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Mitchell’s WWE NXT Results & Report! (3/3/21)

Tag titles are on the line!

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NXT Coverage 2021

Will the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships belong to NXT?

The inaugural Women’s Dusty Cup Winners, Dakota Kai & Raquel Gonzalez, challenge Nia Jax & Shayna Baszler for the titles! But will the NXT alumni show they still dominate the black ‘n’ yellow?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

  • Oney Lorcan & Danny Burch VS Timothy Thatcher & Tommaso Ciampa; Lorcan & Burch win.
  • Aliyah w/ The Robert Stone Brand VS Ember Moon w/ Shotzi Blackheart; Ember wins.
  • WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships: Nia Jax & Shayna Baszler VS Dakota Kai & Raquel Gonzalez; Jax & Baszler win and retain the titles.
  • Cameron Grimes VS Bronson Reed; Grimes wins.
  • Ever-Rise VS Breezango; No Contest.
  • Finn Balor VS Roderick Strong; Balor wins.

PLAY BY PLAY

Oney Lorcan & Danny Burch VS Timothy Thatcher & Tommaso Ciampa!

The Kings of NXT are probably thanking the Grizzled Young Veterans for taking out MSK last week, but then kicking themselves for mouthing off. They got in the faces of Wes Lee & Nash Carter, but it was the Professor of Pain & Psycho Killer that got in their faces back. No challengers left their cards open, so the NXT Tag Team Champions have to put up or shut up against “Toothless Timmy” & “Old Man Ciampa.” Will the One Two grow a pair and take it to this dangerous duo?

Ciampa walks to gorilla position and Thatcher finishes a conversation with Imperium’s Marcel Barthel. We’ll learn what that’s about later as Ciampa & Thatcher make their entrance. Thatcher and Burch start, circle, tie up, and Burch is after an arm. Thatcher uses that to get Burch back and hits a headlock takeover. Burch rolls to a cover, ONE, and Thatcher has the keylock. Burch scrambles up, gets around, but Thatcher cranks the arm. They end up on ropes, the ref counts and Thatcher lets go. Burch pushes as he lets off, and the two circle again. They tie up, Burch full nelsons, snapmares Thatcher, but Thatcher slips out to get the arm,

Thatcher grinds the arm, drops down on it, then twists it around. Burch clinches with Thatcher and throws EuroUppers. Thatcher throws EuroUppers back, but both men take a step. Ciampa wants in but Thatcher leaves him hanging to go after Burch again. Thatcher EuroUppers, Burch EuroUppers back, but Thatcher facelocks! Now he tags Ciampa and they mug Burch. Ciampa cravats but Burch powers him to the corner. Oney tags in, gets Ciampa’s arm and wrenches it to an armlock. Ciampa fights up, headlocks, but Oney puts him in a corner. The ref counts, Oney lets off but he CHOPS Ciampa! Ciampa shrugs that off, blocks the next chop to give a CHOP!

Oney EuroUppers, Ciampa CHOPS and forearms, but Oney headlocks. Ciampa tries to power out but Oney pulls beard! Ciampa slips around to a waistlock, Oney bucks him off but runs into a headlock takeover! Oney headscissors, Ciampa kicks free and blocks Oney’s headlock takeover! Ciampa waistlocks, Oney switches but Ciampa elbows out hard! Ciampa outs Oney on the apron and KNEES Him down! Burch run sin but Ciampa hits him first! Ciampa puts Burch out but Burch runs away, only for Thatcher to BLAST him! Oney rolls Ciampa up, TWO! Oney throws more EuroUppers, whips but Ciampa LARIATS Oney! Burch gets on the apron, Ciampa BOOTS him, then tags Thatcher!

Ciampa shoves Oney, pops him up, Thatcher EuroUppers Oney down! Cover, TWO! Thatcher clamps onto Oney, grinds him down with the chinlock, but Oney endures. Oney fights up, Thatcher KNEES him in the back then covers, TWO! Thatcher clamps on again, Oney grabs at Thatcher and fish hooks Thatcher’s mouth! The ref reprimands, Thatcher pushes Oney down, but Oney CHOP BLOCKS a leg! Oney tags Burch, brings Thatcher up, but Thatcher fights them off to Belly2Belly Oney! Burch runs in and CLOBBERS Thatcher! Ciampa and Thatcher regroup as Thatcher clutches his neck! The ref checks on Thatcher and NXT goes to break.

NXT returns, Thatcher is okay to continue but Oney has him down with a Half Crab! Thatcher endures, reaches for his corner, but Oney pulls back on the leg. Thatcher powers up but Oney drag shim away, only for Thatcher to kick him away! Burch tags in but no Full Crab, Thatcher boots him to tag in Ciampa! Ciampa rallies on Burch, then on Oney! Then he clotheslines Burch in a corner, then hits Oney, then back to Burch! Ciampa isn’t slowing down as he hits endless corner clotheslines! Ciampa dodges the One Two to DOUBLE LARIAT! The fans fire up with Ciampa and he throws hands on Burch in the corner!

Thatcher forces the bad arm to move as he tags in and gives EuroUppers to Burch! Tag back to Ciampa and he CHOPS away on Burch! Tag back to Thatcher and he fires off forearms! Thatcher drags Burch out to HALF HATCH SUPLEX! Thatcher grins as he wraps on the chinlock! Burch flails but Oney boots Thatcher! Thatcher just grins at Oney, and Ciampa BOOTS Oney! Ciampa puts Oney in a chinlock, and both men beat away on the One Two with crossface forearms! Fans are fired up for “NXT! NXT!” as Thatcher looms over Burch. Thatcher waistlocks, Oney grabs at Burch to save him! The ref reprimands, Burch lets go to elbow Thatcher away!

Oney tags in, he DECKS Ciampa, then EuroUppers Thatcher! Tag back to Burch, they drag Thatcher up, but Thatcher powers out to shove Burch into Oney! Thatcher grabs Oney but Burch grabs Thatcher! Ciampa returns to BOOT Oney, Burch SLAPS Ciampa but Thatcher DECKS Burch! Oney HALF ‘N’ HALF SUPLEXES Thatcher and grows as he grabs Thatcher, but Ciampa SLAPS Oney! Thatcher SLAPS, Ciampa KNEES, Oney falls but Burch HEADBUTTS Ciampa! Thatcher BOOTS Burch and all four men are down! Fans are thunderous but Thatcher’s neck and arm are bothering him again!

Burch and Oney regroup, Thatcher crawls for Ciampa, but Imperium stands on the stage? Thatcher glares at them, Ciampa looks over to see them, too. Burch tags in and Oney BLASTS Ciampa! Oney whips Thatcher at Burch, they combine for LONGDON BRIDGE!! Cover, the tag champs win!

Winners: Oney Lorcan & Danny Burch, by pinfall

What is Imperium even doing out here? Does this have to do with the conversation Barthel had with Thatcher? And if this is how the champs won a non-title match, how will they deal with MSK when the belts are finally on the line?

 

NXT returns with Roderick Strong in the ring.

He throws down his Undisputed Era dog tags and demands Adam Cole get out to the ring NOW! But on surprise that he won’t. “If any single one of us ever meant a thing to you, just a little bit, please get out here right now!” But instead of Cole, it’s Finn Balor! Balor tells Roddy he needs to learn that Cole won’t come out here for him. Do you think Cole is going to offer Strong an explanation? Strong tells Balor, “I find this really funny. Because the Undisputed Era was doing perfectly fine until you showed up!” In Strong’s mind, this whole thing is Balor’s fault!

Oh is it? Balor tells Strong that this isn’t his fault. The reason the “brotherhood” fell apart is because of the NXT Championship. Balor knows how to get Cole out here. “Next week, Adam Cole VS Finn Balor, for the NXT Championship!” As for Roddy, “You’ll never be a leader. You’ll always be a follower. And until you get a little more greedy and a little more selfish, and until you get a killer instinct like The Prince, you’ll never-” Strong DECKS Balor! Strong fires off fists but Balor gives them back!

Referees hurry out to break this up, as do WWE officials, but Balor says they can do this tonight! Strong wants to, too, but the refs tell them not now. Will the Prince and the Savior of the Backbreaker have it out before Cole comes back for the title?

 

The Way attends family therapy.

They’re at the Central Florida Psychiatric Center, and only now does Austin Theory think this isn’t Chuck E. Cheese like Johnny Gargano promised. Linda Nicoli is used to more one-on-one sessions, but Johnny says Theory needs his “family” here for support. In fact, this Dexter Lumis problem is affecting all of them. Theory says there is no problem. But that is the problem! Theory was kidnapped and acts like nothing happened! It was a vacation! Theory, sweetie, being locked up somewhere for three days isn’t vacation. Indi says that with the right guy, it could be.

Dr. Nicoli says Theory’s friends- er, family, thinks Theory is just in denial. Did something happen that he’s afraid to tell them about? No, nothing bad happened! It was two dudes hanging out, having a good time! Lumis just needs friends, and it is a cold, hard world. Indi would warm Lumis up. Seriously? And what is she even doing with that pad? What is she writing? It’s private. No it’s not, give it! Give it! Johnny snatches it away and sees Indi wrote in very fancy letters, “Mrs. Indi Wrestling-Lumis!?” Gargano says he gave Indi the name ‘”Wrestling” as a Christmas present! She’s ruined Christmas! This is Theory’s fault, he is making things worse for everyone!

Johnny tells Theory to tell Dr. Nicoli that “that FREAK” Lumis locked him in his basement and drew pictures of him and whatever! Lumis should be in jail! Why is he not in jail!? Tell Johnny why! LOCK HIM UP! LOCK HIM UP! Nicoli tells Mr. Gargano that his hostility towards Lumis is unlocking some deep-rooted issues of his own. Oh no no no! Johnny sees what she’s doing! She’s making this about him, when it’s not! This is not for her to therapy on him! Therapy on Lumis! Nicoli tells Johnny to calm down and he only gets angrier as he insists he IS calm! Johnny is always calm! That’s his middle name: Johnny Calm Gargano! But he’s starting to foam at the mouth.

Dr. Nicoli tells Johnny to get out of her office! Johnny says she should get out, this is HIS office now! He’s North American Champion! Nicoli shouts to GET OUT! Johnny says that was very unprofessional. Johnny is left outside, and the therapying continues without him. Will we get to the root of The Way’s problems? Or did it just get sent out into the hall?

 

Cameron Grimes counts his money.

“What we’re doing here today is we’re starting on the ground floor. If I’m gonna make some changes in this place, we’ve gotta start with that name.” The CWC? No no, we can do much better. The CGA: The Cameron Grimes Auditorium! Is that approved? It’ll get approved. Grimes has money to approve anything. But then William Regal walks over and asks Grimes to get out of the chair. Sorry, Mr. Regal, Grimes is a little busy right now. Regal tells Grimes to stand up, so Grimes does. Regal says Grimes hit a crew member and now there is a lawsuit. Say no more. How much does he want? 100? 200?

Regal says he can take care of the settlement, the problem is Grimes. Oh, well okay. Regal wants money, but Grimes has #KissMuhGrits money. And everybody has a price. Regal says he has no idea what that means, but he has a contract for a match with Grimes’ name on it. It will be Grimes VS BRONSON REED! Grimes says it’ll just be easier to give him money. DAMN YOU, TED DEBIASE! Will Grimes’ greed cost him against the Colossal Bronson Reed?

 

BREAKING NEWS: It’s OFFICIAL!

For next week’s episode of NXT, the NXT Championship IS on the line as Finn Balor defends against Adam Cole! But tonight, Balor VS Strong IS happening! Will Balor end up with a nice sweep of the former Undisputed Era members?

 

Aliyah w/ The Robert Stone Brand VS Ember Moon w/ Shotzi Blackheart!

While Robert Stone himself deals with some PTTSD, Post Tank Trauma Stress Disorder, the Bougie from the Six will have to deal with the Evolved Shenom! Will Ember be howling to the moon as she #TCB, takes care o’ business?

The bell rings, Ember and Aliyah circle, fans rally and duel as the two tie up. Aliyah wristlocks, Ember handsprings and wrenches to an elbow breaker. Ember whips but Aliyah goes up an dover, only for the arm-drag to be blocked! Ember arm-drags Aliyah, then again, then chases her to the ropes. The ref backs Ember off, Stone coaches Aliyah up but Ember headlocks. Aliyah gets a headlock of her own, Ember powers up and out, but Aliyah runs her over. Aliyah fires up and talks some smack, but things speed up and Ember trips her up. Aliyah comes back to ROCK Ember, but Ember just scowls.

Aliyah taunts Ember but Ember gives her a free shot. Aliyah takes Ember up on the offer, but gets caught to a SLAM! Ember drags Aliyah up, wrenches an arm, but Aliyah throws forearms! Ember hits back, whips Aliyah but Aliyah dodges, only for Ember to tackle her! They both fall out of the ring, Ember scowls again as she shoves Aliyah back in. Stone makes an offer to Ember but Shotzi storms over and Stone hides behind Jessi Kamea! Aliyah LEAPS, but Ember catches her! Aliya slips off the scoop and puts Ember in the ring but Ember KICKS back! And then BOOTS Aliyah from the apron! Ember puts Aliyah in the ring, covers, TWO!

Ember keeps on Aliyah in the corner but Aliyah throws her into buckles! Aliyah runs in to BOOT her down! Cover, TWO!! Ember survives, Stone coaches Aliyah to keep on her, and Aliyah throws a knee into Ember’s back. Aliyah clamps on with a chinlock, Ember endures, fans rally and Shotzi coaches Ember now. Ember fights up, pries free and arm-drags Aliyah away! Aliyah comes back into a headscissor! Ember rallies with clotheslines, a mule kick and then a SHOTGUN dropkick! Ember roars, fans fire up and Aliyah runs into a SPINEBUSTER! High stack, TWO! Ember climbs up top, Aliyah trips Ember up! Aliyah climbs up, Ember resists and fights back!

Ember hits Aliyah with a GOURD BUSTER! Stone distracts the ref, Kamea goes after Ember but Ember BOOTS her down! Shotzi comes around to LEAP and CLOBBER the Stone Brand! ECLIPSE for Aliyah! Cover, Ember wins!

Winner: Ember Moon, by pinfall

And just like that, Ember’s Law takes effect! Will Ember and Shotzi continue to watch each other’s backs and take over the NXT Women’s Division together?

 

Backstage interview with Ciampa & Thatcher.

What exactly happened with Imperium showing up during their match? Thatcher says we all come from somewhere, and we all have a past. Imperium keeps throwing Thatcher’s in his face. And Ciampa says the past IS the past, and that’s it. We done here? Ciampa and Thatcher head out, but will the past come to haunt them all the same?

 

NXT profiles the coming collision of Io Shirai and Toni Storm!

“If anybody knows how good Io Shirai is,” it’s Toni Storm. She’s competed with and against Shirai all over the world. But what scares Shirai the most is that she knows how great Storm is! Shirai has put down every champion and challenger, except Storm. Shirai says she is NOT scared of Toni Storm. She respects her as an athlete, but doesn’t like her as a person. Storm stands in the way of Shirai being seen as THE greatest NXT Women’s Champion in history. Storm says next week, the reign of Shirai ends, and #ToniTime begins. Shirai says her toughest challenge is coming, but at the end we will hear, “And still NXT Women’s Champion…!”

 

WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships: Nia Jax & Shayna Baszler VS Dakota Kai & Raquel Gonzalez!

The Irresistible Force and Queen of Spades have been dominant tag team champions on Raw and SmackDown, but they’re returning to NXT to complete the sweep! Will they be rolling on the Road to WrestleMania? Or will these titles take a detour into the black ‘n’ yellow and ride with the first-ever Women’s Dusty Cup winners?

The introductions are made, the titles are raised, and this battle that brings up the past and cements the future begins!

Dakota and Shayna begin and then Nia tags in. Nia and Dakota circle, they tie up, and Nia throws Dakota right down. Dakota gets up and in a corner but Nia TOSSES her across the way! Nia runs in to SPLASH Dakota, then tags Shayna back in. Shayna mugs Dakota, drags Dakota up again and bumps her off buckles. Shayna runs in, fakes Dakota out, and then pats her head. Shayna still sees the scared Dakota, and then she waistlocks Dakota to SLAM her! Shayna twists Dakota’s arm, hammerlocks it, and wants to repeat history! Dakota knows that and gets away to SLAP Shayna!

Shayna rushes in but is put in a corner. She dodges, but Dakota elbows back! Dakota goes up and over and rolls Shayna, ONE! Dakota arm-drags Shayna around, then hits a flying-mare! Shayna blocks the kick, trips Dakota up, and drags her up to throw her out! Raquel check son Dakota, Nia and Shayna storm over but the ref wants them to keep this in the ring. Tensions rise as NXT goes picture in picture.

Dakota and Raquel go to their corner, Shayna and Nia go to theirs, and Dakota tags Raquel. Raquel stares down Shayna, they both talk some trash, and Raquel shoves Shayna. Shayna smirks as she ROCKS Raquel with a right! Shayna goes for a leg, Raquel pries her off but Shayna switches. Raquel switches, and throws Shayna around! Shayna goes after the arm, Raquel resists the wrench, but Shayna twists the wrist. Raquel scoops Shayna and Dakota tags in before the SLAM! Dakota gets a boost for DOUBLE STOMPS! Cover, TWO! Dakota keeps on Shayna but Shayna fires off furious strikes! Shayna drags Dakota up for a gut wrench SLAM! Cover, TWO!

Shayna keeps on Dakota’s arm with a keylock and drags her away. Nia tags in, they mug Dakota, and Nia drags Dakota around to shove her down! Dakota crawls, Nia stalks her and chokes her on the ropes! The ref counts, Nia lets off at 4, but then Nia taunts Raquel with a tag to Dakota before she CLUBS Dakota down. Nia drags Dakota up, tags Shayna, and they mug Dakota again. Shayna snapmares Dakota, KICKS her in the back, then covers, TWO! Shayna drags Dakota up with the keylock again, and Dakota endures as Shayna pulls on the arm. Dakota fights up as Raquel and fans rally, and she hits a jawbreaker! Hot tag to Raquel!

Big Mami Cool puts Shayna in a corner and stomps away! Then she clamps onto the arms, throws knees, and CLUBS Shayna! NXT returns to single picture as Dakota tags back in. Raquel whips Shayna in and Dakota BOOT WASHES her down! Shayna bails out, Dakota goes to the apron and kicks, but Shayna catches it to trip and YANKS Dakota down! Shayna drags Dakota back into the ring, drags her around and stomps away on the leg! Dakota clutches her knee, Nia tags in and Nia drags Dakota around to a STRETCH MUFFLER! Dakota can only endure as Nia swings her around! Nia swings harder but Dakota sunset flips! Nia stays up, drags Dakota back up and HEADBUTTS her!

Dakota flounders, Nia brings her around and gets the STRETCH MUFFLER again! She swings Dakota into buckles! Nia drags Dakota to a cover, TWO! Nia is annoyed as Dakota gets to a corner. Dakota boots back, hops up, and leaps, into Nia’s arms! Shayna tags in, Nia pops Dakota up as Shayna DECKS Raquel! Nia SLAMS Dakota down, Shayna KNEES Dakota further down! Cover, but Raquel breaks it! Shayna is frustrated but she drags Dakota up to whip her to the corner. Dakota SCORPION KICKS Nia and BOOTS her down! Dakota dodges Shayna, hobbles, but Shayna gets the leg to bring her back. Dakota mule kicks then SUPERKICKS Shayna!

Fans fire up for Dakota as she crawls to the corner, hot tag to Raquel! And Raquel DRPOKCIKS and CLOBERS Shayna! She scoops and FALL AWAY SLAMS Shayna, to then scoop her for ANOTHER FALL AWAY SLAM! Raquel runs in to SPLASH Shayna, fire off elbows, then scoop her again. SWINGING POWERSLAM! Cover, TWO!! Shayna sits up in a daze but Raquel drags her back up. Raquel wants the fisherman but Shayna knees free! Tag to Nia and the female titans meet! Fans fire up as Nia shoves, but Raquel throws forearms! They brawl, Nia ROCKS Raquel, but runs into only buckles! Raquel RAMS into Nia over and over, boots her, then ROCKS Shayna!

Nia CLOBBERS Raquel, tags Shayna and Shayna KNEES Raquel down! Cover, TWO! Shayna gets the sleeper! Raquel fights up, and throws Shayna off to BOOT her down! Tag back to Dakota, they coordinate on Shayna, ASSISTED GO TO KICK! Cover, but Nia breaks it! Raquel gets in to brawl with Nia more, but Nia clotheslines Raquel out! Nia exits, leaving Dakota and Shayna alone in the ring. Dakota drags Shayna up, fireman’s carries, but the bad leg gives up! She still dodges Shayna, tries again, and GO TO- NO! Shayna catches the leg, drags Dakota into the KIRAFUDA! Dakota rolls back to a cover, TWO!! KIRAFUDA KLUTCH!!!

Dakota fades, fights, gets a second wind, and drags herself and Shayna! Nia distracts but the ref deals with her quickly, and she sees the tag to Raquel! Raquel stomps Shayna, BOOTS Nia, but the ref ends up a casualty! Nia drags Raquel out to RAM her into the apron! Raquel RAMS Nia over the announce desk!! They’re both out and now Dakota really IS alone with Shayna! Fans rally up as Dakota and Shayna stir. KIRAFUDA KLUTCH!! Dakota flails, but wait, is that Adam Pearce?! He throws a new ref in to watch this action! Dakota is OUT, the champions win!

Winners: Shayna Baszler & Nia Jax, by submission (still WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships)

Wait, wait, wait! While yes, Dakota did pass out in the submission, Raquel was the legal superstar! Plus, the Raw backstage official, Adam Pearce, and a Raw referee should NOT be making decisions on NXT! What will WWE management as a whole have to say about this?

 

We return to The Way’s family therapy.

Dr. Nicoli’s understanding is that Lumis has had his eye on Theory for some time. Does he have an idea why? Lumis probably just gets lonely and could use a friend. Indi would be Lumis’ friend. With benefits. Candice gets a text, then says that Lumis doesn’t want friends, he wants victims. Look at Roderick Strong, Bobby Fish, Cameron Grimes. The list goes on and on. Theory does get why Candice doesn’t like Lumis. He can be a bit weird at times. Indi likes when things get weird. And Lumis did choke Gargano out. Don’t remind her. Another text and, “It friggin’ sucked. My thr-” er uh, Johnny’s throat is still sore!

Another text. “We’re talking about a guy who chops people’s arms off, kidnaps,” are we taking friggin’ crazy pills?! Wait, these texts are from Johnny! No they’re not! Yes they are, he’s eavesdropping and has his phone! He was ordering from Uber Eats… Dr. Nicoli now kicks Candice out for being Johnny’s proxy, and kicks Indi out for her increasingly disturbing comments. Johnny will tag in then. No, he’s still banned. Aw man, c’mon! So no Uber Eats? But now with one-on-one time, Dr. Nicoli wants Theory to know this is a safe space. He trusts her, right? Right. Now, what really happened on those three days with Dexter Lumis? TO BE CONTINUED!

 

LA Knight is backstage!

LA Knight is in NXT and he is doing it his way, on his time! That time… is after the break!

 

Isaiah “Swerve” Scott is back in the music studio.

He’s back to working on beats and has friends listen to it. Great stuff! Swerve then talks to us and says, “You wanna talk about life opportunities?” It’s funny how Leon Ruff used to just “luck up,” trip, fall into the ring, and end up with the North American Championship. But Swerve has to grind, claw, scratch just to get nothing. Leon thinks this is funny, like a fantasy world or a prep school or something! This is N X T! This is C W C! This is Swerve’s House. Swerve is hunting for opportunities, but Ruff is in his way, so Ruff is going to get handled. “You don’t wanna go to war with somebody who cares less than you do.” And Swerve is dangerous, savage, and different. “And I just don’t care anymore.”

 

LA Knight heads to the ring!

The fans cheer for the newest signee to the brand, and Knight gets the mic to say, “I have waited entirely too long to step into this very ring, stare straight down the barrel and say, ‘Lemme talk to ya!'” But they don’t understand. He isn’t going to talk childhood dreams. As far as he is concerned, this isn’t a dream. No, this is business! HIS business! And his business involves whipping ass every time someone else walks through these ropes. So you want to talk TakeOver? A one man revolution just rolled in the door and changed the game! You might say, “That guy’s the Tom Brady of Wrestling!” No, Brady wishes he was half the man that is L A Knight!

But like ol’ Tommy, Knight didn’t come in a first round draft pick! He isn’t here as “The guy.” But you bet your bottom dollar that this is the guy setting trends and records! Knight looks around the landscape of NXT, from Johnny Garganos to Kyle O’Reillys to Adam Coles and Finn Balors. Every single one has a fancy kick, flip, dive. Knight is inviting them to bring that to his front door. He isn’t greeting them with flash or pizzazz. He’ll just beat the hell out of you! Knight puts it like this: “I didn’t come here to do anything fancy.”

You may not like the way he does it, but Knight gets the job done! He is the last of a dying breed! Already you’ve got people going, “LA Knight might be the greatest NXT Superstar of all time!” And Knight agrees! But when it comes time for coronation, don’t call him the GOAT. That’s overplayed, overused, thrown around like confetti. Call him one thing that sets him apart and makes him stand head and shoulders above the rest. You just call him LA KNIGHT! Whose game is it? Knight’s! And that’s not an insult, that’s just a fact of life!

 

Cameron Grimes VS Bronson Reed!

The Carolina Caveman still has his #GameStonks and is going #ToTheMoon, but will he be brought back down to Earth the hard way by Colossal Bronson?

The bell rings, Reed is confused as to how Grimes is just throwing his money around. Grimes tries to pay Reed off to skip this match, but Reed DECKS him! Grimes goes at Reed but Reed lifts him up. Grimes slips off to KICK away, but Reed blocks the whip! Reed whips, catches Grimes, then throws him out of the ring! Grimes hurries up and shoulders into Reed, then slingshot sunset flips! Reed stays up to SIT on Grimes! Cover, TWO!! Grimes sputters as he gets out of the ring and NXT goes to break.

NXT returns as Reed RAMS Grimes into barriers, then puts him back in the ring. Grimes gets up to ROCK Reed, but Reed pushes him away. Grimes ENZIGURIS, then waistlocks, only for Reed to buck him away. Things speed up, and Reed runs into a COLLISION COURSE!! Cover, TWO!! Reed survives and Grimes can’t believe it! But it is hard to believe Grimes even hit that move! Grimes drags Reed around and rains down rights, then lefts. Reed pushes Grimes away, fans rally and duel, and Grimes KNEES Reed down! Grimes clamps on with a chinlock, Reed endures and powers up. Grimes KNEES Reed back down! Grimes STOMPS Reed’s hand! And KICKS him in the chest!

Grimes KICKS Reed more, but Reed just gets mad. Reed shoves Grimes, Grimes KICKS again, but Reed eggs him on! Grimes KICKS, but Reed gets up! Reed SWATS the kick, CHOPS Grimes and rallies with clobbering forearms! Reed whips then CLOBBERS Grimes with a full body attack! Grimes flounders to a corner, fans rally for Reed as he runs corner to corner, and he SPLASHES! Reed gets Grimes up but Grimes fights the choke slam to SUPER FOREARM! Reed CLOBBERS Grimes again! Fans fire up for Reed as he stalks Grimes to ropes. Reed drags Grimes, Grimes kicks Reed away then boots from the corner! Grimes is on the apron but Reed is still up!

Grimes says he’s done! He gets his hat, but Reed DIVES?!?! Direct hit at the ramp! Fans lose their minds at that Colossal Tope Suicida! Reed drags Grimes off the floor and into the ring. Reed storms up the steps, but LA Knight returns to return Grimes’ hat to him? That’s odd. Knight goes after Reed and HOTSHOTS him!! Grimes hurries to hit the CAVEIN!! Cover, Grimes wins!!

Winner: Cameron Grimes, by pinfall

The rich get richer, but what is Knight up top with Reed? Does Knight think he can topple the mountain of a man before climbing the NXT mountain?

 

William Regal is spotted talking with Adam Pearce backstage.

We can’t hear what they’re saying but it is clear Pearce is trying to explain himself to the NXT General Manager.

 

Backstage interview with Kayden Carter.

We know that last week, Xia Li decimated Kacy Catanzaro’s leg, and Kacy herself posted on social media about the partial LCL tear. Kayden says it sucks, and pisses her off, to see her best friend hurt and out of action. We don’t know when Kacy will be back, but Kayden no longer gives a DAMN about Xia Li! Xia took Kacy out, so Kayden will take Xia out! What happened last week hasn’t scared Kayden off, all Kayden sees is fear! Next week, Xia can come get it! Will KC avenge KC against the sharpened blade forged by Tian Sha?

 

We again return to The Way’s therapy session.

Are we finally going to learn the truth of what happened for those three days Theory was missing? Theory says it was a great time, really. He was in a really small room, with the windows boarded up, and it was great. Theory got to watch cartoons and each “so much cereal like the whole day.” Lumis is rly just a nice guy. Nicoli asks if Theory really thinks Lumis is nice. Yeah, absolutely! Then does Theory know why Lumis brought him back? Honestly, no. Nicoli says she’s actually spoken with Lumis in preparation for this session. Really!? Lumis talks?! Oh, on the contrary. Lumis couldn’t stop talking to her. What’d he say?

The truth is… Lumis couldn’t wait to get rid of Theory. Lumis said Theory was, “The most obnoxious person he’s ever been around.” Theory’s eating habits are unsightly, his fashion sense is atrocious, and Lumis was rather disgusted by Theory’s infatuation with cutting shirts up so he can show off his “mediocre abdominal section.” Theory cries! He runs out of the room and Johnny asks what the hell just happened! Nicoli is a MONSTER! The Way leaves and Johnny is going to give Nicoli a piece of is mind! Theory still cries, Indi and Candice get him away, and Johnny says Nicoli did great! The bit about kicking him out worked like a charm! She earned every penny! Oh, hold on, need to keep a $100. “Arcade money.” Johnny says they ARE going to Chuck E. Cheese now! Nicoli says they’re all still idiots.

 

Ever-Rise VS Breezango!

Chase Parker & Matt Marthel take a break from #EverRiseLive and #BollyRise with the Singh Brothers to take on the fashionable former NXT Tag Team Champions! Tyler Breeze & Fandango return as astronauts, only to get MUGGED by El Legado del Fantasma?! Raul Mendoza & Joaquin Wilde toss Breezango down the ramp and then continue to mug them! Ever-Rise has a laugh as Fandango is RAMMED into barriers, and then Breeze gets POSTED crotch first! But Legado isn’t done here, they chase Ever-Rise out of the ring! Parker & Marthel want them to take it easy, but then SANTOS ESCOBAR attacks!

Escobar RAMS Marthel into barriers, fires off fists on Parker and kicks him down! Escobar RAMS Parker into steel steps, then bounces Parker’s head off them over and over! El Legado stands together in the ring, Escobar gets a mic, and cools off before saying, “Do not mistake last week’s events for weakness!” If you do, what happened just now will happen to you! The NXT Cruiserweight Champion tries to save face, but is the clock still ticking on his reign?

 

Backstage interview with William Regal.

It would seem he and Raw/SmackDown’s Adam Pearce had a heated conversation, but can he offer any clarification on what about? Regal says because of what happened in tonight’s Women’s Tag Team Championship match, he will have an announcement next week that will change the landscape of NXT! Whoa, that definitely sounds big. What will this news be?

 

Finn Balor VS Roderick Strong!

The Prince has beaten Kyle O’Reilly a couple times, and is set to face Adam Cole once again! But will he get through the Savior of the Backbreaker to check off one more man from the team that was the Undisputed Era?

The bell rings and Strong ties right up with Balor! They go around, end up on ropes but move away from them, Balor waistlocks and drags Strong down. Cover, ONE, Strong turns that around to a cover, ONE! Balor facelocks, shifts to a chinlock but Strong snapmares him over to chinlock back. Balor fights up, Strong ROCKS him then CHOPS him in the corner! Balor trips Strong, covers, ONE, but Balor facelocks again. Strong fights up, Balor moves around to throw Strong over but Strong makes armbar into high stack cover! ONE, and Balor tries a triangle but Strong shifts to get free and goes for legs! Balor trips Strong and gets a headlock!

Strong fights as fans rally up. They stand, Strong pries free of the headlock to half nelson. Balor fights that off to crucifix takedown, TWO! Balor is back to the chinlock and then goes after the arm. Strong endures, Balor pulls on the arm more, but Strong fights up. Balor shifts to a cobra clutch and he grinds Strong down. Strong endures, moves around, but Balor wrangles him back to the mat! Fans rally, Strong pushes Balor’s face and fights up, and Strong puts Balor in the corner. Balor holds on, Strong rams him into buckles, then pries the hold away to arm-drag Balor hard! Balor gets up into a HALF NELSON BACKBREAKER!

NXT goes picture in picture while Balor and Strong catch their breath and steady themselves. Strong stomps Balor down, CLUBS him at ropes, then has him in the ropes to bend him back! The ref counts, Strong kicks Balor in the back as he lets off, but comes back to CHOP! Strong stomps, backs off, but then comes back with forearms. Balor kicks back, Strong CHOPS and knees low, then whips him to ropes. Balor reverses, Strong sunset flips but Balor rolls through to basement dropkick! Fans rally as Balor snapmares Strong and clamps onto the arm again. Balor grinds Strong down, cranks the arm to a hammerlock, but Strong endures as he moves around.

Balor hooks the arm up, traps it and SNAP LOCKS it! Strong goes to ropes to shake out the bad arm but Balor storms over. Strong CHOPS, Balor is after the arm again! Balor wrangles Strong back down, clamps onto the arm and grinds the shoulder. Strong endures, NXT returns to single picture and he powers Balor to a corner. Balor holds on, Strong knee slow and bumps Balor off buckles! Strong CHOPS Balor, bumps him off more buckles, then throws forearms! Strong throws more forearms and CHOPS, but Balor wrenches the bad arm to WRING Strong out! Strong writhes and flounders but Balor seethes as he KICKS Strong down!

Balor stomps Strong at ropes, lets off as the ref counts, and he looms over Strong. Balor brings him up to crank the arm, grind it down and twist it again. Strong endures but Balor yanks it! And again! And again! Balor stands to hook the arm up, and SNAP LOCKS it! Strong goes to the apron for shelter but Balor is right after him. Balor drags Strong up, throws uppercuts to the arm, and he clamps onto the shoulder again. Strong endures, fights up and fans rally as he fights back up. Strong scoops and SLAMS Balor with the good arm! Both men are down and fans fire up more! Strong stands, CLUBS Balor, and knees low!

Strong CLUBS, knees, CLUBS, repeat! Strong drags Balor back up, for a BACKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Balor endures, Strong and Balor slowly rise. Strong runs at the corner but Balor dodges the knee to arm-drag! Balor drags Strong around, ANACONDA VICE!! Strong flails, kicks, reaches, and gets a ropebreak with a foot! The ref counts, Balor lets go at 4, maybe 4.9! Balor grimaces as he gets up and see Strong in the corner. Balor CHOPS him, whips him corner to corner, then runs in to CHOP again! And then Balor whips Strong the other way to CHOP him again! Balor reminds Strong he’s in here with the champ! He whips Strong again but Strong comes back to CLOBBER him!

Fans fire up as Strong sputters and gets up. Strong throws forearms and CHOPS on Balor, then scoops him for an atomic SLAM! Fans are thunderous, Balor gets up and Strong runs to forearm smash side to side, over and over! Balor wobbles, Strong gets him for an OLYMPIC SLAM! Then the underhooks for a TIGER DRIVER! High stack cover, TWO!! Balor and Strong are slowly stirring as fans rally for “NXT! NXT!” Strong stands first but Balor follows. Strong runs but into a SLINGBLADE! Balor goes to a corner, runs and shotguns, into the catch! Strong works to turn Balor, for the STRONG HOLD! Balor endures as Strong digs his knee in!

Balor powers his way around, but Strong drags him from ropes! Balor twists but Strong counters the body scissors to a cover! TWO!! Strong fireman’s carries for a GUT BUST- DOUBLE STOMPS!! Balor turns things around on Strong and both men are down again! Fans are electric, “This is Awesome!” as Balor gets up to fire off on Strong! Strong kicks back, enziguris, but Balor PELES! Strong comes back but leaps into the ELBOW DROP DDT! Balor grits his teeth, takes aim and SHOTGUNS Strong into buckles! Strong is in the drop zone, Balor goes up top and he hits the COUP DE GRACE! Balor keeps going, for 1916!! Cover, Balor wins!!

Winner: Finn Balor, by pinfall

The NXT Champion stands tall, even after a strong showing from Roderick Strong! But with only a week to rest, will the Prince really be ready to defend his throne against Adam Cole BAYBAY? Speaking of which, Cole finally shows up and stands on the stage. Balor takes aim at Cole, but will Cole take back that title?


My Thoughts:

Another great episode for NXT with a lot of really strong progress towards not just WrestleMania season but what appears to be a stacked episode next week. Counter programming AEW’s post PPV episode on 3/10? Maybe, but great material is great material, and we got a really good video package for Storm VS Shirai which can go either way. I feel like it’d be great story if Shirai gets back that loss from the Mae Young Classic, but Storm taking the title would be big shock value that could really set things up for the Mania TakeOver, and the reported change that NXT’s are moving to Tuesdays permanently with the coming of hockey season.

Now, I feel like NXTuesdays would be a strange announcement for Regal to have next week, but there could be something big in store given how we saw Adam Pearce more or less interfere with the Women’s Tag Team Championship match. That match was a lot of fun, and for a moment it just felt like they were putting too much on Raquel and making Dakota look like the weak link. Pearce overstepping his boundaries might imply that with NXT being seen more and more as part of the “main roster,” Regal might no longer be General Manager. Pearce and even Sonya Deville could start stepping in to integrate them into stories, such as with the Women’s Tag Division, and that would be a bummer of an announcement.

We didn’t get a lot of the explanation video on setting up Thatcher & Ciampa VS Oney & Danny, but I guess that’s what social media is supposed to be for. It felt a bit sloppy to also throw in Imperium onto it, but I suppose the Heel tag champs had to win without weakening Ciampa & Thatcher too much. Imperium sure is getting involved in trying to tear other tag teams apart. I like the idea of them recruiting Dain, but I guess they’re trying to get in Thatcher’s head about how Imperium beat Thatcher & Riddle when they were the substitute Broserweights. I don’t know if I want another team being the reason Ciampa & Thatcher split, that should just be old fashioned bitterness between tag partners. But if we get a slobber knocker out of Ciampa & Thatcher VS Barthel & Aichner like tonight’s match, that much I’ll accept.

Ember VS Aliyah was alright as a match but it was mostly just a rebound win. Ember and Shotzi can definitely still work as a tag team, maybe build up and come back around to the titles post Mania, once things with Raquel & Dakota settle, as well as Naomi & Lana. Kayden had a good promo setting things up with Xia Li, and I hope Kayden forces Tian Sha to step up and have a match of her own. Escobar and El Legado beating up two random teams is very much the bullies throwing a fit when they get bullied by someone they can’t bully. I really wish Stallion had won that title thanks to Kross, and I really hope NXT/205 Live finds someone to win the title off Escobar already. If only we could have Worlds Collide and Devlin could just be the undisputed Cruiserweight Champion…

Swerve had a good promo to further his feud with Ruff, and LA Knight had a decent promo to put everyone on notice. I like that not everyone is the indie/high-flying style, but it’s starting to get annoying when someone has to talk down that style and act like they’re better for slugging it out. Just shut up and slug it out then! Knight also interfering in Grimes VS Reed was an interesting move, but maybe Knight sees Reed building momentum towards the North American Championship and thinks he can use that to his own advantage. If Knight beats Reed, maybe he gets his title shot first.

The Way and their therapy session was an amazing set of segments. Johnny continues to thrive as this over the top sitcom/drama dad, Theory does so well as the goofy, dopey one, and while “Indi <3 Lumis” is still a weird choice, she was doing pretty good with those side comments. The plot twist was perfect, Gargano is trying to turn Theory against Lumis in such a great switch on our expectations of things. Maybe Theory has been telling us the truth on him getting to just binge watch cartoons and guzzle down cereal, and it’ll be up to Lumis to break The Way’s hold on Theory in a further subversion of all the tropes and expectations.

And the Undisputed Break-up story is still a great part of the show, though Strong seems to have difficulty verbally conveying the emotions of it compared to Kyle and Cole. Balor making the title match for next week and then giving us a title worthy match tonight was great stuff. Strong has new solo gear and everything else already, I can’t wait to see what Kyle and Fish will have for theirs. Cole will certainly keep a lot of the UE packaging, just without the CFOS logo they came up with for the group. Balor VS Cole is already going to be a great match just on saying it, NXT is definitely going to pick up speed towards WrestleMania.

My Score: 9.4/10


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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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