Coverage

Mitchell’s NJPW Super Jr. Tag League Results & Report! (10/21/23)

Tag in for the Fall!

Published

6 months ago

October 21, 2023

Steven Mitchell

Will opening night be tranquilo?

On the Road to Power Struggle, Super Junior Tag League takes over! But will Bushi help Titan recreate his BOSJ run to the top? Or will the House of Torture screw them over already?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

Six Man Tag: Shota Umino, Ren Narita & Yuto Nakashima VS The United Empire; The United Empire wins.
SANADA & Yuya Uemura VS Boltin Oleg & Oskar Leube; Sanada & Yuya win.
Tetsuya Naito & Hiromu Takahashi VS Taiji Ishimori & Gedo; Naito & Hiromu win.
2023 Super Junior Tag League: Robbie Eagles & Kosei Fujita VS Catch 2/2; Catch 2/2 wins.
2023 Super Junior Tag League: Intergalactic Jet Setters VS DOUKI & Taka Michinoku; Intergalactic Jet Setters win.
2023 Super Junior Tag League: Ryusuke Taguchi & The DKC VS Master Wato & El Desperado; Wato & Desperado win.
2023 Super Junior Tag League: YOH & MUSASHI VS Clark Connors & “Drilla” Dan Moloney; Connors & Moloney win.
2023 Super Junior Tag League: Bushi & Titan VS SHO & Yoshinobu Kanemaru; Bushi & Titan win.

PLAY BY PLAY

2023 Super Junior Tag League: Robbie Eagles & Kosei Fujita VS Catch 2/2!

The Mighty Don’t Kneel, but the Sniper of the Skies and #IchibanSweetBoy are ready to fly! However, will they be able to shoot down former tag team champions, TJP & Francesco Akira? Or will Public Enemy & Nova Fireball rise back up for the United Empire?

Tensions are running high already as Fujita wants after Akira. The ref has them all stay back, and the teams sort out. Fans rally up for “FU-JI-TA!” as he starts against Akira. The two circle and fans rally up again. They tie up, Fujita waistlocks but Akira sits down to wrench out. Fujita rolls, rolls, handsprings and wrenches back very fast and fans cheer. Akira fights up, rolls, trips Fujita and has a toehold. Akira has a standing toehold now, but Fujita turns over, reels Akira in and headlocks. Fans cheer as Fujita clearly learned a lot from Zack Sabre Jr. Akira brings Fujita to a knee, pops out the back and headlocks.

Akira hits the takeover, Fujita headscissors but Akira kips free. Fujita hits a headlock takeover, Akira headscissors, but Fujita kips free. Akira sweeps and covers, ONE! Fujita sweeps and covers, ONE! Dropkicks cancel out, both men handspring up and fans fire up for this opening exchange. Akira and Fujita reset, circle again, and tie up. Akira headlocks, Fujita powers out, but Akira runs him over! Crowns up for the United Empire, but then things speed up. Fujita hurdles and arm-drags, but Akira avoids the second. Akira drags Fujita up but Fujita arm-drags after all! And then he DROPKICKS Akira down!

Fans fire up for Fujita and he brings Akira around. Akira ROCKS Fujita, ROCKS him again, but Fujita just eggs Akira on! Akira throws another forearm, but Fujita DECKS him! Knuckle lock cover, TWO as Akira gets an arm up. Fujita pushes it down, TWO as Akira brings the other arm up. Fujita pushes both arms down, jumps up but Akira monkey flips him away! Fans applaud and they join in on “CATCH! 2-2!” Akira stands Fujita up to CHOP, then whip. But Eagles sneaks a tag! TMDK double ELBOW, then double KNEE SMASH! Eagles taunts TJP, covers, TWO! Eagles has a leg but Akira scrambles to a ROPEBREAK!

Eagles lets off by dropping a knee on the knee, then he KICKS Akira. Eagles brings Akira up, bumps him off buckles and tags in Fujita. Fujita brings Akira around to scoop and SLAM, then he runs to basement dropkick! Cover, TWO! Akira is still in this but the fans rally up. Fujita brings Akira around, scoops again but Akira slips out! Akira waistlocks, Fujita switches and shoves but Akira holds ropes. Akira BOOTS Fujita, TJP sneaks a tag, and Akira whips Fujita. Catch 2/2 DOUBLE HIP TOSS, basement dropkick to PENALTY KICK! TJP DECKS Eagles for good measure, then bumps Fujita off buckles.

TJP stomps Fujita, then gets to the face scrub! The fans rally with each one, and TJP runs side to side, BOOT WASH! Fujita sputters and fans rally up. They want one more, so TJP gives Fujita more scrubs. TJP runs side to side again, BOOT WASH! Fans fire up and TJP brings Fujita up. TJP wrenches an arm, tags in Akira, and they double whip. SOBAT! KICK! Trip, SHOTGUN! Cover, TWO! Akira clamps on with a chinlock and he grinds Fujita down. Fujita endures, fights up, and Eagles rallies the fans. Fujita fights up, throws body shots, but Akira ROCKS him! Fujita goes to ropes and Akira brings him up.

Akira whips, Fujita reverses to CHOP! Akira CHOPS! Akira runs, into a WHEEL KICK! Both men are down and the fans fire up again! Fujita and Akira stir, crawl, hot tag to Eagles! The Sniper springboards up and over Akira to BLAST TJP! Then he BOOTS Akira and RANAS! Fans rally up as Eagles throws the shirt off. Akira sits up into KICK after KICK after KICK! Eagles then runs, but TJP jumps in! Eagles dodges to then CHOP BLOCK! TJP bails out, Eagles has Akira again, LEG LARIAT! Cover, TWO! Akira is still in this but the fans rally up for Eagles. Eagles goes to a corner, runs in at Akira, and DOUBLE KNEES!

Eagles rolls back, returns, BASEMENT 619! And then one more time, but Akira BOOTS from the mat! Akira and Eagles hurry to their feet, Akira dodges to waistlock but Eagles switches. Akira victory rolls to STOMP 182! Fans fire up while both men are down! Eagles and Akira crawl, hot tags to TJP and Fujita! TJP runs in, Fujita bobs ‘n’ weaves to UPPERCUT! Fujita goes up and FLYING RANAS! TJP bails out, Akira is there, and Fujita builds sped!? Fujita FLIES! Direct hit with the tope conjilo and fans fire up! Ichiban Sweet Boy can do more than grapple, and he puts TJP in to springboards MISSILE DROPKICK! Cover, TWO!

Fans rally up with Fujita as pounds the mat. Fujita brings TJP up to ROCK him with a forearm, and then another! TJP is in the corner, Fujita CHOPS him! Fujita whips corner to corner, runs in, and he SHOTGUNS TJP down! Fujita fires up, slashes his throat, and he brings TJP up. TJP cradle counters, TWO! TJP SUPERKICKS, runs, but Fujita CHOPS! TJP still JUMP SOBATS! Fujita drops to his knees, TJP waits for him to stand. Fujita swings, TJP gets around and backslides! TWO, and TJP hooks Fujita up in an IRON OCTOPUS! Akira intercepts Eagles to a GUILLOTINE! Akira and Eagles tumble out, TJP shifts to a MOUSE TRAP! TWO!!

Fans rally up as TJP pounds the mat now. TJP drags Fujita up, runs, but Fujita pops TJP up to a GERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, Akira breaks it! Akira goes after Fujita but Fujita spins him to hook the arms, and Eagles SOBATS! TMDK work together, ASSISTED SLICED BREAD! Akira flops out and fans fire up! TMDK drag TJP up and call their shot! Double wrench, lift, but TJP slips free! TJP ROCKS Eagles, KICKS Fujita, but Eagles blocks a kick to hook TJP up. TJP powers out and Akira dumps Eagles out! Fujita’s alone, and runs into an ALLEY-OOP! Akira PLANCHAS Eagles, TJP goes up! MAMBA SPLASH! Cover, TWO?!?

Fans are thunderous as Fujita survives getting dunked on! But “CATCH! 2-2!” coordinate, to go 2 BY 2!! Cover, Catch 2/2 wins!

Winners: Catch 2/2, by pinfall (gains 2 points; TMDK earns 0)

The sweet boy wasn’t able to stop the former tag team champions, and now TJP & Akira have set the pace! Will the United Empire conquer the Super Junior Tag League?

2023 Super Junior Tag League: Intergalactic Jet Setters VS DOUKI & Taka Michinoku!

Kushida & Kevin Knight came close to getting the titles back before the tournament, but were shot down by Bullet Club. Will they be able to take flight again? Or will Japones Del Mal & The Blue Playmaker get that gold for Just5Guys?

The teams sort out, and Kushida starts against Taka. The fans rally as the two circle, each try a slide but each avoid it. Kushida tries using his leg guard but Taka stays back. Kushida and Taka tie up, Kushida wrenches to a wristlock and he keeps Taka from ropes. Taka rolls, wrenches, headlocks, then spins to hammerlock then headlock and takeover. Kushida headscissors, Taka kips free and kicks low. Taka headlocks but Kushida powers out, only for Taka to run him over. Fans cheer as Taka runs, then drops down on Kushida for the JUST FACELOCK! Kushida scrambles to the ROPEBREAK, and Taka lets go quickly.

Kushida bails out, fans applaud, and Kushida returns. Taka tags Douki and Kushida tags Knight. They circle, feel things out to a knuckle lock, and Douki knees low. Douki CLUBS Knight, whips, but Knight goes up and over and runs. Knight ducks, shoves, but Douki avoids the hurdle, only for Knight to dropkick the legs out! Knight runs to SPLASH! Fans cheer, Knight brings Douki up and wrenches the arm, then he tags Kushida. Kushida takes the handoff to wrench, then he tags Knight. Knight takes the handoff to wrench, then tags Kushida. Another handoff, and another, and another! Taka protests, but the Jet Setters snapmare to DOUBLE KNEE DROP!

Fans cheer and Kushida wrenches Douki again. Kushida drop toeholds, has the legs then hammerlocks an arm. Kushida SNAP LOCKS that arm, then sits Douki up with a chinlock. Douki fights but Kushida ghost pins, TWO! Kushida CLUBS the arm, wrenches it, then ELBOW BREAKERS! Douki goes to ropes but Kushida runs in. Douki does the splits and Kushida tumbles out! Taka attacks and then runs Kushida all the way to the back corner, to send Kushida into the wall! Then JUST FACELOCK!! The ref reprimands but he’s so far away! Kushida fights, Taka CLUBS him down, and a ring count starts.

Douki waits while Taka CLUBS away on Kushida! The count is 10 of 20! Knight protests, Douki DECKS him, then Taka blocks Kushida’s path with railing! Taka slides in at 16, Kushida hurries and slides under the railing! Kushida stumbles but he runs for the ring, and he slides in at 19.5! Safe! Until Taka drops on him with JUST FACELOCK!! Fans fire up but Knight gets in. Taka kicks him down, and has a TRIANGLE HOLD! Taka has both Jet Setters! Kushida kicks his way back, ROPEBREAK! Taka lets the Jet Setters go, stomps Knight out of the ring, then brings Kushida up. Taka throws knees and puts Kushida in the corner.

Tag to Douki and he stomps Kushida. Douki whips Kushida to a corner, runs in and clotheslines! Then he brings Kushida out to turn and lift, but Kushida fights! Kushida avoids the Gory Especial so Douki knees low! Douki whips, Kushida handsprings and BACK ELBOWS! Both men are down and the fans fire up! Kushida and Douki stir, crawl, and hot tag to Knight! Taka runs in but Knight springboards, DOUBLE FLYING LARIAT! Knight fires up, and he rallies with clotheslines and elbows! Knight scoops Douki but Douki slips free! Douki & Taka double kick and double whip, but Knight leaps the lariats to DOUBLE PELE!

Fans fire up with Knight and he has targets in the corners. He clotheslines Taka, SPLASHES Douki, then dodges Taka to send him into Douki, for a DOUBLE SPLASH! Knight says it’s time! Knight puts Douki up top, jumps right up, but Douki slips under! Douki has a foot but Knight kick shim away. Knight CROSSBODIES! Cover, TWO! Douki is still in this and fans rally up. Knight watches Douki as he rises, runs up, but Douki denies the DDT! Knight gets around, Douki fights the lift with elbows, but Knight keeps him from running. So Douki kicks, kicks and ENZIGURI! Douki whips but Kushida sneaks a tag!

Jet Setters bypass and DROPKICK Douki! Kushida hurries to get Douki up in an Electric Chair! But Taka drags Knight out! Douki slips down, ITALIAN STRETCH #32! Taka adds a SHOTGUN! It’s a cradle now! TWO!! Kushida escapes but Taka tags in. Taka whips Kushida to a corner, runs in and SHINING WIZARDS, HEEL KICKS, then SUPER- NO, Kushida dodges to knee low! Kushida runs, but so does Taka, BOOT! Cover, TWO! Taka keeps moving, SHINING WIZARD! Cover, TWO! Oklahoma Roll! TWO!! JUST FACELOCK!! Knight gets caught into an ITALIAN STRETCH! Taka CLUBS Kushida, pulls way back, Kushida flails and fights!

Taka CLUBS Kushida, PULLS, but Kushida still reaches out! ROPEBREAK!! Fans fire up as Taka lets go in frustration. Taka vows to end this and fans rally up. Taka brings Kushida up and around, scoops him, but Kushida fights free! Kushida KICKS and KICKS and KICKS the arm, runs, but Taka redirects! But Knight gets in to catch Taka, SKY 2 HIGH!! Douki returns, but Knight kicks low! Douki whips Knight but Kushida helps out, BOOSTED CROSSBODY! Direct hit and fans fire up! Knight PLANCHAS to take Douki down! Kushida has Taka for the HOVERBOARD!! Taka flails, TAPS, Jet Setters win!

Winners: Intergalactic Jet Setters, by submission (gains 2 points; Taka & Douki earn 0)

Just as Taka & Douki started rolling, they get shot outta the sky! Will they have to rethink the game plan for the next round? Will Knight & Kushida set course and fly their way back to the tag titles?

2023 Super Junior Tag League: Ryusuke Taguchi & The DKC VS Master Wato & El Desperado!

What a twist of fate this is! No Six or Nine this year, the Funky Weapon now stands against the Way of the Grandmaster! Will Dylan Kyle Cox help Taguchi bring down this team of former rivals? Or can Wato and the Rogue Luchador find a way to win together?

Wait, there’s already dysfunction between Wato and Desperado. One, Desperado didn’t wanna make his entrance with Wato but Wato dragged him out here. And while Wato is wearing their “team shirt,” which is really just a picture Wato took of himself and Desperado, Desperado is still wearing the Team Strong Style stuff. Then Desperado decides that if they’re making their entrance together, it’s to his music. Rough waters are ahead, can Wato & Desperado even survive the first round?

The teams sort out and Taguchi asks why they didn’t do Six or Nine. Wato says it’s not a big deal, this isn’t them no longer being friends. Taguchi acts like he can’t hear so Wato keeps trying to explain. The bell rings and these two end up starting. Taguchi kicks low, headlocks, but Wato powers out. They RAM shoulders, neither falls, so things speed up. Taguchi drops then hurdles, Wato leaps, and Taguchi dodges to then arm-drag! Wato arm-drags back! Taguchi arm-drags again, and has the cording hold! Taguchi shifts to a knuckle lock but Wato headscissors. Taguchi kips free, trips Wato, covers, ONE! Wato sweeps and covers, ONE!

Taguchi avoids the dropkick to give a dropkick! Fans cheer as Taguchi stands tall. Taguchi brings Wato around for a point-blank hip attack! And then another! Taguchi brings Wato up, suplexes, but Wato slips free to waistlock, Taguchi switches and shoves, but Desperado sneaks a tag before the HIP ATTACK! Desperado tells Wato to get out already but Wato asks what the heck. They argue, Taguchi runs in, Desperado dodges so the HIP ATTACK hits Wato! Desperado kicks Taguchi, then whips him to ropes, but Taguchi holds those ropes to BOOT back! DKC gets in, he and Taguchi DOUBLE SHOULDER TACKLE!

Fans cheer on this new duo, and Taguchi starts giving DKC baseball signals for what to do next. DKC isn’t sure he got it but he goes with it! Taguchi goes to a corner, climbs up, and DKC whips Desperado. Desperado blocks, fans rally, and DKC tries again. DKC sends Desperado at the Funky Weapon but Desperado BOOTS the booty! DKC runs in but Desperado dodges, and DKC almost runs into the booty! Desperado runs in, DKC mule kicks, but then Desperado blocks the booty bump with both hands! Fans rally as the struggle continues, but then Desperado turns things around on DKC to rub him into the booty!

Taguchi thinks DKC is succeeding so he cheers “DKC! DKC! D, K, C!” Desperado then brings DKC away, Taguchi hops down to see the truth, and Desperado throws DKC into Taguchi! Fans cheer as Desperado stands tall. Desperado storms up and stomps on Taguchi, then stands him up. Desperado UPPERCUTS and Taguchi sits down. Desperado digs his boot into Taguchi, the ref counts, and Desperado lets off at 4. Wato wants a tag and Desperado just stares at him. Desperado whips Taguchi to a neutral corner to then UPPERCUT! Taguchi sits down and Desperado digs his knee in!

The ref counts, Desperado lets off, and Wato again wants a tag. Desperado just stares, but he brings Taguchi up again. Desperado scoops to SLAM Taguchi, and then grabs a leg. Desperado turns Taguchi over for a HALF CRAB! Taguchi endures, flails, reaches out, and Wato again wants a tag. Desperado just stares at Wato, then lets off in frustration. Desperado whips Taguchi to the blue corner, tags Wato in with some stank, and fans fire up. Wato brings Taguchi up, but Taguchi CHOPS! And fires off fast hands! Wato knee slow, snapmares, and then KICKS! Cover, TWO! Fans rally as Wato runs up to stomp Taguchi down!

Wato drags Taguchi up, scoops and SLAMS him, then covers again. TWO, but Wato keeps his cool. Fans rally as Wato stomps Taguchi more, then brings him around. Taguchi CHOPS again, and again, and again! Wato KICKS Taguchi, and KICKS again! Taguchi wobbles, but he blocks a kick! Wato ELBOWS back, runs, but into a HIP ATTACK! Both men are down and fans fire up! Taguchi and Wato crawl, hot tag to Desperado! Desperado stomps Taguchi down, whips, but Taguchi HIP ATTACKS Desperado! Roll and hot tag to DKC! DKC runs in to CHOP, CHOP and CHOP! DKC whips, Desperado reverses but DKC RANAS!

Fans rally and DKC runs in, but is put on the apron. DKC GAMANGIRIS, then springboards, FLYING ARM-DRAG! DKC keeps moving, he ducks ‘n’ dodges to CANNONBALL!? Cover, TWO! Fans fire up as DKC drags Desperado up to wrench, clinch, but Desperado fights the suplex! Desperado reaches for ropes, has to fight the lift again, and he wrenches out to hit a BIG back suplex! Wato is back and he wants a tag! Desperado rolls his way over, hot tag to Wato! Fans rally up as Wato rallies on DKC! Wato whips, DROPKICKS, and fires up again! Wato hurries to the apron, takes aim, and he springboards to FLYING UPPERCUT! Cover, TWO!

DKC hangs in there but Wato fires up more. Wato drags DKC up, reels him in, but DKC fights the suplex! DKC switches then feeds to Taguchi’s BOOT! BACKHAND! ENZIGURI! Wrench and NORTHERN LIGHTS! Bridging cover, Desperado breaks it! Taguchi CLUBS Desperado and TOSSES him out! DKC fires up and drags Wato to his feet. Clinch and CHOP CHOP CHOP CHOP CHOP! Fans rally with every shot! DKC keeps going over and over, to then CHOP Wato down! DKC runs, to SOMERSAULT SENTON! Cover, TWO! Wato is still in this but DKC goes up! Fans rally as he climbs, and he DIVING-

NO, Wato dodges, to SCREW HIGH KICK! Taguchi wants to get back in but Desperado catches him by his tights! Taguchi’s undies are showing! Volt green? Wato gets DKC for the TSUTENKAKU GERMAN!! Bridging cover, Wato & Desperado win!

Winners: Master Wato & El Desperado, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Taguchi & DKC earn 0)

Desperado apologizes for pantsing Taguchi, but the kids in the crowd think it was funny. Taguchi still says this is a bad example for those kids. Taguchi’s one to talk, but then wait, Desperado just heads out on his own? Wato doesn’t understand, but maybe as long as they keep winning, it’ll be okay. Will this pairing of rivals work out in the end? Or will it fall apart as soon as next round?

2023 Super Junior Tag League: YOH & MUSASHI VS Clark Connors & “Drilla” Dan Moloney!

Lio Rush is out and we all wish him a speedy recovery, but the show must go on. As such, Mr. Direct Drive has called upon the Dream Follower to be his partner! Will this new team be able to take down the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championships? Or will these War Dogs unload a Full Clip to start the tournament?

The teams sort out but the Abunai Gaijin rush in! Yoh & Musashi dodge then fire forearms in return! The bell rings, the brawl continues, and Bullet Club takes control. They whip Yoh & Musashi at each other, but they dosido and come back to ROCK Bullet Club! Yoh & Musashi bring Connors & Moloney out, both Connors & Moloney take swings but both Yoh & Musashi block. They wrench, knuckle lock, and go up and up and go Old School! Fans fire up for the STEREO AX HANDLES! Then the STEREO UPPERCUTS! Connors & Moloney both bail out, Yoh & Musashi both build speed, STEREO TOPE CONJILOS!

Fans fire up as the Bullet Club goes down! Yoh struts and fires up among the fans while Musashi stomps Drilla. Yoh stomps Connors then puts Moloney in. Yoh & Musashi stomp in a corner, double whip corner to corner, then Yoh sends Musashi in to ELBOW! Musashi sets up, Yoh runs in, POETRY IN MOTION! Kick and turn, NECKBREAKER to SHOTGUN! Cover, ONE!! Moloney is tough but Yoh kicks low. Yoh whips, but Connors tags in as Moloney reverses. Moloney drops, then Connors POUNCES! Moloney BLASTS Musashi, too, and Connors is all fired up. Connors keeps Yoh in the ring and covers, TWO!

Moloney goes after Musashi outside the ring, but Connors stands Yoh up to CHOP! Connors has Yoh in the corner to CHOP again, then he puts Yoh back in the corner, to CHOP again! Tag to Moloney and he fakes chop to poke Yoh in the eye! Moloney laughs, then he stomps Yoh down, to then throw down punches! The ref counts as Moloney stands on Yoh, and Moloney lets off at 4. Yoh flops out of the ring, and Connors fires off shots! The ref misses that, Moloney taunts Musashi and that distracts the ref more, so Connors CHOKES Yoh! Connors drags Yoh up and into the ring, Moloney covers, TWO! Yoh hangs tough and fans rally up.

Moloney is annoyed as he stalks Yoh. Moloney stands on Yoh’s face, tags Connors, and Connors BLASTS Musashi before he drops an elbow on Yoh! Connors taunts Musashi, Moloney mocks Yoh and flips off the fans, but the fans rally up for Yoh more. Connors stands Yoh up but Yoh kicks low! And CHOPS! And CHOPS! Connors knees low, ROCKS Yoh, and he stays between Yoh and Musashi. Connors stands Yoh up, snap suplexes him down, and then takes his time before the cover, TWO! Connors mockingly applauds then drags Yoh up. Connors snap suplexes again, stares Musashi down, then covers, TWO!

Fans rally for Yoh, Connors drags him up, but Yoh fights the suplex this time! Yoh throws body shots, then suplexes, but Connors counters to snap suplex! Yoh writhes, Connors covers, but Musashi breaks it! Moloney storms in but Musashi gets away. Connors stands Yoh up, full nelsons and he thrashes Yoh around! Yoh sits down, Connors leans on the hold, but fans rally as Yoh endures. Yoh fights up, and he breaks the nelson! Yoh throws elbows, whips Connors to ropes, but Connors holds ropes to ELBOW back! But Yoh goes Matrix to dodge, then he mule kicks and NECKBREAKERS! Fans fire up while both men are down!

Yoh and Connors crawl, hot tags to Musashi and Moloney! They fire forearms on each other, fans fire up, and Moloney wobbles! He grits his teeth to kick back and CHOP! Moloney whips Musashi to a corner, runs in, but Musashi BOOTS back! And RANAS! Fans fire up and Musashi brings Moloney up. Connors CLUBS Musashi, then Bullet Club double whips. Musashi crisscrosses them to kick, CHOP and swing! Connors gets around, Moloney storms up but Musashi BOOTS him away! Moloney tries again, Musashi sends him into Connors! And then Musashi dodges to dropkick the legs, and then he DROPKICKS Moloney down!

Fans fire up as Musashi clinches to EXPLODER! Cover, TWO! Moloney hangs tough but Musashi keeps cool. Musashi drags Moloney up, spins him, waistlocks, but Moloney fires elbows. Moloney goes to run but Musashi waistlocks. Moloney brings him along and Connors DECKS Musashi! Bullet Club double suplexes but Yoh saves Musashi! But Bullet Club stereo BODY SHOT! They whip Yoh & Musashi, but Yoh & Musashi both reverse to DOUBLE DROPKICK! And then STEREO FALCON ARROWS!! Musashi covers Moloney, TWO! Fans fire up as Yoh & Musashi both tune up! They aim at Moloney, to DOUBLE-

NO, Moloney dodges! Connors returns, POWERSLAM for Yoh! SPINEBUSTER and DOUBLE STOMP for Musashi! Musashi sputters and writhes but Bullet Club locks ‘n’ loads. Musashi stands, into the GORE SANDWICH! And then Connors goes up top, Moloney suplexes, but Musashi slips free! Musashi shoves Moloney, Connors leaps over, into Yoh’s SUPERKICK! Moloney returns, blocks Yoh’s superkick and gives it to Musashi so he can SUPERKICK Musashi himself! JAB for Yoh, and Moloney runs, but into DOUBLE SUPERKICKS!! Fans fire up as Musashi brings Moloney up and scoops. Musashi SLAMS him in the drop zone, then tags Yoh!

Yoh goes up and fans fire up for the FROG SPLASH! Cover, Connors POUNCES Musashi to break it up! All four men are down and the fans rally back up. Connors whips Musashi but Musashi reverses to TOSS Connors out. Then Musashi PLANCHAS, but Connors catches him! And POSTS him! Moloney runs in, blocks another superkick, but then Yoh blocks a kick. Moloney ENZIGURIS, runs, but into Yoh’s LARIAT!! Fans are thunderous as Yoh drags Moloney up! DIRECT- NO, Moloney fights out, wrenches, feed to Connors’ SPEAR! Connors tags in, goes up, and Moloney suplexes! FULL CLIP!! Cover, Bullet Club wins!

Winners: Clark Connors & Dan Moloney, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Yoh & Musashi earn 0)

#DreamDrive almost took down the champions, but they couldn’t stop supersized Junior Heavyweights like this! Will Yoh & Musashi still find a way to the tournament finals? Or will these Abunai Gaijin prove to be the most dangerous Super Juniors of all time?

2023 Super Junior Tag League: Bushi & Titan VS SHO & Yoshinobu Kanemaru!

Los Ingobernables de Japon’s masked luchadores are back together again after falling just short of the finals last year! Will they make Super Junior Tag League tranquilo this time? Or will the Murder Machine & Heel Master stack the deck already?

Before the match, Sho gets a mic to say he doesn’t get why opening night is here in Kumagaya. Sho is embarrassed to even be in Saitama, and says it’s fitting that Bushi & Titan wear masks, because they don’t wanna be here, either! Fans tell Sho to go home, but Sho says what’ll really be embarrassing is LOSING in Kumagaya! Sho & Kanemaru then attack LIJ! Red Shoes reprimands but Sho TOSSES Bushi and Kanemaru snapmares Titan. Kanemaru rips at the mask! Sho does the same on Bushi! Red Shoes reprimands them both, counts, and Kanemaru lets off at 4. Sho gives up and he stomps Bushi down.

Kanemaru CLUBS Titan while Red Shoes reprimands Sho. Kanemaru DDTS Titan down! Titan writhes, goes to a corner, and Kanemaru runs in. Titan BOOTS back then goes up to MISSILE DROPKICK! Tag to Bushi and he stomps Kanemaru. Bushi turns Kanemaru for a NECKBREAKER, then covers, TWO! Bushi drags Kanemaru up but Kanemaru claws the eyes! Bushi kicks back, whips, but Kanemaru reverses and Sho trips Bushi up! Kanemaru DROPKICKS Titan, Sho brings Bushi to the crowd, and BOWLS him into chairs! Kanemaru POSTS Titan, Red Shoes reprimands them both, but Sho CHOKES Bushi with a chair!

Fans rally for Bushi but Sho even stands on Bushi to make it worse. Sho still wants to take the mask! The ring count starts, Kanemaru leaves Titan alone to be in the ring. Sho brings Bushi back and puts him in. Kanemaru scrapes his sole off Bushi’s face, then drags Bushi up. Kanemaru feeds Bushi to Sho’s boot! Tag to Sho, Sho stomps Bushi around, then drags Bushi up. Sho bumps Bushi off buckles, stomps away in the corner, then stands on Bushi. Red Shoes reprimands then counts, but Sho steps off at 4. Sho drags Bushi up, bumps him off buckles, and he sits Bushi down. Sho & Kanemaru both dig their boots in!

Red Shoes reprimands, Kanemaru tags in and drags Bushi to the apron. Sho keeps Red Shoes distracted as Kanemaru DROPKICKS Bushi! Sho WRECKS Titan, Kanemaru covers, TWO! Sho complains about the count but the count is fair. Kanemaru then puts Bushi in a CAMEL CLUTCH! Sho runs around the way to BLAST Titan! Red Shoes focuses on Bushi as he endures, and Bushi gets an arm free to reach out. Kanemaru adds a chinlock to this to blind and grind, but Bushi shifts around to the ROPEBREAK! Kanemaru lets go and stomps Bushi down. Kanemaru taunts and toys with Bushi, but Bushi CHOPS back!

Bushi CHOPS again but Kanemaru claws eyes! Kanemaru throws Bushi down, then wants the mask! Red Shoes reprimands, Kanemaru stops and pushes Red Shoes away. Kanemaru stomps Bushi, tags Sho, and Sho CHOKES Bushi. Sho wants the mask! Red Shoes reprimands, Sho CHOKES Bushi more, then Sho lets off at 4. Bushi sputters but Sho kicks him around. Sho stomps Bushi, covers, TWO! Bushi hangs tough and Sho is again upset with Red Shoes. Tag to Kanemaru, he drags Bushi up and CLUBS him on the neck. Bushi goes to a corner, Kanemaru runs up and blocks a boot! Kanemaru ROCKS Bushi, BOOTS him, then whips him.

Kanemaru runs in but Bushi BOOTS back! And then RANAS! Fans fire up as both men are down! Hot tag to Titan! Fans fire up as El Inmortal rallies and whips. Kanemaru reverses, runs in, but into a BOOT, SOBAT, KICK, fast hands and a JUMP SOBAT! Sho runs in, but Titan dodges, ripcords and CHOPS! Then Titan goes up and up and tightrope walks, jumps and MISSILE DROPKICKS Kanemaru! Sho runs up again, kicks and whips, but Titan reverses. Titan goes Matrix, then CALF KICKS Sho out! Fans fire up as the House boys regroup. Titan DIVES to take them both out at the ramp!

Titan stands and fans fire up. Titan fetches Kanemaru up to knee him and put him in the ring. Cover, TWO! Kanemaru hangs tough but Titan keeps cool. Titan pounds the mat and the fans rally behind him. Titan drags Kanemaru up, reels him in, and Canadian Racks, to spin and spin and- NO, Kanemaru slips out and pulls the mask! Red Shoes reprimands but Sho tags in. Sho has Titan up to suplex high and hard! Cover, TWO! Sho drags Titan and knuckle locks to wrench. Sho brings Titan to his knees, kicks, KICKS and- NO, Titan blocks the superkick! Sho pulls the mask! Red Shoes reprimands, Sho runs, but Titan trips him!

Bushi gets in to DROPKICK! Titan springboards to SPLASH! Cover, Kanemaru breaks it! Bushi goes after Kanemaru but Kanemaru elbow shim. But then Bushi dropkicks the legs! Bushi & Titan each get Kanemaru & Sho, for STEREO TRAILER HITCHES! Fans fire up as Sho & Kanemaru endure torture, but wait! Here’s gaddamn Dick Togo! He rings the bell to fake out LIJ! LIJ thinks they’ve won but it’s that damn Spoiler playing jokes! Bushi & Titan see that, and then EVIL & YUJIRO get in to BLINDSIDE LIJ and Red Shoes!! Fans boo as the House boys play the same old games again! They stomp away on Titan then drag him up.

Yujiro & Dick double whip, then Dick runs in to ELBOW! Yujiro runs in to BOOT Evil runs in to clothesline! Snapmare, and then Dick goes up! They set Titan up for the DICK CHOP!! Sho covers, Red Shoes is up, TWO!!! Titan survives and Sho is furious! The House protests but they’re the ones who knocked Red Shoes down to make him woozy. Sho gets Titan up, POWER BREAKER!! Cover, BUSHI BREAKS IT!! Just in time, but Kanemaru TOSSES him! Sho laughs as he aims his bow. Sho drags Titan up, reels him in, tucks the arms, SHOCK- NO, Titan fights and Alabama Lifts, to BACK DROP!

Fans fire up as Titan keeps this going! Titan runs in, Sho gets around and shoves him into Red Shoes! And Sho SNATCHES the mask!! Fans boo this utter disrespect! Sho has his Murder Tool at the ready, but Bushi BOOTS Sho! Kanemaru runs in, but Bushi ducks, WHISKEY MIST hits Sho!! Bushi BLACK MISTS Kanemaru!! The fans are thunderous, but then Evil, Dick & Yujiro rush back in to mug Bushi! Titan has his mask back on while The House whips Bushi. Bushi TOSSES Dick, dodges Yujiro and BOOTS Evil! BULLDOG DROPKICK COMBO on the King of Darkness and his Tokyo Pimp!

Bushi TOSSES Evil & Yujiro, Titan throws off the elbow pads! Titan FLIES to bring down the House!! Fans are thunderous again, Titan returns to Sho! Titan drags Sho up, but Sho rakes the eyes! Sho runs, but into the TORNADO DDT! Bushi is back, he DECKS Kanemaru, then builds speed to DIVE! Down goes Kanemaru at the ramp! Titan hurries up the corner, fans fire up and Titan ANGEL INMORTAL!! Cover, LIJ WINS!

Winners: Bushi & Titan, by pinfall (gains 2 points; The House of Torture earns 0)

The House tried all sorts of tricks, but it wasn’t enough against the Black Mask y El Inmortal! Will The Murder Machine & Heel Master just try to do even worse the next round?

As for LIJ, Bushi gets the mic to tell House, “TOO BAD, HUH!?” Bushi copies Evil’s usual insult, and the fans tell the House to go home. The House gets outta there, and Bushi says in this year’s Super Junior Tag League, they have their crucial first win! And Bushi wants everyone to welcome back LIJ’s new member, Titan! The fans cheer and Bushi tells Titan that it is thanks to him that they won. Titan then gets the mic to say, in Japanese, that he is happy to be back in Japan. Viva Mexico, viva Japon, and viva Los Ingobernables de Japon! Fans cheer that, and Bushi gets the mic back to say he didn’t quite catch that.

But this was only the beginning for them in this tournament. Bushi vows that he and Titan will fire up Super Jr. Tag League, get to the finals in Osaka, and get the trophies so they can come back to Kumagaya as the champions! They mean it! EN SERIO! MA-JI-DE!! Fans fire up, but will Los Ingo’s dos luchadores go all the way to the top?

Here are the current Super Junior Tag League Standings!

Catch 2/2: 1-0, 2 points
Clark Connors & Dan Moloney: 1-0, 2 points
Intergalactic Jet Setters: 1-0, 2 points
Master Wato & El Desperado: 1-0, 2 points
Bushi & Titan: 1-0, 2 points
Yoh & Musashi: 0-1, 0 points
Sho & Yoshinobu Kanemaru: 0-1, 0 points
Ryusuke Taguchi & The DKC: 0-1, 0 points
Douki & Taka Michinoku: 0-1, 0 points
Robbie Eagles & Kosei Fujita: 0-1, 0 points

My Thoughts:

A great opening night for Super Jr. Tag League, and the winning five all made sense to me. Fujita isn’t a Young Lion anymore but he isn’t as established yet, TMDK takes the loss to former tag champs Catch 2/2. Douki & Taka are familiar partners but it’s been awhile given it used to be Douki & Kanemaru, and as such, they take the loss to Kushida & Knight, who are building back up as they’re also former tag champs. The dysfunction of Wato & Desperado could’ve been played up more but they still got the point across. And much like Fujita, DKC isn’t a Young Lion or anything but he is still young and is just now teaming with Taguchi, so it makes sense Wato & Desperado win.

Bullet Club being the tag champs, they weren’t gonna lose the opening round. But they had a great match with Yoh & Musashi, helping establish Musashi for NJPW fans. And of course, great but also overbooked main event with the House of Torture. One of these days, someone in an authority position (kayfabe or otherwise) needs to say there’s just a ringside ban on the House outside of who is in the actual match, but I guess that’s not how NJPW does things. At least LIJ won out, though, to give a great start to their run. Titan made it to the Best of the Super Junior finals, I kinda hope he and Bushi make it to the Super Jr. finals, to improve upon last year’s run.

My Score: 8.9/10

Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!

Up Next

Mitchell’s AEW Collision Results & Report! (10/21/23)

Don't Miss

Mitchell’s AEW Rampage Results & Report! (10/20/23)

Coverage

Andrew’s TNA iMPACT! Results & Match Ratings: 5.2.2024

Under Siege is tomorrow! Yeah the card looks pretty awful, but maybe this Go Home will spice things up!

Published

14 hours ago

May 2, 2024

Andrew Balaz

Not gonna mislead anyone here, Under Siege looks nearly as bad as a Steven Segal film by the same name. Lots of useless tag matches, only really the X Division title to care about. It reminds me of a “Road to” show that New Japan does. Bunch of worthless matches with a few story wrinkles but entirely skippable.

Hopefully something crazy happens or the show is good enough to cover the bad card. But let’s hope something happens tonight to maybe create some reason to watch.

.@TheSamiCallihan debuts the first episode of #DMTV! #TNAiMPACT pic.twitter.com/OWrTeBtRZ6

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) May 3, 2024

Ratings:

Mustafa Ali vs Chris Bey w/Ace Austin: Ali wins via 450 – **
Dani Luna w/Jody Threat vs Alisha Edwards w/Masha Slamovich: Lish wins via Russian Death Device – ** 1/4
Hammerstone vs Cody Deaner: Hammerstone wins via Torture Rack – *
#1 Contender Match: Ace Austin w/Chris Bey vs Trey Miguel w/Zachary Wentz: Ace wins via The Fold – ***
TNA Knockouts Championship: Jordynne Grace (c) vs Miyu Yamashita: Grace retains via Juggernaut Driver – *** 1/2

Results:

Mustafa Ali vs Chris Bey w/Ace Austin

Ali with a simple Headlock takeover, Bey fights back up and tries to create something with a rope run; but Ali gets the best of things with a Back Elbow. Ali gets cocky as Bey retreats to the corner, Bey turns things around quickly, lands the 10 Count Punches in the corner, Ali tries to fight back but Bey snaps off a quick DDT for a near fall. As Bey goes to continue the offense, Ali Drop Toe Holds Bey into the ropes neck first. Ali again, demonstrating some of the worst in-ring trash talk, Bey turns things around since Ali is running his mouth too much. Ali gets set in the Tree of Woe, Bey goes across to another corner and does a Coast to Coast Elbow Drop as Ali tries to sit up. Honestly, stupid looking since its obviously too coordinated. No one would stay half sat up just to eat an elbow.

While the move looked cool, I now care significantly less about what’s going on. Illogical spots just because “they’re cool”, should not be rewarded. Bey controls the match after the stupid spot, hits his Corner Uppercut Hip Attack, Ali tries to duck a few moves and create something but eats a Spinebuster for 2. Art of Finesse attempt, but Ali shoves him to the outside. Working back inside Ali goes for his Rolling Neckbreaker but Bey connects with a Roundhouse Kick to stop Ali in his tracks. Fighting Spirit spot, they run into the ropes, Ali has a bad Double Leg takedown that he tries to turn into a Cradle with feet on the ropes, but Ace pushes the feet off.

As security starts to move on Ace, Ali hits a Suicida, then Bey connects on a Tope con Hilo. Bey starts rocking Ali, hits the Kudome Valentine but Ali manages to pull himself under the bottom rope just enough to avoid losing. Bey climbs the corner, Ali German Suplexes Bey to the apron, Ali goes for the 450, misses, Bey goes to finish the match but the security get involved again, hit Bey with the flag and then Ali lands the 450 for the win.

I liked when the Security Guards were window dressing instead of mooks to cheat with. This just makes the matches dumber and significantly less interesting, especially when its nameless mooks and its not even a talent getting heat.

Dani Luna w/Jody Threat vs Alisha Edwards w/Masha Slamovich

Dani starts strong and fast, forearm shots, lariats and a quick near fall sends Alisha retreating to the ropes to get some advice from Masha. Dani goes to attack Lish, Lish with a Drop Toe Hold, Masha takes advantage of the distracted ref and Lish hits a Satellite DDT and then taunts entirely too much. As Lish talks too much, Dani stands up and starts beating the hell out of Lish, Suplex into the rope assisted Blue Thunder Bomb. Dani goes for the Luna Landing, but Masha climbs on the apron, distraction happens, then Lish goes after Jody and the ref stays distracted with Lish. Masha slides into the ring, Roundhouse Kick into the Russian Death Device and Lish turns around for the win!

Sami’s little segment is aptly named DMTv since it feels like a weird hallucination or trip with the way he does stuff.

Hammerstone vs Cody Deaner

Am I supposed to care about this? Hammerstone looks like he’s chiseled out of granite and Deaner looks like he’s fished out of a trailer park. Hammerstone says a lot of how I feel that the Deaner schtick is pathetic. Deaner says he’s given the power to add a stipulation, Hammer says Arm Wrestling Match, Deaner wants a Sin City Street Fight. So we know what the crowd will pick. Christ this is so carny even Court Bauer blushed.

Deaner bonks Hammer with the mic, low dropkick, goes to grab a trash can lid and hits Hammer…but it just pisses off Captain Hammer. Stomps a mudhole in him, Irish Whip into a Back Elbow and Hammer deposits him to the outside to utilize the gimmick I would assume. This is going on much longer than it should, Deaner finds a chair, clocks Hammer once, goes for Twice, but this isn’t Kpop; so Hammer says no and hits him with a Backbreaker. Then Hammer hits him with a chairshot, 10 Count Punches in the corner, Sack of Shit, Deaner goes for the Ricky Morton lean against the ropes and sell to the crowd spot, but Hammer leans into him and starts using the chair again.

Deaner does his nerd Hulk Up, tries to call for a Body Slam but Hammer doesn’t move and drops the dweeb down. Deaner is back to the begging the crowd Ricky Morton spot…but the crowd doesn’t care since Deaner is a jabroni. Hammer tosses Deaner like a pizza ribs first into the back of the chair and just takes a few moments to revel in his handwork. Deaner fights back, lands a few right hands, tries to call for the Body Slam again like an idiot, gets Hammer half way and falls over so Hammer just rains down punches (can we end this waste of time please). Hellavator, I mean Nightmare Pendulum but Deaner floats over and lands the Scoop Slam onto the steel chair for only 2.

The crowd starts chanting for table, so of course Deaner obliges…this is going on so damn long. Hammer no sells the forearm, Vertical Suplex, goozle, and then Hammer Chokeslams Deaner through the table and calls to for the Torture Rack. Deaner is Rack’d and dead. ‘Bout damn time.

Like a Torpedo, Something is there…

Trent The Seventh and Ball Of Speed, alongside Broken Matt Hardy, are geared up to render The System obsolete tomorrow night at #TNAUnderSiege! pic.twitter.com/laEOlXayIc

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) May 3, 2024

I’m mad at myself that I popped for Ball of Speed. I’m not even sure why, but I like it.

"Can you please get fired?"

.@joehendry's live apology transformed into a new hit about @AJFrancis410! The "apology" song took things HIGHER than ever! #TNAiMPACT pic.twitter.com/6P7pDFbK3p

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) May 3, 2024

If I’ve said it once I’ve said it at least 3 dozen times, Joe Hendry is a treasure. Starting with a medley of the insult songs to lead into the Creed parody is genius. Odd apology, but I respect it. “Can you please get fired…”, such a great song.

#1 Contender Match: Ace Austin w/Chris Bey vs Trey Miguel w/Zachary Wentz

Typical Junior style start with counters and some chain wrestling and then a quick tension spot where Trey slaps Ace and then they fire off on each other for a few seconds before they get broken up because its just a shmoz. Trey baits Ace to the outside, Up and Over but Ace lands on the apron and then Wentz picks the ankle as Trey feigns injury to distract the referee. Back Rake back into the ring and just insulting Knife Edge Chops at a deliberate pace. Commercial break happens and Trey is still in charge. Ace shoots the Double and turns it into a Jacknife Cradle for 2 but Ace is still visibly hobbled.

Trey tries to keep Ace grounded but he tries to fire up and Trey finds different ways to keep Ace grounded including a Running Bodyscissors into Full Mount. Kick combination rush from Trey as he goes for the Asai Moonsault to punctuate it but Ace gets the knees up. Short range Knee Strike, Click Click Boom, Corner Splash Seated Lariat spot into a Triangle Kick for 2! Ace looks to set up The Fold, Wentz distracts, Trey grabs tights! But Ace kicks out! Trey with the Backflip Back of the Head Dropkick. Bey levels Wentz and Trey is talking shit to the fans, Ace goes for the Crucifix Pin, but kicks out at 2.

Jackie Bryant Headlock Kick from Trey, but Ace blocks it. Triangle Kick misses, Ace tries to jump on him but misses, Cheeky Nandos, then Trey heads up but Ace cuts him off. They struggle on the top rope, Trey Bell Claps Ace, Ace tries to duck but Trey turns it into the Sunset Flip, locomotion float away, Ace Face Stomp into The Fold! Ace wins!

.@TheEricYoung and @Walking_Weapon make their intentions clear: they're walking into #TNAUnderSiege ready to take down @SteveMaclin and @FrankieKazarian! #TNAiMPACT pic.twitter.com/idI78rvsYJ

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) May 3, 2024

The Bald Bearded Canadians, good ole team BBC…wait…

TNA Knockouts Championship: Jordynne Grace (c) vs Miyu Yamashita

They start off respectfully, which is what you expect since Miyu is well respected in this generation. A few Headlock Takeovers, Shoulder Blocks and finally Miyu drops Jordynne with a Switchblade Kick. Miyu goes to follow up, but Jordynne catches the kick and T-Bone Suplex gives Jordynne a near fall. Juggernaut Driver early, but Miyu counters, rams Jordynne into the corner, Triangle Kick from Miyu for 2! Cravat into Knee Strikes and then a PK to the spine keeps Miyu in control. Miyu lets Jordynne up and they trade strikes a bit, Jordynne’s arms prove to be a little stronger than Miyu’s legs, takes out the legs and then the Jackhammer on the floor from Jordynne!

Jordynne tries to roll Miyu back in, but Miyu continues to roll out to buy some space, Jordynne goes for a dive and eats a foot. Miyu looks for an Apron Death Valley Driver, Jordynne fights it a while but Miyu eventually gets her over and down on the apron for 2. Miyu with a Headlock Takeover, but both ties the other one up and the ropes save the awkward but effective exchange. Strike exchange number 2. Miyu no sells a few Scoop Slams and lands Round Kicks. Spinning Backfist and Round Kick connect simultaneously for both women to drop.

Jordynne charges, Pink Striker tries to block with the front kick, but Jordynne plows through with a Back Elbow. Kinniku Buster attempt but Miyu knows how to get away from that and fights off with Knee Strikes, Jordynne is rocked but fights back up and Avalanche Back Body Drop for 2! Jordynne no sells a Roundhouse Kick, Miyu no sells a Lariat then another kick from Miyu and a Back Kick to the face for 2. Skull Kick attempt, blocked, Juggernaut Driver out of nowhere to retain!

Overall Score: 6.25/10

The second half of the show was pretty damn good, but God was the first half useless. Hammerstone and Deaner went on far too long, that was dumb, it looked dumb, I felt dumb watching it. Ali’s match was garbage with the stupid spot monkey indie garbage spot. If I want to watch wrestling that makes less sense than Chinese Dramas with Hindi subtitles, I’ll watch AEW and have a stroke.

Thankfully, Joe Hendry got a good chunk of time, the Trey and Ace match was pretty good and overlooking the stupid run in after match stuff, the Knockouts match itself was pretty damn good. So the new bookers have really consistently done this stuff, where there’s a ton of overbooked stupidity, but they sprinkle in enough okay stuff to make me not completely lose faith. OH – and we do get Kushida versus Gresham tomorrow, so at least that strengthens the lackluster card.

Lets see if they ever figure out how to really book, or if they eventually go full TNA 2015.

Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!

Coverage

Mitchell’s ROH Results & Report! (5/2/24)

The Queen is chasing the crown!

Published

17 hours ago

May 2, 2024

Steven Mitchell

Will the One and Only become the #1 contender?

Queen Aminata wants after Athena and the ROH Women’s World Championship, but she will still earn her way to a shot, starting with a match tonight!

OFFICIAL RESULTS

The Infantry VS The Outrunners; The Infantry wins.
Nyla Rose VS Camron Branae; Nyla wins.
ROH World Tag Team Championships Proving Grounds: The Undisputed Kingdom VS The Qrown; The Kingdom wins and denies The Qrown a title match.
Toa Liona VS Jimmy Wild; Liona wins.
Six Man Tag: The Dark Order VS Adam Priest, Zicky Dice & Sean Maluta; The Dark Order wins.
Aaron Solo VS Jon Cruz; Solo wins.
Queen Aminata VS Robyn Renegade; Aminata wins.

PLAY BY PLAY

The Infantry VS The Outrunners!

Captain Shawn Dean & Carlie Bravo have had it with Turbo Floyd & Truth Magnum! It’s one thing to use the same finishing move and rename it, but then The Outrunners’ new gear is camouflage, and they start using the Infantry’s catchphrases! Will Turbo & Truth get sent to Boot Camp? Or will Dean & Bravo be sent into Miami Overdrive?

Wait a minute, wait a minute. Who is this accompanying The Outrunners? Lazer Linda? So now they’re copying Infantry in having a female team member? Trish Adora steps into the ring to get a good look at Linda. Linda flexes on Adora, so Adora gives her a LARIAT TUBMAN! The Outrunners are upset but then Dean & Bravo storm up to throw hands! The ref reprimands but The Infantry keep throwing hands. Dean whips Truth and Bravo whips Turbo, but the Outrunners both reverse that. Dean and Bravo both dodge, then they both fake the Outrunners out! Those dropkicks get nothing, and then The Infantry DROPKICK The Outrunners!

The Outrunners bail out, The Infantry fire up and Daily’s Place fires up with them! The ref says they finally need to sort out, so Bravo falls back. Truth flounders in, the bell finally sounds, and Dean arm-drags Turbo around! Dean keeps Turbo from Truth, tags Bravo in, and then Dean wrenches while Bravo hops up. Bravo AX HANDLES Turbo’s arm, then brings him around to wrench. Tag to Dean, he goes up and AX HANDLES! Then the Infantry double whip, and double atomic drop, for a double HIP TOSS! The Infantry now mock The Outrunners, before the double FIST DROP! Turbo flounders away and tags in Truth!

Truth runs up, but into a DOUBLE HIP TOSS! Then another DOUBLE FIST DROP! Cover, TWO! Truth stays in this but Dean storms up on him. Turbo distracts the ref, Truth pokes Dean in the eye! Truth blames it on the sunset, then bumps Dean off buckles. Tag to Turbo and the Outrunners mug Dean. Tag back to Truth, he goes up, BACKBREAKER, and then Truth winds up! But Bravo sneaks behind enemy lines to get Dean outta there, Truth’s knee drop turns into an accidental atomic drop! The Infantry then get in and TOSS Turbo! Bravo aims to PLANCHA! Down goes Turbo and the fans fire up again!

Dean brings Truth up, throws hands, then tags in Bravo. Dean scoops Truth, Bravo goes up, and they hit the BACKBREAKER and “Grenade” KNEE DROP! The fans fire up more and Bravo brings Truth up. Truth throws a shot but Bravo hits back. Bravo whips, Truth reverses, but Bravo gets around! Turbo tags in before the O’Conner Roll! Turbo runs up but Bravo dodges him to SUPERKICK! Turbo ends up on ropes, and Bravo ROCKS Truth! Bravo whips, Truth reverses and Turbo BODY SHOTS! Turbo BLASTS Dean, gets Bravo, and sends him into Truth’s BOOTS! Bravo staggers, Turbo CLAWS him on the back!

Tag to Truth and the Outrunners mug Turbo. The fans are torn, but Truth CHOPS Bravo in a corner! Truth spins around while the fans “WOO~!” Truth then storms back up, whips corner to corner, but Bravo reverses. Bravo runs up, but slides under as Truth goes up! Bravo then trips Truth, and asks if he should. The fans say yes, so Bravo YANKS Truth backwards into the POST! Bravo high-fives fans, but then Turbo FLYING AX HANDLES off the apron! Dean protests but there’s nothing he can do as Turbo puts Bravo back in. Truth drags Bravo over, tags Turbo, and Turbo drops an elbow! Cover, TWO!

Turbo drags Bravo up, tags Truth back in, and they mug Bravo with a big kick! Bravo sputters while the Outrunners flex. Truth whips, Bravo sunset flips, but Truth flails! Truth reaches for the literal sunset but Bravo finishes the flip, TWO! Bravo reaches for Dean but Truth trips him up! Tag to Turbo, and he drops down into a CROSSFACE! Bravo endures, fights up, but Turbo tags Truth. The Infantry get Bravo up, but Bravo BOOTS Turbo away! Bravo ELBOWS Truth, then ROCKS Turbo! And repeat! And repeat! Bravo runs, but into the DOUBLE HIP TOSS! The Outrunners shake hands and flex, DOUBLE ELBOW DROP!

Turbo BLASTS Dean, Truth covers, but Dean gets back in to kick it! Truth is upset but he stomps Bravo. Truth whips Bravo to the corner, then he BLASTS Dean again! Truth runs at Bravo but Bravo slips out to the apron! Truth hits buckles, Turbo storms up but Bravo dodges by going back inside! Bravo then slips out the other side, and Truth runs into Turbo! Bravo slingshots in for a STUNNER! The fans fire up as Bravo crawls for his corner, but Turbo grabs a foot! Turbo drags Bravo up, back suplexes, but Bravo lands out! Bravo avoids both Outrunners to hot tag Dean! The fans fire up as The Captain rallies on The Outrunners!

Dean fires haymakers and LARIATS! Then a back drop for Truth! The fans fire up as Dean runs in to give Turbo a FLYING BACK ELBOW! Dean goes corner to corner, blocks Truth’s boots, and puts him in ropes for an ENZIGIRI! Truth flops down, Turbo takes a swing, but Dean slips around to DDT! Dean kips up, the fans fire up, and they join Dean in an “OORAH!” JUMP ELBOW DROP! Cover, Truth breaks it! Truth TOSSES Dean out, but Bravo runs up! CARLIE CROSSOVER! Down goes Truth, but Turbo CLUBS Bravo! BIG back suplex! But Dean’s up top! FLYING SPLASH! Cover, Truth runs in, but Dean moves! The AX HANDLE hits Turbo!

Truth panics and apologizes, but then sees Dean! Truth wants mercy, but then he goes to poke eyes! Dean blocks those, bends those fingers, but Turbo CLUBS Dean down! The Outrunners shift into gear, MIAMI OVER- NO, Dean slips around and the BOOT hits Truth! Tag to Bravo and they get Turbo, for BOOT CAMP! Cover, Infantry wins!

Winners: The Infantry, by pinfall

Often imitated, never duplicated! The one, true Russian Leg Sweep Boot combo shines through, and that’s no cap! Dean & Bravo finally settle things with Turbo & Truth, will they march forward to settle things with The Undisputed Kingdom next?

Matthew Menard & Angelo Parker speak.

Cool Hand Ange tells Daddy Magic that things have been rather weird lately, to say the least. Not too long ago, Parker was on Rampage, going to make an announcement he told no one about, and the truth is, he was ready to retire. He felt he didn’t have anything left to fight for. Then he got the biggest news of his entire life, he found out he’s gonna be a dad! And if that doesn’t light a fire under your ass, then what does? So now, Ruby Soho is going to be at home, being a mom to their child, and Parker had to think, “What’s next?” Then he realized, there is a hell of a lot to fight for now, isn’t there?

Menard says how ’bout it? Ruby’s at home, nesting. Cool Hand Ange has priorities in order and Menard loves it! And tell ya right now, Menard has a problem with The Undisputed Kingdom. The ROH World Tag Team Champions, right? So how about this? They get the van, they pack it up, and they start taking a road trip! Van, train, airplane, who cares?! They’re heading to a certain place called The Promised Land! So get ready, boys! No doubt! Ever-Rise, 2Point0, X-JAS, will the next titles Menard & Parker go by be ROH World Tag Team Champions?

ROH World Tag Team Championships Proving Grounds: The Undisputed Kingdom VS The Qrown!

Speaking of, Matt Taven & Mike Bennett are here to defend those titles! Or at least, make teams earn their way to a shot at the titles. Will The Kingdom check another team off the list? Or will Leonis & Maximus Khan be one step away from the crown?

The teams sort out, Bennett starts against Leonis, and the Code of Honor is kept. The bell rings, the fans rally up, and the two circle. They tie up, and the bigger Leonis powers Bennett to the corner. The ref counts, Leonis lets off, but Bennett kicks low! Bennett CHOPS, then brings Leonis around to ROCK him! Bennett stomps and CHOPS Leonis, then tags Taven. The Kingdom double whip, dropkick the legs out then Taven ELBOW DROPS! Cover, TWO! Taven throws down hands, stomps Leonis over and over, even at the ropes! Taven CHOKES Leonis, lets off, and the fans cheer as Taven tags Bennett.

Taven CHOPS Leonis, Bennett stomps and CHOPS, then ROCKS him again! And stomps, and ROCKS! Bennett ROCKS Leonis again, talks trash, then tags Taven. Taven CHOPS and CHOPS and CHOPS! Taven then reels Leonis in, but Leonis throws body shots! Taven CLUBS Leonis down, tags Bennett, and they bring Leonis in. But Leonis powers out, ROCKS Taven, then ROCKS Bennett! Leonis throws haymakers, then an UPPERCUT for Bennett! Then Leonis catches Taven to OVERHEAD SUPLEX him away! Maximus reaches out but Bennett whips Leonis into a BOOT! Bennett FOREARMS, Taven LARIATS! Bennett covers, TWO!

The fans rally and Bennett stomps Leonis. Bennett CHOPS Leonis, tells him to get up, then brings him to a neutral corner. Bennett ROCKS Leonis, brings him over, and tags Taven. Taven fires up Daily’s Place before he swings, but Leonis dodges to CHOP! And CHOP! Taven knees low, tags Bennett, and The Kingdom double whip. Leonis holds ropes, KICKS Bennett, then TOSSES Taven! Bennett kicks Leonis first, then reels him in, but Leonis back drops free! Hot tag to Maximus! Maximus rallies on The Kingdom with big LARIATS! Bennett runs up, Maximus dodges then URENAGES! The fans fire up with Maximus and he brings Bennett up.

But Taven springboards, KICK OF THE KING! Bennett BLASTS Leonis, Taven goes up! HAIL MARY PILEDRIVER!! Cover, The Kingdom wins!

Winners: The Undisputed Kingdom, by pinfall (denies The Qrown a title opportunity)

Taven & Bennett just showed The Qrown aren’t #NeckStrong enough, and now The Kingdom is moving on. But will they soon cross paths with Menard & Parker?

JD Drake speaks.

“You ever been lost? Lord knows I have. I’ve been lost for the last month. In light of recent events, my brain’s been foggy, I haven’t been able to articulate words, I don’t know whether I’m coming or going. It’s showing up in my in-ring work, it’s showing up in my personal life at home. Hell, it’s showing in my bowling game at home, too. The other night during league, I asked myself, ‘Hey, where do I go from here?'” JD asked the lady cashier for change on $5, he only got back four bills. Three ones, and a $2! Yeah, a real $2, those still exists.

JD says his grandfather recently passed away, February of this year, God rest his soul, would put a $2 in every grandchild’s picture frame. JD once asked why he did that, he said it’s because they’re gonna need to talk to him one day, and this $2 was gonna be the message. Granddad would also say, when times get tough, you’ve got two choices: quit, or tighten your bootstraps up and get back to work. So while the Workhorsmen may not be a thing for the foreseeable future, time for JD to be a workhorse man. The Blue Collar Badass is gonna punch in, knockout, and give ROH a $2 ass kicking. Scrap Metal is ready to scrap, will he turn that $2 into championship gold?

The Iron Savages speak.

Bulk Bronson says, “Underappreciated. Underutilized. Undervalued. We, the Iron Savages, have been parading around like a circus act for an entire year, winning over the hearts of the ROH fans and keeping them all entertained.” Jacked Jameson asks, “Are we in any tournaments?” Bronson & Boulder both say, “No.” Are they on any PPVs? No. And y’know what? No more goofy savages, no more popping the crowd! Boulder says the adoration is not bringing them success. Time for the Iron Savages, yes, the Iron Savages, to live up to their potential! Jameson says frankly, fat morons and skinny idiots don’t deserve their entertainment.

They aren’t changing their game plan, it just means they’re done winning over “Low T losers!” They’re just gonna win. They’re sippin’ sauce, livin’ hoss, and EVERYBODY is going to #TiddyCity! Will these three start tearing their way through the ROH Tag & Trios Divisions until they’re sinking their teeth into titles?

Aaron Solo VS Jon Cruz!

Aaron is tired of riding solo and going nowhere, so in order to get back in the good graces of Johnny TV, he’s gotta get that W back! Or in this case, he just has to get wins period! Will he be able to do that here at Daily’s Place where he became All Elite? Or will Serpentico’s human friend get his own great homecoming win?

Cruz gets the fans fired up as he offers The Code of Honor. Solo takes it, the bell rings, and then Solo kicks low! Solo DECKS Cruz, has him in a corner, and bumps him off buckles. Solo stomps a mudhole in, digs his boots in and laughs, but lets off as the ref counts. Solo brings Cruz up, snap suplexes, then smiles as he soaks up the heat. Cruz flounders, the fans rally, but Solo throws hands. Solo whips, Cruz ducks ‘n’ dodges and RANAS! Solo flounders, Cruz keeps moving and he LARIATS! The fans fire up with Cruz and he brings Solo around. Cruz scoops to POWERSLAM, then fires up as he shakes the ropes!

The fans cheer as Cruz points to a corner. Cruz goes up, aims, and then FROG SPLASH FLOPS as Solo moves! GERMAN SUPLEX! Cruz springs up but Solo gives him the DREAMCAST KICK! Cover, Solo wins!

Winner: Aaron Solo, by pinfall

Solo makes sure Johnny TV saw that! There’s the first win, will he get more and more until he proves he’s TV Ready like Johnny & Taya?

Queen Aminata VS Robyn Renegade!

The One and Only African Woman Wrestler is an uncrowned queen here in ROH, but she is going to fight her way back up to her revenge! Will she be unstoppable as she chases down Athena and Billie Starkz? Or will this Renegade defy Aminata’s authority?

The Code of Honor is kept, the bell rings, and the fans rally for Aminata with “YES, QUEEN!” The two tie up, Aminata headlocks and she grinds Renegade. Renegade brings Aminata down, pops out the back and headlocks in return. Aminata endures, brings Renegade to her knee, and pops out the back to wrench, step over, and twerk attack! The fans cheer but Renegade is frustrated. Aminata hammerlocks, headlocks and hits the takeover. Renegade moves around, fights up, and powers up, only for Aminata to hold on tight. Aminata wrenches, Robyn breaks free and ENZIGIRIS! Then BACKSTABBER!

Aminata crawls, Robyn soaks up the heat and she kicks rocks before she runs up. Aminata puts Renegade on the apron, shoulders in but gets a DOUBLE STOMP for it! Renegade talks trash, kicks Aminata to the floor, then brings her back up to put her in the ring. Renegade brings Aminata up, reels her in, but Aminata turns things into a cradle! TWO, and Aminata runs up to LARIAT! Renegade gets up, Aminata LARIATS again! Renegade swings, but into a spin, snapmare, and PENALTY KICK! Back of the onion bag with that one! Aminata fires the fans up, runs side to side, and she DROPKICKS Renegade through ropes!

Aminata reminds us, she’s the one and only! But then we see Athena & Billie watching this backstage! Athena whispers something to Billie, perhaps some opening or weakness in Aminata’s game. Billie seems to concur while Aminata scuffs Renegade. Cover, TWO! Renegade holds on but Aminata brings her up. Alabama Lift, but Renegade sunset flips and high stacks! TWO, and Renegade swings, but into a wrench and facelock, snap suplex! Emphasis on the snap as Renegade flounders to a corner. The fans fire up and Aminata runs corner to corner, but Renegade ELBOWS back! Renegade runs in, gets around, half nelson FACEBUSTER!

Renegade sits Aminata up, runs and SHOTGUNS her down! Cover, TWO! Aminata is tougher than that but Renegade snarls. The fans taunt Renegade, “ROBYN SUCKS!” Renegade drags Aminata up, fireman’s carries, and swing into the DEATH VALLEY DRIVER! Cover, TWO! Aminata stays in this but clutches her neck and back. Robyn is frustrated, but she drags Aminata up. Robyn DOUBLE CHOPS! Aminata is annoyed, but Robyn pushes her around. Robyn winds up, Aminata BOOTS the lariat, then DOUBLE CHOPS in return! And CHOPS again! And waistlocks, to GERMAN SUPLEX!

Robyn ends up in the corner again, and Aminata runs up, SWEET HIP MUSIC! But Aminata goes side to side to add the BOOT WASH!! Aminata says it is done now! She drags Robyn back up to HEADBUTT, Alabama Lift, and AIR RAID CRASH! Cover, Aminata wins!

Winner: Queen Aminata, by pinfall

Athena & Billie are not happy with that result, they storm off. Aminata is not just ready, she is looking better than ever! Will not even The Fallen Goddess be able to deny The Queen her crown?

My Thoughts:

A very good episode of ROH, mostly because it was under an hour. Yes, I still skipped things but c’mon, it was obvious Nyla was going to win, as were Liona and The Dark Order. Great opener from Infantry VS Outrunners to settle their feud, and I love that the Outrunners went as far as to get a female member of the team to parody Adora, just as I was thinking they would. Great win for Infantry, they’ll definitely get back in the ROH Tag title conversation in time for the next ROH PPV. And very good Proving Ground match, good showing for The Qrown in their first ROH match. But even so, of course The Kingdom was winning.

As such, we got a really good promo from Menard & Parker. I really hope they get a strong showing here in ROH now that they’re teaming together again. And there’s still Maria wanting Griff & Karter going after the titles, there’s needs to be something big in the works for the ROH Tag Division. And really good promo from JD Drake. Granted, this is another case where Tony Khan does something in his booking/running of the company that kinda forces his talent into these worked shoot promos, what with Anthony Henry being released while he’s injured. But JD did a great job referencing that without having to say it, and I hope he gets going in the singles division.

Good promo from The Iron Savages to officially go Heel, but given the unified AEW & ROH Trios champs are also Heels, we aren’t seeing Bronson, Boulder & Jameson holding gold any time soon. Good match from Solo, but I was hoping he’d have to struggle a little longer before he could win and do what Johnny TV dared him to do. And then very good match from Aminata VS Robyn, especially with the detail of Athena & Billie watching. Aminata of course wins, and I would think she skips revenge on Billie to go right to the head of the snake. Aminata VS Athena will be a great match, and really should be the moment Athena passes on the torch as far as being ROH Women’s World Champion.