Impact Wrestling live results: Tag Team title eliminator tournament continues

The four-team tournament to determine the next contenders for the Impact Tag Team titles will continue on tonight’s Impact Wrestling on AXS TV.

Former champions ABC (Ace Austin & Chris Bey) will take on Rich Swann & Sami Callihan in the second semifinal with the winners moving on to face The Rascalz in the finals.

In an X-Division showcase, current no. 1 contender KUSHIDA will take on former champion “Speedball” Mike Bailey.

The former Kalisto in WWE (Samuray Del Sol) will make his Impact debut as he teams with Laredo Kid & Black Taurus against Moose, Bully Ray & Brian Myers.

After the returning John E. Bravo made his surprise return to aid Dirty Dango against Santino Marella, the two will return to Impact tonight as Dango faces Bhupinder Gujjar.

Jody Threat will go one-on-one with Alisha Edwards.

The BTI pre-show will see Kevin Knight take on Champagne Singh.

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Kevin Knight defeated Champagne Singh (w/Shera) on the BTI pre-show

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The opening video highlighted last week’s events involving Trinity & Deonna Purrazzo, Lio Rush, Moose & Bully Ray and The Rascalz picking the victory over Mike Bailey & Jonathan Gresham.

Rich Swann & Sami Callihan defeated ABC in a Number 1 Contenders Tag Team Tournament match

Chris Bey and Rich Swann started the match with both men looking to gain the early momentum with their speed and athleticism. Bey would gain the upper hand and tag in Ace Austin who continued control of the match for the next several moments.

Swann managed to tag Callihan in and ABC found themselves in trouble as Callihan’s style was completely different from their own. After Callihan and Swann took care of Bey, Austin was caught off guard on the ring apron and Callihan seeing this, spiked Austin with his Cactus Driver ’97 on the apron to wipe him out.

With action now spilled to the outside, Bey managed to recover and nailed a beautiful dive off of the ropes to the floor onto Callihan and Swann, taking them both out as we headed to commercial.

We’re back from commercial and the action is back in the ring and it’s all ABC as Swann was getting schooled. After a misfire by Bey, Swann was able to tag in Callihan and action went back and forth for the next several moments with both teams nailing some massive offense.

After another misfire by ABC, this time by Austin, Swann took him out with a hurricanrana over the ropes as Callihan locked Bey in a crossface chicken wing. Bey almost submitted but got a second wind and reversed the chicken wing into a pinning situation for a near three count.

Bey then nailed Callihan with the Art of Finesse followed by The Fold by Austin but Swann was able to save Callihan at the last possible second. Swann managed to send both members of ABC to the floor and then proceeded to wipe out Bey as Austin was able to avoid contact and get back in the ring.

Austin looked as he was about to take care of Callihan and get the victory but out of nowhere, The Good Hands came down to the ring and Jason Hotch pulled the referee out of the ring as Austin was going for the pin. Swann attacked Hotch and they feuded up the ramp but as this was going on, John Skyler slid into the ring and nailed Austin with The Stroke. The referee re-entered the ring and Callihan scored the easy 1-2-3 to advance himself and Swann in the tournament.

– Backstage, Santino Marella was enjoying a moment of peace before being interrupted by both The Coven and the Death Dollz. Both teams stated that they deserved to be in the Knockouts world tag team title match at Emergence. Before Marella could make a decision, Masha Slamovich and Killer Kelly showed up and Kelly stated they would face them all at Emergence.

Dirty Dango (w/Alpha Bravo) defeated Bhupinder Gujjar

Before the match began, Dango grabbed the mic and stated “Man, I hate pro-wrestling”.

Both men looked good early on before Gujjar’s speed and power got the better of Dango but it wouldn’t last long as Dango started using dirty tactics to gain the advantage.

After Dango grounded Gujjar, Bhupinder was able to make a small comeback after landing a knee to the side of the head of Dango. Gujjar attempted to finish the match with his Gargoyle Spear but as he was on the ropes, Bravo shined a flashlight in his face to blind him. Dango took advantage of the situation and finished Gujjar off to get the easy victory.

After the match, Dango grabbed the mic and started putting down pro-wrestling again before being interrupted by Jake Something. Something stated that if he didn’t like pro-wrestling then to get the hell out of it. Dango left the ring and looked to be leaving the area but as Bravo was still in the ring with Something, Dango attempted to sneak up from behind on Jake but failed and got taken out instead.

– A video promo aired with an Deaner ranting about his disgust for Eric Young while Kon stood behind him. Deaner stated that he’s never felt more powerful because of guys like Kon standing by his side. Kon then stated that he was coming for Young.

– Backstage, Gia Miller was with Johnny Swinger. Miller asked Swinger if he gave any thought on challenging for the world title. Before Swinger could say too much, digital media champion Kenny King and Sheldon Jean interrupted. King cut a promo on Alex Shelley before leaving the scene as Swinger questioned Miller on what the internet was.

Jody Threat defeated Alisha Edwards (w/Eddie Edwards)

Threat started the match purely dominating the much smaller Edwards with her power. Alisha would catch a break but her arrogance wouldn’t allow her to fully capitalize on gaining real momentum.

Threat landed her running knee attack as Alisha was draped over the second rope but as she looked to finish her off, Alisha raked her eyes and Eddie followed it up by tripping her from the outside with Kenny. Frankie Kazarian then hit the ring to layout Eddie giving Threat the opportunity to finally hit the F416 and get the 1-2-3 on Alisha.

After the match, Kazarian grabbed Kenny but when he went to swing at Eddie, he unfortunately nailed Alisha instead. Eddie then had to carry an unconscious Alisha to the back as Kazarian was upset about what just took place.

– Backstage, Deonna Purrazzo stated that she wanted to congratulate KiLynn King on beating her last week and issued a challenge to King for a 1-on-1 match.

KUSHIDA defeated Mike Bailey

As you would imagine, this match was going to be a chess game as both men have very similar styles.

The opening moments would see the two men attempting to capitalize early but it was a stalemate until KUSHIDA was able to land a moonsault over the ropes to the outside on Bailey.

KUSHIDA followed up by grounding Bailey but “Speedball” would persevere and after landing some good solid strikes, nailed a running shooting star but could only manage a two count.

With both men looking to hit that one move that would help them gain the advantage, KUSHIDA was able to knock Bailey to the floor with a running handstand attack. KUSHIDA followed Bailey to the outside and attempted to lock in the Hoverboard Lock as we headed to commercial.

We’re back from commercial and both men are back in the ring and KUSHIDA was laying the attack on the left arm of Bailey before focusing on the knee as well. Bailey attempted a comeback but soon found himself on the outside once again. KUSHIDA attempted to capitalize but Bailey moved out of the way sending KUSHIDA now to the floor and Bailey followed up with a springboard moonsault off of the top rope.

With both men back on the inside, they were trading strikes back and forth before KUSHIDA was able to lock in the Hoverboard Lock. Bailey countered with an armbar and after nailing his double knees, he locked KUSHIDA in an armbar again. KUSHIDA wouldn’t give up but he was hurt and Bailey attempted to nail KUSHIDA with his running tornado kick but missed.

KUSHIDA wasn’t able to take advantage of the opportunity however and Bailey attempted to set him up for the Ultima Weapon but KUSHIDA caught him and sent Bailey back down to the mat with the Hoverboard Lock. A resilient Bailey wouldn’t give in and KUSHIDA switched things up and out of nowhere, nailed Bailey with his Back to the Future to get the hard fought win.

– Backstage, Tom Hannifan was with Crazzy Steve in an interview taped earlier in the day. Hannifan stated that Steve specifically requested him to do the interview and Hannifan asked Steve to clarify what’s going on. Steve stated that he felt abandoned by the actions lately of the Death Dollz and Black Taurus. Steve stated that he was legally blind and has been wrestling now for over 20 years. Steve stated that he’s dealt with roadblock after roadblock. Hannifan stated that it couldn’t have been easy but asked about Steve’s family. Steve stated that was an interesting question before a To Be Continued graphic appeared.

– Video footage aired of SUBCULTURE defending the Impact world tag team titles against the Greedy Souls courtesy of Attack! Pro Wrestling. A video promo followed of SUBCULTURE with Dani Luna stating they’re looking forward to defending the titles once again at Emergence.

– A backstage promo aired of a man asking a woman to “say his name” insinuating she was cheating on him. Joe Hendry then appeared followed by Yuya Uemura to Hendry’s music. Hendry was upset that Uemura was using Hendry’s gimmick but Yuya stated they could be tag team champions. The more Hendry thought about the idea, the more he liked it.

– It was announced that Team 3D would reunite after 7 years for Impact 1000, news that was officially announced earlier in the day on social media.

– A video promo was shown highlighting IWGP world heavyweight champion SANADA and his upcoming presence at Emergence later this month.

Brian Myers, Bully Ray & Moose defeared Black Taurus, Laredo Kid & Samuray Del Sol in a six-man tag team match

Myers, Ray and Moose made their entrances first and as Taurus and Kid were at the top of the entrance ramp awaiting the arrival of Del Sol, he never arrived. The cameras cut to the backstage area where Lio Rush had Del Sol pinned down as we headed to commercial.

We’re back from commercial and it was now a 3-on-2 match as Lio Rush had done the dirty work to help out Myers, Ray and Moose. Taurus was in the ring with Myers and after Myers attempted to match power with Taurus, he was quickly overpowered.

Taurus tagged out to Kid as Myers tagged out to Moose and it was now power versus speed but as Moose’s arrogance got the better of him, Kid took the advantage and Moose soon found himself on the outside looking bewildered.

Moose got back in the ring after a small pep talk by Myers and Moose tagged in a hungry Bully Ray who then asked for Taurus. Taurus obliged and after showing Bully he could match power, he soon found himself on the outside as he missed a running knee attack in the corner as we headed to another commercial break.

We’re back once again from commercial and Taurus is back in the ring but it was literally a 3-on-1 against him as Laredo Kid could do nothing but watch on in frustration from his corner.

After Taurus was finally able to ground Moose, he got the hot tag to Kid who managed to take out all three of his opponents seemingly with ease. As Kid was continuing his attack against his opponents in the corner of the ring, Ray pulled the referee in front of him wiping him out. Ray then attempted to pull the mask off of Kid but the lights went out!

Lighting bolts filled up the entrance screen and when the lights came back on, Ray was standing face to face with PCO! Bully was too scared to move and both Moose and Myers were sent flying out of the ring when they tried to attack PCO. Bully joined them and PCO attempted to wipe all three of them out but Bully was lucky enough to move out of the way.

PCO chased him up the entrance ramp to the back and the match continued in the ring with Taurus and Kid looking like they were going to score the victory. However, that wasn’t the case as Moose and Myers got the better of them and Myers landed the Roster Cut on Kid for the victory.

After the match, a frightened Bully Ray telling himself that “I set him on fire, I set him on fire!” was seen backstage running down a set of stairs and hijacking a vehicle outside of the arena. Before he could drive off, PCO had caught up to him but Bully was luckily able to get away as an enraged PCO watched him drive away.

Final Thoughts:

A solid show by Impact continuing to setup matches and feuds going into Emergence on August 27th. It’ll be interesting to see how the Deaner/EY feud plays out and if Kon can be trusted in the end.

The Crazzy Steve interview with Tom Hannifan was intriguing as the character looks to be headed in an entirely different direction which reminds me of Abyss and Joseph Park.

Finally, this was episode 995 of Impact Wrestling and it made me think of how many moments and how many matches I’ve had the honour of witnessing over the many, many years.

Definitely looking forward to Impact 1000 with the return of Team 3D, Awesome Kong and The Beautiful People!

Next Week:

  • Eric Young vs. Kon (w/Deaner)
  • Rich Swann & Sami Callihan vs. The Rascalz in the Number 1 Contenders Tag Team Tournament final
  • Deonna Purrazzo vs. KiLynn King (w/Taylor Wilde)

Ring of Honor TV live results: Shane Taylor vs. Gravity TV title eliminator finals

Thursday’s Ring of Honor on HonorClub will be headlined by the finals of the TV title eliminator tournament with the victor moving on to challenge current champion Samoa Joe in the future.

The finals of the four-man tournament will see Shane Taylor take on Gravity. Taylor was unsuccessful in advancing to the last such tournament he was in while Gravity was unsuccessful in defeating Joe in their first meeting recently on Dynamite.

ROH Women’s Champion Athena will be in non-title singles action.

Former ROH World Champion Dalton Castle will face Slim J while Cole Karter battles ROH regular Rhett Titus.

Wrestling trainer and AEW producer Pat Buck will return to the ring as he goes one-on-one with Tony Nese.

Robyn Renegade will look to continue her winning ways against popular indie wrestler and Khan company regular Billie Starkz.

Both Leyla Hirsch and Lee Moriarty will be in action against opponents to be named.

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Taped in Greenville, South Carolina.

Ian Riccaboni and Caprice Coleman were on commentary.

Dalton Castle (w/ The Baby Chicks) defeated Slim J (4:44)

Castle’s entrance is just aces. Apparently the baby chicks are bulked up versions of the Boys that need to be fed. Castle is in the TV title hunt, but wasn’t in the TV eliminator tournament that will be decided in tonight’s main event.

The match was mostly basic until Slim J hit a springboard dropkick from the middle rope. Slim J almost launched himself into the Bangarang, but got to the ropes to escape. Castle caught Slim J with a running knee on the apron that sent him to the floor. Back in the ring, Castle got a couple of high double leg takedowns and the Bangarang to get the pinfall.

– In the back, Tony Nese and “Smart” Mark Sterling declined the opportunity to wrestle Pat Buck later, but will instead hold an “Obesity Intervention.”

The Iron Savages ( w/ Jacked Jameson) defeated Lucky Ali & Brady Pierce (3:17) 

The Iron Savages are formerly known as Bear Bronson and Bear Boulder, aka Bear Country, one of my favorite teams from the Jacksonville Dark days.

Bronson escaped a hangman’s neckbreaker and hit a spinning powerslam on Ali. He then got the “savage sauce” from Jameson (something in one of these shake mixer bottles…if it wasn’t obvious by the name, “Jacked Jameson” has a weight lifter/exercise nut gimmick) and went crazy. The Savages dominated the match with sheer power. Boulder dropped Bronson from his shoulders onto Ali to get the pinfall. Fun squash. 

The Infantry (Shawn Dean & Carlie Bravo) (w/ Trust Adora) defeated Zicky Dice & Movie Myk (3:25)

Shawn Dean caught Myk with some sweet-looking deep arm drags early on. Dean caught Mye with a spinning DDT, and then a big boot into a Russian legsweek finished off Myk. 

– Lexi Nair interviewed Leyla Hirsch, who wants a shot at the Ring of Honor Championship. Maria Kanellis interrupted; Kanellis said Hirsch could use more confidence and will be watching her match tonight.

Lee Moriarty defeated Andrew Everett (5:00)

Everett has competed in ROH before, but this is his Honor Club debut. Everett looked pretty good in the opening minutes. Moriarty caught Everett with an arm ringer and stomped him down to take control. Moriarty tied Everett up in the ropes and worked over his injured leg. Moriarty worked over Everett’s arm and got a near fall with a front chancery suplex into a bridge. Everett came back and hit a falcon arrow for a near fall. Everett went for a shooting star press off the top, but Moriarty got out of the way. He hit a clothesline, then gave Everett an airplane spin into the Border City Stretch. Moriarty got the submission.

Tony Nese (w/ Smart Mark Sterling) defeated Pat Buck

There are rough 1,600 guys on the rosters between ROH and AEW, so I’m not sure why Pat Buck is getting a match. Rese canceled the rest of Ring of Honor in favor of group fitness training. Nese led the crowd through exercises, until Pat Buck came out for their match.

Rese insulted the Waffle House in his pre-match ranting, so that inspired various waffle-related chants from the crowd. This match did nothing for me. Nese hit a springboard moonsault for a near fall. Buck came back and hit a sky high for a near fall. Buck set up a powerbomb, but Nese transitioned into a cradle for a near fall. Nese hit a running knee in the corner and got the pinfall. This felt like forever. 

– The Workhorsemen are confronted by Prince Nana and the Gates of Agony. If the Workhorsemen win, they get a six man title shot with a partner of their choosing. 

ROH Women’s World Champion Athena defeated Rachel Ellering in a Proving Ground Match (7:05)

Had Ellering won, she would have received an ROH Women’s title match.

Ellering got a slam and a senton for a near fall. Athena missed a standing moonsault, but cut off Ellering with a running forearm. Athena sent Ellering to the floor and followed her out with a dropkick through the ropes. On the floor, Athena tossed Ellering into the commentary table and the guardrails. Back in the ring, Athena locked in a cravat to wear Ellering down.

Ellering broke free of the cravat and mounted a comeback. She hit a boot, a spinning elbow and a slingblade. Ellering hit a black hole slam for a near fall. Ellering went up to the middle rope, but Athena yanked her down. Athena hit the O-face and got the pinfall. 

The Gates of Agony (w/ Prince Nana) defeated Anthony Henry & JD Drake (10:52)

Henry came off the top with a dropkick on Loa, who no sold it and floored Henry with a clothesline. Eventually, both Henry and Drake were laid out on the floor. Henry avoided a countout loss, but got worked over by the Gates of Agony in their corner. Khan hit a uranage into a backbreaker for a near fall. Tonga Loa got a near fall after a running senton. Drake finally got a hot tag and rallied for his team.

Drake hit Kaun with a black hole slam for a near fall. Drake took out both the Gates of Agony with a plancha. Henry came off the top with a splash on Kaun for a near fall. Drake held Kaun open for for a doublestomp from Henry. Henry went for a pin, but Kaun very awkwardly crawled acorss the ring with Henry on top of him to get his foot on the rope. Drake missed a moonsault off the middle ropes, and Loa and Kaun planted him face first to the mat and got the pinfall. Whoever thought this needed 11 minutes is insane. 

Leyla Hirsch defeated Angelica Risk (2:26)

Kanellis watched this match from the entrance stage. Hirsch dominated this match and made Risk tap out to the armbar. 

– Athena confirmed with Lexi Nair that she is the face of ROH, and Athena took Lexi with her to look for more women to beat up.

Cole Karter defeated Rhett Titus (3:59)

Titus missed a dropkick, and Karter hit one of his own. Maria Kanellis came out to entrance ramp to scout Karter as well. Karter tried a chinlock, but Titus escaped and hit a double underhook suplex. Titus worked over Karter’s back and hit a lariat. Karter has looked decidedly unimpressive since Kanellis came out. Titus hit a dropkick for a near fall. Karter came back with a flying knee, then finished off Titus with an overhead backbreaker into a DDT. 

Billie Starkz defeated Robyn Renegade (w/ Charlette Renegade) (5:29)

Starkz is a teenage prodigy. Starkz went up to the top, but Charlette pushed her off the top rope while Robyn distracted the referee. Robyn hit a shotgun dropkick and a running boot in the corner. Renegade choked Starkz in the ropes and sent her headfirst down to the mat . Starkz came back with an enziguri and a hook kick. Starkz hit a Gory bomb for a near fall. Renegade drove Starkz into the mat headfirst for a near fall. Starkz dumped Robyn to the floor and hit both Renegade twins with a plancha. Back in the ring, Starkz hit a swanton bomb for the pinfall.

After the match, Charlette ran in and double-teamed Starkz with her sister. Athena came out and took out Robyn with a boot, then laid out Charlette with a forearm. Athena then set up Starkz to drive her headfirst into the World Women’s title belt, but thought better of it and left Starkz alone. 

– Lexi Nair mediated a disagreement with Josh Woods and Mark Sterling. Woods thought he’d be more successful in singles action, and Sterling agreed to get him a match with Silas Young. 

Shane Taylor defeated Gravity in the finals of the ROH TV Title Eliminator Tournament (5:28)

Gravity tried to fly around Taylor, but it didn’t work. Taylor caught him with a slam and a lariat for a near fall. Taylor worked over Gravity with a chinlock. Gravity escaped, but Taylor came back with a slam. Another slam, and Taylor mocked Gravity, then missed a legdrop. Gravity hit a rana out of the corner but Taylor cut him off with a knee.

Taylor went for a suplex, but Gravity countered with a small package for a near fall. Gravity charged in the corner and Taylor caught him with an uranage. Taylor set up a splash from the middle rope, but Gravity bounced up and cut him off. Gravity picked up Taylor and gave him a Samoan drop from the middle rope! Gravity came off the top with a splash, but Taylor got his legs up. Taylor then hit a package piledriver and got the pinfall.

Taylor shouted “Bring me Joe!” as the show went off the air. 

Final Thoughts: 

It was nice to see acts like Dalton Castle, The Iron Savages and Leyla Hirsch get some TV time, but no one needs a Pat Buck/Tony Nese match. Some of this felt like stuffing the show to get to two hours and really one hour would be just fine. 

NJPW G1 Climax 33 night 17 live results: Quarterfinals

NJPW’s G1 Climax 33 field will be whittled down to four following today’s quarterfinals show in Chiba.

IWGP World Heavyweight Champion and A Block winner SANADA (7-0, 14 points) will face former tag team partner and C Block second place finisher EVIL (5-2, 10 points) on today’s show in a quarterfinals matchup. 

B Block winner Kazuchika Okada (6-1, 12 points), a four-time G1 winner, will take on D Block second place finisher Zack Sabre Jr. (5-2, 10 points) today in another quarterfinals bout. 

C Block winner David Finlay (5-2, 10 points) will face B Block second place finisher Will Ospreay (5-2, 10 points) in today’s quarterfinals. 

D Block winner Tetsuya Naito (5-2, 10 points) will take on A Block second place finisher Hikuleo (4-3, 8 points) in the other quarterfinals bout today. 

Today’s winners will advance to Saturday’s semifinals round. 

Our live coverage begins at 5:30 a.m. Eastern time.

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Recommended Matches

  • Will Ospreay vs. David Finlay – The best match in either man’s tournament.
  • Kazuchika Okada vs. Zack Sabre Jr.  This was main event Okada with all of the normal fixings.

Yota Tsuji, Hiromu Takahashi, & Shingo Takagi defeated Kosei Fujita, Mikey Nicholls, & Shane Haste

This was a decent opening tag that allowed Fujita to shine. In the end, all three LIJ members focused Fujita before Hiromu closed with timebomb.

Shota Umino, El Phantasmo, Tanga Loa, & Tama Tonga defeated Minoru Suzuki, Ren Narita, El Desperado, & Hiroyoshi Tenzan

This match bounced between greatness and something significantly lesser. Ren and Shota have insane chemistry, and the stories being told by both men are engrossing; everything else in the match was not good. In the end, ELP won with his superkick and a pin on Tenzan.

Chase Owens, KENTA, Alex Coughlin, & Gabe Kidd defeated Taichi, DOUKI, TAKA Michinoku, &Yoshinobu Kanemaru

This was a silly faction battle. Both teams played dirty, with the more serious War Dogs being downright nasty at times. In the end, Kidd won by distracting the referee and dropping TAKA with a right hand.

Hiroshi Tanahashi, Eddie Kingston, and Tomohiro Ishii defeated Great-O-Khan, HENARE, & Jeff Cobb

This was a high-impact six-man. After a bunch of competitive exchanges, HENARE attempted to hit Kingston with Streets of Rage; Kingston escaped, hit the spinning back fist, and pinned HENARE.

Tetsuya Naito defeated Hikuleo

This was a fairly nothing match. It wasn’t horrible, just awfully uninteresting. 

Early on, Naito started working Hikleo’s leg. A grounded Hikuleo struggled to get much going before reversing a DDT into a last ride. Naito escaped the chokeslam multiple times, each time gaining more than he did the time before. After dodging a fourth finish attempt from Hikuleo, Naito hit Destino and won the match to advance.

Will Ospreay defeated David Finlay 

This was a fantastic match. The action all built to the finish wonderfully, and in a rare case, the interference added to the match.

Before the match could begin, Coughlin and Kidd met Ospreay on the ramp. Cobb and O-Khan met the War Dogs, evening the sides. The War Dogs returned to the ring, saving the violence for later.

The match itself opened slowly, with both men looking for anything resembling an opening. Ospreay struck first with a boot and a short offensive sequence.

Finlay took the lead for the first time by taking the fight to the floor. Finlay drove Ospreay into the barricade before setting up a table. Cobb took away Finlay’s table, prompting Finlay to spit in Cobb’s face. Cobb pushed Finlay to the floor, which forced the referee to eject him. While the referee was busy with Cobb, Coughlin and Kidd beat down Ospreay before serving him to Finlay in the ring. Finlay maintained this lead for some time, withstanding multiple Ospreay comebacks.

Finlay tried setting up his table again, but Ospreay hit him with an OsCutter on the apron. Ospreay set Finlay on the table, but Kidd made the save and ate a superkick for his troubles. Once Ospreay cleared his distraction, he drove Finlay through the table with a powerbomb.

Back in the ring, Finlay ate an OsCutter for a nearfall. Ospreay then climbed to the top rope and went for Leap of Fate, but Finlay pulled the referee on top of himself. The referee was out for some time, prompting the War Dogs to beat down Ospreay. The previously ejected United Empire returned from the back and made the save.

Once the fog cleared, Ospreay attempted Hidden Blade, but Finlay was ready with his shillelagh. After dropping Ospreay with his weapon, a second referee entered the match for a nearfall. Finlay attempted to close with Oblivion, but Ospreay reversed into a cutter. Ospreay then tried for Hidden Blade twice, hitting on his second attempt before closing with Storm Breaker.

Ospreay and Naito are now set to collide in the semi-finals.

EVIL defeated SANADA

This was bad—one of the worst matches in the tournament, even.

Before the match could begin, Dick Togo went to the back, leaving the two competitors to fight alone.

The match opened slow, with the former faction mates feeling each other out. As soon as SANADA gained an advantage, EVIL waved to the back, and Togo returned to ringside—he was gone for 90 seconds.

EVIL then attacked SANADA on the floor, driving him into the barricade and attacking him with chairs. Meanwhile, Togo was removing a turnbuckle pad from the ring. Once the match returned to the ring, SANADA whipped him into the exposed corner.

SANADA eventually sprung back, working a hold before shoving EVIL into Togo. EVIL and SANADA traded low blows before Togo pulled the referee from the ring and began to choke SANADA with his wire.

SANADA reversed the Magic Killer, dropped EVIL with a swinging neckbreaker, and Togo with a shining wizard. SANADA hit a moonsault and attempted deadfall, but EVIL raked his eyes. After another back and forth, EVIL reversed deadfall again and hit Everything is Evil to win the match and advance to the semi-finals.

Even if EVIL doesn’t win the tournament, the win all but guarantees an EVIL/SANADA IWGP Championship match. Have mercy on our souls.

Kazuchika Okada defeated Zack Sabre Jr.

The early game saw ZSJ upsetting Okada with a few kicks. Okada followed up by taking ZSJ to the floor and slamming him into the barricades. A draping DDT from the barrier established a strong lead for Okada, which he maintained in the ring.

ZSJ caught Okada in a hold to gain some footing. ZSJ worked Okada on the ground, but Okada powered to his feet and dropped ZSJ with an air raid crash.

Once standing, the pair traded strikes. Okada hit a landslide, and ZSJ answered with a Zack Driver. They then traded strikes from the ground before fighting to their feet.

ZSJ reversed a rainmaker into a lariat of his own. Okada knocked ZSJ with a dropkick but ZSJ rolled through and leveled Okada with a penalty kick; Okada kicked out at one. Okada hit ZSJ with another dropkick, and ZSJ sprung back to his feet, triggering a slap off. Okada won out with a lariat.

Okada attempted another rainmaker, but ZSJ caught him in a stretch. Okada powered out and dropped ZSJ with the rainmaker to win the match.

Okada is now set to face EVIL in the semis.

AEW Dynamite live results: Jack Perry vs. RVD FTW title match

Jack Perry defends the FTW Championship against Rob Van Dam on tonight’s AEW Dynamite. 

RVD made his AEW debut last week in confronting Perry and standing up for Jerry Lynn, and issued the challenge for this week. 

Also set for the show, The Young Bucks (Matt Jackson & Nick Jackson) will face The Hardys (Matt Hardy & Jeff Hardy) in a battle of future Hall of Fame tag teams. 

New Women’s World Champion Hikaru Shida will defend her title against Anna Jay. 

World Champion MJF & number one contender Adam Cole will appear on the show for a promo segment. 

Jon Moxley & Claudio Castagnoli of Blackpool Combat Club will face Penta El Zero Miedo & Rey Fenix of The Lucha Bros in tag team action. 

Chris Jericho and The Jericho Appreciation Society will have a mandatory meeting on the show. 

Our live coverage begins at 8 p.m. Eastern time. 

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AEW Dynamite comes on the air with Excalibur welcoming us alongside Tony Schiavone and Taz, as they throw it to the ring where the Jericho Appreciation Society are already there with Matt Menard introducing their leader, Chris Jericho.

The Jericho Appreciation Society Mandatory Meeting

Everyone is wearing black but Jericho, who tried to start explaining himself, only to be cut off by Daniel Garcia, who said he chose Jericho before everyone else and questions why Jericho won’t do the same for them? Garcia thrusted at Jericho and walked to the back, as Jake Hager took the mic and said that everyone knows they have a lot of options. Everyone knows that Hager “liked that hat” but he doesn’t like Jericho and also walks off. Jericho said to the rest in the ring that everyone had to admit they are bigger stars because they joined the J.A.S. Tay Conti said she used to be proud, but not any longer, she feels sick and not because of her child. Conti said she will go and have her baby, come back next year and win the title without Jericho and quits. Anna Jay said tonight she’s being selfish, tonight she’s winning the AEW Women’s Title, it’s not about Jericho.

Conti & Jay walked off as Angelo Parker said he hates doing this, as he loves being a sports entertainer. Parker did everything he could to make Jericho proud, even hanging upside down in Blood & Guts and almost bleeding out last year, but what has Jericho given him? Parker said he has nothing left to give. Menard said Jericho was his childhood hero, whose t-shirt he bought from his first paycheck as a teenager. When his wife was 8 months pregnant, Jericho heard his story and gave him a job. Menard mentions guys like Eddie Kingston & Kevin Steen, who hate Jericho’s guts and now he understands why.

This leaves Guevara, who immediately slapped the mic out of Jericho’s hands and told him to listen. Guevara put Sting through a table because he’s loyal and he’s not walking out on Jericho. Deep down he thought Jericho would do the same for him, but doesn’t know anymore. Guevara said if Jericho decides to do the right thing, maybe he’ll be there for Jericho before he left through the crowd. The segment ended with Jericho alone, with no one to plead his case to.

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-Renee Paquette tried to get a word with Chris Jericho backstage but Don Callis appears, apologizing if he caused any of what just happened. Jericho said he has an answer, but wants to tell Callis next week, as Callis said he’ll take care of everything.

The Young Bucks (Matt & Nick Jackson w/Brandon Cutler) vs. The Hardys (Matt & Jeff w/Brother Zay & Ethan Page)

(I’m happy they got to have this match on Dynamite, as this was a solid opening contest, but not a blow away barn burner. I liked the post match show of respect, as the crowd was into this and cheered both teams throughout. With the lack of tag matches The Bucks have had the past year, this was a good first step ahead of the now official Tag Team Title match happening at All In.)

The Hardys were able to control the action early with double teams that sent Nick to the floor before hitting a double wheelbarrow suplex on Matt for a near fall. A pulling sit out powerbomb in the corner led to a double team cover on Matt that for some reason Rick Knox counted, but Nick broke it up. The Hardys tried Poetry in Motion, but Matt moved and Nick popped Jeff with a corner enzugiri. Nick made the tag and ran wild with his slingshot face buster and moonsault to the floor before laying out Matt Hardy with the Risky Business. Matt faked out a dive and it was Nick that hit a twisting plancha to wipe out both Hardys heading into commercial.

Back and forth action during break with Nick avoiding a Twist of Fate, but Matt Hardy adjusted and spiked Nick with a DDT. Right as Jeff was about to make the tag, Matt Jackson pulled the leg out and The Bucks kept Matt briefly isolated before a double clothesline led to the reset. Both Matt’s slugged it out until Jackson ran right into a Side Effect. Nick & Jeff made simultaneous tags with Jeff dishing out the offense with a legdrop low and snap dropkick to follow. Jeff fought off both Bucks and wiped them out with Whisper in the Wind, but Nick & Matt avoided double Twist of Fates into superkicks and then a 3-D on Jeff. The Hardys avoided the Meltzer Driver and hit dueling Twist of Fates, as Jeff hit a Swanton on Nick for a close two that Matt broke up.

After all of that, Matt Hardy made a legal tag, as Nick was dropped with multiple Twist of Fates, but Matt was able to superkick the leg out from under Jeff, who was going for another Whisper in the Wind. Matt Jackson hit a backslide on Matt Hardy, but rolled through and The Bucks hit the BTE Trigger for the victory.

Post match, The Bucks were about to answer FTR’s challenge from Collision when the AEW Tag Team Champions came out to the ring. After a stare down by both teams, Nick said All In, so the challenge was officially accepted as FTR held their titles high.

-We see footage of Hikaru Shida winning the Women’s Title last week and Excalibur informs us that the title will be defended at All In in a Four Way match. The participants will be Toni Storm, who is exercising her rematch clause, the winner of Saraya & Skye Blue on Rampage, the winner of The Bunny & Britt Baker next week on Dynamite and finally the winner of the Women’s Title match tonight between Shida & Anna Jay.

-Last week Adam Cole & MJF are shown celebrating their announcement of the main event of All In, as Cole has brought MJF to a trampoline park. Cole thinks the place is so cool when MJF seemed visibly annoyed before learning there’s dodgeball. MJF ends up having a field day lighting children up with not only the dodgeball, but with insults as well. Cole said MJF can’t do that, as a little girl walks up, calls them both losers and flips them both off as the bodies of the kids MJF hit with the dodgeball are all laid out behind her. Cole told MJF its ok for one more, as a delighted MJF launched the ball right into commercial. This was a glorious segment; I can’t say enough good things about it. MJF was Adam Sandler in Billy Madison during this video.

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-The Blackpool Combat Club are backstage and said they hope the Best Friends learned their lessons after the Parking Lot Brawl on Rampage. Moxley hopes Trent’s mom Sue got the flowers they sent. Tonight, they pick the bones of their kill and bring up PAC, who they trash talk and said it sucks he won’t be at All In. The BCC doesn’t fear death, death fears them.

Jack Perry defeated Rob Van Dam in a FTW Rules to retain the FTW Title

(This match didn’t go long, but I was really entertained by it. RVD got off his greatest hits and Perry was able to weasel his way to a victory. I have no idea if this was a one off for RVD, but it was great to see him back on a big stage again.)

FTW Rules means anything goes, falls count anywhere, as Perry, who is wearing new gear, attacked during RVD’s intro, but RVD fought back and got his leg trap roll up for a quick two. Perry retreated and wanted a handshake, but RVD was having none of it and was about to hit Rolling Thunder, with Perry bailing outside. On the floor, RVD draped Perry over the barricade and absolutely destroyed Perry with a spinning legdrop off the apron into commercial.

Back from break, Perry was in control, but missed Rolling Thunder. A chair was stuck in the corner and table set up on the floor, as RVD hit a huge monkey flip and running dropkick with a chair in the corner. With a chair on Perry, RVD hit Rolling Thunder, but Perry avoided the split legged moonsault. Perry ducked the Van Daminator and Perry chucked a chair right at referee Bryce. Perry cut off RVD in the corner, but was launched off the top through the table on the outside. RVD rolled Perry back inside and hit the Five Star Frog Splash, got the visible pin, but the ref was down. Referee Aubrey hit the ring for the count, as RVD got two and argued the count. This allowed Perry to hit a low blow and send RVD into the corner chair into a school boy for the win.

-Renee Paquette is backstage with The Lucha Bros and Alex Abrahantes, who said the Lucha Bros fight in the spirit of competition but the BCC fight to hurt people like PAC. Fenix & Penta said tonight they’ll show Moxley & Castagnoli why they’re the best team in the universe.

MJF & Adam Cole make a Zero Hour challenge

MJF welcomed the fans of the Midwest and said previous footage of him saying they are Mid has been heavily doctored. In fact, MJF’s favorite place in the entire U.S. is the Midwest. Cole mentions making history at All In, in a match he’ll beat MJF for the AEW title. MJF asked if Cole wanted to promo battle and said Cole is so skinny and white if this was the 80s, Hogan would’ve snorted him. MJF called him a noodle arm, bobble head, but was cut off by Cole who said he didn’t want a promo battle, as MJF said that he misread the situation.

Cole said he how everyone wanted MJF & himself to win the AEW Tag Team titles, but Cole said he has his eye on another set of tag titles, the ROH Tag Titles, as Cole owes his career to Ring of Honor. Cole ran down his ROH resume and said the only title he never won was the tag titles, which has been held by great teams like the Kings of Wrestling, reDragon & The Briscoes. Cole said they should challenge for the ROH Tag Titles at Zero Hour before All In and head into the main event of the show draped in even more gold. MJF called Cole a sick pervert for wanting him to wrestle twice in one night. MJF said since Cole is his brochacho and he’s a sucker for a cheap pop, as the fans scumbag, they are officially challenging Aussie Open for the ROH Tag Titles at the All In Zero Hour.

Roderick Strong came out from the back screaming, insulted that Cole would want to challenge for the ROH Tag Titles with MJF and not his best friend, a ROH legend like himself. MJF told Strong to get in his car, go home, run up the stairs, cry into his Hello Kitty headphones and listen to Taylor Swift so he can Shake It Off like a bland b*tch. Strong asked if Cole was going to allow MJF to talk to him like that and said The Kingdom was right about him. Matt Taven & Mike Bennett walked out and hugged Strong as MJF said Cole didn’t need him, as Cole shoved MJF and said he didn’t need to say that to Strong as he’s both of their friends. MJF had to be calmed down and they hugged it out before MJF told Cole to go check on his boy.

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Jon Moxley & Claudio Castagnoli defeated The Lucha Bros (Penta el Zero Miedo & Rey Fenix w/Alex Abrahantes)

(Commentary really put over early how it was Castagnoli responsible for PAC’s injury and this action packed tag match is the second dominating victory for the BCC in the past week. The momentum they lost at Blood and Guts has been regained, as Moxley & Castagnoli have been killers, first at the Parking Lot Fight and now tonight.)

Fenix & Penta snuck up from behind and wiped out Moxley & Castagnoli with double dives to gain control right at the opening bell. Penta delivered a top rope double stomp to Castagnoli, while Moxley was flattened by another Fenix dive, which to the surprise of no one, busted Moxley opened. Penta connected with Made in Penta, but Castagnoli kicked out at two. Castagnoli ducked a double superkick and the Lucha Bros collided, as Moxley made the tag and dropped both with a double DDT. Penta spun out of a Death Rider into Sling Blade, as Castagnoli was backed up by referee Aubrey in the ropes, allowing Yuta to pop Fenix in the head with the ROH Title. A press slam into a cutter led to Fenix being isolated during commercial.

Back from break, Fenix was planted with a spike piledriver and Taz talked about how he broke his neck because of a move like that. In a Doomsday Device position, Moxley missed the clothesline and Fenix hit a roll up double stomp onto Castagnoli. Penta ran wild off a hot tag with a cazadora face buster on Moxley and backstabber on Castagnoli. Fenix made the tag and the match broke down before Moxley laid out Penta with a cutter, Fenix kipped up into a huge superkick before all four men were down. Fenix & Castagnoli had a strike battle that led to the comeback spin kick from Fenix as Penta leapt off the top, but was uppercut in mid air.

It was Penta & Moxley’s turn to chop it out, as they teed off on one another before Moxley was planted with a double team stalling piledriver. Right in front of the ref, Yuta grabbed Fenix on the top rope, as Abrahantes started going at it with him, only for Yuta to get hit with a moonsault. As Penta wanted Fear Factor, Castagnoli ripped the mask off, which allowed Moxley to get a roll up and the tights to win it. Post match, The BCC kept attacking, with Castagnoli wearing Penta’s mask as it happened. Moxley screamed that zero respect is what happens.

-Kenny Omega is backstage walking when Alex Marvez approaches and talks about The Young Bucks challenging FTR at All In. Omega said next week he’s sitting down with Jim Ross to discuss his future, Don Callis, Konosuke Takeshita and plans for All In. Marvez wanted a scoop, but he didn’t get it.

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The entire Mogul Embassy made their way to the ring, as Prince Nana ran down the crowd before Swerve Strickland talked about how he, Fox & Nana went to the Buddy Wayne Academy to prove a point and said everyone knows whose house it is. Fox immediately called out Darby Allin, who came out and demanded Fox tell the whole story about how Allin tried to help Fox when he needed it. Fox got to AEW by himself, but is upset Allin didn’t put a word in for him, instead for Nick Wayne. While Fox might have some new friends, Allin has friends too. The lights went out and when they came on, Sting was in the ring, leveling The Gates of Agony & Brian Cage with a bat. AR Fox bailed, as Sting was left alone with Strickland. Sting pointed up to the All In sign, as Strickland was pulled out by Nana as Sting & Allin stood tall. The challenge has been made for London and we learn that Tony Khan made it official, Sting & Allin vs. Strickland & Fox in a Coffin Match.

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Hikaru Shida defeated Anna Jay (w/Matt Menard & Angelo Parker) to retain the AEW Women’s Title

(Every week a match suffers from a lot of it taking place during commercial and unfortunately it was the main event this week. The ending was a little awkward, but Shida ultimately got her first title defense in front of an arena of fans, something she never really got to do during her first title regin.)

Excalibur mentioned how Jay’s debut match in AEW in 2020 was against Shida, as a jumping knee staggered Jay early, following up with ten corner punches. Jay wiggled free and was shoved over the top to the outside where Menard & Parker were quick to trash talk. Jay controlled the entire commercial break, but Shida fired back with a running elbow right when they returned.

Jay rolled to the apron and Shida tried to suplex her back in, but Jay hit a spin kick instead. Both ladies fought on the apron, as Shida hit a pump kick before pulling a chair from under the ring. Shida set it up to launch off of, but Parker jumped in front to run distraction that allowed Jay to smash Shida into the steps. Back inside, Jay got a two count before applying a Queen Slayer, but Shida climbed to the second rope with Jay still on her back and fell off to break the hold. Shida hit the Falcon Arrow, but Jay kicked out. Shida hit the Kitana knee and the ref counted three, despite Parker awkwardly trying to slide in to break up the count.

AEW Rampage 8/11/23

· Saraya vs. Skye Blue with the winner advancing to the Women’s Title All In 4 Way

· Darby Allin takes on Brian Cage

· Orange Cassidy defends the AEW International Title against Johnny TV

AEW Collision 8/12/23

· House of Black (Malakai Black, Brody King & Buddy Matthews) defend the AEW Trios Titles against CM Punk & FTR (Dax Harwood & Cash Wheeler)

· The Acclaimed will be in action

· Kris Statlander & Willow Nightingale vs. Mercedes Martinez & Diamante

AEW Dynamite 8/16/23

· Dr. Britt Baker vs. The Bunny with the winner advancing to the Women’s Title All In 4 Way

· Jim Ross sits down with Kenny Omega

· MJF & Adam Cole talk about the main event of All In

· Darby Allin & Nick Wayne vs. The Gates of Agony

NJPW G1 Climax 33 night 16 live results: D Block finals

Five wrestlers remain mathematically alive for the final two quarterfinals spots in NJPW’s G1 Climax 33 tournament heading into today’s show. 

The most likely scenarios will see the winners of today’s main event and semi-main event advancing to Thursday’s quarterfinals. In the main event, Tetsuya Naito faces Hiroshi Tanahashi in a match where Naito advances with a win, while Tana needs a win and help. In the semi-main, Zack Sabre Jr. faces Hirooki Goto in a bout where both need a win and help to advance. Jeff Cobb is in a straightforward win-and-in scenario against Shane Haste. 

The full card: 

  • D Block: Tetsuya Naito (4-2, 8 points) vs. Hiroshi Tanahashi (3-3, 6 points)
  • D Block: Zack Sabre Jr. (4-2, 8 points) vs. Hirooki Goto (3-3, 6 points)
  • D Block: Jeff Cobb (4-2, 8 points) vs. Shane Haste (2-4, 4 points)
  • D Block: Toru Yano (2-4, 4 points) vs. Alex Coughlin (2-4, 4 points)
  • Minoru Suzuki, El Desperado & Ren Narita vs. Shingo Takagi, Yota Tsuji & BUSHI
  • Tomohiro Ishii & Tomoaki Honma vs. Great-O-Khan & HENARE
  • Hikuleo, Shota Umino & Master Wato vs. David Finlay, Gabe Kidd & Gedo
  • Kaito Kiyomiya & Ryohei Oiwa vs. Mikey Nicholls & Kosei Fujita
  • Eddie Kingston & Yuto Nakashima vs. EVIL & SHO

Our live coverage begins at 5:30 a.m. Eastern time.

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Recommended Matches

  • Zack Sabre Jr. vs. Hirooki Goto – This match was a fantastic culmination of story threads established through the tournament.
  • Tetsuya Naito vs. Hiroshi Tanahashi – This was one of the tournament’s best matches. Tanahashi remains incredible, in case there was any doubt. 

EVIL & SHO defeated Eddie Kingston & Yuto Nakashima

This was a typical, tired House of Torture match. Towards the end of the babyface rally, Nakashima was left alone in the ring; SHO took this opportunity to drop him with a wrench strike and a Shock Arrow to win the match.

Mikey Nicholls & Kosei Fujita defeated Kaito Kiyomiya & Ryohei Oiwa 

This match was a hoot. The Young Lions were ambitious throughout the match, leading into the final stretch. Ultimately, Nicholls won the bout for TMDK by hitting Oiwa with a sliding lariat.

Hikuleo, Shota Umino & Master Wato defeated David Finlay, Gabe Kidd & Gedo

This was a by-the-book six-man. Wato won the match for his team by forcing Gedo to submit to Vendaval. After the match, Bullet Club beat down the winners and stood tall with their belts.

Great-O-Khan & HENARE defeated Tomohiro Ishii & Tomoaki Honma 

This was an entertaining match built around United Empire’s desire to kill Ishii. In the end, HENARE won the match by dropping Honma with Streets of Rage.

After the match, O-Khan gave MMA fighter/Pro Wrestler Hideki Sekine a ribbon.

Minoru Suzuki, El Desperado & Ren Narita defeated Shingo Takagi, Yota Tsuji & BUSHI

This was a solid LIJ/Strong Style match. There were some fun exchanges between Suzuki/Shingo and Ren/BUSHI. In the end, Ren won the match for Strong Style with a cobra twist on BUSHI.

Alex Coughlin defeated Toru Yano

While not horrible, this felt more like a House of Torture match than a War Dogs match. Before the match could begin, Gabe Kidd and Coughlin attacked Yano with chairs and barricades. Yano fought back, driving Kidd through a table. Yano tried stabbing Coughlin with scissors, distracting the referee long enough for Coughlin to hit Yano with a belt and the jackhammer to win the match.

Coughlin ends his tournament with 6 points, Yano 4.

Double Count Out: Jeff Cobb vs. Shane Haste

Haste, essentially playing spoiler on behalf of TMDK, worked a very aggressive match here. Cobb, with his tournament on the line, matched Haste’s energy. The fight worked its way to the floor, where Haste’s strategy began to play out; Haste kept Cobb on the floor as the count climbed, eventually holding him down to force the count out.

This result leaves Cobb with 9 points, which is still leading the block but makes him much more vulnerable to the results from later tonight. 

Zack Sabre Jr. defeated Hirooki Goto

ZSJ focused on wearing down an already worn down Goto. Goto fired back with well-timed bombs, forcing ZSJ on the backfoot multiple times. ZSJ won out in the end by submitting Goto on the mat.

This win puts ZSJ at 10 points, which secures his spot in the playoffs.

Tetsuya Naito defeated Hiroshi Tanahashi

This was a simple, rock-solid Tanahashi masterclass. Tanahashi’s slow build to Ace’s High and High Fly Flow was incredible. Naito won the match in the end with a tornado DDT which echoed through the building. 

This win secures Naito’s spot in the playoffs. He stands atop the block with 10 points.

Quarter-Final Playoff Matches

Tonight marks the end of block action and finalizes the lineup for the playoffs. 

  • SANADA vs. EVIL
  • Kazuchika Okada vs. Zack Sabre Jr.
  • David Finlay vs. Will Ospreay
  • Tetsuya Naito vs. Hikuleo

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Standings

A Block

  • SANADA (7-0) – 14 points
  • Hikuleo (4-3) – 8 points
  • Yota Tsuji (3-3-1) – 7 points
  • Shota Umino (2-3-2) – 6 points
  • Kaito Kiyomiya (2-3-2) – 6 points
  • Ren Narita (2-3-2) – 6 points
  • Gabe Kidd (2-4-1) 5 points
  • Chase Owens (2-5) – 4 points

B Block

  • Kazuchika Okada (6-1) – 12 points
  • Will Ospreay (6-2) 10 points
  • Taichi (3-4) – 6 points
  • El Phantasmo (3-4) 6 points
  • Tanga Loa (3-4) 6 points
  • KENTA (3-4) 6 points
  • Great-O-Khan (3-4) 6 points
  • YOSHI-HASHI (2-5) – 4 points

C Block

  • David Finlay (5-2) – 10 points
  • EVIL (5-2) – 10 points
  • Tama Tonga (4-2-1) – 9 points
  • Eddie Kingston (4-3) – 8 points
  • Shingo Takagi (3-3-1) – 7 points
  • Mikey Nicholls (2-5) – 4 points
  • HENARE (2-5) – 4 points
  • Tomohiro Ishii (2-5) – 4 points

D Block

  • Zack Sabre Jr. (5-2) – 10 points
  • Tetsuya Naito (5-2) – 10 points
  • Jeff Cobb (4-2-1) – 9 points
  • Hiroshi Tanahashi (3-4) – 6 points
  • Hirooki Goto (3-4) – 6 points
  • Alex Coughlin (3-4) – 6 points
  • Shane Haste (2-4-1) – 5 points
  • Toru Yano (2-5) – 4 points

WWE NXT live results: Dominik Mysterio vs. Dragon Lee

With his father in the corner of his challenger, Dominik Mysterio defends the NXT North American Championship tonight.

Rey Mysterio will be in Dragon Lee’s corner as Lee challenges Dominik for the North American title on tonight’s NXT episode. Dominik will have Rhea Ripley at ringside to help counter Rey.

Dominik is making his fourth title defense since winning the NXT North American Championship from Wes Lee last month.

Mustafa Ali and Axiom both want to be next in line for a shot at Dominik or Lee. A singles match between Ali and Axiom is taking place on tonight’s show.

Still claiming to be the Heritage Cup Champion despite the title belonging to Nathan Frazer, Noam Dar will defend his trophy against Tyler Bate tonight. Bron Breakker vs. Von Wagner, Blair Davenport vs. Kelani Jordan, and Ivy Nile vs. Kiana James are among the other matches set for the episode.

Our live coverage starts at 8 p.m. Eastern time.

The show opens with a pre-taped promo, where NXT North American Champion Dominik and WWE World Women’s Champion Rhea Ripley are backstage at Raw last night. They cut a short promo on Dragon Lee, who is challenging Dominik for the North American title tonight.. 

Cut to the parking lot at the Performance Center, where Dragon Lee is arriving with Rey Mysterio. Rey tells Dragon Lee to show Dom was humility in their title match later on.

“Limited commercial interruption” on the show tonight, so there is that.

Mustafa Ali defeated Axiom

Ali pinned Axiom after a subtle heel tactic. In winning, Ali now looks to be the next challenger for the North American Championship. Excellent opener, and a hot way to kick off the show.

A lot of great sequences throughout the match. Clever counters and reversals to go along with stellar high spots, as well as some scary spots. Ali has been playing subtle heel for a few weeks, and he turned it up a notch in this match. 

Just before the finish, Ali and Axiom are fighting on the turnbuckles, when Ali grabs a handful of Axiom’s mask. Ali plays it off like he inadvertently grabbed the mask. Inadvertent or not, Ali then shoves Axiom off the turnbuckles as Axiom. 

After shoving Axiom off the turnbuckles, Ali rolls him back into the ring. Ali executes a 450 om Axiom, and he covers him for the pinfall. 

Ali looked into a camera, and he cut a promo declaring himself the next challenger for the North American title.

The Schism were creeping around backstage looking for the Creed Brothers, and they apparently attacked several wrestler. Joe Gacy vows Schism will find the Creeds tonight or they turn NXT “upside down.”

Blair Davenport defeated Kelani Jordan

Davenport pinned Jordan after delivering the Bea-trigger. This match was set up after Jordan cut a promo on social media calling out Davenport. This was somewhat at the behest of Dana Brooke, who told Jordan to challenge someone in order for Jordan to find her killer instinct. 

Dana Brooke ran in after the match swinging a leather belt, and she chased Davenport around and through the ring. Davenport fled the whipping. Brooke then almost struck Jordan with the belt, but stopped short. 

If this was a Southern wrestling promotion, Brooke trying to whip Davenport with a belt would set up a country whipping match. Not sure what it means in NXT, but I guess a strap match is possible. All speculation of course.

Tyler Bate defeated Noam Dar (with Oro Mensah, Jakara Jackson & Lash Legend) to win Dar’s “Heritage Cup” trophy

Nathan Frazier is the rightful holder of Heritage Cup, but Dar has been parading around with his own replica version of the trophy. The replica of the cup was the one up for grabs in this match. 

Round one of this bout was a stalemate, as neither won a fall. After going the distance in the first fall, Bate goes up by a fall. Bate scored a pinfall after delivering a Tyler Driver ’97. 

The third fall was joined in progress after a split-screen commercial break. Under 30 seconds when the show returns from the break. Double down and a near fall at the bell to end the third round. Both were down selling when Bate draped an arm on Dar for a count as time expired. Like famed wrestler AC Slater, Dar was saved by the bell. 

Dar targets a leg in the fourth round. Bate tries to ride the clock and keep from tapping out, but Dar had him trapped in a knee bar. Bate taps out with about 40 seconds remaining on the time clock. Dar then refused to break the hold, and the referee had to step in to separate them. Nonetheless, Dar won round four by submission, so the bout is tied 1-1 going into the fifth and final round.

Mensah interfered a few times, including late in the fifth round. Bate and Dar trade near falls in the closing moments. Dar countered an attempted Tyler Driver ’97, and Dar cradled Bate. Reversing the cradle, Bate then pinned Dar’s shoulders to the mat for a three count. 

There is a lot of wrestling so far, but fear not. That changes with a bunch of talking segments. 

Tank Ledger and Hank Walker are backstage when they confronted by The Dyad and Schism. Ledger and Walker are them jumped by Schism for not knowing the location of the Creeds.

Ilja Dragunov is interviewed by McKenzie Mitchell. Dragunov says he is heading to the ring, hopeful that Trick Williams will confront him in the ring.

A skit in the locker room set up a match between Wes Lee and Dijak. They both want to challenge Carmelo Hayes for the NXT Championship. Dijak jumped Lee, which clearly sets up a grudge match.

Ilja Dragunov calls out Trick Williams, and Williams confronts Dragunov in the ring. They banter with each other, and they took a long time to set up a match between them. Looks like Dragunov against Williams at the Heat Wave special in two weeks time.

Charlie Dempsey and Drew Gulak are being interviewed by McKenzie Mitchell. Dempsey and Gulk were supposed to face Walker and Ledger in a match tonight, but they were beaten down by Schism. In comes Damon Kemp wanting to challenge Dempsey and Gulak to a match. He is scoffed out as he does not have a partner. In walks Josh Briggs and Brooks Jensen, setting up a match with Dempsey and Gulak.

 A nervous Thea Hail meets Rey Mysterio in a backstage skit. Hail is then met by Andre Chase and Duke Hudson. Hail insults Chase and walks away. 

Bron Breakker defeated Von Wagner (with Mr. Stone)

Breakker pinned Wagner after a spear, but Wagner powerbombed Breakker on the announce desk after the match. Gorilla Monsoon would have likely called this the unstoppable force meeting the immovable object. It was definitely a hoss fight. 

Wagner’s new gimmick he puts people through tables, as he was put others through the announce desk in recent weeks. Wagner even wore a t-shirt promoting the new gimmick.

Breakker went to press slam Mr. Stone after the bell. Wagner made a save, and Wagner then powerbombed Breakker on the announce desk, and it collapsed in a heap. 

Eddy Thorpe was the focus of a great vignette, highlighting Thorpe’s Native American heritage in his ongoing feud with Dijak.

Charlie Dempsey & Drew Gulak (with Myles Borne) defeated Josh Briggs & Brooks Jensen (with Fallon Henley) 

Dempsey pinned Jensen after outside interference by Damon Kemp.

Myles Borne was in Dempsey & Gulak’s corner acting as their second. Gulak at one point asked Borne for water, and Borne said he did not bring any water. So, Gulak kicked Borne out of ringside, and Gulak ordered Borne to leave.

Damon Kemp ran down to ringside just before the finish. Kemp suplexed Jensen on the floor, and Kemp rolled Jensen back into the ring. Dempsey executed a Dragon suplex to score the deciding pinfall.

Dana Brooke and Kelani Jordan are in a locker room skit that sets up Brooke against Blair Davenport in a match next week.

Kiana James defeated Ivy Nile

James pinned Nile to win the match. Nile is distracted by Ava, allowing James to deliver a finisher. 

The match goes through a split-screen commercial break. Upon returning from the break, masked members of Schism surround the ring like this is an impromptu lumberjack match. 

The Schism, led by Joe Gacy, Ava and The Dyad, accosted Nile. She is violently grabbed and questioned about the whereabouts of the Creeds. In runs NXT Tag Team Champions Tony D’Angelo & Channing “Stacks” Tatum. They are swinging crowbars as the clear the ring. Them saving Nile was set up in an angle earlier in the show where Schism confronted the new tag champs.

Los Lotharios are texting each other trying to patch things up. They both are thinking about what their grandfather, Mario Segura (El Ninja), would think.

Noam Dar is with Meta-Four are in a backstage skit with Nathan Frazier and Tyler Bate. A deal is made for Bate to relinquish his replica cup he won tonight. Bate gives in back to Dar, long as Dar proclaimed it a fake cup. Dar sort of did that, but not really. This somehow sets up a match at Heat Wave between Frazier and Dar for the real cup. So, that match between Bate and Dar from earlier tonight is rendered useless. Thanks for that.

NXT Women’s Champion Tiffany Stratton is interviewed by McKenzie Mitchell. Stratton’s return to television was wasted on this goofy segment.

NXT North American Champion Dominik Mysterio (with WWE World Women’s Champion Rhea Ripley) defeated Dragon Lee (with Rey Mysterio) to retain his title

Dominik pinned Dragon Lee to win the match, after a belt shot from Rhea Ripley. Dom tried to cheat by using the North American belt as a weapon, but Rey took that belt from him. Instead, Ripley used her belt to hit Dragon Lee, which costs Lee the match. An angle after the match closed the show.

Rey Mysterio came to the ring first before the match, and he introduced Dragon Lee. That helped make Dragon Lee seem special. Yet Dragon Lee lost in the end, but it was at least due to outside interference. The match itself goes through a split-screen commercial break. 

Dom teased unmasking Dragon Lee, as Dom unlaced the mask. That fired up Dragon Lee, and he made a comeback on Dom. That led to a few near fall for Dragon Lee.

They trade strikes in the closing moments. Dom does a 619 and go for a frog splash. Dragon Lee gets his knees up to block the splash. Lee with another near fall after a Liger bomb.

Ripley slid Dom his title belt, and Dom picks up the belt to seemingly use as a weapon. Rey Mysyerio takes the North American belt from Dom. The referee is distracted by the commotion with Dom and Rey, and the ref does not see Ripley smack Lee with her title belt. Dom then executed a Michinoku Driver, and Dom covered Dragon Lee for the deciding pinfall.

Rey and Dom are face-to-face after the match, and Ripley steps in between them to get in Rey’s face. Ripley starts poking at Rey, which brings out Lyra Valkyria to jump Ripley. Valkyria had confronted Ripley in a skit earlier in the show. She brawls with Ripley while Dragon Lee superkicks Dom. The heels flee as Dragon Lee and Valkyria stand tall in the ring. Is this leading to a mixed tag?

NJPW G1 Climax 33 night 15 live results: C Block finals

C Block’s representatives in the NJPW G1 Climax 33 quarterfinals will be decided tonight on the final night of C Block bouts. 

Five wrestlers remain mathematically alive for the two playoff spots heading into the final night. The most likely scenarios involve the winners of the semi-main event and main event advancing. 

Shingo Takagi faces EVIL in the main event, with EVIL advancing with a draw or a victory. Shingo needs a win to advance. In the semi-main, the winner of Eddie Kingston vs. David Finlay will advance to the quarterfinals. Tama Tonga must defeat HENARE and have an unlikely double DQ finish in Finlay vs. Kingston to advance. 

The full card: 

  • C Block: EVIL (4-2, 8 points) vs. Shingo Takagi (3-2-1, 7 points)
  • C Block: Eddie Kingston (4-2, 8 points) vs. David Finlay (4-2, 8 points)
  • C Block: Tama Tonga (3-2-1, 7 points) vs. HENARE (2-4, 4 points)
  • C Block: Mikey Nicholls (2-4, 4 points) vs. Tomohiro Ishii (1-5, 2 points)
  • Hiroshi Tanahashi, Togi Makabe & Master Wato vs. Tetsuya Naito, Yota Tsuji & BUSHI
  • Zack Sabre Jr., Shane Haste & Kosei Fujita vs. Hirooki Goto, YOH & Oskar Leube
  • Hikuleo, Shota Umino & Jado vs. Minoru Suzuki, El Desperado & Ren Narita
  • Toru Yano & Tomoaki Honma vs. Alex Coughlin & Gabe Kidd
  • Kaito Kiyomiya & Ryohei Oiwa vs. Jeff Cobb & Great-O-Khan

Our live coverage begins at 5:30 a.m. Eastern time. 

**********

Recommended Matches

  • Eddie Kingston vs. David Finlay – Finlay had a score to settle, Eddie had a dream to fulfill, and the winner advanced to the playoffs. With sky-high stakes, this was the most emotional Eddie match in the tournament. 
  • Tomohiro Ishii vs. Mikey Nicholls  This was a hard-hitting Ishii match with a strong performance from Nicholls.

**********

Jeff Cobb & Great-O-Khan defeated Kaito Kiyomiya & Ryohei Oiwa 

This was a solid tag. Most of the match was built on UE controlling Oiwa, leading to a Kaito hot tag. After tagging back in, UE continued their focus on Oiwa, allowing Cobb to close with Eliminator. 

Alex Coughlin & Gabe Kidd defeated Toru Yano & Tomoaki Honma

If you can somehow imagine, this War Dogs match was violent. It was amusing to see the focused War Dogs clash with the goofy personalities of Honma and Yano. To close, Kidd bumped the ref and dropped Honma with a closed fist to win the match.

After the match, the War Dogs beat down Yano ahead of Coughlin’s G1 match tomorrow. While walking to the back, Coughlin threatened Yano with death. 

Minoru Suzuki, El Desperado & Ren Narita defeated Hikuleo, Shota Umino & Jado

This was a reasonably by-the-numbers tag with some firey sequences between Ren and Shota; every time they’re in the ring together, it feels like we’re on the verge of a generational rivalry. Ren was able to win the match for his team by submitting Jado with a cobra twist.

After the match, Shota and Ren traded a couple of slaps.

Zack Sabre Jr., Shane Haste & Kosei Fujita defeated Hirooki Goto, YOH & Oskar Leube

This was another absolutely solid tag. The exchanges between YOH and Fujita were fantastic. In the end, Haste won with a massive powerbomb, pinning Oskar Leube.

After the match, YOH and Fujita traded licks, prompting Goto and ZSJ to break it up. A tense staredown between ZSJ and Goto followed.

Tetsuya Naito, Yota Tsuji & BUSHI defeated Hiroshi Tanahashi, Togi Makabe & Master Wato 

This was a bit of a slog compared to the other tags on this card. The most compelling part of this match, the Makabe and Tsuji section, was clumsy at best. This awkward sequence was the end, with Tsuji hitting a stomp, falcon arrow, and a spear to win the match.

After the match, Naito attacked Tanahahsi, focusing on his leg, which he had spent a lot of time working on during the match.

Tomohiro Ishii defeated Mikey Nicholls

Unsurprisingly, this was an intense encounter. Nicholls dropped Ishii on his head repeatedly, scoring a couple of nearfalls. Ishii fired back with a fierce rally, leading to a brainbuster that won Ishii the match.

This result leaves both men with 4 points to finish the tournament.

Tama Tonga defeated HENARE

This did little-to-nothing for me. HENARE worked heelishly throughout, opening the door for a Tama comeback. After surviving a rampage, Tama caught HENARE with a fist and a double under-hook driver to win the match.

This win put Tama at 9 points, ahead of everyone else in C block for the time being. HENARE’s tournament is over with 4 points.

David Finlay defeated Eddie Kingston 

This was one of my favorite matches of the tournament. Eddie’s energy was palpable in this match. Finlay was forced to wrestle downright hateful in response to Eddie’s grit. The finish saw Finlay avoiding a back fist before landing a spear and Oblivion to win the match.

After the match, Finlay stomped on Eddie’s NJPW STRONG title while holding the NEVER belt high.

This win eliminated Eddie from the tournament and secured Finlay’s spot in the elite 8 with 10 points. Finlay is set to face Will Ospreay on Thursday in the quarter-finals.

EVIL defeated Shingo Takagi

EVIL worked dirty from the opening bell. As Shingo fired back, House of Torture made their presence felt. After a referee bump, HoT attacked Shingo, forcing LIJ to make the save. A prolonged, chaotic faction war ended with a low blow, and Everything is Evil.

This win secured EVIL’s spot in the playoffs with 10 points. 

**********

Standings

A Block

  • SANADA (7-0) – 14 points
  • Hikuleo (4-3) – 8 points
  • Yota Tsuji (3-3-1) – 7 points
  • Shota Umino (2-3-2) – 6 points
  • Kaito Kiyomiya (2-3-2) – 6 points
  • Ren Narita (2-3-2) – 6 points
  • Gabe Kidd (2-4-1) 5 points
  • Chase Owens (2-5) – 4 points

B Block

  • Kazuchika Okada (6-1) – 12 points
  • Will Ospreay (6-2) 10 points
  • Taichi (3-4) – 6 points
  • El Phantasmo (3-4) 6 points
  • Tanga Loa (3-4) 6 points
  • KENTA (3-4) 6 points
  • Great-O-Khan (3-4) 6 points
  • YOSHI-HASHI (2-5) – 4 points

C Block

  • David Finlay (5-2) – 10 points
  • EVIL (5-2) – 10 points
  • Tama Tonga (4-2-1) – 9 points
  • Eddie Kingston (4-3) – 8 points
  • Shingo Takagi (3-3-1) – 7 points
  • Mikey Nicholls (2-5) – 4 points
  • HENARE (2-5) – 4 points
  • Tomohiro Ishii (2-5) – 4 points

D Block

  • Jeff Cobb (4-2) – 8 points
  • Zack Sabre Jr. (4-2) – 8 points
  • Tetsuya Naito (4-2) – 8 points
  • Hiroshi Tanahashi (3-3) – 6 points
  • Hirooki Goto (3-3) – 6 points
  • Shane Haste (2-4) – 4 points
  • Alex Coughlin (2-4) – 4 points
  • Toru Yano (2-4) – 4 points

WWE Main Event results: Bronson Reed vs. Apollo Crews

Last week’s WWE Main Event was taped at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas, before last Monday’s Raw. Byron Saxton and Kevin Patrick were on the call. 

Dana Brooke defeated Xia Li (5:41)

They showed clips of Brooke’s recent match on NXT with Cora Jade. Saxton said Li wants to hurt Brooke and that Brooke is channeling a more aggressive side. 

Brooke aggressively worked a headlock, which Li got out of with a foot stomp. She tried dragging Li to the corner and tripped over the referee, falling to the ground. The crowd, which wasn’t paying attention, didn’t notice.

Li got a near fall with a running kick and then yelled at the quiet crowd to shut up, which led to a three-second “Let’s go Dana” chant.

The crowd woke up during Brooke’s comeback. She used several snapmares and a slap to the face. They grappled on the ropes, which Brooke got the better of and the former 24/7 Champion later after hitting a swanton.

Tonight on Main Event: Seth Rollins & Sami Zayn vs Damien Priest & Dirty Dominik Mysterio. Wow! What a huge match for WWE Main Event….oh wait, it’s just a replay of Raw last week. For all your information on the shows people watch, go read the Raw, SmackDown, NXT, Dynamite, Rampage, and Collision reports on the site.

Bronson Reed defeated Apollo Crews (6:48)

The main event of Main Event featured a former Intercontinental and United States Champion vs. a man who cleanly pinned Kazuchika Okada one year ago. If you like Crews, Main Event is the show for you as he has wrestled on seven of the last nine episodes. 

These two worked really well together and the crowd was into it within 90 seconds. Crews did a dive over the top rope and then went for a top rope move in the ring but Reed cut him off. Reed delivered a running shoulder block off the apron before we went to commercial.

Back from commercial and back in the ring, Reed squished Apollo in the corner and locked in a waist lock. Crews fought back up, elbowed his way out, and hit a jaw jacker. He followed that up with an enzuigiri to the back of Reed’s head, multiple kicks, a corner splash, and a flying crossbody off the top rope to finally knock Reed off his feet. 

Crews tried picking Reed up on his shoulders but failed. Reed went for a power bomb but failed. Crews finally picked Reed up, but Reed got out of it, hit a cyclone powerslam and then his Tsunami splash for the pin.

So that does it for Main Event. I am on a 144-hour break and have surgery Monday so send some positive thoughts my way and until next Sunday, have a great week!

NJPW G1 Climax 33 night 14 live results: B Block finals

B Block’s representatives in the NJPW G1 Climax 33 quarterfinals will be decided tonight on the final night of B Block bouts. 

The winner of tonight’s Will Ospreay vs. El Phantasmo main event will join Kazuchika Okada in representing B Block in Thursday’s quarterfinals. Ospreay can advance with a win or a draw, while ELP must beat Ospreay to advance. 

Tonight’s card: 

  • B Block: Will Ospreay (4-2, 8 points) vs. El Phantasmo (3-3, 6 points)
  • B Block: Kazuchika Okada (5-1, 10 points) vs. Tanga Loa (3-3, 6 points)
  • B Block: Taichi (3-3, 6 points) vs. Great-O-Khan (2-4, 4 points)
  • B Block: YOSHI-HASHI (2-4, 4 points) vs. KENTA (2-4, 4 points)
  • Tetsuya Naito, Shingo Takagi, Yota Tsuji & BUSHI vs. EVIL, Yujiro Takahashi, SHO & Dick Togo
  • Eddie Kingston & Togi Makabe vs. David Finlay & Chase Owens
  • Tama Tonga & Hiroyoshi Tenzan vs. Jeff Cobb & HENARE
  • Hiroshi Tanahashi & Tomohiro Ishii vs. Mikey Nicholls & Kosei Fujita
  • Kaito Kiyomiya & Ryohei Oiwa vs. SANADA & DOUKI

Our live coverage begins at 1 a.m. Eastern time. 

**********

SANADA & DOUKI defeated Kaito Kiyomiya & Ryohei Oiwa

With Kaito’s tournament being over, this match lacked any real urgency, but this was an entertaining open. Oiwa showed up strong, challenging SANADA in the closing sequence before submitting to Skull End.

Hiroshi Tanahashi & Tomohiro Ishii defeated Mikey Nicholls & Kosei Fujita

This was another fun tag. In more ways than one, this was a tale of two matches with some particularly intense sequences between Nicholls and Ishii while Tanahashi focused Fujita. Tanahashi’s attention paid off as he forced Fujita to submit with the cloverleaf. 

After the match, Ishii and Nicholls came to blows again, forcing the ring crew to break them up.

Jeff Cobb & HENARE defeated Tama Tonga & Hiroyoshi Tenzan 

This was a totally average match. The closing stretch was Cobb beating down Tenzan before dropping him with Tour of the Islands to win.

David Finlay & Chase Owens defeated Eddie Kingston & Togi Makabe

While not very exciting, this was at least a competitive match, especially when Kingston and Finlay squared off. Finlay won the match for Bullet Club after ending a Makabe rally with Oblivion.

After the match, Kingston and Finlay had a brief staredown ahead of their G1 encounter in Yokohama.

Tetsuya Naito, Shingo Takagi, Yota Tsuji & BUSHI vs. EVIL, Yujiro Takahashi, SHO & Dick Togo

It didn’t take long for this to devolve into a archetypal House of Torture match. LIJ tried their best to keep up, with Naito eventually landing Destino on Togo for the pinfall win.

After the match, EVIL attacked Shingo and tried to shave his head, but LIJ made the save.

KENTA defeated YOSHI-HASHI

This was just KENTA beating the brakes off of YH. KENTA’s attack backfired when he hit himself in the face with a metal staff, opening the door for a YH rally. KENTA cut off YH’s rally with a quick cradle to win the match and earn two more points.

Both of these guys were already eliminated from playoff contention, so this match didn’t change anything in the outcome of the tournament. 

Great-O-Khan defeated Taichi

O-Khan wrestled an aggressive match here, maintaining control for quite some time. This turned the match into a ground war, lasting for most of the remaining runtime. After working a head an arm choke for minutes, O-Khan forced Taichi to submit.

This loss eliminated Taichi from playoff contention. O-Khan was already ineligible. 

Kazuchika Okada defeated Tanga Loa

Okada was coasting through the early portion of this match, which opened the door for Loa. Loa’s attempts at offense weren’t enough, as a rainmaker marked the end of Loa’s G1.

This win secures Okada first place in B block with 12 points.

Will Ospreay defeated El Phantasmo

This, unsurprisingly, was a highly athletic match filled with dives, speed sequences, and false finishes; if that sounds enticing, this match is for you. The crowd absolutely ate this up, especially as the time limit grew closer. ELP survived an OsCutter and a hidden blade, forcing Ospreay to close with the tiger driver.

This win earned Ospreay his spot in the playoffs.

**********

Standings

A Block

  • SANADA (7-0) – 14 points
  • Hikuleo (4-3) – 8 points
  • Yota Tsuji (3-3-1) – 7 points
  • Shota Umino (2-3-2) – 6 points
  • Kaito Kiyomiya (2-3-2) – 6 points
  • Ren Narita (2-3-2) – 6 points
  • Gabe Kidd (2-4-1) 5 points
  • Chase Owens (2-5) – 4 points

B Block

  • Kazuchika Okada (6-1) – 12 points
  • Will Ospreay (6-2) 10 points
  • Taichi (3-4) – 6 points
  • El Phantasmo (3-4) 6 points
  • Tanga Loa (3-4) 6 points
  • KENTA (3-4) 6 points
  • Great-O-Khan (3-4) 6 points
  • YOSHI-HASHI (2-5) – 4 points

C Block

  • David Finlay (4-2) – 8 points
  • EVIL (4-2) – 8 points
  • Eddie Kingston (4-2) – 8 points
  • Tama Tonga (3-2-1) – 7 points
  • Shingo Takagi (3-2-1) – 7 points
  • Mikey Nicholls (2-4) – 4 points
  • HENARE (2-4) – 4 points
  • Tomohiro Ishii (1-5) – 2 points

D Block

  • Jeff Cobb (4-2) – 8 points
  • Zack Sabre Jr. (4-2) – 8 points
  • Tetsuya Naito (4-2) – 8 points
  • Hiroshi Tanahashi (3-3) – 6 points
  • Hirooki Goto (3-3) – 6 points
  • Shane Haste (2-4) – 4 points
  • Alex Coughlin (2-4) – 4 points
  • Toru Yano (2-4) – 4 points

AEW Collision live results: CM Punk vs. Ricky Starks ‘Real World title’ match

CM Punk will defend what he claims is the rightful World title against Ricky Starks on tonight’s AEW Collision with Ricky Steamboat as special guest referee.

After weeks of carrying around a red bag, Punk revealed the “Real World title” last week which he then spray painted with his X symbol. Starks confronted Punk and said the title should be his after recently defeating him, leading to this rematch.

AEW Tag Team Champions FTR will look to continue their roll on Collision with title defenses as they face Big Bill & Brian Cage. The latter earned their shot after recently winning a battle royal on Rampage. FTR successfully defended against Adam Cole & MJF last Saturday.

TBS Champion Kris Statlander will defend her title against former ROH Women’s Champion Mercedes Martinez.

The Acclaimed will speak publicly for the first time since Billy Gunn seemingly retired after their recent loss to AEW Trios Champions House of Black.

**********

Our opening comments feature CM Punk saying he’s gonna separate the contenders from the pretenders, Ricky Starks saying he’s going to leave the Greenville crowd chanting his name, Prince Nana saying that his “brolic buddies” will leave with the titles, and FTR saying that they’re going to retain the titles in FTR Country.

AEW World Tag Team Title Match: FTR (Cash Wheeler & Dax Harwood) (c) defeated Big Bill & Brian Cage (w/ Prince Nana) to retain

This was another fun TV Title defense from FTR. Big Bill and Brian Cage worked well together as the big men that the hometown babyfaces needed to topple. Big Bill in particular has shined lately, taking complete advantage of the opportunities he’s been given.

Wheeler started this match by giving a hug to his mother in the front row. He engaged with Cage, with Cage bowling him over with a shoulder block. Harwood tried his hand and staggered Cage, but Cage dropped him with a lariat. Cage and Harwood went back and forth before Cage dropped both champions with shoulder blocks.

Big Bill tagged in and dropped Wheeler with a bodyslam and an elbow drop for a nearfall. Wheeler fought out of the corner and tagged Harwood. FTR fought off both challengers but couldn’t hoist up Bill for the Shatter Machine. Bill chokeslammed Wheeler on top of Harwood, then press slammed Wheeler out of the ring onto Harwood on the outside. The challengers posed as we went to a commercial break.

We came back from break with Bill beating on Wheeler in front of Wheeler’s mother. Bill posed in front of Wheeler’s mother, earning a slap to the face from her. Back in the ring, Cage hit his apron superplex to Wheeler for a nearfall that Harwood broke up. Wheeler fought out of a Torture Rack attempt from Bill and eventually rolled him up, but Bill kicked out and dropped him with a lariat. Wheeler avoided a corner charge from Bill and hit a German suplex on Cage, then fought his way to his corner to tag in Harwood.

Harwood ran wild, sending Bill out of the ring with a running forearm and hammering Cage with lariats. Harwood punched him in the face, then tagged in Wheeler to hit the Steiner Brothers Doomsday Bulldog for a nearfall. They set up the spike piledriver, but Cage caught them both and hit a fallaway slam/Samoan drop combination. Cage and Bill hit their finishers on Harwood and Wheeler, but Wheeler kicked out at two.

Bill sent FTR to the floor, with Cage following them with a tope over the top rope. Bill hit his big boot on Wheeler for a nearfall. Cage went for the F-5, but Wheeler sent him into Bill on the apron. That allowed FTR to hit Cage with the Shatter Machine to win the match and retain the titles.

After the match, Harwood took to the mic and ran down FTR’s accomplishments. They said there was one thing they needed to do. Wheeler made the challenge for Wembley Stadium. FTR vs. The Young Bucks, the rubber match at All In.

We got a video package running down the recent history between CM Punk and Ricky Starks.

Back from the commercial, Tony Schiavone was backstage with Juice Robinson & a cardboard cutout of Jay White. Robinson bigged up the Bullet Club Gold before the real Jay White arrived, saying he would take care of Metalik tonight. The Gunns entered the frame, mocking Schiavone’s commentary. White said that when Bullet Club Gold was having fun, no one else would.

TBS Title Match: Kris Statlander (c) defeated Mercedes Martinez

This was Martinez’s best showing since coming to AEW. She and Statlander had a solid TV match, with the crowd firmly behind Statlander. Diamante has gotten some necessary reps in ROH lately, having a quality title challenge against Athena last week.

They got a jump start on each other in the corner to start, with Statlander getting the early advantage with a shotgun dropkick. Martinez seemed to avoid a somersault senton from Statlander before taking control of the match. Martinez hit two butterfly suplexes, but Statlander fought out of the third. Martinez hammered Statlander with elbows before hitting a tree slam for a nearfall. Martinez clubbered on Statlander in the corner as we went to commercial.

Statlander fired up on Martinez as we came back from the break. Martinez tried to cut her off with a rolling elbow, but Statlander came back with a running knee that sent Martinez to the floor. Martinez avoided a crossbody on the floor, but Statlander came back with a backbreaker. Martinez rolled to the other side of the ring and hung Statlander up in the ropes, but Statlander came back with a powerslam.

Statlander went to the top rope, but Martinez cut her off and followed her up. Martinez hit a Spider Suplex, then followed with a running knee for a nearfall. Statlander countered a Fisherman’s Buster with a roll-up, then hit Saturday Night Fever for a nearfall. Martinez countered a wheelbarrow facebuster attempt by sitting down for a nearfall. Martinez went for a running forearm but Statlander ducked it and rolled Martinez up for the win.

After the match, Martinez jumped Statlander. Diamante came out, feigning the save for Statlander. Diamante quickly helped Martinez beat down Statlander, leading to Willow Nightingale coming out to make the actual save.

Backstage, Tony Schiavone was with a distraught Toni Storm. Storm had a crisis of confidence, wondering whether she was good enough anymore.

Samoa Joe defeated Serpentico

Joe won this match with the Coquina Clutch before I finished typing the competitors in the match. Riccaboni teased that Joe may have set a Collision record for fastest victory.

Joe grabbed the mic and was upset that he had no dance partner for All In. Joe called out CM Punk, noting that he was able to walk around knowing he was better than the Best In The World. He lost that ability during the Hart Foundation Tournament, but a roll-up wasn’t good enough for their legacy. He challenged Punk to a rematch at All In, saying that if Punk made him wait, Joe would make sure to convince him.

We got a quick video package on last week’s ladder match between Andrade and Buddy Matthews, with Andrade saying that if anyone took from him, he would pursue them until it is returned.

Back from the commercial break, we cut to a video from earlier today of Tony Schiavone sitting down with The Acclaimed. They say that they’ve talked to Billy Gunn this past week, with Gunn refusing to take his boots back. Gunn believes he has lost a step and cost the Acclaimed both the Tag Team and Trios Titles. Caster disagreed with him but will respect his decision. Bowens says that they will carry the boots with them as they move forward before telling Gunn how much he means to both of them. The Acclaimed will return to action next week on Collision.

Open House Rules Match for AEW World Trios Title: The House of Black (Brody King, Buddy Matthews & Malakai Black) (c) defeated Action Andretti, Darius Martin & Lee Johnson

Brody King has been getting larger and larger reactions for his participation in these matches. It makes sense as he looks like an unstoppable force in these Trios Title defenses. Lee Johnson came back from injury and didn’t miss a step, as he looked fantastic in his short flurry.

The House Rule chosen by the challengers was to have Julia Hart banned from ringside. Martin started with King, running wild until King stood tall on a crossbody attempt. Black tagged in and avoided an Andretti shotgun dropkick before sending Andretti into the barricades. Matthews tagged in and hung up Andretti on the ropes before sending him into the announce table as we went to commercial.

Andretti made the tag to Johnson as we came back from commercial. Johnson ran wild, taking Matthews and Black down with a double reverse DDT. Matthews and Black teamed up to take him down before King hit a cannonball to Johnson in the corner. Matthews and Black launched Johnson into a King forearm for a nearfall that Andretti cut off with a 450 splash.

A Pier Six brawl broke out, with Martin and Andretti taking King down with superkicks. Black and Matthews hit dual knees to Andretti before King hit a discus lariat for the win. As the House of Black celebrated, Ian Ricabonni announced that the House of Black would defend their titles next week against CM Punk and FTR.

Backstage, Tony Schiavone was with Powerhouse Hobbs. QT Marshall & Harley Cameron came into the frame, bearing gifts to apologize. Marshall offered Hobbs a set of gold chains and a marquee match at All Out in Chicago. Hobbs told them that he didn’t want their help but took the chains anyway. I would have taken the chains too, they looked nice.

Back from the commercial, Tony Schiavone was with TNT Champion Luchasaurus, Christian Cage, and a small child. Christian introduced the child as his daughter. He brought his daughter in to prove a point that he is a role model for children, unlike Darby Allin and his snot-nosed protégé Nick Wayne. Christian’s daughter asked to hold the TNT Title, but Christian said that she didn’t get to hold it because she didn’t win it. He told her to go find her mother, then told security to kick her out as she wasn’t credentialed. A very funny segment.

Jay White defeated Metalik

The Gunns joined commentary, with White throwing them his shirt. White caught Metalik on a springboard and dropped him with a DDT. White hit a backbreaker and locked on a single-leg crab, but Metalik got to the ropes. White clubbered on Metalik, but Metalik came back with a rope walk hurricanrana. White sent Metalik to the apron, but Metalik ducked a charge and hit a springboard moonsault in one fluid motion. White avoided a moonsault in the ring before hitting a snap suplex and the Blade Runner for the win.

We got a rundown of the Dynamite card, with the addition of Hikaru Shida vs. Anna Jay for the AEW Women’s Title. In a video package, Jay talked about Shida being her first opponent in AEW. She accused Shida of taking advantage of a rookie. She said that while she had a lot on her plate with the Jericho Appreciation Society meeting, she would still beat her and win the title.

Next week on Collision, we will get the House of Black vs. CM Punk & FTR, and Mercedes Martinez & Diamante vs. Willow Nightingale & Kris Statlander.

AEW “Real World Title” Match (Special Outside Official: Ricky Steamboat): CM Punk defeated Ricky Starks

This was an electric main event, as Greenville treated both men like superstars. Punk got the win here with the outside official he chose, but Starks’ reaction should keep this iron on the fire for Punk.

Jim Ross joined commentary for this match. He’s going to enjoy the extra-focused officiating in this one, without a doubt. Ricky Steamboat came out to his WCW music, giving JR a hug at the desk.

The two men started as the crowd gave dueling chants for both men. Punk dropped Starks with a shoulder block before mocking Starks’ pose to a big reaction. Starks hit a pair of deep arm drags before hitting his pose to a big reaction. Steamboat looked impressed by the arm drags. Starks took control and went for the Rochambeau, but Punk fought out. Punk went for the Go To Sleep, but Starks fought out and sent them both to the floor with a clothesline as we went to commercial.

Back from commercial as Starks was hitting chops on Punk. Starks and Punk traded chops, then slaps, before brawling with each other in the corner. Starks slapped Punk and bailed to the floor, but Punk followed him and sent him over the barricade. Punk mounted Starks and hammered him with forearms, leading Steamboat to pull Punk off of him.

Back in the ring, Punk went to hit the ten punches in the corner, but Starks dumped him onto the ropes before baseball sliding him to the floor. Starks took control, hitting a top rope chop before eyeing Steamboat on the floor. Starks locked on a waistlock before sending Punk into the turnbuckle sternum first. Starks sent Punk hard into the other turnbuckle, but a third Irish Whip saw Punk hit a reverse crossbody for a nearfall. Punk went for a sunset flip, but Starks held onto the ropes. Steamboat noted it, forcing Starks to let go of the ropes and drop an elbow on Punk for a nearfall.

We came back from another commercial with both men fighting on the top rope. Punk hit a superplex on Starks. Punk hit a big set of punches before landing a leg lariat and a neckbreaker. Punk hit the rising knee and bulldog for a nearfall. Punk went to the top rope for an elbow, but Starks stood up. Punk flew, they crashed into each other, and Starks ended up getting a nearfall. Punk went for another rising knee, this time with the knee exposed, but Starks caught him and hit a powerbomb for a nearfall.

Starks went to take care of Punk with Old School, but Punk pulled him into a GTS attempt. Starks fought out and sent Punk into the ringpost. Punk avoided a spear, with Starks going into the turnbuckle. Punk hit a high kick for a nearfall. The crowd chanted This Is Awesome as both men recovered. Punk went for a piledriver, but Starks reversed it into an Alabama Slam for a nearfall. Starks went for the Rochambeau, but Punk fought out of it. The referee got bumped to the floor, leading Starks to try and get another pin with his feet on the ropes. Steamboat knocked his feet off the ropes, leading to Punk rolling up Starks. Steamboat got into the ring and counted the three for Punk to win the match and retain his version of the World Title.

After the match, Starks shoved Steamboat into Punk to knock him off the apron. Starks ripped off Steamboat’s belt and started whipping him with it before Punk ran him off with a chair. Starks teased coming back, but Punk chased him up the ramp with the chair. The show ended with Punk and the ringside doctor helping Steamboat back to his feet.

WWE SummerSlam live results: Roman Reigns vs. Jey Uso in Tribal Combat

Date: August 5, 2023
Location: Ford Field in Detroit, MI 

********** 

Show Recap — 

KICK-OFF SHOW —

Kayla Braxton, Jackie Redmond, Booker T, Wade Barrett and Peter Rosenberg hosted the kick-off show. They announced Barrett’s move to the Raw commentary team.

They plugged Cody Rhodes vs. Brock Lesnar.

Alpha Academy were shown eating Slim Jims. Well, only Otis was eating them. 

Titus O’Neil and Byron Saxton announced donations to local charities.

They plugged the matches and aired commercials and that was the bulk of the pre-show.

SUMMERSLAM MAIN CARD — 

They had Kid Rock do the intro. 

Michael Cole and Corey Graves are on commentary.

They didn’t waste time getting going and the opening bell rang at 8:08 pm ET.  

Logan Paul defeated Ricochet (17:59)

Paul slowed down Ricochet early on with a back elbow and a neckbreaker on the apron. Paul mocked Ricochet’s injured tag partner Braun Strowman before hitting a powerslam. He also hit a Hulk Hogan-inspired leg drop (while doing the splits). The crowd booed Paul, who ate it up.

Ricochet fought back and acted as though he’d do a People’s Elbow but did a standing moonsault instead. Paul tried a Spanish Fly off the apron but they (sort of) landed on their feet and Ricochet hit a Spanish Fly on the mats. Paul responded later with a Buckshot Lariat over the top to the outside. Paul hit a high cross and a standing moonsault for two.

They fought to the top rope and Ricochet hit an avalanche neckbreaker. Ricochet followed with a handspring elbow, springboard clothesline, and standing shooting star for two. There was a cool sequence where Ricochet caught a Paul moonsault attempt but Paul reversed into a tornado DDT for two.

Ricochet responded with a Recoil but Paul got his knees up on a shooting star press for a two count. Paul hit a flapjack and springboard frog splash for two. Ricochet came back with a superkick, detonation kick and springboard moonsault for two. Ricochet tried a 630 but Paul dodged it.

Someone handed Paul brass knuckles and he clocked Ricochet with a right hand for the pinfall win. (They didn’t reveal who handed him the brass knux.)

This was pretty good.

Cole said, “That was a great match but the ending sucked” which is a funny line. I thought the finish worked here.

********

Sheamus was shown arriving in a monster truck.

Cody Rhodes defeated Brock Lesnar (17:29)

Rhodes got a super reaction.

Rhodes attacked Lesnar as he warmed up in the ring and the ref rang the bell to start. Lesnar responded with a high-angle German suplex but Rhodes came back with consecutive Disaster Kicks. Rhodes tried another but Lesnar tackled him out of mid-air. Rhodes avoided a corner charge and followed with a suicide dive.

Lesnar took control anyway, chucked Rhodes around and hit a vertical suplex for two. Lesnar hit a few German suplexes as they showed Rhodes’ mother Michelle in distress in the front row.

Rhodes kept getting knocked out of the ring but kept getting back in. Lesnar knocked him back out and yelled, “Save yourself!” Rhodes rolled back in and Lesnar said, “Cody, this is only going to get worse.” Lesnar hit another suplex.

Lesnar knocked Rhodes out a couple more times and he kept getting back in. Lesnar got frustrated and gave him an F5 on the floor. Rhodes got back in at a nine count and the fans cheered.

Rhodes fired up and hit a few right hands but Lesnar quickly hit another suplex before giving him an F5 through the announce table. Cole tried to talk some sense into Cody. Rhodes got back in at nine. Lesnar gave him an overhead belly-to-belly suplex. Lesnar gave him a German suplex as Rhodes ripped off the top turnbuckle cover.

Rhodes was finally able to knock Lesnar down by hitting him with the steel steps. Rhodes followed with a Disaster Kick and Cody Cutter. Rhodes hit another Cody Cutter — this time from the top — for a nearfall.

Lesnar applied a Kimura Lock but Rhodes eventually got a rope break. Lesnar tried an F5 but Rhodes pushed him chest-first into the exposed buckle. Rhodes applied a Kimura and Lesnar sold it big but powered out of it.

Rhodes countered an F5 into three consecutive Cross Rhodes for the pinfall win. The crowd was pumped for Rhodes’ win.

— After the match, Lesnar got up and got in Rhodes’ face. Lesnar shook Rhodes’ hand, embraced him, and raised his hand for the crowd. The crowd popped big for this. 

(Cole was a little too over-dramatic saying something to the effect of, “The American Nightmare has arrived.”) 

******** 

LA Knight won the Slim Jim Battle Royal

Most of the entrances happened during a break. Miz was on his way out after the break. LA Knight and AJ Styles got full televised entrances. The bell rang to start the match but MVP stopped everyone by announcing Omos’ entrance. Everyone started fighting as Omos entered.

Omos entered and immediately eliminated Apollo Crews, JD McDonagh and Rick Boogs. Ludwig Kaiser and Giovanni Vinci eliminated Otis, so Gable eliminated Vinci. Tommaso Ciampa eliminated Erik and Ivar of the Viking Raiders before eliminating Shinsuke Nakamura. Bronson Reed eliminated Ciampa and Ridge Holland.

Austin Theory eliminated Cameron Grimes, Santos Escobar eliminated Theory, and Karrion Kross eliminated Escobar. Gable eliminated Kaiser and the crowd yelled, “Thank you!” Omos lifted Butch and Matt Riddle and easily eliminated them.

LA Knight started taking the fight to Omos to the delight of the crowd but Omos dropped him with a boot. Everyone teamed up on Omos leading to Styles giving him a Phenomenal Forearm. Everyone eliminated Omos together.

Grayson Waller and Miz teamed up on Gable but he avoided elimination. Knight eliminated Miz and the crowd popped. Sheamus eliminated Waller. Styles eliminated Kross. Gable tried to suplex Reed but Reed eliminated him (and the crowd booed).

Knight eliminated Reed (the way Chris Benoit eliminated Big Show) and the crowd popped. Styles had Knight set up for a forearm but Kross grabbed his leg from outside the ring. Sheamus booted Styles out for the elimination as Kross screamed at Styles.

Knight fought off Sheamus and the crowd loudly sang along as he spelled out his name. They fought back and forth until Knight hit an overhead suplex. Knight then eliminated Sheamus for the win. The crowd was happy.

******** 

MMA Rules: Shayna Baszler defeated Ronda Rousey (7:27)

The referee did the little MMA spiel to start the match for both wrestlers. Rousey offered to fist bump before the match (Cole noted that she had never done this before), but Baszler declined.

They did some stuff until Baszler kicked Rousey in the head, knocking her out of the ring. Baszler had control briefly until Rousey responded with a knee to the gut and a knee to the head. Some fans became restless as medical staff checked on Baszler in the corner. Rousey chucked the medical staff out of the ring.

Baszler fired up and fought back but Rousey blocked a Kirifuda Clutch. Rousey tried an armbar but Baszler countered that with an ankle lock. Rousey countered that into a sleeper.

Baszler fought out and put Rousey in the Kirifuda Clutch. Rousey passed out and the ref called for the bell. Cole called it a technical submission and said Baszler got what she wanted by submitting Rousey.

(Going with “MMA rules” was an obvious mistake and this didn’t go over well at all from the start. If the company wasn’t hot right now the crowd likely would’ve been much harsher on this.) 

********

They announced an attendance of 59,194.

Gunther defeated Drew McIntyre to retain the Intercontinental Championship (13:42)

Cole noted that Gunther was only 32 days away from breaking the record for the longest IC title reign.

McIntyre had the early edge until Gunther dropped him back first onto the steel steps (which the announcers undersold). Gunther hit chops, a double underhook suplex and clotheslines. They traded clotheslines until Gunther dropped him with one and hit a German suplex but McIntyre popped up and dropped Gunther with a clothesline.

McIntyre hit chops, consecutive overhead suplexes and a neckbreaker. Gunther ducked a Claymore attempt and hit a dropkick but McIntyre came back with a powerbomb and DDT for two. Gunther rolled out of the ring so McIntyre hit a flip dive. McIntyre went for a Claymore but Gunther again hit a dropkick, followed by a powerbomb for a nearfall. Gunther followed with a splash for two.

They exchanged many chops until McIntyre ducked one and hit a Claymore Kick for a nearfall. The crowd chanted “This is awesome.”

They exchanged strikes on the top until Gunther crotched him on the top rope. Gunther followed with a splash, clothesline, and powerbomb for the pinfall win.

Gunther retained. McIntyre stormed to the back as Gunther posed. 

(The crowd was quiet to start, perhaps because of the previous match, but really got into it towards the end.) 

********

Seth Rollins defeated Finn Bálor to retain the World Heavyweight Championship (18:26)

Rollins wore magenta tights but also wore a black and green vest — the same one he wore for their match seven years ago. Bálor had “SEVEN” painted on his shoulder — the same shoulder he injured in that match.

Bálor decked Rollins from behind as he soaked in the crowd singing his song before the match. Rollins fought back and the ref separated them before officially starting the match.

Bálor targeted Rollins’ shoulder but Rollins fought back with a falcon arrow and three straight suicide dives. Bálor’s lip/mouth was busted open. Bálor draped Rollins’ arm over the top rope and drove his shoulder into the ring post.

Bálor powerbombed Rollins into the barricade (as Rollins did to him years ago) and followed with a slingblade and headlock elbow drop for two. Bálor applied an armbar but Rollins hoisted him up and hit consecutive buckle bombs and a frog splash for two.

Bálor hit a double foot stomp and dropkick into the corner. Bálor went up but Rollins brought him down with a superplex. Before Rollins could follow through with something else, Bálor applied a schoolboy for two. They exchanged kicks which led to both men going down.

Bálor hit a dropkick but Rollins avoided a Coup de Grace and hit a Pedigree for a nearfall.

The crowd got to their feet as Damian Priest made his way down with the briefcase. They exchanged cradles until Priest clocked Rollins behind the ref’s back. Bálor followed with a Pedigree for a close nearfall.

Rhea Ripley and Dominik Mysterio made their way down to ringside. The ref held them back as Bálor argued with Priest. Rollins used the distraction to hit a curb stomp for another close nearfall.

Rollins wiped out Priest with a dive before stomping Dom.

When he returned to the ring, Bálor gave Rollins a slingblade, dropkick and Coup de Grace for an extremely close nearfall.

Priest left the briefcase in the ring, presumably for Bálor to use as a weapon, and distracted the ref. As Bálor went to grab the briefcase, Rollins stomped him onto it for the pinfall win.

The crowd was really into the last part of this match.

******** 

There was a sponsored pretaped segment that saw Alpha Academy put Miz into an equipment box.

Triple Threat Match: Bianca Belair defeated Asuka and Charlotte Flair to win the WWE Women’s Championship (20:46)

Asuka entered second despite being the champion. If you’re wondering why — Belair entered last so she could pose on the ramp while drinking from an energy drink sponsor.

Belair and Charlotte showed off some athleticism early on until Asuka dropped them both with suplexes. Belair and Asuka had an exchange until Charlotte dropped them with a high cross.

This led to a messy sequence where Charlotte was supposed to do something to both women in the corner but needed the ref’s help with her gear. Belair and Asuka just stood there selling for a while until Asuka decided to try the Asuka Lock to kill time. Charlotte wound up doing the planned spot which didn’t look good either, basically clotheslining them in the corner.

Belair got a chance to shine later but when she tried a moonsault on both women, they both got their knees up. Asuka put Charlotte in the Asuka Lock but Belair broke it up with the moonsault.

Charlotte hit (missed) Belair with a moonsault off the top to the outside but Asuka kicked Charlotte. Asuka dropped Charlotte with a DDT off the top which also didn’t look great and Belair broke up the cover.

Charlotte booted Asuka from the ring before Belair gave Charlotte a release German suplex. Asuka tried to steal the pin but Charlotte kicked out. Asuka applied an armbar but as Charlotte got to her feet, Belair slammed her. Asuka put Belair in the Asuka Lock and Charlotte tried a cover with Asuka’s shoulder’s down but she kicked out.

Charlotte hit a moonsault on both women but they both kicked out.

Charlotte dumped Belair from the ring and she seemed to land awkwardly on her knee. Officials ran out to check on Belair as the other two women continued. (They showed replays so you could hear the crash of the steel steps but never actually showed a potential injury.)

Asuka gave Charlotte a superplex as officials helped Belair up the ramp. Charlotte hit Asuka with a spear for two.

As Charlotte applied a Figure Eight on Asuka, Belair shoved away the officials and limped down to the ring and up the ropes. Belair hit a 450 on the elevated Charlotte — which looked insane — for a nearfall.

The next sequence led to Charlotte putting Belair in the Figure Eight but Asuka sprayed mist in Charlotte’s face. It seemed like Asuka might win as a result but Belair rolled her up for the pinfall win. Belair is the new champion.

(The Belair 450 was awesome but the overall match was hampered by too many creatives three-way spots that went wrong.)

— IYO SKY’s music hit and the crowd went nuts. Bayley helped SKY take out Charlotte and Asuka with the briefcase. SKY cashed in.

IYO SKY (w/Bayley) defeated Bianca Belair to win the WWE Women’s Championship (0:08)

SKY attacked Belair with the briefcase before officially cashing in. She climbed the ropes as the bell rang and hit the moonsault for the pinfall win.

The crowd was into all of this. They also cheered as Dakota Kai appeared to celebrate with her friends. New life for Damage CTRL. 

SKY got some time to celebrate on her own, too. 

********

They began entrances after 11:20 pm and the main event started at 11:35 pm. 

Tribal Combat: Roman Reigns (w/Paul Heyman) defeated Jey Uso to retain the WWE Universal Championship (36:03)

The match started slowly as Reigns held control for the first 4-5 minutes until Jey came back with right hands and a suicide dive. Jey also drove him into the steel steps. The crowd chanted “We want tables” so Jey pulled one out.

Jey was distracted as Heyman tried pleading with him and Reigns was able to take advantage. Jey fought back until Reigns hit him repeatedly with a kendo stick and with repeated clotheslines.

Reigns went for a Superman punch but Jey hit him repeatedly with the kendo stick until it broke and followed with a flip dive. Jey came off the top but Reigns caught him mid-air with a Superman punch for two.

Jey countered a spear into a schoolboy for two. Jey followed with a superkick and an Uso splash but Reigns kicked out. Jey hit Reigns on the back twice with a steel chair as Heyman tried pleading with him.

Jey chucked about ten steel chairs in the ring and tried a superplex but Reigns slipped out and powerbombed him onto a few chairs for two. Reigns set up a table in the corner but Jey wound up giving him a Samoan Drop off the apron through a table outside the ring.

Despite the weapon spots, the match was fairly dull up to this point. About 25 minutes into the match, Jey grabbed a strap and whipped Reigns with it.

The fight wound up in the crowd with Jey in charge but Solo Sikoa charged in to save Reigns and put Jey through a table. Sikoa put Jey on his shoulders and carried him to ringside as Reigns directed traffic. Reigns ordered Sikoa to put Jey down so Sikoa gave him a Spinning Solo.

Sikoa and Reigns were about to do their double-team spot but Jey dodged and Reigns speared Sikoa. Reigns was shocked as Jey speared him for a nearfall.

Jey hit both men with a steel chair but Sikoa saved Reigns again by superkicking Jey. A frustrated Sikoa stared down Reigns and the distraction allowed Jey to spear Reigns through the barricade.

Sikoa attacked Jey but Jey superkicked him and splashed him through the announce table.

Jey speared Reigns and the crowd got to their feet as he followed with an Uso splash but the cover was broken up as someone in a hood pulled Jey out of the ring.

It was Jimmy Uso.

The crowd booed and chanted, “F*ck you, Jimmy.” Jimmy superkicked Jey.

As Jey watched Jimmy leave, Reigns speared him through a corner table for the pinfall win. Reigns retains. 

The match ended around 12:10 am and the show concluded at 12:15 am.

This was a letdown. 

UFC on ESPN 50 live results: Cory Sandhagen vs. Rob Font

The Octagon is back in The Music City this weekend for the first time since March 2019 as UFC On ESPN 50: Sandhagen vs. Font takes place at the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee.

The card is headlined by a pair of bantamweights fighting at a 140-pound catchweight due to late changes as Cory Sandhagen takes on Rob Font in the five-round headliner. Sandhagen was originally slated to fight Umar Nurmagomedov, but an injury forced him out, and Font moved up a couple of weeks for the headline spot in a pivotal bout.

In the co-main event, former UFC Women’s Strawweight Champion Jessica Andrade takes on undefeated former TUF winner Tatiana Suarez. Also on the main card is a pair of light heavyweight bouts as Dustin Jacoby battles Kennedy Nzechukwu and Tanner Boser battles Aleksa Camur, plus a featherweight bout pitting Diego Lopes against Gavin Tucker.

ESPN PRELIMS | 6 PM ET/3 PM PT

> Flyweights- Ode Osbourne (12-5, 4-3 UFC) vs. Assu Almabayev (17-2, 0-0 UFC)

Almabayev lands a leg kick to start. He lands another. Almabayev lands a right hand after Osbourne landed a few leg kicks. Almabayev gets a takedown and is landing from inside the guard. Osbourne lands some elbows from the bottom. Almabayev staying on top and continuing to work and land. Almabayev moves to side control and lands some elbows. Almabayev grabs the neck and looks for a Peruvian necktie but Osbourne survives. Osbourne is cut open. 10-9 Almabayev.

Osbourne lands a knee but Almabayev grabs the leg and pushes it against the fence. They separate. They trade kicks. Almabayev gets it back to the mat and takes the back and is working for a choke. He has a rear-naked choke locked in and Osbourne taps! Impressive debut from Almabayev.

Official Result- Assu Almabayev def. Ode Osbourne by submission (rear-naked choke) at 3:11 of Round 2

> Featherweights*- Sean Woodson (9-1-1, 3-1-1 UFC) vs. Dennis Buzukja (11-2, 0-0 UFC)

*Buzukja missed weight by a half-pound

Woodson throwing some kicks early. They trade leg kicks. Buzukja lands a big right hand against the fence. They clinch but separate. Woodson landing some leg kicks. Buzukja pushes Woodson against the fence looking for a takedown but they end up separating and trading. Buzukja lands a right hand but Woodson has been landing with a lot more volume. Woodson lands to the body and then lands a jab followed by a combo. Buzukja lands a combo before the end of the round. 10-9 Woodson.

Woodson landing calf kicks early as Buzukja is trying to land the right hand. They trade combinations. Buzukja looks for a takedown against the fence but Woodson is defending with some short punches. Woodson reverses and lands some knees and body shots and has Buzukja in trouble. Woodson takes it to the mat and lands some body punches. Woodson looking for a choke. Woodson looking for an anaconda choke. He lets go. They get to their feet but Woodson drags it back down. Woodson is attacking an arm. Buzukja gets his arm free. They go back to the mat and Buzukja is on top and lands a lot of punches and lands some more as Woodson got up and they exchange wildly late. 10-9 Woodson, 20-18 Woodson.

Buzukja lands a leg kick. Woodson lands a left hand then attacks to the body. Woodson looks for a takedown as Buzukja lands some elbows. They switch and Buzukja now looking for a takedown. Woodson gets the back and has them on their knees. They get to their feet. Buzukja lands a right hand as Woodson lands a left hook. They tie up. They’re down on the mat with Woodson pressuring. They stand and Woodson has the neck and drags it back down. They get up and Woodson lands a knee and left hand. Woodson lands a front kick. Woodson lands a combo. 10-9 Woodson, 30-27 Woodson.

Official Result- Sean Woodson def. Dennis Buzukja by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

> Flyweights- Cody Durden (15-4-1, 4-2-1 UFC) vs. Jake Hadley (10-1, 2-1 UFC)

They’re trading punches early on. Durden lands a nice right hand. Hadley lands a couple of calf kicks. Durden lands to the body. They trade combos. Durden gets a takedown and is in side control before he stands. Durden with some leg kicks before he gets back on top. He gets back to side control and is landing. Hadley has a cut opened up. They scramble to the feet but Durden gets it right back down. They get back up and Durden lands to the body. Durden gets a takedown but Hadley has a guillotine choke locked in. Durden survives to the end. 10-9 Durden.

Durden gets a takedown right away and has side control. They scramble and end up back on their feet. They trade punches. Durden lands a couple of elbows. Durden looks for a takedown as Hadley had the neck and Durden let go. Hadley pushes it against the fence and lands a knee before they separate. Durden lands a right hand. They go to the mat and Durden has an anaconda choke locked in. Hadley gives a thumbs up and escapes and takes the back of Durden. He lands some elbows. Hadley now with some punches. Hadley gets an armbar locked in and it is tight. Durden is grimacing. Hadley also has a triangle choke locked in. Durden is able to escape and is on top. Durden lands some hammerfists late and lands right hands. Wild round. 10-9 Hadley, 19-19.

They’re trading in close range to start the third. Durden lands a right hand and Hadley counters with a nice leg kick. Hadley lands a left hand. They continue to land in close range with Hadley landing leg kicks and the left hand but Durden lands the right hand. Hadley shoots for the takedown but Durden sprawls and has neck control. Durden maintains top position and lands punches to end the fight. Fun fight. 10-9 Durden, 29-28 Durden.

Official Result- Cody Durden def. Jake Hadley by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

> Featherweights- Billy Quarantillo (17-5, 5-3 UFC) vs. Damon Jackson (22-5-1 1 NC, 5-3-1 1 NC UFC)

Quarantillo lands a jab and leg kick but Jackson is landing combos in return. Jackson lands an overhand right. They clinch and Quarantillo lands a knee. They trade knees against the fence. They separate and Jackson lands a front kick followed by a combo. Jackson lands another combo. Jackson keeps finding a home for the right hand. They tie up against the fence. Jackson is trying for the takedown as Quarantillo lands some defending punches. Jackson gets the takedown. Jackson working from the half-guard after Quarantillo missed a gogoplata attempt. Jackson gets the back and is landing while working for the choke. Jackson stands and lands a big body kick. 10-9 Jackson.

They trade to start the second before Jackson pushes it against the fence. They’re battling in the clinch with both landing knees. Quarantillo lands a knee as they break. They trade right hands. Jackson lands a combo. They trade big combos. They scramble to the mat and Jackson has the back and then Quarantillo has the back but they scramble back up. They scramble back to the mat and Quarantillo has the neck but they work back to their feet. They clinch and Quarantillo lands to the body. Quarantillo doing a ton of body work this round and he lands a huge right hand. 10-9 Quarantillo, 19-19.

Jackson lands a left hook. Quarantillo landing the jab and follows with a big right hand. Quarantillo with a knee and some body shots. Jackson trying to get the takedown against the fence. They separate but Jackson goes right back to the tie up. Quarantillo landing to the body to defend. They separate and both land. Quarantillo lands a nice combo. Jackson lands a jab. Quarantillo connects big and has Jackson hurt for a moment. They tie up and Jackson lands a knee. Quarantillo lands a knee and right hand before going back to the body. Quarantillo with another big knee before breaking. Jackson lands a head kick. Quarantillo keeps pressing forward. They tie up against the fence. Jackson gets the takedown. Quarantillo landing to the body from the bottom. Quarantillo looking for an omaplata. They get to their feet. They trade late as Quarantillo lands a big right hand. 10-9 Quarantillo, 29-28 Quarantillo.

Official Result- Billy Quarantillo def. Damon Jackson by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

> Welterweights- Jeremiah Wells (12-2-1, 4-0 UFC) vs. Carlston Harris (18-5, 3-1 UFC)

Wells lands to the body right away. Harris shoots for a takedown but Wells defends and ends up on top. He’s in control from the top and looking to improve position. Harris lands from the bottom but Wells locks in a D’Arce choke. Harris is defending. Wells is squeezing hard. Harris is still defending well. They get to their feet as Harris escapes. Wells lands to the body. Wells gets it back to the mat and lands from the top. Wells gets the mount and lands some left hands. 10-9 Wells.

Harris swings wildly and it allows Wells to get him down. Wells lands to the body and is on top. Wells is landing punches from the top. Wells still in total control as he is landing from the top. Wells back inside of Harris’ guard and landing elbows. Wells with a dominant round. 10-9 Wells, 20-18 Wells.

They’re both swinging and landing before Wells pushes it against the fence. They separate. Harris lands and Wells shoots for the takedown against the fence. He gets it down but Harris has the neck. Harris is looking for a D’Arce choke and has it in tight and Wells goes out cold! Wow, what a finish out of nowhere as Harris gets the late upset.

Official Result- Carlson Harris def. Jeremiah Wells by submission (anaconda choke) at 1:50 of Round 3

> Bantamweights- Kyler Phillips (10-2, 4-1 UFC) vs. Raoni Barcelos (17-4, 6-3 UFC)

Phillips lands a leg kick then a combo. Phillips working the jab. He lands a right hand then a body kick then another jab. Barcelos lands a right hand. Phillips lands a leg kick but Barcelos grabs the leg and has the body lock against the fence. Phillips drops down looking for the arm but Barcelos escapes and they get to their feet. Barcelos lands a right hand but eats a head kick from Phillips. Phillips lands a leg kick. Phillips drops Barcelos with a right hand and rushes to get on top but Barcelos gets back to his feet. Barcelos lands as they break. Barcelos lands a combo. Barcelos lands a flurry with a big left hand. Both land inside the pocket. They trade and Phillips lands a big right hand. 10-9 Phillips.

Phillips gets a takedown and lands from the top. They scramble to their feet. Phillips mixing his punches and kicks. They’re both landing and Barcelos shoots for a takedown but Phillips didn’t. Barcelos lands a combo but Phillips still circling around and landing solid punches. Barcelos looks for a takedown as he pushes it against the fence. They scramble around. Phillips landing the jab. Barcelos lands a combo. Phillips lands a right hand at the end. 10-9 Phillips, 20-18 Phillips.

Barcelos lands a leg kick. Phillips lands a right hand and a leg kick. Barcelos gets a brief takedown but Phillips pops right back up. Barcelos lands to the body. Phillips still circling around. Barcelos lands a body kick. Phillips has slowed his offense this round but lands a right hand. He lands another. Barcelos shoots for a takedown and gets it down despite Phillips grabbing the fence. They stand and Phillips lands an elbow. 10-9 Barcelos, 29-28 Phillips.

Official Result- Kyler Phillips def. Raoni Barcelos by unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)

ESPN MAIN CARD | 9 PM ET/6 PM PT

> Lightweights- Ignacio Bahamondes (14-4, 3-1 UFC) vs. Ludovit Klein (19-4-1, 3-2-1 UFC)

They trade some leg kicks early. Bahamondes lands to the body. Klein lands a left hand. Klein rocks Bahamondes with a big left hand and gets Bahamondes down to the mat. Klein landing to the body and landing to the head. Bahamondes looks for an armbar from the bottom but Klein escapes. They get to their feet and Bahamondes lands a right hand. 10-9 Klein.

Klein lands a left hand. They both land as Klein was rushing forward. Klein lands a hard leg kick. Bahamondes lands a left hand. Klein with a high kick. Klein gets a takedown. They get to their feet as Klein has the back. They separate. Bahamondes with some short uppercuts. Bahamondes lands a jab. Bahamondes landing a little more right now. Bahamondes lands the jab as Klein circles away. Klein lands a leg kick. Bahamondes lands a jab. Klein lands a combo then a nice left hand. They trade in close range. Klein gets a big takedown. He ends the round on top. 10-9 Klein, 20-18 Klein.

Klein lands the jab early on and Bahamondes lands a body kick. Klein lands a left hand as Bahamondes lands a high kick. They’re continuing to trade and Bahamondes is landing slightly more here. Bahamondes lands a jumping knee but Klein is able to score another takedown. Klein landing from the top. Bahamondes tries to throw his legs up but Klein gets out and is continuing to land from the top. Klein ends the fight on top. 10-9 Klein, 30-27 Klein.

Official Result- Ludovit Klein def. Ignacio Bahamondes by unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)

> Light Heavyweights- Tanner Boser (20-10-1, 4-5 UFC) vs. Aleksa Camur (6-2, 1-2 UFC)

Boser lands a jab. They trade in close range before tying up against the fence. They separate and neither are able to land before another brief clinch, but they break again. Boser lands a jab then a leg kick. They trade jabs. Boser lands a combo and a knee to the body. Camur lands a jab. They trade before tying back up. Boser lands an elbow. They break. Boser lands a leg kick. He lands a jab. Boser with a short uppercut. Boser with a double jab as Camur lands a body kick. Boser scores with a combo. Camur lands a nice left hook. Boser lands a high kick. 10-9 Boser.

Boser lands to the body before attempting a takedown against the fence. Boser lands some short punches before they break then he lands a left hand. Boser with some big punches on Camur. Boser lands a right hand. Camur lands a leg kick that makes Boser lose his balance. Boser lands a short elbow before they clinch. Boser lands an elbow and they trade inside the pocket. Camur lands a knee. Camur lands to the body as they break and Boser lands some punches and elbows before they tie back up against the fence. They separate and Boser lands some big shots. Boser lands a leg kick and jab as Camur fires back with a right hand. They’re trading in the clinch and Camur lands a nice punch. They break. Boser lands a jab. 10-9 Boser, 20-18 Boser.

They trade leg kicks to start the round. They tie up and Camur lands a knee to the body. Boser lands a body kick. They both land big shots in the clinch before going to the fence. They separate. Camur lands a leg kick that trips Boser up. Camur lands a nice right hand. Boser pushes it to the fence. They separate and Boser lands a combo. Boser lands a head kick. Camur rushes in and lands as they go to the fence. Boser landing big shots inside the pocket and Camur is somehow able to stay on his feet. Boser with some elbows. Boser pushes it against the fence. 10-9 Boser, 30-27 Boser.

Official Result- Tanner Boser def. Aleksa Camur by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

> Featherweights- Diego Lopes (21-6, 0-1 UFC) vs. Gavin Tucker (13-2, 4-2 UFC)

Tucker lands a groin strike early on and we have a timeout. Tucker gets a takedown and Lopes is immediately looking for a triangle choke. He is close on it and has the arm trapped as well. He transitions to the mounted triangle and Tucker taps as the transition happens and it is over! Big win for Lopes.

Official Result- Diego Lopes def. Gavin Tucker by submission (armbar) at 1:38 of Round 1

> Light Heavyweights- #15 Dustin Jacoby (18-7-1, 6-4-1 UFC) vs. Kennedy Nzechukwu (12-3, 6-3 UFC)

Jacoby with a quick combo. Nzechukwu lands a body kick. Nzechukwu lands a left hand. They trade punches. Jacoby drops Nzechukwu with a right hand and gets on top and tees off with punches and it gets stopped. Big finish from Jacoby to get back into the win column.

Official Result- Dustin Jacoby def. Kennedy Nzechukwu by TKO (punches) at 1:22 of Round 1

> Women’s Strawweights- #5 Jessica Andrade (24-11, 15-9 UFC) vs. #10 Tatiana Suarez (9-0, 6-0 UFC)

Suarez lands a body kick. She lands another. She lands another. Andrade lands a leg kick. They tie up and Suarez lands a knee before they break, then she lands a body kick. Andrade lands a leg kick. Suarez lands a left hand. Suarez drops for a takedown and is able to complete it and is now in side control. They get to their feet and Suarez has the neck. Suarez with a knee to the body. She lands a couple more before shooting for the takedown. She lands some more heavy knees before they separate. Andrade lands a flurry to the head and body. They trade kicks. 10-9 Suarez.

Suarez lands a body kick. She’s landing more. Andrade rushes in throwing but nothing lands. Suarez gets the takedown. Andrade has the neck but Suarez lands to the body. They scramble and Suarez is able to get the neck and is looking for a guillotine choke. She is able to get Andrade to tap! Big win for Suarez.

Official Result- Tatiana Suarez def. Jessica Andrade by submission (guillotine choke) at 1:31 of Round 2

> 140-pound Catchweights- #4 Cory Sandhagen (16-4, 9-3 UFC) vs. #7 Rob Font (20-6, 10-5 UFC)

Font lands a right hand but Sandhagen is able to get a takedown. They scramble around and Font has the neck. Sandhagen lands some back elbows. Sandhagen gets his neck free and Font is attacking the arm. Sandhagen defending with some body punches. They scramble to their feet. Sandhagen lands a leg kick. Font lands a jab then a solid uppercut. Sandhagen gets a takedown. They get to their feet and Sandhagen lands a right hand as Font drops for a takedown. Sandhagen sprawls as he defends and gets on top. Font tried to sweep but Sandhagen remains on top. Sandhagen gets to his feet. Font lands an upkick and stands. Sandhagen lands a high kick and Font catches the kick and is able to get a takedown. Font with a knee to the body. 10-9 Sandhagen.

Sandhagen lands a jab and leg kick before getting a takedown. Sandhagen working from the top and landing short punches and elbows as Font is having trouble getting from the top. Sandhagen maintaining top position and landing and this was a big round for Sandhagen from the top. 10-9 Sandhagen, 20-18 Sandhagen.

Sandhagen landing to start the third and lands a switch knee. Sandhagen gets the takedown and is back working in the half-guard. Sandhagen with a short right hand from the top as he’s in total control. Sandhagen lands an elbow. Font is trying to sweep but Sandhagen is adjusting to remain on top. They get to their feet and Sandhagen lands a knee. Font lands a right hand. 10-9 Sandhagen, 30-27 Sandhagen.

Sandhagen gets an early takedown. Sandhagen lands some punches and elbows from the top. Sandhagen still working from the top as they push to the fence. Sandhagen with some left hands from the top. They get to their feet but Sandhagen is able to score another takedown. Sandhagen with some right hands from the top. 10-9 Sandhagen, 40-36 Sandhagen.

Sandhagen lands a left hand and Font lands a right hand. Sandhagen with a body kick. They trade punches. Font shoots for a takedown and pushes it against the fence. Sandhagen reverses position and is able to get Font to the mat. Sandhagen is working for a choke and looks to have a D’Arce choke in tight. Font is able to squirrel his way out and Sandhagen remains on top. Sandhagen working from the top but not a ton of action happening. Sandhagen stands but ends up back in the guard. Font grabs the arm but is in the wrong position. Sandhagen ends the fight on top. 10-9 Sandhagen, 50-45 Sandhagen.

Official Result- Cory Sandhagen def. Rob Font by unanimous decision (50-45, 50-45, 50-45)

NJPW G1 Climax 33 night 13 live results: A Block finals

A Block’s representatives in the NJPW G1 Climax 33 quarterfinals will be decided tonight on the final night of A Block bouts. 

SANADA has already secured a spot in the quarterfinals on Thursday with his 12 points, and A Block’s second place finisher is most likely to be decided by tonight’s Shota Umino vs. Hikuleo main event. 

Umino, Hikuleo, Gabe Kidd, Yota Tsuji, and Kaito Kiyomiya all remain mathematically alive heading into tonight’s show, however. 

Tonight’s card: 

  • A Block: Shota Umino (2-2-2, 6 points) vs. Hikuleo (3-3, 6 points)
  • A Block: SANADA (6-0, 12 points) vs. Chase Owens (2-4, 4 points)
  • A Block: Yota Tsuji (2-3-1, 5 points) vs. Gabe Kidd (2-3-1, 5 points)
  • A Block: Kaito Kiyomiya (2-2-2, 6 points) vs. Ren Narita (1-3-2, 4 points)
  • Kazuchika Okada, Hiroshi Tanahashi & Tomohiro Ishii vs. Tama Tonga, Tanga Loa & Hiroyoshi Tenzan
  • Will Ospreay & HENARE vs. Togi Makabe & El Phantasmo
  • Tetsuya Naito, Shingo Takagi & BUSHI vs. EVIL, Yujiro Takahashi & SHO
  • Hirooki Goto, YOSHI-HASHI & YOH vs. David Finlay, KENTA & Gedo
  • Jeff Cobb & Great-O-Khan vs. Taichi & DOUKI

Our live coverage begins at 4 a.m. Eastern time. 

**********

Recommended Matches

  • Yota Tsuji vs. Gabe Kidd – These men beat the breaks off of each other in both men’s last attempts to make the playoffs.
  • Ren Narita vs. Kaito Kiyomiya – With Kaito’s tournament life on the line, he left it all in the ring.

**********

Jeff Cobb & Great-O-Khan defeated Taichi & DOUKI

This was a hard-hitting opening match. After multiple strike and move exchanges, O-Khan secured his iron claw submission, forcing DOUKI to tap. 

Hirooki Goto, YOSHI-HASHI & YOH defeated David Finlay, KENTA & Gedo

This was a Bullet Club match, through and through. This match was structured around the heel trio keeping the heels isolated. The ending sequence featured YOH and Gedo, which ended with a YOH superkick; YOH then pinned Gedo for the win.

EVIL, Yujiro Takahashi & SHO defeated Tetsuya Naito, Shingo Takagi & BUSHI 

Unsurprisingly, this was a typical HOT match. The LIJ trio fought back as they could, but in the end BUSHI fell to Everything is Evil.

Will Ospreay & HENARE defeated Togi Makabe & El Phantasmo

In a change of pace, this match was quite light-hearted in the opening moments. The match picked up in the later end, with the UE pair isolating Makabe before HENARE won with Streets of Rage.

Kazuchika Okada, Hiroshi Tanahashi & Tomohiro Ishii defeated Tama Tonga, Tanga Loa & Hiroyoshi Tenzan

This was a competitive match, with GoD and Tenzan providing an adequate challenge for the trio champions. In the end, it wasn’t enough as a High Fly Flow and a sliding lariat scored a win for Ishii, Okada, and Tanahashi.

Yota Tsuji defeated Gabe Kidd

This was a great match.

Tsuji sent his twin brother as a decoy to prevent Kidd’s pre-match attack, scoring him an advantage in the early game. In the ring, the action was intense, with both men lying into each other. The match came to an explosive end once Tsuji hit his spear.

This win moved Tsuji into second place in A block, putting the pressure on for the matches that are to follow.

Ren Narita defeated Kaito Kiyomiya

Narita and Kaito went to war here. In a dynamic, exciting bout, Kaito bombed Narita with a string of big moves. As Kaito looked to close, Narita reversed into a suplex and eeked out a win.

This heartwrenching loss eliminated Kaito from playoff contention.

SANADA defeated Chase Owens

Given Chase’s unfavorability in this, it took a lot of work to buy into. Chase controlled a large portion of this match, attacking SANADA in the ring and out, but in the end, SANADA won out with Deadfall.

SANADA’s perfect G1 continues, advancing to 14 points.

Hikuleo defeated Shota Umino

Shota worked simply, trying to take ok Hikuleo’s legs, while Hikuleo worked to out-power Shota at every turn. The match developed, with both men throwing everything at one another. A sudden scoop slam opened the door for a Hikuleo chokeslam to win the match.

This win secures Hikuleo his 8th point and his spot in the playoffs.

**********

Standings

A Block

  • SANADA (7-0) – 12 points
  • Hikuleo (4-3) – 8 points
  • Yota Tsuji (3-3-1) – 7 points
  • Shota Umino (2-3-2) – 6 points
  • Kaito Kiyomiya (2-3-2) – 6 points
  • Ren Narita (2-3-2) – 6 points
  • Gabe Kidd (2-4-1) 5 points
  • Chase Owens (2-5) – 4 points

B Block

  • Kazuchika Okada (5-1) – 10 points
  • Will Ospreay (4-2) 8 points
  • Taichi (3-3) – 6 points
  • El Phantasmo (3-3) 6 points
  • Tanga Loa (3-3) 6 points
  • YOSHI-HASHI (2-4) – 4 points
  • KENTA (2-4) 4 points
  • Great-O-Khan (2-4) 4 points

C Block

  • David Finlay (4-2) – 8 points
  • EVIL (4-2) – 8 points
  • Eddie Kingston (4-2) – 8 points
  • Tama Tonga (3-2-1) – 7 points
  • Shingo Takagi (3-2-1) – 7 points
  • Mikey Nicholls (2-4) – 4 points
  • HENARE (2-4) – 4 points
  • Tomohiro Ishii (1-5) – 2 points

D Block

  • Jeff Cobb (4-2) – 8 points
  • Zack Sabre Jr. (4-2) – 8 points
  • Tetsuya Naito (4-2) – 8 points
  • Hiroshi Tanahashi (3-3) – 6 points
  • Hirooki Goto (3-3) – 6 points
  • Shane Haste (2-4) – 4 points
  • Alex Coughlin (2-4) – 4 points
  • Toru Yano (2-4) – 4 points

AEW Rampage live results: Blackpool Combat Club vs. Best Friends parking lot fight

For the second time in three days, Jon Moxley and Trent Beretta will be in a violent brawl as part of Friday’s AEW Rampage.

Moxley and Blackpool Combat Club teammate Claudio Castagnoli will take on Beretta and Best Friends teammate Chuck Taylor in a parking lot fight that was made after Wednesday’s anything goes three-way with Moxley, Beretta and Penta El Zero Miedo.

The match will take place at Daily’s Place in Jacksonville, Florida.

With the turmoil surrounding the Jericho Appreciation Society, Anna Jay will try to turn things around in her match against Skye Blue.

After their violent attack on Nick Wayne Wednesday that left the young prospect bloodied up in his own ring. Swerve Strickland & AR Fox will be in tag team action against local competitors.

In a trios bout, Keith Lee will team with Jeff & Matt Hardy against Kip Sabian, The Butcher & The Blade.

**********

Taped in Tampa & Jacksonville, Florida.

Tony Schiavone, Excalibur and Chris Jericho were on commentary.

The Hardy Boys & Keith Lee (w/ Ethan Page & Brother Zay) defeated The Butcher, The Blade & Kip Sabian (w/ Penelope Ford) (8:54)

Matt & Jeff combined for “poetry in motion,” but it was more like “awkward stilted prose in motion.” Matt Hardy got a near fall on the Blade after a side effect. That mustache that Butcher is growing could get its own zip code. Matt sent Butcher headfirst all the way down to the bottom turnbuckle pad. Jeff Hardy went flying into the heel corner, taking a shot at Sabaian and the Butcher. Blade sent Jeff to the floor, and Sabian hit a moonsault on Jeff and Ethan Page. 

The heels worked over Jeff during the split screen break. After the break, Butcher dropped Jeff with a backbreaker out of a half-nelson. Hardy caught Butcher with a jawbreaker and got the hot tag to Keith Lee, whoe entered the match for the first time. Sabian tried to slow Lee down with a sleeper, but Lee avalanched both Butcher and Blade in the corner, then tossed Blade out of the corner, all while Sabain was still on his back!

Lee went for a powerbomb on Sabian, but he flipped out and hit a kick. Lee then dropped Sabian with a powerslam for a near fall. Matt Hardy hit the Twist of Fate on both the Butcher and the Blade. Lee gave Sabian a one handed powerbomb, and Jeff hit the Swanton Bomb for a pinfall. Pretty standard trios match. 

– Footage from Ring of Honor explained the history between Adam Cole and the Kingdom. They used to be close –Adam Cole even went to Mike Bennett’s wedding– but then Cole abandoned them.

– The Young Bucks declared they’d like to be back in the tag team division, and the Hardy Boys stepped in to challenge them. Pencil that in for Dynamite on Wednesday. 

Anna Jay (w/ Angelo Parker and Matt Menard) defeated Skye Blue (7:08 aired)

Two minutes of the match took place during the split-screen break. After the break, Blue fought out of a surfboard, but Jay buried a knee in her midsection. Blue hit a back elbow and a cross body. Blue hit a knee strike and a low kick for a near fall. Jay hit a back kick and a flatliner for a near fall. Blue countered a Queen Slayer attempt into a rollup for a near fall. Parker jumped up on the apron looking for a kiss from Blue, but she slapped him instead. But this distraction allowed Jay to lock in the Queen Slayer and get the tap out.

– Kris Statlander is doing squats with Rene Paquette on her back. Statlander gave Mercedes Martinez a list of chores to do before tomorrow night, when “mama is coming home.”

– Tony Schiavone & Paul Wight gave an update from the site of the Parking Lot Brawl: PAC is injured, but the Death Triangle still wants to face the winners of tonight’s main event on Wednesday. 

Swerve Strickland & AR Fox (w/ Prince Nana) defeated Logan Cruz & Tyshaun Perez

AR Fox wore a tank top stained with Nick Wayne’s blood from that heavy angle on Dynamite Wednesday.

Fox hit a top rope dropkick on both his opponents, then followed them to the floor with a top rope dive. Fox tossed Perez into a sitout powerbomb from Strickland. Fox hit Cruz with a cutter, Strickland dropped him with a brainbuster, and Fox hit a 450 to get the pinfall. Total squash, totally awesome. This better be the start of Strickland’s push to the moon. 

– A QTV Segment: Johnny TV issues a challenge to anyone that’s been on television. 

– Prince Nana, Big Bill and Brian Cage cut a promo on FTR in advance of their match tomorrow night for the tag titles. Everyone was great here. 

Jon Moxley & Claudio Castagnoli defeated Trent Beretta & Chuck Taylor in a Parking Lot Brawl (18:00 aired) 

They’re in a parking lot surrounded by cars, and the match can be won by “pinfall, submission or surrender.” Moxley and Claudio were checking all the cars before the bell to make sure Orange Cassidy wasn’t hiding in any of them. The parking area was also surrounded by fans. 

Not even 30 seconds into the match, Beretta is bleeding from the forehead and Moxley is driving a fork into the cut. Beretta came off the top of a car with a crossbody on Moxley. Castagnoli beat on both Beretta and Taylor with a spoiler he ripped off of one of the cars. Moxley was also busted open less than two minutes into the match. The Best Friends flapjacked Castagnoli into an open minivan door.

The Best Friends sandwiched Castagnoli under a car hood. Moxley and Claudio came back and powerbombed Beretta onto a car hood for a near fall. Castagnoli gave Beretta the Giant Swing, and Moxley slid a garbage can into Beretta’s head. Taylor saved his partner with a street sign, backdropped Castagnoli into a car, and attacked Moxley with a fork. Taylor set up a safety rail, on which Moxley suplexed Taylor.

After a split screen break, Claudio and the Best Friends were brawling on top of a car. Moxley ran in and hit Taylor with a Paradigm Shift on the roof of the car. Beretta went for a cannonball, but the BCC moved out of the way and Beretta crashed into a car. Castagnoli press-slammed Beretta onto the roof of the car. Claudio went for the Ricola Bomb on the roof of a car, but Beretta countered it into a DudeBuster. 

Back on the roof of another car, Beretta and Moxley were alternating between brawling and counter chain-wrestling spots. Moxley finally knocked Beretta to the ground, but Beretta popped right back up and brawled with Moxley again. Moxley gave Beretta a Death Rider through the windshield of the car.

Meanwhile, Taylor siphoned gas out of one of the cars to light a 2×4 wrapped in barbed wire on fire. Wheeler Yuta popped out of a minivan and distracted Taylor, allowing Moxley to get the 2×4 and nail Taylor. Yuta worked over Taylor with a screwdriver, but Sue(!!!) drove in with Orange Cassidy on top of her minivan. Cassidy came with a steel chain to help even the odds. 

Yuta dropped Cassidy with a Paradigm Shift on Sue’s minivan. The BCC chased Sue away, and I guess the match is now a trios brawl. Castagnoli ripped off one of the doors to the fan while Yuta and Moxley smashed up the windows with crowbars. Moxley curbstomped Beretta through a windshield, and Castagnoli covered Beretta for the pinfall. 

Well, that was suitably wild. The Blackpool Combat Club came across as very dominant at the end.

After the match, Moxley continued to destroy Sue’s fan, to the jeers of the crowd. 

Final Thoughts: 

Seek out the parking lot brawl. Completely wild stuff. Outside of that, this was a pretty pedestrian Rampage. 

WWE SmackDown live results: The final stop before SummerSlam

WWE is at the Nutter Center in Dayton, Ohio tonight for the final stop before SummerSlam.

On the eve of Tribal Combat, Jey Uso is set for action against his younger brother Solo Sikoa. Jey is challenging Roman Reigns for the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship at Saturday’s pay-per-view. Reigns’ title of Tribal Chief will also be on the line.

WWE Women’s Champion Asuka, Bianca Belair, and Charlotte Flair will all be appearing tonight. Asuka is defending her title against Belair and Flair in a triple threat match at SummerSlam.

LA Knight will go one-on-one with Sheamus. Both have been announced as entrants for the battle royal that’s taking place at SummerSlam. The battle royal is sponsored by Slim Jim.

Plus, there will be a new edition of The Grayson Waller Effect with guests Damage CTRL (IYO SKY and Bayley). SKY holds the women’s Money in the Bank briefcase and could potentially cash in at SummerSlam.

Our live coverage starts at 8 pm. Eastern time.

The Summerslam go home episode of Smackdown comes on the air with the music of LA Knight hitting to a huge ovation.

Knight talked about the now 25 man Battle Royal at Summerslam tomorrow night. The graphic showed Knight, Sheamus, Shinsuke Nakamura, Karrion Kross, AJ Styles, Riddle, Santos Escobar, Grayson Waller & The Miz. Knight said that graphic obviously wasn’t everyone in it, ran down The Miz before insulting Sheamus leading to our opening contest.

LA Knight defeated Sheamus (w/Ridge Holland & Butch)

(A solid opening contest that put over the massively popular Knight while getting the guys involved in the battle royal as well. The battle royal seems like just a filler match to get guys on the card, but a win for Knight would make the crowd go wild.)

Sheamus showed off his power early, but Knight gained momentum before hitting a cross body sending both men tumbling outside. We then saw Santos Escobar, The Miz, Grayson Waller, Karrion Kross & AJ Styles all made their way ringside one by one. Sheamus & Knight fought to the apron where Sheamus connected with White Noise on the edge of the ring leading to commercial.

Back from break, Knight fought out of a chin lock and planted Sheamus with a reverse DDT. A slugfest ensued with Sheamus running into a slam by Knight, who got the crowd to chant his name before connecting with a leaping elbow drop. Knight got a near fall off a Torture Rack slam, but Sheamus escaped Blunt Force Trauma into an Irish Curse. While in the corner, Sheamus connected with an avalanche White Noise. Sheamus locked in a Cloverleaf, but Knight got the rope break. Sheamus pulled himself up in the corner, but took too long, as Knight tried to spring up to him, but both men slipped and fell to the floor.

As the ref checked on both men, Austin Theory ran out and attacked Escobar from behind as everyone ringside started brawling with one another. The Miz ran his mouth too much and ate the Ten Beats of the Bodhran by Sheamus, but as he turned around, Knight connected with Blunt Force Trauma to get the win. Knight escaped Kross & Waller’s clutches post match, as they said they will get him tomorrow.

**********

-Backstage The Brawling Brutes & The OC are arguing and had to be separated by Adam Pearce, who told Holland, Butch, Karl Anderson & Luke Gallows all to go out to the ring and settle it as Sheamus & Styles ended in a face off.

-A very good music video documenting the rivalry of Cody Rhodes & Brock Lesnar is shown. Their saga ends at Summerslam.

**********

Ridge Holland & Butch vs. Karl Anderson & Luke Gallows (w/Michin) ended in a No Contest

(The match itself was fine, but simply a set up to reintroduce The Street Profits and their new look and attitude. I’m hoping for big things for Dawkins & Ford now that they’re associated with Bobby Lashley.)

Gallows & Holland slugged it out early, as Gallows hit a fall away slam and corner splash before Anderson made the tag and The OC hit a big boot leg sweep combo. A spinning butterfly suplex from Holland allowed Butch to tag in and twist away at the fingers, arm, ear, nose and even goatee of Anderson. Gallows managed a tag and a double team back suplex neckbreaker combo allowed them to control the action into commercial.

Anderson taunted Holland too long and a clothesline led to a hot tag for Butch, who ran wild with corner kicks and diving knee drop to the arm. The match broke down with all four men involved as Holland was sent outside by Anderson, as Butch was going to go for the finish when The Street Profits, both in suits, attacked both teams. A Sky High, spinning butterfly suplex and Pounce into a back suplex led to Angelo Dawkins & Montez Ford standing tall at the ramp with Bobby Lashley joining them with a giant smile on his face.

-A vignette of Charlotte Flair on a yacht is shown talking about the biggest women’s match in Summerslam history. She said she’s not looking to beat Bianca Belair or Asuka tomorrow, they have to beat her. That line honestly just made it seem like Charlotte had no interest in winning the title. Michael Cole called her a trailblazing superstar.

**********

Paul Heyman Explains The History of the Tribal Chief

Heyman was in the ring, briefly insulted the crowd and said this was the last thing Roman Reigns wanted to happen. Heyman told the fans to blame Jey Uso for most likely never seeing Jimmy Uso ever again. What happens to Jey Uso tomorrow won’t be anyone else’s fault but Roman Reigns’ as there will be no remorse, regret or plea for benediction. Heyman threw to a history video package of the Tribal Chief ceremonial necklace the Ula Fala. We see comments from The Wild Samoans, Afa & Sika as Heyman said the only rule in the Tribal Combat will be there must be a winner. Back to Heyman in the ring, who said Reigns is the Undisputed Universal Champion and everyone’s Tribal Chief for almost three years, something Jey Uso will never be.

The only spoiler Heyman was about to give was cut off by The Uso music and Jey Uso made his way to the ring to a massive ovation. Jey said he’ll light up Reigns with sticks, chairs and since he’s the head of the table, he’s going through one. Jey said he will bring everything he has tomorrow to beat Roman Reigns and become the new Tribal Chief and Universal Champion. Solo Sikoa then made his way out and had to be held back by Heyman, who told Jey he screwed up.

Jey tried to tell his brother the mind games don’t work anymore, as he doesn’t need to follow orders from Reigns. Heyman told him to stop, questioning whether Sikoa believed that or not and Sikoa seemed to hesitate to the surprise of Heyman. Sikoa told Heyman to get out of the ring, but Jey popped Sikoa with a superkick to the floor. Jey told Heyman that he’ll see Reigns tomorrow, but Sikoa later tonight.

-A recap of Santos Escobar earning his US Title shot next week is shown, along with the moment Rey Mysterio got injured on the dive. Michael Cole said Mysterio is considered day to day and suffered severe whiplash.

-Kayla Braxton is backstage with Austin Theory, who questioned how Escobar won last week when the match was stopped. Theory hopes Mysterio is watching next week, as he’s dedicating his win next week to Rey. Tonight, Theory will crush the dreams of Cameron Grimes after experiencing Austin Theory live.

**********

United States Champion Austin Theory defeated Cameron Grimes in a Non Title Match

(Theory got off two moves this entire match, as Grimes took the whole thing aside from that. I know Theory was distracted by Escobar, but this certainly didn’t make the US Champion look strong heading into his title defense next week.)

Immediately at the start of the match, Santos Escobar tried to come to the ring, but was held back by referees and Adam Pearce. Theory turned right into a Cave In and nearly was beat, but got a foot on the ropes. Grimes hit a dive to the floor and slammed repeatedly into the barricade. Back inside, Grimes hit a high cross body and spinning Boss Man Slam for two. Grimes connected on his Collision Course, but as he went for a Cave In again, Theory dodged, hung up Grimes on the ropes and hit A-Town Down for the win. Post match, Escobar appeared and laid out Theory with the Phantom Driver.

-An Asuka training video is shown ahead of the Women’s Title three way and she talked about how she’s beaten both Belair & Flair in the past and has a plan for Summerslam before misting the camera.

**********

The Grayson Waller Effect with guests Bayley & Io Sky

Waller asked if Sky was going to cash in her Money in the Bank briefcase tomorrow night. Before Sky could answer, Bayley said all the idiots will have to wait for Sky’s decision. We hear laughing from Shotzi throughout the arena as Bayley got scared, but it was Waller who was behind it, cackling at Bayley’s reaction. Bayley said she’s not scared, as Shotzi’s music hit and Bayley didn’t fall for it. Only this time, the tank was driven out on the ramp and Sky ran up after her, but Shotzi was standing behind Bayley. Quickly realizing what was up, Bayley turned, was popped with a punch and Shotzi pulled out hair clippers, which actually had ridiculous sound effects piped in. Shotzi chased Bayley through the crowd as it was revealed Zelina Vega was driving the tank. This led to our next match after commercial break.

**********

Zelina Vega defeated Io Sky

The match was joined in progress, as both ladies ducked a series of clothesline attempts until they collided. Vega dished out ten corner punches and running clothesline, following up with a Meteora for two. Vega tried a Code Red, but Sky reversed into a double underhook back breaker and double knees in the corner. Sky was going to go for her moonsault, but Bayley & Shotzi spilled out from backstage, complete with dumb sound effects from the hair clippers again. Vega slammed a distracted Sky off the ropes and hit a Code Red for the win.

-Bianca Belair’s training package is shown talking about her previous title reign that ended due to Asuka. Belair said No Disqualifications, No Countouts, No Excuses, as she’ll remind Asuka & Flair why she is the EST and regain her Women’s Title.

**********

-Michael Cole tells us in 2 weeks in Toronto, we’ll celebrate 25 Years of Edge. Next week will see AJ Styles vs. Karrion Kross while Austin Theory defends the US Title against Santos Escobar.

Jey Uso defeated Solo Sikoa (w/Paul Heyman)

(This turned into a fun little main event, as I believe this was Sikoa’s only second pinfall loss. Uso looked strong heading into his main event with Reigns tomorrow, while also giving his brother a lot of offense here as well.)

Sikoa controlled the action early by utilizing the power game, clearing off the announce table, only for Uso to escape and hit a superkick. Uso connected on a dive that sent Sikoa crashing into the table that took us to commercial. When we returned, we saw Sikoa had taken control with a belly to belly suplex and nerve hold. Sikoa planted Uso with multiple Samoan Drops as Uso tried battling back, but could barely stand. Sikoa took way too long to follow up and missed a corner charge.

Uso connected on the Rock inspired right hands, but was leveled with a Sikoa lariat into the double down. Uso fought back with a high cross body for two, but as he went for a corner charge, Sikoa hit a spinning leg kick. Spinning Solo connected, but Uso ducked the Spike, hit a superkick, Spear and top rope splash for the win.

Post match, Sikoa attacked Uso from behind, got a chair, but Uso gained possession and unloaded shots to the back and side of the head. Uso stood tall on the announce table and Michael Cole questions whether Sikoa will be there for Tribal Combat tomorrow night.

Summerslam 8/5/23

· Roman Reigns vs. Jey Uso in Tribal Combat for the Undisputed WWE Universal Title and recognition of Tribal Chief

· Cody Rhodes vs. Brock Lesnar

· Seth Rollins vs. Finn Balor for the World Heavyweight Title

· Asuka vs. Bianca Belair vs. Charlotte Flair for the WWE Women’s Title

· Ricochet vs. Logan Paul

· Gunther vs. Drew McIntyre for the WWE Intercontinental Title

· Ronda Rousey vs. Shayna Baszler under MMA Rules

· 25 Man Slim Jim Battle Royal (confirmed names LA Knight, Sheamus, Tommaso Ciampa, Shinsuke Nakamura, Otis, Chad Gable, Riddle, AJ Styles, Karrion Kross, Grayson Waller, The Miz, Santos Escobar)