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Mitchelll’s WWE Raw Results & Report! (9/28/20)

And STILL…!!

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WWE Raw Coverage 3.0

The Raw champions all still reign!

The Clash of Champions has come and gone, and from World to United States to Raw Women’s and Raw Tag Team, the champions are still here! But that just means the door is open to new challengers! Who step up to Drew McIntyre, Bobby Lashley, Asuka and The Street Profits?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

  • Raw Women’s Championship: Asuka VS Zelina Vega; Asuka wins and retains the Raw Women’s Championship.
  • Andrade Almas VS Keith Lee; Keith wins.
  • WWE 24/7 Championship Chess Shenanigans: R-Truth VS Akira Tozawa w/ Ninja; Tozawa wins and becomes the new WWE 24/7 Champion.
  • WWE 24/7 Championship Shinobi Surprise: Akira Tozawa VS R-Truth VS Drew Gulak; Gulak wins and becomes the new WWE 24/7 Champion.
  • WWE 24/7 Championship Always Be Prepared (to Lose): Drew Gulak VS R-Truth VS Akira Tozawa; Truth wins and becomes the new WWE 24/7 Champion.
  • Natalya & Lana VS Mandy Rose & Dana Brooke; Rose & Brooke win.
  • Kevin Owens VS Aleister Black; Kevin wins, by disqualification.
  • WWE 24/7 Championship Triple Threat: R-Truth VS Drew Gulak VS Akira Tozawa; Truth wins and retains the WWE 24/7 Championship.
  • Dominik Mysterio VS Buddy Murphy; Murphy wins.
  • Six Man Tag: The Hurt Business VS Apollo Crews, Ricochet & Mustafa Ali; Crews, Ricochet & Ali win.
  • WWE World Championship Open Challenge: Drew McIntyre VS ???; McIntyre wins and retains the WWE World Championship.

PLAY BY PLAY

Ric Flair is here!

The Nature Boy is back! And he isn’t alone! Here comes The Big Show! And Christian! And Shawn Michaels! They all had a part in exacting revenge on Randy Orton and helping Drew McIntyre retain the WWE World Championship. HBK says it’s been a long time but he can still do this: “Welcome to Monday Night Raw!” And without further ado, let him introduce the man who defeated Orton at Clash of Champions, Drew McIntyre! The Scottish Stud struts like Flair before joining the four legends in the ring. McIntyre gets a mic and says “This is pretty cool.” Standing in the ring with four legends who all made a surprise appearance last night. But McIntyre has known each of these men a long time. He grew up traveling with Big Show and Christian, them looking after him and helping him improve. And when things got tough, Show was the big brother giving him advice.

And of course, HBK was a mentor to McIntyre, especially in NXT. McIntyre wouldn’t be here without him. And Flair, what great stories and advice. McIntyre isn’t sure if he’s told many people this, but Flair was still on the main roster when McIntyre was starting. To be in the same locker room as him was amazing. But to think they’d all be united against Randall Keith Orton. That brings the good news: McIntyre and Orton went to war, beat the hell out of each other, and in the end, McIntyre put Orton’s ass in the ambulance and kept the WWE World Championship. McIntyre revels in the reaction from the fans.

HBK says that’s why these four are here. They thank McIntyre for whooping Orton’s ass. And as they were all off and recovering, they all obviously got together, showed up last night, and surprised McIntyre by “evening the odds” while getting their own revenge. Hopefully McIntyre isn’t upset by that. But if he is, blame Naitch. Well, McIntyre proved he can beat Orton at SummerSlam. Things were so personal, it didn’t matter, he welcomes others beating Orton up. Now is there a party set tonight?

But Orton speaks via the titantron! He hopes McIntyre is enjoying his moment, because it will not last! It isn’t over until Orton says it’s over! If you thought you went through hell last night, “you’ve got no idea what hell is. But you will.” Orton won’t be finished with McIntyre until Orton is WWE Champion! So he’s begging for another match, is he? McIntyre doesn’t get it. Orton doesn’t need to beg! He’ll be given the match because he IS Randy Orton! The 13-time WWE world champion, and the ONLY reason Orton is here is to remind McIntyre and everyone else around him that there is a price to be paid for crossing the Legend Killer. Cameras back up, Orton walks over, and takes his leave. What price is Orton going to make McIntyre pay?

Well, Orton has left the building, but all this title talk gives McIntyre an idea. He’s among four legends and wants to cement his own legacy. Whether we’re talking a fighting champion, a decorated champion, whatever, McIntyre wants to defend his title tonight. He issues an OPEN CHALLENGE to anyone he has NOT faced him for the title! Who wants to be the man around here?! And now that that’s out there, McIntyre promises to join these four for the after party later. Just don’t overdo it before then, alright? McIntyre shakes hands with each legend, but who looks to become a legend off McIntyre’s name?

 

Raw Women’s Championship: Asuka VS Zelina Vega!

La Muneca lost but did not show any respect to the Empress. Kayla Braxton asks her before the match about being a “poor sport,” and came up short. Look who’s talking! But Vega is just getting started! Everyone will feel so bad for Asuka when Vega proves she IS ready! But then Asuka comes by and tells Vega she is more than ready! Asuka hopes Vega is ready to lose AGAIN! They both talk trash, one in Japanese and the other Spanish, but security hurries to keep this from starting backstage! Will Asuka beat Vega twice in two days? Or will Vega have tricks up her proverbial sleeves this time?

Raw returns and Vega waits in the ring. Asuka makes her entrance, the introductions are made and the belt is raised. This Clash of Champions rematch begins, and we see if history repeats itself!

Asuka and Vega rush each other, Vega knocks Asuka down with forearms! Asuka turn things around to rain down fists then gets the ARMBAR! Vega gets the ropebreak and Asuka lets go fast. Asuka throws Vega down by her hair, talks trash in Japanese then goes after the arm. Vega gets the arm to kick it! Vega is continuing where she left off but Asuka pushes her away. Vega tilt-o0whirls, Asuka throws her down, but Vega gets the arm again! Vega rolls Asuka forward for a GROUND OCTOPUS! Asuka endures, powers up and pops out of the headscissor. But Vega gets the arm with that leg and throws elbows! Asuka endures, fights against the hold again, but Vega keeps throwing elbows. Asuka makes it a cover, TWO!

Vega basement dropkicks Asuka out of the ring! Vega leaps from the apron, but Asuka ROUNDHOUSES her down! The Empress grits her teeth and clutches her elbow as Raw goes to break.

Raw returns again and Vega kicks Asuka’s bad arm! Asuka scrambles but Vega keeps on her with kicks! Veg dares Asuka to just give up then she SLAPS her! Asuka fires off fast hands! Asuka whips, pops Vega up for the KNEE! Vega flounders, Asuka runs corner to corner for a hip attack! Back kick! GERMAN SUPLEX! Vega sits up, Asuka runs and SLIDING KICKS! Cover, TWO! Vega survives the onslaught but Asuka is right on her. Asuka waistlocks, Vega fights with elbows and then wrenches the bad arm. Vega ROCKS Asuka, ducks Asuka’s kick, and hops on for the KIMURA! Asuka blocks the body scissor takedown and powers Vega off. Vega hops back on to go after the arm again! Asuka clubs Vega, powers her through to a SUPLEX!

Both women are down and fans clap on their screens. The ref checks, both women are okay to continue and Asuka sits up first. Asuka drags Vega up for kicks to the face! Asuka drags Vega into the chicken wing, but Vega arm-drags before the chinlock! EUROCLUTCH, TWO!! ASUKA LOCK!! Vega scrambles to the ROPEBREAK! Asuka goes after Vega but she holds on. The ref pulls Asuka way, Vega hits a BACKSTABBER! Cover, ROPEBREAK! Vega is losing her cool and is throwing a tantrum! Vega stomps Asuka over and over then goes to a corner. Vega climbs up, MOONSAULTS onto knees! ASUKA LOCK!! Vega taps, Asuka wins again!!

Winner: Asuka, by submission (still Raw Women’s Champion)

Asuka makes Vega suffer for her disrespect last night, then lets her go. With this, La Muneca is done and Asuka is moving on to new competition! But who will that be?

 

Flair, Show, Christian and HBK are backstage, playing cards over dinner.

Will they have to wait long for McIntyre to defeat his new challenger before he joins them?

 

Raw returns to Andrade Almas in the ring.

And he is telling Vega that she is NOTHING without him! El Idolo was to blame for everything? But look at her now! Asuka beat her TWICE. “You are the weak link!” Garza was weak, too. That is why Garza got hurt last night. Almas was the one holding their team together! He is the greatest in WWE! And now, he dares someone to face him! Does anyone answer the challenge? Yes, it’s KEITH LEE!!

Andrade Almas VS Keith Lee!

El Idolo no longer looks that confident now that the Limitless One is here! Will Keith make Andrade #BaskInHisGlory?

The bell rings, Keith and Almas stare down. They approach, Almas gets a waistlock but Keith pries free. Almas clubs him on the back, runs, but into a back elbow! Keith drags Almas up by a knuckle lock, wrenches the wrist, and lifts Almas with one arm! He lets Almas down to wrench the wrist more, but Almas throws forearms. Keith throws Almas! Keith runs but Almas dropkicks the legs out! Keith hits buckles, Almas fires off forearms and knees! Almas has Keith in another corner but the ref counts. Almas lets up at 4 but comes back with kicks and CHOPS! Almas whips, Keith reverses and HURDLES Almas! Keith drops down to then CROSSBODY Almas down!

Keith is seething as he runs and corner splashes Almas! Keith then TOSSES Almas across the way! And hits another corner splash! Keith runs, Almas dodges and dropkicks the legs again. Almas fires off in a corner, the ref counts, Almas stops at 4 but Keith puts him on the apron! Almas climbs up, leaps, but Keith catches him with one hand! Keith scoops, Almas slips out and chop blocks the leg! And dropkicks Keith in the back! Almas takes aim, fires himself up, and runs corner to corner. CIEN SHADOWS! Keith flounders and Almas fires up more. Almas drags Keith up, hammerlocks, but Keith powers out to pop Almas up for a SPIRIT BOMB! Cover, Keith wins!

Winner: Keith Lee, by pinfall

If you blink, you might’ve missed something! Keith moves as fast as Almas, but has so much more power! Will the Limitless One soon take over Monday Night Raw?

 

The Hurt Business discusses business over a meal.

MVP tells Shelton Benjamin that you need the V12. Some random staffer sits at their table, and this upsets Bobby Lashley. The guy moves over but stays at their table… Uh, that’s Lashley’s seat, too. The staffer realizes where he is and apologizes. He hurries off but Lashley says the guy is taking his plate. It isn’t his plate, but the guy gives it up anyway. Anyone want some of this? The three enjoy their meal now, but will the All Mighty United States Champion satisfy his hunger for competition later on?

 

Raw returns to R-Truth playing chess against Lil’ Jimmy.

The WWE 24/7 Champion is very careful considering his next move. “CHECKMATE!” Pay up, Jimmy! That’s how good Truth is. He feels like a winner. Maybe Truth should challenge McIntyre? Wait, a ninja?! He delivers a message to Truth. Truth opens the envelope, and then a briefcase is presented. Wait, this is in Japanese. Oh, English on the back. “R-Truth, if you are reading this, I was eaten by a shark. Our battles were epic. It would make my sense, Kung Funaki proud. At heart, I was a ronin, until I met you. Wear this with honor. Regards, Akira Tozawa.” The briefcase opens, and Tozawa’s black belt is given to Truth! Oh, Tozawa! Why did you have to get devoured!? But wait, he’s not dead or eaten or anything! Tozawa is here, and he rolls Truth up!! Tozawa wins!!

Winner: Akira Tozawa, by pinfall (NEW WWE 24/7 Champion)

Tozawa deceived Truth and has the treasure! But then the ninja messenger BOPS Tozawa with the briefcase! The ninja covers Tozawa and wins!! But this ninja, is DREW GULAK! “That’s why I am always prepared!”

Winner: Drew Gulak, by pinfall (NEW WWE 24/7 Champion)

But then he turns around and Truth BOPS HIM with the briefcase! Cover, Truth wins!!

Winner: R-Truth, by pinfall (NEW WWE 24/7 Champion)

FORTY FIRST! Truth has won this title for the 41st time! Gulak and Tozawa get mad at each other but chase after Truth! This title is being given a Triple Threat match later tonight! Who finishes the night with this title in their possession?

 

Buddy Murphy is backstage, texting.

But then Seth Rollins heads over and Murphy puts his phone away. Rollins is glad to see his disciple again. But what is wrong? Tonight is a beautiful night! It is Monday, after Clash of Champions! And most importantly, the Mysterio Family will be on King’s Court tonight. We all get to see what they’ll say about stuff! Be in a great mood, because this is a great night for them! Wait, why is he dressed to compete? There’s no matches tonight. Dress up and get ready to celebrate! Go on, you look great in it anyway. Murphy leaves, but he left his phone behind. Rollins picks it up, and puts it away in his pocket. What is The Architect planning in that devious mind?

 

Raw returns to The King’s Court!

Jerry Lawler is already in the ring and welcomes us back. Last week, Seth Rollins tried to play mind games by saying Rey Mysterio might not be the father of either of his children! So please welcome, The Mysterio Family! Rey, Angie, Dominik and Aalyah make their way to the ring together. Aalyah sits first, making sure to have the mic. Jerry thanks them all for being here and gets to business. Can they comment on what happened last week? Rey says Rollins has been running his mouth, trying to disrupt the family, but can’t even control his own house. It is obvious these are his kids, he is their father, and that he and Angie worked so hard to build a strong, loving family. The family means the world to him. His kids have been his whole life since they were born> It takes a truly evil human to fabricate such lies like Rollins did.

Dominik says this has gone on for way too long and gone way too far. Next time they see Rollins, Dom will end it. Jerry understands the frustrations, and Rollins might be lying, but we did see Aalyah upset by what Rey said. Rey called her “naïve, and knows nothing about our world.” Aalyah stormed off to the back, and then was approached by Murphy. Aalyah, you’ve had time to reflect, but how are you feeling? “I am still a little bit upset about what happened,” because of how her parents see her, but she is 19 years old and is an adult. Murphy engaged her, so she wasn’t sure what to think. Rey seems concerned by that, but Aalyah says that whoever hangs around Rollins should reevaluate their life. Rollins is an awful person, and a fraud.

Rollins is on the titantron as he chuckles at their harsh words. He knows he might be the last person they want to see right now after last week. He understands completely. But what he has to say tonight is important. He promises this bothers him as much as it will them, but it is the truth. “The truth is, one of you isn’t being 100% honest with the family.” The truth is that Aalyah is fibbing about her feelings towards Murphy. Rollins knows they are wondering why they should even believe him for a second. But the thing is, don’t believe Rollins. Just believe these text messages! They’ve been having conversations! Murphy apologized, she thanked him, and wished him a happy birthday!

The truth hurts, doesn’t it? But Rollins promises this is for the greater good. Rey is upset, Aalyah defends Murphy, then hurries off again. Rey shouts after his daughter but then gets out of the ring. Rey helps Angie down the steps and they both hurry after her, with Dominik following behind. Rollins mumbles the messages, but Murphy confronts him! What’s Murphy upset about? This is his decision. So he had to put it out there? Murphy says Rollins doesn’t know anything! Oh, but Murphy thinks he can hide things? Does he think the truth isn’t important? Murphy gets upset that Rollins is chuckling, but Dominik attacks MURPHY! The brother is defending his sister but perhaps from the wrong man!

Security pulls them apart, but they keep trying to go after each other! Maybe Murphy being dressed to compete wasn’t such a bad idea after all!

 

Lana and Natalya head to the ring!

The Ravishing Russian and the #BOAT, Best of All Time, are here as part of Raw addressing the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships. Nia Jax and Shayna Baszler weren’t cleared for last night but will be ready down the line. What will be the decision towards the title defense? We find out, after the break.

Raw returns and Natty and Lana both have mics. They are here waiting until Nia and Shayna are STRIPPED of those titles! The titles that are rightfully Lana’s and Natty’s. Now when Lana thinks about it, the only reason there IS a Women’s Tag Division is because of Lana and Natty. In fact, they’re celebrities, influencers and followed by MILLIONS. They want those titles right here tonight! Adam Pearce interrupts the ranting and asks they calm down. They can’t just strip Nia and Shayna of belts.

But in the spirit of competition, Lana and Natty can earn a shot in a match against the newest members of the Raw Women’s Division. MANDY ROSE is here! And she is joined by… DANA BROOKE! The Golden Goddess and the Flex Appeal are BOTH on Raw! Will they sink the #BOAT and Lana with it?

Natalya & Lana VS Mandy Rose & Dana Brooke!

The teams sort out and Dana starts with Natty. Natty headlocks, throws Dana down, but Dana headscissors.  Natty pops out, Dana kicks her low and whips her to the corner. Dana handsprings in for the back elbow! Tag to Mandy, Mandy brings Natty out and tags Dana back in. Snap suplex then handspring BOOT! Cover, TWO! Dana keeps on Natty, whips her to ropes, but Lana tags in. Natty kicks Dana away, Dana dodges but Lana throws her down by her hair! Lana ROUNDHOUSES Dana down then covers, TWO! Lana keeps on Dana with a whip into the corner. Tag to Natty, they stomp away on Dana then let up at the ref’s count of 4. Natty fires off more, the ref counts again, Natty lets off to taunt Mandy.

Tag to Lana, Natty snapmares Dana and Lana runs to sliding KICK! Cover, TWO! Lana keeps on Dana with a chinlock and grinds her down. Dana endures, Mandy and fans rally up for her, and Dana fights up to her feet. Dana fights out with elbows, Lana throws her down by her hair again! Lana gloats, then SLAPS Mandy! Mandy gets in but the ref keeps her away. Dana rolls Lana! Lana gets away before the ref sees, grabs Dana’s foot, but Dana enziguris! Hot tag to Mandy! Mandy rallies on Lana and Natty! Mandy drags Lana up, SNAP GUT WRENCH! Cover, TWO!! Natty gets in but Dana LARIATS her out! Lana shoves Mandy, Mandy dodges Lana to KNEE FROM A ROSE! Cover, Mandy and Dana win!

Winners: Dana Brooke & Mandy Rose, by pinfall

And that’s a wrap on the first #MandyNightRaw! Will Mandy and Brooke take over the Women’s Tag Division before the Draft shakes things up again?

 

Aleister Black speaks.

“Negligence, Kevin. Negligence. You’re a good man, right, Kevin? At least you claim to be.” Good men wouldn’t let bad things happen, but there it is. Kevin thrives in a system where he can manipulate viewers. It took one sentence for fans to forget and forgive the man who betrays those who rely on him. Kevin said he was sorry but he was with his family. Aleister sees family representing cruelty. Aleister’s father was a cruel man. Has Kevin’s son learned of betrayal from his own father? It doesn’t matter who forgets and forgives, because Aleister will never do either for Kevin. That darkened eye stares into Kevin’s soul, will it be Kevin’s future that #FadeToBlack?

 

Raw returns to the legends’ game of Texas Hold ‘Em.

Big Show is the dealer and HBK hopes for something good. Show says Flair is winning this on chips. HBK says he was only hoping to see what happens with McIntyre. Well it’s an Open Challenge so we don’t know. But unlike the other three, Show hasn’t officially retired so maybe… No, you lost at WrestleMania, too. Just deal! But here come the Street Profits to liven up the party! Cheers, dog!

 

Kevin Owens VS Aleister Black!

Kevin paces in the ring as Aleister makes his entrance. The Embodiment of the End has new music to go with this new darkness inside him! Aleister storms his way down the ramp, takes off the headband and vest, and the bell rings. Kevin dropkicks Aleister right out of the ring! Kevin goes after Aleister at the barriers, they brawl and Kevin throws and CHOPS Aleister around! Kevin bumps Aleister off the apron, clubs him and puts him in. Aleister knees Kevin down at the ropes, clubs and stomps away, then drags Kevin up for forearms. Kevin gives them back but Aleister throws body shots. Aleister whips, runs in to back elbow, then snapmares Kevin to a cover. ONE, but Aleister clamps on with a facelock.

Kevin powers Aleister to a corner, the ref counts but Kevin CHOPS Aleister again. Kevin clubs Aleister, Aleister elbows him back. Aleister chokes Kevin on ropes, brings him up and kicks him! Kevin kicks back, punches Aleister then clubs him in a corner. Kevin whips Aleister corner to corner hard, then eggs Aleister on. Kevin stomps on Aleister’s hand, kicks him and CHOPS him again! Aleister throws haymakers back, has Kevin on the ropes and chokes him more! The ref counts, Aleister lets up and Kevin coughs and sputters. Aleister drags Kevin up in a corner, clinches for knees, then throws body shots. Aleister whips but Kevin reverses and elbows him down!

Kevin paces, stomps Aleister in the chest, then paces more. Mule kick! Kevin CHOPS Aleister again, Aleister boots back! Aleister throws haymakers and forearms at the ropes, then chokes Kevin more. The ref counts, Aleister stops at 2, Kevin rolls him up! TWO, Kevin throws haymakers and CHOPS again! Kevin whips, Aleister kicks him away, Kevin LARIATS! Kevin stalks Aleister, whips him again, for another LARIAT! BACK SENTON! Aleister staggers away but Kevin GERMAN SUPLEXES him! Aleister flops out of the ring and the ref starts a ring count. Kevin goes out to SENTON from the apron! The fans fire up with Kevin as Raw goes to break!

Raw returns again and Kevin DDT’s Aleister! Cover, TWO! Kevin grows frustrated, but fans clap and rally up. Kevin stands, Aleister sweeps the legs! Kevin clutches a knee, Aleister stomps Kevin in the shoulders and back! Aleister rains down right hands, drops elbows, then covers, ONE! Kevin pushes Aleister, Aleister KICKS Kevin! Aleister paces Kevin, Kevin talks trash but Aleister kicks him more! Kevin CHOPS Aleister, Aleister KICKS Kevin to a corner! Aleister digs his knee into Kevin’s face! The ref counts, Aleister lets up at 4.5 and argues with the ref. Aleister goes back to Kevin and Kevin kicks low! Kevin kicks and CHOPS and throws forearms! Aleister knees low, snapmares and PENALTY KICKS Kevin down! Cover, TWO!

Kevin sputters and Aleister clamps on with a facelock. Aleister tries to squeeze what little air inside Kevin out of him. Fans rally up as Kevin endures, fights up and arm-drags Aleister away. Aleister ROUNDHOUSES Kevin down! Cover, TWO!! Kevin survives and Aleister seethes as he stands. Aleister drags himself up with the ropes, aims from a corner, and watches Kevin rise. Kevin dodges the knee to SUPERKICK! Cover, TWO!! Aleister still lives but Kevin is too tired to be frustrated. Kevin rains down furious right hands then stomps Aleister before going to the corner. Kevin climbs, bad leg and all, but Aleister intercepts with haymakers!

Aleister climbs up to join Kevin, Kevin resists the suplex. Aleister clubs, Kevin throws body shots. Kevin sends Aleister down! Kevin adjusts, SWANTON BOMB onto knees! Kevin is up, RUNNING KNEE!! Cover, TWO!! Another try, TWO! Aleister still covers, TWO!! Aleister is furious that Kevin still lives! Aleister pulls at his own hair as Kevin sits up. Aleister KICKS and punches and stomps Kevin at the ropes but the ref has to pull him away. Aleister glares at the ref, the ref warns him to respect his authority, and Aleister turns around. Kevin ROCKS Aleister with a right, Aleister fires off more! The ref gets hit in the crossfire! The ref calls for the bell!

Winner: Kevin Owens, by disqualification

Aleister doesn’t even realize he hit the ref! The ref was too close! And Kevin gives Aleister a STUNNER for good measure! The Prizefighter himself is a bit disappointed in that result, but a win is a win. Will Kevin be satisfied enough to leave things at this?

 

The Hurt Business returns to their locker room.

But Mustafa Ali walks out of it? Why was he in there at all? Ali apologizes, he got turned around in the ThunderDome. Now, he lost his damn mind! They push Ali, but Apollo is here to keep this from firing off. Ricochet says this isn’t over. They’ll see each other soon. Then see them tonight in the “office.” A Six Man Tag is set between the Hurt Business and Apollo’s Crew once again! But while Apollo couldn’t strike gold at Clash of Champions, can he, Ricochet and Ali turn their fortunes around?

 

WWE 24/7 Championship Triple Threat: R-Truth VS Drew Gulak VS Akira Tozawa!

The Stamina Monster let everyone believe the shark had made him a snack, but he is back and got away with a sneak attack! Only for Gulak to surprise him! And then Truth got back on Gulak and has his baby back! But for how much longer?

Introductions are skipped as Raw is returning from break. The title is raised, and we see if Truth can keep this 41st reign going!

The three circle, every man wary of the other two. But then Gulak and Tozawa go after Truth together! They kick and stomp him in the corner, then drag Truth out for more kicks and stomps. They bump Truth off buckles, kick and stomp more, then double whip corner to corner hard! Truth hits the mat, Tozawa covers but Gulak drag shim off. Gulak covers, Tozawa returns the favor. They shout at each other, Truth double clothesline them! Cover on Gulak, TWO! Cover on Tozawa, TWO! Truth is annoyed so he stomps Tozawa and punches Gulak. Truth rains down rights, Tozawa CLOBBERS Truth! Tozawa CHOPS Truth, then puts Truth in a corner.

Gulak and Tozawa work together again to double suplex Truth high and hard! Tozawa covers, Gulak drags him off! These two argue again, but Gulak says they take care of Truth first. Gulak wrenches an arm, Tozawa stomps the arm, then grabs the other arm. Truth endures a double chinbar armlock! Gulak and Tozawa crank as hard and says if Truth give sup, they’ll be co-champions! Truth refuses to quit, powers out, so Gulak covers Tozawa! TWO, and Gulak apologizes. They both go after Truth, Truth hits them both, but they hit him back. Gulak then throws Tozawa out of the ring, almost into the ref! Gulak goes after Truth alone but Truth throws hands!

Gulak clubs Truth, scoops and slams him, then drags him into the GuLOCK! Truth endures, Tozawa climbs up top, SUPER SENTON! Truth moves out of the way in time and only Gulak gets hit! Truth gives Tozawa the GOURD BUSTER! Gulak runs in, into a fireman’s carry! Truth powers up like John Cena for an AA!! Cover, Truth wins!

Winner: R-Truth, by pinfall (still WWE 24/7 Champion)

The 41-time 24/7, 7/11, 747, I-95 South ThunderDome European Television Champion keeps his gold and books it! The chase is on again, will anyone catch Truth off guard?

 

Backstage interview with Mandy Rose & Dana Brooke!

The newest members of the Raw roster will also be on tonight’s Raw Talk, but Charly Caruso asks them now how this duo came together. Mandy has had her ups and downs, but Dana’s always been there. Dana is a great athlete, so there was no doubt. Dana thanks Mandy for that, but Mandy is a great inspiration. Mandy gets knocked down, gets up again and fights back. The Riott Squad still have their shot at the tag titles, but the winners better be ready for Mandy and Dana. Will Ruby and Liv, as well as Nia and Shayna, take note of the message sent?

 

Dominik Mysterio VS Buddy Murphy!

El Hijo del Mysterio is defending the honor of his family and specifically his sister, but the Aussie Juggernaut isn’t going to take the attack lying down. Dom is without Rey, is he going to settle things with the supposed disciple mano e mano?

Murphy throws his shirt at Dom before the bell, and that only serves to anger him more. Dom rushes Murphy and tackles him to the corner! Dom rams in again and again then throws clubbing forearms! The ref back shim off and Murphy BOOTS Dom away! Murphy goes after Dom but Dom trips him up! They brawl on the mat, Murphy pushes Dom away to BOOT him down! Murphy stomps Dom, drags him up and whips but Dom reverses to send Murphy out. Murphy drags Dom out but Dom RAMS Murphy into barriers! Dom throws him into the barriers again, throws haymakers then puts Murphy in the ring.

Dominik climbs, Murphy bails out, but Dom just hops down to build speed! Dom slides, Murphy gets under but Dom sends Murphy into the announce desk! The ref wants this to get back in the ring and starts a count. Murphy throws Dom OVER the desk! Murphy gets back in the ring, the count continues to climb but then Murphy goes back out. Murphy fetches Dom to bump him off the apron, and again! Murphy gets on the apron, stands on Dom’s head, then stomps! Dom dodges to sweep the legs! Murphy crashes down, Dom drags him up and throws him into the ring. Dom goes back to a corner, climbs back up top, and LEAPS! Big crossbody, but Murphy rolls through to cover, TOW!

Murphy kicks low, brings Dom to a corner but Dom blocks the bump to give the bump. Dom gives Murphy more buckles, then stalks him at the ropes. Dom throws haymakers, whips but Murphy reverses. Dom ROCKS Murphy with that right!! Dom says, “I told you not to mess with my sister!” Dom stomps Murphy, drags him up, punches him, then runs. Murphy reels him in but Dom elbows him back! Dom runs, into a KNEE TRIGGER! Both men are down but Murphy gets up to say, “This doesn’t concern you!” He stomps Dom, then KICKS him in the back! Murphy stomps Dom more and more, toys with him even, but Dom still gets up. Jawbreaker!

Murphy staggers, Dom knees low and throws hands, Murphy fires off a strike fest, stomps a foot but Dom dodges the knee. Dom POSTS Murphy, goes up and around to TORNADO DDT! Murphy flounders, Dom stalks Murphy to a corner and stomps a mudhole into him! The ref counts, pulls Dom off but Dom goes back for more! Dom keeps going, the ref again backs him down. Murphy bails out, Dom heads out there and throws clubbing forearms. Dom bumps Murphy off barriers, apron and repeat! The ref has the ring count climbing, Dom puts Murphy in. The apron skirt is up, and Dom sees the kendo stick. The signature weapon of this battle is now in the hands of Dominik! The ref warns Dom, and now Aalyah hurries out ringside!

Aalyah tells Dom to put the stick down but Dom tells her to go back to the family. Dom gets in, with the stick, Murphy says this isn’t what Dom thinks! Dom argues with Aalyah, Murphy rolls Dom up! Murphy wins!

Winner: Buddy Murphy, by pinfall

But now Dom goes after Murphy with the kendo stick!! Aalyah defends Murphy but Dom says this is for the FAMILY! To protect the legacy! Has she not seen what Murphy has done!? Aalyah says Dom doesn’t need to do this, but he says she IS naïve. So she SLAPS him! Aalyah storms off, angry at her brother as much as she is her father. Is Rollins’ plan working out after all?

 

The Hurt Business heads for gorilla.

But as they pass by a janitor, MVP throws his water bottle down. “Hey, pops. Clean this up.” The Hurt Business again acts like they run this place, but will they be run down by Apollo and his crew?

 

Raw return to Dolph Ziggler talking with Adam Pearce.

The Show-Off tells Pearce that he has the perfect guy for McIntyre’s WWE World Championship Open Challenge. But Ziggler, you’ve already challenged and lost to McIntyre, you’re not eligible. He knows that! He was pointing someone else out. He and Pearce should talk. Then let’s do that. Hopefully it is someone good.

 

Six Man Tag: The Hurt Business VS Apollo Crews, Ricochet & Mustafa Ali!

Conspicuous by his absence is Cedric Alexander, but MVP did say Sunday that there are special plans in place for him. Will the business model be on course for all four men? Or will things be set back a bit by battling Apollo, the King of Flight and the Beacon of Light?

MVP grabs a mic to tell Apollo that “this is an official announcement from The Hurt Business. The generally agreed upon definition of insanity his doing the same thing over, and over, and over, and expecting a different result.” That means Apollo is insane, because he is making the same dumb moves over and over. Cedric had a slip-up, sure, but that is why he went to “Hurt Business Boot Camp” to stop making those mistakes. Unlike Apollo, who keeps stepping to them! They told him, and MVP told him, that they would repo the United States title and that Apollo would never see it again! It looks better on Bobby anyway.

And to add insult to injury, all that talk at Payback, Apollo talking about getting the title back from them, it didn’t happen! Apollo stepped to Lashley, Lashley beat him down, and Apollo got dropped! Then at Clash of Champions, Apollo tried to get his gold rush on and stepped to Lashley again. Same result! “You got dropped.” And because Apollo keeps hitting the wall again and again, he got his recess friends, and is stepping to them again, expecting a different result. But you know what is going to happen? “You gonna get dropped!” But Ricochet, Ali and Apollo make their entrances! Despite all the talk, will the results change this time?

Teams sort out and Lashley starts against Apollo, but Ali and Ricochet hit MVP and Benjamin down first! The three go after Lashley but MVP drags Ali out to throw forearms! MVP throws Ali into steps! Benjamin clobbers Ricochet! Lashley whips Apollo into barriers! Lashley drags Apollo up but the lights start flickering! Can it be?! Retribution hijacks the screens, but where are they? Raw goes to break while things sort out.

Raw returns, this match continues and Benjamin stomps Apollo. Benjamin drags Apollo back up to reel him in for a clothesline! Benjamin wraps on with a chinlock but Apollo endures. Ricochet and Ali coach Apollo, Apollo endures but MVP tags in and the Hurt Business mugs Apollo. MVP throws forearms, kicks low and has Apollo in a corner. Apollo hits back, MVP throws forearms, then whips Apollo corner to corner. MVP runs in, Apollo dodges and MVP boots buckles! Apollo enziguris MVP down, but Lashley blast Ali and Ricochet! So Apollo GERMAN SUPLEXES Lashley!

MVP crawls after Apollo and clubs him on the back. MVP whips Apollo to a corner, Apollo boots him back. Apollo hits Benjamin away, and hops up to FROGGY CROSSBODY to hit MVP down! Both men crawl for their corners, hot tags to Benjamin and Ricochet! Ricochet springboards to crossbody Benjamin! Ricochet fires off strikes and ROCKS Benjamin, to then QUEBRADA! Ricochet hits the STANDOING SHOOTING STAR! Cover, TWO! Ricochet keeps going, dragging Benjamin to a drop zone, PHOENIX SPLASH! Benjamin dodges, Ricochet rolls through to a corner, Benjamin runs in to KNEE Ricochet down! Tag to MVP and they double whip to double FLAPJACK Ricochet! Cover, TWO!

MVP keeps on Ricochet with clubbing forearms. MVP reels Ricochet in, Ricochet slips out of the Playmaker. Enziguri misses but not the mule kick! Both men hurry, hot tag to Ali! Ali rallies on MVP, whips him to ropes but MVP reverses. Ali dodges and dropkicks MVP down! Ali goes after MVP in the corner with haymakers and a whip. MVP reverses, knees low and scoops. Ali slips off to shove MVP into buckles, run and NECKBREAKER! Cover, Lashley drags Ali off! Lashley brings Ali out, Ali fights, Apollo wrecks Lashley with a dropkick! And a MOONSAULT! Apollo flounders about, Benjamin CLOBBERS him! Ricochet is on the apron and SWANTONS Benjamin!!

Ali and MVP are alone in the ring, MVP stalks Ali and rolls him up! TWO, Ali has the cover, TWO! Ali goes up the corner, leaps, TORNADO DDT! Ali puts MVP in a drop zone, goes up top, 450 SPLASH! Cover, Ali and team win!

Winners: Mustafa Ali, Ricochet & Apollo Crews, by pinfall

No one is going insane, but that was a crazy ending! The Hurt Business just busted against Apollo’s crew, but will they go bankrupt soon enough? And what of Retribution?

 

We check back in with the legends and their card game.

HBK is all but out, and Christian has Three Jacks. HBK has Full House, but Flair has a ROYAL FLUSH! Impossible! No it isn’t, because here it is. Fargo strut and a WOO~ baby! The Nature Boy is winning hand after hand, but will McIntyre win his own Open Challenge?

 

Bianca Belair is the FastEST.

She proves so on the track against Performance Center prospects. Ready, set, GO! Bianca blazes past them all on that 40! And she’s just getting started because she’s the ToughEST. They go another heat, she gives them a head start, and STILL beats them! One more round! She even says it’ll be easier cuz she has hurdles. But even with those extra obstacles, she still wins! Well, thanks for the warm up. You can’t whoop the EST of WWE. But will Bianca be back in the ring soon enough to whoop some superstars?

 

WWE World Championship Open Challenge: Drew McIntyre VS ???

Even after an Ambulance Match against The Viper, the Scottish Stud still wants a fight! He put this challenge out to anyone that has yet to challenge him for this title, and is willing to take a Claymore to the face! Who will step to the champ? Will it be Ziggler’s choice? We find out after the break!

Raw returns and McIntyre has the mic to say he won’t leave us waiting any longer. “Who’s ready to step up?” No one? He can talk for ten minutes. How is commentary doing tonight? But here comes Dolph Ziggler! He’s dressed for business but he tells McIntyre “this is going to be special.” The one Ziggler chose is… the GLORIOUS Robert Roode!! Roode was with Ziggler in that trade, but he is finally back on television! Will Roode make his return truly glorious with a championship victory?

The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and this GLORIOUS surprise match up begins!

Roode and McIntyre approach, Roode gets around to kick away at the legs! Roode puts the leg on the rope and pulls, but the ref counts. Roode lets off to then stomp the leg! Roode CHOPS, McIntyre shoves him away. Roode goes after the leg again, McIntyre clubs Roode away. McIntyre gets his legs working, brings Roode up to scoop, but Roode slips off to RAKE the back! Roode kicks the legs again, and CHOPS! Roode watched Clash of Champions so he knows what to hit! Roode wraps the legs on the ropes again, the ref counts but McIntyre clubs Roode again. McIntyre kicks and CHOPS Roode in return now!

McIntyre throws haymakers, drags Roode up to whip him corner to corner. Roode goes up but is kicked out of the air! McIntyre seethes as he watches Roode bail out. McIntyre pursues, inverted Alabama SLAM to the apron! Roode is down in a heap as Raw goes to break!

Raw returns again and McIntyre has Roode up top! Roode fights McIntyre back and throws haymakers! Roode trips McIntyre up and McIntyre lands on his claymore! Roode punches more and McIntyre falls into a Tree of Woe! But McIntyre sits up to SUPER BELLY2BELLY Roode away! Both men are down, Ziggler coaches Roode up but the fans rally for McIntyre. McIntyre aims, runs, but Ziggler gets Roode out to escape the Claymore! McIntyre grabs Ziggler by his hair, to throw him into the ring! The Show-Off scrambles up but McIntyre has him by his hair! But Roode chop blocks from behind! The bad legs are again targets as Roode stomps and drops elbows on them! Roode jams McIntyre’s knee between his own!

McIntyre gets to a corner, Roode goes out and brings McIntyre to the post. Roode clubs the leg then swings it into the POST! And then the other leg! And then back to the left leg! The ref counts but Roode gets in at 7. Roode goes back out, fans give thumbs down but Roode has the leg again. McIntyre boots Roode away then hobbles after him. Roode kicks the leg again, then borrows an idea from Orton with the SHIN BREAKER to the desk! Roode gets in the ring to refresh the count! Roode drags McIntyre up and in, goes to a corner and climbs up top. McIntyre is up, Roode hits a flying clothesline! Cover, TWO!

Roode keeps on the legs, steps through, and gets the FIGURE FOUR! McIntyre endures as Roode tortures his legs! Roode knows Flair is here so maybe he’s trying to show Flair how his own hold is done! McIntyre endures as Roode cranks harder and harder. McIntyre glares, grits his teeth and works to turn this over! He does! Roode suffers the pain now! Roode drags himself and McIntyre and gets the ropebreak! McIntyre gets free but the damage has been done both ways. Ziggler coaches Roode, Roode stands and hobbles to McIntyre. Roode brings McIntyre up, for a GLASGOW KISS! The headbutt rocks Roode, McIntyre rallies with clotheslines and a whip, for an OVERHEAD SUPLEX!

Roode flounders, McIntyre fires up and he rams Roode to a corner, for ANOTHER OVERHEAD SUPLEX! And a kip up!! But the bad leg buckles! McIntyre made a mistake, and walks into a GLORIOUS SPINE BUSTER! Cover, TWO! Fans clap but Roode is after the legs. McIntyre boots Roode into buckles! McIntyre stands, runs in, but Roode boots him back! Roode runs but McIntyre spins him, underhooks but a jackknife takedown! TWO, FUTURE SHOCK!! Cover, TWO!?! Roode survives and Ziggler is greatly relieved! McIntyre crawls to ropes, Roode is on the other side. McIntyre aims at Roode, runs at him, but Ziggler saves him again, but taking the BOOT! Roode grabs McIntyre for a GLORIOUS DDT!! Cover, TWO!?!? Roode is shocked!!

Fans clap as Roode fires himself up and dares McIntyre to get up. Roode drags McIntyre into position, but no second chance! McIntyre gut wrenches, spins out of the facelock, runs, CLAYMORE!! Cover, McIntyre wins!!

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

That was definitely glorious, just not victorious for Roode! McIntyre is a fighting champion, fights through the pain, and still has the title! But with another superstar checked off the list, who is left to challenge McIntyre in the future?

 

The janitor is lurking?

The same janitor the Hurt Business mistreated… has a chair!? He stalks into the “Legends Lounge” where Flair, Show, Christian and HBK are having fun. The janitor takes off the gloves, and removes his hood and mask to reveal he’s RANDY ORTON! Orton puts on goggles, and then barges in to turn off the lights! The goggles are for night vision as he attacks the legends in the dark!! Chair shot after chair shot on Flair, Show, Christian and HBK!! And when the lights come back on, the entire room is a wreck, as are the legends! Orton puts his disguise back on and hurries away. Referees and security go right by him as the Viper slithers into the night. Is this the price Orton meant?


My Thoughts:

Much like NXT (and AEW) last Wednesday, much like Clash of Champions on Sunday, COVID-19 concerns changed much of what was meant to happen tonight. No Retribution because each of them are on quarantine isolation protocol, and it seems Raw Underground was affected because there wasn’t even one segment with it tonight. But even with a change of plans, this Raw turned out to be a really good one. I was surprised we were just given a rematch of Asuka VS Vega for the title, but I suppose that’s just to get it out of the way. As I said last night in the Clash of Champions article, I think the plan for Asuka’s next challenge is supposed to come down to Mia Yim or Mercedes Martinez, but Retribution is out so they have to wait.

Retribution did keep their presence known with the little part in the Hurt Business VS Apollo’s Crew Six Man, which was good enough given the circumstances. MVP gave a great promo, and the match was really good, and it was great for Apollo’s team to win with the returning Mustafa Ali getting the pin. I would love if Mustafa Ali got to move up and challenge Lashley, or at least teamed with Ricochet against Benjamin and either MVP or Alexander. In fact, Ali and Alexander having interaction would be great, because Alexander was his friend as much as he was Apollo’s. We got a lot of great stuff from the 24/7 Championship as perhaps a way to make up for what couldn’t happen tonight. It was great for the title to hot potato before Triple Threat, and it’s pretty great for Truth to retain in that match.

Lana and Natty VS Mandy and Dana was really good, and a great way to have Mandy make her debut on Raw after the whole “trade” as created by Miz. And I suppose the WWE Draft will leave them off the board, as most midcarders are in favor of the big names. We got good stuff out of the Mysterio Family. It may be a bit Romeo & Juliet, girl falls for boy who family doesn’t approve of, but Aalyah is doing great in her part. Dom and Murphy have a really good match, and I just knew Aalyah would go out there to try and stop it. I still feel like this story could turn into Murphy’s redemption given how Murphy is losing respect for how Rollins is behaving. That has to be the pivotal moment in this feud now, where it looks like Rollins is going to finish Rey or Dominik but it’s Murphy who stops Rollins.

The thread of the night was of course McIntyre’s open challenge and the presence of the legends that helped him beat Orton. We wondered all night who would go after McIntyre, and I was personally hoping for Keith Lee, but he accepted Almas’ open challenge instead. Maybe in kayfabe, Keith is willing to wait until he’s earned another shot at McIntyre given the fighting they just brought to each other before. Aleister and Kevin fight each other, but the ref bump causing a disqualification clearly means they’re having another match down the line. I like that they used this opportunity to bring Roode back, we get to revisit even just a bit of Roode VS McIntyre from back in NXT, and it was still a really good match either way. McIntyre retains, but we close with a somewhat corny way of doing an attack on the legends.

The foreshadowing was there with us knowing the legends were hanging around. Orton’s night vision goggles didn’t even look like night vision goggles, but using “lights out” is the only way to “censor” someone attacking Flair since we all know Flair can’t take a serious bump like that anymore, but we also can’t see someone take it easy on him, either. Of course, kayfabe logic keeps getting bent and twisted again as referees rush to the scene after the fact, but totally forgot that Orton was in disguise! But either way, this is obviously how Orton forces McIntyre to give him a Hell in a Cell rematch, and it will most definitely be IN the Cell.

My Score: 8.6/10


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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; 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?

 

 


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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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