Coverage
Mitchell’s NJPW G1 Climax 34 Results & Report! (8/12/24)
A Block, the FINAL ROUND!

Who makes it to the playoffs for A Block?
And it all comes down to this! A Block hits round nine, and only the top three move on! Will Tetsuya Naito head for that G1 Climax Championship repeat?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Hirooki Goto & Hiroshi Tanahashi VS Yota Tsuji & BUSHI; Goto & Tanahashi win.
- El Phantasmo & Jado VS David Finlay & Gedo; ELP & Jado win.
- 8 Man Tag: The House of Torture VS Konosuke Takeshita & The United Empire; The House of Torture wins.
- G1 Climax 34 A Block: Callum Newman VS Gabe Kidd; Gabe wins.
- G1 Climax 34 A Block: SANADA VS Zack Sabre Jr; ZSJ wins.
- G1 Climax 34 A Block: Shingo Takagi VS Jake Lee; Takagi wins.
- G1 Climax 34 A Block: EVIL VS Shota Umino; Shota wins.
- G1 Climax 34 A Block: Tetsuya Naito VS Great-O-Khan; Khan wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
Here are the current A Block standings!
Zack Sabre Jr: 6-2, 12 points [PLAYOFF BERTH]
Evil: 5-3, 10 points
Tetsuya Naito: 5-3, 10 points
Shingo Takagi: 4-4, 8 points
Great-O-Khan: 4-4, 8 points
Sanada: 4-4, 8 points
Jake Lee: 4-4, 8 points [ELIMINATED]
Gabe Kidd: 3-5, 6 points [ELIMINATED]
Shota Umino: 3-5, 6 points [ELIMINATED]
Callum Newman: 2-6, 4 points [ELIMINATED]
Here are the current B Block standings!
David Finlay: 5-3, 10 points
Jeff Cobb: 5-3, 10 points
Ren Narita: 5-3, 10 points
Hirooki Goto: 4-4, 8 points
Konosuke Takeshita: 4-4, 8 points
Yota Tsuji: 4-4, 8 points
Yuya Uemura: 4-5, 8 points [INJURY]
Henare: 3-5, 6 points [ELIMINATED]
Boltin Oleg: 4-5, 8 points [ELIMINATED]
El Phantasmo: 3-5, 6 points [ELIMINATED]
After the 8 Man Tag…
While The House of Torture won, that’s not good enough for them! Ren Narita attacks Konosuke Takeshita on his way out! The fans boo but Ren pushes Young Lions aside, and uses his pushup bar to CLUB Konosuke! The House gets Konosuke back in the ring to beat him down! They kick the ref out, then Ren grabs a chair! Sho & Kanemaru holds Konosuke down while Ren SMACKS away on Konosuke’s leg! The fans boo more but Ren “puts one out” on Konosuke’s knee before leaving him behind. Has the Souled Out Son of Strong Style already won his final B Block match? Or can The Alpha defeat him, even on one good leg?
G1 Climax 34 A Block: Callum Newman VS Gabe Kidd!
The Prince of Pace and the Mad Man are both out of the running, but what does that matter? This is about pride as British wrestlers! Will Havering, London be celebrating with Callum? Or will Brighton, Sussex be barking with the War Dogs?
Gabe tells everyone through the camera that he’ll beat this Ospreay wannabe, and then he’ll beat Lio Rush in DC. But wait, Callum DIVES onto Gabe! The fans fire up as Callum slides back in, waits on Gabe, and then goes up the corner to SUPER FLYING KNEE! The fans fire up more and Callum drags Gabe up into the ring. The bell sounds, Callum runs in at the corner and DROPKICKS! Callum then goes up and up and FLYING DOUBLE STOMPS! Gabe is down, the fans fire up more, and Callum calls his shot! Springboard, OS- NO, Gabe catches Callum! Gabe inverted suplexes, but Callum slips free to chicken wing!
Gabe arm-drags free, blocks a kick, flips Callum, but Callum lands out to SUPERKICK! Callum tries again, but Gabe stops him at the ropes! Callum fights but Gabe hits a BIG back suplex! The fans fire up while both men are down! Gabe sits up cross-legged, and finally takes off his merch shirt. Fans rally and duel as Gabe stalks Callum to ropes. Gabe CHOPS, CHOPS and LARIATS! Gabe runs, but Callum BOOTS the lariat! Gabe spins to LARIAT with the other arm! Cover, TWO! Gabe drags Callum right up but Callum fights the lift. Gabe CLUBS Callum, Callum trips Gabe to a jackknife bridge, TWO! Both men stand, Callum ducks ‘n’ dodges!
Callum springboards to MISSILE DROPKICK! Direct hit on Gabe and the fans fire up! Gabe rolls to a corner and Callum sits up. The fans rally behind Callum and he runs up to GAMANGIRI! Callum snapmares Gabe, keeps moving, and PENALTY KICKS! STANDING MOONSAULT! Cover, TWO! Gabe stays in this and the fans rally up again. Callum rises, and he KICKS! Gabe sputters, but he sits back up. Callum KICKS again! Gabe snarls, so Callum KICKS! Gabe eggs Callum on so Callum KICKS, and KICKS, and KICKS! Gabe HEADBUTTS, HEADBUTTS, but Callum dodges the haymaker to ROCK Gabe!
Both men lean on each other, but Callum whips. Gabe reverses, Callum ducks ‘n’ dodges but then Gabe dodges the boot! Callum dodges the lariat to springboard, OSCUT- NO! Gabe blocks, suplexes, but Callum slips free! Callum waistlocks, Gabe elbows then ROCKS Callum first! Gabe whips, Callum handsprings and goes over Gabe to GERMAN SUPLEX! O’Conner Roll, TWO!! Gabe survives but the fans are thunderous! Callum ROUNDHOUSES, SUPERKICKS, and HEEL KICKS! Gabe drops to his knees, and Callum brings him up. Callum tries again, OSC- DOUBLE CHOP! Gabe then rips away Callum’s shoulder tape! PILEDRIVER!!
Gabe isn’t done, he hauls Callum up, LEG TRAP PILEDRIVER!! Cover, Gabe wins!
Winner: Gabe Kidd, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Callum earns 0)
Callum tried too hard to be like Will Ospreay, and he gets stuck at the bottom of the block! Will Callum have to prove he’s his own man if he wants to be a champion? And speaking of, will Gabe still be NJPW Strong after he faces the Bad Child at Capital Collision?
Wait, Gabe isn’t even done with Callum! He brings a chair into the ring, JAMS up the Young Lions, then sets the chair down! FULL METAL PILEDRIVER!! Gabe IS a Mad Man, what won’t he do to be THE man in New Japan?
G1 Climax 34 A Block: SANADA VS Zack Sabre Jr!
At 4-4, The Cold Skull is on the hot seat, this is a must-win situation. However, The Front Man is out in front, he’s going to the playoffs either way. But will ZSJ make sure one of his toughest rivals doesn’t make it to the next round out? Or will Sanada keep his G1 hopes alive?
The bell rings and the fans rally up as the two stare down. It sounds pretty even between “SA-NA-DA!” and “ZAKU! ZAKU!” The two circle, feel things out, and knuckle lock. ZSJ shifts to a facelock but Sanada puts him on ropes. ZSJ turns it around, then he lets off cleanly. The fans cheer and the two reset. ZSJ and Sanada feel things out again, knuckle lock again, and ZSJ wrenches to have a straitjacket! Sanada remembers this one, he spins that around on ZSJ. ZSJ spins it back around but Sanada spins it right back on ZSJ. ZSJ bridges back, rolls, and puts the jacket on Sanada, but Sanada puts it right back on ZSJ!
The fans cheer as the two go back and forth with the straitjacket. They go around, ZSJ kneels, then sits down. ZSJ rolls back, and he puts the straitjacket on Sanada! Sanada arm-drags free, then he trips ZSJ to have a standing toehold! ZSJ flips over, reels Sanada in, only for Sanada to Bow ‘n’ Arrow! ZSJ pops right out to a cover, ONE! The fans cheer while the two have a standoff. ZSJ smirks and the two reset again. They circle, tie up, and Sanada headlocks. ZSJ powers up and out, but Sanada goes for a leg. Sanada rolls but ZSJ steps through to sit on the cover, but Sanada sunset flips! ZSJ rolls through to high stack!
Sanada rolls back to bring ZSJ into a cover, but ZSJ sunset flips! ONE and Sanada has a prawn hold! ONE and ZSJ sunset flips! ONE and it’s back to Sanada! ONE and it’s back to ZSJ! ONE! ONE! Sanada prawn holds deep, TWO!! ZSJ escapes and the fans are thunderous! The two go to corners to cool things down while the fans rally up. Sanada and ZSJ circle again, feel things out, and knuckle lock. ZSJ kicks but so does Sanada, and we have another standoff. The fans rally as the two reset, and the tie up. ZSJ UPPERCUTS! Sanada feels that, but he comes back to UPPERCUT ZSJ! The fans rally up as ZSJ nods.
ZSJ comes back and UPPERCUTS Sanada! The fans rally up again as Sanada UPPERCUTS ZSJ! ZSJ UPPERCUTS, Sanada UPPERCUTS, repeat! Sanada UPPERCUTS and ZSJ wobbles, so Sanada UPPERCUTS again! ZSJ UPPERCUTS right back, and we pass five minutes. The fans rally as Sanada UPPERCUTS, but ZSJ UPPERCUTS! The UPPERCUTS continue, but ZSJ seems to be doing as much damage to his arm from throwing them. The UPPERCUTS keep going, and Sanada staggers ZSJ with another! And another! And then another! ZSJ falls back and the fans fire up! Sanada takes a moment before going back to ZSJ.
Sanada stands ZSJ up, but ZSJ RAMS into him! ZSJ headlocks, Sanada powers out, but ZSJ catches him to a COBRA TWIST! But Sanada switches that onto ZSJ! ZSJ switches it back onto Sanada! Sanada endures, then hip tosses free to DROPKICK ZSJ! ZSJ bails out while the fans fire up again. Sanada aims and PLANCHAS! Direct hit and the fans fire up again! Sanada encourages them to get louder so they get louder! Sanada then goes back to ZSJ, puts him in the ring, and he drags ZSJ back up. Sanada fireman’s carries, T K- NO! ZSJ lands out to NECK TWIST! Then basement dropkick! A glancing blow but the fans fire up while both men are down!
ZSJ stands, and he looms over Sanada. ZSJ drags Sanada up, chicken wings the arms, but Sanada fights the lift to arm-drag! ZSJ BOOTS Sanada, then PELES the arm! ZSJ runs, but Sanada dropkicks the legs! The fans cheer again, and Sanada storms over. Sanada drags ZSJ up to suplex him onto ropes, for MAGIC SCREW! The fans cheer again while both men are down. Sanada kips up and the fans fire up! Sanada roars, aims from a corner, and he runs up, but ZSJ ducks the Shining Wizard! But Sanada blocks the kick! ZSJ fires off SLAPPING palm strikes, but Sanada still DRAGON SCREWS the leg! The fans fire up while both men are down!
ZSJ clutches his knee while he sits up, but Sanada goes to a corner! Sanada goes up to ROUNDING BODY PRESS onto knees, and into an ARMBAR!! Sanada fights around, but ZSJ makes it a DISARMER!! Sanada endures and ZSJ digs knuckles in here and there. We pass 10 minutes as ZSJ has both arms! Sanada endures this modified Rings of Saturn, and then ZSJ shifts to make it CLARKY CAT!! Sanada still endures, fights around, but ZSJ gets a leg! They roll and roll and ZSJ still the arms, to go for the JIM BREAKS SPECIAL!! Sanada kicks with his legs and the fans rally as hard as they can! So ZSJ shifts with the leg and rolls Sanada into the RINGS OF SATURN!
Sanada still endures, so ZSJ shifts again, HURRAH ANOTHER YEAR!! Sanada endures being turned into a pretzel with this ground octopus hybrid, and he fights over to a ROPEBREAK!! The fans are thunderous as ZSJ lets go in frustration! ZSJ mockingly asks if Sanada’s okay, but he gets no response. So ZSJ SLAPS Sanada on the neck! And SLAPS! And SLAPS! The fans rally again as Sanada slowly rises. ZSJ KICKS him! And KICKS! And KICKS! Sanada stands, ZSJ UPPERCUTS him! Again, ZSJ’s arm feels that as much as Sanada. But still, ZSJ UPPERCUTS! ZSJ brings Sanada up to UPPERCUT but Sanada snarls!
Sanada UPPERCUTS ZSJ, then UPPERCUTS again! And UPPERCUTS again! ZSJ ENZIGIRIS! Sanada ENZIGIRIS! Sanada O’Conner Rolls, but ZSJ pops it into a REAR NAKED, but Sanada rolls through, EURO CLUTCH!! TWO!!! ZSJ escapes, Sanada runs up, SHINING- NO, ZSJ slips through, rolls Sanada to JAPANESE- NO, Sanada blocks the roll and has the SKULL END! But ZSJ rolls back to pop free and EURO CLUTCH that Sanada turns into an O’CONNER BRIDGE! TWO!!! ZSJ escapes, both men run, and Sanada dropkicks the legs out! The fans are thunderous while both men are down!
The fans rally as hard as they can for “SA-NA-DA!” and “ZAKU! ZAKU!” Sanada stands, runs, and SHINING WIZARDS!! The fans fire up again and Sanada brings ZSJ around. We pass 15 minutes but ZSJ slips free to shove Sanada. Sanada BOOTS back, goes up, Sanada QUEBRADA and dragon sleeper! But ZSJ spins it around! Only for Sanada to spin it back! Sanada inverted suplexes, but ZSJ lands out to scoop! ZACK- NO, Sanada has the dragon sleeper! SKULL END!! ZSJ is fading but then Sanada spins him! DEAD- NO, ZSJ slips out to full nelson! Sanada elbows free, but ZSJ UPPERCUTS! Sanada roars!
ZSJ runs in, Sanada dodges but ZSJ bucks the O’Conner! Scoop and ZACK DRIVER!! Cover, ZSJ WINS!!
Winner: Zack Sabre Jr, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Sanada earns 0)
And with that, not only does Sanada’s G1 ends, ZSJ solidifies his spot as A Block’s top seed! As such, he gets that first round bye! Will ZSJ be in tip top shape for the semifinals on August 15th?
G1 Climax 34 A Block: Shingo Takagi VS Jake Lee!
The Rampaging Dragon is also on the edge. Not only must he win here, he needs someone between Evil and Naito to lose! Will he at least handle his part of the mission? Or will the Smart Bastard make it all a moot point?
The bell rings and the fans rally up. The “TA-KA-GI!” outweighs the “JEIKU!” but Jake lets that pass. They tie up, are in a deadlock, but Jake’s height is his leverage. Jake puts Takagi on ropes but Takagi turns things around. The ref calls a break, the two let off slowly, and Takagi puts Jake’s hands down by his side, and even smooths Jake’s hair. The fans cheer as Takagi backs away to take a gentlemanly bow. Jake wags his finger, and says the bow has to be deeper. Takagi bows deeper, and Jake KICKS him down! Jake takes a bow, but Takagi’s right up. Takagi knees low, runs, and RAMS Jake! Jake doesn’t move, so Takagi runs again.
They RAM shoulders, Jake doesn’t budge, so Takagi CHOPS! Jake felt that! Takagi whips, Jake reverses but Takagi ducks ‘n’ dodges to CLOBBER Jake! The fans fire up and Takagi encourages them to get louder. The fans oblige, so Takagi takes another bow. Takagi goes over to Jake, snapmares him, then drops an elbow! And another elbow! And then a SENTON! The fans cheer, and Takagi brings Jake up. Takagi KNEES Jake low, KNEES him again, then whips him to ropes, for another KNEE! Takagi reels Jake in but Jake fights the suplex! Jake turns things around, hangs Takagi out to dry, then KNEES him off the ropes!
Takagi falls to the apron then the floor, and the fans rally up! Jake goes out to fetch Takagi, and whips him hard into railing! Jake drags Takagi up, puts him on the apron, and then CLUBS, KNEES and repeat! Jake then gets space, runs up, and KNEE LIFTS Takagi down! The fans rally for Takagi while the ref checks on him, and Jake takes a lap. Jake rolls into the ring to wait on Takagi, mocking Takagi’s hand triangle pose. The ring count climbs as Takagi drags himself up with railing. Takagi stands at 10, takes a breath, but then Jake’s right after him! Jake shoves Takagi in, the fans applaud, and Jake cravats.
Takagi endures the neck wrench, but Jake snapmares to chinlock. Takagi endures, even as Jake puts on the pressure. Jake then pushes Takagi down to tell the fans to shut up with the “TA-KA-GI!” Takagi stands to throw elbows into Jake’s stomach! Jake knees low, whips, then KNEES Takagi! Jake whips and KNEES Takagi! That’s a rather Takagi move at that! Takagi sputters as he drops to his knees, and Jake clamps on a SLEEPER! Takagi endures, the fans rally, but Jake drops back to have body scissors! The fans rally as Takagi fights around, then reaches out to have the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer, the ref counts, and Jake lets go at 4.
Takagi sputters as he sits up. The fans rally behind Takagi but Jake talks trash on them. Jake scuffs Takagi, kicks him to a corner, then KICKS him down! Then KICKS him again! Takagi stands to fire forearms! Jake KNEES low! Takagi falls back into the corner but the fans rally up again. Jake raises his hand and roars, then he drags Takagi up. Takagi fights the lift with elbows, but Jake KNEES him low! Jake reels Takagi in, but Takagi fights the suplex to flying-mare! Takagi blocks a boot to DRAGON SCREW! The fans fire up while both men are down! Jake rolls to a corner, clutching his leg. Takagi runs up to ROCK Jake!
Takagi JABS, CHOPS and repeat in the corner! Then JAB, JAB, CHOP! The fans fire up as Jake sits down, and Takagi fires back up. Takagi drags Jake to his feet, but Jake fights the suplex! Takagi knees low, whips, but Jake KNEES right back! Takagi drops to his knees again, and Jake storms up. Jake drags Takagi up, but Takagi fights the suplex. Takagi powers up to suplex Jake up and over! The fans fire up, Takagi crawls to the cover, TWO! Jake is still in this but Takagi grits his teeth. Takagi says, “TOK-” NO, SLEEPER!! Jake has Takagi caught, but Takagi RAMS Jake into buckles! Takagi is free, but then Jake clamps back on!
Takagi THROWS Jake down, then runs to SLIDING LARIAT! The fans fire up again while both men are down! Takagi shouts “OI! OI! OI!” and the fans join in. Takagi drags Jake up, pump handles, but Jake fights with elbows! Takagi fires a forearm, and Jake gets in Takagi’s face. Takagi fires more forearms but Jake just gets in Takagi’s face. We pass 10 minutes, and now the forearms go back and forth! The fans rally, Takagi throws some JABS in there, then fires boxing elbows! Takagi ROCKS Jake and Jake drops to his knees! The fans fire up as Takagi stands Jake back up, only for Jake to ROCK Takagi!
Jake KICKS, but Takagi blocks! Takagi CLUBS Jake, then ELBOWS! JABS! YUKON- KNEE from Jake! Takagi rounds!? PUMPING BOMBER!! Both men are down again and the fans are thunderous again! Jake rolls to a corner, Takagi stands, and he copies the finger gun! Takagi runs up, but into a GAMANGIRI! Then PENALTY KICK! Cover, TWO! Jake hauls Takagi up, GIANT BACK SUPLEX! Cover, TWO!! Takagi survives and the fans fire up again! Jake watches Takagi stand, then KNEES him again! Jake aims now! FACE BREAK- NO, Takagi gets under the giant leg! DEATH VALLEY DRIVER! Both men are down and the fans fire up again!
Jake goes to a corner, Takagi runs in to LARIAT! Takagi fires up and the fans are with him! Takagi puts Jake up top, climbs up after him, and SUPERPLEXES! The fans are thunderous again after that crash! They rally for “TA-KA-GI!” as he rises. Takagi headbutts the buckles, then runs to PUMPING BOMBER! Jake stays up!! Takagi runs again, PUMPING BOMBER! Jake is still up!? Takagi POINT-BLANK BOMBERS! Jake ROCKS Takagi! Takagi JABS and HEADBUTTS! Jake ROUNDHOUSES! Both men roar, PUMPING BOMBER TAKEDOWN!! Cover, TAKAGI WINS!!
Winner: Shingo Takagi, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Jake earns 0)
Jake is pissed and he all but shoves the ref out of the ring! But as smart as he is, as good-looking as he is, Jake must accept that he lost and could not stop The Rampaging Dragon! Takagi is right at the doorstep, will he make it into the G1 Climax playoffs?
G1 Climax 34 A Block: EVIL w/ Dick Togo VS Shota Umino!
The pressure is on for The King of Darkness. If he still wants to be in the A Block Wild Card, he has to win this. But if The Roughneck can tear him down, that’s a prize unto itself! Will Darkness Fall on the G1 Climax playoffs? Or can #SHOOTER make sure everything is NOT Evil?
Oh no! Evil & Dick drag Abe-san into the ring with them! Evil has a written statement he wants Abe-san to read! Abe doesn’t want to but Evil gets in his face about it! Fans boo but Evil tells them to shut up! Then Evil tells Abe to finally read the statement! “This is a message from Shota Umino to NJPW and the fans. Before I even started the G1 Climax tournament in A Block, I was sure to lose. Even if I beat Evil, I cannot advance. Therefore, so the fans can enjoy the playoffs, I will forfeit this match and give my points to Evil.” The fans all boo because this is so obviously a false statement!
But Evil says that’s just how it is! Too bad for Shota fans, huh? But that means Evil wins, so raise his hand! The ref refuses, but Dick raises Evil’s hand, and the fans boo. Evil says time to go, but then wait! Shota’s music hits! The Roughneck is going to expose Evil’s lies himself! And he CLOBBERS Evil & Dick at the ramp! The fans cheer as Shota kicks Evil, then whips him hard into railing! Evil drops to his knees, Shota CLUBS him, then whips him into more railing! The ref wants this in the ring, it still isn’t a match! Shota says okay, and he puts Evil in. The fans cheer, the bell rings, but then Evil bails out.
Shota pursues, CLUBS Evil, and the fans fire up as Shota puts Evil back in. Evil wants mercy, the ref wants Shota to back up, but Shota stomps Evil in the corner! The ref counts, Shota lets off at 4, and then Shota drags Evil up. Shota ROCKS Evil with a forearm, CLUBS him down, and then stomps him again. Shota UPPERCUTS, then whips Evil corner to corner. Shota runs in but Dick is already untying the buckle pad! Evil BOOTS Shota away, but Shota comes back. Surprise! Bare buckles! The fans boo as Shota hits steel, and the ref reprimands Evil, but the Bullet Club Special is now in play.
Evil drops the buckle pad and he drags Shota up. Evil TOSSES Shota out, then goes out after him, to RAM him into the timekeeper’s area! Abe-san suffers, even after reading the message like Evil wanted! Evil grabs a mic and he insults the “konoyarou” Shota. Evil talks trash on the fans, too, before he stomps Shota. The fans rally for Shota but Evil drags him out to No Man’s Land. Evil then yanks away the railing, and BOWLS Shota into into chairs! The fans boo but Evil CHOKES Shota using a chair! The ref reprimands, Evil lets off, and Shota is down while Evil goes back to the ring. The fans rally for “SHO~TA! SHO~TA!”
Shota stirs and the ring count starts. Shota sits up at 8 of 20, then stands at 10. Shota hobbles his way over at 13 and rolls in. Evil distracts the ref, Dick drags Shota back out! The ref still stops his count, though, and Shota rolls in safe. The fans applaud but Evil brings the merch shirt over. The ref says no, so Evil gives that up. Surprise! Evil uses the tag rope to CHOKE Shota! Evil hides it by putting Shota on the ropes, and then lets off as the ref reprimands. Evil drags Shota to a cover, ONE! Shota is tougher than that but Evil is upset with the ref. Some rando in the crowd is actually chanting for Evil, but everyone else cheers on Shota!
Evil drags Shota up, and Shota fires body shots! Shota ROCKS Evil, ROCKS him again, but Evil knees low! Evil TOSSES Shota, then distracts the ref so Dick can SMACK Shota with the buckle pad against railing! Dick puts Shota in for Evil to cover, ONE! Another cover, TWO! A deep cover, TWO!! Shota stays in this, and the fans rally up again. Evil stands on Shota’s head, then drags him up. Evil CHOPS Shota but Shota roars back! So Evil CHOPS again! Shota snarls as he storms around, but Evil CHOPS again! Shota shouts, Evil winds up, to CLAW Shota’s eyes! Evil runs, into a DROPKICK! The fans fire up while both men are down!
Shota goes to a corner and he takes aim. Evil stands, Shota runs up to CLOBBER him! And CLOBBER him again! Shota whips, Evil reverses but Shota ducks ‘n’ dodges to CLOBBER Evil again! The fans fire up as Shota reloads in the corner. Evil rises, Shota runs corner to corner to UPPERCUT! Then FISHERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO! Not quite perfect, but the fans still rally behind “SHO~TA! SHO~TA!” Shota drags Evil up, clinches, but Evil fights with elbows. Evil whips, Shota ducks ‘n’ dodges to WRECK Dick! Shota then drop toeholds Evil onto ropes, and slingshots to APRON DDT!
The fans fire up with Shota again while Evil flops to the floor. Shota drags Evil up, puts him in the ring, and then climbs a corner. MISSILE DROPKICK! Direct hit, and then Shota hits the EXPLODER! Cover, TWO! Evil is tougher than that but the fans fire up with Shota again. Shota drags Evil up in a dragon sleeper, but Evil fights it! Evil suplexes, Shota fights that to wrench and UPPERCUT! And UPPERCUT again! But Evil CLAWS eyes again! The ref reprimands, but Evil blocks Shota’s kick. Evil hands that to the ref, but then Shota blocks Evil’s kick! The ref lets Shota go and he UPPERCUTS Evil!
Shota runs, but Evil pulls the ref into the SHOTGUN! And Dick runs in to stomp away on Shota! Dick uses the SPOILER CHOKER!! The fans boo, but Shota fights against the garrote! Except here comes Kanemaru! Kanemaru kicks Shota low! The fans boo as The House mugs Shota! They set Shota up for MAGIC KILLER!! Dick bails out to fetch the ref, and Kanemaru counts the cover? Kanemaru hits three, and DICK rings the bell! The fans boo this newest farce, but then another ref hurries out here. Ref Sato tells Kanemaru and Dick to stay back, and Evil drags Shota up. Fireman’s carry, but Shota slips free!
Shota waistlocks, but Evil fires elbows! Evil whips but Shota reverses to TORNADO DDT! The fans fire up and Shota hurries to BLAST Dick off the apron! He also DECKS Kanemaru! Evil staggers up, runs in, but is sent into bare buckles! Shota trips Evil, steps through, S T F! Evil endures and crawls forward, but Shota drags him back! And back to the STF! But SHO is here! Sho distracts the ref with his “Torture Tool,” but that lets YUJIRO TAKAHASHI slip in! Yujiro SHOVES Shota into this new ref! That’s two down! The House all stomps away on Shota now! The fans boo but The House all puts one out on Shota.
Dick drags Shota up, he and Sho whip Shota to a corner. Dick UPPERCUTS! Kanemaru ELBOWS! Sho forearm SMASHES! Yujiro BOOTS! Evil LARIATS! Snapmare, and they set Shota up! Dick climbs so he can DICK CHOP! The fans boo as hard as they can but Evil calls for a ref. Referee Sakamoto arrives, counts, TWO?!? Shota survives and the fans fire up! Sho distracts Sakamoto while Yujiro drags Shota up, PIMP JUICE!! Evil covers, TWO!?! Shota survives again and the fans are thunderous! But then the House DUMPS Sakamoto out! That’s three refs suffering at their hands! Kanemaru runs up to BOOT Shota!
The House mugs Shota while the fans boo. But here comes HIROSHI TANAHASHI! President Ace fights The House! Tanahashi BOOTS Kanemaru, BOOTS Yujiro, but Sho kicks Tanahashi first. Sho stands Tanahashi up, Dick takes aim, but Tanahashi slips free, POCKET SAND hits Sho in the face! Dick attacks Tanahashi, Kanemaru takes a swig, but Tanahashi ducks! WHISKEY MIST hits Dick!! Tanahashi then dodges a cane shot from Yujiro! SHOTEI! And a SLINGBLADE for Kanemaru! The fans are thunderous as Tanahashi calls for a ref! But Evil LOW BLOWS Tanahashi! The fans boo as Evil disrespects the boss!
Evil drags Shota up but Shota dodges his lariat, to CUTTER!! The fans fire up while both men are down! And then the fans cheer as Red Shoes arrives! He can’t believe the mess The House of Torture has made, but he gets in here to take over! Red Shoes checks both men and they stir. The fans rally for Shota as hard as they can and he rises up! Evil flounders to a corner, and Shota runs in to KNEE Evil in the back! Then dragon sleeper for TRIDENT! Cover, TWO!! Evil survives but Shota just revs back up! The fans rally as he runs, to IGNITION! Then Shota drags Evil up, underhooks, but Evil RAMS Shota into bare buckles!
Shota just roars! Shota runs in but into a LARIAT from Evil! Evil throws his elbow pads off, then stands Shota up. Evil runs, to LARIAT!! Cover, TWO!!!! Shota survives and the fans are electric! Evil is losing his mind but he slashes his throat. Evil vows to end this, and he drags Shota up. The fans rally for Shota as hard as they can, but Evil spins Shota! Shota slips free to ROCK, ROLLING ELBOW, and ENZIGIRI Evil down! Shota roars, the fans are thunderous, and Shota goes to a corner. Shota aims as Evil slowly rises. BLAZE BLADE!! But that’s not all! Shota drags Evil up to underhook! Evil slips free, waistlocks, but Shota switches!
Evil shoves Red Shoes away! And he LOW BLOWS Shota!! And then Evil steals DEATH RIDER!!! Cover, TWO?!?!? Shota survives again and the fans are electric! Evil slashes his throat, and EVERY- NO! Shota fights to steal EVIL!!! Both men are down but Shota rises fast! The fans are electric again as he roars! Shota drags Evil up to pump handle and half nelson. PUMP HANDLE POWERSLAM! And now, a DEATH RIDER!!! Cover, SHOTA WINS!!!
Winner: Shota Umino, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Evil earns 0)
JUSTICE IS SERVED! Evil tried every trick in the book and then some, but it could not save him! The King of Darkness is OUT of the running, and the way is open for another! Is this proof that Shota Umino can bring a Paradigm Shift to NJPW?
G1 Climax 34 A Block: Tetsuya Naito VS Great-O-Khan!
It all comes down to this. The round robin math works out to make this a true “Win and you’re in” situation! Will the IWGP World Heavyweight Champion continue on towards back-to-back G1 Climaxes? Or will the KOPW Champion establish the power of The United Empire?
Khan takes a cue from Naito by taking his time with putting aside his entrance attire. Khan carefully places down his shirt, and Naito finally puts the pants away. The bell rings and the fans are strongly dueling already! Naito assesses that the “NA-I-TO!” only has a small lead over the “O-KHAN! O-KHAN!” Wait, that lead seems to be shifting. Khan and Naito circle, feel things out, but Naito just leans back against ropes. Khan backs away and Naito returns. They circle again, feel things out, but Naito plays coy so Khan steps back now. The fans rally, the two circle, then approach, and Naito rolls Khan up! TWO!
Naito atomic drops, then he bumps Khan off buckles. Naito goes up, brings Khan around, but Khan breaks free. Naito BOOTS Khan, runs up, but Khan picks Naito up to RAM him into the corner! Then Mongolian Chop! Mongolian Chop! And Mongolian fake to UPPERCUT! The fans cheer as Khan says he’s too smart for Naito. Khan then has Naito in the corner, and climbs up to sit on his throne! The fans cheer, Red Shoes reprimands, but Khan pulls Naito’s arms back! Red Shoes counts, so Khan lets go, and JUMPING MONGOLIAN CHOPS Naito on the back! Naito bails out, Khan pursues, and the fans rally.
Khan whips but Naito reverses, and Khan hits railing hard! Khan writhes on the floor, but Naito drags him up to whip him hard into more railing! Khan hangs over the side but then falls back. Naito walks over, brings Khan up and puts him in the ring. Naito kneels on Khan but Khan pushes him away. Naito drags Khan up to cravat, and he grinds the neck wrench. Khan endures, so Naito CLUBS away on his neck! Khan staggers to ropes, but Naito whips. Khan drop toeholds Naito right into a KNEEBAR! Naito flails, reaches out, moves around, and gets the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer, Red Shoes counts, and Khan lets go at 4.
The fans rally harder for “O-KHAN! O-KHAN!” now, and he ties up Naito’s legs. Khan traps one of Naito’s arms, and he KNEES Naito in the side of the hip again and again! Then he covers, TWO! Khan keeps hold of the legs to KNEE them again and again! Deep cover, TWO! Khan YANKS the legs, then covers, TWO! Naito shows that world champion toughness but the fans still rally behind “O-KHAN! O-KHAN!” Khan SMASHES Naito’s knee into the mat! Naito clutches the leg but Khan paces around. Khan KNEES the leg, then he drags Naito around. Khan stomps the leg again and again, and the fans continue to rally.
Naito manages to stand and fire forearms! Khan just kicks the bad leg! Khan puts Naito on ropes, to then DRAGON SAYANAGI the leg! Khan ties the legs up in a deathlock, and he pulls on this modified Calf Killer! Naito endures, Khan shifts around, and he puts as much pressure as he can on the legs. Khan then grabs the arms, for a QUEEN ANGELITO STRETCH! Naito endures, but he has no limbs to fight free with! Khan shifts into a more motorcycle stretch hold, but Naito fights his way over with just his head! Naito manages to reach the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer, and Khan lets go in frustration.
Khan paces while Naito writhes. Naito pushes himself up, but Khan grabs the leg! Naito CLUBS away on Khan, so Khan ROCKS Naito with a right! Khan then reels Naito in for the SHIN- ARM-DRAG! Naito then ELBOWS Khan, but Khan comes back! Naito dropkicks the legs out! The fans fire up while both men are down! The dueling gets stronger as the “NA-I-TO!” starts to catch back up to the “O-KHAN! O-KHAN!” Naito stands Khan up, kicks and kicks then whips. Naito arm-drags Khan, ELBOWS him down, then basement dropkicks! The fans cheer, and Naito brings Khan up. Naito whips Khan to a corner, then ELBOWS him again.
Naito puts Khan in the ropes, brings him out, for a DRAPING NECKBREAKER! Then Naito turns Khan, holds him, and hits a standard NECKBREAKER! The fans cheer as Naito poses. Naito then covers, TWO! The dueling continues between “NA-I-TO!” and “O-KHAN!” as we pass 10 minutes. Naito cravats for another neck wrench but Khan fires body shots. Naito CLUBS away on Khan again, then swings, but into a fireman’s carry takeover! Both men are down and the fans rally up! Khan rises, and he brings Naito up by wristlocks. Khan MONKEY FLIPS Naito, then brings him up for a SAYANAGI! And then another SAYANAGI! Cover, TWO!
Khan shifts right around to a KNEEBAR! Naito endures, grabs at Khan and tries to pry the hold open but Khan puts on more pressure! Khan’s grapevine of the leg even allows him to push Naito’s other leg away, it’s a kneebar spladle combo! The fans rally as Naito endures, and he moves around. Khan pulls on the bad leg, but Naito reaches out for the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer while Khan lets go cleanly. Khan drags Naito back, has the leg, but Naito rolls through the kneebar! Khan RAMS into Naito, but Naito stifles the takedown! Naito CLUBS Khan, and TORNADO DDTS! The fans fire up while both men are down!
The fans rally, and Naito crawls over to Khan by the ropes. Naito drags Khan up, and he throws those heavy elbows! Khan sits down in the corner, so Naito climbs up. Naito brings Khan up by his ponytail, to ESPERANZA! Khan tumbles forward, and Naito takes aim! CORRIENDO- NO, Khan dodges! GERMAN SUPLEX! But Naito rises! Only to run into a leg scissor takedown and KNEEBAR!! Naito flails, but Khan shifts around to tie up the legs. Khan rolls to have an inverted figure four heel hook hybrid! Naito endures being upside-down and twisted, but he grabs at Khan’s legs to pry at this hold!
The fans rally and duel as Khan thrashes the leglock around! The “NA-I-TO!” gets stronger, and Naito fights his way forward, only for Khan to pull on the legs! Red Shoes checks with Naito but Naito still fights as we hit 15 minutes, and he has the ROPEBREAK! Khan lets go in frustration but the fans continue to duel. Khan watches Naito writhe, then watches as he rises up. Khan BOOTS the bad leg! Khan then drags Naito up to KICK the leg! Naito hobbles, Khan reels him in, SHIN- NO, Naito fights the lift with forearms! Naito runs up to CLUB Khan to ropes, then brings him around for the heavy elbows!
Khan drops to his knees and Naito aims from a corner. Naito runs up, CORRIENDO- NO, Khan stifles the tilt-o-whirl to SAIDO! Both men are down again and the fans rally up! The “O-KHAN!” starts to outdo the “NA-I-TO!” again and Khan rises! Khan runs up to BOOT Naito down! Khan calls his shot and he clamps on the IRON CLAW! Khan drags Naito up, and ELIMI- NO, Naito victory rolls it! TWO! Khan escapes, runs back in, IRON CLAW SLEEPER to ELIMI- NO, Naito elbows free, then ENZIGIRIS! Naito runs to CORRIENDO SHIKI DESTINO!! Cover, TWO!! Khan survives and surprises Naito!
The fans are thunderous as Naito rises and brings Khan around. Naito wrenches, tilt-o-whirls, and DESTI- NO! Khan blocks that and flips Naito into HITSUJIGOROSHI! And then FLATLINER! And then IRON CLAW, ELIMINATOR!!! Cover, KHAN WINS!!!
Winner: Great-O-Khan, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Naito earns 0)
The entire crowd erupts! The KOPW Champion just defeated the IWGP World Heavyweight Champion!! The Dominator’s Eliminator truly ELIMINATES Naito from the playoffs!! Naito ends at 5-4, will those four losses come back to haunt him all the way to WrestleKingdom?
As for Khan, he takes a moment to stand over Naito as the victor, then puts his KOPW Championship on. Khan gets the mic while the fans cheer for him, and Khan says, “As you please. Bow down, you Nagaoka peasants! This G1, We (the royal ‘we’ aka Khan) never had a semi-final or main event. They didn’t expect much of Us. After four losses, they didn’t think We had a chance. Some reporter from a rag threw Us under the bus. And the haters piled on to spit on Our name! But do not underestimate Us! We will always turn things around! Reversals? Counters? That’s what the Empire is all about!” The fans cheer that!
Khan then says he realized something about the G1 that he didn’t before. Khan hated pro-wrestling at one point. But now, he’s having fun! The fans also cheer that! Khan vows not to lose again! The fans cheer that, too! Khan vows to “dominate the G1 and the world of professional wrestling! This is the Fate/Grand Order sponsored, Gee Store endorsing, KOPW Champion, Great-O-Khan’s power! HAIL US, PEASANTS!” Mic drop and crowns up, but will Khan soon be holding up the G1 Climax trophy?
Here are the FINAL A Block standings!
Zack Sabre Jr: 7-2, 12 points [FIRST ROUND BYE]
Shingo Takagi: 5-4, 10 points [A Block Second Seed]
Great-O-Khan: 5-4, 10 points [A Block Third Seed]
Tetsuya Naito: 5-4, 10 points [ELIMINATED]
Evil: 5-4, 10 points [ELIMINATED]
Sanada: 4-5, 8 points [ELIMINATED]
Jake Lee: 4-5, 8 points [ELIMINATED]
Gabe Kidd: 4-5, 8 points [ELIMINATED]
Shota Umino: 4-5, 8 points [ELIMINATED]
Callum Newman: 2-7, 4 points [ELIMINATED]
Here are the current B Block standings!
David Finlay: 5-3, 10 points
Jeff Cobb: 5-3, 10 points
Ren Narita: 5-3, 10 points
Hirooki Goto: 4-4, 8 points
Konosuke Takeshita: 4-4, 8 points
Yota Tsuji: 4-4, 8 points
Yuya Uemura: 4-5, 8 points [INJURY]
Henare: 3-5, 6 points [ELIMINATED]
Boltin Oleg: 4-5, 8 points [ELIMINATED]
El Phantasmo: 3-5, 6 points [ELIMINATED]
My Thoughts:
Another great round for the G1, and a great finale to A Block’s round robin phase. Callum VS Gabe was great, even though there were no stakes. ZSJ and Sanada had another great match in their storied rivalry. ZSJ winning made sense, it solidified him as the first seed while clearing the way for Takagi. Takagi got a great win off Jake, and his win therefore put the pressure on the final two matches. I feel like they really piled on the overbooking from The House of Torture to make Shota look incredible in his win. And I’m personally very thankful they didn’t have Evil advance, he would just keep bringing the same shenanigans into the playoffs and we don’t need that.
It all coming down to Naito VS Khan was great stuff, and was pretty much indicated by the match order. I do feel Naito could’ve sold bad leg better, namely after Khan’s unique figure four ankle lock hold. But the fans in Nagaoka were strongly behind Khan and his winning out was awesome. Takagi VS Khan will be our A Block Wild Card, and I feel it could go either way, as we could get great stuff out of both options, ZSJ VS Takagi and ZSJ VS Khan.
My Score: 8.9/10
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London calling to the champion crowns!
SmackDown brings gold to London as LA Knight defends his WWE US Championship and The Street Profits defend their tag team titles! Will the landscape change this close to WrestleMania?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- WWE Tag Team Championships: The Street Profits VS Pretty Deadly; The Profits win and retain the titles.
- Kayden Carter & Katana Chance VS The Secret Her-vice w/ Chelsea Green; The Secret Her-vice wins.
- WWE United States Championship: LA Knight VS Braun Strowman; Braun wins, by disqualification, and Knight retains the title.
- Charlotte Flair VS Mia Yim w/ B-Fab; Charlotte wins.
- Randy Orton VS Drew McIntyre; McIntyre wins.
- Jimmy Uso VS The Miz; Jimmy wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
Cody Rhodes is here!
We follow The American Nightmare as walks to gorilla, then through the curtain, and London sings along with the song, “WHOA~ OH~!” Cody gets his pyro, says hello to fans along the ramp, and then we get the second “WHOA~ OH~!” and pyro. Cody goes to the ring, grabs a mic, then kneels down to kiss the WWE logo on the mat. The fans continue to sing along all the way to the end, “I AM MY KINGDOM!” The fans then cheer, and Cody holds up the belt to fire them up even more! The fans now sing for “CODY! CODY RHODES~!” and he soaks it in. The fans cheer again as Cody smiles, and he finally says, “So, London~! Whaddya wanna talk about?”
The fans chant “Let’s Go, Cena!” “CENA SUCKS!” Cody hears that dueling, and he smiles again. The song of “CODY! CODY RHODES~!” returns, then they cheer. Cody says, “At WrestleMania 41, I will be facing John Cena…” The fans boo, but Cody says, “I will be facing John Cena as he goes to break the record and win 17. But that is WrestleMania 41. In just a few nights, I will be standing face to face with John Cena in this very same city, in this very same arena.” The fans cheer that, but then here comes Randy Orton! Now the fans sing along with Voices as The Viper heads to the ring. Orton also high-fives fans before he joins Cody.
Orton grabs a mic, paces while the fans keep singing on their own, and then the fans cheer. Orton says he’s not really the sentimental type, but for Cody and for London, screw it. The fans chant “R K O! R K O!” and Orton tells Cody, “Look at you. Look at who you are now, the man you are now. Look at where he came from.” The fans cheer and sing “CODY! CODY RHODES~!” and Orton says he remembers a Cody in his early 20s, just breaking into the business. Cody was busting his ass harder than anyone else. He wasn’t exactly happy, and in fact, he was frustrated. But Cody was man enough, smart enough, to know he needed to grow, and that he couldn’t grow in the WWE.
Cody wasn’t exactly treated fairly in the WWE, so Cody left the WWE! That took some big ass balls to do what he did! Cody changed the business singlehandedly, and everyone in the back knows it. And Orton appreciates Cody for it. But then Cody came back, as they all knew one day he would. And the industry has been changed forever since the day Cody came back to the WWE. Cody is a bit teary eyed as Orton says Cody’s still the same guy, he just did what he set out to do, and he grew. Orton teases he would sing along with the fans, but the fans might leave. The fans again sing “CODY! CODY RHODES~!”
Orton asks if they remember when Cody Rhodes faced Seth Rollins in Hell in a Cell. The fans cheer because they do. Orton says that was impressive, and even impossible, as he started with a partially torn pec and then ended with a fully torn pec! His body changed all kinds of shades of purple that Orton’s never seen on a human body. The pain he must have been in. Cody persevered not just for himself. Maybe not even at all for Cody. It was not even for his family legacy; it was for each and every single fan out there! Then Cody went on to WrestleMania, beat Roman Reigns and finished the story!
But there’s always another story, isn’t there? And Cody’s right in the middle of one. Cody is in charge of his legacy, and it is a privilege for Orton to watch Cody take control of it. Ticket sales have been up, there’s more intrigue around the world, and listen to the people! It is 99.9% all because of Cody! The fans cheer that, and of course they sing. Orton says what he’s trying to say is a long-winded version of he respects Cody, loves him, and is very, very proud of him. The fans cheer that! Orton then says, “But… But now it is time for WrestleMania.” They both look to the sign, and Orton says he can guarantee Cody that Orton will kick Kevin Owens so hard in the head…!
Orton can just feel it already! He forgets how many days are left, but he can’t wait to remove Kevin’s head from his shoulders. And Orton knows Cody will enter champion, exit champion, but not before he beats the holy hell outta Cena all up and down the Vegas strip! But after all the smoke clears and the dust settles, just like Orton wants Number 17, there will come a time when Orton will want Number 15. But Orton won’t kick Cody in the balls like a coward. Orton will look Cody in the eye because he respects Cody, is proud of Cody, and sees him as an equal. Orton will look Cody in the eye and tell him that he’s coming for the title.
The fans cheer but wait! Drew McIntyre is here! The fans cheer the Scottish Terminator as he steps out on stage, mic in hand, and has a wry smile on his face as he looks at the ring. Drew waves as the fans now sing, “OH~ Drew McIntyre~!” Drew says, “Isn’t this wonderful? A couple of nepo babies having a love fest in the middle of the ring> It makes me absolutely sick. What’d you just say, Randy? if Cody gets through Cena at WrestleMania, you’re coming for that title? What exactly have you done since that big comeback to justify that title match? Aside be Randy Orton. The only big moment I can remember is you being on the shelf for months and months and months.
“People like to make jokes about it, but more people talk about my five-minute-45-second title reign than your entire comeback so far! So get to the back of the line, sunshine! As for you, Cody, you should’ve listened to me. But you shunned me. You attacked me. Everybody should’ve listened to me about John Cena, but they didn’t. And the next night, he kicked you right in the twig ‘n’ berries, proving me right as usual. And the main event of WrestleMania should be Cody Rhodes VS The UK’s only ever world champion, Drew McIntyre!” Fans do like that idea. But sadly, it’s not, because of that guyliner wearing Temu Undertaker, Damian Priest!
Drew wants to talk about what is happening. And what’s gonna happen! Drew steps up to the ring while fans sing for him again. Drew says it will not be Randy that takes the title from Cody, should he get through Cena; it’ll be McIntyre. The fans cheer, but Orton says they were trying to have a moment. Can Drew just cut the crap already? Drew says okay, sure. He’ll tell the truth, because that’s all he ever does. The truth is, Kevin might have a point! If those Voices are talking to Orton again, then they know Drew very, very well. And he’s thinking, “My God, Randy looks great! Absolutely jacked! On the outside.”
On the inside, that back is hanging by a thread. And if Orton provokes McIntyre, McIntyre will break him. And as for Cody- Cody kicks Drew and UPPERCUTS him! The fans fire up, and Orton R- NO, Drew gets away! The fans boo, but the battlelines are drawn! Even if Cody makes it out of the frying pan that is Las Vegas, it’ll be into the fire that is these contenders waiting in line! Will the American Nightmare be ready for whoever comes for the crown?
WWE Tag Team Championships: The Street Profits VS Pretty Deadly!
Montez Ford & Angelo Dawkins are finally golden again, but it’s time to put the titles on the line already! And while they’re ready for the grind, they’re up against the hometown heroes! Will the Profits still be up in the O2? Or will Kit Wilson & Elton Prince say #YESBOY to a new reign of their own?
The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we see who really wants the smoke!
The teams sort out and Kit starts with Dawkins. They tie up, Dawkins headlocks, but Kit powers up and out. Dawkins runs Kit over, the fans fire up, and Dawkins fires hands on Kit in the corner! The fans rally for Pretty Deadly, Dawkins whips Kit to a corner, but Elton takes that bump! Kit CLOBBERS Dawkins, then tags Elton! Atomic drop into DROPKICK! Ford runs up, but into a DOUBLE HIP TOSS! Dawkins whips, Elton reverses, and then Elton hurdles so Kit can DDT! The fans fire up with Pretty Deadly while the Profits bail out. Pretty Deadly has control while SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Elton is right on Dawkins as he gets in, and UPPERCUTS him to the corner. Elton clinches Dawkins for another UPPERCUT! Tag to Kit, and Elton RAMS into Dawkins so Kit can UPPERCUT! Dawkins flops over, Kit drags him up to wrench the arm. Kit whips, Dawkins reverses, but Kit grabs ropes. Kit ELBOWS Dawkins, DECKS Ford, but Dawkins CLOBBERS Kit! The ref reprimands but Dawkins RAMS Kit into the corner again and again! The ref counts, Dawkins fires fast hands, then he tags in Ford. Ford says, “SUCK IT!” then he KICKS Kit! Ford scuffs Kit, then drags him to a cover, TWO!
Ford keeps Kit down with a facelock, but Kit endures the grind. Kit fights up, fires body shots, but Ford whips him away. Kit sunset flips! Ford rolls through, and PENALTY KICKS! Ford mocks Elton with the Scott Hall fingers, and the ref has to keep Elton back. Ford drags Kit up, tags Dawkins, and the Profits mug Kit. Dawkins CLUBS Kit down, then stalks him. Dawkins stays between Kit and Elton, then whips Kit into the Profits’ corner. CYCLONE- NO, Kit dodges! Ford tags in, he keeps Kit from Elton now, but Kit slips out of the suplex! Kit fakes high to go low, hot tag to Elton! Elton rallies with LARIAT after LARIAT!
Elton kicks and whips Ford to a corner, then UPPERCUTS! Elton whips the other way, UPPERCUTS again, and then does it again! Elton adds to the hattrick with a lift, Ford says a quick prayer before the SUPLEX! Ford flounders, gets to his feet, but Elton dodges to springboard and FLYING UPPERCUT! Cover, TWO! Ford stays in this, but Elton stays on him. SmackDown returns to single picture and fans rally for Pretty Deadly as Elton gives Ford a back suplex. Ford lands out, waistlocks, but Elton switches and shoves Ford. Ford CLOBBERS Elton in return! Ford is also dazed but he covers, ONE!
Kit reaches out, Elton and Ford both crawl, hot tags to Kit and Dawkins! The fans fire up as Dawkins wrenches Kit, underhooks and SILENCER! Dawkins Electric Chair Lifts Kit, Ford climbs, but Kit slips free! Kit shoves Dawkins into Ford! Ford falls to the floor, but Dawkins ENZIGIRIS Kit! Elton tags in, and Kit LARIATS Dawkins! Pretty Deadly combine for DRY MARTI-KNEES! Cover, TWO!! Dawkins survives and the Profits are a bit unsure of what to do next. Dawkins crawls to a corner, Elton runs up, but Dawkins dodges! Elton hits buckles and Dawkins TOSSES Kit, then Dawkins hits a SKY HIGH on Elton!
Dawkins hurries to tag Ford and Ford climbs up! But Kit pushes Elton out of the way! Kit takes FROM THE HEAVESN, and Elton ghost pins Ford! TWO!! Ford escapes, and he ROCKS Elton! Elton UPPERCUTS Ford! Dawkins sneaks a tag, Ford SUPERKICKS! POUNCE SAIDO COMBO!! Cover, KIT BREAKS IT! The fans fire up while all four men are down! The teams go to opposite ends, then they all stand up in the corners. They all roar, all run in, and Kit SPEARS Ford while Elton FLYING UPPERCUTS Dawkins!! London is thunderous, and Kit hurries to tag in! Pretty Deadly gets Dawkins up, for SPILT MILK!! Cover, FORD BREAKS IT!
The fans are shocked, as is Elton, but Ford saves this for his team! “This is Awesome!” as Ford runs up and Elton TOSSES him out! Now DRY MARTI- NO! Dawkins doesn’t accept the second serving, and he DUMPS Kit out! Kit skins the cat while Dawkins DECKS Elton! Dawkins catches Kit to an Electric Chair! Ford rises, DOOMSDAY BLOCKBUSTER!! Cover, Profits win!
Winners: The Street Profits, by pinfall (still WWE Tag Team Champions)
Pretty Deadly put up a heroic fight, but the hometown heroes could not capture the gold. Dawkins & Ford hold onto the gold, will this be the strongest the Profits have ever been?
Kayden & Katana talk with Zelina Vega.
Carter & Chance know La Muneca got screwed over by The Green Administration. Chelsea thinks she’s untouchable, but someone’s gonna stop them eventually. Well, speaking of, Alba Fyre leads the way in as she & Piper Niven “scope the perimeter.” There’s one small threat. They frisk the “miniscule” threat, but nothing they haven’t dealt with before. Chelsea struts in and says, “The Eagle has landed~!” Zelina says she is so glad the “Bootleg Men in Black” have crashed the party. Now, yeah, they all know she’s small. But clearly this small “threat” is a big threat to Chelsea’s title reign. Otherwise, it wouldn’t have taken all three of them to beat her.
KC Squared agree with that. How about tonight, we see what happens when the odds are even? Chelsea says that’s fine, because Agents P & A are ready. The Secret Her-vice has been given their next mission, but will they be able to crash the party? Or will the party crash them?
Kayden Carter & Katana Chance VS The Secret Her-vice!
SmackDown returns and The Green Administration makes their entrance. The teams sort out, Alba starts against Katana, and the two tie up. Alba KNEES low, CLUBS Katana down, then fireman’s carries. Katana fights free, tags Kayden, and they KICK, double whip, and then trip Alba up for the basement DROPKICK! Katana adds a slingshot SENTON, Kayden covers, TWO! Kayden tags Katana, they double whip Alba to a corner, then Kayden runs in. Alba DUMPS Kayden out, ROCKS Katana, and she tags Piper! Katana arm-drags Alba out, then goes out to run up. Kayden gives her a boost, Katana CROSSBODIES Alba down!
The fans fire up, but Piper goes up and out?! CANNONBALL and down goes KC Squared! Piper salutes Chelsea and SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns, Kayden rallies on Alba while the fans rally up. Kayden fires up, runs in and whips, but Alba reverses. Kayden wheelbarrows, victory rolls, then SUPERKICKS! Kayden fires up again but the fans are torn. Kayden runs in at Alba to BOOT WASH her against the ropes! Chelsea protests, Kayden kicks at her, then Kayden springboards for a LEG DROP! Cover, TWO! Alba survives, Kayden whips, but Alba KICKS back! Tag to Piper, but Kayden jackknife bridges Alba! The ref explains bout the tag, Piper runs up, but Kayden moves! The SENTON hits Alba! Piper panics, Kayden tags Katana!
Katana goes up onto Kayden’s shoulders, VICTORY ROLL LAUNCHER, but Piper catches Katana! Katana fires hands, BOOTS, and then hurries to go up again. Kayden ROCKS Piper, and fireman’s carries?! SAMOAN DROP! Kayden then gives Katana the boost, for the KEG STAND SPLASH!! Cover, ALBA BREAKS IT! Kayden runs up on Alba to BOOT her out! Katana gives Kayden the boost now, SUPER CROSSBODY onto Alba! Kayden hurries to tag back in, and she brings Piper up. Piper swings, Kayden dodges and SUPERKICKS! Katana goes up, Piper staggers over that way, but Chelsea distracts the ref!
The fans are torn as Alba grabs Katana. Katana kicks Alba down, chases Chelsea off, but Piper sends Kayden into her! Piper scoops to PIPER DRIVER!! Cover, Secret Her-vice wins!
Winner: The Secret Her-vice, by pinfall
The Women’s US Champion helps her team, and now they all mug Kayden & Katana! But here comes Zelina! Vega runs down the ramp, CLOBBERS Alba, and then she gets in the ring! Zelina tilt-o-whirl DDTS Piper! And she KNEES Alba off the apron! But Chelsea CLOBBERS Zelina! Chelsea fires up, the UK is oddly with her, and she chicken wings Zeina. But Zelina fights free to fire forearms and body shots! And a BACK ELBOW! Zelina reels Chelsea in, CODE- SUPERKICK from Alba! SENTON from Piper! The Green Administration is just too much for Zelina to fight against alone! But can she, Kayden & Katana find a way to turn things around?
WWE United States Championship: LA Knight VS Braun Strowman!
Did the Mega Star just get this title back from Shinsuke Nakamura? YEAH! Did he help the Monster of All Monsters fight off Solo Sikoa’s rouge bloodline? YEAH! And now, does he have to defend this title against the monster he just helped? YEAH!! But will Knight still reign this close to WrestleMania? Or will Braun #GetTheseHands back on a championship?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and it’s time for Knight’s biggest challenge, YEAH!
The bell rings and the fans rally up as the two circle. The two tie up, and Braun SHOVES Knight away. Knight comes back, Braun SHOVES him down again! Knight gets up, gets around, and he headlocks. Braun powers up to back suplex, but Knight lands out! Knight tries but Braun’s too big to suplex! Braun ELBOWS Knight, storms up on him, but Knight fires haymakers! Knight whips, Braun reverses, but Knight KICKS back! Knight runs, but Braun HIP TOSSES! Cover, TWO! Knight stays in this, but Braun brings him up. Braun puts Knight in a corner, CHOPS, then runs, for a SPLASH! Knight sputters along ropes, Braun keeps moving, but Knight DUMPS him out!
The fans fire up as Knight then WRECKS Braun with a dropkick! Knight keeps moving, and he WRECKS Braun again! The fans fire up with Knight, but then Braun BOOTS Knight down! The fans are torn but Braun stands tall as SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns and Braun puts Knight back in the ring. The fans cheer as Knight KICKS Braun! Knight tries again, but Braun’s still too big to back suplex! Braun CLUBS Knight, then runs in at the corner. Knight BOOTS Braun, goes up, and FLYING BULLDOGS! Both men are down and the fans fire up! Knight and Braun rise back up, and Knight dodges a shot to JAB! Then he dodges to JAB! JAB! JAB! “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” But Braun KNEES low! Braun scoops, Knight slips free, and Knight RAMS Braun into buckles! Then the BACK SUPLEX! The fans fire up and Knight rises again! Knight spells it out, “L! A! KNIGHT! YEAH!” ELBOW DROP! Cover, TWO!
Braun has plenty left in the tank but the fans rally for Knight. Knight stands Braun up to kick low, but Braun THROWS Knight away! Knight rises, and Braun LARIATS Knight up and out! The fans fire up as Braun rips the shirt! Braun gets on the track, and he runs in, STROWMAN EXPRESS MEETS JACOB FATU!! The Samoan Werewolf strikes Braun down!
Winner: Braun Strowman, by disqualification; LA Knight retains the title
The fans boo as Jacob now goes after Knight! He just ruined what was becoming a great match, but Jacob fires HEADBUTT after HEADBUTT on Braun! SAMOAN DROP onto the desk!! The desk doesn’t budge, but Braun might’ve been broken in half! The UK fires up for Fatu as he puts Braun in the ring! Jacob fires more HEADBUTTS, then HEADBUTTS away on Braun in the corner! The fans sing “OLE~ OLE OLE OLE, FATU~, FATU~!” Jacob runs corner to corner, but Knight kicks him first! Knight fires haymakers, “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” Jacob denies the BFT to POP-UP SAMOAN DROP! And then HIP ATTACK for Braun anyway!
Jacob keeps going, HIP ATTACK for Braun again! Jacob throws off his jacket, glares at Braun, and he runs in for a third HIP ATTACK! Braun flounders into the drop zone, so Jacob goes up, up, BEST MOONSAULT EVER! Direct hit on Braun, but the fans want that “ONE MORE TIME!” Jacob obliges, BEST MOONSAULT EVER! The Samoan Werewolf just tore up #OneBigSOB and LA Knight, will there be no stopping him from taking the United States Championship?
Backstage interview with Jimmy Uso.
Jackie Redmond is with #BigJim, and she says that while she knew WWE was going global this month, she did not know they’d get the slap heard ’round the world! Jimmy says he’d do it again, and he’ll slap Gunther as many times as he needs! Jimmy knows Jey is up in his own head, doubt is creeping on him. But just because Jey’s 0-3 against Gunther doesn’t mean Gunther’s unbeatable! The Ring General CAN be got! Jimmy’s going to Raw this Monday, he will bust Gunther’s ass, Jey will go to Mania and bust Gunther’s ass to become the WWE World Heavyweight Champion. And then they leave Las Vegas just like this: YEET!
Jimmy heads out, but then The Miz & Carmelo Hayes walk by. Miz is mocking Jimmy’s words, and he asks excuse me. Miz says it’s just funny that suddenly, Jimmy is a tough guy, even though for most of his career, he’s been “The Other Uso.” Doesn’t Jimmy get it? Jimmy and Jey are career sidekicks while Gunther is a main character. Gunther is the lead, neither Jimmy nor Jey can beat him. And here’s another thing: The Usos are just blips on the trailer that was Roman Reigns’ Bloodline. Melo says Jimmy & Jey are stuck outside the club, they can’t even get in.
Miz says as a former WWE Champion, a former WrestleMania main eventer, Jimmy will never know what it is to carry this industry. And after this year’s WrestleMania, neither will Jey. Oh, and by the way, if Jimmy ever slapped Miz like that, Jimmy would still be on the ground. Jimmy feints the slap and Miz freaks out. Jimmy says it may be him and Gunther on Monday, but he’ll holler at Aldis real quick so it can be Jimmy VS Miz here tonight. Yeah, YEET! Jimmy heads out, Melo says he thought Miz was gonna do something about the slap. Will Miz have to do something about running his mouth before he gets his teeth kicked in?
Solo Sikoa & Tama Tonga find Jacob Fatu backstage.
Solo asks Jacob what the Hell he was doing out there. Jacob goes out there alone without saying a thing to them? Jacob says he ain’t gotta say nothing to nobody! Matter fact, didn’t Solo not tap in with him last week? Tama says, “But Jacob,” only for Jacob to say, “But nothing, Tama!” Solo wants Jacob to lower his tone, but Jacob says okay. Let him be very clear with them. When it comes to Braun Strowman, Jacob WILL be the last man standing. Y’all better get in where you fit in, cuz that US title? Oh, Jacob’s bringing it home to the family. And he will do it with them, or without them! Yadada mean? Fatu heads out, is the Samoan Werewolf no longer following Solo?
Naomi speaks.
“I mean… How did we even get here? I don’t know. One thing that I do know is that I’ve always been the woman to do the right thing. I’ve always been the woman to do the right thing. So Bianca, what makes you think that my attack on Jade was anything different from me doing the right thing? When I sit here and I think about all that I’ve sacrificed, all that I’ve given, and that’s what really breaks my heart. Because through all of that, I’m made to be the bad one in this situation. I just don’t understand, how does Jade come in outta nowhere and take my place with you? I want you to ask yourself this, Bianca. Who inspired you? Hmm?
“Who’s inspired women over the last decade? Who’s always had your back from day one of you being here? Me. Not Jade. Hmm. But you know what? What I’ve learned through all of this: You teach people how to treat you. And I’m done with being treated as a third wheel. I’m done being pushed to the side, I’m done with being too nice, I’m done with being undervalued, underutilized, underappreciated! So moving forward, hmm… Moving forward, here’s my message to you, Jade. If you continue to be in my way, I strongly advise you to proceed with caution.” The Glow shows her dark side, but will the storm be moved?
Nick Aldis meets with Jade Cargill.
Speaking of, the SmackDown General Manager understands things have been rather difficult for her as of late. Jade says she’s been trying to get her hands on Naomi for the past few weeks, now where is she? No one has seen her all day, so as far as anyone knows, Naomi’s not here. Well, when Jade catches Naomi, it’s on sight. Jade leaves, B-Fab & Michin are there. They let her know that what Naomi did to her was straight trash, totally uncalled for behavior. And after Jade gets her hands on Naomi, she’ll handle that business. Jade agrees. Mia says they’ve all got business to handle. Jade’s got Naomi, and Mia’s gonna get Charlotte for messing with her girl, B.
B-Fab says Naomi’s got what’s coming to her: no sympathy, no regrets. Jade, just do what you gotta do. Oh, she will. Jade also wishes Mia luck tonight. Mia & B-Fab head out, will the Head Baddie in Charge make the Queen bow down in London?
The darkness approaches.
“You are as I was. As I am, you will be.” The shadows are starting to take shape, but is SmackDown about to fade to black?
Charlotte Flair VS Mia Yim w/ B-Fab!
The Queen looks down on everyone, so it’s no surprise that everyone else wants to take her down. Charlotte may have checked off B-Fab, but will the HBIC be a much different story? Or will Charlotte only sharpen her edge before facing Tiffany Stratton at WrestleMania?
WAIT! NAOMI ATTACKS B-FAB & MICHIN! Naomi drags Mia up for a FACEBUSTER! Naomi rains down fists, the ref reprimands and the fans boo, but Naomi tells the ref to back off. Naomi then BOOTS B-Fab off the apron! Naomi goes out after B-Fab to THRWO her into barriers! Naomi SLAPS B-Fab, tells her to stay down, but B-Fab gets up. Naomi fires hands, then she SMACKS B-Fab off the desk! Naomi rains down fists, but here comes Jade! Jade hurries down the ramp, she runs around the way, but Naomi runs away! Jade makes sure B-Fab is okay, but refs have to help her to the back. And what of Mia? Will she even be able to compete?
Charlotte makes her entrance, not really caring about what Naomi just did to Mia. But that means she also crosses paths with Jade. The fans like the look of this stare down, but Jade and Charlotte both let the other slide. Charlotte gets her pyro, and it seems she’ll still get her match. Will Mia be little more than an appetizer now?
The bell rings, and Charlotte BOOTS Mia down! Cover, TWO! Mia stays in this and the fans rally up. Charlotte just struts around while SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns, Charlotte has Mia down with a chinlock, but the fans rally up. Mia fights up, fires body shots, and she then blocks a shot to ROCK Charlotte! Mia ROCKS Charlotte again and again, then reels her in for a TORNADO DDT! The fans fire up as Mia hurries to cover, TWO! Mia drags Charlotte up, wrenches, but Charlotte says no to Da Feet! BIG back suplex! Mia stagger sup, Charlotte whips her, but Mia reverses! Charlotte goes up and out, BOOTS her away, then slingshots in and rolls Mia! Mia rolls through and BUZZSAWS! Mia runs corner to corner, but Charlotte avoids the cannonball!
Charlotte YAKUZA KICKS Mia down, then fires herself up! The fans “WOO~!” as Charlotte has Mia in the drop zone,. Charlotte steps on her, goes up the corner, but Mia gets underneath her! SIT-OUT POWERBOMB! Cover, TWO! Charlotte survives and Mia is shocked! Mia nods as the fans rally back up, and she brings Charlotte up. But Charlotte ROCKS Mia! Mia SOBATS, PELES, and then runs to PENALTY KICK! Cover, TWO! Charlotte stays in this, Mia grows frustrated, but the fans continue to rally. Mia uses that energy to stay focused, and she stalks Charlotte to waistlock. But Charlotte ELBOWS her away!
Charlotte CHOPS, and CHOPS, and CHOSP! Charlotte winds up, and she CHOPS again! Mia sputters, but then she dodges the boot! Charlotte is caught, and Mia hits a SAIDO! Charlotte flounders to a corner, the fans rally behind Mia, and Mia runs up, CANNONBALL! Mia hurries to wrench and EAT- NO, Charlotte shoves Mia away! Charlotte gets under, back suplexes, but Mia lands out! EAT DA FEET!! Cover, ROPEBREAK!! Charlotte’s long legs help her survive by a literal foot! Mia is beside herself while Charlotte bails out. Mia storms after Charlotte, runs up, but Charlotte dodges! Mia’s kick hits steel steps!
Mia hobbles away, goes to the apron, but Charlotte CHOP BLOCKS the bad leg out! Charlotte grabs Mia’s leg, drops a KNEE on the knee, but fans chant, “We Want Tiffy!” Charlotte just steps through, FIGURE FOUR, into FIGURE EIGHT!! Mia taps, Charlotte wins!
Winner: Charlotte Flair, by submission
Charlotte got more of a fight out of Mia than expected, but she still won. Will The Queen be more than ready to reign again after WrestleMania?
Backstage interview with Tiffany Stratton.
Jackie Redmond is with the WWE Women’s Champion and says Charlotte certainly looks confident. Let’s be real, Charlotte came at Tiff pretty hard. It got a lot of people talking. Tiff says yes, people talk. And Charlotte sure loves to hear herself talk. Ten years into the business and Charlotte is still so insecure that she can’t let a “rookie” get a word out. But last week, Tiff did learn something: She learned that walking into WrestleMania, she isn’t the one with something to lose. Truth is, if Tiff loses, then she lost to the great Charlotte Flair, as just a 25-year-old rookie with one year into SmackDown.
But if Charlotte loses… Well, then she lost to an “undeserving, delusional, unoriginal, backflip doing, blonde-hair-having, little girl.” Did she get it all? And Tiff can’t wait to hear the look on Charlotte’s face when they hear the words, “And STILL!” Then maybe Charlotte will finally shut up for the sake of literally everyone! They say what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas, and Tiff will make damn sure what stays is Charlotte’s massive ego. Tiff is walking into and out of Mania as the WWE Women’s Champion. Tootles! Tiff heads out, will it still be #TiffyTime after WrestleMania?
Randy Orton VS Drew McIntyre!
The Viper told Cody how proud he was, but also how he wants the next shot after John Cena. The Scottish Terminator took offense to that, and basically said he is taking that shot instead. Will this match be an unofficial #1 contender’s match between these two former world champions?
SmackDown returns and McIntyre makes his entrance. The bell rings and the fans sing, “OH~, Drew McIntyre~!” and chant “R K O! R K O!” Drew and Orton circle, tie up, and they go around in a deadlock. Drew powers Orton to a corner, but Orton headlocks back. Drew powers up and out, then he runs Orton over! Orton hurries to ropes and Drew mockingly asks, “How’s the back feel, Randy?” Orton stands, he and Drew reset, and the fans duel some more. Drew calls for a knuckle lock, Orton accepts, but then Drew kicks low! Drew bumps Orton off buckles, then climbs up, but he panders for too long and Orton YANKS him down!
The fans fire up as Orton climbs now! Orton rains down fists, and the fans count to nine. Orton hops down, brings Drew around, and POSTS him for ten! Drew tumbles out of the ring, Orton goes out after him, and they’re by the desk! But Drew kicks Orton first and SMACKS him off the desk! Drew clears the desk, and he brings Orton up for the DESK- NO, Orton fights free! Orton turns things around, DESK BACK SUPLEX for Drew! The fans fire up while Orton leaves Drew behind, and SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Drew writhes on the floor, but Orton goes out to fetch him! Orton brings Drew around, UPPERCUTS him, then says one more time! DESK BACK SUPLEX! Drew writhes as that desk stays standing! Orton grins, refreshes the ring count, and then he storms up on Drew. Drew pokes Orton in the eye! Drew POSTS Orton now, then brings him around to RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP into barriers! Orton slumps down, and Drew also grits his teeth from that double-edged attack, but Drew fires up as he stands tall. Drew drags Orton up, puts him in the ring, then stalks Orton. Drew looms over Orton, and HIP DROPS him!
Orton sputters, Drew says one more time, and he winds up for the HIP DROP! Drew paces around Orton, says maybe one more time, and he pretends he can’t hear the fans. Drew winds up again, but Orton flips over! Hip drop meets kneecaps! And then Orton pokes Drew in the eyes! The ref reprimands but Orton rises up. Drew sputters and flounders, Orton ROCKS him with a right! Drew ROCKS Orton back! Drew storms up, Orton kicks low, but Drew fires another haymaker! The haymakers go back and forth, Orton gets the edge, but Drew GLASGOW KISS HEADBUTTS! Cover, TWO! Drew clamps onto Orton with an armlock!
SmackDown returns to single picture and the fans rally up. Orton fights up, pries at the chinbar, and then throws right hands! Drew CHOPS Orton in return! The fans “WOO~” and Drew winds up. Drew ROCKS Orton again, eggs him on, then CHOPS again! Drew shoves Orton to a corner, CHOPS again, then dares Orton to fight! Drew whips corner to corner, but Orton comes back to LARIAT! And LARIAT! Drew swings, Orton dodges, SNAP POWERSLAM! The fans fire up as Orton stalks Drew to the apron. Drew HOTSHOTS Orton first! Drew then runs in, but Orton puts him through the ropes!
The fans fire up as Orton has Drew for the DRAPING DDT! The fans fire up for Orton, and Orton hears those voices! Drew rises, but then Orton spots KEVIN OWENS! The Prizefighter is on the ramp, Orton glares at him, but then he turns around into a CLAYMORE!! Cover, DREW WINS!
Winner: Drew McIntyre, by pinfall
Kevin’s mere presence costs Orton, and now Drew has a huge win propelling him down the Road to WrestleMania! As for Orton, Kevin drags him out of the ring, SMACKS him off the desk, and then climbs up to join him! The fans boo but Kevin and his hot pink sneakers have Orton in position, but Orton slips free and TRIPS Kevin up! Kevin hits the desk then the floor! Orton staggers around, the fans rally behind him, and Orton stalks Kevin to the corner of the barriers. Orton lines up the shot! Orton runs in, but Kevin jumps over barriers! Security is there to stop Orton from pursuing, so Kevin runs away into the night!
The fans boo, but The Viper was that close! Will Orton be able to strike Kevin down and completely take him out?
Fire, thunder, smoke…
The force of nature is drawing ever closer. And he’s ready to fly! REY FENIX arrives next Friday Night SmackDown!
Jimmy Uso VS The Miz!
#BigJim gave Gunther a piece of his mind and a mark on his cheek, but it seems not everyone got the message. Will the Hollywood A-lister soon star in the Uso Penitentiary? Or will he prove Jimmy is NOT ready for a world champion level opponent?
The bell rings and the two tie up. Jimmy powers Miz to a corner, Miz turns things around, and the ref counts. Miz takes a swing, Jimmy ducks it to CHOP! And CHOP! Miz shoves Jimmy back, then runs up, but Jimmy TACKLES Miz! Jimmy rains down fists, Miz shoves him away to go to ropes, but Jimmy storms back up. Miz ELBOWS Jimmy away, then runs back up, only for Jimmy to LARIAT him down! The fans fire up while Jimmy storms up on Miz. Jimmy CHOPS Miz, has him in a corner, then whips corner to corner. Miz reverses, Jimmy goes up and over, then UPPERCUTS! Miz staggers back to ropes, but Jimmy is right on him.
Jimmy whips, Miz reverses and kitchen sink knees! Then basement BOOTS! The fans fire up, Miz scowls, and Miz KNEES Jimmy in the back again and again. Miz stalks Jimmy to the ropes now, and he CHOKES Jimmy! The ref counts, Miz runs, and Miz STRADDLE ATTACKS! The fans boo, but Miz runs again. Jimmy ducks the boot, then dodges a lariat! Jimmy runs up to LARIAT Miz up and out! The fans fire up and Jimmy builds speed, but Miz runs away! Jimmy smirks as he goes out the side, and UPPERCUTS Miz over the barriers! Jimmy makes sure Gunther knows he’s coming to get him, but SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns and both men are down. Miz and Jimmy crawl, and Jimmy pounds the mat. The fans rally, Jimmy rises and runs up to LARIAT! And LARIAT! And mule kick! Jimmy then UPPERCUTS Miz, dodges a lariat, then SAMOAN DROPS! The fans fire up, Jimmy goes to the corner, “UCE! OH!” Jimmy runs in, but Miz puts him on the apron! Jimmy UPPERCUTS again! Jimmy climbs, leaps, but Miz gets under! Miz then waistlocks, ripcords, and MOVIE MAKER! Fans boo that blatant parody, but Miz full nelsons! Jimmy drops, victory rolls, TWO! Miz has the cover, TWO! Miz hurries to BASEMENT DDT! Cover, TWO!
The fans rally up as Jimmy survives! Miz stalks Jimmy, the fans rally up more, and Miz fires a KICK! And then another KICK! The fans say “YES! YES! YES!” to the It Kicks, but then Miz winds up. Jimmy ducks the buzzsaw, Miz blocks the superkick, but the DRAGON WHIP connects! Miz rebounds to B-MOVIE KNEE!! Cover, TWO!! The parodies don’t get it done, but Miz still has his original work to fall back on. The fans rally for “UCE! OH! UCE! OH!” Miz runs in, A-LIST LARIAT! Miz shoves Jimmy down, then springboards, but into a SUPERKICK! Jimmy hurries up top, for the USO SPLASH!! Cover, Jimmy wins!
Winner: Jimmy Uso, by pinfall
Miz may be a movie star, but Big Jim’s the one winning this main event! Jimmy then borrows Joe Tessitore’s headset to call out Gunther! He’s coming after dat ass on Monday! Gunther won’t be the ring general, he will be “Private Gunther,” and he will salute Big Jim! Uh, uh, YEET! Will Jimmy be the one making examples out of the World Heavyweight Champion? Or will everything come crashing down when Gunther gets his turn?
Drew McIntyre returns backstage.
And he says hey to Lewis Capaldi, the Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter, and also a big fan of Drew’s. They’re ready to have a good night in the pub, but Jackie Redmond walks over to congratulate him on the win tonight. She was hoping to get some thoughts on that victory and what happened with Orton and Kevin. Drew says it’s alright, this is what happens. He doesn’t care about anybody else’s business, but no one gets away with screwing him over. And when no one meddles in his business, he wins! Drew called out Priest, where is he? Priest doesn’t have the balls! So time to get mad in the pubs, everyone’s invited!
Drew turns the corner, but PRIEST IS THERE! Priest ROCKS Drew, SMACKS him off the door, then throws him into road cases! Priest ROCKS Drew, SMACKS him off the trunk of a car, and then again! Or since it’s London, “the boot.” The driver complains, but Priest BODY SLAMS that guy through a table! Drew comes back to KNEE Priest low, SMACK him off the trunk, and then off the side! They go to the hood, or bonnet for UK. Drew drags Priest up, but Priest CLAWS Drew’s eyes! Priest then sends Drew SOUTH OF HEAVEN through the windshield! Priest tells security that he’s done for now. Any more jokes, Drew? Didn’t think so! RIP, jackass!
Priest leaves, the producers hurry to help Drew, and Drew’s got glass in his eye! Will that glass help Drew see why he shouldn’t piss off the Punisher?
CM Punk heads to gorilla.
He has a security detail with him, and he passes by Drew writhing in pain. Punk chuckles, then continues on. Will his contract signing with Roman Reigns and Seth Rollins be just as brutal? We find out, after the break.
Nick Aldis is in the ring.
The SmackDown General Manager welcomes us back, and says it is his honor and privilege to be here in the O2 in London. Now, we all know why he and this table is here, and why additional security is here tonight. Tonight, we are here to sign a contract for a Triple Threat. Perhaps the biggest Triple Threat in the history of WrestleMania: Seth Rollins VS CM Punk VS Roman Reigns! The fans cheer all those names, and here comes the OTC! London puts the ones up, and Paul Heyman accompanies THE Tribal Chief out on stage. Roman raises his finger to the sky for the pyro, then security follows him to the ring.
SmackDown goes picture in picture as Roman’s entrance continues, and he raises his finger to the sky for the second round of pyro. Roman steps into the ring, SmackDown returns to single picture, and Heyman hands him a mic. The fans sing, “ROMAN! ROMAN REIGNS~!” Roman nods, the fans cheer, and now they chant, “O T C! O T C!” Roman tells London, “ACKNOWLEDGE ME!” The fans cheer again, and again chant, “O T C! O T C!” Roman smiles, but he sees the chairs are not to his liking. Heyman makes sure to put one at the head of the table. Heyman also dusts the chair off while Roman enjoys the singing of, “ROMAN! ROMAN REIGNS~!”
Roman takes a seat and says that was beautiful. The way they sing to their Tribal Chief, it’s just beautiful. The singing continues, and Heyman even joins in! Roman smiles, and he says that is what he’s talking about. That’s the OTC for you, baby! The biggest star on the planet! The OTC came here for two reasons. One: to be acknowledged; check! And two: to sign this contract. Roman does just that, and he says he’s checked both boxes. That means- “BURN IT DOWN!” Seth Rollins interrupts! The fans now sing, “WHOA~ OH~ OHH~!” Rollins struts out in his red wine paisley suit and conducts the O2 Choir all the way into the ring.
The fans cheer while Roman frowns, but Rollins takes the seat to Roman’s left. Rollins offers Heyman a chance to sing to this song, but Heyman frowns. Rollins chuckles, and he says the fans do have beautiful singing voices. He doesn’t know why Roman is in such a hurry to leave, though! This is their building! There’s a lot of history here! 12 years ago, they landed on the roof of this place in a helicopter! They came down those stairs over there, “ready to burn down the old guard!” They put the Undertaker down through the desk, and they were going to remake this company in their image!
Now don’t get him wrong, Rollins knows a lot has happened since then. They fought against each other, with each other, a little bit of love and a whole lot of hate. But Rollins dare says, as the fans continue to sing “WHOA~ OH~ OHH~,” that Rollins and Roman accomplished their mission. The fans start to chant for CM Punk, but Rollins tunes them out. Roman says, “We? We? You keep saying we. Our mission? We died a long time ago. It’s only been ME. You been here, but I done all the work! I’ve made this place what it is today! I took us to the level that we are here today! I made this place better than we found it!
“I’m the one that made us desirable to Netflix! I’m the one that took us into billion-dollar deals! Tell me, what have you done?” Rollins shouts, “I’ll tell you what I’ve done! YOU, YOU, YOU, it’s that mindset that keeps me having to screw you! You understand that? And your biggest mistake is not understanding the danger that’s right in front of us! The danger that’s right in front of you! You let the biggest snake in the world, CM Punk, into the garden! And you could’ve cut his head off at WarGames! But instead, you shook his hand. You could’ve let me finish him inside the cage at The Garden, but you didn’t. And now, I am left to do what I always do: Clean up your mess, again.”
Rollins drops his mic, picks up the pen, and signs his part. And now, here comes CM PUNK! The fans fire up and sing along with Cult of Personality, then join in on saying, “IT’S CLOBBERIN’ TIME~!” Punk goes to the ring, but as he grabs a mic, he goes up a corner, just like he did last Friday. “I have come here to chew bubblegum and sign a contract. And I’m all outta bubblegum.” The fans cheer the Rowdy Roddy Piper reference, and Punk hops down to take his seat on Roman’s right. Punk looks over said contract, but Roman asks if Punk needs a highlighter or something. What’s he doing? Just go to page four, clause five.
Punk does as Roman says, but Roman says Punk needs to hurry, this is precious TV time. Punk reads the segment, Roman tells Heyman to just smarten Punk up. Heyman tells Punk he knows what Punk is looking for. It is in there. They’re closing the show at WrestleMania. The fans go wild hearing that! Heyman tells Punk that he gets to live his dream of dreams. CM Punk will be a WrestleMania main eventer! The fans cheer and while Roman smiles, Rollins is furious. Roman says, “One man’s dream is another man’s favor! CHECK!” Wait, this was the favor? Rollins says no! This is not something to laugh at, and Punk does not get to tear up!
Punk is NOT deserving! He does NOT deserve this! The fans boo but Rollins continues to throw a fit! Main eventing WrestleMania is SACRED, the most important thing in the world to Rollins! More than anything! Except the fact that Punk NEVER gets to main event! This is all Roman’s fault! This is all Heyman’s fault! Rollins THROWS his mic down, paces angrily, but Punk picks up the mic. The fans cheer Punk on again, and Punk stands to thank London, to thank Chicago, to thank Louisville, Kentucky, and to thank ALL the fans. As corny as it sounds, he thanks the WWE Universe who stood by him and chanted his name for TEN LONG YEARS!
Roman says hold on, hold on. Punk shouldn’t be thanking the fans! He should be thanking the Tribal Chief! It is because of Roman that Punk gets this honor! So please, take this moment, close the show with that acknowledgement! Do this the right way. The credits are already rolling as Punk kneels before Roman!? Punk smiles, and he thanks “My Tribal Chief, the holder of the ula fala, the Head of the Table, the… Big Dog? Thank you for allowing a kid from Chicago to be graced by your presence. Thank you, My Tribal Chief, for allowing me to stand in your ring. And thank you so much. Thank you, Roman Reigns, so very much.
“But because of you, I will see you in the main event of WrestleMania.” And again, Rollins is agonizing over this. Punk finishes putting his signature on the contract, and London tells him, “You Deserve It!” Punk thanks Roman again, and then says, “But that’s not the favor that I’m owed.” WHAT?! Roman looks at Heyman and Heyman can’t look him in the eye! If getting this Triple Threat made into the main event isn’t the gift of the Wise Man, then what is?!
My Thoughts:
A good SmackDown, but they pulled off quite the paradox. They made it feel like they were struggling to fill three hours, yet they also filled the show to the point where that contract signing segment was almost bleeding over the three hour mark. Ironically, part of the problem was just how excited the London crowd was for this. The superstars still wanted to enjoy the chants and songs, but that’s time SmackDown doesn’t have to spare. It made the opening promo from Cody, Orton and Drew take longer, and it kinda did the same to the contract signing at the end. Even so, we still got a very good promo, and good stuff to set up Orton VS McIntyre.
Orton VS McIntyre was a great match, but of course Kevin costs Orton. McIntyre gets his win, Kevin and Orton have a bit of a brawl, but of course Kevin ends up on the losing end and runs off. McIntyre’s trash talk also comes back to bite him as Priest gets the better of him in their brawl. Here’s hoping Drew didn’t actually get glass in his eye, but that being the thing in kayfabe can be some good stuff. I can imagine McIntyre with an eyepatch, and he takes it off at the opportune time to get the better of Priest in their match. Also what a fitting choice for Punk to be passing by Drew suffering because of real glass.
Very good title matches tonight, but of course the status quo was kept. Pretty Deadly gets to look great here in London, but the Profits only just got the belts, they’re not going to be transitional champions like that. And Knight VS Braun was really good stuff, but honestly, Jacob Fatu going after them both should’ve been a given. Jacob also had a great promo with Solo & Tama to start adding to that divide between Jacob and Solo. I would hope Solo doesn’t screw Jacob out of the US Championship, but it feels like he will as Solo won’t stand for Jacob defying his authority, even though Solo’s been trying to make Jacob the champion all along.
Very good stuff from Jimmy Uso tonight, from his promo with #MeloDon’tMiz and then a great match with Miz. Their match ended up the de facto main event match, so that’s also great for both guys. Great win for Jimmy, but that’s likely because Jimmy is losing big time to Gunther on Monday. And it might just be me, but it feels like only now is the Jey VS Gunther build really moving, largely in part because Jimmy got involved. Jimmy’s promo after his match is something along the lines of what Jey should be saying. But I suppose as brothers, Jimmy is the one who knows Jey best and knows what Jey needs to be motivated again. And seeing Jimmy get beat up by Gunther will definitely motivate Jey…
Good final vignettes for Rey Fenix and Aleister Black. I’m a little surprised they confirmed Rey Fenix is showing up next week, and that they confirmed who Rey Fenix even is. I believe commentary confirmed Rey Fenix is Penta’s real brother, even namedropped “Lucha Brothers,” but all that is still surprising considering Fenix is going to start on SmackDown. Aleister’s vignette (at least I am fairly confident it’s his) was giving us glimpses of his silhouette, but I think there was usage of AI in the snake imagery. It was fine they did it for El Grande Americano because that is all trolling, but they really should try and do things the old fashioned way of photoshop and stock imagery.
Very good stuff in the Women’s Division tonight, though the WWE Women’s Championship portion was the weaker. Naomi’s got a great Heel persona going, her promo was great, and her going after B-Fab & Michin over them supporting Jade was a great detail. Jade runs Naomi off, helps B-Fab, but there was no helping Michin in being fed to Charlotte. Tiffany had a decent promo, and it does fit how Charlotte kept her from speaking so she finally gets things out here. It didn’t really add that much, though, but they already gave us a great brawl so not sure what more they can give.
KC Squared VS The Secret Her-vice was a very good match, but of course Chelsea made sure her team won. A Six Woman Tag of Zelina & KC Squared VS The Green Administration is certainly coming, to help give us Zelina VS Chelsea for the Women’s US Championship.
My Score: 8.7/10
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!
Coverage
Andrew’s TNA iMPACT! Results & Match Ratings: 3.27.2025
Bad news out of the TNA management side, but this is a taped episode from El Paso! So we won’t see any of the fallout just yet!

Now we all heard the news about the TNA change in hierarchy, and I…have no positive outlook on that. Delirious sucked at booking and creative in the dying days of ROH before it got bought as a B show. Dreamer having even more control is concerning because his ideas the last two years haven’t been much better.
Gail leaving makes more sense to me. Be it firing or a “you can’t quit, you’re fired” kind of situation, the Knockouts division is the worst it’s been in a long time and Gail was close with Scott D’Amore. So I don’t think Gail parting ways is as big of a problem since TNA has slowly been bleeding out with the Scott faithful.
Granted, I think the next few shows were already taped before the firing so things shouldn’t be completely unwatchable for at least a week or two. So let’s see where we’re going.
.@WeAreRosemary sends @XiaBrookside a CHILLING message!
WATCH #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/LaVxF6l2yc pic.twitter.com/srciTTbel0
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) March 28, 2025
Ratings:
- Gigi Dolin & Tatum Paxley vs Elegance Clique w/Personal Concierge: Ash wins via Rarefied Air – ** 1/4
- Fir$t Cla$$ & Frankie Kazarian vs Laredo Kid, Octagon Jr & Chavo Guerrero Jr: Chavo wins via Gory Bomb into Frog Splash – *** 1/4
- Jacy Jayne vs Masha Slamovich: Masha wins via Russian Death Device – ***
- Eric Young w/two losers vs Ace Austin: Eric wins via Piledriver – ** 1/2
- Seto & Mokuba – I mean – Nic Nemeth w/Ryan Nemeth vs Leon Slater: Nic wins via Danger Zone – *** 1/4
Results:
Gigi Dolin & Tatum Paxley vs Elegance Clique w/Personal Concierge
Ash and Gigi start off, Gigi with a little Rascalz after her first takedown. So both her and Wentz are making it obvious something’s going on between them, and I’m not mad at it. Good for my man Wentz.
Tatum and Gigi get some quick tandem offense in, Ash does manage to scurry off to a tag and Heather gets bent into a Pretzel. Some kind of Inverted Tarantula from Tatum, Gigi tags in, Bronco Buster on Heather followed by Kawada Kicks. Heather sells against the ropes, Gigi goes for a Hesitation Dropkick, but Concierge pulls her away so Gigi crashes and burns. Ref is distracted, Ash gets in some cheap shots and then the Elegant duo starts working over Gigi. A few quick tags, but once Heather comes in, Gigi fights out of the corner, gets the hot tag to Tatum. Tatum stacks up both Elegance members, Corner Stacked Crossbody, Butterfly Suplex and an Elbow Drop with some some flare. Tatum goes to the top rope, Heather pulls Gigi off the apron, Concierge shoves Tatum off the turnbuckle and Ash hits Rarefied Air for the win.
Post match the Elegance Clique wants to make their wish with the cake, they light the candles and Tatum and Gigi recover enough to do what we all expected last week, the cake in the face spot. Some…suggestive licking from both of our Hot Topic Hotties, so…no complaints here.
.@Ashamae_Sebera, @Heathereckless and @IamGeorgeIceman are having a meltdown!
WATCH #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/LaVxF6l2yc pic.twitter.com/FnKwPqm2ff
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) March 28, 2025
Fir$t Cla$$ & Frankie Kazarian vs Laredo Kid, Octagon Jr & Chavo Guerrero Jr
Chavo and Kaz start since he’s King Petty, a quick rope run turns into a Headscissor from Chavo. Kaz recovers, they lock up, Kaz hits the Knee Lift during the lock up to tag out to KC. KC pulls off some athletic dodges, gloats a bit so Chavo waits, measures and nails a gorgeous Dropkick. Laredo comes in on fire, quick high spots that send KC bouncing around like HBK against Hulk. KC powders after sells the Satellite Takedown, AJ checks on him and we go to commercial.
Back from commercial, Octagon is lighting up KC’s chest with overhand chops, he perches, Sunset Headscissor Flip from corner to corner, KC tries to Back Drop him but Octagon does a headstand, kicks KC away and lays him out with a high spot. AJ gets on the apron to stop Octagon from running the ropes, the referee has a stroke or something because he stops paying attention and AJ pulls Octagon out of the ring and chucks him. KC with the Tope con Hilo and tag (tag ropes haven’t mattered since the 80s we all know this). So AJ is getting taunted by the crowd in Spanish, but he’s manhandling Octagon since it looks like a Child fighting their parent. AJ knocks off Chavo and Laredo, Laredo pops up and tries to get involved but he’s caught on the shoulders, Octagon goes for the Crossbody but gets caught and AJ pulls off “World’s Strongest Wasteland” but Chavo breaks up the pinfall. AJ throws Octagon into the corner, Tennessee Whiskey, and tag out to KC. KC hits a few moves, but starts to lose the momentum until he connects with a Super Kick. Simultaneous rope run into the Dueling Crossbodies, so we get the timely tag outs from both sides. Kaz and Laredo come in, Laredo lands like two moves before Kaz hits a Sole Butt, Lariat and eats his lunch. KC and Kaz try to double team Laredo but he fights out and the crowd is chanting for Chavo.
Chavo tags in, and he’s rocking KC, Saito Suplex, Low Bridge to AJ, Reverse the Whip so Chavo goes to the corner and perches, KC feeds, Chavo Backflips to safety, rolls through and lays out KC. Chavo is feeling himself, 3 Amigos start on KC but only 2, Kaz comes in and Chavo switches to Kaz for the Amigos, only 2 again before AJ breaks it up. AJ goes for the disrespect, but Chavo counters and hits the 3 Amigos on the biggest Culero. Aztec Warriors dive to stop AJ and Kaz, KC tries a Dirty Victory Roll but Chavo kicks out. GORY BOMB into FROG SPLASH!
Chavo looked fantastic and he’s the one in the best shape in the ring. I wouldn’t be mad at more Chavito.
Jacy Jayne vs Masha Slamovich
I expect very little from this match.
Collar and Elbow, gator rolling for the first 30 seconds or so, then Jacy goes to some Hair Pull takedowns and does a little taunt before Masha pops back up and hits a Lariat into a Dive. Jacy sells it like she’s really hurt, even the ref tries to hold Masha back a little before Masha gets annoyed and just grabs her, Masha throws her in, looks for a Dive and Jacy sees it and powders. Masha tries to go back to the well for the Dive again but Jacy hits the Uppercut and then an Apron Run PK to drop Masha. Forearms rain down into a Foot Choke as Jacy continues to arrogantly play to the crowd. Another Foot Choke into a Cannonball, and near fall.
Masha gets space with a Sole Butt, tries to snap off Requiem but Jacy fights off, fights through a Sunset Flip another effective PK keeps Masha on her ass. Jacy looks for a kinda half-assed Camel Clutch as Masha is fighting up, but Jacy runs her into the corner, gets distracted mouthing off to the crowd, so Masha recovers, 5 Hole Up Kick sends Jacy into the corner, Yakuza Kick into Capo Kick for two. Requiem attempt again, but Jacy pushes off, a little back and forth, Masha tries a Backslide but Jacy gets away and hits a V-Trigger but only a 2 count. Jacy looks for the Discus Punch but Masha ducks it, they strike back and forth, but some dodges from both leave the exchange more even. Jacy with the Front Kick to the face sends Masha to the outside. Jacy wants another PK, but Masha blocks, Electric Chair Apron Snake Eyes. Masha throws her in, a PK into a near all. Requiem attempt 3, and thwarted from Jacy with a Superkick into a Neckbreaker. Senton misses from Jacy, Buzzsaw Kick, into Spinning Back Kick and Russian Death Device for the win.
Better than I expected, and Tessa attacks as soon as the bell rings. Xia Brookside and Lei Ying Li make the save after Tessa grabs the belt.
Eric Young w/two losers vs Ace Austin
Ace and Eric tie up, World of Sport start but as soon as Ace starts to get away EY punches him in the face. Eric looks at the camera and says “This is what trust looks like”, turns his back on Ace, when Ace looks to attack, the loser duo cut him off. EY takes advantage of the weird situation, but Ace with some Up and Over quick spots, into an Inside Cradle and La Magistral. EY kicks out of the quick flash attempts, but eats a Dropkick, and Ace goes all Speed Kils on him with fast strikes and then a face buster for another near fall. Strike spot very early in the match, Ace gets the best of it, goes for a Tear Drop Suplex but EY sits on it to block, Headlocks to keep him close and then a snap Lariat into beatdown bully tactics. EY takes the referee’s attention and one of the nerds punch Ace in the face.
Eric tries to lean on Ace, but Ace fires, a few strikes, Click Click Boom, the Miz Seated Lariats in the corner, Mochizuki Triangle Kick connects! Only a 2 count, but Ace seems to be in control. Ace puts EY on the ropes, a few strikes to keep him rocked, wants a Superplex, but EY blocks, bites the face and Macho Elbow gets a very close two count. EY tries the Piledriver but Ace turns it into a Jacknife Cradle,Spinning Heel Kick, calls for The Fold, but the losers hop on the apron to distract, Ace attacks them. Ace tries to time out the Triangle Kick again, but Eric dodges, throws Ace head first through the buckles. As Ace stumbles out of the corner, Piledriver, and it’s over.
Oh look it’s the “we’ll hear from Joe Hendry” segment. Again, I’ve loved this gimmick since Day 1, even didn’t hate his What Culture Pro stuff, but there is such a thing as milking a cow too much.
Elijah interrupts the whole “Who’s next” speech. When Elijah comes out he says he’s not the challenger and he believes in Joe. The crowd wants Elijah to turn on Hendry. Elijah pauses for a moment, and starts proving his friendship with stating his favorite color and a little “You Got a Friend in Me”. The crowd is into singing along and waving their cameras like Lighters to a 30 year old song. THANKFULLY Kaz breaks up the hug fest. Now he gets the “Culero” chant.
Kaz pulls out a Bass…what the hell is this Jam Session. Kaz has to warm up so he plays “La Cucaracha” on the bass. Kaz…is a national treasure. Hendry kicks Kaz out of the ring after his Heelish and playfully racially charged song choices. Kaz tries to sow dissension, but Joe and Elijah pinball Kaz between them. Kaz slips a power move and tries to shove Elijah into Joe but Elijah puts the brakes on, a small tense moment. But then Joe and Elijah play “Nah Nah Nah Nah, Hey Hey, Goodbye”…and that goes right into a commercial. Oddly…perfect.
Nic Nemeth w/Ryan Nemeth vs Leon Slater
Nic shoots the half immediately for a flash pinfall but Leon kicks out at one. Nic continues to keep things grounded with his amateur wrestling skills, and then does a little Dolph Ziggler show off. So Nic isn’t really taking this seriously, and Leon starts getting the best of things with an Arm Wringer, into drag, Shoulder Tackle and rope run as Nic tries to Leap Frog and Leon puts on the brakes and just shoves Nic on his ass. Nic gets annoyed, a few strikes, grinds his face along the ropes, but Leon keeps stringing some offense together, Back Handspring Elbow into his Corner con Hilo.
Ahh the classic formula of the commercial gives the heel the advantage, Twisting Suplex from Leon stops Nic’s offense momentum, right hand, Leon lifts Nic up for something, Nic slips it, kicks him in the gut, looks for the FameAsser, but Leon catches him into a Blue Thunder Bomb variation. Slater wants the Swanton 450, but Nic powders. Leon tries to adjust into a Dive, but Nic cuts him off, counter for counter and a FameAsser out of the counters for a two count. Nic starts the big brother tactics, bootwashes and arrogance, Slater fires, punches into a Yakuza Kick. Leon wants another Lethal Injection variant, but Nic catches him into a Rear Naked Choke. Slater tries to turn it into a pin so Nic breaks it. Leon wants a Leg Lariat but misses and gets unceremoniously dropped by Nic. Nic puts Leon up on the buckles, Superplex possibly but Slater counters, tries to collect himself for a move, but Nic falls into the ropes to crotch Leon, and finally hits the Superplex.
Twist of Slate from Leon, Swanton 450 but knees get up. Locomotion Cradles from both but they kick out, Ryan picks the ankle to trip up Leon just a touch and then Danger Zone ends the match.
Ryan starts the post match beatdown, but the Hardy’s music hits and they come down to the ring for the save. Matt challenges the Nemeths for Rebellion because they’re not medically cleared yet.
Overall Score: 6.5/10
Decent story motion, no match was offensive, and there was actually some solid match action for television standards. I don’t have a ton to complain about aside from the Knockouts Division is in a weird spot, and giving Hendry a lot of just talking and hollow payoff segments feels stupid. If we need to hear from him every week, give him a talk segment like Highlight Reel or something. Yes I know First Class just got The Penthouse, but if Hendry is going to talk more than wrestle, give him a talk segment for us to sink our teeth into.
There was the announcement that Xia, Lei Ying and Masha will face Tessa, Jacy and a mystery partner. So you gotta wonder if there’s going to be another NXT mercenary, a surprise return or if it’ll just be Rosemary since she’s got her issues with Xia. Also I just realized that Unbreakable is going to be on a Thursday, seemingly after iMPACT? I’m gonna have to see how they do it, because if there’s an Impact episode and 2-3 hour PLE…I do not want to be awake until 1am. People need to work, and I will be Unwakeable if things go that long.
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
Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!