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Mitchell’s WWE Monday Night Raw Results & Report! (2/25/19)

Roman Reigns returns to Raw with an update on his condition!

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Roman Reigns returns to Raw! What will his medical update say about his battle with leukemia? Plus, we celebrate Ric Flair’s 70th Birthday!

 

OFFICIAL RESULTS

  • The Revival VS Aleister Black & Ricochet; Black & Ricochet win.
  • Ronda Rousey & Natalya VS The Riott Squad; Rousey & Natalya win, by disqualification.
  • Open Challenge: Jinder Mahal w/ the Singh Brothers VS ???; Kurt Angle wins.
  • WWE Intercontinental Championship: Finn Balor VS Lio Rush; Finn wins and retains the WWE Intercontinental Championship.
  • Braun Strowman VS Bobby Lashley; No Contest.
  • No Disqualifications: Dean Ambrose VS Drew McIntyre; McIntyre wins.
  • Bayley w/ Sasha Banks VS Nia Jax w/ Tamina; Bayley wins.

PLAY BY PLAY

October 22, 2018 – Roman Reigns revealed his real fight.

The Big Dog wanted to be a workhorse, but he couldn’t. “The reality is, my real name is Joe, and I’ve been living with Leukemia for 11 years.” And it returned. Roman could not fulfill his role as fighting champion, and would relinquish the WWE Universal Championship. But by no means is Roman retired. He has faith that he’ll whoop Leukemia again and will return home to the WWE.

 

Tonight, February 25, 2019 – Roman Reigns returns to Raw!

The Big Dog heads down the ramp as Atlanta gives him a standing ovation. Roman high-fives and shakes hands with all the fans in the front row, as well as giving hugs to his family. He takes a moment to soak it all in before entering the ring. Atlanta continues to give him the ovation as well as chant “Welcome Back!” Roman picks up a mic and knows he’ll say this a lot, but starts with “Thank you.” Atlanta says “You are Welcome!” Roman admits, he misses them. Seriously, there is no other job like pro-wrestling. There is no other fanbase like the WWE Universe. Fans let him know “This is Your Yard!” Roman admits he’s adlibbing, but this isn’t his Yard, this is “Our Yard”.

Roman’s a man of faith, has always believed in God and the blessings He gave, but that night in October, Roman was scared. He wasn’t sure about sharing that secret. Mostly because he wasn’t sure how fans would react. When he arrived home, the outreach in texts, calls, Tweets, Instagram and Facebook, “If there was a way to get to me, y’all figured out how to do it.” The amount of thoughts and prayers sent his way was completely overwhelming and appreciated. Not just WWE fans but everyone. Anyone and everyone who knew him was surrounding him with love and support. So many people prayed for Roman, God’s voicemail was full. God must’ve wondered what was going on just for one man. But that was how strong it was to feel the love and grace of other people. The strength they gave him made Roman feel he could do anything.

Fans take a moment to chant “Thank You, Roman!” before Roman continues. That overwhelming support gave him “new life” and a new purpose. In the WWE, a lot of purpose is to win and climb the mountain. But now, Roman only wants to make his return. And if he does, he’ll use this WWE global platform to raise awareness and support others in need. Fans cheer on that new mission.

Roman knows this was advertised as an update, so now it’s time for that update. When Roman made his announcement in October, he vowed to swing for the fences. “We did better than that, y’all.” They not only swung for the fences, they hit that home run. Roman is again so grateful and humbled, to announce that- “Wrestlemania!” No, no, let’s walk before we can run. But the good news is that he is in remission! Atlanta loves to hear that! And with that said, The Big Dog IS back! Fans bark for the Big Dog, and then chant “Welcome back!” Before Roman takes his leave, he wants to say it again. “Thank you so much, y’all.” Roman loves the fans and the fans love him. When and where will Roman return to full action?

 

Seth Rollins heads to the ring!

The Architect times it right and meets Roman at the top of the ramp. The Shield brothers embrace after hearing the amazing news.

 

The Revival VS Aleister Black & Ricochet

Dash Wilder & Scott Dawson are the NEW Raw Tag Team Champions, but they already lost to the NXT Champion and North American Champion last week. This week, they face the Embodiment of the End and the King of Flight. Will the #TopGuys be able to break even against the new guys?

But before the bell, The Revival attacks! They send Ricochet tumbling out and club away on Aleister! Fans boo as the Revival double hip. Aleister slips through and Ricochet returns with a crossbody! Jumping neckbreaker for Dawsno and a handspring headscissor and dropkick for Dash! Aleister fakes them both out, but Ricochet DIVES! Ricochet takes out Dash, Aleister FLIES onto Dawson! The chaos calms while we go to break!

Raw returns and teams have sorted out. Dash has Ricochet in a keylock but Ricochet reaches for Aleister. Ricochet fights back with forearms but Dash suplexes. Ricochet lands on his feet and leaps over Dash, tag to Aleister! Aleister rallies on Dash and then sweeps the legs to drive in the knee! He roundhouses Dawson, then springboard quebradas Dash! Cover, TWO! Aleister keeps on Dash while the GLORIOUS Duo watch backstage. Bobby Roode and Chad Gable like what they see as Aleister hauls Dash up. Dawson saves Dash from the German Suplex and tags in. Dawson climbs while Dash swings on Aleister. Aleister dodges and hits Dawson but Dash hits Aleister. Aliester knees out of the suplex but Dawson leaps for a sunset flip! High stack cover, TWO!

Aleister fires off counter punches on Dawson, but gets caught in a DDT! Cover, ROPEBREAK! Dawson tries again, TWO! The Revival are frustrated but Dawson drags Aleister up for an electric chair. Dash climbs up but RIcochet shoves him down! Aleister slips away, Ricochet moonsaults onto Dash! Aleister rolls Dawson but Dawsno sits on it! TWO! BLACK MASS!! Cover, Aleister and Ricochet win!

Winners: Aleister Black & Ricochet, Black pinning

A big win for the Dark and the Flight! Will there be a tag title opportunity waiting for them when they make the full-time jump?

 

Backstage interview with Baron Corbin.

The former GM made light of things like Roman Reigns’ fight with leukemia, and even hoped Roman would never return. Is there any concern now that he’s returning? Why is everyone living in the past? Corbin gets it, they’re desperate for a story. But he never said those things. They have footage of it, though. Okay, okay, it was all out of context given the stress of being in charge and in the ring. No one can understand what he was going through. Running Raw was more difficult than dealing with a disease? Corbin says that for Roman’s sake, they better not cross paths.

 

Shawn Michaels is spotted on the Raw Red Carpet.

HBK spots Johnny Gargano and they talk while being interviewed. What part will the Hall of Famer play in Ric Flair’s birthday party?

 

Ladies and Gentlemen: Elias.

The Drifter is in Atlanta, but he’s immediately interrupted by Lacey Evans! The Model Soldier walks and waves and then leaves without a word. But she’s not the only one to interrupt Elias, Dean Ambrose appears! The Lunatic Fringe sees all this celebrating and he’s in a festive mood. He’s nostalgic, if you know what he means. There’s positivity flowing through him and he feels dangerous. Ambrose issues an open challenge for a rematch with Drew McIntyre. But he wants everyone to hear this part: NO DISQUALIFICATIONS!

Elias ignores Ambrose’s wishes but Ambrose interrupts again. Trying to play him off like this is the Academy Awards? No, because if it was, Elias would have a second standing ovation. What Ambrose did was interrupt his song about loving Atlanta. Atlanta is so fascinating. It is fully capable of hosting a Super Bowl. Winning it is a different story. Ambrose is actually a big fan, and he has a request. Does Elias any Temple of the Dog? Yes. Nightranger? Yes. Yankee Doodle? Of course. Thunderstruck? Yes. How about… Dirty Deeds? Just saying. Elias could play anything, but he swings at Ambrose! Only to GET Dirty Deeds! Ambrose heads out despite fans, and Renee, wanting an encore. Will Ambrose get his request of a No DQ redo with the Scottish Terminator?

Elias sits up, but he still gets interrupted by the Riott Squad! Ruby, Liv and Sarah want to settle the score with the Baddest Woman on the Planet, after the break!

 

Ronda Rousey & Natalya VS The Riott Squad!

The Rowdy Raw Women’s Champion has run through the entire Squad on her own, but she teams with good friend in the Queen of Harts to take them all at once. Will Ronda roll right down the Road to Wrestlemania? Or will Ruby, Liv & Sarah prove to be a riotous roadblock?

The teams sort out and Sarah starts against Natty. The Kentucky Viking spinebusters Natty down fast! She fires hands off on Natty against ropes! She clubs Natty down then taunts Ronda. Sarah kicks Natty to the corner and tags in Ruby. Ruby snapmares Natty to kick her in the back. Cover, TWO! Natty powers Ruby to the corner and tags in Ronda! Ronda and Natty work together to double suplex Ruby down! Liv barks from the apron to distract Ronda, Ruby STO’s Ronda down! Ruby brings Ronda over to stomp a mudhole into Ronda, then tags Sarah. Sarah keeps up those stomps and throws right hands. Sarah tags back to Ruby and they both stomp Ronda down.

Ruby drags Ronda out but Ronda reaches for Natty. Ronda fights back buy Ruby whips her to the corner. Ronda hits Sarah then Ruby, then tags Natty! Natty rallies on Ruby but Ruby reverses the whip. Natty dodges in the corner to rebound sit-down Ruby! She hits Sarah down, then walks all over Ruby. Liv trips Natty and brags about it, but Ronda comes around the side. Liv turns around, into a Rowdy Hart Attack! Natty throws Ruby back in but Sarah shotgun knees Natty down! The Squad brings the riot while we go to break.

Raw returns and The Squad isolates Natty. Sarah uses Ruby for a human weapon, leg drop! Cover, TWO! Ruby keeps on Natty with a chinlock but fans rally up. Natty endures but Ruby keeps on the grind. Fans chant and Natty powers up to fight out. Ruby grabs hair to throw Natty down! High stack cover, TWO! Ruby argues but the ref tells her it was a two. Ruby intercepts Natty and powers her to the Squad’s corner. Tag to Sarah, and Ruby whips her in for a big corner splash. Sarah eggs Natty on but Natty fights out of the corner! Natty scrambles for Ronda but Sarah catches her! Sarah drags and drops a senton on Natty! Sarah howls but fans boo and jeer. She drags Natty up in an inverted cloverleaf! Natty endures as Sarah pulls and bends her back.

Fans rally up as Natty grits her teeth. Natty powers out of the hold! Sarah swings on Ronda but gets swatted. Natty crawls and tags Ronda! Ronda rallies on Sarah with judo throws! Ronda fires off body shots but Ruby runs in! Ruby ends up stacked on top and gets body shots for herself! Ronda throws Sarah again, then knocks Liv off the apron! Huge shining wizard! Cover, but Ruby breaks it! Ruby throws Natty out but Natty drags her out with her. Discus clothesline takes Ruby out! Ronda drags Sarah up into the fireman’s carry, for Piper’s Pit! Cover, but Becky Lynch appears!? The Man again violates suspension and DECKS Natty!

Winners: Natalya & Ronda Rousey, by disqualification

Becky doesn’t care about anything but going after Ronda! So Ronda goes after her! Security does their best but its’ a fight with those crutches! Fans are thunderous as security reinforcements arrive! They barely pull Ronda and Becky apart, but Ronda fights them off! Becky almost gets loose but Ronda gets at her first! More serious authorities arrive and Atlanta police have to haul Becky away! Ronda wants to rip into Becky but the referees, security and police keep between them. Becky is cuffed and booked! Will Becky be forced to watch the rest of Raw behind bars?

 

Raw returns as Ronda helps Natalya to the back.

The Queen of Harts got the sucker punch from Becky but she’s up and walking again. As for Ronda, she storms to the ring and goes to the ring. “It’s time to end this!” She demands Vince McMahon to show himself! Ronda paces, but gets Stephanie McMahon instead. Stephanie wants Ronda to remain calm. Ronda gets to the point: reinstate Becky, add her to Wrestlemania! Stephanie knows Ronda is upset, and we all saw why. But reinstating Becky is the least of our problems. Becky has been arrested. Then take care of that, too! Drop the charges, reinstate Becky, tell “daddy” all of this. Just do it!

But it’s not that easy. Stephanie reminds Ronda that her opponent is Charlotte Flair. It’s not what anyone wanted and it didn’t go the way anyone wanted, but Becky is a loose cannon! Becky did this to Becky. So instead of the Road to Wrestlemania, Becky’s on the road to jail. But isn’t this about what’s best for business? Ronda wants it, fans want it, it’s what that “ginger douche” wants! The first-ever Women’s Main Event at Mania! Think about what this would mean to Stephanie’s legacy. Think about what it would mean to Stephanie’s daughters. Fans chant “Triple Threat!” but Stephanie says no. Ronda says no to Stephanie, and demands Becky be brought back NOW! Stephanie doesn’t want Ronda to talk like that to her. Vince was right, Ronda’s no better than Becky with a bad attitude. Nobody is bigger than the WWE!

Ronda says no one controls her. She’s bled enough to be set for life. She is not a worker bee, she is RONDA ROUSEY! Ronda carries the title as long as it carries the best of the best. But it means nothing now! It’s just a gaudy accessory. Ronda will not stand here endorsing the violation of this title! Vince says he’s able to make the tough decisions, but it’s time to make the right decision. Ronda puts the belt down, and leaves the ring. Stephanie sees Ronda’s Rowdy Ultimatum, but what is her response?

 

Triple H finds Stephanie backstage.

They talk about Ronda’s sudden actions. Will they be able to convince Vince to do as Ronda asked?

 

Jinder Mahal and the Singh Brothers are in the ring.

Fans boo The Modern Day Maharaja as he says that “All of this talk about Ric Flair’s birthday. What has Ric Flair ever done?” Does Mahal not know his wrestling history? But it’s really that he’s upset that he wasn’t invited to the part. No party is complete without the Maharaja and the Bollywood Boys! Mahal issues an open challenge to those on the guest list! As far as Mahal is concerned, the party’s over!

Open Challenge: Jinder Mahal w/ the Singh Brothers VS ???

The man to answer the challenge: KURT ANGLE! The Olympic Gold Medalist is naturally on the guest list, but will Mahal ruin the fun for him already?

The bell rings and the Singh Brothers distract Angle. Mahal boots Angle down! Cover, TWO! Mahal keeps on Angle with elbows to the head and knees to the back. Mahal stomps Angle down then throws haymakers to put Angle in a corner. Fans rally for Angle while Mahal says Shanti. Mahal snapmares Angle to a chinlock, but Angle endures. Fans rally up and Angle feeds off the energy. Angle fights out but Mahal wrangles him back down! Cover, TWO! Mahal drives in more elbows and puts on a half nelson with chinbar. Angle endures again, and fans rally up again. Mahal puts his weight on Angle but Angle powers his way back up. Mahal throws hands but Angle counter punches! Angle gets a BIG German Suplex!

Fans fire up as Angle and Mahal are slow to standing. Angle is up first and stalks Mahal. Mahal stands, and gets another German! And then another! And the hat trick! Angle fires up and blasts the Singhs down! Mahal grabs Angle but Angle arm-drags and drop toeholds, to the Ankle Lock! Mahal taps, Angle wins!

Winner: Kurt Angle, by submission

The Singh Brothers run in but they get German Suplexes, too! The Olympic Gold Medalist still has what it takes! Will Angle make a big move on this Road to Wrestlemania?

 

It’s time for another Moment of Bliss!

The Goddess is on stage as Raw returns. Before getting started, Alexa just wants to say, “Bye, Ronda.” Don’t let the red carpet smack you on the butt on your way out. As a three-time Raw Women’s Champion, she would never have insulted the title the way Ronda did. But if the McMahons want someone to take Ronda’s place, they know where to find Alexa.

As for tonight’s episode, it will be Extraordinary, for her guest is the NEW Intercontinental Champion, Finn Balor! Finn walks out with jacket and belt as fans give him a great ovation. Alexa welcomes him to the show and he’s happy to be here. At Elimination Chamber, Finn beat both Lio Rush and Bobby Lashley to win the title. Finn must be on top of the world. But one downside is that the title covers up those great abs. Let those bad boys breath. Is Bliss trying to make him blush? Alexa makes him a deal: show off the abs, and she’ll- Here comes Lio Rush!

The Man of the Hour stares Finn down as he says “This whole talk show is a sham.” Finn doesn’t deserve that title. Bobby Lashley deserves to be champion. Finn says if Lashley wants to challenge him, then just come find him. Lashley is preparing for Braun Strowman, so for now, Finn answers to Lio. Lio won’t stop until Lashley gets that belt back. Even if it means taking it himself. Wait is Lio challenging Finn for the title? So that Lio can prove he’s better? N-no! That’s not what this is. But that’s what it sounds like. Finn isn’t sure what anyone else will say, but he believes Lio is deserving of opportunity. Finn accepts the challenge! It makes perfect sense, really. Finn pinned Lio, Lio should get the rematch.

Lio won’t let Finn stir the pot but too late. Finn asks Atlanta if they want to see Finn VS Lio, for the title, tonight? “Yes! Yes!” Alexa asks if Lio isn’t man enough to do the job himself. Lio accepts Finn’s offer! Those tighty-whities don’t make you tough! Lio wants time to prepare, but Alexa says that match is now. Fine, just give him a proper entrance. His theme plays, and Lio heads to the ring. Will the 24 Year Old Piece of Gold finally get some gold for himself?

WWE Intercontinental Championship: Finn Balor VS Lio Rush!

Raw returns as the belt is raised and the match begins! Lio and Finn circle and tie up. Finn puts Lio in a corner but Lio slips out. The chase is on as Lio redirects himself and tilt-o-whirls Finn! He adds a dropkick and covers, ONE! Lio talks trash but Finn shrugs it off. They circle again and tie up. Finn gets a headlock, and holds on as Lio tries to power out. Finn gets the takeover but Lio gets the headscissors, only for Finn to slip out. They get up, Lio handsprings and mule kicks to enziguri! Dropkick sends Finn out! Lio builds speed but Finn comes in to run him over with an elbow!

Finn stalks Lio to the ropes to stomp away. Lio bails out and Finn backs off, only for Finn to wreck Lio with a dropkick! Finn hurries to the apron, but Lio intercepts the Penalty Kick! Lio springboards to ASAI! Direct hit, but Lio keeps moving. Lio DIVES with a tope! And then AGAIN! Lio puts Finn in fast, then climbs up top. Lio leaps, Final Hour gets knees! Both men are down but Finn catches his breath and stands up. Finn stomps Lio more despite the bad knee. He puts Lio in a corner and CHOPS! Finn whips Lio corner to corner and still CHOPS again. Finn whips again but Lio goes up and over. Slingblade! Finn aims from the other end, runs, but Lio dropkicks the legs out! Finn clutches the leg but Lio is on him with stomps and an elbow drop to the knee.

Lio pulls on the leg but Finn fights back. Lio stands and stomps the leg more. Then he yanks it! Lio keeps on the knee with another toehold but fans rally for Finn. Finn kicks with his free leg, driving the knee into Lio’s back. Finn gets free but Lio is right back on him, only to get an enziguri! Both men are down while Finn clutches his leg and Lio shakes out the stars. Finn catches the kick to CHOP Lio again. Finn throws forearms into the back then drops Lio with an elbow drop DDT! He drags Lio up in a dragon sleeper, but Lio slips out of 1916 to roll Finn up! TWO, but Lio spins for a roundhouse! Cover, TWO!! Finn lives and Lio grows frustrated.

Lio sees Finn is in a drop zone so he climbs up top. Moonsault but Finn dodges! Finn clotheslines Lio off his feet! Finn sees Lio is in the drop zone and he drags himself to the corner. He climbs up now, but Lio springs up! Lio trips Finn, then throws haymakers. Lio positions Finn and climbs up to join him. SUPER STEINER, SUNSET FLIP! But Lio rolls through and stacks Finn, TWO! Lio kicks away but Finn throws forearms. Lio kicks, Finn forearms, repeat. Finn CHOPS, but Lio mule kicks the leg. Lio runs, springboards, but gets caught into the 1916! Finn hurries to the top rope, even on one leg! Finn leaps, COUP DE GRACE!! Cover, Finn wins!

Winner: Finn Balor, by pinfall; still WWE Intercontinental Champion

The Extraordinary Man proves he’s extraordinarily tough by winning on one leg! Will Lio be back for more? Will the Almighty Lashley want his own rematch? Or will someone else move up on the Road to Wrestlemania?

 

Tucker Knight encounters The Ascension.

Konnor tells Viktor they’ve got some fresh meat. But where’s the pet pig, Otis? Probably dumpster diving. Watch what you say about Dozer. He’s got a big temper. Probably not as big as his gut. Or his neck. What neck? He’s like a bowling ball on a boulder. Tucker warns them, Otis may not be smart but he is sensitive. Otis comes along and sees The Ascension. Tucker tells Otis what The Ascension says about being a pig and a bowling ball, and dumpster diving for food. Dozer SMASH! “That’s what you get for messing with Heavy Machinery!” Will everyone on Raw and SmackDown learn not to make light of these heavy hitters?

 

Bobby Lashley is furious with Lio Rush.

That was supposed to be LASHLEY’s shot, but then Lio gets it for himself. And then he loses anyway! Lio, look at him. You had one job. He can’t be worried about Lio when he has Strowman to worry about. Can he trust Lio? He can’t hear you! Can he trust Lio. Yes. Lashley’s music hits, and Lio accompanies Lashley to the ring.

Braun Strowman VS Bobby Lashley!

The Monster Among Men owes Baron Corbin’s entire pack some payback after what they did to him at Elimination Chamber. Strowman already put Corbin through a table, but what will he do to the Rocky Mountain Machine?

Lashley attacks Strowman from behind! He doesn’t let this match begin as he rams in shoulders and throws hands on the Monster. Lashley kicks a leg out then clubs away on Strowman’s back. Fans boo Lashley as he knocks Strowman down. Lashley cravats then drags Strowman to a corner to bump off buckles. Lashley throws body shots and goes to suplex, but Strowman’s just too big and strong! Strowman gourd busters Lashley instead! Strowman runs but into an elbow. Lashley runs but into a boot! Strowman runs corner to corner to squash Lashley! Then he clubs Lashley down with one hand! Fans roar with Strowman as Lashley bails out. Lio checks on Lashley, but Strowman comes out and around the corner! Strowman runs Lashley over, then comes back for Lio!

Strowman lets Lashley know that he’s coming for all three of them! Corbin got a table, and Lashley got run over! Will Drew McIntyre be the one to #GetTheseHands?

No Contest

 

Backstage interview with Seth Rollins!

The Architect has a pep in his step after hearing the fantastic news. Rollins was so obsessed with Brock Lesnar lately, and his Wrestlemania match for the Universal Championship will be his biggest ever. But tonight, that’s secondary because he has his brother back. Roman is in remission and tonight is about love and celebration. Speaking of, Roman’s probably got some ice cold beverages waiting for him. Will chilling out now help Rollins #BurnItDown later?

 

Ric Flair arrives!

The Nature Birthday Boy is here! Time to party!

 

WWE superstars visit the site where Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated.

We can only imagine today the heartbreak of losing such a great man, and can only thank him in spirit for his hard work and sacrifice.

 

No Disqualifications: Dean Ambrose VS Drew McIntyre!

The Lunatic Fringe has been in the mood for a fight, and he wants to fight the Scottish Terminator again! But with the rules thrown out the window, will Ambrose be able to get even with McIntyre?

Ambrose rushes McIntyre on the ramp! They start brawling and Ambrose throws McIntyre into barriers! Ambrose throws McIntyre into more barriers, then into a post! McIntyre staggers away and gets his coat off to punch and CHOP Ambrose back. Ambrose hits back and bumps McIntyre off the apron! Ambrose runs and tackles McIntyre into a corner as the bell rings. Fans count as Ambrose gets 5 corner punches. Ambrose punches and chops and whips, but McIntyre kicks back. McIntyre runs but Ambrose dropkicks the legs out. Ambrose kicks McIntyre while he’s down, then takes off a belt! Ambrose is wearing two belts?! McIntyre boots Ambrose away before he can be whiplash’d, and then he picks up that belt! He WHAPS Ambrose, then WHAPS again! McIntyre WHAPS Ambrose against the ropes! And then across the chest!

Ambrose writhes but McIntyre ditches the belt to drag Ambrose up. McIntyre pushes and SPINEBUSTERS, jackknife cover, TWO! McIntyre takes the belt back to WHAP Ambrose more! He makes it a leather fist but Ambrose dodges to punch and chop! Ambrose clotheslines McIntyre out, then builds speed, to DIVE! But McIntyre catches him to slam him into the barrier! And then slam him into more barriers before throwing Ambrose overhead! McIntyre looks to make Ambrose regret making this challenge, but we go to break.

Raw returns and Ambrose leaves McIntyre leaning against barriers while he climbs up. Ambrose LEAPS for a Lunatic Elbow! He clobbers McIntyre back into the barriers! Ambrose fires off furious hands and goes to whip McIntyre, but McIntyre reverses to send Ambrose at steel steps. Ambrose stops himself, then dodges to let McIntyre run into the steps himself! He puts McIntyre in the ring and rolls McIntyre, TWO! McIntyre swings but misses and Ambrose hits a neckbreaker! Cover, TWO! Ambrose keeps his cool and hears the fans calling for the belt. Ambrose picks the belt up and grins as he gets to WHAP, WHAP, WHAP away on McIntyre! McIntyre can’t cover up enough for Ambrose’s furious lashing. But McIntyre gets up to give Ambrose a Glasgow Kiss! The headbutt sends Ambrose out of the ring!

McIntyre is still stinging but he follows Ambrose out. McIntyre picks up steel steps, and runs at Ambrose! Ambrose drop toeholds and McIntyre crashes into the steps himself! Ambrose bounces McIntyre off the steps again and again and again! He drags McIntyre up and fans fire up, but here comes Elias! Elias SMASHES Ambrose with the guitar! The Drifter gets away with it, and puts Ambrose in the ring for McIntyre. McIntyre accepts Elias’ help, then aims at Ambrose from the corner, CLAYMORE! Cover, McIntyre wins!

Winner: Drew McIntyre, by pinfall

And now Baron Corbin comes out, with Bobby Lashley! It seems Corbin’s pack of wolves have a new friend as Elias joins in on stomping Ambrose out! Corbin drags Ambrose up for a choke slam backbreaker! Lashley SPEARS Ambrose down, but here comes Seth Rollins! The Architect has a chair! And Roman Reigns! They take out Corbin and Lashley at the ramp! Rollins takes care of Elias while Roman SUPERMAN PUNCHES McIntyre! SUPERMAN PUNCH for Lashley! Curb Stomp for Elias! Roman fires up and lets out the battle cry, to SPEAR McIntyre! Roman and Rollins stand tall, but they leave Ambrose to pick himself up. The Big Dog really is back, but is The Shield back? Or will it take a little more time to heal those wounds?

 

Bayley w/ Sasha Banks VS Nia Jax w/ Tamina!

The Boss & Hug Connection are the inaugural WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions, but that just means the line of challengers is forming. The Samoan Dynasty have the first shot, and tonight the Irresistible Force looks to fire a first shot of her own. Will Nia and Tamina carve a path of destruction on the Road to Wrestlemania?

The bell rings and Nia shoves Bayley around. Nia runs in but misses in the corner, but she headbutts Bayley back. Nia runs but Bayley dumps her out. Bayley clubs away on Nia the moment she returns, and then manages a hip toss! Cover, ONE! Nia backs off to ropes but Bayley is on her with more furious hands. Bayley runs and forearms but Nia barely staggers. Nia grabs Bayley and shoves her right out! Sasha checks on her best friend while we go to break.

Raw returns and Nia scoops Bayley up for a bearhug. Bayley endures the squeeze while fans rally up. Bayley fights with elbows and scrambles to a sunset flip. Nia stays standing and drops down, but misses! Bayley runs to drop a knee but Nia dodges. Nia drops an elbow but Bayley dodges. Both women stand up and Bayley dropkicks a leg out. Bayley runs and bulldogs Nia down! Nia hurries to a corner but Sasha coaches Bayley up. Bayley runs in for a big shoulder tackle! Then wacky waving- Nia runs Bayley over! Nia mocks the wacky waving before raining rights down on Bayley! She lets up at 4 then stalks Bayley to the ropes. Nia drags Bayley up and tosses her across the ring! Nia chokes Bayley on the ropes but lets up at 4. She drags Bayley up for a cobra clutch and thrashes Bayley around.

Fans rally while Bayley endures. Nia squeezes tight but Bayley feeds off the energy. Bayley fights out with elbows and then a jawbreaker! Nia staggers while Bayley crawls to a corner. Nia storms over but is yanked into buckles! Bayley drags herself up and stomps a mudhole into Nia! Then she knees Nia right out of the ring! Nia hurries back up but gets a hotshot! Bayley fires forearms on Nia, then runs for a dropkick! Nia tumbles back down and Bayley waits. Bayley fires off on Nia as soon as she returns, and hits a big knee! Bayley leaps but is caught, Nia slams Bayley into the Tree of Woe! Fans boo as Nia goes corner to corner, for the Samoan hip attack! Nia stomps Bayley more but backs off at 4.

Sasha checks on Bayley, but Nia grabs her by the hair! Bayley hits Nia with a knee! Tamina runs in but is sent into steps! Bayley hits the Macho Elbow on Nia! Cover, Bayley wins!

Winner: Bayley, by pinfall

This round goes to the champs! Bayley and Sasha get momentum towards their title match, will Fastlane help them accelerate towards Wrestlemania?

 

Happy Birthday, Ric Flair!

The cake and balloons are in the ring while the superstars are on stage. Triple H and Stephanie McMahon head to the ring to officially begin the festivities. Mondays are already hectic, but the Road to Wrestlemania amps things up. Take tonight as an example. Roman Reigns returns to his Yard, Ronda Rousey issues an ultimatum, and Becky Lynch goes rogue and then goes to jail. But all of that will pale in comparison to why we’re here now: to celebrate the 70th birthday of the greatest pro-wrestler of all time! The Nature Boy, Ric Flair! But of course a party needs guests, so Stephanie introduces Shawn Michaels! HBK makes his way to the ring, having a bit of fun with the superstars on stage.

Of course, we also need Ric’s greatest rival, Ricky “the Dragon” Steamboat! The Dragon makes his way out, and playfully chops the superstars, such as Seth Rollins. Stephanie introduces the Olympic Gold Medalist, Kurt Angle! Angle high-fives and joins in on the “You Suck!” ovation from Atlanta. And last but not least, the Icon, STING! String shakes hands with the superstars, and lets out his own howling “WOO!” to Atlanta. A lot has been said about Ric over the years, there isn’t much more to add. The kiss-stealing, wheeling-dealing, stylin’ and profilin’, limousine-riding, jet-flying sonovagun, gets a video tribute! “What’s really causing all this? I’m gonna tell ya!” Bright lights, big cities and pretty ladies on top of the historic 16 world championship reigns, “It’s time to style and profile!”

Ric Flair will always be a champion, so he will receive a custom Big Gold Belt to immortalize his career. So without much more, HHH introduces The original Man himself, Ric Flair! Fans and superstars alike applaud, but where is Ric? Wait, is that Batista?! He’s dragging a camera man along into Ric’s dressing room, only to close the door behind him! Batista drags Ric out of his dressing room!? The Animal wants to know if he has HHH’s attention. HHH hurries to the back to confront Batista, while everyone else is speechless. HHH finds Ric, along with security and officials. Batista has since disappeared, but he’s the least of anyone’s concern. HHH and the others shout for doctors, will the Nature Boy be alright?

 


 

My Thoughts:

Wow, what a great Raw! Granted, pacing felt odd but that’s because Raw’s been doing more commercials than usual. But those aside, there was so much to love about tonight. First off, Roman Reigns is in remission and that is something to truly celebrate. This result came much sooner than I’m sure anyone expected, but it’s obviously well-received. And they wasted little time getting him going again, as they tease Baron Corbin thinking Roman should stay away, and then Roman helping Rollins save Ambrose. I’m thinking that, even with Roman and Rollins leaving Ambrose behind, the Wrestlemania moment they should build to is The Shield VS Corbin’s pack, even if it’s a handicap match. Shield wins, and whether Ambrose is taking time off or leaving for good, their last Shield fist bump will make for a great send-off.

I did not expect Aleister & Ricochet VS Revival but they did pretty good. Revival loses again, which might mean Ricochet and Aleister will temporarily be a team. This builds on what NXT has them doing by seemingly taking on The Undisputed Era as a tag team. Of the four newest NXT “call-ups”, I’m pretty sure Ciampa & Gargano are the ones to get the belts. But a crazy Triple Threat would be great, Revival VS DIY VS Ricochet & Black, to really elevate those titles. Because I’m a little worried Heavy Machinery is already going down a bad path. Making Otis into a hothead when he was never that in NXT, Vince is already taking too much control of the beef.

For just a moment, I really thought that was supposed to be a Handicap Match of the entire Riott Squad VS Ronda & Natty. Honestly, what would it have changed if it was? Liv Morgan got involved either way, and then the match doesn’t even have a clean finish. Becky shows up, attacks Natty because she got in the way, and then has only a partial scrap with Ronda before “being arrested”. The Stone Cold parallels are the most apparent they’ve ever been, but it’s not necessarily bad. Ronda threatening to quit was a good move, though. This will obviously compel the McMahons to bring Becky back and we have our Triple Threat. However, the McMahons won’t have to make a move on it yet, there’s still a lot of time. I picture the McMahons trying to talk Ronda out of it, and then cave to her demands around Fastlane.

Angle finally gets a win now that he’s back! Maybe he and Strowman, being that they have issue with Corbin, McIntyre and all that, will help The Shield, or at least Roman, come Wrestlemania. The match might even start as Corbin’s Pack VS Roman, Angle & Strowman, stuff happens and Ambrose jumps in to help them, thereby reuniting Shield. Apparently, Alexa Bliss is the Goddess of Flirting. She flirted with EC3, now Finn. Finn VS Lio for the title was great, adds more to this divide between Lio and Lashley. Maybe Lio turning will be another part of Corbin’s Pack VS The Shield & Friends. Lio really should get more title shots, but for Cruiserweights, I’m not sure if he’ll win the contender’s tournament to challenge Murphy at Mania.

Bayley VS Nia was pretty good, for yet another go of this same rematch. Obviously the champions have to stay strong so Bayley wins. I would think they’d make it through Fastlane, and then either take on a SmackDown team or a legendary team for Wrestlemania. Maybe even an NXT team if they really want *cough* Sky Pirates */cough*. Honestly it’s either legends or NXT or all at once, because the SmackDown teams alone don’t have time to be built into Wrestlemania ready contenders. But to everyone’s surprise, there is a Wrestlemania story ready in Batista VS HHH. I did not expect Batista to show up and “attack” Ric Flair like that, but wow! Instant heat between them and now they can build from here to Mania.

My Score: 8.4/10


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Coverage

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

Talk about a Big Time Raw!

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Will The Man be the Last Woman Standing?

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

OFFICIAL RESULTS

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

PLAY BY PLAY

Jey Uso is here!

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

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

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

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

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

 

Adam Pearce is on the phone.

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Winners: DIY, by pinfall (advance to WrestleMania)

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

 

Judgment Day meets backstage.

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

Winners: Candice LeRae & Indi Hartwell, by submission

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

 

Cody Rhodes makes his way to the ring.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

Nia Jax speaks.

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

 

Cody Rhodes returns backstage.

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

 

Dominik Mysterio w/ JD McDonagh VS Ricochet!

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

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

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

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

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

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

Winner: Ricochet, by pinfall

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

 

Sami Zayn is backstage.

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

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

 

Adam Pearce is in the ring.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

Sami confronts Gable now.

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

 

CM Punk speaks.

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

 

Drew McIntyre is here!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

Becky Lynch speaks.

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

Liv Morgan confronts Becky Lynch.

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

 

Cody walks with his dog, Pharaoh, backstage.

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

 

Last Woman Standing: Becky Lynch VS Nia Jax!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Winner: Becky Lynch

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


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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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