Coverage
Mitchell’s NJPW G1 Climax 34 Results & Report! (7/20/24)
Who is the Strongest of the Summer?

The greatest tradition of NJPW returns!
The G1 Climax returns for its 34th round robin, with both blocks in action for a loaded ten card match! Who starts off strong to be the strongest of all?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- G1 Climax 34 B Block: Boltin Oleg VS Ren Narita; Oleg wins.
- G1 Climax 34 A Block: Callum Newman VS Shota Umino; Callum wins.
- G1 Climax 34 B Block: El Phantasmo VS HENARE; Henare wins.
- G1 Climax 34 A Block: Great-O-Khan VS Zack Sabre Jr; ZSJ wins.
- G1 Climax 34 B Block: Hirooki Goto VS Jeff Cobb; Cobb wins.
- G1 Climax 34 A Block: SANADA VS Jake Lee; Jake wins.
- G1 Climax 34 B Block: Yuya Uemura VS David Finlay; Yuya wins.
- G1 Climax 34 A Block: Gabe Kidd VS EVIL; Evil wins.
- G1 Climax 34 B Block: Yota Tsuji VS Konosuke Takeshita; Konosuke wins.
- G1 Climax 34 A Block: Tetsuya Naito VS Shingo Takagi; Takagi wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
G1 Climax 34 B Block: Boltin Oleg VS Ren Narita!
In the New Japan Soul qualifier series, The Kazakhstan Juggernaut defeated his NEVER Openweight Six Man Tag Team Championship partners, Toru Yano and Hiroshi Tanahashi, just to be in this tournament! He even has new ring gear for the occasion. But will he make his senpai and shachou proud with a big opening round win? Or will the Souled Out Son of Strong Style steal away Oleg’s happiness?
Ren throws his cloak at Oleg and then fires off cheap shots! The ref reprimands, the bell rings, and this is on record as Ren kicks and runs. But Oleg dodges to run Ren over! The fans fire up and Oleg runs in to STINGER SPLASH at the corner! Then he fireman’s carries, but Ren flails free! Ren bails out, Oleg waits on him, and Ren throws a bit of a tantrum for Oleg getting the advantage. Ren goes around the way, fans rally up for Oleg, and then Oleg rushes out. Ren slides back in, runs and he BOOTS Oleg off the apron! Oleg hits railing pretty hard, but that’s cuz he’s so big! Ren goes out to drag Oleg up, and whips him hard into more railing!
Then Ren whips Oleg hard into even more railing! The fans rally for Oleg but Ren gets himself a chair, and his push-up bar. The ref stops Ren from using the chair, but he also spots the bar! The ref won’t let Ren use that, either! Ren lets the ref have the bar, only to pick the chair back up! Ren SMACKS Oleg in the arm! The fans boo while Oleg writhes but Ren just grins. Ren stalks Oleg, drags him up, and wrenches to lace the arm through railing. The ref counts, Ren pulls, but Ren lets off with a KICK! Then Ren BOOTS Oleg down! The ref reprimands and wants this in the ring, so Ren leaves Oleg behind.
The fans rally for Oleg, a ring count starts, and Oleg stands at 6 of 20. Oleg slides in at 8 but Ren stomps him. Ren kicks Oleg, wraps the arm around ropes, but the ref reprimands. Ren holds until 4, and then he scrapes Oleg’s face on the ropes! Ren runs, and he BOOTS Oleg down! Cover, TWO! Ren grabs the arm to have a DOUBLE WRISTLOCK! Oleg endures and the fans rally up. Oleg fights up, but Ren CLUBS the arm! Ren wrenches, YANKS, YANKS, and YANKS! Ren wrenches to an ELBOW BREAKER! Oleg hobbles while clutching the arm, but Ren grins. Ren storms up to grab the arm, but Oleg ROCKS Ren!
The fans rally as Oleg CHOPS Ren! And he- NO, Ren ducks the chop to grab the arm! Ren wrangles Oleg down but Oleg rolls and deadlifts Ren! But Ren drags Oleg down again, ARMBAR! Oleg clasps hands, the fans rally, but Ren pulls at the arm. Oleg kicks around, reaches out, but Ren breaks the grip for the ARMBAR! Oleg flails and gets the ROPEBREAK with a foot! The fans cheer, the ref counts, but Ren lets go at 4. Ren is annoyed but he drags Oleg up to whip. Oleg blocks the arm-drag! Oleg shoves Ren and then DROPKICKS! The fans fire up while both men are down! Oleg rises, shakes out the bad arm, and he storms over to Ren.
Oleg deadlifts and gut wrenches, for the Shake, Rattle, and- NO, Ren fights free of the grip! But Oleg CHOPS again! Oleg whips, Ren reverses and KNEE STOMPS! Both men are down again but Ren hurries to his feet. Ren fires up and climbs while the fans rally for Oleg. Ren aims, leaps, and FLYING KNEE STOMPS! Cover, TWO!! But into an ARMBAR!! Ren pulls the arm but Oleg flails around! Oleg kicks, reaches out, but Ren pulls on that arm! Oleg has the fans behind him as he powers up to stack! Oleg deadlifts Ren into a pop-up and fireman’s carry! F5!! The fans fire up and Oleg roars! Oleg storms over to Ren to drag him up.
Oleg fireman’s carries again, for the KAMIKAZE SENTON!! Cover, OLEG WINS!!
Winner: Boltin Oleg, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Ren earns 0)
The fans go wild as Oleg does it again! Will The Rook get on a roll to reach the Climax? Will Ren recover and redeem himself in the next round?
G1 Climax 34 A Block: Callum Newman VS Shota Umino!
The other New Japan Soul qualifier winner is here, having made it through some of Bullet Club’s best. However, he runs into another of the Reiwa Era Musketeers in The Roughneck! Can the Prince of Pace keep pace with Oleg? Or will #SHOOTER show he’s better than his rival, Narita?
The bell rings and Callum rushes in. Shota dodges, but then Callum dodges Shota. Callum BOOTS Shota but Shota ROCKS Callum! Callum and Shota get face to face, then go forearm for forearm! The fans rally up as they go back and forth. Callum gets the edge, but Shota blocks a kick! Callum swats a haymaker then whips. Shota reverses but Callum ducks ‘n’ dodges and speeds up. Shota dodges a boot, ducks ‘n’ dodges haymakers, and now he speeds up! Callum dodges a lariat, but not the scoop and DROP! Shota SHOTGUNS Callum down and the fans fire up! Shota paces, stomps Callum, then paces some more.
Callum goes to ropes, Shota storms over and CLUBS him on the neck. Shota whips, Callum slips ‘n’ trips Shota up, to then DOUBLE STOMP! The fans cheer, Callum comes back to cover, ONE!! Callum grabs the legs and turns Shota right over into a BOSTON CRAB! Callum shifts, it’s a LIONTAMER now! Shota fights and he reaches out, to the ROPEBREAK! Fans cheer and Callum lets go, then he sits Shota up. Callum KICKS Shota in the back, then paces. Callum brings Shota up but Shota fires a forearm. Callum knees low, runs, but into a DROPKICK! Both men are down again and the fans fire up!
Callum crawls to a corner while Shota rises. Shota runs corner to corner, and he UPPERCUTS! Then he reels Callum in to FISHERMAN- NO, Callum fights that and wrenches out! Shota blocks a kick, slips under and he trips Callum, to then step over and STF! The fans fire up while Callum endures, and Callum reaches out. Callum claws his way forward, and he turns enough to have the ROPEBREAK with a foot! The fans cheer, Shota lets go and paces. Callum stirs but Shota brings him up. Shota dragon sleepers, inverted suplexes, but Callum slips free! Callum waistlocks but he ducks an elbow, only for Shota to ROCK him with a forearm!
Callum drops but then kips up, only for Shota to duck the enzigiri! Shota goes to waistlock but Callum slips under. Callum waistlocks again but Shota switches and shoves. Callum slides to a stop, then baits Shota in. Shota tries to tornado but Callum smothers that. Shota CLUBS away on Callum, goes again, TORNADO- NO! Callum powers out, kicks low then whips. Shota reverses but Callum avoids the dropkick! Callum runs up but Shota ducks the Penalty Kick to roll Callum. Callum rolls through, but Shota pops him up for a KNEE! Shota then reels Callum in, suplexes, but into STUN DOG MILLIONAIRE!
Shota wobbles as Callum uses an Ospreay move. But Shota rebounds and SHOTGUNS Callum down! But Callum springs right up to PENALTY KICK! The fans fire up while both men are down! Callum crawls back to a cover, TWO! Shota is still in this and Callum is annoyed. The fans rally, Callum feeds off the energy and rises up. Callum stands Shota up to chicken wing the arms. Shota fights the lift, but Callum CLUBS him on the back. Callum tries again, Shota fights the lift and RAMS Callum into the corner. Shota is free, and he arm-drags Callum away! Callum comes back, V-TRIGGER hits! But Shota’s ROLLING ELBOW hits!
Callum kips up to PELE! And OSC- CUTTER FROM SHOTA! The fans fire up for the counterstrike and both men are down again! Callum and Shota stir, and Shota sits up first. The fans rally, Shota goes to a corner, and he watches Callum. Shota runs corner to corner to BLINDSIDE KNEE! Then he TORNADO DDTS! Roll through and dragon sleeper, dragon suplex for TRIDENT! Cover, TWO!! Callum survives but Shota won’t be deterred. Shota aims from a corner, Callum slowly rises, IGNITION! Shota doesn’t stop there! He underhooks, but Callum spins and victory rolls! TWO! Cradle, TWO! Shota stands up, into a ROLLING ELBOW!
Callum runs, but Shota pops him up and tucks him in! Only for Callum to spin free again, spins some more, but Shota DECKS him first! Shota then hurries to get Callum back up, UPPERCUTS, and runs, but into a SPANISH FLY! Cover, TWO!! Shota survives and the fans fire back up! Shota and Callum stir, and Shota rolls to a corner. Shota stands, Callum runs in and DROPKICKS him! Callum then pushes Shota out to go up and up and DOUBLE STOMP on the back! Shota writhes and staggers, into the OSCUTTER!! Cover, CALLUM WINS!!
Winner: Callum Newman, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Shota earns 0)
Incredible! First Oleg, now Callum, is it the new gear giving these younger guys this power? Or are the Musketeers overestimating themselves as the future of NJPW?
G1 Climax 34 B Block: El Phantasmo w/ Jado VS HENARE!
The Guerillas of Destiny have moved on, what is a Headbanga to do all on his own? Well, the G1 Climax is certainly something, but he starts against the Face of Fury! Will the NEVER Openweight Champion start strong for the United Empire? Or will ELP be able to grab a golden ticket right from the start?
The fans rally for “E L P! E L P!” The bell rings and Henare stares ELP down. ELP steps up, they tie up, and Henare headlocks. Henare grinds the hold, ELP powers up and out, but Henare runs ELP over. The fans cheer, Henare runs, but ELP drops to then hurdle, only for Henare to catch him into a fireman’s carry! ELP slips free, shoves Henare, and then DROPKICKS him! Henare staggers but he comes back to CLOBBER ELP! Henare stalks ELP to a corner, ROCKS him with forearm after forearm, but Jado coaches ELP. Henare whips, ELP reverses and then runs in, but into an ELBOW! Henare goes up but ELP ducks the gamangiri!
ELP runs up to RANA Henare! Henare bails out, fans fire up, and ELP builds speed to DIVE! Down goes Henare at the ramp! The fans fire up and ELP brings Henare back to the ring. ELP then goes up the ropes to SPRINGBOARD SWANTON! Then a LIONSAULT! Cover, TWO! Henare stays in this but the fans rally up. ELP brings Henare up, straitjackets, but Henare fights the torture rack with elbows. ELP fires forearms but Henare just shrugs those off. ELP CHOPS, but Henare smirks. Henare ROCKS ELP, BODY SHOTS, and KICKS ELP down! The fans fire up while Henare paces. Henare drags ELP up, then ROCKS him again.
ELP staggers, but he comes back to ROCK Henare! Henare ROCKS ELP! ELP wobbles then falls over! The fans rally up while Henare stalks ELP. Henare throws body shots and haymakers in the corner, then HEADBUTTS ELP! The fans rally as Henare fireman’s carries to WASTELAND SLAM! Then he SENTONS onto ELP! Cover, TWO! ELP is still in this and the fans cheer. Henare scowls while Jado caches ELP. The fans rally up as ELP rises, and ELP fires a forearm! And then another! Henare eggs ELP on so ELP CHOPS! And CHOPS! And CHOPS again! Henare LARIATS ELP right down! Henare then drags ELP back up, to LARIAT again!
Henare looms over ELP, drags him back up, and eggs ELP on by shouting in his face! Henare winds up, runs, but ELP LARIATS first! Both men are down and the fans fire back up! Henare crawls to a corner, ELP handsprings to his feet! ELP tunes up the band, but he seems to doubt himself. The fans rally, but Henare runs in first! SHINING WIZARD and a whip, BERSERKER BOMB! Cover, TWO!! ELP survives and the fans fire up again! Henare huffs ‘n’ puffs and drags ELP up. Henare growls but ELP fights the fisherman! ELP wrenches out, ROCKS Henare, then ROCKS him again! And again! Henare ROCKS ELP back!
ELP staggers to ropes but the fans rally up. ELP throws off the elbow pads, winds up, and ROCKS Henare! Henare ROCKS ELP, and the forearms go back and forth! The fans fire up and Henare eggs ELP on! ELP ROCKS Henare again and again and again! Henare ELBOW JABS, then HEEL KICKS! ELP drops to his knees, Henare runs, and RUGBY KICKS! Cover, ONE?!? ELP has a wild look in his eyes! Henare runs, ELP DROPKICKS him down! Cover, ONE!! Henare roars but ELP runs in to BOOT! And BOOT again! Henare roars but ELP ENZIGIRIS! Henare wobbles, snarls, and comes back, into SUDDEN DEATH!! Cover, TWO!!
Henare survives but ELP drags him right up! Straitjacket, torture rack, and BRAIN SALAD!! ELP hurries to the apron to springboard again, for a THUNDERKISS 86!! Cover, TWO!!! Henare survives yet again and the fans are thunderous! ELP scowls and Jado coaches him up. The fans rally, and ELP vows to end this! ELP drags Henare up, reels him in, tucks the arms, but Henare fights! Henare stands up and JUMP KNEES! ELP wobbles, comes back, but into a POP-UP SAMOAN DROP! Henare roars, aims as ELP rises, and RAMPAGE SPEARS!! Cover, TWO?!? ELP survives and shocks everyone, Henare included!
Henare roars as he vows to end this now! Henare hauls ELP up, fisherman, but ELP cradle counters! TWO!! Henare escapes, BODY BLOWS, and ELP falls to his knees! Henare deadlifts for STREETS OF RAGE!! Cover, Henare wins!
Winner: Henare, by pinfall (gains 2 points; ELP earns 0)
The Headbanga gets rocked, and the Face of Fury is roaring into the next round! Can ELP get his groove back as the last Guerilla in NJPW? Will Henare keep this momentum up until he’s holding the G1 trophy?
G1 Climax 34 A Block: Great-O-Khan VS Zack Sabre Jr w/ Kosei Fujita!
The Dominator is KOPW Champion, and is looking to “unite the fiefdoms” of NJPW! However, TMDK’s Front Man is looking to finally add the G1 to his trophy case. Will ZSJ make Kahn #JustTapOut? Or will he also be conquered by The United Empire?
The bell rings and the two rush right in! They go around, fighting for control in the clinch. Khan waistloicks, ZSJ slips away and the fans cheer this opening exchange. The two go again, Khan claps to distract then he lifts ZSJ up. Khan DUMPS ZSJ right out of the ring! The fans cheer while Khan waits on ZSJ. ZSJ stands but he eggs Khan on. Khan goes out after ZSJ, and now they grapple on the ramp! Khan waistlocks, ZSJ switches but Khan switches back. They switch and switch and then ZSJ wrenches out to waistlock. Khan uses a double wristlock to switch, but ZSJ resists the lift. ZSJ jumps on for a GUILLOTINE!
Khan powers up, and he RAMS ZSJ into railing! ZSJ falls onto fans in the front row! Young Lions help get the space cleared, and the ref wants this back in the ring. ZSJ stands up, and he clears out chairs while egging Khan on! Khan storms up, they test the waters with kicks and palm strikes! The fans fire up having the two scrap right in front of them! Khan clinches for an IRON CLAW SLEEPER! The ref starts a ring count as Khan ROCKS ZSJ! ZSJ SLAPS Khan! The fighting moves further back through the crowd! The count is 10 of 20 as Khan IRON FIST BODY BLOWS! ZSJ falls and Khan roars! But the count is 15!
Khan storms his way back to ringside, slides in at 17, but ZSJ runs in after him! ZSJ slides in safe at 19! The fans cheer but Khan stomps ZSJ around. Khan whips ZSJ, ZSJ wrenches but Khan avoids the Pele! Khan deadlift GUT WRENCH SUPLEXES! Cover, TWO! Khan clamps on a HEAD ‘N’ ARM TRIANGLE! ZSJ scrambles to the ROPEBREAK! Khan leans on the hold until the ref counts 4! Khan lets go but he’s kneeling on ZSJ’s head. Khan steps away, drags ZSJ up, and he fires knees! Khan eggs ZSJ on, KNEES him down, then scuffs ZSJ around. ZSJ rises but Khan KNEES him low again!
ZSJ sputters, the fans rally, and Khan drags ZSJ up again. Khan ships to SAYA- NO! ZSJ hops on for a SLEEPER! Khan snapmares but ZSJ somersault clutches for a NECK TWIST! ZSJ then basement dropkicks Khan in the back! The fans fire up while both men are down! The fans rally as ZSJ rises, and he waits on Khan. Khan reaches out but ZSJ KICKS him! Khan grits his teeth but ZSJ KICKS again! ZSJ shakes out his leg and the fans rally again. Khan sits up, blocks a kick, and he catches ZSJ’s arm! Khan hits a fireman’s carry takeover, then he drags ZSJ up. Khan has both arms, MONKEY FLIPS ZSJ, and then brings him up again.
ZSJ wrenches to SAYANAGI Khan! ZSJ wrenches again, but Khan clinches to SAYANAGI back! Khan still has the wrist but ZSJ rises up and he SAYANAGIS! ZSJ goes for a double wristlock but Khan fights to his feet. Khan wrenches, SAYANAGIS, then brings ZSJ up. ZSJ slips under to NORTHERN LIGHTS! No bridge, but ZSJ and Khan go forehead to forehead. They stand, Khan hits a modified OLYMPIC SLAM! ZSJ rises and hits another SAYANAGI! Khan rises and BOOTS ZSJ! ZSJ BOOTS in return! Khan Mongolian Chops! ZSJ UPPERCUTS! Both men ROCK the other with haymakers! IRON RIGHT from Khan!!
The ref reprimands about closed fists, but Khan clinches to BELLY2BELLY! Cover, TWO! The fans cheer while both men are still in this! Khan and ZSJ stir, rise up, and Khan clamps on with an IRON CLAW SLEEPER! ZSJ fades, Khan shifts around and has the BOW ‘N’ ARROW RACK! ZSJ slips out to jump on for a TRIANGLE HOLD! Khan stays on his feet, even as ZSJ squeezes tight! But Khan starts to turn red! Khan powers up to deadlift ZSJ, for a ELIMINATOR POWERBOMB!! The fans fire up as Khan is free, but he has to crawl his way over to the cover. TWO!! ZSJ is still in this and the fans fire back up.
Khan and ZSJ slowly rise up, and Khan clamps on for an IRON CLAW SLEEPER! ZSJ fades again, so Khan tries again. But ZSJ slips out of the Bow ‘n’ Arrow again to PELE Khan’s arm! And KICK the arm! And he KICKS Khan down! The fans fire up and ZSJ runs, only for Khan to trip him! IRON CLAW SLEEPER returns! ZSJ is fading out again! But ZSJ finds his second wind and fights up to his feet! Khan BITES ZSJ’s ear!! The ref reprimands, Khan ripcords and ELIMINATOR- DDT!! ZSJ rolls through to scoop and ZACK DRIVER!! Cover, ZSJ wins!!
Winner: Zack Sabre Jr, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Khan earns 0)
The Front Man not only wins big to open his G1 run, but he has a golden ticket to the KOPW Championship in his back pocket! Will ZSJ decide to make all of NJPW belong to him? Or can Khan still bring everything under the United Empire?
G1 Climax 34 B Block: Hirooki Goto VS Jeff Cobb!
The Fierce Warrior won a G1 once, back in 2008. He’s held all sorts of gold since, but if he wants to finally be IWGP World Heavyweight Champion, he has to win this G1! Will he do it? Or will the Imperial Unit make sure The United Empire’s night ends on a high note?
The bell rings and the two run up! They RAM shoulders, fire forearm after forearm back and forth, and the fans fire up! The two go forehead to forehead, Goto runs and RAMS Cobb! Cobb rebounds to run Goto over! GACHIMUCHI FLOP as Goto moves! Goto runs up, but Cobb dodges! Goto dodges back, DOUBLE LARIATS collide! Neither man falls and the fans fire up! Cobb and Goto snarl and circle. They tie up, but Cobb kicks low. Cobb whips, Goto blocks hip toss but so does Cobb! Goto avoids a lariat, but Cobb still runs him over! The fans cheer and Goto goes to ropes. Cobb winds up, runs up, but Goto BOOTS him!
Cobb chuckles, comes back, but Goto DUMPS him out! Goto then PLANCHAS! Down goes Cobb and the fans fire up! Goto rises, storms over to Cobb and puts him in the ring. Goto then storms up to kick low and fire forearms. Cobb goes to a corner, Goto fires more shots. Goto whips corner to corner, runs in, and LARIATS! Goto tries to hip toss but Cobb blocks! Cobb LARIATS Goto down! The fans fire up while Cobb paces. Cobb drags Goto up, brings him around, and THROAT CHOPS! Goto falls back and coughs. Cobb stands on Goto’s chest at the ropes! The ref counts, Cobb lets go and “apologizes,” then drags Goto up.
Cobb fireman’s carries to SLAM Goto right away! Cobb says “You Can’t See Me,” then GACHIMUCHI MOONSAULTS! Cover, TWO! The fans cheer but Cobb is annoyed. Cobb mocks the fans cheering for “GO-TO! GO-TO!” Goto CHOPS and CHOPS but Cobb ROCKS Goto in return. Cobb whips corner to corner, runs in, and he steals MURAMASA! Copycat Cobb even headlocks, but Goto denies him the bulldog with a big shove! Goto rises, snarls, and he runs in, but into a BOOT! Cobb runs, but Goto dropkicks a leg out! Goto rises, roars, and runs to LARIAT! Cobb stays up! Goto runs again to LARIAT!
Cobb wobbles and Goto eggs him on! Cobb BOOTS Goto, runs, but Goto follows! Goto LARIATS Cobb down and the fans are thunderous! Cobb crawls to a corner and Goto rises. Goto runs in to MURAMASA! And then BULLDOG! Cover, TWO! Cobb stays in this but Goto stays focused. Goto drags Cobb up, fireman’s carries, but Cobb fights with elbows. Cobb JABS, but Goto stays up! Goto fireman’s carries through to USHIGOROSHI! Cover, TWO!! Cobb survives and the fans fire up again! Goto drags Cobb back up, dragon sleepers, but Cobb throws hands from below! Cobb frees himself, waistlocks Goto, but Goto throws an elbow!
Cobb ducks, fireman’s carries, and he throws Goto into the dragon sleeper! But Goto drops out of that to victory roll! TWO!! Cobb escapes, but Goto dodges the lariat! But Cobb scoops! Goto slips free to a SLEEPER! Goto sits Cobb down, rolls, GOTO NI SHIKI! TWO!! Cobb stands, blocks the cradle attempt, and he suplexes Goto into the TOUR OF THE ISLANDS!!! Cover, COBB WINS!
Winner: Jeff Cobb, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Goto earns 0)
The Imperial Unit has done some unbelievable and amazing things, but that might’ve been one of his best! Will Cobb lead the way for The United Empire in this G1? Can Goto still #GetBackUp and #TurnItAllAround like Yoshi-Hashi has taught him?
G1 Climax 34 A Block: SANADA VS Jake Lee!
The Cold Skull wants to to heat up for the Summer, but he’s running into the newest War Dog to join The Rebel’s cause. Will the Good Looking Emperor also do David Finlay’s dirty work? Or will he already meet a Skull End?
The bell rings and the fans rally up. Jake mocks the fans chanting for “SA-NA-DA!” as he and Sanada circle. Sanada makes the pecs dance but Jake doesn’t care. They tie up, Jake waistlocks, but Sanada wrenches out. Sanada waistlocks, Jake wrenches out, and Jake keeps Sanada from ropes. Sanada rolls, wrenches, and hammerlocks. Jake moves around, hammerlocks Sanada in return, but Sanada reaches back to headlock. They end up on ropes, the ref counts the break, but Jake turns things around on Sanada. The ref reprimands, Jake lets off slowly, puts Sanada’s hands down by his side, and then pats Sanada on the shoulder.
The fans cheer as Jake gives Sanada a clean break, and even takes a bow. Sanada dropkicks Jake’s leg! Sanada kicks the leg again, and again, and again. Sanada waistlocks but Jake shakes his head. Jake elbows free, runs, but Sanada hurdles! And hurdles! But then Jake grabs Sanada for a CHOKE SLAM! Cover, TWO!! Sanada survives from being thrown down that hard from that high up, but Jake just loads up. Sanada is in the corner, Jake says BANG! FACE BREAK- NO, Sanada dodges, but he’s still wobbly. Sanada catches Jake’s lariat, reels him in, but Jake suplexes! Sanada fights free to put Jake on ropes! MAGIC SCREW!
The fans fire up while both men are down! Sanada and Jake each clutch a shoulder but then Sanada springs up top! ROUNDING BODY PRESS! Cover, TWO!! Jake survives that sudden moonsault but Sanada aims from a corner. The fans rally behind “SA-NA-DA!” and Jake sits up. BLINDSIDE SHINING WIZARD! Sanada roars and Jake rises again! Sanada runs up to SHINING- NO! Jake blocks this one and hoists Sanada up! LAST- NO, Sanada slips free, O’Conner BRIDGE! TWO!! Jake escapes, looks for Sanada, but turns around into a DROPKICK! Sanada mocks the finger gun, then runs in at the corner!
Jake dodges Sanada, Sanada goes up and out to springboard in, but Jake dodges! Jake hits the FACE BREAK SHOT!! Cross arm cover, Jake wins!!
Winner: Jake Lee, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Sanada earns 0)
The Madness Dark Side strikes out of nowhere, and Jake Lee takes down a former IWGP World Heavyweight Champion! Does this make Jake the most dangerous War Dog in the pack? Can Sanada still find his way to the top of the block after this?
G1 Climax 34 B Block: Yuya Uemura VS David Finlay w/ Gedo!
Just5Guys just took a loss to the Bullet Club War Dogs, but now we see the Heat Storm take on the pack leader himself! Can Yuya burn the IWGP Global Heavyweight Champion? Or will NJPW and even the G1 see they need The Rebel?
The bell rings and the fans rally up. Finlay and Yuya circle, tie up, and Finlay headlocks. Yuya powers up and out but Finlay runs him over! Finlay mockingly conducts the chanting, then watches Yuya get up. The two circle, tie up again, and Yuya wrenches to headlock, hammerlock, headlock then snapmare into a chinlock! The fans fire up, Finlay fights up and powers out, to headlock right back. Yuya powers up and out, hurdles, then hip tosses! The fans cheer, Finlay gets up, and Yuya runs him over! Yuya arm-drags and armlocks! The fans cheer while Gedo gets mad! Finlay fights up, pulls hair, but the ref reprimands.
Finlay puts Yuya in the corner, the ref counts, but Finlay lets off. Finlay then stomps a mudhole and throws hands! But Yuya puts Finlay in the corner to CHOP, CHOP and CHOP! Finlay turns things around to CHOP, CHOP and CHOP! Then he SPITS in Yuya’s face! Finlay whips, Yuya reverses and runs in, but Finlay puts Yuya on the apron. Finlay SHOVES Yuya off and Yuya hits railing! The fans boo while Yuya writhes on the floor, but Finlay grins and swaggers. Finlay goes out, saying this is just so easy. Finlay says Yuya couldn’t even make the new Three Musketeers, and now he’s messing with “the big boys.”
Finlay drags Yuya up, RAMS him into railing, and down goes Abe-san! That’s Evil’s thing! Finlay RAMS Yuya into more railing, then rams him in again! Finlay DUMPS Yuya over railing, and English commentary loses a monitor! The ref reprimands, the fans boo, but Finlay soaks it all up. Finlay even spits at the fans! Finlay goes back for Yuya, drags him through the gap in the railing, and then drags him into the ring. The fans applaud, and Finlay covers, ONE!! Finlay was a little cocky there but he drags Yuya back up. Finlay whips Yuya hard into a corner and Yuya falls to the mat. The fans rally but Gedo says Yuya should just quit now.
Finlay talks trash, saying Yuya should give up. Yuya can’t even beat Yota Tsuji so why bother? Finlay barks, some fans echo it, and Finlay runs corner to corner to UPPERCUT! Then he suplex TOSSES Yuya away! Fans cheer and Finlay cocky covers again, TWO! Gedo says just quit already! Finlay grabs at Yuya, Yuya pushes him back. Finlay kicks Yuya around, taunts him, but Yuya CHOPS! And CHOPS! And CHOPS again! Finlay throat chops! The ref reprimands while Finlay whips, but Yuya goes up and over to arm-drag! Yuya then dodges to arm-drag again! And DROPKICK! Finlay flops around while fans fire up!
Yuya kips up, fires up, and he runs corner to corner at Finlay to SPLASH! Then headlock for the BULLDOG! Cover, TWO! Yuya stays cool and hurries up a corner. Yuya reaches the top but Finlay ROCKS him first! Finlay goes up, he and Yuya brawl. Finlay fires HEADBUTT after HEADBUTT, then he brings Yuya up. SUPERPLEX! Cover, TWO! Yuya survives and the fans fire up again! Gedo protests the count but the ref defends it was fair. Finlay mockingly asks how that felt, and then he drags Yuya up. Finlay scoops for a BACKBREAKER! Yuya writhes, Finlay has another cocky cover, TWO! Finlay still takes Yuya too lightly but Gedo still tells Yuya to quit.
Finlay SPITS at Hiromu on commentary but Hiromu asks what his beef is with the Timebomb. Finlay flips fans off for booing, then drags Yuya up to ROCK him in the back! Finlay ROCKS Yuya again, says Yuya loves it, and then ROCKS Yuya again! Yuya drops to his knees, but Finlay hauls him up for a BIG back- CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO! Finlay kicks low, runs, but into a BIG back drop! The fans fire up while Finlay flails, and Yuya roars! Yuya runs at Finlay but Finlay BOOTS him back. But Yuya returns to LARIAT Finlay and himself up and over the ropes! But Yuya skins the cat and the fans fire up again.
Yuya catches his breath, shakes out the legs, and then runs to FLY! Down goes Finlay and the fans fire up again! Yuya roars as he rises up, and he storms back over to Finlay. Yuya whips Finlay hard into railing! The ring count is climbing but Yuya whips Finlay into more railing! We pass 10 of 20, but Yuya puts Finlay in at 13. The fans cheer as Yuya fires up again. Yuya goes right up top, Finlay staggers, into the AX HANDLE! Yuya then goes corner to corner to CHOP LARIAT! Finlay staggers but Yuya reels him in, for a BIG back suplex! Cover, TWO! Finlay stays in this but Yuya stays focused, and the fans rally again.
Yuya goes to a corner, climbs up, and Finlay stands, into the CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO!! Finlay survives and Yuya grows a bit frustrated. The fans rally, Yuya underhooks Finlay, but Finlay fights the lift. Finlay wrenches out, takes a swing, but Yuya clinches. Finlay fights the lift, reels Yuya in and gut wrenches, but Yuya slips out! Yuya then hooks Finlay for the backslide! ONE, but Yuya still has the arms! Ghost pin, TWO!! Finlay escapes, dodges a lariat, but then Yuya dodges! Yuya catches Finlay for the URENAGE! Cover, TWO! Finlay survives but the fans are behind Yuya as he grits his teeth. Yuya rises while Gedo shouts at Finlay.
Yuya drags Finlay up, half nelsons then full nelsons. Finlay fights with elbows, but Yuya gets under to back suplex! Finlay lands out, he back suplexes, but Yuya lands out! Finlay bucks the O’Conner to BLUE THUNDER! Cover, TWO!! Yuya survives and the fans fire up again! Finlay is furious and he drags Yuya right up! Canadian Rack, DOMINATOR! Cover, TWO!! Yuya survives again and the fans are thunderous! Finlay says fine, if that’s how it is… Finlay drags Yuya up, reels him back in, but Yuya fights the lift! Finlay CLUBS away on Yyya, lifts, but Yuay slips free and waistlocks to GERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO!
Finlay is still in this but Yuya still has the waistlock! Yuya full nelsons, to DRAGON SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO!! Finlay escapes but the fans are thunderous as Yuya rises! Yuya drags Finlay up at 15 minutes, to clinch the arms! Finlay fights the Deadbolt with headbutts, to then OVERHEAD BELLY2BELLY! Yuya is right back to CHOP! Finlay UPPERCUTS! Yuya ROCKS Finlay! Finlay ROLLING ELBOWS, Yuya PELES! Finlay rebounds to LARIAT!! Finlay storms around, drags Yuya up, and he reels Yuya in to BUCKLE BOMB! Then another BUCKLE BOMB!! And then a- RANA!? Yuya covers, YUYA WINS!!
Winner: Yuya Uemura, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Finlay earns 0)
All of Finlay’s talk about this being too easy and that Yuya isn’t good enough, and look what happens! Yuya gets the better of Finlay tonight, will he look to go after that Global Heavyweight Champion after the Climax? Will Finlay ever live this down when he has to worry about the next round?
G1 Climax 34 A Block: Gabe Kidd VS EVIL w/ Dick Togo!
The War Dogs have gone 1-1 on the night so far, but now the Mad Man takes on the King of Darkness! Will the NJPW Strong Openweight Champion be #WarReady? Or will the House of Torture make sure Everything is Evil?
As soon as Evil & Dick are ringside, Gabe FLIES out onto them! The fans fire up as Gabe takes them down, and then he drags Dick into the ring! Wait, what? Dick begs for mercy but Gabe gives him a BRAINBUSTER! Gabe tells the Spoiler to F off, and then he TOSSES Dick out! Gabe then goes out to PENALTY KICK Evil from the apron! And then he goes up and up and grins, “I’m a mad man, y’know!” MOONSAULT onto Evil! The fans are thunderous as Gabe says you can’t touch him! Gabe drags Evil up, and then RAMS him into railing! Down goes Abe-san as Gabe also steals Evil’s shtick! Evil gets over railing just to get away!
Gabe sees Evil running, and so he pursues Evil out into the crowd! But not without first bringing out a couple chairs. The fans cheer as Gabe dual wields and stalks Evil into the very back. But Evil mule kicks! Evil takes a chair for his own, so now the two men are evenly matched. The ref says no, but the chairs CLASH, CLASH and CLASH! They battle like swordsmen, but then both men lose grip on the chairs. Gabe UPPERCUTS first! The fans fire up while the ref says to get this in the ring already. The fans cheer for “GABU! GABU! GABU!” Gabe shrugs, then sits a chair up. Gabe has fans move before he SMACKS Evil off the chair.
Gabe then gets space, going the whole way of the arena, and back again! Gabe reaches top speed, only for Evil to CHUCK the chair into Gabe’s face!! Gabe crashes ‘n’ burns and the fans boo! Evil flips them off, and he tells the ref to back off. Evil grabs a chair, then drags Gabe up. Evil puts the chair around Gabe’s head, and grabs the other! HOME RUN SHOT! The fans boo, the ref reprimands, and Evil leaves Gabe behind to go to ringside. The fans rally for Gabe while the ref checks on him. Gabe stirs, but Evil grins while he waits. NOW the bell rings, and only now are we on record. Evil rests in the corner while the ring count begins.
Gabe sits up and he starts crawling for ringside. The fans rally harder and harder, and we’re at 5 of 20 as Gabe finally stands. Gabe hobbles, leans against railing, then falls over. The count is 10 of 20, Gabe is finally ringside, and he stumbles his way in at 13! Evil stands on Gabe’s face, talks trash, and soaks up the heat. Evil asks if Gabe’s done already, and then brings him up. Gabe fires forearms but Evil knees low. Evil whips Gabe to the corner and surprise~! The red buckle pad is gone! The Bullet Club Special remix is in play, and Evil covers. TWO! Another cover, TWO! A third cover, TWO!! Evil is upset but the fans applaud.
Evil talks smack on Gabe while he paces around. Evil waits on Gabe to stand, then he CHOPS! Gabe snarls so Evil CHOPS him again! Gabe glares Evil right in the eyes, so Evil CHOPS again! Gabe says F that, c’mon! Evil says okay, so he CLAWS Gabe’s eyes! The ref counts, Evil runs, but Gabe dodges to HEADBUTT and LARIAT! Both men are down and the fans fire up! Gabe then sits up into cross-leg pose, another shot at Shibata. But Gabe snarls at Evil, tells him to get up, then runs in at the corner to CHOP! Evil shouts in pain, but Gabe says there’s more. Gabe CHOPS again, and again, and again! MACHINE GUN CHOPS!
The fans fire up but then Gabe fakes Evil out, to DECK him with a right! The fans fire up even more, and Gabe drags Evil up. Gabe reels Evil in for an ATOMIC FACEBUSTER! Cover, TWO! The fans rally up while Gabe paces around. Gabe drags Evil up, reels him in, but Evil fights the lift with elbows. Gabe CHOPS, whips, but Evil reverses. Evil runs up, blocks boots and puts Gabe in ropes to CLUB him! And then WOE STOMP! The ref reprimands but Evil tells him to back off. Evil smirks as he looms over Gabe, then drags him up. Evil FISHERMAN BUSTERS, then covers, TWO! The fans rally for the “Dark Hero” Gabe as he stays in this.
Evil taunts the fans, taunts Gabe, and drags him up. Evil fireman’s carries, but Gabe fights free to shove and LARIAT! Gabe runs, but Evil dodges, DOUBLE LARIATS collide! Neither falls, and DOUBLE LARIATS collide again! Gabe gets moving, but Evil SWATS his lariat! Evil ROCKS Gabe but Gabe roars! But Evil ROLLING ELBOWS, and LARIATS! Evil smirks, winds up, and runs again, but DOUBLE LARIATS collide again! Gabe keeps Evil up to LARIAT him from all sides over and over and over! Evil staggers, Gabe runs, but Evil goes to the corner! LARIAT!! Cover, ONE?!? Evil is stunned but Gabe is snarling!
Evil swings, Gabe gets around Evil, BITES Evil’s ear, then SAIDOS! Gabe crawls over to cover, TWO! Evil toughs it out but both men are down, and the fans rally up. Gabe rises first, and the fans fire up again. Gabe runs, but Evil uses the ref as a shield! But Gabe blocks the eye poke to UPPERCUT! Gabe runs, but the ref is used again! Gabe blocks the low blow to ROCK Evil! Gabe whips, Evil reverses, and again the ref is used as a shield! Evil kicks low, then uses the ref for- NO, the ref refuses to be party to this! So Gabe suplexes Evil for a BRAINBUSTER! The fans fire up and Gabe powers up while Evil sputters.
Gabe runs, REBOUNDER LARIAT! Cover, TWO!! Evil survives and Gabe is beside himself! The fans rally up for Gabe and he roars! Gabe drags Evil up, barks it up and the fans bark with him. But Dick is back! Gabe DECKS Dick, then goes back to Evil. Gabe fires haymakers on Evil, but the ref reprimands. Gabe shoves the ref right outta the ring! Dick slides back in to use the SPOILER CHOKER! The fans boo but Gabe powers up to pull the choker away! Only for Evil to LOW BLOW! Evil stands Gabe up, Dick helps out, MAGIC KILLER!! Dick fetches the ref and Evil drags Gabe up. EVERYTHING IS EVIL!! Cover, Evil wins!
Winner: Evil, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Gabe earns 0)
The King of Darkness is truly the villain as he uses his henchman to screw over “The Dark Hero.” But with this, will Evil look to not just take the G1 Climax, but to show he is truly NJPW Strong?
G1 Climax 34 B Block: Yota Tsuji VS Konosuke Takeshita!
The third Reiwa Musketeer is in action, and he’s up against the AEW star that’s stepping through the Forbidden Door! Will the Alpha of the Don Callis Family start things off strong? Or will he be on the receiving end of a Gene Blaster?
The bell rings and the fans rally up for “YOTA! YOTA!” Yota and Konosuke step up to be face to face, and Yota grins even though Konosuke is a touch taller. The two circle, tie up, and Konosuke headlocks. Yota powers up and out the back to headlock in return. Konosuke endures the grind, waistlocks, and he full nelsons to then spin and snapmare Yota. Yota slips out to hammerlock Konosuke, but Konosuke fights up. Yota wrenches to wristlock but Konosuke pulls hair. Red Shoes reprimands but then Yota pulls hair. They end up in a corner, Red Shoes counts, and they both let off. But then Yota avoids Konosuke’s forearm!
Yota grins as Konosuke scowls. The two reset, tie up, and are in a deadlock. Konosuke uses his height for leverage and he manages to put Yota on ropes. Red Shoes calls the break, and Konosuke lets off. But then Yota CHOPS! Konosuke swings but Yota BODY SHOTS first! Yota then whips Konosuke, but Konosuke reverses. Yota rolls Konosuke up, TWO! Yota BOOTS Konosuke and grins again. The fans fire up with Yota but Konosuke scowls again. Yota runs, but Konosuke gets up, only to get run over! Yota pushes Konosuke to a cover, ONE! The fans rally, Yota grins, and he brings Konosuke around.
Konosuke CLAWS Yota’s eyes! The fans boo, Red Shoes reprimands, but Konosuke whips. Yota KICKS first! Yota whips, Konosuke ducks ‘n’ dodges to build speed, TAKESHITA LINE! The fans fire up for that one, and Yota bails out. Konosuke builds speed and FLIES! Direct hit, and Konosuke just keeps from crashing hard into railing! The fans fire up for that feat of athleticism, and Konosuke smiles at commentary. Konosuke then drags Yota up, and whips him hard into railing. Konosuke refreshes the ring count, then fetches Yota. Konosuke wrenches Yota to whip him, but Yota reverses! Now Konosuke hits railing!
Yota runs in, but Konosuke FLAPJACKS Yota on the railing! Yota falls, the fans rally, and Konosuke soaks up the cheers and jeers. Yota stands, Konosuke mocks tranquilo, to then DECK Yota! Konosuke shakes out his arm after hitting Yota that hard. Konosuke puts Yota in, fires up, and the fans fire up, too. Konosuke goes up to SUPER SENTON! The fans fire up again and Konosuke drags Yota up. Yota throws an elbow, but there’s not much behind it. Yota tries another but Konosuke just eggs him on. Yota stands to fire a forearm, but Konosuke ROCKS him in return! Yota goes to a corner, and Konosuke paces.
Konosuke winds up, runs in, but Yota BOOTS him! Konosuke comes back, blocks that boot, but Yota reels him in to STOMP him down! The fans fire up while both men are down! Konosuke sits up first but Yota goes back to the corner. Yota skins the cat, then FLYING RANAS! Not the smoothest but it still sends Konosuke out! The fans fire up with Yota and he builds speed, to TORNILLO! Direct hit and the fans fire up with Yota again! Yota storms back over to Konosuke, puts him in the ring, and the fans fire up with him. Yota drags Konosuke up, catches his lariat to BACKBREAKER, FLATLINER and STOMP!
Yota then hauls Konosuke up to GUTBUSTER DROP! High stack cover, TWO, but into the BOSTON CRAB! Yota wants to use this “Young Lion” move to really rub it in! Konosuke endures, even bites his own finger to ignore the pain! Konosuke pushes up, fights his way forward, but Yota drags him back! Yota sits deep on the hold, but Konosuke endures, so Yota grabs the arms! REVERSE SURFBOARD! Konosuke gets his legs free, but Yota STOMPS him down! The fans rally up and Yota paces. Yota drags Konosuke up, reels him in, and suplexes, but Konosuke fights it! Konosuke tries to suplex but Yota fights it!
The fans rally as the two fight for suplex control! Konosuke finally lifts Yota up, and hits a BRAINBUSTER! Both men are down and the fans rally up again. Konosuke roars as he rises, and the fans rally again. Konosuke aims from a corner, runs in at Yota, and forearm SMASHES! Konosuke runs but Yota follows to STINGER SPLASH! Yota runs again but Konosuke JUMP KICKS him down! The fans fire up and Konosuke waistlocks, for a HIGH ANGLE GERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO!! Yota survives and even Konosuke is stunned! Konosuke drags Yota to a drop zone and he goes up again.
The fans rally for “YOTA! YOTA!” but Konosuke slashes his throat. Only for Yota to GAMANGIRI him first! Yota fires up and the fans are with him as he goes up. Konosuke and Yota brawl, then Konosuke UPPERCUTS! But Yota ROCKS Konosuke right back! Yota CLUBS Konosuke, brings him to the very top, but Konosuke falls to the apron! Yota has to jump back to avoid the same! Yota hurries up, he and Konosuke fire forearms again! Konosuke climbs, but Yota HEADBUTTS him! They still stay on the top rope, so that Yota can SUPER SPANISH FLY!! Cover, TWO!! Konosuke survives and the fans are thunderous!
Yota crawls his way to a corner and GENE- NO, Konosuke sends him into buckles! SNAP GERMAN! But Yota’s right up?! Konosuke BOOTS him, hops up, and POISON-RANAS! Yota flounders, falls over, and Konosuke runs, but into Yota’s SUPERKICK! Yota reels Konosuke in for an ORANGE CRUSH! But Yota can’t make the cover! The fans are thunderous again while both men are down! Konosuke and Yota stir while the fans rally up harder and harder. Konosuke reaches up and feeds off that energy as he goes to the corner. Yota rises, Konosuke follows, and Yota fires a forearm! Konosuke powers up and comes back, but Yota ROCKS him again!
Konosuke grits his teeth and comes back, so Yota ROCKS him again! The fans fire up as Konosuke taggers about, but Konosuke eggs Yota on! Yota SLAPS Konosuke! Konosuke ROCKS Yota! Yota wobbles and then leans on Konosuke. We pass 15 minutes as Konosuke brings Yota around. Red Shoes checks on Yota and Yota’s somehow still in this, so Konosuke drags him up by his pants. BLUE- NO, Yota fights the bomb! Yota swings, into a waistlock! But he victory rolls it! TWO!! Konosuke has the wheelbarrow, but Yota arm-drags free! Yota runs to tilt-o-whirl RANA! Konosuke stumbles up, into a HEADBUTT!! The fans are thunderous as Yota grins!
Yota goes up and up a corner, to MAROON CRUSH!! Cover, TWO!! Yota roars and the fans are thunderous again! Yota powers up and he goes to the corner! Konosuke rises, the fans cheer, and GENE- POWER DRIVE KNEE!! Then BLUE THUNDER BOMB!! Cover, ONE?!?! Konosuke deadlifts Yota into a FALCON ARROW BOMB!! Cover, KONOSUKE WINS!!
Winner: Konosuke Takeshita, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Yota earns 0)
Unbelievable! All three Reiwa Musketeers have fallen in one night! From DDT Pro to AEW, Konosuke Takeshita proves why he is Don Callis’ Alpha! Will he prove that no one in this G1 is ready for someone who is All Elite?
G1 Climax 34 A Block: Tetsuya Naito VS Shingo Takagi!
The opening round comes to a close with a match worthy of the finals! THE IWGP World Heavyweight Champion takes on not only a former IWGP World Heavyweight Champion, but also a teammate within Los Ingobernables de Japon! Will we get a roll call at the end of this? Or will the Rampaging Dragon start with the biggest win of the entire G1?
As always, Naito takes his time with his entrance attire, but Takagi is patient since we all know the trick. Naito then offers the LIJ fist bump, but Takagi refuses? Takagi must want to wait until one of them has won. The bell rings and the fans rally and duel between the two. The “TA-KA-GI!” sounds a bit louder than the “NA-I-TO! NA-I-TO!” but that doesn’t bother Naito. The two feel things out, knuckle lock, but then they break. The fans applaud and the two circle. They approach, and Naito sidesteps, another of his tricks. Takagi stays cool, and Naito even says, “Koi koi. <C’mon, c’mon.>” But then Naito still sidesteps Takagi!
The fans cheer, but Takagi dares Naito to bring it then. The two circle, they approach, but then Takagi returns the sidestep. The fans cheer, Naito kicks but Takagi blocks. Takagi headlocks, but Naito pulls hair! Red Shoes reprimands, Naito headlocks, but Takagi powers up and out. Naito RAMS Takagi, Takagi rebounds to run Naito over! Things speed up, Takagi blocks a hip toss, and he pulls hair back! Red Shoes reprimands, Takagi throws Naito down, but Naito avoids the senton! Naito kicks and whips, Takagi reverses but Naito holds ropes. Naito BOOTS Takagi, avoids the lariat, but Takagi avoids an elbow!
Naito avoids a lariat and tranquilos! Takagi pushes Naito down to SENTON! Naito gets up, Takagi LARIATS him up and out! Takagi fires the fans up and then goes out to fetch Naito. Takagi drags Naito up, ROCKS him, then whips him hard into railing! Naito slumps down, and Takagi says, “Mada mada mada. <I’m not done yet.>” Takagi JABS Naito, then whips him hard into more railing! Naito gets stuck halfway out, then slumps down into No Man’s Land! The fans rally as Takagi storms over. Takagi drags Naito up, brings him back to the ring, and SMACKS him off the apron. Takagi then fireman’s carries so he can SNAKE EYES!
Naito staggers, and Takagi snap suplexes him to the floor! Takagi poses and fans applaud while Naito writhes. Takagi stalks Naito while the ring count climbs, and he waits until 7 to drag Naito up. Takagi kicks Naito around, then Takagi puts Naito in at 13. Takagi drops a knee on Naito, then brings him up again. Takagi reels Naito in but Naito fights the back suplex with elbows. Naito runs into an ELBOW! JAB! YUKON LARIAT! The fans cheer, Takagi drags Naito back up, and he SAIDOS! Takagi signals he’s gonna be champion already, and he stalks Naito to a corner. Takagi slaps Naito around, so Naito fires forearms in return!
Takagi HEADBUTTS Naito, then whips him corner to corner. Takagi runs in but blocks a boot! He LARIATS through, then suplexes high and hard! High stack cover, TWO! Into an STF! Naito endures, so Takagi shifts to JUST FACELOCK! Naito endures all the same, so Takagi shifts to a FUJIWARA ARMBAR! Takagi shows off that he can be a technical wrestler, too, but Naito still endures. Naito reaches out to the ROPEBREAK! Takagi lets go, throws some elbows, then lets off. The fans rally and Takagi scuffs Naito with kicks. Red Shoes reprimands as Naito is on ropes. Takagi lets off to fire a forearm. Naito hits back!
Takagi shakes his head, and ROCKS Naito! Naito hits back, so Takagi CHOPS! Naito CHOPS, and fires forearm after forearm! Takagi just winds up to DOUBLE CHOP Naito down! Naito is dazed while the fans rally up. Takagi assesses the levels and “TA-KA-GI!” still echoes louder than “NA-I-TO!” Takagi KNEES Naito against ropes, whips him and KNEES him again! Then Takagi runs, but into an ELBOW! Naito hip toss NECKBREAKERS! Naito smirks as he’s evened things a bit, and the fans rally again. Naito storms over to Takagi, brings him up, and whips. Naito arm-drags, then ELBOWS, then runs to basement dropkick!
Naito keeps going as he whips Takagi to a corner and ELBOWS him! Naito then turns Takagi, stalls to stretch Takagi’s neck, then hits the NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Naito keeps calm as he brings Takagi up. Takagi swings, misses, and Naito dragon sleepers for a NECKBREAKER, into the leg hook nelson! Takagi endures, even as Naito puts on the pressure. Takagi fights around, reaches out, and has the ROPEBREAK! Naito holds on until Red Shoes counts, but Naito claims he needs help. This old trick still works, so Red Shoes has to pry Naito’s legs away. The fans rally but Naito stomps away on Takagi at the ropes.
Naito brings Takagi around to hammerlock and half nelson, but Takagi CLUBS free. Takagi swings, misses again, and Naito kicks low. But Takagi stops the tornado from even starting up! Naito still tries, but Takagi throws Naito away! Takagi then runs up but Naito BOOTS him! Takagi comes back, Naito BOOTS again! Takagi ELBOWS! JABS! YUKON feint and DDT! The fans fire up while both men are down! Takagi rises, he sits Naito up, and he throws down HAMMER ‘N’ ANVIL ELBOWS! Takagi shouts “OI! OI! OI!” and the fans join in, before the SLIDING LARIAT! Takagi then hauls Naito up to POWERBOMB! High stack, TWO!!
Naito survives the “Yukon Bomb” but Takagi keeps calm. Takagi looks to the camera, and says, “OI, OSAKA! TOKI GA KITA!” The fans fire up as the time has come! “OI! OI! OI!” starts up again and Takagi brings Naito around. But Naito fights the pump handle and throws elbows. Takagi knees low, tries again, but Naito arm-drags free! Naito atomic drops, ENZIGIRIS, and then hammerlocks to half nelson. GLORIA! Cover, TWO! Takagi is still in this but Naito stays calm. Naito drags Takagi up to wrench, but Takagi fights with elbows. Naito throws heavy elbows! Takagi staggers and the fans rally up again.
Naito fires more of those heavy elbows, and he has Takagi in the corner. Naito hops up the corner, reels Takagi in, and hits ESPERANZA! Takagi tumbles, Naito storms after him, and he throws more heavy elbows! Naito puts Takagi up top as we hit 15 minutes. Naito climbs up after Takagi, but Takagi turns things around with a fireman’s carry! Naito fights, but Takagi still hooks him up! STAY DREAM!! Cover, TWO!! Naito survives and the fans fire up! Takagi and Naito are both down, the fans rally up, and Takagi drags himself over. Takagi gives short headbutts to Naito, and then he stands. Takagi gives scuffing kicks, but Naito fires a forearm!
Takagi and Naito fire back and forth and the fans rally up! Naito SPITS at Takagi, fires more forearms, but Takagi fires up! The fans rally again and Takagi fires boxing elbows on Naito! Takagi ROCKS Naito, eggs him on, so Naito SLAPS Takagi! Takagi JABS! HEADBUTTS! And then SLIDING LARIATS! Cover, ONE!?! Naito shows grit but Takagi runs to PUMPING BOMBER! Takagi roars, he hauls Naito up, and MADE IN JAPAN!! Cover, TWO?!? Naito survives again and the fans are thunderous! Takagi is surprised, and he is down while he catches his breath. Takagi roars, rises up, and he brings Naito around.
Takagi pump handles, torture racks, but Naito fights with elbows! Takagi LARIATS! Naito staggers but he stays up, so Takagi eggs him on. Naito comes back, stands tall, and he fires a forearm. But there’s very little behind it… Takagi LARIATS, pump handles and torture racks, into DESTINO!! Naito hits Takagi with that outta nowhere! Both men are down again and the fans rally up even harder! The “NA-I-TO!” calls are finally even with “TA-KA-GI!” as Naito forces himself to sit up. Takagi goes to ropes, Naito slowly rises to his feet, and the fans cheer as we hit 20 minutes. Naito heads over to Takagi and smirks.
Naito stands Takagi up, puts him on the top rope, but Takagi fires ridge hand chops. Naito fires forearms in return, then climbs up. Naito stands Takagi up to SUPER STEINER! But Takagi’s right up!?! Naito catches the lariat to TORNADO DDT! Naito aims and Takagi stirs while the fans rally up. Naito runs, into an ELBOW! But he ducks the Yukon Lariat! CORRIENDO SHIKI- NO, Takagi smothers the Destino! Takagi then hauls Naito up but Naito slips around, to scoop and VALENTIA! Naito hurries to bring Takagi up again, wrench and tilt-o-whirl, DESTIN- NO, Takagi powers free! Naito ROLLING KICKS! And ENZIGIRIS!
Takagi wobbles, Naito whips, but Takagi reverses. Naito leaps, Takagi spins him around and reels him in! Tuck and TAKAGI DRIVER 98!! Cover, TWO!!! Naito survives and the fans are thunderous again! Takagi watches Naito rise, and Naito roars! SLIDING FOREARM from Takagi! Takagi pump handles, torture racks, and LAST OF THE DRAGON!! Cover, TAKAGI WINS!!
Winner: Shingo Takagi, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Naito earns 0)
In a night of upset victories, this is perhaps not the most shocking, but it is certainly the biggest and most important one of them all! The defending IWGP World Heavyweight Champion, who is also the defending G1 Climax Champion, has just fallen in the opening round! Does this not bode well for Naito’s run this year? Or can he still come out on top in the end?
As for Takagi, he shows respect to his friend and team leader by sharing his water. Then as Naito bails out, Takagi puts on Naito’s baseball cap and gets the mic. Takagi tells Naito to just hold on a moment. For one, he forgot his hat. Takagi has Young Lion Murashima bring it to him. But also, “It’s been five years since our last singles match. You won then, but I was victorious today.” The fans cheer that. Takagi says he came to the ring with “the mindset that this could be our last singles meeting. But after today, we’re now 1-1. I don’t know if we have to wait 10 or 20 years to fight again, but I’ll be even stronger then!”
The fans cheer that, too, and Naito turns around to look at Takagi. Takagi thanks Naito for today. The fans cheer again, and Naito raises the LIJ fist. The fans cheer, and then Takagi shouts to Osaka, “Osaka…!” The fans cheer but he says no, they can do better than that. “Osaka!” The fans cheer again, and Takagi says “The hot summer battles are finally here! TOKI GA KITA!” Takagi says there’s been a lot of talk about this new generation. “Gimme a break, ya bastards! Check out this opening round main event. We’re both in our forties! But I’m not like any other old timer. I’m the liveliest old man in the world!”
So whether you’re in your 20s or 30s, this 41 year old is gonna crush you! The fans cheer that! Takagi also says he doesn’t bother with social media polls, but who does Osaka think will win the G1? Who? Who? The fans seem to be saying Takagi, and he says if not him, who else could it be? The fans cheer again, and he says the Rampaging Dragon will soar to the top of the G1! The fans cheer yet again as Takagi drops the mic. But will he really take over and be the Strongest of the Summer? Or did he use up all the luck he had to score against Naito tonight?
Here are the current A Block standings!
Shingo Takagi: 1-0, 2 points
Zack Sabre Jr: 1-0, 2 points
Evil: 1-0, 2 points
Callum Newman: 1-0, 2 points
Jake Lee: 1-0, 2 points
Tetsuya Naito: 0-1, 0 points
Gabe Kidd: 0-1, 0 points
Great-O-Khan: 0-1, 0 points
Sanada: 0-1, 0 points
Shota Umino: 0-1, 0 points
Here are the current B Block standings!
Jeff Cobb: 1-0, 2 points
Yuya Uemura: 1-0, 2 points
Henare: 1-0, 2 points
Konosuke Takeshita: 1-0, 2 points
Boltin Oleg: 1-0, 2 points
David Finlay: 0-1, 0 points
Yota Tsuji: 0-1, 0 points
El Phantasmo: 0-1, 0 points
Hirooki Goto: 0-1, 0 points
Ren Narita: 0-1, 0 points
My Thoughts:
An awesome opening round for this year’s G1, and especially when you consider the great upsets tonight. All the Reiwa Musketeers losing tonight was quite the surprise, but perhaps on some level, NJPW is thinking how I was thinking in that they assigned such distinctions too soon. Or, this is them giving those “chosen ones” some adversity to overcome to prove how good they really are. Either way, so great to see Oleg and Callum both getting big wins to start off. Yota VS Konosuke was also probably one of the best matches overall tonight, with Konosuke really impressing everyone here with everything he was doing.
Also big stuff given all the different singles champions that are in this G1. ELP looked good against Henare, and I like the detail of him doubting his Sudden Death kick now that it’s all on him. ZSJ getting the win on Khan makes me really want ZSJ to cook up some good KOPW Championship stipulations, and Cobb sure loves referencing other wrestlers in his matches these days. The most surprising thing from Jake Lee’s win was that the match was rather quick. But I figured Jake was going to win because he has officially joined NJPW via the Bullet Club War Dogs. Yuya getting that upset win over Finlay was awesome, I’d love to see him go for the Global Championship after the G1.
Gabe VS Evil was really good stuff, and it was really cool to see the fans being behind Gabe. Despite being the Mad Man and running wild, Gabe bringing up some stuff a few months ago about how NJPW has started losing its way probably did resonate with some NJPW purists. Now granted, Gabe losing to Evil, the poster boy for “overbooked messes,” the very thing Gabe was calling out, was also good stuff because now we could get more out of House of Torture VS War Dogs. However, NJPW Strong titles are only ever gonna be defended on NJPW Strong branded events (aka United States based events) but hey, Evil VS Gabe would probably get a great response stateside.
And of course, another awesome main event for NJPW. It was a little slow at parts, but as Takagi pointed out, he and Naito are getting up there in years, and Naito is the one who is the most banged up for his long career. Namely in those knees. Takagi also has a good point, hard to say how much longer Naito has as a wrestler, this could’ve been their last singles match unless we get them both in the playoff round. But big win for Takagi here so he could force a championship match for like NJPW Destruction or Royal Quest 2024.
My Score: 9.1/10
About Chairshot Radio Network
Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!
MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)
TUESDAY - Musical Chairs (music) / Hockey Talk (NHL)
WEDNESDAY - The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling)
THURSDAY - Keeping the news ridiculous... The Oddity / Chairshot NFL (NFL)
FRIDAY - DWI Podcast (Drunk Wrestling Intellect)
SATURDAY - The Mindless Wrestling Podcast
SUNDAY - The Front and Center Sports Podcast
CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS
Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)
TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends
Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5
Classic POD is WAR
Chairshot Radio Network Your home for the hardest hitting podcasts... Sports, Entertainment and Sports Entertainment!
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Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!

Who is the true alpha male of Evolve?
WWE Evolve is still growing, but it is already huge as Harlem Lewis takes on Joe Coffey and Keanu Carver takes on Luca Crusifino!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Brinley Reece VS Zayda Steel; Brinley wins.
- Luca Crusifino VS Keanu Carver; Keanu wins.
- Chantel Monroe VS Masyn Holiday; Chantel wins.
- Joe Coffey VS Harlem Lewis; Harlem wins.
- Kylie Rae VS Wendy Choo; Wendy wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
Brinley Reece VS Zayda Steel!
#BrinActive promised there’s more to her than we know, and she showed some of that last week in her big Evolve debut victory. But will she keep up that #Brinergy? Or will she be worn out by the Real Deal Zayda Steel?
The bell rings and the two circle. Steel says hold on, hold on, she needs to warm up. The fans boo but Steel tells them to shut up. The two tie up, Brin wrenches an arm to a wristlock, but Steel powers to a knuckle lock. Brin cranks both hands, then kicks an arm to wrangle Steel with a top wristlock! Steel headscissors, Brin kips free, and we see Jackson Drake is hanging out in the VIP Section, along with Ms. Drink Service. The fans rally but Steel puts Brin on the ropes. The ref counts, Steel lets off, but she SLAPS Brin! Steel soaks up the heat, but Brin grabs an arm to WRING it! Brin then SLAPS Steel in return!
The fans fire up, Steel runs up, but Brin jumps the kick and ducks the boot! Brin wrenches, YANKS the arm, YANKS it again, then clamps on. Steel pulls hair then arm-drags Brin! Brin dodges a lariat, handsprings over the dropdown, but Steel stops the hip toss! Steel body shots, but now Brin stops a hip toss! Brin spins things, backslide FACEBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Brin keeps her focus and whips, but Steel slides to KICK from below! Steel THRWOS Brin down by her hair, then stomps away! Steel tells the fans to shut up as they boo. Steel stomps a mudhole into Brin, then SLAPS her again!
Brin seethes, but Steel UPPERCUTS, ELBOWS, and snapmares! Brin flounders, Steel soaks up the heat, and she storms up on Brin. Brin fights Steel off to fire body shots! And then ROCKS her! Brin whips, Steel reverses, and Brin hits buckles! Steel runs in, Brin slips to the outside and ROCKS Steel back! But Steel avoids the shoulder to BOOT Brin in the ropes! And then DRAPING CODE BREAKER! Cover, TWO! Brin survives but Steel clamps on with a chinlock. Steel digs her knee into Brin’s back, the fans rally up, and Brin fights up. Brin powers up for a BIG back suplex! The fans rally while both women are down!
Brin goes to the ropes, but Steel storms up. Brin ELBOWS Steel away, then BOOTS her! Steel staggers, comes back, but Brin goes up and over! Brin runs to run Steel over! She runs Steel over again! Brin whips, then lifts Steel, SPINEBUSTER! The fans fire up with Brin and she aims from the corner! Steel rises up, Brin runs and handsprings to LARIAT! Cover, TWO! Brin doesn’t understand why the #BrinShot didn’t work! Brin gets Steel up, fireman’s carries, but Steel pulls hair! The fans boo, the ref reprimands, but Steel O’Conner Rolls with tights! TWO!! Brin escapes, but Steel whips. Brin reverses and fireman’s carries! BREECES PIECES! Cover, BRIN WINS!
Winner: Brinley Reece, by pinfall
The Real Deal hyped herself up, but Brin shows you gotta back it up with action! Swipe Right hurries out here to check on Steel, and she throws a bit of a fit. Will Steel redeem herself as the inaugural WWE ID star?
Kylie Rae prepares backstage.
She takes deep, calming breaths, but Zara Zakher walking over to check on her kinda spooks her. Zara asks how she’s feeling. Kylie says she’s just trying to stay calm. Zara hears that. But what’s up with Wendy? Really creepy with that teddy bear, huh? Kylie gets anxious and Zara says sorry, that’s her fault. Just breathe, just breathe. In, and out. In, and out. Good. To be honest, Zara would be freaking out, too. But you gotta look fear in the eyes, focus, and confront it. Kylie says Wendy Choo is her fear, she doesn’t really wanna look it in the eyes. Zara says no, no, you’re Kylie Rae. A competitor, a fighter! What do fighters do? They fight!
Exactly! Just believe in yourself! Kylie says she’ll try. It’ll be hard, but she’ll try. No, don’t try, just do. Then Kylie will do! They hug it out, and Zara wishes her luck. Kylie does more breathing, but will she still be able to smile when staring wicked Wendy in the eye?
Luca Crusifino VS Keanu Carver!
The Consigliere is looking to claim Evolve as D’Angelo Family territory, but let’s just say there are big obstacles in the way. And one of them is stepping to Luca in the ring right now! Will Keanu carve a path right to the top of Evolve? Or will the Legal Eagle rest his case?
The bell rings and Keanu grabs Luca by the neck! Luca breaks free, fires CHOPS and haymakers, then ducks a shot to have a SLEEPER! Keanu THROWS Luca right off! Luca goes to a corner, runs right up on Keanu, but Keanu DECKS him! Luca checks his jaw as he goes to the other corner, and Keanu runs up again. Luca dodges to fire fast hands in the corner! Luca stomps, the ref counts, but Keanu shoves Luca back. Luca returns, but Keanu puts him on the apron. Luca RAMS into Keanu, then slingshot SHOULDER TACKLES! Keanu staggers, Luca runs in and UPPERCUTS in the corner! Keanu sits down, Luca runs corner to corner, CANNONBALL! Cover, TWO!
Luca stays on Keanu with fists, then whips corner to corner. Keanu reverses, but Luca goes up and out! Keanu runs up but into a BOOT! Luca slingshots, but Keanu catches him with both hands! Luca is draped on the ropes as Keanu DECKS him! The fans fire up and Keanu tells Luca, “I’mma break you!” Keanu drags Luca to center, runs and BASEMENT FOREARMS! Cover, TWO! Luca stays in this but Keanu drags him up again. Keanu TOSSES Luca right out of the ring! Keanu then storms out after Luca, eggs him on, but the ring count climbs. Keanu drags Luca up, tells everyone to pay attention because this’ll happen to everybody that gets in the ring with him!
Keanu puts Luca in the ring, KNEES him in the side, then pushes him around. Cover, TWO! Luca toughs it out but Keanu clamps on with a chinlock. Luca endures, fires body shots, but Keanu ROCKS Luca! Keanu drags Luca up again, ROCKS him again, then runs! BASEMENT FOREARM again! Keanu just piles on the damage, and he clamps on with a chinlock. Luca fights up, fires body shots, then fires hands! Keanu rebounds, Luca tries to fireman’s carry, but his back is too beat up! Keanu CLUBS Luca to a corner, then runs in. Luca dodges and Keanu hits buckles! Luca runs up to ROCK Keanu, and ROCK him again!
Luca runs, ducks ‘n’ dodges, and he TACKLES Keanu! SAMOAN DROP! Then a LAW BREAKER, into the SHOTGUN BOOT! Cover, TWO! Keanu is still in this, but Luca shakes off the doubt. Luca BOOTS Keanu, then reels him in, but Keanu fights the scoop! Keanu shoves Luca away, then POUNCES!! The fans are fired up as Keanu looms over Luca, then covers, TWO!! Luca survives but Keanu scoops him. RUNNING POWERSLAM! Cover, Keanu wins!
Winner: Keanu Carver, by pinfall
Keanu overwhelms Luca with power, and is undefeated at 3-0! Could he be the most dominant man in Evolve?
Chantel Monroe VS Masyn Holiday!
While one won their debut match, the other lost theirs. But even so, The Debutante and The Valedictorian have equal confidence that they will be the top star in Evolve. Will Chantel still be a show stopper? Or will this mat become the canvas for Masyn’s masterpiece?
The bell rings and the two tie up. Chantel headlocks, snapmares, and then taunts Masyn. Masyn gets up but Chantel waistlocks to SLAM her! Chantel literally walks all over Masyn, but Masyn comes back to waistlock and SLAM! Masyn steps on Chantel now! The fans cheer, Chantel gets up in a huff, but Masyn arm-drags her down! Masyn armlocks, but Chantel whips her away. Masyn runs Chantel over! Things speed up, Chantel drops down then hurdles over Masyn, but Masyn stops the hip toss to HIP TOSS Chantel! The fans fire up while Masyn has Chantel on the apron! Masyn drags Chantel up by her hair, but Chantel HOTSHOTS!
Chantel storms in, bumps Masyn off buckles, then stomps a mudhole in. The ref counts, Chantel lets off, and she wraps Masyn’s arm around the ropes to pull! The ref reprimands, Chantel lets go, and she WRINGS Masyn’s arm! Masyn hobbles back up but Chantel wrenches to YANK the arm! Chantel CLUBS the arm, hammerlocks it, then RAMS Masyn into the corner! Chantel brings Masyn around, hammerlocks the arm again, but Masyn turns things around to send Chantel into buckles! Masyn rolls Chantel up, TWO! Chantel grabs the arm, wrenches and RAMS it! Masyn falls and Chantel stomps away! Chantel steps over to drop KNEES on the elbow!
The fans rally while Masyn writhes, but Chantel pushes her down for a cover. TWO, but Chantel clamps onto the bad arm. Chantel has a COBRA CLUTCH! Masyn endures, fights up, but Chantel THROWS her down! But Masyn avoids the knee drop! Masyn then dodges Chantel to CLOBBER her! And FLYING SHOULDER TACKLE! Masyn fires up, the fans are with her, and Masyn whips Chantel corner to corner. Chantel bounces off buckles, Masyn scoops her, and SLAMS her! Cover, TWO! Masyn drags Chantel up, but Chantel fights the suplex! Chantel wrenches for an ARMBREAKER! Roll up, with tights! Chantel wins!
Winner: Chantel Monroe, by pinfall
Just her second match on Evolve, and Chantel had to steal this one from Masyn! Chuey Martinez is here to interview Chantel at ringside, and he has the fans give it up for Chantel. That is 2-0 already, so congratulations. Chantel thanks Chuey for that, and she asks if they’re surprised. Chuey isn’t, and Chantel says she isn’t. When she looks in the mirror, all she sees is a winner. And you know what winners do, right? They win championships! Chantel has been hearing the whispers of a WWE Evolve Women’s Championship, and you best believe that Chantel, The Reflection of Perfection, will be the center of that conversation.
Chuey says okay, he’s convinced. Will The Debutante do whatever she has to in order to be the INAUGURAL Evolve Women’s Champion?
Kali Armstrong and Dani Palmer have a Faceoff.
But as Kali steps in, she mockingly asks why Dani’s sitting up. Shouldn’t she be on the ground where Kali’s gonna leave her anyway? Dani says she knows she misfired on the moonsault, and it is always disappointing to lose. They may not make a good team, but isn’t that why they’re here? They’re trying to evolve as superstars. Kali again sarcastically says, “Golly gee, Dani. Wasn’t that inspirational?” But that’s why Kali is different. What Dani just described is a loser mentality, a way for losers to convince themselves that they don’t suck. If you wanna learn from your mistakes, do it when you’re not attached to a partner who can win.
Dani says if this is how Kali responds to every loss, she’ll end up with a very short career and a long list of enemies. Ooh, that’s for the unsolicited advice. But Kali has been doing perfectly fine on her own, and will do so as long as she isn’t handcuffed to some poor excuse for a consolation prize as Dani. Dani knows Kali’s type. They reek of insecurities, and try to push all her buttons to get a response. But it won’t work. Dani is saving it all for their match. Kali’s mouth is writing checks her talent can’t cash! Girl, it ain’t the 90s, no one writes checks! Either way, they both tell the other, see you in the ring! Checks, cash, wins, who hits the jackpot when these two go 1v1?
Joe Coffey VS Harlem Lewis!
Part one of the double main event is here, as The Iron King looks to test Harlem’s mettle. Harlem has leveled up, but is he ready to evolve? Or will it be Gallus Boys On Top?
We get the big fight feel for the introductions, and the fans cheer on Joe. The bell rings and the two tie up. Joe powers Harlem to the ropes, takes a swing, but Harlem dodges. The two tie up again, then break. They go again, Harlem wrenches an arm, but Joe grabs at Harlem’s shoulder. Harlem powers on that wristlock but Joe rolls and kips up to then wrench and WRING Harlem! Harlem gets up but Joe arm-drags him! And arm-drags again! Joe has the armlock, then rolls to turn Harlem over with a hammerlock. The fans rally, Joe STOMPS Harlem, and Harlem staggers up. Joe ROCKS Harlem, then whips, but Harlem reverses.
Joe goes up and around, then UPPERCUTS! Harlem staggers, Joe goes up, and up, but Harlem catches Joe! It’s not an easy feat, but Harlem makes it work! Harlem suplexes, but Joe slips free! Joe waistlocks, but Harlem goes to the ropes to HOTSHOT Joe! And BLINDSIDE LARIAT! The fans boo but Harlem soaks up the heat. Harlem stomps away on Joe, digs his boot into Joe’s head, but steps off as the ref counts. Joe stands, and he BODY BLOWS! Harlem comes back with forearms! Harlem whips, Joe hits buckles hard, then Harlem runs to LARIAT! Down goes Joe, but Harlem keeps going, basement BOOT! Cover, TWO!
Harlem tries again, TWO! Another cover, TWO! Harlem slaps Joe around, talks trash, but the fans boo. Harlem clamps on a chinlock and he grinds Joe down. Joe endures, the fans rally, and Joe stands up. Joe wrenches, fires body shots, but Harlem fights the back suplex! Harlem rains down elbows, but Joe hits a BIG back suplex! Both men are down and the fans rally up. Harley goes to the ropes, but Joe fires hands! Joe fires body shots and then whips, but Harlem reverses. Joe CLOBBERS Harlem! And he CLOBBERS him again! The fans fire up as Joe ducks ‘n’ dodges to FLYING SHOULDER TACKLE!
Harlem scrambles to ropes, then to a corner. Joe runs up, GLASGOW SENDOFF! Harlem hits buckles and falls into the drop zone! Joe goes up, up, and CROSSBODIES! Cover, TWO! Harlem survives, goes to ropes, but Joe runs up! Joe CROSSBODIES Harlem and himself out of the ring! The fans fire up and the ring count starts. Both men rise up, and they start firing forearms! Joe swings, Harlem ducks, Joe’s fist hits POST! Joe scrambles into the ring, but Harlem grins. Harlem slides in and storms up on Joe! Joe HEADBUTTS! Roll up with one arm, TWO! Harlem STOMPS the bad hand! And then suplexes, fore the JACKHAMMER! Cover, Harlem wins!
Winner: Harlem Lewis, by pinfall
The fans may not like it, but it wasn’t the Gallus Boy on top! Harlem brought that EPA: Effort, Passion & Aggression! But will he be able to get that top spot here in Evolve?
Kylie Rae VS Wendy Choo!
And now, part two of the double main event, it’s THE main event, where two icons of the independents finally meet 1v1. But while Kylie is still smiley, this isn’t the same Wendy she knew back then. Wendy’s been trying to get Kylie’s attention, but to what end? Will Kylie put this mystery to an end? Or will Wendy simply put her to sleep?
The introductions are given for the big fight feel. The bell rings, and Wendy’s creepy smile creeps Kylie out. Wendy offers a handshake, and Kylie is unsure. But then Wendy runs up! Kylie gets around to waistlock, but Wendy headlocks. Wendy hits a headlock takeover, grinds the hold, but Kylie keeps her shoulders up. Kylie powers Wendy to a headscissor, but Wendy kicks around. Kylie holds on, but Wendy headstands, does the splits, then pops free! Wendy grins as she gets Kylie back in the headlock! The fans rally, Kylie fights up, then powers out, but Wendy runs her over! Things speed up, Kylie hurdles, but Wendy leaps over!
The two stare down as they both crawl. Kylie backs up into a corner, Wendy scurries up, but Kylie jumps up and over! Kylie runs, ducks ‘n’ dodges, then comes back to arm-drag, handspring, and basement- NO, Wendy blocks the kick! Wendy spins Kylie, Kylie dodges, and Kylie tilt-o-whirl RANAS! And then DROPKICKS! The fans fire up while Wendy ends up on the ropes. Kylie goes up and over to the apron, but Wendy avoids the boot to HOTSHOT Kylie down! Wendy rains down fists on the apron, then KICKS Kylie to the floor! The fans are torn while Wendy crawls back up. Wendy drags Kylie up by her hair!
The ref reprimands but Wendy drags Kylie in so she can stomp her! And then NECK TWIST! Kylie writhes and scrambles to corners, but Wendy storms up. Wendy stands Kylie up to ROCK her, whip her, and then run in for a handspring LARIAT! Wendy goes side to side now, and she YAKUZA KICKS Kylie down! Snapmare and cover, TWO! Kylie toughs it out, the fans rally up, but Wendy clamps right on with a neck wrench! Kylie endures, pries at the grip, and the fans rally. Kylie fights up, fires body shots, but Wendy shoves her to a corner. Wendy runs in, but Kylie UPPERCUTS! And BOOTS! Kylie LARIATS!
The fans fire up as Kylie LARIATS again! Kylie roars and runs in, to UPPERCUT! Kylie sits Wendy down, runs and CANNONBALLS! Cover, TWO! Wendy stays in this, but Kylie is right on her with a fireman’s carry! Wendy slips free and full nelsons, but Kylie breaks the hold! Kylie drops down to then victory roll Wendy, TWO! Wendy slips around, and goes for the DIRT- NO, Kylie has the ROPEBREAK! Wendy SLAPS the arms down, to STRAITJACKET GERMAN! Kylie flounders away to a corner, and Wendy runs in. Wendy blocks the boot, but Kylie BOOTS her away with the other foot! Kylie then goes up to FLYING ARM-DRAG!
Kylie handsprings and basement SUPERKICKS! The #SkyDaySpecial connects, but Wendy rises up like a Deadman! Kylie is spooked, but then she shouts, “I’m not afraid of you, Wendy Choo!” BASEMENT SUPERKICK, then the CROSSFACE! The fans fire up as Wendy flails! Wendy claws at the hold, the fans rally behind Kylie, but Wendy rolls Kylie to a cover! TWO, and Kylie ROLLING ELBOWS! Wendy wobbles, Kylie goes up, up, and leaps, but into a full nelson! And SLAM! Wendy is angry now, and time for the DIRT NAP!! Kylie flails, but she’s caught! She’s OUT, Wendy wins!
Winner: Wendy Choo, by submission
Kylie fought her fear, but she couldn’t stay awake! Wendy puts the blanket over the camera to put the show to bed. Will this match give Kylie nightmares? Will Wendy be living the dream of holding up championship gold?
My Thoughts:
About Chairshot Radio Network
Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!
MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)
TUESDAY - Musical Chairs (music) / Hockey Talk (NHL)
WEDNESDAY - The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling)
THURSDAY - Keeping the news ridiculous... The Oddity / Chairshot NFL (NFL)
FRIDAY - DWI Podcast (Drunk Wrestling Intellect)
SATURDAY - The Mindless Wrestling Podcast
SUNDAY - The Front and Center Sports Podcast
CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS
Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)
TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends
Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5
Classic POD is WAR
Chairshot Radio Network Your home for the hardest hitting podcasts... Sports, Entertainment and Sports Entertainment!
Powered by RedCircle
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Will The Death Riders cancel Dynasty?
Claudio Castagnoli faces Adam Copeland while Jon Moxley & Marina Shafir face Swerve & Willow, all before the PPV this Sunday! Will the champions of AEW make sure their challengers can’t make it?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Mixed Tornado Tag: Jon Moxley & Marina Shafir VS Swerve Strickland & Willow Nightingale; Swerve & Willow win.
- Toni Storm w/ Luther VS Penelope Ford; Toni wins.
- “Big Bill” Morrissey & Bryan Keith VS ???; Bill & Keith win.
- Will Ospreay & Kevin Knight VS Blake Christian & Lee Johnson; Ospreay & Knight win.
- Brody King VS Lance Archer w/ Don Callis; Brody wins.
- Adam Copeland VS Claudio Castagnoli; Cope wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
BREAKING NEWS for the Owen Hart Cup!
Just as the brackets were ready to be revealed, it is revealed that The Death Riders attacked him as he arrived in the arena! Will The Switchblade be ruled out of the tournament before it even begins? Or will it still be his era?
Mixed Tornado Tag: Jon Moxley & Marina Shafir VS Swerve Strickland & Willow Nightingale!
The Maniac admitted that no woman, and perhaps no person, scares him quite like The Problem from Moldova. But the Most Dangerous Man & Babe with the Power aren’t afraid. They are going to take the fight to the Death Riders and smile anyway! Will Swerve be smiling as he heads for Dynasty in Philadelphia? Or will Moxley & Marina take Swerve & Willow out like they did Jay White?
Well, there’s no waiting for a bell as Moxley & Marina rush Swerve & Willow at the ramp! The fans fire up and the bell rings as Swerve fires hands on Moxley! Swerve BOOTS Moxley, Willow ROCKS Marina, and the fans cheer on “Whose House?” “SWERVE’S HOUSE!” Swerve ROCKS Moxley, then rips Moxley’s shirt away! Willow ROCKS Marina and high-fives the fans, but Moxley elbows Swerve. Swerve blocks a bump off the steel steps to body shot! Marina fires knees into Willow, but Swerve sends Moxley into railing! Willow does the same to Marina! The fans fire up but then Moxley CHUCKS a chair into Swerve!
Marina snap suplexes Willow to the floor! Willow writhes, Moxley & Marina go looking for goodies. They bring out a TABLE! The fans fire up, and the Death Riders set up that table. Swerve storms up, Willow ROCKS Marina! Swerve kicks Moxley, fireman’s carries, and Willow shoves Marina into the ring. Moxley fires elbows to fight free, then he puts Swerve on the desk! Willow has Marina in the ring, but Moxley gets on the desk with Swerve! Marina slips free of Willow’s scoop to CHOP her! And SAYANAGI! And SAYANAGI! Moxley rains down fists, talks some trash, and Marina top mounts Willow for a facelock.
Willow fights up and RAMS Marina into a corner! Willow CHOPS Marina, Moxley whips Swerve, but Swerve reverses! Moxley crashes into the steel steps at the same time Willow sends Marina into a corner! Willow CHOPS again! The fans fire up and Willow brings Marina around to snap suplex! Marina bails out, but Willow pursues. Willow CLUBS Marina, Swerve has Moxley in the corner. Moxley CLOBBERS Swerve, things speed up, and Swerve hurdles, only for Moxley to CLOBBER him! Moxley flips off the fans and Peoria boos in return. Swerve drop toeholds but Moxley fights to stay up! Moxley grabs at Swerve, but Swerve bends Moxley’s fingers!
Willow CHOKES Marina with her boot to the neck! Swerve whips Moxley to DROPKICK him down! The fans again fire up for “Whose House?” “SWERVE’S HOUSE!” while Willow goes up a corner. Swerve brings Moxley around, BACKBREAKER to MISSILE DROPKICK! Moxley flounders away to ropes, and Swerve high-fives Willow. Moxley goes to a corner, Willow sends Swerve in and he UPPERCUTS! Willow runs in and LARIATS! Willow sends Swerve back in for another UPPERCUT! Snapmare, and Swerve goes up to FALLING UPPERCUT! Swerve hits the Griddy and Willow struts around. But Marina runs up to BOOT Willow!
Moxley gets up to hit a CUTTER on Swerve! Marina CHOKES Willow on the ropes, then lets off to put Willow in a corner. Marina CHOPS, Moxley has Swerve on the outside, and Moxley TOSSES Swerve over railing! Marina KICKS Willow in the corner, KICKS again, then stomps away. Marina CHOKES Willow, Willow slaps and claws at Marina, but Marina stands her up for a cravat. Marina puts Willow on the ropes to CHOKE her! Marina & Moxley soak up the heat, then let off so Marina can KICK Willow in the back! Marina drags Willow up, puts her in a corner, and CHOPS! The fans rally for Willow but Marina stomps her in the corner.
Moxley coaches Marina, even while Willow fires body shots. Moxley & Marina talk trash on Willow, but Willow SLAPS Moxley! The fans fire up, but Marina ROCKS Willow! Marina drags Willow up to CHOP, then Moxley reels Willow in!? The fans boo, but Swerve slides back in! He has Marina in a half nelson while Swerve has Willow in the underhooks! Swerve dares Moxley to take his shot, because he’ll take his shot on Marina! The fans fire up as Marina dares Swerve to do it! Moxley says fine, and he lets Willow go. Swerve lets Marina go, but then Willow shoves Moxley, and he runs into Swerve!
The fans fire up as Willow fires a flurry of forearms on Marina! Willow runs, but Marina HIP TOSSES her! Marina grabs a leg, steps over and then rolls Willow to THROW her! Willow flounders to the apron, Marina storms out after her, and Marina ROCKS her! Willow snarls and ROCKS Marina! And BOOTS her! Willow powers up, but Marina gets under the boot! STRETCH MUFFLER into a POWERBOMB, DOWN THROUGH THE TABLE!! The fans lose their minds while Dynamite goes picture in picture.
Moxley gets Swerve in underhooks! PARADIGM SHIFT to the floor! Swerve flops over and Moxley goes to regroup with Marina. Prince Nana checks on Swerve but Marina digs her boot into Willow. Marina then drags Willow up, and DUMPS her onto the wrecked table! Moxley has Swerve back in the ring, and CLAWS at Swerve’s face! Moxley crossface forearms Swerve down, then goes out to chase Nana off. Nana stays by the timekeeper’s area, and Moxley has Swerve on the apron. Moxley grinds his forearm and elbow into Swerve’s face and neck, then Marina joins in, to BITE Swerve’s fingers! Swerve flails and tries to get free, but Marina only lets off when she wants to.
Moxley goes looking again, and he brings out a second table! Moxley & Marina set this table up, and they drag Swerve up. Willow stirs but Marina & Moxley mug Swerve with hard kicks. Moxley shoves Swerve to a corner, then fires Marina up. Marina runs in at Swerve, but Swerve dodges! Marina hits POST, Moxley goes after Swerve! Dynamite returns to single picture as Moxley puts Swerve up top. Swerve fires body shots, shoves Moxley down, but Marina’s back to ROCK Swerve! Marina climbs up to CLAW Swerve’s back! Moxley climbs up and he CLAWS Swerve’s back! The Death Riders are both up there, and they both CLAW Swerve’s back!
But Willow returns! She gets under Marina & Moxley, and we get a TOWER OF DOOM!! The fans are thunderous after seeing that double powerbomb superplex combo, and Willow drags herself back up. Marina goes to one corner, Moxley goes to the other. Willow LARIATS Moxley, then runs to back body block and LARIAT Marina! Willow whips Marina into Moxley, then runs to SPLASH them both! Willow snapmares Marina to BOOT her down! But Moxley grabs Willow by her hair! The fans boo, but Swerve JUMP KNEES Moxley! Moxley falls into a corner, Willow runs and CANNONBALLS! Moxley tumbles out, Swerve PLANCHAS him down!
Willow whips Marina to SPINEBUSTER! High stack, TWO! Marina survives, Willow is frustrated, but Moxley TOSSES her back out! Swerve returns to ROCK Moxley! Moxley fires back, the two go forearm for forearm! The fans cheer Swerve, boo Moxley, and then Swerve shoves to HIP TOSS, gator roll, but Moxley fights the suplex! Moxley suplexes to SLAM Swerve, and has the REAR NAKED CHOKE! Marina clamps onto Willow’s foot, keeps her in a corner, but Willow fires body shots! Swerve is caught in the body scissors while Marina climbs up on Willow. But Willow picks Marina up off the corner, to POWERBOMB her onto Moxley!
All four fighters are down and the fans are thunderous! “This is Awesome!” as Marina and Willow find each other and start throwing forearms! Moxley and Swerve find each other, and they start throwing SLAPS! The ladies scrap to the outside, the gentlemen throw hands! Marina RAMS Willow into the railing! The forearms go faster and faster in the ring, then Swerve gets the edge with fast hands! Moxley CLAWS eyes and BITES Swerve’s forehead! Moxley runs, but into an UPPERCUT! Swerve runs, but he feels Moxley behind him, so he ducks under! Moxley comes back, into the FLATLINER! The fans fire up and Swerve goes to a corner!
Swerve aims, “Whose House?!” But Marina shoves Moxley aside and takes the HOUSE CALL!!! The fans are stunned, but Swerve smiles. Willow POUNCES Moxley, and he falls through the table! The fans are thunderous again, and Swerve fires Willow back up. Willow gets Marina up, BABE WITH THE POWER BOMB!! Cover, Willow & Swerve win!
Winners: Swerve Strickland & Willow Nightingale, by pinfall
Consider the Problem solved! Willow finally gets the better of Marina, but Moxley is back up already! And he grabs Willow for PARADIGM SHIFT!! The fans boo and Swerve is pissed! Moxley runs away, Peoria telling him off as he goes. Moxley acts like it doesn’t matter, he and Marina just get outta there. Will Swerve make sure Moxley doesn’t survive Dynasty?
Backstage interview with FTR.
Renee Paquette is with Cash Wheeler, Dax Harwood, and even AEW referee, Paul Turner. Renee says that last Saturday Night Collision, Dax put his hands on AEW officials and has since been fined $10,000. Dax paid the fine, but he asked for Paul to be here. Why is that? Dax says yes, he is about to pay the fine, but he wanted Paul here in front of the world so that Dax could apologize to both him and Cash for his actions. He let his emotions get the better of him, and he got Tony Khan to allow him to personally hand the check over to Paul. In front of the world, here is the $10,000 for Paul personally to use, perhaps take his wife out for a nice dinner or buy something for the family.
Dax again apologizes for how he treated Paul. Paul accepts the apology, and he can understand it all being heat of the moment. This means a lot to him. Of course, Paul, but just don’t cash that in until Friday, wink wink. Dax pats Paul on the back and Paul takes his leave. Renee says things have been rather heated lately, but this Sunday night, Dynasty on PPV, Rated FTR challenges The Death Riders for their AEW World Trios Championships. Are they going to be able to put their issues aside by then? Dax says yes, FTR are brothers, he loves Cash more than almost anyone in this world. The things they’ve done in these 11 years can never be eclipsed by one event.
Dax wants to let Cash know that he apologizes for what he did. It was an emotional moment, and he mistook Cash for a security guard. Just know that he would never, ever do something like that. But on Sunday night, they add to the legacy of FTR by making Rated FTR the NEW AEW World Trios Champions. Dax loves ya, bud. Dax wants to hug Cash, but Cash stops him?! Cash says yes, they are brothers. And on Sunday, they will be fine. But after Sunday, they need to talk. Cash heads out alone, Dax is unsure what to make of that. Dax apologizes to Renee for this, Renee assures him it is okay. But will FTR be fine with tensions running this high?
AEW presents the 2025 Owen Hart Foundation Tournament Brackets!
Starting on Sunday with Dynasty, this year’s Owen Hart Cup will culminate with Double or Nothing on Sunday, May 25th, in Glendale, Arizona! As such, the Men’s Owen Hart Cup will feature: Brody King VS Konosuke Takeshita! Kyle Fletcher VS Mark Briscoe! Will Ospreay VS Kevin Knight, who subs in for Jay White after what The Death Riders did to him. And lastly, Hangman Page VS a mystery Wild Card! Who will be lucky enough to step to The Cowboy?
In the Women’s Owen Hart Cup, we will see Jamie Hayter VS Billie Starkz, Kris Statlander VS Thunder Rosa, Julia Hart VS Mercedes Mone, and Harley Cameron VS Athena! Another star-studded bracket, who builds their Dynasty with this opening round?
BREAKING NEWS for Collision!
In a preview of these opening round matches, we will see some unique team-ups! Mercedes Mone must work together with Harley Cameron against Julia Hart and Athena! Will the wild Aussie be willing to help #FourBeltsMone? Or will The Fallen Goddess & Hart Always Win?
Toni Storm w/ Luther VS Penelope Ford!
Just as Timeless Toni was reaching the climax of her speech on last Saturday Night Collision, the Superbad Girl had to interrupt it with a boot to Toni’s face! Penelope & The Megasus got the better of the AEW Women’s World Champion that night, but will Toni pay Penelope back? Or are things only going to get worse before Dynasty’s world title match?
The bell rings and Toni ties up with Ford. Toni powers Ford to the corner to fire off fast hands! The ref counts, Toni stops at 4, and Ford bails out. Toni storms out but Ford kicks and CLUBS Toni. Ford whips, Toni reverses, and Ford hits the apron! Toni CHOPS Ford, then pursues around the way. Toni pushes Ford in, but Ford kicks her in return! Ford CLUBS Toni, rums, but into a scoop and BACKBREAKER! The fans fire up, Toni drags Ford up to FISHERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO! Not quite perfect but Toni doesn’t mind. Toni hauls Ford up and snap suplexes! The fans rally as Toni aims from a corner.
Toni runs corner to corner, but Ford dodges! Hip attack hits buckles, then Ford hits a JAWBREAKER and SHOTGUN! Toni flops out of the ring to the apron, and Ford slingshot KNEE DROPS! Ford mocks the closeup, then storms into the ring. Ford stomps Toni at the ropes, drags her up, but Toni ROCKS Ford! And ROCKS her again and again! Toni whips, Ford reverses, and Ford BOOTS Toni down! The fans boo but Ford mocks them while Dynamite goes picture in picture.
Ford drags Toni up, puts her on the apron, then goes out to bring her up. Ford CLUBS Toni again and again, but Toni HEADBUTTS in return! Ford staggers back, Toni BOOTS her into the post! Toni kicks Ford back into the ring, then drags her up. Ford DECKS Toni! Toni goes to a corner, Ford stomps a mudhole in, but the ref counts. Ford stops at 4, then drags Toni onto the ropes to CHOKE her! The ref counts, Ford lets off at 4, and Toni sputters around the ropes. Ford CLUBS Toni, CLUBS her again, then CHOPS her in the corner. Toni staggers away but Ford pursues, and she rolls Toni up, TWO! Ford kicks Toni around, soaking up heat at the same time.
Ford kicks Toni down, covers her, TWO! Toni is tougher than that, but Ford clamps on to KNEE her in the back again and again! Ford wraps on a chinlock, but Luther and the fans rally up. Ford shoves Toni down, then STANDING MOONSAULTS! Cover, TWO! Ford clamps back onto Toni’s arms and pulls back for a motorcycle stretch! Toni endures, even as Ford pulls on the arms. Toni fights up, but Ford THROWS her down by her hair! Dynamite returns to single picture while the fans boo. Toni goes to a corner, Ford runs and handsprings in, BACK ELBOW! Ford goes side to side to BOOT Toni, but she doesn’t let Toni fall.
Ford licks Toni’s face! But Toni BITES Ford’s tongue!! Ford screams in pain, the ref reprimands and counts, but Toni won’t stop! Ford KNEES low, but Toni fires a forearm! The forearms go back and forth, but then Ford knees low! Ford whips Toni to the corner, but Toni comes back to THESZ PRESS! The fans fire up as Toni rains down fists! Then Toni rallies with LARIAT after LARIAT! Toni whips, Ford reverses, but Toni reverses back to hit a BIG back suplex! Ford flounders to a corner, but Toni runs in, SWEET HIP MUSIC! DDT on top! Cover, TWO! Toni doesn’t hesitate, she ties up Ford’s legs into the QUEEN ANGELITO STRETCH!!
Ford endures, reaches out, ROPEBREAK! Toni lets go in frustration, but the fans rally up again. Toni drags Ford up, but Ford TOSSES Toni out! Ford HOTSHOTS Toni, then goes to the apron. Ford ASAI MOONSAULTS! Down goes Toni and the fans fire up! Ford puts Toni back in, then fireman’s carries, GUT BUSTER DROP! Cover, TWO!! Toni survives and Ford is shocked! Ford snarls, Toni sits up, but Toni ducks the Buzzsaw! SNAP GERMAN! STORM- NO, Ford NORTHERN LIGHTS in return! But Toni holds on, stands Ford up, but Ford goes Matrix! Toni stops the stunner, shoves and kicks Ford, STORM ZERO!! Cover, Toni wins!
Winner: Toni Storm, by pinfall
There’s the payback, but now Megan walks out on stage. Megan applauds the champion, but Toni dares her to bring the fight already. Toni holds up the title, and Megan decides to step closer. But only to fetch Ford and head back. Will The Megasus be a golden Greek goddess soon enough? Or will Toni conquer this Labor of Hercules?
Backstage interview with Swerve, Nana & Willow.
Renee checks in at Willow is being examined by the training staff. Do we have any update on Willow right now? Swerve says Willow is strong, powerful, and brave. That’s why Swerve didn’t mind facing The Death Riders with Willow by her side. When it came to getting in the ring with two of the most dangerous men in AEW, and perhaps all of pro-wrestling, Willow welcomed the challenge. But Moxley, knowing the history of neck issues that Willow has, and Moxley still did what he did… Now he’s on the run. Swerve will not rest until he has his hands on Moxley. Not before Philly, not at Dynasty, but tonight!
Swerve vows that by the end of tonight, Swerve will have his hands on Moxley! Swerve has put The Maniac on notice, will The Death Riders make sure to be scarce for the rest of the show?
AEW prepares for All In Week in Texas!
In the lead up to Saturday, July 12th for All In: Texas, Dynamite will hit Garland, Texas on Wednesday, July 9th! Then there’s a special edition Thursday Night Collision on July 10th, also in Garland. ROH Death Before Dishonor is Friday, July 11th, in the Arlington ESports Stadium! Plus, Starrcast Texas will be Friday and Saturday in the Sheraton Arlington Hotel, and the “main event” is of course All In: Texas, Globe Life Field, with a special 3 PM Eastern start time! AEW is truly going all in for All In, what about you?
The Hurt Syndicate is here!
Montel Vontavius Porter & Bobby Lashley are here, and Peoria sings along with the song, “We Hurt~ People! We Hurt~ People!” Unfortunately for Shelton Benjamin, weather delayed his flight, he won’t even make the show, but let’s all hope he and everyone else out there stays safe. The All Mighty Lashley goes to speak, but MJF interrupts with his entrance! Maxwell Jacob Friedman struts out here, mic already in hand, and already on Lashley’s bad side. MJF smirks as he steps into the ring, has them cut his music, and the fans cheer him on! MJF says aw shucks, and then he asks the Hurt Syndicate pardons the interruption.
MJF also notes that MVP looks awesome tonight. Can we give it up for MVP? The fans cheer, and wait, there’s a pocket of fans already telling MJF to shut up. Uh, no, MJF’s gonna talk. MJF again says pardon the interruption, but last week, “Bob” disrespected him. But MJF will let that slide because Lashley is friends with MVP, and he doesn’t know MJF like MVP knows MJF. So allow him to formally introduce himself: He is Maxwell Jacob Friedman, M J F. He is a generational talent, and he knows about Lashley all too well. MJF also knows about The Gold Standard, Shelton Benjamin.
MJF looks into the camera and tells Shelton that he knows there were some travel issues today. MJF loves you, big man, see you down the road, hope you’re home safe. And c’mon, we all know about Bobby Lashley, right? The fans cheer, and MJF says Lashley’s one of the all-time greats. Lashley’s been around the block, but however, this is AEW. And baby, you’re standing on the block MJF built. Now, MJF knows this place like the back of his hand. He knows how to get to the top, and how to stay on top, for a record-breaking reign. And MJF can help Lashley & Shelton hold onto the tag team titles for as long as their cold hearts damn well please.
MJF says all cards on the table, he knows they can help him, too. They can help him get back what is rightfully his: The AEW World Championship. The fans are torn about that, but MJF says basically, what he’s getting at here is MJF in the Hurt Syndicate is just good business. MVP knows it, MJF knows it, and hell, even the mouth-breathers in the Midwest know it! The fans boo, but MJF says, “Talk to me when Peoria ever matters ever, alright? Let’s pipe down, this isn’t even a real place.” MVP has MJF hold on, and whispers something to him. MJF says that is fair. What MJF is getting at is this: Lashley may not want MJF, but Lashley…
MJF puts his hand on Lashley’s shoulder as he says, “You big, beautiful bastard you, you need MJF.” MJF smiles and says he rests his case. Lashley tells MJF that he’ll be real clear here. Out of respect for MVP, Lashley will NOT leave MJF laying right here, right now. Lashley does NOT like MJF. The fans cheer that! Lashley does NOT trust MJF, and The Hurt Syndicate damn well does NOT need MJF. So unless MJF can prove otherwise, he needs to get out of Lashley’s face right now. MJF asks if they want him to prove himself. Well, okay. He thanks them for their time, and he tells Peoria he wishes he could say the same, but he’s going to leave cuz they stink.
MJF exits the ring, MVP talks with Lashley, and it seems they’re torn. MVP votes one way, Lashley votes another, will Shelton have to be a tiebreaker down the line? But wait, The Learning Tree makes their way out here! Big Bill & Bryan Keith stare down with Lashley & MVP as they cross paths. The Redwood & Bad Apple offer The Hurt Syndicate “front row seats” to stay and watch this. Bill & Keith are still proving themselves worthy of a tag title opportunity, will they make the cut right here and now?
“Big Bill” Morrissey & Bryan Keith VS ???
The bell rings, and Keith BOOTS ♣ right outta the ring! Bill TOSSES ♪ across the ring, then BOOTS him down! Lashley is amused by this, and Bill hoists ♪ up in a military press! Bill TOSSES ♪ right out of the ring! The poor guy tumbles all the way to Lashley’s feet! The other guy CLUBS Bill, but uh, it does nothing. Well, it does piss Bill off, and the fans tell ♣ he messed up. ♣ apologizes, but Bill CHOKES him! “What’re you doing?! You wanna hit me?!” Bill RAMS ♣ into the corner, then feeds him to Keith’s KNEE! Keith shouts, “Get him, Bill!” Bill makes sure Lashley is watching as he hoists ♣ up, and SKYSCRAPER CHOKE SLAMS! Cover, Bill & Keith win!
Winners: “Big Bill” Morrissey & Bryan Keith, by pinfall
Lashley sarcastically applauds, but Bill grabs a mic to tell the Hurt Syndicate, “On Collision, we whooped Top Flight’s ass. Tonight, we whooped… their ass!” We never really did get their names… Bill says on Sunday in Philly, he and Keith will whoop Hurt Syndicate’s ass! Because they want that match for the AEW World Tag Team Championships! The fans like the sound of that! Lashley stops MVP from saying something, and gives a thumbs up to Bill? Is that a yes on the match? Guess we’ll have to wait and see what boss man Tony Khan decides.
Backstage interview with Mercedes Mone.
Renee is now with The CEO, and notes that tonight, we saw the Owen Hart Cup brackets. Mone is now set to face the former TBS Champion, Julia Hart, in the opening round this Sunday at Dynasty. Mone says Julia Hart is very mysterious and unpredictable. And although Hart is a former TBS Champion, she’s not the Greatest TBS Champion of All Time now, is she? HAHAHA! It’ll take a lot more than tricks and spells to stop the Money Train. Well before Dynasty, this Saturday Night Collision, we will see Hart teaming with Athena against Mone and- “PEORIA~!” Puppet Mone is back! “Say hello to your C E O!”
Harley is bringing back the ventriloquism to say yes, it’s her. And yes, she knows what Mone is thinking, good to see her, too. And Harley has also been thinking. They really brought the house down Down Under. And hear her out. A new dream team is forming! Mone & Harley, The Train Station Money Wrath Excellence Golden Choo-Choo! What do you think? Mone says chew on this: Harley just needs to stay out of Mone’s way on Collision, got that? GOT THAT?! Y-Yes… Good to see you! Mone leaves and Harley says yes, she has the perfect name now. The Money Wrath Train! CHOO-CHOO, all aboard! But will this one go off the rails thanks to Collision?
Will Ospreay & Kevin Knight VS Blake Christian & Lee Johnson!
Speaking of the Owen Cup and odd couple team-ups, The Aerial Assassin is teaming up with his future opponent in The Jet! Will these two be the flyest team in all of AEW? Or will they be put on ice by the Vanilla Baby & Big Shotty?
Ospreay gives thumbs down to Blake and the fans join in. The fans then rally up for Ospreay while the teams sort out. Ospreay starts against Blake and the bell rings. The fans cheer as Ospreay circles with Blake. They feel things out, tie up, and Ospreay powers Blake back. Blake headlocks first, but Ospreay wrenches and headlocks. Blake powers up and out, but Ospreay runs him over! Blake kips up, how very Ospreay of him. Ospreay himself is annoyed seeing that, but Blake SOBATS! Blake talks trash, headlocks, but Ospreay powers up and out. Blake runs Ospreay over, but Ospreay kips up, then struts! The fans cheer, and Ospreay swivels the hips!
Blake kicks but Ospreay blocks this time. Ospreay throws the foot down but Blake ducks the lariat to THROW Ospreay by his hair! The fans boo and the ref reprimands, but Blake struts. Blake mocks the United Empire crown, then whips Ospreay to ropes. Ospreay ducks ‘n’ dodges to RANA Blake! Blake goes to ropes, Ospreay tags Knight! They double whip, then drop toehold and UFO SPLASH! Cover, Lee breaks it! Ospreay whips Lee but Lee reverses to TOSS Ospreay! Knight kicks Lee, then whips, but Lee reverses. Blake CHOP BLOCKS Knight from the front, and Lee adds a basement DROPKICK! Lee soaks up the heat while he and Blake loom over Knight.
Lee & Blake reel Knight in, but Ospreay saves Knight from the double suplex! Ospreay & Knight dodge Blake & Lee, then they DOUBLE DROPKICK! Blake & Lee bail out, the fans fire up, and Ospreay nods to Knight. They coordinate, and the fans fire up more as both men go to corners. They crisscross, Ospreay DIVES onto Lee while Knight FLIES over the corner to take out Blake! The fans fire up again, and Knight high-fives the front row. Ospreay & Knight dap it up, and fans cheer “A E DUB!” as Knight puts Blake in the ring. Knight stomps Blake, then brings him up to UPPERCUT! The fans cheer as Knight wrenches and whips.
Blake reverses, Lee trips Knight up! The fans boo but Blake adds a basement DROPKICK! Blake then APRON SPEARS Ospreay! Blake struts around while the fans boo, but Dynamite goes picture in picture.
Blake drops an elbow on Knight, then pushes him down for another! Blake pushes Knight down again, winds up, and he stomps Knight! Blake stands on Knight, then drags him over to tag Lee. They stomp Knight, then Lee stands Knight up. Lee bumps Knight off buckles, and he CHOPS! Knight pushes Lee into the corner to CHOP! Lee kicks low, brings Knight around and snap BRAINBUSTERS! Cover, TWO! Knight survives but Lee drags him up again. Tag to Blake and they mug Knight. Blake puts Knight on the ropes and grinds his face off them! The ref counts, Blake stops at 4, but Lee CHOKES Knight behind the ref’s back!
Blake stands Knight up to UPPERCUT! Blake snapmares Knight, runs, and basement DROPKICKS again! Tag to Lee, he jumps in then ELBOW DROPS! Cocky cover, TWO! Lee stays cool and then clamps onto Knight’s arm. Lee taunts Ospreay, then stomps away on Knight. Lee drags Knight up to snapmare, then he clamps on with a chinlock. Knight endures, fights up, and fires body shots. Knight backs Lee down, but Lee turns things around. Knight fires a body shot but Blake throws Knight down! The ref reprimands but Blake tags in. Lee runs in at Knight in the corner to LARIAT! Dynamite returns to single picture as Lee goes back to Blake.
Lee & Blake coordinate, and Lee MONKEY FLIPS Blake so Blake can HANDSPRING LARIAT Knight! Cover, TWO! Knight stays in this, he’s not former IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champion for nothing! Blake drags Knight up, whips him to a corner, and then Blake sends Lee in. Knight BOOTS Lee, then he BOOTS Blake! Blake & Lee go together, but Knight HURDLES the double lariat! Hot tag to Ospreay, and Ospreay springboards to DOUBLE CROSSBODY! The fans are thunderous as Ospreay DECKS Blake! And DECKS him again! Ospreay whips, Blake reverses, but Ospreay handsprings, NEURALIZER! Cover, TWO!
Blake survives but Ospreay has the fans behind him. Blake goes to a corner, Ospreay runs in, but Blake puts Ospreay on the apron! Ospreay ROCKS Blake, but Lee YANKS Ospreay down! Lee sets Ospreay up, Blake FOSBURY TOPES! Blake puts Ospreay in, then climbs up top. Blake says time for a taste, 450 DOUBLE STOMPS!! Tag to Lee, Blake SHOTGUNS Knight! Lee hauls Ospreay up for the fisherman, but Ospreay wrenches out! Blake ENZIGIRIS Ospreay, Lee has him in again, AOI- STUN DOG MILLIONAIRE! Blake storms up and waistlocks, but Ospreay switches. Blake ELBOWS Ospreay, but Ospreay HOOK KICKS Blake!
The fans fire up while Blake and Ospreay flop over! Ospreay crawls, hot tag to Knight! Knight runs up on Blake to STINGER SPLASH! Then a BOOT for Lee! Knight brings Lee around, suplexes, but Lee slips free! Lee waistlocks, Knight switches, but Lee ELBOWS Knight! Lee runs, but Knight pops him up onto Blake’s shoulders! Knight says it’s time, 2FLY DROPKICK makes Lee POISON-RANA Blake!! Blake flops out of the ring, Ospreay returns, and Ospreay PLANCHAS out onto Blake! The fans fire up as Knight goes to the corner! Knight waits on Lee, then springboards in, FLYING LARIAT! Cover, Knight & Ospreay win!
Winners: Will Ospreay & Kevin Knight, by pinfall
The aerial assault wins out, and now Schiavone joins Ospreay and Knight for an interview in the ring. Schiavone says as we learned earlier tonight, Ospreay and Knight are going to face off in the first round of this year’s Owen Hart Cup. Big announcement on that: That very match will take place as part of Sunday’s Dynasty! The fans sure like that! Ospreay and Knight had a good time as teammates, but who will fly the highest when they go 1v1?
The Opps speak.
This time, Katsuyori Shibata is on camera as they got a cameraman to join them this time. Samoa Joe smiles and says, “Hey, it’s Samoa Joe here, along with Hook & Shibata, and we’re collectively known as The Opps. And you may be wondering, why did I start this group in the first place? Well quite simply put, I understood that the battlefield was changing, and that the nature of warfare was changing with it. So I knew that when I came back to the battlefield, I needed to bring a different arsenal. And that’s what these men here represent. And as a matter of fact, now that we’ve had a few experimental forays out there into the ring, we’d like to expand our influence in AEW.
“And that’s why come Dynasty in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, The Opps will be in the building. They will be watching all, and they will be seeing all. And please, please, please… Don’t let us catch you lacking.” Joe leaves it at that, but who will end up easy prey for these three big game hunters?
Brody King VS Lance Archer w/ Don Callis!
While this Hound of Hell is going to face Konosuke Takeshita in the Owen Hart Cup, the Don Callis Family is putting quite the obstacle in his way. If #EverybodyDies, will the King of Death be next? Or will Brody take a bite out of the Murderhawk Monster?
As for Don Callis himself, he is not amused by this Don Callis cosplayer in the front row. “You think you’re funny?” Callis whispers an insult to the guy, then goes to commentary. The bell rings and the fans rally for “MEAT! MEAT! MEAT!” Archer and Brody tie up, go around, and then break. Brody barks, the fans join in, and the two big men RAM! And RAM! And RAM! “MEAT! MEAT! MEAT!” Archer laughs, fires a forearm, but Brody gives it back! “MEAT! MEAT! MEAT!” Brody CHOPS, but Archer throat chops! The ref reprimands, Archer tells him to shut up, then Archer runs. But Brody runs up to ROCK Archer!
Brody runs but Archer ROCKS him! Archer runs, but Brody follows! Archer BOOTS Brody, then LARIATS him up and out! The fans boo but Archer goes out to the apron. Archer CANNONBALLS Brody to the floor! Archer tells off Peoria, then he stalks Brody. The ref wants this back in the ring but Archer tells him to back off. Archer runs in at Brody, but Brody sends him into railing! The fans fire up as Brody ROCKS Archer! Archer takes a seat, Brody barks and the fans join in. Callis admits that Brody terrifies him, and Brody runs up to SPLASH Archer against railing! Callis asks why this is allowed, but the fans fire up with Brody.
Brody drags Archer up and into the ring, then storms up to the apron. Archer distracts the ref so Callis can grab at Brody! Brody barks at Callis so Callis scurries away, but Archer KICKS the ropes! That jams Brody up, and Archer BOOTS Brody down! The fans tell Callis off while Archer has Brody on the apron. Archer stands on Brody’s neck! The ref counts, Archer steps off, and Archer whips Brody into the steel steps! Brody goes down in a heap, Archer refreshes the count, #EverybodyDies! Archer drags Brody up, but Brody CHOPS! And CHOPS! And ROCKS! Archer staggers, but he ROCKS Brody back! And CHOPS, too!
Archer talks trash on the front row while he has Brody in a headlock, especially the kid with the sweatbands. But Brody breaks free to CHOP! Brody says sup, kid! Brody and Archer fire hands, Archer sends Brody into railing, and Archer tells the ref to shut up. The fans rally, Archer SMACKS Brody off the desk, and Dynamite goes picture in picture.
Archer slips into the ring to argue with the ref, then Archer goes back out after Brody. Archer CLUBS Brody on the back, whips him hard into railing, and Brody slumps down. Archer stands on Brody, talks trash to the fans, then soaks up the heat. Archer digs his knee into Brody’s head, but steps off so he can stand Brody up. Brody ROCKS Archer! Archer goes into the ring, Brody pursues, and Archer goes to a corner. Both big men catch their breath, and Archer kicks low! Archer bumps Brody off buckles, digs his boots in, but stops as the ref counts 4. Archer glares at the ref but the ref reminds him he’s the authority here.
Archer goes back to Brody, CLAWS Brody’s eyes, then lets off as the ref counts. Archer paces, then he drags Brody up. Archer whips, Brody reverses, and Brody runs up, only to get buckles! Archer ROCKS Brody, then leans on him in the corner. Archer stands Brody up, but Brody CHOPS, and CHPOS, and CHOPS! Brody fires hands again and again, but Archer kicks low! Archer ROCKS Brody, bumps him off buckles, then RAMS him into the corner! Archer CLUBS Brody, then CLAWS his eyes! The ref counts, Archer stops at 4, but he CLUBS Brody down again. Archer digs his knees in, the ref counts, but Archer stops at 4.
Dynamite returns to single picture, Archer runs corner to corner and back again, and he ELBOWS Brody! Archer says that’s one, and he runs again, for an ELBOW! Archer says that’s two, and he goes again! Brody dodges and waistlocks! Archer fires elbows, but Brody still GERMAN SUPLEXES! The fans fire up while both behemoths are down! Peoria barks for Brody as he and Archer rise. Brody CHOPS, CHOPS, and CHOPS! Archer swings, Brody BOOTS the lariat, then ROLLING ELBOWS! Archer staggers, Brody runs, and Brody CROSSBODIES! The fans fire up, and Brody hauls Archer up!
Brody scoops, SLAMS, and fires up! Brody runs to SENTON! Cover, TWO! Archer stays in this and he goes to a corner. Brody huffs ‘n’ puffs while the fans rally up, and Brody goes corner to corner! But Archer CROSSBODIES in return! The fans fire up as Archer kicks Brody, KNEE SMASHES and runs, but into a BOOT! Brody runs, but into a HELLICOASTER! Cover, TWO! Brody survives but Archer prepares his Murderhawk talons! Choke grip, CHOKE SLAM!! Cover, TWO!?! Brody survives and Archer is furious! The ref gets right out of the ring, and Callis says he doesn’t blame Archer for being mad at the ref.
Brody crawls to a corner while Archer seethes. Archer runs in, blocks a boot, and he LARIATS! Archer runs, but Brody follows to SPLASH! And LARIAT! Archer sits down, the fans bark with Brody, and Brody runs corner to corner! CANNONBALL! Brody drags Archer up, winds up, and short arm LARIATS! Cover, TWO!! Archer survives and Brody is surprised. The fans rally up, “Meat Forever!” Brody reels Archer in but Archer fights the lift! Archer choke grips again, but Brody breaks free! Brody runs, dodges, and LARIATS!! Cover, Brody wins!
Winner: Brody King, by pinfall
Two titans clashed, but it was the King of Death that survives! Callis is not happy, but did Archer at least soften Brody up for The Alpha?
BREAKING NEWS for Dynasty!
Tony Khan heard Big Bill make his case, and it is happening! Bill & Keith will challenge Lashley & Benjamin for the AEW World Tag Team Championships in Philadelphia! Will the Redwood & Bad Apple make Chris Jericho proud? Or will the Hurt Syndicate simply hurt the Learning Tree’s Branches?
MORE BREAKING NEWS for Collision!
We saw Dax and Yuta battle last Saturday, and we’re about to see The Rated R Superstar battle the Swiss Cyborg. That of course leaves Cash Wheeler to face The Bastard, PAC! Who gains some last minute momentum before Dynasty? But that’s not all, as The Cru and Top Flight will finally have it out 2v2! Will Lio Rush & Action Andretti prove they never needed Darius & Dante Martin? Or will it be the other way around? Then, “Speedball” Mike Bailey is in action against Dralistico! Ricochet will be on commentary, will he keep it civil between him and Bailey? Or will they get into it 24 hours before challenging Kenny Omega for the International title?
Last but not least, the Don Callis Family’s Kyle Fletcher & Konosuke Takeshita prepare for the Owen Hart Cup by taking on some familiar foes. The Protostar & The Alpha are taking on Will Hobbs & Tomohiro Ishii! Will Kyle & Konosuke get more than they bargained for with The Powerhouse and The Stone Pitbull?
Adam Copeland VS Claudio Castagnoli!
While Cope failed to take the AEW World Championship from Moxley, Rated FTR wants to reign together by taking the AEW World Trios Championships away from The Death Riders! We saw there is dysfunction between Dax & Cash, but can Cope at least make it through the Swiss Cyborg? Or will Claudio cancel the match by dulling Copeland’s edge?
Peoria finishes singing Metalingus for Cope before Claudio makes his entrance. Claudio then attacks the moment he’s in the ring! The fans boo, the ref backs Claudio off, but then Claudio goes after Cope again! Claudio wants the bell, the ref tells him to back off so he can talk to Cope. Cope says ring the bell, so the ref rings the bell! Then Claudio’s all over Cope again! Claudio stomps a mudhole, the ref counts, but Claudio stops at 4. The fans boo, Claudio storms back up to fire body shots. Cope flops out of the ring, Claudio pursues, and Claudio whips Cope hard into barriers! The fans boo but Claudio seethes as he stalks Cope.
Claudio drags Cope up, DECKS him, then has Cope up against the barriers. Claudio runs up to UPPERCUT Cope down! The fans boo as Claudio digs his boot in, and the ref cosplayer says to get this in the ring. Claudio puts Cope in the ring, tells the real ref to shut up, but Cope attacks Claudio in the ropes! The fans fire up as Cope fires off knees, then has Claudio on the apron. Cope ROCKS Claudio, runs and BLASTS Claudio off the apron! Claudio hits barriers then flops to the floor! The fans fire up and Cope goes out after Claudio. Cope fires hands, SMACKS Claudio off the steel steps, then whips him hard into railing!
Claudio slumps down, Cope storms up, and the fans rally as Cope fires forearm after forearm! Cope makes Claudio take a seat again and the fans cheer. Cope snarls, stands Claudio back up, and puts him in the ring. Cope brings Claudio around to ROCK him! Claudio fires body shots an an UPPERCUT! Claudio HEADBUTTS Cope, brings him around, and UPPERCUTRS, into a backslide! TWO, and both men stay hooked up. They fight up, Cope swings Claudio around to short arm LARIAT! Claudio stays up, so Cope short arm LARIATS again! Claudio seethes, Cope snarls, and Cope short arm LARIATS!
Claudio roars and he short arm LARIATS in return! And again! But Cope short arm LARIATS again! And again! The fans rally while both men stay up, and Cope LARIATS one more time! Claudio BITES Cope’s ear! The ref reprimands, Claudio spits, and then short arm LARIATS! Cope stays up so Claudio short arm LARIATS again! Cope dodges the next one, BOOTS the lariat, and hits the COPE-A-SETIC! Cover, TWO! Claudio bails out, the fans rally for Cope, and Cope builds speed again. Cope SPEARS Claudio to the floor! The fans fire up while both men are down! Cope and Claudio stir, the ring count starts, and Peoria loses their minds!
Cope and Claudio slowly rise, Cope staggers to the ring and rolls inside. Claudio rises as the count continues, and Cope builds speed again! Cope DIVES into an UPPERCUT! Claudio grins as he has Cope on the floor, and Dynamite goes picture in picture.
Claudio grits his teeth as he drags Cope up, and then whips him hard into steel steps! Claudio soaks up the heat, rolls into the ring, and lets the count handle Cope. Cope stirs but he’s still down at 5 of 10. Claudio paces, then goes out after Cope. Claudio puts Cope in the ring, then clamps right on with a chinlock. Claudio leans all his weight on Cope, then shifts into a COBRA CLUTCH! Cope endures, fights up, but Claudio KNEES him low! Claudio clamps on the chinlock again, then goes back to the Cobra Clutch. Cope endures but Claudio leans all his weight on the hold again. Cope fights, but Claudio thrashes him around!
The fans rally while Claudio leans on Cope. The ref checks on Cope, the hand drops once! The ref checks again, and Cope is back up! Dynamite returns to single picture as Cope fights to a BIG back suplex! Both men are down and the fans rally up. Claudio goes to the apron, Cope staggers over, but Claudio RAMS into Cope! Claudio looks to the outside, and he hoists Cope up! Cope fights the suplex and now he tries, but Claudio fights off that suplex! They fight for control, and Cope fires body shots! Cope ROCKS Claudio, but Claudio HOTSHOTS Cope! The fans boo while Cope flops back, and Claudio storms into the ring.
Claudio climbs the corner, but Cope rises to ROCK him first! Cope fires more shots, but Claudio fires back! Cope fires forearm after forearm, then he goes outside. Cope climbs up the corner from there, but Claudio fires body shots! Cope and Claudio brawl up top, then they go to the very top! SUPER DUPER BULLDOG! Cope takes Claudio down, but he’s also down after that landing! A standing count starts, the fans rally up, and both men rise at 4 of 10. Cope reels Claudio in, but Claudio fights the DDT! Claudio sends Cope at the ref, then pokes him in the eyes! Claudio trips Cope, but Cope BOOTS free! Claudio returns to DOUBLE STOMP!
The fans are torn, because here comes the GIANT SWING! The fans cheer as Cope goes around and around, and Claudio THROWS Cope at TEN! Cover, TWO!! Cope survives and Claudio grows frustrated. Claudio hauls Cope up, reels him in, but Cope fights free to kick low! IMPALER DDT!! Cope crawls to the cover, TWO!! Claudio survives thanks to that delay, Cope’s gas tank is perhaps running low. The fans rally up as he and Claudio rise up again. Cope whips Claudio to a corner but Claudio reverses. Claudio runs up but into a BOOT! Cope hops up, up, and FLYING SUNSET FLIPS! Claudio rolls through and steps through, SHARPSHOOTER!!
The fans boo while Cope endures! Claudio sits deep on the hold, but the fans rally as Cope reaches out! Cope pushes up off the mat, but Claudio shifts right to a CROSSFACE! Cope endures, pries at the grip, then gets his other arm free! Cope drags Claudio down into the armlock, and now he has the GRINDHOUSE CROSSFACE!! Claudio endures, fights around, reaches out, but Cope shifts around to have the CROSSFACE on that side! Claudio still fights for the ropes, drags Cope with him, ROPEBREAK! Both men flop to the apron while the fans boo. Cope and Claudio catch their breath while the ref says to get in the ring.
Claudio and Cope rise, Cope runs up, but into an APRON POWERSLAM!! The fans go nuts, and then Claudio TOSSES Cope over the barriers! Claudio wants the ring count to start, so he ushers the ref into the ring. The count begins, Cope stirs at 4 of 10, but he’s still down at 6! Cope drags himself up at 7, flops over the barriers, then scrambles to the ring! Cope slides in at 9! Claudio LARIATS him down! Cover, TWO!! But Claudio hauls him right up to reel him in! Cope BACKDROPS free, but Claudio lands on his feet! Cope runs, Claudio hurdles, then Claudio springboards, but into a BOOT!
The fans fire up while Cope and Claudio are both down again! The fans want them to “Fight Forever!” but the show has to end somehow. Cope runs up, but into a POP-UP UPPERCUT! Cover, ROPEBREAK!! Claudio is furious but he gets Cope right into the GOTCH NEUTRALIZER!! Cover, TWO?!?! Cope survives and Claudio is beside himself! Claudio goes outside, and he grabs a pair of chairs! Claudio doesn’t care about this match if he can sideline Cope! The ref says don’t do it but Claudio puts one chair under Cope’s head! Claudio then has the other chair, but the ref grabs it! The fans cheer as the ref takes that chair from Claudio!
Claudio says okay, fine, and he lets the ref take the chair. The ref puts the chair aside, and Cope LOW BLOWS Claudio!! That’s what Claudio gets for trying to use the Con-Chair-To! The fans fire up as Cope rises, and Cope takes aim from the corner! Claudio stands, into the SPEAR!! Cover, Cope wins!
Winner: Adam Copeland, by pinfall
It was a vicious battle here on Dynamite, and it’ll certainly be even worse on Dynasty! Can Cope & FTR make things Rated R
Backstage interview with Swerve & Nana.
Renee hopes for one last opportunity to ask about Willow’s condition, but it is clear Swerve is still hunting down Moxley. Renee interrupts their argument, but Nana storms off. Swerve tells Renee sorry, all due respect, but he’s looking for Renee’s husband right about now. The camera follows Swerve as he storms off down the hallway. Swerve looks around, but then it’s HANGMAN PAGE who finds Swerve first! The Cowboy shouts at Swerve, “I’ve been looking for your dumbass!” Hangman says Swerve is wasting his time. Security rushes in, looking to keep this from getting physical.
Hangman reminds Swerve that Hangman made a promise. Hangman will NEVER let Swerve be AEW World Champion again, and he’s a man of his word! Swerve tells Hangman needs to let it go and move on to something else already. Hangman says Swerve broke into his house! Swerve says Hangman burned down Swerve’s house! Hangman says Swerve deserved what he got, and Swerve says, “I KNOW!” What?! “I said… I know.” Hangman seems taken aback, then he storms off in the other direction. Swerve made quite the confession there, but he’s back on the prowl. Only for Moxley & Pac to hit him first!
The security tries but now Marina kicks them over! Yuta even joins in as Moxley & Pac mug Swerve! Moxley says he heard Swerve’s looking for him! The Death Riders drag Swerve up, and they THROW him through GLASS!! Moxley says Swerve was looking for him, so congrats, he found him! The Death Riders aren’t done as they drag Swerve out of the glass, and go through a door to walk into the crowd! The fans boo as The Death Riders TOSS Swerve over barriers to be ringside again. Claudio is still here, so now all the Death Riders mug Swerve! The fans boo, but Claudio hauls Swerve into the ring. The Death Riders now surround Swerve.
The fans boo as Pac & Yuta sit Swerve up, and Moxley tells Swerve that he’s going to see who’s the most dangerous one around here. What is that bucket? Yuta dumps out broken glass! Claudio then drags Swerve back up, crosses the arms, RICOLA BOMB onto the glass!! The fans lose their minds while Swerve writhes. Moxley & the Death Riders take their leave, but then Swerve sits up! The glass digs into his back, but Swerve’s eyes stare daggers at Moxley. Moxley is in disbelief as Swerve LAUGHS. The fans rally for “Whose House?” “SWERVE’S HOUSE!” If not even this can stop him, will The Realest once again reign over the AEW Dynasty?
My Thoughts:
A great Dynamite as a go-home to Dynasty, though with some questions when it comes to what they’ve set up for the Owen Hart Cup. Why is there a Wild Card in only the Men’s Owen Hart Cup, and why isn’t it considered the replacement for Jay White? I will give them credit that the Wild Card was the plan all along, because no one could’ve accounted for White getting injured. But why wasn’t there a wild card for the Women’s Owen Hart Cup? That aside, both tournaments have great names, and we’re going to get some great matches. Another great promo from Harley with Mone, they’re going to have a very fun match with Athena & Hart.
Toni VS Penelope was a very good match, but it’d be nice if they did the match graphics correctly. Megan didn’t go out there Penelope but Luther did go out there Toni, despite what they put in the lower third. It can’t be that hard to put those together. But Megan just leaving it at a stare down is actually some good stuff, it shows she can think strategically, so she’s even more menacing than just being big and strong. But I still think Toni finds a way to win as the underdog champion. Out of the Women’s Owen Hart Cup, I’m leaning towards Thunder Rosa winning so that she can make good on going for the title she never truly lost.
Very good promo segment from MJF with The Hurt Syndicate, and very intriguing how MVP is still trying to plead MJF’s case. Great segue into Bill & Keith showing up and squashing those two guys that we never got the names of. Which I suppose is very fitting for squash matches because it was going to turn out this way no matter what. Lashley & Shelton VS Bill & Keith for Dynasty is going to be great, and I wonder if MJF interferes on Hurt Syndicate’s behalf to help them keep the belts, just as he said. Even if he doesn’t, Bill & Keith will likely lose, so as to disappoint Jericho and start us down the road to Bill standing up against Jericho.
Ospreay & Knight VS Blake & Lee was a great tag match, with Ospreay & Knight naturally winning. Ospreay VS Knight is going to be a great match for the Owen Hart Cup, but I would think Ospreay wins. Ospreay stated his goal of going to All In, and he can’t do that without winning the Owen Hart Cup at Double or Nothing. Brody VS Archer was a great match of big meaty men, and naturally Brody wins so he also has momentum going into the tournament. But here’s an interesting thing. why is Will Hobbs not in the Owen Hart Cup? He’s been running hot as of late, so he better be going for like the TNT or Continental title to make up for missing out.
That said, Hobbs & Ishii surely take the loss to Kyle & Konosuke as the Don Callis Family goes into the Owen Hart Cup. Kyle and Mark Briscoe will battle once again, and I think Kyle wins that so that there’s a chance of Kyle VS Ospreay in the finals. The Wild Card for the match with Hangman is also interesting, perhaps a long awaited return that’ll also give Hangman a great opening round match. Hangman also had a great promo with Swerve, where Swerve actually showed some remorse and took some responsibility for how things went between them.
Good promo from FTR with Dax being very apologetic, and with Cash being somewhat surprisingly unwilling to forgive. Cope VS Claudio was a very good main event, and naturally Cope won. For starters, it ties up the singles series we’re getting, and Cash VS Pac this Saturday will be rather telling for the title match. Swerve & Willow VS Moxley & Marina was an awesome tornado tag match, and kudos on Marina and Willow with that table powerbomb. Moxley really adds some heat hitting Willow with the Paradigm Shift as a sore loser, and then we got quite the brutal closing with Death Riders beating down Swerve.
Swerve still getting up after all that was a great visual, and I would hope he wins the title. It’d be very intriguing to see Swerve and Hangman feud again now that both men are working to be redeem themselves and be Faces.
My Score: 8.9/10
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