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Mitchell’s WWE NXT Results & Report! (3/31/21)

NXT prepares to set sail!

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NXT Coverage 2021

NXT pushes off for WrestleMania WEEK!

NXT TakeOver: Stand & Deliver is just a week away! But before that, there’s a HUGE Battle Royal to see who makes it to night one!

OFFICIAL RESULTS

  • Roderick Strong VS Cameron Grimes; Grimes wins.
  • Santos Escobar w/ Legado del Fantasma VS Tyler Breeze; Escobar wins.
  • Candice LeRae & Indi Hartwell VS Gigi Dolin & Zayda Ramier; LeRae & Hartwell win.
  • Zoey Stark VS Raquel Gonzalez w/ Dakota Kai; Gonzalez wins.
  • Tian Sha & Xia Li VS Kacy Catanzaro & Kayden Carter; Tian Sha & Xia Li win.
  • NXT North American Championship Gauntlet Eliminator Battle Royal: LA Knight, Bronson Reed, Isaiah “Swerve” Scott, Leon Ruff, Cameron Grimes & Dexter Lumis move on to TakeOver Night One.

PLAY BY PLAY

Roderick Strong VS Cameron Grimes!

Before these two battle in tonight’s massive battle royal, the Savior of the Backbreaker wants to make The #GameStonks Caveman pay for taking the Undisputed Break-Up so flippantly. But will Strong be going strong into tonight’s golden opportunity? Or is Grimes going #ToTheMoon~?

As Grimes makes his entrance, he has a mic to say, “Roddy, Roddy, Roddy. Listen, last week, I know you were frustrated. And maybe, maybe, I didn’t come at the right time. But you see, there’s a lot of money we’re leaving on that table with that intellectual property with the Undisputed Era.” And without Grimes. the UE might be done for. But Grimes says these two can keep it going! Grimes wasn’t fully prepared last time, but he has something that will change Strong’s mind! #GrimesTheSystem! Strong is not amused. Alright, well, get a load of this one! The entrance has even been changed! Strong goes to the ramp to CLOBBER Grimes!

Strong fires off, Grimes hits back and they brawl around ringside! Strong puts Grimes in, the bell rings, and Strong dumps Grimes down for knees and hammering fists! Grimes scrambles, Strong holds on with a facelock then shifts to go after arms. Grimes resists, Strong hammers away again, then knees Grimes against ropes! The ref counts, Strong lets off and Grimes DECKS him! Grimes CLOBBERS Strong, drops knees, and clamps on with a thrashing facelock! Strong fights up, fans rally, and Strong wrenches an arm to then CHOP Grimes! Grimes turns things around to RAM into Strong, and throws Strong around. Grimes facelocks again but they end up in ropes.

The ref counts, Grimes claws at Strong then lets off at 4. Grimes stomps Strong in a corner, and tells him he should’ve made the deal. Strong kicks Grimes away, then gets up to KNEE Grimes down! Fans fire up as Strong kicks Grimes around, CLUBS him on the back and ROCKS him with a right. Grimes ROCKS Strong back but Strong KNEES low. Strong has Grimes on the ropes and CHOPS him! Grimes sputters but Strong pushes him around. Strong tells Grimes to shut up and then brings him up, but Grimes throws him into buckles! Fans rally as Grimes stomps Strong and has him in the corner. Grimes CHOPS, Strong CHOPS, Grimes claws Strong’s face!

The ref counts, Grimes lets off at 4 to stomp away on Strong. Fans rally, Strong reverses the whip and CLOBBERS Grimes again! Grimes flounders up and stumbles around, into Strong’s clothesline! Grimes is outside, Strong runs to WRECK Grimes with a dropkick! Fans fire up more as Strong drags Grimes up for more CHOPS! Strong rains down rights as the ring count climbs. Strong sees the fans wearing UE merch and hesitates. Grimes RAMS Strong into a girder! Strong slumps down as NXT goes picture in picture.

Grimes and Strong are both down, catching their breath. Grimes drags Strong up, and RAMS him into the Plexiglas! Strong staggers, Grimes puts him in the ring  and EuroUppers him on the apron! Grimes gets in, stalks Strong, and digs his knee into Strong at the ropes. The ref counts but Grimes lets off fast. Grimes mocks the UE hands, but Strong kicks Grimes in the legs! Strong gets up in a corner, but Grimes clotheslines him right away! Grimes brings Strong up to whip him corner to corner hard, then digs his knuckles into Strong’s face! The ref counts, Grimes lets off, and Grimes stalks Strong to get him for an armlock. Grimes grinds his knee into Strong but Strong endures.

Strong fights up, powers Grimes to a corner, and hooks Grimes into ropes to CHOP him again! Strong whips, Grimes reverses and Strong hits buckles hard! Grimes clamps onto Strong, goes after the arm but Strong resists. Grimes stomps Strong, goes after the arm with the double wristlock and works to turn the arm. Strong still resists, rolls, fights up as Grimes cranks the arm and Strong throws body shots and CHOPS! Strong whips, Grimes reverses again and spins Strong to a SWINGING SIDE SLAM! Cover, TWO!! Grimes can’t believe Strong survives but he clamps on with a chinlock. Grimes wants the arms but Strong resists the chicken wings.

NXT returns to single picture as Strong fights up. Grimes clubs him, almost has a cobra twist but Strong throws more body shots. Grimes CLUBS Strong down, clamps onto an arm and grinds his forearm into Strong’s face, but Strong fights up again. Strong fireman’s carries, Grime flails and gets free, but Strong reverses the whip. Grimes KICKS Strong back, then hurries over, only for Strong to BOOT him! Strong CHOPS, forearms, but Grimes shoves, only for Strong to come back with a lariat! Strong runs, Grimes dodges, Grimes LARIATS! Cover, TWO! Both men are slowly rising as fans rally up again.

Grimes clamps onto a waistlock and squeezes tight for a rear bearhug. Strong pries at the hold, gets a NORTHERN LIGHTS, and the two get up slowly again. Grimes staggers into a low headbutt, then swings into a clinch, URENAGE BACKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Grimes survives but that was just one backbreaker. Strong hauls Grimes up, puts him in a corner and CHOPS him again! And ROCKS him, CHOPS him, then hoists him up top. Strong climbs, hits Grimes more, and reels him in, for a SUPERPLEX! Cover, TWO!! Grimes survives but Strong is too sore to be frustrated. Fans fire up as Strong grabs at Grimes’ foot. Grimes gets to ropes, Strong goes side to side for endless forearms!

But then Grimes hits a COLLISION COURSE outta nowhere!! Cover, TWO!! Strong survives but Grimes reaches down his trunks for a secret weapon, but he turns around into an OLYMPIC SLAM! Strong grabs the secret weapon, and it turns out to be an Undisputed Era armband!! Fans chant “Undisputed!” and Strong turns around into a CAVE-IN!! Cover, Grimes wins!

Winner: Cameron Grimes, by pinfall

Advantage: Grimes! He used the UE against Strong and gets a big win before tonight’s bigger match! Will Strong look to redeem himself by ruining Grimes’ TakeOver plans?

 

NXT checks in with Karrion Kross’ TakeOver preparations.

“My greatest strength going into NXT TakeOver: Stand & Deliver is my conviction. The training prep for this match was very simple: train to create maximum damage.” Kross isn’t wasting time with “conventional” training, he’s going “back to basics.” Catch wrestling, judo, striking, his strengths. He’s been trained to hurt people. Balor will try to run out the clock, tire Kross out. But he can’t run forever. Kross will cut the ring off. Every time he hits Balor, Balor will see a white flash, and Kross will “light his ass up with shots that he is going to carry with him for the rest of his life.” “At TakeOver, the fans can expect to see a Prince dethroned.” Scarlett says Balor only has once choice: Fall & Pray.

 

NXT hears from Walter.

“Tommaso Ciampa. I’m aware you consider yourself a wrestling veteran, a locker room leader. This great sport was the number one priority above everything else. You were a dominant and ruthless champion. But now you have other priorities in life. It’s not the most important thing in your life anymore. Tommaso, you’re not a leader. You’re just a shell of what you once were. And that’s the difference between you and me. Because my commitment for this sport is unreached. I’m the longest reigning NXT UK Champion in history. I’m the one who respects this sport like nobody else. And come TakeOver, I’m going to prove it. I’m going to prove what it means when I say the mat is sacred.”

 

BREAKING NEWS!

NXT is on the move! On April 13th, the first Tuesday after WrestleMania, the black ‘n’ gold will be there! Will you be?

 

El Legado del Fantasma is in the ring!

Santos Escobar says tonight, he wants to issue an OPEN CHALLENGE! “Why? Because I run the bingo around here. Because I want to show Jordan Devlin what he’s in for. I was born a champion, and that is the difference between me and you, Jordan Devlin. I AM the Emperor of Lucha Libre. That’s not a nickname. That’s not a catchphrase. 100 years of tradition is what I represent. The very Cruiserweight title was born out of what I represent. This Division will forever belong to me, as long as I want to! Because it’s in my blood, and it runs through my veins!” This is blood and tradition, as HE is the greatest Cruiserweight in the history of NXT! But here comes Tyler Breeze!

“Santos, Santos, Santos. You know what the differences is between you and me? You think the Cruiserweight Division is yours because you’re entitled. Me, on the other hand. I have had to work my ass off to be here! So open challenge accepted.” Will Prince Pretty show the Emperor of Lucha that Cruiserweight wrestling belongs to one and all? Or will he be used as an example for the Irish Ace?

Santos Escobar w/ Legado del Fantasma VS Tyler Breeze!

The bell rings, Escobar kicks low and fires off on Breeze! Escobar stomps him to a corner, talks trash, then stomps him more! Escobar stomps but the ref reprimands and counts. Escobar says Breeze is a joke, then runs corner to corner to basement dropkick! Wilde & Mendoza add to the trash talk as Escobar fireman’s carries Breeze. Breeze fights free and shoves Escobar to dropkick him down! Breeze stomps Escobar in return now, but lets off at the ref’s count. Breeze whips corner to corner, Escobar goes up and over and rolls but into another dropkick! Fans fire up as Breeze digs his boots in! Breeze drags Escobar up, throws him out hard, but the ref keeps him in the ring.

Breeze still goes out the side and gets Escobar in, but Escobar dropkicks him down! Escobar stomps Breeze more, drags him up and whips him to ropes. Fans duel as Breeze jumps over but runs into a dropkick! Cover, TWO! Escobar kicks Breeze to a corner, whips him corner to corner, but Breeze goes up and out and GAMANGIRIS! Breeze drags Escobar to the corner and swings the leg into the post! Then he DECKS Wilde and ROCKS Mendoza to POST him! Escobar runs in but gets another GAMANGIRI! The Emperor is being made a fool as NXT goes to break!

NXT returns and Escobar has Breeze in a leg lock but Breeze gets the ropebreak. Escobar holds until the ref counts 4, and he kicks Breeze to then put him in a corner. Escobar digs his palms in then CHOPS Breeze. Escobar fires off knees, throws body shots and then backs off to run back in and DOUBLE KNEE Breeze down! Cover, TWO! Escobar grins, laughing at Breeze as he slaps him around. Escobar stomps Breeze, drags him up, and fireman’s carries to then GUTBUSTER! Legado cheers Escobar on as he turns Breeze over to hook up the legs. Breeze resists but Escobar pulls him back into the ROMERO SPECIAL! Breeze endures the surfboard, but Escobar brings him into a chinlock formation!

Escobar lets Breeze go, covers, TWO! Breeze gasps for air but Escobar clubs him down. Escobar slaps Breeze around, talks more trash, and CHOPS him! “That’s how you run the bingo!” Escobar whips Breeze corner to corner, then runs in, but blocks boots, only for Breeze to still push him away! RANA and a rain of fists! Breeze drags Escobar around to go after the leg with elbow drops, and a KNEE JAMMER! Escobar hobbles, Breeze runs in and forearm smashes! Breeze puts the leg on ropes to drop a knee on the knee! Legado panics as Breeze SPINEBUSTERS Escobar, to then step through and SHARPSHOOTER! Escobar endures as Breeze sits on the hold!

Escobar powers up, crawls over and reaches, and gets the ropebreak! Breeze lets off fast, but he stalks Escobar to get the chicken wings. Escobar powers out of the Unprettier to ENZIGURI! Escobar drags Breeze right up to the PHANTOM DRIVER! Cover, Escobar wins!

Winner: Santos Escobar, by pinfall

That ripcord was a message to Devlin! And though this was fair and square, it was a bit more than a tune-up. Will Escobar have to do much better when he’s in a Ladder match with the Irish Ace?

Legado grabs Breeze, but here comes MSK! Nash Carter & Wes Lee are going after Mendoza & Wilde because of the coming NXT Tag Team Championship match, but Legado slips away. But then on the titantron, it’s the Grizzled Young Veterans! Zack Gibson tells the production crew to turn off the “garbage music” so we can hear him. Gibson tells Legado that they are so distracted trying to earn brownie points with Escobar, and he tells MSK that they are so distracted by the bright lights and funny memes, and pretty much anything.

Meanwhile, he and James Drake are laser focused on one thing only: SOON to be recognized as the next NXT Tag Team Champions! With the titles up in the air, we will have new champions, but will it be with the former NXT UK Tag Team Champions? The Dusty Cup winners? Or will Legado be golden after TakeOver?

 

Backstage interview with The Way.

Firstly, Johnny Gargano knows there is the Eliminator Gauntlet Battle Royal relating to his NXT North American Championship, and he’s thought about it. It’s still the stupidest idea ever! Don’t you think Johnny TakeOver, the man who put this brand on his back for YEARS, should get the courtesy of knowing who his TakeOver opponent is weeks in advance. NO! Mr. Cuckoo Bananas Regal goes and proves he is not fit to run NXT! But Austin Theory thinks this is a great idea. Wait, why is he even in that match? Is he getting back at Johnny for the therapy sessions? No! But haven’t you ever heard of the Finger Poke of Doom? Of course he had!

But, wait… That killed the business, though. It did? Well we’re still here. True, so screw it! Let’s do it! Theory wins tonight, then again at Night One! Then on Night Two, TakeOver: Stand & Deliver becomes Lay Down & Let Johnny Pin You! Now Gargano is all for this idea! Indi Hartwell still bets on Lumis. What?! Candice tells Indi to shush. But tonight, Shotzi & Ember better watch to see what real tag team champions look like. The Way heads out, but will they soon be the Golden Way?

 

A Pomeranian trots up to the Performance Center?

Whose pup is this? And what does the pup have planned for NXT?

 

NXT shares interview footage from after last week’s episode.

Io Shirai was getting ice for her back after Raquel Gonzalez gave her a Desperado Bomb to the announce desk. McKenzie asked if Shirai was concerned about “biting off more than she can chew” with challenging Raquel to a match. “That’s why I picked her.” So then, does the Evil Genius have a plan for Big Mami Cool come Stand & Deliver?

 

Candice LeRae & Indi Hartwell VS Gigi Dolin & Zayda Ramier!

The Poison Pixie and Impressive Indi are ready to show the NXT Women’s Tag Division the way to success! But will they overlook the opponents in their way tonight?

The teams sort out, Indi Wrestling and Gigi start. They tie up, go around, and Indi puts Gigi in a corner. The ref counts, Gigi pushes her away but Indi brushes that off. They tie up again, Gigi gets around to full nelson then spin and wrench to a hammerlock. Gigi spins to cravat Indi and crank the neck. Indi pulls at the arms, Gigi snapmares and KICKS Indi in the back! Gigi CLUBS Indi, swaggers and rocks out, but the boot misses! Indi fireman’s carries for a SNAKE EYES to a SIDEWALK SLAM! Cover, ROPEBREAK! Gigi saves herself but Indi is right after her. Gigi shoves Indi away. Candice tags in but Gigi throws her down.

Candice boots Gigi away, runs into the corner but is sent into buckles! Gigi hurries but Indi tags in first to get her. Gigi elbows Indi and tags Zadya! Zayda runs to SUPER PUNCH, and SUPER PUNCH and SLINGBLADE! Fans fire up with Zayda as she runs in to clothesline Indi! And then uppercut! Zayda heel kicks but misses, only to come back with an ENZIGURI! Cover, TWO! Indi grits her teeth but Zayda is on her first. Zayda drags Indi up, Indi shoves and SPINEBUSTERS Zayda down! Fans rally as both women crawl, hot tag to Candice! Candice CLOBBERS Gigi, then looms over Zayda. Zayda gets the inside cradle, TWO! Candice KICKS Zayda down!

Tag to Indi, The Way coordinate, WICKED STEP SISTER to Indi’s SPRINGBOARD MACHO ELBOW! Cover, The Way wins!

Winners: Indi Hartwell & Candice LeRae, by pinfall

Now that was impressive! But Candice gets a music so she can talk to everyone in the back. “There is not a woman in that locker room that deserves to be a champion more than I do! Which means that Indi and I deserve to be NXT Women’s Tag Team Champions!” Fans boo but Candice tells Shotzi & Ember, “I’m coming for what’s mine! And as I said before, it will be on our time and it will be on our stage, and it will be in our way!” And that means it will be at TakeOver!

But speaking of the champs, here they come! Shotzi & Ember ride out Tank Mk II and have mics of their own. “Excuse you, Candice. But did you say you deserve our titles?” And that those titles are theirs? These two have done lost their damn minds! But Shotzi & Ember would be lying if they say they didn’t expect this. What does Shotzi say? Shotzi says at Stand & Deliver, they’ll #TCB with Ember’s Law! Challenge ACCEPTED!! But in the meantime, how about they knock some sense into the Way? NOW! Nerf missile, fire! It hits Indi in the stomach! Will that just be a sample of the gut check Indi & Candice are in for at TakeOver?

 

Raquel Gonzalez & Dakota Kai head for gorilla position.

But on the way, they encounter Io Shirai. Shirai tells Raquel, “You cannot kill me!” They brawl!! Referees and Dakota hurry in to stop this, but Raquel SLAMS Shirai off road cases! Raquel storms off, will she give even worse to Zoey Stark?

 

The Pomeranian gets inside the Performance Center!

Seriously, whose pupper is this? He’s going into the CWC!? Is he here to see someone?

 

NXT Media catches up with Roderick Strong.

Where is he going? He has the Battle Royal tonight. He says he’s done. What? Done how? Just all of it. Is Strong… quitting NXT?!

 

Zoey Stark VS Raquel Gonzalez w/ Dakota Kai!

We just saw Io Shirai go after Raquel and get thrown around. Stark was Shirai’s tag partner last week, can she avenge the NXT Women’s Championship just days before TakeOver?

The bell rings and Stark circles with Gonzalez. Gonzalez rushes in but Stark rolls to evade. They circle, Gonzalez works to corner Stark, and then puts her in the corner for haymakers and elbows! Stark dodges to kick and kick but Gonzalez gets her with both hands! Stark slips free to RANA and elbow Raquel in a corner! Stark runs, returns but is put on the apron! She counter punches then shoulders into Gonzalez to slingshot up and over and SHOTGUN back! Stark runs in but the monkey flip is blocked to a FLAPJACK! Cover, TWO! Stark survives and Gonzalez seethes. Gonzalez pushes Stark around, drops an elbow then another, and then another! Cover, TWO!

Gonzalez clamps onto Stark with a thrashing chinlock, then shifts to a high wristlock and chinbar! Stark endures, Gonzalez thrashes her around more, but Stark fights up. Stark fires forearms and knees, whips but Gonzalez blocks! Gonzalez whips Stark to a corner, Stark dodges the corner attack and comes back with a SUPERKICK and SHINING WIZARD! Gonzalez shoves Stark away, runs at her but is dumped outside! Gonzalez staggers on her feet, Stark PLANCHAS, but is caught! Gonzalez powers up but Stark slips off to POST Gonzalez! Dakota ROCKS Stark while the ref is distracted, only to get CLOBBERED! Fans fire up as Stark hurries after Gonzalez in the ring, spin for the KNEE!

Stark fires a forearm, more elbows, then a mule kick to legs! Stark runs for a SLIDING KNEE! Cover, TWO!! Gonzalez shocks Stark but fans fire up! Stark hurries to a corner and climbs up top, but Gonzalez CLUBS her first, to then get the choke grip! Stark holds ropes, fights back, and kicks Gonzalez away! FLYING BLOCKBUSTER!! Cover, TWO!! Gonzalez survives again and Stark is losing her mind! Fans are thunderous as Stark drags Gonzalez up and reels her in, but Gonzalez back drops! Stark avoids the elbow drop, goes to heel kick but swings into the DESPERADO BOMB!! Cover, Gonzalez wins!!

Winner: Raquel Gonzalez, by pinfall

Impressive is not the same as victorious, but Gonzalez was both right here! Will Gonzalez do that even more at TakeOver? But here comes Shirai! She’s back for more and they brawl in the ring! Shirai dodges, SHOTGUNS and Gonzalez tumbles out! Shirai is still after her with clubbing forearms! Gonzalez TOSSES Shirai into the boards!! The refs back Gonzalez off but Gonzalez says this is just the beginning! Will the Evil Genius even make it to Stand & Deliver Night One? Is her reign over one way or another?

 

The Pomeranian is on a mission!

He goes up the stairs, walks along the “WE ARE NXT” slogan, but where is he going?

 

Backstage interview with Kushida.

The Time Splitter is part of the Eliminator Gauntlet Battle Royal and can win his way to TakeOver. What are his thoughts? “Tonight, nothing will stop me from-” Pete Dunne shows up, and says he finally heard about Kushida calling himself the best technical wrestler in the world. Dunne tells Kushida that DUNNE holds that crown. So in case you misheard the first time, Dunne dares Kushida to prove him wrong! Kushida did hear Dunne. The battle royal comes first. Will the best technical wrestler in the world today be one of the final six tonight?

 

NXT presents Prime Target: Cole VS O’Reilly.

Cole’s words from last week repeat: Imagine you were born blind, couldn’t see a thing, then one day you wake up and you can see everything. That’s called a revelation, and Cole had one. Cole realized that he didn’t need the UE, the UE was holding him back! And the one who made him realize was KYLE O’REILLY. Cole sits down for a video interview, but says they get no more than 15 minutes.

Kyle says the first time he met Cole was about 11 years ago. They met backstage at a show, hit it off, and little did Kyle know that Cole would become both the biggest blessing, and the biggest curse, to his career. Cole says it was 2009, and from that moment forward, he and Kyle were someway, shape or form were attached. As friends, as rivals, tag partners, all over the world, Cole & Kyle were attached at the hip. Now Kyle’s words repeat. “We’ve known each other for a long time. At least I thought we did.” When the UE first got here, they didn’t care who they stepped on to succeed. They were determined to take the top of the card!

They were shocking the system, making a statement, and didn’t give a damn who was footing the bill! They’ve become better wrestlers, better fighters, champions and stars. But only one became a better man. A better human. “Adam Cole is just the same asshole that walked in this place three and a half years ago!” Kyle forces himself to believe that the last three and a half years meant nothing. That the UE meant nothing. Because if any part of Kyle thinks that for a second, one day these two could be friends again, Kyle can’t put Cole down for good! Cole bought into the UE BS, but it was never about brotherhood.

Cole saw Kyle fail not once but twice, and then wanted Balor to join the team?! Did he lose his mind? But it’s because deep down,. Kyle is nothing more than a lapdog, sidekick, someone comfortable being on the side, and that is NOT Cole! And then things got brutal. Career endangering injuries, legal action and assaults. Regal put it in the only way he could for this boiling point. He won’t let them embarrass the brand SO MANY have worked hard to create. So the solution is Cole VS O’Reilly, Stand & Deliver, UNSANCTIONED!! Cole says Kyle is jealous of him, and is going to remind him who the better man is!

Kyle says Cole is the psycho who tried to end his friend’s career! Kyle sold his soul to the UE and now he wants a refund! “I will not rest until I end you.” No rules, no restraints. Who will win this Undisputed Unsanctioned FIGHT!?

 

Tian Sha VS Kacy Catanzaro & Kayden Carter!

Speaking of friends turned against friends, Xia Li has become the weapon of the warrior of legend, and has attempted to cut ties with KC Squared to the point of trying to cut them off at the knees, literally! But Kacy’s leg is game ready, and they will be the first team to take on Xia and Tian Sha herself as a team! Will KC Squared be subtracted from the equation as Tian Sha looks to “purge” NXT of weakness?

NXT returns and Tian Sha (the team) makes their entrance. Xia starts, Kacy rushes her but Xia throws her! Kacy comes back to get around and hop on as a backpack, and Tian Sha hasn’t gotten up from her throne. Is Xia supposed to do this as a handicap match? Kacy hammers Xia but Xia throws her down hard! Kayden tags in, and she dropkicks Xia down! Kayden bumps Xia off buckles, stomps away but Xia blocks. Kayden ROCKS Xia with a right, tags Kacy and she fires off! Kacy tags Kayden, KC Squared keep on Xia and tag again. Kacy runs in to A-List Lariat! Kacy dumps Xia down for the FLIPPING AX KICK! Cover, TWO!

Xia bails out, Kacy pursues, but Xia RAMS Kacy into the apron, then throws her into barriers! The ring count climbs, Xia puts Kacy in, and fans rally as Xia pushes Kacy around. Xia drags Kacy up to suplex, but Kacy counters to a cradle, ONE!! Kacy spins to CODE BREAKER!! Both women are down, Kayden reaches out but Tian Sha has started to move! Kacy crawls, but Kayden decides to intercept Tian Sha! She eggs Tian on but gets caught in a choke grip! Tian is choking the life out of Kayden on the stage!! Kayden fades out and Tian Sha blows smoke in her face! Now we’ve gone from an unofficial handicap match to an unofficial singles match!

Kacy kicks Xia, runs but into a JUMPING KNEE! Xia hits the SCREW HIGH KICK! Cover, Tian Sha wins!!

Winners: Tian Sha, by pinfall

Xia DID win this all by herself, as far as who was in the ring goes! Kacy and Kayden are both out cold, is this only the beginning of Tian Sha’s conquest of NXT?

 

Backstage interview with Raquel Gonzalez.

She seems to have dominated Shirai again tonight, but how will she carry this into TakeOver? “The same way I do every night, McKenzie.” But Shirai attacks again! Shirai is a backpack but Raquel RAMS her into lockers! The brawl is on again, Raquel knees Shirai low, CLUBS her on the back, and then picks her up with body hands to SMASH her through a wall!! Raquel snarls and says Shirai won’t beat her. “STAY! DOWN!!” Raquel has issued an ultimatum, but will she have to put Shirai down again at Stand & Deliver?

 

The Pomeranian has found his master.

“See you April 13th! <3” – Franky. But who is this? And what does she have in store for the NXT Women’s Division?

 

Tommaso Ciampa speaks.

“Walter, I know you’re watching. Now I need you to listen. The day I went in for neck surgery, my wife and my baby girl gave me this necklace. Now you didn’t know that. And that’s okay. But you reminded me. You reminded me of my journey, reminded me of my story. Sometimes in life, we need to be reminded of who we are. Now I’ve heard what you have to say. Seems like everybody has a lot to say nowadays. It’s all stuff I’ve heard before. ‘He’s old, he’s broken, he hasn’t been the same since the neck surgery, since becoming a dad. He ain’t the 2018 Ciampa! He’s changed.'” But now Ciampa sits here and asks himself, “Are they right?” Has he changed? Yes, in some ways, he has.

But then Ciampa shifts the mindset, blocks out the hate, and thinks of those who believe in him. Danny, Brodie, Kelvin and Kalen. Ja Ray and Bo. His wife and his little girl, Willow. Ciampa hears those voices, sees them, and feels them. At TakeOver, they will remind the world. Ciampa will chase the dragon, climb that mountain, look him in the eye, and CHOP the dragon’s head off! Walter, understand this! Ciampa’s been on top, held the title close to his chest and knows what it is like to fall to the bottom and pick himself back up! To make the climb again! “It changes a man.”

So yeah, Walter, Ciampa’s changed, But he’ll tell you what he’s learned over these past two years. Ciampa would rather be a man who fights for something, than a man who fights with nothing to lose any day of the week and twice on Wednesdays. Is the Blackheart still beating? Is the Psycho Killer still here? In seven days, Stand & Deliver, Walter gets his answer at the cost of his UK Championship! “It’s a long, long fall from the top of the mountain. Buckle up!” Will THAT Ciampa be what ends Walter’s insanely dominant reign?

 

Finn Balor speaks.

“I’ve been expecting Kross for a long time. It was never a case of if, it was always a case of when. It’s TakeOver. The ring may look the same, but the energy is different. When the pressure’s on, it becomes hard to breathe. And the nerves make your legs heavy.” But those rules don’t apply to Balor. Balor’s stamina has always been his strength. Balor doesn’t get gassed out. Kross may try to dictate the pace but that’s just fine with Balor. The longer this goes, the deeper you get into the match, that deep water will drown Kross. There won’t be a fairy tale ending. At TakeOver, Kross chokes, and Balor is still NXT Champion.

 

NXT North American Championship Gauntlet Eliminator Battle Royal!

A long name for a somewhat complex process. It was meant to be a dirty dozen but it might just be down to an excellent 11 with Roderick Strong dropping out. This battle only needs to drop to six to know who is moving on to Stand & Deliver, but that’s only part of it! From the final six to THE last man in the ring, we will learn the entry order for the gauntlet match that sends a man to Night Two! Point is, win it all, and you have the best chance at getting that golden ticket! Will Austin Theory turn out to be Johnny Gargano’s insurance policy in all this?

Isaiah “Swerve” Scott makes his way out first, and Leon Ruff CLOBBERS him! These two have been after each other for a long time, and they’re having it out on the outside first! Ruff rocks Swerve and RAMS him into barriers! Ruff keeps going, Swerve hits back and sends Ruff into barriers now! Swerve puts Ruff in the ring, they keep brawling, the refs warn them to stop because the others have to get in! Ruff clotheslines Swerve out then runs, only for Swerve to scramble to commentary for defense! Ruff is fired up and so is the CWC as NXT goes to break!

NXT returns, Dunne makes his entrance but Tyler Rust, Bronson Reed, Dexter Lumis, LA Knight, Austin Theory, Cameron Grimes, Jake Atlas and Kushida have already gotten in the ring. Ruff is in, Swerve is waiting on the outside, and the bell rings. Swerve slides in to blindside Ruff! Kushida hits Theory, and everyone else pairs off with whoever, except for Lumis who stoically watches the chaos. Atlas fights Rust off, Knight and Dunne brawl, Grimes is after Reed. Reed shoves Grimes away, hits him down, Knight tries to get Atlas out while Atlas is after Rust. Dunne and Swerve brawl but Ruff returns to go after Swerve. Greed resists, Theory is after Reed, but Reed CLUBS Theory!

Grimes drops ax handles on Reed, Rust blocks a tornado DDT to put Atlas on the apron! Bivens gets involved, SWERVE dropkicks and ELIMINATES Atlas! Bivens likes that! But Ruff dumps Swerve to the apron! Ruff fires off but Swerve holds on. Rust CLOBBERS Ruff, but Ruff throws Rust at Swerve! Swerve back drops and ELIMINATES Rust! Bivens doesn’t like that. Meanwhile, Kushida is after Knight, Grimes hits Reed, and Lumis still stares at everyone. Theory keeps Dunne down, Swerve and Ruff go to opposite corners, but Knight stomps Ruff. Swerve gets in to drag Knight off Ruff because he wants Ruff for himself. Reed hits Dunne, Theory hits Reed, Lumis still stares.

Theory whips but Reed blocks to whip and CLOBBER Theory! Kushida has Grimes on the apron but can’t scrape him off. Dunne has Ruff’s arm wrapped around rope and PULLS! No disqualifications in a battle royal! Reed has Theory on the apron and uses a HIP ATTACK to knock him off! But wait! Theory’s feet are in the air! He’s not out of this yet! Theory is a little unsure what to do, and he decides to KIP UP! No, Theory, your feet touch the floor that way! Theory ELIMINATES himself! So much for the Finger Poke of Doom 2021. Kushida brawls with Reed, Reed throws Kushida up but Kushida clings to ropes! Knight is after Reed, he and Grimes work together to dump Reed to the apron!

Reed stays on the apron, ROCKS Grimes but Knight hits back! Reed ROCKS Knight, Kushida handspring heel kicks Reed! Knight hits Kushida, whips but Kushida handsprings to elbow Knight and Grimes down! Swerve boots Dunne, somersaults but into the forearm! Dunne DROPKICKS Ruff then throws him, only for Ruff to rebound, into a wrench! Kushida FAST BALLS Grimes, to PENALTY KICK the arm! Dunne STOMPS Ruff’s arm, and the two best technical wrestlers stare down! Oh, and Lumis stills tares in general. Dunne and Kushida fire off forearms in a brawl as the fans are thunderous! Dunne whips, Kushida reverses but Dunne elbows back!

Kushida hip tosses, cartwheels, into a TRIANGLE! Submissions don’t count in this match, and Kushida cartwheels free anyway! Kushida leaps at Dunne to get the HOVERBOARD! Dunne endures, puts Kushida into ropes and dumps him to the apron! Kushida drags Dunne out and holds onto the Hoverboard! Kushida ELIMINATES Dunne AND HIMSELF!! That means we have our final six!!

Qualified for Gauntlet Eliminator: LA Knight, Bronson Reed, Cameron Grimes, Leon Ruff, Isaiah “Swerve” Scott & Dexter Lumis

Kushida shows no mercy to Dunne, though, as he cranks the Hoverboard on the ramp! Referees pry him off, and things go picture in picture as the battle royal continues!

Knight goes after Reed, Swerve stomps Grimes and stalks Ruff, but Lumis just stays put. Ruff and Swerve brawl again, Ruff throws JABS but Grimes CLOBBERS Ruff! Grimes and Swerve work together to mug Ruff while Knight fights off Reed’s power lift. Ruff flounders, Swerve and Grimes drag him back up. Grimes whips but Ruff rebounds to LARIAT! Swerve goes after Ruff now with body shots. Knight nods to Lumis before going back to Reed. Ruff elbows Swerve away, Knight fires off on Reed, but Reed TOSSES Knight into a corner then clotheslines! Ruff puts Swerve up top but Swerve pulls Ruff’s hair! Grimes get in as Swerve lets Ruff go and Grimes keeps on Ruff with uppercuts!

Reed stands on Knight’s chest, lets off, and Grimes CLUBS Reed. Reed glares at Grimes, Grimes forearms but Reed ROCKS him! Reed throws haymakers, Swerve rains down fists on Ruff in the corner, and Reed throws Grimes at a corner! Knight goes after Reed, Swerve talks trash in Ruff’s face, and NXT returns to single picture. Fans are thunderous as Grimes fights Reed off and Swerve stalks Ruff. Knight talks trash all over, and BREAKING NEWS given what we just saw earlier: Kushida and Dunne look to prove who is truly THE best technical wrestler today as they go 1v1 on Night One of Stand & Deliver!

Swerve stand son Ruff, Reed throws Grimes at a corner and has him upside-down. Grimes holds on but Reed throws endless headbutts into Grimes’ back! Knight looks at Lumis, who is still a statue, and goes after Reed again. Swerve goes to throw Ruff but Ruff slips around to be a sleeper hold! Gargano joins commentary to complain about Regal. Swerve puts Ruff on the ropes, Ruff clings to it, Grimes bails out from the bottom rope for a breather. Grimes has that big brain energy while Reed headbutts Knight! Gargano gets upset with Beth Phoenix calling him out so he mockingly says, “You think you know me.”

Swerve kicks at Ruff but Ruff holds on tight! Reed ROCKS Knight, Swerve SLAPS Ruff then fireman’s carries. Ruff fights that, slips around and sleeper holds. Reed gets Swerve and Ruff for a double stacked fireman’s carry! Reed pops and TOSSES Ruff to ELIMINATE him!

Leon Ruff to enter the Gauntlet Eliminator first

Reed still has Swerve and TOSSES him onto Ruff, and ELIMINATES him!

Isaiah “Swerve” Scott to enter the Gauntlet Eliminator second

First and second are tantamount to the same in a gauntlet, but at least it means Ruff and Swerve can try to settle the score at TakeOver! As for Reed, he snarls but Knight CHOP BLOCKS him! Knight fires off then reminds us who he is before he ROCKS Reed again. Knight wants Grimes to help and they mug Reed at the ropes. Reed DECKS Grimes, ROCKS Knight and HEADBUTTS him down! Reed throws Knight to the apron but Knight throat chops back! Knight slingshots, into a fireman’s carry! Reed wants to throw Knight but Grimes helps Knight out! They both lift Reed, Lumis finally moves! He helps ELIMINATE Reed!!

Bronson Reed to enter the Gauntlet Eliminator third

That was a colossal shift in the dynamic of both this match and next week’s! But now Lumis, Knight and Grimes are the final three! Knight laughs at Reed but he turns around into Lumis’ icy stare. Grimes wants Knight to help him out, and will even pay him some fat stacks if he just throws himself out! The same goes for Lumis! Who’s buying? Lumis ROCKS Grimes, the money goes flying and someone’s getting to know Benjamin Franklin up close and personal as Knight and Lumis throw Grimes out and ELIMINATE him!

Cameron Grimes to enter the Gauntlet Eliminator fourth

Knight brags but it’s going to be either him of the Tortured Artist as the last man in the gauntlet! Knight comes to grips with that, stares back at Lumis, and fans are clearly on Lumis’ side. Knight squares up but Lumis ROCKS him with the uppercut, then DECKS him with that right! Lumis whips, and back drops Knight high and hard! Gargano doesn’t care, his pick was out early. Lumis whips, Knight reverses and Lumis is on the apron! Knight runs over but into a shoulder! Lumis wants to suplex Knight out?! Knight fights that off and hotshots Lumis! Lumis flops down, Knight runs back in, but Lumis dumps him out! Wait, that was a second rope! Knight is in, he TRIPS Lumis and gets back in, Knight wins!!

Winner: LA Knight (enters the Gauntlet Eliminator last)

Gargano is fine with that. LA Knight snatches victory from the jaws of defeat, grabs up some of Grimes’ money, and lets Gargano have it because he’s coming for the gold! Knight says there’s eight days left on Johnny’s reign, and then it’ll be LA Knight’s game! Gargano tells Knight he can’t hang with him, “dummy!” But will it even be Gargano VS Knight? Will one of the other five come up with a TakeOver shocker?

Wait, Io Shirai is on her way to the ring! She gets a mic and shouts, “RAQUEL GONZALEZ!” And in Japanese, she essentially tells Gonzalez to get her ass back out to the ring so they can finish this! This will never be over until Shirai says it will be! Gonzalez storms right out, referees trying to keep her back, and the brawl is on again! Gonzalez throws body shots, Shirai kicks back, and now the Women’s Roster rushes out to stop this! That’s not so easy as Gonzalez gets free and puts Shirai in the ring! But then Gonzalez has to push the other superstars away! Shirai breaks free to ROCK Gonzalez, but she just shoves Shirai back down!

Gonzalez storms in, throws superstars aside, only for Shirai to dropkick her down! Shirai SHOTEIS those in her way, to then SPRINGBOARD CROSSBODY the entire roster over!! The fans are thunderous and Shirai is fired up more than ever before! Will the NXT Women’s Champion still be the NXT Women’s Champion?! Will NXT still belong to the Evil Genius?!


My Thoughts:

An awesome go-home to TakeOver! We got a great Prime Target for Cole VS Kyle, and apparently there is a longer version that will play on Peacock TV (or I suppose WWE Network for those outside the US) next week. What we got was still awesome, this is one of the things no one can beat WWE in, and Cole VS Kyle is feeling that much more awesome, and it already felt top tier to begin with. The Pomeranian bit to plug a new recruit to NXT was unique. Is the Pomeranian going to be part of Franky’s (Taya Valkyrie’s?) character. Promos with the pupper, but a pet sitter at ringside? Who knows, but seeing Taya in WWE is going to be great, and maybe one day, she teams up with John Morrison on Raw or SmackDown.

Strong VS Grimes was an oddly placed match to begin with given the battle royal, but I do like that the UE was being used against him. Cole and Kyle are busy, Bobby Fish is still out injured, so an indirect feud with Grimes and basically any person wearing UE merch. Strong “quitting” was interesting. I like that they rolled through the battle royal without him, and I like that Swerve and Ruff brawled beforehand. There was also good promos from Kushida and Dunne before to set their battle in this match up and of course their TakeOver match, that is going to be awesome. I am starting to hope that match determines a challenger for whoever is NXT Champion after TakeOver.

The Way was great all night. Candice & Indi of course won tonight and are getting a title match, but I can’t be sure they dethrone Shotzi & Ember, even at TakeOver. Theory eliminating himself was hilarious. Theory is nailing his role as The Way’s goofball. The final six in the battle royal, aka the Gauntlet Eliminator entries, are quite the surprise. I didn’t think Swerve and Ruff were in, but it’s great that they are, they can just tear it up to start that match. Reed will probably be what eliminates one or both of them, saving a proper blow-off of Ruff VS Swerve for later on. It’s going to be really hard to choose between Reed and Lumis, but I feel Reed and Knight cancel out, and it really should be Lumis that takes on Gargano again.

Kross and Balor had good promos, but I can’t say it really took away or added to their match hype. It was still good that we heard from them, it’s just a logical move, but this match was already at its best possible hype. Escobar had a bit of a rambling promo, but had a really good match with Tyler Breeze. I am thinking Escobar wins the ladder match ONLY because he lives in the States, the majority of the Cruiserweight Division is in the States, and COVID is still getting in everyone’s way. I still defend that Devlin is the better character, Heel or otherwise, but it’s just the circumstances that are ending his reign.

Tian Sha (team and individual) had a really good night against Kacy & Kayden. A little disappointed Tian Sha/Karen Q didn’t get in the ring, but it is good character development to show she isn’t just scary looking, but has scary strength and that scary smoke breath. Xia Li wins it for the team, and I hope she and Tian Sha move up the Women’s Tag Division roster. Shirai going after Raquel again and again was actually awesome stuff, because Raquel got to throw Shirai around to show her strength but Shirai got to show her toughness and aggression. Shirai getting the last laugh was great, but now I can’t be sure what the math says! Raquel might win since Shirai stood tall, but Shirai is proving she is still an awesome champion and asset to NXT, I can’t wait to see what happens.

My Score: 9.6/10


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Coverage

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

Talk about a Big Time Raw!

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Will The Man be the Last Woman Standing?

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

OFFICIAL RESULTS

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

PLAY BY PLAY

Jey Uso is here!

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

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

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

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

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

 

Adam Pearce is on the phone.

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Winners: DIY, by pinfall (advance to WrestleMania)

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

 

Judgment Day meets backstage.

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

Winners: Candice LeRae & Indi Hartwell, by submission

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

 

Cody Rhodes makes his way to the ring.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

Nia Jax speaks.

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

 

Cody Rhodes returns backstage.

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

 

Dominik Mysterio w/ JD McDonagh VS Ricochet!

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

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

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

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

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

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

Winner: Ricochet, by pinfall

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

 

Sami Zayn is backstage.

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

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

 

Adam Pearce is in the ring.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

Sami confronts Gable now.

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

 

CM Punk speaks.

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

 

Drew McIntyre is here!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

Becky Lynch speaks.

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

Liv Morgan confronts Becky Lynch.

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

 

Cody walks with his dog, Pharaoh, backstage.

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

 

Last Woman Standing: Becky Lynch VS Nia Jax!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Winner: Becky Lynch

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


My Thoughts:

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

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

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

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

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

My Score: 8.9/10


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

The semifinals are here!

Published

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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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