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Mitchell’s WWE Hell in a Cell Results & Report! (9/16/18)

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WWE Hell in a Cell 2018

WWE plunges its best down to the depths of Hell, in a Cell! Will the Big Dog retain his title against The Monster Among Men? Or will he GET THESE HANDS!?

 

OFFICIAL RESULTS

  • Kickoff Match: SmackDown Tag Team Championships: The New Day VS Rusev Day; The New Day wins and retains the SmackDown Tag Team Championships.
  • Hell in a Cell Match: Jeff Hardy VS Randy Orton; Orton wins.
  • SmackDown Women’s Championship: Charlotte Flair & Becky Lynch; Lynch wins and becomes the new SmackDown Women’s Champion.
  • Raw Tag Team Championships: Drew McIntyre & Dolph Ziggler VS Seth Rollins & Dean Ambrose; McIntyre & Ziggler win and retain the Raw Tag Team Championships.
  • WWE Championship: AJ Styles VS Samoa Joe; Styles wins and retains the WWE Championship.
  • Mixed Tag Match: Daniel Bryan & Brie Bella VS The Miz & Maryse; Miz & Maryse win.
  • Raw Women’s Championship: Ronda Rousey w/ Natalya VS Alexa Bliss w/ Mickie James & Alicia Fox; Rousey wins and retains the Raw Women’s Championship.
  • WWE Universal Championship Hell in a Cell Match: Roman Reigns VS Braun Strowman, Mick Foley as special guest referee; Called by Referee’s Decision, Roman Reigns retains the WWE Universal Championship.

PLAY BY PLAY

It’s time for the WWE Hell in a Cell Kickoff show!

Jonathan Coachman, Booker T, Peter Rosenburg and SmackDown Glampire in Chief Paige are your panel! Join them in preparing for one of the most sinister nights in the WWE calendar.

 

Backstage interview with Seth Rollins & Dean Ambrose.

Two thirds of the Shield compete for the Raw Tag Team Championships to settle at least part of the war between them and Braun Strowman’s pack. But as far as the challengers are concerned, nothing changes even if The Shield loses. The Shield could become a completely golden faction, because they are the workhorses of Raw. Tonight, they prove it. Will the Intercontinental Champion and his Lunatic Fringe friend swipe gold away from the Show-Off and the Scottish Psycho?

 

Paige has breaking news!

The Hell in a Cell PPV’s main show opens WITH Hell in a Cell itself! The Viper and the Charismatic Enigma will start us off with their ultimate grudge match! What will Randy Orton and Jeff Hardy do to each other? Or rather, what won’t they do!?

 

Alexa Bliss is interviewed via video.

The Goddess has since heard Ronda Rousey’s words that “Even on my worst day, I’m still the best.” Her response is that Ronda has the biggest ego in the world. Ronda probably thinks she’s the best at everything, from eating breakfast to exercising to breathing. But Alexa is not intimidated, she’s taking her title back to be a six-time champion. But does her Summerslam squash change her mind? Well all her “fans” who think their opinions matter feel the same way, but this isn’t Summerslam anymore. Ronda isn’t 100%, but she’ll deny it all she wants.

Paige wonders then, how does Alexa plan on winning? Alexa says that for starters, the SmackDown GM can’t really talk about the Raw Women’s Championship. Then secondly, Ronda is hurt, and that was Alexa’s doing. It’s simple: headlines will read, “In her first title defense, Ronda Rousey fails.” And before David Otunga can say a word, Alexa leaves the interview. Will Alexa’s own ego cost her in her rematch? Or will she pounce on a wounded Ronda to get an incredible upset?

 

Kickoff Match: SmackDown Tag Team Championships: The New Day VS Rusev Day!

Awww~ San Antonio! Don’t you dare be sour, clap for the Five-Time champs, and feel~, the power~! The pancake producing trio of positivity bring the fun, and before the match, they say it’s “that time of year once again.” Kids are in school, the leaves are falling, and Big E loves foliage. But most importantly, it’s pumpkin spice latte season, BABYYY~! Which means ya bois are once again, for the fourth time in a row, defending their W, W, E, world tag team championships~ at Hell in a Cell! Fans like the sound of that. But this time, it’s not against just any old team, oh no~. It’s going to be against… “Who? Who?” Rusev Daaaaaay~! Fans really like the sound of that. In honor of such a holiday, here’s a little diddy.

But wait, here’s MC Artiste himself to sing a proper introduction. Though Big E, Woods and Kofi challenge him to a quick throat clearing contest. “Well let the Shakespeare of Song soothe all your ears, while these fools with their flapjacks bore you to tears~!” He insulted the pancakes!! But the New Day will cry “when the belts go home with the Brute and I”, then the new champs will be– New Day~! NO! Rusev DAAAAAAAY~! Whose day will it be when this match is over?

The belts are raised and the teams sort out. We start with English and Kofi at the bell, and they tie up. English powers Kofi to a corner, then throws body shots while fans chant “Rusev Day!” English whips corner to corner then monkey flips but Kofi lands on his feet! Kofi then leaps at English for double stomps! Cover, ONE, and English gets to his corner. Tag to Rusev and fans fire up again. Rusev and Kofi tie up, but Kofi kicks away. Rusev stops that and powers Kofi to a corner to throw in shoulders. He whips Kofi corner to corner but Kofi goes up and over. Kofi speeds things up to springboard, only to get caught! Rusev has Kofi on the ropes as he knees away at the ribs! Then Rusev throws Kofi with a Fall Away Slam! Cover, ONE!.

We go picture in picture while the Bulgarian Lion stalks and stomps Kofi. Tag to English and he adds stomps. English throws hands in the corner, then tags Rusev back in. Team Rusev Day work together on the corner back elbow and feed to the clothesline. Cover, TWO, but Rusev again keeps between Kofi and Big E. We return to single picture as Rusev barrels Kofi in a facelock. Kofi endures as he tries to find a way out. Fans rally up with “New! Day Rocks!” Kofi fights out but Rusev shoves him away. Rusev throws haymakers, then hoists Kofi up top. Rusev throws more hands, then climbs up. Kofi fights back and sends Rusev down. Kofi jumps for the DDT! Both men are down but on opposite sides of the ring. They both crawl, hot tags to English and Big E!

Big E throws English all around with belly2belly suplexes! He swivels them hips and runs, for the Big Splash! Big E rallies fans up again as he stalks English. English gets to his corner, elbows E and tags Rusev. Rusev rallies with lariats and a roundhouse! Big E gets to a corner, to get a big shoulder, and then the running heel kick! Kofi slips in but is back dropped back out! Big E gets up but gets another roundhouse! Cover, TWO! Rusev Day knows they’re close, and Rusev fires himself back up as the fans join in. Rusev stomps the mat as he stalks Big E. Machka Kick misses, but he gets Big E in a chicken wing! Big E slips out and shoves Rusev. Rusev runs but misses, English tags in. Big E SPEARS Rusev out! But then English FLIES!

English wipes E out, then puts him back in. Artiste’s DDT! Cover, TWO!! That was so close! English hurries back up, then up to the top rope. He aims, leaps, but has to bail out of his senton. He misses in the corner, Kofi tags in, and the New Day combine for a double stomp bomb! Cover, TWO!! The Drama King survives! Kofi gets up and calls for his own finish. English stands, but ducks the Trouble in Paradise to fireman’s carry. Kofi slips out but Rusev tags in, to carry Kofi all the way to ropes. Kofi manages to headscissor Rusev out of the ring, then penalty kick English from the apron. Rusev Day regroups while Kofi and Big E work together, to FLY!! Into a MACHKA KICK! Artiste’s DDT on the apron!!

Rusev drags Kofi up and in, and fans are thunderous! English tags in?! Rusev still goes up top, but misses his headbutt! English leaps but his his frog splash! TWO!! They were so close again, and Lana is about to explode at ringside. English can’t tag out to Rusev, so it’s up to him to do this. English, CRUSH! Artist’s Accolade!! Kofi endures this copied hold, but Big E runs in, to MACHKA KICK!! Kofi pops an arm out, then slings English to ropes. Rusev runs in but is sent back out. English runs into Trouble in Paradise! Big E anchors Rusev, New Day wins!

Winners: The New Day, by pinfall; still SmackDown Tag Team Champions

The Brute and the Artiste were just finger tips away from the best Rusev Day ever. But now, it’s one of the worst, as The New Day win the day. Will Rusev & English ever get it right? Or will New Day continue to win day after day?

 

Backstage interview with Mick Foley!

The hardcore legend is being a guest referee for the Universal Championship’s Hell in a Cell Match. This is an emotional night for him, he got a chill down his spine from seeing the Cell again. Foley has had nightmares thinking back to his infamous Cell match, but that’s the past. Tonight is about Strowman VS Roman tearing each other apart. Baron Corbin comes in and welcomes Foley to the Constable’s first PPV as the boss. Corbin has Stephanie’s blessing to allow Foley to referee tonight’s title match. Foley looks the part, mostly. And he’s early! Great enthusiasm. Yes, and Foley has some pointers as a former GM. Corbin appreciates that but he’s got this. He’ll let tonight speak for itself. If that’s how Corbin wants it… Will Foley do his best as guest ref and be impartial? Will Corbin really impress with his half of tonight’s PPV?

 

Abandon all hope, ye who enter here.

“There is something inside us all. Something that scares us. Tortures us. And begs to be free.” Those things? “Our demons.” Greed corrupted a friendship. Envy made rivals into enemies, and a Viper target a hero. Wrath has made a Goddess and a Gladiator go to war. Pride has made a Destroyer willing to destroy a friendship. And above all, a hound of justice and a Monster Among Men want to stand atop the entire kingdom. “There is no turning back.” Surrender to your dark side and let it take over. “Welcome to Hell in a Cell.”

 

Hell in a Cell Match: Jeff Hardy VS Randy Orton!

The Legend Killer has transformed himself into the Eraser of Heroes, as he vows to make the WWE Universe forget all about those we’ve cheered more for than him. But the Charismatic Enigma will never let himself be forgotten nor intimidated. Will Hardy prove he’s #Immune2Fear in his most desired match type ever? Or will Orton use the three most dangerous letters in pro-wrestling to make Hardy OBSOLETE?

Both Hardy and Orton are ready to tear into each other even before the bell, as they glare at each other through the blood red chainlink fencing. Hardy takes a moment to admire the sadistic structure, as this is his first ever time in such a match. He wants to enjoy every second of it, even as he faces potential torture at the hands of his opponent. The bell rings, and we begin!

hardy rushes Orton right away and throws hands and shoulders in a corner. Orton hits back and clubs Hardy down. Orton goes to suplex but Hardy slips away, so Orton gives him a European Uppercut. Hardy tumbles to the apron and Orton hotshots him, to then blast him off into the red steel! Orton stalks Hardy and drags him up by his hair, to put him into the steel again. Hardy blocks that but Orton clubs him again. Orton tries again but Hardy still fights him off. Hardy sends Orton into steel then into LED post, then into the apron. Hardy keeps pinballing Orton around the small corridor, then goes searching under the ring. He finds a table! He has to carefully take it out inside that narrow way.

Orton grabs it from the other end and it’s a tug-o-war. They abandon the table and run at each other, but Orton runs Hardy over with a lariat! Orton drags Hardy up and into the ring, and Orton positions the table. But Hardy dropkicks it into Orton! Orton goes down with pain in his ribs, and he crawls away while Hardy recovers. Hardy and Orton go looking for more items, and while Orton finds chairs, Hardy finds a ladder! Hardy brings the ladder around, and rams Orton with it before Orton can use his chair. He keeps on Orton with that ladder, and then adjusts. But Orton SMACKS back with the chair! Orton hobbles over to grab Hardy’s hair and throw him into the steel. Orton EuroUppers Hardy up against the red frame, then goes back for the chair. He sits it up and then brings Hardy over.

Orton wants an RKO on the chair but Hardy denies him. Then Hardy uses the chair for Poetry in Motion! The attack is a bit double edged as both men bounce off steel and floor. Hardy stands and fans chant “DELETE! DELETE!” with him as he clubs Orton. Hardy clears out some space and puts Orton back in the ring. Orton staggers and Hardy kicks, but then spin kicks Orton to a corner. The Hardyac Arrest hits! Cover, TWO! Hardy positions Orton with a splash, then heads up to the top rope. Orton stops him with haymakers! Orton climbs up, prepares and hits the SUPERPLEX! But those bad ribs keep him from covering right away, TWO! Hardy narrowly survives but both men are hurting now. Fans rally up for Hardy as he gets to the other corner. Hardy drags himself up but Orton follows.

Orton runs in, but into a back elbow. Hardy goes up, Whisper in the Wind hits! Cover, TWO! The referee clears some room by getting the table out. Fans boo but Hardy goes for another ladder! Hardy props the ladder up upside-down, and brings Orton over. He clubs away on Orton’s back, to then position a suplex. Orton resists, knees low, then gordbusters Hardy into his own trap! The referee checks on Hardy, and somehow Hardy can continue. Orton puts Hardy in, covers, TWO! Orton likes that, because it means he can continue to brutalize him. Which is why he grabs another chair from under the ring. Orton aims and SMACKS Hardy on the back again!

Fans duel as some enjoy this violence. Orton SMACKS Hardy again! Orton tears Hardy’s shirt away, to SMACK bare skin with the steel! He even uses Hardy’s own studded belt to lash Hardy! Cover, TWO! Orton tears away at Hardy’s shirt while scrapping his laces on Hardy’s face. Fans rally for Hardy while Orton brings over the other ladder. Orton opens it up sideways, and puts Hardy between it.Fans anticipate what’s coming, and Orton puts Hardy throw a rung to make the ladder into a vice! Orton stomps Hardy’s limps, then covers. TWO, but that only means Orton gets to hurt Hardy more. Orton puts Hardy in a chinlock while fans rally up again. Hardy feeds off that energy to get back up, run around, and fight out of the hold. Hardy whips but Orton reverses, but Hardy rallies! Atomic drop to leg-splitting leg drop! And dropkick added, cover, TWO!

Hardy is both frustrated and sore, but he won’t stop. He calls to “DELETE! DELETE!” while Orton stands up. Hardy kicks, but Orton denies the Twist to hit the powerslam! Cover, TWO! Orton tries again, TWO! Orton keeps his cool while he goes back out. He pulls out a toolbox?! There are so many options, but he wants the screwdriver. Not since Orton’s mentor Triple H did this to Ric Flair have we seen a screwdriver used this way. But instead of going after the forehead, Orton wants the ear gauge hole!! Orton pulls on the ear lobe, twists the ear lobe 180 degrees, and then a full 360! Hardy screams, fans grow sick, but Orton seems to enjoy it. Hardy gets up, and low blows Orton! It’s all legal in the Cell, and it saves Hardy’s ear lobe.

Hardy goes back to Orton with his belt, and lashes Orton all over! Then he grabs the chair, to SMACK Orton on the back. SMACK, SMACK and SMACK! Orton is bleeding from the back as Hardy keeps attacking the cuts his belt made. Cover, TWO! Hardy has a wild look in his eyes as he climbs up top. But Orton trips him up with a bump of the ropes. Hardy rolls to an apron, but Orton drags him back up. Orton drags Hardy through the ropes, for the draping DDT! It was double edged from the damage Orton has taken to his own back. Orton stands, and he soaks in all the heat and sound from the crowd. The Viper then hears those voices in his head as he stalks Hardy again.

Orton wants to end this, and Hardy stands, but Hardy denies the RKO to hit the Twist of Fate! But Hardy won’t finish it here, he wants to use that already beat up chair. Hardy sets it on top of Orton, then climbs up top, for a SWANTON BOMB! The chair in between, cover, TWO!? Orton shocks everyone, especially Hardy, by surviving. But San Antonio knows “This is Awesome!” Hardy hurries to figure something else out while Orton now bleeds from a cut on his thigh. Hardy has a new ladder! It’s the tallest so far, but Hardy isn’t done. Hardy finds a table and brings it in.

Fans fire up as Hardy sets both ladder and table up. Hardy also adds one of the smaller ladders to the equation, so that it is shorter ladder, taller ladder, and table. Orton stands but Hardy is right on him with another Twist of Fate! Hardy puts Orton on the table and keeps him there with right hands. Fans fire up again as Hardy climbs the smaller ladder. Hardy uses that ladder to help leap up to the taller ladder, then he climbs the cell ceiling like monkey bars! He swings, but Orton gets out of the way! Only Hardy crashes through the table!! San Antonio loses their minds while the referee calls for the EMT! But Orton wants to finish this with a pin! The referee is reluctant, but counts. Orton wins!

Winner: Randy Orton, by pinfall

The Cell rises while Orton stands tall, but Hardy needs a stretcher. EMTs arrive and puts Hardy on the back board while everyone just tries to register what happened. The Viper won, but has he also erased the Enigma once and for all?

 

Backstage interview with AJ Styles!

The Phenomenal WWE Champion needs to stay focused against Samoa Joe, even after everything eh’s said about the Styles Family. Joe wants to talk about Styles’ wife, his daughter, so Styles is laser focused. Styles won’t talk, he’ll fight. He’ll walk in WWE Champion, rip Joe’s heart from his chest, then walk back out WWE Champion. Because this is still the House that AJ Styles Built! Will that be so? Or will Joe introduce Styles to his own personal Hell?

 

SmackDown Women’s Championship: Charlotte Flair & Becky Lynch!

Summerslam saw a Triple Threat for this title pit friend against friend against foe, but it was the Queen who took advantage of the Lass Kicker. While Charlotte was in the right because of the rules, Becky feels she was in the wrong because of what was right. Becky is sick and tired of being in Charlotte’s shadow, but Charlotte says only Becky sees herself that way. Who will prove themselves the most deserving, and more importantly, the BEST woman of the Blue Brand?

The introductions are made, the belt is raised and the bell rings. San Antonio are behind Straight Fire Becky Lynch as she circles with Charlotte. They tie up and Becky gets a waistlock. She gets the takedown, then floats to a facelock. She holds on as Charlotte rolls both ways. Charlotte works her way back up and reverses to her own waistlock takedown. Now Charlotte holds on while Becky rolls around. Becky slips out to get the facelock back but Charlote gets a leg takedown. Becky shoves her away and fans enjoy this even exchange. The two frenemies circle, Charlotte gets another takedown, but Becky counters to a hammerlock. Becky shifts to a headlock, but Charlotte powers out. Becky runs Charlotte over, then runs. Things speed up and Charlotte gets Becky in another takedown. Charlotte goes for the Figure Four, but Becky wants to Disarm-her!

They both roll around and Becky gets a keylock. Charlotte pushes but Becky bends her back to a cover. TWO as Charlotte kips up and arm-drags. Charlotte gets the legs to tweak the knee. Charlotte goes after a simple toehold and knee wrench. Becky fights back with a chinlock and they roll again. Fans rally up while Charlotte holds onto the leg. Becky uses her free leg to kick Charlotte away, but Charlotte high stacks. TWO and Becky kicks Charlotte. Becky grabs hair to put Charlotte in a corner. She backs off at 4, but then misses to get shoulders to the stomach. Charlotte backs off but then hits buckles as Becky dodges. Becky jump kicks Charlotte down! Then apron firearms her down more! Fans fire up as Becky puts Charlotte back in. Cover, TWO, but Becky keeps her cool.

Becky wrenches the arm and wrings Charlotte out. She keeps on the arms with a hammerlock on one and a YANK of the other! Cover, TWO! Charlotte gets herself to a corner but Becky is right on her. Becky wraps an arm around a rope but backs off at 4. Becky kicks Charlotte more, then whips corner to corner. Charlotte tumbles to the apron, shoulders back in and slingshots for the high stack. TWO and Becky hits more firearms. Cover, TWO! Becky keeps on Charlotte with another keylock. Fans begin to duel while Charlotte endures. Becky thrashes Charlotte around, then leans on her for a bridging hammerlock! Charlotte endures a new kind of pain, but then Becky shifts back to a normal hammerlock. Fans continue to duel while Charlotte continues to endure.

Charlotte gets up on her feet and fights back. Becky hits back but then Charlotte denies the exploder. Charlotte scoops but Becky slips out, to walk into a Flair Chop. Becky dodges the next one to forearm Charlotte. Cover, TWO! Becky pushes Charlotte back down to then run and leg drop. She drops the elbow, then goes for the second leg, but Charlotte dodges to drop the knee. Charlotte gets to a corner and puts Becky on the apron. Becky hits Charlotte away, then hotshots the arm! But then Charlotte kicks Becky off the apron, and wrecks her with a dropkick. Charlotte fetches Becky on the outside to put her on the apron. They both stand up to start brawling. Becky kicks low then wrings Charlotte’s arm into the apron! Cover, TWO!

Becky is growing frustrated, but she won’t let up. She grabs the bad arm, wants a Disarm-her but Charlotte school girls. TWO, and Becky runs into a back suplex! Both women are down, in pain up and down the body. Fans rally up and they both stand to start brawling! Becky gives EuroUppers, but then Charlotte counters to a backslide. ONE and Charlotte fires off Flair chops! Fans echo “Woo! Woo!” with each one. Becky blocks a whip to back kick and go for the arm. Charlotte throws Becky into buckles, but then misses. Becky’s jump kick is denied this time, and Charlotte boots Becky down! Charlotte grits her teeth while Becky is gasping. Charlotte drags herself up top, moonsault flops!

Becky gets the arm, for an armbar! Charlotte turns it to a cover, but Becky makes it a triangle! Charlotte deadlifts Becky to sit-out bomb! Cover, TWO!! That was so close! Both women are down but fans are still fired up. Charlotte sits up first but Becky follows. They glare at each other and start brawling with big elbows and forearms. They brawl up to their feet, and Becky gets an edge! Becky dragon sleepers and hammerlocks, for an inverted DDT! Cover, TWO!! The Queen is tough but the Lass Kicker is not deterred. Becky flounders to ropes with San Antonio on her side. She climbs up top, but Charlotte stands. Missile dropkick, turned into a Boston Crab!

Becky endures but drags herself over, for the ropebreak! And she sends Charlotte into buckles, too! Becky walks it off, then drags Charlotte into the post. Becky returns to the ring and drags Charlotte up. Charlotte school girls, TWO, DISARM-HER! Becky has Charlotte, but Charlotte has long limbs, for the ropebreak. Becky wants to hold on, but lets go at 4. She shows no mercy as she puts Charlotte back in. Charlotte back elbows Becky, then runs, for a Spear, into a cover!! BECKY WINS!!

Winner: Becky Lynch, by pinfall; NEW SmackDown Women’s Champion

It has happened!! The Lass Kicker burns a bridge but gains the gold! She gets the better of her former best friend, and Charlotte has lost more than just a title. Or has she? Charlotte offers her former friend a chance to be her friend again, but Becky would rather hold the title than hold Charlotte’s hand. Becky leaves with her real best friend in the women’s title, but how long will she have it this time?

 

The New Day celebrate backstage!

The SmackDown Tag Team Champions are still ya bois, and “we all know what time it is!” Big E rings the bell, and Bootysworth comes in. The butler of positivity is back, and he presents champagne. The good stuff, too! Where did Kofi go tho? Surprise, it’s Kramer Kingsman to interview the New Days! COngrats on winning, but three questions: What’s next? What’s next? And what’s next? The New Day is going down under– Where? Underwear hahaha! Well, they’re headed to Melbourne to defend their titles against The Bar! But that’s then, this is now. Time to celebrate, with a pancake shower on Bootysworth! It’s raining flapjacks, and next, Super Show Down! Will the hot cake trio be too hot to handle down in Australia? Or will Cesaro & Sheamus end the New Day’s fifth reign in the land down under?

 

Raw Tag Team Championships: Drew McIntyre & Dolph Ziggler VS Seth Rollins & Dean Ambrose!

Monday Night Raw has become war all over again as The Shield and “The Pack” have been battling for supremacy. Will Rollins, Ambrose and Roman only add to their collection of titles? Or will there be a power shift beyond their control?

The introductions are made, the belts are raised and we begin with Rollins and Ziggler at the bell. Fans chant “Burn It Down!” for the Intercontinental Champion while he ties up with Ziggler. They trade wristlocks but Rollins gets a hammerlock. Ziggler pulls hair to reverse, but then Rollins gets away before Ziggler can tag McIntyre. Rollins and Ziggler go again, and they trade headlocks. Rollins gets the takedown, and holds off the headscissors. Ziggler gets the headscissors and Rollins pops out, but again Rollins gets away before Ziggler can tag McIntyre. They tie up again and Ziggler kicks low. Ziggler laughs as he scrapes Rollins’ face. Ziggler brings Rollins over but Rollins school boys and powers Ziggler to the Shield corner. Tag to Ambrose, and they work together for a sliding lariat, knee drop and elbow drop. Cover, TWO, but McIntyre is at the ready.

Tag to Rollins, and they double whip Ziggler for double elbows, and split the wishbone! ZIggler writhes while Rollins stalks him. Rollins runs but Ziggler dodges the stomp. McIntyre regroups with Ziggler near the announce desks, then they come back at the ref’s count of 3. Ziggler eggs Rollins on, but tags McIntyre in. McIntyre takes his time but Rollins is right on him. McIntyre shoves then runs Rollins over with a shoulder! Ambrose wants in, fans want him in, and so does McIntyre. Tag and now we get Lunatic against Psycho. McIntyre draws the line in the sand and dares Ambrose to cross it. Ambrose sees the challenge and crosses the line. They grind foreheads, then McIntyre pie faces Ambrose. Ambrose kicks and chops, but McIntyre clubs his back. McIntyre runs but Ambrose dropkicks the knee out. Mahistrol cover, TWO!

Ambrose gives McIntyre crossface forearms. Ziggler hops in but Rollins chases him away. McIntyre clobbers Ambrose in the opening, and then stomps Ambrose at the ropes. McIntyre brings Ambrose over to his corner to chop him, then tags in Ziggler. The champs mug Ambrose in their corner, then Ziggler grinds Ambrose’s face on ropes. Ziggler drives elbows into Ambrose’s shoulder, then wraps on a chinlock. Ambrose endures and stands up while fans rally. Ambrose gets his second wind and fights out with elbows. Ziggler rocks him with a right, but takes time to soak in the heat. Ziggler whips but Ambrose catches him, for a flapjack hotshot! Both men are down but Ambrose crawls for his corner. Ziggler tries to stop him, but he still gets the tag to Rollins!

Rollins rallies with elbows, then whips. Ziggler revesres but gets a slingblade! McIntyre gets hit, too, and Rollins boots Ziggler back. Rollins goes up but jumps over. Ziggler swings, misses, and gets a Pele! Rollins sees Ziggler roll out, then builds speed, but McIntyre trips him up. Ziggler jumps in for the satellite DDT! Cover, TWO! Both men are down but McIntyre is back. Ziggler drags Rollins over and tags McIntyre in so he can stomp Rollins. McIntyre stomps Rollins more, then puts him in a corner for more stomps and even chops. McIntyre taunts Ambrose then tags in Ziggler. Ziggler stomps Rollins now, then he taunts Ambrose. Ziggler chokes Rollins at the ropes, and McIntyre gets a cheap shot. The ref has to keep Ambrose from getting in while Ziggler tags to McIntyre.

McIntyre stomps, then stomps Rollins’ hands. He even bends fingers back to keep Rollins from tagging out. McIntyre says Rollins is “nothing to us!” before kicking him down. He drags Rollins up for a standing armlock. Rollins endures while fans rally up. Rollins gets up and jawbreakers back. But McIntyre chops him down! Tag to Ziggler and they stomp Rollins more. Ziggler drops the elbow, then covers, ONE. Ziggler keeps his confidence while he taunts Ambrose and toys with Rollins. The Show-Off laughs as he pushes Rollins around. He dares Rollins to “Do something!” so Rollins hits him back! Rollins whips, Ziggler reverses and hops on for a sleeper hold! Rollins fades and drops to a knee. Fans rally up and Rollins gets his second wind, to power his way over towards Ambrose.

Ziggler rakes the eyes and nose to deny the tag, but still gets a big back suplex! Both men are down and both partners are chomping at the bit. Fans rally, hot tag to McIntyre, but Rollins dodges him. McIntyre trips Ambrose, but Rollins gives him chops. Rollins runs, but into a back elbow. McIntyre swings Rollins with the inverted Alabama Slam! Cover, but Ambrose breaks it! Ambrose goes back to his corner while McIntyre argues with the referee. McIntyre drags Rollins back up, but Rollins fights back. Rollins backs McIntyre down and slips out of the back suplex to hit both champs. Rollins leaps but McIntyre grabs him. Ziggler distracts, that tag doesn’t count! And Rollins gets mugged behind the ref’s back! McIntyre and Ziggler grin because they got away with it.

Tag to Ziggler, and he puts Rollins in a corner. Ziggler toys with Rollins, then puts him on the top rope. He climbs up to join Rollins, but Rollins holds on to deny the superplex. Rollins pries his way out of the hold to then punch Ziggler down. Ziggler returns but is pushed down this time. Rollins adjusts but ZIggler tags to McIntyre. Rollins still gives McIntyre the blockbuster! He and McIntyre are down, but Rollins heads for Ambrose. McIntyre whips him away but Rollins kicks, ducks and hot tag to Ambrose! The Lunatic rallies on Mcintyre in the corner! He stomps a mudhole into McIntyre then runs Ziggler over. McIntyre kicks and whips Ambrose but Ambrose dodges to then hit a leaping lariat.

Ambrose rallies more, kick to suplex but McIntyre reverses. Ambrose slips out but McIntyre denies Dirty Deeds, so Ambrose jackknife covers! TWO, and McIntyre whips again. Ambrose counters with a cross-arm neckbreaker, covers, TWO! Fans rally behind Ambrose while he gets to the top rope. Ziggler lurks but Ambrose kicks him away. Ambrose wants Dirty Deeds on the apron but McIntyre knocks him down. McIntyre drags Ambrose up, but Ambrose turns things around to send McIntyre into the post and Ziggler into the barriers! Ambrose puts McIntyre in, then climbs up again. He fires himself up, for the leaping elbow, only for McIntyre to make it a belly2belly suplex into buckles! Both men are down but fans rally up. Ambrose stirs while McIntyre crawls. Their partners are both down, but are coming back! Tag to Ziggler, tag to Rollins!

Now Rollins rallies with the springboard clothesline, and another clothesline to send Ziggler out. Ziggler & McIntyre regroup, but Rollins DIVES! But is caught. Ambrose DIVES and bowls everyone over! All four men are down on the outside but fans are loving this! A 10 count begins, but the legal men get in at 6 and 9! Ziggler leaps, but Rollins changes the DDT into a Falcon Arrow! Cover, TWO!! That was close but not enough. Rollins keeps his cool, then fires up with “Burn It Down!” Rollins aims for the mule kick, but misses his stomp. Ziggler kicks, but Rollins turns the Famouser into a buckle bomb! Cover, but McIntyre breaks it. Ambrose goes after McIntyre, but McIntyre throws him out.

Rollins uses a knee to send McIntyre out, but Ziggler rolls up. TWO, Rollins tries, TWO, ZIGZAG!! Cover, TWO!? How does Rollins survive?! Fans hope they “Fight Forever!” at this rate. Both Rollins and Ziggler stir, and McIntyre returns to his corner. Ziggler tags out and now the two drag Ziggler up. They want but Ambrose denies the combo, SUPERKICK for McIntyre! Cover, TWO, SUPERKICK again! Rollins hurries up top, frog splash to McIntyre’s back! Cover, TWO!! Another close call for the Architect, but now what does he do? Rollins grits his teeth while McIntyre crawls to the Shield corner. Ambrose returns, and tags in. They both hoist McIntyre up and climb. But Ziggler yanks Rollins off, only to get thrown out. Rollins slingshots but misses!

McIntyre sends Ambrose down and hits a leaping lariat! Then he kips up! The Scottish Stud is so athletic, and he tags Ziggler in so they can finish this. McIntyre puts Ambrose up but Ambrose fights Ziggler down. Ambrose fights out of the electric chair, but McIntyre denies dirty deeds. Rollins tags in and Ambrose barrels through McIntyre. Rollins has Ziggler, SUPERPLEX, roll through but McIntyre CLAYMORES!! Cover from Ziggler, the champions retain!

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

An instant tag classic, and in the end, Strowman’s “dogs of war” hold onto the prize! Are there truly new alpha males in the jungle that is Raw? Or will the hounds of justice come back around to try again?

 

Braun Strowman like what he sees.

The leader of the pack enjoys seeing McIntyre & Ziggler retain their titles. But he doesn’t like being bothered by Mick Foley. Foley needs to talk with Strowman. Strowman may not think the Cell will change him, but it will. Life will change, but no matter how chaotic it gets, Strowman must respect Foley. And all Foley needs to do is count to three and give Strowman that title. If they do their jobs, that’s good, because Foley doesn’t want a monster problem. Foley wishes Strowman good luck. Will Strowman even need it?

 

WWE Championship: AJ Styles VS Samoa Joe!

The Destroyer promises to give everyone a happy ending to the story of “Night Night AJ”. But will the jokes, the threats and the insults only cause the Phenomenal One to bring the entirety of his arsenal out to finally shut Joe down?

The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and Joe taunts Styles with trash talk the entire time. Fans favor Styles as the bell rings, and Styles goes right at Joe! Joe anticipates this as he puts up his guard. They go around the ring as Styles throws hands. Joe catches him and puts him in a corner. Joe dirties the break with close headbutts and then those swift but strong jabs. He has Styles reeling as he kicks him int he chest. Styles hits back with haymakers and chops. Joe chops Styles then runs, but into Styles dropkick! Joe bails out while Styles glares. Styles goes out to pursue Joe and hits an apron knee! Joe is down but Styles still looms over him.

Styles drags Joe up to bounce off the announce desk, then off the apron. He goes back in and waits on Joe, only to run and wreck Joe with a dropkick. Fans fire up with Styles while Joe is down again. Styles drags Joe back up and in, then aims from the apron. He prepares his forearm, springboards, but Joe bails out. Styles wants at Joe but the referee wants to keep this in the ring. Styles doesn’t care, he slingshots, but into a kick from Joe! Joe stalks Styles now to boot Styles down! Then Joe throws Styles legs first into steel steps! Joe drags Styles up, puts him in the ring and covers. ONE, but Joe is not bothered by that. Joe circles Styles and brings him up for more of those jabs, and even a chop. He drags Styles up again but Styles throws hands and kicks.

Styles backs Joe down but then Joe suddenly sweeps the legs! Joe stalks Styles to a corner, and grinds his boot into his face. Joe backs off at 4, but comes back for the boot wash! Styles stirs but Joe is on him again. Joe brings Styles up but Styles still hits back. Styles has Joe in a corner now, and rams his shoulder into Joe. Styles also kicks Joe’s leg, evening things up between them. He throws forearms, then kicks the leg. Styles drags Joe out to whip corner to corner, but Joe reverses. Joe hits the back elbow and the Pele! Styles flounders while Joe keeps his focus. Joe kicks Styles out of the ring quite literally, but he builds speed to DIVE! Styles is knocked into the announce desk and moves it! Joe drags Styles up and in, but fans are still on Styles’ side. Cover, TWO!

Joe keeps his cool as he wrenches Styles’ neck. Fans rally up as Styles endures. Styles works his way up against the hold, and fights out with elbows. Styles throws hands, then runs, but into a BIG back elbow from Joe! Joe covers, TWO! Joe grows frustrated, and he drags Styles back around into a chinlock. He grinds Styles down but fans rally up again. Styles manages a ropebreak with his foot, and Joe lets go at 4. Joe stalks Styles to a corner, and hoists him up top. Joe climbs up to join Styles but Styles fights back. They brawl, but Joe’s headbutts get the edge. Joe has Styles but Styles slips out to trip Joe up! Joe hits buckles on the way down, but both men are on the mat. The referee checks on both men while fans build to a duel. Styles crawls away, but Joe follows.

Joe swings but Styles gives his Phenomenal Blitz! He adds another back hand, then a corner clothesline. Styles snapmares, runs and slides for the forearm! Cover, TWO! Joe and Styles are slowing from exhaustion, but Styles still wants a suplex. Joe powers out but runs into a back elbow. Styles moonsault DDT’s! Cover, TWO! Styles grows frustrated while Joe rolls away. Styles springboards, lionsault meets knees! Joe hits Styles with a powerbomb, and high stack! TWO, into the Boston Crab! Styles won’t tap so Joe makes it an STF! Joe even traps an arm to make it a full crossface, and he pulls back hard on Styles’ spine! Styles drags himself around and reaches for anything. His leg gets a ropebreak! Joe lets go, but he keeps his eyes on Styles. Styles crawls to a corner but Joe is on him.

Joe drags Styles up for headbutts, then a stiff forearm. He whips Styles corner to corner, but then Styles dodges! Joe staggers, and Styles chops him. Styles kicks then manages a torture rack lift! He swings Joe out for a tower hacker bomb! Cover, TWO!! Styles is too tired to express frustration, so he just focuses on his next move. Styles goes to the apron, aims at Joe, and springboards for the 450! It hits! Cover, TWO!! And again, Styles is just too tired to even be angry. Joe crawls while Styles sits up. Styles staggers but stalks Joe. He vows to end this with the Clash, but Joe counters to a catapult! Styles hits buckles, then Joe clobbers him with a clothesline from hell! Cover, TWO!! Both men are down because now even Joe is too tired to be upset.

They both slowly stand and Styles gets to a corner. Styles is bleeding from his mouth and a cut on his side. Joe gets him up for the Muscle Buster! But Styles sunset flips, and wants the Clash! Joe fights out, but then has to resist the Calf Crusher. Styles kicks those legs, grabs hold of one, but gets an enziguri! Joe catches his breath before he covers, TWO! Frustration boils over, and now Joe looks at Styles with wild eyes. Joe readies a final punch, but Styles ducks to PELE! Joe flounders but Styles runs in, only to be put on the apron. Styles knocks Joe away, then springboards, Phenomenal– Coquina Clutch!! Joe has Styles by the neck, and keeps Styles away from ropes. He slips back, but Styles makes it a cover! Styles wins!!

Winner: AJ Styles, by pinfall; still WWE Champion

But Joe thinks HE won! He could’ve sworn Styles either tapped or passed out, but he didn’t realize it was a cover. Joe is furious and scares Corey Graves into agreeing. Joe is denied at the goal line, if you will, and is not happy about it. He goes and grabs the belt, claiming it’s rightfully his. But Styles gives him an enziguri! Styles won as far as the records and referee say, but given alternate angles, it is clear Styles did tap just before Three. Armed with this information, will Joe come back for another try?

 

Backstage interview with The Miz & Maryse.

The It Couple, in matching white-out gear, they finally step in with the couple they’ve been antagonizing. Antagonizing? No, they made Bryan & Brie relevant again. Those two should thank Miz & Maryse, up until they make this a PR Nightmare. Maryse says Brie is a coward who hits Miz because Miz can’t hit her back. These two are the real hardest hitting couple in WWE, and they plan to prove it by making Brie & Bryan what they really are: “Irrelevant losers!” Will the mouths of Miz & Mrs write checks their bodies can’t cash?

 

Mixed Tag Match: Daniel Bryan & Brie Bella VS The Miz & Maryse!

SmackDown’s two power couples collide in a match that has been years in the making. The Hollywood A-Lister got help from his leading lady to win at Summerslam, but will the sequel be better than the original? Or will Bryan & Brie say “YES! YES!” to a comeback story happy ending?

The bell rings and the ladies start. Brie and Maryse circle, finally getting to fight, but then Maryse retreats to her corner. She tags out to Miz so Bryan comes in. Miz and Maryse talk strategy for a second, then Miz circles with Bryan. Maryse distracts and Miz boots Bryan! Miz stomps away then throws hands in an open corner. Miz throws his “hardest hitting” left hand, but Bryan isn’t exactly knocked out by it. Brie wants to show Miz her own hardest punch, but Miz whips Bryan corner to corner. Bryan goes up and over and hits a leaping lariat. Miz gets to a corner and Bryan prepares his hand. He starts giving Miz punches in the corner! Fans “YES! YES!” all the way to 10, then Bryan whips Miz. Miz kicks Bryan away, then runs, but into a takedown!

Miz gets away and flounders out of the ring. He narrowly avoids the Yes Lock, and says he’s also the smartest competitor in WWE. Bryan tags out, that’s a flaw in Miz’s plan. But then Miz quickly tags back in, and Maryse taunts with her hair tossing pose. Bryan returns to circle with Miz again, and fans chant “Coward! Coward!” at Miz. Miz kicks but Bryan catches it to dragon screw Miz down. Bryan gives EuroUppers and haymakers, and Miz is reeling. Bryan whips but Miz reverses to hit the kitchen sink knee. Miz then mocks the Yes chant, to hit the corner to corner dropkick. He hits another, then soaks in the heat as he continues to mock the Yes chant. He hits his A-list lariat. Miz slings Bryan out to then climb up top, but Bryan trips him up!

Miz gets caught upside down, but Bryan drags him back up so he can punch him. Bryan climbs up now, and hits the SUPER STEINER! Bryan starts up the real Yes chant and fingers while Miz crawls away. Miz turns around, dodges the knee, then rolls Bryan! TWO, into Yes Lock! Maryse breaks it up, but then Brie chases her down! The ref stops Brie and gets her to her corner. Miz tries to get the Finale but Bryan slips put to kick and uppercut and kick Miz more. Bryan runs corner to corner for the dropkick! He goes again, but Miz dodges! Bryan hits buckles then the mat, and Brie is a bit worried. She rallies the fans but Miz drags Bryan up. Miz snapmares Bryan into a chinlock, and even rakes the eyes.

Fans rally while Bryan endures. Brie is ready for a tag, and Bryan fights out. Bryan swings, but Miz catches him into the A-List combination! Cover, TWO! Miz grins, he’s still confident he has this in the bag. He makes Brie watch as he drags Bryan back into a chinlock. Miz digs his knee into Bryan’s back but Brie is chomping at the bit. Bryan gets up but Miz puts him in a corner for shoulders. Miz gives the “It Kicks” in the corner, but fans say “No! No!” Brie swipes at Miz but Miz taunts her toughness. Miz hoists Bryan up top and climbs up to join him. Miz wants the superplex, but Bryan holds on to resist. Bryan fights back with body shots over and over, then headbutts Miz down. Bryan adjusts as he fires up, for the diving headbutt! But he misses!

Both men are down, and their wives rally for them. Bryan and Miz crawl, but Miz drags Bryan away. Miz tackles and rains down lefts. Miz whips but Bryan holds ropes. Bryan dumps Miz out to the outside! Maryse panics but Brie fires up. Bryan crawls, hot tag to Brie! The women must come in, but Maryse really doesn’t want to. Miz blocks the way, so Brie rocks him with rights of her own! Brie runs, Brie Mode baseball slide on Maryse! Brie bounces Maryse’s face off the announce desk, while Bryan clotheslines Miz out. Bryan gives Miz a flying knee off the apron! Brie and Bryan have the fans chanting “YES! YES!” but Miz whips Bryan into barriers. The women return to the ring, and Brie tackles Maryse! Brie hops up quick, for a missile dropkick! Cover, but Miz drags Brie off it. Bryan comes back to attack Miz!

The Yes Couple have the It Couple in the middle of the ring. And together, it’s His & Hers YES KICKS! Fans are at a fever pitch as the buzzsaws build up, but Miz & Maryse escape. They decide to quit this match and go for a walk. But Brie & Bryan won’t let them! They attack from behind at the ramp, and Brie brings Maryse back. Brie puts Maryse in and Brie Mode hits the knee! Bryan goes after Miz but gets pushed away. Brie pushes Maryse into Miz! Brie rolls Maryse, but Maryse reverses and holds tights! Miz & Maryse win!

Winners: The Miz & Maryse, Maryse pinning

That’s 2-0 for the It Couple against the Yes Couple! Brie & Bryan are beside themselves as they’re cheated again. Is the comeback a total bust for them both? Or is this battle of the WWE Network stars far from over?

 

Raw Women’s Championship: Ronda Rousey w/ Natalya VS Alexa Bliss w/ Mickie James & Alicia Fox!

The Baddest Woman on the Planet has been seen as nothing more than “an over-hyped rookie” in the eyes of The Goddess. However, Rowdy Ronda has proven to Alexa that in the ring, Alexa is little more than a chew toy to the former UFC Women’s Champion. Since Summerslam, Alexa has schemed to weaken Ronda, but Ronda believes she’s still the best, even when not 100%. Will Ronda prove Alexa she’s not just hype? Or will Alexa take full advantage of her long-game plan?

The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and the bell rings. Ronda is ready and she gets a headlock takedown on Alexa. Alexa makes it a cover but Ronda rolls it back. They both stand and Alexa gets a waistlock. Ronda spins it around to a fireman’s carry and covers, TWO! Ronda keeps on Alexa and gets a bridging clutch cover! TWO, and Alexa is already frustrated with how a battered Ronda is out wrestling her. The two circle again, and they tie up. Ronda puts Alexa on the ropes, but Alexa shoves her back. Ronda rocks Alexa with a right, but then Alexa kicks the ribs. Alexa drags Ronda up and to a corner for a buckle bump. Alexa goes after those ribs, but then Ronda gets around to throw more hands.

Ronda monkey flips and mounts, but Mickie and Alicia distract. Alexa gets away but Ronda catches that kick into an overhead toss! Ronda drags Alexa up and asks “Who wants a souvenir tonight?” Mickie and Alicia help Alexa get the ropebreak and the escape. Alexa catches her breath but Ronda pursues! Ronda scares the friends off and then scares the goddess off her feet. Natty laughs as her own friend smacks Alexa around. Ronda puts Alexa in, and wants Alexa to get up. Alexa smiles but Mickie and Alicia swipe. Alexa runs but Ronda side steps to send her out onto Alicia and Mickie! Ronda teases them, “Who needs enemies with friends like that?” She drags Alexa back up and in, but Alexa hotshots by holding the hair! Alexa kicks those bad ribs, then covers, ONE.

Alexa grabs hair again as she grows further frustrated. She bumps Ronda off buckles then rams her shoulders into those ribs. She grinds in as hard as she can, but backs off at 4. Alexa comes back with a stiff kick to the side! Her friends applaud while she snapmares and puts Ronda in a seated abdominal stretch. Ronda endures while Natty and fans rally. Alexa and her sidekicks all shout for Ronda to quit, but San Antonio gives Ronda life. Ronda powers out and scoops Alexa, but those ribs prevent the Rowdy Slam! Alexa slips out and throws Ronda out. She then adds Insult2Injury with those knee drops! Cover, TWO! Alexa puts Ronda in the Bow ‘n’ Arrow stretch now, bending and stretching Ronda as far as she can. Natty rallies the fans and Ronda powers her way out.

Alexa keeps Ronda grounded, then bumps her off buckles. Alexa stomps another mudhole into those ribs, then drags Ronda up. Ronda fights back while Alexa is up top. Ronda climbs up to join Alexa, but Alexa resists the superplex. Alexa uses those body shots to escape, then tires a bomb. Ronda fights out of that with a punch and a kick, but then Alexa trips her up! She’s in a Tree of Woe, and Alexa dropkicks the ribs! Cover, TWO! Alexa is furious as she puts Ronda in the abdominal stretch again. Natty and the fans keep rallying, and Ronda gets out. Ronda rolls but Alexa dropkicks her down again. Alexa rams Ronda ribs first into buckles! Then Alexa pulls Ronda against the post! She stops at 4, to pull again, and stops at 4. But then Alicia and Mickie get cheap shots in!

Natty snap suplexes Alicia, but Mickie is still in action. Ronda counters and then throws Mickie into a post! Ronda runs, double crossbodies take both Ronda and Alexa out! However, Ronda’s ribs make it all the worse for her. Alexa crawls over, drags Ronda up, but Ronda small packages! TWO, but backslide, TWO! Alexa kicks the ribs yet again! Alexa keeps hitting the ribs, and then laughs at the wounded Ronda. But that pisses Ronda off! Ronda powers up, gut wrench powerbomb!! Ronda can’t cover, her ribs hurt so much. But she powers herself, ready for more. She gives Alexa a taste of her medicine with all those body shots. Then she throws Alexa by an arm-drag, only to run into a mule kick. Ronda backs off from rib pain, but is ready for Alexa! ROWDY SLAM! And then, once again, ARM BAR! Alexa taps, Ronda wins!

Winner: Ronda Rousey, by submission; still Raw Women’s Championship

Just as she said, she’s still the best, even when less than perfect. Her ribs her but Natty is there to help her celebrate. Ronda successfully retains in her first defense, how many more defenses will she have in her first reign?

 

Samoa Joe protests the decision on his match.

But GM Paige addresses the issue. Joe is clearly upset, but he doesn’t want to listen. She tells him the decision is final, but he will get another chance at Super Show Down. Three weeks away, huh? Not good enough for Joe! Joe should be champion now instead of arguing it out. Joe wants things to change. No Disqualification, no count out, no excuses! Paige agrees with him for once. Joe wants the title, but will he get it?

 

WWE Universal Championship Hell in a Cell Match: Roman Reigns VS Braun Strowman, Mick Foley as special guest referee!

In honor of the 20th anniversary of the most memorable Hell in a Cell moment, Stephanie McMahon was gracious enough to grant Mrs. Foley’s baby boy this honor of officiating one of the biggest Cell matches yet. Foley won’t let Strowman disrespect him, but Strowman won’t let anyone or anything stand between him, The Big Dog, and total dominance over Raw. Can Roman hope to retain his title inside this sinister steel? Can he hope to survive it?

The introductions are made, and Roman stares Strowman down the entire way. But when Roman raises the belt, Strowman snatches it to say it’s already his. Roman rocks him with an uppercut! Foley calls for the bell and Roman keeps rocking Strowman with rights. Roman gives close range clotheslines but Strowman turns it around. Strowman hits a corner clothesline, then runs, but into a boot! Roman throws more uppercuts, but Strowman knees low. Strowman throws Roman right into a post! Roman tumbles out, but then gets blasted into the steel! Foley checks on Roman but he’s okay to continue. Strowman goes out to fetch Roman, bouncing him off the steel again.

Fans are rabid both ways as Strowman bounces Roman off posts. Strowman throws Roman into steel again, then looms over him. He rubs it in that Roman’s “boys” can’t help him here. Strowman puts Roman back in in the ring but Rmoan throws hands. They don’t seem to bother Strowman, and Strowman throws Roman with one arm. Roman dodges and manages to send Strowman out with a leaping lariat! Strowman catches his breath but Roman comes around, only for Strowman to blast him into the cell wall again! Strowman grinds his boot into Roman’s head, then drags Roman back up. He bounces Roman off the apron, then off steel steps. Strowman bounces Roman off the steps again, and again, then just dumps him down.

Strowman decides to take part of the steps for a weapon, but Roman hits the Drive-By dropkick! And another! Strowman staggers, Roman watches while catching his breath. Roman takes aim again, but is caught, into an apron choke slam! Fans chant “Get These Hands!” while Strowman finds a kendo stick from under the ring. That’s not good enough for him, he grabs a chair. But Roman uses the stick to SMACK away. Strowman breaks the stick! He puts Roman in the ring, but Roman kicks him on the entry. Roman grabs that chair now, and jabs it into Strowman’s ribs and SMACKS it across the back. He SMACKS Strowman more, but then Strowman catches the chair! Strowman runs, but gets post! Roman takes the chair back, and brings Strowman over for a DDT on it! Cover, TWO and with power!

Roman is surprised by Strowman simply shaking the cob webs out of his head. Roman locks and loads, takes aim and… SUPERMAN PUNCH! Strowman stays standing, so Roman reloads for a second SUPERMAN Punch! Still not enough, so Roman tries but is denied a third, for another choke slam! Cover, TWO!? Strowman argues, he saw the hand go down. Foley defends that Roman got up just in time, though barely. Strowman keeps his cool, and decides to go after Roman again. He scoops Roman, but Roman slips out. Roman gets to a corner and boots Strowman away. Roman dodges Strowman, runs, and turns the pop-up into a SUPERMAN PUNCH! Cover, TWO! Now it’s Roman’s turn to be a bit surprised by the count.

Strowman gets to the apron and out of the ring. Roman thinks on what to do next. Foley goes out, anticipating where this is leading. Strowman stirs while Roman goes out the other end. Roman looks under the ring, and finds a table! Foley likes that, being an ECW man himself. Roman puts the table in the ring but he sees Strowman standing. The Big Dog is baffled by the Monster’s resilience. Strowman lumbers his way around, still groggy. Roman lets out the howl and picks up speed around the corner, but runs into those steel steps! Strowman tosses the steps into the ring, then drags Roman in. Strowman takes the steps again, and rams Roman again! Cover, TWO!!

Strowman is growing further frustrated, and shouts “Why won’t you stay down, you moron!?” He picks up the stairs again, looms over Roman, and brings them down on the ribs! Strowman tosses the steps against the steel walls, then drags Roman up again. Roman is sputtering as Strowman scoops him up. Strowman hits the Monster Slam! Cover, TWO!? Now Strowman is the one shocked and confused. Strowman formulates a new plan, and decides to use the table Roman brought in. Strowman sets it in a corner, then dares Roman to stand up. Roman slowly does, but Strowman scoops him again. Roman slips out and then SUPERMAN PUNCH number 4! And number 5! Then SPEAR, through the table!! Cover, TWO!?! These two men have proven to be superhuman, but this is inhuman.

But wait, here come Ziggler & McIntyre! The Pack is here to help their leader, but then the Shield come out to stop them! They brawl it out and take out McIntyre, then flank Ziggler. Ziggler leads them on a chase but gets caught and thrown into the cell walls! Ambrose & Rollins beat Ziggler down, then clear off the announce desk. But then McIntyre saves Ziggler while throwing Rollins & Ambrose into the red steel. Ziggler & McIntyre clear the other announce desk off, but now it’s another brawl. McIntyre throws Ambrose over the side into the timekeeper, while Ziggler climbs up the wall! Rollins pursues, and they both reach the top! Foley watches them closely as they brawl fast and furious! Rollins gets Ziggler but Ziggler resists. But McIntyre climbs up, too!

Rollins wants something, but McIntyre saves Ziggler! The champs mug Rollins, but here comes Ambrose, armed with a kendo stick! McIntyre & Ziggler drag Rollins up, Rollins fights but gets a SUPERKICK. Ambrose joins them and uses the kendo stick on them both! The Lunatic has San Antonio fired up, but McIntyre brawls with him fast and furious again. Double clotheslines take them both out, and the cell ceiling holds. They all slowly stir, and Ziggler decides to start making his way down. But Rollins heads after him, forcing Ziggler to shimmy towards the corner. Rollins has his hair! Ziggler fights Rollins off and continues descending. Rollins continues to pursue, and now they’re both on the side of the cell. A familiar spot for the Architect back when he and Ambrose were on opposite sides of the fight.

Ziggler headbutts Rollins but Rollins bounces Ziggler’s head off the side. They keep hitting each other off red steel, and Rollins teeters. He recovers, but both men take each other out, and they BOTH fall off and through tables!! Fans lose their minds while spare referees check on the two men who just crash landed. But wait, is that BROCK LESNAR!? What is The Beast doing here?! He wants his rematch, but was denied such by Kurt Angle before Stephanie McMahon replaced him with Corbin. But then Lesnar just says to hell with unlocking the door, he kicks it in!! And fans lose their minds again as he climbs right in the ring.

Lesnar drags that door in with him while Paul Heyman maces Foley!! Lesnar SMACKS Strowman with part of the wrecked table! And then SMACK for Roman with another piece of wrecked table. Then SMACK for Strowman again, and SMACK for Roman. SMACK for Strowman, and Lesnar has his pick of prey. Lesnar drags Strowman up, to F5 him right down! But he’s not done, because he still owes Roman for Summerslam. Lesnar fireman’s carry on Roman, to F5 him on top of Strowman! The Beast roars as the last behemoth standing, but will this path of destruction really earn him his rematch?

Called by Referee’s Decision; Roman Reigns retains the WWE Universal Championship

 


 

My Thoughts:

Am I somehow in an alternate universe? This Hell in a Cell PPV, with having the weirdest builds in some time, was actually really good! I’m still disappointed the SmackDown Tag titles were on the Kickoff, but New Day & Rusev Day made it feel like it was already the main show. I figured New Day retains, and chances are they retain through Super Show Down against The Bar to make this 5th reign just as good as their history-setting 4th reign. Opening with the grudge match Cell match was actually a great move because holy hell Orton went above and beyond my expectations for his newest and most horrifying ear gauge spot yet. And it’s pretty clear Hardy getting hurt from his own amazing spot was exaggerated to make Orton look even more merciless.

Charlotte VS Becky was pretty much exactly what it was supposed to be. They were so even, and then it wasn’t even about using a finisher to win, but taking advantage of how well one knew the other. Becky wins, as I hoped she would, and now she can be red hot through whatever challengers she has at Super Show Down and/or WWE Evolution. If anything, Becky is doing so well, she could retain all the way to Royal Rumble, and fans will probably still love her. The Raw Tag Team Championship match was even more insane, and McIntyre-Ziggler win in a way that really did surprise me. But as we saw later, this was just a signal as to neither side getting all the belts.

The first point of contention I have with tonight is the match order here for the last two SmackDown matches. I would’ve put the Mixed Tag Match before the WWE Championship match, because obviously the championship is more important. But order aside, both matches were still really good. Styles VS Joe had a great back and forth, because they also know each other so well from their two decades of friendship. I thought it was rather clever for them to bring controversy into the finish, even though it’s almost too much like NXT’s Kairi Sane VS Shayna Baszler. Joe has issue, Paige gives him his rematch, but him saying he wants there to be “no excuses”, I’m thinking Paige is either making this another Last Man Standing, or an I Quit match.

The Mixed Tag was pretty good, with a standard story for the Heels of being sneaky and what not. I was surprised to see Miz & Maryse win, but chances are that means Super Show Down features Miz VS Bryan rematch where Bryan wins, and WWE Evolution features Brie VS Maryse where Brie wins. That way things are at least settled in singles competition for both sides. Ronda VS Alexa was great, the story element of Ronda’s ribs was well-executed. It shows how well Ronda can sell things, and gives her character points for being tough. Of course Ronda wins, because between Alexa facing Trish Stratus at Evolution and Ronda apparently facing Nikki Bella, these two needed to settle their story quick. Ronda is great, she’s going to have that title to the Rumble like Becky.

Then finally comes the main event Cell match. Again, McIntyre & Ziggler retaining meant Roman was going to retain, and that was made a bit clear by how over the top the two of them were in surviving each other’s moves. This was also the definition of “over booked”, by transforming it into an unofficial Six Man Tag Cell match by sending the four support players out (as I had predicted). I did like their spots, such as the four man brawl on top of the cell, and then Rollins and Ziggler going through announce desks. But then came my second point of contention. Lesnar shows up, which was a great surprise, but I don’t see how his attack causes a “No Contest” variant. Cell matches are No DQ, so at least give things two more minutes so someone tries something.

Though, perhaps the idea was that if Roman can’t win but also can’t lose, everyone gets what they want. Vince keeps Roman strong and fans don’t boo him for going over Strowman in what was considered his MITB Cash-in. But at the same, it only messes Strowman up. His cash-in fails, and unless Corbin says something on social media or on tomorrow night’s Raw, Strowman doesn’t get another try. A triple threat is probably the best option, because Lesnar might just do this again if he isn’t included somewhere in the title match. Granted, I hope he does not win, but at least he’ll have gotten his rematch like he wanted. Anything else and both he and Heyman will have to (kayfabe) complain to Stephanie/Vince.

My Score: 8.6/10


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Coverage

Mitchell’s WWE Raw Results & Report! (3/18/24)

Talk about a Big Time Raw!

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Will The Man be the Last Woman Standing?

Becky Lynch and Nia Jax want to finally put this to an end, so tonight on Raw, it will be a Big Time Last Woman Standing match! Will the Irresistible Force force the WrestleMania 40 match to change?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

  • Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championship Ladder Match Qualifier: #DIY VS The Creed Brothers; DIY wins and advances to WrestleMania.
  • Candice LeRae & Indi Hartwell VS Kayden Carter & Katana Chance; Candice & Indi win.
  • Dominik Mysterio w/ JD McDonagh VS Ricochet; Ricochet wins.
  • Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championship Ladder Match Qualifier: The Awesome Truth VS Indus Sher; The Awesome Truth wins and advances to WrestleMania.
  • Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championship Ladder Match Qualifier: The New Day VS The Alpha Academy; The New Day wins and advances to WrestleMania.
  • Last Woman Standing: Becky Lynch VS Nia Jax; Becky wins.

PLAY BY PLAY

Jey Uso is here!

North Carolina State University fires up and bounces along with Main Event Jey, and Pat McAfee plays a dangerous game standing on the armchairs! From Bret VS Owen to Matt VS Jeff, we’re about to get Jey VS Jimmy in the third-ever Brother VS Brother WrestleMania grudge match! Jey gets the mic as fans chant “YEET! YEET! YEET!” Jey welcomes us to Monday Night Raw, and wants us to check this out. He knows his brothers are somewhere in the building. He knows The Bloodline’s in the building. He knows how the Bloodline rolls! SO Big Brother Jimmy, where you at?! Where you at, Uce!?

Jey waits for someone to show up somewhere, and the crowd spots them first! Fans boo as Jimmy & Solo make their way from the back of the stands. Jimmy gets a mic and goes to the apron while Solo paces around the outside. Fans chant “YEET! YEET! YEET!” again as Jey puts the sunglasses aside. The Usos stare each other down, the fans now chant “UCE! OH! UCE! OH!” Jey wants to say something, hesitates, but then says these two would always get to it but they always knew how to shake right back to this. But now it’s different. Regardless of what happened, the bad blood between them, Jey misses his brother. He does.

Jey knows Jimmy will say what he wants, but Jey doesn’t talk to him no more, doesn’t ride with him no more, doesn’t even see him no more! Jimmy can just come back. Jimmy says he never left! He protected Jey! Jey’s so dumb, he can’t see it! Jimmy is protecting Jey! It was Jey’s idea to leave The Bloodline, but Jimmy helped because he is Jey’s brother. So yeah, Jey leaves, and what happens? Lil’ Bro becomes the BIGGEST star on the Raw roster! Lil’ Bro becomes the top merch seller! Lil’ Bro goes off to become a tag team champion without Jimmy, but with CODY RHODES!? Who left who, Uce?

Jey forgot Jimmy! Everything Jey did that was big was cuz of Big Bro Jimmy! Everything! So listen loud and clear. The biggest moment in Jey’s career, the BIGGEST moment, is because of Jimmy! Jimmy stares Jey down, but Jey says no. Jey’s biggest moment in his career is going to be his dream match at WrestleMania 40: Jey VS Jimmy, and Jey knocks the yeet out Jimmy’s ass! Jey DECKS Jimmy, DECKS Solo off the apron, but then Jimmy SUPERKICKS Jey down! The fans boo but now Solo storms in and looms over Jey. Solo drags Jey up so Jimmy can look him in the face and tell him that Jey needs to get it right! JIMMY made Jey!

But here comes Cody Rhodes! The fans fire up as Cody DECKS Jimmy, then gets in to springboard and CODY CUTTER Solo!! The American Nightmare said he was gonna be a Bloodline Hunter, and he made sure they didn’t take out Jey! Cody tells The Bloodline it is only a matter of time before they lose it all at WrestleMania! Will Jey prove that younger or older doesn’t matter when he is the BETTER brother?

 

Adam Pearce is on the phone.

He’s telling Nick Aldis to stop being a hypocrite, telling Pearce to keep his roster in check when this is happening. But then Paul Heyman walks over and Pearce says he’ll call Aldis back. Pearce then asks Heyman what was all that, and Heyman says he owes Pearce an apology. He is sorry. That was not authorized by The Final Boss nor The Tribal Chief, and certainly not by Heyman. Jimmy & Solo went into business for themselves so Heyman apologizes. But listen, Pearce knows that there have been flight delays all day. Even private jets like theirs. Heyman is barely even dressed for TV, let alone has his make-up!

Pearce says those two were ready. Yeah, well, they got in on a different flight. But Roman Reigns is a chief of his word. Those two are already gone, out of the arena, and Pearce has Roman’s word. Call his bluff, put out a search party. Pearce knows Heyman is here on official business, which Heyman will handle, and then be gone. That is it. But when Heyman does his official business… everyone will be caught off guard. “And Mr. Pearce, sir, that’s not a prediction. That’s a spoiler.” The Wise Man heads out and calls Roman, but just what is Heyman teasing?

 

Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championship Ladder Match Qualifier: #DIY VS The Creed Brothers!

Unlike SmackDown’s mini-tournament, Raw and Adam Pearce say it’s win and you’re in! Tommaso Ciampa & Johnny Gargano want one more shot at Judgment Day, but so do Julius & Brutus! Will the Sicilian Psycho & Johnny Wrestling prove that when it comes to Mania Moments, you gotta do it yourself? Or will the Creeds be bringing golden tickets to the Diamond Mine?

Raw returns as The Creeds make their entrance. The teams fist bump to show respect, then the teams sort out. Julius starts against Ciampa, they circle and tie up. They’re in a deadlock, Ciampa goes for a waistlock but Julius facelocks. Julius wrangles Ciampa to the mat, flips him over, ONE, and Ciampa keeps moving. They trade facelocks, gator roll, and Julius gets another lateral press. ONE, but Julius gator rolls Ciampa around. Ciampa fights up, puts Julius on ropes, and the ref counts. Ciampa lets off, then CHOPS! Julius shoots in for the takedown! Julius has a leg, Ciampa fights but Julius turns him for the ANKLE LOCK!

Ciampa scrambles to the ROPEBREAK, and Julius lets off cleanly. Ciampa bails out, shakes it off, and he gets back in. They go again, Julius hits a fireman’s carry takeover! Tag to Brutus, and Julius feeds Ciampa to another fireman’s carry takeover! Brutus cording holds but Ciampa endures. Ciampa fights up, but Brutus facelocks. The fans rally as Brutus switches and rolls Ciampa. Ciampa fights up, headlocks, then ROCKS Brutus! Brutus DECKS Ciampa, then whips him to ropes. Ciampa ducks ‘n’ dodges, tag to Gargano! Ciampa slides, CHOPS, Gargano LARIATS and Ciampa JAWBREAKERS! Wrench and LARIAT!

Julius runs in, Gargano kicks and Ciampa gives him the boost for SLICED BREAD! The Creeds bail out, but DIY DOUBLE PLANCHA! Down go the Creeds, and DIY applaud and pat themselves on the back. The fans fire up and Raw goes to break.

Raw returns again and Ciampa has Julius in a chinlock. The fans rally, Julius fights up to throw body shots, but Ciampa hits a back suplex! Julius lands out of it, but Ciampa elbows him away. Ciampa drop toeholds Julius, gets legs, but Julius BOOTS Ciampa away! Hot tags to Gargano and Brutus! Brutus rallies on DIY, TOSSES Gargano, then blocks Ciampa’s kick to get under and POWERBOMB him! Brutus sees DIY regroup, then he runs in to SPLASH them both! O’Conner on Ciampa, but Gargano runs up! NORTHERN LIGHTS! Brutus has a DOUBLE BRIDGE, TWO!! Tag to Julius and he gut wrench SLAMS Brutus on Ciampa!

Brutus helps Julius flip up and over to SPLASH onto Ciampa! Cover, TWO! The fans rally up as Julius drags Ciampa up. Ciampa throat chops! A bit dirty but Ciampa wants that win! Ciampa storms up on Julius, but Julius basement stalling suplexes!! The fans are thunderous, Gargano runs in, but Brutus intercepts! Brutus suplexes Gargano now, stalls, and then the Creeds SLAM and kip up! Then they both STANDING MOONSAULT! Cover, TWO! Ciampa stays in this for DIY but the Creeds keep cool. Julius stomps Ciampa, tags Brutus, and they KNEE Ciampa around! Then they DOUBLE GUTBUSTER! Ciampa sputters but Brutus tags Julius in.

Julius drags Ciampa up, tags Brutus back in, and Brutus climbs. Julius Electric Chair Lifts, but Gargano makes the save! Gargano ROCKS Julius, Brutus ROCKS Gargano! Ciampa BOOTS Brutus, Gargano swings on Julius but is sent into Ciampa! Ciampa pushes Gargano back so he can ELBOW Julius! DIY set up again but Brutus stops the Sliced Bread! Julius DECKS Ciampa, KNEE into the WIDOWMAKER! Julius scrapes Gargano out, Brutus POUNCES Ciampa over the desk! Pat fires up with Brutus and so do the fans! The Creeds say they run this now, and then Brutus drags Ciampa up while Raw goes to break.

Raw returns again and Julius has Ciampa in a chinlock. Ciampa fights up, and he JAWBREAKERS free! Ciampa ELBOWS Brutus down, BOOTS Julius, then runs up, only for Julius to catch him and toss him back! But then Ciampa catches Julius for a REVERSE DDT! The fans fire up while both men are down and crawling! Hot tag to Gargano! Gargano slingshots to KICK Julius, then he CLOBBERS Brutus! ENZIGIRI for Julius, then he runs to DOUBLE KNEE Brutus! BULLDOG LARIAT COMBO! The fans fire up with Gargano while Julius ends up in another corner. Gargano runs in but is put on the apron!

Gargano GAMANGIRIS Julius, SUPERKICKS Brutus, then SLINGSHOT SPEARS Julius! Cover, TWO! Julius survives but Gargano puts him in a corner. Gargano CHOPS, then hoists Julius up top. Tag to Ciampa, Ciampa CHOPS Julius while Gargano DIVES onto Brutus! Ciampa CHOPS Julius again, goes up top, and fireman’s carries! Ciampa then tucks Julius in for the SUPER AIR RAID CRASH! Cover, TWO!! Julius survives again and shocks Ciampa! The fans are just as stunned, but Ciampa and Julius sit up. Ciampa stands, and he CHOPS! And CHOPS! Julius sits back up as Ciampa puts some stank on the CHOP!

Julius brings the straps down! Julius fires a forearm, Ciampa hits back, and the fans fire up as the shots keep going! They go faster and faster, harder and harder, meaner and meaner! The fans fire up as this just turns into a brawl of haymakers and SLAPS! Ciampa then gets around, ripcord and HAYMAKER! ROLLING- TACKLE from Julius! And then the ANKLE LOCK!! Ciampa reaches out, moves around, but Gargano runs up! Julius kicks him, then gets him up with one arm to POWERBOMB! Then it’s back to the ANKLE LOCK on Ciampa! Brutus gets in to get Gargano for an ANKLE LOCK of his own!

The fans are thunderous as DIY endures! Ciampa and Gargano fight, turn things over, SICILIAN CROSSFACE and GargaNO Escape!! The fans are thunderous as The Creeds power up and lift both DIY! They fireman’s carry, then TOSS DIY into each other!! The fans are thunderous as Julius goes up to MOONSAULT onto Ciampa! Brutus MOONSAULTS, too! Cover, TWO?!?! Ciampa survives and the fans are loving this! Julius tags back in, Brutus climbs up! “This is Awesome!” as Julius Electric Chair Lifts Ciampa! But Ciampa VICTORY ROLLS to get under the Brutus Ball!! Cover, Brutus tips it! Gargano TOSSES Brutus then SUPERKICKS Julius!! Ciampa has the cover, DIY WINS!!

Winners: DIY, by pinfall (advance to WrestleMania)

Julius can’t believe it! He kicked out at 3.1, but a loss is a loss! And for the first time ever, DIY is going to Mania! Will Philadelphia soon be historic for a DIY championship victory?

 

Judgment Day meets backstage.

Rhea Ripley is with Dominik Mysterio, Finn Balor & JD McDonagh, but also Andrade. Dom says he’s always liked Andrade’s style, but things have changed since the last time he was in the WWE. The Judgment Day runs Raw now. Rhea says yeah, and they don’t extend invitations to just anyone. Judgment Day is very exclusive. JD says very exclusive. But if Andrade continues to impress them, they’ll see about making things happen. And Finn says he just heard that Andrade has a match next week, so the Judgment Day will be watching him. Sounds good. See you next week. But then in steps Damian Priest.

The Punisher says hello to El Idolo, and El Idolo says hello to Senor Dinero. Andrade heads out, will he quite literally win his way into the club? But as for Priest, Finn asks him what he was up to. Priest was getting a closer look at that DIY VS Creeds match. DIY won, but whatever, they can handle those guys. But JD, they thought he could handle Ricochet last week, and run the gauntlet, and then go to WrestleMania to bring even more gold back to Judgment Day. JD says he did he belonged in there. But also, he battered Ricochet, who got lucky at the end there. Right, Finn? Finn hesitates, and Rhea says Priest is right on this one.

Ricochet made a fool out of JD! A fool? Yes. A fool? Yes. That’s why tonight, Dom will make it right. Right, Dom? Yeah, Mami. Let’s go talk to Pearce to make it official. Dom & JD head out, and the others are confident Dom’s got this. But does he, though? Or will the One and Only have two wins over Judgment Day in as many weeks?

 

Candice LeRae & Indi Hartwell VS Kayden Carter & Katana Chance!

The Poison Pixie certainly lived up to that name last week when she bullied Maxxine Dupri as part of beating her and Ivy Nile last week. Will Candice’s toxic tongue strike again? Or will the party not be stopped by her harsh vibes?

The teams sort out and Candice starts against Kayden. Candice rushes up, Kayden gets around and O’Conner Rolls, TWO! Kayden springboards to basement dropkick! Cover, TWO! Kayden stalks Candice, Candice ELBOWS her away then tags Indi. Kayden dodges Candice to SUPERKICK, but Indi BOOTS Kayden! Cover, TWO! Indi drags Kayden up, tags Candice back in, and they mug Kayden. Candice CLUBS away on Kayden, fires off furious fists, then covers. TWO, and Candice grows frustrated already. The fans rally, Candice steps up but Kayden avoids the senton! Tags to Katana and Indi! Katana blasts past Indi, comes back and BULLDOGS!

Katana keeps moving, ducks ‘n’ dodges, then SHOTGUNS Indi to a corner! The fans fire up as Katana stomps away on Indi! Indi shoves Katana, Katana runs corner to corner to A-LIST LARIAT! Katana shoves Indi down, runs up, but into a back suplex! Katana lands out, but her leg jams! The ref and Kayden check, then the ref keeps Indi back. Indi says okay, and she stays by Candice. But Candice tags in to WRECK Kayden! And she SLAMS Katana’s leg into the post!! HALF CRAB and DEEP! Katana taps, Candice & Indi win!

Winners: Candice LeRae & Indi Hartwell, by submission

Candice smiles and celebrates with Indi, but Indi doesn’t want to. Candice says a win is a win, but just what is going on in her toxic mind?

 

Cody Rhodes makes his way to the ring.

NC State fires up again as The American Nightmare walks down the ramp, and this time the fans can sing along with the song, “WHOA~ OH~!” Cody gets his pyro then gets the mic. “In less than three weeks time, I will stand opposed for the second year in a row, in the main event, with the lights on brightest, I will challenge for the WWE Undisputed Championship, against the greatest champion in all of sports, The Tribal Chief, Roman Reigns. And this Friday on SmackDown, Roman and I are going to have a little conversation, if you will. But there are… complications. Factors, elements, combustible elements, namely… The Rock.”

Fans boo but Cody says The Rock took to Instagram on Friday, and followed it up with “extremely entertaining” concert. Too bad The Rock didn’t wanna be here tonight. Something Cody took from the Instagram post: The Rock referred to himself as “Our Favorite Heel.” A bit of an inside term, but we’re not dumb, we know that means he’s the “bad guy.” Cody has known Heels. Bobby Heenan, Arn Anderson, Michael Hayes, “Superstar” Billy Graham, “The Nature Boy” Ric Flair! Fans “WOO~” and Cody says he doesn’t think The Rock is a Heel. He’s just an assh*le. The fans go nuts hearing that!

Cody doesn’t want Rock getting upset, he doesn’t want the “seven bucks team” to get upset, he doesn’t want anyone getting emotional. Cody knows how Rock feels about emotions, he poked fun at Cody tearing up at discussing “finishing the story” with good friend, Michael Cole. There’s no crying in pro-wrestling, Jimmy Dugan, we get it. But hasn’t The Rock been crying behind the scenes this whole time? Once that hashtag came out, once fans chanted something else, The Rock cried to his buddies on the TKO board and said “Hey, this is gonna be some good PR for The Rock! I need to save WWE!” God knows, look at this house. They sure needed “saving,” huh?

The fans cheer but Cody says Rock wanted great PR. Until it wasn’t. TKO said OMG yes, put on the Gucci shirt, get those muscles looking big. It’s because they are Yes People, they are enablers, they won’t dare tell The Rock like it is, so Cody’s going to. Cody tells The Rock, “You’re a lot of things. You’re a lot of wonderful things. You are the Braham Bull, you are The Great One.” Cody still has shoes with The Rock’s logo on it! The Rock is the only guy Cody honestly feels is a Mount Rushmore wrestler. But he is also a terrible salesman, a carny succubus, and for those who don’t get what that means, The Rock is “a whiny b*tch!”

Fans lose their minds again but Cody says The Rock has been convinced otherwise. But don’t think that for two seconds this locker room needs The Rock more than The Rock needs it! That’s a rule of wrestling, nobody is bigger than the business! And sure, Cody brought up his mom, so it is fair game for The Rock to use that. But Cody knows The Rock’s mom. Here’s what Cody will tell us about The Rock’s mom. She is a wonderful lady, salt of the earth, she helped Cody chop Kevin in a dark match. Cody has nothing but respect for The Rock’s mom, something The Rock should’ve echoed back towards Cody’s mom.

But see, The Rock was talking about whipping Cody, handing a bloody weight belt to Cody’s mom, and normally someone as powerful as The Rock, Mama Rhodes would tremble. But The Rock doesn’t know Cody’s mom. Cody was more scared than she was, because she ain’t scared of nothing. This is the same woman who once jumped out of her chair at a Willie Nelson concert and beat up an undercover cop! She ain’t afraid of The Rock! Cody has been asked, April 6th, biggest tag match of all time, Rock & Roman VS Cody & Seth. Seth Rollins, the World Heavyweight Champion, a man The Rock should respect because that man has carried The Rock’s company!

How will Cody get past that match? How will April 7th look? Will it be a fair fight? Cody can tell us honestly… He doesn’t know. Cody does not know if it will be Bloodline Rules or not. Hell, he might not #FinishTheStory. “But Dwayne… What do you know? How can you be so sure of your own self, right?” The Rock hasn’t been in the ring in real action in years! April 6th, the bell is gonna ring, and what happens then? Is The Rock gonna bring The Great One, the hero we all had growing up? Is he bringing that #BigDwayneEnergy? Or is it gonna be LDS, Little D*ck Syndrome?! The fans chant “L D S! L D S!”

Cody says The Rock has referred to himself as The Final Boss. Kudos for that nickname, maybe he really is that. Maybe Cody is too naive to see it. But at WrestleMania, Cody doesn’t think The Rock will be The Final Boss. At WrestleMania, he’s just Roman’s side chick. But then ladies and gentlemen, his name is Paul Heyman, and he serves as The Wise Man to Your Tribal Chief, the reigning! Defending! Undisputed! WWE Universal Heavyweight Champion, Roman… Reigns! And as Special Counsel to the Bloodline, Heyman is here to say to Cody that the ideals that Cody and Heyman share are far greater than the interests on which they conflict.

By example, don’t you hate it when someone comes out to demand an apology? Not that Cody’s done that, but Heyman is still going to do that. Heyman came out here with some “friends” of his, and he apologized. For a Wise Man, that was pretty freakin’ stupid. One: because it didn’t work. Two: because it was just dumb. And for that, Cody, to you and the fans, Heyman humbly apologizes. Cody says whoa, whoa, whoa. He didn’t ask for an apology, and he certainly knows Heyman wants permission to be in the ring. Heyman is a Hall of Famer starting this year, if he wants into the ring, be Cody’s guest.

Heyman thanks Cody for that but he’s fine on the apron. He carries with him a message from The Tribal Chief, Roman Reigns. Talk about Heels… You may think of Heyman anything negative you want, and that might be understanding the obvious. Heyman is not trustworthy, but Roman is a chief of his word. Heyman assures that this Friday on SmackDown, Roman will be face to face with Cody. American Nightmare, Tribal Chief, challenger and champion. And when they are face to face, there will not be a single other member of The Bloodline in sight. Except for Heyman, but he is no physical threat.

Heyman holds the title belt, the beads, whispers things in Roman’s ear, such as his love and respect. But Cody has Roman’s word that if he shows up on SmackDown, Roman will show up alone. Cody says Roman shows up alone, no Bloodline outside of Heyman, it’s a deal. They good? Heyman has some jet lag, he forgot one little point. And don’t boo him, he’s talking to Cody! Cody says yes they’re booing, and he’s about to go full Homelander and rip Heyman’s throat out if he doesn’t get to the point. Fans like the reference. Heyman composes himself and says if Roman Reigns shows up alone this Friday on SmackDown, then Cody must show up to SmackDown alone, too.

Cody steps closer to Heyman and Heyman is a bit nervous. Cody tells Heyman, “Deal!” They shake hands, and Heyman smiles. The Wise Man negotiated a purely one-on-one meeting between his Tribal Chief and American Nightmare, but can we trust Heyman was telling the truth about Roman telling the truth?

 

Nia Jax speaks.

“You know what I’ve realized? Becky Lynch has never beaten me. And after tonight, she never will. Because after I break her face again, I will be taking her spot at WrestleMania. I will finish business with Rhea Ripley, and not only will I walk out the Last Woman Standing, but I will become Women’s World Champion.” The Irresistible Force is ready for the Big Time, but will she A-Nia-late her?

 

Cody Rhodes returns backstage.

And Jey says there he go! But real quick, Cody can’t be going to SmackDown alone. Cody says he gave them his word. But The Bloodline isn’t gonna play fair! They’re all gonna be there! If Cody needs Jey, Jeys’ got him. Cody hears that, but he knows what he’s dealing with. They shake hands and Jey heads out. Will Cody be able to have that fair, one-on-one meeting? Or does Jey have a point about The Bloodline?

 

Dominik Mysterio w/ JD McDonagh VS Ricochet!

It seems Pearce agreed to the idea that Dirty Dom should try and clean up The Irish Ace’s mess. Will Dom be able to get revenge on Ricochet? Or will Ricochet be the One and Only person holding their head high tonight?

Raw returns and Dom has made his entrance. The bell rings, Dom and Ricochet circle, and they tie up. Ricochet waistlocks, Dom fights the lift and grabs ropes. The ref counts, Ricochet lets off, but Dom ELBOWS him away! Dom fires hands, soaks up the heat, then storms up, but into haymakers! Ricochet CHOPS, kicks then flexes on Dom. Ricochet whips, Dom reverses, but Ricochet goes up and over. Ricochet ducks ‘n’ dodges to then handspring back elbow! The fans fire up while Dom bails out! JD is there to coach Dom up, but Ricochet runs in! JD gets Dom to safety, but Ricochet handsprings to hero land!

The fans fire up, Ricochet then goes to ropes to TORNILLO PLANCHA! Direct hit on Dom and Ricochet tells JD to back off. Ricochet puts Dom in, Dom distracts the ref, but JD grabs Ricochet’s leg! Ricochet kicks JD away, but then Dom WRECKS Ricochet with a dropkick! Dom soaks up the heat and Raw goes to break.

Raw returns again and Dom has Ricochet up top. Dom climbs but Ricochet throws body shots! The fans rally behind Ricochet as he sends Dom staggering. Ricochet hops down as Dom comes running back, and Ricochet GAMANGIRIS him away! Ricochet then springboards, but Dom trips him up! Ricochet flops to the mat, then Dom kicks and FACEBUSTERS! Cover, TWO! Ricochet is still in this and JD argues the count. Dom looms over Ricochet, scuffs him around, then mockingly cheers him on. Fans boo but Dom brings Ricochet up. Dom gives some Latino Heat, then suplexes! Uno Amigo, but fans boo.

Dom gets Ricochet up but Ricochet suplexes Dom instead! And then fireman’s carry, DYNAMITE KICK! Cover, TWO! Dom is still in this and JD coaches him but the fans rally for Ricochet. Ricochet stands, storms up on Dom, but Dom shoots around to roll him up! With tights! TWO, Ricochet blocks a kick and KICKS Dom down! Ricochet hurries up top, the fans fire up, but Ricochet has to bail out of the 450 as Dom moves! Dom runs in again, but into a SUPERKICK! JD gets on the apron, so Ricochet triangle jump DROPKICKS! But then Dom DROPKICKS Ricochet onto ropes! Dom dials it up but Ricochet ducks!

Dom spins around, into the RECOIL!! Cover, Ricochet wins!

Winner: Ricochet, by pinfall

But then JD runs in! Ricochet dodges, goes up and around, BOOTS JD away, then BOOTS him again! Ricochet even flips up and out of the ring at the same time! Ricochet gets the better of Judgment Day again, just how disappointed is Mami going to be in her Latino Heat this time?

 

Sami Zayn is backstage.

He finds Chad Gable and wants to talk with him. Last week’s match, that was an honor. Sami hasn’t been pushed like that in a long time, it could’ve gone either way. Gable says yeah, it was great. Thanks. Is Gable alright? Yeah, he’s fine. Kinda feels like not… Gable says he’s fine, so leave it at that. C’mon, man, how many years have they known each other? Sami knows when something’s bothering Gable, so he should just say it. Gable says look, last week, the WrestleMania opportunity, the whole thing, it just meant more to him. Sami says he’s been hearing Gable say that for weeks, and it is really unfair.

Does Gable really think he’s the only one this title opportunity matters to? Sami has a family, too! Sami’s kid cries when Papa loses a match, too. Sami has people he’s let down and is trying to make proud. After all the years put into this, Gable can’t tell Sami what matters more because he doesn’t know Sami like that. Gable has Sami calm down, and says he knows all that. But it isn’t all about that. Then what is all this? Gable says Sami can’t beat Gunther. Gable then leaves, and Sami is at a loss for words. Is this bitter side of Gable only going to get worse as we go down this Road to WrestleMania?

 

Adam Pearce is in the ring.

Raw returns with the GM by a table, and he welcomes us to a contract signing to make official the Intercontinental Heavyweight Championship for WrestleMania! The fans cheer, and Pearce introduces first, the challenger, Sami Zayn! The Great Liberator makes his entrance and the fans sing along with his song. Sami still looks troubled by what Gable said just moments ago, but he still high-fives fans and gets in the ring. Then Pearce introduces the longest reigning Intercontinental Champion of all time, Der Ring General, GUNTHER! The fans boo as Gunther walks in, having reached Day 647!

Gunther smiles as Sami watches him make his way down the ramp and into the ring. Pearce says we know how this works, but Gunther says before we proceed, let us call this what it is: the most important contract signing for the most important match in the history of this championship. And why, why, why is the challenger dressed no better than any of the bums in the audience? Fans boo but Sami just shrugs that off. Sami gets a mic to say that Gunther keeps sitting there all smug, and it’s really starting to piss Sami off. Gunther thinks this is just another day at the office, that he’ll steamroll through Sami like any other contender.

But with all respect to Gunther, he really has. He has beaten everyone that has come his way, and has done it on his own. Gunther doesn’t believe Sami can do it. A lot of people didn’t believe Sami at many points in his career. They didn’t believe he’d even make it to WWE, let alone win championships and main event a WrestleMania. And if you ask The Usos, they didn’t believe Sami would be one of the guys to end the longest tag title reign in WWE history, but he did! And one year later, he will make history again by ending the longest Intercontinental title reign in WWE history! Sami signs his part and pushes the contract over to Gunther.

The fans cheer Sami on but Gunther waits it out. Gunther tells Sami, what Sami should do is listen to his new friend, Gable. Gable doesn’t believe Sami can win. The people here cheer Sami, they probably even love Sami. But even they don’t believe Sami can win. And y’know, when Gunther looks Sami in the eyes, and if Sami was honest with himself, even Sami doesn’t believe he can win. So what Sami is doing right now is standing on Gunther’s doorstep and begging him to get the beating of a lifetime on the Grandest Stage of Them All! So whatever Sami has to do, from training to believing, just keep doing that. Because at WrestleMania, Sami’s dreams will meet reality.

Gunther grins and signs his part, and it is now official! Gunther then stands, title on his shoulder, and takes his leave. The fans boo, but then Sami tells Gunther to wait. Gunther steps back inside to hear Sami as Sami turns around. Gunther looks in Sami’s eyes and believes Sami doesn’t believe? Sami stands to get in Gunther’s face and dares him to look again. Get a good long look, because these are the eyes of the man who will take you down at Mania! The fans fire up, and now Sami leaves first. Gunther still just grins, but will Sami use a Helluva Kick to wipe that smile off his face?

We follow Sami as he storms backstage, right past DIY and The Awesome Truth. Truth asks what’s up with Sami, but The Miz says that is the mindset of WrestleMania right there. That’s what they need. DIY wishes Awesome Truth luck. Awesome Truth knows DIY is into the ladder match, and they are gonna have their own qualifier. Miz & Truth just need to beat… Indus Sher. Jinder Mahal tells Veer & Sanga to warm up for the match. They head out, and Truth says he feels sorry for whoever has to face those guys. Miz stares at Truth, and he has DIY hold off. Miz will explain. The Awesome Truth heads to gorilla, their match is next!

Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championship Ladder Match Qualifier: The Awesome Truth VS Indus Sher w/ Jinder Mahal!

Miz wants a remix of the theme song but Truth says to just follow his lead. NC State knows what’s up, but will the Awesome Truth finally reach the top of the tag division 13 years after they first teamed? We’ll see, after the break!

Raw returns as Indus Sher makes their entrance, the Modern Day Maharaja by their side. The teams sort out and Truth starts against Sanga. The fans echo “WHAT’S UP?!” but Sanga roars! Truth is scared now so he tags Miz. Truth fires Miz up, Miz runs up and dodges Sanga to fire off haymakers! Miz kicks, whips, but Sanga blocks! Sanga whips and CLOBBERS Miz! Jinder nods as Sanga then scoops Miz and brings him over. Veer tags in, Sanga SLAMS Miz, then Veer ELBOW DROPS! Indus Sher say “NAMASTE!” but the fans say “WHAT’S UP!?” with Truth. Veer HIP DROPS Miz, then looms over him.

Veer eggs Miz on, drags him up with shoulder claws, and then steps over Miz for the neck wrench! Miz endures as Veer still digs a claw into his shoulder. The fans rally for Miz, Miz fights up and throws body shots! Miz reaches out but Veer knees low! Veer SHOVES Miz to the corner, runs in, but Miz BOOTS! Miz ELBOWS Sanga, but Veer catches him! Veer puts Miz back int he corner, but Miz ducks the boot to tag Truth! Truth dodges Veer and starts up the shoulder tackles! Truth gets around Veer to SPIN-OUT BOMB! The fans fire up as Truth shouts out Cena with “You Can’t See Me!” Truth runs to Five Knuckle Shuffle!

Jinder is not happy now as Truth fireman’s carries! But Veer slips free! Truth drop toeholds to the STF!! The fans fire up but Sanga stomps Truth! Miz fires off kicks on Sanga, then body shots! Truth joins in, they mug and whip Sanga, to DOUBLE DROPKICK! Sanga staggers around, Veer runs up, but into a full nelson! Truth and Miz combine for a SKULL CRUSHING LIE DETECTOR!! But Sanga whips Miz away! Miz WRECKS Jinder with it, but Sanga runs up! Sanga knocks Miz down, Miz anchors Sanga, Sanga ELBOWS Truth, Truth falls onto Veer for the cover! Awesome Truth wins!!

Winners: The Awesome Truth, by pinfall (advance to WrestleMania)

The fans fire up, and Truth doesn’t even realize what happened! Miz celebrates with Truth and Truth puts it together! They’re now one of the six in the ladder match! Will this combination of teamwork and luck be just what they need to take those titles from Judgment Day?

 

Sami confronts Gable now.

Sami tells Gable to tell him why. Why what? Why does Gable think Sami can’t beat Gunther? Well you just saw why! With Gunther, it isn’t just physical, it is mental. Sami made his career out of being the underdog that crawls his way out of any hole he’s in, right? Just like last week! Sami found the window of opportunity to get out of a bad situation any time he can. Gunther’s on a different level! You gonna sit and wait for that window to appear? It doesn’t happen with Gunther! He’s a different beast, a different animal. If Sami doesn’t change his mentality, then he can’t beat Gunther. Gable leaves Sami with a lot to think again. Is there a way Sami can change enough to defeat Der Ring General?

 

CM Punk speaks.

“Do I plan at being in WrestleMania? WrestleMania is in Philadelphia, what’re the first four letters in Philadelphia? Phil. You can’t have WrestleMania Philadelphia without Phil. Whether I’m invited or uninvited, Punk will be there.” And next week in Chicago, Punk returns to Raw! Will the Second City Saint find a way to be part of the biggest WrestleMania ever?

 

Drew McIntyre is here!

The Scottish Terminator, or as his new shirt says, “The Savior of WrestleMania,” makes his way to the ring, NC State a bit torn about seeing him. But then Seth Rollins is here, too!? McIntyre is upset but the fans sing along, “WHOA~ OH~ OHH~!” as The Visionary struts his way out. Rollins swaggers right past McIntyre in his green storm pattern suit, and steps into the ring first. McIntyre frowns as he follows Rollins in, and sits in a corner. The fans continue to sing, which Rollins revels in for a moment. Rollins has the mic to then say, “RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA~! Welcome to Monday Night Rollins~!

“And Drew, hah, sorry, I didn’t even see you there. I was too busy, uh, y’know, soaking up the spotlight, right?” McIntyre has a mic to say, “Alright, here we go.” Here goes what, Drew? McIntyre says no, no, get it all out of your system, he knows Rollins has more! McIntyre can stay in the back while Rollins enjoys the spotlight, because after WrestleMania, that spotlight’s all McIntyre’s. Hey, hey, c’mon. Rollins is here with an honest cause. Rollins doesn’t like McIntyre, he thinks he’s stupid, a hypocrite, has said a lot of dumb things lately, but Rollins is here to admit that one thing McIntyre said is absolutely right and he wants to say it to McIntyre’s face, right here in Raleigh, in front of the fine people.

Now, they always say the first step to recovery is the hardest, so bare with Rollins. He has been working on this all week, but… “My name is Seth Freakin’ Rollins, and I’m a spotlight junkie.” The fans chant “Spotlight Junkie!” and also sing, but McIntyre says everything is just a joke to Rollins, isn’t it? Look at Rollins! He’s a parody of himself at this point. But honestly, McIntyre doesn’t care. He tried reasoning, he gave the answers, and now he only cares about their match and the world title. And you wanna know the real punchline, funny man? “What?” McIntyre says they say that because they’re happy McIntyre sidelined Punk, thanks for remembering!

But the punchline is when McIntyre beats Rollins for that title. The fans chant for “C M PUNK!” but McIntyre says don’t be ridiculous. Punk’s waiting until next week to return because he’d never show up in a place like Raleigh. The fans boo but McIntyre says see, they’re booing Punk! Punk is only getting off his couch to be at his local arena. Rollins tells McIntyre to shut up already. Oh, seems McIntyre got Rollins’ attention. Rollins takes off the sunglasses to say yeah, McIntyre has his attention. Because this isn’t a joke! When Rollins says he is a junkie, it isn’t a joke! He’s been doing this for 20 YEARS! Just like McIntyre!

And every time Rollins comes out of the curtain, that’s his fix. And it gets better and better every single time. Rollins comes out here, lays it all on the line, and it just gets better and better! When he hears the fans sing the song so loud, Rollins can barely speak, “WHOA~ OH~ OHH~!” That’s Rollins’ fix! That is the spotlight he craves, and y’know what? Rollins wants the spotlight as bright as it can possibly be. So yeah, McIntyre’s been busy online entertaining people with memes, so he hasn’t been listening to Rollins. So Rollins will get this through McIntyre’s thick skull: Night One, Rollins takes the biggest star in Hollywood and his side chick, and makes them his b*tches!

Then on Night Two, the biggest spotlight possible will be shined down on McIntyre and Rollins and the World Heavyweight Championship! McIntyre says all hail the savior, Seth Rollins! This is what McIntyre wanted! The passion and desire, not the stupid laughing and dancing. Rollins had McIntyre all the way to the finish. Rollins has done this 20 years, just like McIntyre. They’ve given their lives to this industry, and that is what the title is about! The wrestlers’ title, the workhorse championship! Rollins had McIntyre with him until he mentioned the bigger spotlight and how Rollins pins one of the biggest stars in the world.

Why can’t it just be about Rollins’ hard work to make that title, and all of McIntyre’s hard work to get this chance? Why can’t that be the reason they’re getting the biggest spotlight!? Rollins has had his priorities all backwards, McIntyre has been giving him all the answers. McIntyre said he is over the BS, and all he cares about is Rollins making it to the ring on Night Two. And if Rollins can’t walk, then McIntyre will wheel him down. If not, McIntyre will carry Rollins down. At Mania, McIntyre doesn’t get the moment he deserves. He gets the moment he has bloody EARNED. The fans do cheer that!

Rollins smirks and says, “Ah, Drew. There it is. That’s right, you wanna call me a spotlight junkie, but you want the spotlight just as bad as I do, don’t you? You’re an addict, just like I am. And you’ve been begging for spotlight for the past four years, because you won the WrestleMania main event. You did, back in 2020, in an empty warehouse. And all we’ve been hearing from Drew McIntyre for the past four years was how that wasn’t good enough. You’ve been whining and complaining and bitching and moaning that you deserve better, that you deserve more. The problem is, Drew, when everybody came back around, and the lights got bright again, what happened? You fumbled the ball.

“And that’s the difference between you and me. When the lights are the brightest, I shine, baby. I shine bright. And at WrestleMania 40, the lights are gonna be as bright as they have ever been. And you are gonna find out you are not as good as you think you are.” Rollins drops the mic, but this time McIntyre smirks. The verbal battle continues, but who will put their money where their mouth is once this one finally happens?

 

Becky Lynch speaks.

“I’m a wanted woman, and I don’t even have the title. Yet. But we’re less than three weeks away from WrestleMania, so why would I risk it all? Because I don’t know anything else. All I know is taking risks. All I know is fighting. And all I know is tonight, I’m gonna be the Last Woman Standing.” Becky is fired up to finally do what she hasn’t done in the most extreme way possible. Will she be the immovable object to Nia’s irresistible force?

 

Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championship Ladder Match Qualifier: The New Day VS The Alpha Academy!

Kofi Kingston & Xavier Woods have been W, W, E, World, Tag, Team, CHAMPIONS~, but they’ve never been a part of a title match as big as this Six Pack Ladder challenge! Will they look to be part of history once again? Or will Akira Tozawa & Otis say “A THANK YEW~!” for this golden opportunity?

Raw returns as the Academy makes their entrance. The teams sort out and Woods starts against the tree trunk, Otis. The fans rally for “NEW! DAY ROCKS!” Otis and Woods tie up, but Woods kicks low then headlocks. Otis powers up and out then runs Woods over! Otis storms up on Woods, GUT RAMS him back down, then brings him back up. Otis GUT RAMS Woods again, then runs to CLOBBER Woods! Otis swivels his hips, the fans echo “Oh~ yeah!” Otis tags Tozawa and the Academy mugs Woods. Tozawa brings Woods around but Woods CHOPS! Woods tags Kofi, he and Kofi double whip Tozawa but Tozawa holds ropes!

Tozawa fires hands, dodges Woods then BOOTS Woods down! Kofi kicks low, whips Tozawa to a corner, but Tozawa BOOTS Kofi away! Tozawa goes up to FLYING RANA! The fans fire up as Tozawa sees New Day regroup outside. Tozawa runs to DIVE! Direct hit on both New Day, and Otis joins in for “A THANK YEW~!” The Academy stands tall as Raw goes to break.

Raw returns again and Tozawa fights a chinlock. Tozawa reaches for Otis but Woods back suplexes. Tozawa lands out to then DROPKICK Woods down! The fans rally as Woods and Tozawa crawl, hot tags to Otis and Kofi! Otis CLOBBERS Kofi, CLOBBERS him again, then whips him to ropes. WRECKER ELBOW! Woods runs in, Otis dodges, to LARIAT! Otis sees Kofi leap off the corner, and catches him for a WORLD’S STRONGEST SLAM! Otis rips the shirt off, winds up the hips, and then starts up the CATERPILLAR! ELBOW DROP! Cover, TWO! Kofi survives but Otis hurries to step on him! Tag to Tozawa, and Otis goes up!

Otis VADER BOMBS but FLOPS as Kofi moves! Tozawa hurries up top while Kofi SUPERKICKS Otis! Kofi turns around into the CROSSBODY from Tozawa! Cover, TWO! Tozawa SUPERKICKS Kofi but Woods tags in! Woods GAMANGIRIS Tozawa, then steps in to TORNADO DDT! Cover, TWO! Tozawa toughs it out but Woods grits his teeth as he goes to the corner. Woods climbs, but Tozawa rises! Tozawa throws body shots, Woods CLUBS Tozawa! Tozawa throws more hands and climbs up! The fans rally as they brawl up top! Tozawa brings Woods up but Woods fights the lift! Woods throws body shots in return!

Woods shifts position to get under Tozawa for a fireman’s carry! But then Tozawa pops up to SUPER STEINER!! Tozawa rips off his shirt, climbs back up top, SUPER SENTON!! Cover, Kofi breaks it! The fans fire up but Otis drags Kofi out! Otis whips Kofi at steps, Kofi goes up and jumps off the steps to TORNADO DDT to the floor! Kofi hurries back up to the apron but Tozawa SCREW HIGH KICKS him down! Tozawa dodges Woods, pop-up, but Woods blocks the rana to then SPINNING POWERBOMB! Woods sees the WrestleMania sign, hurries up the corner, and he tightrope walks! LIMIT BREAK ELBOW!! Cover, New Day wins!

Winners: The New Day, by pinfall (advance to WrestleMania)

The New Day are the ones saying A THANK YEW~ as they put their names down for the Six Pack Ladder Match! Will they once again climb to the top of the WWE Tag Team Division and bring home those championships?

 

Liv Morgan confronts Becky Lynch.

Becky asks if she’ll have to watch out for Liv as well. Well, you should always #WatchMe, but no, not tonight. Nia is all Becky’s. Liv just wants Becky to kick Nia’s ass. Liv leaves, will Becky kick ass and then some?

 

Cody walks with his dog, Pharaoh, backstage.

Rollins finds him and brings up Friday. One on one? One on one. Rollins nods and says he loves Pharaoh’s bandanna. The Visionary trusts the American Nightmare can handle himself, but will we be able to trust The Tribal Chief?

 

Last Woman Standing: Becky Lynch VS Nia Jax!

From the origins of “The Man” in WWE to the aftermath of Elimination Chamber: Perth, these two have battled, but never as brutally as this! They’re able to go anywhere and do anything, but who will be the Last Woman Standing this close to WrestleMania 40?

The bell rings and the two rush in! Becky DROPKICKS Nia and Nia goes to a corner. Becky runs in but Nia puts Becky on the apron. Becky ROCKS Nia, goes up a corner, then leaps to MISSILE DROPKCIK! Nia stumbles and tumbles out of the ring, so Becky WRECKS her with another dropkick! Becky then goes to the apron for a FLYING FOREARM! Nia stays up, Becky tries again, but Nia dodges! Fireman’s carry and Nia POSTS Becky, to then SAMOAN DROP her into barriers! The ref counts as Becky is down, but she stands at 4 of 10. Nia CLOBBERS Becky and wants the count! The count climbs but Nia is impatient.

Nia clears off the desk, Becky stands at 5 of 10, and she leans against barriers. Becky comes back with body shots and haymakers, but Nia ROCKS her with a forearm! Becky staggers away as Raw goes to break!

Raw returns and Becky is bringing out a table! The fans fire up as Becky sets that up ringside. There’s been a lot of chaos during the break according to commentary, from chairs to kendo sticks to even a copy of Becky’s book, The Man: Not Your Average Average Girl! But Nia storms over to stop Becky and SMACK her off the desk! Nia puts Becky in the ring, takes that table for her own and sets it up. The table doesn’t cooperate and fans boo, but Nia goes for chairs instead. She slides those in the ring, Becky manages to stand at 7 of 10, and she grabs at those chairs. Nia ditches the table, it just doesn’t wanna work.

Nia storms in but Becky JAMS her with a chair, SMACKS her with it, then clinches! Nia fights the slam, fireman’s carries Becky, and FULL METAL SAMOAN DROPS!! Becky writhes from hitting chairs but Nia looms over her. Nia soaks up the heat as she counts along. Becky flounders to ropes and drags herself up at 7! Nia sits a chair up, fans want a table, but Nia scoops Becky. Becky slips around to a SLEEPER! Nia RAMS Becky into buckles again and again until Becky lets go. But then Becky BULLDOGS Nia off the chair! Nia is down for the count now, and Becky leans against ropes to stay up herself.

Nia stirs at 5, stands at 8, but Becky is up top! Becky leaps, into a CHAIR SHOT! Nia SMACKS Becky again and again and again! The fans boo but Nia finally stops. Nia puts that chair aside and goes out to get some kendo sticks! Nia puts those in, but Becky grabs one! Nia snatches it from her to SMACK! And SMACK! And SMACK! Becky sputters and staggers, Nia clinches and scoops! Nia SLAMS Becky onto chairs! Then Nia runs to drop the leg, brother! Nia wants the count and the count begins! Becky sputters as we reach 5 of 10. Becky grabs that kendo stick but Nia SMACKS Becky with a chair! And again!

Nia kicks Becky around, then uses the chair to take a seat on Becky’s body!! The fans boo as the count begins, but Becky SMACKS Nia with the kendo stick! And again and again and again, even in the butt! Nia stands up, into more shots! Becky stands and she fires away until Nia scurries out of the ring! Becky pursues but Nia CLOBBERS her! Nia pulls the steel steps apart now, and takes that top half to RAM Becky down! Becky flounders, Nia hauls her up and puts her in the ring. Becky’s on the apron and Nia takes aim! Nia runs up, APRN LEG DROP only gets apron! Becky avoids disaster, then has Nia by the steps! DDT onto the steel!

Nia is down again and the count begins. Nia stirs at 5 of 10, sits up at 6, but Becky SMACKS her off steps! Nia falls over again and the count resets. Becky hurries to go looking for things while Nia rises again. Becky has a new table! The fans fire up as Becky gets that in the ring. Nia stands at 7, staggers after Becky, and Raw goes back to break.

Raw returns once again and Nia mugs Becky against barriers! Nia puts Becky on a table, and surprise! There’s a ladder set up now! Nia climbs the ladder?! She also demands Pat support the ladder. But Becky gets off the table so now Nia has no reason to be up there. Nia storms after Becky, but gets a FIRE EXTINGUISHER BLAST!! The fans fire up as Becky cools Nia off, then JAMS her with the canister! Becky puts Nia in the ring, and there’s a table waiting in a corner! Becky lines up the shot, and runs in, but Nia SAMOAN DROPS Becky through the table!!! Both women are down in the wreckage and the count begins!

Nia flounders away from the wreckage but she still needs to stand. Nia is up at 5, and she isn’t satisfied with this! She drags Becky all the way to another corner and puts her in the drop zone! Nia climbs up, for the A-NIA-LATOR!! Nia shouts for the count, the count begins, and Nia storms around as she points to the Mania sign. Becky is still down at 5 of 10, only starts stirring at 7, and she slumps out of the ring to stand up! Nia is furious, goes out after Becky, and kicks things aside to keep after her. Nia asks if Becky’s vision is blurry. Nia fireman’s carries Becky up the steel steps and along the apron, aiming for that other table!

The fans freak out but Becky fights with elbows! Becky CLUBS away on Nia and the fans are thunderous! Becky then clinches, for a MANHANDLE SLAM through the table!!! Both women are down int he wreckage again, and the count begins! Becky sits up at 4 while fans are still losing their minds! We pass 5 of 10, then 7! Nia sits up at 8 and stands at 9! But then she slumps back over! The count starts again, Nia flounders around and stands at 5. Becky goes up the ladder! Becky sees Nia approaching the desk, and then SUPER MAN’S LEG DROP through the desk!!! The fans lose their minds again while both men are down in more wreckage!

The count is 5 of 10! Becky flounders and crawls, drags herself up at 9, but Nia is still down! BECKY WINS!!

Winner: Becky Lynch

The Man conquers truly one of the most intense challenges in her career! But then here comes one of the most intense champions! The fans fire up as Rhea Ripley makes her way out, Women’s World Championship in hand. She goes right to the ring and looks at Becky. Rhea “congratulates” Becky for winning, but then Becky gets in Rhea’s face! The fans fire up, and now there are no obstacles in the way of Mami VS The Man! Who will be the champion after WrestleMania 40?


My Thoughts:

A great Raw right here, though the in-ring action kinda dipped down until that awesome Last Woman Standing main event. This is one of the times I wish they’d done picture in picture so we as the TV audience could see even more action. Great win for Becky, of course, but I also like that Becky had a moment with Liv just before, and of course she had a moment with Rhea to close out the night. Great promos with Sami and Gable that also blended into the contract signing from tonight. And I suppose Gable has a point that Sami, the comeback kid, can’t do that when Gunther has an arsenal of moves that would be “finishers” given all the different ways Gunther has won over the years.

And speaking of that contract signing segment, I really liked the segue they did in following Sami so that he’d cross paths with Awesome Truth at gorilla and we’d get their segment going into their match. WWE has been doing some really creative stuff in this newest era where Vince is truly out and apparently even Kevin Dunn has moved on. Awesome Truth had a really fun but also really quick tag match with Indus Sher, and then New Day VS Alpha Academy was solid stuff, but DIY VS Creeds was such an awesome match. For a moment, I thought Creeds were gonna take this one but DIY still found a way, and I like that DIY is in. Honestly, I’m liking that the HHH favorites are getting in, because we also have New Catch Republic on the other side that can still win into the match.

Judgment Day had good stuff tonight, too. Good group promo with Andrade to tease El Idolo possibly joining, but who knows if he does. Depends on how things go for Priest. He was watching the qualifiers, he’s not worried, but maybe he should be. Granted, he still has the MITB briefcase, he could go from losing the tag titles to taking the world title, who knows how the Judgment Day’s story is going to go as we move past Mania. Dom VS Ricochet was a really good match, and Ricochet winning was the right move to keep this feud going. I think there’s going to be Ricochet VS McDonagh next week as a rematch from the gauntlet, that’ll be great stuff, too.

Candice’s Heel turn slow burn continues as she takes advantage of the “hurt” leg. Indi also does a good job of being very conflicted about this. There’s a WWE YouTube exclusive where Ivy Nile confronts Candice so that’ll be a match, and then maybe when Candice again goes too far, Indi steps in and we get a match of Candice VS Indi at some point. Good little update promo from CM Punk, he’ll have a great homecoming moment in Chicago, but also probably McIntyre coming after him. McIntyre had a great promo segment with Rollins, and with all these continued moments where the other person gets the mic drop moment, it feels like McIntyre has to win the title.

And of course, great stuff with the Bloodline story even on Raw. Jey and Jimmy have great promos in their confrontation, and of course it turns into a brawl. Good segue from that to Heyman being here, and Heyman confronting Cody during Cody’s great promo segment. Cody really went off on The Rock, that was some wild stuff. But the supposed promise of “one on one and no one else aside from Heyman” might be kept, and we get a strong promo segment on SmackDown in a foreshadowing of the fair-and-square 1v1 match. Or it is a trap and that’s more a foreshadowing of Bloodline Rules where they can do whatever they want. Guess we’ll have to wait and see.

My Score: 8.9/10


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Mitchell’s NJPW New Japan Cup Results & Report! (3/18/24)

The semifinals are here!

Published

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We’re just one step away from the Cup!

Cold Skull faces The Fierce Warrior, and Gene Blast faces The King of Darkness, and when the smoke clears, we will have our New Japan Cup finalists!

OFFICIAL RESULTS

  • Boltin Oleg & Shoma Kato VS Zack Sabre Jr. & Mikey Nicholls; ZSJ & Mikey win.
  • Six Man Tag: El Desperado, Tomohiro Ishii & Togi Makabe VS Just5Guys; Just5Guys win.
  • Tanga Loa & Ryusuke Taguchi VS Great-O-Khan & Callum Newman; Loa & Taguchi win.
  • Six Man Tag: YOSHI-HASHI, Toru Yano & Hiroyoshi Tenzan VS Bullet Club; Bullet Club wins.
  • 8 Man Tag: Shota Umino, El Phantasmo, Hikuleo & YOH VS The House of Torture; Shota, ELP, Leo & Yoh win.
  • Six Man Tag: Los Ingobernables de Japon VS The United Empire; LIJ wins.
  • 2024 New Japan Cup Semifinals: Yota Tsuji VS EVIL; Tsuji wins and advances to the finals.
  • 2024 New Japan Cup Semifinals: SANADA VS Hirooki Goto; Goto wins and advances to the finals.

PLAY BY PLAY

2024 New Japan Cup Semifinals: Yota Tsuji VS EVIL w/ Dick Togo!

The Gene Blast overcame the tricks Ren Narita tried, but that’s because the House of Torture was saving all the good stuff so they could slay the Rampaging Dragon. Will the deck be even more stacked to make sure Everything is Evil’s? Or will Yota be one step away from LIJ VS LIJ at Sakura Genesis?

Well, Dick is making his way out here, but where is Evil? Oh, there he is. No tricks just yet it seems. But then Yota DIVES onto Evil! The fans fire up but Dick attacks Yota! Dick whips, Yota stops himself, and then scoops Dick for a BACKBREAKER! The fans fire up and Yota wants the bell. The ref says yes, ring the bell, and this is on the record! Yota stomps and CLUBS Evil, then whips, but Evil reverses! Yota hits railing, and then Evil whips him into more railing! Evil CHOKES Yota against the railing, Yota fights back, but the ref gets knocked aside! Evil puts Yota in so he and Dick can stomp away!

The fans boo but here comes the rest of the House already! Narita, Yujiro, Kanemaru and Jack all stomp away on Yota, but here come Bushi & Hiromu! It’s a replay of yesterday as LIJ fights off the House, but the numbers are still against them! The ref rushes in to tell everyone to stop! Evil shoves the ref out of the ring, Yota fires off on him, but Evil CLAWS Yota’s eyes! The House CHOKES LIJ, but the ref says stop! The bell rings, but what is the decision!? NO CONTEST!?

No Contest

What does this mean!? Someone has to advance, right? The finals aren’t until the 20th, how can there be a no contest? The House started this, where’re the consequences?! Yota gets up but Evil TOSSES him back out! LIJ regroups and Yota asks for a mic. Yota tells Evil that he’s sick and tired of this! They ARE gonna finish this match! The fans like the sound of that! All the refs come out, including Red Shoes, to discuss how this will be handled. For starters, they tell all the extras to get outta here! LIJ is cool with that, and Hiromu tells the House to come along. Evil says fine, and Jack, Kanemaru, Narita, Yujiro and even Dick reluctantly exit.

The announcement is officially made, and the bell rings! Yota and Evil rush in, Evil kicks low but Yota CLUBS away on Evil! Evil CLAWS the eyes! Evil kicks, runs, RAMS, but Yota rebounds to run Evil over! Then run and SPLASH! Cover, TWO! Yota fires up and the fans are with him! Evil bails out but the fans rally for Yota. Evil wants Yota to stay back, then he slides in, only to slide right out! Yota runs out after Evil, but Evil kicks him! Evil RAMS Yota into the timekeeper! Abe-san and his table go flying! Evil gets the mic to tell Yota that this is what he gets! The fans boo but Evil tells them off, too! Evil stomps Yota then soaks up the heat.

Evil unties the blue buckle pad himself, then waits in the ring. The ref checks Yota and the fans rally up again. The Young Lions help Abe-san while Yota drags himself up. Yota slides in, the fans cheer, but Evil pulls on Yota’s hair! Evil wrenches the hair, then wrenches it again! And again! Evil CLUBS the hair! The ref reprimands but Evil just dusts off his hands. Evil covers, but the ref refuses to count! Evil is furious but he’s the one up to no good! The ref still says no, so Evil stands on Yota’s head. The fans rally up, Yota rises, and he grins as he winds up to ROCK Evil with a forearm! And ROCK him with another!

Yota ROCKS Evil again, but Evil whips him into the bare buckles! Yota falls and the ref reprimands about the missing buckle pad. Evil stomps Yota, covers, TWO! The fans cheer but Evil is annoyed. Evil scuffs Yota, taunts him, and drags him up. Evil CHOPS, Yota drops to his knees, but Evil stands him back up. Evil CHOPS again and Yota grits his teeth as he drops to his knees! Evil stands Yota up again, to fake the chop to CLAW the eyes! The ref reprimands, Evil lets off, and then Evil stands on Yota in a corner. The ref counts, Evil lets go of the ropes but that’s not the problem! Evil steps away, drags Yota up but claims he’s dead weight.

The ref checks, Evil stands Yota up and wrenches an arm. Evil whips Yota into a corner, runs in, but into a BOOT! Evil runs in again, blocks the boot, but Yota brings Evil in for the STOMP! The fans fire up while Yota rests on the mat. The fans rally up and Yota rises again. Evil’s in the corner, runs out, but into the BACKBREAKER! COMPLETE SHOT! STOMP! The fans fire up again as Yota stands back up. Yota runs, to CURB STOMP!! Yota roars and the fans fire up again! Evil flounders while Yota aims. Yota runs in, but the ref is used as a shield! Evil kicks Yota low, then uses the ref in MAGIC KILLER!

All three men are down while the fans rally up again. Evil stands, he brings Yota up, and the ref also rises. Evil whips Yota into the bare buckles, then clotheslines him in! Then FISHERMAN BUSTER! Cover, but Evil lets off?! Evil wants to torture Yota but it’s hard to say if Yota is still even in this. Yota opens his eyes, rises up, but Evil fireman’s carries! DARKNESS FALLS! Cover, TWO!! Yota survives, the fans fire up, but Evil is furious! Evil slashes his throat and vows to end this now! Evil drags Yota up, spins him around, but Yota fights the STO with elbows! Evil kicks low, whips again, but Yota stops from hitting buckles!

Evil runs in, Yota dodges and Evil hits the buckles! SUPERKICK!! Both men are down again and the fans fire back up! We’re only ten minutes into this new match but this is on top of the madness from earlier. Evil drags Yota up, but Yota ROCKS Evil! Evil fights Yota’s fireman’s carry and CLUBS him, but both men wobble. Evil LARIATS, but Yota stays up! The fans fire up but Evil swings to LARIAT again! Yota drops to a knee, but he grins through the pain! Evil says alright, and he throws off his elbow pad. Evil runs to LARIAT! Yota grits his teeth to stay up! V-TRIGGER! Yota brings Evil in, suplexes, ORANGE CRUSH! Cover, TWO!!

Evil is still in this but the fans rally behind Yota again. Yota rises, drags Evil up, and then goes to the corner. Yota goes up and up and Evil moves the ref into the way! The ref takes the FLYING CURB STOMP!!! And now the House returns! The fans boo as Kanemaru, Dick, Yujiro, Narita & Jack all stomp away on Yota again! The fans tell them to go home, again, but these guys don’t care! They just put one out on Yota. They whip Yota to a corner, then DIck runs in to ELBOW! Kanemaru ELBOWS! Yujiro BOOTS! Jack SPLASHES! Narita ELBOWS! Then they snapmare and set Yota up! Dick climbs for the DICK CHOP!!

The fans boo but the House applauds their own dirtiness. But here come Bushi & Hiromu again! But they just get mugged again! They set Hiromu up for the DICK CHOP, while Bushi gets a JACK CHOP! The House then slithers away before a replacement ref rushes out here. Evil drags Yota up, winds up and runs, to LARIAT!! Cover, TWO!!! Yota survives and the fans are thunderous! Evil is at a loss for words, but he slashes his throat! He vows to end it for real, and he reels Yota in. EVERYTHING IS- Yota flips through!? And HEADBUTTS!! The fans fire up as Yota reels Evil in for a fireman’s carry! 70 CROSS!! Cover, TWO!!

Evil survives the swinging spinebuster and the House cheers! Yota drags himself to a corner, drags himself up with the ropes, and roars as he takes aim! Evil rises, but Yujiro distracts! Dick runs in, but gets a V-TRIGGER! The ref sees Dick, but misses the LOW BLOW! Then Evil RAMS Yota into the ref! That’s the second ref this match! Narita gets his push-up bar! The others set Yota up, but here comes SHINGO TAKAGI! The Rampaging Dragon has seen enough, and he’s still pissed from yesterday as it is! He dodges Narita to PUMPING BOMBER! Kanemaru & Yujiro kick Takagi, double whip, but he DOUBLE PUMPING BOMBERS!!

Jack gets in, but he gets ELBOW, JAB and YUKON LARIAT! Evil runs up but Takagi SWATS Evil’s lariat to JAB! Then feed to Hiromu’s SUPERKICK! Hiromu & Takagi set Evil up for Bushi’s BLACK MIST!! Evil can’t see, the PUMPING BOMBER turns him inside-out!! The fans are thunderous as LIJ helps Yota up! Red Shoes hurries out here, and Yota aims at Evil! GENE BLASTER!!! Cover, Yota wins!!!

Winner: Yota Tsuji, by pinfall (advances to the finals)

The House of Torture ran out of tricks, and now there is light at the end of the tournament! Will Yota do LIJ proud and bring home the Cup?

 

2024 New Japan Cup Semifinals: SANADA VS Hirooki Goto!

One down, one to go. Yota Tsuji has made it through, now we see who joins him in the finals! Will the Cold Skull or Fierce Warrior be the one that steps closer to former glory?

The bell rings and the fans duel between “GO-TO-O!” and “SA-NA-DA!” Red Shoes measures the levels, and it seems to slightly favor Goto. Goto and Sanada circle, tie up, and are in a deadlock. Goto gets some leverage to put Sanada against ropes, but he lets off slowly. Goto pats Sanada on the shoulders and the fans cheer. The two reset, circle again, and tie up again. It’s another deadlock, but again Goto finds a way to put Sanada on ropes. Sanada turns things around, lets off slowly, and also pats Goto on the shoulders. The fans applaud and the two reset again. They feel things out, knuckle lock, then move to a clinch.

They fight for control, Sanada starts pushing Goto towards a corner but Goto slips away. They feel things out, knuckle lock again, then break. They tie up collar ‘n’ elbow, Goto waistlocks, but Sanada wrenches to wristlock. Goto rolls, wrenches, wristlocks, but Sanada spins, wrenches, only for Goto to roll! Goto gets a leg to trip Sanada up, and he has a toehold. Sanada fights back with a chinlock but Goto pulls on the leg. Sanada uses his free leg to hook Goto into an ARMBAR, but Goto clasps hands! Goto moves around, pops free, then headlocks. Sanada fights up, Goto grinds the headlock, but Sanada throws body shots.

Sanada powers up and out, but Goto runs him over! The fans rally as things speed up, and Goto counters hip toss with hip toss! Goto runs and he clotheslines Sanada up and out! The fans fire up and Goto slides out after Sanada. Goto stomps Sanada, drags him up, then CLUBS him on the neck! Sanada staggers, Goto CHOPS him, then kicks him, then CLUBS him! Goto whips but Sanada stops himself from hitting railing! Goto runs in but Sanada drop toeholds him into the railing! Goto goes down in a heap, but Sanada opens the gate. Sanada brings Goto through, then to the crowd! PILEDRIVER to the bare floor!

The fans are stunned but Red Shoes reprimands. Sanada leaves Goto behind and slides into the ring. The fans rally for Goto as the ring count begins. Goto crawls at 5 of 20, finds his way to ringside at 10, but still hobbles and crawls. He stands at 17 to slide in! The fans cheer, but Sanada stomps Goto. Sanada drags Goto up, CLUBS him on the neck, then brings him back up to CLUB him again. Goto CHOPS! And CHOPS! Sanada eggs Goto on so Goto CHOPS again! Goto whips, Sanada reverses to RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP! Cover, TWO! Sanada keeps cool and sits Goto up into a chinlock. Goto endures and the fans rally again.

Goto kicks forward, reaches out, but Sanada cranks on the hold! Goto keeps fighting, and has the ROPEBREAK! Sanada lets go cleanly, but then he stomps Goto while he’s down. Sanada then stands Goto up to CLUB him on the neck. Goto CHOPS in return! And CHOPS, and CHOPS, and has Sanada in a corner! Goto CHOPS again, then whips corner to corner. Goto runs in, but Sanada BOOTS first! Sanada runs, Goto follows, and Goto LARIATS Sanada down! The fans fire up and Goto rises, clutching his neck. Goto stands Sanada up to fire off forearms, then he whips corner to corner. Goto runs in, MURAMASA!

Sanada wobbles, into the SAIDO! Cover, TWO! The fans fire up while Goto grits his teeth. Goto drags Sanada up, fireman’s carries, but Sanada fights free! Sanada waistlocks, Goto throws elbows, then runs. Sanada hurdles, hurdles, and DROPKICKS! Goto tumbles out of the ring, Sanada PLANCHAS him down! The fans fire up and Sanada encourages them to get louder. The fans get louder and Sanada appreciates it. Sanada then goes back for Goto, brings him up and puts him in the ring. Sanada fireman’s carries but Goto throws elbows! Sanada turns around into Goto’s fireman’s carry, but then slips out into the dragon sleeper!

But Goto arm-drags free! Sanada kicks low, runs, but Goto follows! Sanada dodges this time, runs again, but Goto still follows! Sanada sidesteps this time, but Goto holds ropes to avoid the hurdle! Goto runs in, but Sanada fireman’s carries! T K O! Cover, TWO! Goto is still in this and the fans rally up! Sanada goes up the corner, ROUNDING BODY- NO, Sanada has to land out as Goto moves! Sanada runs in, but into the fireman’s carry! USHIGOROSHI! Both men are down and the fans fire up again! They cheer on “GO-TO-O!” but the “SA-NA-DA!” chants are still there. Red Shoes checks them both, and both men slowly rise.

The two crawl towards each other, and Goto fires a forearm! Sanada shakes his head, eggs Goto on, so Goto throws another! Goto eggs Sanada on, so Sanada fires a forearm! Goto fires a forearm back, and the two stand. Sanada UPPERCUTS! Goto comes back to forearm! Sanada UPPERCUTS again, and Goto drops back to a knee! The fans rally, Goto stands again, and he forearms! UPPERCUT, forearm, repeat! Goto growls, fires a flurry of forearms, and he ROCKS Sanada! Sanada drops to his hand and knees but Goto powers up! Goto KICKS but Sanada blocks! Goto fires more forearms, then waistlocks, but Sandaa fights free!

Sanada runs, but Goto fireman’s carries! And he throws Sanada into the dragon sleeper! But Sanada turns around and suplexes, for MAGIC SCREW! Both men are down again and the fans fire back up! Sanada roars as he rises up, and he aims from a corner. Sanada wants Goto to get up, and Goto sits up, into the SHINING WIZARD! Sanada then dragon sleepers, for the SKULL END!! Goto endures, flails, reaches out, but he’s caught in the body scissors! Goto fights around but he’s fading! The fans rally, Goto’s hand drops! Sanada lets him go to then climb! ROUNDING BODY PRESS! Cover, TWO!!

The fans fire up as Goto survives but Sanada storms around. Sanada drags Goto up, reels him in and clinches, but Goto slips free to shove Sanada away! Sanada forearms, ROLLING- HEADBUTT from Goto! The fans fire up and duel, and Goto drags Sanada up. But Sanada breaks free! Goto HEADBUTTS again! Sanada falls back down and Goto steadies himself. Goto roars, the fans are with him, and Goto sits Sanada up. Goto runs to PENALTY KICK! Shoutout to Shibata and the fans fire up more! Sanada grits his teeth as he sits back up but Goto takes aim! BUZZSAW! And then he hauls Sanada up to dragon sleeper! G T- BACKSLIDE COUNTER! TWO!!!

Sanada and Goto hurry up, Sanada dodges to O’Conner BRIDGE!! TWO?!!? Goto escapes and shocks everyone! Sanada resets, runs in, SHINING WIZARD!! The fans are thunderous as Sanada roars and drags Goto back up! Clinch and DEAD- NO, Goto slips around to ripcord and fireman’s carry! G T W!! Cover, TWO?!?!? Sanada survives but Goto is all fired up! The fans are thunderous as Goto dragon sleepers for G T R!!! Cover, GOTO WINS!!!

Winner: Hirooki Goto, by pinfall (advances to the finals)

Don’t call it a comeback, Goto’s been here for years! Sanada’s hopes of being IWGP World Heavyweight Champion again have been delayed, how long must he wait for another chance?

As for Goto, he’s going back to the New Japan Cup Finals for the first time since 2016, and his seventh overall! But before he can get the mic to speak, Yota makes his way back out here. Yota steps into the ring and he gets the mic first. Yota tells Goto, “In order to open the door to a new era, we must do this.” The fans applaud that, and Yota continues by asking Goto, “Are you ready?!” Yota drops the mic at Goto’s feet, and Goto stands up to speak. “I also have something I want to show you. As a three-time New Japan Cup Champion, I will show you my strength.” The fans like the sound of that!

The Fierce Warrior stares down with Gene Blast, a true generational showdown on the horizon! Will Goto return not juts to former glory, but finally ascend to top of NJPW? Or will Yota make it LIJ VS LIJ for the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship?


My Thoughts:

A great semifinal round for this tournament, with quite a surprising main event. Sanada VS Goto was great stuff, and while I felt Sanada wasn’t winning the Cup, I didn’t think he’d be out this round. Yota VS Evil was rather creatively put together, too. I did not think the House would get so involved that at first it was a No Contest but then they restart under a ringside ban. Takagi making sure Yota won was good stuff, too, maybe we can get Takagi VS Evil for the NEVER Openweight Championship if they’re not gonna circle back to more Shota Umino VS House of Torture stuff.

Goto VS Yota is going to be great stuff, and Goto is clearly a top utility guy. He’s had so many New Japan Cup finals appearances, certainly among the most ever, but I don’t think he gets a fourth Cup win against Yota, one of the “new era Musketeers” that NJPW clearly loves. Yota VS Naito is definitely the title match for Sakura Genesis.

My Score: 8.9/10


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