Category: WWE Results

Impact Wrestling live results: Tag Team title eliminator tournament begins

Posted on by Josiah MacDonald

A four-team tournament to crown the number one contenders for the Impact Tag Team titles will begin on tonight’s Impact Wrestling on AXS TV.

The first bout will see The Rascalz (Trey Miguel & Zachary Wentz) take on former X-Division Champion “Speedball” Mike Bailey. The winners will face the winners of ABC (Chris Bey & Ace Austin) vs. Rich Swann & Sami Callihan which doesn’t have a date yet.

Ahead of her title rematch against former champion Deonna Purrazzo at this month’s Emergence, Knockouts Champion Trinity will open the show with something to say.

Digital Media Champion Kenny King will defend his title for the first time as he takes on former champion Joe Hendry and Yuya Uemura in a triple threat.

Now free of The Design, Alan Angels will return to singles action as he faces Heath in what has turned into a grudge match.

The BTI pre-show will see Gisele Shaw take on Heather Reckless.

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George Iceman told us Trinity would open Impact to address her rematch with Deonna Purrazzo, while saying Impact Emergence would have a special guest for only the live audience.

Gisele Shaw defeated Heather Reckless

Shaw gave Reckless a lot in this match before winning, which goes to show that they must see something in Reckless. Shaw got the win after a good match.

Impact Wrestling Main Show

–Trinity came out to open the show, and talked about how Chicago was important to her because she made her Impact debut there a few months ago. Trinity said that the last time she was there she promised she would come back Knockout’s Champion, and she did.

Deonna Purrazzo’s music hit and she made her way down to the ring. Purrazzo said that if they were recreating Trinity’s debut, it’s only appropriate that she came out. She congratulated Trinity on her win, but said the difference between the two of them was that she wasn’t a quitter. The fans chanted “You tapped out” at Purrazzo, which Trinity noted her quitting by submission.

Purrazzo said no one beat her twice, and Trinity said that would. The Coven came out, and both Trinity and Purrazzo looked on annoyed at them, uniting them against the two heels immediately, which was quite funny. KiLynn King reminded Trinity that she faced Trinity on the night of her debut, but King insisted Trinity got lucky.

Wilde decided to give them a card reading, and threw the tarot cards at Trinity and Purrazzo, breaking it down into a brawl. Santino Marella came out as security was trying to keep them apart, so he made a tag match after Purrazzo demanded a tag match right now, even without her gear.

The Coven (KiLynn King & Taylor Wilde) defeated Trinity & Deonna Purrazzo

I am really not sure about the booking of this match. Having your #1 contender lose to someone before the title match means Trinity is defending against someone who lost.

King and Trinity started the match with King using power to overwhelm Trinity. The Coven went for a double clothesline, but Trinity slid underneath both arms and brought Wilde to her corner to hit 6 punches before Purrazzo tagged herself in. Purrazzo ate a flatliner into the middle turnbuckle from Wilde after charging the corner and the Coven started to get the heat on Purrazzo.

Purrazzo made a tag a minute or so later, shoving Wilde back towards her own corner. Trinity came in and hit a bulldog into the middle turnbuckle on Wilde and went to the top rope. King cut Trinity off, and Wilde threw Trinity off the top rope. King tagged in and hit a running knee on Trinity and tagged out to Wilde. Trinity did what was essentially a DDT with her legs on Wilde to tag out to Purrazzo, and she hit a series of moves on King before locking on the Fujiwara armbar.

King spiked Purrazzo with a DDT for a two count after escaping the submission. Purrazzo hit a pump kick but ate a code breaker from Wilde. Trinity hit a flying kick on Wilde, but got caught going for the hip attack on King, who hit a German suplex and everyone was down. King went for the Excalibuster on Purrazzo, but Purrazzo countered into an armbard. Wilde broke it up, and Trinity ran in and tried to kick Wilde, but she ducked and Trinity dropped Purrazzo by accident. KiLynn King then hit an Excalibuster on Purrazzo for the pin.

–The Rascalz were talking about their upcoming match with Mike Bailey and Jonathan Gresham, and Scott D’Amore came up and fined them two weeks pay for interfering in matches last week. He then promised to indefinitely suspend them if they do anything else.

–Alisha Edwards and Eddie Edwards were backstage and Alisha claimed that she ran Tracey Brooks out of Impact again. Jody Threat walked up and said that she did nothing of the sort. Edwards and Threat will be having a match in the near future.

Heath defeated Alan Angels

If you are trying to do something with Angels, this is not the way to get his new character over. The fans love Heath, which is awesome, but with giving Angels a new act, it is critical to get over that he is in a better position. Losing like this (and as often as he has since leaving The Design) tells me he is in a worse position.

Alan Angels left The Design, turning babyface, and then turned heel again within a few weeks with his new rockstar character. Apparently, it wasn’t a babyface turn. I’m also a bit baffled The Design just let him go. Heath was in control for the early parts of the match, but Angels got the heat after dropkicking the stairs into the knee of Heath.

When Heath tried to make a comeback, Angels hit a dropkick to the knee of Heath and hit a DDT for a 2-count. Angels hit an enziguri from the apron and went to the top rope, but ate a powerslam from Heath when he went for a crossbody. Heath went for a wakeup call, but Angels slipped out and hit a backslide. Angels went for a halo strike, but Heath ducked under and hit the wakeup call for the win.

–Eric Young was backstage with Gia Miller to talk about why he wasn’t dead. Only in wrestling. Eric Young promised to show what really happened, and that he wasn’t surprised by what The Design did last week.

Jake Something defeated Davey Vega

This was an awesome squash.

Davey Vega refused a handshake from Something, so Something proceeded to murder him by throwing him around the ring. Vega went for a sunset flip, but Something caught him, lifted him into the air, and hit a huge forearm. Something hit a Vader body press and screamed “What’s my name?” and the fans screamed “Something” before he hit a black hole slam for the win.

–Bully Ray, Moose, & Myers walked up to Lio Rush and said they were happy he made the right decision last week. Rush said again that he wasn’t there to make friends, and Moose said that they didn’t need to be friends, they just needed to be on the same team at Emergence. Ray said that he wanted Rush to experience the trust they had with each other, so there is a six-man tag that was arranged for next week.

–Joe Hendry came to the ring and said that life is short, so you should tell your friends what you think, and that includes letting your friends insert themselves into your contractually entitled rematch for a title they lost. Yuya Uemura came to the ring and turned towards the camera like Joe Hendry, and said, “I am Yuya Uemura! Champion!”

Kenny King (w/ Sheldon Jean) defeated Joe Hendry & Yuya Uemura

This was a really good match. Yuya Uemura is the ace New Japan is looking for, if you ask me. Him and Yota Tsuji really have the charisma part figured out, which is so important. Ren Narita and Shota Umino are great, but they are missing something at the moment.

This was Uemura’s first ever triple threat, though not his first multi-man match as he did several of the Impact six person matches for title shots. Hendry sang his theme at one point and chopped Uemura twice to the beat, which was funny. King said the intro to his theme, and the fans screamed King with him. He’s the heel, so he did not expect this, but then yelled “Chicago knows!” I laughed.

Hendry hit a vertical suplex on King when they came back from break. King and Hendry exchanged uppercuts and strikes in the middle of the ring until King hit a powerslam on Hendry for a 2-count. Uemura hit a crossbody on both men, hitting forearms on both King and Hendry. Uemura hit a back suplex on Hendry for a 2-count.

Uemura went to the top rope again, and Hendry hit a cutter when Uemura came off the top rope. Hendry went for the pinfall but Sheldon Jean pulled him from the ring and King tried to steal the pin, but Uemura kicked out. King shoved Uemura into Hendry and then hit the royal flush for the pinfall.

–Gia Miller was with Mike Bailey and Jonathan Gresham to talk about their match with the Rascalz. Bailey noted that Gresham was unhappy because the rules were not being enforced in Impact, and that they are more than talented enough to overcome any cheating from their opponents. Gresham said that optimism didn’t win matches, but if Bailey had his back, he had Bailey’s. Good promo.

–Josh Alexander, Chris Sabin, Alex Shelley, and KUSHIDA talked about how they were on the same page for Emergence. Sabin said he would be the first ever 10-time X-Division champion, and KUSHIDA responded with “Maybe.”

–Kevin Kelly joined to talk about the G1 Climax match between Jeff Cobb and Zack Sabre Jr. and Eddie Kingston vs. Tomohiro Ishii, both which are great.

–The Death Dollz were backstage and talked about how they needed a gameplan to get themselves into the knockout’s tag team title match. They went into a huddle to discuss strategy, and said “We want the shot and we’re awesome.” That was funny. They turned around and Crazzy Steve was there, so Rush jumped into Jessicka’s arms. Steve said he needed to talk to Rosemary, but Rush said that they had business to take care of with Santino but would talk soon since they were family. Steve said sadly, “I understand” to end the segment.

The Rascalz (Trey Miguel & Zachery Wentz) defeated Jonathan Gresham & Mike Bailey

Holy cow, this match ruled. What a great match between the two teams. The finish was expected but the match was very good.

Gresham came out with a flag that said, “The Foundation,” his old ROH group. Smoke was pouring out of his octopus mask which looked really cool. The Rascalz sure are a bunch of rascals, as they tried to cheat immediately, but it backfired and Gresham and Bailey were able to hit dropkicks on both.

Bailey did not fall for Wentz bowing to him, and both guys started running the ropes before Bailey hit a kick to the chest of Wentz to drop him. Bailey tagged out to Gresham, who started working over the arm of Wentz. Gresham tied Wentz up like a pretzel, locking in a series of brutal submissions.

The Rascalz hit a low blow on Gresham by kicking the ropes when he was in the ropes and Miguel launched Wentz into a dropkick on Bailey that drove him to the floor. The Rascalz got the heat on the Rascalz, but Gresham escaped by hitting a deadlift vertical suplex on Miguel. Bailey tagged in and hit a running shooting star press on Miguel for a 2-count.

Miguel figure foured the legs of Bailey with his arms from behind and lifted him into a suplex. That looked brutal. Wentz went into a cravate into a DDT again, but Bailey countered out. Wentz and Bailey exchanged strikes including Bailey trying for a thrust kick that Wentz nearly bridged backwards to avoid with it just short of his face. That was awesome.

Gresham and Miguel came in and Bailey sent Gresham into a cutter on Miguel that got a 2-count when Wentz hit a senton bomb off the top rope to break it up, nearly crushing the referee. Gresham hit a powerbomb on Miguel for a 2-count, but Miguel kicked out. Wentz tossed a can of spray paint into the ring as Bailey hit a triangle moonsault on Wentz to the floor, but Miguel sprayed Gresham in the eyes with the spray paint and pinned him for the win.

–A video aired of when Deaner supposedly killed Eric Young, but it showed Young randomly waking up and coughing up blood after the supposed stabbing after Deaner left. Young only had blood on his face, and then dragged himself to a motorcycle before driving away. The video was narrated at this point by Young, asking “What is it to die? What is it to live? Is death final? Why are we so scared of it?” He then said death is final, but he is not dead yet. He said a body can be disposed of, but an idea can’t die. He said he was an idea, and he will live forever. This explained absolutely nothing and was incredibly dumb. What a way to end the show.

Final Thoughts

In all seriousness, I would have rather had James Mitchell conduct some sort of evil ceremony to resurrect Young or something than this. This had no explanation for why Young was still alive, and how he survived a stabbing. Though we never saw a stab wound, it was still implied that he was stabbed based on how Young sold it. This ruined what was otherwise a good episode of Impact for me. Remove this nonsense from the show and it would have been an easy show to recommend.

Impact Wrestling – August 10, 2023

  • #1 Contender Tag Team Tournament: Rich Swann & Sami Callihan vs. ABC
  • Samuray Del Sol, Laredo Kid, & Black Taurus vs. Bully Ray, Moose, & Brian Myers

Impact x NJPW MultiVerse United 2 – August 20, 2023

  • Impact World Championship: Alex Shelley (c) vs. Hiroshi Tanahashi
  • TMDK (Zack Sabre Jr. & Shane Haste) vs. Moose & Eddie Edwards

Impact Wrestling Emergence – August 27, 2023

  • Time Machine & Josh Alexander vs. Bully Ray, Moose, Brian Myers, & Lio Rush
  • Impact Knockouts World Championship: Trinity (c) vs. Deonna Purrazzo
  • Impact Knockouts World Tag Team Championship: MK Ultra (c) vs. Gisele Shaw & Savannah Evans
  • SANADA will be there in person

Ring of Honor TV live results: Pure & Women’s title defenses

Posted on by Suit Williams

Two titles will be on the line as part of tonight’s Ring of Honor on HonorClub.

After accepting the challenge last week, ROH Pure Champion Katsuyori Shibata will defend against former Pure Champion Josh Woods.

ROH Women’s Champion Athena will look to extend her hard-hitting run as she defends against Diamante who is looking for her first ROH title run of any kind.

The next ROH TV title eliminator tournament will kick off with four men vying for a title shot against current champion Samoa Joe. Gravity will take on Tony Nese while Shane Taylor will go one-on-one with Christopher Daniels.

After failing to wrest the ROH Tag Team titles from Aussie Open last night, El Hijo del Vikingo & Komander will take on The WorkHorsemen (Anthony Henry & JD Drake).

Other matches include Dalton Castle vs. Zack Clayton; the Gates of Agony vs. The Boys, and both Leyla Hirsch and Robyn Renegade in singles matches.

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Ian Ricabonni and Caprice Coleman welcome us to the show, running down the big card tonight featuring two title matches and the semifinals of the TV Title Eliminator tournament. One of those semifinals kicked off the show here.

ROH World Television Title Eliminator Tournament Semi-Final Match –Shane Taylor defeated Christopher Daniels

Daniels tried to bring down Taylor with wrestling moves, but Taylor used his size to block them before dropping Daniels with a left hand. Taylor dropped Daniels with a barge attack, then dropped Daniels with a lariat for a nearfall.

Taylor clubbered on Daniels before Daniels caught him with a neckbreaker. Daniels dodged a corner charge and hit a hurricanrana on Taylor, following up with a rabbit lariat for a nearfall. Taylor caught Daniels with a uranage, then followed it with a splash for a nearfall. Taylor went to the second rope and hit a crossbody, then hit the Marcus Garvey Driver for the win and the spot in the finals.

Earlier today, Lexy Nair was with the Iron Savages. They challenged Aussie Open for a title match, which they are getting right now.

ROH World Tag Team Title Match – Aussie Open (Kyle Fletcher & Mark Davis) defeated The Iron Savages (Boulder & Bronson)

Aussie Open handed the title belts off to Stokely Hathaway and Tony Khan in the back before walking out. I appreciate the attention to detail, as this was taped before their title defense against Komander and El Hijo Del Vikingo on Dynamite last night.

Fletcher and Bronson started by trading elbows before Fletcher dropped Bronson with a bodyslam. Their partners tagged in, with Davis having trouble with the stronger Boulder. The Savages got the better of Aussie Open before Aussie Open sent them to the apron and dumped them to the floor. They picked up Bronson and tossed him into Boulder on the floor to take control.

Aussie Open clubbered on Bronson for a while before Bronson got the tag out to Boulder. Boulder ran wild, tossing both Davis and Fletcher around before hitting a tilt-a-whirl powerslam on Fletcher for a nearfall. Boulder went for a moonsault, but Fletcher moved out of the way and got the tag to Davis. Bronson entered the match and hit a Rikishi Driver on Fletcher on top of Davis. The Savages hit a double main event spinebuster for a nearfall.

The Savages went for their elevator slam, but Davis rolled into the Aussie Open corner, leading to Fletcher hitting a Doomsday Device on Bronson. Aussie Open hit the Dental Plan and Coreolis on Boulder to win the match and retain the titles.

Backstage, Aussie Open collected their titles from Tony Khan, bragging all the while.

Elsewhere backstage, Lexy Nair was with Stokely Hathaway. He thanked people for the praise for the TV Title #1 Contender Tournament before being interrupted by a miffed Dalton Castle. Castle blamed Hathaway for not winning the TV Title at Death Before Dishonor and being left out of the #1 Contender Tournament. They argue for a while until Samoa Joe entered the scene. Joe said that he would give Castle what he wanted. In two weeks, it will be…The Boys vs. Samoa Joe & Stokely Hathaway. Hathaway looked shocked, and Castle was still unhappy.

ROH Pure Title Match – Katsuyori Shibata (c) defeated Josh Woods (w/ Smart Mark Sterling)

The judges for this match were Jimmy Jacobs, Jerry Lynn, and former Pure Champion John Walters.

The men traded position before trading armbar and kneebar attempts. Both men were evenly matched on the mat, with Woods and his national championship pedigree matching Shibata’s New Japan dojo training and experience. They rolled to the floor in matching leg bars before Woods ducked a Penalty Kick on the floor. They locked horns with a collar and elbow tie-up on the floor to a 16-count before getting back into the ring and immediately re-engaging in the collar and elbow.

Woods blocked an O’Connor Roll attempt, with Sterling getting on the apron to argue that it shouldn’t count as a rope break. Woods used the distraction to gain control with a shoulder block and go to work on Shibata’s arm. Shibata sent Woods to the floor, but Woods baited Shibata into a chase and caught him with a short-arm scissors. Shibata rolled Woods up to escape, but Woods kicked out and hit an arm trap gutwrench suplex for a nearfall.

Woods hit a gutwrench powerbomb for a nearfall, then hit the Penalty Kick on Shibata. This woke Shibata up, who fired up with strikes. Shibata hit the hesitation dropkick and a suplex for a nearfall before drilling Woods with a mid-kick for another nearfall. Shibata locked on a sleeper hold, with Woods grabbing the ropes to escape. They traded suplexes before trading forearms, with Woods hitting forearms into the shoulder of Shibata. They hit matching pump kicks, with both men going down.

They traded more strikes before Woods booted Shibata’s arm. Woods went for a TKO, but Shibata landed on his feet and locked on the sleeper hold. Shibata hit the Penalty Kick to win and retain the title.

Dalton Castle defeated Zack Clayton

Clayton got a lot of offense to start, clubbering on Castle before sending him flying with an overhead suplex. Castle fought his way back, sending Clayton flying with suplexes of his own before hitting the Bangarang for the win.

Backstage, Lexy Nair was with Josh Woods, who had something to say. He ran down the opportunities he’s had so far in the new era of ROH, noting his losses in three title matches. He says that something has to change.

The Infantry (Carlie Bravo & Shawn Dean) defeated Jora Johl & Nick Comoroto

The Infantry controlled Johl to start the match until Comoroto got involved on the apron and tagged in. They beat up on Bravo until Johl accidentally superkicked Comoroto, allowing Dean to tag in. Dean took care of Johl and sent Comoroto to the floor. They dropped Johl with a boot into a side Russian Leg Sweep for the win.

Leyla Hirsch defeated Miranda Vionette

Vionette fought out of a Gator Roll to get a pair of flash pins, but Hirsch hit a dropkick to the knee to cut her off. Maria Kanellis-Bennett came out to watch. Hirsch clubbered on Vionette before hitting a boot to the face. Hirsch pulled Vionette into a side suplex. Vionette had a short flurry of offense before Hirsch caught her in a cross armbreaker for the win.

ROH World Television Title Eliminator Tournament Semi-Final Match – Gravity defeated Tony Nese (w/Mark Sterling)

Nese did his usual leading group training before Gravity came out. Gravity came out with speed, sending Nese up and over with a lucha armdrag before gorilla pressing Nese. Sterling cut off a dive, allowing Nese to take control and send Gravity to the floor, where Sterling put the boots to him.

Gravity fought back with chops and sent Nese to the floor. Sterling went to cut him off again, but Gravity went to the corner and hit a double-jump dive to the floor. Gravity hung Nese in the ropes and hit a splash for a nearfall. Gravity elevated himself to the top rope, but Nese cut him off with a big uppercut. Nese hit the roll-through spin kick for a nearfall. Gravity hit a single-arm powerbomb out of a roll-up attempt, then followed it with a top-rope splash for the win. The tournament finals will be Gravity vs. Shane Taylor.

ROH Women’s World Title Match – Athena (c) defeated Diamante

Athena kept countering Diamante’s offense, with the crowd chanting her name. Diamante hit a set of dropkicks that sent Athena to the apron, where Diamante dropkicked her to the floor. Diamante tried to follow with a crossbody, but Athena caught her and slammed her to the floor. Athena picked Diamante up and flung her into the barricade.

Athena clubbered on Diamante, focusing on her midsection and back. Athena brought Diamante to the apron, where Diamante tried to reverse her into a suplex. Instead, Athena ran Diamante into the turnbuckle before hitting a back suplex on the apron.

Back in the ring, Diamante ducked some big strikes before firing up. She hit a monkey flip and a sliding lariat for a nearfall. Athena countered an around-the-world DDT with a backbreaker. Athena went to the top rope for the O Face, but Diamante caught her and hit the Chaos Theory for a nearfall. Diamante went to the second rope, but Athena booted her down and locked on a crossface. Athena rolled Diamante to the middle of the ring, but Diamante rolled her into a pin for a nearfall. Athena hit a superkick and rolled Diamante up to win and retain the title.

Gates Of Agony (Bishop Kaun & Toa Liona) (w/Prince Nana) defeated The Boys (Brandon & Brent)

Kaun started with Brent, sending him inside out with a lariat. The Gates clubbered on Brent, with Nana joining in while the referee was distracted. Brent evaded his way to the corner to make a tag out to Brandon, who ran wild until Liona wouldn’t budge on an Irish whip. Kaun pulled Brent to the floor, allowing Liona to send Brandon through the mat with a Samoan Drop. The Gates hit their tag team facebuster for the win.

Backstage, Lexy Nair was with Diamante. Lexy asked why Athena didn’t beat her up after the match. Athena entered the scene and told Diamante that she had talent but was missing something to reach the champ’s level. She told Diamante to stay away from her and figure it out.

Cole Karter defeated LSG

Karter got a jump start on LSG to start the match, ringing him up on the ropes and hitting a lariat. Karter controlled the match as Maria Kanellis-Bennett watched on the ramp. LSG slipped out of a powerbomb and fired up, but Karter cut him off on a springboard attempt with a jumping knee. Karter hit a DDT for the win.

In video from Death Before Dishonor, The Righteous began to speak before The Dark Order came in. Evil Uno shook hands with Stu Grayson, with Vincent only saying, “Finally.”

Robyn Renegade (w/ Charlette Renegade) defeated Christina Marie

Marie controlled the match early on, hitting bodyslams until Renegade rolled to the floor. Marie avoided an elbow drop back in the ring, but Charlette sent Marie into the post to get her sister in control. Renegade hit a shotgun dropkick and a low dropkick for a nearfall. Marie caught Renegade with a roll-up for a nearfall, but Renegade hit her with a lariat. Marie fired up with strikes, but Renegade locked on a seated Octopus Stretch for the win.

El Hijo del Vikingo & Komander defeated The WorkHorsemen (Anthony Henry & JD Drake)

Henry and Komander started off, with Komander sending Henry flying with an armdrag. Drake tagged in, but Komander dropped him with a dropkick. Vikingo tagged in, hitting dual dives with Komander to the WorkHorsemen on the floor. Vikingo hit a frog splash on Drake for a nearfall. Vikingo hit a tornado headscissors on Drake, but Henry cut him off with an STO on the apron.

The WorkHorsemen kept control of Vikingo with tandem offense. Drake hit a boot that sent Vikingo into a Henry side Russian leg sweep for a nearfall. Vikingo hit a hurricane kick to Henry, but Henry knocked Komander off the apron. Drake hit a shining wizard on Vikingo for a nearfall. Vikingo rolled through a powerbomb into a Code Red before making the tag out to Komander.

Komander ran wild, sending both WorkHorsemen to the floor. Vikingo tagged back in, but Henry cut off a dive attempt. The WorkHorsemen hit combo offense on Vikingo, but Komander broke up the pin. They sent the WorkHorsemen to the floor, then both hit ropewalk moonsaults to the floor. Vikingo and Komander then hit dual 450 splashes to Drake, with Vikingo getting the pin and the win.

AEW Dynamite 200 live results: Toni Storm vs. Hikaru Shida

Posted on by Ryan Howard

AEW Dynamite’s 200th episode airs live tonight from Tampa, Florida, and includes a Women’s World Championship match. 

Toni Storm defends the AEW Women’s World title against Hikaru Shida, a former Women’s World Champion whose 372-day reign remains the longest in the title’s history. 

The Ring of Honor Tag Team Championship will also be on the line, with Aussie Open’s Kyle Fletcher & Mark Davis defending against El Hijo del Vikingo & Komander. 

The Elite will return to the ring for the first time since Blood & Guts, with Kenny Omega & The Young Bucks facing Jeff Jarrett, Jay Lethal, & Satnam Singh in trios action. 

AEW World Champion MJF is scheduled for a promo on the show. 

FTW Champion Jack Perry will have a face-to-face segment with AEW coach Jerry Lynn. 

Chris Jericho will team with Konosuke Takeshita against Sammy Guevara & Daniel Garcia. 

Jon Moxley vs. Trent Beretta vs. Penta El Zero Miedo in an anything goes triple threat match is also set for tonight’s show. 

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

**********

The 200th episode of AEW Dynamite comes on the air with Excalibur welcoming us alongside Tony Schiavone and Taz, as Judas hits and Chris Jericho & Konosuke Takeshita make their way out along with Don Callis, who nearly got caught with pyro on the ramp.

Chris Jericho & Konosuke Takeshita (w/Don Callis) defeated Sammy Guevara & Daniel Garcia

(I enjoyed the story told here in the opener, as Jericho somewhat reluctantly made his choice between the J.A.S. and Don Callis’ Family. The situation forced Jericho to make a decision, whether he wanted to or not. While he didn’t see the interference, he accepted it and got the win as a result.)

Guevara & Jericho traded chops early until a misdirect jumping knee from Guevara led to a Le Sex Gods pose from he & Garcia. When Garcia tagged in, he thrusted at Jericho and demanded Takeshita make the tag. Takeshita put on the boosters early and hit a leaping clothesline before mocking the thrusting by Garcia. With Garcia down, Jericho tagged in and slapped Garcia, only waking him up. Callis tripped the leg and Garcia ran right into a big boot with Jericho unaware of the trip heading into commercial.

After being isolated the entire break, Garcia got the knees up on a Lionsaut which allowed Guevara to make the hot tag and meet Takeshita with a huge cross body. Both Takeshita & Jericho were tossed to the floor and Guevara hit back to back dives leading to a huge Frog Splash back inside for two. Jericho & Guevera had a scrap before Garcia bolted in with a tackle on Jericho while Takeshita hit Guevara with a Blue Thunder Bomb. After Guevara avoided the Walls of Takeshtia, he caught an incoming Jericho with a Spanish Fly. Guevara got the tag to Garcia, who ran right into a Code Breaker for two.

Garcia was sent to the corner and exploded out with a flying knee, as Takeshita was sent outside again by Guevara, who hit a massive Shooting Star to the floor and his elbow popped Takeshita right in the face. Back inside, Garcia tried for the Dragon Slayer, while referee Aubrey for some reason turned her attention to the floor. This allowed Don Callis to crack Garcia with the baseball bat and Jericho was visibly displeased at first, but decided to get the cover and the win.

-Backstage Tony Khan thanks the fans for watching the 200th episode of Dynamite on the road to All In at Wembley Stadium in London. We weren’t told how fans will be able to watch All In, but instead threw it to a video package highlighting the history of Dynamite thus far.

**********

-Renee Paquette tried to get a word with Chris Jericho backstage when a furious Daddy Magic Matt Menard stormed up and said next week is a mandatory J.A.S. meeting.

Jack Perry & Jerry Lynn Face to Face

Tony Schiavone introduced Perry to the ring and he was booed loudly as he ripped the microphone away and demanded Jerry Lynn come out and get his ass kicked. Lynn came to the stage and said as much as he’d like to make an example of Perry, it’d be child abuse. Lynn said he doesn’t run the show, but no doctor would clear him to get in that ring. Instead, Lynn called a good friend from ECW who still does wrestle, which got huge RVD chants. The sounds of Pantera’s ‘Walk’ hit and Rob Van Dam made his way to the ring to his old ECW entrance music. RVD & Perry had a face off, but Perry retreated as RVD & Jerry Lynn posed in the ring. Perry tried a sneak attack with a chair, which RVD nearly hit a Van Daminator, but Perry dodged and bailed again through the crowd, literally hiding behind a child.

-A video package on the upcoming AEW Women’s Title match is shown between Toni Storm & Hikaru Shida.

Trent Beretta defeated Jon Moxley & Penta El Zero Miedo (w/Alex Abrahantes) in an Anything Goes Match

(Well, if you didn’t like the violence from Blood & Guts a few weeks ago, this probably wasn’t the match for you. If you did, this match delivered huge, as this was violent, brutal and set up the next chapter in the new rivalry with The BCC & Best Friends as a bloody Beretta got easily the biggest singles win in his AEW career so far. I was hoping for a Sue cameo, but with what is set up for Rampage, perhaps she’ll show up then.)

Beretta immediately took out Moxley with a dive and Penta quickly followed with one of his own to kick things off. Weapons are placed all over ringside as Penta waffled a charging Moxley with a trash can shot and Beretta as well. Penta posed too long and ran into a Cutter by Moxley, who grabbed a barbed wire 2×4 under the ring. Before he could use it, Penta hit a backstabber, but Beretta broke it up. Moxley took Beretta down and used the barbed wire 2×4, hitting a piledriver onto it, landing more on his own back instead. Beretta fought back with a back suplex onto the barbed wire as Penta & Abrahantes set up tables ringside. Beretta, bleeding now, was set up on the tables, but Penta was cut off in the ropes by Moxley and his barbed wire. Beretta joined and hit a massive superplex on Moxley through the tables as they went to commercial.

Penta set up more tables during break and we had a three way slugfest when we returned. Beretta wanted a superplex on Penta through the table, but Penta countered into a wild Avalanche Destroyer through the table. Moxley pulled Penta up and tackled him through the other table set up. Moxley grabbed a bag under the ring and dumped out thumbtacks before ripping off Penta’s shirt. Moxley & Penta traded finisher attempts until Moxley hit a piledriver onto the tacks for two. A flipping suplex onto the tacks followed, as Moxley sacrificed himself to hit a Cutter on Beretta on the tacks. Beretta countered a piledriver and laid out Moxley with a Crunchie onto the tacks, but Penta chucked a trash can at Beretta to break the pin. Another three way slugfest ensued before Beretta ate a King Kong Lariat into the tacks leaving Moxley & Penta to duke it out. Moxley hit a Paradigm Shift on Penta, but Beretta flew in with a flying knee and picked the scraps, pinning Penta.

Post match, Moxley trapped Beretta in the rear naked choke as Claudio Castagnoli & Wheeler Yuta made their way through the crowd but were met by Orange Cassidy & Chuck Taylor. The BCC were beating down Cassidy & Taylor ringside before Beretta came flying off the top to wipe them all out. The BCC retreated, but not before Cassidy popped Moxley with an Orange Punch. Taylor said this all didn’t accomplish anything, so Best Friends challenge Moxley & Castagnoli to a Parking Lot fight on Rampage. This would be the second Parking Lot fight in AEW, with the first being Best Friends classic against LAX a few years back.

**********

-Renee Paquette is backstage with Rob Van Dam, who said he’s in AEW because he heard Jack Perry run his mouth. Next week, RVD challenges Perry for the FTW Title. When RVD wins the title, he’ll retire the title as he doesn’t see it getting bigger than with Rob…Van…Dam.

MJF & Adam Cole’s All In Announcement

MJF came out to a loud ovation from the crowd and said pardon him, as he’s getting a little emotional. MJF said he had A.D.D. and Rejection Sensitive Disorder, meaning his brain is structured different and can’t regulate rejection based emotions or behaviors making life sometimes difficult. MJF said there is a lot about his past the fans don’t know and a lot of it he’s blacked out, but a memory he held was when he was bullied as a child. He thought the only way to protect himself was to attack people before they could attack them. MJF realized being a scumbag is easy, but not the way to go as he did it because he was scared. He’s not scared anymore because of the fans, who showed they cared about Max and had sympathy for the Devil. MJF said he’s still a scumbag, but he’s ready to be the fans scumbag. This got “He’s Our Scumbag” chants from the crowd. One person taught him he could trust, be vulnerable and deserves a friend, as he introduced Adam Cole, his best friend.

Adam Cole walked out with no entrance music and said he appreciated MJF sharing his story and the man he’s become, saying he’s not alone. For years Cole was a jerk because he was scared, but put over MJF becoming the man he’s destined to be, as deep down there’s a good guy in there. Cole and the fans are proud of him, as MJF thanks Cole for performing verbal fellatio on him, but he’s still a scumbag. MJF brings up how he promised Cole a World Title match last week, but he thought about it and Cole doesn’t deserve a match, he deserves THE match, at All In. MJF has a contract and said there’s no one else he’d want to make history with than Cole. Without reading it, Cole signed the contract, as both men hugged, we get a graphic on the big screen and each posed in corners. We see Roderick Strong backstage going nuts, throwing everything when Matt Taven & Mike Bennett walked up saying Cole always forgets about his true friends before walking off. Cole, of course, has history in ROH being members of The Kingdom.

With the main event of All In seemingly set, Excalibur told us All In will be on traditional PPV, Bleacher Report, cable & satellite providers, international Fite TV and more.

Kenny Omega & The Young Bucks (Matt & Nick Jackson) defeated Jeff Jarrett, Jay Lethal & Satnam Singh (w/Sonjay Dutt & Karen Jarrett)

(This match was crammed with a whole lot of bells and whistles the second half, but we were robbed of the probably impossible visual of Omega doing a One Winged Angel on Singh. Post match, I got a kick out of the little smirk Omega gave when they mentioned Collision.)

Never thought I’d say this in 2023, but Jeff Jarrett & Kenny Omega started things off with Jarrett hitting an early bodyslam and Fargo Strut. Lethal tagged in and was quickly taken down, allowing The Bucks to make fast tags. A pop up hurricanrana and double dropkick led to Singh making a tag and a fired up Matt quickly realized his mistake, so he tagged in Nick. The Bucks hit multiple dropkicks until Singh just hit a cross body that wiped out both Jackson’s. Singh, Lethal & Jarrett all mocked The Elite pose as they went to break isolating Nick.

Nick managed to get the hot tag to Omega after commercial, dropping Lethal with You Can’t Escape, but Lethal got the knees up on the moonsault with Singh running distraction. Lethal Injection avoided by The Bucks, who dropped Lethal & Jarrett with superkicks and chopped down Singh with superkicks until Omega popped the big man with a V-Trigger. Omega signaled for One Winged Angel until Karen Jarrett took the ref, allowing Sonjay Dutt to cut off Omega. Lethal Combination connected on Omega as Brandon Cutler sprayed the cold spray into the face of Karen. Matt & Jeff Hardy ran to ringside and dispatched of Dutt, while Jarrett was about to guitar shot Omega, but Hangman Page appeared and hit a Buckshot Lariat. Lethal tried a guitar shot of his own, but ate a V-Trigger and One Winged Angel by Omega for the pin. The Elite stood tall as Nick wailed on the guitar when their music played.

Post match, Omega handed Page a microphone, who said for those unaware The Elite had resigned with AEW. Omega said whether it be Dynamite, ROH, Rampage or even Collision, you’ll be seeing more of them in AEW and did his Goodbye & Goodnight line.

-Mogul Embassy is backstage and AR Fox said if Darby Allin and he were so close, why didn’t Allin get him into AEW in the first place and not talk to him for five years. Swerve Strickland told the cameras to cut to a movie they made, as we saw Strickland & Fox showing up at the Buddy Wayne Academy where Nick Wayne was training. Strickland asked what does the Fox say, as Fox chucked a skateboard at a trainee while Wayne, who put up a brief fight, was blasted with a bottle. Strickland showed the camera a photo of Wayne with his father and laid it down as a busted open Wayne crawled to his phone. Strickland made Wayne call Allin, who picked up and asked why Allin didn’t get Fox signed years ago when he could’ve. The ghosts of Allin’s past are here to haunt him, as this is just the beginning. Wayne was left in a pool of blood as they left. This was wild stuff to say the least.

*********

Aussie Open (Kyle Fletcher & Mark Davis) defeated El Hijo del Vikingo & Komander (w/Alex Abrahantes) to retain the ROH Tag Team Titles

(My goodness was this match action packed and the crowd was on fire for it. I did think we were getting a title change towards the end there, but Fletcher & Davis were too much for the high flyers. This was an excellent tag team battle.)

A lighting quick start from Vikingo, who sent Fletcher to the floor as Komander walked off Vikingo’s shoulders onto a hurricanrana on Davis, who regrouped outside with Fletcher. Back inside, Komander was caught with a fireman’s carry punt kick, but couldn’t isolate him long, as Komander lowered the top rope and sent Fletcher again to the floor. Komander wall walked Davis, who was sent to the outside by a springing Vikingo. Fletcher found himself hung up in the ropes and Vikingo hit a guillotine legdrop. Both tried double dives, but were caught by Davis & Fletcher, who ran around ringside and colliding both together.

Komander was isolated during break, as Vikingo made a hot tag, but was quickly flattened with a double superkick in mid air. A running up and over slam from Davis & Fletcher got only two, as Vikingo was sandwiched with a double forearm shot. While Vikingo was in a fireman’s carry, Komander came flying in off the back and hit a leaping Destroyer on Fletcher while Vikingo hit a Crucifix Bomb on Davis. Aussie Open was sent to the floor, as Vikingo & Komander both did a rope walk into moonsaults outside. With Davis down inside, Vikingo & Komander hit a double 450 splash, but Fletcher broke it up. Fletcher & Vikingo spilled outside, as Komander tried his rope walk Shooting Star, but missed, as Davis & Fletcher connected with Coriolis to retain the titles.

**********

Hikaru Shida defated Toni Storm (w/Saraya & Ruby Soho) to win the AEW Women’s Title

(It was only a matter of time before all the interference blew up in The Outcasts faces and tonight was that night. The crowd was very much behind Shida and it paid off huge, as a new champion was crowned in what turned into a fun main event. Commentary really put over how Shida was champion when fans weren’t there and now in her second title reign, will get to fulfill that dream.)

Both ladies traded forearms to start before Storm regrouped with The Outcasts. Back inside, Shida drapped Storm on the edge of the apron and hit a running knee before sending Storm into the guard rail. Shida tried for punches, but Storm slipped out and dropped Shida head first on the railing. In the ring, Storm was suplexed into the corner and then suplexed proper as Shida tried to regroup, but was still dazed by running into the railing. Storm got control and hit a running hip attack to send Shida out to get briefly beat up by Ruby Soho & Saraya, who is extra loud tonight with her screaming. Storm stayed in control during the final picture in picture of the night.

Shida avoided Sweet Cheek Music in the corner and hit a release German to follow. An enzugiri sent Storm to the corner and Shida hit multiple running knee strikes before finally getting her ten corner punches. Shida hit a missile dropkick for a two count, as Shida connected with a Meteora for a close near fall. Shida wanted a superplex, but Saraya took the ref, Soho tripped up Shida and Storm connected with a Tornado DDT. Storm connected with a violent Sweet Cheek Music and DDT, but Shida still had fight.

Both ladies had a battle of chops and forearms until Shida popped Storm with a pumping knee and Falcon Arrow for two. Saraya tossed the kendo stick in the ring right in front of the ref, as Storm dared Shida to hit her with it to get disqualified. Shida instead smacked Soho on the apron with it. As the ref turned to take the kendo stick away, Storm blinded Shida with the spray paint, hit Storm Zero, but Shida kicked out to a loud ovation. Storm wanted another Storm Zero, but Shida was able to backdrop out and get a high stack for the flash pin and the title. Confetti rained, as Shida, who carried the women’s division during the pandemic era, gets the opportunity to do so now in front of fans.

AEW Rampage 8/4/23

· Chuck Taylor & Trent Beretta vs. Jon Moxley & Claudio Castagnoli in a Parking Lot Fight

· Anna Jay vs. Skye Blue

· Swerve Strickland & AR Fox in action

· Keith Lee & The Hardys vs. Kip Sabian, The Butcher & The Blade

AEW Collision 8/5/23

· CM Punk defends the Real World Title against Ricky Starks with Guest Referee Ricky Steamboat

· FTR defend their AEW Tag Team Titles against Big Bill & Brian Cage

· Kris Statlander defends the TBS Title against Mercedes Martinez

· We hear from The Acclaimed

AEW Dynamite 8/9/23

· Jack Perry defends the FTW Title against Rob Van Dam under FTW Rules

NJPW G1 Climax 33 night 12 live results: Shingo vs. Finlay

Posted on by Chick Fritts

C Block and D Block hit the home stretch on night 12 of the NJPW G1 Climax 33 tournament. 

Just one night of Block matches will remain for each group following tonight’s show, headlined by Shingo Takagi (5 points) vs. David Finlay (8 points). 

In the semi-main, Zack Sabre Jr. (8 points) faces Tetsuya Naito (6 points) in another potentially pivotal battle. 

The full lineup: 

  • C Block: David Finlay (4-1, 8 points) vs. Shingo Takagi (2-2-1, 5 points)
  • D Block: Zack Sabre Jr. (4-1, 8 points) vs. Tetsuya Naito (3-2, 6 points)
  • C Block: Tama Tonga (3-1-1, 7 points) vs. Eddie Kingston (3-2, 6 points)
  • D Block: Jeff Cobb (4-1, 8 points) vs. Hirooki Goto (2-3, 4 points)
  • C Block: Tomohiro Ishii (1-4, 2 points) vs. HENARE (1-4, 2 points)
  • D Block: Shane Haste (2-3, 4 points) vs. Toru Yano (1-4, 2 points)
  • C Block: EVIL (4-1, 8 points) vs. Mikey Nichols (1-4, 2 points)
  • D Block: Hiroshi Tanahashi (3-2, 6 points) vs. Alex Coughlin (1-4, 2 points)

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

**********

Recommended Matches

  • Alex Coughlin vs. Hiroshi Tanahashi – This was a simple match that worked excellently in the tournament structure.
  • Zack Sabre Jr. vs. Tetsuya Naito – ZSJ’s red-hot 2023 continues with an excellent performance against Naito. Comfortably the best Naito match in the tournament. 

**********

Alex Coughlin defeated Hiroshi Tanahashi

This match featured classic Tanahashi legwork challenged by Coughlin’s power. It wasn’t perfect, but it was a lot of fun. The match ended somewhat suddenly once Coughlin powered Tanahashi into a jackhammer, resulting in a pinfall win.

While Coughlin is mathematically eliminated, this win puts him at 4 points. Tanahashi’s tournament is also on the rocks following this rock.

Mikey Nichols defeated EVIL 

This was a total House of Torture match. EVIL initially jumped Nichols and used typical HoT tactics for the rest of the bout. Kosei Fujita eventually helped Nichols clear the ring, allowing Nichols to trap EVIL with an awkward pin to score the win.

This win doesn’t do much in terms of standings. EVIL is still atop of his block with 8 points, while Nichols has been eliminated from playoff contention with only 4 points.

Toru Yano defeated Shane Haste 

From blindfolds to an under-the-ring fight, it’s fair to say Yano was Yano in this one. After a prolonged time under the ring, Haste emerged from under the ring with a bucket taped to his head. Once the bucket was removed, Yano bumped Haste, leading to the bucket falling on the referee’s head. Yano dropped Haste with a low blow, and a roll-up closed the match. 

This result keeps both men at the bottom of the block and free from playoff contention with 4 points each. 

HENARE defeated Tomohiro Ishii

This match was nothing but these guys beating the breaks off of each other. After multiple false finishes, HENARE connected with a stiff sequence of strikes, followed by Streets of Rage to secure the win. 

Both of these guys were already eliminated, but this win gets HENARE up to 4 points. 

Hirooki Goto defeated Jeff Cobb

Goto sold the damage from the tournament throughout this match, having to withstand Cobb’s freakish strength. Goto busted out some unusual offense, including a code red, which he followed with the GTR to win the match. 

This win puts Goto at 6 points, which not only keeps him in playoff contention, but opens up the playoffs for a lot of D block.

Tama Tonga vs. Eddie Kingston

Two beloved babyfaces met and had a match that fits. Tama had a lot in this, but in the end, Eddie was able to win out with a back fist and a northern lights bomb.

Eddie’s win leaves him tied with block leaders at 8 points. 

Tetsuya Naito defeated Zack Sabre Jr.

From the opening bell, this match had a decent energy about it. A large portion was spent on mat work before transitioning into a standing finishing stretch. In the closing minutes, both men threw everything at each other, but Naito was able to secure the win with an inside cradle. 

This win keeps Naito, and a lot of D block in playoff contention. 

Shingo Takagi defeated David Finlay

This was a methodical match from the open, slowly building to a table spot. Finlay eventually powerbombed Shingothrough the table, acting as a mid-match climax. After an extended period of fighting back into the match, Shingo dropped Finlay with Last of the Dragon to win the match.

Shingo advances to 7 points, making C block a chaotic pickem heading into the end of block action.

**********

Standings

A Block

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

WWE NXT live results: The fallout from Great American Bash

Posted on by Chris Aiken

Tonight’s NXT will feature the fallout from Great American Bash.

Carmelo Hayes is still the NXT Champion following a battle with Ilja Dragunov this past Saturday. We’ll see if a new challenger for Hayes emerges tonight.

Tiffany Stratton also retained her NXT Women’s Championship at Great American Bash, defeating Thea Hail in a submission match. Though Hail lost, she didn’t tap out. Andre Chase threw in the towel as Stratton had Hail locked in a Boston crab. Stratton will celebrate her victory tonight.

Dominik Mysterio retained the North American title at Great American Bash, while Tony D’Angelo & Stacks defeated Gallus to become the new NXT Tag Team Champions.

A grudge match between Jacy Jayne and Lyra Valkyria has been announced for tonight. The two brawled at Great American Bash when Jayne attacked Valkyria.

The Schism will hold an interrogation as they attempt to confirm who the two followers who have been disobeying them are. Dijak vs. Eddy Thorpe and Yulisa Leon & Valentina Feroz vs. Elektra Lopez & Lola Vice are also set for the episode.

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

NXT begins with a recap of The Great American Bash, and then an opening angle where Gallus ambushes The Family. Tony D’Angelo and Channing “Stacks” Lorenzo arrive to the building in their SUV, and they bring with them their newly won NXT Tag Team title belts. 

Gallus jump The Family in the parking lot. While Tony D and Stacks put up a fight, they are eventually beaten down and left laying on the concrete. This would set up six-man tag match for tonight’s main event, with a mystery partner for The Family.

Cut to Booker T and Vic Joseph at the announce desk, and they are interrupted by Jacy Jayne. She vows to finish what she started at The Bash, except this time there will be nobody to pull her off Lyra Valkyria. I guess she forgot about the referee. Anyway, the show is kicking off live with a grudge match from the soundstage at the Performance Center in Orlando.

Jayne rushes to meet Valkyria during her entrance, and the grudge match is underway with a brawl before the bell.

Lyra Valkyria defeated Jacy Jayne

Valkyria pinned Jayne after a splash off the top rope. The finish was somewhat out of nowhere. They were fighting when Jayne hit Valkyria with a superkick, but Valkyria dodged another strike. Valkyria ducks under, and she levels Jayne with a roundhouse kick. Valkyria follows up by climbing the turnbuckles for a leap of faith and the three count.

They wrestled through a commercial break, and Valkyria showed a ton of fire. Jayne got to dominate a lot despite losing, which is seemingly standard WWE booking logic. Nothing necessarily wrong with that, as the heel got a comeuppance. The finish was just sudden.

NXT Champion Carmelo Hayes is talking backstage with Trick Williams. They talk a little about The Bash and Hayes’ banger with Ilja Dragunov. Williams then voices some frustration with being seen as a sidekick. Williams wants to fight Dragunov to show that he too is a dragon slayer like Hayes. Williams and Hayes embrace before Williams exits the scene. 

Tony D and Stacks are in the trainer’s room when roving reporter McKenzie Mitchell asks them for a medical update. Tony D says the update is Gallus are dead men walking, and Tony D wants to fight all of Gallus tonight. Stacks points out that means all three. Tony D says he will make a call. 

Rey Mysterio to appear live on NXT next week

Out comes “Dirty Dom” and “Mami” for an in-ring promo. NXT North American Champion Dominik Mysterio and WWE World Women’s Champion Rhea Ripley enter the ring, and they boast about Dom retaining his title at The Bash. They are soon interrupted by Dragon Lee. 

Ripley tries to insult Dragon Lee, but he laughs it off. Dragon Lee takes exception to Dom thinking he is the greatest luchador ever. That is Rey Mysterio, according to Dragon Lee. After a discussion about the size of each other’s cojones, Dragon Lee challenges Dom to a title match next week. Dom accepts the challenge, saying he is a fighting champion. 

Ripley assures she will be in Dom’s corner, and Dom says that is all he needs. Dragon Lee responds with a surprise. Dragon Lee says next week he will not come alone either. Suddenly, Rey Mysterio appears on the Titantron, and Mysterio announces that he will be in Dragon Lee’s corner next Tuesday on NXT. 

Carmelo Hayes and Wes Lee have a heated confrontation in the locker room. They are interrupted by Noam Dar and Oro Mensah. Words are exchanged, and a scuffle breaks out. This sets up a tag team match for later tonight. 

A dejected Thea Hail is flanked by Duke Hudson and Andre Chase for an interview with McKenzie Mitchell. Baron Corbin interrupts and tells them the interview is over. Chase says this is there allotted time. Corbin disrespects and insults Hail, and Chase says he will not allow that. This sets up a singles match between Corbin and Chase. 

Dijak defeated Eddy Thorpe

Dijak pins Thorpe clean, after injuring Thorpe’s shoulder. Thorpe was getting a good push, and then he loses clean. Maybe they have a return match, and there is a 50/50 booking treatment. Regardless, they had a good match here tonight. More of that, please.

Thorpe takes an ugly bump, as Dijak goes to work on an arm. Dijak works over the arm, and he smashes Thorpe into a ring post. Thorpe fight back, but he uses his injured arm for an elbow drop. That backfires on him, and Dijak again posts the arm. Dijak follows up with superkick into the shoulder, and Dijak does a roaring kick that drops Thorpe for a three count.

Tony D is on the phone with his mystery partner, and Tony D says he is in.

Dana Brooke wants Kelani Jordan to find her “killer instinct.”

Elektra Lopez & Lola Vice defeated Yulisa Leon & Valentina Feroz 

Vice pinned Leon to win the match in somewhat of an upset. Feroz & Leon were getting a push. It appears they now have rivals, as this would seem to set up a return bout 

This match was set up after Lopez & Vice on social media cut a promo cutting down Leon & Feroz. Too bad for them that Leon & Feroz are the team being pushed. Vice & Lopez make a good team, but the match was so-so. Everybody worked hard. 

The heels work over Feroz, leading towards a hot tag to Leon. She cleans house. Lopez is sent out of the ring by Leon, but Vice recovers unbeknownst to Leon. She turns around and walks into a superkick from Vice, and Vice covers Leon for a pinfall.

NXT Women’s Champion Tiffany Stratton cut a promo on TikTok bragging about her retaining the title at The Bash. She will be back live next week on NXT.

Noam Dar & Oro Mensah (with Jakara Jackson & Lash Legend) defeated NXT Champion Carmelo Hayes & Wes Lee (with Trick Williams) 

Dar pinned Lee to win the match. As part of the finish and the story of the match, Lee inadvertently hits Hayes with a finisher. There is tension between Lee and Hayes. This could seem to set up Lee being the next challenger for Hayes’ title. 

Wes Lee, who has more of an edge lately, with a subtle tease of heelish behavior. Before the bell to start the match, Lee dives through the ropes for a dive on Dar & Mensah. The two teams go on to brawl at ringside. They finally get into the ring, and they match bell sounds to officially start the match. Surprised by the ambush, Dar takes bumps while still wearing his jacket.

The match goes through a commercial break, and Lee is being worked over as the show returns from the break. Builds to a hot tag. Hayes is a house of fire. Dar bump and feeds for Hayes. Legend gets involved at ringside at one point, and Hayes ducks a clothesline from Legend. Moments later, Jackson gets into the ring to distract Lee.

Jackson stands over Dar to protect him as Lee is perched on the top rope, and Jackson dares Lee to go through her. Still being a subtle heel, Lee goes for a twisting senton anyway, and Jackson moves out of the way. Lee splashes Dar for a near fall when the pin is broken up. 

A flurry of action brings Hayes back into the ring. He drops Mensah with a kick. Lee signals and measures for a Cardiac Kick on Dar. Lee then inadvertently hits Hayes with the Cardiac Kick, and Lee is superkicked by Mensah (who was apparently supposed to do a springboard, but botched it). Dar delivers a shining wizard to Lee, and Dar covers him for a pinfall.

Bron Breakker cut a promo threatening Von Wagner.

A plug advertises Cody Rhodes appearing Thursday during Today on NBC. 

Rhea Ripley and Dominik Mysterio are in the parking lot when they are confronted by Axiom. Dom does a comedy bit where he mistakes the masked Axiom for Dragon Lee. They are all interrupted by Mustafa Ali, and Ali  barges into the conversation wanting a word with Dom. Axiom feels disrespected by this, which would seem to set up a match between Axiom and Ali.

Baron Corbin defeated Andre Chase (with Thea Hail and Duke Hudson)

Corbin pinned Chase to win the match, but the story was really at ringside with Thea Hail.

Hail was visibly depressed at ringside. She upset about Chase throwing in the towel on Sunday, Hail throws in the towel for Chase when Corbin had him in a single-leg crab. Corbin caught the towel, and the referee did not see Hail thrown it in, and Corbin throws the towel back outside the ring. 

Hail picks up the towel and leaves ringside, heading backstage. Hudson is taken aback with Hail’s actions and her walking out. Meanwhile, Chase is given The End of Days, and Corbin covers him for a three count.

Roxanne Perez is the focus of a vignette that shows her returning to her home state of Texas for her match at The Bash. Her family is featured in the video package, and they were also part of the story at The Bash. The mini-doc here was great character development for Perez.

In a scene straight out of a Monday night wrestling show in the late ’90s, a car is seen arriving to the building, and out steps a mysterious figure. The announcers speculate of this person is the mystery partner for tonight.

Tyler Bate in a skit confronts Meta-Four. This would seem to set up a match between Bate and Noam Dar for the Heritage Cup. Bate is the rightful holder of the trophy, but Dar now has a replica version. 

Where in the world are the Creed Brothers?

Joe Gacy and Ava hold an interrogation with The Schism, trying to identify the traitors. The Dyad are also there, and they are livid. The masked members are all told to unmask one by one, as they are looking for the culprits. 

There is a comedy bit where Ikemen Jiro pranks The Schism as he reveals himself as a member. Except he is not a member, so they kick him out of the ring. They kick out someone else. That left two more members. They Dyad lambaste them, and accuse them of being the Creeds. Dyad jump the two masked guys, and they pull off the masks. Turns out, they were not the Creeds.

The Creed Brothers suddenly appear on the Titantron, and they are supposed to be vacationing after losing the losers leave town match. This is supposed to be comedy as the Creeds are shown at various locations like the Pyramids. Gacy then screams for followers of Schism to find the Creed Brothers and bring them to Schism. What a silly angle this is, but whatever. Could be a lot worse.

In a skit from “last week” on NXT, an upset and angry Cora Jade pitches and fit in the locker room after losing a match. She storms out and claims she is leaving NXT.

Matches officially announced for next Tuesday on NXT:

  • Dominik Mysterio, with Rhea Ripley in his corner, defends the NXT North American title against challenger Dragon Lee, with Rey Mysterio in his corner
  • Tyler Bate against Noam Dar in a Heritage Cup match
  • Bron Breakker vs. Von Wagner
  • Mustafa Ali vs. Axiom

NXT Tag Team Champions The Family (Tony D’Angelo & Channing “Stacks” Lorenzo) & Santos Escobar defeated Gallus (Mark Coffey, Wolfgang & Joe Coffey) 

Escobar was revealed as the mystery partner, and he has history as a rival of Tony D. Tonight, Escobar returned to NXT as Tony D’s tag partner.

The babyfaco trio clear the ring and clean house before a commercial break, but the rudos have the advantage when the show returns. Stacks is being worked over after the break.

Hot tag, and Escobar gets to shine as he runs wild. The two teams face off, three-on-three for a melee in the closing moments. Escobar with a super-duper avalanche Frankensteiner off the top rope on Mark Coffey. In comes Stacks and Tony D, and they execute their double team Bada Bing finisher. Tony D then hooks a leg and covers Coffey for the deciding pinfall.

The show closes with Ilja Dragunov cutting a promo on Trick Williams, vowing to terminate him entirely. Strong words. 

NJPW G1 Climax 33 night 11 live results: Okada vs. KENTA

Posted on by Chick Fritts

A Block & B Block have their penultimate Block matches today in Takamatsu as NJPW’s G1 Climax 33 tournament hits the final stretch. 

In the main event, 4-1 Kazuchika Okada looks to rebound from a loss to Will Ospreay in a bout against KENTA. 

In the semi-main, two of the proclaimed Reiwa Three Musketeers do battle, as Shota Umino battles Yota Tsuji. 

The full card: 

  • B Block: Kazuchika Okada (4-1, 8 points) vs. KENTA (2-3, 4 points)
  • A Block: Shota Umino (2-1-2, 6 points) vs. Yota Tsuji (1-2-2, 4 points)
  • B Block: Will Ospreay (4-1, 8 points) vs. Tanga Loa (2-3, 4 points)
  • A Block: SANADA (5-0, 10 points) vs. Gabe Kidd (2-2-1, 5 points)
  • B Block: Taichi (3-2, 6 points) vs. El Phantasmo (2-3, 4 points)
  • A Block: Chase Owens (2-3, 4 points) vs. Ren Narita (0-3-2, 2 points)
  • B Block: YOSHI-HASHI (2-3, 4 points) vs. Great-O-Khan (1-4, 2 points)
  • A Block: Kaito Kiyomiya (2-1-2, 6 points) vs. Hikuleo (2-3, 4 points)

Our live coverage begins at 6 a.m. Eastern time. 

**********

Recommended Matches

  • SANADA vs. Gabe Kidd – I don’t think it’s a stretch to call Kidd an MVP contender at this point—outstanding performance after outstanding performance, and this match is no exception.
  • Shota Umino vs. Yota Tsuji – This was their first meeting post-excursion, and it did not disappoint. 

**********

Hikuleo defeated Kaito Kiyomiya

This match was all about Kaito working from behind to ground the big man. Kaito slowly worked his way to a finish, but in the end, Hikuleo caught Kaito with a chokeslam to win the match.

This win leaves Hikuleo on the upper end of A Block with 6 points, keeping him alive. 

Great-O-Khan defeated YOSHI-HASHI

With YH’s tournament on the rocks, you would expect something more urgent here. Instead, O-Khan just coasted through control until YH launched a late rally. After a few nearfalls, O-Khan dropped YH with an eliminator to eliminate him from this tournament.

O-Khan played spoiler here, moving up to 4 points.

Ren Narita defeated Chase Owens

While not great, this match between two guys who are already virtually eliminated was far from awful. Ren put in a strong performance, eventually forcing Owens to submit with the cobra twist.

This win formally eliminates Owens from playoff contention. 

El Phantasmo defeated Taichi

These guys worked hard throughout this match, splitting the crowd. After extended back-and-forths and false finishes, ELP secured the Gedo clutch.

This win moves ELP to 6 points, but both men are on rocky ground in B block.

SANADA defeated Gabe Kidd

From before the opening bell, Kidd brutalized SANADA using chairs and environmental offense to take the lead. The SANADA rally that followed was one of the best in his title reign. SANADA caught Kidd with a low blow after eating a closed fist, opening up for deadfall and the win.

SANADA’s perfect run continues, making him the only man in the tournament with 12 points.

Tanga Loa defeated Will Ospreay

This match didn’t play to Ospreay’s strengths whatsoever. Both guys got a lot before Loa took the fight to the outside. On the floor, Loa threw Ospreay into the chairs as the referee’s count climbed. Before Ospreay could get back in the ring, Loa hit him with a spear and beat the count himself to win the match via countout.

This massive upset leaves Loa with 6 points, keeping himself and a lot of B block in playoff contention. 

Yota Tsuji defeated Shota Umino

This match opened hot before transitioning into a Shota control segment toward the later middle. The closing sequence saw Tsuji fight back in a furious strike exchange before attempting a spear. Umino reversed into a curb stomp but failed to hit the Death Rider; instead, Tsuji freed himself and connected with the spear to win.

This win moves Tsuji to 5 points, keeping himself and a lot of A Block alive in the process. 

Kazuchika Okada defeated KENTA

An underdog KENTA forced Okada to work from behind for the duration of this match. KENTA utilized weapons and wear-down offense to maintain a lead for most of the runtime. Regardless, Okada was able to hit the rainmaker to win the match.

This win makes Okada the only person in B block with 10 points, ensuring his place in the playoffs and eliminating KENTA, YOSHI-HASHI, and Great-O-Khan.

**********

Standings

A Block

  • SANADA (6-0) – 12 points
  • Shota Umino (2-2-2) – 6 points
  • Kaito Kiyomiya (2-2-2) – 6 points
  • Hikuleo (3-3) – 6 points
  • Yota Tsuji (2-3-1) – 5 points
  • Gabe Kidd (2-3-1) 5 points
  • Chase Owens (2-4) – 4 points
  • Ren Narita (1-3-2) – 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 (4-1) – 8 points
  • EVIL (4-1) – 8 points
  • Tama Tonga (3-1-1) – 7 points
  • Eddie Kingston (3-2) – 6 points
  • Shingo Takagi (2-2-1) – 5 points
  • HENARE (1-4) – 2 points
  • Mikey Nicholls (1-4) – 2 points
  • Tomohiro Ishii (1-4) – 2 points

D Block

  • Jeff Cobb (4-1) – 8 points
  • Zack Sabre Jr. (4-1) – 8 points
  • Tetsuya Naito (3-2) – 6 points
  • Hiroshi Tanahashi (3-2) – 6 points
  • Hirooki Goto (2-3) – 4 points
  • Shane Haste (2-3) – 4 points
  • Alex Coughlin (1-4) – 2 points
  • Toru Yano (1-4) – 2 points

WWE Raw live results: SummerSlam go-home show

Posted on by Colin McGuire

WWE Raw is in Houston, Texas tonight for its final stop before SummerSlam.

Cody Rhodes and Brock Lesnar will both be in the same building ahead of Saturday’s pay-per-view. It’s the first time they’ve been in the same place since Lesnar attacked Rhodes in front of his family two weeks ago. Lesnar put Rhodes in a kimura twice during that attack.

Seth Rollins is defending his World Heavyweight Championship against Finn Balor at Saturday’s PPV. Tonight, Rollins will team up with Sami Zayn as they take on Judgment Day’s Damian Priest & Dominik Mysterio. Last Monday’s Raw ended with Rollins and Zayn both being laid out by Judgment Day. Kevin Owens was also attacked by Judgment Day earlier in the night.

Logan Paul will appear for the final build to his SummerSlam match against Ricochet.

Plus, Maxxine Dupri wrestles her first-ever singles match as she takes on Valhalla tonight.

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

**********

– The show opened with an “In Memory Of” graphic for Adrian Street, who recently passed away.

– Kevin Patrick welcomed everyone into the show. Corey Graves began running down the card for the night. Logan Paul’s music hit and Paul walked to the ring. 

The Logan Paul/Ricochet segment

Paul welcomed everyone to Monday Night Raw as a chorus of boos rang through the arena. Paul said he wasn’t there for the fans; instead, he was there for Ricochet. When Paul tried to speak, the crowd drowned him out with boos. Paul recalled how Ricochet attacked him last week. The fans gave Paul the “What?!” treatment. Paul said he will beat Ricochet in the most viral match in WWE history at SummerSlam. On cue, Ricochet’s music hit and Ricochet walked out with a microphone in hand. 

The crowd chanted Ricochet’s name. Ricochet said last week, he was in Paul’s live stream, but this week, he’s in Paul’s head. Ricochet said Paul isn’t the good guy in their situation. Ricochet said Paul can’t foot Houston. Ricochet said he thinks Paul is a horrible human being, but Ricochet admitted that he respects Paul as an athlete and competitor. Paul said he appreciated Ricochet’s comments. The crowd chanted “You suck!” at Paul before Paul said Ricochet is one of the best to ever do it until Paul showed up. Paul recalled how their feud began at Royal Rumble and called for the clip where Ricochet and Paul jumped into each other at the Rumble. 

Paul extended his fist for a fist bump and said they’ll put on a hell of a match at SummerSlam. Ricochet obliged. Ricochet turned to leave and Paul stopped him to point out that ring announcer Samantha Irvin is engaged to Ricochet and Paul hopes there won’t be any hard feelings when Irvin has to announce that Paul beat Ricochet. The two brawled as a result of the comment. Ricochet came off the top, but Paul caught him with a right hand to end the segment. 

**********

– A video package featuring the Gunther/Drew McIntyre developments from last week aired. 

– Jackie Redmond welcomed in Imperium for an interview backstage. Gunther said he doesn’t live in the past and pointed out that he is currently disappointed in Ludwig Kaiser. Gunther said Kaiser can redeem himself later in the night against Matt Riddle. Gunther said he will personally end McIntyre at SummerSlam and the show went back to the ring, where Riddle made his entrance. 

Ludwig Kaiser defeated Matt Riddle [11:04]

A very solid television match from two very solid professional wrestlers. The near-falls had me toward the end because I half-expected Riddle to go over as a means to underscore the friction in Imperium. As it goes, Riddle takes another loss in a very competitive match. I would have liked to see five more minutes and another gear – I mean, hell, Raw is three hours; it’s not like they couldn’t have given it a go – but it was not to be. Perhaps Riddle will have a say in Saturday’s Intercontinental Title match finish somehow. 

Riddle had control early, taking Kaiser down repeatedly. Kaiser gained control with a back elbow and a forearm. Kaiser worked a side head-lock. Riddle fought out of it and landed a pair of gut-wrench suplexes. The two traded strikes until Riddle hit a fisherman’s suplex for a two-count. Riddle lifted Kaiser, but Kaiser worked out of it to run Riddle into the ring post. Kaiser followed that up with a dropkick and a European Uppercut on the outside. Riddle regained control with a series of a high-flying moves as the show went to commercial break. 

When the show returned, Kaiser landed a kick to Riddle’s head to take control. Riddle fought back with a series of chops and kicks. Riddle landed an Exploder and a Bro-ton to keep momentum. Riddle hit a German Suplex for a nice near-fall. Riddle landed another Bro-ton, but then went for another and Kaiser got his knees up. Kaiser hit what Patrick called a Kaiser Roll (which was kinda/sorta funny … ish) for a two-count. Riddle was quickly distracted, but came back with a knee to the head and a power-bomb for a good near-fall. 

Riddle went for the Bro Derek, but Kaiser countered into a roll-up and a two-count. The two traded strikes and Riddle knocked Kaiser down before going for a moonsault. Kaiser moved at the last second and ultimately hit his finisher for the win. After the match, Gunther extended his hand to Kaiser and the two shook hands. 

**********

– Logan Paul was walking backstage and was interrupted by Byron Saxton. Paul insulted Ricochet and told Saxton to get the microphone out of his face before storming off. 

– A video package regarding the Cody/Brock feud aired. 

Maxxine Dupri defeated Valhalla [3:30]

Well. All right. Dupri is still greener than a bucket of jalapeños, but she lasted three-and-a-half minutes here and didn’t significantly hurt the match. It didn’t feel like the Japanese Ocean Cyclone Suplex will be Dupri’s finisher considering how this time, it was used out of circumstance, but who knows. God bless Otis, Gable and her – the live crowds are into it, and you can’t be mad at that. As for the six wrestlers involved, it doesn’t look like this story will be finished anytime soon.

Valhalla jumpstarted the match with a shotgun knee to Dupri. After a quick burst of energy, Valhalla whipped Dupri around and grabbed her by the hair. Valhalla worked a submission, but Dupri came back with an arm-drag. Dupri landed a Fisherman’s Suplex and a splash in the corner. Otis and Gable stood on the ring apron. Dupri did the worm and landed an elbow drop. Dupri went to the top and hit a cross-body, but Erik came into the ring to break things up. As a result, Gable hit a moonsault on the Viking Raiders. Valhalla took back control after all that and went to the top. Dupri worked out of it and landed a Japanese Ocean Cyclone Suplex, which got Maxxine the win. 

**********

– Nakamura was shown backstage and Ciampa confronted him. Ciampa said tonight, he’s going to fix the problem they have. Ciampa said he needs to pick up some momentum and he’s going to start against Nakamura before winning the battle royal at SummerSlam. Nakamura said he’s going to win the battle royal and the show went back to the ring, where The Judgment Day stood with microphones. 

The Judgment Day segment

Damien Priest began by speaking in Spanish and told everyone to rise for the Judgment Day. Rhea Ripley said Raw doesn’t start until Judgment Day says it does. Ripley referenced putting Liv Morgan on the shelf. Priest wondered who might stop them and mentioned Kevin Owens, Sami Zayn and Seth Rollins. Priest said Judgment Day took care of them all and nobody can stop Judgment Day. 

Finn Balor spoke next and called Seth Rollins someone who wants to look insane. Balor said insanity is waking up every day for the last seven years and seeing the scars he inflicted. Balor talked about how Rollins ruined his career. Balor said he can’t erase the scars, but he will inflict scars. Balor said those scars will make him feel better. Dirty Dom tried to speak and the crowd booed the hell out of him. Dom said he’s going to bring back the Mysterio name. 

Ripley spoke up and talked about how Raquel Rodriguez ran and hid from her, but Raquel’s music hit and she walked to the ring with purpose. Rodriguez and Ripley brawled inside the ring. Rodriguez clotheslined Ripley over the top rope and threw Ripley into the guardrail. Rodriguez threw Ripley around ringside. Raquel’s momentum stopped when Ripley chop-blocked her. Officials ran out to try and keep Ripley away from Raquel and that ended the segment.

**********

– A video package looking back at the Rousey/Baszler feud aired. Turns out their match at SummerSlam will be under MMA rules. 

– Alpha Academy were shown backstage. They were interrupted by Imperium. Gunther made fun of them, calling Otis a freak. Gunther said the last two weeks have been a rollercoaster for him and said Gable wouldn’t last five minutes with him. Gable took exception to that and it looks like a five-minute challenge between Gunther and Gable will happen later on. 

Shinsuke Nakamura defeated Tommaso Ciampa [8:54]

It’s just hard to not expect more from these guys. Expectations have been limited for Nakamura since he debuted on the main roster years ago, but Ciampa has as much of a blank slate as one could have at this point in his career on the main roster, so the hope would be that perhaps he could get some booking love. Not here. It’s funny. If you would have told me seven years ago that Ciampa and Nakamura would wrestle for nine minutes on Monday Night Raw, I would have stayed up just to see that. These days, we get a match that’s mostly lost to a commercial break, a flat crowd and a clunky finish. Everything should have been better from everyone and everything involved. 

Ciampa’s entrance was not televised. Bronson Reed was shown watching the match backstage early on as Nakamura gained control. Ciampa fought back and gained momentum with a handful of strikes. Nakamura cut him off with a knee to Ciampa’s midsection. The action went to the apron, where Nakamura kicked Ciampa repeatedly. Ciampa evened the odds with a paid of running knees. Ciampa clapped and patted himself on the back as the show went to commercial. 

Returning from break, the two traded blows in the middle of the ring. Nakamura landed an enzigouri and a sliding German Suplex for a two-count. Ciampa fought back and hit a draping DDT for a two-count. Ciampa sold rib pain. Ciampa put Nakamura on the top rope, but Nakamura fought out of it. Nakamura landed a knee into Ciampa’s midsection for a two-count. Nakamura ran at Ciampa, but Ciampa got a knee up. Ciampa went for a clunky Fairytale Ending, but Nakamura rolled Ciampa up in a clunky way for the win.

**********

The Brock Lesnar/Cody Rhodes segment

Brock made his entrance first and grabbed a microphone. The crowd chanted Cody’s name. Brock said, “Ladies and gentlemen, my name is Brock Lesnar. I am an NCAA heavyweight wrestling champion. I am a UFC heavyweight champion. I am WWE heavyweight champion of the world,” and Seth Rollins probably had something to say about that last part. The crowd gave Brock the “What?” treatment. Brock said at SummerSlam, he’ll get paid to fight and kick ass against Cody Rhodes. Brock said Cody will get paid to get his ass kicked by Brock Lesnar. Brock invited Cody out to shake his hand and gave Cody five seconds to come out. Cody’s music hit. 

Cody walked down the entrance way in his wrestling gear. Cody didn’t even stop to do the “Whoa!” bit so you know he meant business. Cody walked around the ring before stepping into it. The two stared at each other and Cody extended his hand. Brock smiled and shook it. Brock walked past Cody and out the ring, but Cody ran the ropes and hit a tope suicida onto Brock on the outside. Lesnar low-blowed Cody and grabbed the ring steps. Brock hit Cody with the steps. Brock looked like he was going to head to the back, but he went back to hit Cody with the steps some more. Brock looked like he was going to head to the back again, but Brock came back again and hit an F-5 on Cody in the ring. Brock put his cowboy hat and vest back on and left for real. 

**********

Chad Gable beat the 5-minute Gunther challenge, but Gunther won the wrestling match [12:53]

What a swing. This went from the lazy gimmick of a five-minute challenge to a pretty good TV match by the time it was all said and done. I suppose the stipulation was added to protect Gable, and there’s nothing wrong with that, but it was a bit deflating to see Gable last the five minutes … only to ultimately lose in what turned out to be an almost 13-minute match. I’d love to see them run this back with 10 more minutes and the I.C. title on the line, but that’s for another day. The last five minutes here were a lot of fun and if the whole thing wasn’t hamstrung by the silly five-minute challenge nonsense, it would have been even better. 

The two locked up and Gunther threw Gable across the ring. Gunther threw Gable again. Gable went for a takedown, but Gunther instead worked Gable’s leg. The two engaged in a test of strength, which Gunther won. Gunther stomped on Gable’s head. Gunther slammed Gable and covered him twice for one-counts. Gable fired up and chopped Gunther, but Gunther cut him off with a European Uppercut. Gunther landed a chop to Gable’s chest. Gunther went for a power-bomb, but Gable rolled out of it and sunk in an ankle lock. The two got to their feet and Gunther hit a chop, followed by a sleeper hold and Gable faded. Gunther went for a power-bomb, but Gable worked out of it and that was enough for Gable to last the five minutes. 

After the challenge, Gunther got a microphone and yelled that the match had to continue. As a result … well … the match continued. Gable landed a dropkick and the show went to a commercial break. When the show came back from break, Gunther was chopping Gable in a corner. Gable grabbed Gunther’s arm and sunk in an arm-bar. Gable followed that up with a dropkick and went for another one until Gunther moved. Gable came right back and worked another arm-bar. Gunther got out and hit a German Suplex for a two-count. Gunther went to the top, but Gable cut him off and landed a super-plex. 

On their feet, Gable hit a bunch of strikes before Gunther slowed it down with a chop. Gable responded with a German Suplex, which was enough for a two-count. Gunther got up and landed a boot and a chop for a two-count. Gable went for another German Suplex, but Gunther countered with a series of chops. Gunther finally finished a power-bomb attempt and that got him the win. After the match, Gunther got a microphone and stood on the commentary table. He told the crowd to celebrate his success and on Saturday, he will not lose the Intercontinental Championship. Gunther said on Saturday, he’s going to end Drew McIntyre. 

**********

– Cody Rhodes was interviewed backstage by Byron Saxton. Cody said Brock could break his arm, ribs or jaw, but at SummerSlam, the aura of Brock Lesnar will be shattered. Cody stormed off. 

– Becky Lynch made her entrance and stood in the ring with a microphone. Becky said The Man has come around to Houston, Texas. Lynch said she’s done everything she needed to do to get her rematch with Trish Stratus. Becky said she can’t think of a better place than here or a better time than now to fight Trish. Stratus walked out with a microphone. Stratus told Becky that nobody tells Trish when to fight. Stratus said she’ll tell Becky when Becky gets her rematch. Trish said the one thing she’s not is a cheater, unlike the Astros. The crowd booed. Stratus began to say when the rematch would happen, but Adam Pearce interrupted Stratus. Pearce said the match is going to happen tonight and right now. 

Becky Lynch defeated Trish Stratus via DQ [0:04]

The bell rang, but as soon as Lynch attacked Stratus, Zoey Stark hit the ring and attacked Lynch, giving Lynch the win. After the match, Lynch battled with Stark and Stratus around the ring. Lynch took Stratus’s face protector off before Stark cut Lynch off. Stratus hit Lynch with a chair. The heels walked away as Lynch sold midsection pain to end the segment.

**********

– Backstage, Stratus and Stark were confronted by Adam Pearce. Pearce said in two weeks in Winnipeg, Stratus will face Lynch with Stark banned from ringside. 

– The second part of the Baszler/Rousey video package aired. 

Seth Rollins & Sami Zayn defeated Damien Priest and Dominik Mysterio [12:20]

A worthy main event with a lot of action to close the show. Zayn and Rollins are kind of fun together and I wouldn’t mind to see them team more – especially if it’ll give Kevin Owens some rest. WWE has this habit of making those who stand tall to end go-home shows for PLEs go down in defeat once the actually PLE goes down. We’ll see if that’s the case for Rollins vs. Balor come Saturday. This match was fine for what it was, but nothing particularly worth going out of your way to see. Two commercial breaks will do that. Looks like from the Raw side at least, it’s on to Saturday.

As the Judgment Day made their way to the ring, Rollins and Zayn attacked Dirty Dom and Priest in the entrance way. Rollins chased Balor to the back and Rollins with Zayn stood tall in the ring as the show went to break. Back from commercial, Dominick was punching Rollins, but Rollins threw Dom into a corner and kicked Dom in the head. Zayn tagged in and hit an axe-handle on Dom’s arm. Priest tagged in and gave Judgment Day control. Zayn fought back and took Priest down before tagging in Rollins, who hit a double-stomp on Priest’s arm. 

Rollins came off the second rope, but Priest caught him with an elbow. Dom tagged in, punched Rollins and posed. Rollins fired up and chopped Dom before landing a splash in a corner. Rollins went for another one and missed. Dom tagged in Priest, who landed a super-kick on Rollins. Dom tagged back in and punched Rollins repeatedly. Dom tagged in Priest. Rollins was on the apron and Balor pulled Rollins off the apron while the ref was distracted and landed a few blows. The show went to another commercial break. 

When the show returned, Dominik had control over Rollins, but Priest tagged in and Rollins rolled away to get the hot tag to Zayn, who took Priest out. Zayn threw Priest to the outside, where Zayn landed a dive onto Priest. Back inside the ring, Zayn landed a Tornado DDT, but Dom broke up the pin attempt. Dom tagged in and set up Zayn for a 619. When Dom ran toward Zayn, Zayn clotheslined Dom. Zayn tagged Rollins and Priest tagged in as well. Rollins hit a tope of tope suicidas onto Priest, who was on the outside. 

Rollins stared at Balor on the outside and rolled Priest into the ring. Priest went for South of Heaven, but Rollins countered and hit a super-kick. Dom cut Rollins off, but Zayn took out Dom. Ripley ran over to yell at Zayn. While the ref was yelling at Ripley, Balor dropkicked Zayn. Inside the ring, Priest landed a Razor’s Edge, but instead of pinning Rollins, Priest asked for his MITB briefcase. Balor gave it to him, but didn’t cash it in before Rollins super-kicked Priest. Rollins landed a stomp on Priest for the win. Rollins and Zayn posed in the ring to close the show.

WWE NXT Great American Bash live results: Carmelo Hayes vs. Ilja Dragunov title match

Posted on by Chris Aiken

Four championships will be on the line at WWE NXT’s Great American Bash.

NXT Champion Carmelo Hayes will defend against Ilja Dragunov who earned the shot by defeating former champion Bron Breakker in a no. 1 contender’s match.

Tiffany Stratton will defend her NXT Women’s Championship against Chase U’s Thea Hail in a submission match. This will be Hail’s second attempt at dethroning the champion.

NXT North American Champion Dominik Mysterio defends against former champion Wes Lee and Mustafa Ali in a three-way.

Olympic gold medalist and two-time NCAA heavyweight wrestling champion Gable Steveson will make his in-ring debut against Baron Corbin.

The rest of the main card will see Roxanne Perez vs. Blair Davenport in a Weapons Wild match, and NXT Tag Team Champions Gallus defending against The Family (Tony D’Angelo & Channing “Stacks” Lorenzo).

The pre-show will feature an eight-person tag between Dragon Lee, Nathan Frazer, Yulisa Leon & Valentina Feroz vs. Meta-Four.

**********

The kickoff show is underway. From a studio is Matt Camp, Megan Morant and Sam Roberts as co-hosts on a pre-show panel. They hype begins from the start.

McKenzie Mitchell goes to interview Dominik Mysterio in his locker room at the building near Austin, but she instead encounters WWE World Women’s Champion Rhea Ripley. She says whatever Mitchell wanted to ask Dom, she can ask “Mami.” 

Ripley says Dom is “cool, calm, and collected” despite being outnumbered in the triple threat match. Ripley says Judgment Day always has a plan. Ripley then concludes the interview with some sexual innuendo about her and Dom. 

In a clip from yesterday, Roxanne Perez is at Dream Con in Austin when she is confronted by Blair Davenport. A shoving match turns into a pull-apart brawl, as part of an angle shot at the convention. 

Baron Corbin in a backstage interview sits down with McKenzie Mitchell ahead of Corbin’s match tonight against Gable Steveson. Corbin is going to take the will to succeed as a WWE superstar from Steveson. Corbin goes on to say he will “dominate and bury a second Gold Medalist” (alluding to a prior match against Kurt Angle). 

Opening the show live from the HEB Center in Cedar Park, TX is a mixed eight-person tag team match. Vic Josep

Dragon Lee, Nathan Frazer, Yulisa Leon & Valentina Feroz defeated Meta-Four (Noam Dar, Oro Mensah, Jakara Jackson & Lash Legend) 

Dragon Lee pinned Mensah to win the match. The men faced the men and the women vice versa for the most part, but they did some mixed spots. Lots of great action from at times in a decent enough opener. The crowd was rather hot for the finish. 

The main card opens clips of Dusty Rhodes, who is credited with creating concept of The Great American Bash in the late 1980s as part of Jim Crockett Promotions. Cody Rhodes narrates the opening video package, which leads into hype for tonight’s card.  

The Family (Tony D’Angelo & Channing “Stacks” Lorenzo) defeated NXT Tag Team Champions Gallus (Mark Coffey & Wolfgang with Joe Coffey) to win the titles

D’Angelo pinned Wolfgang to win the titles. Good way to start the main card, and the crowd was into the match.

There was a really good near fall when The Family did the old Power & Glory tag team finisher from the early ’90s. In doing that, Tony D executes a superplex before Stacks jumps off the top rope with a splash. The subsequent spinning attempt was broken up. 

Joe Coffey gets involved and hands Wolfgang a club, but it was a red herring to distract the referee. That leads another near fall where the pin is broken up. Moments later, Tony D uses a crowbar to hit Joe Coffey when he tries to interfere. 

Stacks is hiplocked over the top rope by Tony D into a dive on the outside. Back in the ring, Bada Bing finisher on Wolfgang, and Tony D covers Wolfgang for the pinfall. The Family are the new tag champs.

Roxanne Perez defeated Blair Davenport in a Weapons Wild match

Perez pinned Davenport, in what was a grudge match filled with weapons and mayhem. 

During her entrance, Perez is walking around ringside. Perez hugs her sister and mom in the front row. She is then suddenly ambushed by Davenport, who was in the front row wearing a hoodie pulled over her head. The sneak attack backfires as Perez fires up on Davenport.

They brawled early and often. Weapons come into play like metal folding chairs and trash cans, among other plunder. Davenport cuts off Perez with a shot from a trash can. Davenport is pummeling Perez at ringside when Davenport pulls out a branding iron to use as a weapon, since they are in Texas of course. Chairs are piled up in the ring, and trash cans litter the canvas. 

Davenport taunts the family members at ringside while pummeling Perez. Perez fires up on Davenport using a bullrope as a weapon. Davenport is also whipped with a belt that she had earlier used against Perez. 

Huge pop from the live crowd when Perez got a table from underneath the ring. It would later come into play, when Perez jumps off the top rope to spash Davenport through the table. They do the spot right in front of Perez’s family.

Davenport twice countered Pop Rocks. Perez takes a bump that crushed a trash can when she is suplexed on it. After the table spot, Perez does the Pop Rocks. Davenport takes the finisher on a pile of folded chairs, and Perez covers Davenport for a three count.

Gable Steveson vs. Baron Corbin ends in a double countout

Decent match for Steveson’s in-ring debut, but the finish was beyond lame. Steveson got over like a fart in church. The crowd even cheered Corbin, which should say a lot. A post-match brawl seems to indicate a return bout in future. 

Corbin has new gear and new music. The music was not much of an improvement, but his gear looks nice. Steveson wore a gold medal during his entrance, and his gear is a traditional wrestling singlet. 

Steveson gets to shine early on, before Corbin cuts him off and begins to work him over. Corbin dashes some hope spots when Steveson fights back. Corbin taunts Steveson, and that fires up Steveson.

Comeback by Steveson. Corbin baited him into following him outside, and Corbin cuts off Steveson. They brawl around ringside, and both are counted out. The crowd chants “bullshit” as a pull-apart brawl develops.

The brawling continues as they tumble over the announce desk. Referees pour out to separate them, but Corbin and Steveson keep brawling. Security geeks poured out to join the pull-apart brawl, and the security team is mowed down by Steveson and Corbin. Steveson sends Corbin crashing through a gimmicked section of barricade, and Steveson stands tall. 

Lyra Valkyria is being interviewed by McKenzie Mitchell when Valkyria is ambushed by Jacy Jayne. Rhea Ripley walks by and remarks that was what she was looking for from Valkyria, as Valkyria and Jayne brawl. 

NXT North American Champion Dominik Mysterio (with WWE World Women’s Champion Rhea Ripley) defeated Wes Lee and Mustafa Ali to retain the title in a triple threat match

Mysterio pinned Lee to win what was a really good match. They played to each other’s strengths, and Dom is really over as a character. 

Dom tries to powder early on, but he is surrounded by Ali and Lee. They chase Mysterio and they double team him. That partnership falls apart as they again turn on each other, much like they did in the storyline heading into this bout.

Ali and Lee face off while Dom is selling on the outside. An opportunist, Myserio jumps back into the ring to shove Ali and Lee off the ropes. They tumble to the floor. Dom goes for the Three Amigos, but that backfires when he tries to suplex both Ali and Lee at the same time. They counter him and they both suplex Mysterio for a double team version of the Three Amigos.

The highspots done by Ali and Lee show they could have a banger in a singles match. In a spot where both Mysertio and Lee are draped on the bottom rope. Ali climbs the turnbuckle. Ali then crashes and burns doing a 450 on the apron. That leaves Lee against Mysterio.

Ripley gets involved by demanding that Lee not do a dive, after he already done a dive. Responding to Ripley’s demands, Lee jumps over her into a dive to the outside. Ripley then executes a Riptide on Lee that puts him through the announce desk. Somehow, Lee is able to kick out after Ripley rolled him back into the ring.

More near falls just before they head home. Ripley tries to give Dom the North American title belt, but the referee intercepts it. That was a red herring much like we saw earlier in the tag title match. Mysterio then grabs the women’s title belt, and he hits Lee with a belt shot. Lee still manages to kick out.

Ali jumps back into the match when he dropkicks Mysterio off the turnbuckles. Ali follows up by executing a 450 splash on Lee, and Ali goes for a cover. Ripley pulls Ali out of the ring to break up the pinning attempt. Mysterio then does a frog splash, and he covers Lee for the deciding pinfall. 

Trick Williams cuts a promo in a interview with McKenzie Mitchell, which hypes up the title match main event.

NXT Women’s Champion Tiffany Stratton defeated Thea Hail (with Duke Hudson & Andre Chase) to retain the title in a submission match

Andre Chase throws in the towel on behalf of Hail, when Stratton had Hail trapped in a Boston crab. 

Hail got a special entrance where the crowd was given Chase U banners to hold up. It helped make her look like a superstar. Stratton’s entrance spoofed Barbie, which is very over in pop culture at the moment.

They wrestled back-and-forth at the start, before Stratton begins working over Hail. Stratton works the back, as Hail is a babyface-in-peril. That plays into the submission stip as Stratton worked the back. Stratton applies holds that target the back. 

Hail fights back, but her hope spot is dashed when Stratton catches her in a body scissors. Hail powers to her feet, and she begins a rally. The comeback leads to a dive by Hail. Stratton is sent crashing into the ringpost shoulder first. That would play into a spot moments later when Hail goes for a kimura. Stratton breaks up the attempted hold. Hail would later apply the kimura, but Stratton got a rope break. 

They do a high spot off the top rope where Hail gives Stratton a super northern lights suplex. Stratton twice does her Prettiest Moonsault Ever, and she applies a Boston crab. Hail won’t tap, but she cannot escape the hold. Andre Chase eventually throws in the towel, and Stratton retains her title. Duke Hudson was in disbelief that Chase threw in the towel. 

A backstage skit seemed to set up a match between Dragon Lee and Dominik Mysterio, or at least teased a bout between them.

Two matches announced for Tuesday on NXT includes Jacy Jayne against Lyra Valkyria. Also, Eddy Thorpe faces Dijak in singles match. 

NXT Champion Carmelo Hayes (with Trick Williams) defeats Ilja Dragunov to retain the title

Hayes pinned Dragunov to retain his title. This was a great match and it was a hard-hitting bout. It was arguably the best match on the show.

Dragunov had red contacts in his eyes, as he was apparently “seeing red” as he headed into the match. That plays into the story of the match.

They wrestled back-and-forth taking and trading moves. Somewhere along the way, Dragunov starts to brutalize Hayes. Meanwhile, Williams keeps trying to motivate Hayes into a rally. Dragunov continues to pummel Hayes, and Hayes takes a ton of punishment. Nonetheless, Williams keep trying to motivate Hayes. Dragunov dashes some hope spots.

Comeback by Hayes, and he fires up on Dragunov. Hayes takes an enzuigiri, but he answers back with La Mistica. That popped the crowd and they are hot. Some receipts by Hayes as he peppers Dragunov with chops and strikes. They go on to trade strikes, and they trade stiff elbows.

Hayes springboards into a DDT for a near fall. That led to a “this is awesome” chant. Dragunov leaps off the top rope into a back senton for another near fall. Dragunov attempts to go coast-to-coast, but he is struck down in mid-air by a codebreaker from Hayes, in what was likely the wildest high spot on the show. “Holy s***” chants from the crowd.

Hayes goes to follows up with Nothing But Net, but Dragunov blocks it and powerbombs Hayes. Dragunov signals for a finisher, and he drops the flying forearm. Hayes somehow kicks out in the closest near fall of the match. Dragunov takes an avalanche cutter for another close near fall. Williams grabs the title match at ringside and he holds it up to help motivate Hayes, showing him what he is fighting for. 

They fight on and trade strikes in a fighting spirit exchange. The fight then spilled outside the ring. Dragunov leaps off the ring steps and inadvertently wipes out Williams with Torpedo Moskau. In doing so, Dragunov apparently smashes into the title belt that Williams was holding, and Dragunov is on rubber legs. Hayes capitalizes with Nothing But Net, and Hayes covers Dragunov for a pinfall. 

WWE Main Event results: Kayden Carter vs. Nikki Cross, Sanga vs. Akira Tozawa

Posted on by Arya Witner

This week’s WWE Main Event was taped at the Amalie Arena in Tampa, Florida, before last Monday’s Raw with Byron Saxton and Kevin Patrick on the call. 

Akira Tozawa defeated Sanga (w/ Veer and Jinder Mahal) (3:38)

Before the match, Mahal announced this was the most destructive tag team on Raw and tonight, Sanga would be unleashed on the carcass of Tozawa. 

Tozawa tried jumping on Sanga’s back, but was promptly thrown off. He came off the top rope with a crossbody but got caught and slammed by Sanga. 

Sanga hit a really nice clothesline and a spinning cobra clutch slam. He almost had the submission with an over-the-shoulder backbreaker, but Tozawa managed to escape. 

Tozawa made a comeback and hit a missile dropkick, but it didn’t drop Sanga. Finally, Sanga hit a giant boot to the face and a chokeslam for the pin.

Nikki Cross defeated Kayden Carter (w/ Katana Chance) (8:13)

This was Carter’s first main roster singles match since an April 2020 loss to Charlotte Flair on Raw.

Before the match began, Cross crouched behind Chance, grabbed her hair, and held it to her upper lip as if it were a mustache. She dropped Carter and began dancing while moving her hands in a claw-like fashion as if she wanted to grab something.

After a brief game of running around the ring, Carter hit a low dropkick. However, her advantage didn’t last long. Cross trapped her in the ring apron (similar to Fit Finlay) and beat on her foe. Hey, if you’re gonna steal spots, steal them from the best.

Back from the commercial break, Cross hit a sit-out death valley driver for a near fall. Cross locked on a straight jacket hold that Carter eventually got out of, but Cross then applied a sleeper. The story of this match was Carter not being used to singles competition as a few times it looked as though she was reaching for a tag. 

Carter got out of the sleeper and began a comeback, hitting a running punch to the face, a kick, and a springboard leg drop off the bottom rope. Cross got the near fall with a bulldog and Carter got one off an STO. Cross eventually won with a flying crossbody which was little surprising if you ask me. 

Final Thoughts:

In case you’re wondering how this show lasted an hour, we got some lengthy recaps of Raw, SmackDown, and NXT. If you want to know more about those shows, go read the remarkable recaps written by Steve Khan (Raw), Chris Aiken (NXT), and Colin McGuire (SmackDown). I approve of anything The Judgment Day does, but do you really need to know that?

NJPW G1 Climax 33 night 10 live results: Tanahashi vs. Goto

Posted on by Chick Fritts

NJPW’s G1 Climax 33 tournament continues today with C Block & D Block matches in Aichi at Dolphin’s Arena.

In the main event, Hiroshi Tanahashi face Hirooki Goto in the seventeenth career singles meeting between the two NJPW veterans. Both enter the match with 2-2 records in this year’s G1.

In the semi-main, the 3-1 Tama Tonga faces 2-2 Shingo Takagi in the first career singles meeting between the two.

The full lineup:

  • D Block: Hiroshi Tanahashi (2-2, 4 points) vs. Hirooki Goto (2-2, 4 points)
  • C Block: Tama Tonga (3-1, 6 points) vs. Shingo Takagi (2-2, 4 points)
  • D Block: Zack Sabre Jr. (3-1, 6 points) vs. Shane Haste (2-2, 4 points)
  • C Block: EVIL (2-2, 4 points) vs. Tomohiro Ishii (1-3, 2 points)
  • D Block: Tetsuya Naito (2-2, 4 points) vs. Alex Coughlin (1-3, 2 points)
  • C Block: Eddie Kingston (2-2, 4 points) vs. Mikey Nicholls (1-3, 2 points)
  • D Block: Jeff Cobb (4-0, 8 points) vs. Toru Yano (0-4, 0 points)
  • C Block: David Finlay (4-1, 8 points) vs. HENARE (1-4, 2 points)

Our live coverage begins at 3 a.m. Eastern time. 

**********

Recommended Matches

  • Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Hirsooki Goto – A fantastic match built around selling the ware of the G1. Both men looked good in their agony and delivered a superb, emotional match.

**********

David Finlay defeated HENARE

This match felt like it was going through the mid-tournament motions. Finlay closed out the match with Oblivion.

This win leaves Finlay with 8 points, leaving him awfully close to a guaranteed playoff spot.

Toru Yano defeated Jeff Cobb

This was a short match with Yano trying to spoil Cobb’s perfect tournament. Cobb played some of Yano’s games, but in the end, Yano won. After getting a face full of cold spray, Yano rolled up Cobb, ending his undefeated streak.

While he’s already out of the running, this win gets Yano on the board with 2 points.

Eddie Kingston defeated Mikey Nicholls

This was a bit of a plotting match built around mid-tournament ware. Everything these guys threw out was substantial, even if it wasn’t at a blistering pace. Eddie closed this match out with a spinning back fist.

This result keeps Eddie in the running, 6 points, and eliminates Nicholls from contention.

Tetsuya Naito defeated Alex Coughlin

Unlike most of his G1, Coughlin was unable to control the pace of this match. With the match at Naito’s pace, Naito was able to withstand Couhlin’s pushes for control, eventually leading to the Destino and the win.

This win moves Naito toward the top of D block, with 6 points.

EVIL defeated Tomohiro Ishii

This was a very physical match, but in case you suspected something else, EVIL worked dirty throughout. Ishii matched EVIL’s energy to gain control, leading to multiple colossal exchanges between the pair. To close, EVIL distracted the referee, allowing Dick Togo to kick Ishii low; Evil followed up with Everything is Evil and pinned Ishii for the win.

EVIL remains in strong standing with this win, tieing Finlay atop of C block with 8 points.

Zack Sabre Jr. defeated Shane Haste

This inter-faction TMDK matchup was competitive throughout. After extended exchanges of moves and strikes, Haste was looking to break from a hold with a powerbomb, but ZSJ caught him in a trap pin, winning the match suddenly.

ZSJ ties Jeff Cobb with 8 points, leading the D block. 

Time Limit Draw: Tama Tonga vs. Shingo Takagi

Another by-the-numbers match here. These guys went back and forth in all the typical ways, leading into the move-heavy closing sequence. The clock eventually ran out in about the least climatic way possible.

The draw leaves Tama just behind the C block leaders with 7 points, and Shingo in the middle of the pack with 5.

Hiroshi Tanahashi defeated Hirooki Goto

This match was all about both men being in severe pain from the opening bell. The selling was fantastic throughout, enhancing every moment of this match. Tanahashi is seemingly trying to retire himself with High Fly Flow, which he landed on his second attempt to win the bout.

Tanahashi’s win leaves him just two points behind block leaders, staying steady with 6 points.

**********

Standings

A Block

  • SANADA (5-0) – 10 points
  • Shota Umino (2-1-2) – 6 points
  • Kaito Kiyomiya (2-1-2) – 6 points
  • Gabe Kidd (2-2-1) 5 points
  • Chase Owens (2-3) – 4 points
  • Hikuleo (2-3) – 4 points
  • Yota Tsuji (1-3-1) – 3 points
  • Ren Narita (0-3-2) – 2 points

B Block

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

C Block

  • David Finlay (4-1) – 8 points
  • EVIL (4-1) – 8 points
  • Tama Tonga (3-1-1) – 7 points
  • Eddie Kingston (3-2) – 6 points
  • Shingo Takagi (2-2-1) – 5 points
  • HENARE (1-4) – 2 points
  • Mikey Nicholls (1-4) – 2 points
  • Tomohiro Ishii (1-4) – 2 points

D Block

  • Jeff Cobb (4-1) – 8 points
  • Zack Sabre Jr. (4-1) – 8 points
  • Tetsuya Naito (3-2) – 6 points
  • Hiroshi Tanahashi (3-2) – 6 points
  • Hirooki Goto (2-3) – 4 points
  • Shane Haste (2-3) – 4 points
  • Alex Coughlin (1-4) – 2 points
  • Toru Yano (1-4) – 2 points

AEW Collision live results: FTR vs. MJF & Adam Cole Tag Team title match

Posted on by Suit Williams

FTR will look to continue their run of recent success as they defend the AEW Tag Team titles against AEW World Champion MJF & Adam Cole on Saturday’s AEW Collision from Hartford, Connecticut.

FTR is coming off a match of the year candidate against Jay White & Juice Robinson and will now face Cole & MJF, winners of the Blind Eliminator tag team tournament. 

Amid a two-match losing streak, former AEW World Champion CM Punk will be on hand to give his thoughts about his current situation.

In a ladder match for his stolen mask, Andrade El Idolo will take on Buddy Matthews of the House of Black, the rest of which are banned from the arena.

Bullet Club Gold’s Juice Robinson & The Gunns will take on AAA Mega Champion El Hijo del Vikingo, Darius Martin & Action Andretti.

ROH TV Champion Samoa Joe faces Gravity while former ROH Women’s Champion Mercedes Martinez makes her Collision debut against Kiera Hogan.

**********

The cold open promos feature Darby Allin asking for a fight, and the challengers and champions hyping up the AEW Tag Team Title match tonight. Elton John reminds us that Saturday Night is Alright For Fighting before Ian Riccaboni and Nigel McGuinness officially welcome us to AEW Collision.

Ladder Match for Andrade’s Mask: Andrade El Idolo defeated Buddy Matthews

This was a fun time. These two worked hard and did some wild spots here. Andrade won the mask, but has he won the feud? Time will tell.

This is a rematch from their stellar encounter on the debut episode of Collision. Andrade had new gear on, looking like a Latino Diesel. The two went after each other early, with Andrade sending Matthews to the floor after a chop exchange. Andrade climbed a ladder on the outside and hit a moonsault to Matthews on the floor. Andrade took some time to get a number of ladders into the ring. Matthews got some strikes in, but Andrade sent him into a ladder before hitting the three Amigos.

Matthews avoided the third suplex but did not avoid a hip toss into a ladder in the corner. Andrade went for a ladder-assisted double knee attack in the corner, but Matthews flung the ladder in Andrade’s face. Matthews went to the doctor to have his shoulder checked on as we went to picture-in-picture commercial. On the small screen, the doctor seemingly pulled Matthews’ shoulder into place.

We came back from commercial to Matthews ragdolling Andrade around the ringside area. Matthews built a ladder bridge between the ring and the announce table and sent Andrade into it with a flapjack. They fought on the apron, with both men teasing falls onto the ladder bridge. Eventually, Andrade ended up running into a double-arm DDT onto the ladder.

Matthews set up a table in the corner of the ring, driving Andrade head-first into the table multiple times. Matthews went for the mask, but Andrade tipped him off the ladder before hitting a back elbow that sent Matthews onto a ladder bridge on the other side of the ring. Andrade climbed the ladder on the other side of Matthews, then dared Matthews to meet him at the top. They fought on top of the ladder before Andrade hit a sunset flip powerbomb onto the ladder bridge.

Andrade went for the mask, but Matthews pulled him down into a knee strike. Julia Hart produced handcuffs, helping Matthews lock Andrade on the ringpost. Matthews went to hit Andrade with a chair, but Andrade kicked the chair into Matthews’ face. Andrade grabbed the key from Hart and unlocked himself before locking Matthews into the cuffs. Andrade went for the mask, but Julia Hart climbed onto his back. Matthews went to stop Andrade, but Andrade sent him to the floor. Andrade then pushed Hart into Matthews, both of them going through Chekov’s Table at ringside. Andrade then grabbed the mask to win.

Backstage, Tony Schiavone attempted to talk to Miro, but Miro was quickly attacked with a chair by Aaron Solo of QTV. Miro quickly dispatched Solo. Darby Allin came out for a match with an unknown opponent.

Darby Allin defeated Minoru Suzuki

Well, I’ll be damned, it’s Minoru Suzuki! The announcers recapped the recent history between these two, with run-ins at Forbidden Door and the Royal Rampage. Allin got a jumpstart to the match, booting Suzuki off the apron before hitting a suicide dive. Allin dropkicked Suzuki out of a chair before throwing him into the ring to officially start the match.

Allin laid in strikes to Suzuki before Suzuki dropped him with a forearm shot. Suzuki battered Allin, landing a Penalty Kick for a nearfall. Suzuki ripped the tape off of Allin’s waist as we went to a picture-in-picture commercial.

We came back from break with Allin laying in chops to Suzuki, only for Suzuki to drop him with a single shot across the chest. Allin tried fighting back, but Suzuki dropped him again. Suzuki offered a free shot, with Allin taking several shots before landing a Code Red for a nearfall. Allin went for a Coffin Splash in the corner, but Suzuki caught him in a choke. Allin avoided the Gotch Style Piledriver, hitting a springboard Coffin Splash. Allin went for the Coffin Drop, but Suzuki caught him in a rear-naked choke. Allin rolled back, stacking Suzuki on his shoulders for the flash pin and the victory in this surprising encounter.

After the match, TNT Champion Luchasaurus and Christian Cage sarcastically said that Allin looks ready for his shot at Luchasaurus and the TNT Title. But with Allin’s issues with Swerve Strickland and AR Fox, he needs to focus before All Out. Cage said that the TNT Title meant much more now than it did when Allin held it.

We got a hype video for the AEW Women’s Title match this Wednesday at Dynamite 200. Toni Storm called Hikaru Shida a stupid cow, noting that she was a pandemic champion. “Much like the pandemic, we’re all glad it’s over.” Storm said that Shida would be using her kendo stick as a crutch when Storm was done with her.

Samoa Joe defeated Gravity

Gravity avoided Joe and did some spacewalking before catching Joe with a hurricanrana and a lucha armdrag. Joe cut him off with elbows in the corner. Gravity went for a dive, but Joe spacewalked away to a big pop from the crowd and a hearty laugh from me. Joe ended proceedings with a Muscle Buster.

CM Punk Speaks

OK, there’s a lot to cover here. Punk officially crowning himself the Real World Champion makes the road to Wembley very interesting, especially with the Ricky Starks match coming next week as opposed to Wembley. However, with next week’s Collision going head-to-head with Summerslam, I can understand hyping a “World Title” match with CM Punk involved. There were also a few comments that could be seen as veiled shots at the Elite, keeping that issue simmering.

Tony Schiavone welcomed CM Punk, who came out with the red bag he came out with on the debut episode of Collision. Schiavone straight-up asked Punk what was in the bag. Punk noted that despite his travel issues and only getting to the building 2 hours ago, he always made his towns. Punk brought up Wembley Stadium, saying that maybe we’ll know if he’s wrestling there by the end of the night.

He pivoted to Ricky Starks, noting that Starks has beaten him twice. Punk said that it’s not really about what’s in the bag, it’s that he’s been left holding the bag. It’s a burden he has to carry because he’s the adult in the room. Punk opened the bag and revealed the AEW World Championship that still carries his nameplate and his blood from last September, calling himself the Real World Champion. He spraypainted a black X on the title, noting that the X has been his logo since 1997. It means that he’s straight edge, which means he’s better than you. It means he’s the Best In The World. No one has beaten him for the title, which means he’s still the Real World Champion.

Ricky Starks came out, then asked for a proper entrance with full music, which he got. Starks said that whatever Punk claims is his, Starks is owed it because he’s beaten him twice. Starks said that from his vantage point, he’s the World Champion and the face of Collision. The fans split chants of Ricky’s Title/CM Punk as Punk requested a special guest referee. Starks said it didn’t matter who it was – whether it was Dave Prazak, Julio Dinero, or an old friend from Stamford – he would beat Punk again.

Punk accepts the challenge for next week on Collision. Punk tells Schiavone to tell Starks who the guest referee will be next week. Schiavone announced that the special guest referee will be Ricky “The Dragon” Steamboat, who has a history with Punk going back to Ring of Honor in 2004.

We got a video package highlighting Adam Cole and MJF’s last month before hyping the main event title match against FTR.

Bullet Club Gold (Austin Gunn, Colton Gunn & Juice Robinson) defeated Action Andretti, Darius Martin & El Hijo del Vikingo

The match went to commercial quickly after it started. Bullet Club pulled out a cardboard cutout of Jay White from under the ring. Back from the break, Vikingo got through both Gunns to make a hot tag to Andretti.

Andretti missed a split-legged moonsault on Colton before rolling through and hitting a Pele Kick to Austin. He dropped Colton before avoiding a senton from Robinson. Martin and Andretti launched Vikingo onto all three opponents on the floor. The Gunns got control back, isolating Martin before hitting the 3:10 To Yuma for the win.

Mercedes Martinez defeated Kiera Hogan

Martinez booted Hogan into the corner to start. Hogan came back with a dropkick off the top rope, but Martinez cut her off with a facebuster. Martinez hit a twisting suplex for a nearfall. Hogan dropped Martinez with a low enzuigiri, but Martinez cut her off on the top rope. She hit a Tower Of London-style neckbreaker for a nearfall before we went to a picture-in-picture commercial.

Back from the break as Hogan hit a low kick in the ropes for a nearfall. Hogan ran wild with kicks and set up her finisher, but Martinez rolled out and hit a Saito Suplex. Martinez hit a running forearm to the back of the neck before locking in the Brass City Stretch for the win. Martinez refused to release the hold after the match, bringing out TBS Champion Kris Statlander for the save. Martinez feigned bailing out before coming back in and dropped Statlander with the title. Willow Nightingale made the save, making sure Martinez left the premises.

AEW World Tag Team Title Match: FTR (Cash Wheeler & Dax Harwood) defeated Adam Cole & MJF

This was an awesome main event, with the beloved makeshift team taking on the experienced tag team and coming up just short. I was banking on a turn happening here between Cole and MJF, but it looks like Better Than You Bay Bay will live on.

FTR came out to boos, as this crowd was firmly behind Cole and MJF. We got dueling chants for both teams by the time the bell rang as Cole and Harwood started off. FTR cut off Cole after Harwood led Cole into a Wheeler shoulder block. Cole hit an enzuigiri before teasing the double clothesline, but Harwood held onto Wheeler to keep it from happening.

MJF tagged in, asking for Harwood to tag in. MJF went to bash Harwood’s…groin in, but Harwood avoided it. As MJF and Harwood went back and forth, the announcement was made that whoever won this match would defend the titles next week on Collision against Brian Cage & Big Bill, who earned a title shot on last night’s Rampage. MJF feigned an ankle injury before things got heated with Harwood. Both teams had a tense face-off as we went to commercial.

Harwood held MJF in a Camel Clutch as we came back from the break. MJF went to split the uprights to get out of the hold, but Harwood caught his legs and tagged in Wheeler. MJF got caught by FTR on a tag attempt, but MJF dropped both of them with stereo DDTs. FTR went for the Double Clothesline, but MJF ducked and made the tag to Cole.

Cole ran wild, landing pump kicks on both men before dropping Wheeler with an Ushigoroshi for a nearfall. Cole avoided a double team from FTR but got caught with a crossbody from Harwood for a nearfall. Harwood went to the well again, but Cole caught him with a superkick for a nearfall. Cole and MJF went for a double clothesline again, but Harwood ducked it and tagged in Wheeler. Wheeler and MJF went back and forth in Tombstone position, but Cole superkicked Wheeler, allowing MJF to hit his Tombstone for a nearfall.

They called for the Double Clothesline, but Harwood yanked MJF out of the ring. Cole got caught with a lariat from Wheeler before FTR set Cole up on the top rope. Cole knocked them both off, but Harwood shoved Wheeler into the buckles to knock Cole down. FTR then hit the Powerplex for a nearfall. Harwood then allowed MJF to tag in, with the men trading strikes and flash pins before Harwood hit the Rebound Powerbomb – Rebowerbomb? – for a nearfall.

Harwood set up the Panama Sunrise on MJF, but Cole dropped him down. Cole took the referee as MJF hit the Shattered Dreams on Harwood for a nearfall that Wheeler broke up. Cole went for the Boom, but Wheeler drilled him with a lariat. FTR set up Cole for a Shatter Machine, but MJF shoved Cole out of the way. MJF countered the Shatter Machine, setting up Wheeler for a Heatseeker Piledriver. Harwood then rolled up MJF from behind to score the win and retain the titles.

After the match, Cole shook hands with FTR before consoling a disappointed MJF. Cole handed MJF the World Title, telling him that they lost the match, not just MJF. With tears in his eyes, MJF set Cole up for a belt shot. Cole knew the shot was coming and held his arms up. But MJF threw the belt down. Cole turned around and gave MJF a hug to a huge reaction. MJF posed with the title as they announced Kris Statlander vs. Mercedes Martinez for the TBS Title for next week. They hung around in the ring for a few minutes, but they remained on good terms as we faded out.

UFC 291 live results: Dustin Poirier vs. Justin Gaethje 2

Posted on by Ryan Frederick

The Octagon returns to a high altitude environment with tonight’s UFC 291, a stacked pay-per-view from the Delta Center in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Two of the most exciting fighters in the sport and pair of former interim UFC lightweight champions will battle to crown a new BMF champion in the main event as Dustin Poirier and Justin Gaethje meet for the second time. Poirier won their first outing in April 2018 in the Fight Of The Year winner.

This second bout will be for the moniker of the baddest fighter in the sport.

In the co-main event, former UFC light heavyweight champion Jan Blachowicz battles former UFC middleweight champion Alex Pereira where the winner will likely fight for the vacant light heavyweight title next. Also on the stacked main card is a heavyweight bout between Derrick Lewis and Marcos Rogerio de Lima, a lightweight bout pitting Tony Ferguson against Bobby Green, and Michael Chiesa vs. Kevin Holland in a welterweight bout.

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> Women’s Flyweights- Miranda Maverick (11-5, 4-3 UFC) vs. Priscila Cachoeira (12-4, 4-4 UFC)

Maverick lands an early combo. Maverick lands and thought for a takedown but nixed the idea. Cachoeira lands a right hand. Maverick lands a leg kick. Cachoeira lands a leg kick. Maverick lands a high kick and Cachoeira tries to land a knee but Maverick grabs the leg and gets the takedown. Maverick is trying to get dominant position as Cachoeira is trying to escape. They get to their feet but Maverick has the body lock and lands some short punches. Maverick gets it down and lands a knee to the body as she’s on top. She lands some left hands. Maverick landing punches and elbows from the top as she’s pressuring from there. 10-9 Maverick.

Maverick lands a left hand. Maverick is landing and backing up as Cachoeira is trying to rush forward and land. Maverick looks for a takedown and pushes it against the fence. Cachoeira is defending and has the neck but grabbed the fence to block a takedown. Maverick gets the takedown and Cachoeira grabbed the fence on the bottom and also grabbed Maverick’s gloves. Maverick pressuring and landing from the top. She gets the mount and starts landing some punches. Cachoeira had her toes in the fence, yet another foul, and almost used it to get up but Maverick keeps it down. Maverick still landing from the top and ends the round there. 10-9 Maverick, 20-18 Maverick.

Maverick lands a left hand then a high kick. Maverick shoots for a takedown and Cachoeira defends, but Maverick lands an elbow. Maverick lands a left hand then scores a takedown and is in side control. Maverick is transitioning often on the mat and controlling from the top. Maverick finds the arm and locks in an armbar and gets Cachoeira to tap. Dominant performance from Maverick as she runs right thru Cachoeira.

Official Result- Miranda Maverick def. Priscila Cachoeira by submission (armbar) at 2:11 of Round 3

> Welterweights- Matthew Semelsberger (11-5, 5-3 UFC) vs. Uros Medic (8-1, 2-1 UFC)

Semelsberger lands a head kick. They trade leg kicks and Medic slips to the mat. Semelsberger gets on top and is landing and has the back as they stand. Semelsberger takes it back down but they roll to their feet. They break. They’re trading and Semelsberger drops Medic with a right hand. He goes into the guard and Medic lands some upkicks that hurt Semelsberger. Semelsberger lands and hurts Medic and they go to the mat. They get to their feet. Semelsberger lands a combo. Semelsberger lands to end the wild first. 10-9 Semelsberger.

Medic lands a body kick and they trade leg kicks. Semelsberger lands a combo. Medic lands a counter left hand. Semelsberger lands a couple of leg kicks. Semelsberger lands a left hand. Semelsberger rushes in and lands a combo and Medic fires back with some punches. Medic lands a nice high kick. They trade in close range. Medic lands a high kick. Medic with a late combo ending with a high kick. 10-9 Medic, 19-19.

Medic lands a body kick. Semelsberger tries for a takedown and pushes it against the fence. Medic lands some short punches and a left hand on the break. Medic lands a head kick. Medic lands a big combination that hurts Semelsberger and then drops Semelsberger with a spinning back fist where the forearm connected. He lands from the top and the fight is stopped! What a comeback and finish from Medic to get the win.

Official Result- Uros Medic def. Matthew Semelsberger by TKO (strikes) at 2:36 of Round 3

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> Welterweights- Jake Matthews (18-6, 11-6 UFC) vs. Darrius Flowers (12-5-1, 0-0 UFC)

Matthews lands a jab and they trade punches inside the pocket. They’re both throwing big punches as Matthews is against the fence. They’re just swinging and connecting. Matthews lands a left hook to the body. Matthews lands a front kick to the body. Matthews lands some more to the body and lands a front kick there. Matthews lands a leg kick. Matthews lands to the body and Flowers is hurt, but Flowers lands as Matthews was trying to capitalize. Flowers gets a takedown. He is in side control as Matthews has the neck. Matthews lands from the bottom. 10-9 Matthews.

Matthews with a head kick then to the body and Flowers went down. It was called a groin strike but replays showed the toes hit the stomach and it was a clean kick. They get back to action and both are swinging hard. Matthews is landing more. Flowers shoots for a takedown but Matthews defends and ends up on top in half-guard and is landing. Matthews looking for a kimura. Matthews gets the mount and lands some punches. Matthews landing big punches and Flowers gives up his back. Matthews locks in a choke and Flowers taps! Big finish from Matthews as he picks up the win.

Official Result- Jake Matthews def. Darrius Flowers by submission (rear-naked choke) at 2:37 of Round 2

> Middleweights- Roman Kopylov (10-2, 2-2 UFC) vs. Claudio Ribeiro (11-3, 1-1 UFC)

They trade punches before pawing at each other. Kopylov lands a leg kick. Ribeiro lands a leg kick. Kopylov lands twice to the body. Ribeiro lands a body kick. Ribeiro lands a leg kick. Kopylov lands a jumping knee against the fence. Kopylov lands a double jab. Ribeiro scores with a right hand and is chasing Kopylov around the Octagon. Kopylov lands a quick jab. Kopylov lands a body kick followed by a right hand. Kopylov lands a left hand. Kopylov lands a combo against the fence. Kopylov lands a nice combo. Ribeiro lands a couple of big right hands and both are landing. Ribeiro lands some hard punches. He shoots for a takedown late. 10-9 Kopylov.

Kopylov lands a massive head kick that drops Ribeiro and it is over after a follow-up punch. What a knockout from Kopylov!

Official Result- Roman Kopylov def. Claudio Ribeiro by knockout (head kick) at :33 of Round 2

> Flyweights*- CJ Vergara (11-4-1, 2-2 UFC) vs. Vinicius Salvador (14-5, 0-1 UFC)

*Salvador missed weight by 2.5 pounds

Salvador lands some leg kicks. Both are being patient and not much is happening. Salvador lands more leg kicks. They trade leg kicks. Vergara lands a left hand. We have a timeout for an eye poke. They get back to action. Vergara lands a leg kick. Vergara scores with a left hand. Salvador lands a leg kick. Salvador lands a left hand. 10-9 Salvador.

They’re trading in close range to start the second. Salvador lands a left hand. Vergara is landing to the body and is pressuring as Salvador is still landing some leg kicks. Vergara lands a leg kick. Vergara scores with a left hand then a right hand. Vergara lands a left hand. Vergara turning up the volume. He lands a body kick. Salvador doing a lot of showboating. Salvador lands a body kick. Vergara lands a leg kick. Vergara lands more at the end. 10-9 Vergara, 19-19.

Vergara lands some leg kicks and they trade punches. Vergara lands a combo. Salvador lands a quick jab. Vergara lands a body shot then a body kick and a right hand. They trade punches and Vergara is landing a lot of counters. He lands a left hand. Salvador lands a body kick. Salvador lands a combo ending with a leg kick. Vergara scores with a right hand. Vergara lands a short combo. Vergara with a left hand then a body kick. Salvador lands a jab after Vergara lands. Salvador lands to the body. He lands a left hand and Vergara counters with a right hand. Close fight. 10-9 Vergara, 29-28 Vergara.

Official Result- CJ Vergara def. Vinicius Salvador by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

> Welterweights- Gabriel Bonfim (14-0, 1-0 UFC) vs. Trevin Giles (16-4, 7-4 UFC)

Bonfim pressuring and landing early on, clipping Giles with a left hand. Bonfim gets a takedown. Bonfim gets the neck and locks in a guillotine choke. It is in tight and Giles taps! What a dominant showing from Bonfim.

Official Result- Gabriel Bonfim def. Trevin Giles by submission (guillotine choke) at 1:13 of Round 1

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> Welterweights- #12 Michael Chiesa (18-6, 11-6 UFC) vs. Kevin Holland (24-9 1 NC, 11-6 1 NC UFC)

Holland lands a right hand and then an uppercut and has Chiesa hurt just a little. Chiesa circles away. Holland throws Chiesa down and Holland gets on top. They get up and Chiesa lands short uppercuts before they separate. Chiesa shoots for a single leg and Holland lands some punches as he’s able to defend. Chiesa trying hard for the takedown but Holland defends. Holland lands a knee then Chiesa lands with a combo. Holland lands a knee and Chiesa shoots for a takedown. Holland locks in a D’Arce choke and is able to get Chiesa to tap! That is a surprising finish as Holland gets the submission.

Official Result- Kevin Holland def. Michael Chiesa by submission (D’Arce choke) at 2:39 of Round 1

> Lightweights- Tony Ferguson (25-8, 15-6 UFC) vs. Bobby Green (29-14-1 1 NC, 10-9-1 1 NC UFC)

They both throw but neither land. Ferguson grabs the back standing but is unable to get the takedown before they separate. Green lands some punches and leg kicks. Ferguson lands a leg kick. They trade left hands and Green stumbles back a little. Green scores with a combo. Ferguson drops Green with a right hand but Green gets right up. They trade and we have a timeout for an eye poke on Ferguson. They get back to action. Green partially lands a head kick. Green scores with a combo. Green landing more as Ferguson is pressuring. Green lands a couple of body kicks. Green lands a combo. Green lands again. 10-9 Green.

Green landing more to start the second. Ferguson tries for a takedown but pulls it down and Green is in side control. Green gets into Ferguson’s guard and lands some hammerfists from the top. Green moves to side control but then gets to his feet. Green goes back down with some big right hands from the top. Green with big punches and elbows from the top. Green with more big hammerfists and Ferguson is cut open. They stand. Green lands a right hand. They trade against the fence late. 10-9 Green, 20-18 Green.

Green lands a right hand and a body kick. Ferguson lands a big leg kick. Green lands a combo. Ferguson lands a pair of right hands. Green lands to the body and then to the head. Green landing the jab. Green lands a combo even as Ferguson is continuing to press forward. Green lands a leg kick then a combination. Green lands a couple of left hands. Green lands and Ferguson goes down for a brief second but pops up. Green scores another combo. Ferguson lands a big right hand. They go to the mat and Green is on top with a tight arm-triangle choke locked in. Ferguson is moving around and throwing his legs around but he goes out cold! What a finish from Green with seconds remaining.

Official Result- Bobby Green def. Tony Ferguson by submission (arm-triangle choke) at 4:54 of Round 3

> Heavyweights- #11 Derrick Lewis (26-11 1 NC, 17-9 UFC) vs. Marcos Rogerio de Lima (21-8-1, 10-6 UFC)

Lewis lands a flying knee to start and it drops de Lima. Lewis is landing big punches from the top and has the mount. He is landing massive punches and de Lima gives up his back. Lewis with more big punches and it is over! Wow, what a showing from Lewis!

Official Result- Derrick Lewis def. Marcos Rogerio de Lima by TKO (punches) at :33 of Round 1

> Light Heavyweights- #3 Jan Blachowicz (29-9-1, 12-6-1 UFC) vs. #2 MW Alex Pereira (7-2, 4-1 UFC)

Blachowicz goes for the takedown right away as he pushes it against the fence. Pereira has a standing guillotine locked in. Blachowicz still trying for the takedown and is able to get it. He jumps on the back of Pereira and has the body triangle locked in. Blachowicz is looking for the choke. He still has back control as he lets the choke go. Blachowicz is looking for it again but can’t get the arm under the chin. Blachowicz still has the back as the round ends. 10-9 Blachowicz.

Both land a leg kick. They trade leg kicks again. Pereira lands a jab. They trade leg kicks. Pereira lands a nice leg kick. Blachowicz lands a left hook then a right hand. Pereira lands a leg kick but Blachowicz is able to get a takedown. Not much is happening on the mat but Pereira is able to get it to the feet. Blachowicz lands a knee to the body. They separate and both land punches. Blachowicz looks exhausted. Pereira lands a right hand. Pereira lands a jab then to the body. Pereira lands some more. 10-9 Pereira, 19-19.

Pereira landing to start the third and lands a big leg kick. Blachowicz lands a combo ending with a body kick. Blachowicz lands a nice combo. Pereira lands a right hand. Blachowicz tries for a takedown and pushes it against the fence but they quickly separate. Blachowicz lands a left hand. Pereira lands a leg kick. Blachowicz lands a combo. Blachowicz lands a leg kick but eats a jab from Pereira then a right hand. Pereira lands a knee to the body. He lands a couple of jabs. Blachowicz gets a takedown and ends the fight on top. Close fight. 10-9 Pereira, 29-28 Pereira.

Official Result- Alex Pereira def. Jan Blachowicz by split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)

> BMF Championship- #2 LW Dustin Poirier (29-7 1 NC, 21-6 1 NC UFC) vs. #3 LW Justin Gaethje (24-4, 7-4 UFC)

They trade leg kicks. Poirier lands a body kick. Gaethje lands a leg kick. Gaethje lands a big left hand. Poirier lands a body kick. They trade in close range. Poirier lands a body kick. Gaethje lands a right hand. Gaethje with a high kick. Gaethje lands a right hand. He then lands an uppercut. They trade and Gaethje ends with a big left hand. Poirier lands a left hand. He lands a big left hand that stuns Gaethje. Gaethje lands a jab. Poirier lands a right hand. Gaethje lands a right hand. Gaethje lands a high kick then a leg kick. Gaethje lands a right hand. 10-9 Gaethje.

Gaethje lands a left hand. Gaethje lands a head kick that drops Poirier and Poirier is out and it is all over! What a finish from Gaethje!

Official Result- Justin Gaethje def. Dustin Poirier by knockout (head kick) at 1:00 of Round 2 to win the BMF Championship

AEW Rampage live results: Battle royale for Tag Team title shot

Posted on by Josh Nason

The next contenders for the AEW Tag Team titles will be decided on Friday’s Rampage.

16 men representing eight teams will compete in an over the top battle royale to earn the title shot. The teams are The Butcher & The Blade, Ethan Page & Brother Zay, Big Bill & Brian Cage, Matt & Jeff Hardy, Matt Menard & Angelo Parker, Serpentico & Luther, Jay Lethal & Satnam Singh, and Christopher Daniels & Matt Sydal.

The winners will face the winners of Saturday’s FTR vs. MJF & Adam Cole Tag Team title match on Collision.

In a bout between former AEW Women’s Champions, Hikaru Shida and Nyla Rose will renew their rivalry.

Komander replaces the injured Scorpio Sky in his match against Kip Sabian.

Former Ring of Honor Tag Team Champions The Kingdom (Matt Taven & Mike Bennett) will return to AEW for the first time since March as they face Hayden Backlund & Myung-Jae Lee.

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Big Bill & Brian Cage won a 16-man battle royale to earn a future AEW Tag Team title shot

As you read above, this features eight teams and.a team is not fully eliminated until both men are thrown over the top rope. This is a very random assortment of teams, especially considering The Kingdom are on the card later in the show. 

And yes, this is the second straight week there’s been a battle royale on Rampage for a title shot. Between these, the tournaments and major announcements, the Tony Khan Big Three is complete.

The Albany, New York, faithful were definitely into Bill, chanting his name. He’s really become a cult favorite over the last month or so and his team with Cage in the Blind Eliminator tournament just felt right. 

Part of the story was Singh and how his size gave him an advantage. At one point, Jeff Hardy and Sing were having a go and Bill & Cage waited for a bit to call their shot, eliminating him with a double clothesline. I don’t understand what how AEW views Singh as he barely wrestles and you would think if they see something in him, they would get him going with regular matches. Maybe I have my answer.

In the end, it came down to Bill & Cage vs. Butcher & Blade. All four men brawled with lots of power moves as you would might expect. Bill & Cage hit Blade with their running clothesline/power bomb combo, eliminating him afterward. Butcher fought back, but got hit with a clunky assisted chokeslam/clothesline combo and then tossed, giving Cage & Bill the victory.

This was not a good battle royale and at some point, you have to wonder why AEW Tag Team title contenders are only being determined by tournaments and battle royales. 

Here’s the order of eliminations:

  1. Luther by Bill
  2. Serpentico by The Butcher
  3. Zay by Singh
  4. Sydal by Menard
  5. Parker by Jeff Hardy
  6. Page by Singh
  7. Lethal by Singh (pushed by the Hardys)
  8. Menard by Bill
  9. Daniels by Butcher & Blade
  10. Matt Hardy by Singh
  11. Singh by Bill and Cage
  12. Jeff Hardy by Butcher & Blade
  13. Blade by Cage
  14. Butcher by Bill

– The Kingdom (Matt Taven & Mike Bennett) gave an impassioned promo explaining why they came back which was all about Ring of Honor. This is their first appearance on AEW TV since March.

Komander (w/ Alex Abrahantes) defeated Kip Sabian (w/ Penelope Ford)

Komander replaced Scorpio Sky who was advertised on Dynamite and then pulled about 30 minutes later. Odd. Sky wasn’t referenced on this show at all so that whole announcement never happened, ok?

Will Sabian ever try to get revenge on Miro or nah?

This featured a lot less high-flying than most Komander matches which is for the best if he’s going to have longevity in AEW. Sabian is a talent that works hard, but appears slotted for the lower tier of the roster due to the massive amount of talent on top.

Komander survived an Arabian press, a running shooting star press and a Ford eye rake into a Sabian slingshot suplex to stay in this. Komander hit a flying Canadian destroyer followed by his rope walk shooting star press to win this in impressive fashion. This was a really solid TV match.

– A hype video for the Jack Perry/Jerry Lynn confrontation this Wednesday aired, complete with Lynn training footage. I’m interested to see how much Lynn can go at this stage of life.

The Kingdom (Matt Taven & Mike Bennett) defeated Hayden Backlund & Myung-Jae Lee

There was no Maria Kanellis-Bennett out for this match which was essentially a throwback to AEW Dark. Taven & Bennett won this in about a minute after hitting the Proton Pack, perhaps kicking off an overdue AEW run after first signing last October.

– A video package on the Dark Order aired following their Fight Without Honor at ROH Death Before Dishonor. John Silver, Alex Reynolds & Evil Uno said they showed a side of themselves that hasn’t been seen for some time and it was time to rebuild. The Rampage tag team division is heating up!

Hikaru Shida defeated Nyla Rose (w/ Marina Shafir)

This is a meeting between two former AEW Women’s Champions and longtime rivals. Shida defeated Rose for her first title at 2020’s Double or Nothing. Both women’s post-title runs have been very up and down with long absences and seemingly not a lot of desire to have them hold the title again despite some championship shots along the way.

The Outcasts (Toni Storm, Ruby Soho and Saraya) were shown backstage watching the match in pure disgust. Sadly, the director did not cut to that women’s division booking sign that inexplicably made its way to Dynamite TV last Wednesday.

Rose used her size advantage to keep the momentum in her favor until Shida got on an offensive roll after the final commercial break. The two traded offense with Shida getting a near fall off a Falcon Arrow. Rose countered a Katana attempt with a lariat but got crotched on the top rope, leading to some Shida headbutts followed by an avalanche Falcon Arrow. As she went for the pin, Shafir put Rose’s boot on the bottom rope to break up the count. 

Shafir got on the ring apron and tried to weakly hit Shida with a kendo stick which Shida grabbed and then nailed Shafir with. Rose used the distraction to try and hit a Beast Bomb, but Shida escaped and hit the Katana for the pin and win. This was fine, but an average match.

The Outcasts then came out on the stage and Shida vs. Storm was then announced for the AEW Women’s title on this Wednesday’s Dynamite.

New matches announced for AEW Collision:

  • Kiera Hogan vs. Mercedes Martinez
  • CM Punk promo (not specified if live or not)
  • ROH TV Champion Samoa Joe vs. Gravity in an assumed non-title match

New for Dynamite:

  • ROH Tag Team Champions Aussie Open defend against El Hijo del Vikingo and Komander
  • AEW Women’s Champion Toni Storm defends against Hikaru Shida

WWE SmackDown live results: United States Championship Invitational finals

Posted on by Colin McGuire

Two LWO members will face off tonight with a United States title shot up for grabs.

Rey Mysterio and Santos Escobar will meet in the United States Championship Invitational Finals on tonight’s SmackDown from the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans. The winner becomes the number one contender to United States Champion Austin Theory.

Mysterio earned his way into the finals by defeating LA Knight, Cameron Grimes, and Sheamus in a fatal four-way match on last week’s SmackDown, while Escobar beat Grayson Waller, AJ Styles, and Butch on the July 14 edition to land his spot in the finals.

With SummerSlam now eight days away, the build to the pay-per-view will continue tonight. Roman Reigns and Jey Uso are set to appear in advance of their Tribal Combat match at the Saturday, August 5 pay-per-view. Reigns’ Undisputed WWE Universal Championship and his title of Tribal Chief will both be on the line at the PPV.

A match between Karl Anderson and Karrion Kross has also been announced for tonight. Our live coverage starts at 8 p.m. Eastern time.

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– Michael Cole welcomed everyone in to the show. Jey Uso was standing in the ring with a microphone. 

The Jey Uso/Roman Reigns segment

Jey said he’s in New Orleans and Roman Reigns’s music hit. Reigns walked out with Paul Heyman and Solo Sikoa. It was seven minutes between when Roman’s music hit and he told the crowd to acknowledge him. Reigns told Jey when the Tribal Chief appears, the Tribal Chief opens the show. Reigns told Jey he made Jey the right hand man. Reigns also took credit for Jey having the Main Event Jey Uso name. Reigns asked Uso if he thought he was the Tribal Chief now. Jey said he never wanted any of that (even though he was wearing a shirt that read “The Real Chief). Jey said all he did was watch Roman’s back. Jey said he believed in Roman. Jey said he believed Roman could lead the family, but Roman broke the family and because of that Jey is going to do what he has to do. 

Jey said everything was all Roman’s fault. Roman said Jey’s jealously was what made everything turn south. Roman called Jey selfish. Roman said Jey doesn’t get it and that Jey is going to be all alone. Roman said Jey screwed Jimmy and Solo loves and respects Roman more than he does Jey. Roman said, hypothetically speaking, what if Jey beats Roman. In that case, Jey would take the title, the lei and everything from Roman. At that point, Roman said he would not longer the Tribal Chief. Even so, Roman said he’ll always be Roman Reigns. Roman kept saying Jey can’t beat him. The two engaged in a stare down while the crowd chanted “Uso.” 

Jey said he’s the only one who has beaten Roman because he’s already pinned him. Jey grabbed the back of Roman’s neck and said at SummerSlam, he’ll beat Roman again. Jey’s music hit and Jey left the ring to end the segment. 

**********

– Backstage, Jey Uso ran into Grayson Waller, who asked Jey to come on the Grayson Waller Effect. Jey responded in kind my smacking Waller across the face. 

Santos Escobar defeated Rey Mysterio [14:15]

Well, the match was pretty OK for what it was. The two worked hard and Escobar came away looking much more like a contender to beat Theory, if only because Escobar was given the bulk of the offense. At the end of the day, though, it felt like the match was just kind of there and the program between Escobar and Theory has little to no heat. 

Escobar had control early, working Mysterio’s leg. Austin Theory was shown in the upper bowl watching the match with popcorn. Escobar turned his attention to Mysterio’s arm. Escobar kicked Mysterio’s leg and Mysterio slapped the hell out of Escobar. Escobar returned the favor. Mysterio set Escobar up for a 619, but Escobar rolled to the outside. From there, Mysterio hit a Senton onto Escobar before the show went to break. 

When the show returned, Mysterio landed an arm-drag back inside the ring. Mysterio went to the top and landed a Senton. Mysterio went for a cover and got a two count out of it. Escobar responded with a series of leaping elbows before hitting an enzigouri. Escobar hit a leg-drop for a two-count. Mysterio rolled up Escobar for a two-count. Mysterio ran at Escobar, who caught him with a tilt-a-whirl back-breaker. Mysterio was on Escobar’s shoulders and the two made their way outside in the same position. Ultimately, Mysterio went for a baseball slide and Escobar moved. Escobar followed that up with a tope suicida as the show went to another commercial break. 

Back from break, a doctor was working on Mysterio. The commentary team sold the idea that Mysterio hit his head on the ground after Escobar hit that suicida. As a result, the referee called the match off, saying Mysterio could no longer compete. Because of that, Escobar was named the winner of the match. 

**********

– Backstage, Bianca Belair was being interviewed, but she was interrupted by Chelsea Green and Sonya Deville. The two mocked Belair for not being a champion. Green mocked Charlotte. Belair told Green to not be disrespectful. Charlotte showed up and called Green and Deville bullies. From there, Charlotte suggested a match featuring Charlotte/Bianca vs. Green/Deville. 

**********

– Hit Row was in the ring and almost instantly, LA Knight interrupted them. Knight called Top Dolla Uncle Phil. Knight recalled Dolla saying NOLA is corny. Knight called B-Fab corny. Knight led the crowd in his catchphrase. 

LA Knight defeated Ashante Thee Adonis [1:30]

Pretty basic stuff here. The only disappointment was that I thought we’d get a hint for what Knight might do at SummerSlam, but it was not to be. 

Ashante took control early, but the crowd went nuts for Knight. Dolla landed a cheap shot on Knight. Before long, Knight hit a neck-breaker and a power-slam before playing to the crowd. Knight landed his elbow and Blunt Force Trauma for the win.

**********

– Jey Uso was backstage and Adam Pearce talked to him. Pearce made a match between Waller and Uso for later. 

– Backstage, the Street Profits were hanging out with Bobby Lashley, who told the Profits they had to lose the sweats. Lashley brought in a new wardrobe for the team to pick from. We went back to the ring, where Charlotte stood. 

Charlotte Flair & Bianca Belair defeated Chelsea Green and Sonya Deville in a non-title match [10:27]

That went about as expected as it could go. They could have figured out a way to turn up the heat a little more on Charlotte and Belair, but it was what it was. I’m not a fan of having the new tag champs take a loss this early in their reign – you’re telling me that as long as a couple top-tier stars decide to team up for a night, they can beat the supposed best team in the company on a whim? – but the point here was to further the tension between the two babyfaces in the SummerSlam match. Mission accomplished. 

Belair and Green started the match. Belair worked a side head-lock and then landed a shoulder-block to take Green down. Charlotte got a blind tag, which annoyed Belair. Charlotte slammed Green’s head into the mat repeatedly. Belair tagged in and slammed Green, who crawled over to tag Deville … who was then slammed by Belair. Soon thereafter, Belair landed a dropkick on Deville. Deville came back with a boot to the face of Belair and got a two-count out of it. From there, the show went to a commercial break. 

As the show returned, Green and Deville had control. That changed when Belair landed a double suplex on both Green and Deville. Charlotte received the hot tag and came off the top for a double cross-body. Charlotte hit a series of chops on Green. Charlotte landed a fallaway slam on Green, which was followed up with a clothesline and a two-count. Green tagged in Deville, who was rolled up by Charlotte for a two-count. Charlotte hit a fallaway slam on Deville and went for the Figure Eight, but Deville worked out of it. 

Belair tagged herself in and landed a bunch of dropkicks on Deville. Green got in a blind tag and cut Belair off and went for the Un-Pretty-Her, but Charlotte got in the way. Charlotte tagged herself in while Belair was going for the KOD. Charlotte hit a boot to Green’s head and pinned Green for the win – only after Charlotte and Belair argued. 

**********

– The show cut backstage, where Bayley and IYO SKY were talking. Bayley had a message from Shotzi in her backpack and the two were going to leave until Asuka showed up and stopped them. Asuka said she’s going to wrestle two of the best ever at SummerSlam in Charlotte and Belair. Asuka mocked SKY for potentially cashing in her MITB briefcase. SKY said she will leave SummerSlam as the WWE women’s champ. 

– Adam Pearce was backstage talking on the phone when he was interrupted by LA Knight, who talked about a Battle Royal at SummerSlam. Sheamus cut Knight off and Sheamus was surrounded by the Brutes. Sheamus did the “Banger after banger …” catchphrase. Pearce put Sheamus and Knight in the battle royal and said on next week’s SmackDown, Sheamus and Knight will have a one on one match. 

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Karrion Kross defeated Karl Anderson [2:08]

Quick and painless (unless if you’re Anderson, perhaps). Kudos to Kross for giving Anderson so much offense for the first 90 seconds of the match until Scarlett interfered. In a lot of ways, it feels like a nothing-happening program, but I’m intrigued to see how they blow it off. A mixed tag feels like it’ll be somewhere on the way to it. 

Anderson attacked Kross to start the match. Anderson landed a leaping neck-breaker for a two-count. Scarlett distracted Anderson and Kross took advantage of that by hitting a series of elbows. Kross hit a Saito Suplex. Kross hit his new finisher for the win. 

After the match, Kross choked Anderson out until AJ Styles and Michin ran down for the save. The show went to a back room, where Heyman, Reigns and Sikoa sat as they watched Jey Uso make his entrance. 

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Jey Uso defeated Grayson Waller [11:12]

Boy, the powers that be in WWE sure do love themselves some Grayson Waller. No shade or hate; just an observation. Waller looked good in defeat and this was a convenient way to further the Bloodline saga. Roman standing tall at the end of the show was a nice touch. The actual show-closing match was pretty good, considering how long Waller’s been out with an injury. Jey brought the best out of him and Waller responded in kind. In all, it was television main event worthy. 

Waller had control early until Uso fought back with a leaping elbow. Waller regained the edge with a boot to the face, but Uso slammed Waller before landing a kick to Waller’s throat. Waller fired up and raked Uso’s face. Uso stood up and hit an enzigouri. As Uso was playing to the crowd, Roman Reigns’s music hit and Reigns came to ringside flanked by Solo Sikoa and Paul Heyman. Waller took advantage of it with a knee to Uso’s head as the show went to its final commercial break. 

The show returned and Waller was working a side head-lock on Uso. Jey fought his way out of it and the two battled on the second rope. Waller dropped Uso with a right hand and followed that up with an elbow for a two-count. Waller went for a kick, but Jey ducked and lifted Waller, but Waller worked out of it and hit a spine-buster. Waller mocked the Rock’s People’s Elbow and put his own spin on it … but Uso moved and fired up. 

Uso went for a hip attack, but Waller moved. From there, Waller ran into a super-kick from Uso. Jey stared Roman down and landed a spear on Waller. Uso went to the top rope hit an Uso Splash on Waller for the win.

After the match, Sikoa attacked Uso from behind. Sikoa lifted Uso and went for the Spike, but Jey ducked it and hit a super-kick. Roman ran into the ring and Jey landed a spear on Roman. Jey went to the top, but Sikoa pushed Jey off. Sikoa planted Uso and grabbed a hold of Jey. Roman speared Jey. Roman did it again. Roman went to the second rope and posed to end the show. 

Impact Wrestling live results: Eric Young vs. Nick Aldis

Posted on by Josiah MacDonald

For the first time since 2014, two Impact World Champions will clash as Eric Young takes on Nick Aldis on tonight’s Impact on AXS TV.

The two last wrestled one-on-one on a September 2014 One Night Only pay-per-view when Aldis was known as Magnus. Tonight’s match was made after a backstage challenge last week.

After the closing events of last week’s show, The Time Splitters (Impact World Champion Alex Shelley & KUSHIDA) will unite to face Moose & Brian Myers.

Gisele Shaw will face Masha Slamovich after a backstage confrontation last week.

In a loser leaves Impact bout, friends will turn foes as Zicky Dice will take on Johnny Swinger.

Knockouts Champion Trinity will team with Subculture’s Dani Luna against former Knockouts Tag Team Champions The Coven (KiLynn King & Taylor Wilde).

Digital Media Champion Kenny King & Sheldon Jean will take on former champion Joe Hendry & Yuya Uemura on the BTI pre-show.

**********

George Iceman talked about Deonna Purrazzo losing the Knockout’s championship at Slammiversary, and said we would hear from her soon about what she was going to do next.

Joe Hendry & Yuya Uemura defeated Kenny King & Sheldon Jean

Uemura got a big win over Kenny King in this one, presumably setting up a future Impact Digital Media Champonship match.

Impact Wrestling

Trinity opened the show, making her entrance to the ring to team with Dani Luna from Subculture.

Trinity & Dani Luna defeated The Coven (KiLynn King & Taylor Wilde)

This wasn’t very good. I’m not sure if it was the extended heat on Luna, or something else, but this was fine at best.

King managed well against both Luna and Trinity in the early part of the match, but was dropped after a flying back elbow from Luna. King rolled the corner to escape and tagged out, only for Wilde to get caught on a crossbody attempt and hit with a fall away slam. Luna hit a sliding clothesline for a 2-count. King necked Luna on the top rope, letting Wilde get control. After several minutes of heat, Luna managed to dump King to the floor while Trinity hit a full nelson bomb on Wilde before rolling over into a pinfall.

–Deonna Purrazzo came down to the ring to announce that she was getting her rematch for the Knockout’s championship at Impact Emergence.

–Lio Rush was backstage and Moose & Myers walked up, complaining that Rush left them hanging last week. Rush said, “Why would you align yourself with someone like him?” and Bully Ray walked up behind him, “Who?” right into his ear. Moose said they weren’t asking to be friends, and Ray said that he was with them or against them, so he would need an answer by the end of the night.

–Dirty Dango was with Johnny Bravo, and talked about why he needed security because Scott D’Amore has been hitting people with chairs, and Santino is attacking people lately. He introduced Bravo’s new name, Alpha Bravo.

Johnny Swinger defeated Zicky Dice in a Loser Leaves Impact Match

Dice and Swinger feigned not wanting to fight, and then Swinger did the finger poke of doom, but Dice cradled Swinger when he went for the pinfall. Dice and Swinger then exchanged eye rakes. Dice slammed Swinger and said, “I’m sorry, I love you.” Swinger kicked out at 2. Swinger rolled to the floor and said, “I’m done, count me out.” Dice looked really sad as Swinger tried to take his cart and go home.

Swinger said it was Dice’s time and told him to ride the cart. Dice rode the Cart and Swinger pushed it before hitting Dice with a lariat. Swinger then threw Dice into the ring and pinned Dice with his feet on the ropes, and Zicky Dice must leave Impact. Dice looked heartbroken as Swinger celebrated.

–Yuya Uemura & Joe Hendry were backstage with Santino and he made a triple threat for the Impact Digital Media Championship next week between Kenny King, Hendry, and Uemura.

Gisele Shaw (w/ Jai Vidal & Savannah Evans) defeated Masha Slamovich (w/ Killer Kelly)

This was a great match. I’m excited to see more between these two as the Knockouts tag title feud was advanced here.

Shaw had a surprising amount of intensity in this, taking it right to Slamovich. Shaw dumped Slamovich to the floor and when they came back from break, Shaw continued the assault with a European uppercut. The announcers noted that this was a new level of intensity for Slamovich, which his what Shaw needs to compete against such a strong wrestler.

Shaw missed a running knee and ate a spin kick from Slamovich. Slamovich setup for the Snow Plough, but Jai Vidal came up on the apron to distract Slamovich. Killer Kelly pulled Vidal from the apron, but Savannah Evans dropped Kelly, and Shaw rolled up Slamovich and hit the Denoument for the pinfall.

–A video aired for Jake Something, hyping up his return to Impact.

–Frankie Kazarian was with Traci Brooks backstage and they were talking about how much trouble Alisha Edwards and Eddie Edwards was giving them, and Kazarian had to talk Brooks out of wanting to fight Alisha.

Time Splitters (KUSHIDA & Alex Shelley) defeated Moose & Brian Myers

Moose was able to get some heat on KUSHIDA due to his size, but the Time Splitters proved to be a more experienced tag team, soon taking advantage of Myers. Myers ran around the ring trying to escape Shelley, which baited Shelley into a clothesline from Moose who was somehow hiding near the corner. Myers tagged back in to take on Shelley, but as he tried to tag out to Moose, Shelley manage to pull him into a crucifix pin, outwrestling him.

–Bully Ray immediately ran in and started beating on Shelley. Josh Alexander ran down to make the save. Lio Rush ran down and jumped Alex Shelley, making his decision by siding with Ray and his crew. Chris Sabin ran in to make the save, and suddenly Lio Rush was left in the ring with nowhere to run, and Sabin hit a superkick and threw him from the ring.

–Alan Angels cut a promo via pretaped video, saying that Heath is an imaginary rockstar while he was a real one, calling himself the Celestial again. He still needs to find his way with his promos, but this is the best way for Angels to learn.

Zachery Wentz (w/ Trey Miguel) defeated Mike Bailey

Wentz had some offence early, but did not account for Bailey being able to kick very hard, and after getting hit with several kicks, Bailey got a two count. Bailey attempted to kick Wentz in the face, but Wentz kept ducking close to the mat. Bailey then faked him out, paused mid kick, waited for Wentz to look up, and kicked him right in the face for another 2-count, where Trey Miguel made the save.

Bailey got into an argument with Miguel on the floor after hitting a trianagle moonsault on Wentz. Wentz responded by hitting a slam onto the apron. Bailey and Wentz exchanged kicks, with Miguel pulling Wentz from the ring to avoid a tornado kick. The referee sent Miguel to the back, who blamed Bailey for everything. Bailey turned around into spray paint in his eyes from Wentz, who hit a cravate into a DDT for the win.

Eric Young defeated Nick Aldis

Eric Young got the win here, with Nick Aldis on his way out of Impact almost as fast as he arrived. This was a good match though. I wish Aldis had more time in the company, and maybe they will come to a new deal, but for now, it seems his short-term deal is up.

The first part of this match featured Young and Aldis both trying to one up each other, with Young and Aldis both skinning the cat. Aldis did it back into a punch from Young, so he bailed to the floor as they cut to a break. As they came back, Young dumped Aldis to the floor, but got caught in the apron when Young went for a baseball slide dropkick.

Aldis hit a big clothesline back in the ring for a 2-count. Young hit a flying forearm off the ropes, and Young followed with a belly-to-belly suplex for a 2-count. Young went to the top rope for an elbow drop, but Aldis cut him off and hit a superplex. Aldis hit a Michinoku driver on Young for a near fall. Aldis locked on the Kingsland cloverleaf, but Young fought out. Aldis went for the figure four leglock, but Young cradled him and then hit a piledriver out of the cradle for the win.

–Deaner ran down to the ring and attacked Eric Young, and Kon chokeslammed Young at Deaner’s directions. I’m not sure if this was the feud I would go with, despite it making sense due to Deaner killing Young months ago. Young could have a better feud given he just beat the person who main evented Slammiversary a few short weeks ago. Kon chokeslammed Young twice and then sent him into a DDT from Deaner.

Final Thoughts

I am really disappointed with Young immediately stepping into a feud with The Design, rather than doing something new. The rest of this show was pretty good, including the main event match, but that angle did not work for me. I can say at least Deaner is giving it his all with this gimmick. He has since day one in Impact, back when he was the redneck with ODB. The guy always gives it 100%. It’s just too bad this character really doesn’t work for me. Hopefully Young can get beyond this feud quickly and move onto better things.

Impact Wrestling – August 3, 2023

  • Impact Digital Media Championship: Kenny King (c) vs. Joe Hendry vs. Yuya Uemura

Impact Wresting x NJPW MultiVerse United II – August 20, 2023

  • Impact World Championship: Alex Shelley (c) vs. Hiroshi Tanahashi

Impact Wrestling Emergence – August 27, 2023

  • Time Machine (Alex Shelley, Chris Sabin, & KUSHIDA) & Josh Alexander vs. Bully Ray, Moose, Brian Myers, & Lio Rush
  • Impact Knockouts World Championship: Trinity (c) vs. Deonna Purrazzo