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Mitchell’s WWE Raw Results & Report! (2/15/21)

Raw has a high stakes gauntlet!

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Coverage Raw 2021

The last Raw before Elimination Chamber throws down the gauntlet!

Before defending his WWE World Championship inside the Elimination Chamber, Drew McIntyre and his challengers will run the gauntlet!

OFFICIAL RESULTS

  • Six Man Tag: Matt Riddle & Lucha House Party VS The Hurt Business; Riddle & Lucha House Party win.
  • WWE 24/7 Championship Interview Interception: R-Truth VS Akira Tozawa; Tozawa wins and becomes the new WWE 24/7 Champion.
  • WWE 24/7 Championship Instant Karma: Akira Tozawa VS Bad Bunny w/ Damian Priest; Bunny wins and becomes the new WWE 24/7 Champion.
  • Charlotte Flair & Asuka VS Peyton Royce & Lacey Evans w/ Ric Flair; No Contest.
  • WWE World Championship Elimination Chamber Final Spot: Kofi Kingston VS The Miz; Kofi wins and joins the WWE World Championship Elimination Chamber match.
  • Lana w/ Naomi VS Shayna Baszler w/ Nia Jax; Shayna wins.
  • Gauntlet Match: Sheamus wins and enters the WWE World Championship Elimination Chamber match last.

PLAY BY PLAY

Raw presents an all new Miz TV!

Mr. Money in the Bank and one of the entrants in tonight’s Gauntlet Match heads to the ring, but John Morrison is conspicuous by his absence. Even so, the Hollywood A-Lister welcomes us back to the Most Must-See WWE Talk Show in History, and explains that tonight’s guest defends the WWE World Championship inside the Elimination Chamber! Please welcome the Scottish Warrior, Drew McIntyre! The sword plunges in and sets off the fire before McIntyre goes to the ring. Miz says he’ll let him be, even though he has his MITB contract briefcase on-hand. McIntyre joins Miz in the ring for the rest of the pyro to go off, and Miz asks if he can call Drew “Andy.”

Miz apologizes for Morrison’s absence, Morrison is busy making a Bad Bunny diss track. And this Sunday is Elimination Chamber. McIntyre has beaten the lines of Brock Lesnar, Goldberg, Seth Rollins, and Randy Orton, but this time he will face FIVE former WWE Champions, Miz included, all at the same time. Has McIntyre realized, statistically speaking, his Road to WrestleMania could end Sunday? Miz cuts McIntyre off by saying he’d be panicking! How does McIntyre remain focused when two week sago, his best friend, Sheamus, stopped watching his back and stabbed him in the back!

But Sheamus wasn’t really “Andy’s” best friend, he was waiting for a chance to strike. McIntyre let his guard down, and BAM, BROGUE! But #WhySheamusWhy? That is the mystery, solved by Sheamus challenging McIntyre for a title match! The stage was set, McIntyre VS Sheamus for the WWE World Championship, Elimination Chamber PPV! But then management had different plans, didn’t they? McIntyre goes to speak but Miz says he would be SO upset! He’d be FURIOUS! Miz would want to rip someone’s head off! Not only was McIntyre robbed of proving Sheamus wrong for betraying him, but now he has five challengers chomping at the bits-

McIntyre shouts “WOULD YOU SHUT THE HELL UP!?” Miz apologizes to McIntyre, and was simply setting up how tonight’s Gauntlet- McIntyre tells Miz to shut up. If he interrupts again, Miz will regret it. McIntyre is sick and tired- Miz is sick and tired, too! He just th- GLASGOW KISS! And McIntyre TOSSES the MITB briefcase once again! Clearly, the Scottish Warrior is ready to ear people’s heads off, just as Miz said. But is McIntyre going to do that to his five opponents in the gauntlet?

Miz says a little bit of pressure, and we’re seeing McIntyre start to crack. How can you blame “Andy,” though? He has to defeat FIVE top tier superstars just to get to WrestleMania. But y’know who doesn’t have any pressure on him? The Miz. Because The Miz brings the pressure in the form of his MITB contract! And before he was rudely interrupted, he was going to tell “Andy” that there are so many variables that something could go wrong for McIntyre’s reign. But Miz only needs one thing to go right and he will cash in! Understand that just because Miz is saying he’s going to cash in doe snot mean he will! Miz is thinking on a completely different level than anyone can even fathom because he is a master strategist!

Miz wants every single superstar, vying for either World or Universal Championship, to be on notice and hear his footsteps coming! Miz is adding to the pressure and is in control! And when the dust settles, whether the WWE World or Universal Championship, when Miz cashes in, he will be standing THE champion, “content being awesome!” Edge wants to talk high stakes poker? Here’s a move for you: Miz is removing himself FROM the Elimination Chamber match!! What?! So now there is an opening in that match, just six days away?! Who gets in on this huge opportunity Miz is giving the roster?

 

Six Man Tag: Matt Riddle & Lucha House Party VS The Hurt Business!

Before being part of the United States Championship Triple Threat with Keith Lee and champion, Bobby Lashley, The Bro and his amigos take on MVP, Shelton Benjamin & Cedric Alexander together! Will Riddle prove to be a problem rolling into the PPV? Will Gran Metalik & Lince Dorado prove they’re worthy of another Raw Tag Team Championship opportunity? Or will Bobby Lashley’s associates make sure he has one less challenger to worry about this Sunday?

Riddle talks with LHP backstage. What better way to ring in his championship opportunity than to stick it to the Hurt Business tonight? But who is your favorite president? Abraham Lincoln, Vampire Hunter? Or Teddy Bro-sevelt, cuz that stache is sweet. Or, Harrison Ford! He saved Chewbacca! Lince and Metalik say all the presidents are #LuchaLit, but it’s time to get it! #LuchaBroParty go to the ring, the teams sort out and the Golden Lynx starts with the Gold Standard. They tie up, Benjamin kicks low then clubs Lince to whip him to ropes. Benjamin runs him over with a shoulder then stomps him around.

Benjamin puts Lince in the corner, stomps away, then tags in Alexander. Alexander throws haymakers while Lashley watches backstage. Alexander brings Lince up to snap suplex hard, then covers. TWO, but Alexander taunts “kitty cat” and stomps him. Alexander brings Lince up to DECK him, then covers, TWO! MVP says Alexander needs to stay on Lince to wear him out. Alexander throws more forearms, wrenches Lince to a hammerlock, and grinds Lince down. Lince fights up to flying-mare, then he runs. Springboard, and Lince clips Alexander to then dropkick him down! Tag to Metalik, and he gets a boots from Lince for the crossbody!

Metalik drags Alexander up, Alexander mule kicks and whips. Metalik springboards to elbow Alexander out! Benjamin runs in but is also sent out! Riddle kicks at Benjamin but Benjamin blocks to trip him up! Lince DIVES but Benjamin catches him to TOSS him! Alexander ROCKS Metalik and the Hurt Business is in charge as Raw goes to break!

Raw returns and Alexander dropkicks Metalik! Cover, TWO! Alexander keeps on Metalik as he wrenches and hooks him up for a modified cobra twist. Metalik endures, Alexander makes it a cover, TWO! Alexander drags Metalik over, tags in Benjamin, and Benjamin stomps Metalik. Benjamin whips and shoulder tackles Metalik to send him flying! MVP tags in, he covers, TWO! MVP covers again, TWO! Again, TWO! MVP looms over Metalik, steps over the arm and taunts him by having Metalik reach for his corner. MVP jams the arm, drags Metalik up and tags Alexander in., The Hurt Business mugs Metalik, Alexander snapmares and then tags in Benjamin. They mug Metalik, and Benjamin drags Metalik up to put in the corner.

Benjamin fires off hands, tags in MVP and MVP adds on. The ref reprimands, Alexander tags in to fire off, then he tags Benjamin. Benjamin drags Metalik up, snap suplexes, cover, TWO! Benjamin whips Metalik to a corner, runs in but into a boot! Benjamin runs but Metalik dodges and the splash hits buckles! Metalik rolls back to get up and TORNADO DDT! Lince and Riddle fire up, both men crawl, hot tags to Alexander and Riddle! The Bro fires off, spins Alexander around and PELES! Riddle kips up, forearm smashes Alexander then hits MVP! BROSPLODER for Alexander, followed by a BROTON! PENALTY KICK!

Riddle fires up but MVP tags in. Alexander BOOTS Riddle, Riddle DECKS Alexander but MVP CLOBBERS Riddle! MVP hobbles with a bad leg but he DECKS Riddle! MVP runs, is still BALLIN~, and drops the elbow! Cover, but LHP break it up! LHP stomp MVP, Alexander gives Metalik a LUMBAR CHECK! Lince SUPERKICKS Alexander but Benjamin BOOTS Lince! Benjamin reels Lince in, Riddle FINAL FLASH to Benjamin! Riddle has MVP, Lince FLIES and takes out Benjamin! Riddle ripcords to FINAL FLASH MVP! Riddle goes up, FLOTING BRO! Cover, LHP and Riddle win!

Winners: Matt Riddle & Lucha House Party, by pinfall

The bromigos are rolling! But Lashley storms out and CLOBBESR Riddle! Then he mauls Metalik and TOSSES Lince! Lashley picks up Metalik to TOSS him at Lince!! Down goes LHP, and Lashley looms over Riddle. Lashley hurt Keith Lee, and he puts the HURT LOCK on Riddle again! The ref reprimands but Lashley only thrashes Riddle more! Riddle goes limp, Lashley throws him down! Will any of Lashley’s challengers even make it to Sunday?

 

The Miz complains to Adam Pearce.

His MITB briefcase is all dinged up, and he has a headache from that headbutt! But Miz also wants to thank Pearce for even giving him that opportunity in the Elimination Chamber. Miz understands why: There is no one quite like Miz, the A-Lister! But to be honest, Miz wants to give back. Someone who is deserving should take his spot. A must-see attraction, a young up-and-comer ready to grab the brass ring! The person that should take Miz’s spot is… John Morrison! Well, a compelling argument if nothing else. But Pearce promises to take it unto consideration. They shake on that and Miz leaves. Will things go the way the “master strategist” wants? Or does Pearce already have different plans in mind?

 

Mandy Rose says hi to Bad Bunny.

She has to say, he did great during the Royal Rumble. And she’s repping the new shirt. Does he have one for her friend, Dana Brooke? Yes, he’ll be sure to get one. Thanks! And good luck on SNL! Mandy heads out, and Damian Priest comes by to tease Bunny. Sarah interviews the two now and asks about the last two weeks. What else can they say? Priest debuted at the Rumble, is now on Raw, and is hanging with his friend and musical hit, Bad Bunny. Wait, what’s going on over there? Akira Tozawa tackles R-Truth and covers him! Tozawa wins the 24/7 Championship!

Winner: Akira Tozawa, by pinfall (NEW WWE 24/7 Champion)

But Tozawa realizes who he just bumped into! Priest grins, and SLAMS Tozawa off the road case! Priest tells Bunny to hurry! Really!? Well okay…! Bunny covers, and wins!

Winner: Bad Bunny, by pinfall (NEW WWE 24/7 Champion)

Priest just helped his best bud become a champion! Truth tells #DP and Bunny to take care of his baby! And tell Lorne Michaels to stop blocking Truth’s calls! But will Bunny have this belt all the way to Saturday Night Live?

 

The New Day find Pearce backstage.

PLEASE tell them he is NOT actually considering Miz’s “offer” a replacement in the Chamber match in the form of his friend, Morrison! Why would they think that? Well, this was before Pearce’s tenure, but Kofi Kingston does happen to be a former W, W, E, World, Heavy, Weight, CHAMPION~! But no, of course Pearce doesn’t get it, because he can’t even give Xavier Woods the last match of his Retribution series, against Reckoning!! So no way does Pearce understand that Kofi had the world title much more recently than four entrants in the Chamber match! How could you overlook Kofi!?

Bottom line: If Miz is out, Kofi wants in! But the Miz comes by and wants to double check. What were Kofi and Woods talking about? Keep on walking, Miz, Kofi is taking that spot in the match! No, that is Miz’s spot, and there is an understanding here. No there isn’t! Morrison hasn’t even been world champion! Well he is a former ECW Heavyweight Champion of the world! That doesn’t change that Miz shouldn’t be picking! Pearce shouts down the arguing and suggests this: Miz VS Kofi; if Miz wins, Morrison is in, but if Kofi wins, he is in.

Aww snap, here we go again. Kofi’s gotta fight his way into a world title opportunity! But that’s okay, all gravy, all Gucci. Kofi gonna do whatever he has to do to take it back! #KofiMania Part Deux! Well sequels suck! Oh? Miz would know, he’s made The Marine 4, 5, and 6. THOSE ARE CLASSICS! WWE Studio just gives you money, don’t they? Miz don’t need that money! He’s got Miz & Mrs, and Cannonball, and- Well anyway, the spot is on the line, will Miz hand it to his best friend? Or will KofiMania 2 be just as big as the original?

 

Charlotte Flair & Asuka VS Peyton Royce & Lacey Evans w/ Ric Flair!

While the Queen has the personal problem with the Sassy Southern Belle spending time with the Nature Boy, it’s going to be the Empress’ problem on Sunday! Asuka will defend her Raw Women’s Championship against Lacey, but will Charlotte make sure to help soften Lacey up first?

As Lacey, Ric and Peyton make their entrance, Lacey has a mic. “Char, I wanna kindly thank you for getting disqualified last week and ensuring that I get exactly what I rightfully deserve: a chance at the Raw Women’s Championship.” And Lacey has been listening to Ric’s “sweet sweet words,” really taking it all in. Ric thinks Lacey’s ready to be champion! But Char-Char, it was so obvious that she was heartbroken, so Lacey and Pey-Pey have a late Valentine’s Day treat: a SweetHearts candy that says, “Bite me.” There were other ones, but Lacey ate those.

Oh and Asuka! They should’ve gotten her a gift. Because after all, come Sunday, Lacey will get the gift of that gold. And Lacey has wanted that for a long, long, long time! With that, the Nature Boy helps the Lady of WWE and Venus Flytrap to the ring, and we go to break!

Raw returns, Asuka and Peyton start the match and the fans cheer on their ThunderDome screens. They tie up, Asuka hits a headlock takeover but Peyton headscissors. Asuka kips free, roles reverse but Peyton kips out of the headscissors now. Peyton and Asuka reset, circle, and tie up. Peyton pulls hair to put Asuka in a corner, but she lets off as the ref reprimands. Asuka shoves then elbows then kicks Peyton, but Peyton arm-drags back! Asuka fires up and gets in Peyton’s face, to then speed things up and run Peyton over! Asuka drags Peyton up, wrenches the arm and yanks on it, then tags in Charlotte.

The Queens of Tomorrow hand off the wrench, and Charlotte RAMS Peyton into the other corner! She dares Lacey to tag in but Lacey talks to Peyton about something. Peyton tells Charlotte to back off and deal with her instead. They tie up, Charlotte blocks the takedown to step over and roll Peyton up. Peyton rolls free to throw a forearm! Peyton then dodges Charlotte to throw more forearms and a kick. Peyton runs, into a scoop! Charlotte tells Lacey she’ll kick her ass, then she hits a FALL AWAY SLAM! Charlotte kips up but Lacey hides behind the post! Tag to Asuka, Asuka and Charlotte KICK and CHOP Peyton on repeat! Peyton drops, Asuka dances at Lacey then looms over Peyton.

Peyton drop toeholds but Asuka stays up to chinbar Peyton! Asuka fires off haymakers and body shots, then whips Peyton. Peyton holds ropes to kick and KICK back! Peyton rains down rights on Asuka, then covers deep, TWO! Peyton says she’s doing this for Lacey, and she drags Asuka up to throw clubbing elbows! Asuka kicks back, Peyton hits her, then bumps Asuka off buckles. Peyton stomps away, the ref counts but Peyton stops to snap suplex! Float to a cover, TWO! Peyton grows annoyed but Charlotte coaches Asuka. Peyton pushes Asuka around, Asuka gets mad, and Asuka blocks a kick to get around and waistlock!

Peyton fights free, runs, but Asuka dodges, DOUBLE CLOTHESLINES take them both down! Lacey and Charlotte coach their partners, but only Charlotte reaches. Hot tag to Charlotte, and she throws Peyton down! Charlotte scoops Peyton to an EXPLODER! Peyton flops out of the ring while Lacey talks trash to Charlotte. Charlotte bounces Peyton off the announce desk! And then puts her back in, and Peyton scrambles away! Peyton tags Lacey and Lacey has no choice but to face “Char-Char!” Charlotte dares Lacey to do something, but Lacey is walking away?! Charlotte wants to give chase but the ref keeps her back.

Lacey gets a mic to say Charlotte is NOT putting her hands on Lacey! Because Lacey is PREGNANT?!?! That surprises Ric, but is this to imply Ric’s having another child?!? WHAT!?! The match is thrown out, but just what in the hell is the Sassy Southern Belle playing at?!

No Contest

 

Backstage interview with Sheamus!

The Celtic Warrior will be in the gauntlet match tonight, how would winning tonight help him be the odds on favorite? Well Sheamus shouldn’t even have to fight for the odds. McIntyre agreed to have a match with Sheamus! A fella’s word is his bond! But now things are one-in-six. But what will Sheamus do? WIN! Sheamus will chill in the Chamber and watch the other five “knock the holy hell out of each other.” Then when Sheamus enters, it doesn’t matter who is left standing, they’re going to be ripe for the picking. Sheamus will be fresh as a daisy and Brogue all their heads off. At this stage, McIntyre might already be eliminated, making the victory that much easier. But the outcome would be the same: the NEW WWE World Champion, SHEAMUS!

 

WWE World Championship Elimination Chamber Final Spot: Kofi Kingston VS The Miz!

Two former world champions compete to see who joins that stacked field in the Elimination Chamber! But will #KofiMania2 be debuting this Sunday? Or will the Hollywood A-Lister be casting the Guru of Greatness for that part?

Raw returns and The Miz makes his entrance. The bell rings and they tie right up! Miz wrenches to a wristlock, Kofi spins through to wrench back and waistlock. Miz moves around, elbows free then switches. Kofi throws Miz over with a wristlock but Miz tries to fight things off. Miz gets up, pulls Kofi’s hair, but Kofi spins Miz around to waistlock. Miz wrenches free, headlocks, but Kofi powers out. Miz runs Kofi over with a shoulder, things speed up, but Kofi hurdles and hurdles to elbow, into a full nelson! Kofi arm-drags free before the Finale, but Miz gets clear of Trouble in Paradise! These two know each other well!

Kofi and Miz tie up again, Miz puts Kofi in a corner but pie faces as he lets off. Kofi SHOVES Miz down! Miz goes to the ropes for defense, then gets around to SLAP Kofi on the back. Miz waistlocks, Kofi pries free, but Miz kicks low. Miz whips, Kofi boots from the corner, and then ROCKS Miz with a forearm! Kofi goes up top and leaps, and ax handles Miz down! Cover, TWO! Miz bails out, Kofi climbs again, but Miz gets far away! Kofi hops down and pursues, there’s some cat ‘n’ mouse, but Kofi avoids the dropkick to BOOT Miz and PENALTY KICK him from the apron! Kofi then goes up and leaps, SUPER AX HANDLES! Kofi is fired up as he puts Miz in, covers, TWO!

Kofi stalks Miz to ropes, drags him up and whips him, but Miz reverses to kitchen sink knee! Miz catches his breath, glares at Kofi and runs, but Kofi ducks the boot to roll Miz up! TWO, and Kofi mule kicks! Kofi whips, Miz reverses, but Kofi goes up and missile dropkicks hard! Cover, TWO! Miz still lives but Kofi sits him up for another PENALTY KICK! Cover, TWO! Kofi stays close, drags Miz up, but Miz jawbreakers free! Miz whips, Kofi kicks back, and Kofi runs again, but Miz side steps! Kofi rebounds to dropkick Miz again! Miz bails out, Kofi runs in but Miz KICKS him at the ropes!

Miz turns Kofi for a HOTSHOT NECKBREAKER to the apron! And then a DRAPING NECKBREAKER to the floor! Mr. MITB is in control again as Raw goes to break!

Raw returns and Miz throws haymakers on Kofi. Miz gives Kofi It Kicks, stomps, and more haymakers! Miz fires up and aims, but Kofi blocks the buzzsaw! Kofi trips Miz, jackknife bridge, TWO! Miz kicks the legs out, to hit the BASEMENT DDT with some force! Cover, TWO!! Miz rains down furious fists on Kofi then paces about. Miz drags Kofi up, throws him out hard, then goes out to bounce him off the announce desk! Miz brings Kofi around, and scoops him to throw him into the barrier! Miz puts Kofi in at the count of 6 out of 10, then climbs up top. Miz leaps to drop his own ax handle! Cover, TWO!

Miz still grins as he watches Kofi. Miz clamps on with a cravat, Kofi endures and fights up, but Miz throws knees. Miz grinds the hold, Kofi throws body shots and snapmares free! Miz staggers to a corner, Kofi runs in and throws hands! Kofi runs but misses and only gets POST! Miz BOOTS Kofi, covers, TWO!! Miz looms over Kofi, dares him to get up, and then DECKS him! Fans give thumbs down but Kofi counter punches Miz! Kofi fires off kicks and fists, runs, but into a kick down low! Miz runs but Kofi gets up to DOUBLE STOMP him down! Both men are down, fans fire up on their screens and the two start to rise.

Miz goes to a corner, runs at Kofi but Kofi rallies with CHOPS! Dropkick! Kofi runs, leaping lariat! Kofi fires up, runs, and hits the NEW~ DAY~ Boom Drop! Kofi claps from the corner as he aims at Miz. Miz stands, Kofi spins, but Miz ducks Trouble to roll Kofi up! TWO, Miz runs back in, into SOS! Cover, TWO!! Miz survives but Kofi keeps his focus. Miz goes to a corner, Kofi runs in but Miz dodges. Kofi goes up, and up and CROSSBODIES! But Miz rolls through to cover, TWO!! Kofi slips out, swings but Miz catches the leg! Miz wraps the leg on ropes then HOTSHOTS it! Kofi falls into the ring and clutches his knee while the ref reprimands Miz.

Miz drags Kofi by the leg, steps through, and has the FIGURE FOUR! Kofi endures, flails, keeps his shoulders up, but Miz adds pressure! Kofi drags himself and Miz over to the ROPEBREAK! The ref counts, Miz lets go at 4, but he scowls as he drags Kofi back up. Miz has the full nelson but Kofi victory rolls through! Cover, TWO! Miz swings into TROUBLE IN PARADISE!! Cover, Kofi wins!!!

Winner: Kofi Kingston, by pinfall (enters the WWE World Championship Elimination Chamber match)

Is it happening?! Is #KofiMania2 building up?! But there’s no time to rest, Kofi will now be part of tonight’s Gauntlet Match! Can Kofi survive that to have the best odds in the Chamber match?

 

Backstage interview with Lana and Naomi!

The #RavishingGlow swept Nia Jax and Shayna Baszler last week! They say Nia and Shayna think they’re the best of all time, but Lana just wants to be her best. Maybe luck helped Lana put Nia through a table, but Lana gave it her all. Lana tries to reach her full potential each week, and winning is just the cherry on top. Plus, Naomi is Lana’s lucky charm, who also keeps her on track, in check, and checks in on her as a friend. Naomi says that after everything Nia put Lana through, Nia deserved to go through that table, and a whole lot more! Lana whole heartedly agrees. Get it? But tonight, they’ll be ravishing, bring the glow, and bring it to the Queen of Spades! Will Lana and Naomi get one more point on the scoreboard before going for gold?

 

Randy Orton speaks.

“After last week, thanks to Sheamus, the business between Drew McIntyre and myself remains unfinished. But that’s okay. That’s okay, because tonight, I am going to win the Gauntlet match and become the final entrant at the Elimination Chamber.” Orton has proven that time and time again, he will do what it takes to get what he wants. The Gauntlet is a daunting task for anyone not named Randy Orton. Orton would walk to the edge of the earth and back! Look at what he did to The Fiend! The Fiend was a problem but Orton lit him on fire and is no more!

But now Orton’s sights are set on something else: the WWE World Championship, and main-eventing WrestleMania! As far as Orton is concerned, tonight or Sunday, Orton will not be in the ring with five opponents, but five victims. Victims of the three most deadly letters in sports entertainment: R, K- Um, wait. Is that the Firefly Fun House? And Alexa Bliss is meditating inside? She’s remembering exactly what Orton is talking about: The Fiend being set on fire. Alexa opens her eyes and they’re stark white. “Earth to earth, ashes to ashes, dust to dust.” In the fire, The Fiend was destroyed. But in the future, he will be reborn!

Alexa sits inside a pentagram, and the candles go out, to be replaced by red light! Alexa laughs, but what does this mean!?

 

Lana w/ Naomi VS Shayna Baszler w/ Nia Jax!

Lana looks to continue the payback on the bullies of Raw, but will the Queen of Spades and Irresistible Force stop her momentum already?

Raw returns and Shayna makes her entrance with Nia. The bell rings and Shayna circles with Lana. They tie up, Shayna gets a waistlock and slams Lana down. Shayna shifts around and gets the arm to twist the wrist. Nia mocks Lana’s pain already as Shayna stands on and YANKS the arm! Lana tries to fight with the good arm but Shayna drags her down to get a leg. Shayna pulls the leg back while digging a knee and forearm into Lana’s head. Lana endures, Shayna lets her go to stomp her down! Shayna drags Lana back up to throw elbows, but Lana SLAPS Shayna! Naomi likes that, but then Shayna CLOBBERS Lana! Cover, ONE!

Shayna drags Lana around to throw more elbows, then she ties up the legs to wrench the neck. Lana endures, pulls on Shayna’s fingers and fights her way up. Shayna kicks Lana’s leg, shifts her around, but Lana cradle counters the suplex! TWO, and Lana roundhouses! Shayna blocks and throws Lana down, and Lana checks her nose. Naomi coaches Lana up, Shayna runs in but Lana dodges the knee! Shayna holds off the roll up and drags Lana up by her hair, but Lana drop toeholds Shayna into buckles! Lana hurries up, Shayna runs but into an ax kick! Lana runs but the bulldog is denied and Shayna TOSSES Lana into a corner!

Shayna puts Lana up top, Nia wants her to finish this. Shayna climbs up, but Lana resists the gut wrench! Lana pulls fingers then throws forearms! Shayna falls down, Lana adjusts, and Lana LEAPS for a crossbody! Cover, TWO! Lana keeps on Shayna but Shayna pushes free. Lana ROUNDHOUSES, Shayna ROUNDHOUSES, and both women are down! Naomi fires up but Nia runs over! Naomi throws hands but Nia RAMS Naomi into the apron then into the barriers! Nia wants Naomi to pay for those jokes, but Naomi slips out of the scoop and dropkicks Nia into the post! Shayna grabs at Naomi but Lana roll Shayna up! TWO, and Shayna KNEES Lana down! Cover, TWO!!

Shayna grabs Lana for the KIRAFUDA KLUTCH!! Lana is caught, she taps out, Shayna wins!

Winner: Shayna Baszler, by submission

The Queen of Spades makes the Ravishing Russian suffer before letting go! Will Shayna and Nia make Naomi and Lana suffer for putting them through a whole lot of grief?

 

Braun Strowman finds Adam Pearce backstage.

The Monster Among Men is seething and asks why he’s not in the Elimination Chamber match. Pearce says he has no time to talk but Braun asks who he does have to talk to. Shane McMahon is making it seem like Pearce was the one behind all of this, so does Pearce think it’s funny to snub Braun? Does Pearce remember what happened the last time he pissed Braun off? Of course he does and he doesn’t want a repeat. But the Chamber had to have a sixth man and it had to be a former world champion. Well, Braun’s a former Universal Champion, so what the hell?

Pearce understands, point taken, but it isn’t the same. Pearce doesn’t want to be the one to tell him but he is. Well since Pearce is a messenger, send this to Shane: Shane needs to make this right. If Shane doesn’t, Braun promises it’s not going to be pretty. What will Braun do to #GetTheseHands on an opportunity?

 

Gauntlet Match!

A colossal match for a huge opportunity is about to begin, and the first one out is the Phenomenal AJ Styles! And with the massive Omos in his corner, will Styles have a huge advantage securing that precious final entry?

Raw returns and Styles has the mic. “What were we just talking about? Kofi Kingston! Are you kidding me? Is he trying to recreate KofiMania? Or is he trying to create KofiMania 2! Because somehow, someway,” Kofi found- er, no, fought his way into this match. He did beat The Miz. But it’s almost like it’s destiny! Except it isn’t because Styles is going to destroy all of Kofi’s hopes and dreams and fantasies of ever becoming world champion again! It’s just what Styles does! But let’s be positive about this experience. Styles considers this a warm-up, it sharpens his senses and somehow makes him even more… Phenomenal! Exactly, Omos! They’re like PB&J! Grits and M&M’s. Just try it, trust him.

But Styles promises to mow through everyone tonight, and ride that momentum all the way to the title! Because Joseph Parks did some number crunching, and statistically, Styles can’t lose! Styles will be champion, it’s a fact! Not just a fact, not just good, it’s… PHENOMENAL~! They did it again! They’re so synched up! But wait, Styles’ opponent to start IS Kofi Kingston!! Will Kofi prove he is the Iron-Man of Raw and not just beat Miz but five other men in one night?

AJ Styles w/ Omos VS Kofi Kingston w/ Xavier Woods!

The bell rings, the two circle, and Kofi is wary of Omos. Styles gets a leg, Kofi clubs away on him, but Styles puts Kofi in a corner. Kofi knees back and Styles staggers away. Styles hits back from the corner, bumps Kofi off buckles, then throws haymakers. Styles lets off as the ref reprimands, and Styles whips Kofi corner to corner! Styles runs in, Kofi dodges and Styles hits buckles! Kofi mule kicks, throws haymakers, then ROCKS Styles to a corner. Kofi stomps Styles, headbutts him, and then runs back in to BOOT Styles down! Kofi snapmares Styles to a cover, ONE! Kofi keeps on Styles but Styles throat chops!

Styles throws hands, back suplexes high and hard, then paces. Styles drags Kofi up, whips him to the apron, but Kofi hangs on. Kofi shoulders but into Styles’ grip! Styles KICKS Kofi’s sore leg but Kofi ROCKS Styles back! Styles runs in but Kofi dumps him out! Kofi gets up, tells Omos to get his “big ass” out of the way, and then Kofi springboards to TRUST FALL! Down goes Styles, Woods hops up on the announce desk to play his trombone, but Omos choke grips Woods!! Omos holds Woods up with one hand!! Omos is just playing with Woods until he CHOKE SLAMS Woods over the barriers!

Kofi runs out to get in Omos’ face about that but Omos warns him he’ll squash Kofi if he doesn’t back off. The ref EJECTS Omos! Omos just ruined the point of him being out there for Styles, but what about Woods? Styles lets the ref be busy with Omos as he CHOP BLOCKS Kofi!! Does Style still have a phenomenal advantage in this match? Kofi writhes as Raw goes to break!

Raw returns and Styles is wrenching Kofi’s bad leg! Styles stomps and yanks on the leg but Kofi fights with his good leg! Kofi reaches up to headscissor but Styles counters to a Half Crab! Styles sits deep, but Kofi drags himself over. Kofi slips through, gets Styles in a cradle, TWO! Styles KICKS the bad leg and Kofi falls over! Styles aims at Kofi, but swings into SOS!! But Kofi can’t cover from the bad leg holding him back! Kofi hobbles up, runs at Styles but Styles CHOP BLOCKS the leg out from the front! Kofi clutches his knee all over again as Styles storms over. Styles drags Kofi up and puts Kofi in a corner, then KICKS the leg!

Styles hoists Kofi up top, climbs up to join him, but Kofi fights back with body shots! Kofi GOURD BUSTERS Styles to the mat! Kofi adjusts, Styles gets right up, Kofi SPLASHES Styles back down! Kofi crawls to the cover, TWO!! Styles survives, partially from Kofi’s bad leg bothering him again. Kofi tries to walk it off and he rallies with CHOPS! Kofi can’t run, and his dropkick is caught, to a LEG DDT! Styles goes to the apron, he aims at Kofi and prepares his arm, to springboard and PHENOMENAL FOREARM!! Cover, Styles ELIMINATES Kofi!! But look who is next!

AJ Styles VS Drew McIntyre!

The Scottish Warrior is still seething from Miz TV earlier tonight, and now he could make sure one of his biggest threats isn’t in any shape for Sunday! The ref gives the green light and McIntyre runs Styles over! McIntyre bumps Styles off buckles, CHOPS him down, then drags him back up. McIntyre TOSSES Styles corner to corner! Styles stirs, McIntyre drags him back up, and dead lifts him to hang him out to dry on the ropes! Styles goes to the apron, McIntyre BOOTS him down! McIntyre watches Styles sit up in a daze, then BOOTS him again! Styles is a rag doll on the apron as Raw goes to break!

Raw returns again and McIntyre DECKS Styles in a corner! The ref counts, McIntyre brings Styles out of the corner to DECK him again! McIntyre storms over, Styles drop toeholds McIntyre into the corner! Styles fires off Kicks and CHOPS, then whips, but McIntyre reverses to send Styles into buckles hard! Cover, ROPEBREAK! McIntyre stomps Styles’ hand! And then stomps Styles’ head! Styles bails out, McIntyre pursues but Styles ROCKS him with a haymaker! Styles whips, McIntyre reverses and sends Styles into the steel steps! Styles tumbles over, McIntyre fetches him back into the ring and stalks him to a corner.

McIntyre scoops Styles and hits a BACKBREAKER, but holds on to shift to a MICHINOKU DRIVER! Cover, TWO! McIntyre clamps onto Styles to grind him down with a chinbar and armlock. Styles endures, fights up, and gets a ropebreak! The ref counts, McIntyre lets Styles go to stomp him again. McIntyre drags Styles up but Styles throat chops him! Styles CHOPS and throws hands, then puts McIntyre in a corner to ram his shoulder in. The ref counts, Styles whips but McIntyre reverses to hit a back elbow! McIntyre brings Styles up in the inverted Alabama, for the INVERTED ALABAMA SLAM!

McIntyre just glares at Styles as he aims from a corner. Styles slowly stirs and slowly rises, McIntyre runs but into a dropkick! McIntyre staggers, Styles hurries and runs to dropkick McIntyre out of the ring! Styles slingshots to FOREARM McIntyre down! The ref checks on both men, they’re okay to continue, so a ring count begins. Styles stands at 3, hobbles in, but McIntyre gets up at 5. Styles aims again, goes to the apron, and SLIDING KNEES McIntyre down! The ref reprimands while Styles looks down on McIntyre and the ring count begins again. Styles lines up another shot, and FOREARMS McIntyre into the post! McIntyre is down again as Raw goes to break!

Raw returns again and Styles has McIntyre in a chinlock. McIntyre fights up as fans clap on their screens, but Styles throws McIntyre down hard! Styles grinds McIntyre but McIntyre endures and fights up again. McIntyre throws body shots, then CHOPS Styles down! And then rallies with LARIATS! Styles goes to a corner, McIntyre whips him corner to corner, runs in to splash then OVERHEAD SUPLEX Styles away! McIntyre gets up to bring Styles down with a neckbreaker! McIntyre kips up and fires up! He goes to a corner, climbs up top, and leaps, into an ENZIGURI! Styles takes McIntyre out of the air and both men are down!

McIntyre and Styles slowly stir as fans go nuts on their ThunderDome screens. Styles and McIntyre sit up, but Styles PELES McIntyre down! Cover, TWO! Styles is too sore to be frustrated, but he gets up to hobble over to McIntyre. Styles drags McIntyre up to reel him in, but McIntyre back drops out of the Clash! McIntyre hobbles after Styles, CHOPS him in the corner, then whips him to ropes. Styles tilt-o-whirls through and wants the leg! He drags McIntyre down, McIntyre resists but Styles has the CALF CRUSHER!! McIntyre shouts in pain, endures but Styles keeps pulling back! McIntyre reaches back and HEADBUTTS Styles off the hold!

Styles flounders while McIntyre slowly rises. Styles goes to the apron and aims as McIntyre struggles to stand. Styles springboards but McIntyre gets under! Styles comes back but is thrown into ropes! McIntyre runs and CLAYMORES!! Covers, McIntyre ELIMINATES Styles! But now the Charismatic Enigma is here!

Drew McIntyre VS Jeff Hardy!

Hardy gets the fans fired up and he rushes McIntyre! The ref backs him off, but then lets them go. Hardy haymakers, kicks, runs and clobbers McIntyre! McIntyre gets up, Hardy reels him in but McIntyre scoops. Hardy slips off, waistlocks but McIntyre switches to shove. Hardy elbows McIntyre away, goes up, WHISPER IN THE WIND! It just gets McIntyre, and Hardy covers, TWO!! McIntyre is still in this but Hardy isn’t frustrated just yet. Hardy gets moving, and he basement dropkicks McIntyre out of the ring. Hardy then swings to WRECK McIntyre with another dropkick! Hardy goes to the apron and LEAPS to clothesline McIntyre down! McIntyre is down again as Raw goes to break!

Raw returns yet again as Hardy keeps on McIntyre with buckle bumps. Hardy has three corners, then the full set of four! McIntyre shoves Hardy away but Hardy hits the spinning back kick! Cover, TWO! Hardy keeps cool as he stomps McIntyre down. Hardy stomps McIntyre to the apron but the ref has him back off. McIntyre stands, Hardy hits him with haymakers, then a hotshot! McIntyre flops back into the ring but Hardy brings McIntyre up to jaw- NO! McIntyre knees Hardy then runs him over with short clotheslines! McIntyre whips, and SNAP OVERHEAD SUPLEXES! Both men rise slowly, and McIntyre gets Hardy for another OVERHEAD SUPLEX!

McIntyre glares as Hardy rises. McIntyre hits another leaping neckbreaker and another kip up! McIntyre fires up through the pain and he waits for Hardy to rise. Hardy sits up, McIntyre brings him the rest of the way, but Hardy trips McIntyre up! Leg splitting leg drop then basement dropkick! SPLASH, cover, TWO! Hardy gets back up and fires up as McIntyre slowly stands again. Hardy kicks low but No Twist! McIntyre kicks to FUTURE SHOCK! Cover, TWO!! Hardy survives and McIntyre is beside himself! Hardy flounders up but right out of the ring! McIntyre pursues, fetches Hardy, and suplexes him hard to the floor!

The ref’s ring count is at 5 of 10, McIntyre hauls Hardy back up and in. McIntyre covers, TWO! McIntyre is starting to grow a bit frustrated, maybe a bit desperate. Hardy drags himself away, McIntyre storms over to the corner and he drags Hardy back up. McIntyre bumps Hardy off buckles then hoists him up top. McIntyre CHOPS Hardy, climbs up to join him, but Hardy hits back with body shots! McIntyre throws hands back and they brawl up top! McIntyre headbutts then clubs Hardy, to bring him up for an Orton-esque SUPERPLEX! Cover, TWO!! Hardy survives and McIntyre grits his teeth in frustration!

McIntyre goes to a corner, watches Hardy stir, and takes aim as Hardy stands. Hardy turns around and ducks the Claymore! TWIST OF FATE!! Hardy throws off the jacket and heads up top! SWANTON BOMB onto knees!! McIntyre saves himself, takes aim again, and as Hardy stands up, CLAYMORE!! Cover, McIntyre ELIMINATES Hardy! We’re now halfway through the Gauntlet, and McIntyre’s next opponent is… RANDY ORTON!! What horrible timing for the “Unfinished Business” to come back around!

Drew McIntyre VS Randy Orton!

The Viper takes his time slithering to the ring, and he stares McIntyre down the entire time! We see if this unfinished business will finally be settled, after the break!

Raw returns once again, and the two start throwing hands! Orton kicks low, throws McIntyre out then pursues. McIntyre kicks back, goes to bump Orton off steps but Orton blocks, kicks and gives that bump instead! Orton whips but McIntyre reverses to send Orton into barriers! And then the lights start changing… The screens play Alexa Bliss laughing! She’s haunting Orton with her words! The ring count is climbing and Orton isn’t hearing it! Orton gets COUNTED OUT AND ELIMINATED!! Orton runs in to argue this, but gets a CLAYMORE! Well, finished or not, business must move on to the last man!

Drew McIntyre VS Sheamus!

But he attacks from the opposite end! Sheamus throws McIntyre out then throws him around into barriers! And more barriers! And still more barriers! Sheamus sends McIntyre over the barriers and pursues to throw hands! Then he throws McIntyre back over! Sheamus POSTS McIntyre! The Celtic Warrior drags the Scottish Warrior up and in to then stomp away at the ropes! The ref counts and backs Sheamus off and fans give thumbs down on their screens. The ref checks on McIntyre but Sheamus knows McIntyre won’t give up because of this. McIntyre does exactly that and demands that this still happen! McIntyre gets up, Sheamus runs in and fires off hands!

Sheamus stomps McIntyre, drags him up, and reels him in for a LARIAT! Cover, TWO!! Sheamus stomps McIntyre, drops knee son him, then digs his knee into McIntyre’s head! He finally lets off and McIntyre is clutching his jaw. Sheamus stands on McIntyre’s head at the ropes! The ref counts, Sheamus steps off to then whip McIntyre corner to corner hard! Cover, TWO! Sheamus doesn’t let up, and he clubs away on McIntyre’s chest! Sheamus shifts to an armlock and he digs a knee into McIntyre’s head. Sheamus taunts the champ but McIntyre fights up. McIntyre throws body shots, whips him to a corner but Sheamus reverses. McIntyre goes up but gets caught! Sheamus hits a POWERSLAM! Cover, TWO!!

Sheamus looms over McIntyre, kicks him while he’s down, and taunts him to get up. McIntyre CHOPS and CHOPS, but Sheamus gives the CHOPS back. McIntyre hits a GLASGOW KISS! Sheamus runs in, but into a FUTURE SHOCK!! But McIntyre is too tired! He can’t cover and both he and Sheamus are down! McIntyre and Sheamus slowly rise, but Sheamus is up first. Sheamus runs but is put on the apron! McIntyre DECKS Sheamus with a forearm! McIntyre goes out after Sheamus to POST him in return! And then POST him again! McIntyre puts Sheamus back in the ring, drags himself in, but Sheamus KICKS McIntyre in the ropes!

Sheamus whips, McIntyre reverses and OVERHEAD SUPLEXES! Somehow McIntyre still has the power to do that! Sheamus gets up, into another clinch, but he fights off the overhead throw. McIntyre staggers, Sheamus runs in, but into a SPINEBUSTER! Both men are down again but McIntyre gets up to a corner. McIntyre dares Sheamus to stand, runs in, but Sheamus dodges to BROGUE!! Cover, Sheamus wins!!!

Winner: Sheamus, by pinfall (will enter the WWE World Championship Elimination Chamber match last)

The Fella foretold his future and made it come true! Sheamus grabs a mic to shout, “I did it! I just beat Drew McIntyre! I just beat the WWE Champion!” And that makes Sheamus the final entrant into this Sunday’s chamber match! That makes Sheamus the odds on favorite! McIntyre can’t beat Sheamus, never will, and this won’t be a fluke when Sheamus becomes the NEW WWE Champion!! Will the rest of the prophecy come true as Sheamus gets to sit back, relax, and watch the other five superstars demolish each other?


My Thoughts:

A strong episode from Raw, go-home or otherwise, but a lot of that goes to the world title story and the Gauntlet Match. Miz TV was a very effective segment this week, with Miz pissing McIntyre off to no end and paying for it with that headbutt from McIntyre. I thought it very clever of Raw to have The Miz essentially make an emotional decision but play it off like it was logical. Miz does have a good point, though, with how it’s easier for him to cash in with the MITB contract if he isn’t worn out from the Chamber match. And it’s his emotional response to Edge getting in his face last week, so it makes sense if we’re going to get a Miz VS Edge story after Mania. Miz might even cash in on Edge, as an attempt to be better than Edge.

And the continuation of the story, with Kofi wanting in on the open spot was a good move. Kofi is a former WWE World Champion, he should’ve been considered in the first place (in kayfabe), and that match with The Miz was incredible! Kofi wins, he’s back in, but I am really surprised Retribution didn’t even try and mess with him with an entrance fake out. Maybe this can be used to add fuel to the fire and Mustafa Ali goes after Kofi the second he’s outside the chamber. Kofi VS Styles was a great start to the Gauntlet, especially with the moment Omos and Woods had. Maybe Omos’ in-ring debut will now be against the New Day?

McIntyre had a great performance tonight through the Gauntlet, but it was mostly with Styles, Hardy and Sheamus. I do appreciate that Orton’s story with The Fiend and Alexa is why he didn’t even last that long in the Gauntlet, but it was also a little disappointing that it was just a bunch of screens and audio. Orton should’ve at least gotten in the ring to take that Claymore and then be pinned. Sheamus winning the Gauntlet works towards the story he put forward with sitting in the pod and waiting the match out while McIntyre and the other four fight it out. At this point, McIntyre really should be in the match until Sheamus enters, it’s for the story of McIntyre getting back at him, and then we can go either way with it, for the proper 1v1 match at Fastlane.

Riddle & LHP VS Hurt Business had a good Six Man Tag, and from the sound of things, Keith Lee might still not be cleared for Chamber. They’re at least playing it up in kayfabe to cover up that it’s COVID concerns. Lashley still stands tall today, so going by usual go-home math, this has to mean someone else has the US Championship after Elimination Chamber. And of course the 24/7 Championship ends up the celebrity title again as Priest helps Bad Bunny. This will surely bring things to Saturday Night Live for the first time ever, and I am not going to watch that entire show, I’ll wait for WWE or NBC to upload a YouTube video.

The better Women’s Division story tonight was surprisingly the one with Lana in it. She and Naomi have a good interview segment, which logically makes fun of the “MY HOLE!” moment from last week, and they have great stuff with Shayna and Nia in the ring. Now, there is no WWE Women’s Tag title match for Elimination Chamber, but if you factor in NXT TakeOver just determining their own contenders to the titles, what if Fastlane gave us Jax & Baszler VS #RavishingGlow, winners go on to WrestleMania to defend against Dakota Kai & Raquel Gonzalez? I think that’d be the best way to integrate both brands and the stories, as the WWE should be doing.

The rough part of tonight was everything with Charlotte Flair and Lacey Evans. For one, Asuka and the Raw Women’s Championship were merely going to be vehicles for telling the story with Charlotte, Lacey and Ric. And now, Lacey Evans is shoot pregnant with her shoot husband, not the Nature Boy, things must change last minute. Congratulations to Lacey but it being worked into the story is just cringe worthy. Chances are a paternity test will also be used to work-shoot the fact it isn’t Ric’s child, letting Ric off the hook and putting heat on Lacey, and then Lacey just goes on maternity leave. Ric could probably become Peyton’s manager just so there’s a reason to keep on the tension between Ric and Charlotte.

My Score: 8.5/10


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Coverage

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

Talk about a Big Time Raw!

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Will The Man be the Last Woman Standing?

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

OFFICIAL RESULTS

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

PLAY BY PLAY

Jey Uso is here!

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

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

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

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

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

 

Adam Pearce is on the phone.

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Winners: DIY, by pinfall (advance to WrestleMania)

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

 

Judgment Day meets backstage.

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

Winners: Candice LeRae & Indi Hartwell, by submission

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

 

Cody Rhodes makes his way to the ring.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

Nia Jax speaks.

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

 

Cody Rhodes returns backstage.

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

 

Dominik Mysterio w/ JD McDonagh VS Ricochet!

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

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

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

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

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

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

Winner: Ricochet, by pinfall

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

 

Sami Zayn is backstage.

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

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

 

Adam Pearce is in the ring.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

Sami confronts Gable now.

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

 

CM Punk speaks.

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

 

Drew McIntyre is here!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

Becky Lynch speaks.

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

Liv Morgan confronts Becky Lynch.

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

 

Cody walks with his dog, Pharaoh, backstage.

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

 

Last Woman Standing: Becky Lynch VS Nia Jax!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Winner: Becky Lynch

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


My Thoughts:

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

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

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

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

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

My Score: 8.9/10


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

The semifinals are here!

Published

on

We’re just one step away from the Cup!

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

OFFICIAL RESULTS

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

PLAY BY PLAY

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

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

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

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

No Contest

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

2024 New Japan Cup Semifinals: SANADA VS Hirooki Goto!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


My Thoughts:

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

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

My Score: 8.9/10


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