Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE NXT Results & Report! (6/11/24)
ADRENALINE! IN MY SOUL!
So, Orlando… Whaddya wanna talk about?
Battleground was big, but tonight might be bigger! THE WWE Champion, Cody Rhodes, is showing up on NXT to talk with an “old friend.”
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Mia Yim VS Jaida Parker; Mia wins.
- Six Man Tag: Wes Lee & New Catch Republic VS Gallus; Gallus wins.
- Brinley Reece w/ Malik Blade & Edris Enofe VS Wendy Choo; Wendy wins.
- Singapore Cane Match: Lexis King VS Dante Chen; Lexis wins.
- Eddy Thorpe VS Tavion Heights; Eddy wins.
- Shawn Spears VS Je’Von Evans; Spears wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
Kelani Jordan is here!
The inaugural NXT Women’s North American Champion gets the big introduction, then walks out here with the belt around her waist. The fans cheer as she holds the belt over her head, then she gets the mic. “Thank you guys so much. This is so surreal to me. Thank you, thank you, thank you.” The fans chant “You Deserve It!” and Kelani says she won many championships in gymnastics the past 18 years, but nothing compares to being the first ever Women’s North American Champion! But she’ll also be the first to say that the six women at Battleground were battling! Bodies were flying, risks were taken, souls were snatched!
Everyone got beat up, but when Kelani climbed the ladder and brought down this title, that is a moment she will remember for the rest of her life. It is an honor to be the first. But being the first means no lineage to live up to, no prestige to uphold. It is all on her to create the importance to this title. There are a lot of talented women in that locker room, but she will prove day in and day out that in this ring, no one does it like Lani. But wait! Jaida Parker makes her way out here! Jaida says the only thing Kelani proved is that she can climb a ladder like a squirrel. All this noise about bringing prestige to the title, it ain’t gonna last long.
Because tonight, Jaida will handle Michin, and then all we hear is “AND THE NEW-” MIA ATTACKS! Kelani shrugs, this is what Miss Parker gets. Mia whips, Jaida stops herself and elbows back! Jaida SMACKS Mia off the apron but Mia throws hands! Mia then throws Jaida in the ring, the ref hurries in, and fans are dueling already! Will the Head Baddie In Charge humble Miss Parker something fierce?
Mia Yim VS Jaida Parker!
The bell rings and Mia dodges to CHOP! And forearm! And repeat! Mia trips Jaida, rains down fists, but Jaida pushes her down to throw hands in return! Mia turns things around again to HAMMER away on Jaida! There’s also hair pulling so the ref counts. Mia lets off, Jaida runs up to TACKLE Mia into a corner! Jaida RAMS into Mia again and again, then brings Mia out to scoop and SLAM! Jaida talks smack, but Mia SMACKS Jaida! Mia SOBATS then PELES! Jaida flounders to a corner, Mia storms up, and Mia CHOPS! The fans fire up, Mia HEADBUTTS Jaida over and over, but lets off as the ref counts.
Mia goes corner to corner, runs back in, and CANNONBALLS! Cover, TWO! Jaida is still in this but Mia stalks her. Mia clamps on a chinlock but Jaida fights up. Jaida pries at the hold, backs Mia down into buckles, but Mia still holds on! The ref counts the ropebreak, but Jaida RAMS Mia into buckles again! Jaida flails, the ref counts, but Jaida RAMS Mia in again! Jaida gets free, but Mia dodges her on the return! Mia waistlocks, Jaida switches, but Mia elbows free to switch and GERMAN SUPLEX! The fans fire up and Jaida flounders to another corner. Mia runs up, but Jaida moves, cannonball hits buckles!
Jaida gets Mia up to POST her! Jaida brings Mia out to put her in the ropes. Jaida CHOPS Mia, then runs to DROP IT LIKE IT’S HOT! The fans fire up while Mia writhes and Jaida says Mia can’t handle her! Jaida says this is HER ring, but NXT goes to break.
NXT returns and Jaida runs Mia over! Jaida drags Mia up to run her over again! Jaida drags Mia up again, but Mia rolls her up! TWO, and both women stand, Mia DROPKICKS Jaida down! Jaida gets up to wrench Mia, for an ARM BREAKER! Then she runs Mia over again! Cover, TWO! Jaida grows frustrated but she clamps onto Mia for a chicken wing. Mia endures, fights the crossface, and the fans are dueling! Mia bends Jaida’s fingers to pull the crossface away, then stands up. Jaida whips Mia to a corner, runs up, but Mia ELBOWS her away! Mia goes up to RANA! Jaida staggers up but Mia LARIATS!
Mia YAKUZA KICKS, then SHOTGUNS Jaida into buckles! The fans fire up and Mia runs back in, but Jaida dodges! Jaida blocks a kick, Mia blocks a punch! Mia ROCKS Jaida, then uses the corner for a TORNADO DDT! Cover, TWO! Jaida survives and Mia grows frustrated. Mia storms back up on Jaida, wrenches an arm, but Jaida refuses to eat da feet! Jaida kicks and suplexes, GOURD BUSTER! Then Jaida runs, for the TEARDROP!! But the hip attack sends Mia out of the ring!! The Good Brothers hurry out here to check their sister, but Jaida has them back off. Jaida gets Mia into the ring, covers, TWO!!
Mia survives and Jaida is shocked! The fans rally and duel, and Jaida tells Machine Gun to back off. Jaida then brings out a chair!? The fans fire up as Jaida slides in, but Gallows distracts the ref! Karl snatches the chair away! Jaida is upset, but Mia rolls Jaida up! MIA WINS!!
Winner: Mia Yim, by pinfall
Michin literally spanks Miss Parker as she gets that W! Will The OC show OTM who really runs these mean streets?
New Catch Republic speaks.
Tyler Bate says Gallus is up to their old tricks again. Now, he has been in Wes Lee’s position before, and Wes is Bate’s mate. He won’t stand here and watch one of his mates get bullied. Pete Dunne says time to prove it! Gallus Boys On Top? Shut it. Will The Big Strong Boi & Bruiserweight help The Cardiac Kid give Joe, Mark & Wolfgang the payback their deserve?
There’s an argument going on at Chase U!
Riley Osborne, Duke Hudson, Ridge Holland & Professor Chase himself are all shouting about last week, how Riley & Duke said one thing but then did another and how that messed up Thea Hail’s match. Ridge has them all stop for a second. Ridge thought they squashed this beef, and so does Mr. Chase. Duke says sorry, just a bit hard to trust Ridge. Riley says yeah! Ridge isn’t part of Chase U! Name one thing that’s went right since Ridge showed up! Ridge says those two told the rest that they weren’t gonna be out there! Riley says they didn’t feel like it until later, when Duke insisted. Then they should’ve just been a unit and went out all at once!
The arguing starts up again, and Thea storms in. STFU and sit down! Yes, ma’am… Chase wonders where Thea got that from. Thea says if the issue is Ridge is an outsider, then guess what? Riley was an outsider once and they let him in. Chase says they should all take a step back and realize this is really all because of Jacy Jayne. Thea asks “Andre” if she needs to remind everyone that he almost gambled the school away. Oh, wait, he DID. And as for DUKE…! Everyone thought Duke was gonna stab Mr. Chase in the back, but he didn’t, because Chase U gave him a chance. Chase U gives everyone a chance, so Thea is over this arguing!
They need to get on the same page. They are ALL Chase U, and that’s not a #TeachableMoment, that’s the truth! Theta heads out and all four men are humbled. They see Thea’s point, but will they still be able to make it work as a team?
Six Man Tag: Wes Lee & New Catch Republic VS Gallus!
The Cardiac Kid didn’t win the North American Championship Triple Threat, but he didn’t exactly lose that match either, with Joe Coffey taking the pin. But the Iron King and his cohorts were still furious, so they attacked Wes backstage, spurring on Tyler Bate & Pete Dunne to stand up for their friend. Will Wes, Bate & Dunne put these bullies in their place? Or will it still be Gallus Boys On Top?
The teams sort out and Bate starts against Wolfgang. They circle, tie up, and Wolfgang knees low! Wolfgang CLUBS Bate, UPPERCUTS him, then tags in Mark. They mug Bate, then Mark hits a headlock takeover. Cover, TWO as Bate gets an arm up> Mark pushes it down, cover, TWO! Bate and Mark rise with knuckle locks, and Bate drops to then headscissor hold Mark. Bate brings Mark to a corner, waves hi to the fans, then RANAS Mark away! Bate clamps onto an arm, tags Dunne, and Dunne goes up to DOUBLE STOMP the arm! The fans rally for Dunne as he wrenches Mark, wrangles him, and drops knees on the arm!
Dunne pulls on Mark’s other arm, bends the fingers, and the fans cheer as Dunne tortures Mark’s hand! Dunne pushes the arm down, floats to get the legs, and he hooks those up. Dunne pulls on Mark’s ears! Then Dunne fishhooks Mark, before he STOMPS the knees! Dunne gets the arm again, bends and twists the arm to isolate it, and STOMP it! The fans cheer as Dunne mocks Gallus. Joe runs in, Dunne dodges to GAMANGIRI Wolfgang! Joe blocks a kick but Dunne SLAPS him then ENZIGIRIS him! Dunne kicks Mark, tags in Wes, and they DOUBLE STOMP the hands! They DOUBLE BUZZSAW, and then Bate tags in!
Bate fireman’s carries Mark, Wes SUPERKICK-starts the AIRPLANE SPIN! Wes DIVES out onto Joe! Dunne runs in, ROCKS Mark, then PLANCHAS onto Wolfgang! Bate just keeps the spin going! The fans fire up as Bate goes around and around and around, way past TEN before the SLAM! Mark staggers out of the ring, Bate kips up, and Wes poses with New Catch Republic while NXT goes picture in picture.
Gallus regroups on the outside, then they huddle up. They talk strategy, and then Mark hurries back in. Mark runs up on Bate but runs into a headlock takeover! Bate grinds the hold, Mark fights up to his feet, but Bate BOPS him with his foot! And again! And again! Mark fires body shots, back suplexes, but Bate lands out! Bate headlocks, Wolfgang tags in as Mark powers out, and Wolfgang FLAPJACKS Bate off ropes! Wolfgang DECKS Bate, rains down fists, then drops a knee on Bate’s head! Cover, TWO! Wolfgang drags Bate over to the Gallus corner, tags Joe in, and they mug Bate with heavy hands!
The erf reprimands and counts, Gallus lets off, and Joe taunts the fans. But Bate hits back with haymakers! Bate backs Joe down, but Joe knees low! And KNEES again and again and again! Joe fires body shots, then whips Bate hard into a corner! Then he whips Bate back in! Then scoops for a BACKBREAKER! Bate is in the drop zone, Joe runs to VADER ELBOW DROP! Cover, TWO! Joe drags Bate up, clamps onto an arm and grinds the shoulder. Bate endures, reaches out, crawls forward, but Joe keeps him away from Wes! Joe traps the arm, then drops a knee on it! Joe drags Bate into a neck wrench, then ELBOWS him in the head!
Joe clamps on a rear bearhug and squeezes tight. Bate endures, fights up, and he throws elbows. Bate is free but Joe CLUBS him in the back! Joe HIP DROPS Bate down, then CLAWS Bate’s back! The ref reprimands but Joe drags Bate into another rear bearhug. Joe then shifts up to a full nelson as NXT returns to single picture. Bate fights, slips down and victory rolls, TWO! Bate runs up, but Joe catches him! Joe FLAPJACKS Bate, then DECKS Wes! Joe whips Bate in, then hits another BACKBREAKER! Tag to Wolfgang and he SENTONS! Cover, Dunne STOMPS it apart! The fans fire up but Wolfgang snarls.
Wolfgang tags Mark, they whip and POP-UP, but Bate RANAS Wolfgang! Mark whips Bate but Bate hits the REBOUNDER! The fans are thunderous as Bate crawls! Mark also crawls, hot tag to Joe and he uses a GLASGOW SENDOFF to take Dunne down! Joe roars and aims at Bate now, runs in but into a BOOT! Bate runs up, but into a back drop! Bate lands on his feet!! Hot tag to Wes! Wes baits Joe in, UPPERCUTS him, then BOOTS Wolfgang! ENZIGIRI for Wolfie, ELBOW for Joseph! Wes sees Markus running up, so he uses Wolfie as a step for a RANA! Wes then dodges Wolfgang, SUPERKICKS Joe, and fires off on Wolfgang!
TIGER WALL KICK TORNADO DDT COMBO!! Wes then RANAS Joe into a cover! Mark breaks it! Bate tags in, Bop up but Mark DECKS Bate! So Dunne CHOPS Mark! Mark puts Dunne on the apron, but Dunne gets that arm! SNAP go the fingers!! Bop up, BANG takes Mark down! Dunne avoids Joe while he ASAI MOONSAULTS onto Wolfgang! Bate DIVES onto Mark! METEORA from Wes to Joe! Cover, TWO!! Joe survives and the fans are thunderous again! Wes goes to a corner and climbs, but Joe runs up! Wes LEAPS and takes out everyone else! Wes then resets on the corner, handspring and- NO, Joe dodges, ALL THE BEST FOR THE BELLS!! Cover, GALLUS WINS!!
Winners: Gallus, by pinfall
The numbers were even so there’s nothing Wes can say about this one. While they stumbled at Battleground, will nothing stop Gallus from making NXT their kingdom?
OTM regroups backstage.
Jaida is upset, obviously. Michin beating Miss Parker? Make it make sense! Bronco Nima says it don’t! If not for The Good Brothers, Jaida would’ve had Mia’s ass beat and she knows it! Nima says Michin knows nothing, and Lucien Price says that loss is on them because they should’ve known better. Jaida says it ain’t even like that. They go out there with her then head back because they know she’s got this. But Michin… If this is how she wants it, then so be it. Jaida will handle Mia and run her outta NXT. Miss Parker is all fired up, will she burn Michin for this one? Or will The OC make NXT Just Too Sweet?
Brinley Reece prepares backstage.
The energy’s high, she’s feeling good. Malik Blade & Edris Enofe are there, pumping Brin up. They know Brin will get this one, but just promise them she’ll be careful. Duh. Edris says Brin doesn’t need to promise anything. Malik says there’s just something in the air. Edris agrees, it doesn’t feel right. Brin says she loves the concern, but Wendy Choo? She’s a freakin’ sweetheart! This is gonna be such a fun time! Can’t wait! Malik and Edris confirm with each other that they’ve got a bad feeling about this, but could it just be paranoia? Or will Wendy not be so comfy cozy this time around?
Brinley Reece w/ Malik Blade & Edris Enofe VS Wendy Choo!
#BrinEnergy is always positive, and usually so is the Queen of Comfy Style. However, something seemed… different about Wendy in that last little video of hers. Wendy makes her entrance, and she has some rather spooky make-up on. Will it turn out that Malik & Edris were right about tonight? Or is this just Wendy going through a goth phase?
The bell rings and Wendy TACKLES Brin! Wendy fires off fists, Brin gets free and then scrambles to a corner! Wendy runs up to SPLASH, then she throws Brin down! Wendy laughs before the SLEEPY ELBOW! Brin scrambles away, completely confused! Wendy scurries up on Brin, grabs a leg, but Brin BOOTS free! Wendy just turns aright around to HEADBUTT! Wendy runs, SLIDING COMPLETE SHOT! Cover, TWO!! Brin survives and Wendy has a sinister smirk. Wendy runs up, Brin dodges, but Wendy comes back. Brin ELBOWS Wendy, gets around, ducks an elbow and KNEE SMASHES! Wendy staggers, and Brin LARIATS!
Brin fires up, LARIATS again, then scoops to SLAM! The fans fire up with Brin, but Wendy’s right up! Wendy gets around, hammerlock and PEPSI TWIST!! Then into a COBRA CLUTCH STRAITJACKET!! Brin starts to fade, she taps out! Wendy wins!!
Winner: Wendy Choo, by submission
Brin was dreaming of a fun time in the ring, but went to sleep with a nightmare! Will Wendy Choo haunt everyone in NXT now that she’s back?
Ava Raine tweets.
After Oro Mensah’s third attack on Ethan Page, she has no choice but to suspend Oro Mensah this week to ensure the safety of both men. Will Main Man Mensah’s rage only grow worse for this?
Backstage interview with Roxanne Perez.
Byron Saxton finds the NXT Women’s Champion as she arrives “fashionably late,” and she tells him to just hurry up and ask. Byron says she is scheduled to give a “States of the Women’s Division” address, could she give a hint as to what that entails? Roxie says yeah, he saw her Match of the Night at Battleground. She was in an impossible situation against perhaps the most dominant woman in wrestling today, and here she stands, still champion. So yes, she will be addressing where she plans on taking this division- But then Robert Stone walks in. He asks Roxie what’s going on. He just wants to say congrats on the win, but also on behalf of Ava, what’s Roxie gonna talk about tonight?
Oh, does she wanna know? Roxie had to find out about her opponent when the world found out, so go tell your boss that she can wait to hear what Roxie has to say the same way. Roxie storms off, just what will The Prodigy have planned for her NXT Women’s Division?
Cody Rhodes is here!
The NXT Arena fires up for The American Nightmare and they sing along with the song, “WHOA~ OH~!” Cody gets the mic while the fans cheer, and Cody says it is magical here, isn’t it? And it is well known that there is a magic here in NXT, and perhaps Cody needed to be here today, to feel said magic as he heads towards Clash at the Castle, towards Scotland, and towards a WWE Championship defense against AJ Styles. “AJ Styles has been a lot of things. He was the IWGP Heavyweight Champion, the NWA Worlds Heavyweight Champion, the WWE Champion. He was PWI’s Wrestler of the Decade.
“But for sure, one thing that you can add to that list after this Saturday is that AJ Styles… is going to look at all of Scotland, he is going to look at our referee, and he is going to look me in the eyes, and he is going to say… ‘I QUIT!'” The fans cheer that, and then they fire up more as Trick Williams makes his way out here! The fans chant “WHOOP DAT TRICK!” as THE NXT Champion is here to stand alongside THE WWE Champion! Trick says first thing’s first, we got Cody Rhodes in NXT! Everybody make some noise! The fans cheer, and Trick says he was on his way here, but then he saw Cody so he had to hold up and let Cody do his thing.
Now, Cody, Trick feels like they’ve had similar journeys. With all due respect, Cody’s at the top, Trick is doing his thing, they’re both champions. But they both had huge mountains to climb, had chips on their shoulders, all to get right here where they are today. The fans applaud that. Trick is jsut trying to say, now that they’ve both got their titles, now that they’re both on top of the mountain, it all feels different now. Instead of having something to chase, something they’ve wanted for so long, they’ve got it and people are attacking them. So Trick just wants to ask: How does Cody deal with all of this?
Cody rephrases that as, “How do you go from being the hunter to being the hunted?” Well, on the other side of that wall, all of their peers are watching Trick and Cody, and not going, “Oh man, go get ’em, Trick!” They are judging the champions, thinking they can wear the NXT title better than Trick and the WWE title better than Cody. But one thing to keep in mind, champ, is even though they’ve conquered the mountain, there’s always another mountain to climb. The fans like the tease, but Cody says let’s not get ahead of ourselves. The fans chant “Two Champ Trick!” but Cody says he has been granted the authority tonight by Ava.
Cody wants to let Trick now who his next challenger is going to be. That next challenger for the NXT Championship will be decided next week on NXT, in a 25 Man Over The Top Battle Royal! The fans like the sound of that! Cody says Trick may know some of them, but some might be from other locker rooms. The fans REALLY like the sound of that! Cody tells Trick, “Good luck, my friend.” Trick says hold on, Cody. There’s one more thing Trick’s gotta ask Cody. And it is very, very serious. With Fourth of July around the corner, and on behalf of all Trick’s people, they all wanna know… Is Cody coming to the cookout?
The fans cheer and Trick asks if they wanna see Cody come to the cookout. “YES! YES! YES!” Cody says YES, he is coming to the cookout! Trick is all fired up, he and Cody do the secret handshake and they hug it out. Trick says play Cody’s music. Cody and Trick raise their belts, but that battle royal is going to be huge! Are we going to see a star studded field fighting for a chance to #WhoopDatTrick?
Backstage interview with Dante Chen.
Sarah Schreiber finds the Singapore Warrior, Singapore cane already in hand, as he heads for gorilla. She asks says his rivalry with Lexis King is coming to a head tonight with their Singapore Cane match. How is Dante feeling? Dante says he is ready. Lexis can dismiss Dante’s other two victories, but tonight, Dante leaves a lasting impression on him when he tattoos Lexis’ body with cane shots. Dante SMACKS away on spare railing, and he says his cane shots will bring discipline. Tonight, Dante ends things on his terms. Dante heads out, will he strike The Drama King right on the crown?
The NXT Women’s Division talks Battleground.
Kelani Jordan: history maker! They’re so excited that she won. Oh, Wendy, hi! Great to see you back, and great win out there. This is Carlee Bright, she’s new to NXT and- Oh… Wendy’s spooky smile stops Carlee in her tracks. Wendy leaves and Carlee asks if she said something wrong. Isn’t Wendy supposed to be the nice one…?
Singapore Cane Match: Lexis King VS Dante Chen!
As Dante said, The Drama King would not accept his previous losses with dignity, so it came to this! Nothing is going to hold these two back from unleashing all their frustrations, but who will withstand it all to stand tall?
Well, why wait? Dante SMACKS Lexis right at the ramp! The fans fire up as Dante snarls and SMACKS Lexis again! And again! Dante swings again, Lexis ducks and the cane hits post! Lexis gets int he ring, Dante follows, the bell rings and Dante TACKLES Lexis! Dante rains down fists, the fans fire up, but Lexis gets free. Dante kicks low, whips, and back drops! Lexis flounders, Dante grabs another cane! Lexis has one, too, and he SMACKS Dante back! Dante SMACKS Lexis in return! Lexis wobbles, SMACKS, but Dante SMACKS! They go back and forth, Dante gets the edge as he SMACKS Lexis again and again!
Lexis CHUCKS the cane into Dante’s face! Lexis then SUPERKICKS Dante, rains down fists, and the fans boo. Lexis lets off to talk trash, and he gets another cane. Lexis gathers up canes, in fact, and piles them together at the center of the ring. Lexis goes for Dante but Dante kicks back. Lexis BOOTS Dante, CHOPS him, then whips to back drop! Dante narrowly avoids the canes, but Lexis KICKS him in the back! Lexis SMACKS Dante with a stick, puts it back on the pile, then scoops Dante for a SLAM onto the canes! Cover, TWO! Lexis is annoyed, he CHOKES Dante with the cane, then JAMS it into the throat!! Then he SMACKS Dante on the back!
That cane is broken so Lexis uses another. Dante hits back but Lexis SMACKS him! Lexis CHOKES Dante in a corner, and digs his boots in! The fans boo but Dante fights free. Lexis grabs another cane, but Dante ROCKS him first! And CHOPS! And ROCKS! Dante and Lexis fight over the cane, but Lexis HEADBUTTS! Lexis CLOBBERS Dante, then SMACKS him! Cover, TWO! Lexis grinds the cane into Dante’s face while putting on the chinlock. The fans rally for Dante as he fights up, but Lexis thrashes Dante around! The fans still rally, and Dante still fight sup. Dante pries the stick away, to turn things around on Lexis!
Lexis flails as he’s in a cane choke hold, but he RAMS Dante into buckles! Lexis snapmares free and CROWNS Dante with the blindside knee! Cover, TWO!! Dante survives and Lexis is furious! Lexis SMACKS away on Dante, then he rips up that cane so he can wedge it into a corner! Lexis brings Dante up but Dante ELBOWS, UPPERCUTS, but Lexis SUPERKICKS and CHOPS! Lexis whips, Dante reverses, and Lexis runs into the stick! It gets Lexis real low, too! Dante snarls, grabs another cane, and Lexis begs for mercy. He only gets SMACK after SMACK after SMACK instead! The fans are thunderous as Dante breaks the cane on Lexis’s body!!
Dante gets another cane, whisp Lexis, and SMACKS him right down! And SMACKS him again! And again! Dante runs to CANE KICK COMBO!! Cover, TWO!! The fans fire up for “NXT! NXT!” and Dante gets up. Dante has stripes on him but he still pushes Lexis. MONKEY FLIP! Lexis gets up, Dante clotheslines him up and out! Dante has the cane, runs to builds speed, CANE TOPE SUICIDA!! The fans are thunderous, and Dante just gets more canes! Dante SMACKS Lexis on the back, SMACKS him int he ribs, then SMACKS him on the back again! But Lexis LOW BLOWS using his walking cane! The fans boo as Lexis puts Dante in the ring!
Lexis CLOBBERS Dante with his “scepter,” then CLOBBERS Dante again! And using the scepter, CORONATION!! Cover, Lexis wins!
Winner: Lexis King, by pinfall
The fans are not happy, but Lexis King doesn’t care. He stands tall over Dante after stooping to new lows. Will Lexis make sure he’s the only one to reign over NXT?
Jacy Jayne & Jazmyn Nyx talk backstage.
Jacy wonders what happened to her, but Jazmyn says she looks fine, really. Cody walks over and says just the person he was hoping to see. He has some things he wants to give Jacy. Really? Yes. He brings out his old Dashing Cody Rhodes face mask! Jazmyn & Jacy are actually honored to have this piece of history. Will Jacy use this so she can have a clear path back to the top of NXT?
Mia Yim leaves Ava’s office.
Michin thanks the GM, and The Good Brothers are there to ask what’s up. Mia says the next time Jaida wants to bring weapons into a match, that ass whooping will be unreal. However, W’s get rewards, so guess who is the first challenger for Kelani’s North American Championship? Now that’s Too Sweet! Mia says they don’t even need to worry about four others, it will be 1v1. And though she’s part of a group, she is the HBIC, and the NEW NA Champion. Anderson says this is it. AJ Styles will win the WWE Championship at The Clash, Mia will taste the gold. Too Sweet, baby! Is The OC about to take over all of the WWE?
Wait, someone is going after commentary!
Who was that? Didn’t this happen a week ago? What is going on in NXT?
Eddy Thorpe VS Tavion Heights!
The Alpha Wolf meditated, and he is now motivated to carry on the legacy of the great Native American superstars of the past. Will Eddy reach those new heights? Or will he fail to get past these Heights his first night back?
The bell rings and the two circle. They tie up, fans duel, but Eddy wrenches Tavion to a wristlock. Tavion powers through to SPINEBUSTER, then he floats to facelock. Tavion floats to waistlock, but Eddy slips out to hammerlock. Tavion switches that onto Eddy then facelocks, but Eddy goes to the ROPEBREAK! The ref counts, Tavion lets off in frustration, and he eggs Eddy on. Eddy ROCKS Tavion! Tavion takes a swing, Eddy ducks and CROSSBODIES! Tavion gets back up but Eddy hits a kitchen sink knee! Eddy storms up to KICK, KICK and KICK in the corner! Eddy reels Tavion in for a BIG back suplex! Cover, ONE!!
Tavion scrambles to ropes but Eddy fires hands. Eddy whips, Tavion reverses but Eddy ducks ‘n’ dodges ‘n’ does it again, but Tavion still OVERHEAD SUPLEXES! Tavion storms around, runs up, and CLUBS Eddy down! Tavion gets Eddy up, whips him into the corner, then storms up to fire forearms. Tavion whips Eddy back into the corner, then fireman’s carries. Tavion storms around but Eddy fires elbows! Eddy hammers away, but Tavion powers back up! Tavion TOSSES Eddy, then gut wrenches for a GUT WRENCH PLEX! Cover, TWO! Tavion grows frustrated but he facelocks. Eddy fights up and throws body shots.
The fans rally as Eddy throws more hands, but Tavion hits a THROW! DRAGON SLEEPER! Eddy endures and the fans rally up but Tavion pulls on the hold! Eddy reaches up to throw knee after knee! Eddy is free, and he CHOPS! And ROCKS! And ROCKS again! Eddy CHOPS, CHPOS and whips, to then ELBOW Tavion down! Eddy rallies with forearms, body shots, UPPERCUTS, and a BOOT! GERMAN SUPLEX! The fans fire up with Eddy and he storms around. Eddy runs for the TOMAHAWK ELBOW! Then Eddy drags Tavion up, IMPACT DDT! Cover, Eddy wins!
Winner: Eddy Thorpe, by pinfall
The Alpha Wolf makes a victorious return, will his warpath lead him to the top of the mountain?
The No Quarter Catch Crew watches this backstage.
Damon Kemp has his beef against Eddy Thorpe, but Charlie Dempsey is more focused on Tavion Heights. Myles, go get him and bring him here. Wait, what? What for? Myles, just go get Tavion. GO. GET. HIM. Myles says okay, right. Charlie says there is strength in numbers, they might try expanding the crew. Kemp isn’t sure, they’re barely able to figure Dempsey out. Right? Heh. Dempsey asks if that’s so. Does Kemp think he’s funny? Because maybe if Kemp didn’t drop two straight to Tony D, they’d have the Heritage Cup back. Now look where they are. Don’t you dare question Dempsey. Now Myles, go get Tavion! Okay, okay!
Myles hurries out, but will the crew going back to four really help them turn things around?
Ava Raine talks with Robert Stone.
They’re back in Orlando, and they’re still dealing with Roxie. Speaking of, Stone brings up his talk with her earlier, and she wouldn’t say anything about it. Ava says that’s alright, Roxie’s a bit unpredictable. Stone just feels bad because Roxie’s gonna get her time to get at Ava- but then in walks Stevie Turner. She says hello to Lady Ava and Mr. Stone. But were they just talking about Roxie? Because Stevie overheard Roxie is gonna call out Ava for an apology. Oh, Roxie thinks she’s getting one? Good thing she doesn’t get paid for thinking. But thanks, Stevie, Ava appreciates the heads up. Oh, Ava has to take this call. Can she have the room?
Stevie and Stone exit, and Ava talks with…? Well, it must be important business, so will there be big things in the near future for NXT?
Shawn Spears VS Je’Von Evans!
The Chair Man tried to make himself the mentor to the young minds of the NXT locker room, but the Young OG wasn’t having it. Will Evans prove that Spears can take his advice somewhere else? Or will there be more “truth” brought painfully to light?
The bell rings and Spears throws his hood at Evans! Then he fires off hands! Evans turns things around to CHOP and CHOP and whip. Spears reverses but Evans ducks ‘n’ dodges, only for Spears to THESZ PRESS! Spears throws down hands then he stomps Evan’s in the head! Evans staggers up, Spears brings him around and back suplexes, only for Evans to land out! Evans ducks ‘n’ dodges to RANA! Spears goes to a corner, Evans runs in and CHOPS! The fans fire up as Evans goes up, but Spears carries him off the corner, to FLAPJACK off ropes! Evans sputters and coughs, but Spears stomps him back down.
Spears brings Evans up, CHOPS him down, then shakes out his hand. Evans crawls to ropes, but Spears CHOKES him! The ref counts, Spears lets off at 4, and the ref warns him. Spears storms back up on Evans to CHOP again! Evans sputters, but he also gets mad! Evans ROCKS Spears, fires off forearms, but Spears put shim in the corner. Spears RAMS into Evans, CHOPS him again, then stalks him along ropes. Spears whips, Evans kicks back! And then DROPKICKS! Spears bails out, Evans WRECKS him with a dropkick! The fans fire up as Evans aims, runs up, and PENALTY KICKS Spears down! The fans fire up more as NXT goes picture in picture.
Evans stalks Spears, drags him up, and CHOPS him! Spears goes to barriers, kicks low, then swings, but Evans dodges to ROCK Spears! Evans follows Spears to the desk, throws hands, then follows him around the way. They go into the ring, Evans storms up in the corner, but Spears kicks low! Spears HEADBUTTS Evans, Evans staggers, and Spears storms up to HEADBUTT again! Spears drags Evans up, but Evans CHOPS! Spears bails right out while the fans fire up. Evans follows Spears out, puts him back in, and then aims from the corner. Spears storms up, Evans DECKS him, then slingshots to go up, but Spears trips him up!
Evans is stuck in the Tree of Woe, but Spears sits him up to CHOP him on the back! Spears then climbs up to scoop Evans, for a TOP ROPE BACKBREAKER! Evans tumbles to the apron then the floor while Spears wants the count out! The count begins, but it isn’t fast enough, so Spears goes out to RAM Evans into barriers! And then into the apron! Evans crawls, Spears stalks him, and Spears puts Evans in. Spears storms up on Evans as NXT returns to single picture, and he drops a knee on Evans! Cover, TWO! Spears grabs Evans’ legs, turns him over, and has the HALF CRAB! Evans endures and the fans rally up.
Evans reaches out, crawls forward, but Spears drags him from ropes! Evans still fights, still claws at the mat, and he still gets the ROPEBREAK! Spears holds until the ref counts 4, and the fans boo. Spears argues with the ref about the count, then Spears drags Evans up. Spears CHOPS and Evans sits down. Spears drags Evans up by his hair, CHOPS him again, but Evans snarls! The fans fire up with Evans but Spears CHOPS! Evans HEEL KICKS! Evans then gets Spears up, BLUE THUNDER BOMB! Both men are down and the fans are thunderous! Evans crawls and rises, and Spears goes to the other corner.
Spears storms back up but Evans fires hands! Evans ROCKS Spears again and again, CHPOS, then DECKS him! Spears gets up so Evans DECKS him again! Evans ducks ‘n’ dodges and rebounds, NEURALIZER KICK! Then a kip up! The fans fire up and Evans goes to a corner. Evans aims from the apron, but Spears gets away before the springboard. Evans hurries over, Spears puts him on the apron, and SUPERKICKS him down! Spears SLINGSHOTS Evans into a DRAPING DDT!! Cover, TWO!! Evans survives and the fans fire up again! Spears is frustrated, but “This is Awesome!” Spears drags Evans up, fireman’s carries, but Evans fights fee!
Evans O’Conner Rolls, TWO!! Evans goes up and up and OG CUTTER!! But Spears tumbles out of the ring! Evans is frustrated, but he builds speed to DIVE! Direct hit and down goes Spears! Evans sees Spears go around the way, so he goes up the barriers! CANNONBALL! Another direct hit and the fans are thunderous! Evans puts Spears in the ring, clotheslines him right back out, then goes to the apron. Evans springboards, but only gets desk!! Spears laid the trap and now he gets Evans into the ring! Spears fireman’s carries for the C4!! Cover, Spears wins!
Winner: Shawn Spears, by pinfall
Spears knew all about Evans’ athletic ability and used that against him! Will The Chair Man continue to prove why NXT should follow him?
Nathan Frazer & Axiom show off their Vegas pictures.
Good stuff, they sure had some fun. Tyler Bate says Frazer should cheer up, though. They beat the Good Brothers at Battleground! No, man, he can’t celebrate any more than they did that night. Aw, of course he can! But then in steps The D’Angelo Family. Tony says check out the party animals! To be honest, Tony didn’t think they had that in them. Axiom says yeah, they’re full of surprises. The Don is riding high, too, retaining the Heritage Cup. But he thinks these gents could use a refresher in the heritage of the Cup. Dunne says Tony’s not about to lecture him and Bate on the history of British wrestling, is he?
Bate points out his name is on that cup. Axiom says yeah, and his best friend A-Kid, and Frazer, too. Speaking of, Frazer is staring at the cup. Tony has Frazer snap out of it. Axiom admits that’s true, Frazer needs to remember they’re tag team champions. Stacks says yeah, for now. Tony has his Underboss stand down. They’ll give them all a lesson, later. The D’Angelo Family leaves, and Axiom wants Frazer to remember: tag team champions. Frazer knows that. He just misses the Cup. Well, he can’t possibly do both, can he? Frazer says of course he can. Frazer’s motto may be #NeverSlowDown, but is it wise to divide his attention?
Shawn Spears finds Cody Rhodes backstage.
The Chair Man tells The American Nightmare that Cody won the Royal Rumble and got his. Now Spears is gonna win the battle royal and get his own. Cody believes that. Ethan Page walks over and says he’s in the battle royal, too. Is Cody not gonna wish him luck? And then Lexis King says HE will win that battle royal. Cody says it seems these guys are all in a good place now. Cody leaves, and it seems there’s some elite competition coming for Trick Williams. But who survives the battle royal to head for Heatwave in Toronto?
Roxanne Perez heads to the ring!
The fans are torn as The Prodigy makes her way out, the red carpet and some plants set up for her State of the Women’s Division Address. Roxie gets a mic to say, “And still~ your NXT Women’s Champion, The Prodigy, Roxanne Perez. Here I stand at the top of the greatest women’s division in all of wrestling today! And I told you guys that I was gonna protect this title. But not only did I do that, at Battleground, I proved to everyone that there truly is levels to this. And no one in this world is on mine.
“But it’s okay! Don’t feel the need to thank me all at once to make sure that this championship stays in NXT. You all are just finding out what I’ve always known. But um, there is one woman who does need to come out here and thank me. So Ava, why don’t you come on out here. I don’t think you wanna make the champ wait.” The NXT General Manager does make her way out here, and Ava says she had a feeling this would happen. And she assumes Roxie wants congratulations for her win. So congrats! But Ava isn’t sure what Roxie wants Ava to thank her for. This is just part of being a great champion.
We all know it isn’t about what you say but what you do. It’s about who you face and who you defeat, how you carry yourself and- Roxie says of course, of course, Ava! That’s why you’re just the perfect GM! Ava always finds a way to make this all about herself. But get this: Whoever Ava arranges for Roxie, whoever she puts in line, Roxie will always find a way to win. There is not one woman who can take this title from her! But then wait! Here comes Jacy Jayne & Jazmyn Nyx! Are Jacy’s ears deceiving her, or is Roxie taking credit for the entire locker room? Jazmyn says no, that’s what it sounds like to her, too.
These two get in the ring and tell Roxie that eve since she won the title, it seems Roxie lost her sweet and innocent side. And she damn sure lost her memory! Because long before Roxie ever signed here, Jacy was one of the main reasons everyone tuned in to NXT! Before Roxie’s little Breakout Tournament win and all her title reigns, Roxie couldn’t even reference the NXT Women’s Division without talking about Jacy! Jazmyn says Roxie must’ve forgotten that the biggest threats to her title are the ones under this roof. Roxie says okay, okay, so this is where the line starts? But then “SKRRRRR~!” Lash Legend & Jakara Jackson make their way out!
And Lash tells “Bat Girl & Robin” to slow down. While Jacy was out getting that beak fixed and Jazmyn is trying to be a wannabe Kim K wannabe, Meta Four was actually making headlines and making moments. Jakara says that’s right! And with Lash just inches from that Women’s North American Championship and bringing gold back to Meta Four, they’ll still go after Kelani. But uh, since Roxie’s taking credit for everybody’s work, it’s on sight! Roxie finds herself surrounded, but wait! Here comes Lola Vice! And she says no, Roxie can’t talk about Battleground without bringing up NXT Underground.
But yeah, we get it. Roxie proved she’s different. But so did Lola. These fists don’t lie. Lola storms in to join everyone, and says it is only a matter of time before it’s her time. And she knows this look. They all want what Roxie has, but Roxie’s on another level. A level only matched by Lola. So now, this conversation is only between the champion, and the next champion. Jakara tells Lola to shake her happy ass right outta here. Lola ROUNDHOUSES Jakara down! Lash DECKS Lola! Jacy & Jazmyn go after Lash but she pushes them both down! They come back to DOUBLE LARIAT Lash out! Lola & Roxie DUMP Jacy & Jazmyn, then they TOSS Jakara!
The fans fire up as Lola stands alongside Roxie, but there are a lot of bad, bad women ready to fight for the gold! Who will prove to be the baddest of them all when NXT turns up the heat in Toronto?
My Thoughts:
A great NXT to follow up Battleground but also pivot right towards Heatwave. Great appearance by Cody tonight with a really good promo with him and Trick. That 25 Man Battle Royal being open to more than just NXT is great stuff, and I also liked Cody meeting up with the other former AEW talent backstage. But seeing as how Ethan just had his shot, I don’t think he’s winning. The Singapore Cane match was great stuff, but I should’ve figured Lexis would win since he was already 0-2. And Spears VS Evans was a great main event match, Evans looked great, but it made sense for Spears to win out. But even, then, I don’t see Spears and Evans winning the battle royal, either.
Good opening promo from Kelani, and good segue into Mia VS Jaida. Good stuff with Good Brothers getting involved to stop Jaida, and Mia VS Kelani next week will be a solid first defense for Kelani. Good return match for Wendy as she puts on this hybrid persona. Reminds me of when Alexa Bliss was being a hybrid of herself and spooky Alexa that was with The Fiend. This new character might be just what Wendy needs to get up to a title opportunity herself. For that matter, that closing segment sure brought out a lot of Heels to go after the already Heel champion. But Roxie definitely stepped in it saying no one woman can beat her. There’s a very good chance she’ll have to face Lash, Lola and even Jacy in a big title match, thereby protecting Roxie if she were to lose.
Great stuff with Chase U, with Thea getting all the guys to listen to reason. At the same time, it might not last long if the team can’t start winning things again. Good return win for Eddy, and it is intriguing that Dempsey is looking to recruit Tavion. Tavion being a collegiate wrestler does fit the NQCC’s style, and maybe he and Kemp form a tag team so the crew can get back in the tag title scene. Speaking of, good promo from the tag champs with New Catch Republic and The D’Angelo Family. I feel like there should be some kind of deal struck: Tony will give Frazer a shot at the Cup if Frazer & Axiom give Stacks & Luca another shot at the tag titles. And there’s a good chance that Stacks & Luca make good on the tag title shot, even with Frazer saying he can be a good double champion.
And really good Six Man Tag of Wes & New Catch Republic VS Gallus. I’m rather surprised Gallus won, but I suppose it makes sense when they’re the unit that’s been together a long time while this was the first time Wes teamed with Bate & Dunne. I would think Wes and Joe Coffey get in on that battle royal, and it’d be pretty awesome if Wes won to officially move him up to the top title scene. At the same time, not sure they’d pit two fan favorites against each other like that. Maybe Gallus makes sure one of their own wins, they challenge and fail at Heatwave, and we see Wes build up in the background while others go after Trick.
My Score: 8.8/10
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Is Orange Cassidy coldblooded? Or just in control?
Before their AEW World Championship match at Full Gear, Jon Moxley puts Wheeler Yuta in Orange Cassidy’s way! Will Cassidy destroy The Decoder before going for The Maniac?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- 8 Man Tag: Will Ospreay, Mark Davis, Ricochet & “Powerhouse” Will Hobbs VS The Don Callis Family; The Don Callis Family wins.
- Kris Statlander VS Hikaru Shida; Kris wins.
- 2v1 Handicap: Bobby Lashley w/ The Hurt Syndicate VS Joe Keys & Cheeseburger; Lashley wins.
- Darby Allin VS Claudio Castagnoli; Claudio wins.
- Orange Cassidy VS Wheeler Yuta w/ The Death Riders; Cassidy wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
8 Man Tag: Will Ospreay, Mark Davis, Ricochet & “Powerhouse” Will Hobbs VS The Don Callis Family!
This All-Star 8 Man is going to make for a massive match! The Aerial Assassin, Dunk Zilla, The One & Only and the man the family foolishly forgot are now teamed together against Konosuke Takeshita, Kyle Fletcher, Brian Cage & Lance Archer! Will Ospreay lead this team to victory ahead of the grudge matches at Full Gear? Or will Callis’ Alpha, Aussie Arrow, Machine & Murderhawk Monster make sure #EverybodyDies?
Well forget sorting out, Ospreay leads his team in attacking the Callis Family right on the ramp! The fans fire up as Hobbs is after Archer, Davis is after Cage, and of course Ricochet is after Konosuke while Ospreay is after Kyle! Hobbs smacks Archer off railing, Kyle CLUBS Ospreay on the back, but Ospreay kicks low. Ospreay sends Kyle into railing, rips the tearaway pants right off him, and then LASHES him with them! Davis sends Cage into railing while Ospreay uses those pants to SLING Kyle into more railing! Davis CLUBS away on Cage, Ospreay blows snot on Kyle’s pants, and Davis sends Cage into more railing.
Kyle turns things around to send Ospreay into railing! Konosuke helps Cage against Davis but Hobbs still throws hands on Archer. Kyle CLUBS Ospreay, CLUBS Ricochet, but Konosuke puts Davis in the ring. The bell rings and this is finally a match. Konosuke headlocks Davis but Davis fires body shots. Davis powers up and out, but Konosuke RAMS him! The fans fire up as Davis stays up. Davis runs to RAM Konosuke! Konosuke stays up and the fans rally. Konosuke runs to RAM Davis, but Davis runs. Konosuke bypasses, leaps, but Davis catches him for a TOSS! And a SENTON! The fans fire up with Davis, and Ricochet reaches out.
Davis tags Ricochet in , then holds the way open, for Ricochet to FOSBURY FLOP onto Konosuke! But Cage CLOBBERS Davis! Cage then RAMS Ricochet into the apron, POSTS him, but Ospreay PENALTY KICKS Cage! The fans fire up as Ospreay goes up, but Kyle UPPERCUTS him! The fans boo as Kyle goes up, CLUBS away on Ospreay, and Ospreay falls to the floor. But now Hobbs is up! Kyle says wait! Then he fires hands! Hobbs just CHOPS Kyle! Hobbs climbs up to get Kyle, but Archer CLUBS Hobbs! Archer drags Hobbs down, throws hands, then puts Hobbs in between steps and post! Hobbs fights back, but Cage sends Ospreay into the steps!
The fans boo as Hobbs’ leg is crushed between steps and post! Archer puts Ricochet in the ring while a medic checks Hobbs. Archer brings Ricochet up but Ricochet slips free to fire off fast strikes! Hobbs is being helped to the back and Ospreay is concerned that this is now 4v3. Ricochet still fires strikes on Archer, but Archer grabs Ricochet by the neck! CHOKE- NO, Ricochet RANAS Archer first! Archer tumbles, stands up, and Ricochet springboards, but Archer CLOBBERS Him out of the sky! Archer BLASTS Davis, then catches Ospreay out of the air! Archer TOSSES Ospreay away and fans boo. But Ricochet springboards back in!
Archer catches Ricochet, and he CHOKE SLAMS Ricochet out onto Ospreay and Davis! The fans boo as the Don Callis Family is in control, and Dynamite goes picture in picture.
Cage & Kyle flex to soak up the heat, then Archer goes out after Ospreay and the rest. Konosuke fetches Ricochet into the ring, waistlocks, and then brings him away from the corner. Archer beats up on Ospreay while Konosuke fires knees into Ricochet. Ricochet tumbles to ropes but Konosuke is on him. Davis fires hands on Archer, then sends him into railing! Davis fires more hands, but Konosuke CHOKES Ricochet at the ropes! The ref counts, Konosuke steps off and tags Kyle. Kyle stays between Ricochet and his corner. Kyle taunts Ricochet, stomps him around, then whips him to ropes. Kyle ELBOWS Ricochet down, then stalks him to a corner.
Kyle stomps away on Ricochet while Archer intimidates commentary. Kyle shouts at the camera while the ref counts, and Kyle steps off of Ricochet’s neck. Kyle bumps Ricochet off buckles, tags Cage, and Cage stands Ricochet up. Cage CHOPS Ricochet, then whips him to ropes for an ELBOW! Cage flexes while he taunts Ospreay & Davis. Cage drags Ricochet up but Ricochet RAMS him! And RAMS him! And fires forearms! Cage ROCKS Ricochet, then runs, but into a tiger wall kick and ENZIGIRI! Konosuke tags in and storms after Ricochet. Konosuke stomps Ricochet, then rains down fists! The ref reprimands while Dynamite returns to single picture.
Konosuke argues with the ref while Ospreay rallies the fans. Konosuke stays between Ricochet and his team, but Ricochet SLAPS Konosuke! Konosuke ROCKS Ricochet for it! Ricochet fires forearms and an UPPERCUT! Konosuke keeps Ricochet from his corner, reels Ricochet in, but Ricochet victory rolls! TWO, and Ricochet ducks a chop to handspring BACK ELBOW! The fans fire up while both men are down! Ricochet and Konosuke crawl, hot tags to Kyle and Ospreay! The fans fire up as these two fire fists and forearms! Kyle kicks and whips but Ospreay ducks ‘n’ dodges to CLOBBER Kyle!
Ospreay whips, Kyle reverses, Ospreay handsprings to NEURALIZER KICK! Kyle staggers, Konosuke tags back in! Ospreay dodges Konosuke to BLAST Cage & Archer! Ospreay fires fists on Konosuke, but Konosuke CLAWS Ospreay’s face! Konosuke runs, but Davis intercepts with a fireman’s carry! AUSSIE DENTAL PLAN! Or maybe in this case, just a United Empire Dental Plan! But in any case, Davis scoops Konosuke, for the LAWN DART CUTTER! Cover, TWO!! Konosuke survives but the fans fire up. Ospreay & Davis bring Konosuke up, double pump handle, but the #MurderMachines make the save!
Archer puts Davis in a corner, Cage ducks Ospreay’s haymaker to waistlock. Archer runs up, BOOT GERMAN SUPLEX COMBO! Davis fires hands on Archer but Cage waistlocks, ripcords, and ROCKS Davis! Then fireman’s carry into the ASSISTED NECKBREAKER! The fans boo but the Murder Machines DOUBLE RIPCORD Ospreay up for Konosuke’s BLUE THUNDER BOMB!! Cover, TWO!! Ospreay survives and shocks everyone! Archer argues with the ref but the count was fair. Konosuke tags Kyle while fans rally up behind Ospreay. Kyle smirks as he stalks Ospreay. Kyle BOOTS Ricochet off the apron for good measure!
Kyle tells Ospreay that this is how he wants it, right? All about Ospreay! Kyle stomps away on Ospreay in the corner, then digs his boots in! The ref counts but wait! Here comes Hobbs! Hobbs hobbles but Kyle hurries to send Ospreay to the Callis corner. Tag to Konosuke and then Kyle slides out. Kyle runs up on Hobbs, but Hobbs CLOBBERS him! The fans fire up as Hobbs makes his way to the corner. Ospreay fights free of the corner but Konosuke holds him back! Ospreay fires forearms, reaches out, repeat! The fans rally as hard as they can, but Konosuke reels Ospreay in! Konosuke hits a back suplex, but Ospreay lands out!
Ospreay dodges Konosuke, hot tag to Hobbs! The Powerhouse powers up to rally on Konosuke! The fans fire up as Hobbs TOSSES Kyle, but the Murder Machines attack! They reel Hobbs in, but Hobbs fights the double suplex! The fans fire up but the Murder Machines double whip. Hobbs DOUBLE LARIATS! The fans fire up as Hobbs has targets in all corners! SPLASH for Konosuke! SPLASH for Cage! SPLASH for Kyle! SPLASH for Archer! The fans are thunderous and Hobbs brings the straps down. Archer kicks low, then runs, but Hobbs dodges, to SNAP POWERSLAM! The fans fire up again, and Hobbs tags Davis!
Davis runs up to BOOT Konosuke, BOOT him again, but Konosuke just fires up! Ospreay CANNONBALLS onto Kyle while Konosuke fires hands! Konosuke spins, but Davis DECKS him! Davis roars, stands Konosuke up, but Konosuke backdrops back! POWER- NO, Davis stops the knee to ENZIGIRI! Davis gut wrenches Konosuke, for a PILEDRIVER!! Cover, KYLE BREAKS IT! The fans boo but now Aussie Open is face to face! Kyle pie faces Davis, talks trash, but Davis glares at him. Kyle SLAPS Davis, so Davis TACKLES Kyle! Davis throws hands, Kyle gets up, and Davis runs up! Kyle dodges and Konosuke DECKS Davis!
Ricochet springboards, FLYING LARIAT on Konosuke! But Cage POP-UP POWERBOMBS Ricochet! Hobbs SPINEBUSTERS Cage! Archer CHOKE SLAMS Hobbs! Ospreay hits the PIP PIP CHEERIO FOREARM on Archer! Ospreay dares Kyle to man up and fight him! Kyle snarls, gets in, and they fire forearms again! Kyle swings, Ospreay catches him, but Kyle breaks the full nelson with an elbow! Ospreay HOOK KICKS Kyle! Ospreay runs, Kyle dodges, but then Ospreay slips through the lariat! Kyle slips through the bomb, hoists Ospreay up, but Ospreay slips free! Kyle ducks the hook kick to SUPERKICK! Kyle runs, into the SPANISH FLY!!
The fans are thunderous as Ospreay takes aim from a corner! Kyle rises, so does Davis, and Ospreay runs up, Kyle uses Davis as a shield from the HIDDEN BLADE!! Ospreay freaks out, Kyle SUPERKICKS Ospreay out of the ring! Then Kyle DIVES onto Ospreay! Konosuke brings down his kneepad, aims at Davis, POWER DRIVE KNEE!!! Cover, Don Callis Family wins!!
Winners: The Don Callis Family, by pinfall
The Alpha stands tall over Davis as friendly fire takes out Ospreay’s team. But what happens when things divide into 1v1 matches? Will Konosuke still be International Champion after he and Ricochet go #OuttaThisWorld? Will Kyle prove that he IS The Protostar after tearing down Will Ospreay?
Jon Moxley & The Death Riders speak.
“Despite recent discoveries that Orange Cassidy is a snake, coldblooded, uncaring, unmoving, a serpent lurking in the darkest corners of the battlefield, my objective remains the same, my job on Saturday night remains the same. You may be this borderline sociopath, you may be a great guy just like everybody thinks. I don’t care if you’re a great guy. I don’t care what kind of person you are. When the bell rings on Saturday night, and the AEW World Championship hangs in the balance, you are a threat to my people. And I will destroy you.
“There’s so much more going on behind Orange Cassidy’s eyes than any of us could’ve imagined. You may make it to Full Gear with your mind in tact, but your body… For that matter, Darby Allin’s body… Still up for grabs.” Claudio jumps in, speaking in German about what he’ll do to Darby. Then in English, he says, “Tonight, I’m gonna end you.” Moxley pats Claudio on the shoulder. Will The Maniac’s top henchmen do his dirty work for him when they dismantle Cassidy & Darby? Or will it just be fuel on the fire for Freshly Squeezed & The Relentless One? Speaking of…
Darby Allin speaks.
“Claudio, I’m gonna keep this really short. Let’s not forget you’re the one who put the chair around Bryan’s neck and pulled the trigger on his career. Every single one of you Death Riders will have your day. And Claudio, today’s your day.” Will Moxley’s men be dealt with in brutal fashion before he suffers the same?
The Hurt Syndicate arrive.
Renee Paquette waits in the parking lot as an SUV pulls up, and she welcomes Montel Vontavious Porter, Shelton Benjamin & Bobby Lashley to the show. She heard MVP has a surprise in store, what’s he got planned? MVP says yes, there is a special treat for the AEW audience, and that is this announcement: The All Mighty Bobby Lashley will be in action here tonight on Dynamite in Reading, Pennsylvania, prior to his PPV debut on Saturday! Renee asks if MVP is at all concerned to put Lashley in a match- OH NO, Swerve attacks!! Swerve knocks Lashley over, then laughs as he gets away!
Shelton helps Lashley up but that ambush might’ve been with Swerve’s own silver chain. Will Lashley elect not to compete tonight after all? Or is he about to make an example out of whatever poor soul is put in front of him?
Adam Cole is here!
Reading fires up as the Panama City Playboy makes his way to the ring. They join in with the “BOOM!” and “ADAM COLE, BAYBAY!” Cole grabs a mic to ask, “Who’s ready for Storytime with Adam Cole, Baybay?” Reading sure is ready! Cole wishes so so badly that he could get his hands on MJF this Saturday, but he’s not. MJF did everything in his power to make sure he and Cole didn’t fight on Saturday, and he succeeded. But do you know who else succeeded last week? Roderick Strong did! The fans cheer as Cole says he and Roddy have the exact same goal: Give MJF the ass whooping of a lifetime! And that is exactly what happens at Full Gear!
The fans cheer, and wait, Kyle O’Reilly makes his way out here. The longtime friend of Cole & Roddy makes his way out here, and already has a mic. Kyle isn’t sure if Cole remembers, but 14 years ago, right here in Reading, PA, Cole and Kyle had their second match ever against each other. They’ve come a long way. Being associated with Cole has given Kyle some incredible highs, and some serious lows. And through those lows, Kyle knows Cole better than anyone. Which makes Kyle the only one willing to tell Cole the truth. The truth is, this crusade against MJF has got to end before someone gets hurt.
This obsession, Cole needs to wash his hands of it. His ankle has already been reconstructed, what’s next? Cole has friends willing to take a bullet for him, Kyle included, but Cole has got to stop having his friends fight his battles. Roddy barely makes it out alive last week, and now he wants to fight MJF! He wants to END MJF, all because of Cole. Kyle just doesn’t have a good feeling about any of this. Cole asks Kyle what he’s trying to say here. Kyle doesn’t think Roddy can handle MJF? Kyle asks Cole if he really thinks MJF isn’t already three steps ahead. MJF hasn’t been here for weeks but he’s pulling all the strings.
Cole should know that dealing with MJF is like playing with fire, and Kyle doesn’t wanna see his friends get burned. Cole needs to realize why so many of his friends are willing to go to war for him, and it’s because he is a great leader, an elite pro-wrestler, and a great friend, who doesn’t wanna see his friends get hurt. At least, so Kyle thinks. But Cole has to face facts: MJF is more of an evil bastard than Cole will ever be, and that is a good thing. Kyle drops his mic and walks away. Cole drops his mic, and has a lot to think about. Does Kyle have a point? Can Cole just let Roddy handle MJF and then move on?
Orange Cassidy speaks.
“A little later tonight, I’m gonna make an example out of you, Wheeler Yuta. And I’m gonna show everybody exactly what I’m gonna do this Saturday to you, Jon Moxley. And that’s walk down to that ring and beat you, alone.” But The Conglomeration steps in. Mark Briscoe has Rocky Romero & Tomohiro Ishii with him as he asks Cassidy, “What sense does that make, man?” Moxley said himself, there’s five Death Riders, one Cassidy. Conglomeration has his back, they are here for him. Cassidy says no, no one else needs to get hurt. Get hurt? What’s Cassidy talking about? The Conglomeration are ready to scrap!
PLEASE!! Cassidy is asking them… They don’t have to believe him or even understand him. But just promises him they’ll stay back here. If Cassidy insists, then so be it. Cassidy says there you have it, Jon. Five of you, one of him. Do what you’re gonna do. Because at Full Gear, Moxley’s gonna need all the help he can get. Cassidy is himself wanting the best for his friends, but will that work out for the betterment of AEW? Or is he just playing into Moxley’s hands?
Kris Statlander VS Hikaru Shida!
The #BornAgainKristen bodied the bullies that are Mercedes Mone & Kamille the last time she saw them, but she still needs to tune up for Full Gear. However, taking on the THREE-TIME AEW Women’s World Champion might be more than just a workout. Win, lose or draw, will the Shining Samurai get Kris ready for The CEO?
The bell rings, Kris and Shida shake hands and the fans applaud. The two circle, tie up, and Kris wrenches to a wristlock. Shida handsprings and wrenches back, then hammerlocks. Kris reaches back, hits a headlock takeover, but Shida headscissors. Kris kips free and the fans cheer while the two reset. Shida and Kris circle again while the fans fire up. The two tie up, Shida wrenches and hammerlocks, then CLUBS Kris on the back. Shida CLUBS Kris again, then waistlocks. Kris fights the lift with elbows, then switches. Kris SLAMS Shida, then flips her over. Shida kips up to arm-drag Kris! Kris ends up in a corner, and Shida runs up to KNEE her!
Shida climbs up and the fans cheer as she rains down fists! But Kris stops Shida at 5 and carries her out of the corner! Shida slips free, Kris blocks a lariat to SWEEP the leg! STANDING MOONSAULT! Cover, TWO! Shida is tough and she goes to ropes, but Kris whips her to a corner. Kris runs up but into a RANA! Kris cartwheels through! Then she CLOBBERS Shida! The fans fire up while Kris flexes. Kris drags Shida into a motorcycle stretch but Shida endures. The fans rally up and Shida fights to her feet. Shida arm-drags Kris down, and wraps her in a straitjacket stretch! Kris fights up with a bridge, but Shida hops on!
The fans rally while Kris RAMS Shida into a corner! Shida holds onto the straitjacket and pulls! The ref counts, Shida lets go at 4, and then MISSILE DROPKICKS! Kris tumbles and the fans duel as Shida fires up! Shida goes outside, drags Kris to the apron, and CLUBS her! Shida runs to KNEE LIFT! Kris flops to the floor and fans cheer while Dynamite goes picture in picture.
Shida brings Kris up again, and whips her into railing hard! Kris writhes, Shida drags her up, and then Shida whips Kris into more railing! Kris writhes again and Shida refreshes the ring count. Shida sits Kris in a corner to rain down fists! The fans fire up but the ref reprimands, so Shida stops. Shida brings Kris around, pushes her into the ring, and then stalks her. Shida stomps Kris around, brings her up, and snap suplexes! Kris writhes but Shida brings her up again. Shida then snap suplexes Kris into a corner! Shida drags Kris to a cover, TWO! Kris stays in this but Shida stays on her with a chinlock stretch!
Kris endures being bent back, and she reaches out with her free arm. Shida pulls back more but Kris rises up! Shida is again a backpack, but then she slips down. Kris fires body shots, slips around and lifts for a BIG back suplex! Kris huffs ‘n’ puffs as she rises up, but then Shida dodges the sliding forearm! Ghost pin! TWO, and Kris has a cradle! TWO! Shida ROCKS Kris, but Kris PELES! Shida staggers, but she comes back to ENZIGIRI! Both women are down and the fans fire up! The ref checks both women and they’re okay to continue, so a standing count begins. Shida and Kris stir at about 4 of 10, then rise up at 6.
Kris grabs Shida, but Shida fires a forearm! Dynamite returns to single picture as the shots go back and forth. Shida fires a flurry, then whips Kris to ropes. Kris ducks ‘n’ dodges, then dodges a knee! SNAP POWERSLAM! The fans fire up with Kris as she whips Shida to a corner. Kris runs up to UPPERCUT, then she goes side to side for a KNEE LIFT! Shida ends up in ropes but Kris reels her in. Fisherman BUSTER! Cover, TWO! Shida survives and the fans fire up again! Kris hoists Shida up, gut wrenches, but Shida slips free! DOUBLE LARIATS collide! Shida eggs Kris on, then dodges her to fire forearms! Kris just shakes her head!
Shida fires more shots, but Kris fireman’s carries! But Shida slips free, straitjacket roll-up! TWO!! KNEE STRIKE! And then short arm LARIAT! Shida takes aim, but she starts to doubt the Katana! Shida runs up but Kris dodges the boot to then scoop and INVERTED SLAM! Then Kris aims, DISCUS- NO, Shida backslides her! TWO!! Shida reels Kris in, suplexes, FALCON ARROW! Cover, TWO?!? Kris survives and Shida is shocked! Shida brings Kris up but Kris fires body shots and forearms! Shida ROCKS Kris, but Kris wrenches to kick! Kris runs, but into the JUMP KNEE! Shida hurries to suplex, but Kris turns it around!
Shida slips out of Kris’ suplex to slip around, GERMAN SUPLEX! Shida roars, aims, KATA- NO, Kris gut wrenches! Tuck and STATURDAY NIGHT FEVER!! Cover, Kris wins!!
Winner: Kris Statlander, by pinfall
Shida gave Kris a powerful match, but clearly Shida has to iron out her own crisis of confidence. Kris still shows Shida respect by helping her up. But wait, here comes Mercedes Mone & Kamille! The fans boo The CEO & Brickhouse but Mone has a mic. “Readiiiiing~! Say hello to your C E O!” The fans boo instead. Mone asks Kamille if she wants to hear a fun fact about Pennsylvania. The 76ers have had yet another terrible season! Embarrassing~! But shoutouts to Mone’s Celtics for another incredible victory. The fans boo Boston but Mone says another person with an incredible win was Kris Statlander. Mone is rarely impressed by her competition.
Does anyone else want to hear another fun fact? “NO!!” Well, Mone has held the TBS Championship longer than Kris! So at Full Gear, Mone will NOT lose, because she is The CEO, the greatest TBS Champion of all time! And she will NEVER lose this title! Fans tell The CEO to STFU, but Mone tells Kamille go get the job done! She is so pissed off! GO! NOW! Kamille walks up the steps past Mone, but with only one good arm! Mone says hurry up, but Kamille looks at both Shida and Kris. Kamille takes as swing, but Kris blocks to ROCK her! Shida QUESTION MARK KICKS Kamille! Then Kris & Shida TOSS The Brickhouse!
Shida goes out after Kamille, but then Mone goes after Kris! Mone goes for the backstabber, but Kris holds onto ropes! Mone is almost stuck up there, but Kris pops her around! STATURDAY NIGHT FEVER!! The fans fire up as Kris stands tall over The CEO! Will Kris once again become the Face of TBS? Or will Mone find a way to win even without her insurance policy?
The Hurt Syndicate has a cameraman with them.
MVP says hold on, he and Shelton have found Swerve. They go after the man in the big fur jacket, but that’s not Swerve! Swerve gave his jacket to the guy, but MVP & Shelton still beat this guy up for helping Swerve. MVP says they’ll find Swerve later, Lashley has his match up next. And it’ll be a 2-on-1 Handicap?! The All Mighty really IS mad, what poor duo is about to be destroyed?
AEW hears from Jay White and Hangman Adam Page.
“Hangman. You and I are on that same path to that same destination, trying to grasp at that same prize. 2024 still has some time left for The Switchblade to share the spotlight with Hangman once more!” But the Blackhat Cowboy asks White if he knows “Who the hell I am?! I am the Hangman! I am THE man! They named this whole godforsaken PPV after ME!” White says when he makes Hangman TAP, it will be a public declaration! But Hangman says White can’t make him tap, even if his life depended on it! These two vicious gunslingers will write one more chapter in their storied rivalry, but who comes out riding off into the sunset?
2v1 Handicap: Bobby Lashley w/ The Hurt Syndicate VS Joe Keys & Cheeseburger!
The All Mighty thought he’d have an easy night getting in a little warm-up, but The Realest quickly reminded him why he’s the most dangerous man in AEW! Lashley’s now doubling down to make a point, will there be nothing left of Keys & Cheese after tonight?
The bell rings and while the fans rally for Cheeseburger, he and Keys each argue the other should start. Lashley runs up and TOSSES Burger across the ring! Keys runs away, Lashley runs to RAM into Burger! Lashley brings Burger up, Keys runs in, but Lashley catches him for a COMPLETE SHOT DDT COMBO! Lashley drags Keys up and TOSSES him out! Lashley then turns to look at Burger in the corner. The fans rally for Burger, but Lashley CLOBBERS him! The fans boo but MVP & Shelton high-five Lashley. Lashley drags Burger up to gut wrench, Canadian Rack, and DOMINATOR! Keys runs in to break the cover!
The fans cheer Keys as he fires hands, but Lashley just gets angrier! Keys short arm LARIATS, but Lashley stays up! Keys runs, into a MILE HIGH SPINEBUSTER! Lashley storms around, then aims at Keys. Keys staggers into the SPEAR! Lashley isn’t done there, and he clamps on the HURT LOCK! Keys can’t open that lock, he is OUT! Lashley wins!
Winner: Bobby Lashley, by submission
MVP & Shelton join Lashley in the ring to celebrate, but then “Whose House?” “SWERVE’S HOUSE!” The fans fire up, and here comes Prince Nana with a chair! Nana eggs the Hurt Syndicate on so Shelton storms out after Nana. MVP watches the rest of ringside for Swerve, but Swerve slides out from under the ring! The fans fire up as Swerve slips in to CHAIN PUNCH Lashley!! MVP gets on the apron but Swerve DECKS MVP with a chain punch! And then Shelton eats a chain punch! The fans are thunderous as Swerve aims, and hits a HOUSE CALL on Lashley! Swerve hurries to the top rope, and he gives Lashley a KILL STOMP!!
The fans are thunderous as Swerve stands over Lashley! MVP & Shelton get up and get in, but Swerve escapes, chain draped on his neck! Will AEW then, now and forever be whose house? “SWERVE’S HOUSE!”
Backstage interview with Mariah May & Mina Shirakawa.
Renee is now with the AEW Women’s World Champion and her best friend, the Rev-Pro Undisputed British Women’s Champion. They are planning their Championship Champagne Celebration for Full Gear, BUT Friday Night Rampage will feature the two of them teaming up for the first time in just over a year. Mariah says no champion deserves a celebration more than her. Her rise to the top was meteoric, and her reign will be historic. She takes ish and makes it shine, any time and any show, against anyone. In Mariah’s division, you hold this title, or you die.
Mina says yes, Mariah has been working so hard. She came back to tell her she is so very proud. And Mina will give Mariah a celebration she’ll never forget! Mariah says the “H Cup Angel” (Mina) and the “Woman from Hell” (Mariah herself) are going to make Rampage into Glampage. Everyone wants Mina, but Mina wants Mariah. And then… They’ll dance! These two shimmy and shake their way out, will they finally be toasting their victories at Full Gear?
Darby Allin VS Claudio Castagnoli w/ The Death Riders!
The Relentless One told The Swiss Superman that revenge was coming, and here is Darby’s chance! Will Darby avenge Bryan Danielson? Or will he just be the next to fall?
The bell rings and Darby stares Claudio down. Darby takes some deep breaths then circles with Claudio. Darby slips around to waistlock but Claudio flings him off, only for Darby to roll to his feet. They circle again, and the fans rally behind Darby. Darby and Claudio feel things out, tie up, and Darby headlocks. Claudio lifts Darby but Darby thrashes the hold. Claudio throws Darby off, runs up, but Darby uses that to get around and springboard arm-drag! The fans fire up while Claudio bails out, and Darby taunts Claudio with some drop steps. Claudio snarls, but then Darby fakes him out with a slingshot!
Claudio is annoyed and takes a swing but Darby slingshots up and over! Darby taunts Claudio again while the fans rally up. Claudio cools off before he storms up the steel steps. Claudio pops Darby up but Darby keeps from hitting buckles! Darby ELBOWS Claudio away, goes up, then leaps, but Claudio catches him! Claudio SLAMS Darby down, flips him back to his feet, but Darby slips around to waistlock. O’Conner Roll, TWO! Darby springboards to SPLASH! Cover, TWO! Claudio bails out but the fans fire up. Darby goes up a corner, and he SUPER COFFIN SPLASHES into a waistlock! Claudio swings and THROWS Darby away!
Darby staggers to his feet but Claudio runs up, to POUNCE Darby into railing! Darby writhes against the railing, but Claudio runs up to UPPERCUT Darby up and over! Fans freak out as Darby hits the floor! Claudio leaves Darby behind while the ring count climbs, but Darby drags himself up at 7. Claudio goes back out after Darby to suplex! Claudio holds Darby up while he marches up the steps! The fans fire up for this feat of strength and balance, and then Claudio TOSSES Darby back into the ring! Darby writhes again while Claudio steps back in. Claudio stalks Darby, talks some trash, and Dynamite goes picture in picture.
Claudio looms over Darby, then deadlift gut wrenches for a GUTBUSTER! And then another GUTBUSTER! And then another GUTBUSTER! Darby writhes while Claudio stands over him again. Claudio watches Darby crawl towards a corner and stalks him. Claudio drags Darby up, brings him around, and ROCKS Darby with a forearm! Darby pushes Claudio, then CHOPS! Claudio DECKS Darby! Darby tumbles out of the ring! The ref wants Claudio to stay back while Darby drags himself up. Darby is back in before the count starts, but then Claudio DOUBLE STOMPS him! Claudio kicks Darby around, then clamps on with a neck wrench!
Darby endures, fights up, but Claudio powers him down. Darby BITES Claudio’s hand! The ref reprimands but Darby fires off forearms on Claudio. Claudio HIP TOSSES Darby up and out of the ring! Darby hits the floor and flounders around while the ref reprimands Claudio. Claudio again waits on Darby, and then he DOUBLE STOMPS Darby the moment he’s in! The ref counts as Claudio stands on Darby at the ropes. Claudio steps off at 4, brings him around, and clamps on an armlock and chinbar. Darby endures, fights around, and manages to fireman’s carry Claudio! But Claudio rains down elbows! HAMMER ‘N’ ANVIL even!
Claudio clamps on with a double wristlock and he grinds Darby down. Darby still endures and the fans rally up again. Darby fights around and Dynamite returns to single picture. Darby fires body shots but Claudio knees low! Claudio then HIP TOSSES Darby into a corner! Darby tumbles out of the ring but Claudio pursues! Claudio SWINGS Darby into railing! Then Claudio fireman’s carries, to TOSS Darby back in the ring! Claudio storms in while Darby flounders away. Darby flops back out of the ring but Claudio pursues him again. Darby trips Claudio up and traps him in the apron skirt! Darby then fires forearms, and BITES Claudio’s ear!
The fans fire up but Claudio shoves Darby away. Darby slides into the ring then DIVES onto Claudio! And then runs to DIVE again! Down goes Claudio and the fans fire up! Darby crawls over to bring Claudio up and into the ring. The fans fire up as Darby climbs up a corner, though slowly given all the damage to his back. That lets Claudio trip Darby up! Darby is stuck up top, and Claudio climbs up after him. Claudio gut wrenches for a SUPER GUT WRENCH PLEX!! Cover, TWO!! Darby survives and Claudio can’t believe it! The fans fire up but Claudio calls for the swing! Claudio grabs the legs, but Darby twists to a victory roll! TWO!!
Claudio escapes and runs up, but Darby ducks ‘n’ dodges, roll and- WHOA, Claudio has to fight to stay up, and then he deadlifts Darby! Darby pops through to CODE RED!! Cover, TWO!! Claudio survives and the fans fire up again! “This is Awesome!” as Darby and Claudio crawl for ropes. Claudio runs up to UPPERCUT! And UPPERCUT again and again and again! The ref backs Claudio off, but then Claudio fires off body shots! Darby flops over but Claudio has the legs. Claudio FLIPS Darby up and over the ropes, but Darby lands on the apron! Claudio BOOTS Darby down! The ref wants Claudio to hold on but Claudio goes out after Darby.
Claudio drags Darby by his legs, then SWINGS him around! Into steel steps!! The fans lose their minds, the ref reprimands Claudio, but Claudio doesn’t care. The fans tell Claudio he is sick, but Claudio TOSSES Darby over the announce desk!! Schiavone, Excalibur & Matt Menard narrowly avoid becoming collateral damage! But Claudio clears the desk and brings Darby up. Claudio puts Darby on the desk, then stands over him. The ref reprimands but Claudio just ignores him. Claudio drags Darby up, and gorilla presses him! SUPER DUPER TOSS onto the timekeeper’s table!! The fans lose their minds as Darby is down but that table’s somehow still standing!
The ref checks on Darby but Claudio storms right over! The ref tells Claudio to stop so they go to the ring. Claudio lets the ring count start, and yet Darby somehow stirs at 4 of 10! The fans rally as hard as they can and Darby crawls his way over! Darby is still far away at 7! But then he powers up and LEAPS in at 9!! But Claudio LARIATS Darby inside-out!! Cover, Claudio wins!
Winner: Claudio Castagnoli, by pinfall
Darby truly is relentless, with durability like no other, but it just wasn’t enough against the strength and brutality of Claudio! Will no one stop The Death Riders from running roughshod over AEW?
Backstage interview with Private Party.
Renee is with Marq Quen & Isiah Kassidy and brings up that at Full Gear, the AEW World Tag Team Championships are on the line in a Fatal 4 Way. Private Party takes on The Acclaimed, The Outrunners and The Kings of the Black Throne. In such a match, the champs do NOT have to be pinned or submitted to lose their titles, so what is their strategy? Brother Zay says they obviously can’t tell her that, the other teams are watching. But it seems like the odds are against them. Fortunately, the odds have been against them their whole lives, their whole careers, just like against The Young Bucks.
But look what happened: Private Party defied the odds, beat The Bucks, and are your AEW World Tag Team Champions. That is the same thing that happens on Saturday. They leave Newark, New Jersey still your tag team champions. Because there ain’t no party like a Private Party, that’s a flex. Oh, speaking of! It’s AJ & Big Justice! They’re fired up to be here, but Justice wants to know what that face Zay made was last week. Oh, right, this one, with the chin scratching. And AJ says they’ve got a BIG announcement coming up after this! Maybe some double chunk chocolate cookies? BOOM!!
A green Porsche Taycan pulls up to the middle of nowhere.
And out steps MJF. The Wolf of Wrestling tells the hobo to “go get it” as he throws spare change off to the side like birdseed. MVP then sits back and tells Roderick Strong, “You’ve been through so much. The kid who grew up trailer park trash with two abusive alcoholic parents. For crying out loud! Your own mother shot your father right in front of you. That’s traumatizing. And as you know, Roddy, trauma is the result of an overwhelming sense of danger, powerlessness and fear. However, healing is a result of feeling safe, empowered and supported. That’s why you’d do anything for Cole. He makes you feel all those positive things that you lacked.
“It’s why I was no different than you. It’s why I trusted him. Unfortunately, the difference between you and I: Cole for me was a mirage of what I wanted him to be. A fraud, a liar. And whilst Cole is a fraud, I do actually believe deep down, in his narcissistic, sociopathic, frail, feeble frame, is a man who cares about Roderick Strong. This is precisely why upon further contemplation, I am happy you won, Roddy. Because I want Adam Cole to watch a person he cares about suffer! And because of your White trash upbringing, you aren’t intelligent enough to realize that you don’t have a prayer. And I’m sending you back to where you belong. To your grimy little trailer park.
“And after the match, you’ll be in so much physical anguish, you’ll wish your mother hadn’t shot your father, but instead shot you.” As if this scumbag couldn’t stoop any lower, he brings up Roddy’s past to hurt him. But will Roddy make sure MJF’s future is the one full of pain and suffering?
Backstage interview with AJ & Big Justice.
Renee is with the Costco Tiktok sensations and says that in the Full Gear Zero Hour, we will see #BigBoomAJ take on QT Marshall in a match 20 YEARS in the making. AJ says it may have been 20 years in the making for QT, this all started for AJ when QT threw the double chunk chocolate cookies down! Renee says AJ has not been in the ring in those 20 years, is he concerned about how his body will hold up? AJ isn’t worried about that, because he just has one strategy, and that’s the strategy they use each and every day. That strategy is to bring the BOOM~! But hey, there’s another special announcement.
Because when AJ rings QT’s bell, and he Power-Booms QT right in the middle of that ring, there is only one guy they want ringing the bell: Big Justice’s best friend, THE RIZZLER! Time to bring the BOOM~! Will QT be sleeping on the mat for The Rizzler? Will he be skibidi? Fanum Tax? Why are those even words?
Tony Schiavone is on stage.
And he welcomes out The Undisputed Kingdom! The fans cheer as Roderick Strong makes his way out, accompanied by Matt Taven & Mike Bennett. Schiavone brings up Roddy VS MJF at Full Gear, and we just heard all that disgusting stuff MJF had to say. Roddy’s response is that to be honest, he has not slept a wink since last week. IT is finally happening! Roddy feels like a kid on Christmas morning. He finally gets his hands on “MAAAAAX~!” The fans echo that, and Roddy says if MJF was here tonight, and not hiding out there, Roddy would ask him: Is Roddy supposed to be ashamed of his childhood?
Is Roddy supposed to be ashamed of his parents? You don’t think Roddy’s heard that stuff before? His whole LIFE, that is what people brought up! His mom’s an addict, his dad’s an addict, mom shot dad. Good job, Max, you made Roddy feel like he was in elementary school again. And people may look at Roddy’s past and feel sorry for him, but Roddy asks us not to. Because looking at MJF, Roddy feels sorry for him. Understand this, Max. With Roddy’s life, he learned that to get the most out of life, you have to earn it. If you wanna break the cycle, you have to earn it. And that is what Roddy’s done ever since he was a kid!
And now looking at MJF, he’s been spoon-fed everything. And when something doesn’t go his way or something happens and he doesn’t like it, MJF throws a temper tantrum like a baby until that changes. So Roddy wants MJF to do something for him: Look in the mirror and think about all the things that MJF has done to people. The manipulating, the backstabbing, the using. MJF needs to realize, when the bell rings at Full Gear, MJF will pay for all those sins. With every chop, with every punch, with every elbow, with every backbreaker! And when it is all over, Roddy walks to his hotel room for the best night of sleep in his life because he earned it.
Especially because Roddy will know he has broken MJF’s back, and left him humbled! Roddy is all fired up, and the fans are with him! Will MJF finally get what’s coming to him? Or will he give Roddy nightmares for the rest of his life?
AEW shares footage taken from last Saturday night.
First, a recap video of Daniel Garcia thwarting Jack Perry’s attempts to abduct and torture Matthew Menard, as well as the joyride they took in the Scapegoat bus, with Perry as the hood ornament. And now, they have Perry strapped into a chair, the bus headlights as the only source of light. Menard is behind the camera as he asks Perry how he’s feeling. How’d that work out for him, huh? Garcia splashes Perry with water to wake him up, and says “Let’s have a conversation. I’m all ears.” Perry chuckles and says Garcia thinks he’s so much better than him. Look at where they are! Garcia shouts back that he doesn’t wanna be here!
Garcia just wants to wrestle, but AEW is full of savages! Perry tried to take Daddy Magic’s life! And those in power just sit back and watch, pretending that nothing’s going on. So what do they do? Gotta take the power back, right? Perry counters with, “Everybody’s got a code. Everybody cares about right and wrong until it costs them something. Until they have to SACRIFICE!” Garcia gets in Perry’s face, grabs him by the mouth, and says Perry’s always going on about sacrifice but Perry has no idea what Garcia’s had to go through! Perry has NO idea what Garcia’s had to sacrifice to be here!
Garcia knows where Perry wants him to go, but Garcia promises that he’s never gonna go there. Perry smirks, then SPITS in Garcia’s face. Garcia wipes that off his face and says bet. Garcia’s got something for Perry, so just wait right there. Garcia goes to the bus while Perry mockingly asks what he’s gonna do. Menard tells shut up, Jack! Life must be so hard for him! What’s Jack got to be sad about?! Garcia comes back and he has a crowbar! Perry dares him to go ahead. Garcia raises the bar, but he SMASHES up the bus! Garcia throws the crowbar away and Perry laughs. Is that it? Garcia tells Menard they’ll get out of here. What? Where’s Garcia going?
Perry says yeah, walk away. Menard tells Perry that Garcia’s gonna whoop his ass! Just wait! Menard leaves, Perry shouts into the night, but will The Face of TNT soon be the one sacrificed for the greater good?
Renee Paquette presides over the ROH World Championship contract signing.
She welcomes us backstage to the signing for this match, which will happen next week, Dynamite: Thanksgiving Eve, in Chicago. The challenger, Tomohiro Ishii, is on her left, and the champion, Chris Jericho, is on her right. Jericho, as champion, you have the honors to sign first. Jericho smiles and waves as he says, “Hi, guys.” But Renee, you should know better. A champion of Jericho’s caliber does not just sign a contract thrust at his face randomly. He has a whole legal team that needs to approve this contract. Renee says it was sent to said legal team last week. Oh, really? What about today? The now! Jericho lives in the now!
Jericho says he’ll get this checked by his legal eagles one more time. But for now, wait here. Choto matte kudesai. Jericho steps around the corner and then down the hall. He smiles at his own picture on the wall. What a good looking guy. But wait, Ishii has followed Jericho to the hall. Jericho is a bit worried as he keeps moving. Jericho tries to block Ishii’s path but a trash can isn’t enough. Jericho tells staffers that Ishii wants to talk to them. They step in the way but Ishii pushes them aside. Jericho moves faster, pushes more people in the way, but Ishii pushes them aside. Was that RJ City?
Jericho goes up some stairs but Ishii follows. Ishii’s even gaining ground! Jericho goes through a doorway and ends up in the concourse! Fans cheer as Jericho and Ishii keep up their cat ‘n’ mouse game. Jericho decides to go into the stands! Ishii follows, and they head down the bleachers towards ringside! Jericho hurries over railing but so does Ishii. They go into the ring, and now Jericho tells Ishii to stop following him! Jericho wants a mic, a mic is brought, and Jericho says hey, listen, Ishii. Jericho would sign this contract, but he doesn’t have a pen. Ishii has a pen! Oh. Ishii clicks it for Jericho, and pushes it into him.
Jericho takes the pen, looks at the contract again, and still hesitates. Jericho signs his part, and then hands things over to Ishii. But then BRYAN KEITH & BIG BILL ATTACK! It was all a massive set-up! Bad Apple & Redwood beat down Stone Pitbull, and then sit him up! Jericho has the pen ready, but here comes The Conglomeration! Mark Briscoe & Rocky Romero rush in, and Mark TACKLES Jericho! Rocky fires off on Bill while Mark CHOKES Jericho! Keith saves Jericho from Mark but Mark fires hands on Keith! The fans fire up, but then Bill SKYSCRAPER- NO, Mark UPPERCUTS Bill first! Rocky adds on!
The fans fire up as The Conglomeration pinballs Bill, and then Ishii CLOBBERS him! Bill tumbles out, but Rocky DIVES! Bill is sent into railing! Keith stands up, into a kick and underhooks! JAY DRILLER! Jericho stands up, Ishii has him, and hits a BRAINBUSTER!! Conglomeration stands tall over The Learning Tree and his Branches, and now Ishii signs his part! The match is now official, and Ishii is looking to take a bite out of Jericho! Will The Conglomeration have the ROH World Championship to be thankful for this year?
Backstage interview with Jamie Hayter.
Renee is with the former AEW Women’s World Champion and notes that last time, we were going to hear from her, only for her to be interrupted by Julia Hart. What is Hayter’s reaction to that? Well, yeah, she isn’t angry, but she is baffled why Julia chose to interrupt Hayter. They’ve never really spoken or interacted, or even wrestled each other. Hayter is just curious as to why Julia felt it was okay to do that. Granted, Julia can do whatever she wants, Hayter moves to the beat of her own drum just as much as Julia. But… if Julia wants to have a chat-
Uh oh, something is happening to the video! Brody King’s message echoes, “It’s time to come home.” Julia Hart walks through the woods. Brody says The House is her foundation. She has seen her rebirth. Now it is time to rebuild. She has woken up stronger, more determined, and more dangerous than ever. Julia aims her arrow to shoot down a target: her past self. Her obstacles are just bull’s eyes. She is the Princess of the Black Throne, and the Keeper of Secrets. She is Julia Hart, and her heart grows harder. She hits her mark, but will she find Hayter Hits Hard?
Orange Cassidy VS Wheeler Yuta!
Freshly Squeezed has been accused of being coldblooded and uncaring, but he got pretty heated as he told The Conglomeration to keep themselves safe tonight. He goes 1v1 with The Decoder, a young man who was once Cassidy’s student, and who left him behind to join the then Blackpool Combat Club. If anyone is uncaring, it is Yuta with how he would then follow Jon Moxley’s lead in the destruction of Bryan Danielson and Chuck Taylor. Who will be the more ferocious fighter tonight, this close to Full Gear?
The bell rings and Yuta SHOTGUNS Cassidy! Yuta follows Cassidy to a corner to CHOP, then ROCK, then CHOP again! Yuta whips corner to corner but Cassidy goes up and out. Cassidy bumps Yuta off buckles, climbs up top, but has to leap over. Yuta comes back but Cassidy catches him to a backslide! TWO, but Cassidy reels Yuta in for a cradle! TWO! Yuta pulls on an ear! But Cassidy arm-drags and wrangles Yuta into the SEATBELT! TWO!! Yuta escapes and the fans fire up as these two stand off. Yuta huffs ‘n’ puffs, but Cassidy shows he wants a grapple. They feel things out, knuckle lock, but Cassidy blocks a kick!
Cassidy reels Yuta in for a headlock, but Yuta powers up and out. Cassidy ducks ‘n’ rolls, tilt-o-whirls, but Yuta suplexes! Into STUN DOG MILLIONAIRE! Yuta tumbles out and fans fire up! Cassidy builds speed to DIVE! Down goes Yuta and the fans fire up again! Cassidy brings Yuta up, whips, but Yuta reverses to reel Cassidy in! Cassidy fights the suplex, but then Yuta fights a suplex. Yuta suplexes, to RAILING BRAINBUSTER!! Cassidy writhes and fans are stunned! Yuta stomps Cassidy, then leaves him behind for the ring count. Cassidy crawls into the ring, Yuta exposes a crossbar, and then he GRINDS Cassidy’s face into the steel!
The fans boo, the ref reprimands, but Yuta steps off at 4. Cassidy seethes as he rises up, but Yuta has him at the corner. Cassidy kicks Yuta’s legs out and Yuta falls onto a turnbuckle! Yuta falls back, Cassidy climbs, but Yuta grabs Cassidy first! Yuta drags Cassidy down but Cassidy fires hands. Yuta squeezes the facelock tight, then hits an APRON DDT! The fans boo Yuta while Cassidy writhes, and Dynamite goes picture in picture.
Cassidy clutches his neck while Yuta waits in the ring. A ring count starts and Yuta eggs Cassidy on. Cassidy reaches up as the count reaches 5 of 10, but he doesn’t sit up until 6. Cassidy hobbles up, stumbles and falls, but springs back to life! He slides in at 9! Only for Yuta to be right on him! Yuta reels Cassidy in, but Cassidy turns that into BEACH BREAK! Cover, TWO!! Yuta survives but Cassidy is too sore to be frustrated. They both sit up, and Yuta crawls his way over to a corner. Cassidy rises, checks his neck, then runs up, but into an ELBOW! Yuta goes up, but Cassidy JUMP FOREARMS! Cassidy positions Yuta just right before he climbs the corner.
Yuta resists but Cassidy still brings Yuta up. Yuta continues to fight the suplex, throws body shots, then shoves Cassidy down. Cassidy rolls back to his feet, runs back up the corner, but Yuta again fights the suplex! Cassidy fires hands, but Yuta fires back! They brawl up top, Cassidy HEADBUTTS Yuta! But Yuta HEADBUTTS back! They both wobble, but then Cassidy BITES Yuta! The ref reprimands, but Cassidy CLAWS Yuta’s back! This is very Moxley of him to do! And then Cassidy hits the SUPERPLEX! Both men are down and the ref checks. They’re both okay to continue, so a standing count begins!
Cassidy sits up, spots Yuta, and heads that way. Yuta sits up, they fire forearms as they stand! Dynamite returns to single picture as these shots go back and forth. The fans fire up for Cassidy but boo Yuta as the shots go faster and faster! Yuta BITES Cassidy’s forehead! Yuta spits then runs, but Cassidy dodges! BODY BLOW! SUPERKICK! Yuta sits down, Cassidy runs, PENALTY KICK! Cassidy slashes his throat, hauls Yuta up, BRAINBUSTER! Cover, TWO!! Yuta survives but Cassidy seethes. Cassidy rains down fists on Yuta! The ref reprimands about closed fists and hair pulling, but Cassidy doesn’t stop until the ref counts 4.
Cassidy stands, and he throws off the elbow pad! Cassidy aims at Yuta, runs up, but Yuta ducks the punch! GERMAN SUPLEX! Yuta runs to CHOP in the corner! And then a wrench and PAIN THRILLER! The fans boo while Yuta seethes and stands over Cassidy. Yuta sits Cassidy up, for HAMMER ‘N’ ANVIL ELBOWS! But Cassidy blocks one! And bends fingers, to then SNAP them! The fans fire up as Cassidy SNAPS finger after finger! Yuta swings, Cassidy BOOTS him, then serves up SOLE FOOD! Scoop and MICHINOKU DRIVER! Cover, TWO!! Cassidy is busting out all his best friends’ best moves, but he hasn’t gotten it done!
Cassidy aims, loads up, and ORANGE- NO, Yuta ducks! Orange fights the suplex, switches to O’Conner Roll! TWO, Yuta dodges Cassidy, scoops him, and CROSS LEG TOMBSTONE!! Cover, TWO?!? Cassidy survives and Yuta is furious! The fans are thunderous, but Yuta rains down HAMMER ‘N’ ANVIL ELBOWS! Cassidy grits his teeth but he’s almost a ragdoll! Yuta lets off to then hook the arms, CATTLE MUTILATION!! Cassidy endures as Yuta thrashes him around! Cassidy powers up as the fans rally, and he kicks around to the ROPEBREAK!! Yuta holds on, the ref counts, and Yuta finally lets go at 4!
The ref reprimands Yuta, but Yuta pushes past the ref to go outside the ring. Yuta grabs a chair! Yuta storms into the ring while the fans boo, and the ref says don’t do it! Cassidy dodges the chair shot! Victory roll, CASSIDY WINS!!
Winner: Orange Cassidy, by pinfall
Yuta is in disbelief! Cassidy beat him with a technical move! Yuta snarls but the ref keeps him back. Cassidy did what he promised in beating Yuta, but then he stares his former student down. Is Cassidy going to offer a handshake? WAIT, PAC ATTACKS! The Bastard BOOTS Cassidy down so we’ll never know what Cassidy was going to do! The fans boo more but Pac & Yuta stand on Cassidy. The rest of the Death Riders appear, and Marina Shafir has duct tape! The AEW World Trios Champions stomp away on Cassidy, like vultures picking the bones. Moxley steps into the ring while Marina hands the tape over to Pac.
Claudio puts Cassidy’s hands in his pockets, and then Pac tapes them in! Cassidy is physically bound, and Moxley paces around. Cassidy is pushed around by all the Death Riders, then Moxley DECKS him! Claudio hauls Cassidy back up, the Death Riders keep bullying him, and then Moxley SLAPS Cassidy down! But the bullying continues as they stand Cassidy up. Cassidy “kicks” Moxley! Defiant to the end! But Moxley DECKS him again! Moxley paces around more, then stomps Cassidy right on the face! Moxley leads The Death Riders away, and The Conglomeration finally comes out here.
Mark has scissors to cut Cassidy loose, and the fans boo as The Death Riders still retreat. Cassidy tries to stand up, but he has to use ropes to do it. Even so, Cassidy stands on his own two feet. Moxley eggs on the fans while Cassidy puts his sunglasses on. And then hands up, and then into the pockets! Try as they might, The Death Riders could not break the Freshly Squeezed fighting spirit! Will Cassidy finally become AEW World Champion? Or will Moxley find a way to break Cassidy at Full Gear?
My Thoughts:
A great go-home Dynamite here, though it felt like it contracted Go Home Syndrome. A lot of recap and other promos, but good promos all the same. Good follow-up from last week with Hayter and Hart, that will probably really get going after Full Gear. Good promo from Mariah & Mina to hype up their celebration segment for Full Gear, and with Toni Storm’s announcement of her retirement, you can bet Toni is anything but retired! Toni Storm most assuredly will return very soon, maybe even to ruin the celebration and spark another feud. I still want us to get to Mariah VS Mina but maybe Storm moves things back so that Mariah VS Mina happens in 2025.
Good promo from Private Party to also have AJ & Big Justice show up. The promos didn’t really add much to any of the matches, though. I’m very sure AJ does hit the BOOM on QT to win, and then Private Party finds a way to survive the Fatal 4. Great stuff with Perry, Garcia and Menard, that was another very action movie kind of promo, maybe even like that grittier Batman movie. But with Garcia not sinking to the same lows as Perry, that will be why Garcia loses. Honestly, why not just have Perry blatantly get himself disqualified? What great heat for Perry while keeping Garcia strong in not becoming TNT Champion.
Great promos in this MJF story. I appreciate Cole throwing his support behind Roddy was good, as well as Kyle O’Reilly wanting Cole to just leave it at this. MJF of course insults Roddy over his past while also trashing Cole at the same time, but great response from Roddy. Also I’m not a car guy so it took me a little too long to Google out what car MJF was driving. Anyway, given all these promos, I am very confident MJF wins at Full Gear and then Cole still wants after MJF, only for Kyle to have to fight Cole to make him stop. Then we’ll maybe get Cole VS MJF at Worlds End, or even some time in 2025.
Very good stuff with The Hurt Syndicate, even with them getting jumped by Swerve. Poor Cheeseburger, that’s one fan favorite that got fed to Bobby Lashley. But Swerve getting the better of the Hurt Syndicate again and again tonight, all the more reason Lashley wins at Full Gear. Very good promo vignette from White and Hangman to hype up their grudge match, which still feels it could go either way since they’re tied on the year. And Jericho and Ishii had perhaps simultaneously the most clever and most ridiculous contract signing segment ever. And of course Jericho worked out some sort of trap, only for it to go badly for him and his team. But with that, that means Ishii is losing next week, as I figured he would.
Awesome opening match with the 8 Man, and I liked that they had Hobbs do the “fighting through the pain” angle in the match. Also, great bit with Kyle Fletcher sending Davis into harm’s way so that the Callis Family can get the better of Ospreay’s team. I thought the Faces were going to win here, but the math now says Ospreay finds a way to beat Kyle, and maybe Ricochet takes the International Championship from Konosuke Takeshita. The Continental Classic is coming, and they could easily use that round robin to get Konosuke back to a feud with Kazuchika Okada and they battle for the Continental Championship at Worlds End like we should’ve gotten at WrestleDream.
Awesome match from Kris VS Shida, and I appreciate the crisis of confidence for Shida. Kris gets a great win to go into Full Gear, and then Kris and Shida get the better of Mone & Kamille, so all the more reason Mone finds a way to survive. As for Kamille, I feel like she should ditch Mone for being treated like crap by Mone, and maybe we can get a feud of Mone VS Kamille going into 2025. And of course, plenty of promos from Death Riders and “Team AEW” members. Moxley just kinda went on and on about stuff he’s already said in reference to Cassidy, but I did like Claudio going bilingual in talking trash on Darby.
Awesome matches from those stories, of course. Darby really got thrown around but he continues to show that toughness. Claudio getting the win mostly keeps Darby back so that Darby can build towards a world title match at Worlds End. Cassidy VS Yuta was great stuff, too, with great back and forth of Cassidy wanting to end it quick, having to grit it out with Yuta, and then Cassidy still finding a way to end it with a quick pin. And they did a good job muddying the math. Cassidy wins the match, but the Death Riders beat him down, only for Cassidy to literally stand tall at the end of the show. I still don’t see him taking the world title from Moxley, though, with Darby still in the wings, but this could end up Cassidy’s best match yet.
My Score: 8.9/10
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Will this be the mightiest Tag League yet?
It’s time for NJPW World Tag League 2024, and this year already looks mighty good as IWGP World Heavyweight Champion, Zack Sabre Jr, is in the A Block! Will he and Ryohei Oiwa make everyone #JustTapOut?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Kickoff – Shoma Kato VS Masatora Yasuda; Kato wins.
- Six Man Tag: Hiroshi Tanahashi, Jado & Katsuya Murashima VS Taiji Ishimori & The Filip Brothers; Taiji & The Filip Brothers win.
- Six Man Tag: Toru Yano, Boltin Oleg & Tiger Mask VS The House of Torture; The House of Torture wins.
- Six Man Tag: Taichi, Douki & Taka Michinoku VS The United Empire; Taichi, Douki & Taka win.
- Six Man Tag: Los Ingobernables de Japon VS TMDK; TMDK wins.
- World Tag League 2024 A Block: Shota Umino & Tomoaki Honma VS Jeff Cobb & Callum Newman; Cobb & Callum win.
- World Tag League 2024 A Block: Shingo Takagi & Yota Tsuji VS Alex Zayne & Ryusuke Taguchi; Takagi & Tsuji win.
- World Tag League 2024 A Block: Bishamon VS KENTA & Chase Owens; Bishamon wins.
- World Tag League 2024 A Block: Zack Sabre Jr. & Ryohei Oiwa VS Gabe Kidd & SANADA; ZSJ & Oiwa win.
PLAY BY PLAY
World Tag League 2024 A Block: Shota Umino & Tomoaki Honma VS Jeff Cobb & Callum Newman!
The Roughneck is bringing Everyone’s Kokeshi along for the ride, but this league might already be too much to handle. Can Honma help Shota bring about his Paradigm Shift? Or will they just get conquered by the United Empire?
The teams sort out and Shota starts against The Imperial Unit. The bell rings and Shota runs up to RAM Cobb! And RAM! And RAM! Cobb stays up so Shota kicks low. Shota runs to RAM Cobb, but Cobb rebounds to CLOBBER Shota! The fans cheer while Cobb stalks Shota. Cobb brings Shota up to whip him to a corner. Shota comes back to RAM Cobb! Cobb stays up, so Shota clinches! Cobb fights free with elbows, but Shota dodges a lariat to RAM Cobb! Cobb falls over! The fans fire up with Shota, and he brings Cobb up again. Callum runs in so Shota shoves Cobb aside to catch Callum. Shota shoves Callum at Honma for a shoulder tackle!
The fans fire up as Shota keeps moving and he SOMERSAULT SENTONS Callum! Shota then sets up so he and Honma can tabletop Cobb! Cobb sits up into Shota’s SHOTGUN! The fans fire up and Shota tags Honma. The fans rally behind Honma as he CLUBS Cobb. Honma reels Cobb in, but Cobb suplexes first! Cobb SLAMS Honma down, then calls for Callum. Callum rises but Cobb says hold on. The “Cobby Cat” mocks Honma by bopping himself on the head. Cobb then runs to FALLING KOKESHI FLOP! Honma winds up and runs, but Callum is in the way! Cobb runs up, Honma dodges the lariat but Callum tags in.
Cobb dodges Honma, then shoves him at Callum. They pinball Honma around, and Callum BOOTS Honma while Cobb BLASTS Shota! Then Callum & Cobb coordinate to HIGH LOW with a shoulder tackle and leg sweep! The fans cheer and Cobb says You Can’t See Him! Callum stomps Honma, then KICKS him in the back. Honma gets mad but Callum scuffs him again and again. Honma rises, CHOPS, and CHOPS again! Callum CHOPS and pretends that hurt his hand. Callum CLUBS Honma down but the fans rally up. Honma rises to CHOP! And CHOP! And CHOP! Callum kicks low, reels him in, but Honma fights the suplex!
Honma catches Callum’s lariat to spin and DDT! The fans fire up while both men are down! Callum and Honma crawl, but Honma hot tags Shota! Shota rallies on Callum with big elbows! Shota whips, Callum reverses, but SHota ducks ‘n’ dodges to CLOBBER Callum! Cobb runs up, but Shota arm-drags him, then dropkicks the legs out! Cobb bails, Shota fires up, and the fans rally again. Shota whips Callum corner to corner, runs up on him, and UPPERCUTS! Shota reels Callum in for a FISHERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO! Not quite perfect but Shota doesn’t let that slow him down!
Shota waits on Callum, then runs, but Callum avoids Ignition to hook Shota! Shota fights the backslide so Callum whips him to a corner. Callum runs up but Shota dodges! Shota runs up but Callum goes up and over! Callum keeps moving, but Shota ROCKS him, UPPERCUTS him, and runs! Callum follows to ROCK Shota at the ropes! Callum runs, but then stops to fake out Shota’s dropkick! Shota sits up, but he ducks the Penalty Kick! Shota rolls Callum but Callum rolls through. Shota ROCKS Callum, then spins, but Callum dodges the rolling elbow! DREAMCAST KICK! Shota drops to his knees and the fans fire up!
Callum and Shota crawl, hot tag to Cobb! Cobb runs up to waistlock Shota for a deadlift! Shota fights with elbows, goes to run, but Cobb reels him in for a forearm to the back! Cobb runs, but Shota DROPKICKS him! The fans fire up again and Shota heads for his corner. Hot tag to Honma! The fans rally as Honma CHOPS Cobb, and CHOPS, and CHOPS! Honma puts Cobb in a corner, whips him corner to corner, then runs up. Honma ELBOWS Cobb and hits a BULLDOG! The fans fire up as Honma shows Cobb how it’s done! FALLING KOKESHI- NO! Now Honma FLOPS as Cobb moves! Callum runs up to SHOTGUN Shota off the apron!
The fans fire up as Cobb RAMS Honma into the corner! Callum runs up to forearm SMASH! Callum drops down and Cobb LEAPS over to ELBOW Honma! Callum comes back and Cobb pops him up to the apron! ENZIGIRI, then fireman’s carry! Callum climbs, DOUBLE STOMP ATTITUDE ADJUSTMENT! PENALTY KICK and GACHIMUCHI MOONSAULT! Cover, Shota breaks it! The fans fire up and Shota TOSSES Callum! Cobb kicks Shota, whips, but Shota reverses to TORNADO DDT! Shota shouts to Honma and the fans fire up again. Honma rises and he storms up on Cobb. Honma & Shota double whip corner to corner!
Honma runs up to LARIAT! Honma feeds Cobb to Shota’s UPPERCUT! Honma LARIATS, Shota clinches, EXPLODER!! The fans cheer and Honma runs, SLIDING KOKESHI! Shota keeps moving, IGNITION! Honma covers, Callum breaks it! Shota stomps Callum out of the ring and leaves the rest to Honma. Honma drags Cobb up, but Cobb fights the suplex! Cobb ROCKS Honma, whips him, but Honma grabs ropes! Honma BOOTS Cobb, and Shota joins in! DOUBLE RUNNING KOKESHI! And then they DOUBLE FALLING KOKESHI! Cover, TWO!! Cobb survives but Shota goes after Callum! CANNONBALL to the floor!
The fans fire up again as Honma climbs! FLYING- NO, Cobb catches Honma! SPINEBUSTER, and FALLING HAMMER! Cover, TWO!! Honma survives and the fans fire up again! But then Cobb reels Honma in, for a TOUR OF THE ISLAND!! Cover, United Empire wins!
Winners: Jeff Cobb & Callum Newman, by pinfall (gain 2 points; Shota & Honma earn 0)
A powerful showing from “The Kokeshi Brothers,” but they could not bring down Callum & Cobb. With the IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Championships already on Great-O-Khan & Henare, will The United Empire completely dominate the NJPW Heavyweight Tag Division?
World Tag League 2024 A Block: Shingo Takagi & Yota Tsuji VS Alex Zayne & ???
Los Ingobernables de Japon’s heavy formation is in this block, ready to rampage like twin dragons. If only The Sauce could’ve brought his own monster back. Who will be the substitute for Lance Archer? And can he help heat things up?
Zayne makes his entrance before anyone else, and asks to speak on the mic. A mic is given, and Zayne says, “Kon’nichiwa.” The fans applaud, and Zayne explains that when he was contacted this year for WTL, he was also informed that Lance Archer could not make it. Zayne knew he had to do one thing: find the most “delicious” tag partner he could find. And that man is… RYUSUKE TAGUCHI!? The fans can’t believe the Funky Weapon is joining Zayne in this tournament! And he wears a green version of Zayne’s gear! Are things about to get really spicy now?
The teams sort out, and Takagi is in disbelief. LIJ fist bumps and the fans applaud. Taguchi and Zayne bow, “Itadakimasu,” and Zayne starts against Yota. They circle, tie up, and Yota powers Zayne back. But Zayne powers Yota back! Yota powers up to power Zayne onto the ropes, but Zayne turns things around. The ref counts, Zayne lets off slowly with a pat on the shoulders, but Yota plays with Zayne’s hair. Zayne smirks and Yota grins as the two reset. They circle, tie up, and are in a deadlock. Yota headlocks, but Zayne powers up and out. Yota RAMS Zayne but neither man falls. Fans cheer as Yota grins and Zayne plays with his own hair.
Things speed up suddenly, and Zayne sidesteps. Yota bucks the O’Conner Roll, then gets around Zayne. Zayne ELBOWS Yota away to a corner. Zayne runs up to BACK ELBOW and go to the apron in one go! Then he slingshots to RANA! Yota has a rough tumble, but he stands back up. Zayne runs up again, dodges the lariat and waistlocks, only to bring Yota back and run. Yota sidesteps Zayne then drops down, only for Zayne to IMPLODER KNEE DROP! The fans fire up but Zayne keeps moving, STANDING MARIPOSA! The fans cheer more while Zayne grins at Takagi. Zayne brings Yota up, tags Taguchi, and they double whip.
“Funky Sauce” misdirects Yota to hit a BULLDOG then basement dropkick! Cover, TWO! The fans cheer and Taguchi stomps Yota. Taguchi brings Yota up, kicks low, then whips. Yota reverses but Taguchi RANAS! A little slippery, but then Zayne BLASTS Takagi off the apron! Funky Sauce takes aim, Taguchi PLANCHAS but flops as Yota moves! Zayne is on the apron but Takagi YANKS Zayne down! The fans rally but Takagi hauls Zayne up to whip him into railing! Yota drags Taguchi up and puts him in the ring. Takagi gets the fans fired up, then he stands Taguchi up. LIJ double whip Taguchi to then DOUBLE SHOULDER TACKLE!
The fans cheer and then Takagi SENTONS! Yota SPLASHES down! Cover, TWO! Taguchi stays in this but Yota tags Takagi. The fans rally and duel while Takagi stands Taguchi up. Takagi bumps Taguchi off buckles, RAMS into him again and again, then digs his shoulder in. The ref counts, Takagi steps back, and he snapmares Taguchi down. Tag to Yota and Yota drags Taguchi up. Yota snapmares Taguchi to ROCK him in the back! Taguchi falls back, Yota tags Takagi, and LIJ drags Taguchi up. They DOUBLE ATOMIC DROP! Taguchi hobbles in pain, falls to his knees, and Takagi BLASTS Zayne off the apron!
Takagi gets annoyed with this Funky Sauce, but Taguchi fires off CHOPS! Taguchi runs, but Takagi easily dodges the hip attack! Takagi then suplexes Taguchi high and hard! Cover, TWO! Taguchi survives and the fans fire up. Takagi hears the fans dueling as he stomps Taguchi. Takagi KNEES Taguchi against the ropes again and again, then whips, for another KNEE! Takagi runs, but into a SOMERSAULT HIP ATTACK! The fans fire up while both men are down! Taguchi and Takagi crawl, hot tag to Zayne! Zayne jumps in and DECKS Takagi, then he BLASTS Yota! Zayne swats a lariat to fire elbow after ELBOW!
Takagi blocks the superkick to CLUB the leg! Yota joins in, LIJ whips Zayne, but Zayne KICKS Takagi, mule kicks Yota, and runs, DOUBLE SOMERSAULT KICKS! The fans fire up and Zayne runs at Takagi. Takagi ELBOWS Zayne, BOOTS him, then goes up. Zayne returns to JUMPING STEINERS! The fans fire up while Zayne covers, TWO! Takagi stays in this but Zayne brings him right up. Zayne goes to scoop but Takagi fights it! Zayne CHOPS, scoops, and BAJA- NO, Takagi slips free! SLIDING- NO, Zayne dodges! Zayne mule kicks, runs, but into the ELBOW! JAB! YUKON feint and DDT! Both men are down again and the fans fire back up!
Takagi pounds the mat, the fans rally behind him, and he crawls, hot tag to Yota! Yota fires up and the fans are with him. Yota brings Zayne around to whip, but Zayne stops himself. Zayne dodges Yota, Yota dodges Zayne, and both men kick low! Yota comes back to BOOT! The fans cheer and Yota brings Zayne up again. Yota fireman’s carries but Zayne fights free. Yota ROCKS Zayne first! Yota tries another fireman’s carry but Zayne sunset flips it! TWO, and both men stand! Zayne rolls Yota, BASEMENT ENZIGIRI! Zayne hurries to hot tag Taguchi! Taguchi HIP ATTACKS in a corner! Taguchi goes corner to corner, for another HIP ATTACK!
Taguchi keeps moving, but Yota runs up! Taguchi dropkicks Yota’s legs out! The fans fire up and Taguchi keeps going! Another dropkick to legs, then a LEG SWEEP! Taguchi rolls Yota into the OH MY GAH ANKLE!! Zayne BOOTS Takagi off the apron! Yota scrambles to the ROPEBREAK! Taguchi lets go but he brings Yota back up. Taguchi traps Yota and Zayne runs in to ELBOW! Zayne then sets up and Taguchi runs, SHOTGUN IN MOTION! Taguchi then brings Yota out to GOURD BUSTER! The fans fire up as Zayne climbs! But Yota KICKS Taguchi away, then GAMANGIRIS Zayne off the corner!
Taguchi kicks Yota, runs, but into a scoop and BACKBREAKER! Takagi slides in, and he finds the camera, “TOKI GA KITA!” The fans fire up as the time has come, and they join in on a chant of “OI! OI! OI!” LIJ whips Taguchi to a corner, then Yota runs in to ELBOW! Takagi whips Yota back in to SPLASH! Takagi adds a LARIAT, then feeds Taguchi to a BOOT! BLINDSIDE LARIAT! SUPERKICK! Taguchi is down, Yota covers, TWO! Taguchi stays in this and the fans fire up. Takagi stands Taguchi up and throws him to Yota for a POWERBOMB! Cover, Zayne breaks it! Takagi drags Zayne up, LIJ mugs him, but he fights back with CHOPS!
The fans fire up but Yota spins Zayne around to facelock, and Takagi wheelbarrows. Yota helps Takagi swing Taguchi down, then up for a BOOSTED WHEELBARROW GERMAN!! The fans fire up and Takagi leaves it to Yota. Yota takes aim and the fans rally. Taguchi rises, Yota runs in, GENE- LEG DROP!? And then La Magistrol! TWO!! Yota escapes in time, but Taguchi spins him to a backslide! TWO!! Yota escapes again! But Taguchi ENZIGIRIS! Taguchi fires up and the fans are with him! But Takagi LARIATS! GENE TRIGGER! PUMPING BOMBER!! And now Yota loads up, for the GENE BLASTER!! Cover, LIJ wins!
Winners: Shingo Takagi & Yota Tsuji, by pinfall (gain 2 points; Zayne & Taguchi earn 0)
The Funky Sauce was hot, but they’re the ones that got burned! Will they be able to spice things up in the second round? Will Takagi & Tsuji keep the tag league tranquilo?
World Tag League 2024 A Block: Bishamon VS KENTA & Chase Owens!
Hirooki Goto & Yoshi-Hashi once again clash with The Fang & The Jewel, both sides hungry for gold. Will it be Lights Out in the opening round? Or will someone just #Go2Sleep?
The teams sort out but then Bullet Club just attacks! Chase is after Goto and Kenta is after Hashi, and they put each man in corners. The bell rings to get this on record as Kenta TOSSES Hashi. Chase CHOKES Goto in the corner, then stands on him! The ref reprimands and Chase lets off to bring Goto up. Chase ROCKS Goto, whips him, and Kenta POSTS Hashi! Chase hits a big hip toss then covers, TWO! The fans rally up while Chase stomps Goto’s leg. Chase scrapes his sole off Goto’s face, and Kenta whips Hashi again. Hashi reverses and Kenta hits railing in front of English commentary! Chase ROCKS Goto, CHOPS him, then whips.
Goto grabs ropes to stop, then he BOOTS Chase! Hashi returns and Bishamon DOUBLE SHOULDER TACKLE! Then ZENMAI! Kenta returns but Bishamon kicks him first. “Se no!” Bishamon BEATS Kenta like a drum! The fans cheer and Bishamon flexes. Goto then goes back to Chase to stomp and CLUB him down. Goto kicks Chase, Chase shoves Goto and ROCKS him with a forearm! Goto knees Chase low, runs, but Chase TOSSES Goto out! Goto hurries back up, he counter punches Chase, and then counter punches Kenta! Chase slips out to YANK Goto down and THROW him into railing! Kenta intercepts Hashi with a kick!
Kenta whips Hashi away into railing while Chase sends Goto into other railing! The ref reprimands but Chase brings Goto through the gate. Chase has fans move out of the way, but then brings Goto back to ringside. Chase grins as he trolls the fans and pushes Goto into the ring. Kenta CLUBS away on Hashi before leaving him behind. Chase pulls on Goto’s arms then TWEAKS Goto’s neck! Not a twist, but equally painful. Chase tags Kenta while the fans rally for “GO-TO-O! GO-TO-O!” Kenta pushes Goto into the corner, Goto hits Chase, but Kenta RAMS Goto! The ref reprimands and counts as Kenta RAMS Goto more!
Kenta sits Goto down, and digs his boot in! The ref counts, Kenta stops at 4, and he tags Chase back in. They stomp Goto more, then Chase headlocks for a sucker punch! Cover, TWO! Chase drags Goto up and he bumps Goto off Kenta’s boot. Tag to Kenta and Bullet Club double whips. They DOUBLE ELBOW Goto down then Kenta covers, TWO! Kenta covers again, TWO! Kenta argues with the ref but the count was fair. Kenta drops an elbow, drops another elbow, then covers, TWO! Kenta gets mad at Hashi for no reason, but the fans rally up for Goto. Kenta CLUBS Goto, but Goto fires CHOPS in return!
Kenta knees low, whips Goto to a corner, but Goto reverses. Goto runs up but into a BOOT! Kenta runs but Goto follows! Goto avoids Chase’s cheap shot to LARIAT Kenta! The fans fire up while Goto and Kenta are down! Goto crawls, hot tag to Hashi! The fans fire up as Hahsi BLASTS Chase! Kenta kicks Hashi low then whips him to a corner. Kenta runs up but Hashi CHOPS in return! And mule kicks! And turns Kenta for a NECKBREAKER! The fans fire up and Hashi watches Kenta. Hashi waits on Kenta to rise, then runs up to CHOP! Hashi hoists Kenta up to hang him out to dry! The fans fire up as Hashi runs, and he DROPKCISK Kenta down! Cover, TWO!
The fans cheer Hashi on as he brings Kenta up. Hashi reels Kenta in, lifts, but Kenta fights with fists! Kenta slips free of the bomb, then slips around Hashi to spin and- NO, Hashi suplexes first! But Kenta slips free again, and he spins Hashi around, to SPIKE DDT! Hashi is stood up on his head before falling over, and Kenta tags in Chase. Chase brings Hashi up and fireman’s carries. Hashi fights free of that, but Chase slips around to half nelson, lift, and SWINGING FACEBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Hashi survives but Chase says time to end this! Chase takes aim, C- NO, Hashi dodges the trigger! Chase knees low, runs, but Hashi dropkicks the legs!
The fans fire up whiel both men are down! Chase clutches his leg while Hashi crawls. Hot tag to Goto! Goto runs at Chase to LARIAT in the corner! Goto whips corner to corner, runs up again, but Chase BOOTS him! But Goto comes back! Only for Chase to BUCKLE SHOT and STO, then SENTON! Kenta steps in and Bullet Club drags Goto up. But Goto fires forearms and CHOPS! Kenta SOBATS! Chase KICKS! Kenta ROUNDHOUSES! Goto sits up into the “I HATE YOU!” PENALTY KICK! Cover, but Hashi breaks it! Kenta TOSSES Hashi then goes out after him. Chase drags Goto up and reels him in.
Chase tucks the arms but Goto fights the lift! Goto wrenches out but Chase ROCKS him first! Chase runs, Goto follows, but Chase ENZIGIRIS! Goto stays up, but the C-TRIGGER hits! Cover, TWO!! Goto survives but Chase hurries up! C-TRIGGER POINT BLANK!! And then the tuck for the PACKAGE PILE- NO, Hashi hits a BLOCKBUSTER! The fans fire up, Kenta BOOTS Hashi! Goto fireman’s carries Kenta but Kenta slips free! Kenta shoves Goto into Hashi, then waistlocks Goto. Goto fights the lift, and then ducks, HIDDEN GAP SUPERKICK for Kenta! The fans fire up as Bishamon regroups.
Hashi drags Chase up, whips him to Goto, but Chase BOOTS Goto! Chase swings on Hashi but Hashi ducks the lariat. Hashi powers Chase to ropes, Goto BLINDSIDE LARIATS, and then Hashi rolls Chase. Goto drags Chase up, Hashi has the legs! Chase BOOTS Hashi away! Chase then slips around to dragon sleeper, to steal G T- NO, Goto drops down to victory roll! Chase stands up, into a SUPERKICK! Goto drags Chase around while Hashi BLASTS Kenta! Dragon sleeper and SHOTO!! Cover, Bishamon wins!!
Winners: Bishamon, by pinfall (gain 2 points; Kenta & Chase earn 0)
Another classic in this storied rivalry, worthy of the titles themselves! Will this first win be the win that leads the Fierce Warrior & Headhunter back to the titles? Can Kenta & Chase borrow a page from Bishamon and #GetBackUp in the next round?
World Tag League 2024 A Block: Zack Sabre Jr. & Ryohei Oiwa VS Gabe Kidd & SANADA!
TMDK has a team in each block, doubling their chances of taking this league. But perhaps burying the lead is the fact that THE IWGP World Heavyweight Champion is joining in the fun! Will The Front Man & The Mullet rock this league right from the start? Or will the Mad Man and the turncoat Cold Skull get this tournament #WarReady?
The teams sort out but Oiwa gets in Gabe’s face. Gabe pushes Oiwa, they start, and they tie up at the bell. The fans rally as Oiwa and Gabe are in a deadlock. They go around at center, then Oiwa digs his heels in to push Gabe back. Gabe turns things around to put Oiwa on ropes, but Red Shoes calls the break. Gable lets off, to then CHOP! Gabe scoops and SLAMS Oiwa, then he goes for legs. Oiwa UPKICKS Gabe, then stands up to scoop and SLAM Gabe! Gabe UPKICKS back, both men get up and go face to face. Then they go forearm for forearm! The fans rally as Oiwa gets the edge, but Gabe CHOPS!
Gabe headlocks. Oiwa powers up and out, and they RAM shoulders! Gabe eggs OIwa on and he runs to RAM Gabe! They both run now, and they RAM shoulders again, and again, and again! Gabe CHOPS then runs, but Oiwa CLOBBERS Gabe! The fans fire up while Gabe bails out. Oiwa eggs Gabe on and Gabe snarls. Gabe shakes the railing in frustration, then he paces around the outside. Gabe cools off, slides in, but then tags Sanada. Sanada steps in slowly, so Oiwa tags in ZSJ. The two rivals circle and the afns rally behind “ZAKKU! ZAKKU!” ZSJ and Sanada feel things out, knuclke lock, and ZSJ rolls to wrench.
Sanada is already frustrated so he kicks ZSJ low! Sanada TOSSES ZSJ out and then Gabe goes after Oiwa! Gabe CHOPS away on Oiwa while Sanada sends ZSJ into railing! And then more railing! Gabe does the same to Oiwa, and Sanada storms up on ZSJ. Sanada CLAWS ZSJ’s back, a definite attitude change showing. Gabe Too Sweets with Taiji Ishimori on commentary while Sanada pushes ZSJ into the ring. Sanada whips ZSJ to a corner, but ZSJ goes up, under, around, and RAMS into Sanada! ZSJ snapmares, Sanada handsprings through, but ZSJ UPPERCUTS him down! Tag to Oiwa and he BLASTS Gabe!
Oiwa goes back to Sanada and stands him up. Oiwa wrenches an arm, YANKS it, then wrenches to YANK it again. Oiwa tags ZSJ and ZSJ brings Sanada around to wrench, step over, and wrangle into a mounted armbar! Sanada endures as ZSJ bends the fingers and isolates the arm, to STOMP it! The fans cheer, ZSJ tags Oiwa, and Oiwa CLUBS Sanada’s arm. Oiwa headlocks for a takeover, then isolates the arm in an short arm scissor! The fans rally while Sanada endures and kicks around. Sanada reaches out, ROPEBREAK! Red Shoes calls it, Oiwa lets Sanada go, but then Oiwa brings Sanada up.
Oiwa whips, Sanada reverses, and Gabe trips Oiwa up! Sanda BLASTS ZSJ while Oiwa drags Oiwa out of the ring! Now things spill out into the crowd! Gabe CHOPS Oiwa, then SMACKS him off empty chairs! Sanada BOWLS ZSJ into chairs! Not quite a strike, so Sanada JAMS ZSJ up with a chair! That picks up the spare, and we can hear Gabe’s CHOPS on Oiwa echo out. Gabe stomps Oiwa while Sanada CHOKES ZSJ with a chair! Red Shoes reprimands the War Dogs, but Gabe POSTS Oiwa! Gabe says War Dogs run this, but Red Shoes starts a ring count. Gabe flexes on Oiwa, then drags him up at 7 of 20.
Gabe puts Oiwa in at 10 and Sanada covers, TWO! Oiwa stays in this and the fans rally behind him. Sanada is annoyed but he brings Oiwa up. Sanada CLUBS Oiwa, then bumps him off Gabe’s boot. Oiwa sputters while Sanada tags Gabe in. Gabe drags Oiwa up, mockingly asks where Zack-senpai went, then he UPPERCUTS Oiwa down. Gabe TOSSES Oiwa out, and he BLASTS ZSJ off the apron! Sanada whips Oiwa into railing! Gabe lifts ZSJ bu tZSJ wrenches free to KIMURA! Gabe powers through, to BITE ZSJ on the forehead! Sanada sends Oiwa into more railing, Gabe sends ZSJ through railing and into chairs!
Sanada BOWLS Oiwa into chairs now, there is the strike! Sanada continues to show his new edge as he JAMS Oiwa up with a chair. Red Shoes reprimands so Sanada brings Oiwa back to ringside. Sanada puts Oiwa in for Gabe and Gabe pushes Oiwa to a cover. Red Shoes says no, all the shenanigans were not right. Gabe gets in Red Shoes’ face about that, but Red Shoes stands his ground. Gabe storms around while the fans rally behind Oiwa. Gabe drags Oiwa up, to CHOP! Oiwa wobbles but he rises up. Oiwa CHOPS, and CHOPS, and fires forearms! Gabe DECKS Oiwa with just one! The fans still rally for Oiwa but Gabe stands on Oiwa’s face!
Gabe soaks up the heat, scuffs Oiwa and stomps him around. Oiwa sits up, Gabe runs, but Oiwa reels him in! Gabe fights the waistlock, runs, but into a SNAP GERMAN! The fans fire up while both men are down! Oiwa and Gabe crawl, hot tags to ZSJ and Sanada! The fans fire up as ZSJ dodges Sanada, full nelsons, then spins him to a headlock. Sanada powers out but ZSJ catches him to a COBRA TWIST! Sanada powers out to HIP TOSS, but ZJS UP KICKS! Sanada avoids the Penalty Kick, blocks the boot, but ZSJ steps through the dragon screw to NECK TWIST! And basment DROPKICK! The fans fire up and we’ve only hit 10 minutes!
ZSJ drags Sanada up, UPPERCUTS him, then UPPERCUTS again! Sanada blocks the next to spin and suplex, but ZSJ says no to the Magic Screw! NORTHERN LIGHTS! Bridging cover, TWO! Sanada escapes but ZSJ stays focused. ZSJ stands Sanada up to scoop, but Sanada slips free. ZSJ fights the waistlock, runs, but into a dropkick to the legs! Sanada then DROPKICKS ZSJ down! Sanada fireman’s carries but ZSJ slips free, to have the IRON OCTOPUS! The fans rally while Sanada endures, and Sanada powers out to have a leg! DROPPING DRAGON SCREW! ZSJ clutches the leg and Sanada takes aim! SHINING-
NO, ZSJ ducks, but Sanada catches him to a backslide! ZSJ rolls through to NECK TWIST! Tag to Oiwa and Oiwa BLASTS Gabe off the apron! Oiwa goes back to Sanada and brings him up. Oiwa whips Sanada to ropes, ELBOWS Him down, then ZSJ PENALTY KICKS Sanada! Oiwa deadlift GUT RWENCH PLEXES! Cover, Gabe breaks it! Gabe CHOPS away on ZSJ and Oiwa, but ZSJ blocks! Oiwa DOUBLE CHOPS! ZSJ UPPERCUTS! ZSJ & Oiwa DOUBLE DROPKICK Gabe down! The fans fire up with Oiwa and he clamps onto Sanada with a SLEEPER! Sanada endures and fights up, but Oiwa thrashes him around!
Sanada still fights to his feet, slips around the back, and shoves Oiwa to ropes. Gabe trips Oiwa up! Oiwa kicks at Gabe but Sanada kicks ropes to jam Oiwa up! Sanada suplexes Oiwa into the MAGIC SCREW! Both men are down but the fans rally up again. Sanada crawls over, tag to Gabe, and Gabe storms right up on Oiwa. Gabe UPPERCUTS Oiwa right down! Gabe then puts Oiwa in a corner to fire off forearm after forearm! Red Shoes reprimands and counts, but Gabe digs his boots in while talking trash. Gabe shoves Red Shoes aside so he can keep stomping away on Oiwa! The fans rally and Red Shoes backs Gabe off.
Gabe seethes but the fans continue to rally for Oiwa. Oiwa grits his teeth as he sits up, but Gabe ROCKS him with another shot! Oiwa still looks up defiantly at Gabe, so Gabe fires shots! Gabe says Oiwa’s not worthy of being his NJPW Strong Openweight Challenger. Gabe says Oiwa’s just some “weak ass kohai!” Gabe SPITS on Oiwa, but Oiwa gets in Gabe’s face! Gabe fires slapping strikes, blocks a shot, then SLAPS Oiwa again! Oiwa spins to DOUBLE CHOP Gsbe down! Sanada runs up and kicks low! Sanada whips, Oiwa reverses, but Sanada reverses back, RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP! ZSJ PENALTY KICKS Sanada!
Gabe runs up, ZSJ BOOTS him first! Gabe runs back in, slips out of the scoop, and he scoops ZSJ for EMERALD FLOWSON!! But Oiwa spins Gabe! Gabe avoids The Grip, runs, but into a LARIAT!! Cover, TWO!! Oiwa is frustrated but the fans rally behind him. Oiwa hauls Gabe up, ANACONDA PLEX!! Cover, TWO!! Gabe survives again but Oiwa roars! Oiwa drags Gabe up, reels him in, but Gabe fights the gut wrench! Gabe CLUBS Oiwa on the back, then he gut wrenches! Oiwa fights back, wrenches out, and he blocks a lariat to spin. Gabe HAYMAKERS, and SAIDOS!! Gabe crawls his way to the cover, TWO!!
The fans are thunderous as Oiwa survives! Gabe snarls and he drags Oiwa up. Gabe says this is the end. But Oiwa fights the suplex! Oiwa suplexes, but Gabe fights it! Oiwa still tries, but Gabe slips out to waistlock. Sanada DROPKCIKS Oiwa, Gabe UPPERCUTS! Gabe & Sanada work together to DOUBLE SUPLEX! Gabe suplexes again, BRAINBUSTER!! Cover, ZSJ BREAKS IT! Sanada TOSSES ZSJ out and tells Gabe to finish this! ZSJ RAMS Sanada, they brawl outside, and Gabe slashes his throat. Gabe drags Oiwa up, reels him in, but Oia slips through the gut wrench to backslide! TWO, and Gabe UPPERCUTS!
Gabe runs, but ZSJ is back! He BOOTS Gabe but Gabe SLAPS ZSJ! ZSJ KICKS the haymaker away to then ROUNDHOUSE Gabe! Sanada’s in to dragon sleeper! ZSJ arm-drags free, but Sanada comes back to SHINING WIZARD! Sanada then drags ZSJ up, but ZSJ scoops first! ZACK DRIVER!! ZSJ and Sanada flop out of the ring, leaving Oiwa and Gabe to rise up. They run at each other, to DOUBLE LARIAT! neither man falls, they DOUBLE LARIAT again! Gabe UPPERCUTS! Oiwa PALM STRIKES! Gabe PALM STRIKES, CHOPS, JABS, rebounds, into a roll-up! Hig stack, TMDK WINS!!
Winners: Zack Sabre Jr. & Ryohei Oiwa, by pinfall
Gabe is in shock! He gets right in Red Shoes’ face but Red Shoes says it was a fair count! Gabe then goes after Oiwa to CLOBBER him! The fans boo and Young Lions rush in, but Gabe eggs Oiwa on! So Oiwa obliges and they brawl among the fans! The Young Lions rush in to separate the two, but Gabe gets loose to CLOBBER Oiwa! They scrap, ZSJ joins in, and he pulls the two apart. Gabe kicks a chair in frustration, then goes into retreat. Wait, Oiwa chases Gabe to the ramp and beats him down! Young Lions again scramble in to stop this, but it just heads to the back! Sanada shrugs it off, will the #ColdWarDogs just have to try harder in the next round?
As for the winners, well, they’re no longer ringside so there won’t be any in-ring closing words. Backstage interviews begin, Gabe promises Oiwa will be put in the ground! Will the Mad Man show The Mullet what it takes to be NJPW Strong? As for ZSJ, he gathers himself, and tells NJPW Media that he doesn’t know where The Mullet went. Actually, no, he has an idea: The Mullet must be smashing the s*it outta Gabe. “Roy The Mullet” is the next NJPW Strong Openweight Champion! Oiwa will hit Gabe so hard, his legs will turn into trombones! As for ZSJ, there is something rare happening in this year’s WTL, isn’t it?
Yes, it’s that the IWGP World EFFIN’ Heavyweight Champion is involved, as this should be! The first time the world champion’s been in this tournament in roughly a decade! ZSJ said he was gonna be a different kind of world champion for NJPW, and that he promises to take NJPW back to the top! Now obviously, a conflict of interests, as this tournament is Shane Haste’s & Mikey Nicholls’ to win, but ZSJ won’t give the boys an easy ride. ZSJ is dreaming~ of an all TMDK World Tag League finals! Then who knows, maybe Zack & Roy get the job done.
But ZSJ knows the Tokyo Dome is coming soon. And Shota Umino wants to be ZSJ’s challenger. ZSJ says he will be keeping his eyes wide open for Shota. ZSJ says he’ll have a DOUBLE main event in the Tokyo Dome, it’s in the bag. What about you, Shota? The Front Man heads out, having put the pressure on his challenger, but will all of NJPW soon belong to TMDK?
Here are the A Block standings!
Zack Sabre Jr. & Ryohei Oiwa: 1-0, 2 points
Jeff Cobb & Callum Newman: 1-0, 2 points
Shingo Takagi & Yota Tsuji: 1-0, 2 points
Bishamon: 1-0, 2 points
Gabe Kidd & Sanada: 0-1, 0 points
Kenta & Chase Owens: 0-1, 0 points
Alex Zayne & Ryusuke Taguchi: 0-1, 0 points
Shota Umino & Tomoaki Honma: 0-1, 0 points
My Thoughts:
A great start to World Tag League 2024, with just A Block opening things tonight. I will say those tune-up matches were interesting. Even though David Finlay is the Global Champion, it’s Taiji Ishimori that has apparently become Bullet Club’s international ambassador. Taiji brought Robbie X into the group, now he teamed with The Filip Brothers, Tome & Stevie, who knows who else Bone Soldier will recruit. Taiji’s team beating Tanahashi’s team, House of Torture cheating and beating Tanahashi’s friends, this is all putting the pressure on The Ace, meaning The Ace will win out at WrestleKingdom 19.
Shota Umino teaming with Tomoaki Honma, I wonder if this is to hold Shota back somehow. He is apparently still heading for WrestleKingdom and a world title match with ZSJ, so it’s not like Shota needs to win WTL, but I guess NJPW just wants Shota to give the fans a good time alongside a fan favorite like Honma. Also, Callum & Cobb have a fun new shirt for their team-up. I figured Zayne would need to improvise now that #MonsterSauce is no longer happening, and Taguchi was a great surprise choice. But #FunkySauce making its debut against a team as strong as Takagi & Tsuji was a shame because of course LIJ was winning that. Maybe Zayne & Taguchi can pull off a spoiler victory later on, but I don’t see Funky Sauce going that strong.
Bishamon VS Kenta & Chase really was an awesome match, and it is so surprising how Chase has grown in just the past couple years. Great win for Goto & Hashi, though, as they’re clearly the solid utility choices in the tag division. And what an awesome main event, with Sanada bringing out the most Heel stuff he’s done perhaps ever. A bit jarring really, but that’s just kinda old fashioned Heel turns for ya. Great win for TMDK, though, and definitely an unorthodox way of closing by having Oiwa and Gabe brawl all over ringside and into the back.
While ZSJ says it is big for the world champ to be in this tournament, which I do agree with on some level, it also makes some of the A Block action seem secondary. Gabe and Oiwa having their grudge was kinda the main motivator behind this match, and then it’ll be similar when Shota & Honma VS ZSJ & Oiwa happens. There is the added drama of, “What if someone pins ZSJ? Will they get a world title match before WK19?” Maybe Shota solidifies his WK title match by being the one that pins ZSJ in their match, but it all just feels like more flash than substance. No one else is going to pin ZSJ, Oiwa probably takes whatever losses their team will take, so A Block’s story suffers for it.
My Score: 8.9/10
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