Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE Bash In Berlin Results & Report! (8/31/24)
Wer ist der Beste?
Will Der Ring General still be Der World Champion?
Randy Orton battles Gunther for the World Heavyweight Championship, Kevin Owens battles Cody Rhodes for the WWE Championship, all in Berlin!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Undisputed WWE Championship: Cody Rhodes VS Kevin Owens; Cody wins and retains the title.
- WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships: Alba Fyre & Isla Dawn VS Bianca Belair & Jade Cargill; Bianca & Jade win and become the new WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions.
- Four Corners Strap Match: CM Punk VS Drew McIntyre; Punk wins.
- Mixed Tag Match: Dominik Mysterio & Liv Morgan VS Damian Priest & Rhea Ripley; Priest & Rhea win.
- WWE World Heavyweight Championship: GUNTHER VS Randy Orton; Gunther wins and retains the title.
PLAY BY PLAY
It’s the Bash In Berlin Countdown Show!
Join Michael Cole, The Miz & Big E in discussing, analyzing, and predicting all the action happening for this historic PLE return to Germany!
Michael Cole sits down for an interview with Randy Orton.
Cole says he’s been looking forward to this, because there’s a lot to talk about. They’ll start at Survivor Series, November 2023. Orton returned after a year and a half with a serious back injury. Did he think he was ever coming back? Orton says there was about six months that went by where he thought no, that was it, he was done. It hit him like a semi-truck. This is who he is. Being a pro-wrestler, a WWE Superstar, is everything. He went through a lot of agony with the procedure they used, but then three months later, he could start training again. He started the process slowly, and found himself stronger in the gym, recovering very quickly.
And before he knew it, he called Hunter and started at the Performance Center. Cole says it was clearly all worth it, because when he returned, it was a monster pop. What’d that feel like? Orton was so nervous. It happens to a lot of wrestlers. He talked with HBK, Hunter, Austin, Taker, and when you come back, everyone deals with that moment of things getting in your head. Will the fans remember? Or even care? So his confidence was a 3 out of 10, but then by WrestleMania, he was good.
Cole says Survivor Series was also a weird moment because not only did Orton return, but after the WarGames match… Orton figured this is where Cole would go. CM Punk returned that night, what did Orton feel? Orton says Hunter told him they needed to talk. This and that, glad to have Orton back, and one more thing: Punk’s coming back tonight. Orton asked if he was messing with him. But hey, he was fine to be back, so he let it happen. As he waited on Punk, he realized he had his moment, Punk gets his moment, it was all okay after. But going into it, it was a “mind eff.” But in the end, Orton’s glad Punk is back, they talked, and they can look back and laugh now.
Cole says a lot has changed in WWE. Is it for the better? 100%. Once Orton was back on the road, he saw things operate so much more smoothly. The morale in the locker room has changed, too. They get to go home now! A family matter, daughter being born, sure, you can have time off. Been working hard for three years? Take a few weeks off. And if the roster is happy and healthy, it’ll show, and the fans will respond to that. Cole says the WWE isn’t the only thing that’s change. Orton himself has changed, right? Orton says yeah, of course.
Then if the Orton of 2024 could talk to a 23-year-old Orton, what would he say? Orton would tell himself, “Don’t do what those other guys are doing.” There were examples of “too much too soon.” At the same time, if those things hadn’t happened to him, he might not be here today. Thinking from the fan side, they’ve seen Orton grow up and mature. That was fun for him, hopefully it was good for the fans, too. Cole also followed that ride. Fans are on his side now, does that affect his approach? It does. Orton remembers John Cena’s prime. That was a teachable moment. That is how a good Face interacts with fans both on and off camera.
So a younger Orton would look for the most vulnerable child in the first few rows, lock eyes, and then make it his job to make that kid to cry. That might be a part of him that still wants to do that, but he’s suppressed those thoughts. So he hates to say that he hates to say it, but he likes being a good guy. He enjoys the respect from the fans. It was a long, hard earned respect. It was faster for guys like Cena, but it took Orton longer because it took him longer to find himself. More with The Viper coming, later in the show.
Backstage interview with Bianca Belair & Jade Cargill.
Peter Rosenberg greets The StrongEST Duo as they walk in, and says it’s been since Fanatics Fest that they talked. How was the trip over? Oh, it was a long trip, a long tour, but they are ready to go for those titles. About that, this is an interesting situation. This team is such a force, but now they’re the challengers. Does that add pressure? It does. But losing the titles is the best thing that could’ve happened to them, because it makes them mentally stronger. At the end of the day, did they lose the titles? Yes. But it was a Triple Threat, so did Alba & Isla pin them? No. In the history books, there is no asterisk over that, they’re the champs, and that’s what matters here.
Bianca & Jade know it is going to be a hard match tonight, but they will take those titles back. This is more than just a match. They have so much to prove. Jade says Alba & Isa are keeping the belts warm. Bianca is doing her best to put those two over because she cares for them, but Jade does not. Jade & Bianca are taking back what is respectfully theirs. So tonight is their night. Time to take over and take back the Women’s Tag Team Titles! Bianca & Jade are ready, will Alba & Isla be unable to stop them?
Backstage interview with Dominik Mysterio & Liv Morgan.
Jackie Redmond is with “Dirty Dom” and the Women’s World Champion. Tonight is one of the more personal and polarizing matches tonight. Many fans sympathize with Damian & Rhea, but why are Dom & Liv the ones that feel betrayed? Liv says wow, what a dumb question. Not only did Rhea turn on Liv when they were tag team partners, but she made sure Liv & Raquel Rodriguez lost the tag titles. And then, days later, Rhea injured Liv’s shoulder. Liv can keep going if Jackie wants. As for Dom, Rhea & Priest are just the worst, Liv is way better, and he gets tendies whenever he wants.
But what is funny, is Liv feels when she and Dom were with Rhea, they wanted to share success and love with her, but she wouldn’t have it. Now that they’re against her, they’re sharing love and success with each other. How poetic. Yes… Jackie wishes them luck, but will this “power couple” feel powerless against The Terror Twins?
Backstage interview with Damian Priest & Rhea Ripley.
Cathy Kelley is with said Terror Twins, and says Liv Morgan has been flaunting both the world title and Dom around this week. They all used to be friends, family even, is there any hesitation or regret going into this? Rhea says she and Damian are very different people from when they first joined Judgment Day. They made regrettable decisions, yes, but Liv’s little revenge tour has gone beyond revenge, so now she and the rest of Judgment Day will regret their decisions. Priest adds that everyone has a past, and sometimes that past isn’t the best version of yourself. Some learn from that past, they grow and they change. Some.
Dom is still the same immature scumbag little kid that Priest met. And tonight, the Judgment Day receives their punishment! Rhea smiles, will she and Priest get to eradicate Dom & Liv tonight?
Backstage interview with Triple H.
Byron Saxton sits down with The Game as he has the pleasure of talking with the Chief Content Officer. They shake hands and HHH says it’s always good to see Byron. Byron says Bash In Berlin is a major event for WWE and Germany, but this also means a lot to HHH. HHH was here in 1997, during the Monday Night Wars, Raw from Germany. How does it feel to be back? Amazing, but too long. 27 years ago, HHH wrestled here against Bret Hart in front of six thousand at the time. But Germany was always one of HHH’s favorite destinations, especially over the years with Motorhead.
But now, 2024, it is massive tonight. Over 13 thousand, sold out, hottest ticket in town, and in incredible event. History will be made here. Tonight, the highest grossing arena event in WWE history, a record set at Clash at the Castle, broken by Backlash in France. All sell outs, seventh international PLE for the year, which speaks to the dedication to the international fanbase. Those fans are second to none. HHH is looking forward to bringing this to wherever they’re going.
Then for HHH personally, how special is it to see on an almost monthly basis? Humbling. He sees how hard everyone works, but it pays off when they come to another side of the world and just have people losing their minds. France, Germany, Japan, seeing this reaction, seeing the popularity of the superstars, Fanatics Fest in the US was a big one. The most popular thing, it is an incredible time, not lost on the WWE, and they are doing everything they can to show we’ve seen nothing yet. Byron thanks HHH for his time, and hopes everyone enjoys the show.
Jackie Redmond tags in for Michael Cole.
The Miz welcomes her with donuts from right here in Berlin, Germany. They all get a donut, and take a bite! Jackie says these are legit. The Miz loves these donuts, but he can’t have more because of his diet. But there’s no love lost in the story of Drew McIntyre and CM Punk. They cue up a video package to share the brutal history of the Strap Match and all its related wrist-bound match types. Who will use those thirteen feet of leather to leave the other bloody and broken?
Corey Graves has a sit-down interview with Cody Rhodes, and Kevin Owens.
He thanks them both for their time, and wants to start with this friendship. How long have they known one another? What were initial impressions? Kevin met Cody around 2015, when he was first called up to the main roster. Kevin being in NXT, becoming NXT Champion, he of course knew Cody’s dad, Dusty, and so he already liked Cody before meeting him. Kevin liked Cody right away. Cody says yeah, they were friends from the start. There’s a photo of when the Rhodes family revealed the Dusty statue, and so it is all family, and then Kevin on the end. It still fit somehow.
Cody’s journey away from the WWE, a large part of that is thanks to Kevin. Kevin gave Cody the names of some friends, as well as their numbers, and also he called those people to vouch for Cody. Kevin says he was still watching Cody wherever he went. Kevin saw the Cody that Cody wanted to be, and told him, “That’s it.” Then how did it feel for Kevin to watch Cody #FinishTheStory? It was incredible. Cody had a vision of how he should be treated and what he could accomplish, and he was right. Seeing him win was the last missing piece.
Corey says they’ve both been on a roller coaster journey. Kevin has had Cody’s back against The Bloodline, so why was he hesitant to take this title match? Kevin feels he doesn’t deserve it. His win-loss record should matter. Triple H was once literally handed a title. Kevin hated that! Sorry, Hunter. But Kevin doesn’t want that for the fans. Then why was it bringing up Roman Reigns that made Kevin accept. Because of what Roman did to both Kevin and the rest of the roster was despicable. Roman can’t just walk back in. If it was a choice between Roman and Kevin, Kevin sure wasn’t letting Roman get it.
Cody says he does wish there was another way to have gotten here, but he feels Kevin still would’ve earned this opportunity. Kevin says he’d feel better if he had earned it, but it is all moot now. Kevin isn’t thrilled, is all. Then to play Devil’s Advocate, Corey brings up those who say Cody chose Kevin because Kevin is someone Cody feels he can beat. Is that the case? Not at all. Let’s run the numbers: AJ Styles; Solo Sikoa; Logan Paul. Kevin can beat all those guys. Kevin feels that way, too. He hasn’t beaten them in awhile. Corey says that having these doubts doesn’t sound like Kevin. Cody agrees, and that this is becoming a rather awkward interview.
Kevin says this isn’t doubt. He isn’t confident or arrogant anymore, either. He is just realistic. Cody says it just seems odd, no one in the history of pro-wrestling has ever been told they are getting such a title opportunity, and they come back like Kevin has with, “No, I don’t want it.” That’s not what Kevin said. He of course wants it, just not like this. He wanted to earn it, so he can look at himself and know he worked his way there. Then is there any chance this match temporarily or permanently affects their friendship? Kevin doesn’t. He is excited to be in the first PLE in Germany in history, he’ll give everything he can. If not, his kids will kill him.
Cody says he is more focused than he ever has been. He is in the quarterback spot, he is not giving the ball over, even to a good friend. Corey hopes this friendship remains in tact, and he wishes the best of luck to both men. They shake hands, but will the friendship survive the gold? We won’t have to wait too long, because the Undisputed WWE Championship will open the show!
Backstage interview with Gunther.
Sebastian Hackl of WWE German commentary has the honor of speaking with Der Ring General, and asks how he is feeling. Very good, thank you. Gunther said the other day on the kickoff show, it’ll be a slap left, a slap right, then he goes home. Does he really think it’ll be that easy against Randy Orton? Gunther says no, not that easy, obviously. Orton is a 14-time World Champion, but that means he lost 14 times. Gunther has won it once, he plans on never losing it. Then as the fans said, “What a wonderful day!” Is this the best day in his career so far? He isn’t sure. Every match is very special, but especially here in Berlin.
Being the representative of the German speaking wrestling community is a big responsibility. He is here to be in those big pressure situations, and he can’t wait to go out there and be the World Heavyweight Champion against one of the greatest. Hackl says this is the calm before the story, will Gunther strike like lightning? Or will The Viper strike outta nowhere?
WWE now presents part two of the Randy Orton interview.
Michael Cole says one of the things that’s cool about Bash In Berlin is something that wouldn’t have been done in the past. King of the Ring, Gunther and Orton have an incredible match. Gunther wins, but with some controversy. Things would’ve moved on. HHH did say there was a mistake, this is making up for that. Orton loves the fact we can call back even just that far. Orton said it himself, Gunther only had his shot at SummerSlam because he “beat” Orton. Great story, very real. Cole says that match as fabulous. Orton thanks him for that. That was their first match against each other. Like him or hate him, Gunther is one of a kind.
When Orton came back, Gunther was on the short list of guys Orton wanted to watch out for. Orton knew he could handle a bomb or a clothesline, but now he’s even more confident. He is flying his wife to Berlin so she can watch in person. The energy in the venue is going to be so cool, he wants her to feel that. Orton can’t wait for this match. He can’t wait for the fans to react. Cole is excited to call this thing. He also wants to see how the fans react to Orton. They might sing his song, cheer for him, but then there’s Gunther, born in Austria but made his name in Germany, a hero to the people. Yes, he’s a living legend in Europe. It will be interesting, but Orton is still the Legend killer, so…
Now, with all of Gunther’s talent, why does Orton feel Gunther had to dig into the dirt? Bringing up the Orton family, Randy’s own past, all that. The match was set for the title, that prize makes this match what it is. But if Orton is Gunther, the only reason to make it personal is because the other guy has a leg up on him. So did all that bother Orton? Of course, no one likes hearing negative things about their family or themselves. But did it get under Orton’s skin? Not really.
Then some final questions. First: Orton is creeping up to history. He and HHH are 14-time world champions, that is a tie for second. But if Orton wins and becomes a 15-time, he stands alone as second place, just behind the record of 16, held by John Cena and Ric Flair. Does Orton think about it? Being tied with Hunter, and only behind Cena and Flair, that’s a great spot already. But if Orton could break another record, and holding such a prize more times than anyone else, that’s every little kid’s dream. Orton has broken records, set some others, but one record he’s always been after is the world title reigns, but that might also be the most difficult one at this point.
Cole reminds us that when Orton won his first, he was the youngest to ever hold a world title. 20 years later, Orton is a surefire Hall of Famer. Cole is honored to have watched Orton’s growth, it has been sensational. Cole wishes Orton luck on getting that 15th. Tonight is already historic, will this main event make it an amazing night?
Backstage interview with CM Punk.
Cathy Kelley is with The Second City Saint, and says he has been vocal about the pain he wants to inflict on Drew McIntyre. But could he elaborate on the emotional damage he plans to deal. Punk chuckles and says, the closer we get to bell time, the more weight I feel on my shoulders. This is a fight, and it’s personal. So yeah, I’m gonna hurt him. I’m gonna try and inflict every single piece of damage he did to me over the past six months, and that’s physically as well as mentally. I’ll be fighting for my pride and my family, I’m gonna make sure he’s fighting for his life.” Will the Best in the World give McIntyre the worst whipping of his life?
In the world of professional wrestling, one word drives everything: Momentum.
Triple H says, “We are in the What’s Next business, and what’s next… Is pretty damn special.” WWE continues its overseas expedition, and are enjoyed every minute of it. For Der Ring General, his momentum began forming long ago. The World Heavyweight Championship is his greatest achievement so far, but this is just the beginning. And Gunther didn’t do it alone, as Ludwig Kaiser has been by his side since the beginning. Nothing catches him off guard. But The Viper says that’s fine, he wants Gunther to see what’s coming.
The American Nightmare’s key to success is moving swiftly from what was to what’s next. Everything he went through to become WWE Champion, imagine the lengths he will go to stay champion. He promises Kevin Owens will be surprised by how much of his game Cody knows. And tonight, on one of Europe’s biggest stages, the hope is that this momentum will lead to success. No one can run forever, and much of this has been a long time coming. This is WWE Bash In Berlin!
Undisputed WWE Championship: Cody Rhodes VS Kevin Owens!
The American Nightmare offered this shot to a man he felt was deserving, but that man didn’t feel the same way. But that man wasn’t about to let the Tribal Chief, Roman Reigns, or anyone else from The Bloodline get this shot, so he had no choice but to accept. Will Kevin bring out “The Prizefighter” that was once the top champion in WWE? Or will Cody’s story not end here?
The fans of course sing along with Cody’s sing, “WHOA~ OH~!” and we again hit triple decibels like last night. The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who is truly deserving of it when they hold it up high overhead!
The fans already sing for “Cody, Cody Rhodes~! Cody, Cody Rhodes~!” The bell rings, Kevin stares Cody down, and the fans now sing a Berlin fight song. Kevin hops off the corner, the fans cheer more, and both Kevin and Cody take a moment just to hear it all. Berlin is already thunderous with a chant of “In Your Face!” in German, and then Cody and Kevin shake hands. The two circle, tie up, and Cody wrenches. Cody has the wristlock, the fans duel, and Kevin puts Cody on ropes. Kevin lets off cleanly, and the two reset. They circle, Kevin stays back from Cody’s leg pick, and then Kevin facelocks. Cody wrenches out to hammerlock, then headlock back.
The fans cheer, and Kevin slips out the back to headlock in return. Cody powers up and out, but Kevin runs him over! The fans cheer again, and Cody gets up. Cody and Kevin go around again, Kevin headlocks, and he grinds Cody down. Cody grabs at a leg, the fans rally up, and Cody fights up. Cody powers up and out, but Kevin runs him over again! Things speed up, Cody hurdles, and springboards, but Kevin catches the cutter! Kevin shoves Cody away, then wags his finger. The fans cheer and the two reset again. Cody and Kevin circle, tie up, and Cody waistlocks. Kevin switches, Cody grabs for a leg but Kevin steps back.
Cody works on the hold, breaks free, springboards, but Kevin dodges the Beautiful Disaster Kick to SENTON! The fans cheer, Kevin kicks Cody around, and Kevin fires body shots. Kevin brings Cody around to CLUB him, then shove him, to CLUB him again! The fans duel, Kevin bring Cody up and back suplexes, but Cody lands out! Cody dragon sleepers! Kevin snapmares free, kicks, but no stunner as Cody pushes free! The fans cheer as these two get face to face! Kevin and Cody reset, feel things out, Kevin waistlocks. Cody pries the hold, switches, but Kevin elbows free. Kevin runs up but Cody tosess him out!
Cody builds speed to DIVE! But Kevin catches Cody and RAMS him into the apron! Kevin goes up to then CANNONBALL! The fans fire up for Kevin, and he brings Cody around. Kevin throws Cody back in, goes up, but Cody hits the DISASTER KICK! Kevin falls back, Cody builds speed, and he DIVES! Direct hit this time, and Kevin hits the barrier! Cody stands up on the barrier and fans fire up even more! Cody goes back to Kevin, drags him up and puts him in. The fans sing for Cody again as Cody covers, ONE! Cody stays cool, then brings Kevin up. Cody hits a hip toss, then clamps on a short arm scissor!
Kevin endures, the fans rally, and Kevin fights around. Kevin rolls to roll Cody, and they end up in the ROPEBREAK! The ref counts, Cody lets off cleanly, and the fans duel again. Cody storms up but Kevin fires a body shot! Cody CHOPS, whips, then kitchen sink knees! Cover, TWO! Or as the fans let us know, “ZWEI~!” Cody stomps Kevin’s leg, stomps it some more, and Kevin goes to ropes. Kevin CHOPS, and CHOPS, but Cody DROPKICKS! Cody has the leg, steps through, and the fans “WOO~” for the FIGURE FOUR! Kevin grabs at Cody and the fans rally! Kevin’s shoulders are down, ONE as he sits up!
Kevin pries at the legs but Cody puts on the pressure! Kevin still fights, still reaches out, and he pushes on the legs to get the ROPEBREAK! Cody lets off, Kevin stands, and then Kevin CHOPS! Cody ROCKS Kevin! Cody runs, but Kevin dumps him to the apron! Kevin kicks the supposed bad leg, then he BLASTS Cody off the apron! Cody hits barriers, and Kevin hits a FROG SPLASH from the apron! The fans fire up, and Kevin puts Cody in the ring. Cover, TWO! Kevin clamps onto Cody with a cording hold, and he digs his elbows into ribs. Cody fights back so Kevin stomps Cody. The fans rally up and Kevin has Cody on ropes.
“This is Awesome!” as Kevin keeps on Cody, then stomps him in a corner. Kevin brings Cody around to whip, and BODY SHOT! Then a RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP! Cover, TWO! Kevin clamps onto Cody with a waistlock, the fans rally up, and Cody endures this rear bearhug. Cody fights to his feet, throws elbows, then BELL CLAPS! And BELL CLAP again! Kevin lets go but then headlocks. Cody powers up and out, but Kevin RAMS Cody! Cody stays up, and DOUBLE LARIATS collide! Both men fall and the fans fire up! Cody and Kevin rise, and Kevin atomic drops! Cody dodges the lariat to run and CLOBBER Kevin!
Cody goes to a corner, baits Kevin in to go up and over, then SNAP POWERSLAM! The fans fire up and Cody grits his teeth. Cody rises, the fans fire up more, and Cody springboards, BEAUTIFUL DISASTER KICK! Cover, TWO! Kevin is still in this but Cody just catches his breath. Cody pounds the mat, the fans clap along, and Kevin rises. Cody springboards, CODY- NO, Kevin again catches the cutter, and he GERMAN SUPLEXES! The fans cheer, and then Kevin SUPERKICKS Cody! Kevin keeps Cody up to whip, but Cody CODY CUTTER!! Cover, TWO!! Kevin survives as Cody brings that one outta nowhere!
The fans rally up again as both men rise. Kevin goes to ropes, Cody storms over, and Cody fires a forearm! Kevin steadies himself, Cody eggs him on, so Kevin CHOPS! Cody fires another forearm, Kevin fires one back! The forearms go back and forth, faster and faster! Cody fires haymakers, kicks then whips, but Kevin reverses, wrenches, pump handle, GHOSTBUSTER! Cover, TWO!! Cody survives Kevin busting out something new, but Kevin stomps him for it. Kevin goes to a corner, climbs up, but Cody runs up to ROCK him first! Cody fires more hands, adjusts Kevin’s position, then CHOPS! Cody climbs, but Kevin fights back!
The fans rally and duel as the shots keep going! Cody goes to the very top, but Kevin makes it a fireman’s carry! SUPER ROLLING SENTON!! Cover, TWO!! Cody survives again and “This is Awesome!” Kevin drags Cody up, whips him, but Cody BOOTS back! Cody runs, springboards again, but into a kick! Still no Stunner as Cody CROSS RHODES!! Cover, TWO?!? Kevin survives and the fans are thunderous! Cody is stunned, but the energy builds higher as he puts Kevin in a corner. Cody hoists Kevin back up top, climbs up to join him, and yet Kevin makes it a SUPER FISHERMAN BUSTER!! Kevin still cannot be superplex’d!
The fans lose their minds, and Kevin crawls to a cover! TWO!! Cody survives again but Kevin is too tired to be upset. Kevin goes to ropes, the fans rally up even harder, and both men rise. Kevin storms over to Cody, brings him around and fires a forearm! Cody comes back with a forearm! Kevin hits right back! Cody body shots! Kevin HEADBUTTS! Cody HEADBUTTS! Kevin SLAPS Cody, Cody SLAPS Kevin, it goes from SLAP fight to haymakers! Cody SUPERKICKS, but Kevin SUPERKICKS! Cody SUPERKICKS again! Kevin stagers, Cody blocks the superkick to kick and RHODES UPPERCUT! Cody tries again, goes up and up, and the leg buckles!
Kevin was right, Cody’s leg is in a bad way! Kevin wants to strike but something is keeping him from doing it! Is this the tainted victory Kevin didn’t want? Cody bails out, Kevin follows, and the ref checks. Cody pushes Kevin, then fires a forearm! And another, and another! Kevin kicks the bad leg! The fans cheer, that is The Prizefighter! Kevin huffs ‘n’ puffs to reel Cody in, and now… No, he reconsiders going that far into his past. Kevin shoves Cody down, but fans boo. Kevin drags Cody up and puts him in the ring. Kevin tells Barrett to shut up about killer instinct. But then Cody snatches Kevin to a cradle, TWO! STUNNER!! Cover, TWO!!
Kevin is frustrated but the fans are loving this! Kevin rises, paces, shakes his head, and he goes back for Cody. He tells Cody like he did last night, Cody asked for this! Kevin whips, but Cody reverses! Cody catches Kevin to a CROSS RHODES! Cody holds on, to CROSS RHODES again!! Cody drags Kevin up one more time, but Kevin pops free! STUNNER!! Cover, TWO!! Cody survives again and Kevin is beside himself while the fans are losing their minds! The fans again declare “This is Awesome!” as Kevin rises up. Kevin goes to a corner, climbs up, and he SWANTON BOMBSÂ onto knees!! A little double-edged for Cody but he drags Kevin up.
Cody dragon sleepers, for a CROSS RHODES!! Cover, Cody wins!!
Winner: Cody Rhodes, by pinfall (still Undisputed WWE Champion)
While Cody hit four Cross Rhodes, Kevin’s hesitation and internal conflict is what lost it for him. The singles title drought of seven years, the world title drought of eight, all because Kevin didn’t go all out against Cody. Cody wants to show Kevin respect, but Kevin is too upset with himself. The fans cheer for Kevin, and Kevin hugs it out with Cody! Kevin raises Cody’s hand in victory, and he won’t let Cody return the favor. It is clear The American Nightmare will be the target of Solo Sikoa, will Kevin stay by Cody’s side to fight The Bloodline all over again?
WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships: Alba Fyre & Isla Dawn VS Bianca Belair & Jade Cargill!
Clash at the Castle was a chaotic Triple Threat that saw Scotland’s hometown lasses standing tall. However, they still must settle things with The StrongEST Duo, the odd team out in that match. Will Bianca & Jade take these belts back now that it’s 2v2? Or will the Unholy Union have some new tricks up their proverbial sleeves?
The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we see which team is truly the B E S T!
The teams sort out and Bianca starts with Isla, but then Alba slips in. Bianca isn’t sure who is really legal now, but Jade steps in to back her up. The fans rally up, and the brawl is on! Jade fires hands on Isla, Bianca has Alba! The ref reprimands, Jade scoops Isla to BACKBRAEKER! Alba ROCKS Bianca, Bianca scoops back, and hits a GUTBUSTER! The fans cheer and Bianca puts Alba in the corner. Bianca stomps away, tags Jade, then Jade stomps away. Jade tags back to Bianca, she brings Alba out, but Alba fires a knee! Alba CLUBS Bianca, but Bianca blocks the superkick! Bianca drop steps, waistlocks, then suplexes high and hard!
Bianca fires up and the fans are with her! Bianca RAMS into Alba, then climbs up to rain down fists! Fans count all the way to eight, but Isla gets in Bianca’s face! Alba grabs the braid! Bianca backflips! Isla runs up but Bianca DECKS her! Alba KNEES low! Alba POSTS Bianca and Bianca falls right to the floor! Alba distracts the ref and Isla gets a shot in! Jade storms over, but Alba DIVES onto her! The fans fire up as Alba & Isla stand tall! Alba tags Isla, but they both get Bianca up to RAM her into barriers! Jade is up and storms up, but the ref has her stand down! Isla & Alba taunt Jade, the fans boo, but Alba & Isla mug Bianca.
Isla puts Bianca in, pushes her down and covers, ONE! Isla drags Bianca up, tags Alba, and they mug Bianca more. Alba sends Bianca into the TARANTULA! SUPERKICK! Bianca falls, Alba covers, TWO! Alba drags Bianca up, wrenches and whips to drop toehold! Bianca hits ropes, Isla tags in and KNEES Bianca from the apron! Cover, TWO! Isla keeps Bianca down with a chinlock, but the fans rally up. Bianca rises, fires body shots, but Isla knees low. Isla whips Bianca, RAMS her, and soaks up the heat. Isla KNEES Bianca in the side, fires more shots, then wrenches. The fans rally for Bianca and she sunset flips over!
Isla stays up, tags Alba, and Alba KICKS Bianca! METEORA from Isla! Alba covers, TWO! Alba stomps Bianca around, then brings her up. Alba CLUBS Bianca, but Bianca fires body shots. Alba whips Bianca to the corner, stomps her, then CHOPS her! The fans “WOO~!” and Jade reaches out, but Alba KNEES Bianca. Alba taunts Jade, and tilt-o-whirls into an IRON OCTOPUS! Bianca stay sup, the fans fire up, and she reaches for Jade! Alba lets go to grab the braid! Isla tags in, and they both YANK Bianca into the corner! Isla wraps the braid around ropes then stomps away! The fans boo, the ref stops Isla, and Isla just taunts Jade.
Isla runs in but Bianca BOOTS her! Bianca DECKS Alba, dodges Isla, and hurries! But Alba stops her from reaching Jade! Bianca fires more forearms, reaches out, but then Alba waistlocks. Bianca elbows free, runs up, but Alba wrenches, and kicks Jade to TORNADO DDT! Cover, TWO! Jade storms in, the ref keeps her back, and Alba drags Bianca over. The champs mug Bianca! The fans boo, Alba lets off to bring Bianca around, and GOURD BUSTER! Isla is in, she runs but Bianca dodges! Isla’s knees hit buckles! The fans fire up while both women crawl! Alba runs up but Bianca TOSSES her out! But then Isla grabs Bianca!
Isla back suplexes, Bianca lands out, and she hits a BIG back suplex on Isla! The fans fire up, Bianca crawls, hot tag to Jade! The fans fi reup as Jade jumps in to rally on Isla! And on Alba! Jade roars, then DOUBLE LARIATS! Jade SPINEBUSTERS Isla, then fireman’s carries Alba! Pop-up into the FALL AWAY SLAM! And a kip up! The fans fire up with Jade, and she runs in to SPLASH Alba! And SPLASH Isla! And another for Alba! SUPERKICK for Isla! Isla staggers into Jade’s suplex, for the JACKHAMMER!! Cover, TWO!! Isla survives and Jade is surprised, but she fires back up. The fans rally, and Jade hoists Isla up.
Isla slips free of the fireman’s carry but Jade RAMS her into a corner! Alba sneaks the tag, Jade snapmares Isla, but Alba grabs Jade’s hair. Jade ELBOWS Alba away, BOOTS Isla, then tags Bianca, But Alba shoves Jade to catch Bianca! Bianca fights free, but Alba brings her back in! Gory Especial, Isla joins in for SOMETHING WICKED!! Cover, Jade breaks it!! The fans fire up as this continues! Isla drags Jade up, but Jade TOSSES her! Isla is on the apron, Jade BOOTS her down again! Alba CLUBS Jade, Bianca BOOTS Alba! Alba SUPERKICKS Jade! Alba reels Jade in, kicks at Bianca, but Bianca catches her!
The StrongEST Duo DOUBLE PRESS SLAM! And now, the handspring into the DOMINATOR SPLASH!! Cover, TWO!! Alba survives, Isla storms in, but Jade is after Isla! Jade CHOKE- NO, Isla slips free to RUONHDHOUSE! Bianca torture racks Isla! But Alba makes the save, and HEADBUTTS Bianca down! Isla hurries to the corner, tags in, and then Alba goes up. Isla hits a BACKSTABBER, then Alba adds the SWANTON BOMB!! But Jade uses Bianca’s braid to pull her out of harm’s way! Alba lands on Isla instead!! The fans are thunderous, and Bianca TOSSES Alba out to Jade! Jade SLINGS Alba into barriers! Isla rolls up Bianca! TWO!!
Jade sneaks a tag, Bianca pops Isla up to SPINEBUSTER! Jade wheelbarrows Isla, STORM PLEX!! Cover, Jade & Bianca win!!
Winners: Bianca Belair & Jade Cargill, by pinfall (NEW WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions)
The spell has been broken with the power of Black Girl Magic! Will they make this the biggEST, the strongEST, the longEST and the B E S T reign yet?
Four Corners Strap Match: CM Punk VS Drew McIntyre!
From the Second City Saint’s return to the WWE in November 2023, to the Scottish Terminator’s Future Shock that tore Punk’s arm up in the Royal Rumble, to the long Road to WrestleMania and that long road to recovery, things have only gotten more and more heated, and more and more personal between these two men. McIntyre has been borderline blasphemous talking about how he prayed for Punk’s suffering, then became the man who made it happen, all the while taunting Punk with the bracelet he stole. Will McIntyre pile on from SummerSlam with another humiliating defeat? Or is this where Punk finally gives “DM Hunk” his comeuppance?
The fans sing along with Cult of Personality, and join with Punk in saying, “IT’S CLOBBERIN’ TIME~!” The introductions are made, but McIntyre CLOBBERS Punk! McIntyre goes after Punk from behind, fires hands, then SMACKS him off steel steps! It’s hypocritical but also merciless as McIntyre TOSSES Punk onto the German announce desk! The fans boo, but McIntyre CHOPS Punk! Punk hits back but McIntyre DECKS him! McIntyre puts Punk in, rains down fists, and the ref reprimands! The ref stops McIntyre, but McIntyre grabs the strap! McIntyre winds up, and he LASHES Punk!
Punk writhes, the ref reprimands, but McIntyre straps in. The fans chant for Punk so McIntyre LASHES Punk! McIntyre tells the ref to get Punk strapped in! McIntyre does it himself, and then he DECKS Punk! The ref rings the bell, and McIntyre BOOTS Punk! McIntyre CHOPS Punk in a corner, then LASHES him! Punk sputters, McIntyre brings him around, and he uses the strap in a RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP! The fans are torn, but McIntyre is distracted by all the “CM PUNK” chants! Punk slides out of the ring, but McIntyre YANKS him into the apron! And then again! And then he drags Punk in to LASH him!
McIntyre LASHES Punk more, then stands him up to CHOP him down! McIntyre soaks up the cheers and jeers, and then tags his first corner. Red light for McIntyre, but he dares Punk to get up. McIntyre CHOPS Punk down, the fans tell McIntyre off, but McIntyre just smiles. McIntyre swings, but Punk ducks and fireman’s carries! GO TO SLEEP!! Both men are down, and the lights reset! At least, they should turn off. Punk says his turn, but then says hold on. Punk LASHES McIntyre again and again, all in return for McIntyre’s cheap shot! Punk stands McIntyre up to NECKBREAKER! The fans cheer and Punk lets McIntyre slide out.
Punk YANKS McIntyre into the apron, stomps McIntyre’s hand, then goes out after him. Punk looks under the ring, but McIntyre CLOBBERS Punk! McIntyre drags Punk up to SMACK him off the English commentary desk! McIntyre tells Cole off, then goes up onto the desk. The fans rally up, McIntyre reels Punk in, and he takes his time with the underhooks. But Punk fights it! Punk back drops free and McIntyre hits the desk hard! The fans fire up and Punk LASHES McIntyre again! And again! And again! Then Punk goes looking under the ring, and fans fire up as Punk brings out a TABLE! But McIntyre LASHES Punk!
McIntyre BOOTS Punk down, then he puts the table back! The fans boo, but McIntyre LASHES Punk again! McIntyre then grabs a chair from the timekeeper’s area! McIntyre JAMS Punk! Punk coughs as he falls to his knees, and McIntyre stands him up to CHOP! And CHOP! And CHOP! Punk fights back with forearms! McIntyre CLAWS Punk’s eyes! McIntyre puts Punk in the ring, and uses the strap to stand him up, to scoop and SLAMÂ onto the chair! Punk writhes, but McIntyre looks him in the eyes. Punk’s head is busted open, and McIntyre smears the blood. McIntyre fires hands, but so does Punk!
McIntyre rains down HEADBUTT after HEADBUTT! Punk writhes, the fans rally up, and McIntyre puts the chair in a corner. McIntyre wedges that nice and tight in the bars, but Punk SHINING WIZARDS first! And BULLDOGS! McIntyre flops out of the ring and the fans fire up! Punk goes out the opposite end, and he YANKS McIntyre into a POST! McIntyre falls, the fans rally up, and Punk slips around the corner. Punk brings that table back out! The fans cheer as Punk starts setting it up at ringside! McIntyre rises, and he goes into the ring. Punk storms in after him, but then a CLAYMORE OUTTA NOWHERE!! The fans fire up while both men are down!
McIntyre rises, he tags a corner. He staggers, but he goes to the second counterclockwise. Punk stirs, McIntyre has three corners! Punk hurries out of the ring to YANK McIntyre into his own chair trap!! The lights reset, Punk tags that closest corner. The fans rally for Punk as he works counterclockwise. That’s two corners, but he drags McIntyre along so he can go to the third. Just one left, but McIntyre fires hands! McIntyre CHOPS Punk, whips him corner to corner, then runs in. Punk dodges, to SHINING WIZARD again! But no bulldog as McIntyre lifts and THROWS Punk down through the table!! The fans are losing their minds while the ref checks Punk.
The fans sing as McIntyre uses the strap to reel Punk in like a fish! McIntyre fireman’s carries Punk, and he uses his free hand to tag the bottom left corner. But Punk also tags! This is the JBL Batista maneuver! They’re all getting the corners, and Punk fights free! They struggle to go for the fourth corner! McIntyre and Punk push each other with one hand, reach out with the other, and the fans are thunderous! McIntyre ROCKS Punk, but Punk ROCKS McIntyre! The lights reset, and the fans cheer Punk’s every punch! They boo McIntyre’s every shot, too. Punk ROCKS McIntyre, but McIntyre ROCKS Punk! It goes fast and furious and the fans fire up!
Both men stagger, and both men BOOT! Both men fall and the fans are thunderous! Punk sits up first, and he ankle locks McIntyre to turn him over into a SHARPSHOOTER! Punk puts on the pressure! McIntyre TAPS! Not that it matters, but Punk loves this moral victory! McIntyre even grabs the ropes! But nothing can save him, Punk holds until McIntyre passes out! Punk tags the top left corner! Then he staggers his way along, the fans cheer, and he… No, McIntyre revives to anchor Punk! Punk still touches the corner, he’s halfway done! But then McIntyre YANKS Punk in for a NECKBREAKER! The lights must reset!
The fans rally while both men are down again! McIntyre kips up! The fans are torn, and McIntyre decides to bring out the bracelet! It was down his trunks, but now McIntyre puts it on his other wrist. McIntyre aims from a corner, gives the bracelet a kiss, and gives the countdown! “DREI! ZWEI! EIN!” CLAYMORE!! Direct hit, but McIntyre must now touch buckles! Tag to one corner, then he staggers to tag the second. McIntyre reaches the third, but Punk wakes up! He keeps McIntyre back! Fireman’s carry, ANOTHER GO TO SLEEP!! McIntyre falls, the lights reset again! Berlin is thunderous as both men stir!
Punk hurries to his feet, but McIntyre grabs Punk’s foot! Punk sees the bracelet! Punk reels McIntyre back in, a third G T S!! One corner! Two corners! Punk has to drag a half-conscious McIntyre along, and he then drags McIntyre up for a FOURTH G T S!! Three corners! McIntyre is in a daze, and Punk feels the energy! Punk uses that energy to hobble forward, but he says hold on. Punk drags McIntyre up, fireman’s carries again, a FIFTH G T S!!! Punk then snatches the bracelet back! The fans cheer as Punk has that, and the fourth corner! Punk wins!
Winner: CM Punk
The moral AND physical victories, a truly definitive win for CM Punk! Will this be the punctuation on the story between these bitter enemies? Can Punk finally move past this and again focus on being The Best in the World?
Sebastian Hackl is in the ring!
Germany’s own addresses the fans to review the international series WWE has been building. Here in the Uber Arena, Bash In Berlin, the HIGHEST GROSSING arena show in WWE history! The fans cheer this historic feat achieved here in Berlin! Will WWE’s global touring only get bigger and bigger from here?
Mixed Tag Match: Dominik Mysterio & Liv Morgan VS Damian Priest & Rhea Ripley!
What a twisted love story. Boy meets girl, calls her “Mami,” Mami turns Boy against his father and join a “new family.” But then another girl comes along, calls him “Daddy,” and she gets the boy even more turned around. But now, after drama and betrayals that tore the family apart, it’s time to fight it out! Will Dirty Daddy Dom & Lil’ Liv give their wretched romcom a happy ending? Or will the real heroes of this story prevail?
The teams sort out and Dom starts against Priest. Then Priest runs up and Dom goes to hide in an open corner! The fans boo but Priest backs off. Dom and Priest reset, but then Dom goes to the other corner to hide! Priest drags him out, Dom dodges a haymaker, and then dodges again. Dom kicks low, kicks and CHOPS, but Priest just scowls. Priest BOOTS Dom right in the mustache! Priest puts Dom in a corner to windmill those haymakers! The fans fire up, Priest lets off, to wind up and UPPERCUT! Dom staggers along the ropes while the fans fire up. Priest whips but Dom ducks ‘n’ dodges, but Priest JUMPING ELBOWS!
The fans fire up and Rhea smiles. Priest knuckle locks and twists the wrist! Dom endures, Priest straight arm levers, to then drop Dom down! The fans chant, “We Want Mami!” but Priest whips Dom to a corner. Dom staggers forward, into a BOOT! Priest points to Rhea and the fans fire up! Rhea is all excited, but Dom scrambles away! Liv tags in, talks smack on Priest, but uh, Rhea still gets to come in… Priest says talk to the hand, then Rhea DROPKICKS Liv! Rhea grins as she scoops Liv, to FALL AWAY SLAM! Rhea drags Liv back up, to TOSS her across the way! Liv staggers up, Rhea RAMS into her!
The fans are thunderous as Rhea rains down fists on Liv! The fans count, Rhea goes to five before she HEADBUTTS! Liv flounders, Rhea taunts Dom that he chose this over Mami. Rhea gives some Latina Heat, then suplexes to hold Liv up, before the SLAM! Liv scrambles away, Dom checks on her, and she tags him in. Rhea dares Liv to come back but Priest is now legal. Priest storms up to grab Dom and drag him in! The fans fire up and Priest whips Dom to ropes. Dom holds ropes, but Priest LARIATS Dom up and out! Priest stalks Dom, ROCKS him, and then scoops him to SNAKE EYES off the apron!
Dom flops back, the fans chant, “Who’s Your Daddy?” Priest puts Dom in, but Liv anchors Priest on the apron! The fans boo, but Dom BLASTS Priest! Priest hits desk, Dom runs out to CLOBBER him into steel steps! The fans boo but Dom blows Liv a kiss for the assist. Rhea storms over but Dom puts Priest in the ring. Dom soaks up the heat, tells the fans to shove it, then he slingshot SENTONS! Cover, TWO! Priest is tougher than that, but Liv gets a cheap shot in! Rhea is furious, the ref has her back down. Dom taunts Rhea, but the fans tell Dom off. Dom fires hands on Priest, but Priest ROCKS Dom back!
Priest stands to ROCK Dom again! Dom staggers to a corner, Priest runs up, but into BOOTS! Dom goes up and TORNADO DDTS! Cover, ONE?! Dom is shocked, he argues with the ref, but that lets Liv SLAP Priest! Liv laughs and Dom clamps onto Priest to throw crossface forearms! Dom clamps onto a chinlock, but Priest is pissed! The fans rally up, Priest fights up, and Priest pries the hold open! Dom is shocked, but he kicks low! Dom gives some Latino Heat, but Priest hits a BROKEN ARROW! Dom flounders away while the fans fire up! Priest hot tags Rhea! Rhea rallies on Liv with LARIAT after LARIAT!
Rhea stomps a foot, SMASHES Liv’s face, then DISCUS LARIATS! The fans fire up as Rhea sits Liv up, to then basement DROPKICK! The fans fire up, Rhea waistlocks, and she GERMAN SUPLEXES Liv, then KNEES her down! Dom staggers to his feet, and Rhea locks eyes with her former Dom Dom. Dom panics, then offers a hug in apology? Rhea laughs. Rhea ELBOWS Liv as she tries to cheap shot her! Rhea then short arm LARIATS Dom! And again! And then an atomic FACEBUSTER! Rhea puts Dom in a HANGING HEADSCISSOR! The fans reach triple digits again! Liv runs up, Rhea BOOTS her down! And then SHOTGUNS her!
Liv tumbles away, Rhea storms up on Dom, and brings him around to pump handle! But Liv saves her Dom Dom! Liv kicks, BOOTS, and ENZIGIRIS! Rhea wobbles, into a BACKSTABBER! How fitting of these two! Liv runs up to SHINING WIZARD in the corner, then she pushes Rhea down! The fans rally but Liv laughs. Liv steps over to trap an arm, ROLLING COBRA!! Cover, TWO!! Rhea survives Liv busting out something new and the fans fire up! Liv kicks at Rhea, but the fans continue to rally. Rhea BOOTS from below! Rhea and Liv both crawl, reach out, hot tag to Priest! Dom runs in but Priest FLAPJACKS him!
Priest KICKS, KICKS and KICKS, then ROLLING ELBOWS! Then Priest DECKS Dom with a forearm! Dom stands, Priest BACK ELBOWS in the corner! Clinch and FLATLINER! The fans fire up again and Priest takes aim. Dom stands, Priest runs, LARIAT! Cover, Liv breaks it! So Rhea CLOBBERS Liv! The Terror Twins stand tall over the traitors, and the fans fire up! Rhea nods, and they DOUBLE BELL CLAP! Then they reel Dom and Liv in, double crucifix lifts! DOUBLE RAZOR’S EDGE!! The fans are thunderous, and Rhea TOSSES Liv out! Rhea says they finish this! Priest brings the straps down, and he stalks Dom.
But wait, the rest of Judgment Day is here! Priest DECKS JD McDonagh, Rhea SMACKS Carlito off the apron! But Liv leaps to SUNSET BOMB Rhea into barriers!! Priest is stunned, Dom is up top! Dom leaps, but into Priest’s hands! JD distracts the rf, Finn Balor SLINGBLADES Priest!! Dom dropkicks Priest onto ropes! Dom dials it up, 619!! The fans boo as Dom climbs, and Dom FROG SPLASHES! Cover, TWO!?! Priest survives Dom’s best shots and Finn is pissed! But then Finn tells Dom to tag Liv, Rhea’s in a bad way! Dom tags Liv, Finn sets Rhea up, and Liv DIVES! A huge shot, and Liv puts Rhea back in!
Liv watches Rhea flounder to ropes, and then OB-NO! Rhea hits a BACKBREAKER! Rhea roars, but JD is there! Rhea swings on JD, JD gets away! Liv jumps to FLYING CODE BREAKER! Liv crawls, but she’s in bad shape, too! Priest POUNCES JD over the desk! Priest BOOTS Carlito, SUPERKICKS Finn, and Priest clears the English desk! Priest drags Finn up, but Dom DIVES onto Priest! Priest ends up on the desk! Dom HAMMERS Priest while fans boo! Dom goes up onto the German desk, and he runs up , into a LARIAT! Dom goes flipping and flopping off the desk! Liv is furious, but she has bigger problems!
Rhea stalks up behind Liv with a big grin, and Liv feels it. Liv slowly turns around, into a HEADBUTT! Rhea reels Liv in, for RIPTIDE!! Cover, The Terror Twins win!
Winners: Damian Priest & Rhea Ripley, by pinfall
Justice has been served! Judgment Day betrayed the two most powerful members in the team and have paid for it! But bigger than that, Rhea just pinned the Women’s World Champion! Will this bad blood continue until Rhea takes back what matters?
WWE World Heavyweight Championship: GUNTHER VS Randy Orton!
Der Ring General became The King of the Ring to then become the champion at SummerSlam. In fact, Gunther has been for about 1500 of the 2000 days he’s been under WWE contract! Will his incredible career only become more and more legendary in the country where it all began? Or will The Viper bring out that Legend Killer to have his fifteenth world championship reign?
The fans sing along with Voices as Orton makes his entrance, but they still fire up for Gunther. The introductions are made, Ludwig Kaiser giving Gunther’s. “Ladies and gentlemen… IÂ demand all your gratitude for YOUR World Heavyweight Champion…! Derrrrrrr RING GENERAL…! GUUUUNTHERRR!” The fans cheer that! The belt is raised, and we see what kind of history is made to wrap this historic night!
The bell rings and the fans sing for Berlin and for Germany. Gunther and Orton take a moment to listen, and the fans are bordering on triple digit decibels again. Oh, there it goes! This is the loudest they’ve been all night! Orton applauds as the song wraps, and he circles with Gunther. They feel things out, tie up, and are in a deadlock. Orton drops to a knee, but he fights back up. They end up on ropes, go around, and end up in a corner. Orton RAMS into Gunther, but he lets off. Gunther facelocks to smother Orton but the ref counts. Gunther lets go, Orton backs up, and the fans cheer. The two reset and circle again.
Orton and Gunther tie up, Gunther headlocks for a takeover. Orton headscissors, Gunther pops free. Orton headlocks for the takeover, Gunther headscissors, and Orton pops free. The fans cheer this exchange and the two reset. They circle, the fans sing a bit more, and Orton smiles. Orton and Gunther tie up, Orton waistlocks, but Gunther drops while prying the hold. Gunther wrenches to double wristlock, but Orton has the ROPEBREAK. “This is Awesome!” as Gunther lets off slowly. The two go again, circle and tie up. They are in another deadlock, but Orton goes for an arm now. Gunther works to have a modified SLEEPER!
Orton endures, but he’s already a bit red. Not quite red as his new trunks but still red. The fans do a wave? As long as they’re not bored… Orton fights up, powers Gunther to a corner, and the ref counts. Gunther lets go, Orton steps away, and they reset. The fans keep the wave going, and Orton notices it. The fans cheer as Orton and Gunther circle again. Orton and Gunther can’t help but smirk seeing all this energy, and then Orton joins in! The fans are thunderous again as Orton and Gunther circle. They feel things out, then Gunther CHOPS! And CHOPS! Orton falls, scrambles to a corner, but Gunther is on him.
Gunther RAMS into Orton again and again, then UPPERCUTS! Gunther snapmares Orton while the fans sing again. NECK TWIST! Orton writhes, then goes to ropes, but Gunther storms over. Gunther drags Orton up and around, grinds the arm and CLUBS it! And CLUBS it again! Then he CHOPS Orton back down! Orton gets right up and goes to a corner. Orton kicks Gunther, kicks again, then fires forearms. Gunther fires back! Gunther ROCKS Orton, Orton ROCKS Gunther, repeat! Gunther CHOPS Orton down again! Orton sputters, goes to an apron, but Gunther goes out the side. Gunther storms up to SMOTHER Orton against the post!
The ref counts, Gunther lets off quickly, but then he whips Orton. Orton reverses and Gunther hits steel steps! The fans fire up as Orton looms over Gunther, then refreshes the count. Orton CLUBs the bad arm, YANKS it again and again, then he whips Gunther back into steel steps! The steps go tumbling away while Gunther writhes! The fans fire up as Orton drags Gunther by a leg and brings him to the desks. Orton thinks which desk to use, and he YANKS Gunther’s arm again and again! Then he DESK BACK SUPLEXES on the English commentary! The fans rally up more as Orton DESK BACK SUPLEXES Gunther again!
Gunther falls to the floor, Orton drags him up and twists his wrist! Orton drags Gunther around, CLUBS the arm again and again, then hits another DESK BACK SUPLEX! Orton refreshes the count in time, the fans rally for “GUNTHER~! GUNTHER~!” but Orton hits a third DESK BACK SUPLEX! Gunther flops to the floor, clutching his arm. Orton puts Gunther in, storms up, but Gunther CHOPS! A double-edged move now because the arm hurts! Orton RK- NO! Gunther catches Orton to a SLEEPER! But Orton has the bad arm! ELBOW BREAKER after ELBOW BREAKER, and then he WRINGS Gunther out!
Gunther writhes, but Orton SLAMS the bad arm! And SLAMS it again! Cover, ONE!! Gunther stays in this but Orton stays on the arm! Orton kneels on Gunther, and grins as the fans boo. The fans rally, Orton SLAMS the bad arm again, then he stalks Gunther. Gunther kicks back, CHOPS, but again that’s the bad arm! So Gunther CHOPS with his left! Almost as good, but Orton kicks low. AMBAR DDT! Cover, TWO! Orton looms over Gunther, clamps on a chinlock, and the fans rally up. Orton has a top wristlock but Gunther still endures. Gunther fights up, knees low, but Orton scoops! Orton hits a FALL AWAY SLAM!
Orton crawls over to the cover, ONE!! The delay may have helped there, but both men rise. Orton is after the bad arm, and he KICKS Gunther, CLUBS him, then pushes him onto ropes. The fans sing even as Orton CHOKES Gunther! The ref counts, Orton lets off at 4, and then he drags Gunther up. Orton whips Gunther, Gunther KICKS back! Gunther runs up, to LARIAT! But still double-edged from using the bad arm! Gunther LARIATS again, and still not enough! So Gunther BOOTS! Orton staggers, Gunther winds up and runs, but Orton SWATS the lariat! Orton LARIATS in return! The fans are torn but Orton stalks Gunther.
Gunther swings, Orton dodges, and SNAP POWERSLAM! Cover, TWO! The fans rally again, and Gunther goes to ropes. Orton stalks Gunther and brings him up through the ropes. Orton KICKS Gunther, brings him up, but Gunther fights free! Gunther CHOPS with the left! Then he HOTSHOTS Orton away! Orton falls to his knees, clutching his neck. The fans rally up and Gunther rises! Gunther goes up the corner! But Orton ROCKS him first! Orton fires hands, then CHOPS! Orton HEADBUTTS Gunther, steadies himself, and then climbs up! The fans rally up more as Orton brings Gunther up for the SUPERPLEX!
Both men writhe and the fans fire up! Orton crawls his way over again and covers, ONE!! Gunther is still in this, and he gets his bad arm moving. The fans rally up again, and Orton rises first. Orton stalks Gunther, throws hands, but Gunther shakes his head. Gunther stands, and he CHOPS Orton! Still hurts to use the bad hand, but Gunther comes back. Orton kicks low, UPPERCUTS, but Gunther CHOPS with the left! Orton CHOPS with the left! Gunther CHOSP again, so Orton CHOPS again! The CHOPS go back and forth, then they fire forearms! Gunther still hurts his arm so Orton fires off haymakers!
Orton puts Gunther in a corner, but Gunther fires back! Gunther kicks and kicks and kicks! Orton pokes Gunther in the eyes! The fans are torn as Orton grins. Orton puts Gunther through ropes, brings him out along the ropes, and the fans are torn over the DRAPING DDT! Gunther sputters, Orton also needs to catch his breath, and the fans rally up more. Orton rises, the fans fire up again, and Orton makes sure all the fans get to see him. Orton then snarls and hears those voices! Gunther stirs, Orton stalks him, and Gunther stands! RK- NO, Gunther waistlocks, to GERMAN SUPLEX! The fans fire up as Gunther stumbles to a corner.
Gunther watches as Orton slowly rises. Orton sits up, drags himself to his feet with the ropes, and turns around into the SHOTGUN! Gunther then goes up the corner! Orton’s in the drop zone for the GUNTHER SPLASH!! Cover, TWO!! Orton survives and the fans are thunderous! “This is Awesome!” Gunther stands, and he fires up now! The fans fire up with Gunther and he reels Orton in! But Orton fights the bomb, and the bad arm gives up! Gunther staggers back, but he winds up to SOUTHPAW LARIAT! The fans fire up again and Gunther drags Orton back to his feet. Gunther tries again, but Orton again fights!
Gunther holds on, he CLUBS away on Orton, and tries one more time! Orton still fights the bomb, and he clamps onto Gunther’s leg! Orton then Alabama Lifts Gunther! But Gunther kicks and flails to fight that, then powers through to POWERBOMB!! Cover, TWO!! Gunther is stunned but the fans are loving this! Gunther drags Orton back up, reels him back in, and he powers through again, but he can’t hoist Orton up! Orton RKOS OUTTA NOWHERE!!! Cover, TWO?!?! Gunther survives and that shocks Orton! The fans also lose their minds, very few people survive an RKO! Orton goes outside, and the fans rally up.
Orton leans on the German announce desk, then he clears it off! Orton tips the Hydration Station over in the process, then goes to pull the steel steps apart. Orton drags the base piece around to put it by the desk. Gunter slides out to go after Orton! Gunther ROCKS Orton, SMACKS him off the English desk, but Orton BODY SHOTS! Orton gives Gunther a STEEL STEP BACK SUPLEX! Gunther writhes and flops off the steps, and the ring count is climbing. The fans rally up more as Orton digs into his energy reserves. Orton goes to fetch the smaller half of the steps while Gunther refreshes the count. Gunther is still on the apron, though, and Orton… puts the steps back together?
Orton stalks Gunther again, SMACKS him off the desk, then refreshes the count himself. Orton SMACKS Gunther off the desk again, then brings him to the steps. Orton SMACKS Gunther off the steps again and again and again! The fans fire up and duel as Orton goes up the steps. Orton somehow drags Gunther to the very top to join him! And then SUPER DESK BACK SUPLEX!!! The desk falls apart and the fans go nuts! Orton poses on the steps and the fans cheer! Orton finally drags Gunther from the wreckage and brings him back to ringside. Orton puts Gunther in the ring, then rolls his way in. Orton talks Gunther again as the fans rally back up.
Gunther stirs as the fans get louder and louder, and Orton again hears those voices! Orton pounds the mat, Gunther rises, R K- NO!! Gunther shoves Orton down and Orton lands hard! Orton sits up, into a SLEEPER!! Orton flails, but Gunther drags him down! Orton fights around, rises up, but Gunther holds on tight! Orton still fights and RAMS Gunther into buckles! Gunther still holds on! Orton RAMS Gunther in again! Orton arm-drags, but Gunther holds on! Gunther squeezes on the hold, but Orton still fights! Orton reaches for ropes, claws at the hold, and he goes for the bad arm! Orton slips his arms in, to R- NO, Gunther powers out to CHOP Orton on the back!
Gunther puts the SLEEPER back on!! Gunther then HAMMER ‘N’ ANVIL ELBOWS away on Orton! A shoutout to the American Dragon perhaps? Gunther goes back tot he SLEEPER! Orton sputters, but he gets a second wind! Orton rises, with Gunther as a backpack! BACKPACK SENTON!! Orton is free, but Gunther sits up! SLEEPER!!! Body scissors locked on!! Orton flails, moves around, gets free, but Gunther hits more HAMMER ‘N’ ANVIL ELBOWS! SLEEPER!!! Orton is red again! He’s fading! The ref checks, Orton is OUT!! GUNTHER WINS!!
Winner: Gunther, by submission (still WWE World Heavyweight Champion)
The Viper tried, but he could not bring down Der Ring General! Gunther powers through the pain Orton put him through, and just like that sleeper, Gunther has an iron grip on this title! But in the end, there is respect as the two shake hands! Will Orton ever find his way to a 15th reign? Will anyone ever take this title from Gunther?
My Thoughts:
A great night for the first-ever Bash In Berlin event, but I am starting to question having two hour long pre-shows with not one match. Or just the length of time at all. Granted, they got a lot of great interview promos in on this one, a lot more than I remember even SummerSlam having. But I’m not on the East Coast, I had to get up earlier than I’d like on a Saturday to make sure I didn’t miss anything. But even with that, everything else was so much fun, as have all the events outside of the USA. I really appreciate them bringing in the sound meter, it was fun to see the fans blast into the triple digits for the big moments.
As such, I was rather surprised the Undisputed Championship opened tonight. I thought this meant we were getting a huge moment, namely Kevin Owens snapping and turning and being Heel Prizefighter again. However, the story of the match went just as I expected: Kevin was conflicted on bringing out that merciless side of himself, and he lost because of it. Kevin kept his cool after losing, and showed Cody respect. But c’mon, something has to happen to make Kevin turn on Cody. Chances are, with Solo Sikoa claiming he’s got next and that means Bloodline will go after Cody again, I’m sure there will be plenty of chances for Kevin to turn on Cody, even if it’s just abandoning him over hurting him directly.
Great tag title match, a little janky at first, but it was much more crisp by the end than other matches. I am actually surprised Jade & Bianca won, but I suppose this was to be their comeback story. Alba & Isla had these belts three months but they didn’t really get to do much, and it’s hard to know why. It is hard to balance all these divisions and these different stories, and the Women’s Tag Division was more about the teams coming for the champs than the champs themselves. Maybe with the belts back on Jade & Bianca, they’ll get the titles some spotlight again, going between both brands and getting all the other teams up and running, too.
While I didn’t like them going Four Corners with the Strap Match, and I still really don’t, Punk and McIntyre did a great job with this one. I mentioned it during the match, but I vividly remember Batista carrying JBL in a fireman’s carry, and JBL sneaking tags while Batista went around, so nice to see McIntyre and Punk using the same idea. I still think NJPW did this better with their KOPW Championship, Great-O-Khan and Tonga Loa tagging corners and then those indicators stay on, none of this restarting stuff just to drag it out.
And even then, I thought Punk was going to win this in a way that McIntyre could then say, “Well, it’s not like you pinned me or made me tap out.” Because guess what? McIntyre tapped out! The Sharpshooter made McIntyre tap before he passed out! I would’ve maybe skipped McIntyre tapping, have him try the ropes, and then pass out. But at least Punk also gets his bracelet back. McIntyre might still find some flimsy excuse because of his pride and his anger, and we go to a third match of these two, something even bigger like Last Man Standing or Hell in a Cell to make Bad Blood a big night.
Great Mixed Tag here, and of course we got the overbooking of Judgment Day running out there. And great win for the Terror Twins, this will definitely lead to Rhea VS Liv in a rematch for the title, maybe they escalate from a normal match since it’s a given Judgment Day will try and help Liv. Maybe just a standard No Disqualification for it to get just crazy enough. And then we got an awesome main event out of Gunther and Orton. I didn’t think they were going to go that long, but if any two guys could, it’s Gunther and Orton. Great stuff with the steps and the desks, the false finish off the RKO, and Gunther selling arm to compel him to use his left. Gunther using a sleeper to have Orton pass out is a great finish, Gunther is as dominant as ever, can’t wait to see who’s next.
My Score: 9/10
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Is Orange Cassidy coldblooded? Or just in control?
Before their AEW World Championship match at Full Gear, Jon Moxley puts Wheeler Yuta in Orange Cassidy’s way! Will Cassidy destroy The Decoder before going for The Maniac?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- 8 Man Tag: Will Ospreay, Mark Davis, Ricochet & “Powerhouse” Will Hobbs VS The Don Callis Family; The Don Callis Family wins.
- Kris Statlander VS Hikaru Shida; Kris wins.
- 2v1 Handicap: Bobby Lashley w/ The Hurt Syndicate VS Joe Keys & Cheeseburger; Lashley wins.
- Darby Allin VS Claudio Castagnoli; Claudio wins.
- Orange Cassidy VS Wheeler Yuta w/ The Death Riders; Cassidy wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
8 Man Tag: Will Ospreay, Mark Davis, Ricochet & “Powerhouse” Will Hobbs VS The Don Callis Family!
This All-Star 8 Man is going to make for a massive match! The Aerial Assassin, Dunk Zilla, The One & Only and the man the family foolishly forgot are now teamed together against Konosuke Takeshita, Kyle Fletcher, Brian Cage & Lance Archer! Will Ospreay lead this team to victory ahead of the grudge matches at Full Gear? Or will Callis’ Alpha, Aussie Arrow, Machine & Murderhawk Monster make sure #EverybodyDies?
Well forget sorting out, Ospreay leads his team in attacking the Callis Family right on the ramp! The fans fire up as Hobbs is after Archer, Davis is after Cage, and of course Ricochet is after Konosuke while Ospreay is after Kyle! Hobbs smacks Archer off railing, Kyle CLUBS Ospreay on the back, but Ospreay kicks low. Ospreay sends Kyle into railing, rips the tearaway pants right off him, and then LASHES him with them! Davis sends Cage into railing while Ospreay uses those pants to SLING Kyle into more railing! Davis CLUBS away on Cage, Ospreay blows snot on Kyle’s pants, and Davis sends Cage into more railing.
Kyle turns things around to send Ospreay into railing! Konosuke helps Cage against Davis but Hobbs still throws hands on Archer. Kyle CLUBS Ospreay, CLUBS Ricochet, but Konosuke puts Davis in the ring. The bell rings and this is finally a match. Konosuke headlocks Davis but Davis fires body shots. Davis powers up and out, but Konosuke RAMS him! The fans fire up as Davis stays up. Davis runs to RAM Konosuke! Konosuke stays up and the fans rally. Konosuke runs to RAM Davis, but Davis runs. Konosuke bypasses, leaps, but Davis catches him for a TOSS! And a SENTON! The fans fire up with Davis, and Ricochet reaches out.
Davis tags Ricochet in , then holds the way open, for Ricochet to FOSBURY FLOP onto Konosuke! But Cage CLOBBERS Davis! Cage then RAMS Ricochet into the apron, POSTS him, but Ospreay PENALTY KICKS Cage! The fans fire up as Ospreay goes up, but Kyle UPPERCUTS him! The fans boo as Kyle goes up, CLUBS away on Ospreay, and Ospreay falls to the floor. But now Hobbs is up! Kyle says wait! Then he fires hands! Hobbs just CHOPS Kyle! Hobbs climbs up to get Kyle, but Archer CLUBS Hobbs! Archer drags Hobbs down, throws hands, then puts Hobbs in between steps and post! Hobbs fights back, but Cage sends Ospreay into the steps!
The fans boo as Hobbs’ leg is crushed between steps and post! Archer puts Ricochet in the ring while a medic checks Hobbs. Archer brings Ricochet up but Ricochet slips free to fire off fast strikes! Hobbs is being helped to the back and Ospreay is concerned that this is now 4v3. Ricochet still fires strikes on Archer, but Archer grabs Ricochet by the neck! CHOKE- NO, Ricochet RANAS Archer first! Archer tumbles, stands up, and Ricochet springboards, but Archer CLOBBERS Him out of the sky! Archer BLASTS Davis, then catches Ospreay out of the air! Archer TOSSES Ospreay away and fans boo. But Ricochet springboards back in!
Archer catches Ricochet, and he CHOKE SLAMS Ricochet out onto Ospreay and Davis! The fans boo as the Don Callis Family is in control, and Dynamite goes picture in picture.
Cage & Kyle flex to soak up the heat, then Archer goes out after Ospreay and the rest. Konosuke fetches Ricochet into the ring, waistlcoks, and then brings him away from the corner. Archer beats up on Ospreay while Konosuke fires knees into Ricochet. Ricochet tumbles to ropes but Konosuke is on him. Davis fires hands on Archer, then sends him into railing! Davis fires more hands, but Konosuke CHOKES Ricochet at the ropes! The ref counts, Konosuke steps off and tags Kyle. Kyle stays between Ricochet and his corner. Kyle taunts Ricochet, stomps him around, then whips him to rpoes. Kyle ELBOWS Ricochet down, then stalks him to a corner.
Kyle stomps away on Ricochet while Archer intimidates commentary. Kyle shouts at the camera while the ref counts, and Kyle steps off of Ricochet’s neck. Kyle bumps Ricochet off buckles, tags Cage, and Cage stands Ricochet up. Cage CHOPS Ricochet, then whips him to ropes for an ELBOW! Cage flexes while he taunts Ospreay & Davis. Cage drags Ricochet up but Ricochet RAMS him! And RAMS him! And fires forearms! Cage ROCKS Ricochet, then runs, but into a tiger wall kick and ENZIGIRI! Konosuke tags in and storms after Ricochet. Konosuke stomps Ricochet, then rains down fists! The ref reprimands while Dynamite returns to single picture.
Konosuke argues with the ref while Ospreay rallies the fans. Konosuke stays between Ricochet and his team, but Ricochet SLAPS Konosuke! Konosuke ROCKS Ricochet for it! Ricochet fires forearms and an UPPERCUT! Konosuke keeps Ricochet from his corner, reels Ricochet in, but Ricochet victory rolls! TWO, and Ricochet ducks a chop to handspring BACK ELBOW! The fans fire up while both men are down! Ricochet and Konosuke crawl, hot tags to Kyle and Ospreay! The fans fire up as these two fire fists and forearms! Kyle kicks and whips but Ospreay ducks ‘n’ dodges to CLOBBER Kyle!
Ospreay whips, Kyle reverses, Ospreay handsprings to NEURALIZER KICK! Kyle staggers, Konosuke tags back in! Ospreay dodges Konosuke to BLAST Cage & Archer! Ospreay fires fists on Konosuke, but Konosuke CLAWS Ospreay’s face! Konosuke runs, but Davis intercepts with a fireman’s carry! AUSSIE DENTAL PLAN! Or maybe in this case, just a United Empire Dental Plan! But in any case, Davis scoops Konosuke, for the LAWN DART CUTTER! Cover, TWO!! Konosuke survives but the fans fire up. Ospreay & Davis bring Konosuke up, double pump handle, but the #MurderMachines make the save!
Archer puts Davis in a corner, Cage ducks Ospreay’s haymaker to waistlock. Archer runs up, BOOT GERMAN SUPLEX COMBO! Davis fires hands on Archer but Cage waistlocks, ripcords, and ROCKS Davis! Then fireman’s carry into the ASSISTED NECKBREAKER! The fans boo but the Murder Machines DOUBLE RIPCORD Ospreay up for Konosuke’s BLUE THUNDER BOMB!! Cover, TWO!! Ospreay survives and shocks everyone! Archer argues with the ref but the count was fair. Konosuke tags Kyle while fans rally up behind Ospreay. Kyle smirks as he stalks Ospreay. Kyle BOOTS Ricochet off the apron for good measure!
Kyle tells Ospreay that this is how he wants it, right? All about Ospreay! Kyle stomps away on Ospreay in the corner, then digs his boots in! The ref counts but wait! Here comes Hobbs! Hobbs hobbles but Kyle hurries to send Ospreay to the Callis corner. Tag to Konosuke and then Kyle slides out. Kyle runs up on Hobbs, but Hobbs CLOBBERS him! The fans fire up as Hobbs makes his way to the corner. Ospreay fights free of the corner but Konosuke holds him back! Ospreay fires forearms, reaches out, repeat! The fans rally as hard as they can, but Konosuke reels Ospreay in! Konosuke hits a back suplex, but Ospreay lands out!
Ospreay dodges Konosuke, hot tag to Hobbs! The Powerhouse powers up to rally on Konosuke! The fans fire up as Hobbs TOSSES Kyle, but the Murder Machines attack! They reel Hobbs in, but Hobbs fights the double suplex! The fans fire up but the Murder Machines double whip. Hobbs DOUBLE LARIATS! The fans fire up as Hobbs has targets in all corners! SPLASH for Konosuke! SPLASH for Cage! SPLASH for Kyle! SPLASH for Archer! The fans are thunderous and Hobbs brings the straps down. Archer kicks low, then runs, but Hobbs dodges, to SNAP POWERSLAM! The fans fire up again, and Hobbs tags Davis!
Davis runs up to BOOT Konosuke, BOOT him again, but Konosuke just fires up! Ospreay CANNONBALLS onto Kyle while Konosuke fires hands! Konosuke spins, but Davis DECKS him! Davis roars, stands Konosuke up, but Konosuke backdrops back! POWER- NO, Davis stops the knee to ENZIGIRI! Davis gut wrenches Konosuke, for a PILEDRIVER!! Cover, KYLE BREAKS IT! The fans boo but now Aussie Open is face to face! Kyle pie faces Davis, talks trash, but Davis glares at him. Kyle SLAPS Davis, so Davis TACKLES Kyle! Davis throws hands, Kyle gets up, and Davis runs up! Kyle dodges and Konosuke DECKS Davis!
Ricochet springboards, FLYING LARIAT on Konosuke! But Cage POP-UP POWERBOMBS Ricochet! Hobbs SPINEBUSTERS Cage! Archer CHOKE SLAMS Hobbs! Ospreay hits the PIP PIP CHEERIO FOREARM on Archer! Ospreay dares Kyle to man up and fight him! Kyle snarls, gets in, and they fire forearms again! Kyle swings, Ospreay catches him, but Kyle breaks the full nelson with an elbow! Ospreay HOOK KICKS Kyle! Ospreay runs, Kyle dodges, but then Ospreay slips through the lariat! Kyle slips through the bomb, hoists Ospreay up, but Ospreay slips free! Kyle ducks the hook kick to SUPERKICK! Kyle runs, into the SPANISH FLY!!
The fans are thunderous as Ospreay takes aim from a corner! Kyle rises, so does Davis, and Ospreay runs up, Kyle uses Davis as a shield from the HIDDEN BLADE!! Ospreay freaks out, Kyle SUPERKICKS Ospreay out of the ring! Then Kyle DIVES onto Ospreay! Konosuke brings down his kneepad, aims at Davis, POWER DRIVE KNEE!!! Cover, Don Callis Family wins!!
Winners: The Don Callis Family, by pinfall
The Alpha stands tall over Davis as friendly fire takes out Ospreay’s team. But what happens when things divide into 1v1 matches? Will Konosuke still be International Champion after he and Ricochet go #OuttaThisWorld? Will Kyle prove that he IS The Protostar after tearing down Will Ospreay?
Jon Moxley & The Death Riders speak.
“Despite recent discoveries that Orange Cassidy is a snake, coldblooded, uncaring, unmoving, a serpent lurking in the darkest corners of the battlefield, my objective remains the same, my job on Saturday night remains the same. You may be this borderline sociopath, you may be a great guy just like everybody thinks. I don’t care if you’re a great guy. I don’t care what kind of person you are. When the bell rings on Saturday night, and the AEW World Championship hangs in the balance, you are a threat to my people. And I will destroy you.
“There’s so much more going on behind Orange Cassidy’s eyes than any of us could’ve imagined. You may make it to Full Gear with your mind in tact, but your body… For that matter, Darby Allin’s body… Still up for grabs.” Claudio jumps in, speaking in German about what he’ll do to Darby. Then in English, he says, “Tonight, I’m gonna end you.” Moxley pats Claudio on the shoulder. Will The Maniac’s top henchmen do his dirty work for him when they dismantle Cassidy & Darby? Or will it just be fuel on the fire for Freshly Squeezed & The Relentless One? Speaking of…
Darby Allin speaks.
“Claudio, I’m gonna keep this really short. Let’s not forget you’re the one who put the chair around Bryan’s neck and pulled the trigger on his career. Every single one of you Death Riders will have your day. And Claudio, today’s your day.” Will Moxley’s men be dealt with in brutal fashion before he suffers the same?
The Hurt Syndicate arrive.
Renee Paquette waits in the parking lot as an SUV pulls up, and she welcomes Montel Vontavious Porter, Shelton Benjamin & Bobby Lashley to the show. She heard MVP has a surprise in store, what’s he got planned? MVP says yes, there is a special treat for the AEW audience, and that is this announcement: The All Mighty Bobby Lashley will be in action here tonight on Dynamite in Reading, Pennsylvania, prior to his PPV debut on Saturday! Renee asks if MVP is at all concerned to put Lashley in a match- OH NO, Swerve attacks!! Swerve knocks Lashley over, then laughs as he gets away!
Shelton helps Lashley up but that ambush might’ve been with Swerve’s own silver chain. Will Lashley elect not to compete tonight after all? Or is he about to make an example out of whatever poor soul is put in front of him?
Adam Cole is here!
Reading fires up as the Panama City Playboy makes his way to the ring. They join in with the “BOOM!” and “ADAM COLE, BAYBAY!” Cole grabs a mic to ask, “Who’s ready for Storytime with Adam Cole, Baybay?” Reading sure is ready! Cole wishes so so badly that he could get his hands on MJF this Saturday, but he’s not. MJF did everything in his power to make sure he and Cole didn’t fight on Saturday, and he succeeded. But do you know who else succeeded last week? Roderick Strong did! The fans cheer as Cole says he and Roddy have the exact same goal: Give MJF the ass whooping of a lifetime! And that is exactly what happens at Full Gear!
The fans cheer, and wait, Kyle O’Reilly makes his way out here. The longtime friend of Cole & Roddy makes his way out here, and already has a mic. Kyle isn’t sure if Cole remembers, but 14 years ago, right here in Reading, PA, Cole and Kyle had their second match ever against each other. They’ve come a long way. Being associated with Cole has given Kyle some incredible highs, and some serious lows. And through those lows, Kyle knows Cole better than anyone. Which makes Kyle the only one willing to tell Cole the truth. The truth is, this crusade against MJF has got to end before someone gets hurt.
This obsession, Cole needs to wash his hands of it. His ankle has already been reconstructed, what’s next? Cole has friends willing to take a bullet for him, Kyle included, but Cole has got to stop having his friends fight his battles. Roddy barely makes it out alive last week, and now he wants to fight MJF! He wants to END MJF, all because of Cole. Kyle just doesn’t have a good feeling about any of this. Cole asks Kyle what he’s trying to say here. Kyle doesn’t think Roddy can handle MJF? Kyle asks Cole if he really thinks MJF isn’t already three steps ahead. MJF hasn’t been here for weeks but he’s pulling all the strings.
Cole should know that dealing with MJF is like playing with fire, and Kyle doesn’t wanna see his friends get burned. Cole needs to realize why so many of his friends are willing to go to war for him, and it’s because he is a great leader, an elite pro-wrestler, and a great friend, who doesn’t wanna see his friends get hurt. At least, so Kyle thinks. But Cole has to face facts: MJF is more of an evil bastard than Cole will ever be, and that is a good thing. Kyle drops his mic and walks away. Cole drops his mic, and has a lot to think about. Does Kyle have a point? Can Cole just let Roddy handle MJF and then move on?
Orange Cassidy speaks.
“A little later tonight, I’m gonna make an example out of you, Wheeler Yuta. And I’m gonna show everybody exactly what I’m gonna do this Saturday to you, Jon Moxley. And that’s walk down to that ring and beat you, alone.” But The Conglomeration steps in. Mark Briscoe has Rocky Romero & Tomohiro Ishii with him as he asks Cassidy, “What sense does that make, man?” Moxley said himself, there’s five Death Riders, one Cassidy. Conglomeration has his back, they are here for him. Cassidy says no, no one else needs to get hurt. Get hurt? What’s Cassidy talking about? The Conglomeration are ready to scrap!
PLEASE!! Cassidy is asking them… They don’t have to believe him or even understand him. But just promises him they’ll stay back here. If Cassidy insists, then so be it. Cassidy says there you have it, Jon. Five of you, one of him. Do what you’re gonna do. Because at Full Gear, Moxley’s gonna need all the help he can get. Cassidy is himself wanting the best for his friends, but will that work out for the betterment of AEW? Or is he just playing into Moxley’s hands?
Kris Statlander VS Hikaru Shida!
The #BornAgainKristen bodied the bullies that are Mercedes Mone & Kamille the last time she saw them, but she still needs to tune up for Full Gear. However, taking on the THREE-TIME AEW Women’s World Champion might be more than just a workout. Win, lose or draw, will the Shining Samurai get Kris ready for The CEO?
The bell rings, Kris and Shida shake hands and the fans applaud. The two circle, tie up, and Kris wrenches to a wristlock. Shida handsprings and wrenches back, then hammerlocks. Kris reaches back, hits a headlock takeover, but Shida headscissors. Kris kips free and the fans cheer while the two reset. Shida and Kris circle again while the fans fire up. The two tie up, Shida wrenches and hammerlocks, then CLUBS Kris on the back. Shida CLUBS Kris again, then waistlocks. Kris fights the lift with elbows, then switches. Kris SLAMS Shida, then flips her over. Shida kips up to arm-drag Kris! Kris ends up in a corner, and Shida runs up to KNEE her!
Shida climbs up and the fans cheer as she rains down fists! But Kris stops Shida at 5 and carries her out of the corner! Shida slips free, Kris blocks a lariat to SWEEP the leg! STANDING MOONSAULT! Cover, TWO! Shida is tough and she goes to ropes, but Kris whips her to a corner. Kris runs up but into a RANA! Kris cartwheels through! Then she CLOBBERS Shida! The fans fire up while Kris flexes. Kris drags Shida into a motorcycle stretch but Shida endures. The fans rally up and Shida fights to her feet. Shida arm-drags Kris down, and wraps her in a straitjacket stretch! Kris fights up with a bridge, but Shida hops on!
The fans rally while Kris RAMS Shida into a corner! Shida holds onto the straitjacket and pulls! The ref counts, Shida lets go at 4, and then MISSILE DROPKICKS! Kris tumbles and the fans duel as Shida fires up! Shida goes outside, drags Kris to the apron, and CLUBS her! Shida runs to KNEE LIFT! Kris flops to the floor and fans cheer while Dynamite goes picture in picture.
Shida brings Kris up again, and whips her into railing hard! Kris writhes, Shida drags her up, and then Shida whips Kris into more railing! Kris writhes again and Shida refreshes the ring count. Shida sits Kris in a corner to rain down fists! The fans fire up but the ref reprimands, so Shida stops. Shida brings Kris around, pushes her into the ring, and then stalks her. Shida stomps Kris around, brings her up, and snap suplexes! Kris writhes but Shida brings her up again. Shida then snap suplexes Kris into a corner! Shida drags Kris to a cover, TWO! Kris stays in this but Shida stays on her with a chinlock stretch!
Kris endures being bent back, and she reaches out with her free arm. Shida pulls back more but Kris rises up! Shida is again a backpack, but then she slips down. Kris fires body shots, slips around and lifts for a BIG back suplex! Kris huffs ‘n’ puffs as she rises up, but then Shida dodges the sliding forearm! Ghost pin! TWO, and Kris has a cradle! TWO! Shida ROCKS Kris, but Kris PELES! Shida staggers, but she comes back to ENZIGIRI! Both women are down and the fans fire up! The ref checks both women and they’re okay to continue, so a standing count begins. Shida and Kris stir at about 4 of 10, then rise up at 6.
Kris grabs Shida, but Shida fires a forearm! Dynamite returns to single picture as the shots go back and forth. Shida fires a flurry, then whips Kris to ropes. Kris ducks ‘n’ dodges, then dodges a knee! SNAP POWERSLAM! The fans fire up with Kris as she whips Shida to a corner. Kris runs up to UPPERCUT, then she goes side to side for a KNEE LIFT! Shida ends up in ropes but Kris reels her in. Fisherman BUSTER! Cover, TWO! Shida survives and the fans fire up again! Kris hoists Shida up, gut wrenches, but Shida slips free! DOUBLE LARIATS collide! Shida eggs Kris on, then dodges her to fire forearms! Kris just shakes her head!
Shida fires more shots, but Kris fireman’s carries! But Shida slips free, straitjacket roll-up! TWO!! KNEE STRIKE! And then short arm LARIAT! Shida takes aim, but she starts to doubt the Katana! Shida runs up but Kris dodges the boot to then scoop and INVERTED SLAM! Then Kris aims, DISCUS- NO, Shida backslides her! TWO!! Shida reels Kris in, suplexes, FALCON ARROW! Cover, TWO?!? Kris survives and Shida is shocked! Shida brings Kris up but Kris fires body shots and forearms! Shida ROCKS Kris, but Kris wrenches to kick! Kris runs, but into the JUMP KNEE! Shida hurries to suplex, but Kris turns it around!
Shida slips out of Kris’ suplex to slip around, GERMAN SUPLEX! Shida roars, aims, KATA- NO, Kris gut wrenches! Tuck and STATURDAY NIGHT FEVER!! Cover, Kris wins!!
Winner: Kris Statlander, by pinfall
Shida gave Kris a powerful match, but clearly Shida has to iron out her own crisis of confidence. Kris still shows Shida respect by helping her up. But wait, here comes Mercedes Mone & Kamille! The fans boo The CEO & Brickhouse but Mone has a mic. “Readiiiiing~! Say hello to your C E O!” The fans boo instead. Mone asks Kamille if she wants to hear a fun fact about Pennsylvania. The 76ers have had yet another terrible season! Embarrassing~! But shoutouts to Mone’s Celtics for another incredible victory. The fans boo Boston but Mone says another person with an incredible win was Kris Statlander. Mone is rarely impressed by her competition.
Does anyone else want to hear another fun fact? “NO!!” Well, Mone has held the TBS Championship longer than Kris! So at Full Gear, Mone will NOT lose, because she is The CEO, the greatest TBS Champion of all time! And she will NEVER lose this title! Fans tell The CEO to STFU, but Mone tells Kamille go get the job done! She is so pissed off! GO! NOW! Kamille walks up the steps past Mone, but with only one good arm! Mone says hurry up, but Kamille looks at both Shida and Kris. Kamille takes as swing, but Kris blocks to ROCK her! Shida QUESTION MARK KICKS Kamille! Then Kris & Shida TOSS The Brickhouse!
Shida goes out after Kamille, but then Mone goes after Kris! Mone goes for the backstabber, but Kris holds onto ropes! Mone is almost stuck up there, but Kris pops her around! STATURDAY NIGHT FEVER!! The fans fire up as Kris stands tall over The CEO! Will Kris once again become the Face of TBS? Or will Mone find a way to win even without her insurance policy?
The Hurt Syndicate has a cameraman with them.
MVP says hold on, he and Shelton have found Swerve. They go after the man in the big fur jacket, but that’s not Swerve! Swerve gave his jacket to the guy, but MVP & Shelton still beat this guy up for helping Swerve. MVP says they’ll find Swerve later, Lashley has his match up next. And it’ll be a 2-on-1 Handicap?! The All Mighty really IS mad, what poor duo is about to be destroyed?
AEW hears from Jay White and Hangman Adam Page.
“Hangman. You and I are on that same path to that same destination, trying to grasp at that same prize. 2024 still has some time left for The Switchblade to share the spotlight with Hangman once more!” But the Blackhat Cowboy asks White if he knows “Who the hell I am?! I am the Hangman! I am THE man! They named this whole godforsaken PPV after ME!” White says when he makes Hangman TAP, it will be a public declaration! But Hangman says White can’t make him tap, even if his life depended on it! These two vicious gunslingers will write one more chapter in their storied rivalry, but who comes out riding off into the sunset?
2v1 Handicap: Bobby Lashley w/ The Hurt Syndicate VS Joe Keys & Cheeseburger!
The All Mighty thought he’d have an easy night getting in a little warm-up, but The Realest quickly reminded him why he’s the most dangerous man in AEW! Lashley’s now doubling down to make a point, will there be nothing left of Keys & Cheese after tonight?
The bell rings and while the fans rally for Cheeseburger, he and Keys each argue the other should start. Lashley runs up and TOSSES Burger across the ring! Keys runs away, Lashley runs to RAM into Burger! Lashley brings Burger up, Keys runs in, but Lashley catches him for a COMPLETE SHOT DDT COMBO! Lashley drags Keys up and TOSSES him out! Lashley then turns to look at Burger in the corner. The fans rally for Burger, but Lashley CLOBBERS him! The fans boo but MVP & Shelton high-five Lashley. Lashley drags Burger up to gut wrench, Canadian Rack, and DOMINATOR! Keys runs in to break the cover!
The fans cheer Keys as he fires hands, but Lashley just gets angrier! Keys short arm LARIATS, but Lashley stays up! Keys runs, into a MILE HIGH SPINEBUSTER! Lashley storms around, then aims at Keys. Keys staggers into the SPEAR! Lashley isn’t done there, and he clamps on the HURT LOCK! Keys can’t open that lock, he is OUT! Lashley wins!
Winner: Bobby Lashley, by submission
MVP & Shelton join Lashley in the ring to celebrate, but then “Whose House?” “SWERVE’S HOUSE!” The fans fire up, and here comes Prince Nana with a chair! Nana eggs the Hurt Syndicate on so Shelton storms out after Nana. MVP watches the rest of ringside for Swerve, but Swerve slides out from under the ring! The fans fire up as Swerve slips in to CHAIN PUNCH Lashley!! MVP gets on the apron but Swerve DECKS MVP with a chain punch! And then Shelton eats a chain punch! The fans are thunderous as Swerve aims, and hits a HOUSE CALL on Lashley! Swerve hurries to the top rope, and he gives Lashley a KILL STOMP!!
The fans are thunderous as Swerve stands over Lashley! MVP & Shelton get up and get in, but Swerve escapes, chain draped on his neck! Will AEW then, now and forever be whose house? “SWERVE’S HOUSE!”
Backstage interview with Mariah May & Mina Shirakawa.
Renee is now with the AEW Women’s World Champion and her best friend, the Rev-Pro Undisputed British Women’s Champion. They are planning their Championship Champagne Celebration for Full Gear, BUT Friday Night Rampage will feature the two of them teaming up for the first time in just over a year. Mariah says no champion deserves a celebration more than her. Her rise to the top was meteoric, and her reign will be historic. She takes ish and makes it shine, any time and any show, against anyone. In Mariah’s division, you hold this title, or you die.
Mina says yes, Mariah has been working so hard. She came back to tell her she is so very proud. And Mina will give Mariah a celebration she’ll never forget! Mariah says the “H Cup Angel” (Mina) and the “Woman from Hell” (Mariah herself) are going to make Rampage into Glampage. Everyone wants Mina, but Mina wants Mariah. And then… They’ll dance! These two shimmy and shake their way out, will they finally be toasting their victories at Full Gear?
Darby Allin VS Claudio Castagnoli w/ The Death Riders!
The Relentless One told The Swiss Superman that revenge was coming, and here is Darby’s chance! Will Darby avenge Bryan Danielson? Or will he just be the next to fall?
The bell rings and Darby stares Claudio down. Darby takes some deep breaths then circles with Claudio. Darby slips around to waistlock but Claudio flings him off, only for Darby to roll to his feet. They circle again, and the fans rally behind Darby. Darby and Claudio feel things out, tie up, and Darby headlocks. Claudio lifts Darby but Darby thrashes the hold. Claudio throws Darby off, runs up, but Darby uses that to get around and springboard arm-drag! The fans fire up while Claudio bails out, and Darby taunts Claudio with some drop steps. Claudio snarls, but then Darby fakes him out with a slingshot!
Claudio is annoyed and takes a swing but Darby slingshots up and over! Darby taunts Claudio again while the fans rally up. Claudio cools off before he storms up the steel steps. Claudio pops Darby up but Darby keeps from hitting buckles! Darby ELBOWS Claudio away, goes up, then leaps, but Claudio catches him! Claudio SLAMS Darby down, flips him back to his feet, but Darby slips around to waistlock. O’Conner Roll, TWO! Darby springboards to SPLASH! Cover, TWO! Claudio bails out but the fans fire up. Darby goes up a corner, and he SUPER COFFIN SPLASHES into a waistlock! Claudio swings and THROWS Darby away!
Darby staggers to his feet but Claudio runs up, to POUNCE Darby into railing! Darby writhes against the railing, but Claudio runs up to UPPERCUT Darby up and over! Fans freak out as Darby hits the floor! Claudio leaves Darby behind while the ring count climbs, but Darby drags himself up at 7. Claudio goes back out after Darby to suplex! Claudio holds Darby up while he marches up the steps! The fans fire up for this feat of strength and balance, and then Claudio TOSSES Darby back into the ring! Darby writhes again while Claudio steps back in. Claudio stalks Darby, talks some trash, and Dynamite goes picture in picture.
Claudio looms over Darby, then deadlift gut wrenches for a GUTBUSTER! And then another GUTBUSTER! And then another GUTBUSTER! Darby writhes while Claudio stands over him again. Claudio watches Darby crawl towards a corner and stalks him. Claudio drags Darby up, brings him around, and ROCKS Darby with a forearm! Darby pushes Claudio, then CHOPS! Claudio DECKS Darby! Darby tumbles out of the ring! The ref wants Claudio to stay back while Darby drags himself up. Darby is back in before the count starts, but then Claudio DOUBLE STOMPS him! Claudio kicks Darby around, then clamps on with a neck wrench!
Darby endures, fights up, but Claudio powers him down. Darby BITES Claudio’s hand! The ref reprimands but Darby fires off forearms on Claudio. Claudio HIP TOSSES Darby up and out of the ring! Darby hits the floor and flounders around while the ref reprimands Claudio. Claudio again waits on Darby, and then he DOUBLE STOMPS Darby the moment he’s in! The ref counts as Claudio stands on Darby at the ropes. Claudio steps off at 4, brings him around, and clamps on an armlock and chinbar. Darby endures, fights around, and manages to fireman’s carry Claudio! But Claudio rains down elbows! HAMMER ‘N’ ANVIL even!
Claudio clamps on with a double wristlock and he grinds Darby down. Darby still endures and the fans rally up again. Darby fights around and Dynamite returns to single picture. Darby fires body shots but Claudio knees low! Claudio then HIP TOSSES Darby into a corner! Darby tumbles out of the ring but Claudio pursues! Claudio SWINGS Darby into railing! Then Claudio fireman’s carries, to TOSS Darby back in the ring! Claudio storms in while Darby flounders away. Darby flops back out of the ring but Claudio pursues him again. Darby trips Claudio up and traps him in the apron skirt! Darby then fires forearms, and BITES Claudio’s ear!
The fans fire up but Claudio shoves Darby away. Darby slides into the ring then DIVES onto Claudio! And then runs to DIVE again! Down goes Claudio and the fans fire up! Darby crawls over to bring Claudio up and into the ring. The fans fire up as Darby climbs up a corner, though slowly given all the damage to his back. That lets Claudio trip Darby up! Darby is stuck up top, and Claudio climbs up after him. Claudio gut wrenches for a SUPER GUT WRENCH PLEX!! Cover, TWO!! Darby survives and Claudio can’t believe it! The fans fire up but Claudio calls for the swing! Claudio grabs the legs, but Darby twists to a victory roll! TWO!!
Claudio escapes and runs up, but Darby ducks ‘n’ dodges, roll and- WHOA, Claudio has to fight to stay up, and then he deadlifts Darby! Darby pops through to CODE RED!! Cover, TWO!! Claudio survives and the fans fire up again! “This is Awesome!” as Darby and Claudio crawl for ropes. Claudio runs up to UPPERCUT! And UPPERCUT again and again and again! The ref backs Claudio off, but then Claudio fires off body shots! Darby flops over but Claudio has the legs. Claudio FLIPS Darby up and over the ropes, but Darby lands on the apron! Claudio BOOTS Darby down! The ref wants Claudio to hold on but Claudio goes out after Darby.
Claudio drags Darby by his legs, then SWINGS him around! Into steel steps!! The fans lose their minds, the ref reprimands Claudio, but Claudio doesn’t care. The fans tell Claudio he is sick, but Claudio TOSSES Darby over the announce desk!! Schiavone, Excalibur & Matt Menard narrowly avoid becoming collateral damage! But Claudio clears the desk and brings Darby up. Claudio puts Darby on the desk, then stands over him. The ref reprimands but Claudio just ignores him. Claudio drags Darby up, and gorilla presses him! SUPER DUPER TOSS onto the timekeeper’s table!! The fans lose their minds as Darby is down but that table’s somehow still standing!
The ref checks on Darby but Claudio storms right over! The ref tells Claudio to stop so they go to the ring. Claudio lets the ring count start, and yet Darby somehow stirs at 4 of 10! The fans rally as hard as they can and Darby crawls his way over! Darby is still far away at 7! But then he powers up and LEAPS in at 9!! But Claudio LARIATS Darby inside-out!! Cover, Claudio wins!
Winner: Claudio Castagnoli, by pinfall
Darby truly is relentless, with durability like no other, but it just wasn’t enough against the strength and brutality of Claudio! Will no one stop The Death Riders from running roughshod over AEW?
Backstage interview with Private Party.
Renee is with Marq Quen & Isiah Kassidy and brings up that at Full Gear, the AEW World Tag Team Championships are on the line in a Fatal 4 Way. Private Party takes on The Acclaimed, The Outrunners and The Kings of the Black Throne. In such a match, the champs do NOT have to be pinned or submitted to lose their titles, so what is their strategy? Brother Zay says they obviously can’t tell her that, the other teams are watching. But it seems like the odds are against them. Fortunately, the odds have been against them their whole lives, their whole careers, just like against The Young Bucks.
But look what happened: Private Party defied the odds, beat The Bucks, and are your AEW World Tag Team Champions. That is the same thing that happens on Saturday. They leave Newark, New Jersey still your tag team champions. Because there ain’t no party like a Private Party, that’s a flex. Oh, speaking of! It’s AJ & Big Justice! They’re fired up to be here, but Justice wants to know what that face Zay made was last week. Oh, right, this one, with the chin scratching. And AJ says they’ve got a BIG announcement coming up after this! Maybe some double chunk chocolate cookies? BOOM!!
A green Porsche Taycan pulls up to the middle of nowhere.
And out steps MJF. The Wolf of Wrestling tells the hobo to “go get it” as he throws spare change off to the side like birdseed. MVP then sits back and tells Roderick Strong, “You’ve been through so much. The kid who grew up trailer park trash with two abusive alcoholic parents. For crying out loud! Your own mother shot your father right in front of you. That’s traumatizing. And as you know, Roddy, trauma is the result of an overwhelming sense of danger, powerlessness and fear. However, healing is a result of feeling safe, empowered and supported. That’s why you’d do anything for Cole. He makes you feel all those positive things that you lacked.
“It’s why I was no different than you. It’s why I trusted him. Unfortunately, the difference between you and I: Cole for me was a mirage of what I wanted him to be. A fraud, a liar. And whilst Cole is a fraud, I do actually believe deep down, in his narcissistic, sociopathic, frail, feeble frame, is a man who cares about Roderick Strong. This is precisely why upon further contemplation, I am happy you won, Roddy. Because I want Adam Cole to watch a person he cares about suffer! And because of your White trash upbringing, you aren’t intelligent enough to realize that you don’t have a prayer. And I’m sending you back to where you belong. To your grimy little trailer park.
“And after the match, you’ll be in so much physical anguish, you’ll wish your mother hadn’t shot your father, but instead shot you.” As if this scumbag couldn’t stoop any lower, he brings up Roddy’s past to hurt him. But will Roddy make sure MJF’s future is the one full of pain and suffering?
Backstage interview with AJ & Big Justice.
Renee is with the Costco Tiktok sensations and says that in the Full Gear Zero Hour, we will see #BigBoomAJ take on QT Marshall in a match 20 YEARS in the making. AJ says it may have been 20 years in the making for QT, this all started for AJ when QT threw the double chunk chocolate cookies down! Renee says AJ has not been in the ring in those 20 years, is he concerned about how his body will hold up? AJ isn’t worried about that, because he just has one strategy, and that’s the strategy they use each and every day. That strategy is to bring the BOOM~! But hey, there’s another special announcement.
Because when AJ rings QT’s bell, and he Power-Booms QT right in the middle of that ring, there is only one guy they want ringing the bell: Big Justice’s best friend, THE RIZZLER! Time to bring the BOOM~! Will QT be sleeping on the mat for The Rizzler? Will he be skibidi? Fanum Tax? Why are those even words?
Tony Schiavone is on stage.
And he welcomes out The Undisputed Kingdom! The fans cheer as Roderick Strong makes his way out, accompanied by Matt Taven & Mike Bennett. Schiavone brings up Roddy VS MJF at Full Gear, and we just heard all that disgusting stuff MJF had to say. Roddy’s response is that to be honest, he has not slept a wink since last week. IT is finally happening! Roddy feels like a kid on Christmas morning. He finally gets his hands on “MAAAAAX~!” The fans echo that, and Roddy says if MJF was here tonight, and not hiding out there, Roddy would ask him: Is Roddy supposed to be ashamed of his childhood?
Is Roddy supposed to be ashamed of his parents? You don’t think Roddy’s heard that stuff before? His whole LIFE, that is what people brought up! His mom’s an addict, his dad’s an addict, mom shot dad. Good job, Max, you made Roddy feel like he was in elementary school again. And people may look at Roddy’s past and feel sorry for him, but Roddy asks us not to. Because looking at MJF, Roddy feels sorry for him. Understand this, Max. With Roddy’s life, he learned that to get the most out of life, you have to earn it. If you wanna break the cycle, you have to earn it. And that is what Roddy’s done ever since he was a kid!
And now looking at MJF, he’s been spoon-fed everything. And when something doesn’t go his way or something happens and he doesn’t like it, MJF throws a temper tantrum like a baby until that changes. So Roddy wants MJF to do something for him: Look in the mirror and think about all the things that MJF has done to people. The manipulating, the backstabbing, the using. MJF needs to realize, when the bell rings at Full Gear, MJF will pay for all those sins. With every chop, with every punch, with every elbow, with every backbreaker! And when it is all over, Roddy walks to his hotel room for the best night of sleep in his life because he earned it.
Especially because Roddy will know he has broken MJF’s back, and left him humbled! Roddy is all fired up, and the fans are with him! Will MJF finally get what’s coming to him? Or will he give Roddy nightmares for the rest of his life?
AEW shares footage taken from last Saturday night.
First, a recap video of Daniel Garcia thwarting Jack Perry’s attempts to abduct and torture Matthew Menard, as well as the joyride they took in the Scapegoat bus, with Perry as the hood ornament. And now, they have Perry strapped into a chair, the bus headlights as the only source of light. Menard is behind the camera as he asks Perry how he’s feeling. How’d that work out for him, huh? Garcia splashes Perry with water to wake him up, and says “Let’s have a conversation. I’m all ears.” Perry chuckles and says Garcia thinks he’s so much better than him. Look at where they are! Garcia shouts back that he doesn’t wanna be here!
Garcia just wants to wrestle, but AEW is full of savages! Perry tried to take Daddy Magic’s life! And those in power just sit back and watch, pretending that nothing’s going on. So what do they do? Gotta take the power back, right? Perry counters with, “Everybody’s got a code. Everybody cares about right and wrong until it costs them something. Until they have to SACRIFICE!” Garcia gets in Perry’s face, grabs him by the mouth, and says Perry’s always going on about sacrifice but Perry has no idea what Garcia’s had to go through! Perry has NO idea what Garcia’s had to sacrifice to be here!
Garcia knows where Perry wants him to go, but Garcia promises that he’s never gonna go there. Perry smirks, then SPITS in Garcia’s face. Garcia wipes that off his face and says bet. Garcia’s got something for Perry, so just wait right there. Garcia goes to the bus while Perry mockingly asks what he’s gonna do. Menard tells shut up, Jack! Life must be so hard for him! What’s Jack got to be sad about?! Garcia comes back and he has a crowbar! Perry dares him to go ahead. Garcia raises the bar, but he SMASHES up the bus! Garcia throws the crowbar away and Perry laughs. Is that it? Garcia tells Menard they’ll get out of here. What? Where’s Garcia going?
Perry says yeah, walk away. Menard tells Perry that Garcia’s gonna whoop his ass! Just wait! Menard leaves, Perry shouts into the night, but will The Face of TNT soon be the one sacrificed for the greater good?
Renee Paquette presides over the ROH World Championship contract signing.
She welcomes us backstage to the signing for this match, which will happen next week, Dynamite: Thanksgiving Eve, in Chicago. The challenger, Tomohiro Ishii, is on her left, and the champion, Chris Jericho, is on her right. Jericho, as champion, you have the honors to sign first. Jericho smiles and waves as he says, “Hi, guys.” But Renee, you should know better. A champion of Jericho’s caliber does not just sign a contract thrust at his face randomly. He has a whole legal team that needs to approve this contract. Renee says it was sent to said legal team last week. Oh, really? What about today? The now! Jericho lives in the now!
Jericho says he’ll get this checked by his legal eagles one more time. But for now, wait here. Choto matte kudesai. Jericho steps around the corner and then down the hall. He smiles at his own picture on the wall. What a good looking guy. But wait, Ishii has followed Jericho to the hall. Jericho is a bit worried as he keeps moving. Jericho tries to block Ishii’s path but a trash can isn’t enough. Jericho tells staffers that Ishii wants to talk to them. They step in the way but Ishii pushes them aside. Jericho moves faster, pushes more people in the way, but Ishii pushes them aside. Was that RJ City?
Jericho goes up some stairs but Ishii follows. Ishii’s even gaining ground! Jericho goes through a doorway and ends up in the concourse! Fans cheer as Jericho and Ishii keep up their cat ‘n’ mouse game. Jericho decides to go into the stands! Ishii follows, and they head down the bleachers towards ringside! Jericho hurries over railing but so does Ishii. They go into the ring, and now Jericho tells Ishii to stop following him! Jericho wants a mic, a mic is brought, and Jericho says hey, listen, Ishii. Jericho would sign this contract, but he doesn’t have a pen. Ishii has a pen! Oh. Ishii clicks it for Jericho, and pushes it into him.
Jericho takes the pen, looks at the contract again, and still hesitates. Jericho signs his part, and then hands things over to Ishii. But then BRYAN KEITH & BIG BILL ATTACK! It was all a massive set-up! Bad Apple & Redwood beat down Stone Pitbull, and then sit him up! Jericho has the pen ready, but here comes The Conglomeration! Mark Briscoe & Rocky Romero rush in, and Mark TACKLES Jericho! Rocky fires off on Bill while Mark CHOKES Jericho! Keith saves Jericho from Mark but Mark fires hands on Keith! The fans fire up, but then Bill SKYSCRAPER- NO, Mark UPPERCUTS Bill first! Rocky adds on!
The fans fire up as The Conglomeration pinballs Bill, and then Ishii CLOBBERS him! Bill tumbles out, but Rocky DIVES! Bill is sent into railing! Keith stands up, into a kick and underhooks! JAY DRILLER! Jericho stands up, Ishii has him, and hits a BRAINBUSTER!! Conglomeration stands tall over The Learning Tree and his Branches, and now Ishii signs his part! The match is now official, and Ishii is looking to take a bite out of Jericho! Will The Conglomeration have the ROH World Championship to be thankful for this year?
Backstage interview with Jamie Hayter.
Renee is with the former AEW Women’s World Champion and notes that last time, we were going to hear from her, only for her to be interrupted by Julia Hart. What is Hayter’s reaction to that? Well, yeah, she isn’t angry, but she is baffled why Julia chose to interrupt Hayter. They’ve never really spoken or interacted, or even wrestled each other. Hayter is just curious as to why Julia felt it was okay to do that. Granted, Julia can do whatever she wants, Hayter moves to the beat of her own drum just as much as Julia. But… if Julia wants to have a chat-
Uh oh, something is happening to the video! Brody King’s message echoes, “It’s time to come home.” Julia Hart walks through the woods. Brody says The House is her foundation. She has seen her rebirth. Now it is time to rebuild. She has woken up stronger, more determined, and more dangerous than ever. Julia aims her arrow to shoot down a target: her past self. Her obstacles are just bull’s eyes. She is the Princess of the Black Throne, and the Keeper of Secrets. She is Julia Hart, and her heart grows harder. She hits her mark, but will she find Hayter Hits Hard?
Orange Cassidy VS Wheeler Yuta!
Freshly Squeezed has been accused of being coldblooded and uncaring, but he got pretty heated as he told The Conglomeration to keep themselves safe tonight. He goes 1v1 with The Decoder, a young man who was once Cassidy’s student, and who left him behind to join the then Blackpool Combat Club. If anyone is uncaring, it is Yuta with how he would then follow Jon Moxley’s lead in the destruction of Bryan Danielson and Chuck Taylor. Who will be the more ferocious fighter tonight, this close to Full Gear?
The bell rings and Yuta SHOTGUNS Cassidy! Yuta follows Cassidy to a corner to CHOP, then ROCK, then CHOP again! Yuta whips corner to corner but Cassidy goes up and out. Cassidy bumps Yuta off buckles, climbs up top, but has to leap over. Yuta comes back but Cassidy catches him to a backslide! TWO, but Cassidy reels Yuta in for a cradle! TWO! Yuta pulls on an ear! But Cassidy arm-drags and wrangles Yuta into the SEATBELT! TWO!! Yuta escapes and the fans fire up as these two stand off. Yuta huffs ‘n’ puffs, but Cassidy shows he wants a grapple. They feel things out, knuckle lock, but Cassidy blocks a kick!
Cassidy reels Yuta in for a headlock, but Yuta powers up and out. Cassidy ducks ‘n’ rolls, tilt-o-whirls, but Yuta suplexes! Into STUN DOG MILLIONAIRE! Yuta tumbles out and fans fire up! Cassidy builds speed to DIVE! Down goes Yuta and the fans fire up again! Cassidy brings Yuta up, whips, but Yuta reverses to reel Cassidy in! Cassidy fights the suplex, but then Yuta fights a suplex. Yuta suplexes, to RAILING BRAINBUSTER!! Cassidy writhes and fans are stunned! Yuta stomps Cassidy, then leaves him behind for the ring count. Cassidy crawls into the ring, Yuta exposes a crossbar, and then he GRINDS Cassidy’s face into the steel!
The fans boo, the ref reprimands, but Yuta steps off at 4. Cassidy seethes as he rises up, but Yuta has him at the corner. Cassidy kicks Yuta’s legs out and Yuta falls onto a turnbuckle! Yuta falls back, Cassidy climbs, but Yuta grabs Cassidy first! Yuta drags Cassidy down but Cassidy fires hands. Yuta squeezes the facelock tight, then hits an APRON DDT! The fans boo Yuta while Cassidy writhes, and Dynamite goes picture in picture.
Cassidy clutches his neck while Yuta waits in the ring. A ring count starts and Yuta eggs Cassidy on. Cassidy reaches up as the count reaches 5 of 10, but he doesn’t sit up until 6. Cassidy hobbles up, stumbles and falls, but springs back to life! He slides in at 9! Only for Yuta to be right on him! Yuta reels Cassidy in, but Cassidy turns that into BEACH BREAK! Cover, TWO!! Yuta survives but Cassidy is too sore to be frustrated. They both sit up, and Yuta crawls his way over to a corner. Cassidy rises, checks his neck, then runs up, but into an ELBOW! Yuta goes up, but Cassidy JUMP FOREARMS! Cassidy positions Yuta just right before he climbs the corner.
Yuta resists but Cassidy still brings Yuta up. Yuta continues to fight the suplex, throws body shots, then shoves Cassidy down. Cassidy rolls back to his feet, runs back up the corner, but Yuta again fights the suplex! Cassidy fires hands, but Yuta fires back! They brawl up top, Cassidy HEADBUTTS Yuta! But Yuta HEADBUTTS back! They both wobble, but then Cassidy BITES Yuta! The ref reprimands, but Cassidy CLAWS Yuta’s back! This is very Moxley of him to do! And then Cassidy hits the SUPERPLEX! Both men are down and the ref checks. They’re both okay to continue, so a standing count begins!
Cassidy sits up, spots Yuta, and heads that way. Yuta sits up, they fire forearms as they stand! Dynamite returns to single picture as these shots go back and forth. The fans fire up for Cassidy but boo Yuta as the shots go faster and faster! Yuta BITES Cassidy’s forehead! Yuta spits then runs, but Cassidy dodges! BODY BLOW! SUPERKICK! Yuta sits down, Cassidy runs, PENALTY KICK! Cassidy slashes his throat, hauls Yuta up, BRAINBUSTER! Cover, TWO!! Yuta survives but Cassidy seethes. Cassidy rains down fists on Yuta! The ref reprimands about closed fists and hair pulling, but Cassidy doesn’t stop until the ref counts 4.
Cassidy stands, and he throws off the elbow pad! Cassidy aims at Yuta, runs up, but Yuta ducks the punch! GERMAN SUPLEX! Yuta runs to CHOP in the corner! And then a wrench and PAIN THRILLER! The fans boo while Yuta seethes and stands over Cassidy. Yuta sits Cassidy up, for HAMMER ‘N’ ANVIL ELBOWS! But Cassidy blocks one! And bends fingers, to then SNAP them! The fans fire up as Cassidy SNAPS finger after finger! Yuta swings, Cassidy BOOTS him, then serves up SOLE FOOD! Scoop and MICHINOKU DRIVER! Cover, TWO!! Cassidy is busting out all his best friends’ best moves, but he hasn’t gotten it done!
Cassidy aims, loads up, and ORANGE- NO, Yuta ducks! Orange fights the suplex, switches to O’Conner Roll! TWO, Yuta dodges Cassidy, scoops him, and CROSS LEG TOMBSTONE!! Cover, TWO?!? Cassidy survives and Yuta is furious! The fans are thunderous, but Yuta rains down HAMMER ‘N’ ANVIL ELBOWS! Cassidy grits his teeth but he’s almost a ragdoll! Yuta lets off to then hook the arms, CATTLE MUTILATION!! Cassidy endures as Yuta thrashes him around! Cassidy powers up as the fans rally, and he kicks around to the ROPEBREAK!! Yuta holds on, the ref counts, and Yuta finally lets go at 4!
The ref reprimands Yuta, but Yuta pushes past the ref to go outside the ring. Yuta grabs a chair! Yuta storms into the ring while the fans boo, and the ref says don’t do it! Cassidy dodges the chair shot! Victory roll, CASSIDY WINS!!
Winner: Orange Cassidy, by pinfall
Yuta is in disbelief! Cassidy beat him with a technical move! Yuta snarls but the ref keeps him back. Cassidy did what he promised in beating Yuta, but then he stares his former student down. Is Cassidy going to offer a handshake? WAIT, PAC ATTACKS! The Bastard BOOTS Cassidy down so we’ll never know what Cassidy was going to do! The fans boo more but Pac & Yuta stand on Cassidy. The rest of the Death Riders appear, and Marina Shafir has duct tape! The AEW World Trios Champions stomp away on Cassidy, like vultures picking the bones. Moxley steps into the ring while Marina hands the tape over to Pac.
Claudio puts Cassidy’s hands in his pockets, and then Pac tapes them in! Cassidy is physically bound, and Moxley paces around. Cassidy is pushed around by all the Death Riders, then Moxley DECKS him! Claudio hauls Cassidy back up, the Death Riders keep bullying him, and then Moxley SLAPS Cassidy down! But the bullying continues as they stand Cassidy up. Cassidy “kicks” Moxley! Defiant to the end! But Moxley DECKS him again! Moxley paces around more, then stomps Cassidy right on the face! Moxley leads The Death Riders away, and The Conglomeration finally comes out here.
Mark has scissors to cut Cassidy loose, and the fans boo as The Death Riders still retreat. Cassidy tries to stand up, but he has to use ropes to do it. Even so, Cassidy stands on his own two feet. Moxley eggs on the fans while Cassidy puts his sunglasses on. And then hands up, and then into the pockets! Try as they might, The Death Riders could not break the Freshly Squeezed fighting spirit! Will Cassidy finally become AEW World Champion? Or will Moxley find a way to break Cassidy at Full Gear?
My Thoughts:
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Will this be the mightiest Tag League yet?
It’s time for NJPW World Tag League 2024, and this year already looks mighty good as IWGP World Heavyweight Champion, Zack Sabre Jr, is in the A Block! Will he and Ryohei Oiwa make everyone #JustTapOut?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Kickoff – Shoma Kato VS Masatora Yasuda; Kato wins.
- Six Man Tag: Hiroshi Tanahashi, Jado & Katsuya Murashima VS Taiji Ishimori & The Filip Brothers; Taiji & The Filip Brothers win.
- Six Man Tag: Toru Yano, Boltin Oleg & Tiger Mask VS The House of Torture; The House of Torture wins.
- Six Man Tag: Taichi, Douki & Taka Michinoku VS The United Empire; Taichi, Douki & Taka win.
- Six Man Tag: Los Ingobernables de Japon VS TMDK; TMDK wins.
- World Tag League 2024 A Block: Shota Umino & Tomoaki Honma VS Jeff Cobb & Callum Newman; Cobb & Callum win.
- World Tag League 2024 A Block: Shingo Takagi & Yota Tsuji VS Alex Zayne & Ryusuke Taguchi; Takagi & Tsuji win.
- World Tag League 2024 A Block: Bishamon VS KENTA & Chase Owens; Bishamon wins.
- World Tag League 2024 A Block: Zack Sabre Jr. & Ryohei Oiwa VS Gabe Kidd & SANADA; ZSJ & Oiwa win.
PLAY BY PLAY
World Tag League 2024 A Block: Shota Umino & Tomoaki Honma VS Jeff Cobb & Callum Newman!
The Roughneck is bringing Everyone’s Kokeshi along for the ride, but this league might already be too much to handle. Can Honma help Shota bring about his Paradigm Shift? Or will they just get conquered by the United Empire?
The teams sort out and Shota starts against The Imperial Unit. The bell rings and Shota runs up to RAM Cobb! And RAM! And RAM! Cobb stays up so Shota kicks low. Shota runs to RAM Cobb, but Cobb rebounds to CLOBBER Shota! The fans cheer while Cobb stalks Shota. Cobb brings Shota up to whip him to a corner. Shota comes back to RAM Cobb! Cobb stays up, so Shota clinches! Cobb fights free with elbows, but Shota dodges a lariat to RAM Cobb! Cobb falls over! The fans fire up with Shota, and he brings Cobb up again. Callum runs in so Shota shoves Cobb aside to catch Callum. Shota shoves Callum at Honma for a shoulder tackle!
The fans fire up as Shota keeps moving and he SOMERSAULT SENTONS Callum! Shota then sets up so he and Honma can tabletop Cobb! Cobb sits up into Shota’s SHOTGUN! The fans fire up and Shota tags Honma. The fans rally behind Honma as he CLUBS Cobb. Honma reels Cobb in, but Cobb suplexes first! Cobb SLAMS Honma down, then calls for Callum. Callum rises but Cobb says hold on. The “Cobby Cat” mocks Honma by bopping himself on the head. Cobb then runs to FALLING KOKESHIÂ FLOP! Honma winds up and runs, but Callum is in the way! Cobb runs up, Honma dodges the lariat but Callum tags in.
Cobb dodges Honma, then shoves him at Callum. They pinball Honma around, and Callum BOOTS Honma while Cobb BLASTS Shota! Then Callum & Cobb coordinate to HIGH LOW with a shoulder tackle and leg sweep! The fans cheer and Cobb says You Can’t See Him! Callum stomps Honma, then KICKS him in the back. Honma gets mad but Callum scuffs him again and again. Honma rises, CHOPS, and CHOPS again! Callum CHOPS and pretends that hurt his hand. Callum CLUBS Honma down but the fans rally up. Honma rises to CHOP! And CHOP! And CHOP! Callum kicks low, reels him in, but Honma fights the suplex!
Honma catches Callum’s lariat to spin and DDT! The fans fire up while both men are down! Callum and Honma crawl, but Honma hot tags Shota! Shota rallies on Callum with big elbows! Shota whips, Callum reverses, but SHota ducks ‘n’ dodges to CLOBBER Callum! Cobb runs up, but Shota arm-drags him, then dropkicks the legs out! Cobb bails, Shota fires up, and the fans rally again. Shota whips Callum corner to corner, runs up on him, and UPPERCUTS! Shota reels Callum in for a FISHERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO! Not quite perfect but Shota doesn’t let that slow him down!
Shota waits on Callum, then runs, but Callum avoids Ignition to hook Shota! Shota fights the backslide so Callum whips him to a corner. Callum runs up but Shota dodges! Shota runs up but Callum goes up and over! Callum keeps moving, but Shota ROCKS him, UPPERCUTS him, and runs! Callum follows to ROCK Shota at the ropes! Callum runs, but then stops to fake out Shota’s dropkick! Shota sits up, but he ducks the Penalty Kick! Shota rolls Callum but Callum rolls through. Shota ROCKS Callum, then spins, but Callum dodges the rolling elbow! DREAMCAST KICK! Shota drops to his knees and the fans fire up!
Callum and Shota crawl, hot tag to Cobb! Cobb runs up to waistlock Shota for a deadlift! Shota fights with elbows, goes to run, but Cobb reels him in for a forearm to the back! Cobb runs, but Shota DROPKICKS him! The fans fire up again and Shota heads for his corner. Hot tag to Honma! The fans rally as Honma CHOPS Cobb, and CHOPS, and CHOPS! Honma puts Cobb in a corner, whips him corner to corner, then runs up. Honma ELBOWS Cobb and hits a BULLDOG! The fans fire up as Honma shows Cobb how it’s done! FALLING KOKESHI- NO! Now Honma FLOPS as Cobb moves! Callum runs up to SHOTGUN Shota off the apron!
The fans fire up as Cobb RAMS Honma into the corner! Callum runs up to forearm SMASH! Callum drops down and Cobb LEAPS over to ELBOW Honma! Callum comes back and Cobb pops him up to the apron! ENZIGIRI, then fireman’s carry! Callum climbs, DOUBLE STOMP ATTITUDE ADJUSTMENT! PENALTY KICK and GACHIMUCHI MOONSAULT! Cover, Shota breaks it! The fans fire up and Shota TOSSES Callum! Cobb kicks Shota, whips, but Shota reverses to TORNADO DDT! Shota shouts to Honma and the fans fire up again. Honma rises and he storms up on Cobb. Honma & Shota double whip corner to corner!
Honma runs up to LARIAT! Honma feeds Cobb to Shota’s UPPERCUT! Honma LARIATS, Shota clinches, EXPLODER!! The fans cheer and Honma runs, SLIDING KOKESHI! Shota keeps moving, IGNITION! Honma covers, Callum breaks it! Shota stomps Callum out of the ring and leaves the rest to Honma. Honma drags Cobb up, but Cobb fights the suplex! Cobb ROCKS Honma, whips him, but Honma grabs ropes! Honma BOOTS Cobb, and Shota joins in! DOUBLE RUNNING KOKESHI! And then they DOUBLE FALLING KOKESHI! Cover, TWO!! Cobb survives but Shota goes after Callum! CANNONBALL to the floor!
The fans fire up again as Honma climbs! FLYING- NO, Cobb catches Honma! SPINEBUSTER, and FALLING HAMMER! Cover, TWO!! Honma survives and the fans fire up again! But then Cobb reels Honma in, for a TOUR OF THE ISLAND!! Cover, United Empire wins!
Winners: Jeff Cobb & Callum Newman, by pinfall (gain 2 points; Shota & Honma earn 0)
A powerful showing from “The Kokeshi Brothers,” but they could not bring down Callum & Cobb. With the IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Championships already on Great-O-Khan & Henare, will The United Empire completely dominate the NJPW Heavyweight Tag Division?
World Tag League 2024 A Block: Shingo Takagi & Yota Tsuji VS Alex Zayne & ???
Los Ingobernables de Japon’s heavy formation is in this block, ready to rampage like twin dragons. If only The Sauce could’ve brought his own monster back. Who will be the substitute for Lance Archer? And can he help heat things up?
Zayne makes his entrance before anyone else, and asks to speak on the mic. A mic is given, and Zayne says, “Kon’nichiwa.” The fans applaud, and Zayne explains that when he was contacted this year for WTL, he was also informed that Lance Archer could not make it. Zayne knew he had to do one thing: find the most “delicious” tag partner he could find. And that man is… RYUSUKE TAGUCHI!? The fans can’t believe the Funky Weapon is joining Zayne in this tournament! And he wears a green version of Zayne’s gear! Are things about to get really spicy now?
The teams sort out, and Takagi is in disbelief. LIJ fist bumps and the fans applaud. Taguchi and Zayne bow, “Itadakimasu,” and Zayne starts against Yota. They circle, tie up, and Yota powers Zayne back. But Zayne powers Yota back! Yota powers up to power Zayne onto the ropes, but Zayne turns things around. The ref counts, Zayne lets off slowly with a pat on the shoulders, but Yota plays with Zayne’s hair. Zayne smirks and Yota grins as the two reset. They circle, tie up, and are in a deadlock. Yota headlocks, but Zayne powers up and out. Yota RAMS Zayne but neither man falls. Fans cheer as Yota grins and Zayne plays with his own hair.
Things speed up suddenly, and Zayne sidesteps. Yota bucks the O’Conner Roll, then gets around Zayne. Zayne ELBOWS Yota away to a corner. Zayne runs up to BACK ELBOW and go to the apron in one go! Then he slingshots to RANA! Yota has a rough tumble, but he stands back up. Zayne runs up again, dodges the lariat and waistlocks, only to bring Yota back and run. Yota sidesteps Zayne then drops down, only for Zayne to IMPLODER KNEE DROP! The fans fire up but Zayne keeps moving, STANDING MARIPOSA! The fans cheer more while Zayne grins at Takagi. Zayne brings Yota up, tags Taguchi, and they double whip.
“Funky Sauce” misdirects Yota to hit a BULLDOG then basement dropkick! Cover, TWO! The fans cheer and Taguchi stomps Yota. Taguchi brings Yota up, kicks low, then whips. Yota reverses but Taguchi RANAS! A little slippery, but then Zayne BLASTS Takagi off the apron! Funky Sauce takes aim, Taguchi PLANCHASÂ but flops as Yota moves! Zayne is on the apron but Takagi YANKS Zayne down! The fans rally but Takagi hauls Zayne up to whip him into railing! Yota drags Taguchi up and puts him in the ring. Takagi gets the fans fired up, then he stands Taguchi up. LIJ double whip Taguchi to then DOUBLE SHOULDER TACKLE!
The fans cheer and then Takagi SENTONS! Yota SPLASHES down! Cover, TWO! Taguchi stays in this but Yota tags Takagi. The fans rally and duel while Takagi stands Taguchi up. Takagi bumps Taguchi off buckles, RAMS into him again and again, then digs his shoulder in. The ref counts, Takagi steps back, and he snapmares Taguchi down. Tag to Yota and Yota drags Taguchi up. Yota snapmares Taguchi to ROCK him in the back! Taguchi falls back, Yota tags Takagi, and LIJ drags Taguchi up. They DOUBLE ATOMIC DROP! Taguchi hobbles in pain, falls to his knees, and Takagi BLASTS Zayne off the apron!
Takagi gets annoyed with this Funky Sauce, but Taguchi fires off CHOPS! Taguchi runs, but Takagi easily dodges the hip attack! Takagi then suplexes Taguchi high and hard! Cover, TWO! Taguchi survives and the fans fire up. Takagi hears the fans dueling as he stomps Taguchi. Takagi KNEES Taguchi against the ropes again and again, then whips, for another KNEE! Takagi runs, but into a SOMERSAULT HIP ATTACK! The fans fire up while both men are down! Taguchi and Takagi crawl, hot tag to Zayne! Zayne jumps in and DECKS Takagi, then he BLASTS Yota! Zayne swats a lariat to fire elbow after ELBOW!
Takagi blocks the superkick to CLUB the leg! Yota joins in, LIJ whips Zayne, but Zayne KICKS Takagi, mule kicks Yota, and runs, DOUBLE SOMERSAULT KICKS! The fans fire up and Zayne runs at Takagi. Takagi ELBOWS Zayne, BOOTS him, then goes up. Zayne returns to JUMPING STEINERS! The fans fire up while Zayne covers, TWO! Takagi stays in this but Zayne brings him right up. Zayne goes to scoop but Takagi fights it! Zayne CHOPS, scoops, and BAJA- NO, Takagi slips free! SLIDING- NO, Zayne dodges! Zayne mule kicks, runs, but into the ELBOW! JAB! YUKONÂ feint and DDT! Both men are down again and the fans fire back up!
Takagi pounds the mat, the fans rally behind him, and he crawls, hot tag to Yota! Yota fires up and the fans are with him. Yota brings Zayne around to whip, but Zayne stops himself. Zayne dodges Yota, Yota dodges Zayne, and both men kick low! Yota comes back to BOOT! The fans cheer and Yota brings Zayne up again. Yota fireman’s carries but Zayne fights free. Yota ROCKS Zayne first! Yota tries another fireman’s carry but Zayne sunset flips it! TWO, and both men stand! Zayne rolls Yota, BASEMENT ENZIGIRI! Zayne hurries to hot tag Taguchi! Taguchi HIP ATTACKS in a corner! Taguchi goes corner to corner, for another HIP ATTACK!
Taguchi keeps moving, but Yota runs up! Taguchi dropkicks Yota’s legs out! The fans fire up and Taguchi keeps going! Another dropkick to legs, then a LEG SWEEP! Taguchi rolls Yota into the OH MY GAH ANKLE!! Zayne BOOTS Takagi off the apron! Yota scrambles to the ROPEBREAK! Taguchi lets go but he brings Yota back up. Taguchi traps Yota and Zayne runs in to ELBOW! Zayne then sets up and Taguchi runs, SHOTGUN IN MOTION! Taguchi then brings Yota out to GOURD BUSTER! The fans fire up as Zayne climbs! But Yota KICKS Taguchi away, then GAMANGIRIS Zayne off the corner!
Taguchi kicks Yota, runs, but into a scoop and BACKBREAKER! Takagi slides in, and he finds the camera, “TOKI GA KITA!” The fans fire up as the time has come, and they join in on a chant of “OI! OI! OI!” LIJ whips Taguchi to a corner, then Yota runs in to ELBOW! Takagi whips Yota back in to SPLASH! Takagi adds a LARIAT, then feeds Taguchi to a BOOT! BLINDSIDE LARIAT! SUPERKICK! Taguchi is down, Yota covers, TWO! Taguchi stays in this and the fans fire up. Takagi stands Taguchi up and throws him to Yota for a POWERBOMB! Cover, Zayne breaks it! Takagi drags Zayne up, LIJ mugs him, but he fights back with CHOPS!
The fans fire up but Yota spins Zayne around to facelock, and Takagi wheelbarrows. Yota helps Takagi swing Taguchi down, then up for a BOOSTED WHEELBARROW GERMAN!! The fans fire up and Takagi leaves it to Yota. Yota takes aim and the fans rally. Taguchi rises, Yota runs in, GENE- LEG DROP!? And then La Magistrol! TWO!! Yota escapes in time, but Taguchi spins him to a backslide! TWO!! Yota escapes again! But Taguchi ENZIGIRIS! Taguchi fires up and the fans are with him! But Takagi LARIATS! GENE TRIGGER! PUMPING BOMBER!! And now Yota loads up, for the GENE BLASTER!! Cover, LIJ wins!
Winners: Shingo Takagi & Yota Tsuji, by pinfall (gain 2 points; Zayne & Taguchi earn 0)
The Funky Sauce was hot, but they’re the ones that got burned! Will they be able to spice things up in the second round? Will Takagi & Tsuji keep the tag league tranquilo?
World Tag League 2024 A Block: Bishamon VS KENTA & Chase Owens!
Hirooki Goto & Yoshi-Hashi once again clash with The Fang & The Jewel, both sides hungry for gold. Will it be Lights Out in the opening round? Or will someone just #Go2Sleep?
The teams sort out but then Bullet Club just attacks! Chase is after Goto and Kenta is after Hashi, and they put each man in corners. The bell rings to get this on record as Kenta TOSSES Hashi. Chase CHOKES Goto in the corner, then stands on him! The ref reprimands and Chase lets off to bring Goto up. Chase ROCKS Goto, whips him, and Kenta POSTS Hashi! Chase hits a big hip toss then covers, TWO! The fans rally up while Chase stomps Goto’s leg. Chase scrapes his sole off Goto’s face, and Kenta whips Hashi again. Hashi reverses and Kenta hits railing in front of English commentary! Chase ROCKS Goto, CHOPS him, then whips.
Goto grabs ropes to stop, then he BOOTS Chase! Hashi returns and Bishamon DOUBLE SHOULDER TACKLE! Then ZENMAI! Kenta returns but Bishamon kicks him first. “Se no!” Bishamon BEATS Kenta like a drum! The fans cheer and Bishamon flexes. Goto then goes back to Chase to stomp and CLUB him down. Goto kicks Chase, Chase shoves Goto and ROCKS him with a forearm! Goto knees Chase low, runs, but Chase TOSSES Goto out! Goto hurries back up, he counter punches Chase, and then counter punches Kenta! Chase slips out to YANK Goto down and THROW him into railing! Kenta intercepts Hashi with a kick!
Kenta whips Hashi away into railing while Chase sends Goto into other railing! The ref reprimands but Chase brings Goto through the gate. Chase has fans move out of the way, but then brings Goto back to ringside. Chase grins as he trolls the fans and pushes Goto into the ring. Kenta CLUBS away on Hashi before leaving him behind. Chase pulls on Goto’s arms then TWEAKS Goto’s neck! Not a twist, but equally painful. Chase tags Kenta while the fans rally for “GO-TO-O! GO-TO-O!” Kenta pushes Goto into the corner, Goto hits Chase, but Kenta RAMS Goto! The ref reprimands and counts as Kenta RAMS Goto more!
Kenta sits Goto down, and digs his boot in! The ref counts, Kenta stops at 4, and he tags Chase back in. They stomp Goto more, then Chase headlocks for a sucker punch! Cover, TWO! Chase drags Goto up and he bumps Goto off Kenta’s boot. Tag to Kenta and Bullet Club double whips. They DOUBLE ELBOW Goto down then Kenta covers, TWO! Kenta covers again, TWO! Kenta argues with the ref but the count was fair. Kenta drops an elbow, drops another elbow, then covers, TWO! Kenta gets mad at Hashi for no reason, but the fans rally up for Goto. Kenta CLUBS Goto, but Goto fires CHOPS in return!
Kenta knees low, whips Goto to a corner, but Goto reverses. Goto runs up but into a BOOT! Kenta runs but Goto follows! Goto avoids Chase’s cheap shot to LARIAT Kenta! The fans fire up while Goto and Kenta are down! Goto crawls, hot tag to Hashi! The fans fire up as Hahsi BLASTS Chase! Kenta kicks Hashi low then whips him to a corner. Kenta runs up but Hashi CHOPS in return! And mule kicks! And turns Kenta for a NECKBREAKER! The fans fire up and Hashi watches Kenta. Hashi waits on Kenta to rise, then runs up to CHOP! Hashi hoists Kenta up to hang him out to dry! The fans fire up as Hashi runs, and he DROPKCISK Kenta down! Cover, TWO!
The fans cheer Hashi on as he brings Kenta up. Hashi reels Kenta in, lifts, but Kenta fights with fists! Kenta slips free of the bomb, then slips around Hashi to spin and- NO, Hashi suplexes first! But Kenta slips free again, and he spins Hashi around, to SPIKE DDT! Hashi is stood up on his head before falling over, and Kenta tags in Chase. Chase brings Hashi up and fireman’s carries. Hashi fights free of that, but Chase slips around to half nelson, lift, and SWINGING FACEBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Hashi survives but Chase says time to end this! Chase takes aim, C- NO, Hashi dodges the trigger! Chase knees low, runs, but Hashi dropkicks the legs!
The fans fire up whiel both men are down! Chase clutches his leg while Hashi crawls. Hot tag to Goto! Goto runs at Chase to LARIAT in the corner! Goto whips corner to corner, runs up again, but Chase BOOTS him! But Goto comes back! Only for Chase to BUCKLE SHOT and STO, then SENTON! Kenta steps in and Bullet Club drags Goto up. But Goto fires forearms and CHOPS! Kenta SOBATS! Chase KICKS! Kenta ROUNDHOUSES! Goto sits up into the “I HATE YOU!” PENALTY KICK! Cover, but Hashi breaks it! Kenta TOSSES Hashi then goes out after him. Chase drags Goto up and reels him in.
Chase tucks the arms but Goto fights the lift! Goto wrenches out but Chase ROCKS him first! Chase runs, Goto follows, but Chase ENZIGIRIS! Goto stays up, but the C-TRIGGER hits! Cover, TWO!! Goto survives but Chase hurries up! C-TRIGGER POINT BLANK!! And then the tuck for the PACKAGE PILE- NO, Hashi hits a BLOCKBUSTER! The fans fire up, Kenta BOOTS Hashi! Goto fireman’s carries Kenta but Kenta slips free! Kenta shoves Goto into Hashi, then waistlocks Goto. Goto fights the lift, and then ducks, HIDDEN GAP SUPERKICK for Kenta! The fans fire up as Bishamon regroups.
Hashi drags Chase up, whips him to Goto, but Chase BOOTS Goto! Chase swings on Hashi but Hashi ducks the lariat. Hashi powers Chase to ropes, Goto BLINDSIDE LARIATS, and then Hashi rolls Chase. Goto drags Chase up, Hashi has the legs! Chase BOOTS Hashi away! Chase then slips around to dragon sleeper, to steal G T- NO, Goto drops down to victory roll! Chase stands up, into a SUPERKICK! Goto drags Chase around while Hashi BLASTS Kenta! Dragon sleeper and SHOTO!! Cover, Bishamon wins!!
Winners: Bishamon, by pinfall (gain 2 points; Kenta & Chase earn 0)
Another classic in this storied rivalry, worthy of the titles themselves! Will this first win be the win that leads the Fierce Warrior & Headhunter back to the titles? Can Kenta & Chase borrow a page from Bishamon and #GetBackUp in the next round?
World Tag League 2024 A Block: Zack Sabre Jr. & Ryohei Oiwa VS Gabe Kidd & SANADA!
TMDK has a team in each block, doubling their chances of taking this league. But perhaps burying the lead is the fact that THE IWGP World Heavyweight Champion is joining in the fun! Will The Front Man & The Mullet rock this league right from the start? Or will the Mad Man and the turncoat Cold Skull get this tournament #WarReady?
The teams sort out but Oiwa gets in Gabe’s face. Gabe pushes Oiwa, they start, and they tie up at the bell. The fans rally as Oiwa and Gabe are in a deadlock. They go around at center, then Oiwa digs his heels in to push Gabe back. Gabe turns things around to put Oiwa on ropes, but Red Shoes calls the break. Gable lets off, to then CHOP! Gabe scoops and SLAMS Oiwa, then he goes for legs. Oiwa UPKICKS Gabe, then stands up to scoop and SLAM Gabe! Gabe UPKICKS back, both men get up and go face to face. Then they go forearm for forearm! The fans rally as Oiwa gets the edge, but Gabe CHOPS!
Gabe headlocks. Oiwa powers up and out, and they RAM shoulders! Gabe eggs OIwa on and he runs to RAM Gabe! They both run now, and they RAM shoulders again, and again, and again! Gabe CHOPS then runs, but Oiwa CLOBBERS Gabe! The fans fire up while Gabe bails out. Oiwa eggs Gabe on and Gabe snarls. Gabe shakes the railing in frustration, then he paces around the outside. Gabe cools off, slides in, but then tags Sanada. Sanada steps in slowly, so Oiwa tags in ZSJ. The two rivals circle and the afns rally behind “ZAKKU! ZAKKU!” ZSJ and Sanada feel things out, knuclke lock, and ZSJ rolls to wrench.
Sanada is already frustrated so he kicks ZSJ low! Sanada TOSSES ZSJ out and then Gabe goes after Oiwa! Gabe CHOPS away on Oiwa while Sanada sends ZSJ into railing! And then more railing! Gabe does the same to Oiwa, and Sanada storms up on ZSJ. Sanada CLAWS ZSJ’s back, a definite attitude change showing. Gabe Too Sweets with Taiji Ishimori on commentary while Sanada pushes ZSJ into the ring. Sanada whips ZSJ to a corner, but ZSJ goes up, under, around, and RAMS into Sanada! ZSJ snapmares, Sanada handsprings through, but ZSJ UPPERCUTS him down! Tag to Oiwa and he BLASTS Gabe!
Oiwa goes back to Sanada and stands him up. Oiwa wrenches an arm, YANKS it, then wrenches to YANK it again. Oiwa tags ZSJ and ZSJ brings Sanada around to wrench, step over, and wrangle into a mounted armbar! Sanada endures as ZSJ bends the fingers and isolates the arm, to STOMP it! The fans cheer, ZSJ tags Oiwa, and Oiwa CLUBS Sanada’s arm. Oiwa headlocks for a takeover, then isolates the arm in an short arm scissor! The fans rally while Sanada endures and kicks around. Sanada reaches out, ROPEBREAK! Red Shoes calls it, Oiwa lets Sanada go, but then Oiwa brings Sanada up.
Oiwa whips, Sanada reverses, and Gabe trips Oiwa up! Sanda BLASTS ZSJ while Oiwa drags Oiwa out of the ring! Now things spill out into the crowd! Gabe CHOPS Oiwa, then SMACKS him off empty chairs! Sanada BOWLS ZSJ into chairs! Not quite a strike, so Sanada JAMS ZSJ up with a chair! That picks up the spare, and we can hear Gabe’s CHOPS on Oiwa echo out. Gabe stomps Oiwa while Sanada CHOKES ZSJ with a chair! Red Shoes reprimands the War Dogs, but Gabe POSTS Oiwa! Gabe says War Dogs run this, but Red Shoes starts a ring count. Gabe flexes on Oiwa, then drags him up at 7 of 20.
Gabe puts Oiwa in at 10 and Sanada covers, TWO! Oiwa stays in this and the fans rally behind him. Sanada is annoyed but he brings Oiwa up. Sanada CLUBS Oiwa, then bumps him off Gabe’s boot. Oiwa sputters while Sanada tags Gabe in. Gabe drags Oiwa up, mockingly asks where Zack-senpai went, then he UPPERCUTS Oiwa down. Gabe TOSSES Oiwa out, and he BLASTS ZSJ off the apron! Sanada whips Oiwa into railing! Gabe lifts ZSJ bu tZSJ wrenches free to KIMURA! Gabe powers through, to BITE ZSJ on the forehead! Sanada sends Oiwa into more railing, Gabe sends ZSJ through railing and into chairs!
Sanada BOWLS Oiwa into chairs now, there is the strike! Sanada continues to show his new edge as he JAMS Oiwa up with a chair. Red Shoes reprimands so Sanada brings Oiwa back to ringside. Sanada puts Oiwa in for Gabe and Gabe pushes Oiwa to a cover. Red Shoes says no, all the shenanigans were not right. Gabe gets in Red Shoes’ face about that, but Red Shoes stands his ground. Gabe storms around while the fans rally behind Oiwa. Gabe drags Oiwa up, to CHOP! Oiwa wobbles but he rises up. Oiwa CHOPS, and CHOPS, and fires forearms! Gabe DECKS Oiwa with just one! The fans still rally for Oiwa but Gabe stands on Oiwa’s face!
Gabe soaks up the heat, scuffs Oiwa and stomps him around. Oiwa sits up, Gabe runs, but Oiwa reels him in! Gabe fights the waistlock, runs, but into a SNAP GERMAN! The fans fire up while both men are down! Oiwa and Gabe crawl, hot tags to ZSJ and Sanada! The fans fire up as ZSJ dodges Sanada, full nelsons, then spins him to a headlock. Sanada powers out but ZSJ catches him to a COBRA TWIST! Sanada powers out to HIP TOSS, but ZJS UP KICKS! Sanada avoids the Penalty Kick, blocks the boot, but ZSJ steps through the dragon screw to NECK TWIST! And basment DROPKICK! The fans fire up and we’ve only hit 10 minutes!
ZSJ drags Sanada up, UPPERCUTS him, then UPPERCUTS again! Sanada blocks the next to spin and suplex, but ZSJ says no to the Magic Screw! NORTHERN LIGHTS! Bridging cover, TWO! Sanada escapes but ZSJ stays focused. ZSJ stands Sanada up to scoop, but Sanada slips free. ZSJ fights the waistlock, runs, but into a dropkick to the legs! Sanada then DROPKICKS ZSJ down! Sanada fireman’s carries but ZSJ slips free, to have the IRON OCTOPUS! The fans rally while Sanada endures, and Sanada powers out to have a leg! DROPPING DRAGON SCREW! ZSJ clutches the leg and Sanada takes aim! SHINING-
NO, ZSJ ducks, but Sanada catches him to a backslide! ZSJ rolls through to NECK TWIST! Tag to Oiwa and Oiwa BLASTS Gabe off the apron! Oiwa goes back to Sanada and brings him up. Oiwa whips Sanada to ropes, ELBOWS Him down, then ZSJ PENALTY KICKS Sanada! Oiwa deadlift GUT RWENCH PLEXES! Cover, Gabe breaks it! Gabe CHOPS away on ZSJ and Oiwa, but ZSJ blocks! Oiwa DOUBLE CHOPS! ZSJ UPPERCUTS! ZSJ & Oiwa DOUBLE DROPKICK Gabe down! The fans fire up with Oiwa and he clamps onto Sanada with a SLEEPER! Sanada endures and fights up, but Oiwa thrashes him around!
Sanada still fights to his feet, slips around the back, and shoves Oiwa to ropes. Gabe trips Oiwa up! Oiwa kicks at Gabe but Sanada kicks ropes to jam Oiwa up! Sanada suplexes Oiwa into the MAGIC SCREW! Both men are down but the fans rally up again. Sanada crawls over, tag to Gabe, and Gabe storms right up on Oiwa. Gabe UPPERCUTS Oiwa right down! Gabe then puts Oiwa in a corner to fire off forearm after forearm! Red Shoes reprimands and counts, but Gabe digs his boots in while talking trash. Gabe shoves Red Shoes aside so he can keep stomping away on Oiwa! The fans rally and Red Shoes backs Gabe off.
Gabe seethes but the fans continue to rally for Oiwa. Oiwa grits his teeth as he sits up, but Gabe ROCKS him with another shot! Oiwa still looks up defiantly at Gabe, so Gabe fires shots! Gabe says Oiwa’s not worthy of being his NJPW Strong Openweight Challenger. Gabe says Oiwa’s just some “weak ass kohai!” Gabe SPITS on Oiwa, but Oiwa gets in Gabe’s face! Gabe fires slapping strikes, blocks a shot, then SLAPS Oiwa again! Oiwa spins to DOUBLE CHOP Gsbe down! Sanada runs up and kicks low! Sanada whips, Oiwa reverses, but Sanada reverses back, RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP! ZSJ PENALTY KICKS Sanada!
Gabe runs up, ZSJ BOOTS him first! Gabe runs back in, slips out of the scoop, and he scoops ZSJ for EMERALD FLOWSON!! But Oiwa spins Gabe! Gabe avoids The Grip, runs, but into a LARIAT!! Cover, TWO!! Oiwa is frustrated but the fans rally behind him. Oiwa hauls Gabe up, ANACONDA PLEX!! Cover, TWO!! Gabe survives again but Oiwa roars! Oiwa drags Gabe up, reels him in, but Gabe fights the gut wrench! Gabe CLUBS Oiwa on the back, then he gut wrenches! Oiwa fights back, wrenches out, and he blocks a lariat to spin. Gabe HAYMAKERS, and SAIDOS!! Gabe crawls his way to the cover, TWO!!
The fans are thunderous as Oiwa survives! Gabe snarls and he drags Oiwa up. Gabe says this is the end. But Oiwa fights the suplex! Oiwa suplexes, but Gabe fights it! Oiwa still tries, but Gabe slips out to waistlock. Sanada DROPKCIKS Oiwa, Gabe UPPERCUTS! Gabe & Sanada work together to DOUBLE SUPLEX! Gabe suplexes again, BRAINBUSTER!! Cover, ZSJ BREAKS IT! Sanada TOSSES ZSJ out and tells Gabe to finish this! ZSJ RAMS Sanada, they brawl outside, and Gabe slashes his throat. Gabe drags Oiwa up, reels him in, but Oia slips through the gut wrench to backslide! TWO, and Gabe UPPERCUTS!
Gabe runs, but ZSJ is back! He BOOTS Gabe but Gabe SLAPS ZSJ! ZSJ KICKS the haymaker away to then ROUNDHOUSE Gabe! Sanada’s in to dragon sleeper! ZSJ arm-drags free, but Sanada comes back to SHINING WIZARD! Sanada then drags ZSJ up, but ZSJ scoops first! ZACK DRIVER!! ZSJ and Sanada flop out of the ring, leaving Oiwa and Gabe to rise up. They run at each other, to DOUBLE LARIAT! neither man falls, they DOUBLE LARIAT again! Gabe UPPERCUTS! Oiwa PALM STRIKES! Gabe PALM STRIKES, CHOPS, JABS, rebounds, into a roll-up! Hig stack, TMDK WINS!!
Winners: Zack Sabre Jr. & Ryohei Oiwa, by pinfall
Gabe is in shock! He gets right in Red Shoes’ face but Red Shoes says it was a fair count! Gabe then goes after Oiwa to CLOBBER him! The fans boo and Young Lions rush in, but Gabe eggs Oiwa on! So Oiwa obliges and they brawl among the fans! The Young Lions rush in to separate the two, but Gabe gets loose to CLOBBER Oiwa! They scrap, ZSJ joins in, and he pulls the two apart. Gabe kicks a chair in frustration, then goes into retreat. Wait, Oiwa chases Gabe to the ramp and beats him down! Young Lions again scramble in to stop this, but it just heads to the back! Sanada shrugs it off, will the #ColdWarDogs just have to try harder in the next round?
As for the winners, well, they’re no longer ringside so there won’t be any in-ring closing words. Backstage interviews begin, Gabe promises Oiwa will be put in the ground! Will the Mad Man show The Mullet what it takes to be NJPW Strong? As for ZSJ, he gathers himself, and tells NJPW Media that he doesn’t know where The Mullet went. Actually, no, he has an idea: The Mullet must be smashing the s*it outta Gabe. “Roy The Mullet” is the next NJPW Strong Openweight Champion! Oiwa will hit Gabe so hard, his legs will turn into trombones! As for ZSJ, there is something rare happening in this year’s WTL, isn’t it?
Yes, it’s that the IWGP World EFFIN’ Heavyweight Champion is involved, as this should be! The first time the world champion’s been in this tournament in roughly a decade! ZSJ said he was gonna be a different kind of world champion for NJPW, and that he promises to take NJPW back to the top! Now obviously, a conflict of interests, as this tournament is Shane Haste’s & Mikey Nicholls’ to win, but ZSJ won’t give the boys an easy ride. ZSJ is dreaming~ of an all TMDK World Tag League finals! Then who knows, maybe Zack & Roy get the job done.
But ZSJ knows the Tokyo Dome is coming soon. And Shota Umino wants to be ZSJ’s challenger. ZSJ says he will be keeping his eyes wide open for Shota. ZSJ says he’ll have a DOUBLE main event in the Tokyo Dome, it’s in the bag. What about you, Shota? The Front Man heads out, having put the pressure on his challenger, but will all of NJPW soon belong to TMDK?
Here are the A Block standings!
Zack Sabre Jr. & Ryohei Oiwa: 1-0, 2 points
Jeff Cobb & Callum Newman: 1-0, 2 points
Shingo Takagi & Yota Tsuji: 1-0, 2 points
Bishamon: 1-0, 2 points
Gabe Kidd & Sanada: 0-1, 0 points
Kenta & Chase Owens: 0-1, 0 points
Alex Zayne & Ryusuke Taguchi: 0-1, 0 points
Shota Umino & Tomoaki Honma: 0-1, 0 points
My Thoughts:
A great start to World Tag League 2024, with just A Block opening things tonight. I will say those tune-up matches were interesting. Even though David Finlay is the Global Champion, it’s Taiji Ishimori that has apparently become Bullet Club’s international ambassador. Taiji brought Robbie X into the group, now he teamed with The Filip Brothers, Tome & Stevie, who knows who else Bone Soldier will recruit. Taiji’s team beating Tanahashi’s team, House of Torture cheating and beating Tanahashi’s friends, this is all putting the pressure on The Ace, meaning The Ace will win out at WrestleKingdom 19.
Shota Umino teaming with Tomoaki Honma, I wonder if this is to hold Shota back somehow. He is apparently still heading for WrestleKingdom and a world title match with ZSJ, so it’s not like Shota needs to win WTL, but I guess NJPW just wants Shota to give the fans a good time alongside a fan favorite like Honma. Also, Callum & Cobb have a fun new shirt for their team-up. I figured Zayne would need to improvise now that #MonsterSauce is no longer happening, and Taguchi was a great surprise choice. But #FunkySauce making its debut against a team as strong as Takagi & Tsuji was a shame because of course LIJ was winning that. Maybe Zayne & Taguchi can pull off a spoiler victory later on, but I don’t see Funky Sauce going that strong.
Bishamon VS Kenta & Chase really was an awesome match, and it is so surprising how Chase has grown in just the past couple years. Great win for Goto & Hashi, though, as they’re clearly the solid utility choices in the tag division. And what an awesome main event, with Sanada bringing out the most Heel stuff he’s done perhaps ever. A bit jarring really, but that’s just kinda old fashioned Heel turns for ya. Great win for TMDK, though, and definitely an unorthodox way of closing by having Oiwa and Gabe brawl all over ringside and into the back.
While ZSJ says it is big for the world champ to be in this tournament, which I do agree with on some level, it also makes some of the A Block action seem secondary. Gabe and Oiwa having their grudge was kinda the main motivator behind this match, and then it’ll be similar when Shota & Honma VS ZSJ & Oiwa happens. There is the added drama of, “What if someone pins ZSJ? Will they get a world title match before WK19?” Maybe Shota solidifies his WK title match by being the one that pins ZSJ in their match, but it all just feels like more flash than substance. No one else is going to pin ZSJ, Oiwa probably takes whatever losses their team will take, so A Block’s story suffers for it.
My Score: 8.9/10
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