Opinion: Match & Show Ratings for May 15 to May 21, 2022

Welcome to TPWW’s Emperor Smeat’s Match and Show Ratings for the week of May 15th to May 21th, 2022.

Match and show star ratings (out of 5):

WWE

WWE RAW (May 16)
* Steel Cage match – Omos vs. Bobby Lashley – 2.5
* Theory vs. Mustafa Ali – N/A
* Special Guest Referee match – Mustafa Ali vs. Veer Mahan – 2.0
* Riddle vs. Jimmy Uso – 3.0
* Finn Balor & AJ Styles vs. Los Lotharios (Angel & Humberto) – 2.5
* Alexa Bliss vs. Sonya Deville – 2.0
* Chad Gable vs. Ezekiel – 2.5
* RAW Women’s Championship #1 Contender’s match – Asuka vs. Becky Lynch – 3.0
Overall – 2.5
Best – Kevin Owens & Alpha Academy’s DNA test to expose Ezekiel as a fraud backfire badly backstage segment and the Asuka vs. Becky Lynch match.
Worst – Theory’s bait & switch non-match promo segment.
Show Notes – Steel Cage match opener notable moments: Lashley chucking Cedric Alexander off the top of the cage. Omos’ chucking Lashley through the cage sending Lashley onto the floor. Match itself was mostly solid. Theory’s pre-match promo demanding Miz as special guest ref and bait & switch for his match was dull. Ali vs. Mahan was decent at best despite the shenanigans by Miz & Theory. Post-match attack by Mahan & run-in save by the Mysterios was decent. Pearce & Lynch’s backstage segment about the Women’s 6-Pack Challenge match being dropped due to Banks & Naomi leaving the show off-screen was interesting. Riddle vs. Uso notable moments: Riddle’s head scissors grab yanking Uso over the top rope. Uso’s knees counter of Riddle’s running senton. Riddle’s knees counter of Uso’s Uso Splash. Match itself was pretty good back-and-forth action bout. Morgan’s backstage interview about her issues with Ripley, interruption by Lotharios trying to get a smooch, Styles & Balor shooing Lotharios away & offering a partnership against Judgement Day was all right. Judgement Day’s dark room promo threatening to punish anyone who stands in their way & Edge offering a spot to Styles & anyone else who wants to join his group was decent but also a bit corny. Balor & Styles vs. Lotharios was a solid back-and-forth bout. Post-match “two sweet” moment between Styles, Balor, & Morgan was cool. Owens & Alpha Academy backstage segment about their DNA test plan to expose Ezekiel as Elias backfiring badly because of Otis contaminating the test sample was funny. Cody Rhodes’ promo about Rollins issues with him and Rollins cheating his way to success in WWE, interruption by Rollins, & Cell match setup was all right. Lacey Evans’ rambling promo praising the US military & bashing WWE’s Women’s division was a bit weird. Asuka vs. Lynch notable moments: Lynch’s T-Bone suplex to Asuka into the barricade. Asuka’s knee strike & release German suplex counter of Lynch’s strike attempt. Asuka’s arm drag counter of Lynch’s Manhandle Slam. Lynch’s top rope guillotine leg drop to Asuka onto the ropes. Asuka’s ref distracted Green Mist & swift kick counter of Lynch’s illegal umbrella attack attempt. Match itself was a good back-and-forth action match. This week’s show was average at best overall.

WWE NXT (May 17)
* Trick Williams & Carmelo Hayes vs. Solo Sikoa & Cameron Grimes – 3.0
* NXT Women’s Breakout Tournament First Round match – Lash Legend vs. Tatum Paxley – 2.0
* Viking Raiders (Erik & Ivar) vs. Creed Brothers (Brutus & Julius Creed) – 3.5
Grayson Waller vs. Andre Chase – 2.5
* NXT Women’s Breakout Tournament First Round match – Roxanne Perez vs. Kiana James – 2.5
* Wes Lee vs. Nathan Frazer – 3.0
* Santos Escobar vs. Tony D’Angelo – 3.0
Overall – 3.0
Best – Viking Raiders vs. Creed Brothers match.
Worst – The Joe Gacy’s show closing rambling promo.
Show Notes – Williams & Hayes vs. Sikoa & Grimes opener notable moments: Hayes’ slingshot elbow drop to Sikoa. Grimes’ double rana to Hayes & Williams. Hayes’ springboard lariat to Grimes into Sikoa’s sweet looking high angle Uranage & top rope splash finisher to Hayes. Match itself was a good back-and-forth action filled bout. Legend vs. Paxley was somewhat decent despite being a bit rough at times. D’Angelo & Pals backstage promo about the type of beating D’Angelo will give to Escobar was splendid. Breakker’s promo about his bad blood issues with Joe Gacy and his new mysterious pals, Gacy’s interruption response about Breakker’s inner hatred, & NXT title match setup banter was all right. Indi Hartwell’s backstage promo about her roller coaster NXT career & NXT Women’s title match demand was okay. Viking Raiders vs. Creed Bros notable moments: Erik’s running splash in the corner & Ivar’s lariat flooring Julius. Brutus’ double overhead club strikes & deadlift overhead suplex combo to Erik. Yikes at Brutus’ ankles after his rough landing from his whiffed top rope Brutus Bomb to the Viking Raiders on the outside. Julius’ gutwrench suplex to Brutus onto Erik. Ivar’s top rope powerslam to Julius. Match itself was a very good hard hitting action filled bout despite the ending shenanigans by Diamond Mine. Legado’s backstage promo about their issues with D’Angelo was splendid. Perez vs. James was solid despite the abrupt ending. Enofe & Blade’s backstage mockery of Escobar & D’Angelo’s mafia feud was a bit funny. Lee vs. Frazer notable moments: Lee’s slingshot splash splatting Frazer on the outside into Frazer’s suicide dive to Lee. Lee’s crossbody counter of Frazer’s superplex. Frazer’s superkick flooring Lee. Match was going on really well until the DQ ending by Von Wagner. Wagner chucking Lee out of the ring onto the announcer’s table was sweet though. Escobar vs. D’Angelo notable moments: D’Angelo’s powerbomb counter of Escobar’s rana attempt. Escobar’s headbutt suicide dive to D’Angelo on the outside. D’Angelo’s triple belly-to-belly suplexes to Escobar. Escobar’s Frankensteiner to D’Angelo. Match itself was a good hard fought action bout despite the ending shenanigans by Legado, D’Angelo’s lackeys, & Escobar’s brass knuckles. Gacy’s show ending rambling promo was lame. This week’s show was enjoyable overall.

WWE Friday Night SmackDown (May 20)
* Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Sami Zayn – 3.5
* Gunther vs. Drew Gulak – 2.0 (Squash)
* Raquel Roderiguez vs. Shotzi – 2.0 (Squash)
* Xavier Woods vs. Butch – 2.5
* RAW Tag Team Championship & SmackDown Tag Team Championship Unification match – RK-Bro (Randy Orton & Riddle) (RAW) vs. The Usos (Jimmy & Jey Uso) (SD) – 3.0
Overall – 3.0
Best – Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Sami Zayn match and the Usos & RK-Bro hype vignettes.
Worst – The lame ending shenanigans to the RAW & SD Tag Team titles Unification match.
Show Notes – Opening Bloodline promo about Usos’ upcoming Tag titles unification match, Heyman boasting about Reigns being the GOAT in wresting and claiming Usos will join him as GOAT Tag Team after tonight, & Reigns’ response expecting RAW Tag gold was all right. Nakamura vs. Zayn notable moments: Zayn’s clothesline counter of Nakamura’s running attack. Nakamura leg swipe crotching Zayn onto the top rope. Nakamura’s running single leg dropkick to Zayn. Nakamura’s sliding German suplex to Zayn via ropes assist. Zayn’s Michinoku Driver to Nakamura on the floor. Nakamura chucking Zayn into the ring post & timekeeper’s arena. Nakamura’s Kinshasa outta nowhere finisher to Zayn. Match itself was a very good back-and-forth action filled bout & the countout tease shenanigans was pretty cool. Usos’ hype vignette was splendid. Happy Talk segment about Corbin stealing Madcap Moss’ Andre The Giant trophy, his ambush attack to Moss last week, bashing Moss for leaving him, & destroying the Andre trophy was decent despite dragging a bit long. Pearce & Max Dupri backstage segment about his arrival on the SD brand was decent but LA Knight’s new ring name & male modeling business gimmick is lame. Shotzi, Aliyah, & Rodriguez’s bickering backstage segment over Shotzi’s jealously about not getting a title shot against Rousey last week was decent at best. Rodriguez vs. Shotzi was a decent mostly extended squash despite being a bit sloppy at times, more so on Rodriguez’s end. Woods vs. Butch was solid despite the flat ending. RK-Bro “friendship” hype vignette was splendid. Tag titles Unification match notable moments: Jimmy’s hard whip to Riddle into the corner. Uso’s double team reverse Flapjack to Riddle. Riddle’s ripcord knee to Jimmy. Orton’s snap suplexes to the Usos & draping DDT to Jimmy. Riddle’s Pele Kick, running strikes, & T-Bone suplex combo to Jey. Jey’s pop-up neckbreaker to Riddle. Jey’s leg swipe counter of Riddle’s top rope attack causing Riddle to crash hard onto the mat. Reigns’ ref distracted shove counter of Riddle’s super RKO to Jey into Jey’s Uso Splash finisher to Riddle. Match was going on very well until the buzzkill ending shenanigans by Heyman & Reigns. Bloodline’s post-match destruction of RK-Bro was all right. This week’s show was enjoyable overall.

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AEW

AEW Dark Elevation (May 16)
* Brandon Cutler vs. Bear Bronson – 2.0 (Squash)
* Brody King vs. Alex Reynolds – 2.5 (Squash)
* Emi Sakura & Nyla Rose vs. Anna Jay & Yuka Sakazaki – 2.5
* 8-Man Tag Team match – Gunn Club (Austin & Colten Gunn) & The Acclaimed (Anthony Bowens & Max Caster) vs. Zack Clayton, Bryce Donovan, GKM, & Lucas Chase – 2.0 (Squash)
* Dark Order (10 & Evil Uno) vs. Eric James & VSK – 2.0 (Squash)
* ROH Women’s World Championship – Trish Adora vs. Mercedes Martinez (c) – 3.0
Overall – 2.5
Best – ROH Women’s World Championship match.
Worst – The heavy amount of squash matches for the show’s small card.
Show Notes – Cutler vs. Bronson opener notable moments: Bronson’s one handed slam counter of Cutler’s top rope punches in the corner. Bronson’s Black Hole Slam & sitout drop finisher combo to Cutler. Match itself was a decent mostly squash style bout with some nice comedic moments. King vs. Reynolds notable moments: King’s vicious running cannonball to Reynolds bouncing off of him in the corner. King’s brutal stiff lariat counter of Reynolds’ discus punch. Match itself was a fine mostly jobber destruction style brief bout. Women’s Tag notable moments: Jay’s strikes and spinning heel kick & Yuka’s forearm strikes and missile dropkick combo to Rose. Sakura’s leg swipe counter of Yuka’s Magical Girl Drop into Rose’s brutal looking top rope guillotine knee drop to Yuka onto the ropes. Sakura’s running crossbody & underhook backbreaker combo to Yuka. Jay’s Queen Slayer to Rose & Yuka’s Magical Merry Go Round finisher to Sakura. Match itself was a solid back-and-forth bout. Caster’s pre-match rap about his hometown shout-out, dig at Kendrick Lamar, & Ass Boys shout out was all right. 8-Man Tag was a decent squash style brief bout. Dark Order vs. James & VSK was a decent mostly squash bout. ROH Women’s title match notable moments: Adora’s Stump Puller pin attempt to Martinez. Martinez’s catch & T-Bone suplex counter of Adora’s kick. Adora’s forearm strike, enziguri, & deadlift bridging German suplex combo to Martinez. Martinez’s Three Amigos & twisting neckbreaker combo via ropes assist to Adora. Martinez’s Bow & Arrow into the Brass City Sleeper finisher to Adora. Match itse;f was a pretty good back-and-forth bout. This week’s show was average overall but mostly skippable outside of the main event match.

AEW Dark (May 17)
* Max Caster vs. Tyler Uriah – 2.5
* Marina Shafir vs. Layna Lennox – 2.0 (Squash)
* The Workhorsemen (Anthony Henry & JD Drake) vs. Bear Country (Bear Bronson & Bear Boulder) – 3.0
* Emi Sakura vs. Devlyn Macabre – 2.0 (Squash)
* AFO (Angelico & Jora Johl) vs. Baron Black & Anthony Catena – 2.5
* Ryan Nemeth vs. Trent Beretta – 2.5
* Skye Blue vs. Amber Nova – 2.0 (Squash)
* LA Dojo (Yuya Uemura, Clark Connors, Karl Fredericks, Alex Coughlin, & Kevin Knight vs. The Factory (QT Marshall, Aaron Solo, Nick Comoroto, Brick Aldridge, & Blake Li) – 3.0
* ROH Pure Championship – Josh Woods vs. Wheeler Yuta (c) – 3.5
* Chaos Project (Serpentico & Luther) vs. Swerve Strickland & Keith Lee – 2.5
Overall – 3.0
Best – ROH Pure Championship match.
Worst – AEW’s puzzling decision to pad the length of this week’s long show with an extra non-AEW Dark bout.
Show Notes – Caster’s pre-match rap mocking his opponent for dressing like an emo chick & create-a-wrestler was a bit funny. Caster vs. Uriah opener was a solid back-and-forth bout. LA Dojo backstage interview about their issues with The Factory & upcoming match was splendid. Workhorsemen vs. Bear Country notable moments: Henry’s kicks & Bronson’s forearms fest exchange into Bronson’s Exploder Suplex to Henry. Henry’s drop tope hold, Drake’s gutbuster hold, & Henry’s running double foot stomp combo to Bronson. Henry’s top rope dropkick & Drake’s Saito Suplex combo to Bronson. Boulder’s Fallaway slam to Henry & Samoan Drop to Drake at the same time. Henry’s Tornado DDT to Bronson via Drake assist. Bear Country’s double team cannonball to Workhorsemen in the corner. Match itself was a good hard hitting action filled bout. AEW production botching the match graphic airing for Nemeth vs. Beretta was a bit funny. Nemeth vs. Trent was a solid match . Blue vs. Nova was a decent mostly squash style bout. Blue’s post-match brief interview about her AEW career’s growth was decent. LA Dojo vs. Factory notable moments: Knight’s standing Frog Splash & Uemura’s elbow drop combo to Li. Comoroto & Aldridge’s double team Flapjack to Knight. Connors’ spear & Fredericks step-up double foot stomp to Li in the corner. Comoroto & Coughlin’s forearms fest exchange. Connor’s spear to Li bending him in half. Yikes at Fredericks’ back after his botched somersault dive to the Factory on the outside. Coughlin & Knight’s Electric Chair dropkick finisher combo to Li. Match itself was an entertaining hard fought action filled bout. ROH Pure title match notable moments: Yuta’s modified Tornado DDT to Woods off the corner. Woods’ slam & Ankle Lock style knee smashes combo to Yuta. Woods’ stiff running knee striker to Yuta in the corner. Woods’ escape & Ankle Lock counter of Yuta’s LeBell Lock. Yuta & Woods’ elbow strikes fest exchange into both guys flooring each other with pump kicks. Yuta’s suplex to Woods into the corner. Woods’ Ankle Lock to Yuta into roll-ups fest into Yuta’s Clutch pin finisher to Woods. Match itself was a very good back-and-forth grapple heavy bout. Chaos Project vs. Strickland & Lee was a solid match with some fine comedic moments. This week’s show was enjoyable overall.

AEW Dynamite (May 18)
* Owen Hart Foundation Men’s Tournament Quarter-finals match – Samoa Joe vs. Johnny Elite – 3.0
* Konosuke Takeshita vs. Hangman Adam Page – 4.0
* Swerve Strickland & Keith Lee vs. The Workhorsemen (Anthony Henry & JD Drake) – 2.5 (Squash)
* Owen Hart Foundation Men’s Tournament Quarter-finals match – Kyle O’Reilly vs. Rey Fenix – 4.0
* Owen Hart Foundation Women’s Tournament Quarter-finals match – Dr. Britt Baker vs. Maki Itoh – 2.5
* Owen Hart Foundation Men’s Tournament Quarter-finals match – Jeff Hardy vs. Adam Cole – 3.0
Overall – 4.0
Best – Konosuke Takeshita vs. Hangman Adam Page match and the Kyle O’Reilly vs. Rey Fenix match.
Worst – Johnny Elite busting out one of the worst ever looking 450 Splashes and the Serena Deeb’s mostly awkward in-ring promo segment.
Show Notes – John Morrison being the mystery Joker competitor was pretty cool. Joe vs. Elite notable moments: Elite’s escape & Samoan Drop counter of Joe’s Muscle Buster. Elite splatting himself from his awful 450 Splash to Joe. Joe’s knees counter of Elite’s Starship Pain into Joe’s palm strikes & Muscle Buster finisher. Match itself was an entertaining action filled bout. Takeshita vs. Page notable moments: Takeshita’s Blue Thunder Bomb to Page. Page’s high angle German bending Takeshita in half into Takeshita high angle German spiking Page. Takeshita’s stiff punch & Last Ride counter of Page’s discus punch. Takeshita’s top rope lariat to Page into Page’s clothesline, Buck Shot Lariat, & GTS finisher combo to Takeshita. Match itself was a great hard hitting action packed bout. Post-mach Page & CM Punk staredown was sweet. MJF’s promo bashing Texas and boasting about himself, Wardlow shrugging off the belt whacks and MJF getting pissed off, & MJF’s swift kick to Wardlow’s nuts and attack with Shawn Spears was fantastic. O’Reilly vs. Fenix notable moments: O’Reilly’s Triangle Sleeper counter of Fenix’s Flying Nothing. Fenix’s springboard side kick & modified powerbomb combo to O’Reilly. Fenix’s rebound roundhouse kick to O’Reilly into O’Reilly’s rebound lariat. Fenix’s top rope walk rana to O’Reilly off the apron was cool. O’Reilly’s cross armbar finisher combo to Fenix. Match was a great action filled bout. Regal & Pals and Jericho & Pals face-to-face segment about Jericho’s dig at Regal’s health and past drug issues, Jericho bashing Regal’s Pals for being losers, Regal mocking Jericho for being a whiner & revealing his longtime prank of wiping his ass with Jericho’s travel toothbrush, & gang warfare match setup was splendid. Itoh being the mystery Women’s Joker competitor was sweet. Baker vs. Itoh was a solid match with some nice comedic moments. Serena Deeb’s promo bashing Schiavone & Dustin Rhodes for not picking her to win the AEW Women’s title match, her WWE career grievances, & brawl with Rosa was mostly awkward. Hardy vs. Cole notable moments: Cole’s superkick counter of Hardy’s twisting splash. Hardy’s dodge & Stunner counter of Cole’s The Boom. Cole’s dodge & The Boom finisher counter of Hardy’s Swanton. Match itself was pretty good. Post-match brawl with Young Bucks, Sting, Allin, & reDRagon was splendid. This week’s show was mostly great overall.

AEW Rampage (May 20)
* House of Black (Buddy Matthews, Brody King, Malakai Black) vs. Dark Order (Evil Uno & 10) & Fuego Del Sol – 3.5
* Shawn Spears vs. Big Damo – 2.5
* Owen Hart Foundation Women’s Tournament Quarter-finals match – Red Velvet vs. Kris Statlander – 3.0
* Matt Sydal & Dante Martin vs. Blackpool Combat Club (Bryan Danielson & Jon Moxley) – 4.0
Overall – 3.5
Best – Hookhausen vs. Tony Nese & Mark Sterling match hype training montage and the Matt Sydal & Dante Martin vs. Blackpool Combat Club match.
Worst – Men of the Year & Dan Lambert and Sammy Guevara & Frankie Kazarian promo segment.
Show Notes – HoB vs. Dark Order & Del Sol 6-Man Tag opener notable moments: Matthew’s Cero Miedo taunt & arm snap to Del Sol. King’s running senton splatting Uno. Del Sol’s standing Spanish Fly to Matthews. 10’s cazadora, Uno’s guillotine cutter, & 10’s slingshot wheelbarrow suplex combo to Black. 10’s discus lariat flooring Black. Black’s moonsault to 10, Matthews’ vicious looking Pendulum DDT to Del Sol, & King’s brutal lariat & Gonzo Bomb finisher combo to Uno. Match itself was a very good hard hitting action filled bout. Post-match Penta staredown & HoB themed grave stone was pretty cool. Gunn Club & Acclaimed backstage interview about Bowens injury & Billy Gunn consoling his new son Max Caster was a bit funny. Big Damo being Spears’ mystery “giant” opponent was pretty cool. Spears vs. Damo was a solid brief bout. Red Velvet vs. Kris Statlander notable moments: Statlander’s Military Press & one arm pose taunt to Velvet was cool. Statlander’s Chaos Theory to Velvet. Match itself was a pretty good back-and-forth bout. Post-match brawl with Kiera Hogan, Ruby Soho, Jade Cargill, & Anna Jay was decent. Hookhausen vs. Nese & Sterling training montage hype video was splendid. Page & Sky’d promo mocking Inner Circle and Guevara & interruption by Guevara demanding a match and destroying the TNT title with Kazarian over their issues with MotY was mostly lame. Baker & Storm backstage interview about their upcoming Owen Hart Cup match was all right. BCC and Martin & Sydal peace vs. violence lessons split-screen pre-match backstage interview was all right. Sydal & Martin vs. BCC notable moments: Danielson’s Romero Special & forearm strikes combo to Martin. Sydal’s standing twisting moonsault to Moxley. Danielson’s leaping knee strike to Sydal off the apron. Martin’s leaping splash to BCC on the outside. Danielson’s top rope double underhook suplex to Martin into Danielson’s LeBell Lock & STF. Sydal’s spin kick counter of Danielson’s running attack into Sydal & Martin’s double team kicks & shotgun dropkick to Moxley. Sydal’s Meteora to Danielson on the apron. Moxley’s block & piledriver counter of Martin’s missile dropkick. Moxley’s overhead elbow strikes and spiked Paradigm Shift finisher combo to Martin. Match itself was a great action packed bout, especially the latter half. This week’s show was mostly very enjoyable overall.

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NJPW, Impact, & Other Wrestling

NJPW Best of the Super Juniors 2022 Night 1 (May 15)
* Kosei Fujita, Ryohei Oiwa, Yuto Nakashima, & Wheeler Yuta vs. Tiger Mask, Hiroyshi Tenzan, Master Wato, & Robbie Eagles – 3.0
* Dick Togo & El Phantasmo vs. Shingo Takagi & BUSHI – 3.0
* TAKA Michinoku, DOUKI, & El Desperado vs. Jado, EL LINDAMAN, & Titan – 3.0
* Best of the Super Juniors 2022 A Block match – Clark Connors vs. Ace Austin – 3.0
* Best of the Super Juniors 2022 A Block match – Yoshinobu Kanemaru vs. Alex Zayne – 3.0
* Best of the Super Juniors 2022 A Block match – SHO vs. Francesco Akira – 3.0
* Best of the Super Juniors 2022 A Block match – Rysuke Taguchi vs. Hiromu Takahashi – 2.5
* Best of the Super Juniors 2022 A Block match – YOH vs. Taiji Ishimori – 3.5
Overall – 3.0
Best – YOH vs. Taiji Ishimori match.
Worst – SHO vs. Francesco Akira match dragging at times and the flat ending to the Rysuke Taguchi vs. Hiromu Takahashi comedic style match.
Show Notes – 8-Man Tag opener was an entertaining back-and-forth action match. Bullet Club vs. LIJ Tag notable moments: BUSHI’s kick & top rope rana counter of ELP’s cartwheel rake. BUSHI & Takagi’s running lariats in the corner, BUSHI’s enziguri, Takagi’s atomic drop, BUSHI’s Lungblower, & Takagi’s standing senton combo to Togo. Match itself was pretty good. Suzuki-Gun vs. Jado, LINDAMAN, & Titan 6-Man Tag notable moments: Despy & Titan’s stiff chops fest exchange. LINDAMAN’s catch & Exploder suplex counter of DOUKI’s Daybreak DDT. Despy’s spinebuster counter of Titan’s running attack. Titan’s Matrix dodge, heel kick, & modified Michinoku Driver to Taka. Match itself was a quite good back-and-forth action match despite NJPW production botching the cam shot for the finish. Connors vs. Austin notable moments: Austin’s stiff chops to Connors into Connors’ pounce sending Austin flying across the ring. Connor’s brutal looking Extinction Elbow to Austin’s face. Austin’s Fosbury Flop dive to Connors on the outside. Connors’ spear counter of Austin’s The Fold. Connors’ snap powerslam to Austin into Austin’s kicks, double foot stomp, & The Fold finisher combo counter of Connors’ Trophy Kill. Match itself was a good back-and-forth bout. Kanemaru vs. Zayne notable moments: Zayne’s spiked headscissors to Kanemaru. Kanemaru’s dodge, low dropkick, & Figure Four combo counter of Zayne’s 450 Splash. Zayne’s running leaping rana to Kanemaru off the top rope. Zayne’s Baja Blast & Cinnamon Twist finisher combo to Kanemaru. Match itself was pretty good. SHO vs. Akira notable moments: Akira’s Asai Moonsault to SHO on the outside. Akira’s corkscrew neckbreaker to SHO. Akira’s Cheeky Nandos counter of SHO’s running attack in the corner. SHO’s ref toss & spear counter of Akira’s Fireball. Akira’s Foreplex, Last Round, & Fireball finisher combo to SHO. Match itself was mostly pretty good despite dragging a bit at times. Taguchi vs. Takahashi notable moments: Taguchi losing the will to compete after his failed flying butt attack at the start of the match was a bit funny. Taguchi & Hiromu’s running laps around the ring & Taguchi hiding under the ring antics was a bit funny. Taguchi & Hiromu’s merry-go-round roll-ups into Hirmo’s roll-up near fall pin into Taguchi’s ankle lock. Hiromu’s Hiromu Roll into Taguchi’s escape counter into Hiromu’s Hiromu Roll finisher counter. Match itself was a solid comedic heavy style bout despite the flat ending. YOH vs. Ishimori notable moments: YOH’s tope con hilo splatting Ishimori on the outside. Ishimori’s hammerlock shove to YOH into the exposed corner. YOH’s inverted Dragon Screw counter of Ishimori’s big boot. YOH’s low dropkick & Falcon Arrow combo to Ishimori into YOH’s RRP leglock. YOH’s headbutt & Ushigoroshi combo counter of Ishimori’s Bloody Cross. Ishimori’s block & shove into the exposed post counter of YOH’s Direct Drive. Ishimori’s La Mistica & Bone Lock finisher combo counter of YOH’s Direct Drive. Match itself was a very good back-and-forth action filled bout. Best of the Super Jrs. 2022 Night 1 was an enjoyable show overall.

NJPW Best of the Super Juniors 2022 Night 2 (May 17)
* Kosei Fujita, Ryohei Oiwa, & Clark Connors vs. Yuto Nakashima, Hiroyoshi Tenzan, & YOH – 3.0
* TAKA Michinoku & Yoshinobu Kanemaru vs. Tiger Mask & Ace Austin – 3.0
* Jado, Alex Zayne, & Ryusuke Taguchi vs. Dick Togo, SHO, & Taiji Ishimori – 2.5
* Best of the Super Juniors 2022 B Block match – DOUKI vs. EL LINDAMAN – 3.5
* Best of the Super Juniors 2022 B Block match – El Phantasmo vs. BUSHI – 3.0
* Best of the Super Juniors 2022 B Block match – Wheeler Yuta vs. Robbie Eagles – 3.5
* Best of the Super Juniors 2022 B Block match – TJP vs. Master Wato – 3.0
* Best of the Super Juniors 2022 B Block match – El Desperado vs. Titan – 3.5
Overall – 3.5
Best – El Desperado vs. Titan match.
Worst – The patented lame House of Torture style ending shenanigans to the Jado, Alex Zayne, & Ryusuke Taguchi vs. Bullet Club match.
Show Notes – 6-Man Tag opener was an entertaining back-and-forth action match. Michinoku & Kanemaru vs. Tiger Mask & Austin notable moments: TAKA & Kanemaru’s double team whip into the ropes into Tiger Mask’s crossbody splash counter to Kanmaru. Austin’s swift heel kick & The Fold finisher to TAKA. Match itself was pretty good. Jado, Zayne, & Taguchi vs. Bullet Club 6-Man Tag was solid despite the lame House of Torture style ending shenanigans. DOUKI vs. EL LINDAMAN notable moments: LINDAMAN’s catch, swing around, & leaping neckbreaker counter of DOUKI’s kick in the corner. DOUKI’s kicks & swinging bridging pin counter of LINDAMAN’s suplex. LINDAMAN’s Exploder suplex counter of DOUKI’s running attack. DOUKI’s catch & Italian Stretch #32 counter of LINDAMAN’s Flying Nothing. LINDAMAN’s powerbomb & one arm Iconoclasm combo to DOUKI. DOUKI’s Suplex De La Luna finisher to LINDAMAN. Match itself was a very good back-and-forth action bout. El Phantasmo vs. BUSHI notable moments: ELP’s loud stiff chops, Purple Nurple, & back rake combo to BUSHI. BUSHI’s rope kick counter of ELP’s rope walk crotching him onto the ropes. BUSHI’s rana to ELP. ELP’s Fireman Carry setup into a double knee gutbuster to BUSHI. BUSHI’s rewind kick into ELP’s lariat flooring BUSHI. ELP’s Sudden Death counter of BUSHI’s MX. Match itself was a good competitive action filled bout. Yuta vs. Eagles notable moments: Yuta’s NJPW theme is a banger. Eagles’ springboard arm drag & head scissors combo to Yuta. Yuta’s whip & dropkick counter of Eagles’ standing Slice Bread attempt. Eagles’ running double knees to Yuta in the corner. Yuta’s discus forearm & Eagles swift kick flooring each other. Yuta’s piledriver style upside down Cloverleaf counter of Eagles’ Tombstone piledriver was cool. Eagles’ Flash pin finisher counter of Yuta’s roll-up. Match itself was a very good back-and-forth action filled bout, especially the latter half, despite the abrupt ending. TJP vs. Master Wato notable moments: TJP’s running dropkick to Wato during Wato’s entrance. TJP’s slingshot senton to Wato. Wato’s leaping leg lariat counter of TJP’s running attack. Wato’s deadlift bridging German suplex to TJP. TJP’s catch & float over Saito suplex counter of Wato’s kick. TJP’s dodge, Mamba Splash, & Pinoy Stretch finisher combo counter of Wato’s RPP. Match itself was good. El Desperado vs. Titan notable moments: Titan’s stiff chop & rope bouncing springboard rana to Despy. Despy’s mask rip attack to Titan. Despy’s Indian Deathlock to Titan. Titan’s head scissors grab to Despy sending him over the top rope. Titan’s Asai moonsault to Despy on the outside. Titan’s Dragon Screw & Figure Four combo to Despy. Despy’s spinebuster counter of Titan’s running attack into Despy’s Numero Dos. Titan & Despy’s stiff chops fest exchange into Titan’s Tornado DDT. Titan’s top rope double foot stomp to Despy’s back. Despy’s spear counter of Titan’s springboard double foot stomp. Titan’s La Mistica counter of Despy’s Pinche Loco. Despy’s strike & Pinche Loco finisher counter of Titan’s strikes. Match itself was a very good hard fought action filled bout. Best of the Super Jrs 2022 Night 2 was a very enjoyable show overall.

NJPW Best of the Super Juniors Night 3 (May 18)
* Yuto Nakashima & Tiger Mask vs. Kosei Fujita & Ryohei Oiwa – 3.0
* Dick Togo, Gedo, & El Phantasmo vs. Jado, Hiroyoshi Tenzan, & Master Wato – 2.5
* TAKA Michinoku, El Desperado, & DOUKI vs. Robbie Eagles, Titan, & Wheeler Yuta – 3.0
* Best of the Super Juniors 2022 A Block match – Clark Connors vs. YOH – 3.0
* Best of the Super Juniors 2022 A Block match – Yoshinobu Kanemaru vs. Ace Austin – 3.0
* Best of the Super Juniors 2022 A Block match – SHO vs. Alex Zayne – 3.0
* Best of the Super Juniors 2022 A Block match – Ryusuke Taguchi vs. Taiji Ishimori – 3.0
* Best of the Super Juniors 2022 A Block match – Francesco Akira vs. Hiromu Takahashi – 4.0
Overall – 3.5
Best – Francesco Akira vs. Hiromu Takahashi match.
Worst – Dick Togo, Gedo, & El Phantasmo vs. Jado, Hiroyoshi Tenzan, & Master Wato match.
Show Notes – Nakashima & Tiger Mask vs. Fujita & Oiwa opener was a pretty good Young Lions style match. Bullet Club vs Jado, Tenzan, & Wato 6-Man Tag was mostly solid. Suzuki-Gun vs. Eagles, Titan, & Yuta 6-Man Tag notable moments: Despy’s stiff chop into Titan’s fakeout chop & spinning thrust kick. DOUKI’s slam & double foot stomp combo to Eagles. Eagles’ rolling low kick & bulldog combo counter of DOUKI’s waist lock. Yuta’s Saito Suplex to DOUKI. Eagles’ suicide dive to DOUKI & Titan’s Asai Moonsault to Despy. Yuta’s kicks, overhead elbow strikes, & Seatbelt finisher combo counter of TAKA’s superkick. Match itself was a good back-and-forth action bout. Connors vs. YOH notable moments: Connors & YOH’s loud stiff chops exchange. Connors’ Full Nelson hold counter of YOH’s 5 Star Clutch. YOH’s leaping kick & Dragon Screw combo counter of Connors’ Extinction Elbow setup. YOH’s roll-oover leg lock counter of Connors’ Trophy Kill. YOH’s shove & Ushigoroshi counter of Connors’ spear in the corner. YOH’s kicks & Direct Drive finisher combo to Connors. Match itself was a good hard fought bout. Kanemaru vs. Austin notable moments: Kanemaru’s leg yank counter of Austin’s kick boinking Austin’s head onto the apron. Austin’s apron handstand counter of Kanemaru’s swipe attack into Austin’s kick & Fosbury Flop to Kanemaru. Kanemaru’s spiked Satellite DDT to Austin. Austin’s hammerlock suplex & double knee stomp combo to Kanemaru. Austin’s kicks, roundhouse kick, & The Fold finisher combo to Kanemaru. Match itself was a good back-and-forth action bout. SHO vs. Zayne notable moments: SHO’s whip to Zayne to the ring side into Zayne’s rebound rana via the ropes. SHO’s ref distracted chair attack to Zayne. Zayne’s ripcord lariat counter ot SHO’s running attack. Yikes at Zayne’s head after nailing the apron from his botched moonsault to SHO on the outside. SHO’s knees counter of Zayne’s Cinnamon Twist. Zayne’s block & Taco Driver finisher counter of SHO’s Shock Arrow. Match itself was pretty good. Taguchi vs. Ishimori notable moments: Ishimori chucking Taguchi into the post crotching him in the process. Taguchi’s dodge & springboard splash counter of Ishimori’s sliding German suplex. Taguchi’s Bum-maye to Ishimori. Ishimori’s running double knees, snapmare, neck twist, & YES Lock combo to Taguchi. Ishimori’s gutbuster counter of Taguchi’s Dodon into Taguchi’s catch & ankle lock counter into Ishimori’s roll & Bone Lock counter into Taguchi’s ankle lock counter. Ishimori’s Jackknife Pin finisher counter of Taguchi’s exposed butt Samson Clutch. Match itself was a good back-and-forth bout, especially the latter half. Akira vs. Takahashi notable moments: Akira’s rana counter of Hiromu’s Sunset Bomb. Akira’s neckbreaker & shotgun dropkick counter combo of Hiromu’s strikes in the corner. Hiromu’s shotgun dropkick to Akira off the apron. Hiromu’s pop-up powerbomb counter of Akira’s running attack. Akira’s Brutta Faccia (Cheeky Nandos) counter of Hiromu’s running attack in the corner. Hiromu’s Wheelbarrow suplex to Akira. Akira’s Poison Rana to Hiromu. Akira’s spiked Speedfire to Hiromu. Hiromu’s Time Bomb counter of Akira’s Fireball. Hiromu’s lariat counter of Akira’s Fireball. Hiromu’s Victory Royale & Time Bomb II finisher combo to Akira. Match itself was a great hard fought action packed bout. Best of the Super Jrs 2022 Night 3 was a mostly very enjoyable show overall.

NJPW Best of the Super Juniors 2022 Night 4 (May 19)
* TAKA Michinoku & Yoshinobu Kanemaru vs. Hiroyoshi Tenzan & YOH – 3.0
* Jado, Ryusuke Taguchi, Clark Connors, & Alex Zayne vs. Dick Togo, Gedo, SHO, & Taiji Ishimori – 3.0
* Tiger Mask & Ace Austin vs. Shingo Takagi & Hiromu Takahashi – 3.0
* Best of the Super Juniors 2022 B Block match – DOUKI vs. Wheeler Yuta – 3.0
* Best of the Super Juniors 2022 B Block match – EL LINDAMAN vs. Titan – 3.5
* Best of the Super Juniors 2022 B Block match – BUSHI vs. Robbie Eagles – 3.5
* Best of the Super Juniors 2022 B Block match – El Phantasmo vs. Master Wato – 3.5
* Best of the Super Juniors 2022 B Block match – TJP vs. El Desperado – 3.5
Overall – 3.5
Best – El Phantasmo vs. Master Wato match.
Worst – TJP & El Desperado’s backs after both guys hard falls onto the apron and floor from TJP’s top rope splash to Desperado onto the ropes.
Show Notes – Michinoku & Kanemaru vs. Tenzan & YOH opener was a good back-and-forth action bout. 8-Man Tag was pretty good. Tiger Mask & Austin vs. Takagi & Takahashi notable moments: Tiger Mask’s Tiger Driver counter of Takagi’s Pumping Bomber. Austin’s somersault moonsault to Hiromu. Hiromu’s head scissors to Austin into Hiromu & Takagi’s lariats to Tiger Mask in the corner into Takagi’s Pumping Bomber finisher to Tiger Mask. Match itself was a really good back-and-forth action bout. DOUKI vs. Yuta notable moments: Yuta’s body slam & standing senton to DOUKI. Yuta’s springboard Flatliner to DOUKI. Yuta’s discus elbow strike to DOUKI into DOUKI’s catch & Itaian Stretch 32 counter of Yuta’s running attack. Yuta’s Cattle Mutilation to DOUKI. DOUKI’s Daybreak DDT to Yuta. Yuta’s overhead elbow strikes & Seatbelt finisher to DOUKI. Match itself was a really good competitive bout. EL LINDAMAN vs. Titan notable moments: Titan & LINDAMAN’s stiff chops exchange into Titan’s superkick & top rope double foot stomp to LINADMAN on the apron. LINDAMAN’s judo throw & short arm DDT combo to Titan. Titan’s Dragon Screw, & Figure Four combo counter of LINDAMAN’s kick. LINDAMAN’s dropkick & one arm Iconoclasm combo counter of Titan’s springboard double stomp. LINDAMAN’s deadlift bridging German suplex finisher to Titan. Match itself was a very good hard hitting action filled bout. BUSHI vs. Eagles notable moments: Eagles’ running leaping double knees & running double knees combo to BUSHi in the corner. Eagles’ springboard low dropkick to BUSHI. BUSHI’s kick & missile dropkick combo counter of Eagles running attack in the corner. Eagles’ swift kick flooring BUSHI into BUSHI’s dropkick counter of Eagles running attack. BUSHI’s slingshot DDT to Eagles onto the apron. BUSHI’s backstabber counter of Eagles’ Turbo Backpack. BUSHI’s Destoyer counter of Eagles’ roll-over move into BUSHI’s MX finisher. Match itself was a very good back-and-forth hard hitting action bout. El Phantasmo vs. Master Wato notable moments: ELP’s delayed suplex to Wato onto the floor. ELP’s Tree of Woe nut stomp to Wato. Wato’s springboard moonsault to ELP into Wato’s tope con hilo to ELP on the outside. Wato’s corkscrew dive to ELP on the outside. ELP’s loud stiff chop to Wato into Wato’s high angle German suoplex bending ELP in half. ELP’s kicks & superplex counter of Wato’s RPP. ELP’s Sudden Death & CR II finisher combo counter of Wato’s springboard Flying Nothing. Match itself was a very good hard fought action filled bout. TJP vs. El Desperado notable moments: TJP’s drop to hold & Mutoh Lock combo to Despy. Despy’s inverted Dragon Screw combo to TJP in the corner. TJP’s brutal looking top rope splash to Dspy onto the ropes sending both tumbling hard onto the apron & floor. TJP’s Octopus Hold to Despy into Despy’s Numero Dos counter into TJP’s roll-up counter. Despy’s dodge & Numero Dos counter of TJP’s Mamba Splash. Despy’s Dude Buster to TJP. TJP’s roll-up counter of Despy’s Pinche Loco. TJP’s briding pin counter of Despy’s Pinche Loco into Despy’s pin break lift & Pinche Loco finisher to TJP. Match itself was a very good hard fought action bout. Best of the Super Jrs 2022 Night 4 was a very enjoyable show overall.

NJPW Best of the Super Juniors 2022 Night 5 (May 21)
* Dick Togo, Gedo, & El Phantasmo vs. Jado, EL LINDAMAN, & Titan – 2.5
* Shingo Takagi & BUSHI vs. Hiroyoshi Tenzan & Master Wato – 3.0
* TAKA Michinoku, DOUKI, & El Desperado vs. Tiger Mask, Robbie Eagles, & Wheeler Yuta – 3.0
* Best of the Super Juniors 2022 A Block match – SHO vs. Clark Connors – 3.0
* Best of the Super Juniors 2022 A Block match – Francesco Akira vs. Ryusuke Taguchi – 3.0
* Best of the Super Juniors 2022 A Block match – Yoshinobu Kanemaru vs. YOH – 3.0
* Best of the Super Juniors 2022 A Block match – Ace Austin vs. Hiromu Takahashi – 4.0
* Best of the Super Juniors 2022 A Block match – Alex Zayne vs. Taiji Ishimori – 3.5
Overall – 3.5
Best – Ace Austin vs. Hiromu Takahashi match.
Worst – The ending shenanigans to the SHO vs. Clark Connors match.
Show Notes – Bullet Club vs. Jado, EL LINDAMAN, & Titan 6-Man Tag opener was solid. Tagaki & BUSHI vs. Tenzan & Wato was a pretty good back-and-forth bout. Suzuki-Gun vs. Tiger Mask, Eagles, & Yuta notable moments: Tiger Mask’s til-a-whirl backbreaker to DOUKI. Eagles kicks fest to DOUKI into DOUKI’s throat strike into Eagles’ thrust kick into DOUKI’s lariat flooring Eagles. Eagles’ standing Slice Break counter of TAKA’s Michinoku Driver. Eagles’ Turbo Backpack finisher counter of TAKA’s thrust kick. Match itself was a really good back-and-forth action bout. Connors vs. SHO notable moments: SHO’s pre-match ambush attack to Connors during Connors’ entrance quickly backfiring for SHO. Connor’s spear to SHO on the outside. SHO’s weapon strikes to Connors’ arm. Connors’ Extinction Elbow nailing SHO’s head. Connors’ deadlift German suplex counter of SHO’s Shock Arrow. SHO’s ref distracted swift low blow & roll-up finisher combo to Connors. Match itself was pretty good despite the ending shenanigans by SHO. Akira vs. Taguchi notable moments: Akira’s atomic drop & dropkick counter of Taguchi’s hip attack. Taguchi’s springboard hip attack to Akira. Taguchi’s dropkick counter of Akira’s sunset pin attempt. Akira’s Frankensteiner to Taguchi. Akira’s shotgun dropkick & Speed Fire combo to Taguchi. Akira’s springboard dropkick & Asai moonsault combo to Taguchi. Taguchi’s sitdown pin finisher counter of Akira’s roll-up. Match itself was a quite good back-and-forth action bout despite the abrupt ending. Kanemaru vs. YOH notable moments: Kanemaru’s dodge & body slam onto the floor counter of YOH’s Plancha. Kanemaru’s low dropkick & Figure Four combo to YOH into YOH’s reverse Figure Four counter into Kanemaru’s roll over & Figure Four counter. YOH’s Falcon Arrow to Kanemaru. Kanemaru’s knee breaker & low dropkick counter of YOH’s Tiger suplex. Kanemaru’s suplex style reverse DDT to YOH. YOH’s Satori Surprise, superkick, & Direct Drive finisher combo counter of Kanemaru’s Satori Surprise. Match itself was a good back-and-forth bout. Austin vs. Takahashi notable moments: Hiromu’s dodge & arm bar counter of Austin’s arm drag. Austin’s gutwrench suplex to Hiromu. Hiromu’s running rana to Austin. Austin’s block counter of Hiromus sunset bomb into Austin’s apron handstands & kicks counters of Hiromu’s attacks. Austin’s springboard side kick to Hiromu. Hiromu’s pop-up powerbomb counter of Austin’s The Fold. Hiromu’s running spiked DVD to Austin into the corner. Hiromu’s Victory Royale & Time Bomb II finisher combo to Austin. Match itself was a great hard fought action packed bout. Zayne vs. Ishimori notable moments: Ouch at Zayne’s arm after his rough landing from Ishimori’s dropkick counter of Zayne’s running attack on the outside. Ishimori’s catch & YES Lock counter of Zayne’s cartwheel. Zayne’s brutal looking discus lariat to Ishimori. Zayne’s sommersault leg drop to Ishimori. Ishimori’s shove into the exposed corner & arm breaker combo to Zayne. Zayne’s catch & spinning front slam counter of Ishimori’s La Mistica. Ishimori’s catch & Bone Lock counter of Zayne’s Cinnamon Twist. Ishimori’s La Mistica & Bone Lock finisher counter of Zayne’s Taco Driver. Match itself was a very good action filled bout. Best of the Super Jrs 2022 Night 5 was a very enjoyable show overall.

NJPW Strong Mutiny Night 2 (May 21)
* Ren Narita vs. Chris Dickinson – 4.0
* The Factory (Nick Comoroto & Aaron Solow) vs. LA Dojo (Karl Fredericks & Clark Connors) – 3.0
* United Empire (Aaron Henare, Great-O-Khan, & TJP) vs. Brody King, Mascara Dorada, & Rust Taylor – 3.5
Overall – 3.5
Best – Ren Narita vs. Chris Dickinson match.
Worst – The crowd being very rowdy at times and not in a good way.
Show Notes – Narita vs. Dickinson opener notable moments: Dickinson & Narita’s stiff chops & slaps exchange into Dickinson’s kick & suplex combo into Dickinson’s arm lock hold. Narita’s rolling knee bar hold to Dickinson. Narita’s kicks to Dickinson into Dickinson’s loud chops, snapmare, & hammerlock arm bar combo counter. Narita’s bridging underhook suplex to Dickinson. Narita’s Figure Four into Dickinson’s roll over & reverse Figure Foure into Narita’s roll over & Figure Four. Narita’s swift stiff kick flooring Dickinson. Dickinson’s lariats fest in the corner & brainbuster combo to Narita. Dickinson’s STF to Narita. Narita’s dodge & sleeper counter of Dickinson’s stiff chops into Narita’s Octopus Hold into Dickinson’s hip toss counter. Match itself was a great physical grapple heavy battle & very good use of the time limit draw. The Factory vs. LA Dojo notable moments: Factory’s double team dropkick suplex to Connors. Comoroto’s slingshot elbow drop splatting Connors. Fredericks’ spinebuster to Solo. QT Marshall’s ref distracted punch, Solo’s spinning heel kick, & Comoroto’s spear combo to Fredericks. Fredericks’ suicide dive to Comoroto. Connors’ spear & Trophy Kill finisher combo counter of Solo’s spinning heel kick. Match itself was a quite good back-and-forth action bout. The very rowdy crowd drowning out Marshall’s post-match promo was pretty cool despite going overboard with it. United Empire vs. King, Mascara Dorada, & Taylor 6-Man Tag notable moments: TJP’s dropkick counter of Dorada’s springboard Flying Nothing. Dorada’s kick & Slingblade bulldog combo counter of TJP’s running attack in the corner. Dorada’s shotgun dropkick counter of TJP & Khan’s whip into the ropes. King’s stiff chops, running lariats, & running splash to Henare & Khan into King’s running cannonball to Khan into King’s Bossman Slam to TJP. Khan’s Judo throw counter of King’s running lariat. Rust’s escape & Ankle Lock counter of TJP’s Octopus Hold into Rust’s Rings of Rust hold to Henare. Henare’s Blue Thunder Bomb & TJP’s Mamba Splash combo to Dorada. Henare & Khan’s Imperial Drop finisher to Rust. Match itself was a great action packed bout. Post-match promo by Khan was decent but the crowd was way too rowdy and not in a good way. This week’s show was very enjoyable overall.

Impact Wrestling Impact! (May 19)
* Ultimate X Qualifying match – Laredo Kid vs. “Speedball” Mike Bailey – 3.5
* Six Knockouts Tag Team match – Deonna Purrazzo, Savannah Evans, & Tasha Steelz vs. Jordynne Grace, Taya Valkyrie, & Mia Yim – 3.0
* Honor No More (Mike Bennett & Matt Taven) vs. The Good Brothers (Doc Gallows & Karl Anderson) – 3.0
* Masha Slamovich vs. Shawna Reed – 2.0 (Squash)
* Impact World Tag Team Championship – Violent By Design (Deaner & Joe Doering) vs. The Briscoes (Mark & Jay Briscoe) (c) – 3.0
Overall – 3.0
Best – Eric Young’s promo video about his career in TNA/Impact and the Laredo Kid vs. Mike Bailey match.
Worst – The Locker Room Talk segment with The Influence, Johnny Swinger, Zicky Dice, & Decay.
Show Notes – Kid vs. Bailey opener noatble moments: Kid’s front slam & moonsaults combo to Bailey. Bailey’s springboard moonsault from the inside corner to Kid on the outside. Bailey’s running twisting Shooting Star Press to Kid. Kid’s catch & one arm powerbomb counter of Bailey’s kick. Bailey’s swift kick & pin attempt to Kid into Kid’s roll-up counter into Bailey’s roll-up finisher counter. Match itself was a very back-and-forth action bout. Ace Austin’s taped promo his issues with Bailey, repping Impact at NJPW’s Best of the Super Jrs tournament, & regaining his X Division title goal was all right. The Cardonas promo about Matt Cardona mocking Rich Swann, their honeymoon break, & Chelsea Green’s Knockouts title goal was decent. 6-Women Tag was a pretty good back-and-forth action bout. Locker Room Talk segment about The Influence mocking Gisele Shaw and Kaleb, sidekicks Johnny Swinger & Zicky Dice antics, interruption by Decay, & banter was a bit corny. Young’s promo video about his early years issues in TNA & the road leading up to the “real” Eric Young of VBD was super. Josh Alexander’s backstage interview about his upcoming Impact title match against Young & ushering the next era of Impact was splendid. HNM vs. Good Bros notable moments: HNM’s double team snake eyes to Anderson onto the ropes. Gallows’ twisting pump handle slam to Taven. Taven’s springboard moonsault to Gallows. Anderson’s dodge counter of Bennett’s spear nailing Maria instead. Match itself was a good back-and-forth action bout, especially the latter half. Sami Callihan’s video promo about his bad blood issues with Moose for injuring him & wanting brutal revenge was all right. Impact Tag title match notable moments: Deaner & Mark Briscoe’s stiff chops fest exchange. Mark’s rolling neckbreaker to Deaner off the apron. Doering’s running crossbody splatting Jay. Mark’s sunset dive to Doering on the outside. Mark’s Iconoclasm to Deaner off the top rope. Briscoes’ double team neckbreaker powerbomb to Deaner. Deaner’s kick & lariat counter of Jay’s Jay Driller. Jay’s thrust kicks & rana combo to Doering. Jay’s Flash roll-up pin finisher to Deaner. Match itself was a quite good action filled bout. Post-match brawl with Young & Alexander was all right. This week’s show was enjoyable overall.

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Weekly Awards:

• Best match of the week – Konosuke Takeshita vs. Hangman Adam Page (AEW Dynamite)
• Best match of the week runner-up – Best of the Super Juniors 2022 A Block match – Francesco Akira vs. Hiromu Takahashi (NJPW Best of the Super Juniors 2022 Night 3)
• Worst match of the week – NXT Women’s Breakout Tournament First Round match – Lash Legend vs. Tatum Paxley (WWE NXT)
• Worst match of the week runner-up – Alexa Bliss vs. Sonya Deville (WWE RAW)
• Best show of the week – AEW Dynamite
• Worst show of the week – WWE RAW