Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE SmackDown Results & Report! (9/4/20)
The Big Dog is the top dog!
SmackDown has a NEW WWE Universal Champion!
He may not be Brock Lesnar, but Roman Reigns IS the reigning, defending, undisputed WWE Universal Heavyweight Champion once again! And he will know who his Clash of Champions opponent is by the end of the night!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Heavy Machinery VS The Miz & John Morrison; Heavy Machinery wins.
- WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships: Shayna Baszler & Nia Jax VS Bayley & Sasha Banks; Baszler & Jax win and retain the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships.
- WWE Universal Championship #1 Contender’s Fatal 4 Way: Matt Riddle VS Baron Corbin VS Sheamus VS
Big EJey Uso; Uso wins and will challenge Roman Reigns for the title at Clash of Champions.
PLAY BY PLAY
SmackDown opens with Roman Reigns!
The Big Dog and his new Advocate, Paul Heyman, make their way on stage, the Universal Championship held high over Roman’s head. Fans are divided between cheers and jeers as Roman and Heyman head to the ring. Heyman grabs a mic and says, “Just when you thought I was out, he pulled me back in.” And don’t make fools of yourselves pointing accusatory fingers thinking Heyman corrupted Roman. It is Roman “corrupting” Heyman. And why? Why would Heyman and Roman work together when Heyman was “thrown into the shark-infested ocean of obscurity, only to be rescued, saved and pulled onto the island of relevancy by this man?” The reason is that they did the same thing to Roman!
Heyman asks us, “What happened to the ‘thank yous’ and the appreciation?” The selfish executive decisions, the life threatening illnesses, and yet Roman over delivered. No one offered a thank you or appreciation. When he needed even just a little time off, what happened to Roman’s title? The Fiend? A fiend is not born to be champion, a fiend does fiendish things. A monster? A monster is not born to be champion, a monster does monstrous things. Imagine looking to a Fox News asking one of those two, “What’s it like being the biggest star in the WWE?” “Grrr!” Yeah, great choice. Those aren’t champions. “Roman’s reign as your champion has always been defined by what WWE purports itself to be built upon: Family, tradition, legacy, the responsibility of being a champion and the accountability of owning one’s actions as champion.”
Meanwhile, on Raw, they have a big Triple Threat to determine a challenger at Clash of Champions. Everything about Roman will be bigger, badder, better and more sensational and spectacular than anyone before him. Raw has a Triple Threat, so SmackDown will have a Fatal 4 Way! And the winner will be “the sacrificial lamb” to Roman at Clash. The names don’t deserve to be said by Roman or Heyman, the resumes will be ready by WWE’s Anderson Cooper, and “Carmella’s latest boyfriend” on commentary. “It goes like this. I’m gonna tell you this one time so you get it through your thick, unappreciative skulls.” Heyman gives a very slow and intense version to his introduction, as he is now the counsel to the Tribal Chief, the razing, defending, undisputed Universal Heavyweight Champion, Roman. Reigns!
Roman says he is a man of his word. He did what he said he would: he signed the contract, wrecked Fiend and Monster, and then left as THE WWE Universal Champion! And he promises that it doesn’t matter who goes to Clash, “feed ’em in and watch ’em all get slaughtered, because this is MY island! And when you have this kind of power, all you gotta do… Is show up and win.” A new catchphrase for a new Roman. Who will make it to the biggest fight yet?
SmackDown returns to Jey Uso finding Roman and Heyman backstage.
“Yessir!” Welcome back, NEW Universal Champion! The family’s so proud, but he hasn’t responded to their texts and calls. Heyman walks off so family can talk private. What’s the deal with having Paul E? After everything with him and Lesnar? Roman says he has it under control. Well alright. If Roman needs someone to watch is back, Jey is there. Sure thing. Roman has to go, though, so hit him up later. Jey says they should get a steak after. Just what is going on in side Roman’s head?
Heavy Machinery VS The Miz & John Morrison!
Otis and Tucker still have a lot of beef with the Greatest Tag Team of the 21st Century *look off into distance*, but only ONE can challenge the Swiss Cyborg and King of Strong Style! Who wins to make a major case towards that title match at Clash of Champions?
SmackDown returns as the Hollywood A-Lister and Guru of Greatness make their entrances. The teams sort out and Otis starts with Miz. They circle, Miz gets a waistlock but Otis standing switches to slam Miz down! Then he picks Miz up to slam him again! Otis has Miz on the ropes but Miz elbows back! Miz throws haymakers and chops, but runs into Otis’ shoulder! Otis tags Tucker, they whip Miz and double shoulder tackle him down! Cover, TWO! Tucker keeps on Miz but Miz jawbreakers back! Tag to Morrison but Morrison runs into a takedown by Tucky! Tucker has Morrison in a waistlock, rolls him around then brings him up to whip for a BIG hip toss!
Tucker has Morrison in the corner, for a splash! Otis tags in, whips Tucker in for another splash, then Morrison is fed to a BIG shoulder tackle! Otis is fired up as Morrison flounders to a corner. Otis brings Morrison up, rams his shoulder in then whips corner to corner. Morrison comes back and Otis back drops him! Miz runs in, Otis dodges, Tucker scoops him! Otis scoops Morrison, they ram Miz and Morrison together, then double SLAM! Miz and Morrison get clothesline’d out and Heavy Machinery stands tall as SmackDown goes to break!
SmackDown returns and the tables have turned as Miz has Tucker in the corner. Miz starts up the “Hey hey! Ho ho!” but Morrison is really the only one responding. Miz tags Morrison but Tucker fights back! Tucker throws haymakers on Miz but Morrison clobbers him from behind! Miz and Morrison double whip but Tucker leaps over both of them! Tag to Otis! The Dozer bulldozes through Miz and Morrison and back again! Otis has Morrison with a whip and a pop-up flapjack! Otis runs in,Miz pushes Morrison out of the way! FLYING CHUCK CHOP BLOCK! Miz fish hooks Otis’ face, tags Morrison back in, and then Morrison runs to SHINING WIZARD! Miz runs to BOOT! Morrison covers, TWO!
Morrison keeps on Otis with big hands and elbows. Otis hits back but Miz tags in. Miz and Morrison whip Otis to a corner. Morrison whips Miz but Otis dodges! Otis throws Morrison out as Miz hits buckles, then Otis back elbows Miz. Morrison drags Tucker off the apron for a MOONLIGHT DRIVE! “Now what?!” Otis turn around into It Kicks, but they just power Otis up! Otis jiggles and gyrates, then he blocks a kick to scoop Miz for an EXPLODER! Morrison gets in, he gets an EXPLODER! Greatest Sandwich of the 21st Century in the corner! Otis has his target and fires up with the fans, for a CATERPILLAR ELBOW! Otis then goes up top for a VADER BOMB!! Cover, Heavy Machinery wins!
Winners: Heavy Machinery, by pinfall
A huge win over a top tag team, but Morrison STEALS the Money in the Bank contract! That doesn’t make him Mr. MITB, but it does make him a thorn in Otis’ side! Will Otis be able to take back his prize from the Friday Night Delight?
Happy Birthday, but for who?
Big E talks with Drew Gulak, and tells Lucha House Party to be careful. This is a very small, rather sad cake since it doesn’t even have the person’s name on it. But Big E says this is big. Not only is Xavier Woods BACK to host Talking Smack later tonight, it is also his BIRTHDAY! But cakes and balloons aside, it is big for Big E. If, no WHEN, Big E wins tonight, he cashes in a golden ticket for a title match with Roman Reigns! It’s going down, baby! Security comes over and says Woods has arrived. Alright, here we go! Big E brings the cake to the parking lot, but SHEAMUS attacks! Was it just a trap?! These two brawl, the cake is ruined, and Big E gets a BROGUE against the garage door!!
Sheamus pretends to be upset over not being invited to the party, and he bounces Big E’s head off the hood of a Hyundai! Sheamus drags Big E up, but security and refs tell Sheamus to stop! He doesn’t listen, WHITE NOISE to the front windshield!! The Celtic Warrior just crushed Big E’s body, but has he crushed Big E’s spirit? Or will Big E still make it to that Fatal 4 Way to exact revenge AND achieve a dream?
SmackDown returns with medics checking on Big E.
He hasn’t moved since the commercial break and the medics are very careful with him. A stretcher has been brought given the major lacerations and possible internal damage. Sheamus returns to the scene of the crime to say it is difficult to watch, but he can’t take his eyes off this. Did he set Big E up just for losing at Payback? What? Sheamus was doing what any man would do and defended himself. Big E probably did think Woods was here, but maybe it was some misinformation. If you want to be in the main event, to grab the brass ring, then you need to stay focused. Sheamus is already thinking about Riddle’s strikes and Corbin’s power game. Big E was thinking about laughing and dancing with his buddy.
To be honest, it’s sad. This could’ve been the biggest night in Big E’s career, and he lets his friends drag him down again. But y’know what they say? You can’t dwell on the past! Sheamus has a big fight in that Fatal 4 Way for the Clash of Champions match, so he’s gotta go. Well actually, it’s probably just a Triple Threat now. Will the Fella face the consequences before the end of the night?
Backstage interview with Sasha Banks and Bayley!
It has been a tumultuous time for them. Payback saw them lose the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships after Sasha lost the Raw Women’s Championship. What’s her point? Well, tonight is a rematch for those titles before Clash of Champions. How do they feel about their chances? Bayley says that Shayna Baszler and Nia Jax were a brand new team, no one knew what to expect. But now Bayley and Sasha have it all set. They’re getting their own payback and taking those titles back! But Shayna has tapped Bayley out the last three times they’ve been in the same ring together. Do they have-
Who the hell do you think you are?! You are talking to the greatest SmackDown Women’s Champion of all time, the Women’s Grand Slam Winner! That is why Bayley is a role model to millions, and is Sasha’s best friend! No matter what, they’ve changed the game together, and are going to do it again. They’re going to show everyone why they run the whole damn company! That Payback payback happens after the break!
SmackDown returns to Adam Pearce and a medical update on Big E.
Big E is being evaluated, so the extent of his injuries are unknown, but it means he is NOT cleared for tonight’s main event. The Fatal 4 Way will still be a Fatal 4 Way, but with a new fourth man. And it’s at this moment that Heyman appears and wants to talk with Pearce. Will Heyman give his input on who should, or shouldn’t, be in the Fatal 4 Way to determine Roman’s challenger?
WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships: Shayna Baszler & Nia Jax VS Bayley & Sasha Banks!
The Queen of Spades and the Irresistible Force did the impossible at Payback: they got along! But they also managed to do that and take the titles from the Golden Role Models. Will they do it again to deny the return of #BayleyDosStraps?
Cesaro and Nakamura give comments on this match up. Two mac trucks and two sports cars, what happens when they collide? BOOM! CRASH! That’s not nice, given what we just saw with Big E. Pff like they care. But win or lose, Bayley and Banks will always have a place at the Champion’s Lounge. The introductions for this match are made, the Women’s Tag Titles are raised, and Payback’s payback begins!
Shayna starts with Bayley but then Nia tags in quick. They argue, Sasha tags in and the role models attack! They send Shayna and Nia out, then double baseball slide, into double swings into the barriers! Shayna and Nia are unified in swinging and slamming Sasha and Bayley around, and then let them down as SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns and Shayna gut wrenches Bayley to a cover, TWO! Shayna keeps on Bayley and brings her over, tag to Nia. Nia runs in to corner splash, then Shayna adds a KNEE! Nia covers, TWO! Nia drags Bayley up, Bayley hits back with body shots, but Nia scoops and gut busters! Cover, TWO! Nia drags Bayley back up, and TOSSES her to a corner! Nia hits a hip attack! Then another! Sasha tries to save Bayley but too late, Nia brings Bayley into a cobra clutch. Nia leans on Bayley, thrashes her about, then leans on her more. Bayley endures, fights up and fights back with elbows. Nia whips Bayley hard into buckles! Nia drags Bayley to a cover, TWO!
Nia taunts Ssaha as she clubs Bayley. Bayley hits back, pulls hair, but is powered to the corner! Nia brings Bayley out to shove her back in, then tags in Shayna. Shayna hits another KNEE! Shayna half hatch rolls Bayley, and goes after the arm! Bayley flails as she endures the hammerlock. Shayna twists the wrist, clubs the shoulder then SNAPS it back! The ref checks on Bayley and keeps Shayna back. Bayley gets to the rope, Sasha wants to check on her friend but she has to stay at the corner. Shayna sees Bayley sit up on the apron, and Bayley kicks back. Shayna kicks, drags Bayley by a leg and tags in Nia. Nia SMASHES the knee!
Nia drags Bayley up, scoops Bayley but Bayley fights. Sasha gets in, Bayley gets away and Bayley chop blocks a leg! Tag to Sasha and Sasha stomps and hammers away on Nia! Nia gets up, shoves Sasha and scoops her, but Sasha tilt-o-whirls and sends Nia to a corner. Sasha runs in, is put on the apron but knees and KICKS and KICKS Nia back! Sasha climbs up and swings around, METEORA! Then side to side METEORA! Sasha goes up top, FLYING METEORA!! Cover, TWO!! Nia still has power to launch Sasha off her, but Sasha comes back with a sleeper hold. Nia pops Sasha off her back to a fireman’s carry, but Sasha gets to the apron.
Shayna tags in, Sasha kicks her away. Sasha dumps Nia out and KNEES her back. Sasha runs, Bayley tags, Sasha slides under Nia! Bayley hotshots Nia into the POWERBOMB!! But Shayna grabs Bayley, only for Bayley to back suplex her away! Bayley tags Sasha back in, SHINING WIZARD! Cover, TWO!! Shayna survives and shocks Sasha! Sasha grits her teeth as she gets back to her feet. Sasha drags Shayna up, talks trash, then bumps her off buckles. Sasha stomps away, Bayley tags in and she adds stomps! Sasha tags in, she stomps away! The ref counts, Sasha lets up at 4, and comes back as Bayley talks trash. Tag to Bayley, they double lift but Shayna fights out! Shayna throws Sasha then drags Bayley into a Kirafuda! BACKSTABBER from Sasha!
Bayley hurries up top but Sasha is legal, cover, TWO! Bayley tags back in, Sasha sets Shayna up for her, MACHO ELBOW!! Cover, TWO!! The role models are beside themselves as Shayna survives again! Bayley drags Shayna over, tags Sasha and then sends Shayna on the apron. Sasha baseball slide dropkicks Shayna in the side! Shayna scrambles to the other corner, Sasha runs and METEORAS into the post!! Sasha crashes and burns and Bayley freaks out! A ring count starts, Sasha stands at 3 but Shayna is on her at the apron. Sasha hotshots Shayna, climbs up and swings, but Shayna catches the knees to send them into buckles! CHOP BLOCK! Sasha is down and clutching both knees as Shayna aims. CHOP BLOCK!!
Shayna drags Sasha around by the bad legs, steps through but Sasha cradle counters! TWO, Shayna DECKS Bayley! Shayna has Sasha’s legs again, and stomps away on the bad knee!! Sasha can only scream in pain as Shayna ties the legs up in a Deathlock. Bayley runs in, it’s just like Payback! But Bayley uses the BAYLEY2BELLY to counter!! Shayna is down, Sasha crawls to cover, TWO!! But into a BANK STATEMENT! Nia clobbers Bayley and kicks Sasha! Nia goes back to her corner, Shayna crawls over, and gets the tag! Nia has Sasha in a STRETCH MUFFLER!! Sasha powers up and sunset flips, TWO!! Nia drags Sasha up to a fireman’s carry, then goes to a corner! Nia climbs, Bayley gets in to save Sasha!
Sasha falls but Bayley helps her up. They see Shayna coming, and manage to give her the DOUBLE SLAM! But Nia LEAPS for a double crossbody!! Double cover, Nia and Shayna win!!
Winners: Shayna Baszler & Nia Jax, by pinfall (still WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions)
The odd couple finds another way to work together, and to win together! What will it take to stop the momentum of the most savage in the Women’s Division?
As for Sasha, medics hurry in to check on Sasha’s legs. Bayley is very concerned about Sasha, is the Boss’ knee going to be okay?
SmackDown returns as medics continue to help Sasha.
Sasha is very emotional and in a lot of pain, but she doesn’t want them to touch her. She shoves the medics away and Bayley is there to help her. Does she want to stand? Slide out? Sasha struggles to do either as Bayley helps her to the apron. And then Bayley attacks her?! Bayley drags Sasha out, dumps her on the ramp and then throws her into steel steps!! Bayley tells booing fans to shut up and tells refs to get away! Bayley brings Sasha up to POST her! Bayley goes after the bad leg and puts it on the steps to SLAM it!! And then stomp away on it!! Sasha cowers against the barriers but Bayley drag her up to throw her into those barriers! Bayley then bumps her off apron sand pushes her back in the ring!
Referees come back but Bayley tells them to shut up. Bayley drags Sasha up and RAMS her into the corner! And then stomps away on her! And hammers her with fists! And goes after the bad leg again with kicks! Sasha can’t defend herself as Bayley drags her up. Bayley asks Michael Cole if it’s Boss Time now, before dribbling Sasha’s head on the mat! Bayley looms over a limp Sasha, slaps her with her own boots, and then tells her, “You deserve all of this! All of this!!” Bayley gives the bad leg a DDT! And then she gets a chair!! Bayley glares at everyone else before she puts the chair in the ring. Bayley puts Sasha’s bad leg in the chair! Sasha kicks with her good leg! Bayley KNEES Sasha down!
Bayley isn’t done with Sasha, either! Fans boo and cheer as Bayley hits Sasha with the FACEPLANT! Then she drags Sasha over to the chair, puts Sasha’s head inside, goes up to the top rope and STOMPS DOWN!! Sasha has been crushed physically and emotionally by someone she thought of as her best friend! Fans boo and jeer as Bayley leaves the ring and medics return. Bayley clutches to the SmackDown Women’s Championship, the only thing she has and the only thing she needs anymore. Will there come a time when she loses even that?
SmackDown returns as Sami Zayn heads to the ring!
The self-proclaimed “Great Liberator” is also the self-proclaimed “rightful WWE Intercontinental Champion.” He returned last week, still holding onto his copy of the championship and wants Greg Hamilton to give a better introduction. He is holding a title, why is he just “Sami Zayn” then? Address him as champion! It wasn’t in the notes… Who’s the stage manager here? Evan? Where are you, Evan? Come here. Sami takes Evan’s headset and tells Marty that things are good, but… During the entrance, with the graphic, put “Intercontinental Champion” in there. Marty apparently says he can’t, because it’s not in the notes.
Sami says no one is taking this seriously! They’re going to redo things and- Here comes Jeff Hardy! Hardy tells Sami he could’ve saved us all some time. He didn’t need to attack Hardy, he just had to ask for a title match. Oh is that so? How generous, and confusing, since SAMI is the champion! If anything, Hardy needs to ask Sami if he has a shot at the title. Hardy says he doesn’t need to ask for anything of Sami, but here comes AJ Styles! “How is it that you two can parade with those titles over your shoulders KNOWING I am the uncrowned Intercontinental Champion?!” Sami is upset. Is everyone crazy? Hardy tells Styles if he’s 100%, they can go again any time. Sami says that’s not how this works, but Styles DECKS Hardy!
Styles stomps away on Hardy, Sami is in the other corner but keeps his distance. Then they work together to stomp Hardy, until Styles KICKS Sami in the head! Styles reels Sami in but Hardy gives Styles a TWIST OF FATE! And then one for Sami, but no! Sami fights out and HELLUVA KICKS!! Fans boo as Sami gets away with whichever belt was his. Will there be a way to settle this come Clash of Champions?
A substitution has been made!
With Big E out because of Sheamus’ attack, and perhaps with some consulting from Paul Heyman, it’s JEY USO in the Fatal 4 Way! Will Roman have to face his own COUSIN come Clash of Champions?! We’re about to find out!!
SmackDown returns, and someone is strutting their stuff.
High heels, a fur coat, but who is it that’s about to make SmackDown more alluring?
Tucker and Otis regroup backstage.
They haven’t found Morrison or the MITB contract. Otis says it’s fine, but Tucky says it’s not! Morrison has the contract! No he doesn’t. It’s not in the briefcase, it’s in the lunch pail! Brilliant! But if that’s in here, what was in the briefcase? Heh heh heh…
Meanwhile, Miz tells Morrison that stealing the briefcase doesn’t make you Mr. MITB. Morison begs to differ. He opens it up, and rummages through a stapler, some Q-tips, and… a ham ‘n’ cheese sandwich. Well… Don’t eat that. Whatever. Will Morrison and Miz ditch the glorified lunchbox to get the real prize?
Jey meets with Roman backstage.
Jey thanks him for getting him into that Fatal 4 Way. Roman says Jey doesn’t owe him. It’s just about time the WWE shows the Usos some respect. Jey is gonna go get it, and then the two of them can “turn up” at Clash. Roman’s not so sure about that. Jimmy’s won things, Roman’s won just about everything, now it’s time for Jey to get something on his own. Good luck.
WWE Universal Championship #1 Contender’s Fatal 4 Way: Matt Riddle VS Baron Corbin VS Sheamus VS Jey Uso!
Bro… One of these decorated superstars is going to make it to Clash of Champions to go after the Big Dog’s gold! The King of Bros wants to get payback at the Wolf King and vice-versa, the Celtic Warrior claims he’s completely focused, but now they all have to deal with a wildcard! Will Jey be able #LOCKDOWN a singles push and put them all in the Uso Penitentiary?
Corbin wants the music to stop, because this match “has been tainted by blatant nepotism!” He does not accept Jey Uso being in this match just because Roman is his cousin! Riddle doesn’t care about all that, he runs at Corbin and his palanquin! Corbin can’t get down fast enough and Riddle fires off! They brawl on stage, Corbin knees low but turns around into Riddle’s haymakers! Riddle and Corbin bump into LED wall, Corbin throws body shots and here comes Sheamus to knock them both down the ramp! Sheamus throws Riddle into the ring, gets in with him and Jey hurries out to go after Corbin!
There’s brawls all over as Jey has Corbin on barriers and Riddle throws kicks on Sheamus. Corbin throws Jey into barriers, Sheamus clubs Riddle down but Riddle comes back! It’s chaos as SmackDown again goes to break!
SmackDown returns with a new episode of Firefly Fun House!
Bray Wyatt waves hi to the Fireflies and best we’re just like him: “A little down in the dumps because he lost his favorite toy, again.” But don’t worry! Next week, Bray has something special planned to cheer us up! A brand new friend is joining the Fun House! Who could it be?! Wait and see! BYE~! See you then~!
Nikki Cross was watching Firefly Fun House.
Alexa Bliss comes by, hairs still in pigtails and braids. Is that Ramblin’ Rabbit in the back waving?! Alexa apologizes for smashing the mug, she just… Something came over her. Can Nikki forgive her? Of course! Okay! Alexa gives Nikki a hug and then heads off. Is everything (not) fine with Alexa?
WWE Universal Championship #1 Contender’s Fatal 4 Way: Matt Riddle VS Baron Corbin VS Sheamus VS Jey Uso!
Okay, let’s try this again! All four men are in the ring, a corner to themselves, and a referee in the middle. Who moves on to Clash of Champions to face Roman Reigns?
The bell rings and Corbin runs at Riddle to get a SUPERKICK from Jey! Sheamus tackles Jey but Riddle goes after Sheamus. Sheamus throws Riddle off, Jey ROCKS him with an uppercut! Riddle rolls Jey, TWO! Riddle says nothing personal, bro. Riddle KNEES Sheamus out, Jey rolls him up! TWO, Riddle waistlocks and German Suplexes, but Jey lands on his feet! Jey runs, Corbin trips him up, drags him out and RAMS him into barriers! Sheamus gets in, scoops Riddle and hits a BACKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Corbin rushes in and stares down with Sheamus. They decide to stomp Riddle together, drag him up and mug him with body shots! Corbin keeps Jey out and the mugging of Riddle continues.
Corbin ROCKS Riddle with a right, Sheamus drags Riddle up, and they double whip Riddle. Riddle holds ropes, BOOTS Corbin then dumps Sheamus out! But Corbin SPINE BUSTERS Riddle! High stack, Jey breaks the cover! Corbin CLOBBERS Jey, covers, TWO! Sheamus returns, he and Corbin keep their truce as they go after Jey. They each take a turn digging their knees into Jey, then Sheamus ROCKS Jey with that EuroUpper! Corbin DECKS Riddle on the apron, then brings Jey up to ROCK him with a right. Corbin runs in, slides out as Jey dodges, and Riddle ROUNDHOUSES Corbin down! Jey boots Sheamus, rocks him with uppercuts of his own, but Sheamus kicks low.
Sheamus whips, Jey kicks back, Riddle returns to CHOP away with palm strikes! Riddle has Sheamus in a corner, Jey kicks at Corbin but Corbin blocks. Corbin spins Jey but gets the dragon whip enzugiri! Riddle spins Sheamus for a PELE! Corbin and Sheamus are in corners, Jey and Riddle work together to forearm smash back and forth! But they each run into trouble, DEEP SIX and an IRISH CURSE! Covers on both ends, TWO!! Corbin argues with the ref but then Sheamus CLOBBERS Corbin! No more truce, and the Fella stands tall as we go to break.
SmackDown returns and Sheamus brings Jey up. Jey throws uppercuts and CHOPS to back Sheamus down. Sheamus knees low, suplexes Jey hard, but Jey rolls out of the ring. Sheamus sees Corbin and hits him with punches and stomps and then hotshots him down! Sheamus runs side to side to dropkick Corbin to the floor! Sheamus finds Jey on the other apron, brings him up, and gives him beats of the Bodhrain! Sheamus gives him all ten beats before he lets him flop down. Sheamus drags Jey back up, fireman’s carries, but Riddle ROUNDHOUSES him down! Riddle dodges Corbin, wristlock, FINAL FLASH!
Sheamus swings but Riddle hits back with palm strikes and a boot! BROSPLODER! PENALTY KICK! BROTON!! Riddle is all fired up! Riddle has Sheamus for a GERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO! Riddle keeps his focus as he drags Sheamus into a Triangle Hold! Sheamus fights up, Riddle elbows away on Sheamus’ head, but Sheamus keeps fighting up! DEAD LIFT POWERBOMB! High stack, TWO, but Sheamus gets the legs for a CLOVERLEAF! Riddle endures as Sheamus sits deep, and Riddle powers up to head for ropes. Sheamus drags Riddle back to center, but Jey is in to SUPERKICK Sheamus down!
Corbin returns to roll Jey up, TWO!! Corbin choke grips but Jey slips out to mule kick and uppercut! Jey aims, boom for the HIP ATTACK! SUPERKICK for Riddle! SUPERKICK for Sheamus! Corbin runs in, Jey dodges to SUPERKICK him down! Everyone else is on the outside but Jey is fired up! Jey builds speed and DIVES into an elbow from Corbin! Sheamus and Riddle attack Corbin and clothesline him into the “front row!” But then Jey FLIES out onto them both!! All four men are down and out of the ring as the fans fire up! Jey stands, Corbin returns to grab at him! Jey elbows and hotshots Corbin off the barriers! Then LEAPS, into hands! Corbin TOSSES Jey over the LED fan screens!!
Corbin goes back to ringside and tosses Riddle into barriers! Then into the ring! Corbin stalks behind Riddle, reels him in, but no End of Days as Riddle slips out! BROGUE outta nowhere!! But Riddle fireman’s carries Sheamus for a BRO TO SLEEP! Riddle sees Corbin in a drop zone, goes up top, and hits a FLOATING BRO! But Jey outta nowhere with a SPLASH!! Jey wins!?!?
Winner: Jey Uso, by pinfall (NEW #1 Contender to the Universal Championship)
Where the Uce did he come from!? But now, we will get cousin VS cousin at Clash of Champions! Kayla Braxton is there to interview Jey in the ring. How important was this win for him? “YESSIR!! Hey, Big Dog! I made the family proud, too! But guess what?” Roman will be on #LOCKDOWN! Welcome… Well you know the rest! But will either man be able to do what he has to in order to defeat family?
My Thoughts:
Wow, this episode managed to only have three matches, and yet it still felt really good. Heyman and Heel Roman had a great opening promo, and Roman’s new tone was played really well the entire episode. I like the idea that SmackDown had a Fatal 4 because they wanted to be bigger than Raw to show that’s how big it is that Roman is champion again. The Xavier Woods return swerve was really well executed, as was Sheamus brutalizing Big E. It was quite the elaborate way to keep Big E out of the main event, and it was quite the surprise for Jey to be put in. Though, I have a feeling that this is because Heyman and even Roman feel Jey will be an easy win. Now, obviously Roman will win at Clash, he only just got the title back and he’s not facing either Bray or Braun. But in story, it adds to the Heel turn if Roman doesn’t even respect family anymore, he just expects them to fall in line behind him.
The opening tag match was really good stuff, and it makes a lot of sense for Heavy Machinery to win. They’re the only other Face tag team on SmackDown to face the Heel team of Cesaro and Shinsuke Nakamura. I do like the swerve on Morrison stealing the MITB briefcase, and it’s a great way for Otis to technically customize the briefcase in different way than others have, such as Brock’s boombox or Damien Sandow’s leather briefcase. I am pretty sure the confrontation between Hardy, Styles and Sami is bringing us ever closer to the idea of a new “Undisputed Intercontinental Championship Ladder Match” that I was hoping for. And making it Triple Threat can still lighten the load on all three men’s bodies with ladder matches being very punishing.
The random Firefly Fun House segment was good to hype up next week. I really hope we get Puppet Cena, but chances are it could even be Alexa Bliss herself. She and Nikki Cross had their little chat with Ramblin’ Rabbit watching them, so clearly there’s even more about to happen with that story. The random woman strutting in heels thing is interesting. I’m not sure who, new or returning, could be pulling off the umpteenth “glamorous female wrestler” gimmick for WWE this time.
And of course, the biggest thing tonight was the Women’s Tag title match and what happened right after. The match was incredible, much like the Payback one, and it was clear Shayna and Nia were going to retain. I just did NOT see Bayley turning on Sasha! That was BRUTAL! But I also think it means that Sasha is joining the case of The Mandalorian for season 2 as rumored a few months ago, so she needed to be written off. This definitely gives Bayley the Heel heat she needs to stay solo while taking on new challengers. This also gives Sasha a great way to come back when filming for The Mandalorian ins over, as a Face, and attacking Bayley, regardless if Bayley still has the title.
My Score: 8.5/10
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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; wins.
- Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championship Ladder Match Qualifier: The New Day VS The Alpha Academy; wins and advance to WrestleMania.
- Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championship Ladder Match Qualifier: The Awesome Truth VS Indus Sher; win(s) and advance to WrestleMania.
- Last Woman Standing: Becky Lynch VS Nia Jax; wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
Jey Uso is here!
North Carolina State University fires up and bounces along with Main Event Jey, and Pat McAfee plays a dangerous game standing on the armchairs! From Bret VS Owen to Matt VS Jeff, we’re about to get Jey VS Jimmy in the third-ever Brother VS Brother WrestleMania grudge match! Jey gets the mic as fans chant “YEET! YEET! YEET!” Jey welcomes us to Monday Night Raw, and wants us to check this out. He knows his brothers are somewhere in the building. He knows The Bloodline’s in the building. He knows how the Bloodline rolls! SO Big Brother Jimmy, where you at?! Where you at, Uce!?
Jey waits for someone to show up somewhere, and the crowd spots them first! Fans boo as Jimmy & Solo make their way from the back of the stands. Jimmy gets a mic and goes to the apron while Solo paces around the outside. Fans chant “YEET! YEET! YEET!” again as Jey puts the sunglasses aside. The Usos stare each other down, the fans now chant “UCE! OH! UCE! OH!” Jey wants to say something, hesitates, but then says these two would always get to it but they always knew how to shake right back to this. But now it’s different. Regardless of what happened, the bad blood between them, Jey misses his brother. He does.
Jey knows Jimmy will say what he wants, but Jey doesn’t talk to him no more, doesn’t ride with him no more, doesn’t even see him no more! Jimmy can just come back. Jimmy says he never left! He protected Jey! Jey’s so dumb, he can’t see it! Jimmy is protecting Jey! It was Jey’s idea to leave The Bloodline, but Jimmy helped because he is Jey’s brother. So yeah, Jey leaves, and what happens? Lil’ Bro becomes the BIGGEST star on the Raw roster! Lil’ Bro becomes the top merch seller! Lil’ Bro goes off to become a tag team champion without Jimmy, but with CODY RHODES!? Who left who, Uce?
Jey forgot Jimmy! Everything Jey did that was big was cuz of Big Bro Jimmy! Everything! So listen loud and clear. The biggest moment in Jey’s career, the BIGGEST moment, is because of Jimmy! Jimmy stares Jey down, but Jey says no. Jey’s biggest moment in his career is going to be his dream match at WrestleMania 40: Jey VS Jimmy, and Jey knocks the yeet out Jimmy’s ass! Jey DECKS Jimmy, DECKS Solo off the apron, but then Jimmy SUPERKICKS Jey down! The fans boo but now Solo storms in and looms over Jey. Solo drags Jey up so Jimmy can look him in the face and tell him that Jey needs to get it right! JIMMY made Jey!
But here comes Cody Rhodes! The fans fire up as Cody DECKS Jimmy, then gets in to springboard and CODY CUTTER Solo!! The American Nightmare said he was gonna be a Bloodline Hunter, and he made sure they didn’t take out Jey! Cody tells The Bloodline it is only a matter of time before they lose it all at WrestleMania! Will Jey prove that younger or older doesn’t matter when he is the BETTER brother?
Adam Pearce is on the phone.
He’s telling Nick Aldis to stop being a hypocrite, telling Pearce to keep his roster in check when this is happening. But then Paul Heyman walks over and Pearce says he’ll call Aldis back. Pearce then asks Heyman what was all that, and Heyman says he owes Pearce an apology. He is sorry. That was not authorized by The Final Boss nor The Tribal Chief, and certainly not by Heyman. Jimmy & Solo went into business for themselves so Heyman apologizes. But listen, Pearce knows that there have been flight delays all day. Even private jets like theirs. Heyman is barely even dressed for TV, let alone has his make-up!
Pearce says those two were ready. Yeah, well, they got in on a different flight. But Roman Reigns is a chief of his word. Those two are already gone, out of the arena, and Pearce has Roman’s word. Call his bluff, put out a search party. Pearce knows Heyman is here on official business, which Heyman will handle, and then be gone. That is it. But when Heyman does his official business… everyone will be caught off guard. “And Mr. Pearce, sir, that’s not a prediction. That’s a spoiler.” The Wise Man heads out and calls Roman, but just what is Heyman teasing?
Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championship Ladder Match Qualifier: #DIY VS The Creed Brothers!
Unlike SmackDown’s mini-tournament, Raw and Adam Pearce say it’s win and you’re in! Tommaso Ciampa & Johnny Gargano want one more shot at Judgment Day, but so do Julius & Brutus! Will the Sicilian Psycho & Johnny Wrestling prove that when it comes to Mania Moments, you gotta do it yourself? Or will the Creeds be bringing golden tickets to the Diamond Mine?
Raw returns as The Creeds make their entrance. The teams fist bump to show respect, then the teams sort out. Julius starts against Ciampa, they circle and tie up. They’re in a deadlock, Ciampa goes for a waistlock but Julius facelocks. Julius wrangles Ciampa to the mat, flips him over, ONE, and Ciampa keeps moving. They trade facelocks, gator roll, and Julius gets another lateral press. ONE, but Julius gator rolls Ciampa around. Ciampa fights up, puts Julius on ropes, and the ref counts. Ciampa lets off, then CHOPS! Julius shoots in for the takedown! Julius has a leg, Ciampa fights but Julius turns him for the ANKLE LOCK!
Ciampa scrambles to the ROPEBREAK, and Julius lets off cleanly. Ciampa bails out, shakes it off, and he gets back in. They go again, Julius hits a fireman’s carry takeover! Tag to Brutus, and Julius feeds Ciampa to another fireman’s carry takeover! Brutus cording holds but Ciampa endures. Ciampa fights up, but Brutus facelocks. The fans rally as Brutus switches and rolls Ciampa. Ciampa fights up, headlocks, then ROCKS Brutus! Brutus DECKS Ciampa, then whips him to ropes. Ciampa ducks ‘n’ dodges, tag to Gargano! Ciampa slides, CHOPS, Gargano LARIATS and Ciampa JAWBREAKERS! Wrench and LARIAT!
Julius runs in, Gargano kicks and Ciampa gives him the boost for SLICED BREAD! The Creeds bail out, but DIY DOUBLE PLANCHA! Down go the Creeds, and DIY applaud and pat themselves on the back. The fans fire up and Raw goes to break.
Raw returns again and Ciampa has Julius in a chinlock. The fans rally, Julius fights up to throw body shots, but Ciampa hits a back suplex! Julius lands out of it, but Ciampa elbows him away. Ciampa drop toeholds Julius, gets legs, but Julius BOOTS Ciampa away! Hot tags to Gargano and Brutus! Brutus rallies on DIY, TOSSES Gargano, then blocks Ciampa’s kick to get under and POWERBOMB him! Brutus sees DIY regroup, then he runs in to SPLASH them both! O’Conner on Ciampa, but Gargano runs up! NORTHERN LIGHTS! Brutus has a DOUBLE BRIDGE, TWO!! Tag to Julius and he gut wrench SLAMS Brutus on Ciampa!
Brutus helps Julius flip up and over to SPLASH onto Ciampa! Cover, TWO! The fans rally up as Julius drags Ciampa up. Ciampa throat chops! A bit dirty but Ciampa wants that win! Ciampa storms up on Julius, but Julius basement stalling suplexes!! The fans are thunderous, Gargano runs in, but Brutus intercepts! Brutus suplexes Gargano now, stalls, and then the Creeds SLAM and kip up! Then they both STANDING MOONSAULT! Cover, TWO! Ciampa stays in this for DIY but the Creeds keep cool. Julius stomps Ciampa, tags Brutus, and they KNEE Ciampa around! Then they DOUBLE GUTBUSTER! Ciampa sputters but Brutus tags Julius in.
Julius drags Ciampa up, tags Brutus back in, and Brutus climbs. Julius Electric Chair Lifts, but Gargano makes the save! Gargano ROCKS Julius, Brutus ROCKS Gargano! Ciampa BOOTS Brutus, Gargano swings on Julius but is sent into Ciampa! Ciampa pushes Gargano back so he can ELBOW Julius! DIY set up again but Brutus stops the Sliced Bread! Julius DECKS Ciampa, KNEE into the WIDOWMAKER! Julius scrapes Gargano out, Brutus POUNCES Ciampa over the desk! Pat fires up with Brutus and so do the fans! The Creeds say they run this now, and then Brutus drags Ciampa up while Raw goes to break.
Raw returns again and Julius has Ciampa in a chinlock. Ciampa fights up, and he JAWBREAKERS free! Ciampa ELBOWS Brutus down, BOOTS Julius, then runs up, only for Julius to catch him and toss him back! But then Ciampa catches Julius for a REVERSE DDT! The fans fire up while both men are down and crawling! Hot tag to Gargano! Gargano slingshots to KICK Julius, then he CLOBBERS Brutus! ENZIGIRI for Julius, then he runs to DOUBLE KNEE Brutus! BULLDOG LARIAT COMBO! The fans fire up with Gargano while Julius ends up in another corner. Gargano runs in but is put on the apron!
Gargano GAMANGIRIS Julius, SUPERKICKS Brutus, then SLINGSHOT SPEARS Julius! Cover, TWO! Julius survives but Gargano puts him in a corner. Gargano CHOPS, then hoists Julius up top. Tag to Ciampa, Ciampa CHOPS Julius while Gargano DIVES onto Brutus! Ciampa CHOPS Julius again, goes up top, and fireman’s carries! Ciampa then tucks Julius in for the SUPER AIR RAID CRASH! Cover, TWO!! Julius survives again and shocks Ciampa! The fans are just as stunned, but Ciampa and Julius sit up. Ciampa stands, and he CHOPS! And CHOPS! Julius sits back up as Ciampa puts some stank on the CHOP!
Julius brings the straps down! Julius fires a forearm, Ciampa hits back, and the fans fire up as the shots keep going! They go faster and faster, harder and harder, meaner and meaner! The fans fire up as this just turns into a brawl of haymakers and SLAPS! Ciampa then gets around, ripcord and HAYMAKER! ROLLING- TACKLE from Julius! And then the ANKLE LOCK!! Ciampa reaches out, moves around, but Gargano runs up! Julius kicks him, then gets him up with one arm to POWERBOMB! Then it’s back to the ANKLE LOCK on Ciampa! Brutus gets in to get Gargano for an ANKLE LOCK of his own!
The fans are thunderous as DIY endures! Ciampa and Gargano fight, turn things over, SICILIAN CROSSFACE and GargaNO Escape!! The fans are thunderous as The Creeds power up and lift both DIY! They fireman’s carry, then TOSS DIY into each other!! The fans are thunderous as Julius goes up to MOONSAULT onto Ciampa! Brutus MOONSAULTS, too! Cover, TWO?!?! Ciampa survives and the fans are loving this! Julius tags back in, Brutus climbs up! “This is Awesome!” as Julius Electric Chair Lifts Ciampa! But Ciampa VICTORY ROLLS to get under the Brutus Ball!! Cover, Brutus tips it! Gargano TOSSES Brutus then SUPERKICKS Julius!! Ciampa has the cover, DIY WINS!!
Winners: DIY, by pinfall (advance to WrestleMania)
Julius can’t believe it! He kicked out at 3.1, but a loss is a loss! And for the first time ever, DIY is going to Mania! Will Philadelphia soon be historic for a DIY championship victory?
Judgment Day meets backstage.
Rhea Ripley is with Dominik Mysterio, Finn Balor & JD McDonagh, but also Andrade. Dom says he’s always liked Andrade’s style, but things have changed since the last time he was in the WWE. The Judgment Day runs Raw now. Rhea says yeah, and they don’t extend invitations to just anyone. Judgment Day is very exclusive. JD says very exclusive. But if Andrade continues to impress them, they’ll see about making things happen. And Finn says he just heard that Andrade has a match next week, so the Judgment Day will be watching him. Sounds good. See you next week. But then in steps Damian Priest.
The Punisher says hello to El Idolo, and El Idolo says hello to Senor Dinero. Andrade heads out, will he quite literally win his way into the club? But as for Priest, Finn asks him what he was up to. Priest was getting a closer look at that DIY VS Creeds match. DIY won, but whatever, they can handle those guys. But JD, they thought he could handle Ricochet last week, and run the gauntlet, and then go to WrestleMania to bring even more gold back to Judgment Day. JD says he did he belonged in there. But also, he battered Ricochet, who got lucky at the end there. Right, Finn? Finn hesitates, and Rhea says Priest is right on this one.
Ricochet made a fool out of JD! A fool? Yes. A fool? Yes. That’s why tonight, Dom will make it right. Right, Dom? Yeah, Mami. Let’s go talk to Pearce to make it official. Dom & JD head out, and the others are confident Dom’s got this. But does he, though? Or will the One and Only have two wins over Judgment Day in as many weeks?
Candice LeRae & Indi Hartwell VS Kayden Carter & Katana Chance!
The Poison Pixie certainly lived up to that name last week when she bullied Maxxine Dupri as part of beating her and Ivy Nile last week. Will Candice’s toxic tongue strike again? Or will the party not be stopped by her harsh vibes?
The teams sort out and Candice starts against Kayden. Candice rushes up, Kayden gets around and O’Conner Rolls, TWO! Kayden springboards to basement dropkick! Cover, TWO! Kayden stalks Candice, Candice ELBOWS her away then tags Indi. Kayden dodges Candice to SUPERKICK, but Indi BOOTS Kayden! Cover, TWO! Indi drags Kayden up, tags Candice back in, and they mug Kayden. Candice CLUBS away on Kayden, fires off furious fists, then covers. TWO, and Candice grows frustrated already. The fans rally, Candice steps up but Kayden avoids the senton! Tags to Katana and Indi! Katana blasts past Indi, comes back and BULLDOGS!
Katana keeps moving, ducks ‘n’ dodges, then SHOTGUNS Indi to a corner! The fans fire up as Katana stomps away on Indi! Indi shoves Katana, Katana runs corner to corner to A-LIST LARIAT! Katana shoves Indi down, runs up, but into a back suplex! Katana lands out, but her leg jams! The ref and Kayden check, then the ref keeps Indi back. Indi says okay, and she stays by Candice. But Candice tags in to WRECK Kayden! And she SLAMS Katana’s leg into the post!! HALF CRAB and DEEP! Katana taps, Candice & Indi win!
Winners: Candice LeRae & Indi Hartwell, by submission
Candice smiles and celebrates with Indi, but Indi doesn’t want to. Candice says a win is a win, but just what is going on in her toxic mind?
Cody Rhodes makes his way to the ring.
NC State fires up again as The American Nightmare walks down the ramp, and this time the fans can sing along with the song, “WHOA~ OH~!” Cody gets his pyro then gets the mic. “In less than three weeks time, I will stand opposed for the second year in a row, in the main event, with the lights on brightest, I will challenge for the WWE Undisputed Championship, against the greatest champion in all of sports, The Tribal Chief, Roman Reigns. And this Friday on SmackDown, Roman and I are going to have a little conversation, if you will. But there are… complications. Factors, elements, combustible elements, namely… The Rock.”
Fans boo but Cody says The Rock took to Instagram on Friday, and followed it up with “extremely entertaining” concert. Too bad The Rock didn’t wanna be here tonight. Something Cody took from the Instagram post: The Rock referred to himself as “Our Favorite Heel.” A bit of an inside term, but we’re not dumb, we know that means he’s the “bad guy.” Cody has known Heels. Bobby Heenan, Arn Anderson, Michael Hayes, “Superstar” Billy Graham, “The Nature Boy” Ric Flair! Fans “WOO~” and Cody says he doesn’t think The Rock is a Heel. He’s just an assh*le. The fans go nuts hearing that!
Cody doesn’t want Rock getting upset, he doesn’t want the “seven bucks team” to get upset, he doesn’t want anyone getting emotional. Cody knows how Rock feels about emotions, he poked fun at Cody tearing up at discussing “finishing the story” with good friend, Michael Cole. There’s no crying in pro-wrestling, Jimmy Dugan, we get it. But hasn’t The Rock been crying behind the scenes this whole time? Once that hashtag came out, once fans chanted something else, The Rock cried to his buddies on the TKO board and said “Hey, this is gonna be some good PR for The Rock! I need to save WWE!” God knows, look at this house. They sure needed “saving,” huh?
The fans cheer but Cody says Rock wanted great PR. Until it wasn’t. TKO said OMG yes, put on the Gucci shirt, get those muscles looking big. It’s because they are Yes People, they are enablers, they won’t dare tell The Rock like it is, so Cody’s going to. Cody tells The Rock, “You’re a lot of things. You’re a lot of wonderful things. You are the Braham Bull, you are The Great One.” Cody still has shoes with The Rock’s logo on it! The Rock is the only guy Cody honestly feels is a Mount Rushmore wrestler. But he is also a terrible salesman, a carny succubus, and for those who don’t get what that means, The Rock is “a whiny b*tch!”
Fans lose their minds again but Cody says The Rock has been convinced otherwise. But don’t think that for two seconds this locker room needs The Rock more than The Rock needs it! That’s a rule of wrestling, nobody is bigger than the business! And sure, Cody brought up his mom, so it is fair game for The Rock to use that. But Cody knows The Rock’s mom. Here’s what Cody will tell us about The Rock’s mom. She is a wonderful lady, salt of the earth, she helped Cody chop Kevin in a dark match. Cody has nothing but respect for The Rock’s mom, something The Rock should’ve echoed back towards Cody’s mom.
But see, The Rock was talking about whipping Cody, handing a bloody weight belt to Cody’s mom, and normally someone as powerful as The Rock, Mama Rhodes would tremble. But The Rock doesn’t know Cody’s mom. Cody was more scared than she was, because she ain’t scared of nothing. This is the same woman who once jumped out of her chair at a Willie Nelson concert and beat up an undercover cop! She ain’t afraid of The Rock! Cody has been asked, April 6th, biggest tag match of all time, Rock & Roman VS Cody & Seth. Seth Rollins, the World Heavyweight Champion, a man The Rock should respect because that man has carried The Rock’s company!
How will Cody get past that match? How will April 7th look? Will it be a fair fight? Cody can tell us honestly… He doesn’t know. Cody does not know if it will be Bloodline Rules or not. Hell, he might not #FinishTheStory. “But Dwayne… What do you know? How can you be so sure of your own self, right?” The Rock hasn’t been in the ring in real action in years! April 6th, the bell is gonna ring, and what happens then? Is The Rock gonna bring The Great One, the hero we all had growing up? Is he bringing that #BigDwayneEnergy? Or is it gonna be LDS, Little D*ck Syndrome?! The fans chant “L D S! L D S!”
Cody says The Rock has referred to himself as The Final Boss. Kudos for that nickname, maybe he really is that. Maybe Cody is too naive to see it. But at WrestleMania, Cody doesn’t think The Rock will be The Final Boss. At WrestleMania, he’s just Roman’s side chick. But then ladies and gentlemen, his name is Paul Heyman, and he serves as The Wise Man to Your Tribal Chief, the reigning! Defending! Undisputed! WWE Universal Heavyweight Champion, Roman… Reigns! And as Special Counsel to the Bloodline, Heyman is here to say to Cody that the ideals that Cody and Heyman share are far greater than the interests on which they conflict.
By example, don’t you hate it when someone comes out to demand an apology? Not that Cody’s done that, but Heyman is still going to do that. Heyman came out here with some “friends” of his, and he apologized. For a Wise Man, that was pretty freakin’ stupid. One: because it didn’t work. Two: because it was just dumb. And for that, Cody, to you and the fans, Heyman humbly apologizes. Cody says whoa, whoa, whoa. He didn’t ask for an apology, and he certainly knows Heyman wants permission to be in the ring. Heyman is a Hall of Famer starting this year, if he wants into the ring, be Cody’s guest.
Heyman thanks Cody for that but he’s fine on the apron. He carries with him a message from The Tribal Chief, Roman Reigns. Talk about Heels… You may think of Heyman anything negative you want, and that might be understanding the obvious. Heyman is not trustworthy, but Roman is a chief of his word. Heyman assures that this Friday on SmackDown, Roman will be face to face with Cody. American Nightmare, Tribal Chief, challenger and champion. And when they are face to face, there will not be a single other member of The Bloodline in sight. Except for Heyman, but he is no physical threat.
Heyman holds the title belt, the beads, whispers things in Roman’s ear, such as his love and respect. But Cody has Roman’s word that if he shows up on SmackDown, Roman will show up alone. Cody says Roman shows up alone, no Bloodline outside of Heyman, it’s a deal. They good? Heyman has some jet lag, he forgot one little point. And don’t boo him, he’s talking to Cody! Cody says yes they’re booing, and he’s about to go full Homelander and rip Heyman’s throat out if he doesn’t get to the point. Fans like the reference. Heyman composes himself and says if Roman Reigns shows up alone this Friday on SmackDown, then Cody must show up to SmackDown alone, too.
Cody steps closer to Heyman and Heyman is a bit nervous. Cody tells Heyman, “Deal!” They shake hands, and Heyman smiles. The Wise Man negotiated a purely one-on-one meeting between his Tribal Chief and American Nightmare, but can we trust Heyman was telling the truth about Roman telling the truth?
Nia Jax speaks.
“You know what I’ve realized? Becky Lynch has never beaten me. And after tonight, she never will. Because after I break her face again, I will be taking her spot at WrestleMania. I will finish business with Rhea Ripley, and not only will I walk out the Last Woman Standing, but I will become Women’s World Champion.” The Irresistible Force is ready for the Big Time, but will she A-Nia-late her?
Cody Rhodes returns backstage.
And Jey says there he go! But real quick, Cody can’t be going to SmackDown alone. Cody says he gave them his word. But The Bloodline isn’t gonna play fair! They’re all gonna be there! If Cody needs Jey, Jeys’ got him. Cody hears that, but he knows what he’s dealing with. They shake hands and Jey heads out. Will Cody be able to have that fair, one-on-one meeting? Or does Jey have a point about The Bloodline?
Dominik Mysterio w/ JD McDonagh VS Ricochet!
It seems Pearce agreed to the idea that Dirty Dom should try and clean up The Irish Ace’s mess. Will Dom be able to get revenge on Ricochet? Or will Ricochet be the One and Only person holding their head high tonight?
Raw returns and Dom has made his entrance. The bell rings, Dom and Ricochet circle, and they tie up. Ricochet waistlocks, Dom fights the lift and grabs ropes. The ref counts, Ricochet lets off, but Dom ELBOWS him away! Dom fires hands, soaks up the heat, then storms up, but into haymakers! Ricochet CHOPS, kicks then flexes on Dom. Ricochet whips, Dom reverses, but Ricochet goes up and over. Ricochet ducks ‘n’ dodges to then handspring back elbow! The fans fire up while Dom bails out! JD is there to coach Dom up, but Ricochet runs in! JD gets Dom to safety, but Ricochet handsprings to hero land!
The fans fire up, Ricochet then goes to ropes to TORNILLO PLANCHA! Direct hit on Dom and Ricochet tells JD to back off. Ricochet puts Dom in, Dom distracts the ref, but JD grabs Ricochet’s leg! Ricochet kicks JD away, but then Dom WRECKS Ricochet with a dropkick! Dom soaks up the heat and Raw goes to break.
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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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