Coverage

Mitchell’s Monday Night Raw Results & Report! (9/3/18)

Published

6 years ago

September 3, 2018

The Bella Twins return to action on Raw! Will Nikki & Brie show The Riott Squad how they get it done? Or will Ruby, Liv & Sarah #StartARiott in Ohio?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

The Bella Twins VS The Riott Squad; The Bella Twins win.
Bobby Roode & Chad Gable VS The Ascension; Roode & Gable win.
Natalya w/ Ronda Rousey VS Alexa Bliss w/ Alicia Fox & Mickie James; Alexa wins.
Raw Tag Team Championships: The B-Team VS ~~The Revival~~ ???; Drew McIntyre & Dolph Ziggler win and become the new Raw Tag Team Champions.
The Authors of Pain w/ Drake Maverick VS Keith Thompson & Jimmie Jacobs; The AoP win.
Sasha Banks & Bayley VS Ember Moon & Dana Brooke w/ Titus Worldwide; Sasha & Bayley win.
Finn Balor VS ~~Baron Corbin~~ Braun Strowman w/ McIntyre & Ziggler; Strowman wins.

PLAY BY PLAY

BRAUN STROWMAN heads to the ring!

But he isn’t alone, because he has Dolph Ziggler & Drew McIntyre in tow. These three shocked everyone last week when they actually worked together to beat down Roman Reigns and The Shield. The Monster in the Bank has his shot at Hell in a Cell in the Hell in a Cell match, but that’s not for another two weeks. Tonight, Strowman wants us all to relive the main event moment when the alliance was struck. As the recap shows, this is also all payback for when The Shield reunited to keep Strowman from cashing in weeks ago.

Fans are mixed between boos and jeers, but Strowman tells them all “that’s what I call justice.” Strowman wanted to do things face to face, Monster to Man, and look Roman in the eyes to cash in. All Roman had to do was accept his fate. But the Big Dog has a pack, and that pack was his Shield. Without them, Roman knows Strowman would’ve taken the Universal Championship. Strowman realized he had to do something different, and doesn’t care if the WWE Universe likes it or not. So, “Big Dog”, Strowman has a pack of his own. And now Strowman will make Raw HIS Yard! Then in HiaC, where no one gets in or out, Strowman vows to dismantle Roman. Strowman will break Roman’s spirit and body to take what is rightfully his!

McIntyre says we should take a moment just to look at this trio. The Shield had their time, and that time is over. “You’re looking at the new kings of the jungle around here, and we’re going to feast on their bloody carcasses.” Ziggler adds they’ll be the new most dominant force in WWE History. More than the Nation of Domination, more than Degeneration X, and “sure as hell more dominant than The Shield.” These three will embarrass and decimate The Shield. The Shield started this, but these three will end it. But speaking of The Shield, here they come! And from the stairs, like the old days! But Baron Corbin sends out superstars to intercept! The Shield just runs right through them!

Roman, Rollins & Ambrose flank the ring, also like the old days. Strowman’s pack is ready, but a second wave of superstars come out. The Shield has to deal with them first, but that’s easy enough. And then the brawl begins! They pair off, Roman and Strowman, Ambrose and Ziggler, Rollins and McIntyre. But then a THIRD wave heads in! The entire Raw men’s roster is fighting in the ring, trying to keep six rabid animals apart! But fans want to “Let Them Fight!” Rollins gets free and it erupts all over again! Somehow Strowman’s pack is led away, but The Shield pursue! Just as Strowman’s team is dragged backstage, The Shield break through the line of superstars at the ramp! We go to break, but who knows what will happen next!

There is still chaos when we return!

The Shield are truly like rabid dogs as they’re being arrested and put inside a police van to keep them from causing any more trouble. Constable Corbin claims he’ll handle this, because not even he can afford to have top level superstars behind bars. How will he do this without upsetting Stephanie McMahon?

The Bella Twins VS The Riott Squad!

Three years and we finally see the return of Nikki & Brie! They’re big hits with E’s Total Divas and Total Bellas, but are they going to continue where they left off when they go up against two-thirds of this red hot Women’s Trio?

Raw returns as the teams sort out. Nikki starts against the Juvenile Delinquent, Liv Morgan. Liv offers a handshake, but Nikki sees right through that. She rushes Liv and Liv rushes to ropes. Liv tags Sarah Logan in, and the Kentucky Viking ties up with Nikki. THey go power for power but Sarah gets the edge with pulling hair. Sarah gives forearms but Nikki comes back for a waistlock. Sarah hits out but Nikki gets a takedown. Cover, ONE, but Nikki is still on Sarah with arm wrench and yanks. Nikki wrings Sarah out, then puts on an armlock. Sarah endures while Ruby Riott coaches up her cohort. Nikki flips Sarah again, cover, TWO. Nikki fireman’s carry but Sarah flails out to drop Nikki by her hair.

Sarah drags Nikki up into an armlock of her own, and grinds her forearm into the shoulder. Nikki feeds off a fan rally and arm-drags Sarah away. Nikki runs in but misses in the corner. Sarah runs into an elbow, and walks into Nikki’s armbar tornado DDT! Cover, TWO, but Nikki drags Sarah up and over. Tag to Brie, and fans fire up for Brie Mode. Double arm wrenches and knees to the shoulders! Cover, TWO, but Brie has Sarah in a hammerlock. Sarah endures and powers Brie up. Brie sunset flips through, but Liv tags in. Sarah keeps Brie down so Liv can kick her. Cover, TWO!

Liv keeps on Brie with a chinlock, but fans rally up again. Liv knees Brie down, but Brie gets back up. Brie and Liv scrap but Liv talks trash. Brie SLAPS Liv, then gives forearms. Liv goes Matrix to yank Brie down! Cover, TWO! Tag to Sarah and Sarah slams Brie on the mat. Sarah throws forearms then whips Brie. Brie dodges and dropkicks Sarah down! Fans fire up as Brie starts up Yes Kicks as borrowed from her hubby. Liv runs in but gets a dropkick! Brie has Riott Squad on opposite ends, for Brie Mode knees! Ruby distracts long enough for Sarah to get out. Brie goes to DIVE, but she gets hung up on ropes while Sarah also clubs her down. The Bellas are now in trouble as we go to break.

Raw returns as Sarah thrashes Brie around in a seated cobra clutch. Nikki rallies the fans and Brie feeds off it. Brie reaches but fights out first. She yanks Sarah down then runs, but Sarah denies the tag. Sarah stomps Brie in the Squad corner, then howls. Brie fights back with boots, then a missile dropkick! Both Brie and Sarah are down but headed for their corners. Sarah tags Liv and Liv drags Brie away. Brie shoves Liv away, hot tag to Nikki! Nikki rallies and gives Liv the facebuster on the knee.

Fans fire up with Nikki as she runs in for the corner clothesline. She throws Liv out to hit with the Fearless Enziguri. Cover, but Sarah breaks it! Sarah whips but Nikki reverses to send her out. Nikki gives Ruby a shot, then the Bellas coordinate. Brie builds speed and DIVES! She just barely gets Ruby and Sarah, but Liv rolls Nikki up! TWO, to Rack Attack 2! Cover, Bellas win!

Winners: The Bella Twins, Nikki pinning

It wasn’t smooth, but it was a win. The Bellas are back, and Brie herself is getting ready to join Daniel Bryan against The Miz & Maryse at Hell in a Cell. Can Brie shake off more of that rust before helping her hubby fight the It Couple? At the same time, Super Show Down will have a Six Woman Tag where the Bellas team with Ronda Rousey to take on the full Riott Squad! Will both Bellas be ready to join the Baddest Woman on the Planet in battle?

Corbin assures Stephanie that everything is fine.

The Shield may be in jail but the rest of the show is on track. He’ll take care of the rest, so she can rest assured. But then Finn comes in with a grin. Finn wants a rematch with Baron Corbin. Corbin has no time for that, he’s busy. Plus, Corbin makes matches. Yes, he does. He also changes rules. Corbin is so proud of his temporary power. It’s like he’s compensating for something. If Corbin wants to prove he’s better than Finn The Man, then act like a man. A rematch with no tricks or games, to find out who the better man really is. Big talk for a little man. Corbin accepts the challenge, but in tonight’s main event. Fine by Finn. Will Corbin back up his power plays with a real victory tonight?

WWE and Raw unite with the V Foundation to again fund the Connor’s Cure.

Join the fight against pediatric cancer today by buying Connor’s Cure merchandise.

Backstage interview with Bobby Roode and Chad Gable.

These two have decided to join together. Gable has been “captivated” by how Roode carries himself in the spotlight. Gable wants in on that. And he’s best in a tag team. Very kind words from a former tag team champion. And now, it’s time to show the world this new duo.

Bobby Roode & Chad Gable VS The Ascension!

The GLORIOUS One and the Olympic Medalist are #ReadyWillingAndGLORIOUS, but will they be victorious over the Wasteland? Konnor & Viktor see a flash in the pan of the singles division, and then a “sawed-off duck butt.” Well that insult is confusing but it’s still an insult. The bell rings and Gable starts with Viktor. Gable throws Viktor overhead with multiple exploders, then manages to German Suplex Konnor! He gives a German to Viktor, then another one to Konnor! Fans fire up with Gable, btu Gable tags in Roode! Roode is a bit surprised, but he comes in. Roode bumps Viktor then chops him in a corner. He suplexes Viktor and covers, TWO.

Roode wrenches Viktor’s arm, but Viktor powers him over. Tag to Konnor and Konnor stomps in a mudhole. Konnor backs off while Viktor trash talks. Tag and The Ascension double punch, club and kick Roode down. Cover, TWO. Viktor keeps on Roode with a chinlock. Gable rallies the fans and Roode feeds off it. Roode fights back with body shots but Viktor clubs him down. Viktor drops a big fist drop, covers, TWO. Viktor tags Konnor, then holds Roode for Konnor’s kick to the ribs. Konnor drops an even bigger elbow drop, covers, TWO! The Ascension grow frustrated but Konnor wraps a chinlock on Roode. Gable keeps the fans going as Roode endures again. Roode powers up and fights back, but Konnor knees low. Tag to Viktor and the stomp Roode out. Cover, TWO!

Viktor keeps on Roode with another chinlock. Roode continues to endure while fans build to a new rally. Roode fights out again, but Viktor clubs him down. Viktor powers Roode to ropes but Gable tags in! Gable rallies but Viktor reverses the whip, only for Gable tog et a body check! Gable dropkicks Konnor then throws Viktor again! He ends up on the apron but cannonballs onto Konnor! Flying missile dropkick! Then CHAOS THEORY! Cover, Gable & Roode win!

Winners: Roode & Gable, Gable pinning

First time out and it’s already a win! This combination might be what both men need to keep moving forward. Will it go all the way to the Raw Tag Team Championships?

“Ladies and Gentlemen: Elias.”

The Drifter has come to Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio, and he begins singing already. We live in an insane world, he was slapped by an insane girl. Take a stand and follow him to the Promised Land. Elias then asks the question he always asks: “Who Wants to Walk With Elias?” The Buckeyes seem up for it. Elias strongly dislikes women who hit men. That’s what Trish Stratus did, she wandered out here, interrupted Elias and embarrassed herself. Trish is struggling with the cold-hard truth that everyone else knows. It’s that WWE really stands for “WALK WITH ELIAS!”

Elias had all kinds of thoughts about his song for tonight. He thought about Christopher Columbus, who would’ve turned around back to Europe if he’d known a city like this would be named after him. But hey, what about them Buckeyes, huh? What is a buckeye? That’s the least intimidating mascot ever. Not like a wolverine in Michigan. Fans boo, but Elias is shaken by the “rotten people this city can produce.” Elias needs fans to silence phones, hold applause and most importantly, shut mouths. But here comes Alexa Bliss!

Alexa and her besties are in tow for this upcoming match with Natalya, but first she speaks to her crowd. Columbus, Ohio is the birthplace of The Goddess. Alexa graduated in this very building. There’s a chant here in Columbus, and it goes a little something like this. “O H! “I O!!” Hear that, Elias? That is the sound of all the “mindless Ohio imbeciles” being the sheep they are. Alexa admits Elias is 100% right, she could not get out of here quick enough. It was like being surrounded by zombies. She even recognizes some of them from high school. Time flies, right? Look where you are and look where she is! But Elias is in the ring with Columbus’ biggest star.

Alexa personally apologizes for Trish Stratus’ behavior. Is that something someone should do? Slap people more talented than you? And don’t get her even started on Ronda and Natty. Alexa will get Trish at Evolution, Ronda at Hell in a Cell, and Natty up next. But, could he play that song he was about to play? She wants to walk with Elias. Elias obliges, but here comes Ronda & Natty! The Rowdy Raw Women’s Champion leads the way for the Queen of Harts!

Natalya w/ Ronda Rousey VS Alexa Bliss w/ Alicia Fox & Mickie James!

The Goddess mocks Natty as Ronda’s pet, but will she be making fun of them when she’s put in a Sharpshooter tonight and an armbar at Hell in a Cell?

Raw returns as Alexa and Natty tie up. Natty gets a headlock and takeover, but Alexa gets the head scissors. Natty pops out but Alexa gets to ropse. The ref counts and Natty backs off, but dares Alexa to return. Alexa slowly returns to circle with Natty. They tie up again and Natty gets the wristlock. Alexa reverses and her friends cheer, but Natty rolls and handsprings to a hammerlock. Alexa slips through but Natty throws her down with a fireman’s carry. Natty has the arm again and fans fire up with Natty and Ronda. Alexa reaches up for another head scissor, but Natty pops out. Natty chases Alexa to the ropes, but has to back off again.

Alexa returns but her kick is blocked! She begs Natty let go but Natty grins as she drops the foot. They shake hands, but Natty stomps Alexa’s fingers! Alexa reverses a whip but Natty goes up and over for the rebound drop! Natty walks over Alexa to dropkick her down! Cover, TWO! Alexa scurries to a corner then dodges Natty to rock her with that wicked right! Alexa drags Natty up to stomp a mudhole into her. She backs off at the count but Mickie AND Alicia get cheap shots in! Alexa comes back to bring Natty up for the DDT! Alexa isn’t done, she wants Ronda to see the armbar! Natty endures while Ronda gets riled up. Natty endures but she has to tap! Alexa wins!

Winner: Alexa Bliss, by submission

But she doesn’t let go until Ronda gets in the ring! Ronda checks on her friend, but Alexa rushes back in! Ronda catches her, so Alicia saves her. So Alicia gets rag dolled instead! But Alexa chop blocks Ronda then dumps her out. Alexa throws Ronda into steel steps, then back into the ring. Alexa grins but Ronda fights back with body shots! Ronda sends Alexa back out, and the Raw Women’s Division Mean Girls retreat. Ronda glares daggers at the Goddess. Will Alexa regret everything she’s said and done come Hell in a Cell?

Baron Corbin demands something of a staffer.

He needs it done and he needs it done right. But then Strowman and his pack walk in. Too bad about The Shield. Luckily these there are still here. So find them competition. They’re not asking, either. Corbin is GM, that’s great, but this is their show. Who do they have in mind? Well no Intercontinental Championship rematch tonight, but what about the Raw Tag Team Championships? But The Revival are getting that against The B-Team. Dash Wilder & Scott Dawson are good to go, as far as Corbin knows. And if they wren’t? Corbin would make new arrangements. Ziggler & McIntyre head out. Strowman stares Corbin down, and suggests he do his job and find Strowman competition. Corbin seems to be feeling what Kurt Angle had to deal with. Will he come through for these beasts?

Backstage interview with The Revival.

The #TopGuys have called The B-Team are mockeries of tag team wrestling. Webster ain’t got enough words in the dictionary to define those two. But here come Ziggler & McIntyre! They decimate Dash & Dawson, and we already know why. Will Corbin be forced to give these two wild dogs a shot at Bo, Axel and the tag titles tonight?

Raw Tag Team Championships: The B-Team VS The Revival ???

We just saw what happened to Dash & Dawson, and as Corbin said, he would have to make an executive decision if something happened to them. The music plays, but no #TopGuys come out to #SayYeah. And with the record scratch, it’s confirmed! The Show-Off & The Scottish Psycho took out one team, and they’re about to do the same to the team in the ring!

The belts are raised and it’s official. Axel starts against McIntyre, but McIntyre hits Bo first. McIntyre then clobbers Axel and throws him overhead! Tag to Ziggler, and Axel is stood up. Bo trips up McIntyre and Axel rolls Ziggler! TWO, but Backslide, TWO. Axel gets a takedown, Bo tags in, and they both dodge Ziggler. Bo blasts Ziggler with forearms, then clotheslines Ziggler out. McIntyre comes in but he gets clothesline’d out, too! B-Team has control while we go to break!

Raw returns and McIntyre wrenches Bo in a mounted arm-lock. Fans rally and Bo stands up. Bo fights back but runs into an overhead suplex! Cover, TWO! McIntyre chops Bo, then stalks him to a corner. Ziggler talks trash while McIntyre suplexes Bo. Cover, TWO, but McIntyre grinds Bo down with another arm-lock. The fans chant “B-Team! B-Team! GO GO GO!” Bo feeds off that but McIntyre keeps him away from Axel. Tag to Ziggler and they stomp Bo out. Ziggler chokes Bo at the ropes but stops at 4. Ziggler taunts Bo while fans continue to cheer. Bo throws hands on Ziggler, but Ziggler kicks low to then dropkick Bo down! Cover, TWO! Ziggler grows frustrated, but he drags Bo over and tags McIntyre.

McIntyre takes Bo for haymakers, then chops. He hoists Bo up top, then chops him again. But Bo hits back! And hits a tornado DDT! Fans fire up as Bo and McIntyre crawl for their corners. McIntyre changes course to stop Bo, but Bo slips around to a neckbreaker! Bo and McIntyre crawl again, hot tags to Ziggler and Axel! Axel rallies on both men, then snapmares Ziggler for the neck snap! Axel’s all fired up, and the Buckeyes join him. He kicks low but Ziggler shoves out. Axel comes out, Perfect Plex! But McIntyre breaks it just in time, to then suplex toss Axel! Bo returns but McIntyre throws him into buckles! McIntyre backs off, and Ziggler walks over. Axel rolls him up! TWO, and a SUPERKICK! Ziggler tags McIntyre, and they take their frustrations out with a Claymore Zig-Zag! Cover, McIntyre & Ziggler win!

Winners: McIntyre & Ziggler, McIntyre pinning; NEW Raw Tag Team Champions

These two wolves took matters into their own hands, and now they have hands on titles. The Show-Off & The Psycho reign the Raw tag Team Division now, will anyone be able to take those titles from them?

WWE and Raw profile a new cast of Connor’s Cure Superstars.

Super Messiah tells cancer, “You Can’t See Me!” Can You Smell What Messiah’s cooking? Support the mighty Messiah and many more children dealing with pediatric cancer as part of cancer awareness this Fall.

The Authors of Pain w/ Drake Maverick VS Keith Thompson & Jimmy James!

Yes, Drake Maverick, the GM of 205 Live and the Cruiserweight Division. But why is he with Akam & Rezar, in full AoP gear? Maverick takes a moment to explain, because he’s now the personal manager to AoP. He vows to make these two the Raw Tag Team Champions! McIntyre & Ziggler should watch closely, because whoever that is in the blue, he just got beheaded. Then the one in red gets clubbed down while draped on the ropes. Akam brings blue over and puts him on the top rope. Rezar tags in and clubs him off the top rope! Akam tosses Red to Rezar for a Death valley Bomb! Tag back to Akam and each Author takes each opponent, for Super Collider! Cover, AoP win!

Winnesr: The Authors of Pain, Akam pinning

A great start under Maverick’s management, though the Authors did what they always do. Will they finally reach the top of the tag division and be the team to take the titles from the Show-Off & The Psycho?

Ronda sits with Natty.

Natty is sick of the games. The Bellas come by. They are worried for the two, but Natty needs a minute alone. The Bellas were talking and Ronda is absolutely going to be the greatest women’s champion ever. But there’s more to being champion than winning. Ronda inspired The Bellas to return, and they thank her. If she needs more training partners, they’re there for her. Ronda appreciates the offer but Natty has been great. Then maybe advice for non-wrestling things? Of course, she’ll definitely hit them up for that. Ronda thanks the Bellas for looking out, but what about looking out for Natty?

SHAWN MICHAELS IS HERE!

The Heartbreak Kid is back, because he knows there’s a major match on the horizon. HBK hears the fans chant for him, and usually says he’s not worth it, but he’s changed his mind. Shower him with praise! The fans do, but he already can’t take it. HBK decides to shill a bit and advertise his new merchandise. And for those scoring at home, get the WWE Network right now, $9.99! While there, you can make sure to watch Super Show Down, the real reason HBK is here tonight. Before getting to predictions like everyone else, he wants to frame this match. The truly last time ever for Triple H VS The Undertaker, so HBK had to get up off the couch to go see this personally. This match will be something we never ever forget, almost guaranteed.

Having said that, HBK has some comments about the other Hall of Fame Legend predictions. HBK was surprised the majority went with The Undertaker. Now, they’d be right, if the Streak was still intact. The Streak is broken, so HBK is surprised people still think Taker will win. But Stone Cold is in agreement with him, because they both feel HHH will do it this time. Fans may not like that, and think HBK is biased towards his BFF, but even so, it is all professional. The Undertaker needs to understand that HHH is still The Game, the Cerebral Assassin, and “as far was what’s left in the tank”, HHH has more left than the Dead Man. Super Show Down in Melbourne, the Cerebral Assassin cerebrally assassinates the Undertaker, and there is nothing– GONG!! Wait, is it?!

The lights go out, the bell tolls, and the smoke rises! IT IS!! The Undertaker IS here! HBK knows that entrance all too well as the Phenom walks to the ring. Taker joins HBK in the ring, reminiscent of their own legendary Wrestlemania matches. The Buckeyes lose their minds over seeing these two at the same time and in person. “I think this just became personal.” Taker tells HBK that it has been 20 years of those HBK and HHH being best friends. But in those 20 years, he took the best both men had, and put them both down! Taker retired HBK, and DX’s egos just can’t accept it. HBK chooses HHH because Taker took HBK’s career.

“Is that what you think?” HBK corrects Taker, he is a man of his word. Someone had to restore faith in the system, someone had to stand and be committed to words spoken. Everyone else says what they want and sometime down the line they go back on the word, but guess who doesn’t? HBK. He has stayed retired because he’s a man of his word. He is a man of honor and integrity, out of respect for the system, for the fans, but most importantly, out of the respect for Taker. But fans wouldn’t mind “One More Match!” It’s been almost a decade and every superstar every year wants their dream match. HBK turns down millions of dollars for #OneMoreMatch! But yes, whether Taker believes it or not, HBK has respect for him.

Fans still chant for “One More Match!” but Taker doesn’t seem convinced. “Is it respect? Or is it fear?” Because if HBK had ever chosen to come out of retirement, the only person he’d come for is Taker. “And make no mistake about it, I’d put you down all over again.” HBK knows it, Taker knows it, the fans know it. And there’s more: in Melbourne, Taker puts HHH down, again! Taker takes his leave, confident he still has enough for this Last Time Ever match of living legends. Will the Phenom’s confidence carry him through? Is HBK’s confidence in his best friend shaken?

Finn Balor prepares backstage.

But Baron Corbin comes in with some “bad news.” He’s been on the phone non-stop and doing GM work. They can’t have their match tonight. This is an excuse. No, Finn still has a match against someone else: Braun Strowman. Corbin wishes him luck, but how will the Extraordinary Man fair against this “impromptu” change?

Sasha Banks & Bayley VS Ember Moon & Dana Brooke w/ Titus Worldwide!

The Boss & Hug Connection are best friends back on the same page, but the Statistician is looking to get on track in what’s left of 2018. Luckily for her, she has the Prophecy of Flame on her side! Can Ember help Dana Eclipse the #LegitHuggable duo?

Dana starts against Bayley and they tie up. Bayley gets a headlock then wristlock and whip. Tag to Sasha and the friends crisscross Dana for a backwards whip. They double snapmare, then Bayley sliding lariats and Sasha drops double knees. Dana bails out and regroups with Titus & Apollo while we take another break.

Raw returns and Bayley has Ember in an armlock. Fans duel but Ember fights her way out. Bayley catches the kick but gets a headscissor. Bayley intercepts the tag with an elbow drop, then drags her to the corner. Tag to Sasha and the friends double whip. Ember kicks them both then springboards for double crossbody! Ember grits her teeth but Dana tags in! Dana runs and rallies on Sahas! Sasha blocks the kick to give a kick! Sasha hits buckles in the corner and Dana fireman’s carry. Dana goes to drop but Sashas counters. Dana fights out and enziguris! Sasha ends up in a corner as Dana fires up. Dana won’t listen to her coaches, but she messes up! Sasha headscissors to a cover, Sasha & Bayley win!

Winners: The Boss & Hug Connection, Sasha pinning

Maybe Dana’s problem isn’t herself but her coaching staff. What will it take to rework her strategy and #MakeItAWin? Wait, she says she’s had it with both Apollo and Titus? Is she quitting Titus Worldwide?

Bobby Lashley just comes out of Baron Corbin’s office.

What was the meeting about/ It wasn’t much of a meeting, but more of a performance review. “Despite Mr. Lashley’s sunny and cool demeanor”, he’s a danger to himself and his opponents? Lashley needs an intervention, with Jinder Mahal as mediator? Lashley feels this really will be good for him. Because “my man”, Constable Corbin is helping Lashley be less angry. Lashley does feel he gets too tense, so he’s looking forward to finding some inner peace. Is Lashley going to do as Constable Corbin hopes?

Jinder Mahal heads to the ring.

He and Sunil Singh prepare to moderate an intervention for Lashley through meditation, after the break.

Raw returns having set out a nice rug. Bobby Lashley makes his entrance now, and joins Mahal in the ring. Mahal senses the hostility from within Lashley. Lashley smiles and is the “strong silent type” but there is much anger. Mahal can help Lashley harness his power and achieve inner peace. They sit on the rug, and Mahal asks the fans sit, too. Lashley obliges, sitting between Mahal and Sunil. He even puts on a nice scarf. Repeat after me. Repeat after me. No not that. No not that. Mahal says this is about affirmation. “I am like water.” Water. My man! We are like water. Shanti! Sunil gets tense being next to the upbeat Lashley. Water, Shanti, right? Yes. Lashley takes in deep breaths, as does Mahal. But then Kevin Owen attacks!! Didn’t he quit?!

The Prizefighter has rage, but now so does Lashley! Mahal helps Kevin but Lashley fights him off. SUPERKICK from Kevin! Kevin is beside himself with rage, but he directs it all at Lashley. He stalks Lashley on the outside, and gives him an APRON BOMB! Kevin leaves Lashley down and out, but what does this mean for his status with Raw?

Just in from WWE correspondent, Mike Rome: The Shield are free!

They were charged, they were fined, and they were released! Will Roman, Rollins & Ambrose be able to make it back to OSU before the night is over?

Finn Balor VS Baron Corbin Braun Strowman w/ McIntyre & Ziggler!

A “last-minute” change of plans from the Constable leaves the Extraordinary Man now having a match with The Monster Among Men. At the same time, the newly minted Raw Tag Team Champions will be by Strowman’s side. Does Finn stand a chance here tonight?

The bell rings and Strowman stares down Finn. Finn is wary of Strowman, but he fires off kicks and forearms. Strowman whips Finn then runs him over! Strowman roars and lets Finn get up. He misses in the corner and Finn hops on for a sleeper hold! Strowman barrels back and breaks free with help from the buckles. He brings Finn up to headbutt him down, then brings him up to club him down.

Fans rally for Finn and Finn fires back, only to run into a sidewalk slam! Strowman circles Finn like a shark while Finn slowly sits up. Strowman runs to boot Finn right in the face! He puts Finn in a corner but then runs into Finn’s boots. Finn leaps into a scoop, but slips out to a sleeper! Strowman throws Finn off, then runs. Finn dumps him out! Finn wrecks him with a dropkick then double stomps! McIntyre & Ziggler rush over but Finn gets back in while we go to one last break.

Raw returns once more, and Strowman wrenches Finn’s neck. Fans rally up and Finn feeds off it. But Strowman pushes Finn back down to club away! Strowman returns to the vice grip on the neck and shoulder, then the full wrench. Fans rally again and Finn gets up once more. Strowman knees low then throws Finn out. The referee tells Ziggler to stay away, but Strowman comes out to build up speed. Finn slingblades Strowman down! Finn gets back in the ring to recover while the count begins. Strowman stands at 5, then climbs back in at 7, only for Finn to be right on him. Strowman shoves Finn away, then catches him on the rebound. He puts Finn in a corner but runs into boots. He still smashes Finn in the corner with the splash!

Strowman runs but into another boot! Finn goes after the legs but Strowman is too big. Strowman lifts Finn but Finn slips back to a sleeper! Strowman backs up into buckles again, and is free. But then Finn dodges and Strowman hits post! Strowman’s pack regroup with him, but Finn FLIES onto them all! Finn fires up and flexes with the Buckeyes! But then Strowman throws him back in. Finn goes to the other side, and suckers Strowman into the swing kick! Finn climbs up top, but Strowman grabs him by the throat. So it’s back to the sleeper! Finn brings Strowman down into a triangle hold! Strowman powers up to deadlift and powerbomb Finn! Strowman drags Finn back up, scoops him, and gives him a Monster Slam! Cover, Strowman wins!

Winner: Braun Strowman, by pinfall

The Monster conquers the Man, and rolls on towards The Big Dog in the Cell. But the pack of wolves isn’t done with Finn. They feed Finn to another Monster Slam! All three smile, but fans chant for “Shield! Shield!” Strowman tosses Finn out, and McIntyre prepares the steel steps. Strowman gives a thumbs down, in an obvious reference to Roman, Rollins & Ambrose. McIntyre & Ziggler bring Finn up for Strowman, but then sirens sound? That’s because a police van pulls up! And yes, that’s THE SHIELD coming through!

Strowman, McIntyre & Ziggler are ready in the ring, but then Kevin Owens and Mahal attack! Other superstars attack the Shield, too? Elias, The Ascension, the Authors of Pain, even Drew Gulak from 205! They’re ALL going after The Shield, shouting “You don’t run this anymore!” Strowman hits Roman with steps! Mahal, Mcnityre, Kevin Owens and Elias throw Ambrose into the stage LED, then Rollins into the police fan windows!! Roman gets steel steps to the face again while Ambrose is being mugged right in front of his wife, Renee Young, at the announce desk! Rollins gets smacked by the van door, and Ambrose gets a Claymore! Ziggler even gets a SUPERKICK on Rollins! Strowman gives Roman a Monster Slam on the floor!

The Ascension help drag a bleeding Rollins over, and the others drag Ambrose over. The Shield is lined up while Storwman, Ziggler and McIntyre stand in the ring as the ring leaders of this raid. What is this massive anti-Shield alliance about?!

My Thoughts:

This was both a good episode and a bad episode of Raw. The opening with Strowman’s “pack” declaring they’re in charge now, then the truly massive brawl with The Shield that followed was great. I give kudos to Constable Corbin for not sending all of the men out at once, but instead did it in waves. That gave the brawl a feeling of escalation. However, The Shield being “arrested” only to be “released” was definitely their not-so-subtle way of making Roman and the trio as a whole the new Stone Cold Steve Austin(s) of Raw. When they announced the Shield was released from custody, I knew they were going to show up.

However, I did not predict the kind of beating they’d get, and certainly not from that many superstars. I thought it was going to be a bookend, brawl to start and brawl to end, but then it turned into this All Heels VS The Shield thing, no Faces coming out to help. Granted, Baron Corbin being in charge, he could’ve made special orders to allow only the Heels to go out, and it almost worked, aside from certain glaring contradictions. Kevin Owens should want nothing to do with Braun Strowman because Strowman has thrown him off of no less than three precarious perches. The Authors of Pain should want to stay neutral towards McIntyre & Ziggler because they now have what Akam & Rezar want in the Raw Tag Team Championships. Heels can still disagree with other Heels, regardless of common Face enemies.

For that matter, why is Drake Maverick the Authors’ new manager? Why not Dana Brooke since she just dumped Titus Worldwide? Why give them a new manager at all to replace Paul Ellering? Akam & Rezar have dominated well enough, they could just be named future contenders. Plus, Raw is going to need some more Faces with all these Heels going against The Shield. And speaking of Dana, I’m surprised this break-up happened this way. It should’ve been when Titus Worldwide kept losing to the AoP because of how their veteran advice didn’t even help them out. Dana could’ve easily used the winning records and percentages as reasons enough to join a team like the AoP.

But all that aside, there were still other confusing things that relate to other stories. The Bellas were obviously going to win, but boy did Brie take some scary falls out of her own suicide dive. She’s going to need to really work off the ring rust before trying that with Bryan against Miz & Maryse. Alexa does great doubling down on being a Heel with Elias, and the way things are going, the only reason Alexa wins the title back is because of cheating. And why are Roode & Gable a team at all? They did great in their match, but this just seems like an excuse to give them things to do. The same goes for Kevin attacking Lashley out of nowhere. They can explain things next week, but right now it’s just confusing.

However, seeing Shawn Michaels and then the surprise of The Undertaker was so great. People might downplay it as WWE cashing in on nostalgia, but in this case it doesn’t matter because it’s HBK and Undertaker! They are truly two of the best, and I loved Undertaker taunting HBK with his own pride. Fans want #OneMoreMatch but I liked HBK vowing to respect the retirement stipulation he and Undertaker agreed to all those years ago. This could lead to HBK breaking that vow to have his own #OneLASTTime with Taker, but only if that means he interferes with HHH VS Taker. I’m really intrigued now, because this could bump Super Show Down up to a truly important event, just for that match.

My Score: 7.6/10

Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!

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Will the Ace go global?

Published

1 hour ago

May 3, 2024

Steven Mitchell

He’s here to show the world, he’s here to show the world!

Nic Nemeth finally gets his dream match with Hiroshi Tanahashi, and the IWGP Global Heavyweight Championship is on the line! But can the Wanted Man trump President Ace of the Universe?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

Kickoff – Togi Makabe & Katsuya Murashima VS Boltin Oleg & Shoma Kato; Oleg & Kato win.
DOUKI & Taka Michinoku VS SHO & Yujiro Takahashi; Sho & Yujiro win.
Yuya Uemura & Taichi VS Great-O-Khan & Callum Newman; Yuya & Taichi win.
Six Man Tag: TMDK VS Guerrillas of Destiny; Guerrillas of Destiny win.
Six Man Tag: Ryusuke Taguchi, Hirooki Goto & Yoshi-Hashi VS Bullet Club; Bullet Club wins.
8 Man Tag: Los Ingobernables de Japon VS Bullet Club War Dogs; LIJ wins.
Six Man Tag: Jon Moxley, Shota Umino & El Desperado VS The House of Torture; The House of Torture wins.
NJPW World Television Championship: Zack Sabre Jr. VS Jeff Cobb; Cobb wins and becomes the new NJPW World Television Champion.
Yota Tsuji VS David Finlay; Finlay wins.
IWGP Global Heavyweight Championship: Nic Nemeth VS Hiroshi Tanahashi; Nemeth wins and retains the title.

PLAY BY PLAY

NJPW World Television Championship: Zack Sabre Jr. w/ TMDK VS Jeff Cobb w/ Great-O-Khan & Francesco Akira!

The Front Man and the Imperial Unit have battled over this belt before, and now, in “season 4,” we revisit the rivalry! Will ZSJ still have Cobb’s number? Or will Cobb finally be the star of NJPW World?

The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who is truly might!

The bell rings and we’re on the clock. The fans cheer as ZSJ and Cobb shake hands. ZSJ then rushes in but Cobb avoids him. They feel things out, hand fight for control, and Cobb goes for a leg. ZSJ avoids being thrown but Cobb waistlocks. ZSJ drops, slips out, but Cobb keeps on him. They go around again, ZSJ gets away, and the fans cheer. The two knuckle lock, go forehead to forehead, then Cobb blocks a leg pick with a facelock. Cobb pushes ZSJ to a lateral press, TWO!! ZSJ narrowly escapes and Cobb lets him know it. The fans applaud as the two reset, and they feel things out again.

They knuckle lock, ZSJ rolls back and wrangles Cobb. Cobb stands, slips through to wrench back. ZSJ turns around, has a cording hold, and then hooks a leg to make the arm-drag easier! Then he shifts right around to an ARMBAR! Cobb scrambles to the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer and ZSJ lets off quickly. ZSJ and Cobb reset, feel things out, and knuckle lock again. They go forehead to forehead, then shoulder to shoulder. ZSJ facelocks but Cobb slips around to a waistlock, then spins ZSJ to a facelock, then headlock. Cobb hits the takeover, denies the headscissors, but ZSJ keeps trying. Third time’s the charm and ZSJ has Cobb down!

ZSJ squeezes tight but Cobb moves around. Cobb headstands, pops free, and then has a standing toehold! The fans applaud, but ZSJ works on his escape. He gets his left leg free, turns over and reels Cobb in, but Cobb turns that into a waistlock! ZSJ wrenches out but Cobb avoids the Pele! Cobb feints moonsault and ZSJ scrambles away! The fans cheer the standoff as the two reset again. Cobb and ZSJ circle, step closer, and knuckle lock again. They both try to clinch, but then Cobb slips around to a waistlock and SLAM! ZSJ scrambles away, clutching his side. ZSJ stands, Cobb storms up, and Cobb TOSSES ZSJ across the ring!

The fans fire up while ZSJ flounders to the apron, still clutching his side. ZSJ seems alright to continue as he gets back inside, so Cobb storms up on him again. Cobb HEADBUTTS the ribs! Cobb whips corner to corner hard and ZSJ bounces off buckles! ZSJ is getting frustrated with himself, but Cobb is right on him again. Cobb whips ZSJ back the other way and ZSJ again hits buckles hard! The fans rally for ZSJ as Cobb storms over. Cobb steps on ZSJ’s chest! Cobb then drags ZSJ up at the five minute mark. Cobb whips, ZSJ goes up and comes back, but is caught into an OVERHEAD BELLY2BELLY!

Cobb walks over to pick ZSJ up, then whips him to a corner. Cobb runs in but ZSJ avoids the back elbow! ZSJ goes up and around to TORNADO DDT! Both men are down and the fans fire up! ZSJ stands but Cobb follows, and ZSJ UPPERCUTS! And UPPERCUTS! Cobb wobbles but ZSJ UPPERCUTS again! ZSJ fires a flurry of forearms, but Cobb DECKS him with just one! ZSJ is mad and he gets right up! The fans rally up as ZSJ UPPERCUTS again and again! Cobb ROCKS ZSJ with a forearm! ZSJ has the fans behind him as he runs back in, only to get run over! GACHI- NO, ZSJ sunsets Cobb first! But Cobb rolls through!

Cobb rolls into the jackknife, TWO as ZSJ bridges up!! ZSJ spins Cobb around, but Cobb fights the backslide! Cobb turns things around to backslide ZSJ, but ZSJ rolls through to trap Cobb’s head! NECK TWIST! PENALTY KICK! The fans fire up again while ZSJ catches his breath. ZSJ still clutches his side, but he watches Cobb rise. The fans rally, ZSJ storms up on Cobb and waistlocks, but Cobb breaks free! Cobb wrenches, snapmares, and steals EURO CLUTCH! TWO!! ZSJ storms up on Cobb, fires forearms, but Cobb ROCKS him with just one! ZSJ walks it off, comes back with more, then a BOOT! Cobb swings, into a BOOT!

Cobb rebounds, but ZSJ BOOTS! ZSJ runs, but into a BOOT from Cobb! ZSJ drops to his knees, but Cobb drags him back up to suplex! ZSJ fights that to wrench and PELE the arm! ZSJ waistlocks to GERMAN SUPLEX!! The fans are thunderous, but then Cobb is right back up! Cobb deadlift GERMAN SUPLEXES ZSJ away! The fans rally as ZSJ ends up in a corner. Cobb rises, runs up, and UPPERCUTS! Cobb then brings ZSJ up for a SPIN OUT BOMB! Cover, TWO! GACHIMUCHI MOONSAULT! Cover, TWO!! ZSJ survives heavy impact after heavy impact, but Cobb powers up his arm. Cobb runs, but ZSJ LARIATS with him!

Both men stay up but ZSJ does stagger. ZSJ and Cobb DOUBLE LARIAT again! We hit ten minutes, time is still on ZSJ’s side! But then Cobb LARIATS him down! Cobb runs, but ZSJ KICKS the lariat away! Scoop and ZACK DRIVER!! Cover, TWO!! Cobb survives and the fans are thunderous again! ZSJ runs to KICK! That might’ve hurt ZSJ’s leg more than anything. ZSJ runs but Cobb blocks this kick! ZSJ SLAPS Cobb, so Cobb DROPKICKS ZSJ! Cobb then hauls ZSJ up to suplex, and he puts ZSJ up top! Cobb goes up top with him, then SUPER- NO, ZSJ slips around to a SLEEPER! The ref counts the ropebreak, ZSJ drops back at 4.

ZSJ considers his options, and gets under Cobb, for a POWERBOMB! Roll to a cover, TWO! The fans fire up as Cobb stays in this! But we’re at the three minute warning! ZSJ KICKS and KICKS and KICKS, then runs, but Cobb ducks the Penalty Kick to schoolboy! TWO!! ZSJ escapes, Cobb runs back up, and Cobb blocks a boto! Waistlock, O’Conner Roll, but ZSJ pops that into a SLEEPER! Cobb rolls back to get free, and deadlifts ZSJ into a pop-up! F 5000!! Cobb hurries to haul ZSJ back up, whip and TOUR OF THE- CRUCIFIX TAKEDOWN! ONE!! Cobb gets free fast, and he hurries to haul ZSJ back up! LARIAT! FALLING HAMMER!

Cobb swings again but into an omoplata! ZSJ wants the other arm, but Cobb moves around as we hit the two minute warning! ZSJ just shifts to get the other arm in the omoplata, then a traditional ARMBAR! Cobb holds hands, ZSJ breaks the grip! Cobb powers right through to deadlift ZSJ! Then a TOUR OF THE ISLANDS!!! Cover, COBB WINS!!

Winner: Jeff Cobb, by pinfall (NEW NJPW World TV Champion)

With 90 SECONDS to spare, Cobb ends ZSJ’s reign! The Imperial Unit wears gold once again, will “season five” be the biggest and strongest yet?

Yota Tsuji VS David Finlay w/ Gedo!

Los Ingobernables de Japon and the Bullet Club War Dogs have been battling all up and down the Road to Wrestling Dontaku, but now Gene Blast will have it out with The Rebel! Who proves they are truly ungovernable?

The bell rings and the fans rally for Yota already. Yota and Finlay stare down, but then back away as Finlay gets annoyed by the fans. Yota encourages the fans and they get louder for him. Finlay gets on a corner to throw up the Too Sweet, the fans boo him. Finlay hops down with a frown, and the two circle. Yota blocks a kick, headlocks, but Finlay powers up, only for Yota to hold on tight. Finlay rolls to a cover, ONE and Yota holds onto the headlock. Finlay powers up again, powers out this time, but Yota runs him over! The fans cheer, Yota grins, but Finlay bails out. The fans boo while Finlay paces. Yota gets on the corner and the fans fire up!

Finlay slides in, Yota hits him with a body shot first! Finlay goes to a corner, Yota RAMS into him, and RAMS him, and RAMS him again. Yota then brings Finlay around to whip corner to corner. Yota runs up but Finlay puts him on the apron! Finlay knocks Yota off the apron, then goes out to RAM him into railing, right in front of commentary! Finlay RAMS Yota in again and again, but the ref reprimands him. Finlay lets off, leaves Yota behind, and says it’s too easy. Yota writhes, the ring count starts, and Finlay waits. Yota rises up at 6 of 20, stands at 8, and makes his way in at 10. But Finlay is there to stomp away on him at the ropes!

Finlay drops a KNEE into Yota’s back, pulls Yota’s hair and a leg, but the ref reprimands. Yota has the ROPEBREAK, the ref counts, and Finlay lets go at 4. Finlay brings Yota up to suplex and BROKEN ARROW! Finlay flexes and fans do cheer the feat of strength. Finlay covers, TWO! Finlay mockingly says Yota is tough, HEADBUTTS away on Yota’s ribs! Then he drops a leg! Yota sputters but Finlay mocks the fans rallying behind him. Finlay whips Yota hard into a corner, and Yota falls forward. Finlay covers, TWO! The fans cheer but Finlay stands on Yota’s fingers! Finlay stomps Yota’s arm, then clamps on a chinlock.

Yota endures as Finlay leans on the hold. The fans rally up again, even as Finlay thrashes Yota around. Yota fights around, reaches out, but Finlay grinds him back down to the mat! The fans rally harder as Yota reaches out. Finlay sits Yota up so he can CLUB away on Yota’s face, then puts the hold on tighter! It’s almost a Bulldog Choke, but Yota fights to his feet! Yota reaches out but Finlay wrangles Yota back down! Yota is fading! The ref checks, and the hand drops once! The hand drops twice! But Yota opens his eyes and rises up! The fans rally and Yota stands to throw body shots! Yota is free, and he runs, but into an ELBOW! Finlay adds a SENTON!

Yota flounders away to a corner, and Finlay barks at him. Finlay aims from a corner as Yota rises, and fans rally with the barking. Finlay runs in, to UPPERCUT! And clothesline! And then Finlay brings Yota out, only for Yota to suplex Finlay into the corner! The fans fire up while both men are down! Finlay rolls away while clutching the back of his head, and Yota rises while catching his breath. The fans rally again and Yota stands. Yota fires up and runs in at the corner, to STINGER SPLASH! Yota keeps moving, to FLIPPING RANA! Finlay tumbles out, and the fans fire up as Yota builds speed! Yota DIVES and sends Finlay over railing!

The fans fire up with Yota while Finlay is down in No Man’s Land! Yota catches his breath again and the ring count starts. Finlay crawls through the gap, but we’re at 10 of 20 before Yota stands. Yota storms over and drags Finlay up at 15, then puts him in the ring. The fans cheer and Yota gets Finlay up. Yota half nelsons for a GUTBUSTER! Yota then snapmares Finlay into a body scissors squeeze! Finlay endures, moves around, but Yota grabs an arm in a cording hold! Finlay flails with his free arm but he’s still far from ropes! Finlay pulls at the body scissors but Yota just squeezes tighter! Finlay endures, fights around, and has the ROPEBREAK!

The ref counts, Yota lets off, and the fans applaud. Finlay coughs as he goes to a corner, and Yota paces. Yota storms over, brings Finlay back up, but Finlay blocks the suplex. Finlay throws body shots but Yota gives a hard body shot in return! Finlay falls over and coughs his way to ropes. The ref has Yota stay back while he checks on Finlay. But then Yota runs up to KICK Finlay into the corner! Yota stands Finlay up to CHOP! Finlay grits his teeth as his chest stings, but Yota brings him up to the top rope! Yota ROCKS Finlay, then roars, and the fans fire up! Yota climbs, brings Finlay up, but Finliay shoves him down!

Finlay adjusts, but Yota comes back to GAMANGIRI! Yota goes back up, brings Finlay to the top, but Finlay throws body shots! Finlay SUNSET FLIPS, but Yota holds on! Finlay pries Yota from the corner, but Yota sunset flips him back! TWO, but Yota kicks and whips! Finlay reverses, and scoops for BLUE THUNDER! Both men are down and Gedo cheers Finlay while the fans rally for Yota. Finlay hauls Yota up for the Canadian Rack, CANADIAN HAMMER! Cover, TWO! Yota stays in this and the fans are still behind him, but Finlay keeps his cool. Finlay drags Yota around, reels him in, but Yota fights the lift! Yota back drops Finlay away!

The fans cheer as Yota clinches, but Finlay fights free! Finlay gets Yota back in, picks him up, but Yota slips free of the bomb! Finlay dodges the knee, but runs into a tilt-o-whirl BACKBREAKER! Finlay writhes but Yota drags him back up. Yota suplexes for the ORANGE CRUSH! Cover, TWO! Finlay survives the brainbuster bomb and we pass 15 minutes, but Yota keeps his cool. Yota grins, even! Yota stands, brings Finlay to a corner, then goes up and up for the FLYING- PRIMA NOCTA! Finlay reels Yota in to bring him up and BUCKLE BOMB! Then suplex INTO OBLIVION! Cover, TWO!! Yota survives and Finlay is beside himself!

The fans rally while Yota is down, but Finlay brings his kneepad down. Finlay stands, drags Yota up, but Yota is deadweight. The ref checks but Yota seems okay to continue, so Finlay drags him up! Yota fights the suplex so Finlay knees him low! Finlay brings Yota back up and in, slashes his throat, and suplexes, but Yota cradle counters! TWO!! Finlay runs up, into a clinch! BACKBREAKER! FLATLINER! STOMP!! The fans fire up as Yota stands tall, but then he drops back down, needing to catch his breath. The fans rally up and both men stir. Finlay rises first, and he sits Yota up. Finlay UPPERCUTS, and Gedo says nice!

Yota sits back up, Finlay UPPERCUTS him again! Yota shakes his head as he sits back up, so Finlay UPPERCUTS again! Finlay taunts Yota, Yota stands, and Finlay UPPERCUTS! Yota shakes his head and comes back, but Finlay UPPERCUTS again! Finlay eggs Yota on, and Yota snarls as he storms back up. Finlay UPPERCUTS again and Yota drops back! Finlay says this is too easy, but Yota still smiles?! Yota rises, and he fires forearm after forearm on Finlay! Finlay UPPERCUTS, UPPERCUTS and UPPERCUTS! Yota drops to a knee, Finlay says BANG! UPPER- BACKSLIDE! Roll through, Finlay blocks a knee to UPPERCUT!

Yota SUPERKICKS! Finlay UPERCUTS! Yota FOREARMS, then he dodges the lariat to JUMP KNEE! Cover, TWO!! We hit 20 minutes as Yota hauls Finlay up to a fireman’s carry, and swings into the POWERBOMB! Cover, TWO!! Finlay survives but Yota storms around. Yota waits on Finlay to rise, then runs in, to CURB STOMP! Yota roars, because he’s not done yet! Up and up, MARVEL CRUSH!! Cover off the flying stomp, TWO!! Finlay survives, but Yota just fires up again! The fans are with Yota as he aims from the corner! Finlay rises, but then Gedo gets on the apron! Yota runs Gedo off, but Finlay SPEARS first!!

Finlay hurries to get Yota up and suplex! STUN DOG MILLIONAIRE!? Yota takes a play out of Will Ospreay’s book (or Orange Cassidy’s, or Mark Andrews’), then runs in to GENE BLASTER!! But Yota says that’s not enough! The fans fire up again as Yota reloads in the corner! Finlay slowly rises, but Gedo distracts the ref! Yota runs in, into a SHILLELAGH SHOT!! Finlay drags Yota up and reels him in, for a POWERBOMB!! High stack, TWO?!?! Yota survives and shocks Finlay! Finlay is furious, he gets Yota up for another POWERBOMB!! Then a flip-over, suplex, for OVERKILL!! Cover, Finlay wins!

Winner: David Finlay, by pinfall

The Goatslayer may have won, but he still needed the ace up his sleeve to steal this one from Yota! Will Finlay stop at nothing to make himself the savior of this company? Or is he simply a false prophet?

IWGP Global Heavyweight Championship: Nic Nemeth VS Hiroshi Tanahashi!

The Wanted Man has wanted to show off ever since arriving in NJPW, and he started off strong taking this title off David Finlay. But now he gets what he wanted even more, and that’s a dream match with The Ace of the Universe! Will Nemeth take President Tanahashi to the Danger Zone? Or will we soon witness the birth of a Two Belt Ace?

The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who shows the world their true strength!

Tanahashi shows off the abs and the fans cheer. The bell rings and the fans rally up for Tanahashi. Tanahashi and Nemeth circle, tie up, and they’re in a deadlock. They break, reset, and circle again. They tie up, are in another deadlock, but Tanahashi gets around to waistlock. Nemeth reaches back, shoots around to get a leg then a waistlock, then shifts, but Tanahashi fights off the cobra twist. Tanahashi wrenches an arm to a wristlock, but Nemeth rolls, slips around again, and tries from the other side. Tanahashi fights the cobra twist to roll Nemeth up, TWO! The fans cheer the exchange and even Nemeth nods as they reset.

Nemeth and Tanahashi circle, Nemeth gets a leg, and he brings Tanahashi down to a cradle, TWO! Tanahashi fights through the leg guard to get a headlock, but Nemeth fights around to roll Tanahashi. ONE, Nemeth facelocks, and he brings Tanahashii up. Tanahashi puts Nemeth on ropes, Red Shoes counts, and Tanahashi lets off slowly. Tanahashi says clean break, but then Nemeth runs up! Tanahashi arm-drags, arm-drags again, and has the cording hold! The fans cheer while Nemeth moves around. Nemeth stands, hooks Tanahashi’s leg with a leg, and then flips Tanahashi over to a cradle! TWO, and the two stand off again.

The fans applaud as both men reset. They feel out a knuckle lock, but Nemeth again goes for a leg. Nemeth waistlocks, and he still wants that cobra twist. Tanahashi drops but Nemeth tries for a ground cobra! Tanahashi clasps hands to resist that, then he rolls things to a headlock. Nemeth keeps his shoulders up, fights to his feet, and he hooks a leg to roll Tanahashi! Tanahashi manages to keep a shoulder up, so Nemeth flips around and has the roll from the other side! TWO, and Nemeth DROPKICKS Tanahashi down! The fans fire up as Nemeth swivels the hips! Tanahashi backs away to ropes to catch his breath.

Nemeth waits on Tanahashi, Tanahashi stands and they circle. They tie up, Nemeth headlocks but Tanahashi waistlocks. Nemeth switches, Tanahashi fights the lift, and then Tanahashi switches. Nemeth reaches around, switches again, but Tanahashi switches on him. Nemeth switches, and goes to throw Tanahashi out! Tanahashi fights that with elbows, then gets a leg, to DRAGON SCREW! Nemeth flounders out of the ring while the fans cheer! Tanahashi goes out after Nemeth, puts him in the ring, and the fans cheer. Tanahashi drags Nemeth up, bumps him off buckles, then fires up as he whips corner to corner.

Nemeth reverses the whip, runs in, but into an elbow! Tanahashi goes up to CROSSBODY! Fans fire up for the air guitar! Nemeth stands, Tanahashi runs up and dropkicks the legs out! Nemeth flounders, stands back up, and Tanahashi runs in, but into a dropkick right back! The fans rally while both men are down, but Nemeth grins as he evens the score. Nemeth stands, storms up on Tanahashi and grabs the leg. Nemeth stands on Tanahashi’s face, then DDTs the leg! Tanahashi clutches the knee, but Nemeth drags him around. Nemeth steps over, has a standing toehold, but Tanahashi kicks at him with his free leg!

Nemeth and Tanahashi struggle against each other, and Nemeth powers things into a cover! TWO, and Nemeth YANKS the leg! Then Nemeth cradles Tanahashi, TWO! Tanahashi is still in this and the fans rally behind him, even as Nemeth stalks Tanahashi. Tanahashi fires forearms! But Nemeth kicks the leg out! Nemeth gets the leg to YANK it, then he drops a JUMP ELBOW! Cover, TWO! Tanahashi is tougher than that but Nemeth grabs the bad leg. Nemeth stretches the leg out, and adds a chinbar so he can bend Tanahashi around. Nemeth hooks the leg, pulls on it, it’s like a standing kneebar! Tanahashi endures and the fans rally up!

Tanahashi endures, even as Nemeth makes it an ANKLE LOCK! Tanahashi slips under and brings Nemeth down with his own leglock, only for Nemeth to turn him back over! Tanahashi reaches out to the ROPEBREAK! Nemeth stomps the leg as he lets off. Nemeth eggs Tanahashi on, so Tanahashi stands up and fires a forearm! Nemeth fires a haymaker! Tanahashi forearms again, Nemeth throws a forearm back! Tanahashi throws another forearm, so Nemeth kicks the leg out! Tanahashi eggs Nemeth on now, then blocks his superkick! But not the SATELLITE DDT! Cover, TWO!! Tanahashi is still in this and the fans fire up!

Nemeth stands and shows he still has energy to spare. Tanahashi stands, Nemeth taunts him, “I thought you were a legend!” Nemeth whips, and Tanahashi CLOBBERS him! The fans fire up again and Tanahashi fires up with them! Nemeth stands into a strike fest! Tanahashi scoops to SLAM Nemeth into the drop zone! Then Tanahashi goes up for the SUNSET SENTON! Cover, TWO! Nemeth is tougher than that but the fans rally with Tanahashi. Nemeth slowly rises and Tanahashi runs, SLING- NO, Nemeth sends Tanahashi out! But Tanahashi skins the cat! Then he TOSSES Nemeth! But now Nemeth skins the cat!

The fans fire up, Nemeth mocks the air guitar, but then Tanahashi dodges! Nemeth dodges, and DOUBLE CROSSBODIES collide! The fans fire up while both men are down! Both men stir, the fans rally up, and Nemeth fires a haymaker! Tanahashi gives a forearm back! Nemeth fires another haymaker, Tanahashi fires another forearm! They stand, continue to trade shots, and then Tanahashi gets the edge! But Nemeth roars to HEADBUT! Both men wobble, Nemeth roars again, and he whips, only for Tanahashi to reverse and SLINGBLADE! The fans fire up and Tanahashi roars! Tanahashi goes up a corner, Nemeth stands, into HIGH FLY ATTACK! Cover, TWO!

The fans fire up again as Tanahashi resets! Tanahashi climbs again while Nemeth is down, HIGH FLY FLOP!! Nemeth avoids disaster and Tanahashi writhes from his crash landing! But Tanahashi just fires himself back up! After all, as NEVER Openweight Six Man Champion, he can’t give up! Tanahashi runs in, but into SUPERKICK 101!! Cover, TWO!! Tanahashi survives and we pass 15 minutes! Nemeth rises first, he takes aim again, and Tanahashi turns around into a kick! Nemeth runs, to FAMOUS- NO, Tanahashi stops the Famouser to SHOTEI! But Nemeth roars, swings, only for Tanahashi to TWIST ‘N’ SHOUT!

The fans are thunderous and Tanahashi gets running, to SLINGBLADE! Cover, TWO! Tanahashi drags Nemeth into the drop zone, but has him on his stomach! Tanahashi goes up to HIGH FLY FLOW, onto knees!! Nemeth turns over in time, and then covers, TWO!!! Tanahashi survives the crushing counter, and the fans rally as hard as they can for him! Tanahashi stands, DANGER- NO, Tanahashi shakes that off, then runs, but Nemeth dodges! DANGER ZONE!! But Tanahashi rises up and Nemeth reloads, to DANGER ZONE again!! Cover, Nemeth wins!!

Winner: Nic Nemeth, by pinfall (still IWGP Global Heavyweight Champion)

Nemeth got what he wanted in this dream match, and then he came out as the Top Gun! Will Tanahashi have to settle for being a Six Man Tag Team Champion for now?

As for Nemeth, he is given the belt, and he holds it up high. But he also shows Tanahashi respect with a hug, and Tanahashi shows it back by lifting Nemeth’s hand. Then the streamers fly! That took Tanahashi by surprise! But then FINLAY attacks Nemeth!! The Rebel also CLOBBERS Tanahashi! The fans boo as this War Dog is off the leash! Finlay rains down fists on Nemeth again, then he TOSSES Tanahashi out. Finlay gets the shillelagh from Gedo and he takes aim! Finlay takes a swing, but Nemeth dodges! Nemeth fires fists in return and the fans fire up! Gedo watches out as these two go all over the place, in all of the streamers!

Young Lions hurry in to stop this, but Gedo calls reinforcements! Here come Connors & Drilla! They get the pack leader outta there, clearly Nemeth isn’t going down easy! Nemeth gets the mic to tell Finlay he’s a coward! Nemeth was just in this ring with a legend, and he’ll do it every damn night! Finlay clearly takes the easy way out, because he’s a POS who attacks from behind! If Finlay had any balls, he’ll fight Nemeth fair and square. Nemeth will defend anytime, anywhere, because that’s how damn good he is! Hell, tomorrow night! Wrestling Dontaku Night 2, rematch for the Global title! Let’s do it!!

The fans like the sound of that! Finlay may have taken a cheap shot, but he’s still getting what he wants. Will the Rebel shoot down The Wanted Man and take back the IWGP Global Heavyweight Championship? Or will Nemeth bring Finlay into the Danger Zone?

My Thoughts:

A great start to what I think is the first two-night Wrestling Dontaku ever. I will say, of the matches I skipped, The House of Torture winning over Moxley’s team is classic go-home math showing that Moxley will win out against Narita tomorrow on night two. That way, Moxley then faces Shota Umino next Saturday, May 11th, at Resurgence. Anyway, great NJPW World TV Championship match, and a great rematch from ZSJ and Cobb on top of it. Great win for Cobb, and that was the logical move after having lost to ZSJ the last two times. Also, feels like that’s why ZSJ beat Riddle after Riddle had a rather short run. If Cobb was to win this belt, they didn’t wanna make the Chosen Bros face each other, as great as that would’ve been.

Really good grudge match from Yota and Finlay, but I should’ve known Finlay would need to cheat to win. And as we saw at the end, Finlay wants the Global Championship back, what with losing out on the World Championship when he lost in the New Japan Cup. Great match from Nemeth and Tanahashi, great win for Nemeth, and doing back to back nights is some good stuff out of Nemeth and Finlay. I don’t know if they’ll steal the show, but they’ll definitely put on a real good match to help top off Dontaku.

My Score: 8.8/10

Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!

Coverage

Andrew’s TNA iMPACT! Results & Match Ratings: 5.2.2024

Under Siege is tomorrow! Yeah the card looks pretty awful, but maybe this Go Home will spice things up!

Published

22 hours ago

May 2, 2024

Andrew Balaz

Not gonna mislead anyone here, Under Siege looks nearly as bad as a Steven Segal film by the same name. Lots of useless tag matches, only really the X Division title to care about. It reminds me of a “Road to” show that New Japan does. Bunch of worthless matches with a few story wrinkles but entirely skippable.

Hopefully something crazy happens or the show is good enough to cover the bad card. But let’s hope something happens tonight to maybe create some reason to watch.

.@TheSamiCallihan debuts the first episode of #DMTV! #TNAiMPACT pic.twitter.com/OWrTeBtRZ6

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) May 3, 2024

Ratings:

Mustafa Ali vs Chris Bey w/Ace Austin: Ali wins via 450 – **
Dani Luna w/Jody Threat vs Alisha Edwards w/Masha Slamovich: Lish wins via Russian Death Device – ** 1/4
Hammerstone vs Cody Deaner: Hammerstone wins via Torture Rack – *
#1 Contender Match: Ace Austin w/Chris Bey vs Trey Miguel w/Zachary Wentz: Ace wins via The Fold – ***
TNA Knockouts Championship: Jordynne Grace (c) vs Miyu Yamashita: Grace retains via Juggernaut Driver – *** 1/2

Results:

Mustafa Ali vs Chris Bey w/Ace Austin

Ali with a simple Headlock takeover, Bey fights back up and tries to create something with a rope run; but Ali gets the best of things with a Back Elbow. Ali gets cocky as Bey retreats to the corner, Bey turns things around quickly, lands the 10 Count Punches in the corner, Ali tries to fight back but Bey snaps off a quick DDT for a near fall. As Bey goes to continue the offense, Ali Drop Toe Holds Bey into the ropes neck first. Ali again, demonstrating some of the worst in-ring trash talk, Bey turns things around since Ali is running his mouth too much. Ali gets set in the Tree of Woe, Bey goes across to another corner and does a Coast to Coast Elbow Drop as Ali tries to sit up. Honestly, stupid looking since its obviously too coordinated. No one would stay half sat up just to eat an elbow.

While the move looked cool, I now care significantly less about what’s going on. Illogical spots just because “they’re cool”, should not be rewarded. Bey controls the match after the stupid spot, hits his Corner Uppercut Hip Attack, Ali tries to duck a few moves and create something but eats a Spinebuster for 2. Art of Finesse attempt, but Ali shoves him to the outside. Working back inside Ali goes for his Rolling Neckbreaker but Bey connects with a Roundhouse Kick to stop Ali in his tracks. Fighting Spirit spot, they run into the ropes, Ali has a bad Double Leg takedown that he tries to turn into a Cradle with feet on the ropes, but Ace pushes the feet off.

As security starts to move on Ace, Ali hits a Suicida, then Bey connects on a Tope con Hilo. Bey starts rocking Ali, hits the Kudome Valentine but Ali manages to pull himself under the bottom rope just enough to avoid losing. Bey climbs the corner, Ali German Suplexes Bey to the apron, Ali goes for the 450, misses, Bey goes to finish the match but the security get involved again, hit Bey with the flag and then Ali lands the 450 for the win.

I liked when the Security Guards were window dressing instead of mooks to cheat with. This just makes the matches dumber and significantly less interesting, especially when its nameless mooks and its not even a talent getting heat.

Dani Luna w/Jody Threat vs Alisha Edwards w/Masha Slamovich

Dani starts strong and fast, forearm shots, lariats and a quick near fall sends Alisha retreating to the ropes to get some advice from Masha. Dani goes to attack Lish, Lish with a Drop Toe Hold, Masha takes advantage of the distracted ref and Lish hits a Satellite DDT and then taunts entirely too much. As Lish talks too much, Dani stands up and starts beating the hell out of Lish, Suplex into the rope assisted Blue Thunder Bomb. Dani goes for the Luna Landing, but Masha climbs on the apron, distraction happens, then Lish goes after Jody and the ref stays distracted with Lish. Masha slides into the ring, Roundhouse Kick into the Russian Death Device and Lish turns around for the win!

Sami’s little segment is aptly named DMTv since it feels like a weird hallucination or trip with the way he does stuff.

Hammerstone vs Cody Deaner

Am I supposed to care about this? Hammerstone looks like he’s chiseled out of granite and Deaner looks like he’s fished out of a trailer park. Hammerstone says a lot of how I feel that the Deaner schtick is pathetic. Deaner says he’s given the power to add a stipulation, Hammer says Arm Wrestling Match, Deaner wants a Sin City Street Fight. So we know what the crowd will pick. Christ this is so carny even Court Bauer blushed.

Deaner bonks Hammer with the mic, low dropkick, goes to grab a trash can lid and hits Hammer…but it just pisses off Captain Hammer. Stomps a mudhole in him, Irish Whip into a Back Elbow and Hammer deposits him to the outside to utilize the gimmick I would assume. This is going on much longer than it should, Deaner finds a chair, clocks Hammer once, goes for Twice, but this isn’t Kpop; so Hammer says no and hits him with a Backbreaker. Then Hammer hits him with a chairshot, 10 Count Punches in the corner, Sack of Shit, Deaner goes for the Ricky Morton lean against the ropes and sell to the crowd spot, but Hammer leans into him and starts using the chair again.

Deaner does his nerd Hulk Up, tries to call for a Body Slam but Hammer doesn’t move and drops the dweeb down. Deaner is back to the begging the crowd Ricky Morton spot…but the crowd doesn’t care since Deaner is a jabroni. Hammer tosses Deaner like a pizza ribs first into the back of the chair and just takes a few moments to revel in his handwork. Deaner fights back, lands a few right hands, tries to call for the Body Slam again like an idiot, gets Hammer half way and falls over so Hammer just rains down punches (can we end this waste of time please). Hellavator, I mean Nightmare Pendulum but Deaner floats over and lands the Scoop Slam onto the steel chair for only 2.

The crowd starts chanting for table, so of course Deaner obliges…this is going on so damn long. Hammer no sells the forearm, Vertical Suplex, goozle, and then Hammer Chokeslams Deaner through the table and calls to for the Torture Rack. Deaner is Rack’d and dead. ‘Bout damn time.

Like a Torpedo, Something is there…

Trent The Seventh and Ball Of Speed, alongside Broken Matt Hardy, are geared up to render The System obsolete tomorrow night at #TNAUnderSiege! pic.twitter.com/laEOlXayIc

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) May 3, 2024

I’m mad at myself that I popped for Ball of Speed. I’m not even sure why, but I like it.

"Can you please get fired?"

.@joehendry's live apology transformed into a new hit about @AJFrancis410! The "apology" song took things HIGHER than ever! #TNAiMPACT pic.twitter.com/6P7pDFbK3p

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) May 3, 2024

If I’ve said it once I’ve said it at least 3 dozen times, Joe Hendry is a treasure. Starting with a medley of the insult songs to lead into the Creed parody is genius. Odd apology, but I respect it. “Can you please get fired…”, such a great song.

#1 Contender Match: Ace Austin w/Chris Bey vs Trey Miguel w/Zachary Wentz

Typical Junior style start with counters and some chain wrestling and then a quick tension spot where Trey slaps Ace and then they fire off on each other for a few seconds before they get broken up because its just a shmoz. Trey baits Ace to the outside, Up and Over but Ace lands on the apron and then Wentz picks the ankle as Trey feigns injury to distract the referee. Back Rake back into the ring and just insulting Knife Edge Chops at a deliberate pace. Commercial break happens and Trey is still in charge. Ace shoots the Double and turns it into a Jacknife Cradle for 2 but Ace is still visibly hobbled.

Trey tries to keep Ace grounded but he tries to fire up and Trey finds different ways to keep Ace grounded including a Running Bodyscissors into Full Mount. Kick combination rush from Trey as he goes for the Asai Moonsault to punctuate it but Ace gets the knees up. Short range Knee Strike, Click Click Boom, Corner Splash Seated Lariat spot into a Triangle Kick for 2! Ace looks to set up The Fold, Wentz distracts, Trey grabs tights! But Ace kicks out! Trey with the Backflip Back of the Head Dropkick. Bey levels Wentz and Trey is talking shit to the fans, Ace goes for the Crucifix Pin, but kicks out at 2.

Jackie Bryant Headlock Kick from Trey, but Ace blocks it. Triangle Kick misses, Ace tries to jump on him but misses, Cheeky Nandos, then Trey heads up but Ace cuts him off. They struggle on the top rope, Trey Bell Claps Ace, Ace tries to duck but Trey turns it into the Sunset Flip, locomotion float away, Ace Face Stomp into The Fold! Ace wins!

.@TheEricYoung and @Walking_Weapon make their intentions clear: they're walking into #TNAUnderSiege ready to take down @SteveMaclin and @FrankieKazarian! #TNAiMPACT pic.twitter.com/idI78rvsYJ

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) May 3, 2024

The Bald Bearded Canadians, good ole team BBC…wait…

TNA Knockouts Championship: Jordynne Grace (c) vs Miyu Yamashita

They start off respectfully, which is what you expect since Miyu is well respected in this generation. A few Headlock Takeovers, Shoulder Blocks and finally Miyu drops Jordynne with a Switchblade Kick. Miyu goes to follow up, but Jordynne catches the kick and T-Bone Suplex gives Jordynne a near fall. Juggernaut Driver early, but Miyu counters, rams Jordynne into the corner, Triangle Kick from Miyu for 2! Cravat into Knee Strikes and then a PK to the spine keeps Miyu in control. Miyu lets Jordynne up and they trade strikes a bit, Jordynne’s arms prove to be a little stronger than Miyu’s legs, takes out the legs and then the Jackhammer on the floor from Jordynne!

Jordynne tries to roll Miyu back in, but Miyu continues to roll out to buy some space, Jordynne goes for a dive and eats a foot. Miyu looks for an Apron Death Valley Driver, Jordynne fights it a while but Miyu eventually gets her over and down on the apron for 2. Miyu with a Headlock Takeover, but both ties the other one up and the ropes save the awkward but effective exchange. Strike exchange number 2. Miyu no sells a few Scoop Slams and lands Round Kicks. Spinning Backfist and Round Kick connect simultaneously for both women to drop.

Jordynne charges, Pink Striker tries to block with the front kick, but Jordynne plows through with a Back Elbow. Kinniku Buster attempt but Miyu knows how to get away from that and fights off with Knee Strikes, Jordynne is rocked but fights back up and Avalanche Back Body Drop for 2! Jordynne no sells a Roundhouse Kick, Miyu no sells a Lariat then another kick from Miyu and a Back Kick to the face for 2. Skull Kick attempt, blocked, Juggernaut Driver out of nowhere to retain!

Overall Score: 6.25/10

The second half of the show was pretty damn good, but God was the first half useless. Hammerstone and Deaner went on far too long, that was dumb, it looked dumb, I felt dumb watching it. Ali’s match was garbage with the stupid spot monkey indie garbage spot. If I want to watch wrestling that makes less sense than Chinese Dramas with Hindi subtitles, I’ll watch AEW and have a stroke.

Thankfully, Joe Hendry got a good chunk of time, the Trey and Ace match was pretty good and overlooking the stupid run in after match stuff, the Knockouts match itself was pretty damn good. So the new bookers have really consistently done this stuff, where there’s a ton of overbooked stupidity, but they sprinkle in enough okay stuff to make me not completely lose faith. OH – and we do get Kushida versus Gresham tomorrow, so at least that strengthens the lackluster card.

Lets see if they ever figure out how to really book, or if they eventually go full TNA 2015.

Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!