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Mitchell’s WWE Backlash Results & Report! (6/14/20)

The GREATEST Wrestling Match EVER?

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WWE Backlash 2020

Will this be the Greatest Backlash ever?

The WWE is putting a lot of pressure on two of the best ever, but somehow, someway, Randy Orton and Edge WILL have the GREATEST Wrestling Match EVER!

OFFICIAL RESULTS

  • Kickoff Match – WWE United States Championship: Apollo Crews VS Andrade Almas w/ Zelina Vega; Crews wins and retains the WWE United States Championship.
  • WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship Triple Threat: Bayley & Sasha Banks VS Bliss-Cross VS The IIconics; Bayley & Banks win and retain the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships.
  • Jeff Hardy VS Sheamus; Sheamus wins.
  • Raw Women’s Championship: Asuka VS Nia Jax; Double Count-Out, Asuka retains the Raw Women’s Championship.
  • WWE Universal Championship Handicap Match: Braun Strowman VS The Miz & John Morrison; Strowman wins and retains the WWE Universal Championship.
  • WWE World Championship: Drew McIntyre VS Bobby Lashley w/ MVP; McIntyre wins and retains the WWE World Championship.
  • Raw Tag Team Championships: The Street Profits VS The Viking Raiders; No Contest.
  • Edge VS Randy Orton; Orton wins.

PLAY BY PLAY

It’s the Backlash Kickoff Show!

Join Scott Stanford, Peter Rosenberg and more in discussing, analyzing and predicting all the action for tonight!

 

Renee Young, Booker T and JBL discuss Backlash!

The Raw Women’s Championship was given to Asuka, so what are her chances against Nia Jax? JBL agrees with Nia that the title was handed to Asuka, but that motivates Asuka to fight against that asterisk. Asuka is a proud, great and deserving champion, so she’ll look to wipe off that asterisk. Renee points out that Nia earned her title opportunity against Natalya and Charlotte Flair. Booker T says Nia has been waiting for this moment for a long time. She will be 1v1 with a champion. As far as Asuka being given the title, she was Ms. MITB but couldn’t cash in. The mind set may not be right for Asuka, but the time is right for Nia.

So it’ll be a short run for the Empress of Tomorrow? Booker says that when it comes to the coming up star, it’s not about who got the champion, it’s about the challenger. Nia has played the game, waited her turn, and seeing from social media, she goes out hurting people. Vader, Sid Vicious, they had reputations of hurting people, but they were also world champions. But even Becky Lynch says Asuka is one of the best, so is this really one and done? JBL wants the wambulance for getting hurt in pro-wrestling. Booker has a point, Sid and Vader were great champions, so Nia can be a great champion. The longer this goes, it will favor Asuka, but she didn’t get her moment. This will be her moment. If Asuka loses, that will hurt her more than enough. Stay tuned as these three will be back later.

 

Backstage interview with Christian and Ric Flair!

Captain Charisma and The Nature Boy have each chosen a side, Team Edge VS Team Orton. Charly Caruso asks Ric to support his argument why Orton will win. Well, Orton lost to Edge in a Last Man Standing Match, and though that was phenomenal, they’re going to stay in a 20 square foot ring. Orton is at his peak, Edge is back after 9 years trying to get back. Orton will walk out of the ring, staying the greatest in-ring performer in the history of the WWE.

Christian says he’s seen that smile on Ric’s face. Ric’s repeated himself so much, he believes it. But Edge wasn’t on vacation those 9 years. Yes, Orton was born into this business, but it wasn’t enough to get him to the top fast enough. Orton used Ric and HHH to fast track his way there. Orton may be great, but he just wants to take the easy way every time. So here’s the reality: tonight, Orton, who has never had to work hard for a thing in his life, versus Edge who has had to scratch and claw over and over and over in life. Grit and determination overcomes natural talent! A heated debate to be sure, but tonight will be about living up to the hype! Can Orton and Edge together truly give us the GREATEST Wrestling Match Ever?

 

Renee, JBL and Booker T discuss more of the show.

The Street Profits and Viking Raiders finally get to settle things from their Anything You Can Do series, and we’re all excited for their Raw Tag Team Championship match. Who comes away with the titles? Booker didn’t like that the Profits got lured out to playing a bunch of games, but that means the Vikings have them right where they want them. JBL says that he doesn’t like playing games, either. You fight and win championships. Montez Ford is one of the best pure athletes, though, so JBL is voting for the Profits.

And of course, given all the anticipation, will the rematch of Edge and Orton BE the Greatest Wrestling Match Ever? After an amazing recap video package, the panel makes their predictions. An insane amount of pressure naming it this, but will these two crack under the pressure? AW HELL NAW~! JBL lists all the accomplishments both men have under their belts, so the pressure isn’t there. this is Rock VS Stone Cold, Taker VS HBK, HBK VS Hart, and others. Can they do? Abso-freakin-lutely! But with the loss at Mania, Orton was the one who wanted this normal rules match. Does he need this win? Booker says Orton has always had a lot of pressure on his shoulders, from his grandfather and father. Orton is coming up on 20 YEARS. Right around that mark, a switch turns on and you just know everything in that ring. That’s where Orton is.

Edge won his first Intercontinental Championship in 1999, but he was injured. That’s hard to come back from, but he is at the 20 mark. The advantage goes to Orton but we’re gonna see something from Edge. Renee does bring that up. Edge had a great Mania but he’s still 9 years behind. JBL says Edge can probably come back, but JBL doesn’t bet on “probably.” Orton’s father knew he’d be this amazing. Orton and Edge have done everything, but that 9 year gap could be something he can’t overcome. If JBL is betting, the slight advantage is Orton. Seems Orton has a sweep on this panel, but can he put on such a performance?

 

Kickoff Match – WWE United States Championship: Apollo Crews VS Andrade Almas w/ Zelina Vega & Angel Garza!

The young reign of the hungry star is about to be tested! Will Apollo deny El Idolo in this rematch from a few weeks ago? Or will Almas reign once again?

The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and this kickoff finally kicks off!

But wait! Kevin Owens comes out, and looks to be joining commentary. The bell rings and Almas fires off on Apollo. Almas headlocks, Apollo powers out and the two collide. Apollo doesn’t budge and he dares Almas to try again. Almas runs, Apollo hurdles, drops down and dropkicks, only for Almas to deflect it! Almas headlocks again but Apollo fights out. Almas goes up and over and headlocks again, but Apollo pries at the hold. Apollo fireman’s carries but Almas fights out to the apron. Almas dragon sleepers with the ropes! The ref counts. Almas lets go at 4 but drags Apollo out to club with forearms. Almas brings Apollo to the ramp for knees, but Apollo back drops him down onto the plating! Kevin knows how that feels, and it’s not fun. Apollo refreshes the count but Almas grabs at him on the apron. Apollo mule kicks Almas away, then ASAI MOONSAULTS! Direct hit and Apollo is on his feet!

Apollo brings Almas up as the crowd fires up, and he puts Almas in the ring. Apollo drags Almas up, suplexes, and holds Almas up! After five, he slams Almas down! Cover, TWO! Vega grows concerned but the crowd rallies for Apollo. Almas elbows but Apollo lifts. Almas lands on his feet and baits Apollo into buckles! Vega chants “SI! SI!” and Almas runs corner to corner, for CIEN SHADOWS! Kevin also knows how those feel. Cover, TWO!! Apollo survives and Almas is frustrated. Vega keeps him focused and Almas gets to the corner. Almas climbs up top but Apollo CHOPS him! Almas forearms back but Apollo CHOPS and forearms! And CHOPS, CHOPS, CHOPS! Apollo climbs up top, brings Almas up with him, but Almas trips Apollo up! Almas CHOPS away on Apollo to put him in the Tree of Woe, but Apollo avoids the Woe Stomps! Almas runs back in, for an OVERHEAD suplex into buckles!

Vega panics while both men are down! Apollo and Almas stir while Vega coaches Almas on. The crowd rallies for Apollo and he dodges Almas to ROCK him with rights! Apollo rallies with clotheslines and tackles Almas to a corner! Apollo rams his shoulder in over and over, then whips corner to corner, for a big corner splash! The crowd fires up with Apollo as he SPINE BUSTERS Almas! Cover, TWO!! Almas survives but Apollo keeps his cool. Apollo watches Almas stand, brings him up, but the Olympic Slam becomes an arm-drag! But Almas runs into a dropkick! Apollo gets to his feet slowly and then goes to the outside. Garza lurks and Kevin warns him to stay back. Almas hits Apollo with forearms then goes to suplex. Apollo resists, throws body shots, and suplexes Almas!

Almas lands safely on the apron but the two brawl. They CHOP each other, but Almas kicks low. He has Apollo in the ropes, SLINGSHOT DDT!! Cover, TWO!?! Apollo lives and Almas can’t believe it! Vega is losing her cool, too, but the crowd is rallying for Apollo again. Almas drags Apollo up and reels him in. But Apollo suplexes, only for Almas to slip out and BOOT back! Apollo flounders but enziguris back! And then military presses for the SLAM! Standing moonsault! Standing shooting star! Cover, but Garza distracts the ref! So Kevin brings Garza down for a STUNNER! Apollo likes that, but Almas suckers him in! Hammerlock, but no DDT! CREWS MISSILE!! Cover, Apollo wins!!

Winner: Apollo Crews, by pinfall (still WWE United States Champion)

The Prizefighter helps Apollo keep his prize, and Vega knows it. Will KO and Apollo continue to work together to keep things fair and square?

 

Sheamus speaks.

“Jeff Hardy. Let’s not worry about what happened Friday night during our contract signing.” Tempers flared and things got out of hand. But as the bigger man, Sheamus will let bygones be bygones. Because the truth is, Sheamus knows how much pain Hardy is really in. It must be so hard to present yourself as a beacon of hope when you know deep down, it’s not the real you. This clear headed Hardy is a flicker of false hope before he reverts into the depraved human he’s meant to be. Hardy can smile and be positive on the outside, but he can’t deny the demons just below the surface. He can’t deny he’s the brain dead has-been that is an embarrassment to his friends, family and himself. That’s the true Jeff Hardy. And tonight, Sheamus will remind the WWE Universe of that when he Brogues Hardy off the wagon and back into obscurity. Will the Celtic Warrior satisfy his own addiction of ruining the Charismatic Enigma’s comeback?

 

Ladies and gentlemen, this is the moment you’ve been waiting for.

Hogan VS Andre. Savage VS Steamboat. The Rock VS John Cena. HBK VS Austin. Taker VS HHH. “And at Backlash, it’ll be Edge VS Orton.” Challenge accepted! One man has gone from nothing to legend. Everything has led him to this moment. If you think the Ultimate Opportunist backs down now, than you don’t know him. “It’s not arrogance. It’s destiny.” Never has there been a more gifted wrestler in the WWE. The Legend Killer, the Apex Predator, the Viper. He is going to end one more legend. Together, opposed. If they have even a chance to prove they can do this, it’s against each other. Living legends, undisputed icons, and their defining moment. One man writes the last chapter between Orton and Edge. Tonight, will we see this generation’s Greatest Wrestling Match Ever?!

 

WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship Triple Threat: Bayley & Sasha Banks VS Bliss-Cross VS The IIconics!

Three dynamic duos who have all held the gold at least once will battle to prove who are THE best friends of the WWE! Will the #GoldenRoleModels stay strong? Will Alexa and Nikki take the titles back? Or will Billie Kay and Peyton Royce make the Women’s Tag Division IIIICONIC again?

Before their entrance, Kayla Braxton interviews the champions, but Bayley cuts her off. Why don’t they introduce the inaugural and “without a doubt” BEST tag team champions ever properly? The Blueprint and #BayleyDosStraps! Well Dos Straps, if you lose the titles, will you lose your friendship? Wow, so deep, Kayla. But Sasha points out Bayley is the most dominant woman in SmackDown history. And as they said, this friendship is unstoppable. Kayla is trying to get in Bayley’s head. But guess what? After raising their hands in victory, Kayla can look in the mirror to realize how stupid she is. Next time, send Charly. They are unbeatable, unstoppable and undeniable! Will all this confidence go to waste against two strong opposing teams?

The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and this title three way begins!

In this special triple threat, a member of every team is active, making this an even wilder Triple Threat Tag to begin with! To begin, it’s Bayley, Nikki and Billie. Peyton gives Billie some last pointers while the crowd rallies for Nikki. Billie tells them to shut up but Nikki DECKS her! Bayley and Nikki brawl but Nikki starts hitting both Bayley and Billie. Billie and Bayley hit Nikki then throw her down. Only for Bayley to DECK Billie! Peyton tags in but Bayley whips Billie into her! Nikki climbs on but Sasha tags in. Billie waistlocks but Nikki knocks her away. Sasha runs in but into another waistlock. Ssaha switches and goes to roll but Alexa tags in to ROCK her! All three teams are in and the crowd fires up for the stand off. Everyone cools off and Alexa circles with Sasha and Peyton.

The crowd rallies for “LEXI! LEXI!” as she, Sasha and Peyton approach. Peyton DECKS Alexa, rolls Sasha, but Alexa rolls Peyton! Sasha breaks the pin with a kick and swaggers about. Sasha clubs Peyton then knuckle locks to arm-drag her down! Cover, TWO! Peyton swipes but Sasha jumps, only for Peyton to kick and snapmare. Backslide, Gory Especial, Sasha slips out but Peyton sits! TWO, and Sasha sunset flips. TWO, and Sasha kicks Alexa. Sasha and Peyton double whip but Alexa ROCKS Sasha and rolls Peyton! TWO, to a ghost pin! TWO, Sasha rolls Alexa! Peyton rolls Sasha, bridges, but Alexa slips in to break it up! The crowd cheers this fast and furious exchange as the three stand off again. But then they each sucker punch an opponent! Alexa, Sasha and Peyton stand off, but then the partners all come in. It’s another triple stand off, into a six woman brawl!

Alexa throws Billie out, Peyton throws Bayley out and Nikki rams Sasha. Alexa brings Peyton around, shouts to Nikki, and whips Peyton into Sasha. Alexa runs in to SLAP Peyton, then she SLAPS Sasha! Nikki tags in to corner splash Sasha, then bulldog, into a HEEL KICK! Peyton covers, TWO! Sasha gets to Bayley and tags her in, but the ref didn’t see it! The ref makes Bayley tag for sure, and she argues with him. Bayley ROCKS Peyton, then RAMS Nikki into the corner. Bayley goes wacky waving, but misses! Billie tags in and BOOTS Nikki! She high stacks, but Bayley breaks it! Billie and Byaley argue while stomping Nikki. They get Nikki in a corner and stomp a mudhole together. But then Billie ROCKS Bayley to suplex her! Billie shouts, “IICONIC!” and strikes a pose. Billie swipes at Alexa then complains to the ref. Billie wheelbarrows but Sasha POUNCES Peyton! Bayley rolls Billie, TWO!

Bayley lifts Billie, Sasha sucker punches Alexa, bu Billie sunset flips! TWO and Bayley has the wheelbarrow, they steal the IIconic combo! Cover, but Nikki breaks it! The crowd is fired up and rallying again as Bayley goes after Nikki. Bayley rams Nikki into a corner, clubs her with forearms, then hoists her up. Billie throws Bayley by her hair then throws forearms at Nikki. Nikki hits back, clothesline bulldog combo! All three women are down and the crowd rallies up! Hot tag to Alexa! The Goddess rallies on Bayley, Peyton tags in but she gets hit, too! Alexa ROCKS Bayley, STO’s Peyton, then dropkicks Bayley down! Alexa hits Insult 2 THESZ PRESS! Alexa rains down hands, then Thesz Presses Sasha! Peyton runs into a third Thesz Press! Alexa is all fired up, Billie talks smack and gets SMACKED! Alexa dodges Bayley and Peyton to double crossbody!

Alexa puts Bayley in a corner and fires off stomps and forearms! Bayley throws her to the apron then tags Sasha, Sasha brawls with Alexa, but Peyton SPEARS them down and onto the others! All six women are down and “This is Awesome!” Peyton puts Sasha in but Bayley hurries after. Billie stops Bayley and wheelbarrows, IICONIC-CLASM! Sasha swings and grabs Peyton but she pops free! INVERTED MAGIC KILELR! But Bliss-Cross dropkick the IIconics down! Nikki turns Peyton but she fights free! Nikki dodges the heel kick and catches Peyton, Bliss-Cross hits the FLAPJACK DDT!! Billie throws Nikki but Nikki throws her out. Those two brawl on the outside and take each other out! Alexa goes up top, aimed at Peyton! TWISTED BLISS! But Sasha gets in to cover Alexa! Sasha & Bayley win!!

Winners: Sasha Banks & Bayley, by pinfall (still WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions)

#BayleyDosStraps is still a thing! The role models are still golden, but are they truly unstoppable? They have a return to NXT this Wednesday, will Bayley and Banks shine bright on the black ‘n’ gold?

 

Braun Strowman pulls up to the arena.

His Plymouth Grand National has a new windshield, so clearly The Miz and Morrison didn’t do as much damage as they thought. The Monster Among Men brings his things out of the trunk and heads inside. Will he mash the Greatest Tag Team of the 21st Century up worse than their spy van?

 

Jeff Hardy VS Sheamus!

The Charismatic Enigma does not deny his inner demons exist, but he has overcome them to come back to the WWE Universe. However, the Celtic Warrior preys on those weaknesses in an effort to purge Hardy from his locker room. Will Sheamus break Hardy with one last Brogue? Or will Hardy prove nothing can break his spirit this time?

The bell rings and the crowd is already rallying behind Hardy. Hardy and Sheamus tie up, Sheamus gets a headlock and takeover and grinds his forearms into Hardy’s face! Hardy gets up, gets a leg, then a waistlock. Sheamus backs him up into buckles then throws hands. Hardy slips out and headlocks but Sheamus works to power out. Hardy holds on tight but Sheamus pulls hair. Sheamus puts Hardy in a corner and the ref counts. They break at 4, only for Sheamus to shoulder in! Sheamus throws forearms and then shouts that the piss wasn’t funny. Sheamus stomps Hardy then rips at his mesh shirt! The crowd boos as Sheamus drags Hardy up and whips. Hardy kicks back then dropkicks the legs out! Hardy stomps Sheamus’ legs as Sheamus scrambles about. Hardy stomps a mudhole into the legs but the ref backs him off. Sheamus gets up but Hardy just tackles him down!

Hardy clubs Sheamus down and chokes him on the ropes! The ref counts, Hardy lets up, but Sheamus clobbers him! Sheamus hobbles and says the crowd is to blame for this. Sheamus drags Hardy up to throw European Uppercuts then stomps him at the ropes. Sheamus scrapes his boot on Hardy’s face but lets up at the ref’s count. Sheamus drags Hardy around and whips him to ropes. Hardy holds ropes and dumps Sheamus to the apron. Hardy runs to dropkick the legs out! Sheamus hits the floor but Hardy pursues. Hardy runs and leaps off the steps, to clobber Sheamus towards commentary! The crowd fires up as Hardy drags Sheamus up. Hardy bounces Sheamus off the announce desk then puts him in the ring. Hardy grabs the steel steps and pulls off the top! The ref tells him not to, so Hardy puts the steps down. Hardy wants to win so he throws forearms on Sheamus in the ring.

Hardy suplexes but Sheamus blocks. Sheamus powers Hardy to a corner and throws elbows over and over! Sheamus backs off at the ref’s count but he comes back to drag Hardy into a suplex! He SLAMS Hardy on the top crossbar and Hardy flops to the apron. Sheamus catches his breath before heading back over. Sheamus drags Hardy up and scoops him for a swinging slam! The ref checks on Hardy but Sheamus climbs up. Sheamus leaps to drop a knee! Cover, TWO! Hardy survives but Sheamus looms over him. Hardy hobbles up but falls down, and Sheamus tells the crowd and fans that they’re all enablers! Sheamus digs his boot into Hardy at the ropes then puts him on the apron. Sheamus drags Hardy back in and scoops him for an IRISH CURSE Backbreaker! And another! Cover, TWO!! Hardy still lives and the crowd rallies for him.

Sheamus wraps Hardy up in a chinlock but the crowd rallies up. Hardy fights to his feet and throws elbows. Hardy jawbreakers free! Sheamus still comes back with a KNEE! Cover, TWO!! Sheamus grows frustrated but he walks off the bad leg. Sheamus shouts at commentary to call this right, he’s not frustrated at all. Sheamus cranks on Hardy with a chinlock and even smothers his face! The ref reprimands and the crowd rallies. Hardy fights up and fights back, to waistlock and shove Sheamus to buckles! Then hits a back suplex! Both men are down but the crowd fires up. Hardy gets up and throws haymakers! Hardy runs, but into a LARIAT! Sheamus goes to a corner and climbs up again, but he takes his time taunting the crowd. Hardy stands, ducks the flying clothesline, and elbows Sheamus away! WHISPER IN THE WIND! Cover, TWO!! Sheamus survives and Hardy grits his teeth.

Sheamus throws hands but Hardy gives them back. Hardy whips, Sheamus reverses but Hardy clotheslines! Atomic drop and takedown to the leg splitting leg drop! Basement dropkick! Cover, TWO! Hardy keeps moving, falling splash! Cover, TWO! Hardy is too tired to be frustrated, but the crowd still has energy to give him. Hardy watches Sheamus stand and he calls his shot. Kick and Twist but Sheamus rolls him up! TWO, and Hardy tries again. Sheamus blocks but gets the spinning mule kick! Sheamus comes back, Hardy dodges the Brogue to hit a SLINGBLADE! Hardy drags himself to the corner while Sheamus is in the drop zone. The crowd cheers Hardy as he climbs, but Sheamus intercepts Hardy with forearms! Sheamus climbs up to join Hardy, but Hardy fights him back with body shots.

Hardy pushes Sheamus down hard, then adjusts to stand up. But Sheamus trips him up and Hardy falls to the mat! Sheamus brings Hardy up, WHITE NOISE!! Cover, TWO!?! Sheamus can’t believe Hardy survives again! Sheamus looms over Hardy as the crowd rallies hard as ever. Hardy staggers to a corner but Sheamus has his legs. Sheamus stomps Hardy down then laces the legs for the CLOVERLEAF! Hardy endures, reaches and crawls, and gets the ROPEBREAK! Sheamus lets go at 4 but he’s still frustrated. Sheamus stomps Hardy and kicks him to a corner. Hardy gets to the apron but Sheamus drags him up by his torn up shirt. “Do you know how long I’ve waited for this? I’m gonna help you with those demons!” He uses the Bodhrain to beat those demons out of Hardy! And then again!

Hardy flops to the apron but Sheamus drags him inside. Sheamus drags Hardy all the way to the far corner and hoists him up top. Hardy holds onto the top rope for dear life, and slips off to POST Sheamus! TWIST OF FATE!! Hardy hurries up top and the crowd is fired up again! SWANTON BOMB!! Cover, ROPEBREAK!? Sheamus saves himself by mere seconds and no one can believe it! Hardy and Sheamus head out, and Hardy uses the steps to get up on the barriers. Hardy runs and leaps, into a BROGUE!! Sheamus puts Hardy in and wants another. Hardy stands, to get another BROGUE!! Cover, Sheamus wins!!

Winner: Sheamus, by pinfall

The Celtic Warrior makes Hardy look at him while he’s down on the mat. Hardy has fought off his inner demons, but he was just mauled by a Great White. Will Hardy be able to recover from this defeat? Or will he be stuck wallowing in shame?

 

Backstage interview with The Miz & John Morrison.

Oh hi, Kayla. No time for media, they are preparing to become co-Universal champions. Well, that’s just it. It was announced earlier that the rules of the Handicap Match changed. The one who pins Strowman becomes the SOLE Universal Champion. What? Well, that’s fine. As long as one of them becomes champion instead of Strowman, that’s good enough. Strowman may have fixed his windshield, but he won’t be able to fix how it feels when his title is in THESE hands. But just then, Otis and Mandy Rose walk over. Otis says that while these two said some mean things about him, like he’s pregnant with a roasted turkey, he wants them to know he MIGHT cash in. So even if Miz and Morrison win, they may not be champion for very long. Will the Greatest Tag Team of the 21st Century have the title in their hands at all tonight?

 

Raw Women’s Championship: Asuka VS Nia Jax!

The Empress of Tomorrow won the Ms. Money in the Bank match, but she won so much more than she realized. Becky Lynch gave the title to her as she stepped away to become a mother, but the Irresistible Force says Asuka is not worthy. Will Asuka prove Nia wrong once and for all?

The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and this collision a long time coming finally happens!

Asuka and Nia circle and Nia runs in. Asuka fires off strikes but Nia shoves her. Asuka boots the punch but Nia blocks the back hand. Nia scoops, but Asuka slips to a sleeper! Nia elbows free but Asuka comes back to tilt-o-whirl! Asuka wants the arm but Nia powers her away again. Nia grabs Asuka by the head to headbutt! Asuka ends up in a corner, but she ROUNDHOUSES back! Nia stays up but Asuka bumps her off buckles again and again! Nia swats Asuka away with a back hand of her own, but she runs into a tilt-o-whirl! IRON OCTOPUS! Asuka cranks on the arm but Nia endures! Nia stays standing, pries free, and tosses Asuka off! Asuka gets to her feet but Nia CLOBBERS her down! Asuka sits up but Nia drags her up. But Asuka goes after the arm again!

Nia swats Asuka off but Asuka does it again. Nia shoves, Asuka returns, Nia runs her over! Nia tosses Asuka by her hair to a corner! Asuka flounders up and Nia corner splashes, to then toss Asuka the other way. The crowd rallies for Asuka but Nia scoops Asuka for a slam. Nia covers, TWO! Nia pushes Asuka towards ropes but the crowd continues to rally. Nia brings Asuka up and stretches her against the ropes. She lets up at 4 then stalks Asuka to a corner. Nia toys with Asuka but Asuka kicks back. Nia drags Asuka up but Asuka keeps fighting. Nia shoves Asuka, then pops her up for a SPINE BUSTER! Cover, TWO!! Asuka survives and Nia grows annoyed. The crowd keeps rallying but Nia looms over Asuka. Nia drags Asuka up to a cobra clutch and leans on her. Asuka endures, the crowd continues to rally, and Asuka fights with elbows.

Asuka spins out and jumps on for a guillotine! Nia powers her way free to suplex Asuka up and JACKHAMMER her down! Cover, TWO!! Asuka survives and Nia is losing her cool. Nia cools off and toys with Asuka. Asuka gets mad as Nia taunts her with, “Where’s Kairi?” Asuka back hands and back kicks and runs, but into a firemen’s carry! Asuka sunset flips but Nia stays up! Nia jumps but sits down on the mat! Asua runs to SHINING WIZARD! Cover, TWO!! Asuka keeps on Nia with kick after kick, then goes after the arm again. Nia denies the whip and sends Asuka the other way. Asuka goes up and missile dropkicks Nia down! Asuka keeps going, HIP ATTACK! Cover, TWO! Still not enough but Asuka covers out of exhaustion! TWO, and Asuka gets angrier.

The crowd continues to rally as Asuka and Nia go forehead to forehead. Asuka fairs off kick after kick, but Nia catches one for a POWERBOMB! Cover, TWO!! Asuka survives and Nia can’t believe it. Asuka gets to a corner, Nia gets up in a huff, and Nia runs corner to corner. Asuka dodges and POSTS Nia! Nia drags herself out while Asuka fires up with the crowd. Asuka goes up top but Nia headbutts her first! Nia climbs to join Asuka, but Asuka gets her with a hanging armbar! Asuka drags Nia over and out to the floor! Asuka aims at Nia, FLYING ARMBAR! The ref counts as Nia shifts to dead lift Asuka and swing her into barriers! The count is passed 5 and climbing! Nia drags Asuka up at 8, but Asuka slips free to ROUNDHOUSE! THE COUNT HITS 10!!

Double Count-Out; Asuka is still Raw Women’s Champion

Asuka survives Nia but not even she is satisfied with that! She goes to the apron to hit a FLYING HIP ATTACK! Nia goes down in a heap and Asuka leaves with the belt. Is this furious feud far from over?

 

MVP is on the phone.

He wants 20- no, 30! 30 bottles of the best champagne. They’re going to celebrate Bobby Lashley’s win tonight, so nothing but the best. Speaking of, the security team- Wait, he’ll have to call back. Lana walks over and says this is the greatest night in “my Bobby’s” career. She claims this is because of her work as his wife and manager. MVP stops her right there and says this is something she and Bobby need to talk over. And by the way, it was NOT his idea to keep Lana backstage, so perhaps she needs to talk with her husband. But she isn’t going to, because she’s too scared to hear the truth. Now if she’ll excuse him, MVP is going to attend to the NEW WWE World Champion. Will Lana finally get to the heart of the problem between her and “her Bobby”?

 

WWE Universal Championship Handicap Match: Braun Strowman VS The Miz & John Morrison!

The Monster Among Men hasn’t had the best time when outnumbered. Sami Zayn, Cesaro and Shinsuke Nakamura took the WWE Intercontinental Championship from him together, so the Greatest Tag Team of the 21st Century will try to do the same. However, just like when Strowman took on the Artist Collective, only one man from the opposing team can be champion. Will the A-Lister and the Guru of Greatness agree to let what happens happen and support the other in becoming champion? Or will neither of them #GetTheseHands on the title?

But before the match, Miz & Morrison grab the mics to speak. They know that only one can become champion, but that means they need something to pump them up. How about they share something extra special with the WWE Universe? That’s right, the music video sweeping the nation! The PPV debut of their hit single, “HEY! Hey Hey!” Roll it! The video begins, and actually gets past the intro this time. And to the chorus! That’s incredible! But the second verse barely begins before the #StrowmanExpress barges in! The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and this numbers game begins!

Miz starts with Strowman and they circle. Morrison starts up the chanting of “Hey Hey! Ho ho!” and then Miz backs off to tag him in. Morrison circles with Strowman but Miz gets a cheap shot! Strowman tries to go after Miz but Morrison fires off strikes. Strowman clubs and throws Morrison to a corner! Morrison dodges in the corner, then dodges the boot! Morrison kips up, gets away and tags Miz back in. Strowman seethes as Miz takes his time getting in the ring. Miz goes around the way but Morrison sneaks up behind Strowman. Strowman senses it and runs Morrison off, but Miz fires haymakers! Miz dodges Strowman, tags Morrison in, double shotgun dropkicks put Strowman in a corner! Morrison runs in but Strowman puts him on the apron. Morrison hits back and springboards, but Strowman catches him! Morrison gets away with parkour, but he runs into a HARD right hand!

Morrison crawls and Miz tags in. Miz realizes he’s going to be alone with Strowman and hesitates on the apron. Strowman rushes over but Miz hotshots him back! Miz throws haymakers and backs Strowman down, then BOOTS! But Strowman stays up! Miz is afraid again and tries to reason with Strowman. Miz goes to tag out but no Morrison. Strowman BOOTS Miz down and Morrison returns, but Strowman sends him into Morrison! That counts as a tag, oddly enough, but Strowman tosses Miz out hard! The Strowman Express builds up speed but Miz and Morrison get back in the ring. FLYING CHUCK takes Strowman down! Miz tags in to hit a wrecking dropkick! Morrison FLIES to wreck Strowman into barriers! The Monster is in trouble as Miz and Morrison stalk up behind him. Miz puts Strowman in and slithers up behind him. Strowman sits up to get an IT KICK! Cover, ONE!

Miz clamps on with a chinlock and leans on Strowman. Strowman endures but he’s already turning red. The crowd rallies and Strowman powers up with Miz as a backpack. He powers Miz to the corner, Morrison tags in and chop blocks the leg! Morrison kicks Strowman down, stomps him, then moves to ground ‘n’ pound! Strowman powers out but Morrison kicks and stomps more. Morrison sits Strowman up for a point-blank Wizard! Tag to Miz and they bring Strowman up together, DOUBLE DDT! Cover, ONE?! Strowman is still tough but he’s slowing down. Miz stalks Strowman and throws more It Kicks! He kicks and kicks and kicks, then kicks even more. Miz and Morrison sing Hey! Hey Hey, but Miz runs into a RIGHT! And a back elbow, and a BOOT! Strowman ROCKS Morrison, then TOSSES Miz!

Strowman runs corner to corner but Morrison tags and saves Miz! Strowman POSTS himself, and Morrison hits Antone FLYING CHUCK! Strowman staggers about, swings on Morrison, but gets a THIRD Flying Chuck! SHINING WIZARD! Tag to Miz and Miz climbs up top, for a flying ax handle! Miz looks to finish this, he full nelsons, DOUBLE STOMP FINALE COMBO!! Morrison covers, but Miz drags him off?! Instinct or ego? Miz realizes his mistake and lets Morrison cover, TWO!! Morrison is tossed out of the ring! Miz panics and hurries, but into a CHOKE SLAM! Morrison springboards, into an uppercut! Strowman scoops Morrison, for the MONSTER SLAM!! Cover, Strowman wins!

Winner: Braun Strowman, by pinfall (still WWE Universal Champion)

One major Miz-take and now neither Miz nor Morrison is champion! The Strowman Express is still on the track and he laughs at the Greatest Tag Team. Will the Monster Among Men continue to build momentum until he is completely unstoppable?

 

Backstage interview with the NEW Intercontinental Champion, AJ Styles!

The Phenomenal One is congratulated, but he has a special announcement. He could’ve taken the night off, and he certainly neared it last Friday. He has a special invitation open to everyone for this coming SmackDown. The greatest champion in the WWE should have the greatest presentation! He wants everyone to be there, including Daniel Bryan. Why? Because Bryan has the most to learn. Bryan fights for his dreams, but Styles makes his dreams happen. Styles lives in the real world. Bryan is certainly one of the greatest to lace up the boots, he’s just not phenomenal. Just what will this championship presentation be this Friday Night SmackDown?

 

WWE World Championship: Drew McIntyre VS Bobby Lashley w/ MVP!

The Scottish Stud waited a long time to finally have a shot at the world title. He not only won the Royal Rumble to earn his shot, he finally slayed The Beast, Brock Lesnar, at WrestleMania! But the Rocky Mountain Machine has also waited a long time to have his shot at the world title. Montel Vontavius Porter motivated Lashley to finally free Lashley, and here we are. Will this finally be Lashley’s moment to make it to the top of the WWE mountain? Or will the Claymore kick him all the way back down?

The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and the moment of truth is here!

But before the bell, MVP gets in McIntyre’s face, McIntyre shoves him away, and Lashley clamps on the FULL NELSON! The ref tries to pry Lashley off but he thrashes McIntyre about! The ref calls for back-up and more refs rush out! But Lashley drags McIntyre down to the mat with body scissors! Lashley is like a bear trap clamped onto McIntyre, and he doesn’t let go until McIntyre is red and gasping for air. Lashley paces, a shark smelling blood in the water. McIntyre manages to breathe and the refs ask if he wants this match. McIntyre DEMANDS this match still happen, so the bell rings. Lashley rushes in to tackle McIntyre to a corner! Lashley rams his shoulder in over and over, then clubs McIntyre’s back. He bumps McIntyre off buckles and throws haymakers. The crowd boos as Lashley suplexes and SLAMS McIntyre down! Cover, ONE!?

McIntyre still has a lot so Lashley tries another cover. ONE, and Lashley is shocked. MVP says Lashley needs to keep on McIntyre, and Lana watches proudly backstage. Lashley bumps McIntyre off buckles and throws more hands. The ref counts as Lashley digs his boot in, and Lashley lets up at 4. Lashley clubs McIntyre more then roars in frustration. Lashley runs corner to corner, into a KNEE! McIntyre CHOPS Lashley back, then runs, but Lashley follows to LARIAT! Cover, ONE! Lashley tries again, ONE! Lashley digs his knee into McIntyre then cranks on an arm. He pulls McIntyre’s jacket off and then rams his knee into McIntyre’s spine over and over. Lashley clamps on with a chinlock and bends McIntyre back. MVP says that’s how to do it, and Lashley waistlocks. McIntyre fights out, standing switches, but Lashley spins around, only to get a NORTHERN LIGHTS! Bridging cover, ONE!

Lashley spins McIntyre for a neckbraeker! Cover, ONE!! Lashley grows frustrated as he looms over McIntyre. Lashley knocks McIntyre down and McIntyre is gasping again. MVP says to not let up, so Lashley drags McIntyre up in a corner. Lashley chokes McIntyre on the ropes, the ref counts, but Lashley lets up at 4. McIntyre coughs and sputters, but Lashley stands on McIntyre’s throat! The ref counts, Lashley lets up, and then brings McIntyre up for a scoop. The crowd rallies and McIntyre sips out to shove and clothesline Lashley out! McIntyre keeps on Lashley and rams him into barriers! And then again! The ref starts the ring count and MVP gets in McIntyre’s face again. MVP backs off, but McIntyre whips Lashley. Lashley reverses to scoop and TOSS McIntyre to the floor! MVP says Lashley has him, so finish him! Lashley fireman’s carries McIntyre to POST him!

McIntyre is down in a heap and Lashley high-fives MVP. Lashley taunts McIntyre before dragging him up and into the ring at 8. McIntyre manages to roll out the other side but Lashley pursues. Lashley runs at McIntyre, but McIntyre TOSSES Lashley into barriers! Both men are down but MVP keeps coaching Lashley. McIntyre drags Lashley up for a snap suplex to the floor! McIntyre drags Lashley up again to put in the ring at 7. McIntyre doesn’t want a count-out win, and the crowd rallies behind him for it. Lashley mule kicks but McIntyre haymakers. The two behemoths brawl and CHOP! Lashley kicks but McIntyre CHOPS again! And again! McIntyre whips, Lashley reverses, but McIntyre comes back to LARIAT! McIntyre keeps moving, and BOOTS Lashley! Lashley wobbles, McIntyre goes up top, and hits a flying ax handle! McIntyre is down, but he still manages to kip up!

The crowd rallies as McIntyre fireman’s carries Lashley. Lashley fights free and runs, into a SPINE BUSTER! Jackknife cover, TWO! Both men are down and MVP coaches Lashley again. McIntyre and Lashley stand, but Lashley spins McIntyre to shove. McIntyre kicks back, runs, but into the ROCKY MOUNTAIN SPINE BUSTER! Cover, ONE?!?! HOW?!? MVP is still shouting to stay on McIntyre, so Lashley drags him back up. Lashley POSTS McIntyre again, then hauls him up for a COMPLETE SHOT! Cover, ONE!! McIntyre is not slowing down but MVP says Lashley should use something he can’t kick out of. Lashley waits for McIntyre to get up. McIntyre gets to ropes, stands, but walks into the FULL NELSON! McIntyre resists, Lashley keeps trying, but McIntyre uses the buckles. Lashley bumps McIntyre off the buckles, then climbs up to club him from above!

McIntyre Electric Chairs, Inverted Alabama, but Lashley holds on for dear life! Not enough, and McIntyre SLAMS Lashley down! Cover, TWO! MVP is relieved that Lashley survives. Lashley stands first and gets back to a corner. The crowd rallies and McIntyre goes to the far side. McIntyre runs in, but Lashley puts him on the apron. McIntyre hotshots Lashley then climbs up again. McIntyre leaps, but into a takedown! CROSSFACE! McIntyre endures as Lashley cranks back, but McIntyre fights back to his feet. McIntyre scoops and gut wrenches Lashley, for a TOMB- NO! Lashley gets a takedown to an ANKLE LOCK! McIntyre flails, rolls, and kicks Lashley away. Lashley comes back, but the Spear is turned into a KIMURA! McIntyre learned something from Lesnar and is using it on Lashley! Lashley endures, reaches, and gets the ropebreak! McIntyre lets go at 4 and MVP grows worried.

Lashley gets up on the apron, McIntyre brings him over and bumps him off buckles. McIntyre climbs, drags Lashley up, and clubs away with forearms. McIntyre brings Lashley to the very top, SUPERPLEX! But both men are down! The crowd hopes they “Fight Forever!” at this rate but it has to end at some point. MVP gives Lashley more tips but McIntyre kips up again! McIntyre gets to the corner and starts the countdown! But he runs into a SPEAR!! Cover, TWO!?! Lashley and MVP cannot believe it! And to make matters worse, here comes Lana! The Ravishing Russian doesn’t care about things, she is saying the ref is cheating. McIntyre shoves Lashley at Lana, Lashley stops himself, but Lashley turns around into the GLASGOW KISS! Lashley bumps into Lana, who falls on MVP! CLAYMORE!! Cover, McIntyre wins!!

Winner: Drew McIntyre, by pinfall (still WWE World Champion)

MVP gets up and is distraught! All the hard work to turn the Rocky Mountain Machine around, and it was ruined by a Ravishing Russian. Lashley doesn’t even help Lana up off the ground! Is the romance finally through? As for McIntyre, he survived so much from Lashley and comes out on top. Will anyone ever be able to conquer #ClaymoreCountry?

 

There’s a brawl in the parking lot?!

The Street Profits and the Viking Raiders are throwing hands! They’re supposed to battle over the Raw Tag Team Championships tonight, but what happened to the respect found during the Anything You Can Do Series?! Erik throws hands on Ford while Dawkins and Ivar brawl. They’re dangerously close to Strowman’s Grand National, and then Ford HIP TOSSES Erik onto the windshield!! “Fam, that’s Braun Strowman’s car!” RUN FOR IT! The Profits and Vikings bail, but the brawling continues all the same! Ivar rocks Dawkins but Dawkins bounces him off trunks. Dawkins helps Ford against Erik, and then throw him into a garage door! Then the golf clubs come out! Except, Erik and Ivar get their axes back. And bowling balls? References abound, and the Profits bail!

The Vikings pursue down the hall towards gorilla. The Profits make a stand with the clubs, the Vikings storm up with ax and bowling ball, and Ford has to point out how crazy this is. Let’s all just drop the weapons and fight like men. All at the same time. Good, good, good. The four stand back up tall, and Ford has a question. What did the five fingers say to the face? SLAP! And the brawling continues! Uppercuts and forearms, but then Ford hits a wall jump Superman punch! Erik comes back with Ace Ten Mao! Dawkins DECKS Erik and they continue down the way. Ivar and Ford slowly recover, and Ivar grabs his bowling ball. Ivar remembers back to their great night of bowling and all the strikes the Vikings were serving. Ivar prepares for one last one, and hits Ford right down the middle! STRIKE! Ivar pats him on the back before heading after Erik and Dawkins.

But when Ivar finds Erik, he’s down and out. Dawkins SPEARS Ivar through glass! Both men are wrecked, and Ivar goes back to his happy place: all the times turkey legs appeared as if from nowhere. And it was more often than you’d think. “Anything you can do…” “We can do better!” Ford and Erik catch up to these two and see just what happened. They help their tag partners up, and all four men hobble out of the lobby. No serious injuries, thankfully. They argue about who is to blame over this escalating. Let’s take this outside! But, they already are outside. What is Ivar doing? The two teams vow to finish this and they dig deep. But wait, who is this rolling in on motorcycles? It’s a whole biker gang of sorts! Led by… AKIRA TOZAWA?! It’s a bunch of biker ninjas! “Anything you can do, we ninja can do better!” CHECK! Helmet toss.

The Vikings and Profits huddle up and realize they’re up against ninja bikers. You know what that means? “It’s time, fam.” They must do this together. A storm rolls in, and Ford calls upon the powers of his red solo cup! Dawkins has a golf club, Erik has an ax, and Ivar has a turkey leg. They have combined to become the VIKING PROFITS!! Time to live by four words: WE WANT THE SMOKE! Tozawa and his shinobi power up, and it’s a 8v4 brawl! Shield smash! Cup splash! Drumstick smack! Golf club… club! Oh no, Ivar has been disarmed! But he still punches the ninja. Ford uses some street style while Dawkins rocks ’em! The Vikings give one ninja the Ivar SLAM on top of a car! They leap frog and ROCK more ninja, to then dosido BOOT!

The ninjas have been defeated and the Viking Profits super fist bump freeze frame! Tozawa ask they wait and show mercy. But then he waves over… THE SHOGUN!! He draws his sword, but Ivar summons Turkey Mjolnir! Ivar takes a big bite but Tozawa is confident in his ace’s ninja sword. Erik wants this one but the Profits keep him back. The four retreat to the top of the production truck! And then across the row of trucks, which is a lot of running for Ivar. Maybe if he wasn’t so obsessed with turkey legs, he’d be faster. Erik says Ivar is tired from beating up all the ninjas. No, the Profits did that. What did the five fingers say to the face? BRAWL! So much for that alliance. Dawkins clubs ERik and says it’s SMOKE SEASON! SUPER BULLDOG into the dumpster!

Ford and Ivar hurry over. What happened to being Viking Profits? Ivar pushes Ford into the dumpster! AIR IVAR SUPER SWANTON! All four are down in the trash and blame each other for starting it. Ivar goes back to his happy place: all the times the ladies complimented him on being cute; and said Erik isn’t as much. Good times, good times. The referee finally finds them and says their match is next. And by the way, Ivar, you’re cute. Erik? Not so much. Ouch. “She wants Ivar~ and not Erik~!” Wait, is there something in here with them?! This is straight outta Star Wars, yo!! C3PO, shut down the trash compactors on the detention level!! Also, what does this mean for their title match tonight?

 

Edge VS Randy Orton!

The Rated R Superstar’s return was the Royal Rumble. His return to a 1v1 match was in a Last Man Standing at WrestleMania. The Viper wants to see if Edge can do it “in a straight-up wrestling match.” Edge knows Orton is among the best, but this life was handed to him. Philosophies, motivations and determination will all be put to the test. The WWE has already deemed this the GREATEST Wrestling Match EVER, but will that be the undeniable truth when it is all said and done?

The introductions are given old school, in the spirit of the late, great Howard Finkel. The referee has the two approach to explain the basic rules. There will be no hair pulling, eye gouging, choking or low blows. Shake hands and come out fighting. They do NOT shake hands, and the crowd is thunderous already. The bell rings, Orton and Edge circle, they tie up and go around. They end up in a corner, then come back out, then Orton throws Edge down. They stay tied up and Edge gets to his feet. Orton SLAMS Edge down on his face but Edge gets to a corner. Edge gets up and shakes it off. They circle again, tie up, and Orton headlocks. Edge powers out but Orton runs him over. Things speed up, Edge hurdles and arm-drags Orton, then again! Orton fakes Edge out of the third, and Edge has to keep his cool over being fooled. Edge and Orton reset and circle again.

They tie up, Edge headlocks, Orton pulls hair but the ref reprimands. Edge hits a takeover, Orton turns it to a cover, ONE and Edge holds on. Orton pulls hair again then moves around to get a headscissor. Orton pries Edge off the headlock and squeezes tight, but Edge moves around. Orton cranks on the neck but Edge endures. Edge works to get free, gets up and pops out. Orton avoids the headlock and Edge again has to contain his frustration. Edge backs off and Orton grins as they circle again. Orton and Edge tie up once again, and Edge headlocks. Orton powers Edge to ropes and the ref calls for the break. Orton powers out but Edge hurdles and ducks under and keeps moving. Orton trips Edge and Edge tumbles out of the ring. Edge is growing frustrated and Orton eggs him on. The ring count climbs but Edge takes his time focusing himself. Edge is up and in at 7 and Orton gives him space.

Orton and Edge approach, tie up, and go around. Orton puts Edge in a corner, the ref calls for the break, but Orton knees low! The crowd boos as Orton whips Edge corner to corner. Edge slides out, Orton pursues, and it’s cat and mouse. Orton goes around the corner into Edge’s BOOT! Edge tricked Orton this time and Orton is down. Edge brings Orton up and around into the ring. Cover, TWO, but Orton gets to a corner. Edge walks over into Orton’s kick, then Orton throws a European Uppercut. Edge falls but Orton takes a moment to check his own jaw. Orton drags Edge up by his hair and whips to ropes. Edge slides under, keeps moving and slides again. Edge whips Orton and arm-drags him again! Edge wants the arm for a keylock and he smothers Orton to the mat.

Orton endures as Edge traps the arm, and Orton tries to headscissor again. Edge shakes that off, keeps on the arm, and stands to wrench the shoulder. Orton scoops Edge but Edge cranks again to bring Orton down. Orton fights his way towards ropes but Edge brings him back. Edge cranks on the arm more but Orton gets around to waistlock. Edge pries at the hold, the crowd rallies up, and Edge breaks free to another arm-drag! Edge has the headlock again but Orton keeps his shoulders up. Orton fights his way up, throws body shots, but Edge cranks on the headlock. Orton gets to his feet, powers Edge to a corner again, and the ref calls for the break. Edge lets go but Orton stomps Edge’s foot! The Viper bends the rules and he whips Edge corner to corner. Edge goes up and heasdcissors Orton out!

Orton gets up but Edge climbs up top?! Edge aims for Orton but Orton gets up to ROCK him with a right. Orton throws more haymakers, then measures out where he and Edge are. Orton climbs up and brings Edge up, and the crowd anticipates what he’s up to. Edge does, too, and he resists the suicide superplex! Edge throws hands, headbutts Orton, but Orton comes back. Edge headbutts Orton again and Orton falls to the apron! Edge adjusts, leaps, FLYING CLOTHESLINE takes both men out! Orton is busted open!! But he just grins through it! “This is Awesome!” but far from over. Orton gets to the apron but Edge is on him. Edge grabs Orton’s arm and wrenches to wring it into the apron! Orton clutches the arm and is still bleeding from somewhere on his forehead.

Edge stalks Orton and dares him to get up. Orton gets to a corner but Edge CLUBS him down! Edge keeps clubbing Orton, not letting him get away. Edge brings Orton up, whips him to ropes, and then KNEES him low! Edge whips again, KNEES low again, and brings Orton up for a Russian Leg Sweep! INTO A CROSSFACE! Orton endures as Edge cranks back as hard as he can! Orton reaches, crawls, and gets around to use a leg for the ropebreak! Edge lets go at 4 but the damage is done. Orton leaps but Edge avoids the RKO! Edge goes for the arm triangle but Orton hurries to get the ropebreak again. Edge lets go quick and throws forearms. And CHOPS! Edge whips Orton again but Orton reverses, to get the back2backbreaker! But he made it more a neckbreaker! Edge sputters and clutches his neck as he rolls out of the ring.

Orton takes his time resting in the ring while the ring count climbs. He then slithers out to follow Edge as the crowd duels. Edge gets up but Orton is on him with a SHOVE to the barriers! Edge’s neck is again in danger but ORton bumps Edge off the apron! And back into the barriers! Then more barriers! Then the announce desk! Orton refreshes the count as it passes 5, to go after Edge more. Orton SLAMS Edge into the steel steps! The crowd boos while the ring count climbs again. Orton SLAMS Edge into the steps again! Orton refreshes the count yet again, and looms over a dazed Edge. Orton drags Edge up and over to the announce desk to bump him off it again. And then BACK SUPLEX him onto it! Orton whispers to Edge, “I’m gonna effing kill you.” He drags Edge into the ring, covers, TWO!! Edge refuses to give in!

Orton keeps his cool and looms over Edge again. Orton stands on Edge’s hand to then stomp it! The Viper picks Edge apart as he stomps the knee then the ankle. And then the other hand! Orton drags Edge up to scrape his laces off Edge’s face! Orton pulls Edge up by his hair to then wrap on a chinlock. The crowd rallies up as Orton thrashes and grinds Edge down to the mat. Edge endures but he is turning red. Orton cranks, Edge claws at the arm, and Edge fights his way up. Edge throws elbows and body shots, and even stomps his foot in return! Edge throws forearms but Orton shoves him backwards into buckles! Edge clutches his neck again and Orton drags him up. Orton looks up at the ceiling as he suplexes Edge! Uno amigo! Eddie Guerrero’s move! Dos Amigos!

But Edge blocks tres, and gives Orton the suplex! Then Edge goes to do DOS AMIGOS! Edge brings Orton up and hits the THIRD! The Rated R Superstar does it for Latino Heat! Both men are down but the crowd rallies up. Orton SLAPS Edge on the chest while they’re on the mat, but Edge SLAPS back! They CHOP each other more, and more, and more! They stand up, the CHOPS keep flying, but Orton gets an edge. Edge puts Orton in a corner to CHOP and CHOP and CHOP again! Orton flounders away, ducks a chop and dropkicks Edge down! Edge bails out but Orton pursues. The ref counts but Orton comes around the way. Orton grabs Edge’s arms through the corner gap, to YANK Edge into the crossbar! Edge goes down, again in a daze as he struggles to breathe.

Orton goes back into the ring as Edge flounders up onto the apron. Orton drags Edge up top as the crowd rallies. Orton gets Edge in position but Edge fights back. The two throw body shots and clubbing forearms but Orton gets the edge on Edge. Orton wants it, and hits another SUPERPLEX!! Both men are down and Orton crawls to a cover, TWO!?! Edge still lives and no one can believe it! The crowd rallies up for Edge, even as Orton looms over him at the ropes. Edge crawls up the ropes but Orton brings him up to uppercut! Orton brings Edge up again to whip to ropes. Edge ducks, but DOUBLE CROSSBODIES collide! Both men are down again but the crowd rallies. A standing count begins but Orton sits up first.

Edge stirs and heads for a corner at 6. Orton and Edge stand at 8, but Orton runs into a back elbow! Edge slips out and swing kicks Orton down! Edge leans on the corner, but he climbs up top. Orton throws haymakers to stop Edge, then adds uppercuts. Orton brings Edge forward, and drags him out along the rope! Edge denies the draping DDT, to hit EDGE-UCUTION! Edge crawls to a cover, TWO!!! The crowd hopes they “Fight Forever!” at this point, but it has to end somehow. “This is Awesome!” as Edge flounders to ropes. Orton gets to his feet, Edge runs in and knee lifts him down! Orton flounders back up but Edge runs in to KNEE him down! Edge runs again, basement sliding elbow! Cover, TWO! Orton survives and Edge is at a loss for what to do. Edge climbs up top again, leaps at Orton, and hits a crossbody! Cover, TWO!! Orton survives and crawls towards a corner.

Edge and Orton rise, Edge runs in but Orton goes up and rolls him up! TWO, and Edge wants the arm! CROSSFACE!! Orton endures, Edge shifts to a deeper choke! Orton turns red but Orton rolls to a cover! TWO!! Edge goes after an arm, Orton goes around, rolls and wrenches, to an OLYMPIC SLAM! Cover, TWO!! Edge survives as Orton uses Kurt Angle’s move. The crowd rallies up as Orton and Edge get back up. Orton brings Edge up, whips him and jumps, into a POWERBOMB! Cover, TWO! Edge caught Orton off guard but still can’t put him away. The crowd duels as Edge and Orton stir and sit up. Orton and Edge go to opposite ends, Edge runs in, but Orton back drops him out of the ring! Edge hits the ground hard but manages to crawl towards the ring. Edge stares at the LED that reads “Greatest Wrestling Match Ever,” but Orton drags him in through the ropes! DRAPING DDT!!

Edge looks like he is out cold! Orton slithers around but keeps his eyes on Edge. Orton hears the voices in his head while Edge sits up. Edge stands up and Orton leaps, but no RKO! Edge gets the chicken wings but no Unprettier! Orton leap frogs, but into an EDGE O’MATIC!! Cover, TWO!?! That sequence has the crowd fired up again! Edge glares at Orton as he goes back to a corner. Orton slowly sits up as Edge builds up energy. The crowd builds with him, and Orton stands as Edge takes aim. Edge runs at Orton, but Orton hops the Spear! Edge fakes out the powerslam, to hit UNPRETTIER!! For Christian!! Cover, TWO!! Captain Charisma’s move could not do it! The crowd still believes “This is Awesome!” as both men slowly rise again.

Edge CLUBS Orton on the back, then whips him to ropes. Orton reverses, picks Edge up, and flapjack hotshots him on the ropes! Edge flops to the mat and gasps for air. Edge rises, Orton kicks low, and reels Edge in. Orton underhooks a la The Game, PEDIGREE!!! Cover, TWO!?!? Orton cannot believe it, but neither can the crowd! Edge checks his face and is okay. The crowd again wants them to “Fight Forever!” and they just might. Orton brings Edge up, whips him again, but Edge reverse into a ROCK BOTTOM!?! Cover, TWO!!! The Great One would not like that his move didn’t help Edge win this. Edge grabs Orton’s legs, steps through, but Orton powers him away! Orton gets up and Edge follows, Edge ducks the clothesline to go for a backslide. Orton fights it off, but Edge mule kicks a leg! The cover, TWO!!

Orton is up, to UPPERCUT Edge down! Orton walks over as the crowd rallies back up. Orton drags Edge up by his hair again, and back through the ropes. Edge knows that and pops free to hotshot Orton back! Edge gets back up, slides in to sunset flip, TWO! Oklahoma Roll, TWO! Cradle, TWO! RKO OUTTA NOWHERE!!! Cover, TWO!?!?! Orton finally hit his move and it didn’t work!?! The crowd loses its mind as Orton deals with the shock of Edge surviving. Orton argues the count with the ref, but the ref defends it was two. Orton hobbles back over to Edge, looms over him, and calms himself. Edge stirs, but Orton backs up. Orton wants to bring out a deadly classic of his. A move that ended careers! Orton runs at Edge, but into the SPEAR!! Edge has a wild look in his eyes but he doesn’t cover!

Edge gets to another corner, builds the energy, and SPEARS again!! Cover, TWO!?!? Just what are these two men made of?! Perhaps they really will “Fight Forever!” Edge gets back up, watches Orton get to his feet, and stalks up behind him. Edge whips Orton corner to corner, Orton reverses, but Edge goes up and leaps, INTO AN RKO!!! Cover, TWO!?!?!?! No one knows what to make of this! Orton glares down at Edge as Edge slowly rises. Orton brings Edge up but Edge clamps on the ANTI-VENOM ARM TRIANGLE! Orton KNEES low, but how low?! Was it a low blow? The ref doesn’t know, and the PUNT hits!! Cover, Orton wins!!!

Winner: Randy Orton, by pinfall

Greatest Wrestling Match Ever? That may still be up for debate. But this was surely the greatest match between Randy Orton and Edge, though with a controversial ending. Orton crawls to Edge and tells him, “Go home. Go home to Beth and your beautiful girls. And tell them that Uncle Randy said hi.” Orton takes his time leaving while a medical team heads to the ring. A stretcher is prepared and they help Edge up, but he refuses to be helped. Edge forces himself to stand and the crowd cheers, but it doesn’t look good. Has The Viper ended the Rated R Superstar’s career once and for all? Is there no next chapter for Adam “Edge” Copeland?


My Thoughts:

For a PPV not even used last year, Backlash came back with a vengeance! Firstly, I was a bit bummed that the WWE United States Championship got bumped to the Kickoff Show to add the Raw Tag Team Championships, but then that Raw Tag Team Championship match turned into one of the wildest cinematic matches in a year of great cinematic matches. So much of that insane brawl was great, and I hope this means Tozawa has a tag team partner to join the tag division now. If that is truly Brennan Williams, aka Dio “The Shogun” Maddin, as the super tall ninja, that’d be awesome. He and Tozawa sound like a great combo and I want them in the mix with Profits, Vikings and all the factions, like Seth Rollins’ disciples and Vega’s stable. Also, Apollo wins with a little help from Kevin, but I’m not sure I want to see them as a tag team going for titles. Kevin should’ve had a tag title reign with Sami Zayn and no one else.

The Women’s Triple Threat Tag was incredible, especially as a main card opener. I knew Bayley and Banks would retain, and I do like that they’re trying to get a new tag name with “Golden Role Models.” Bayley and Banks are finally fulfilling their goal of bringing these titles to NXT for a match, and while Shotzi Blackheart and Tegan Nox are a new team, it would be insane if they found a way to beat Bayley and Banks. Hardy VS Sheamus was pretty good, definitely better than their WWE Intercontinental Championship tournament match, and I’m a bit surprised Sheamus won. But that makes them 1-1 so I think Extreme Rules is the tiebreaker. By the way, that new Extreme Rules logo is not only ugly, but way too late 90’s, early 2000’s extreme sports. And yet I now have to make a thumbnail with it…

Asuka VS Nia was pretty good, but I was really hoping Asuka was going to win flat out. A double count-out obviously extends the story, so at least the concerns of Charlotte swooping in are momentarily eased. Extreme Rules could still give us a Triple Threat, but an Extreme Rules match for the title could be a way for Asuka and Nia to settle things to prevent Champion’s Advantage. That way, when Asuka wins, she definitively wins. The last minute change to how the handicap match crowns a champion was actually very smart, and it was smart to have Miz cost himself and Morrison so that Strowman wins without damaging their power rankings too much. Maybe the hacker returns and their targets are Miz & Morrison. And Otis and Mandy were smart to put the cash-in in the back of their minds, as all Mr. MITB’s should do.

I did not think McIntyre VS Lashley would be before the Raw Tag segment, but it was such a good match I didn’t mind. I just felt Lana would show up and cost Lashley in some way. It preserves some of Lashley’s power ranking, and I hope we get a rematch for at least SummerSlam. Lashley also looks completely done with Lana, and it’s about time. I don’t know what Lana does other than focus on herself, as she implied last Raw, but at least Lashley can finally be Lashley again. If nothing else, whoever is “traded” to in return for AJ Styles can be thrown into the mix to bide some time. I feel like Baron Corbin is a good choice given there’s also story to be settled between him, Aleister Black and Rey Mysterio for MITB’s “thrown off the roof” spots.

And then while it was constantly being called “The Greatest Wrestling Match Ever,” Orton VS Edge really did turn into an incredible match. We could’ve done without the piped in crowd audio from great matches past, but I did enjoy using old Howard Finkel audio for introductions. Referee Charles Robinson being dressed old school was a bit odd, like they were trying to tell us visually that this was already one of those classics from the 80’s. But the genuine cheers from the crowd of NXT and trainee wrestlers were still great to hear, because surely they were enjoying the match. One thing that’s a bit funny to me was Orton and Edge burying the finishers of past legends and icons, though the shout outs to them were all greatly appreciated. I actually liked the controversy to the ending of the maybe-maybe-not low blow and then the infamous return of Orton’s punt kick. The series is 1-1, and the damage done definitely gives reason for Edge to rest until say, Survivor Series, so that they can try again in some other match type befitting these two.

My Score: 8.7/10


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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!

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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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