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Mitchell’s WWE SmackDown Results & Report! (2/5/21)

Edge returns to SmackDown!

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Coverage SmackDown 2021

Is the Rated R Superstar going to challenge the Tribal Chief?

The SmackDown After Royal Rumble will have the Rated R Superstar, EDGE!! Will he put Roman Reigns on notice for a WrestleMania challenge?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

  • King Corbin VS Dominik Mysterio w/ Rey Mysterio; Dominik wins.
  • Daniel Bryan VS Cesaro; Cesaro wins.
  • Bayley VS Ruby Riott w/ Liv Morgan; Bayley wins.
  • Chad Gable & Otis VS Robert Roode & Dolph Ziggler; Roode & Ziggler win.
  • WWE Intercontinental Championship Triple Threat: Big E VS Apollo Crews VS Sami Zayn; Big E wins and retains the title.

PLAY BY PLAY

WWE and SmackDown mourn the loss of “The Natural,” Butcher Reed.

 

Roman Reigns heads to the ring!

The Tribal Chief, the Head of the Table, and still WWE Universal Champion has Paul Heyman and Jey Uso with him again after outlasting Kevin Owens in the Last Man Standing match at the Royal Rumble. Heyman fetches Roman a mic while fans give thumbs down on their ThunderDome screens. Roman says he’s not “big on the past,” or a fan of recapping. But if you didn’t see The Rumble, Roman beat Kevin. Just like he said he would, because he’s a man of his word. But enough about the past. Let’s talk the future. Apparently, the future could be Edge. Winning the Royal Rumble match gets you a first class ticket to WrestleMania. And last time Roman checked, he’s the main event.

“Which brings me to my issues. I have two issues here. Me, the Tribal Chief, the Head of the Table, the best of the best, THE WWE Universal Champion, the main event. Why in the hell are you going to visit Monday Night Raw? Why are you going to waste your time on Wednesday going to NXT, when you already know you should bring your ass right here, to SmackDown, Roman Reigns’ show. You should grovel at my feet, beg me, sell me, on why I should allow you on the Island of Relevancy.”

And that brings Roman to his second issue. Why the hell is he out here first? Where the hell is Edge? Roman says Edge makes the mistake of disrespecting him all week long, but Roman is a gentleman, and will let that slide. But now Edge is making Roman wait? The Head of the Table has to wait? He’s here, isn’t it? Then get his ass out here, Paul. Heyman tells them to play Edge’s music, with the pyro and everything. But the crew says Edge isn’t here yet. Heyman relays this to Roman and Roman is noticeably annoyed. “Edge isn’t here?”

So then Edge must think Roman’s a fool. Is Roman a fool? Does he look like a fool? Does he look like a man who wants to wait and play games? Why is Edge playing games with Roman?! “The last man that played games with me… His name was Kevin Owens. And he’s no longer here anymore, because I whooped his ass. He’s history, he’s gone, you’ll never see him again.” Fans give thumbs down even harder now at that idea. Roman tells Edge “nicely” that Edge needs to understand this. This is Edge’s only chance. “You’re going to give me your decision by the end of the night.” Roman repeats that to make a point. But will he have no choice but to play things the ultimate opportunist’s way?

 

King Corbin VS Dominik Mysterio w/ Rey Mysterio!

Is the third time the charm? We’ll find out as the Son of Mysterio tries to battle the Wolf King yet again! But wait, Corbin attacks during Dom’s entrance! He CLOBBERS Dom, then hits Rey! Corbin goes to throw Rey but Rey blocks, so Corbin knees him low! Corbin TOSSES Rey off the stage, and Rey hits spare boxes on the way down! Corbin KICKS Dom in the side, then leaves him behind. Will Dom be able to have this match after what just happened?

SmackDown returns and Dom IS going to have this match! The bell rings, Corbin runs in but Dom drop toeholds him into buckles! Then dodges again! Corbin slides out, in, but into a dropkick! Dom goes after Corbin at the rope but is thrown out. Dom gets right back up to shoulder in then slingshot and roll up for another dropkick! Cover, TWO! Corbin is after Dom by a leg, drags him up and SPINEBUSTERS him! Corbin rains down fists, lets off as the ref checks on Dom, but then hits Dom again. Corbin puts Dom in the corner to choke on the ropes! The ref counts, Corbin lets off, and we see medics are checking on Rey.

Corbin whips Dom corner to corner hard, then runs in to corner splash! Cover, TWO! Corbin sneers as he stalks Dom and drags him up. Corbin throws elbows into Dom’s shoulder, then clamps on with a chinbar and half nelson combo! Dom endures, fights up, and throws elbows to get free! Dom runs, but into an elbow from Corbin! Corbin mockingly applauds as he looms over Dom. “I thought daddy’s been training you!” Corbin sits Dom up to DECK him! Corbin digs his knees into Dom’s face while pulling on the arm! Dom endures, fights up again, and throws body shots. Corbin knees low, whips Dom to ropes, but Dom kicks back! Dom baits Corbin in to dump him out!

Dom aims, springboards, and CROSSBODIES! Both men are down, and Rey finally stands! Rey hobbles over to coach Dom and Dom stands as SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns and Dom is fighting Corbin off from the corner. Dom leaps, but Corbin catches him, to then pop Dom up. Dom fights out of the suplex and hits a SWINGING NECKBREAKER! Standing moonsault! Cover, TWO! Dom grows a little frustrated but Rey coaches him. Corbin choke grips, but Dom slips out of the slam to roll Corbin up again! TWO, and Dom dodges Corbin to send him into ropes! Dom dials it up, but Corbin blocks the 619 with a DEEP SIX! Cover, TWO! Dom survives and Corbin is frustrated now. Corbin drags Dom up, whips him corner to corner, then runs in.

Dom dodges, Corbin only gets buckles, but Corbin blocks the monkey flip! But Dom body scissors to throw Corbin out! Dom builds speed, DIVES and sends Corbin into the desk! Dom hurries back in, but where did Rey go? He pops out to anchor Corbin! The ring count climbs, Dom hits a 619!! Corbin is in, Dom climbs up top, FROG SPLASH! Cover, DOM WINS!

Winner: Dominik Mysterio, by pinfall

That was a very Latino Heat way to win! But one win might not be enough, can Dom find a way to keep Corbin down on his own?

 

Backstage interview with Big E!

The Powerhouse of Positivity has to face both Apollo Crews and Sami Zayn in a Triple Threat, how has he prepared for this? “All my life I had to fight! And that’s exactly what I signed up for when I won THE Intercontinental Championship.” Much like Lady Liberty, Big E wants them to bring him your hungry, your tired, your poor, your bearded and your bald! Sami and Apollo are those last two. But tonight, for the prize, they’ll do just that! They’ll FIGHT! But they ain’t ready~! Will Big E be ready in tonight’s big title bout?

 

Daniel Bryan VS Cesaro!

Though neither won the Men’s Royal Rumble, the YES Movement still owes the Swiss Cyborg for their match a few weeks ago! Will Bryan say yes to a win in this Road to Rumble rematch?

SmackDown returns as Cesaro makes his entrance. The bell rings and both men rush the other to tie right up! Cesaro powers Bryan to a corner, Bryan dodges the chop to give KICKS! Cesaro throws body shots, Bryan gives EuroUppers but Cesaro gives those back! Bryan drop toeholds Cesaro and PENALTY KICKS an arm! Bryan is after that arm with a wrench, elbow breaker and whip. Cesaro reverses the whip but Bryan kicks back! Cesaro runs at Bryan but Bryan tosses him out! Bryan climbs up, aims and leaps, and CROSSBODIES Cesaro down! Bryan gets Cesaro back in the ring, then climbs up again. Cesaro turns around into the missile dropkick!

Bryan fires up, fans clap on their screens, even give Yes Fingers, and Bryan gives Cesaro Yes Kicks! Bryan wrenches, Cesaro claws at him but Bryan hits another elbow breaker. Bryan waistlocks, Cesaro switches and back suplexes, but Bryan lands on his feet. Bryan runs into a pop-up but he catches the EuroUpper to a backslide! TWO, and Cesaro BLASTS Bryan with another EuroUpper! Shinsuke Nakamura is watching from backstage as his teammate, Cesaro, and rival, Bryan, are battling. Cesaro brings Bryan up to throw more EuroUppers! Bryan catches one to throw Cesaro down! Cesaro holds off the armbar but gets caught into an omoplata!

Bryan wants the crossface, Cesaro fights the YES Lock off, and gets free to roll Bryan around! Cesaro powers Bryan onto his stomach to throw knees into his side! Cesaro drags Bryan up, Gotch holds, but Bryan back drops! Cesaro lands on his feet, runs and springboards, into a YES KICK! Bryan aims and powers up, BUZZSAW! Cover, TWO!! Cesaro survives but he has blood from the side of his head! Bryan shakes his head as he looms over Cesaro. Bryan drags Cesaro around by his wrists, for DANIELSON STOMPS!

Bryan aims from a corner now, powers up with Yes Fingers, but Cesaro catches the running knee to a tilt-o-whirl and TORTURE RACK! Then a BACKBREAKER DROP! And the Swiss Swing!! Bryan goes for roughly 20 rotations, Cesaro steps through and puts on the SHARPSHOOTER! Bryan endures, reaches, Cesaro sits deeper! Bryan TAPS, Cesaro wins!!

Winner: Cesaro, by submission

Two times these two have battled in just the last month, and two times Cesaro has won! Is the Swiss Cyborg finally breaking through to be at the top of the WWE? Cesaro even shows respect to Bryan with a fist bump! What will this mean for Bryan as he personally feels his in-ring career is winding down?

 

Backstage interview with Bianca Belair!

The EST is the 2021 Women’s Royal Rumble winner, and she’s gotten so much support and congratulations from the WWE Universe. Most of all, her parents were on Instagram through Bianca’s account, and they were literally jumping with joy! Her dad even fell over the couch! Bianca says her family has been there for her in the good and the bad, so she wants to make them proud. They might not be there at WrestleMania in person, they will be there in spirit. But then who is she going for at WrestleMania? Raw Women’s Champion, Asuka? Or SmackDown Women’s Champion, Sasha Banks?

Bianca knew that question was coming. But this is the biggest decision of her life! Many have told her to take her time, think it over, but this is WRE-STLE-MA-NI-A!! If she was listening to those who told her what she should do, she wouldn’t be here! So the EST is going to be put in WrestleMania her way, so expect her decision very soon.

 

The Savior of SmackDown is going to return!

He returned in this year’s Royal Rumble match, and the greater good is still on the horizon. Next week, he returns!

 

Bayley heads to the ring!

The Role Model is clearly upset that not only is she not the Women’s Rumble Winner, but also that it is BIANCA who won! But she’s going to stake her own claim, after the break!

SmackDown returns and Bayley is in action! Will this be the first step on the road to redemption?

Bayley VS Ruby Riott w/ Liv Morgan!

Billie Kay is also on commentary even though she is “allegedly” out of the Riott Squad. The bell rings, Bayley ties up with Ruby and they go around. Bayley puts Ruby in a corner, brings her back out and just shoves her back in. “I’m strong as hell, that’s why I eliminated you!” Bayley rubs that part of the Women’s Rumble match in and she throws Ruby down again. DING DONG, Ruby ROCKS Bayley! Ruby wrenches and RIOTT KICKS!! Cover, TWO!! Bayley survives and shocks Ruby but Ruby clubs away on Bayley’s back. Bayley shoves Ruby away, Ruby drags her up and whips, but Bayley reverses to send Ruby into a corner!

Ruby elbows back, hops up, but no Deadly Nightshade! Bayley has Ruby on her shoulder to LAWN DART Ruby back into the corner! Cover, TWO!! Ruby survives, Bayley snarls, and Billie is very concerned. Bayley stomps Ruby, grabs Ruby’s legs and drags her to an elbow drop! Cover, TWO! Bayley is after Ruby’s bad arm and clamps on. Bayley grinds the shoulder, pulls on the arm, but Ruby endures. Ruby fights up, rams Bayley into buckles, and then gets space. Ruby runs back in but Bayley dodges. Bayley turns around into DEADLY NIGHTSHADE! Ruby hoists Bayley up top, Bayley hits her away, but Ruby goes up and hits a SUPER ARM-DRAG!!

Both women stagger up, Ruby runs but Bayley catches her! Ruby slips out to roll Bayley up, TWO! Bayley ROCKS Ruby then throws her right into ropes! Ruby sputters, gets to the apron, and Bayley slides out! This is the move Bayley used to eliminate Ruby but Ruby fights it off! Ruby mule kicks Bayley away, but Bayley HOTSHOTS Ruby back! Billie thinks Liv needs to do something, but Bayley put son a KEYLOCK CLUTCH! Billie distracts the ref with her antics, Liv argues with Billie about it, but Ruby throws Bayley down to cover! TWO, and Ruby wrenches. Bayley steps over, ROSE PLANT! Cover, Bayley wins!

Winner: Bayley, by pinfall

Billie says that’s not her fault, she was genuinely trying to help. But then Billie bandwagons and asks if Bayley will consider her as a partner. Will Billie ever find the place she belongs?

 

Bianca Belair is headed to gorilla position!

She said she’d give us her decision soon, is it this soon?! We find out after the break!

 

Edge finally arrives!

The Rated R Superstar says hey to Sonya Deville on his way through. Will the Ultimate Opportunist take Roman’s ultimatum seriously?

 

Bianca Belair heads to the ring!

The EST is perhaps the happiest person in the world right now given her Rumble win. She gets the mic, takes a breath to calm the nerves, and says, “When I won the Rumble, my whole life changed overnight. And ever since Sunday, I’ve been doing press nonstop, my phone’s been blowing up,” and she’s had to just respond, “New number, who dis?” But choosing an opponent for WrestleMania is a huge decision. Asuka from Raw, her undefeated streak and her other championships. Not just the Empress of Tomorrow but the empress of all day, every day! And of course, SmackDown Women’s Champion, Sasha Banks! A Grand Slam Boss, whooping bounty hunters in a galaxy far, far away! There’s a reason Bianca is so excited every time she’s teamed with Sasha.

But if Bianca wants to put the EST in WrestleMania, then she has to- Wait, who is this interrupting? Reginald is here to say before making a decision, here’s some advice. If Bianca chooses Asuka, he can see that, and understand it. He is quite certain Bianca could defeat Asuka. But if Bianca says Sasha Banks, well… Reggie doesn’t see it. To put it this way, as he slides right into the ring, “You know damn well you can’t beat Sasha. You can’t even beat Carmella!” Speaking of, here comes the FABULOUS Princess! Mella says her sommelier is a wise man. Even when he gets a little overexcited.

Mella says let’s not forget about how Mella beat Sasha in her very first match against her! That means Mella beat Sasha TWICE! And despite all of Bianca’s hype, Mella is certain she can do the same thing to her. But speaking of, here comes the champion! Sasha Banks stands on stage with a mic of her own to say, “Carmella… With all due respect, I’m gonna stop looking in my rear view, and start focusing on the road that’s ahead.” And for Bianca, she has Sasha’s attention. Sasha has seen Bianca has been in two Women’s Rumbles and setting records each time! And she lasted nearly and HOUR to stake her claim in the main event of WrestleMania!

Sasha’s been watching closely. Bianca picked up Otis, so she IS the StrongEST. She chased down and beat Bayley so she IS the FastEST. But the BEST? Sasha doesn’t see it. So if Bianca is going to choose Sasha, then choose her. Because Bianca has it all, but not the title. Sasha holds the belt up, Mella just rolls her eyes, but Bianca nods. Reggie steps in on Mella’s behalf and says Bianca got lucky in the Rumble. If she does choose Sasha, she will lose. Bianca about to pop off and even Mella thinks Reggie should just move along. Bianca LASHES Reggie with her hair whip! Be gone, fool! Even Mella thought that was funny. But will it be no joke when the EST finally does choose a champion to challenge?

 

Roman Reigns talks with Jey Uso in their VIP room.

Paul Heyman comes by to say, “It’s confirmed this time. Edge is finally here.” Will the Head of the Table make moves to force Edge’s hand in this game?

 

Backstage interview with Sami Zayn!

Kayla says Sami has been the “thorn in the side” of Big E, and Sami cuts her off to call her a corporate shill! Now she’s twisting the narrative to make him a bad guy! Ever since his title was robbed from him in a Lumberjack Match he never agreed to, there have been countless injustices! He can’t even list them all! He has his film crew here capturing it all, and tonight we’ll finally get a happy scene! Sami will reclaim HIS title and become the UNDISPUTED Champion of the People!

 

Chad Gable & Otis VS Robert Roode & Dolph Ziggler!

The Alpha Academy is still going strong, and are ready to show the Dirty Dawgs that they are good champions, but they will be tested like never before! #GetTheseHIPS! But with a new theme, are the SmackDown Tag Team Champions going to be… GLORIOUS?!

The teams sort out, Gable starts with Ziggler, but the Street Profits get in on this by being special commentary via video! Ziggler and Gable circle, goes after a leg, but the Profits heckle Ziggler for trying that on an Olympian! Gable blocks, rolls to a press, ONE as Ziggler gets a rear mount. Gable fights up, Ziggler uses a facelock and fisherman, ONE! Gable facelocks again, Ziggler wrenches and gets a wristlock, but Gable rolls and bridges to then handspring and wrench back! Gable headlocks, flips and drop toeholds! Ziggler scrambles to ropes and Gable lets off. Ziggler kicks out of the ropebreak, then shoves Gable to the champions’ corner.

Gable fights out but Ziggler DROPKICKS him down! Ziggler drags Gable to a cover, TWO! Tag to Roode and Ziggler feeds Gable to Roode’s knees! Roode drags Gable up, whips and KNEES him, then reels him in for a suplex! Cover, TWO! Roode clamps on with Gable as Profits say that’s some 8K confidence right there. Hi-definition, no commission. Roode keeps on Gable with a clinch but Gable throws body shots. Roode knees low, whips Gable to ropes but Gable sunset flips! TWO, to an ANKLE LOCK! But Roode powers free, hot tag to Otis! Otis rallies with big elbows and shoulders! And an EXPLODER! ZIggler runs in, for a FLAPJACK!

Otis runs and DISCUS LARIATS! The Profits are fired up as Otis corner splashes Roode! Roode is down, Gable coaches Otis, for the CATERPILLAR ELBOW! Tag to Gable, but Ziggler POSTS Otis! Ziggler gets in to superkick but Gable blocks to CHAOS THEORY! But Roode hits Gable with a GLORIOUS DDT!! Cover, the Dirty Dawgs win!

Winners: Robert Roode & Dolph Ziggler, by pinfall

The Profits admit that was good and applaud. But the Dawgs are dodging the Profits, but you can’t dodge forever! Roode & Ziggler get away from an angry Otis, but will they only have so much time left to avoid Montez Ford & Angelo Dawkins?

 

Hulk Hogan looks back on The Main Event, 2/5/1988!

33 years ago, 33 million watched The Immortal Hulkster take on the rotten, cheating Andre the Giant! That makes Hogan think on Edge going after either Drew McIntyre or Roman Reigns! Both men are in big trouble, because Edge has the love of the millions of Hulkamaniacs! So what’re they gonna do when Edge picks one of them, and Edge-O-Mania runs wild on them?!

 

Edge talks with Shinsuke Nakamura backstage.

Is the Rated R Superstar getting advice from the King of Strong Style on who to choose?

 

WWE Intercontinental Championship Triple Threat: Big E VS Apollo Crews VS Sami Zayn!

It’s time to #ThinkBig and fight hard because the Powerhouse of Positivity is up against both his rival and his antagonizer in one match! Will Big E still be the champ when there’s no champion’s advantage and no knowing what’ll happen?

SmackDown returns and Sami makes his entrance, with his camera crew following behind. The introductions are finally made, Big E’s legs are splayed until the belt is raised, and the stakes are higher than usual as the bell rings!

Sami talks trash but Big E chases him off! Apollo rushes in but Big E elbows him away. Apollo still gets a roll up, TWO! Apollo headlocks, Big E powers out and things speed up. Big E hurdles then elbows Apollo down, and now Sami strikes! Sami throws hands, CHOPS, and whips. Big E reverses, and then back drops Sami hard! Sami bails out, Apollo runs in again and headbutts Big E! Apollo GERMAN SUPLEXES but holds on, to GERMAN SUPLEX again! Apollo hits a third and covers, TWO! Sami CLUBS Apollo down then throws hands. Sami whips, Apollo reverses to CLOBBER Sami! Sami scrambles away, Apollo glares at Big E and runs in to SPLASH!

Apollo goes the other way, to SPLASH! Big E dodges to SPLASH back! Then Big E CLOBBERS Sami! Big E runs into Apollo’s mule kick! Apollo whips but Big E throws him out! Big E sees Apollo on the apron, runs, but Sami trips him up! Sami drags Big E out, throws haymakers, but Big E blocks a bump to bump Sami back! And again, and again! But Apollo FLIES to take Big E out! All three men are on the outside but Apollo hurries to bring Big E around. Apollo goes to the apron, takes aim, and SUPER MOONSAULTS Big E to the floor! Apollo staggers up and Sami CLOBBERS him! The “Champion of the People” is fired up as SmackDown goes to break!

SmackDown returns and Sami clubs away on Big E in the ring! Sami pushes Big E onto ropes and chokes him! The ref can only reprimand because there are no disqualifications. Apollo gets up but Sami knocks him off the apron! Big E runs in but Sami drop toeholds Big E into buckles! Sami drags Big E up, Big E blocks the lift and Apollo gets in. Big E fights Sami, dodges and the missile dropkick gets Sami! Apollo runs at Big E but Big E dodges to OVERHEAD BELLY2BELLY! And again! And then the SIDE BELLY2BELLY! Big E swivels the hips but Sami gets in to jump on! Sami has a sleeper hold but Big E throws him down beside Apollo! Big E runs for a DOUBLE BIG SPLASH!

Big E claps it up as Apollo is alone with him in the ring. Big E spins Apollo around but Apollo ENZIGURIS! Apollo runs at Big E in the corner, but gets put out hard on the apron! Sami runs in, into the Urenage-E! Cover, TWO! Sami survives but Big E keeps his cool. Big E stalks Sami to the apron, stands on him for a moment to then stomp away! Big E takes aim, smiles as he runs back, to APRON SPLASH! But Apollo SHOTGUN DROPKICKS Big E down! Apollo pushes Sami to a drop zone, goes up top, FROG SPLASH! Cover, TWO!! Sami survives and Apollo is frustrated! Sami sputters, Apollo seethes, and Big E is somewhere on the outside stirring.

Apollo fires up as Sami goes to a corner. Apollo runs in but into an elbow! Sami boots but it’s blocked! Big E adds on, GERMAN SUPLEX EXPLODER!! All three men are down and the fans are rallying on their ThunderDome screens! Apollo crawls to the apron to save himself from a cover, so Big E looks at Sami. Sami also goes to the apron, Big E builds speed, but Sami KNEES Big E away! Sami realizes he has an opening, sees Big E in a corner, HELLUVA KICK!! Cover, but Apollo drags him off! Sami is furious, that should’ve been three! Sami fires off fists on Apollo and then he argues with the ref! But there’s nothing that can be done, Apollo goes after Sami!

Sami begs for mercy, but Apollo ROCKS him with haymakers! Apollo military presses Sami to TOSS him into the timekeeper’s area!! And Apollo goes back to Big E in the ring! Big E scoops him, BIG ENDING!! Cover, Big E wins!!

Winner: Big E, by pinfall (still WWE Intercontinental Champion)

Did Sami cost Apollo? Who can say! But in the end, it was a big win for Big E and he is still the big man on campus! Will Apollo figure out what it is that isn’t working?

 

Edge heads to gorilla position!

The Rated R Superstar has had all night to think, is he going to answer Roman’s request, or rather, demand for a decision regarding WrestleMania?

 

SmackDown returns, and Edge heads to the ring!

Finally, after waiting all night, the Rated R Superstar is in the ThunderDome for Friday Night SmackDown! “You can’t accomplish something you’ve never dreamed of.” While grinding through rehab, Edge was dreaming. Every mile that he logged, he was dreaming. Edge dreamed of coming back here. Coming back home. Of winning the Royal Rumble and main-eventing WrestleMania! Of taking back something that he never lost and should be his! So at the Rumble, he came in at number 1 and outlasted 29 of the world’s best today! And now, Edge finds himself on the precipice of the main event t Wrestlemania.

Which begs the question: Who does he choose? It is an embarrassment of riches! Does he choose Drew McIntyre and the world title? Does he choose Finn Balor and the NXT title? Or does he choose Roman Reigns and the Universal title? Edge asked his family and gets one answer. He asks friends and gets another answer. On his way here, Edge saw some dude, asked him and he gave a different answer! By the way, that guy was named “John,” a real nice guy. At the end of the day- Roman Reigns interrupts. Edge watches the Tribal Chief, with cousin and counsel by his side, head down the ramp.

Roman and Heyman go to the steel steps, but Edge is wary of Roman’s hitman, Jey. The Bloodline enters the ring now, and Edge keeps his distance. Heyman again fetches Roman a mic so that Roman may speak. Edge asks why he had to bring back-up. Is Roman already sweating Edge? Because Edge is out here alone. Roman says man to man, Roman gives Edge his word. Without Roman’s blessing, Heyman will not make a move. Roman smirks because he thinks that’s funny. Edge says he’s already in Roman’s head. He can see it on Roman’s face. That’s why Jey’s here. Roman tells Jey they’ll regroup at the buss, Roman has this.

Heyman and Jey leave the ring, so now it’s just champion and possible challenger. That is Edge’s one pass. Edge disrespected Roman so he disrespected the family. Roman will only say this once: “Acknowledge me.” As both the main event of WrestleMania and as THE champion of choice. “Say my name. You understand me? Say my name.” That is Edge’s cue to say his line, so go. Edge smirks back, and then Kevin Owens shows up outta nowhere! STUNNER!! The Prizefighter has the last word tonight as Edge just drops his mic and walk away. Will Edge choose his opponent on his time? And what will Roman’s response be to the defiant Kevin Owens?


My Thoughts:

This was a really good episode to follow the Royal Rumble, and even the rest of the programming from the week. It was a great move for Roman to actually be upset that Edge isn’t outright choosing him and is going to Raw and NXT first. It brings NXT up, as WWE should because there shouldn’t be this “main roster” line drawn between the three brands, even with NXT still having a tie to the developmental aspects of WWE. Edge’s promo before being interrupted also did that by saying Edge isn’t just choosing between Drew and Roman, but Drew, Finn and Roman. Roman interrupting and demanding, only to be shut up by Kevin, was also a great detail. It’s just good story-telling to keep things up in the air like this, even with reports coming out that a decision has been made backstage.

The only cheap part of the decision-making angle was Hogan. He was hyped up as reminiscing on The Main Event from back in 1988, and how he would suggest or predict Edge’s choice, only to do none of that. He barely touched on the Main Event match because they played a really fast moving video package, and then he rambled on more about how HIS fans are now Edge’s fans. Ugh. Bianca’s side of things were played a bit better. She has a great interview with Kayla, her part in the promo segment with Sasha, Mella and Reggie was good, and I’m glad she brought back the hair whip. Mella isn’t going away so maybe she and Sasha have one last go around, winner faces Bianca at Mania.

I like that the Dirty Dawgs, Roode & Ziggler, have a new theme that blends their themes together. It makes them more of a tag team now. Profits doing their own commentary was great, and of course Roode & Ziggler defeat Otis & Gable. Obviously the story is that Profits will rest up, be right back and have their rematch, for an awesome match at whatever PPV it ends up being, hopefully Mania. Bryan VS Cesaro was a great match, and it is great that Cesaro won. Nakamura watching backstage is also curious. This surely foreshadows Nakamura VS Cesaro at some point, and I would actually like if their first match is before a tag team break up. It should be sold first as friendly competition, maybe it turns, and then we get a more intense rematch closer to Mania.

A rematch we didn’t really need was Dominik VS Corbin. I like that Dominik won because Rey helped him cheat, and I hope they circle back and say the person Rey and Dom needed to go see was Eddie Guerrero, and they did it through footage of Eddie’s career. It could even be done as a plug for the WWE Network going to Peacock, as much as I personally don’t like that particular business decision. Point being, Rey should have Dom learn from his kayfabe “real father” in Eddie, so that Dom can become the best of both the Guerrero and Mysterio styles. That is how this story can be redeemed since there apparently won’t be any more Knights of Wolf King involvement with the release of Steve Cutler.

Bayley VS Ruby was a good match, even with Billie getting involved like she did. I like the idea that maybe, just maybe, Billie teams up with Bayley. It could work as a quick tag title story going towards Mania, and it can be a great way to get those titles showing up on SmackDown again. I feel like with WrestleMania being two nights again this year, we need to have a Triple Threat for the Women’s Tag titles, with Nia Jax & Shayna Baszler representing Raw, Billie & Bayley representing SmackDown, and then the Women’s Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic winners representing NXT. Billie might even cost Bayley somehow, and then they feud post-Mania. Either way, it’s a big move up for Billie, which she is proving she deserves in my opinion.

The Intercontinental Championship Triple Threat as the main event match was a great move. It was such a good match, with not so much story since Sami didn’t try a sneaky trick, but it did instead give us some progress for Apollo. He getting rid of Sami only to be the one that loses adds to his frustration, and I am definitely looking forward to Heel Apollo happening as he snaps on Big E and just goes nuts.

My Score: 8.3/10


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

PLAY BY PLAY

Jey Uso is here!

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

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

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

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

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

 

Adam Pearce is on the phone.

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Winners: DIY, by pinfall (advance to WrestleMania)

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

 

Judgment Day meets backstage.

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

Winners: Candice LeRae & Indi Hartwell, by submission

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

 

Cody Rhodes makes his way to the ring.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

Nia Jax speaks.

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

 

Cody Rhodes returns backstage.

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

 

Dominik Mysterio w/ JD McDonagh VS Ricochet!

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

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

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

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

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

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

Winner: Ricochet, by pinfall

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

 

Sami Zayn is backstage.

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

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

 

Adam Pearce is in the ring.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

 


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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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