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Mitchell’s NJPW New Japan Cup Results & Report! (3/20/25)

The finals have come!

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Rebel or Roughneck, who wins the New Japan Cup?

The 2025 New Japan Cup comes to a close, and only one can raise the trophy! Will David Finlay or Shota Umino head for Hirooki Goto’s IWGP World Heavyweight Championship?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

  • Kickoff – Tomohiro Ishii & Toru Yano VS YOSHI-HASHI & Katsuya Murashima; Ishii & Yano win.
  • NJPW World Television Championship Open Challenge: El Phantasmo VS TJP; ELP wins and retains the title.
  • Hiroshi Tanahashi VS Satoshi Kojima; Tanahashi wins.
  • Six Man Tag: Just4Guys VS Bullet Club War Dogs; War Dogs win.
  • Six Man Tag: Los Ingobernables de Japon VS The United Empire; LIJ wins.
  • Six Man Tag: Bullet Club War Dogs VS House of Torture; War Dogs win.
  • Yota Tsuji & Shingo Takagi VS EVIL & Yoshinobu Kanemaru; Tsuji & Takagi win.
  • Six Man Tag: Hontai VS TMDK; Hontai wins.
  • 2025 New Japan Cup Finals: David Finlay VS Shota Umino; Finlay wins and will challenge for the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship.

PLAY BY PLAY

NJPW World Television Championship Open Challenge: El Phantasmo w/ Jado VS ???

The Headbanga is back, and he gets the mic to say, “Nagaoka! Lemme hear you guys! Are you ready for NJPW?” The fans cheer that! Jado translates for the fans, and they cheer even more. Then let’s begin tonight’s ELP Open Challenge! ELP says Jado took the words right out of his mouth! Papa Jado is right! Who is gonna step up to the E L P? And right away, here comes GREAT-O-KHAN and TJP?! They both beat ELP during the New Japan Cup series, but which one is taking up the Open Challenge? Khan takes lead going into the ring, to hold the ropes open! TJP steps in, waving the United Empire banner! Will the Public Enemy become the star of the show?

The fans rally and duel between “E L P!” and “T J P!” and Khan decides to join commentary. The bell rings and we’re on the clock! ELP and TJP circle, the fans rally up more, and the duel is strong. ELP offers a handshake, TJP takes it, and the fans cheer the sportsmanship. The two tie up, TJP waistlocks, but ELP standing switches. TJP wrenches and wristlocks, keeps ELP from ropes, but ELP rolls, handsprings and arm-drags to have the armlock! ELP rolls, turns TJP over, hooks both arms, and has a ghost pin! TWO and TJP has the cover, ONE! TJP keeps ELP down with a wristlock and the fans cheer this technical exchange.

ELP fights up, TJP holds on with a hammerlock but ELP reaches back to wrench and wristlock. TJP rolls, spins, cartwheels, then drops down to catch ELP into the TWISTING HEADSCISSORS! The fans cheer while EJP kicks around. ELP catches TJP with headscissors, but TJP moves around. TJP headstands, but ELP JAMS him up! ELP keeps on the squeeze and wags his fingers. TJP moves around again, headstands, but ELP CHOPS him on the back! EJP pushes TJP back down then does push-ups to put on the pressure. ELP even shows off doing clap push-ups. TJP moves around, turns ELP over, and rolls back to BOW ‘N’ ARROW!

ELP pops free to cover, ONE, and TJP ducks a superkick! The fans cheer as the two back off. TJP and ELP circle while the dueling returns. They tie up, TJP wrenches and hammerlocks but ELP switches that onto TJP. TJP reaches back for a flying-mare! ELP runs back, dodges TJP, but TJP handsprings over ELP. Things keep moving, TJP RANAS and ELP slides out! The fans fire up and TJP builds speed. But ELP returns and he RANAS TJP out! Then ELP PLANCHAS! Direct hit and the fans fire up again! ELP and Khan get into it for a second but the ref has them both back off. ELP drags TJP up to put TJP in the ring.

ELP tells Khan he’s watching him. ELP then goes up the ropes, but TJP trips him up! ELP blocks a kick, but TJP avoids the shoulder to DROPKICK! TJP then drags ELP onto the ropes, he stares Jado down, DRAPING DDT! TJP stares down the Master Heater after using his signature, and the fans rally up for “T! J P! T! J P!” TJP drags ELP up, snapmares and then steps on ELP’s face! The ref reprimands but TJP has ELP’s legs. TJP ties him up and turns him over into a DEATHLOCK! TJP SNAPS the lock, then SNAPS it again! ELP endures, so TJP stands up and leans back! MUTA LOCK! ELP endures, reaches out, and ELP crawls forward to the ROPEBREAK!

TJP lets go and the fans applaud. TJP stalks ELP, drags him up, but ELP fires body shots. TJP cravats and grinds the neck wrench. TJP UPPERCUTS, then goes corner to corner. The fans rally as TJP runs back in and ELBOWS ELP down! The fans rally more as TJP gives ELP the face scrubbing! TJP runs side to side, for the WASH! The fans cheer and want it “MOI KAI! MOI KAI! <ONE MORE TIME!>” TJP obliges and scrubs ELP more. TJP runs, but ELP slips outside! TJP goes through the ropes, and ELP goes up! ASAI MOONSAULT! Direct hit into TJP and the fans fire up all the same! ELP drags TJP up to put back in the ring.

ELP goes up the ropes, and he SWANTON BOMBS! Then he somersaults to LIONSAULT! Cover, TWO! TJP stays in this and ELP stays cool while the fans rally up. ELP stands TJP up for the straitjacket and torture rack, but TJP slips free to have the IRON OCTOPUS! The fans rally as ELP endures and pries at the hold. TJP holds on tight, but ELP steps around. ELP powers through to fireman’s carry, but TJP slips free again to shove ELP. TJP SUPERKICKS! TJP runs, but ELP SUDDEN DEATH! Both men are down and the fans fire up! ELP crawls his way over, drags TJP up into the straitjacket torture rack, and swings out for BRAIN SALAD! Cover, TWO!

The fans fire up as TJP stays in this. ELP drags TJP to center, then goes to the apron. ELP goes up the ropes for a “E! L! P!” THUNDERKISS- FLOP as TJP moves! TJP runs in, ONE BY ONE!! Cover, TWO!! ELP survives the knee but TJP drags him into the drop zone! The fans rally for “T! J P!” as he climbs up top. MAMBA- NO, TJP has to bail out as ELP moves. ELP runs in at the corner, TJP goes up and over! TJP reels ELP in for a TORNADO DDT! TJP hurries to the apron and takes aim. ELP stands, TJP springboards, DEEP IMPACT!! Cover, TWO?!? ELP survives, but TJP holds onto a leg! TJP steps over, ELP reaches out, and we hit 10 minutes!

TJP has the arm, and then the PINOY STRETCH!! The fans fire up as ELP endures and reaches out again! ROPEBREAK by fingertips! TJP lets go, the ref checks ELP, and the fans rally up. ELP is still in this so TJP drags him up. ELP shoves TJP away, but TJP fires forearms! TJP goes to fireman’s carry but ELP fights that. ELP ROCKS TJP, but then he falls over! ELP rises up but TJP fires as strike fest! The fans duel as TJP WHEEL KICKS ELP! TJP then hurries to get ELP up in a fireman’s carry! DETO- NO, ELP sunset flips and high stacks! TWO, TJP trips ELP and jackknife bridges! TWO and ELP sunset! TWO and TJP has the sunset, TWO!! ELP hurries to ghost pin! ELP WINS!!!

Winner: El Phantasmo, by pinfall (still NJPW World Television Champion)

Captain TJ pushed The Headbanga there, but ELP offers a handshake to show respect. TJP accepts it, but now Khan steps off commentary. The Dominator attacks! The fans boo as Khan knocks ELP and Jado over, then scoops ELP! T T D!! Khan shows no mercy, and TJP hands the belt to him. Khan grabs the mic to tell TJP, “Well done. That was a nice effort, working over ELP’s neck.” And then Khan tells ELP, “Do you need a stretcher? You fought hard, but if you’re still healthy enough, perhaps you will accept another challenge. Then you can bow down to me!” Khan stands ELP up to T T D again!! And with that, TJP & Khan take their leave.

ELP is in rough shape, but the challengers keep lining up. Is the NJPW World TV Championship about to belong to The United Empire one way or another?

 

Hiroshi Tanahashi VS Satoshi Kojima!

The Final Road Connection continues with one last showdown between legends! Will the King of Bread trump The Ace? Or will Tanahashi still be the Once in a Century Talent?

Tanahashi shows off the abs and the Nagaoka crowd gets to cheer one more time. The bell rings and the fans rally for Tanahashi as he and Kojima circle. They tie up, break, and then tie up again. Kojima waistlocks, Tanahashi switches, but Kojima wrenches out to wristlock. Tanahashi wrenches back to wristlock, then headlock for the takeover. Kojima headscissors, Tanahashi kips free, and the fans cheer this opening exchange. The two reset and circle again. They feel things out, tie up, and Kojima headlocks. Tanahashi fires body shots, then powers up and out. Kojima runs Tanahashi over! And he makes the pecs dance!

The fans fire up, and Tanahashi goes to a corner, Kojima runs in, Tanahashi ELBOWS him away, and then Tanahashi goes up! CROSSBODY! The fans fire up again, and Tanahashi plays some air guitar. Tanahashi kicks Kojima, bumps him off buckles, then kicks the leg. Tanahashi puts the leg in the ropes and pulls! The ref counts, Tanahashi lets go, but then he DROPKICKS the leg! And DROPKICKS it! And DROPKICKS it again! The ref reprimands, Tanahashi apologizes, but Tanahashi runs corner to corner. Kojima dodges to CHOP! CHOP! MACHINE GUN CHOP! The fans fire up as Kojima gives Tanahashi an extra helping!

Kojima whips corner to corner, runs in, and forearm smashes! The fans join in for “ICHAZOU, KONYAROU!” Kojima goes up, copies the Ace pose, and then ELBOW DROPS! Cover, TWO! Tanahashi is tougher than that, but the fans rally with Kojima now. Kojima stands Tanahashi up for forearms and a ROLLING ELBOW! And a kick to a DDT! The fans fire up again while Tanahashi writhes. Kojima brings Tanahashi back up, but Tanahashi fires the snapmare. Tanahashi fires body shots, then shoves Kojima. Tanahashi dropkicks the leg, then blocks a kick! DRAGON SCREW! The fans cheer and Tanahashi powers up.

Tanahashi runs, Kojima dodges the Slingblade to kick and COZY CUTTER! The fans fire up while Tanahashi is down. Kojima throws off the elbow pads already! Kojima runs, but into a SLINGBLADE! But Kojima’s right up! Tanahashi catches him, but Kojima fights the Twist ‘n’ Shout! Kojima suplexes, for a BRAINBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Tanahashi survives and the fans fire up again! Kojima drags Tanahashi up, but Tanahashi fires a forearm! Kojima fires back, the two go back and forth, and the fans rally up! Tanahashi roars as the forearms keep going! Kojima grits his teeth as the shots get harder and harder, and Tanahashi wobbles!

Kojima fires a flurry, but Tanahashi SHOTEIS! Kojima COZY LARIATS! The fans fire up while both men fall! The ref checks, both men are still in this, so the fans rally back up. Kojima rises, powers up, and he runs, but Tanahashi LARIATS first! Tanahashi roars and the fans are with him! Tanahashi goes up top, HIGH FLY ATTACK! Direct hit, and Tanahashi goes up top! He has the hot hand as he HIGH FLY FLOWS!! Cover, Tanahashi wins!

Winner: Hiroshi Tanahashi, by pinfall

These two went fast ‘n’ furious down the Final Road Connection, but The Ace still ends up on top! Both men show each other great respect with their deep bowing, and the fans cheer again. What will be the next stop on Tanahashi’s retirement tour?

 

After Six Man Tag: Just4Guys VS Bullet Club War Dogs…

Chase Owens wins it for the team with a Package Piledriver on Taka Michinoku, but that wasn’t enough for the War Dogs. They stomp Taka out 3v1, but Yuya Uemura gets back in the ring! Yuya DECKS Chase, goes after Sanada, but Sanada takes a swing! Yuya catches him to a cording hold, but Sanada fights the second! Sanada clinches, but Yuya swings out of Deadfall! Yuya shoves Sanada, runs up, but into a POP-UP LOW BLOW! The Cold-Blooded Sanada gets the better of the Heat Storm, Chase kicks Taichi to scoop and SLAM! Fale runs up to ELBOW DROP! The fans boo but The War Dogs soak up the heat.

Chase drags Yuya back up, brings him over for Sanada, and Sanada has his guitar! The fans boo as Sanada takes aim, but then HONTAI rushes in! Tomohiro Ishii, Yoshi-Hashi, El Desperado, and even Hiroshi Tanahashi make the save! The War Dogs back off with The Ace and team here. Will Sanada play his smash hit some other time? As for Hontai, they make sure J4G is alright. Tanahashi helps Yuya to his feet, the fans cheer them on, and Tanahashi offers a handshake! Yuya is surprised, but he shakes Tanahashi’s hand! Could this be the next stop on Tanahashi’s Final Road Connection? Tanahashi also offers a handshake to Taichi, and Taichi takes it!

The fans cheer as Tanahashi also offers a handshake to Taka. Taka nods and takes it, and Tanahashi helps him stand. Hashi shakes hands with Taichi, Desperado hugs it out with his old friends, but Ishii still has some scores to settle with Yuya and Taichi. Even so, the Stone Pitbull offers a handshake, and the Holy Emperor takes it! The fans cheer that Hontai and Just4Guys are respectful allies, will they stand together against the bullies in Bullet Club?

 

After Six Man Tag: Los Ingobernables de Japon VS The United Empire…

Hiromu Takahashi wins it for LIJ with Maximum The Holding on Jakob Austin Young, but Tetsuya Naito grabs a mic. “Buenas noches, Nagaoka~! Sorry I don’t speak a lot of English, but it would seem Jeff Cobb & Callum Newman want their shot at the IWGP Tag Team Championships. What should we do, leader?” Naito is asking Hiromu for what to do, so Hiromu asks for the mic. Fans cheer “LEADER! LEADER!” Hiromu has the mic to say, “Everyone, good evening. It has been awhile, but this is LIJ’s leader, Hiromu Takahashi.” And what? Cobb & Callum want their shot? Hmm… What should they do~…?

Hiromu says naturally, TENDEDERO! Or that is to say, the next challengers are Cobb & Callum, so they’re gonna have some fun! The match is on the books, so when and where will LIJ and the Empire put the gold on the line?

 

After Six Man Tag: Bullet Club War Dogs VS House of Torture…

It’s a team effort as Taiji Ishimori hits Sho with Cipher Utaki, and then “Drilla” Dan Moloney deadlifts Sho into DRILLA KILLA! War Dogs win, but they pick up those NEVER Openweight Six Man Tag Team Championships. Drilla gets the mic to say, “OI! You think you can kick us out of the Bullet Club? HAAA HAAA HAAA! That’s the  funniest s*it I ever heard! You can’t kick us out of the Bullet Club, because War Dogs ARE the Bullet Club!” Fans cheer that! “So, Ryogoku Sumo Hall, Sakura Genesis, War Dogs have one rule: Bring bodies, and bring gold! So we’re gonna beat the life out of you, and then bring your gold back to the dog pound!”

The fans bark it up with the War Dogs, and the challenge has been made! Will Sho, Ren Narita & Yujiro Takahashi be ready to fight with everything on the line?

 

2025 New Japan Cup Finals: David Finlay w/ Gedo VS Shota Umino!

The Rebel made it through TMDK’s Front Man while The Roughneck slayed LIJ’s Rampaging Dragon. That is to say, both men defeated former IWGP World Heavyweight Champions to be right here, right now. Who will raise the Cup and head for their own world title opportunity?

The bell rings and the fans rally and duel already. Finlay and Shota stare down as they approach, and then nod. They circle, feel things out, and tie up. They’re in a deadlock, but Finlay digs in his heels to push Shota back. Finlay has Shota on the ropes, Red Shoes counts the break, but then Shota puts Finlay on ropes. Red Shoes continues to tell them to back off, and Shota gives Finlay a clean break. Finlay takes a swing! Shota dodges, but then Finlay dodges. Finlay headlocks, Shota powers up and out, but Finlay runs him over! The fans cheer, Finlay swaggers around, but Shota stands back up. Shota and Finlay reset and circle again.

The fans rally as the two feel things out. Finlay kicks low, then headlocks. Shota powers up and out to then headlock back. Finlay powers up but Shota holds on tight! The fans rally, Finlay fights up and powers out, but Shota runs him over! Things keep moving, Shota runs Finlay over again! Shota keeps moving, Finlay drops down, but Shota dropkicks Finlay’s legs out! The fans fire up while Finlay shakes out the leg. Shota stomps Finlay’s leg, stalks him, and then kicks Finlay around. Shota grabs the leg but Finlay pulls on Shota’s ear! Shota CLUBS Finlay’s leg, turns him over, but Finlay has the ROPEBREAK!

Shota steps over but Red Shoes reprimands. Shota lets off as he’s just making a point. The fans applaud as the two reset again. Shota runs up, but Finlay FLAPJACK HOTSHOTS Shota, then clinches to RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP! Cover, TWO! Finlay is a bit annoyed but the fans rally up. Finlay pushes Shota down to rain down fists! Red Shoes counts, Finlay lets off, and Finlay claims those weren’t closed fists. Finlay drags Shota up, whips him to a corner hard, and Shota falls to the mat! Finlay has a cocky cover with one finger, but Shota has the ROPEBREAK! Finlay drags Shota up, to whip him hard into the other corner!

Shota falls in a heap again and the fans fire up. Finlay flexes, Gedo applauds and the fans rally up. Finlay claims Shota’s already giving up, then he storms over. Finlay drags Shota up to clinch, but Shota fights with elbows! Shota ROCKS Finlay, then ROCKS him again! Finlay throat chops! Red Shoes reprimands but Finlay stomps Shota in the corner. Shota kicks from below, Finlay eggs him on, then stomps a mudhole into Shota! Finlay digs his boot in, Red Shoes counts, but Shota grabs the foot! Finlay tries to kick free but Shota holds on! Shota shifts up the leg to hit a KNEE BREAKER! And then a SHIN BREAKER!

Finlay hobbles away and Shota goes back to the corner. Shota runs up, but Finlay alley-oops him into buckles! Finlay scoops Shota to BACKBREAKER! Shota writhes, Finlay covers, TWO! The fans applaud as Shota stays in this. Finlay stays on Shota with a chinlock! Shota endures, the fans rally up, but Finlay squeezes tight. Finlay CLAWS Shota’s eyes, but stops as Red Shoes reprimands. Shota fights up to fire body shots, then he CHOPS! The fans “WOO~” and Shota CHOPS again! Finlay eggs Shota on, so Shota CHOPS again! “WOO~!” Finlay CLAWS Shota’s eyes! Red Shoes reprimands, Finlay SPITS as he lets off.

Finlay whips, Shota reverses, and Shota dropkicks the legs! Then a turn and NECKBREAKER! The fans fire up while Shota scowls. Finlay sits up, Shota rises, and Shota stalks Finlay to a corner. Shota drags Finlay up and around to UPPERCUT! Finlay staggers back, but Shota UPPERCUTS again! And UPPERCUTS again! Shota whips corner to corner, then runs in, and UPPERCUTS again! Shota then FISHERMAN SUPLEXES! Bridging cover, TWO! Not quite perfect but Shota doesn’t let that bother him. Shota drags Finlay up, waistlocks, but Finlay fights the hold. Shota slips around, drop toeholds, and rolls Finlay around to KNEEBAR!

Finlay endures, pries at the hold, but Shota just shifts to an ANKLE LOCK! Finlay flails and reaches out, but Shota drags him into the STF! The fans fire up again as Finlay endures all over again! Finlay still fights, still reaches out, and he claws his way forward. Shota lets go just to drag him back, and back into the STF! The fans rally even harder while Gedo coaches Finlay up. Finlay endures, grits his teeth and fights his way over, but Shota pulls back on the hold! Gedo shouts for Finlay to keep moving, and Finlay reaches out. Shota drags him back again, and SMASHES the knee of the mat! Then back into the STF!

The fans rally even harder as Finlay continues to endure! Shota pulls on the crossface while Gedo shouts for Finlay to keep moving! Finlay fights, pries at the crossface, and he claws at the mat! Shota puts his all into pulling back, but Finlay gives one last gasp to the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer, Shota lets go, and Finlay sputters and coughs while clutching his leg. Shota drags Finlay up, reels him in, but Finlay wrenches out. Shota ducks the lariat and has a half nelson! Finlay arm-drags and covers, TWO, and Shota has a ghost pin! TWO, and Shota runs into the clinch! IRISH CURSE BACKBREAKER! But that was double-edged given the damage to Finlay’s leg!

Shota crawls away and the fans rally up. Finlay waits on Shota to stand, then he runs in! Finlay LARIATS Shota and himself up and out of the ring! Both men hit the floor, and Finlay again clutches the bad leg. The fans rally, Finlay sits up first, and he hobbles away. Shota rises, Finlay runs in, and Finlay RAMS Shota into railing! The fans fire up while Shota slumps down. Finlay then clears off the timekeeper’s table! Finlay drags Shota over, Red Shoes reprimands, but Shota grabs the railing. Shota fires elbows into Finlay, then fires forearms! Finlay wobbles and Shota ROCKS him! But now Shota looks to the table…

Shota hauls Finlay up, but Finlay fights free! Finlay RAMS Shota into the apron! Then Finlay fireman’s carries so he can POST Shota! Shota falls, but Finlay hauls him up! URENAGE through the table!! The fans go nuts and Red Shoes reprimands, but Shota is already down in the wreckage! Finlay hobbles away while Red Shoes checks on Shota. Finlay goes to the ring, and a ring count starts. Shota is still down at 5 of 20, stirs at 7, but Finlay stops Red Shoes at 10. Finlay goes out to fetch Shota, promising to bring Shota inside. Finlay drags Shota up, but reels him in and POST BOMBS him! The fans are torn but Finlay is sure proud of himself.

Finlay leaves Shota behind and the ring count starts again. Shota is down at 5 of 20, stirs at 7, and slowly rises up at 10. But then he flops over at 12! Shota flounders at 15, the fans rally harder, and Shota springs up at 19! The fans cheer as Shota makes it back in, and he glares up at Finlay. Finlay storms over, eggs Shota on, and Shota rises. Finlay drags Shota up to UPPERCUT! But Shota smiles?! Finlay UPPERCUTS again! Shota still smiles, so Finlay UPPERCUTS again! Shota staggers to a corner, and Finlay UPPERCUTS! Then BROKEN ARROW! The fans fire up and Finlay flexes, then he covers, TWO!

Shota is still in this, but Finlay drags him back up. Finlay reels Shota in, hauls him up, Canadian Rack for- NO, Shota slips free to hook the arms! Finlay fights the backslide, and he flips the hooks to backslide Shota! Shota rolls through, Finlay reels him in, POWER- DDT COUNTER! Both men are down again and the fans rally up! Shota rises up and roars! The fans fire up with Shota and he hurries to get Finlay up. Shota whips Finlay into a corner, then BLINDSIDE SHINING WIZARDS! Shota goes corner to corner and back again while Gedo freaks out, BLINDSIDE KNEE! Shota drags Finlay up and puts him right up top!

The fans rally as Shota climbs up after Finlay. Shota goes to the very top, and he brings Finlay up to join him! SUPER DUPER PLEX! Both men writhe and the fans fire up! Shota crawls to the cover, TWO! Finlay stays in this, but Shota aims from a corner. Shota powers up and runs, but Finlay ducks the lariat! Only to run into a DROPKICK! Shota hurries to half nelson, but Finlay fights with elbows! Shota waistlocks, Finlay still fights, and he bucks the O’Conner. Shota ELBOWS, ENZIGIRIS, but Finlay rebounds! DOUBLE LARIATS collide! Neither man falls and the fans fire up! DOUBLE LARIATS collide again, and Finlay slumps down!

The fans fire up as Shota stands Finlay back up. Finlay LARIATS! He keeps Shota standing and LARIATS again! And LARIATS again! Finlay runs, but Shota slips around to HALF ‘N’ HALF! And then HALF ‘N’ HALF again! And then HALF ‘N’ HALF BRIDGE! TWO!! Finlay survives that hattrick but the fans are thunderous as Shota rises! Gedo panics, Shota runs, but Finlay SPEARS!! Both men are down as Finlay can’t make the cover! The fans rally as hard as they can, Gedo coaches Finlay, and Finlay stands back up. Finlay staggers, but he storms his way over to Shota. Finlay hauls Shota up to BUCKLE BOMB!

Shota comes back to SHOTGUN! And then he POP-UP POWERBOMBS Finlay, flips him over, and just POWERBOMBS him again! Cover, TWO!! The fans are thunderous as Finlay survives, but then they rally as Shota brings Finlay up. Shota winds up to LARIAT! Cover, TWO! The fans rally harder again as Shota hooks a leg! SECOND- NO, Finlay slips out the back and reels Shota in! CANADIAN HAMMER! But Finlay falls back! The fans fire up and rally again as Finlay rises back up. Finlay slashes his throat, vowing to end this! Finlay suplexes, INTO- STUN DOG MILLIONAIRE! Shota turns that around with something he learned from Ospreay!

Shota drags Finlay back up, the fans rally again, but Finlay is a ragdoll. Even so, Shota drags Finlay up and hooks a leg. Finlay fights the lift, we pass 25 minutes, and Shota fires body shots! Shota powers up, but Finlay fights to suplex, OVER- NO! Shota stops Overkill, but Finlay fires a flurry of forearms! Shota winds up to ROCK Finlay, then ROCK him with the left! ROLLING- NO, Finlay ROCKS Shota back! Finlay ROLLING- HEADBUTT from Shota! Both men stagger back, run back in, SPEAR INTO A KNEE!! Shota intercepts that shot and then fires up! Shota runs to LARIAT!! Cover, TWO?!?! Finlay survives and the fans are electric!

Shota roars and Gedo freaks out! Shota suplexes, SECOND- NO, Finlay flips through, INTO OBLIVION!! Cover, TWO!?!? Now Shota shocks everyone, and the fans continue to go nuts over this! Finlay huffs ‘n’ puffs and goes back to Shota. Finlay drags Shota up, reels him in, and POWER- RANA! Shota has Finlay in the cover, TWO! Finlay rolls through to lift and POWERBOMB!! Then a high stack, deadlift, and POWERBOMB!! Cover, TWO?!?!? Shota survives again and Finlay is beside himself! Finlay staggers around, drags Shota back up, and points at Goto on commentary. OVER- CRADLE COUNTER! TWO!!

Shota has Finlay for the SECOND- NO, Finlay fights that, gator rolls with Shota, OVERKILL!!! Cover, FINLAY WINS!!

Winner: David Finlay, by pinfall (2025 New Japan Cup Winner)

After falling short again and again in this tournament, Finlay finally has his moment! Shota could not punctuate the Second Chapter, but will he still bring about a Paradigm Shift?

As for Finlay, NJPW Vice President Matsumoto brings him the New Japan Cup itself, and Finlay rudely snatches it away. Finlay holds it up to show it off, then he carefully sets it down. Finlay looms over Shota as Shota struggles to sit up. Shota grabs at Finlay, but Finlay stands Shota up! Finlay tells Shota that Finlay won tonight. If Shota wants to be a winner like Finlay, then follow his example. Shota takes his leave, but will he really resort to being like Finlay just to get ahead?

Finlay then grabs the mic, and he says, “And just like that, I am your New Japan Cup Champion!” The fans cheer that, and Finlay says to get to business, he calls out Goto. “Mr. Champion, if you would, please get your old ass in this ring right mother effin’ now.” And so, Goto puts the headset aside and leaves commentary, world title on his shoulder. The fans cheer for Goto as he joins Finlay in the ring. Finlay tells Goto, “I keep hearing all this BS about some Goto Revolution. But quite frankly, you cannot have a revolution with a Rebel. So the revolution, baby boy, is not yours. The revolution is all mine!”

Finlay shoves the mic into Goto while the fans cheer. Goto says his Goto Revolution cannot be stopped. This is HIS time! And in Ryogoku, Goto will prove it. Goto shows off the belt, Finlay holds up the cup, and Sakura Genesis is where Rebel clashes with Revolution! Goto takes his leave, but Finlay invites the War Dogs out. Taiji, Drilla & Gabe return to ringside, everyone barks it up, and Gabe already has the champagne! Finlay says hold on, they’ll get to that. But Finlay says he beat Goto in front of his own children. Finlay made Goto’s daughter cry, and did it with a smile on his face. Goto’s Cinderella story is coming to an end.

“I am the Savage King, I am coming for my crown, so your fairytale is over. I am taking your title because Hate Always Finds as Way. Tell ’em, Gedo!” Gedo says in Japanese that Finlay is coming after Goto and the title in Ryogoku! And there is nothing he can do about it! “The Rebel is taking the eff over everything! I need The Rebel! NJPW needs The Rebel! And the world… needs The Rebel!” The fans cheer, the War Dogs stand together, and the champagne sprays as the streamers fly! Will there be an even bigger celebration once Finlay takes the world title? Or will the Fierce Warrior tame this War Dog?


My Thoughts:

A great finale for the 2025 New Japan Cup, with a lot of stuff set up for Sakura Genesis at the same time. ELP VS TJP was a great NJPW World TV Championship match, and while ELP won, it was a great segue into Khan calling his shot. Who knows if Khan wins that title, but Khan would have quite the resume adding that title to being IWGP Tag Team Champion and the final KOPW Champion. Very good match from Tanahashi VS Kojima, and of course Tanahashi won. Tanahashi leading the save for Just4Guys against Sanada was good stuff. Tanahashi could have some great final matches with a lot of these guys, from Yuya to Taichi to Sanada, I hope we get to see them.

Naturally, the feud of War Dogs and House of Torture escalates to be over some championships, and with their win tonight, Gabe, Drilla & Taiji are going for those NEVER Openweight Six Man titles. That will very good, but hard to say if the War Dogs win those belts when the House can cheat super hard to retain the belts. Naito & Hiromu of course give Cobb & Callum a shot at the tag titles, and that will be a lot of fun, but I can’t be sure the odds of Cobb & Callum winning. And while Tsuji & Takagi win the match, Evil stands tall as we head into the Global Heavyweight title match. I think this also indicates Tsuji retains, but Evil will probably pull out all the tricks.

Goto led Hontai in the win over TMDK so that Goto can have momentum going into the title match. Shota VS Finlay was a great main event, and I suppose Finlay is the right choice. Shota is still exploring this new attitude, perhaps he’ll start to change up his gear like I was hoping he would tonight. Plus, Finlay brought it up himself, he beat Goto in front of Goto’s kids, this is really more for Goto to get his payback on Finlay than Finlay to get the title. At least, I’m thinking Goto wins. It really depends on what plans there might be for Finlay as the Bullet Club Civil War heats up. I said last time that it’d be wild if Evil was a transitional champion for Finlay to get the Global title back, but it’d be even wilder if Finlay was world champion so that he could become a double champion.

My Score: 8.9/10

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Coverage

Mitchell’s WWE SmackDown Results & Report! (3/21/25)

Venerdì Sera SmackDown!

Published

on

SmackDown’s in Italy and that’s no bologna!

SmackDown’s in Italy and that’s no bologna! Well, they are in Bologna, Italy, and Seth Rollins is looking to crash CM Punk talking with Roman Reigns! Will the Visionary #BurnItDown?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

  • Damian Priest & Jimmy Uso VS Drew McIntyre & Shinsuke Nakamura; Priest & Jimmy win.
  • WWE United States Championship #1 Contender’s Match: Jacob Fatu VS Braun Strowman; Braun wins, by disqualification, and will challenge LA Knight for the title.
  • Zelina Vega VS Piper Niven w/ The Green Administration; Piper wins.
  • Jade Cargill VS Liv Morgan w/ Raquel Rodriguez; Liv wins.
  • The Street Profits VS Los Garza w/ Santos Escobar; The Profits win.

PLAY BY PLAY

Randy Orton is here!

Bologna fires up and sing along with Voices as The Viper makes his way to the ring. The fans especially cheer when Orton does his signature pose on the corner! Orton grabs the mic as the fans keep singing. The music stops, the fans cheer, and they cheer on “RANDY! RANDY!” Orton goes to speak, but KEVIN OWENS is here! The fans boo but Kevin says he knows what Orton wants to do, but hear him out first. Kevin has something important to tell Orton, so please listen. Kevin was wrong. The fans tell Kevin off but Kevin says they heard him right: he was wrong. Kevin was wrong for attacking Orton and hitting him with a piledriver, he did not deserve that.

Cody Rhodes deserved everything Kevin did to him. Sami Zayn deserved everything Kevin did to him. But not Randy. Look, Randy, you picked Cody over Kevin and that angered Kevin. That angered Kevin to the point of doing something he regrets. And if anyone can relate to letting their anger make them do stupid things they regret, it’s Orton. Orton’s spoken on it! He talked about his anger making him do things he wished he hadn’t, and that’s the same for Kevin. They’re just human. Kevin wants Randy to understand, he means it. Kevin can forgive Orton for picking Cody if Orton can forgive Kevin for what he did. Then they can put all of this in the past where it belongs.

Speaking of leaving things in the past, does Orton wanna know why Kevin pulled Carmelo Hayes out of the ring last week? It was because Kevin was trying to save and protect Orton from himself! Because Orton surely doesn’t want to go back to the man he was, who used to kick people in the head. No one wants to see that! That’s not who Orton is anymore! Orton has grown, and he has changed for the better. But what they should do now is look to the future, and that future is WrestleMania! Kevin thinks he and Orton should become WWE Tag Team Champions! Think about it? They were so close just a few months ago! They should’ve been champions, but they let stuff get between them.

So Kevin wants them to get past that and go for the titles! The fans chant “NO! NO! NO!” but Kevin tells them to shut their stupid faces. Orton, don’t listen to these idiots. Kevin asks what Orton says to his idea. The fans tell Kevin off again, but Orton says this is what he says. What he should do is run up the aisle and beat Kevin’s ass all over the arena! But… What Kevin said is intriguing. Orton has never heard Kevin admit that he was wrong. Orton wants to think about it for a minute. Hmm… Nope, scratch that. Take that halfhearted apology and shove it! The fans cheer, and Orton says Kevin can say whatever he has to in order to sleep at night.

Kevin can say this guy deserves this, that guy deserves that, but the only thing anyone deserves is Kevin having Orton kick him so hard that Orton gets a pat on the back from Roberto Baggio! The fans cheer that! Orton says Kevin used to be #FightOwensFight, but now he’s all “B*tch Owens B*tch.” The fans cheer that, too! Orton says Kevin regrets dropping Orton on his head with that piledriver and that he was saving Orton from himself. Well it’s a good thing Kevin dropped Orton on his head! Because now, Orton hears voices in his head! They counsel him, they understand! And does Kevin wanna know what those voices are saying now?

The voices say that whatever happens in Vegas stays in Vegas. But not for Kevin, because in Vegas, at WrestleMania, Orton kicks Kevin’s head clean off his shoulders! The Viper is ready to strike, will he have far more than just an RKO in store for The Prizefighter?

 

Damian Priest & Jimmy Uso VS Drew McIntyre & Shinsuke Nakamura!

The Punisher teams up with #BigJim team up in a rather crisscrossed grudge match. Will Priest & Jimmy make McIntyre pay for his cheap shots and cheap tricks? Or will The Scottish Warrior & The King of Strong Style stand side by side as sinister manslayers?

SmackDown returns as Nakamura makes his entrance, followed by McIntyre’s. Priest doesn’t even wait, he just runs back up the ram to go after McIntyre! The fans fire up as these two brawl, #OnSight! Priest ROCKS Drew, Drew hits back, and Nakamura joins in! They mug Priest, but Jimmy FLIES! Direct hit on Drew and Nakamura! T he fans fire up and Priest helps Jimmy stand. They drag Drew up and into the ring, the bell sounds, and the fans fire up. Jimmy is the legal man but Drew still swipes at Priest. The ref keeps these two apart, Drew says up Priest’s, but turns around into haymakers from Jimmy! The fans fire up as Jimmy then mule kicks Drew!

Jimmy pops, locks ‘n’ UPPERCUTS! Jimmy gets the fans to shout, “UCE! OH!” but Drew takes a swing! Jimmy dodges and CHOPS in return! And CHOPS! And then whips corner to corner, runs in, and SPLASHES into Drew’s arms! OVERHEAD BELLY2BELLY! The fans fire up as Drew finally puts his kilt aside. Drew taunts Priest, then stalks Jimmy. Drew has Jimmy on the ropes and CHOKES him! Drew stops as the ref counts, only to get the legs. ROPE GUILLOTINE! Jimmy sputters, Drew taunts Priest, and then Drew drags Jimmy up. Jimmy JAWBREAKERS free, Drew staggers back and Nakamura tags in.

Jimmy dodges Drew, ROCKS Nakamura, then UPPERCUTS Drew! Jimmy runs but Nakamura trips him! Nakamura drags Jimmy out, SMACKS him off the desk, then runs up to DYNAMIC DROPKICK! Jimmy flops onto the desk! T he fans fire up as Nakamura CHOKES Jimmy, and SmackDown goes picture in picture.

Nakamura puts Jimmy in the ring, but drags him out along the apron. Nakamura runs up to KNEE LIFT! Jimmy sputters, Nakamura storms in, and Nakamura stalks Jimmy to the corner. Nakamura CLUBS Jimmy, puts him up top, and then backs up to run in, TOP SHELF KNEE! Jimmy flops back down, Nakamura pushes him to a cover, TWO! Nakamura stays focused as he drags Jimmy up with a facelock. Nakamura puts Jimmy in the corner, tags Drew, and then Nakamura gives Jimmy BAD VIBRATIONS! Drew adds a stomp, then he CHOPS Jimmy down! Jimmy sputters, Drew drags him around, and Drew stomps Jimmy’s hand!

Drew clamps on with a chicken wing and chinbar! Jimmy endures, reaches out, and fights to his feet. Drew throws him down by his hair! Drew then sucker punches Priest! Drew deadlift suplexes Jimmy! Jimmy writhes while Drew seethes, and Drew mockingly tells Jimmy to go tag out. Drew stands Jimmy up, but Jimmy counter punches! And CHOPS! CHOPS! CHOPS! Jimmy runs, but Drew CLOBBERS him! Cover, TWO! Jimmy shakes his head, he’s tougher than that. Drew drags Jimmy into a top wristlock and he leans on the hold. Jimmy endures, fights up, and reaches out. Drew keeps him from Priset, KNEES low, then he sucker punches Priest again!

Drew taunts Priest, but turns around into a SAMOAN DROP! SmackDown returns to single picture while both men are down! The fans rally up while Drew crawls, tag to Nakamura! Nakamura drags Jimmy up, but Jimmy kicks! Nakamura blocks, but Jimmy hits the DRAGON WHIP! Jimmy rises up, hot tag to Priest! Priest BLASTS Drew, then dodges Nakamura to ELBOW! And FLAPJACK! Priest runs corner to corner to ELBOW Nakamura, then runs to CLOBBER him! The fans fire up and Priest brings Nakamura up for a knuckle lock> The fans rally for Priest as he goes up the corner, and gives us some OLD SCHOOL CROSSBODY!

The fans fire up and Priest powers up his arm! Priest runs, but Nakamura BOOTS the lariat, then WHEEL KICKS! Nakamura aims from a corner, “YAO~!” But Priest LARIATS Nakamura down first! Cover, Drew breaks it! Drew drags Priest up to POST him! Jimmy steps in and SUPERKICKS Drew! Drew bails out, Jimmy WRECKS him with a dropkick! But Nakamura KINSHASAS Jimmy off the apron! But Priest then grabs Nakamura, SOUTH OF HEAVEN! Cover, Priest & Jimmy win!

Winners: Damian Priest & Jimmy Uso, by pinfall

It was a fast ‘n’ furious finish, but Drew doesn’t let it end here! He CLOBBERS Priest! Drew rains down fists, and reminds Priest that every time he sees Priest, he’ll- Priest grabs Drew by the neck! Drew breaks free to HEADBUTT Priest, then he DRIBBLES Priest off the mat! Drew rains down furious fists while the fans boo, but then Drew stomps Priest as he lets off. Priest slowly rises, Drew gives us the countdown! “THREE! TWO! ONE!” CLAYMORE against the ropes!! Priest flops down in a daze and Drew tells him that he still blames Priest for having nothing. Every time Priest gets up, Drew will put him down until Priest stays down.

Drew slithers away, his rage never ending. Will nothing stop the Scottish Terminator from terrorizing Priest?

 

LA Knight finds Braun Strowman backstage.

The Monster of All Monsters is warming up for his match, and The Mega Star says #OneBigSOB is getting one big pump on. And Knight thinks about Braun VS Fatu, Braun better smack Fatu back to factory settings. And here’s the thing, these guys work with numbers, so Knight will be keeping his eyes on that match. Knight turns to go but Braun has him hold on. Braun will say, if there’s one thing he can’t wait for, it’s to #GetTheseHands on Fatu tonight. But you know why? Because Nick Aldis told him a bit ago, that the winner will get their shot at the US Championship. And as Braun sees it, winning that title punches his ticket to WrestleMania.

Knight says oh yeah? Braun says yeah. Knight says YEAH, and heads out. Will Knight have to fight Braun or the Samoan Werewolf on this Road to WrestleMania 41?

 

Charlotte Flair and Tiffany Stratton have video interview.

Joe Tessitore welcomes the 2025 Women’s Royal Rumble winner and the WWE Women’s Champion and thanks them both for taking this time. To start with Tiffany, we saw last week that there is a fire in her we haven’t seen before. What is the mindset just four weeks away from WrestleMania? Tiffany starts to speak, but Charlotte speaks up to say The Queen should speak first. And she couldn’t agree more, Tiffany finally looks like a star. Charlotte had a hard time trying to buy into the hype, but Charlotte always brings out the best in others. Tiffany speaks up now, saying Charlotte couldn’t see it?

Charlotte condescendingly says, “There she is!” Tiff is just like day one: Pick me! Pick me! Charlotte says she chose Tiff because Charlotte pities her. Tiff came out with a sob story about the comparisons to Charlotte, but Tiff’s the only one delusional enough to make those comparisons. Newsflash: Everyone is compared to Charlotte. Tiff is not special. Tiff feels special, being the one with the title on her shoulder. Charlotte points out Tiff got it via a cash-in. Oh, well, Tiff still earned it, and has proven worthy of it week after week. Oh, really? Earned because of a cash-in? Delusional, just as Charlotte said.

Here’s the thing: WrestleMania 41 will be the pinnacle of Tiff, while Charlotte gets to shine her light on some undeserving girl who, just because she’s blonde and can do flips, thinks she compares to Charlotte. No, Tiff has not earned that. Wow, delusional? Does Charlotte forget how at the start of Tiff’s career, Charlotte was actually one of her biggest supporters? Charlotte told Tiff she’d be a star, and Tiff looked up to Charlotte. But then they were in the ring together, and Tiff saw the real Charlotte. Charlotte couldn’t even look Tiff in the face because Charlotte knows Tiff is the woman to take her throne.

Charlotte mockingly says she’s tearing up. Yes, Tiff, Charlotte said Tiff was a star in the making. But what? Did Tiff expect Charlotte to come to the ring, give her a high-five, a big hug, and say, “Yes! We can do this, girl!” No, Charlotte is the only woman in the locker room that tells the truth. She is not here for friends, she is here for competition. Tiff says this is what Charlotte does! She finds the hottest ticket and throws water on it. It worked in the past but it won’t work on Tiff. Charlotte says Tiff’s not even the hottest ticket on SmackDown! Let alone this entire company. But tell Charlotte, what does she do?

Tiff says she just said, Charlotte finds the hottest new thing, pours water on it. The thing is, Tiff, you have never been across from Charlotte, only underneath her, struggling to catch your breath. Tiff says the only one struggling is Charlotte keeping up with the fans that don’t even want her back. Charlotte says the fans are either wooing or booing, take your pick. Tiff has her entire career to beat Charlotte’s accolades and- And Tiff will lucky to even have a job at Charlotte’s age. Tiff says this year, WrestleMania, she cements what she already knows: The WWE Universe does not bow to Charlotte, they run on #TiffyTime. See you at Mania.

The Princess has stepped to the Queen, but who will be on the throne atop the WWE Women’s Division?

 

WWE United States Championship #1 Contender’s Match: Jacob Fatu VS Braun Strowman!

As if this match wasn’t one to watch before, now there are championship stakes on the line! Will the Samoan Werewolf #GetTheseHands? Or will he bring down #OneBigSOB to go after LA Knight?

SmackDown returns as Braun makes his entrance. The bell rings and the fans rally. Braun and Jacob circle, and then Braun RAMS Jacob into a corner! Braun fires hands, then HEADBUTTS! Braun runs corner to corner, Jacob dodges and Jacob ROCKS Braun! Jacob RAMS into Braun again and again, stops as the ref counts, and the fans fire up. Jacob runs corner to corner, but Braun CLOBBERS him! The fans fire up again as Jacob flounders to a corner. Braun runs up, but Jacob BOOTS him back! Jacob runs up, but Braun BACKDROPS him away! The fans fire up while Jacob tumbles. Braun runs up to LARIAT Jacob up and out!

The fans cheer as Braun paces, and then Braun goes out after Jacob. Braun puts Jacob back in, storms back into the ring, and he stomps Jacob. The fans rally and sing, Braun whips corner to corner hard, and Jacob falls in a heap! Braun enjoys the singing, and he runs in at the corner to SPLASH! Jacob falls in a heap again, then bails out. Braun says it’s time and the fans cheer! Braun is on the tracks, STROWMAN EXPRESS is sent over the desk! Braun tumbles, Jacob goes to the apron, and Jacob aims, to FLYING LARIAT! Down goes Braun at the Hydration Station! The fans fire up and Jacob grins while SmackDown goes picture in picture.

Jacob looms over Braun, drags him up, and SMACKS him off the desk! Jacob refreshes the ring count, then stalks Braun. Jacob HEADBUTTS Braun, brings him around, and SMACKS him off the steel steps! Braun staggers away, Jacob storms over, and Braun UPPERCUTS! Braun brings Jacob around to send into the other steel steps! Jacob tumbles to the floor and the fans rally up. Braun stalks Jacob, stomps him against the barrier, then refreshes the ring count. Braun conducts the Bologna choir here, then goes back out after Jacob. Braun shoves Jacob into the ring, but Jacob KICKS Braun in the ropes!

Jacob fireman’s carries!? Braun fights free, runs, but Jacob dropkicks the legs out! Jacob keeps moving, and he LARIATS Braun down! The fans rally more while Braun writhes. Jacob soaks up the cheers, then he stalks Braun. Jacob CLUBS Braun, eggs him on, then twists Braun with the neck wrench. Braun endures, fights around, but Jacob puts on the pressure. Braun powers up, rises to his feet, and he pries Jacob’s hands away! SmackDown returns to single picture, and Jacob fires HEADBUTT after HEADBUTT on Braun! Jacob storms up on Braun but Braun CHOPS! Braun runs, into a SUPERKICK!

Jacob fireman’s carries to SAMOAN DROP! The fans fire up as Jacob adds a SENTON! Cover, TWO! Braun stays in this and the fans rally up again. Jacob stalks Braun, goes to the corner, and he runs corner to corner, HIP ATTACK! Braun sputters, Jacob geeks out and the fans fire up! Braun rises up!? Jacob runs in and SPLASHES, then he tells Braun he’s done! Jacob goes corner to corner again, but Braun runs to LARIAT! The fans fire up while both men are down! Braun rises, but so does Jacob! Braun ROCKS Jacob, ROCKS him again, then LARIATS! And LARIATS! The fans fire up and Braun stands Jacob up, for a CLUB to the chest!

The fans fire up more as Braun rips his shirt away! Jacob falls out of the ring while the shirt is a free souvenir to a fan! Braun then gets on track, STROWMAN EXPRESS sends Jacob onto the desk! The fans fire up while Braun catches his breath. Braun storms around to bring Jacob up and into the ring. Braun slides in, but Jacob runs up! Braun dodges and SPINEBUSTERS! The fans fire up with Braun, but then TAMA TONGA is here! Braun TOSSES Tama! Braun scoops Tama, but SOLO SIKOA ATTACKS!

Winner: Braun Strowman, by disqualification (NEW #1 Contender to the WWE US Championship)

The fans boo and even Jacob is upset. Solo & Tama hand Braun the win! That means Braun is going to face Knight! But Solo and Tama keep beating up on Braun, and Jacob joins in. But Braun gets up to CLOBBER Solo, TOSS Tama, only for Jacob to BODY CHECK Braun! But here comes LA KNIGHT! The Mega Star runs out here, he DECKS Tama, then he jumps into the ring! Knight dodges Solo to fire off JABS on Jacob and Solo! Tama CLOBBERS Knight, then he fires hands! The fans boo while Jacob runs in, but Knight dodges! Jacob POSTS himself! Knight HOTSHOTS Tama, and Braun CLOBBERS Solo!

Braun ROCKS Jacob, then Knight LARIATS Jacob up and out! The official announcement is now made, it will be Knight VS Braun for the US Championship in the UK! It’s London calling next Friday, will the Knight still be the champion?

 

Backstage interview with Liv Morgan & Raquel Rodriguez.

Cathy Kelley is with the WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions, and last week, these two interrupted the interview with Jade Cargill, and got themselves into this match tonight. But now that we know it was Naomi who attacked Jade, why do Liv & Raquel keep bothering Jade? Because, Cathy, if you were paying attention, you’d know Jade allowed everyone to still think it was Liv & Raquel who attacked her. Meanwhile, Jade had all the time in the world to update her Instagram, yet not enough to clear Liv’s name. So this is personal now.

Probably like how it was personal when Liv & Raquel beat Jade’s former friends, Bianca Belair & Naomi, to become the first-ever, history-making, record-breaking and GREATEST Women’s Tag Team Champions of all time! But she will say, she is impressed with what Naomi did. Too bad she didn’t finish the job. Tonight, Liv will do that for her. #WatchMe. Liv & Raquel leave, but will they survive the storm that’s headed their way?

 

Jacob is furious backstage!

He kicks and throws random stuff, but Solo tells him to calm down. Calm down?! Jacob CHUCKS a trash can and asks calm down about what?! Is this better?! He CHUCKS boxes, but Solo wants Jacob to listen. From what he and Tama saw, it looked like- LIKE WHAT?! What’d Solo “see?” Solo says they were just trying to help! Help who? Help yourself, Solo?! That match wasn’t nobody’s business, and it damn sure wasn’t Solo’s business! When Jacob is taking care of his, Solo better watch himself. Jacob storms off, Solo looks to Tama, and Tama stays silent. Is Solo only tearing down his own Bloodline?

 

Zelina Vega VS Piper Niven w/ The Green Administration!

La Muneca, the inaugural Queen of the Ring, wants to reign once again, and that starts with going after the Women’s United States Championship. But to get to Chelsea Green, Zelina has to make it through the Head of Security! Will Piper shut down the opposition? Or will we be seeing Vega heading for Vegas?

SmackDown returns and Zelina makes her entrance, an all new song, tron and gear to show this is her next chapter. The bell rings and Chelsea already talks trash on Zelina. The fans rally, Zelina and Piper step to each other, and Piper easily bumps Zelina back. Zelina laughs and SLAPS Piper back! Piper grabs Zelina, TOSSES her to a corner, then runs up. Zelina dodges, runs, dodges again, but Piper scoops! Zelina slips free, waistlocks, and they go to ropes. Piper bucks the O’Conner Roll, but Zelina avoids the elbow drop! BASEMENT KICK! Zelina fires up, runs and tilt-o-whirls, to then RANA Piper into the corner!

Zelina runs up, kicks low, then reels Piper in! Zelina hops on but Piper pops out of Code Red! Zelina whips but Piper blocks with ease! Piper then CLOBBERS Zelina with a shoulder tackle. Piper drags Zelina up, CLOBBERS her again, and then drags her back up. Piper CLOBBERS Zelina a third time, and she salutes her champion. Piper drags Zelina but Zelina spins to TWEAK the arm! Piper staggers, Zelina UP KICKS her! Zelina hurries to run the ropes, but Piper TOSSES her out! Zelina gets up to KICK Piper’s leg! Piper staggers, Zelina hops on, SLEEPER! Piper endures, reaches out, but Zelina squeezes tight!

Piper THROWS Zelina down into the drop zone! Piper stomps Zelina, then goes up the corner. The fans rally, and Zelina YANKS Piper down! Zelina fires hands, the fans fire up, and Zelina climbs up the corner. Zelina rains down fists and fans count all the way to sette (seven in Italian) before Piper DUMPS Zelina to the apron! But Zelina GAMANGIRIS back! Chelsea & Alba shout at Zelina, Zelina shouts back and storms into the ring, but Piper is there to URENAGE! The fans are torn while Zelina flounders, and SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns as Piper has Zelina in a COBRA CLUTCH! Zelina endures, even as Piper thrashes her around. The fans rally, Zelina pries at the hold, but Piper ripcords, only for Zelina to duck under and roll her up! TWO, and Piper CLOBBERS Zelina! Piper frowns as she looms over Zelina. Piper drags Zelina up, whips her into the corner, and then Zelina falls in a heap. Piper paces, then storms back up to stand Zelina up. Piper THROWS Zelina into the neighboring corner, then she storms back up. Piper drags Zelina up to TOSS her into another corner! Piper soaks up the heat, Chelsea reprimands the fans, but Piper drags Zelina to a cover, TWO!

Zelina stays in this but Piper stalks her. Piper drags Zelina right up into the COBRA CLUTCH! Zelina endures, the fans rally, and Chelsea gets annoyed. Piper ripcords and HEADBUTTS Zelina down! Piper soaks up more heat, then she stalks Zelina. Piper drags Zelina up, whips her to a corner hard and Zelina falls in a heap! Zelina crawls, Piper tells the fans to go to Naples, then she rains down fists on Zelina! Piper YANKS Zelina right up into a scoop, but Zelina fires elbows! Piper puts Zelina in a corner, but Zelina BOOTS back! Zelina goes up, but Piper SMACKS her first! Piper then military presses for the- SLEEPER! Zelina gets Piper again!

The fans fire up while Piper endures! Chelsea is upset, Piper reaches out, but Zelina holds on tight! Piper RAMS Zelina into a corner, is free of the sleeper, then she runs back in. Zelina slips around to crucifix for an IRON OCTOPUS! Chelsea panics while Piper endures! Zelina then slips into a sunset flip, TWO! Piper stays in this but Zelina SUPERKICKS! Cover, TWO! The fans rally, Zelina hurries to get Piper up, but Piper grabs Zelina by the hair! Zelina ELBOWS free and Piper goes to a corner! Zelina runs in and METEORA! The fans fire up as Zelina kicks Piper out. Zelina goes up, up, and METEORA! Cover, TWO!

Piper stays in this and Zelina isn’t sure what she has to do! Zelina waits on Piper to rise up, and then she hops back on! CODE- NO, Piper slips free again! Piper runs, but Zelina drop toeholds Piper onto ropes! Zelina dials it up, but Piper gets up, so Zelina tilt-o-whirls to DDT! Cover, TWO!! Piper survives, Chelsea shouts at Zelina, but Zelina DECKS Chelsea! So much for having her Secret Her-vice out here! Zelina redials and 619 on Piper! But Alba storms up! Zelina KICKS Alba, but Piper CROSSBODIES!! Cover, Piper wins!

Winner: Piper Niven, by pinfall

Despite what the card says, Zelina was basically up against three opponents tonight. Will anyone ever get a fair fight against the Green Administration?

 

Backstage interview with Jade Cargill.

Cathy apologizes for last week because of Liv & Raquel, but tonight, Jade faces Liv 1v1. Is Jade feeling ready for Liv being this is Jade’s first match back? Jade says, “How do I feel? You was right there, you could see exactly how I feel. Liv tried it that night. And since she wants to try and disrespect me and run her mouth, I’ma show her. And when I’m done with her… Naomi, all eyes on you. So I know you’re watching right now, and this is just a little preview of what I’ma do to you.” Will the storm be fiercer than ever before?

 

The darkness is looming.

The smoke is back, and is that a glimpse of dice? The number 4 is back, but what does it mean?

 

Jade Cargill VS Liv Morgan w/ Raquel Rodriguez!

The whodunnit may have been solved, but the problem still remains that Jade left everyone wondering, pointing fingers and making accusations. But while Jade had her reasons, will she also shut Liv up about her bad reputation being further tainted? Or will it be Judgment Day’s night here in Bologna?

The bell rings and Liv runs up, into a BOOT! Jade dusts her boot off while Liv flounders of the ring. Raquel helps Liv stand, but Jade storms out after them both! Raquel tells Jade to watch herself, but Jade still storms up on Ricky Desperado. Liv runs up, but Jade SMACKS her first! Jade THROWS Liv into barriers, THROWS her into the ring, then flexes. The fans cheer, and Jade storms in after Liv. Liv kicks low, runs, OBLI- NO, Jade stops that to scoop Liv! Liv slips free, but Jade ducks the enzigiri! Liv avoids the boot, but Jade stops the Code Breaker! Jade tosses Liv, scoops her, and FALL AWAY SLAMS! Then kips up!

The fans fire up and Jade revels in it. Liv says they should just go. Raquel & Liv hurry away but Jade chases them up the ramp! The fans fire up as Jade CLOBBERS Liv! Raquel doesn’t even realize it, and Jade drags Liv back to ringside! Liv fights back, Jade SMACKS her again, then puts her in the ring. The fans cheer, Jade stalks Liv to a corner, and she runs up, only for Liv to dodge! Jade hits buckles, Liv back body blocks! Liv comes back, SHINING- NO, Jade catches Liv to POWERBOMB! High stack, TWO! Liv survives but Jade is rather amused. Jade drags Liv up and clamps onto the arms, but Raquel says to leave Liv alone!

Jade shoves Liv down to storm up on Raquel. Raquel gets away, and Liv runs up! BACKSTABBER! Jade tumbles, Liv hurries to get her up, and Liv POSTS Jade! Jade flops to the apron then the floor, the fans fire up, and Liv smiles as SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns and Liv has Jade down with a chinlock. Jade endures, fights around, and fights up to her feet. Jade fires body shots, but Liv jumps on for the SLEEPER! Liv brings Jade down, but Jade fights around! The fans rally as Liv squeezes tight, body scissors wrapped on. Jade still fights, still rises, and she RAMS Liv into a corner! And again, and again, and again! Liv lets go, Jade runs back up, but Liv BOOTS her! Liv reels Jade into a facelock, and manages a snap suplexes! That’s Una Amiga, and Liv hits Dos Amigas! The fans are torn as Liv brings Jade up for THREE AMIGAS! Liv gives some Latina Heat and the fans fire up!

Liv runs to ENZIGIRI! Jade flounders to ropes, Liv runs in, but Jade again denies Oblivion to hit a GERMAN SUPLEX! Liv flops out of the ring and the fans rally up again. “This is Awesome!” as Jade kips up again! Jade then CLOBBERS Liv! And CLBOBERS her again! And then FLAPJACKS, to SUPERKICK! Liv ends up in a corner, Jade runs in and ELBOWS her! The fans fire up as Jade goes again, ELBOW! Jade says one more, and she catches Liv to SPINEBUSTER her! The fans fire up as Jade smiles and grabs an arm. Fans cheer “MAMMA MIA!” as Jade RIPCORDS Liv into a fireman’s carry! F5!!

Jade kips up a third time and the fans fire up again! Jade finally covers, TWO! Liv survives, Jade showing off a little too much. Jade decides to just finish this, and she chicken wings Liv. But NAOMI is here! The Glow has a caution tape based outfit, a very clever reference, and Jade runs at her! Naomi gets away, and INTO OBLIV- BACKBREAKER!! Jade still refuses to let that happen, but now Raquel distracts the ref! Naomi CLOBBERS Jade with a title belt!! Jade is down, the fans boo, but Naomi hides! Liv rises, and runs INTO OBLIVION! Cover, Liv wins!

Winner: Liv Morgan, by pinfall

A huge assist from Naomi, and now Naomi picks the bones! Naomi rains down fists on Jade, the fans boo, but nothing is stopping Naomi from beating Jade down! Naomi stops just to talk smack, and then she SLAPS Jade! Naomi grabs Jade’s wrists to sit her up, and STOMP her down! Naomi then puts Jade in the ropes for the HEATSEEKER! Jade flounders, stands up on the apron, and Naomi BLASTS her down! Jade hits the desk then flops to the floor! Naomi shows her dark side, will Jade have no choice but to #FeelTheGlow?

 

Backstage interview with Drew McIntyre.

Cathy catches Drew on his way out and brings up his pattern of attack on blindsiding Damian Priest. Where does this end? Drew says he didn’t start this, but he will end it. He explained things so simply last week that even a five-year-old could understand all the problems Drew has with Priest. Every time Drew got screwed over the past year, Priest was there like a vulture to pick the bones. In fact, Priest would probably brag how, “I beat Drew McIntyre in a tag team voice!” Drew mocks Priest’s voice, and says that what Drew would love for anyone, but especially Priest, though he’s probably not capable of it…

Drew would love for someone to verbally explain to him how he’s wrong. Drew tells the truth. Try to poke holes in his logic, but you can’t. But to Priest’s credit, he is as tough as he is stupid. Priest will surely pick himself up like he does every time, but Drew will put him back down. You know where to find him next week, in the land of the first and only British WWE World Champion. See you in London, mate. Arrivederci! Drew reaches the parking lot, only to cross paths with Seth Rollins. Rollins smirks, then continues on to gorilla position. The fans already sing for The Visionary, will Rollins have his face-to-face-to-face with Roman Reigns and CM Punk?

 

The Street Profits are here!

Bologna fires up for the NEW WWE Tag Team Champions, Montez Ford & Angelo Dawkins, who have a new theme song to go with their newest reign. Ford & Dawkins get the mics as the fans chant, “You Deserve It!” Ford tells Bologna, he’s heard they’re very generous and beautiful. But he’s got some news for you: For the first time in FOUR YEARS, the Profits are the NEW WWE Tag Team Champions! The fans cheer, and Dawkins gets everyone to join in on “HEY! HEY! HEY!” Dawkins says, “I mean… It’s about damn time. SIUUU~!” The fans join in on that, too, and Dawkins smiles.

But real talk, for the past four years, a lot of doubts have been creeping in. The Profits were questioning each other. But them holding these titles right here… “You Deserve It!” Dawkins says the Profits holding the titles now made it all worth it. Ford knows they’re celebrating, but to be serious for one second… For the past four years, the fact that no matter what happens, peaks and valleys, highs and lows, he can always count on his brother. The fans cheer that and the Profits do the secret handshake. But wait! Legado Del Fantasmo comes out here. The fans boo as Santos Escobar leads Los Garza to the ring to ruin the fun.

Santos says, “Signore e signori <ladies and gentlemen,>” it is an honor to be here in Italy. And this, what a moment. The Profits finally capture gold again. Beautiful. Too bad it will end abruptly! His familia, these two handsome, chiseled Latinos are pissed! They are angry just like the fans, but they are ready to take those titles off- “YES BOY~!” Pretty Deadly joins in now! Kit Wilson & Elton Prince have the mics, fans join in on “YES BOY~!” Kit tells Santos that he can run his mouth all night long, but what he’s forgetting is that a few weeks ago, Pretty Deadly earned the right to call themselves the #1 contenders.

The fans cheer, and Elton says what Legado needs to do is step aside. Santos shouts they will NOT step aside! Pretty Deadly says so scary~! Santos says the Profits chose to believe Pretty Deadly’s pathetic gossip, that is why they’re in this mess. By the way, Profits, Santos offered them the chance to apologize and you didn’t, so now this is personal! So Pretty Deadly should STAY OUT OF IT! Ford tells Santos, “Whoa whoa whoa whoa whoa whoa whoa. Whoa.” The fans cheer, and he tells to listen here, “mi amore.” Pretty Deadly have their title shots. But y’know what? Legado looks feisty tonight, wanting to get in a fight, right here in Bologna!

The fans like where this is going, and Ford says how about he says something they can all understand: Tonight, let’s get it on, chicos! Because the Profits are up, and #WeWantTheSmoke! Santos & Los Garza are fired up, but will the Profits get caught in a trap game? Or will they use Angel & Berto as tune-ups for facing Pretty Deadly?

 

The force of nature draws closer.

Fire, thunder, and now a silhouette, as well as glimpses of this mysterious newcomer. Is WWE ready to ANIMO?

 

The Street Profits VS Los Garza w/ Santos Escobar!

SmackDown returns, the match already going, and Ford drags Angel down to a cover, ONE! Angel is tougher than that but Ford keeps on him. Ford runs, and ROLLING THUNDER SPLASH! Ford SMACKS Angel off the mat, covers, ONE! The fans rally while Ford paces. Ford runs, and he KICKS Angel to ropes! Ford then stands Angel up, but Angel stomps a foot! Angel CHOPS Ford, tags Berto, and they mug Ford. Berto taunts the fans, but Ford CHOPS! The fans fire up, Ford ducks a kick but not the GAMANGIRI! The fans boo but Berto drags Ford up to CHOP! Berto tags Angel, they shove and double hip toss for TU LO SABE! DOUBLE SUPERKICK!

The fans boo but OFF COME THE PANTS! Angel throws the pants at Dawkins! The fans boo, the ref stops Dawkins from storming in, and Angel KICKS Ford! Angel puts Ford on the top rope, then climbs up to CLUB away on Ford’s neck! The fans boo but Los Garza just soak up the heat. Angel puts Ford in the Tree of Woe, then tags Berto. Los Garza stomp a double mudhole into Ford! The ref reprimands, the fans boo, but Angel steps out. Berto tags Angel back in, they mug Ford more, but the fans rally up. Angel swaggers, mocks the clapping, so the fans boo. Angel runs back in, but Ford dodges! Berto hurries to tag and stops Ford.

Ford kicks, Berto YANKS Ford up, but Ford lands on his feet! Ford then dodges Berto, and Berto almost runs into Angel! Hot tag to Dawkins! The fans fire up as Dawkins rallies on Los Garza! Then CYCLONE SPLASH for Berto, followed by the ENZIGIRI! The fans fire up as Dawkins whips, but Berto reverses. Angel distracts the ref while Dawkins hurdles Berto, and Santos DUMPS Dawkins out! The fans boo as Legado gets away with one! Berto builds speed and he DIVES! Down goes Dawkins and Legado fires up, only for fans to boo more. The Profits are down right now while SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns again and Angel has Dawkins in a chicken wing stretch. Dawkins endures and the fans rally up. Dawkins fights up, fires body shots, then runs, but into a DROPKICK! Angel covers, TWO! Santos is annoyed but the fans taunt Legado as Angel stands Dawkins up. Tag to Berto, Berto taunts Ford, and Los Garza hit a LEAP FROG ATTACK! Berto feeds Dawkins to Angel’s HAYMAKER! Dawkins falls, Berto drags him to a cover, TWO! The fans rally for the Profits but Santos makes the pecs dance as a way to stay cool. Berto CHOPS but Dawkins ROCKS Berto! Berto kicks, CLUBS, and scoops, to then SLAM Dawkins!

Berto soaks up the heat, rolls back and MOONSAULTS! The fans fire up, that was a good move. Tag to Angel and Los Garza put Dawkins in the ropes. Angel KICKS Dawkins’ leg out! Angel taunts Dawkins, but he sucker punches Ford! The ref has to stop Ford, Angel BOOTS Dawkins down, and then Angel taunts Ford. But Dawkins ROCKS Angel! Angel blocks a kick, spins and lifts Dawkins into a Gory Especial! Angel marches to the ropes, tags Berto, and Berto slingshots, GARZA ESPECIAL! Cover, Ford breaks it! Berto protests, but then he whips Dawkins to the corner. Dawkins BOOTS Berto, ELBOWS Angel, then FLAPJACKS Berto!

The fans fire up while Dawkins crawls! Hot tag to Ford! Berto runs up, but Ford GAMANGIRIS! Ford LARIATS Berto, BLASTS Angel, then dodges Berto to LARIAT again! The fans fire up with Ford and they pump up with “HEY! HEY! HEY!” Ford runs corner t corner, Berto puts him on the apron! But Ford ROCKS Berto back! Ford climbs, Berto staggers around, and Ford leaps over! Berto comes back, but into a SPINEBUSTER! Ford covers, TWO! The fans rally, Santos is getting frustrated, but Ford puts Berto in the drop zone. Ford climbs, Angel grabs at him! Ford kicks at Angel, but Berto runs up to GAMANGIRI!

Los Garza both climb up to get Ford, and they hoist him up for the M T- NO, Ford lands out on his feet!! Everyone is shocked and Bologna is electric! Los Garza hurry down but Ford still BLASTS Berto! Angel grabs at Ford, Dawkins CLOBBERS Angel! Angel dangles in the ropes while Ford goes up after Berto! Santos panics as Ford hits a SUPER DUPER PLEX!! Both men are down, Ford reaches out to cover, TWO!! Berto survives and the fans are thunderous again! Santos coaches his team while Berto and Ford flounder. “This is Awesome!” as Angel and Dawkins tag in! Angel dodges Dawkins to DROPKICK!

Angel runs, but Dawkins SPINEBUSTERS! Berto runs up, Dawkins TOSSES him out! Los Garza regroups outside, the fans rally for Dawkins, but Santos gets on the apron. Dawkins DECKS Santos! Dawkins fires up with “SIUUU~!” and he builds speed! Ford tags in as Dawkins FLIES! Direct hit on all of Legado! Dawkins puts Angel in, Ford goes up! FROM THE HEAVENS!! Cover, Profits win!

Winners: The Street Profits, by pinfall

Ford hit Angel from on high, and the Profits are rolling into their tag title defense! Will they still be golden through this tour? Or will Kit & Elton finally be crowned WWE Tag TEam Champions?

 

A car pulls into the parking lot.

The door opens, and Paul Heyman steps out! The Wise Man tells his Tribal Chief to wait just one moment while he goes to check things. Will everything be in order for the return of Roman Reigns?

 

DIY finds Pretty Deadly backstage.

Tommaso Ciampa sarcastically says, “There they are! Pretty Deadly, the #1 contenders to the WWE Tag Team titles.” Johnny Gargano says they must be excited. Actually, they are. Very excited. Because they’re getting to challenge The Profits next week, in the motherland, in London’s O2 Arena! Ciampa again sarcastically says, “Cheerio, mate! That’s great! Seriously, we’re happy for you guys.” They may have had their differences in the past, but if anything, this just made their relationship stronger. So how about some quid pro quo? Next week, DIY will make sure Pretty Deadly wins against the Profits, and they’ll be the champions!

A career defining moment in front of their home crowd. And in return, DIY take their rightful place as first in line for a match for the titles. Oh, so what DIY is saying is, a little “You scratch our backs, we scratch yours.” Exactly! Gargano had his heart broken in his hometown, and he’d hate for that to happen to Pretty Deadly. So what do they say? #YESBOY? Clever! But NO BOY~! Pretty Deadly says see you around. They leave, and Motor City Machine Guns walk in, spooking DIY. Sorry, but it just didn’t seem like that went well. But DIY, welcome to the back of the line where guess who’s waiting! A team you deceived and pissed off, just waiting for a chance to beat your asses.

And it’s MCMG, by the way, in case you weren’t sure. Sabin & Shelley head out, DIY argues about what to worry about more, but one thing at a time. Will Kit & Elton become the champions in London? Or will the Profits stay up on this Road to WrestleMania?

 

Roman Reigns heads to the ring!

Bologna puts the ones up for the OTC, YTC, THE Tribal Chief, as he walks out with Paul Heyman. Roman raises his finger, the pyro goes off, and Roman continues down the ramp. What will he have to say to CM Punk and Seth Rollins? We’ll find out in moments, but SmackDown goes picture in picture.

Roman finishes his walk into the ring, SmackDown returns to single picture, and Roman raises his finger for more pyro! The fans chant for “O T C! O T C!” and Heyman hands off the mic. Roman nods, the fans sing for him, then the fans cheer. Roman finally says, “BOLOGNA! Acknowledge Your Tribal Chief.” The fans cheer, and Roman says, “Your OTC loves you. So that’s why I’m gonna tell you what’s been on my mind. Last month at the Rumble, CM Punk screwed me.” The fans boo that, and Roman says last week in The Garden, Roman screwed CM Punk! The fans cheer that, but Roman says that’s not all.

Because also at the Rumble, Seth Rollins tried to kill Roman! But it’s okay, because in The Garden, Roman tried to kill Rollins! The fans cheer and chant “O T C! O T C!” Roman says here’s the deal: The OTC came a long way, so he’s going to take his time. He’ll be here for a good 15, 20 minutes, so if anyone wants to come confront their Tribal Chief, then PLEASE… let Roman know. Roman paces and waits, and “BURN IT DOWN!” The fans sing, “WHOA~ OH~ OHH~!” as The Visionary struts his way down the ring in a cross between blue suit and raincoat. Rollins steps into the ring, grabs a mic, and the fans keep singing.

Rollins tells Roman, “You messed up! You don’t understand how dangerous CM Punk is. You don’t understand how dangerous he is to the future of this industry, to the future of this company. You should’ve let me finish CM Punk when I had the chance!” The fans are torn, but Rollins says he gets it. This isn’t about Punk. It’s never been about Punk. This has always been about Roman and Rollins. They came into this company together. There is no Roman without Rollins, there is no Rollins without Roman. And they cannot coexist in the same space at the same time. The fans cheer that, and Heyman has a rather sinister smile on his face.

Rollins says this story of theirs has a lot of pages written, and it is about time they added another chapter. Fans like where that is going. Rollins unbuttons his jacket, but here comes C M PUNK! The fans fire up and Heyman is upset that Punk couldn’t wait. The fans sing along with Cult of Personality as Punk walks out on stage. Punk kneels and says, “IT’S CLOBBERIN’ TIME!” The fans cheer as Punk continues down to the ring to join Rollins and Roman. The mics drop aside already, but Punk grabs a mic for himself. Punk then climbs up onto the corner, and he holds up the mic to show the tape wrapped around that hand.

As the song fades out, Punk says, “This right hand is not taped up to hold a microphone. But before the circus kicks off, let’s talk about some facts. Big Chief, Grimace, neither of you have ever beaten me without the other one’s help. Think about that! Because you can’t! And Roman, I didn’t screw you. I know it’s been awhile since you’ve been in one, but in the Royal Rumble, it’s every man for himself. Your Wise Man should’ve clued you into that. And you wouldn’t even have made it to the Royal Rumble if I didn’t save your family’s ass in WarGames. Of which, by the way, I am owed a favor, Paul…” The fans like the sound of that.

Punk says no, before that, he wants to thank Heyman for delivering the Tribal Chief here on a silver platter for Punk. Punk appreciates that. Roman scowls as he looks at Heyman, and Heyman defends his innocence. But then Punk CLOBBERS Roman from behind, using the mic! Punk rains down fists, Heyman gets out of there, and Rollins is conflicted. He doesn’t really like either guy, so doe she let Punk just beat Roman up for him? Well, Roman turns things around, but Punk turns it back around, so Rollins goes after Punk! The fans fire up as Rollins and Punk scrap, but Roman THROWS Rollins aside! Roman fires hands on Punk!

The fans fire up as Roman fires hands and even HEADBUTTS on Punk in a corner! Rollins JUMPS onto Roman! The fans fire up, refs rush out here, Rollins stomps Punk! “This is Awesome!” as Roman puts Rollins in a SLEEPER! Roman puts Rollins in a corner, Punk storms back up, and Roman RAMS into Rollins! Rollins CLUBS Roman, Punk throws hands, and as the refs try to stop this, the fans chant “LET THEM FIGHT! LET THEM FIGHT!” It is a three man scrap, Rollins KNEES Roman but then rains down fists on Punk! Producers and security step in, the fans boo, but Punk goes out to the desk! Punk is all fired up, as are the fans!

Punk tells Roman and Rollins that PUNK is Best in the World! And then he points to WrestleMania! Heyman says no! HELL NO! Rollins and Roman go after each other again, and then Punk grabs at them both! Punk drags Roman out, throws more hands, but Rollins DIVES onto everyone! Rollins bowls Punk, Roman, and the cluster into the desk! Jamie Noble tells Rollins to leave it at this! Rollins tells Punk and Roman that if they want a piece of him, they’ll do it at WRESTLEMANIA! And then he DROPKICKS Punk down! Rollins fires more hands on Punk, Punk throws them back, and Aldis says to stop this! Roman has steel steps!

Roman CLOBBERS Punk! And he CLOBBERS Rollins! The fans fire up as Aldis tells Roman to stop! Roman stands tall over Rollins and Punk, and even HE says WrestleMania is where to go! Rollins and Punk get back up, this chaotic brawl continues, but SmackDown has to call it a night! Will these two brawl all the way from here to the UK and beyond?


My Thoughts:

 

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Andrew’s TNA iMPACT! Results & Match Ratings: 3.20.2025

Coming off a Sacrifice with a few moving pieces and mixed reception we get to see how iMPACT follows it up!

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We’re coming off Sacrifice with a couple really good matches (Tessa vs Lei & Mustafa vs Santana), some solid story implications with Nic Nemeth’s heel turn, Elegance Clique winning the Knockouts tags and having Meta-Four members show up to make a claim, and Mustafa adding really great heat at the end of his match with beer spot.

So while not everything was great wrestling, things were pretty logical. Now let’s see what we get moving forward.

Ratings:

  • Northern Armoury w/Eric Young vs The Rascalz: Rascalz win via Feed Em to the Lions – ** 1/4
  • Mustafa Ali vs Mike Santana: Santana wins via Count Out – ***
  • Rosemary & Savannah Evans vs Xia Brookside & Lei Ying Lee: Lei wins via Thunderstruck – **
  • The System w/Lish vs Guitar Guys (Elijah & Joe Hendry): Hendry wins via Standing Ovation – ** 3/4

 

Results:

Oh God, Masha comes out to talk. She has literally zero aura speaking English. Yes she needs to cut promos to get better, but hot damn is she a charisma vacuum. Thankfully Tessa cuts her off and gets a resoundingly negative crowd reaction but she looks like a complete snack in the casual black and glitter covered outfit. Tessa makes her claim, but it’s just a distraction and Jacy Jayne blindsides Masha. I do like this concept of using Tessa’s legit heat to steer into her being a heel gateway for NXT female wrestlers to attack. 

Santino comes out, scolds Jacy a little and says next week is Masha vs Jacy. He then runs down Tessa and bans her from ringside next week during their match. 

Northern Armoury w/Eric Young vs The Rascalz

We know I don’t find the Armoury jabronis interesting, so I refuse to learn their names as they’ll never amount to anything. 

Wentz and Trey get early tandem offense against Jabroni with hair, a few quick tags, PK kicks, Dropkicks, the loser children need to take short cuts and distract the referee poorly just to get an advantage. Very basic tandem offense from Jabronis with Arm Wringers into stomps and a near fall that means nothing. Bald dork has Wentz in a Rear Naked, but Wentz breaks out of it and pulls off the Back Handspring Knee Lift so he finally tags out, Trey comes in hot, Missile Dropkick kills bald, hair gets knocked off the apron, Rascalz go for a tandem spot but more cornball heel distraction tactics, it back fires on the loser squad, Rascalz with some locomotion corner offense. Mayu Launcher into a Spinebuster from Trey, Feed Em to the Lions and the Rascalz win with ease.

Post-Match, Armoury and EY surround Rascalz, but Ace runs down with a chair to make the save. 

Fir$t Cla$$ Penthouse, KC and AJ playing with the crowd who hates them. AJ calls the crowd “muy pobre”and Chavo walks out to a huge pop, then Frankie Kazarian even pops out. Oh Frankie is still bitter about 2012 when him and Daniels lost the tag titles to Chavo and Hernandez. Turns into a Trios Match next week, Chavo, Octagon & Laredo vs Kaz & First Class. 

Mustafa Ali vs Mike Santana

Santana charges immediately, Ali slides out but Santana dives after him and connects! The bell hasn’t even rung yet and Santana is sending Ali spilling over tables and equipment. Santana keeps beating his ass, asks the crowd “Should I kill this puto?” gets a big pop, Ali tries to slip the Brainbuster but Santana stays one step ahead. Santana thinks he’s the Rock and tells Ali his soul belongs to him, and Ali tries to run away into the ring, Santana catches him, the bell finally rings, and Ali manages a Frankensteiner for space, Santana powders and Ali connects with a Dropkick on the bad arm. Ali continues his first bits of offense just wrapping the bad arm against the ring post, throws Santana back in, Outside In Rolling Neckbreaker and then a Key Lock on the bad arm. Ali is slowly things down masterfully since he did eat a fast beating for the first few minutes.

The crowd fires Santana, he manages to Arm Drag out, connects with a Round Kick, looks for the Rolling Neckbreaker again but Santana catches him on his shoulders, Spicolli Driver. A few move counters from both, Ali tries a Victory Roll but Santana holds on and turns it into the Rolling Buck Fifty for a two count! Santana goes to the top rope for the Frog Splash, Ali powders, walks to commentary says he already won and he’s the addiction that Santana will never beat, and walks out into the crowd and allows himself to be counted out.

Clever wrinkle to set up a rubber match.

RYAN NEMETH TIME! OUR LITTLE BROTHER! Nic lost his voice or smoked a pack of Marlboro Reds before the show. A pretty stock standard heel promo claiming that the Nemeths were the reason for the TNA buzz a year ago and the Hardys show up late to take all the credit. Leon Slater also has zero aura and no speaking ability, but referring to Ryan as Nic’s “Bug Eyed Brother” was a little funny. Nic versus Leon is hinted at for next week but a brawl starts anyway and Nic Superkicks Leon after Leon takes out Ryan. 

Rosemary & Savannah Evans vs Xia Brookside & Lei Ying Lee

Xia calls out Savannah to start the match, a few overhand chops gives her some steam early, but she tries to charge, eats a Back Elbow, Savannah tags in Rosemary, and Rosemary barks at her to get some aggression out. Headscissors, into Broken Wings into a Snap DDT for two. Xia tags in Lei, Rosemary decides to tag out immediately, so Lei is trying to chip down the tree, but she catches a Round Kick and lands a Sitout Chokebomb for a near fall. Savannah puts her on the shoulders, Lei fights it off, but gets caught in the Samoan Drop anyway for another near fall. Savannah tags out in the heel corner but chokes Lei a little to get the referee’s attention so Rosemary puts her in the Upside Down, and then continues to isolate Lei. Splash in the corner into an Exploder Suplex for yet another two. A few Vader Hammers into a Sleeper Hold from Rosemary. The crowd tries to ramp up Lei, but Rosemary cuts off the comeback attempt, looks for a Heel Hook, but Lei kicks her off, gets stopped but eats an Enzuigiri.

Simultaneous tag and Xia is taking it to Savannah. Xia and Lei have some nice Tandem strikes, only two. Savannah grabs Xia, Rosemary tries to mist Xia, but Xia ducks and the mist hits Savannah. Lei knocks out Rosemary, attempts the TKO on Savannah but doesn’t get all of it, and apparently the Thunderstruck has been changed to a Spinning Heel Kick…and I hate it. Okay match with a bad finish.

ASH and Heather come out for their celebration with cake, nice dresses and bootleg Chippendales. But Meta-Four interrupts, thankfully. Jakara Snackson in the house! Spitfire also comes out, and I’m never mad at Dani. OH, Gigi Dolin and Tatum Paxley also. Business picked up…or something went up…yeah…this is good entertainment. And there was something for everyone with the Chippendales early and then 4 women’s teams. 

The System w/Lish vs Guitar Guys (Elijah & Joe Hendry)

Well at least they didn’t bring up Hendry 32 times during the show and still end on him. I’ve loved the gimmick since Day 1, but overdoing it is bad for anyone.

Myers and Hendry start, Myers tries to mouth off but Hendry pops him with a Slap, Scoop Slam, Arm Wringer, tags out to Elijah and Myers scatters to tag out. Elijah with a few Lariats and the Rope Walk with Elijah. Hendry and Elijah clear the ring as we go to commercial. When we get back I’m gonna guess the System will have magically won back the momentum through heel commercial tactics.

Holy wow! Hendry has Eddie in the Stalling Suplex and lands it! Somehow the heels weren’t winning, but Eddie does kick out at one. So Hendry tags out, Elijah a few Arm Wringers into a Double Duck Jumping Lariat. But now Lish mouths off and Eddie connects on a Sliding Dropkick. So they delayed the heel team taking over for right out of the break. Look at that, changing it up. Eddie throws Elijah into the steps, rolls him in, tags out and Myers goes for the Sleeper Hold slow down heel thing, then hits a Dropkick into choking him with his boot. Eddie tags in, choke on the ropes, Lish gets involved in the choke too, and System is staying in control. Quick tags galore have Elijah gasping for air and Hendry is getting frustrated.

Elijah finally manages something to tag out, Hendry hits the Sack of Shit Kip Up on Eddie, Myers tries a Crossbody but he’s caught into Sack of Shit and Kip Up, the turn around and now calling for the Standing Ovation. But Eddie takes out Elijah, Rolling Forearm from Eddie into a Spear from Myers for a near fall. Myers looks for Roster Cut, but Elijah picks the ankle, Hendry fights off Myers, but Eddie catches him. They want System Overload, but Hendry gets out of the Backpack Stunner, catches Myers with the goozle and Elijah keeps Eddie out of the picture. Standing Ovation and we’re done!

 

Overall Score: 5.5/10

Full transparency, this was an easy watch. It didn’t feel like two hours, but it also didn’t really accomplish much. A very empty calories show with a bunch of set up for next week. I will say I totally loved the Ali and Santana match and finish. Ali forcing an unsatisfying finish can’t have Santana feeling good about the “win”, and I love how he’s saying he’s the one addiction that Santana can’t beat. So if Ali gets re-routed to a different feud or two and Santana starts acting like an addict going through withdrawal and NEEDS a rubber match at Slammiversary, I think that would be great to acknowledge Ali’s intelligence, plays in the addiction thing without being overly insulting since it’s focusing on a metaphorical addiction and not making light of something more realistic.

So regardless, a very inoffensive show. Jacy Jayne, Meta-Four and Gigi Dolin & Tatum Paxley showing up makes the Knockouts Tag feel less pathetic. And of course, Chavo was fine, the Dom mention was hilarious and Kaz being so petty he still hates Chavo because of 2012 is a level of petty I wish I still had in me.

Tolerable show, but nothing really worth the two hours.

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