here. Kyle doesn’t think Roddy can handle MJF? Kyle asks Cole if he really thinks MJF isn’t already three steps ahead. MJF hasn’t been here for weeks but he’s pulling all the strings.
Cole should know that dealing with MJF is like playing with fire, and Kyle doesn’t wanna see his friends get burned. Cole needs to realize why so many of his friends are willing to go to war for him, and it’s because he is a great leader, an elite pro-wrestler, and a great friend, who doesn’t wanna see his friends get hurt. At least, so Kyle thinks. But Cole has to face facts: MJF is more of an evil bastard than Cole will ever be, and that is a good thing. Kyle drops his mic and walks away. Cole drops his mic, and has a lot to think about. Does Kyle have a point? Can Cole just let Roddy handle MJF and then move on?
Orange Cassidy speaks.
“A little later tonight, I’m gonna make an example out of you, Wheeler Yuta. And I’m gonna show everybody exactly what I’m gonna do this Saturday to you, Jon Moxley. And that’s walk down to that ring and beat you, alone.” But The Conglomeration steps in. Mark Briscoe has Rocky Romero & Tomohiro Ishii with him as he asks Cassidy, “What sense does that make, man?” Moxley said himself, there’s five Death Riders, one Cassidy. Conglomeration has his back, they are here for him. Cassidy says no, no one else needs to get hurt. Get hurt? What’s Cassidy talking about? The Conglomeration are ready to scrap!
PLEASE!! Cassidy is asking them… They don’t have to believe him or even understand him. But just promises him they’ll stay back here. If Cassidy insists, then so be it. Cassidy says there you have it, Jon. Five of you, one of him. Do what you’re gonna do. Because at Full Gear, Moxley’s gonna need all the help he can get. Cassidy is himself wanting the best for his friends, but will that work out for the betterment of AEW? Or is he just playing into Moxley’s hands?
Kris Statlander VS Hikaru Shida!
The #BornAgainKristen bodied the bullies that are Mercedes Mone & Kamille the last time she saw them, but she still needs to tune up for Full Gear. However, taking on the THREE-TIME AEW Women’s World Champion might be more than just a workout. Win, lose or draw, will the Shining Samurai get Kris ready for The CEO?
The bell rings, Kris and Shida shake hands and the fans applaud. The two circle, tie up, and Kris wrenches to a wristlock. Shida handsprings and wrenches back, then hammerlocks. Kris reaches back, hits a headlock takeover, but Shida headscissors. Kris kips free and the fans cheer while the two reset. Shida and Kris circle again while the fans fire up. The two tie up, Shida wrenches and hammerlocks, then CLUBS Kris on the back. Shida CLUBS Kris again, then waistlocks. Kris fights the lift with elbows, then switches. Kris SLAMS Shida, then flips her over. Shida kips up to arm-drag Kris! Kris ends up in a corner, and Shida runs up to KNEE her!
Shida climbs up and the fans cheer as she rains down fists! But Kris stops Shida at 5 and carries her out of the corner! Shida slips free, Kris blocks a lariat to SWEEP the leg! STANDING MOONSAULT! Cover, TWO! Shida is tough and she goes to ropes, but Kris whips her to a corner. Kris runs up but into a RANA! Kris cartwheels through! Then she CLOBBERS Shida! The fans fire up while Kris flexes. Kris drags Shida into a motorcycle stretch but Shida endures. The fans rally up and Shida fights to her feet. Shida arm-drags Kris down, and wraps her in a straitjacket stretch! Kris fights up with a bridge, but Shida hops on!
The fans rally while Kris RAMS Shida into a corner! Shida holds onto the straitjacket and pulls! The ref counts, Shida lets go at 4, and then MISSILE DROPKICKS! Kris tumbles and the fans duel as Shida fires up! Shida goes outside, drags Kris to the apron, and CLUBS her! Shida runs to KNEE LIFT! Kris flops to the floor and fans cheer while Dynamite goes picture in picture.
Shida brings Kris up again, and whips her into railing hard! Kris writhes, Shida drags her up, and then Shida whips Kris into more railing! Kris writhes again and Shida refreshes the ring count. Shida sits Kris in a corner to rain down fists! The fans fire up but the ref reprimands, so Shida stops. Shida brings Kris around, pushes her into the ring, and then stalks her. Shida stomps Kris around, brings her up, and snap suplexes! Kris writhes but Shida brings her up again. Shida then snap suplexes Kris into a corner! Shida drags Kris to a cover, TWO! Kris stays in this but Shida stays on her with a chinlock stretch!
Kris endures being bent back, and she reaches out with her free arm. Shida pulls back more but Kris rises up! Shida is again a backpack, but then she slips down. Kris fires body shots, slips around and lifts for a BIG back suplex! Kris huffs ‘n’ puffs as she rises up, but then Shida dodges the sliding forearm! Ghost pin! TWO, and Kris has a cradle! TWO! Shida ROCKS Kris, but Kris PELES! Shida staggers, but she comes back to ENZIGIRI! Both women are down and the fans fire up! The ref checks both women and they’re okay to continue, so a standing count begins. Shida and Kris stir at about 4 of 10, then rise up at 6.
Kris grabs Shida, but Shida fires a forearm! Dynamite returns to single picture as the shots go back and forth. Shida fires a flurry, then whips Kris to ropes. Kris ducks ‘n’ dodges, then dodges a knee! SNAP POWERSLAM! The fans fire up with Kris as she whips Shida to a corner. Kris runs up to UPPERCUT, then she goes side to side for a KNEE LIFT! Shida ends up in ropes but Kris reels her in. Fisherman BUSTER! Cover, TWO! Shida survives and the fans fire up again! Kris hoists Shida up, gut wrenches, but Shida slips free! DOUBLE LARIATS collide! Shida eggs Kris on, then dodges her to fire forearms! Kris just shakes her head!
Shida fires more shots, but Kris fireman’s carries! But Shida slips free, straitjacket roll-up! TWO!! KNEE STRIKE! And then short arm LARIAT! Shida takes aim, but she starts to doubt the Katana! Shida runs up but Kris dodges the boot to then scoop and INVERTED SLAM! Then Kris aims, DISCUS- NO, Shida backslides her! TWO!! Shida reels Kris in, suplexes, FALCON ARROW! Cover, TWO?!? Kris survives and Shida is shocked! Shida brings Kris up but Kris fires body shots and forearms! Shida ROCKS Kris, but Kris wrenches to kick! Kris runs, but into the JUMP KNEE! Shida hurries to suplex, but Kris turns it around!
Shida slips out of Kris’ suplex to slip around, GERMAN SUPLEX! Shida roars, aims, KATA- NO, Kris gut wrenches! Tuck and STATURDAY NIGHT FEVER!! Cover, Kris wins!!
Winner: Kris Statlander, by pinfall
Shida gave Kris a powerful match, but clearly Shida has to iron out her own crisis of confidence. Kris still shows Shida respect by helping her up. But wait, here comes Mercedes Mone & Kamille! The fans boo The CEO & Brickhouse but Mone has a mic. “Readiiiiing~! Say hello to your C E O!” The fans boo instead. Mone asks Kamille if she wants to hear a fun fact about Pennsylvania. The 76ers have had yet another terrible season! Embarrassing~! But shoutouts to Mone’s Celtics for another incredible victory. The fans boo Boston but Mone says another person with an incredible win was Kris Statlander. Mone is rarely impressed by her competition.
Does anyone else want to hear another fun fact? “NO!!” Well, Mone has held the TBS Championship longer than Kris! So at Full Gear, Mone will NOT lose, because she is The CEO, the greatest TBS Champion of all time! And she will NEVER lose this title! Fans tell The CEO to STFU, but Mone tells Kamille go get the job done! She is so pissed off! GO! NOW! Kamille walks up the steps past Mone, but with only one good arm! Mone says hurry up, but Kamille looks at both Shida and Kris. Kamille takes as swing, but Kris blocks to ROCK her! Shida QUESTION MARK KICKS Kamille! Then Kris & Shida TOSS The Brickhouse!
Shida goes out after Kamille, but then Mone goes after Kris! Mone goes for the backstabber, but Kris holds onto ropes! Mone is almost stuck up there, but Kris pops her around! STATURDAY NIGHT FEVER!! The fans fire up as Kris stands tall over The CEO! Will Kris once again become the Face of TBS? Or will Mone find a way to win even without her insurance policy?
The Hurt Syndicate has a cameraman with them.
MVP says hold on, he and Shelton have found Swerve. They go after the man in the big fur jacket, but that’s not Swerve! Swerve gave his jacket to the guy, but MVP & Shelton still beat this guy up for helping Swerve. MVP says they’ll find Swerve later, Lashley has his match up next. And it’ll be a 2-on-1 Handicap?! The All Mighty really IS mad, what poor duo is about to be destroyed?
AEW hears from Jay White and Hangman Adam Page.
“Hangman. You and I are on that same path to that same destination, trying to grasp at that same prize. 2024 still has some time left for The Switchblade to share the spotlight with Hangman once more!” But the Blackhat Cowboy asks White if he knows “Who the hell I am?! I am the Hangman! I am THE man! They named this whole godforsaken PPV after ME!” White says when he makes Hangman TAP, it will be a public declaration! But Hangman says White can’t make him tap, even if his life depended on it! These two vicious gunslingers will write one more chapter in their storied rivalry, but who comes out riding off into the sunset?
2v1 Handicap: Bobby Lashley w/ The Hurt Syndicate VS Joe Keys & Cheeseburger!
The All Mighty thought he’d have an easy night getting in a little warm-up, but The Realest quickly reminded him why he’s the most dangerous man in AEW! Lashley’s now doubling down to make a point, will there be nothing left of Keys & Cheese after tonight?
The bell rings and while the fans rally for Cheeseburger, he and Keys each argue the other should start. Lashley runs up and TOSSES Burger across the ring! Keys runs away, Lashley runs to RAM into Burger! Lashley brings Burger up, Keys runs in, but Lashley catches him for a COMPLETE SHOT DDT COMBO! Lashley drags Keys up and TOSSES him out! Lashley then turns to look at Burger in the corner. The fans rally for Burger, but Lashley CLOBBERS him! The fans boo but MVP & Shelton high-five Lashley. Lashley drags Burger up to gut wrench, Canadian Rack, and DOMINATOR! Keys runs in to break the cover!
The fans cheer Keys as he fires hands, but Lashley just gets angrier! Keys short arm LARIATS, but Lashley stays up! Keys runs, into a MILE HIGH SPINEBUSTER! Lashley storms around, then aims at Keys. Keys staggers into the SPEAR! Lashley isn’t done there, and he clamps on the HURT LOCK! Keys can’t open that lock, he is OUT! Lashley wins!
Winner: Bobby Lashley, by submission
MVP & Shelton join Lashley in the ring to celebrate, but then “Whose House?” “SWERVE’S HOUSE!” The fans fire up, and here comes Prince Nana with a chair! Nana eggs the Hurt Syndicate on so Shelton storms out after Nana. MVP watches the rest of ringside for Swerve, but Swerve slides out from under the ring! The fans fire up as Swerve slips in to CHAIN PUNCH Lashley!! MVP gets on the apron but Swerve DECKS MVP with a chain punch! And then Shelton eats a chain punch! The fans are thunderous as Swerve aims, and hits a HOUSE CALL on Lashley! Swerve hurries to the top rope, and he gives Lashley a KILL STOMP!!
The fans are thunderous as Swerve stands over Lashley! MVP & Shelton get up and get in, but Swerve escapes, chain draped on his neck! Will AEW then, now and forever be whose house? “SWERVE’S HOUSE!”
Backstage interview with Mariah May & Mina Shirakawa.
Renee is now with the AEW Women’s World Champion and her best friend, the Rev-Pro Undisputed British Women’s Champion. They are planning their Championship Champagne Celebration for Full Gear, BUT Friday Night Rampage will feature the two of them teaming up for the first time in just over a year. Mariah says no champion deserves a celebration more than her. Her rise to the top was meteoric, and her reign will be historic. She takes ish and makes it shine, any time and any show, against anyone. In Mariah’s division, you hold this title, or you die.
Mina says yes, Mariah has been working so hard. She came back to tell her she is so very proud. And Mina will give Mariah a celebration she’ll never forget! Mariah says the “H Cup Angel” (Mina) and the “Woman from Hell” (Mariah herself) are going to make Rampage into Glampage. Everyone wants Mina, but Mina wants Mariah. And then… They’ll dance! These two shimmy and shake their way out, will they finally be toasting their victories at Full Gear?
Darby Allin VS Claudio Castagnoli w/ The Death Riders!
The Relentless One told The Swiss Superman that revenge was coming, and here is Darby’s chance! Will Darby avenge Bryan Danielson? Or will he just be the next to fall?
The bell rings and Darby stares Claudio down. Darby takes some deep breaths then circles with Claudio. Darby slips around to waistlock but Claudio flings him off, only for Darby to roll to his feet. They circle again, and the fans rally behind Darby. Darby and Claudio feel things out, tie up, and Darby headlocks. Claudio lifts Darby but Darby thrashes the hold. Claudio throws Darby off, runs up, but Darby uses that to get around and springboard arm-drag! The fans fire up while Claudio bails out, and Darby taunts Claudio with some drop steps. Claudio snarls, but then Darby fakes him out with a slingshot!
Claudio is annoyed and takes a swing but Darby slingshots up and over! Darby taunts Claudio again while the fans rally up. Claudio cools off before he storms up the steel steps. Claudio pops Darby up but Darby keeps from hitting buckles! Darby ELBOWS Claudio away, goes up, then leaps, but Claudio catches him! Claudio SLAMS Darby down, flips him back to his feet, but Darby slips around to waistlock. O’Conner Roll, TWO! Darby springboards to SPLASH! Cover, TWO! Claudio bails out but the fans fire up. Darby goes up a corner, and he SUPER COFFIN SPLASHES into a waistlock! Claudio swings and THROWS Darby away!
Darby staggers to his feet but Claudio runs up, to POUNCE Darby into railing! Darby writhes against the railing, but Claudio runs up to UPPERCUT Darby up and over! Fans freak out as Darby hits the floor! Claudio leaves Darby behind while the ring count climbs, but Darby drags himself up at 7. Claudio goes back out after Darby to suplex! Claudio holds Darby up while he marches up the steps! The fans fire up for this feat of strength and balance, and then Claudio TOSSES Darby back into the ring! Darby writhes again while Claudio steps back in. Claudio stalks Darby, talks some trash, and Dynamite goes picture in picture.
Claudio looms over Darby, then deadlift gut wrenches for a GUTBUSTER! And then another GUTBUSTER! And then another GUTBUSTER! Darby writhes while Claudio stands over him again. Claudio watches Darby crawl towards a corner and stalks him. Claudio drags Darby up, brings him around, and ROCKS Darby with a forearm! Darby pushes Claudio, then CHOPS! Claudio DECKS Darby! Darby tumbles out of the ring! The ref wants Claudio to stay back while Darby drags himself up. Darby is back in before the count starts, but then Claudio DOUBLE STOMPS him! Claudio kicks Darby around, then clamps on with a neck wrench!
Darby endures, fights up, but Claudio powers him down. Darby BITES Claudio’s hand! The ref reprimands but Darby fires off forearms on Claudio. Claudio HIP TOSSES Darby up and out of the ring! Darby hits the floor and flounders around while the ref reprimands Claudio. Claudio again waits on Darby, and then he DOUBLE STOMPS Darby the moment he’s in! The ref counts as Claudio stands on Darby at the ropes. Claudio steps off at 4, brings him around, and clamps on an armlock and chinbar. Darby endures, fights around, and manages to fireman’s carry Claudio! But Claudio rains down elbows! HAMMER ‘N’ ANVIL even!
Claudio clamps on with a double wristlock and he grinds Darby down. Darby still endures and the fans rally up again. Darby fights around and Dynamite returns to single picture. Darby fires body shots but Claudio knees low! Claudio then HIP TOSSES Darby into a corner! Darby tumbles out of the ring but Claudio pursues! Claudio SWINGS Darby into railing! Then Claudio fireman’s carries, to TOSS Darby back in the ring! Claudio storms in while Darby flounders away. Darby flops back out of the ring but Claudio pursues him again. Darby trips Claudio up and traps him in the apron skirt! Darby then fires forearms, and BITES Claudio’s ear!
The fans fire up but Claudio shoves Darby away. Darby slides into the ring then DIVES onto Claudio! And then runs to DIVE again! Down goes Claudio and the fans fire up! Darby crawls over to bring Claudio up and into the ring. The fans fire up as Darby climbs up a corner, though slowly given all the damage to his back. That lets Claudio trip Darby up! Darby is stuck up top, and Claudio climbs up after him. Claudio gut wrenches for a SUPER GUT WRENCH PLEX!! Cover, TWO!! Darby survives and Claudio can’t believe it! The fans fire up but Claudio calls for the swing! Claudio grabs the legs, but Darby twists to a victory roll! TWO!!
Claudio escapes and runs up, but Darby ducks ‘n’ dodges, roll and- WHOA, Claudio has to fight to stay up, and then he deadlifts Darby! Darby pops through to CODE RED!! Cover, TWO!! Claudio survives and the fans fire up again! “This is Awesome!” as Darby and Claudio crawl for ropes. Claudio runs up to UPPERCUT! And UPPERCUT again and again and again! The ref backs Claudio off, but then Claudio fires off body shots! Darby flops over but Claudio has the legs. Claudio FLIPS Darby up and over the ropes, but Darby lands on the apron! Claudio BOOTS Darby down! The ref wants Claudio to hold on but Claudio goes out after Darby.
Claudio drags Darby by his legs, then SWINGS him around! Into steel steps!! The fans lose their minds, the ref reprimands Claudio, but Claudio doesn’t care. The fans tell Claudio he is sick, but Claudio TOSSES Darby over the announce desk!! Schiavone, Excalibur & Matt Menard narrowly avoid becoming collateral damage! But Claudio clears the desk and brings Darby up. Claudio puts Darby on the desk, then stands over him. The ref reprimands but Claudio just ignores him. Claudio drags Darby up, and gorilla presses him! SUPER DUPER TOSS onto the timekeeper’s table!! The fans lose their minds as Darby is down but that table’s somehow still standing!
The ref checks on Darby but Claudio storms right over! The ref tells Claudio to stop so they go to the ring. Claudio lets the ring count start, and yet Darby somehow stirs at 4 of 10! The fans rally as hard as they can and Darby crawls his way over! Darby is still far away at 7! But then he powers up and LEAPS in at 9!! But Claudio LARIATS Darby inside-out!! Cover, Claudio wins!
Winner: Claudio Castagnoli, by pinfall
Darby truly is relentless, with durability like no other, but it just wasn’t enough against the strength and brutality of Claudio! Will no one stop The Death Riders from running roughshod over AEW?
Backstage interview with Private Party.
Renee is with Marq Quen & Isiah Kassidy and brings up that at Full Gear, the AEW World Tag Team Championships are on the line in a Fatal 4 Way. Private Party takes on The Acclaimed, The Outrunners and The Kings of the Black Throne. In such a match, the champs do NOT have to be pinned or submitted to lose their titles, so what is their strategy? Brother Zay says they obviously can’t tell her that, the other teams are watching. But it seems like the odds are against them. Fortunately, the odds have been against them their whole lives, their whole careers, just like against The Young Bucks.
But look what happened: Private Party defied the odds, beat The Bucks, and are your AEW World Tag Team Champions. That is the same thing that happens on Saturday. They leave Newark, New Jersey still your tag team champions. Because there ain’t no party like a Private Party, that’s a flex. Oh, speaking of! It’s AJ & Big Justice! They’re fired up to be here, but Justice wants to know what that face Zay made was last week. Oh, right, this one, with the chin scratching. And AJ says they’ve got a BIG announcement coming up after this! Maybe some double chunk chocolate cookies? BOOM!!
A green Porsche Taycan pulls up to the middle of nowhere.
And out steps MJF. The Wolf of Wrestling tells the hobo to “go get it” as he throws spare change off to the side like birdseed. MVP then sits back and tells Roderick Strong, “You’ve been through so much. The kid who grew up trailer park trash with two abusive alcoholic parents. For crying out loud! Your own mother shot your father right in front of you. That’s traumatizing. And as you know, Roddy, trauma is the result of an overwhelming sense of danger, powerlessness and fear. However, healing is a result of feeling safe, empowered and supported. That’s why you’d do anything for Cole. He makes you feel all those positive things that you lacked.
“It’s why I was no different than you. It’s why I trusted him. Unfortunately, the difference between you and I: Cole for me was a mirage of what I wanted him to be. A fraud, a liar. And whilst Cole is a fraud, I do actually believe deep down, in his narcissistic, sociopathic, frail, feeble frame, is a man who cares about Roderick Strong. This is precisely why upon further contemplation, I am happy you won, Roddy. Because I want Adam Cole to watch a person he cares about suffer! And because of your White trash upbringing, you aren’t intelligent enough to realize that you don’t have a prayer. And I’m sending you back to where you belong. To your grimy little trailer park.
“And after the match, you’ll be in so much physical anguish, you’ll wish your mother hadn’t shot your father, but instead shot you.” As if this scumbag couldn’t stoop any lower, he brings up Roddy’s past to hurt him. But will Roddy make sure MJF’s future is the one full of pain and suffering?
Backstage interview with AJ & Big Justice.
Renee is with the Costco Tiktok sensations and says that in the Full Gear Zero Hour, we will see #BigBoomAJ take on QT Marshall in a match 20 YEARS in the making. AJ says it may have been 20 years in the making for QT, this all started for AJ when QT threw the double chunk chocolate cookies down! Renee says AJ has not been in the ring in those 20 years, is he concerned about how his body will hold up? AJ isn’t worried about that, because he just has one strategy, and that’s the strategy they use each and every day. That strategy is to bring the BOOM~! But hey, there’s another special announcement.
Because when AJ rings QT’s bell, and he Power-Booms QT right in the middle of that ring, there is only one guy they want ringing the bell: Big Justice’s best friend, THE RIZZLER! Time to bring the BOOM~! Will QT be sleeping on the mat for The Rizzler? Will he be skibidi? Fanum Tax? Why are those even words?
Tony Schiavone is on stage.
And he welcomes out The Undisputed Kingdom! The fans cheer as Roderick Strong makes his way out, accompanied by Matt Taven & Mike Bennett. Schiavone brings up Roddy VS MJF at Full Gear, and we just heard all that disgusting stuff MJF had to say. Roddy’s response is that to be honest, he has not slept a wink since last week. IT is finally happening! Roddy feels like a kid on Christmas morning. He finally gets his hands on “MAAAAAX~!” The fans echo that, and Roddy says if MJF was here tonight, and not hiding out there, Roddy would ask him: Is Roddy supposed to be ashamed of his childhood?
Is Roddy supposed to be ashamed of his parents? You don’t think Roddy’s heard that stuff before? His whole LIFE, that is what people brought up! His mom’s an addict, his dad’s an addict, mom shot dad. Good job, Max, you made Roddy feel like he was in elementary school again. And people may look at Roddy’s past and feel sorry for him, but Roddy asks us not to. Because looking at MJF, Roddy feels sorry for him. Understand this, Max. With Roddy’s life, he learned that to get the most out of life, you have to earn it. If you wanna break the cycle, you have to earn it. And that is what Roddy’s done ever since he was a kid!
And now looking at MJF, he’s been spoon-fed everything. And when something doesn’t go his way or something happens and he doesn’t like it, MJF throws a temper tantrum like a baby until that changes. So Roddy wants MJF to do something for him: Look in the mirror and think about all the things that MJF has done to people. The manipulating, the backstabbing, the using. MJF needs to realize, when the bell rings at Full Gear, MJF will pay for all those sins. With every chop, with every punch, with every elbow, with every backbreaker! And when it is all over, Roddy walks to his hotel room for the best night of sleep in his life because he earned it.
Especially because Roddy will know he has broken MJF’s back, and left him humbled! Roddy is all fired up, and the fans are with him! Will MJF finally get what’s coming to him? Or will he give Roddy nightmares for the rest of his life?
AEW shares footage taken from last Saturday night.
First, a recap video of Daniel Garcia thwarting Jack Perry’s attempts to abduct and torture Matthew Menard, as well as the joyride they took in the Scapegoat bus, with Perry as the hood ornament. And now, they have Perry strapped into a chair, the bus headlights as the only source of light. Menard is behind the camera as he asks Perry how he’s feeling. How’d that work out for him, huh? Garcia splashes Perry with water to wake him up, and says “Let’s have a conversation. I’m all ears.” Perry chuckles and says Garcia thinks he’s so much better than him. Look at where they are! Garcia shouts back that he doesn’t wanna be here!
Garcia just wants to wrestle, but AEW is full of savages! Perry tried to take Daddy Magic’s life! And those in power just sit back and watch, pretending that nothing’s going on. So what do they do? Gotta take the power back, right? Perry counters with, “Everybody’s got a code. Everybody cares about right and wrong until it costs them something. Until they have to SACRIFICE!” Garcia gets in Perry’s face, grabs him by the mouth, and says Perry’s always going on about sacrifice but Perry has no idea what Garcia’s had to go through! Perry has NO idea what Garcia’s had to sacrifice to be here!
Garcia knows where Perry wants him to go, but Garcia promises that he’s never gonna go there. Perry smirks, then SPITS in Garcia’s face. Garcia wipes that off his face and says bet. Garcia’s got something for Perry, so just wait right there. Garcia goes to the bus while Perry mockingly asks what he’s gonna do. Menard tells shut up, Jack! Life must be so hard for him! What’s Jack got to be sad about?! Garcia comes back and he has a crowbar! Perry dares him to go ahead. Garcia raises the bar, but he SMASHES up the bus! Garcia throws the crowbar away and Perry laughs. Is that it? Garcia tells Menard they’ll get out of here. What? Where’s Garcia going?
Perry says yeah, walk away. Menard tells Perry that Garcia’s gonna whoop his ass! Just wait! Menard leaves, Perry shouts into the night, but will The Face of TNT soon be the one sacrificed for the greater good?
Renee Paquette presides over the ROH World Championship contract signing.
She welcomes us backstage to the signing for this match, which will happen next week, Dynamite: Thanksgiving Eve, in Chicago. The challenger, Tomohiro Ishii, is on her left, and the champion, Chris Jericho, is on her right. Jericho, as champion, you have the honors to sign first. Jericho smiles and waves as he says, “Hi, guys.” But Renee, you should know better. A champion of Jericho’s caliber does not just sign a contract thrust at his face randomly. He has a whole legal team that needs to approve this contract. Renee says it was sent to said legal team last week. Oh, really? What about today? The now! Jericho lives in the now!
Jericho says he’ll get this checked by his legal eagles one more time. But for now, wait here. Choto matte kudesai. Jericho steps around the corner and then down the hall. He smiles at his own picture on the wall. What a good looking guy. But wait, Ishii has followed Jericho to the hall. Jericho is a bit worried as he keeps moving. Jericho tries to block Ishii’s path but a trash can isn’t enough. Jericho tells staffers that Ishii wants to talk to them. They step in the way but Ishii pushes them aside. Jericho moves faster, pushes more people in the way, but Ishii pushes them aside. Was that RJ City?
Jericho goes up some stairs but Ishii follows. Ishii’s even gaining ground! Jericho goes through a doorway and ends up in the concourse! Fans cheer as Jericho and Ishii keep up their cat ‘n’ mouse game. Jericho decides to go into the stands! Ishii follows, and they head down the bleachers towards ringside! Jericho hurries over railing but so does Ishii. They go into the ring, and now Jericho tells Ishii to stop following him! Jericho wants a mic, a mic is brought, and Jericho says hey, listen, Ishii. Jericho would sign this contract, but he doesn’t have a pen. Ishii has a pen! Oh. Ishii clicks it for Jericho, and pushes it into him.
Jericho takes the pen, looks at the contract again, and still hesitates. Jericho signs his part, and then hands things over to Ishii. But then BRYAN KEITH & BIG BILL ATTACK! It was all a massive set-up! Bad Apple & Redwood beat down Stone Pitbull, and then sit him up! Jericho has the pen ready, but here comes The Conglomeration! Mark Briscoe & Rocky Romero rush in, and Mark TACKLES Jericho! Rocky fires off on Bill while Mark CHOKES Jericho! Keith saves Jericho from Mark but Mark fires hands on Keith! The fans fire up, but then Bill SKYSCRAPER- NO, Mark UPPERCUTS Bill first! Rocky adds on!
The fans fire up as The Conglomeration pinballs Bill, and then Ishii CLOBBERS him! Bill tumbles out, but Rocky DIVES! Bill is sent into railing! Keith stands up, into a kick and underhooks! JAY DRILLER! Jericho stands up, Ishii has him, and hits a BRAINBUSTER!! Conglomeration stands tall over The Learning Tree and his Branches, and now Ishii signs his part! The match is now official, and Ishii is looking to take a bite out of Jericho! Will The Conglomeration have the ROH World Championship to be thankful for this year?
Backstage interview with Jamie Hayter.
Renee is with the former AEW Women’s World Champion and notes that last time, we were going to hear from her, only for her to be interrupted by Julia Hart. What is Hayter’s reaction to that? Well, yeah, she isn’t angry, but she is baffled why Julia chose to interrupt Hayter. They’ve never really spoken or interacted, or even wrestled each other. Hayter is just curious as to why Julia felt it was okay to do that. Granted, Julia can do whatever she wants, Hayter moves to the beat of her own drum just as much as Julia. But… if Julia wants to have a chat-
Uh oh, something is happening to the video! Brody King’s message echoes, “It’s time to come home.” Julia Hart walks through the woods. Brody says The House is her foundation. She has seen her rebirth. Now it is time to rebuild. She has woken up stronger, more determined, and more dangerous than ever. Julia aims her arrow to shoot down a target: her past self. Her obstacles are just bull’s eyes. She is the Princess of the Black Throne, and the Keeper of Secrets. She is Julia Hart, and her heart grows harder. She hits her mark, but will she find Hayter Hits Hard?
Orange Cassidy VS Wheeler Yuta!
Freshly Squeezed has been accused of being coldblooded and uncaring, but he got pretty heated as he told The Conglomeration to keep themselves safe tonight. He goes 1v1 with The Decoder, a young man who was once Cassidy’s student, and who left him behind to join the then Blackpool Combat Club. If anyone is uncaring, it is Yuta with how he would then follow Jon Moxley’s lead in the destruction of Bryan Danielson and Chuck Taylor. Who will be the more ferocious fighter tonight, this close to Full Gear?
The bell rings and Yuta SHOTGUNS Cassidy! Yuta follows Cassidy to a corner to CHOP, then ROCK, then CHOP again! Yuta whips corner to corner but Cassidy goes up and out. Cassidy bumps Yuta off buckles, climbs up top, but has to leap over. Yuta comes back but Cassidy catches him to a backslide! TWO, but Cassidy reels Yuta in for a cradle! TWO! Yuta pulls on an ear! But Cassidy arm-drags and wrangles Yuta into the SEATBELT! TWO!! Yuta escapes and the fans fire up as these two stand off. Yuta huffs ‘n’ puffs, but Cassidy shows he wants a grapple. They feel things out, knuckle lock, but Cassidy blocks a kick!
Cassidy reels Yuta in for a headlock, but Yuta powers up and out. Cassidy ducks ‘n’ rolls, tilt-o-whirls, but Yuta suplexes! Into STUN DOG MILLIONAIRE! Yuta tumbles out and fans fire up! Cassidy builds speed to DIVE! Down goes Yuta and the fans fire up again! Cassidy brings Yuta up, whips, but Yuta reverses to reel Cassidy in! Cassidy fights the suplex, but then Yuta fights a suplex. Yuta suplexes, to RAILING BRAINBUSTER!! Cassidy writhes and fans are stunned! Yuta stomps Cassidy, then leaves him behind for the ring count. Cassidy crawls into the ring, Yuta exposes a crossbar, and then he GRINDS Cassidy’s face into the steel!
The fans boo, the ref reprimands, but Yuta steps off at 4. Cassidy seethes as he rises up, but Yuta has him at the corner. Cassidy kicks Yuta’s legs out and Yuta falls onto a turnbuckle! Yuta falls back, Cassidy climbs, but Yuta grabs Cassidy first! Yuta drags Cassidy down but Cassidy fires hands. Yuta squeezes the facelock tight, then hits an APRON DDT! The fans boo Yuta while Cassidy writhes, and Dynamite goes picture in picture.
Cassidy clutches his neck while Yuta waits in the ring. A ring count starts and Yuta eggs Cassidy on. Cassidy reaches up as the count reaches 5 of 10, but he doesn’t sit up until 6. Cassidy hobbles up, stumbles and falls, but springs back to life! He slides in at 9! Only for Yuta to be right on him! Yuta reels Cassidy in, but Cassidy turns that into BEACH BREAK! Cover, TWO!! Yuta survives but Cassidy is too sore to be frustrated. They both sit up, and Yuta crawls his way over to a corner. Cassidy rises, checks his neck, then runs up, but into an ELBOW! Yuta goes up, but Cassidy JUMP FOREARMS! Cassidy positions Yuta just right before he climbs the corner.
Yuta resists but Cassidy still brings Yuta up. Yuta continues to fight the suplex, throws body shots, then shoves Cassidy down. Cassidy rolls back to his feet, runs back up the corner, but Yuta again fights the suplex! Cassidy fires hands, but Yuta fires back! They brawl up top, Cassidy HEADBUTTS Yuta! But Yuta HEADBUTTS back! They both wobble, but then Cassidy BITES Yuta! The ref reprimands, but Cassidy CLAWS Yuta’s back! This is very Moxley of him to do! And then Cassidy hits the SUPERPLEX! Both men are down and the ref checks. They’re both okay to continue, so a standing count begins!
Cassidy sits up, spots Yuta, and heads that way. Yuta sits up, they fire forearms as they stand! Dynamite returns to single picture as these shots go back and forth. The fans fire up for Cassidy but boo Yuta as the shots go faster and faster! Yuta BITES Cassidy’s forehead! Yuta spits then runs, but Cassidy dodges! BODY BLOW! SUPERKICK! Yuta sits down, Cassidy runs, PENALTY KICK! Cassidy slashes his throat, hauls Yuta up, BRAINBUSTER! Cover, TWO!! Yuta survives but Cassidy seethes. Cassidy rains down fists on Yuta! The ref reprimands about closed fists and hair pulling, but Cassidy doesn’t stop until the ref counts 4.
Cassidy stands, and he throws off the elbow pad! Cassidy aims at Yuta, runs up, but Yuta ducks the punch! GERMAN SUPLEX! Yuta runs to CHOP in the corner! And then a wrench and PAIN THRILLER! The fans boo while Yuta seethes and stands over Cassidy. Yuta sits Cassidy up, for HAMMER ‘N’ ANVIL ELBOWS! But Cassidy blocks one! And bends fingers, to then SNAP them! The fans fire up as Cassidy SNAPS finger after finger! Yuta swings, Cassidy BOOTS him, then serves up SOLE FOOD! Scoop and MICHINOKU DRIVER! Cover, TWO!! Cassidy is busting out all his best friends’ best moves, but he hasn’t gotten it done!
Cassidy aims, loads up, and ORANGE- NO, Yuta ducks! Orange fights the suplex, switches to O’Conner Roll! TWO, Yuta dodges Cassidy, scoops him, and CROSS LEG TOMBSTONE!! Cover, TWO?!? Cassidy survives and Yuta is furious! The fans are thunderous, but Yuta rains down HAMMER ‘N’ ANVIL ELBOWS! Cassidy grits his teeth but he’s almost a ragdoll! Yuta lets off to then hook the arms, CATTLE MUTILATION!! Cassidy endures as Yuta thrashes him around! Cassidy powers up as the fans rally, and he kicks around to the ROPEBREAK!! Yuta holds on, the ref counts, and Yuta finally lets go at 4!
The ref reprimands Yuta, but Yuta pushes past the ref to go outside the ring. Yuta grabs a chair! Yuta storms into the ring while the fans boo, and the ref says don’t do it! Cassidy dodges the chair shot! Victory roll, CASSIDY WINS!!
Winner: Orange Cassidy, by pinfall
Yuta is in disbelief! Cassidy beat him with a technical move! Yuta snarls but the ref keeps him back. Cassidy did what he promised in beating Yuta, but then he stares his former student down. Is Cassidy going to offer a handshake? WAIT, PAC ATTACKS! The Bastard BOOTS Cassidy down so we’ll never know what Cassidy was going to do! The fans boo more but Pac & Yuta stand on Cassidy. The rest of the Death Riders appear, and Marina Shafir has duct tape! The AEW World Trios Champions stomp away on Cassidy, like vultures picking the bones. Moxley steps into the ring while Marina hands the tape over to Pac.
Claudio puts Cassidy’s hands in his pockets, and then Pac tapes them in! Cassidy is physically bound, and Moxley paces around. Cassidy is pushed around by all the Death Riders, then Moxley DECKS him! Claudio hauls Cassidy back up, the Death Riders keep bullying him, and then Moxley SLAPS Cassidy down! But the bullying continues as they stand Cassidy up. Cassidy “kicks” Moxley! Defiant to the end! But Moxley DECKS him again! Moxley paces around more, then stomps Cassidy right on the face! Moxley leads The Death Riders away, and The Conglomeration finally comes out here.
Mark has scissors to cut Cassidy loose, and the fans boo as The Death Riders still retreat. Cassidy tries to stand up, but he has to use ropes to do it. Even so, Cassidy stands on his own two feet. Moxley eggs on the fans while Cassidy puts his sunglasses on. And then hands up, and then into the pockets! Try as they might, The Death Riders could not break the Freshly Squeezed fighting spirit! Will Cassidy finally become AEW World Champion? Or will Moxley find a way to break Cassidy at Full Gear?
My Thoughts:
A great go-home Dynamite here, though it felt like it contracted Go Home Syndrome. A lot of recap and other promos, but good promos all the same. Good follow-up from last week with Hayter and Hart, that will probably really get going after Full Gear. Good promo from Mariah & Mina to hype up their celebration segment for Full Gear, and with Toni Storm’s announcement of her retirement, you can bet Toni is anything but retired! Toni Storm most assuredly will return very soon, maybe even to ruin the celebration and spark another feud. I still want us to get to Mariah VS Mina but maybe Storm moves things back so that Mariah VS Mina happens in 2025.
Good promo from Private Party to also have AJ & Big Justice show up. The promos didn’t really add much to any of the matches, though. I’m very sure AJ does hit the BOOM on QT to win, and then Private Party finds a way to survive the Fatal 4. Great stuff with Perry, Garcia and Menard, that was another very action movie kind of promo, maybe even like that grittier Batman movie. But with Garcia not sinking to the same lows as Perry, that will be why Garcia loses. Honestly, why not just have Perry blatantly get himself disqualified? What great heat for Perry while keeping Garcia strong in not becoming TNT Champion.
Great promos in this MJF story. I appreciate Cole throwing his support behind Roddy was good, as well as Kyle O’Reilly wanting Cole to just leave it at this. MJF of course insults Roddy over his past while also trashing Cole at the same time, but great response from Roddy. Also I’m not a car guy so it took me a little too long to Google out what car MJF was driving. Anyway, given all these promos, I am very confident MJF wins at Full Gear and then Cole still wants after MJF, only for Kyle to have to fight Cole to make him stop. Then we’ll maybe get Cole VS MJF at Worlds End, or even some time in 2025.
Very good stuff with The Hurt Syndicate, even with them getting jumped by Swerve. Poor Cheeseburger, that’s one fan favorite that got fed to Bobby Lashley. But Swerve getting the better of the Hurt Syndicate again and again tonight, all the more reason Lashley wins at Full Gear. Very good promo vignette from White and Hangman to hype up their grudge match, which still feels it could go either way since they’re tied on the year. And Jericho and Ishii had perhaps simultaneously the most clever and most ridiculous contract signing segment ever. And of course Jericho worked out some sort of trap, only for it to go badly for him and his team. But with that, that means Ishii is losing next week, as I figured he would.
Awesome opening match with the 8 Man, and I liked that they had Hobbs do the “fighting through the pain” angle in the match. Also, great bit with Kyle Fletcher sending Davis into harm’s way so that the Callis Family can get the better of Ospreay’s team. I thought the Faces were going to win here, but the math now says Ospreay finds a way to beat Kyle, and maybe Ricochet takes the International Championship from Konosuke Takeshita. The Continental Classic is coming, and they could easily use that round robin to get Konosuke back to a feud with Kazuchika Okada and they battle for the Continental Championship at Worlds End like we should’ve gotten at WrestleDream.
Awesome match from Kris VS Shida, and I appreciate the crisis of confidence for Shida. Kris gets a great win to go into Full Gear, and then Kris and Shida get the better of Mone & Kamille, so all the more reason Mone finds a way to survive. As for Kamille, I feel like she should ditch Mone for being treated like crap by Mone, and maybe we can get a feud of Mone VS Kamille going into 2025. And of course, plenty of promos from Death Riders and “Team AEW” members. Moxley just kinda went on and on about stuff he’s already said in reference to Cassidy, but I did like Claudio going bilingual in talking trash on Darby.
Awesome matches from those stories, of course. Darby really got thrown around but he continues to show that toughness. Claudio getting the win mostly keeps Darby back so that Darby can build towards a world title match at Worlds End. Cassidy VS Yuta was great stuff, too, with great back and forth of Cassidy wanting to end it quick, having to grit it out with Yuta, and then Cassidy still finding a way to end it with a quick pin. And they did a good job muddying the math. Cassidy wins the match, but the Death Riders beat him down, only for Cassidy to literally stand tall at the end of the show. I still don’t see him taking the world title from Moxley, though, with Darby still in the wings, but this could end up Cassidy’s best match yet.
My Score: 8.9/10
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Will this be the mightiest Tag League yet?
It’s time for NJPW World Tag League 2024, and this year already looks mighty good as IWGP World Heavyweight Champion, Zack Sabre Jr, is in the A Block! Will he and Ryohei Oiwa make everyone #JustTapOut?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Kickoff – Shoma Kato VS Masatora Yasuda; Kato wins.
- Six Man Tag: Hiroshi Tanahashi, Jado & Katsuya Murashima VS Taiji Ishimori & The Filip Brothers; Taiji & The Filip Brothers win.
- Six Man Tag: Toru Yano, Boltin Oleg & Tiger Mask VS The House of Torture; The House of Torture wins.
- Six Man Tag: Taichi, Douki & Taka Michinoku VS The United Empire; Taichi, Douki & Taka win.
- Six Man Tag: Los Ingobernables de Japon VS TMDK; TMDK wins.
- World Tag League 2024 A Block: Shota Umino & Tomoaki Honma VS Jeff Cobb & Callum Newman; Cobb & Callum win.
- World Tag League 2024 A Block: Shingo Takagi & Yota Tsuji VS Alex Zayne & Ryusuke Taguchi; Takagi & Tsuji win.
- World Tag League 2024 A Block: Bishamon VS KENTA & Chase Owens; Bishamon wins.
- World Tag League 2024 A Block: Zack Sabre Jr. & Ryohei Oiwa VS Gabe Kidd & SANADA; ZSJ & Oiwa win.
PLAY BY PLAY
World Tag League 2024 A Block: Shota Umino & Tomoaki Honma VS Jeff Cobb & Callum Newman!
The Roughneck is bringing Everyone’s Kokeshi along for the ride, but this league might already be too much to handle. Can Honma help Shota bring about his Paradigm Shift? Or will they just get conquered by the United Empire?
The teams sort out and Shota starts against The Imperial Unit. The bell rings and Shota runs up to RAM Cobb! And RAM! And RAM! Cobb stays up so Shota kicks low. Shota runs to RAM Cobb, but Cobb rebounds to CLOBBER Shota! The fans cheer while Cobb stalks Shota. Cobb brings Shota up to whip him to a corner. Shota comes back to RAM Cobb! Cobb stays up, so Shota clinches! Cobb fights free with elbows, but Shota dodges a lariat to RAM Cobb! Cobb falls over! The fans fire up with Shota, and he brings Cobb up again. Callum runs in so Shota shoves Cobb aside to catch Callum. Shota shoves Callum at Honma for a shoulder tackle!
The fans fire up as Shota keeps moving and he SOMERSAULT SENTONS Callum! Shota then sets up so he and Honma can tabletop Cobb! Cobb sits up into Shota’s SHOTGUN! The fans fire up and Shota tags Honma. The fans rally behind Honma as he CLUBS Cobb. Honma reels Cobb in, but Cobb suplexes first! Cobb SLAMS Honma down, then calls for Callum. Callum rises but Cobb says hold on. The “Cobby Cat” mocks Honma by bopping himself on the head. Cobb then runs to FALLING KOKESHIÂ FLOP! Honma winds up and runs, but Callum is in the way! Cobb runs up, Honma dodges the lariat but Callum tags in.
Cobb dodges Honma, then shoves him at Callum. They pinball Honma around, and Callum BOOTS Honma while Cobb BLASTS Shota! Then Callum & Cobb coordinate to HIGH LOW with a shoulder tackle and leg sweep! The fans cheer and Cobb says You Can’t See Him! Callum stomps Honma, then KICKS him in the back. Honma gets mad but Callum scuffs him again and again. Honma rises, CHOPS, and CHOPS again! Callum CHOPS and pretends that hurt his hand. Callum CLUBS Honma down but the fans rally up. Honma rises to CHOP! And CHOP! And CHOP! Callum kicks low, reels him in, but Honma fights the suplex!
Honma catches Callum’s lariat to spin and DDT! The fans fire up while both men are down! Callum and Honma crawl, but Honma hot tags Shota! Shota rallies on Callum with big elbows! Shota whips, Callum reverses, but SHota ducks ‘n’ dodges to CLOBBER Callum! Cobb runs up, but Shota arm-drags him, then dropkicks the legs out! Cobb bails, Shota fires up, and the fans rally again. Shota whips Callum corner to corner, runs up on him, and UPPERCUTS! Shota reels Callum in for a FISHERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO! Not quite perfect but Shota doesn’t let that slow him down!
Shota waits on Callum, then runs, but Callum avoids Ignition to hook Shota! Shota fights the backslide so Callum whips him to a corner. Callum runs up but Shota dodges! Shota runs up but Callum goes up and over! Callum keeps moving, but Shota ROCKS him, UPPERCUTS him, and runs! Callum follows to ROCK Shota at the ropes! Callum runs, but then stops to fake out Shota’s dropkick! Shota sits up, but he ducks the Penalty Kick! Shota rolls Callum but Callum rolls through. Shota ROCKS Callum, then spins, but Callum dodges the rolling elbow! DREAMCAST KICK! Shota drops to his knees and the fans fire up!
Callum and Shota crawl, hot tag to Cobb! Cobb runs up to waistlock Shota for a deadlift! Shota fights with elbows, goes to run, but Cobb reels him in for a forearm to the back! Cobb runs, but Shota DROPKICKS him! The fans fire up again and Shota heads for his corner. Hot tag to Honma! The fans rally as Honma CHOPS Cobb, and CHOPS, and CHOPS! Honma puts Cobb in a corner, whips him corner to corner, then runs up. Honma ELBOWS Cobb and hits a BULLDOG! The fans fire up as Honma shows Cobb how it’s done! FALLING KOKESHI- NO! Now Honma FLOPS as Cobb moves! Callum runs up to SHOTGUN Shota off the apron!
The fans fire up as Cobb RAMS Honma into the corner! Callum runs up to forearm SMASH! Callum drops down and Cobb LEAPS over to ELBOW Honma! Callum comes back and Cobb pops him up to the apron! ENZIGIRI, then fireman’s carry! Callum climbs, DOUBLE STOMP ATTITUDE ADJUSTMENT! PENALTY KICK and GACHIMUCHI MOONSAULT! Cover, Shota breaks it! The fans fire up and Shota TOSSES Callum! Cobb kicks Shota, whips, but Shota reverses to TORNADO DDT! Shota shouts to Honma and the fans fire up again. Honma rises and he storms up on Cobb. Honma & Shota double whip corner to corner!
Honma runs up to LARIAT! Honma feeds Cobb to Shota’s UPPERCUT! Honma LARIATS, Shota clinches, EXPLODER!! The fans cheer and Honma runs, SLIDING KOKESHI! Shota keeps moving, IGNITION! Honma covers, Callum breaks it! Shota stomps Callum out of the ring and leaves the rest to Honma. Honma drags Cobb up, but Cobb fights the suplex! Cobb ROCKS Honma, whips him, but Honma grabs ropes! Honma BOOTS Cobb, and Shota joins in! DOUBLE RUNNING KOKESHI! And then they DOUBLE FALLING KOKESHI! Cover, TWO!! Cobb survives but Shota goes after Callum! CANNONBALL to the floor!
The fans fire up again as Honma climbs! FLYING- NO, Cobb catches Honma! SPINEBUSTER, and FALLING HAMMER! Cover, TWO!! Honma survives and the fans fire up again! But then Cobb reels Honma in, for a TOUR OF THE ISLAND!! Cover, United Empire wins!
Winners: Jeff Cobb & Callum Newman, by pinfall (gain 2 points; Shota & Honma earn 0)
A powerful showing from “The Kokeshi Brothers,” but they could not bring down Callum & Cobb. With the IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Championships already on Great-O-Khan & Henare, will The United Empire completely dominate the NJPW Heavyweight Tag Division?
World Tag League 2024 A Block: Shingo Takagi & Yota Tsuji VS Alex Zayne & ???
Los Ingobernables de Japon’s heavy formation is in this block, ready to rampage like twin dragons. If only The Sauce could’ve brought his own monster back. Who will be the substitute for Lance Archer? And can he help heat things up?
Zayne makes his entrance before anyone else, and asks to speak on the mic. A mic is given, and Zayne says, “Kon’nichiwa.” The fans applaud, and Zayne explains that when he was contacted this year for WTL, he was also informed that Lance Archer could not make it. Zayne knew he had to do one thing: find the most “delicious” tag partner he could find. And that man is… RYUSUKE TAGUCHI!? The fans can’t believe the Funky Weapon is joining Zayne in this tournament! And he wears a green version of Zayne’s gear! Are things about to get really spicy now?
The teams sort out, and Takagi is in disbelief. LIJ fist bumps and the fans applaud. Taguchi and Zayne bow, “Itadakimasu,” and Zayne starts against Yota. They circle, tie up, and Yota powers Zayne back. But Zayne powers Yota back! Yota powers up to power Zayne onto the ropes, but Zayne turns things around. The ref counts, Zayne lets off slowly with a pat on the shoulders, but Yota plays with Zayne’s hair. Zayne smirks and Yota grins as the two reset. They circle, tie up, and are in a deadlock. Yota headlocks, but Zayne powers up and out. Yota RAMS Zayne but neither man falls. Fans cheer as Yota grins and Zayne plays with his own hair.
Things speed up suddenly, and Zayne sidesteps. Yota bucks the O’Conner Roll, then gets around Zayne. Zayne ELBOWS Yota away to a corner. Zayne runs up to BACK ELBOW and go to the apron in one go! Then he slingshots to RANA! Yota has a rough tumble, but he stands back up. Zayne runs up again, dodges the lariat and waistlocks, only to bring Yota back and run. Yota sidesteps Zayne then drops down, only for Zayne to IMPLODER KNEE DROP! The fans fire up but Zayne keeps moving, STANDING MARIPOSA! The fans cheer more while Zayne grins at Takagi. Zayne brings Yota up, tags Taguchi, and they double whip.
“Funky Sauce” misdirects Yota to hit a BULLDOG then basement dropkick! Cover, TWO! The fans cheer and Taguchi stomps Yota. Taguchi brings Yota up, kicks low, then whips. Yota reverses but Taguchi RANAS! A little slippery, but then Zayne BLASTS Takagi off the apron! Funky Sauce takes aim, Taguchi PLANCHASÂ but flops as Yota moves! Zayne is on the apron but Takagi YANKS Zayne down! The fans rally but Takagi hauls Zayne up to whip him into railing! Yota drags Taguchi up and puts him in the ring. Takagi gets the fans fired up, then he stands Taguchi up. LIJ double whip Taguchi to then DOUBLE SHOULDER TACKLE!
The fans cheer and then Takagi SENTONS! Yota SPLASHES down! Cover, TWO! Taguchi stays in this but Yota tags Takagi. The fans rally and duel while Takagi stands Taguchi up. Takagi bumps Taguchi off buckles, RAMS into him again and again, then digs his shoulder in. The ref counts, Takagi steps back, and he snapmares Taguchi down. Tag to Yota and Yota drags Taguchi up. Yota snapmares Taguchi to ROCK him in the back! Taguchi falls back, Yota tags Takagi, and LIJ drags Taguchi up. They DOUBLE ATOMIC DROP! Taguchi hobbles in pain, falls to his knees, and Takagi BLASTS Zayne off the apron!
Takagi gets annoyed with this Funky Sauce, but Taguchi fires off CHOPS! Taguchi runs, but Takagi easily dodges the hip attack! Takagi then suplexes Taguchi high and hard! Cover, TWO! Taguchi survives and the fans fire up. Takagi hears the fans dueling as he stomps Taguchi. Takagi KNEES Taguchi against the ropes again and again, then whips, for another KNEE! Takagi runs, but into a SOMERSAULT HIP ATTACK! The fans fire up while both men are down! Taguchi and Takagi crawl, hot tag to Zayne! Zayne jumps in and DECKS Takagi, then he BLASTS Yota! Zayne swats a lariat to fire elbow after ELBOW!
Takagi blocks the superkick to CLUB the leg! Yota joins in, LIJ whips Zayne, but Zayne KICKS Takagi, mule kicks Yota, and runs, DOUBLE SOMERSAULT KICKS! The fans fire up and Zayne runs at Takagi. Takagi ELBOWS Zayne, BOOTS him, then goes up. Zayne returns to JUMPING STEINERS! The fans fire up while Zayne covers, TWO! Takagi stays in this but Zayne brings him right up. Zayne goes to scoop but Takagi fights it! Zayne CHOPS, scoops, and BAJA- NO, Takagi slips free! SLIDING- NO, Zayne dodges! Zayne mule kicks, runs, but into the ELBOW! JAB! YUKONÂ feint and DDT! Both men are down again and the fans fire back up!
Takagi pounds the mat, the fans rally behind him, and he crawls, hot tag to Yota! Yota fires up and the fans are with him. Yota brings Zayne around to whip, but Zayne stops himself. Zayne dodges Yota, Yota dodges Zayne, and both men kick low! Yota comes back to BOOT! The fans cheer and Yota brings Zayne up again. Yota fireman’s carries but Zayne fights free. Yota ROCKS Zayne first! Yota tries another fireman’s carry but Zayne sunset flips it! TWO, and both men stand! Zayne rolls Yota, BASEMENT ENZIGIRI! Zayne hurries to hot tag Taguchi! Taguchi HIP ATTACKS in a corner! Taguchi goes corner to corner, for another HIP ATTACK!
Taguchi keeps moving, but Yota runs up! Taguchi dropkicks Yota’s legs out! The fans fire up and Taguchi keeps going! Another dropkick to legs, then a LEG SWEEP! Taguchi rolls Yota into the OH MY GAH ANKLE!! Zayne BOOTS Takagi off the apron! Yota scrambles to the ROPEBREAK! Taguchi lets go but he brings Yota back up. Taguchi traps Yota and Zayne runs in to ELBOW! Zayne then sets up and Taguchi runs, SHOTGUN IN MOTION! Taguchi then brings Yota out to GOURD BUSTER! The fans fire up as Zayne climbs! But Yota KICKS Taguchi away, then GAMANGIRIS Zayne off the corner!
Taguchi kicks Yota, runs, but into a scoop and BACKBREAKER! Takagi slides in, and he finds the camera, “TOKI GA KITA!” The fans fire up as the time has come, and they join in on a chant of “OI! OI! OI!” LIJ whips Taguchi to a corner, then Yota runs in to ELBOW! Takagi whips Yota back in to SPLASH! Takagi adds a LARIAT, then feeds Taguchi to a BOOT! BLINDSIDE LARIAT! SUPERKICK! Taguchi is down, Yota covers, TWO! Taguchi stays in this and the fans fire up. Takagi stands Taguchi up and throws him to Yota for a POWERBOMB! Cover, Zayne breaks it! Takagi drags Zayne up, LIJ mugs him, but he fights back with CHOPS!
The fans fire up but Yota spins Zayne around to facelock, and Takagi wheelbarrows. Yota helps Takagi swing Taguchi down, then up for a BOOSTED WHEELBARROW GERMAN!! The fans fire up and Takagi leaves it to Yota. Yota takes aim and the fans rally. Taguchi rises, Yota runs in, GENE- LEG DROP!? And then La Magistrol! TWO!! Yota escapes in time, but Taguchi spins him to a backslide! TWO!! Yota escapes again! But Taguchi ENZIGIRIS! Taguchi fires up and the fans are with him! But Takagi LARIATS! GENE TRIGGER! PUMPING BOMBER!! And now Yota loads up, for the GENE BLASTER!! Cover, LIJ wins!
Winners: Shingo Takagi & Yota Tsuji, by pinfall (gain 2 points; Zayne & Taguchi earn 0)
The Funky Sauce was hot, but they’re the ones that got burned! Will they be able to spice things up in the second round? Will Takagi & Tsuji keep the tag league tranquilo?
World Tag League 2024 A Block: Bishamon VS KENTA & Chase Owens!
Hirooki Goto & Yoshi-Hashi once again clash with The Fang & The Jewel, both sides hungry for gold. Will it be Lights Out in the opening round? Or will someone just #Go2Sleep?
The teams sort out but then Bullet Club just attacks! Chase is after Goto and Kenta is after Hashi, and they put each man in corners. The bell rings to get this on record as Kenta TOSSES Hashi. Chase CHOKES Goto in the corner, then stands on him! The ref reprimands and Chase lets off to bring Goto up. Chase ROCKS Goto, whips him, and Kenta POSTS Hashi! Chase hits a big hip toss then covers, TWO! The fans rally up while Chase stomps Goto’s leg. Chase scrapes his sole off Goto’s face, and Kenta whips Hashi again. Hashi reverses and Kenta hits railing in front of English commentary! Chase ROCKS Goto, CHOPS him, then whips.
Goto grabs ropes to stop, then he BOOTS Chase! Hashi returns and Bishamon DOUBLE SHOULDER TACKLE! Then ZENMAI! Kenta returns but Bishamon kicks him first. “Se no!” Bishamon BEATS Kenta like a drum! The fans cheer and Bishamon flexes. Goto then goes back to Chase to stomp and CLUB him down. Goto kicks Chase, Chase shoves Goto and ROCKS him with a forearm! Goto knees Chase low, runs, but Chase TOSSES Goto out! Goto hurries back up, he counter punches Chase, and then counter punches Kenta! Chase slips out to YANK Goto down and THROW him into railing! Kenta intercepts Hashi with a kick!
Kenta whips Hashi away into railing while Chase sends Goto into other railing! The ref reprimands but Chase brings Goto through the gate. Chase has fans move out of the way, but then brings Goto back to ringside. Chase grins as he trolls the fans and pushes Goto into the ring. Kenta CLUBS away on Hashi before leaving him behind. Chase pulls on Goto’s arms then TWEAKS Goto’s neck! Not a twist, but equally painful. Chase tags Kenta while the fans rally for “GO-TO-O! GO-TO-O!” Kenta pushes Goto into the corner, Goto hits Chase, but Kenta RAMS Goto! The ref reprimands and counts as Kenta RAMS Goto more!
Kenta sits Goto down, and digs his boot in! The ref counts, Kenta stops at 4, and he tags Chase back in. They stomp Goto more, then Chase headlocks for a sucker punch! Cover, TWO! Chase drags Goto up and he bumps Goto off Kenta’s boot. Tag to Kenta and Bullet Club double whips. They DOUBLE ELBOW Goto down then Kenta covers, TWO! Kenta covers again, TWO! Kenta argues with the ref but the count was fair. Kenta drops an elbow, drops another elbow, then covers, TWO! Kenta gets mad at Hashi for no reason, but the fans rally up for Goto. Kenta CLUBS Goto, but Goto fires CHOPS in return!
Kenta knees low, whips Goto to a corner, but Goto reverses. Goto runs up but into a BOOT! Kenta runs but Goto follows! Goto avoids Chase’s cheap shot to LARIAT Kenta! The fans fire up while Goto and Kenta are down! Goto crawls, hot tag to Hashi! The fans fire up as Hahsi BLASTS Chase! Kenta kicks Hashi low then whips him to a corner. Kenta runs up but Hashi CHOPS in return! And mule kicks! And turns Kenta for a NECKBREAKER! The fans fire up and Hashi watches Kenta. Hashi waits on Kenta to rise, then runs up to CHOP! Hashi hoists Kenta up to hang him out to dry! The fans fire up as Hashi runs, and he DROPKCISK Kenta down! Cover, TWO!
The fans cheer Hashi on as he brings Kenta up. Hashi reels Kenta in, lifts, but Kenta fights with fists! Kenta slips free of the bomb, then slips around Hashi to spin and- NO, Hashi suplexes first! But Kenta slips free again, and he spins Hashi around, to SPIKE DDT! Hashi is stood up on his head before falling over, and Kenta tags in Chase. Chase brings Hashi up and fireman’s carries. Hashi fights free of that, but Chase slips around to half nelson, lift, and SWINGING FACEBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Hashi survives but Chase says time to end this! Chase takes aim, C- NO, Hashi dodges the trigger! Chase knees low, runs, but Hashi dropkicks the legs!
The fans fire up whiel both men are down! Chase clutches his leg while Hashi crawls. Hot tag to Goto! Goto runs at Chase to LARIAT in the corner! Goto whips corner to corner, runs up again, but Chase BOOTS him! But Goto comes back! Only for Chase to BUCKLE SHOT and STO, then SENTON! Kenta steps in and Bullet Club drags Goto up. But Goto fires forearms and CHOPS! Kenta SOBATS! Chase KICKS! Kenta ROUNDHOUSES! Goto sits up into the “I HATE YOU!” PENALTY KICK! Cover, but Hashi breaks it! Kenta TOSSES Hashi then goes out after him. Chase drags Goto up and reels him in.
Chase tucks the arms but Goto fights the lift! Goto wrenches out but Chase ROCKS him first! Chase runs, Goto follows, but Chase ENZIGIRIS! Goto stays up, but the C-TRIGGER hits! Cover, TWO!! Goto survives but Chase hurries up! C-TRIGGER POINT BLANK!! And then the tuck for the PACKAGE PILE- NO, Hashi hits a BLOCKBUSTER! The fans fire up, Kenta BOOTS Hashi! Goto fireman’s carries Kenta but Kenta slips free! Kenta shoves Goto into Hashi, then waistlocks Goto. Goto fights the lift, and then ducks, HIDDEN GAP SUPERKICK for Kenta! The fans fire up as Bishamon regroups.
Hashi drags Chase up, whips him to Goto, but Chase BOOTS Goto! Chase swings on Hashi but Hashi ducks the lariat. Hashi powers Chase to ropes, Goto BLINDSIDE LARIATS, and then Hashi rolls Chase. Goto drags Chase up, Hashi has the legs! Chase BOOTS Hashi away! Chase then slips around to dragon sleeper, to steal G T- NO, Goto drops down to victory roll! Chase stands up, into a SUPERKICK! Goto drags Chase around while Hashi BLASTS Kenta! Dragon sleeper and SHOTO!! Cover, Bishamon wins!!
Winners: Bishamon, by pinfall (gain 2 points; Kenta & Chase earn 0)
Another classic in this storied rivalry, worthy of the titles themselves! Will this first win be the win that leads the Fierce Warrior & Headhunter back to the titles? Can Kenta & Chase borrow a page from Bishamon and #GetBackUp in the next round?
World Tag League 2024 A Block: Zack Sabre Jr. & Ryohei Oiwa VS Gabe Kidd & SANADA!
TMDK has a team in each block, doubling their chances of taking this league. But perhaps burying the lead is the fact that THE IWGP World Heavyweight Champion is joining in the fun! Will The Front Man & The Mullet rock this league right from the start? Or will the Mad Man and the turncoat Cold Skull get this tournament #WarReady?
The teams sort out but Oiwa gets in Gabe’s face. Gabe pushes Oiwa, they start, and they tie up at the bell. The fans rally as Oiwa and Gabe are in a deadlock. They go around at center, then Oiwa digs his heels in to push Gabe back. Gabe turns things around to put Oiwa on ropes, but Red Shoes calls the break. Gable lets off, to then CHOP! Gabe scoops and SLAMS Oiwa, then he goes for legs. Oiwa UPKICKS Gabe, then stands up to scoop and SLAM Gabe! Gabe UPKICKS back, both men get up and go face to face. Then they go forearm for forearm! The fans rally as Oiwa gets the edge, but Gabe CHOPS!
Gabe headlocks. Oiwa powers up and out, and they RAM shoulders! Gabe eggs OIwa on and he runs to RAM Gabe! They both run now, and they RAM shoulders again, and again, and again! Gabe CHOPS then runs, but Oiwa CLOBBERS Gabe! The fans fire up while Gabe bails out. Oiwa eggs Gabe on and Gabe snarls. Gabe shakes the railing in frustration, then he paces around the outside. Gabe cools off, slides in, but then tags Sanada. Sanada steps in slowly, so Oiwa tags in ZSJ. The two rivals circle and the afns rally behind “ZAKKU! ZAKKU!” ZSJ and Sanada feel things out, knuclke lock, and ZSJ rolls to wrench.
Sanada is already frustrated so he kicks ZSJ low! Sanada TOSSES ZSJ out and then Gabe goes after Oiwa! Gabe CHOPS away on Oiwa while Sanada sends ZSJ into railing! And then more railing! Gabe does the same to Oiwa, and Sanada storms up on ZSJ. Sanada CLAWS ZSJ’s back, a definite attitude change showing. Gabe Too Sweets with Taiji Ishimori on commentary while Sanada pushes ZSJ into the ring. Sanada whips ZSJ to a corner, but ZSJ goes up, under, around, and RAMS into Sanada! ZSJ snapmares, Sanada handsprings through, but ZSJ UPPERCUTS him down! Tag to Oiwa and he BLASTS Gabe!
Oiwa goes back to Sanada and stands him up. Oiwa wrenches an arm, YANKS it, then wrenches to YANK it again. Oiwa tags ZSJ and ZSJ brings Sanada around to wrench, step over, and wrangle into a mounted armbar! Sanada endures as ZSJ bends the fingers and isolates the arm, to STOMP it! The fans cheer, ZSJ tags Oiwa, and Oiwa CLUBS Sanada’s arm. Oiwa headlocks for a takeover, then isolates the arm in an short arm scissor! The fans rally while Sanada endures and kicks around. Sanada reaches out, ROPEBREAK! Red Shoes calls it, Oiwa lets Sanada go, but then Oiwa brings Sanada up.
Oiwa whips, Sanada reverses, and Gabe trips Oiwa up! Sanda BLASTS ZSJ while Oiwa drags Oiwa out of the ring! Now things spill out into the crowd! Gabe CHOPS Oiwa, then SMACKS him off empty chairs! Sanada BOWLS ZSJ into chairs! Not quite a strike, so Sanada JAMS ZSJ up with a chair! That picks up the spare, and we can hear Gabe’s CHOPS on Oiwa echo out. Gabe stomps Oiwa while Sanada CHOKES ZSJ with a chair! Red Shoes reprimands the War Dogs, but Gabe POSTS Oiwa! Gabe says War Dogs run this, but Red Shoes starts a ring count. Gabe flexes on Oiwa, then drags him up at 7 of 20.
Gabe puts Oiwa in at 10 and Sanada covers, TWO! Oiwa stays in this and the fans rally behind him. Sanada is annoyed but he brings Oiwa up. Sanada CLUBS Oiwa, then bumps him off Gabe’s boot. Oiwa sputters while Sanada tags Gabe in. Gabe drags Oiwa up, mockingly asks where Zack-senpai went, then he UPPERCUTS Oiwa down. Gabe TOSSES Oiwa out, and he BLASTS ZSJ off the apron! Sanada whips Oiwa into railing! Gabe lifts ZSJ bu tZSJ wrenches free to KIMURA! Gabe powers through, to BITE ZSJ on the forehead! Sanada sends Oiwa into more railing, Gabe sends ZSJ through railing and into chairs!
Sanada BOWLS Oiwa into chairs now, there is the strike! Sanada continues to show his new edge as he JAMS Oiwa up with a chair. Red Shoes reprimands so Sanada brings Oiwa back to ringside. Sanada puts Oiwa in for Gabe and Gabe pushes Oiwa to a cover. Red Shoes says no, all the shenanigans were not right. Gabe gets in Red Shoes’ face about that, but Red Shoes stands his ground. Gabe storms around while the fans rally behind Oiwa. Gabe drags Oiwa up, to CHOP! Oiwa wobbles but he rises up. Oiwa CHOPS, and CHOPS, and fires forearms! Gabe DECKS Oiwa with just one! The fans still rally for Oiwa but Gabe stands on Oiwa’s face!
Gabe soaks up the heat, scuffs Oiwa and stomps him around. Oiwa sits up, Gabe runs, but Oiwa reels him in! Gabe fights the waistlock, runs, but into a SNAP GERMAN! The fans fire up while both men are down! Oiwa and Gabe crawl, hot tags to ZSJ and Sanada! The fans fire up as ZSJ dodges Sanada, full nelsons, then spins him to a headlock. Sanada powers out but ZSJ catches him to a COBRA TWIST! Sanada powers out to HIP TOSS, but ZJS UP KICKS! Sanada avoids the Penalty Kick, blocks the boot, but ZSJ steps through the dragon screw to NECK TWIST! And basment DROPKICK! The fans fire up and we’ve only hit 10 minutes!
ZSJ drags Sanada up, UPPERCUTS him, then UPPERCUTS again! Sanada blocks the next to spin and suplex, but ZSJ says no to the Magic Screw! NORTHERN LIGHTS! Bridging cover, TWO! Sanada escapes but ZSJ stays focused. ZSJ stands Sanada up to scoop, but Sanada slips free. ZSJ fights the waistlock, runs, but into a dropkick to the legs! Sanada then DROPKICKS ZSJ down! Sanada fireman’s carries but ZSJ slips free, to have the IRON OCTOPUS! The fans rally while Sanada endures, and Sanada powers out to have a leg! DROPPING DRAGON SCREW! ZSJ clutches the leg and Sanada takes aim! SHINING-
NO, ZSJ ducks, but Sanada catches him to a backslide! ZSJ rolls through to NECK TWIST! Tag to Oiwa and Oiwa BLASTS Gabe off the apron! Oiwa goes back to Sanada and brings him up. Oiwa whips Sanada to ropes, ELBOWS Him down, then ZSJ PENALTY KICKS Sanada! Oiwa deadlift GUT RWENCH PLEXES! Cover, Gabe breaks it! Gabe CHOPS away on ZSJ and Oiwa, but ZSJ blocks! Oiwa DOUBLE CHOPS! ZSJ UPPERCUTS! ZSJ & Oiwa DOUBLE DROPKICK Gabe down! The fans fire up with Oiwa and he clamps onto Sanada with a SLEEPER! Sanada endures and fights up, but Oiwa thrashes him around!
Sanada still fights to his feet, slips around the back, and shoves Oiwa to ropes. Gabe trips Oiwa up! Oiwa kicks at Gabe but Sanada kicks ropes to jam Oiwa up! Sanada suplexes Oiwa into the MAGIC SCREW! Both men are down but the fans rally up again. Sanada crawls over, tag to Gabe, and Gabe storms right up on Oiwa. Gabe UPPERCUTS Oiwa right down! Gabe then puts Oiwa in a corner to fire off forearm after forearm! Red Shoes reprimands and counts, but Gabe digs his boots in while talking trash. Gabe shoves Red Shoes aside so he can keep stomping away on Oiwa! The fans rally and Red Shoes backs Gabe off.
Gabe seethes but the fans continue to rally for Oiwa. Oiwa grits his teeth as he sits up, but Gabe ROCKS him with another shot! Oiwa still looks up defiantly at Gabe, so Gabe fires shots! Gabe says Oiwa’s not worthy of being his NJPW Strong Openweight Challenger. Gabe says Oiwa’s just some “weak ass kohai!” Gabe SPITS on Oiwa, but Oiwa gets in Gabe’s face! Gabe fires slapping strikes, blocks a shot, then SLAPS Oiwa again! Oiwa spins to DOUBLE CHOP Gsbe down! Sanada runs up and kicks low! Sanada whips, Oiwa reverses, but Sanada reverses back, RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP! ZSJ PENALTY KICKS Sanada!
Gabe runs up, ZSJ BOOTS him first! Gabe runs back in, slips out of the scoop, and he scoops ZSJ for EMERALD FLOWSON!! But Oiwa spins Gabe! Gabe avoids The Grip, runs, but into a LARIAT!! Cover, TWO!! Oiwa is frustrated but the fans rally behind him. Oiwa hauls Gabe up, ANACONDA PLEX!! Cover, TWO!! Gabe survives again but Oiwa roars! Oiwa drags Gabe up, reels him in, but Gabe fights the gut wrench! Gabe CLUBS Oiwa on the back, then he gut wrenches! Oiwa fights back, wrenches out, and he blocks a lariat to spin. Gabe HAYMAKERS, and SAIDOS!! Gabe crawls his way to the cover, TWO!!
The fans are thunderous as Oiwa survives! Gabe snarls and he drags Oiwa up. Gabe says this is the end. But Oiwa fights the suplex! Oiwa suplexes, but Gabe fights it! Oiwa still tries, but Gabe slips out to waistlock. Sanada DROPKCIKS Oiwa, Gabe UPPERCUTS! Gabe & Sanada work together to DOUBLE SUPLEX! Gabe suplexes again, BRAINBUSTER!! Cover, ZSJ BREAKS IT! Sanada TOSSES ZSJ out and tells Gabe to finish this! ZSJ RAMS Sanada, they brawl outside, and Gabe slashes his throat. Gabe drags Oiwa up, reels him in, but Oia slips through the gut wrench to backslide! TWO, and Gabe UPPERCUTS!
Gabe runs, but ZSJ is back! He BOOTS Gabe but Gabe SLAPS ZSJ! ZSJ KICKS the haymaker away to then ROUNDHOUSE Gabe! Sanada’s in to dragon sleeper! ZSJ arm-drags free, but Sanada comes back to SHINING WIZARD! Sanada then drags ZSJ up, but ZSJ scoops first! ZACK DRIVER!! ZSJ and Sanada flop out of the ring, leaving Oiwa and Gabe to rise up. They run at each other, to DOUBLE LARIAT! neither man falls, they DOUBLE LARIAT again! Gabe UPPERCUTS! Oiwa PALM STRIKES! Gabe PALM STRIKES, CHOPS, JABS, rebounds, into a roll-up! Hig stack, TMDK WINS!!
Winners: Zack Sabre Jr. & Ryohei Oiwa, by pinfall
Gabe is in shock! He gets right in Red Shoes’ face but Red Shoes says it was a fair count! Gabe then goes after Oiwa to CLOBBER him! The fans boo and Young Lions rush in, but Gabe eggs Oiwa on! So Oiwa obliges and they brawl among the fans! The Young Lions rush in to separate the two, but Gabe gets loose to CLOBBER Oiwa! They scrap, ZSJ joins in, and he pulls the two apart. Gabe kicks a chair in frustration, then goes into retreat. Wait, Oiwa chases Gabe to the ramp and beats him down! Young Lions again scramble in to stop this, but it just heads to the back! Sanada shrugs it off, will the #ColdWarDogs just have to try harder in the next round?
As for the winners, well, they’re no longer ringside so there won’t be any in-ring closing words. Backstage interviews begin, Gabe promises Oiwa will be put in the ground! Will the Mad Man show The Mullet what it takes to be NJPW Strong? As for ZSJ, he gathers himself, and tells NJPW Media that he doesn’t know where The Mullet went. Actually, no, he has an idea: The Mullet must be smashing the s*it outta Gabe. “Roy The Mullet” is the next NJPW Strong Openweight Champion! Oiwa will hit Gabe so hard, his legs will turn into trombones! As for ZSJ, there is something rare happening in this year’s WTL, isn’t it?
Yes, it’s that the IWGP World EFFIN’ Heavyweight Champion is involved, as this should be! The first time the world champion’s been in this tournament in roughly a decade! ZSJ said he was gonna be a different kind of world champion for NJPW, and that he promises to take NJPW back to the top! Now obviously, a conflict of interests, as this tournament is Shane Haste’s & Mikey Nicholls’ to win, but ZSJ won’t give the boys an easy ride. ZSJ is dreaming~ of an all TMDK World Tag League finals! Then who knows, maybe Zack & Roy get the job done.
But ZSJ knows the Tokyo Dome is coming soon. And Shota Umino wants to be ZSJ’s challenger. ZSJ says he will be keeping his eyes wide open for Shota. ZSJ says he’ll have a DOUBLE main event in the Tokyo Dome, it’s in the bag. What about you, Shota? The Front Man heads out, having put the pressure on his challenger, but will all of NJPW soon belong to TMDK?
Here are the A Block standings!
Zack Sabre Jr. & Ryohei Oiwa: 1-0, 2 points
Jeff Cobb & Callum Newman: 1-0, 2 points
Shingo Takagi & Yota Tsuji: 1-0, 2 points
Bishamon: 1-0, 2 points
Gabe Kidd & Sanada: 0-1, 0 points
Kenta & Chase Owens: 0-1, 0 points
Alex Zayne & Ryusuke Taguchi: 0-1, 0 points
Shota Umino & Tomoaki Honma: 0-1, 0 points
My Thoughts:
A great start to World Tag League 2024, with just A Block opening things tonight. I will say those tune-up matches were interesting. Even though David Finlay is the Global Champion, it’s Taiji Ishimori that has apparently become Bullet Club’s international ambassador. Taiji brought Robbie X into the group, now he teamed with The Filip Brothers, Tome & Stevie, who knows who else Bone Soldier will recruit. Taiji’s team beating Tanahashi’s team, House of Torture cheating and beating Tanahashi’s friends, this is all putting the pressure on The Ace, meaning The Ace will win out at WrestleKingdom 19.
Shota Umino teaming with Tomoaki Honma, I wonder if this is to hold Shota back somehow. He is apparently still heading for WrestleKingdom and a world title match with ZSJ, so it’s not like Shota needs to win WTL, but I guess NJPW just wants Shota to give the fans a good time alongside a fan favorite like Honma. Also, Callum & Cobb have a fun new shirt for their team-up. I figured Zayne would need to improvise now that #MonsterSauce is no longer happening, and Taguchi was a great surprise choice. But #FunkySauce making its debut against a team as strong as Takagi & Tsuji was a shame because of course LIJ was winning that. Maybe Zayne & Taguchi can pull off a spoiler victory later on, but I don’t see Funky Sauce going that strong.
Bishamon VS Kenta & Chase really was an awesome match, and it is so surprising how Chase has grown in just the past couple years. Great win for Goto & Hashi, though, as they’re clearly the solid utility choices in the tag division. And what an awesome main event, with Sanada bringing out the most Heel stuff he’s done perhaps ever. A bit jarring really, but that’s just kinda old fashioned Heel turns for ya. Great win for TMDK, though, and definitely an unorthodox way of closing by having Oiwa and Gabe brawl all over ringside and into the back.
While ZSJ says it is big for the world champ to be in this tournament, which I do agree with on some level, it also makes some of the A Block action seem secondary. Gabe and Oiwa having their grudge was kinda the main motivator behind this match, and then it’ll be similar when Shota & Honma VS ZSJ & Oiwa happens. There is the added drama of, “What if someone pins ZSJ? Will they get a world title match before WK19?” Maybe Shota solidifies his WK title match by being the one that pins ZSJ in their match, but it all just feels like more flash than substance. No one else is going to pin ZSJ, Oiwa probably takes whatever losses their team will take, so A Block’s story suffers for it.
My Score: 8.9/10
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TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends
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