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Mitchell’s WWE SmackDown Results & Report! (10/23/20)

Law & Otis? OH YEAH~!

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WWE SmackDown Coverage 3.0

The last SmackDown before going to Hell in a Cell!

The Tribal Chief, Roman Reigns, is FINALLY going to reveal to us all what consequences he has in store for Jey Uso in their WWE Universal Championship I Quit in the cell match!!

OFFICIAL RESULTS

  • 8 Man Tag: Daniel Bryan, Kevin Owens & The Street Profits VS Cesaro, Shinsuke Nakamura, Robert Roode & Dolph Ziggler; Bryan, Kevin & The Street Profits win.
  • Bianca Belair VS ???; Belair wins.
  • Lars Sullivan VS Chad Gable; Sullivan wins.
  • Seth Rollins VS Buddy Murphy; Rollins wins.

PLAY BY PLAY

SmackDown opens with the Kevin Owens Show!

“Now that the dust has settled and everyone has fulfilled their contractual obligations, we’re good right? Everybody’s where they’re supposed to be?” Then Kevin is excited to welcome us to the KO Show on his new home, Friday Night SmackDown! The ThunderDome is fired up for Kevin’s first guest on this special SmackDown KO Show. It’s the four-time WWE champion and most technically skilled competitor to ever step into the ring, it is… DANIEL BRYAN! The Yes Movement leader heads to the ring and the ThunderDome echoes the “YES! YES! YES!” Kevin and Bryan take a seat and Bryan loves the set-up.

Firstly, Kevin thanks Bryan for accepting the invitation. Second, he wants to thank Bryan for the superstars he’s looking forward to facing, because Kevin feels the same. These two have beaten the hell out of each other, but that’s part of it. They push each other. That is what Bryan wants from every superstar on SmackDown. A great opinion to have, and Bryan has been very vocal about his opinion. What exactly does he see for SmackDown’s future? Bryan wants SmackDown to highlight the absolute best in the world. And this roster now nails that! They have the best fresh, young talent in the world! Even people who stepped up before the draft! Big E, Jey Uso, Bryan wants to see who is next!

But on a more personal note, one thing that would make SmackDown better for everyone is to have a championship defended each and every week, and that championship should be the Intercontinental Championship. Bryan wants to see that title on the line every week! A great idea, too! Kevin is flattered that Bryan is suggesting him for such a role. Kevin asked Bryan here for that reason, to talk about championships, and even more specifically… the SmackDown Tag Teams Championships! Can you believe Kevin’s never been a tag team champion in the WWE? Yeah, Kevin’s betrayed a lot of his friends… Well, we’ll gloss over that. But Kevin knows where Bryan is going, but he’s thinking about the wrong part. Imagine them as a team! Kevin already has a name: Team Hell KO. No that’d be if he teamed with Kane. That’s the hell part. Oh, of course. But Kevin and Bryan would be a great team! Even better than Hell No!

But now Dolph Ziggler and Robert Roode interrupt!? Ziggler hears Bryan talking about hot, fresh, young talent, so he couldn’t be talking about anyone else but these two. Hot for teacher, baby! Kev, c’mon. Ziggler and Roode love to party, run with the devil. Kevin’s having a party and didn’t invite them? C’mon. Roode says Kevin is talking about a fantasy tag team when they should be talking about two of the best SmackDown acquisitions ever, and one of the best tag teams ever! But here come the SmackDown Tag Team Champions, the Street Profits! They make it rain Solo cups and are fired up to start Friday night partying! Especially with these two acting like they’re the new hires. Please, y’all looked like you stepped out of 1984. Uh, the greatest album of all time? Thank you! Hey, Ziggler, the Profits didn’t forget what they were doing last week.

But nonetheless, the Profits are so excited to be on Friday Night SmackDown! Why? The Profits are up, and #WeWantTheSmoke! But here come Shinsuke Nakamura and Cesaro! “Surprise, surprise.” So much disrespect in the face of the two men who have carried SmackDown’s tag division for MONTHS. New Day steals the titles, and then hand them over to the Profits like a game of White Elephant. Bryan tells Kevin they can test that tag team theory of his, right now! They and the Profits start brawling with the Glorious Show-Offs and the former champions! The bell rings to try and stop this, and here comes Adam Pearce with the cavalry! Will this be sorted out after SmackDown goes to break?

 

8 Man Tag: Daniel Bryan, Kevin Owens & The Street Profits VS Cesaro, Shinsuke Nakamura, Robert Roode & Dolph Ziggler!

SmackDown returns and these fearsome foursomes are fighting, playa! Will Bryan say “YES!” to being the Prizefighter’s tag partner after they, Montez Ford & Angelo Dawkins shut down the Swiss Cyborg, King of Strong Style and Glorious Show-Offs?

Nakamura already has Kevin down in the corner and gives him Bad Vibrations! The ref counts, Kevin fights up and throws haymakers all around! Nakamura kicks low, whips but Kevin kicks back! Kevin atomic drops, runs and LARIATS Nakamura down! Then he drops the back senton! Kevin tags Dawkins in, Dawkins drags Nakamura up but Nakamura knees low and throws more knees! Tag to Cesaro, they double whip Dawks and double BOOT him down! Cover, ONE! Cesaro keeps on Dawkins and tags in Roode. They mug Dawkins together and Roode bumps Dawkins off buckles. Roode throws haymakers and stomps, then lets off at the ref’s count. Roode drags Dawkins up, snapmares him and runs to drop an elbow but misses as Dawkins moves!

Dawkins brings Roode up, tags Ford, and the Profits work together to run Roode over! Back suplex splash! Cover, TWO! Ford keeps focus as he brings Roode around. Roode knees low, reels Ford in and suplexes, but Ford slips out to headlock! Ziggler tags in as Roode powers out and Ziggler dropkicks Ford down! Cover, TWO! Ziggler drags Ford back up to choke on ropes and rake the eyes! The ref reprimands and backs Ziggler off but Nakamura gets a cheap shot in! Ziggler taunts Ford, headlocks him and tags in Roode. The mugging continues and Roode brings Ford up for a backbreaker! Cover, TWO! Roode keeps close, tags Cesaro back in, and they mug Ford with a boot to the chest! Cesaro stomps Ford, drags him up and throws a BIG European Uppercut. Tag to Nakamura, they stmop away on Ford in the corner!

Nakamura snapmares Ford and tells the others to “C’MON!” Knee drop! Cover, TWO! Tag to Cesaro, they mug Ford with more boots! Cesaro has the chinbar and armlock but Ford endures. Ford fights up but he’s thrown into the corner. Ford fights out with boots and haymakers! Cesaro back suplexes, Ford lands on his feet to enziguri! Ford hurries, hot tag to BRYAN! Bryan throws EuroUppers on Cesaro! Bryan whips, Cesaro reverses but Bryan kicks back! Bryan dumps Cesaro out, builds speed and DIVEDS! Direct hit to the ramp! Bryan KICKS away on Cesaro, puts him back in the ring and the ThunderDome fires up! Bryan climbs up top, leaps, crossbody is CAUGHT! Cesaro pops Bryan up but Bryan shoves him to the corner to hit the dropkick! Bryan whips, Cesaro reverses but Bryan goes up and over, only for his leg to buckle!

Cesaro watches closely but the ref check son Bryan. Bryan gets up but Cesaro BLASTS him out of the ring! Kevin goes out to check on Bryan but the ref tells him to go back to his corner. Cesaro STOMPS Bryan down on the outside and goes after the leg! Cesaro SMASHES the knee on the ground, then lets off at the ref’s count. Bryan is in bad shape as SmackDown goes to break!

SmackDown returns and Roode stomps Bryan’s knee at ropes. Ziggler gets in to pull on the leg against the ropes! The ref counts, Ziggler lets off, Roode gets a cheap shot in! Kevin and the Profits protest but it all goes unnoticed. Ziggler eggs Bryan on, “Do something! Fight for yourself!” Bryan hits back! Bryan gets up, Ziggler chop blocks the leg! Tag to Cesaro, they split the wishbone! Cesaro drops an elbow on the leg, turns Bryan over and has the leg for a Half Crab at an angle! Bryan endures, fights over, but it becomes a ONE LEG SWING! Cesaro throws Bryan to his corner, tags Ziggler, and they stomp away! Ziggler taunts Bryan again, daring him to get up! Bryan manages to stand, but Ziggler jumps! Bryan catches the leg to catapult Ziggler into a corner! Both men are down and the fans fire up!

Ziggler and Bryan crawl, tag to Roode and Roode drags Bryan back to SMASH the knee! Roode DECKS Dawkins just because before he stomps Bryan’s leg. Roode stands Bryan up to CHOP! Roode puts Bryan up top, throws haymakers then climbs up to join him. Bryan fights Roode off and sends him down with a headbutt! Bryan adjusts, leaps, missile dropkick! Double-edged as it was, both Bryan and Roode are down! Hot tags to Dawkins and Nakamura! Dawkins rallies with big clotheslines, then a flying elbow! FLAPJACK for Cesaro! Dropkick for Ziggler! CYCLONE SPLASH for Nakamura! BULLDOG! Cover, TWO! Nakamura flounders up, kicks back but Dawkins blocks one, only to get the left! BACKSTABBER! Cover, TWO!

Nakamura tags Cesaro, then hits Ford off the corner! FLYING KNEE to GUT WRENCH BOMB! Cover, Kevin breaks it! Kevin throws Nakamura out, ducks Roode and give shim a STUNNER! Ziggler leaps, SATELLITE DDT! Dawkins clotheslines Ziggler out! Cesaro rolls Dawkins up but has ropes! The ref sees that in time and stops, Dawkins dodges Cesaro to CASH OUT! Bryan LEAPS to KNEE Nakamura down, Kevin CANNONBALLS onto Ziggler and Roode! Tag to Ford, he goes up top, FROM THE HEAVENS! Cover, the Profits, Kevin and Bryan win!

Winners: Kevin Owens, Daniel Bryan & The Street Profits, by pinfall

The SmackDown Tag Team Champions win alongside two incredible former world champions! Will Bryan and Kevin stick together to see if they can’t be tag team champions in their own right?

 

SmackDown presents: Law & Otis.

“In the WWE Justice System, superstars are generally represented by attorneys. Except for Otis, who has decided to represent himself. This is his story.” DUN DUN! Otis, The Miz and John Morrison finally take the issue of the Money in the Bank briefcase to court! And it’s the APA presiding! Ron “Farooq” Simmons is the bailiff, and “the honorable” John Bradshaw Layfield is the judge! “For the record, in this case, the plaintiff, Mr. Mizanin, is suing the defendant, Otis, for emotional distress, wanton destruction of property, creating an unsafe work environment, and MITB negligence.” With that said, counselor, proceed with opening arguments. Miz has his lawyer stand down so that he can speak.

“Your honor, I am here for the truth.” Case law is on Miz’s side. He can site Intic VS Carrington. Shmuck VS United States. Marbury VS Madison. But more importantly, the truth is on Miz’s side! The truth is, Otis has victimize Miz both physically and emotionally. He has not upheld the responsibilities of being Mr. MITB. As a former Mr. MITB, it is Miz’s duty to right this wrong and lawfully remove the contract from Otis’ possession to place in the hands of an honorable superstar: The Miz. That is the truth. DUN DUN. Well said, bro. JBL gives Otis his chance to speak. Otis says that he deserves the MITB contract because he won the match. Thank you. DUN DUN. Wait that’s all? It was a good argument, though… You’re fired, Sharon. To be continued later tonight!

 

Bryan, Kevin and the Profits are fired up backstage!

They won together and now they celebrate together! Bryan says that was RAD! He’s up with the smoke! Fist him, boys! Um… Bryan, no, that’s… But bro fist is fine! The Profits head out, Kevin goes with them, and Bryan says SmackDown is the best! Sami Zayn comes over and congratulates Bryan. Is his leg okay? Yeah, he’s good. Sami wants to say before this goes any further, how Bryan was kinda badmouthing him on the KO Show. Bryan kept going on about how the Intercontinental Championship should be defended every week, Sami will stop him right there. Sami will say again that he does NOT share that vision. This title is important, valuable and Sami’s, so he dictates the terms on how often and against who he defends it. And he already has against some of the best, which includes Bryan at WrestleMania.

So going forward, whatever vision Bryan has for the title, keep them to yourself. Because as long as Sami is champion, Sami will do things his way. Sami leaves, but is Bryan going to find a way to make his vision a reality?

 

Bianca Belair VS ???

The EST of WWE is the strongEST, fastEST, roughEST, toughEST, smartEST, and tonight, the readiEST for action! Will Bianca start her rise towards the SmackDown Women’s Championship tonight?

SmackDown returns and Bianca’s opponent is Zelina Vega! There’s history here from Monday Night Raw and how these two, alongside the Street Profits and the former team of Andrade Almas and Angel Garza, fought back and forth. Will things continue as they did on Raw? Or will La Muneca ruin Bianca’s Friday night debut?

The bell rings, the two tie up, Bianca powers Zelina to a corner but Zelina goes up the buckles. Zelina is on the top rope, Bianca lets off and Zelina SLAPS her! Bianca grabs Zelina’s hair! And then brings her off with a TOSS! Bianca claps back at Zelina literally, and then says, “Girl. Uh-uh.” But Zelina kicks back! Zelina baits Bianca in to tweak the arm! Then wrenches to a wristlock, but Bianca scoops and SLAMS her! Bianca stomps Zelina, whips her but Zelina ducks and dodges and tilt-o-whirls, but Bianca handsprings through! Bianca comes back to run Zelina over! Bianca walks all over Zelina to then standing moonsault! And kip up! Bianca says “Kiss this,” but Zelina goes to the apron. Zelina holds the apron skirt as Bianca drags her in. Zelina finally lets go but kicks back, then rolls to KICK again! And again!

Zelina has Bianca in a corner to rocket kick her! Zelina goes up, leaps, flying huricanrana! Bianca flounders, Zelina comes back but the flip is blocked to a pop-up RIGHT HAND! Bianca looms over Zelina, Zelina begs for mercy but Bianca dead lifts a la clean ‘n jerk! And then trophy lifts, carriers Zelina around, and drops her on the buckles! Bianca brings Zelina back up, torture rack, K O D! Cover, Bianca wins!

Winner: Bianca Belair, by pinfall

The Kiss of Death was the end for this match, but will Bianca start blazing the hottEST trail to the championship?

 

Lars Sullivan VS Chad Gable!

Before The Freak heads to the ring, Shorty G is asked what compelled him to accept a match with a superstar that has only brought carnage since his return? Gable says he is fed up with things right now. He couldn’t get drafted by Raw or SmackDown, what’s going on here? That is blatant disrespect! So naturally, it is up to him to right the ship, he’s calling out the big man to turn this right around. Gable’s going to prove he belongs! But will Gable find he would’ve been better off taking tonight off?

The bell rings and Gable circles with Lars. Gable dodges Lars, goes up top and leaps, into Lars’ arms and FALL AWAY SLAM! Lars laughs as he stalks over to Gable. Lars looms over Gable, drags him up and whips him, for a MILE HIGH FLAPJACK! Lars laughs more as he watches Gable writhe. Lars drags Gable up, scoops him, but Gable rakes eyes to get free! Gable throws a throat chop! And clubs Lars on the back! Gable runs corner to corner to ROLLING KICK! And then another, only to be sent into buckles! Lars snarls, roars, and TOSSES Gable across the ring! Lars drags Gable up, reels him in and CLOBBERS him! Lars is only getting angrier as he drags Gable back up, for the FREAK ACCIDENT! Cover, Lars wins!

Winner: Lars Sullivan, by pinfall

Shorty G aimed high but came crashing down! Will Lars look to lay waste to the entire SmackDown roster? Kayla Braxton asks Gable feels now after that match. “I… I quit…” Gable quits SmackDown?! But then where is he going to go?

 

Backstage interview with Seth Rollins.

Tonight, he and his former disciple, Buddy Murphy, settle things after Murphy got in on the fun- Fun? No, that was “fun.” His disciple, the guy he plucked from obscurity and guided through life, disrespected and assaulted him. But Rollins will have fun doing what he does tonight. He asked for this match for a reason. Murphy, like many, is confused. His emotions are tearing him apart, and Rollins understands. But what Murphy and everyone else needs to understand, the greater good is all of us! We all have a role, Murphy has his. Rollins is the messiah, Murphy is the disciple. Rollins is the savior, Murphy is a follower. There’s no shame in that. Tonight, Rollins will define Murphy’s role for him. Now that sounds fun, doesn’t it?

 

Roman Reigns tries to eat, but is not hungry.

The bread, the fruits, none of it is appetizing right now. That’s because he is preoccupied with business tonight, as he will finally issue the consequences for his match with Jey Uos. What will the Tribal Chief add to the already brutal combination of an I Quit match inside a Hell in a Cell?!

 

Adam Pearce checks on Shorty G in the trainer’s room.

Pearce wants him to reconsider saying he quit. But Gable said he quit, because he quits being Shorty G! He’s done being a character talking about accepting who you are and how it’ll all be fine. He doesn’t accept this crap! He’s done being a “smarmy little punching bag” and a happy face on top of every little PSA! It’s a joke! “Just accept who you are and you can achieve anything you are!” Who are we kidding? Not everyone can achieve everything, and neither can Shorty G. The only man who can will be the Olympian, the state, national and world champion collegiate wrestler, with a list of achievements so big it has to be seen to be believed. Trust him, it’s long. That man is Chad Gable! No more nicknames and no more games! Will Gable show us how to get things done?

 

Bayley is in the ring!

The SmackDown Women’s Champion is already seated in that chair, with belt in one hand and mic in the other. “I’m feeling really annoyed that I even have to come out here and address this tonight.” But today, she did four interviews. And instead of them appreciating their time with her, they asked the same dumb questions about Sasha Banks! Bayley can’t get away from Sasha! “Why are you hesitating? What is it going to take for you to sign the contract? Are you afraid?” No she’s not afraid! Sasha doesn’t deserve this! Sasha is an ungrateful brat and Bayley won’t give her what she wants. Bayle did what she did in walking out because she wants to be done with Sasha. But now Sasha is a bigger pain in the ass than before! Sasha even said, and Bayley quotes, “I am Sasha Banks. And my name is bigger than your title.”

PFFFT! Really?! Bayley doesn’t think so. Sasha is getting so conceited that her head won’t fit inside of the cell! But that doesn’t matter because Bayley did not and will not sign, so burn the contract! Sasha likes to say she’s The Boss, but DING DONG, HELLO! You are not the boss of Bayley! But here comes Sasha! And she has the contract in her hand! Sasha heads to the ring with it, Bayley says she’s still not signing, but Sasha tells her to. Bayley doesn’t do what Sasha tells her. Sasha says Bayley started this and Sasha is going to end it. Bayley grabs her chair! Sasha ducks that to grab the belt Bayley left behind! Bayley wants the belt back. Sign the contract. Give her the belt. Sign the contract. Fine. But Bayley grabs at the belt, and gets a KNEE to the head for it!

Sasha grabs the chair! And puts it around Bayley’s head! Sasha says Bayley is going to sign or else! Bayley kicks Sasha away! Bayley gets up, but she’s still in the chair! Sasha puts the BANK STATEMENT on with the CHAIR included!! Bayley refuses to sign but Sasha cranks back harder! Bayley gives in and signs on the dotted line! Sasha lets go, and then KICKS Bayley down! NOW it’s official, and it’s happening this Sunday! “On Sunday, I’m going to take your title, and I am going to finish what you started.” Sasha has issued her ultimatum. Will Bayley’s first match inside the cell be her last as champion?

 

SmackDown presents Law & Otis, part 2.

Miz has Morrison as his witness on the stand. Morrison says Otis assaulted Miz, and him, and a lot of people. “It’s hard to put into words the trauma that we’ve endured.” It isn’t so much the physical scars, but the emotional ones. DUN DUN. Miz gives Morrison a handkerchief to wipe the tears. But to counter, Otis calls REY MYSTERIO to the stand! Mysterio was in the MITB Corporate Ladder match with Otis. Eight walked in, only one walked out, and that was Otis. As far as Mysterio is concerned, Otis is the rightful owner. DUN DUN. Asuka is also a witness for the defense as she talks to her role in the Corporate Ladder match. But it’s hard to keep up with her fast Japanese. But again, she won like Otis won, so the point is, Otis should stay Mr. MITB. JBL asks if the court stenographer got that. Every single word, playa. TEDDY LONG!? DUN DUN!

Tucker appears! He is Otis’ best friend. And while Otis may not be as educated as some, the big man is sensitive. Miz crossed the line taking Otis’ girlfriend, Mandy, and trading her to Raw. Miz deserves everything that’s come his way. Permission to treat the witness as hostile. JBL was hoping for that. Miz counters Tucker by saying he says Miz deserved emotional distress, unsafe work environment AND destruction of property caused by Otis?! Yes. Then isn’t it true that during this time, Otis NEGLECTED the contract? What does that even mean!? ANSWER THE QUESTION! All Tucker knows is that ever since Miz started messing with Otis, all Otis can focus on is beating the crap out of Miz. And now that Tucker thinks about it, he wants to beat Miz up right NOW! DUN DUN!

Miz hurries away and Otis tells Tucker to stand down. Order in the court!! Ron tells them all to shut up! DUN DUN. Let’s take a short recess. And when we reconvene, Judge JBL will render the verdict. Teddy’s gotta pee, playa. Be right back. DUN DUN. To be continue in part 3!

 

SmackDown returns with Law & Otis, part 3!

Judge JBL returns and everyone takes their seats. “In all of this legal uproar, something is missing. And that something IS the truth.” JBL is supposed to believe Otis is responsible for emotional distress, destruction of property and creating an unsafe working environment? He’s a WWE superstar. That’s the job description. if those are crimes, APA would be serving life sentences. And Miz’s accusations of negligence, while it is true Otis has yet to cash in the MITB contract, that is NOT negligence. It is established in the contract that the winner has a full year to cash in. DUN DUN. Why does that keep happening? But after deliberation, JBL will rule in favor of- Miz wants one more second. He forgot to submit a key piece of evidence. Miz is lucky JBL has let him interrupt this entire trial. Yes, but JBL should really admit this evidence. DUN DUN.

JBL has Bailiff Simmons retrieve this leather briefcase Miz has and bring it to the bench. Inside the briefcase is… A HUGE AMOUNT OF CASH!! JBL smirks. “In light of the new evidence, I have no recourse but to side in favor of the plaintiff, the Miz.” WHAT?! Otis must appear at HIAC this Sunday to compete in a match with The Miz. The winner then will receive and keep the MITB contract. Court adjourned. The Miz abuses the system, and all Simmons can say is, “DAMN!” Will Otis still be able to tip the scales of justice in his favor now that he can legally get his hands on Miz and beat him up?

 

Seth Rollins VS Buddy Murphy!

Monday Night Messiah no more, this is SmackDown’s Savior that heads to the ring! But will he “define” Murphy’s future in their Friday night in-ring debuts?

SmackDown returns as Murphy makes his entrance. Aalyah Mysterio is watching backstage as Murphy gets in the ring. The bell rings, Murphy glares at Rollins as Rollins smirks. They tie up, go around and end up on ropes. Murphy puts Rollins in a corner but Rollins turns it around. The ref counts, Rollins lets off and reminds Murphy, “Messiah. Disciple.” Rollins pokes Murphy in the head, but Murphy comes back with another tie-up! Murphy puts Rollins in the corner again, Rollins turns things around again, but Murphy turns it back! The ref counts, Murphy lets off, but Rollins pushes him. “What don’t you understand, Murphy!?” Another poke in the head, but Murphy grins as he grabs the arm and yanks and yanks! Murphy grinds Rollins down and grinds him into the mat!

Rollins endures, fights up but Murphy wrenches. Rollins wrenches back, yanks and wristlocks, but Murphy rolls and handsprings to wrench back. Rollins wrenches, Murphy spins and headlocks to the takeover but Rollins headscissors back. Murphy pops out, Rollins ROCKS him! Rollins drags Murphy up, headlocks and takeover again, but Murphy keeps shoulders up. Murphy pushes back with forearms and gets up, but Rollins holds on as Murphy tries to power out. Murphy fights up again, powers out this time, but Rollins runs him over! Rollins runs, Murphy stays low then hurdles over but Rollins grabs ropes. Rollins laughs at Murphy and shouts, “When are you going to learn?” Rollins pushes Murphy but Murphy DECKS Rollins!

Rollins is furious as he gets up and swings on Murphy. Murphy dodges, huricanranas and sends Rollins out! Murphy runs, slides, but Rollins gets under. Rollins runs, but is back dropped onto the announce desk! Rollins tumbles down as SmackDown goes to break!

SmackDown returns again and Murphy punches but Rollins knees low. Rollins whips, runs in but Murphy elbows back! Murphy goes up, brings Rollins in, tornado hotshot! Rollins is down, Murphy goes back up but Rollins trips him up! Murphy tumbles down to the floor, Aalyah grows concerned for Murphy, but the family finds her. Why is she watching this? She’s just watching Murphy! She can watch who she wants! Rollins puts Murphy back in as Rey and Dominik want Alayah to leave. Rollins fireman’s carries and GUT BUSTERS Murphy! Cover, TWO! Rollins grows frustrated and he drags Murphy into a bearhug. Murphy endures, fights up, powers Rollins to a corner, but Rollins squeezes tighter. Murphy keeps ramming Rollins into buckles, but Rollins throws him in! Rollins runs in but Murphy BOOTS him away!

Murphy goes up and missile dropkicks! Rollins flounders but both men are down. The two stir and stand, Murphy rallies with clotheslines! Murphy dodges and calf kicks on the rebound! Murphy kips up, throws Rollins out, then wrecks him with a dropkick! Murphy builds speed and this time he FLIES! Direct hit at the ramp! Both men are down, the ring count begins but Murphy is up at 4 to put Rollins in at 5. Murphy climbs up top at 6, Rollins stands but Murphy gets him with METEORA! But Murphy can’t cover, his own arm might’ve landed bad! Cover, TWO!! Rollins and Murphy flounder around and Rollins gets to ropes. Murphy hurries after, going to the outside. Murphy works to put his shoulder back in, but Rollins runs to DIVE! Direct hit sends Murphy into barriers!

Rollins puts Murphy in, springboards and FLYING KNEES! Cover, TWO!! Murphy is still in this and Rollins is shocked! Murphy rolls out to the apron but Rollins is on him! Rollins drags Murphy up, wrenches and WRINGS the arm out into the apron! Aalyah is concerned and the Mysterios themselves aren’t sure what to think. Murphy is down and SmackDown goes to another break.

SmackDown returns again and Rollins has Murphy up top. Murphy resists, throws body shots, and then adjusts to sunset flip! Rollins holds on, Murphy lets go to tuck Rollins in, CHEEKY NANDOS! Murphy gets Rollins off the top, but his body gives out! Rollins drags Murphy up, to BUCKLE BOMB! Murphy is down, Rollins runs, but into a KNEE TRIGGER! Both men are down again! Murphy crawls to a cover, TWO!! Rollins still lives! Murphy crawls to a corner while Rollins checks his jaw. Murphy hobbles over, Rollins elbows him back! Rollins snarls, slaps Murphy and says he has disrespected Rollins. Rollins slaps him around, drags him up, and says, “I am the Messiah, YOU are the disciple!” He DECKS Murphy, then demands he get up! Murphy does stand, and DECKS Rollins in return!

Rollins gets up, he ROCKS Murphy! Murphy stands to ROCK Rollins! They go back and forth, Murphy gets the edge, fires off a strike fest but Rollins blocks momentarily. Murphy keeps going, misses the knee thrust, PELE! Murphy rebounds but cradle counters, TWO!! ROLLING ELBOW from Rollins! FALCON ARROW! Cover, TWO!! Murphy survives and Rollins is seething! Rollins pushes past Murphy and says, “You’re gonna learn, Murphy. One way or another.” Rollins aims from the corner as Murphy rises. CURB- NO! Murphy rolls Rollins, avoids another stomp and shoves him! Rollins elbows back, climbs up top, but Murphy enziguris first! Murphy drags Rollins off the top, but Rollins slits put and wrenches to wring out the arm! CURB STOMP!! Cover, Rollins wins!

Winner: Seth Rollins, by pinfall

But the lesson is not over! Rollins gets a kendo stick! Aalyah begs Rey and Dom do something to help Murphy, but they refuse. This is not their business. If they’re not going to, then SHE will! Aalyah runs off, referees tell Rollins to stop but he refuses. Rollins is in the ring, with the kendo stick, and he tells Murphy he’s going to learn to stay behind the savior! “Nobody has your back!” But here comes Aalyah! Rollins laughs. What is she going to do? Where’s her back-up? Rollins SMACKS away on Murphy! Aalyah gets in the ring to shield Murphy, but here comes Dom! Rollins leaves now, and Dom can’t believe what Aalyah is doing! This is not their business anymore! Rollins CLOBBERS Dom from behind! Rollins still hates the Mysterios, but here comes REY! WITH A CHAIR!

Rollins bails out, and Rey check son his son and daughter, not Murphy. They keep trying to reason with her, and now Dom and Rey argue about if Aalyah should even be here. Aalyah helps Murphy up, and brother and father don’t understand. What is happening with this triangle of Rollins, Murphy and Mysterio family?

 

A SmackDown staffer knocks on Roman Reigns’ door.

But it’s Paul Heyman that answers. Apologies, but it is time for Roman’s segment. No, it’s Roman’s time when Roman says. Heyman will go talk with Roman, and we’ll see if the champ is ready. Will the Tribal Chief be ready to issue his edict after the break?

 

Roman Reigns heads to the ring!

It seems he did deem it the right time. The WWE Universal Champion and his Special Counsel in Paul Heyman are here as Roman holds that title overhead. Heyman gets the mic to hand it to Roman. But Jey interrupts the Tribal Chief via titantron! He’s in the VIP suite, looking at the Tribal Cheese, the Tribal Berries, and some ice cold H2O. It must be great to be chief. Or maybe it’s better to be the cousins of the chief. At least, it was. Roman changed. Roman has his head so far up his chief ass that he’s lost connection with himself and his family. But who is he to say? Because This isn’t Jey, it’s JIMMY!! And Jey’s right there! Jey attacks Roman and rains down hands! Roman pushes him away, runs in at him but Jey POSTS Roman first! Jey goes out to grab a chair! And he brings it in to swing, but into a BOOT!

Roman gets the chair while Jey flounders! Jey gets up to SUPERKICK back!! Jey goes up top, and leaps, USO SPLASH! The Usos used twin magic to get the better of the “chief,” but it won’t be a match won with splashes and pinfalls! Will Jey be able to push Roman to the edge and make him say two words we’ve never heard? Heyman gets Roman the mic, because he still has to say what he came here to say! “It’s all just games, huh? It’s funny to you boys, because you don’t understand. I understand.” If Roman quits, he isn’t champion, face of the WWE, head of the table or Tribal Chief, and therefore is not the provider for generations of their bloodline! If they make Roman quit.

But the question is, can they? Because when Roman makes Jey quit, and he will make Jey quit… Jey will fall in line, take his orders, and acknowledge him and respect him for who he is in the WWE and all that he does for the family! And if he still can’t, then Jey is OUT of the family. Jimmy is in this now, too. Their wives, their children, their children’s children, are ALL disowned!! “We will all turn our backs on you. Those are your consequences.” The cell lowers to show what Roman is ready for, and what Jey must prepare for. But Jey IS ready, as he climbs the outside to stare Roman down! Will the Usos be exiled from the Anoa’i Dynasty when Jey can’t endure it anymore?


My Thoughts:

What a great episode, though it could’ve been greater. To start, I was hoping Sasha was going to rough Bayley up even worse than she did to make her sign the contract, maybe draw some blood. Maybe they’re saving that for the match. And then, while I’ve never really referred to him as Shorty G in matches, I’m glad that is done with for Chad Gable. He might even be turning Heel now after getting whooped by Lars like that. Opening with the KO Show was good, but I was really surprised that Kevin suggested to Bryan they try to be tag partners. Bryan was of course surprised, too, but they and the Profits had a great 8 Man with Cesaro, Nakamura, Roode and Ziggler.

Sami getting in Bryan’s face later is good, I think mingling the stories of Sami and the IC title with Kevin wanting the tag titles to complete his grand slam with Bryan stuck in the middle is great. Was kinda hoping Sami and Kevin would’ve been tag champions the last time they were all on SmackDown a year or so ago, but maybe a twist or swerve can make that happen this time. Bianca had a good match with Zelina but it seemed a shame it was so easy for Bianca to win. Maybe after Bayley VS Sasha, Bianca goes after whoever the champion is and we get some great promo banter on top of great in-ring action.

The “Law & Otis” segments were funny, and it was great to see Teddy Long and the APA back, but of course this turns into Otis VS Miz, MITB briefcase on the line. I hope Otis wins that just to shut Miz up, but at the same time, with both WWE World and WWE Universal championships on the line, there’s a good chance Miz wins to try and cash in on McIntyre to start a feud there. Maybe Tucker and Mandy get involved since this story involves them, too. Rollins VS Murphy was a great match, especially because it went so long. There was still the Mysterio family drama, which is fine because slowly, it is being what turned Murphy back to Face. It’s a bit of a shame nothing was set for HIAC, but perhaps Rey being at only 99% isn’t enough for WWE just yet. I hope things get settled before Survivor Series because this feud has been one of the longest all year, and a winner needs to be named to move up to a title.

And speaking of title, this has probably been the best thing WWE has done with the Universal Championship ever. Roman, Jey and Jimmy are all on point with their characters. Granted, I figured that was a twin magic trick when “Jey” was wearing hat and bandanna mask indoors, but it worked so perfectly because it’s the Usos. Jey getting the jump on Roman was great, but then Roman giving us the consequences was great, too. It made a lot of sense for the Usos’ consequences to be falling in line, and possibly being excommunicated. I don’t think Jey is winning the title, and yet I don’t know how well they’ll “fall in line” or how even the “excommunication” story will go. It’s all very unpredictable and that makes it very interesting. Rollins talks about being the messiah/savior of WWE, but I feel like this story right here is what is saving SmackDown.

My Score: 8.5/10


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Coverage

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

Talk about a Big Time Raw!

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Will The Man be the Last Woman Standing?

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

OFFICIAL RESULTS

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

PLAY BY PLAY

Jey Uso is here!

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

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

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

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

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

 

Adam Pearce is on the phone.

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Winners: DIY, by pinfall (advance to WrestleMania)

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

 

Judgment Day meets backstage.

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

Winners: Candice LeRae & Indi Hartwell, by submission

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

 

Cody Rhodes makes his way to the ring.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

Nia Jax speaks.

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

 

Cody Rhodes returns backstage.

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

 

Dominik Mysterio w/ JD McDonagh VS Ricochet!

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

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

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

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

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

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

Winner: Ricochet, by pinfall

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

 

Sami Zayn is backstage.

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

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

 

Adam Pearce is in the ring.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

Sami confronts Gable now.

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

 

CM Punk speaks.

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

 

Drew McIntyre is here!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

Becky Lynch speaks.

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

Liv Morgan confronts Becky Lynch.

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

 

 


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

The semifinals are here!

Published

on

We’re just one step away from the Cup!

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

OFFICIAL RESULTS

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

PLAY BY PLAY

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

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

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

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

No Contest

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

2024 New Japan Cup Semifinals: SANADA VS Hirooki Goto!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


My Thoughts:

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

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

My Score: 8.9/10


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