Opinion: Match & Show Ratings for November 13 to November 21, 2022

Editor’s note: This week’s report will be the last due to the special reason of wanting to focus preparing for a new project starting in early 2023. This has been something that has been an idea in the making for the past several years involving detailed full show reviews from wrestling history. At the moment, this will likely be covering WCW Nitro’s history starting with its very first show.

Welcome to the final edition of TPWW’s Emperor Smeat’s Match and Show Ratings for the week of November 13 to November 21th, 2022. This edition features an extra two days worth of shows since I wanted to include both NJPW & Stardom’s Historic X-Over show and NJPW’s first night of Super Junior Tag League 2022 for the special nature of this report.

Match and show star ratings (out of 5):

WWE

WWE RAW (Nov. 14)
* Bobby Lashley vs. Mustafa Ali – 2.5 (Squash)
* Mia Yim vs. Tamina – 2.0
* Matt Riddle vs. Chad Gable – 3.0
* Dominik Mysterio vs. Shelton Benjamin – 2.5
* IYO SKY vs. Dana Brooke – 2.5
* Austin Theory vs. Dolph Ziggler – 3.0
* Baron Corbin vs. Akira Tozawa – 2.0
* United States Championship match – Finn Balor vs. Seth Rollins (c) – 3.5
Overall – 3.0
Best – United States Championship match.
Worst – Miz TV segment with Johnny Gargano.
Show Notes – Opening Rollins’ promo mocking Theory for his cash-in failure and the crowd joining in on the ridicule & boasting about the US title being the top title of RAW. Lashley’s interruption threatening beatings to everyone till he gets his US title back, Rollins’ insult retort about Lashley’s loss to Lesnar, & Ali’s interruption and brawl with Lashley was all right overall. Lashley vs. Ali was a fine mostly jobber destruction bout. The OC’s backstage interview about Gallows’ smooth talk attempt to Yim & their issues with Judgement Day was a bit corny. Yim vs. Tamina was a somewhat solid at best bout. Post-match Ripley and Yim staredown & Ripley’s fakeout fight tease was all right. Damage CTRL & Yim’s backstage segment about Kai trying to recruit Yim into their group and WarGames team & Yim’s rejection was all right. Riddle vs. Gable was a quite good back-and-forth action filled bout despite the shenanigans ending by Otis. JBL & Corbin’s backstage poker room segment about Corbin’s poker game win against some random guy, JBL bashing Kentucky bourbon & Kentucky itself, & Tozawa’s surprise appearance demanding a poker game despite claiming to not know the rules was all right. Miz TV segment about Miz’s fake sobbing over his regrets getting involved with Lumis, blaming Lumis’ greediness for why things have spiraled out of control, & his recent bout of depression. Gargano’s interruption claiming Miz is still a liar, rambling banter, match setup with Lumis, & Lumis’ surprise appearance was decent at best but this storyline has been mostly awful since Gargano got involved. Mysterio vs. Benjamin was a solid back-and-forth bout despite the flat finish & ending shenanigans by Judgement Day. Theory’s backstage interview about people being jealous & wanting to see him fail & claiming he didn’t fail his cash-in but got rid of the MitB case dragging him down. Ziggler’s interruption mocking Theory for being the worst ever cash-in and boasting about his own successful cash-in & match setup banter was all right overall. SKY vs. Brooke was solid at best. Yim’s post-match interruption revealing she’s siding with Belair’s team was all right. Corbin & Tozawa’s backstage poker game about Tozawa’s lengthy win streak, calling out Corbin for trying to cheat, match challenge, & slap and running off with all the chips was a bit funny. Theory vs. Ziggler moments: Theory’s catapult to Ziggler in the corner into Ziggler’s landing counter into Theory’s shove & modified Rack Bomb counter. Ziggler’s knee strike & Fameasser counter of Theory’s running attack. Theory’s swift forearm strike & A-Town Downs counter of Ziggler’s superkick. Theory snapping & beatdown to Ziggler. Match was going on really well, especially the latter half, until the buzzkill DQ ending. Theory’s post-match rampage was a bit interesting. Damage CTRL & Ripley backstage segment about Ripley joining their WarGames team due to Yim joining Belair’s team was decent. Corbin vs. Tozawa was a mostly solid bout. US title match moments: Balor’s Slingblade counter of Rollins’ curb stomp into Rollins’ superkick counter of Balor’s running attack into Balor’s knees counter of Rollins’ Frog Splash. Rollins’ superplex to Balor into Balor’s flip over & 1916 counter of Rollins’ roll over Falcon Arrow. Judgement Day run-in distractions to Rollins into The OC’s run-in save ringside brawl. Match itself was a very good hard fought action bout despite the ending shenanigans with JD & OC. Post-match Theory’s ambush attack to Rollins was all right.
Final Thoughts – This week’s show was mostly enjoyable overall.

WWE NXT (Nov. 15)
* NXT Championship – Von Wagner vs. Bron Breakker (c) – 3.0
* Indus Sher (Sanga & Veer Mahan) vs. George Cannon & Ariel Dominguez – 3.0 (Squash)
* JD McDonagh vs. Apollo Crews – 3.5
* Josh Briggs & Brooks Jensen vs. The Dyad (Rip Fowler & Jagger Reid) – 2.5
* Indi Hartwell vs. Tatum Paxley – 2.0
* NXT Women’s Championship Last Woman Standing match – Alba Fyre vs. Mandy Rose (c) – 2.5
Overall – 3.0
Best – JD McDonagh vs. Apollo Crews match.
Worst – The baffling booking decision for the NXT Women’s title match & Mandy Rose’s never ending Reign of Terror continuing.
Show Notes – NXT title match opener was a quite good back-and-forth action bout. Fyre’s promo video about promising to put an end to Rose’s Toxic Empire and NXT Women’s title reign was all right. Zoey Stark’s rambling promo complaining about Nikkita Lyons dragging down her NXT career & Women’s title goal since her return, being done with others leeching off her career, bashing the fans for being fickle, & threat to NXT’s Women’s locker room was all over the place & terrible. Chase U backstage segment about Duke Hudson’s reason why he threw in the towel for Chase’s match last week due to him deeply caring for Chase & Chase U’s well-being, Chase being pleased with Hudson’s answer, & Thea Hail’s interruption about stuff and liking Hudson was all right. Indus Sher vs. Cannon & Dominguez was an entertaining brutal jobber destruction bout. Indus Sher’s post-match promo calling out Creed Bros for destruction & lack of appreciation from fans was all right. Diamond Mine backstage segment about Indus Sher’s threat & issues with Damon Kemp was decent. Wendy Choo’s backstage interview about Cora Jade’s issues with her, being a bit upset over some of the stuff Jade said, & promising two black eyes for Jade was a bit goofy. McDonagh vs. Crews moments: Crews’ super backdrop counter of McDonagh’s top rope sleeper into McDonagh’s sleeper hold into Crews escape & sleeper counter into McDonagh’s backdrop driver counter. McDonagh’s dodge counter of Crews’ top rope attack into Crews’ pump kick & powerbombs counter of McDonagh’s running attack. McDonagh’s escape, shove, & guillotine forearm strike counter of Crews’ superplex. Crews’ dodge & high angle Uranage finisher counter of McDonagh’s moonsault. Match itself was a very good back-and-forth hard hitting action bout. Rose’s backstage interview about her upcoming NXT Women’s title match, proving her critics wrong about her abilities as a wrestler, & being a one-in-a-billion superstar was her only really good promo in NXT since she showed up. NXT North American title match contract signing segment with Carmelo Hayes and Wes Lee about Hayes & Trick Williams boasting about Hayes getting his belt back soon, Lee’s insults retort and promise to be the new standard as NA champ, & heated insults banter was splendid. Brooks & Jensen vs. Dyad tag was a solid back-and-forth bout despite the ending ringside shenanigans by Kiana James & Fallon Henley. HBK’s hyped up announcement for NXT Deadline being a brand new hybrid Iron Man, Gauntlet, & King of the Mt. match was both interesting & something straight out of Vince Russo’s wacky playbook. Hartwell vs. Paxley was somewhat solid at best. Scrypts’ newest poem promo video was lame as usual. NXT Women’s title match moments: Rose chucking Fyre over the barricade into Fyre & Rose’s brawl into Rose’s shove over the barricade onto the steel steps. Isla Dawn’s surprise appearance & mist spray to Fyre onto a ladder causing her to crash onto the announcer’s table Match itself was solid at best despite being sloppy at times & ending shenanigans by Dawn. NXT’s booking of the Women’s title scene during Rose’s title reign has been mostly dogshit bad.
Final Thoughts – This week’s show was mostly enjoyable overall despite the weak second hour and awful booking decision for the main event.

WWE Friday Night SmackDown (Nov. 18)
* SmackDown World Cup First Round match – Ricochet vs. Mustafa Ali – 3.5
* Madcap Moss vs. Karrion Kross – 2.5
* Shanya Baszler vs. Shotzi – 1.5
* Imperium (Giovanni Vinci, Ludwig Kaiser, & Gunther) vs. New Day (Xavier Woods & Kofi Kingston) & Braun Strowman – 3.0
* SmackDown World Cup First Round match – Butch vs. Sami Zayn – 3.0
Overall – 3.5
Best – The show closing mass brawl between the Bloodline and the Brawling Brutes, Drew McIntyre, & Kevin Owens.
Worst – Shanya Baszler vs. Shotzi match being a big dud.
Show Notes – Opening Brawling Brutes & McIntyre promo about Sheamus’ longtime rivalry with McIntyre creating mutual respect between each other for why they are on the same team, “Brutey” nickname for McIntyre, and offer to join his WarGames team, & McIntyre’s response accepting over the Bloodline being their common enemy. Zayn’s interruption of Sheamus’ 5th member reveal, mocking Sheamus’ team chances against the Bloodline, and trash talk to Butch, & Sheamus’ retort teasing his mystery 5th man is someone that would make Zayn “crap his pants” was all right overall. Ricochet vs. Ali moments: Ali’s top rope backstabber to Ricochet. Ricochet’s catch & Michinoku Driver counter of Ali’s slingshot crossbody on the outside. Ali’s dodge & Koji Clutch counter of Ricochet’s Phoenix Splash. Ricochet’s grab, Dragon Suplex, discus lariat, & standing moonsault counter of Ali’s top rope attack. Ricochet’s dodge counter of Ali’s 450 Splash into Ricochet’s Shooting Star Press finisher. Match itself was a very good back-and-forth action bout. Bloodline’s backstage segment about Jey Uso being upset over Zayn running his mouth making guarantees without their permission, Jimmy Uso playing peacekeeper, and them trying to figure out who is Sheamus’ mystery 5th guy is was all right but Zayn managing to make Jey corpse during his speech was a bit funny. New Day’s backstage interview about being depressed over no longer holding the record for longest ever WWE Tag champs reign, Imperium’s interruption ridiculing New Day, & New Day’s insults retort and 6-Man match challenge was decent. Moss & Emma’s backstage segment about Moss wanting revenge over Kross injuring his throat & Emma’s words of advice was decent. Moss vs. Kross was a solid back-and-forth bout despite the ending shenanigans by Scarlett. Emma being extra late trying to save Moss from Kross’ post-match attack was a bit funny. Bray Wyatt’s promo about being conditioned to be a bad person & badmouthing LA Knight but offering an apology. Knight’s interruption being upset over Wyatt’s actions last week but believing Wyatt respects him, & fakeout handshake into a bitch slap accepting Wyatt’s apology. Bray saying they are even now and handshake offer, Knight’s slap response, & Bray’s death stare afterwards was all right overall but also a lot funnier than WWE likely expected. Baszler vs. Shotzi was a mostly dull bout topped with overboard ringside shenanigans by Rousey and Raquel Rodriguez & flat ending. Knight’s backstage interview about not being afraid of Wyatt & entering an omnivorous dark room. Knight getting KOed off-screen with a pile of stuff on him afterwards was okay. Imperium vs. New Day & Strowman 6-Man tag was a pretty good bout but WWE creative making Gunther cower in fear of Strowman throughout the match was dumb. Butch vs. Zayn moments: Brutes, McIntyre, & Bloodline’s brawl at ringside into Butch’s sunset splash to the Usos on the outside. Butch’s Bitter End finisher to Zayn via Sheamus & Jey distraction assist. Match itself was a good action filled bout despite the ending shenanigans. Post-match mass brawl with Roman Reigns & Kevin Owens was great.
Final Thoughts – This week’s show was mostly very enjoyable overall.

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AEW

AEW Dark Elevation (Nov. 14)
* Gates of Agony (Toa Liona & Bishop Kaun) vs. Big Cuzzo & Teddy Goodz – 1.5 (Squash)
* Tay Melo vs. Paris Van Dale – 2.0 (Squash)
* Matt Hardy & Private Party (Isiah Kassidy & Marq Quen) vs. Kyle Bradley, Smiley Fairchild, & Channing Thomas – 2.5
* Athena vs. Kayla Sparks – 2.0 (Squash)
* The Butcher & The Blade vs. Waves & Curls (Jaylen Brandyn & Traevon Jordan) – 2.5 (Squash)
* ROH Pure Championship – Leon Ruffin vs. Daniel Garcia (c) – 3.0
* Jora Johl vs. “10” Preston Vance – 2.0
* Serpentico vs. AR Fox – 2.5
* Mei Suruga & Emi Sakura vs. Riho & Willow Nightingale – 3.0
Overall – 3.0
Best – Mei Suruga & Emi Sakura vs. Riho & Willow Nightingale match.
Worst – Gates of Agony vs. Big Cuzzo & Teddy Goodz match.
Show Notes – Gates of Agony vs. Big Cuzzo & Goodz opener was a somewhat decent mostly squash bout despite the rough ending sequence. Post-match Liona’s belly-to-belly suplex attack to Goodz was decent. Melo vs. Van Dale was a decent squash bout. Hardy & Private Party vs. Bradley, Fairchild, & Thomas Trios tag moments: Cassidy’s springboard guillotine cutter to Thomas & Poetry in Motion to Fairchild via Hardy assist. Hardy’s head smashes to Bradley onto the turnbuckles & Side Effect to Fairchild. Thomas & Fairchild’s forearm strikes to Private Party into PP’s ropes pull counter of Thomas & Fairchild’s running attack sending both over the ropes into PP’s springboard moonsaults to Thomas & Fairchild on the outside. Hardy’s Leech finisher to Bradley. Match itself was a solid bout. Athena vs. Sparks moments: Sparks’ baseball slide to Athena on the outside into Athena’s shove into the ringside apron, front suplex slam onto the floor, & knee strike onto the steel steps combo to Sparks. Athena’s swift superkick & slugfest to Sparks. Athena’s roll-over Guillotine choke finisher to Sparks. Match itself was a decent mostly squash bout. Post-match Athena’s O-Face attack to Sparks was nice. Butcher & Blade vs. Waves & Curls tag was a fine jobber destruction bout. ROH Pure title match moments: Garcia’s hard shove to Ruffing off the top rope causing him to crash hard onto the outside. Garcia’s catch counter of Ruffin’s twisting Flying Nothing into Ruffin’s rebound lariat counter of Garcia’s whip. Ruffin’s corkscrew cutter to Garcia. Garcia’s Butterfly suplex to Ruffin onto the corner. Garcia’s overhead elbows & sleeper into Ruffin’s flip over counter into Garcia’s sleeper & Chicken Wing finisher combo. Match itself was a good back-and-forth bout. Johl vs. 10 was a mostly solid brief bout. Serpentico vs. Fox was a solid back-and-forth bout & Fox getting his first ever AEW win is interesting. Suruga & Sakura vs. Riho & Nightingale moments: Sakura & Willow’s shoulder tackles fest & bickering over who gets to wear purple for their ring gear. Willow’s double armdrag counter of Sakura & Suruga’s double team Russian Leg Sweep. Sakura’s block of Riho’s 619 into Sakura’s double underhook gutbuster to Riho via Ballyin Akki distraction assist. Suruga’s full nelson head smashes to Riho onto the apron. Willow’s pounce to Suruga yeeting her almost out of the ring. Willow’s spinebuster counter of Sakura’s running attack into Riho’s top rope crossbody to Sakura. Sakura’s tilt-a-whirl backbreaker to Riho and drop toe hold to Willow onto Riho & Sakura and Suruga’s Transformer onto Willow & Riho. Riho’s dodge & top rope double foot stomp counter of Sakura’s top rope moonsault. Willow’s smash through & double lariat counter of Sakura & Suruga’s double team clothesline into Willow’s DVD & Riho’s running double knee strike finisher to Sakura. Match itself was an entertaining back-and-forth action bout.
Final Thoughts – This week’s show was mostly enjoyable overall.

AEW Dark (Nov. 15)
* Skye Blue vs. Paris Van Dale – 2.0
* Iron Savages (Bronson & Boulder) vs. Brando Lee & Lucas Chase – 2.5 (Squash)
* Kiera Hogan vs. Kennedi Copeland – 2.0 (Squash)
* Frankie Kazarian vs. Zack Clayton – 2.5
* The Factory (Lee Johnson, Cole Karter, & QT Marshall) vs. “Man Scout” Jake Manning, Channing Thomas, & Teddy Goodz – 2.5
* Athena vs. LMK – 2.5
* Dark Order (Alex Reynolds, Evil Uno, & John Silver) vs. Mike Magnum, Brett Gosyln, & Arjan Singh – 2.0 (Squash)
* ROH Pure Championship – Brock Anderson vs. Daniel Garcia (c) – 3.0
Overall – 2.5
Best – ROH Pure Championship match.
Worst – The rough ending sequence to the Skye Blue vs. Paris Van Dale match.
Show Notes – Blue vs. Van Dale opener moments: Blue swift thrust kick flooring Van Dale into Blue’s rough looking Sky Fall finisher. Match itself was a mostly solid back-and-forth bout despite the rough ending. Iron Savages vs. Lee & Chase tag moments: Boulder’s press slam toss to Lee onto Chase into Bronson’s standing senton to Lee & Chase. Iron Savages double team running cannonball finisher to Lee & Chase in the corner. Match itself was a fine jobber destruction bout. Hogan vs. Copeland was a decent mostly squash style bout. Kazarian vs. Clayton moments: Clayton’s block & Fisherman Buster counter of Kazarian’s Chicken Wing into Kazarian’s block & Chicken Wing finisher counter. Match itself was a mostly solid back-and-forth bout. Brock & Arn Anderson’s backstage interview about Brock’s upcoming ROH Pure title match & claiming Garcia is still unsure of being either a wrestler or “sports entertainer” was all right. Factory vs. Manning, Thomas, & Goodz Trios tag moments: The Factory’s triple team 3D style Diamond Cutter finisher to Goodz. Match itself was a solid back-and-forth bout. Athena vs. LMK moments: LMK’s armdrag & hand chomp combo to Athena. Athena’s Octopus hold to LMK into LMK’s strikes into Athena’s modified backstabber. Athena’s catch & Black Hole Slam counter of LMK’s top rope crossbody into Athena’s swift kick, punches, & ugly looking clothesline finisher. Match itself was a solid back-and-forth bout despite the flat ending. Dark Order vs. Magnum, Gosyln, & Singh moments: Silver’s powerbomb to Gosyln onto Reynolds’ knees. Reynolds’ pop-up knee strike & Silver and Uno’s kick strike Ushigoroshi combo to Singh. Dark Order’s Pendulum Bomb finisher to Goslyn. Match itself was a decent mostly squash style bout. Athena’s backstage interview about her angry rant over being bugged for an interview & shooing away Lexy Nair was all right. ROH Pure title match moments: Garcia’s dropkick & Dragon Screw combo to Anderson onto the ropes. Anderson’s headbutts counter of Garcia’s inverted knee bar. Garcia’s surfboard setup stomp to Anderson’s knees. Anderson’s lift & suplex counter of Garcia’s Guillotine choke. Garcia’s escape & Pumphandle side slam counter of Anderson’s DDT. Anderson’s fakeout punch into a DDT to Garcia. Garcia’s spiked piledriver finisher to Anderson. Match itself was a pretty good back-and-forth bout.
Final Thoughts – This week’s show was average overall.

AEW Dynamite (Nov. 16)
* Jericho Appreciation Society (Sammy Guevara & Chris Jericho) vs. Blackpool Combat Club (Claudio Castagnoli & Bryan Danielson) – 3.5
* Anthony Bowens vs. Swerve Strickland – 3.0
* AEW World Trios Championship – AR Fox & Top Flight (Darius & Dante Martin) vs. Death Triangle (PAC, Penta El Zero Miedo, & Rey Fenix) (c) – 4.0
* AEW World Championship Eliminator tournament Semifinals match – “All Ego” Ethan Page vs. Bandido – 3.0
* AEW Interim Women’s Championship Eliminator match – Anna Jay A.S. vs. Toni Storm – 2.5
Overall – 3.5
Best – AEW World Trios Championship match, Elite’s return reveal, and Britt Baker’s promo segment.
Worst – The flat ending to the Ethan Page vs. Bandido match.
Show Notes – JAS vs. BCC tag opener moments: Jericho’s ref distracted bat whack to Danielson. Claudio’s block & Sharpshooter setup counter of Jericho’s Walls into Guevara’s superkick to Claudio breaking his hold. Danielson’s shotgun dropkick to Jericho breaking up his Walls hold to Claudio. Danielson shrugging off Guevara’s forearms fest into Danielson’s discus forearm flooring Guevara. Danielson’s escape & LeBell Lock counter of Guevara’s GTH. Guevara’s face chomp & top rope cutter counter of Danielson’s superplex. Jericho hanging onto his bat during Claudio’s Giant Swing was funny. Claudio’s bat yank & Scorpion Deathlock finisher counter of Jericho’s bat attack. Match itself was a very good back-and-forth action filled bout. Bowens vs. Strickland moments: Acclaimed’s pre-match music video bashing Swerve In Our Glory & Waterboy’s Captain Insano homage was superb. Match itself was a pretty good back-and-forth bout despite dragging a bit too long. Rose vs. Cargill TBS title match hype video was all right. Samoa Joe’s promo why he attacked Wardlow last week being due to Wardlow underestimated who was the most dangerous man & refusing be made a victim of Wardlow. Hobbs’ interruption and heated banter, Wardlow’s interruption, & mass pull apart brawl was splendid overall. Britt Baker’s backstage passionate promo about Saraya claiming she’s not a star, retort that she worked hard to earn her success over the past 3 years, being proud to wrestle at Daily’s Place during the COVID pandemic, & tell Saraya to leave if she can’t accept her being the heart of AEW was splendid. AEW Trios titles match moments: Top Flight’s double team toss & Fox’s cutter combo to PAC off the corner. Lucha Bros’ double team cazadora splash & PAC’s standing moonsault combo to FOX. Darius’ leg yank, PK, & brainbuster combo to PAC. Darius’ Tornado DDT to PAC off Fenix & Dante’s Half Uranage to Fenix. Fox’s reverse springboard cannonball to Death Triangle on the outside. Fenix’s heel kick, Penta’s ribs kick, Lucha Bros’ Fear Factor, & PAC’s Black Arrow finisher combo to Fox. Match itself was a great action packed bout. PAC’s post-match promo saying they are not stupid over the Elite’s recent teases and calling them out for a trios title match at Full Gear & video interruption revealing the official return of the Elite was cool. Page vs. Bandido was a pretty good bout despite the flat ending. Jungle Boy vs. Luchasaurus cage match hype video was splendid. Saraya’s backstage interview about her feelings being able to wrestle again & issues with Baker was decent. Kingston & Ortiz vs. Akiyama & Takeshita match hype video was sweet. Jay vs. Storm was a mostly solid back-and-forth bout. Post-match Hayyer & Storm confrontation was decent. Moxley’s promo about being the wrestler on the planet, his love of inflicting pain to others, & dig at MJJ’s absence over the summer. The Firm’s ambush attack to Moxley and Regal & MJF’s run-in save brawl. MJF’s trash talk to the Firm & wanting no excuses when he beats Moxley and passionate words about it being his time to be champ, and being the devil, & Moxley’s interruption retort was mostly splendid overall but Moxley flubbing his lines a bunch of times was a bit funny, especially him forgetting what day Full Gear is on.
Final Thoughts – This week’s Full Gear go-home show was mostly very good overall despite the very low energy crowd throughout it

AEW Rampage (Nov. 18)
* AEW World Championship Eliminator tournament Semifinals Round match – Lance Archer vs. Ricky Starks – 3.0
* FTW Championship match – Lee Moriarty vs. HOOK (c) – 3.0
* Athena vs. Madison Rayne – 2.0 (Squash)
* Team DDT (Jun Akiyama & Konosuke Takeshita) vs. Eddie Kingston & Ortiz – 3.5
Overall – 3.5
Best – Mercedes Martinez’s surprise return & the Team DDT vs. Eddie Kingston & Ortiz match.
Worst – Athena vs. Madison Rayne being more of an angle for the post-match stuff than match.
Show Notes – Archer vs. Starks moments: Archer & Starks’ pre-match backstage brawl with Archer lawn darting Starks into the garage door. Archer & Starks’ brawl in the crowd. Starks’ escape counter of Archer’s chokeslam over the barricade into Archer’s leaping body tackle splatting Starks. Archer’s block & brutal looking lariat counter of Starks’ Tornado DDT. Starks’ leap over, running dodges, & spear counter of Archer’s pounce. Match itself was a good hard hitting bout. Post-match Starks & Brian Cage staredown & Archer’s ambush attack chokeslaming Starks onto steel steps was all right. Moxley vs. MFJ AEW title match hype video was all right. JAS backstage interview about Jericho claiming Danielson & Castagnoli’s friendship won’t last in their upcoming ROH title match and the belt staying in the JAS via him retaining & Sammy Guevara teasing having different idea for the match was interesting. FTW title match was a good back-and-forth hard fought action bout. Jose The Assistant, RUSH, John Silver, & 10’s backstage segment about Silver gloating costing RUSH his tournament match last week, Jose’s tag match challenge, Silver accepting but 10 rejecting being Silver’s partner and walking off, & RUSH’s heated threat to Silver was all right but 10 walking out from Silver was interesting. Athena vs. Rayne was a decent mostly squash style bout. Athena’s post-match attack on Rayne and swift punch flooring Aubrey Edwards & Mercedes Martinez’s surprise return and walk-in save was pretty cool. Best Friends & Factory’s backstage interview about Orange Cassidy’s 10-Man Tag match challenge for Full Gear, QT Marshall’s mocking retort over Orange only having 3 people on his team, Best Friends’ reveal of Rocky Romero and “spooky” video of Danhausen on their team, & Factory laughing off Danhausen’s threat was decent. House of Black’s training montage vignette and return tease was splendid. Kingston & Ortiz and Team DDT pre-match split-screen backstage interview about Ortiz not taking Team DDT lightly & Takeshita’s retort about them being a nightmare and not a dream for Kingston was all right. Team DDT vs. Kingston & Ortiz moments: Akiyama’s spiked piledriver to Ortiz. Team DDT’s attacks & double team neckbreaker to Ortiz. Team DDT’s stereo knee strikes to Ortiz. Kingston’s machine gun chops to Takeshita in the corner into Takeshita’s block & strikes counter into Kingston’s Butterfly suplex counter. Kingston’s spiked DDT to Takeshita. Ortiz’s chops to Akiyama & Akiyama’s big boots exchange into Akiyama’s knee strike. Kingston chops & Akiyama’s elbow strike exchange into Akiyama’s lariat. Kingston’s backdrop driver bending Takeshita in half. Kingston’s knee strike & Exploder to Akiyama into Akiyama’s Exploder suplex in return into Akiyama & Kingston’s moves fest exchange. Akiyama’s Exploder suplex finisher to Ortiz. Match itself was a very entertaining back-and-forth hard hitting bout & Team DDT’s win was a bit of a surprise.
Final Thoughts – This week’s Full Gear 2022 go-home show was very enjoyable overall.

AEW Full Gear 2022 (Nov. 19)
* Zero Hour pre-show: 10-Man Tag Team match – The Factory (QT Marshall, Cole Karter, Lee Johnson, Nick Comoroto, & Aaron Solo) vs. Best Friends (Chuck Taylor & Trent Beretta), Orange Cassidy, Rockey Romero, & Danhausen – 3.0
* Zero Hour pre-show: AEW World Championship Eliminator tournament Semifinals Round match – Brian Cage vs. Ricky Starks – 3.0
* Zero Hour pre-show: Jun Akiyama vs. Eddie Kingston – 4.0
* Steel Cage match – Luchasaurus vs. Jungle Boy Jack Perry – 4.5
* AEW World Trios Championship – The Elite (Kenny Omega & The Young Bucks (Nick & Matt Jackson) vs. Death Triangle (PAC, Penta El Zero Miedo, & Ray Fenix) (c) – 5.0
* TBS Championship – Nyla Rose vs. Jade Cargill (c) – 2.0
* ROH World Championship Four-way match – Claudio Castagnoli vs. Bryan Danielson vs. Sammy Guevara vs. Chris Jericho (c) – 4.5
* Saraya vs. Dr. Britt Baker – 2.5
* TNT Championship – Powerhouse Hobbs vs. Samoa Joe vs. Wardlow (c) – 3.5
* No Countouts, No DQ match – Jay Lethal & Jeff Jarrett vs. Sting & Darby Allin – 4.0
* AEW Interim Women’s World Championship match – Jamie Hayter vs. Toni Storm (c) – 4.0
* AEW World Tag Team Championship – Swerve In Our Glory (Swerve Strickland & Keith Lee) vs. The Acclaimed (Anthony Bowens & Max Caster) (c) – 3.5
* AEW World Championship – MJF vs. Jon Moxley (c) – 4.0
Overall – 4.5
Best – AEW World Trios Championship match, Jamie becoming new Interim Women’s champ, & MJF becoming new AEW World champ.
Worst – TBS Championship match being sluggish.
Show Notes – 10-Man Tag pre-show match was a good back-and-forth action bout & Evil Danhausen’s surprise appearance was cool. Cage vs. Starks pre-show match was a good hard fought bout, especially the latter half. Akiyama vs. Kingston pre-show match moments: Akiyama’s loud echo stiff chop to Kingston. Akiyama’s block & DDT counter of Kingston’s Half suplex onto the apron. Akiyama’s curb stomp & spiked piledriver to Kingston. Akiyama’s block, Exploder suplex, & running knee strike counter of Kingston’s Uraken. Kingston’s Northern Lights Bomb to Akiyama. Kingston’s Uraken finisher to Akiyama. Match itself was a great physical bout. Kingston’s post-match passionate show of respect to Akiyama, shout outs to late great Japanese wrestling legends, Moxley and Hayter, & abrupt peace out over lack of time to finish was both splendid & a bit funny. Cage match opener moments: Luchasaurus busting open Jungle & raking his bloody head onto the cage mesh. Luchasaurus’s Razor’s Edge toss into the cage. Luchasaurus’ one arm toss off the top rope & Cutthroat combo to Jungle. Christian yoinking the key from the outside ref to unlock the cage. Luchasaurus’ catch & catapult to Jungle on outside to the cage. Jungle’s head stomps to Luchasaurus’ onto the cage mesh. Luchasaurus’ catch & chokeslam onto a chair counter of Jungle’s step up attack. Jungle’s Avalanche Slice Bread to Luchasaurus. Jungle’s overhead punches & delayed piledriver to Luchasaurus. Jungle’s chair whack KOing Luchasaurus on the table into Jungle’s elbow drop off the top of the cage & Snare Trap finished. Match itself was a fantastic hard fought physical battle. Trios titles match moments: The Elite’s “Wayward Sons” return entrance was cool. Nick’s twisting dive through Matt’s legs to PAC on the outside. Omega’s dodge & head smash counter of PAC’s Flying Nothing. Omega’s spiked Snap Dragons to Penta & PAC. Nick’s guillotine counter of Fenix’s rope into Matt’s spiked DDT to Fenix onto the apron. Nick’s top rope rana to Penta onto everyone on the outside. Omega’s Fisherman Ushigoroshi to PAC. PAC’s dodge & vicious looking spiked German counter of Omega’s V-Trigger. DT’s triple Tombstone counters of Elite’s triple Tombstones. Omega’s V-Trigger & Tiger Driver 98 to Fenix via PAC’s hammer distraction assist. Elite’s BTE Trigger to Fenix. Fenix’s ref distracted hammer whack counter of Omega’s One Winged Angel. Match itself was an amazing action packed bout despite the ending shenanigans but Fenix feeling conflicted afterwards was interesting & legit surprised Death Triangle retained. TBS title match moments: Rose & Pals getting the special entrance treatment via Eddie Guerrero style low rider was pretty cool & same for Cargill’s Thundercats style entrance gear. Match itself was solid at best despite its sluggish pacing. ROH World title match moments: Danielson & Claudio’s double team Boston Crab to Jericho into Guevara’s top rope double cutter breaking their hold. Guevara & Jericho’s shoves & slugfest exchange over both being pissed they broke up each other’s pin attempts. Jericho’s Walls to Guevara into Jericho’s catch & Walls counter of Danielson’s Flying Nothing. Claudio’s Sharpshooter & Danielson’s LeBell Lock to Jericho into Guevara’s superkicks to break up the hold. Danielson shrugging off Guevara’s overhead elbows into Danielson’s swift palm strike. Claudio’s yeet toss to Jericho on the outside into Danielson’s Busaiku Knee to Claudio. Claudio’s catch & Neutralizer onto the floor counter of Danielson’s running knee off the apron. Jericho’s leaping Judas Effect counter of Claudio’s Big Swing to Guevara into Jericho’s Judas Effect finisher to Claudio. Match itself was a great action packed bout. Saraya vs. Baker was mostly solid despite being a bit sloppy at times but Saraya’s ring work was decent for being her first match in years. TNT title match moments: Wardlow’s top rope senton splatting Hobbs into Joe’s senton splatting Wardlow. Wardlow’s spear to Joe to break up his Front Chancery to Hobbs causing Joe to DDT Hobbs. Joe’s suicide dive to Hobbs & Wardlow on the outside into Joe’s hard whip to Hobbs into the barricade. Hobbs’ brutal looking running shoulder tackle to Joe into the barricade in return. Wardlow & Hobbs’ counters exchange into Wardlow’s powerbomb symphony into Joe’s TNT title whack to Wardlow & sleeper finisher to Hobbs. Match itself was a very good hoss battle. Lethal & Jarrett vs. Sting & Allin moments: Ouch at Lethal’s back after Sting hard chuck off the top rope onto the apron. Singh’s catch & Razor’s Edge slam onto the ramp counter of Allin’s Coffin Drop from a ladder off the stage. Sting’s balcony dive to Singh. Singh’s stiff chokeslam to Sting breaking up his Scorpion Deathlock to Jarrett. Jarrett’s guitar smash counter of Allin’s Coffin Drop to Jarrett. Sting’s Scorpion Death Drop hold & Allin’s Coffin Drop combo to Singh. Sting’s catch & Scorpion Death Drop counter of Lethal’s Lethal Injection into Allin’s Coffin Drop finisher to Lethal. Match itself was an awesome entertaining & crazy action filled bout. AEW Interim Women’s title match moments: Hayter & Storm’s wrist control forearms exchange into Storm’s swift headbutt flooring both of them. Ouch at Storm’s busted open nose afterwards. Rebel’s ref distracted belt shot to Storm. Storm’s dodge & stiff ripcord lariat counter of Hayter’s ripcord lariat. Baker’s ref distracted curb stomp to Storm onto the belt into Hayter’s Storm Zero to Storm. Hayter’s chokebreaker to Storm via Baker distraction assist. Hayter’s shove to Storm into the exposed turnbuckle via Baker’s pad removal assist into Hayter’s ripcord lariat finisher. Match itself was a great hard fought action filled bout despite going overboard with the interference but Hayter winning was a surprise. AEW Tag titles match moments: Caster’s lariat counter to Swerve & Bowens’ punches and Poison Rana counter of Lee’s Electric Chair hold. Caster’s top rope crossbody to Lee onto the prone guard rail. Swerve’s kick to Bowens & brainbuster to Caster counter of Acclaimed’s Magic Killer. Lee’s yeet toss to Caster & yeet pounce to Bowens out of the ring. Swerve & Lee’s Fall From Glory to Caster. Swerve’s slap to Lee after Lee refused to use the pliers to cheat into Lee’s walk out of Swerve. Acclaimed’s finisher to Swerve. Match itself was a mostly very good back-and-forth action bout. AEW World title match moments: MJF’s block & armdrag into the corner counter of Moxley’s Paradigm Shift. MJF’s throat strike & Tombstone counter of Moxley’s piledriver on the apron. Moxley’s leg kick & piledriver through a table counter of MJF’s piledriver off the apron. MJF’s Heatseekers to Moxley into Moxley’s shove & chop block counter of MJF’s heatseeker into Moxley’s leg stomp. Moxley’s brutal looking top rope Paradigm Shift to MJF. MJF & Moxley’s slugfest exchange into MJF’s ref shove counter of Moxley’s running shoulder tackle. Regal’s stern words to MJF to not use the Diamond Ring into MJF tossing the ring away & middle finger retort. MJF’s ref distracted brass knuckles finisher to Moxley via Regal’s heel turn gift. Match itself was a great hard fought bout & Regal siding with the “devil” is interesting.
Final Thoughts – Full Gear 2022 was a great show overall and in the upper tier in terms of AEW PPVs.

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NJPW, Impact, & Other Wrestling

Impact Wrestling Impact! (Nov. 17)
* Impact X-Division Championship tournament Semifinals Round match – Black Taurus vs. PJ Black – 3.0
* Four-way match – Aussie Open (Kyle Fletcher & Mark Davis) vs. Raj Singh & Shera vs. Chris Bey & Ace Austin vs. Motor City Machine Guns (Alex Shelley & Chris Sabian) – 3.0
* Tasha Steelz vs. Taya Valkyrie – 2.5
* Old School Rules match – Steve Maclin vs. Tommy Dreamer – 2.5
* Laredo Kid vs. Rich Swann – 3.0
* Double Jeopardy match – Eric Young vs. Sami Callihan – 3.5
Overall – 3.0
Best – Double Jeopardy match.
Worst – The flat abrupt ending to the Tasha Steelz vs. Taya Valkrie match and Impact production’s audio feed botch at the end of the show.
Show Notes – Black Taurus vs. Black opener was a pretty good back-and-forth bout. Alexander & Kazarian’s backstage Impact title contract signing segment about Alexander’s words of praise to Kazarian, Kazarian’s praise in return respecting Alexander as Impact’s champ and as a father, & heated banter between Alexander’s wife and Kazarian was all right. Alexander & Kazarian backstage segment about Kazarian trying to cool off after his heated exchange with Alexander’s wife, Bully’s interruption claiming he will not be sneaky over how he calls his shot, Kazarian’s retort not believing Bully’s words, & Alexander’s angry response over him not caring when Bully calls his title shot was decent. 4-Way tag team match was a good action filled bout, especially the latter half. Rosemary & Valkyrie’s backstage segment about Rosemary’s issues with Jessicka’s absence, Valkyrie saying Jessicka has been out partying and being her replacement for Steelz’s match if she doesn’t show up tonight was decent. Steelz vs. Valkyrie was a solid back-and-forth bout despite the abrupt ending. Post-match ambush attack by Savannah Evans and brawl with Rosemary & run-in save brawl with Jessicka was decent but Jessicka’s coming out wearing a beer hat was a bit funny. Dreamer & Alexander’s backstage segment about Dreamer’s past history with Bully explaining his changes in behavior but trusting him and advice that Alexander should do the same was all right. Maclin vs. Dreamer moments: Dreamer braining Maclin with a baking sheet. Maclin’s block & shove into the post counter of Dreamer’s piledriver onto the floor. Dreamer’s punches, Bionic Elbows, & crossbody to Maclin onto an upright chair. Maclin’s escape & shove into the trash can in the corner counter of Dreamer’s DVD to a table in the corner into Maclin’s KIA finisher to Dreamer onto chairs. Match itself was a mostly good hardcore style bout despite running out of steam near the end. Post-match brawl with Moose, Bully Ray, & Josh Alexander was all right. Slamovich’s backstage interview about Grace ending her undefeated streak in Impact & promising death for her upcoming Knockouts title match was all right. Kid vs. Swann was a good back-and-forth fast paced action bout. Double Jeopardy match moments: VBD’s ambush attack to Callihan busting him up open during Callihan’s entrance. Callihan’s block & suplex onto the floor counter of Young’s suplex. Callihan’s paper cut attack to Young’s mouth. Young’s backdrop to Callihan onto the apron. Callihan & Young’s slugfest exchange into Callihan’s head chomp & DVD onto the apron. Callihan’s backdrop counter of Young’s piledriver on the floor. Callihan & Young’s headbitts & chops fest exchange into Young & Callihan’s headbutts flooring each other at the same time. Young’s piledriver to Callihan leaving a bloody imprint of Callihan’s head on the mat. Callihan’s nut grab & Cactus Driver counter of Young’s piledriver. Callihan’s brutal trash can lid whacks & Cactus Driver finisher to Young. Match itself was a very entertaining physical hardcore bloody bout. Post-match VBD teasing a split from Young was interesting.
Final Thoughts – This week’s Over Drive 2022 go-home show was enjoyable overall.

NJPW x Stardom Historic X-Over (Nov. 20)
* Pre-show: Oskar Leube, Kosei Fujita, Ryohei Oiwa, & Yuto Nakashima vs. Gabriel Kidd, Alex Coughlin, Clark Connors, & Kevin Knight – 3.0
* Pre-show: Stardom Ranbo – 3.0
* Lio Rush, YOH, YOSHI-HASHI, & Tomohiro Ishii vs. House of Torture (EVIL, Yujiro Takahashi, Dick Togo, & SHO) – 2.5
* Himeka, Thekla, & Mai Sakurai vs. Saya Kamitani, Lady C, & AZM – 3.5
* Giulia & Zack Sabre Jr. vs. Syuri & “Filthy” Tom Lawlor – 3.5
* Momo Watanabe, Starlight Kid, El Desperado, & DOUKI vs. Natsupoi, Tam Nakano, Yoshinobu Kanemaru, & Taichi – 3.5
* Maika & Hirooki Goto vs. Utami Hayashishita & Hiroshi Tanahashi – 3.5
* BUSHI, Hiromu Takahashi, SANADA, Shingo Takagi, & Tetsuya Naito vs. United Empire (Gideon Grey, Francesco Akira, Aussie Open (Kyle Fletcher & Mark Davis), & TJP) – 3.0
* Great Muta’s Final NJPW match – United Empire (Great-O-Khan, Jeff Cobb, & Aaron Henare) vs. Great Muta, Kazuchika Okada, & Toru Yano – 3.0
* IWGP United States Heavyweight Championship – Shota Unimo vs. Will Ospreay (c) – 4.5
* IWGP Women’s World Championship Tournament Finals – KAIRI vs. Mayu Iwatani – 5.0
Overall – 4.0
Best – IWGP Women’s World Championship Tournament Finals match.
Worst – Lio Rush, YOH, YOSHI-HASHI, & Tomohiro Ishii vs. House of Torture match.
Show Notes – 8-Man Tag pre-show match was a good hard hitting Young Lions style bout. Stardom Ranbo pre-show match was an entertaining action filled bout. Rush, YOH, YOSHI-HASHI, & Ishii vs. House of Torture 8-Man Tag opener was a mostly solid bout. Himeka, Thekla, & Sakurai vs. Kamitani, Lady C, & AZM moments: Sakurai’s Giant Swing to Lady C. Thekla’s Tarantula to AZM. Himeka’s lariat to Lady C & AZM in the corner into Himeka’s double Argentine backbreaker off the top rope. Himeka & Thekla’s running boots to Kamitani onto the ropes. Kamitani’s springboard splash to Sakurai. Sakurai’s Shining Buster to Kamitani. Sakurai’s roll-up counter of Kamitani’s Star Crusher. Kamitani’s 450 Splash finisher to Sakurai. Match itself was a very good action filled bout. Giulia & Sabre Jr. vs. Syuri & Lawlor moments: ZSJ & Lawlor’s rolling Figure Four out of the ring and onto the ramp into Giulia & Syuri beating them up and Syuri’s bodyalsm to Giulia onto both guys to end their antics. Syuri & Giulia stiff slaps exchange into Lawlor’s attempt to break it up into Syuri & Giulia’s angrily beating up Lawlor for interrupting them. Giulia’s swift headbutt to Syuri flooring both of them. ZSJ’s Cobra Twist to Lawlor & Giulia’s Spider Web to Syuri. Lawlor’s high angle Uranage counter of ZSJ’s armbar. Lawlor’s strikes fest to ZSJ into ZSJ’s Euro Clutch into Lawlor’s reare naked choke counter into ZSJ’s Euro Clutch finisher counter. Match itself was a very good back-and-forth bout. 8-Person mixed tag moments: SLK & Despy’s half & half masks combo designs looked sweet. SLK & Natsupoi’s fast paced counters exchange into SLK’s springboard crossbody. SLK’s ref distracted box whack to Kanemaru. DOUKI’s whip to Kanemaru into the guard rail into Oedo Tai’s ref distracted group beatdown to Kanemaru. Momo’s whiplash to Nakano onto the ropes into Momo’s swift kick & SLK’s 619 combo to Nakano. Natsupoi & Nakano’s Love Crossover Splash to Momo, SLK, Despy, & DOUKI on the outside. Taichi’s Judo Throw & Ax Bomber counter of DOUKI’s Daybreaker. Despy & Taichi’s sumo throw duel into Taichi’s sumo throw. Momo’s release Twilight Dream to SLK. Kanemaru & Natsupori’s Suntory Surprises to Momo & DOUKI. Taichi’s Black Mephisto finisher to DOUKI. Match itself was a very good back-and-forth action bout. Maika & Goto vs. Hayashishita & Tanahashi moments: Utami & Tanahashi’s ref distracted stomps to Maika. Maika’s block & suplex counter of Utami’s suplex into Utami’s German suplex. Maika & Utami’s shoulder tackles exchange into Maika’s rebound shoulder tackle flooring Utami. Utami’s deadlift bridging German suplex to Maika. Maikai’s discus lariat & Twisting Side Slam to Utami. Utami’s slingblade to Goto & Maika’s Back Drop Driver to Tanahashi. Utami’s brutal looking Hijack Bomb finisher to Maika. Match itself was a very good back-and-forth bout & Tanahashi acting heelish at times was pretty cool. LIJ vs. United Empire 10-Man tag was a good back-and-forth bout. United Empire vs. Great Muta, Okada, & Yano 6-Man Tag moments: Kham’s dodge & takedown counter of Muta’s mist spray at the start of their match. Cobb’s surfboard ride to Yano & water mist spray taunt to Muta. Muta’s low dropkick to Khan & Dragon Screws to Henare & Khan. Khan’s block & claw grab leg bar counter of Muta’s Shinning Wizard. Muta’s dodge counter of Khan’s green mist spray to Cobb into Muta’s red mist spray to Khan. Muta’s Shinning Wizard & Okada’s Rainmaker finisher combo to Henare. Match itself was an entertaining bout. IWGP US title match moments: Ospreay’s United Empire style Hayabusa tribute mask & gear was awesome. Umino & Ospreay’s Kawada kicks & forearms exchange into Umino & Ospreay’s moves exchange into Umino’s knees & pop-up powerbomb counter of Ospreay’s standing Shooting Star into Ospreay’s catch & Liger Bomb counter of Umino’s leap-over. Ospreay’s shove counter of Umino’s superplex into Umino’s ropes shove crotching Ospreay on the top rope into Ospreay’s headbutt & Cheeky Nandos counter of Umino’s superplex into Ospreay’s 450. Umino’s catch counter of Ospreay’s Oscutter into Ospreay’s flip over escape & Liger Bomb counter of Umino’s Death Rider. Ospreay’s forearms fest to the back of Umino’s head on the mat into Ospreay’s kick to Umino onto the ropes. Umino refusing to allow Red Shoes to call for the bell into Ospreay’s swift kicks flooring Umino. Umino’s dodge, pop-up knee, & Roll the Dice counter of Ospreay’s Hidden Blade. Umino’s spiked Death Rider to Ospreay. Ospreay’s pop-up forearm & Hidden Blade to Umino into Ospreay’s Hidden Blade & Stormbreaker finisher. Match itself was a fantastic hard fought action packed battle. Post-match Kenny Omega surprise video challenging Ospreay to a match for the US belt at Wrestle Kingdom 17 & Ospreay bashing Omega and accepting was awesome. IWGP Women’s title tournament Finals moments: Mayu’s brutal looking suicide dive to KAIRI on the outside, more so due to Mayu almost braining herself. Mayu’s stomps to KAIRI’s arm. KAIRI’s whip & misdirect spear to Mayu. Mayu & KAIRI’s forearms exchange into Iwatani’s snapmare & stiff kick to KAIRI on the ramp. KAIRI’s drop toe hold & running knee strike counter of Mayu’s running attack on the ramp. Mayu & KAIRI’s stiff forearms exchange into Mayu’s shotgun dropkick to KAIRI in the corner. KAIRI’s punches counter of Mayu’s top rope attack into KAIRI’s block & punches counter of Mayu’s superplex into Mayu’s leap up punches & Frankensteiner. Mayu’s Frog Splash to KAIRI. Mayu’s dodge & slingbade counter of KAIRI’s ripcord lariat. KAIRI’s dodge & swift punch counter of Mayu’s moonsault. KAIRI’s spear & Anchor hold combo to Mayu. KAIRI’s swift backhands dazing Mayu into Mayu’s mule kick counter of KAIRI’s spear. Mayu’s delayed Tombstone & bridging Dragon Suplex to KAIRI. KAIRI’s backhand strike counter of Mayu’s running attack into KAIRI’s Tokyo Slam & Insane Elbows. Mayu’s swift kick & Bridging Dragon Suplex to KAIRI. KAIRI’s swift backhand to Mayu into KAIRI’s Insane Elbow finisher splatting Mayu. Match itself was a terrific action packed physical battle.
Final Thoughts – NJPW x Stardom Historic X-Over was a great show overall.

NJPW Super Junior Tag League 2022 (Nov. 21)
* Yuto Nakashima vs. Kosei Fujita – 3.0
* Oskar Leube, Ryohei Oiwa, Tomoaki Honma, & Togi Makabe vs. United Empire (Aaron Henare, Great-O-Khan, & Aussie Open (Kyle Fletcher & Mark Davis)) – 3.0
* El Desperado, Taichi, & Minoru Suzuki vs. Hiromu Takahashi, Shingo Takagi, & Tetsuya Naito – 3.5
* Super Junior Tag League 2022 match – El Lindaman & Alex Zayne vs. Kevin Knight & KUSHIDA – 3.0
* Super Junior Tag League 2022 match – DOUKI & Yoshinobu Kanemaru vs. Wild Hips (Ryusuke Taguchi & Clark Connors) – 3.0
* Super Junior Tag League 2022 match – Dick Togo & SHO vs. Flying Tiger (Robbie Eagles & Tiger Mask) – 3.0
* Super Junior Tag League 2022 match – Ace Austin & Chris Bey vs. BUSHI & Titan – 3.5
* Super Junior Tag League 2022 match – Lio Rush & YOH vs. Catch 2/2 (Francesco Akira & TJP) – 4.5
Overall – 4.0
Best – Lio Rush & YOH vs. Catch 2/2 match.
Worst – The buzzkill double countout ending to the chaotic Suzuki-Gun vs. LIJ 6-Man tag match.
Show Notes – Nakashima vs. Fujita opener was a quite good back-and-forth hard hitting Young Lions style bout. Leube, Oiwa, Honma, & Makabe vs. United Empire 8-Man tag was a good back-and-forth action bout. Suzuki-Gun vs. LIJ 6-Man tag moments: Taichi & Takagi’s kicks & chops fest on the outside being oblivious to the ref’s count until right near the last moment. Hiromu & Despy’s stiff chops & running elbows exchange into Suzuki’s apron knee strike counter of Hiromu’s whip into the ropes. Taichi’s block & swift hook kick counter of Takagi’s suplex. Taichi & Takagi’s judo toss duel into Taichi’s judo toss to Takagi out of the ring. Taichi & Takagi’s lariats fest flooring both of them on the outside during the ref’s count causing both to get counted out. Match itself was a very entertaining chaotic brawl despite the buzzkill double countout ending. Post-match brawl between Takagi & Taichi was cool. El Lindaman & Zayne vs. Knight & KUSHIDA moments: Knight & KUSHIDA’s Electric Chair dropkick combo to Zayne. Lindaman’s deadlift German suplexes to Knight & KUSHIDA. Zayne’s Cinnamon Twist finisher to Knight. Match itself was a good back-and-forth action bout. DOUKI & Kanemaru vs. Wild Hips tag moments: Taguchi’s butt attacks to Kanemaru in the corner. DOUKI’s dropkick to the bum counter of Taguchi’s Bumaye setup. DOUKI’s Daybreak to Connors into Connors’ escape counter of DOUKI’s Suplex De La Luna into DOUKI’s throat thrust. Wild Hips double Bumaye to DOUKI. DOUKI’s roll-up counter of Connors’ Trophy Kill. Connors’ spear & Trophy Kill finisher to DOUKI. Match itself was a quite good action filled bout. Togo & SHO vs. Flying Tiger tag moments: SHO’s block & arm crank twist counter of Eagles’ Pulse Drop. Eagles’ stiff chops to SHO into SHO’s eye rake counter. SHO’s ref shove & misdirect spear to Tiger Mask. SHO & Tiger Mask’s strikes exchange into Tiger Mask’s Tiger Driver. Togo’s dodge counter of Eagles running double knees in the corner. Eagles’ Turbo Backpack to Togo. Togo’s eye poke, crucifix pin, & crossface to Eagles. Togo’s Pedigree to Eagles into Tiger Mask’s punches counter of Togo’s Senton to Eagles into Tiger Mask’s dodge escape counter of SHO & Togo’s Doomsday Device. Eagles’ Ron Miller Special finisher to Togo. Match itself was a pretty good back-and-forth bout. Austin & Bey vs. BUSHI & Titan moments: Austin and Bey’s double team dropkick to Titan & Austin’s slingshot splash to BUSHI on the outside. Titan’s matrix dodge & heel kick counter of Bey’s running attack. Austin’s back drop to Titan onto the apron. Bey & Austin’s El Phantasmo inspired back rakes antics to Titan. Titan’s lift toss to Bey out of the ring & kick to Austin counter of Bey & Austin’s running attacks in the corner. Austin’s escape & backdrop counter of BUSHI’s Magic Screw. Austin’s yank counter of Titan’s handspring attack to Bey into Titan’s kip up bicycle kick to Austin on the apron. Titan’s tope dive to Bey & Austin on the outside. Titan’s top rope dropkick & BUSHI’s spinebuster combo to Bey. Bey’s swift forearm counter of Titan’s matrix dodge. Bey’s tornilo dive to BUSHI & Titan on the outside. Austin’s The Fold & Bey’s Art of Finesse finisher combo to BUSHI. Match itself was a very good action filled bout, especially the latter half. Rush & YOH vs. Catch 2/2 tag moments: Rush & YOH’s goofy looking wheelbarrow rolls into Rush’s splash to Akira in the corner. Akira’s slingshot splash to YOH & missile dropkick to Rush via TJP’s toss assist. TJP’s face washes & running boots fest to YOH in the corner. YOH’s stiff chops to Akira into Akira’s chest welt stiff chop crumpling YOH. YOH’s flip over dodge, thrust kick, & neckbreaker counter of Akira’s running attack. Rush’s lariats fest to Akira & TJP. YOH’s yank grab counter of TJP’s Detonation Kick to Rush into TJP’s kicks to Rush & Lio into YOH’s whip & Rush’s lariat over the ropes to TJP. YOH & Akira’s forearms fest exchange into YOH’s catch & wheelbarrow suplex counter of Akira’s cazadora. YOH’s superkick counter of Akira’s Fireball. Akira’s block, enziguri, & Fireplex counter of YOH’s Direct Drive. Rush’s headbutt to Akira counter of Akira & TJP’s Leaning Tower to YOH. Rush’s thrust kick counter of TJP’s Detonation kick to YOH into YOH & Rush’s superkicks into Rush’s Rush Hour to TJP. Akira’s block & Kissadora counter of YOH & Rush’s 3K to TJP into TJP’s Jackknife pin finisher to YOH. Match was an amazing hard fought action packed bout.
Final Thoughts – Super Junior Tag League 2022 Night 1 was a mostly great show overall.

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Weekly Awards:

• Best match of the week – IWGP Women’s World Championship Tournament Finals – KAIRI vs. Mayu Iwatani (NJPW x Stardom Historic X-Over)
• Best match of the week runner-up – AEW World Trios Championship – The Elite (Kenny Omega & The Young Bucks (Nick & Matt Jackson) vs. Death Triangle (PAC, Penta El Zero Miedo, & Ray Fenix) (c) (AEW Full Gear 2022)
• Worst match of the week – Shanya Baszler vs. Shotzi (WWE Friday Night SmackDown)
• Worst match of the week runner-up – Gates of Agony (Toa Liona & Bishop Kaun) vs. Big Cuzzo & Teddy Goodz (AEW Dark Elevation)
• Best show of the week – AEW Full Gear 2022
• Worst show of the week – AEW Dark