Post by Joe on Aug 12, 2023 14:10:27 GMT -5
UPW "Saturday Night STORM" Results: 08/12/23 from Los Angeles, CA
This show was taped on Thursday, August 10th at the SCS Studios for the Paramount Network. The show begins with the opening montage with "Say Amen (Saturday Night)" by Panic! at the Disco.
"Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, it's Saturday night, yeah!"
Kevin Kelly and Corey Graves are our commentary team for the evening. Kevin Kelly welcomes the fans, and they put over the main event, which will see Jay Lethal take on Johnny Gargano to decide who will face Shinsuke Nakamura for the Paramount Title at Bad Blood. Kevin Kelly also informs us that Chris Dijak is suspended until Bad Blood after attacking Jay White and Lance Archer last week. We will also be hearing from CM Punk later in the program, and we have a Best of Three Falls match scheduled between Timothy Thatcher and Zack Sabre Jr. We are starting off tonight with one-on-one action between VLNCE UNLTD's Brody King and Japanese sensation Konosuke Takeshita, so we head to Mike Rome in the ring for the introductions.
Brody King vs. Konosuke Takeshita
Brody King is the bigger man, and that worked in his favor tonight. Takeshita brought the fight to King, but wasn't able to overcome the big man, and would eventually fall to the All Seeing Eye for the pinfall.
Winner: Brody King
Notable Moments and Observations
• After the match, Brody King says he wants Rush at Bad Blood one-on-one to finish their issues.
Iron Sharpens Iron as TMDK Prepares for Bad Blood
We are backstage with interviewer Blake Howard, who is standing in with TMDK. TMDK start off talking about their challenge to British Strong Style for Bad Blood and say they say iron sharpens iron in TMDK, and they are ready for the match of their lives and are ready to take the titles! Buddy Matthews then goes on to talk about "Switchblade" Jay White and their match for the Premier Title at Bad Blood.
We go back to the ring for our next match.
Lance Archer vs. Action Andretti
Andretti tries to jump out of the ring onto Archer as he enters, but Archer catches him and lawn darts him into the ring post! Back in the ring, Archer flips Andretti with a Pounce shoulder block, and then grabs the camera and tells Dijak to watch this! He picks up Andretti and chokeslams him and pins him, only to rip him up off the mat at a count of two. Kevin Kelly yells about a lack of sportsmanship as referee Adrian Butler scolds Archer. "The American Psycho" just laughs and hoists Andretti up and drops him with the Death Penalty (Inverted Razor's Edge) to end the match.
Winner: Lance Archer
Notable Moments and Observations
• This match lasted just over a minute and Archer made the most of this squash, looking phenomenal in victory.
• Lance Archer gets on the mic and says that Chris Dijak is lucky he is banned from the building for the next two weeks, because that just extended his lifespan. At Bad Blood, he's going to be executed.
Jay Lethal and Johnny Gargano Are Preparing for Battle
Kevin Kelly and Corey Graves go over the main event as we see Jay Lethal backstage running drills with The Foundation, while Johnny Gargano is warming up backstage for their main event showdown. Kelly says Lethal is very hungry for championship gold, while Graves says that Gargano is "All Heart" and is going to be very hard to keep down.
Notable Moments and Observations
• Very short segment to put over the main event, reminiscent of how they build up a big fight main event in other combat sports.
British Strong Style Are Ready to Bring the Pain at Bad Blood
We cut over to Blake Howard, who is standing in with Pete Dunne and Tyler Bate. Bate starts by saying they are very excited, as they are ready to prove they are the best tag team in UPW. Dunne then says that even with the belts, he's heard everybody saying that TMDK are the real top team in UPW, and they are ready to teach them a very painful lesson at Bad Blood. He says there will be no question when it's all said and done on August 26th.
Los Ingobernales vs. Bandido & Guerreros del Sol
Bandido is teaming up with the new team of Kalisto and Komander to take on the brothers Los Ingobernales of Rush, Dragon Lee, and Dralistico. This was a wild lucha libre match. Dan Engler was very lax with the rules, as it was nearly impossible to keep up with who the legal man was at any given time throughout. Rush would get the win for his team, delivering a Gore to Komander to get the three count.
Winners: Los Ingobernales
Notable Moments and Observations
• Dragon Lee and Bandido would shove each other after the match, as they still have issues with one another.
• Rush got on the microphone and accepted Brody King's challenge for Bad Blood.
CM Punk is Not Cleared and Not Happy About It
CM Punk is at an off site location in street clothes and he's wearing a neck brace.
We head back to the ring for our next contest.
Ilja Dragunov vs. Daniel Garcia
Ilja Dragunov is back and the fans are chanting his name. Daniel Garcia attempts to turn the fans, putting up a finger and telling Ilja to hold on, and then proceeds to do a dance in the middle of the ring. Ilja looks impatient, looking to the fans incredulously. Garcia turns, still dancing, and Ilja has seen enough and rushes him, delivering the Torpedo Moscow! Garcia looks dead on the mat and Ilja makes the cover for the three count as Kevin and Corey are actually laughing on commentary at this ridiculous turn of events.
Winner: Ilja Dragunov
Notable Moments and Observations
• Daniel Garcia did a good job of entertaining the fans and setting himself apart, even in a bad squash defeat. Ilja looks like a killer coming out of this.
• Ilja gets on the microphone to cut a promo.
The Canadian Crew Are Keeping an Eye on The Undisputed Era
Blake Howard approaches Josh Alexander, Tyson Kidd, and Mike Bailey as they are watching a monitor. They are observing as The Undisputed Era make it out to the ring. Alexander says that they are keeping an eye on the Undisputed Era, and they are ready to put this all to an end at Bad Blood.
Undisputed Era (Bobby Fish & Roderick Strong) vs. MSK
MSK are a very fast and looked pretty good in this match, but Fish and Strong were able to use a distraction from Kyle O'Reilly on the outside to turn the tides in their favor. O'Reilly would pick a fight with Trey Miguel on the outside, distracting Chris Sharpe and allowing Fish to hit a low mule kick on Nash Carter. Strong knocks Wes Lee off the apron, and then he and Fish hit a Sick Kick/Legsweep combo on Carter to get the three count.
Winners: Undisputed Era
Notable Moments and Observations
• This was clearly to establish Strong and Fish as a credible tag team, as Strong would get on the microphone and challenge Mike Bailey and Tyson Kidd to a tag team match at Bad Blood.
• Alexander, Kidd, and "Speedball" Mike Bailey would make their way out, and Tyson Kidd would grab the microphone and accept their challenge.
• O'Reilly would then get on the microphone and remind everyone that he is challenging Alexander for the Pure Title at the PLE, and that the Undisputed Era are going to enjoy making all three of them losers in Oakland on the 26th. O'Reilly then reminds everyone that he's the only Canadian that matters in UPW, and that Alexander needs to shine up that belt so it looks nice around his waist when Canada gets a real champion they can be proud of.
"Swerve" Calls the Shots
Shane "Swerve" Strickland is backstage in high end street wear with his X Division title over his shoulder.
Swerve smiles into the camera with his grill glimmering, and then walks off as we head back to the ring for our next contest.
John Morrison vs. Nick Wayne
John Morrison is very proud of himself as the fans chant "Johnny Sucks!" Morrison is just feeding on it. He has the young 18 year old Nick Wayne tonight, and Kevin Kelly puts over on commentary what a huge opportunity this is for Wayne; Corey Graves says this may be the beginning of the end for Wayne's short career is Morrison does to him what he did to CM Punk last week. This match didn't last long, with Morrison toying with Wayne for most of it. Wayne would fire up and hit some dazzling high flying moves, but Morrison would cut him off and deliver a Springboard Roundhouse Kick to get a two count. Morrison would get the win with Starship Pain in under five minutes.
Winner: John Morrison
Notable Moments and Observations
• Morrison isn't done with the young Nick Wayne, and he goes out of the ring and grabs a chair. Morrison takes his time stalking Wayne and winds up, but out to the ring runs Darby Allin! Allin flies in and kicks the chair into Morrison's face, sending Johnny Hollywood rolling to the outside in retreat.
• Darby gets on the microphone and he has something to say to Morrison.
John Morrison seems to agree at ringside, and yelling that Darby is nothing and then we head backstage again.
Shinsuke Plans to Stay On Top of the Mountain
Paramount champion Shinsuke Nakamura is standing backstage with Blake Howard. Blake Howard says that Shinsuke must be keeping an eye on the main event tonight, and asks what he thinks about facing either Jay Lethal or Johnny Gargano. Shinsuke answers in his broken English, laughing.
Notable Moments and Observations
• Kevin Kelly notes that the Paramount Champion seems very confident about his chances at Bad Blood. Corey Graves asks, "Why shouldn't he be?" Graves says that he is the "King of Strong Style" and the current Paramount champion, so it'll be on the challenger to try to beat him in 15 minutes, otherwise he will retain.
Timothy Thatcher vs. Zack Sabre Jr.
Best of Three Falls Match
This is a rematch from Extreme Heat, as these two faced off in a Submission Match that Thatcher would end up winning. Sabre has beaten the other members of CatchPoint, and was really looking to even the score with Thatcher here. These two would up the pace from their Submission match, showing a lot more urgency here. Sabre would manage to roll up Thatcher to earn the first fall. Thatcher would lock on a Fujiwara Armbar and then pull Sabre into a roll up to get the second fall. Sabre would manage to avenge his Submission match loss by getting a Submission for the final fall, locking on a Jim Breaks Special to get the submission.
Winner: Zack Sabre Jr.
Notable Moments and Observations
• This show has featured many short matches and segments thus far, and it surely allowed these two to have a better contest. This was a better, more engaging showing than their match at Extreme Heat, and the fans gave them a good ovation at the end.
• Sabre offered his hand to Thatcher after the match, but Thatcher did not accept. Thatcher would spit on Sabre's boots and walk off. Sabre would yell, "Hey, don't be salty, mate!" The notoriously grumpy Thatcher wasn't hearing any of it.
Adam Pearce Announces Logan Paul Has Joined UPW
A pre-taped segment airs featuring General Manager Adam Pearce. Pearce announces that YouTube sensation and celebrity boxing personality Logan Paul has now joined their ownership group, and they are very excited to welcome him to the team! Pearce says that Logan Paul will be making an appearance at Bad Blood to formally address the fans about his interests and intentions in UPW.
Jay Lethal vs. Johnny Gargano
The match to determine Shinsuke Nakamura's Paramount title challenger at Bad Blood was finally here. Lethal sends The Foundation members Jonathan Gresham and Josh Woods to the back at the entrance ramp, as they support the fact he wants to do this on his own. Gargano comes out and gets a good reaction from the crowd. These two really showcased their workmanship for the next nearly 15 minutes, as they pulled out all of the stops. Move for move, counter for counter, each man was having trouble getting the edge. While Gargano had Lethal down, out to the ring came Ethan Page, along with Eddy Thorpe, to distract Gargano. Gresham and Woods would make their way out and actually run off Page and Thorpe, but Lethal would see the opening and deliver the Lethal Combination and get the three count.
Winner: Jay Lethal
Notable Moments and Observations
• After the match, Lethal would see the replay and looked upset.
• Johnny seemed more upset about Page and Thorpe getting involved, and left ringside, as Gresham and Woods would congratulate and console Lethal in the ring.
• Nakamura's music would hit and the fans would give him a nice pop as he did his odd twitchy dancing on the stage with his title around his waist. Lethal would gte on the middle buckle and pantomime the belt around his waist, but Nakamura would point at the belt and wave his finger at Lethal as the show came to an end.
This show was taped on Thursday, August 10th at the SCS Studios for the Paramount Network. The show begins with the opening montage with "Say Amen (Saturday Night)" by Panic! at the Disco.
"Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, it's Saturday night, yeah!"
Kevin Kelly and Corey Graves are our commentary team for the evening. Kevin Kelly welcomes the fans, and they put over the main event, which will see Jay Lethal take on Johnny Gargano to decide who will face Shinsuke Nakamura for the Paramount Title at Bad Blood. Kevin Kelly also informs us that Chris Dijak is suspended until Bad Blood after attacking Jay White and Lance Archer last week. We will also be hearing from CM Punk later in the program, and we have a Best of Three Falls match scheduled between Timothy Thatcher and Zack Sabre Jr. We are starting off tonight with one-on-one action between VLNCE UNLTD's Brody King and Japanese sensation Konosuke Takeshita, so we head to Mike Rome in the ring for the introductions.
Brody King vs. Konosuke Takeshita
Brody King is the bigger man, and that worked in his favor tonight. Takeshita brought the fight to King, but wasn't able to overcome the big man, and would eventually fall to the All Seeing Eye for the pinfall.
Winner: Brody King
Notable Moments and Observations
• After the match, Brody King says he wants Rush at Bad Blood one-on-one to finish their issues.
Iron Sharpens Iron as TMDK Prepares for Bad Blood
We are backstage with interviewer Blake Howard, who is standing in with TMDK. TMDK start off talking about their challenge to British Strong Style for Bad Blood and say they say iron sharpens iron in TMDK, and they are ready for the match of their lives and are ready to take the titles! Buddy Matthews then goes on to talk about "Switchblade" Jay White and their match for the Premier Title at Bad Blood.
Buddy Matthews:
"Jay White has been stretching himself thing here lately, mate, but he's got an ass kickin' waitin' for him at Bad Blood. You stole a month of my life and livelihood, Jay; you took the joy of winning this title away from me. I've yet to even begin to enjoy it, because all I can think about is beating you into a bloody pulp. Bad Blood is a very appropriate name for the show, because if these fans want blood... mate, they're gonna get it!"
"Jay White has been stretching himself thing here lately, mate, but he's got an ass kickin' waitin' for him at Bad Blood. You stole a month of my life and livelihood, Jay; you took the joy of winning this title away from me. I've yet to even begin to enjoy it, because all I can think about is beating you into a bloody pulp. Bad Blood is a very appropriate name for the show, because if these fans want blood... mate, they're gonna get it!"
We go back to the ring for our next match.
Lance Archer vs. Action Andretti
Andretti tries to jump out of the ring onto Archer as he enters, but Archer catches him and lawn darts him into the ring post! Back in the ring, Archer flips Andretti with a Pounce shoulder block, and then grabs the camera and tells Dijak to watch this! He picks up Andretti and chokeslams him and pins him, only to rip him up off the mat at a count of two. Kevin Kelly yells about a lack of sportsmanship as referee Adrian Butler scolds Archer. "The American Psycho" just laughs and hoists Andretti up and drops him with the Death Penalty (Inverted Razor's Edge) to end the match.
Winner: Lance Archer
Notable Moments and Observations
• This match lasted just over a minute and Archer made the most of this squash, looking phenomenal in victory.
• Lance Archer gets on the mic and says that Chris Dijak is lucky he is banned from the building for the next two weeks, because that just extended his lifespan. At Bad Blood, he's going to be executed.
Jay Lethal and Johnny Gargano Are Preparing for Battle
Kevin Kelly and Corey Graves go over the main event as we see Jay Lethal backstage running drills with The Foundation, while Johnny Gargano is warming up backstage for their main event showdown. Kelly says Lethal is very hungry for championship gold, while Graves says that Gargano is "All Heart" and is going to be very hard to keep down.
Notable Moments and Observations
• Very short segment to put over the main event, reminiscent of how they build up a big fight main event in other combat sports.
British Strong Style Are Ready to Bring the Pain at Bad Blood
We cut over to Blake Howard, who is standing in with Pete Dunne and Tyler Bate. Bate starts by saying they are very excited, as they are ready to prove they are the best tag team in UPW. Dunne then says that even with the belts, he's heard everybody saying that TMDK are the real top team in UPW, and they are ready to teach them a very painful lesson at Bad Blood. He says there will be no question when it's all said and done on August 26th.
Los Ingobernales vs. Bandido & Guerreros del Sol
Bandido is teaming up with the new team of Kalisto and Komander to take on the brothers Los Ingobernales of Rush, Dragon Lee, and Dralistico. This was a wild lucha libre match. Dan Engler was very lax with the rules, as it was nearly impossible to keep up with who the legal man was at any given time throughout. Rush would get the win for his team, delivering a Gore to Komander to get the three count.
Winners: Los Ingobernales
Notable Moments and Observations
• Dragon Lee and Bandido would shove each other after the match, as they still have issues with one another.
• Rush got on the microphone and accepted Brody King's challenge for Bad Blood.
CM Punk is Not Cleared and Not Happy About It
CM Punk is at an off site location in street clothes and he's wearing a neck brace.
CM Punk:
"Last week, John Morrison couldn't beat me, so he tried to put me out of the business. You know, John, you got me pretty good. My neck is sore and I'm not cleared to be there right now thanks to you. I'm sure you're very proud of yourself, as you always seem to be. You're probably laughing and smiling, and feeling pretty good about life right now, because CM Punk isn't around to 'steal your spotlight'. Well, John, enjoy it while it lasts. I'm not sure how long I'm going to be out, but I will be back, and when that day comes, the laughing, the smiling, the warm and fuzzy feelings you have right now... that's all over. John, you've put me out of business, taken my livelihood away from me out of pathetic jealousy, but I'm going to show everybody just how pathetic you really are. Tick, tock, John, tick, tock, because sooner or later... it's clobberin' time. You enjoy yourself now, because daddy's comin' home real soon."
"Last week, John Morrison couldn't beat me, so he tried to put me out of the business. You know, John, you got me pretty good. My neck is sore and I'm not cleared to be there right now thanks to you. I'm sure you're very proud of yourself, as you always seem to be. You're probably laughing and smiling, and feeling pretty good about life right now, because CM Punk isn't around to 'steal your spotlight'. Well, John, enjoy it while it lasts. I'm not sure how long I'm going to be out, but I will be back, and when that day comes, the laughing, the smiling, the warm and fuzzy feelings you have right now... that's all over. John, you've put me out of business, taken my livelihood away from me out of pathetic jealousy, but I'm going to show everybody just how pathetic you really are. Tick, tock, John, tick, tock, because sooner or later... it's clobberin' time. You enjoy yourself now, because daddy's comin' home real soon."
We head back to the ring for our next contest.
Ilja Dragunov vs. Daniel Garcia
Ilja Dragunov is back and the fans are chanting his name. Daniel Garcia attempts to turn the fans, putting up a finger and telling Ilja to hold on, and then proceeds to do a dance in the middle of the ring. Ilja looks impatient, looking to the fans incredulously. Garcia turns, still dancing, and Ilja has seen enough and rushes him, delivering the Torpedo Moscow! Garcia looks dead on the mat and Ilja makes the cover for the three count as Kevin and Corey are actually laughing on commentary at this ridiculous turn of events.
Winner: Ilja Dragunov
Notable Moments and Observations
• Daniel Garcia did a good job of entertaining the fans and setting himself apart, even in a bad squash defeat. Ilja looks like a killer coming out of this.
• Ilja gets on the microphone to cut a promo.
Ilja Dragunov:
"I'm not here to play games, and I'm not afraid of anybody. Oney Lorcan, you want thirty minutes with the 'Czar"? You're going to learn you should be careful what you wish for. At Bad Blood, you've got 'The Mad Dragon' for thirty minutes and this time you're not going to walk away."
"I'm not here to play games, and I'm not afraid of anybody. Oney Lorcan, you want thirty minutes with the 'Czar"? You're going to learn you should be careful what you wish for. At Bad Blood, you've got 'The Mad Dragon' for thirty minutes and this time you're not going to walk away."
The Canadian Crew Are Keeping an Eye on The Undisputed Era
Blake Howard approaches Josh Alexander, Tyson Kidd, and Mike Bailey as they are watching a monitor. They are observing as The Undisputed Era make it out to the ring. Alexander says that they are keeping an eye on the Undisputed Era, and they are ready to put this all to an end at Bad Blood.
Undisputed Era (Bobby Fish & Roderick Strong) vs. MSK
MSK are a very fast and looked pretty good in this match, but Fish and Strong were able to use a distraction from Kyle O'Reilly on the outside to turn the tides in their favor. O'Reilly would pick a fight with Trey Miguel on the outside, distracting Chris Sharpe and allowing Fish to hit a low mule kick on Nash Carter. Strong knocks Wes Lee off the apron, and then he and Fish hit a Sick Kick/Legsweep combo on Carter to get the three count.
Winners: Undisputed Era
Notable Moments and Observations
• This was clearly to establish Strong and Fish as a credible tag team, as Strong would get on the microphone and challenge Mike Bailey and Tyson Kidd to a tag team match at Bad Blood.
• Alexander, Kidd, and "Speedball" Mike Bailey would make their way out, and Tyson Kidd would grab the microphone and accept their challenge.
• O'Reilly would then get on the microphone and remind everyone that he is challenging Alexander for the Pure Title at the PLE, and that the Undisputed Era are going to enjoy making all three of them losers in Oakland on the 26th. O'Reilly then reminds everyone that he's the only Canadian that matters in UPW, and that Alexander needs to shine up that belt so it looks nice around his waist when Canada gets a real champion they can be proud of.
"Swerve" Calls the Shots
Shane "Swerve" Strickland is backstage in high end street wear with his X Division title over his shoulder.
Swerve Strickland:
"Ricochet, Cameron Grimes, your beef spilled over and got on me, and I don't like that. You see, Swerve calls the shots, I'm drivin' things around here, and I'm the one who says when it's over. At Bad Blood, it's over with both of you, because I'm ending you both at the same time. I'm devouring everything in my path, making me the top dog in UPW. No debate. Not top 10, not top 5, Swerve is goated! You see, Swerve makes history, and at Bad Blood, that's what you two are going to be: history. Hoodies up."
"Ricochet, Cameron Grimes, your beef spilled over and got on me, and I don't like that. You see, Swerve calls the shots, I'm drivin' things around here, and I'm the one who says when it's over. At Bad Blood, it's over with both of you, because I'm ending you both at the same time. I'm devouring everything in my path, making me the top dog in UPW. No debate. Not top 10, not top 5, Swerve is goated! You see, Swerve makes history, and at Bad Blood, that's what you two are going to be: history. Hoodies up."
Swerve smiles into the camera with his grill glimmering, and then walks off as we head back to the ring for our next contest.
John Morrison vs. Nick Wayne
John Morrison is very proud of himself as the fans chant "Johnny Sucks!" Morrison is just feeding on it. He has the young 18 year old Nick Wayne tonight, and Kevin Kelly puts over on commentary what a huge opportunity this is for Wayne; Corey Graves says this may be the beginning of the end for Wayne's short career is Morrison does to him what he did to CM Punk last week. This match didn't last long, with Morrison toying with Wayne for most of it. Wayne would fire up and hit some dazzling high flying moves, but Morrison would cut him off and deliver a Springboard Roundhouse Kick to get a two count. Morrison would get the win with Starship Pain in under five minutes.
Winner: John Morrison
Notable Moments and Observations
• Morrison isn't done with the young Nick Wayne, and he goes out of the ring and grabs a chair. Morrison takes his time stalking Wayne and winds up, but out to the ring runs Darby Allin! Allin flies in and kicks the chair into Morrison's face, sending Johnny Hollywood rolling to the outside in retreat.
• Darby gets on the microphone and he has something to say to Morrison.
Darby Allin:
"I've known this kid since he first started training, and there's no way I'm going to let you hurt him, John! <John mocks Darby on the outside from the ramp> Yeah, John, laugh it up, because you're nothing but a bully, and if there's one thing I hate, it's bullies! I've looked up to CM Punk my entire career, since I was a kid, and I wouldn't be in this business if it weren't for him and guys like him. And kids like Nick Wayne wouldn't have a place to come up with it weren't for guys like me trying to help show them the way. But you, John? You tear everybody down. You think you're better than everybody else. <John yells at the ring, say he is better!> No, you're not, you're just a coward, and what you did to Punk last week was a bitch move! At Bad Blood, I'm making you my bitch. Bring that chair, bring whatever you want, let's bring the weapons and bring the blood to Bad Blood."
"I've known this kid since he first started training, and there's no way I'm going to let you hurt him, John! <John mocks Darby on the outside from the ramp> Yeah, John, laugh it up, because you're nothing but a bully, and if there's one thing I hate, it's bullies! I've looked up to CM Punk my entire career, since I was a kid, and I wouldn't be in this business if it weren't for him and guys like him. And kids like Nick Wayne wouldn't have a place to come up with it weren't for guys like me trying to help show them the way. But you, John? You tear everybody down. You think you're better than everybody else. <John yells at the ring, say he is better!> No, you're not, you're just a coward, and what you did to Punk last week was a bitch move! At Bad Blood, I'm making you my bitch. Bring that chair, bring whatever you want, let's bring the weapons and bring the blood to Bad Blood."
John Morrison seems to agree at ringside, and yelling that Darby is nothing and then we head backstage again.
Shinsuke Plans to Stay On Top of the Mountain
Paramount champion Shinsuke Nakamura is standing backstage with Blake Howard. Blake Howard says that Shinsuke must be keeping an eye on the main event tonight, and asks what he thinks about facing either Jay Lethal or Johnny Gargano. Shinsuke answers in his broken English, laughing.
Shinsuke Nakamura:
"Johnny? Jay? No matter. Both of them... <throat slash> Bad Brud."
"Johnny? Jay? No matter. Both of them... <throat slash> Bad Brud."
Notable Moments and Observations
• Kevin Kelly notes that the Paramount Champion seems very confident about his chances at Bad Blood. Corey Graves asks, "Why shouldn't he be?" Graves says that he is the "King of Strong Style" and the current Paramount champion, so it'll be on the challenger to try to beat him in 15 minutes, otherwise he will retain.
Timothy Thatcher vs. Zack Sabre Jr.
Best of Three Falls Match
This is a rematch from Extreme Heat, as these two faced off in a Submission Match that Thatcher would end up winning. Sabre has beaten the other members of CatchPoint, and was really looking to even the score with Thatcher here. These two would up the pace from their Submission match, showing a lot more urgency here. Sabre would manage to roll up Thatcher to earn the first fall. Thatcher would lock on a Fujiwara Armbar and then pull Sabre into a roll up to get the second fall. Sabre would manage to avenge his Submission match loss by getting a Submission for the final fall, locking on a Jim Breaks Special to get the submission.
Winner: Zack Sabre Jr.
Notable Moments and Observations
• This show has featured many short matches and segments thus far, and it surely allowed these two to have a better contest. This was a better, more engaging showing than their match at Extreme Heat, and the fans gave them a good ovation at the end.
• Sabre offered his hand to Thatcher after the match, but Thatcher did not accept. Thatcher would spit on Sabre's boots and walk off. Sabre would yell, "Hey, don't be salty, mate!" The notoriously grumpy Thatcher wasn't hearing any of it.
Adam Pearce Announces Logan Paul Has Joined UPW
A pre-taped segment airs featuring General Manager Adam Pearce. Pearce announces that YouTube sensation and celebrity boxing personality Logan Paul has now joined their ownership group, and they are very excited to welcome him to the team! Pearce says that Logan Paul will be making an appearance at Bad Blood to formally address the fans about his interests and intentions in UPW.
Jay Lethal vs. Johnny Gargano
The match to determine Shinsuke Nakamura's Paramount title challenger at Bad Blood was finally here. Lethal sends The Foundation members Jonathan Gresham and Josh Woods to the back at the entrance ramp, as they support the fact he wants to do this on his own. Gargano comes out and gets a good reaction from the crowd. These two really showcased their workmanship for the next nearly 15 minutes, as they pulled out all of the stops. Move for move, counter for counter, each man was having trouble getting the edge. While Gargano had Lethal down, out to the ring came Ethan Page, along with Eddy Thorpe, to distract Gargano. Gresham and Woods would make their way out and actually run off Page and Thorpe, but Lethal would see the opening and deliver the Lethal Combination and get the three count.
Winner: Jay Lethal
Notable Moments and Observations
• After the match, Lethal would see the replay and looked upset.
• Johnny seemed more upset about Page and Thorpe getting involved, and left ringside, as Gresham and Woods would congratulate and console Lethal in the ring.
• Nakamura's music would hit and the fans would give him a nice pop as he did his odd twitchy dancing on the stage with his title around his waist. Lethal would gte on the middle buckle and pantomime the belt around his waist, but Nakamura would point at the belt and wave his finger at Lethal as the show came to an end.