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Rob: The RAW Women’s Championship Situation…Is Complicated

Rob digs into the WWE RAW Women’s Championship situation, and it’s… well it’s kinda complicated!

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Asuka WWE Raw Women's Champion

Rob digs into the WWE RAW Women’s Championship situation, and it’s… well it’s kinda complicated!

Five weeks out from WrestleMania we have a tale of two women’s divisions.  On SmackDown the title match is set and it’s just a matter of what hijinks will ensue between Sasha Banks and Bianca Belair on the way there.  On the Raw side, well………it’s complicated.  Champion Asuka has been out for the past couple of weeks after an injury and the opponent she was supposed to face at the Elimination Chamber, Lacey Evans is out for a while for maternity leave.

That’s left the entire division up in the air, and from the looks of things we could be headed to a familiar matchup between Asuka and longtime nemesis but current tag team partner Charlotte Flair.  Which of course is starting to bring up the usual chatter from some sections of the fanbase regarding the Queen.  Some names have been thrown around as alternatives but we don’t have any reason to believe yet that anything but the safe route is going to be taken.  Which begs a few questions.  One, is that the right way to go this year?  And if not, then what is?

If we’re going to stick to kayfabe (which we should seeing as how it’s a TV show with fictional characters and all) then a 12 time singles champion still in her prime should be a favorite to win her way to a title match over the next five weeks, particularly against a field of opponents that have caused her very little trouble in the past.  If you profess to desire logic and continuity in your wrestling storytelling then that should be pretty freaking obvious.

But that’s not really the issue here, is it?

After all I don’t think there is a big constituency for Mandy Rose, Dana Brooke or Peyton Royce (more on her later) to win their way to a title match at WrestleMania.  I don’t think any of you guys or gals want to see Lana in that spot either.  Any of those four ladies would get squashed in five minutes and we’d be wondering why they even booked the match in the first place.  Y’all aren’t mad about Charlotte Flair the character winning her way to a title match so much as y’all don’t want Ashley Fleihr to get chosen over her co-workers to perform in a big spot again.  But here’s the thing – if you’ve been going on saying that Asuka deserves better out of her title reign and that she deserves a WrestleMania worthy of her abilities then if you’re not going to go with Charlotte then there’s one other option on the Raw roster right now:

Naomi.  That’s it.  Shayna Baszler and Nia Jax are likely penciled in for a Tag Team Title defense on the show.  In kayfabe (which again is what we should be relying on here as far as what happens on camera) Naomi is a former two time Smackdown Women’s Champion, former FCW Women’s champion, and WrestleMania Women’s Battle Royal Winner.  Last year she pinned the then-Smackdown Women’s Champion Bayley, and this year she pinned Asuka in a tag team match.

Outside of kayfabe Trinty Fatu has shown that she can be relied on to perform big in big spots whether it’s in the last two Royal Rumble matches, Money in the Bank matches, or the rare time she’s gotten a singles match on a pay per view.  And if you want to play the you deserve it card she repeatedly been tasked with trying to drag decent matches out of people who clearly aren’t as good or as compelling of performers as her.  If you say no to Charlotte and are looking at the rest of the active Raw roster in the time frame that they have to set up and build to a WrestleMania match then you gotta pick her.

But what about Rhea Ripley?

What about her?  She’s debuting on Raw soon, and she’s poised to do some big things afterwards.  She will inevitably challenge for and defend the Raw title at WrestleMania in the  future.  But if you’re going to sit here and say Charlotte would be leapfrogging over people if she gets the match then what the hell would Ripley be doing?  Do you want her to win the title in that match, too?  Just how would that fit with your wanting Asuka to be “treated better” ?  And unless you’re expecting her to have a forever title reign then how are you going to take it when she loses that title later year, quite possibly to the same woman you don’t want in the match now?

Have you thought all that through, or are you so fixated on not wanting one person to get the match that you’re willing to throw all logic and consistency out the window?  Also, looking at the other side of the street there’s a historic match for the Smackdown Title on deck between Sasha Banks and Bianca Belair; the significance of that match renders the Raw Title match second fiddle regardless so do you really want to spend your big splash for Ripley on a match that’s going to get overshadowed anyway?  Look if you just want Ripley to get the match then say so.  But don’t try to spin it like that’s some kind of justice for those who haven’t gotten as many title matches as Charlotte has, because it just isn’t.

And speaking of which…Peyton Royce

I can’t speak on all this without mentioning the Peyton Royce segment on Raw Talk this week, where she went on about just that.  That segment is coming off the heels of her mother in real life responding to a tweet from WWE about Charlotte setting her sights on the Raw Title by saying that she thinks it’s time for someone else to get a chance (that someone else obviously being her daughter, let’s be real here), so we have a case of art imitating life in wrestling.

And I gotta say, that kind of thing needs to stop.

The Man, or in this case the McMahon (sorry, I had to) is not holding down everyone who isn’t on TV regularly or not getting title shots or whatever.  Sooner or later there needs to be a conversation inside the business that there are levels or tiers or whatever on every company’s roster and that the people who get to stay in the top ones are the people who have proven themselves reliable in those spots.  And to date, she has not.

Over the past year she’s been in the ring with everyone from Bianca to Charlotte to Asuka to Sasha Banks and Bayley to Nikki Cross to her own former partner Billie Kay and you’d be hard pressed to remember anything she did in any of those matches to stand out or at least get recognized alongside her opponent.  Now there are people who work with her that have vouched for her in ring abilities, and I will not debate any of them on that.  But as a viewer I have yet to see one match or  segment of hers that made me want to see more.

And before you blame the writers/bookers for that, look at Lana.  Lana used to be someone I changed the channel or hit the mute button on when she came on TV.  But she took those table bumps for nine weeks and while people were on twitter complaining about it those spots built up sympathy for her as a character and made me want to see how she would get some kind of payback.  And over on Smackdown the Riott Squad gets roughly the same amount of time as Peyton and yet manages to do something with it to make you want more of them.

I’ll leave you with this.  If the main reason you think someone should get a bigger push is because they haven’t gotten one yet, or haven’t gotten one in a while, then that’s not gonna cut it.  At the end of the day they have to give you a reason to support them that is based on who they are, and not on who they aren’t or what they haven’t gotten or because the internet says they’re really good.  If they’ve been on TV, worked with everyone who matters, even held a title and you still can’t remember anything they did then that speaks for itself.

The men and women who have gotten pushed to the top usually don’t need more than their entrance and a minute or two of match highlights to show why they’re where they are and the ones who actually should get moved up can do the same.  And cutting the same ‘the boss isn’t giving me a proper opportunity’ promo isn’t enough either whether it’s on Raw Talk, Dynamite, or any other company’s show.  God knows that it is used entirely too much in every corner of the business now.  It worked for Daniel Bryan and Becky Lynch because when time came to show us who they were, they delivered because they were already that good at performing.  But it just doesn’t work for everyone, because everyone isn’t that good a performer to get that over.  If you can’t do what they did then don’t expect the same results.  Simply not being pushed as far as others isn’t enough.

At the end of the day the question isn’t “should you be pushed more?”, it’s “why should you be pushed more?”  What’s the answer?  If all you got is “time for someone else besides ___?” then you’ve got nothing.


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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 WWE Raw Results & Report! (3/11/24)

Time to run the gauntlet!

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Who will face Der Ring General?

As we continue down the Road to WrestleMania, a #1 contender to the Intercontinental Championship will arise through a star-studded six man GAUNTLET!

OFFICIAL RESULTS

  • Becky Lynch VS Liv Morgan; Becky wins.
  • Candice LeRae & Indi Hartwell VS Ivy Nile & Maxxine Dupri; Candice & Indi win.
  • WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships: The Kabuki Warriors VS Shayna Baszler & Zoey Stark; The Kabuki Warriors win and retain the titles.
  • R-Truth VS Damian Priest; Priest wins.
  • WWE Intercontinental Championship #1 Contender’s Gauntlet: Sami Zayn wins and will challenge Gunther for the title at WrestleMania 40.

PLAY BY PLAY

Drew McIntyre is here!

The Scottish Terminator heads to the ring, feeling good after beating Jey Uso last week, though with a lot of help from The Bloodline. McIntyre gets his pyro, gets the mic, and Houston is torn as McIntyre looks to the WrestleMania sign. “Selfish, delusional, arrogant, hypocrite junkie. You couldn’t help yourself, Seth, could you? You had to accept the tag match, two main events back to back. You just had to get that fix. Junkie! Y’know, at least when I dropped Cody, he saw sense, he chose to finish his story. I drop you, Seth, what do you do? You find that energy and fire you’ve been missing, you decide to channel it into your own selfish agenda because of course you do.

“Say ‘what’ if you’re glad I took out CM Punk.” The fans boo as he almost got them. McIntyre says he always tells the truth and always has the answers. Do you wanna know what “the bigger picture” is? Do they want that answer? The fans chant for “C M PUNK!” instead. McIntyre chuckles and says no, that’s not it. Punk should have a handwritten thank you card ready because McIntyre’s the one keeping Punk relevant. The bigger picture isn’t Cody, Roman, Seth Rollins or even McIntyre. “The bigger picture is The Rock!” Fans boo but McIntyre wants them to hear him out. Think about the history of our industry.

Wait, most Houstoners don’t even know the history of America, so here’s a refresher on pro-wrestling. We started in the carnivals, then the armories, then arenas like this, and then stadiums and billion-dollar deals! What do you think the next evolution is? It’s working together with one of the most powerful people on planet Earth! Obviously The Rock is upset with Cody! What’d Cody do? He promised a match, took it away! He’s a liar, he insulted The Rock’s family. It is none of McIntyre’s business and it is none of Rollins’ business. But Rollins thinks this industry revolves around him. The minute Rollins realizes the business is bigger than Rollins, then he might become the legend he is in his own mind!

And everyone’s prayers will have been answered! From the locker room to the crowds to the top of the board, we will have a future champion in McIntyre that we can invest in and be proud of! Tell him he’s wrong! Wait, here comes Rollins! He tells “Drew, Drew, Drew, Drew, Drew… Would you do us all a favor and shut your mouth, big man?” The fans sing with the song, “WHOA~ OH~ OHHH~!” and Rollins says we’ll get to that. But McIntyre has been begging for attention! So let’s give him a little rub, shall we? Goo d news, Drew! Now that Night One’s main event is in the bag, Rollins has been thinking about that Claymore from last week.

McIntyre almost got Rollins’ full attention with that shot. Maybe we can go all the way with one more Claymore right here and right now. The fans fire up as Rollins stares McIntyre down. Rollins dares McIntyre to show us what’s under taht kilt! He’ll even make it easy and kneel! Rollins takes off the sunglasses and waits. Oh, wait, right, McIntyre’s a coward so he’ll turn around. Rollins waits, the fans sing, but McIntyre chuckles. “Before this gets any weirder, I just want to talk to you. I just want hyou to listen. For once, don’t just listen. Actaully hear me! I wanna tell you that you were right!”

Rollins turns around to hear that better as McIntyre says Rollins is right. Before their last match, the one Damian Priest screwed up for him, Rollins told McIntyre that McIntyre has to get over The Bloodline because they’re over him. “Get over it!” McIntyre says Rollins is right! McIntyre got over it! It kills him when Solo Sikoa and Jimmy Uso get involved, he wants to drop them on sight, but he did what Rollins said. He focused on the task at hand to get the wins, get the momentum, because he does it for the world title, for Monday Night Raw, because as a champion, that his all he should care about!

Then McIntyre returned the favor. He pleased with Rollins to take his own advice, but he didn’t because all Rollins cares about is Rollins. Rollins tells Drew that he’s starting to remind him of someone. Can’t quite remember that guy. McIntyre doesn’t like the guy, has a lot of tattoos, he’s from Chicago… The fans chant “C M PUNK!” Oh, yeah! McIntyre is like Punk! Because Rollins always thought that guy was the biggest hypocrite, until he met Drew. For years and years, McIntyre has gone on about The Bloodline screwed him, cost him the title, cost him the big match. Until a few weeks ago, McIntyre was saying it over and over!

And now, it’s like McIntyre wants to be an Honorary Uce! Houston, help Rollins with this. McIntyre beat Cody Rhodes, but did he do that without The Bloodline? “NO!” What about beating Jey Uso? “NO!” Rollins doesn’t buy this bull crap about McIntyre not wanting interference. McIntyre would love nothing more than for the Bloodline to help take the title off Rollins’ waist! McIntyre would love to stand next to The Rock, to be the People’s Champion’s Chosen One. But newsflash, jack: it ain’t gonna happen. Rollins will lay it out for us: Night One, Seth & Cody will take down The Bloodline!

Then on Night Two, Rollins VS McIntyre, the same thing happens that always happens when it’s them 1v1 for the title! Rollins will stomp McIntyre’s head into the mat, pin his shoulders, and the last thing McIntyre hears in the biggest moment of his career is the fans singing Rollins’ song! “WHOA~ OH~ OHH~!” McIntyre scowls and says he knows what Rollins is trying to do. Rollins wants McIntyre to put him out of his misery, to swing on him, to drop him. McIntyre won’t do it, because he has to face Rollins at Mania, pin him at Mania, and there is nothing Rollins can say that will provoke him.

McIntyre leaves but Rollins calls after him. Does McIntyre wanna know why Rollins hasn’t paid much attention to him on this Road to WrestleMania? Because of all the things, all the threats, the list of threats that Rollins is worried about going into WrestleMania, from the The Rock to Roman Reigns to the bad back and bad knee, at the very bottom of that list… the thing Rollins is worried about least, is Drew McIntyre. McIntyre turns around and storms up to the ring! Rollins is ready, but then McIntyre stops short. McIntyre storms away, controlling his anger. Is Rollins going to regret pushing the buttons? Or will nothing stop the Visionary from making it through WrestleMania 40?

 

What does it mean to “run the gauntlet?”

Colloquially, it means “to go through an intimidating or dangerous experience in order to reach a goal.” Chad Gable says he’s been running the gauntlet in his own head since his match with Gunther last September. The only tears you wanna wipe off your child’s face should be tears of joy. But if Gable wants that chance, this new gauntlet stands before him. His path to Heaven runs through the gauntlet from Hell. “A gauntlet filled with demons from my past that I’m gonna have to overcome this time, in order to earn my date with destiny. My date with redemption.

“It’s a rare chance to rewrite history, we don’t get those every day, so I intend to claim it and become a beacon of perseverance that my fans and my family can be proud of.” Gable vows to endure, “because for Chad Gable, this match just means more.” The Alpha Academy’s fearless leader wants to finally hold singles gold, will he survive the star-studded six pack to get back there?

 

Becky Lynch VS Liv Morgan!

The Man is ready for Rhea Ripley and the Women’s World Championship, but her Road to WrestleMania ran afoul of Liv Morgan’s revenge tour! Will Becky keep her momentum up? Or is she running into a big time speedbump?

Raw returns and Liv makes her entrance. The bell rings and the two tie up. They go around, end up in a corner, then go along ropes into another corner. Liv lets off to shove Becky! Fans are torn but Becky gets around to waistlock and SLAM! Becky drags liv back up but Liv throws elbows. Liv headlocks, Becky powers up and out, but Liv runs her over! Liv grins and runs, but Becky drops, runs the other way, then runs Liv over! Becky dusts herself off but Liv gets up to SLAP! So Becky SLAPS back! Liv fires forearms, Becky ROCKS Liv and bumps her off buckles. Becky bumps Liv off another corner, but then Liv bumps Becky back!

Liv brings Becky around, grabs an arm, but Liv moves around! Liv arm-drags free, runs up but Becky dodges! Becky BLASTS Liv off the apron, then builds speed, but Liv avoids the baseball slide! Liv gets in to build speed and she DIVES! Not the cleanest flight but she still takes Becky down, and the fans fire up as Raw goes to break!

Raw returns again and Becky storms up to Liv in a corner. Liv ELBOWS Becky away, waistlocks, but Becky bucks the O’Conner! Liv runs Becky over with shoulder tackle after shoulder tackle, then kicks, KICKS and ENZIGIRIS! Liv kips up and the fans fire up! Liv runs in at the corner now, back body blocks, then runs, rolls and comes back. Becky dodges to JUMP KICK! Then she clinches, BECKSPLODER! Liv stands into another clinch, another BECKSPLODER! The fans rally up and runs to WRECK Liv with a dropkick! Becky goes to the apron, leaps and CLOBBERS Liv with a flying forearm!

Becky puts Liv back in the ring, goes up a corner and the fans rally. Becky leaps, into a CODE BREAKER! Both women are down and the fans fire up! The ref checks, they’re both okay to continue, and the fans rally and duel! “Let’s Go, Becky!” “Let’s Go, Liv!” Becky crawls after Liv as Liv goes to ropes. Becky ROCKS Liv, Liv ROCKS Becky! Becky ROCKS Liv, but Liv ROCKS Becky! They go back and forth, faster and faster, and the fans fire up! Becky gets the edge, UPPERCUTS and SOBATS, then runs, but Liv follows! Springboard CODE BREAKER! Cover, TWO! Becky survives and Liv is frustrated!

Becky stands, Liv runs up but into a BOOT! Becky whips but Liv reverses to put Becky on the apron., Liv runs up but Becky KICKS her! Becky brings Liv to the apron, but Liv fights the suplex! Liv pushes Becky, ROCKS her, but Becky ROCKS her back! Becky waistlocks and aims for the floor! Liv holds on for dear life and throws elbows! Becky lets go, Liv BOOTS her to the corner! Becky staggers, Liv SUNSET FLIP POWERBOMBS to the floor!! The fans are all fired up and Liv hurries to get Becky in the ring! Liv hurries to cover, TWO!! Becky survives and shocks everyone! Liv works to calm down, because Houston knows “This is Awesome!”

Liv refocuses and brings Becky up. Becky resists the lift, to clinch, MAN- NO, Liv victory rolls! TWO, and Liv runs up! But into the MANHANDLE SLAM!! But Liv flops out of the ring to deny Becky the pinfall! Becky is stunned, the fans fire up, and Raw goes to break!

Raw returns once again and Becky looms over Liv. Becky grabs an arm but Liv rolls her up! TWO, and Liv clamps on with RINGS OF SATURN!! Becky fights, moves, rolls free and kicks low! Underhooks for the BUTTERFLY SLAM into an ARMBAR! Liv flails, reaches out, fights up and stacks Becky, TWO! Back to RINGS OF SATURN!! Becky flails, kicks, make sit a cover, TWO and Liv ghost pins! TWO, both stand up and Liv slips around to DDT!! Becky flounders to ropes, stands up, into OB-LIV-ION!! But now Becky flops outta the ring! Liv is seething as Becky survives! A ring count starts but Liv goes out after Becky.

Liv DRIBBLES Becky’s face off the apron edge! Liv puts Becky in, sees her go to a corner, and she runs up! Becky sends Liv into buckles! Becky comes back but Liv slips out and Becky hits buckles! Liv KNEES Becky away, goes up and leaps, but into the MANHANDLE SLAM!!! Cover, Becky wins!!

Winner: Becky Lynch, by pinfall

That battle was itself worthy of the Women’s World Championship, but it is still The Man heading down the Road to WrestleMania! Becky does nod Liv respect, will they look to run this back one day? Will Becky be the world champion by then? But speaking of, here comes Rhea Ripley! Houston fires up as Mami swaggers her way out, title in hand. Rhea looks at Liv and Liv says she’ll be the one to take everything Rhea loves! Rhea just blows her a kiss, then goes to the ring with a mic to stare down Becky. The fans chant for “MAMI! MAMI!” but Rhea says, “Congratulations, Becky. You beat Liv Morgan. Now was it all worth it?

“Because every single week, you seem to be getting into these fights and leaving everything you have in this ring. And every single week that goes by, we seem to be getting closer and closer to WrestleMania. But that’s what The Man is all about, right? You fight anyone, anywhere. You say that you do it for these people, you say that you do it for your family. See, I know the real reason as to why you do it, Becky. You say that you have to prove to yourself that you’re still the best here. But the thing is, you know deep down that I am better than you.” So that is why Becky keeps accepting all these matches! She wants an excuse as to why she can’t beat Rhea!

Rhea promises that if Becky doesn’t step into Mania 100%, she won’t be walking out “The Man!” She will be nothing but a disappointment. The fans are torn and Becky paces. Becky has a mic to say before the Royal Rumble, she looked Rhea in the eye and said Rhea might be better than her, and that Becky needs to prove Rhea is not. And that little bit of doubt, that planted a seed. That seed grew into a tree with branches and leaves and roots and vines that are wrapping around the whole world. But what you need to understand about Becky, when people believe in her, she is good. But when people doubt her, she is GREAT!

So Rhea, if it has to be Becky against the whole world, then the whole world doesn’t stand a chance. Becky drops her mic and storms off, ready to give it her all and then some! Will that be just enough to finally take down The Eradicator?

 

BREAKING NEWS for WrestleMania!

Both the Raw and SmackDown General Managers, Adam Pearce and Nick Aldis, stand side by side as they give us this announcement. As they work together to make WrestleMania 40 the greatest event in wrestling history, they are here tonight. It is their distinct honor and privilege as not just GMs but as fans of tag team wrestling and this “unbelievably deep tag division” in WWE today, to announce that at WrestleMania 40, Judgment Day will defend their tag titles against FIVE of the very best tag teams in WWE today in a very special match that matches the magnitude of the biggest Mania of all time.

It will be a SIX PACK LADDER MATCH! Over the next few weeks, teams from both Raw and SmackDown will compete to earn spots in that match, and the opportunity to walk away with the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championships at WrestleMania. Pearce and Aldis wish all the teams good luck, but is it Finn & Priest who will need a miracle to survive?

Judgment Day talk about this in their clubhouse.

Priest says he’s never had a problem with a GM before now. FIVE teams?! They wanna go to his office and talk to “that Nick fella.” JD McDonagh also joins Finn & Priest in storming their way out, but will they fail to change management’s mind?

 

Candice LeRae & Indi Hartwell VS Ivy Nile & Maxxine Dupri!

The Poison Pixie got a little spicy last week and took her frustrations out verbally on poor Maxxine the Alpha Queen. Ivy and Indi know Maxxine’s doing her best, but will her best just not be enough? Or will Ivy & Maxxine find the way to win against former NXT Women’s Tag Team Champions?

The teams sort out, Ivy and Indi start. They tie up, Ivy arm-drags but then Indi arm-drags! Indi grinds the arm, whips, but Ivy holds ropes. Ivy ROUNDHOUSES Indi, but Candice gets a cheap shot in! Fans boo but Indi didn’t see it. She tags Candice, but Ivy UPPERCUTS! Ivy and Candice DOUBLE LARIAT, and the fans rally up while they’re both down. Ivy and Candice crawl, hot tags to Indi and Maxxine! Maxxine wrenches and ROUNDHOUSES Indi, then ENZIGIRIS! The fans cheer as Maxxine SHOTGUNS! Maxxine is all fired up, she runs up and SPLASHES! Indi flops down, and Maxxine shouts out Otis with the hip swivel!

Maxxine shimmies, shakes, handsprings, and REVERSE CATERPILLARS, but into Candice! Candice says Maxxine just looks stupid! Maxxine is bullied into the corner, and Candice says, “You know why people are booing you, right? Because you don’t belong here!” Maxxine looks close to tears and Candice says if hearing what the internet has to say hurts, try listening to what the others in the locker room are saying! Candice mocks Maxxine’s tears. Candice says it is a good thing her dead brother isn’t here to see what an embarrassment Maxxine’s become! Maxxine pushes Candice away and wants out, but Indi BOOTS her down!

Candice BOOTS Ivy, tells Indi to pin! Indi does, she and Candice win!

Winner: Candice LeRae & Indi Hartwell, by pinfall

The poison inside the pixie is truly corrosive, and Indi has no idea what to make of it. Will Maxxine be able to recover from Candice’s toxic words?

 

The GMs talk in their office.

They talk out the details, and Aldis says it will be three teams from Raw and two from SmackDown. Pearce is quite the tough negotiator. Pearce takes that as a compliment, and they both know it will be one incredible match. Between this and NXT’s Tag Team Eliminator Tournament, the WWE Tag Division is- But then Finn walks in and says, “Excuse me, muchachos, but what the hell is going on around here? Is this some sort of a joke? Me and Damian have to defend our two titles against five teams, at WrestleMania, in a ladder match!? Everyone knows I don’t like ladders!” McDonagh says yeah, Finn’s afraid of heights.

What? This is the biggest Mania of all time. But think of it this way: If Judgment Day wins, they cement their legacies as the greatest tag team of all time! Priest says stop, stop! They already have proven they’re the best! It’s why they have the belts! Whose idea even was this? Was it Pearce? Was it Aldis? Aldis says it is better left unsaid. Pearce has everyone calm down, they take ideas from all over. They should see social media. Finn asks if he is invisible. What about his ideas? He has great ideas! No one listens to his ideas! Okay, okay, since they’re so adamant about it, Pearce & Aldis had a conversation with Miz & Truth-

OH, SERIOUSLY!? That’s who they’re getting advice from? In that case, give them Miz & Truth in a match, tonight! Well too bad, they’re not here tonight, they’re off doing media appearances. Wait, Truth walks in!? Isn’t he supposed to be in Philadelphia? Oh, that’s on Monday, bro. Truth, it IS Monday. Oh… That’s why Miz ain’t here, huh? Priest says he’ll settle for just Truth. Make the match. The Judgment Day heads out and Truth asks what they’re so mad about. Pearce will try to explain, but will it even matter?

 

Michael Cole is in the ring.

He has chairs prepared because he is going to interview a man who had quite a historic night on SmackDown last Friday. We watch a recap package, and then Cody Rhodes makes his entrance! Houston fires up for the American Nightmare and they sing his song, “WHOA~ OH~!” The pyro goes off, Cody gets the fans even more fired up, and then he joins Maggle in the ring. They sit down and Cole asks Cody what he wants to talk about. But to cut to the chase, The Rock trumpeted the fact that he is on the Board of Directors, and made it clear as Cody’s boss that if Cody doesn’t get it done at WrestleMania, he may never, ever challenge for another title again.

So then, why did Cody slap him? Cody smirks, the fans chant “ROCKY SUCKS!” and Cody says he knows The Rock is saying that he is Cody’s boss. Not sure that’s really the case, but if The Rock is, then it feels good to slap your boss. And before the red carpet premieres and sipping tequila and promoting energy drinks, etc, etc, The ROck was a wrestler. A great one at that, one of Cody’s favorites, so The Rock knows what that slap was: it was a receipt. Then Cole wants to know why he agreed to that night one tag match. To be fair, Rollins is the one who answered for them, and then Cody did later.

Cody has so much at stake on Sunday, “finishing the story” with Roman, why put that in jeopardy? So much can go wrong in that 24 hour period, including how if he and Rollins lose, the match becomes “Bloodline Rules,” aka no rules. More importantly, and hear Cole out, Rollins and Cody have a long history. Rollins has made it very clear that he wants to be THE top champion in the WWE, and he is the last person to have defeated Roman Reigns 1v1. It was via disqualification but still, and he never got a rematch. Perhaps it is Rollins wanting to be the one to finally end Roman’s streak. With all that said, how the hell can Cody trust Rollins?

Cody smirks and says, “People change, Michael. It wasn’t that long ago you were sitting over there in a Plexiglas enclosure, wearing a Syracuse wrestling singlet, heckling everyone of the boys. Hell, I went off in the distance, I smashed the throne, and the person who sits on that throne has now become my closest working ally. I even teamed with Jey Uso!” The fans “YEET!” for that one. Cody says he and Rollins have not always gotten along, that is true, but Rollins has always had Cody’s respect. If he has to go to war with anyone, he happily does it with Rollins. Besides that, this is Cody’s one shot, the one opportunity at getting a fair fight against Roman Reigns.

Cody knew he’d be talking tonight, he and Cole are old friends. But here is an answer to a question the last time they were both in the ring. Flashback to October when he and Jey were tag team champions. Cole brought up Cody’s great year: Royal Rumble, WrestleMania, and that close to winning the title, same as Dusty Rhodes. Is that going to be Cody’s story? Cody was flustered at the time, but here tonight, Cody says that was a good question. Even now. So here’s another: Does Cody look nervous? Fans so “NO!” and Cody asks if he looks afraid. Because to be honest, he is nervous, he is scared, and he knows there are these “old head podcasters” who want this Jerry Springer thing.

The suit, the big words, admitting to being afraid. Cody can’t say “I’ll get ’em next time,” because that already happened. But the story is no longer about Roman’s championship and Cody. The story is about all of the fans who have followed Cody to the absolute ends. The story is all about a young girl named Hannah, blind, held up a sign for Cody just to feel it. There’s Cody’s friend, Harley, was in the front row, went through spinal fusion, who wanted the weight belt. Cody’s own family, like his sister, the one The Rock didn’t even mention. The original shotgun-riding kid for Dusty, who went from watching him in front of thousands of people, to driving him to signings where there were only 40.

Or even Cody’s mother, the only one left. Cody can’t hand it to Dusty Rhodes, but he sure can hand it to Michelle Rubio. The fans cheer as Cody gets emotional here. Cody then says, “How about my number one fan? Someone you know really well because you hired her, my wife, Brandi Rhodes. The most beautiful woman on the Earth. She took a shot on me when I was wearing a goofy mask and taking RKOs every night. If anyone deserves it…” The story is beyond Cody. But it is still up to him. Cody tells Roman now that last year, Roman said this was the third inning. But Cody wants to say this, and he’s sure Roman knows it, too. We are no longer in the third, this is the bottom of the ninth!

And Cody is so glad to have this moment. Night two of WrestleMania, Cole can say for the first time in the history of this company, for the first time in the history of Cody’s family, a RHODES will be Undisputed WWE Champion! Cole gets to say at WrestleMania 40, “Cody Rhodes finished the story!” Cody and Cole shake hands and hug it out, but will the American Nightmare make that dream come true?

 

More of the gauntlet competitors speak.

“Ladies and gentlemen, Ricochet returns tonight for in-ring action for Monday Night Raw. He actually returns for an opportunity to reclaim something that was taken from him.” He’s said it once and he’ll say it again, from day one stepping into the WWE, Ricochet has known where he wants to be. And tonight, after he runs through the gauntlet, where he is going to be will be WrestleMania to reclaim his Interconnectional Championship. So his Road to WrestleMania starts tonight.

JD McDonagh say that he woke up and in the mirror, he saw a guy “who after a lifetime of effort is now just one match, one win, away from WrestleMania. I saw a guy looking back at me who is willing to do anything, to sink to any depth, to MAIM to get to WrestleMania. And most importantly, I saw a guy looking back at me that I KNOW can beat Gunther. If you don’t believe me, I don’t give a damn. But I will tell you this: You never bet against an Ace.”

The One and Only and the Necessary Evil are ready, but will either of them make it to the end?

 

Becky finds Liv backstage.

Liv stands up to stare down Becky eye to eye, but Becky offers a handshake. Liv takes it, but then Nia CLOBBERS them both!! Nia says, “Aw, how cute! You guys supposed to make up, huh?” Nia TOSSES Liv into a road case! Nia tells Becky they’re not done. URENAGE through a table!! Refs and producers rush over, Nia tells them to back off, then she leaves. Will nothing stop The Irresistible Force from getting her way on the Road to WrestleMania?

 

WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships: The Kabuki Warriors w/ Damage CTRL VS Shayna Baszler & Zoey Stark!

The Empress of Tomorrow & The Pirate Princess have been dominating since coming back together, but they’re up against a combo that’s just as tough and just as mean! Will Asuka & Kairi not be ready for the Queen of Spades & Hunter? Or will Damage CTRL still be in control?

Raw returns and Shayna makes her entrance, followed by Zoey. The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we see who truly dominates the tag division!

The teams sort out, Asuka and Stark start. They tie up, Stark headlocks but Asuka powers out. Stark ducks then handsprings and the fans cheer. Things speed up, Stark dodges then drops to then hurdle, roll back, but into a basement dropkick! Asuka swaggers, runs up at Stark in a corner, but Stark goes up and over then DROPKICKS back! Cover, TWO! Tag to Shayna, Stark snapmares Asuka for Shayna to KICK! And KICK! And KICKS! Asuka blocks, throws Shayna down, then aims to KICK! And KICK! And KICK! Shayna block snow, and goes for the ANKLE LOCK! Asuka hops and reaches out, but Shayna brings her away to go for an arm!

Asuka endures the double wristlock, pulls hair, and then tags Kairi. They whip Shayna away and Asuka drops so Kairi can LARIAT! Cover, ONE! Kairi pie faces Shayna, pie faces her again, but Shayna wrenches and brings her over! Tag to Stark, Shayna GERMAN SUPLEXES Kairi and Stark runs up to SLIDING BOOT! Stark BLASTS Asuka, too, then aims at them both! Springboard DOUBLE CROSSBODY! The fans fire up as the challengers stand tall, and Raw goes to break.

Raw returns again and Asuka headlocks Shayna, but Shayna hits a BIG back suplex out of it! They’re both down, the fans rally as they crawl, hot tags to Kairi and Stark! Stark LARIATS, LARIATS again, then runs to CLOBBER Kairi! The fans fire up with Stark, she ROCKS Kairi and whips her to a corner. Stark runs in, SPLASHES, then hoists her up top. The fans rally behind Stark as she ROCKS Kairi, ROCKS her again, then climbs. Kairi CLUBS away on Stark, Stark hits back, and Stark brings Kairi to the very top! But Kairi throws more shots! Kairi trips Stark up, HEADBUTTS her into the Tree of Woe, then stands!

The fans are torn as Kairi aims, and she WOE STOMPS Stark down! Cover, TWO! Stark survives and Kairi is furious! Kairi goes corner to corner, SLIDING D into a BOOT! Stark hurries to her corner but so does Kairi, hot tags to Shayna and Asuka! Shayna dodges to fire off a strike fest! She KICKS a leg out but Asuka dodges to URAKEN! SOBAT! KICK! URA- No, Shayna ducks to ROCK Asuka! Shayna runs up, Asuka ELBOWS her! Tag to Kari, CODE BREAKER to BLOCKBUSTER! Kairi keeps moving, she tags back to Asuka, then she BLASTS Stark! The Kabuki Warriors line it up, SLIDING D GAMANGIRI COMBO! Cover, Stark breaks it!!

The fans fire up but Kairi CLUBS Stark! Stark still TOSSES Kairi, goes out after her, and Shayna ROUNDHOUSES Asuka! Shayna tags Stark, Stark brings Asuka up! Fireman’s carry and- NO, Asuka slips free! Asuka blocks the roundhouse to slip around and GERMAN SUPLEX! Tag back to Kairi and she climbs! Asuka has Stark in position, but Stark powers out to shove Asuka! Kairi leaps over, Stark avoids the lariat to SUPERKICK! Tag to Shayna and they set Kairi up! Z360!! Kairi sits up into the RUNNING KNEE!! Cover, ASUKA BREAKS IT! Stark runs up to SUPERKICK Asuka! Asuka bails out, Stark PLANCHAS but FLOPS as Asuka moves!

Kairi and Shayna stands! Shayna blocks the uraken to KIRAFUDA KLUTCH!! The fans go wild, Kairi kicks and rolls back to a cover, TWO!! Kairi is still caught! She reaches out for ropes but Shayna gets that arm! But then Dakota grabs a leg! Shayna kicks Dakota away, the fans boo, but Kairi URAKENS! Tag back to Asuka and Asuka BUZZSAWS! Tag back to Kairi and they get Shayna in position now! In-SANE DDT!! Cover, Kabuki Warriors win!

Winners: The Kabuki Warriors, by pinfall (still WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions)

#CobraKai made sure her girls didn’t lose control! But she has to face Bayley this Friday now, will the Role Model get a small part of revenge before going for the Evil Genius, Iyo Sky?

 

Judgment Day talks backstage.

They’re all still annoyed about this ladder match business, but then Andrade walks in. Priest asks, “Can we help you?” Andrade says tranquilo, big man. Rhea says it’s fine, she asked him to stop by. Rhea tells Andrade that unfortunately, Dom isn’t here tonight, but he has spoken extremely highly of Andrade. So maybe when Dom is back, we can all talk business. Is that something that interests him? Andrade says of course, he is all about business. Just let him known when. Okay, they’ll speak soon. Hasta luego. Andrade leaves and Finn says not for nothing, but he’s known that lad a long time. Finn agrees with Dom, Andrade brings a lot to the table.

Rhea says yes, it is intriguing. Priest says great, can they get back to focusing on their own business? Because it starts tonight when Priest handles Truth. They all agree there. Will Senor Money in the Bank punish Truth for thinking up this wild ladder match?

 

More gauntlet competitors speak.

The King of Strong Style says, “This fight is the Road to WrestleMania and championship gold. It’s worthy for me to let my emotions, anger and frustrations out. Gunther, don’t just sit back and watch. Keep your eyes wide open.” And the Colossal Aussie says, “All these losers are crying about how hard they’ve worked, and how they deserve their moment. You don’t know what real hard work is! You’re entitled and embarrassing! You deserve what you can take, and I’m taking it all! Tonight, Big Bronson Reed punches his ticket to WrestleMania!”

 

R-Truth VS Damian Priest!

Raw returns and Priest makes his entrance, looking to do this alone. And he just CLOBBERS Truth the moment he’s in the ring! The fans boo, the bell rings, and Priest stomps away on Truth in the corner! The ref has Priest let off, and Priest runs corner to corner, only for Truth to dodge the clothesline! Truth fires off haymakers and the fans fire up! Priest HEADBUTTS Truth away, then ROCKS him with a right! Truth leans against ropes, and Priest tells Truth to suggest something stupid now! Priest ROCKS Truth, whips him, but Truth KICKS back! Priest is furious, and he DECKS Truth with a forearm!

The fans rally for Truth but Priest just smirks. Priest TOSSES Truth out hard, then soaks up the heat. But wait, DIY is here! They cheer Truth on but Priest dares them to do something. Priest reels Truth in, hoists him up, but Truth slips free! Truth baits Priest into the POST! The fans fire up and Truth gets in the ring. Truth then goes to the apron, and he leaps to FLYING LARIAT Priest down! The fans fire up again as Raw goes to break.

Raw returns again and Truth ROCKS Priest, ROCK Shim again, then runs, but into the FLATLINER! Cover, TWO! Truth still lives and the fans fire up! Priest paces, he kicks at DIY as he goes to the apron and then up a corner. Truth stands, and he hits ropes to trip Priest! Priest falls to the mat then hobbles around. Truth runs up, ducks ‘n’ dodges, and he shoulder tackles! And shoulder tackles! SPIN-OUT BOMB! Shout out to Cena with “YOU CAN’T SEE ME!” FIVE KNUCKLE SHUFFLE! Truth then sets up, fireman’s carries, and ATTITUDE ADJUSTMENT!! The fans fire up as Truth covers, TWO!!

Truth doesn’t stop, he steps through to STF!! The fans fire up as Priest endures! But then JD & Finn CLOBBER DIY! The fans boo as those four brawl! Truth lets Priest go to go up the corner! Truth SUPER CROSSBODIES and wipes everyone out! The fans lose their minds, Truth manages to stand back up, and he hurries back in! But Priest LARIATS Truth right down! Priest pulls down the straps and vows to end this! Choke grip, SOUTH OF HEAVEN!! Cover, Priest wins!

Winner: Damian Priest, by pinfall

The Judgment Day didn’t let Truth and “Regeneration X” have their way! In fact, JD CLUBS Ciampa, but Gargano goes after JD! Finn goes after Gargano, he and JD stomp Gargano out! Priest gives Ciampa an APRON CHOKE SLAM! JD kicks Truth around while Finn gives Gargano a COUP DE GRACE!! The fans boo but the Judgment Day does what they want to who they want! Will they do even worse to make sure none of the teams at WrestleMania win out?

 

Becky Lynch speaks.

She’s in the trainer’s room and says she knows she shouldn’t be doing this so close to WrestleMania, but it is her against the world. “So next week, Nia Jax, you, me, Last Woman Standing!” As if the Road to WrestleMania wasn’t in the Big Time already! Will Becky prove she’s unstoppable? Or will Nia end up removing Becky from the title picture after all?

 

Jey Uso is here!

Houston fires up as Main Event Jey, the #YEETMASTER, makes his way to the ring! They bounce with Jey and he points to Pat bouncing on the desk. Jey gets the mic to say “Main Event Jey Uso is now in your city~!” The fans “YEET! YEET! YEET!” and Jey calls out Jimmy Uso. “Big Jim. Big brother Jim, lemme holla at you for a minute. I said I came to Monday night Raw for a fresh start. I said I came to Monday Night for a fresh start.” “YEET!” “But the Bloodline won’t let me go!” “YEET!” Jimmy won’t let Jey go. “YEET!” So how ’bout this? Brother VS Brother, Twin VS Twin, Blood VS Blood, USO VS USO! Jey VS Jimmy, AT WRESTLEMANIA!!

The fans are thunderous for that idea! Jey then tells Jimmy, “Accept my challenge. Cuz I’m gonna knock the yeet out yo’ ass!” Going from a tag team main event last year to a Bloodline grudge match this year, will Jimmy accept? Will The Tribal Chief even let Jimmy accept?

 

Backstage interview with Gunther.

Jackie Redmond is with the longest reigning Intercontinental Champion of all time, and says there are some who believe he has become a little overconfident and is underestimating the six superstars in tonight’s gauntlet. What does he say to that? Gunther asks her, “Who believes that?” Well, there are just speculation among the WWE Universe. Gunther says that whoever believes that is not really his concern. He focuses on his legacy and facts. 640 days ago, Gunther beat Ricochet to become Intercontinental Champion, and he took on the responsibility for himself and for the legacy of this great prize.

And since then, he has elevated this title to heights never seen before. So tonight, the creme de la creme of Monday Night Raw will step into that ring and leave it all out there to compete against him for this great prize at the Grandest Stage of Them All, WrestleMania. And he’s flattered. This is such an affirmation of the work he has put in. But it takes a lot. It takes a lot to be in Gunther’s position. So to whoever wins this gauntlet tonight, good luck. Gunther chuckles and grins, but will he not be so confident once he sees who survives this star-studded field?

 

WWE Intercontinental Championship #1 Contender’s Gauntlet!

First out is the One and Only Ricochet, and he has already said he’s ready to finally be where he’s always wanted to be. Will the King of Flight make it through ’til the end? We find out his opponent after the break!

Raw returns and starting against Ricochet is the Irish Ace, JD McDonagh. The bell rings and the two circle. They tie up, JD wrenches and wristlocks but Ricochet spins, slips through and waistlocks back. JD wrenches out, wrangles Ricochet with the wristlock, but Ricochet rolls, kips up and wrenches to then CLUB the arm, trip JD, and run up. JD BOOTS Ricochet away, but Ricochet rebounds and jumps over. JD gets around, Ricochet switches, but JD elbows free! Things speed up as Ricochet hurdles then MONKEY FLIPS JD! JD gets up into a DROPKICK! Ricochet keeps JD from getting away and whips, but JD reverses.

Ricochet holds ropes to stop himself, then he TOSSES JD up and out! The fans fire up, Ricochet builds speed, and he slides, but JD dodges! Ricochet hurries up to the apron, RAMS into JD, then springboards into a GUTBUSTER! JD then TOSSES Ricochet back out, storms out after him, and whips him hard into barriers! Then into more barriers! Then back into more barriers! JD pushes Ricochet into the ring, storms up behind, but Ricochet ELBOWS back! Ricochet runs up, but JD scoops to BACKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Ricochet gasps and sputters but JD looms over him. JD drags Ricochet up and puts him in a corner.

JD whips corner to corner hard and Ricochet falls back! JD wants after Ricochet but the ref keeps him back. The ref and JD argue, but JD drops an elbow on Ricochet! The fans rally, JD CHOKES Ricochet on ropes! The ref counts, JD lets off, and JD soaks up the heat. JD points to the WrestleMania sign then goes after Ricochet. Ricochet throws body shots and forearms, but then JD ducks to URENAGE, and STANDING MOONSAULT! Cover, TWO! Ricochet survives but JD keeps his cool. JD brings Ricochet up to snap suplex! JD runs to drop the leg, brother! Ricochet sputters and JD mocks the fans, and they just boo back.

JD ROCKS Ricochet and has him in a corner. Ricochet fights back with forearms and UPPERCUTS, but JD kicks low! JD whips, Ricochet handsprings to back elbow! The fans rally and Ricochet runs corner to corner, to RAM into JD and go to the apron! Springboard and CROSSBODY! Ricochet bounces off, clutches the ribs, but he still LIONSAULTS but onto knees! JD turns things around to then suplex and BRAINBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Ricochet survives and JD is frustrated! JD watches Ricochet writhe while the fans rally up. JD SLAPS Ricochet, so Ricochet SLAPS back! JD SLAPS again, and the forearms start flying!

The fans fire up as Ricochet UPPERCUTS, ROLLING ELBOWS, but JD ROCKS him again! Ricochet HEEL KICKS, then POISON-RANAS! Ricochet runs but into a SPANISH FLY! Cover, TWO!! Both men are down and the fans fire up as Raw goes to break.

Raw returns and Ricochet is on the apron. JD goes out after him, stands him up, and blows a kiss to fans before he SLAPS Ricochet! Ricochet SLAPS back! JD SLAPS, then blocks the kick to CHOP, ENZIGIRI, and he reels Ricochet in! But Ricochet fireman’s carries! APRON DEATH VALLEY!! The fans go nuts while the ref checks both men! JD is somehow still in this so a ring count starts. Ricochet rises and stands at 5 of 10, then slides in before 6. JD crawls around at 7, drags himself up at 8, and rushes to slide in at 9.5! But Ricochet LIONSAULTS! Then he reels JD in for the NORTHERN LIGHTS! Ricochet rolls through to deadlift BRAINBUSTER!! Cover, TWO!!!

The fans fire up and Ricochet is frustrated, but Ricochet stands back up. Ricochet waits on JD to rise and the fans rally up. JD stands, Ricochet fireman’s carries, but JD claws the face! JD POSTS Ricochet, then drags him to a cover, TWO! JD is frustrated now and he kicks and stomps away on Ricochet’s ribs and back! Fans boo but JD stands Ricochet up to then suplex him to the top rope. JD CHOPS Ricochet, then climbs up after him. JD fires forearms, then he goes to the very top! Ricochet fights with elbows then shoves JD down! JD is in the drop zone, and Ricochet aims, SHOOTING STAR PRESS!! Cover, Ricochet ELIMINATES JD!!

But as if that first round wasn’t hard enough, the 330 pounds of BEEF is coming! Bronson Reed is ready for war, will he become a juggernaut in this match? Wait, Ricochet DIVES out to hit Bronson! Bronson wobbles and staggers but doesn’t fall, so Ricochet shoves him into the ring!

Ricochet VS Bronson Reed!

Ricochet springboards to MISSILE DROPKICK Bronson outta the ring!! The fans fire up as Ricochet builds speed and FLIES! The Fosbury Flop takes Bronson down and the fans fire up again! Bronson still stands up before Ricochet does and Bronson gets himself into the ring. Ricochet follows, but Bronson swings! Ricochet ducks, GAMANGIRIS, then springboards again! Bronson catches Ricochet this time, and RAMS him into a corner before hitting the RUNNING POWERSLAM! Cover, TWO!! Ricochet survives but Bronson hauls him right back up. Bronson reels Ricochet in, hoists him up, but Ricochet slips free!

Ricochet Tiger Wall Kicks, ENZIGIRIS, and fires back up! Ricochet runs up, hops on, throws down fists, then spins, wheelbarrows, only for Bronson to SLAM him and SENTON! Bronson goes to a corner and the fans feel it coming! TSUNAMI!! Cover, Bronson ELIMINATES Ricochet! But here comes the Master Strategist! Sami Zayn has said he wants to do something truly historic for WrestleMania, will that start by a historic run through the gauntlet?

Bronson Reed VS Sami Zayn!

Sami slides in, dodges Bronson and then baits Bronson into throwing him out of the ring! Sami goes out to CHOP and CHOP and CHOP! Bronson CHOPS in return! And HEADBUTTS! The fans rally behind Sami, but Bronson lines up the shot. Bronson whips, Sami goes up the barriers to QUEBRADA! Direct hit and down goes Bronson! Houston is fired up with Sami and Raw goes to break!

Raw returns and the fans rally for Sami as he endures the chinlock. Sami fights up, throws body shots, but Bronson CLUBS him back down. Bronson whips Sami, Sami ducks ‘n’ dodges but Bronson CLOBBERS him! Bronson hauls Sami up to ANARCHY SUPLEX! Cover, TWO! Sami is still in this but Bronson vows to end this. SENTON FLOPS as Sami moves! Sami goes to a corner, drags himself up, and the fans rally up. Bronson runs in but Sami ELBOWS him away! Sami goes up the corner, leaps, but into the URENAGE! Bronson then runs to ELBOW DROP! Cover, TWO! Sami survives again but Bronson is just getting mad.

Bronson puts Sami in a corner, CHOPS him, then hoists him up top. Bronson HEADBUTTS Sami, climbs up after him, and hoists Sami up with a fireman’s carry! Fans freak out but Sami kicks and moves around, SUNSET FLIP POWERBOMB!! Cover, Sami ELIMINATES Bronson!! Even Sami’s a bit shocked, but then the King of Strong Style makes his way out. Wait, Bronson DECKS Sami! The Colossal Aussie is a sore loser, as he goes up to hit a TSUNAMI!! Nakamura grins as Bronson has just served Sami up on a silver platter. Other refs rush out here to get Bronson to the back, but Nakamura slides in the corner to pick the bones!

Sami Zayn VS Shinsuke Nakamura!

Nakamura aims, runs in, but Sami gets around to roll him up! TWO!! SLIDING ENZIGIRI! Sami flounders to ropes, Nakamura stomps away on him! Nakamura lets off as the ref counts, and Sami flops out of the ring. Nakamura goes out the side to pursue, and he runs in to BOOT Sami over the desk! Nakamura paces around and looks to the WrestleMania sign as Raw goes back to break.

Raw returns again and Nakamura gives Sami some Bad Vibrations in the corner! The ref counts, Nakamura lets off, and is stomping Sami while we get some telestrator action on Bronson hitting Sami with the Tsunami. Nakamura paces around Sami, slaps him around, but the fans rally up. Nakamura KICKS Sami, scuffs him, then KICKS again! Sami roars, then blocks a kick! But the ENZIGIRI hits! Sami wobbles, Nakamura whips, but Sami goes up and over, gets around and hits a BLUE THUNDER BOMB! Cover, TWO!! Nakamura survives but Sami is too tired to be upset. Sami drags Nakamura back up, ducks a roundhouse but not the WHEEL KICK!

Nakamura aims from the corner again, wanting to end this! KINSHA- NO, Sami blocks! Nakamura fights the clinch with elbows, then he AX KICKS Sami down! Nakamura goes up the corner, aims, FLYING- NO, Sami gets under! Nakamura ends up in the other corner and Sami runs right in to HELLUVA KICK!! Cover, Sami ELIMINATES Nakamura!! Sami survives the screw job by Bronson, but now it’s just him and Chad Gable. Gable said this means more to him than it does to everyone else, will he prove it?

Sami Zayn VS Chad Gable!

Gable storms into the ring with a lot of fire, but he sees Sami still down and stops himself. Gable says Sami has to get up. This is about going to WrestleMania, Gable won’t take it the easy way. Sami sits up, Gable stands him up, and Gable says let’s do this right. The fans cheer the respect and sportsmanship, and the two circle. Sami fires himself up and they tie up. Gable gets around to GERMAN SUPLEX! And GERMAN SUPLEX again! Sami fights the hattrick with elbows, then switches. But Gable rolls to get the ANKLE LOCK! Sami moves around, ROPEBREAK! The ref counts, Gable lets off and Sami goes to the apron.

Gable runs up but Sami RAMS into him! Gable comes back, slides, and he trips Sami into the ANKLE LOCK! Sami BOOTS Gable into steel steps! Both men are down and the fans fire up while Raw goes to break.

Raw returns once again and Gable has Sami up top! Gable and Sami brawl, body shots and CHOPS and haymakers! Gable ROCKS Sami, ducks Sami’s haymaker, and then brings him up to the very top! SUPER DUPER PLEX!! Gable crawls to the cover, TWO!! Sami survives and Gable can’t believe it! Gable pushes Sami around, has him in a drop zone, and then goes to the corner. But Sami anchors a foot! Gable kicks and kicks and gets free! Gable goes up top, but Sami CLUBS him! And CLUBS him again! The fans rally as Sami goes up, but Gable blocks the lift! Gable throws hands, and even elbows! Sami falls back, Gable adjusts and MOONSAULTS onto knees!

Sami cradles Gable, TWO!! The fans rally up as both Sami and Gable stir. Sami rises up, Gable uses the ropes. Sami ROCKS Gable, then ROCKS him again! Gable fires back! And again! Sami fires a forearm, Gable fires back, and Gable gets the edge! Gable fires off at the ropes, then CHOPS! Sami CHOPS! And SLAPS! And fires off fast hands! The brawl is on and the fans are loving it! It is fast and furious but then it slows down. They fire forearms again and again, then Sami BOOTS! Sami reels Gable in, BLUE THUNDER- NO, Gable slips free to pick the leg and ANKLE LOCK!! Sami flails while fans fire up!

Sami reaches, Gable leans on the leg as hard as he can! Gable says he needs this way more than Sami! Sami endures, proving with actions that that’s not true! Sami reaches out for the ropes, and has the ROPEBREAK!! Gable lets go in frustration, but he refocuses. The fans fire up as Gable storms up behind Sami. Sami fights the waistlock with elbows, but Gable pushes to the corner! Sami bucks the O’Conner Roll, Gable comes back, into the CORNER EXPLODER! Gable flounders around and Sami goes to the far side. Sami fights through the pain to run, but Gable drops down to get the leg! ANKLE LOCK!!

Sami rolls but Gable rolls with him! Sami still endures, Gable pushes the ankle as far as he can! Sami still fights, but Gable drags him back!! Gable leans, Sami turns over! Sami BOOTS but Gable rolls through!! Gable keeps on the Ankle Lock and Sami is flailing! Sami reaches out, but Gable brings him up, LEG TRAP GERMAN!! Gable goes up top to MOONSAULT but Sami moves!! Gable flounders, Sami hobbles but still runs to HELLUVA KICK!!! Sami has to crawl to the cover! TWO?!? GHOST PIN!! TWO?!?!? Both men escape disaster and “This is Awesome!” Sami clutches his leg as he sits up, but he still clubs Gable.

Gable waistlocks and he drags Sami up! Sami throws elbows so Gable fires crossface forearms! And from all sides! Gable roars, brings down the straps, and says “This is MY moment!” Fans are torn as Gable deadlift GERMAN SUPLEXES!! Bridging cover, TWO!?!?! But Gable has the ANKLE LOCK!!! Sami endures, flails, tears at his own hair and beard, and he rolls to a victory roll! SAMI WINS!!!!

Winner: Sami Zayn, by pinfall (NEW #1 Contender to the WWE Intercontinental Champion)

Gable can’t believe it! But somehow, someway, Sami got through Bronson Reed, Shinsuke Nakamura and even Chad Gable to earn this opportunity! Gable helps Sami up, and the two show each other respect. But then Gunther makes his way out here! Der Ring General smiles as he looks at Sami from the ramp. We now know it will be these two fighting for the Intercontinental Championship at WrestleMania40! Will Sami’s historic moment be him ending Gunther’s historic reign?


My Thoughts:

A great Raw here, so much going towards some extra WrestleMania builds. The Six Pack Ladder Match is way more than I expected they’d do and that is great. I thought it was gonna be a Triple Threat with just one team each from Raw and SmackDown, but I like that we’re getting something this big for the biggest WrestleMania ever. And understandably, Judgment Day was upset about that, and we got good promos out of them that also gave us Priest VS Truth. Truth’s dive from the top was a bit scary because he wasn’t caught by anyone the way pro-wrestlers are supposed to stand there and take the hit. I think the brawling of Finn, JD and DIY went a little long, they forgot to cluster together, and Truth has a rougher landing than intended, but I would think he’s okay, he finished the match.

Great promo segment from Rollins and McIntyre to open the night. McIntyre calling Rollins a junkie parallels a bit of way back when, Chris Jericho accusing CM Punk of still being a drinker/smoker, but maybe that’s just me and not what they’re intending. But then Rollins saying McIntyre is being hypocritical a la Punk was great stuff, too. Both men have such beef with CM Punk, if only Punk was healthy to make this the Triple Threat for the apparent tradition. McIntyre also holding back on beating up Rollins after Rollins was pushing his buttons was a great detail, it really muddies the Face-Heel dynamic of these two and that’s a lot of fun.

Awesome match from Becky VS Liv tonight, probably one of Liv’s best ever. Becky of course won, though, and of course Nia attacked her and Liv at some point. Becky had a great promo with Rhea, and she’s going to have an awesome Last Woman Standing match with Nia. Becky probably still wins, and I thinks he’s actually going to make a point of going into Mania banged up to be an underdog challenger that takes down Rhea, assuming she’s going to beat Rhea at all. Great Women’s Tag Team Championship match, they made Shayna & Zoey look really good even in their defeat, and those two were even kept strong by Dakota helping Asuka & Kairi cheat to win.

Great promo from Jey that was pretty much to the point: he wants Uso VS Uso, and we most certainly are getting Uso VS Uso. Depending on which night they have it, Jey can personally make sure Jimmy is not able to help Roman Reigns during his match with Cody. And Cody had an awesome interview promo segment with Cole, but I can’t say how that factors into the dream team tag match. That could still go either way because both scenarios, Cody VS Roman fair and square or Cody VS Roman under Bloodline Rules, are really intriguing.

And after really good promos from Gunther and all the competitors, we got an awesome gauntlet match. Ricochet and JD had a great opening round, Bronson had a good showing and even a good Heel spot of beating down Sami, but I figured Sami was making it through to the end. Sami VS Gable was incredible stuff, and of course Sami won out. Sami VS Gunther is going to be great stuff, and who knows who wins that. It’d be awesome for Sami since that’s how the story feels this is going, but who knows. Bash in Berlin isn’t until August, so it’s not like Gunther has to reign all the way until then. Gunther could even go for the World Heavyweight Championship by then.

The only thing about tonight I’d criticize is how Candice won the match against Ivy & Maxxine. I do appreciate them coming up with a story to reference Maxxine getting fan heat at house shows, but it felt like Candice was peeling away the kayfabe about how Maxxine looks dumb doing the Reverse Caterpillar and how she wasn’t gonna let Indi “take” it. Then Candice goes and brings up Maxxine’s late brother and that’s a little too much like other controversial moments under the Vince era (promos for Nikki Bella VS Brie Bella and Paige VS Charlotte come to mind). I know the HHH Era isn’t going to reinvent pro-wrestling, but I would hope his team avoids the worst parts of Vince’s time.

My Score: 8.9/10


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