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Mitchell’s WWE Raw Results & Report! (9/14/20)

Raw is IN YOUR FACE!

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WWE Raw Coverage 3.0

It’s a packed and powerful Monday Night Raw!

Raw gets In Your Face as Clash of Champions draws closer! Will Mickie James be ready for Asuka in their women’s title match showdown?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

  • Champions VS Champions: The Street Profits VS Cesaro & Shinsuke Nakamura; The Street Profits win.
  • Ricochet w/ Apollo Crews VS Cedric Alexander w/ The Hurt Business; Alexander wins.
  • Raw Women’s Championship: Asuka VS Mickie James; Asuka wins and retains the Raw Women’s Championship.
  • Erik VS Bobby Lashley w/ MVP; Lashley wins.
  • Steel Cage Match: Seth Rollins VS Dominik Mysterio; Rollins wins.
  • Raw Underground – Ziggler goes 1-1; Braun Strowman wins.
  • Raw Underground – Braun Strowman goes 5-0.
  • Aleister Black VS Kevin Owens; Kevin wins.
  • The Riott Squad VS Natalya & Lana; The Riott Squad wins.
  • Raw Underground – 2v1: Riddick Moss & Dolph Ziggler VS Braun Strowman; Strowman wins.
  • Drew McIntyre VS Keith Lee; No Contest.

PLAY BY PLAY

Dolph Ziggler is on commentary!

Taking over for Samoa Joe, the Show-Off looks to show that he can do it all!

 

Drew McIntyre heads to the ring!

The WWE World Champion is back, and clearly cleared to compete since he has a match with Keith Lee, a man who is both training partner and friend. But for now, McIntyre is dressed in his suit shirt and slacks to address the back and forth between him and Randy Orton. “Now Randy Orton broke my jaw. But I’m back. And it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out he intended to do so much more.” McIntyre is lucky all he got was a fractured jaw. But Orton should be so lucky to still have his head on his body after the three Claymores he got. Everyone wants to know how McIntyre is doing, so he’ll say this once and only.

WWE medical personnel told him to take time off because of the fracture. But that would mean forfeiting the title, so McIntyre said no. “one bad strike to the jaw could displace that fracture, then my mouth would be wired shut.” McIntyre would rather leave in an ambulance than ever give up this championship! Maybe Orton can ask his nurse to turn up the volume for this part. Both men have taken ambulance rides all because of the WWE World Championship. So the most appropriate match to have is to ride in an ambulance for the WWE World Championship. McIntyre wants him and Orton in an AMBULANCE MATCH! Because clearly mate, the rules don’t apply to us anymore.”

But what if Orton doesn’t make it? McIntyre kicked him as hard as he possibly could with those Claymores, “the most deadly weapon in all of sports entertainment.” Technically that move was made by mistake. His leather pants were a little tight, and as he was running to boot an opponent in the head, he didn’t want to rip the crotch open. ANd being Scottish, but they’re allergic to underwear, and it’d be an international incident. So McIntyre jumped, hit the opponent and almost knocked himself out. But he knew that if he could develop that move, it’d be something. Here’s a picture show of the victims. Seth Rollins, Bobby Lashley, The Big Show, Brock Lesnar, Dolph Ziggler, and of course, Randy Orton. McIntyre tries not t to smile because it hurts.

But Adam Pearce interrupts! He wants to get this down to what it’s really about. The severity of Orton’s injuries are unknown, but he won’t be here tonight. He might not even be here at Clash. Oh, poor Orton. Pearce says that this changes the gravity of tonight. Tonight’s match with Keith Lee is for far more than bragging rights. If Keith Lee wins tonight, and Orton can’t make it to Clash, Keith faces McIntyre for the WWE World Championship. Well who put Pearce in charge? But speaking of, here comes the Limitless One! Ziggler likes the situation McIntyre has gotten himself into, but also wants Keith to prove himself worthy.

Keith stands face to face with his friend and the two circle. Keith eyes the title, McIntyre move sit away. They shake hands to show there’s still good sportsmanship, but Keith holds on! McIntyre gets he wants to show he’s serious, so McIntyre doesn’t let go of Keith. Will these two still be friends now that there’s a golden opportunity on the table?

 

Champions VS Champions: The Street Profits VS Cesaro & Shinsuke Nakamura!

Montez Ford & Angelo Dawkins accepted this challenge of Raw and SmackDown Tag Team Champions when the Swiss Cyborg and King of Strong Style visited via the Brand to Brand Invitation. They also returned the favor by partying in the Champions’ Lounge. But will the Profits still be up for a party after going toe to toe with their blue brand contemporaries?

The teams sort out, Cesaro and Dawkins start, and the bell unleashes a BIG European Uppercut from Cesaro to Dawkins! Cesaro drags Dawkins up, fireman’s carries and dumps Dawkins onto the top rope. Nakamura tags in to get that Top Shelf Knee! And then Cesaro gut wrenches, Nakamura KNEES into the suplex! Cover, TWO! Nakamura taunts Ford and has Dawkins in a corner. Nakamura throws knees, whips Dawkins corner to corner, and runs in, but Dawkins boots back! Dawkins runs Nakamura over with a clothesline! Dawkins tags Ford and whips Nakamura. Ford dropkicks Nakamura down, Dawkins gives him the back suplex splash! Cover, Cesaro stomps it apart!

Dawkins goes after Cesaro with haymakers, he and Ford double whip and double dropkick! The Profits are fired up as the Artists regroup. Ford FLIES but into the arms of Cesaro and Nakamura, for a DOUBLE BARRIER BOMB!! Ford is down and Raw’s champs are in trouble as Raw goes to break!

Raw returns and Cesaro grinds Ford down with a chinlock. Ford endures as fans clap. Ford fights up, fights out, but Cesaro uppercuts and shoves Ford to a corner. Cesaro runs in but only gets post! Ford crawls, Cesaro stomps him, then tags in Nakamura. Ford still tags Dawkins! Dawkins unleashes the Curse of Greatness as he rallies and hits a flying elbow! Dawkins flapjacks Cesaro, then EXPLODERS Nakamura! Cover, TWO! Dawkins keeps his cool and stalks Nakamura to a corner. Dawkins whips Nakamura to another corner, but misses the cyclone! Nakamura enziguris then sets Dawkins in the ropes. SLIDING GERMAN!

Nakamura gets in and aims from a corner! But Dawkins hits the CASH OUT! Tag to Ford and he goes up top, FROM THE HEAVENS onto knees!! Cesaro dumps Dawkins out, Nakamura covers Ford, TWO!! Tag to Cesaro and Ford goes for a Swiss Swing into a knee! Cover, Dawkins breaks it! Cesaro stomps Dawkins for getting back in but lets up at the ref’s count. Cesaro puts Dawkins on the ropes for Nakmaura’s DYNAMIC DROPKICK! Ford tries to roll Cesaro up, gets him on the second chance, TWO! Cesaro pups Ford up for a BIG EuroUpper!! Cover, TWO!?! No one can believe it! Meanwhile, Nakamura rushes at Dawkins on the outside but is sent into steps!

Cesaro sees he has Ford all alone as Ford struggles to rise. Cesaro drags Ford up the rest of the way to bump off buckles and fire off EuroUppers from all sides! The ref counts, Cesaro stops at 4 to BLAST Ford again! Ford flops to the apron, Cesaro argues with the ref, but Cesaro then drags Ford up the corner. Dawkins tags in before the DEAD LIFT SUPERPLEX! Dawkins is up top now, for the FROG SPLASH! Cover, The Profits win!!

Winners: The Street Profits, by pinfall

The Raw Tag Team Champions defend home turf! Ziggler tells the veterans they should’ve known better. Will there be a rematch to see if the SmackDown Tag Team Champions can redeem themselves?

 

Angel Garza is talking with Lana backstage.

The Ravishing Russian doesn’t want to make this all about her, but why is it that Mickie James has a title shot when all she’s done is show up again? The obvious choice was Natalya, #BOAT, the winningest woman in WWE of all time! Did he know that? Of course he did! He agrees this is unfair. And Lana’s passion for justice is intoxicating. But then Zelina Vega and Andrade show up. Vega asks Lana give them privacy. Lana obliges and then Vega reprimands Garza. This is what she was getting at last time! Garza abandons Andrade two weeks in a row, their chances at the Raw tag titles are completely gone, and now Garza is flirting with Lana?

Enough! Garza is tired of being blamed for ever setback only because her “golden boy” lost! Andrade got pinned, not Garza. So yell at him. Who is Garza to talk to her like that? Andrade asks what Garza has ever done, and they argue, but Vega tells them to SHUT UP! Vega can’t do this anymore! She storms off, and now the two start shoving!! El Idolo and the Lethal Lothario knock trunks over as Raw goes to break! Is this the end of the business partnership?

 

Ricochet w/ Apollo Crews VS Cedric Alexander w/ The Hurt Business!

The One and Only was the most hurt by the Age of Alexander’s betrayal, and now he’ll be the one to confront Cedric 1v1! But will they be the ones to regret fighting against such bad odds?

Before the match, each member of the Hurt Business gets a mic. MVP starts by saying, “Attention, WWE Universe. This is an official announcement from the Hurt Business. Business is booming! The CEO, Bobby Lashley, is firmly in possession of the United States Championship. Shelton Benjamin has upgraded from the Gold Standard to Platinum Status. And as I understand it, Cedric Alexander has spoken to his tax attorney. His W9 is completed, and he is officially a member of the Hurt Business. Life is good.”

Alexander says life is good, but last week blew up! Everyone was salty on social media. “Why’d you turn your back on your friends? They were your brothers!” NO. This is his job! Alexander has to do what he must to succeed. No one knows what it is like to be beat down by three of the baddest. But then he wakes up Tuesday, unable to play with his kids because he’s all broken. What fans don’t understand is that being with Ricochet and Apollo left Alexander broken and broke. But now- Ricochet and Apollo interrupt with their entrance! Apollo wants to call it how it is. They treated him as a brother and he sold out! Alexander is too weak minded and he was manipulated! But now he has to live with the consequences! They always had his back-

WRONG!! How many times was Alexander beat up while Apollo was champion? Answer that! Benjamin says Alexander doesn’t owe them anything. Just look at that jealousy. Ricochet tells Benjamin to do us a favor and mind his own business. And Alexander, this wasn’t for an explanation. It is what it is: he joined the Hurt Business for money. But stabbing Ricochet in the back hurt worse than anything! Ricochet and Apollo aren’t begging anyone to come back or #WhyCedricWhy. If you thought it was bad to have the Hurt Business after you, he’ll see how bad it is with them coming for him. The Hurt Business mocks how “scary” that sounds, and things sort out for the grudge match.

The bell rings and Alexander rushes but Ricochet tackles him! Ricochet rains down rights but Alexander gets up to kick low and whip. Ricochet holds ropes to then back elbow Alexander away. Ricochet throws Alexander out then slingshots. Alexander moves but Ricochet BOOTS him down! Ricochet then goes up to MOONSAULT and take Alexander down! Apollo intercepts Benjamin but Lashley LARIATS Apollo! Lashley fireman’s carries Apollo but Erik attacks! Erik stands alone after Ivar took that bad spill last week, but he wants after the Rocky Mountain Machine all the same! These two fight up the ramp as Raw goes to break!

Raw returns and Alexander has Ricochet down with a bearhug. Ricochet endures, Apollo coaches him up and fans rally up. Ricochet reaches but Cedric drags him away from ropes. Ricochet punches Alexander away, gets up but Alexander DECKS Ricochet! Alexander drags Ricochet up but Ricochet throws forearms back. Ricochet rocks Alexander and runs, but into a stiff knee! Alexander basement dropkicks and covers, TWO! Alexander goes back to the rear mount and rains crossface forearms down. Ricochet covers up, fights back but Alexander stomps him down. Alexander has Ricochet in a corner, fish hooks his face and throws body shots. Alexander brings Ricochet out, throws forearms, and ROCKS Ricochet!

Alexander puts Ricochet on the ropes to throw heavy shots into the ribs. Ricochet reverses the whip and dropkicks Alexander down! Both men fall, MVP tells Alexander to get up and whoop Ricochet! Fans rally as both men slowly stir. Alexander leans on ropes, Ricochet wobbles to his feet, and Ricochet throws body shots back! Ricochet throws uppercuts and fires up through the pain! Ricochet CHOPS Alexander on the ropes, MVP shouts at Alexander but Ricochet whips. Alexander reverses, Ricochet dodges but Alexander arm-drags but Ricochet SUPERKICKS! Alexander goes down but Ricochet drags him back up for a waistlock. Alexander grabs for ropes but Ricochet DRAGON SUPLEXES! Bridging cover, TWO!!

The Hurt Business is worried for Alexander as Ricochet has him in a drop zone. Ricochet fights through the pain but Benjamin distracts. Apollo runs around to run Benjamin off, but Ricochet is still slow to getting up. Shooting Star but Ricochet lands on his feet as Alexander moves! Alexander scoops Ricochet for a MICHINOKU DRIVER! Cover, TWO!! Ricochet survives but Alexander just gives him a LUMBAR CHECK! Cover, Alexander wins!

Winner: Cedric Alexander, by pinfall

The newest member of the Hurt Business is victorious, but there’s no time for celebrations as RETRIBUTION takes over the screens and lights again! “Listen up, you and all the other so-called superstars. We are the product of empty promises. The results of lies, greed and betrayal. We once trusted, but now we walk with eyes wide open.” “We see what you are: waste! Scrap! Byproduct!” When you show loyalty to an entity that treats you like garbage, YOU are garbage! When you sell your souls, YOU are corrupt. They once believed their time at the Performance Center would lead to fame and fortune. But they refuse to suck up to an entitled machine! While everyone else enjoys their last days, they will show you exactly who you are! “We are Retribution!” And there’s many more than once realized.

The Hurt Business is on high alert, but Retribution does not come. Will Retribution come for everyone soon enough?

 

Backstage interview with Mickie James.

Sarah welcomes the six-time women’s champion as she prepares for her match with Asuka tonight. What emotions fuel her? Mickie loves this business, with every bit of her heart and soul. She has given every ounce of her soul. It drives hr to be the best her every single day. Especially for the high stakes competition like Asuka brings out in her. Now, what drives her? Different stages of her career have had very different answers. But with experience comes wisdom,and with wisdom comes clarity. It is clear now more than ever that she has always had what it takes to be champion! But if you ask her what motivates her tonight, is that this could be her very last chance to win a championship. Will this motivation be enough for Mickie to dethrone the Empress of Tomorrow?

 

Raw returns to Adam Pearce grilling his security staff.

“Somebody tell me what it is we can’t do our job!” The Hurt Business walks over to speak with him. Pearce being a high level official comes with very high pressure. But it’s also clear that if he doesn’t get to the bottom of this Retribution problem, Pearce will have the added pressure of having to find a new job. Pearce says that is not their concern. It is if they say it is. Pearce should listen to the Hurt Business. Up the security from boys to men. The Hurt Business doesn’t run from anyone. They don’t fear Retribution because MVP has Lashley, Benjamin and Alexander. Now let them help Pearce keep his job. Pearce thanks them for volunteering. Volunteering? Pfft. They’re the Hurt Business. They’ll send him their bill.

 

Raw Women’s Championship: Asuka VS Mickie James!

The moment of truth has come for Mickie! These two met in NXT before Asuka was ever a champion, but she’s only sharpened her skills since that day! Will Mickie be ready for THIS Asuka?

The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and lucky number seven could be on its way!

Asuka and Mickie circle, tie up, and go around. Asuka puts Mickie on the ropes, but Mickie powers back and arm-drags Asuka to the mat. Cover, ONE, and the collar and elbow stays on. Asuka gets Mickie down for a cover, ONE! They’re in a deadlock but Mickie pushes Asuka away. They go again, Mickie rolls Asuka, ONE! Mickie stays low to trip up and jackknife, TWO! Mickie gets in Asuka’s face with how close that just was, but Asuka grabs that arm! Mickie gets to ropes, Asuka lets off fast, and Mickie comes back fast with a headlock. Asuka turns it into her own headlock, Mickie throws body shots and powers out. Asuka runs Mickie over with a shoulder and runs, but Mickie trips her!

Mickie and Asuka get up, Mickie spins Asuka to a neckbreaker! Cover, TWO! Mickie keeps her cool and clamps onto Asuka with a cobra clutch. Asuka endures, fights up and powers out. Mickie hesitates but her hip toss is blocked to Asuka’s knee! Asuka grits her teeth as she throws forearms, but Mickie knees and forearms back. Mickie whips, Asuka reverses and gets a cleaner pop-up knee! Cover, TWO! Asuka keeps her cool while catching her breath. Mickie flounders and fires herself up, but both women are slow to standing. Asuka aims, runs but her hip attack misses! MICK KICK!! But Asuka flops out of the ring!! Asuka lucks out as Raw goes to break!

Raw returns, Mickie has Asuka back in the ring but both women flounder about again. Mickie throws forearms, Asuka throws forearms back! They brawl and fight to their feet. Mickie ducks to get a hammerlock and chinbar! Is Mickie trying to steel the Asuka lock? Asuka backs Mickie into a corner to throw elbows, but then she runs into a boot! Asuka comes back, runs into an elbow but keeps trying. Mickie goes up for a RANA! Asuka gets up, Mickie back kicks then boots! Mickie runs but Asuka dodges and comes back to HIP ATTACK! Asuka fires up, tells Mickie she is the champion, but runs into a FLAPJACK! Mickie kips up! And she’s feeling all fired up!

Mickie goes to a corner, heads up top, but Asuka rises. Asuka stops Mickie with an uppercut! Asuka climbs to join Mickie, Mickie fights her off and shoves her down, then adjusts. Mickie leaps for a SUPER THESZ PRESS! Cover, TWO to a sunset flip, TWO! Mickie throws forearms, Asuka gives back palm strikes! Asuka fires off from all ends but Mickie ducks the back hand! Mickie spins but Asuka ducks the kick! Asuka’s back hand lands! Mickie flounders, Asuka sits her up, for KICKS! And more kicks! Mickie eggs Asuka on as she sits up again and again but Asuka just keeps kicking her down! Asuka runs, Mickie ducks the buzzsaw to get the leg! HALF CRAB! Mickie sits deep, Asuka crawls and reaches! Mickie drags Asuka from ropes, gets both legs, but Asuka twists for a victory roll, TWO!

Asuka stands up, MICK KICK! That might not have been enough but she still covers, ROPEBREAK!! Asuka survives and Mickie can’t believe it! Mickie wants Asuka to get back up, but she drags Asuka up. Asuka drags Mickie down for an ARMBAR! They move around, Mickie reaches for ropes, it’s also a cover, TWO! Mickie moves around to get a cover back, ONE! Mickie is free, kicks low but Asuka spins out of the DDT to get the arm! Mickie drops down out of the hammerlock to victory roll, TWO! FLYING ARMBAR TAKEDOWN!! Into the ASUKA LOCK!! Mickie pops free, moves around to cover, but the ref says she tapped out?!

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

Mickie was ruled unable to continue?! What was it that happened that she could no longer wrestle? But that’s besides the point for now, as Vega storms out to the ring! La Muneca gets right in Asuka’s face as she gets a mic. “I’ve been thinking. Thinking about the future. Thinking about MY future! And then it donned on me.” She wasted the best years of HER career managing selfish little ingrates! “Just like you.” Asuka? Yes! Asuka is an ingrate because she was handed the title, and has only been reckless with it. She’s been fighting everyone and her mother. But the Empress of Tomorrow is so focused on the stars of yesterday, she’s forgotten one of the best in the business today: VEGA!

But don’t even bother to ask if she’s ready for Asuka. Because Vega says she is ready for the title. Asuka laughs as she takes the mic from Vega, and talks trash in Japanese that Vega thinks she’s ready. Vega SLAPS Asuka! And then runs away before Asuka could go after her! Asuka is again laughing but Vega is grinning. What happens when there’s no running from the Empress and her wrath?

 

Backstage interview with Keith Lee.

Charly Caruso quickly adds that Vega stepping to Asuka, not a good idea. But first, a competitor whose title aspirations are a bit more realistic. The Limitless One has a chance to face McIntyre for the world title. Many work entire careers for this opportunity. Keith and McIntyre were honest in knowing there would come a day when they’d face each other. Just as Keith has been honest about not appreciating McIntyre interfering in his matches. Keith gets it: “The goal is to be WWE Champion, and that’s a goal that drives all of us.” That said, Keith knows McIntyre will do whatever it takes to stay champion, and Keith will do whatever it takes to become champion.

Then Keith’s job may be easier. McIntyre has a fractured jaw. Will Keith take advantage of that? Keith doesn’t want to take advantage of a friend. But to come this far and to become champion, he will do what he must. Will the Scottish Stud force the hand of the Limitless One?

 

Erik VS Bobby Lashley w/ MVP!

So far, business has been booming, as Alexander got the win over his former friend. Now will the CEO of the Hurt Business throw the last viking standing to the wayside to make a statement?

The bell rings and Erik rushes a distracted Lashley with double knees! Lashley moves, fires off hands and knees in the corner but lets up as the ref counts 4. Lashley digs forearms into Erik’s face, then runs to RAM into Erik! Lashley nods to MVP on commentary, then digs his forearms into Erik. Erik pushes back, fires forearms back as well as haymakers and knees! Erik lets up, whips Lashley but Lashley reverses. Erik elbows Lashley back then shotgun knees him down! Erik growls as he stalks Lashley, for Ace Ten Mao! Cover, TWO! Lashley survives but Erik stays close. Erik drags Lashley up, kicks and knees and forearms then runs, into a SPINE BUSTER!

Lashley hauls Erik up to the Canadian rack, DOMINATOR! Cover, TWO!?! Erik survives, MVP respects that, but Lashley stalks Erik. Lashley clamps on the full nelson! Body scissors added on, the Hurt Lock is complete! Erik taps, Lashley wins!

Winner: Bobby Lashley, by submission

Lashley holds on until Erik fades out! The United States Champion is rolling, but who will it be to stand in his way at Clash of Champions?

 

Backstage interview with Kevin Owens.

Does he have any idea as to why Aleister Black has this vendetta against him? No, he doesn’t. Because there could be many reasons. Did he say something that set him off? Or maybe Hot Topic wouldn’t honor those 40% off coupons he had for the shirts of the band that he likes so much. Maybe it was the frustration that even though Aleister sat in a dark room for a year and a half, wanting someone to knock on his door and fight him, no one cared enough to do it.

But either way, Kevin doesn’t really care why. He cares about how. As in, how will he inflict enough pain on Aleister to feel like they’re even? How will he make sure Aleister doesn’t walk but run back to his hiding spot? And more importantly, how can Kevin make sure the beating he gives Aleister tonight reminds Aleister here on out of what happens when you pick a fight with Kevin Owens? Kevin isn’t actually worried about any of that, because why? Because he’s Kevin Owens. Will the Prizefighter give Aleister the fight of his life?

 

Shane McMahon and Jordan Omogbehin talk at the Raw Underground door.

Last week’s brawling of Aleister and Kevin was fantastic stuff. Wait until tonight! Wait, Braun Strowman is here?! Seems Raw Underground is open to all, even if they’re not from Raw. The Monster is here to vent his anger, and he knows on the other side of that door is “some poor son of a b*tch that I can cave his head in.” So get out of his way or be in the wake of his destruction! Open the door or he’ll use Shane to do it! And tell the best fighters you’ve got to come see the Monster and #GetTheseHands, so Strowman can send them all home to their mamas with pockets full of teeth! This week is even better already!

 

Seth Rollins meets with Buddy Murphy backstage.

Where has he been? Rollins was waiting for Murphy to come see him. Murphy says the Mysterios, what they did- Please, please. Rollins understands, they ganged up on him and used kendo sticks. Atonement, forgiveness, that is part of the process. But it’s also the past. Now we look to the future! Tonight is an opportunity! Rollins and Dominik will be inside a steel cage, and no one can go in or out. “This is the perfect opportunity to teach the young man, and the world, a lesson.” Murphy nods, but Rollins asks if Murphy is prepared for his role tonight. Because Rollins has something very important for him to do and he needs to be ready. Is he ready? Yes. Rollins is glad to hear him say that.

Rollins SLAPS Murphy and then tells him to stay back here so Rollins doesn’t have to deal with any “stupid mistakes.” Does Murphy understand? Yes, sir… Rollins SLAPS him again and makes sure Murphy means it! Rollins then calms down, pats Murphy on the shoulder, and heads for gorilla.

 

Mandy Rose has been traded to Raw!

Apparently this is the favor The Miz called in on Friday Night! The show is about to become #MandyNightRaw, but will Otis stand for Miz messing with his love life?

 

Steel Cage Match: Seth Rollins VS Dominik Mysterio!

The Monday Night Messiah’s one last disciple took a beating from the entire Mysterio Family, but it was not enough! This still has to be settled between Rollins and El Hijo del Rey! Will the sinister steel be what is needed to finally put an end to all this?

Raw returns as Rollins makes his entrance, and Charly interviews the Mysterio family. Rey and Dominik have weighed the risks and rewards. If Dominik wants to follow his dreams of following his dad’s footsteps, he can’t back down from anything. Rey and Angie are more concerned than Dominik, and Rey knows how difficult a cage match is. The family will be out there to support Dominik. But once that cage door shuts, Dominik is on his own. But so is Rollins. Dominik has fire when it comes to getting even with Rollins, so maybe Rollins should be the one worried about this match. The Mysterio family head out, and this grudge looks to finally be settled!

The bell rings, Rollins soaks up the moment as he and Dominik circle. They tie up, Rollins kicks low and clubs Dominik over and over and over! He stomps Dominik down, laughs as Dominik gets to ropes, then whips him to the other side. DOminik ducks and tilt-o-whirls to a Russian leg sweep! Rey says that’s good, and Dominik climbs! Rollins trips Dominik up, brings him back with a fireman’s carry, but Dominik hits a tilt-o-whirl DDT! Cover, TWO! Dominik hurries to climb again! Rollins gets up, but Murphy appears to give Rollins a kendo stick?! What happened to those orders!? Rollins SMACKS away on Dominik, then throws him into steel! Rey is furious but he keeps Angie and Aalyah calm as Dominik writhes. Rollins looms over Dominik as Raw goes to break.

Raw returns and Rollins is grinding Domink’s face against steel! And then runs to SMASH Dominik in harder! Rey coaches Dominik while Angie wants Rey to stop this. Rollins drags Dominik up and tells him, “When are you gonna learn?!” Rollins tells Papa Rey to watch as he whips Dominik, but Dominik reverses to send Rollins into steel! Dominik flounders, gets to a side and climbs, but Rollins hurries after! Rollins grabs Dominik, drags him off the steel but Dominik fights back and RANAS Rollins into steel! Rollins writhes but Murphy is there to coach him. Dominik gets the kendo stick and SMACKS Rollins! Rollins kicks back but Dominik keeps swinging on him!

Dominik keeps Rollins from climbing, then whips him into more steel! And more steel! And more steel! Then a SPINE BUSTER! Cover, TWO!! The family has confidence again as Dominik gets back up. Dominik aims at Rollins again but Rollins wants mercy. Rollins trips Dominik up and catapults him, but Dominik climbs! Rollins hurries after, they’re both on the top rope and throwing hands! Rollins rocks Dopminik but Dominik bounces Rollins off steel! And again! Rollins trips Dominik and Dominik crotches on the ropes! But Dominik trips Rollins up to return the favor! Both men flop off the rope to the ring floor and MVP respects the savvy.

The fans and the family rally for Dominik as he crawls to the door. The door is open, but Murphy grabs Rey to SLAM him into the barriers! Rollins drags Dominik away and goes through the doorway, but Murphy slams the door closed!! Murphy didn’t realize Rollins had switched places! Murphy freaks out as Dominik climbs the far side! Murphy climbs the outside but Dominik fights him off! Murphy falls and hits hard! Dominik hits a FROG SPLASH on Rollins! Cover, TWO!! Rollins survives and MVP has respect for Dominik’s heart. Dominik goes back to climbing, but Rollins crawls after. Dominik is up top, Rollins hurries after, and Rollins catches up to grab a foot!

Dominik has to go back inside and Rollins falls. Dominik keeps trying, but Rollins springs up to grab his head! SUPERPLEX!! Float through, FALCON ARROW! Rollins crawls to the cover, TWO!! Dominik survives and shocks Rollins! Angie coaches her son on and Rey does, too. Rollins stares at Rey and Rey glares back. Rollins laughs and grins as he mocks the applause. Rollins gets cocky, Dominik rolls him up, TWO! CURB STOMP!! But Rollins won’t cover, he wants the entire family to suffer! ANOTHER CURB STOMP! Cover, Rollins wins!

Winner: Seth Rollins, by pinfall

The Architect had a plan, and though there were missteps, it still worked out in his favor. Rollins grabs the kendo stick before exiting the cage, with Murphy holding the door for him. Rollins glares at Murphy, but he spares the kendo stick to thank his disciple. Rey gets in to check on Dominik, but then Rollins throws Murphy around ringside! “When are you gonna learn?! Do what I tell you to do!!” Rollins lets off, to then SMASH the door into Murphy! “How does it feel!? It sucks! I know because you did it to me!” Murphy begs for mercy, and Rollins tells Angie that hopefully Aalyah turns out better than her brother. The Mysterios check on Murphy before regrouping around Dominik. Will there never be vindication against Rollins?

 

Raw Underground begins again!

Shane welcomes us back as Dolph Ziggler is back in the ring and out wrestling another opponent. Ziggler gets around to a rear mount, shoots for an arm and drives in elbows at the same time. The ref calls it, Ziggler wins! Ziggler gets serious as he takes off his shirt, but here comes Riddick Moss! The Riddick Regimen wants some and they circle. Ziggler gets a leg, Moss pries him off and backs off. They go again, Ziggler gets the leg again but Moss throws haymakers to get free! Ziggler uppercuts! But Moss SPINE BUSTERS back! Moss rains down hands but Ziggler gets a leg to get back around to a sleeper hold!

Ziggler grinds Moss, Moss throws body shots and pries free. Moss elbows HARD, but the two start throwing hands! Moss tries to lift, but here comes STROWMAN!! Braun brawls with Moss and pushes him to the edge of the ring! Then CHOKE SLAMS him down! Ziggler returns, but Strowman scoops him for a DOMINATOR! Braun dares anyone to get in and #GetTheseHands! Raw Underground and Raw go to break while The Monster stands tall!

 

Raw returns with a backstage interview with Drew McIntyre.

Now dressed to compete, McIntyre responds to Keith’s comments. McIntyre hopes Keith will do whatever it takes to win the championship. But what McIntyre can’t get his head around is that while he could have struck any time he wanted, he waited until Orton hit Keith with an RKO. McIntyre doesn’t want ot make it sound like Keith couldn’t have kicked out of an RKO. After all, Orton has only won 13 world championships with that move and could’ve won his 14th at SummerSlam if he hit one. Keith comes in and asks for alone time.

Keith doesn’t want McIntyre dragging his name through the mud. What does he mean? He means that McIntyre acts like he’s doing Keith a favor. Keith and McIntyre are friends, Keith is new to Raw, but don’t twist McIntyre’s words. Twisting his words means what McIntyre is saying is not what it sounds like. But it sounds like McIntyre thinks Orton beat Keith. But the only match McIntyre didn’t interfere with was Payback, when Keith won. Furthermore, McIntyre needs to be more concerned with Keith beating him tonight, and again at Clash of Champions. “Hi, I’m Drew McIntyre. Nice to meet you for the first time ever.” McIntyre does not get concerned, and is not afraid of anyone. Keith says he should be.

These two have known each other longer than anyone, so Keith knows McIntyre very well. Such as that weak spot right around- Don’t put your hand up. Oh, is McIntyre concerned about his jaw? Keith keeps putting his hand up and McIntyre keeps swatting it away. Well if McIntyre thinks he can warn the Limitless One… McIntyre JABS Keith, Keith TACKLES McIntyre! They brawl in the spare ring and it spills out! McIntyre throws Kieth into the bathroom! Then drags him out to POST him! McIntyre whips Keith but Keith reverses to send McIntyre into trunks! Security and referees rush over but the brawl just fires off again! McIntyre wants this fight now, but will have to wait for the main event! Has the friendship suddenly crumbled?

 

We return to Raw Underground!

Omogbehin sees Titus roll up and stops him at the door. Titus wants in on “this fun!” Alright, then! The Real Deal gets in while Braun is mangling some schmo. Strowman wins again, but here comes Moss! Moss wants revenge! Strowman shoves and BOOTS Moss into the crowd! But her comes TITUS! Titus tackles Strowman and rains down rights! Strowman gets up, facelocks and grinds Titus, Titus fades out! Strowman drops him to fall on him! Shane and the ref have Strowman stop! Shane says Braun is still up for more, but we’ll see if anyone takes him up on that later!

 

Aleister Black VS Kevin Owens!

The Embodiment of the End knows the Prizefighter wants to hurt him, and the feeling is mutual. And Aleister makes sure to hit first and attacks Kevin during his entrance! Aleister stomps Kevin in the ring, the ref backs him off and Raw goes to break! Will Kevin be able to compete after that ambush?

Raw returns and Aleister whips Kevin. Kevin kicks back, rebounds and LARIATS! And drops a senton! Kevin rains down rights and goes back to ropes. Kevin stomps Aleister, bumps Aleister off buckles, then whips him corner to corner. Aleister goes up and over, blocks the superkick and sweeps the legs! Aleister drags Kevin back up, throws fast hands and knees the leg. Aleister keeps on that leg for a modified half crab, but Kevin endures. His shoulders are down for a cover, ONE, but Aleister holds on. Kevin kicks Aleister with his free leg and gets the other free. Fans rally, Kevin is in a corner but he kicks Aleister back. Kevin dumps Aleister over and out and Aleister hits the apron hard! Kevin runs but can’t jump with the bad leg, Aleister sweeps the legs!

Aleister drags Kevin tot he apron, fires off elbows on the bad knee and slams the leg on the apron! Aleister paces as the ring count climbs then gets back in the ring to stalk Kevin. Aleister stomps the leg, clamps on again but Kevin punches him away. Kevin sits up but Aleister brings him up. Aleister throws forearms, Kevin hits back. Aleister boots Kevin at ropes and Kevin flounders to a corner. Aleister drags Kevin back up, puts the bad leg on ropes and KICKS the leg! Kevin flops down and clutches the knee while Aleister paces. Aleister drags Kevin back up, but Kevin ROCKS him with an uppercut!

Kevin hobbles to a corner while Aleister is in a daze. Kevin comes back, drags Aleister up, but Aleister drops down for a KNEEBAR! Aleister cranks on the foot, Kevin endures, reaches, and gets the ropebreak! Aleister holds on until 4, and then stomps away at the ropes. The ref has to back Aleister up, and then Kevin SUPERKICKS him down!! Both men are down, Kevin gets up first but he can’t run! Aleister grins, but the lights start to shut off. Kevin uses the distraction to get a STUNNER!! Cover, Kevin wins!!

Winner: Kevin Owens, by pinfall

If that was Retribution, they just helped Kevin out! Will this be enough to settle things between the Prizefighter and the man who wants to fight?

 

McIntyre finishes preparing for his match.

But he’s not prepared for Keith to come back for more! Keith and McIntyre brawl backstage, push security aside, but Pearce gets them to stop! If they don’t stop now, he’ll cancel the match and they don’t go to Clash of Champions! That’s enough for Keith, but McIntyre is more than ready to end this. Will McIntyre do everything he has to in order to deny Keith his championship opportunity?

 

The Riott Squad VS Natalya & Lana!

Ruby Riott and Liv Morgan Liv2Riott and Riott2Liv, but Nia Jax and Shayna Baszler are watching very closely on commentary. Will the contenders build momentum off the #BOAT and the Ravishing Russian to head for the dysfunctional duo bound to self destruct?

The teams sort out, and Natty blindsides Liv! Natty clubs away on Liv while Shayna and Nia mock Liv’s pain. Natty stomps away on Liv in the corner, tags in Lana, and they work together to whip Natty in to RAM Liv! Lana adds a heel kick, covers, TWO! Lana stomps Liv, drags her up and whips her into a corner. Liv hits Natty but Lana kicks Liv back! Lana brings Liv up but Liv breaks free to slip under. Liv reaches for Ruby, Lanan grabs a foot but Liv rolls to send her into ropes! Ruby tags in, CODE BREAKER to RIOTT KICK!! Cover, the Riott Squad wins!

Winner: The Riott Squad, by pinfall

Well that was fast. The champs are done on commentary, too, and make sure the Squad understands who hold the gold right now. And they pick on Natty and Lana to do it! Natty gets POSTED, Nia rips up the announce desk and Shayna toys with Lana! Shayna whips Lana out of the ring for Nia to bring up. Nia fireman’s carries and SAMOAN DROPS Lana through the desk!! There’s one thing Nia and Shayna agree on: destruction! Will they bring that to Clash of Champions to destroy the Riott Squad’s dreams?

 

We return to Raw Underground one more time!

Braun is mauling another man and gets another win! Moss wants a third turn!? He’s crazy but Braun has faced crazier. Braun JABS Moss down, but here comes Ziggler! Braun rocks Ziggler, but the two work 2v1 now! They get Braun down, but Braun grabs Moss to push him awy! Braun throws Ziggler off and DECKS Moss! Ziggler gets up, to get a MONSTER SLAM! Braun is unstoppable, but here comes… DABBA-KATO! Dabba is someone on Braun’s size level, but Shane says they need this to happen next week! See you next Monday!

 

Drew McIntyre VS Keith Lee!

Whether the Scottish Stud meant to make the Limitless One seem lesser or not, it’s about how his actions looked to his friend. That might be “former friend” now after the brawling backstage now. But will Keith do everything to make sure McIntyre becomes a former champion at Clash of Champions? Or will McIntyre refuse to #BaskInHisGlory?

The bell rings and the brawl continues! Keith tackles McIntyre to a corner, rams him over and over then throws body shots. Keith whips corner to corner, McIntyre boots back! McIntyre throws haymakers and forearms, but Keith pushes him back. Keith runs in but only gets buckles. Keith boots and gets McIntyre’s jaw! Keith runs to POUNCE McIntyre out of the ring! The champion is down in a bad way as Raw goes to break!

Raw returns once more and Keith hammers away on McIntyre. McIntyre gets to a corner, Keith drags him up but McIntyre hits back! And CHOPS! And CHOPS! Keith throws haymakers and the jaw hurts again! Keith whips, McIntyre kicks back and CHOPS again! McIntyre brings Keith around to whip but Keith reverses. McIntyre ducks and dodges and forearms Keith down! McIntyre gets Keith up but can’t overhead suplex, and Keith elbows him away. Keith grabs McIntyre, McIntyre body shots and HEADBUTTS back! The Glasgow Kiss rocks Keith enough for McIntyre to OVERHEAD SUPLEX!

McIntyre gets to a corner, goes up top, and he watches Keith rise. McIntyre leaps, for the ax handle! And the kip up! McIntyre fires up and powers through the pain in his jaw as he glares at Keith. McIntyre drags Keith up, underhooks, but Keith powers out to push and run, into a SPINE BUSTER! Jackknife cover, TWO!! Keith and McIntyre both slowly rise but McIntyre has Keith up first. McIntyre goes to suplex but Keith is too big and too strong for that! Keith pries free, but McIntyre body shots and JABS! GRIZZLY MAGNUM! Keith forearms, elbows, runs and LARIATS McIntyre down! Cover, TWO!! McIntyre survives but Keith keeps his focus.

Keith and McIntyre rise again, McIntyre jawbreakers Keith away! McIntyre goes back to a corner, climbs back up  but Keith leaps to headbutt back! Keith has McIntyre stunned on the apron as Keith climbs up. Keith brings McIntyre up, but McIntyre fights back! McIntyre and Keith brawl up top, Keith powers up and SUPERPLEXES! Keith crawls to the cover, TWO!! McIntyre survives and Keith is too tired to be frustrated. Keith crawls to ropes and uses those to stand up. McIntyre stands, too, and kicks low! McIntyre CHOPS and runs, but Keith dodges the boot to pop McIntyre up! McIntyre slips out of the Spirit Bomb, both men run, DOUBLE CROSSBODIES take them out!

Both men crawl as fans build to a rally. But here comes RETRIBUTION!! They’re rushing the ring again! Commentary gets away but Keith and McIntyre fight back! They both get mugged, 6v1 at the very least!! It’s hard to tell just how many there are, but it’s no less than a dozen! They mock McIntyre and Keith, and keep on beating them down! The fans give thumbs down and boo but no one is coming to help McIntyre or Keith! Wait! The Hurt Business finally arrives! MVP brings back Benjamin, Lashley and Alexander to do the job they signed up for. The suit jackets come off, the four rush the ramp and it’s a HUGE brawl with Retribution! The four take on all 12 or 15 in a chaotic mess at ringside!

But then Keith AND McIntyre FLY!! They wipe out Retribution and the Hurt Business all at once! But it looks like nothing is settled between the Limitless One and Scottish Stud. What comes of the Clash of Champions situation? Will Retribution reconsider running in on a Raw main event?


My Thoughts:

This was a bit of a wild Raw, and maybe not always the good kind of wild. The most confusing thing about tonight was how the Raw Women’s Championship match ended. The referee said Mickie James couldn’t continue, but that definitely did not seem the case. Perhaps there was an injury that will be addressed later, but it could also have been because they realized they were going to run out of time for other things. Because the WWE doesn’t operate with time limits on their standard matches, there was probably no easy way to say they need to make time for Vega calling Asuka out so they just kayfabed a reason. Vega ditching Almas and Garza is actually a great part for her and them, and that brawl Garza and Almas had was a great touch.

Everything else was still fairly smooth and great progress towards Clash of Champions. I really thought Murphy was going to turn on Rollins but it seems Rollins is the one turning on Murphy. Rollins and Dominik have a great cage match, but I probably should’ve seen Rollins was going to win. Dominik is left in bad shape, in kayfabe at least, but maybe Murphy redeems himself by helping the Mysterios get back at Rollins. The Riott Squad beats Lana and Natalya because, well, Lana was on the team. I was surprised Nia and Shayna did anything to Natty and Lana, but it does help add some kind of heat. I don’t see Ruby and Liv winning without Shayna and Nia falling apart, but I would like for Shayna and Nia to at least get one defense under their belts before losing.

Kevin and Aleister have a good match, but obviously Retribution was a factor there. The timing is probably just a case of the writing unable to keep Aleister strong but still losing to Kevin. I feel like things are out of order on this story. These two should’ve had a regular match last week, then this week was about using Raw Underground to settle things without rules holding them back. Instead, Strowman got to bust some heads without using the Brand to Brand, and setting up a fight with Dabba-Kato is a bittersweet way to end Raw Underground for the night. The Champions VS Champions match was great, and I’m actually surprised the Profits won. I get home field advantage, but maybe this means the rematch is this Friday, where Nakamura and Cesaro tie the series up and Clash of Champions is a tiebreaker that could be for both tag titles.

Retribution, The Hurt Business and the world championship story were all major parts of tonight, and I think this is the first week Retribution didn’t feel like a goofy nuisance. It is reassuring to see the major players in Retribution are staying the major players. Dijakovic, Dio Maddin, and Mia Yim seem to be the core, but it’s hard to tell if they’re suddenly using Mercedes Martinez even though she’s been doing great in NXT and really only just got to WWE. Retribution attacking Keith looks to kill my theory that he’s their leader, but it could be a red herring. The Hurt Business get good wins over Ricochet and Erik, and them stepping up to fight Retribution was great, as it keeps the Heel/Face dynamics of things uncertain to a degree.

McIntyre and Keith coming to blows even before the main event was great, and just felt logical after everything. Them closing out by wiping out everyone was great, but I bet things just start up again next week to settle things. McIntyre VS Orton in an ambulance match would be great, but I feel like there might be a Triple Threat in the works here. That way, just about anything can happen, and no one would really come out too weak or too strong if, say, Keith got the title because Orton and McIntyre took each other out. Or the other way around, should Orton go after Keith after McIntyre was Pounced.

My Score: 8.3/10


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Coverage

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

Talk about a Big Time Raw!

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Will The Man be the Last Woman Standing?

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

OFFICIAL RESULTS

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

PLAY BY PLAY

Jey Uso is here!

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

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

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

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

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

 

Adam Pearce is on the phone.

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Winners: DIY, by pinfall (advance to WrestleMania)

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

 

Judgment Day meets backstage.

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

Winners: Candice LeRae & Indi Hartwell, by submission

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

 

Cody Rhodes makes his way to the ring.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

Nia Jax speaks.

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

 

Cody Rhodes returns backstage.

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

 

Dominik Mysterio w/ JD McDonagh VS Ricochet!

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

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

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

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

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

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

Winner: Ricochet, by pinfall

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

 

Sami Zayn is backstage.

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

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

 

Adam Pearce is in the ring.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

Sami confronts Gable now.

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

 

CM Punk speaks.

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

 

Drew McIntyre is here!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

Becky Lynch speaks.

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

Liv Morgan confronts Becky Lynch.

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

 

Cody walks with his dog, Pharaoh, backstage.

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

 

Last Woman Standing: Becky Lynch VS Nia Jax!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Winner: Becky Lynch

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


My Thoughts:

 


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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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