Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE Raw Results & Report! (5/6/24)
Let the tournaments begin!
The King & Queen of the Ring tournaments return!
And Raw has a stacked opening round! Who will step towards the thrones that away in Saudi Arabia?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- King of the Ring Opening Round: Finn Balor VS Jey Uso; Jey wins and advances.
- Queen of the Ring Opening Round: Iyo Sky VS Natalya; Iyo wins and advances.
- King of the Ring Opening Round: Ricochet VS Ilja Dragunov; Dragunov wins and advances.
- Queen of the Ring Opening Round: Ivy Nile VS Zoey Stark; Stark wins and advances.
- Chad Gable VS Bronson Reed; No Contest.
- Queen of the Ring Opening Round: Lyra Valkyria VS
AsukaDakota Kai; Lyra wins and advances. - King of the Ring Opening Round: Gunther VS Sheamus; Gunther wins and advances.
PLAY BY PLAY
The Judgment Day is here!
Hartford, Connecticut boos as Damian Priest, Finn Balor, JD McDonagh & Dominik Mysterio make their way to the ring. The Punisher is still El Campeon thanks in large part to The Prince & The Irish Ace helping him out. Priest gets a mic while fans boo more, and he says, “Main Event Jey Uso…” Fans “YEET!” in response to that. Priest asks if the fans love him. “YEET!” Well, seems the entire country of France did, too. But in the end, it didn’t matter, because Priest is still champion! ALL RISE for El Campeon! But even so, Priest feels the need to talk about what went down at Backlash.
Finn speaks up to tell “Big Man” that they went over this 100 times. Finn and JD apologized, they meant it! They’re sorry. Priest says no, they’re good. That’s not what he meant. He meant after the match. He needs everyone to know, and is saying this publicly. That was all on him, he lost his cool. They were there to support him, make sure he stayed champ, and he did. Like it or not, he is still champion, so sincerely, he is sorry, and he thanks them. JD, Priest appreciates you, man. And Finn, c’mon, you’re like a brother! They hug it out and the fans boo more. Even Dom joins in, even though he couldn’t make the trip.
Priest says no more group hug, it’s back to business. He is STILL El Campeon, Judgment Day is STILL the most dominant faction in WWE, and Finn is your NEXT King of the Ring! And seeing as poor McIntyre ain’t medically cleared, guess who gets a first round bye? Uh, FINN! They all high-five, and Finn says that means he’s one step closer to The Prince becoming The King! Bow down to the King! Finn wants Samantha Irvin to announce it, but then Adam Pearce says hold on! Finn might be confused. Yes, Drew is out, but Finn is NOT getting a bye. The fans like the sound of that! And if Finn doesn’t like it, too bad!
Pearce says being crowned KOTR is one of the biggest honors, so Finn is gonna have to earn his way! What happened at Backlash won’t happen tonight! Finn’s match is next, and his opponent now… IS MAIN EVENT JEY USO!! Hartford fires up as Jey is looking to get some payback! Will Jey YEET Finn right outta the first round?
King of the Ring Opening Round: Finn Balor VS Jey Uso!
Raw returns and the bell rings. Finn and Jey stare down, circle, then tie up. Finn rolls Jey up, TWO! Finn hurries to headlock and grind Jey down. Jey powers up and out but Finn runs him over. Cover, ONE, but Finn clamps onto an arm. Jey fights up as the fans rally, but Finn wrenches to wristlock. Jey slips around, trips Finn, gets an arm, La Magistrol! TWO, and Finn goes to a corner. Finn kicks low, bumps Jey off buckles then fires off hands and stomps! The ref counts, Finn lets off, then soaks up the heat. Finn drags Jey up, bumps him off buckles, then swings. Jey dodges to ROCK Finn! And again! And again!
Jey whips, Finn reverses, but Jey goes up and over! “YEET!” and UPPERCUT! The fans fire up with Jey, and they all “YEET!” together. Finn stands and Jey whips, but Finn reverses. Jey sunset flips but Finn rolls through to basement dropkick! Cover, TWO! Finn CLUBS Jey, CLUBS him again, then ELBOWS him in the head! Finn stomps Jey down, then soaks up the heat. Finn drags Jey up to CLUB him again, then he clamps on a chinlock. Jey endures, even as Finn grinds him down. The fans rally, Jey fights up, but Finn CLUBS him in the back! Finn wrangles Jey down to the mat but the fans continue to rally.
Jey endures, fights back up, and the fans rally behind him as he puts Finn on ropes. The ref counts, Finn avoids the haymaker to CHOP! Finn throws body shots, bumps Jey off buckles, then RAMS into him again and again! The ref counts but Finn CHOPS! Jey falls, Finn covers him, TWO! The fans cheer but Finn looms over Jey. Finn drags Jey back up, DECKS him with a haymaker, then mocks the fans. Finn drags Jey up again, SCRAPES Jey’s face off the ropes, then whips. Jey reverses to TOSS Finn out! Jey builds speed and DIVES! Direct hit at the ramp and the fans fire up! Jey stands, Finn staggers around, and Jey puts Finn in the ring.
Jey hurries up but Finn hurries out the other side. The fans boo but then Jey goes around the outside. Jey uses steps to leap, but into a BODY BLOW! Finn then brings Jey around to POST him! And then Finn THROWS Jey over the desk! Finn stands on the desk to soak up the heat and mock the yeet bounce. The fans boo but Finn just soaks it up as Raw goes to break.
Raw returns again and Jey rains down fists in a corner! Fans “YEET!” up to nine, then Jey winds up, only for Finn to YANK him down! Finn then stands Jey up so he can climb up and rain down fists of his own! The fans boo as Finn goes to TEN, then CHOPS! Finn snapmares Jey, runs and basement dropkicks! Cover, TWO! Finn snarls as he paces around, then he sits Jey up to ELBOW him in the head again. Finn clamps on a chinlock and grinds Jey down. The fans rally as Jey endures, but Finn leans on the hold. Jey fights up, throws body shots, but Finn knees low! Finn CLUBS Jey again, but Jey UPPERCUTS!
Jey ROCKS Finn again, and again, and again! Jey pops ‘n’ locks and puts stank on the HAYMAKER! The fans fire up again and Jey runs in at the corner. Finn puts Jey on the apron, but Jey GAMANGIRIS! Jey goes up, to CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO! Finn stays in this but Jey stays cool. Finn flounders to a corner, the fans rally up and Jey goes to the other end. “YEET! YEET! YEET!” and Jey runs in, but Finn LARIATS Jey down! The fans boo but Finn snarls as he storms over to springboard stomp away on Jey! The ref counts, Finn lets off and then soaks up more heat. Finn goes after Jey but Jey fireman’s carries!
Finn CLAWS Jey’s face to get free, then hits a NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Finn aims from a corner, Jey slowly rises, and Finn runs in, but Jey denies Slingblade to whip! Jey then dodges to mule kick! UPPERCUT! SUPERKICK! Finn is down in a drop zone and Jey hurries up top! USO SPLASH but he has to roll through! Finn avoids disaster, runs back in, SHOTGUN! Jey is down but Finn makes sure he’s in the right spot! Finn goes up the corner, and COUP DE- NO, now Jey moves outta the way! SPEAR!! Cover, TWO?!? Finn survives and Jey is frustrated, but then here comes Drew McIntyre! The bad arm keeps McIntyre out of the tournament but not away from the arena!
McIntyre hops the barriers, has a stare down with Jey, but Finn rolls Jey up! TWO!! Jey escapes, but Finn SLINGBLADES! Finn growls, fans taunt McIntyre with “C M PUNK!” Finn runs in, into a SPEAR!! Cover, Jey wins!!
Winner: Jey Uso, by pinfall (advances to the next round)
McIntyre storms in but Jey gets out. The Scottish Terminator has no spot in the tournament, Jey is moving on in his place! Will we soon see the crowning of #KingYEET?
Drew McIntyre complains to Adam Pearce.
It just had to be Jey Uso of all people! Punk screws McIntyre in the #1 contender’s match that Jey won, and now they’re being rewarded? This is not about Jey, this is about McIntyre’s arm! McIntyre says he doesn’t care about the arm, he could just tape it up like a real man and still compete! Not like Punk! Pearce stops McIntyre there. The world thought McIntyre’s arm was fine until he told the world it wasn’t, so Pearce had to have it checked out! McIntyre’s arm isn’t fine, so that’s why he can’t compete. McIntyre says he’s sick of this BS, then goes to his car and drives off in a huff. Another QR code pops up, but then another car pulls in. It’s CM Punk!!
Pearce says Punk is late and he says he knows, it’s been quite a weekend. Where’s McIntyre? Uh, just missed him, thank God. What? Oh. Punk feels disappointed but then asks Pearce to get the truck to play his music. Punk’s got something to say. Pearce can do that. Punk heads to gorilla and we can already hear the fans chanting his name. Punk passes by Chad Gable chewing out The Alpha Academy, then passes through the curtain! The fans sing along with Cult of Personality as The Best in the World says it’s CLOBBERIN’ TIME~! Punk goes down to the ring, and he revels in the cheers while he gets the mic.
“Is it good to be alive on a Monday night in Hartford, Connecticut or what?” The fans cheer that! Punk apologizes for being late, he had a rough weekend getting locked in the WWE HQ. By the time he got out, he realized they’re at the XL Center, so he drove straight here to be with the beautiful maniacs. He also wanted a fight with McIntyre but McIntyre left the building. So Pat McAfee, if you recall, just as McIntyre got stuck in the cheap seats, Punk said he could take care of business in less than 5 minutes and 45 seconds, the amount of time McIntyre was champ. Not that he wants to make that a thing, but hey, 5:45.
Now, Punk showed up, McIntyre just left, and this won’t be a popular decision backstage, but what if we go overtime? What if Punk stayed here long enough for McIntyre to come back? Because you know McIntyre is stopped at a redlight and isn’t texting his wife but scrolling through social media. So please, get your phones, take some pics, tweet out now that Punk is here live and in living color! And if McIntyre isn’t a coward, IF, then he will turn around and come right back to this building, at the center of the ice where that Gordie Howe skated on for the Hartford Whalers, he can catch the beating he deserves! The fans cheer that!
The fans chant for Punk, Pat does his best to get a post out, and Punk says he means what he says. He’d hold Raw hostage if he has to. He’d even ask what we wanna talk about, but that’s another guy’s thing. So instead, Punk wants to ask if they wanna hear a story. Sort of a recap. Royal Rumble in January, McIntyre DDTs Punk so hard, that when Punk posted his arm, he tore his triceps. That broke Punk’s heart. And the same for the fans. Punk thought McIntyre ruined Punk’s Mania dreams. But then Punk had a good cry, a great surgery, picked himself back up, and realized that McIntyre didn’t ruin anything. If anything, McIntyre simply postponed those dreams.
Because in baseball, they’d call Punk a Five Tool Player. he can do anything! Commentary, which is what he did at Mania! Punk’s a Five Tool Player, McIntyre is just a tool. And we’re waiting. For weeks that turned into months, Punk tuned into the show he was excited to be back on, and he heard McIntyre just run his mouth about how he prayed for Punk to get hurt and proud that he did it. McIntyre picked a personal fight with the pettiest man on the roster! Maybe even on Earth. But Punk said it last week he’d make McIntyre’s life Hell, and he meant that. But then McIntyre’s b*tching and complaining turned.
It went from McIntyre hurt Punk to “Punk ruined MY Mania plans! Punk ruined MY title aspirations! Punk broke MY elbow!” McIntyre is a hater! From how Punk looks to how he walks to how he talks! But when Punk tunes in, all McIntyre does is talk about Punk! All McIntyre does is sit in the ring like Punk! All McIntyre does is try to talk like Punk! He tries to BE Punk, and it dawned on Punk… Does McIntyre hate Punk? Or does he hate himself!? Because McIntyre is a choke artist! Not like how Punk is, that’s a very different thing. But McIntyre prayed for this. Punk is the unforgiving consequences to his actions.
“Drew, you prayed for this, and I broke your elbow. And if you show up now, or the next time I see you, I’m gonna break your face! And then I’m gonna break your heart. And all this praying you do… I don’t know if you’re a God fearing man, but the fact you haven’t shown up yet tells me that there is one thing that you fear. One name, three syllables, C M PUNK!” Punk tells McIntyre that he will find him. If he has to, he’ll chase McIntyre to Glasgow, pop out of some haggis, and hit McIntyre right in his face! Punk double checks his watch, but we’re clearly in overtime. Will the Scottish Terminator ever get past Punk?
Backstage interview with Ricochet.
Cathy Kelley is with the WWE Speed Champion, noting he has been on an absolute tear lately. But now he has a King of the Ring tournament match. What will be his biggest facing Ilja Dragunov for the first time ever? Ricochet says it is interesting. He is very aware of Dragunov and everything he has done in NXT, this is KOTR. Tonight is Ricochet’s chance, the first step, to defining a legacy. But then Braun Strowman says hey to his old teammate! They shake it out, and Ricochet is glad to have Braun back. Cathy says while he’s here, she’ll ask him why he interjected in Judgment Day’s business last week?
Braun says he had and always will be the one to stand up for the “little guy,” to take the fight to the bullies. But this isn’t about him, tonight is about Ricochet going out there and reminding everyone why he is KING Ricochet. Braun heads out, will the King of Flight look to really speed things up towards becoming a legend?
Queen of the Ring Opening Round: Iyo Sky w/ Damage CTRL VS Natalya!
Damage CTRL may be without their championships, but the Evil Genius is now chasing down a crown! Will Iyo take control of this tournament right from the start? Or will The BOAT start her journey towards truly being the Queen of Harts?
Raw returns and Natty makes her entrance. The bell rings and the two tie up. They go around, Natty wrenches an arm to wristlock. Iyo moves around, rolls, kips up and wrenches back. Natty rolls, handsprings, then slips through to back drop! Natty covers, TWO! Natty keeps on Iyo with a waistlock, but Iyo fights the lift! Iyo switches, Natty switches back, then rolls Iyo to a HEEL HOOK! Iyo endures, kicks at Natty, but Natty SLAPS Iyo down! Iyo kicks, Natty kicks, but Iyo stomps at Natty! Natty stands but Iyo fights with more kicks! Natty stomps Iyo, steps through, but Iyo boots her away! Iyo gets up to ROCK Natty!
Iyo UPPERCUTS then fires off forearms and a CHOP in the corner! Iyo fires up, Hartford is torn, but Iyo runs in, Natty puts Iyo on the apron, but Iyo counter punches! Natty runs up, baseball slides but Iyo jumps over! Natty grabs a leg, Iyo kicks her away! Iyo fires up and ASAI MOONSAULTS, but Natty moves! Iyo rolls back to her feet, but Natty gets her up to rebound off barriers and throw into the apron! Iyo staggers, into a BOOT! Iyo hits apron again, then Natty pushes her in. The fans rally, Natty covers, TWO! Natty waistlocks to drag Iyo up, but Iyo switches. Natty bumps free, switches again, but Iyo still fights!
Iyo runs to ropes to HOTSHOT Natty! Natty staggers away, the fans fire up with Iyo and she springboards to MISSILE DROPKICK! Cover, TWO! Natty stays in this but Iyo stays fired up as Raw goes to break.
Raw returns again and the standing switches continue, until Natty arm-drags Iyo away! Iyo comes back, and they start trading forearms! Iyo gets the edge, then SHOTEIS! Iyo runs, but Natty scoops her to MICHINOKU DRIVER! Cover, TWO! Iyo survives and goes to a corner, but Natty runs in. Iyo BOOTS her, goes up and up, but Natty storms up after her! Natty ROCKS Iyo, climbs up, and then fires off more haymakers! The fans fire up with Natty as she brings Iyo to the very top! SUPER DUPER PLEX!! Natty covers, TWO! Iyo survives but Natty is too sore to be upset. The fans rally and DMG CTRL coach Iyo as she and Natty stir.
Natty sits up first, and she heads for Iyo. Natty gets the legs, but Iyo tripos her up! Iyo gets a CROSSFACE! Natty endures, reaches out, but Iyo thrashes her around! Natty still powers up, throws elbows to get free, then whips. Iyo turns pop-up into wheelbarrow and victory roll, STOMP 182! Iyo fires up and runs, to basement dropkick! Cover, TWO! Natty stays in this and Iyo grows frustrated! Iyo roars, reels Natty in and underhooks, but Natty back drops free! Iyo sunset flips that, TWO! Natty sits on it, TWO! Natty rolls through the sunset, but Iyo trips her! Jackknife, but Natty rolls through to get Iyo up! SITOUT POWERBOMB!! Cover, TWO!!
The fans fire up while even DMG CTRL is shocked! Iyo flounders to a corner, but Natty is on her! Natty CLUBS Iyo, puts her up top, REBOUND SIT- NO, Iyo victory rolls, STOMP- NO, Natty avoids that to schoolgirl! ROPEBREKA! Dakota barks at Natty, Natty tells her to stop that! Natty turns Iyo over but Iyo rolls Natty into buckles! Iyo goes corner to corner, SHINKANSEN! Natty is in the drop zone now and Iyo goes up top! OVER THE MOONSAULT!! Iyo wins!
Winner: Iyo Sky, by pinfall (advances to the next round)
A little help from Dakota Kai goes a long way for Iyo Sky! A former NXT Women’s Champion, former NXT Tag Team Champion, former WWE Tag Team Champion, former Miss Money in the Bank, and a former WWE Women’s Champion, is Iyo going to be the new Queen of the Ring? As DMG CTRL celebrates, Dakota gets a mic to say two years ago, DMG CTRL took over Raw when they took out Becky Lynch. And now they’re back to put EVEYRONE on notice! Iyo just dominated, and Dakota will stand in for Dakota who is unfortunately injured, to take on “Bird lady” Lyra Valkyria! Dakota mocks the fans by saying, “If you suck, say ‘What.'” “WHAT?” Gottee!
But anyway, now that DMG CTRL is here, Dakota gives this warning for free. Jade, Bianca, enjoy those tag titles while you still have them. And as for you, Becky, once you’re done with that charity case, Liv Morgan, DMG CTRL is going to take everything, whether they like it or not! #CobraKai is ready to strike, will she start with The Morrigan? Or will Lyra be another former NXT Women’s Champion that moves on to the next round?
King of the Ring Opening Round: Ricochet VS Ilja Dragunov!
The One and Only Speed Champion knows how to redline it, but The Mad Dragon knows how to push past limits to find new ones! Only one gets to move forward, who wins what might end up more a demolition derby than a match?
The bell rings and the the two rush in! Ricochet dodges the boot, waistlocks, but Dragunov wrenches to waistlock. Dragunov shoves, Ricochet ducks ‘n’ dodges then rolls off Dragunov’s back! Dragunov blocks a kick, flips Ricochet, but Ricochet goes Matrix! He still turns around into a CHOP! The fans fire up, but then Ricochet kips up! Ricochet smirks, but Dragunov spins to CHOP him down again! Dragunov deadlifts Ricochet, but Ricochet elbows free! Ricochet ROCKS Dragunov, Dragunov rebounds to PELE! Ricochet runs to JUMP KNEE! Both men are down and the fans rally up while Raw goes to break!
Raw returns as Ricochet CHOPS Dragunov! Ricochet whips corner to corner, then runs in, but Dragunov puts him on the apron. Ricochet GAMANGIRIS, then springboards in, FLYING LARIAT! The fans fire up with Ricochet and he aims from a corner, RUNNING SHOOTING STAR! Cover, TWO! Dragunov is tougher than that but Ricochet still has more to give. Ricochet waits on Dragunov, but Dragunov ducks the buzzsaw to JUMP KICK! Dragunov then waistlocks to GERMAN SUPLEX! Dragunov holds on, but Ricochet throws elbows! Dragunov still GERMAN SUPLEXES! And he still holds on!
Dragunov brings Ricochet up again but Ricochet pries the waistlock open! Ricochet shows his own strength and then elbows free! Ricochet runs, handsprings, but into a waistlock! GERMAN SUPLEX, but Ricochet lands on his feet! Dragunov runs up, Ricochet puts him on the apron! Triangle jump DROPKICK! Dragunov falls to the floor, and Ricochet takes aim! Ricochet goes up and out and up again, ASAI MOONSAULT, but Dragunov gets clear! Waistlock and GERMAN SUPLEX to the floor! Dragunov puts Ricochet in, goes up a corner, and he gives Ricochet a COAST2COAST DROPKICK!! Cover, TWO!! Ricochet survives and shocks Dragunov!
Dragunov storms around, he brings Ricochet into a drop zone, then he climbs again. The fans rally as Dragunov reaches the top, but Ricochet UPPERCUTS first! Ricochet climbs up after Dragunov but Dragunov fires headbutts! Dragunov dumps Ricochet to the apron, then steadies himself. Ricochet gets up to springboard and SUPER STEINER!! But Dragunov tumbles all the way out! Ricochet doesn’t mind, he just DIVES! Direct hit and Dragunov goes a tumbling again! Ricochet gets back in, builds more speed, and DIVES again! Dragunov still stumbles around, ends up by the ramp, and Ricochet keeps going! Ricochet FLIES!! Direct hit and down goes Dragunov!
Hartford is thunderously losing their minds while both men are down by the ramp! This match will continue, but Raw has to go to break!
Raw returns yet again and both men are in the ring, trading forearms! Dragunov ROCKS Ricochet, fireman’s carries, but Ricochet slips free to shove him into buckles! Ricochet waistlocks, Dragunov reaches back to throw down elbows! Dragunov runs, CONSTANTINE SPECIAL! Cover, TWO! Ricochet stays in this but Dragunov stays on him! Dragunov drags Ricochet to the drop zone and goes back up the corner! Fans fire up for Dragunov’s SUPER SENTON!! Cover, TWO!! Ricochet survives even with that deep hook on the pin, but Dragunov puts Ricochet in a corner. Dragunov CHOPS! CHOPS! And MACHINE GUN CHOPS!
Ricochet sits down but now Dragunov scrapes his boot off Ricochet’s face! Dragunov goes side to side, but runs into a SUPERKICK! Ricochet fireman’s carries, but Dragunov slips free! Dragunov BOOTS, Ricochet HEEL KICKS, and both men wobble! Ricochet fireman’s carries again, for a ROLLING DEATH VALLEY, then LIONSAULT! Cover, TWO!! Dragunov survives, showing Hartford why he’s a former NXT UK and former NXT Champion! But Ricochet won’t stop, “This is Awesome!” as he drags Dragunov to a corner. Ricochet climbs now, but has to leave over Dragunov! Dragunov comes back to KNEE him low!
Dragunov runs up to KNEE Ricochet down! Dragunov still isn’t done, he gets Ricochet up and POWER- NO, Ricochet slips free, ducks the Uraken and POISON-RANAS!! Ricochet fires up, runs, springboards, but into a CHOP!! Dragunov hauls Ricochet up to POWERBOMB! H-BOMB FOREARM!! Dragunov goes to a corner, “UN! BE! SIEG! BAR!!” TORPEDO- RECOIL!!! Cover, TWO?!?! Ricochet counters Dragunov’s best shot with one of his own, but it’s still not enough! Ricochet hurries up top, but Dragunov hurries to UPPERCUT! Dragunov goes up to go to the very top, SUPER DUPER PLEX!! Roll through, and Dragunov powers up from the corner!
FLYING H-BOMB FOREARM!!! Cover, Dragunov wins!!
Winner: Ilja Dragunov, by pinfall (advances to the next round)
Both men had speed, both men had strength, but it was Dragunov’s inhuman endurance and intensity that brought him the win! Will he look to rename this “The Czar of the Ring?” But perhaps best of all, he and Ricochet show each other respect with a handshake, and Ricochet says this isn’t the last time they’ll meet. But with this loss, will Ricochet simply have to define his legacy without the crown?
Backstage interview with Sheamus.
Jackie Redmond is with The Celtic Warrior, a former King of the Ring winner, and notes he is looking to get back there, as he takes on one of his biggest rivals in Gunther. How has he been preparing for tonight’s main event? Sheamus says that people may not know, but Sheamus has undergone medical procedure after medical procedure just to get back to the WWE ring. But it is no secret he doesn’t like Gunther, and Gunther likes Sheamus even less! Gunther gets under Sheamus’ skin more than anyone he’s ever faced. Can you imagine “King Gunther?” Unbearable to say the least, yeah?
Now, everyone knows Clash at the Castle was a banger! And then WrestleMania 39, that was a banger! Banger after banger! But tonight, Sheamus is finally gonna kick Gunther’s arse, become a TWO-TIME King, and then claim the moniker used back home in Ireland: The Ruaidrí , aka “High King.” Will tonight be the moment Sheamus finally takes down Der Ring General? Or will Gunther make his history with Sheamus repeat itself to keep Sheamus’ history from repeating itself?
Queen of the Ring Opening Round: Ivy Nile VS Zoey Stark!
The Diamond Pitbull and the Hunter both have a lot to prove in their young careers, and a win in this tournament will go a long way. But who moves forward while the other gets left behind?
The bell rings, the two circle, and Zoey runs up to RAM Ivy into a corner! Zoey fires off hands, lets off as the ref counts, then whips corner to corner. Ivy reverses, runs in, but Zoey goes up and over! Zoey has a stumble but she comes back, only for Ivy to wrench and fireman’s carry! Zoey fights free, shoves, then LARIATS! The fans are torn but Zoey storms up on Ivy. Ivy fires hands with Zoey, then headlocks. Zoey powers out but Ivy runs her over! Ivy keeps moving, then turns dropdown into gator roll! Ivy floats all over, then has a REAR NAKED CHOKE! Zoey rolls back, covers, TWO! Ivy facelocks and suplexes!
The fans cheer as Ivy holds Zoey up, then marches around! Ivy SLAMS Zoey down, then kips up! The fans fire up with Ivy and she runs in at the corner to JUMP KICK! Zoey staggers, Ivy ENZIGIRIS! Zoey ends up on the apron, Ivy brings her up, but Zoey HOTSHOTS back! Zoey hurries back up, GAMANGIRIS, and Ivy staggers away. Zoey snarls, springboards, and MISSILE DROPKICKS! Cover, TWO! Ivy stays in this but Zoey stays focused. Zoey drags Ivy up, brings her around, and puts her up top on the corner. Zoey CLUBS Ivy, climbs up behind her, then goes to the very top! Zoey brings Ivy up, but Ivy throws elbows!
Zoey hops down, Ivy turns around and fans fire up, for a SUPER BULLDOG! Cover, TWO!! Zoey survives and shocks Ivy! The fans rally, Ivy drags Zoey up, but Zoey ROCKS Ivy! Ivy kicks, Zoey blocks, then ducks the enzigiri! HEEL KICK clips Zoey and she staggers. Zoey SUPERKICKS in return and Ivy falls! Zoey runs to SLIDING KNEE! Cover, TWO!! Ivy survives and Zoey is losing her cool! The fans rally, but Zoey rains down forearms! Zoey drags Ivy around, stomps her, then goes up a corner. Zoey reaches the top, but Ivy SLAPS her! And SLAPS, and SLAPS! Ivy goes up again, but Zoey resists the lift!
Zoey throws a HARD body shot, then CLUBS away on Ivy! Ivy hits back with heavy shots of her own! Ivy wants Zoey up again, but Zoey slips inside! Zoey then gets under, YANKS Ivy down, and then HALF ‘N’ HALF SUPLEX! Zoey won’t stop there, she looks to end it with Z 360!! Cover, Zoey wins!
Winner: Zoey Stark, by pinfall (advances to the next round)
A hard-hitting fight from both women, but the Hunter takes down her prey! Will she shoot down more targets on her way to the throne?
R-Truth talks with Adam Pearce backstage.
Truth says he’s got a good idea for their next tag title defense. Champions VS Champions. Pearce likes it already. Then let Truth introduce to you, the 2023-2024 Champions, the back-to-back champs! UConn head coach, Dan Hurley! The Miz steps in, says it is an honor to meet Coach Hurley, but um, Truth, you need to talk with Miz before coming up with another title match! The Awesome Truth cannot face UConn! What? Truth apologizes to Pearce, and points out that Coach Hurley is part of a small, independent wrestling promotion: NCAA! Smalltime, but this is the Dogs! Hurley does point out they’re The Huskies, not dogs. Oh, right, sorry.
Miz again explains to Truth, they can’t fight the Huskies! Why not? Because that’s basketball! Truth says a sport is a sport! And in trying times like these, we can all agree on that. Miz tells Pearce he will get back to him on their next title defense. Truth says okay. Miz, Truth and Hurley head out, Pearce feels like he needs a drink. But in steps Bron Breakker first. Pearce welcomes Bron to the flagship show and asks what he can do for him. Well, Bron wants to know why he is NOT in the KOTR tournament! Oh, yes, Pearce had a feeling he’d want answers. They can go into Pearce’s office and talk about it. Bron accepts that, but what will he be offered in place of the crown?
The Judgment Day is in the clubhouse.
Finn says he feels like he’s apologizing week after week, he feels like he should’ve had this one! He should’ve had Jey! Priest and JD say it’s fine, he has nothing to apologize for. That was one loss, it happens. Finn’s still The Prince, they will rise. And JD says Finn wasn’t even 100% after that “big dope,” Braun Strowman stormed out there. Yeah, that big lug needs to be taken care of. Priest says he will be. In fact, it’ll be taken care of by JD. JD is a little surprised to hear that, and then Dom walks in, with Carlito? Priest stops Dom before he starts and says it’s actually good Carlito is here. Because one year ago, Carlito cost Priest his moment in Puerto Rico and will never forget it!
Now, Priest doesn’t know what’s going on with Carlito and Rey, but if Carlito’s looking for new friends, it ain’t here. Carlito says look, that’s the past. This is Judgment Day! They rule Raw! And that’s cool! Priest doesn’t budge, so Carlito says he needs some help. And it seems Judgment Day needs some help, too. Y’know how it goes: you scratch his back, he scratches yours. Got it? Got it. Just get him outta here. Dom tells Carlito the guys will come around. They leave, and then JD asks what that was about Strowman. Is Caribbean Cool only going to get the cold shoulder? Is the Irish Ace about to get torn up by the Monster Among Men?
Chad Gable VS Bronson Reed!
Both men have missed out on the Intercontinental Championship, but most recently it was because ol’ Shorty G screwed the Colossal Aussie over! They battle it out 1v1, but will the winner be primed for another shot at Sami Zayn?
Raw returns and Bronson makes his entrance. The bell rings and Bronson runs in! Gable dodges to CHOP, but Bronson CHOPS back! The CHOPS keep going, then Gable dodges to CHOP, CHOP and CHOP! Bronson grabs Gable with both hands, hauls him up for a fireman’s carry, and DEATH VALLEY DRIVER! Cover, TWO! Gable is still in this but Bronson says he’s gonna end this! SENTON FLOPS as Gable moves! Gable storms up to waistlock!? And he GERMAN SUPLEXES Bronson!! Bridging cover, TWO!! Gable doesn’t stop, he goes up top, and DIVING HEADBUTT FLOPS! Bronson SENTONS after all!
Bronson storms back to a corner and goes up top! Fans fire up as Gable gets up after Bronson! Gable clinches to SUPER EXPLODER! Both men are down and the fans fire up again! And then here comes Sami!! He TACKLES Gable!
No Contest
Sami fires off hands on Bronson, too! The fans fire up as Sami stomps a mudhole into Bronson, then chases Gable away. Sami comes back to clothesline Bronson up and out! But then Gable returns! GERMAN SUPLEX! Gable brings down the straps and flexes, but the fans boo. Gable runs corner to corner, but Sami catches him for a CORNER EXPLODER! Sami storms to the other corner, runs back in, but Bronson grabs him first! URENAGE! And then URENAGE for Gable! Auszilla stands tall again, will he crush Sami and Gable to get the gold he wants?
In face, Bronson goes to gorilla and Pearce is there. Pearce asks what is wrong with them. Can’t they just settle things? Can’t control themselves? Bronson says he doesn’t care about Gable or Sami. He just wants the Intercontinental Championship! This is business to him. If Pearce wants control, then he knows what he has to do. Bronson storms off, will the only answer be to let them fight?
Gunther speaks.
“Tonight, I’m facing Sheamus in the first round of the King of the Ring Tournament. And I already heard that Sheamus is very concerned about putting on banger after banger. Well, I do not care about bangers. I care about being the greatest of all time. And if I need to expose Sheamus again for the weak-minded, people-pleasing person that he is, then so be it. Because he will be no obstacle for me to win the King of the Ring Tournament. Already, The General of the Ring, soon to be your King of the Ring.” Gunther is ready, but will he have to put on a banger if he wants to beat Sheamus again?
Michael Cole is in the ring.
And he formally introduces the Women’s World Champion, Becky Lynch! The fans fire up as Raw now hits the Big Time! Becky holds the title high as she joins Cole in the ring. She gets a mic to say, “The Man has come around to Hartford!” The fans cheer, she and Cole take their seats, and he congratulates her. As Women’s World Champion, and a multiple time champion at that, Becky surely understands… The fans chant for “Becky! Becky!” and she says she understands that these fans are awesome! Cole finishes by saying she understands she represents the WWE around the world, including this past weekend.
Becky & Seth were at the 150th Kentucky Derby, and Cole would like her to explain the outfit. The silver dress and the shiny saucer hat. Well, yes, being champion means representing at the biggest events possible, in the biggest hats possible. She isn’t sure, but she thought it looked good. But just what is that hat? Is it a hat? Becky says she got it on Etsy. Does it work? The fans sure think so! Cole says Becky can pull it off. But let’s talk WWE. The Draft rosters locked in, the Queen of the Ring tournament is underway, and Becky will be facing any number of the other competitors over the next few months.
So then, who are some of the Raw superstars she wants to step into the ring with? Yes, there is a newness in the air. The winds of change are slapping Becky in the face. And as she sits here holding the title, there are definitely a lot of superstars who wanna slap her in the face, and she loves it! She respects it, and she welcomes it. She came to Raw nine years ago, wanting to make a change, to be a groundbreaker. She feels that same energy in that locker room from all these new additions. Alba Fyre, former and longest reigning NXT UK Women’s Champion, which also makes her the longest reigning Women’s Champion period!
Isla Dawn, Fyre’s tag partner, is an enigma with passion. Kiana James is here, and Becky’s already been in the ring with her. Kiana is athletic, but you can’t trust her, though. But Becky would trust Lyra Valkyria. Cole likes that Becky brought Lyra up. Lyra is competing tonight in the first round of the QOTR. Lyra and Becky have an interesting history. They’re both Irish, and battled over the NXT Women’s Championship. Becky says yes, they did, and Lyra is the most gifted competitor she has been in the ring with. Lyra loves this more than anything. Plus, Lyra’s got that fighting Irish spirit, and that’s always worked out for Becky.
Cole also points out there’s the first-ever Queen of the Ring, Zelina Vega. Yes, Zelina is hungry, also has passion. Cole wants to talk this past month. It has been bittersweet: WrestleMania against Rhea Ripley, Becky had strep throat and- Yes, yes, she was sick. But she isn’t making excuses, the better woman won that night. Becky’s journey has always been about overcoming and she has done that. But that loss will haunt her, make her a better fighter, and it already has. Because two weeks later, Becky beat 14 others to become the NEW Women’s World- Wait, here comes Liv! The fans cheer as Liv also has a mic as she makes her way down.
Liv says, “Blah, blah blah, blah blah. This girl, that girl, Kentucky Derby, my hat~! And no mention of Liv?” Liv’s a little offended, as she has always been overlooked and underestimated. The fans cheer that! Liv says in case anyone forgot, she is a Ms. MITB, a former women’s champion and tag team champion! She beat Nia Jax in this ring just last week, not to mention she is the one who took out Rhea, you’re welcome! The fans are a bit more torn on that last part but they still cheer Liv. And Liv says after all that, the fact she still can’t get an ounce of respect literally blows her mind. Wanna talk talk talk? Then let’s talk about the match Becky just promised Liv.
Okay, let’s talk about it! Liv didn’t let her finish! In three weeks, Liv’s got it. It will happen at the King & Queen of the Ring event in Saudi Arabia. And Liv wants to talk about the things she’s done? Well, Liv’s never beat Becky! Liv sighs and says she’s glad Becky just brought that up. Because yeah, Liv’s never beaten Becky 1v1. And even after listing all her accomplishments, it wasn’t until just now that Liv realized what she’s been missing: purpose. And now that Liv has purpose, she knows she can finally beat Becky! Because Liv’s purpose is getting revenge on Rhea, taking everything that she loves, and becoming NEW Women’s World Champion!
Fans are still a little torn, but then DMG CTRL makes their way out here! Dakota has a mic to say, “Aw~! Look at that, Liv Morgan gets a title shot that she did absolutely nothing to earn!” But that’s fine. They’ll let Liv and Becky fight it out. Meanwhile, DMG CTRL has QOTR on lock! Iyo’s advanced, and Dakota will do the same. But they’re out here now to remind them who really runs Raw! Liv and Becky stand their ground, but then Liv bails! Liv laughs because why would she stick her neck out for The Man? But Becky still fires off forearms! That’s 3v1 so she gets mugged, but here comes Lyra!
The fans fire up as Lyra blows past Liv, gets in the ring and DECKS Kairi! Then ROCKS Lyra! Then repeat! Becky gets Dakota outta the ring, DMG CTRL regroups, and Morrigan stands tall alongside The Man! Lyra and Dakota will have it out after the break, who will step forward in the tournament?
Backstage interview with Sami Zayn.
Jackie knows Sami is all riled up, but this issue with him and Gable is getting personal, and now Bronson adds on, things are just intensifying. Where does this end? Sami says that is all true, it is all a personal issue. This should’ve been over weeks ago in Montreal, but here we are. And then there’s this personal grudge with Gable, and now a professional one with Bronson Reed. Bronson isn’t even coming after Sami, he’s after the Intercontinental title. Sami is juggling the emotional and the business side, so how does it end? There’s only one way it can: TRIPLE THREAT at King & Queen of the Ring in Saudi Arabia!
Sami’s gotten knocked down a million times, will probably be knocked down a million more. But when the pressure is on, and this title is on the line, in Saudi Arabia, his homeland, Sami will be at his best and STILL be Intercontinental Champion! The match has been made, will Sami defy the odds like he has before?
Queen of the Ring Opening Round: Lyra Valkyria VS Dakota Kai!
Raw returns and the bell rings. The two tie right up, go around, and Lyra arm-drags Dakota away! The fans rally up as the two go again. They tie up, Lyra headlocks, then hits a takeover. Dakota moves around, fights up, and powers out. Lyra rolls over, drops down, then hip tosses! Cover, TWO! We go picture in picture to plug Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes while Lyra keeps on Dakota with a facelock. Dakota fight sup, but Lyra shifts to a cravat. Lyra then headlocks, but Dakota powers up and out. We return to single picture as Lyra goes up and over, ducks under a boot, then ENZIGIRIS! Dakota gets up, but into a NORTHERN LIGHTS! Bridging cover, TWO!
Lyra keeps focused on Dakota, brings her up again, and FISHERMAN- NO, Dakota cradle counters! TWO! Dakota bumps Lyra off buckles, then runs corner to corner, but Lyra BOOTS back! Lyra goes up and up but Dakota YANKS her down! Lyra hits buckles on the way, and Dakota goes out to get her on the apron! BOOT! Lyra flops to the floor, Dakota grins and soaks up heat, and Raw goes to break.
Raw returns again as both women rise up. Lyra counter punches, then fires palm strikes! Lyra windmill CHOPS, then LARIATS! And LARIATS! Lyra SOBATS, KICKS, HEADBUTTS, KICKS then HEEL KICKS! Dakota flops out of the ring but Lyra builds speed! Lyra WRECKS Dakota with a dropkick! The fans fire up and Lyra puts Dakota back in the ring. Lyra climbs a corner, to CROSSBODY! Lyra rolls off the cover but brings Dakota up, FISHERMAN BUSTER! Cover, TWO! Dakota stays in this but Lyra stays calm. Lyra drags Dakota back up with a cravat, then fireman’s carries. But Dakota fires elbows to get free!
Dakota throws Lyra down by her hair, and says she’s smarter than that. Dakota drags Lyra up, puts her in the ropes, and then JUMP STOMPS her down! Cover, TWO!! Lyra survives and Dakota is annoyed. Dakota stalks Lyra, the fans rally up, but Dakota aims. Dakota runs Around the World, but Lyra dodges! Lyra rolls Dakota up, TWO! The ref almost gets hit, Lyra runs up to ROCK Dakota! Dakota shoves back but Lyra returns to forearm! Lyra runs, but Dakota goes Around the World! BOOT!! Cover, TWO!! Dakota is seething, but she hauls Lyra up to a fireman’s carry! DETONATOR- NO, Lyra blocks that kick to stand Dakota up!
Dakota ducks the roundhouse to SCORPION KICK! Lyra wobbles, Dakota runs up, but Lyra fireman’s carries through! NIGHTWING DRIVER!! Cover, Lyra wins!
Winner: Lyra Valkyria, by pinfall (advances to the next round)
The Morrigan turns fortunes around in an instant, and now she is moving on! But with Zoey Stark waiting in the next round, will Lyra be able to evade the Hunter and head for new heights?
Kofi Kingston speaks.
“This King of the Ring Tournament was supposed to be were Xavier ran it back. It was supposed to be where Xavier Woods made history by becoming the second-ever two-time King of the Ring. But Gunther took that away from him. Because of Gunther, Xavier Woods is unable to compete in this tournament, and to be honest, I don’t really know when he’s gonna be back. But what I do know is that if Gunther advances, then I can’t wait to face him and give him what he deserves. But first, I gotta get through one of the greatest of all time, the legend, the icon, the Hall of Famer, Rey Mysterio. Someone who I looked up to so much growing up.
“But with as much respect as I have for Rey, I gotta put him down unapologetically, as if my name was Kendrick Lamar or Drake. I have to win this tournament, for Woods. I have to become the next King of the Ring for Woods, in his name and his honor, because after all this time, after all these years, there’s three words that still ring as true now as they did then. And I think we all know what those three words are: New Day Rocks.” Kofi is ready to represent, but will he make it through the King of Lucha Libre?
King of the Ring Opening Round: Gunther w/ Ludwig Kaiser VS Sheamus!
We’ve heard from both Der Ring General and The Celtic Warrior on their epic rivalry, and now there is another chapter added here tonight. This is most certainly going to be a banger, but who comes out of it all banged up while the other punches his ticket to round two?
The bell rings and the fans fire up already as the two stare down. They circle, feel things out, then tie up. They go around, end up in a corner, but then go around and around. They end up on ropes, Gunther lets off slowly but the fans rally for Sheamus. Sheamus and Gunther reset, tie up again, and Gunther puts Sheamus in a corner. The ref counts but Gunther CHOPS! Sheamus fires a forearm! They CHOP back and forth, faster and faster, and then Gunther headlocks! But Sheamus turns that into a BIG back suplex! Sheamus fires body shots and UPPERCUTS, but Gunther CHOPS in return! The shots keep going!
The fans fire up but then Gunther headlocks again. Sheamus powers out, they RAM shoulders, but then Gunther BOOTS Sheamus down! The fans are torn while Sheamus goes to the apron. Gunther storms up, stands Sheamus up, and turns him around. Gunther wants to steal Sheamus’ move! BEATS OF THE BODHRAIN, but Sheamus blocks at three! Sheamus turns around to ROCK Gunther! Gunther hits back, they brawl with the ropes between them! Sheamus ROCKS Gunther again, and then has him in the ropes! But Gunther powers up and throws elbows! Then he LARIATS Sheamus down! Sheamus sputters as he sits up, but Gunther goes out after him!
Gunther brings Sheamus up and in, but Sheamus fights the lift! Sheamus back drops Gunther onto the apron! Gunther flops to the floor, Sheamus FLYING AX HANDLES! Sheamus shouts “FELLA~!” and the fans fire up with him while Raw goes to break.
Raw returns and Sheamus fires hands on Gunther! Sheamus whips, runs up, but into a BOOT! Gunther CHOPS Sheamus on the back! Sheamus falls forward, Gunther uses his legs in a NECK TWIST! Sheamus writhes but Gunther throws down elbows! Gunther KICKS Sheamus in the back, then stalks him to ropes. Gunther claws at Sheamus’ face, but the ref counts. Gunther ELBOWS Sheamus as he lets off, then he drags Sheamus back up. The fans rally but Gunther clamps on a cravat! Sheamus endures, even as Gunther cranks the neck. Sheamus goes to the mat, and we get a look at the handprint on his shoulder!
Gunther grinds the hold but the fans continue to rally. Sheamus gets that second wind and fights up to throw body shots! Sheamus is put in a corner for a CHOP! And another CHOP! But Sheamus eggs Gunther on!? Hartford fires up for it as Gunther CHOPS! And CHOPS! Sheamus fires forearm sin return! Sheamus ROCKS Gunther, whips, then runs in, but into a BOOT! Gunther swings, but into an IRISH CURSE BACKBREAKER! Gunther staggers, Sheamus scoops, but Gunther slips free to CLUB him! Gunther runs, to LARIAT! Cover, TWO! Sheamus is still in this but Gunther drags him right back up.
Gunther reels Sheamus in, but Sheamus fights the lift! Sheamus fireman’s carries, to a WHITE NOISE! Cover, TWO! Gunther is still in this and Ludwig Kaiser is relieved. Gunther goes to the apron, Sheamus storms after him. Sheamus drags Gunther up, but Gunther HOTSHOTS him back! Gunther then runs, but into a scoop! POWERSLAM! Cover, TWO! Gunther survives and goes back to the apron, but Sheamus just storms up after him. Sheamus has Gunther against the ropes! The fans fire up for the BEATS OF THE BODHRAIN! Sheamus goes all the way to TEN, then past it to SEVENTEEN before Gunther flops over!
The fans are thunderous and Sheamus is feeling it! He beats his chest, the fans shout with him, and then Sheamus runs in! But Gunther gets around the Brogue to waistlock! Sheamus elbows free of that, runs up again, but is hung up on ropes! Sheamus still elbows Gunther away, but Kaiser traps Sheamus’ leg like Woods’ was last week! Gunther CHOPS Sheamus on the back! Gunther pulls on the leg, the ref counts, and Gunther lets off at 4. Gunther argues with the ref, allowing Kaiser to DROPKICK the leg!! The fans boo as Sheamus falls! The ref suspects something, though! The ref EJECTS Kaiser!! The fans cheer while Kaiser is furious!
Gunther is disappointed Kaiser got caught, but also smirks because the damage has been done. The ref checks on Sheamus, Sheamus refuses to let him call this, and Raw goes to break.
Raw returns once again and Gunther has Sheamus’ leg in a HEEL HOOK! Sheamus CLUBS at Gunther, but he falls back, and that’s a cover! TWO, and Sheamus fires more hands on Gunther! Gunther KICKS Sheamus down, that’s a cover, TWO as Sheamus sits up! Sheamus still endures, he kicks and kicks and kicks with his free leg, and that gets Gunther to let go! Both men stand, Gunther runs up to kick the bad leg! Gunther rips the kneepad right off to then drop knee on knee! Sheamus clutches the joint but Gunther pushes him down! Another knee right on the knee! The fans boo while Gunther drags Sheamus up.
Gunther reels Sheamus in but Sheamus resists the lift! Sheamus fireman’s carries, but the bad leg won’t let him! Gunther KICKS the leg out! Gunther then brings Sheamus up, to CHOP the leg! Sheamus drops down, Gunther winds up, and Gunther runs, but into a LARIAT from Sheamus! The fans fire up again as Sheamus hobbles over. Sheamus reels Gunther in, Canadian Rack, but again the bad leg stops him! But then he KNEE CAPS Gunther!! Cover, TWO!! Gunther survives but Sheamus falls back to a corner. The fans rally up as hard as they can for Sheamus as he stands back up. Sheamus runs in, but the leg jams!
Gunther reels Sheamus in, GENERAL BOMB!! Cover, TWO!! But Gunther has the leg for a HALF CRAB!! Sheamus scrambles forward, ROPEBREAK! Gunther lets go, to STOMP the leg! Gunther then storms his way to a corner and climbs up! Sheamus stands and ROCKS Gunther first! And ROCKS Gunther again! Sheamus turns Gunther around, and uses the corner to help in the lift! CELTIC CROSS!! Sheamus crawls to the cover, TWO!! Gunther survives, but Sheamus is too sore to be upset. “This is Awesome!” as both men slowly rise again. Sheamus hobbles over, stands Gunther up and fires a forearm! Gunther KICKS the leg, then GERMAN SUPLEXES!
Sheamus sits up and shouts, “C’MON!!” The fans are thunderous as Sheamus rises, and he KNEE CAPS again!! Sheamus goes to the corner, runs up, BROGUE!!! But Sheamus can’t make the cover! Sheamus has to crawl over, now he has the cover, TWO!!! Gunther survives because of the delay!! The fans are losing their minds, but then Gunther hooks Sheamus with a leg to get that leg! HALF CRAB!! Sheamus endures, reaches out, fights forward, but Gunther drags him away! HALF CRAB and it’s deep!!! But Sheamus is still reaching out! Hartford is trying their hardest, too, but Sheamus taps! Gunther wins!!
Winner: Gunther, by submission (advances to the next round)
Hartford feels robbed! Kaiser played a part in Gunther’s victory to ensure Sheamus lost! Will Imperium do it all again in the quarterfinals? Or will the winner of Kofi VS Rey make sure justice is served?
My Thoughts:
A great Raw to not just follow an awesome Backlash, but to get things going for King & Queen of the Ring. A bit of a shame that they couldn’t do ALL eight matches here tonight, leaving Shayna VS Zelina and Kofi VS Rey for a house show coming up. That’s nice for the people at the coming live event but kinda lame for everyone else who would’ve watched it on TV. But great promo from Kofi to help us understand that Woods is out of action and Kofi must now avenge him. As such, I figured Gunther would win against Sheamus, but it feels a bit booty for it to be because Kaiser helped out. I suppose that keeps Sheamus strong in the loss in case Sheamus aims for the Intercontinental Championship, the one thing he still hasn’t had.
Really good match from Ivy VS Zoey, good win for Zoey. Great match from Iyo VS Natty, and great win for Iyo. A shame that Asuka is hurt, but Lyra VS Dakota was still a great match. Dakota taking the loss was probably better in the end, Lyra getting a win over Asuka might’ve been a bit much too soon. The interview promo segment with Becky was a bit lacking, even with them poking fun at Becky’s Kentucky Derby outfit. But then Liv showed up and livened things up, no pun intended. Good Heel move in ditching Becky, leaving Lyra to of course make the save to also segue into the match. Becky VS Liv for Saudi Arabia is going to be awesome, and I feel if Liv wins, it’s because she cheats.
Another funny promo from Awesome Truth, and Bron even had a good part as he of course plays entitled new kid on the block. Good promo from Ricochet and with Braun making a surprise appearance. Ricochet VS Dragunov was awesome stuff, perhaps match of the night. Ricochet is Speed Champion so it’s not like he had to win here. Also if you can’t tell, I haven’t been covering WWE Speed because it’s on Twitter/X instead of other, better social media. Dragunov got an awesome win off Ricochet here, there is a very good chance Dragunov meets Gunther in the Raw bracket finals before going to KQOTR.
Good detail during Punk walking to the ring to give us Gable being mean Gable again. Really good start of a match with Gable and Bronson, and naturally Sami got involved to return the favor from Gable’s attack. And naturally, this brings about a Triple Threat. Bronson stood tall tonight because logically, why wouldn’t he? He’s big, mean, and so far his emotions haven’t been a liability like it has with Gable and Sami. He’s laser focused, and if it wasn’t for the match being in Saudi Arabia, I’d think he’d win the title because Sami and Gable cost each other. Instead, this might be more like the other Triple Threats we’ve seen so far (Logan VS Randy VS Kevin, and Bayley VS Naomi VS Tiffany) where the champion manages to find the opening and retain the title.
And very good intertwining of stories again as McIntyre’s story with Punk sidetracks him again and then Judgment Day still gets hit with payback as Jey Uso gets in the tournament. Great match from Finn VS Jey, and real good promo from Judgment Day with Carlito backstage. I think Dom just needs to admit that he wants to do like LWO Wolfpac or something with other Latino wrestlers going into a new rivalry with Rey. It’s also funny that Priest is sending tiny JD against Braun Strowman, knowing JD is gonna get eaten alive. And then CM Punk had a great promo to again tear into McIntyre, though he was definitely stretching just a little bit to make it to six minutes or so. And honestly, why not find a way to stretch this to Clash at the Castle Glasgow in June to really get the crowd all hot.
My Score: 8.8/10
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Coverage
Mitchell’s NJPW Best of the Super Juniors Results & Report! (5/18/24)
Come together for Round 4!
Who will lead the blocks at the end of tonight?
Four men go into the Best of the Super Junior’s fourth round at 3-0. Will any of them be able to go 4-0? Or will they all run out of luck?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Best of the Super Juniors 31 A Block: Clark Connors VS Kosei Fujita; Fujita wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 31 B Block: Dragon Dia VS “Drilla” Dan Moloney; Drilla wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 31 A Block: HAYATA VS Yoshinobu Kanemaru; Hayata wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 31 B Block: DOUKI VS Ninja Mack; Douki wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 31 A Block: BUSHI VS TJP; Bushi wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 31 B Block: KUSHIDA VS Robbie Eagles; Eagles wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 31 A Block: Titan VS Blake Christian; Blake wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 31 B Block: Francesco Akira VS Taiji Ishimori; Akira wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 31 A Block: El Deperado VS Kevin Knight; Knight wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 31 B Block: Hiromu Takahashi VS SHO; Hiromu wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
Here are the current A Block standings!
Titan: 3-0, 6 points
Blake Christian: 3-0, 6 points
El Desperado: 2-1, 4 points
Kevin Knight: 2-1, 4 points
Clark Connors: 2-1, 4 points
Kosei Fujita: 1-2, 2 points
HAYATA: 1-2, 2 points
Yoshinobu Kanemaru: 1-2, 2 points
TJP: 0-3, 0 points
BUSHI: 0-3, 0 points
Here are the current B Block standings!
KUSHIDA: 3-0, 6 points
Taiji Ishimori: 3-0, 6 points
SHO: 2-1, 4 points
Ninja Mack: 2-1, 4 points
Francesco Akira: 1-2, 2 points
Robbie Eagles: 1-2, 2 points
“Drilla” Moloney: 1-2, 2 points
DOUKI: 1-2, 2 points
Hiromu Takahashi: 1-2, 2 points
Dragon Dia: 0-3, 0 points
Best of the Super Juniors 31 A Block: Clark Connors VS Kosei Fujita!
100 Proof is going strong, but the Ichiban Young Punk isn’t feeling so mighty. Even so, Fujita could make a big leap up the block if he wins here. Will TMDK have a golden ticket to the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championships? Or will he have to drown his sorrows with No Chaser?
The bell rings and Connors runs right in! Fujita dodges, RANAS, and Connors tumbles out! The fans fire up and Fujita builds speed, but Connors steps aside. So Fujita goes to the apron and PENALTY KICKS! The fans fire up with Fujita while Connors flounders back into the ring. Fujita storms after Connors, CHOPS him, then has him in a corner. Fujita CHOPS again, then follows Connors to another corner. Fujita CHOPS again, Connors snarls, and he goes to the fourth corner. Fujita CHOPS, Connors shoves him away. Fujita runs back in but Connors TOSSES him up and out! The fans boo while Fujita flounders.
Connors goes out after Fujita, drags him up, and runs him into a POST! Connors shouts, the fans cheer, but then Connors takes a fan’s TMDK shirt! Connors CHOKES Fujita with it, then throws it at a Young Lion. Connors then storms down the aisle, comes back for Fujita, and tells fans to shut up with the booing. Connors stands Fujita up and fans move aside! Connors BOWLS Fujita into the chairs! Strike! The fans boo, Connors tells them off but the fans tell him off back. Connors says no one boos him! Nobody! Connors takes a chair, throws it down on Fujita, then does it again and again with more chairs!
The ref reprimands, Connors leaves Fujita behind, and the fans rally up for Fujita. Fujita rises as the ring count starts, but Connors paces around the outside as he waits. The count reaches 10 of 20, then 13. Connors chuckles as Fujita crawls, but then Connors shoves a Young Lion into Fujita! Connors leaves Fujita behind and we’re at 17! 18! Fujita slides in at 19! Connors is mad at the ref for the slow count! The ref defends his count was fair. Connors tells fans off, has a cocky cover on Fujita, but the ref refuses to count. Connors scrapes Fujita’s face, drags him up, and snap suplexes! Then Connors runs to JUMP ELBOW DROP! Cover, TWO!
The fans rally up for Fujita but Connors is frustrated. Connors drags Fujita up, but Fujita blocks the snap suplex! The fans rally as Fujita continues to block. Connors throws body shots, but Fujita CHOPS! Connors wobbles, Fujita CHOPS again! Connors UPPERCUTS, Fujita wobbles and Connors runs, but into a LEG LARIAT! The fans fire up while both men are down! Fujita rises, waits on Connors, and then runs up to CHOP in the corner! Fujita snapmares Connors, goes up and out, and the fans rally as he takes aim. Fujita springboards back in, but into a SPEAR! Connors shakes his head, whips Fujita, and SNAP POWERSLAMS! Cover, TWO!!
The fans fire up as Fujita survives! Connors goes to a corner and takes aim. Connors barks, runs in, SPEAR!! Cover, but Connors lets off!? Connors grins and wags his finger, he wants Fujita to hurt! Connors calls out “ROBBIE ROBBIE ROBBIE! F you, punk!” Connors steps through to steal the RON MILLER SPECIAL!! Fujita endures, the fans rally up, and Fujita claws his way around! But Connors drags him back! Fujita claws at the mat, powers up and has the ROPEBREAK! Connors lets go in frustration, The Sniper he is not. But Connors stomps Fujita around and drags him up. Connors reels Fujita in and calls his shot!
But Fujita fights the lift, wrenches and waistlocks, GERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO!! Connors is still in this but Fujita still holds on! Connors fights the lift, throws an elbow, but Fujita CLUBS him back! Fujita runs, but Connors goes the other way! JEEP FLIPPER!! The fans boo but Connors reloads in the corner! Fujita slowly rises, Connors runs in again, SPEAR!! Cover, TWO?!?! Fujita survives and the fans are thunderous! Connors CLUBS away on Fujita, drags him up, but Fujita’s a ragdoll! The ref checks but Connors CLUBS Fujita more. But Fujita trips Connors, rolls and ties the legs up, QUEEN ANGELITO STRETCH!!
Connors endures, reaches out, scrambles forward, but Fujita gets the arms! QUEEN ANGELITO’S SURFBOARD!! Connors endures, but Fujita has the chinlock now to really pull him back! Connors TAPS, Fujita wins!!
Winner: Kosei Fujita, by submission (gains 2 points; Connors earns 0)
Connors got cocky and now he pays for it! How will he explain this one to Bullet Club? As for Fujita, The Mighty Don’t Kneel, but will they be aiming for those tag titles after this tournament?
Best of the Super Juniors 31 B Block: Dragon Dia VS “Drilla” Dan Moloney!
The Infinity Carat Diamond isn’t shining quite as bright as he’d hope being the bottom of this block. However, 44 Caliber hasn’t quite hit the mark, either. Will Dia be unbreakable even now? Or will he start to crack under the pressure?
The bell rings and the two stare down. The fans rally for Dia and the two circle. They tie up, and Drilla shoves Dia down! Drilla laughs and mockingly apologizes. Dia fires himself up, ties up with Drilla again, but Drilla THROWS Dia away! Drilla eggs Dia on, and Dia stands back up. Dia dodges to CHOP, CHOP and CHOP! Drilla shoves, Dia ducks ‘n’ dodges to tilt-o-whirl arm-drag! The fans fire up and Dia keeps moving. Dia tilt-o-whirls twice, DEJA VU RANAS! The fans fire up and Drilla goes out to the apron! Dia GAMANGIRIS him down, then PLANCHAS, but Drilla catches him! Drilla pops Dia around, but Dia slips free to arm-drag again!
The fans fire up while Drilla writhes on the floor. Dia catches his breath, the fans rally up, and Dia drags Drilla up. Dia puts Drilla in, the fans applaud, and Dia hurries to bring Drilla up. Drilla CHOPS back! Dia comes back to CHOP, and CHOP, and CHOP! Drilla spins to CHOP! Drilla snarls, runs, but Dia DROPKICKS him! Drilla stays up, Dia runs up to ENZIGIRI! Dia fires up, drop toeholds Drilla, then runs up, 6- NO! Drilla blocks the call, brings Dia up, but Dia slips free and DROPKICKS Drilla onto ropes! Redial, 619! Dia then slingshot CORKSCREW SPLASHES! The fans fire up as Drilla goes out, and Dia ASAI MOONSAULTS!
The fans fire up again as Dia continues to bring out the Ultimo Dragon arsenal! Dia drags Drilla up and into the ring, then aims from a corner. The fans rally, Drilla stands, and Dia runs up, roll and- NO, Drilla fights it! But Dia rains down fists, and hits REPTILIAN RANA! Cover, TWO and Drilla sunset flips! To deadlift and POWERBOMB! Flip over, and Canadian Rack! DRILLA KILLA!! Cover, Drilla wins!!!
Winner: “Drilla” Moloney, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Dia earns 0)
Perhaps Drilla learned from watching Connors fail that you don’t show mercy, you get the job done! Will 44 Caliber continue to go for the kill until he’s the Best of the Super Juniors? As for Dia, he is still at the bottom, is he about to break?
Best of the Super Juniors 31 A Block: HAYATA VS Yoshinobu Kanemaru!
The Silence of Darkness and the Heel Master are near the back of the pack, both hoping to claw their way up. Will the GHC National Champion make quite the impact in the fourth round? Or will Kanemaru make things a bit hazy with his whiskey?
Oh well of course Kanemaru attacks during Hayata’s entrance! House of Torture 101 is do whatever you can to get the edge! Kanemaru then drags Hayata up to POST him! The ref reprimands and fans boo but Kanemaru stomps Hayata. Kanemaru tells the ref to leave him alone, even pushes him aside, and then he stomps Hayata. Hayata gets out of his coat but Kanemaru brings him around to SMACK off the commentary table! Kanemaru then drags Hayata by a leg, turns him over, and SMASHES the knee on the floor! Hayata writhes, Kanemaru leaves him behind, and the fans rally up. The ref checks, Hayata seems okay to continue.
Hayata gets in the ring, the bell rings, and Kanemaru is right on Hayata with a whip. Kanemaru dropkicks the leg out! Kanemaru then drags Hayata up for a SHIN BREAKER! Kanemaru drops an elbow on the leg, then traps the leg in a toehold. Hayata tries to fight back but Kanemaru cranks the knee! The fans rally as Hayata endures, crawls over, and has the ROPEBREAK! Kanemaru lets go, but then drags Hayata from ropes to YANK the bad leg! Hayata writhes, Kanemaru storms up and stomps the bad leg! Hayata grits his teeth as he sits up, but Kanemaru grabs the leg, trips Hayata, and has a standing toehold!
Hayata endures as Kanemaru twists the ankle! Hayata pushes back but Kanemaru traps the leg for a KNEE JAMMER! Kanemaru lets off to then drag Hayata from ropes, and turn him for the HALF CRAB! Hayata endures, the fans rally, but Kanemaru sits deep! The fans rally as Hayata fights his way forward, to the ROPEBREAK! Kanemaru holds on until the ref counts 4. The fans boo but Kanemaru looms over Hayata. Kanemaru stomps Hayata’s leg, but Hayata rises to fire forearms! Kanemaru kicks the bad leg, then grabs it for a SHIN BREAKER! Hayata falls over and Kanemaru paces around.
Kanemaru taunts Hayata, kicks him around, slaps him around, then kicks him some more. Hayata stands to ROCK Kanemaru! And ROCK him again! Kanemaru CLAWS the eyes! Kanemaru whips but Hayata reverses to ENZIGIRI! The fans fire up and Hayata gets up. Hayata goes to a corner, runs up and SHOTGUNS Kanemaru down! Hayata slaps the bad leg into working and the fans rally up. Hayata runs in at the corner, but into a BOOT! Kanemaru runs up but Hayata dodges! Hayata BOOTS back, goes up, and reels Kanemaru in, TORNADO DDT! The fans fire up while Hayata crawls for the cover, TWO!
The fans rally behind Hayata as he drags Kanemaru up. Hayata scoops and SLAMS Kanemaru into a drop zone, then goes up the corner. Hayata manages the second-rope MOONSAULT but FLOPS as Kanemaru moves! Kanemaru dropkicks the bad leg! Kanemaru steps through, FIGURE FOUR! Hayata endures as Kanemaru thrashes and puts on the pressure! The fans rally, Hayata reaches out, and he fights to turn things, only for Kanemaru to turn it right back! Hayata endures, keeps fighting, and he turns things over! Kanemaru turns them back over but now they’re in the ROPEBREAK! Kanemaru needs the ref to undo the hold?!
The ref pulls at the figure four, Kanemaru lets Hayata free, but then Kanemaru stomps Hayata. Kanemaru drags Hayata up to suplex, but Hayata slips free! But the leg jams! Kanemaru goes up, DEEP- DROPKICK! Hayata counters the flying DDT and now he brings Kanemaru up. Hayata cross the arms, STRAITJACKET DDT! Cover, TWO! The fans rally and Hayata brings Kanemaru up again. 403- NO, Kanemaru fights the DDT, trips Hayata, but Hayata cradle counters! TWO!! Hayata kicks, runs, but Kanemaru sends the ref into him! ENZIGIRI! The fans boo while both ref and Hayata go down!
Kanemaru mockingly checks on the ref, then gets his whiskey! Kanemaru takes a swig, brings Hayata up, but Hayata smothers him! Kanemaru pushes Hayata away, but then Hayata ducks the mist! Hayata waistlocks, but he blocks the mule kick! LOW BLOW!! And then 403 IMPACT!! Cover, Hayata wins!!
Winner: Hayata, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Kanemaru earns 0)
The Heel Master tried to sneak one past the ref, but he ended up tasting his own medicine! Will he just have to drown his sorrows in what’s left of his whiskey? Will Hayata be able to turn things around now that he’s broke even at 2-2?
Best of the Super Juniors 31 B Block: DOUKI VS Ninja Mack!
Japones del Mal was riding high after beating Hiromu, but Drilla drove him right back down to Earth. As for the American Shinobi, he got cheated by Sho just like anyone else. Who rebounds from last round to head back up the block?
The bell rings and the fans rally up for Douki. Mack offers a handshake, and Douki accepts. The fans cheer the sportsmanship and the two circle. They tie up, Douki powers Mack back but Mack puts Douki in the corner. The ref counts, Mack lets off, and the fans applaud. They rally for “NINJA! NINJA!” The two tie up again, go around and end up in a corner. Douki turns things around on Mack, but lets off as the ref counts. The fans rally up for Douki again, and he ties up with Mack. Mack wrenches the arm to wristlock, but Douki rolls. Mack rolls with him! Douki rolls back but Mack rolls with him again!
Douki stands, they both cartwheel, and Mack keeps the wristlock! The fans rally, Douki spins and reaches back to headlock. Douki grinds Mack down but Mack powers up and out. Things speed up, Mack hurdles but Douki leaps over! Mack kips up, whips but Douki reverses. Douki drops down but Mack handstand walks over! Then Mack handsprings back to RANA, but Douki handsprings through! Things keep moving, Douki tilt-o-whirl RANAS, but Mack handspring and flips through! The fans fire up as the two stand off! Mack and Douki reset, and Mack takes a fighting stance. He eggs Douki on, and the fans rally up for Douki!
Douki strikes a fighting stance of his own! The two circle, and Mack kicks first! Douki blocks that but then Mack blocks the uppercut! Douki SOUTHPAW HELL STABS! Then he reels Mack in for a DDT! The fans rally, Mack goes to a corner, but Douki is on him with a whip. Douki ELBOWS Mack down, covers, TWO! The fans applaud, and Douki stalks Mack. Mack fires body shots! Douki KNEES low, runs, but Mack pops Douki up to “HADOUKEN!” palm strike! Douki falls back, Mack takes aim from the corner. Mack runs up, UPPERCUTS and then sends himself up and out! The fans fire upas Mack returns to RAM into Douki!
Mack slingshots to sunset flip, but Douki rolls through. Mack reels Douki in, lifts, but Douki slips free! Mack HOOK KICKS, whips, but Douki reverses! Mack headstands in the corner then BOOTS Douki down! High stack cover, TWO! Another cover, TWO! The fans rally up while Mack tells Douki to just quit already. Mack drags Douki up, winds up, but Douki ducks the buzzsaw! Douki waistlocks, Mack switches, but Douki throws elbows. Douki goes to run but Mack reels him in. Douki kicks free, but Mack ducks the enzigiri to HEEL STAB! Mack runs up but Douki BOOTS him! Douki’s on the apron, DAY- CHOP!
Mack sends Douki down and then he builds speed! The fans fire up as Mack handsprings, but into a waistlock! Douki wheelbarrows but Mack slips free to roll Douki up! TWO, into ITALIAN STRETCH #32!! Mack endures and stays on his feet, but Douki pulls! Mack headstands for a cover?! TWO!! SUPERKICK!! Douki flops out of the ring, Mack fires up! The fans rally, Mack handsprings to SASUKE SPECIAL! The fans are thunderous and Mack brings Douki back up! Mack puts Douki in, covers, TWO! Mack hurries to get Douki up and reel him in. Mack lifts for the RUNNING POWERBOMB!! Cover, TWO!! Douki survives and the fans fire up again!
Mack fires up and calls for the finish! Mack goes up and NINJA- NO, Douki moves! Mack rolls through, but Douki BOOTS him! Douki goes up, Mack UPPERCUTS first! Mack goes up the corner after Douki, to SUPER STEINER that Douki sunset flips! TWO, but into ITALIAN STRETCH #32!! Mack fights around, reaches out, but Douki rolls him from ropes! ITALIAN STRETCH 32!! Mack is fading, he QUITS! Douki wins!!
Winner: Douki, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Mack earns 0)
The Mack attack could not stop Douki, and now The Italian Stretch #32 has two victims! Will Mack be able to get back up? Will Douki still find his way to the top of the block?
Best of the Super Juniors 31 A Block: BUSHI VS TJP!
A critical showdown is happening right here in the middle of the card! Neither Black Mask nor Public Enemy is on the board yet with their 0-3 records, something’s gotta give! Who leaves the other behind with a daunting 0-4 start?
The fans already rally and duel, “T J P! T J P!” “BU~SHI! BU~SHI!” The bell rings, both rush in, but TJP avoids the low dropkick! TJP stomps Bushi, strips Bushi of his LIJ shirt and throws it away! TJP whips Bushi to a corner, runs in, but Bushi BOOTS him! Bushi goes up to M- DROPKICK! The fans fire up and TJP goes corner to corner, to ELBOW! TJP then stomps Bushi down, and scrapes Bushi’s, well, mask really. TJP runs side to side, but he jumps over Bushi’s dropkick! TJP whips Bushi, Bushi reverses, but TJP goes Spider-Man, only for Bushi to dropkick him down! Bushi builds speed, but TJP returns to LARIAT!
The fans fire up was Bushi tumbles out. TJP builds speed, and he WRECKS Bushi with a dropkick! The fans fire up as TJP throws the crown up. TJP brings Bushi around, and POSTS him! The fans rally again as TJP stands in the ring. TJP goes back out to fetch Bushi and put him in the ring. TJP pounds the mat, fans clap along, “T! J P! T! J P!” Bushi rises, TJP runs up, ONE BY- NO, Bushi ducks and TJP almost runs into the ref! Bushi runs up, TJP dodges, and Bushi almost runs into the ref! TJP kicks low, reels Bushi in, and uses the ref in the TORNADO DDT! Cover, but the ref goes down! TJP realizes his mistake!
TJP checks the ref, goes back for Bushi, but he smothers Bushi to contain the mist! TJP then works up a BLOOD MIST but Bushi ducks! BLACK MIST!! Bushi reels TJP in, backslide and BUSHI ROLL! BUSHI WINS!!
Winner: Bushi, by pinfall (gains 2 points; TJP earns 0)
The Public Enemy tried to make things fast and furious but it all backfired! Bushi finally has points, is there still a chance he can take the block? As for TJP, what is he supposed to do to get out of this awful slump?
Best of the Super Juniors 31 B Block: KUSHIDA VS Robbie Eagles!
The Timesplitter must have turned back time somehow, because he is 3-0 and doesn’t look to be slowing down! Will he be able to keep it up? Or will the Sniper of the Skies be the first major speedbump?
The bell rings and the fans rally as the two circle. Fans start a “ROBBIE ROBBIE ROBBIE!” “OI OI OI!” but it’s not quite as strong as other times. Kushida and Eagles knuckle lock, then Kushida steps over to wrench and cravat. Kushida brings Eagles to his knees but Eagles fights up. Eagles wrenches Kushida’s arm, wrenches it again and top wristlocks, but Kushida endures. The fans rally, Kushida slips around to waistlock, full nelson, then he spins Eagles to arm-drag him down. Kushida wrenches the arm to a hammerlock, pulls on it, but Eagles endures. Eagles sits up, rolls around and drop toe holds to facelock. Kushida rolls free and the fans cheer.
Kushida and Eagles reset, Kushida gets a leg, and then slips to a headlock. Eagles powers up and out, Kushida runs him over! Things keep moving, Eagles hurdles but Kushida leaps then backs up, to get the legs! Kushida turns Eagles over for a SEATED SURFBOARD! Eagles endures, fights up, and he fights to turn things around. The fans rally, Eagles gets an arm free and he goes up and around to arm-drag Kushida away! Eagles then runs to CHOP BLOCK the legs out! The fans fire up while Kushida clutches a knee. Eagles grabs that leg, isolates it, SLAPS it around, then winds up to PENALTY KICK the leg!
Eagles says he scores with that kick, then he stalks Kushida to a corner. Eagles CHOPS, then follows Kushida to another corner. Eagles UPPERCUTS, stomps the bad leg, then digs his boots in! The ref counts, Eagles drops back, and Kushida goes to the apron. Eagles goes out after Kushida, SLAMS the bad leg on the apron, and the fans applaud. Eagles goes to the crowd to fire them up, then he steps back into the ring. Eagles stalks Kushida, but Kushida CHOPS! And CHOPS! And CHOPS again! Eagles kicks the bad leg! Kushida falls over, but Eagles gets the leg to step over. Eagles has a standing toehold, then SNAP LOCKS it!
Eagles ties the legs up in a FIGURE FOUR! Kushida endures, the fans rally, but Eagles keeps Kushida from ropes! Kushida rolls, Eagles rolls, and they end up in the ROPEBREAK! Eagles lets off the hold, brings Kushida up, and he puts Kushida in a corner. Eagles wrenches, whips, but Kushida barely makes it corner to corner! Eagles runs in to DOUBLE KNEE! Kushida sits down, Eagles comes back, METEORA! Eagles fires up and the fans are with him! Eagles drags Kushida to a high stack, TWO! Kushida also has the ropes, but Eagles goes up the corner. The fans rally as Eagles aims, but Kushida is up to GAMANGIRI!
Kushida shakes out the bad leg, climbs up after Eagles, but Eagles fires body shots and forearms! Eagles HEADBUTTS Kushida away! Kushida comes back to HANDSPRING KICK! Eagles falls to the apron then the floor! The fans rally up, Kushida goes to the apron and runs up, FLYING KNEE to the bad arm! Eagles hobbles away but Kushida gets him in the ring. Kushida takes aim, and he KICKS Eagles in the leg! And KICKS again! Kushida whips, Eagles reverses but Kushida handsprings to BACK ELBOW! The fans fire up as Kushida roars! Kushida goes to a corner, Eagles goes to the other. Kushida runs in, but Eagles dodges!
Eagles returns but Kushida HIP TOSSES him! Kushida handsprings to basement DROPKICK, but Eagles catches the bad leg! HEEL HOOK!! Kushida scrambles around, gets free, but Eagles keeps him from ropes! KNEEBAR!! Kushida endures again and the fans rally up! Kushida drags Eagles along, reaches out, but Eagles drags him back! Kushida basement O’Conner Rolls! Bridging cover, TWO!! Both men stand, Kushida runs up to KICK Eagles’ arm! And KICK! And KICK, but into the TURBO- NO, Kushida turns backpack into takedown! ARMBAR!! Eagles flails, fights around, rolls and has the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer while Kushida lets go in frustration.
The fans rally while both men are down and catching their breath. Eagles stands, but Kushida runs up to DROPKICK the bad arm! Kushida spins Eagles to ROLLING ELBOW! Eagles avoids the Penalty Kick! Kushida ducks the Roundhouse! Eagles avoids the Fastball to steal the FASTBALL! Kushida wobbles, Eagles reels him in but the bad arm holds him back. Eagles switches sides to cravat, SLICED- NO, Kushida slips free! Kushida jumps on for the HOVERBOARD!! Eagles endures, the fans fire up, and Eagles reaches out. Kushida goes after that arm now! Eagles clasps hands behind his back to stop that!
Eagles wrenches free to ROUNDHOUSE! SUPERKICK! ENZIGIRI! Kushida falls and Eagles roars! The fans fire up again and Eagles brings Kushida up. But Kushida cradle counters, then deadlifts into BACK TO THE FUTURE! But Kushida can’t hold onto the package! Both men are down and the fans fire up again! Kushida vows to finish this, and he gets Eagles up. Fisherman, BACK TO THE- CRADLE! Kushida gets free, but Eagles gets around, schoolboy with bridge! TWO!! Kushida runs up, wheelbarrow, somersault then roll over! PENALTY KICK to the bad arm!! Eagles flounders around, stands, but Kushida jumps up! Into TURBO BACKPACK!!
Both men are down again and the fans rally as hard as they can! Eagles crawls to a cover, TWO!! But Eagles ties up the legs! Kushida kicks free, Eagles SUPERKICKS back! Eagles runs up, TRIGGER!! Cover, EAGLES WINS!
Winner: Robbie Eagles, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Kushida earns 0)
Eagles pulled The Trigger and he shot down the former SIX-TIME Junior Heavyweight Champion! Will the Soul of PWA Champion soon prove he’s the Best of the Super Juniors?
Best of the Super Juniors 31 A Block: Titan VS Blake Christian!
It’s another critical showdown as El Inmortal and All Heat are both undefeated at 3-0! Titan wants to return to the finals and take that trophy, can he get through the GCW Champion to stay on course?
The bell rings and the two circle. Titan runs up, Blake dodges then whips. Titan goes up and over, handsprings away, and the fans fire up. Titan comes back, Blake slips out to the apron then flips away. Titan WRECKS Blake with a dropkick, builds speed, but Blake slides in as Titan rolls and flips up and out! Blake comes back to FOSBURY FLOP! Direct hit and the fans fire up! Blake brings Titan up, wrenches, then he wraps the arm around the post! The ref reprimands and counts, Blake lets off at 4, and the fans boo. Blake brings Titan up, puts him in, and he mockingly calls “Titan~” like the fans.
Blake HIP DROPS Titan, traps one arm, then stands on the bad one! Blake hushes the fans, so they can hear the SNAP! The fans boo while Blake mocks Titan’s pain. Blake brings Titan around into a keylock and he pulls on the arm! Titan scrambles forward to the ROPEBREAK! Blake SLAMS the arm down as he lets off! The fans boo but Blake flexes. Blake stands Titan up but Titan CHOPS! Titan fires forearms but Blake ROCKS him back! Blake snarls and he whips Titan to ropes. Titan reverses to TORNADO DDT, but Blake handsprings through! Titan is rather impressed! Titan runs up, but into a wheelbarrow, somersault and KNEE DROP on the bad arm!
Blake waits on Titan to rise up, then he builds speed, but Titan goes Matrix! Titan CALF KICKS back and the fans fire up! Titan runs up, but Blake puts him on the apron! Titan blocks a punch to GAMANGIRI! Titan springboards to MISSILE DROPKICK! Blake tumbles out, the fans fire up and Titan builds speed, to FLY! Direct hit and down goes Blake! The fans fire up and Titan rises! The ring count starts, Titan shakes out the bad arm and stalks Blake. Titan KICKS Blake at 10 of 20, drags him up and puts him in at 14, and the fans applaud. Titan pushes Blake to a cover, TWO! Titan keeps cool and the fans rally up.
Blake sits up, Titan CHOPS him! Blake CHOPS back! Titan CHOPS again, so Blake CHOPS again! They stand, and Titan CHOPS! Blake fires a forearm, then another, then another! Blake fires a flurry, winds up, but Titan kicks, kicks, SOBATS and SUPERKICKS! Blake ends up in a corner, and Titan runs in, but Blake BOOTS him! Blake somersaults to NECKBREAKER! Titan kips right up to PELE! Both men are down and the fans fire up again! Titan rolls his way to a corner and the fans rally as he climbs. Titan aims but Blake avoids the double stomps! Blake RAMS Titan into the corner! Blake RAMS Titan in again and again, then YANKS the and arm!
Blake goes corner to corner, but Titan BOOTS him! And SOBATS! KICKS! Palm strikes and WHEEL KICK! The fans fire up, Titan roars, and Titan skins the cat to the top rope! DIVING DOUBLE STOMPS!! Blake writhes, Titan pushes him to a cover, TWO!! The coup de grace wasn’t enough but the fans rally up behind Titan. Titan roars, drags Blake around, but Blake hooks him for a cradle! TWO! SCREW HIGH KICK! The fans rally again, Blake mocks Titan’s pose. Blake whips, Titan reverses, TORNADO DDT! And it hits this time! Titan wants Blake to get up, and Blake goes to a corner. The fans rally for Titan as he runs in, LOCO- JUMP KICK from Blake!!
Blake goes to the apron, springboards in, 450 SPLASH!! Cover, BLAKE WINS!
Winner: Blake Christian, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Titan earns 0)
Even the GCW Champion is a little surprised, but he says it is his time now! Is that true with him as the first to reach 4-0? Or will this one loss motivate Titan to fight that much harder to win the rest?
Best of the Super Juniors 31 B Block: Francesco Akira VS Taiji Ishimori!
The Nova Fireball’s flame is flickering, but The Bone Soldier has been shooting down everyone in his way so far. Can Akira reignite and rise to the occasion? Or will B Block see #ItsReborn?
The bell rings and the fans rally up for “A! KI RA! A! KI RA!” as the two circle. Akira and Taiji tie up, Taiji headlocks and he grinds the hold. Akira fights up, powers up and out, but Taiji runs him over. Taiji runs, Akira drops down, hurdles, but then Taiji hurdle and drops down. But Akira RANAS Taiji out! The fans fire up and Akira builds speed, slides, but Taiji ducks under! Taiji scoops, Akira slips free and shoves Taiji! Taiji stops from hitting post, then dodges Akira. Akira stops from hitting the post, but then Taiji pokes him in the eyes! The ref reprimands but Taiji whips and POSTS Akira! Taiji then grabs bell hammer and a chair!
The fans boo but Taiji only has the hammer as the ref reprimands him. Taiji throws the hammer into the ring, the ref goes after it, and Taiji grabs the chair! Taiji runs up to JAM Akira in the head! Then Taiji SMACKS Akira on the back! Taiji soaks up the cheers and jeers, then leaves Akira behind. The ref checks on Akira, and Taiji unties the blue buckle pad! The Bullet Club Special is in play as Akira scrambles into the ring. Taiji is on Akira with a wrench, ELBOW BREAKER, and snapmare. Taiji steps over to hammerlock the arm, then cradles Akira into the ARMBAR! Akira endures, flails, reaches out, ROPEBREAK!
The fans cheer, the ref counts, and Taiji lets go at 4. Akira shakes out the bad arm, the fans boo but Taiji tells the fans to shut up. Taiji stomps Akira to a corner, wraps the bad arm around ropes, but the ref counts. Taiji lets go at 4, CLUBS Akira on the neck, then whips him corner to corner. Taiji runs in but blocks boots to put Akira in the ropes. ENZIGIRI, then SLIDING- FLYING CUTTER! Akira gets Taiji first and the fans rally up again. “A! KI RA!” rises but Taiji claws the eyes! Taiji whips, Akira reverses to wrench, straitjacket, and NECKBREAKER! Akira runs to basement dropkick! Taiji bails out and the fans fire up!
Akira aims to PLANCHA! Down goes Taiji and the fans fire up with Akira! Akira puts Taiji in, goes up a corner, and CROSSBODIES! Cover, TWO! Taiji is still in this but the fans still rally behind “A! KI RA!” Akira shakes out the bad arm, drags Taiji up, SPEED- NO, Taiji blocks the twist! Akira cravats to throw knees in, then tries again. But Taiji wrenches out to WRING the bad arm! Taiji scowls while he stalks Akira. Taiji drags Akira up, whips him to ropes, but Akira reverse. Taiji handsprings to NEURALIZER KICK! Both men are down and the fans fire back up. Taiji checks his head and neck, then goes back for Akira.
Taiji drags Akira up, and then POSTS him in the open corner! The ref reprimands, but Taiji hammerlocks and scoops to SHOULDER BUSTER! Akira writhes and Taiji drops back to the corner. Akira slowly rises as the fans rally up again. Taiji runs in to tilt-o-whirl, but Akira fights off La Mystica! Akira powers up to ROCK Taiji! Taiji ROCKS Akira! Akira shouts and ROCKS Taiji! Taiji shakes it off to ROCK Akira! The forearms go back and forth, then Taiji LARIATS! Akira stays up, Taiji runs, but Akira dodges. Taiji dodges but runs into the COLLISION COURSE! Cover, TWO! Taiji is still in this but Akira goes to a corner.
The fans fire up as Akira pounds the mat. “A! KI RA! A! KI RA!” Akira powers up, runs in, but Taiji ducks the Fireball! LA MYSTICA! BONE LOCK!!! Akira endures but Taiji pushes on that bad arm! Akira reaches out, claws his way over, but Taiji rolls him away from ropes! Akira rolls to a cradle, TWO!! Akira stands, Taiji scoops him into CIPHER- NO, Akira sits on the clutch! TWO!! JUMP KNEE! Taiji roars, BANG, and he reels Akira back in. BLOODY- CRADLE COUNTER! TWO!!! Taiji escapes, Akira SUPERKICKS! Taiji wobbles, Akira knuckle locks to go up and up and TORNADO DDT! Taiji staggers around, into the FIREBALL!! Cover, Akira wins!!
Winner: Francesco Akira, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Taiji earns 0)
Akira is all fired up now as he just took down one of the top guys in this block, if not the entire Junior Heavyweight Division! Is this a sign that Akira can become the Best of the Super Juniors? Will Taiji be able to reload after this loss to still keep a top spot in the tournament?
Best of the Super Juniors 31 A Block: El Deperado VS Kevin Knight!
The Rogue Luchador and The Jet are both just outside the top spots, but now the way is open! Will Desperado ground Knight’s flight? Or will Knight be just too fly to stop him now?
The bell rings and the fans rally up for “DE-SU-PE!” as he and Knight stare down. The two circle, feel things out, and then tie up. Desperado wrenches, wristlocks, but Knight rolls and wrenches through. Knight wristlocks, Despe reaches back to cording hold then wrench. Despe whips, Knight reverses and hip tosses! The fans cheer as Knight says he is tsuyoi! Despe gets up, Knight kicks him low. Knight whips, Despe reverses but Knight goes up and over! Despe trips Knight and goes for the leg! STRETCH MUFFLER! Knight scrambles to the ROPEBREAK! Despe thrashes the leg all the same! Red Shoes counts, Despe lets off at 4.
Despe grabs Knight’s leg again, drags him back, but Knight stands up. Despe ducks the enzigiri, flips Knight, but Knight lands out! Knight ducks ‘n’ dodges to rally with big forearms! Knight then scoops to SLAM Despe, and JUMP SPLASH! Knight flexes, covers, TWO! The fans rally while Despe goes to a corner. Knight runs in to clothesline! Despe shoves Knight, ROCKS him with a palm strike, then another, then another! Knight UPPERCUTS back! Despe boots, Knight blocks, but Despe boots him away. Despe goes up but Knight ROCKS him! Depse ROCKS Knight back! Knight leaps to UPPER- NO, Despe stops it!
Despe then has the leg for a HANGING HALF CRAB! Red Shoes reprimands and counts! Despe lets Knight go, then hops down. Despe SPLASHES the bad leg! The fans rally, Despe drags Knight to the corner, and he SLAMS the leg into the post! Knight flops to the floor while the fans are torn, but Despe shrugs it off. Despe stands on the bad leg, then he SMASHES it on the floor! Knight flounders away and clutches the knee. Red Shoes wants this in the ring, and Knight hops in, but Despe follows after. Despe grabs Knight’s leg, steps over, and drops a leg on the knee! Knight writhes, but Despe hooks him up into an INDIAN DEATHLOCK!
Knight endures, Despe sits up and he pushes on the knees. Knight keeps his shoulders up, and he CHOPS! Despe eggs him on, Knight CHOPS more! Knight CHOPS, Despe “falls” and that puts more pressure on the legs! Knight reaches out, Despe mocks the “KE-VI-NN!” chants, but Knight fights to the ROPEBREAK! Despe undoes the leglock, then “Oops!” he falls on the bad leg! Red Shoes reprimands Despe’s usual tricks, but he brings Knight up. Knight throws body shots but Despe eggs him on. Knight throws a forearm, so Despe kicks the leg out! Despe whips corner to corner but Knight barely makes it halfway!
Despe storms up, but he avoids Knight’s dropkick! Despe gets the legs again and rolls into a STRETCH MUFFLER! Knight endures, reaches out, and he rolls free! Despe staggers up, into a DROPKICK! The fans cheer but that was a bit double-edged given Knight’s bad leg. The fans rally, Knight hobbles to a corner, and manages to run! Knight rallies with LARIAT after LARIAT, then whips. Despe reverses, Knight stops himself, and then Knight DUMPS Despe out! Knight manages to PLANCHA! Direct hit and the fans fire up! Knight says he’s still tsuyoi, and he puts Despe in. The fans rally up and Knight takes aim from the apron.
Knight shakes out the bad leg, steps inside to go up the corner. FLYING LARIAT! Knight still hobbles on the bad leg, but he brings Despe up to fireman’s carry! F5!! Cover, TWO!! Despe stays in this, Beast Incarnate, Knight is not. Knight still aims at Despe as he stands, SATELLITE- NO, Despe denies the DDT! Knight rolls under the lariat, PELE, but into an ANKLE LOCK! Roll and STRETCH MUFFLER!! NUMERO DOS!! Knight reaches out, but Despe THRASHES him! Despe drags Knight away from ropes, but Knight still fights with that one free arm! ROPEBREAK!! Despe lets Knight go, and the fans rally up.
Despe stomps the bad arm, reels him in, and underhooks! PINCHE- NO, Knight fights free! Knight leaps, but Despe still holds off the satellite! Despe GOURD BUSTERS, then runs up, but Knight wrenches! EDGE-O-MATIC! Both men are down and the fans fire up! The fans rally and duel as Knight forces himself to stand. Knight goes to Despe, Despe throws body shots. Knight ROCKS Despe and Despe goes to ropes. Knight eggs Despe on, but Despe gets pissed! Despe ROCKS Knight again and again! Knight fires up and DECKS Despe! The fans fire up and Knight drags Despe up. Despe KICKS the bad leg! And then runs to CHOP BLOCK!!
Knight flounders, Despe gets the leg, STRETCH MUFFLER! Knight rolls to a cradle, TWO!! Despe rises, ducks the leg lariat! Knight ducks the regular lariat! Knight puts Despe up top to PELE! Knight fires up and adrenaline helps him climb! Knight drags Despe up but Despe fights the superplex! Despe CLUBS the bad leg, then he shoves Knight down! Knight rolls back, runs up, UPPER ROOM!! The fans fire up with Knight and he aims from the corner! Knight runs to JUMPING DOUBLE STOMP!!! Cover, TWO!!! Despe survives but Knight roars! Despe slowly rises, Knight runs up, SATELLITE DDT!!! Cover, KNIGHT WINS!!!
Winner: Kevin Knight, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Desperado earns 0)
Truly tsuyoi!! The Jet revved his engines and he flew right over Desperado! Knight is now right behind Blake Christian and Titan, will he be flying past one of them, too? Will Desperado be able to rebound and be ready for All Heat in the next round?
Best of the Super Juniors 31 B Block: Hiromu Takahashi VS SHO!
The Ticking Timebomb only just got on the board last round against “Ryusuke Taguchi,” even though it was really Dragon Dia. But facing The Murder Machine could be his best bet back to the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship. Will Hiromu be ready for every trick in the book? Or will Sho show us something even more dastardly than ever before?
Wait, wait, wait. What is Sho doing with Hiromu’s framed headshot? And Sho gets the mic to say good evening. It his unfortunate duty to inform everyone that Hiromu could not be here tonight. He has a written statement for Abe-san to read. The fans boo this farce, and Sho intimidates Abe into reading it! The letter is supposedly written by Hiromu himself, apologizing to everyone here tonight that he is unable to compete against “the glorious champion, Sho.” Hiromu doesn’t want to “shame the people of Hachioji by losing to Sho.” Therefore, he cannot wrestle and must forfeit this match. Sho then says this is the truth, Hiromu gave him the letter himself.
Sho says that tonight’s main event will not happen, but the fans chant for “HI-RO-MU! HI-RO-MU!” Sho says yes, he was so looking forward to this tonight. He leads the chant in support of Hiromu, and he “hopes” Hiromu will be alright for next round. Hiromu knows how the fans feel, but Sho will send us home happy with a closing word. The Best of the Super Juniors will have more, more, more, more, more, more fun with everyone~!! Wait, Hiromu’s music plays? Is this more Sho’s sarcasm? Red Shoes won’t raise Sho’s hand in victory because he doesn’t believe this for a moment! Wait, Hiromu IS here, all tied up like Ninja Mack was last round!
Hiromu still gets in the ring and he SHOTGUNS Sho down! Hiromu tells Red Shoes that they can get this going! Hiromu CHOKES Sho with the cuffs Sho put on him! The bell rings, Red Shoes reprimands about the choking, so Hiromu lets off. Hiromu stands Sho up but Sho kicks and whips. Hiromu ducks ‘n’ dodges and CROSSBODIES! Cover, TWO! Wait, from the look of it, Hiromu has doodles all over his face! The House of Torture was adding insult to injury apparently. Hiromu kicks Sho out of the ring, then he goes to the apron. Hiromu aims and FLYING SHOTGUNS but into a Young Lion!!
Sho uses Shoma Kato as a shield, then he stomps away on Hiromu! The fans boo, Sho just grins and brings Hiromu up. Sho brings Hiromu along by the cuffs, goes to the back segment of the crowd, and he BOWLS Hiromu into a chair. That’s weak, but then Sho takes a fan’s sign and throws it aside. Sho stomps Hiromu, stalks Hiromu with a chair, but Red Shoes reprimands. Sho puts the chair down, and he pulls on the cuffs to torture Hiromu’s hands! Red Shoes reprimands, Sho lets off, and then Sho leaves Hiromu behind for the ring count. The fans boo Sho, the count begins, and the fans rally up for Hiromu.
Hiromu runs in at 5 of 20 but Sho stomps him! Sho TOSSES Hiromu out, goes after him, and grabs the bell hammer! Red Shoes says no, so Sho throws that away. So then he gets as chair to SMACK Hiromu with! Red Shoes reprimands and Sho “apologizes.” Sho drags Hiromu up, scoops him and POSTS him! Sho then SLAMS Hiromu on the floor! The fans boo more but Sho just grins. Sho leaves Hiromu behind while Red Shoes calls for a key. Sho says he doesn’t know where the key to those went, oh well. A Young Lion hurries backstage to search, but Sho gloats like he’s won anyway. The fans boo and Hiromu storms back to the ring.
Sho hurries out after Hiromu so Hiromu leads him on a high speed chase through the crowd! Sho as the corrupt cop chases the noble hero criminal, all to give the Young Lion more time to find that key! The ring count starts, Hiromu stays away since his hands are still bound. But we’re past 10 of 20, Hiromu has to risk it! Hiromu watches Sho closely, then slides in. But Sho kicks low and CLUBS Hiromu down! Sho drags Hiromu up, THROWS him back out, and then goes out after him. Sho grabs his title belt, takes aim, but Red Shoes reprimands. Sho throws the belt aside, goes looking for a chair, but the key is here!
Sho SMACKS Hiromu again! Sho puts Hiromu in, but wait, was that not the right key? The Young Lions have to go looking again! Sho scoops and SLAMS Hiromu! Sho then gets the legs, and he turns Hiromu for the BOSTON CRAB! Sho wants to humiliate Hiromu with a Young Lion level hold! Hiromu endures, fights forward, but Sho drags him back! Sho sits deep on the hold, but Hiromu endures! The Young Lions return, still no luck!! The fans can’t believe it, but the Young Lions search a third time! Hiromu still fights to the ROPEBREAK! Sho lets go but he’s having fun messing with Hiromu now. Sho taunts the fans but they boo.
Sho kicks Hiromu around, taunts him, but Hiromu CLUBS him! Sho says that’s not fair, he used the cuffs as weapons! Red Shoes says Sho’s the one who gave Hiromu the cuffs! Sho avoids Hiromu but Hiromu CLUBS him again! Red Shoes ignores what’s going on, and the fans cheer that justice! Sho CLAWS Hiromu’s eyes, then runs, but Hiromu blows past him to RANA! The fans fire up because Hiromu can still use his legs! Sho bails out, Hiromu has a reprieve, and referee Kevin Sato is here with the key! So Sho gets in his way! The fans boo but Hiromu FLYING SHOTGUNS Sho! And finally, FREEDOM~!
The fans fire up as Hiromu can finally get his hands on Sho! Hiromu winds up but Sho goes scrambling away! Hiromu runs up, drags Sho up and throws him in! Hiromu drags Sho up to whip him to a corner and clothesline! Snapmare and basement dropkick! The fans fire up and Hiromu drags Sho up to reel him in. FALCON ARROW! Cover, TWO! Hiromu throws off the shirt House of Torture doodled all over, and he drags Sho up. Hiromu fireman’s carries to CORNER DEATH VALLEY! Oh wait, the House of Torture drew poo on Hiromu’s back. He probably doesn’t even know! But Hiromu fireman’s carries again, only for Sho to bend fingers!
Rede Shoes reprimands but Hiromu kicks, KICKS and whips. Sho reverses, Hiromu stops himself and BOOTS back! Then HANGING HEADSCISSORS! Sho grabs at Red Shoes, and YUJIRO is here! Tokyo Pimp attacks Hiromu and drags him down! REVERSE DDT to the floor! Yujiro puts Hiromu in for Sho, Sho drags Hiromu to a cover, but Red Shoes refuses because of how Sho mistreated him! Sho is furious but Yujiro gets on the apron to argue with him. Sho gets the Torture Tool! Sho aims, swings, but Hiromu ducks! Hiromu snatches the wrench, then throws it back to frame Sho! The fans cheer and Sho defends his innocence on this specific moment!
Red Shoes still confiscates the wrench, Hiromu runs, but then Red Shoes is used as a shield! LOW BLOW!! And then Hiromu is shoved into Red Shoes! Sho and Yujiro then stomp away on Hiromu! The fans boo but this is the House of Torture for you. They double whip Hiromu, then Yujiro BOOTS! Sho runs up to clothesline! Sho snapmares Hiromu then sets him up for the FALLING HEADBUTT LOW BLOW! Sho covers and Red Shoes is back to count, TWO!! Hiromu survives and the fans are thunderous! But Sho vows to end it now. The fans rally for “HI-RO-MU! HI-RO-MU!” but Sho stalks him. Sho brings Hiromu up and in, STRAITJACKET PILEDRIVER!! Cover, TWO?!?
The fans fire up and Sho is furious! Sho aims his bow and he drags Hiromu back up. Sho double pump handles, but Hiromu fights Shock Arrow! So Sho suplexes! Hiromu slips free to SUPERKICK! Sho wobbles, the fans rally up, and Hiromu grits his teeth. Sho flounders around, comes back, but Hiromu catches him into TRIANGLE D! Sho endures, pops free, and he BITES Hiromu’s thigh!! At least we hope that’s the thigh! Red Shoes reprimands, and Hiromu spits out the fabric from Hiromu’s shorts! Sho grabs Hiromu’s legs, holds him open, and even pushes Red Shoes aside! But Hiromu kicks Sho’s legs out first! And then TRIANGLE D!!
Sho flails inside the hold and the fans rally! Sho fights to stack Hiromu, then deadlifts him! POWERBOMB! But Hiromu holds on!! Sho flails, but he’s fading! Hiromu pulls on the arm as hard as he can! Red Shoes checks, Sho fights up and stacks Hiromu again! Sho deadlifts for a BUCKLE BOMB! Both men are down and the fans rally up again. Hiromu and Sho rise, Sho runs, but into a SUPERKICK! Hiromu runs, Sho ducks the lariat then runs, but into the HIROMU-CHAN BOMBER!! Hiromu roars and drags Sho up! Fireman’s carry, but Sho CLAWS eyes! Yujiro distracts Red Shoes, and Sho LOW- NO! Hiromu stops that to LOW BLOW Sho!!!
The fans cheer the poetic justice, and then Hiromu fireman’s carries Sho, to RAM him into Yujiro! Then VICTORY ROYALE!! Cover, TWO!! Sho survives but the fans fire up behind Hiromu again! Hiromu waits on Sho to rise, then runs in to HIROMU-CHAN BOMBER!! Hiromu isn’t done there, he hauls Sho up to OG TIMEBOMB!! Cover, Yujiro YANKS Red Shoes out!! The fans boo as the Tokyo Pimp has to get involved again! Yujiro stomps Hiromu, but here comes Bushi! Yujiro kicks Bushi, fires forearms, then runs, but Bushi TOSSES Yujiro right out! Bushi builds speed and DIVES! Direct hit and down goes Yujiro!
The fans fire up as LIJ supports LIJ! HIROMU-CHAN BOMBER!! And then inverted suplex, TIMEBOMB MK II!!! Cover, Hiromu wins!!!
Winner: Hiromu Takahashi, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Sho earns 0)
Justice, true justice, has been served! The villainous Murder Machine loses in the main event he tried to steal, will he finally learn that crime doesn’t pay?
As for Hiromu, he gets a mic and he tells Sho to hold on. Hiromu has to admit, Sho really is amazing. Hiromu ought to commend Sho. AS IF! Sho should apologize to the great people of Hachioji and to all of Japan, the stupid moron! The fans cheer that! And then apparently, Hiromu winning the main event also won him a year’s supply of original Hachioji ramen? And to present the certificate is the owner of SUPER ALPS, Nobuhisa Shiozawa. The fans cheer this great honor for both of them, especially for a Hachioji native like Hiromu. Wait, would Sho have still been given this had he won? Well, all’s well that ends well.
Hiromu and Shiozawa-san have their photo op, and then Hiromu puts his prize aside so he can get back on the mic. The fans chant for “HI-RO-MU! HI-RO-MU!” Hiromu then tells everyone, “I’m home.” The fans cheer with an “Okairi! <Welcome home!>” Hiromu does apologize that it had to be Sho for this match. But Hiromu does want to talk to Bushi. They’re in different blocks, meaning they could end up opponents down the line. Even so, Bushi helped Hiromu out here, and he thanks Bushi for that. The fans applaud that, too! Hiromu then says, “See you in the semifinals, or even the finals!”
Hiromu thanks everyone for coming tonight. He’s still bummed to see empty seats. This building can fit about 5 THOUSAND, it’s that big. The other day, he was in Niigata, went out for a late dinner, and there was a guy at the restaurant who was a fan. “Oh, it’s Hiromu!” All excited to see him and stuff. Hiromu was flattered, glad to chat. Hiromu asked the fan how the show was tonight, and the guy went, “Huh? There was a show tonight?” A funny story, but it also bummed Hiromu out. NJPW needs to promote better. When NJPW goes to all these different places, even the wrestlers try to promote a little.
And this was a guy who watches World Pro-Wrestling TV weekly! Even then, he didn’t know NJPW was in town! It’s not funny, it’s a real problem and NJPW is working to fix it. But it’s also on the wrestlers to promote the shows more. They gotta hit TV, radio, newspapers, everywhere! Plaster the towns with posters! Advertise anywhere and everywhere! The fans applaud that. Hiromu knows Hachioji is a big city, but he also knows there are a lot of people here who love pro-wrestling. But many still miss out on live shows. If they knew, how many do you think would be in here? And Hiromu knows it’d be a whole lot of fun! The fans cheer that!
“That’s why, wherever we go, big or small, we have to reach each and every person. It’s on each and every wrestler to do so. With that kind of promotion, we can let every fan know that wrestling’s in town and pack the house.” The fans cheer in support of that! Hiromu says they haven’t gone as far as they can yet. They can fill up the seats in here! It’s what he wants! This is Best of the Super Juniors, and the finals are gonna main event Osaka-Jo Hall! And of course it’s gotta be Hiromu in that ring, in that spotlight! Hiromu vows to win BOSJ 31! And then he’ll return here next year as the champion! The fans love the sound of that!
Hiromu wants everyone here to remember his words. “Get excited for the next time we’re in town.” And of course, in this BOSJ, they have to have more, more, more, more, more, more, more, more, more, more, MORE, MORE, MORE, MORE, MORE… FUN TOGETHER~! Hiromu is not just aiming for the trophy and the championship, he wants NJPW to have it all! But will he be able to have it all himself as the rounds keep on coming?
Here are the NEW A Block standings!
Blake Christian: 4-0, 8 points
Titan: 3-1, 6 points
Kevin Knight: 3-1, 6 points
El Desperado: 2-2, 4 points
Kosei Fujita: 2-2, 4 points
Clark Connors: 2-2, 4 points
HAYATA: 2-2, 4 points
Yoshinobu Kanemaru: 1-3, 2 points
BUSHI: 1-3, 2 points
TJP: 0-4, 0 points
Here are the NEW B Block standings!
KUSHIDA: 3-1, 6 points
Taiji Ishimori: 3-1, 6 points
Hiromu Takahashi: 2-2, 4 points
SHO: 2-2, 4 points
Francesco Akira: 2-2, 4 points
Robbie Eagles: 2-2, 4 points
“Drilla” Moloney: 2-2, 4 points
DOUKI: 2-2, 4 points
Ninja Mack: 2-2, 4 points
Dragon Dia: 0-4, 0 points
My Thoughts:
Another great round for NJPW here with both blocks going in one night. And great news that of all the matches heading towards Dominion, it will be the BOSJ 31 finals that take the main event. I suppose that means Moxley VS Evil will be second to last, with all the usual antics certainly keeping it from being just a real good match. But that aside, the standings took quite a shift here, with Kushida and Taiji both taking their first losses, right as they’re about to face off in Round 5. Knight getting that comeback win on Desperado was great stuff, and Blake Christian coming out as the ONLY 4-0 is some great stuff.
Bushi getting the win over TJP definitely adds to TJP’s crisis of confidence angle, and I suppose Dia losing again shouldn’t be too shocking given Drilla can’t let someone else get a golden ticket off him. Fujita getting one off Connors is great, though, and with Eagles having already beat Drilla, maybe we get Fujita & Eagles VS Connors & Drilla at Dominion, as I don’t see three-fourths of that making the semifinals. And it’d be pretty cool if TMDK got in on feuding with Bullet Club War Dogs as War Dogs transition away from other feuds.
Hiromu VS Sho was really good stuff, especially with these apparent “arrest” antics. Great win for Hiromu, and great promo from him, as well. Hiromu obviously wants Junior Heavyweight wrestling to come into its own, but he also wants NJPW to get back up to where it was before Pandemic. The lack of advertising and promoting was a rather quiet problem as far as an American fan like myself could tell, so I commend on Hiromu bringing that real conversation up and charging his fellow wrestlers and the company with fixing it, not just leaving it up to fans.
My Score: 9/10
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The Virtuosa is sharpening her edge!
Deonna Purrazzo wants to tear into Thunder Rosa, but she’ll have to settle for Robyn Renegade first! Will The Virtuosa fine tune her style for La Mera Mera?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Kyle O’Reilly VS Lee Moriarty w/ Anthony Ogogo; Kyle wins.
- Rush VS Cody Chhun; Rush wins.
- Deonna Purrazzo VS Robyn Renegade; Deonna wins.
- Brian Cage VS Anthony Bowens w/ Billy Gunn; Cage wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
Kyle O’Reilly VS Lee Moriarty w/ Anthony Ogogo!
#CombatKyle may have lost out on the TNT Championship, but he isn’t going to stop the comeback over it. Will he build back up towards another title opportunity? Or will #TAIGASTYLE prove he’s the one deserving of those chances?
The bell rings and the two circle. The fans rally, Kyle and Lee tie up, Kyle waistlocks, but Lee wrenches out. Kyle wrenches to waistlock, but Lee sits to switch. Kyle switches, facelocks, wrenches, but Lee rolls and rolls until he rolls free. The fans rally as the two circle again. They knuckle lock, go shoulder to shoulder, but Kyle gets under. Kyle lifts but Lee fights that. Lee lifts but Kyle fights that. Kyle tries again, but Lee trips him! Kyle uses his leg guard, trips Lee, knuckle lock cover! ONE as Lee gets an arm up! Kyle pushes it down, ONE as Lee gets the other arm up. Kyle puts that arm down, TWO as Lee bridges!
The fans cheer this technical exchange, Kyle jumps but Lee catches him! DOUBLE WRISTLOCK! Kyle scrambles around, slips free, ARMBAR! Lee clasps hands, stacks Kyle, TWO! Lee rolls Kyle to get the SLEEPER! Lee also has body scissors! But Kyle pulls on Lee’s leg, and that makes Lee let go of the sleeper! Kyle gets the leg, twists for a toehold, but Lee rolls over. Lee reels Kyle in, headlocks, then cravats. The fans rally, Kyle wrenches free to cravat back. Lee ELBOWS Kyle in the chin! Lee BODY SHOTS, then BODY SHOTS again! Lee runs but Kyle KNEES Lee low! Kyle snapmares, runs, then SLAPS Lee!
The fans fire up but Lee gets up. They get face to face, then go forearm to forearm! Kyle fires off fast strikes and he KICKS the legs out! Kyle wrenches to YANK the arm, then CLUBS it! Kyle wrenches, YANKS the arm again, then wrenches to an ELBOW- NO, Lee shoves Kyle away! Kyle runs up but Lee BUCKLE SHOTS him! Kyle staggers away, the fans are torn, and Lee runs up to KICK the bad leg! Ogogo applauds, Lee fires himself up, and Rampage goes picture in picture.
Lee stomps Kyle down, drags him back up, and top wristlocks. Lee isolates that arm, flexes, and STOMPS the arm! Lee paces around, drags Kyle up, and SNAP HALF HATCHES! Cover, TWO! But Lee still has the arm and he hammerlocks it, to then SNAP LOCK it! Kyle endures, grabs at Lee, but Lee bridges and moves around. Lee traps the one arm, pulls on the other, and then makes it a RECLINER! Kyle endures as Lee leans back! Lee lets off as he loses the hold, but then he stomps the bad arm! Lee soaks up the heat as Rampage returns to single picture. Lee grinds Kyle’s bad arm, but Kyle fights up to throw body shots.
Kyle wrenches, ELBOW- NO, Lee has a SLEEPER now! Kyle rolls but Lee holds on tight! Kyle fights up to back suplex! Lee lands out, but Kyle KICKS! SLAPS! KNEES! KICKS! LEG SWEEP! The fans fire up and Kyle snarls as Lee goes to a corner. Kyle runs up to forearm smash! Kyle wrenches, ELBOW BREAKERS, and hits a BIG back suplex! HEEL HOOK! Lee endures and fights towards ropes! ROPEBREAK! Kyle lets go, Lee stands, and Kyle KICKS the leg out! Kyle runs up but Lee dodges the kick to SOBAT! Kyle goes to a corner, Lee runs in, but Kyle blocks the boot! Kyle shoves Lee down, KNEES him, then reels Lee in.
Lee wrenches out of the suplex, to SNAP the fingers! Lee runs up to BOOT Kyle in the corner! Kyle falls, Lee covers, TWO! Kyle survives but Lee reels him in, BORDER CITY STRETCH!! Kyle endures, powers through to clasp hands, and he deadlifts Lee into a CAPTURE SUPLEX! Lee is dazed and Kyle slowly rises. The fans fire up, Kyle storms up, and KICKS Lee’s arm! Lee KICKS Kyle’s arm in return! Kyle KICKS again, but Lee KICKS again! They KICK and KICK and KICK! The fans are behind Kyle, both men block kicks, so they start throwing palm strikes! The fans are thunderous! Both men let the other go, but then they DOUBLE ROUNDHOUSE!
The fans are thunderous as Kyle and Lee are both down! A standing count starts, both men slowly rise, and they stagger into each other. Lee gets Kyle first, suplex and- NO, Kyle knees free! GUILLOTINE! Lee wrenches free to RAM shoulders! Lee wrenches, to ELBOW- NO, Kyle wrenches to ELBOW BREAKER! Hammerlock, GUILLOTINE HOVERBOARD COMBO!!! Lee endures, and he uses his free arm to pry free! For HEADBUTT after HEADBUTT! Kyle drops into a TRIANGLE HOLD!! Lee is fading fast, but he deadlifts Kyle with the one arm! Only to go out! Kyle is free to PENALTY KICK!! Kyle gets Lee up, to ORANGE CRUSH into the ARMBAR! Lee taps, Kyle wins!!
Winner: Kyle O’Reilly, by submission
Shane Taylor Promotion takes another loss on the night, but it was a hell of a fight against Kyle O’Reilly! But Kyle is going to face Malakai Black this Wednesday, will Dynamite be The End of Kyle’s comeback?
Backstage interview with The Acclaimed.
Lexy Nair is with Max Caster, Anthony Bowens & Billy Gunn. First off, congrats on the recent success of the newest video. Thank you, Lexy. And Bowens is facing Brian Cage in tonight’s main event, how- Daddy Ass has us stop there. Let’s talk about everyone going crazy, running wild. The Embassy turning on Swerve, The Elite abusing their authority. Billy isn’t sure if Lexy has watched older wrestling, but Billy has a thing about authority. So if they wanna get wild, if they wanna go nuts, that is right up their aisle!
Caster says that’s right! He also thanks Lexi for saying those nice things about his song. But that song was about him and Bowens going back to the Tag Division. If you read the lyrics, which are great lyrics, but none of those team decided to wrestle The Acclaimed. Perhaps they’re a little too afraid to wrestle the best team alive. So they took the first match they could find, and that turned out to be Bowens VS Brian Cage 1v1. Sure, Brian is The Machine, but there are a lot of machines that are now antiquated, and we know Brian doesn’t have AI in his brain. In fact, he can’t update his software! It’s about time Bowens takes Brian to the junkyard!
Bowens says that’s right! Platinum Max & Daddy Ass said it themselves, there is a lot of chaos and madness going on in AEW! Bowens tells Brian and his cronies that they decided to side with The Elite, well you’re looking at the foundation of AEW! The best tag team alive, the best homegrown stars, The Acclaimed! That train is gonna roll right through Brian tonight, courtesy of the Scissor King! Because EVERYONE loves The Acclaimed! Say it again, EVERYONE loves The Acclaimed!! The Five Tool Player is fired up, but will he need all those tools to dismantle The Machine?
Rush VS Cody Chhun!
El Toro Blanco is back again, and this time he is looking to reach the top of AEW. Will he stampede through everyone put in his path until he is adored with AEW gold?
The bell rings, the fans rally up with “FOUR C! FOUR C!” Chhun runs up but Rush dodges! Chhun hits buckles, then Rush CLOBBERS him! Chhun sits in the corner checking his jaw, but Rush goes to the far side. “If you mess with the bull…” You get BULL’S HORNS!! Rush drags Chhun to a cover, Rush wins!
Winner: Rush, by pinfall
Rush stands tall, but he doesn’t even care to celebrate, because this was more an inevitability than a victory to him. But then he sees Chhun stirring, and Rush drags him out of the ring! Rush CHOPS Chhun right down! Then he whips Chhun hard into barriers! The ref reprimands but Rush THROWS Chhun around again! Rush fires down fists, the fans boo as Rush DECKS Chhun! Rush won’t stop, he finds his favorite bright green cord! Rush LASHES Chhun, even as more refs rush out here! Rush CHOKES Chhun with the cord!! The refs all shout for him to stop, and Rush does. But he wants everyone to remember: Nothing happens unless HE says so!!
Rush storms off, spits on Chhun, and then grabs a chair! The refs warn him, so Rush simply stands on the chair to soak up the heat. Will nothing and no one stop Rush from rampaging his way to the top?
Lexy Nair is outside the trainer’s room.
She notes that to close Collision, Lance Archer & The Righteous viciously attacked FTR after the match. Bryan Danielson walks out, Lexy asks for a medical update. Well, The Elite put a bounty on Team AEW’s heads, and it seems to have worked. FTR won’t make it to Dynamite next Wednesday. But the Elite also failed, because here’s the thing. The Elite wants to change the world? They don’t even show up on Saturdays! And the failure is that Bryan is still here! So this Wednesday, Bryan will be on Dynamite. The Elite can take whatever shot they want, but they better get it done the first time. Otherwise, they won’t like the consequences.
Bryan heads out, but are The EVPs going to make sure no one makes it to Double or Nothing to oppose them?
Deonna Purrazzo VS Robyn Renegade!
The Virtuosa is still seething over her many run-ins with Thunder Rosa, but it seems their rematch isn’t destined to happen just yet. Will Deonna one-up La Mera Mera by beating Robyn worse than Rosa did?
The bell rings, the two circle, and they knuckle lock. Deonna spins to wrangle Robyn, but Robyn rolls back. Robyn wrenches, wristlocks, but Deonna rolls, rolls and gets free. The fans cheer, Deonna smirks, but Robyn runs up. Robyn waistlocks, Deonna switches, but Robyn switches back. Deonna pries free to switch again, then she trips Robyn up. Deonna runs, Robyn stays low, then Robyn hits a rolling fireman’s carry takeover! Robyn runs up but Deonna ducks the kick to roll her up! TWO, and Robyn staggers up into an arm-drag! Deonna has the armlock, the fans cheer, but Robyn endures.
Robyn fights up, Deonna hits another takeover, and she traps the arm. Deonna makes it a cover, ONE as Robyn gets the shoulder up. Deonna knuckle locks, wrenches, then clamps onto the arm. Robyn fights up to whip free, then runs to sunset flip! Deonna stays up, then slaps the arms away to clamp on an ARMBAR! Robyn fights around, flails, and has the ROPEBREAK! The ref counts, Deonna lets go at 4, and Rampage goes picture in picture.
Deonna stalks Robyn, brings her around and whips, but Robyn holds ropes. Deonna ROCKS Robyn, Robyn still holds ropes! Deonna ROCKS Robyn again, whips, but Robyn reverses. Robyn ducks the forearm, and the backhand, then clinches for a HALF NELNSON FACEBUSTER! Robyn fires up, she sits Deonna up, and runs to SHOTGUN her down! Cover, TWO! Robyn is frustrated, but she drags Deonna back up and bumps her off buckles. Robyn CHOPS Deonna, smirks, and winds up to CHOP again! Robyn says one more time, then puts some stank on it. But Deonna dodges to CHOP back! Deonna whips corner to corner, but Robyn reverses.
Robyn runs in, but Deonna puts her on the apron! Robyn ROCKS Deonna first, steps in, but Deonna ARM CODE BREAKERS! Robyn writhes, Deonna storms over, and Deonna drags Robyn up. Deonna knuckle locks, wrenches, then top wristlocks to wrangle Robyn. Deonna traps the arm for a SNAP LOCK! Cover, TWO! Robyn clutches the arm but Deonna is on her again. Deonna pulls on the bad arm, then top wristlocks. Robyn endures as Deonna thrashes the arm, and Rampage goes to break.
Rampage returns and Deonna wrenches Robyn’s arm. Robyn ROCKS Deonna, but Deonna wrenches again. Robyn fires off a flurry of forearms and the fans fire up! Deonna shoves Robyn but Robyn LARIATS on return! The fans fire up with Robyn, then she wrenches Deonna to reel her in, put her in ropes, and KNEE her! Robyn runs to then STOMP Deonna down! Cover, TWO!! Deonna survives and Robyn is frustrated. The fans rally, Robyn drags Deonna up, then fireman’s carries. Deonna slips free, shoves, and BOOTS Robyn down! Deonna slashes her throat and vows to end this! The fans fire up as Deonna drags Robyn up.
Deonna Gotch hooks, but Robyn slips free! Robyn pump handles, but Deonna arm-drags free! Deonna BOOTS the lariat, ARMBAR DDT! FUJIWARA!! Robyn taps, Deonna wins!
Winner: Deonna Purrazzo, by submission
Deonna didn’t even need Venus De Milo, but then she puts that on Robyn anyway!! The ref reprimands, the fans boo, but Deonna makes Robyn suffer in Rosa’s place! But wait, here comes Thunder Rosa!! La Mera Mera rushes the ring, but Deonna runs away! So when does the part about regretting to mess with a Jersey girl come in? Rosa checks Robyn, and Deonna slithers back in! Deonna CLOBBERS Rosa from behind! Oh so that’s the part about Jersey? Rosa gets up, though, and Deonna retreats again. Rosa runs Deonna down and grabs her by the hair! Rosa drags Deonna back to the ring to RAM her into the apron!
The fans fire up as Rosa tells Deonna to fight her now! Rosa puts Deonna in, Deonna rolls out of the ring and runs into the crowd! The fans boo as Deonna flees into the night. When and where will Deonna have to give Rosa this fight?
Scorpio Sky speaks.
“I have done things people dream about. I’ve made money, faced legends, won championship after championship after championship. And you might not wanna hear this, but that was easy. And that doesn’t mean I don’t relate. I understand a normal person put in my position would fail. Because since time began, when people wanted to see a star, they’d look up at the Sky. And all that does is put me in the perfect place to reach down and lift you all up here with me. So to all the fans around the world, I’m coming back. And I’m here for you.” But will this comeback finally be the time Scorpio Sky reaches the top of the mountain?
Backstage interview with Sonjay Dutt.
Lexy Nair says Sonjay asked for this time, what is on his mind? Sonjay says first off, he sure doesn’t need Lexy here so hit the bricks. Skedaddle, peace, see ya. Lexy sighs and leaves, and Sonjay says this is for Bryan Danielson. The Elite have put a price out on Bryan’s head, and Sonjay just got off the phone with them, they have worked out quite the deal. Bryan says he’ll be on Dynamite, and so is Sonjay. But no, Sonjay isn’t the one that’ll take him out once and for all. This Wednesday, it will be The American Dragon VS… The Indian Giant! Yeah, that’s right! The one in a billion, Satnam Singh!
And y’know what? Dragon meat is expensive, so hopefully he goes well with a little chicken masala. This Wednesday, it will be one hell of a cookout! Sonjay laughs to himself, but will Bryan be the one with the last laugh after taking on this giant roadblock?
PROGRAMMING NOTE for Rampage next week!
Yes, Rampage returns to Friday nights next week, BUT at a special time of 6:30 Eastern, 3:30 Pacific! Make sure your DVRs know so you don’t miss this special Double or Nothing weekend edition!
Brian Cage VS Anthony Bowens w/ The Acclaimed!
The Machine turned on Swerve and then got beat by Swerve, crossing him off the list of top contenders. But will he reboot and head for other title opportunities? Or will The Acclaimed prove they can get it done in any division?
As always, Platinum Max has a diss track! “I heard Brian Cage got captain plans. We leave you bleeding so hard, you got menstrual cramps! Damn you are ugly, lookin’ pathetic. You are so small, get off the Ozempic! When did Brian Cage stop lifting weights? Beat him so bad, whip his ass into shape! Run you outta town just like Daim, because in Portland, Everybody Loves The Acclaimed!” Bowens then says, “PORTLAAAAND~! The Acclaimed have arrived! Scissor me, Daddy Ass~!” And he does~! The fans are fired up, but will Cage get his stuff in in response?
The bell rings and the fans sing “OH~ Scissor Me, Daddy~!” Cage and Bowens circle, tie up, and Cage shoves Bowens away! Cage flexes, fans are torn, and Cage says to scissor that. Bowens has Cage hold on, and then Bowens flexes. The fans cheer for Bowens, and he does scissor that! Cage runs up, Bowens gets around, then CHOPS! And CHOPS! Cage TOSSES Bowens to a corner, takes a swing, but Bowens dodges! Bowens CHOPS and CHOPS, but Cage shoves Bowens away. Cage runs up, Bowens gets under and kicks low. Bowens whips, Cage reverses, but Bowens goes up and over. Bowens hurdles, headlocks, but Cage powers out.
Bowens hurdles, slips around the lariat and DDTS! Cover, ONE!! Cage is tougher than that but the fans fire up behind Bowens. Bowens gets Cage up but Cage SPINEBUSTERS him! Cage says no more scissors! Cage storms up to RAM into Bowens! And RAM in again! And then CHOP! The fans “WOO~!” while Cage stalks Bowens. Cage bumps Bowens off buckles, then says one more time! NOT! Cage trolls the fans, whips Bowens, then runs up to UPPERCUT! LARIAT! SAIDO! Cage asks who betta but the fans are torn. Cage storms over to Bowens, drags him up, and ROCKS him with a forearm. Cage CHOPS, ROCKS Bowens again, then CHOPS again.
The ref counts, Cage whips corner to corner, then runs up. Bowens dodges the splash, blocks the kick, CLUBS the knee then KNEE JAMMERS into a DRAGON SCREW! Cage writhes and flounders to the apron while Bowens catches his breath. Bowens storms up, brings Cage up, but Cage swings! Bowens ducks, feints, then kicks the legs out! Cage hits apron on the way down, and Bowens aims. Bowens slingshots but Cage moves, so Bowens just goes to the apron. But Cage blocks the Penalty Kick to bring Bowens down, POST BOMB!! Cage gloats, then leaves Bowens behind, while Rampage goes picture in picture.
Bowens writhes, Cage goes back out to drag him up, and RAMS him into barriers! Cage brings Bowens around, SMACKS him off the apron, then drags him up again. Cage whips Bowens hard into steel steps! Bowens falls over in a heap, Cage flexes, then Cage refreshes the ring count. Cage drags Bowens up but Bowens pushes him away. Cage BOOTS Bowens down, then brings him up for an APRON BACK SUPLEX! Cage gloats some more, steps into the ring, and storms up on Bowens. Bowens kicks low, throws hands, but Cage JUMP KNEES! Cage digs his boots into Bowens at the ropes, lets off, and Bowens sputters.
Cage CHOKES Bowens again, the ref counts, and Cage lets off again. Cage drags Bowens up, scoops and uses him for bicep curls! Cage then TOSSES Bowens away! Cage swaggers around, flexes, and covers, TWO! Bowens KICKS Cage from below! And kicks him again! Cage KICKS Bowens, whips him to ropes, then CLOBBERS Bowens! Cage clamps onto Bowens with a chinlock and grinds him down! Bowens endures, Cage grinds him into the mat, but the fans rally up. Bowens fights up to his feet, throws body shots, but Cage KNEES him away. Cage wags his finger, gloats a bit more, then runs corner to corner to forearm smash!
Cage soaks up more cheers and jeers as Rampage returns to single picture. Cage run sin, but Bowens BOOTS him! And BOOTS again! Bowens goes up, leaps, but Cage catches him! Cage suplexes, but Bowens cradle counters! TWO!! Cage escapes but Bowens ducks the discus! Bowens hobbles but he still ROCKS Cage, throws more hands, but Cage SOBATS! KICKS! Cage runs, Bowens follows. Cage dodges, Bowens redirects and spins Cage for Rock, Paper, Scissors, SUPERKICK! The fans fire up with Bowens! Bowens mule kicks, front kicks, runs and FAMOUSERS! Cover, TWO!! Cage survives and Bowens can’t believe it!
The fans rally up and Bowens rises. Bowens waits on Cage, runs up to clinch, but Cage fires elbows! Cage waistlocks, full nelsons and SLAMS Bowens down! Cover, TWO! Cage is frustrated, but he wants Bowens to get up. Cage runs up, Bowens moves aside to KICK Cage in the ropes! Then DRAPING APRON DDT!! Both men are down but the fans fire up! Bowens rises, drags Cage up, and fireman’s carries! Cage fights that to POST Bowens! And ENZIGIRI! Bowens flops around the corner, Cage brings him up from inside! DEADLIFT SUPERPLEX!! Cover, TWO!!! Bowens is still in this and Cage is beside himself!
Cage starts up Terminator drums, the fans join in, and he drags Bowens up. Cage pump handles and lifts, but Bowens slips free of the driver! Bowens runs but Cage ducks the kick to roll Bowens up! Bowens rolls through, and he ducks the discus! The SOUTHPAW hits! Cage reels Bowens in, suplexes, DRILL- NO, Bowens slips free to ROLLING ELBOW! And SUPERKICK! Cage falls, Bowens runs to SHINING WIZARD! Cover, TWO!! Cage survives but the fans fire up! Bowens huffs and puffs and fires back up! Bowens waits on Cage, fireman’s carries, but the bad leg stops him! Cage shoves Bowens at the ref!
Cage runs up, Bowens sends him at the ref! Bowens waistlocks but Cage LOW BLOWS!! The fans boo but Cage reels Bowens in! DRILL CLAW!!! Cover, Cage wins!!
Winner: Brian Cage, by pinfall
Bowens may be an excellent former Tag & Trios Champion, but sadly he isn’t at the level needed as a singles guy. Will The Acclaimed have to regroup and focus on going after The Elite? Will The Machine be granted golden opportunities by said Elite?
My Thoughts:
A very good Rampage to once again follow up Collision, but I’m relieved that next week is going to be a partial return to normal schedule. Because as great as the matches here were, they just felt thrown together to tangentially tell stories. For example, Kyle VS Lee was a great match but Kyle has beef with The House of Black but they didn’t want Kyle getting one over on Buddy or Brody before facing Malakai next Wednesday. Shane Taylor Promotions deserves a touch better than being fed to the bigger stories, but maybe they come around as a trio after Double or Nothing to face like Bang Bang Gang or something.
And even our main event was an example of this. Great promo from Acclaimed, great rap from Caster as usual, but also a good choice for Cage to still win out. Cage has done singles champ stuff, is going to be the singles champ guy in whatever the former Mogul Embassy becomes after this, or even just a singles guy all on his own. Rush of course squashes his opponent tonight but him going after Chhun after was a good touch. At the same time, I kinda wanted the ref to reverse the decision and disqualify Rush after the match, throwing him into a worse rage and beating up on Chhun more. And again, why no La Faccion Ingobernable? Donde esta Dralistico, Preston Vance y Jose?
Good match from Deonna VS Robyn but of course Deonna won. Rosa going after Deonna and Deonna running away was not what I was expecting, it’s rather disappointing, and why not just give us their rematch with escalated stipulations already? Deonna VS Rosa in a Last Woman Standing maybe? Iron Woman Match so that it goes right to half an hour? Something cool like that would really show Tony Khan finally wants to do more with the Women’s Division after promising it like two or three times already.
And very good promos from Bryan and Sonjay Dutt to set up Bryan VS Satnam. I would think Bryan wins, but there’s a good chance Team Triple J goes after him post match anyway. As I just said in the Collision article, Anarchy in the Arena being No Disqualifications of the highest level, we could actually get way more than just the eight men advertised as the roster starts choosing sides, a very Avengers Civil War/Endgame type situation.
My Score: 8.6/10
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