Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE Raw Results & Report! (5/31/21)
Happy Memorial Monday Night Raw!
Raw runs it back to get on track to Hell in a Cell!
Drew McIntyre and Kofi Kingston go around again to determine a #1 contender to Bobby Lashley’s WWE Championship, on a Memorial Monday Night Raw!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Beat the Clock Challenge: Charlotte Flair VS Nikki Cross; Cross wins.
- Xavier Woods VS Randy Orton w/ Matt Riddle; Orton wins.
- Shayna Baszler VS Reginald; Reginald wins.
- Mace & T-Bar VS Lucha House Party; Mace & T-Bar win.
- Sheamus VS Ricochet; Ricochet wins.
- Sheamus VS Humberto Carrillo; Carrillo wins.
- Naomi & Lana VS Mandy Rose & Dana Brooke; Rose & Brooke win.
- Shelton Benjamin VS Cedric Alexander; Alexander wins.
- Raw Tag Team Championships: AJ Styles & Omos VS Elias & Jaxson Ryker; Styles & Omos win and retain the titles.
- WWE World Championship #1 Contender’s Match: Drew McIntyre VS Kofi Kingston; McIntyre wins and will challenge Bobby Lashley for the title at Hell in a Cell.
PLAY BY PLAY
WWE and Raw celebrate Memorial Day.
“They didn’t volunteer to die. They volunteered to defend values which make up what we call civilization.” – President Ronald Reagan
A narrator asks, “What does it mean to be selfless? To have the courage to put all else first for a greater cause. In every generation, there are those who put everything before themselves. And on this day, we honor them. The brave men and women who fought for our freedom. From the first World War to Desert Storm. From Normandy to Afghanistan. Today, we look back at the moments, the events, that define our history. The struggles, they’re battles. And remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice. President Ronald Reagan once said…” “As we honor their memory today, let us pledge that their lives, their sacrifices, their valor, shall be justified and remembered for as long as God gives life to this nation.”
“Today, we show our gratitude. To those who shaped us, who guided us, who ensured our values would live forever. Today, we show reverence and respect. Today, we say, ‘Thank you.'”
Jimmy Smith joins Raw commentary!
And what a night to start! Smith is here to join the fans in honoring our military and enjoying all the action and entertainment that’s in store!
Raw opens with Miz TV!
The Miz returns and is not a zombie as he welcomes us back to the Most Must-See WWE Talk Show ever! Miz puts himself over as he welcomes back the ONLY two-time Grand Slam Champion, himself! And not a moment too soon, because Raw has been really tough to watch without Miz commanding the ship. It’s not all his fault, though. He apologizes for that match. “That match… That Lumberjack match with Damian Priest… I was injured. For the first time in my illustrious career, my body gave way and… What is that smell?”
John Morrison is wearing garlic! He’s taking no chances after what happened at Backlash! That was a sticky situation, so now he’s prepared for anyone or anything that might come for the host with the most, and the Moist Voice. Aliens, vampires, plumbers, whatever! Because in addition to the garlic, he also has his patented #DripStick! It’s a simple pump water gun filled with holy water. Miz missed Morrison so much. Morrison says the same about The Miz. Miz says he had an epiphany while he was away. He knew he had to get back because we’re going on the road soon! The fans all want to see these must-see stars in person!
And Miz also had the realization that he has accomplished so much in his story book career that he has to give back! He has to use his platform to support stars like Morrison, and his guests tonight! Speaking of which, the challenger to the Raw Women’s Championship at Hell in a Cell, welcome the Queen, Charlotte Flair! Morrison “sings” along with the theme as Charlotte struts down to the ring. Morrison helps her with the ropes, but she doesn’t like the garlic necklace. Maybe it’s just the smell. Miz welcomes her to the show and she asks about the smell. It’s the anti-supernatural garlic!
But anyway, in about three weeks, Charlotte could return to Raw the how-many-time women’s champion? Fourteen time, but who’s counting? Other than them! Miz ‘n’ Morrison overdo the laughing and she’s immediately annoyed. But what everyone has to realize is that Rhea Ripley had her fairy tale victory, but real life is different. Sometimes dreams become nightmares, and in three weeks, Charlotte sends the Nightmare to hell. But speaking of, Rhea makes her entrance! Miz ‘n’ Morrison rock out and annoy Charlotte more than Rhea walking to the ring does. Rhea helps herself into the ring and takes the mic to say, “Charlotte, you’re going to send me to hell? You can GO to hell!”
Miz keeps things from getting physical, this is Rhea’s first time on Miz TV so let’s deep dive into who Rhea really is, why she’s so mysterious, what her tattoos mean and why she has such a strong exterior. Pop quiz from Morrison: what’s Rhea’s favorite garlic bread recipe? Miz asks Morrison what he’s going on about, and Morrison just wants to make sure Rhea’s not a vampire. Rhea laughs because of how DUMB that is! She’s not a vampire! Oh ok. She’s a nightmare to everyone in the Raw Women’s Division. If they want to interview her after HIAC, after she’s defeated Charlotte, she’ll still be Raw Women’s Champion.
Charlotte says Rhea couldn’t even beat Nikki Cross last week. True! And as a champion, you should beat all challengers. Though, that was a Beat the Clock two-minute challenge. #LossToCross. Rhea did let time get away from her as she was showing her dominance, and lost by time running out. Which Charlotte rubbed in her face not two seconds after. Charlotte rubs it in again here, too. Rhea couldn’t beat Cross so what makes her think she can beat Charlotte? Wait, here comes Nikki Cross! She wasn’t a scheduled guest but Miz allows it. Nikki apologizes for crashing the show but she’s a big fan. She couldn’t wait to get out here.
Last week, Nikki beat the champion! Rhea stands up but Nikki says it would only be fair if she challenged the winner from HIAC. Charlotte says if life was fair, Charlotte would already be champion. Rhea says that if there was four minutes and not two, Nikki wouldn’t even be standing here. But they’re cool, and Rhea admits Nikki earned some respect. Well thanks, Rhea! But listen, Charlotte! Nikki COULD beat Charlotte in two minutes, too! Then would it be fair for her to challenge the winner of HIAC? Charlotte gets up now and says this is ridiculous. She could beat Nikki in ONE minute. But Nikki SLAPS Charlotte! Morrison ‘n’ Miz like the fire, but they keep this from getting physical.
Charlotte says, “You’re on, you little troll!!” The Queen wants to make Nikki pay for her insolence, but will one minute really be enough time?
Beat the Clock Challenge: Charlotte Flair VS Nikki Cross!
Raw returns, and to be fair to both Nikki and Charlotte, this is still a two minute challenge. But either way, can Nikki earn her way to a title opportunity?
The bell rings, and Nikki dodges Charlotte to slide out and taunt her. Charlotte seethes, chases Nikki but Nikki gets back in the ring! Nikki taunts Charlotte more, Rhea says the clock is ticking, and Charlotte gets back in, only for Nikki to go back out! Charlotte blames Rhea for this but Rhea says she should focus. Nikki baits Charlotte but Charlotte misses! We’re nearing a minute as the cat ‘n’ mouse continues. Rhea ends up in Charlotte’s way, and Charlotte says this is all Rhea’s fault. The ring count is climbing, Charlotte gets in the ring and Nikki runs to duck and dodge. Charlotte knees low, brings Nikki around but Nikki shoves her. Charlotte CLOBBERS Nikki but we’re at 30!
Charlotte gets Nikki up, hoists her up top, but Nikki fights back! We’re at 15 seconds as Nikki hits a TORNADO DDT! Charlotte flounders, Nikki dropkicks her, and time is up! Nikki wins again!
Winner: Nikki Cross
The Queen is furious that she got suckered into the games! She still blames Rhea, but will she only have herself to blame if she doesn’t pull off the win at Hell in a Cell?
Matt Riddle talks with Damian Priest backstage.
The Bro cannot wait. Priest says all the celebrating they can do in every city! That means Riddle can scooter all the way down to Texas! Maybe he can learn some Español, “akka” Spanish. Wait, AKA? Si! Well alright, sure. Okay how do you say, “Bro?” Hermano. Alright, that’s an easy one. How about, “I’m hungry.” Tengo hambre. Cool, he’ll work on that one. How about, “Where’s my daddy?” Donde esta mi papi. I’M your papi! Eddie Guerrero! Nice. Okay, okay. How about, “Hey, Randy!” Hey, Randy. Really? That simple? Even “bro” is- Oh! Hey, Randy! Hola, amigo! Riddle has missed him so much! How’s he doing?
Orton says he saw what Riddle did last week, using the RKO. Yeah, sorry, he should’ve asked permission first, and he isn’t sure what came over him, but it just came outta nowhere! Orton admits that that was a hell of a match with Xavier Woods and Orton was impressed. There are things they can work on, and if they’re going to be a team, they might as well go all the way. So while he might regret this later, Orton wants Riddle to watch his match and learn some things. Seriously? Aw shucks, Randy! Last week, Riddle hitting the RKO, he realized it’s about that high angle velocity cuz when he pushed off his foot and got Woods around the head-
Orton hushes Riddle, and he zips the lip. Orton takes the key, and tosses it. Riddle scoots on to look for it, but that’s easier said than done. Wait, what? Anyway, will Riddle take plenty of notes on how the RKO really looks?
Xavier Woods VS Randy Orton w/ Matt Riddle!
Switching from Mortal Kombat to Power Rangers, Woods goes from Sub-Zero to the White Tiger! Kofi Kingston is the Green Dragon Ranger, but he has to prepare for the Scottish Warrior. Will Woods be safe alone against The Viper?
Raw returns as Orton makes his entrance. Somehow Riddle found that key because he’s hyping Orton up as he scoots up behind him. The bell rings, they tie up, and Orton headlocks. Woods powers out but Orton runs him over, then gets him up. Woods denies the RKO and arm-drags Orton to an armlock! Orton gets up, Woods grinds the arm, then wrenches and knees Orton to a corner. Woods whips Orton corner to corner but Orton reverses. Woods goes up and over, but Orton catches up him to hit a SNAKE EYES! Woods bails out while Riddle cheers, and Orton pursues. Woods hits back, Orton kicks low to bounce him off the desk again and again!
The ring count climbs but Orton gives Woods a DESK BACK SUPLEX! Orton leaves Woods behind, Riddle cheers him on and Raw goes to break!
Raw returns and Orton grinds Woods down with a headlock. Riddle rallies for Orton while Woods fights up. Woods throws body shots, pries the hold apart and hits an elbow breaker! Orton falls back and clutches that elbow. Woods ENZIGURIS Orton down and Riddle is a bit worried. Riddle coaches Orton and cheers him on, and Orton goes back to Woods. Woods CHOPS Orton, then throws haymakers! CHOP, haymaker, repeat, faster and faster! Woods has Orton on the ropes but Orton knees low! Orton whips Woods to ropes but Woods ducks and dodges to slide under and ROLLING ELBOW! Orton is down and Riddle is really worried!
Woods gets up, runs, and hits a SLIDING COMPLETE SHOT! Cover, TWO!! Orton survives and Riddle breathes a sigh of relief. Both men are down but Riddle keeps rallying. Orton goes to a corner, Woods runs in and forearm smashes! Woods climbs, rains down punches, but Orton pulls an ear then pokes an eye! Orton gets Woods off the corner for a POWERBOMB! High stack, TWO! Woods survives and Riddle is getting frustrated on Orton’s behalf. Orton shoves Woods to the apron, Riddle likes how he literally used his head. Orton wants Riddle to watch this one as he gets Woods through ropes.
Riddle likes this one, but Woods know sit well! Woods gets in to ARM CODE BREAKER! And FUJIWARA ARMBAR! Orton endures, Riddle cheers the ROPEBREAK! The ref counts, Woods lets go at 4, and Orton kicks low! Orton is faster with it this time, DRAPING DDT! Orton hears the voices in his head as he watches Woods rise! Woods stands, but denies the RKO again! Backslide, TWO! KNEE from Woods, then he runs, but into a scoop! Orton borrows BRO DEREK!?! Cover, Orton wins!!
Winner: Randy Orton, by pinfall
Riddle gets in the ring to celebrate with Orton hitting his move! RKBRO is becoming simpatico! And the poses? AND THE- Nope, nevermind, Orton reconsidered. But maybe soon!
MVP and the ladies head to the “executive suite.”
The bottles are popping, and the All Mighty arrives! The ladies are happy to see him and are already fawning all over him and the title. Will Bobby Lashley be just fine staying away from tonight’s main event?
Shayna Baszler VS Reginald!
The Queen of Spades is always in a bad mood by default, but the losing and distractions and disappointment only adds to all of that to put her in a foul mood! The sommelier screwing things up was the last straw, but will Shayna snap Reggie like a twig to get her and the Irresistible Force back to the way things were?
Raw returns and Reggie tells Nia that he does not need her protection. He can handle this himself. He survived Sasha Banks and Tamina, so he’ll be fine. But that was all with Nia there! Reggie says she can watch the match from gorilla to see for herself. Nia reluctantly agrees to the deal, and Reggie heads to the ring. The bell rings and Reggie wants Shayna to understand, they’re a trio. But she told him to stay out of things last week, so this is what he gets! Shayna kicks, but Reggie flips to evade! And then again! And then he goes up and over in a corner, only for Shayna to run him over! Shayna says he’s had this coming. Reggie ducks a Penalty Kick, rolls Shayna up, TWO!
Shayna has Reggie’s arm! She twists it, whips but Reggie reverses. Shayna sees the trip-up coming and whips him again. Reggie reverses but she runs him over, only for him to handspring through! Reggie scoops and SLAMS Shayna! Reggie feels bad, he didn’t want to make this worse than it was. Shayna gets his leg, he flips away and then dodges, but Shayna runs him over again. She gets a leg to DDT it! Reggie writhes, Shayna gets the leg again, and she drops elbows on the knee over and over! Shayna twists the leg and digs a knee into the knee! Reggie endures, grits his teeth, but she turns him over and isolates the foot, to STOMP it!
Reggie writhes as he clutches the leg again. Shayna paces about, and KICKS him in the leg! Reggie gets to ropes, Shayna drags him back to center for another toehold! Shayna leg scissors the leg and twists the foot! Reggie endures but Shayna keeps on the slicer, to then SMASH the knee into the mat! Shayna paces as Reggie hobbles to a corner, Shayna runs in, he boots but she blocks! Shayna YANKS Reggie from the corner and has an ANKLE LOCK! Reggie endures, rolls and sends Shayna into buckles! Shayna comes back, he ducks a kick to SPINNING CROSSBODY! Shayna is down and Reggie hurries to a corner!
Reggie manages to climb with one good foot, and MOONSAULTS! But Shayna moves! He lands on his feet but that only messes him up more! Shayna is a shark with blood in the water, KIRAFUDA- FIRE?! The pyro of the ring goes off and spooks Shayna! Reggie victory rolls, REGGIE WINS?!?
Winner: Reginald, by pinfall
The sommelier beat a two-time NXT Women’s Champion and WWE Women’s Tag Team Champion!! Shayna is furious but Nia is elated! Nia gives Reggie a big hug, but what does this mean for the tag team partnership?
Backstage interview with Drew McIntyre.
All that stands between him and another WWE World Championship match is Kofi Kingston. Is he ready? Tonight is all about Kofi VS McIntyre. No Lashley or MVP, no BS. McIntyre respects Kofi, has known him a long time and knows he’s a great family man and a great friend. Everything Kofi’s gotten, he’s earned. Maybe a couple weeks ago, if McIntyre hadn’t interfered, Kofi would’ve still won. Kofi said as much himself. Even though McIntyre grabbed MVP’s cane so MVP wouldn’t hit Kofi with it and then hit Lashley. Who is McIntyre to question another former world champion?
McIntyre isn’t one to judge, but once upon a time, he was just like Kofi, putting everyone else’s needs before his own. That cost him. He lost everything and had to change everything. He had to think of himself, and sacrifice things. Part of those sacrifices was choosing not to extend his family. Kofi fights for his kids, of course he does. But McIntyre chose not to have kids right now so that he could invest everything, all the days, hours, minutes, seconds, into this industry. But one day, there will be a Lil’ Drew crawling around, who McIntyre will tell about Scottish folklore and legend. McIntyre’s favorite is the one about the 6’5″ fire-breathing Scottish dragon slayed The Beast, something Kofi never did.
So while McIntyre respects Kofi and likes him a lot, tonight is about McIntyre willing to do everything Kofi isn’t, and run right through him to go to HIAC and face Lashley to get that title back! So to answer the question, McIntyre is MORE than ready! Now bugger off. But will a Claymore be what ends #KofiMania2 before it even begins?
Mace & T-Bar VS Lucha House Party!
The towering titans are back in action after missing out on that All Mighty Open Challenge a couple weeks ago. But will these monsters mangle Gran Metalik & Lince Dorado to start taking over the tag division?
Raw returns as LHP makes their entrance. The teams sort out, T-Bar starts with the Golden Lynx, and T-Bar rushes in! Lince dodges, fires off hands and kicks but T-Bar shoves him away to then run him over! Lince flounders up to a corner, T-Bar runs in to back body block! T-Bar gets Lince up to a fireman’s carry but Lince fights free, to a SLEEPER! Lince is a backpack, Metalik tags in but T-Bar throws Lince away. Metalik ENZIGURIS, Lince dropkicks legs out, then Lince gives Metalik a boost for a SPLASH! Cover, ONE!! Metalik gets T-Bar up but that’s too much man to suplex! Mace reaches out and tags in, T-Bar scoops Metalik! Metalik slips out, but gets a HIGH LOW!!
Mace drags Metalik up to suplex and NECKBREAKER! Mace runs to drop a BIG elbow! Cover, TWO!! Metalik survives but Mace keeps right on him. Tag to T-Bar, Mace dribbles Metalik while T-Bar runs. Mace gets Metalik up for T-Bar’s BOOT! Cover, TWO!! Metalik is still in this but T-Bar ROCKS him with right hands. Tag to Mace, they stomp mudholes into Metalik, then T-Bar tags back in. Mace lines up the shot but Lince gets in to dropkick him! Metalik BOOTS T-Bar, LHP dump Mace out! T-Bar BOOTS Metalik but Lince DIVES at Mace! But into his SCRAPBUSTER! Metalik springboards into a BOOT from T-Bar!
Tag to Mace, he and T-Bar dead lift Metalik for HIGH JUSTICE!! Cover, T-Bar & Mace win!
Winners: T-Bar & Mace, by pinfall
They promised the extinction of Lucha House Party, and this was damn near close to that! Will these brutal behemoths do the same to the rest of the Raw roster?
Alexa Bliss and Lily swing backstage.
Alexa saw what happened! It was so exciting! What a night for Reggie! What better way to celebrate his win than him joining them on Alexa’s Playground? Be there or be square! Will Reggie accept the invite to this twisted play date?
Sheamus heads to the ring!
The Celtic Warrior is a fighting champion, emphasis on fighting, but what does he have planned tonight? We’ll find out after the break!
Raw returns and Sheamus has a mic to say, “Look at that! Another week, another victory for your valiant United States Champion!” And he can’t wait to go on the road again so he can defend HIS title in every major city in America. But the problem is in WWE is that people don’t lose like real men. Humberto and Ricochet can’t take losses. They’d rather try and embarrass their champion. But here’s a message for you lads: go buy some participation trophies because that’s the closest you’re going to get to the title!
Sheamus cues up footage from last week, where he beat Carrillo with some controversy, then added insult to injury, only for Ricochet to attack him! Ricochet and Carrillo both took to the air to hit Sheamus over and over, which is why he’s a little upset this week. Sheamus asks if those two look like championship material. That’s nothing! Where Sheamus comes from, that’s just scumbag behavior! Everyone asks why he hasn’t defended his title since WrestleMania 37, and there’s the answer! The Open Challenge was designed and created by him so he could find someone worthy enough at this beauty of a belt! Carrillo and Ricochet have only shown that they’re not fit to lace his boots!
Sheamus is smart, he won’t face those guys in a Triple Threat. But he will go back-to-back cuz that’s the kind of champ he is! And when he’s done with both, he’ll send them both back to obscurity! The question is, which one of those Muppets is brave enough to take the first arse kicking? Sheamus waits, and it’s the ONE AND ONLY first!
Sheamus VS Ricochet!
The bell rings and the hands start flying! Sheamus CLUBS Ricochet, whips him to ropes, but Ricochet kicks back! Ricochet fires off more hands, Sheamus hits low and scoops, but Ricochet slips off! Ricochet dumps Sheamus out, builds speed and slides, but into Sheamus’ body shots! Sheamus scoops and FALL AWAY SLAMS Ricochet into barriers! Sheamus drags Ricochet up and puts him back in the ring, then climbs up. Ricochet stands, Sheamus leaps for a FLYING LARIAT! Ricochet gets turned inside-out, but Sheamus drags him up. Carrillo makes his entrance? This isn’t a Triple Threat or Handicap, but it is a DISTRACTION! Ricochet rolls Sheamus up, and WINS!!
Winner: Ricochet, by pinfall
The Fella is FURIOUS! Dale Gas just got the better of Sheamus and now it’s HIS turn! Sheamus is so mad, will he cost himself against Carrillo?
Sheamus VS Humberto Carrillo!
Raw returns and Ricochet is still ringside to watch this match, but Sheamus stomps a mudhole into Carrillo in a corner! The ref counts, Sheamus lets off to argue about Carrillo’s joking around, and then he whips Carrillo corner to corner. Sheamus runs in to RAM Carrillo, runs to knee lift and keeps going to CLOBBER Carrillo! Sheamus glares at Ricochet but Ricochet stays back. Sheamus throws hands on Carrillo but Carrillo fights back. Sheamus knees low, whips Carrillo to the corner, but Carrillo boots back. Carrillo hops up but Sheamus YANKS him down! Carrillo goes to the apron, Sheamus drags him up and bends him against ropes!
The ref counts, Carrillo pries free of Sheamus’ grip to throw elbows! Carrillo HOTSHOTS Sheamus away, then steps in to leap, into the IRISH CURSE! Ricochet admits that hurt. Ricochet coaches Carrillo but Sheamus stomps Carrillo and kicks him at the ropes. Sheamus stalks Carrillo to a corner, gets him up and reels him in to CLOBBER him! Sheamus says he can do this all day! Especially since he’s getting paid. Sheamus gives Carrillo Beats of the Bodhrain in the center of the ring, then clamps on with a chinlock. Sheamus stretches Carrillo back, Ricochet and fans rally for Carrillo, and Carrillo fights up. Carrillo throws body shots and then a JAWBREAKER!
Sheamus staggers, Carrillo goes to a corner. Sheamus runs in but Carrillo dodges to POST him! Ricochet taunts Sheamus, Sheamus swings on Carrillo but Carrillo fires off CHOPS and forearms! Carrillo kicks, Sheamus spins him, DRAGON WHIP! Sheamus staggers again, Carrillo dropkicks him down! Sheamus staggers up, Carrillo runs in but Sheamus catches him and puts him on ropes, to DECK him! Carrillo tumbles down, Ricochet checks on him, but Sheamus goes out to BOOT Ricochet down! Sheamus’ nose is busted and he bleeds on himself, but he revels in it! Sheamus puts Carrillo in, talks m ore trash to Ricochet, but Carrillo builds speed and DIVES! Direct hit!!
Carrillo gets Sheamus in the ring, goes up top, and leaps for a CROSSBODY! Sheamus catches Carrillo, swings him and SLAMS him! Sheamus smiles through the blood and he drags Carrillo back up to talk trash. Sheamus is pissed about the busted nose but he’s aiming from the corner, Ricochet gets in but Sheamus catches him! Carrillo hits a FLYING CHUCK!! Roll up, Carrillo wins!!
Winner: Humbert Carrillo, by pinfall
Sheamus wanted to face them both, and he LOST to both! Granted, this felt like a Handicap match, the very thing Sheamus was trying to avoid! Will the fighting champion have no choice but to put that championship on the line now?
Eva Marie speaks.
“The WWE is where everything took off for me.” It’s where her journey to greatness started. But there came a point where she needed to take a break and find herself. She wanted to see how that hard work could apply to other things. Life will knock you down, but you have to have the courage to get back up. You have to fight to earn your way and for what you want in life. So she’s back to finish the fight she started. Not only will she be a voice for herself, but for the superstars in the making. This is Eva-Lution.
Naomi & Lana VS Mandy Rose & Dana Brooke!
The Ravishing Glow and the #SexyMuscleFriends both want after Natalya & Tamina and those WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships! But that means going through each other! Will Mandy & Dana feel the glow? Or will they flex on Naomi & Lana on the road to the gold?
Raw returns as Mandy& Dana make their entrance, and the champions are on commentary to watch this closely. The teams sort out, Dana and Lana start. They tie up, Lana headlocks, but Dana powers out. Lana rolls, dares Dana to do something, and things speed up. Lana hurdles, rolls but Dana leaps over to return the favor. Naomi tags in and Lana rolls Dana to a lateral press, for Naomi to drop a leg, brother! Naomi takes over the cover, TWO! Naomi keeps on Dana with a facelock, then shifts to a headlock for a buckle bulldog! Lana tags in and she hits a regular BULLDOG! Cover, TWO! Natty says she taught Lana everything she knows, but Lana doesn’t know everything Natty knows.
Lana tags Naomi back in, they hand off Dana to wrench for a headlock. Dana powers out, Naomi stops herself to elbow back. Naomi wheelbarrows but Dana SLAMS her down! Dana drags Naomi up and over to tag in Mandy. They double whip and double FLAPJACK! Mandy covers, TWO! Mandy stalks Naomi to ropes, digs her knee into her, then lets off as the ref counts. Mandy waistlocks to SLAM Naomi, then holds on. Naomi reaches for Lana but Mandy keeps her away with another SLAM! Mandy still holds on, whips Naomi to the corner, then runs in but Naomi fires off forearms! Naomi DECKS Dana, fireman’s carries Mandy, and hits a MODIFIED GUTBUSTER!
Naomi BUZZSAWS Mandy, covers, TWO! Naomi drags Mandy up and over, tags in Lana, and they have Mandy. Dana runs in but Naomi tosses her out! But as Naomi PLANCHAS Dana, Mandy and Lana switch waistlocks back and forth! Mandy O’Conner Rolls but has to KNEE FROM A ROSE to Naomi first! Lana rolls Mandy up, TWO!! Lana trips Mandy, jackknife, TWO as Mandy bridges out! Mandy has the arms, Lana slips free but Mandy whips her to the corner. Lana BOOTS back, Dana gets up but Lana ROCKS her! Mandy RAMS Lana, Dana tags in! The SMF coordinate, for a FLYING NECKBREAKER SAMOAN DROP! Cover, SMF win!!
Winners: Dana Brooke & Mandy Rose, by pinfall
Dana & Mandy call out Tamina & Natty and the champs are ready! Will the statement making, bone breaking, title taking second generation superstars make sure they’re titles aren’t taken so easily?
Shelton Benjamin VS Cedric Alexander!
The Gold Standard says he’s a survivor, but he’s 1v1 with PRIME! Something’s gotta give, but will Benjamin shut Alexander’s mouth once and for all?
Raw returns and Alexander makes his entrance, talking trash all over again. The bell rings and Benjamin BOOTS Alexander down! Benjamin drags Alexander up to club and hammer and reel Alexander in. Alexander thumbs Benjamin’s eye to avoid the bomb! Alexander dodges and ducks to NEURALIZER! Cover, ALEXANDER WINS?!
Winner: Cedric Alexander, by pinfall
Alexander talks trash again because he just punked out the veteran! Is there no denying that it is #PRIMETIME?
Elias talks with Jaxson Ryker backstage.
“We are up against AJ Styles and Omos tonight for the tag team titles!” Ryker, are you listening? Does he understand what they’re up against? Omos almost threw Elias through the LED boards! Elias was almost electrocuted again! He knows they have a huge opportunity and can win, Ryker showed that against AJ Styles last week. Styles is no match for Ryker but Omos is a different breed! He’s barely human! He’s bigger than anyone Elias has ever seen! Is Ryker listening? Elias needs to know Ryker has his back. Has Ryker ever been to battle like this before? Ryker finally snaps out of it, and asks if Elias has ever been in battle. Ryker served in Iraq. Is that all the answer Elias needs for tonight?
Backstage interview with Kofi Kingston.
Kevin Patrick knocks on the New Day’s door and Kofi says hey. Kofi knows this is about McIntyre’s words earlier, but Kofi’s going to address what McIntyre didn’t say. Kofi read between the lines, and felt like McIntyre implied the connections Kofi has with family and friends are somehow detriments. Oh~ no~! The reason Kofi is so successful is because of family and friends. He pushes himself for them. But why is McIntyre acting like he can take cheap shots? Kofi respects everything McIntyre has done in the industry, all his sacrifices to be at the top. But what Kofi doesn’t respect is the shots he takes when saying McIntyre slayed the Beast and Kofi didn’t.
Kofi knows what happened between himself and Brock Lesnar, he was there. The people know, they saw it. But if you blinked, you probably missed it. But if McIntyre wants to take cheap shots, then allow Kofi to give one! Don’t forget what happened two short weeks ago when Kofi did what McIntyre hasn’t in months, though it feels like three years. McIntyre’s had so many chances and yet he has not been able to beat Lashley. Regardless of how it happened, Kofi pinned the WWE World Champion, Bobby Lashley, on his first try!
So McIntyre is going to run through Kofi? No, Kofi and McIntyre are going to go out there, give it everything they’ve got. Blood, sweat, tears, effort, energy, all here tonight, and when it’s all said and done, Kofi will beat McIntyre. Then Kofi goes to HIAC to beat Bob Lashley again to become the NEW! TWO TIME! W, W, E, World, Heavy, Weight, wait for it… Wait… CHAMPION! Will #KofiMania2 be inevitable?
Raw Tag Team Championships: AJ Styles & Omos VS Elias & Jaxson Ryker!
The Phenomenal Grand Slam Champion and his MASSIVE amigo are going to defend their titles on television against The Drifter and one battle-hardened, hard hitting veteran. But will Styles & Omos be ready now that they’re standing together?
Raw returns as Elias & Ryker make their entrance. The introductions are made, the titles are raised, and we see if the challengers can be more than phenomenal!
The teams sort out, Styles starts against Ryker, but Elias ambushes Styles! Ryker bails out because now it’s Elias starting against Styles instead! Elias gets Styles up to bump him off buckles, then CHOPS him! Elias fires off forearms, Styles flounders but Elias CHOPS him! And ROCKS him! Styles reaches for Omos but Elias whips him to the open corner. Elias runs in but Styles BOOTS him! Styles ROCKS Elias with haymakers, stomps him down, then gets him up for a snap suplex! Cover, TWO! Elias grits his teeth while Styles looms over him. Elias throws body shots and snap suplexes in return! Cover, ONE! Elias drags Styles up to DECK him!
Elias drags Styles up, snapmares and drops a knee! Elias runs, but Ryker tags in without warning. Ryker gets Styles up but Styles throws hands! Styles whips, Ryker reverses but Styles slides out to trip up Elias! Styles then gets back in the ring before Ryker can get him, and Styles DECKS Ryker! Styles builds speed to WRECK Ryker and send him into Elias, who tumbles onto the announce desk! Omos is fired up for that phenomenal move as Raw goes to break.
Raw returns again and Ryker drags Styles up for a suplex! Cover, TWO! Ryker clamps on a chinlock and grinds Styles down. Styles endures, fights his way up and throws body shots. Ryker turns Styles around to RAM him into buckles, face first! Styles is dazed as Ryker gets him back up. Ryker snapmares and clamps on another chinlock. Styles endures again, fights his way up, and throws more elbows! Ryker spins Styles around again but Styles ducks to PELE! Both men are down and the ThunderDome screens fire up! Both men crawl, hot tag- Elias leaves the corner?! Styles tags Omos and Ryker doesn’t understand what’s going on!
Omos stalks up behind Ryker, Ryker turns around, and Omos clamps on a CLAW!! Omos THROWS Ryker to a corner, Elias leaves up the ramp and Omos back elbows Ryker down! Omos drags Ryker up to whip corner to corner hard, and Ryker crumbles! Omos runs corner to corner to BACK BODY BLOCK! Ryker flops down, Omos looms over him, and drags him back up. Omos says Ryker’s not talking tough anymore as he reels him in for a LARIAT! Elias is watching and feels bad, but not bad enough to go back to the ring. Styles tags in, takes aim and springboards, PHENOMENAL FOREARM! Cover, Styles & Omos win!
Winners: AJ Styles & Omos, by pinfall (still Raw Tag Team Champions)
The Drifter drifts away, why did he ditch his tag partner? And even then, what duo can possibly stand to the towering Omos and Phenomenal AJ Styles?
Nia checks in with Reggie backstage.
She knows she’s been acting like a Nervous Nelly and she saw him handle himself in the ring, but is he sure he wants to accept Alexa’s invitation? She’s kinda weird… But what can go wrong? A lot! Reggie appreciates her concern, but he will be fine. Alright, but just be careful because they still need to celebrate. He can call if he needs her. Reggie agrees and goes looking for The Playground. Will he find his way there? Will he regret it if he does?
Elias hurries away backstage.
He’s looking around because he’s worried Ryker will find him, but Kevin Patrick finds him first. Kevin asks him why he did that to Ryker, and Elias says Ryker has become unhinged. When Ryker came to Elias, he knew he could rely on Elias. Ryker opened up to Elias and his genius. Elias knew that he could help Ryker focus his strength and mold him into something special. But last week, when Elias was in danger, Ryker ran away! Ryker’s priorities are out of whack! But Ryker beat AJ Styles last week. Yes, with Elias’ help! Where was Ryker when Elias needed help?
Now, Ryker is a veteran and Elias respects that, truly. Ryker is also an incredible athlete with strength and stamina through the roof but he’s unpredictable. That is what worries Elias. WWE is about to get back on the road, millions of people who finally get to Walk With Elias again. But the idea of being locked in a car, driving for hours and hours at a time with Ryker makes Elias sick. Elias won’t be around him anymore. Will Ryker make Elias regret walking away from him?
Alexa welcomes us to The Playground!
She and Lily are so excited. So much so, that Lily is getting impatient. Alexa wants to introduce us to their new friend, Reginald! Have a seat, Reggie. Alexa promises they don’t bite. Well, she doesn’t. But Reggie, she wants to congratulate him on his win over Shayna! That’s pretty neat. How does he feel about it? Aside from what happened to his leg, he feels great. It’s not often that- Sorry, Lily has a question first. But what is it? Reggie can’t answer what he doesn’t know. Oh, right, sorry! You can’t hear her, duh~! Lily wants to know about his time in Cirque de Soleil. She loves the circus!
But Shayna shows up to throw Reggie down! And beat him up! Alexa covers Lily’s eyes as Shayna throws Reggie out of the playground. Shayna takes a seat now, and Alexa hates to say this, but she wasn’t really invited. It’s only because Lily doesn’t like her. Sorry. Is that so? Well, Alexa’s becoming a big problem. Shayna showed us how she handles problems. So before things get out of hand, maybe they should have a little chat. See you next week, Alexa. In the ring. Shayna gets right in Lily’s face and says she’s just a stupid doll. Shayna heads out, but will she regret being a bully?
The Viking Raiders talk with Mansoor backstage.
Erik & Ivar tell Mansoor that before every live event, he needs to make sure he’s well rested and well fed. That’s going to be really important when the WWE gets back on the road. And the roar of a live crowd? That is something you will never forget! But to get the fans really pumped up, you need a chant or a war cry. Try something like… “RAID!” Mansoor takes a second, and gives a big strong “RAAAAID!!” Now he’s getting it! And don’t forget to have fun out there. And don’t suck. Welcome to Raw, kid! Mansoor appreciates that, but then he turns around and sees Mustafa Ali.
Mustafa tells Mansoor not to trust people here. They’re all just trying to get ahead, and they will stab you in the back. Believe him, he knows. Don’t trust the Viking Raiders or anyone! Then why should he trust Mustafa? Now you’re getting it. Whose path will Mansoor follow as WWE gets back on the road?
MVP and Lashley continue to party with the ladies!
Kevin Patrick walks in to ask for a quick interview. He knows they’ll be watching the main event, but do they have a preference? Would Lashley rather face McIntyre or Kofi again at HIAC? MVP says they’re going to love learning who will lose in a world title match at HIAC. But instead of talking about destruction, let’s talk positive things! KofiMania was one of MVP’s favorite moments. McIntyre took a long road to the title. They respect both men and their stories, but not as competition.
Lashley reminds us that he beat McIntyre at WrestleMania 37, and without McIntyre, Kofi would’ve never beat Lashley. But it is funny that they’re focused on someone doesn’t even compete here instead of realizing that none of them will take this title from him. MVP says he’d love to be ringside for this, but Pearce made it very clear that they’re banned since he doesn’t like their “viewing habits.” Harsh, but the executive suite with the ladies and the champagne is way better than a 90 day suspension with no pay. So it doesn’t matter. Neither one will end the All Mighty Era. Now get out of here, Kevin, you’re ruining the mood.
WWE World Championship #1 Contender’s Match: Drew McIntyre VS Kofi Kingston!
The Scottish Warrior and Power of Positivity Power Ranger are finally going to settle this one! Both men want the world title back around their waist, and are willing to go through hell at Hell in a Cell to get that belt! But who will go through the other to punch that golden ticket?
The bell rings and McIntyre RAMS Kofi to a corner! McIntyre stomps, punches and keeps Kofi cornered to CHOP! Kofi gets away, McIntyre stalks after him and ROCKS him with a right hand! McIntyre whips Kofi to ropes, Kofi gets around and goes for the crucifix takedown but McIntyre stays up! Kofi shifts to sunset flip, TWO! McIntyre is up but Kofi rolls him up, TWO! McIntyre CHOPS Kofi down and Kofi ends up in a corner! McIntyre looms over Kofi, stands him up and CHOPS him again! Kofi is stinging but McIntyre brings him up, and runs to the ropes! Kofi turns that into a body scissor toss that sends McIntyre tumbling!
Kofi then SPRINGBOARD TRUST FALLS! Direct hit and Kofi fires up as Raw goes to break!
Raw returns and Kofi fires off on McIntyre in a corner! McIntyre shoves him away and hits a GLASGOW KISS Headbutt! McIntyre snarls, drags Kofi up for a dead lift suplex! And McIntyre holds him up, Kofi tries to fight free, but McIntyre SLAMS him down! Cover, TWO! McIntyre drags Kofi back up, ROCKS him with a right, and stomps him in the corner! McIntyre drags Kofi up again, reels him in, but Kofi swings around the lariat to a GUILLOTINE! McIntyre endures, powers up and gets the suplex! Kofi knees through this time to cradle, TWO! BUZZSAW! Kofi BOOTS McIntyre down then rebounds off ropes to SPLASH! Cover, ONE!!
Lashley and his ladies watch as McIntyre gets up. Kofi KICKS McIntyre in the side, has him in a corner, and throws hands! Kofi stomps, goes corner to corner, and forearm smashes! Kofi keeps moving, and he forearm smashes again! Kofi runs, McIntyre dodges and OVERHEAD Belly2Belly suplexes! McIntyre grits his teeth as he glares at Kofi. McIntyre hauls Kofi up to TOSS him overhead again! Kofi flounders into the corner, the ref checks on him, but he’s okay to continue. McIntyre scoops Kofi, but Kofi counters to another cradle! TWO, and McIntyre BOOTS Kofi! McIntyre fires off hands against the ropes but lets off as the ref counts 4!
Kofi flounders against the ropes, McIntyre gets him back up, but he swings into the SOS!! Cover, TWO!! McIntyre survives but this is what he’s been known for since facing Lesnar at WrestleMania 36! Kofi keeps moving, but McIntyre bails out before a Boom Drop. Kofi climbs up and SUPER TRUST FALLS, but is caught! McIntyre TOSSES Kofi over barriers and into LED boards on the other side! Kofi writhes and McIntyre seethes as Raw goes to break!
Raw returns once again and McIntyre has Kofi in another corner. McIntyre stomps him, drags him up, and whips him corner to corner hard! Kofi bounces off buckles and McIntyre looms over him again. McIntyre drags Kofi up, shoves and scoops for a tilt-o-whirl BACKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Kofi survives but McIntyre clamps on for a motorcycle stretch. McIntyre digs that knee into Kofi’s back, but Kofi endures, showing why WrestleMania 35 was the original #KofiMania! Kofi fights up but McIntyre knees him in the back! McIntyre has Kofi in a corner to CHOP him again! McIntyre puts Kofi up top, throws hands, then climbs up to join him.
McIntyre throws hands but Kofi hits back! They brawl, McIntyre gets the edge with haymakers and headbutts! McIntyre fireman’s carries Kofi, but Kofi moves around to SUPER POWERBOMB!! McIntyre is down and Kofi crawls to a cover, TWO!! McIntyre gets one arm up and Kofi can’t believe it! Kofi bobs ‘n’ weaves around McIntyre to fire off DOUBLE CHOPS! And a dropkick! McIntyre kicks back, whips Kofi to a corner, but Kofi goes up and up to dropkick again! Cover, TWO! Kofi keeps his focus as he gets McIntyre back up. Kofi headbutts McIntyre! Kofi aims from a corner, powers up with the “NEW! DAY ROCKS!” clapping, and spins… but no Trouble In Paradise!
McIntyre swings on Kofi but back into SO- NO! McIntyre underhooks Kofi for a SWINGING BUTTERFLY, into the FUTURE SHOCK!! Cover, TWO?!!? Kofi survives and McIntyre is shocked! McIntyre sits up and looks at Kofi. McIntyre gets Kofi up to a fireman’s carry, but Kofi fights free! Kofi boots from a corner, then runs, into a SPINEBUSTER! Jackknife cover, TWO!! McIntyre is growing frustrated as Kofi survives again! McIntyre shakes his head and gets Kofi back up. McIntyre underhooks again, but Kofi slips out to SUPERKICK! Cover, TWO!! That’s still not enough but Kofi still has more to try!
Kofi goes to a corner while McIntyre is down. Kofi climbs, but McIntyre gets up to ROCK him with a right! McIntyre growls, climbs up to join Kofi again, but Kofi trips him up! Kofi fires off headbutts and haymakers on McIntyre! McIntyre is in a Tree of Woe, but he sits right up to TOSS Kofi away! McIntyre gets out of the Tree, takes aim from the corner, and he demands Kofi stand up. Kofi drags himself up in the opposite corner, CLAY- TROUBLE IN PARADISE!!! Kofi crawls to the cover, ROPEBREAK!!! McIntyre survives by mere inches and Kofi is stunned! Kofi drags McIntyre back up, throws hands in a corner, then whips corner to corner.
McIntyre reverses, Kofi goes up and up and RANAS! McIntyre falls out of the ring, Kofi goes to the apron to PENALTY KICK! And FLYING STOMP!! Kofi hurries to get McIntyre up and in! Kofi climbs, McIntyre writhes, Kofi leaps, into a CLAYMORE?!?! Cover, McIntyre wins!!
Winner: Drew McIntyre, by pinfall (NEW #1 Contender to the WWE World Championship)
This was truly a match worthy of a championship! McIntyre didn’t steamroll Kofi like he said he would, but he did win out. Kofi and McIntyre show respect for each other with a handshake, but Lashley shows up now that the ringside ban has been lifted! Lashley holds up the title but McIntyre says it’s only a matter of time! Will the Scottish Warrior survive hell and the All Mighty to once again be on top of the world?
My Thoughts:
Tonight was somehow decent, but I did fear it was another non go home episode coming down with Go Home Syndrome at a certain point. It was the recaps again, but they stopped around Sheamus’ double header. And speaking of that, I should’ve figured Sheamus was going to get his comeuppance here. He wasn’t going to win both, and it would be a bit rough on the math to have Sheamus win one and lose the other. Sheamus fighting through that bloody nose was badass, though. I have a feeling WWE is copy and pasting another Triple Threat here, and Sheamus can use Ricochet and Carrillo against each other so he comes out the winner.
Miz TV to open was alright, as was the Beat the Clock Challenge copy and paste. At least this time, Nikki was the one putting the pressure on her opponent, as she should have with Rhea last week. Charlotte and Rhea are now even in that regard, and it’s great for Nikki to finally be involved in things. But whether it’s Rhea or Charlotte after HIAC, I don’t see Nikki beating either in a match with no time limits. Meanwhile, I should’ve figured Alexa and Lily would mess with Shayna. Reggie won but ended up paying for it, and if we’re getting Shayna VS Alexa next week, that might finally give us an idea as to how Lily will get involved in the ring.
Good to see Naomi & Lana VS Mandy & Dana tonight to get a Raw team going after the Women’s Tag Champions. It was a good match, #SexyMuscleFriends winning makes sense as Lana is still just outside of being a championship level superstar. Plus, Mandy & Dana having strength and athleticism makes for a good match up with the technical Natty and even stronger Tamina. Though I will say again, this would be the one time I would actually welcome another Triple Threat. Raw’s contenders, Mandy & Dana, battling SmackDown’s contenders, the Riott Squad, as well as the champions would make for a very exciting title match at a PPV where both brands would be present by default.
I like that instead of getting superstars giving promos right to the camera to hype up WWE’s return to touring, they integrated them into conversation promos that also advanced story. Mansoor being new to Raw, he’s basically a clean slate in terms of Face and Heel, so I like that there was a lightside VS darkside moment. Does Mansoor trust the Viking Raiders about, uh, being a healthy and responsible Face? Or does he believe Mustafa Ali and become a shark Heel that only looks out for himself? At the very least, Mansoor VS Mustafa would be a great match, and maybe even a great tag team to battle the Viking Raiders.
Priest, Riddle and Orton were good in the other conversation promo. They basically reworked what Riddle said on Raw Talk last week, which makes it seem like Raw Talk doesn’t matter to them. But it does make it canon that Orton approves of Riddle using the RKO. Orton VS Woods was a really good match, not quite Riddle VS Woods last week, but I love that Orton used the Bro Derek in return now. We have to be getting Styles & Omos VS RKBRO at HIAC for the titles, we just have to. Styles & Omos of course retain their titles, but I feel it’s a shame Elias & Ryker break up as a team. The RawDown Tag Divisions have so little as it is, they should’ve let those two stick together a little longer.
Elias’ turn on Ryker of course turns Ryker into a Face, and using a Memorial Day Raw as the time for it was a logical move. Elias VS Ryker is going to carry these two to at least HIAC, maybe a little past that, and WWE will have a new patriotic and beefy Face they’ll try and get fans to rally behind, not having learned from how AEW and Cody Rhodes have gotten some flack over making a USA VS Not USA angle out of Cody Rhodes VS Anthony Ogogo. Ryker is still a good powerhouse wrestler who doesn’t really have to say much, and he could’ve had Elias as his musical hype man, but I guess Elias as a Face just doesn’t work for WWE.
But what the hell with Benjamin VS Alexander tonight? For one, immediately getting a tiebreaker match here seems too soon. One or both of them should’ve been facing other singles competitors as a way to one-up each other. And then they’d have the tiebreaker that’d be the best match of them all. But Alexander made Benjamin look like a chump! I can get if Benjamin is entering a crisis of confidence story where he has to redeem himself, but it just seems way too easy for Alexander to cheat Benjamin and win like that. Benjamin has been with the WWE too long to be treated like that, even if it is to put a young star over.
Lashley and MVP partying with the ladies all night was at least the logical move. If they couldn’t be ringside, they’d play up the Hurt Business big money gimmick. I am curious as to Lashley mentioning something in his promo about “someone who doesn’t even compete here.” “Here” meaning Raw, and I assume that person in question is Roman Reigns. But no one mentioned Roman did they? Tonight or last week. But if it is to keep the parallel alive and to set up Lashley VS Roman at Survivor Series, I like that at least someone is planting that seed.
Then the promos from McIntyre and Kofi were both great, McIntyre VS Kofi was an awesome main event, PPV worthy in itself, but I am both a little surprised and disappointed they defaulted to McIntyre. I do get that if you go back to over a year ago, Backlash 2020, that was McIntyre VS Lashley round one, McIntyre won. WrestleMania 37 was round two and Lashley won. HIAC 2021 would be round three and the true blow-off, and then both men can wash their hands of the feud. But just because fans aren’t in the arena to pop for Kofi winning, I know we all would’ve been excited at home to see it happen.
Perhaps this is WWE already planning ahead for once. Whether it’s McIntyre or Lashley winning at HIAC, Kofi can face the champion at MITB for his long overdue rematch for the title. KofiMania 2 may not happen at WrestleMania, but as long as it happens, the live fans will love it. So long as Mr. MITB doesn’t cash in and take it away from him again on that same night, that is.
My Score: 8.1/10
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Will The Man be the Last Woman Standing?
Becky Lynch and Nia Jax want to finally put this to an end, so tonight on Raw, it will be a Big Time Last Woman Standing match! Will the Irresistible Force force the WrestleMania 40 match to change?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championship Ladder Match Qualifier: #DIY VS The Creed Brothers; DIY wins and advances to WrestleMania.
- Candice LeRae & Indi Hartwell VS Kayden Carter & Katana Chance; Candice & Indi win.
- Dominik Mysterio w/ JD McDonagh VS Ricochet; Ricochet wins.
- Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championship Ladder Match Qualifier: The Awesome Truth VS Indus Sher; The Awesome Truth wins and advances to WrestleMania.
- Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championship Ladder Match Qualifier: The New Day VS The Alpha Academy; The New Day wins and advances to WrestleMania.
- Last Woman Standing: Becky Lynch VS Nia Jax; Becky wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
Jey Uso is here!
North Carolina State University fires up and bounces along with Main Event Jey, and Pat McAfee plays a dangerous game standing on the armchairs! From Bret VS Owen to Matt VS Jeff, we’re about to get Jey VS Jimmy in the third-ever Brother VS Brother WrestleMania grudge match! Jey gets the mic as fans chant “YEET! YEET! YEET!” Jey welcomes us to Monday Night Raw, and wants us to check this out. He knows his brothers are somewhere in the building. He knows The Bloodline’s in the building. He knows how the Bloodline rolls! SO Big Brother Jimmy, where you at?! Where you at, Uce!?
Jey waits for someone to show up somewhere, and the crowd spots them first! Fans boo as Jimmy & Solo make their way from the back of the stands. Jimmy gets a mic and goes to the apron while Solo paces around the outside. Fans chant “YEET! YEET! YEET!” again as Jey puts the sunglasses aside. The Usos stare each other down, the fans now chant “UCE! OH! UCE! OH!” Jey wants to say something, hesitates, but then says these two would always get to it but they always knew how to shake right back to this. But now it’s different. Regardless of what happened, the bad blood between them, Jey misses his brother. He does.
Jey knows Jimmy will say what he wants, but Jey doesn’t talk to him no more, doesn’t ride with him no more, doesn’t even see him no more! Jimmy can just come back. Jimmy says he never left! He protected Jey! Jey’s so dumb, he can’t see it! Jimmy is protecting Jey! It was Jey’s idea to leave The Bloodline, but Jimmy helped because he is Jey’s brother. So yeah, Jey leaves, and what happens? Lil’ Bro becomes the BIGGEST star on the Raw roster! Lil’ Bro becomes the top merch seller! Lil’ Bro goes off to become a tag team champion without Jimmy, but with CODY RHODES!? Who left who, Uce?
Jey forgot Jimmy! Everything Jey did that was big was cuz of Big Bro Jimmy! Everything! So listen loud and clear. The biggest moment in Jey’s career, the BIGGEST moment, is because of Jimmy! Jimmy stares Jey down, but Jey says no. Jey’s biggest moment in his career is going to be his dream match at WrestleMania 40: Jey VS Jimmy, and Jey knocks the yeet out Jimmy’s ass! Jey DECKS Jimmy, DECKS Solo off the apron, but then Jimmy SUPERKICKS Jey down! The fans boo but now Solo storms in and looms over Jey. Solo drags Jey up so Jimmy can look him in the face and tell him that Jey needs to get it right! JIMMY made Jey!
But here comes Cody Rhodes! The fans fire up as Cody DECKS Jimmy, then gets in to springboard and CODY CUTTER Solo!! The American Nightmare said he was gonna be a Bloodline Hunter, and he made sure they didn’t take out Jey! Cody tells The Bloodline it is only a matter of time before they lose it all at WrestleMania! Will Jey prove that younger or older doesn’t matter when he is the BETTER brother?
Adam Pearce is on the phone.
He’s telling Nick Aldis to stop being a hypocrite, telling Pearce to keep his roster in check when this is happening. But then Paul Heyman walks over and Pearce says he’ll call Aldis back. Pearce then asks Heyman what was all that, and Heyman says he owes Pearce an apology. He is sorry. That was not authorized by The Final Boss nor The Tribal Chief, and certainly not by Heyman. Jimmy & Solo went into business for themselves so Heyman apologizes. But listen, Pearce knows that there have been flight delays all day. Even private jets like theirs. Heyman is barely even dressed for TV, let alone has his make-up!
Pearce says those two were ready. Yeah, well, they got in on a different flight. But Roman Reigns is a chief of his word. Those two are already gone, out of the arena, and Pearce has Roman’s word. Call his bluff, put out a search party. Pearce knows Heyman is here on official business, which Heyman will handle, and then be gone. That is it. But when Heyman does his official business… everyone will be caught off guard. “And Mr. Pearce, sir, that’s not a prediction. That’s a spoiler.” The Wise Man heads out and calls Roman, but just what is Heyman teasing?
Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championship Ladder Match Qualifier: #DIY VS The Creed Brothers!
Unlike SmackDown’s mini-tournament, Raw and Adam Pearce say it’s win and you’re in! Tommaso Ciampa & Johnny Gargano want one more shot at Judgment Day, but so do Julius & Brutus! Will the Sicilian Psycho & Johnny Wrestling prove that when it comes to Mania Moments, you gotta do it yourself? Or will the Creeds be bringing golden tickets to the Diamond Mine?
Raw returns as The Creeds make their entrance. The teams fist bump to show respect, then the teams sort out. Julius starts against Ciampa, they circle and tie up. They’re in a deadlock, Ciampa goes for a waistlock but Julius facelocks. Julius wrangles Ciampa to the mat, flips him over, ONE, and Ciampa keeps moving. They trade facelocks, gator roll, and Julius gets another lateral press. ONE, but Julius gator rolls Ciampa around. Ciampa fights up, puts Julius on ropes, and the ref counts. Ciampa lets off, then CHOPS! Julius shoots in for the takedown! Julius has a leg, Ciampa fights but Julius turns him for the ANKLE LOCK!
Ciampa scrambles to the ROPEBREAK, and Julius lets off cleanly. Ciampa bails out, shakes it off, and he gets back in. They go again, Julius hits a fireman’s carry takeover! Tag to Brutus, and Julius feeds Ciampa to another fireman’s carry takeover! Brutus cording holds but Ciampa endures. Ciampa fights up, but Brutus facelocks. The fans rally as Brutus switches and rolls Ciampa. Ciampa fights up, headlocks, then ROCKS Brutus! Brutus DECKS Ciampa, then whips him to ropes. Ciampa ducks ‘n’ dodges, tag to Gargano! Ciampa slides, CHOPS, Gargano LARIATS and Ciampa JAWBREAKERS! Wrench and LARIAT!
Julius runs in, Gargano kicks and Ciampa gives him the boost for SLICED BREAD! The Creeds bail out, but DIY DOUBLE PLANCHA! Down go the Creeds, and DIY applaud and pat themselves on the back. The fans fire up and Raw goes to break.
Raw returns again and Ciampa has Julius in a chinlock. The fans rally, Julius fights up to throw body shots, but Ciampa hits a back suplex! Julius lands out of it, but Ciampa elbows him away. Ciampa drop toeholds Julius, gets legs, but Julius BOOTS Ciampa away! Hot tags to Gargano and Brutus! Brutus rallies on DIY, TOSSES Gargano, then blocks Ciampa’s kick to get under and POWERBOMB him! Brutus sees DIY regroup, then he runs in to SPLASH them both! O’Conner on Ciampa, but Gargano runs up! NORTHERN LIGHTS! Brutus has a DOUBLE BRIDGE, TWO!! Tag to Julius and he gut wrench SLAMS Brutus on Ciampa!
Brutus helps Julius flip up and over to SPLASH onto Ciampa! Cover, TWO! The fans rally up as Julius drags Ciampa up. Ciampa throat chops! A bit dirty but Ciampa wants that win! Ciampa storms up on Julius, but Julius basement stalling suplexes!! The fans are thunderous, Gargano runs in, but Brutus intercepts! Brutus suplexes Gargano now, stalls, and then the Creeds SLAM and kip up! Then they both STANDING MOONSAULT! Cover, TWO! Ciampa stays in this for DIY but the Creeds keep cool. Julius stomps Ciampa, tags Brutus, and they KNEE Ciampa around! Then they DOUBLE GUTBUSTER! Ciampa sputters but Brutus tags Julius in.
Julius drags Ciampa up, tags Brutus back in, and Brutus climbs. Julius Electric Chair Lifts, but Gargano makes the save! Gargano ROCKS Julius, Brutus ROCKS Gargano! Ciampa BOOTS Brutus, Gargano swings on Julius but is sent into Ciampa! Ciampa pushes Gargano back so he can ELBOW Julius! DIY set up again but Brutus stops the Sliced Bread! Julius DECKS Ciampa, KNEE into the WIDOWMAKER! Julius scrapes Gargano out, Brutus POUNCES Ciampa over the desk! Pat fires up with Brutus and so do the fans! The Creeds say they run this now, and then Brutus drags Ciampa up while Raw goes to break.
Raw returns again and Julius has Ciampa in a chinlock. Ciampa fights up, and he JAWBREAKERS free! Ciampa ELBOWS Brutus down, BOOTS Julius, then runs up, only for Julius to catch him and toss him back! But then Ciampa catches Julius for a REVERSE DDT! The fans fire up while both men are down and crawling! Hot tag to Gargano! Gargano slingshots to KICK Julius, then he CLOBBERS Brutus! ENZIGIRI for Julius, then he runs to DOUBLE KNEE Brutus! BULLDOG LARIAT COMBO! The fans fire up with Gargano while Julius ends up in another corner. Gargano runs in but is put on the apron!
Gargano GAMANGIRIS Julius, SUPERKICKS Brutus, then SLINGSHOT SPEARS Julius! Cover, TWO! Julius survives but Gargano puts him in a corner. Gargano CHOPS, then hoists Julius up top. Tag to Ciampa, Ciampa CHOPS Julius while Gargano DIVES onto Brutus! Ciampa CHOPS Julius again, goes up top, and fireman’s carries! Ciampa then tucks Julius in for the SUPER AIR RAID CRASH! Cover, TWO!! Julius survives again and shocks Ciampa! The fans are just as stunned, but Ciampa and Julius sit up. Ciampa stands, and he CHOPS! And CHOPS! Julius sits back up as Ciampa puts some stank on the CHOP!
Julius brings the straps down! Julius fires a forearm, Ciampa hits back, and the fans fire up as the shots keep going! They go faster and faster, harder and harder, meaner and meaner! The fans fire up as this just turns into a brawl of haymakers and SLAPS! Ciampa then gets around, ripcord and HAYMAKER! ROLLING- TACKLE from Julius! And then the ANKLE LOCK!! Ciampa reaches out, moves around, but Gargano runs up! Julius kicks him, then gets him up with one arm to POWERBOMB! Then it’s back to the ANKLE LOCK on Ciampa! Brutus gets in to get Gargano for an ANKLE LOCK of his own!
The fans are thunderous as DIY endures! Ciampa and Gargano fight, turn things over, SICILIAN CROSSFACE and GargaNO Escape!! The fans are thunderous as The Creeds power up and lift both DIY! They fireman’s carry, then TOSS DIY into each other!! The fans are thunderous as Julius goes up to MOONSAULT onto Ciampa! Brutus MOONSAULTS, too! Cover, TWO?!?! Ciampa survives and the fans are loving this! Julius tags back in, Brutus climbs up! “This is Awesome!” as Julius Electric Chair Lifts Ciampa! But Ciampa VICTORY ROLLS to get under the Brutus Ball!! Cover, Brutus tips it! Gargano TOSSES Brutus then SUPERKICKS Julius!! Ciampa has the cover, DIY WINS!!
Winners: DIY, by pinfall (advance to WrestleMania)
Julius can’t believe it! He kicked out at 3.1, but a loss is a loss! And for the first time ever, DIY is going to Mania! Will Philadelphia soon be historic for a DIY championship victory?
Judgment Day meets backstage.
Rhea Ripley is with Dominik Mysterio, Finn Balor & JD McDonagh, but also Andrade. Dom says he’s always liked Andrade’s style, but things have changed since the last time he was in the WWE. The Judgment Day runs Raw now. Rhea says yeah, and they don’t extend invitations to just anyone. Judgment Day is very exclusive. JD says very exclusive. But if Andrade continues to impress them, they’ll see about making things happen. And Finn says he just heard that Andrade has a match next week, so the Judgment Day will be watching him. Sounds good. See you next week. But then in steps Damian Priest.
The Punisher says hello to El Idolo, and El Idolo says hello to Senor Dinero. Andrade heads out, will he quite literally win his way into the club? But as for Priest, Finn asks him what he was up to. Priest was getting a closer look at that DIY VS Creeds match. DIY won, but whatever, they can handle those guys. But JD, they thought he could handle Ricochet last week, and run the gauntlet, and then go to WrestleMania to bring even more gold back to Judgment Day. JD says he did he belonged in there. But also, he battered Ricochet, who got lucky at the end there. Right, Finn? Finn hesitates, and Rhea says Priest is right on this one.
Ricochet made a fool out of JD! A fool? Yes. A fool? Yes. That’s why tonight, Dom will make it right. Right, Dom? Yeah, Mami. Let’s go talk to Pearce to make it official. Dom & JD head out, and the others are confident Dom’s got this. But does he, though? Or will the One and Only have two wins over Judgment Day in as many weeks?
Candice LeRae & Indi Hartwell VS Kayden Carter & Katana Chance!
The Poison Pixie certainly lived up to that name last week when she bullied Maxxine Dupri as part of beating her and Ivy Nile last week. Will Candice’s toxic tongue strike again? Or will the party not be stopped by her harsh vibes?
The teams sort out and Candice starts against Kayden. Candice rushes up, Kayden gets around and O’Conner Rolls, TWO! Kayden springboards to basement dropkick! Cover, TWO! Kayden stalks Candice, Candice ELBOWS her away then tags Indi. Kayden dodges Candice to SUPERKICK, but Indi BOOTS Kayden! Cover, TWO! Indi drags Kayden up, tags Candice back in, and they mug Kayden. Candice CLUBS away on Kayden, fires off furious fists, then covers. TWO, and Candice grows frustrated already. The fans rally, Candice steps up but Kayden avoids the senton! Tags to Katana and Indi! Katana blasts past Indi, comes back and BULLDOGS!
Katana keeps moving, ducks ‘n’ dodges, then SHOTGUNS Indi to a corner! The fans fire up as Katana stomps away on Indi! Indi shoves Katana, Katana runs corner to corner to A-LIST LARIAT! Katana shoves Indi down, runs up, but into a back suplex! Katana lands out, but her leg jams! The ref and Kayden check, then the ref keeps Indi back. Indi says okay, and she stays by Candice. But Candice tags in to WRECK Kayden! And she SLAMS Katana’s leg into the post!! HALF CRAB and DEEP! Katana taps, Candice & Indi win!
Winners: Candice LeRae & Indi Hartwell, by submission
Candice smiles and celebrates with Indi, but Indi doesn’t want to. Candice says a win is a win, but just what is going on in her toxic mind?
Cody Rhodes makes his way to the ring.
NC State fires up again as The American Nightmare walks down the ramp, and this time the fans can sing along with the song, “WHOA~ OH~!” Cody gets his pyro then gets the mic. “In less than three weeks time, I will stand opposed for the second year in a row, in the main event, with the lights on brightest, I will challenge for the WWE Undisputed Championship, against the greatest champion in all of sports, The Tribal Chief, Roman Reigns. And this Friday on SmackDown, Roman and I are going to have a little conversation, if you will. But there are… complications. Factors, elements, combustible elements, namely… The Rock.”
Fans boo but Cody says The Rock took to Instagram on Friday, and followed it up with “extremely entertaining” concert. Too bad The Rock didn’t wanna be here tonight. Something Cody took from the Instagram post: The Rock referred to himself as “Our Favorite Heel.” A bit of an inside term, but we’re not dumb, we know that means he’s the “bad guy.” Cody has known Heels. Bobby Heenan, Arn Anderson, Michael Hayes, “Superstar” Billy Graham, “The Nature Boy” Ric Flair! Fans “WOO~” and Cody says he doesn’t think The Rock is a Heel. He’s just an assh*le. The fans go nuts hearing that!
Cody doesn’t want Rock getting upset, he doesn’t want the “seven bucks team” to get upset, he doesn’t want anyone getting emotional. Cody knows how Rock feels about emotions, he poked fun at Cody tearing up at discussing “finishing the story” with good friend, Michael Cole. There’s no crying in pro-wrestling, Jimmy Dugan, we get it. But hasn’t The Rock been crying behind the scenes this whole time? Once that hashtag came out, once fans chanted something else, The Rock cried to his buddies on the TKO board and said “Hey, this is gonna be some good PR for The Rock! I need to save WWE!” God knows, look at this house. They sure needed “saving,” huh?
The fans cheer but Cody says Rock wanted great PR. Until it wasn’t. TKO said OMG yes, put on the Gucci shirt, get those muscles looking big. It’s because they are Yes People, they are enablers, they won’t dare tell The Rock like it is, so Cody’s going to. Cody tells The Rock, “You’re a lot of things. You’re a lot of wonderful things. You are the Braham Bull, you are The Great One.” Cody still has shoes with The Rock’s logo on it! The Rock is the only guy Cody honestly feels is a Mount Rushmore wrestler. But he is also a terrible salesman, a carny succubus, and for those who don’t get what that means, The Rock is “a whiny b*tch!”
Fans lose their minds again but Cody says The Rock has been convinced otherwise. But don’t think that for two seconds this locker room needs The Rock more than The Rock needs it! That’s a rule of wrestling, nobody is bigger than the business! And sure, Cody brought up his mom, so it is fair game for The Rock to use that. But Cody knows The Rock’s mom. Here’s what Cody will tell us about The Rock’s mom. She is a wonderful lady, salt of the earth, she helped Cody chop Kevin in a dark match. Cody has nothing but respect for The Rock’s mom, something The Rock should’ve echoed back towards Cody’s mom.
But see, The Rock was talking about whipping Cody, handing a bloody weight belt to Cody’s mom, and normally someone as powerful as The Rock, Mama Rhodes would tremble. But The Rock doesn’t know Cody’s mom. Cody was more scared than she was, because she ain’t scared of nothing. This is the same woman who once jumped out of her chair at a Willie Nelson concert and beat up an undercover cop! She ain’t afraid of The Rock! Cody has been asked, April 6th, biggest tag match of all time, Rock & Roman VS Cody & Seth. Seth Rollins, the World Heavyweight Champion, a man The Rock should respect because that man has carried The Rock’s company!
How will Cody get past that match? How will April 7th look? Will it be a fair fight? Cody can tell us honestly… He doesn’t know. Cody does not know if it will be Bloodline Rules or not. Hell, he might not #FinishTheStory. “But Dwayne… What do you know? How can you be so sure of your own self, right?” The Rock hasn’t been in the ring in real action in years! April 6th, the bell is gonna ring, and what happens then? Is The Rock gonna bring The Great One, the hero we all had growing up? Is he bringing that #BigDwayneEnergy? Or is it gonna be LDS, Little D*ck Syndrome?! The fans chant “L D S! L D S!”
Cody says The Rock has referred to himself as The Final Boss. Kudos for that nickname, maybe he really is that. Maybe Cody is too naive to see it. But at WrestleMania, Cody doesn’t think The Rock will be The Final Boss. At WrestleMania, he’s just Roman’s side chick. But then ladies and gentlemen, his name is Paul Heyman, and he serves as The Wise Man to Your Tribal Chief, the reigning! Defending! Undisputed! WWE Universal Heavyweight Champion, Roman… Reigns! And as Special Counsel to the Bloodline, Heyman is here to say to Cody that the ideals that Cody and Heyman share are far greater than the interests on which they conflict.
By example, don’t you hate it when someone comes out to demand an apology? Not that Cody’s done that, but Heyman is still going to do that. Heyman came out here with some “friends” of his, and he apologized. For a Wise Man, that was pretty freakin’ stupid. One: because it didn’t work. Two: because it was just dumb. And for that, Cody, to you and the fans, Heyman humbly apologizes. Cody says whoa, whoa, whoa. He didn’t ask for an apology, and he certainly knows Heyman wants permission to be in the ring. Heyman is a Hall of Famer starting this year, if he wants into the ring, be Cody’s guest.
Heyman thanks Cody for that but he’s fine on the apron. He carries with him a message from The Tribal Chief, Roman Reigns. Talk about Heels… You may think of Heyman anything negative you want, and that might be understanding the obvious. Heyman is not trustworthy, but Roman is a chief of his word. Heyman assures that this Friday on SmackDown, Roman will be face to face with Cody. American Nightmare, Tribal Chief, challenger and champion. And when they are face to face, there will not be a single other member of The Bloodline in sight. Except for Heyman, but he is no physical threat.
Heyman holds the title belt, the beads, whispers things in Roman’s ear, such as his love and respect. But Cody has Roman’s word that if he shows up on SmackDown, Roman will show up alone. Cody says Roman shows up alone, no Bloodline outside of Heyman, it’s a deal. They good? Heyman has some jet lag, he forgot one little point. And don’t boo him, he’s talking to Cody! Cody says yes they’re booing, and he’s about to go full Homelander and rip Heyman’s throat out if he doesn’t get to the point. Fans like the reference. Heyman composes himself and says if Roman Reigns shows up alone this Friday on SmackDown, then Cody must show up to SmackDown alone, too.
Cody steps closer to Heyman and Heyman is a bit nervous. Cody tells Heyman, “Deal!” They shake hands, and Heyman smiles. The Wise Man negotiated a purely one-on-one meeting between his Tribal Chief and American Nightmare, but can we trust Heyman was telling the truth about Roman telling the truth?
Nia Jax speaks.
“You know what I’ve realized? Becky Lynch has never beaten me. And after tonight, she never will. Because after I break her face again, I will be taking her spot at WrestleMania. I will finish business with Rhea Ripley, and not only will I walk out the Last Woman Standing, but I will become Women’s World Champion.” The Irresistible Force is ready for the Big Time, but will she A-Nia-late her?
Cody Rhodes returns backstage.
And Jey says there he go! But real quick, Cody can’t be going to SmackDown alone. Cody says he gave them his word. But The Bloodline isn’t gonna play fair! They’re all gonna be there! If Cody needs Jey, Jeys’ got him. Cody hears that, but he knows what he’s dealing with. They shake hands and Jey heads out. Will Cody be able to have that fair, one-on-one meeting? Or does Jey have a point about The Bloodline?
Dominik Mysterio w/ JD McDonagh VS Ricochet!
It seems Pearce agreed to the idea that Dirty Dom should try and clean up The Irish Ace’s mess. Will Dom be able to get revenge on Ricochet? Or will Ricochet be the One and Only person holding their head high tonight?
Raw returns and Dom has made his entrance. The bell rings, Dom and Ricochet circle, and they tie up. Ricochet waistlocks, Dom fights the lift and grabs ropes. The ref counts, Ricochet lets off, but Dom ELBOWS him away! Dom fires hands, soaks up the heat, then storms up, but into haymakers! Ricochet CHOPS, kicks then flexes on Dom. Ricochet whips, Dom reverses, but Ricochet goes up and over. Ricochet ducks ‘n’ dodges to then handspring back elbow! The fans fire up while Dom bails out! JD is there to coach Dom up, but Ricochet runs in! JD gets Dom to safety, but Ricochet handsprings to hero land!
The fans fire up, Ricochet then goes to ropes to TORNILLO PLANCHA! Direct hit on Dom and Ricochet tells JD to back off. Ricochet puts Dom in, Dom distracts the ref, but JD grabs Ricochet’s leg! Ricochet kicks JD away, but then Dom WRECKS Ricochet with a dropkick! Dom soaks up the heat and Raw goes to break.
Raw returns again and Dom has Ricochet up top. Dom climbs but Ricochet throws body shots! The fans rally behind Ricochet as he sends Dom staggering. Ricochet hops down as Dom comes running back, and Ricochet GAMANGIRIS him away! Ricochet then springboards, but Dom trips him up! Ricochet flops to the mat, then Dom kicks and FACEBUSTERS! Cover, TWO! Ricochet is still in this and JD argues the count. Dom looms over Ricochet, scuffs him around, then mockingly cheers him on. Fans boo but Dom brings Ricochet up. Dom gives some Latino Heat, then suplexes! Uno Amigo, but fans boo.
Dom gets Ricochet up but Ricochet suplexes Dom instead! And then fireman’s carry, DYNAMITE KICK! Cover, TWO! Dom is still in this and JD coaches him but the fans rally for Ricochet. Ricochet stands, storms up on Dom, but Dom shoots around to roll him up! With tights! TWO, Ricochet blocks a kick and KICKS Dom down! Ricochet hurries up top, the fans fire up, but Ricochet has to bail out of the 450 as Dom moves! Dom runs in again, but into a SUPERKICK! JD gets on the apron, so Ricochet triangle jump DROPKICKS! But then Dom DROPKICKS Ricochet onto ropes! Dom dials it up but Ricochet ducks!
Dom spins around, into the RECOIL!! Cover, Ricochet wins!
Winner: Ricochet, by pinfall
But then JD runs in! Ricochet dodges, goes up and around, BOOTS JD away, then BOOTS him again! Ricochet even flips up and out of the ring at the same time! Ricochet gets the better of Judgment Day again, just how disappointed is Mami going to be in her Latino Heat this time?
Sami Zayn is backstage.
He finds Chad Gable and wants to talk with him. Last week’s match, that was an honor. Sami hasn’t been pushed like that in a long time, it could’ve gone either way. Gable says yeah, it was great. Thanks. Is Gable alright? Yeah, he’s fine. Kinda feels like not… Gable says he’s fine, so leave it at that. C’mon, man, how many years have they known each other? Sami knows when something’s bothering Gable, so he should just say it. Gable says look, last week, the WrestleMania opportunity, the whole thing, it just meant more to him. Sami says he’s been hearing Gable say that for weeks, and it is really unfair.
Does Gable really think he’s the only one this title opportunity matters to? Sami has a family, too! Sami’s kid cries when Papa loses a match, too. Sami has people he’s let down and is trying to make proud. After all the years put into this, Gable can’t tell Sami what matters more because he doesn’t know Sami like that. Gable has Sami calm down, and says he knows all that. But it isn’t all about that. Then what is all this? Gable says Sami can’t beat Gunther. Gable then leaves, and Sami is at a loss for words. Is this bitter side of Gable only going to get worse as we go down this Road to WrestleMania?
Adam Pearce is in the ring.
Raw returns with the GM by a table, and he welcomes us to a contract signing to make official the Intercontinental Heavyweight Championship for WrestleMania! The fans cheer, and Pearce introduces first, the challenger, Sami Zayn! The Great Liberator makes his entrance and the fans sing along with his song. Sami still looks troubled by what Gable said just moments ago, but he still high-fives fans and gets in the ring. Then Pearce introduces the longest reigning Intercontinental Champion of all time, Der Ring General, GUNTHER! The fans boo as Gunther walks in, having reached Day 647!
Gunther smiles as Sami watches him make his way down the ramp and into the ring. Pearce says we know how this works, but Gunther says before we proceed, let us call this what it is: the most important contract signing for the most important match in the history of this championship. And why, why, why is the challenger dressed no better than any of the bums in the audience? Fans boo but Sami just shrugs that off. Sami gets a mic to say that Gunther keeps sitting there all smug, and it’s really starting to piss Sami off. Gunther thinks this is just another day at the office, that he’ll steamroll through Sami like any other contender.
But with all respect to Gunther, he really has. He has beaten everyone that has come his way, and has done it on his own. Gunther doesn’t believe Sami can do it. A lot of people didn’t believe Sami at many points in his career. They didn’t believe he’d even make it to WWE, let alone win championships and main event a WrestleMania. And if you ask The Usos, they didn’t believe Sami would be one of the guys to end the longest tag title reign in WWE history, but he did! And one year later, he will make history again by ending the longest Intercontinental title reign in WWE history! Sami signs his part and pushes the contract over to Gunther.
The fans cheer Sami on but Gunther waits it out. Gunther tells Sami, what Sami should do is listen to his new friend, Gable. Gable doesn’t believe Sami can win. The people here cheer Sami, they probably even love Sami. But even they don’t believe Sami can win. And y’know, when Gunther looks Sami in the eyes, and if Sami was honest with himself, even Sami doesn’t believe he can win. So what Sami is doing right now is standing on Gunther’s doorstep and begging him to get the beating of a lifetime on the Grandest Stage of Them All! So whatever Sami has to do, from training to believing, just keep doing that. Because at WrestleMania, Sami’s dreams will meet reality.
Gunther grins and signs his part, and it is now official! Gunther then stands, title on his shoulder, and takes his leave. The fans boo, but then Sami tells Gunther to wait. Gunther steps back inside to hear Sami as Sami turns around. Gunther looks in Sami’s eyes and believes Sami doesn’t believe? Sami stands to get in Gunther’s face and dares him to look again. Get a good long look, because these are the eyes of the man who will take you down at Mania! The fans fire up, and now Sami leaves first. Gunther still just grins, but will Sami use a Helluva Kick to wipe that smile off his face?
We follow Sami as he storms backstage, right past DIY and The Awesome Truth. Truth asks what’s up with Sami, but The Miz says that is the mindset of WrestleMania right there. That’s what they need. DIY wishes Awesome Truth luck. Awesome Truth knows DIY is into the ladder match, and they are gonna have their own qualifier. Miz & Truth just need to beat… Indus Sher. Jinder Mahal tells Veer & Sanga to warm up for the match. They head out, and Truth says he feels sorry for whoever has to face those guys. Miz stares at Truth, and he has DIY hold off. Miz will explain. The Awesome Truth heads to gorilla, their match is next!
Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championship Ladder Match Qualifier: The Awesome Truth VS Indus Sher w/ Jinder Mahal!
Miz wants a remix of the theme song but Truth says to just follow his lead. NC State knows what’s up, but will the Awesome Truth finally reach the top of the tag division 13 years after they first teamed? We’ll see, after the break!
Raw returns as Indus Sher makes their entrance, the Modern Day Maharaja by their side. The teams sort out and Truth starts against Sanga. The fans echo “WHAT’S UP?!” but Sanga roars! Truth is scared now so he tags Miz. Truth fires Miz up, Miz runs up and dodges Sanga to fire off haymakers! Miz kicks, whips, but Sanga blocks! Sanga whips and CLOBBERS Miz! Jinder nods as Sanga then scoops Miz and brings him over. Veer tags in, Sanga SLAMS Miz, then Veer ELBOW DROPS! Indus Sher say “NAMASTE!” but the fans say “WHAT’S UP!?” with Truth. Veer HIP DROPS Miz, then looms over him.
Veer eggs Miz on, drags him up with shoulder claws, and then steps over Miz for the neck wrench! Miz endures as Veer still digs a claw into his shoulder. The fans rally for Miz, Miz fights up and throws body shots! Miz reaches out but Veer knees low! Veer SHOVES Miz to the corner, runs in, but Miz BOOTS! Miz ELBOWS Sanga, but Veer catches him! Veer puts Miz back int he corner, but Miz ducks the boot to tag Truth! Truth dodges Veer and starts up the shoulder tackles! Truth gets around Veer to SPIN-OUT BOMB! The fans fire up as Truth shouts out Cena with “You Can’t See Me!” Truth runs to Five Knuckle Shuffle!
Jinder is not happy now as Truth fireman’s carries! But Veer slips free! Truth drop toeholds to the STF!! The fans fire up but Sanga stomps Truth! Miz fires off kicks on Sanga, then body shots! Truth joins in, they mug and whip Sanga, to DOUBLE DROPKICK! Sanga staggers around, Veer runs up, but into a full nelson! Truth and Miz combine for a SKULL CRUSHING LIE DETECTOR!! But Sanga whips Miz away! Miz WRECKS Jinder with it, but Sanga runs up! Sanga knocks Miz down, Miz anchors Sanga, Sanga ELBOWS Truth, Truth falls onto Veer for the cover! Awesome Truth wins!!
Winners: The Awesome Truth, by pinfall (advance to WrestleMania)
The fans fire up, and Truth doesn’t even realize what happened! Miz celebrates with Truth and Truth puts it together! They’re now one of the six in the ladder match! Will this combination of teamwork and luck be just what they need to take those titles from Judgment Day?
Sami confronts Gable now.
Sami tells Gable to tell him why. Why what? Why does Gable think Sami can’t beat Gunther? Well you just saw why! With Gunther, it isn’t just physical, it is mental. Sami made his career out of being the underdog that crawls his way out of any hole he’s in, right? Just like last week! Sami found the window of opportunity to get out of a bad situation any time he can. Gunther’s on a different level! You gonna sit and wait for that window to appear? It doesn’t happen with Gunther! He’s a different beast, a different animal. If Sami doesn’t change his mentality, then he can’t beat Gunther. Gable leaves Sami with a lot to think again. Is there a way Sami can change enough to defeat Der Ring General?
CM Punk speaks.
“Do I plan at being in WrestleMania? WrestleMania is in Philadelphia, what’re the first four letters in Philadelphia? Phil. You can’t have WrestleMania Philadelphia without Phil. Whether I’m invited or uninvited, Punk will be there.” And next week in Chicago, Punk returns to Raw! Will the Second City Saint find a way to be part of the biggest WrestleMania ever?
Drew McIntyre is here!
The Scottish Terminator, or as his new shirt says, “The Savior of WrestleMania,” makes his way to the ring, NC State a bit torn about seeing him. But then Seth Rollins is here, too!? McIntyre is upset but the fans sing along, “WHOA~ OH~ OHH~!” as The Visionary struts his way out. Rollins swaggers right past McIntyre in his green storm pattern suit, and steps into the ring first. McIntyre frowns as he follows Rollins in, and sits in a corner. The fans continue to sing, which Rollins revels in for a moment. Rollins has the mic to then say, “RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA~! Welcome to Monday Night Rollins~!
“And Drew, hah, sorry, I didn’t even see you there. I was too busy, uh, y’know, soaking up the spotlight, right?” McIntyre has a mic to say, “Alright, here we go.” Here goes what, Drew? McIntyre says no, no, get it all out of your system, he knows Rollins has more! McIntyre can stay in the back while Rollins enjoys the spotlight, because after WrestleMania, that spotlight’s all McIntyre’s. Hey, hey, c’mon. Rollins is here with an honest cause. Rollins doesn’t like McIntyre, he thinks he’s stupid, a hypocrite, has said a lot of dumb things lately, but Rollins is here to admit that one thing McIntyre said is absolutely right and he wants to say it to McIntyre’s face, right here in Raleigh, in front of the fine people.
Now, they always say the first step to recovery is the hardest, so bare with Rollins. He has been working on this all week, but… “My name is Seth Freakin’ Rollins, and I’m a spotlight junkie.” The fans chant “Spotlight Junkie!” and also sing, but McIntyre says everything is just a joke to Rollins, isn’t it? Look at Rollins! He’s a parody of himself at this point. But honestly, McIntyre doesn’t care. He tried reasoning, he gave the answers, and now he only cares about their match and the world title. And you wanna know the real punchline, funny man? “What?” McIntyre says they say that because they’re happy McIntyre sidelined Punk, thanks for remembering!
But the punchline is when McIntyre beats Rollins for that title. The fans chant for “C M PUNK!” but McIntyre says don’t be ridiculous. Punk’s waiting until next week to return because he’d never show up in a place like Raleigh. The fans boo but McIntyre says see, they’re booing Punk! Punk is only getting off his couch to be at his local arena. Rollins tells McIntyre to shut up already. Oh, seems McIntyre got Rollins’ attention. Rollins takes off the sunglasses to say yeah, McIntyre has his attention. Because this isn’t a joke! When Rollins says he is a junkie, it isn’t a joke! He’s been doing this for 20 YEARS! Just like McIntyre!
And every time Rollins comes out of the curtain, that’s his fix. And it gets better and better every single time. Rollins comes out here, lays it all on the line, and it just gets better and better! When he hears the fans sing the song so loud, Rollins can barely speak, “WHOA~ OH~ OHH~!” That’s Rollins’ fix! That is the spotlight he craves, and y’know what? Rollins wants the spotlight as bright as it can possibly be. So yeah, McIntyre’s been busy online entertaining people with memes, so he hasn’t been listening to Rollins. So Rollins will get this through McIntyre’s thick skull: Night One, Rollins takes the biggest star in Hollywood and his side chick, and makes them his b*tches!
Then on Night Two, the biggest spotlight possible will be shined down on McIntyre and Rollins and the World Heavyweight Championship! McIntyre says all hail the savior, Seth Rollins! This is what McIntyre wanted! The passion and desire, not the stupid laughing and dancing. Rollins had McIntyre all the way to the finish. Rollins has done this 20 years, just like McIntyre. They’ve given their lives to this industry, and that is what the title is about! The wrestlers’ title, the workhorse championship! Rollins had McIntyre with him until he mentioned the bigger spotlight and how Rollins pins one of the biggest stars in the world.
Why can’t it just be about Rollins’ hard work to make that title, and all of McIntyre’s hard work to get this chance? Why can’t that be the reason they’re getting the biggest spotlight!? Rollins has had his priorities all backwards, McIntyre has been giving him all the answers. McIntyre said he is over the BS, and all he cares about is Rollins making it to the ring on Night Two. And if Rollins can’t walk, then McIntyre will wheel him down. If not, McIntyre will carry Rollins down. At Mania, McIntyre doesn’t get the moment he deserves. He gets the moment he has bloody EARNED. The fans do cheer that!
Rollins smirks and says, “Ah, Drew. There it is. That’s right, you wanna call me a spotlight junkie, but you want the spotlight just as bad as I do, don’t you? You’re an addict, just like I am. And you’ve been begging for spotlight for the past four years, because you won the WrestleMania main event. You did, back in 2020, in an empty warehouse. And all we’ve been hearing from Drew McIntyre for the past four years was how that wasn’t good enough. You’ve been whining and complaining and bitching and moaning that you deserve better, that you deserve more. The problem is, Drew, when everybody came back around, and the lights got bright again, what happened? You fumbled the ball.
“And that’s the difference between you and me. When the lights are the brightest, I shine, baby. I shine bright. And at WrestleMania 40, the lights are gonna be as bright as they have ever been. And you are gonna find out you are not as good as you think you are.” Rollins drops the mic, but this time McIntyre smirks. The verbal battle continues, but who will put their money where their mouth is once this one finally happens?
Becky Lynch speaks.
“I’m a wanted woman, and I don’t even have the title. Yet. But we’re less than three weeks away from WrestleMania, so why would I risk it all? Because I don’t know anything else. All I know is taking risks. All I know is fighting. And all I know is tonight, I’m gonna be the Last Woman Standing.” Becky is fired up to finally do what she hasn’t done in the most extreme way possible. Will she be the immovable object to Nia’s irresistible force?
Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championship Ladder Match Qualifier: The New Day VS The Alpha Academy!
Kofi Kingston & Xavier Woods have been W, W, E, World, Tag, Team, CHAMPIONS~, but they’ve never been a part of a title match as big as this Six Pack Ladder challenge! Will they look to be part of history once again? Or will Akira Tozawa & Otis say “A THANK YEW~!” for this golden opportunity?
Raw returns as the Academy makes their entrance. The teams sort out and Woods starts against the tree trunk, Otis. The fans rally for “NEW! DAY ROCKS!” Otis and Woods tie up, but Woods kicks low then headlocks. Otis powers up and out then runs Woods over! Otis storms up on Woods, GUT RAMS him back down, then brings him back up. Otis GUT RAMS Woods again, then runs to CLOBBER Woods! Otis swivels his hips, the fans echo “Oh~ yeah!” Otis tags Tozawa and the Academy mugs Woods. Tozawa brings Woods around but Woods CHOPS! Woods tags Kofi, he and Kofi double whip Tozawa but Tozawa holds ropes!
Tozawa fires hands, dodges Woods then BOOTS Woods down! Kofi kicks low, whips Tozawa to a corner, but Tozawa BOOTS Kofi away! Tozawa goes up to FLYING RANA! The fans fire up as Tozawa sees New Day regroup outside. Tozawa runs to DIVE! Direct hit on both New Day, and Otis joins in for “A THANK YEW~!” The Academy stands tall as Raw goes to break.
Raw returns again and Tozawa fights a chinlock. Tozawa reaches for Otis but Woods back suplexes. Tozawa lands out to then DROPKICK Woods down! The fans rally as Woods and Tozawa crawl, hot tags to Otis and Kofi! Otis CLOBBERS Kofi, CLOBBERS him again, then whips him to ropes. WRECKER ELBOW! Woods runs in, Otis dodges, to LARIAT! Otis sees Kofi leap off the corner, and catches him for a WORLD’S STRONGEST SLAM! Otis rips the shirt off, winds up the hips, and then starts up the CATERPILLAR! ELBOW DROP! Cover, TWO! Kofi survives but Otis hurries to step on him! Tag to Tozawa, and Otis goes up!
Otis VADER BOMBS but FLOPS as Kofi moves! Tozawa hurries up top while Kofi SUPERKICKS Otis! Kofi turns around into the CROSSBODY from Tozawa! Cover, TWO! Tozawa SUPERKICKS Kofi but Woods tags in! Woods GAMANGIRIS Tozawa, then steps in to TORNADO DDT! Cover, TWO! Tozawa toughs it out but Woods grits his teeth as he goes to the corner. Woods climbs, but Tozawa rises! Tozawa throws body shots, Woods CLUBS Tozawa! Tozawa throws more hands and climbs up! The fans rally as they brawl up top! Tozawa brings Woods up but Woods fights the lift! Woods throws body shots in return!
Woods shifts position to get under Tozawa for a fireman’s carry! But then Tozawa pops up to SUPER STEINER!! Tozawa rips off his shirt, climbs back up top, SUPER SENTON!! Cover, Kofi breaks it! The fans fire up but Otis drags Kofi out! Otis whips Kofi at steps, Kofi goes up and jumps off the steps to TORNADO DDT to the floor! Kofi hurries back up to the apron but Tozawa SCREW HIGH KICKS him down! Tozawa dodges Woods, pop-up, but Woods blocks the rana to then SPINNING POWERBOMB! Woods sees the WrestleMania sign, hurries up the corner, and he tightrope walks! LIMIT BREAK ELBOW!! Cover, New Day wins!
Winners: The New Day, by pinfall (advance to WrestleMania)
The New Day are the ones saying A THANK YEW~ as they put their names down for the Six Pack Ladder Match! Will they once again climb to the top of the WWE Tag Team Division and bring home those championships?
Liv Morgan confronts Becky Lynch.
Becky asks if she’ll have to watch out for Liv as well. Well, you should always #WatchMe, but no, not tonight. Nia is all Becky’s. Liv just wants Becky to kick Nia’s ass. Liv leaves, will Becky kick ass and then some?
Cody walks with his dog, Pharaoh, backstage.
Rollins finds him and brings up Friday. One on one? One on one. Rollins nods and says he loves Pharaoh’s bandanna. The Visionary trusts the American Nightmare can handle himself, but will we be able to trust The Tribal Chief?
Last Woman Standing: Becky Lynch VS Nia Jax!
From the origins of “The Man” in WWE to the aftermath of Elimination Chamber: Perth, these two have battled, but never as brutally as this! They’re able to go anywhere and do anything, but who will be the Last Woman Standing this close to WrestleMania 40?
The bell rings and the two rush in! Becky DROPKICKS Nia and Nia goes to a corner. Becky runs in but Nia puts Becky on the apron. Becky ROCKS Nia, goes up a corner, then leaps to MISSILE DROPKCIK! Nia stumbles and tumbles out of the ring, so Becky WRECKS her with another dropkick! Becky then goes to the apron for a FLYING FOREARM! Nia stays up, Becky tries again, but Nia dodges! Fireman’s carry and Nia POSTS Becky, to then SAMOAN DROP her into barriers! The ref counts as Becky is down, but she stands at 4 of 10. Nia CLOBBERS Becky and wants the count! The count climbs but Nia is impatient.
Nia clears off the desk, Becky stands at 5 of 10, and she leans against barriers. Becky comes back with body shots and haymakers, but Nia ROCKS her with a forearm! Becky staggers away as Raw goes to break!
Raw returns and Becky is bringing out a table! The fans fire up as Becky sets that up ringside. There’s been a lot of chaos during the break according to commentary, from chairs to kendo sticks to even a copy of Becky’s book, The Man: Not Your Average Average Girl! But Nia storms over to stop Becky and SMACK her off the desk! Nia puts Becky in the ring, takes that table for her own and sets it up. The table doesn’t cooperate and fans boo, but Nia goes for chairs instead. She slides those in the ring, Becky manages to stand at 7 of 10, and she grabs at those chairs. Nia ditches the table, it just doesn’t wanna work.
Nia storms in but Becky JAMS her with a chair, SMACKS her with it, then clinches! Nia fights the slam, fireman’s carries Becky, and FULL METAL SAMOAN DROPS!! Becky writhes from hitting chairs but Nia looms over her. Nia soaks up the heat as she counts along. Becky flounders to ropes and drags herself up at 7! Nia sits a chair up, fans want a table, but Nia scoops Becky. Becky slips around to a SLEEPER! Nia RAMS Becky into buckles again and again until Becky lets go. But then Becky BULLDOGS Nia off the chair! Nia is down for the count now, and Becky leans against ropes to stay up herself.
Nia stirs at 5, stands at 8, but Becky is up top! Becky leaps, into a CHAIR SHOT! Nia SMACKS Becky again and again and again! The fans boo but Nia finally stops. Nia puts that chair aside and goes out to get some kendo sticks! Nia puts those in, but Becky grabs one! Nia snatches it from her to SMACK! And SMACK! And SMACK! Becky sputters and staggers, Nia clinches and scoops! Nia SLAMS Becky onto chairs! Then Nia runs to drop the leg, brother! Nia wants the count and the count begins! Becky sputters as we reach 5 of 10. Becky grabs that kendo stick but Nia SMACKS Becky with a chair! And again!
Nia kicks Becky around, then uses the chair to take a seat on Becky’s body!! The fans boo as the count begins, but Becky SMACKS Nia with the kendo stick! And again and again and again, even in the butt! Nia stands up, into more shots! Becky stands and she fires away until Nia scurries out of the ring! Becky pursues but Nia CLOBBERS her! Nia pulls the steel steps apart now, and takes that top half to RAM Becky down! Becky flounders, Nia hauls her up and puts her in the ring. Becky’s on the apron and Nia takes aim! Nia runs up, APRN LEG DROP only gets apron! Becky avoids disaster, then has Nia by the steps! DDT onto the steel!
Nia is down again and the count begins. Nia stirs at 5 of 10, sits up at 6, but Becky SMACKS her off steps! Nia falls over again and the count resets. Becky hurries to go looking for things while Nia rises again. Becky has a new table! The fans fire up as Becky gets that in the ring. Nia stands at 7, staggers after Becky, and Raw goes back to break.
Raw returns once again and Nia mugs Becky against barriers! Nia puts Becky on a table, and surprise! There’s a ladder set up now! Nia climbs the ladder?! She also demands Pat support the ladder. But Becky gets off the table so now Nia has no reason to be up there. Nia storms after Becky, but gets a FIRE EXTINGUISHER BLAST!! The fans fire up as Becky cools Nia off, then JAMS her with the canister! Becky puts Nia in the ring, and there’s a table waiting in a corner! Becky lines up the shot, and runs in, but Nia SAMOAN DROPS Becky through the table!!! Both women are down in the wreckage and the count begins!
Nia flounders away from the wreckage but she still needs to stand. Nia is up at 5, and she isn’t satisfied with this! She drags Becky all the way to another corner and puts her in the drop zone! Nia climbs up, for the A-NIA-LATOR!! Nia shouts for the count, the count begins, and Nia storms around as she points to the Mania sign. Becky is still down at 5 of 10, only starts stirring at 7, and she slumps out of the ring to stand up! Nia is furious, goes out after Becky, and kicks things aside to keep after her. Nia asks if Becky’s vision is blurry. Nia fireman’s carries Becky up the steel steps and along the apron, aiming for that other table!
The fans freak out but Becky fights with elbows! Becky CLUBS away on Nia and the fans are thunderous! Becky then clinches, for a MANHANDLE SLAM through the table!!! Both women are down int he wreckage again, and the count begins! Becky sits up at 4 while fans are still losing their minds! We pass 5 of 10, then 7! Nia sits up at 8 and stands at 9! But then she slumps back over! The count starts again, Nia flounders around and stands at 5. Becky goes up the ladder! Becky sees Nia approaching the desk, and then SUPER MAN’S LEG DROP through the desk!!! The fans lose their minds again while both men are down in more wreckage!
The count is 5 of 10! Becky flounders and crawls, drags herself up at 9, but Nia is still down! BECKY WINS!!
Winner: Becky Lynch
The Man conquers truly one of the most intense challenges in her career! But then here comes one of the most intense champions! The fans fire up as Rhea Ripley makes her way out, Women’s World Championship in hand. She goes right to the ring and looks at Becky. Rhea “congratulates” Becky for winning, but then Becky gets in Rhea’s face! The fans fire up, and now there are no obstacles in the way of Mami VS The Man! Who will be the champion after WrestleMania 40?
My Thoughts:
A great Raw right here, though the in-ring action kinda dipped down until that awesome Last Woman Standing main event. This is one of the times I wish they’d done picture in picture so we as the TV audience could see even more action. Great win for Becky, of course, but I also like that Becky had a moment with Liv just before, and of course she had a moment with Rhea to close out the night. Great promos with Sami and Gable that also blended into the contract signing from tonight. And I suppose Gable has a point that Sami, the comeback kid, can’t do that when Gunther has an arsenal of moves that would be “finishers” given all the different ways Gunther has won over the years.
And speaking of that contract signing segment, I really liked the segue they did in following Sami so that he’d cross paths with Awesome Truth at gorilla and we’d get their segment going into their match. WWE has been doing some really creative stuff in this newest era where Vince is truly out and apparently even Kevin Dunn has moved on. Awesome Truth had a really fun but also really quick tag match with Indus Sher, and then New Day VS Alpha Academy was solid stuff, but DIY VS Creeds was such an awesome match. For a moment, I thought Creeds were gonna take this one but DIY still found a way, and I like that DIY is in. Honestly, I’m liking that the HHH favorites are getting in, because we also have New Catch Republic on the other side that can still win into the match.
Judgment Day had good stuff tonight, too. Good group promo with Andrade to tease El Idolo possibly joining, but who knows if he does. Depends on how things go for Priest. He was watching the qualifiers, he’s not worried, but maybe he should be. Granted, he still has the MITB briefcase, he could go from losing the tag titles to taking the world title, who knows how the Judgment Day’s story is going to go as we move past Mania. Dom VS Ricochet was a really good match, and Ricochet winning was the right move to keep this feud going. I think there’s going to be Ricochet VS McDonagh next week as a rematch from the gauntlet, that’ll be great stuff, too.
Candice’s Heel turn slow burn continues as she takes advantage of the “hurt” leg. Indi also does a good job of being very conflicted about this. There’s a WWE YouTube exclusive where Ivy Nile confronts Candice so that’ll be a match, and then maybe when Candice again goes too far, Indi steps in and we get a match of Candice VS Indi at some point. Good little update promo from CM Punk, he’ll have a great homecoming moment in Chicago, but also probably McIntyre coming after him. McIntyre had a great promo segment with Rollins, and with all these continued moments where the other person gets the mic drop moment, it feels like McIntyre has to win the title.
And of course, great stuff with the Bloodline story even on Raw. Jey and Jimmy have great promos in their confrontation, and of course it turns into a brawl. Good segue from that to Heyman being here, and Heyman confronting Cody during Cody’s great promo segment. Cody really went off on The Rock, that was some wild stuff. But the supposed promise of “one on one and no one else aside from Heyman” might be kept, and we get a strong promo segment on SmackDown in a foreshadowing of the fair-and-square 1v1 match. Or it is a trap and that’s more a foreshadowing of Bloodline Rules where they can do whatever they want. Guess we’ll have to wait and see.
My Score: 8.9/10
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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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