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Mitchell’s WWE WrestleMania 37 Results & Report! (4/10/21)

The two night extravaganza begins!

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WrestleMania 37 Coverage

WrestleMania sets sail once again!

The first of two epic nights begins, and Sasha Banks VS Bianca Belair will be its main event! Will Boss Time end as this becomes WrESTleMania?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

  • WWE World Championship: Bobby Lashley w/ MVP VS Drew McIntyre; Lashley wins and retains the title.
  • WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship #1 Contenders Tag Team Turmoil: Natalya & Tamina win and will challenge Nia Jax & Shayna Baszler for the titles on night two.
  • Seth Rollins VS Cesaro; Cesaro wins.
  • Raw Tag Team Championships: The New Day VS AJ Styles & Omos; Styles & Omos win and are the new Raw Tag Team Champions.
  • Steel Cage Match: Braun Strowman VS Shane McMahon; Braun wins.
  • Damian Priest & Bad Bunny VS The Miz & John Morrison; Priest & Bunny win.
  • SmackDown Women’s Championship: Sasha Banks VS Bianca Belair; Belair wins and becomes the new SmackDown Women’s Champion.

PLAY BY PLAY

It’s the WrestleMania 37 kickoff show!

Join Kayla Braxton, Booker T, JBL, Jerry “The King” Lawler and Peter Rosenberg in discussing, analyzing and predicting, finally back in front of a LIVE CROWD!!

 

The Night Panther is here!

But R-Truth keeps interrupting his commercials! Truth wants to be Old Spice Guy tho! Good thing he didn’t have his 24/7 Championship on him, Truth might’ve lost his baby tonight.

 

Sonya Deville joins the panel!

Fans are excited as the new assistant WWE official discusses the Women’s Tag Team Turmoil. She loves having fans back, and she has history with women’s tag team wrestling. She is ready to see what we get out of Billie Kay & Carmella. Finally, Billie has a spot! She has been selling herself, as it were, Mella finally accepted, and Billie’s just so entertaining so Sonya is ready to see that. And what of her former partner, Mandy Rose…? Well, they were a stronger team back in the day, but that was on Sonya. But she still wishes every team luck. JBL is so happy to have Sonya over Peter. Sonya doesn’t mind that.

And of course, today’s main event, Banks VS Belair. Sonya is a boss in her own right, so what does she make of Boss VS EST? Both very talented, but sometimes people get a nickname and it’s just that. The words better back up the names. Being a “boss” is more than just what’s on the surface. Like the suit? Yeah. You walk the walk, talk the talk, wear the suits. But Sonya will definitely be watching closely.

 

Vince McMahon is here!

He stands on stage with the superstars featured tonight as he speaks! “Throughout this pass year, our superstars performed tirelessly for all of you.” But there was something missing. And that was the fans of the WWE! As we now emerge from the pandemic, and on behalf of the entire WWE Family, Vince would like to say thank you, and welcome you back to WRESTLEMANIA!

 

Bebe Rexha performs America the Beautiful!

 

We’ve waited patiently for this moment.

“Finally…!” The biggest event in LIVE entertainment is BACK! Back with the spectacle, the excitement and the pageantry! WrestleMania is #BackInBusiness! And tonight, WWE sets sail on the high seas with epic epicness bigger than the history of history! Wait, what? Did he just say all that? That’s what was written. Okay, mate, let’s get this cold open done right. We pick up where we left off just last year. Our heroes are obnoxiously heroic as they battle for the ultimate prize: immortality. But no more tall tales, let’s get real, as the kids say. Tonight, we witness the global event that spans decades, created unforgettable moments, and has the memories we will remember forever.

But let us tip our caps to you, the fans, who made this possible. You over there, and them up there, and even those at home who “can’t not watch.” We raise the sails as fate still awaits. The course was corrected, the wind cannot be stopped, and the quest continues! Now how’s that? Impressive. But where’s the big finish? That’s cold open 101. Good point. Pyro montage! “Welcome back… to WrestleMania!”

 

There’s a rain delay!?

It seems Tampa wants to tease us by keeping things stalled a little longer.

 

Backstage interview with Shane McMahon.

How is he feeling after that moment on stage? Goosebumps, of course! Being back with LIVE fans, Shane is pumped! He’s going for the knockout on Braun. But what is his problem with Braun? Shane’s just poking fun is all. But he’s been more or less bullying him. What? How? What did he say? He said he was stupid. Well, Braun turned out not so stupid because a steel cage is a great choice. Shane is using is noodle to figure out what to do to Braun while he’s in there. Shane does have experience in that match. And the Monster Among Men is big, but shouldn’t Shane pick on someone more Shane’s size? Sure, maybe, but when the opportunity is there, he has to do it.

Bobby Lashley & MVP interrupt but Shane doesn’t mind, He lets them have their time. MVP says the time for talk is over. This is the crowning moment for Lashley and the All Might Era! No words can convey what is going on. The only language Lashley can speak right now and that Drew McIntyre can understand right now is VIOLENCE. MVP has said it before, the WWE World Championship changes you! McIntyre will agree with that because he has had that title and wants it back, but that isn’t happening! MVP told McIntyre that it’s over at Mania, and that McIntyre would lose his dignity, lose consciousness and lose the match. But McIntyre storms over to get in their face!

You want to go now, McIntyre?! MVP keeps the peace because this match will happen soon enough. McIntyre says Mother Nature can’t save Lashley. If they have to fight backstage, they will! McIntyre will not be stopped! MVP tells Lashley to stay calm, referees hurry over to keep this from getting any more heated, but that’s hard to do. McIntyre wants Lashley to keep that energy up. Sarah now asks McIntyre how he’s feeling. McIntyre is at a 10, he is just trying to keep his emotions in check. But last year, in the Performance Center, his first shot at the world title, he won it. McIntyre lost it for a few weeks, go it back.

But now to fight in the first match with live fans, if it’ll happen now, McIntyre is just fired up with MVP’s crap. WrestleMania or not, McIntyre just wants to drop Lashley’s ass! This WILL happen tonight!!

 

Kevin Patrick interviews the New Day.

They’re ready BABYYY~! People in the building has them excited! This feeling is hard to understand until you feel it! Even before Kevin was here! Kevin is happy to see these two against AJ Styles and Omos. But why? Because they’re fighting champions! Kevin had to be watching! The New Day fights the best. Omos & Styles might still not be registered, this might not happen. Oh they did? Then let’s go! Woods has felt Omos’ force but he is not afraid! Woods and Kofi have always been this size, so there are guys bigger, but they signed up for the titles! It doesn’t how big Omos is, how great Styles is, but the New Day has beaten every single other team! They cannot hang!!

OMG Big E!? Big E is THE Intercontinental Champion and he’s gonna do work on Night 2! Big E says we’ll see what makes these two one of the greatest tag teams ever!! You will see two men at their very best, so consider yourself BLESSED! Woods feels delivered! Kevin gets it, right? Yes, he does.

 

Backstage interview with Braun Strowman.

He has his steel cage match with Shane, but what’s he feeling? he’s just ready to do this. He isn’t doing this just for himself but for every person who has been bullied and called worthless! Braun is ready! Shane’s made the bed, he’s gonna lay it in, Braun will beat Shane within an inch of his life so let’s GO! Braun is in the best shape of his life, Shane has made a mistake getting into this. You can only poke a bear so much before it bites you. Braun is proving that bullies don’t win! You will see Braun stand over a corpse tonight, and we will be praying Shane can still breathe after tonight!

 

Backstage interview with Bianca Belair.

The EST’s first title match is at WrestleMania, in the main event! Where is she emotionally? Nervous, but that means she cares, just like she said on SmackDown. Yes, she’s against The Boss, she is all that, but Bianca doesn’t run from competition but runs to it. She is going to put the EST in The BEST, and will put it all on the line. And the best part? The fans are here! Bianca is going to do this not just for her, but for the world! Making #Herstory!

 

Backstage interview with Seth Rollins!

Mike- Er, Kevin, welcome! Your first Mania! Rollins is fired up as it’s just a wild night already. But given what’s happened since his return, with disrespect from Cesaro and the swing- MIKE. KEVIN. LISTEN. We don’t have to go over all that. You just had to bring up Cesazzlo. But that’s fine, and Rollins has wanted to address it. Since coming back, week after week, Zassoro has disrespected Rollins. Why? Maybe to use Rollins as a springboard into the potential that he’s been wasting. When the storm clears, the moon and stars will all shine on SETH FREAKIN’ ROLLINS, because he IS the NEW Mr. WrestleMania! And he’ll prove it again with the match of a lifetime when he trounces that joke Sazzaro in Raymond James Stadium! Have a great night Mike-Kevin. My Kevin? Hyphen it to Mi-Kevin.

 

Backstage interview with The Miz & Morrison.

They say they don’t need luck, because they have skill. You can tell a lot about a man from the company you keep. And Bad Bunny hanging out with Damian Priest means they’re scum. The fun and games are over. This isn’t the Super Bowl, the Grammy’s or SNL. This is WRESTLEMANIA! And you are up against the ONLY TWO-TIME Grand Slam Champion, and the Mayor of Slam Town, the Greatest Tag Team of the 21st Century! *Stare off into distance* #BeJealous!!

 

The hosts of WrestleMania are here!

Titus O’Neil and Hulk Hogan walk out on stage! Titus starts by saying, “Ladies and gentlemen! Welcome to Raymond James Stadium!” Welcome to Titus’ city of Tampa Bay! Rain, sleet, snow, it doesn’t matter! The WWE Universe has the energy we’ve been wanting for a whole YEAR! For one year, one month and a day, for the first time, we’re #BackInBusiness live! Not just that, Brother Titus! They need to hear ya! Titus says alright. Let’s try this again. For the first time in one year, one month and a day, WE ARE BACK IN BUSINESS, LIIIIIVE!!

Tampa gets loud to join in and Hogan says, “Let me tell you something, Titus!” We’re making history tonight, tomorrow night and even right now, with their very first match in front of the WWE audience, brother! But not just any match! They are kicking off with aggression, violence and the WWE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP! And it’s the All Mighty Lashley and his dangerous Hurt Lock! If he gets the neck of a 747, he could break it! But McIntyre’s Claymore could kick the faces off of Rushmore in just one go! Then there’s one question to ask, Titus! Whatcha gonna do when Titus WORLDWIDE~ and ALL the Hulkamaniacs-

Whoa whoa whoa, and what about the two nights!? We’ve got TWO NIGHTS! And then ALL the Hulkamaniacs, run wild on you!?

 

WWE World Championship: Bobby Lashley w/ MVP VS Drew McIntyre!

The Chief Hurt Officer tried but failed to remove the Scottish Warrior from the equation, and now he will pay for it! Will McIntyre become a three-time world champion in the span of just one year?

The introductions are made, the title is raised, and this All Might WrestleMania Weekend opening contest FINALLY begins!

McIntyre and Lashley tie right up as fans fire up! They go around, McIntyre puts Lashley on ropes but Lashley pushes back. They end up in a corner, go around more ropes, but break. Fans rally and duel as the two go again. Lashley waistlocks, McIntyre resists the lift and pries free to wrench and headlock. Lashley powers out, follows then runs McIntyre over! McIntyre stands right up and the two reset. They feel things out, knuckle lock and McIntyre reels Lashley into another headlock. Lashley powers out again, hurdles but McIntyre shoves to OVERHEAD Belly2Belly! McIntyre even says “UP YOURS” with his fist.

Lashley is furious and he gets in McIntyre’s face to pie-face him! McIntyre throws a forearm, Lashley returns it and it’s a brawl! Lashley knees low, fires off more hands in a corner, then pushes McIntyre. McIntyre turns things around to stomp and windmill some haymakers! The ref counts, McIntyre lets off but Lashley throat chops! Lashley fires off hands, forearms, and then whips. McIntyre reverses, Lashley holds ropes but McIntyre clotheslines him out! Fans fire up as McIntyre pursues. MVP checks on Lashley, and Lashley RAMS McIntyre into barriers! Lashley fires off more hands, brings McIntyre around and whips him into barriers!

MVP is fired up, Lashley drags McIntyre up and whips him into more barriers! Lashley refreshes the count, goes back out after McIntyre, and puts him in the ring. McIntyre goes to a corner, Lashley runs in and RAMS into him! Lashley turns McIntyre for a NECKBREAKER! Cover, ONE!! Lashley is right on McIntyre with a rain of fists! McIntyre goes to ropes but Lashley chokes him and throws clubbing forearms! The ref backs Lashley off, but Lashley returns with more hands! McIntyre tries to hit back but Lashley chokes him on ropes again! Lashley stands on McIntyre, lets off as the ref counts, and fans boo as Lashley looms over McIntyre.

McIntyre hits back with body shots and CHOPS! Fans “WOO~” but Lashley RAMS McIntyre into a corner. Lashley roars, goes corner to corner, but McIntyre POSTS him! McIntyre hits an ARM CODE BREAKER, to an ARMBAR! Lashley endures, clasps hands, and fights up. Lashley hammers away, gets free and fires of more hands! McIntyre is dazed as Lashley lets off. Lashley brings McIntyre up, SLAPS him, and taunts him in a corner. McIntyre gets up but Lashley RAMS into him again! And again and again! Lashley fires off haymakers and elbows, and fans are divided as Lashley paces around.

Lashley whips corner to corner but McIntyre comes back with a LARIAT! And another! McIntyre whips, Lashley reverses but McIntyre ducks and OVERHEAD Belly2Belly suplexes again! Lashley staggers up, into the clinch and ANOTHER OVERHEAD Belly2Belly! McIntyre gets around Lashley to hit a NECKBREAKER! McIntyre kips up and fans fire up! McIntyre watches Lashley get up, kicks and underhooks, but Lashley powers McIntyre into a corner! Lashley rams in again and again, but lets off to go corner to corner, but into a back elbow! McIntyre waistlocks but ducks the counter elbow to NORTHERN LIGHTS! Bridging cover, TWO!

MVP coaches Lashley up but McIntyre is after the arm! Lashley resists the wristlock with knees to the stomach and forearms to the back. Lashley shoves but McIntyre KICKS! Lashley comes back to LARIAT! Lashley reels McIntyre in, gut wrench to the DOMINATOR! Cover, TWO!! McIntyre survives and Lashley is already seething! MVP says Lashley has McIntyre where he wants him, he just has to stay on him. Lashley waits for McIntyre to get up, then reels him back in for a suplex, only for McIntyre to wrench out and GLASGOW KISS! But McIntyre runs into an ALL MIGHTY SPINEBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Lashley is getting mad but he still has his ace card to play!

McIntyre staggers up, Lashley full nelsons! McIntyre resists the Hurt Lock but Lashley throws more low knees! Lashley fireman’s carries but McIntyre elbows free, shoves and runs in. Lashley elbows McIntyre, but McIntyre gets through the boot to elbow and CHOP and ROLLING ELBOW! McIntyre gets the legs, drags Lashley up, INVERTED ALABAMA SLAM! Cover, TWO! Lashley is still in this but McIntyre keeps his focus. McIntyre brings Lashley up, fans fire up again and McIntyre puts Lashley on the top rope. McIntyre CHOPS, climbs up and throws clubbing forearms! Lashley resists and trips McIntyre up! Lashley throws haymakers, but McIntyre gets a KIMURA!

Lashley endures, throws body shots and forearms, and he puts McIntyre in the Tree of Woe! But McIntyre sits up to SUPER Belly2Belly! And then CLAY- NO! SPINEBUSTER!! Lashley is fired up and fans are thunderous as he paces around. McIntyre kips back up!? Lashley is shocked, but McIntyre says, “Bring it, bitch!” They brawl, Lashley gets the edge and has McIntyre on the ropes. Lashley roars, whips, but McIntyre reverses to OVERHEAD Belly2Belly again! McIntyre then gets Lashley into the FUTURE SHOCK! But he’s not done there, ANOTHER FUTURE SHOCK! But that’s still not enough?! A THIRD FUTURE SHOCK!! Cover, TWO!??! Lashley still lives and McIntyre is beside himself!

“This is Awesome!” and we’re just starting WrestleMania! McIntyre wants the countdown, and fans count along! But Lashley drops to get away from the Claymore! Fans boo as MVP helps Lashley get away, but McIntyre FLIES!! All three men go down in a heap and Raymond James Stadium is thunderous as they lose their minds! McIntyre gets up, drags Lashley into the ring, and then climbs a corner. McIntyre leaps but into a clinch! Lashley spins McIntyre around, throws some knees, and HALF NELSON SUPLEXES! Then a clinch for the COMPLETE SHOT! Lashley dares McIntyre to get back up! McIntyre rises, Lashley is stalking up behind him, but McIntyre blocks the Hurt Lock!

McIntyre is prying it open! And then he RAMS Lashley into buckles! McIntyre gets up and runs in, into another SPINEB- NO! KIMURA! McIntyre has Lashley down on the mat and stuck in the center of the ring! Lashley endures as fans rally and duel so hard! Lashley reaches out, McIntyre cranks as hard as he can, but Lashley gets the ROPEBREAK! McIntyre holds on until the ref counts and lets Lashley go in frustration. McIntyre gets up and fans build back to a rally. Lashley rises, both men glare at the other, and the brawl is on again! They go haymaker for haymaker, kick for kick, elbow for elbow, but Lashley clinches to throw McIntyre into buckles.

Lashley runs, into a BOOT! McIntyre gives another GLASGOW KISS! McIntyre goes corner to corner, but MVP distracts! Lashley drops to avoid the Claymore again! McIntyre staggers, Lashley CLOBBERS him in a corner! HURT LOCK!! McIntyre is caught, endures, powers up, but fades! The ref checks on McIntyre, Lashley leans on the hold as much as he can, but McIntyre gets that second wind! McIntyre stands, uses the corner to push, it’s a cover, but Lashley rolls right back to stand! Lashley still has the Hurt Lock clamped on tight! McIntyre fades again!! The ref calls it, Lashley wins!!!

Winner: Bobby Lashley, by submission (still WWE World Champion)

INCREDIBLE! This clash of titans ends with the Rocky Mountain Machine still on top of that mountain! If McIntyre couldn’t stop him, then who in the WWE possibly can?

 

DING DONG! Bayley is backstage!

And she’s found Titus and Hogan, and the nWo. She hosts a big show, the biggest who, the Ding Dong Hello show. Heard of it? Titus doesn’t have cable. Well if anyone needs help, she’s Too Sweet. Kevin Nash leaves Bayley hanging! Titus is hungry. Wanna go get something, guys? X-Pac gives Bayley the Too Sweet, at least, but then the legends head out with Titus. Well, just call her, brother!

 

WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships #1 Contenders Tag Team Turmoil!

The Irresistible Force & Queen of Spades have gotten every time between Raw and SmackDown all riled up, and now they’ll have to be ready for whatever team survives tonight! Will it be the Riott Squad, the Ravishing Glow, the Sexy Muscle Friends, the second generation superstars or the last minute but still FABULOUS Carmella and Billie Kay?

The first teams out are…

Naomi & Lana VS Carmella & Billie Kay!

The teams sort out, Naomi starts with Mella and Mella SLAPS Naomi! Naomi KICKS and KICKS and then lights Mella up! The dropkick sends Mella into the corner, Naomi tags Lana and they whip to ax kick and BULLDOG! LANA-ROONI! Lana runs and KNEES Mella against ropes, but Mella hits back and throws Lana by her hair! Mella takes a bow before she bumps Lana off her boot. Billie tags in, Mella feeds Lana to Billie’s boot, and Billie swaggers before she CLUBS Lana down then ROCKS her!

Fans rally for Lana as Billie whips but Lana tilt-o-whirls and Russian Leg Sweeps! Hot tag to Naomi and she rallies on Billie! Naomi DECKS Mella, and gives Billie the Twerk Attack! Naomi mule kicks, dodges, Lana tags in before the FLYING CHUCK! ROUNDHOUSE for Lana, ROUNDHOUSE for Billie! Tag back to Naomi, DOUBLE FACEBUSTER! Cover, Mella breaks it! Lana gets in as Nia & Shayna are watching backstage. Mella dodges a kick to FABULOUS KICK! Naomi throws Mella out but Billie rolls Naomi up! Mella helps from behind, they ELIMINATE Naomi & Lana!!

Carmella & Billie Kay VS The Riott Squad!

No time to rest, Liv & Ruby head right out! Billie stays legal as she gets a chance to settle things with the team that snubbed her. Billie runs in, Liv dodges her to DECK Mella! Liv SHOTGUNS Billie down, then tags in Ruby. The Riott Squad double whip and drop toehold Billie onto ropes for a dropkick to O’Conner Roll! ONE, but Ruby clamps onto Billie’s head. Tag to Liv, she whips Ruby in but Billie tosses Ruby out! Billie elbows then DECKS Liv! Tag to Mella, Mella puts Liv in a corner to stomp away! The ref counts, Mella moonwalks and Billie kinda tries to, before the FABULOUS BRONCO BUSTER hits!

Tag to Billie, she and Mella get Liv up to NORTHERN LIGHTS! FABULOUS KICK! Cover, Ruby breaks it! Mella throws Ruby out but Ruby knees back! Billie BOOTS Ruby down! Liv gets Billie but Billie switches to sunset, Mella tries the same trick, but the ref sees it! Billie and Mella are furious, but Liv ROCKS Billie back! Ruby tags in, Liv hits the CODE BREAKER! Ruby goes up, SENTON KNEE SANDWICH! The Squad ELIMINATES Billie & Mella! But then Mella shoves Ruby down and FABULOUS KICKS Liv!

The Riott Squad VS Dana Brooke & Mandy Rose!

Liv is down while the Sexy Muscle Friends head out! Mandy slips on a puddle someone forgot to dry up, but she recovers just fine. Ruby goes right after them, DECKS Dana but Mandy ROCKS Ruby! KNEE FROM A ROSE! Tag to Dana, she climbs up, Ruby staggers over into a SUPER BLOCKBUSTER! High stack, but Liv breaks it in time! Dana is furious, but Liv gets away. Dana rains rights down on Ruby then drags her up. Ruby stomps a foot, ROCKS Dana with a right of her own, then ROCKS her again! Ruby reaches but Dana keeps her away to kick low. Dana runs, ROLLING NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO!!

Mandy tags in, she stomps a mudhole into Ruby, then forearms her down. Fans fire up but Ruby boots Mandy away. Ruby DECKS Dana, but runs into Mandy’s scoop! Ruby sunset flips through, TWO!! Ruby dodges, hot tag to Liv! Liv rallies, ENZIGURIS, and then runs into the corner for the DOUBLE STOMPS! Cover, TWO!! Liv keeps on Mandy with forearms, then tags Ruby in. The Squad coordinates, wrench and CODE BREAKER to RIOTT KICK! Cover but Dana breaks it! Dana brings Ruby up, Ruby throws her out hard, and Ruby tags to Liv. Liv kicks Mandy, whips but Mandy reverses to ROCK and whip Liv! Mandy runs in to RAM Liv into the corner!

Mandy forearms, sees Ruby coming and EXPLODERS her out of the ring! Mandy runs into a BOOT from Liv! Liv hops up, DECKS Dana, but Mandy gets up fast! Dana tags in while Mandy and Liv brawl! Dana climbs the other corner, SUPERPLEX to SWANTON! Cover, Mandy keeps Ruby out, but Liv turns things around! The Squad ELIMINATE the Sexy Muscle Friends!! And that was a shocker to Dana & Mandy!

The Riott Squad VS Natalya & Tamina!

The Queen of Harts and the Daughter of Superfly are the last step in this match! Will the Squad survive or be stopped right at the finish line?

Natty gets in, gets the legs and steps in, but Liv cradle counters! TWO!! Natty brings Liv up but Liv JABS and wheelbarrows, but into a SNAKE EYES! Tag to Tamina, she and Natty drag Liv up to mug her in the corner! Tag back to Natty, they suplex Liv into Natty’s POWERBOMB! Cover, but Ruby breaks it!! Tamina CLOBBERS Ruby, tells the ref to back off, and Natty drags Liv back up. Natty hauls Liv into the corner, tags Tamina, and they mug Liv more! Tamina lets off as the ref counts, and she hauls Liv back up to a fireman’s carry. Liv fights for her life, gets on the top rope and clubs Tamina away! Tamina staggers, Natty runs in but Liv ROCKS her!

Tag to Ruby, Liv dodges Tamina to dropkick Natty! Ruby ROCKS Tamina, combines with Liv, Wheelbarrow SPEAR! Ruby goes side to side to YAKUZA KICK! Tag back to Liv, she hits another CODE BREAKER! SENTON KNEE SANDWICH!! Cover, TWO!?!? Liv and Ruby can’t believe Tamina survived! Ruby hurries back, tags in, and they coordinate for their other combo. Wrench and- No, Tamina whips Ruby at Liv! Liv goes up and over into a SUPERKICK! Ruby staggers, Natty tags as Tamina BOOTS Ruby down! Tamina hauls Ruby up, Natty runs, HART ATTACK! Natty grins as she has Ruby all to herself, for the-

NO! No Sharpshooter! She tells Tamina to finish this and tags her in. Tamina goes up top, for the SUPERFLY!! Cover, Tamina & Natty win!!

Winners: Tamina & Natalya, by pinfall (NEW #1 contenders to the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships)

Nia & Shayna aren’t worried, even though they have 24 hours to prepare. Will the Irresistible Force & Queen of Spades lose to their equals tomorrow night?

 

The 24/7 Championship has a storied legacy.

It has changed hands many time. But none more accidental than when Joe “Night Panther” Average got it. Or was it fate? Akira Tozawa has Average train in an epic 80’s montage to see if he can truly become a champion. Hilarity ensues. Ninjas, birds, Drew Gulak, and the spirit puppet of a panther! Plus, hot dogs, The Hurricane, and deodorant! Watch the finale on WWE’s YouTube!

 

Seth Rollins VS Cesaro!

The Savior of SmackDown did not get the respect he wanted, but that was because he wasn’t showing respect first. The Swiss Cyborg became the focus of Rollins’ wrath, and now has his first-ever singles match on WrestleMania! Will Cesaro get into the swing of things and take Rollins down? Or will he be made to #EmbraceTheVision?

The bell rings and Cesaro BLASTS Rollins with a EuroUpper! He wants the legs but Rollins kicks free and kicks low. Rollins runs, the boot is blocked and Cesaro DRAGON SCREWS the leg! Rollins scramble and gets a ropebreak to avoid the swing. Rollins then shoulders into Cesaro, slingshots up and over but Cesaro dodges to springboard and FLYING EuroUpper! Fans fire up with Cesaro, but Rollins gets away. Cesaro KNEES Rollins in the ropes, but Rollins hotshots an arm! Rollins climbs but Cesaro dropkicks him first! Rollins is stuck up top, Cesaro climbs up to get him with a gut wrench! SUPER GUT-

NO! Rollins slips through to bring Cesaro up for a BUCKLE BOMB! Rollins covers, TWO! Cesaro gets his arms moving and fans rally but Rollins seethes. Rollins drags Cesaro up, rams shoulders into the bad arm, then CLUBS the arm! Rollins talks trash but Cesaro hits low! Cesaro EuroUppers, body shots, EuroUppers but Rollins CLUBS the arm! Cesaro whips, Rollins puts Cesaro on the apron but Cesaro ROCKS Rollins! Cesaro climbs, but Rollins springs right up to SUPERPLEX! And roll through, to FALCON ARROW! Cover, TWO!! Cesaro survives and Rollins is annoyed, but he keeps his focus.

Rollins gets up, gets Cesaro up, and turns him, but Cesaro backslides! TWO, Cesaro EuroUppers again! Cesaro throws body shots, EuroUppers, then more EuroUppers! Rollins is in a corner and Cesaro fires off fast hands! Cesaro unloads EuroUpper after EuroUpper and fans are fired up again! Cesaro whips Rollins corner to corner, runs in and EuroUppers again! Cesaro whips him the other way, EuroUppers Rollins again, then runs to DISCUS! Cover, TWO! Cesaro keeps his cool as fans rally behind him. Cesaro wants the swing and the fans want to see it, too! Even that guy in the banana costume! Cesaro trips Rollins, has the legs, but Rollins twists to victory roll, TWO!

Cesaro tries again, Rollins scrambles to another ropebreak! Cesaro yanks Rollins up, Rollins lands on his feet to PELE! Rollins runs, but no Curb Stomp! Sunset flip, to the SWISS SWING!! Rollins goes around and around and the fans count it out! Cesaro settles for 10 because of the bad arm, and he turns it to the SHARPSHOOTER! Rollins scrambles, ROPEBREAK! Cesaro lets go in frustration but he got a little bit of payback on Rollins. Fans want the swing “One More Time!” but Cesaro brings Rollins in. Gotch hold but Rollins back drops free! Cesaro lands on his feet but misses in the corner! The arm hits buckles, Rollins springboards to FLYING KNEE!

Rollins comes back to SLINGBLADE! Rollins hurries up top as Cesaro is down, TWISTING SPLASH!? Cover, TWO!! Cesaro survives and Rollins is shocked! Rollins talks to himself that he won’t let Cesaro disrespect him. Rollins grits his teeth, fans fire up and Rollins stalks up behind Cesaro. Rollins waistlocks, ripcords but Cesaro gut wrenches, to the NEUTRALIZER!! Cover, TWO?!! Rollins survives and now Cesaro is shocked! Fans rally behind Cesaro as he works on an idea. Cesaro grabs at Rollins to rain down furious forearms! Rollins gets back to ropes, Cesaro gets the legs, Rollins lands on his feet, into the Gotch! Rollins slips free of that to PEDIGREE!! Cover, TWO!?!

Cesaro survives The Game’s best, but that’s because Rollins isn’t The Game! Rollins talks to himself again, gets back to his feet, and tells Cesaro that there are levels! Rollins survived the swing, the Neutralizer, he is a wrestling god! Rollins drags Cesaro up, turns him, and hits a DREAM SMASHER ELBOW! That’s a shot at Cesaro’s old tag partner! Cesaro ducks the stomp but gets the BOOMERANG! Rollins aims from a corner, Cesaro sits back up and Rollins runs in, but the stomp is turned into a EUROUPPER! And then a torture rack, for an AIRPLANE SPIN!! The “UFO” goes NO HANDS, then a TOSS!!

Fans are thunderous as Cesaro fires up, and calls for the swing! Cesaro gets the legs, and he starts up the rotations! The fans count along again, and Cesaro blows past 10 to go to 20, then 23! Gotch lift, NEUTRALIZER!! Cover, Cesaro wins!

Winner: Cesaro, by pinfall

FINALLY! No more talk of “untapped potential,” of just missing the mark, and of just being a good-hand! Cesaro wins and has HIS WrestleMania moment! But will this just lead to even bigger things in the Swiss Cyborg’s career?

 

Backstage interview with the Dirty Dawgs, Dolph Ziggler & Robert Roode!

They are still SmackDown Tag Team Champions after a big WrestleMania edition of SmackDown. They’re excited to be here because there’s nothing like this in the world. The aces have arrived, and it is truly WrestleMania. For a couple dirty dogs, they clean up real nice. We’ve seen great tag action, but what about the Raw Tag Team Championships? New Day are one of the greatest, Ziggler had KofiMania. But rainbows and unicorns only get you so far. Omos looks great standing with Styles, but they’d look even better with tag gold. Roode’s known Styles a long time, and you never, ever bet against the Phenomenal One. Now, excuse them while they take pictures with the 2020 Hall of Fame class.

 

Raw Tag Team Championships: The New Day VS AJ Styles & Omos!

AWWWWW Tampa Baaay~! Big E says don’t you dare be sour! Clap for your world famous ELEVEN time champs, and FEEL~ the POWER~! That’s right! The now ELEVEN time W, W, E, World, Tag, Team, CHAMPIONS~ thought they were out of opponents to face, until the Phenomenal One and his ENORMOUS associate stepped up. Kofi Kingston & Xavier Woods doubt the tag team chemistry, but will Styles & Omos win big on the biggest show of the WWE calendar?

The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and quite possibly the biggest match in the New Day’s career is here!

The teams sort out, and Omos starts his first match with Kofi. Kofi and Woods cheer for Styles so Styles tags in! Styles and Kofi circle, tie up, Styles waistlocks but Kofi trips him. Styles reaches up to headscissor then whip. Kofi rolls over Styles’ back but Styles denies the SOS! Kofi avoids the Calf Crusher, rolls Styles, TWO! Body scissor clutch, TWO! Styles kicks but Kofi blocks to get Styles down, but Styles headlocks back! Kofi back suplexes and Styles lands hard on his stomach! Kofi claps at Omos and Woods plays Francesca Turbo as Kofi twerks at Styles. Styles gets mad, but runs into Kofi’s dropkick! Kofi drags Styles up, brings him over but Styles throat chops!

Woods tags in, trips Styles up, and Kofi SPLASHES down! Woods slingshots to elbow drop! Cover, TWO! Woods clamps onto Styles and taunts him with explaining the strategy. Kofi tags in, the New Day mugs Styles and Kofi fires off haymakers! Kofi stomps Styles, lets off as the ref counts, and it’s time to turn up! The New Day Stampede begins! Woods tags in, he stomps away, then Kofi tags in to stomp! Tag back to Woods, Kofi whips him in to basement dropkick Styles! Cover, TWO! Woods keeps cool and keeps Styles from Omos. Woods headlocks, grinds Styles, but Styles reaches. Woods hits a headlock takeover, grinds harder, but Styles fights up.

Styles reaches, Woods hits another takeover, but Styles gets up again. Styles powers up but Woods keeps his hand from Omos! Woods hits yet another takeover! Cover, ONE as Styles gets up again. Woods wrenches, tags Kofi, and the New Day double wrench to double CHOP, double KICK and double BULLDOG! Cover, TWO! Kofi is after Styles but Styles gets a ropebreak. Kofi stays between Styles and Omos because that’s all he really has to do. Styles bails out and runs around! Tag to Woods, Woods watches Styles slide in and CLOBBERS him out! Woods runs, Kofi tags in, Woods WRECKS Styles with a dropkick! Woods puts Styles in, Kofi hits a FLYING STOMP! Cover, TWO!

Styles is still in this, Kofi drags him over and Woods hopes fans are alright. Tag, the New Day get Styles in a fireman’s carry but Styles fights free! Styles dodges Woods, reaches but Woods keeps Styles away! Styles lands out of a back suplex but Woods grabs a foot! Woods ducks the enziguri but Styles kicks him away! Tag to Kofi and he springboards to PANCAKE SPLASH Styles down! Cover, TWO! Tag back to Woods, Kofi drags Styles up while Woods climbs, backbreaker, but Styles fights free! Woods is perched, Styles sees he has an opening, hot tag to Omos!! Woods realizes he’s in trouble now and the fans are fired up!

Omos storms up to Woods but Woods gets his dukes up. Woods kicks a leg, but Omos doesn’t flinch. Woods keeps trying but that hurts him more than it does Omos! The shotgun dropkick bounces off! Styles tells Omos to get Woods, but Woods dodges, Kofi tags, Woods bounces off Omos again, and Kofi leaps, into Omos’ grip! Omos THROWS Kofi with one hand! Omos grins and styles tells him, “NOW!” Omos BOOTS Woods, TOSSES Kofi to a corner, then has two targets! Omos runs to BACK ELBOW Woods, then runs to BACK ELBOW Kofi! Omos drags Woods up for a COLOSSAL BACKBREAKER!

Omos clamps onto Woods’ face as he bends him in the backbreaker rack! Woods endures but Omos pushes him away. Omos sees Kofi get up, scoops him with one hand and carries him around! COLOSSAL BACKBREAKER! The New Day writhe but fans rally and duel! Styles uses Omos as a launching pad for a PHENOMENAL FOREARM to Woods! Kofi flounders, Omos drags him up! Omos says he’s going to have fun doing this! POP-UP SPINEBUSTER!! Styles says use one foot to cover, and Omos does! Omos & Styles win!!

Winners: AJ Styles & Omos, by pinfall (NEW Raw Tag Team Champions)

Omos’ first match and he’s not just a champion, but he DOMINATED one of the best tag team champions EVER! And Styles is now the PHENOMENAL Grand Slam Champion! Is this just the beginning for this dominant duo?

 

Steel Cage Match: Braun Strowman VS Shane McMahon!

For whatever reason, the Monster Among Men became the target for Shane O’Mac to mock, ridicule, insult and just outright disrespect, all while running out of reach. But now, the cage will keep Shane contained, can Braun finally #GetTheseHands on him?

Jerry Lawler joins commentary as the cage is locked and loaded! Shane tries to keep the door closed just to delay the inevitable! Braun says the cage won’t keep him out, either, even if he has to tear through it,. But then ELIAS and RYKER attack with CHAIRS! They SMACK him on the back, SMACK him on the leg, then SMACK him more! NOW Shane opens the door, gets Braun in, and gets a chair from Elias! Shane SMACKS Braun as the bell rings! And SMACKS him again! And again! Shane JAMS Braun with the chair, SMACKS him down, and then JAMS him while he’s down! Shane taunts Braun but Braun blocks a headshot! Braun throws Shane away but Shane KICKS the bad leg out!

Shane gets the chair back to SMACK Braun! Shane has the door open, but Braun yanks him back in! Shane decides to climb instead, but Braun drags him down. Braun says Shane isn’t running way, he WILL #GetTheseHands! Shane puts up his dukes, bobs ‘n’ weaves to fire off strikes and a KICK to the leg! Braun stays up, Shane comes back, fires off more, then KICKS the leg again. Shane dodges Braun, fires off more fast strikes and then mule kicks over and over in the corner! Shane fires off but Braun SHOVES Shane away! Shane hurries up but Braun grabs him! Shane kicks in a panic and gets Braun in the nose!

Wait, there was a panel up there?! Shane brings it down to SMACK Braun around! Braun stays on his feet but Shane CLOBBERS him in the head! Cover, ONE!?! And with some power! Shane scurries like a rat but Braun drags him in by his feet! Braun gets Shane up, and TOSSES him! Shane begs for mercy, but Braun storms over to THROW Shane into steel! Shane is in a daze, Braun hobbles to bring him up and RAM him into more steel! Shane sits up, Braun snarls and KICKS Shane in the side! Braun ROCKS Shane with an uppercut! Braun wants Shane to stand, and Shane flounders around into body shots! Shane is between ropes and steel, and Braun SPLASHES him!

Shane flounders down, Braun gets the bad leg moving as he looms over Shane, and then hauls Shane up just to CLUB him down! Braun shouts, “C’MOOON!” as he looms over Shane. Braun stands Shane up, scoops him, but the bad leg stops the slam! Shane RAMS Braun into steel, and in again! And again! Shane baits Braun in and spins around to DDT! Both men are on the mat, Braun sputters as Shane gets to his feet. Shane decides to go to a corner and climbs up! But not to escape, because he has Braun in his sights! COAST2COAST!! Both men are down and fans are fired up! Shane drags Braun to a cover, TWO!!! Braun survives and Shane is beside himself.

Elias & Ryker are still here, so they climb up the cage! They help Shane get to the halfway point! Shane is at the very top, but Braun runs in to BLAST Elias & Ryker off the side! The wall rattles and Shane tumbles down into the ring! Braun and Shane are down again but fans rally up. Shane gets up first, he starts to climb again and he is climbing to escape this time. Braun hurries up after Shane, grabs him but Shane jabs him back! Braun stays up, Shane reaches the top, but what is that thing on the corner? Shane reaches into it to bring out a TOOLBOX?! Shane SMACKS Braun with the steel toolbox!! Fans are divided as Shane gloats up top.

Shane slowly gets around to start his descent on the outside! Shane waves mockingly to Braun, but Braun grabs that hand through the steel fencing!! Braun is going to pull Shane through if he has to! He RIPS the cage open to get at Shane directly!! Braun drags Shane in through the hole he made, gives him some headbutts, then RAMS Shane off the side! And again! And again! And fires off body shots!! Shane is cowering and Braun is roaring! Braun then sees where they both are, and decides to go HIGHER! Braun puts Shane up on the very top, then climbs up to join him! Fans are thunderous at what Braun is planning! Braun stands up, and he drags Shane up to his feet!

Fans chant “Please Don’t Die!” But Braun asks Shane, “Who’s stupid now?!?” Braun EVEREST CHOKE SLAMS Shane down!!! Braun climbs down carefully, goes over to Shane on the mat, and Braun says this is for everyone who has ever been bullied, called stupid and told they can’t do something! Braun hauls Shane right back up, scoops him, and hits a MONSTER SLAM!! Cover, Braun wins!!

Winner: Braun Strowman, by pinfall

Braun beat Shane’s brains in and is vindicated! Will Shane ever dare to talk down to Braun again? Will Braun use this WrestleMania Moment to head for gold?

 

DING DONG~ Hello!

Bayley joins commentary, because she thinks she can do Michael Cole’s job better. Scoot! Scoot! Byron says Titus and Hogan aren’t here because they and the Hall of Fame classes from 2020 and 2021 are going to be honored, right now! JBL, the Bella Twins, the family of the British Bulldog, and the 2020 Warrior Award winner, Titus O’Neil, are all here live for this moment. And of course, the NEW WORLD ORDER! X-Pac, or rather, Syxx, then Nash, Hall and of course, HOLLYWOOD Hulk Hogan!

 

Damian Priest & Bad Bunny VS The Miz & John Morrison!

It’s a classic WWE story: a top celebrity is a guest; a couple superstars try to use them to expand their brand; the celebrity isn’t really for it and politely declines; the superstars escalate it to a personal level; the celebrity and superstars have a match. The Grammy award winning artist has an Archer of Infamy on his side, but is that enough to take down the Greatest Tag Team of the 21st Century?

Because Bad Bunny is a fan of his, Booker T is on commentary as a fan of Bunny’s, and… Wait, a bunch of bunnies come out in a parade. This isn’t Easter! But this is the entrance of MC M I Z and Johnny Drip Drip! They sing their new “hit,” Hey Hey Hop Hop! The lip sync is awful, though… But after a recap package, Bunny & Priest make their entrances, and teams sort out. Priest starts against Miz and he steps right up to him, but Miz stays back. The ref has Priest back up, and Miz calls out Bunny! “You scared?!” Priest says Miz is the one that’s scared! But Bunny reaches out, so Priest gives him the tag! Fans fire up to see Bunny step to Miz, even though Booker says that’s not a good move.

Miz is annoyed that WWE fans are cheering the celebrity, but Miz and Bunny circle. Miz gives Bunny a free shot, but then talks trash, and Bunny DECKS him! Bunny dares Miz to get up, but Morrison says that was beginner’s luck. Bunny and Miz approach again, they approach, Bunny waistlocks but Miz grins as he swings. Bunny ducks the elbow to ROCK Miz again! Morrison says it’s time to fight! Miz circles with Bunny, then puts him in a corner, Bunny dodges to fire off hands! Miz puts Bunny in the corner hard, digs his forearms in, but Bunny TACKLES Miz! Bunny grounds ‘n’ pounds, Miz gets up to knee Bunny down! Miz stomps Bunny, CLUBS him, then bumps him off buckles.

Fans rally and duel as Miz digs Bunny’s face into the buckles. Miz lets off to whip Bunny and hip toss, but Bunny handsprings through! Bunny arm-drags Miz out of the ring! Miz is stunned and he glares at Bunny. Miz gets back in the ring, Bunny drop toeholds him! Then the arm for LA MAGISTROL, TWO!! Miz flounders up in a fury and Morrison calms him down. They’re the Greatest Tag Team of the 21st Century. Don’t get mad, get smart. But Bunny dares Miz to bring it, then does a dance! Miz calls for a test of strength, and Bunny approaches, only for Miz to kick low and CLUB Bunny down! Miz whips Bunny hard into ropes, and Bunny flops out.

Priest dares Miz to take him on now, but Bunny is back. Miz runs but into a shoulder! Bunny slides, runs, dodges and tilt-o-whirls for a BUNNY-GO-ROUND! Morrison tags in but gets a kick and a HEADBUTT! Priest says use the elbow, and Bunny runs corner to corner! BIG back elbow, and Bunny keeps going, only for Morrison to elbow him down! The ref argues with Morrison but Miz DECKS Bunny! Morrison stomps Bunny, tag to Miz, snapmare and they sit Bunny up for Miz’s basement BOOT! Morrison runs to SHINING WIZARD! The ref counts, Morrison leaves, and Miz mocks the bunny hops. “Is this who you like?!” Miz raises his fists but gets booed. He points to Bunny, the fans cheer.

Miz knocks Bunny down but gets booed more. Priest coaches Bunny but Miz fish hooks him into a camel clutch! Miz wraps on a chinlock to grind Bunny down but fans rally up. Bunny fights up, clubs at Miz’s arm, throws body shots, but Miz just grins as he shoves Bunny to a corner. Bunny blocks to fire off hands on Miz AND Morrison! Bunny runs but Miz scoops him! Bunny kicks, flails, sunset flips, TWO!! Miz narrowly escapes but he BOOTS Bunny back down! Miz tells Bunny to “EARN IT!” Bunny sits up but Miz BOOTS him back down! Priest coaches Bunny but Miz stalks him. Miz drags Bunny for more fish hooks, then drags him over to the ropes for more stomps.

Bunny flops out of the ring, Miz argues with the ref and Morrison bounces Bunny off the announce desk! Booker tells Bunny to hang tough, and Morrison puts Bunny in. Miz tags Morrison, they stomp Bunny together at the ropes! Morrison does a JOHNNY-ROONI! That was a shot at Booker, of course, but Morrison KNEES Bunny down. Tag to Miz, and they mug Bunny! Fans rally for Bunny but Miz SUCKER PUNCHES Priest! The ref has to keep Priest back, and that helps Miz ‘n’ Morrison stomp away on Bunny! Miz shouts at the fans, then he soaks in all the heat. Miz drags Bunny up, bumps him off buckles, then fires off It Kicks!

The ref counts, Miz changes from kicks to digging his palm into Bunny’s face! The ref backs Miz off and fans chant, “ANIMO! ANIMO!” Miz runs but Bunny BOOTS! Morrison storms over but Bunny DECKS him! Bunny gets Miz in, for a TORNADO DDT! Fans rally up and Priest is chomping at the bit! Bunny sees where he is, heads for his corner, but Miz does the same for his corner. Hot tag to Priest! Priest CLOBBERS Miz, blocks Morrison’s kick to TOSS him in, and then dodges a boot to ROUNDHOUSE Miz, and WHEEL KICK! Priest fires off KICKS on Morrison then a ROLLING ELBOW to the BIG LARIAT! Fans fire up with Priest as he takes aim!

Priest elbows Morrison in one corner, then elbows Miz in the other! BROKEN ARROW sends Miz at Morrison! Choke grip for the SOUTH OF HEAVEN SLAM! Cover, but Morrison breaks it! Bunny ROCKS Morrison but Morrison kicks back! Morrison ‘n’ Miz regroup, but they get DOUBLE BELL CLAPS, and DOUBLE FALCON ARROWS! Double covers, TWO!! Bunny and Priest almost had it, but they regroup as Miz ‘n’ Morrison bail out. Fans fire up for Priest & Bunny as Bunny whips Priest to FLY onto Miz ‘n’ Morrison! Priest then signals to Bunny, time to see if a rabbit can fly! Bunny climbs up top just like the Rumble, for a SUPER CROSSBODY!!

Direct hit and Priest gets Miz in the ring. Priest reels Miz in, dragon sleeper, but no lights just yet! SKULL CRUSHING FINALE!! Cover, Bunny breaks it!! Fans are thunderous and Miz is shocked! Priest crawls back over, Miz keeps him from his corner but Priest boots him away! Morrison trips Bunny, but Bunny hits back! Bunny reels Morrison in, for a DESTROYER?!! Even Priest is shocked! Priest then BOOTS Miz down, roars and brings him up for an Electric Chair. Bunny tags in, CROSSBODY DOOMSDAY! Cover, Bunny & Priest win!!

Winners: Damian Priest & Bad Bunny, by pinfall

Now that’s a smash hit! Bad Bunny is feeling GOODT, as Booker might say! Will there no longer be any doubt or disrespect from Miz ‘n’ Morrison? Does Bunny have a future in the ring?

 

SmackDown Women’s Championship: Sasha Banks VS Bianca Belair!

The Boss and the EST are making history in this main event. Black history, women’s history, WRESTLING history! But all of that is just icing on the cake. Who proves they are THE woman and walk out of Raymond James Stadium with the SmackDown Women’s Championship?

The introductions are made, the title is raised, and WWE saved the B-E-S-T for last on Night One!

Both women are emotional given all that has built to this moment, and the fans are right there with them. But both women hold back the tears because it’s time to handle business. They tie up, go around, and Sasha puts Bianca in a corner. Sasha claws at Bianca but the ref backs her off. Sasha acts like she doesn’t know what was wrong. Fans rally and duel, “Let’s Go, Sasha!” “E S T!” Sasha and Bianca tie up, Sasha throws Bianca by her hair! Sasha says SHE is the best, but Bianca kips up because SHE’S the best. Bianca shoves, Sasha shoves, repeat, then Sasha side steps but Bianca handsprings and catches Sasha’s leap for a toss!

Sasha sunset flips, Bianca blocks and handsprings again. Sasha avoids it, but Bianca says kiss this. Sasha and Bianca go again, Sasha wants the stabber but Bianca arm-drags free. Bianca tilt-o-whirls Sasha to the torture rack but Sasha scrambles free! Bianca says it was that close. Sasha says it was not and then kicks low to fire forearms. Sasha runs, but Bianca blocks the wheelbarrow to get the chicken wings! GlamEST- No! Sasha victory rolls Bianca out of the ring. Bianca steadies herself but Sasha baseball slide dropkicks! Bianca is right back, blocks a punch but Sasha dodges. Sasha knees but that’s blocked!

Bianca fireman’s carries but Sasha slips out to hotshot Bianca, then bump her hard off buckles! Bianca falls to the floor, the ring count starts and Sasha builds speed, to DIVE! Direct hit at the ramp, but Bianca rolls it through!? Bianca pops Sasha up to then military press her, and carry her up the stairs with her!! Bianca TOSSES Sasha in hard, then gets in. Sasha is angry, she dodges and dropkicks! Cover, ONE!! Bianca grits her teeth, Sasha looms over her, and stands on the ponytail! Sasha taunts Bianca right to her face, then runs, but Bianca follows to run Sasha over! Bianca drags Sasha up, scoops her and says she is the E! S! T!

Bianca does squats before the SLAM, then handsprings to SPLASH, but Sasha blocks to get the ponytail! Sasha fires off KNEE after KNEE, then runs to SHINING WIZARD! Cover, TWO! Sasha is furious but she rains down rights and lefts! Cover, ONE!! Sasha paces around, stalks Bianca to a corner, and digs her boot in! The ref counts, Sasha lets off, but comes back to stomp Bianca and bump her off more buckles. Sasha snapmares Bianca into a chinlock and clamps on tight. Bianca endures but Sasha shifts to a motorcycle stretch. Fans rally as Bianca endures and fights her way up. Bianca fights up, elbows free and whips, but Sasha reverses. Sasha runs in but is put on the apron.

Sasha KNEES back, Bianca sits down, and Sasha swings in for a METEOR- NO! Bianca gets Sasha around for a SPINEBUSTER! Bianca and Sasha both roll out but Sasha has the braid! She tries to pull Bianca but Bianca YANKS Sasha into a post! Sasha comes around the way, METEORA but into the barriers! The ring count is climbing! It goes past 7, they both get in at 9, Bianca cradles then dead lifts Sasha to a REBOUND Suplex, but still stalls to do it again! Sasha fights but can’t get free as Bianca just powers her back up! Sasha keeps trying but Bianca SLAMS her down first! Both women are down but fans fire up!

The ref checks on both women, they start to stir, and Bianca goes after Sasha first. They both pull hair, Sasha ROCKS Bianca with a right! Sasha throws her armbands off, gets Bianca’s braid as part of the knuckle lock, but Bianca disrupts the flying arm-drag to reel Sasha in for a LARIAT! Bianca rallies with shoulders then a dropkick! Bianca kips up, for a STANDING SHOOTING STAR! Bianca claps at Sasha, RAMS into the corner, but lets off as the ref counts. Sasha BOOTS back! Sasha runs, into the chicken wings! GlamEST Slam! Sasha is in a drop zone, and Bianca heads up top. Bianca aims, leaps, 450 INTO KNEES! Sasha saves herself at the last moment!

Both women are down again and fans rally back up. Sasha is up first and she brings Bianca in but Bianca slides to sunset, TWO! Sasha hurries, gets a backslide, TWO! Sasha KNEES Bianca, runs, but Bianca blocks the rana to get a POWERBOMB! High stack, dead lift, and Bianca POWERBOMBS again! High stack to cover, TWO! Bianca still has Sasha, but Sasha turns the dead lift into a FACEBUSTER! Both women are down once again but the fans still rally. Sasha crawls over to Bianca in a corner. Sasha stomps her again and again but lets off as the ref counts. Sasha stands Bianca up, brings her around in the corner, Sasha uses the ropes for an added boost in the TORNADO DDT! Cover, TWO!!

Bianca survives and shocks Sasha! Sasha goes to a corner as fans build to another rally. Sasha is up top, she leaps for the FROG SPLASH! Cover, TWO!! Sasha is beside herself now as Bianca gets away to the apron. Sasha storms over, drags Bianca up to kick her, then HOTSHOT the arm on the rope! Then Sasha RAMS Bianca into steel steps! Sasha puts Bianca back in, asks what time it is, and Cole says #BossTime. Sasha tilt-o-whirls but Bianca resists the takedown, only for Sasha to use the braid! HAIR TIE BANK STATEMENT!! Bianca endures, reaches for ropes, drags herself and Sasha over, but Sasha kicks the ropes to roll this away! But Bianca rolls it back to get the ropebreak!!

Sasha uses Bianca’s braid to choke her, then trap her! The ref counts as Sasha stomps, but Sasha lets off at 4. Sasha is fuming, but fans are rallying, and Sasha cools off while Bianca flounders against ropes. Sasha stalks over, drags Bianca up, “You’re the ROOKIE!” Bianca RAMS Sasha into a corner! And RAMS in more and more! Bianca puts Sasha up top, climbs up to join her, and Bianca says she IS the EST. But Sasha fights with furious body shots! Sasha shoves Bianca, but Bianca handsprings! The kick is blocked, Sasha puts Bianca in a Tree of Woe! Sasha stomps away on the legs, then stomps Bianca in the chest! Sasha stands up to WOE STOMP-

NO! Bianca moved, Sasha hobbles but runs back, only to knee buckles! Bianca adjusts, FlyEST 450!! Cover, TWO!?!?? Bianca is having the biggEST freak out of her life because she thought she had it!! Fans know “This is Awesome!” and Bianca gest the maddEST she’s been in a long time. She drags Sasha up, torture racks, “THIS IS MY TIME!” But Sasha lands out of the KOD to grab the braid! Bianca yanks it free and uses it to LASH Sasha!! Sasha staggers, Bianca torture racks, but Sasha slips out! Sasha hops on, no stabber as Bianca is too strong! They go around and around, torture rack to KISS OF DEATH!! Cover, Bianca wins!!!!

Winner: Bianca Belair, by pinfall (NEW SmackDown Women’s Champion)

WHOA!! WrESTleMania is a reality!! Bianca just got the greatEST win in her already amazing career, and all of Raymond James Stadium comes out of their seat! Bianca’s family is ringside and obviously, they’re the most excited of all! Bianca proves she is the B-E-S-T on SmackDown! Will there be no stopping Bianca from proving she’s the Best of the Best in ALL the WWE?


My Thoughts:

No pun intended, but this might have been one of the greatest WrestleManias in a long time. Maybe it was that fans got to be back and so the live audience was so excited, they really brought the level up for the superstars and so they brought it up a level. Not even that rain delay brought it down, though it did give everyone a chance to have some last minute promos that everyone did a good job in. Bayley showing up here and there was great, but I wish she’d gotten to do just a little more. And it was a great move to have the WWE World Championship open the night since it wasn’t going to be the main event. I knew this match could have gone either way, but I was still rather surprised Lashley won. He is definitely going to dominate for a long time, but I do wonder where McIntyre goes from here.

I did like that for a portion of the show, I nailed the order of matches. The Women’s Tag Turmoil went pretty quick, but it had a lot of great action. The Riott Squad was on fire, but I am still glad that it was Natty & Tamina that won because they deserve something in their own right. Natty & Tamina VS Nia & Shayna tomorrow night is going to be a make-or-break for Nia & Shayna as I see it. Reggie’s still hanging around, he’s a new point of dysfunction for the champions, that could tip the scales in favor of the challengers. Then Natty & Tamina can bring these titles to SmackDown full time, and then occasionally they show up on Raw.

Rollins VS Cesaro was awesome stuff, but I wish Cesaro would’ve spun Rollins more. Maybe the 20’s is Cesaro’s limit before he gets dizzy himself. I did like that he brought out his modified airplane spin for this, I hope that gets used just for this big matches and the regular swing is for anyone else. Cesaro winning was the right call, because Rollins needed his comeuppance and to be proven wrong. Cesaro is on SmackDown, he can easily be seen as a challenger to either singles title over there, but it would be best if Cesaro was considered for the Universal Championship, no matter who wins tomorrow night.

The Raw Tag Team Championship match was really good, and it was a nice touch that Big E got to be part of the intro. Styles took a lot of damage for his team and it was great that Omos got to be the difference maker here. Styles & Omos winning their first match together is definitely a sign WWE has big things in store for Omos, but you do have to wonder why WWE likes favoring a newly established team over more experienced ones. Styles gets his Grand Slam, though, so that’s awesome. It also freshens things up a bit, so that we can see Styles & Omos go against Alexander & Benjamin, maybe Lucha House Party, and a few other teams before circling back to New Day.

I always doubt WWE bringing out the ol’ Steel Cage Match, but that’s just when they find a way to think outside the box. They got the cliché parts out of the way pretty quickly, with Elias & Ryker interfering before the match is officially going, and then Braun handles them very quickly the second time they try to interfere. Braun ripping the cage open was great creativity, and in a great twist, Shane’s high risk spot isn’t because he wanted to jump off the cage, it was from being thrown! Braun winning here has to mean he’s going after a title next. Braun is a Triple Crown already with Raw Tag, Intercontinental and Universal Championships to his record, so he can either be a Grand Slam by getting the US title, or get more validation by becoming THE world champion.

Though it was a celebrity match, Bunny’s tag match with Priest, Miz & Morrison was probably the best celebrity match ever. You knew from the Rumble that he was much more serious about this than 90% of the celebrities that get involved with WWE and/or that WWE chooses to get involved with. Bunny’s a legit fan, he put in the work, Miz & Morrison were giving him a great showing, and that Destroyer was awesome! I’ve never wanted a celebrity to hang around in the WWE longer than their PPV match, but if Bunny continues with Priest until like Money in the Bank, I wouldn’t mind.

That main event, though. Sasha VS Bianca wasn’t just historic, it was fittingly competitive and creative for any title match in a PPV main event, and even more so because it was a Mania match. Sasha is already one of the greats for what she’s won, but also for how she boosts others when she loses. Bianca is the hot hand, perhaps the hottEST hand (that pun was intended), and Sasha is just fine letting Bianca have this Mania moment. Sasha is a Grand Slam Champion in her own right, has made her mark, and can always circle back around down the line. Bianca freshens up the match-ups, Sasha can go on a journey to rebuild, we can get a rematch of this historic showdown at a SummerSlam or WrestleMania, with an even bigger crowd to go nuts over it.

My Score: 9.5/10


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Coverage

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

Talk about a Big Time Raw!

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Will The Man be the Last Woman Standing?

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

OFFICIAL RESULTS

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

PLAY BY PLAY

Jey Uso is here!

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

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

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

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

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

 

Adam Pearce is on the phone.

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Winners: DIY, by pinfall (advance to WrestleMania)

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

 

Judgment Day meets backstage.

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

Winners: Candice LeRae & Indi Hartwell, by submission

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

 

Cody Rhodes makes his way to the ring.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

Nia Jax speaks.

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

 

Cody Rhodes returns backstage.

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

 

Dominik Mysterio w/ JD McDonagh VS Ricochet!

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

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

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

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

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

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

Winner: Ricochet, by pinfall

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

 

Sami Zayn is backstage.

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

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

 

Adam Pearce is in the ring.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

Sami confronts Gable now.

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

 

CM Punk speaks.

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

 

Drew McIntyre is here!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

Becky Lynch speaks.

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

Liv Morgan confronts Becky Lynch.

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

 

Cody walks with his dog, Pharaoh, backstage.

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

 

Last Woman Standing: Becky Lynch VS Nia Jax!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Winner: Becky Lynch

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


My Thoughts:

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

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

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

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

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

My Score: 8.9/10


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

The semifinals are here!

Published

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We’re just one step away from the Cup!

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

OFFICIAL RESULTS

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

PLAY BY PLAY

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

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

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

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

No Contest

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

2024 New Japan Cup Semifinals: SANADA VS Hirooki Goto!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


My Thoughts:

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

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

My Score: 8.9/10


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