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Mitchell’s WWE Raw Results & Report! (7/20/20)

Does the Viper strike the Giant down?

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WWE Raw Coverage 3.0

The Raw after the Horror Show at Extreme Rules!

Even with Extreme Rules over, things could get brutal and terrifying as Randy Orton and The Big Show have an UNSANCTIONED MATCH! Will Show survive an unrestricted Legend Killer?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

  • Aleister Black VS Seth Rollins w/ Buddy Murphy; Rollins wins.
  • WWE 24/7 Championship Backstage Blindside: R-Truth VS Shelton Benjamin w/ MVP & Bobby Lashley; Benjamin wins and becomes the new WWE 24/7 Champion.
  • Six Man Tag: Mustafa Ali, Ricochet & Cedric Alexander VS The Hurt Business; Ali, Ricochet & Alexander win.
  • Peyton Royce VS Ruby Riott; Riott wins.
  • The Street Profits VS Angel Garza & Andrade Almas w/ Zelina Vega; The Street Profits win.
  • Kairi Sane w/ Asuka VS Bayley w/ Sasha Banks; Kairi wins.
  • Unsanctioned Match: The Big Show VS Randy Orton; Orton wins.

PLAY BY PLAY

Raw opens with the Monday Night Messiah!

The crowd immediately boos, the sight of Rey Mysterio’s eye outside of his head still fresh in their minds. Buddy Murphy accompanies Seth Rollins to the ring. Murphy fetches a mic for Rollins but the crowd boos harder. They chant “Shame! Shame!” Rollins takes a moment before speaking. “Medically, it is referred to as ‘globe luxation.'” In the simplest of terms, Mysterio’s eye was hanging out of the socket. Rollins wants to be honest with us. He understood going into the match what the Eye for an Eye stipulation meant. IT was understood that to win, you had to remove your opponent’s eye from the socket. But what Rollins saw will stick with him forever. He wants the crowd to understand this is difficult for him, as well.

The image of Mysterio holding his own bloody eye in his hand will stay in Rollins’ memory forever. “It was disgusting, it was barbaric, it was violent, it was more than I expected.” Rollins was literally sick to his stomach, as we also saw last night. The question he has been asked most in the last day is, does Rollins regret any of it? Rollins doesn’t want to be obtuse, but he answers the question with a question: Do we the fans regret what we have done to Rollins? This was NOT Rollins’ decision! The fans made him the Monday Night Messiah! The fans demanded he become this person that they hate! “You made me!” Do we regret doing this to Rollins? And by proxy, doing this to Mysterio?

And speaking of, let’s remember who asked for this stipulation! Mysterio wanted Eye for an Eye! “Actions have consequences.” What happened to Mysterio was ugly and unfortunate but we cannot afford to dwell in the past. The beauty in all of this is that now, Mysterio is out of sight. Raw is free to fulfill its potential! “The greater good of this show can happen, will happen, and there is nobody left to stand in the way of the greater good.” Don’t speak so soon, Rollins! Here comes Aleister Black! The Embodiment of the End has a match with Rollins, but first he must respond to all Rollins said. “Don’t you dare deflect any of this blame but on yourself!” Rollins orchestrated all of this, the blood is on Rollins’ hand! But Aleister will rectify it all!

Aleister rushes the rung, ROUNDHOUSES Murphy down, and storms up to Rollins! Rollins is jumpy but Murphy drags Aleister out. Aleister RAMS and kicks and bumps Murphy off everything at ringside! Murphy clips a post, Aleister KICKS him into barriers then RAMS him into more! Aleister fires off hands and feet, then tosses Murphy over the announce desk! Rollins bails out as Aleister gets in, will this “greater good” #FadeToBlack?

 

Aleister Black VS Seth Rollins w/ Buddy Murphy!

Raw returns and Rollins is stomping Aleister, having turned things around during the break. Rollins bumps Aleister off buckles, throws haymakers and body shots but the ref backs him off. The crowd boos as Rollins stomps a mudhole into Aleister and digs his boot in. Rollins lets up to ram his shoulder in over and over then throw more body shots. Rollins argues with the ref about whose authority is superior. Rollins runs but into the kitchen sink knee! Aleister throws hands on Rollins now, as well as kicks! Aleister lets up to whip and elbow Rollins down! Rollins bails out but Aleister goes out the side. Murphy coaches Rollins up but Aleister fires off on Rollins again!

Aleister bumps Rollins off the apron then brings him around to throw haymakers. Rollins waistlocks but Aleister rams him into a post! Aleister punches but Rollins dodges and Aleister hits post! Rollins bumps Aleister off the desk then back into the ring. Rollins runs to SLING BLADE Aleister down! Rollins finally caches his breath and then clobbers Aleister back down. Rollins rains down rights then drops knees on Aleister’s arm! The crowd rallies up but Rollins stalks Aleister to the opposite ropes. Rollins clubs Aleister then wraps the arm around the rope! Rollins lets up to stomp Aleister down! Rollins drags Aleister up by the bad arm to kick the arm!

Aleister gets to a corner and elbows Rollins away. Aleister punches but that’s the bad arm! Rollins snapmares and KICKS Aleister then covers, TWO! Rollins grabs the bad arm for a high keylock. Aleister endures and the crowd rallies. Aleister fights up but Rollins rams him into buckles! Rollins snap suplexes and covers, TWO! The crowd rallies but Rollins is after Aleister’s arm again. Rollins hammerlocks then wrenches to a half straitjacket and he RAMS Aleister into buckles again! Aleister grits his teeth while Murphy taunts him. Rollins chinbars and straitjackets Aleister to ripcord, but Aleister dodges to forearm back! Then he BOOTS and BOOTS!

Rollins dodges the third boot to mule kick and suplex, but Aleister slips out! Aleister dumps Rollins out of the ring, waits for him to return, but the bad arm comes into play. Rollins springboards, Aleister dodges and rallies with forearm sand elbows! Aleister fires off kicks, sweeps the legs, and thrusts the knee! Aleister kips up to DECK Murphy off the apron! QUEBRADA! But Rollins dumps him down! Aleister dodges the Curb stomp to BLACK MASS!! Aleister has to drag Rollins off the ropes but Murphy runs in! BLACK MASS!! Murphy goes down but Rollins gets away! Aleister is denied victory for now as Raw goes to break.

Raw returns and Aleister drags Rollins up. Aleister KICKS Rollins, then KICKS him again! Rollins flounders up to his feet for Aleister to KICK him again! The ref checks on Rollins but Aleister looms over him. Aleister kneels to tell Rollins, “I will undo all that you have done.” Aleister lifts Rollins with a foot, but Rollins rolls him up! TWO, Rollins ducks the Black Mass to SUPERKICK! Rollins SUPERKICKS again! Both men are down as the crowd boos Rollins. The crowd then turns to rally up for Aleister but Rollins sits up first. Rollins shouts for Murphy to get up, but Murphy barely stirs. Rollins climbs the corner, Aleister intercepts with haymakers! Aleister climbs up to join Rollins, but Rollins fights the superplex.

Rollins has the bad arm but Aleister uses the good one to hit first! Rollins falls and hotshots Aleister’s arm at the same time! Rollins springboards, but into Aleister’s arms! Rollins goes after those arms, but Aleister ROUNDHOUSES! Aleister waistlocks but Rollins wrings him out! CURB STOMP!! But Rollins can’t cover right away! He crawls to it, Rollins still wins!

Winner: Seth Rollins, by pinfall

The Embodiment of the End gave it his all, but the Monday Night Messiah survives by the skin of his teeth. But something makes Rollins go after Aleister again! He has Murphy punch and stomp, and then Rollins joins in! The crowd boos as they dump Aleister to the outside and throw him into barriers. Murphy drags Aleister up to throw him into the barriers again! And again! They drag Aleister up again and Rollins grabs the bad arm. They bring him to the post and Rollins tells him, “When are you people going to learn?” Rollins SLAMS Aleister’s bad arm against the post! And then wrings it out even harder!

Rollins keeps asking, “When is enough enough?!” And he just SLAMS Aleister’s hand on the announce desk over and over and over and over!! Rollins dumps the desk hood onto Aleister and asks the angry crowd, “Do you think I want to do this?!” Murphy makes Aleister look at Rollins as he says, “It never had to be this way!” And where are Aleister’s friends? Who is here to save him? No one but Rollins the Messiah! And then he CURB STOMPS the hood into the arm!! Rollins has taken Mysterio’s eye, and may have just taken Aleister’s arm. Will he take Monday Night Raw’s soul once and for all?

 

Ron Simmons talks with MVP and Bobby Lashley backstage.

He knows they’ve got their way of doing things, but just think about what he told them. “There’s a better way.” They all fist bump and Simmons takes his leave, but MVP spots R-Truth. The 24/7 Champion has a frying pan, because he can’t trust MVP. But wow, that’s a great replica belt there. What? No this is legit! Well, maybe. Apollo Crews is the real champion, we all know that. No! MVP beat Apollo, so he’s the champ! Right, right. wink wink. Well MVP and Lashley are heading to the ring, maybe the 24/7 Champion will join them? Absolutely not! Truth doesn’t want to be put in a Full Simpson again. It’s call a Full Nelson. And they meant the NEW 24/7 Champion. A referee appears and SHELTON BENJAMIN boots Truth down! Benjamin covers Truth and WINS!

Winner: Shelton Benjamin, by pinfall (NEW WWE 24/7 Champion)

The Gold Standard has a title once again! So maybe champ to champ, will the new 24/7 Champion care to join them? Absolutely. It seems the Hurt Business is growing!

 

Raw returns to MVP, Lashley and Benjamin heading to the ring.

The self-proclaimed new WWE United States Champion and officially new WWE 24/7 Champion stand together with the Rocky Mountain Machine and MVP gets a mic. “In case you were under a rock and you missed it,” Extreme Rules saw MVP emerge your new United States Champion without even breaking a sweat. The CEO of the Hurt Business, Bobby Lashley, ragdoll’d Apollo Crews so bad, Apollo stayed home instead of being the fighting champion he said he’d be. MVP doesn’t make excuses, he makes history! And his victory was a forgone conclusion anyway. It wouldn’t have mattered if Apollo showed up. But once they get done beating Dumb & Dumber, aka Ricochet and Cedric Alexander, aka two dumb kids who just don’t listen, these three will all celebrate their gold.

Ricochet and Alexander do appear, and can’t believe Dumb & Dumber is the best MVP can do. That would’ve been funny in 2006 when MVP was relevant. All we see now is a coward holding a title he doesn’t deserve, standing behind his meal ticket, acting like a champ but is really more like a chump. The advice MVP gave means nothing. These two have been champions before, on their own. Well that’s cute and all, but seeing these three grown ass men in the ring, you see the Hurt Business! Benjamin is the new “Executive of the Board!” Then looking at Alexander and Ricochet, those are two little kids who should stay in catering. But since they don’t have their buddy Apollo, MVP will make it fair. Choose any two of them and they can have 2v2.

Actually, there IS a third man for their team. Someone who thinks MVP is garbage, and someone who is making his return to Raw. Well it can’t be Apollo, he’s home eating some humble pie. No, you’re right. But this man will make sure MVP eats lots of humble pie. it’s MUSTAFA ALI! The Beacon joins forces with Ricochet and Alexander, and he SUPERKICKS Lashley! Then Ricochet and Alexander SUPERKICK Lashley together! Ricochet enziguris MVP, Alexander springboards and throws Benjamin out! Then they both fake them out, triple superhero landing! Will the Beacon shine bright alongside the King of Flight and the Age of Alexander?

 

Six Man Tag: Mustafa Ali, Ricochet & Cedric Alexander VS The Hurt Business!

Raw returns and Ricochet starts against Lashley. Lashley dares Ricochet to do something so Ricochet throws forearms and body shots! Lashley throws Ricochet to his corner and dares someone to tag in. Alexander does, fires off kicks and CHOPS, but those hurt Alexander. Lashley LARIATS Alexander inside out then throws him into the open corner. Lashley fires off stomps and haymakers but the ref counts. Lashley lets up at 4 and Alexander gasps for air. Benjamin tags in and he mugs Alexander in the corner. Benjamin drags Alexander up to whip and run over! Cover, ONE! Benjamin keeps on Alexander and tags MVP in.

MVP throws body shots on Alexander but Alexander shoves him back. MVP throws big knees into Alexander then scoops him for a slam! MVP drops a knee then covers, TWO! MVP tries again, TWO! MVP tries a third time, TWO! MVP waistlocks and squeezes Alexander in a rear bearhug. Alexander fights up, fights back, but MVP clubs him down. MVP back suplexes Alexander up and down! Cover, TWO! MVP keeps Alexander down, drags him up and tags in Benjamin. The Hurt Business keeps hitting Alexander but Alexander CHOPS back! Benjamin runs Alexander over hard! Benjamin drags Alexander up to DECK him! Cover, TWO!

Benjamin drags Alexander up as the crowd rallies. Benjamin fires off knees and forearms to then scoop and power Alexander to a corner. Tag to Lashley, the mugging continues with stomps and haymakers. The ref counts, Lashley lets off but MVP tells Alexander he needs to learn a lesson. Lashley suplexes and holds Alexander up for a count of 10! Alexander writhes while Lashley aims from a corner. Lashley watches Alexander stand, runs corner to corner, and RAMS him into the corner! Tag to MVP, he runs corner to corner to BOOT Alexander down! MVP swaggers and runs, BALLIN~! Elbow drop! Cover, TWO! MVP rains down furious fists on Alexander for not staying down! MVP covers again, TWO!

MVP drags Alexander up and around into an open corner. Alexander chops back, then throws big forearms. Alexander runs into a BOOT! Cover, TWO! Alexander still lives and MVP respects the toughness. But MVP still drags him to the corner and tags in Benjamin. Benjamin kicks Alexander while he’s down, then brings him up for knees. Benjamin whips but Alexander holds ropes to boot back! Ricochet tags in, and they fire off kicks and double enziguris! Tag to Ali, slingshot senton! Basement dropkick! Benjamin bails out and the Hurt Business regroups as Raw goes to break.

Raw returns from break and Benjamin stomps away on Ricochet! He whips Ricochet to ropes then back drops him high and hard! Cover, TWO! Benjamin keeps on Ricochet but Ricochet hits back. Benjamin knocks Ricochet down and grinds him down with a headlock. Ricochet endures as the crowd rallies up. Ricochet fights his way up and jawbreakers free! Benjamin wobbles but he anchors Ricochet’s feet! Benjamin drags Ricochet away and tags in MVP! MVP stomps Ricochet’s knee! MVP clubs Ricochet down and stomps him more. MVP drags Ricochet up and traps an arm. “Smile for the camera!” MVP then clubs Ricochet with crossface forearms!

Tag to Lashley and he throws Ricochet out hard! Lashley RAMS Ricochet into the barriers then drags him up into the ring. Lashley stalks Ricochet to the open corner and throws big elbows. Ricochet flounders but Lashley digs his palm into Ricochet’s chin! He almost pushes Ricochet out of the ring! Lashley lets off to put Ricochet back in the Hurt Business corner and digs his boot in. The ref counts, Lashley lets up to then dig his fingers back in! The ref backs Lashley off but MVP gets a cheap shot in! Tag to Benjamin and he brings Ricochet up to throw more forearms. Benjamin knees Ricochet low then throws forearms. Benjamin whips corner to corner, Ricochet BOOTS! And somersault shotgun dropkicks!

The crowd rallies as both men crawl for their corners. Hot tags to MVP and Ali! Ali rallies on MVP then whips. MVP reverses, Ali flapjack dropkicks him down! The crowd fires up with Ali as he CHOPS and whips MVP. MVP reverses again but Ali slips out and roundhouses back! Ali slingshots in for the somersault facebuster! Cover, Lashley breaks it! Lashley drags Ali up to gut wrench, but Ali escapes to bait Lashley in and out! Ricochet leaps but into Lashley’s grip! Alexander DIVES, but also into Lashley’s grip! But Ali DIVES and sends Lashley over the desk!! Benjamin creeps in to KNEE Alexander! Ricochet MOONSAULTS to take Benjamin out! Ali gets in the ring, MVP KNEES him!

MVP throws haymakers then whips Ali corner to corner. Ali dodges and the boot gets buckles! LEAPING NECKBREAKER! Ali climbs up top, for the 450 SPLASH! Cover, Ali and team win!!

Winners: Mustafa Ali, Ricochet & Cedric Alexander, by pinfall

The Beacon has just pinned the unofficial United States Champion! If MVP thinks himself THE champion, will he have to put his belt up against Ali?

 

Randy Orton speaks.

“Do you ever think to yourself about those moments back in time, those moments that may have changed your life? I do.” For some, you might think those moments are when Orton joined Evolution or had that match with Mick Foley. Or even when he became the youngest world champion in WWE history. Those moments did solidify Orton as the Legend Killer, those are not the moments he thinks back to. The moment he thinks back to is the one he always sees when he shuts his eyes. “The moment I’m referring to is 175 days ago, when I swung a steel chair as hard as I could down on the surgically repaired neck of Edge.” Orton has made friends in this business, friendships he thought were etched in stone. But they’re not. The friendships are gone.

Edge, Christian, Big Show. All men that one time or another helped save Orton from himself. Which is amazing, and even baffles Orton. A moment in his history brought so much pain to so many different people, all at the same time. That moment makes Orton, brought Orton, satisfaction! Orton felt good seeing the convulsing body of a man who paved the way for countless WWE superstars. It made Orton feel FANTASTIC to stand over that man at Backlash, knowing Orton had ended that man’s career. Then that man’s best friend came to the ring to confront Orton, but Orton ruined his #OneLastMatch. Tonight, Orton will punt Show in the skull and immensely enjoy ending that career once and for all. Will the Viper’s sadistic ego grow infinitely stronger after slaying a giant?

 

Ron Simmons also talks with the Viking Raiders.

Erik and Ivar like what he’s saying about them and the Street Profits. What great advice is Farooq bestowing on this young team?

 

Raw speaks with Christian.

Just a month ago, he was involved in his own Unsanctioned Match with Orton. But it was clearly a trap set by Orton and Ric Flair. The question must be asked: How has Christian been since that night? Christian doesn’t have to tell us Orton is one of the best ever. Christian knew a little of what he was getting into, but he didn’t think Orton would “weaponize” Christian’s respect for a legend like Flair. Christian will never look at those two the same again. He may never be the same again.

To touch on that topic, could Christian expand on that topic? How is he feeling? And, Show is finding himself in a very similar situation. Is it another trap set by Orton? Christian is doing better but he doesn’t feel good. Christian can endure that pain if it means Orton gets what’s coming to him. Show has a lot of people in his corner, but he may not be ready for a trap. But Christian is ready to see Show knock Orton out cold.

 

Backstage interview with Bianca Belair!

The EST is back again and she surprised us by helping Ruby Riott last week. What can we expect from her moving forward? What does she mean? We all know she is the strongest, the fastest, the smartest, and she is going to rise the fastest, too. She showed up, showed out, helped a friend because she is the nicest, and felt like teaching the thirstiest duo what’s what. Peyton Royce walks in and groans. This is the longest interview. Peyton excuses Sarah to talk to Bianca directly. Bianca is the dumbest for sticking her nose in someone else’s business. Well Ruby walks in and says that these two won but, where is Billie? Billie is handling business in the land of Mind Your Own Beeswax.

But Peyton has beaten Ruby once already, so just save us the trouble and forfeit. And as a tip from Peyton to Bianca, talk less and think more, before ending up like that trash, Liv Morgan. Say her name again! Bianca keeps a fight from breaking out and says she likes this. Wherever Billie went, she better get ready to watch Peyton get whooped in a way that can only be called IIconic~! Bianca and Ruby head out, will the rematch with Peyton be the sweetest revenge?

 

Peyton Royce VS Ruby Riott!

The bell rings and the two tie right up. Ruby powers Peyton to a corner but Peyton turns it around to rub her forearm in. Peyton says Liv hates Ruby and will never trust her again, but Ruby tackles Peyton and rains down furious fists! The crowd fires up as Peyton runs away and Ruby RAMS into her at the corner! Ruby lets up at the ref’s count but Peyton leg lariats her down! Peyton drags Ruby around and rains down rights of her own. Peyton keeps harping on Liv hating Ruby, and then she whips Ruby to ropes. Peyton elbows Ruby down, covers, TWO! Peyton grows frustrated, looms over Ruby, then drags her up to put her throw ropes. Peyton throws knees then goes to the other side for the draping motorcycle stretch! Peyton lets up and kicks Ruby down.

The crowd rallies for Ruby as Peyton calls her a loser. Peyton kicks Ruby around but Ruby hits back. Peyton clubs Ruby, drags her up, then drives elbows into the shoulder. Peyton stretches Ruby’s neck then covers, TWO! Ruby gets up but Peyton stalks behind her. Peyton grabs Ruby by the hair and says Ruby will never have friends. Ruby hits back, Peyton CLUBS her again. Ruby standing switches with Peyton but Peyton bucks her off to throw her out. Ruby rams back into Petyon then sunset flips, but Peyton sits on it! Peyton also has ropes so the ref refuses to count. Ruby rolls Peyton, TWO and Peyton jump kicks Ruby! Ruby wobbles and Peyton goes to the apron. Peyton goes to the top rope, leaps, but Ruby gets clear! Ruby gets Peyton with the RIOTT KICK! Cover, Ruby wins!

Winner: Ruby Riott, by pinfall

Ruby has some redemption against the IIconics! Will she be able to move past all the things they said about her?

 

Backstage interview with Zelina Vega, Andrade Almas & Angel Garza.

Charyl Caruso asks them about the tension between Garza and Almas and the coming match with the Street Profits. Vega answers for them: “Playtime is over.” Both men are on the same page, are ready for this. But what about the Profits? They were in hiding! Who knows, maybe Almas and Garza win on a count out when those champions don’t show up. Almas says that either way, they will be one step closer to becoming Raw Tag Team Champions! Garza has been waiting for this a long, long time. Match after match, interview after interview, Garza is always ready when the opportunity arises. But then the Profits attack!

Montez Ford & Angelo Dawkins go after Garza and Almas for all the trash they’re talking! Ford throws Almas into fence and Dawkins stomps Garza down! Vega, get your men! The Profits prepare to meet them in the ring, after the break!

 

The Street Profits VS Angel Garza & Andrade Almas w/ Zelina Vega!

The Raw Tag Team Champions did stay away for a few weeks, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t ready! Will they bring the smoke to El Latino y El Idolo?

The teams sort out and Dawkins starts, but gets mugged 2v1 by Almas and Garza! Almas stomps Ford out and Garza has Dawkins in the ropes to KNEE him down! Off come the pants and Garza SUPERKICKS Dawkins in the back! Garza tags Almas and they mug Dawkins. Almas CHOPS back then throws forearms. Almas stomps a mudhole and looms over Dawkins at the ropes. Almas grabs the legs to stomp the stomach, then tags in Garza. They split the wishbone on Dawkins then Garza keeps on Dawkins with an armlock. Garza throws fists while he has the modified crossface but Dawkins endures.

Garza drags Dawkins up and SUPERKICKS him down! Ford coaches Dawkins and Dawkins ROCKS Garza! Garza blocks a kick to KNEE Dawkins back! But Dawkins tags in Ford! Almas tags in but Ford dodges and speeds up! Ford hurdles, hurdles and dropkicks Almas down! Ford kips up and fires up with the crowd, then builds speed to FLY! Direct hit on Almas! Ford gets back in the ring and shakes the ropes as Raw goes to break.

Raw returns and Ford has Almas in an armlock. Almas fights up but Ford wrenches and tags in Dawkins. Ford whips, Dawkins runs Almas over! Cover, ONE, but Dawkins keeps Almas down with the armlock. Almas endures and gets a ropebreak with a foot. Dawkins lets up at 4, brings Almas up to wrench and yank the arm. Tag to Ford and he jumps in as Dawkins whips. Dawkins ducks and Ford dropkicks Almas down! Ford keeps on Almas with a facelock but Almas powers Ford to the corner! Almas rams his shoulder in over and over then tags in Garza. Garza holds Ford open for the rib shot but Almas steps out. They’re not perfectly on the same page, but Garza makes up for that by stomping Ford down.

The ref counts, Garza lets off. Ford slowly gets up, Garza SUPERKICKS him down! Garza stomps away, Almas tags back in, and now they go after the ribs. Almas taunts Dawkins while bringing Ford up. Almas snap suplexes Ford then covers, TWO! Almas clubs Ford down, drags him around by the arm and has an armlock of his own. Ford endures, fights up, but Almas knees low. Tag to Garza, they continue to mug Ford with body shots. Ford hits back but Garza clubs him down. Garza underhooks the arms to make them into hammerlocks and Garza grinds Ford into the mat. Ford fights up as the crowd rallies but Garza clubs him down again. Almas tags back in and the mugging continues.

Almas drags Ford up, spins around, back suplex and Ford lands hard on his side! Ford flounders but Almas stomps him down. Almas drags him away from Dawkins and cranks on the arm again. Ford endures, the crowd builds to a rally, but Almas drives in elbows. Ford powers up to power out and hip toss Almas down hard! Both men are down but Ford forces himself to get up. Almas hurries after Ford but Ford enziguris him away! Hot tag to Dawkins! Dawkins rallies on Almas and Garza with big right hands! Dawkins dodges and flying back elbows Almas! Garza runs into a flapjack! Almas gets an EXPLODER! The crowd fires up with Dawkins as he hits the spinning splash! Then the bulldog! Cover, Garza makes it in time!

Dawkins drags Almas back up, tags Ford in, and Dawkins Electric Chair lifts. Almas slips out and uses Dawkins to trip Ford up! Garza tags in to SUPERKICK Dawkins! Garza goes after Ford but Ford fights the superplex off! Ford glares as he DECKS Garza! Ford adjusts, FROM THE HEAVENS with a twist! Dawkins intercepts Almas as Ford covers, The Profits win!!

Winners: The Street Profits, by pinfall

Vega is in shock! The Raw Tag Team Champions keep their contenders down and keep the party going! Will Almas and Garza be able to stay on that same page after falling short?

 

Raw returns to Garza and Almas talking backstage.

Almas wants Garza to tranquilo. Yes, they lost but- Vega is angry and she says this was their opportunity to take control of the division! And they blew it! Now she has to fix the problem for these little boys. Garza says they are just fine. Then prove it! Almas and Garza take Vega up on that challenge. Will this trio stick together despite the tension?

 

Bayley and Sasha Banks head to the ring!

#BayleyDosStraps kept her title with lots of controversy, while there is even MORE controversy as to The Boss being #TwoBeltsBanks. Sasha holds the Raw Women’s Championship up but Bayley is the only reason anything happened last night. But the Golden Role Models still thank the crowd, despite all the booing. Shame on their envy and pettiness! Sasha knows people have been talking. People accuse her of stealing the belt! But either they have bad memory or bad screens. Sasha FOUGHT for the title, while Asuka was handed it! Becky Lynch gave Asuka the title, because Becky is on maternity leave. But everyone is forgetting that! Just like they’re forgetting that at Extreme Rules, Asuka spit her mist in that poor referee’s face, almost blinding him! That ref couldn’t continue!

And Bayley didn’t steal the shirt, she borrowed it. Someone had to be the official for the match. She’s not just #BayleyDosStraps but our role model! When Sasha covered Asuka, Bayley made a split decision and did the right thing to count it. But these idiots just don’t get it! Not that they need to. They just need to understand Sasha is the Boss, the Standard, the Blueprint and #TwoBeltsBanks, and these two have ALL THE GOLD! They cheer each other on, but here come the Kabuki Warriors! “OI OI OI!” What’re you talking about!? Sasha was NOT ready for Asuka! And Asuka was NOT ready for thieves! That is HER title! Then come get it! Well in that case… Asuka and Kairi storm the ring but Stephanie McMahon speaks on the titantron!

Stephanie congratulates Bayley and Sasha on being WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions, and Bayley on also being SmackDown Women’s Champion. But Sasha, as far as the Raw Women’s Championship goes, that match was certainly a horror show. Sasha may think she’s champion, but Steph has a different opinion. Sasha didn’t win last not, but she didn’t lose. So next week, there will be a rematch to determine the rightful Raw Women’s Champion. And to be very clear, since the Role Models aren’t losing, Sasha can lose via pin, submission, disqualification or count-out. To be more blunt, if a certain role model gets involved, Sasha will lose. Good luck. And then the Kabuki Warriors run the Role Models out of the ring! Will the Pirate Princess get payback by proxy on Bayley?

 

Kairi Sane w/ Asuka VS Bayley w/ Sasha Banks!

Raw returns and Kairi dropkicks Bayley with the bell! Kairi throws chop after chop! Then even more chops! Bayley ducks, Kairi cradles! TWO, and Bayley uses the ropes as defense. The ref has Kairi stay back, Bayley comes back slowly, and she stomps Kairi’s foot! Bayley throws Kairi down by her hair, then looms over her. Sasha taunts Kairi as Bayley whips, but Kairi goes up and headscissors Bayley out! Bayley keeps her distance from Asuka, but Kairi hip attacks her! And Bayley’s arm got trapped in the ropes! Bayley gets free but Kairi goes after Bayley and puts her in the ring. Cover, TWO! Bayley gets to a corner, Kairi runs in but gets flapjack’d on the buckles! Bayley stomps away on Kairi but the ref backs her off. Sasha taunts Kairi and Bayley stomps her!

Bayley clubs Kairi while Asuka and Ssaha shout at each other. Bayley bumps Kairi off buckles then rams her shoulder in again and again. The ref counts, Bayley lets off, and drags Kairi out to snapmare to a cover. ONE, but Bayley wraps Kairi up in a chinlock. The crowd rallies, Kairi fights her way up, and fights out with body shots. Kairi runs to crossbody Bayley down! Cover, TWO! Bayley clobbers Kairi! Bayley rains down right hands on Kairi then covers. TWO, but Bayley pushes Kairi around. Bayley drags Kairi up to snap suplex! Cover, TWO! Kairi toughs it out and Asuka coaches her up. Bayley glares at Asuka then looms over Kairi. Bayley brings Kairi up to suplex but Kairi resists to cradle again! TWO, but Bayley is after Kairi at the ropes!

Bayley lets up to then grab at Kairi again. Kairi holds the ropes but Bayley clubs her down. Bayley suplexes Kairi up and over, covers, TWO! Sasha and Bayley grow frustrated with Kairi but Kairi dumps Bayley out! Kairi runs into Bayley’s shoulder, then Bayley steps up to drag Kairi up. Bayley wants to suplex Kairi out but Kairi resists. Kairi throws body shots, clubs Bayley then ax kicks her! Bayley is stuck on the ropes, Kairi climbs up the corner to DOUBLE STOMP her down! Cover but Bayley flops out of the ring! Sasha checks on Bayley while Raw goes to break.

Raw returns again and Kairi rams shoulders into Bayley’s back! Kairi runs corner to corner, SLIDING D into a boot! Bayley grabs Kairi’s arm for an arm wringer! Cover, TWO! Kairi gets to ropes but Bayley is after the arm again. Bayley clubs Kairi then wraps the arm on the ropes! The ref counts, Bayley stops at 4, but then Bayley mocks Asuka. Kairi hits back but Bayley hammerlocks the bad arm and twists the wrist. Kairi endures, the crowd rallies, so Bayley drags Kairi up. Shayna Baszler is watching backstage as Kairi double chops Bayley. Kairi rams Bayley but Bayley throws Kairi into buckles hard!

Charly asks if Shayna has a “vested interest” in this match. Shayna says she has beaten every other woman in the locker room, has been dominant, yet has no match tonight. Bayley covers Kairi, TWO! What is she supposed to do? Just sit in catering? Go and be a fan with the rest? As far as Shayna is concerned, no one else deserves the spotlight more than her. Does Shayna have an interest in this match? “Yeah, I guess I have a vested interest in this match. The same way a shark has a ‘vested interest’ anytime it sees prey in the water.” Bayley pushes Kairi around but Kairi gets mad. Kairi starts throwing big palm strikes! Bayley counter punches then drags Kairi into a big vertical suplex, for Kairi to turn into a DDT!

Both women in the ring are down and their respective partners cheer them on. Bayley gets to ropes while Kairi slowly sits up. Bayley swings on Kairi, Kairi blocks the kick to trip Bayley up, and hit the BLOCKBUSTER! Then basement dropkick! Kairi fires up with the crowd and Sasha is stressing out. Kairi stomps as she marches the plank, to SLIDING D! It hits this time! Bayley is in the drop zone and Kairi is climbing up. Bayley stops Kairi with a haymaker! Kairi hits back and the two brawl up top. Bayley hotshots the bad arm! Bayley drags Kairi back up, has the arm in a keylock as she climbs, and has a HANGING ARMLOCK! Kairi trips Bayley up and Bayley ends up in a Tree of Woe! Asuka coaches Kairi as Kairi climbs, WOE STOMPS!! Cover, TWO!!

Bayley survives and Sasha still stresses out. Asuka coaches Kairi again and Kairi is back up. Kairi aims at Bayley, she runs in, but Bayley moves. Kairi stops herself from hitting buckles, to BACK HAND Bayley! INTERCEPTOR! Kairi has Bayley down again, climbs back up top, takes aim, InSANE Elbow!! But the impact is so strong, Kairi’s bad arm slows her down. Cover, ROPEBREAK!! Bayley survives and Kairi is beside herself. Sasha laughs in relief as Kairi drags Bayley up and whips. Bayley reverses, Kairi dodges but runs into a KNEE! Bayley gives Kairi a BIG back suplex! Bayley puts Kairi in the drop zone now and she climbs up top. MACHO ELBOW!! Cover, TWO!! Kairi survives and shocks the Role Models!

Bayley is seething but she says she’s got this. She watches Kairi stand, bearhug, but no Bayley2Belly as Kairi swings it to a cover! KAIRI WINS!!

Winner: Kairi Sane, by pinfall

The Pirate Princess shocks #BayleyDosStraps! Kairi has pinned the SmackDown Women’s Champion!! Does this change everything Bayley and Sasha were hoping for as #DoubleDoubleChampChamps?

 

Backstage interview with Drew McIntyre.

What condition is he in after that special stipulation match with Dolph Ziggler? Well, he’d be a liar if he said he feels good. He doesn’t, actually. But he is still WWE World Champion, so that is good. He’s heading to the ring to discuss his future, what will he have to say about his own title run?

 

Raw returns as Drew McIntyre heads to the ring!

Despite the Show-Off making the title match Extreme Rules just for Ziggler, McIntyre overcame the odds and downed Dolph with one mighty Claymore. McIntyre grabs a mic to say, “Man, I gotta hand it to Dolph.” That stipulation was brilliant and completely swayed things in his favor. Ziggler did everything he could, from using chairs to jumping off the corner to elbow McIntyre through a table. Ziggler almost had McIntyre. But “almost” is the story of Ziggler’s career. McIntyre is going onward and upwards, and SummerSlam is coming! That’s the biggest show second to WrestleMania, so McIntyre wants a worthy opponent.

Ziggler returns! That’s not who he meant. But Ziggler says at Extreme Rules, he saw something in McIntyre he hasn’t seen in some time. It was fear. Oh, Ziggler, what’re you doing? We’re sick of you! Wasn’t getting beat at Extreme Rules enough? Yes, yes, the whole world saw them beat the hell out of each other for the title. Yes, things were in Ziggler’s favor, but he was THIS close to having his moment that he has deserved for years! McIntyre has had a 19 year journey but no one talks about what Ziggler does day in and day out. McIntyre says Ziggler lost 24 hours after picking his own stipulation! The answer is no, “bugger off.” But that look in McIntyre’s eyes was real! McIntyre knew Ziggler was due, it’s a long time coming-

OH C’MON! Now you’re just embarrassing yourself. McIntyre will save Ziggler the embarrassment, and be the first to leave. McIntyre turns to go but Ziggler grabs his shoulder, so McIntyre HEADBUTTS him down! “One day, you’re gonna learn.” McIntyre leaves, Ziggler throws off his jacket and keeps running his mouth. “Don’t you walk away from me, you son of a b*tch!” Ziggler is deserving! He had it in his hands but it was slipping away! This time, McIntyre names the time, place and stipulation! Everyone deserves what’s coming to Ziggler! Ziggler wants the match! Well, maybe all those years at law school weren’t wasted. Ziggler presents a compelling case, so McIntyre might change his mind. McIntyre’s choice? He accepts.

But before McIntyre leaves, Ziggler asks for the stipulation. Oh c’mon, he just said yes! He hasn’t had an idea. Even if he had two weeks, he couldn’t tell. But now he’ll just do what Ziggler did: Ziggler learns the stipulation right before the bell. Ziggler is a glutton for punishment, but one way or another, he is getting what he deserves. What match type will McIntyre decide on?

 

Big Show speaks.

“In just a few minutes, I’ll be standing across the ring from Randy Orton, with Ric Flair by his side.” The Apex Predator, the most dangerous man in the WWE today. Orton has had an incredible year. Look what he did to Edge, tearing the triceps off the bone. He took Christian’s dream of #OneMoreMatch and made it a nightmare. Orton has systematically lashed out at everyone that tried to show him there’s more to life than living up to your last name. The people that reached out and pulled Orton out of the darkness have now been sadistically taken out. Show is next, and he’d be foolish not to realize the jeopardy his health and career are in.

But it’s funny. Show hoped and prayed for a long time that the sadistic side would never show itself again. But maybe the voices in Orton’s head are too loud. Whether Flair is turning up the volume, or Orton embracing them himself, the voices are screaming for him to no longer have empathy, to have no compassion, and to take everything that’s in his way out, permanently. Show is reminded of a long time ago, when the two were rolling together as a tag team. They called themselves the Hammer & Chisel. Pretty clear Show was the hammer. But they bonded a lot together, talking about the complexities of their roles in this business. Like tigers that can’t change stripes, no matter what.

Whether Show is dealing with the literal weight of being the World’s Largest Athlete, or Orton dealing with being a third-generation wrestler. Those talks were what bonded the two of them. They became friends because they both knew deep down what the other was dealing with. But that’s changed now. Orton brought back the Legend Killer, and has a kick with Show’s name on it. Show stared himself in the eye and asked the very hard question, “Is this the end of the line?” Maybe. But there’s another saying about tigers. Tigers are most dangerous when sensing the end, because they will do anything and everything to survive. This tiger is going to do anything and everything to make sure Orton doesn’t write the end of his story! Will this be the greatest moment in Big Show’s storied career? Or just the final one?

 

Unsanctioned Match: The Big Show VS Randy Orton!

Raw returns, and conspicuous by his absence, the Nature Boy doesn’t accompany Orton. The bell rings and Show goes right at Orton and powers him to a corner! Orton avoids the giant chop and kicks back. Show still powers Orton to the corner to throw body shots! Show stalks Orton as the crowd rallies behind. Show wraps an arm around the ropes to then CLUB it! Orton clutches that arm but Show throws more body shots. Show CHOPS Orton and Orton sits down as he gasps for air and feels the sting in his chest. Show mockingly asks if that hurt. Then he brings Orton up to throw more body shots!

Show turns Orton around to wrap the arm on the rope and CLUB it again! Orton gets away but Show just follows after. Orton kicks but Show throws more body shots! Show punches the shoulder but Orton punches back. Show whips and SPEARS Orton! The giant spear sends Orton rolling out of the ring in pain! Show pursues, but also fetches things from under the ring. Show gets a TABLE! The crowd likes that as Show puts the table in the ring. Orton writhes and sputters at the ramp but Show hurries over to fetch him. Show puts Orton in, on the apron, and CHOPS him again! But wait! Vega, Almas and Garza appear, and Garza and Almas attack Show! Unsanctioned also means no disqualifications!

Garza and Almas keep throwing hands on Show then go after his legs. They whip Show into steel steps! Show topples over and Orton watches Garza and Almas sit Show up. Orton takes aim with his kick, but then the Viking Raiders appear! Erik and Ivar brawl with Almas and Garza and Raw goes to break!

Raw returns once more and Orton has Show in the ring with a sleeper hold. The crowd rallies, Show pries the hold apart, then turns Orton around to headbutt! Orton goes down but Show leans on the ropes. The crowd rallies up, Show shakes out the cobwebs, and Show rallies on Orton with clotheslines! Show whips Orton to a corner, runs in and hip attacks! Then he runs, into a basement dropkick! Show goes down and Orton looms over him. Orton prepares the leg, takes aim, but Show choke grips Orton first! Show choke SLAMS! Cover, TWO!! Orton survives but Show keeps his cool. The crowd rallies up, Show stands, and Show prepares the punch! Orton stands, but he drops down to bail out!

Show grabs the table and finally sets it up. Orton catches his breath on the outside but Show has the table ready. Show goes to fetch Orton and drags him up to the apron! Then hip tosses him into the ring! Show looms over Orton, drags him to the table and sets him on the wood. Show climbs the corner, for a GIANT VADER BOMB! Orton moves, Show goes through the table alone! Orton laughs as he survives and has Show where he wants him. The crowd is thunderous for Show as he stirs, but Orton slithers up like the Viper he is. Orton watches Show rise, RKO!! Cover, TWO!?! Orton has no idea how that’s possible! The crowd won’t give up on Show and Show manages to sit up.

Orton goes looking under the ring and finds chairs. Orton brings one in, aims at Show and JAMS his ribs! And SMACKS his back! Orton drags Show up by his beard to SMACK him again! Show writhes and gasps but Orton still looms over him. The ref clears out the wreckage of the table while Show gets to the apron. Orton JAMS him with the chair again, and SMACKS him on the back a third time! Orton drags Show across the top rope, for a GIANT DRAPING DDT!! Orton throws the chair out of the ring, and hears the voices in his head! Orton wants Show to rise so he can put him down again. Show stands in a daze, ANOTHER RKO!!! Cover, Orton wins!

Winner: Randy Orton, by pinfall

The Viper strikes the Giant down and has another vicious victory. But being the Legend Killer, this isn’t enough. He watches Show drag himself up on the ropes little by little. Orton takes aim while Show is still in a daze. Orton is foaming at the mouth, as he PUNTS Show in the head!! And then he whispers, “I told you. I told you! Just like all the others. One more legend DEAD.” Show barely moves as Orton strikes his pose on the corner. Is this the end of the Big Show? Will the Legend Killer’s new list of victims ever end?


My Thoughts:

This was a pretty good Raw, especially to follow up the “controversies” at Extreme Rules. Can you believe Vince changed things last minute on the PPV? Actually, it isn’t the first time so it shouldn’t be a surprise. But Stephanie McMahon making a titantron Zoom call was a nice surprise. Next week’s No Champion’s Advantage (which is the easy way of saying it) will be a great match. Kairi VS Bayley was a great match, too, especially because I didn’t expect Kairi to win! There’s still talk of when Kairi’s WWE contract is up and when she’s returning home to Japan, so unless she hot potatoes the title back to Bayley very quickly, I don’t think Kairi becomes SmackDown Women’s Champion. But even if it would be only for a few moments, she, Asuka and Io Shirai all being singles champions at the same time would be great for the history books.

Seth Rollins opening the show to harp on Mysterio was a natural move. Aleister taking lead on this feud was also a good move. Aleister and Rollins had a great match, and that hood stomp to the arm was a great touch. I’m sure Aleister will come back, and it’ll make for good story if Aleister has the bad arm to worry about. The Hurt Business is now an official faction with adding Shelton Benjamin AND him taking the 24/7 Championship from R-Truth. The Six Man was great, as was the return of Mustafa Ali! The SmackDown Hacker story may have died but it wasn’t confirmed or denied if it was going to be Ali since WWE probably didn’t know, hence why they dropped it. Ali, Ricochet and Alexander winning was great, and will surely escalate things in Apollo’s absence.

Ruby Riott’s story with the IIconics continues, and it’s great that she finally gets a win. Still wondering how they’ll bring Liv back into this, but at least they aren’t letting it be more of the same for Ruby. Shayna watching Bayley and Kairi was good. It makes me wonder if she’s going after the Role Models and their titles despite them all being Heels. Or do we get that shocker of Kairi taking the SmackDown title, only to drop it to Shayna to parallel their shared time in NXT? I’m also curious how Bianca gets going in her own return. She could still be in a team with Ruby, but for how long? The Street Profits had a really good tag match with Garza and Almas, and I’m a little surprised they won. There is still time to determine contenders to the tag titles, I’m just not sure how that goes yet.

Almas and Garza getting involved with Orton’s match was a good touch, though. Orton and Show hype up tonight’s Unsanctioned match with great promos, and the match itself was pretty good. A little surprised Ric Flair wasn’t here tonight but also relieved given COVID concerns. Guess Orton won’t get to punt him in the head after all. But Orton beating Show and punting him was pretty big stuff for this story. Ziggler coming back to want another match with McIntyre must be a way of just biding time as we’re just starting towards SummerSlam. I like how tables have turned and Ziggler has to wait and see what McIntyre chooses. Ziggler had a pretty good surprise planned with the one-sided Extreme Rules, but I feel like McIntyre won’t be that unfair to Ziggler, being the Face and wanting to shut Ziggler up. For all we know, it’ll be just a normal match so that when Ziggler loses, it’s plain and simple.

My Score: 8.5/10


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Coverage

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

Talk about a Big Time Raw!

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Will The Man be the Last Woman Standing?

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

OFFICIAL RESULTS

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

PLAY BY PLAY

Jey Uso is here!

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

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

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

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

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

 

Adam Pearce is on the phone.

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Winners: DIY, by pinfall (advance to WrestleMania)

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

 

Judgment Day meets backstage.

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

Winners: Candice LeRae & Indi Hartwell, by submission

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

 

Cody Rhodes makes his way to the ring.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

Nia Jax speaks.

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

 

Cody Rhodes returns backstage.

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

 

Dominik Mysterio w/ JD McDonagh VS Ricochet!

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

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

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

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

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

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

Winner: Ricochet, by pinfall

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

 

Sami Zayn is backstage.

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

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

 

Adam Pearce is in the ring.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

Sami confronts Gable now.

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

 

CM Punk speaks.

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

 

Drew McIntyre is here!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

Becky Lynch speaks.

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

Liv Morgan confronts Becky Lynch.

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

 

Cody walks with his dog, Pharaoh, backstage.

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

 

Last Woman Standing: Becky Lynch VS Nia Jax!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Winner: Becky Lynch

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


My Thoughts:

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

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

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

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

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

My Score: 8.9/10


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

The semifinals are here!

Published

on

We’re just one step away from the Cup!

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

OFFICIAL RESULTS

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

PLAY BY PLAY

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

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

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

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

No Contest

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

2024 New Japan Cup Semifinals: SANADA VS Hirooki Goto!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


My Thoughts:

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

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

My Score: 8.9/10


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