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Mitchell’s WWE NXT Results & Report! (5/4/21)

The Prince is back!

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NXT Coverage 2021

NXT has grudges, gold and grrrrizzled competition tonight!

Candice & Indi want the NXT Women’s Tag Team Champions, Swerve and Ruff are going to fight all over the place, and the Grizzled Young Veterans take on “Old Man Ciampa” and “Toothless Timmy.” But perhaps biggest of all, PRINCE BALOR IS BACK! What will the former NXT Champion have in store for his future?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

  • Falls Count Anywhere: Isaiah “Swerve” Scott VS Leon Ruff; Swerve wins.
  • Cameron Grimes VS Asher Hale; Grimes wins.
  • Tommaso Ciampa & Timothy Thatcher VS Grizzled Young Veterans; Ciampa & Thatcher win.
  • Sarray VS Zayda Ramier; Sarray wins.
  • LA Knight VS Jake Atlas; Knight wins.
  • NXT Women’s Tag Team Championships Street Fight: Shotzi Blackheart & Ember Moon VS Candice LeRae & Indi Hartwell; LeRae & Hartwell win and become the new NXT Women’s Tag Team Champions.

PLAY BY PLAY

Falls Count Anywhere: Isaiah “Swerve” Scott VS Leon Ruff!

No more blindsides, no more games, no more boundaries! These two can go anywhere and do anything to finally finish this! Will Swerve’s House be in for a Ruff night? Or will Leon lose more than just a match?

Ruff wants after Swerve so bad but the ref keeps him back. Swerve takes his time with his jacket, and that only riles Ruff up more. The bell rings, Ruff rushes in but Swerve KNEES him down! Swerve shoves Ruff around, bumps him off buckles, fires off hands and CHOPS, but Ruff turns it around to fire off forearms of his own! Swerve shoves Ruff, Ruff comes back but Swerve dodges. Ruff fakes Swerve out, then goes up and around and under, but Swerve waistlocks, only for Ruff to slip out of the wheelbarrow! Ruff wants the crucifix but Swerve elbows him away and DECKS him with a right hand! Swerve smirks as he stalks Ruff and drags him up.

Swerve whips Ruff to a corner, but Ruff goes up and leaps! No cutter as Swerve catches Ruff and shoves him back to a corner. Swerve half nelsons but Ruff arm-drags Swerve out of the ring! Fans fire up as Ruff builds speed and DIVES, but into a fireman’s carry! APRON DEATH VALLEY! Swerve is the one gives Ruff a rough landing, and he just drags him right back up. Swerve RAMS Ruff into boards, then drags him up to whip and RAM him into other boards! Ruff is a rag doll as Swerve drags him up and scoops him for a SIDEWALK SLAM to the ramp! Cover, TWO! Ruff survives but Swerve digs his face into the steel! Ruff endures, Swerve lets off, and then puts Ruff in the ring.

Swerve stalks Ruff, stomps him down, but fans rally up for the underdog. Swerve mocks Ruff but Ruff hits back. Swerve KICKS Ruff in the ribs! Swerve gets Ruff up to the top rope, climbs up to SLAP him, then stands on the very top. Ruff fights back, Swerve gets Ruff up, for a SUPERPLEX! That was extra super, and Swerve covers deep, TWO!! Ruff survives and Swerve is actually amused! “You see that? He wants to keep playing with me!” Ruff falls out of the ring, Swerve is on the apron and soaks up the heat, and Swerve lines up a shot, but Ruff trips him up! Ruff has Swerve in a Tree of Woe in the ropes and fires off haymakers! Ruff lines up his shot, to SHOTGUN Swerve down!

Ruff gets space from Swerve, to then run back in and LEAP, but into a SWATTING haymaker! Ruff crashes down, fans fire up, and Swerve kicks Ruff around. Ruff pulls hair, Swerve shoves Ruff away! Swerve brings out a toolbox and CHUCKS it!! Ruff avoids getting decapitated and realizes how sinister Swerve is, as NXT goes picture in picture.

Swerve BOOTS Ruff down, brings the toolbox to the ring and opens it up. Swerve brings out a wrench, tosses it aside, then throws a hammer down on Ruff’s leg! Swerve drags Ruff up, RAMS him into the apron, and then positions the steel steps nearby. Swerve scoops Ruff but Ruff slips out and scrambles to the ramp! Swerve asks where Ruff is going as he stalks him to the far side of the stage. Ruff scurries into the shadows, Swerve says he’s ready to play hide ‘n’ seek, and goes looking. Ruff is on top of a locker, Swerve drags him off to BOMB him into the locker! Cocky cover, TWO!! Swerve stalks Ruff, moves some spare equipment around, and aims with a road case!

Swerve RAMS Ruff with it, like Ruff did to him a few weeks ago! Swerve laughs as he slaps Ruff around on the floor. Swerve drags Ruff up but Ruff still fights back! Ruff goes to bump Swerve off lockers but Swerve RAMS Ruff into the wall, then TOSSES him into the locker! Swerve stalks Ruff back to the stage, Ruff throws a chair but Swerve catches it to toss it aside. Swerve sits Ruff up in a mocking camel clutch, then soaks up the heat. NXT returns to single picture as Swerve gets Ruff’s leg. Ruff uses the stage light to blind Swerve! Ruff BOOTS Swerve into girders! And then FLIES off the stage to topple him over! Cover, TWO!!

Swerve staggers about, blinking to get his vision back. Swerve goes into the ring, Ruff hurries over, and Ruff slingshots, but Swerve shoves him down! Swerve ROCKS Ruff, climbs up the corner and drags Ruff to the top! DEAD LIFT, but Ruff fights the suplex off! Ruff shifts around, SUPER CRUCIFIX DRIVER! Cover, TWO!!! Swerve survives and fans are fired up! Swerve rolls to the apron, Ruff gets up and throws hands! Ruff drags Swerve up now but Swerve throws heavy body shots. Ruff hits back, goes to run but Swerve grabs his hand. Ruff slides under, goes for a bomb, but Swerve punches, only to get apron! Ruff uses the steps to go back up, for a SUPER POISON-RANA!!

Fans lose their minds and cheer on “NXT! NXT!” for this incredible opener! Ruff crawls over to Swerve, but Swerve rolls away to avoid a cover. Ruff continues to crawl and chase Swerve but Swerve staggers to the barriers. Swerve grins because Ruff will never be on his level. “Keep trying, you can’t! You’re nothing!” Ruff glares at Swerve, runs in, Swerve pops him up but Ruff balances on the barrier’s edge! Ruff headscissors, but Swerve turns that into the CONFIDENCE BOOST! Cover, TWO!?! Ruff survives and Swerve is furious! Swerve fish hooks Ruff’s face to drag him back to the steel steps! Fans are fired up for Ruff but Swerve is seething as he runs in. Ruff moves, Swerve gets steps!

Ruff hurries to get the toolbox, and uses it to SMASH Swerve’s leg! Ruff SMACKS Swerve’s legs more then puts him in the ring. Ruff goes up top, FROG SPLASH!! Cover, TWO!! Swerve survives but Ruff is after the leg with a HEEL HOOK!! Swerve flails, reaches, rolls around, but Ruff TWISTS the leg! Swerve CHOPS and Ruff lets go! But Ruff gets up and up and RUFF CUT!! Swerve bails out, Ruff pursues, SUPER RUFF CUT!! A LARIAT sends Swerve over the barriers! Ruff hops up and over, but has an idea! Ruff climbs up a ladder to the camera’s perch, for the ULTIMATE- Wait who is that?! “Boy, you must be out yo mind!” This guy gives Ruff a BARRIER USHIGOROSHI!

Wait, this is one of Swerve’s entourage from his recording studio! AJ Francis just helped Swerve screw Ruff! Swerve puts Ruff in the ring, drags him into position, J M L!! Cover, Swerve wins!!

Winner: Isaiah “Swerve” Scott, by pinfall

Not just AJ Francis, but now Ashante “Thee” Adonis and Briana Brandy are here to celebrate! Is this a new force to be reckoned with in NXT?

 

Finn Balor has arrived!

The Prince feels refreshed with his time away, but what will he do next now that he’s back?

 

Johnny Gargano and Austin Theory walk and talk backstage.

Johnny says William Regal has been ducking him all week and doesn’t want to meet with him. But in that case, they’ll just go to his office! And the door’s already open! But that’s because Scarlett Bordeaux is meeting with Regal. Johnny and Theory interrupt because the number one champion has some very important business to discuss. Then later! Okay, fine, when Regal has time! Austin, let’s go. “Those are huge! Are they real? I mean, yeah, they gotta be real.” Scarlett’s nails are amazing! Austin, stop! Don’t touch her! You can’t just touch people! Johnny drags Theory away and Scarlett contains her fury. Will Karrion Kross have something to say about Theory staring at her… nails?

 

Cameron Grimes VS Asher Hale!

The Carolina Caveman and King of GameStonks is ready to make even more money in the ring! But will Grimes be able to rebound from his recent downturn against Kyle O’Reilly?

The bell rings, Grimes and Hale circle, Grimes gets around to a waistlock and SLAMS Hale down! Hale gets up as Grimes flexes, and the two circle. Grimes gets a leg but Hale gets a headlock! Grimes powers up but Hale holds tight. Grimes powers up to get free, and then reels Hale into a headlock of his own. Hale powers out but Grimes runs him over! Things speed up, Hale drops and hurdles and ducks under to dropkick a leg out! Grimes gets up and Hale KICKS his leg! And KICKS! Hale wrenches, whips, but Grimes reverses to CLOBBER Hale! Grimes storms after Hale, throws EuroUppers and KICKS, then stomps Hale down in a corner!

Grimes lets off as the ref counts, but he comes back to KICK Hale! Hale KICKS, Grimes DECKS him with a EuroUpper! Grimes whips Hale, Hale kicks back and ENZIGURIS! Grimes staggers, Hale runs in but blocks the boots. Hale tries Grimes’ up in a Figure Four DRAGON SCREW! Hale gets a facelock but the tornado is tossed away! Grimes grits his teeth but runs into a boot! Hale goes up and leaps, for a missile dropkick! Cover, TWO! Hale is upset but he gets Grimes’ leg again. Grimes kicks him away, ducks the Penalty Kick to get a waistlock but Hale switches. Hale shoves Grimes to a corner and runs, but into a kitchen sink knee!

Grimes waits for Hale to stand, to scoop and SWINGING SIDE SLAM! Grimes snarls as Hale stands back up, “TO THE MOON!” CAVE IN!! Cover, Grimes wins!

Winner: Cameron Grimes, by pinfall

Grimes folds Hale and heads for the pay window! But will Grimes start investing some time in going after gold?

 

Backstage interview with Kacy Catanzaro & Kayden Carter.

Last time we saw KC Squared, they were dealing with Tian Sha, and we’ve all seen that scary movie before: “When the ghost tells you to get out of the house, you get the hell out of the house.” Kayden doesn’t care if Xia Li is turned into a dragon and exile her, or banish Boa, poof! Kayden doesn’t want to see those stupid faces, hear that stupid name, not their concern. But Kacy says what is their concern is the NXT Women’s Tag Team Championships. They’ll be watching the Street Fight very closely. Doesn’t matter if it’s Ember & Shotzi, Candice & Indi, either way, KC Squared want next.

Franky Monet walks over and says these two are so cute! And just between them, they’re her favorites. They’re adorable with their fighting spirits and wanting the tag titles. But just so they know, it’ll take them a lot longer to get the titles than they think. But Franky and Preston the Pomeranian believe in them. Kayden wants to tear into Franky but Kacy has her stand down. Will KC Squared make Monet put her money where her mouth is?

 

Ever-Rise cheers Grimes on backstage.

Matt Marthel & Chase Parker are fired up for Grimes’ huge win! Grimes says he likes their Saturday social media show and all, but he really only has room for three in his car: “Me, myself, and CAMERON GRIMES!” Excuse him while he goes to~ the~… VIP room! Wait, how is that three? “For a money guy, he’s not very good at math.”

 

Tommaso Ciampa & Timothy Thatcher VS Grizzled Young Veterans!

The Psycho Killer and Professor of Pain are certainly grizzled veterans of the ring, and they want to show Zack Gibson & James Drake that there’s more to being a locker room leader than saying you are one.

NXT returns and GYV are already in the ring, and with mics in hand. James Drake tells Ciampa & Thatcher, “Who on Earth told you that it was a good idea to encourage these swamp creatures to take their shoes off?” GYV are a gift to NXT! Gibson says that the fans need to trust him when he says, “Nobody needs to see your dirty web toes! So stick your crocs back on, sit down and zip it!” Or else, these two will be on the next plane OUT of this dump of a country! You should celebrate the Grizzled Young Veterans, SSSOON– “NO ONE WILL SURVIVE!” Ciampa & Thatcher make their entrance, and it is time to see which duo of veterans is the most grizzled!

The teams sort out, Ciampa starts with Drake and fans are on Ciampa’s side. They tie up, go around, and Drake puts Ciampa in a corner. The ref counts, Drake lets off and Ciampa headlocks back! Drake powers out, Ciampa runs him over! Cover, ONE! Ciampa clamps onto Drake’s head, grinds him down with a chinlock, then shifts to a headscissor. Drake endures, Ciampa CLUBS him in the chest, but Drake slips out. Ciampa wrenches and CHOPS Drake, covers again, ONE! Ciampa drag Drake up and over, tags in Thatcher, and they mug Drake. Thatcher wrenches and grinds Drake’s arm, chinbars, but Drake endures. Thatcher hooks a leg but Drake shakes free to roll and get away!

Gibson tags in, Liverpool’s Number One circles with Thatcher and they tie up. They’re in a deadlock, Gibson gets a waistlock but Thatcher wrenches the arm! Thatcher wants the double wristlock but Gibson powers out, only for Thatcher to run him over! Cover, ONE! Thatcher facelocks, hooks an arm and drags Gibson down, but Gibson works to keep his shoulders up. Thatcher puts the pressure on Gibson’s arm, stands up to twist the wrist, but Gibson endures. Thatcher KNEES Gibson in the back, then KNEES him again! Gibson trips Thatcher and has a toehold, then throws forearms. Gibson twists the ankle, Thatcher endures and fights up to get a sleeper! Gibson fades!

Drake runs in to BOOT Thatcher, but Thatcher holds on! Ciampa BOOTS Drake and puts him in a chinlock! Both men CLUB away on the GYV! The ref counts, Ciampa & Thatcher let up but the fans are fired up as NXT goes to break!

NXT returns and Thatcher throws EuroUppers on Drake in a corner. Thatcher whips Drake corner to corner, but Drake goes up and out and tags Gibson. The ref says that’s not how tags work! Gibson argues with the ref, Thatcher drags Drake in! Drake pulls an ear then whips Thatcher into ropes! The ref checks on Thatcher, reprimands GYV, but Drake get Thatcher up to fire off forearms! Tag to Gibson, GYV coordinate for a missile dropkick COMPLETE SHOT! Cover, TWO! Gibson tries another cover, ONE! Another try, ONE! Gibson keeps Thatcher down with a facelock and hammering elbows! Fans rally as Gibson clamps on a chinlock and grinds Thatcher.

Gibson shifts to a cravat, but fans rally for “Toothless Timmy!” Thatcher fights up but Gibson gives short headbutts. Gibson brings Thatcher over but Thatcher throws him away! The two get up and collide head to head! Gibson grabs a leg to keep Thatcher down, and tags in Drake! Drake drags Thatcher but Thatcher boots him away! Hot tag to Ciampa! Ciampa rallies on Drake, then on Gibson, then clotheslines Drake in a corner! Then a clothesline for Gibson in the corner! Ciampa runs, dodges and DOUBLE LARIATS! Fans are fired up as Ciampa gets fired up and whips Drake to the corner! Ciampa CHOPS and CHOPS and CHOPS!

Thatcher tags in, and he fires forearm after forearm on Drake! Ciampa tags back in and the two pinball Drake with EuroUppers, knees and a DOUBLE CHOP! PSYCHO KNEE! Cover, TWO! Drake survives but he might regret that soon! Ciampa stands on Drake’s hand, wrenches and BITES the other, then tags in Thatcher. Thatcher DECKS Drake, gets a leg, but Drake kicks until he kicks Thatcher away! Drake crawls but Thatcher reels him into a waistlock! Drake elbows free, hot tag to Gibson! But Thatcher clinches Gibson for a Belly2Belly! Cover, Drake breaks it! Ciampa and Drake fire off forearms back and forth, Gibson and Thatcher give EuroUppers!

Ciampa ROCKS Drake, elbows him then clotheslines Drake and himself out of the ring! The EuroUppers still fly from Gibson and Thatcher, Gibson CHOPS and EuroUppers over an dover! Thatcher grabs Gibson by the beard to SLAP him down! Thatcher underhooks Gibson for a BUTTERFLY SUPLEX! Cover, TWO! But Thatcher wants the double wristlock! Gibson desperately resists, Ciampa keeps Drake out but Drake BOOTS Ciampa into the desk! Thatcher ROCKS GYV with EuroUppers, but they clinch him for a throat chop! Drake DIVES and sends Ciampa over the announce desk! Gibson gets Thatcher up, HELTER SKELTER! Cover, TWO!!

Fans fire up and Gibson can’t believe Thatcher is still in this! “This is Awesome!” as Ciampa trips Drake! Thatcher rolls Gibson up, TWO! The EuroUppers fly, the ref is busy keeping Ciampa out! Thatcher has one of Wade Barrett’s shoes?! Thatcher CLOBBERS Gibson with it!! Thatcher gets the arm for the FUJIWARA!! Gibson taps, Ciampa & Thatcher win!!

Winners: Tommaso Ciampa & Timothy Thatcher, by submission

Bad news for the Grizzled Young Veterans, because Barrett’s very fancy loafer led to their defeat! If you hate Gibson, shoes off! But will Ciampa & Thatcher make sure to add belts to the ensemble?

 

Johnny and Theory head back to Regal’s office.

Johnny has the camera follow them because we’ll all want to see this. Theory is gonna bust the door down! Do it, Theory! Theory winds up, and knocks. But Regal is outside his office and walks over. Gargano complains that the North American title match with Bronson Reed shouldn’t even happen. It is only because of Dexter Lumis that Theory lost. Therefore, no title match! Not fair, just, we good?” Regal thinks and no, Gargano will still defend the title against Reed. And by the way, Theory, “your new best friend Scarlett” got you a match with KARRION KROSS for next week! Uh oh. Is time about to run out on The Way? Gargano says he’ll think of something.

 

NXT Media catches up with Swerve and crew.

What did we just see out there against Ruff? Swerve says he told us he was going to beat Ruff tonight, and that’s what he did. With that, Swerve, Adonis, Briana and #TopDolla AJF head out. What will these four have in store for NXT next?

 

Karrion Kross & Scarlett Bordeaux head to the ring!

The NXT Champion and his harbinger of doom already have Austin Theory running scared for next week, but they’re here for something more important. Kross is handed the mic to say, “Three weeks ago, I came out here and I made things crystal clear. All you had to do was step right up and roll the dice. And instead, I was met with people saying they weren’t afraid of me. Well guess what? I ain’t afraid of you, either! Now that we’ve established that, this occasion begs the question: what are we waiting for?! Let’s give these people what they want! Let’s give them a fight!”

Kross says that’s how this works! He is champion, he doesn’t need to go back there and prove anyone wrong. They have to get in the ring and prove themselves right! But he won’t just wait for someone to stab him in the back. Next week, Austin Theory will be driven on his head! Kross will leave Theory face-down and unconscious, so that everyone else- But wait! Kyle O’Reilly is stepping up! #CoolKyle struts down to the ring, Scarlett holds onto the belt and Kyle tips his hat to her before getting a mic. “I get it, Kross. I get it. I get why everyone… Well, why you think everyone should be afraid: sheer dominance.”

Kyle is sensing hostility, though, so he’ll make this clear. Kyle puts his hat and sunglasses aside because he’s here to tell Kross to his face, that he isn’t afraid of Kross, and with all due respect, Kross IS the NXT Champion, so this is the match Kyle wants! “Something tells me this is the match you want, too. So let’s give the NXT Universe-” Pete Dunne interrupts! The Bruiserweight has a mic, of course, and he says, “Are you two having a laugh? I don’t care who wants to see this match, and I don’t care about the NEW Kyle O’Reilly. And trust me, mate, I don’t care that you stand there as NXT Champion.”

The truth is, Dunne is the baddest man in NXT today, and if either of these two “cover boys” tries to prove him wrong, he- Finn Balor interrupts! Balor tells them, “Pete Dunne? Been there, done that. Kyle O’Reilly? Been there, done that. Twice! Kross? Once you’re done with Theory,” and then Balor just punches Kross! Kross DECKS Balor in return, Dunne steps back but Kyle steps up. But then Dunne knocks Kross into Kyle! The Bruiserweight throws hands, but Kross throws the Bruiserweight! Balor is back up and back after Kross! Kross knees Balor but Kyle KICKS Kross! Kross BOOTS Kyle, knees him in a corner, but Balor SHOTGUNS Kross into Kyle!

Balor gets Kross with body shots, Kross powers Balor all the way to the other corner! Security rushes in but they all get CLOBBERED! Kross CLOBBERS Balor! Balor tries to get back in but Kross DECKS him again! Another security guard gets in Kross’ way, only to get a DOOMSDAY SAIDO! Kross grins as he stands tall with the title, but he clearly has contenders closing in on all sides. And that includes Theory and Gargano jumping him from behind! Kross throws Theory away, choke grips Gargano and shoves him down! Theory forearms Kross but runs into an EXPLODER! Gargano SUPERKICKS Kross, but Kross stays on his feet! Theory SUPERKICKS and Kross kneels!

The Way gives Kross DOUBLE SUPERKICKS! Kross staggers, Gargano uses his own title to CLOBBER Kross! Scarlett is furious as Gargano says if you mess with Theory, you mess with Johnny Freakin’ Wrestling! Are things about to get way wilder in NXT than ever before?

 

NXT Media catches up with Gargano and Theory as they’re leaving!

Why did they attack Karrion Kross? Why are they getting out of here when Candice & Indi still have their Street Fight for the NXT Women’s Tag titles? Gargano says this is Candice’s & Indi’s night, they don’t need him and Theory. These two are going to prepare the celebration for them. Okay, night! Gargano and Theory drive off, but will there be anything to celebrate after tonight?

 

Sarray VS Zayda Ramier!

The Warrior of the Sun came in with a lot of fanfare, and rightfully so. But it was the other new superstar in the NXT Women’s Division that shocked the world by defeating Toni Storm in her debut! Will Sarray have to be careful her rise isn’t overshadowed tonight?

The bell rings, Zayda and Sarray shake hands to show there is respect, and then they tie up. Zayda headlocks, hits a takeover, but Sarray headscissors. Zayda kips free, sweeps the legs and covers, ONE! Sarray sweeps the legs to cover, ONE! Sarray kicks Zayda then headlocks. Zayda powers her way out to get a headlock, but Sarray throws body shots. Sarray shoves Zayda to ropes then dropkicks her right down! Fans fire up but Zayda is dazed. Sarray waits as Zayda gets to a corner. Zayda is alright, so Sarray rushes in, only for Zayda to put her in the corner for EuroUppers! Zayda brings Sarray out but Sarray kicks low and runs. Zayda hurdles, drops and trips Sarray to an STF!

Sarray endures as Zayda grinds the crossface! Sarray crawls, fans rally, and Sarray gets a ropebreak! Zayda lets off fast but walks into kicks from Sarray! Sarray rolls Zayda, TWO! Zayda runs into a lift and SPINEBUSTER! Sarray gets a leg now, ties it up with the other, and rallies fans as she puts on the MUTA LOCK! Zayda endures as Sarray bridges to bend her back, and now Zayda gets a ropebreak! Sarray lets off fast and fans rally up. Sarray runs and basement dropkicks Zayda against ropes! Zayda is rocked, Sarray gets her up, PERFECT PLEX! Bridging cover, TWO!! Sarray isn’t deterred, she just goes up top! BIG missile dropkick!

Sarray fires up and watches Zayda get up. Zayda forearms but Sarray gives it back! Zayda fires off more, whips Sarray to ropes, but Sarray dropkicks her down again! Sarray stomps Zayda to ropes, runs side to side again, but Zayda avoids the dropkick! Zayda gets a cover, TWO!! Sarray survives but Zayda gets her back up to RAM into a corner! Zayda runs corner to corner to EuroUpper! Then she runs again, SLINGBLADE! Cover, TWO! Zayda is seething but fans are fired up! Zayda gets Sarray up. Sarray SOBATS then GERMAN SUPLEXES! Sarray isn’t done there, she gets Zayda back up for a URENAGE SUPLEX! Cover, Sarray wins!

Winner: Sarray, by pinfall

A valiant effort from Zayda but the Warrior of the Sun shines through! Will we be seeing more of these two in the new age of NXT?

 

Imperium speaks with Walter via video chat.

The Ring General tells his soldiers, in German, that he is disappointed in them. He didn’t think there’d be such incompetence without him around. Marcel Barthel, Fabian Aichner and Alexander Wolfe understand, but Wolfe is the one who leaves. Is there a crack forming in the foundation of this dominant faction?

 

The Diamond Mine is coming.

They dominate because pressure is pleasure, and pressure makes diamonds. Who will be crushed by that pressure when the Diamond Mine debuts?

 

Sarray checks on Zayda backstage.

Sarray and Zayda thank each other for the great match tonight, and there is still great respect between them. Toni Storm starts storming over, but Zoey Stark is there to intercept! The Lightning From Down Under won’t get after the Warrior of the Sun with Stark watching Sarray’s back. Stark then congratulates Sarray on her win and Zayda on her great showing. Will Stark make herself into the lightning rod that keeps Storm from striking anyone else?

 

LA Knight VS Jake Atlas!

For NXT being his game now, Knight hasn’t been winning as much as he’d like. But as he makes his entrance, “Lemme talk to ya! The Ruler’s back, and what that means is a bunch of incels out here are gonna be saying my name in a minute. But just because you say ‘L! A! Knight!’ doesn’t make you cool.'” Speaking of not cool, Knight’s going to redefine Jake Atlas’ name. He’ll punt Jake’s ass so far down the street, he’s gonna need an atlas to find it, YEAH! That’s not an insult, that’s just a fact of life! But will Knight be the one looking like a dummy?

The bell rings and Atlas dodges Knight to arm-drag him to an armlock! Atlas dares Knight to talk trash now, but Knight fights up and pulls hair. Knight whips, Atlas dodges again and gets another arm-drag! Atlas has another armlock, but Knight fight sup to pull hair again. Atlas wrenches the arm but Knight ROCKS Atlas with a forearm. Knight bumps Atlas off buckles, stomps him down, then drags Atlas up. Knight whips Atlas to ropes, Atlas hurdles and stops to BOOT Knight! And then dropkick! Knight bails out but Atlas fires up! Atlas builds speed to DIVE into an uppercut! Knight gets on the apron to BOOT Atlas back in the ring, and slingshot SHOULDER TACKLE in!

Knight throws body shots and more stomps on Atlas, then snapmares him. Knight drops a knee but misses as Atlas moves! Atlas ROCKS Knight with haymaker after haymaker but then dodges Knight’s to KNEE and ROLLING ELBOW! And GERMAN SUPLEX! Cover, TWO! Knight survives and Atlas is furious! Atlas storms over but Knight sends him into buckles! Knight stomps Atlas more, throws JABS, then hoists Atlas up top. Knight ROCKS Atlas again, talks some trash, and climbs up top. Atlas knocks Knight away, but Knight runs back! Knight leaps, Atlas gets under, and Knight hops down, into a mule kick! Atlas KICKS and swings, but Knight ducks the heel to STUNNER! Cover, Knight wins!

Winner: LA Knight, by pinfall

Knight’s take on the stunner, the BFT, was a BFD, big friggin’ deal! Will Knight finally start to be the next big thing he promised to be?

 

Candice & Indi talk backstage.

Candice tells Indi that it’s fine Johnny and Austin headed home already. This is THEIR night! Tag title Street Fight! They’ll get the titles! Indi checks her bag, but Candice spots a drawing left on a chair. That artwork’s by Dexter Lumis! It’s of him carrying Indi away a couple weeks ago! Candice hides it from Indi, and brings up how those flowers Dexter sent to Shotzi & Ember should’ve been Indi’s. Indi looks at Candice, which causes her to miss Dexter standing at the door with roses! Roses that are for Indi! Candice pretends she doesn’t hear anything, and asks if she’s thinking about “that boy” again. Candice spots Dexter, and hurries to close the blinds!

Indi says Candice is right, she has to focus. Tonight’s the night. Visualize and feel it. The Way says they’re going to get back at Shotzi & Ember, but will Candice run out of ways to fool Indi and thwart Dexter?

 

Toni Storm speaks.

“Zoey Stark, you’re really pissing me off. You’re what’s known as, ‘the flavor of the month.’ And may I say, you’re losing your taste pretty damn quick.” Stark doesn’t deserve to be in the same ring as Toni, in the same locker room, or even breathing the same damn oxygen as Toni! Toni is a global superstar, former and future women’s champion, and Stark… is a future NOBODY! But soon everyone is going to forget about Zoey Stark. Storm brought Stark into the business, and whenever she’s ready, “so help me God,” she’ll take Stark out of it! Is #ToniTime just a moment away from taking over?

 

El Legado del Fantasma is in the ring.

Santos Escobar starts by saying, “The measure of a man. You’ve heard me talk about blood, tradition, heritage, legacy. You’ve seen me become the NXT Cruiserweight Campeon! And the undisputed Emperor of Lucha Libre.” Raul Mendoza and Joaquin Wilde voice their agreement, and Escobar continues by saying that last week, we all witnessed a moment. An ICONIC moment. A vision, or even a premonition. Escobar will recover what is rightfully his in the NXT Cruiserweight Championship. Then Wilde tells MSK that they haven’t forgotten. When MSK won at TakeOver, they didn’t beat Legado! But last week, Legado DID beat MSK! Real bad, too! They EMBARRASSED MSK!

Mendoza says that’s right! Wilde says we all know what needs to happen next. Mendoza says Legado is about sangre, tradicion, orgullo, sacrificio, legado and oro. That means they want MSK VS Legado for the NXT Tag Team Championships! Escobar says, “The measure of a man is not what he can do for himself, but what he does for his brothers.” But then Kushida interrupts on the titantron! Last week, Escobar crossed a line and that was mistake! Kushida warns him in Japanese and then in English that next week, they will face off for the Cruiserweight Championship! Escobar says he’s on!! The title will be back on the line, but can Escobar take it back to grow his legend?

 

Raquel Gonzalez and Mercedes Martinez sit down for an interview via video.

Beth Phoenix thanks them both for this time, and starts with the NXT Women’s Champion. Beth says Raquel dared the challengers to line up so she could knock them all down. How does she plan on doing that to Mercedes next week? “Simple: Pure power.” This title means Raquel is the baddest in the division, and she went through a long list just to get here. She respects Mercedes’ years of respect, but Mercedes says she should. But Raquel says to respect the champ, and don’t cut her off! Mercedes laughs and says everyone wants to talk about her experience, how long she’s been in the business, but she gets it. She’s hungry! And next week, she has something to prove!

Raquel intimidates everyone else but not Mercedes! Raquel says, “Not yet.” Mercedes dares Raquel to look her in the eyes. “You do NOT see any fear.” Raquel says what she sees is a woman who is about to get her ass kicked. Mercedes says what she really sees is a woman who never stays down! Mercedes says Raquel is champ because of someone like Mercedes. The roads Mercedes traveled were paved for Raquel! The roads Mercedes drove up and down were for Raquel! Raquel hasn’t been through the ugliness and grittiness Mercedes had to go through! To Mercedes, Raquel isn’t gritty, she’s a cookie cutter! Mercedes wasn’t! Raquel may not see it, but she was molded after a blueprint MERCEDES made!

Blueprint? Cookie cutter? Mercedes, you did set the bar. But she set it way down here. Raquel picked it up with one arm and placed it so high, no one else can ever reach it. In one year of experience, Raquel has surpassed every single one of Mercedes’ accomplishments throughout her entire career! Well in one night, Mercedes will end Raquel’s reign. No, Chiquita, you’re just the first challenger, and you won’t be the last! With the words out of the way, who will be the one to have the last say in their intense title match?

 

Shotzi & Ember talk backstage.

After The Way humiliated them last week, they have this coming! Indi hit Shotzi with a glass vase! And Candice smashed cupcakes in Ember’s face! Actually, Shotzi would’ve preferred that one. Wait, what is Preston doing in Shotzi’s tank? C’mere, cute little guy. Run along, little doggy. Preston heads off, Ember says he left something NOT cute in the tank. Aw c’mon…! How is it so big when Preston’s so small!? Well, they’ll wash that out later. Can Shotzi & Ember at least #TCB, Take Care o’ Business, against Candice & Indi?

 

Cameron Grimes hits the club!

He is feelin’ good tonight, and says sup to the bouncer. Grimes offers a fist bump but is left hanging. That’s fine, Grimes likes that he’s taking his job seriously. He’s Grimes and he’s going TO~ THE~ VIP Room. C’mon, man, he’s been here before, let him in. Sorry, sir, there’s no one on the list tonight. You sure? This is Cameron Grimes. Yes, but the entire venue has been rented out for the evening. The bouncer’s really tall so maybe he didn’t hear. Grimes jumps as he says his name again. Just a moment, Mr. Grimes. His limo has just arrived. Huh? Who? Grimes is right here, he didn’t order a limo! It’s Ted DeBiase!?!

“Learn a lesson, kid: Don’t just rent a booth, when you can buy the whole place!” And one more thing: Everybody’s got a price for the Million Dollar Man! DeBiase laughs his way into the club but Grimes says that’s not funny! DAMN YOU, DEBIASE!! Will Grimes continue to be thwarted by the original big money roller?

 

BREAKING NEWS for next week!

Kushida and Escobar aren’t just having a normal NXT Cruiserweight Championship match! It’ll be BEST 2 OUTTA 3 FALLS! Can Escobar regain the throne with the challenge made twice as hard? And after the strange hesitation from the Hatchet Man, Alexander Wolfe looks to cut ties with his past as he faces Killian Dain 1v1! Will the Belfast Beast be the one to break through to Wolfe instead?

 

NXT Women’s Tag Team Championships Street Fight: Shotzi Blackheart & Ember Moon VS Candice LeRae & Indi Hartwell!

The wild child and the evolved Shenom may not have won the Women’s Dusty Cup, but they did get these titles off the original champions their first try! Will there be no way Shotzi & Ember let the Poison Pixie and Impressive Indi take the titles away on their third try?

The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and there’s no holding back in this main event!

Actually, skip all that, the hands start flying the second they’re all in the ring together! Indi and Shotzi brawl in the ring while Ember and Candice tumble out of it! Shotzi shoves Indi out so now everyone is outside! Shotzi fetches a TABLE! Indi CLUBS Shotzi down first, then RAMS her into the boards! Ember runs over but Indi CLUBS her down! Indi sets up the table herself, and Candice CLUBS Ember. Candice brings Ember away to throw into barriers, then fetches chairs from under the ring! And lots of them! Ember mule kicks Candice down! Shotzi CLUBS Indi, but Indi blocks the apron bump to elbow her away. Ember CLOBBERS Candice and brings out trash cans!

Ember tosses cans into the ring, throws one down on Candice’s leg, then stalks her around the way. Shotzi bumps Indi off the table, puts her on the apron, but Shotzi goes after Candice. Shotzi and Ember RAM Candice into barriers, then hurry after Indi. Indi fights back but that’s 2v1. Shotzi CHOPS Indi, Ember CHOPS Indi, and then they stalk her to a corner. Ember and Shotzi double whip, drop toehold to basement dropkick, then a elbow drop! Ember has a can, Shotzi sits Indi up, and the can is put around Indi. Shotzi and Ember run, DOUBLE BASEMENT DROPKICK SANDWICH! The can is crunched and Indi falls over! Cover, Candice breaks it!

Shotzi goes after Candice, Ember whips but Candice whips Ember out. Shotzi runs in but Candice dodges to kick a leg out! SUPERKICK! The champs regroup outside, Candice builds speed and slides, but into DOUBLE TRASH CAN LIDS! The champs just swatted the pixie and now go looking for more items. Ember kicks Candice down while Shotzi brings out another TABLE! Ember helps Shotzi get the table into the ring, but Indi attacks back! Indi throws Ember HARD into boards, then kicks Shotzi! Indi fireman’s carries to APRON SNAKE EYES Shotzi! Indi gets Ember to throw her onto barriers and BOOT her down!

Indi gets some chairs and sets them up at ringside. Indi has a chair square, Shotzi storms over but Indi kicks her. Indi drags Shotzi around but Ember grabs Indi for a FULL METAL BULLDOG! Ember bumps Indi off the apron, and Shotzi adds a chair for a pyramid! Shotzi wants to relive Evolve Wrestling’s 10th Anniversary show! They sit Indi on the top chair, go to the ring, and Ember holds ropes open. Shotzi builds speed, but Candice BLASTS the champs with a fire extinguisher! The Fire Pit might’ve just been put out as NXT goes picture in picture!

Candice helps Indi down and puts the chairs on their sides. Candice and Indi go looking under the ring again and bring out a LADDER! It’s a big one and hard to get out all the way. Candice goes looking for the other end, and Indi props the ladder against the barrier. The Way has a ladder bridge between ring and barriers. Ember and Shotzi hurry out but Candice DECKS Ember! Shotzi kicks Indi, Candice CLUBS Ember. Candice puts Ember in the ring, Shotzi and Indi brawl around the way. Indi RAMS Shotzi into more boards! Candice sets up the table in the ring, but just enough to lean it in a corner. Indi joins Candice in the ring and goes after Ember.

Ember hits back, Candice has a chair and JAMS Ember in the back! Candice steps on Ember, then again, then JAMS Shotzi off the apron! Candice wedges the chair into a corner, but Ember CLUBS her as NXT returns to single picture! Ember shoves Candice to dropkick her down! Candice flounders, Indi returns, but Ember dodges and Shotzi ENZIGURIS! The Way are on the ropes, Ember goes out and shouts, “EAT IT!” as Shotzi runs in, BALLPIT ENZIGURI COMBO! Fans fire up as Shotzi and Ember get Candice up to POST her! Candice flops out of the ring, Ember and Shotzi have Indi, feed to the DRAPING HEADSCISSORS! CHAIRSHOT!

Ember SMACKS Indi down for good measure as Candice slowly returns. Shotzi and Ember get Candice up, DOMINATOR CUTTER COMBO! Cover, but Indi breaks it in time! Shotzi gets Indi up, she and Ember mug Indi. Candice is on the apron, Ember SUPERKICKS her down! DOUBLE ROLLING ELBOW for Indi! The champs fire each other up, and they go for Candice as she is prone on the ladder bridge! Shotzi goes up, for the STAGE DIVE SENTON THROUGH THE LADDER!! Both women are wrecked on the outside, and Ember is in shock! Ember gets Indi up, Alabama lift, ALABAMA SLAM THROUGH THE TABLE!! Cover, TWO!?! Indi still lives and THAT is impressive!

Ember drags Indi up, throws her around, and Shotzi rises to get a new ladder! It’s a bit smaller, and Indi BOOTS it into the champs! Indi drags the ladder up and puts it against ropes. Candice is somehow up, Indi DECKS Shotzi onto the new ladder. Indi lifts ladder, Candice goes to ropes, DRAPING FULL METAL LIONSAULT!! Cover, Ember breaks it!! All four women are down but fans are thunderous! Indi and Candice regroup but Ember DECKS Candice and BOOTS Indi! Indi comes back to SPINEBUSTER Ember on the ladder!! Cover, Shotzi breaks it in time!! Shotzi gets Indi up and out but Indi trips Shotzi to drag her out. Indi throws Shotzi into boards again!

Indi starts clearing off the announce desk! Indi drags Shotzi up but Shotzi SMASHES Barrett’s mug off her! Barrett’s gonna need a new mug and a new shoe! Shotzi shoves Indi onto the table, climbs up the girder, and finds a spot to perch on. SUPER SPLASH THROUGH THE DESK!! “This is Awesome!” and far from over! Candice jackknifes Ember! TWO, and Candice runs into a SIT-OUT POWERBOMB! Cover, TWO!! Ember is furious, but it’s all on her! Ember gets to a corner, climbs up top, but Candice ROCKS her first! Candice gets up to join Ember, but Shotzi returns! Shotzi Electric Chair lifts but Candice slips off to shove Shotzi into Ember!

Ember falls to the floor, Candice goes out to CLUB Ember onto the table! Candice hurries back in the ring, Indi has somehow returned, but Shotzi SUPERKICKS Candice! Indi aims at Ember for a SUPER MACHO ELBOW THROUGH THE TABLE!! Indi shows reckless abandon tonight! Candice ROCKS Shotzi with brass knuckles!! Candice puts Shotzi on a chair, WICKED STEP SISTER!! Cover, THE WAY WINS!!

Winners: Candice LeRae & Indi Hartwell, by pinfall (NEW NXT Women’s Tag Team Champions)

History was made in the most hardcore way, and finally, Candice has gold! She hugs Indi, because it was all thanks to her impressive heart and determination! Will the third-ever champions take these titles all the way to the top?


My Thoughts:

An awesome episode here, with great bookending with the opener and main event. Swerve VS Ruff was pretty good as a Falls Count Anywhere, for the limited space they could use in the Capitol Wrestling Center, aka Performance Center, but the best part was that Swerve is now a leader of a faction! I always felt Adonis and Swerve should be a duo, but adding the debuting #TopDolla AJ Francis and bringing back Briana Brandy from her various appearances here and there is a great move. The team’s name is not yet made official but it could be something Swerve has said over the last few weeks in this feud with Ruff.

Grimes gets another win in the ring, but another loss in kayfabe life, and I am really liking that we’re getting to see Ted DeBiase more than just once. This has to lead to a proxy fighting for DeBiase against Grimes, possibly for the Million Dollar Championship, or even a new vanity belt being introduced. I like that Gargano is being tied into things with Kross. Kross got impatient, acted like his contenders were scared but then they all show up at once. The promos were all okay, but the brawling was awesome! We must be getting a Fatal 4 Way #1 Contender’s match after Gargano defends his title against Reed. Win or lose, Gargano can be in the contender’s match just for the sake of star power.

Balor recently lost the title, so it’s either Kyle or Dunne getting the win. Cole claims to not be done with Kyle so maybe Dunne challenges Kross first to be a strong first defense. Kross can win to build this new reign, and then Kyle can circle back after apparently having to thwart Cole despite their Unsanctioned match being so badass. I also like the detail of Gargano & Theory running away so they couldn’t be attacked back by Kross. It also established that Candice & Indi would have to win the Street Fight on their own. Also, Grimes’ opponent tonight, Asher Hale, was definitely the same guy who took Kross’ saido.

GYV VS Thatcher & Ciampa was a great match, and I’m a little surprised Ciampa & Thatcher won. Granted, Ciampa was a great tag team guy once upon a time, so I suppose he and a new partner could outdo former tag champions. Still not sure where their story is going but Ciampa & Thatcher do make a badass team. Imperium had a short segment but it was to the point: Walter wants results! Wolfe VS Dain next week is going to be a lot of fun, just on story, and it will be a moment of truth in the overall Imperium expansion angle they’re working on. Legado del Fantasma has a good set of promos, and the matches we knew they’d want are being set up. Kushida VS Escobar, 2 outta 3, is going to be incredible!

Sarray VS Zayda was a great match, naturally Sarray won, and I like that while Storm wants after Sarray, Stark won’t let her just move on yet. Stark VS Storm Round 2 is going to be great, and then we can definitely get a great feud of Storm and Sarray. The video interview promo for Raquel and Mercedes was good, a bit better than most of these, but almost too real with them trying to talk over each other. That match is going to be awesome, but Raquel surely retains since this is her first defense. Though, we thought that was going to be the case with the tag titles and yet… But with Dakota ringside, surely something happens to help Raquel retain.

Is it just me, or is Franky Monet getting her hands into too many things? She shows up around the tag scene, around the top title scene, she needs to pick a lane. I don’t see her getting a tag partner so soon, but she also has to get in the ring before challenging for a title anyway. The Street Fight was insane, so many great spots and spot teases, and Indi really did impress. With the very funny promo backstage with Candice literally hiding Lumis from Indi, I thought he was going to show up, but I guess he chose not to upset Indi by interfering. The Way was in a must-win situation tonight so it’s great to see it happened, and maybe now that they have more belts, things really take off for them.

My Score: 9.3/10


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Coverage

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

Talk about a Big Time Raw!

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Will The Man be the Last Woman Standing?

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

OFFICIAL RESULTS

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

PLAY BY PLAY

Jey Uso is here!

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

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

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

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

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

 

Adam Pearce is on the phone.

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Winners: DIY, by pinfall (advance to WrestleMania)

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

 

Judgment Day meets backstage.

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

Winners: Candice LeRae & Indi Hartwell, by submission

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

 

Cody Rhodes makes his way to the ring.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

Nia Jax speaks.

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

 

Cody Rhodes returns backstage.

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

 

Dominik Mysterio w/ JD McDonagh VS Ricochet!

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

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

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

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

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

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

Winner: Ricochet, by pinfall

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

 

Sami Zayn is backstage.

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

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

 

Adam Pearce is in the ring.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

 


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

The semifinals are here!

Published

on

We’re just one step away from the Cup!

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

OFFICIAL RESULTS

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

PLAY BY PLAY

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

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

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

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

No Contest

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

2024 New Japan Cup Semifinals: SANADA VS Hirooki Goto!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


My Thoughts:

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

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

My Score: 8.9/10


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