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Mitchell’s NJPW G1 Climax 30 Results & Report! (10/18/20)

Are you ready for the Climax?

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NJPW G1 Climax 30

Could history be made for NJPW in the 30th G1 Climax?

This is it, NJPW fans! Either Kota Ibushi becomes a wrestling god in his THIRD CONSECUTIVE G1 Climax finals appearance, or his ascension meets a Skull End!

NOTE: NJPW no longer wants to feed AXS TV now that it is with Anthem and Impact Wrestling. But never fear, I will cover NJPW in the spirit of AXS in providing the most important matches of the show.

OFFICIAL RESULTS

  • Hiromu Takahashi & Shingo Takagi VS Yoshinobu Kanemaru & Minoru Suzuki; Hiromu & Takagi win.
  • Kazuchika Okada & SHO VS Will Ospreay & Great-O-Khan; Ospreay & Khan win.
  • Tetsuya Naito & BUSHI VS EVIL & Yujiro Takahashi; EVIL & Yujiro win.
  • G1 Climax 30 Finals: Kota Ibushi VS SANADA; Ibushi wins and earns the WrestleKingdom 15 title match contract.

PLAY BY PLAY

Hiromu Takahashi & Shingo Takagi VS Yoshinobu Kanemaru & Minoru Suzuki!

While the Ticking Time Bomb wants after the Heel Master for the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championships, there is definitely a NEVER Openweight Championship rematch in the future! Will Hiromu help The Dragon build more momentum? Or will Kanemaru help the King of Pancrase get even for the round robin defeat?

As he makes his entrance, Suzuki gets in Takagi’s face with the belt, so Takagi throws forearms! They brawl, Hiromu and Kanemaru brawl, the ref rings the bell so this is all on record! Takagi headbutts and throws Suzuki out, leaving it to the Junior Heavyweights. Kanemaru rakes Hiromu’s eyes while Takagi whips Suzuki into railing! Takagi fires off forearms and headbutts by commentary while Hiromu speeds things up on Kanemaru. Hiromu dodges and hits a huricanrana, and fans cheer as Kanemaru is sent scrambling to a corner! Hiromu runs in and corner clotheslines Kanemaru to then roll him for a basement dropkick! Cover, TWO! Fans rally up as Hiromu drags Kanemaru up. Hiromu whips Kanemaru back to a corner but Kanemaru boots him. Kanemaru runs, Hiromu dodges the basement dropkick to give a basement dropkick!

Hiromu fireman’s carries but Kanemaru slips out to shove Hiromu at ropes, and Suzuki gets a cheap shot in! Hiromu swings on Suzuki but into a DRAPING ARMBAR! Kanemaru sucker punches Takagi while the ref reprimands Suzuki! The ref counts, Suzuki lets go, Kanemaru goes out after Takagi. Takagi hits back, Suzuki whips Takagi into railing! Suzuki boots Takagi, Takagi forearms and those two brawl again! Suzuki body shots and forearms again while Kanemaru throws Hiromu out. Kanemaru POSTS Hiromu while Suzuki grinds Takagi’s head into railing. Suzuki punches and knees Takagi while Kanemaru puts Hiromu on the apron. Kanemaru runs and dropkicks Hiromu on the edge! Suzuki bumps Takagi off the timekeeper’s table but Takagi hits back! Hiromu is stuck in a Tree of Woe on the apron, Kanemaru dropkicks him down!

Takagi and Suzuki brawl, CHOP, and Suzuki DECKS Takagi! Fans cheer as Suzuki eggs Takagi on. Kanemaru gets in the ring and the count starts. Suzuki KICKS Hiromu to railing and the count reaches 10 of 20. The count reaches 15 as Hiromu crawls around the way, but Hiromu is in at 17! Kanemaru drags Hiromu over, tags in Suzuki, and they mug Hiromu! Suzuki stomps Hiromu down, drags him back up and ROCKS him with a forearm! Suzuki drags Hiromu around by the legs and turns him over for a BOSTON CRAB! Hiromu endures but Takagi is in to grab Suzuki in a sleeper! Suzuki doesn’t budge so Takagi drives in elbow after elbow! Suzuki lets Hiromu go to kick and punch Takagi! Takagi goes down, Suzuki stalks Hiromu. Fans rally for “HI-RO-MU!” but Suzuki has the legs for another Boston Crab!

Suzuki drags Hiromu over, Kanemaru tags in, and as Suzuki sits deep, Kanemaru stands on Hiromu’s head. The ref reprimands and counts, Suzuki lets Hiromu so Kanemaru can stomp him. Kanemaru brings Hiromu up but Hiromu fires off CHOPS! Kanemaru rakes eyes again, then reels Hiromu in for a suplex! Cover, TWO! Hiromu is still in this but Kanemaru BOOTS Takagi down from the apron! Fans rally up again as Kanemaru bumps Hiromu off Suzuki’s boot. Suzuki tags in, toys with Hiromu, then kicks him. Suzuki throws knees, Hiromu CHOPS! Suzuki CHOPS Hiromu back then runs corner to corner to BOOT! Suzuki snapmares and runs but Hiromu blocks the kick! And the slap! DRAGON SCREW with an arm included! The fans fire up while Suzuki scowls!

Hot tag to Takagi and he runs at Suzuki. Takagi blocks the boot and stomps that leg! Kanemaru comes in and clubs Takagi. Kanemaru whips, Takagi reverses and corner clotheslines Kanemaru! Takagi runs back to clothesline Suzuki, then he runs Kanemaru over! Suzuki boots Takagi and facelocks, but Takagi suplexes Suzuki! Fans fire up with Takagi and now the clap is for “TA-KA-GI!” Takagi toys with Suzuki now but Suzuki laughs and forearms! Takagi laughs and forearms! Suzuki forearms, Takagi gets mad and takes off armbands. Takagi ROCKS Suzuki, Suzuki ROCKS Takagi! Suzuki eggs Takagi on so Takagi ROCKS Suzuki! Suzuki laughs and he ROCKS Takagi! Takagi stays up to come back with a forearm! Takagi and Suzuki go back and forth and the fans rally.

Takagi gives forearms from all sides and he ROCKS Suzuki to top it off! But Suzuki stays up and laughs to ROCK Takagi back! Suzuki runs, into an elbow! Takagi runs into a BOOT! Suzuki runs and Takagi clotheslines at the ropes! But Suzuki sleeper holds, spins and reels Takagi in, but Takagi back drops out of the piledriver! Takagi runs but Suzuki ducks the slide to boot again! Takagi comes back, Suzuki spins him for the sleeper! And then spins him for the Gotch, but Takagi fights out to a fireman’s carry, DEATH VALLEY! But Suzuki’s up!? And he PENALTY KICKS Takagi down! Fans fire up as the two hot tag to Hiromu and Kanemaru! Hiromu fires off forearms, whips Kanemaru for another forearm and then puts him on ropes. Hiromu kicks the ropes, runs but Kanemaru dodges the dropkick!

Kanemaru scuffs Hiromu with his boot, whips him but Hiromu reverses, tilt-o-whirl denied! Hiromu kicks and runs but Kanemaru dropkicks a leg out! Suzuki-Gun go after Hiromu together, whip and Kanemaru back elbows, followed by Suzuki’s BOOT! Hiromu tries to fight back but Suzuki gets a sleeper! DOUBLE KICK COMBO! Cover, TWO!! Hiromu survives but Suzuki drags him back up. Kanemaru is up top, DEEP IMPACT!! Cover, Takagi breaks it! Suzuki is after Takagi with a sleeper, then a spin, but Takagi lariats! Takagi runs, Suzuki follows and gets the sleeper again! Suzuki throws Takagi out and goes out after him but Takagi throws Suzuki into railing! Kanemaru scoop slams Hiromu to a drop zone then goes up top. Kanemaru MOONSAULTS, but Hiromu dodges!

Kanemaru lands on his feet but that takes a lot out of his leg. Takagi returns but Kanemaru boots him. Takagi still pops Kanemaru up for a DEATH VALLEY! Fans fire up with “OI! OI! OI!” Hiromu is up, Takagi whips him in to elbow Kanemaru! Takagi corner clotheslines then snapmares Kanemaru, SLIDING SHOULDER BASEMENT DROPKICK SANDWICH! Cover, TWO! Hiromu drags Kanemaru up, fireman’s carries and CORNER DEATH VALLEYS! Fans fire up with Hiromu and he drags Kanemaru, but Kanemaru victory rolls! TWO!! Hiromu kicks and runs, Kanemaru uses the ref as a shield! Kanemaru BOOTS Hiromu then grabs the whiskey! Hiromu dodges the shot of whiskey to SUPERKICK back! Hiromu runs to LARIAT Kanemaru! Takagi smothers Suzuki with the whiskey while Hiromu fireman’s carries! TIME BOMB!! Cover, LIJ wins!!

Winners: Hiromu Takahashi & Shingo Takagi, by pinfall

But Takagi is still brawling with Suzuki! Young Lions try to stop it but just end up casualties! The two finally let off, but they both grab for the NEVER Openweight title. Suzuki again rubs it in Takagi’s face and then eggs Takagi on. Of course, Hiromu grabs the junior heavyweight tag belt to show it off and then call Kanemaru out. Takagi and Suzuki brawl more but the Young Lions finally keep them apart this time. Suzuki makes Gabriel Kidd pay for that as he kicks him down. Kanemaru lets Hiromu hold onto the belt, for now. Will LIJ take some gold back from Suzuki-Gun soon enough?

 

Kazuchika Okada & SHO VS Will Ospreay & Great-O-Khan w/ Bea Priestley!

High Voltage Sho may have been a shock master during the New Japan Cup, but it was the Assassin that shocked us all on the last day of A Block action! Ospreay betrayed the Rainmaker with the help of girlfriend Bea Priestley and The Dominator, Tomoyuki Oka! Will Ospreay and O-Khan begin their domination of NJPW and establish a new empire?

The second Okada’s in the ring, he attacks Ospreay! Sho goes after Khan and it’s another brawl to start the match! Okada throws Ospreay out an dlets Sho start with Khan. Okada clubs Ospreay all around but Khan rakes Sho’s eyes! Khan scoops Sho but Sho slips out and kicks low. Sho KICKS and KICKS but Khan stays up. Khan blocks a kick but Sho forearms and runs. Khan flapjack tosses Sho! Ospreay throws Okada down and Khan stands on Sho’s face! Khan drags Sho up by his ear to the CLUB the ear! Bea applauds but no one else does. Khan brings Sho up by his nose and CLUBS the nose! Khan headlocks and grinds Sho’s face on ropes! The ref reprimands, Khan stops and tags in Ospreay. Ospreay stomps and stomps and then bumps Sho off buckles to CHOP him in the corner.

Ospreay whips Sho corner to corner, then runs in to back elbow. Ospreay wrenches and back suplexes Sho high and hard, covers, TWO! Fans cheer for Sho but Ospreay just smirks. Ospreay drags Sho by his leg and wrenches the foot. Ospreay turns Sho over, SMASHES the knee on the mat, then stalks Sho as he flounders around. Ospreay drags Sho over, tags Khan in and “the empire” mugs Sho. Khan drags Sho up but Sho CHOPS. It doesn’t even make Khan flinch! Sho throws forearms but Khan gives a SCREAMING Mongolian Chop! And then another! Khan focuses his power for ANOTHER chop! Cover, but Sho has the ropes! Fans rally up as Khan brings Sho to the corner. Khan keeps Sho trapped as he sits on him on the top rope!

The fans rally, Okada protests, but this allows Ospreay AND Bea to get cheap shots in! Khan just sits there as the other two get away with it. The ref returns to finally count, Khan lets off at 3. Khan tags Ospreay in, he drags Sho up to stomp the leg. Sho throws forearms back! Ospreay KICKS a leg out and Sho staggers to ropes. Ospreay wrenches the arm and gets the leg for a BIG SHIN BREAKER! Tag to Khan and Ospreay digs his knee into Sho’s head while Khan stands on the bad leg. Khan drags Sho up while smothering his face with the taped up hand. Khan spins Sho around, whips him to a corner and runs in, but Sho dodges! Sho waistlocks, Khan resists and elbows free! Khan whips, Sho dodges and SPEARS! Fans fire up as Sho and Khan are down! Sho and Khan crawl, hot tag to Okada!

Okada goes after Khan with forearms and a whip. Khan reverses but Okada dodges to elbow him down! Fans fire up as Okada swings on Ospreay. Ospreay gets away, Okada dodges Khan and elbows him again! Okada kicks low and DDT’s Khan down! Cover, TWO! Khan survives but Okada tells Bea to hush. Okada has the fans rallying as he watches Khan rise. Okada Alabama lifts but Khan clubs him down. Khan dodges and waistlocks for an atomic FACEBUSTER! Fans have to admit that was a great show of power. Khan whips Okada corner to corner and follows to clothesline from behind! Khan hoists Okada up top backward, to Mongolian CHOP Okada on the back! Fans rally for Okada but Khan stomps Okada while he’s in the Tree of Woe!

The ref counts, Khan stops but then goes corner to corner for a roaring basement dropkick! Cover, TWO!! Okada survives and fans rally up! Khan drags Okada back up, suplexes, but Okada resists. Khan hits another Mongolian CHOP, then suplexes Okada. Okada slips out and throws forearms! Okada rocks Khan with an uppercut but runs into a BOOT! Tag to Ospreay and Ospreay springboards, PIP PIP CHEERIO! Cover, TWO! Ospreay is furious already but he aims from a corner. Okada stands, blocks the superkick and Ospreay is afraid. Okada throws a forearm but Ospreay throws it back! They brawl fast and furious and fans rally up! Okada ROCKS Ospreay with an uppercut but Ospreay CHOPS back! Ospreay reels Okada in, inverted suplex, but Okada slips out! MONEY CLIP!

Khan gets in but Okada throws him out! Okada gets Ospreay in the gut wrench but Ospreay fights out. Okada elbows Ospreay away but runs into the dropkick flip, but ducks the enziguri! Okada waistlocks and GERMANS, but Ospreay lands on his feet! Ospreay SUPERKICKS and whips, Okada reverses to dropkick Ospreay down! Fans fire up as Ospreay goes to a neutral corner. Okada hot tags Sho! Sho goes at Ospreay to throw forearm after forearm, then knees! Bea protests, the ref reprimands but Sho shoves him away! Sho fires off more forearms and knees, then even more forearms! Fans rally as Sho ROCKS Ospreay! Sho whips Ospreay corner to corner, runs but Ospreay boots him! Sho stays up to LARIAT! Sho suplexes, Ospreay fights out and ducks the lariat to CHOP BLOCK!

Sho hobbles, Ospreay whips but Sho reverses! Ospreay handsprings, into Sho’s waistlock and GERMAN SUPLEX! Sho holds on, to GERMAN SUPLEX again! Sho holds on to try the third, but Ospreay resists! Sho powers through to GERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO! Okada DECKS Khan and RAMS him into railing! Sho lifts Ospreay, Ospreay escapes the bomb but Sho ducks the Hook Kick! Sho ROCKS Ospreay then kicks, but Ospreay blocks to put the leg on the rope! ROLLING ELBOW! Ospreay traps Sho’s leg before throwing him down! Ospreay stomps away but the ref backs him off. Sho hobbles up but BEA gets his leg for a DRAGON SCREW through the ropes! Ospreay runs, wheelbarrows and hooks up the legs, FIGURE FOUR! Sho endures, Khan catches Okada for the CLAW SLAM!! Ospreay bridges back, Sho taps! THE EMPIRE WINS!!

Winners: Will Ospreay & Great-O-Khan, by submission

They have left Chaos behind but are creating havoc of their own! Will Ospreay, Bea and Khan soon build a new ruling force in NJPW?

 

Tetsuya Naito & BUSHI VS EVIL & Yujiro Takahashi!

The King of Darkness beat the IWGP Double Champion in the round robin, but the joke’s on him because he’s not in the finals, either! Will LIJ continue to get revenge on the traitor? Or will Tokyo Pimp help make sure Everything is Evil?

Naito doesn’t wear his usual elaborate entrance gear but he still takes his time getting into the ring. LIJ fist bumps and Bullet Club Low Sweets. Yujiro starts against Naito and fans rally at the bell. Naito and Yujiro slowly circle and approach. They tie up, Evil comes in to attack! Yujiro DECKS Bushi then tags Evil in. Evil drags Naito up, scoops and slams him down, then stands on him for a cocky cover. The ref sees it’s more a subtle choke so he counts for different reasons. Evil lets off, tags Yujiro back in, and Yujiro stomps Naito. Yujiro drags Naito up, kicks low and throws forearms, then CHOPS! Yujiro runs but Naito arm-drags him! Naito kicks low, hits a backbreaker then covers, TWO! Fans cheer as Naito keeps on Yujiro with a cravat.

Naito cranks on the neck wrench but Yujiro gets up. Bushi tags in, LIJ mugs Yujiro and Bushi drags Yujiro up for a neckbreaker! Cover, TWO! Bushi drags Yujiro back into a chinlock and digs his knee in. Yujiro BITES Bushi’s finger! No one learns! Bushi forearms Yujiro and runs, but into a flapjack hotshot! Evil returns to sucker punch Naito off the apron! Evil drags Naito up and whips him into railing! Then Evil goes looking for chairs! Yujiro goes after Bushi on the outside and the ref is distracted by Dick. Yujiro RAMS Bushi into railing, Evil gives Naito a CHAIR SHOT! Evil stomps Naito, the ref reprimands but Yujiro chokes Bushi with the pimp cane! The ref reprimands that but Yujiro puts Bushi in.

Yujiro stomps Bushi around, fans rally up but Yujiro snapmares Bushi for a leg drop, elbow drop, and falling headbutt! Cover, TWO! Fans cheer but Yujiro grows frustrated. Yujiro tags Evil and Evil drags Bushi up. Evil throws Bushi out but the ref keeps him back. So Dick DECKS Bushi for Evil! Dick stomps Bushi, drags him up and RAMS him into railing! Milano is knocked out of his seat! Dick puts Bushi in the corner, Evil covers, TWO! Evil tries again, TWO! Evil covers a third time, TWO! Evil is furious but he stomps Bushi and tags in Yujiro. Fans rally as Evil and Yujiro stomp Bushi more, and Yujiro slaps Bushi around. Bushi hits back but Yujiro scoops to slam! Cover, TWO! Fans cheer but Yujiro is annoyed again. Yujiro kicks Bushi around, pushes him around, but Bushi throws body shots!

Yujiro knees low, puts Bushi against ropes and runs in to BOOT! Yujiro pushes Bushi down, runs again but Bushi avoids the basement boot to enziguri! Fans rally while Yujiro staggers about! Yujiro manages to stop Bushi from reaching Naito, and whips him corner to corner. Yujiro runs in but Bushi boots him back! Bushi runs to huricanrana Yujiro down! Fans rally as both men crawl for their corners, hot tag to Naito! Naito DECKS Evil but Yujiro kicks and whips Naito. Naito holds ropes, boots Yujiro back then gets around him to baseball slide Evil! Naito goes back to Yujiro to whip and elbow down, then hit a basement dropkick! Fans cheer as Naito drags Yujiro up and whips him to a corner. Naito rocket kicks and leg sweeps, COMBINACION CABRON! Cover, TWO! Yujiro stays in this but fans rally up.

Naito drags Yujiro up and turns him, but Yujiro BITES fingers again! Yujiro blocks the kick, trips Naito and basement dropkicks! Tag to Evil and Evil runs at Naito in the corner. Evil blocks the boots, turns Naito sideways to club and WOE STOMP! Evil mocks the applause and drags Naito up. Evil waistlocks, Naito resists the lift and standing switches but Evil switches back. Evil shoves Naito and runs from the corner, LARIAT! Cover, TWO! Fans cheer but Evil is annoyed. Evil drags Naito by his legs, steps through, but Naito resists! Naito throws haymakers and Evil backs off. Evil runs back in but into an atomic drop and enziguri! Naito whips but Evil reverses to fireman’s carry! Naito fights out, waistlocks but Evil elbows. Evil whips, Naito reverses and tornado DDTs!

Both men are down and fans fire up! Fans rally as Evil and Naito head for their corners. Hot tag to Bushi! Bushi aims at Evil as he climbs up top, missile dropkick! BUSHIROONI! Bushi DECKS Yujiro then aims at Evil on the outside, DIVE! Fans fire up after Bushi’s tope, but Bushi tells Dick to back off. Bushi puts Evil in, stomps him then drags him up. Evil swings into Bushi’s DDT! Cover, TWO! Fans still rally as Bushi keeps going. Bushi drags Evil up, fisherman but Evil spins out of the neckbreaker! Evil throws Bushi down by his mask, Yujiro BOOTS Naito off the apron! Yujiro drags Bushi up, Bullet Club double whips him to a corner. Yujiro runs in to BOOT, Evil runs in to corner clothesline! FISHERMAN BUSTER! Cover, TWO! Fans cheer as Bushi is still in this!

Evil drags Bushi up, slashes the throat, and then spins Bushi around, but Naito dropkicks Evil down! Yujiro kicks and whips Naito but Naito leaps, into the REVERSE DDT! Yujiro runs at Bushi again, but Bushi dodges him, then boots Evil! Bushi has Yujiro in a headlock, BULLDOG DROPKICK COMBO! Fans fire up as Bushi drags Evil up, FISHERMAN SCREW! Cover, TWO!! Evil survives but fans still rally! Bushi drags Evil back up, fireman’s carries, but Evil slips out to shove. Bushi dodges, Evil ducks the enziguri but not the mule kick! Bushi runs, into a LARIAT! Evil drags Bushi up, fireman’s carry, DARKNESS FALLS! Cover, TWO!! Bushi survives and the fans fire up again! Evil drags Bushi by his legs, steps through and SHARPSHOOTERS! Bushi endures the Scorpion Deathlock as fans rally again! But Bushi taps, Bullet Club wins!!

Winners: EVIL & Yujiro Takahashi, by submission

But Evil won’t let go of Bushi! Naito kicks and kicks Evil until he does, but the battle has already been won. And then Dick gets Naito with the CHOKER! Feed to EVERYTHING IS EVIL! This is the King of Darkness’ justice, but will the IWGP Heavyweight and Intercontinental Championships once again be his belts?

 

Masahiro Chono is here!

The FIVE-TIME G1 Climax winner, having taken the 1991, 1992, 1994, 2002 and 2005 trophies, is here to be a witness to history! “GODDAMN! I am Chono. Here’s to the 30th G1 Climax.” Chono says tonight’s G1 finals will be very special. This year, the entire world has been struggling through this pandemic. But NJPW has been steadfast. They showed us courage and a way forward. As Mr. G1 and a former NJPW wrestler, he appreciates their actions. He thanks us for our support. “GODDMAN! In this G1 Climax, final, give your support and courage to the two fighters who made it. I am Chono.”

 

G1 Climax 30 Finals: Kota Ibushi VS SANADA!

The Golden Star has already made history appearing in three consecutive G1 Climax finals, but he wants to be a historic back-to-back winner. As for the Cold Skull, this is his first time in the finals, and he wants those wins over Naito and Evil to mean something! Who immortalizes themselves as the 30th G1 Climax champion?!

The fans are thunderous just from the two standing in the ring together! The bell rings and these two circle. Sanada and Ibushi approach, tie up, and are in a deadlock. Sanada manages to put Ibushi on the ropes but lets up as Red Shoes calls for the break. Fans cheer as the two circle again. Ibushi and Sanada tie up again, go around, and Ibushi puts Sanada on ropes now. Red Shoes asks for the break, Ibushi lets off and fans cheer again. Fans clap “I-BU-SHI!” “SA-NA-DA!” as the two go again. The two approach, feel out the grapple, and Ibushi gets a leg then waistlock. Sanada standing switches but Ibushi pries at the arms. Ibushi wrenches, has a wristlock, but Sanada spins through and wrenches back. Sanada has the wristlock, Ibushi rolls and wrenches back again.

Ibushi hammerlocks but Sanada moves around to get the hammerlock on Ibushi. Ibushi drops, drop toeholds, floats to a headlock, but Sanada endures the grind. Sanada gets up, slips out, has a high wristlock and hooks a leg to wrangle Ibushi down. Ibushi headscissors but Sanada pops out and fans cheer as the two stand off. Sanada and Ibushi reset as the clapping “I-BU-SHI!” “SA-NA-DA!” begins again. Ibushi and Sanada approach, feel out the grapple, and tie up. Sanada rolls to get the top wristlock, and he wrangles Ibushi back down, but Ibushi rolls and hammerlocks back. Sanada backs Ibushi to ropes, Red Shoes calls for the break, and Sanada slowly turns around to pat Ibushi on the shoulder. Fans cheer as the two reset again.

Ibushi and Sanada circle, tie up, Sanada gets around to a waistlock but Ibushi standing switches. Sanada reaches back to get a headlock, Ibushi drops down to bring Sanada to the mat. Ibushi goes after the headlock but Sanada slips out to get the hammerlock again. Ibushi reaches back and gets a headlock, but Sanada bridges up and over to wrench on the hammerlock again! The two move around on the mat, Ibushi gets another headlock and the takeover, and he keeps Sanada down. Sanada rolls to a cover, ONE and Ibushi holds on. Sanada endures the grind, moves around and fans rally up. Sanada fights up, Ibushi wrenches and elbows the arm, then wrenches it again. Ibushi elbows the arm again, then kicks at it. Ibushi wrenches a third time for another elbow, then YANKS on the arm!

Sanada stays up but Ibushi has his arm again. Ibushi YANKS the arm, Sanada CHOPS back! Ibushi CHOPS, Sanada CHOPS, repeat! They CHOP and CHOP and CHOP, and fans rally up as they shift to forearm for forearm! Sanada ROCKS Ibushi and fans cheer! Ibushi steadies himself and gets up to throw forearms with Sanada again! Fans fire up as the two go back and forth, now Ibushi ROCKS Sanada! Ibushi clubs Sanada, too, then kicks at him. Ibushi KICKS and Sanada staggers but stays up. Ibushi KICKS Sanada’s leg and eggs him on. Sanada throws a HARD EuroUpper! Fans cheer as the two men steady themselves. Ibushi KICKS, Sanada EuroUppers! Ibushi KICKS, and Sanada drops to a knee! Sanada grits his teeth but Ibushi brings him up to club him on the back!

Ibushi KICKS, Sanada hobbles, but Ibushi KICKS him again! Sanada CHOPS then forearms but Ibushi eggs him on! Sanada ROCKS Ibushi and fans cheer! Sanada brings Ibushi up, kicks Ibushi’s taped up leg, but Ibushi just eggs him on! Sanada kicks the leg more, Ibushi kicks back! Ibushi headlocks, Sanada powers out, then drops down and jumps up, but for a dropkick! Ibushi ducks but the change in pattern still caught him off guard as Sanada lands on top of him! Both men go down and Ibushi flops out of the ring. Fans rally up as Ibushi steadies himself again. Red Shoes checks on him, he’s okay to continue. Sanada patiently waits as fans clap, “I-NA-DA!” “SA-BU-SHI!” Wait that’s not anything… Ibushi gets back in and Red Shoes assures Sanada he’s okay to continue. So Sanada goes after the bad leg with an elbow drop!

Sanada has a toehold and wrenches on it but Ibushi uses a chinlock to fight back. Sanada shrugs that off to keep on the leg. Ibushi tries the chinlock again, he turns Sanada over with it, and then traps the arm for a partial camel clutch! Sanada endures, Ibushi drags him back and turns him over for a leg lock. Sanada guards against the crossface but Ibushi goes after him. Ibushi gets through the guard and has an STF! Sanada endures, drags himself and Ibushi over to get the ropebreak! Ibushi lets go, stomps Sanada down then eggs him on. Sanada gets up and CHOPS him to a corner! Fans cheer as Sanada digs his boot into Ibushi. Red Shoes counts, Sanada lets up, and fans rally up. Now Sanada eggs Ibushi on and Ibushi gets up. Ibushi boots, Sanada BOOTS! Fans cheer as Sanada looms over Ibushi. Sanada drags Ibushi up, fans rally and Ibushi throws forearms!

Ibushi eggs Sanada on so Sanada forearms back. Ibushi fires off more forearms but Sanada fires them all back! Ibushi slowly drops to the mat and fans rally again. Sanada drags Ibushi up, has the leg and hits a SHIN BREAKER! Then a FIGURE FOUR! Ibushi endures as Sanada puts as much torque as he can. Fans rally up as Ibushi moves around. Ibushi drags himself and Sanada back but Sanada bridges up to add more pressure. Ibushi keeps moving and reaching, and he gets the ropebreak! Sanada lets go fast and fans still rally. Sanada drags Ibushi up, Ibushi throws forearms fast! Sanada kicks the bad leg, eggs Ibushi on, so Ibushi fires off more forearms! Sanada EuroUppers again! Ibushi ends up in a corner, Sanada runs corner to corner, but Ibushi goes up and over and sunset flips! TWO, Sanada ducks the Penalty Kick but doesn’t avoid the standing moonsault! Cover, TWO!

Fans cheer as both men are down, and rally up again! Ibushi rises and drags Sanada up. Sanada knees low, runs, but into the SNAP-RANA! Fans fire up as Sanada bails out and Ibushi gets up. Ibushi aims and slingshots, PLANCHA! Direct hit and down goes Sanada! Fans continue to rally as Ibushi gets up. Ibushi gets the bad leg moving as he walks around before he fetches Sanada into the ring. Ibushi wants Sanada to stand, and then he springboards to missile dropkick! Cover, TWO! Ibushi grows frustrated but fans rally up more. Ibushi waits for Sanada to sit up before he KICKS him! And KICKS him! Sanada stands up, blocks the kick, spins Ibushi but Ibushi elbows out. Things speed up, Sanada hurdles and hurdles this time to dropkick Ibushi properly! And then Sanada shows Ibushi HIS PLANCHA!

Fans fire up and Sanada encourages them to get louder! And louder! The fans do get louder and Sanada is satisfied. Sanada drags Ibushi up and puts him in the ring. Cover, TWO! Fans continue to rally as Sanada brings Ibushi up in a fireman’s carry. Ibushi escapes, shoves Sanada to a corner, but Sanada elbows him back. Sanada QUEBRADA but Ibushi gets under! Sanada goes to tackle Ibushi but Ibushi sprawls to block! Ibushi then leap frogs over, gets Sanada for a SPINNING POWERSLAM! Ibushi somersaults to the TOP ROPE, for a PHOENIX SPLASH, but it FLOPS as Sanada moves! Sanada drags Ibushi into position and HE goes up top, MOONSAULT, but he lands on his feet as Ibushi dodges! Sanada huricanranas Ibushi now and Ibushi ends up on the apron.

The fans get loud again and Sanada sees Ibushi on the outside. Sanada builds speed, but he fakes Ibushi out. Ibushi is in the ring as Sanada is on the apron, but Ibushi BOOTS Sanada down before he can springboard! Fans fire up with Ibushi as he builds speed to a corner, GOLDEN TRIANGLE- No, Sanada got away! Sanada runs in but Ibushi STOMPS the Drive-By Dropkick down! Fans cheer as both men tumble to the floor! Ibushi is up first, he drags Sanada up, but Sanada puts Ibushi on the apron, MAGIC SCREW! Fans cheer as both men are down again! Red Shoes checks, they’re both okay to continue, so a ring count begins. Sanada and Ibushi stir, neither sits up until after 10 of 20. They manage to stand at 15 of 20 but aren’t in until 18! Fans cheer as this will continue!

Sanada and Ibushi head for each other and give junkyard dog headbutts. Sanada forearms first but Ibushi grits his teeth to forearm back. They brawl with forearms on the mat, egging each other on. Fans rally up as they stand up and keep going. They pick up speed, Ibushi gets the edge but Sanada dropkicks th eleg! Sanada puts Ibushi on the ropes, ANOTHER MAGIC SCREW! Cover, TWO!! Ibushi survives but Sanada keeps on him. Sanada drags Ibushi up, fireman’s carries, but Ibushi fights, so Sanada throws him to a dragon sleeper! Ibushi endures, powers Sanada to a corner and is free. Ibushi RAMS into Sanada, whips him corner to corner, but Sanada goes up and out, springboards into a SIT-OUT BOMB!! But Ibushi can’t hold the cover!! Fans fire up and rally again as both men stir.

Ibushi rises, Sanada is okay to continue, so fans rally as Ibushi fires off a strike fest! Ibushi reels Sanada in, for ANOTHER SIT-OUT BOMB! Cover, TWO! Sanada survives and fans rally again! Ibushi wants to end this already, but he staggers as he brings Sanada up. Sanada dropkicks the bad leg again! But Ibushi LARIATS! Fans fire up as Ibushi grits his teeth and brings Sanada back up. Sanada ducks the clothesline, full nelsons but Ibushi breaks free! So Sanada chicken wings for the TIGER SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO!! Ibushi barely escapes but the fans fire up! Sanada grits his teeth as he drags Ibushi to a fireman’s carry! T K O!! But wait, did Ibushi counter?! Ibushi has Sanada in a dragon sleeper, but Sanada spins it to his own! SKULL SWING! SKULL END!!

Ibushi is stuck in the body scissors and dragon sleeper but fans rally up as he endures! Ibushi gets his head free but not for long! Sanada drags him back down and squeezes tight but the fans continue to rally. Ibushi reaches around but he might be fading! Red Shoes checks, the arm drops once! The arm drops twice! Sanada lets go, goes up top, MOONSAULT but it FLOPS! Ibushi manages to evade in time, and he gasps for air while vowing to end this! Fans are thunderous as Ibushi and Sanada slowly stir. Sanada and Ibushi sit up, Ibushi gets the arms and kicks, then ROUNDHOUSES Sanada down! Sanada is in a daze as Ibushi calls upon the powers of Nakamura! BOMAYE!! Cover, TWO!! Sanada survives but Ibushi won’t stop there!

Ibushi sits Sanada up with the wristlocks, KAMIGO- NO! POP-UP CUTTER!! Cover, TWO!! Ibushi survives but Sanada is after him! Sanada has Ibushi in a drop zone, MOONSAULT to the back! Sanada keeps going, MOONSAULT to KNEES! Ibushi saves himself from Sanada’s Ace trumping combo! Fans are thunderous again as both men are down! Sanada goes to a corner and Ibushi stands. Ibushi fires up, hobbles but runs, into an elbow! Sanada QUEBRADA, but Ibushi blocks and goes up the ropes to get the dragon sleeper on Sanada! Then gut wrench, but Sanada slips out to dragon sleeper again! Fans fire up as Sanada drops back, but Ibushi rolls back to gut wrench again! Ibushi shifts Sanada around and tucks him in, BASTARD DRIVER!! Cover, TWO!?!? Sanada survives and Ibushi is shocked!

Fans are thunderous again, maybe even electric! Ibushi gets up, gets the wrists, and roars as he sits Sanada up. Sanada dodges Kamigoye to backslide! TWO!! Ibushi still has wrists, Sanada resists the pull, and they’re in a deadlock until Sanada gets a leg! Victory roll, TWO! Sanada O’Conner rolls Ibushi to a JAPAN CLUTCH! TWO!?!?! That was 2.999!! Fans are now passing electric as Ibushi manages to stand! Sanada runs in, tilt-o-whirls a la Destino to get the dragon sleeper! Ibushi drops but Sanada drags him up. Ibushi shifts, scoops but Sanada slips out, Ibushi ROUNDHOUSES him again! Sanada stays up, Ibushi V-TRIGGERS! KENNY!! Ibushi has the wrists, KAMIGOYE!! Cover, TWO?!?!?! Sanada pushes it to 2.999999!! Ibushi shakes that off to sit Sanada back up, KAMIGOYE!!! Cover, Ibushi wins!!!

Winner: Kota Ibushi, by pinfall; (wins the G1 Climax 30)

INCREDIBLE! THAT was worthy of the 30th Climax, and of the historic three-peat with back-to-back wins for the first time in decades! Is Ibushi finally a wrestling god?!

After making sure Sanada is alright, Young Lions help Sanada out of the ring so that the banner and trophy can be brought in. While he did not conquer the Climax, will the Cold Skull find his own way to the top of NJPW?

Ibushi eventually has the energy to sit up and fans cheer as he is officially declared the winner, with Red Shoes raising his hand in victory! And after resting a little longer, Ibushi stands and fans clap “I-BU-SHI!” as he takes the mic.

“From the bottom of my heart, thank you all very much. I have joined Chono-san and Tenzan-san as the only men to have back-to-back G1’s.” And he is also the first to reach THREE STRAIGHT finals! Fans cheer for the history Ibushi has made! “Although the situation is difficult, many people came here to watch. Truly, thank you very much.” Ibushi hops NJPW can show them wrestling like the used to ASAP. And soon, Ibushi goes from G1 winner to IWGP Heavyweight Champion. Fans cheer that idea! “Also, I always say this, but I won’t run away. I won’t lose. I won’t quit. I won’t betray you. I WILL become a god!” The ascension isn’t over, it is only beginning! Will the Golden Star etch his name into the history books even more from now on?


My Thoughts:

A great G1 Climax finale event, but apologies to fans of NJPW 8 Man Tags as I skipped those. I probably should’ve kept the first one, even though it had Douki and usually Douki is a sign of filler. But I’ve seen the results, which you can also find on Andrew Balaz’s coverage of this day, Suzuki-Gun wins and are looking to take everything! Douki wants to join the Dangerous Tekkers to take the Six Man titles from Yoshi-Hashi, Hirooki Goto and Tomohiro Ishii, and I bet Desperado wants payback on Toru Yano for KOPW 2020 in Summer Struggle. That does make for some interesting story, as Chaos has already lost so much. Speaking of, Ospreay & O-Khan VS Okada & Sho was some great stuff, but it makes all the sense for “the empire” to win and get a real start to their build. I can’t wait to see who joins in, it’s been awhile since a new faction formed in NJPW.

LIJ VS Suzuki-Gun was good, especially the Shingo VS Suzuki stuff. That NEVER Openweight Championship match has to be coming at Power Struggle in a few weeks, but I bet Hiromu gets Bushi to join in going after the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag titles at Power Struggle, too. Suzuki-Gun could try and take everything at Power Struggle as it is, making it feel like a big event despite not being a WrestleKingdom or something. Bullet Club VS LIJ is a very familiar match-up, mostly thanks to Summer Struggle’s long road of build to Jingu. Bullet Club wins because Evil has a match owed to him since he won during the G1. That also has to be happening at Power Struggle since NJPW will be shifting to the super combo of World Tag League and Best of the Super Juniors happening together. That will take us into the winter and then we get a TWO DAY WK 15 for everything that needs to happen!

Chono showing up was a great surprise, but I should’ve seen it as foreshadowing in Ibushi VS Sanada. I figured it would be Ibushi winning since that is great history for him and NJPW. But the way they got to it was great, I didn’t think they’d push the count that close to three, and let alone do it twice! This match made up for a lot of the score I’m giving this show. Sanada is always so close to that big moment, and he technically is owed a title match, too, since he also beat Naito in the G1. If WK15 is two days like last year, will they do some kind of double header? WK14 had the “double gold dash,” so would it be Sanada gets his shot at Naito on day one, winner faces the G1 contract holder (which I assume will still be Ibushi) on day two? That’d be worthy of redeeming the 30th G1 Climax, and would be a great way of celebrating a new year after the year 2020 ended up being.

My Score: 9.1/10


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Coverage

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

Talk about a Big Time Raw!

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Will The Man be the Last Woman Standing?

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

OFFICIAL RESULTS

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

PLAY BY PLAY

Jey Uso is here!

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

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

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

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

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

 

Adam Pearce is on the phone.

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Winners: DIY, by pinfall (advance to WrestleMania)

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

 

Judgment Day meets backstage.

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

Winners: Candice LeRae & Indi Hartwell, by submission

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

 

Cody Rhodes makes his way to the ring.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

Nia Jax speaks.

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

 

Cody Rhodes returns backstage.

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

 

Dominik Mysterio w/ JD McDonagh VS Ricochet!

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

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

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

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

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

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

Winner: Ricochet, by pinfall

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

 

Sami Zayn is backstage.

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

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

 

Adam Pearce is in the ring.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

Sami confronts Gable now.

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

 

CM Punk speaks.

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

 

Drew McIntyre is here!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

Becky Lynch speaks.

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

Liv Morgan confronts Becky Lynch.

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

 

Cody walks with his dog, Pharaoh, backstage.

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

 

Last Woman Standing: Becky Lynch VS Nia Jax!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Winner: Becky Lynch

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


My Thoughts:

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

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

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

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

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

My Score: 8.9/10


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

The semifinals are here!

Published

on

We’re just one step away from the Cup!

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

OFFICIAL RESULTS

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

PLAY BY PLAY

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

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

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

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

No Contest

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

2024 New Japan Cup Semifinals: SANADA VS Hirooki Goto!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


My Thoughts:

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

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

My Score: 8.9/10


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