Coverage
Mitchell’s NJPW Dominion Results & Report! (6/9/24)
Who makes NJPW their Dominion?
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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Who gets lucky on Friday the 13th?
With Elimination Chamber on the horizon, Cody Rhodes, Jacob Fatu, and Sami Zayn fight for a spot in tonight’s Triple Threat Qualifier!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships: Rhea Ripley & Iyo Sky VS Nia Jax & Lash Legend; No Contest.
- 10 Man Tag: MFT VS Carmelo Hayes, Ilja Dragunov, Apollo Crews, Matt Cardona & Shinsuke Nakamura; MFT wins.
- Women’s Elimination Chamber Qualifier Triple Threat: Alexa Bliss VS Giulia VS Zelina Vega; Alexa wins and advances.
- Rey Fenix VS Trick Williams; Trick wins.
- WWE Women’s Championship: Jade Cargill VS Jordynne Grace; Jade wins and retains the title.
- Men’s Elimination Chamber Qualifier Triple Threat: Cody Rhodes VS Jacob Fatu VS Sami Zayn; Cody wins and advances.
PLAY BY PLAY
Tiffany Stratton is here!
Dallas, Texas cheers as SmackDown is now on #TiffyTime! Tiff goes to the ring, grabs a mic, and asks Dallas, “What time is it?” “TIFFY TIME!” Tiffy says three months ago, she lost the WWE Women’s Championship after having the rookie year most women dream of having. That’s why Tiff decided to qualify for the Elimination Chamber. Not because she asked, not because she got lucky, but because when she says she’s gonna do something, she does it! Five women walking into the chamber hoping to get the match at WrestleMania. But Tiff doesn’t walk in just hoping. She walks in expecting to win! The fans cheer that.
Tiff says based on what she’s seen the last few months, the WWE Women’s Championship misses Tiff! But wait! Nia Jax & Lash Legend walk out here to interrupt! They’re dressed in Valentine’s Day red and pink as they have the mics in hand. The fans boo but Nia says, “Tiffy, i would love to say it’s so good to see your face again, but you know I’m not a liar.” Lash says they keep it real around here. And uh, the truth is, Tiffy DID get lucky last week. Oh, okay, Lash, Nia, but why are you so obsessed with Tiff? Didn’t they already learn their lesson? And seems Nia simply got herself a replacement for Tiff. Lash says haha, calm down that, Bitter Betty, before Lash lashes out.
And the reality is, Lash is an upgrade! Now, after tonight, when Lash & Nia win the Women’s Tag Team Championships, then Nia will win her qualifier next week, and then, y’all will be locked up in the Chamber, and Nia will pin her fast than she can say, “It’s Tiffy Time~!” The fans chant “Tiffy Time!” but Nia says maybe they can just take care of this tonight. Nia & Lash step up to the ring as Nia says Tiff knows what she’s capable of. Tiff says yeah, losing a title match. But wait! Here comes Rhea Ripley & Iyo Sky! The fans cheer as Mami & The Genius make their way to the ring, and Tiff says she’ll let Nia & Lash handle their business.
Rhea has a mic to say, “Don’t get ahead of yourselves, ladies. Because neither of you are going to be walking out of the Elimination Chamber, let alone walking out with the golden opportunity to go to WrestleMania. You wanna know why? Because I’m in there. And soon, Iyo’s gonna be in there, too. And we’re gonna do what we do best, and that’s work together until we are the last two standing.” The fans like the sound of that! Rhea says don’t let herself get ahead of herself, either. Because first, #RheYo needs o beat the crap outta Lash & Nia thinking they’re walking out of Dallas with THEIR Women’s Tag Team Championships!
The fans fire up as we get a star-studded match to open the night! But will Mami & The Genius still be on top? Or will the Irresistible Force & Bougie Bully bully their way to being champions?
WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships: Rhea Ripley & Iyo Sky VS Nia Jax & Lash Legend!
The teams sort out, Iyo starts against Nia, and Iyo SHOTGUNS Nia at the bell! The fans fire up as Iyo fires forearms. Iyo runs, but Nia POP-UP HEADBUTTS! And ELBOW DROP! Nia drags Iyo up, HEADBUTTS her to a corner, then storms up to CHOP! Iyo is stinging already but Nia whips her into the corner again. Nia stands Iyo up to SLAP instead! Nia scoops but Iyo slips free! Iyo BOOTS Nia, then dodges her! Iyo keeps moving, redirects, and handsprings! Iyo then ducks a boot to KICK the leg out! Iyo keeps moving and she SHOTGUNS Nia down! The fans fire up with Iyo, and she tags Rhea!
The fans fire up even more while Iyo wheelbarrows, Rhea CLUBS Nia into the STOMP 182! Rhea runs and she basement DROPKICKS! Cover, TWO! Rhea drags Nia up but Nia shoves her away. Rhea DROPKICKS Nia outta the ring! Lash runs up but Rhea TOSSES her out! Rhea then tags Iyo and Iyo takes aim! ASAI MOONSAULT! Down go Lash & Nia and the fans fire up with Iyo! Iyo gets Nia up, CLUBS her against the apron, then pushes her in. The fans rally behind Iyo as she climbs the corner. But Lash runs up! Iyo BOOTS Lash away, but Nia ROCKS Iyo! Nia fireman’s carries for the SAMOAN DROP! Cover, TWO!
The fans rally while Nia seethes, and she drags Iyo over. Lash tags in, CLUBS Iyo, then DRIBBLES her in the ropes! Lash taunts Rhea, then she swings Iyo for a BACKBREAKER! Cocky cover, ROPEBREAK! Iyo survives but Lash drags her into a chinlock. Iyo endures as Lash squeezes tight, and Iyo fights up for elbows. Lash CLUBS Iyo, puts her in the corner, then tags Nia. Lash sits Iyo down fir Nia to HIP ATTACK! And rubs it in, literally! The fans boo but Nia tells Rhea to kiss this! Nia then has the ref check her eyes while Lash gets a cheap shot in! Nia covers Iyo, TWO! Iyo toughs it out, but Nia drags her up to scoop.
Nia tags Lash, then has Iyo in the ropes for Lash to CLUB again and again! Then SIDEWALK SLAM, and Lash adds a SPALSH DOWN! SmackDown goes picture in picture with the cover, TWO! Lash steps on Iyo, drags her over, and tags Nia back in. Lash whips Iyo to lift, and she throws Iyo into Nia’s fireman’s carry! But Iyo makes that a CRUCIFIX DRIVER! Cover, TWO! That almost backfired on the challengers! Lash runs up, but Iyo DUMPS her out! Iyo crawls for her corner, but Lash YANKS Rhea down! Nia stomps Iyo down, then soaks up heat. SmackDown returns to single picture as Nia tags Lash.
Nia & Lash double whip Iyo to the corner while fans chant, “You Suck!” But Iyo goes up and over Nia, and leaps off her to MISSILE DROPKICK Lash! The fans fire up as Iyo crawls, hot tag to Rhea! The fans fire up as Mami dodges Lash to DROPKICK Nia! Then she LARIATS Lash! And LARIATS! But Lash guzels! But Rhea turns the lift into a wheelbarrow! Lash back suplexes outta that, only for Rhea to land out! Rhea then CHOPS Lash, knuckle locks, and goes up the ropes to FLYING RA- NO! Lash stops that, but Rhea fires fists! Nia tags in before the RANA! Rhea dodges Nia, tilt-o-whirls, and DDT! Cover, TWO!
Nia survives but the fans rally behind Rhea. Rhea tags Iyo, Iyo goes up, but Nia fights the Riptide! Nia CLUBS Iyo, then goes up, but Iyo fires elbows! Rhea CLUBS Nia, and POWERBOMBS her down! Then Iyo goes OVER THE MOONSAULT! Cover, BUT LASH USES RHEA TO BREAK IT! Lash TOSSES Iyo out, then SMACKS Iyo off the apron! “This is Awesome!” even as Lash POSTS Iyo! Lash SMACKS Iyo off the desk, then dribbles her off it! Lash snarls as she pushes Iyo down, but Rhea WRECKS Lash with a dropkick! The ref says this is too much, and he has them ring the bell!!
No Contest; Rhea & Iyo retain the titles
The fans boo but Rhea keeps hitting Lash off the desk! Lash hits back, Iyo jumps on Lash, but Nia CLOBBERS Rhea! Lash POSTS Iyo again! Nia brings Rhea up but Rhea hits back! Rhea fires forearms, then a HEADBUTT! Lash BOOTS Rhea down! Lash pumps the brakes on Mami, and she brings out a TABLE! Dallas is torn, they love tables but aren’t as big on this match being a wash. Nia & Lash set their table up nearby, then Nia climbs into the ring. Lash puts Rhea on the table, and Nia goes up the corner?! The fans are already scared for what’s coming! But Rhea BOOTS Lash away! Iyo GAMANGIRIS Nia!
Iyo fires up, builds speed, and DIVES into Nia to go down through the table!! But then Lash TACKLES Rhea through barriers!! Dallas is going nuts as all four women are down in wreckage! Refs and security hurry out here, but clearly nothing is settled between these teams. Will #RheYo and the Irresistible Forces look to run it back?
Backstage interview with Cody Rhodes.
Cathy Kelley is with the American Nightmare and knows Cody’s already spoken with conviction that Drew McIntyre wouldn’t even make it to WrestleMania. But for Cody to make it to Mania, he has to win tonight’s qualifier, and then win what will certainly be a stacked Elimination Chamber match. How can Cody be so confident he will make it to Mania? Cody says he could speak with conviction, he could be angry, fuming, spitting, or he could do the “Golden Boy” thing and, per SmackDown General Manager, Nick Aldis, “control his emotions.” Everyone knows the pressures of this gig. As they’re talking, there are people posting along live with the show.
There are streamers broadcasting reactions to every word they say. There are 300+ employees at WWE HQ who are hoping and waiting that Cody, Jacob Fatu, and Sami Zayn all rip each other apart to have an all-timer of a main event tonight. And when that noise fills the ears and that pressure adds up, Cody asks himself one thing: Where is he? Cody is two matches away from the dream of main eventing WrestleMania. And in addition to that, he’s down the road from Reunion Tower, around the corner from the Cotton Bowl, and currently in the American Airline Center! This is Von Erich Country, and he is in Dallas, Texas.
Cody says don’t bet against him, so definitely don’t do that here. Cody heads out, but will he win that one-third odds tonight? Or will the numbers spell disaster for Cody in Dallas?
Carmelo Hayes encounters Apollo Crews and Matt Cardona.
They all say hey, and Apollo says he’s been watching H1M. Apollo admires the US Championship Open Challenge. As a former champion himself, Apollo would love to be back in the conversation himself. Melo says yeah, it’s the hottest ticket in town. Cardona says he’s also a former US Champion. And as he’s said, he’s not just back to be back, he’s back for gold. Well, the Open Challenge is open every Friday, but tonight, it’s already closed. Melo heads out, but then The Miz is right around the corner. Miz says Melo is just handing opportunities to anyone now? Yeah, anyone but Miz. Miz says he is a locker room leader, filling the void left by John Cena!
And right now, Melo is violating Miz’s three core values! Oh, and what’re those? Master, Inspire, Zone-in! And right now, he’s zoned in on Melo and teaching H1M a lesson in respect! Oh? Well, hopefully Miz teaches better than he wrestles. Melo heads out, and Cardona points out that “Zone-in” might be two words. Miz says it’s a hyphen! It’s M I Z! Who even asked you!? Miz storms off, but if the open challenge is closed, who filled the card?
Aleister & Zelina speak.
The Dark Father gives credit where credit is due: Randy Orton is undoubtedly still one of the greats. That match was shades of 2009 Orton. But Aleister can’t help but wonder… What if Cody Rhodes qualifies tonight. What roads will Orton take? Maybe we’ll see it really soon. La Muneca calls out Alexa Bliss and Giulia, saying one of them holds her title, while the other holds onto a fragile friendship. Zelina can’t help but wonder how much she can poke and play until all those porcelain egos finally break. Zelina says Alexa got in her head a long time ago, but that time will come. Tonight, Zelina makes sure that she goes to Elimination Chamber. “Tonight, change will come.”
Carmelo Hayes heads to the ring.
Dallas is fired up to see H1M out here, and he even gives some autographs to the front row. The US Champ grabs himself a mic to say, “Let’s go, Dallas, c’mon!” The fans cheer and Melo says he just wants to talk real quick. Melo says for the last 48 DAYS that he has been champion, he has chosen to bring prestige and honor to this title the same way as the guys before him did. Now listen, it’s one of those things that they say, “Banger after banger,” Match of the Night,” most defenses on main roster. Melo says Raw or SmackDown, he said what he said. And so as your U S A Champion, we’re on the Road to WrestleMania!
And Melo has earned his opportunity at WrestleMania! And since he’s gonna shoot his shot, might as well shoot for the main event. Next week, Melo will be qualifying for the Elimination Chamber! He knows everyone in Dallas knows, when he shoots, #MeloDon’tMiss. But to business tonight, he made a promise and he’s gotta keep it. There’s a man who’s been chasing H1M, Melo owes him one, so Ilja Dragunov, come on down! The fans cheer as the Mad Russian Dragon makes his entrance! It is time to right a wrong, but will Melo regret giving The Czar this match? Or- WAIT! Solo Sikoa & MFT are interrupting?!
Solo tells Melo, “You talk about having a United States Championship match. Well it for damn sure doesn’t start with Ilja! How many times did you lose, huh? Twice? Hey, ya shot, and ya missed. So get your ass to the back of the line, cuz the line starts with ME!” Ilja tells Solo that Solo is calling his shots. But didn’t his family abandon him during his qualifier? Solo says shut up! Don’t ever talk about his family like that again! The same thing that happened to the Wyatts is what’s gonna happen to Melo & Ilja! Oh, well, seems someone wants a fight! That means Melo & Ilja are ready for one! Melo says he was gonna leave here with one title, but why not try for two? What does MFT say?
Solo mocks Melo, then says shut the hell up! Solo says Melo & Ilja can keep running their mouths, but just know that it did not have to be like this. MFT swarms the ring and it is a 5v2 beating! The fans boo but Solo soaks up the heat! JC Mateo sends Melo into a corner while the Guerrillas stomp away on Ilja! But then Cardona & Crews rush out here! The fans cheer as the numbers are more even now! It is still 5v4, though! The fans boo as Cardona and Crews also get beat up, but SHINSUKE NAKAMURA is here! The King of Strong Style fires off on Tonga Loa, then THRWOS him aside! Then he GAMANGIRIS JC!
Nakamura DUMPS Talla out, Ilja and Cardona TOSS the rest! The fans fire up as we now have 5v5! And Nick Aldis walks out here to say this night started with chaos, so why not keep that going? He likes the intensity, it’s good for business. So clearly, we’re taking a rain check on the US title, and it is time for a Texas-sized TEN MAN TAG! Ring the bell! The fans fire up as the teams sort out, but the fight starts after the break.
10 Man Tag: MFT VS Carmelo Hayes, Ilja Dragunov, Apollo Crews, Matt Cardona & Shinsuke Nakamura!
SmackDown returns as Crew CHOPS JC! Then tag to Cardona! They handoff the wrench and Cardona HEADBUTTS the arm! Cardona CLUBS away on JC’s arm, but JC DECKS Cardona! Tag to Loa and Cardona FLATLINERS! Cardona runs up to ROCK him in the corner! Cardona whips, Loa reverses, but Cardona KNEES Loa away. Cardona goes up to MISSILE DROPKICK! Cover, TWO! Cardona drags Loa up, but Loa almost pantses Cardona! Loa RAMS Cardona into the corner, Cardona ELBOWS him away, but Loa distracts the ref so Solo can ENZIGIRI Cardona! The fans boo but Loa LARIATS Cardona down!
Loa snarls and he drags Cardona up. Loa scoops and SLAMS Cardona into the drop zone, then tags Tama for the SLINGSHOT SENTON! Tama taunts Melo’s team, then CHOKES Cardona on the ropes! The ref counts, Tama tops, but Solo KNEES Cardona down! Solo soaks up heat while Tama tags Talla. Talla looms over Cardona while the fans chant, “SOLO SUCKS!” Talla CLUBS away on Cardona, then drags him up to whip to the corner. Talla runs in and LARIATS! Talla then fireman’s carries Cardona for a SAMOAN DROP! Talla soaks up heat, then he stomps Cardona down. Talla tags Loa, Loa HEADBUTTS Cardona, then Loa whips but Cardona SMASHES him on the mat!
The fans fire up as Cardona hot tags Ilja! Ilja CHOPS away on Loa! Loa kicks low, HEADBUTTS, then whips Ilja to a corner, Loa runs up but into a BOOT! Ilja BOOTS Loa again, then runs up to KNEE Loa! Ilja goes side to side and he BOOT WASHES Loa down! Ilja goes up the corner, but he has to ROCK JC first! Loa ROCKS Ilja, and Ilja falls hard to the apron! Loa tags Talla, and Talal LARIATS Ilja! The fans boo but MFT soaks up the heat while SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns and JC squeezes Ilja with a chinlock. Ilja fights up as the fans rally, and Ilja fires elbows. Ilja CHOPS and CHOPS and CHOPS, but JC ROCKS Ilja! Ilja springs up but JC ducks the enzigiri! Hot tag to Solo! Solo BLASTS Cardona and Crews, then taunts Melo. But Ilja ENZIGIRIS! Both men are down and the fans fire up! Ilja and Solo stagger, hot tag to Melo! The fans fire up as Melo fires off on Solo with forearms and CHOSP! Melo runs, RAMS Solo, then LARIATS! And LARIATS! Solo staggers around, takes a swing, but misses! M elo hits the springboard FLYING CLOTHESLINE!
Tama runs in, Melo puts him in a corner, and he blocks a boot! Melo puts Tama in the ropes, ENZIGIRIS, then hits the FADE AWAY JUMPER! The fans fire up but Solo ROCKS Melo! Melo rebounds for LA MYSTICA! Cover, Loa breaks it! Nakamura is in, Loa ducks one kick but not the WHEEL KICK! But Tama gets Nakamura for a TONGAN TWIST! Crews GERMAN SUPLEXES Tama! JC GERMAN SUPLEXES Crews! Cardona hits RADIO SILENCE! Cardona dodges Solo to ROUGH RYDER! But Talla LARIATS Cardona! The fans boo but Talla soaks up heat. But then Ilja & Melo stand together, and they fire off on Talla!
The fans fire up as they back Talla down! Talla SHOVES Melo, UPPERCUDTS Ilja, but Melo comes back, springboard- But into the guzel! Talla gets Ilja, too! DOUBLE CHOKE SLAMS!! But Crews ENZIGIRIS! Cardona ROCKS Talla, Crews dropkicks a leg out, and Cardona KNEES Talla! Talla just shakes it all off! Double guzels for- KNEE from Nakamura! Then Crews & Cardona DOUBLE LARIAT Talla up and out! Cardona WRECKS Talla with a dropkick, then Crews FLIES! Down goes Talla!! Nakamura fires a strike fest on JC, but JC reels him in for an ATHLETIC PLEX! But Ilja is up to GERMAN- NO, JC fights it!
JC switches, Ilja fights free! Ilja SWATS the lariat, then TORPEDO MOSCOW!! H-BOMB FOREARM!! But then Solo POSTS Ilja! The fans boo, but Melo SUPERKICKS Solo! But Melo runs into a fireman’s carry! Melo slips free, dodges Solo, but Tama tags in! FIRST 48 on Solo!! Melo goes up, but Tama SHOVES him into the SAMOAN SPIKE!! TORPEDO MOSCOW on Solo!! But Tama has Melo in his crosshairs, for the CUTTHROAT ELBOW!! Cover, MFT wins!!
Winners: MFT, by pinfall
MFT used the numbers and the chaos in their favor! And bigger than that, Tama just pinned the US Champion! Will nothing stop The Good Bad Guy from taking that title from H1M? WAIT! The lights go out! And the fireflies come out! MFT looks up to the skybox, and there are the Wyatts! Uncle Howdy has warned them, this is far from over. When and where will the Wyatts take back the WWE Tag Team Championships and the lantern?
Alexa Bliss and Charlotte Flair talk backstage.
They tentatively say hi, and Charlotte apologizes about the Royal Rumble. Alexa says it’s okay, Charlotte didn’t really eliminate her, Nia did. Charlotte says yeah, Nia ruins everything. But what Nia won’t ruin is tonight. Because tonight is #Galentine’sDay. Will Alexa be Charlotte’s Galentine? She got Alexa’s favorite flowers, black roses, and a picture. It’s an autographed picture of Charlotte. This is supposed to be a gift to Alexa? Alexa says it’s fine, Royal Rumble has the rule of every woman for herself. Yeah, and Chamber is the same. But now back to the presents. The best present is that Charlotte will be in Alexa’s corner. As her Galentine?
No, cuz Charlotte will woo her. Get it? Woo. Alexa sighs and says fine, she can bring the picture. Charlotte knew Alexa loved it. #Charlexa heads out, but will Lil’ Miss Bliss be headed to Chicago? Or will Galentine’s be ruined this year?
Damian Priest and R-Truth meet with Nick Aldis.
The Archer of Infamy and the SmackDown GM talk Elimination Chamber qualifiers. Next week, it will be another Triple Threat: Priest VS Melo VS Trick Williams! Priest likes that. And then Kit Wilson steps in. Kit demands to know what that stunt was with sending Oba Femi out there. Kit says Aldis is lucky Kit chooses to use his words and not his fists. Speaking of, he wrote a poem! “Monday Night Raw is red, Friday Night SmackDown is blue, real men express feelings, unlike you!” Truth says aw. Kit continues, “You reward meatheads, your leadership is obnoxious! Wake up, Nick! You are toxic!” Truth says okay, not bad.
Kit says of course Aldis and Priest laugh! They lack emotional intelligence! They can’t enjoy a good poem from the only real man in the room! Truth calms Priest down and asks to handle this himself. Wepa! Priest says okay, sure. Truth says violets are blue, roses are red, but did y’all see when Oba slammed Kit on his head? Kit says he a real man, but he can’t even go. Uh oh, Kit might’ve lost his manhood! Truth sees a camel toe! Kit says that is vile! They’re all immature children! Kit is not finished! You’re all TOXIC! Kit storms off, but will he make another scathing entry in his diary about this?
Women’s Elimination Chamber Qualifier Triple Threat: Alexa Bliss VS Giulia VS Zelina Vega!
This is a battle of small yet mighty superstars who have accomplished big things in their careers, but nothing is bigger than the Grandest Stage of Them All! Who takes one small step this match, and one giant leap into the Elimination Chamber?
The bell rings and the fans rally as the three stare down. They circle, feel things out, but Alexa TACKLES Zelina to a jackknife bridge! ONE, and Giulia hits an Oklahoma Roll! ONE, and Zelina rolls Giulia up, ONE! The three stand off and the fans cheer. They reset, Giulia runs up on Alexa but is sent into Zelina! Then Alexa clinches! But Zelina CLOBBERS Alexa, hops on, but Alexa pops free! Giulia ROCKS Zelina, scoops, but Alexa CLUBS Giulia! Zelina bumps Alexa off buckles, then stares down with Giulia. They circle, tie up, and Zelina waistlocks. Giulia throws her away, then avoids the kick!
Giulia catches a shot to ROCK Zelina, then she reels Zelina in for a snap suplex! The fans cheer while Giulia then stalks Zelina. Giulia ties up Zelina’s legs, grabs the arms, and SURFBOARD STOMPS her down! Cover, TWO! Zelina is tougher than that, but Giulia runs up, only for Zelina to block and ELBOW! Then SAIDO! Zelina kips up, the fans fire up, and Alexa is back! She guzels Zelina but Giulia grabs Alexa’s hair! Alexa STOs Giulia, then SOMERSAULT SENTONS! The fans fire up for Alexa while she goes to the apron. Alexa CANNONBALLS Giulia down! But then Zelina is there to METEORA Alexa! Zelina mockingly makes sure Alexa is alright while SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns again and Zelina RAMS Alexa into a corner! Giulia THROWS Zelina back to then stomp away on Alexa! But Zelina THROWS Giulia down! Zelina fires off on Alexa, RAMS her, but Giulia wrenches Zelina by her hair! Giulia THROWS Zelina, then DOUBLE KNEES Alexa! Giulia runs but Zelina BOOTS her! Zelina goes up, soaks up cheers and jeers, but Giulia ROCKS her first! Giulia goes up after Zelina, underhooks the arms, but Zelina resists the lift! Giulia still gets Zelina up for a SUPER DUPER BUTTERFLY PLEX! The fans fire up with Giulia, but then Alexa CLOBBERS her! And CLOBBERS her!
Alexa DROPKICKS Giulia down, then wrenches Zelina to SLAP, ROCK, KNEE, and SHOTGUN her down! Giulia runs up, wrenches, but Zelina SLAPS, ROCKS, KNEES, and SHOTGUNS Giulia! The fans fire up with Alexa and she runs, DOUBLE BLOCKBUSTER! Cover on Giulia, TWO! Cover on Zelina, TWO! Both Giulia and Zelina survive but “This is Awesome!” Alexa steps on Giulia, she goes up the corner, but Giulia rises! UPPERCUT! Giulia goes up to get Alexa, but Zelina CLUBS Giulia! Zelina joins in, and she SUPER BACK SUPLEXES Giulia! Cover, TWO! Giulia survives and Zelina grows frustrated!
Zelina throws hands on Giulia, Giulia hits back, and they stand up. Giulia ROCKS Zelina, Zelina ROCKS Giulia, repeat! Giulia HEADBUTTS away on Zelina! Alexa is up to CLUB them both! Giulia ROCKS Alexa, Zelina ROCKS Giulia, then Zelina whips. Alexa dodges and ROCKS Zelina! Giulia is down from hitting buckles, and Alexa stomps her down! Alexa goes up, up, and TWISTED BLISS but onto knees! Zelina hops onto Giulia! CODE RED!! Cover, ALEXA BREAKS IT! The fans fire up while all three women are down! Zelina stands but Alexa clinches! TWISTED- NO, Zelina slips out, but Alexa still hits a DDT! But Giulia KNEES the cover apart!
Giulia drags Alexa up, scoops, NORTHERN LIGHTS BOMB!! Cover, ZELINA BREAKS IT! The fans are torn as all three women are down again! Alexa flounders out of the ring while Zelina drags Giulia up. Kiana shouts at the ref, storms into the ring, but Zelina BLASTS her! And dodges Giulia! Giulia tumbles out, Zelina fires up, and the fans cheer as Zelina builds speed! Alexa catches her to the clinch! TWISTED SISTER BLISS!! Cover, ALEXA WINS!
Winner: Alexa Bliss, by pinfall (advances to the Elimination Chamber)
Giulia is beside herself, she was fingertips away from breaking that up! But in the end, Alexa is the third woman in the match! Who else will join them in Chicago?
Tiffany Stratton encounters Jordynne Grace backstage.
The Juggernaut tells the Wrestling Barbie welcome back. Tiff thanks her and says things are a little different around here. As much as Tiff wants to beat Jade Cargill, she doesn’t mind if Grace does first. Grace says when she wins tonight, she wouldn’t mind seeing Tiff at WrestleMania. Grace heads out, but then Chelsea Green runs into Tiff with her wheelchair! Chelsea says look long and hard at what Tiff did to her! This beautiful foot is now grotesque! All because “Tacky Time” took her spot at Elimination Chamber! And y’know what?! Jealousy is a disease, and Tiff is riddled with it! Alba Fyre agrees!
And they demand an apology! Maybe even compensation! Tiff tells Chelsea that if she wants to fight Tiff, all she has to do is step up and- Oh, wait! She can’t! Tootles! Tiff walks away, Chelsea says after her! Wait, the comfy blanket gets caught up in the wheel. But will the Hot Mess make a full recovery in time to ruin Tiffy Time?
Sami Zayn talks with Rey Fenix backstage.
#BigMatchSami checks on on the Immortal Firebird and Fenix says he’s good. Sami knows Fenix has his match with Trick Williams tonight, so just do Sami a favor: Teach that guy a lesson. Trick’s talked a lot of trash on everyone, and Sami’s seen this type before. Trick has all the talent in the world, he just needs someone like Fenix to teach him a lesson in respect. Fenix says no problemo, amigo, he’s got this. See you later. Sami says he also has one more thing. Last week, Fenix was trying to talk to him but Sami admits, he wasn’t really all there. It has been a tough couple of weeks, losing out on the WWE Championship at the Royal Rumble, but that no longer matters.
Sami is focusing on tonight to punch his ticket to Elimination Chamber, which will punch his ticket to WrestleMania. What Fenix said to him about inspiring the others, giving hope to others, that if Sami can do it, anyone can… Sami just wants Fenix to know that meant a lot to him. Sami will take that hope and carry it with him to the ring. Fenix says he knows that tonight, Sami will do it. But then they hear Trick’s music, so that means Fenix has to get going. Sami wishes Fenix luck, will Fenix #WhoopDatTrick? Or will those lemon pepper steppers have momentum going into next week’s Triple Threat qualifier?
Rey Fenix VS Trick Williams!
Trick grabs a mic while the fans chant, “Whoop Dat Trick!” “Huh? Yeah! I like it!” Trick is fired up with Dallas, and he tells Sami Zayn, “Lemme do you a favor, big dawg: Nobody here in Dallas wants to hear Mr. Can’t Get the Job Done tell his sob story.” The fans are torn on that, but Trick says Sami comes out here, backstage, moping around, Sketchers on his feet, ain’t combed his hair, breath smelling like ten pounds of ass! And he’s beggin’ for another opportunity? You make Trick sick! The fans are torn again, but Trick says newsflash, Sami! You got your opportunity tonight, you got a qualifier with Jacob Fatu and Cody Rhodes! Those are some big dogs.
But if you come in here moping around, they’ll eat you alive, let’s talk about it. But on to Trick Willy! Next week, he’ll come out here, put on his mink coat, take off his lemon pepper steppers, and do whatever it takes to qualify for the Elimination Chamber. Now as for tonight, Trick has Rey Fenix. Lemme tell you something, Fenix. You come out here every single week, you do backflips, kicks, but lemme tell you. When Dallas goes to the zoo, they don’t wanna see a squirrel doing flips, they wanna see a lion get up! And if you think Trick’s gonna lie down for one second just cuz he’s new here, then you must be stupid!
But then Fenix makes his entrance and that shuts Trick up. Fenix is ready to Whoop Dat Trick, but this rematch gets started after the break.
SmackDown returns and the bell rings. Fenix and Trick tie up, Trick headlocks, but Fenix fires body shots. Fenix powers up and out but Trick RUNS him over! The fans chant “Whoop Dat Trick!” and it might be for both meanings. Fenix gets up and he resets with Trick. They tie up, Fenix waistlocks, but Trick throws Fenix away! Trick flexes and says he can do this all day. Fenix stands up but Trick pie face shim. Trick CHOPS then fires forearms! Trick knees low, whips Fenix to a corner, but Fenix BOOTS back! Fenix SOBATS, FRONT KICKS, then whips, but Trick blocks! Trick whips Fenix but Fenix handsprings to BACK ELBOW! Cover, ONE!!
Trick shakes his head but Fenix waits on him to stand, Somersault and- NO, Trick catches Fenix to TOSS him to the corner! The fans cheer for “LUCHA! LUCHA!” Trick CHOPS Fenix, then runs up, but Fenix dodges! GAMANGIRI! Fenix pushes Trick out, then goes up and up to MISSILE DROPKICK! Cover, TWO! The fans rally and Fenix is feeling it. Fenix aims from a corner, “ANIMO!” ROLLING- LEG LARIAT from Trick! Trick fires up and the fans cheer while Fenix sputters. Trick drags Fenix up, whips him to the corner, then CHOPS! Trick whips corner to corner, runs up again, and CHOPS! The fans fire up while Trick snarls.
Trick whips corner to corner again, but Fenix comes back to CHOP, CHOP, CHOP! But Trick scoops and SLAMS Fenix! Trick snarls as he brushes off his stinging chest, and he dares Fenix to get up. Trick scuffs Fenix, brings him up, and scoops, but Fenix slips free! Fenix rolls Trick up, TWO! Fenix ducks ‘n’ dodges, but Trick scoops to BACKBREAKER! Trick hits a JUMP NECKBREAKER! The fans cheer and Trick tells Fenix to get up. Fenix stands, Trick runs up, LARIAT! Cover, TWO! Fenix survives but Trick just cheers himself on while SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns again as Fenix fires body shots on Trick! Then CHOPS, CHOPS, and CHOPS! The fans “WOO~” with every CHOP, then Fenix runs to LARIAT! Trick wobbles but Fenix keeps moving, only for Trick to FLAPJACK! The fans fire up as Trick checks the hands. Trick CHOPS Fenix down! Booker T would be proud! Trick whips, Fenix ducks ‘n’ dodges, then tiger feint rewinds to HEEL KICK! Both men are down and the fans fire up again! Trick and Fenix slowly rise up, “This is Awesome!” Trick stalks Fenix to a corner, brings him up, but Fenix SUPERKICKS! Fenix bobs ‘n’ weaves to SUPERKICK again!
Trick staggers, Fenix runs up, JUMP SOBAT! Then he goes up, up, and ADIOS AMIGO! Cover, TWO! Trick survives and Fenix is a bit surprised, but the fans continue to rally up. Fenix goes up the corner, waits on Trick, and CROSSBODIES! Then he hurries right back up the corner, to FROG SPLASH! Cover, TWO!! Trick survives the double impact and Fenix is beside himself! The fans are thunderous as Fenix stalks Trick to the ropes. Trick bails out of the ring to the ramp, but Fenix goes up the corner! Fenix SUPER DUPER CROSSBODIES! Down goes Trick and the fans fire up again! “This is Awesome!” as Fenix hurries to get Trick back in!
Fenix goes back to the corner, but Trick UPPERCUTS first! Trick climbs up, then he fireman’s carries Fenix! Fenix fires elbows, CLUBS away on Trick, then he goes to the post! Fenix counts it out, UNO, DOS, TRES! SUPER FIRE STOMP!! Cover, TWO?!? Trick survives and Fenix cannot believe it! Dallas is electric as Fenix goes right back up, jumps around, but Trick avoids the Quebrada! But Fenix avoids a lariat! And an elbow! But not the TRICK SHOT! Cover, TRICK WINS!
Winner: Trick Williams, by pinfall
The sequel was better than the first, but it ends all the same! Trick gets a win over the former AAA Mega Champion, and now he has momentum going into his own Triple Threat qualifier! Will Hollywood Trick be headed to Chicago?
Rhea & Iyo regroup backstage.
They’re both upset that the tag title match was a wash, but Rhea is sure they’ll get even with Nia & Lash soon enough. But for now, Iyo has to focus on Monday and her qualifier. And then Giulia storms in, just as upset missing out on qualifying for Elimination Chamber. Kiana James tries to calm her down, and Rhea mockingly asks if someone’s a little sad about losing their match. Giulia snarls but Kiana suggests they not provoke Giulia. Or what? Iyo beat Giulia last week, so maybe Iyo will do it again and take that Women’s US Championship. Giulia goes into a rage but Kiana holds her back. Giulia warns Iyo in Japanese, but Iyo taunts her back with a “Mattane. <See you later.>”
But then Jade Cargill passes by. She looks at both Iyo and Rhea, then smirks. The Storm does not seem to see them as a threat, but will she even be a champion after facing The Juggernaut?
Jacob Fatu speaks.
“My whole life, the odds been stacked against me. And to keep it 100, I never been in no Elimination Chamber. But hold on, don’t get it twisted now. I know what that cold steel feels like from being in a cell, nobody around, locked down. People even like to speak and talk about you. ‘Jacob Fatu, he’s unpredictable.’ Hell, all the way to, ‘Jacob Fatu, he’s a real-life criminal.’ Man, c’mon with it. I’ve been written off, scratched off. Hell, I ain’t even supposed to be here right now. All week, Cody and Sami, I know for a fact they been worried about what Jacob is about to do. Nah, lemme break it down for you two. Tonight, I’m winning.
“Elimination Chamber, c’mon with it. I done been locked up before. The only difference is, there ain’t no WrestleMania sign to point to on this yard. When it comes to Elimination Chamber, got that in the bag. Then I’m on my way to WrestleMania 42, leaving nobody with no doubt about what Jacob Fatu is gonna do. And you know Jacob Fatu is all gas, no brakes with it.” The Samoan Werewolf is ready to bare his fangs, but will he sink his teeth into a golden ticket to Chicago?
WWE Women’s Championship: Jade Cargill VS Jordynne Grace!
The Storm ended Tiffy Time and has blown away anyone who could even possibly challenge her, but a new force of nature has arrived on SmackDown. It’s about to be a Clash of the Titans in Texas, will anything be left standing when the smoke clears?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who makes it reign!
Wait, Liv Morgan is here? She brings Dominik Mysterio & Raquel Rodriguez with her, and also has a mic. “Excuse meee~! Sorry, excuse me.” Dom says they won’t take long, but Dom knows Liv so well that he knew she would want to watch this match in person. Liv says exactly. And they need to acknowledge that Jade’s been champion for 100 days! That’s a big deal! And Dirty Dom being the super amazing double champion that he is, he also planned a romantic date for him and Liv. Ringside staff brings in a table for two, and Liv says this is why Dom is the greatest boyfriend of ALLLLLLLL~ TIIIME~! Liv loves dinner and a show!
So don’t mind them, they’re gonna sit back, relax, and watch her potential WrestleMania opponents tear each other apart. Happy Valentine’s Day~! The bell rings, Grace and Jade tie up, and they go around in the collar ‘n’ elbow. Jade powers Grace to a corner, Jade turns it around, and the ref gets in there to back them off. Jade is upset but she and Grace reset. They tie up, Grace waistlocks, but Jade switches. Grace headlocks, Jade powers up and out, and they RAM shoulders! And RAM shoulders! And RAM shoulders! Grace ducks a lariat but Jade suplexes first! Grace goes to a corner, Jade runs up, but Grace BOOTS her!
Grace whips, Jade reverses, but Grace goes up and- NO, Jade catches her! Only for Grace to make it a SLEEPER! Jade RAMS Grace into buckles, RAMS her in again, but she’s already fading! Jade fights up, and BACKPACK SENTONS! But Grace holds on! Jade fights around, rolls and rolls, and they go to the outside! Grace is still wrapped on tight, but Jade POSTS her! Jade is free, then she winds up, but Grace ducks! Jade’s elbow hits the POST! Jade goes into the ring but Grace drags her out, ARM BREAKER DDT to the floor! Jade writhes, and Garde uses the desk for a VADER BOMB! Jade sputters while Grace refreshes the ring count.
Grace drags Jade up, and she brings her around to reel her in. But Jade fights the lift and BACKDROPS Grace on the barrier! Jade now refreshes the ring count, and she glares at Liv. Jade snatches a chicken nugget, and eats it! The Storm is not sweating Liv while SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns and Jade has Grace in a chinlock. Grace fights up but Jade wrangles her back down. Dom shows off his own bottle of bubbly, but who knows how it tastes. Grace fights up, knees low, then wrenches to UPPERCUT the bad arm! Jade clutches the elbow, but Grace BOOTS her and goes to the apron. Grace blocks the shots, and HEADBUTTS away in the ropes! Grace pushes Jade back but Jade runs in! Grace slips around to RAM Jade into buckles again and again! Backslide, roll through, BACKHAND! Grace then suplexes Jade up for the JACKHAMMER! Cover, TWO! Jade survives and Grace is a bit surprised. Is Liv even paying attention?
Grace fireman’s carries, but Jade slips free! Jade fireman’s carries but Grace fights free! But Jade BOOTS Grace, lifts, but Grace hits a flying-mare! Jade headscissors, Grace kips free, and Grace hits a SPINEBUSTER! Grace brings Jade up, in, and lifts, but Jade lands out! SPINEBUSTER on Grace! Cover, TWO! The fans fire up while both women are down! Jade rolls to a corner, drags herself up, and takes aim! But Grace ducks the boot to roll Jade up! TWO, and Grace wheelbarrow to a victory roll! TWO, and Jade scoops Grace! Grace fights free, and gut wrenches Jade up for a POWERSLAM! Cover, TWO!! Jade survives and Grace is shocked!
The fans rally up again as Jade sputters. Grace and Jade go forehead to forehead, then they SLAP and SLAP and fire forearm after forearm! The fans fire up as Grace BACKHANDS again! Grace torture racks Jade for a BURNING- NO, Jade lands out! And BOOTS Grace down! Jade then chicken wings Grace for JADED!! Cover, JADE WINS!
Winner: Jade Cargill, by pinfall (still WWE Women’s Champion)
The Juggernaut pushed Jade, but Jade had grace under pressure. Jade then goes to Liv and tells her that if Liv chooses her for WrestleMania, that’ll be her ass. Jade heads out but Liv brushes that off. Will Liv be unable to play it cool once she’s facing The Storm head on?
Fraxiom and MCMG can’t even.
Nathan Frazer, Axiom, Alex Shelley & Chris Sabin chuckle as Johnny Gargano is still depressed and sulking. Candice LeRae tries to encourage him, but Johnny asks, “What’s even the point?” Candice says who cares about the stupid mask! Johnny says it’s more than just the mask and she knows it! His tag partner is gone, he has no friends, no title. He has nothing left. Wow, really? Nothing left? Johnny says nothing. Uh, his wife is right here! Fine, whatever, do whatever this is, she will fix this! She then literally wheels the road case Gargano is curled up on, and the others have another laugh. Shelley says he’s starting to feel bad for the guy. Not!
But then MFT walks in, and Solo says the Wyatts don’t want a real showdown. Then he tells the “chumps” that they should take notes. If they want a shot at the tag titles, then get in line. Solo continues on, but then he spots a picture on their locker room door. It’s a drawing by Lumis of Solo’s head as the new lantern! Solo rips it down, but it is clear this will not end until one side wins once and for all.
Oba Femi speaks.
“Man has always struggled with the concept of change. People fear change. When the tides start to shift around them, they cling to their idols and false prophets, holding onto what once was. What they don’t understand is that change is inevitable. And if you do not adapt, you perish. After a long time, I’ve been saying, ‘A change is coming, a change is coming.’ But now, change is here. So you will hear my drums, and you will see my strut, and you will look when the deed is done. Because change has sent Oba Femi.”
Nick Aldis meets with Oba Femi.
Speaking of The Ruler, the SmackDown GM hands him his potential contract, and would love if Oba signed full-time with SmackDown. But then Kit Wilson storms in again! Aldis cannot believe this. Is Kit serious? They’re in the middle of something, and what? Kit wants to read another poem? Oh, it’s even bookmarked. It’s about Oba! Let’s read it for the class. Aldis grabs the book to read: “Roses are red, but I don’t give a damn. You may be big and strong, but really, you’re an insecure little man. Your actions are toxic, it’s plain to see. You’re not match for a real man, a real man like me. You march and you stomp through every town. They’re laughing at you, you sad little clown.”
Aldis sarcastically says that’s profound stuff, Kit. Oba asks if that’s how Kit feels. Kit says yeah, that’s how he feels. In that case, they can meet in the ring next week and “discuss” their feelings. Aldis says that sounds great. Kits shouts TOXIC, then runs away. Will Oba change The Topic from “Why is WWE toxic?” to “Whatever happened to Kit Wilson?”
Backstage interview with Drew McIntyre.
Cathy Kelley is with the Scottish Terminator and says that Elimination Chamber is taking shape. Three men are about to step into the ring for their qualifier, all three men having long histories with Drew. What are Drew’s thoughts? Drew says let’s focus who’s already in there: Randy “Can’t Win The Big One Anymore” Orton, and the Catchphrase Merchant, LA Knight. The fans can be heard saying, “YEAH!” and Drew says point proven. Those two don’t want any of this. But Drew heard what Cody had to say earlier tonight. He makes Cody a promise: Cody will be nowhere near Drew, this title, or the main event of WrestleMania.
Jacob Fatu may have the best chance in the Chamber, because out of everyone in the field, he’s spent the most time behind bars. But if Fatu makes it to Mania, Drew will make Fatu wish he was back in the slammer. And then there’s Sami Zayn. Drew trails off as the man himself steps in on his way to gorilla. Sami says he’s not gonna interrupt, Drew can say what he wants to say. But Sami can guess, Drew will mock Sami with how it’s a forgone conclusion because Drew has Sami’s number, right? Drew says no, that’s not what he was going to say at all. Oh, no? No. Drew brings up the night he won this title.
In front of the world, Sami said there was a small part of him that wanted Drew to win. And Drew will tell Sami now that a BIG part of him wants Sami to win tonight. Not for the reason Sami thinks, but because he’s a good man. Sami’s paid his dues, he’s earned this opportunity. And Drew has a feeling that Sami will win the big one tonight. Good luck, Sami. Drew leaves, leaving Sami speechless. But is Drew genuine about his encouragement? Or is he trying to use some sort of reverse psychology?
Men’s Elimination Chamber Qualifier Triple Threat: Cody Rhodes VS Jacob Fatu VS Sami Zayn!
SmackDown returns and Fatu makes his entrance. This leaves Cody for last but certainly not least. Dallas sings along with Kingdom, “WHOA~ OH~!” and the pyro. The bell rings and the fans fire up as all three men stare down. They feel things out, and then Fatu SUPERKICKS Sami! Sami flounders out of the ring and Fatu stares down with Cody. Cody fires up, he and Fatu start throwing hands, and Fatu RAMS Cody into the corner! Fatu RAMS Cody, UPPERCUTS him, then HEADBUTTS him! Cody sputters but Fatu whips him, only for Cody to reverse, kick, and RHODES UPPERCUT! Then a springboard and CODY- NO, Fatu handstands outta the cutter!
Fatu SUPERKICKS Cody down, and the fans fire up with Fatu. Fatu runs, but Cody avoids the senton! Cody gets moving, and he LARIATS Fatu up and out! Sami is back, only for Cody to CHOP him! Sami turns things around to CHOP and CHOP, then wrench and whip. Cody reverses, Sami goes up and over, and Sami LARIATS Cody up and out! The fans are torn as Sami builds speed, and he FLIES! Down goes Cody AND Fatu! Sami stands tall and Dallas is fired up while SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Sami hobbles his way back to ringside, and he follows Cody around the way. Sami puts Cody in the ring, storms up on him in the corner, then stomps a mudhole in. Sami stands Cody up to CHOP! Cody puts Sami in the corner and CHOPS in return! Cody winds up but Sami dodges to CHOP in return! Sami bumps Cody off buckles, goes up the corner, and AX HANDLES Cody down! Cover, TWO! Cody is tougher than that but Sami brings him back up. Sami reels Cody in, suplexes, but Cody fights that! Cody suplexes but Sami fights that back! They go back and forth as they fight for control, and Cody holds Sami up for TEN before the SLAM!
Fatu rushes back in and he CLOBBERS Cody! Fatu stomps away on Cody in a corner, then drags him up to rain down fists! Fatu HEADBUTTS Cody, then pushes him onto the ropes! Fatu CHOKES Cody, then stops to go after Sami. Fatu HEADBUTTS Sami down, then runs to SPLASH Cody in the corner! Fatu goes back to Sami but Sami CHOPS! And CHOPS! But Fatu HEADBUTTS Sami back down! Cody runs up but Fatu SMACKS him down! Fatu brings Sami up and whips him hard into a corner! Fatu brings Cody around and whips him hard into a corner! Fatu ROCKS Cody, but Cody hits back! SmackDown returns to single picture as Cody fires hands.
Cody whips, Fatu reverses, but Cody BOOTS Fatu away. Fatu returns, but gets another BOOT! Fatu still tries, but Cody dodges! Fatu hits buckles, then Cody dodges Sami! SNAP POWERSLAM! Fatu is back, SNAP POWERSLAM! The fans are torn as Cody stands tall again! Cody then JABS Sami again and again, then flips, flops, and- NO, Sami ducks the elbow! Cody fights the Blue Thunder, then he springboards for the BEAUTIFUL DISASTER KICK! Cover, TWO! Sami survives and Cody grows frustrated, but the fans continue to rally up. Cody sees Sami go to ropes and waits for him to stand. Cody dragon sleepers, but Sami knees free!
Cody runs back up, but Sami clinches! Cody fights the Exploder, and Fatu CLOBBERS them both! The fans cheer Fatu on and he stomps Sami. Fatu then runs to handspring and MOONSAULT! Cover, TWO! Sami survives, but Cody runs up! Fatu dodges, then pops Cody up! Cody fights the Samoan Drop, has the dragon sleeper, but Fatu snapmares free! Only for Sami to roll Cody up! TWO and Cody jackknife bridges Sami! Fatu SENTONS on it! The fans fire up again as Fatu stands up. “This is Awesome!” as Fatu stalks Sami to a corner. Fatu CHOKES Sami, Sami tries to fight back, but Fatu stops to throw haymakers.
Fatu HEADBUTTS Sami, then runs to SPLASH Cody in a corner! Fatu sits Cody down, runs back up on Sami and SPLASHES! Sami sits down now, and Fatu shouts, “YADADA MEAN!?” Fatu stomps Sami, then he rains down fists on Cody. Fatu has targets in both corners, and he runs to HIP ATTACK Cody first! Then he geeks out and the fans fire up! But Sami runs in! Fatu dodges to then POP-UP SAMOAN DROP! Cover, Cody breaks it in time! The fans are torn again while all three men are down, and SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Cody rises up, he throws hands on Fatu, but Fatu hits back! They go forearm for forearm, then Fatu UPPERCUTS! Cody kicks low, whips, but Fatu reverses to send Cody out! Then Fatu DIVES! Down goes Cody in front of commentary! But then Sami CLOBBERS Fatu from behind! Sami SMACKS Fatu off the desk, and again, but then Fatu hits back! Fatu whips Sami into the steel steps! Fatu then storms up and SMACKS Cody! Fatu brings out a TABLE! Dallas likes that! But then Fatu puts the table back under the ring? Wait, Cody brings the table out! But Fatu CLOBBERS Cody and puts the table back!
Cody rolls into the ring, Fatu puts Sami in, then Fatu climbs a corner. Cody ROCKS Fatu first! Cody climbs up, CLUBS away on Fatu, then goes to the very top rope! Fatu fires body shots, then HEADBUTTS Cody down! But now Sami ROCKS Fatu! Sami climbs, CLUBS away, and brings Fatu up! Fatu still resists by holding onto the ropes! Fatu UPPERCUTS and HEADBUTTS Sami right down! But now Cody is back up top! He brings Fatu up but Fatu fires more body shots! SmackDown returns to single picture as Cody falls back. Sami ROCKS Fatu, Cody joins in, and they work together to get Fatu to the very top! DOUBLE SUPERPLEX!
The fans are thunderous as all three men are down! “This is Awesome!” as Sami and Cody find each other. They start throwing hands, the fans torn with each punch. Cody ROCKS Sami, Sami ROCKS Cody, and repeat! Sami gets the edge, but Cody takes it back! They throw fast ‘n’ furious fists, then Cody kicks low! RHODES UPPERCUT! Cody runs corner to corner but Sami clinches! CORNER EXPLODER! Sami fires up as he goes to the far side! Sami lines up his shot, but Fatu SUPERKICKS first! Then he SUPERKICKS Cody! Fatu gets moving again, handspring and- BOOT from Sami! Fatu flounders, Cody reels Sami in! But Sami drops, victory rolls, TWO!
Sami gets Cody but Cody fights the lift! Cody CLUBS away on Sami’s neck, then he fires up! Cody springboards, but Sami catches him! BLUE THUNDER BOMB!! Cover, TWO!! Cody survives and the fans are thunderous again! The fans cheer on Fatu to get back in this, but there are still plenty of cheers for Sami and Cody. Sami looks to the WrestleMania sign, he drags Cody up in a facelock, and he CHOPS! Cody staggers, stumbles, and Sami points to the sign. Cody CHOPS in return! Sami ROCKS Cody! Cody ROCKS Sami! Both men wobble, but the shots keep going! Cody JABS, JABS, JABS, then flip, flop, and fly, BIONIC ELBOW!
Sami falls and the fans fire up! Cody stands over Sami, but Fatu CLOBBERS Cody again! Fatu TOSSES Cody out, then runs up to LARIAT Sami in the corner! Fatu shouts all gas, no brakes with it! Then he SLAPS Sami! Fatu goes corner to corner and back again to LARIAT! Fatu says get this ass whipping live and direct on Sami’s punk ass! Fatu runs, but Sami follows! Only for Fatu to dodge the Helluva Kick! Sami falls back, Fatu goes up, and FROG SPLASH into knees and a cradle! TWO!!! Fatu survives as Sami turns things around, but he brings Fatu up. B ut Cody goes up, up, SUPER CODY CUTTER!! But then Fatu TOSSES Cody back out!
Fatu goes up, up, MIGHT MOONSAULT!! Cover, DREW MCINTYRE BREAKS IT!! The fans boo because this is what the Scottish Terminator meant about wanting Sami to win! Drew POSTS Fatu, then he TOSSES Fatu over the desk! Drew almost takes out Wade Barrett in the process! Drew clears the desk, but Cody DIVES! Direct hit into the desk! Cody rains down fists on Drew, then brings him up, only for Drew to POST Cody! Drew snarls as he then sees Fatu getting up. Drew reels Fatu in, and POWERBOMBS him through the desk!! The fans are going nuts as Drew then aims at Cody! “THREE! TWO! ONE!!” CLAYMORE on Cody!!
Drew sees Sami is down, so he drags Sami over onto Cody! Drew leaves it at that, and the ref counts the cover! TWO?!!? Cody survives?!? Drew is shocked and furious! Drew goes back into the ring to HAMMER away on Cody! Drew beats Cody down in the corner, but a HELLUVA KICK on Drew!! Sami wants to win this himself! But then Cody snatches him for a CROSS RHODES!!! Cover, CODY WINS!!
Winner: Cody Rhodes, by pinfall (advances to the Elimination Chamber)
Drew was trying to screw over his most hated rival, but he didn’t account for Sami not accepting the handout. Now Cody is headed for Chicago and the Elimination Chamber! Will the American Nightmare stop at nothing until he and the Scottish Terminator fight on the Grandest Stage of Them All?
My Thoughts:
A great SmackDown, maybe even awesome, with a red hot Dallas crowd. Very good opening promo from Tiffany, Nia, Lash, and then Rhea & Iyo to help segue into the tag title match. Great match, and at least for being a “No Contest,” the table spot and barrier spot were great ways to have all four wipe out. Then good promo from #Charlexa ahead of the Triple Threat qualifier, which was a really good match. I figured Alexa would win that, as Giulia has her US Championship to defend and Zelina just doesn’t feel primed for anything big right now. She and Aleister had a good promo to call out Randy Orton, it feels like that will be their WrestleMania program.
Very good promo from Rhea & Iyo with Giulia & Kiana, and we honestly do need to see Giulia VS Iyo for the Women’s US Championship. That match could probably go either way, but I think it’d be best for Giulia to win, because that’s a win over Iyo, a great accomplishment in itself. Jade VS Grace was a really good Women’s Championship match, but I feel like the entire thing would’ve been better if Judgment Day wasn’t hanging out ringside to watch the match. It literally drew attention away from the match yet added nothing. Great showing for Grace but I figured Jade would win since this was just SmackDown. And as I’ve said, Liv isn’t choosing Jade, there’s a lot more to use in Liv VS Vaquer.
Good stuff with MFT and pretty much the entire Men’s Midcard tonight. MFT “interrupting” Melo VS Ilja and then that 10 Man Tag was definitely about getting quantity and quality on the card. Tama pinning Melo was perhaps a bit surprising, but it makes for a clear story direction of Melo VS Tama for the US Championship. Good promo from Fraxiom, MCMG and Gargano for them to work in how Gargano feels without Ciampa. I wouldn’t mind Gargano & Candice trying for the AAA Mixed Tag titles now that the champions are Lola Vice & Mr. Iguana. MFT putting the tag teams on notice is good, too, can’t wait to see if WrestleMania builds up a HUGE tag match like we got at SummerSlam.
Hilarious promos involving Kit Wilson and all the “toxic masculinity” he’s challenging. Truth legit broke Priest and Aldis with his diss rap on Kit, and Kit regretting that second visit was great. It was very much Kit being immediately faced with the consequences of talking tough behind someone’s back. Oba VS Kit is obviously going to be Oba’s win, and hopefully a sign that Oba is “signing” with SmackDown over Raw. And of course, great stuff in connection to Elimination Chamber and the Undisputed Championship. Good promo from Sami thanking Fenix and Trick talking trash on Sami. Awesome rematch for Trick and Fenix, but I figured Trick would win out. Trick, Melo and Priest in a Triple Threat is an interesting mix, and with Melo still US Champ, I feel like he’s the odd one out.
Very good promo from Drew with Sami, and I could just feel Drew interfering during what was an awesome main event. Dallas definitely had Sami as their third choice, and it seems they got what they wanted with Sami losing after he rejected Drew’s help. Drew then also ends up his own worst enemy because this helped Cody win and go to Chamber. I feel like Aldis needs to tell Drew that he can’t try this stunt again during the Chamber or he’ll be stripped of the title. It’d be really redundant not just for this story build but to last year’s Elimination Chamber with how Rollins made sure to screw over CM Punk, and I think even before when Logan Paul did something to AJ Styles. At this point, though, it’s clear Cody wins Chamber to give us one more match with Drew at Mania.
My Score: 8.9/10
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Will the Blackbelt add a gold belt to her collection?
After building up momentum week after week, Karmen Petrovic now challenges Kendal Grey for the WWE Evolve Women’s Championship!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Swipe Right w/ Jackson Drake VS Eli Knight & Mike Cunningham; Swipe Right wins.
- Aaron Rourke VS It’s Gal; Rourke wins.
- WWE Evolve Women’s Championship: Kendal Grey VS Karmen Petrovic; Grey wins and retains the title.
PLAY BY PLAY
The WrenQCC talks backstage.
Kendal Grey wants to confirm that the vibe in here is weird. Wren Sinclair checks the air, and says yeah, it’s a little weird. Kendal says the Women’s Division is insane right now. The woman who ran this place six months ago is now a shell of her former self. Wren feels so bad for Kali Armstrong. Surely she’ll find what she needs to get back up, she is the Difference Maker. Kendal agrees there. Then there’s Tyra Mae Steele rising up the ranks, and PJ Vasa is breathing down Kendal’s neck for another title match! Wren says tonight, Kendal has Karmen Petrovic. Why does Kendal keep doing this to herself?
Kendal says going back and forth between NXT and Evolve is the grind, but she loves it. Wren says Kendal’s crazy. That’s way too much pressure. Kendal says pressure is a privilege, it means people expect things from her. So tonight, Kendal will beat Karmen and retain the title. Wren adds to watch for the kicks. Kendal says that’s true, Karmen is sneaky good. But Kendal won this title at the first Succession, so she’s gonna walk in the champion for Succession 2. Wren has no doubt Kendal will kill it. Now, let’s get dressed so Kendal can get a warmup in. The WrenQCC is confident in Kendal, but will Karmen use the Shing-Shing to cut down The Grey Area?
Swipe Right w/ Jackson Drake VS Eli Knight & Mike Cunningham!
While they were all on the same side against Kam Hendrix & Team Performance Center, it’s back to Vanity Project VS Team ID to prove who does this better! But will Brad Baylor & Ricky Smokes be able to focus when they’ve got the #1 contenders Fatal 4 Way next week? Or will the Disrespectfully Athletic & #MainManMike show them they still need to Evolve?
Meanwhile, the Modern Day Cowboy, Tate Wilder is watching from the VIP Lounge. He might be a Performance Center guy but we know he’s more on Team ID’s side. The teams sort out and Mike starts against Smokes. They tie up, go around, and Smokes powers Mike to the ropes. The ref counts, Smokes stops at 4 but he messes Mike’s hair. Mike shoots around to waistlock but Smokes switches. Smokes SLAMS Mike, then scuffs him before shouting, ‘Swipe Right!” The fans boo, but Mike shoots around, waistlocks, but Smokes switches again. Tag to Brad and Brad takes the waistlock to SLAM Mike!
Brad wrenches Mike, wristlocks, but Mikes wrenches through to wristlock. Brad rolls, tags Smokes, and they handoff the wristlock. Smokes wrenches and RAMS Mike’s shoulder. Mike spins through, headlocks, and he gives Smokes a noogie! Smokes powers up and out but Mike RUNS him over! Mike does a dance, speeds things up, then ducks a shot to shove, hurdle, and HIP TOSS! The fans fire up while Mike DROPKICKS Smokes down! Brad runs in but Mike dodges! Mike SHOTGUNS Brad down! The fans cheer, and Mike wrenches Smokes to tag in Eli. Eli goes up to DOUBLE STOMP Smokes’ arm!
Eli wrenches the arm, tags Mike back in, and Mike goes up to HIP DROP Smokes’ arm! Even Tate likes that one. Mike wrenches Smokes then tags Eli back in. They double whip and BODY BLOW, then JUMPING DOUBLE STOMP! Then a NECK BREAKER DROP! And a BIG SPLASH! Cover, TWO! Smokes stays in this but Eli stays on him with a wrench. Smokes fires a body shot then tags Brad. Brad DECKS Eli, then whips him into the corner. The fans chant “Swipe Left!” but Brad CHOPS! Eli CHOPS! Brad CHOPS again! Tag to Smokes, Drake says those are his boys! Smokes whips Brad in, but Eli goes up and out!
Eli then goes up and over as Smokes runs in, then a somersault and hot tag to Mike! Mike ELBOWS Smokes, LARIATS Brad, and whips Smokes. Smokes reverses to CHOP! Smokes runs, but Mike FLYING UPPERCUTS! Mike goes to the corner, climbs up top, but Drake distracts the ref! Brad SHOVES Mike down! Tate protests, the fans boo, but Evolve goes to break.
Evolve returns as Smokes holds Mike back from Eli. Eli and Mike reach out, but Smokes ROCKS Mike! Smokes whips Mike to the corner, runs in, but is put on the apron! Mike staggers forward but Smokes SLINGSHOT SPEARS him down! Tag to Brad and he steps in for the SPLASH! Cover, TWO! Brad CLUBS away on Mike for it, then shouts, “V’s up!” The fans boo and Tate says V’s down! Brad drags Mike up and reels him into a COBRA TWIST! Mike endures, but Smokes and Brad link up! The fans boo, Tate points it out, and the ref reprimands Swipe Right! Drake argues with Tate for being a goody goody while Smokes tags in.
But Mike HIP TOSSES Brad away! Smokes hurries to reel Mike in, but Mike HIP TOSSES him, too! The fans fire up for Mike but Swipe Right stands in his way! Mike ducks the lariats to hot tag Eli! Eli springboards to DOUBLE MISSILE DROPKICK! Eli kips up and the fans fire up! Eli LARIATS Smokes, BOOTS Brad, then he wrenches Smokes’ arm for the facelock. Eli kicks off Brad to hit the TORNADO DDT on Smokes! The fans fire up with Eli and he gets moving! DOUBLE QUEBRADA! Cover, Smokes! Smokes survives and Drake is relieved, but Eli scoops to MICHINOKU DRIVER! Cover, TWO!
Eli is shocked and the fans boo, but Smokes survives. Eli powers up and brings Smokes to the drop zone. Eli goes up, up, SUPERMAN- NO, Smokes avoids the diving body press! Eli rolls through, and he SMACKS Brad! Smokes DROPKICKS Eli! Tag to Brad and feed to the lift! DROPKICK SPINEBUSTER COMBO! Jackknife bridge, TWO! Eli survive and Drake is frustrated. Brad rains down fists on Eli, then he tags Smokes back in. Smokes rains down fists of his own, then snarls as he drags Eli up. Tag to Brad and he scoops Eli while Smokes runs. But Mike trips Smokes! Eli cradles Brad, TWO!! Brad escapes, but the JUMP KNEE hits!
Eli tags Mike, then he dodges Brad! Mike BOOTS Brad, Eli GERMAN SUPLEXES, and Mike hits the FAMOUSER! #MainObjective! Cover, TWO!! Brad survives the string of attacks but Mike tags Eli back in. The fans rally up as Mike fireman’s carries and Eli climbs. But Smokes makes the save! Eli leaps over as Smokes POSTS Mike! Eli turns around but into Brad’s JUMP KNEE! Brad tags Smokes and they get Eli up. Scoop and SUPER SWIPE!! Cover, BUT MIKE BREAKS IT! The fans fire up while all four men are down! Drake is begging Eli to just give up if he knows what’s good for him. Eli and Smokes slap each other around, then stand up to throw hands!
The fans rally as Smokes SMACKS Eli, and Eli ROCKS Smokes! Smokes winds up to ROCK Eli, but Eli ROCKS Smokes! Eli then SOBATS, UPPERCUTS, but Smokes BACKHANDS! Tate admits, that was good. Eli goes to a corner, but he BOOTS Smokes away. Eli goes up, but Smokes jumps up to KNEE him! Smokes then climbs up, but Eli fights him off! Brad tags in and he joins them up top! But Eli DECKS Brad! Mike gets under Smokes for a fireman’s carry! Eli goes up and he uses Smokes and Mike as a platform to hit the SUPERMAN BODY PRESS!! Cover, SMOKES USES MIKE TO BREAK IT!
Drake is freaking out, but the fans know “This is Awesome!” Mike and Brad crawl outside, but then Mike goes up?! “MAIN MAN ENERGY!” FLYING UPPERCUT on Smokes! Brad is back in, and he suplexes for a GHOST BUSTER! Brad has Eli but Eli turns the suplex into a STUN-DOG MILLIONAIRE, and then a SLICE O’ KNIGHT! Eli builds speed and FLIES, but onto Mike!! Swipe Right avoided disaster, and now they swarm Eli! Eli DECKS Smokes, but Brad LARIATS Eli! Brad puts Eli in and he tags Smokes. Brad has the dragon sleeper, Smokes goes up, DOUBLE STOMP DDT COMBO!! Cover, Swipe Right wins!
Winners: Swipe Right, by pinfall
Eli and Mike brought the energy, but the momentum is all behind Swipe Right! Even Tate has to admit, they earned that one. Drake gets a mic to say, “Yep! Yep! Those’re my boys! Swipe Right with the W! Now listen, I don’t know if you guys have noticed or anything like that, but um, since last week, we’ve kinda been on a little bit of a roll. I mean, I’m still the champion. Those PC thugs are down bad crying somewhere. And most importantly, we carried the entire WWE ID Program on our shoulders last week!” The fans cheer, and Drake says they know he doesn’t mean to kill the vibe or anything like that… Smokes says they call him Heartbreak Drake for a reason.
Well, anyways, time to get down to brass tacks. As painful as this is for Drake to say, Drake does owe Cappuccino Jones a favor. So at Succession 2 in three weeks, Jones gets his shot at THE Evolve Championship! Brad & Smokes laugh, but that’s because Jones is light work. But wait, HARLEM LEWIS is here! And he says no, no, no. Drake, that’s not how this works. Lewis EARNED a title shot a couple weeks ago, so he DEMANDS his shot at Succession! Drake says hold on, that was Kam Hendrix’s deal, and you saw how that ended up last week, right? Lewis says well, he’ll just have to kick all three VP’s asses then.
Lewis storms to the ring, but BROOKS JENSEN attacks! The fans boo as the Lost Cause hammers away on Lewis! Jensen won’t let anyone cut in front of him! The fans boo but Jensen stomps and KICKS Lewis around! The Bad Man from Ala-Bam-Bam-Bama clearly thinks he’s higher in the pecking order, but will he regret getting in the way of the bad man from the Big Apple?
Arianna Grace & Nikkita Lyons are backstage.
The Pageant Queen isn’t sure, but she thinks she’s hallucinating. Big Kat Kita has a headache. She doesn’t know how much longer she can just be… nice! Arianna had to gouache her face for hours last night to get the fake smile out, and she might be stuck. She moves her jaw and it creaks. Lyons points out her acne returning from the stress, but then Masyn Holliday & Layla Diggs walk in. They’re very excited about how things have been going. They never thought they’d see the day where Grace & Lyons were nice to them. Lyons says it is their pleasure. Anything they need, just ask. Anything? Well, there’s one thing.
Do they mind switching lockers with them? Grace & Lyons have the bigger lockers, and they’re in a great location. Lyons shouts, “ENOUGH! Enough! Enough~!” Grace reminds Lyons about the omen but Lyons says no! They did that HEINOUS TikTok with Masyn & Layla, they posted it, and by the way, it did NOTHING for Lyons’ brand! But she is not giving up her Big Kat locker! Layla knew these two couldn’t be saved. Not even the psychic- Wait, what? They know about the psychic? Masyn says yeah, these two have no redeeming qualities, even when you scare the mess out of them.
Wait, wait, wait. That psychic… wasn’t real? Layla admits that no, that was just her chiropractor, Doris, she’s from Daytona. Grace is relieved, but Lyons says this is perfect. Because you’re gonna need chiropractors after Lyons breaks you in half! Well, fine! Masyn & Layla have tried it nice, they’ve tried it with a very, very elaborate plan, but have it your way. They’ll do this in the ring! See you next Wednesday. Masyn & Layla leave, Grace asks if they can just sue. But now that we know what’s really in store for the future, can Masyn & Layla humble Grace & Lyons directly? Or will the mean girls unleash the worst in themselves?
Team Performance Center are… in the Performance Center.
They’re quite literally working out their frustrations as Keanu Carver pushes the weight sled and Kam Hendrix does bicep curls. Kam grumbles about Tate Wilder and that crooked ref! Harley Riggins tells him that Kam was robbed last week! Keanu says the ID clowns always do something funny! Jax Presley says time to nuke Team ID! Braxton Cole says they need a new game plan. No more divided and conquer, no more 1v1. They just work as one and steamroll everyone in their way! Kam says that’s a great idea! Ten man tag, 5v5! Look at Team ID, look at Team PC! These five are fired up, but will it really be as easy as overwhelming with size and strength?
Aaron Rourke VS It’s Gal!
While Team ID was helping Sean Legacy with his burden, The Dime Piece confronted Mr. Mint Condition for not helping. Rourke isn’t about that kind of pride, so will he humble this big red meathead once and for all? Or will It’s Gal be the one standing tall?
Now Trill London has joined Tate in the VIP to watch this one. The bell rings, Rourke and Gal rush right up, and Gal goes for a leg! Rourke CLUBS away on Gal but Gal RAMS him into a corner! Rourke dodges a shot to fire hands, but Gal puts Rourke in the corner. Gal returns fire, then whips Rourke back into the corner. Rourke goes up and over, handsprings and DROPKICKS! Then Rourke RAMS into Gal again and again! Rourke rolls back, runs up, and RAMS Gal again! Rourke CLUBS Gal while the fans fire up. Rourke fires a body blow, then stomps a mudhole in! The ref counts, Rourke stops at 4, but Rourke comes back to CHOP! And CHOP! And CLUB!
Rourke stomps away on Gal again but the ref backs him off. Rourke storms up on Gal, but Gal ROCKS Rourke! Gal huffs ‘n’ puffs and knees low! Gal CLUBS Rourke, whips, but Rourke ducks ‘n’ dodges to tilt-o-whirl RANA! Gal tumbles out but Rourke builds speed! Rourke DIVES and down goes Gal! The fans fire up and Rourke gives Gal some SPANKS! The fans cheer, but Gal swings back! Rourke dodges and DECKS Gal! The ring count climbs but Gal ELBOWS Rourke! Gal SPANKS Rourke, SMACKS him off the apron, then whips him at the apron, only for Rourke to tiger feint and ROLLING ELBOW!
The fans fire up while Gal sputters and Rourke “kicks dirt” at him. Rourke puts Gal in the ring but Gal uses ropes as a defense. The ref keeps Rourke back, but then Rourke blocks the cheap shot! Gal swipes at Rourke but Rourke spins him and ROCKS him in the back! Rourke whips, Gal reverses, but Rourke tilt-o-whirls again, only for Gal to block it! Gal swings Rourke up to HOTSHOT him off the ropes! Then Gal runs, DISCUS LARIAT! Cover, TWO! Rourke survives the “Flexline,” but Gal says he is tanned and jacked, ready to attack! Gal sits Rourke up to BOOT him down! The fans boo but Gal flexes and grins.
Gal drags Rourke up, UPPERCUTS him, then talks more trash. Gal CHOPS Rourke, soaks up heat, and he drags Rourke up by his beard. But Rourke fires body shots and forearms! The fans rally as Rourke ROCKS Gal, but Gal SHOVES Rourke away! Rourke comes back, but Gal pops him up to THROW him away! And then BOOT him down! Cover, TWO! Rourke survives but Gal grows frustrated. Gal drags Rourke up, talks trash, but Rourke pulls Gal’s beard to tell him shut up! But Gal BACKDROPS Rourke! Rourke sunset flips, Gal flexes, but Rourke avoids the fist drop! And then UP KICKS! Rourke kips up to LARIAT!
Rourke ELBOWS Gal, SUPERKICKS him down, then takes aim from a corner. Rourke runs corner to corner, but Gal gets up for a DOUBLE LARIAT! Rourke staggers back, Gal hops up the corner, but Rourke runs up for a STRATUSPHERE! The fans fire up as Gal flounders to the far corner. Rourke says kiss this! Rourke runs in, HIP ATTACK! Cover, TWO! Gal survives and the fans can’t believe it! Rourke waits on Gal to get up, then fireman’s carries! But Gal pulls the beard to get free! Gal shoves Rourke, Rourke ELBOWS Gal, then Rourke goes up! CROSSBODY, but into Gal’s arms! Gal fireman’s carries for a GUT BUSTER DROP! Cover, TWO!
The fans fire up as Rourke survives, and both Tate and Trill cheer Rourke on. Gal is frustrated as he tells the fans to shut up. Gal fireman’s carries, then he drops Rourke on the top rope! Gal climbs up, brings Rourke to the top, and fireman’s carries, only for Rourke to SUPER SUNSET FLIP POWERBOMB! Rourke then skins the cat and takes aim, OVER THE RAINBOW SEATED SENTON! Cover, Rourke wins!
Winner: Aaron Rourke, by pinfall
It was put up or shot up, and “Big Daddy Red” is pretty quiet now. Will this win help The Dime Piece head for some gold?
Chuey Martinez meanwhile goes to the VIP Lounge to talk with Tate and Trill. They gonna be hanging out for the whole show? Tate says he just wanted to check on the ID talent, and he talks with Trill as he admits, ID’s got something going on. Trill says facts. Chuey brings up how Tate helped the ref last week, but Tate says he wasn’t gonna stand by and watch that injustice. Team PC breaks all the rules and does whatever they want! It’s time someone stands up and ends the chaos! Trill says yeah, a lot of bad stuff going on. Trill & Tate head out, will they show everyone how to do things the right way?
Tyra Mae Steele speaks.
The Olympic Gold Medalist says, “I dipped my toe in the Evolve water, and now it’s time to make it my own! In 2020, I captured gold in the Tokyo Olympics. And with that same grit, drive, and determination, I’m gonna make it to the top of Evolve. In 2026, I’m going to be the Evolve Women’s Champion!” Who will be next to test Steele’s iron will on her road to the top?
Wendy Choo talks with Kali Armstrong.
Wendy is careful as she says hi. She knows they don’t really know each other, but Wendy heard Kali talking down on herself, so Wendy just thought there was something- Kali says get to the point. Wendy says she knows that therapy was a great start for her to figure herself out, so maybe it could help Kali? Kali nods as she thinks on that, then she gives Wendy a BODY BLOW! Kali says this is all the therapy she needs. Kali storms off while Wendy frowns. Not everyone wants help, but will Wendy have to show Kali what she needs to get out of her slump?
WWE Evolve Women’s Championship: Kendal Grey VS Karmen Petrovic!
Just as the WrenQCC said, the Women’s Division is stacked, and that means there is a line of contenders out the door. The Ice Woman enjoys the grind, but will she end up Petrofied tonight? Or can she prove no one survives the Grey Area?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who heads for Succession as the champion!
The bell rings and the two circle. They tie up, go around, and Kendal waistlocks. Karmen bucks the O’Conner and the fans applaud. The two reset, Kendal waistlocks, but Karmen throws her away. Kendal comes back but Karmen sweeps the leg to cover, ONE! Kendal sweeps to cover, ONE! Karmen sweeps the legs with a kick to cover, ONE! The fans cheer the standoff! Kendal and Karmen reset again, and Karmen tests the waters by showing kick. They tie up again, Kendal grabs an arm and wrenches to wristlock. Karmen high kicks to step over, then she whips Kendal to a corner. Karmen ELBOWS Kendal, snapmares, and runs up to BLOCKBUSTER! Cover, TWO!
The fans cheer as Kendal stays in this, but Karmen clamps onto the arm. The fans rally and duel while Karmen wrenches the arm. Kendal rolls and handsprings up to wrench and fireman’s carry takeover! The fans cheer while Kendal has Karmen in an armlock. Karmen fights around, fights up, but Kendal whips her to a corner. Kendal runs up, Karmen dodges, but Kendal ROCKS her! Kendal goes up, over, and out to then slide under and get moving! Kendal redirects Karmen, trips her up, and basement DROPKICKS! Cover, TWO! Karmen toughs it out but Kendal facelocks. Kendal whips Karmen to a corner, but Karmen goes up to JUMP SOBAT!
Karmen runs and BULLDOGS Kendal down! The fans cheer while Kendal bails out, and Evolve goes to break.
Evolve returns again as Kendal rolls Karmen up, TWO! Karmen leg scissor cradles, TWO! Karmen ducks a shot but Kendal ducks a kick! Both women run, and DOUBLE CROSSBODIES collide! The fans fire up while both women are down! Karmen and Kendal crawl to opposite ends, then drag themselves up with ropes. The fans rally again as Kendal runs up and UPPERCUTS at the ropes! Kendal runs again, but Karmen follows to ROCK her! Karmen runs, but Kendal follows to UPPERCUT! The fans cheer as they go again and Karmen KNEES low! Karmen runs, but Kendal UPPERCUTS one more time!
Kendal gets moving, but Karmen KNEES her again! Then Karmen fakes Kendal out to trip her and have the legs! Karmen uses what Nattie taught her in the SHARPSHOOTER! Kendal endures while the fans fire up! Kendal reaches out but Karmen sits deep! Wren coaches Kendal and Kendal fights her way forward. Kendal struggles, but she pushes up so she can reach out, but Karmen drags her back to center! The fans rally harder as Kendal pushes up again! Kendal digs in and reaches out, ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer while Karmen lets go in frustration. Wren coaches Kendal up while Karmen storms back after her.
Karmen drags Kendal up, but Kendal hits the ARMBAR TAKEDOWN! The fans fire up again as Karmen endures and fights around! Kendal pries at the grip but Karmen stacks her, TWO! Both women run up, and Kendal POP-UP POWERBOMBS! High stack, TWO!! Karmen survives and Kendal is shocked! Kendal drags Karmen up, fireman’s carries, but Karmen fights free. Karmen waistlocks but Kendal fires elbows. Kendal goes up, up, and leaps, but into a SUPERKICK! Karmen then reels Kendal in for the TORNADO DDT! Cover, TWO! Karmen is shocked now as Kendal survives! The fans fire up for “Women’s Wrestling!”
Karmen huffs ‘n’ puffs and gets the legs. Kendal stops the step through this time, and she BOOTS Karmen outta the ring! Karmen hurries back up as Kendal runs in, and Karmen ROUNDHOUSES Kendal down! Karmen goes up, but Kendal leaps up to get her! SUPER BELLY2BELLY! Karmen staggers around, into the SHADES OF GREY! Cover, Kendal wins!
Winner: Kendal Grey, by pinfall (still WWE Evolve Women’s Champion)
Karmen got caught and Grey stays golden! Wren celebrates with her friend and teammate, but PJ VASA is here! And she has a mic to tell Kendal, “Hey, hey, hey, Kendal Grey! Come getcho issue! At Succession 2!!” The fans like the sound of that! Kendal says bring it! March 4th marks the next chapter for Evolve, but will that include a new champion? Or will Kendal stay undefeated as Evolve Women’s Champion?
My Thoughts:
A very good episode for Evolve, especially as we build towards the “season one finale” and then Succession 2 as the “season two premiere.” Swipe Right VS Mike & Eli was an awesome tag match, on the level of what you’d get for NXT or even main roster, but I figured Swipe Right would find a way to win. Mike’s new “Main Man” gimmick is clearly because there can’t be two cowboys and Tate Wilder has dibs on that gimmick. Harlem Lewis rightfully points out he won a title opportunity, but then Jensen seems to have already become Mr. Succession doing the major side story match. Jensen VS Lewis will be great, and will help Lewis be strong going into his own title match.
Drake VS Jones is going to be great, too, especially as a showdown between Evolve Champion and WWE ID Champion (and Jones is certainly still WWE ID Champion or they would’ve told us otherwise). It’d be kinda wild if Jones also becomes the first-ever Evolve & ID Champion, but something needs to happen where Drake is no longer Evolve Champion now that he’s on NXT. Rourke VS Gal was good stuff, and Rourke gets a great win for it. Good promo from Tate & Trill to put themselves forward as Faces against Team PC. Good promo from Team PC to set up a 5v5, that could probably be put on the season finale or even Succession.
Very good promo from Lyons, Grace, Masyn & Layla, and I knew they were gonna break the Heels. They’ll have a very good tag match, and I would think the Faces win since Layla & Masyn both lost before this point. Kali and Wendy had a good promo for it being so quick. I figured Kali would react that way when talking about therapy, and she’ll have a great match with Wendy. And great main event from Kendal and Karmen. Kendal of course won out, it’s a much bigger deal for her to lose that title at Succession. I feel like PJ should win at Succession to carry the title as the new Heel champion, with faces like Tyra Mae Steele chasing her.
My Score: 8.7/10
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