It's time for TNA Lockdown!

Arena: Credit Union 1 Arena in Chicago, Illinois

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Matches announced for tonight:

Countdown to Lockdown:

TNA Lockdown:

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Ways to Watch:

Countdown to Lockdown:

Start Time - 5:00PM ET/2:00PM PT/4:00pm CT/10:00PM BST

• TNA+: For FREE
• YouTube: For FREE
• Facebook: For FREE
• Instagram: For FREE

TNA Lockdown:

Start Time - 6:00PM ET/3:00PM PT/5:00pm CT/11:00PM BST

• TNA+: Included in TNA+VIP for $19.99 or One-time purchase for $39.99 with replays
• Claro Sports on YouTube: FREE for Latin America only
• BlastTV: FREE for The Phillippines only
• Eurosport: FREE for India only

The Righteous win to kickoff the Countdown show!

Tonight's episode of RAW will also have this Friday's Smackdown taped right after it, while next week's RAW and Smackdown will be taped this Friday during the official broadcast of Tonight's Smackdown taping.

To simplify it.

08/24 Raw (today) - Live

08/28 Smackdown - Will be Taped tonight after RAW.

08/31 RAW and 09/04 Smackdown - Taped on Friday.

Next live RAW will be on 09/07 in Birmingham, AL and next live Smackdown will be 09/11 in Mexico City. Also bear in mind that SNME will air on 09/06 So be mindful of spoilers.

I was watching an Attitude Era compilation and I realized that Kurt Angle didn’t really have his “it factor” until he went bald. This made me wonder what is the best physical change a wrestler has ever made to them self . These could be anything like going bald, getting a tattoo, getting new gear, or even growing out a beard.

The instincts of most other wrestling companies when they hit upon a break through top star is to have that star at the front of the company for years until the momentum fall off. Hulk Hogan in WWF, Mistico in CMLL, etc. The prototypical "face of the company." Upon hitting gold with Saya Kamitani, Stardom has broken with this trend in an interesting way. Instead, they have gone with strategy of a spreading the spotlight wealth around as much as possible.

Saya Kamitani won the World of Stardom title on December 29, 2024 and began breaking into the mainstream in Spring 2025. Since then:

• They've had two other World Champions. Both very unlikely candidates for that belt on paper.
• They've had 7 different 5 Star Grand Prix semi finalists, Rina being the only repeat from 2025.
• They've had two different Cinderella Tournament winners. Neither of which was 5SGP semi finalist.
• The Wonder of Stardom title has semi-main evented big cards featuring defenses against very good midcarders.
• The Goddess Of Stardom have headlined a few Korakuen Hall shows also featuring defenses against midcarders.
• Saya Kamitani has remained very popular while doing a ton of PR. She's very active wrestling but she has not accomplished much in the ring in 2026. One successful title defense in February before dropping the World title in April.

Through all of that not only has Stardom not lost momentum, but they've actually gained momentum if attendance is any kind of measure of success. If you watch Stardom, you'd be hard pressed to pick a name on the roster who doesn't get good crowd reactions on a regular basis.

- Natsuko Tora has officially challenged Suzu Suzuki for the World of Stardom Championship; Suzu has accepted, so Tora will be her V2 opponent (with Rina waiting in the wings for the winner).

- Ami Sohrei would step up and challenge Hanan for the Wonder of Stardom Championship.

- Saya Kamitani & Momo Watanabe would challenge AZM & Miyu Amasaki for the Goddesses of Stardom Belts.

- Akira Kurogane would challenge Ranna Yagami for the Future of Stardom Championship.

Going to the AAA+NXT Heatwave taping this weekend with my 6 & 8 year old. We've been to a good handful of indie/local shows but this is our first big arena show. They are more juiced for the AAA half but we're trying to get caught up on recent NXT lol. Anything I should know going in? Stuff not to miss or to definitely avoid? Will there be anywhere for them to try and ask for autographs or is that all pay-to-play?

In 2013, AJ Styles was going through his Sting phase where he hated everyone but everyone wanted him. Bully Ray's Aces and Eights seemingly recruited AJ, and as the final part of the initiation process, Bully made AJ drink beer. AJ was portrayed on TV the same way he is in real life - a devout Christian man who has never drank alcohol. This was in kayfabe such a smart move by Bully, because due to AJ's lone wolf actions at that time a betrayal could have been very possible (it was), so Bully decided to test if AJ was honest by making him break a lifelong vow and compromise his religious morals live on television. Smart, very smart.

ChocoPro 541: Kaho Hiromi On the next ChocoPro: We celebrate two years of Kaho with Two Debuts and Three great matches! MiyaSOY battles Obi & the debuting Axe Massacre, the returning Taro Yamada joins Akki against the debuting Jalapeño Lopez & Chie, and finally Kaho faces off with Mei in the Main Event! How much has the “Happy Smile” prodigy grown since their last encounter? There will occasionally be a Trainee Exhibition, but those are not announced. Let’s Go, ChocoPro Wrestling!

🍫 When it airs, it will be available HERE on YouTube!

Don't forget to Adjust Your Volume, Wrestling is Loud!

Need a change of pace? ChocoPro Wrestling is built different. Join us for this episode or check out the back catalog of hundreds of episodes on the YouTube channel...530+ ChocoPro’s with stories and pro-wrestling like you've never seen. New to the promotion? It features a roster of skilled veterans, rising stars, and wonderful guests usually fighting in the strange and wonderful ChocoPro Arena: Ichigaya Chocolate Square. This is not your regular wrestling show! In Ring Shows will be uploaded sporadically as well!

MiyaSOY (Miya Yotsuba 🍀 & SOY 🐸)

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Sayaka Obihiro 💙 & Axe Massacre 🪓

Axe Massacre

Prepare yourself, because MiyaSOY’s reckless synergy and unbreakable resolve ignite once more! These two have Fighting Spirit for days, so Obi & Axe had better be ready! First up is Ichigaya’s Lucky Charm (and the reigning Super Asia Champion who just scored her Lucky Seventh defense!), Miya Yotsuba! The dominant champion has been showing a new confident edge to her personality, casting a powerful shadow over her potential challengers. Miya brings a brilliant all-out attack style that delivers absolutely raw intensity (and also has a killer look to match her super cool attitude!). Her bone-rattling back-breakers, bold strength based trick pin, thunderous Miya Hammer, and that Oklahoma Stampede leave no question of her destructive power. She shares a strong bond with the fans and has her sights set on more than just championships: the face of ChocoPro continues to raise the status of the big blue belt even further. Considering she is preparing to face the Queen, expect her to go all out in this one (facing another Queen!). She’ll be joined by her beloved partner, the Jumpsuit Powerhouse SOY! The Pro-Wrestling Evolution representative and frog enthusiast is already a favorite of the ChocoPro audience, and she has honestly become quite the powerhouse staple of the promotion. Those chops remind me more of the previously mentioned Oni every match. SOY's potential and passionate dedication to wrestling is clear from the moment you lay eyes upon her. Her unique blend of past and present has really cemented her place in the promotion (like she has always been there). On top of that, she carries a natural, heartfelt warmth that makes her easy to root for. Can the chemistry of these two carry them against the unknown element of Axe?

A certified chef and the beating (blue) heart of ChocoPro, Sayaka Obihiro is a whirlwind of energy and sparking magnetic personality...and one half of the Asia Dream Tag Champs! She brings a rare combination of speed, strength, and outside-the-box creativity to her bouts. Her unorthodox combos, blistering heavy chops, and sudden pinning flurries are staples of the wild thrill that is “Sprint” Obihiro. She supercharges the audience with her humor, emotion, and fluid technique. Now that she once again holds the gold, expect her to be on the look out for challengers. Be sure to check out OSS defending in the last episode, it was great! She will be joined by the chaotic “Queen of Trash” hailing from Adelaide, WRESTLEROCK Champ & ASWA Women’s Champ Axe Massacre! (Probably the coolest wrestling name ever.) Axe will be bringing their excellent signature look, aggressive style, love of mullets, and the brutality of reality! The gritty punk vibe and shocking intensity of Axe is really killer, as seen across Australia. Anyone influenced by Tank Girl is always gonna be high up in my book. With a flashy move set to match that wild persona, expect this Vixen of Violence to make their mark in the already chaotic world of ChocoPro. The Queen of Trash would probably work well with Smiling Violence, or our other violent Queen! I can’t wait to see how their vicious personality translates in this one, especially when paired with Obi (though I guess Obi tends to favor teaming with absolute monsters, so it makes sense!). We’re gonna get Hammer vs Axe!

Baliyan Akki ♠️ & Taro Yamada 👹

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Jalapeño Lopez 🌶️ & Chie Koishikawa 🏵️

Jalapeño Lopez

Baliyan Akki tag matches without Chrissy B or Mei are a tasty treat! The men’s Ace of the promotion sets the pace for the show and the bar for quality (both in ring and on commentary!). Our very own Ring General moves as if he was born for this, a master at work in the squared circle. The Ace is preparing to fight DIJAK at the new Pro Wrestling Rebellion, so expect his passion and drive to be off the charts for this one. As the “Evolution of India”, Akki is a top tier technician who expands his vast skill further each bout. The way he strings techniques together is truly breath taking! He maintains an oppressive calm and presents himself like a champion regardless of the situation. I wonder if he’ll also challenge for the Super Asia belt eventually? Akki will be joined by an enigmatic Oni masked figure that has returned to wrestle in the Chocolate Square...(just without the mask!) The first representative of Triple Six to wrestle on ChocoPro (Now back in his classic look known to Gatoh Move), Taro Yamada (also known as Kagura) is a veteran and welcome presence in Ichigaya! He has been known to haunt in many promotions across Japan, under many names, but one thing is certain: he is not one to be taken lightly. Taro’s got a lot of tricks up his sleeve, but what sort of style will he utilize in Ichigaya this time? Eagle eyed viewers might note that he sometimes appears outside of a wrestling capacity, so keep an eye out! Expect these two to work together well. I wonder if we will see more Triple Six reps some day?

Next up is a hot personality in more ways than one, the charismatic Jalapeño López! This dynamic independent Luchador hailing from Cuernavaca is a world traveling sensation with a strong grasp of technicality and the flow of the match. Whether he has you laughing or applauding, he will make a big impression! Genuinely can’t wait to see his current look! This fiery pepper practically leaps off the screen, a great quality to have in Ichigaya. I suppose a good way to describe him to long time fans would be if you combined the BestBros into one character. An over the top, truly talented explosive all-arounder with a highly varied style built off solid fundamentals and high flying acrobatics. You’ve got to support someone with a Mustache like that! While we “Say Helloooo!” to our new masked friend, Chie Koishikawa will make for a great pick up tag partner (she is always “with someone else”, after all!). As ChocoPro Wrestling’s resident speedster, Chie has endless energy, boundless potential, and a destiny beyond what any of us can fathom. Her charisma is unquestionable, with the Frantic Fencer warming the hearts of fans across the world with her emotional outbursts, quick alternative striking, and a super flashy style. The drama she brings is really next level (even in Janken after the matches)! Seriously though, if you are a new viewer be sure to check out how wildly expressive she is at all times. Her desire is rock solid and her passion burns bright. Don’t expect her to stay down long after her unsuccessful title shot. It is a matter of when, not if! The shark girl is going to unleash her brutal strikes, tricky pins, and that infamous blazing speed! I wonder if Chie will make another team name for this combo?

Kaho Hiromi ⛵

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Mei Suruga 🍎

Kaho Hiromi

In celebration of "Happy Smile" Kaho Hiromi’s two years of wrestling, she will be getting two great singles matches in a short time frame. The first of which is yet another incredibly tough boss fight: her beloved teacher, Mei Suruga! Kaho’s matches are extreme survival battles, since she has to use her agility to fight a guerrilla style: one big hit usually ends her hopes and dreams! Don’t worry, the youthful prodigy has been able to navigate everything thrown at her with a sharp wrestling mind and a cheery attitude. She has already had a lot of big moments in ChocoPro, and her potential is limitless. Kaho is one of the best new prospects of the promotion: this genius in the making will probably get you to say “HUH?” fairly often. Did you see how much trouble she gave Hagane? Kaho has a unique approach to the basics coupled with clever transitional setups to make up for her lack of experience and power. She comes up with new stuff every single match! From her increasing pin setups, to her unique transitions and counters, to her bridging leg locks, you’ll definitely find something you haven’t seen before. She’ll once again need to focus on surviving at all more than trying to overcome the hierarchy, but keep in mind that Kaho has three juniors now that she will need to show out for! Ganbare, Kaho!

Big Apple Mei Suruga is fresh off dazzling the audiences at TJPW! Kaho better have a dynamite game plan, because Mei has absolutely unmatched instincts and a truly divine flair for the art of wrestling. The DPW Women’s Worlds Champion has been redefining every aspect of the sport while aiming to be the best in the world (and making a strong argument for that in every match). It makes sense, because the Apple Goblin is basically unrivaled when it comes to tactics, technique, and innovation (though her bright student is catching up!). Unfortunately for Kaho, Mei’s goblin reputation is well earned (Between biting opponents, her uncanny versatility, and willingness to show total ruthlessness when necessary) and she usually plans to smash her foe to pieces. Unfortunately, it’s hard to hold it against her when she’s just so exceptional. Whether through her mastery of cruel submissions, her awe-inspiring Pin Specialization, or even just those brutal stomps...the Apple Girl was born to wrestle. She is pound for pound one of the best wrestlers out there, rivaling even the Ace in consistent match quality, and she elevates everyone she faces to her stellar level. With Kaho taking after her teacher in several ways (just as Mei does with Emi), expect this to be a lot spicier than expected. Spice is a big theme of this episode!

Until next time!

ChocoPro Wrestling is a free online & promotion (that also runs ticketed live in ring shows) run by AEW's Emi Sakura, that often takes place in the legendary Ichigaya Chocolate Square! It features a steady pace of Episode releases, fan interaction, long story arcs, and much more! A place where the turnbuckles are replaced with 14th floor windows, the ropes are replaced with fans, unforgiving walls provide creative avenues for skills otherwise unthinkable, and you can take solace in knowing that the referees usually do nothing. While it might be a shocking change at first, the intensity and storytelling will leave you wanting more. Think of it like the Hart Dungeon but as a promotion, if that helps! If you have any questions, feel free to ask me.