Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE NXT Results & Report! (11/12/24)
Countdown to Deadline!
And we’re on the clock!
Tonight, we begin the qualifiers for this year’s Iron Survivor Challenge! Who looks to push their limits against the very best in NXT today?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Giulia & Stephanie Vaquer VS Lash Legend & Jakara Jackson; Giulia & Vaquer win.
- 2024 Women’s Iron Survivor Challenge Qualifier: Cora Jade VS Sol Ruca; Sol wins and advances to WWE Deadline.
- 2024 Men’s Iron Survivor Challenge Qualifier: Wes Lee VS Cedric Alexander; Wes wins and advances to WWE Deadline.
- Adriana Rizzo VS Nikkita Lyons; Lyons wins.
- 2024 Men’s Iron Survivor Challenge Qualifier: Je’Von Evans VS Lexis King; Je’Von wins and advances to WWE Deadline.
- NXT Women’s North American Championship: Fallon Henley w/ The Fatal Influence VS Kelani Jordan; Fallon wins and retains the title.
PLAY BY PLAY
Giulia & Stephanie Vaquer VS Lash Legend & Jakara Jackson!
The Beautiful Madness & Dark Angle were still on the winning side last week, though not for lack of trying from Meta Four’s leading ladies. Will the Bougie Bully & Miss Jackson do better now that it’s 2v2? Or will Giulia & Vaquer be the ones putting on the brakes?
The teams sort out and Lash starts against Giulia. The fans rally up as the two step up and talk some trash. Giulia calls for the Test of Strength, but Lash taunts Giulia over her height advantage. So Giulia throws a body shot! Giulia headlocks, Lash powers up and goes to a corner. Giulia goes up and around, but Lash fights off the flying takeover. Lash powers out but Giulia BOOTS her! Lash BOOTS back! The fans fire up, Jakara tags in, and Meta Four gets Giulia up. They double whip, drop toehold, and ELBOW DROP! Jakara runs to basement DROPKICK! Cover, TWO! Giulia is tougher than that but Jakara waistlocks.
Giulia fights up, wrenches and switches, but Jakara victory rolls! Cover, TWO! Jakara hits an arm-drag to a lateral press, TWO! Ghost pin from Giulia, TWO! The two reset and the fans cheer. Giulia then kicks low, whips Jakara to a corner, but runs into a BOOT! Jakara goes up, up and MISSILE DROPKICKS! The fans rally up and Jakara hurries to cover, TWO! Giulia is still tougher than that, but Jakara fireman’s carries. Giulia fights into an IRON OCTOPUS! The fans fire up, Jakara heads for ropes, but Vaquer tags in. The Stardom duo double whip, drop, bypasses, hurdle, drop toehold, and 619! Then SHOTGUN!
The fans fire up as Vaquer & Giulia shake hands to DOUBLE ELBOW DROP! Cover, TWO! Jakara shows she’s tough, too, but Vaquer brings her around. Vaquer whips, Jakara sunset flips, but Vaquer stays up to scrape Jakara’s face! Then she drops a leg, brother! And fans fire up as the headscissors are on! Vaquer DRILLS Jakara into the mat again and again! The fans fire up while Jakara sputters. Vaquer brings Jakara up but Jakara wrenches to JAWBREAKER! Tag to Lash and she CHOPS Vaquer down! Then DECKS her! Giulia is in, IRON- NO, Lash stays up! So Vaquer SUPERKICKS! Lash is still up?!
Vaquer jumps on, but Lash has them both! DOUBLE DRIBBLE in the ropes! Lash drops Vaquer, then swings Giulia away. Tag to Jakara and she hops up onto Lash. META TOWER CROSSBODY! Jakara wipes out Giulia & Vaquer and the fans are thunderous as NXT goes to break.
NXT returns and Lash holds Vaquer up in a suplex! And then she SLAMS Vaquer at the count of ten! Then Lash kips up, tags Jakara, and sits Vaquer up. Jakara clamps on the chinlock, then shifts to a straitjacket stretch. Jakara thrashes Vaquer but Vaquer endures. The fans rally, Vaquer fights up, and Vaquer powers up to spin things around, only for Jakara to spin it right back around! Jakara then ripcords and whips Vaquer to the corner. Vaquer BOOTS Jakara, HEADBUTTS Lash, then goes up and over Jakara! Roll and hot tag to Giulia! The fans fire up as Giulia SHOTGUNS Jakara! Gijuila fires off hands!
Giulia dodges Jakara, HEABUTTS her, but here comes Lash! Giulia dodges Lash to tilt-o-whirl, and DEJA VU SUNSET BOMB! Jakara storms up to fire hands! Jakara suplexes, but Giulia counters with a snap suplex! Cover, TWO! Giulia drags Jakara right up bumps her off buckles, and she tags Vaquer. Vaquer KICKS Jakara in the face, then Giulia runs to BOOT WASH! Giulia feeds Jakara to Vaquer’s SOBAT! Giulia BOOTS, and then they wrench, crisscross, and DOUBLE BACK SUPLEX! Cover, Lash breaks it! Lash talks trash, but Giulia hops on for a SLEEPER! Lash flails, Giulia shifts around, Vaquer SUPERKICKS Lash!
Vaquer hits a CODE BREAKEAR and Lash tumbles out of the ring! Giulia goes to the apron, and she MISSILE DROPKISK! Lash hits steel steps on the way down! But Jakara O’Conner Rolls deep! TWO!! Vaquer runs up, Jakara gets around, but Vaquer switches! Snapmare into buckles, and Giulia tags in. Giulia climbs up to MISSILE DROPKICK! Jakara flounders but Giulia feeds her to the PRIMERA BACKBREAKER! Then Giulia & Vaquer give Jakara a GOLDEN TRIGGER! Cover, Giulia & Vaquer win!
Winners: Giulia & Stephanie Vaquer, by pinfall
Jakara was ready for action but no one could stare down that double barrel and survive! Will Giulia & Vaquer prove together or apart, they are going to run NXT? Blake Howard interviews them in the ring and says they’ve been a great team. But for the next few weeks, they’ll each be in an Iron Survivor Challenge qualifier. The question is: If they both make it to Deadline, what can we expect to see? Giulia says she knew this day would come. Vaquer says, “See you at Deadline.” The amigas area ready to fight it out for the gold, will either of them win that 25 minute marathon?
2024 Women’s Iron Survivor Challenge Qualifier: Cora Jade VS Sol Ruca!
Speaking of that grueling golden opportunity, #GenerationJade and the Sol Surfer want that first spot! Will Cora prove she’s back and better than ever? Or will Sol finally catch that wave and ride it to the top?
NXT returns and Cora makes her entrance. The bell rings and Cora hops up on a corner as a defense. The fans rally for Sol while Cora pouts. Cora hops down, storms up on Sol, but Sol gets around, tripos Cora, but Cora narrowly avoids the superkick. Sol hops up on a corner to taunt Cora now. The fans fire up, and Cora says clever. Get down! Sol says make her. Cora storms up but sol gets around her again, for a BIG lift and FACEBUSTER! Sol then stands on Cora to surf! The fans cheer as Sol pops ‘n’ locks then hops off, to SUPERKICK! Cora flounders, Sol whips her to ropes, but Cora reverses. Sol holds ropes but Cora SHINING WIZARDS!
The fans boo Cora but she runs to DOUBLE STOMP! Cover, TWO! Sol stays in this and goes to ropes, but Cora storms up. Cora bumps Sol off buckles, then again, then she stomps a mudhole in. The ref counts, Cora lets off, but then she comes back to put Sol on ropes. The fans rally but Cora CHOKES Sol! Cora runs side to side to ELBOW Sol in the back! Cover, TWO! Cora is growing frustrated already but the fans sing for Sol. Cora drags Sol up, but Sol JAWBREAKERS back! Cora wobbles, Sol waistlocks, but Cora bucks the O’Conner. So Sol ROCKS her first! Cora ROCKS back, but Sol ROCKS Cora again!
Cora storms up, but Sol slips around to CLOBBER Cora! Sol springboards to CROSSBODY! Cora flounders to a corner. Sol runs in but Cora puts her on the apron. Sol ROUNDHOUSES Cora, then springboards, but Cora trips her up! Sol flops, Cora underhooks, FUTURE- NO, Sol powers out! Sol baits Cora into a corner and Cora hits her knee! SOL SNATCHER!! Cover, Sol wins!
Winner: Sol Ruca, by pinfall (advances to the Iron Survivor Challenge)
Cora was talking a big game, but it all caught up to her! Sol punches her ticket, will she be the one going for gold in 2025?
Je’Von Evans & Cedric Alexander talk backstage.
They just saw as we all did, Sol is the first woman to qualify for Deadline. If Je’Von beats Lexis King, he’s locked in. If Cedric beats Wes Lee, Cedric’s locked in. It’ll be tough, but they’ll LOCK IN~! They head out, and we see Karmen Petrovic talking with Dion Lennox. Karmen shares that her favorite color is yellow, but who doesn’t like yellow? It’s such a nice color. That is, until Ashante THEE Adonis and his yellow beanie had to go and distract her during her match. Uh-huh… Oh, wait, what was the question again? Color. Right, right. Red’s her new favorite color. Cool. Because of that beanie? Yeah.
Brinley Reece walks in and hopes Karmen is not talking about Adonis. No! No no no. Karmen is getting to know Dion. Dion, what else do you wanna know? Uh… Adonis storms in and asks Karmen, “Really?” This is what they’re doing now? With his best friend of all people! Dion says hold on, when were they best friends? Bruh, since last week, remember? Dion says this is just about them getting involved in each other’s matches. Brin says truth. Dion suggests they should try to be a tag team so they can learn to work together. What? Brin likes that idea! Is Dion free next week? Cuz Brin is. Dion says sure, but-
Karmen asks what Brin’s up to. Brin says Karmen knows she wants to. Adonis says Karmen knows she wants to. Karmen tells him not to tell her what to do. Dion is worried already. But the mixed tag challenge is set! Will Adonis & Karmen be a modern Beauty & The Beast? Or is this going to be a more tragic love story?
Ava Raine holds an NXT Tag Team Division meeting.
We have OTM, Hank ‘n’ Tank, Tyson & Tyriek, Myles & Heights, The D’Angelo Family, and even Gallus, all in the boardroom. Ava says she has invited them all here to discuss the state of the tag division. Recently, Fraxiom has been retaining their titles, but she is looking for the next team to step up. Everyone speaks up, but what is Josh Briggs doing here? Ava wants every man in here to show the world what this division is about. They all have the background to succeed. Gallus are former NXT UK & NXT Tag Team Champions. Hank ‘n’ Tank are each D1 NCAA Football standouts. Myles Borne is a D1 NCAA Wrestler and Tavion Heights is an Olympian.
Ty & Ty could shotput cars over the building any day they want. And The D’Angelos… make people disappear. Whoa, whoa, Ava. Allegedly. But Tank says let’s get after it. HONK HONK. Tavion says they’re just teacher’s pets. Lucien Price says he & Bronco Nima will make them think twice about putting two singles guys against the champs. Ty & Ty say don’t talk about what you can’t back up. The teams all bicker but Ava says yes, this is the energy she wants. But don’t tell her, show her! Meeting adjourned. The teams head out, but who heads up the ladder towards the Undeniable Truth & Jersery Island Rocket?
2024 Men’s Iron Survivor Challenge Qualifier: Wes Lee VS Cedric Alexander!
The corrupted Cardiac Kid couldn’t crush Je’Von’s hopes, but maybe he can get some payback taking out “Uncle Ceddy.” Will Wes make Deadline must-see? Or will PRIMED Alexander be locked in?
NXT returns and Cedric makes his entrance. The bell rings and the two circle. They tie up as fans rally, and Cedric shoves Wes down. Wes gets up and Cedric eggs him on. The two reset, tie up, and Cedric again shoves Wes back. Wes is annoyed but Cedric steps right to him. Wes uses ropes as defense so Cedric backs off. The two reset, tie up, but Wes waistlocks, headlocks, and grinds the hold. Cedric powers up but can’t power out. Cedric slips out the back to wrangle Wes with a headlock of his own. Cedric thrashes the hold and Wes flails. The fans rally, Wes fights around, and rolls to a cover. ONE, and Cedric holds on.
Wes fights up to his feet, powers up and puts Cedric on ropes. The ref counts, Wes lets off slowly, and he swings! Cedric dodges to headlock. Cedric hits a takeover, and he grinds Wes down again. Wes endures, fights up, and powers Cedric down. Wes fires a body shot, then cartwheels to have an armlock. Wes wrenches, wristlocks, but Cedric rolls, rolls, and handsprings. Cedric trips Wes, then speeds up. Wes drops, bypasses, and slides under. Wes rolls back to RANA! Cedric gest up but Wes trips him! SENTON! The fans fire up while Wes shakes it off. Cedric goes to a corner, Wes runs up, but Cedric puts him on the apron!
Cedric UPPERCUTS Wes, ROCKS him, then blocks both shots. Wes tries a shoulder but he gets kick after kick after kick! Wes blocks a kick, tells Cedric to stop kicking him, but Cedric CHOPS him! Cedric then FLIES! Not the cleanest hit but both men are down. The ref checks Cedric but he seems okay, and NXT goes to break.
NXT returns and Wes wrangles Cedric with an armlock. The fans rally up as Cedric fires hands! Cedric ROCKS Wes, but Wes WRINGS the arm out! Cedric writhes, Wes runs and handsprings, but Cedric DROPKICKS Wes upside-down! The fans are thunderous while both men are down! Cedric rises, shakes out the bad arm, and he winds up to CHOP! Wes staggers but Cedric CHOPS him down! Wes gets up, Cedric CHOPS him again! Cedric brings Wes up to CHOP and whip, to then kitchen sink knee! And basement DROPKICK! Cedric kips up and fires up, and the fans are with him! Wes flounders to the apron, so Cedric goes out to join him!
Cedric catches Wes to an APRON URENAGE! Wes flounders back in, the fans duel, and Cedric lines up the shot. GET OVER HERE! Cover, TWO!! Wes survives the tornado flatliner but the fans know “This is Awesome!” Cedric brings Wes up, suplexes, but Wes blocks! Wes wrenches free, but ducks a lariat! Ripcord and SUPERKICK! And then mule kick! Wes handsprings for the CARDIAC KICK!! Cover, TWO?!? Wes is as shocked as anyone that Cedric survives! Wes seethes as he drags Cedric to a drop zone. Wes climbs, aims, and 450- NO, Wes bails out as Cedric moves! Wes turns around into a LARIAT!
The fans are thunderous and Cedric rises again. Cedric storms over to Wes, waistlocks, but Wes grabs a buckle pad! The pad comes lose, Cedric back suplexes, but Wes lands out! Wes throws the pad at Cedric but it’s just a pillow. Cedric scoops, MICHINOKU DRIVER! The ref’s busy with the buckle pad! Late count on the cover, TWO!! Wes survives and Cedric cannot believe it! The fans boo the ref but Cedric just goes to a corner. Cedric focuses, runs up, but Wes drop toeholds him into the bare buckle! The fans boo but Wes takes advantage of the situation! METEORA!! Cover, Wes wins!
Winner: Wes Lee, by pinfall (advances to the Iron Survivor Challenge)
The Cardiac Kid is crafty, turning opportunity into victory! Will he do it all over again at Deadline?
Tony D’Angelo enjoys a nice dinner.
He asks if that thing at the docks was handled. All done, boss. Good. But in steps Shawn Spears & Brooks Jensen. The Don sighs and says he doesn’t like this new obsession Spears has. The Chair Man says it is called being persistent. Yeah, persistently annoying. Well, get used to it, Tony. Spears doesn’t care if he’s The Don, it’s Tony’s other title Spears wants. Tony dismisses his men, and Spears says he’s seen all sorts of guys come in here, sit in Tony’s chair, attack Tony, turn the place upside-down. Spears has let Tony’s disrespect slide twice. There will not be a third. Oh, Spears let Tony slide?
Tony will cut to the chase. Spears wants the North American Championship, right? Spears says Tony’s built one hell of a family, especially after winning the title. The family has been motivated to grow, but Spears feels that title will do the same for him. Tony reminds Spears it took him three YEARS and slaying a monster in Oba Femi to get this title. Yes, Tony played Oba. Good for him. Tony’s stronger than ever. Which is why Brooks Jensen is the one to challenge for the belt. Tony says Spears is a weird guy. He wants a title shot for someone else? Why not think for yourself, kid? Why’s Jensen always following someone else?
Jensen gets heated but Spears has him stand down. Spears doesn’t question how The Don does things, so The Don should not question The Chair Man. Tony says it is smart, having the kid fight Spears’ battles. Spears says intelligence only gets us so far. The difference between Spears and everyone else is that he is starving. The most successful people are hungry to be more, to do more, to have more. And the only thing in NXT that will satisfy Spears’ appettite is the North American Championship. Now… thank you for your time. Spears & Jensen head out, but when and where will they get their shot at The Don?
In the parking lot, Spears tells Jensen that is how you deal with the boss. Isn’t that right, Nico? Yes, it is. Wait, who is this now on Spears’ side? Is The Chair Man’s influence growing in the shadows of NXT?
Backstage interview with Kelani Jordan.
Byron Saxton is with The Standout and notes tonight is her rematch for the Women’s North American Championship against Fallon Henley. Her thoughts? Kelani has been waiting for this since Halloween Havoc. The moment that bell rings, Kelani’s right on Fallon. It doesn’t matter if Jacy’s there, if Jazmyn’s there, if they hop on the apron, they can all get it! All she knows is, she’s getting her title back! But speaking of Jacy & Jazmyn, they step in and Jazmyn mockingly asks, “Will you?” Because Kelani is a great athlete and all, but she is not beating Fallon. And if for whatever reason Fallon can’t get it done, Jacy & Jazmyn will make sure she does.
The Fatal Influence heads out, but Kelani says it’s on sight! Will the inaugural Women’s North American Champion become the TWO-TIME champion tonight? Or will she and NXT all be found under the influence?
Trick Williams is here!
The fans fire up as Tricky Two-Time Two-Time is back, and he grabs the mic to echo Booker T. But Trick knows we already know, Philly was crazy last week. With Deadline around the corner, just a reminder, that was when Trick had the Iron Survivor Challenge and things looked real good for Trick Willy. The fans cheer that. But that’s not what Trick is here to talk about. Last week, Trick & Bubba put Ethan Page through a table, but no, that’s not what he is here to talk about, either. Trick is here to talk about Ridge Holland. Ridge pinned Trick and thinks he got one over on him. Newsflash, Ridge: Trick Williams ain’t going out like that!
That is it say, get your punk- Chase U? Andre Chase comes down from the student section to apologize to Trick. Chase has no beef with Trick, but he still has beef with Ridge. Chase ain’t done with Ridge, not by a long shot. The fans cheer that and Trick knows that. After everything Ridge has done to Chase and Chase U, that’s clear. But as Trick thinks about it, even after everything Ridge did to Mr. Chase, Chase is still back on his feet. The fans cheer that. Trick says he hasn’t really known Chase well, but let’s all take a moment to recognize Mr. Chase for everything he’s done. The fans cheer that, and even chant, “Mr. Chase! Mr. Chase!”
Trick says Mr. Chase is a staple here in NXT. He’s done just about everything here. Well, okay, not everything. Trick hates to say it, but Chase ain’t had a shot at this title. So how about this? For one moment only, let’s forget what Ridge has done to Chase, and- Wait, here comes Yorkshire Grit. Ridge will not let this happen! Chase getting an NXT Championship title shot!? And Trick calls himself a champion?! Ridge steps into the ring while fans boo, but Ridge says Trick is just ducking Ridge to face a guy Ridge put in an ambulance! “Professor” needs to learn that Ridge has moved on. And Trick, Ridge made the famous ECW Arena fall dead silent when he pinned Trick!
We all know that Ridge is the biggest threat to the title! Chase says hold on, wait one second! After everything Ridge put Chase U through, Chase wants one more match! The fans cheer that! Ridge says nope. Chase says he’ll put the university on the line! If Ridge wins, it’ll be his! What!? Ridge says he doesn’t care about Chase’s little school. Chase gambled it away, won it back, and then some. The only thing Ridge cares about is the NXT Championship. Trick says hold on, he gets it. Ridge wants a chance at the title, and Chase wants his chance to whoop Ridge’s ass. Trick says here’s an idea: Let’s talk to Ava, and set up Ridge VS Chase! Winner goes on to Deadline!
The fans like the sound of that! Trick says he won’t lie, he’s pulling for Chase. After everything he’s been through and all the hard work, everything he’s overcome, with Chase U STILL here for him, with NXT here for him, that is a connection! A relationship! One with the people, with Duke Hudson, Riley Osborne & Thea Hail! Ridge says fine, he’ll take that. Wait, take what? All that Trick just said. If Ridge beats Chase, Chase’s friendships with Riley, Duke and Thea, it’s ALL GONE. Chase U will be gone, and Ridge will walk right into Deadline to challenge for the title while Chase has NOTHING.
For a man that could never win the big one, that’s quite the gamble, Mr. Chase. What’s he gonna do? The fans boo Ridge’s cruel stakes, and Chase is torn. But Chase says Ridge is on! Next week, Ridge gets an Andre Chase University sized ass whooping! Ridge DECKS Chase! Then he goes for Trick! Trick hits Ridge with a BOOKEND! The fans fire up and spell it out! “C! H! A! S! E! U!” Trick and Chase both stomp it out, and Ridge runs away! But will Ridge do far more than just win a title opportunity next week?
Jaida Parker speaks.
“Okay, Sol, I see you. Congrats, baby, you qualified. But best believe that’s the closest you get to being called the Iron Survivor. Because I know whoever they put in front of me, I will qualify, and I will have my hand raised, just like last week when I smashed that brick on Lola’s skull. So to Sol and whatever three other little ladies end up in that ring with me, it don’t matter if I start, if I come in the middle of the match, or if I’m in last, Jaida Parker is gonna finish it and leave Deadline as THE Iron Survivor. Clock it.”
Josh Briggs speaks with Ava Raine.
Briggs says that during his time in Japan for Pro-Wrestling Noah, Yoshiki Inamura really impressed him. Inamura thanks Josh-san, and says that it is his honor to be part of an NXT show. But wait, Eddie Thorpe barges in. He’s sick of being blown off! First was the stuff with Rhea Ripley, then with last week’s Deadline announcement. He just needs five minutes, please. Ava apologizes to Briggs & Inamura, they leave, and Ava wants Eddie to understand. Eddie says she doesn’t understand. He needs something! Yes, she does understand, which is why he’s in an Iron Survivor Challenge qualifier.
Eddie thanks Ava for this, heads out, but who will the Alpha Wolf have to make it through if he wants that golden ticket?
Adriana Rizzo VS Nikkita Lyons!
The Don has a target on his back, but Big Rizz is dealing with the one put on hers by the Lyoness. Will Rizzo win big for The Family? Or will Lyons’ roar be deafening?
NXT returns and Rizzo makes her entrance. The bell rings and the two run up to tie up. Lyons puts Rizzo on ropes, Rizzo slips away, and Rizzo SLAPS Lyons! The fans fire up but Lyons is pissed! Lyons KICKS Rizzo, puts her on the apron, but Rizzo RAMS in! Rizzo slingshots up and over, but Lyons stays up. Lyons drags Rizzo right up, they fire forearms back and forth, but Rizzo gets the edge! Rizzo rabbit punches, then she shoves Lyons into a corner! Rizzo DROPKCISK Lyons, runs in, but is put back on the apron. Lyons stops the shoulder tackle this time to CLUB Rizzo! Rizzo Rizzo stays up to hit back!
Rizzo climbs, leaps, but Lyons sidesteps! FULL NELSON! Rizzo flails, so Lyons thrashes her against the ropes! The ref reprimands, but Lyons drags Rizzo to center. Rizzo endures as Lyons throws her around more. The fans rally up but Lyons SLAMS Rizzo down! Lyons stalks Rizzo to a corner, taunts her, then RIPCORD SUPLEXES her! Cover, TWO! Rizzo stays in this but Lyons drags her up again. Lyons whips, but Rizzo manages to reverse! Lyions botty bumps in return! Lyons has Rizzo in ropes, then HIP ATTACKS again and again! The fans are torn as Rizzo flops back. Lyons storms back in to cover, TWO!
Lyons stays on Rizzo with a seated full nelson. The fans rally for Rizzo as she endures, but Lyons thrashes her around. Rizzo fights up, the fans rally, but Lyons wrangles her back down. Rizzo keeps fighting, even as Lyons leans on her. Lyons taunts Rizzo but Rizzo is up again! Rizzo powers up to arm-drag free! The fans fire up but Lyons hurries after Rizzo. Rizzo UP KICKS! And then ELBOWS Lyons! Rizzo runs to throw forearm after forearm! Lyons staggers around, Rizzo knocks her over! Rizzo goes to suplex, but that’s too much Lyons to lift! Rizzo dodges a haymaker to springboard CROSSBODY!
The fans fire up as Rizzo kips up! Rizzo roars, runs, and THESZ PRESS! Fast hands rain down, then Rizzo covers, TWO! Lyons stays in this but Rizzo covers again, TWO! Rizzo whips, Lyons reverses. Lyons runs up but into a BOOT! Rizzo goes up, up and leaps, FLYING THESZ PRESS! But Lyons rolls through! HEEL KICK! Rizzo flounders and Lyons goes to the corner. Lyons climbs, roars, and then hits the LYONS ROAR! Cover, Lyons wins!
Winner: Nikkita Lyons, by pinfall
Rizzo put up a fight, but her lionheart could not stop Nikkita’s lion strength! Wait, Rizzo gets the trust crowbar! CLONK! Down goes Lyons! That’s how they do it in the D’Angelo neighborhoods! Rizzo says now they’re even! Will Rizzo let Lyons have this win if it means parting ways?
Andre Chase returns backstage.
And Chase U runs up to ask what the hell! Putting the school on the line? What’s that about? Chase tells Riley & Thea that high risk means high reward. Duke asks how that worked out last time. They’ve had his back through it all, but this is too much! Chase says he appreciates and values their opinions, but Chase U was built on taking risks. Like taking a risk on a smug Aussie when no one else would trust him, and that man became MVP. Or how about a young lady who became a grown-ass woman? Or even a prospect from the UK that now soars with the highest of fliers? Bring it in.
Chase U huddles up, and Mr. Chase says they’ve been through it all, and together. He won’t let anyone or anything break them up. As far as Chase personally, he’s never had an NXT Championship match. Next week, Chase gets that opportunity. And then Chase U will ride the highest of highs, just trust him. Mr. Chase heads out, and Duke says this could end up the lowest of lows. Riley says Chase is gambling with their future, again. Thea is speechless as she shakes her head. But will the gamble pay off? Or will Ridge ruin what little Andre Chase has left?
Zaria speaks.
“Some say I’m a mystery. From where I’m standing, there is no mystery. I’m a fearless warrior, a destructive force, that has come to NXT to rip and tear. Iron Survivor Challenger. Five superstars entrenched in combat to see who is left standing when the clock runs out. My kind of fun. I enjoy inciting chaos. I thrive in carnage! And after Deadline, there will be no more mystery to who is Zaria.” The Agent of Change is ready to earn a spot, will she go all the way to earn a title shot against Roxanne Perez?
2024 Men’s Iron Survivor Challenge Qualifier: Je’Von Evans VS Lexis King!
The Young OG was hoping Unc was gonna make it through, but Wes Lee had different plans. Will Je’Von get even with Wes by also qualifying? Or will the Drama King finally head for the throne of NXT?
NXT returns and Lexis makes his entrance. The bell rings and the two tie up. Lexis rolls Je’Von, ONE, but Je’Von sunset flips! TWO, and Lexis goes for an arm. Lexis wrenches, wristlocks, but Je’Von rolls, kips up, cartwheels, handsprings, and wrenches back to wristlock. Lexis fights up, rolls, cartwheels, then rolls, and KICKS Je’Von! The fans cheer, then things speed up. Lexis drops down, hurdles, but Je’Von leaps over. Then Je’Von springboards to roll Lexis up. TWO, and Lexis dodges. Lexis drops onto the drop down, O’Conner! TWO, and Je’Von trips Lexis! Cover, ONE! Lexis sweeps and covers, ONE!
The two reset and the fans cheer this technical exchange. They tie up. Je’Von headlocks, but Lexis pulls hair a bit. Lexis powers up and out, but Je’Von runs him over. Cover, TWO! Je’Von keeps moving, he handsprings over but Lexis RAMS low. Lexis waistlocks, Je’Von slips around to facelock, then he goes and BOUNCY RANAS! Lexis staggers up into a DROPKICK! Lexis bails out, the fans fire up, and Je’Von builds speed! Je’Von DIVES! Down goes Lexis at the ramp and the fans fire up more! Je’Von puts Lexis in, then springboards, but Lexis ducks under! Lexis wrenches, whips, but Je’Von reverses.
Lexis goes up and over, keeps moving, but Je’Von jumps, just not enough! Lexis accidently gets Je’Von in the OGs. Lexis wants to cover off the mishap, but the good guy in him says no, that’s not fair. Lexis lets Je’Von catch his breath while NXT goes to break.
NXT returns again and Lexis has Je’Von in a HALF CRAB! The fans rally for Je’Von as he endures, and he fights to turn over. Je’Von kicks at Lexis with his free leg, and Lexis staggers back. Je”von swings, Lexis gets around to back supelx. Je’Von lands out to CHOP! And CHOP! And whip! Lexis reverses, Je’Von LARIATS! The fans fir eup as Je’Von rallies with elbows, then goe sMatrix to STUNNER! Je’Von holnds on to then turn and suplex! Kip up and the fans fire up! Je’Von goes to the corner, to the apron, and he springboards back in, FLYING CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO! Lexis survives but Je’Von stays focused.
Je’Von goes up a corner, takes aim, and he MOON- NO, he has to roll through as Lexis moves! Lexis SUPERKICKS! Cover, TWO!! Je’Von survives that shot and Lexis taunts him, “Who’s the best now?!” Lexis SLAPS Je’Von, so Je’Von SLAPS back! The fans rally as they fire forearms back and forth. Lexis CHOPS, Je’Von SUPER PUNCHES! Lexis BOOTS Je’Von, but Je’Von REBOUND ENZIGIRIS! The fans fire up as Je’Von goes up and up and FIVE STAR FROG SPLASHES!! Cover, TWO!! Je’Von hurries to bring Lexis up! Leixs wrenches, hops on, BACKSTABBER! Then Lexis half nelsons, fisherman, BUSTER!! Cover, TWO!!!
The fans fire up as Je’Von survives! Lexis grows frustrated but the fans love “NXT! NXT!” making this the match. Lexis runs up, into a SUPERKICK from Je’Von! Je’Von goes up, up and SKY TWISTER! Cover, Je’Von wins!
Winner: Je’Von Evans, by pinfall (advances to the Iron Survivor Challenge)
A standing ovation for The Young OG and Drama King, but better than this match is Je’Von showing Lexis respect. Lexis shows it back and the two hug it out. Will Je’Von make sure to bounce his way right to the top of NXT with Deadline?
Nathan Frazer & Axiom are watching backstage.
The NXT Tag Team Champions have to admit, that was good. Wes Lee and Je’Von Evans are the first two into the Iron Survivor Challenge, that match is shaping up. Plus, Ava had her talk with the tag division so- Frazer says that is down the line. Maybe now is a good a time as any to say… Frazer talked with Ava, he’s got a qualifier! Pretty cool, right? Axiom asks, “What?!” Uh, what does he mean, “What?” Frazer’s gonna win his way into the Iron Survivor, win the Iron Survivor, then win the NXT Championship. Axiom can’t believe this is happening again! Every team in NXT is breathing down their neck and Frazer wants to be in the Iron Survivor!?
Frazer wants Axiom to calm down. It’s not like they won’t be working out together. Plus, Axiom has been in that match before, so maybe he could give Frazer some tips. Axiom has a headache. Well, take a deep breath and think about it. Frazer leaves before Axiom can say more, and OTM steps in. His tag partner’s after singles gold now? Is everything good? That doesn’t sit right with Price & Nima. But Stacks & Luca step in to say OTM should mind their own business. Worry about yourselves! Refs hurry in before this goes from arguing to fighting, but will OTM and The Family be first to fight for a title shot?
Adonis and Dion talk backstage.
This Mixed Tag thing… Did Dion tell Karmen about Megan, Kesha and Samantha, did he? No! See? That’s why he’s Adonis’ boy. Oh, so now they’re boys again? Adonis says don’t even worry about that, let’s go. Dion follows Adonis, and Lexis storms in with some frustration. Another loss… But Hank ‘n’ Tank walk over to say Lexis did good out there. Dante Chen walks in, too, and says that was indeed honorable. Lexis chose honor over glory, and that’s what matters. Just keep your head up. Lexis thanks the guys for saying that, but Gallus walks in. Wolfgang says they’re handing out pats on the back for losses now, eh? Pathetic.
With that attitude, Gallus has one less team to worry about. Oh, one less? No, Hank ‘n’ Tank are the team to worry about. They stepped up to The Good Brothers, they can step up to this. Lexis has everyone settle down, but the tag division is at a boiling point. Who gets burned while the other ones head for gold?
NXT Women’s North American Championship: Fallon Henley w/ The Fatal Influence VS Kelani Jordan!
It literally took all three of them to take this title at Halloween Havoc, and it seems Jacy & Jazmyn are more than happy to make it all three of them again to keep it. Will Kelani be able to stand out and take back what was taken from her? Or is there no stopping the Fatal Influence?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see whose influence is stronger!
The bell rings and the two tie up. They go around, end up on ropes, and then end up in a corner. Fallon powers up but Kelani throws her down. They stay tied up, stand again, and now Fallon throws Kelani. The collar ‘n’ elbow is in there tight, and Kelani puts Fallon back on ropes. The ref counts, both women let go, but then they tie up again! Kelani arm-drags, leg sweeps, covers, ONE! Fallon arm-drags, but Kelani avoids a sweep! Fallon CHOPS, but that just pisses Kelani off! The fans rally up while the two argue. Fallon shoves, then dodges to headlock, Kelani powers up and out, CLOBBERS Fallon, and fans fire up again!
Kelani runs up, slingshot arm-drags, then DROP- NO, Fallon dodges! Fallon stands Kelani up to RAM her into the corner! And RAM her again! And again! The ref counts, Fallon stops, and then Fallon whips corner to corner. Kelani goes up but Fallon catches her, only for Kelani to swing and RANA! Fallon staggers up, into a DROPKICK! Fallon bails out, the fans rally for Kelani, and Kelani storms right up to ropes. Fallon moves as Kelani slingshots, so Kelani lands safe on the apron. But Fallon YANKS Kelani down, and SMACKS her off the desk! The fans boo but Kelani blocks the next bump to BACK HAND Fallon!
Kelani hops up onto the desk, to QUEBRADA Fallon down! The fans fire up and Kelani rises again. Kelani vows to get that belt back, and NXT goes to break.
NXT returns and Kelani fights a headlock. Kelani fires body shots, then arm-drags free. Fallon runs up, Kelani dodges and comes back, DOUBLE FACEBUSTERS bring them both down! The fans fire up while both women rise. Fallon ROCKS Kelani, Kelani ROCKS Fallon! Wait, a quick picture in picture shows Ty & Ty are now brawling with Myles & Heights! Forearms and haymakers everywhere, and back in the ring, Kelani has the edge! Kelani whips, then LARIATS! And LARIATS again! Cartwheel and BACK ELBOW! The fans fire up while both women are down, and then Kelani kips up! Jacy is mad but Kelani gets moving!
Kelani hits some ROLLING THUNDER SHOOTING STAR! Cover, TWO! Jacy is furious that Kelani hit that at all, but Kelani puts Fallon in a drop zone. But Fallon YANKS Kelani off the corner! Then Fallon goes up, up, and BLOCKBUSTERS! Fallon keeps moving, FACEBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Kelani toughs it out but Fallon drags her up. Fallon goes to suplex but Kelani RAMS her into a corner! Kelani puts Fallon up top, then she climbs to fire forearms! The fans fire up but Fallon shoves Kelani back. Kelani hurries to GAMANGIRI! Fallon wobbles, Kelani climbs! Kelani has Fallon up top for a SUPER SPANISH FLY! Cover, TWO!!
Fallon survives and Jacy can breathe again. Kelani shrugs it off, goes back up, and she 450- NO, Kelani rolls through as Fallon moves! Fallon then body scissor cradles! TWO!! Kelani escapes, Fallon hurries to her feet. Kelani wrenches Fallon around and around, ANGLE SLAM! Fallon is in a drop zone, Kelani hits the ONE OF A KIND SAULT! Cover, Jacy gives Fallon the ROPEBREAK!! The fans boo, only the ref missed that one! Kelani knows it, too! So she WRECKS Jacy with a dropkick! Jazmyn gets up, Kelani DUMPS her down! And SUPERKICKS! Fallon runs up, Kelani waistlocks! O’Conner Roll, TWO!
Kelani runs into Jacy’s ROLLING ELBOW!! Another cheat! FALLON FAMOUSER!! Cover, Fallon wins!
Winner: Fallon Henley, by pinfall (still NXT Women’s North American Champion)
They warned Kelani and then followed through, ALL THREE Influencers got involved to keep this title from Kelani! And if that’s how they operate, then- Wait, OTM snatch the mics. They tell Frazer, go ahead and try the Iron Survivor, because Price & Nima are gonna take those tag titles! A warning to the rest of this division: They’re not easy to find. Speaking of, Luca & Stacks go right after them! The fans fire up as this brawl happens right by the desk, and Price SLAMS Luca on the desk! But Luca’s right up to throw more hands! Cameramen get knocked over as GALLUS now joins in, incensed by OTM’s words! And here come Hank ‘n’ Tank!
The fans are fired up as the tag division brawls all over the desk and ringside area! Refs and security rush out here but fans want to “LET THEM FIGHT! LET THEM FIGHT!” And fight is what they’re all doing! Who rises up from the chaos to go for gold?
My Thoughts:
A great NXT to start towards Deadline, all thriller, no filler. Giulia & Vaquer VS Lash & Jakara was a great opening tag match, but naturally it was Giulia & Vaquer winning. They’re both getting Iron Survivor Challenge qualifiers, so I’m pretty sure they’re both getting in on that match. Great match from Sol and Cora, and it’s actually a little surprising Cora lost. At the same time, Sol’s been the go-to for big matches, she’ll make a solid part of this match. Good promo from Jaida to call Sol and pretty much everyone else out, and it feels like she’s also a shoe-in for entering the match. Then Zaria and her promo, she’s a shoe-in for the fifth, and this is going to be the best Iron Survivor match period.
The men’s match is still shaping up, though, with Wes and Je’Von bringing their grudge into the match. Great matches from Wes VS Cedric and Je’Von VS Lexis, especially with Lexis adding to his Face turn. Refusing to jump on an accidental low blow was a great touch, and I appreciated other superstars, such as past rival, Dante Chen, seeing the change Lexis is trying to make. Briggs bringing in Yoshiki Inamura from NOAH is cool, I’m sure we’ll see great things from Inamura. Eddy Thorpe getting an Iron Survivor qualifier, sadly feels like he might just be putting someone else over but I guess we’ll wait and see.
The D’Angelo Family was really busy tonight. Not only the tag division stuff, but Tony was properly confronted by Spears & Jensen tonight. That was definitely an interesting move for Spears to say Jensen gets the title shot, but obviously that’s because Spears still wants to be THE NXT Champion. And now with this “Nico” guy, Spears’ group could grow into a full faction with even a tag team and a female member to spread across the divisions. Rizzo VS Lyons was a really good match, but of course Lyons won the match for being that much bigger and stronger. Rizzo getting Lyons with the crowbar after was a great touch, though.
Great stuff in the tag division. Fraxiom has dysfunction again as Frazer still wants to try and grab singles gold. This has to be the time that costs them the gold and their friendship, they’ve dragged this out long enough. That tag brawl to end the show was awesome, I wonder if this leads to a gauntlet to win the title match. Or maybe a tournament? We did see teams kinda pair off and pick on each other, so those are easy first round match-ups right there. This can go the three weeks we have left so that it goes from 8 to 4 to 2, the finals being on the go-home and the winners immediately turning around to face Fraxiom on Saturday, December 7th.
Speaking of the closing, very good main event from Kelani and Fallon, but of course Jacy & Jazmyn influence the outcome. This is kind of textbook for any group Jacy’s ever been in, and unless we’re talking Zaria or another powerhouse, I don’t see someone taking this title from the Influence for some time. Well, either that or we get the Face flipside and have women who stick together to counter the Fatal Influence. Maybe Karmen and Brinley can try that, provided this story with Adonis doesn’t tear everyone apart. The Mixed Tag will be a good match, but I feel like Karmen and Adonis will be very dysfunctional and Dion & Brin win.
And really good stuff in this NXT Championship story. Trick wanting to give Chase a match is noble of him, but Ridge does have a point that Chase hasn’t exactly earned it when he always loses “the big one.” Chase putting the university, aka the faction, on the line is definitely big stuff. I can’t believe this could be the end of the honestly most entertaining group in NXT probably ever, a real silver-lining during NXT 2.0 and the nonsense Vince shoved into it. But maybe there will be a new silver lining that, should Chase lose, the members can break out and go for titles on their own, such as Duke for the NXT North American should Spears actually get that title off Tony.
My Score: 8.9/10
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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 KOKESHI FLOP! Honma winds up and runs, but Callum is in the way! Cobb runs up, Honma dodges the lariat but Callum tags in.
Cobb dodges Honma, then shoves him at Callum. They pinball Honma around, and Callum BOOTS Honma while Cobb BLASTS Shota! Then Callum & Cobb coordinate to HIGH LOW with a shoulder tackle and leg sweep! The fans cheer and Cobb says You Can’t See Him! Callum stomps Honma, then KICKS him in the back. Honma gets mad but Callum scuffs him again and again. Honma rises, CHOPS, and CHOPS again! Callum CHOPS and pretends that hurt his hand. Callum CLUBS Honma down but the fans rally up. Honma rises to CHOP! And CHOP! And CHOP! Callum kicks low, reels him in, but Honma fights the suplex!
Honma catches Callum’s lariat to spin and DDT! The fans fire up while both men are down! Callum and Honma crawl, but Honma hot tags Shota! Shota rallies on Callum with big elbows! Shota whips, Callum reverses, but SHota ducks ‘n’ dodges to CLOBBER Callum! Cobb runs up, but Shota arm-drags him, then dropkicks the legs out! Cobb bails, Shota fires up, and the fans rally again. Shota whips Callum corner to corner, runs up on him, and UPPERCUTS! Shota reels Callum in for a FISHERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO! Not quite perfect but Shota doesn’t let that slow him down!
Shota waits on Callum, then runs, but Callum avoids Ignition to hook Shota! Shota fights the backslide so Callum whips him to a corner. Callum runs up but Shota dodges! Shota runs up but Callum goes up and over! Callum keeps moving, but Shota ROCKS him, UPPERCUTS him, and runs! Callum follows to ROCK Shota at the ropes! Callum runs, but then stops to fake out Shota’s dropkick! Shota sits up, but he ducks the Penalty Kick! Shota rolls Callum but Callum rolls through. Shota ROCKS Callum, then spins, but Callum dodges the rolling elbow! DREAMCAST KICK! Shota drops to his knees and the fans fire up!
Callum and Shota crawl, hot tag to Cobb! Cobb runs up to waistlock Shota for a deadlift! Shota fights with elbows, goes to run, but Cobb reels him in for a forearm to the back! Cobb runs, but Shota DROPKICKS him! The fans fire up again and Shota heads for his corner. Hot tag to Honma! The fans rally as Honma CHOPS Cobb, and CHOPS, and CHOPS! Honma puts Cobb in a corner, whips him corner to corner, then runs up. Honma ELBOWS Cobb and hits a BULLDOG! The fans fire up as Honma shows Cobb how it’s done! FALLING KOKESHI- NO! Now Honma FLOPS as Cobb moves! Callum runs up to SHOTGUN Shota off the apron!
The fans fire up as Cobb RAMS Honma into the corner! Callum runs up to forearm SMASH! Callum drops down and Cobb LEAPS over to ELBOW Honma! Callum comes back and Cobb pops him up to the apron! ENZIGIRI, then fireman’s carry! Callum climbs, DOUBLE STOMP ATTITUDE ADJUSTMENT! PENALTY KICK and GACHIMUCHI MOONSAULT! Cover, Shota breaks it! The fans fire up and Shota TOSSES Callum! Cobb kicks Shota, whips, but Shota reverses to TORNADO DDT! Shota shouts to Honma and the fans fire up again. Honma rises and he storms up on Cobb. Honma & Shota double whip corner to corner!
Honma runs up to LARIAT! Honma feeds Cobb to Shota’s UPPERCUT! Honma LARIATS, Shota clinches, EXPLODER!! The fans cheer and Honma runs, SLIDING KOKESHI! Shota keeps moving, IGNITION! Honma covers, Callum breaks it! Shota stomps Callum out of the ring and leaves the rest to Honma. Honma drags Cobb up, but Cobb fights the suplex! Cobb ROCKS Honma, whips him, but Honma grabs ropes! Honma BOOTS Cobb, and Shota joins in! DOUBLE RUNNING KOKESHI! And then they DOUBLE FALLING KOKESHI! Cover, TWO!! Cobb survives but Shota goes after Callum! CANNONBALL to the floor!
The fans fire up again as Honma climbs! FLYING- NO, Cobb catches Honma! SPINEBUSTER, and FALLING HAMMER! Cover, TWO!! Honma survives and the fans fire up again! But then Cobb reels Honma in, for a TOUR OF THE ISLAND!! Cover, United Empire wins!
Winners: Jeff Cobb & Callum Newman, by pinfall (gain 2 points; Shota & Honma earn 0)
A powerful showing from “The Kokeshi Brothers,” but they could not bring down Callum & Cobb. With the IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Championships already on Great-O-Khan & Henare, will The United Empire completely dominate the NJPW Heavyweight Tag Division?
World Tag League 2024 A Block: Shingo Takagi & Yota Tsuji VS Alex Zayne & ???
Los Ingobernables de Japon’s heavy formation is in this block, ready to rampage like twin dragons. If only The Sauce could’ve brought his own monster back. Who will be the substitute for Lance Archer? And can he help heat things up?
Zayne makes his entrance before anyone else, and asks to speak on the mic. A mic is given, and Zayne says, “Kon’nichiwa.” The fans applaud, and Zayne explains that when he was contacted this year for WTL, he was also informed that Lance Archer could not make it. Zayne knew he had to do one thing: find the most “delicious” tag partner he could find. And that man is… RYUSUKE TAGUCHI!? The fans can’t believe the Funky Weapon is joining Zayne in this tournament! And he wears a green version of Zayne’s gear! Are things about to get really spicy now?
The teams sort out, and Takagi is in disbelief. LIJ fist bumps and the fans applaud. Taguchi and Zayne bow, “Itadakimasu,” and Zayne starts against Yota. They circle, tie up, and Yota powers Zayne back. But Zayne powers Yota back! Yota powers up to power Zayne onto the ropes, but Zayne turns things around. The ref counts, Zayne lets off slowly with a pat on the shoulders, but Yota plays with Zayne’s hair. Zayne smirks and Yota grins as the two reset. They circle, tie up, and are in a deadlock. Yota headlocks, but Zayne powers up and out. Yota RAMS Zayne but neither man falls. Fans cheer as Yota grins and Zayne plays with his own hair.
Things speed up suddenly, and Zayne sidesteps. Yota bucks the O’Conner Roll, then gets around Zayne. Zayne ELBOWS Yota away to a corner. Zayne runs up to BACK ELBOW and go to the apron in one go! Then he slingshots to RANA! Yota has a rough tumble, but he stands back up. Zayne runs up again, dodges the lariat and waistlocks, only to bring Yota back and run. Yota sidesteps Zayne then drops down, only for Zayne to IMPLODER KNEE DROP! The fans fire up but Zayne keeps moving, STANDING MARIPOSA! The fans cheer more while Zayne grins at Takagi. Zayne brings Yota up, tags Taguchi, and they double whip.
“Funky Sauce” misdirects Yota to hit a BULLDOG then basement dropkick! Cover, TWO! The fans cheer and Taguchi stomps Yota. Taguchi brings Yota up, kicks low, then whips. Yota reverses but Taguchi RANAS! A little slippery, but then Zayne BLASTS Takagi off the apron! Funky Sauce takes aim, Taguchi PLANCHAS but flops as Yota moves! Zayne is on the apron but Takagi YANKS Zayne down! The fans rally but Takagi hauls Zayne up to whip him into railing! Yota drags Taguchi up and puts him in the ring. Takagi gets the fans fired up, then he stands Taguchi up. LIJ double whip Taguchi to then DOUBLE SHOULDER TACKLE!
The fans cheer and then Takagi SENTONS! Yota SPLASHES down! Cover, TWO! Taguchi stays in this but Yota tags Takagi. The fans rally and duel while Takagi stands Taguchi up. Takagi bumps Taguchi off buckles, RAMS into him again and again, then digs his shoulder in. The ref counts, Takagi steps back, and he snapmares Taguchi down. Tag to Yota and Yota drags Taguchi up. Yota snapmares Taguchi to ROCK him in the back! Taguchi falls back, Yota tags Takagi, and LIJ drags Taguchi up. They DOUBLE ATOMIC DROP! Taguchi hobbles in pain, falls to his knees, and Takagi BLASTS Zayne off the apron!
Takagi gets annoyed with this Funky Sauce, but Taguchi fires off CHOPS! Taguchi runs, but Takagi easily dodges the hip attack! Takagi then suplexes Taguchi high and hard! Cover, TWO! Taguchi survives and the fans fire up. Takagi hears the fans dueling as he stomps Taguchi. Takagi KNEES Taguchi against the ropes again and again, then whips, for another KNEE! Takagi runs, but into a SOMERSAULT HIP ATTACK! The fans fire up while both men are down! Taguchi and Takagi crawl, hot tag to Zayne! Zayne jumps in and DECKS Takagi, then he BLASTS Yota! Zayne swats a lariat to fire elbow after ELBOW!
Takagi blocks the superkick to CLUB the leg! Yota joins in, LIJ whips Zayne, but Zayne KICKS Takagi, mule kicks Yota, and runs, DOUBLE SOMERSAULT KICKS! The fans fire up and Zayne runs at Takagi. Takagi ELBOWS Zayne, BOOTS him, then goes up. Zayne returns to JUMPING STEINERS! The fans fire up while Zayne covers, TWO! Takagi stays in this but Zayne brings him right up. Zayne goes to scoop but Takagi fights it! Zayne CHOPS, scoops, and BAJA- NO, Takagi slips free! SLIDING- NO, Zayne dodges! Zayne mule kicks, runs, but into the ELBOW! JAB! YUKON feint and DDT! Both men are down again and the fans fire back up!
Takagi pounds the mat, the fans rally behind him, and he crawls, hot tag to Yota! Yota fires up and the fans are with him. Yota brings Zayne around to whip, but Zayne stops himself. Zayne dodges Yota, Yota dodges Zayne, and both men kick low! Yota comes back to BOOT! The fans cheer and Yota brings Zayne up again. Yota fireman’s carries but Zayne fights free. Yota ROCKS Zayne first! Yota tries another fireman’s carry but Zayne sunset flips it! TWO, and both men stand! Zayne rolls Yota, BASEMENT ENZIGIRI! Zayne hurries to hot tag Taguchi! Taguchi HIP ATTACKS in a corner! Taguchi goes corner to corner, for another HIP ATTACK!
Taguchi keeps moving, but Yota runs up! Taguchi dropkicks Yota’s legs out! The fans fire up and Taguchi keeps going! Another dropkick to legs, then a LEG SWEEP! Taguchi rolls Yota into the OH MY GAH ANKLE!! Zayne BOOTS Takagi off the apron! Yota scrambles to the ROPEBREAK! Taguchi lets go but he brings Yota back up. Taguchi traps Yota and Zayne runs in to ELBOW! Zayne then sets up and Taguchi runs, SHOTGUN IN MOTION! Taguchi then brings Yota out to GOURD BUSTER! The fans fire up as Zayne climbs! But Yota KICKS Taguchi away, then GAMANGIRIS Zayne off the corner!
Taguchi kicks Yota, runs, but into a scoop and BACKBREAKER! Takagi slides in, and he finds the camera, “TOKI GA KITA!” The fans fire up as the time has come, and they join in on a chant of “OI! OI! OI!” LIJ whips Taguchi to a corner, then Yota runs in to ELBOW! Takagi whips Yota back in to SPLASH! Takagi adds a LARIAT, then feeds Taguchi to a BOOT! BLINDSIDE LARIAT! SUPERKICK! Taguchi is down, Yota covers, TWO! Taguchi stays in this and the fans fire up. Takagi stands Taguchi up and throws him to Yota for a POWERBOMB! Cover, Zayne breaks it! Takagi drags Zayne up, LIJ mugs him, but he fights back with CHOPS!
The fans fire up but Yota spins Zayne around to facelock, and Takagi wheelbarrows. Yota helps Takagi swing Taguchi down, then up for a BOOSTED WHEELBARROW GERMAN!! The fans fire up and Takagi leaves it to Yota. Yota takes aim and the fans rally. Taguchi rises, Yota runs in, GENE- LEG DROP!? And then La Magistrol! TWO!! Yota escapes in time, but Taguchi spins him to a backslide! TWO!! Yota escapes again! But Taguchi ENZIGIRIS! Taguchi fires up and the fans are with him! But Takagi LARIATS! GENE TRIGGER! PUMPING BOMBER!! And now Yota loads up, for the GENE BLASTER!! Cover, LIJ wins!
Winners: Shingo Takagi & Yota Tsuji, by pinfall (gain 2 points; Zayne & Taguchi earn 0)
The Funky Sauce was hot, but they’re the ones that got burned! Will they be able to spice things up in the second round? Will Takagi & Tsuji keep the tag league tranquilo?
World Tag League 2024 A Block: Bishamon VS KENTA & Chase Owens!
Hirooki Goto & Yoshi-Hashi once again clash with The Fang & The Jewel, both sides hungry for gold. Will it be Lights Out in the opening round? Or will someone just #Go2Sleep?
The teams sort out but then Bullet Club just attacks! Chase is after Goto and Kenta is after Hashi, and they put each man in corners. The bell rings to get this on record as Kenta TOSSES Hashi. Chase CHOKES Goto in the corner, then stands on him! The ref reprimands and Chase lets off to bring Goto up. Chase ROCKS Goto, whips him, and Kenta POSTS Hashi! Chase hits a big hip toss then covers, TWO! The fans rally up while Chase stomps Goto’s leg. Chase scrapes his sole off Goto’s face, and Kenta whips Hashi again. Hashi reverses and Kenta hits railing in front of English commentary! Chase ROCKS Goto, CHOPS him, then whips.
Goto grabs ropes to stop, then he BOOTS Chase! Hashi returns and Bishamon DOUBLE SHOULDER TACKLE! Then ZENMAI! Kenta returns but Bishamon kicks him first. “Se no!” Bishamon BEATS Kenta like a drum! The fans cheer and Bishamon flexes. Goto then goes back to Chase to stomp and CLUB him down. Goto kicks Chase, Chase shoves Goto and ROCKS him with a forearm! Goto knees Chase low, runs, but Chase TOSSES Goto out! Goto hurries back up, he counter punches Chase, and then counter punches Kenta! Chase slips out to YANK Goto down and THROW him into railing! Kenta intercepts Hashi with a kick!
Kenta whips Hashi away into railing while Chase sends Goto into other railing! The ref reprimands but Chase brings Goto through the gate. Chase has fans move out of the way, but then brings Goto back to ringside. Chase grins as he trolls the fans and pushes Goto into the ring. Kenta CLUBS away on Hashi before leaving him behind. Chase pulls on Goto’s arms then TWEAKS Goto’s neck! Not a twist, but equally painful. Chase tags Kenta while the fans rally for “GO-TO-O! GO-TO-O!” Kenta pushes Goto into the corner, Goto hits Chase, but Kenta RAMS Goto! The ref reprimands and counts as Kenta RAMS Goto more!
Kenta sits Goto down, and digs his boot in! The ref counts, Kenta stops at 4, and he tags Chase back in. They stomp Goto more, then Chase headlocks for a sucker punch! Cover, TWO! Chase drags Goto up and he bumps Goto off Kenta’s boot. Tag to Kenta and Bullet Club double whips. They DOUBLE ELBOW Goto down then Kenta covers, TWO! Kenta covers again, TWO! Kenta argues with the ref but the count was fair. Kenta drops an elbow, drops another elbow, then covers, TWO! Kenta gets mad at Hashi for no reason, but the fans rally up for Goto. Kenta CLUBS Goto, but Goto fires CHOPS in return!
Kenta knees low, whips Goto to a corner, but Goto reverses. Goto runs up but into a BOOT! Kenta runs but Goto follows! Goto avoids Chase’s cheap shot to LARIAT Kenta! The fans fire up while Goto and Kenta are down! Goto crawls, hot tag to Hashi! The fans fire up as Hahsi BLASTS Chase! Kenta kicks Hashi low then whips him to a corner. Kenta runs up but Hashi CHOPS in return! And mule kicks! And turns Kenta for a NECKBREAKER! The fans fire up and Hashi watches Kenta. Hashi waits on Kenta to rise, then runs up to CHOP! Hashi hoists Kenta up to hang him out to dry! The fans fire up as Hashi runs, and he DROPKCISK Kenta down! Cover, TWO!
The fans cheer Hashi on as he brings Kenta up. Hashi reels Kenta in, lifts, but Kenta fights with fists! Kenta slips free of the bomb, then slips around Hashi to spin and- NO, Hashi suplexes first! But Kenta slips free again, and he spins Hashi around, to SPIKE DDT! Hashi is stood up on his head before falling over, and Kenta tags in Chase. Chase brings Hashi up and fireman’s carries. Hashi fights free of that, but Chase slips around to half nelson, lift, and SWINGING FACEBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Hashi survives but Chase says time to end this! Chase takes aim, C- NO, Hashi dodges the trigger! Chase knees low, runs, but Hashi dropkicks the legs!
The fans fire up whiel both men are down! Chase clutches his leg while Hashi crawls. Hot tag to Goto! Goto runs at Chase to LARIAT in the corner! Goto whips corner to corner, runs up again, but Chase BOOTS him! But Goto comes back! Only for Chase to BUCKLE SHOT and STO, then SENTON! Kenta steps in and Bullet Club drags Goto up. But Goto fires forearms and CHOPS! Kenta SOBATS! Chase KICKS! Kenta ROUNDHOUSES! Goto sits up into the “I HATE YOU!” PENALTY KICK! Cover, but Hashi breaks it! Kenta TOSSES Hashi then goes out after him. Chase drags Goto up and reels him in.
Chase tucks the arms but Goto fights the lift! Goto wrenches out but Chase ROCKS him first! Chase runs, Goto follows, but Chase ENZIGIRIS! Goto stays up, but the C-TRIGGER hits! Cover, TWO!! Goto survives but Chase hurries up! C-TRIGGER POINT BLANK!! And then the tuck for the PACKAGE PILE- NO, Hashi hits a BLOCKBUSTER! The fans fire up, Kenta BOOTS Hashi! Goto fireman’s carries Kenta but Kenta slips free! Kenta shoves Goto into Hashi, then waistlocks Goto. Goto fights the lift, and then ducks, HIDDEN GAP SUPERKICK for Kenta! The fans fire up as Bishamon regroups.
Hashi drags Chase up, whips him to Goto, but Chase BOOTS Goto! Chase swings on Hashi but Hashi ducks the lariat. Hashi powers Chase to ropes, Goto BLINDSIDE LARIATS, and then Hashi rolls Chase. Goto drags Chase up, Hashi has the legs! Chase BOOTS Hashi away! Chase then slips around to dragon sleeper, to steal G T- NO, Goto drops down to victory roll! Chase stands up, into a SUPERKICK! Goto drags Chase around while Hashi BLASTS Kenta! Dragon sleeper and SHOTO!! Cover, Bishamon wins!!
Winners: Bishamon, by pinfall (gain 2 points; Kenta & Chase earn 0)
Another classic in this storied rivalry, worthy of the titles themselves! Will this first win be the win that leads the Fierce Warrior & Headhunter back to the titles? Can Kenta & Chase borrow a page from Bishamon and #GetBackUp in the next round?
World Tag League 2024 A Block: Zack Sabre Jr. & Ryohei Oiwa VS Gabe Kidd & SANADA!
TMDK has a team in each block, doubling their chances of taking this league. But perhaps burying the lead is the fact that THE IWGP World Heavyweight Champion is joining in the fun! Will The Front Man & The Mullet rock this league right from the start? Or will the Mad Man and the turncoat Cold Skull get this tournament #WarReady?
The teams sort out but Oiwa gets in Gabe’s face. Gabe pushes Oiwa, they start, and they tie up at the bell. The fans rally as Oiwa and Gabe are in a deadlock. They go around at center, then Oiwa digs his heels in to push Gabe back. Gabe turns things around to put Oiwa on ropes, but Red Shoes calls the break. Gable lets off, to then CHOP! Gabe scoops and SLAMS Oiwa, then he goes for legs. Oiwa UPKICKS Gabe, then stands up to scoop and SLAM Gabe! Gabe UPKICKS back, both men get up and go face to face. Then they go forearm for forearm! The fans rally as Oiwa gets the edge, but Gabe CHOPS!
Gabe headlocks. Oiwa powers up and out, and they RAM shoulders! Gabe eggs OIwa on and he runs to RAM Gabe! They both run now, and they RAM shoulders again, and again, and again! Gabe CHOPS then runs, but Oiwa CLOBBERS Gabe! The fans fire up while Gabe bails out. Oiwa eggs Gabe on and Gabe snarls. Gabe shakes the railing in frustration, then he paces around the outside. Gabe cools off, slides in, but then tags Sanada. Sanada steps in slowly, so Oiwa tags in ZSJ. The two rivals circle and the afns rally behind “ZAKKU! ZAKKU!” ZSJ and Sanada feel things out, knuclke lock, and ZSJ rolls to wrench.
Sanada is already frustrated so he kicks ZSJ low! Sanada TOSSES ZSJ out and then Gabe goes after Oiwa! Gabe CHOPS away on Oiwa while Sanada sends ZSJ into railing! And then more railing! Gabe does the same to Oiwa, and Sanada storms up on ZSJ. Sanada CLAWS ZSJ’s back, a definite attitude change showing. Gabe Too Sweets with Taiji Ishimori on commentary while Sanada pushes ZSJ into the ring. Sanada whips ZSJ to a corner, but ZSJ goes up, under, around, and RAMS into Sanada! ZSJ snapmares, Sanada handsprings through, but ZSJ UPPERCUTS him down! Tag to Oiwa and he BLASTS Gabe!
Oiwa goes back to Sanada and stands him up. Oiwa wrenches an arm, YANKS it, then wrenches to YANK it again. Oiwa tags ZSJ and ZSJ brings Sanada around to wrench, step over, and wrangle into a mounted armbar! Sanada endures as ZSJ bends the fingers and isolates the arm, to STOMP it! The fans cheer, ZSJ tags Oiwa, and Oiwa CLUBS Sanada’s arm. Oiwa headlocks for a takeover, then isolates the arm in an short arm scissor! The fans rally while Sanada endures and kicks around. Sanada reaches out, ROPEBREAK! Red Shoes calls it, Oiwa lets Sanada go, but then Oiwa brings Sanada up.
Oiwa whips, Sanada reverses, and Gabe trips Oiwa up! Sanda BLASTS ZSJ while Oiwa drags Oiwa out of the ring! Now things spill out into the crowd! Gabe CHOPS Oiwa, then SMACKS him off empty chairs! Sanada BOWLS ZSJ into chairs! Not quite a strike, so Sanada JAMS ZSJ up with a chair! That picks up the spare, and we can hear Gabe’s CHOPS on Oiwa echo out. Gabe stomps Oiwa while Sanada CHOKES ZSJ with a chair! Red Shoes reprimands the War Dogs, but Gabe POSTS Oiwa! Gabe says War Dogs run this, but Red Shoes starts a ring count. Gabe flexes on Oiwa, then drags him up at 7 of 20.
Gabe puts Oiwa in at 10 and Sanada covers, TWO! Oiwa stays in this and the fans rally behind him. Sanada is annoyed but he brings Oiwa up. Sanada CLUBS Oiwa, then bumps him off Gabe’s boot. Oiwa sputters while Sanada tags Gabe in. Gabe drags Oiwa up, mockingly asks where Zack-senpai went, then he UPPERCUTS Oiwa down. Gabe TOSSES Oiwa out, and he BLASTS ZSJ off the apron! Sanada whips Oiwa into railing! Gabe lifts ZSJ bu tZSJ wrenches free to KIMURA! Gabe powers through, to BITE ZSJ on the forehead! Sanada sends Oiwa into more railing, Gabe sends ZSJ through railing and into chairs!
Sanada BOWLS Oiwa into chairs now, there is the strike! Sanada continues to show his new edge as he JAMS Oiwa up with a chair. Red Shoes reprimands so Sanada brings Oiwa back to ringside. Sanada puts Oiwa in for Gabe and Gabe pushes Oiwa to a cover. Red Shoes says no, all the shenanigans were not right. Gabe gets in Red Shoes’ face about that, but Red Shoes stands his ground. Gabe storms around while the fans rally behind Oiwa. Gabe drags Oiwa up, to CHOP! Oiwa wobbles but he rises up. Oiwa CHOPS, and CHOPS, and fires forearms! Gabe DECKS Oiwa with just one! The fans still rally for Oiwa but Gabe stands on Oiwa’s face!
Gabe soaks up the heat, scuffs Oiwa and stomps him around. Oiwa sits up, Gabe runs, but Oiwa reels him in! Gabe fights the waistlock, runs, but into a SNAP GERMAN! The fans fire up while both men are down! Oiwa and Gabe crawl, hot tags to ZSJ and Sanada! The fans fire up as ZSJ dodges Sanada, full nelsons, then spins him to a headlock. Sanada powers out but ZSJ catches him to a COBRA TWIST! Sanada powers out to HIP TOSS, but ZJS UP KICKS! Sanada avoids the Penalty Kick, blocks the boot, but ZSJ steps through the dragon screw to NECK TWIST! And basment DROPKICK! The fans fire up and we’ve only hit 10 minutes!
ZSJ drags Sanada up, UPPERCUTS him, then UPPERCUTS again! Sanada blocks the next to spin and suplex, but ZSJ says no to the Magic Screw! NORTHERN LIGHTS! Bridging cover, TWO! Sanada escapes but ZSJ stays focused. ZSJ stands Sanada up to scoop, but Sanada slips free. ZSJ fights the waistlock, runs, but into a dropkick to the legs! Sanada then DROPKICKS ZSJ down! Sanada fireman’s carries but ZSJ slips free, to have the IRON OCTOPUS! The fans rally while Sanada endures, and Sanada powers out to have a leg! DROPPING DRAGON SCREW! ZSJ clutches the leg and Sanada takes aim! SHINING-
NO, ZSJ ducks, but Sanada catches him to a backslide! ZSJ rolls through to NECK TWIST! Tag to Oiwa and Oiwa BLASTS Gabe off the apron! Oiwa goes back to Sanada and brings him up. Oiwa whips Sanada to ropes, ELBOWS Him down, then ZSJ PENALTY KICKS Sanada! Oiwa deadlift GUT RWENCH PLEXES! Cover, Gabe breaks it! Gabe CHOPS away on ZSJ and Oiwa, but ZSJ blocks! Oiwa DOUBLE CHOPS! ZSJ UPPERCUTS! ZSJ & Oiwa DOUBLE DROPKICK Gabe down! The fans fire up with Oiwa and he clamps onto Sanada with a SLEEPER! Sanada endures and fights up, but Oiwa thrashes him around!
Sanada still fights to his feet, slips around the back, and shoves Oiwa to ropes. Gabe trips Oiwa up! Oiwa kicks at Gabe but Sanada kicks ropes to jam Oiwa up! Sanada suplexes Oiwa into the MAGIC SCREW! Both men are down but the fans rally up again. Sanada crawls over, tag to Gabe, and Gabe storms right up on Oiwa. Gabe UPPERCUTS Oiwa right down! Gabe then puts Oiwa in a corner to fire off forearm after forearm! Red Shoes reprimands and counts, but Gabe digs his boots in while talking trash. Gabe shoves Red Shoes aside so he can keep stomping away on Oiwa! The fans rally and Red Shoes backs Gabe off.
Gabe seethes but the fans continue to rally for Oiwa. Oiwa grits his teeth as he sits up, but Gabe ROCKS him with another shot! Oiwa still looks up defiantly at Gabe, so Gabe fires shots! Gabe says Oiwa’s not worthy of being his NJPW Strong Openweight Challenger. Gabe says Oiwa’s just some “weak ass kohai!” Gabe SPITS on Oiwa, but Oiwa gets in Gabe’s face! Gabe fires slapping strikes, blocks a shot, then SLAPS Oiwa again! Oiwa spins to DOUBLE CHOP Gsbe down! Sanada runs up and kicks low! Sanada whips, Oiwa reverses, but Sanada reverses back, RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP! ZSJ PENALTY KICKS Sanada!
Gabe runs up, ZSJ BOOTS him first! Gabe runs back in, slips out of the scoop, and he scoops ZSJ for EMERALD FLOWSON!! But Oiwa spins Gabe! Gabe avoids The Grip, runs, but into a LARIAT!! Cover, TWO!! Oiwa is frustrated but the fans rally behind him. Oiwa hauls Gabe up, ANACONDA PLEX!! Cover, TWO!! Gabe survives again but Oiwa roars! Oiwa drags Gabe up, reels him in, but Gabe fights the gut wrench! Gabe CLUBS Oiwa on the back, then he gut wrenches! Oiwa fights back, wrenches out, and he blocks a lariat to spin. Gabe HAYMAKERS, and SAIDOS!! Gabe crawls his way to the cover, TWO!!
The fans are thunderous as Oiwa survives! Gabe snarls and he drags Oiwa up. Gabe says this is the end. But Oiwa fights the suplex! Oiwa suplexes, but Gabe fights it! Oiwa still tries, but Gabe slips out to waistlock. Sanada DROPKCIKS Oiwa, Gabe UPPERCUTS! Gabe & Sanada work together to DOUBLE SUPLEX! Gabe suplexes again, BRAINBUSTER!! Cover, ZSJ BREAKS IT! Sanada TOSSES ZSJ out and tells Gabe to finish this! ZSJ RAMS Sanada, they brawl outside, and Gabe slashes his throat. Gabe drags Oiwa up, reels him in, but Oia slips through the gut wrench to backslide! TWO, and Gabe UPPERCUTS!
Gabe runs, but ZSJ is back! He BOOTS Gabe but Gabe SLAPS ZSJ! ZSJ KICKS the haymaker away to then ROUNDHOUSE Gabe! Sanada’s in to dragon sleeper! ZSJ arm-drags free, but Sanada comes back to SHINING WIZARD! Sanada then drags ZSJ up, but ZSJ scoops first! ZACK DRIVER!! ZSJ and Sanada flop out of the ring, leaving Oiwa and Gabe to rise up. They run at each other, to DOUBLE LARIAT! neither man falls, they DOUBLE LARIAT again! Gabe UPPERCUTS! Oiwa PALM STRIKES! Gabe PALM STRIKES, CHOPS, JABS, rebounds, into a roll-up! Hig stack, TMDK WINS!!
Winners: Zack Sabre Jr. & Ryohei Oiwa, by pinfall
Gabe is in shock! He gets right in Red Shoes’ face but Red Shoes says it was a fair count! Gabe then goes after Oiwa to CLOBBER him! The fans boo and Young Lions rush in, but Gabe eggs Oiwa on! So Oiwa obliges and they brawl among the fans! The Young Lions rush in to separate the two, but Gabe gets loose to CLOBBER Oiwa! They scrap, ZSJ joins in, and he pulls the two apart. Gabe kicks a chair in frustration, then goes into retreat. Wait, Oiwa chases Gabe to the ramp and beats him down! Young Lions again scramble in to stop this, but it just heads to the back! Sanada shrugs it off, will the #ColdWarDogs just have to try harder in the next round?
As for the winners, well, they’re no longer ringside so there won’t be any in-ring closing words. Backstage interviews begin, Gabe promises Oiwa will be put in the ground! Will the Mad Man show The Mullet what it takes to be NJPW Strong? As for ZSJ, he gathers himself, and tells NJPW Media that he doesn’t know where The Mullet went. Actually, no, he has an idea: The Mullet must be smashing the s*it outta Gabe. “Roy The Mullet” is the next NJPW Strong Openweight Champion! Oiwa will hit Gabe so hard, his legs will turn into trombones! As for ZSJ, there is something rare happening in this year’s WTL, isn’t it?
Yes, it’s that the IWGP World EFFIN’ Heavyweight Champion is involved, as this should be! The first time the world champion’s been in this tournament in roughly a decade! ZSJ said he was gonna be a different kind of world champion for NJPW, and that he promises to take NJPW back to the top! Now obviously, a conflict of interests, as this tournament is Shane Haste’s & Mikey Nicholls’ to win, but ZSJ won’t give the boys an easy ride. ZSJ is dreaming~ of an all TMDK World Tag League finals! Then who knows, maybe Zack & Roy get the job done.
But ZSJ knows the Tokyo Dome is coming soon. And Shota Umino wants to be ZSJ’s challenger. ZSJ says he will be keeping his eyes wide open for Shota. ZSJ says he’ll have a DOUBLE main event in the Tokyo Dome, it’s in the bag. What about you, Shota? The Front Man heads out, having put the pressure on his challenger, but will all of NJPW soon belong to TMDK?
Here are the A Block standings!
Zack Sabre Jr. & Ryohei Oiwa: 1-0, 2 points
Jeff Cobb & Callum Newman: 1-0, 2 points
Shingo Takagi & Yota Tsuji: 1-0, 2 points
Bishamon: 1-0, 2 points
Gabe Kidd & Sanada: 0-1, 0 points
Kenta & Chase Owens: 0-1, 0 points
Alex Zayne & Ryusuke Taguchi: 0-1, 0 points
Shota Umino & Tomoaki Honma: 0-1, 0 points
My Thoughts:
A great start to World Tag League 2024, with just A Block opening things tonight. I will say those tune-up matches were interesting. Even though David Finlay is the Global Champion, it’s Taiji Ishimori that has apparently become Bullet Club’s international ambassador. Taiji brought Robbie X into the group, now he teamed with The Filip Brothers, Tome & Stevie, who knows who else Bone Soldier will recruit. Taiji’s team beating Tanahashi’s team, House of Torture cheating and beating Tanahashi’s friends, this is all putting the pressure on The Ace, meaning The Ace will win out at WrestleKingdom 19.
Shota Umino teaming with Tomoaki Honma, I wonder if this is to hold Shota back somehow. He is apparently still heading for WrestleKingdom and a world title match with ZSJ, so it’s not like Shota needs to win WTL, but I guess NJPW just wants Shota to give the fans a good time alongside a fan favorite like Honma. Also, Callum & Cobb have a fun new shirt for their team-up. I figured Zayne would need to improvise now that #MonsterSauce is no longer happening, and Taguchi was a great surprise choice. But #FunkySauce making its debut against a team as strong as Takagi & Tsuji was a shame because of course LIJ was winning that. Maybe Zayne & Taguchi can pull off a spoiler victory later on, but I don’t see Funky Sauce going that strong.
Bishamon VS Kenta & Chase really was an awesome match, and it is so surprising how Chase has grown in just the past couple years. Great win for Goto & Hashi, though, as they’re clearly the solid utility choices in the tag division. And what an awesome main event, with Sanada bringing out the most Heel stuff he’s done perhaps ever. A bit jarring really, but that’s just kinda old fashioned Heel turns for ya. Great win for TMDK, though, and definitely an unorthodox way of closing by having Oiwa and Gabe brawl all over ringside and into the back.
While ZSJ says it is big for the world champ to be in this tournament, which I do agree with on some level, it also makes some of the A Block action seem secondary. Gabe and Oiwa having their grudge was kinda the main motivator behind this match, and then it’ll be similar when Shota & Honma VS ZSJ & Oiwa happens. There is the added drama of, “What if someone pins ZSJ? Will they get a world title match before WK19?” Maybe Shota solidifies his WK title match by being the one that pins ZSJ in their match, but it all just feels like more flash than substance. No one else is going to pin ZSJ, Oiwa probably takes whatever losses their team will take, so A Block’s story suffers for it.
My Score: 8.9/10
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