Next Level Pro Wrestling: Show 42 — “Breaking Point”
Location: United Center, Chicago
Attendance: 14,850 (sold out)
Commentary: Mauro Ranallo, Taz, and Nigel McGuinness
Match 1: Darby Allin, Tomohiro Ishii, Orange Cassidy, & Joe Hendry vs Solo Sikoa, Hikuleo & Guerrillas of Destiny (Tama Tonga & Tanga Loa) – 8-Man Elimination Match
The night opens hot with chaos! Hendry’s theme, “I Believe in Joe Hendry,” gets the crowd singing, while Solo and G.O.D. make their entrance through smoke and fire. The dynamic of this match is perfect — four fan favorites versus a dangerous Samoan powerhouse unit.
Darby starts by diving onto Hikuleo with a suicide dive, setting a blistering pace. Ishii and Tanga Loa trade brutal forearms — the crowd ooohs with every impact. Cassidy tags in, tries lazy kicks, and then shocks everyone with a sudden Stundog Millionaire. Hendry gets in and uses his strength to toss Tama Tonga with a delayed vertical suplex that lasts 15 seconds!
First elimination comes when Solo plants Darby with the Samoan Spike — Darby Allin is eliminated. Hendry fires up but is caught with a double-team powerbomb from G.O.D., Hendry is eliminated. Ishii then goes berserk, no-selling forearms and dropping Hikuleo with a brainbuster — Hikuleo eliminated. Cassidy and Ishii work together to even the odds, but Solo headbutts Ishii down before hitting a Spinning Uranage — Ishii eliminated.
It’s down to Orange Cassidy vs. three men. Cassidy surprises everyone with fast-paced rollups, eliminating Tanga Loa and Tama Tonga back-to-back! Solo Sikoa, furious, demolishes him with a Uranage on the apron and finishes it with another Samoan Spike.
Winner: Solo Sikoa (Survivor: Solo Sikoa)
Match 2: Lucha Bros vs The Acclaimed vs Creed Brothers vs The Gunns vs Street Profits – #1 Contenders for the Tag Team Titles
This chaotic five-way tag match is pure electricity. The Chicago crowd sings for The Acclaimed as Max Caster raps about “Bron Breakker’s better half being in the crowd,” while the Lucha Bros get a hero’s welcome.
From the bell, chaos erupts — Ford and Dawkins hit stereo dives on The Gunns, while Penta and Fenix pull off synchronized topes suicidas. Julius Creed suplexes everyone in sight, including both Gunns simultaneously! The Acclaimed bring the comedy and charisma, keeping the fans engaged.
The spots escalate: Montez Ford’s From the Heavens splash wipes out four men at once. Fenix springboards onto everyone, leading to a massive “This is Awesome!” chant. In the closing stretch, the Creeds nearly steal it after hitting Brutus Ball on Austin Gunn, but Rey Fenix breaks the pin with a flying double stomp!
The final sequence is insane: Penta hits Fear Factor on Caster, only for Ford to tag himself in mid-move and hit a Frog Splash to steal the win.
Winners: The Street Profits – New #1 Contenders
Match 3: Juice Robinson, David Finlay, & Jeff Cobb (c) vs Eddie Kingston, Big Bill, & Hook – Trios Title Match
The chaotic mix of power and personality makes this match a gem. Kingston brings pure emotion, Hook is ice-cold, and Big Bill looks like a skyscraper beside Finlay’s cunning smirk.
Juice taunts Eddie early with mock punches, only to eat a spinning backfist. Hook gets in and hip-tosses Cobb, shocking the crowd. The champions regain control when Finlay cheap-shots Bill’s knee, letting Cobb hit a huge Tour of the Islands on Hook.
The middle stretch is all heat — Juice and Finlay isolate Hook, mocking his father Taz’s commentary. Finally, Hook crawls to tag Kingston, who explodes with chops, suplexes, and a double backfist! The fans roar as Eddie tags in Big Bill, who chokeslams Finlay through a table!
In the climax, Hook locks Redrum on Juice while Kingston and Bill fend off the others. Juice taps to an enormous ovation!
Winners: Eddie Kingston, Big Bill, & Hook – NEW Trios Champions!
Match 4: Gunther vs Konosuke Takeshita
This is a dream match of pure, unfiltered strong-style brilliance. The crowd gives a standing ovation before they even touch. Gunther slaps Takeshita early, and the echo reverberates through the arena. Takeshita responds with a forearm that staggers Gunther.
The story builds around Takeshita’s resilience — every time Gunther drops him with a chop or powerbomb, Takeshita fires back with a roaring elbow or Blue Thunder Bomb. Gunther goes for the Sleeper Hold + Powerbomb, but Takeshita reverses into a jumping knee that nearly ends it!
After a brutal sequence of chops, knees, and counter holds, Gunther finally connects with a massive lariat that flips Takeshita inside out, then hits another Powerbomb for the win.
Winner: Gunther
Match 5: Samoa Joe vs Rusev vs Mark Briscoe vs Bandido vs Chad Gable vs Kofi Kingston vs Trick Williams – #1 Contender for the U.S. Title
This seven-man chaos has a unique rhythm — everyone wants to steal the spotlight. Kofi and Gable provide technical flair, while Bandido and Trick showcase athleticism.
Joe dominates early, tossing people out of the ring and shouting “THIS IS MY DIVISION!” Rusev (Miro) squares off with Joe, leading to a massive slugfest. Bandido hits a moonsault to the floor, wiping everyone out.
One by one, chaos ensues — Mark Briscoe’s Froggy Bow eliminates Kofi. Trick eliminates Bandido with a high knee. Gable nearly steals it with an Ankle Lock on Rusev, but Joe chokes him out. It comes down to Samoa Joe vs Rusev vs Trick.
Trick hits a cyclone kick to both men, stunning them. He hits Trick Shot on Joe but gets caught by a Machka Kick from Rusev! One-two—NO! Joe sneaks in, locks the Coquina Clutch, and Rusev passes out!
Winner: Samoa Joe – New #1 Contender to the U.S. Title
**Match 6: Shingo Takagi (c) vs Samoa Joe – United States Championship Match **
The arena buzzes as Samoa Joe barely has time to breathe after his earlier war. He’s sweaty, furious, and laser-focused. Shingo Takagi’s music hits — “THE DRAGON” roars out from the curtain with the U.S. Championship over his shoulder, intensity in his eyes. Both men step nose to nose before the bell even rings, a perfect clash of pride and power.
From the opening lockup, it’s pure violence. Joe shoves Shingo into the corner and starts unloading with jabs, but Shingo pushes back and answers with blistering forearms. The crowd’s dueling chants — “Let’s go Shingo!” / “Joe! Joe! Joe!” — set the tone for a battle of warriors.
Joe targets Shingo’s neck, knowing how to set up the Coquina Clutch later. Shingo counters with a series of Dragon Screws and DDTs, screaming “COME ON!” every time Joe tries to rise. The match spills to the outside, where Joe hurls Shingo into the barricade, then delivers a running boot that knocks the champion over the rail into the crowd!
Back inside, Shingo takes control after a Made in Japan out of nowhere — one, two, Joe kicks out! The crowd gasps. Joe responds with a STO and immediately transitions into the Coquina Clutch! Shingo claws toward the ropes, his face turning purple, but he finds a way out with a rope break.
Both men rise slowly — exhausted but unbroken. They collide center ring like two bulls. Joe goes for another clutch, but Shingo flips over, nails Last of the Dragon, and collapses on top for the pin… one… two… Joe kicks out at 2.9!
The crowd is on their feet as Shingo screams “END IT!” He hoists Joe for a second Last of the Dragon, but Joe blocks it, shoves Shingo into the corner, and hits the Muscle Buster! The crowd erupts. Joe hooks the leg — one, two, three!
Winner and NEW United States Champion: Samoa Joe!
After the match, Joe grabs the belt and holds it high, roaring, “I told you I’m the most dangerous man in this business!” Shingo nods in respect, shakes Joe’s hand, and the crowd chants “That was awesome!”
**Match 7: Santana & Ortiz (c) vs FTR – 2 out of 3 Falls Tag Team Title Match **
The tag team division has been the heart of Next Level Pro Wrestling, and this is the pinnacle. The story here: respect meets revenge. Santana & Ortiz, the reigning champs, are proud street fighters representing New York grit. FTR, the craftsmen of tag team wrestling, are looking to reclaim the throne.
Fall 1:
The match begins with a technical exchange between Cash Wheeler and Santana. It’s crisp, old-school wrestling — arm drags, chain holds, quick tags. Dax and Ortiz soon get in, and the intensity rises. Ortiz taunts Dax with slaps, and Dax answers with a stiff right hand. The first fall ends after Ortiz rolls up Dax with a handful of tights — 1-0 for the champions.
Fall 2:
FTR adjusts their game plan, isolating Santana. The pace slows, and FTR’s surgical tag precision shines. Dax hits a superplex while Cash follows with a splash — Big Rig connects for the second fall! 1-1.
Fall 3:
The crowd is molten hot now. Both teams are exhausted and trading bombs. Ortiz nearly pins Cash with a pop-up powerbomb, but Cash kicks out. Dax and Santana collide with dual clotheslines, leaving everyone down. The fans chant “FTR! Proud ‘n’ Powerful!” back and forth.
In a tense sequence, Santana hits a spinning cutter on Dax, goes for the cover, but Dax barely escapes. Ortiz tags in and sets up for Street Sweeper, but Cash intercepts with a suicide dive. Dax reverses the finisher into a roll-up, transitions seamlessly into a Sharpshooter, but Ortiz reverses it into a deep roll up for the 3!
Winners and STILL Tag Team Champions: Santana & Ortiz !
Post-match, both teams embrace. Santana raises FTR’s hands, symbolizing mutual respect. The crowd gives a standing ovation for one of the best tag bouts in N.L.P.W. history. Kingston, Hook, & Bill come out to celebrate with all the tag gold.
Match 8: Kenny Omega Open Challenge → The Promo & Chaos Segment
Kenny Omega’s music hits — “Battle Cry” thunders as he strides to the ring in full gear. Microphone in hand, he grins and says, “Chicago… you wanted the Best Bout Machine? You got him. Tonight’s an Open Challenge. Anyone in the world who thinks they’re the best… prove it.”
Then — “Burn it Down!” Seth Rollins appears, cackling, dressed in red leather. He gets in Omega’s face and says, “You’re great, Kenny. But there’s only one man who truly runs the wrestling world — me.” Before they can shake hands or fight, “Wild Thing” hits — Jon Moxley storms through the crowd, microphone in hand.
“Cut the crap,” Mox growls. “You’re both incredible… but we all know the best wrestler in the world doesn’t need an introduction. He just needs a fight.”
The crowd goes insane. Omega smirks, extends a hand to both. Rollins says, “Maybe, for once, we agree.” Before they can continue — lights flicker. Suddenly, MJF’s smug voice echoes through the PA: “Gentlemen, gentlemen… you three talk about being the best? Let me introduce you to the future.”
Out come MJF, Dyer, Dijak, Hammerstone, and Daniel Garcia — a new alliance of arrogance and strength. They rush the ring, laying out Omega, Rollins, and Moxley. MJF sneers, “You’re old news!”
Then the arena explodes — Christian Cage’s music hits, followed by Braun Strowman’s! They storm the ring, evening the odds. The crowd is deafening as all ten men brawl to end the segment, setting up the massive main event.
Match 9: Kenny Omega, Seth Rollins, Jon Moxley, Braun Strowman, & Christian vs MJF, Dyer, Dijak, Hammerstone, & Daniel Garcia – 10-Man War
The bell rings, and chaos immediately erupts. Omega and MJF start off, trading fast-paced strikes and counters. Omega hits a V-Trigger, but MJF rolls out of the ring, smirking. Seth Rollins tags in and immediately shows off his agility, hitting a corkscrew knee on Dijak. The crowd roars.
On the other side, Braun Strowman plows through Dyer and Hammerstone, tossing them across the ring like rag dolls. Christian, ever the veteran, outsmarts Daniel Garcia with a quick snap suplex, tagging Omega back in. The pace alternates between high-flying maneuvers and bone-crushing strikes, creating an almost cinematic rhythm of destruction.
Midway through, MJF and Dijak isolate Omega, hitting him with a double-team slam that rattles the crowd. Rollins attempts a save, but Daniel Garcia intercepts him with a devastating knee strike. Moxley, fueled by adrenaline, hits a paradigm shift on Hammerstone, causing a massive pop. Strowman returns to flatten Dijak with a running powerslam.
The climax builds as all ten men end up in the ring simultaneously. Omega attempts a One-Winged Angel on MJF, only for Strowman to crash in, unintentionally disrupting the pin. MJF capitalizes by hitting a low blow on Omega behind the referee’s back — the crowd boos loudly. Christian recovers, springboards from the top rope, and lands a picture-perfect Killswitch on Dyer.
In the final sequence, chaos reigns. Rollins nails a Ripcord Knee on Garcia, Moxley hits a Paradigm Shift on Dijak, and Strowman hoists Hammerstone for a monstrous Running Powerslam. Meanwhile, Omega locks MJF in the One-Winged Angel, covering him — ONE… TWO… THREE!
Winners: Kenny Omega, Seth Rollins, Jon Moxley, Braun Strowman, & Christian
After the match, the victors stand tall, battered and bruised. Omega raises his hand to the crowd, Moxley smirks as Rollins does his signature pose, Strowman flexes, and Christian soaks in the ovation. MJF and his group retreat, plotting revenge, leaving a smoldering, chaotic ring.
Match 10: Roman Reigns & Sami Zayn vs The Usos – Steel Cage Match (Main Event #2)
The arena darkens. Pyrotechnics erupt as Roman Reigns’ theme echoes throughout the United Center. He enters with the Steel Cage hanging ominously over the ring. Sami Zayn bounds in, waving to the crowd. The Usos’ entrance follows, taunting the fans with their typical high-energy charisma. The cage lowers slowly, and the tension is palpable.
The match begins immediately with a fast-paced exchange. Sami Zayn is agile, dodging Jimmy Uso’s strikes, while Roman goes toe-to-toe with Jey. The crowd chants alternate between “Roman! Sami!” and “Usos! Usos!” as the action spills across the ring. Early on, Jimmy Uso catches Zayn in a superkick combo, leaving him staggered. Roman answers by launching Jey into the cage wall with a clothesline.
Mid-match, the brutality intensifies. Zayn performs a Helluva Kick off the cage, connecting with Jimmy Uso, who crashes into the steel mesh. Roman hoists Jey for a Spear, but the cage shakes violently from the impact, creating tension. The Usos regroup, hitting a double superkick on Reigns that nearly ends the match. The referee is counting, but Roman kicks out at two-and-a-half.
As the match reaches its climax, all four men are exhausted, trading strikes and counters in the center of the ring. Zayn scales the cage, and Jimmy climbs alongside him, trying to escape. Reigns shoves Jey upward, sending him crashing into the mat. Zayn leaps from the top, Helluva Kick connects with Jimmy Uso mid-air, and Sami rolls down, barely escaping the cage wall.
Roman finishes it by spearing Jey through a corner of the cage. Sami quickly capitalizes by hitting a second Helluva Kick on Jimmy, who’s still trying to crawl to the door. Reigns and Zayn work in tandem to climb out — Zayn gets the top of the cage first, Reigns follows — and both drop to the arena floor. The crowd erupts as the referee raises their hands in victory.
Winners: Roman Reigns & Sami Zayn
After the match, Reigns and Zayn celebrate atop the cage, throwing fists to the cheering crowd. The Usos recover slowly, showing frustration but also respect for the winners. Fireworks erupt as confetti falls from above — a spectacular end to a night of chaos, title changes, and unforgettable moments.
Match 11: Powerhouse Hobbs (c) vs Kevin Owens – World Championship (Main Event)
The arena is electric as the final match begins. Hobbs enters first, exuding raw intensity, flexing and staring down the crowd. Kevin Owens follows, cocky and ready for a fight, with the audience firmly behind him. The stakes are enormous — the World Title hangs in the balance.
From the bell, Hobbs asserts his power, pushing Owens into the corner and delivering stiff forearms. Owens fires back with a pop-up powerbomb, nearly winning early. Hobbs, refusing to stay down, fires up with a series of belly-to-belly suplexes, each landing with a thunderous impact. The crowd chants “This is awesome!” as Owens absorbs the punishment and rallies with chops, a cannonball in the corner, and a stunner attempt.
Mid-match, Owens attempts a Pop-Up Powerbomb on Hobbs, but Hobbs reverses mid-air into a spinebuster. Hobbs lifts Owens for his signature Power Slam, but Owens counters with a Stunner, nearly stealing the title. The match spills outside the ring, where Hobbs throws Owens into the barricade, then smashes him through the announce table.
Returning to the ring, the tension reaches its peak. Both men exchange finishing moves — Owens hits a Package Piledriver, Hobbs survives; Hobbs hits a Pop-Up Powerbomb, Owens kicks out. The referee is on the verge of calling the match multiple times, but both men refuse to lose.
In the climactic sequence, Owens goes for one final Stunner, but Hobbs sidesteps and hoists Owens for The Final Slam, delivering it with earth-shattering force. Hobbs covers — one, two, three! The crowd erupts as Hobbs retains the World Championship, exhausted but triumphant.
Winner and STILL World Champion: Powerhouse Hobbs
Hobbs celebrates in the ring, belt raised high, sweat and blood dripping, as fireworks explode. Kevin Owens sits in the corner, showing respect with a nod to Hobbs — the perfect finish to an epic Show 42.
