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Mitchell’s WWE Monday Night Raw Results & Report! (2/11/19)

The Man returns to Raw! But isn’t she still suspended?!

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The McMahons invite The Man back to Raw to respond to her controversial actions both last week and on SmackDown! Will this end well for Becky Lynch?

 

OFFICIAL RESULTS

  • Triple Threat Tag: Sasha Banks & Bayley VS Nia Jax & Tamina VS The Riott Squad; Nia & Tamina win, Bayley & Banks must enter the Elimination Chamber first.
  • Finn Balor VS Drew McIntyre; Finn wins, by disqualification.
  • Six Man Tag: Finn Balor, Kurt Angle & Braun Strowman VS Drew McIntyre, Baron Corbin & Bobby Lashley w/ Lio Rush; Finn, Angle & Strowman win.
  • Nikki Cross VS Ruby Riott; Riott wins.
  • Dean Ambrose VS EC3; Ambrose wins.
  • Raw Tag Team Championships: Bobby Roode & Chad Gable VS The Revival; The Revival win and become the new Raw Tag Team Champions.

PLAY BY PLAY

Stephanie and Triple H start off Raw!

The power couple of the McMahon administration welcome Grand Rapids and the rest of the WWE Universe to the show and the Road to Wrestlemania. But the Road takes a quick detour into the Elimination Chamber, where there will be the first ever Women’s Tag Team Championship match! Plus, SmackDown’s Daniel Bryan will have to be the best he’s ever been in an Elimination Chamber WWE Championship match! As for Raw, the Baddest Woman must take her own detour when she defends against the Squad leader, Ruby Riott. If Ronda Rousey succeeds, she will continue on to Wrestlemania to defend against The Man, Becky Lynch! Well, that was the plan until last week.

Footage plays of Stephanie confronting Becky about her bad leg. Stephanie told Becky to get checked out or be suspended. Becky threatened Stephanie not to do that, but the suspension came down. And Becky went after Stephanie with a vengeance! But the suspension wouldn’t keep Becky away, because she would show up on SmackDown the next night. HHH told Becky the same thing: see the doctor, and you get to face Ronda. Becky rubbed in the beat down on Stephanie, and that’s when HHH went on a rant about knowing the truth. Becky doesn’t want to get checked out, because she’s afraid she can compete against Ronda, and will then lose to Ronda. And much like Raw before, Becky would disrespect the boss when she SLAPPED HHH!

Fans still cheer Becky in the present. Stephanie says she and HHH are still going to give us what’s best for business. Becky went to the doctor and we will hear the results. But before Stephanie can continue, Becky appears! Becky still has her leg brace as she walks out and joins the Authority in the ring. Grand Rapids cheers Becky on as she says it’s nice to see them both looking so well. She teases she’ll hit Stephanie harder next time. HHH wants them all to put this behind them. He crossed the line accusing her of being afraid, and now he apologizes. Becky saw her personal doctor, and the WWE doctors actually agree. There are no injuries or structural damage, Becky can simply rehab and be 100% cleared. In other words, the suspension is lifted and Becky has her Wrestlemania match with Ronda.

Everyone is happy to hear that and Becky shakes hands with the bosses. Perhaps the greatest match in Wrestlemania will happen, “if and only if” Becky can still do something else. Of course there’s a catch. No, no, this is no catch. But every action has a consequence. Becky can easily do this. Her match is on and her suspension is lifted, if she apologizes to them. Then they can put this all behind them. Fans say “No! No!” but Becky did attack Steph and slap HHH. But they were forcing her to do something she didn’t want to. She went to see the doctors like they wanted! Stephanie doesn’t want Becky to be stubborn, but Becky tells Stephanie to shut up!

Becky does not trust the McMahons, that family has screwed so many people over the decades! They’re still trying to steal Becky’s opportunity! Becky will fight anyone to get to Mania! Even if it’s Stephanie or Vince! But apologize? “Hell no!!” Take the apologies and shove them up your arse! Becky and Stephanie argue, but HHH keeps the peace.

HHH tells Becky this is not the hill she wants to die on. Just think about it. Put the pride and stubbornness aside. Does Becky want to fight here? Or at Wrestlemania? Does Becky want that fight of her dreams? Does she want everything she fought for to matter? Or is she going to throw it all away in one night? HHH isn’t telling, he is giving her a choice. She needs to make a decision tonight. Will she go to Wrestlemania and fight Ronda, to show the world she’s The Man? Or will she choose to throw it all away? Becky has her future in her hands, but will she let it slip through her fingers?

 

Triple Threat Tag: Sasha Banks & Bayley VS Nia Jax & Tamina VS The Riott Squad!

The BFF’s have been through so much in the last year, but nothing is gonna break them. The Boss & Hug Connection are ready to become the inaugural WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions, but will they be ready for this high stakes match? The team that takes the pin has to be the very first team in the Chamber! Who will end up facing the gauntlet this Sunday?

Raw returns as the Samoan Dynasty make their entrance. The Riott Squad’s Sarah Logan and Liv Morgan are already in the ring, so teams simply sort out and we begin. Sasha starts against Nia with the Squad content to wait it out. Nia lunges but Sasha dodges and SLAPS her! Then she tags out to Liv! Liv doesn’t want to but she has to come in. Nia and Liv circle and Liv runs. But Nia knocks her right down! Liv wants a tag but the #LegitHuggable duo don’t go anywhere near her. Nia runs at Liv but Liv dodges and enziguris! Tag to Sarah, and she fires off forearms and a headbutt. Nia staggers and comes back, but Sarah runs, into a fireman’s carry! She slips out but gets a headbutt from Nia!

Nia drags Sarah over and tags in Tamina. Tamina stomps a mudhole into the Kentucky Viking, then throws in big knees. Tamina has Sarah in a facelock but Sarah powers her towards the squad corner. Sarah gets free and dodges Tamina to tackle her! Tag to Liv and she covers, TWO! Liv keeps on Tamina with a facelock of her own, but Tamina powers her way out. Tamina uppercuts Liv off her feet! Tamina drags Liv up for a big scoop slam, then covers, TWO! Liv lives but Tamina keeps on her with a chinlock. Fans rally as Liv endures. Grand Rapids says “We Want Bayley!” Liv gets up but Tamina throws her down! Tag to Nia, and the Samoan Dynasty mug Liv. Nia toys with Liv as she crawls for Sarah, then yanks her back.

Liv fires off forearms and a kick, then runs to dropkick the leg! Nia stays up so Liv keeps dropkick-ing her! Liv runs but Bayley tags in! Bayley hotshots Liv but runs into Nia! The Squad goes after Sasha, Sarah gives her a BIG knee against barriers! The Boss & Hug Connection’s plan has backfired, but we go to break.

Raw returns and Liv has Bayley in a chinlock. Sasha’s shoulder is being checked by medics while Bayley fights her way up. Fans rally and Bayley feeds off the energy. Bayley arm-drags out but Tamina tags off Liv. Tamina goes after Bayley, who looks to be alone as Sasha is taken to the back! Tamina drags Bayley by her ponytail and headbutts her back down. Sasha doesn’t want to leave but the officials aren’t giving her much choice. Tamina kicks Bayley around then goes to Superkick, but Bayley rolls her! TWO, and Bayley jawbreakers! Jackknife cover, TWO! Bayley gets up and flapjack hotshots Tamina! She tags out to Liv! Liv tags Sarah and the Squad double dropkick Tamina! Liv enziguris, Sarah hits that knee! Tag back to Liv and the Squad work together on Tamina, wheelbarrow splash! Cover, TWO!

The Squad is furious but they tag back. Sarah stands on Tamina’s leg and then throws down hands. Sarah drags Tamina up and reaches, but Tamina whips and elbows Sarah down! Tamina stomps and clubs Sarah down, then drags her over. Tag to Nia and Nia tosses Sarah across the way! Big corner splash! Nia drops an elbow, then gets between Sarah and Liv. Nia drags Sarah up in a cobra clutch and thrashes her about. Sarah fights otu with her free arm, but Nia powers her to the corner! Nia runs but misses, hitting only post! Tamina tags in and hits Liv down! Tamina fireman’s carry, Samoan Drop! Sarah is down in a drop zone and Tamina climbs up. SUPERFLY hits knees! Liv returns, but so does Bayley, and they tag in!

Bayley rallies on Liv with lariats! And a tackle to fast hands! Bayley powers Liv to a corner and rams her shoulder. Wacky waving knee strike! Bayley puts Liv on the apron but Tamina runs in. Tamina ends up on the apron, DOUBLE hotshot! Fans fire up as Bayley follows them outside. Bayley dropkicks Liv through the corner! Bayley does the same to Nia! She hits Ruby before Ruby can hit her! Bayley runs, knee strike to Liv! She drags Liv to a drop zone then climbs up. Bayley aims, and hits the MACHO ELBOW! Cover, but Sarah breaks it! Sarah swings on Bayley but gets a saido suplex. Bayley goes to Liv but gets caught in a cradle! TWO, but Liv kicks Bayley. Liv whips but Bayley reverses, Bayley2Belly! Cover, but Tamina SUPERKICKS Bayley away!

Tamina has her pick, and drags Liv over. Tag to Nia and Nia gets Bayley with a Samoan Drop! Cover, the Samoan Dynasty wins!

Winners: Nia Jax & Tamina, Nia pinning; Bayley & Sasha must start the Elimination Chamber

The Samoan Dynasty shows they’re the favorites for Raw, and perhaps the entire match. And now the #LegitHuggable team, they must be the first Raw team to start that grueling match. Who from SmackDown will also be the first team to start?

 

Ladies and Gentlemen: Elias.

The Drifter is in Grand Rapids, but Becky Lynch talks with Finn backstage. He knows her situation is tough, but he has been too proud for his own good. Don’t let it get the better of you. Finn wants to slap Bobby Lashley and Lio Rush, but it’s better to bide your time. Because when the time comes, Finn will take that Intercontinental Championship. So, apologize? He’s not telling Becky what to do, but he is warning her that pride can get the better of many men. Just don’t let it get the better of THE Man. Becky thanks him for the talk, and compliments his awesome abs.

The Drifter tries again, but then a video package comes up for Seth Rollins! #MondayNightRollins has done nothing but #BurnItDown since the amazing Gauntlet Match last year where Rollins pinned both Roman Reigns and John Cena! Rollins did it again at last year’s Wrestlemania when he won the Intercontinental Championship to complete his Grand Slam. And he did it week after week as a fighting champion. He even did it the night he and Dean Ambrose took the Raw Tag Team Championships back! Rollins’ streak continues on this Road to Wrestlemania because he’s heading to the main event against the Universal Champion, Brock Lesnar!

Elias wants a third try, but the Lucha House Party appears?! What is going on with scheduling tonight? Kalisto, Gran Metalik & Lince Dorado bring pinatas and matracas to start a fiesta! Elias is as confused as we are, while we go to break.

Raw returns and Elias is furious! He has the LHP music stop and tells them to quit with the matracas. Elias tells them that he is the biggest musical act on planet Earth! But he’s been interrupted every week, and multiple times tonight! What’s worse, he didn’t get nominated for the Grammy’s! What are these three doing out here?! Well unlike Elias, the LHP are here to entertain the fans. But tonight, they actually want to #WalkWithElias. Well fine. Elias sits back down and wants everyone to silence phones, hold applause and shut mouths so he can perform.

He begins, and sings that he has nothing left to give. When he comes to Grand Rapids, he immediately loses the will to live. Some moron says this is Beer City, which makes sense, because beer goggles are needed to see anyone as pretty. This city is full of losers and the people are the same. But it’s not the kids’ fault, it’s the parents who are to blame.

Fans boo, and Lince clears his “ear”. What did they think of the song? Thumbs… DOWN! Grand Rapids also chant “You Suck! You Suck!” Oh so it’s like that?! They think they can do better!? Do they have any idea how hard it is to be him? Lince can dance. What about Metalik? He likes to sing. Kalisto will take care of this. Oh he thinks he can play as well as Elias? Fine, take the stool, and the guitar, and Elias proudly presents: Kalisto. Kalisto begins playing, and yes he’s rather good. Elias is surprised, and impressed. He asks Kalisto to do a duet. Kalisto agrees and Elias grabs the other guitar, TO SMASH Kalisto! Elias gets away while Metalik and Lince checks on Kalisto. Elias gets the last laugh, but will he give us a repeat performance?

 

Sonya Deville & Mandy Rose speak.

SmackDown’s #Fire&Desire have already been a part of many firsts in the WWE. They were in the inaugural Women’s Royal Rumble match, the inaugural Wrestlemania Women’s Battle Royal, so being in the inaugural Women’s Tag Team Championship Elimination Chamber is only natural. They won’t shy away from this opportunity, and are ready to take those titles. Will Sonya and Mandy have enough fire and desire to win it all?

 

Bobby Lashley & Lio Rush head to the ring.

The Rocky Mountain Machine and his Hype Man of the Hour want to be ringside for this upcoming match.

Finn Balor VS Drew McIntyre!

The Extraordinary Man gets what he wants: he will compete for the Intercontinental Championship this Sunday at the Elimination Chamber Pay-Per-View. However, he won’t be facing just Bobby Lashley. It will be a special Handicap match where Lio Rush will be involved! Either opponent can defeat him to retain, or he can defeat either opponent to win! Of course, that’s Sunday. Tonight, he’ll have to first fight the Scottish Terminator, which is a tall task for any superstar. Can Finn survive to then get even with Lashley and Lio? Or will McIntyre soften Finn up to make him easy pickings for the Almighty and the 24 Year Old Piece of Gold?

Raw returns as Finn makes his entrance. He sees Lashley & Lio ringside, but soon turns his attention to McIntyre as the Scotsman makes his entrance. The bell rings, and we begin! McIntyre and Finn circle,  but Lashley and Lio distract! McIntyre clobbers Finn then puts him in a corner for CHOPS! Finn staggers but McIntyre whips him hard into buckles! McIntyre rains down rights while Lio and Lashley watch on. McIntyre grins as he gives Finn one last haymaker. Finn crawls and McIntyre dares him to get up. McIntyre stands Finn up for a CHOP, then mocks the Too Sweet. McIntyre grinds Finn with a mounted armbar. Finn endures but refuses to quit. Fans rally and Finn stands up, but McIntyre uses the chinbar to bring Finn back down.

McIntyre grinds a forearm in Finn’s face. Fans still rally and Finn fights his way up. Finn pries free but McIntyre knees low! McIntyre runs but into a dropkick! Finn dumps McIntyre out but McIntyre drags Finn up and over. Finn fights back and dodges McIntyre, sending him into the post! McIntyre crashes and burns while Finn gets back in. Finn builds speed but Lio swipes his feet! So Finn wrecks Lio with a dropkick! Finn gets back in, runs at McIntyre for a slingblade! And a shotgun dropkick to the back! McIntyre hits buckles and falls, so Finn heads up! But Lashley shoves him down!

Winner; Finn Balor, by disqualification

Lashley keeps going after Finn with stomps! McIntyre joins him and they drag Finn up. Lashley puts Finn into buckles while McIntyre fetches steel steps. But here comes Kurt Angle! Angle throws hands with McIntyre, then hurries to the ring. Angle dodges Lashley to German Suplex him! McIntyre returns but he gets a German! Lio runs in, but into the Ankle Lock! Angle twists Lio’s ankle, but Baron Corbin blindsides him! Fans boo as Corbin gathers again with his old buddies. They drag Angle up for Lashley to mug. So here comes BRAUN!! The Monster Among Men doesn’t like any of these three. McIntyre runs and throws hands, but Strowman gets through him and Lashley! Strowman throws each of them into barriers!

Corbin sees Strowman and decides to run at him. Strwwman headbutts Corbin back, but Corbin throws hands. Corbin runs but Strowman scoops him! McIntyre saves Corbin and they regroup with Lashley and a limping Lio. Strowman stands tall with Finn and Angle, but is this fight far from over?

 

Six Man Tag: Finn Balor, Kurt Angle & Braun Strowman VS Drew McIntyre, Baron Corbin & Bobby Lashley w/ Lio Rush!

Raw returns, and the two trios are having a match! Will Finn and friends be able to get instant payback on Corbin and his crew?

McIntyre throws hands on Strowman, but Strowman runs him over! Strowman drags McIntyre over to his corner and tags in Angle. Angle stomps away on McIntyre, but backs off at 4. Angle wrenches McIntyre’s arm then tags in Finn. Finn climbs and drops ax handles! Finn wrenches but McIntyre knees low. McIntyre puts Finn in the corner and tags in Corbin. They stomp a mudhole into Finn, then tag to Lashley. Lashley clubs away on Finn then chokes him against the ropes! The ref backs Lashley off and Lashley tags Corbin. Corbin mugs Finn then throws a knee. Tag to McIntyre, and McIntyre stomps Finn down. McIntyre looms over Finn as fans rally. Finn fights back with forearms but McIntyre keeps him form the corner. McIntyre whips but Finn tilt-o-whirls for a reverse DDT!

Both men are down and fans fire up. Finn hurries to his feet, hot tag to Angle! Angle German Suplexes McIntyre! He holds on and does it again! And then again for the hat trick! Angle stalks McIntyre, but McIntyre escapes the Angle Slam to whip McIntyre. McIntyre runs into a boot, and Angle hits a missile dropkick! Angle hits the Angle Slam! Cover, but Corbin breaks it! Strowman chases Corbin off but has to go back to his corner. Lashley comes in for a complete shot outta nowhere! McIntyre covers, TWO! McIntyre tags to Corbin and Corbin goes after Angle with elbows to the neck and shoulders. Corbin puts Angle in a half nelson but fans rally up again. Angle powers up and hits back with body shots, but runs into a big back elbow! Cover, ONE!

Corbin drags Angle up and over and tags in Lashley. Lashley mugs Angle then bumps him off buckles. Lashley rams his shoulder into Angle, then throws more forearms. He snapmares Angle into a chinlock but fans rally up. Angle powers up and fights out again. Lashley knees low then whips Angle to a corner. Lashley runs in but into a boot! Angle and Lashely crawl, McIntyre tags in! McIntyre cuts Angle off and rains down rights. McIntyre throws Angle out hard, but the ref keeps him from pursuing. Angle is in trouble while we go to break.

Raw returns again and McIntyre mocks Angle as an embarrassment. Angle SLAPS McIntyre! Hot tags to Corbin and Finn! Finn rallies on all there opponents! Finn CHOPS Corbin int he corner, then whips. Corbin reverses but Finn goes up and over. Finn runs into a boot but swing kicks Corbin off the ropes! Corbin denies the Slingblade for a Choke Slam Backbreaker! Cover, TWO! Corbin drags Finn up to rain down rights. Fans boo as Corbin tags Lashley. Lashley drags Finn up to knock him down. Lashley flexes and Lio flexes with him. Finn fights out of the powerbomb lift, and back drops Lashley. Lashley sunset flips but Finn rolls through and dropkicks! Both Finn and Lashley are down, but crawling.

Corbin just runs in to hit Angle, and McIntyre comes around the outside to go after Strowman. Strowman uppercuts McIntyre and grabs Corbin! CLAYMORE! Lashley aims at Finn from the corner while Finn slowly stands. Corbin and McIntyre head back to their corner, having left Finn without a partner. Lashley runs in but Finn dodges! Finn FLIES onto McIntyre and Corbin! Finn shoulders and kicks Lashley back. Lashley’s down, Finn climbs up! Lio hops up but Finn knocks him away. Lashley trips Finn on the top rope! Lashley drags Finn off the corner for the Dominator! Cover, Lashley wins! But Finn had his foot on the ropes!!

Winner: Bobby Lashley, Baron Corbin & Drew McIntyre, Lashley pinning

But the ropebreak was completely missed! The referee already made the call, but wait, a second referee comes out! They discuss the ropebreak, and Corbin argues back it doesn’t matter. But that was how things were done. This match will continue! Lashley is the most furious of them all, but it is happening, after the break.

Raw returns and the restarted match has Corbin dragging Finn in off the apron. Cover, TWO! Finn is still alone after what McIntyre did to Strowman during commercial. Finn endures the half nelson but fans rally up. He fights his way up and out but Corbin shoves him to a corner. Finn goes up but Corbin slides out to slide in. Finn was ready, elbow drop DDT! Corbin tags Lashley and Lashley drags Finn up to club him down. Lio cheers Lashley on as Lashley whips Finn to a corner hard. Lashley runs in and rams his shoulder into Finn’s abs. Fans boo as Lashley toys with Finn. Lashley gut wrenches Finn but Finn slips out! Finn trips Lashley, double stomps! Finn and Lashley are both down, but Finn has no partners to tag. He still crawls that way, but Lashley drags Finn away. Finn enziguris free!

Fans rally up, and the Monster rises! Strowman drags himself up and to the corner! Finn crawls, hot tag to Strowman! Strowman rallies on Lashley, then blasts Corbin and McIntyre! Strowman shoves Lashley and hits a big corner splash! Then he clubs Lashley down! Corbin runs in but gets clubbed won! McIntyre, too! Strowman clears the ring and decides to take some laps! Strowman barrels into McIntyre! And into Corbin! And into Lashley AND Lio! He’s The Monster Truck Among Men! Strowman puts Lashley in but Corbin grabs his feet! Angle returns to German Suplex Corbin! Strowman goes after Lashley, but McIntyre comes in. Strowman clotheslines McIntyre out but Lashley clubs Strowman to a corner. Lashley runs in, but into a MONSTER SLAM!! Tag to Finn! COUP DE GRACE!! Cover, Finn and team win!

Winners: Finn Balor, Kurt Angle & Braun Strowman, Finn pinning

The Extraordinary Man proves he can outlast numbers and win big! But this was an even 3v3 match. Can Finn do it all again when it’s 2v1? Or will the Man of the Hour be the key to Lashley staying champion?

 

Kevin Owens speaks.

“Y’know, for the last four months, I’ve been recovering from my knee injury and my recent surgery.” He’s giving an update to the WWE Universe. Kevin’s been spending as much time as possible with his family, but he also watches Raw. IT’s been rough to watch, because he’s watching other people do what he does best. But good news: Kevin doesn’t know which brand it will be, but he knows when. One month remains before the Kevin Owens Show returns! And check this: Kevin bowls… a gutter ball. Well okay he’s not a great bowler, but he is a great wrestler. Where will we see the Prizefighter return?

 

Backstage interview with Becky Lynch.

The Man has her choice to make. If she refuses to apologize, what will she tell the fans when we no longer get Becky VS Ronda? None of Charly’s damn business.

 

WWE and Raw celebrate Black History Month.

Segregation was a major issue but the protests to end it were not segregated. Many people of many cultures shared Martin Luther King’s dream. And now, anyone is allowed to go anywhere and socialize with anyone. #LongLivetheDream.

 

Nikki Cross VS Ruby Riott!

SAnitY’s Twisted Sister has a rematch from her NXT days as she takes on the Squad Leader! Ruby has a chance to shock the world and take Ronda Rousey’s championship to deny us the anticipated Raw Women’s Championship match regardless of what Becky chooses! Will the Road to Wrestlemania take some wild detours?

Raw returns and the bell rings. Nikki and Ruby circle and tie up. Ruby pushes Nikki to ropes but Nikki turns it around. Nikki pushes Ruby to the other side of the ring before they break. Nikki is wild as ever, but Ruby doesn’t shy away. She does run into a roll-up, TWO! Nikki puts on a headlock but Ruby fights out. Ruby reels Nikki in for a forearm, but then Nikki hits a big crossbody! Cover, TWO! Nikki gets on Ruby again with a facelock, but Ruby fights out. Ruby runs but into Nikki’s thrashing sleeper hold! Nikki becomes a backpack but Ruby backs her into buckles. Ruby gets free, then runs back in, only for Nikki to dodge. Nikki runs into Deadly Nightshade! Cover, TWO!

Ruby keeps on Nikki as Ronda and Becky encounter each other backstage. Ronda wants Becky to say which is more important: history or ego? Their match is bigger than just the two of them. They could break ground for women in wrestling, if Becky would just stop being a baby. Ronda wants Becky to man up. Just apologize, even if it isn’t genuine. Because otherwise, she’s just a coward. Becky holds in her desire to slap Ronda, but does Ronda have a point?

Back in the ring, Nikki arm-drags out and then throws a throat chop! Ruby still gets Nikki in an STO! Cover, TWO! Ruby grows frustrated as she glares down at Nikki. She slams Nikki’s face off the mat, then drops a knee on Nikki’s shoulders! Ruby drags Nikki up and whips her to a corner. Nikki elbows Ruby away then boots her. Nikki throws forearms and whips but Ruby reverses. Ruby ducks and the crossbody misses! Ruby kicks Nikki in the ribs! Nikki gets on the apron but Ruby follows her out there. Ruby declares herself the next champion already, then drags Nikki up. Nikki blocks the STO and turns Ruby around, inverted DDT on the apron! Ruby crawls away but Nikki fires up. Nikki aims at Ruby, big crossbody! Nikki tackles Ruby down and fans fire up with the Loony Lass!

Ruby crawls away again but Nikki traps her in the apron skirt! Nikki clubs away on Ruby, and Ruby falls to the floor. Nikki drags Ruby back up and in then climbs up top. Ruby SUPERKICKS Nikki right down! Ruby drags Nikki up for the Riott Kick! Cover, Ruby wins!

Winner: Ruby Riott, by pinfall

Ruby may have had to share airtime with Ronda and Becky, but will the Squad Leader stand between them? Or will the Rowdy One retain through Elimination Chamber?

 

Seth Rollins heads to the ring!

Grand Rapids is ready to #BurnItDown with The Architect! Rollins hears out the fans and says he was going to talk about Brock Lesnar and Wrestlemania, but he watched his highlight reel from earlier. He speaks on the last 12 months, “what a ride, right?” From the Gauntlet to Wrestlemania 34 to defending the Intercontinental Championship around the world. 2018 was crazy, and to be honest, Rollins is glad to share it with the WWE Universe. 2018 helped him feel like “Seth Freakin’ Rollins”. And then Rollins won the Men’s Rumble and achieved a childhood dream. He was on top of the world, until he confronted The Beast and got six F5’s. Rollins went home to rest up and think. He has bad news and good news.

Bad news: he took those six F5’s and he’s sore. The pain from those F5’s was unlike anything he ever felt. The good news: he’s still here. Lesnar gave Rollins six F5’s but he’s still standing! And if he’s standing, he can fight. If he can fight, he can Curb Stmop. And if he can Curb Stomp, he will beat Brock Lesnar! Many people asked him, “What is it worth to you? What does it cost?” Rollins’ answer: it doesn’t matter. If this Wrestlemania ends up being his last match- “Ladies and gentlemen!” Paul Heyman comes out gives his usual introduction. And he has a Mania level surprise for us, because the “reigning, defending, undisputed Universal Heavyweight Champion, BROCK! LESNAR!” is not here. And Grand Rapids boos that. Great “surprise”, Paul. But it gets them every time, because ignorance is bliss.

But have no fear, fans. Heyman is here to educate fans and especially educate Rollins. Rollins is “pontificating” a misguided notion that all men are created equal. They’re not. Does anyone honestly believe that Rollins’ DNA matches up to Lesnar’s? Admittedly, Rollins is a great athlete, a top-tier performer and a Wrestlemania main event player. Rollins might be the best Heyman has ever seen. But Lesnar is a Beast. Lesnar is a predator. Lesnar is a “career killer” sadist with an “unrepentant soul”. If Rollins goes in saying he’ll do anything and everything, including taking a beating so bad it’s his last match ever, that is a “suicide mission”. Heyman gives Rollins fair warning: If Rollins walks in and tries to take the title from Lesnar, he will only be The Architect of his own demise. Ladies and gentlemen, that’s not a prediction, that’s a spoiler.

Rollins tells Heyman that he’s right. But what no one understands is that Rollins doesn’t care. Lesnar has held the industry that Rollins loves more than anything, Lesnar has held it hostage for two long years and he refuses to stand for it! Rollins doesn’t care if Wrestlemania is a suicide mission, because Rollins will be the martyr that sacrifices body, heart and soul, and burn in Hell, so long as Lesnar does not leave Mania the champion. That’s not a prediction, that’s a spoiler. Rollins is deadly serious, but will it take that and more to finally #SlayTheBeast?

But wait! Dean Ambrose appears! The Lunatic Fringe arrives before The Architect has even left. Rollins is wary as Ambrose joins him in the ring. But Ambrose simply holds out a hand. Rollings hands over the mic, and Ambrose has just one thing to say. “Slay the Beast.” Ambrose leaves the ring to sit ringside. Rollins grins, and takes his leave. Ambrose has a match next, but against who?

 

The IIconics speak.

Being the inaugural WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions would bring Peyton Royce & Billie Kay full circle in their 14 year career. It would be the perfect thing for them, but will they be able to survive five other teams to do it?

 

Dean Ambrose VS EC3!

Ambrose called out The Top One Percent last week during A Moment of Bliss, but then lost to him in EC3’s first Raw match! They have a rematch already, but will EC3 get a 2-0 sweep on Ambrose? Or will #VictoryAfterVictory have to wait?

The bell rings, and Ambrose runs right at EC3! He throws hands in a corner then CHOPS against the ropes. Ambrose whips but EC3 bails out. Ambrose gives chase but EC3 gets him on the return. EC3 stomps and throws haymakers on Ambrose, thenw hips. Ambrose elbows EC3 down! EC3 gets to a corner and dodges Ambrose to hit a big clothesline! EC3 grounds ‘n’ pounds but Ambrose covers up. The ref backs EC3 off but EC3 comes back to bump Ambrose on buckles. EC3 CHOPS Ambrose and then whips Ambrose back in for a clothesline. He rolls Ambrose out and hits a big missile dropkick! Fans fire up for EC3 as he drags Ambrose up. EC3 suplexes and holds Ambrose to then slam him down! Cover, TWO!

EC3 stays on Ambrose with a nerve hold. Ambrose endures as fans rally up. Ambrose fights up but EC3 knees low. EC3 turns Ambrose but Ambrose CHOPS! They trade chops, Ambrose runs but into a scoop slam! EC3 has everyone “Say My Name!” He drops the elbow! EC3 scoops but Ambrose slips out. Ambrose dodges and sends EC3 into the post! EC3 tumbles out of the ring and a ring count begins. EC3 sits up at 5 and gets in, but Ambrose is on him with a clothesline! Ambrose rallies and whips, but EC3 kicks him away. EC3 runs but into a scrapbuster! Cover, TWO! Ambrose gets to a corner and climbs up, but EC3 trips him up! Both men are down but EC3 is up quick. EC3 smirks but gets caught in a cradle! Ambrose wins!

Winner: Dean Ambrose, by pinfall

And just like that, the series is tied up! EC3 got caught off guard much like Ambrose last week. When and where will we see the tiebreaker?

 

Alexa Bliss finds Becky Lynch backstage.

The Goddess tells The Man not to do it. The moment she apologizes, she shows weakness. Becky isn’t weak, she’s The Man. And many superstars look up to her. So don’t say you’re sorry. Why? Because if she doesn’t, someone else can go after Ronda at Wrestlemania? Alexa, this advice you’re giving, this has nothing to do with that, right? She’d never do that! Alexa just wants Becky to be true to herself. And yet there’s not one genuine bone in Alexa’s body. Fine, apologize! Be the same ol’ Becky. But then she won’t be The Man. She’ll just be that sell-out. If Becky does apologize, the only thing she’ll sell out is Mania. Becky heads out, but what will she do?

 

Raw Tag Team Championships: Bobby Roode & Chad Gable VS The Revival!

The GLORIOUS Duo once again face Dash Wilder & Scott Dawson. There was controversy the first few times, but surely the #TopGuys will get fair treatment while also playing fair. Will Dash & Dawson finally #SayYeah to a tag title reign on the main roster?

Raw returns and the introductions are made. The belts are raised and the teams sort out. Gable starts against Dash with the bell. They tie up and Dash gets a headlock. Gable endures and powers out. Dash runs Gable over then speeds things up. Gable hip tosses Dash down! Gable gets Dash in a mounted armlock, but Dash works his way out quick. Dash pulls hair but Gable wrenches, only for Dash to scoop slam! Tag to Dawson but Gable pushes him away. Gable arm-drags Dawson to an armlock, but Dawson gets up. Dawson reaches but Gable wrenches. Dawson rolls and reverses to a wristlock but Gable avoids a takedown. Gable endures as Dawson wrenches more. Fans rally up and Gable rolls to bridge and spin and handspring. Gable spins and spins and gets a drop toehold, back to the armlock!

Gable wrenches but Dawson pulls hair and hits a big uppercut! Roode tags in but Dawson rocks Roode with a cheap shot right. Dawson whips but Roode reverses. Dawson goes up and over and Roode has to fight off Dash. Roode still gets Dash, and Gable leaps in for double clotheslines! The champs double EXPLODER the Revival out of the ring! Fans fire up as Gable builds speed. Roode helps Gable lift off, but Gable has to stop when the Revival get clear. Gable jumps over Dash and Roode dropkicks Dash into Dawson! Gable climbs up high, SUPER MOONSAULT onto The Revival! The champions are in control while we go to break.

Raw returns and Dash has Roode down with a cobra clutch. Roode fights up as fans rally. Roode fights back with body shots but Dash shoves and rams into Roode’s stomach. Tag to Dawson and The Revival double whip. Roode holds ropes and boots Dash away. Roode tosses Dawson out and dodges Dash in the corner! Dash tumbles down but Roode has to crawl a long way towards Gable. Dawson crawls back in but Gable stags in! Gable rallies on Dawson! Dash runs in but gets an arm-drag! Gable goes back to Dawson for corner punches. Dash stops Gable at 7 but gets a crossbody! Dawson runs into an atomic drop and Dash runs into an overhead suplex! Gable fires up as he targets Dawson. Dawson elbows and runs, but into an Electric Chair. Gable lets him down, German Suplex with a bridge! TWO!!

Gable keeps his cool as he drags Dawson back up. He whips but Dawson sunset flips. Gable sits on it, TWO! Dash returns but misses. Roode throws Dash out but Dash stays on the apron. The ref tells Roode to go to his corner, but Gable runs into a Revival flapjack hotshot! Cover, TWO!! Gable survives and Dawson is furious! Dawson drops legs and elbows and a headbutt! He drags Gable up for a big back suplex! Tag to Dash, and Dash becomes a human weapon for the assisted leg drop! Cover, TWO! Tag back and The Revival mug Gable. Dawson snapmares Gable to a chinlock and puts on the squeeze. Fans rally up as Gable stands up.

Gable arm-drags Dawson off but Dawson shoves him back. Gable fights out and slips out of the suplex. Dawson grabs hair to keep Gable away! Gable runs into Dash and back suplexes Dawson! Both men are down but fans fire up. Dash trips Roode but Roode pushes him away. Roode chases Dash but Gable misses his tag. Dawson blasts Roode and then drags Gable over! Tag to Dash and they give Gable an elbow drop backbreaker! Cover, TWO!! Gable still lives but Dash throws hands. Dash drags Gable up but Gable slips out. Dawson tags in, CHAOS THEORY for Dash! German Suplex for Dawson! But Roode is still down so Gable can’t tag out! We go to break while all four men are down.

Raw returns once again, and Gable slams Dawson down to catapult him into buckles! Fans rally up, hot tags to Dash and Roode! Roode rallies on The Revival, and gives Dash a big back drop! Dawson runs into a urenage! Dash runs into a gourd buster onto Dawson! Roode fires up as he tackles them both in the corner! Roode hops up and aims at Dash, but Dash gets clear. He clotheslines Dawson instead, then gives Dash a GLORIOUS Spinebuster! Cover, TWO! Roode is shocked but The Revival still lives. Dash crawls away but Roode winds it up. GLORIOUS but Dawson saves Dash from the DDT! Dash rolls Roode, TWO! Tag and Dash bucks Roode off. Gory Special, BULLDOG! Cover, TWO!! Roode lives and The Revival can’t believe it!

Dawson tags Dash and they double whip. Roode sunset flips, Gable crossbodies! Cover, TWO! Dash runs into boots and Roode tags to Gable. Gable hops up, but dash scoops. Roode slips out, Gable moonsaults but misses. Gable waistlocks Dash while Roode climbs, GLORIOUS Blockbuster and German Suplex combo! Cover, but Dawson breaks it just in time! Fans realize “This is Awesome!” as all four men catch their breath. Roode runs at Dawson but Dawson tosses him out. Gable hits Dawson with a rolling kick, then wheelbarrows Dash to a victory roll! TWO and Dash gets to the apron. Dash shoulders back then climbs up, but Gable leaps up to join him! They fight, Dawson tags. Dash sunset flips and Dawson climbs, Doomsday Device! Cover, but Roode pushes Dash into it! All four men are down and fans are loving it!

Fans again declare “This is Awesome!” as the teams regroup. The Revival stand up first and drag Gable up. They double suplex but Roode saves Gable. Roode ducks their clotheslines and shoves Dash into Dawson. Roode then tosses Dawson out and Gable climbs up. Dawson DDT’s Roode! Gable leaps for a sunset flip with jackknife bridge! TWO!! Dash tags in even as Gable atomic drops Dawson. Gable is ready with haymakers, then whips Dawson. Dawson reverses, but Gable leaps, INTO SHATTER MACHINE!! Cover, The Revival win!!

Winners: The Revival, Dash Wilder pinning; NEW Raw Tag Team Champions

Vindication for Dash & Dawson! They faced controversy and even cleaned up their act, and now they are champions!

Backstage interview with The Revival.

It took them quite awhile, but here they are with the titles! Dash & Dawson love the sound of new Raw Tag Team Champions. They’ve been saying it for years that they are THE best tag team ever! It doesn’t matter if it’s Raw, SmackDown or around the world, they are THE best. They are truly #TopGuys, will they go all the way to Wrestlemania with the gold?

 

Becky Lynch heads to the ring!

The Man stands in the ring as Raw returns, and is joined by HHH and Stephanie. It’s the moment of truth, and after this long night, will cooler heads prevail? Is Becky going to live the dream or not? HHH wants Becky to believe that they want this as much as her. Stephanie says she meant it that Becky VS Ronda could be the biggest match ever! They could make history! But like in anything, you must accept the consequences of your actions. They apologized to her, but will she do the same to them? It’s just two little words against a chance at history. Fans don’t want Becky to do it, but HHH tells her to ignore them. This isn’t the fans’ time, it’s just the three of them. Don’t let strangers dictate your future. What does Becky want? Does she want Wrestlemania? It’s time. What is her decision?

Becky still thinks the Authority is against her. And everyone’s been telling her things whether she wants advice or not. She admits she got defensive, and she admits the fans wanted to see her fight them. Becky hit Stephanie and slapped HHH, but if Becky just has to say two little words, then… Fans sense a certain alternative, but HHH again wants Becky to ignore it. Becky looks Stephanie and HHH in the eyes and says, “I’m sorry.” But with that out of the way, the deal is set. Becky gets to go right after Ronda, right? Because if anyone tries to take this dream from her now, they’ll be in the fight of their lives. It doesn’t matter who it is, no one is taking the dream from Becky. HHH says he wouldn’t have it any other way. “Congratulations, you’re going to Wrestlemania.” They shake hands, and that’s it.

Wait, that’s it? Yes, really. Becky finally feels great! “Ron-Ron”, it’s you and The Man! Metlife in New York, 70 thousand people! And speaking of, here comes Ronda! Becky and Ronda stare down but VINCE McMahon appears?! Before anything silly happens, Vince agrees with Stephanie. This match could be one of the greatest matches of all time. Emphasis on “could be”. But Becky thinks she’s bigger than WWE, and so does Ronda. Becky’s not The Man, Vince is! And The Man makes tough decisions. Here’s one: Becky’s still suspended! He doesn’t accept that apology, and the 60 days means Becky misses Mania. That means someone needs to replace her to face Ronda.

Vince chooses a woman who will stay in her lane but still take Ronda to the limit. That woman is CHARLOTTE FLAIR! The Queen steps up and neither Ronda nor Becky is happy about this. Vince wants Ronda to get used to this, because Charlotte’s hand will be raised! Vince already declares Charlotte the winner, but will that really be the case? Will Becky find away around Vince’s executive screwjob?

 


 

My Thoughts:

Well this was a haphazard episode. It started off rather well with The Authority trying to treat Becky Lynch like she’s somewhere between Stone Code and the Old Daniel Bryan. Becky having to make the decision became the main thread of the show, to where it unfortunately derailed from other segments. I honestly thought Elias being interrupted by her talk with Finn was a miscue of the production team. But then Elias kept having to deal with distractions and I almost thought it was Road Dogg messing with him. Instead, it’s Elias’ new carry-over feud until he, Roadie and Double J meet again. I’m thinking Elias splits the Lucha House Party but with him coming out on top to be strong going into his true feud with Jarrett.

I enjoyed the Triple Threat Tag, that stipulation was a good idea. But of course, the top Faces of the entire match end up behind the 8-ball. Bayley and Sasha starting and running the gauntlet will definitely legitimize them as winning as opposed to coming in somewhere in the middle, since it’s almost a given they’ll win anyway. Though, Sasha being taken out of action again is a bad sign for her actual ability to compete. Hopefully they’re just letting her take it easy so that she’ll actually be 100% for the Chamber. Ruby VS Nikki was good, but the feel of it was ruined by the Becky-Ronda segment. We know Ruby won’t win, but it’s not like Vince didn’t throw a monkey wrench into the plan.

Finn’s story was a huge chunk of the middle, and was fairly solid. McIntyre being his opponent obviously brings in the story of Angle and Strowman. The resulting Six Man Tag match was really good, but I was surprised it took two referees to change the decision. The primary official noticed Finn had the ropebreak, he could’ve just waved it off and said the matched continued then and there. But that aside, of course Finn and the Faces win. Now Finn can do that weird Handicap Intercontinental Championship match. The only reason for that would be so that Finn can pin Lio to get the title instead of overcoming Lashley. Which is stupid, Finn needs to show he can beat Lashley directly, but I guess that’s just Vince not thinking Finn is good enough.

Rollins and Heyman had a good segment together, I really like this all-or-nothing attitude in Rollins. That level of determination might be what Rollins needs in story to be the one to truly overcome Lesnar. Ambrose giving Rollins a slightly encouraging talk was an interesting choice. But perhaps with their story finished and Ambrose possibly on his way out, they might as well let bygones be bygones and be somewhat friendly with each other. Ambrose VS EC3 II was pretty good, but another quick pinfall means we’re getting round 3 in the future. I don’t know about at Elimination Chamber, that’s almost too soon. I’m hoping for a full story where EC3 actually gets to give promos, and we settle this at Fastlane.

The Raw Tag Team Championship match was great! Probably the best thing of the night, and the best tag match on Raw’s side of things in months. And at last, The Revival gets to be champions! Granted, this is about WWE not wanting to lose potential stars to AEW, but hey, title reigns are still title reigns. Fans are happy, The Revival should be happy, and hopefully The Revival retain all the way to Wrestlemania and beyond. But of course, this also all has to happen with fair treatment of Raw’s Tag Team Division. Though speaking of that, it’s literally not fair in both kayfabe and in reality for Vince to pull such executive shenanigans.

Becky apologizes, even if it was just for show, but then Vince just pulls the rug out from under everyone. I knew the Triple Threat was inevitable but Vince can’t even do it the smart way. Make Charlotte earn it, make her reestablish herself. Vince literally does what fans have always accused him of doing for others and he makes Charlotte his chosen one. Becky will still get in, raising Hell in the process, and I would hope she gets to put Vince in a Disarm-Her and forces him to put her back in the match. As a match, the Triple Threat will still be great, but now we have no idea what Asuka does for Mania. SmackDown will need to build up someone fast. Perhaps Lacey Evans as the one call-up that hasn’t done anything yet.

My Score: 7.5/10


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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; wins and advance to WrestleMania.
  • Last Woman Standing: Becky Lynch VS Nia Jax; 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?

 

 


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

The semifinals are here!

Published

on

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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