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Mitchell’s WWE Monday Night Raw Results & Report! (3/4/19)

Raw pulls into the Fastlane!

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Raw has so much to address on the Road to Wrestlemania! Will Ronda Rousey still be champion? What will Triple H have to say about Batista’s attack on Flair?

 

OFFICIAL RESULTS

  • Six Man Tag: Finn Balor, Braun Strowman & Kurt Angle VS Baron Corbin, Drew McIntyre & Bobby Lashley w/ Lio Rush; Corbin, McIntyre & Lashley win.
  • Natalya VS Ruby Riott w/ The Riott Squad; Natalya wins.
  • Raw Tag Team Gauntlet: Heavy Machinery wins.
  • Dean Ambrose VS Elias; Elias wins.
  • Tamina w/ Nia Jax VS Sasha Banks w/ Bayley; Tamina wins.
  • Raw Tag Team Championships: The Revival VS Aleister Black & Ricochet; The Revival win, by disqualification, and retain the Raw Tag Team Championships.

PLAY BY PLAY

Roman Reigns is here!

The Big Dog returns again after the amazing news that his leukemia is in remission! Philadelphia welcomes Roman with a standing ovation as he makes his way out on stage and down the ramp. Roman soaks up all the cheers as he enters the ring. “Last week in Atlanta, that was the comeback.” But tonight in Philly, it’s time to take The Yard back. Roman thought about his future, what he wants, and there’s only one man standing in his way. That man is his brother, Seth Rollins. In order for Roman to get what he wants, he has to address Rollins, so he asks Rollins come to the ring. Seth Rollins does appear and Philly’s ready to #BurnItDown! The Architect hopes to be the Beast Slayer judging from the brand new shirt he’s got on. But Rollins does join Roman in the ring to talk.

“Alright, before we get to all that,” Rollins says, he wants to tell Roman something. Roman winning the fight of his life, literally, that was a great moment in Rollins’ life. Rollins feels inspired. He’ll take all that to Wrestlemania and truly slay the Beast! And more importantly, Rollins vows to bring the WWE Universal Championship back to Raw every single week! With that said, Rollins has an idea where Roman’s head is at. Rollins understands what it’s like to vacate a title. If anyone else deserves a shot as much as Rollins, it’s Roman. Fans are a little conflicted on that, but Rollins agrees to talk it out. Roman thought Rollins knew everything. Because he’s wrong on this one.

The one man who watched over Raw while Roman was gone was Rollins. Rollins was the one to keep everything in line. No one has more confidence in Rollins than Roman, because Roman knows Rollins has what it takes. Roman simply wishes Rollins luck. But he does need a favor. Anything for Roman. Anything? Yes, anything. Well then, let’s get the band back together. Fans know what that means! Rollins knows he said “anything”, but not that. Rollins can’t forgive Ambrose for what he did and when he did it. Roman sees he has his work cut out for him. Fans chant “Shield! Shield!” Seems they want it as much as Roman.

Roman has a different perspective after what he went through. Tomorrow is never guaranteed, life is short. The most important thing is the relationships they have, and the Shield are brothers. Roman can’t tell what Ambrose is up to, but he wants one more main event with his brothers before they’re gone. What does Rollins say? Rollins thinks as the fans chant for the Shield. “Y’know what, I put that part of my life behind me. But you’re right.” Rollins admits life is too short, so if Roman wants the Shield one last time, then for Roman, he’s in! But what about the third? Roman calls for Dean Ambrose! And though Rollins doubts it’ll happen, Ambrose does appear! The Lunatic Fringe paces on stage as fans cheer. And Elias attacks!! The Drifter SMACKS Ambrose with his guitar then runs away!

Roman and Rollins hurry to Ambrose’s side, but they weren’t fast enough. Ambrose gets up, shoves Rollins away and storms off. Will Ambrose still accept their invitation after this?

 

Backstage interview with Baron Corbin, Drew McIntyre, Bobby Lashley & Lio Rush.

Their response to The Shield’s near reunion doesn’t seem to bother this pack. McIntyre says he broke The Shield, because they were three men living in the past. It was pathetic. Corbin says the real news is that their trio will dominate Finn Balor, Braun Strowman & Kurt Angle. Lashley says Finn will learn he’s just borrowing Lashley’s Intercontinental Championship. Corbin says Angle will realize he can’t hang with the athletes of today. The pack heads out, because that match is next!

 

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

The Extraordinary Man teams with the Monster Among Men and Olympic Gold Medalist to battle their common enemies. Will the Lone Wolf, Scottish Terminator and Rocky Mountain Machine #GetTheseHands? Or will they establish themselves as the new alphas of Raw?

Raw returns as Strowman makes his entrance. The teams sort out and Strowman starts against Corbin. Corbin backs off to his corner then throws his vest at Strowman! Corbin throws hands then runs, but Strowman grabs him with one hand! Strowman shoves Corbin right out! Corbin comes back but runs into a clothesline! Strowman then clotheslines Corbin all the way out, and hurries to BLAST Corbin into barriers! The Monster glares at Lashley as he puts Corbin back in the ring. Corbin scrambles and tags McIntyre. McIntyre stares Strowman down but is put in a corner! Strowman whips corner to corner but misses. He still rocks McIntyre with an uppercut! Strowman clubs McIntyre then tags in Finn. Finn climbs and drops ax handles.

Finn wrenches but McIntyre knees low. McIntyre drags Finn over and tags in Lashley. Lashley throws clubbing forearms then drags Finn up for a powerbomb. Finn fights out and then dumps Lashley out. Finn dodges Corbin to clothesline him out, then runs to FLY! Direct hit gets both Lashley and Corbin! McIntyre comes in but he’s sent out, too! Finn builds speed again, but Lio swipes his feet! Lashley clobbers Finn from behind! The pack is in control as we go to break.

Raw returns as Corbin whips Finn corner to corner. Finn boots back but runs into DEEP SIX! Cover, TWO! Corbin is furious but Finn does survive. Corbin drags Finn up for elbows to the chest and shoulder. Then Corbin puts Finn in a half nelson and chinbar. Fans rally up as Finn endures. Finn reaches for his corner but Corbin throws him out. Finn shoulders back in then fights Lashley off. He slingshots but into Corbin’s haymaker! Corbin tags McIntyre to stomp Finn out. McIntyre drags Finn up for a CHOP! McIntyre eggs Finn on to reach for his corner, but then drags him up for a suplex. Finn blocks and fights back, but McIntyre kicks a leg out. McIntyre deadlift suplexes Finn up and over! Cover, TWO, but McIntyre is on Finn with another chinbar.

Fans rally up again and Finn fights up. Finn reaches but has to fight McIntyre off. McIntyre whips Finn to the corner but Finn fights back! Finn runs but into a scoop, only to slip out. He dodges McIntyre int he corner, hot tag to Angle! Angle rallies with German Suplexes! Angle wants the hat trick but McIntyre denies it. McIntyre misses in the corner, and Angle gets that hat trick! Angle stalks McIntyre, Olympic Slam escaped. McIntyre prepares a bomb but Angle back drops! McIntyre sunset flips but McIntyre rolls through, ANKLE LOCK! Angle keeps McIntyre away but Lashley runs in. Lashley gets a German! Angle gets a Glasgow Kiss! McIntyre and Angle are both dazed while we go to break.

Raw returns again, and Corbin has Angle in a half nelson chinbar. Fans rally and Angle endures. Angle fights his way up and gets Corbin with a takedown. Angle wants the leg but Corbin shoves him away. Corbin misses in the corner then is sent outside. Hot tag to Strowman! The Monster rallies on them all! Strowman puts Corbin in a corner, and hits a big clothesline! Then he clubs Corbin with one arm! Fans fire up with Strowman as he scoops Corbin. Tag to Finn, MONSTER SLAM! COUP DE GRACE! But Lio puts Finn’s foot on the ropes! The ref stops counting but Finn chases after Lio! Lio dodges, Lashley TACKLES Finn into a post! But Strowman runs in! Lashley gets clear, Lio gets rammed into the timekeeper’s area! Fans lose their minds as McIntyre hurries to put Finn back in.

Corbin tags Lashley and Lashley SPEARS Finn! Cover, Lashley’s team wins!

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

The Rocky Mountain Machine pins the WWE Intercontinental Champion, will this earn him a rematch? Will Corbin and his pack continue to stand tall?

Corbin does continue the beating on Finn, and McIntyre throws Angle into barriers. Corbin joins in, as does Lashley. McIntyre holds Angle up for Corbin, armed with steel steps. Lashley and McIntyre whip Angle into the steps! Then they go to move the base into the ring. Fans boo as McIntyre CLAYMORES Finn! Lashley hauls Finn over and Corbin helps stand him up. They double CHOKE SLAM Finn on the steps! Fans boo as Corbin, McIntyre and Lashley stand tall. Will anyone be able to stop them?

 

Backstage interview with Heavy Machinery.

Tucker Knight & Otis Dozovic have been in good moods, but not everyone seems to like them being around. The Raw Tag Team Division all talked bad about the new teams. But at the same time, these new teams are fresh meat. But the Ascension don’t like Heavy Machinery. He looks like Chris Farley in a bad SNL skit. But to Konnor & Viktor, Heavy Machinery are just a pair of dumb bells. Otis is sensitive, but if that’s how The Ascension feels, Heavy Machinery will steamroll everyone! They hurt those who hurt them first, will the entire Raw Tag Team Division be put in the Compactor?

 

Natalya VS Ruby Riott w/ The Riott Squad!

The Queen of Harts and the Squad Leader aren’t done with each other. After last week’s tag team match was rudely interrupted by Becky Lynch, this week offers another chance for Natty and Ruby to settle things. Will the grudge be settled once and for all? Or will it only grow stronger?

Raw returns as the bell rings. Ruby rams her knee in on Natty then throws her down for fast hands. She kicks Natty in the back then asks Natty, “Where’s Ronda, huh!?” Ruby kicks Natty again then bumps Natty off buckles. She stomps a mudhole in but backs off at 4. Ruby snapmares Natty into a headlock. She grinds Natty down but fans rally up. Natty feeds off the energy to fight out and arm-drag Ruby down. Ruby ducks the discus but Natty counters to a snap suplex! And then hits the discus after all! Natty grabs the legs and puts on the Sharpshooter! The Squad reach for Ruby, but Natty drags Ruby away! Ruby turns and slaps her way out! Ruby cradles Natty, TWO, Natty has the cradle! Natty wins!

Winner: Natalya, by pinfall

The Queen of Harts gets the better of the Squad Leader, then gets clear of the rest of the Squad. But heading out now is Lacey Evans. The “Sassy Southern Belle” simply struts her stuff again then heads back with a smile. Is Lacey just here for the spotlight? Or will she finally flex that Woman’s Right in the ring?

 

Stephanie McMahon’s guests arrive.

Saturday Night Live’s Michael Che and Colin Jost are here to prepare for their roles as special correspondents for Wrestlemania! Michael and Colin are also pumped for Raw in Philadelphia. Fans pop for that. But Colin also looks forward to being in New York for Mania! Fans boo. Stephanie tries to explain to Michael and Colin that the WWE superstars are just a bit more forceful than their costars. Well Colin wrestled in high school, he should be fine. Michael knows better. Stephanie will make sure they have security.

 

Triple H heads to the ring!

The Game is here to respond to what The Animal, Batista, did to the Nature Boy last week. Raw wanted to celebrate Ric Flair’s 70th birthday, but Batista wanted HHH’s attention. Batista attacked Ric Flair and dragged him out of his dressing room, but ran off before HHH could get to him. Batista would rub it in on an Instagram video post! He apologizes for not being at Raw tonight, because he just doesn’t like Philly. So what Batista will do is also think about how he doesn’t like Pittsburgh, but maybe he’ll see HHH there. They’re playing this game by Batista’s rules. #GameOver.

Raw returns as HHH speaks. As if HHH wasn’t mad enough. HHH came out last week, wanting to celebrate one of the biggest legends in pro-wrestling ever. He wanted the world to see the 16-time world champion and have everyone sing his praises. But HHH wasn’t just there for Ric Flair, he was there for Richard Fliehr, the real man behind the Nature Boy. Not many people know Richard Fliehr, but that is the guy HHH spent years with and became best friends with. Fliehr was there for HHH’s best and worst times, and HHH was there for Fliehr’s best and worst. They were Best Man for each other, though that proved hard for HHH to be at Ric’s weddings. HHH was there when Ric buried his son.

HHH grows emotional as he says Richard Fliehr was clinging to life a year ago. And during that time, every phone call would fill HHH with dread. Fans “WOO~” in support of HHH and Ric. HHH says that he was here for Fliehr, a man who wasn’t really supposed to be alive, to give him what he loved most of all: standing in this ring for the fans. HHH was there to walk Fliehr to this ring for one more round as Nature Boy, because it is what Ric lived for. But it didn’t happen, because of “that piece of…” Fans know HHH wants to say it, but HHH composes himself. Batista wanted HHH’s attention. Batista’s cried about it all over the internet, and when he didn’t get what he wanted, he couldn’t quit. Which is odd, because Batista quit when he had the fans behind him!

But the one time he couldn’t quit, he attacked a man lucky to be alive! And now he wants to talk on titantron and do Bad Guy 101. Real original trash talk. But HHH doesn’t care where Batista wants to go or what Batista wants to do. HHH can come to Batista’s house! Or invite Batista to his house! It doesn’t matter where or when, any building, HHH will wait for Batista to “have some balls” and show up!

HHH wants Batista to know one thing: for every moment in Evolution, for what Batista did to Ric, this won’t be The Game, this won’t be a product, but that won’t be who is standing in front of Batista. It’s not the character, it’s the man. Look him in the eyes if you can, Batista, and HHH will give him everything! Batista wanted HHH’s attention? He’s got it!! Will Batista regret playing games?

 

Backstage interview with Stephanie McMahon.

What is her reaction to Ronda Rousey’s literal dropping of the belt, and Charlotte Flair’s expectation of being crowned the new champion? Stephanie knows Charlotte’s getting ahead of herself. But Ronda was disrespectful to the title. That is why WWE will do what’s best for WWE: they are dropping all charges against Becky Lynch. That includes the 60-day suspension. But Becky’s not 100% physically, so Stephanie invited Becky to sign a Hold Harmless Agreement. WWE is not responsible if something happens to Becky at Fastlane, when The Man goes 1v1 with The Queen again for the vacant Raw Women’s Champion. The Baddest Woman on the Planet will have to just accept this! Who will be the NEW champion this close to Wrestlemania?

 

Roman Reigns finds Dean Ambrose.

Aren’t they past hanging out in dark places backstage like this, right? They have a locker room, and there’s a chair for Ambrose at any time he wants. Ambrose knows Roman wants to talk, but he needs to stay sharp for his match later. Ambrose heads off again, but will he ever come back around to being a brother to The Shield?

 

Raw Tag Team Gauntlet!

Heavy Machinery wanted to get back at the bullies for making fun of Otis, and now they’ll be the first team in this gauntlet match! Will it be an All You Can Beat buffet for Tucker and Otis?

Raw returns, and Heavy Machinery’s opponents are…

Heavy Machinery VS The B-Team!

Will Curt Axel & Bo Dallas have to change the “B” in B-Team from “Best” to “Bulldozed”?

The other teams in the gauntlet, The Ascension and the Major Brothers, are already ringside to be ready for their turns. The bell rings and Dozer starts with Axel. Axel wants to lighten the mood with a Floss! Dozer bulldozes him! Dozer puts Axel in a corner and clubs away. Tag to Tucker and Otis whips him in for a big splash. Tucker feeds Axel to a tackle, then covers, TWO! Axel crawls away but Tucker runs in. Tucker misses and Axel stomps a mudhole stomp. Bo chants “B-Team! B-Team! Go go go!” Tag to Bo and they double whip Tucker. Tucker kicks them away then throws Bo into Axel. Tucker clotheslines and makes Axel DDT Bo! Tag to Dozer, and he drags Bo up. Dozer runs, Tucker holds Bo, but Bo fights out! Bo runs into a scoop, and COMPACTOR! Cover, Heavy Machinery ELIMINATES The B-Team!

Heavy Machinery VS The Ascension!

But no time to waste, Konnor attacks Dozer already! Konnor trash talks Dozer then runs, but Dozer runs him over! Tag to Tucker, and they double body shot. Heavy Machinery march, then squash Konnor with a belly sandwich! Tucker covers, ONE! Tucker’s on Konnor but Konnor powers him to the corner. The Ascension mug Tucker in the corner then Viktor tags in. Viktor throws a big knee strike that rocks Tucker! Cover, TWO, but Viktor’s still on Tucker with European Uppercuts and CHOPS! Tag to Konnor, and The Ascension double punch, club and kick Tucker down. Konnor covers, TWO! Konnor keeps on Tucker with a facelock, then drags him up to a corner. He CHOPS Tucker, then clubs away on Tucker’s back. He whips corner to corner hard and Tucker falls to the mat. Cover, ONE!

Fans rally for Tucker, as does Dozer, but Konnor tells them to shut up. Konnor runs in but misses Tucker! Konnor hits post and Tucker crawls. Hot tags to Viktor and Dozer! Dozer rallies with big belly tackles! He scoops and throws Viktor overhead! Dozer runs in corner to corner for a splash, then climbs up! Dozer hits a Vader Bomb! Cover, Heavy Machinery ELIMINATES The Ascension!

Heavy Machinery VS The Major Brothers!

And just like The Ascension before them, Curt Hawkins & Zack Ryder attack right away! Hawkins rains down rights on Dozer then drags him up. Hawkins dragon sleepers and tags in Ryder. Inverted backbreaker to inverted DDT! Ryder slingshots for a splash! Cover, TWO! Ryder rains down rights on Dozer then tags Hawkins. Russian Leg Sweep and STO combo! Cover, but Tucker breaks it! Tucker throws hands on Ryder then clotheslines himself out with Ryder! Hawkins hurries after Dozer, but runs into a pop-up powerslam! Dozer pumps it up and fans cheer as he hits the Caterpillar! Cover, Heavy Machinery wins!

Winners: Heavy Machinery, Otis Dozovic pinning

Lesson learned: don’t get on Otis’ bad side! Heavy Machinery is COMIIIN~, will they demolish the entire WWE Tag Team Division?

 

Michael Che and Colin Jost walk the halls.

Colin wonders if Philly has any gluten free cheese steaks. Michael tells Colin that as the Wrestlemania correspondents, they need to be serious. Colin’s serious! He’s even been keeping up. The Bushwackers, Coco B. Ware, and he can’t wait to smell what The Rock is cooking. They need to get him a TV or something. But they already work in live television, what could possibly surprise them? They come across EC3 spritzing himself with… It smells like vodka? But EC3 aside, they also encounter Titus O’Neil! Titus loves SNL! Let’s get a pic for the kids! Just do it, Colin. Okay, cheese~! And speaking of, Titus is gonna have a cheese steak. Then No Way Jose and his conga line pass through. Michael wants to party, but Colin says they need to remain unbiased. Says the man wearing a Mets hat in Philly…

 

Torrie Wilson is a WWE Hall of Fame inductee!

The most downloaded and searched woman on WWE, and proud to be both beautiful and strong, Torrie was certainly one of the leading ladies of the WWE Diva’s Era. And now she can add a Hall of Fame ring to her collection!

 

Backstage interview with Charlotte Flair.

The Queen won’t be getting the Raw Women’s Championship by default, she has to face Becky Lynch at Fastlane. If Becky signs the Hold Harmless Agreement. But Charlotte knows Becky will sign because of her stubborn Irish pride. Becky’s also very arrogant, unlike Charlotte. But even at Becky’s best, The Man doesn’t compare to The Queen. Becky was crushed when she was suspended, but now Charlotte vows to put Becky on the shelf for good. Charlotte “apologizes” for ruining everyone’s hopes for Becky, but Becky is literally a one-legged person in an ass kicking contest. Charlotte vows to be THE Raw Women’s Champion, but will she?

 

Now Seth Rollins finds Dean Ambrose backstage.

Quite the set-up back here. Can they talk? They haven’t always gotten along, but that’s just what brothers do. Brothers fight, but are still brothers. Rollins admits to Ambrose that whether it’s against or together, they make each other better. They’re wrestling soulmates. So let’s get the Shield back together one last time? No can do. Ambrose appreciates the help last week, but he has business to take care of. And he’ll do it on his own. The Lunatic is proving to be a stubborn one. Will he ever come around?

 

Ladies and Gentlemen: Elias.

The Drifter is in Philadelphia, and sings a song. “You know how I know I’m in Philly? The Stanley Cup is nowhere to be found. You know how I know I’m in Philly? Because everyone takes such pride in this city. You know how I know I’m in Philly? Because everyone’s mom looks like that googly-eye slob, Gritty.” Fans don’t appreciate their moms or their mascot being made fun of. But Elias continues. “You know how I know I’m in Philly? Because everyone I see is a fat load. You know how I know I’m in Philly? Because I saw an Eagles fan eating horse manure on the side of the road.”

But do you REALLY wanna know how you know you’re in Philly? The kids have no futures, no matter how hard they try. And Bryce Harper said this is where his career would go to die! Ambrose makes his entrance and fans cheer!

Dean Ambrose VS Elias!

The Lunatic doesn’t want to wait, he tells the ref to ring the bell. The bell does ring, and Ambrose goes right at Elias with jabs and chops! Ambrose forearms and haymakers but Elias knees and chops back. Elias whips but Ambrose dodges to tackle Elias down! Ambrose throws fast hands then stomps Elias in a corner. The ref backs Ambrose off and Elias boots back. But Elias runs into a kick and Ambrose throws him down by his hair. Ambrose clotheslines Elias out but paces about the ring. Ambrose goes out and kicks Elias to bump him off aprons. He even Russian Leg Sweeps him into barriers. Ambrose refreshes the count to put Elias back in, only to clothesline Elias back out! The Lunatic paces again while we go to break.

Raw returns as Elias decides to go Old School. Fans boo and jeer but Elias hits the ax handle. Elias boots Ambrose down then stalks him to the ropes. He stomps Ambrose to the apron, then baseball slides him off! “Who Wants to Walk with Elias!?” Philly doesn’t. Elias slingshots but Ambrose dodges. Ambrose runs and DIVES onto Elias! Both men are down and a ring count begins. The count reaches 5 as Ambrose bumps Elias off barriers again. Ambrose puts Elias in then starts rallying with lariats! Ambrose runs in for a forearm smash in the corner, then whips Elias corner to corner. He hits another forearm but Elias rams Ambrose into buckles and clubs him from behind. Elias catches his breath while fans jeer. Elias stomps Ambrose out then drops a knee! Cover, ONE!

Elias keeps his cool as he drags Ambrose up. Elias throws haymakers then fisherman’s, but Ambrose cradles! TWO, and Ambrose gets a neckbreaker! Ambrose fires up and heads for a corner. Ambrose climbs but the bad back bothers him. He still forces himself up, then leaps, but into a leaping knee! Elias drags Ambrose up, Drift Away neckbreaker! Cover, Elias wins!

Winner: Elias, by pinfall

The smash hit from earlier tonight pays off, and Elias picks up the win! Will this lead Elias to a title opportunity on the Road to Wrestlemania? What does Ambrose have to do to get out of his slump? Well, Roman and Rollins appear on stage. Will the two of them together manage to break through to Ambrose?

 

Raw returns to Roman and Rollins heading to the ring.

The brothers join Ambrose while he’s still stinging from the defeat. Rollins and Roman talk to Ambrose but Ambrose keeps pacing. Ambrose wants to leave but Rollins and Roman won’t let him until they talk this out. He pushes his way through and gets out of the ring. Ambrose leaves through the crowd, and up the stairs. He may not want the reunion, but he does reference the old habits. But wait, Corbin returns, with McIntyre and Lashley in tow. “C’mon, guys. Please, just spare us another minute from this broken record.” Philly may be the City of Brotherly Love, but this is just sad.

McIntyre mocks the “fabled Hounds of Justice, now nothing more than three broken stray dogs fighting for the scraps.” He tells Roman that this probably isn’t the return he pictured. This is “bloody pathetic”! They were going to offer an epic match for Fastlane, but they don’t deserve it. So instead, this ends tonight! Corbin, Lashley and McIntyre mock The Shield more by flanking the ring very much the same way The Shield did. Roman and Rollins fight but it’s 3v2! McIntyre and Corbin have Roman while Lashley has Rollins. Ambrose gets mad, and rushes back down! The Shield IS back together! Ambrose fights every enemy, and Roman SUPERMAN PUNCHES Lashley! Corbin and McIntyre are ejected, and The Shield stands tall!

But it isn’t official without one thing. Roman and Rollins put their hands in. Ambrose paces while his brothers wait. He puts his hand in! The Shield fist bump is revived! Will the Hounds of Justice show they’ve still got some bite left in them?

 

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

As a flip-side to last week’s match, the Daughter of Superfly goes against The Legit Boss to prepare for Fastlane’s WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship match! Will the Samoan Dynasty be able to get on the board before the titles are on the line? Or will the Boss & Hug Connection sweep them even before Sunday?

The bell rings and Tamina decks Sasha! Tamina rains down rights then stomps a mudhole in a corner. Sasha fights back and throws kicks. Sasha runs but into an elbow! Tamina covers, TWO! Tamina keeps her cool as she drags Sasha back up. She whips Sasha in then rams a big shoulder in! She throws Sasha across the way, then runs back in. Sasha slips out to knee Tamina back. Sasha runs for meteora in the corner, then another! Cover, TWO! Sasha keeps her cool as she drags Tamina up. Tamina headbutts back! Tamina runs but misses the diving headbutt! Sasha runs to hit the shining wizard! Cover, TWO! Bayley coaches Sasha up while Nia coaches Tamina. Sasha throws forearms on Tamina, but runs into a fireman’s carry! She fights out but Tamina rams her into a corner. Tamina throws Sasha then SUPERKICK, but it misses! Roll up, TWO!

Sasha keeps on Tamina but Tamina uppercuts her away! Tamina stalks Sasha to the corner, but misses! Russian Leg Sweep, into the Bank Statement crossface! Tamina endures, but Nia drags her all the way out! The fans boo and Bayley goes after her, but Nia tosses Bayley down! Sasha hits a Meteora from the apron! Tamina throws Sasha back in but Sasha spins to kick Tamina back! Sasha puts Tamina in now, but Nia anchors a foot! Sasha kicks Nia away, but gets a SUPERKICK from Tamina! Cover, Tamina wins!

Winner: Tamina, by pinfall

The Samoan Dynasty works together like a tag team does, and they even the score! Will Fastlane be a dead end for the #LegitHuggable reign? Or will the champs be able to survive the demolition derby and continue on towards Wrestlemania?

 

Michael and Colin react to the shocking events!

The Shield is back, the Samoan Dynasty looks great, and… Michael needs a pit stop. Does Colin need to go with him? To the bathroom. Well to watch his back. This isn’t a prison, Colin, it’s the WWE. Colin knows that. He’s not scared, either. But then he turns around into Braun Strowman! Colin thinks he’s a funny guy, huh? Strowman throws the Mets hat away. Colin is honored to meet Strowman. He saw that match. Tough loss, you’ll get them next time. D-Does Strowman work out? Colin does lat pull downs and jogging. Can he ask him something? Is any of this stuff even real? Strowman lifts Colin off the ground! What does he think!? Colin can’t answer but he’d probably apologize. Will Michael be the only one that makes it to Mania?

Raw returns, and Michael gets Strowman to spare Colin. Colin does apologize, and Michael apologizes for him. Strowman says he’ll see them at Mania. Wait, Strowman’s going to Mania? Will Colin reconsider taking this assignment?

 

Raw Tag Team Championships: The Revival VS Aleister Black & Ricochet!

The #TopGuys have been having a hard time against the newest crop of NXT superstars. They lost to DIY, Tommaso Ciampa & Johnny Gargano, and then they lost to the Dutch Destroyer and King of Flight! However, Ciampa’s leg was hurt during a match with The Bar on SmackDown and is not cleared to compete right now. Therefore, Aleister and Ricochet move up to already challenge for the tag team titles. Will Dash Wilder & Scott Dawson #SayYeah to a successful defense? Or will their reign #FadetoBlack?

Before the match, Aleister and Ricochet have an interview backstage. These two go from debuting to challenging, what do they have to say to their critics? “People fear what they can’t comprehend.” But let’s not worry about words but about actions. Ricochet and Aleister will show they are worthy through actions. They’re humbled, honored, and ready for this challenge. But tonight, “yo boys are about to fly even higher.” The music hits and the challengers make their entrances! Introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we begin this clash of NXT past and present to determine Raw’s future!

Teams sort out and Dash goes right at Aleister! Aleister throws haymakers and big kicks. Dawson runs in but he gets a kick. Dash blocks a boot and gives it to Dawson, to then hit a back suplex! Dash stomps Aleister then tags Dawson. They throw EuroUppers and kicks, then Dawson CHOPS and EuroUppers Aleister more. Dawson snapmares and drops elbows, and even a headbutt. Cover, TWO! Dawson stomps Aleister more and drags him up. He whips but Aleister dodges to quebrada! The GLORIOUS Duo, Bobby Roode & Chad Gable appear! They approach the ring as Aleister and Dawson crawl for their corners. Dawson anchors Aleister’s foot and tags in Dash. Dash drops an elbow to stop Aleister, and we continue after the break.

Raw returns and Dawson has Aleister in a keylock. Aleister fights his way up but Dawson keeps him from his corner. Gable & Roode watch closely as Dawson headlocks. Aleister arm-drags but Dawson shoves. Aleister comes back with a knee! Dawson haymakers but Aleister knees again! Both men are down and fans rally up. Dash tags back in and stops Aleister with a whip. Aleister dodges Dawson then sweeps the legs of both Dash and Dawson! Hot tag to Ricochet! The One and Only rallies on The Revival! Ricochet whips but Dawson reverses, only to run into Ricochet’s boot. Ricochet sees Dash coming and backslides him, TWO! Dawson swings but into a neckbreaker! Ricochet rolls Dash up, TWO!

Riocchet rocks Dawson with a right, then dodges Dash to try a crucifix. Dash holds ropes then sits down on the cover, but still holds ropes! The ref refuses to count, Ricochet sunset flips, TWO! Dash goes after Ricochet but gets a knee! Dawson returns but runs into Aleister’s boot. Ricochet huricanranas Dawson, then tackles Dash in the corner. Ricochet springboards for an uppercut! Fans fire up with him but Roode and Gable go after Dash!

Winners: The Revival, by disqualification; still Raw Tag Team Champions

The fight screws Aleister and Ricochet out of the titles, while the GLORIOUS Duo take their frustrations out on The Revival. Aleister and Ricochet shout at Roode and Gable, and now these four meet in the ring. “Is this how former champions act?” At least they were former champions, but Aleister and Ricochet don’t deserve to be champions so soon. Aleister turns away but Roode makes him turn back around, and a fight breaks out! Roode and Gable end up outside the ring, and both Aleister and Ricochet build speed! But they fake Roode and Gable out with springboard hero landings! Will the GLORIOUS Duo regret ruining this Raw Tag Team Championship match?

 

WWE celebrates March being Women’s History Month.

In line with that, Alexa Bliss works with Girl Up to discuss iconic women of the world. Ida B. Wells was a freed slave who became an investigative journalist, while Malala Yousafzai fought for equal education in her country. It is important for young women to know they can stand up for what they believe in.

 

Stephanie McMahon heads to the ring!

She of course has the Raw Women’s Championship and the Hold Harmless Agreement contract. Anything can happen on the Road to Wrestlemania, like the reformation of the Shield. Or in this case, Ronda Rousey relinquishing the title just weeks before the greatest show in sports entertainment. Stephanie replays the footage of Ronda wanting the McMahon Family to reinstate Becky so they could settle things, and when the answer was “No”, Ronda put the belt down. Stephanie says they’re going to start the road to fixing this situation. First to come out: Charlotte Flair! The Queen got handed her spot in the Wrestlemania match, and expected to be handed the title, but now she’ll have to fight for it at Fastlane. And of course, The Man, Becky Lynch! The Lass Kicker proudly wears her mugshot while she walks out with a crutch.

Becky and Charlotte stand in the ring together with Stephanie, and of course Philly is behind “Becky Balboa”. There needs to be a Raw Women’s Champion, so that is why we’re once again getting Charlotte VS Becky. But just one thing: with Becky still not at 100%, she needs to sign the Hold Harmless Agreement to absolve WWE of liability. Becky takes the contract, quickly looks it over, and Charlotte tells Becky to sign it. Unless Stephanie wants to just go ahead and hand that title to The Queen. Becky tells Charlotte she beat her on one leg in the Royal Rumble, and can beat her down here right now. Stephanie keeps the peace, this all has to be done officially. Then after that, go at it at Fastlane. Becky signs, and it’s official! But here comes Ronda!! She storms her way into the arena, but we go to break!

Raw returns once more, and Ronda’s made it out onto the ramp! Ronda storms her way into the ring, and asks Stephanie what she’s up to. Well Ronda didn’t leave her any choice! She didn’t vacate the title! She just gave Stephanie time to think it over. This was to include Becky, not exclude Ronda. Now give her the title back. Fans are divided but Stephanie has no choice, she gives the title back. Stephanie apologizes, and there is still business to be done. Becky Lynch VS Charlotte Flair will still happen. If Becky loses, that’s it. But if she wins, she’s added to the Raw Women’s Championship at Wrestlemania for a Triple Threat! Does that help? Is that good for Ronda and the WWE Universe? Fans say “YES! YES!”

Ronda knows Stephanie values her wallet over her pride. Ronda’s too much money and Stephanie knows it. Is this because she knows Ronda is able to go rogue whenever she wants? Ronda has had enough! Ronda works her ass off and yet the fans just boo! Fans chant for Becky while Ronda is the one in the ring! Ronda can break Charlotte and Becky with a sneeze! Damn the Man and Screw the Woo, no more Mrs. Nice Bitch! Ronda decks Charlotte and gets Becky in the armbar!! Becky doesn’t tap, and Charlotte comes in, only to run away again. Ronda glares at Becky, but Becky doesn’t back down. Becky takes Ronda’s rowdy strikes and judo throw!

Ronda hammers away on Becky but Charlotte slithers in from behind. Ronda gets the armbar again, but Charlotte decides to stay away. Charlotte will get Becky at Fastlane, but will Ronda make her regret it at Wrestlemania? Ronda keeps on Becky with another judo throw and hammers away, to give the other arm the armbar! Fans are divided again as Ronda finally lets Becky go. Ronda holds her title up high as she stands over Becky. Will Becky even be able to beat Charlotte now? Or will she overcome the odds and make Mania a Triple Threat?

 

Backstage interview with Stephanie McMahon.

After doing Ronda a favor, what is her reaction to this outburst? Well, Stephanie says this wasn’t a favor. Ronda finally showed her true colors. Ronda’s the animal Stephanie knew she was all along! There was no regard for the audience or her opponents. Stephanie almost feels sorry for Becky after seeing all that. Who does Ronda think she is to do that? Stephanie looks forward to Wrestlemania, because Ronda might finally get what’s got coming to her. Either way, it’ll be one hell of a main event. As a McMahon, she will address this behavior in a way that impacts Ronda’s career. Will Ronda come to regret going rogue?

 


 

My Thoughts:

Well this was definitely a wild Raw. And quite a bit of it is just proving the rumors true. The opening Six Man Tag, which was a good match, and The Shield’s newest reunion tie together, which falls into “Ambrose is leaving after Mania” story. Roman embraces living life to the fullest and wants his brothers back, and we’re going to get The Shield VS Corbin’s new pack, that match is going to be good. Also, I’m hoping The Shield wins and there are no turns, this should be the “Final Fist Bump” if we aren’t getting it at Wrestlemania. Then things can be whatever WWE is planning for Mania, i.e. Rollins VS Lesnar, Ambrose VS ??? and who knows what Roman will do. The same goes for Lashley and Lio finishing their story with Finn, and hopefully no more team-ups because McIntyre doesn’t need to be with anyone.

Natalya VS Ruby was obviously just filler to give Lacey Evans a reason to show up again. Lacey has a new nickname, which while good (because calling her the “Lady of WWE” doesn’t really work like “Lady of NXT” did) I’m not sure what it means. Is her gimmick being made generic? No more teaching the “nasties” a lesson? I’m honestly surprised she isn’t going to SmackDown, but maybe if Lacey stays on Raw, Nikki Cross can finally go over and help SAnitY get going. And while Colin’s segment with Strowman was hilarious, I really don’t want celebrity guest stars for Raw or Wrestlemania. Hopefully we don’t have to worry too much about them, aside from some segment on Wrestlemania.

Heavy Machinery sure is getting stronger. They win the Tag Gauntlet, that I honestly thought Hawkins & Ryder could’ve won to get that losing streak broken. Then the Raw Tag Team Championship match was great, but the DQ finish is fine, it keeps everyone strong. With Tommaso Ciampa’s leg being a concern after that Sheamus sunset flip powerbomb botch, DIY will be taking a step back, so that’s where Roode & Gable step in. We’ll get a Raw Tag Team Championship Triple Threat, which will still be great because Roode and Gable are a great team. It’ll be an amazing NXT alumni triple threat tag, and who knows if The Revival retains. If it’s not going to be DIY, I can’t be sure Aleister and Ricochet are going to be tag team champions together.

I did not see HHH’s segment going the way it did. He had great passion in his promo, as always, but I’m not sure if this is how they should frame the story. HHH making this as if it’s breaking the fourth wall and it’s a real fight, that’s already falling flat because we know this is still a pro-wrestling story. Make it sound personal, make it sound angry, but don’t act like this is about the “real” Ric, Batista and HHH. HHH VS Batista is going to be a great match, but the momentum from that shocking moment last week has already died down.

Naturally Tamina won against Sasha, thanks to Nia, but it’s so that both teams are even going into their tag title match. Sasha and Bayley are obviously going to win, because otherwise their moment on NXT would be a waste. Still hoping to see Bayley and Sasha take on a SmackDown team, an NXT team and a legends team at Mania. And finally, we see just how the WWE wants to take us to the Raw Women’s Championship Triple Threat, and it’s with a HEEL Ronda! They could’ve let Becky get in at least one real shot, but this is for her underdog story. Becky will win despite bad arms on top of legs, she’ll win that Triple Threat, and now I see how Ronda is taking time off after Mania: Stephanie might “suspend” Ronda once she’s no longer champion. Then Ronda can return alongside the MMA Horsewomen.

My Score: 8.2/10


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Coverage

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

Talk about a Big Time Raw!

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Will The Man be the Last Woman Standing?

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

OFFICIAL RESULTS

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

PLAY BY PLAY

Jey Uso is here!

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

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

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

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

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

 

Adam Pearce is on the phone.

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Winners: DIY, by pinfall (advance to WrestleMania)

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

 

Judgment Day meets backstage.

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

Winners: Candice LeRae & Indi Hartwell, by submission

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

 

Cody Rhodes makes his way to the ring.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

Nia Jax speaks.

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

 

Cody Rhodes returns backstage.

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

 

Dominik Mysterio w/ JD McDonagh VS Ricochet!

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

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

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

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

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

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

Winner: Ricochet, by pinfall

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

 

Sami Zayn is backstage.

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

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

 

Adam Pearce is in the ring.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

Sami confronts Gable now.

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

 

CM Punk speaks.

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

 

Drew McIntyre is here!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

Becky Lynch speaks.

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

Liv Morgan confronts Becky Lynch.

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

 

Cody walks with his dog, Pharaoh, backstage.

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

 

Last Woman Standing: Becky Lynch VS Nia Jax!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Winner: Becky Lynch

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


My Thoughts:

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

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

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

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

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

My Score: 8.9/10


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

The semifinals are here!

Published

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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