Connect with us

Coverage

Mitchell’s WWE Raw Results & Report! (2/1/21)

On this day, Raw sees clearly!

Published

on

Coverage Raw 2021

You think you know the Raw After the Rumble!

After a return through the Royal Rumble, the Rated R Superstar proved he can be an ironman! But who will Edge choose to challenge for WrestleMania?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

  • WWE United States Championship: Bobby Lashley VS Matt Riddle; Riddle wins by disqualification, Lashley retains the title.
  • Xavier Woods w/ Kofi Kingston VS Mustafa Ali w/ Retribution; Woods wins.
  • Damian Priest VS The Miz w/ John Morrison; Priest wins.
  • Raw Tag Team Championships: The Hurt Business VS Lucha House Party; The Hurt Business wins and retains the titles.
  • WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships #1 Contenders Triple Threat: Charlotte Flair & Asuka VS Dana Brooke & Mandy Rose VS Naomi & Lana; Naomi & Lana win and will challenge Nia Jax & Shayna Baszler for the titles.
  • Jeff Hardy & Carlito VS Elias & Jaxson Ryker; Hardy & Carlito win.
  • Alexa Bliss VS Nikki Cross; Bliss wins.
  • Randy Orton VS Edge; Edge wins.

PLAY BY PLAY

Ladies and gentlemen, the WWE World Champion, DREW MCINTYRE!

The Scottish Warrior still has title and sword, and is here to open Monday Night Raw! He conquered the icon, Goldberg, and now moves forward towards WrestleMania! He welcomes us to the show, and says this is no ordinary episode. “We’re taking it up a notch tonight because we are officially on the road to WrestleMania.” It started last night with the Royal Rumble, and how awesome was it? McIntyre and Goldberg went to war, McIntyre earned Goldberg’s respect and Goldberg earned his.

Then the Women’s Tag Titles, the SmackDown Women’s Championship, and that Last Man Standing was physical as hell! Bianca Belair solidified herself as the future of the WWE in the Women’s Rumble! And then the Men’s Royal Rumble, McIntyre was watching closely. But speaking of, here comes EDGE! The Rated R Superstar is the winner of that Men’s Rumble, and he is here to look his potential target in the eye! McIntyre says he was about to say Edge’s name. But where to begin? Ever since joining WWE, McIntyre had been around Edge, Edge was a mentor and always looking out for him. McIntyre was also there when Edge had to retire, and how that felt for everyone.

McIntyre also remembers Edge’s return. AJ Styles was choking McIntyre, but then “You Think You Know Me” plays and boom, Edge’s back. Edge has been incredible since then. He gets hurt, leaves, comes back again, and outlasts 29 other men, truly, to win. McIntyre is so happy and proud. Edge says he appreciates all of that, and he does really like McIntyre. But to be blunt, Edge asks, “What is wrong with you?” Edge won the Royal Rumble last night! That means Edge could challenge McIntyre for the title at WrestleMania! McIntyre won, too, and should know how much of a threat this makes Edge. But instead of attacking, he’s showering Edge with compliments?

McIntyre gets it. That’s something an opportunist would do, but that’s not what McIntyre would do. Damn right McIntyre isn’t Edge! But then here comes Sheamus! The Fella says, “Look at this! The Rated R Superstar! Congrats on the big win last night, fella!” McIntyre is showing him with respect, he should be flattered! But then Sheamus is upset because who is Edge to question McIntyre? A man who has single-handedly carried WWE through uncharted waters while Edge was nursing his triceps. McIntyre, someone who has been Sheamus’ friend for half their lives! Edge should take the high road, but Sheamus says he won’t.

McIntyre says he appreciates Sheamus backing him up but he has this. Edge has his shot at any title, so is he doing to make the decision or will McIntyre make it for him? Edge is the opportunist, and he will let us all know what he’s doing on his time. But McIntyre has a target on his back and is playing a dangerous game. Sheamus doesn’t like what Edge is implying. Edge says McIntyre will know when Edge makes his choice. But also know that when Edge makes that choice, he WILL walk out of Mania a champion once again. Will the Rated R Superstar’s ultimatum get through to McIntyre?

But then Sheamus BROGUES McIntyre!? The Celtic Warrior just betrayed a man he literally said has been his friend for half their lives! And ironically, someone had warned McIntyre not too long ago. But will we get an answer as to #WhySheamusWhy?

 

Backstage interview with Sheamus.

Why did he do that?! Sheamus says everyone is starting to see him as just “Drew McIntyre’s friend!” Sheamus doesn’t want pity, he wants to be himself AND be the WWE World Champion! Drew Gulak is there to even hand Sheamus his bags so he can leave! Will Sheamus be gone before McIntyre can find him?

 

WWE United States Championship: Bobby Lashley VS Matt Riddle!

The Chief Hurting Officer has not gotten past the Bro by any means! But going around one more time, will Lashley finally rid himself of Riddle?

The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and the rematch of the rematch begins, after the break!

Raw returns and the bell rings, and Riddle rushes Lashley! Deja vu, anyone? Lashley shoves him away, throws hands back then knees low! Lashley elbows Riddle, runs, but Riddle rocks him and fires off more hands! Riddle fires off kicks, Lashley SLAMS Riddle down! Lashley rains down fast hands and MVP says to punish him! Riddle gets ropes, Lashley lets off to bring Riddle up in a stalling suplex! Lashley waits for a count of 10 before he SLAMS Riddle down, without even falling himself! Lashley runs at Riddle at the ropes but Riddle headscissors him out! Penalty Kick rom the apron! SPRINGBOARD FLOATING BRO!

The ring count climbs, MVP hurries over but Riddle puts Lashley in. Riddle aims again, but swings into a HURT LOCK in the ropes!! The ref counts, Riddle fights using ropes, Lashley does NOT let go!! Lashley gets himself disqualified!

Winner: Matt Riddle, by disqualification (Lashley retains the US Championship)

But Lashley doesn’t care about winning or losing, just hurting! He puts Riddle back in the Hurt Lock, thrashes Riddle around, and even though Riddle taps, it doesn’t matter! Even MVP says Lashley should stop, this is too much! Lashley throws Riddle down! MVP says Lashley can hurt him, not kill him! Lashley is heated and glares at MVP, but then Lashley goes back to Riddle! The Rocky Mountain Machine is ruthless! He puts Riddle in a third Hurt Lock!! Riddle is a rag doll as Lashley TOSSES him over the barriers! The ref wants Lashley to leave, and he does, but is still dangerously angry. Will this help Lashley wreck all of Raw on the Road to WrestleMania?

 

Raw returns as medics check on Riddle.

Riddle tries to remember what happened, and then he remembers Lashley did this to him. He gets up fast but can’t stay up. He still can’t quite remember what happened, but will he be even angrier than Lashley when he finally does?

 

Randy Orton speaks.

“Edge. I gotta level with you, man, I didn’t think it was possible.” He didn’t think Edge would ever return. Not only does he return, Edge enters the Royal Rumble at #1 and wins it all! So congratulations, really! But there’s a problem here. Orton said Edge would never EVER come back, and yet here he is. So that means Orton looks like a liar! After everything Orton did for Edge, Edge makes him a liar?! Orton hit him with chairs, an RKO, a punt kick, and RKO’d Beth Phoenix, so that Edge could be a husband and father! It was out of mercy and compassion! Edge thinks he will main event WrestleMania, but here’s a secret: he wont.

And the reason Edge won’t is because he made a decision to look past Orton and what Orton’s done for Edge. There will be no mercy, compassion or main event at WrestleMania for Edge! Will there be any stopping the Viper from making Edge another victim?

 

The New Day reunites backstage!

Xavier Woods is in the best of five with Retribution but it’s time to even things up! Kofi Kingston says Mustafa Ali is out of his mind that everything in “KofiMania” should’ve been Ali’s? No way! But this is about payback! And Kofi has Woods’ back! Do you know why~? BEEeEEeeECAUSE! NEW! DAY ROCKS! Is it time for Retribution to face retribution of their own?

Xavier Woods w/ Kofi Kingston VS Mustafa Ali w/ Retribution!

Raw returns and Ali makes his entrance, but only with T-Bar and Slapjack. Ali’s message on social media is that they’re all so excited to see Kofi is back, and they are happy to have him ringside so he can watch Ali torture and break Woods! The bell rings and the two tie up. Woods powers Ali to a corner, Ali switches but Woods switches it back. Woods digs his forearms in, lets off and Ali mule kicks! The ref reprimands but Ali throws hands on Woods. Ali headlocks, Woods powers out and Woods runs Ali over! Woods clotheslines Ali out! Then PLANCHAS, but Ali dodges! Woods kicks and throws Ali into the barriers, then puts him in the ring!

T-Bar and Slapjack are lurking but Kofi has them stay back. Woods gets in and Ali hits him with a neckbreaker! Ali tells Kofi to watch as he stomps Woods down. Kofi talks trash but Ali says Kofi took opportunities from him! Ali is after Woods’ head with a rain of fists, then he drags Woods up to bump Woods off buckles. Ali digs his boot in, lets off as the ref counts, and then drags Woods back up to CHOP him! Woods shoves Ali but Ali fires off hands! Ali whips Woods corner to corner, Woods bounces off buckles, into another neckbreaker! Cover, TWO! Ali looms over Woods, drags him up to snapmare him down and into a chinlock.

Kofi coaches Woods and Woods fights his way up. Woods arm-drags free, mule kicks hard, then mule kicks again! Ali goes to a corner, runs at Woods but Woods throws haymakers! Woods CHOPS, CHOPS, haymakers, and whips. Ali reverses, Woods dodges and ducks to tilt-o-whirl and Russian Leg Sweep! Kofi fires up with Woods but Woods runs into a boot! Ali goes up and leaps but Woods denies the tornado to DISCUS LARIAT! Kofi is fired up as Woods covers, but T-Bar drags Ali away! The ref reprimands, but Kofi leaps over T-Bar to CLOBBER Slapjack! T-Bar is chasing Kofi. Ali rolls Woods, TWO! Woods has the ghost pin, Woods wins!

Winner: Xavier Woods, by pinfall

Kofi and Woods get to safety before they celebrate! Things have been tied up, but what happens in the fifth and final battle?

 

Damian Priest hangs out with Bad Bunny.

They speak Spanish as Priest explains how things could go down tonight on Miz TV. Will the Archer of Infamy have Bunny’s back with “MC M I Z” tonight?

 

Raw presents a new Miz TV!

The Miz makes his way to the ring with John Morrison, and they welcome us to the Most Must-See WWE Talk Show in WWE, and this is a historic one tonight! The Rumble is over, we’re on the Road to WrestleMania! History was made as both Bianca Belair and Edge won the Rumble matches, McIntyre beat Goldberg, and there are new WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions. But the star of the night was the international megastar, Bad Bunny, and his great performance. His music inspires the world to get up and have a good time! So welcome the MTV VMA winner, Bad Bunny!

Miz and Morrison do their best to dance like Bunny and Booker T in the music video of that song as Bunny makes his way to the ring. Miz and Morrison are hyped to see him again, even after everything that happened. Bunny takes a seat, has his custom mic, and Miz thanks “Mr. Bunny” for being here. They’re going to clear the air over the misunderstandings. For anyone who missed anything from the Royal Rumble, here is a highlight reel! From Bunny performing his hit track, “Booker T,” with Booker on stage, to the sales pitch from Miz and Morrison that was rejected, to then Miz taking that out on Bunny’s DJ rig!

Of course, Bunny retaliated with help from his new pal, Damien Priest! Miz says they both did things they regret, and two wrongs don’t make a right. Both can be bigger men about this, so Miz wants to apologize. Bunny says that’s fine, and accepts it. What about Bunny to them? Hmm… No, he can’t think of anything. Really? Not even costing Miz and Morrison their chance at a Mania main event? Well, Miz heard from a little birdie that Bunny’s dream is to be a superstar. He has come to the right place! Many stars under Miz’s learning tree have had amazing careers!

Miz took the B Plus Player, Daniel Bryan, and made him into the beloved, international star and WrestleMania main eventer he is today! Imagine what they could do for Bunny! They could be movie stars! Red carpets and private jets! They could mentor Bunny in becoming a WWE superstar. He just needs to help them get a recording session. Grammy’s and Slammy’s! Morrison does his best freestyle, but Bunny tells them they’re… “Special.” He is still not interested. Esta loco?! He doesn’t apologize, he disrespects them! Does he know who he is talking to?! He is talking to The Miz and Morrison, not J Lo and Shakira!

Bunny knows who they are, but he is here because a good friend wanted to be on Miz TV. And that friend is the Archer of Infamy! Damian Priest takes aim and heads to the ring! Priest eliminated Miz and Morrison, and now he’s here to DECK Miz! Morrison helps Miz get out of the ring and Priest high-fives Bunny! Will the A-Lister and Guru of Greatness have a response after the break?

 

Damian Priest VS The Miz w/ John Morrison!

Raw returns and Priest circles with Miz! Miz rushes in but into a bell clap,. ROUNDHOUSE, and HEEL KICK! Miz scrambles away and Morrison bails him out! Bad Bunny has a seat ringside to watch this as Priest takes aim again. Priest builds speed and FLIES! Direct hit on the Greatest Tag Team of the 21st Century! And a high five to Bunny again. Priest puts Miz in, goes back in and up a corner, for a FLYING HAYMAKER! Cover, TWO! Miz crawls, Priest stalks him to ropes, and he drags Miz up to back suplex! Miz rakes eyes to fight that off, and then he POSTS Priest! Morrison cheers Priest on and Miz drags Priest up for kicks and haymakers!

The ref counts, Miz stops and runs corner to corner to hit the A-List Lariat! Priest goes down, Morrison talks smack in Spanish, and Miz leaps to ax handle Priest down! Cover, ONE! Miz rains left fists down but Priest  pushes him away. Miz goes after Priest on ropes and chokes him! The ref counts, Miz lets off at 3 to then run and STRADDLE ATTACK! Miz stares Bunny down, Bunny gets up but Miz talks trash. Miz goes after Priest again but his kick gets punched! Priest ROCKS Miz, KICKS him, fires off more kicks then a ROLLING ELBOW! And a LARIAT! Priest fires up and Morrison panics as Priest takes aim! Priest goes corner to corner, BIG back elbow!

Priest brings Miz up and throws him with the BROKEN ARROW! Cover, TWO! Miz survives but Priest keeps his focus. Priest takes aim again, Miz slowly gets up but Morrison calls Priest out on the apron! Priest runs him off, Miz BOOTS Priest down! Morrison distracts the ref but Miz goes for the briefcase. Bunny snatches it away! No cheating on Bunny’s watch! Morrison tells Bunny to give them the briefcase back, and Bunny does, to then SUCKER PUNCH Morrison with his custom mic! Miz is furious, but he turns around into RECKONING! Cover, Priest wins!

Winner: Damian Priest, by pinfall

That is a Raw debut that will go down in infamy! Priest dropped Miz while Bunny dropped Morrison and the mic! Will this be how Priest and Bunny #LiveForever?

 

Raw Tag Team Championships: The Hurt Business VS Lucha House Party!

The Rocky Mountain Machine wrecked Riddle but now it’s on Shelton Benjamin and Cedric Alexander to do the same to Gran Metalik and Lince Dorado. Will the business stay strong? Or will these tag titles become #LuchaLit?

MVP is on commentary to briefly touch on not Lashley’s wrath but Bunny being in the wrong place. But he does apologize, he knew Lashley was going to unleash something, but not like that. As for this match, the introductions are made, the titles are raised, and we see if the Gold Standard and “Prime” Alexander can do the same to the King of the Ropes and the Golden Lynx!

Benjamin and Lince start, Lince gets around to kick and throw hands! Lince runs but Benjamin runs him over! Benjamin TOSSES Lince across the way, then drags him up to bring him around for a back suplex. Lince make sit a sunset flip, Benjamin stays up so Lince kangaroo kicks! Lince runs, QUEBRADA, but Benjamin gets under! Metalik tags in, Lince BOOTS Benjamin, and then Lince gives Metalik a boost for a FLYING- NO! Benjamin blocks the Rana to bring Metalik up, but Metalik still RANAS anyway! Metalik CHOPS Benjamin, goes up and up, but leaps into an OLYMPIC SLAM! Cover, TWO!

Benjamin tags Alexander, the Business CLOBBERS Metalik, and Alexander covers, TWO! Alexander toys with Metalik, throws forearms, then runs, into a dropkick! Metalik tags Lince, LHP double whip Alexander to a corner. Metalik hits a clothesline, Lince hits a windmill kick! Benjamin gets in to brawl with Metalik, but Lince dropkicks him! The Business regroups, MVP wants them to get it together, but they both get handspring heel kicks! MVP is not happy and Raw goes to break!

Raw returns and Alexander brawls with Lince! Lince throws haymakers then CHOPS, but runs into a SCOOP DRIVER! Cover, TWO! MVP is proud of the pitbull and tells Alexander to stay on him. Alexander KICKS Lince and MVP claps more. Alexander tags Benjamin while digging forearms into Lince’s face, then Benjamin rocks Lince to scoop and slam him! Benjamin scoop slams again, then covers, TWO! Benjamin sits Lince up to put on a chinlock but Lince endures. Lince fights up, throws body shots, and jawbreakers free! Lince runs, dodges and wheelbarrows, to GOLDEN REWIND! Cover, ONE, and Benjamin fireman’s carries for a GUTBUSTER! Cover, TWO!!

Tag to Alexander, he drags Lince up and snap suplexes him hard! Cover, TWO! Alexander pats Lince’s head, tags Benjamin back in and the Business mugs Lince. Benjamin throws crossface forearms to put Lince in a corner, and then he throws knees in! The ref backs Benjamin off, Lince grabs Benjamin for headscissors, but Benjamin blocks those to throw knees! Benjamin pops Lince up but Lince hits a DDT! Both Lince and Benjamin are down, MVP admits that was good, but Benjamin tags in Alexander. Alexander drags Lince from Metalik, flips Lince but Lince lands on his feet! DROPSAULT and hot tag to Metalik!

Metalik springboards to crossbody Alexander! And KICK Benjamin! Alexander hits and whips but Metalik handsprings! Things keep moving, Metalik rebound arm-drags Alexander then mule kicks! Metalik walks the corner to FLYING RANA! Alexander flounders, MVP freaks out as Lince FLIES onto Benjamin! Benjamin catches Lince, but Metalik DIVES to tip them over! Metalik KICKS Alexander, springboards in but Alexander fireman’s carries! GUT- No! Metalik makes the buster a cradle! TWO!! Metalik BOOTS Alexander and brings him around for a SLING DOG! Tag to Lince, Lince goes up then tags back to Metalik! FROG SPLASH to SPRINGBOARD SWANTON! Cover, Benjamin breaks it!!

Lince is after Benjamin., he shoves Lince but Lince boots back! Lince goes up but Benjamin KNEES Him down! Metalik whips Benjamin, but Benjamin reverses and Alexander KNEES Metalik down! Alexander fires up and says he’s done playing games! But Benjamin tags in!? PAYDIRT!! Cover, The Hurt Business wins!

Winners: The Hurt Business, by pinfall (still Raw Tag Team Champions)

Well, as far as Alexander is concerned, he won this match for them! But a win is a win, and that’s what matters! The Hurt Business still has the gold, and are still united. Will things stay that way as Raw rolls towards WrestleMania?

 

Backstage interview Charlotte Flair & Asuka.

What are the former champions’ mindsets going into the Triple Threat contender match, after Ric Flair and Lacey Evans cost them? Lacey may think she’s learning how to play dirty, but she knows what will happen to her when she gets in the ring with Charlotte. But Charlotte still feels bad for messing up last night, letting down Asuka, and letting that drama get in the way. Asuka will speak for herself on this. Asuka isn’t happy they lost, but she herself was ready! If it wasn’t for Ric and that woman, they would’ve won. They agree on that. They only want to get those tag titles back now! With that, The Queen makes her entrance! Will she and the Empress take that step back towards the Women’s Tag Division thrones?

WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships #1 Contenders Triple Threat: Charlotte Flair & Asuka VS Dana Brooke & Mandy Rose VS Naomi & Lana!

Raw returns and Asuka makes her entrance. Then the #SexyMuscleFriends enter, followed by the Ravishing Russian and The Glow. The teams sort out, and in this Triple Threat, only two teams are in. Charlotte and Naomi start, tie up, and Charlotte headlocks. Naomi powers out, things speed up and Charlotte runs Naomi over! Charlotte runs, Naomi splits but Charlotte shows off a handspring! Naomi still runs at her, then dropkicks cancel out! Both women kip up and the champs are backstage watching. Naomi waistlocks, Charlotte elbows out, then runs, but Mandy tags in! Naomi runs but Asuka tags in, they cancel out dropkicks! Asuka avoids the knee, victory rolls, TWO!

Asuka and Mandy run, Dana and Lana tag in off them! Lana and Dana rush each other, Dana dodges kicks but so does Lana! Lana rolls Dana, ONE! Dana kicks low, whips Lana to a corner, then handsprings in to back elbow! Tag to Mandy and the Sexy Muscle Friends combine for a KNEE FROM A ROSE! Cover, Asuka breaks it! Asuka fires off on Mandy, Mandy ducks a kick and CLOBBERS Asuka in return! Mandy DECKS Naomi for good measure, then brings Asuka over to tag in Dana. The Sexy Muscle Friends whip Asuka, and double flapjack! Mandy DECKS Charlotte for good measure before she and Dana show that #FlexAppeal, and Raw goes to break!

Raw returns and Dana goes after Charlotte in the one open corner. Dana then handsprings but Charlotte CLOBBERS her! Cover, TWO! Charlotte drags Dana into a headscissors hold and jams her over and over into the mat! Then Charlotte throws Dana hard! Dana tags in Mandy, Mandy runs but into a waistlock. Mandy elbows out, Shayna and Nia aren’t impressed, but Mandy whips Charlotte to a corner. Charlotte goes up and out, shoulders in then slingshots to a roll up, ONE! Charlotte BOOTS Mandy down! Mandy scrambles to the open corner, dodges Charlotte to then stomp away! Mandy lets off, throws haymakers, then brings Charlotte over to tag in Dana.

Sexy Muscle Friends snapmare and handspring splash! Cover, TWO! Dana rains down rights on Charlotte, Charlotte fights her way up but Dana puts her in the corner. Charlotte fights back but Dana ROCKS her, CHOPS her, and repeat! Charlotte shoves Dana, BOOTS her, but Dana comes back with fire! Tag to Mandy, she and Dana double suplex Charlotte but Charlotte slips out to tag in Asuka! Charlotte DOUBLE LARIATS the Sexy Muscle Friends, then Asuka runs them over with shoulders! Asuka runs to HIP ATTACK Mandy, and then GERMAN SUPLEXES! Asuka keeps moving, SLIDING WIZARD! Cover, TWO!

Asuka says that’s not all, she goes to a corner and climbs up. Asuka leaps, to missile dropkick Mandy! But Mandy ends up in a corner, Lana tags in! Charlotte tags in off Asuka, DECKS Lana then DECKS Naomi! Charlotte clubs Lana, covers, TWO! Another cover, ONE! Charlotte taunts Lana to reach for Naomi, then wraps on a chinlock. Lana endures, fights up, but Charlotte throws her down! Charlotte stares down Naomi, drags Lana up and reels her in to lift, but Lana fights the bomb to LANA RANA! Lana tags in Naomi! Naomi rallies on Charlotte with big clotheslines and elbows! And a flying JAWBREAKER!

Naomi fires off forearms with fury, whips Charlotte to ropes, then dodges to springboard, FLYING CHUCK! Cover, TWO!! Charlotte survives but Naomi tags Lana in. They coordinate and have Charlotte on ropes, Lana hits a DOUBLE KNEE! Lana brings Charlotte around, ROCKS her then runs, but into a BOOT! Charlotte gets the legs, but no Figure Four! KNEE FROM A ROSE! Naomi gives Mandy an ENZIGURI! Dana hits a ROLLING NECKBREAKER on Naomi! CODE BREAKER from Asuka to Dana! NATURAL SELECTION for Dana! But here come Ric and Lacey!!

The Nature Boy and Sassy Southern Belle strut about but Charlotte doesn’t care. She tags to Asuka so she can handle this herself. Asuka isn’t so sure, but Naomi hits a REAR VIEW! Cover, Naomi and Lana win!!

Winners: Naomi & Lana, by pinfall (NEW #1 Contenders to the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships)

Charlotte doesn’t even seem to care! But now the #RavishingGlow has a shot at the gold! Will Lana and Naomi make Nia and Shayna pay for trying to rip Lana apart?

 

Backstage interview with Drew McIntyre.

This has been a whirlwind 24 hours. We learned Edge will challenge for a title, but then Sheamus betrays McIntyre, and with no explanation other than jealousy! How is he feeling? McIntyre says he will still be honored to face Edge at WrestleMania. As for Sheamus, families fight all the time, and they’ve fought more times than he can count. That Brogue was different. He isn’t sure what to say. But McIntyre says if Sheamus is willing to throw away 20 years, the ups, the downs and becoming men together, or even having Christmas at a diner when there was no one else, all because of the title, then so be it. If Sheamus wants a fight, McIntyre will give him a fight. When and where will we see the Celtic and Scottish Warriors go to war?

 

Jeff Hardy & Carlito VS Elias & Jaxson Ryker!

The Charismatic Enigma and Caribbean Cool combine forces to see if they can rock The Drifter and his follower! Will these classics make Elias #DriftAway?

The teams sort out, Carlito starts against Elias and they circle. They tie up, Elias pulls Carlito’s hair and puts him in a corner. The ref counts, Elias lets off to wrench an arm, then whip. Carlito elbows back, wrenches Elias in return, and wristlocks. Elias swings but into a half nelson then a spin and then another spin for a snapmare. Cover, ONE, but Carlito is right on Elias with another wrench and a YANK of the arm! Tag to Hardy, Hardy hits an ax handle on Elias’ arm, then wrenches. Elias knees low, tags to Ryker, and Ryker runs into an atomic drop! Hardy trips Ryker to drop the legs and hit a basement dropkick! Splash down, cover, ONE!

Hardy clamps onto Ryker’s arm, wrenches, and keeps Ryker from Elias. Ryker pulls hair, tags Elias, and Elias wrenches Hardy. Hardy wrenches back, wrenches again, CLUBS the arm then whips Elias into the corner, Elias slips away, Ryker swipes at Hardy, and Elias CLOBBERS Hardy! Elias stomps Hardy, the ref backs him off but not for long. Elias puts Hardy in the corner, throws forearms, tags Ryker, and they mug Hardy with body shots. Ryker bumps Hardy off buckles, covers, TWO! Ryker drags Hardy up, reel shim in, and suplexes high and hard! Cover, TWO! Ryker keeps Hardy from Carlito, Elias tags in and throws more hands.

Elias whips Hardy and elbows him hard at ropes! “Who wants to walk with Elias?!” Elias then bends Hardy back against ropes! The ref counts, Elias lets off, but the ref keeps his eye son Ryker. Elias keeps Hardy from Carlito and CLUBS him down! Elias drags Carlito up, then SUCKER PUNCHES Carlito! Elias throws Hardy to the corner, the ref keeps Carlito back but then makes sure Ryker doesn’t do anything. Elias whips Ryker in to RAM Hardy! Ryker feeds Hardy to Elias’ SIT-OUT CHOKE SLAM! Cover, TWO! Elias talks smack on Hardy, drags him back up, and scoops him for a slam!

Tag to Ryker, he goes up top and talks smack on Carlito, only for his falling headbutt to FLOP! Hardy crawls away, Ryker hurries after, but Hardy spin back kicks him away! Tag to Carlito! Carlito rallies on Ryker, whips him to ropes and hits a kick to a knee lift! Carlito keeps moving but Ryker dodges, only to get a dropkick! Carlito kips up! Carlito whips again, but Ryker throws him down on the mat! Tag to Elias, Elias swings but Carlito dodges to ROCK Ryker! Elias rolls Carlito up, TWO!! Carlito escapes, and escapes the back suplex to hit a BACKSTABBER! Tag to Hardy and Hardy goes up! Carlito WRECKS Ryker with a dropkick, Hardy SWANTON BOMBS! Cover, Hardy & Carlito win!

Winners: Jeff Hardy & Carlito, by pinfall

Now that was cool! Will this be the beginning of an even cooler tag team partnership?

 

Edge speaks.

“I’m torn today. On one hand, I am ecstatic because i won the Royal Rumble.” He came back from a torn triceps to outlast 29 other superstars, bell to bell. “But on the other hand, there’s always this black cloud,” and it hangs over his head and his family’s head. That cloud is Randy Orton. Last night, Orton was also in the Rumble. He could’ve gone bell to bell like Edge but he didn’t. Orton claimed a knee injury, came back to pounce, but it didn’t work! That is what all of this is about, right? Orton says it’s about love, but quit spitting that crap! This is jealousy because Orton isn’t the man Edge is, and that kills him inside.

So of course Orton challenges Edge after Edge got all beat up. But Edge will still take this match, and will finally put Orton in the rear view. Edge has to get out from under that cloud to get into the main event of WrestleMania to take back the title he never lost! But Orton can’t understand that, can he? Tonight, Edge gets closure for himself, for his little girls and why he couldn’t help them to bed or play soccer with them! Tonight, this ends! One way or another, Rated R Superstar VS The Viper ends, but who will have the last victory?

 

Edge comes across Damian Priest backstage.

Edge says Priest did a good job last night at the Rumble, and looks forward to Priest’s future. Quite the endorsement for the Archer of Infamy!

 

Alexa Bliss VS Nikki Cross!

Speaking of going around one more time, Twisted Lil’ Bliss “reunites” with her former best friend and teammate in the Twisted Sister! But will Nikki be better prepared for the schemes and tricks Alexa has up her proverbial sleeves?

Raw returns and Nikki makes her entrance. She rushes the ring but waits on Alexa. Alexa stops playing in the ropes and the bell rings, and Nikki rushes Alexa! Alexa dodges, smooths her hair and skirt out and Nikki shouts, “What do you want from me?!” They were best friends but now they want nothing to do with each other, so what is this? Is this Alexa now? Good for her! Wanna fight? Let’s go! They tie up, Nikki headlocks, then hits a takeover. Alexa moves around, Nikki shouts Alexa’s nothing to her now, but Alexa headscissors out. Nikki moves around, pops free, but Alexa just sits there and smiles. Nikki drags her up and bumps her off buckles!

Nikki throws Alexa down, kicks and headbutts then whips Alexa to CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO! Nikki is still upset with Alexa because they were done. Alexa couldn’t just leave well enough alone. Nikki puts Alexa in the corner, CLUBS her, then RAMS her! Nikki brings Alexa around to a snap suplex! Cover, TWO! Nikki gets her own crazy smile as she brings Alexa up but Alexa jawbreakers and SLAPS Nikki, then DECKS her! Alexa mocks Nikki with her frantic flailing, then covers, TWO! Alexa is annoyed, covers again, ONE! She gets up, straightens up but Nikki shoves her! Alexa dropkicks Nikki down and then stands on her at the ropes. Alexa brings back the skateboard stomps!

The ref counts, Alexa stops at 4, then dribbles Nikki off the mat. Alexa giggles as she does it again! Alexa then mockingly lines up the shot, to do some hop scotch before she KICKS Nikki in the side! Cover, TWO! Alexa drags Nikki around to wrap her into a body scissors! Nikki endures the squeeze, pries at the hold, but Alexa tries to add a sleeper. Nikki fights her off, is free, but Alexa goes right after her again. Nikki elbows but Alexa clamps on! But Nikki fights off Sister Abigail to a straitjacket neckbreaker! And a senton! Nikki runs at Alexa in the corner to stomp away! The ref backs Nikki off, but Alexa has transformed back to the old Alexa!

Alexa asks what’s wrong. She and Nikki circle, but Nikki doesn’t want to play these games. Alexa is confused, it’s her! Hug? Nikki BOOTS Alexa then reels her in for a LARIAT! Nikki whips, splashes Alexa down, but then the transformation happens and we’re back to Fun House Alexa! Nikki is starting to doubt what she’s seeing! Alexa dusts herself off, smiles and poses, but Nikki runs in, only for Alexa to run her over! Alexa mocks Nikki, catches her and spins her, for the Sister- No, SIDEWINDER DDT! Cover, Alexa wins!

Winner: Alexa Bliss, by pinfall

Alexa puts her own twist on Sister Abigail, after having twisted Nikki’s mind! And she’s still all smiles and sunshine as she skips up the ramp. But here comes RANDY ORTON! The Viper and Alexa meet at the ramp, but they both let the other pass. Will Orton worry more about that twisted tale after he writes this next chapter with Edge?

Randy Orton VS Edge!

Raw returns and Edge makes his entrance. Edge gets in the ring, the ref keeps Orton back, and the bell rings! Edge runs and CROSSBODIES Orton! And rains down furious fists! Orton gets away but Edge BOOTS him! Cover, ONE! Edge aims, knee lifts Orton, then covers again! TWO, but Edge just grits his teeth. Edge drags Orton up, arm-head triangles but Orton fights it off! Orton pulls hair to stop the #AntiVenom then he trips Edge up! Orton is furious now, drags Edge up and clinches him for EuroUppers! Edge flounders to a corner, Orton stomps him down, then digs his boots into the ribs! The ref counts, Orton stops at 4, but he drags Edge back up.

Orton pushes Edge against buckles, throws haymakers, then scrapes his laces on Edge’s face! Orton drags Edge back up, Edge hits back with haymakers, but Orton kicks low. Orton throws more EuroUppers, chokes Edge on the ropes, but the ref counts. Orton stops at 4, watches Edge flop down, then drags him up again. Edge reverses the whip, and hits the EDGE-ECUTION! Cover, TWO!! Orton survives but Edge goes to a corner. Edge aims at Orton, runs at him, but into a SPINNING POWERSLAM! Orton pushes Edge and brings him up, to POST him! Edge flops down, Orton scrapes him off the apron, then goes out after him.

Orton paces, looms over Edge, then drags him up to whip him into steel steps! Edge is down and in trouble as Raw goes to one more break!

Raw returns again and Orton is clubbing Edge around the ring with EuroUppers! Edge flounders, Orton DECKS him, then drags him around to stomp him! Orton dares Edge to get up while he paces about. Edge uses the corner to stand but Orton throws haymakers. Orton throws more haymakers, Edge keeps staggering about but then Edge DECKS Orton back! Both men are down but rising again. Edge runs but Orton does, too, and double clotheslines take them down! Edge crawls to cover, TWO! Both men crawl, and Edge goes to a corner again. Edge drags himself up, and climbs up?! Orton stops Edge with a haymaker!

Orton throws more hands, climbs up to join Edge, and brings Edge up. Edge resists, fights back by going after Orton’s bad leg, then throws forearms! Orton ROCKS Edge right back! Orton climbs back up, brings Edge up, but Edge fights back again! Edge headbutts and DECKS Orton! Edge adjusts and leaps, FLYING CLOTHESLINE! Both men are down, Edge crawls again for another cover, TWO! Orton is still in this but both he and Edge rise up again. Orton goes for an RKO but gets an EDGE O’MATIC! Cover, TWO!! Orton survives getting caught off guard and both men are down again!

Orton goes to an apron, drags himself up, and Edge is doing the same on the opposite side. Edge runs over and BLASTS Orton off to the barriers! The ring count begins as Orton is down, and is already to 5 of 10. Edge goes out to fetch Orton, not wanting this to end on a ring count. He puts Orton in, hurries after Orton, but Orton rolls all the way back out. Orton stays standing by leaning on the apron, but Edge heads over. Orton goes to the announce desk, and he pokes Edge in the eye! Orton gives Edge an ANNOUNCE DESK BACK SUPLEX! The ring count is climbing, Orton drags Edge up off the desk, to put Edge in at 7.

Orton slithers behind Edge, Edge crawls to the far side, but Orton grabs his legs! ROPE GUILLOTINE! Edge sputters but Orton drags Edge up through the ropes now! DRAPING DDT! But Orton isn’t done there, he’s starting to hear the voices in his head! Orton wants Edge to stand, but wait. ALEXA IS BACK! Orton turns around to see her on the top corner, and she’s drooling… Blood?! Ink? What is it? EDGE SPEARS ORTON!! Cover, Edge wins!!

Winner: Edge, by pinfall

What a twisted assist from Lil’ Miss Bliss! The Rated R Superstar is rolling towards WrestleMania, but who will he choose? And as for Orton, is he going to be haunted forever by Alexa and “him?”


My Thoughts:

For Raw being rather lacking the last few weeks, this was a great Raw to follow the Rumble! Though, not as great as it could have been. I like that we were getting both the US Championship and Raw Tag Team Championships in one night, but we got a bit cheated on the US Championship. Lashley VS Riddle Round 3 should’ve been way more than Lashley getting himself disqualified. Looking at the way these matches have gone, I feel like they’re out of order. This finish should’ve been how the second one went, after Riddle found a sneaky way to tap out without getting caught. Then they’d get a clean finish for the third round, aka tonight. Clearly Vince wants to stretch things out a little longer, which is probably fine with COVID concerns back again and quite a few stars out for now.

If Edge does choose Raw’s Drew McIntyre, I can see the Elimination Chamber giving us something for the US Championship, and that is how Riddle finally wins the belt. And I think Edge is choosing Raw because Raw needs him back for ratings. McIntyre being betrayed by Sheamus tonight was inevitable, but this was too soon. They should’ve at least waited until Keith Lee was back so he could also say “I told you so” during the show. But McIntyre VS Sheamus can still happen at Elimination Chamber outside of the Chamber, or even on Raw to get Raw the ratings it needs. McIntyre can even go a couple rounds with Sheamus since there’s a lot of time before Mania.

The Raw Tag Team Championship match was a lot of fun, too, and it was smart story wise for Benjamin to snatch victory from Alexander. Turnabout is fair play, Alexander admits to it and for now, Hurt Business is sticking together. There’s a lot of build for Mania to go, and after seeing the pretty good return match for Carlito, I kinda want to see him and Hardy be a team for right now over the #HardyBros of Jeff and Riddle. Woods VS Ali was good, and could be even better, but if Kofi is cleared soon, a tag match of New Day VS Retribution’s Ali and T-Bar would be my bet. That should be when T-Bar gets to show off his Dijak powers to give us an amazing match.

The Women’s Tag Team Triple Threat was very good, but the story of Lacey, Ric and Charlotte made it sadly clear Asuka was losing. Naomi and Lana win, but that does make for good story. Lana was meant to have the title match with Asuka at TLC, Jax and Shayna took her out of it, now they’ll have to face Lana after all. Charlotte VS Lacey is clear but Asuka’s path isn’t. I hope Vince hasn’t gotten bored of her or whatever, she was an MVP of the Empty Arena Era, and has continued to be a very strong part of things in the days of ThunderDome. Asuka should get a Chamber match and a big win to make up for a lot of what’s been going on.

Damian Priest’s call-up to Raw is great, though I feel like he would’ve been better off on SmackDown overall. But between going against Miz and Morrison via a story with Bad Bunny might actually be a good sign of where he’s heading. Though part of that might be to a tag match with Bunny as his partner. But if Riddle doesn’t get the US Championship, I feel like Priest could pop right into that. Alexa VS Nikki was a lot of fun, especially the mind games of normal Alexa returning, but Nikki not falling for it because she saw that before. Alexa still wins and could go into that Raw Women’s Championship scene by default, just to keep someone else from winning it off Asuka.

Edge VS Orton was a great part of tonight, too. It wasn’t quite the blow-off they were meant to have in 2020, but it was still a very, very good main event. Alexa having a part to play on behalf of The Fiend was also good, and it just made sense since we didn’t get any of that at the Rumble. Edge wins to keep his momentum going, and while I said he’s surely choosing Raw, I do want him to at least make it seem like he could choose SmackDown. He should show up on Friday to say hey to everyone, confront Roman verbally, make Roman consider the possibility of a Spear VS Spear match, but then ultimately choose Raw. It’s just logical writing for a Rumble winner. Which also means Bianca Belair should visit Raw at least once to tease that, too.

My Score: 8.8/10


Powered by RedCircle


Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!

Coverage

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

Talk about a Big Time Raw!

Published

on

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; wins and advance to WrestleMania.
  • Last Woman Standing: Becky Lynch VS Nia Jax; wins.

PLAY BY PLAY

Jey Uso is here!

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

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

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

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

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

 

Adam Pearce is on the phone.

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Winners: DIY, by pinfall (advance to WrestleMania)

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

 

Judgment Day meets backstage.

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

Winners: Candice LeRae & Indi Hartwell, by submission

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

 

Cody Rhodes makes his way to the ring.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

Nia Jax speaks.

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

 

Cody Rhodes returns backstage.

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

 

Dominik Mysterio w/ JD McDonagh VS Ricochet!

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

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

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

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 holdrs 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.

 


Powered by RedCircle


Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!
Continue Reading

Coverage

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


Powered by RedCircle


Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!
Continue Reading

Sports

Entertainment

Sports Entertainment

Buy A Chairshot T-Shirt!

Chairshot Radio Network

Trending

WP Twitter Auto Publish Powered By : XYZScripts.com