WWF Hottest Matches Coliseum Video

WWF Hottest Matches Coliseum Video

I've been going through 1990 WWF and why not do a Coliseum Video release while we are at? It may even have some of the house show matches that were built up but we didn't get to see on TV. This was advertised on TV around October 1990. It turns out that this is not the only WWF Hottest Matches video as there is another one from 1993 or so that is only about an hour.

We see a preview for the Hulkamania Forever VHS tape then we get an for Wrestlemania VII tickets.

Sean Mooney says it might be chilly outside, but we will need the AC after seeing these hot items. We then see an ad for WWF Hasbro figures.

Sean Mooney welcomes us to the show. He says this is the greatest tape yet in the Coliseum collection. He said this was hand selected for sizzling matches. We have The Rockers vs The Orient Express, a superstar workout, a profile on Jake Roberts and Dusty/Sapphire vs Macho/Sherri.

Rick Martel vs Tito Santana

Bobby Heenan and Gorilla Monsoon are on commentary. They say this is taped exclusively for this video. Bobby says Tito turned on Rick when they were in Strike Force.

Rick waistlocks him and Tito ropebreaks. Rick hits a dropkick and poses. Rick hits punches and Bobby/Gorilla bet on who wins. Tito hiptosses him then hits dropkicks. Rick then goes out. Rick is slingshotted back in then hits Tito in the gut. Tito's head is banged off the buckle then Rick hits knees to the body.

Rick misses a knee in the corner then is kicked in the back of the leg. Tito butt drops Rick's leg then yanks it. Tito stomps his gut then pulls on the foot. Rick pulls the hair and Bobby says "it's there, you gotta do something with it". Rick chokes him and Gorilla asks if Bobby ever made a play to manage Rick. Bobby said he's not saying he did or didn't and says he could be managing him right now. Tito side headlocks him and Rick limps after a leapfrog. 

Tito bangs Rick's leg off the post. Tito stomps the leg and Rick eye rakes him on the figure four. Bobby said Tito was going for the hold on the wrong leg and Rick gets some offense in. Rick snapmares him then chokes him on the apron.  Rick catapult's Tito's neck into the bottom rope.

Rick slams Tito and goes up top. Rick gets nailed while he's up there and flips down. Tito hulks up and bangs Rick's head off the buckles. Rick misses a 2nd rope twisting crossbody. Bobby says "close but no burrito". Tito hits punches and Rick cradles him. Tito lariats him then hits a big back body drop. Tito flying forearms him and Rick goes out.

Rick grabs Arrogance and sprays Tito in the eyes while the ref isn't looking. Rick then gets the pin.

Thoughts: The finish was dirty here and I doubt that Tito was blinded by this like Jake was. The work here was really good. Everything felt like it meant something, the selling was good and they really kept up a good tempo here. 

Bobby celebrates after saying Monsoon owes him dinner. He said he will get the large fries and says he wants some nuggets.

We go back to Sean Mooney. He talks about Rick and Tito being Strike Force partners.

Tracking The WWF Tag Team Championship

Lord Alfred Hayes narrates a video on the tag titles. He puts over what a tag team needs and we see clips of Demolition vs Strike Force at Wrestlemania IV. He says tag matches are like a volcano with surprising results.

Wreslemania IV - Strike Force vs Demolition

We see about the last 2 minutes of this total. Tito hits the flying forearm on Ax. He goes after Fuji on the apron then Ax nails Martel with the cane. Tito shoves the ref aside then bangs Fuji's head off the apron. Smash then pins Martel.

December 30, 1989 - Demolition vs Colossal Connection

Hayes talks about both teams. Andre hits headbutts to Ax's head then chokes him. Ax is held and Haku superkicks him. Andre elbow drops Ax, Smash tries to break up the pin but can't move Andre. Andre then picks the pin up. Bobby Heenan is super happy.

Wrestlemania VI - Colossal Connection vs Demolition

Andre gets tied up in the ropes. Haku takes a double throat drop on the ropes. Haku then takes demolition decapitation and is pinned. I reviewed that match in full here: https://prowresblog.blogspot.com/2012/11/wwf-wrestlemania-vi-review.html

WWF Summerslam 1990 - Demolition vs The Hart Foundation

Hart is double teamed outside then Ax and Smash switch. The Legion of Doom come out as Smash hits Hart with a stun gun on the ropes. The LOD pull Ax out then Crush is crotched on the top rope. Anvil slingshot shoulderblocks Crush then Hart rolls up Crush for the win. I reviewed that match in full here: https://prowresblog.blogspot.com/2024/03/wwf-summerslam-1990-8271990.html 

Hayes says tag team history is uncanny for it's repetition. Hayes says many teams are hovering on destiny and says the tag titles are fickle mystery. He says the future of this form of ring combat remains strong with supersonic intensity.

It was just a small highlight video but it was really good. Hayes made the titles feel important and it was cool to see some of the old clips.

Sean Mooney wipes his head as he says it's hot (hence the name of the video). He says let's take a look at our Tag Team Match of the Month. He asks if someone could turn up the AC.

The Orient Express vs The Rockers

The Rockers slide in and get hit immediately. The Express have their heads banged together then take stereo hiptosses and dropkicks. The Express go out. They get back in and Tanaka takes control on Shawn. Shawn's head is banged off the buckles then he is hit in the throat.

Shawn wristlocks Tanaka then rolls him over. Marty splashes Tanaka's arm. Mooney says Fuji has The Express train on rice paper and says they are severely reprimanded if they put a hole in it. Marty leapfrogs Tanaka then armdrags him. Sato gets in without a tag when ref Danny Davis isn't looking. He armlocks Marty, then Tanaka gets in without a tag when the ref isn't looking.

Marty leapfrogs Tanaka and Tanaka runs into Sato. Marty armdrags Sato then Shawn hits a shot off the top onto Sato's arm. Shawn shoulders Sato over then spinning neckbreakers and armdrags him. Sato takes a double chop for 2 then takes a monkey flip off a missed corner charge.

Marty shoulders him over then Tanaka knees Marty in the back from the apron. Tanaka superkicks Marty out of the ring then Fuji hits Marty in the back with a cane. Marty is kicked in the head by Sato then Sato side kicks him. Marty is draped on the ropes and Tanaka jumps over Sato's back and butt drops Marty's back.

Tanaka chinlocks Marty then Marty takes boots from both opponents. Sato slams Marty then punches him in the gut off the 2nd rope. Sato chinlocks Marty then shoulders him over. Marty sunset flips him and Tanaka breaks it up. Marty and Sato do a double clothesline and both go down. Shawn is hot tagged in and hits punches on both Express members. Tanaka takes a high back body drop then The Express has their heads banged together.

Shawn lariats Tanaka for 2. All four men fight and The Express are sent into each other. Shawn superkicks Tanaka then both Rockers miss attacks. The fight goes outside and The Express get knocked down on the floor. The Rockers get in and the ref holds up their hands.

Thoughts: We couldn't see the count here so it was surprising when The Express got counted out. That's something that would never happen today. The match dragged a little and went a little too long. It started off great and The Express took control for a while. The Rockers made their comeback and the countout happened soon after. It was still a solid match but a quicker version of this would have been better.

Sean Mooney is still wiping the sweat away in the studio and there's smoke in the background. He says things are beginning to heat up here. He says it's time for this month's Fan Favorite Match. Sean said Arthur from Brooklyn, New York wants to see Dusty Rhodes rake Greg Valentine over the coals. He shows us the post card but it's all burnt up as it was left in the back of the studio.

Dusty Rhodes vs Greg Valentine

This is pre-Rhythm and Blues Valentine here. Greg backs him up in the corner off the lock up. Greg takes a shot and they push each other with Greg going down. Dusty then dances. Greg wristlocks him and takes an elbow to the head. Greg then flair flops and goes out.

Greg hits forearms on Dusty and Dusty fires up. Dusty hits some shots and drops him. Dusty back elbows him then misses an elbow drop. Greg chops Dusty in the neck then hits elbows to the head. Greg chinlocks him, elbows him in the head then headbutts him in the crotch/gut.

Greg hits chops and punches. Dusty fires up then dropkicks him. Greg begs off then Dusty hits corner punches. Dusty goes for the figure four and is eye raked. Greg snapmares him and hits knee shots to the leg. Greg turns his shin pad around then is rolled up off a figure four attempt.

Greg hits fist drops then chinlocks him. Dusty fires up and hits shots. Dusty hits a double shot to the head. Greg knees Dusty as Dusty charges him in the corner. Greg chokes him. Jimmy Hart gets on the 2nd rope then Ronnie Garvin in a ref uniform and pulls Jimmy down. Greg is distracted and Dusty wins it.

Thoughts: This was slow paced and went on too long here. It really should have ended after the first Dusty comeback. Ron Garvin as ref was really dated by October 1990 as he had not been in that role at all on TV for months.

Sean Mooney is soaked with sweat here. He tells us to send us a post card if there's a match to see. He says to send postcards only as more paper would be a fire hazard.

WWF Profile

Jake "The Snake" Roberts is the feature this time around. Hayes says Jake and Damien are a devastating force. He says Jake is the master of the skull-crushing ddt.

Jake "The Snake" Roberts vs Akeem

Jake has different tights on than usual here with one leg having leaf designs all over ala The Islanders. Akeem gets the first shot in ten wristlocks him. Jake reverses it then is shouldered over. Akeem misses an elbow drop then slides out of Jake's ddt attempt. Akeem pulls the hair then armdrags him but Jake rolls him over and armlocks him. Akeem takes a knee lift. They go out and fight, Slick distracts Jake then Akeem nails Jake.

Jake is thrown hard into the corner then Akeem lariats him. Akeem butt drops Jake on the ropes. Slick chokes Jake while the ref isn't looking. Akeem hits punches in the corner then knee drops Jake's back. Akeem misses a corner charge then Jake hits punches. Akeem back body drops him then misses a splash.

Jake short arm clotheslines him and Slick interferes. Jake goes after him. Slick gets in the ring and Jake throws him into Akeem. Jake then ddt's Slick.

Thoughts: I presume Jake won by disqualification here. The match wasn't that good with Akeem doing basic offense and the finish being lame with Slick getting in the ring.

Jake pulls out Damien after then Akeem pulls Slick out.

We see a Jake Roberts promo on Ted Dibiase from Superstars 3/3/1990. He says Ted told him if he wanted The Million Dollar Belt, he had to come get it. So Jake said that's what he did. He said he's keeping it in a safe place with his snakes. He said Ted has to think about it though as if Jake the type of man you trust? Jake shows off his snakes and says Ted could find some of these. Jake shows us Damien's big brother Lucifer and says he's never nice when he's shedding. Jake says "trust me, come on".

"The Million Dollar Man" Ted Dibiase vs Jake "The Snake" Roberts

Jake slides in and Virgil grabs him. The bell rings with Jake taking a 2v1 then he double clotheslines the heels. Virgil is thrown out then Jake kneelifts Ted. Ted then rolls out and Jake chases him around the ring. They talk about Jake having surgery recently and wonder if he's at 100%.

Ted hits a knee and punches. Jake hits punches back and Ted does a nice bump nearly into Damien. Ted then slides out of the ddt and stalls outside. Virgil has a cast on and he lays his hand on the apron. Jake then stomps it. Ted then tries to slip in from behind. Gorilla questions why Virgil is out there when he doesn't have a manager's license then they say Damien doesn't have one either. Sean Mooney says Virgil should be put in the bag to even thing up.

Ted stalls outside again. Gorilla said Ted's money was given to him. Ted and Virgil have their heads banged together then Jake chases Virgil around the ring. Jake rolls in and gets hit then Ted hits elbows to his throat on the apron. Ted stomps and knee drops him.  

Ted kneedrops Jake's neck then elbows it. Ted front facelocks him then hits more shots to the neck. Ted front facelocks him. Jake pulls Ted's tights down some and rams his back into the corner. Ted 2nd rope double axe handles him.

Ted hits kneedrops and stomps. Jake neckbreakers him then back body drops him. Jake drops him with punches then hits an atomic drop. Jake kneedrops him in the back of the neck in revenge. Virgil gets on the apron and Jake decks him. Jake hits a short arm clothesline. Virgil then gets in the ring and nails Jake for the DQ.

Thoughts: The finish was lame here though it did make some sense. The beginning of this was fun with Ted running away from Jake. Ted's work on the neck was really good and the finish kind of made sense as Jake hit Virgil and Virgil came for his revenge. I didn't like the bell being rung here with Jake taking a double team.

Jake is double teamed after and has money put in his face. Jake ends up dropping Virgil and Ted. Ted goes over the top and runs away.

Virgil gets left behind and grabs the ref to hide from Jake. Jake then ddt's him. Jake then puts Damien on Virgil.

We go back to Sean Mooney. He says the next match is from WWF Magazine.

Brutus "The Barber" Beefcake vs Haku

No entrance for Haku here. Haku pounds on Brutus in the corner then bangs his head off the buckles. Brutus hits a jumping knee then a punch to the gut. Brutus kneelifts him and Haku goes out to regroup. Brutus hits Haku in the gut then atomic drops him.

Haku begs off in the ring and Brutus hits corner punches. Haku hits him in the throat and bites him. Brutus has his throat dropped over the top rope then Haku chokes him. Haku shoulderbreakers him for 2 then chinlocks him. Haku chokes him on the ropes then catapults his throat into the bottom rope.

Heenan teases doing a cheap shot to Brutus. Brutus hits double chops on Haku. Haku slams him and misses an elbow drop. Brutus slams him three times and they botch a back body drop. Brutus suplexes him then sleeperholds him. Heenan gets in the ring and Brutus sends Heenan into Haku. Brutus then sleepers Heenan and Haku breaks it up.

Brutus grabs his clippers after to fend the heels off. The heels run off.

Thoughts: This is the third match in a row where the heel manager got in the ring and caused a DQ. Can't we do a little better quality control here? It was just an average match. Brutus really gave Haku a whooping early on with Haku getting nothing in. 

Back to Sean Mooney, who is soaked with sweat. Sean said things are getting hot in the ring and on the studio.

WWF Manager Profile

Sensational Sherri is featured this week. I can't prove it, but she is wearing the same facepaint she wore on WWF Superstars of Wrestling 10/20/1990 and I wonder if this was taped at the same time. She says she's the queen of the Macho King Randy Savage kingdom. She said no one can take care of that responsibility like she can. She said he gets first class tickets and she tastes the food for him so it's inspected. She said she makes sure there is proper respect given to him. She said there is nothing anyone can do to take the crownd from Savage. She said she is the one responsible for combing his hair and polishing his boots. She says she's not a mere manager, she's a woman. She said you can call queen of mean, someone that is sadistic, someone that screehes but whether you like it or not, you got your profile on Sensational Sherri. She says Randy Savage is the #1 man in the WWF and will be champ.

Sean is still sweating it out. He said Shawn Michaels is a tag team specialist, but does singles matches to keep sharp. Sean says this could be called the match of the year. He says the next match is our Match of the Month.

"The Million Dollar Man" Ted Dibiase vs Shawn Michaels

They lock up and Ted armdrags him twice. Ted hits a hiptoss and armdrag then poses. Shawn hits dropkicks, a hiptoss and armdrags. Ted then goes out to regroup. Shawn hiptosses, armdrags and headlock takeovers Ted. Ted tries to roll him into a pin using the tights. Shawn hiptosses him and headlock takeovers him.

Ted backs Shawn up in the corner and hits some shots. Ted poses then is dropkicked and headlock takeovered. Ted boots him out of the corner then hits fist drops. Ted chokes him then spins him with a lariat for 2. Ted backbreakers him then back elbows him. Ted knee drops him then Shawn rolls him up for 2.

Ted hits knees on Shawn's back then throws him out. Ted drops Shawn throat first on the rails. Ted suplexes him in then headlocks him. Shawn back body drops him then they double clothesline each other down. Ted misses a backdrop elbow off the buckles.

Shawn atomic drops him and hits a lariat. Ted begs off and Shawn hits punches and a back body drop. Shawn hits a nice dropkick for 2. Shawn spinning neckbreakers him then top rope crossbodies him. Virgil trips him. Marty chases Virgil around the ring and is lariated. Marty is thrown over the top then Shawn's head is banged off the buckles. Ted lariats him.

Ted stomps on Shawn then Virgil gets in the ring. Marty gets in too and the match is originally called a double countout. Gorilla and Hayes question it from the booth then it is turned into a double disqualification.

Marty hits a flying double lariat after. The heels take back elbows then Ted takes a double dropkick out. Virgil takes a double superkick. Marty goes up top and Ted hits him, sending him down hard on the buckles. 

Thoughts: This is the fourth match in a row where a heel got in the ring and caused a DQ. FOUR IN A ROW. The match was fine otherwise but went a little longer than it needed to. The two really could work. Ted got most of the offense in here.

Sean Mooney is even sweatier now and says it's useless to try and cool off now. He said we should be warmed up for our next feature.

WWF Superstar Workout

Power and Glory are the guests his week. Herc says the fans want to see how a superstar works out. Herc says this isn't for the puny or weak. He said this is where the Power and Glory lives in the steel jungle.

We see Herc laying down and pressing dumb bells up. Roma says it's like when Herc grabbed lightning bolts from the sky and Herc shows off his pump. Roma says that's what power is all about. Herc calls him "Glory" as he does the same exercise. Herc says you need the power of mind to be truly strong. Roma takes off his shirt and poses.

Roma says they will show us how to work the bicep but never expect to acheive the power of Herc. Roma says Herc's arm has to be 23 to 24 inches. Roma then works the curl bar while Herc does more dumb bell lifts.

We see Roma work his back and shoulder as Herc says he's big and massive. Roma says he's tired of working with these people. Herc says to get off the couch and get to the local gym. He says maybe someday they will be like Power and Glory. Roma says he doubts it.

Sean's jacket is off and he's still soaked. He is dripping water and says let's crank up the heat for the next match.

Brother Love gets on the mic. He says to get on your feet and bow in servitude for Savage and Sherri.

Dusty Rhodes and Sweet Sapphire vs Macho King Randy Savage and Sensational Sherri

Miss Elizabeth is in the corner of Dusty wearing black and yellow and Brother Love is in the corner of Macho. They hyped this one up for house shows so it's nice to finally see it.

Savage says "ooh yeah" on the mic. Dusty says it back then says he's gonna whip Brother Love first. The heels protect Brother Love in the corner.

Sherri starts the match in heels and a dress. Saph trips her and pulls the heels off. Sherri charges at her in the corner and Saph side steps her. Sherri goes into the buckles and Saph throws her back. Sherri hits knees to the body then eye rakes her. Saph's head is banged off of Macho's knee.

Dusty elbows Macho and pulls up Sherri's skirt showing her underwear. Sherri punches Saph then takes a rolling ddt. Dusty gets over top of Sherri and she runs away in fear. Macho has some beautiful gear on. He slides out and goes after Elizabeth with Heenan saying to slap her around a bit.

Savage knees Dusty in the gut and says Elizabeth used Savage. Dusty hits elbows on Savage. Love gets on the apron and distracts Dusty, then Macho elbow drops Dusty out. Love hits boots on Dusty outside. Savage chokes Dusty then eye rakes him.

Savage top rope double axe handles Dusty then sleepers him. Heenan says Elizabeth is concerned because Dusty is her ride home. Dusty hits elbows to the gut then Savage eye rakes him. Savage comes off the top and is hit in the gut. Love puts Savage's foot on the ropes and Dusty goes after Love. Savage chokes Dusty then hits jabs.

Savage eye rakes Dusty then misses a leg lariat. Dusty grabs Love outside and Sherri grabs Dusty. Love flying knees Sherri when Dusty moves. Macho grabs Love then Dusty grabs Macho. Macho begs off from Dusty in the ring then Dusty sleepers Savage.

Sherri gets in the ring to grab Sherri then Love hits Dusty with a purse in the head. Sherri is tagged in and she tries to pin Dusty. Saph gets in and drops her form the fireman's carry. Dusty hits elbows on Macho. Love throws the purse in. Dusty grabs Love. Macho misses Dusty and knocks Love off the apron. Sherri grabs the purse then Miss Elizabeth comes in and grabs the purse from Sherri. Elizabeth hits Sherri with the purse and Sapphire pins Sherri.

Thoughts: This was all smoke and mirrors here but was really entertaining as I expected and everything I had hoped it would be. This one pretty much had everything with Sherri in her underwear, the seconds getting involved and the heels getting thwarted. In case you are wondering, Sapphire did very little and clearly wasn't able to do a real match.

We go back to Sean Mooney. He says that wraps it up for the show and says Hulkamania Forever is the feature release next month. Sean said hopefully the AC is fixed. A fire breaks out on Sean's desk and he uses a fire extinguisher on it. He loses control of it and spins around. We then cut away with people running everywhere.

Overall thoughts: This was a long tape filled with decent matches with dirty finishes. We had four matches in a row at one point where the managers/seconds got involved and caused a DQ.  I was ready to strangle the person that put this one together after the third dirty finish in a row. This isn't really news though as Coliseum Video was notorious for putting bad wrestling videos together. Dirty finishes were also a staple of the 80's and early 90's.

The few personality segments were fun little breaks away from the action and the stuff with the AC being out was a way to add some entertainment to the show. I wouldn't recommend this one due to the bad finishes and due to everything going long.

Mid-States Wrestling 4/26/2024 Season 2, Episode 6

Mid-States Wrestling 4/26/2024 Season 2, Episode 6

Last week's show is here: https://prowresblog.blogspot.com/2024/04/mid-states-wrestling-4192024-season-2.html

El Matador Uno vs Jimmy Fiasco

Uno weighed in today at "65 gallons of authentic hispanic salsa". Nigel Rabid says different countries have different units of measurement.

Jimmy hits a shot and Uno goes down. Uno tries to belly bump him but and push him but Jimmy doesn't budge. Uno hits him in the gut and side headlocks him. Uno drops him with a punch. Jimmy counters a side headlock then nails Uno in the head. Jimmy running hip attacks him and Uno hits wind-up punches. Jimmy distracts him, grabs him by the nose then smacks his hand down.

Jimmy corner splashes him then death valley drivers him. Jimmy then wins it.

It was a silly squash here with Uno being purely comedic and not getting anything serious in. 

Gabe The Babe and Ernie Elwood talk. Gabe says Ernie's his biggest fan and Ernie said he's his best friend. Ernie says tonight it's gonna be big time.

Colton Theron Vaught does a promo. He said he has only racked up wins and give people the best matches possible. He said being a little insane is the best path to victory. Gary Roosevelt Gram comes in. He says he's bad and you know it, clap your hands.

Gabe The Babe and Ernie Elwood vs Colton Theron Vaught and Gary Roosevelt Gram

Gary runs around the ring with a dog collar and leash on and CTV does the same. Their entrance was nice with the crowd popping for it.

Gary and Gabe start us off. Gary throws him over and pretends to pee on him like a dog. CTV snapmares Gabe and kicks him in the chest. CTV then pretends to pee on him like a dog. Gabe gets mad and Ernie gets in.

CTV tries shoulders on Ernie but can't move him. Ernie slams him and CTV tries shot to the gut that don't register. Gabe  hits shots on CTV. CTV headflips out of a wristlock and side headlocks Gabe. CTV hits a nice dropkick then Gram 2nd rope dropkicks him. Gabe spinning headscissors Gary then Gary blocks one and hits a sitout powerbomb.

Gabe low blows Gary. Ernie bangs Gary's head off the buckles and splashes him. Gary hits shots to the gut then Ernie splashes him in the corner. CTV tries to rile the crowd up then Gabe boots Gary in the corner.

Gary is snapmared then Ernie stands on his gut. Ernie slams Gary then misses a splash. CTV is hot tagged in. He lariats Gabe down several times. Gary hits a spinning razor's edge on Gabe then CTV top rope splashes Gabe to win it.

It was fine for what it was. CTV and Gary have just insane energy and really make for a fun face team. Ernie's gear is ridiculous but it's supposed to be.

Overall thoughts: Only two matches as usual here. It is an indy so I won't be too hard on it, but it would be nice if we could get some matches built up, some storylines and some feuds going on. The opener was a mostly comedic squash. The main event was fine with Gram and CTV making for a good face team. I wouldn't recommend it but it was fun.

Ring of Honor on HonorClub 4/25/2024 Episode #61

Ring of Honor on HonorClub 4/25/2024 Episode #61

Last week's show is here: https://prowresblog.blogspot.com/2024/04/ring-of-honor-on-honorclub-4182024.html

Isaiah Kassidy vs Komander

Zay lays on the buckles. He trips him and walks over his back. Kom then walks on his back and does Zay's dance. Kom kicks him in the knee then rolls him into a single leg crab. Kom slingshot dropkicks him then is dropped neck first on the ropes. Zay hits chops in the corner then hits stomps. Zay footslaps him then Kom spinning high kicks him.

Kom is sent over the top to the apron and Zay springboard cutters him over the top rope. Kom's head is banged off the rails. Zay jumps off a chair and misses a splash on the rails. Kom flying headscissors him then dropkicks him through the ropes. Kom asai moonsaults him outside. Kom springboard swantons him for 2.

Kom takes a kick on the buckles then flips out of a sunset bomb. Kom hits some shots then poisonrana's him. Zay then hits a standing spanish fly for 2. Kom does a roll up for 2 then sunset flips him for 2. Zay grabs the ref and low blows Kom. Zay hits a neckbreaker and gets the win.

They went too long and did too much here. Had they cut it after the poisonrana or maybe the springboard swanton, I would have put it over. But they just kept going and brought down the match. I don't even think Kom tried for a ropewalk SSP here. 

Bullet Club Gold does a promo from Dynasty. Jay said they fulfilled thier destiny and said "I told you so". He said The Gunn's were money and said he would bring gold. Jay says they have gold a plenty. Jay says he's the catalyst of wrestling. Austin said their backpack will get heavier on the way home due to the titles. He says they run this trios sh!t. Colten says they never get mentioned on TV despite being young guys. He says they are the best tag team in the world, he said Jay is the best singles star in the world and  says they are the best three-man team in the world.

The Dark Order (Evil Uno, John Silver and Alex Reynolds) vs Top Flight and Action Andretti

Darius wristlocks John then John fireman's carry takeovers him. John wristlocks him then Darius cravates him. Darius trips John then rolls and armdrags him. Dante elbow drops John's arm from the top. Darius dropkicks John in the arm. The Order takes triple stereo superkicks then AA and Darius plancha outside. Dante then takes a triple attack on the ropes. John germans Dante for 2.

Alex hits a stiff lariat on Dante. Uno corner splashes Dante. Dante flips over Alex's back and makes a tag. AA gets in and hits all of The D-O members. AA handspring double back elbows Uno and Alex. AA running euros Alex. AA misses a split-legged moonsault but back rolls into a kick on Uno. AA standing spanish flies Alex. Dante jumps off of Darius' back and leg lariats John. Darius uses Dante to tornado ddt Alex. AA running ssp's Alex.

Uno hits all 3 opponents then takes attacks from all 3. Uno hits a big forearm on AA. AA takes a triple sandwich forearm  then John back body drops Alex outside. Uno hits a nasty piledriver on John for 2. Dante hits a big jumping knee on Alex then AA superkicks Uno. Darius flatliners Uno off the bottom rope then Alex takes a double slam backwards. Alex is then pinned.

It was a short but decent tag here. We got a little flying, it was real fast paced and there were no real issues with it.

Anna Jay vs Allysin Kay

Anna pushes Kay off the lock up. Anna shoves her out of the corner. Anna stomps Kay's foot then side kicks her. Kay blocks a spin kick then backdrops her off of it. Anna hits boots on Kay in the corner. Kay hits a strike combo in the corner after throwing her there.

Anna bangs Kay's head off the buckle and chops her. Kay drops her on the ropes throat first then sitout double chokeslam bombs her. Anna forearms her form the buckles then 2nd rope blockbusters her for 2. Kay back rolls her then hits mounted shots. Kay turns her back to her then is tapped out with a sleeper.

It was a short one and was okay for what it was. The finish worked here.

Lexy Nair interviews Athena and Billie Starkz. She said they are calling an emergency minion meeting. Athena said they are here because of Red Velvet and Queen Aminata. She said they took her moment on Battle of the Belts. She said Queen did nothing but prove she is a hot piece of hussy garbage. Billie said Red acted all high and mighty. Lexy says there's unfinished business. Billie and Athena then grab her. She challenges them to a mask, calling Red "Blue Velvet" and asks if she will step in or step out.

Johnny TV vs Will Austin

Will kind of looks like a bigger Johnny Gargano. They shake hands. Johnny knees him in the gut then Will blocks a takedown. Johnny legsweeps him and running knees him in the head. Johnny does a neat armdrag then Will springboard hurricanrana's him. Will dropkicks him out. Taya Valkyrie gets on the apron. Will gets distracted then is nailed hard from behind.

Johnny hits kicks to the back then does his weird samoan drop. Will springboard twisting crossbodies him then takes  shot to the gut. Johnny rolls over his back and kind of hits a knee. Johnny springboard kicks him then hits starship pain. Johnny grabs the win.

Neither one of these guys hit their offense super clean here. Johnny had some creative offense as usual here.

Brian Cage and The Gates of Agony vs BEEF, Calvin Tankman & Manders

They mentioned Prince Nana wasn't out here for this one. Calvin Tankman makes maybe his first ROH appearance here.

Kaun running back elbows Beef then hits boots in the corner. Kaun punch flurries him in the gut then corner splashes him. Kaun slaps Toa then Beef is tripped into a splash on the back from Toa. Beef is lariated in the back of the neck by Toa then Kaun forearms Beef in the back.

Kaun side slams Beef on the buckles then Toa sentons Beef on the apron. Cage deadlift superplexes Beef in. Cage throws Manders out. Beef escapes a suplex and gets Calvin in. Tankman hits shots on all 3 opponents and back body drops Kaun into Cage.

Toa pounces Tankman and Manders hits chops. Kaun pedigrees Manders then Toa headbutts Beef. Tankman takes a sandwich lariat then is lifted for a triple powerbomb. Tankman is then pinned.

It was a short but fun squash here with some heavier guys. The GoA and Cage looked good as usual here.

We get a video on Ari Daivari. Mark Sterling says Ari Daivari has everything but decided to get into wrestling anyway. He says he has all the money and gets the best food and workouts in.

Mark Sterling talks to The Premier Athletes. He says Phase 1 was a success as they showed dominance over ROH. He said they weren't aware the message would be sent to Briscoe, Castle and half the ROH locker room. He said it took 6 men to stand face to face to the 3 Premier Athletes. Mark says Ari is back and more p!ssed than ever. He said they have national champ Josh Woods and says Toy Nese is in peak physical performance.

Mark says it wasn't personal with The Infantry. They were just in the line of fire. He said they didn't want to see them get opportunities that belonged to them.

This was a nice little segment here putting over The Athletes.

Yuka Sakazaki vs Leila Grey

Grey's really lucky to still be under contract to be honest.  They lock up and Grey side headlocks her. Yuka headlock takeovers her then Grey rolls her into a pin attempt. Yuka rolling snapmares her into a kick then sliding lariats her for 2.

Yuka cartwheels on the ropes and misses a dropkick. Grey sentons her then step up knees her in the corner. Grey uses the buckles to bulldog her. Grey runs and pulls Yuka's head forward. Yuka step up kicks her on the buckles. Grey 2nd rope sunset bombs her for 2.

They trade forearms and Yuka does some bad backcracker off the 2nd rope. Yuka spinning hammerlock drops her. Yuka springboard splashes her and gets the win.

It was a short one here. There was one botch but it was one of Grey's better efforts otherwise. There was a random reply during the match of the 2nd rope sunset bomb that felt weird. 

Griff Garrison and Cole Karter are interviewed by Lexy. Cole said they keep getting opportunities and lose. Griff says he's 0-2 against Mark Briscoe. Maria comes in and says she's disappointed. She said they could have done better in their matches. She said every loss is an opportunity. Maria said they gain experience every time they are out there. Maria said everyone is jealous of their bodies but soon will be jealous of what they do in the ring. Maria said they will eventually get back her ROH tag championships.

This didn't make much sense considering Maria used to manage The Kingdom and they are currently the tag champs. Maria is also Mike's wife, so why does she want Griff and Cole to beat him for the tag titles?

ROH World Tag Team Title Proving Ground Match - The Outrunners vs. The Undisputed Kingdom (Matt Taven and Mike Bennett)

Truth Magnum and Mike start us off. Truth then Floyd wristlock Mike. Mike wristlocks him and Floyd hulks up. Floyd rolls and kips up then smacks Mike on the head. Taven trips Truth then Mike basement dropkicks Truth. Truth is tripped and somehow Taven goes hard over the top. Taven takes a hard baseball slide then Floyd plancha's on both opponents outside.

The Outrunners pose then get nailed from behind. Mike and Matt then copy them. Truth takes a forearm into a running lariat for 2. Taven chokes Truth on the ropes. Mike suplexes Truth for 2. Truth is pulled down by the hair. Mike poses on Truth then chinlocks him. Truth backdrops Mike then Floyd is tagged in.

Floyd hits shots on both opponents then slams Taven and Mike. Floyd hits elbow drops on Mike then Floyd twisting suplexes Taven. Truth does a top rope punch on Mike. The Runners are pushed into each other and Mike pins Truth while holding the tights.

The Outrunners played face here and were so fun. Floyd had a great hot tag in here before beaten. I cannot understand at all how The Runners are not signed anywhere. 

The ref nearly reverses the decision after and Mike begs off during it.

Queen Aminata and Red Velvet do a promo. Red says Athena is stirring the pot again. She says she's done with her. She tells Billie to bring it on. She said she will beat her like her mom never did. She said she doesn't roll with minions. Queen mocks Athena. She said she dropped her on her head and will do it again and again because she does not respect her as a champ. She said Athena has zero honor andsaid no one knows better about honor than the queen. They say they are ready to cook, eat, leave no crumbs and take out the trash.

This was a really good promo here.

Taya Valkyrie vs Laynie Luck

They shake hands. Luck goes over her in the corner and face kicks her. Luck armdrags her then Taya shoulders her over. Luck kips up then is dropkicked. Taya stomps her in the corner. Taya chokes her on the ropes then Luck hits shots to the gut. Taya corner meteora's her for 2.

Taya chinlocks her. Luck hits shots to the gut then Taya spears her for 2. Luck high kicks her then Taya hits a la rosa driver variation for 2. Taya then does an stf variation and wins it.

I like that they gave Luck a little offense in here. She did good with it. I wish they would have ended it with the la rosa driver variation though as it was enough.

The Infantry and Trish Adora are interviewed. Bravo says have no fear, The Infantry is here. Dean said they have had nothing but targets on their back since they got here. The Outrunners walk in. They flex and say their arms are scud missiles. Bravo said they took their move and tried to take their swag. Dean says next week they will take the two goofies where they belong - boot camp. Floyd says they have a better idea and challenge them to the same exact match. Dean says copy that and Bravo says no more copying.

This was another fun segment. 

Lance Archer & The Righteous vs. GPA, Jon Cruz & Ren Jones

Vincent and GPA start us off. Vincent running back elbows him then basement dropkicks him. Dutch uppercuts GPA in the corner then hits short arm clotheslines. Dutch hits a nice exploder then shoulders over Ren hard. Lance running back elbows Ren then Ren chops him.

Lance knees him then hits a full-nelson slam. Vincent hits crossface shots on Ren then Ren cradles him. Jon hits shots on Vincent then is back elbowed. Dutch black hole slams Jon. Vincent hits orange sunshine on Ren. They throw GPA in then Lance hits blackout on GPA onto Ren. Dutch then pins GPA and Ren with a foot on the chest.

It was a quick squash here as expected.

Abadon vs Nova

They shake hands and Nova lariats her off of it. Nova rams her into the corner then hits a nice corner spear. Nova bulldogs her for 1. Ab facebusters Nova then hits a corner splash. Ab hits corner lariats then corner meteora's her. Ab sentons her then knees her in the side of the head. Ab then puts her leg around Nova's head and drives her into the mat for the win.

Nova has a good look and had a good showing here. She should be brought back. This was a quick squash.

Johnny TV and Taya Valkyrie are interviewed. They said everybody loves "Johnny Loves Taya". They talk about winning awards for it and say everyone loves it. Aaron Solo walks in. He said they would have won more awards if he was in the season. Johnny said he might have been if he supported the show. He said he didn't tweet about it once. Solo disagrees and they argue. Taya said he did retweet them. Johnny says "thanks, bro". They then do the handshake from their QTV days. Solo said before Johnny loves Taya, Johnny loves Solo. Taya calls Solo a loser. Johnny said they took the "w" off his name as he never wins. Solo said he will win on the next ROH and said he will prove he's tv ready.

Nothing wrong with this one here and I thought it was fun.

The Beast Mortos vs. AR Fox vs. Blake Christian

Beast hits a double shoulder then both guys kip up. Fox flips out of a chokeslam then Beast takes a double superkick. Blake trips Fox then 619's him under the middle rope. Blake springboard euros Fox.

Fox slingshot swantons him then hits a twister brainbuster for 2. Beast lariats Fox. Beast hits strikes then twists Fox's neck with his feet. Beast hits a powerslam for 2. Beast kneebreakers Fox then does a twisting figure four variation on Fox. Blake breaks it up with a top rope double stomp.

Beast hits a slingblade bulldog, a crucifix bomb and a pop-up samoan drop. Blake handsprings and rolls Beast into a double stomp. Beast takes shots from both opponents. Fox and Blake hit corner punches on him then Blake corner crossbodies him. Blake and Beast go up top. Beast sends them down hard with a german/spanish fly thing being hit.

Fox face kicks Beast then Blake spears Beast on the apron. Blake topes Beast then Fox suicide dives Beast. Blake springboard 450's Beast. Fox top rope swantons Beast. Fox ddt's Blake then Beast hits a driver on Fox and wins it.

It was a fast paced spotfest here. They did too much with Fox and Blake taking a nasty top rope move and it not meaning anything.

Overall thoughts: It was mostly squashes but they had some good talking segments and they actually built up some stuff for next time which was good. Only the tag champs wrestled on this show this week. I would have liked some more competitive and longer matches over the various squashes though. It wasn't a great show or anything but I thought it was an improvement over the usual offerings.

TNA Impact 4/25/2024

TNA Impact 4/25/2024

Last week's show is here: https://prowresblog.blogspot.com/2024/04/tna-impact-4182024.html

Nic Nemeth comes out. He said he thought he would return here would champ. He said he failed. He said he doesn't know what comes next and doesn't know what he should do. He said he doesn't know if he needs to start watching wrestling or train harder. He said he feels broken inside.

Matt Hardy comes out talking in a goofy voice. He said he hoped Nic would be champ when he appeared, but he was not. Matt said he hopes the people saw what he saw. He said it didn't look like an official pinfall to him at the PPV. He said Nic should be champ but isn't. Matt says Broken Matt Hardy has returned to TNA to become champ. Matt says if he wants another shot, it'll be down the line and said Matt will probably be champ.

The System come out. Moose says it's funny that Matt that he's thinks he's the head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders. He said now he sees why they suck. He said this isn't football and you can't challenge the play. Moose said Nic lost and he whooped him all around the ring. Nic tells them to come say things to their face.

Eddie Edwards gets on the mic. He says Nic is coming across as desperate. He said it's sad. He said Nic looks and sounds pathetic. He said Nic came to TNA to be the next Kurt Angle but may not even be the next Eric Angle. Nic says the next thing he will do is beat the hell out of him tonight. Matt then says "yessss".

We go to the back and there's a ballot box. Ali says the first vote has been cast and Santino said this Ballot Box Battle was a good idea. Skyler then votes and asks if someone can be the #1 contender to their own title. Santino says no. Skyler asks if he can have another ballot and Santino tells him to go away.

Jordynne Grace comes in and wants to talk to Santino.

Jordynne Grace is interviewed as we return from break. Grace says she was happy she had PCO on standby at the PPV. She said she's happy to have him back. She said she talked to Santino and said her match next week vs Miyu Yamashita will be a title match. Miyu says she will take her title next week in English and stares her down.

Mike Santana vs Myron Reed

Mike gets distrancted and takes a kick to the back of the head. Mike knocks Reed over then corner lariats him. Mike hits a flying euro in the corner. Reed escapes a corner charge. Reed kips down out of a shot then jumping back kicks him. Reed slingshot codebreakers him for 2.

Mike hits shots on Reed. Reed is pulled down, kips up and enzugiri's him. Reed jumps over the top rope to the ramp. Mike then back rolls on the ramp into a cutter on Reed. Reed then tope con hilos The Rascalz outside.

Mike spinning lariats him for the win.

It was a short match. It put Mike over some but was so-so. Mike needs to be doing some promos and needs a little more in the ring to impress.

Steve Maclin comes out with The Rascalz. They surround Santana. The Rascalz walk away. Santana gets offense in on Steve and Steve leaves before it gets too bad.

Steph De Lander and Kon do a promo. Steph calls Rebellion a screwjob. She said Jordynne Grace pulled out all the tricks. She says she's all ready too and challenges for a mixed tag match at Under Siege. Kon says he will finish what he started and that's breaking necks.

John Alexander comes out to do a promo. He says today is a good day as is any day he steps foot in a TNA ring. He says he bleeds for the three letters of TNA. He said he was called "The Last Man Standing' during his match with Hammerstone. He said it's time he is called TNA World Champ again.

Frankie Kazarian comes out. He said Josh won one match and he thinks it qualifies him for the TNA Title. He said he also won his match and was victorious over Eric Young in a full metal mayhem match. He said they have to figure out who the #1 contender is but Kaz says he is injured. Josh says if he can't go then he's #1 contender. Kaz said that doesn't work for him, brother. A ref comes out and says something to Kaz. He says the match is right now. We are then told officially that it is happening right now. 

#1 Contender Match - Frankie Kazarian vs Josh Alexander

Kaz throws his jacket on Josh's head and pounds on him. Josh hits euros, elbows and lariats. Josh 2nd rope dropkicks him and we go to PiP break. We return and Josh misses his crossbody to the back apron spot. Kaz slingshot legdrops Josh for 2. Kaz russian legsweeps him for 2. Josh hits chops then spinning lariats him.

Kaz perfectplexes him for 2. Josh hits shots to the gut then punches. Josh hits a back body drop then running forearms him. Josh finlay rolls him for 2. Kaz backstabbers him and goes for a chicken wing. Kaz guillotine legdrops him over the middle rope then ddt's him for 2. Kaz slams him and goes for a springboard legdrop but Josh turns it into an ankle lock. Josh rebound germans him then hits a regular german.

Josh half-nelson suplexes him for 2. Josh is slingshotted in with a cutter fo r2. Kaz grabs a chair and the ref stops him. Kaz grabs a chain while the ref takes the chair away. Eric Young comes down, grabs the chain and Kaz sells it like he got hit with the chain. The ref then ejects EY. Josh ankle locks him and Kaz taps out.

The premise was dumb here. Why did the match have to take place right here and right now? The match was okay and they worked well together.

Santino Marella talks to Jake Something. Deaner and Hammerstone then come in to talk to Santino. Santino says he's busy and Hammer isn't buying it. Hammer said he wasn't talking to Jake, who comes to Santino's defense. Jake is pushed. Santino said they can fight at Under Siege then The Rascalz switch the ballot box.

We see AJ Francis, Rich Swann and Bun-B arrive in the parking lot.

First Class and Bun-B come out. He tells the crowd to shut their mouths and said this isn't about the fans, it's about them. AJ says Bun-B is here for First Class, not the "broke bum" fans. AJ asks how his accomodations have been and he says "first class". Gia asks if Swann's win over Joe Hendy was tainted and Swann doesn't seem to think so. He said Joe learned to always put respect on First Class. Gia asks if they will show him the same respect.

Joe Hendry then appears from the side where First Class aren't looking. AJ asked if he didn't learn his lesson as he was left laying in the ring. Joe said he's not here to fight. He said he suffered a serious groin injury and it humbled him. He said he realized he owed him an apology and said he will do it next week.

Well, this is obviously going to be some kind of swerve. We will have to see where it goes.

George Iceman introduces Ash by Elegance and brings her out.

Ash By Elegance vs Xia Brookside

They argue. Ash pokes her in the head and they go head to head. They trade forearms and Xia headscissors her out of the corner. Xia hits boots in the corner then Xia is lariated. Ash handstand double knee drops her. Ash stomps and foot chokes her in the corner. Ash suplexes her for 2.

Ash hits forearms in the corner. Ash knocks her over on the ramp then handspring cartwheel back elbows her on the ramp. Ash hits mounted forearms then chinlocks her. Ash throws her backwards and chinlocks her again. Xia hits meteora's to the back of Ash's head then top rope crossbodies her for 2.

Ash kicks her right in the face then throws her out. George gets on the apron and gives Ash brass knucks. Ash stupidly shows them to the ref and is caught. The ref tries to grab them from her and Xia rolls up Ash to win it.

It wasn't that great and had a silly ending. I thought it went on longer than it needed to.

Ash throws a tantrum after and Xia is surprised she won.

Santino counts the Battle Box votes. Santino calls it suspiciously large and Trey wins at 60 votes. Leon Slater said there aren't even 60 people here and say someone stuffed the votes. Bey asks who came in 2nd and it turns out Ace did. Ali says there's a case of voter fraud here.

He said we must have a run-off with the top 2 next week and the winner faces Ali at Under Siege.

The Good Hands come out and complain about Grace at the PPV, saying they didn't expect to be beaten with a bat by a madman. They talk about Sami Callihan and say his luck has run out. They say he has a death wish and it comes from these two good hands.

Handicap Match - Sami Callihan vs The Good Hands (Jason Hotch and John Skyler)

Sami hits a forearm then a big powerbomb. Sami paper cuts Hotch between the fingers with a piece of paper. He then does it to Skyler. Skyler spears him on the apron and 2nd rope moonsaults him. Hotch slingshot spears him through the ropes. Skyler comes off the top and is swatted down. Sami then hits a piledriver and wins it.

I didn't like this at all. Hotch put on a bunch of weight here and Sami squashed both with ease. 

Steve Maclin goes up to Frankie Kazarian after with a porposition. Kaz says he's the King of TNA and said he doesn't like or trust him. He said he remembers what he did to him when he won the X-Title. Kaz says to propose it to someone else.

Steve said he doesn't trust him either. He tries to get him to team up to beat up Josh Alexander and Mike Santana. Kaz seems to agree.

We get a video on The System.

Eddie Edwards vs Nic Nemeth

They lock up. Eddie headlock takeovers him then Nic headscissors him. Nic headlock takeovers him. They push each other in the corner and Eddie side headlocks him. Nic flying shoulders him and Alisha Edwards grabs Nic's foot. Eddie hits Nic from behind then hits mounted shots. Eddie hits crossface shots on the ropes and Alisha Edwards gets cheapshots in on Nic.

Eddie headbutts Nic then Nic is sent into the buckles chest first. Eddie lariats him and beats him up. Nic kicks him as he bends over then bangs his head off the buckles. Nic dropkicks him then hits corner punches. Brian Myers gets on the apron and Nic is knocked to the floor.

We go to PiP break and return. Eddie hits chops then stands on his throat. Nic hits chops then Eddie running knees him. Eddie chinlocks him then clubs on him. Nic corner splashes Eddie then neckbreakers him. Nic hits elbow drops for 2. Eddie hits chops then Nic jumping ddt's him for 2.

Nic gets crotched up top. Eddie superplexes him then hits a tiger driver for 2. Eddie goes a superkick but Nic superkicks him first. Nic hits an olympic slam for 2. They trqade shots on their knees then stand up and trade. Eddie hits chops then Nic headbutts him. They lariat each other down at the same time. Brian Myers pushes Ryan Nemeth in the front row and security ejects Ryan. Moose then runs in and hits Nic with his title belt. Eddie then hits a shining wizard and wins it.

This an unusual result here. I didn't expect Eddie to get the win and I wonder what the reasoning was behind it. It seems like Ryan Nemeth will be wrestling here soon which is a good since I think he's a good talent. It was a decent main event.

Moose stomps on Nic after and foot chokes him. Nic has a chair put around his throat and Moose chairs it into his throat. Speedball Mountain them come out to help. The System then runs off.

Overall thoughts: It was your usual episode of TNA Impact with nothing being really must see. The main had a dirty finish but was otherwise a good match and Kazarian/Alexander was okay. I thought the premise to the Kaz/Alexander match was silly and I don't like that a vote is determining title shots. I wouldn't recommend this one.

All Japan Pro Wrestling 4/24/2024 Champion Carnival 2024 Day 4

All Japan Pro Wrestling 4/24/2024 Champion Carnival 2024 Day 4

Champion Carnival 2024 Block A - Hokuto Omori vs Kuroshio TOKYO Japan

Jiro does a super long entrance and the ref pulls him to the ring. Jiro then grabs Seigo Tachibana out of the back. Omori has a fake Omori with him in a horse mask again.

They goof around then Omori drops him with a forearm and stomps him. Omori pulls on Jiro's hair then shoulders him over. Jiro jacket punches him then foot chokes him on the bottom rope. Jiro pushes the ref over to keep doing it. Fake Omori trips Jiro then Jiro slaps Fake Omori. The real Omori pulls off the turnbuckle pad and hits Jiro with it twice.

Jiro is sent into the post multiple times. Omori chinlocks him. Jiro gets some shots in then is dropped with a forearm. Jiro superkicks Omori then hits jacket punches. Omori puts Jiro's jacket around his arms so he can't move. Omori puts the horse mask on Jiro and forearms him. Omori suplexes Jiro for 2.

Jiro still has the horse mask on then he puts it on Omori. He bangs Omori's head off the buckles with the mask on. Jiro flying kicks him and wins it.

It was comedy garbage for the most part with them screwing around.

Champion Carnival 2024 Block B - Jun Saito vs Lord Crewe

Crewe wristlocks him then Jun reverses it. Jun side headlocks him then Crewe does it to him. They shoulder battle and Jun is knocked over. Jun throws him out to the floor then shoulders him over outside. Jun chokes Crewe with a towel then Jun is sent into the post.

Crewe punches Jun then clubs his chest. Crewe hits boots and a foot chokes in the corner. Crewe hits shots to the gut then misses a face kick. Jun face kicks him then hits corner punches. Jun face kicks him and suplexes him for 2.

Crewer enzugiri's him then samoan drops him for 2. They trade forearms then Crewe spinebusters him. Jun lariats him then chokeslams him for 2. Crewe misses a 2nd rope bulldog then takes a chokeslam. Jun then wins it.

It was really short. They did what they could with it but they didn't have much time and really didn't even have time for nearfalls here. I don't get Crewe going over Honda so hard on Day 1 just to take losses after.

Champion Carnival 2024 Block A - Cyrus vs Ren Ayabe

Ren clean breaks him and rubs his head. He side headlocks him then they shoulder battle. Ren forearms him then Cyrus shoulders him over. Cyrus stomps him outside then bangs Ren's head off a table. Cyrus is pushed into the post then his head is banged off the apron.

Cyrus flying single leg dropkicks him then tries to pin him with a foot and then one finger. Cyrus misses a senton then Ren slams him for 2. Ren hits forearms then flying neckbreakers him for 2. Cyrus slams him then misses a splash.

Ren running shotgun dropkicks him then running face kicks him in the corner for 2. Ren top rope dropkicks him for 2. Cyrus powerbombs him out of the slam position for 2. Ren boots him in the corner then 2nd rope superplexes him. Cyrus hits a vader bomb and wins it.

It was another average and nothing special match here. Cyrus did his usual stuff that looks so-so and Ren did as well. It had all the makings of an average match and did not disappoint. 

Champion Carnival 2024 Block B - Hideki Suzuki vs Ryuki Honda

They lock up and HS cravates him. HS neckbreakers him and kneedrops him for 2. Honda spinebusters him then corner lariats him. Honda chokes him on the ropes and counts along with the ref's count as usual. HS headscissor chokes Honda over the top then hits a nice punch.

They trade forearms then Honda spears him. HS blocks a running lariat then hits shots to the gut. HS backbreakers him and grabs his arm. Honda hits two stiff lariats for 2. HS headbutts him and is lariated. HS dropkicks him on the ropes then Honda back body drops him. HS then rolls him up with a bridge and wins it.

It was another short one and it was clear early that it was not going long. Considering that Suzuki's matches are often slow, long and boring, maybe that's for the best.

Suzuki attacks Honda after then they fight to the back. 

Kento Miyahara & Rising HAYATO vs Davey Boy Smith Jr. & MUSASHI

 

 

MS = Musashi

MS and Rising lock up. Rising headflips out of a wristlock  then goes up and over in the corner. Rising spinning headscissors him out. Davey side headlock takeovers Kento and Kento headscissors him. Davey headlocks him then Kento face kicks him. Kento dropkicks him in the knee and the side of the head.

Davey suplexes him. MS stomps on Kento then chops him. MS sits him on the 2nd rope, splits his legs there hten dropkicks him in the chest. Kento and Davey fight while Dave y is on the apron. Davey snapmares and chinlocks him. Davey slams Kento then misses a legdrop.

Davey and Kento trade forearms then Kento back body drops him. MS and Rising get in. MS hits a chop then Rising running back elbows him. Rising is caught on a springboard then he is explodered soon after. Rising rolls out then MS tope con hilos him.

MS hits kicks and a step up enzugiri. Rising single leg dropkicks him. Kento step up knees MS in the corner. MS trips and basement dropkicks Kento. Kento takes a powerslam then MS top rope splashes him for 2. Kento fights off both opponents. MS superkicks him then takes a Davey lariat when Kento ducks. Rising springboard dropkicks Davey then asai moonsaults MS. Rising then plancha's Davey outside. Kento delay straightjacket gemrans MS and gets the win.

It was an okay 10 minute tag here. Davey freshened things up here and Rising was in the mood to put in some work on this one. We got a few dives here and it wasn't that bad for a throwaway midcard match.

Champion Carnival 2024 Block A - Shotaro Ashino vs Yuma Aoyagi

 

Yuma hits him off the break then Ashino takes him down and pounds on him. Yuma hits mounted shots on him then they get up and trade fast forearms. Yuma dropkicks him then dropkicks him off the apron. Yuma hits a stiff dropkick through the ropes.

Ashino's head is banged off a chair outside then Ashino is thrown into the chairs. They trade shots outside and Ashino is ddt'd on the floor mats. Yuma chinlocks him then Yuma stomps him. They trade forearms and Yuma piledrivers him for 2. Yuma euros him then Ashino running euros him.

Ashino hits karelin's lift for 2. Ashino back elbows him then Yuma hits a flying forearm. Ashino flying corner forearms him then suplexes him. Yuma hits forearms on him up top then Ashino hits a 2nd rope belly to belly suplex.

Ashino ankle locks him then Yuma guillotine chokes him with an armlock. Yuma uranage's him for 2 then fisherman suplexes him for 2. Ashino hits a nasty release german that is no sold then Yuma germans him. Ashino hits another nasty release german then Yuma germans him. Yuma germans him again  then spin kicks him in the face for 2. 

Ashino hits a stiff lariat then a release backdrop for 2. Ashino spinning uranages him and wins it.

This is what you watch the Champion Carnival for and was probably the best match of the tournament so far. It was really stiff and heated and they beat the crap out of each other. They had a really good match here though the release germans on Yuma were way too dangerous. I was really surprised by how well they matched up and both had their working boots on here. I loved Ashino's spinning uranage finisher. I don't know what it is about that move but it's a gem to look at.

Champion Carnival 2024 Block B - Yuma Anzai vs Suwama

The finish

They go to the mat. Suwama goes for the half-nelson and Yuma ropebreaks. They do more amateur wrestling and stand off. Suwama front facelocks him then hits forearms. Suwama double chops him and grabs a sleeper. Yuma ropebreaks and Suwama roughs him around with it.

Yuma hits forearms then Suwama knees him in the gut. Suwama double arm ddt's him. Yuma hits forearms from the apron then Suwama headbutts him. Suwama bridging guillotines him. Suwama double chops him then chinlocks him. Suwama hits a big slam then elbow drops him for 2.

Suwama headbutts him then belly to belly suplexes him for 2.  Yuma 2nd rope dropkicks him then hits his own belly to belly suplex for 2. Yuma dropkicks him then hits forearms. Suwama goes down then lariats him off the ropes. Yuma back body drops him and they trade forearms. Yuma germans him then Suwama no sells it and germans him back.

Yma jumping knees him twice. They trade forearms then Suwama suplexes him. Suwama corner lariats and german him. Suwama then spinning lariats him for 2. Yuma counters a backdrop then jumping knees him in the back. Yuma then puts him in a Misawa style facelock.

Yuma dragon suplexes him then does another facelock. Suwama backdrops him to get out of it. Suwama hits a stiff lariat for 2. Suwama hits a flurry of shorter lariats then Yuma flying knees him twice for 2. Yuma germans him for 2. Yuma facelocks him and makes him pass out with it. Yuma wins.

It was a good main. Not great or real memorable but it had decent selling and some excitement. Yuma busted out the facelock here which seems to be a new move in his arsenal here and won it. I would not have done this in the CC and I would not have had Yuma win as I feel it's one of the bigger matches AJPW had with the older ace of AJPW vs the newer ace.

Overall thoughts: I saw all but one match here. The undercard was very weak but the top 2 matches were strong and made up for it. Ashino/Yuma was the best match of the tournament so far and Anzai/Suwama was a solid main. I liked this one overall.

WWE Main Event 4/24/2024

WWE Main Event 4/24/2024

Last week's show is here: https://prowresblog.blogspot.com/2024/04/wwe-main-event-4172024.html

Apollo Crews vs Ivar

Crews dropkicks him. He leapfrogs him and Ivar goes out. Crews then plancha's him. Ivar misses a spin kick then Crews falls over on the slam attempt. Ivar corner lariats him then bronco busters him in the corner. Ivar hits a shot to the gut.

Crews hits shots then takes a knee to the gut. Crews dropkicks him then Ivar butt drops him in the corner. Ivar misses a top rope moonsault then Crews germans him. Crews hits a standing moonsault for 2. Crews corner splashes him then top rope crossbodies him for 2. Ivar spinning high kicks him then tiger drivers him for 2.

Ivar gets up top and is kicked. Ivar 2nd rope world's strongest slams him and gets the win.

It was a short but fun match here. Both guys were inspired and matched up well. 

The Creed Brothers vs Gallus (Mark Coffey and Wolfgang)

JC takes Wolf down from the waistlock. Wolf euros him then JC wiastlock takedowns Mark. JC and Brutus hit knees to the gut then double gutbuster Mark. Brutus shoulders over Mark then clubs on him. Mark takes fireman's carry from both Creed's.

The Creed's do stereo fallway slams then stereo kip-ups  and stereo moonsaults. Brutus does a random flip trying to land on his feet but doesn't. JC lands on his feet off a monkey flip and fireman's carry takeovers Mark. Brutus does an inverted attitude adjustment on Mark. Mark hits a knee to the gut and Wolf sentons Brutus.

Brutus is thrown backwards by the hair then Wolf does a cobra clutch on him. Mark 2nd rope shoulders Brutus then cobra clutches him. Brutus hits forearms on Mark then back body drops him. JC belly to belly suplexes Wolf and Mark and does kip-ups inbetween. JC then does a double northern lights suplex.

JC standing SSP's Wolf for 2. Wolf lariats and slams JC. JC takes a double uranage. All 4 trade shots Wolf is lariated over the top and takes a sledgehammer shot from Mark. JC nails Joe Coffey on the apron and skins the cat. Mark takes an electric chair brutus ball and is pinned.

It was a decent little match here with The Creed's impressing as usual. Gallus didn't get much in here at all.

Overall thoughts: Only two new matches here as usual but both were fun and I enjoyed it. It 's not must see but it was a fun 20 minutes of wrestling.

New Japan Pro Wrestling 4/23/2024 Road to Wrestling Dontaku 2024 Day 4

New Japan Pro Wrestling 4/23/2024 Road to Wrestling Dontaku 2024 Day 4

They had a Douki vs Sho contract signing. The heels flipped the table and the announcer's said Sho had more under the contract than what Douki could see. It turns out that the contract was for a "Not IWGP" Title Match.

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

Everyone fights to start and 4 of them go out as Yoshi and Kenta trade. Goto beats up Chase in the ring then Kenta and Chase are knocked into each other. Yoshi neckbreakers Kenta then Taiji takes double clubs from Goto and Yoshi. Kato hits a dropkick on Kenta and they trade forearms. Kato running forearms him then Kato got crabbed.

Taiji stomps on Kato and kneedrops his back. Chase backbreakers Kato. Kato dropkicks him then Goto spinning heel kicks and backdrops Chase. Goto and Chase trade forearms. Kenta trips Goto from the outside. Chase avoids a double team and sends Goto into Yoshi. Goto hits a ushigoroshi on him then Kato crabs Taiji. Taiji escapes it then takes a headhunter + russian legsweep combo from Bishamon. Kato slams Taiji and crabs him.

Kato hits forearms then is facekicked by Taiji. Taiji sends Kato's arm into the exposed buckle then codebreakers the arm. Taiji does a border city stretch and wins it. 

It was a basic tag match here and it wasn't anything of note. It didn't have enough time and the only person who maybe got something out of it was Kato who got more offense in than usual.

TMDK (Kosei Fujita, Mikey Nicholls, Shane Haste & Zack Sabre Jr.) vs. Guerrillas Of Destiny (El Phantasmo & Hikuleo), El Desperado & Katsuya Murashima

Kosei and Hiku start us off. Kosei hits forearms then is chopped. Kosei takes corner attcks and stops KM's corner attack twice. Hiku then runs Kosei over with a lariat. ELP walks up the ropes and does rope tricks then Kosei does it as well, hitting an enzugiri.

ELP flips over Shane's back and hurricanrana's him. Shane basement dropkicks him then ELP takes a double back elbow. ELP takes a fist drop + rolling senton. Zack cravate snapmares ELP then twists his neck with his feet. ELP is beat up on and TMDK blocks his tag. ELP pushes Shane and Mikey into each other and tags Hiku in.

Shane stops Hiku immediately then takes a face kick. Zack gets shouldered over then Kosei takes a big hiptoss. Hiku double clotheslines the heels. Hiku takes a lariat to the back of the neck then double suplexes Mikey and Shane.

Depsy and Zack get in. Despy backdrops him then Zack does an octopus on him. Despy stretch mufflers him and Zack tries a pin attempt. Despy spinebusters Zack then Zack pele kicks Despy's arm. Kosei armbreakers Despy then Despy back elbows Kosei. KM hits a nice dropkick on Kosei when he gets in.

KM forearms Kosei then Kosei hits a big chop knocking him down. Kosei dropkicks and hiptosses him. Kosei backslides KM into a crab in a nice move. Kosei then taps him out.

The finish was pretty cool here with the backslide into the crab. It was an okay multi-man tag but it only had around 10 minutes. KM got some shine spots here and Hiku did good in his section.

NEVER Openweight Six Man Tag Team Title Match - Hiroshi Tanahashi, Oleg Boltin & Toru Yano (c) vs. House Of Torture (EVIL, Yoshinobu Kanemaru & Yujiro Takahashi)

Oleg gets jumped as he goes to square up with Kanemaru. The heels take over and Kanemaru is sent int othe rails outside. Oleg hits a double shoulderblock then spinningslams Kanemaru. Tana hits a strike combo on Evil then throws Evil's shirt into the crowd. Tana 2nd rope twisting crossbodies Evil then Yano gets in. Ynao takes off a turnbuckle pad.

Yano gets sent into the exposed buckle then Evil hits him with the turnbuckle pad. Yano is thrown out then put back in. Kanemaru basement dropkicks him and chinlocks him. Yujiro chokes Yano then Yano is sent into the exposed buckle. Yujiro leg drops, elbow drops and headbutt drops Yano. Evil puts Yano in an abdominal stretch and his partners help him yank on Yano.

Evil fisherman suplexes Yano and HoT ring the bell even though the match isn't over. Yano is sent into the rail then ddt'd on the floor. Kanemaru eye rakes Yano then Yano pulls him down backwards by the hair. Oleg is hot tagged in and cleans house. Oleg bearhugs Kanemaru then suplexes him out of it. Oleg picks up Kanemaru then Togo gets on the apron. Togo is thrown in then Oleg does karelin's lift on him. Oleg then kips up.

Oleg karelin's lifts Kanemaru then hits a big splash on him for 2. Oleg takes corner attacks from the heels then is chopped in the nuts by Togo. Oleg hits a double suplex. Tana gets in and flying forearms Evil. Tana slams Evil then 2nd rope swantons him for 2. Evil misdirection lariats Tana.

Yujiro face kicks Tana. Tana slaps him. Tana is thrown over the top and is hit with a chair in the gut. Yujiro olympic slams Tana for 2. Togo chokes Tana with a weapon. Kanemaru spits whiskey at a partner and we get triple low blows. The middle rope is kicked in Togo's crotch. Oleg finlay rolls Yujiro then Tana top rope splashes Yujiro to win it.

It was more tolerable than other HoT matches as we didn't get the pre-match interference. They still ended up going too far with the shenanigans though when if they had done less, I might have actually put this over.

BULLET CLUB War Dogs vs. LIJ Best Of Five Series Match #1 - Gedo vs. Yota Tsuji

Gedo misses a brass knucks shot and is speared before the match begins. Yota then pins Gedo in 5 seconds.

BULLET CLUB War Dogs vs. LIJ Best Of Five Series Match #2 - BUSHI vs. Gabe Kidd

Bushi poses on the ropes, Gabe charges him then is dropkicked. Bushi flying hurricanrana's him then Gabe walks out of the way on a dive attempt. Gabe uppercuts Bushi and eye rakes him. Gabe misses a corner charge and goes into the rails. Bushi is sent into the rails.

They fight in the stands and Gabe's knee is dropkicked. Bushi bangs Gabe's head off the step area then jumps off of it onto Gabe. They fight at ringside then Bushi ddt's him for 2. Gabe hits shots and knocks him over with a lariat.

Gabe takes a rewind kick then Bushi canadian destroyers him for 2. Gabe headbutts Bushi. Bushi black mists Gabe over top the ref. Gabe kicks the ref and no one is there to count the pin for Bushi. Gabe piledrivers Bushi and wins it.

I was disappointed by this. This was a different pairing than usual and it ended up having all kinds of shenanigans with cheating and the ref. I thought they had a chance here to do a fun match and they blew it.

BULLET CLUB War Dogs vs. LIJ Best Of Five Series Match #3 - Shingo Takagi vs. Clark Connors

Clark immediately goes out to stall. Shingo chases him then they shoulder battle inside. Clark hits forearms then takes a bunch of shots back. Clark shoulders him over then orner lariats him. Shingo suplexes Clark. Clark is sent into the rails outside then Shingo is sent into them.

They go into the seats and Shingo's head is banged off the bleachers. Shingo is sent into the wall and the post. Clark suplexes him on the floor mats. Clark slams Kato on Shingo then spears Katsuya onto Shingo too. Shingo is buried under 2 young lions. Shingo gets on the apron and takes a hard spear.

Clark full nelsons Shingo. Shingo back elbows him and lariats him. Shingo chop and punch combos Clark in the corner. Shingo corner lariats Clark, short arm lariats him, slams him and top rope elbow drops him. Shingo the nbackdrops him for 2. They trade forearms and headbutts. Clark lariats him on the ropes then pounces him. Clark hits a powerslam for 2. Clark sliding lariats him then spears him.

Shinog headbutts and powerslams Clark. Shingo running lariats him then sliding lariats him for 2. Shingo hits a made in Japan for 2. Shingo running lariats him and wins it.

It was a decent match with Clark not being treated as the smaller wrestler he is and being believably able to go toe to toe with Shingo.

BULLET CLUB War Dogs vs. LIJ Best Of Five Series Match #4 - Tetsuya Naito vs. Drilla Moloney

Drilla runs at him and gets put on the apron. Naito legsweeps him and sends him to the floor. Naito pounds on him and cravates him outside. Drill baseball slides Naito then sends him into the rails. Drilla stomps him and they trade shots. Drilla back elbows him.

They trade shots. Naito back elbows him and hiptoss neckbreakers him on his knee. Naito armdrags him then baseball slides him in the back. Naito neckbreakers him then cravates him. Naito reverse ddt's him on his knee. Naito then puts his legs around Drilla's neck and pulls the arm.

They trade shots and Drilla dropkicks him. Drilla spits at him then double stomps him. Drilla step up enzugiri's him then is armdragged into the ref. Naito step up enzugiri's him, flatliners him and puts him into a headscissors with an armlock. David Finlay comes out and taunts Naito. Jake Lee of Noah then comes out and trades forearms with Naito. He knees Naito in the gut then running face kicks him. Drilla hits a nasty over the shoulder piledriver and wins it.

It was a decent match that was brought down by a ref bump and interference as commonplace in NJPW. Jake Lee coming in was a surprise. We'll have to see where that goes as Lee is with GLG in Noah.

Jake stomps Naito after. Hiromu comes to his save and double dropkicks the heels. Jake ends up hitting Naito with a face kick on the rails.

BULLET CLUB War Dogs vs. LIJ Best Of Five Series Match #5 - Hiromu Takahashi vs. David Finlay

This starts outside through the aftermath of the stuff last match. They fight, get in the ring then Finlay escapes a move and stalls. Hiromu is thrown into the post head first. DF throws him on a suplex then Hiromu is sent hard into the rails. DF chokes Hiromu on the ropes then throws him hard into the corner. DF backbreakers Hiromu.

Hiromu hits chops on DF then flying hurricanrana's him. Hiromu headscissors him over the top rope then drops him face first on the floor. Hiromu shotgun dropkicks him off the apron through the rail door. Hiromu corner lariats him then basement dropkicks him. DF uranage backbreakers him then does a spinning version of it.

DF goes for a spear then Hiromu triangles him. DF powerbombs him out of it. Hiromu hits a hurricanrana then flatliners him out of the casadora. DF grabs the shillelagh then is superkicked. Hiromu pretends he got hit with it. DF running lariats him then hits an attitude adjustment for 2. 

Hiromu superkicks and lariats DF. DF spinning forearms him then is superkicked. Hiromu running lariats him. Hiromu hits DF with his own oblivion for 2. DF lariats him then hits a dominator for 2. Hiromu triangles him. DF tries to powerbomb him out of it but can't. DF powerbombs him into the buckles and hits oblivion for 2. Hiromu rolls him up for 2.

DF hits euros. He lifts him for a suplex and knees him in the gut to win it.

It was an average match. Nothing too wrong with it just not great or anything.

Hiromu is beaten up after. Hiromu's LIJ buddies try to help out then War Dogs help put LIJ down. DF says he's ahead of everyone in the company and solved all problems that were put in his way. He said the only thing worse than fighting a man who knows how to hurt you is fighting a man who knows when to hurt you. He says hate always finds a way.

During the post-show interivews, Jake Lee says hello and said he came to hurt everyone. We are then told Jake will take Gedo's place in the 5v5 elimination match this weekend.

Overall thoughts: Like yesterday, it felt like a long show that dragged. Yota got wasted in a quick match, Shota, Ren and Yuya weren't even on this one. We had interference and shenanigans in almost every match which brought things down as usual including ones that looked like they had potential. They had some different matches here that were interesting to see in Shingo vs Clark and Gabe vs Naito. I wouldn't recommend this one and I thought it highlighted a lot of NJPW's problems just like yesterday's show.