Coverage
Mitchell’s NJPW Dominion Results & Report! (6/9/24)
Who makes NJPW their Dominion?
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Time to see who is truly the best of the best!
While Jon Moxley defends his IWGP World Heavyweight Championship, El Desperado and Taiji Ishimori battle to prove who is the Best of the Super Juniors!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Tetsuya Naito VS Callum Newman; Naito wins.
- Six Man Tag: TMDK VS LJ Cleary & Bullet Club War Dogs; TMDK wins.
- KOPW Championship Storm Catch Rules Match: Yuya Uemura VS Great-O-Khan; Khan wins and becomes the new KOPW Champion.
- NEVER Openweight Six Man Tag Team Championships: Hiroshi Tanahashi, Toru Yano & Boltin Oleg VS Los Ingobernables de Japon; LIJ wins and becomes the new NEVER Openweight Six Man Tag Team Champions.
- NJPW World Television Championship: Jeff Cobb VS Tomohiro Ishii; Cobb wins and retains the title.
- NJPW Strong Openweight & IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Championships Tornado Elimination Fatal 4, Winners Take All: El Phantasmo & Hikuleo VS KENTA & Chase Owens VS Bishamon VS TMDK; TMDK wins and are the Undisputed NJPW Tag Team Champions.
- NEVER Openweight Championship: Shingo Takagi VS HENARE; Double TKO Draw, Takagi retains the title.
- IWGP World Heavyweight Championship Lumberjack Match: Jon Moxley VS EVIL; Moxley wins and retains the title.
- Best of the Super Juniors 31 Finals: El Desperado VS Taiji Ishimori; Desperado wins and will challenge for the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship.
PLAY BY PLAY
KOPW 2024 Storm Catch Rules Match: Yuya Uemura VS Great-O-Khan!
Both men wanted to do this with wrestling tradition in mind, and it was the Heat Storm’s ruleset that was chosen by the fans! NO strikes allowed, grapples and throws only; both men only get TWO ropebreaks/ring exits, strike three and you’re out; and perhaps most important of all, a 15 MINUTE time limit! Who will be swift as lightning and weather the Storm Catch Rules?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who masters the cerulean blue!
The bell rings and the two rush in! Yuya gets the body scissors and takedown into the double wristlock! Khan fights around, Yuya focuses on the arm, then drags Khan up to a BIG back suplex! Cover, TWO! ARMBAR! The fans fire up as Khan endures and kicks around! Khan reaches out to clasp hands, but Yuya breaks that grip! Khan fights around still, but Yuya keeps him grounded! Khan scrambles, reaches out with a foot, ROPEBREAK! The ref counts, that is Khan’s first, and Yuya fires himself up. The fans rally, Yuya wrenches Khan to a wristlock, then wrenches again. Yuya clamps onto an arm, but Khan BITES!
The ref reprimands but Khan does find a loophole around no striking. Khan lets off, Yuya goes to ropes, and Khan storms up to bring him away. Khan wants the head ‘n’ arm triangle but Yuya fights it! Yuya hits a takedown, but Khan holds on tight! Yuya flails, reaches out, even as Khan leans all his weight on the hold! Yuya still finds the ROPEBREAK! Khan lets go and now both men are even. Khan drags Yuya from ropes, and wants the IRON CLAW SLEEPER! Yuya fights it, fights to his feet, and reaches back to jump and flying-mare! The fans cheer as Yuya gets free! Both men slowly rise and Khan storms up on Yuya.
Khan drags Yuya up to whip, but Yuya reverses to SAYANAGI! Yuya steps through to SNAP LOCK the arm! The fans rally while both men are down, Khan clutching that arm. Yuya hurries to grab the arm, to GROUND SCREW it! Yuya then gets Khan up, hammerlocks that arm, and slips through to scoop! Yuya SLAMS Khan onto his bad arm! Cover, TWO! Khan stays in this and the fans rally up again. Yuya keeps cool as he brings Khan back up. Khan fights the clinch, then he BITES Yuya’s forehead! The ref reprimands but Khan throws Yuya down by his hair! Khan storms back over to Yuya, drags him up, and clamps onto an arm.
Yuya endures and fights the hip toss. Yuya BITES Khan’s ear! Yuya uses Khan’s loophole against him! The fans fire up as Khan and Yuya stare down. They RAM shoulders again and again, then clinch. They fight for control, Yuya facelocks but Khan goes for a leg. Yuya flips free, clinches with Khan again, and then Khan slips through to hit a JUDO HIP TOSS! The fans fire up with Khan and he covers, but Yuya makes it a ghost pin! TWO!! Khan escapes, the fans fire up, and Khan runs into Yuya for another clinch. They fight for control, Yuya THROWS Khan up and out! Khan tumbles to the floor, and this ends up counting as his second escape!
The fans rally as Yuya has outmaneuvered Khan on that one. The ring count starts, Khan is down at 6 of 20. Khan slowly sits up at 12, the fans rally, and Yuya eggs Khan on! Khan rises at 16, hobbles his way over, and slides in at 18! Yuya storms over to him, brings him up, and wrenches to an ELBOW BREAKER! And then another wrench, but Khan powers Yuya to an arm-drag! Yuya comes back, they clinch again, and Khan wants the head ‘n’ arm! But then he clinches for an URENAGE! Cover, TWO! Yuya is still in this but Khan clamps onto him again! Another head ‘n’ arm but at a different angle! Yuya is fading!
The fans rally as the ref checks! Yuya’s arm drops once! The arm drops twice! But Yuya gets his second wind! Yuya fights up, but into the IRON CLAW SLEEPER! Ripcord and ELIM- NO! ARMBAR TAKEDOWN! Yuya has Khan down but Khan fights and flails! But if he uses the ropebreak, he forfeits!! Khan realizes that, and he’s stuck! Khan kicks and flails, powers up, but Yuya pulls on the arm! The fans rally as hard as they can, Khan bridges and kicks around, to a stack! TWO!! Yuya lets go in time, then arm-drags into the cording hold! Yuya drags Khan up but Khan fights the second cording hold!
Yuya still brings Khan up, but Khan THROWS Yuya away! Khan roars and we pass 10 minutes! The Monster Rage boils up, Khan drags Yuya up and he has the fans with him! But Yuya clamps onto the arm! Khan slips around, IRON CLAW SUPLEX! Khan then clamps back on with both hands! EVOLVED ELIMINATOR!! Cover, KHAN WINS!!
Winner: Great-O-Khan, by pinfall (NEW KOPW Champion)
The Heat Storm could not win his own game, and now The Dominator is back on top! Will Khan continue his mission to “unify the fiefdoms” of NJPW?
NEVER Openweight Six Man Tag Team Championships: Hiroshi Tanahashi, Toru Yano & Boltin Oleg VS Los Ingobernables de Japon!
The Ace, The Joker & The Rook have been rockin’ ‘n’ rollin’ since Wrestling World in Taiwan, but they’re about to run into some serious rabblerousers! Will Bushi, Hiromu Takahashi & Yota Tsuji make the NEVER Six Man Division tranquilo? Or will Tanahashi, Yano & Oleg still be the top dogs?
And speaking of rabblerousers, Tanahashi, Yano & Oleg bring out the Yankee style gear! The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we see who are truly the baddest of the bad boys!
The trios sort out, Yota starts for LIJ, and he calls out President Ace! Tanahashi accepts and the fans fire up with the bell. The fans rally behind Tanahashi as he circles with Yota. Then the “YO~TA! YO~TA!” comes out strong. The two tie up, break, then circle again. They tie back up, break again, then get face to face. Yota grins, backs away, and tags in Bushi. Tanahashi backs away and he tags in Yano. The fans cheer as Yano goes right for a buckle pad! Bushi lets him do it, but then Hiromu steps in! He and Bushi both tell Yano to put the buckle pad down! Yano says fine and he throws the pad away, only for Bushi & Hiromu to both kick low!
Bushi & Hiromu double whip, but Yano holds ropes and taunts them both. Hiromu runs up, but Yano sends him into Bushi! Then Yano SMACKS them both! Yano runs, but into a kijck, dropkick and basement dropkick! Bushi & Hiromy BLAST Tanahashi & Oleg, then Bushi stomps Yano. Bushi stomps Yano to the LIJ corner, stands him up, then wrenches and YANKS an arm. Bushi grinds that arm, CLUBS it, then YANKS it again! Bushi tags Yota and Yota takes the handoff to wrench and wrench and wrench again. Tag to Hiromu and he goes up. The fans rally, and Hiromu jumps to AX HANDLE the arm!
Hiromu mockingly apologizes, then he gets Yano up. Hiromu whips Yano to a corner, clotheslines, snapmares, and basement dropkicks! The fans rally, Yota coordinates with Hiromu, scoop and SPLASH! Cover, TWO! The fans rally as Yano stays in this but Hiromu drags him up. Yano breaks free and pulls hair! Hiromu kicks low, whips, but Yano reverses! Hiromu stops from hitting buckles, and uses Yano’s taunt against him! Yano runs up, but Hiromu sends him into the bare buckles! Hiromu says he’s too smart, but then he runs into an atomic drop! Maybe not then… The fans rally up as both men crawl, hot tags to Oleg and Yota!
Oleg CLOBBERS Yota! And he CLOBBERS Bushi! Oleg runs to SPLASH on Yota! Cover, TWO! The fans rally for big bad Bolten as he gut wrenches for Shake, Rattle and THROW! The fans fire up but Bushi & Hiromu attack! They reel Oleg in, but Oleg DOUBLE SUPLEXES them instead! The fans fire up more, but Yota kicks Oleg and reels him in. But Oleg suplexes first! Oleg storms around while Yota goes to a corner. Oleg runs in, but he blocks a boot! Yota tries to reel Oleg in but Oleg blocks that! Oleg CHOPS, fireman’s carries, and KAMI- NO, Yota slips free to clinch! BACKBREAKER! COMPLETE SHOT! STOMP!
The fans fire up again as Yota gets Oleg up. Yota suplexes for the ORANGE CRUSH! Cover, TWO! Oleg survives and the fans fire up. Yota drags Oleg back up, fireman’s carries, but Oleg fights free! Yota ROCKS Oleg, but Oleg ROCKS Yota! They go back and forth with big forearms and Oleg gets the edge! Yota ROCKS Oleg! Oleg DROPKICKS! The fans fire up and Oleg crawls, hot tag to Tanahashi! The Ace hurries in, runs and CLOBBERS Yota! Tanahashi BLASTS Hiromu & Bushi off the corner! The fans fire up more and Tanahashi fires fast hands on Yota! Tanahashi scoops Yota to SLAM him down!
The fans cheer as Tanahashi goes up, for the SUNSET SENTON! Cover, Hiromu breaks it! Yano kicks Hiromu and TOSSES him out! Tanahashi stays focused on Yota, runs and SLING- JUMP KNEE! SUPERKICK! HEAD- SHOTEI! Yota still HEADBUTTS!! The fans are thunderous as Yota looms over Tanahashi! Yota powers up and he aims from the corner! But Yano anchors Yota’s legs! Yota kicks Yano away, but Tanahashi runs up to SLINGBLADE! Bushi & Hiromu run in, but Bolten CLOBBERS them both! Tanahashi goes up, for the HIGH FLY FLOP as Yota moves! GENE BLASTER!! Cover, LIJ WINS!!
Winners: Los Ingobernables de Japon, by pinfall (NEW NEVER Openweight Six Man Tag Team Champions)
Hiromu is the most excited about this victory! Yota just took down President Ace! Oleg shows respect to the winners, but promises that they’ll do this again soon. Will LIJ make things tranquilo then as they did here tonight?
NJPW World Television Championship: Jeff Cobb VS Tomohiro Ishii!
The Imperial Unit proved that the third time is the charm when he finally took this title from Zack Sabre Jr. However, he had little time to celebrate as The Stone Pitbull came barking at his door. Will Ishii prove that he has speed to go with all that strength? Or will he be taking a Tour of the Islands in 15 minutes or less?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see how fast these tanks can move!
The bell rings, these two run in and RAM! And RAM! And RAM again! Ishii runs, RAMS Cobb, but then Cobb runs to RAM Ishii! Ishii fires a forearm, runs, but Cobb runs him over! The fans fire up while Ishii stands back up. Ishii fires forearms, runs, but Cobb drops down, hurdles, then CROSSBODIES! The fans fire up again, and Cobb storms back up on Ishii. Cobb stomps Ishii, stands on him, and uses him to surf! Crowns up! Cobb then steps off, eggs Ishii on, and stands him up. Cobb whips Ishii to a corner, Ishii comes back to RAM him! Cobb ROCKS Ishii, whips, but Ishii runs Cobb over! The fans fire up while Ishii steadies himself.
Ishii storms up on Cobb, brings him up and reels him in, but Cobb fights the suplex! The fans rally and Ishii still tries, but Cobb suplexes first! Ishii slips out, shoves Cobb, but Cobb runs him over! The fans rally more as Cobb paces around. Cobb says “You Can’t See Me!” then drags Ishii up. Ishii CHOPS, and CHOPS, and CHOPS but Cobb isn’t bothered! So Ishii CHOPS, forearms, and repeat! Cobb blocks one, spins Ishii, but Ishii waistlocks. Cobb elbows free but Ishii half nelsons. Cobb switches, shoves Ishii to a corner, and runs in to UPPERCUT Ishii down! The fans rally up again as Cobb rises.
The ref checks Ishii, did that shot knock him out? Ishii stirs, the fans rally up behind him, but Cobb looms over Ishii. Cobb scuffs Ishii, eggs him on, and Ishii stands up. Cobb pie faces Ishii, Ishii backs Cobb down, but Cobb fires a forearm! And another! And another! Ishii just ROCKS Cobb in return! Then Ishii suplexes Cobb up and holds him, before a SLAM! The fans are all fired up now! Ishii runs, Cobb stands, but Cobb swats the lariat! Cobb ROCKS Ishii, whips, but Ishii avoids the dropkick! Cobb avoids the sliding lariat! Ishii blocks the superkick, ducks an elbow, but Cobb switches to GERMAN SUPLEX!
Ishii tries to rise right up but has to sit back down! The ref checks him, maybe Ishii got a stinger there. Cobb storms over, brings Ishii up, and puts him on the top rope. Cobb fires forearms, climbs up, and he brings Ishii to the top! Stalling SUPERPLEX!! The fans fire up again as Ishii writhes. But then Ishii pounds the mat, and roars to his feet! Ishii SWATS Cobb’s lariat, then GERMAN SUPLEXES Cobb! Both behemoths are down and the fans fire up again! Cobb rises, Ishii goes to a corner. Ishii headbutts the corner to fire up! Ishii runs in, gets around Cobb, and SAIDOS! Then Ishii rises again and the fans fire up more!
Ishii runs, Cobb stands, but Cobb clinches! OVERHEAD BELLY2BELLY! Ishii still rises!? LARIAT, but Cobb stays up, to LARIAT!! Cover, TWO!! Ishii survives and the fans are thunderous! Cobb shakes his head, drags Ishii up, but Ishii fires boxing elbows! Cobb wobbles, but he HEADBUTTS Ishii right down! Cobb GACHIMUCHI MOONSAULTS! Cover, TWO!! Ishii survives again and again the fans are thunderous! Cobb storms back up, he drags Ishii to his feet, then whips him to ropes. Ishii LARIATS first! Cobb wobbles, Ishii ENZIGIRIS! Cobb still staggers, but he comes back, into a LARIAT! Cover, ONE?!?!
The fans are electric as Cobb shocks Ishii! Ishii runs back in, but into an URENAGE! FALLING HAMMER! Cover, ONE!?!? Now Ishii shocks Cobb! Ishii rises to his feet, blocks a superkick, and he DECKS Cobb! Ishii falls back while the ref checks, and somehow Cobb is still in this! The fans rally as hard as they can as Ishii rises. Ishii roars, storms up on Cobb, and sits Cobb up. Ishii runs to SLIDING LARIAT! Cover, TWO!! Cobb stays in this but Ishii roars again! Ishii drags Cobb up, reels him in, but Cobb suplexes first! Ishii fights that, wrenches and short arm lariats, but into a fireman’s carry! F- NO, Ishii slips free to suplex!
Cobb fights free, but Ishii HEADBUTTS! And RISING HEADBUTTS! But Cobb DROPKICKS him down!! We pass 10 minutes, time is on Cobb’s side! Cobb still drags Ishii up, brings him around to fireman’s carry, and F 5 THOUSAND!! Cover, TWO!!! Ishii survives, but Cobb hurries to haul him up! Ripcord and- LARIAT from Ishii! JAB from Cobb! HEADBUTT from Ishii! SUPERKICK from Cobb! Ishii runs in, into an ATHLETIC PLEX! Cobb hurries to get Ishii up, TOUR OF- NO, Ishii slips free to HEADBUTT! Ishii runs up, but into a POP-UP- RANA?! Is this really Ishii!? LARIAT!!! Cover, TWO!!! Cobb survives and shocks everyone!
The fans are electric again and Ishii roars! Ishii drags Cobb up, reels him in, suplexes, but Cobb fights free! POP-UP TOUR OF THE ISLANDS!! Cover, COBB WINS!
Winner: Jeff Cobb, by pinfall (still NJPW World Television Champion)
At just under 12 minutes, Cobb conquers the Stone Pitbull! Already this “fifth season” is the biggest just on that, will the Imperial Unit only make it bigger and better from here?
NJPW announces the G1 Climax 34 format!
This year, it will be twenty men total, 10 per block, for a leaner, meaner round robin. New Japan Soul, coming up in just a couple weeks, will begin some of the preliminaries, and then things will really heat up from July 20th through August 14th! And then from August 15th on, there will be a special semifinal playoff of sorts! The TOP seeds of both blocks get a bye, while the second seeds face the third seeds! In other words, A1 and B1 get to rest up and watch A2 VS A3 and B2 VS B3. Then August 17th sees the top seeds take on the wild card winners, and August 18th will be THE G1 Climax finals, the very best of A Block taking on the very best of B Block!
And of course, as always, the winner of the G1 Climax will have the Right to Challenge for the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship at WrestleKingdom, which will this year be ONE NIGHT on January 4th, 2025! Who survives the Summer heat to ring in the New Year the best way possible?
NJPW Strong Openweight & IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Championships Tornado Elimination Fatal 4, Winners Take All: El Phantasmo & Hikuleo VS KENTA & Chase Owens VS Bishamon VS TMDK!
This is a truly massive match, both in terms of quantity, and what it means historically! Once again, we will see these two titles come together, but the bar has been raised significantly! The Headbanga & Young Guerilla just took their belts back from Shane Haste & Mikey Nicholls while Bullet Club has gone back and forth with Hirooki Goto & Yoshi-Hashi. This will be big, this will be brutal, this will be chaotic, and in the end, there can only be one! Which team will reign supreme over all of NJPW?
A lot of introductions are made, both sets of belts are raised, and it’s time to see who is truly the best team today!
The bell rings and all eight men are wary of each other. But then everyone else looks at Kenta & Chase! Chase & Kenta bail out, Bishamon pursues and they brawl! TMDK goes after ELP & Leo, Goto sends Chase into railing, Hashi does the same to Kenta. Leo gets TMDK by the neck, but Shane & Mikey both break free. ELP BOOTS Shane, BOOTS Mikey, then runs, but into a double trophy lift! But ELP fights to double facelock! TMDK double suplexes but Leo makes the save! Mikey fiers off on both men, runs, but ELP hurdles and Leo DDTS! Shane kicks and whips ELP but ELP reverses. Leo SPLASHES, ELP clotheslines, then feed to teh SIDEWALK SLAM!
ELP goes up, FALLING AX HANDLE! TMDK bails out, ELP high-fives Leo. But then Bishamon attacks! Goto CLUBS ELP down, Hashi DUMPS Leo to the apron. Hashi dropkicks Leo down,. Goto fires off on ELP. Bishamon double whips ELP to run him over! Then ZANMAI! But then TMDK attacks Bishamon! Shane stomps Hashi, Goto fires forearms on Mikey! Mikey gets around, feeds Goto to Shane’s UPPERCUT, and they BACK SUPLEX NECKBREAKER! Hashi storms up but TMDK strikes first. Mikey CHOPS, whips, and TMDK DOUBLE ELBOWS Hashi down! Then FIST DROP MOONSAULT COMBO!
But then Kenta & Chase TOSS TMDK out! Bullet club stomps Hashi, Chase covers, TWO! Kenta knocks Leo down, Chase does the same to ELP and Kenta covers Hashi, TWO! Chase drags Hashi up, whips and forearm smashes. Chase short arm LARIATS, BOOTS Shane down, then covers Hashi, TWO! Kenta intercepts ELP, he and Chase mug The Headbanga, then whip him to a corner. Forearm smash, BOOT, and then snapmare into the SHINING WIZARD! Kenta is on defense as Chase covers, TWO! Kenta CLAWS ELP’s eyes! The ref reprimands, Kenta lets off, and he stomps ELP down.
Chase drags ELP up to headlock punch! Kenta and Chase mug ELP but ELP fires back with forearms and CHOPS! Chase & Kenta mug ELP, double whip to double scoop, POWERBOMB NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Kenta kicks Mikey off the apron, Chase BLASTS Leo! Kenta DECKS ELP, Chase kicks him around, and they drag ELP up again. They double whip ELP, ELP ducks under and Leo DOUBLE LARIATS! The fans rally as Leo UPPERCUTS Hashi. Goto dodges Leo’s lariat but not the BOOT! Mikey kicks and fires forearms, but Leo blocks! Leo whips Mikey to a corner, Mikey BOOTS back! Leo ELBOWS Mikey down!
Leo runs to BIG ELBOW DROP! The fans fire up, but Shane LARIATS Leo! Leo stay sup so Shane fires up! Leo CHOPS Shane down! ELP calls to Leo and Leo gets Shane up. Leo scoops Shane, ELP climbs the ropes. POWERSLAM and SWANTON BOMB! ELP keeps going, LIONSAULT! High five with Leo, and Leo helps ELP go up and up and TOP ROPE MOONSAULT onto everyone else! The fans fire up and ELP hobbles back to the ring. ELP & Leo aim at Shane and the fans clap along. SUDDEN DEATH into the choke grip! GOD- NO, Mikey drags ELP out and Shane DDTS Leo down! The fans rally as Shane calls to Mikey.
ELP returns but Shane BOOTS him first. Shane UPPERCUTS ELP, swings, but ELP dodges and Leo UPPERCUTS! ELP aims, but Shane ducks! SUDDEN DEATH hits Leo! Mikey LARIATS ELP! Mikey drags Leo up, scoops him, and Shane runs up, TANK BUSTER!! Cover, TMDK ELIMINATES ELP & Leo!! ELP & Leo will NOT be keeping their NJPW Strong titles! TMDK talks trash as ELP & Leo make their way out, and Bullet Club sneaks up! They both roll up Shane & Mikey, TWO!! Chase stomps Mikey, Kenta stomps Shane! They CHOKE both men in the corners, but the ref reprimands. Bullet Club lets off but for only a moment.
The ref gets insistent, and Bullet Club finally stops choking TMDK and shift to chinlocks. Chase throat chops Mikey, and Shane fights back against Kenta. We also see Leo is very upset. ELP apologizes but Leo storms off without him. Is this the end of Guerillas of Destiny in NJPW? Bullet Club beats TMDK down again, and Kenta KICKS Shane! Shane eggs Kenta on, so Kenta KICKS again! Shane fires up more, so Kenta CLAWS his eyes! The ref reprimands, Kenta lets off, and Bullet Club gets Shane up. Shane CHOPS and ROCKS them, then runs, but into a mule kick and DDT! Then they whip Mikey corner to corner.
Chase runs up to forearm smash! Chase sits Mikey down, BOOTS Shane, and Kenta DROPKICKS Mikey! Kenta climbs, aims, and DIVING DOUBLE STOMPS! Chase intercepts Hashi, DEATH VALLEY to PENALTY KICK! Goto returns but he gets mugged! Bullet Club mocks Bishamon’s “SE~ NO!” And they HAMMER Goto down! The fans boo but Bullet Club soaks up the heat. Chase drags Goto up, whips him to a corner, then runs in. Goto dodges Chase to CLOBBER Kenta! Goto runs up on Chase but gets a BUCKLE SHOT! Chase throws Goto down to SENTON! Chase slashes his throat, drags Goto up, but Goto fights the package driver!
Goto back drops Chase away, runs back up, and DOUBLE LARIATS collide! Neither man falls so they DOUBLE LARIAT again! Chase roars, runs, but Goto follows! Only for Chase to ENZIGIRI! Chase runs up to C- NO! Gotro blocks the knee, Hashi SUPERKICKS! Hashi reels Chase in, Goto helps out, HEAD BUSTER! Then they get Kenta for the FIERCE FLASH onto Chase! Then Bishamon gets Chase up and in position, for SHOTO!! Cover, Bishamon ELIMINATES Bullet Club!! Kenta & Chase have now lost their titles! One way or another, the undisputed champions will be new champions!
The fans rally up as Bishamon stares down with TMDK. They all talk some smack, go foreheads to foreheads, then go forearms for forearms! Mikey TOSSES Hashi, Goto ROCKS Shane, but Shane ROCKS Goto! Hashi whips Mikey into railing! Goto and Shane go back and forth, Shane wobbles, but he comes back with UPPERCUT after UPPERCUT! Shane whips, runs in, but Goto dodges! Goto runs in to hit MURAMASA! Then SAIDO! Cover, TWO! The fans fire up as Goto rises, and he brings Shane around. Goto fireman’s carries, but Shane fights free! Shane waistlocks but Goto backs him into a corner. Hashi runs in to clothesline Shane!
Hashi snapmares Shane and Goto goes up! The fans rally, Hashi brings Shane up, but Mikey attacks! Mikey sends Hashi into Goto, then gives Shane a boost! SUPERPLEX POWERBOMB COMBO!! Cover, Hashi breaks it! The fans fire up, and Mikey goes forehead to forehead with Hashi. They go forearm for forearm, but then Mikey CHOPS! Hashi CHOPS, Mikey SLAPS! Hashi fires forearm after forearm, but Mikey sends those back! Mikey fireman’s carries but Hashi fights free to ROCK, CHOP and DOUBLE CHOP! Shane UPPERCUTS Hashi! Mikey fireman’s carries, Hashi slips fere! SUPERKICK for Shane!
Hashi gets around Mikey, Goto runs up but Mikey ROCKS him first! Hashi gest around again and Goto BLINDSIDE LARIATS! Roll up, into the dragon sleeper! Hashi gets the legs, but Shane BOOTS Hashi down! Goto ROCKS Shane, Shane fires back! The fans rally as forearms go back and forth! Shane then fires UPPERCUT after UPPERCUT! ROLLING- HEADBUTT! Goto roars, the fans fire up, and Goto runs, but into a DROPKICK! The fans fire up, Shane calls to Mikey, and TMDK regroups. TMDK drags Goto up, scoops, but Goto slips free! Goto sends Mikey into Shane, then runs up, but into a clinch! URENAGE BOMB COMBO!! Cover, Hashi breaks it!
Mikey SLIDING LARIATS Hashi! The fans fire up as Shane drags Hashi up! URENAGE- NO, Hashi BOOTS Mikey, then fires elbows and CHOPS! But Mikey scoops! TANK BUSTER!!! Cover, TWO?!? Hashi survives and the fans are thunderous! Mikey drags Hashi up to scoop and Shane climbs! SUPER TANK BUSTER!!! Cover, TMDK WINS!!!
Winners: TMDK, by pinfall (UNDISPUTED NJPW Strong & IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Champions)
ZSJ, Robbie Eagles & Kosei Fujita are here to celebrate with their guys, because all the gold now belongs to the orange ‘n’ black! Will all of NJPW have to acknowledge that The Mighty Don’t Kneel?
NEVER Openweight Championship: Shingo Takagi VS HENARE!
Naito won to open the night, and Los Ingobernables de Japon took the NEVER Six Man titles earlier. However, the Rampaging Dragon is running right into the Face of Fury! Will Takagi help LIJ sweep the night? Or will Henare be anything but tranquilo?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who NEVER backs down!
The bell rings and the fans rally up as the two stare down. They approach, feel things out, and the fans duel between “TA-KA-GI!” and “HE-NA-RE!” The two tie up in a clinch, go around, and end up in a corner. The ref calls the break, Takagi lets go slowly, as does Henare. Takagi promises a clean break, but then CHOPS! Henare just frowns, so Takagi fires forearms. Henare leans into the shots, then gives a forearm! Takagi hits back, they go back and forth, faster and faster! The fans rally, Henare gets the edge, but Takagi fires back up! Henare fires another forearm, and another, but Takagi hits him back!
Takagi runs, RAMS Henare, but neither man falls! Henare ELBOW JABS, then runs! They RAM shoulders, Takagi DOUBLE CHOPS! Henare goes to a corner, Takagi runs up, blocks a boot, and clotheslines through! The fans fire up and Takagi JABS, CHOPS and repeat! Takagi JABS, JABS, JABS until his hand starts to hurt! Henare then puts Takagi in the corner to KICK, KICK and KICK! The ref counts, Henare runs, but Takagi RAMS him! They RAM shoulders again, and again, and Takagi staggers! Henare eggs him on so Takagi HEADBUTTS! Henare HEADBUTTS back! Henare eggs Takagi on so Takagi HEADBUTTS again!
Henare HEADBUTTS Takagi and Takagi staggers. Takagi comes back to HEADBUTT, but that’s proving double-edged! Henare HEADBUTTS Takagi, snapmares him, then KICKS him in the back! But Takagi eggs Henare on! Henare winds up to KICK Takagi in the back! Takagi writhes, Henare drags him up and runs, to PENALTY KICK! But Takagi’s right up to run Henare over! The fans fire up as both men are down. Takagi and Henare crawl towards each other, give junkyard dog headbutts, then stand to give HEADBUTT after HEADBUTT! Henare gets the edge, then JUMPING HEADBUTTS! Takagi staggers back to a corner!
The fans fire up, Henare runs up to SHINING- NO!, Takagi counters with a POWERBOMB! The fans fire up and Takagi runs up, SLIDING LARIAT! But Henare rolls to his feet for a SLIDING KNEE! Both men are down again and the fans fire back up. Henare snarls as he rises up, and he watches Takagi. Takagi stands, but he blocks the Rampage! Takagi fires knees, ELBOWS, JABS, feints the lariat to DDT! Henare staggers, Takagi runs up, but Henare RAMPAGES outta nowhere!! Both men are down again and the fans fire back up! Henare storms over to Takagi at the ropes, drags him up, and whips him to ropes.
Takagi stops himself, BOOTS Henare, then bobs ‘n’ weaves to ROCK him! Henare KICKS Takagi in the chest! Takagi staggers, but he comes back to CHOP! Henare growls and he comes back to KICK! Takagi seethes, then CHOPS! Henare KICKS, Takagi CHOPS, repeat! Henare drops to a knee and Takagi brings him up to LARIAT! Henare stays up, KICKS, but Takagi LARIATS! Henare KICKS again and Takagi drops to a knee! Takagi comes back to LARIAT! And LARIAT! And LARIAT! Henare just growls and KICKS, KICKS, and KICKS! The fans fire up with Henare but Takagi gets around to BLINDSIDE LARIAT!
Henare goes to a corner, Takagi runs up but into an ELBOW! FLYING CHUCK! Takagi rebounds to PUMPING BOMBER!! Both men are down and the fans are thunderous! Henare is in a daze while Takagi grits his teeth. Takagi rises and Henare goes to a corner. Takagi runs up to clothesline! Takagi runs, Henare ducks but runs into an ELBOW! JAB! YUKON LARIAT!! The fans fire up with Takagi’s “OI! OI! OI!” Takagi drags Henare up, pump handles, but Henare CLUBS Takagi. Takagi LARIATS back! Takagi CHOPS and CHOPS and CHOPS, then ELBOWS! Henare wobbles, Takagi pump handles!
Takagi lifts but Henare slips out of the torture rack! Takagi fights the full nelson so Henare torture racks! STREETS OF RAGE!! The fans are thunderous while both men are down again! Henare rises, drags Takagi up, but Takagi fights the suplex! Henare still tries but Takagi wrenches out. Takagi ROCKS Henare, Henare BACK ELBOWS Takagi! Henare brings his kneepad down, runs to the corner, SHINING WIZARD! Henare roars, the fans fire up, and Henare snapmares Takagi to run and PENALTY- NO! Takagi blocks! Henare fires off palm strike after palm strike, but Takagi hits LAST OF THE DRAGON outta nowhere!!
Both men are down again and the fans fire up! The fans rally and duel as both men stir. A standing count starts, reaches 5 of 10, but Takagi rises. Takagi grabs Henare’s hand and drags him up. Takagi winds up to LARIAT, but Henare stays up! Both men are a bit wobbly, but Takagi runs to LARIAT! Henare is still standing, so Takagi LARIATS again! Henare just fires up! Takagi fires boxing elbows over and over and over! Henare then bobs ‘n’ weaves to BODY SHOT! And HEEL KICK! Takagi PELES! Henare PENALTY KCIKS! Takagi is up, DOUBLE LARIATS collide! Both men are still up, so they start throwing SLAPS!
The fans fire up as the SLAPS go back and forth, faster and faster! Henare fires a flurry from all sides, then SLAPS! Takagi wobbles, but he DECKS Henare!! Takagi roars, hauls Henare up, but Henare HEADBUTTS! Takagi HEADBUTTS! DOUBLE HEADBUTTS collide!! Takagi JABS! Henare HEADBUTTS! PUMPING BOMBER?!? JUMP HEADBUTT!!! Both men are down again and the fans are thunderous! The standing count starts and the fans rally. Both men are down at 5 of 10, then 7! 8! 9! TEN!! DOUBLE COUNT OUT!!
Double TKO Draw, Takagi retains the NEVER Openweight Championship
Both men pushed each other so far that neither could rise above! Henare is a bit stunned, he was just starting to wake up at 10. But the rules are the rules, and Takagi survives Henare’s wrath. Will the Face of Fury be given another chance to slay the Rampaging Dragon?
IWGP World Heavyweight Championship Lumberjack Match: Jon Moxley VS EVIL!
The Maniac said himself that a Lumberjack match against The King of Darkness is no different than any other House of Torture match. But luckily, Moxley and Shota Umino were able to call upon the legends of NJPW Generation 3 for back-up! So now that the odds are even, will Moxley see justice served? Or will Darkness Fall on all of NJPW?
Hey, wait, what’s The House doing going over to NJPW & Bushiroad Director, Takaaki Kidani? Dick Togo & Sho stand him up, for Evil to spray paint! The fans boo while Yujiro and Kanemaru keep Young Lions from getting close, and Evil spray paints shirt, tie, blazer, even face and glasses! What disrespect for the boss of bosses! Evil tells Kidani that he better not ever talk about Evil again! Evil then mockingly tells Kidani to go home! There are some rogues in Osaka that seem to agree, but here comes Team Moxley! The Maniac leads the way for #SHOOTER, Tiger Mask, Yuji Nagata, Togi Makabe & Hiroyoshi Tenzan as they come in through the crowd!
Ren Narita runs up on Moxley but Moxley DECKS him! Yujiro tries but Moxley BOOTS him! Team Moxley storms up, Evil is there, and the brawl is on! The lumberjacks get at it, too! The ref wants the two main guys to get in the ring first, though! Moxley BITES Evil, CLUBS him, then stomps him. Moxley then whips Evil hard into railing! The fans fire up with Moxley but the ref insists we get in the ring already. Team Mox sends members of The House into railing, and Moxley puts Evil in the ring. The bell rings and it’s time to fight for the fate of NJPW!
Moxley fires forearms and CHOPS on Evil on repeat. Evil knees low, runs, but Moxley runs him over! The fans fire up and Evil bails out, but Moxley’s team throws him back in! Moxley turns Evil to NECKBREAKER! Moxley ELBOWS, KICKS and repeat! Moxley then runs to SLIDING LARIAT! Cover, TWO, but Moxley goes for the ARMBAR! Evil endures, clasps hands, but Moxley pries the hold open! Evil scrambles around, ROPEBREAK! Moxley lets go and the fans applaud. Moxley drags Evil up to ROCK and CHOP on repeat, then wrenches to an ELBOW BREAKER! Moxley double wristlocks but Evil has the ROPEBREAK!
The ref counts, Evil CLAWS Moxley’s eyes! The ref reprimands, Evil says shut it, then he TOSSES Moxley out! Moxley fights off the House and the fans cheer! Evil goes out but Moxley sends him into railing, right at English commentary! The fans fire up as Moxley brings Evil to No Man’s Land, then he takes a chair from commentary! Apologizes to Walker, but Moxley makes Evil take a seat, CLAWS Evil’s face, then throws down HAMMER ‘N’ ANVIL ELBOWS! The ref counts, Moxley lets off to run and BOOT Evil down! The fans fire up and Moxley brings Evil back to the ring. Evil runs up, but Moxley blocks to trip him!
Moxley steps through to the FIGURE FOUR! Evil endures, even as Moxley thrashes the hold. Evil crawls, reaches out, but Moxley pulls on the leg! Evil still fights, and grabs the ROPEBREAK! Moxley lets go, and drags Evil up to RAM him into a corner. Moxley climbs up to dig his knee into Evil’s face! The ref counts, Moxley lets off at 4, then he whips corner to corner. Moxley runs up, but Evil puts him on the apron! Moxley ROCKS Evil, ROCKS him again, but Evil CLAWS Moxley’s face! Evil BLASTS Moxley off the apron and he hits railing! Moxley tumbles onto a table, The House fetches him back into the ring.
Evil drags Moxley up to TOSS him back out, and then The House attacks! Team Moxley runs up to fight them off, and Moxley gets back in the ring. Evil trips up a Tiger Mask merch shirt, to then CHOKE Moxley with it! The lumberjacks protest but that distracts the ref. Evil CLAWS Moxley’s back, then CLAWS him again. Evil CHOPS Moxley but Moxley shouts at him! Evil smirks to CHOP again! Moxley eggs Evil on so Evil puts some stank on the eye claws! The fans boo, Evil TOSSES Moxley out, and The House beats Moxley down with all leather belts! They put Moxley in the ring, Evil stomps Moxley’s leg then drops an elbow.
Evil steps through, ties up the legs, and he mocks Nagata by putting on the INVERTED FIGURE FOUR! Moxley endures as Evil pulls on the leg! Moxley crawls, reaches out, ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer and the ref counts, Evil lets go at 4. Moxley hobbles away, Evil storms up on him in the corner. Evil CHOPS, then he hoists Moxley up top. Evil climbs up, brings Moxley up, but Moxley resists the lift! The fans rally as Moxley fights and turns things around on Evil. Moxley fires haymakers, then CLAWS Evil’s back! The ref reprimands, but Moxley ROCKS Evil. Moxley HEADBUTTS away on Evil, then HEADBUTTS Evil down!
Evil rises, runs up, but Moxley leaps over! Moxley ROCKS Evil, Evil ROCKS Moxley! The fans rally, Moxley fires another forearm! Evil comes back to fire a forearm! They go back and forth, faster and faster, then Evil CHOPS! Moxley CHOPS! Evil CHOPS! Moxley CHOPS! The CHOPS continue back and forth, then both men take a moment to catch their beath. Evil CHOPS, Moxley CHOPS and Evil drops to his knees! Moxley snarls as he looms over Evil, then scuffs him. Moxley pie faces Evil around, eggs him on, and Evil stands to CHOP! Moxley fires a forearm but Evil gives it back! They go back and forth, then Evil CHOPS again!
Moxley fires a flurry of forearms, then a CHOP, forearm, and repeat! Moxley whips, Evil reverses, but Evil blocks Moxley’s boot to DISCUS LARIAT! Moxley sits in the corner, the fans rally up and Evil runs in, but Moxley gets up to KING KONG LARIAT! Both men are down and the fans fire up again! Moxley rises, fires himself up and goes corner to corner to clothesline! Moxley climbs up to rain down fists! Moxley goes to TEN, then brings Evil in for a stalling PILEDRIVER! Cover, TWO! Evil survives and bails out. The House is there to protect him, but Moxley DIVES onto them all! The fans are thunderous as Moxley topples The House!
Moxley gets up with a wild look in his eyes, and then he grabs one of the leather belts. Moxley LASHES Evil over and over and over and the fans fire up! Moxley then goes looking under the ring, and he brings out a table! The fans fire up as Moxley sets the table up at ringside. Moxley goes back for Evil, drags him up and brings him over, then reels him in! But Sho trips up the ref while Dick uses POCKET SAND on Moxley!! The fans boo but then The House goes after the legends! Evil puts a chair around Moxley’s neck, and has another to hit the HOME RUN!! Moxley flops over, and Evil flips him off!
Evil then shows off the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship replica Evil’s been bringing around with him. Moxley flounders into the ring, Evil runs into the corner to clothesline! Then he hoists Moxley up top! Evil climbs, the fans rally, SUPERPLEX!! Evil crawls to the cover, TWO!! But Evil clamps onto Moxley with an ANACONDA VICE! Now Evil is mocking Tenzan! Moxley endures, fights around, flips Evil off, and fights to his feet! Moxley slips around to the SLEEPER! Evil flails, shifts around, throws elbows, but Moxley waistlocks! Evil grabs the ref to stop the German Suplex! The ref breaks free, but Evil ducks so the ref SLAPS Moxley!!
Moxley gets in the ref’s face, the ref apologizes, but Evil gets Moxley for DARKNESS FALLS!! Cover, TWO!! Moxley survives and the fans fire up! The fans rally as hard as they can behind Moxley but Evil shakes his head. Evil slashes his throat, stalks Moxley, and EVERYTHING- NO, Moxley fights free with elbows! Evil LARIATS, but Moxley just growls! Evil LARIATS, but Moxley still stands! The fans fire up, Evil flips him off, but Moxley gest around Evil to SNAP GERMAN! Evil rises, runs back up, but into a takedown! CROSSFACE!! Moxley is using Blue Justice’s move to make Evil suffer! And speaking of, Nagata blocks The House!
Narita slips through, but Shota SPEARS him down! The ref is busy with them, and that lets Kanemaru stomp Moxley! But Nagata gets in to KICK, KICK, but the ref is used as a shield! Ref down and Kanemaru ENZIGIRIS Nagata! Dick uses the SPOILER CHOKER on Moxley!! Togi CLOBBERS Dick! Sho ROCKS Togi, he and Dick double whip, but Togi DOUBLE LARIATS! Yujiro BOOTS Togi! Shota gets Yujiro down, into the STF! Tenzan grabs Sho, Nagata gets Kanemaru, Tiger DROPKICKS Dick! Tiger DIVES onto Dick while we have TRIPLE SUBMISSIONS in the ring! And PARADIGM SHIFT for Evil!!
But Narita uses his PUSHUP BAR!! He CLOBBERS Moxley, Shota, Nagata, Tenzan, Tiger and Togi in order! Moxley gets up but Evil LOW BLOWS!! The fans boo as The House has turned the tables! And speaking of tables, they bring Moxley back to that table he set up! And in insult to injury, The House gives Moxley a TRIPLE POWERBOMB through the table!! The fans boo as Evil says believe that! Evil drags Moxley into the ring, calls to the ref, and then he reels Moxley in, to steal DEATH RIDER!!! Cover, TWO!!!! Moxley survives his own move and Evil is furious! Evil argues with the ref, shoves him down, and then drags Moxley back up.
Evil slashes his throat, clinches, but Moxley fights the STO to steal EVERYTHING IS EVIL!!! Moxley flips Evil off and then grabs that Spoiler Choke! Moxley throws that aside, that’s not good enough. Moxley grabs the pimp cane, the Torture Tool, still not good enough. The fans fire up as Moxley seems to get an idea, and he goes outside. Moxley clears the table wreckage away to look under the ring. Moxley brings out a BARBED WIRE BAT!! That’s an extra thicc Barbie right there, and Moxley’s bringing this bad girl into the ring! Sho gets in but Moxley SLUGS him! And he SLUGS, Kanemaru, SLUGS Yujiro, SWATS the pushup bar and then CLUBS Narita!
Evil JAMS Moxley with a pen to the head!! And now Evil has Barbie! But Moxley dodges the homer to CUTTER!! Moxley has Barbie back and the fans fire up! Moxley SLUGS, CLUBS, SLUGS and then CURB STOMPS Evil! Moxley then lines up the shot, DEATH RIDER onto barbed wire!! Shota helps the ref, Moxley covers, Moxley wins!!
Winner: Jon Moxley, by pinfall (still IWGP World Heavyweight Champion)
The fourth defense was bad luck, but not for Moxley! Evil’s best laid plans fell apart like a house of cards! Moxley may be All Elite but he proves he is also Strong Style! And because this counts as a co-main-event, Moxley gets the mic. “Thank you, Osaka. I’ve got something to say. A lot of people say anybody, anytime, any place, but when Jon Moxley says any effin’ body, any effin’ time, any effin’ place, I mean it!” The fans cheer, and Moxley dares anyone that wants the world title, this is their shot! Come on out and face down the devil right now! Moxley sets the belt down and waits, but who makes their way out here?
IT’S TETSUYA NAITO! Moxley took this title off Naito in Chicago, so it seems Naito wants his rematch. Naito still takes his time strolling down the ramp and to the ring, but he does step to Moxley. Naito picks up the mic to say that if no one else is gonna come out, how about him? Naito says it was his fault this belt was lost, so it’s on him to take it back. At Forbidden Door in New York, Naito VS Moxley for the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship! Is that okay? Moxley nods, Naito smirks, and tells Moxley he’ll see you later, cabron! Naito leaves, and the score between NJPW and AEW will be settled soon enough! Will Naito make Long Island tranquilo? Or will Moxley put Naito down for good?
Best of the Super Juniors 31 Finals: El Desperado VS Taiji Ishimori!
The Rogue Luchador has been chasing this moment for a long time, but so has The Bone Soldier. One way or another, someone new will put their name on the BOSJ trophy and head for the title! Will it be Desperado gunning for the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship? Or will we all see #ItsReborn?
The bell rings and the fans fire up already as the two stare down. Taiji and Desperado circle, feel things out, and Taiji waistlocks. Despe spins, Taiji wrenches, but Despe rolls, wrenches and wristlocks. Taiji rolls, spins, wrenches and hammerlocks. Despe drop toeholds, floats to a headlock, but Taiji rolls to a cover. ONE, but Taiji headlocks. Despe fights up but Taiji hits a takeover. Despe fights up, Taiji grinds the hold, but Despe pries free to wrench and hammerlock. Taiji switches that onto Despe but Despe switches back. They switch and switch, Despe spins Taiji for a SHIN BREAKER! But Taiji pokes Despe in the eyes!
Red Shoes reprimands but Taiji whips. Despe reverses but Taiji slips out to the apron, slides under, then slips out the side. Taiji RAMS into Despe, springboards and FLYING RANAS! Taiji then goes to the corner, GOLDEN TRIANGLE MOONSAULT! Direct hit and Taiji lands on his feet! The fans fire up with Taiji and he goes back for Despe. Taiji drags Despe up, scoops him, and LAWN DARTS him! Despe writhes while clutching a shoulder but Taiji tells Red Shoes to check him. Taiji uses that distraction to go untie the blue buckle pad. The Bullet Club Special is in place, and a ring count begins. Despe stirs at 3 of 20 while fans rally.
Despe rises up at 9 of 20, storms in at 10, and the fans rally up. Taiji CLUBS Despe, wrenches and whips, and Despe hits bare buckles! Despe falls and writhes and the fans are torn. Taiji grins as he paces around Despe. Taiji drags Despe around then grinds the bad arm. Despe endures, even as Taiji twists the wrist and elbow. Despe flails and kicks around, but Taiji pulls on the arm! Despe fights up, but Taiji pushes him back down! The fans rally as Despe fights back up. Taiji pushes Despe right back down! Despe tries again, slips out and floats, but Taiji rolls through to trap the arm! Taiji KNEES the shoulder!
The fans applaud as Taiji paces, and Taiji brings Desep around. Taiji clamps on a cobra clutch but Despe throws elbows. Despe stands up, Taiji ripcords and RAMS Despe, to then get the chicken wing and chinlock! Despe fights up to the ROPEBREAK! Red Shoes reprimands and counts, Taiji lets go, and Despe UPPERCUTS! The fans fire up, and Despe whips corner to corner. Taiji reverses to send Despe back into bare buckles! Taiji WRINGS the bad arm out! Despe writhes but Taiji drags him back up. Despe throws body shots, then forearms! Taiji fires back, so Despe HEADBUTTS! Despe runs but into an ELBOW!
Taiji runs but Despe ELBOWS! Despe whips, Taiji handsprings, but into a BIG back suplex! The fans fire up while both men are down! Taiji bails out, Despe builds speed! Despe DIVES for a somersault tope! Down goes Taiji and the fans fire up again! Despe drags Taiji up, puts her in, and the fans rally. Despe shakes out the bad arm, then runs in corner to corner to clothesline! Despe reels Taiji in for a BIG suplex! Cover, TWO! The fans rally and Despe drags Taiji up to gut wrench. Taiji fights that to scoop Despe, CIPHER- RANA! Despe sends Taiji to a corner, runs up, but Taiji dodges. Taiji comes back, blocks boots, and he puts Despe in ropes!
Taiji ENZIGIRIS, runs side to side, and SLIDING GERMANS! The fans fire up, Taiji goes up the corner, and he 450- NO, he has to roll through as Despe moves! Despe runs in, but into a tilt-o-whirl, and CIPHER UTAKI! Cover, TWO! Despe is still in this and the fans fire up. Taiji drags Despe back up, underhooks, but Despe fights the lift! Despe back drops Taiji away! The fans rally as Despe goes to a corner and Taiji takes aim. Taiji runs in, Despe dodges the double knees to then hit a BIG back suplex! And then a GROUND DRAGON SCREW! Taiji clutches his leg, the fans rally, and Despe grabs at the leg again.
Taiji kicks Despe away, Despe runs back in, but Taiji sends him into the POST! Red Shoes reprimands but Taiji brings Despe out of the corner to hammerlock, scoop, and SHOULDER BUSTER! Despe writhes and clutches that arm, but Taiji makes sure his legs are working. Despe staggers, Taiji runs in, LA MYSTIC- NO, Despe rolls that into a STRETCH MUFFLER! But then Taiji rolls that to a cradle! TWO, Taiji BOOTS Despe! POISON-RANA!! Despe staggers up, Taiji runs, but into a SPINEBUSTER! Both men are down and the fans fire up again! The fans rally up and Despe rises. Despe storms over to Taiji and brings him up.
GUITARRA- NO, Taiji slips free! Taiji waistlocks, ducks Despe’s elbow and then CLAWS Despe’s eyes! Taiji whips, Despe reverses but Taiji handsprings to NEURALIZER KICK! Both men are down but then Taiji roars as he rises. The fans rally, Taiji brings Despe up, but Despe fights the Half Hatch! Despe lifts Taiji, traps the legs, DOUBLE KNEE BUSTER! STRETCH MUFFLER!! Taiji rolls through to a cradle! TWO!! Taiji steps over the arm, to TWIST it! Then he YANKS the other arm! Despe writhes, the fans rally, but Taiji drags Despe back up. Taiji ripcords, then LA MYSTICAS, into BONE LOCK!! Despe scrambles and reaches out, but Taiji rolls him away!
BONE LOCK at the center of the ring!! The fans fire up as Despe endures! Despe reaches out, even as Taiji pulls way back! Despe claws at the mat, crawls forward, turns against the grip, but Taiji roll shim away! Despe pops out to get the leg! STRETCH MUFFLER!! Taiji flails, but Despe grabs the arm, NUMERO DOS!! Despe thrashes Taiji around but Taiji still endures! Taiji reaches out with his one free arm, but Despe lifts him! Taiji sits up with that core strength, and fights things to a DESTROYER!! Both men are down and the fans are thunderous! Taiji goes to ropes, drags himself up, and he hobbles back for Despe.
Taiji drags Despe up, but Despe is dead weight! Taiji has Red Shoes check, and somehow Despe is still in this. Taiji drags Despe up, reels him in, but Despe slips around, EL ES CULERO!! TWO!! Despe swings, into Taiji’s grip! Taiji almost hits Red Shoes with Despe, then whips Despe to POP-UP LOW BLOW! GEDO CLUTCH!! TWO!!! The fans fire up as Despe survives but Taiji is furious! Taiji drags Despe up and reels him in, but Despe wrenches out to LOCO MONO! Both men are down again and the fans fire up! Despe grits his teeth and drags himself up with the ropes. The fans rally as hard as they can for Despe and he goes back for Taiji.
Despe and Taiji go forehead to forehead, then Despe fires a string of forearms! Taiji ROCKS Despe with just one! Despe fires another flurry, but Taiji ROCKS Despe again! Both men rise back up, and the forearms go back and forth! The fans rally up with every shot, and Taiji ROCKS Despe! Despe wobbles, hits back, but Taiji ROCKS him again! Taiji eggs Despe on, so Despe rises up to fire off another flurry! Taiji ROCKS Despe, Despe KICKS the leg out! Taiji fires a strike fest, but Despe DECKS him! The fans fire up, and Despe runs, but into a JUMP KNEE! The fans are thunderous while both men are down!
Taiji flounders to ropes and he drags himself up. He takes aim, says BANG, then gets Despe up. But Despe wrenches to OLYMPIC SLAM! Cover, ONE?!?! Taiji roars, but Despe SPEARS him down! Despe roars, gets Taiji back up, underhooks and PINCHE LOCO!! Cover, TWO!!! Taiji survives and the fans are thunderous again! Despe roars again, drags Taiji up, and underhooks, for the- NO, Taiji fights that to a fireman’s carry! T K O CODE BREAKER!! Despe is down from that swing into the facebuster, and then Taiji dragon sleepers! BLOODY SUNDAY!! Cover, TWO!!! Despe survives and Taiji cannot believe it!
The fans fire up again and Taiji drags Despe up. BLOODY- NO, Despe fights off the Bloody Cross to RAM Taiji into bare buckles! Taiji suffers from his own trick! But then he roars back to his feet!? Taiji runs up, but Despe spins him to a backslide! Taiji rolls through but into the underhooks! JAY DRILLER!! Despe then drags Taiji back up, for PINCHE LOCO!!! Cover, DESPE WINS!!!
Winner: El Desperado, by pinfall (Best of the Super Juniors 31 Champion)
Taiji thought he had this by God’s grace, but some things are just not meant to be. Taiji misses out on BOSJ 31, but will he have the glory in BOSJ 32?
As for Desperado, many fans are themselves emotional for this moment, finally seeing him stand tall in the end. Despe shows respect to Taiji with a fist bump, this is certainly not the last time these two will battle like that. Meanwhile, the banner is brought in, as is the trophy. Desperado is handed the trophy by Director Hitoshi Matsumoto, and then the same for the banner. Desperado bows in respect to Director Matsumoto, shakes his hand, and then poses with both trophy and banner for the photo op. The fans cheer as Desperado holds the trophy high, making sure all sides of the crowd get to see it.
Despe then grabs the mic, and the fans cheer for “DE-SU-PE! DE-SU-PE!” Despe says, “As expected, that was 80% him. We all know it. He’s damn strong.” The fans do cheer Despe giving credit to Taiji. Despe says not only is Taiji strong, he’s really good. It’s almost unfair. Taiji hit him below the belt, but Despe got him in the face, so they’ll call it even. But it’s as Taiji said before, it isn’t about looks or popularity. The strongest wins. The fans cheer that! But before Despe can continue on, Sho storms out here! And he says if that’s the case, he’s way stronger than Desperado! The fans boo as Sho laughs from the stage.
Sho says in order to hold that trophy, Despe should beat him first! Why not have another “final” between the two of them, huh? The fans boo, and Despe tells Sho that there are no second chances in BOSJ. The fans applaud that! Despe then brings up Sho was in this tournament, right? When Despe was champ, everyone gunned for him and Despe missed the finals, so Despe knows how Sho feels. Sho wants the trophy? Too bad! The fans cheer that, but Sho insists that trophy belongs to him! Despe asks how Sho can say that, and Sho says cuz he beat Despe before. Despe says yeah, yeah, Despe lost to Sho and The House of Torture.
Sho insists he won the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship all on his own, but Despe says don’t muddy things up with people shutting off lights and disappearing. Sho insists he defends his title all on his own, so Despe dare him to actually do that. Sho’s alone now! No, he’s totally gonna call for The House. Sho says “As if!” Despe says fine, trophy for title. Not that it means Sho won BOSJ. Sho says whoever holds the trophy IS the winner! Fine, come get the trophy. Though, Despe knows he’ll call The House. Sho says no he won’t! Despe says he doesn’t believe Sho. Sho will just call Narita! Sho keeps saying nuh-uh but Despe says yeah, he knows Sho too well.
Sho continues to insist he won’t but Despe keeps saying yeah he will. Sho throws a tantrum and shouts he WILL face Despe alone! Oh, is that so? YEAH! Sho will do it 1v1! Okay, Despe will agree to the match. And just to make sure no one interferes, Despe wants a CAGE MATCH! The fans love that idea! As for Sho, he’s starting to realize he just stepped in it! Despe says Sho agreed to it, right? No backing out, right? Okay, good. That’s all, Sho can leave now. The fans chant along, and Sho says he heard them the first time! Sho storms off and the fans cheer Despe getting the better of him.
Despe then says, rather disappointed, “I wanted to have a moment with Ishimori…” But that’s just how things go, and at least he has the title match with Sho. Lucky~. Despe then says he’ll keep borrowing this from Taiji: in the end, the strongest wins! Despe stands with trophy, banner, and the streamers fly! The stakes have been raised for the title match, but will The Rogue Luchador prove that he IS The Best of the Super Juniors?
My Thoughts:
An awesome Dominion, and only those first couple of matches were inconsequential. Great surprises, too, with Khan winning back the KOPW Championship, and with TMDK winning the tag title match. I thought Yuya was gonna win at his own rules, and that Bishamon was gonna win out again, but I’m glad to see NJPW is willing to shake things up. Also, Shane & Mikey have been great for a long time, TMDK really does deserve something big like this. At the same time, there’s half a chance Hikuleo is on his way out of NJPW, wanting to join Tama Tonga & Tonga Loa in WWE for the newest phase of The Bloodline story.
Los Ingobernables de Japon taking the NEVER Openweight Six Man titles was also a bit of a surprise, but Tanahashi, Yano & Oleg had a decent reign since winning the tournament in Taiwan. Great NJPW World TV title match from Cobb and Ishii, and great win for Cobb. Takagi VS Henare going to a double TKO was awesome stuff, that really protects both guys while Takagi still retains. I’m sure Henare will want a rematch, and maybe this will motivate a Last Man Standing match.
Great “double main event” with the lumberjack match being just about how I expected. Great win for Moxley, and Naito stepping up for his rematch is good stuff. They’ll have a great match at Forbidden Door, and I would think that’s where Moxley loses the title so Naito can bring the IWGP World title back to NJPW. And then an awesome actual main event from Desperado and Taiji. Great win for Desperado as he finally fulfills that dream. And then a really fun promo between Desperado and Sho, a steel cage match for the title will be a lot of fun. Sho and the House are very sneaky, they can probably still find ways to cheat during the cage match, but here’s hoping Despe wins it all.
My Score: 9/10
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IF YA SMELLALALALALALA~…!
As Cody Rhodes teams with Damian Priest & Braun Strowman against Solo Sikoa’s Bloodline, FINALLY, The Rock has come back to SmackDown!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Drew McIntyre VS Jimmy Uso; Jimmy wins.
- The Miz & Carmelo Hayes VS R-Truth & LA Knight; Miz & Melo win.
- Tiffany Stratton VS Candice LeRae w/ Nia Jax; Tiff wins.
- Naomi w/ Bianca Belair VS Liv Morgan w/ Raquel Rodriguez; No Contest.
- WWE Tag Team Championships: #DIY VS Pretty Deadly; Pretty Deadly wins, by disqualification, and DIY retain the titles.
- Six Man Tag: Cody Rhodes, Damian Priest & Braun Strowman VS Solo Sikoa, Jacob Fatu & Tama Tonga; changed to…
- Damian Priest & Braun Strowman VS Solo Sikoa & Jacob Fatu w/ Tama Tonga; Priest & Braun win.
PLAY BY PLAY
Cody Rhodes talks with Nick Aldis backstage.
They shake hands, but the SmackDown General Manager tells the WWE Champion there’s been a change: Cody’s out of the Six Man Tag match. What? Why would Aldis do that? It is out of Aldis’s hands. Wait, Solo Sikoa shows up to do what he did, but they can’t do the Six Man Tag that they advertised? How is this out of Aldis’s hands? Who do they need to talk to so they can do the match? Aldis says there’s no one either of them can call, if you smell what’s cooking. This is coming from The Final Boss, and The Final Boss wants to see Cody in the ring tonight. What business could The Great One have with The American Nightmare?
Drew McIntyre VS Jimmy Uso!
The Scottish Terminator rubbed it in Big Jim’s face that only one of them is going to Elimination Chamber in Toronto, which Big Jim was able to brush off. But McIntyre harping on how only one Uso is going to WrestleMania was a step too far. These two look to have it out, but is Jimmy just playing into McIntyre’s hands? Or will McIntyre get embarrassed by “the other Uso” this close to that big time match?
Speaking of, Jimmy has a message for Drew as he heads to gorilla. “Everybody know you’re going to Elimination Chamber, right? But Big Jimmy got a question for the Big Easy: Will Drew go onto the Elimination Chamber and win that? Will Drew go onto WrestleMania and win that? Ey, Drew, I think we got an answer for you, Uce. The answer is…” “NO YEET!” Jimmy makes his entrance, the bell rings, and the fans rally behind Jimmy. Jimmy and Drew jaw, and then Drew raises his hands, to say UP YOURS! But Jimmy ROCKS and CHOPS away! Drew puts Jimmy in a corner, Jimmy dodges to CHOP!
Jimmy climbs and he rains down fists! The fans count, Drew dumps Jimmy tot eh apron at 5, but Jimmy GAMANGIRIS! Jimmy goes up, CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO! Jimmy hurries to CHOP, then he whips. Drew reverses to send Jimmy to the corner. Jimmy BOOTS back, goes up, and leaps, but into a clinch! OVERHEAD BELLY2BELLY! Jimmy flounders to a corner, Drew runs up to SPLASH and OVERHEAD BELLY2BELLY! Jimmy flounders again, the ref has Drew hold on, and Jimmy bails out. Drew storms out to get Jimmy and he whips Jimmy HARD into barrier! The fans boo but Drew looms over Jimmy.
The ring count starts, Drew mockingly calls him “Jey,” then puts Jimmy in the ring. Drew says NO MANIA for Jimmy. Drew stands Jimmy up, ROCKS him, then runs up, only for Jimmy to put him on the apron! Drew blocks a superkick, but not the DRAGON WHIP! Drew drops, Jimmy DIVES! Down goes Drew and the fans fire up! Jimmy grins, goes back to the apron, and then aims. But Drew stops the Penalty Kick to THROW Jimmy down! Drew then has Jimmy in the Reverse Alabama Lift! REVERSE ALABAMA SLAM onto the steel steps! Drew stands on the desk to say “NO YEET!” while SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Drew revels in the heat from New Orleans, then he leaves Jimmy behind. The ref checks Jimmy, he’s able to continue, so a ring count starts. Drew paces while Jimmy stirs. Jimmy drags himself up using the desk, then lunges in at 9! Drew is annoyed but he rains down fists! Drew stomps Jimmy, then eggs him on. Jimmy rises as the fans rally, but Drew is right on him in the corner. Drew winds up, but Jimmy counter punches! And CHOPS! And CHOPS! And whips, only for Drew to reverses. Jimmy goes up, but Drew KICKS him out of the air! Drew then hauls Jimmy up, snap suplex! Cover, TWO!
Drew says okay, Big Jim. He clamps onto Jimmy with a top wristlock and grinds the arm. Jimmy fights up, fireman’s carries, but Drew elbows free. Drew bumps Jimmy off buckles, then hauls him up to the top rope! Drew CLUBS Jimmy on the back, climbs up, then CLUBS Jimmy more. Jimmy fires elbows and Drew drops back. But Drew runs up to CLUB Jimmy again! SmackDown returns to single picture as Drew CLUBS away on Jimmy again! Jimmy keeps taunting “Jey,” then drags him up. Jimmy fights the back suplex! The fans rally, Jimmy fires hands and a HEADBUTT! Jimmy SMACKS Drew off the post!
Jimmy rises to USO IN THE WIND! Down goes Drew and the fans fire up! A standing count starts while both men stir on the mat. They both stand at 5, and Drew swings! Jimmy counter punches, then fires more shots! Mule kick, UPPERCUT, but then Jimmy dodges Drew! SAMOAN DROP! Cover, TWO! Drew is tougher than that, but Jimmy hurries to a corner. Jimmy aims as Drew goes to the other corner, “UCE! OH! UCE! OH!” Jimmy runs, but Drew FLYING HEADBUTTS! The Glasgow Kiss stuns Jimmy, and Drew hits a SPINEBUSTER! Jackknife bridge, TWO! Jimmy shows his own toughness, and the fans rally behind him.
Drew paces, then he stalks Jimmy. Drew stands Jimmy up, reels him in, but Jimmy fights the underhooks! Jimmy wrenches, UPPERCUTS, but Drew ROCKS Jimmy back! Jimmy UPPERCUTS, Drew HAYMAKERS! Drew whips, Jimmy reverses and Drew ends up on the apron! Drew ROCKS Jimmy first, then climbs the corner! FLYING- SUPERKICK! Jimmy runs to SPEAR! Cover, TWO!! Drew survives, Jimmy’s spear doesn’t hit quite like The Tribal Chief’s. Jimmy goes to the corner, climbs up, and the fans rally up. USO- NO, Jimmy rolls through as Drew moves! Drew dodges a lariat to NECKBREAKER!
Both men are down, the fans rally, and Drew kips up! Drew scowls as he aims at Jimmy. “THREE! TWO! ONE!” CLAY- SUPERKICK!! Jimmy hits first! GLASGOW KISS returns! Drew reels Jimmy in, “This is your WrestleMania! This is as close as you get!” Drew shouts Jimmy is nothing, then ROCKS him with forearm after forearm! GLAWSGO KISS! Another Reverse Alabama, but Jimmy victory rolls it! JIMMY WINS!!!
Winner: Jimmy Uso, by pinfall
Drew is furious, but his own ego caught him there! But then Drew CLOBBERS Jimmy! The fans boo Drew being a sore loser, but he puts Jimmy back in the ring! Drew rains down fists, then he DRIBBLES Jimmy off the mat! The ref reprimands, the fans boo, but Drew says that was Jimmy’s Mania Moment! Drew will win the Chamber, he will go to Mania, and he will win there! Jimmy means NOTHING to Drew! Drew puts Jimmy up against the post, then takes aim! The fans boo, but refs and producers rush out here! They swarm Drew to keep him from going after Jimmy again. Drew says fine, fine, then takes his leave.
Producers help Jimmy to his feet, but then Drew BLASTS through the refs! CLAYMORE for Jimmy!! The Scottish Terminator hits his target, then laughs as he actually leaves. Will McIntyre make this his Road to WrestleMania?
A car pulls into the parking lot.
And out steps Solo Sikoa. Solo heads inside, and he finds Jacob Fatu & Tama Tonga waiting. Solo tells them that last week with Tama, that was an accident. Jacob says yeah, it’s all good, Uce. But keep it 100: If it wasn’t an accident, Solo wouldn’t be standing here right now. Well, good! Glad to see we’re all on the same page. Solo says he will be in the corner during the match for Jacob & Tama. Uh, no, Solo, no disrespect, but Jacob & Tama have been running things on SmackDown these past couple weeks. So tonight, it’s Jacob & Solo running the play? Yadada mean? Yeah, of course. And that right there, Jacob, is exactly why Solo loves him.
Solo says he’ll be back, he has to talk with Nick Aldis. Solo heads out, but will he really just step right back into place from before he lost the ula fala?
Carmelo Hayes is backstage.
R-Truth calls out to Melo, and says for the first time ever, Truth VS Melo! What’s Truth talking about? Duh, they have a match. No, Truth, Melo knows. But they had a match last week. Truth says he has never met Melo in his life, but they have a tag match tonight. What? No, they don’t. Who even made this match? Him. Truth, they are not going through this H1M who’s on first thing again. Melo is H1M. No, him made the match. The Miz!? Miz says he’s H1M. So now there’s two of you? No no no! Melo is H1M, this is The Miz! Yeah, #MeloDon’tMiz! NO! That’s not a thing! Tonight, they are. Who’s Truth’s partner?
Truth says he’s got a guy. A Louisiana legend! In fact, he just got here, so Truth’s gotta go. Laters. Miz says he has been workshopping this, and the fans love it. Think about it: Melo Don’t Miz! Melo Don’t Miz! And we are…! Melo shakes his head. Truth steps in and says Miz just wants Melo to say, “Awesome.” Miz offers a fist bump, Melo says no. Will Melo wish he had missed tonight’s show? Or will Miz actually help H1M get another win?
Zelina Vega speaks.
“My whole life, people have taken one look at me, and they try to define me. My size has never stopped me before. It never stopped me from becoming tag team champion. Or my personal favorite, the history-making first-time-ever Queen of the Ring. That’s me. Make no mistake about it, I’ve never had it easy. I had to scratch and claw to get anything around here. But this is a fresh start. Because I have something to prove. And my dreams are a lot bigger than your measuring stick. It ain’t over until Zelina Vega says it’s over.”
The Miz & Carmelo Hayes VS R-Truth & ???
Miz makes his entrance but Melo kinda steps all over it. So he already missed his cue… But who did Truth find to team with him in the Big Easy? We’ll see, after the break.
SmackDown returns and Truth makes his entrance. “What’s up?” Well, more like who is his partner? He’ll tell us! His tag team partner is a local legend, born and bred right here in New Orleans! Ladies and gentlemen, welcome Louisiana Knight! Wait, he means L A Knight! Yes, Louisiana abbreviated is LA, but that’s not… Oh, Truth… Truth gives Knight a Po’ Boy and some Mardi Gras beads, so Knight embraces it. The teams sort out, and Truth calls out him! Does he mean Miz or Melo? Well, Melo says he is H1M, so that’s who starts. The fans cheer on Knight while Truth and Melo tie up. Melo KNEES low, whips, but Truth reverses.
Melo springboards, FADEAWAY JUMPER! Melo makes his free throw, but Truth drop toeholds! Truth headlocks, Melo powers up and out but Truth whips! Melo turns hip toss into lateral press, TWO! Truth has a ghost pin, TWO! Melo trips to cover, ONE! Truth trips to cover, ONE! Melo runs up, Truth does the splits, and then hits a BIG hip toss! The fans fire up, Truth counts, Melo gets up at TWO, but Truth was just goofing. The ref explains to Truth that he is the ref, not Truth! Melo is annoyed, he runs up on Truth, but Truth wrenches him around! Melo pulls hair but Knight tags in. The fans fire up as Knight fires hands!
Knight ROCKS Melo, whips Melo, but Melo reverses! SWINGING NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Knight drags Melo up to tag Truth back in, and Truth ROCKS Melo! Melo staggers, but he refuses to tag! Truth arm-drags Melo, then grinds the arm. Melo insists he’s got this, then arm-drags free. Truth staggers up, he and Melo bump heads! Truth staggers around more, and he tags Miz?! Truth forgot The Awesome Truth isn’t a thing anymore! Again! Melo BLASTS Truth off the apron, the fans boo, but Miz tags himself in! Melo is annoyed, but Miz goes to fetch Truth while SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns again, and Melo has Truth. Truth ROCKS Melo, but Melo holds onto the wristlock! Truth reaches for Knight, Knight reaches for Truth, but Melo holds on. Truth takes a swing, but into an O’Conner Roll! TWO and Melo BLASTS Knight! Truth rolls Melo up, TWO! Melo kicks low, calls his shot, but Truth suplexes for a STUNNER! The fans fire up while both men are down! Truth and Melo crawl, hot tags to Miz and Knight! The fans fire up as Knight rallies on Miz! “YEAH! YEAH!” Knight whips, Miz reverses, but Knight lEAPING LARIATS! Knight TOSSES Melo in for good measure!
Knight stomps a mudhole into Melo, “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” LARIAT for Miz! KNEE for Melo! Knight scoops and POWERSLAMS Miz! Knight keeps running, JUMP ELBOW DROP! Cover, TWO! Knight stays on Miz as he brings Miz up. Knight ROCKS Miz, then ROCKS him again! Knight whips, Miz grabs the ropes. Miz KICKS, then takes a swing, but into a back suplex! Miz lands out, tag to Melo! Miz ELBOWS Knight, but Knight scoops! Miz tilt-o-whirls through, Melo SUPERKICKS Knight down! cover, TWO! Knight stays in this but Melo says he’s got this! Melo waits on Knight, then leaps, but NO 48!
Knight kicks low, but NO B F T! Tag to Truth! Knight ELBOWS Melo, Truth runs in! CENA SHOULDER TACKLES! Then the SPIN OUT BOMB! Truth says it’s time! “YOU CANT SEE ME~!” truth runs for the FIVE KNCUKLE SHUFFLE! Truth then fireman’s carries, but Melo slips free! Melo shoves, Truth dodges, and Truth hits the LIE DETECTOR! Truth then gets Melo in the S T R-TRUTH! But Miz CLOBBERS Truth! Knight ROCKS Miz, then LARIATS him up and out! Knight then goes out to THROW Miz into barriers! The fans fire up again, but NAKAMURA ATTACKS KNIGHT!
The fans boo, but the sinister samurai then POSTS Knight!! Nakamura slithers away while Melo keeps the ref’s attention! Truth sees Knight is down, Melo runs up, but Truth dodges! Miz tags in, full nelson, and a FIRST 48 FINALE COMBO?!? Cover, Miz & Melo win!!
Winners: The Miz & Carmelo Hayes, by pinfall
Well, what do you know? Nakamura aside, Miz and Melo made it work! Okay, they’re both trying to hog the spotlight, but is there a future for Melo Don’t Miz? Will Knight only have more of a reason to take that title off Nakamura now?
Charlotte Flair speaks.
“The GOAT… doesn’t have to call themselves The GOAT. Now, I have crafted a legacy that no one, I mean no one, can touch. And I’m back.” The Women’s Royal Rumble Winner chose Tiffany Stratton, but will The Queen take back her throne? Or will WWE always be on #TiffyTime? Speaking of…
Tiffany Stratton VS Candice LeRae!
The WWE Women’s Champion may have gotten past Nia Jax, but now she knows Charlotte Flair is waiting for her at WrestleMania, and is going to be teaming with Trish Stratus in Toronto! Will she be in Tiffy Top Shape for that Tiffy Trishy dream match? Or will the Poison Pixie be quite the problem all on her own?
Before the match, Tiff grabs a mic while the fans cheer. Tiffy says, “I know, I know. You know it, you know it, and you know it. Ever since I won this title, everybody’s just been so obsessed with me. And last week, I had Nia Jax beat, until Candice LeRae decided to interfere and help her little meal ticket. And at Elimination Chamber, Trish Stratus and I make sure the Unstoppable Force comes to a definitive end!” The fans cheer that, but Tiff says enough about them. Let’s talk Charlotte Flair. The fans boo that name, but Tiff says Charlotte took her sweet old time, grabbed a chair, grabbed a mic, and she looked down on Tiff.
Charlotte chose Tiff as her WrestleMania opponent. In that moment, Tiff’s dream came true! And as she lied down there and looked up at Charlotte, she realized the rumors are true: No one loves to kick a girl when she’s down quite like Charlotte Flair. So at WrestleMania, Tiff isn’t coming for Charlotte’s legacy; that’s all Charlotte’s. Tiff is coming for the spot Charlotte desires the most: The number one spot as the top girl in the WWE! But here comes Nia & Candice to interrupt. Nia has a mic to tell Tiffy, “I Have to say, this is really cute. Like, it’s really cute that you actually think you were gonna beat me last week.”
Doesn’t Candice think that is cute? Candice says yes, it is so~ cute. And Tiff wouldn’t even be standing there if not for little Trish Stratus~. Exactly! And it’s even cuter that Tiff is out here talking about Charlotte when she wont’ even see WrestleMania! Because after Nia & Candide destroy Tiff at Elimination Chamber, Nia is coming back for her WWE Women’s Championship. Nia & Candice step up to the ring, and Nia says Tiff won’t even see the Grandest Stage of Them All. Tiff tells Nia to just give it up. This title isn’t even hers anymore. And once Tiff beats Candice tonight, Nia won’t have anyone to do her dirty work anymore!
Candice tells Tiffy that while they’re meant have a match right now, she and Nia are feeling impatient. Nia says they should just get rid of Tiff right now! But the ref steps in and says not gonna happen! Tiff VS Candice will, after the break.
SmackDown returns [Technical difficulties suck] TWO! Candice is frustrated but this is why Tiff’s a champ. The fans rally, but Candice stomps Tiff! Candice scowls at the fans, stalks Tiff, then brings her up. Tiff fires body shots, then she rolls Candice up! TWO, and Candice CLOBBERS Tiff! Cover, TWO, into a ghost pin! TWO! Candice escapes to hit a CODE BREAKER! Both women are down, but Candice scowls again as she crawls over to Tiff. Candice rains down fists, Nia tells fans to shut up, and Candice steps on Tiff’s face. Candice huffs ‘n’ puffs, pushes Tiff around, then scuffs her. Tiff rolls Candice up again, TWO! Candice DECKS Tiff! Cover, TWO!
Charlotte is stoic on commentary as Candice drags Tiff up and puts her in a corner. Candice fires hands, then backs off. Candice runs up to ROCK Tiff again! Candice then runs, but Tiff dodges! SmackDown returns to single picture, and Tiff rallies with LARIAT after LARIAT! The fans fire up, Tiff handsprings, BACK ELBOW! Tiff then reels Candice in for a SKY HIGH! High stack, TWO! The fans rally for Tiff, Nia coaches Candice, but Charlotte still seems nonplussed. Tiff and Candice rise, and Candice runs up. Candice puts Tiff on the apron, but Tiff ROCKS her! Tiff bumps Candice off buckles, then goes up, but Candice ROCKS her back!
Candice climbs up, and she fires hands on Tiff! Tiff fights the suplex! Tiff DECKS Candice, then adjusts position, to SANTON- FLOP! Candice ghost pins, TWO!! Tiff escapes, but Candice hits the step-up SENTON! And then a LIONSAUL FLOP! Tiff hurries to fireman’s carry, ROLLING SENTON! And then PRETTIEST MOON- NO, Nia drags Candice out of the ring! The fans boo, Nia tells them to shut up, but Tiff is on the apron! Nia swings, Tiff cartwheels over, and then she DROPKICKS Nia! Tiff Alabama Lifts Candice, to ALABAMA SLAM her into barriers! Tiff stares down Charlotte, tells her just wait for Mania, then she puts Candice in the ring.
Tiff goes to the corner, PRETTIEST MOONSAULT EVER!! Cover, Tiff wins!
Winner: Tiffany Stratton, by pinfall
Charlotte gives moderate applause, but Nia CLOBBERS Tiff from behind! The fans boo, but Nia just drags Tiff to a corner. Nia goes up, but wait! Trish is here!! The fans fire up for the legend as she rushes into the ring! Trish avoids a haymaker to CHICK KICK! Then THESZ PRESS for Candice! And then a SPINEBUSTER! Trish helps Tiff to her feet, but Nia grabs them both! Trish fires fast hands on Nia! Candice CHOP BLOCKS Trish! Tiff is still dazed, Nia HEADBUTTS her back down! Nia & Candice mug Trish, and then Nia HEADBUTTS Trish! Trish & Tiff are side by side, and Nia drags them into the drop zone! A-NIA-LATOR!!
The fans boo but there’s nothing can be done! Nia grins as she helps Candice away, will these two trash Trish & Tiff in Toronto? Charlotte steps into the ring, stands over Tiff, and points to the WrestleMania sign. Will The Irresistible Force & Poison Pixie unwittingly do the dirty work of The Queen of Flair?
Cody talks with Damian Priest backstage.
Priest asks why Cody’s boy, The Rock, is here tonight. Cody says given the time of year, his guess is as good as anyone’s. But tonight will surely be eventful. Cody congratulates Priest on entering the Elimination Chamber. Priest says what’s wild is, last year, they both walked out as champions. What sucks is that this year, only one of them can. Now, Priest is man enough and he respects Cody to say that after Chamber, he’s coming for that title. Cody says he wouldn’t have it any other way. Cody heads out, but what business does The Rock have tonight?
Braun Strowman steps in, and he tells Priest that congrats on winning, and good luck in the Chamber. But let’s be honest, Braun had Jacob dead to rights last week. If not for Solo Sikoa, things would look a lot different next week. Priest chuckles and says take it easy, he’s sounding like Drew with the excuses. But it is what it is, Priest just beat Braun to the punch. But that was last week. Tonight, Solo and Jacob, two of the baddest men in the business. Priest & Braun handling business? Oh, they’re handling business. The only business Braun cares about is getting his hands on those two. Priest says Braun definitely will.
Braun heads out, will the Monster of All Monsters and the Archer of Infamy make sure Solo & Jacob #GetTheseHands? Or will the rogues run roughshod all over SmackDown once again?
Backstage interview with Naomi & Bianca Belair.
Byron Saxton is with the WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions and brings up last week’s SmackDown, the security footage led us to believe Liv Morgan & Raquel Rodriguez were the ones behind Jade Cargill’s attack. Now, hold on, Saxton. They don’t think, Naomi knows they were. Fair enough. But this Monday, they can get their revenge when they defend the tag titles against Liv & Raquel. How ready are they for this match? Bianca says so ready! They have been waiting for months for an update. Jade has been recovering, she hasn’t been able to call or text, so the GlowEST took matters into their own hands to get revenge.
Bianca & Naomi will handle Liv & Raquel, then move on to Elimination Chamber, where one of them is gonna win to face Rhea at WrestleMania. Not only will you #FeelTheGlowEST on Monday, but Liv feels it tonight! #Let’sGLOW! The champs head out, but will they clear their Road to WrestleMania of any other distractions?
Alexa Bliss speaks.
“When I was away, there was a lot of… change that happened in me. But when I look around, I see this place is still the same. The names and faces may be different, but the desperation and insecurity remains the same. You’ll see Toronto when I turn the Elimination Chamber into something of a playground of my own. I know the Chamber. I love the Chamber. I’ve won the Chamber. And for the other five women, it’s gonna be a Hell like they’ve never experienced before. Need I remind you, this is my division, and I am in charge.” Bliss smiles and says, “See you soon.” The film comes off the reel, but will things get twisted in Toronto?
Naomi w/ Bianca Belair VS Liv Morgan w/ Raquel Rodriguez!
The Big Easy is all about having fun, and they’re fired up for Naomi’s entrance. But wait! Liv & Raquel don’t wait, they attack Bianca & Naomi while the lights are still down! They mug Naomi, but Bianca drags Liv out of the ring! Then Bianca storms in to fire off on Raquel! The fans fire up, but Liv returns to CHOP BLOCK Bianca! Raquel hauls Bianca up for a TEJANA BOMB!! Naomi runs up, fires more hands, but Liv brings Naomi around. Naomi fires hands on her, but Raquel throws her down! Liv runs up, OBLIVION!
Liv & Raquel stand tall, the refs rush out here, but clearly the singles match isn’t happening. Will we be getting something even meaner and nastier between these four on Monday?
The Rock arrives!
His truck pulls into the parking lot, but we’ll see him in the ring, after the break!
SmackDown returns and…
Aldis is chewing out Liv & Raquel for the attack. He doesn’t know what they get away with on Raw, but they can’t pull that crap here. Now get the hell out of his building. Liv & Raquel just laugh that off, but then Chelsea Green & Piper Niven walk in. Chelsea says have no fear, Chelsea & Piper are here to sub in for Bianca and Naomi at Elimination Chamber. Aldis sighs, and says they’re not missing the Chamber. What? But Chelsea had an outfit picked out! This is a travesty to not have the greatest Canadian export since maple syrup on a Canadian PLE! Does he know who she is? The first-ever, longest reigning, tallest, shortest, prettiest, richest, tannest, sparkliest, oldest, youngest Women’s US Champion! Piper asks what this is aboot, eh?
Aldis says this is them testing his patience. They need to pack their gear and whatever else they want, because they’ll be in action next week on SmackDown in Toronto. And oh, it’ll be a good one. Wait, they need more details! At least an e-calendar notification? Aldis is leaving Chelsea in the dark on what’s coming, will she absolutely hate it?
The Rock heads to the ring!
Wait, what is this New Orleans related remix? The Final Boss steps out on stage, he shows those goosebumps, then continues down the ramp, shaking hands with fans. The Rock hits his signature pose on the corner, but then takes the long way around to pick up a fan’s phone for them before going back into the ring. The fans all cheer for “ROCKY! ROCKY!” and he grabs himself a mic. He waits as the fans continue to chant his name, and then he says, “Ahh, you feel it, don’t you? You feel it. The Rock has got chills up and down his body because you know, on a Friday night, for the Final Boss to get inside his bird and fly all the way here, you know that I’m dropping some ish on you tonight!”
The fans fire up and The Rock smiles. Rock says, “Let’s get this show on the road.” The fans anticipate what’s coming but he says hold on, he’ll do it. “FINALLY! The Rock has come back…” “TO NEW ORLEANS~!” Rock smiles, and he adds, FINALLY, WrestleMania is coming back to New Orleans!! The fans are thunderous to hear that! WrestleMania 30, WrestleMania 34, and now WrestleMania 42!? Yes, next year, 2026, LIVE from the Superdome! One of the greatest cities on Earth in New Orleans, Louisiana! The pyro goes off to commemorate the occasion, and the logo is already on the tron! Rock smiles at that, then he smiles at the WrestleMania 41 Vegas logo.
The fans are losing their minds, as we now know April 11th and 12th, 2026, the Big Easy has the Grandest Stage of Them All. Rock says you damn right holy ish! Oh when the saints go marching in…! Oh how I’d love… Wait, no, this ain’t singalong with The Final Boss! Sit there, shut up, and let The Final Boss sing the song! The fans are torn, but Rock says he sings! Oh how I’d love, to be in that number~! Oh when the saints go marching in~! Okay, that’s good enough. You got him, that was a great duet. The Rock is singing with the largest collection of STD’d trailer trash he has ever seen! The fans can’t believe Rock would do that to them!
Rock says now, dropping this news wasn’t the only gift he was going to drop on us. The Final Boss came here to call somebody out. The Rock will call out a man who he respects, who he admires, and who we all admire. That man is our WWE Champion, the one and only, Cody Rhodes. The fans cheer as The American Nightmare makes his entrance! They sing along with the song, “WHOA~ OH~!” and we get Cody’s pyro before he goes to the ring. Cody gets his second “WHOA~ OH~!” and round of pyro, then he steps inside to join The Rock. The fans cheer Cody on, so he holds up the title and the fans cheer even more.
Cody grabs a mic, but Rock says, “That feels good, doesn’t it? I mean, that’s gotta feel amazing, right? They love you, man.” Cody tells NOLA, “I love you, too.” Rock says this is crazy. Pretty much no one knows this, but since after WrestleMania last year, they’ve actually become good friends. No, it’s true, they have. Last time they were together was the Raw Netflix debut. Rock gave Cody his flowers, told Cody he has carried the company like the incredible champion that he is, so thank you, Cody. Rock meant it, and that night, they went to the back, drank tequila for two hours and had a great ol’ time.
They chopped it up, had a blast, but Rock wants to call Cody out here for something important. Here’s the thing… The fans get a bit rowdy as they wait, and Rock says Cody is a great champion. A great WWE Champion. Cody knows that. Again, they’ve become good friends, so over the months, they’ve texted. Even their moms became good friends! Look! Mama Johnson & Mama Rhodes together after WrestleMania 40! It is a pleasure becoming Cody’s friend. But Rock wanted this face to face to tell him a few things. One: Cody has been a great champion, but he needs to understand. Yes, The Rock, The Final Boss, is on the Board of TKO. And TKO owns WWE.
The Rock is the Director of the Board of TKO. Don’t boo that! The Rock’s good friend, Ari Emanuel, who owns everything Endeavor, The Rock joked with Ari, “Can you believe that you own The WWE?” Ari says he doesn’t own the WWE, The Rock does. Rock said no, no, he doesn’t know if he owns the WWE. But The Rock knows he is the most powerful… Cody, you are a great champion. But Rock wants Cody to be something more. Rock wants Cody to be something more than just our champion. Rock wants Cody to be his champion. The fans don’t like where that’s going.
Cody says he did not expect them to become friends, nor their moms to become friends, nor the tequila. Cody didn’t have that on his bingo card. But becoming The Rock’s champion? The Rock of all people should know, Cody is the people’s champion. The fans cheer Cody more, and Rock says yes! Cody is their champion! Of course! The Rock is also The People’s Champion, he loves that about Cody. This is their universe, they were both born into this business. But Rock means something even bigger than just this. Rock knows Cody’s goal is to bring as much joy and happiness to everyone around the world, as many as possible.
The fans cheer, and Rock says that’s Cody. Cody is that guy, and everyone knows it. Cody is on social media, Instagram, millions of followers. Millions, and millions! The Rock has half a BILLION. That’s not a flex. But The Rock is the most followed American man in the world, that’s what he wants for Cody. Rock wants Cody to be even higher. If Cody becomes The Rock’s Champion, he will open doors to possibilities Cody never even imagined. If Cody becomes The Rock’s Champion, every dream he has ever had can come true. Every dream of Brandi’s, of their daughter’s. Think about how Rock brought them to the premiere of Moana 2, in Hawaii.
Thank you, by the way, for making that cross a BILLION dollars, fans, Rock loves you. Rock has met the Rhodes family, they’re amazing. But imagine it: Cody’s daughter’s children, their dreams, long after Rock and Cody are gone, all those dreams can come true. Rock just needs Cody to be his champion. The fans say don’t do it! Rock tells Cody to just think about it, though. Rock is a very lucky man, he has it all. Cody also has it all. They’re very fortunate. They’re Mama’s Boys, they’re Girl Dads, they’re lucky men. Fans say don’t do it, Rock tells them to shut up or he’ll slap the syphilis off their face! Rock is trying to have a moment here, shut your mouths!
The one thing that Rock has never had, that he wants more than anything, is a brother. And that is what Cody can be. Last year, WrestleMania, Rock’s goal was to face his cousin, Roman Reigns, for the title. Cody knows, the fans know. Rock talked with his friend, HHH. He talked with Nick Khan, who is his friend. They are also Cody’s friends. Rock knew it wasn’t in the plans, but they talked about moving Cody aside to make what was best for business: Rock VS Roman, WrestleMania 40! What’d Cody do? Cody pitched a b*tch fit! Cody told The Rock he ain’t doing it, and he stood up to The Rock. And y’know what else? Cody SLAPPED Rock!
No one does that and gets away with it. But that is why Cody is special. That is why Cody should be Rock’s Champion. And that is why Rock will take Cody from where he is to a level so far above. Rock will make sure every dream, every desire, for generations to come, it all comes true. Rock’s dad, Cody’s dad, Soul Man & American Dream, they are looking down right now. They were friends, Cody and Rock are friends, Cody should be Rock’s Champion. He doesn’t need to answer Rock tonight. He can think about it, talk with his wife and daughter, as will The Rock. Then Cody can think about it. Meet Rock in Toronto on March 1st to give him the answer.
Fans still say don’t do it, but Rock says it is okay. Before he leaves, this has been an amazing night, this is a hot crowd, thank you all very much. But before he leaves, Rock wants us to know this: The one thing Rock wants more than anything in this world… is that. Wait, the title? Cody’s title? The fans’ title? This is all this is about? No no no no! Brother… Rock doesn’t want the title. He wants Cody’s soul. The fans duel, “NO! NO! NO!” “SELL YOUR SOUL!” Rock pats Cody on the cheek and says see you in Toronto. The Rock leaves, giving Cody a lot to think about. Rock does give one last glance back at Cody, then smirks.
What will The American Nightmare choose: His integrity? Or his aspirations?
WWE Tag Team Championships: #DIY VS Pretty Deadly!
Did Tommaso Ciampa & Johnny Gargano got these titles thanks to Kit Wilson & Elton Prince? #YESBOY! Did they survive a couple title defenses thanks to Kit & Elton? #YESBOY! But when Pretty Deadly needed DIY, was DIY there for them? #NOBOY! So now, Kit & Elton are looking to give Ciampa & Gargano their comeuppance! Will we finally get another #SidePlateCheck? Or will Ciampa & Gargano remember for themselves, that if you wanna be champions, you gotta do it yourself?
But as DIY make their entrance, they have mics, and Johnny Wrestling tells NOLA, “Give it up one time for your TWO-TIME WWE Tag Team Champions…! The BTTITW (Best Tag Team In The World), D I Y~!” The fans boo instead. Ciampa says there is no denying that tonight has been electrifying. Gargano says this is a hot crowd. But please, if we could be somber for a second. Guys, this is serious. Two weeks ago, Pretty Deadly embarrassed DIY, and now reluctantly, DIY will return that favor by crushing their hopes and dreams of ever becoming WWE Tag Team Champions. So please, let us all rise to our feet… Yes, you in the LSU jersey, stand up.
Ciampa thanks Wade Barrett, and asks for everyone to remove their hands and bow their heads for a moment of silence for Pretty Deadly, beginning… now. The fans boo instead! And then Pretty Deadly make their entrance! The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we see who really needed who in this broken relationship!
But then DIY jumps Pretty Deadly! The ref reprimands, DIY whip but Pretty Deadly reverses! DOUBLE DORPKICKS! Then DOUBLE LARIATS send DIY up and out! The disco ball hasn’t even stopped spinning! The fans cheer while DIY throw a fit! They regroup, cool down, and go back to the ring. Gargano distracts Elton, Ciampa CLOBBERS him, and the bell rings. But Elton fires hands on Ciampa! Elton whips, Ciampa reverses and he pulls hair! The ref reprimands, Ciampa throws Elton to the apron and KNEES him down! Tag to Gargano and he aims, SUPERKICK! Elton goes down in a heap, DIY cheers themselves on, and SmackDown goes to break!
SmackDown returns, Gargano tags in, and DIY hits the BACK SUPLEX BOMBO COMBO! Cover, TWO! Elton stays in this but Gargano tags Ciampa back in. Gargano sends Ciampa in, but Elton ELBOWS him away! Gargano runs in, but Elton puts him on the apron! Gargano goes after Kit, but Kit blocks the kick! Kit BOOTS Gargano down, but then Ciampa BOOTS Kit! Elton dodges Ciampa to come back, DOUBLE CROSSBODIES collide! Elton and Ciampa are down, sputtering and writhing, and the fans rally up. Elton crawls, Kit rises, hot tags to Kit and Gargano! Kit rallies on DIY with big forearms! Kit whips, Gargano reverses, Kit UPPERCUTS!
Kit UPPERCUTS Ciampa in a corner, then LARIATS! Kit runs to LARIAT Gargano! Kit pushes Gargano down, kicks him and hits a TWIST- NO, Gargano slips through to ROCK Kit! Kit yoyos, DOUBLE LARIATS! The fans fire up, Kit tags Elton! They get Gargano up, but Gargano BOOTS Elton! Gargano ELBOWS Kit away, then runs up on Elton! Elton dodges, then gives Kit the boost, DRY MARTI-KNEES! Cover, TWO!! Gargano survives but Ciampa is in! Elton fireman’s carries Ciampa, but Ciampa slips free! Ciampa whips, Elton reverses, Kit UPPERCUTS Ciampa! Elton shows off his strength with the GOTCH LIFT PLEX!
Tag to Kit, but IN COME THE PROFITS! Ford SHOVES Kit down, Dawkins mugs him!!
Winners: Pretty Deadly, by disqualification; DIY retain the titles
Not again! Just like they did Motor City Machine Guns, The Profits make sure no one else takes these titles off DIY! URENAGE from Ford to Elton! Dawkins keeps hammering away on Kit, and then Ford POSTS Elton! Dawkins fireman’s carries Kit, to POST him, too! Looking like the All Mighty with that one! Gargano fires forearms in return, but ends up int he POUNCE GERMAN SUPLEX! Then Ciampa runs up into a FLAPJACK! Ford goes up top, then flies in FROM THE HEAVENS!! Direct hit on Ciampa! But wait! MCMG rushes out here, wanting their payback! The Profits brawl with MCMG, but Ford TOSSES Shelley to the apron!
Ford runs up, Shelley goes to kick, but Ford blocks it! Ford LARIATS Shelley down, Dawkins hits Sabin with THE BIG ENDING! The fans are torn as Dawkins whips Sabin, Profits get him for the REVELATION!! And if there’s been any revelation, it is that Ford & Dawkins don’t just want the smoke, they want to burn down the tag division to get it! Will nothing stop them once they’re back in action?
Kevin Owens speaks.
“You got what you wanted, huh? You got your match. You couldn’t, uh… You couldn’t just take the punishment that you deserved, that I’d already given you, and let it go. No, you… You wanted me and you to go again. You wanted to fight me, you want to hurt me, you want to end my career, which would hurt my family, by the way. Which is truly despicable. But what about your family, Sami? Huh? Have you thought of them? What about your family, huh?” Kevin reveals he is right outside the Zayn home! Kevin peers inside to watch Sami, his wife, and his son!
Kevin asks Sami via the video if Sami knows what he’s about to put them through, when they have to watch Kevin end Sami’s career. And what happens then, eh? When Sami can’t provide for them, and everything they have, like this nice house, the shelter, the security, the peace they have, when it’s all gone? And why? What for? Because Sami’s too proud? Because Sami’s selfish? Sami IS selfish. Because Sami is making Kevin do this to Sami’s family. Kevin will never forgive Sami for that. He’ll see Sami in Toronto. “But remember… You asked for this. It’s all your fault.” As if Kevin’s delusions aren’t already grand, will he continue to blame everyone else but himself?
Damian Priest & Braun Strowman VS Solo Sikoa & Jacob Fatu w/ Tama Tonga!
Elimination Chamber is on the horizon, and the Road to WrestleMania makes for strange bedfellows. Priest, Braun and Jacob were fighting each other just last week, but Solo’s return really threw things for a loop. Can Priest & Braun give Solo and the Samoan Werewolf their punishment? Or will everything (not) be fine in Solo’s Bloodline?
SmackDown returns as #OneBigSOB makes his entrance. As Solo, Jacob & Tama head to gorilla, we hear from Solo. “Tonight, we handle business. And it starts with Braun Strowman & Damian-” Jacob interrupts with, “Man, c’mon, DP! C’mon, Braun! I thought we did this! So tonight, we about to even up the score. If you ain’t know, I’m all gas, no brakes with it! See, since we touched the scene, we been dropping bodies like bread crumbs! Yadada mean!? FA-TUUU~! Hit my music!” The rogues enter to Jacob’s theme, is this alone proof he’s the new alpha? Or will the match be the last nail in that coffin?
The teams sort out, but Jacob stares down both Priest and Braun. NOLA seems to acknowledge Jacob, but Solo convinces him to stand down. Solo starts against Priest, the bell rings, and the two tie up. They go around, Priest powers Solo back, but Solo powers Priest back. They break, stare down, and Solo talks some trash. Solo shoves Priest, Priest shoves back. They circle again, tie up, and Priest puts Solo in a corner. The ref counts, Priest lets off at 4, but Solo stomps Priest’s foot! Solo throws hands, then a HEADBUTT! Priest staggers, but then he ROCKS Solo! And ROCKS him! And HEADBUTTS! That was a mistake!
Solo shakes his head to HEADBUTT Priest! Priest goes to a corner, Solo throws haymakers and body shots on repeat! The ref counts, Solo lets off and says see? Solo and Jacob as one! But Priest THROWS Solo to the corner to fire off haymakers of his own! Priest ROCKS Solo, the fans fire up, and Priest whips., Solo reverses to UPPERCUT! Solo talks smack but Priest ROCKS him again! Tag to Braun and the fans fire up! Braun stares Jacob down, tells him to shove it, then runs up to SPLASH Solo! Braun stares Jacob down again, goes back for Solo, and hits another LARIAT! Braun scoops, Solo slips free, but Braun runs up!
Solo ELBOWS Braun away, tags to Jacob, and Jacob runs in, but Braun dodges! Braun CROSSBODIES! Jacob is right up, but Braun BOOTS him right back down! Solo runs in but Braun TOSSES him! Priest hurries after Solo, Braun CLOBBERS Jacob! LEAPING LARIAT for Solo! Braun then gets on the track, STROWMAN EXPRESS SMACKS a chair out of Tama’s hand! The Good Bad Guy thought he was being sneaky! But then Jacob CROSSBODIES Braun into the timekeeper’s aera! The fans go wild as Jacob rises up, and SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Jacob hauls Braun up, drags him around the way, HEADBUTTS him, then brings him over to SMACK off the desk! Braun staggers, but he ROCKS Jacob in return! And THROWS Jacob into steel steps! Braun drags Jacob up, puts him in the ring, but Jacob SUPERKICKS Braun! Braun falls into the corner, Jacob HIP ATTACKS! Jacob’s all geeked up, then he tags in Solo. Solo soaks up some heat while Jacob HIP ATTACKS Braun again! Solo puts Braun on ropes to CHOKE him! The ref counts, Solo stops at 4, but Jacob gets a HEADBUTT in! Braun flounders, Solo taunts him and eggs him on, but Braun CHOPS him!
Solo HEADBUTTS Braun right down! Solo rains down fists, then lets off so he can put Braun on the ropes. Solo CHOKES Braun again, stops as the ref counts 4, and Jacob gets another cheap shot in! Solo tags Jacob in, then he HEADBUTTS Braun again and again! Jacob runs to BODY CHECK Braun! Jacob fires up, Braun flounders to ropes, but Jacob rains down fists! Tag to Solo, he soaks up heat from NOLA, then he stomps away on Braun! The ref counts, Solo lets off, then he keeps Braun from Priest by anchoring a leg. Tag to Jacob and Jacob climbs up, FROG SPLASH! Jacob roars while Braun writhes!
Jacob looms over Braun but he glares at Priest. Priest gets heated, but Jacob fires hands on Braun as SmackDown returns to single picture. Braun stands, but Jacob HEADBUTTS him again! Jacob runs for another BODY CHECK! And then a SENTON! Cover, TWO! Braun stays in this and he goes to a corner. Jacob snarls, tags Solo in, and the fans boo. Solo runs corner to corner to HIP ATTACK Braun! Solo grins as he copies Jacob’s geeking out. Tag back to Jacob and fans cheer! Jacob aims, runs, and HIP ATTACKS! Jacob keeps going, but Braun BOOTS from below!! The fans fire up while both men stagger to their feet.
Braun SPINEBUSTERS Jacob! Both monsters are down, the fans rally up, and they crawl, hot tags to Solo and Priest! Priest fires hands on Solo, then whips. Solo reverses but Priest SHOUDLER TACKLES Solo! Priest runs to BACK ELBOW! Jacob is back, but Priest dodges to WHEEL KICK! Priest then waits on Solo, but Solo catches Priest! Priest elbows free, but Solo SUPERKICKS! But Priest JUMPING ROUNDHOUSES! Solo comes back, Priest ROCKS him first! Solo swings, but into the FLATLINER! Cover, TWO! Solo survives but Priest puts him in a corner. Priest whips corner to corner, then runs, only for Solo to put him on th eapron!
Solo takes as swing, Priest dodges and ROUNDHOUSES! Priest then knuckle locks with Solo, goes up top, and he tightrope walks for some OLD SCHOOL! The fans fire up and Priest powers up the arm! Priest runs, but Solo ducks the Comebacker! Priest fights the fireman’s carry to BELL CLAP, ROUNDHOUSE, and then he reels Solo in! But Tama is on the apron! Priest DECKS Tama, but Jacob HOTSHOTS Priest! Solo hits the URENAGE! Cover, TWO!! Priest survives and Solo is stunned! Solo snarls, looks to his taped-up thumb, then he drags Priest up. The fans boo but Solo taunts the fans now. SAMOAN- NO! Priest grabs Solo!
But Jacob runs in! Priest ROCKS Jacob, ELBOWS Solo, then he dodges, so Jacob’s SUPERKICK hits Solo! An accident just like last week’s shot to Tama, but Jacob doesn’t seem as upset by it. Priest TOSSES Jacob, then CLOBBERS Solo! STROWMAN EXPRESS CLOBBERS Jacob & Tama!! Priest brings down the straps, the fans are thunderous, and Priest grabs Solo by the neck! SOUTH OF HEAVEN!! Cover, Priest & Braun win!
Winners: Damian Priest & Braun Strowman, by pinfall
Just as Solo thought it’d be like before, he and Jacob were not on the same page! Priest is rolling towards Elimination Chamber, will this be just what he needs to go back to WrestleMania?
My Thoughts:
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Coverage
Andrew’s TNA LIVE! iMPACT! Results & Match Ratings: 2.20.2025
So the first live episode got fairly positive praise from everyone; will this continue the trend?
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Filming at Full Sail seems to have set the stage nicely this week! Going into a Live episode we got Moose and The Hardy Boyz on NXT, as well as Jordynne Grace’s involvement with Steph and Giulia giving a little shine to TNA happenings since she’s newly WWE.
This episode should be interesting, we finally see Lei Ying Lee (fka Xia Li) back in action, Rascalz take on Tyson and Tyriek, Tessa should be seeing some action as well…so generally interesting happenings for the second Live iMPACT! of 2025. Let’s see how this one goes down!
No matter where @ManceWarner and @stephdelander go, @TheSamiCallihan WILL FIND THEM!
Watch #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/NY8HgI02kY pic.twitter.com/mXz9U7m9PL
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) February 21, 2025
Ratings:
- Tyson & Tyriek w/Wes Lee vs The Rascalz w/Ace Austin: Rascalz win via Meteora/Swanton Combo – ***
- Lei Ying Lee vs Rosemary: Lei wins via Thunderstruck – **
- NoDQ Match: Leon Slater vs JDC: Dango wins via The System help – ** 3/4
- Masha Slamovich vs Mila Moore: Masha wins via Requiem – N/A
- Elijah & Joe Hendry vs The Colons: Elijah wins via Tombstone Piledriver – *** 1/4
Results:
Oh yeah, and another Hendry concert is…cut off by a commercial, LOLTNA. First Hendry is cut off by AXSTV’s new Anime Hour bumper, and now Primo and Epico are showing up in TNA. I definitely didn’t have this on my BINGO card. The crowd starts chanting “Where’s Carlito”, which they do acknowledge and play off of well. Oh they’re using their shoot names of Orlando and Eddie now…but before they attack the lights go out and we get another guitar strum! ELIAH/ELIAS/EZEKIEL/EBENERZER/EMERY/EL VAGABUNDO – shows up to back up Hendry. Okay I can apologize away the redundant concert since it played into an Elijah debut. The crowd is immediately popping and chanting “This is Awesome” 10 minutes into the show.
Tyson & Tyriek w/Wes Lee vs The Rascalz w/Ace Austin
Treehouse bros take it to the bigger men quickly, a few fast dives, a little MCMG style tandem strikes, Tyson fires and tries to take them out but they Low Bridge him. Tyriek comes in and they try similar things but Tyriek manhandles them both and throws them out of the ring, Trey is the first one back up and Tyriek and Tyson take his damn head off with his Corkscrew Running Euro Upper. Trey finally manages to flip out of the manhandle, tags in Wentz and Wentz goes for the hot and spicy cleaning house spot. Corner to Corner Knee Lifts for both big men, a Rolling Snapmare, into a Superkick for Tyson and Standing Shoot Star on Tyriek but only for two because Wes feints like he’s going to interfere.
Tyson and Tyriek pull off a tandem Assisted Backdrop Driver, but Wentz breaks it up, Tyson gets knocked out, Wentz hits the Tornillo, Wes tries to interfere again after Trey gets perched on the corner buckle but Ace runs around and trips Wes at the last second causing him to faceplant on the apron, Trey hits the Meteora, Wentz hits a Swanton from the other side of the ring and Trey gets the pinfall victory.
It was fast paced, all gas no brakes, but it didn’t overstay its welcome, so it was pretty fun all things considered.
After the match Wes grabs a mic, complains a little but challenges them to a 6 man match as Sacrifice. So we’re THAT’S where we’re getting the expected 3v3.
Fir$t Cla$$ comes out with an entourage of hot chicks and probably influencers or something. The “First Class Penthouse” , Gabby AF, Mafiosa Valentina, and Carolina are apparently known in their own way. Gabby I know was the awful one who did something for Impact a last year and sucked, but she’s part of the Busted Open Network I believe so that’s why she’s around. Two of them look like Noelle Foley and Frank the Clown…oh they actually are. Look at that. I do love KC Navarro as the Hype Man, they have this whole set up of AJ being mad that they haven’t gotten more Tag Title shots, so TNA placated him with his own Piper’s Pit and he’s *pregnant pause* totally happy with that. He says he loved Piper and hated Hogan before it was cool.
This is actually quality content and AJ is cutting a nice promo in this segment. They introduce their first guest, the greatest performer in TNA history, many whole say he’s Phenomenal with a whole lot of style….it’s A-J-Francis.
.@AJFrancis410 is GOING OFF!
Watch #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/NY8HgI02kY pic.twitter.com/kGehtp9iTE
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) February 21, 2025
Lei Ying Lee vs Rosemary
Things were slow until Rosemary took her into a corner quickly, hit the Upside Down, and we get a lot of Lei trying to avoid Rosemary’s offense. Rosemary goes for a Spear in the corner and Lei forward rolls, starts connecting with a bunch of right hands, backs Rosemary into the corner, goes for 10 Count Punches, pulls her out, Airplane Spin TKO for only a two count. Rosemary tries As Above So Below, Lei shrugs it off, Rosemary tries to go after Lei anyway and eats Thunderstruck! Lei Ying Lee wins!
After the match Rosemary catches Lei on the ramp and hits the Green mist in the eyes. Match was far too short and so many of Lei’s set up moves look better than her finish. We’ve seen Kofi Kingston do it for years so it’s not bad, just the current Knockouts Division are awful and don’t take the move well.
Eric Young and the jabronis come out, EY cuts a very basic power crazed psycho kind of promo, gets the “What” chants from the crowds. EY is trying to recruit Maclin even though Maclin made his line in the sand last week. EY tries to spin it as maybe he took out Josh FOR Maclin instead of in spite of his trust. This really doesn’t seem interesting at all, but that’s probably because I hate the two Jabronis EY is with.
NoDQ Match: Leon Slater vs JDC
I really don’t have any interest in Slater. He’s got no personality beyond “flippy guy with a British accent”.
Dango immediately powders, grabs a chair and goes to swing on him but misses. So Leon is making JDC look dumb by dodging the post chop, using the chair to shield himself from a punch by JDC, and then clapping Dango’s fingers between the chair. So typical System match, look inept for the first few minutes, then take advantage of something to take over. Oh look, Leon takes too long setting up the table, Dango gets in a few pot shots, tries to whip him into the table but Leon leaps over it, and then leaps back over to clobber Dango. Dango is still trying to recover so Leon hits his over the corner post con hilo, and the crowd appreciates it but I’m not interested. Leon panders to the crowd after the big spot and then eats an X-Plex into the chair from Dango.
JDC throws Leon back in, goes for a pinfall that’s only a two and we cut to a commercial. Coming out of the commercial JDC is in control with a Kendo Stick until he isn’t, Leon counters and takes the keno stick, brutalizes Dango a few times then comes off the ropes with the kendo shot for 2. Leon goes for another table, and again, at least the crowd is receptive to this match. Leon sets it up, looks for something off the apron but Dango stops him first until he eats a dropkick to fall onto the table, Leon hits the Swanton 450 through the table on the outside. Does it look cool? Sure. Do I care about dumbass moves? Nope.
Oh thankfully the rest of The System comes out to stop the pinfall, Shield Bomb Leon through the first table, and roll him back in for Dango to win.
The Hardy Boyz come out to try and make the save, but the numbers are against them, so Oba Femi’s music hits! Oba cleans house but doesn’t get his hands on Moose, so they’re at least building the eventual clash between Moose and Oba.
The crowd starts a “Tessa, we comin for you” chant before she even starts talking. Tessa is actually playing off the crowd well, Santino’s music hits and Tessa thinks he’ll help her out with the crowd and Santino calls bullshit basically. Santino says if Tessa doesn’t wrestle next week, she’s fired and Masha’s music hits. Masha decides to step in for Tessa’s enhancement talent match.
Masha Slamovich vs Mila Moore
Jobber tries to attack Masha early but Masha stops her, rocks her and Requiem ends the match.
Masha stares down Tessa, and then Cora Jade attacks from behind and hits Jaded.
Ryan Nemeth comes out to his Abyss music remix. What will Mokuba say today? “MYYYY BIIIGG BBRROOOOTTHHHEEEEER” he repeats at least 4 times and it’s hilariously cringe. He announces that Nic will return at Sacrifice, he literally just came out to give a PSA.
Elijah & Joe Hendry vs The Colons
Hendry starts with Eddie, after a brief tie up it seems like Hendry reads the room and points at Elijah and the crowd wants him in. So Joe tags in Elijah, a little back and forth, Shoulder Tackle from Elijah, Rope Walk with Elijah lays out Eddie and a tag to Joe allows for a quick tandem knockdown, but Eddie powders as the Walking and Talking Duo hold the ring going into the final commercial break.
We come back and Hendry is bouncing Orlando off the ropes as he return a strike, but Orlando is obviously losing, eats a Euro Upper, and then gets walked around in the Stalling Suplex for posterity. Eddie tries a sneak attack but gets caught and Sack of Shit, into Kip Up, turn and then Orlando with the ambush! A few quick short cuts and an Irish Whip/Dropkick combo gives the Colons a near fall. Hendry does get locomotion variation cradles, but eats a Dropkick to stop the attempt at momentum. Orlando stays on Joe, but Joe finally starts to fire up as the crowd starts to get behind him. Euro Uppers make some space, but a Snapmare says no.
Eddie gets tagged in and a quick Leg Sweep into a Front Chancery keeps Eddie in control. As Joe tries to get back up, Eddie turns it into a Guillotine, but finally the Suplex counter connects for Hendry! Simultaneous tags! Elijah bulls over Orlando, catches a Leap Frogging Orlando with the Manhattan Drop as Orlando retreats to a corner, Stinger Splash into Spinebuster for two. Elijah tries to keep up the attacks but Orlando finds a few ways to make space, launches himself from the middle rope and eats the Jumping Knee! Eddie breaks up the pinfall, Hendry takes Eddie out and Elijah hits the Tombstone Piledriver for the win!
Overall Score: 6/10
Well there were more live hiccups than the first episode, and this felt both more epic and less epic at the same time. Elijah and the Colons debuting was a nice way to kick things off, Oba Femi showing up for the save was fantastic. There were a few decent matches, but also a lot of really short and rushed matches. Tessa played off the crowd well, but Masha really is useless on the mic. Lei Ying Lee needs to framed stronger, her matches have done nothing to show off her ability. It just proves that the Knockouts don’t know how to sell a kick to the head because they all take it in the shoulder and fall in corny ways.
Viva La Sam could be something fun if the next 3 weeks are just hand cam footage of him being like “I’m Sami Callihan and I’m gonna kick Mance Warner’s ass”, Elegance Clique getting the rematch with a stipulation is nice to see and while I like Fir$t Cla$$, that segment went a little long for a cornball swerve payoff. It’s one thing to placate the Influencer squad especially when we’ve seen Logan Paul and Ishowspeed do so well in WWE…but these are like Z Tier Influencers that no one cares about. These kind of dorks stream on Kick because they aren’t relevant enough for Twitch, not because they chose Kick over it.
So yeah, the low lights were pretty low, and the highs were a little fleeting, but at least they were pretty fun. Not a bad show, just clunky with noticeable issues and Masha shouldn’t be allowed to speak English anymore. She’s such a charisma vacuum when she’s not rambling in Russian.
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