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Mitchell’s WWE Raw Results & Report! (1/11/21)

What will the world champion have to say?

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Coverage Raw 2021

Drew McIntyre will address the WWE Universe!

Goldberg laid down the challenge before he pushed Drew McIntyre over, but McIntyre is no pushover! What will his response be on tonight’s Raw?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

  • Charlotte Flair VS Lacey Evans; Evans wins.
  • Jeff Hardy VS Elias w/ Jaxson Ryker Jaxson Ryker w/ Elias; Ryker wins.
  • Jeff Hardy VS Elias w/ Jaxson Ryker (after all); Hardy wins.
  • Sheamus & Keith Lee VS The Miz & John Morrison; Sheamus & Keith win.
  • Keith Lee VS Sheamus; Keith wins.
  • Xavier Woods VS T-Bar w/ Retribution; T-Bar wins.
  • WWE United States Championship: Bobby Lashley w/ The Hurt Business VS Matt Riddle; Lashley wins and retains the title.
  • MVP w/ Bobby Lashley VS Matt Riddle; Riddle wins, by disqualification.
  • Royal Rumble Qualifier Match: Drew Gulak VS AJ Styles w/ Omos; Styles wins, Gulak is NOT in the Men’s Royal Rumble match.
  • Nia Jax & Shayna Baszler VS Dana Brooke & Mandy Rose; Jax & Baszler win.
  • Randy Orton “VS” Triple H.

PLAY BY PLAY

Triple H is here!

The Game returns to Monday Night Raw on short notice, but what is his business with the ThunderDome? HHH gets a mic as fans clap on their screens, and he says, “I still got it.” It’s been a long time since he’s said this, but “Welcome to Monday Night Raw!” And it’s a really difficult- But wait, here comes Randy Orton! The Viper grins as he goes to the ring with a mic of his own and says, “Look who it is! The Office decided to show up because McIntyre couldn’t.” Orton tells “Hunter” that there was supposed to be a big match tonight. HHH is aware, and he knows Orton knows it won’t happen now.

But with HHH here all prettied up and here in the ThunderDome, maybe he’s here to make an official ruling? What’s it going to be? Is it that Orton gets to be last in the Men’s Rumble? Or is HHH going to cut through the BS and just hand Orton the title? Well, HHH suggests that if Orton wants the title, he needs to win the Rumble. Wait, HHH is here, and the only reason must be for him to make a call. Orton wants to make sure it benefits him, so what is it? Is that where they are now? Cheap threats, flex on HHH, all of that? It’s been impressive watching Orton for the last year. HHH has seen “the old Randy Orton” step back in. HHH has watched it take place, in awe.

A lot of others criticized and didn’t understand, and thought Orton crossed lines. Not HHH. HHH sat and watched Orton contemplate what he was going to do with the match, watching it burn down, knowing that everything he wanted was on the other end of that match. He knew that The Fiend, the last thing between him and the championship, was burning away. HHH was never more proud of Orton than that moment because HHH would’ve done the same thing. Orton did it because of what Orton wanted, what benefitted Orton. But there are some other things HHH doesn’t understand.

HHH doesn’t understand Orton kicking legends in the head, threatening them and humiliating them in front of the world. Big Show, Mark Henry, HBK, Ric Flair… HHH doesn’t get why he’d do that when it doesn’t benefit him. The Fiend, yes. But Flair? A legend. No. But it took away all the admiration. Orton is not a legend, Orton is not what he thinks he is. It showed HHH that Randy Orton “is nothing but a no good prick!” Orton says HHH can call him what he wants, but Orton is in his prime and IS a legend in hi sown time, just like HHH. In fact, what does HHH say? Does he still have it? Is he still the Cerebral Assassin? Is he still The Game?

Because if he is, maybe Orton takes the legend of HHH out once and for all! It doesn’t need to be a match but a fight! They’ve known each other for over two DECADES, so maybe once more, they go toe to toe. Orton wants to fight, huh? Orton is smart enough to know that when someone wants you to do something, you don’t give them the satisfaction. There’s no benefit in this to HHH, so the answer is no. HHH goes to leave, but Orton asks if it isn’t about the benefit, but about Stephanie having HHH’s balls in her purse. That angers HHH, fans are waiting to see what happens, and HHH DECKS Orton!

Orton bails out and checks his face, but he also grins. The Viper has gotten under The Game’s skin yet again, and he figures that was a yes. Will HHH lace them back up for one night to have this fight?

 

Backstage interview with Charlotte Flair.

Last week, Lacey Evans shamelessly flirted with her father, Ric Flair. Does she think- No, the word here is “Classless.” If you think Lacey is the first woman to hit on Ric Flair in front of Charlotte, you’re wrong. And she won’t be the last. But Lacey does have some payback coming for it. What about those heated words Charlotte had for Ric? Charlotte knows Ric knows it was a heat of the moment thing, but he raised her and knows how competitive she can be. But the real question is: It’s 2021 and Charlotte’s about to have a match, why is she asking her about her dad? Ric is home, so Charlotte is going to show Lacey how to be a real lady. Will the Queen make the Sassy Southern Belle bow down?

 

Raw hears from Drew McIntyre.

“How are you, WWE Universe? Now I wish I could’ve been there with you all tonight in the ThunderDome, but unfortunately, as you’ve probably heard already, I’ve tested positive for COVID-19. Now I’m one of the fortunate ones with no symptoms, but I assure you, COVID should not be taken lightly. Don’t think you can’t catch it, because you can. If it can happen to me, it can happen to anybody, and the only way we’re going to be able to stop this thing is to work together.” Wear masks, social distance, and we’ll all see each other again soon.

 

Charlotte Flair VS Lacey Evans!

Before heading out, Lacey has a quick interview. She wants Charlotte to calm down, have some sweet tea and take a deep breath, then realize that last week, Lacey wasn’t flirting with anyone that didn’t want to be flirted with. Ric Flair may be Charlotte’s daddy, but he is also a “charming, handsome, powerful man’s man, and what lady wouldn’t want a bit of that sugar?” So tonight’s match is dedicated to The Nature Boy. Lacey blows a kiss to the camera for Ric then makes her entrance. Will Charlotte get her right in the kisser for that after the break?

Raw returns and the bell rings. Charlotte and Lacey circle, tie up, and go around. Charlotte puts Lacey in a corner, the ref counts and Charlotte gives Lacey a shove at 3. Lacey shrugs that off and circles with Charlotte. Lacey rushes in but Charlotte side steps her. They tie up again, Charlotte cradles, ONE! Lacey gets back to a corner to fix her hair, and then circles with Charlotte again. Charlotte calls for a test of strength but Lacey kicks low. Lacey headlocks and grinds but Charlotte powers out to run Lacey over! Lacey gets up and Charlotte eggs her own. They circle again, Charlotte blocks Lacey’s kick this time to elbow and CHOP her! And CHOP! And CHOP!

Charlotte CHOPS Lacey off her feet, brings her up to whip to a corner, then runs in to KNEE Lacey and snapmare her down! Cover, TWO! Charlotte eggs Lacey on as she puts on the figure four headscissors and just RAMS Lacey into the mat over and over! Charlotte squeezes tight but Lacey endures the figure four necklock. Lacey gets up, Charlotte throws her around in the headscissor then throws her away! Charlotte runs in, blocks a boot and ROCKS Lacey with a right! Charlotte puts the leg on the ropes to drop a knee on the knee! Lacey hobbles away, Charlotte trips Lacey and steps through, but Lacey slips away to the ropebreak! The ref counts, Charlotte lets go at 3, and Lacey bails out.

Wait, is that Ric’s music? He’s supposed to be at home, but he’s HERE! The Nature Boy styles, profiles and struts his way down the ramp. Charlotte is a bit confused and maybe a bit annoyed as Raw goes to break.

Raw returns again and Charlotte pushes Lacey around in a corner before she RAMS into her with a shoulder! And again! Charlotte goes after the leg but Lacey dodges to bump Charlotte off buckles! Lacey stomps Charlotte down, then hits the swinging bronco buster! Lacey pushes Charlotte out, grins and takes out her handkerchief to dab off the sweat. Lacey goes out after Charlotte but Charlotte kicks and ROCKS her! Charlotte whips Lacey but Lacey reverses to send Charlotte into barriers! Charlotte gets back in the ring but Lacey follows, and does the strut! Lacey drops a knee but misses as Charlotte moves! Charlotte scoops, Lacey slips out and throws Charlotte down!

Lacey drops forearms, wraps on a cobra clutch, but Charlotte endures. Charlotte fights up, fights out and back suplexes Lacey down! Charlotte seethes and gives a glare to Ric before she ROCKS Lacey! Lacey kicks and whips but Charlotte reverses. Charlotte runs in but Lacey dodges to roll up, but Charlotte slips out to BOOT Lacey down! Lacey flounders to ropes, Charlotte runs over but the boot gets hung up! Lacey YANKS Charlotte down, has her in a corner, and wraps the arm around ropes to stomp away on the shoulder! Charlotte BOOTS back, and BOOTS again, to then CLOBBER Lacey with a rally for clotheslines! Charlotte spins Lacey for a neckbreaker! Scoop and EXPLODER!

Charlotte kips up and fires up, and she runs in at Lacey! Lacey dodges, Charlotte puts her on the apron and ROCKS her again! Charlotte backs up to BOOT Lacey down! Lacey falls, Charlotte goes out after her. Charlotte puts Lacey in, climbs up top, but Lacey trips Charlotte up! But Charlotte counters the punch to a backbreaker and buckle shot! Lacey crawls away, but Charlotte hits the NATURAL SELECTION! Cover, but Ric puts Lacey’s foot on the ropes?!? Ric, what are you doing!?! Charlotte suspects him but he says he had nothing to do with it!

Lacey swings on Charlotte but Charlotte ducks it to put Lacey out! Charlotte tells Ric to go home, then she suplexes Lacey! Ric trips Charlotte?! And holds her foot down!? Lacey wins!!

Winner: Lacey Evans, by pinfall

Is Ric turning on his daughter?! For Lacey!? WHAT?! But in the end, Lacey just pinned the Grand Slam Queen again! Is this going to help Lacey and Peyton Royce contend for the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships?

 

Backstage interview with Lacey Evans and Ric Flair!

What just happened out there?! Lacey says she’ll wait to change at the hotel. They head off, and it’s hard to be sure what’s going on. Is Ric trying to recapture his wheelin’, dealin’, kiss stealin’ youth?

 

Backstage interview with Keith Lee.

So close to achieving the dream of becoming WWE World Champion, how does he bounce back? Keith wants to compliment McIntyre but Sheamus interrupts. Is Sheamus going to rub this in his face? If so, don’t. Sheamus says as much as he loves kicking Keith when he’s down, that’s not this. Keith marched into Claymore Country and put on a hell of a fight. And he earned McIntyre’s respect. If Drew respects Keith, Sheamus respects Keith. But then John Morrison and The Miz have to come in and mockingly applaud the sportsmanship. Every heard of Millionaire’s Row? This right here is Loser’s Row. Well now that Miz ‘n’ Morrison are here, yes.

Oh are they being called losers? Because Miz is STILL Mr. Money in the Bank! “Which means… CHA-CHING!” Sheamus asks Keith if he’s ever seen Dumb & Dumber. Yes, but which is “Dumber?” Morrison says Miz is. Miz says he “hates” to interrupt, but unlike most who have given up on New Year’s Resolutions, they have NOT! They are fully committed to right the wrongs of 2020! And the next two wrongs are you two! So wait, Miz ‘n’ Morrison are challenging Sheamus and Keith to a fight? You can bet yer sorreh arse, they are! And just like the Cleveland Browns dethroned the Pittsburgh Steelers, they shall surprise and topple anyone who thinks they’re untouchable!

So for some reason, you think Sheamus and Keith are the smart place to start? Hey hey, ho ho, the harder- CHALLENGE ACCEPTED! Well, then, does anyone remember the last time Sheamus and Keith teamed up? What happened? Oh Sheamus Brogue’d Keith in the face! COOOOOOORRECT! See you later, fellas. They do have a point there, but Sheamus and Keith say this is the chance to bury the hatchet. Will they do that while burying boots in Miz ‘n’ Morrison’s faces?

 

Jeff Hardy VS Elias w/ Jaxson Ryker!

A rivalry that looked like it’d never die has come back from the grave! The Drifter says he has bad news and worse news for his opponent tonight. The bad news: Elias suffered a “debilitating injury while recording music this week. The worse news: his substitute for this match is Ryker! And Ryker will prove his allegiance to Elias and the Universal Truth! And that means going through Hardy! Elias’ music inspires, and Ryker is inspired to destroy! Will the Charismatic Enigma be able to handle the Drifter’s follower?

Jeff Hardy VS Jaxson Ryker w/ Elias!

The bell rings, Elias joins commentary and Ryker throws hands on Hardy! Ryker bumps Hardy off buckles, throws more hands, stomps, and even more hands! The ref counts, Ryker drags Hardy around to a fireman’s carry. Hardy slips out, dodges and Ryker runs into buckles! TWIST OF FURY! Hardy hurries to the corner but Elias distracts him! The “injury” doesn’t keep Elias from talking smack! Ryker rolls Hardy up and wins!!

Winner: Jaxson Ryker, by pinfall

Well that was definitely “inspired.” Hardy calls Elias out and dares him to get in the ring. Elias’ blisters aren’t the problem. The problem is that fans will see Ryker is better than Elias. Elias says he’ll accept, and tells Ryker to “not” get involved! Will Ryker do exactly what Elias told him “not” to do after the break?

Jeff Hardy VS Elias w/ Jaxson Ryker, for real!

Raw returns and Elias ROCKS Hardy with hands! Hardy hits back but Elias knees low then whips. Elias clobbers Hardy, covers, TWO! Elias looms over Hardy, drops a knee but misses as Hardy moves! Ryker coaches Elias up but Hardy counter punches! And again! And again! Hardy throws more haymakers, whips, and CLOBBERS Elias! Hardy atomic drops, trips Elis up and hits the leg splitting leg drop! Basement dropkick! Elbow drop! Cover, TWO! Hardy keeps his cool as he rallies up the fans. Fans clap on their screens, Hardy kicks but Elias pushes out of the Twist to fireman’s carry, DEATH VALLEY DRIVER! Cover, TWO!

Elias drags Hardy up, rams him to a corner, then rams his shoulder in! And throws body shots! The ref counts, Elias stops but then throws forearms! Elias hoists Hardy up top, Hardy hits back and then adjusts, but Elias drags him down! Elias runs in, Hardy dodges and goes up again, WHISPER IN THE WIND! Cover, ONE!! Hardy keeps his cool  and he rallies the fans again. Elias stands, Hardy kicks but Elias shoves him and the spin kick away! Elias brings Hardy up but Hardy jawbreakers! But Elias still JUMPING KNEES! Elias hits ANARCHY SUPLEX! Cover, TWO!! Elias drags Hardy up and throws heavy EuroUppers!

Elias swings again but into a backslide, ONE! Kick and TWIST OF FATE! Hardy hurries to a corner, climbs up top, SWANTON BOMB! Cover, Hardy wins!

Winner: Jeff Hardy, by pinfall

Well, Hardy beat Elias, so maybe Ryker IS better than Elias! Elias asks why Ryker didn’t help, and Ryker says he was told not to. Elias tries to explain he didn’t mean it, but what’s done is done. Will Ryker learn to read between the lines of what Elias says?

 

Sheamus & Keith Lee VS The Miz & John Morrison!

It’s been very obvious The Celtic Warrior and Limitless One haven’t been on the same page, dating all the way back to the road to Survivor Series 2020. But because of their mutual friend, Drew McIntyre, and their common enemy in the Greatest Tag Team of the 21st Century *stare off into distance* these two are able to put things aside! Will they make the once-again Mr. MITB and the Guru of Greatness #BaskInHisGlory, Fella?!

The teams sort out and Sheamus starts against Morrison. They circle, tie up and Morrison waistlocks to get a headlock. Sheamus powers out, Morrison slides and comes back but into a drop toehold! Sheamus gets a facelock, rolls Morrison, covers, ONE! Sheamus keeps on Morrison with a wristlock, Morrison reaches back to slips around and get a leg. Morrison brings Sheamus down, then drags him back up but Sheamus trips Morrison and stomps him! Sheamus tags Keith and they work together, feed to a scoop to a knee drop! Cover, ONE! Keith has Morrison’s arm but Morrison ROCKS Keith with the other! Tag to Miz but Keith clobbers Miz!

Miz bails out, Keith then scoops Morrison and throws out ONTO Miz! Tag to Sheamus and Sheamus LEAPS to take Miz ‘n’ Morrison down! Sheamus puts Miz in, CLUBS him, then brings him around to a fireman’s carry. Tag to Keith, ROLLING SENTON, then Keith brings Miz back up to feed to the corner. Keith dares Morrison to tag in, and Morrison does, and Morrison fakes a test of strength to Eddy Gordo kick the leg! Morrison fires off more kicks, and a chop block! Keith drops to a knee, Morrison kicks the leg, but Keith HEADBUTTS back! Keith brings Morrison up to TOSS him across the way! And then he RAMS in, and breaks the buckle! Sheamus loves that and Raw goes to break!

Raw returns and the buckle is back in place. Keith is on Miz’s arm but Miz fights up. Keith wrenches and whips Miz into another corner, but this buckle stays put. Tag to Sheamus, they bring Miz up and whips him back to the corner. It stays put, Sheamus wrenches Miz but Miz fights back. Sheamus trips Miz, wants the legs, but Miz kicks him away so Sheamus DECKS Morrison! Miz kicks a leg out and hits a basement DDT! Cover, ONE!! Miz rains down angry fists, then drags Sheamus up to tag in Morrison. Morrison ROCKS Sheamus with big forearms, low knees, then backs off to come back with a KICK! Tag to Miz and they mug Sheamus with stomps!

The ref counts, Miz lets off, and Morrison gets a cheap shot in before Miz runs and BOOTS Sheamus! Miz drags Sheamus up but Sheamus powers towards Keith. Miz facelocks to keep him down but Sheamus still gets close! Keith reaches but Miz drags Sheamus away. Sheamus powers up to back drop Miz away! Miz and Sheamus crawl, hot tag to Morrison and he CLOBBERS Sheamus! Morrison drags Sheamus away, grapevines the leg then drops an elbow. Sheamus pushes Morrison away, but Morrison gator rolls Sheamus all the way to the other corner! Miz tags in, runs and BOOTS Sheamus down! Morrison adds the SHINING WIZARD! Cover, TWO!

Miz keeps Sheamus down with a facelock and knees! Sheamus fights up as fans rally on their screens. Sheamus powers up to push Miz away, but Miz BOOTS him again! Miz runs into an IRISH CURSE BACKBREAKER! Both men are down, fans rally and the two crawl, hot tags to Morrison and Keith! Keith rallies on Morrison with big shoulder tackles! And one for Miz! A TOSS for Morrison! A TOSS for Miz! Keith roars and he starts up corner splashes back and forth! Keith tosses Morrison into Miz! Miz bails out, Keith whips Morrison, for a TOUR OF THE ISLANDS!? Cover, Miz breaks it! Keith GRIZZLY MAGNUMS then whips Miz out!

Keith goes to Morrison but Morrison PELES! Morrison springboards, FLYING CHUCK into GRIZZLY MAGNUM! Keith powers up but Sheamus tags in! This is the stuff from Survivor Series that got on Keith’s nerves, but Sheamus BROGUES Morrison! Cover, Sheamus and Keith win!

Winners: Keith Lee & Sheamus, by pinfall

Keith lets Sheamus have this one, since they won against the Greatest Tag Team of the 21st Century. They shake hands and pat each other on the back. Will these two become a force to be reckoned with now that they’re getting along?

 

Backstage interview with Triple H.

He has had time to consider Orton’s challenge, what is his real answer? “Obviously I came here tonight in a different capacity. I came here in a business capacity, as an official of WWE.” But in this world, things change at a drop of a hat and Orton has assured that tonight. So since Orton can’t seem to get it into his head that people like Ric Flair, Mark Henry and The Big Show should be respected, since Orton can’t understand that legends paved the way, Orton’s own father and grandfather paved the way for people like HHH and Orton! That is why Orton is calling HHH out. That is why Orton wants to see if HHH still has what it takes to be “The Game.”

HHH addresses Orton directly: YES! HHH would burn Orton every single time! “You want to fight me?!” Then on behalf of every legend that has ever come, HHH accepts!! Will The Viper be made to regret ever bringing back this Triple H?

 

Raw returns, and the jovial mood is gone!

Sheamus and Keith stopped patting each other and giving fist bumps, and now they’re shoving each other! They want after each other, the ref says fine, and we have a match?!

Keith Lee VS Sheamus!

SHeamus rushes Keith and they’re brawling fast and furious! Keith gives a knee then shoves Sheamus! Sheamus gets up, throws haymakers, and he has Keith in a corner! Sheamus throws body shots and haymakers but Keith dumps Sheamus to the apron! Sheamus hotshots back and brings Keitha round for the Bodhrain! Keith grabs the arm but Sheamus SLAPS him! Keith HEADBUTTS Sheamus then drags him back inside! “I thought you were a man, Sheamus!” Keith puts Sheamus on the ropes to CHOP away on his chest! Sheamus stays up but Keith GRIZZLY MAGNUMS!

Keith scowls, drags Sheamus up, scoops him but Sheamus slips out! Sheamus throws Keith out, runs and DROPKICKS Keith to the floor! Keith is right up, Sheamus is on the apron and leaps, into Keith’s arms! Keith BELLY2BELLY suplexes Sheamus into the timekeeper’s area! Keith leaves Sheamus behind but Sheamus gets into the ring at 9.5! Only for Keith to drop on him! Keith says Sheamus is tough, and then drags him back up. Keith whips Sheamus to a corner, runs in, but Sheamus dropkicks legs out! Sheamus drags Keith into the post and SLAMS the arm into it! And again! And again! Sheamus goes back in as Keith falls over, and he stomps away on Keith’s arm!

Sheamus clamps onto the arm, then fish hooks Keith’s face! The ref reprimands, Sheamus drops knees on the arm! Sheamus keeps Keith from scrambling away but Keith clasps hands to fight off the armlock. Sheamus keeps prying at the arm but Keith fights up and scowls. Keith shoves Sheamus away, runs in at the corner but Sheamus BOOTS the bad arm! Sheamus goes up the corner, but Keith runs in and HEADBUTTS back! Keith ROCKS Sheamus with his good arm, then climbs up! Keith and Sheamus fight up top, Keith brings Sheamus up but Sheamus throws knees! Sheamus knocks Keith down, adjusts, and leaps, FLYING CLOTHESLINE! BIG KNEE!! Cover, TWO!!

Sheamus is seeing how hard it was for McIntyre to put Keith away, but he keeps after the arm. Keith fights back up, still fighting off the armlock. Sheamus knees Keith in the back over and over, then drops to go after the arm. Keith fights off the armbar but Sheamus stomps away on Keith’s head! Keith keeps his grip, moves around and gets Sheamus in a dead lift! POWERBOMB! Keith is free, he drags Sheamus back up and in, for a SPIRIT BOMB!! Cover, Keith wins!

Winner: Keith Lee, by pinfall

The Limitless One conquers the Celtic Warrior, but he waits for Sheamus to stand back up. Keith offers that first bump again, Sheamus slaps it away, to HUG Keith! Maybe this was just how they were showing each other that respect! Will this just make their newfound friendship even stronger?

 

Raw again hears from Drew McIntyre.

“Putting my current condition aside, I’d like to respond to Bill Goldberg’s challenge last week. After being pushed to the absolute limit by Keith Lee, I stood and watched as legends who paved the way for me and every other WWE superstar stood on that stage.” They watched McIntyre defend the WWE Championship, and it was a literal dream scenario for him. But before he could properly thank them all, he was rudely interrupted by Goldberg’s knock on the door. McIntyre didn’t see Goldberg coming. One of the most devastating and destructive forces in wrestling history, and a personal favorite of his, actually.

McIntyre and his brother loved seeing who Goldberg was going to demolish week to week. McIntyre was a bit star struck, but as the saying goes, “Never meet your heroes because they will always let you down.” And McIntyre hates to say this, since he wants to like and respect Goldberg, but Goldberg let McIntyre down, and let down his own legacy. Goldberg was putting words in McIntyre’s mouth, and claimed it didn’t matter if McIntyre never said it because he claimed McIntyre was thinking. How could Goldberg know what McIntyre is thinking? Goldberg has McIntyre wrong. You give respect to get respect, that is what a WWE Champion does.

But Goldberg doesn’t know anything about that, now does he? “It is the most prestigious title there is, and it has eluded you your entire career.” So that’s why Goldberg is challenging McIntyre. McIntyre’s respect for Goldberg is keeping him from accepting this challenge. Goldberg is 20 years older than him. That’d be like Goldberg now facing Goldberg in his prime! Would Goldberg even take that fight? But then Goldberg changed McIntyre’s opinion when he shoved him. Maybe Goldberg is the one who needs a lesson in respect. And if that’s what Goldberg wants, he can try to get it at the Royal Rumble. Because now, McIntyre DOES accept the challenge. And in Goldberg’s own words, “You’re next!” Will McIntyre beat some respect into this Goldberg?

 

Matt Riddle is pumped!

He can’t wait for his match tonight, it will be absolutely incredible when he beats Bobby Lashley! It’ll be like going to your favorite pizza place, getting the fattest pizza with all the meats and cheeses, like goat cheese, buffalo cheese, parmesan, all that, and then you get the box home, open it up, take it all in and finally take a bite. Bro…! Y’know what he means? A little. Lucha House Party just figures he’s hungry. No, but yes. Riddle is using pizza as a metaphor for beating Lashley for the US Championship. Gran Metalik gets that. He and Lince Dorado wish Riddle luck tonight, because they can’t stand the Hurt Business. But watch your back, they fight dirty.

What? You can’t watch your own back, it’s just physically impossible! Riddle, it’s a saying. And you’ve got this. Good luck! Thanks, brochachos! Riddle tries to keep his head on a swivel, but will he at least keep an eye on the prize tonight?

 

Xavier Woods VS T-Bar w/ Retribution!

Kofi Kingston is home resting an injury, but the Power of Positivity will still hold it down! At least, Woods will try to as he faces the raging behemoth of Retribution! Will the numbers game come back to haunt the New Day?

Raw returns as Retribution makes their entrance. The bell rings, T-Bar and Woods circle and tie up. T-Bar headlocks, grinds Woods down, then taunts Woods with, “Where’s your friend?” Woods powers out but T-Bar runs him over! Mustafa Ali tells T-Bar to show Woods what they stand for! T-Bar grabs at Woods, Woods gets around to headlock back. T-Bar pulls hair and powers out to run Woods over! T-Bar drags Woods up to CLUB him to a corner! And then he throws in big elbows! T-Bar whips Woods corner to corner, Woods goes up but gets caught going over! Woods clubs free, shoves T-Bar and mule kicks! Woods throws hands but T-Bar shoves then CLOBBERS him! Retribution cheers as T-Bar covers, TWO!

Mustafa mocks Woods’ pain, saying it’s nothing to what they’ve felt. T-Bar drags Woods up, DECKS him with a right, then CLUBS him down! T-Bar digs a knee into Woods’ back and clamps on a chinlock. Woods endures as T-Bar thrashes him around and Mustafa talks trash on Woods having no one. The fans are on Woods’ side, though, as they clap on their screens. Woods fights up, and jawbreakers free! T-Bar shakes out the cobwebs and drags Woods up, but for another jawbreaker! Woods CHOPS T-Bar, but T-Bar knees low! Woods ends up in a corner but he boots back! And CHOPS again! And again! And again!

Woods fires off body shots and CHOPS, then whips, only for T-Bar to reverse. Woods slides under, mule kicks, but T-Bar blocks the front kick! T-Bar choke grips, shoves, but misses in the corner! He puts Woods on the apron but Woods enziguris back! Woods climbs, leaps, and missile dropkicks! T-Bar tumbles all the way out of the ring! Woods kips up, fires up and builds speed, to WRECK T-Bar with a dropkick! Woods gets T-Bar back in, throws a forearm, but has to kick at Mustafa and Mace as they creep closer. T-Bar hotshots Woods in the distraction! Mustafa tells T-bar to finish this, and he YANKS Woods into the rope again and again! Torture rack, FEAST YOUR EYES!! Cover, T-Bar wins!!

Winner: T-Bar, by pinfall

Retribution revels in the victory! Will they show all of Raw that no one can stop what’s coming?

 

Backstage interview of Randy Orton.

Sarah apologizes for disturbing him but she wanted his thoughts on HHH accepting his challenge. “Triple H and I, we go way back. He knows me better than anybody else.” In fact, early, early on, HHH knew Orton better than he knew himself. But times have changed and Orton has this newfound hatred and self-loathing. It is a very horrible thing, but because Orton embraces it, it is a good thing. Orton can direct that hate at someone else. That someone else could be HHH. Will Orton make The Game suffer for the Viper’s own failures?

 

WWE United States Championship: Bobby Lashley w/ The Hurt Business VS Matt Riddle!

The Chief Hurt Officer and MVP got a little ahead of themselves last week, thinking the Bro was beat. It may have been a technicality of the ref not being in the right place at the right time, but surely they’ll have a better business plan tonight. Will the Rocky Mountain Machine be able to keep this title one of the Hurt Business’ assets?

The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and this golden grudge match begins!

MVP talks trash and Lashley jumps Riddle before the bell! The ref backs Lashley off but this is the receipt for how Riddle went after Lashley last week! Lashley finally lets off, Riddle demands this match happen, and then Lashley CLOBBERS Riddle! Riddle gets up and NOW the bell rings, and Lashley throws more hands, then he throws Riddle! Riddle gets up but Lashley RAMS him in the corner! Lashley throws hands, the ref backs him off but Riddle comes back with hands! Lashley gets Riddle for the lifting Complete Shot to the outside! Riddle tumbles off the apron and Lashley goes out! MVP says this is Lashley giving Riddle the business!

Lashley drags Riddle up, aims but Riddle slips off to POST Lashley! The ring count is high, Riddle FINAL FLASHES Lashley back out! Then ASAI FLOATING BRO! Riddle gets Lashley up and in, ripcords but has to dodge as Lashley breaks free! Riddle springboards, but into Lashley’s arms! MILE HIGH SPINEBUSTER! Lashley stalks Riddle, and drags him up, HURT LOCK! Riddle kicks and flails like last week, but he can’t hide the tap out this time! Lashley wins!!

Winner: Bobby Lashley, by submission (still WWE United States Champion)

Turnabout is fair play, and Lashley made sure he put Riddle away. But Riddle gets the mic to call out MVP! “You like to kick ’em while they’re down, huh? I couldn’t beat Bobby Lashley tonight, but I sure as hell can beat you!” MVP can’t believe Riddle wants after him, but he goes to the ring anyway. Riddle literally asked for this, but will he regret it?

 

MVP w/ Bobby Lashley VS Matt Riddle!

Raw returns and MVP is in Riddle’s face! MVP ROCKS Riddle, Riddle throws hands back! MVP hits a knee smash, then swaggers as he goes BALLIN’~! Elbow drop! Cover, TWO! Lashley is annoyed as Riddle brawls with MVP. MVP uppercuts but Riddle ROUNDHOUSES! Riddle runs in to forearm smash, then goes side to side to forearm again! MVP fights off the Brosploder but Riddle gets around, ripcords, FINAL FLASH! Riddle goes up top, but Lashley is there, so Riddle goes down to PENALTY KICK him! Riddle goes back up, and hits the FLOATING BRO! But Lashley SPEARS Riddle!!

Winner: Matt Riddle, by disqualification

Lashley rains down more fists on Riddle and digs his forearm into Riddle’s face! The Hurt Business will not let Riddle disrespect them! Lashley drags Riddle up to hit a COMPLETE SHOT! Lashley rubs the title belt in Riddle’s face, but Riddle keeps getting up. MVP KICKS Riddle in the side! And those are pointy business shoes, not wrestling boots! Riddle writhes, but will this only make him more determined to take that title from the Hurt Business at all costs?

 

AJ Styles talks with Adam Pearce backstage.

“Who’s gonna throw me over the top rope when I’ve got Omos beside me?” And by some stroke of luck, like a genie in a bottle that grants him a wish, Pearce better use that wish to be for Roman Reigns to slip on banana peels or something, because that is the only way he’ll become WWE Universal Champion. But hey, if that happens, these two can face each other for the title at WrestleMania! Pearce appreciates that idea, but the Rumble isn’t for a few more weeks and Pearce is busy as a WWE official.

Speaking of official, Drew Gulak appears to official declare for the Men’s Royal Rumble! Now ideally, he’d want to be #30 but- But Pearce says there are only 30 entrants allowed total, equally from both Raw and SmackDown, and those are “valuable real estate.” The window for self-declaring is over, Gulak can’t get in that way. Why not? AJ Styles just did. And Styles had his WWE Championship opportunity, and blew it. Gulak, do you know why Styles can just enter himself into the Rumble? Because AJ Styles is a two-time WWE Champion. What has Gulak done? Glad you asked. Gulak has a flash drive with his credentials on it, for Pearce’s eyes only.

No, here’s a better idea. Gulak wants in, he can earn a spot. Gulak will face AJ Styles, and that’ll be next. Styles smirks as he and Omos stare Gulak down. Will Gulak be able to enter the Rumble with this phenomenal roadblock in his way?

 

Royal Rumble Qualifier Match: Drew Gulak VS AJ Styles w/ Omos!

The bell rings and Styles and Gulak cancel out dropkicks! Styles gets up first to kick Gulak more, then he CHOPS and BACKBREAKERS! Gulak staggers, Styles whips but Gulak reverses to ROCK Styles! Gulak snap suplexes, covers, ONE! Gulak keeps on Styles with a scoop and FALL AWAY BRIDGE! Cover, TWO! Gulak TIGER DRIVERS! Cover, TWO!! Styles survives again as Gulak brings out a lot in his arsenal! But Gulak brings Styles up, hoists him up top, and climbs up, but Styles fights back. Gulak throws body shots, Styles slips out and clubs Gulak on the back! Styles Electric Chair lifts, but Gulak victory rolls! TWO, backslide, TWO! PELE!!

Styles finally breathes as he has Gulak down. Gulak gets up but Styles throws strikes for the Phenomenal Blitz! BASEMENT FOREARM! Gulak flounders, Styles runs in but Gulak boots! Styles grabs it and dumps Gulak out up and over, just like a Royal Rumble elimination! Omos looms over Gulak and just the size of Omos’ boot scares Gulak! Gulak looks up at the giant that stands before him and backs away slowly. Styles is on Gulak and bounces him off the announce desk! Styles puts Gulak in, springboards, PHENOMENAL FOREARM! Cover, Styles wins!

Winner: AJ Styles, by pinfall

The Phenomenal One doesn’t know all the other entries, but we know someone who WON’T be in that match! Will Styles eliminate the other 29 men to once again be a contender?

 

WWE profiles the prolific career of Goldberg.

Unique intensity, raw, got in the ring and got the job done. An undefeated WCW World Heavyweight Champion and the crowd ate it up. Quick, intense, serious, both in and out of the ring, and absolutely iconic by the time he finally came to the WWE. Goldberg even defeated Brock Lesnar in his first match in 12 years to become a champion once again. The man, the myth, the legend, a Hall of Famer, but is he next to be WWE World Champion?

 

HHH is getting ready backstage.

Keith Lee checks in with him, and wants to have a talk. “I get it, Randy pushed some buttons.” Orton is testing legends, and he’s testing HHH’s. But ever since Keith go to the WWE, HHH was there for him. Now Keith will be there for HHH. Keith had a double header, he can make it three, because he’d love to get his hands on Orton. HHH appreciates that, but HHH has to do this. HHH made this mess, he’ll clean it up. Keith respects that, and says it’s time to play the game. HHH gets his leather jacket, but will it be game over against The Viper?

 

Nia Jax & Shayna Baszler VS Dana Brooke & Mandy Rose!

The Irresistible Force and Queen of Spades want to be WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions again, almost as badly as The Flex Appeal and Golden Gift want to have those titles just once. But they have business to settle with each other, will Nia and Shayna shred the #SexyMuscleFriends into minced meat tonight?

Raw returns, the #SexyMuscleFriends make their entrance, and they both declare for the Women’s Rumble! They vow to toss the Queen of Spades out hard, but tonight is about this match. Mandy and Shayna start, tie up, and Shayna wrenches to then sweep the legs. Shayna toys with Mandy, gets the arm again, but Mandy rolls out of the stomp to kick Shayna away! Tag to Dana, Dana ducks a kick then blocks another to headlock! Shayna powers out and Nia tags in, to run Dana over! Nia looms over Dana, drags her up, and then TOSSES her! Dana gets to a corner, Nia runs in, and corner splashes! Nia throws Dana down to cover her, TWO!

Nia keeps on Dana with an armlock and then a cobra clutch. Nia thrashes Dana around, Dana endures as Mandy rallies for her. Dana fights up, throws elbows, then jawbreakers free! Nia staggers, Shayna tags in and grabs Dana to whip her away from Mandy. Dana reverses to send Shayna out, tag to Mandy! Mandy fires off on Shayna then rallies with lariats! And a FLAPJACK! Mandy fires up more and Shayna gets up, for Mandy to power her into a corner! Mandy rams in, fires off haymakers, then runs to hit a KNEE FROM A ROSE! Cover, Nia drags Mandy out and HEADBUTTS her down! Shayna tags Nia in and she puts Mandy back in.

Nia stalks Mandy, shoves her then fireman’s carries to a SAMOAN DROP! Cover, but Dana breaks it! Shayna gets Dana in a swinging BACKBREAKER! Dana ends up in a corner, Nia whips Mandy into her, then SPLASH SANDWICHES them! Nia climbs up but Shayna tags in to put Mandy in the KIRAFUDA KLUTCH! Mandy taps, Shayna and Nia win!

Winners: Nia Jax & Shayna Baszler, by submission

Nia is a bit confused but Shayna high fives her. These two are going for all the gold, but does that mean eventually going after each other? Only the Rumble will tell.

 

Randy Orton “VS” Triple H!

This isn’t so much a match as it is a sanctioned FIGHT! The Game returns to the ring first, and then waits on Orton. Orton makes his entrance, stares HHH down the entire time, and HHH is ready to strike the second Orton gets in the ring. Orton creeps up but then backs off as HHH steps up. Orton slides in and HHH DECKS him! Orton bails out again, HHH waits and Orton returns. HHH throws hands but Orton counter punches! Orton throws hands, stomps, HHH turns things around to throw more hands! HHH ROCKS Orton, whips him, but Orton kicks him out of the spinebuster! Orton drags HHH up for HARD EuroUppers then kicks him out of the ring.

Orton throws more EuroUppers, whips, but HHH reverses and sends Orton into steel steps! HHH staggers a bit, heads after Orton, and whips him into barriers! HHH drags Orton up, bumps him off the steel steps, but Orton thumbs HHH’s eye! Orton, blood on his cheek, bumps HHH off the announce desk. HHH fights off the back suplex, to give the back suplex to the desk! HHH has Orton’s cheek blood on his head but he doesn’t care. HHH puts Orton back in the ring, and goes under the ring to bring out… THE SLEDGEHAMMER! HHH’s favorite makes its own return to Raw!

HHH glares at Orton, brings the hammer into the ring, and Orton is wiping the blood from his cheek. But the lights start going down? This can’t be, can it? HHH just ignores it to get in the ring, but the lights keep shutting off! Orton and HHH both look around for “him,” but still nothing. HHH aims with the sledgehammer and Orton dares him to, but the hammer is on fire?!? The lights continue to go out so that only the fire lights the darkness. And then, even that goes away, as HHH is taken away?! Where did he go!? What is this purple light-

Firefly Fun House plays all warped, and ALEXA BLISS is back!! Orton stares at her, and she innocently stares back. Orton looks around but “he” still isn’t here yet. Alexa steps closer, and brings up the glove that says “Pain.” A FIREBALL ATTACK?!? Orton might be blinded by the flames that hit his face!! The Viper writhes but Alexa innocently walks away! Will Orton’s eyes be alright? Will he ever wrestle again!?


My Thoughts:

Given the circumstances of McIntyre recently testing positive for COVID, and apparently very little else planned for the episode, Raw managed to be a decent show tonight. McIntyre still had good promos to address both the challenge Goldberg made and his real life situation. Of course McIntyre accepts Goldberg’s challenge, and of course Raw filled time with a recap of the great title match last week, and a Goldberg vignette. The build wasn’t going to be much more than McIntyre talking and Goldberg responding anyway since the only physicality now would be at the Royal Rumble, so nothing much changed here I think. McIntyre will Claymore COVID to the curb and he will be just fine to have the five minute slug fest that is a Goldberg match.

We got some copy-and-paste with the format of a few matches tonight, because again, not much was planned. Hardy loses to Ryker because Elias distracts, only for Elias to accept Hardy’s challenge, despite the whole point being Elias “couldn’t” wrestle because of a bad thumb. And then Hardy wins because Hardy has already beaten Elias, and because Ryker couldn’t see through Elias’ sarcastic “don’t help me.” I feel like it should’ve just been a longer match of Hardy VS Ryker to see if Ryker can actually wrestle for a long period of time, and Elias still helps him cheat Hardy. Then the format was copied as Riddle challenges for the US Championship, loses fair and square, then calls out MVP, to win by disqualification. Couldn’t it have just been an even better title match?

The one use of the double header format that worked, oddly enough, was Keith and Sheamus teaming together to have a great match with Miz and Morrison, to then have a match with each other. The commercial break somewhat ruined the set-up to the second match, though. It was clearly meant to be the friendly back slapping gets aggressive and then we get that awesome match that was really just friendly competition taken to a higher level. I appreciate that Sheamus and Keith are putting things aside as mutual friends of McIntyre’s, and they can wait to have their feud with each other for when it’ll be a bit more surprising.

Woods had a good match with T-Bar, and I think commentary introduced the new name for Dijak’s finisher, “Eyes Wide Shut,” cuz of the movie having the scene with masks and Retribution likes wearing masks. I wonder if the New Day end up allies of Ricochet’s against Retribution. That’s not a bad combination, really, and could help Retribution get in on the Raw Tag Team Championship conversation. Styles VS Gulak was a good match, but Styles was winning that, even without the stakes. And I do like the detail that someone accomplished can declare as a Rumble entrant but others must earn it. That really should be how it’s handled explicitly, not just implicitly. Though that probably goes out the window when you consider #SexyMuscleFriends declaring because they want to.

Speaking of, that was a good match of Mandy & Dana against Shayna & Nia, and it was a good detail for Shayna to want the win all to herself. She wants to be the alpha female, and that could complicate her teamwork with Nia. Charlotte VS Lacey and then Ric Flair “surprisingly” showing up was a good segment. The match itself felt a bit clunky, maybe Charlotte and Lacey still need time to mesh as opponents again. Ric turning on Charlotte and joining Lacey is an actually surprising move, and I fear what is coming considering Vince is more involved with Raw than any other brand. It’s a bit obvious the first part is Ric is attracted to Lacey and Lacey is attracted to Ric, but I’m really hoping it’s all so Lacey can get in Charlotte’s head with the tag titles as the goal.

And though the story of Randy Orton and The Fiend isn’t quite Roman Reigns levels, it is getting very good. HHH being here to reference history with Orton really worked to make up for not having McIntyre here. The promos were great, as was Keith Lee offering HHH his help, and the brawl we got was pretty good. The hammer showing up was a natural move, and it was brilliant to have it “mysteriously” catch on fire. We didn’t get The Fiend himself yet, but Alexa is clearly growing more powerful in his absence. Throwing a fireball at Orton was a great touch, too, and this is great escalation towards what has to be the next Firefly Fun House match. Orton’s eyes can even be used as to why Orton has to stay out of the Rumble and away until we’re closer to WrestleMania.

My Score: 8.1/10


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Coverage

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

Talk about a Big Time Raw!

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Will The Man be the Last Woman Standing?

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

OFFICIAL RESULTS

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

PLAY BY PLAY

Jey Uso is here!

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

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

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

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

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

 

Adam Pearce is on the phone.

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Winners: DIY, by pinfall (advance to WrestleMania)

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

 

Judgment Day meets backstage.

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

Winners: Candice LeRae & Indi Hartwell, by submission

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

 

Cody Rhodes makes his way to the ring.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

Nia Jax speaks.

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

 

Cody Rhodes returns backstage.

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

 

Dominik Mysterio w/ JD McDonagh VS Ricochet!

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

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

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

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

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

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

Winner: Ricochet, by pinfall

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

 

Sami Zayn is backstage.

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

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

 

Adam Pearce is in the ring.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

Sami confronts Gable now.

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

 

CM Punk speaks.

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

 

Drew McIntyre is here!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

Becky Lynch speaks.

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

Liv Morgan confronts Becky Lynch.

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

 

Cody walks with his dog, Pharaoh, backstage.

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

 

Last Woman Standing: Becky Lynch VS Nia Jax!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Winner: Becky Lynch

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


My Thoughts:

 


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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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