New Japan Pro Wrestling 4/22/2024 Road to Wrestling Dontaku 2024 Day 3

New Japan Pro Wrestling 4/22/2024 Road to Wrestling Dontaku 2024 Day 3

Bishamon (Hirooki Goto & YOSHI-HASHI) & Katsuya Murashima vs. BULLET CLUB (Chase Owens, KENTA & Taiji Ishimori)

The faces get jumped before intros are over as usual. Chase bangs Goto's head off the buckles and works him in the corner. Chase takes a double shoulder then has Yoshi hiptossed on him and Kenta suplexed on him. Taiji then takes the double back clubs from Bishamon. KM hits forearms on Chase then slams him.

KM misses a dropkick and takes a running knee. KM's legs are split then Taiji chokes him with a shirt. Kenta chest kicks KM then Kenta back elbows him. KM takes foot slaps then dropkicks Kenta. Yoshi gts in and gets offense in on the heels. Yoshi shoulders Kenta over then corner lariats him. Yoshi neckbreakers Kenta.

Yoshi is tripped by Chase outside. He avoids a double team  then Kenta avoids a double team and suplexes Goto. Yoshi lariats Kenta. KM and Taiji get in. KM hits forearms then shoulders him over. KM slams Taiji then dropkicks him. KM crabs Taiji then Taiji is basement dropkicked while in it.

Taiji handspring back corkscrew kicks KM then sends KM's arm into the exposed buckle. KM is shoulderbreakered then Taiji submits him with a motor city stretch.

It was an okay opener, especially by Bullet Club standards. Nothing great here but it was tolerable and there wasn't too much BS.

TMDK (Kosei Fujita, Mikey Nicholls, Shane Haste & Zack Sabre Jr.) vs. Guerrillas Of Destiny (El Phantasmo, Hikuleo & Jado) & Shoma Kato

ELP = El Phantasmo

Kato gets in Kosei's face during intros. Shane and ELP start us off. ELP dances and poses. Shane wristlocks him, ELP headflips out then Shane kips out out. He then kicks ELP in the back. ELP dropkicks Shane and headflips up. Shane hits a nice dropkick on ELP. ELP takes a double back elbow then rolling senton + fist drop combo.

Mikey is sent int oa Hiku forearm then takes corner attacks. Hiku spinning side slams him and ELP elbow drops him off the ropes. Mikey fights out of a 4v1 then runs into a ddt from Hiku. Mikey is pulled over the top. Kosei hits euros on Jado then Zack head twists Jado with his feet. Zack headscissors Jado. Kato tries to break it up but Zack just ankle locks him as well.

Zack boots on Jado and Jado hulks up. Jado shoulders him over. Hiku comes in and cleans house. He hits snake eyes and big boot on Kosei. Hiku runs through a double clothesline and hits his own. Hiku elbow drops Shane for 2. ELP avoids a double team  then Zack puts an abdominal stretch on him. Hiku breaks it up.

Hiku takes a double boot and double strikes. Hiku takes a reverse 3D then ELP is double lifted and hits a double ddt out of it. Kato and Kosei go at it. Kosei chops him then avoids a lariat. Kato flying dropkicks him then hits forearms. Kato hiptosses Kosei. Kosei backslides him into a crab and taps him out.

It was around 10 minutes. There wasn't a ton of time here for everyone. It was average for the most part and was far from anyone's best.

TMDK puts all the titles they have on Kosei after. Shane and ELP have words after.

CHAOS (Tomohiro Ishii & Toru Yano), Hiroshi Tanahashi, Oleg Boltin & Shota Umino vs. House Of Torture (Dick Togo, EVIL, Ren Narita, Yoshinobu Kanemaru & Yujiro Takahashi)

The faces get jumped before intros as usual and most of them go out to fight. Shota is sent into the rails. Yano pulls the heels down by their hair then takes a turnbuckle pad off. Yano is sent into the exposed buckle. Yujiro chokes Yano with a cane outside then bangs his head off the exposed buckle.

Ren stomps on Yano then rubs his eyes on the ropes. Togo foot chokes Yano and fist drops him. Yano sends Togo into the exposed buckle. Ishii avoids several double teams and sends Togo into Evil. Ishii then shoulders Togo over. Togo eye pokes him then Ishii suplexes Togo. Shota takes a weird double overhead suplex.

Ren is slammed on his chest then Shota basement dropkicks him. Ren chokes him. Shota euros him then Ren chokes him. Shota throws him over then Ren germans him. Shota exploders him. Tana and Evil go at it. Evil eye rakes him then Tana does it back. Evil low blows him.

Tana pushes the ref over and low blows Evil back. Evil eye rakes Oleg then amkes him charge into the exposed buckle. Oleg takes corner attacks then is punched in the crotch off the 2nd rope. YK comes off the 2nd rope and is caught with a bearhug. He eye rakes and ear claps out. Tana sling blades YK then Oleg splashes YK for 2. The faces clear the heels and Oleg karelin's lifts YK and throws him.

Yujiro hits Oleg with a cane, Oleg goes into the exposed buckle and Oleg is pinned.

It wasn't anything special and there wasn't enough time for everyone here. At least the shenanigans wasn't egregious and over the top here. 

The faces are beaten up after and HoT poses on them. 

Los Ingobernables de Japon (BUSHI, Hiromu Takahashi, Shingo Takagi, Tetsuya Naito & Yota Tsuji) vs. BULLET CLUB War Dogs (Clark Connors, David Finlay, Drilla Moloney, Gabe Kidd & Gedo)

Yota comes out in a football helmet, jersey and shoulder pads. The two teams bark at each other before the match. The heels jump the faces before it starts and most of them fight outside. Yota's eyes are raked by DF outside then Gabe and Shingo trade forearms and chokes outside. Shingo is sent into the post and Gedo eye rakes Naito on the rails.

DF backbreakers Yota for 2. Yota rolls up DF then Yota headscissors DF. Yota shoulders DF over then splashes him. DF fights out of a double team in the corner and 8 of the 10 fight outside again. Shingo and Gabe headbutt each other and Bushi is sent into the post. Drilla works over Bushi and tries to take his mask off.

Clark back elbows and elbow drops Bushi. Bushi hits a double hurricanrana on Drilla and Clark. Drilla knocks Gabe off the apron by accident. Naito armdrags, back elbows and basement dropkicks Drilla. Naito grabs Gedo by the beard and slaps his face.

Naito neckbreakers Drilla then does a cravate on him. Drilla and Naito trade forearms. Naito spins on him then takes a spinebuster. Drilla double stomps him. Gabe and Shingo get in and trade forearms. Gabe slaps him then corner lariats him. Gabe hits a headbutt then Shingo corner lariats him. Gabe backdrops him. Shingo backdrops him.

Shingo and Gabe lariat, headbutt then chop battle. Gabe lariats Shingo down, hitting his own combo on him then Shingo lariats him down. Gedo and Hiromu fight. Hiromu dropkicks him then falcon arrows him for 2. The War Dogs bark at Hiromu then Hiromu takes corner attacks. Hiromu takes a stiff dominator then the heels try to give Gedo the pin. Hiromu triangles Gedo then taps him out.

The finish was really lame here and didn't fit this one at all. We barely saw Yota at all here. They kept it moving and it was okay mostly for Gabe Kidd and Shingo going at it. I like the War Dogs doing group barks at people now.

The fight continues after. Shingo and Gabe trade on the floor. DF and Yota have words. DF spits at fans then Clark takes a fan's beer and spits it at him.

Faction Warfare Gauntlet Match - United Empire (Callum Newman, Francesco Akira, Great-O-Khan, Jeff Cobb & TJP) vs Just 5 Guys (DOUKI, SANADA, Taichi, TAKA Michinoku & Yuya Uemura)

Leg 1 - Yuya Uemura vs Great O'Khan

They do some mat wrestling to start and grapple. Khan hooks his leg and hammerlocks him but Yuya ropebreaks. Khan wristlocks Yuya. Yuya uses the ropes and wraps Khan's arm around it. Yuya armdrags and armlocks Khan. Yuya kimura takeovers Khan then Khan dumps him over the top to the floor. Yuya is sent into and over the rails. Khan sits on a chair on Yuya. Yuya is whipped into the stage but jumps onto it then off it onto Khan.

Yuya punches Khan in the ring and is knocked down with a forearm. Yuya flying forearms him. Yuya backdrops Khan for 2 and they grapple. Khan shoulder throws him then Yuya cradles him. Khan does a sheep killer suplex and grabs a table. Yuya uranage's Khan in the ring then top rope crossbodies him for 2. Yuya goes for his front suplex but is belly to belly suplexed instead. Yuya belly to belly suplexes him and the time runs out.

This was dumb as they were doing basic grappling when they had a short 10 minute time limit.

Leg 2 - SANADA vs Jeff Cobb

Cobb clean breaks him. Sanada grabs the leg then Jeff just sits on him. Sanada wristlocks him then Cobb reverses it. Sanada hammerlocks him then they shoulder battle. Cobb isn't moved at all. Sanada lets Cobb do it then dropkicks him in the knee and head.

Sanada backrolls him and is rolled up. Sanada hits boots and he knee dropkicks Cobb off the apron. Cobb stops a plancha and they go outside. Sanada walks into the stands and tries to paraidse lock him up there. They both realize they are close to getting counted out and run back in.

Cobb lifts him and slams him then hits a standing moonsault.  Sanada slams him then Cobb uranage's him. Cobb hits a doward lariat then superkicks him. Sanada moonsaults into skull end. Cobb rolls backwards then Sanada dropkicks him in the back. Sanada back rolls him into a bridge. Sanada shining wizards him. Cobb back rolls Sanada and bridges him for 2. Cobb forearms Sanada and the 10 minute time limit ends.

Like the last match, they spent more than half of it doing basic stuff that could't possibly lead to a pin. It makes no sense in a match with a 10 minute time limit where you need to win to eliminate people and not eliminate yourself.

Leg 3 - Callum Newman vs TAKA Michinoku

Taka side headlocks him and eye pokes him. Taka trips him and goes for just facelock but Newman ropebreaks. Taka side headlocks him then headscissors him while splitting the fingers. Taka goes for another facelock and Newman ropebreaks again.

Taka stomps on him and is chopped down. Newman trips him and double stomps his back. Newman dropkicks him in the corner then hits a kick combo into a lariat. Taka step up knees im then running knees him. Taka bulldog headlocks him.

Newman running face kicks him. Taka pump kicks him, takes a spin kick then jumping kicks him. Newman PK's him for 2. Newman misses a top rope SSP, Taka shin kicks him then hits a knee to the face. Taka rolls him up for 2 then superkicks him. Newman high kicks him then does an os cutter. Newman then pins him.

Well, at least we finally got an elimination here.

Leg 4 - Callum Newman vs DOUKI

Douki single leg dropkicks him then topes him outside. Newman is sent into the rails. Douki double stomps Newman then douki chokey's him. Newman hits forearms but is fatigued. Douki euros him. Newman runs the ropes fast and single leg dropkicks him. Newman plancha's him outside.

Newman hits a weird flatliner from the bearhug position. Douki then hits a code red out of the deadlift powerbomb. Douki puts the douki chokey back on and submits Newman.

It was quick but easily was the most entertaining leg so far. The move Newman did was something unique.

Leg 5 - Akira Francisco vs DOUKI

Akira flying headscissors him then hits a stiff baseball slide. Akira sends him into the rails and chokes him on them. Akira straightjacket neckbreakers him on the knee then basement dropkicks him in the back. Akira chinlocks him. Douki fhgts out then takes a running back elbow.

Akira hits forearms and knees. Douki step up enzugiri's him. Douki forearms him then armdrags him. Douki springboard back elbows him. Akira superkicks Douki then corner lariats him. Douki flips him with a lariat then armdrags him. Douki gori special drops him on the knees.

Douki slingshot ddt's him for 2. Akira rolls him out of the casadora into a double stomp. They trde shots. Douki step up enzugiri's him then takes an STO variation. Akira hits a neat twisting neckbreaker and Douki ends up pinning him.

It was a decent leg here with Akira having a good showing. Akira busted out some interesting offense here.

Leg 6 - TJP vs DOUKI

TJP jumps off the top and forearms him before it starts. Douki puts him in the douki chokey then TJP regal stretches him. TJP flying knees him in the corner then does facewash kicks. Douki dropkicks him out then asai moonsaults him outside. Douki slingshots in and is caught with a cutter. TJP frogsplashes him off the top. TJP kind of pulls off before he gets the pin but they count it anyway.

This was only a few minutes long. 

Leg 7 - TJP vs Taichi

Taichi rolls Douki out and TJP dropkicks him through the ropes. TJP top rope splashes him for 2. TJP triangle dropkicks him from inside to outside. TJP knee drops him and hits a euro. Taichi step up enzugiri's TJP in the corner. Taichi kicks him in the back then running knees him.

Taichi abdominal stretches him. They trade forearms then Great O Khan and United Empire come down. TJP cranks Taichi's arm back then springbord twisting forearms him. TJP corner face kicks him then facewash kicks him.

Taichi hits Kawada kicks then TJP rakes him with the boot. TJP backdrops him then Taichi no sells it and running lariats him. TJP springboard ddt's Taichi. They fight up top and Taichi gets his knees up on TJP's frogsplash. Tacihi cradles him then backdrops him. Taichi buzzsaw kicks TJP then is rolled into a pinoy stretch.

TJP backslides him and they trade forearms. Taichi enzugiri's him then backdrops him. TJP spin kicks him then Taichi spinning back elbows him. TJP lariats him then Taichi axe bombers him. TJP cradles him and gets the win.

TJP gets on the mic after. He says his partners should all win various titles and tournaments then says divide and conquer, United Empire, crowns up.

It wasn't that good of a gauntlet. The first two matches had the bigger stars in it and both were draws where they misused the time. We then ended up getting a bunch of TJP and DOUKI, which wasn't the worst thing ever but it wasn't as interesting as seeing the bigger names go at it. Only two of the gauntlet matches really got enough time and it was disappointing overall. I wish they would have just scrapped one of the undercard matches and extended this thing.

Overall thoughts: It was a one match show and the one match wasn't that great. I wouldn't recommend this.

WWE NXT 4/23/2024

WWE NXT 4/23/2024

Last week's show is here: https://prowresblog.blogspot.com/2024/04/wwe-nxt-4162024.html

Adam Pearce and Ava Raine talk in the back about the WWF Draft with Nick Aldis webcamming in. Nick says he has eyes on some of the NXT roster for the draft. He says he will watch the Trick/Ilja title match closely. Ava says every match matters tonight. She says it's not about who goes to Raw or SD, it's about who goes up to take their place. She says NXT will never be the same.

We see clips of the wrestlers arriving earlier.

NXT Women's Title - Roxanne Perez (c) vs Lyra Valkyria vs Tatum Paxley

LYra goes after TP and pounds on her. She boots her in the corner as Perez watches. Perez throws Lyra out then TP stares down Perez. Lyra pulls Perez out then Lyra sweeps TP on the apron. Lyra bangs both opponents heads together then does a double dropkick through the ropes.

Lyra pushes Perez down on the apron then springboard twisting crossbodies TP. Lyra slaps TP and shotgun dropkicks her. Lyra northern lights suplexes TP and Perez for 2. Lyra and Perez trade pin attempts. Perez back rolls her then is pushed out of the ring. Lyra back rolls TP then is pushed off the top down to the floor.

Perez top rope crossbodies TP then TP throws Perez out into a tope on Lyra. Perez and TP are on the 2nd rope and Lyra powerbombs both down. They all fight on their knees then get up and fight. Lyra step up enzugiri's Perez. Lyra fisherman busters TP for 2. Perez throws Lyra into the buckles then running euros her. Perez crossfaces Lyra then TP crossfaces Perez.

Lyra hits a combo ddt + russian legsweep. Perez hits soul foot on Lyra. Lyra and Perez trade on their knees then Lyra germans her. Lyra spinning high kicks Perez then TP sunset flips Lyra for 2. TP hits a made in Japan variation on Lyra then 450's her off the top. TP goes for the pin then Perez rolls up TP off of it and wins it.

It was a good three way here. They didn't slow down at all, we had some creative spots and it felt like everyone was trying to win. The crowd was really into it as well. They didn't have any embarrassing moments here and it was probably the best women's three-way WWE has done in a long time.

Various wrestlers and fans pick the winner of Ilja/Trick.

Fallon Henley, Thea Hail and Kelani Jordan talk in the back. Thea said everything is sorted with Chase but she's not happy Jacy put him on the spot. She said they are all on the same page and she's happy she has all these people making her better. Jaida Parker then interrupts. Jaida says Fallon's the most popular loner she knows. Fallon asks if they have a problem. Jaida says we can. They push each other and the girls break the fight up. 

 Tyriek Igwe and Tyson DuPont do a promo. They've been on NXT Level Up for a bit. They said they will debut next week. They said they aren't afraid to go pound for pound with anyone. They said any team who goes against them will get their butters (boots).

The Creed Brothers and Ivy Nile are here and interviewed. Ivy said she remembered when they were chasing the tag titles. They put over Trick for improving and Julius says he can slay the dragon. Brutus says if anyone can do it it's him. They then chant "Whoop that Trick" and seemingly mimic Booker T.

No Quarter Catch Crew (Charlie Dempsey, Damon Kemp and Myles Borne) vs The D'Angelo Family (Tony D'Angelo, Luca Crusifino and Stacks)

All 6 stare down then pair off and fight. Four of them go outside and fight then Dempsey and Tony go at it. Tony takes him down and hits shots then deadlift powerbombs him out of the triangle. Tony says that's what happens when you don't pay him his money.

Kemp trips Tony then holds his leg for a stomp from Dempsey. Kemp and Tony exchange punches. Stacks corner splashes Kemp then hits shots to the back of the head. Kemp is sent into Luca's boot then he slams him down. They trade mounted shots as they roll around.

Borne stomps on Luca then comes off the 2nd rope, catching an uppercut. Borne dropkicks Luca for 2. Luca is triple teamed and all 6 fight. Everyone fights outside and Kemp hits a cannonball off the apron.

We go to PiP break and return. Dempsey chinlocks Stacks then Stacks crossbodies him. Dempsey dragon screws Stacks. Stacks  takes a dropkick into a german. Dempsey perfectplexes Stacks then single leg crabs him. Tony gets tagged in and fights off his opponents 3v1. He hits belly to belly suplexes on 2 of them and hits a spinebuster on Dempsey. Kemp tries to stop it but double stomps Dempsey. Dempsey clips Tony then Kemp and Dempsey hit an olympic slam + neckbreaker combo on Tony.

Dempsey double underhook suplexes Tony. Borne takes a shatter machine then Tony spinebusters Dempsey for the win.

It was a good trios match here. Kemp did a rare cannonball off the apron and we saw some new double team moves here. Borne was the highlight of this one hitting some great dropkicks.

They tease after that Tony pinned Dempsey so he should maybe get a title shot. The two teams argue after and Tony says to pay them.

Baron Corbin is with a photographer in the back. 

Jaida Parker vs Fallon Henley

This starts during the PiP break. We return and Jaida is tripped. Fallon slides out and punches her, then she argues with the rest of OTM. Fallon leg takedowns Jaida and trips her. Fallon then hits a house call kick. Fallon goes for a headscissors in the corner but is dropped on the top rope and falls down. Jaida butt drops Fallon down from the 2nd rope then she hits shoulders.

Fallon sunset flips Jaida then Jaida throws her back by the hair. Jaida grounds her with a submission. Fallon headbutts her then forearms her down. Fallon swinging facebusters her for 2. Fallon is thrown throat first into the ropes then Jaida hits a nice running hip attack to win it. Jaida's wig then falls off in an embarrassing moment.

Fallon doesn't have the greatest offense or anything and neither does Jaida. It was passable but you can tell these girls aren't super athletic.

Jacy Jayne and Jazmyn Nyx say Thea Hail is ungrateful. Jacy said she stood behind her and gave her a one way ticket to the hottest attraction. She said Thea didn't thank her and said she made Jacy. She said Thea should be kissing the ground she walks on. Jacy said all she did was show that she's an ungrateful little girl. She said she will end her next week.

Lola Vice says Natalya's confidence will be her downfall. She  said if she's confident enough that she can be overseas and on a rigorous touring schedule and beat her, she better think again. Lola says she's entering her world. Nat says Lola can show her what she's made of. Lola says while Nat is being a legend, she's preparing to become one at her expense.

JD McDonaugh is interviewed. He said you have to hospitalized Ilja Dragunov to beat him and said Trick is not that guy. Tyler Bate and Pete Dunne walk in. Bate says they will smash the spuds out of each other. Dunne picks Ilja and Bate picks Trick.

Ava Raine is in the ring. She said she's hosting the contract signing for the first NXT Women's Underground Match. She brings out Lola, Natalya and Petrovic. Lola and Natalya sign the contracts. Nat asks who Lola is in her corner. Lola said she's more worried about that than what she will do in the match. Lola says just because she shakes her @ss doesn't mean she can't kick hers. She says she will break her next week.

Nat says she knew Lola had an ego since she first met her. She said she respects where she came from. She said Lola doesn't respect that she was made in The Dungeon. She said she will beat some respect into her if she's a star who will take us into the future. She says to bring everything she has as she will tap her out. Lola says she can try but her fate is in her hands, the fastest hands in the division. Lola said her training partner will make them faster. Shayna Baszler then comes out.

Shayna said Nat's chances have gone from slim to none. She says when it comes to fighting, the most dangerous woman in NXT is aligned with the baddest woman in WWE. She said there's still time for Nat to get out here. She says if she was her, she'd tear the contract up immediately, especially if Karmen is her training partner. She pushes Karmen and Karmen high kicks her. Lola and Nat fight and Lola is thrown off the ring with the no ropes.

Ridge Holland is interviewed earlier outside. He said it's been a rough few months and he wants to show people he can earn success the right way. Shawn Spears comes up to him. Ridge says to leave him alone. Shawn tells Ridge to give into his thoughts and let them out. Ridge says he knows what he's trying to do and says he can't rile him up.

The Final Testament do a video. Kross says they will take us back to the gold ol days when they left everyone beat and broken. Paul Ellering says The Final Testament is coming for all the titles and are bringing destruction back to NXT. AOP tell Axiom and Nathan Frazer to prepare.

Axiom and Nathan Frazer talk in the back with all the wrestlers around. NF says he could care less about AOP. Ax says they will beat them. Malik Blade said he loves the energy and said he can't catch a break. Gallows and Karl said they are tired of people coming down here to take the tag titles. Enofe knocks a mirror over and breaks it then Gallows asks if he was saying something. The announcers say Enofe doesn't need 7 more years of bad luck.

Beach Brawl Match - Blair Davenport vs Sol Ruca

Sol ducks a surfboard shot and hits her with one. Blair hits her with a boogie board. Sol hits her with it in the gut. Sol bats away a beach ball, hitting the ref with it. Sol puts an inner tube around Blair, trapping her arms. She then throws a football and kickball at Blair.

Blair tries to walk away and has her head banged off the apron. Sol is thrown into a bench. Blair bangs Sol's head off the post then throws a beach ball at her. Sol hits her with a boogie board. Sol  flips out of a hiptoss and facebusters Blair into a pool filled with balls. Sol then puts the surfboard on Sol and rides it and stomps it on her.

We go to PiP break and Sol throws more of the toy balls at her. Blair top rope double stomps Sol over the middle rope. Blair hits Sol with a bucket then a surfboard. Blair chairs Sol then puts her in a chair. Blair is tripped into the chair then Blair dropkicks the chair into Sol. Blair bridges a surfboard on two stands and slams Sol through it.

Sol's head is put through the chair and Blair pushes down on it. Sol hits Blair with a boogie board. Sol springboard twisting shoulderblocks her. Sol then superkicks her and standing moonsaults her. Blair superkicks Sol then is superkicked back. Sol hits a fireman's carry into a powerbomb. Sol climbs the buckles and is german suplexed off the 2nd rope.

Blair is sent into a surfboard. Sol walks the rail then Blair pushes her into another rail. Blair gets on the rail then Sol drops her backwards off the rail through a picnic table. Sol runs at the ropes and hits a sol snatcher then wins it.

It was a bit silly and over the top but it was entertaining and probably Sol's best full match so far. They got a lot of time for this which Sol usually doesn't get and they did well here. I thought the surfboard and picnic table spots were creative and something different. 

Trick Williams is in the locker room talking on the phone. He asks what the doctor said and his mom says she's okay and gonna get better. His mom tells him to whoop that trick tonight.

Johnny Gargano comes in. He asks how he's feeling. Trick says the pressure is on. Johnny says no pressure, no diamonds. He says to take the pain and betrayal and use it. He said it made Trick stronger and there's only one Trick Williams. He asks if Trick is willing to give it his all and win the title. Johnny says to whoop that trick.

We see Meta-Four have a car breakdown on their way to the show. They try to fix it and eventually make it.

Baron Corbin vs Lexis King

BC drops him with a shot and beale throws him. King is thrown into the rails and BC urnaage's him in the corner. BC shoulders King over and chokes him on the ropes. BC shoulders him over. King dropkicks him in the legs then pounds on him.

King snapmares him then hits downward elbows. King double footchokes him on the ropes then pounds on him. King running lariats him in the back of the head for 2. King hits a nice dropkick but BC rebounds off the ropes and lariats him. BC corner lariats him then back body drops him. BC lifts him and does a cutter for 2. 

King superkicks him in the ring then tries to pin him with his feet on the ropes but is caught. The ref stops it then BC death valley drivers him for 2. BC nearly gets pushed into the ref then King low blows him. King hits the coronation neckbreaker and wins it.

It wasn't that great as expected as King's a limited worker. Not like it was bad bust just not that strong of a match. I was surprised to see King win but that's surely not the end of this feud.

The wrestlers sit in the front row for the title match.

Ilja Dragunov is interviewed. He said Trick Williams gained his respect. He says something in Russian then Damian Priest walks up to him. He says good luck tonight.

Trick Williams is interviewed. He said he either wins tonight or leaves NXT. He said he's either the champ or a bust. He said he either way he will fight and said he fears no man. He said let's whoop that trick.

NXT Title - Ilja Dragunov (c) vs Trick Williams

Trick misses a pumping knee and is german suplexed. Ilja waistlocks him then hits an enzugiri. Trick side kicks him and takes a jumping front kick. Ilja slaps him then hits chops. Trick blocks a chop and hits headbutts and punches. Ilja jumping ddt's him then does a constantine special for 2.

Ilja powerbombs him. trick up kicks him. Ilja hugs him and they hockey fight. Ilja running knees him. We go to PiP break. Ilja hits chops and forearms ot the back of the neck.

Ilja stomps him then suplexes him. Ilja sentons him then germans him. They fight up top. Ilja tries a sunset bomb but they botch it and Ilja taks a nasty looking bump. Ilja powerbombs him then running face kicks him. Ilja coast to coast dropkicks him for 2. Ilja jumps off the top and either does a neckbreaker or is caught with one. Trick powerbombs him.

Trick hits an h-bomb for 2 then Trick hits a torpedo moscow for 2. Ilja jumping front kicks him and enzugiri's him. Ilja death valley drivers him in the corner. Trick back body drops him on the floor. They get on the rail and Trick rock bottoms him off the rail through a table.

Ilja flying knees him as he enters the ring then deadlift superplexes him. Ilja hits an h-bomb then a 2nd rope h-bomb for 2. Ilja does a top rope h-bomb for 2. Ilja germans him then Trick jumping knees him in the back of the neck for 2. Trick flying knees hi mand wins it.

It was a spring of a match with them going hard and at full speed the whole time. The crowd was wild all throughout and they really did everything they could to put this over as a big match. I liked the match and it was maybe Trick's best effort yet. They were real stiff with each other and real aggressive. I'm not really sure why they did this here and in the way they did it, but it really couldn't have gone much better.

Overall thoughts: It was a good show with 3 strong matches and one okay match. Sol and Trick both had the best nights of their career here and the main really couldn't have gone much better than it did. You pretty much have to see the main event here.

Southern Illinois Championship Wrestling 4/21/2024

Southern Illinois Championship Wrestling 4/21/2024

Last week's show is here: https://prowresblog.blogspot.com/2024/04/southern-illinois-championship.html

Drew Ebenhouse and Mauler McDarby are on commentary. Mauler says it's Drew's pleasure that he is here. Bobby D and Gil Rogers vs Ayers and Uber Destroyer is the main event tonight. Billy McNeil fights Shawn Shantell. We will see Kenny Kingston and Glenn Williams as well.

The Top Guns (Brandon Baretta and Joe Vinetti) vs Shogun and Shawn Douglas

Andy Anderson is our ref here. Brandon side headlocks Shogun then shoulders him over. Shogun gets a guillotine choke on Brandon then Brandon fisherman suplexes him out of it. Shogun takes a corner lariat and a powerslam. Joe basement dropkicks Shogun then slams him. Brandon is lifted into a splash on Shogun.

Brandon drops down and Joe dropkicks Shogun. Shawn snapmares Joe when he gets in and PK's him. Joe slingshot rolls into a codebreaker on Shogun then Brandon spinebusters Shogun. Brandon picks up the win.

It was a quick one here with Shogun taking the loss as expected. I felt like we saw a new move or two out of the faces but I'm not sure.

Mauler McDarby has some words with The Top Guns after.

Glenn Williams and Sean Vincent are interviewed by Drew. Sean has a knee brace and cane due to his injury. Sean said Fanfest 2 and the raceway show are coming up and he's out. He said he's out because them Canadians take their health more seriously than Americans do. He said he got injured doing hardcore Canadian pilates. Drew asks if it's ECW pilates.

Sean said he can focus more on Glenn now. He said he's Glenn's Mr. Miyagi, Splinter or Chuck Norris. He said he will take him to the next level and said he will be the greatest champion ever. Drew asks Glenn what's next.

Glenn said they worked for almost a year as a team. He said he normally knows what he's gonna do. He said he doesn't know where he's gonna fit in and pretends to cry. He said Wildfire sheds some tears and everyone feels bad for her. He said he shows emotion and is made fun of. He said like his hero Lizzo, he has haters. He said he let himself feel the emotions.

He said he heard Bobby D has an open challenge contract. He said he wants gold and he wants to face him next week. He said he's going to make a moment.  He said he's the face of SICW, saying he's on the poster. He says he will see Bobby next week.

Shawn Santel vs Billy McNeil

Shawn waistlock takedowns him then armlocks him. Billy rolls and kips up out of a wristlock. He does an armbreaker on Shawn then armlocks him. Shawn grabs the hair and is side headlocked. Billy side headlock takeovers him. Billy crossbodies him for 2 then is deadlifted and slammed.

Billy hits forearms then Shawn back elbows him. Shawn wraps Billy's arm around the ropes and pulls. Shanw suplexes him then armlocks him. Billy get caught on a crossbody then Shawn fallaway slams him. Shawn hits forearms and Billy urakens him. Shawn calls for his partner Mauler McDarby. Mauler gets on the apron, Shawn is sent into him and Billy pins Shawn.

It was an okay match here with the heels trying to cheat and Billy outsmarting them. It was a pretty simple match.

Mauler complains about Billy attacking him. Mauler said he was on the apron to get an interview. Drew says you don't do it during the match. Mauler said it's his first time trying to do this. That was funny.

Glenn Williams vs CK Cosmic

They lock up and CK wristlocks him. CK side headlocks him then side headlock takeovers him. Glenn headscissors him and CK knees his way out. CK shoulders Glenn over. Glenn hits a knee to the gut then CK armdrags him.

CK suplexes Glenn then CK 2nd rope corkscrew legdrops him. Glenn eye rakes him and cobra clutch russian legsweeps him. Glenn then gets the pin.

It was a short one here. CK is very young and green, but he has Dusty Rhodes style energy that you just can't teach. There may be something there. Glenn's finisher looked good here and Glenn mouths off after.

Destiny Lynch interviews Stephen E., Peyton Ayers and The Uber Destroyer. E says there's an injustice here. He says they don't want to see him suceed. He said he's mad a woman is interviewing him. He said she needs to cover her face and says it's disrespectful. E says the injustice won't stop them from doing what they do.

E says he has the money and everything it takes to take it to the next level. He said there's a problem here in SICW. He said there's people in black and white ref stripes that should be wearing yellow. E says Danny Boy Hawkins has been sticking his nose in their business too much. E says he wants to buy SICW and he wants it now. He says he will bring the attorney general and justice system to make this happen.

E says they are the most devastating organization in wrestling. He said nobody will stop them when they purchase SICW.

E was real fired up here and cut a good promo.

Richard Shaw vs Kenny Kingston

I don't know if either one of these guys have gotten a win yet here. Somebodies 0 must go. Kenny gets jumped from behind during intros. Shaw clubs on him then chokes him in the corner. Shaw bites him then corner splashes him.

Shaw chokes him on the ropes then hiptosses him. Shaw hits a low diving clothesline for 2. Shaw misses a 2nd rope splash, just hitting the knee. Kenny hits a big uranage then a running senton. Kenny running back elbows him then hits a splash. Kenny slams him and get the win.

This was a fun heavyweight sprint. Not the cleanest match ever but I thought it helped sell how big these guys are. These two really hustled here and Kenny can move well for his size. 

Promoter's Corner

Herb Simmons interviews Tito Santana. They talk about Tito being at SICW Fanfest. Herb said Tito had a long line of fans the last time he came and said he treated the fans well. Tito says without the fans, none of them would be anybody.

They talk about Sgt. Slaughter. Tito says he's one of the nicest guys in the business. He said he was a world champ and he enjoys talking to him on the road. Tito said they tried to start their own league in the AWF. He said the sponsor lied about the money and closed shop. He was disappointed as he thought they had a good product.

He says Bob Orton comes from a big family of wrestlers. He said he got to wrestle Bob's father. He said he appreciated him helping him. He said Bob Orton Jr. and Bob Roop were over in 1977 and said his son Randy is as good as it gets. Herb says hopefully Randy can come and see his dad inducted in the SICW Hall of Fame.

Tito says Haku is one of the toughest but nicest guys in the business. He said he had a great career. Tito says Jimmy Hart is still setting up chairs and is a never ending battery that just keeps on going. Herb says he's a pinball. Tito said he never heard Jimmy say anything negative about anyone.

Tito talks about The Godfather. He said he wrestled him on a dark match at Wrestlemania IX. He said he's a good guy that has always been good to the fans.

Herb says Bruiser Brody's widow will be with them. He said he worked with him once in Chicago in the AWA. He said he saw a photo of him playing football at West Texas State University recently. He talks about how Brody was in Japan.

Herb brings up Greg Gagne. Tito says people knock Greg but he was a general in the ring and gave him a lot of advice.

Devastation Incorporated (Payton Ayers and The Uber Destroyer) vs Bobby D and Gil Rogers

Gil and Uber lock up. Gil escapes a shot in the corner. Uber takes a double shoulderblock then D armbreakers Uber. Uber takes a double armwringer and arm yank.

Uber knees Gil in the gut. Bobby armwringers Payton and bangs his arm off his shoulder. Bobby armlocks him then Gil 2nd rope elbows Payton in the arm. Payton clubs on Gil then chokes him on the ropes. Uver chokes Gil and holds him for a shot from Payton. 

Payton hits corner spears on Gil then corner spears him. Payton steps on Gil's back then bearhugs him. Payton shoulders Gil over. Uber elbows Gil in the corner then hits punches. They trade shots and Uber chokes him. Gil is sent hard into the buckles.

Payton chokes Gil over the middle rope. Uber punches and elbows Gil then Gil crossbodies him. Bobby D is tagged in. He hits big lariats on both opponents. Uber knees Bobby in the gut then lariats Uber over. Bobby spin kicks Payton then Uber throws Bobby over the top. Uber is DQ'd for it.

Bobby gets back and runs Uber over. He flurries on Payton then Gil helps beat up Payton too. Devastation Inc then goes out and Stephen E backs them off.

Well, the DQ finish was disappointing. It wasn't a bad match here with the faces getting worked on and the heels stopping their comeback by throwing Bobby over the top.

Overall thoughts: It was an okay hour of wrestling here. All the matches were on the shorter end or were squashes. There was nothing must see here, but I enjoyed it.

TNA Xplosion 4/19/2024

TNA Xplosion 4/19/2024

Last week's show is here: https://prowresblog.blogspot.com/2024/04/tna-xplosion-4122024.html

There's only one new match and a new Gia Miller interview segment here:

Around the Ring with Gia Miller

Jake Something is the guest today. Jake is part of The Donut Crew with Ace Austin, Chris Bey and someone else. This is a group chat with pictures of donuts. Jake talks about donuts. He said he likes peanut butter and chocolate donuts and likes donut balls. He said he is not aware of his surroundings.

Jake says he works out enough to make him look like he does. Gia says he's an absolute unit. Gia said she was once sent a photo of Zach Wentz with his head on her body and said it was one of the scariest things she has ever seen. Gia says we will get an Episode 2 of this someday and Jake says maybe they should make a murder mystery.

Ray Jaz vs Myron Reed

Ray starts his on his knees, going for leg sweeps. They shove each other and Ray takes him down. Ray waistlock lifts him and karelin's lifts him. Ray hits a suplex and kips up out of it in a neat spot. Reed jawbreakers Ray over the top rope and legdrops him over the middle rope.

Reed kips down out of a lariat and enzugiri's Ray. Reed running face kicks Ray. Trey Miguel chokes Ray on the ropes and hits him. Reed chinlocks him then does a bizarre fireman's carry into a slingshot flatliner.

Ray release exploders Reed. Ray suplexes him and kips up again. Ray flips over Reed's back and release germans him. Ray splashes him in the corner then top rope crossbodies him for 2. Reed sleepers Ray and Ray backs him into the corner to get out of it. Ray hits a nice dropkick and Reed does a nice bump for it.

Trey gets on the apron and throws Reed some spray paint. Ray picks up Reed and gets sprayed. Reed hits an air raid crash and wins it.

A lot went on here and it was an inspired effort. Both guys were definitely trying. I popped for Reed's slingshot flatliner and Ray's suplex into a kip-up was cool. It was a fun match that could have easily been a nothing throwaway. They should run this one back on TV next time.

Overall thoughts: There was only one new match but the match was good. I guess if you have 7 spare minutes or so to see that, it might be worth checking out. It's hard to recommend this otherwise as the only one piece of new content is a Gia Miller interview.

All Japan Pro Wrestling 4/21/2024 Champion Carnival 2024 Day 3

All Japan Pro Wrestling 4/21/2024 Champion Carnival 2024 Day 3

Day 2 is here: https://prowresblog.blogspot.com/2024/04/all-japan-pro-wrestling-4202024.html

Champion Carnival 2024 Block B Match - Hartley Jackson vs. Jun Saito

Hart and Jun lock up but get nowhere. Hart clean breaks him then is side headlocked. They shoulder battle and Hart is knocked over. Hart goes out and is shouldered into the rails. Jun chokes him with a towel. They trade forearms and Hart slams him. Hart hits chops and double chops.

Hart running back elbows him then corner splashes him twice. Hart lariats him for 2. Jun running face kicks him then does it in the corner. Hart blocks a spear and suplexes him. Jun hits another spear and they trade forearms. Hart spinning lariats him and death valley drivers him for 2. Jun jackhammers for 2.

They run at each other with lariats and Jun cobra clutch slams him to win.

It was shorter and very slow paced match. It was fine but totally by the numbers here. Jun in particularly didn't seem to be hustling here.

Champion Carnival 2024 Block A Match - Kuroshio TOKYO Japan vs. Cyrus

Jiro did his usual extended double entrance and Cyrus threw a rail in the ring. Jiro hid under the ring and Cyrus tried to grab him. Then the fight started out there. Jiro tries to kick him from the apron but is legswept. Cyrus powerbombs him into the post then foot chokes him. Cyrus hits him in the gut and back with the ring bell in front of the ref. Jiro hides behind a young boy. Cyrus lifts up Jiro and headbuttts him. Cyrus then chairs him.

Cyrus running headbutts him and lariats him over while he's in a chair. Cyrus short arm lariats him outside and hits a big forearm. Cyrus headbutts him in the chest then chokes him with a chair. Cyrus throws the ref then hits a lariat. Jiro is then knocked over on the rails and Cyrus foot chokes him. Cyrus forearms him over while he's in a chair.

Jiro is thrown over a rail and Cyrus misses a splash on him.  Jiro hits ajcket punches then hits kicks to the leg. Cyrus pushes him then Jiro springboard crossbodies him. Cyrus catches him and powerslams him. Cyrus hits a corner cannonball. Cyrus goes up top and is hit. He blocks a hurricanrana from the top then Jiro hurricanrana's him standing. Jiro step up enzugiri's him and wins it.

They spent too long outside here and Cyrus openly cheated in front of the ref multiple times. I don't know if the match officially had started while they were out there, but if it hadn't, that's another reason to hate this. The idea was okay but it just dragged. I also suspect they botched the finish here as Jiro didn't hit the hurricanrana off the buckles then hit one standing.

Jiro runs into the crowd after and is shocked at his win.

Champion Carnival 2024 Block A Match - Davey Boy Smith Jr. vs. Shotaro Ashino

They go to the mat and go for leg locks. Ashino rolls out of a wristlock and side headlocks him. DBS hits forearms and a headbutt then Ashino low fireman's carry takeovers him. Ashino then shoulders him over. DBS sends Ashino out then powerslams him on the floor.

DBS stomps on him then headscissors him. DBS gutwrench suplexes him then chinlocks him. DBS half-nelson's him then Ashino back body drops him. They trade forearms and Ashino running euros him. Ashino gutwrench suplexes him for 2. DBS suplexes him then Ashino ankle locks him. DBS turns it into a sharpshooter.

DBS chest clubs him then Ashino release germans him for 2. DBS ddt's him for 2. Ashino sunset flips him and puts the ankle lock on. DBS boots and kicks him then hits a big sitout powerbomb to win.

It was slow and not that good. It had the usual DBS match issues with the match lacking excitement and interest. 

Champion Carnival 2024 Block B Match - Hideki Suzuki vs. Rei Saito

I don't have high hopes for this one. It's going to be a styles clash. Rei backs him up off the lock up. and they do a single arm lock up. HS hits shots then enzugiri's him. HS dropkicks him while Rei runs the ropes. Rei then rams him into the corner and drops him.

Rei throws him into the rails outside. Rei tries to sumo shoulder charge him while he's in front of the post but HS moves. HS armbars him outside and stomps on him. HS armbars him inside the ring.

HS stomps on his arm and bangs it off the mat. Rei hits a big slap and a lariat. Rei then piledrivers him and wins it.

The ending was too sudden here. They were building towards a longer match then it just ended after Rei got almost nothing in. It's a shame too because this was not looking too bad with Suzuki working the arm.

Rei teases helping him up after then slaps him.

Kaz Hayashi, Masayuki Kono & Suwama vs. Dan Tamura, Hokuto Omori & Ren Ayabe

We have a fake Omori in there again. Dan and Kaz go at it. Kaz side headlocks him then Dan wristlocks him. Kaz rolls out of it and side headlocks him. Dan side headlocks him back, headlock takeovers him and shoulders him over. Suwama boots Dan in the gut then hits a big slam. Kaz slingshot swantons Dan.

Kono and Ren go at it. They stare down and Ren clean breaks him. Kono hits shots then takes a big face kick. Ren shoulders him over. Ren wants to tag Omori in but isn't sure who is who, so he tags Dan in instead. Dan hits shots on Kono and Kono back elbows him. Suwama bullies Dan around with boots and Dan fights through it.

Suwama chops him down then hits a big slam. Suwama elbow drops him for 2. Kaz snapmares and foot rakes Dan. Dan's eyes are rubbed on the ropes then Kaz hits knees on him. Suwama hits a nice lariat for 2. Suwama backdrops him for 2.  Suwama hits forarms then Dan samoan drops him. Ren comes in and flying neckbreakers Suwama. He running face kicks him in the corner for 2.

Suwama ddt's him then Kaz dropkicks Ren. Kaz does a running back kick in the corner and wakes Ren up with a forearm. Kaz boots Ren then takes a nice dropkick. Dan gets in and hits running shoulders on Kaz. Dan hits a stiff karelin's lift at 10 minutes in.

Dan is flatlinered into the buckles. Dan takes corner attacks then Kono and Suwama lariat each other on accident. Dan running shoulders Kaz. Omori gets in the ring with a horse mask on. His team tries corner attacks on Suwama but gets booted. Omori low blows Suwama then low blows Ren and Kono at the same time. Omori then low blows Kaz right in front of the ref.

Suwama gets behind Omori and double chops him. Omori takes a running knee then a Kaz handspring enzugiri. Suwama then lariats Omori and wins it.

They really lost the plot on this one. They had an interesting thing going with Dan being the face in peril and then they just dropped it. Then they maybe had something to work with by having Omori be annoying but they didn't build it up enough. I hated the blatant low blows in front of the ref who did nothing about it.

Champion Carnival 2024 Block A Match - Kento Miyahara vs. Yuma Aoyagi

They lock up and Yuma wristlocks him. Kento trips him and hooks the leg. Kento side headlock takeovers him, gets headscissored and they stare down. Yuma euros him on the break, is tripped into the 2nd rope and basement dropkicked. Kento headbutts him outside. Kento is sent into the rails then Yuma legdrops him over the rails. Yuma chokes Kento with a towel.

Yuma cravates him then elbow drops him. Yuma chinlocks him and Kento hits chest slaps. Yuma forearms him then Kento hits a strike flurry on him. Yuma forearms him and piledrivers him for 2. Kento rolls out of a move then dropkicks him in the knee and side of the head. Kento running forearms him in the corner.

Kento takes a baseball slide then Yuma drives Kento's arm into the rails. Yuma backdrops him for 2. Kento pumping knees Yuma in the corner and goes down. Yuma does a surprise cradle for 2 then back rolls him into a bridge for 2. Yuma rock bottoms him for 2. Yuma fisherman busters him for 2.

Kento sells for a while and hits a release german. Kento pops up then pumping knees him on the ropes twice. Kento pumping knees him then delay straightjacket germans him for the win.

It was a flawed match here. Kento did some super long selling sections here then he would just pop-up more energized then when he started and eventually got the win off of it. It was just all over the place here and multiple matches turned into one. 

Champion Carnival 2024 Block B Match - Ryuki Honda vs. Yuma Anzai

 

This is a big one here for both these guys. They are going to get the time and they have got the spot. They just need to produce.

Yuma wristlocks him. Honda side headlocks him, gets headscissored and they stand off. They shoulder each other, Yuma dropkicks him then is shouldered over. Yuma is sent into the rails outside then Honda chokes him on the rails, counting along with the ref to break it.

Yuma is thrown into the rails and goes over them. Yuma springboards off the rails onto him, gets caught and is explodered on the floor. Honda hits a back elbow inside. They trade forearms then Honda is pulled over the top. Yuma forearms him off the apron and hits a flying knee off the apron.

Honda is sent into the rails then Yuma chokes him on the rails. Yuma running forearms him then hits a belly to belly suplex for 2. Yuma chinlocks him and they trade forearms. Honda suplexes him then psinebusters him for 2. Yuma is pushed off the buckles down to the floor

They trade forearms on the apron then Honda takes a nasty dragon suplex on the apron. They trade forearms in the ring and Yuma dropkicks him. They fight up top and Honda 2nd rope superplexes him. Yuma hits a flying knee and they trade forearms on their knees.

They get up and trade. They trade forearms and hit shots on the ropes. Honda lariats him in the back of the neck then germans him. Honda hits a spear for 2. Yuma flips over him into a double underhook suplex. Yuma flying knees him in the back of the head for 2. Honda running lariats him and flips him with it.

Yuma germans him and they collide with forearms. Yuma germans him again then hits a flying knee for 2. Yuma germans him for 2 again. Yuma runs into a big lariat, no sells it then is lariated again for 2. Honda running one arm powerbombs him and wins it.

I didn't like the dragon suplex on the apron spot. I felt that disrupted the match and it hurt it. Besides that, I thought they matched up well together. The pieces are there for these two but I don't think they got the puzzle put together correctly on this. It just needed more selling. Yuma did more here than he has ever done so far and we finally got to see him break away from his usual match some. They took some nasty shots here. I really want to see this again because I think they could do a great one if everything goes right. Honda got a big win here which was nice, beating the current Triple Crown champ.

Honda gets on the mic after and is thrilled.

Overall thoughts: This show had 2 big matches in Kento/Yuma and Honda/Anzai. I didn't like Kento/Yuma as it was too spazzy and seemed like multiple matches tied into one. Honda/Anzai had the right pieces and showed promise but the puzzle wasn't put together as well as it could have been. I didn't really care for the rest of the show and thought the trios match and Suzuki/Rei were missed opportunities.

NWA Powerrr 4/23/2024

NWA Powerrr 4/23/2024

Last week's show is here: https://prowresblog.blogspot.com/2024/04/nwa-powerrr-4162024.html

There's an intergender main-event today. I will not be covering that.

US Tag Title Tournament - Mecha Wolf and Alex Misery vs Daisy Kill and Talos

Daisy signs a song on his ukulele before it starts. It ends with him saying he hates each and every one of the fans in Alabama. Wolf and Alex jump the heels before the song ends then Wolfe tope con hilos outside. Alex suicide dives on Talos and is caught. They go on the stage and Alex goes onto the powerstation lighting rig. Alex then moonsaults off the top onto security as Talos moved. Talos lariats him from behind. Talos tries to run Alex to the ring but Alex sends him into the post.

Wolf and Daisy trade shots then Daisy takes a flapjack. Wolf hits mounted shots on Daisy then he 2nd rope twisting forearms him. Daisy jawbreakers him then Alex flying forearms and lariats him. Alex springboards and is caught with a spinebuster.

Talos clubs on Alex then corner splashes him. Daisy hits chest kicks on Alex then side kicks him. Daisy puts Alex on his knees and Talos foot presses Alex down. Talos back body drops Alex then Alex spin kicks Daisy. Wolf is tagged in and hits forearms on Daisy. Wolf cartwheels into a basement dropkick on him. Alex is assisted into a springboard corkscrew dive on his opponents. Daisy takes a meet in the middle then Talos face kicks Wolf. Alex comes off the top and is caught and spinebustered onto Wolf. Talos then pins both opponents at once.

I liked this one. Alex is a good Darby Allin style flyer and has some charisma to him. Talos got to do his big man stuff and everyone came off well. Talos catching Alex's dive was cool and Alex hada nice springboard corkscrew dive outside.

The Southern Six do a promo. Ricky Morton  says Knox and Murdoch better understand than a man who tells the truth never walks alone. Kerry Morton said him and Alex own wrestling and the NWA. He says he will beat them next week. Alex says they will see how bad they are next week, but they ain't hot. Kerry says they don't make them like this anymore.

NWA Women's Title - Kenzie Page vs Natalia Markova

Page piefaces her then takes forearms and knees. Nat hits running back elbows and a running knee. Nat neckbreakers her for 2. Page begs off then kicks Nat over the middle rope. Nat is legswept onto the apron then Page usplexes her on the concrete floor.

They trade and Page gets the edge. Page face kicks her and pulls her down backwards with her feet. Nat goes up and over her in the corner then face kicks her. Nat misses a corner charge and goes into the 2nd buckle face first. Nat hits a nice top rope dropkick.

Nat trades chops for slaps with Page. Nat then hits her from behind for 2. Page hits a big superkick for 2. Nat running knees her in the corner. She suplex lifts her and knees her in the face. They trade forearms and Nat knees her in the face for 2. Page slingblades her then hits a nasty corner death valley driver for 2.

Nat knees her in the gut then double undehrook ddt's her for 2. Page cutters her for 2. Nat complains to the ref and is rolled up then hits another cutter. Page then gets the win while pulling on the tights.

I thought it was a good match here. Nat was a good face showing a lot of fire and expression. They had good strike exchanges here as well. Page didn't get a ton in on this one. I did not expect this to be that good.

Vampiro and Alex Misery come out with black roses. They get in the ring and give Nat black roses. Nat throws them down and walks away.

Miserably Faithful do a promo. James Mitchell asks if Mims lost his mind putting his hands on him. He said that shows  severe lack of intelligence and strategic planning. He says Mims has unleashed a hellstorm. He says they will beat Mims and his partners into a state of spiritual enlightenment. He says the company Mims keeps drags him down. He said playing Mr. Nice Guy only got him a beatdown. He says Mims will realize nice guys finish last when he looks in the mirror. Sal says Mims may have friends but not all friends are faithful.

As I said, I won't be watching the main. Mims' team lost and Mims turned on Dak Draper after. Carson Drake then stomps on Dak as well. Dak fights back and sends Drake into the rails. Dak walks towards Mims and asks what that was. Drake then hits Dak from behind and Mims throws Dak through the cage part of the lighting rig.

Overall thoughts: I only saw two of the three matches here. I liked both of them. Alex Misery was the highlight as usual in his match and Talos did his part as the big man. The women's match was pretty good with Markova being a good face with good fire against the heel Page.

WWE Monday Night Raw 4/22/2024

WWE Monday Night Raw 4/22/2024

Last week's show is here: https://prowresblog.blogspot.com/2024/04/wwe-monday-night-raw-4152024.html

We are in Columbus, Ohio.

Michael Cole and Pat McAfee are in the ring. Cole says there's a big fight feel tonight. He says we will crown a new women's champ in a battle royale.

We see Liv Morgan and Becky Lynch arrive earlier in the day.

Jey Uso comes out to talk. He says Backlash is in two weeks. and says he has a lot to prove. He says he has to beat Damian Priest.

Damian Priest comes out. He says Jey's whole presentation suits him. He says they went to war last year. He say Jey whooped him so bad that he went up to him in the locker room and told him that he earned his respect. That's why he wanted him in The Judgment Day. He said he then told him drinks are on him. He said he paid the bill but doesn't remember much else. He said Jey told him "we next, Uce". Priest said he was right and he's proud to stand there next to him. He said he was next though.

He says his title shows why he was next and is now. He says he's the first of many people the machine will feed him to make sure it looks good on him. He says he will be the first to fall and the first to lead the fans that all rise for him. He asks if he only sees him as another tag team guy and another Uso. He said Priest is only the leader of The Judgment Day as Rhea is hurt.

He said Priest is Dom Mysterio's b!tch. Jey said Priest did what he did. He said Priest is getting fed to him and says he's gonna be the next champ.

JD McDonaugh tries to jump Jey and misses. Jey superkicks Priest down.

World Tag Titles - Awesome Truth vs DIY

JG = Johnny Gargano

JG and Truth go at it. JG rolls out of a wristlock then Truth does the same. Truth armdrags him then JG armdrags him. Truth does a split and they stand off. JG takes a double hiptoss and elbow drop. JG rolls miss but doesn't get his rolling kick. Ciampa gets in and back elbows Miz. Miz figure fours Ciampa then JG slinghsot spears Miz through the ropes. JG plancha's Miz then Ciampa is limping around. We go to break and return.

Truth gordbusters Ciampa. Miz hits lariats and kicks on Ciampa then corner clotheslines him. Miz ddt's JG on the apron. Miz springboards and eats a boot from Ciampa for 2. Truth gets in and flying shoulders Ciampa. He backdrops him then runs into a JG superkick. Ciampa pedigrees Truth for 2.  JG topes Miz outside then Truth cradles Ciampa. Ciampa forearms him them pumping knees him. Truth takes a meet in the middle for 2.

Miz pulls JG out then Miz back body drops Ciampa over the rail. JG rolls up Miz then JG takes a truth crushing finale. Miz picks up the win.

It was a basic and average tag for the most part. Nothing great or memorable here. I liked the Truth/Miz finisher. It was kind of rough as both teams were faces and there wasn't a lot of storyline behind it.

JG hugs and shakes hands after but Ciampa doesn't want to.

JD McDonaugh talks to Damian Priest in the back. Priest said he never asked for JD's help. He said he got kicked n the face tonight. Santos Escobar and Dominik Mysterio come in. Dom's arm is in a sling and said he asked Santos to team with Dom tonight. Priest asked if he talked to him about it. Santos asks if it's a problem. Priest says it clearly is and asks him to handle this. Dom said he didn't know what to do. Priest says to handle your business and stay out of his business. 

Imperium come out. Gunther said he took time away to digest everything that happened. He said he elevated the IC title to heights never seen before. He said he became the greatest champ in its history. He said the weight of everyone's expectations has been lifted off his shoulders. He thanks Sami Zayn as he's not a target anymore and is the hunter over being the hunted. He said he can do anything he wants. He said his name will be embedded into the new era. He said he declares himself for King of The Ring. He then says it's up to him to decide what belt to take next. He said champions will be targeted and hunted by someone who is able to win titles and hold onto them longer than anyone else. He says he's the general of the ring and will soon be the king of the ring.

The New Day come out. Woods says to sound the alarm. Kofi said it's a new era and what better way to usher in the new era than with The New Day. Woods says he's the reigning and defending king of the ring. He said that makes Gunther a usurper and pretender to his throne.  He said he plans on becoming a 2x King of the Ring. Gunther said he will change the image of KOTR and said Woods will be remembered as the weird guy who won it by accident. Woods said Gunther used to be a champ and he and Kofi make a song out of it. Gunther says this is beneath him and tells Vinci and Kaiser to take care of it. Woods said they did this too many times but agree as they can fight Gunther at KOTR.

The New Day vs Imperium (Ludwig Kaiser and Giovanni Vinci)

Gunther is seated at ringside. Kofi monkey flips Kaiser then dropkicks him. Vinci gets shots on Kofi then Kofi chops him. Kofi springboard crossbodies Vinci then Kofi takes a double dropkick in the corner. Kofi takes a high/low then Woods is knocked off the apron.

We go to break and return. Kofi attacks Kaiser off the buckles. Woods hits lariats on Vinci then side kicks him. Woods suplexes him and trips him into the 2nd rope. Woods slides down his back and tornado ddt's him off the bottom rope for 2. Vinci hits a big lariat on Kofi for 2.

Kofi counters a doomsday device type of move with help from Woods. Woods lariats Kaiser off the apron outside. Vinci takes a backbreaker + double stomp combo and is pinned.

It was shorter TV tag match. We've seen this one a lot and it was far from the best but it was okay for what it was. Woods acknowledged that we had seen this one many times.

Gunther gets mad after and throws a chair. He then stares at Kaiser. Kaiser hugs Vinci after then throws him into the LED board ring skirt. He then kicks him and spits on him. Vinci is then thrown into the post. Kaiser kicks and chops him then throws him onto the commentary table. Kaiser asks "how many years?"  and throws him into the steps. Officials come down to save Vinci. Kaiser teases walking away then dropkicks Vinci's head into the steps.

Kaiser goes up to Gunther backstage. He says he told him he would get it done. Gunther then smiles.

Well, it was inevitable to be honest. I don't like Vinci's chances of survival on his own.

Andrade does a taped video. He says be careful when you hear about someone, you might hear it from the problem. He said he's not someone's fool. He said he didn't betray Dom and Santos, they were never loyal and didn't want to do business with him. He said they wanted a server and nobody tells him what to do. Even being taped with some subtitles, it was still hard to understand. 

Drew McIntyre comes out. He asks why the crowd chants for CM Punk every time he comes out. He asks if we ever loved someone but they didn't love them back? He says that's his relationship with wrestling. He tells the fans to say "what" if they kiss their cousins, and they do. Drew says the most complex relationships fans have had is with their right hand. He said he was attacked by the coward CM Punk and didn't get his title rematch like everyone else. He said he's gonna come out swinging and target his next prize in King of the Ring.

Sheamus comes out as Drew mentions the WWE Draft. Sheamus says he doesn't get it and says Drew is complaining about how everyone is a coward. He said all he sees is the only person here who won't take responsibilities for his own mistakes. He says that makes Drew a coward. Sheamus said all he had heard Drew talk about is how he was robbed of his Wrestlemania moment. Sheamus said Drew got his moment at Mania but then he blew it over a stupid social media spat.

He said Drew should be standing here with the title and said he threw it away over a meme and a t-shirt. He said he's his friend (well, except when they are feuding). He said they've had epic booze-ups and banger after banger. He said a one-armed CM Punk kicked Drew's arse. Drew says he doesn't care and said Sheamus knows what Punk did to him. Sheamus says this obsession is taking down Drew's career.

Drew said since Sheamus has returned it's been burger after burger, not banger after banger. Sheamus noticeably put on weight and referenced it recently on social media. Sheamus laughs and says he's getting good at the one liners. Sheamus said he can lose the weight but Drew can't lose stupid. He said to stop blaming everyone else for their mistakes. He says the wrestlers in the back called him dough boy and other names and he tried to stop him. Drew said he's Sheamus' only friend here. Drew said he only fights if it's worthwhile and this isn't worthwhile. He said he's there for him and will watch his back in his next match.

The Sheamus/Drew stuff is a lot like the Owens/Sami stuff - they feud as often as they are friends despite them saying they are always best friends. Sheamus getting involved in this is interesting and could add something new to the Drew malcontent story.

Sheamus vs Shinsuke Nakamura

SN pulls him over the top and Sheamus blocks a high kick. Sheamus gets laid on the top rope and SN flying knees him there. SN foot chokes him then Shemaus hits forearms. SN hits kicks including an axe kick. Sheamus double axe handles him then clubs SN's chest. Sheamus hits a nice pumping knee on the apron then SN high kicks Sheamus outside. Sheamus' head is banged off the commentary table and SN diving knees him off the rail as he hangs from the table.

Sheamus swinging backbreakers him as we return. Sheamus top rope lariats him. SN enzugiri's him then hits a sliding german. SN 2nd rope flying knees him for 2. Sheamus hits a 2nd rope white noise for 2. Sheamus slams him. SN rolls him up off a brogue kick attempt. Sheamus pumping knees him for 2. SN hits a pumping knee and pump kick. Sheamus brogue kicks him and wins it.

I liked what we saw here as it was hard hitting. I don't like Nakamura losing here though. He's been losing too much lately and it's not going to mean much sooner or later. 

Sami Zayn is interviewed. He said he's angry and hurt but is biting his tongue. He said he heard Gable will address what he did but he doesn't see how he will defend his actions. Bronson Reed walks up to him and tells him he has bigger problems to deal with. Sami tells him he can have a title match anytime and any place. Reed then nails him from behind and sends him into boxes. Reed says if he wants the title, he will take it. He then tells him he's looking at the new champ. Reed then splashes him against the box.

I don't know what they did here but everything Reed did really look like it hurt Sami. 

Chad Gable and Alpha Academy come out. We go to break and return. There's some static with a QR Code that teases a wrestler. Chad says Sami has had a rough couple of weeks. He said what he did was justified. He said they tore the house down in Montreal and Sami walked out as champ. He said Sami had to rub it in and place the title in his face when he was weeping. He said that wasn't enough and said Sami celebrated with the title in front of Sami's wife. Chad said that was his moment and should have been him at Wrestlemania. He said he was wasting his time training Sami and has been wasting his time training a bunch of losers.

Chad asks if Tozawa has a problem with that. He says say something, Mr. Funny Man. He says he racks up losses and dances. He says it's pathetic. He said Maxxine is pretty as a princess but dumb as a box of rocks. He said he gave her everything and got nothing in return. He said Otis has proven himself to be the biggest disappointment of them all.

He said they signed up at The Academy for honest feedback to get better. Chad says from now on we will focus on Gable. He said they will all win his IC title together. He says they will help him no matter what, right? He makes them say it and Otis says it.  

Well, Alpha Academy breaking up would be bad for Max and Tozawa right now, so this gives them more time to come up with a new angle for them and maybe gets them all over as faces with a heel leader. That could lead to some interesting stories.

Dominik Mysterio goes up to Ricochet. He said he's lucky he's not cleared tonight. Ric said he's mad he's not cleared tonight because he was looking forward to beating him. He said they have will have to settle for his homeboys. He said he will see JD on WWE Speed this well. Dom tells him to keep walking then runs into Liv Morgan. They stare down.

Nia Jax talks in the back. She talks about the battle royale. She said she's there 13 females and one monster. She says she's the one monster and will terrorize them and eliminate them one by one. She says she will be the last one standing and become the women's champ.

Ricochet and Andrade vs JD McDonaugh and Santos Escobar

Andrade hits forearms on JD. Santos gets in and back elbows Andrade. Andrade flips over his back and shoulders him over.  Santos takes a double back elbow. Ric dropkicks Santos in the corner then elbow drops him. Ric backflips and headscissors him. Ric then dropkicks him. JD running back elbows him. JD backdrops Ric. Dom trips Ric then JD knees Ric out of the ring. Santos hurricanrana's Ric onto the floor. WE go to break and return.

The heels are in control and JD suplexes Ric. JD legdrops Ric. Ric fights out of the corner and tags Andrade in. Andrade dragon screws Santos then flying forearms him. Andrade corner meteora's Santos. Ric springboard clotheslines Santos then running SSP's him. JD headbutts Andrade then Ric knees Jd in the face. Ric flying forearms Andrade.

Andrade and JD trade forearms. Andrade suplexes JD then Andrade takes a double suplex. Ric springboards and takes a flying knee from Santos. Santos top rope hurricanrana's Ric who kicks JD in the face on his way down. Andrade then hits a spinning double underhook ddt and wins it.

JD taking Ric's boot to the face off the hurricanrana was real nasty. It wasn't the best match they could have had. Andrade's character is not working right now at all.

Damian Priest comes out after and beats up the faces. Andrade gets sent into the post shoulder first then Ric takes a razor's edge. Andrade then takes a south of heaven chokeslam. priest then talks in Spanish to Dom. JD asks Dom what he said. Priest said he doesn't need anyone and they need him.

Zoey Stark does a video. She says she's been on Raw for a year. She said she was told to watch from the corner and be patient. She said no. She said she beat Becky and Trish.

Indi Hartwell and Candice LeRae are interviewed. Jackie talks about them using underhanded tactics. Candice gets mad at this. She says she's not here to defend her victories. Nia Jax and Liv then are about to go at it and officials are trying to break it up. Becky Lynch walks past and grabs the mic. She says it's chaos and says we will have the most important battle royale in Raw history. She walks past Maxxine Dupri and Ivy Nile. She tells Max that it's her first time fighting for the title and to show everyone that it won't be her last. Becky says she will be waiting for Rhea Ripley when she returns.

Women's World Title - Battle Royale

Nia and Piper get ganged up on to start and knock everyone off. They fight and then everyone pairs off. Maxxine throws LaRae out then Indi face kicks Max. Max hen throws out Indi Hartwell as well. We go to break and return. Katana is monkey flipped into opponents in the corners then she headscissors Baszler. Carter superkicks Zoey on the apron Zoey eliminates Carter and Chance. Zoey had superkicked Carter while she held Chance.

Ivy guillotines Nia then triangles her over the ropes. Nia bangs Ivy's head off the post and Ivy takes a dangerous looking bump down. Max yells at Nia then Nia pushes her over. Max hits kicks then is sent over the top and eliminated.

Nia splashes Natalya. Becky knocks Piper off the apron for the elimination. Piper pulls her under the ropes and throws her into the steps. Piper cannonballs her against the steps.  Chelsea Green hits shots on Nia inside. Piper pulls Nia out under the bottom rope and they fight. Piper is uranage'd on Becky on the table. The table doesn't break. Nia then samoan drops Piper onto Becky on the table, which again doesn't break.

Natalya eliminates Chelsea Green. The refs don't see it and Green goes back in. Nat hits shots on Green and we go to break. We return and Becky has gone through the table due to a Nia powerbomb. Nat and Green trade on the apron. Green pump kicks her hard into the post then Zoey lariats Green over the top. Baszler then kicks Nat off the apron.

Bazler pumping knees Nia. Zoey spin kicks Liv. Liv is alle ooped into a knee. Nia knocks Zoey off the apron, eliminating her. Nia pushes Baszler off the apron onto Zoey. Becky crawls in with Nia and Liv. Becky hits both then Liv headscissors Nia. Liv dropkicks Nia against the ropes. Liv's codebreaker is blocked and she is neckbreakered.

Nia samoan drops Becky and Liv. Becky hits forearms on Nia. Nia takes a double stunner over the top rope. Nia hits a double suplex. Nia ends up on the apron, taking a codebreaker and a legdrop. Nia then gets eliminated. Becky and Liv trade shots. Becky high kicks her. They fight on the apron. Liv codebreakers her then Becky uranage's her on the apron. Liv falls to the floor and Becky wins.

I was hoping for someone other than Becky to win here. It was a longer battle royale and like most battle royale's, it wasn't anything too great. The women had a hard time breaking a table as usual and Max's offense didn't look good  here. Green getting eliminated but nobody seeing it was creative. 

Overall thoughts: It wasn't that great of a show. There's only one more show before the PPV and they are not ready for it. Jey vs Priest has little heat so far. We don't know who Becky is fighting. We don't know who is in the tag title match. Imperium is broken up and Judgment Day seems not too far behind. Sami and Chad need more time to build their program as well.  Drew's not really set for anything yet either and Punk is not ready. The women's battle royale was not that good as expected here and none of the matches were truly that great.