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Mitchell’s WWE NXT Results & Report! (6/22/21)

Adam Cole hits the ring, BAYBAY!

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NXT Coverage 2021

NXT lights the fuse, get ready for fireworks!

Before an explosive rematch on the Great American Bash, Kyle O’Reilly takes on NXT Cruiserweight Champion, Kushida, and Adam Cole takes on…?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

  • Adam Cole VS ???; Cole wins.
  • Io Shirai & Zoey Stark VS The Robert Stone Brand; Shirai & Stark win.
  • Johnny Gargano & Austin Theory VS Pete Dunne & Oney Lorcan; Gargano & Theory win.
  • Franky Monet VS ???; Monet wins.
  • Ever-Rise VS Hit Row; Hit Row wins.
  • Kyle O’Reilly VS KUSHIDA; O’Reilly wins.

PLAY BY PLAY

Adam Cole VS ???

The Panama City Playboy is back, but he never gave an answer to last week’s “pick your poison” challenge as posed to him and Kyle O’Reilly. Cole is confident as ever, though, does he have an idea?

Cole gets the mic and reminds us that William Regal set up Cole VS Kyle at Great American Bash. Oh, and Samoa Joe assaulted and attacked him! Now this week, he gets to handpick his opponent. Cole was doing some thinking, so ain’t no way in hell HE is going to do that. He doesn’t have to start following the rules just cuz Joe is here. And Cole wants Joe to know there’s a new king of this brand, and you’re looking at him! After Cole embarrasses Kyle at Great American Bash 2021, Cole will be recognized the best in NXT ever! So the fans can consider themselves lucky for having seen Cole, but this isn’t happening.

Oh wait, here comes Carmelo Hayes! This newcomer came close to the Cruiserweight Championship in his debut, seems he’s aiming at another prize. “Hey, Cole, you might not know who I am, but I know who you are.” Melo introduces himself, and says if anyone changes Cole’s mind, it’s him. Oh is that so? Then enlighten him on how. Melo says there is this famous phrase. How does it go? “RUTHLESS! AGGRESSION!” Same energy, bruh. And then Melo SLAPS Cole!! Cole is pissed and the match is on!

Hayes dodges, fires off hands on Cole but Cole knees low! Cole ROCKS Hayes, runs, but Hayes springboards to FLYING CLOTHESLINE! Hayes chases Cole but Cole gets out of the ring. So Hayes just PLANCHAS Cole down! The CWC fires up for Hayes as he gets Cole up and into the ring. Hayes gets on the apron but Cole BOOTS him down! Fans fire up as Cole finally throws off his merch shirt. Cole goes out after Hayes, drags him up and into the ring, then stalks him to a corner. Cole stomps a mudhole into Hayes, throws forearms, does more stomping, but lets off as the ref counts. Cole gets Hayes up but Hayes shoves him away.

Cole ROCKS Hayes again, then brings him out for a snap suplex! Cole dusts off his hands as fans rally up. Hayes sits up, Cole gets him up, and turns him for a NECKBREAKER! Cole is having fun now as he stalks Hayes to ropes. Cole chokes Hayes on the ropes, lets off as the ref counts, and fans are dueling between the veteran and the new kid. Hayes throws body shots and CHOPS but Cole throws haymakers and forearms! Hayes kicks from the mat, but falls for 52 Fake Out! Cole grins, but Hayes blocks the superkick to TKO KNEE SMASH and LARIAT! Cover, TWO! Coles gets to a corner but Hayes keeps his cool.

Hayes storms over to fire off body shots, windmills clubbing forearms, but lets off as the ref counts. Cole yanks Hayes into buckles! Cole gets space, comes back, but into a boot! Hayes goes up but Cole SHOVES him down! Hayes hits the floor hard and Cole goes out to RAM him into barriers! Cole gets Hayes back up to TOSS him into boards! Fans boo Cole as NXT goes picture in picture.

Cole paces, refreshes the ring count, and fetches Hayes, just to TOSS him into the boards again! Hayes gasps and sputters as Cole refreshes the count again. Cole puts Hayes back in the ring, JAMS his knee in Hayes’ back, then wraps on a headscissor necklock. Hayes endures, even as Cole drives in elbows into his head. Hayes turns, rolls, and gets the ropebreak! Cole holds on until the ref counts, and then lets off at 4. Hayes hits Cole as he goes, but Cole stomps him down. Cole drags Hayes up to throw haymakers and then bumps him off buckles. Cole throws hands, wrenches, and whips him corner to corner hard! Hayes bounces off buckles and Cole smirks as he taunts the rookie.

Cole drags Hayes up, Hayes shoves free but Cole kicks low! Cole gets Hayes up for a BIG back suplex! Cover, TWO! Cole grows annoyed now but he looms over Hayes before bringing him up again. Hayes throws forearms so Cole gives them back! Hayes knees low, Cole EuroUppers! Hayes CHOPS but Cole kicks low! Cole fireman’s carries for the USHIGOROSHI! Cover, TWO! Hayes’ toughness is getting on Cole’s nerves and Cole wraps on a chinlock. Hayes endures as Cole grinds him down. Cole talks some trash while cranking the hold back, but Hayes fights with hammering hands.

NXT returns to single picture and fans rally up as Hayes keeps working on the chinlock. Hayes sits up, pries the grip open and gets to his feet to throw body shots. Hayes is free, runs, but Cole CLOBBERS him with a back elbow! Fans duel again as Cole gets Hayes up. Cole bumps Hayes off buckles, wrenches and whips Hayes corner to corner hard, and Hayes slumps down in the corner. Cole says Hayes chose the wrong guy to step to. Hayes bails out, Cole lets the ring count climb. Hayes stands at 5 of 10 and flounders a bit, but gets himself in at 7 of 10. Cole smirks as he stalks over to the corner. Hayes gets up but Cole throws forearms!

Cole says “You’re a nobody, you hear me? I’m Adam Cole, BAYBAY, and you’re nobody!” Hayes gets up but Cole SLAPS him down! Hayes gets up to throw forearms and Cole gives them back! Cole whips Hayes to ropes but Hayes rolls off Cole’s back to BOOT him down! Fans fire up with Hayes as he runs, but into a BOOT from Cole! Hayes wobbles, Cole gets him in a suplex, but Hayes suplexes to a CUTTER! Cover, TWO!! Cole survives but Hayes gets him up and reels him in. Cole cradle counters, TWO! Hayes boots but Cole blocks, ENZIGURI follows! And a HUGE Code Breaker!! Cover, TWO!! Cole survives and Hayes can’t believe it!

The CWC is fired up while Hayes refocuses. Cole goes to ropes, Hayes grits his teeth and storms over to CHOP him! Hayes whips, Cole reverses but swings into a spin and fireman’s carry! Cole slips off to BACKSTABBER! High stack cover, TWO!! Hayes survives and Cole is getting mad now! Cole goes to a corner, hops up but Hayes gets away from the drop zone. Cole still leaps, into a SUPERKICK! Hayes runs, springboards, into a SUPERKICK!! Cole goes back to a corner, goes back up and leaps, PANAMA SUNRISE!! Cover, Cole wins!

Winner: Adam Cole, by pinfall

The Generational Talent came close again, but this is why Cole considers himself the king of NXT! However, Cole has two weeks to get ready for the rematch with Kyle O’Reilly! Will Cole be ready to bash it up at the Bash?

 

Franky Monet talks with Jessi Kamea & Aliyah.

Monet is so excited for tonight. The Robert Stone Brand has a match with Zoey Stark & Io Shirai, and Aliyah says it’ll be a piece of cake. Jessi says it’s already in the bag. And of course, Franky has her second match! These three should be the Winner’s Circle! Yeah, great name. But then suit man Stone come sin and Franky says tonight is going to be a great night for them all. Good luck, ladies! Thank you! The high-five to Stone is a little hard, will it hurt even harder if and when his clients ditch him for Monet?

 

Backstage interview with Zoey Stark.

We all just saw Monet talk up Jessi & Aliyah, but why did she help Shirai last week? Well Shirai gave Stark her big break. All last week was was paying it back. But tagging tonight is a surprise, especially with how notorious Shirai can be when playing with others. But speaking of, Shirai comes in to say it for herself: She did pick Stark for tonight, but that doesn’t mean she likes her. Mutual respect is all they need tonight as far as Stark is concerned. Will that help them get a win against the bougie bad brand?

 

LA Knight speaks.

The Million Dollar Ladder match made him the NEW Million Dollar Champion, “So let me talk to ya.” Knight’s coronation made him drop what he didn’t need, and that was the old man DeBiase boarding the gravy train! Then the ungrateful NXT fans are all shouting “TO THE MOON!” for that “Hilljack” Grimes, who comes out to go after Knight. Good on Grimes, because even Knight thought Grimes only cared about the title and the money. Turns out, he cares about the old man. That’s so sweet. Grimes is what Knight knew he was on day one: a moron idiot!

That fall Grimes took at TakeOver was beautiful, but that won’t compare to when he gets dropped on his head by the Million Dollar Megastar, the- Oh, thank you! Drinks on Knight! Whose game is it? L A Knight’s game! Toast to that! But will Knight be living the high-life after coming face to feet with a Cave-In?

 

Johnny Gargano & Austin Theory are here!

They make their way down to the ring, and Gargano says these are exciting times! There is new management in town so we need a new NXT Champion! A new face of the brand! We don’t need the big, mean, angry, leather jacket wearing doomsday guy. No! We need the handsome, the hardworking, the headband wearing, respectable family man! We need Johnny! Theory agrees, of course. The 57 days Gargano was champion, NXT THRIVED! It was a paradise! Chef’s kiss and all that. At TakeOver, Gargano proved Karrion Kross is NOT on Gargano’s level. Gargano outshined him every time they were in the ring together! And everyone knows Gargano can outwrestle Kross on his worst day!

But instead of Kross, Pete Dunne and Oney Lorcan show up! The Bruiserweight has a mic to respond, “Are you mad?” This is so stupid. Gargano must be nuts if he thinks he’s #1 contender over Dunne. And shut up, Theory. Theory gets heated but Gargano has him stop. These two are trying to provoke them and start chaos! There is a new way to do things around here, the Way does not partake in hijinks and shenanigans! They are law-abiding citizens, and there are rules to follow, Peter. The Way are good people. If Dunne and Oney want a fight, it won’t come from them. Gargano puts the mic down, he and Theory wash their hands of this as they leave the ring.

Oney picks up the mic as Theory says he is watching Dunne. Theory points at Dunne, but Dunne grabs those fingers to SNAP them! Theory needs to be more careful around the Bruiserweight! Will Gargano find a way to get back at Dunne that follows the rules?

 

Cameron Grimes rolls up.

Everyone says hey and Grimes gives them money for their troubles. How is DeBiase doing? He’s alright, Grimes will keep checking on him. Ari Sterling says Grimes must’ve just come from the nursing home. Had to check on Gramps and all that. What was that? Grimes heard him. Grimes did, and he laughs, before he DECKS Sterling! That’s for Ted, this is for you. Grimes gives Sterling a $100 even so, and laughs his way into the CWC.

 

Backstage interview with Adam Cole.

McKenzie asks him about his coming match with Kyle, and Cole says no. He is not talking about Kyle at all. He doesn’t care about Kyle, he doesn’t care about Kyle VS Kushida tonight, because what Cole did to Hayes will happen to Kyle at the Bash. But here comes Regal. Cole asks what he wants. Regal appreciates Cole going through with that match tonight. Cole says he did it for himself, not for Regal. Regal hopes there’s no animosity between Cole and Joe. According to who? Well Cole touched Joe, Joe got him with the clutch, that’s the end of it. Don’t provoke Joe again.

Oh is that how Regal sees this? How great that Regal has done absolutely nothing to reprimand Joe for putting his hands on Cole! But don’t worry, Cole will do Regal a favor by getting out of his hair. Cole takes his things and goes, will this make things considerably easier on the General Manager tonight?

 

The battery continues to charge.

We are now at 31%.

 

Gargano is fuming and he gets the cameraman to follow him.

He and Theory storm up to the GM’s office and since Theory’s fingers hurt, Gargano knocks. Regal lets them enter and Gargano hopes he saw what happened. Regal did. The Way are being model citizens, and look! A new pencil to replace the other one. But there need to be consequences! Regal agrees, there should be. Alright, so what’s gonna happen? Is Joe gonna go get them? Put them through a wall? Or better yet, Coquina Clutch! Regal stands up and Gargano wants to see Regal get those brass knuckles and “knuck ’em up!” No, no, they’re going to face Dunne & Oney in a match, later tonight.

What?! They’re not even dressed, they don’t have their stuff! Doesn’t matter, they have to go. Gargano and Theory panic and rush out of the room, will they suffer more than two bad fingers tonight?

 

Io Shirai & Zoey Stark VS The Robert Stone Brand!

The Evil Genius and the Rising Star(k) are ready to shine, but Franky did fire up Jessi & Aliyah backstage. Will Shirai’s return to the ring be a great success or a disappointing stumble on her way back after the title?

The teams sort out and Aliyah starts with Shirai. They tie up, Shirai headlocks, but Aliyah powers out. Shirai counters the hip toss to an arm-drag, then fireman’s carries. Aliyah slips out and pulls hair, but Shirai CHOPS and punches her on repeat for it! Shirai pulls hair now but Aliyah shoves her away. Aliyah runs but into a FLAPJACK! Shirai runs and basement dropkicks Aliyah down! Shirai brings Aliyah over, sits her down in the corner and digs her boots in! Swinging knees! Tag to Stark, Stark gets Aliyah up to wrench and fireman’s carry takedown. Stark wrenches the arm, Aliyah throws forearms, but Stark blocks the whip to reverse it!

Tilt-o-whirl, Aliyah throws Stark but Stark handsprings through to SLIDING LARIAT! Aliyah scrambles and tags in Jessi, Stark dodges the boot to waistlock. Jessi bucks the O’Conner roll and hits a sliding wheel kick! Cover, TWO to a Oklahoma Roll, TWO! Stark avoids the dropkick to Oklahoma Roll again! TWO, but Stark DOUBLE STOMPS! Stark fires up, gets Jessi up on the apron, but Jessi hotshots her down! Jessi slingshots in to then springboard for an elbow drop! Cover, TWO! Stark grits her teeth but Jessi is frustrated, and now Candice LeRae & Indi Hartwell make their way down to ringside.

Jessi puts Stark in the corner, Aliyah tags in and stomps a mudhole then fires off hands! Tag to Jessi, they mug Stark then Jessi CLUBS Stark down! Tag to Aliyah, she stomps a mudhole into Stark again, and then Aliyah brings Stark out. Stark rolls Aliyah, ONE, and Aliyah calf kicks Stark down! Aliyah covers again, TWO! Stark tries to get away from Aliyah while Shirai glares at Candice, and NXT goes to break.

NXT returns and Jessi keeps Starks down with clubbing forearms. Tag to Aliyah, she gets a boost for a tilt-o-whirl SPLASH! Cover, TWO! Aliyah puts on a body scissor squeeze and thrashes Stark around! Stark endures, pushes back to a cover, TWO! Aliyah clubs away on Stark but Stark turns around to fire off on Aliyah! Aliyah squeezes tighter then gets a facelock to keep Stark down! Stark powers up and powers out to SLAM Aliyah down! Fans fire up while both women are down, and The Way isn’t sure what to make of this. Hot tags to Shirai and Jessi! Shirai rallies then FLAPJACKS Jessi down! Shirai DECKS Aliyah for good measure, then hits a 619 on Jessi!

Jessi flounders, Shirai dodges Aliyah’s swipe to AX KICK her down! Springboard missile dropkick for Jessi! Cover, TWO! Shirai keeps her focus and she gets Jessi up. Shirai underhooks but Jessi wrenches out to KICK! Tag to Aliyah and she gets Shirai up for a NORTHERN LIGHTS! Bridging cover, TWO! Shirai survives and Aliyah shrieks! Tag to Jessi, they double suplex, but Shirai lands on her feet! Hot tag to Stark and she DOUBLE MISSILE DROPKICKS! Stark gets Jessi up for a HALF ‘N’ HALF! Tag back to Shirai, and Shirai makes sure Candice sees this! Shirai goes up, and OVER THE MOONSAULT! Cover, Shirai & Stark win!

Winners: Io Shirai & Zoey Stark, by pinfall

The Evil Genius stares Candice down as she and Stark have their hands raised. They dare The Way to get in, but then Raquel Gonzalez and Dakota Kai come out from the crowd side. Raquel teases that Shirai goes on vacation and came back to get a friend. If either of them think they’re jumping the line for that #1 contender’s spot, they’re crazy! Those titles belong to Kai & Gonzalez! But whoa, whoa, whoa! Shotzi & Ember show up! Now certainly no one forgot about them! They done lost their minds! MARBLES! But also, they beat Kai & Gonzalez for that contendership spot, right? Right! So then that puts Kai & Gonzalez at the back, right? Right!

But, wait, Ember… They DID forget! Whaaa…? Well let’s remind them! And by that, Shotzi means, KICK SOME ASS!! It’s a chaotic brawl in the ring, but the champs stay far away from it all! Shirai, Kai and Ember, then Raquel, Shotzi and Stark! Samoa Joe comes out and Candice says this isn’t on them! Joe has referees and security get in this, and teams are separated from other teams. Fans want to “Let Them Fight!” but that’s not happening! Shotzi and Ember are the ones left in the ring, Shirai and Stark are on one side, and Kai and Gonzalez are on the other. Will Candice & Indi have to watch out with this many teams targeting them?

 

Kushida speaks.

“I knew my professional wrestling life wouldn’t last forever. This will be a special moment in my career. Nobody can take this moment away from us.” The Time Splitter is ready, but will he come out on top against a motivated Kyle O’Reilly?

 

BREAKING NEWS!

The Great American Bash just got bigger! After Tommaso Ciampa & Timothy Thatcher got past the Grizzled Young Veterans, they are getting their shot at the NXT Tag Team Champions! Will the Must-See Kids find themselves in a must-win scenario?

 

Johnny Gargano & Austin Theory VS Pete Dunne & Oney Lorcan!

The Way scrambles to finish dressing but they’ve made it in time! Will they make the Bruiserweight and Boston Fury regret getting in their way tonight? Or will it be the other way around?

The teams sort out and Oney starts with Gargano. Gargano fires off hands but Oney knees low and waistlocks. Gargano switches, shoves, then follows to RANA Oney! Oney is up but Gargano dropkicks him down! Oney scrambles to tag Dunne, Gargano arm-drags Dunne but then Dunne fakes Gargano out. Dunne goes for La Magistrol but Gargano slips right out to arm-drag Dunne after all! Fans rally as Dunne kips up, but Gargano wrenches. Tag to Theory but that was the bad hand! Dunne throws Gargano out, but Theory gets Dunne with a forearm! Theory headlocks, Dunne powers out and things speed up, Dunne CLOBBERS Theory!

Tag to Oney, he and Dunne double wrench and double CHOP Theory! Oney CHOPS Theory in a corner, then CHOPS him again! Theory flops down, Oney gets him up to wrench the bad arm and wristlock the bad hand! Dunne tags in, Dunne takes those fingers and bends them! Theory shouts in pain as Dunne hammerlocks the arm into the mat and STOMPS it! Theory flounders, Dunne stays between him and Gargano, then he stomps the bad hand! Dunne gets Theory up, tortures the already damaged digits, and then digs knees into the elbow. Dunne gets the bandages off the fingers to stomp them directly!

Dunne again keeps Theory from Gargano, CHOPS him, then tags Oney. Oney CHOPS Theory, and Theory might have to worry about his chest as much as his fingers. Oney wrenches the arm, bends the fingers, but Theory throws hands. Oney ducks but comes up into a back elbow! Oney is in a corner, Theory hits a clothesline then throws Oney down for slingshot stomps! And a dead lift suplex! Fans fire up as Theory tags Gargano. The Way double whips Oney and double elbow him down! No look high-five and double elbow drop! Gargano is after Oney but Oney kicks low. Tag to Dunne, but Gargano atomic drops!

Tag back to Theory, Gargano whips Dunne and Theory somersaults, SHOTGUN SPINEBUSTER COMBO! Cover, TWO! Theory storms after Dunne in a corner to throw forearms. Theory’s arm bothers him, Dunne fires off KICKS to the leg! Dunne has the arm again for a hammerlock, then pulls the far arm! Dunne digs knuckles into ribs, a knee into the shoulder, and he hammers away on Theory’s side! Dunne drops knees on the bad hand! Chinbar and hammering hands, Dunne just tortures Theory! Dunne sits on Theory to bend the arm back, bend the fingers, and then PENALTY KICK the triceps! Theory sits up into another KICK!

Dunne brings Theory up, whips him to a corner, but Theory manages to go up and over and duck to DROPKICK! Oney gets in but Theory clotheslines him back out! Theory aims, and manages a PLANCHA but misses! Dunne comes around to CLOBBER Theory! Dunne gets in to DECK Gargano, and he tags Oney! Oney & Dunne get Theory up for a DOUBLE APRON SLAM!! The Way is in a bad way as NXT goes to break!

NXT returns and Dunne drags Theory by his legs. Tag to Oney as Dunne gets Theory up in the Surfboard! Oney CHOPS Theory over and over while he endures, but Dunne lets go at the ref’s count, and Oney DDT’s Theory right down! Gargano coaches Theory but Dunne tags back in. Oney isolates the arm for him and Dunne STOMPS it again! Theory writhes but Dunne gets his wrists. Theory dodges the stomps to roll Dunne up! TWO, and Dunne trips Theory before he gets to Gargano! Theory BOOTS Dunne, Oney tags in, and Oney just barely keeps Theory from Gargano! Theory ROCKS Oney, hot tag to Johnny!

Johnny Wrestling rallies, ENZIGURI for Dunne and CHOP for Oney! BULLDOG CLOTHESLINE COMBO! The fans rally, Gargano whips but Oney puts him on the apron., Gargano SUPERKICKS Dunne, slingshots and SPEARS Oney down! Gargano DIVES to take out Dunne! Fans are thunderous as Gargano gets in and tags Theory. The Way works together but Oney fights hem both off! Oney goes up but Gargano GMAANGIRIS, Theory ARABIAN SPANSIH FLIES! Cover, but Dunne breaks it in time! Gargano scoops Dunne but Dunne slips out to pump handle! BITTER- NO! Gargano slips out but Dunne ROCKS him! Gargano rebounds to DISCUS!

All four men are down and fans are loving “NXT! NXT!” Theory gets Oney back up, Oney CHOPS him! And CHOPS him! Theory CHOPS back! And throws a BIG forearm! Oney comes back with a BLOCKBUSTER! Tag to Dunne and Dunne KICKS Theory to ropes. Dunne WRINGS out the bad arm, locks it, and tortures the fingers before he pulls way back on the arm!! Oney blocks Gargano but Gargano boots him down onto Dunne! Theory is free thanks to that, and Dunne gets his legs moving. Gargano tags in but Dunne ROCKS him! Gargano ROCKS Dunne back with boxing elbows, but Dunne SNAP GERMANS! STOMP to the hands, but Gargano ducks the kick to schoolboy KICK!

Gargano keeps moving, Dunne dodges him, slingshot SPEAR into a FOREARM! Tag to Oney, he and Dunne get Gargano up but Gargano fights free! Gargano shoves Dunne and Oney into each other, then runs and tilt-o-whirls Dunne. Dunne fights off the takedown, and feeds Gargano to Oney’s half nelson! HALF NELSON POWERBOMB COMBO!? Cover, Theory breaks it in time!! Fans are thunderous again as Theory fires off on Dunne! Dunne is after the bad arm again! Theory kicks low, reels Dunne in, but no bomb as Dunne slips out and ENZIGURIS! EuroUpper from Oney! And a CHOP! Oney runs, into Gargano’s SUPERKICK!

Gargano tosses Dunne, runs and DIVES! TOPE TORNADO DDT!! Gargano gets back up to ONE FINAL BEAT!! Cover, The Way wins!!

Winners: Johnny Gargano & Austin Theory, by pinfall

Bad fingers, little time to prepare, but a victory all the same! Gargano is feeling great, until KARRION KROSS blindsides him with a forearm!! Fans boo cranky Kross for attacking Gargano, but Gargano should’ve known better than to call out Mr. Apocalypse. Will there be any way for Johnny Wrestling to take that title from Kross 1v1?

 

The batter continues to charge.

We are now at 41%.

 

Backstage interview with Kross and Scarlett.

Kross won’t talk to the media, he wants to talk to management. Joe is the one to meet him, though. Kross says, “So, these are the new rules. Remember, ‘unless provoked.'” Of course, champ. Joe lets Kross through to the exit. Scarlett shoots Joe a sneer, and then Joe turns around to see Dunne. Another silent stare down between these two certified destroyers of men. Will there ever be words exchanged?

 

MORE BREAKING NEWS!

After the huge brawl earlier tonight, we’re getting a TRIPLE THREAT to determine #1 contenders to the NXT Women’s Tag Team Championships! Shirai & Stark VS Shotzi & Ember VS Gonzalez & Kai!! Who wins to make their way to the Great American Bash to take on Candice & Indi?

 

Franky Monet VS Elektra Lopez!

While La Wera Loca calls this her “encore,” it’s really just her second match in NXT. However, she is against a debuting face. Will Franky foil another superstar’s premiere to shine brighter again?

The bell rings and the two tie right up. Franky headlocks, hits a takeover, and cranks on the hold. Lopez gets up, pries free and wrenches to a wristlock, but Franky rolls and wrenches back. Franky powers Lopez into a corner, the ref counts and Franky lets off to CHOP Lopez! Franky dares Lopez to do something, but then runs into Lopez’s elbow! And boot! Lopez storms after Franky to scoop and SLAM her! And drop an elbow! And then another! Lopez does a little dance but Franky bails out. Lopez storms over but into a shoulder! Franky runs into forearms from Lopez! Lopez runs but Franky follows, blocks and wrenches to KICKS and an STO!

Franky fires up and the fans follow as she floats around to ground ‘n’ pound. Looks familiar, like a certain guru taught her. Franky stomps Lopez, then drags Lopez up to TOSS her by her hair! Franky eggs Lopez on again and Lopez throws body shots, only for Franky to CLUB her down! Franky whips Lopez to the corner, runs in and elbows her! Franky makes Lopez take a seat, then goes corner to corner, but Lopez dodges! Franky bumps into buckles, and Lopez gets up to CHOP! And CHOP! Lopez dodges, comes back and back elbows! Fans fire up with Lopez and she BOOTS Franky, to then fireman’s carry! Franky fights free, blocks Lopez and spins her to ROLLING ELBOW!

Franky gets Lopez up, chicken wing, GLAM SLAM! Cover, Franky wins!

Winners: Franky Monet, by pinfall

The sequel is a success, just like the first! Will it only be a matter of time before #BougieBad goes after the belt?

 

Backstage interview with Bronson Reed.

The North American Champion knows Santos Escobar is calling him out, and his response is that he is confused. He squishes Escobar, puts him through a barricade, what more does Reed have to do? Does he have to squish Escobar into this TV here? Or put him through the windows? Through walls? Reed could destroy the whole CWC and- Hit Row interrupts by walking in, and Swerve gets in Reed’s face. Swerve eyes the title, and Top Dolla says, “Everybody’s colossal, until a colossus walks in the room.” True, Top Dolla is talla than Reed. Adonis tells the fans that Ever-Rise are about to get a crash course, without seatbelts.

Also, Reed ain’t even from North America. Yeah, cuz that’s how to get this. Reed doesn’t sweat Hit Row, but will he worry about them more after dealing with Escobar?

 

NXT shares a video from social media.

Apparently, this incident earlier today is what Hit Row was referring to before the break. Ever-Rise was lurking like parking lot ninjas, and they crept up on Hit Row’s ride. They shake up the spray paint, but “Dolla King” was already in the driver’s seat. Does he know that Ever-Rise is Ever-Rise? “Ski masks don’t work when your name’s on your shirt.” Oh, right. RUN FOR IT! Will Ever-Rise at least rule in the ring?

Ever-Rise VS Hit Row!

Matt Martel & Chase Parker take on Top Dolla & Ashante “Thee” Adonis, and if you didn’t know, now you know!

The teams sort out, Martel gets bulldozed by Dolla and Dolla even hits Parker for good measure! “What is my name?!” Dolla DECKS Martel, stands on him, and tags Adonis. Adonis takes his shirt off to throw it at Parker! Parker gets mad but Martel gets around to tag him in! Parker ROCKS Adonis but Adonis hits the AIR-DROP! Adonis hammers away on Parker, fires off knees, and B-Fab tells him to cool off. Adonis drags Parker back, tags Dolla back in, and Hit Row gets Parker up. Dolla taunts Martel but Parker wriggles free! Tag to Martel and Ever-Rise fires off hands! Dolla shoves them both away, but they dump him out hard!

Fans fire up for Ever-Rise as they fire each other up. Dolla gets up and he’s pissed! Parker runs in but Dolla DECKS him, then TOSSES him! Dolla gets Martel with a choke grip, shoves him to the corner and SPLASHES! Tag to Adonis for the LONG KISS GOODNIGHT! Tag back to Dolla, and Swerve says to end it. Dolla drags Parker up, reels him in, and coordinates with Adonis, POWERBOMB NECKBREAKER! Cover, Hit Row wins!

Winners: Hit Row, by pinfall

Parker checks on Martel, but he gets a HOUSE CALL from Swerve! Ever-Rise might not ever get back up! Will they make sure to keep Hit Row’s names out of their mouths from now on?

 

Backstage interview with Mercedes Martinez.

McKenzie has huge news, there will be a mixed tag with her against Boa & Xia Li! But who has she chosen for a partner? Well, Mercedes can get down with this. But she doesn’t make friends that easily. She can go, with or without- But then XIA LI attacks from behind! Boa talks some smack to Mercedes, too, but JAKE ATLAS comes in and BOOTS him down! Atlas says he’s just joined the fight! Mercedes and Atlas tell Tian Sha’s warriors they’ll see them next week. Will Mean Ms. Mercedes and the Muscle of El Monte make Tian Sha shrink back into the shadows?

 

Kyle O’Reilly speaks.

“Sometimes, you come across a guy you were just born to wrestle, and Kushida is that for me.” When Kyle and Kushida face off, the world watches a great match that is just a byproduct of them stepping in the ring. Kyle will wrestle like this is the last match of his career, and he is sure Kushida will do the same. That match is coming! Will Kyle keep pace with Cole? Or is he going to find why Kushida is still the Super Junior?

 

Kyle O’Reilly VS KUSHIDA!

This match may have come about because of the “pick your poison” challenge, but both men (and the fans) are more than happy to have this dream match happen in NXT! Will Kyle be fired up just weeks away from the Great American Bash? Or will plenty of fireworks go off right here?

The bell rings and the two circle. They give a quick low-five of respect before they clinch and go for control. Kushida hooks a leg to block a takedown and they end up on ropes. Kyle gets the other leg, trips Kushida, but Kushida’s leg guard is strong. Kushida trips Kyle, Kyle’s leg guard is also strong, and they knuckle lock on top of the leg grapple. Kyle turns things back around, cover, ONE! Kyle pushes that arm down for another cover, Kushida bridges. Kushida uses his leg guard to keep Kyle away, and then gets up to push Kyle over with body weight. Kushida throws elbows, handsprings through and gets Kyle for an ARMBAR! Kyle gets up and gets free, and fans cheer the exchange!

Kyle and Kushida go again, another leg hook to block a takedown, and Kushida gets a waistlock. Kyle pries the waistlock open, tackles Kushida, and uses his knee to keep Kushida down while going for the Triangle! Kushida gets the ropebreak, Kyle lets off, and fans cheer again. Kushida and Kyle circle, tie up, Kyle waistlocks but Kushida pries at it. Kyle headlocks, Kushida powers out and things speed up. Kyle rolls to BOOT, but Kushida stays up. Kyle whips, Kushida handsprings, into an ARMBAR! Kushida gets free and comes back to go around with Kyle! Kyle holds Kushida off to put Kushida in the cobra twist! But Kushida hip tosses free and cartwheels to basement dropkick!

Fans love this as Kushida looms over Kyle. Kushida steps over to hammerlock the arm, and TWISTS it! Kyle writhes but Kushida gets him up for a top wristlock. Kyle tries to fight free but Kushida wrangles him down. Kushida bends fingers, twists the wrist, and drags Kyle around. Kyle pushes a forearm into Kushida’s face but Kushida KICKS him to a corner! Kushida whips Kyle corner to corner, Kyle stops himself and comes back to go for a leg. Kushida gets free and he goes for a leg, but Kyle steps over to get Kushida’s leg. Kushida shakes Kyle off and goes for Kyle’s leg, but Kyle gets free. They both shoot in and their heads collide! Fans fire up how even these two are, and NXT goes picture in picture!

Kushida and Kyle back off to opposite ends and Kyle even goes out of the ring to walk it off. Kushida sees him, Kyle gets on the apron and Kushida is after the arm! Wrench and elbow breaker HOTSHOT! Kyle flops down, Kushida gets him inside and has the arm for another wristlock. Kushida grinds Kyle down, hooks up the arm and pulls the other back! Kyle endures, Kushida steps over and further, for a RECLINER! Kushida’s wrestler bridge is leverage enough but he gets back up to fall back! Kyle writhes from the snap in the shoulders! Kushida gets Kyle up but Kyle waistlocks and drags Kushida down to CLUB him! And KNEE him! And float to CLUB and KNEE again!

Kyle backs off to run and KNEE DROP! Kushida writhes now, but Kyle gets him up to tie up the legs in a figure four knot. Kyle adds on a cobra twist, Kushida endures what Kyle wants to call this combination, and pulls hair to pull Kyle back! TWO, and Kyle grimaces but Kushida KICKS him in the leg! Kushida KICKS the leg again, but Kyle kicks back! They kick and boot each other on the mat, then get space again. Kyle gets Kushida up to throw forearms, but Kushida KICKS the arm! And again! And again! Kyle walks around, clutching his elbow, but Kushida YANKS the arm! And YANKS! And YANKS again!

NXT returns to single picture and fans rally as Kyle tries a chinlock. Kushida snapmares free then PENALTY KICKS the arm in the corner! Kushida keeps moving but Kyle KNEES him back! Kyle wants a sayanagi but Kushida blocks the first time. Kyle gets the throw after all, and wraps on body scissors and sleeper! Kushida moves around to resist, and he hooks Kyle’s legs for a toehold! Kyle CLUBS Kushida, the two separate, and Kyle KICKS and SLAPS and KNEES and KICKS! Kushida jumps the sweep to CLOBBER Kyle! Kyle staggers up into an atomic drop! Kushida whips and hip tosses to an ARMBAR! Kyle moves around but into the HOVERBOARD!

Kyle slips free and he wants an armbar! Kushida moves around, waistlocks, but Kyle switches! Kushida drops, slips under and trips Kyle to the Hoverboard! But Kyle headscissors! Kushida floats, gets free, PENALTY KICK to the arm! Kyle clutches the wrist and Kushida KICKS away on the biceps! Kyle blocks a kick to slip around, fisherman but Kushida knees free! Kushida underhooks for a BUTTERFLY SUPLEX! Bridge, ROPEBREAK! Kyle saves himself and Kushida is a bit surprised! Kushida goes to the corner, climbs up top, and leaps, but Kyle avoids the flying knee! Kyle gives knees, forearms, KICKS and a rolling takedown! HEEL HOOK!

Kushida gets up to BRIDGE! TWO!! Kyle escapes but Kushida ROCKS him! Kyle forearms, both men try to fake the other out, but Kyle KNEES Kushida! Kushida holds off the suplex to ROLLING ELBOW! Kyle yoyos but Kushida dodges to PELE! Kyle still yoyos to LARIAT!! Kyle drags Kushida up, suplex and BRAINBUSTER! Cover, TWO!! Kushida survives, this is why he is a champion! The CWC is thunderous as they rally and duel! Kyle goes to the apron, to a corner, and he climbs up. Kushida HANDSPRING KICKS Kyle down! Kyle is on the apron, Kushida gets his arm, and RAMS the arm into the post!

Kushida goes out to join Kyle on the apron now, and Kushida KICKS the arm again! And again! And again! Kyle grits his teeth as he blocks, but he has to reverse grip. Kushida fights off the guillotine and HAMMERLOCK SUPLEXES Kyle to the apron! Both men fall to the floor and fans are thunderous as a ring count begins! We’re at 5 of 10 as Kushida drags Kyle up and into the ring. Kushida aims and PENALTY KICKS the arm again! Kushida keeps moving, tilt-o-whirl but Kyle KNEES Kushida! AX ‘N’ SMASH! But Kushida FAST BALLS!! Both men fall over and fans are still loving this! Kushida gets Kyle up by his bad arm, wrenches it and hits an ELBOW BREAKER! TO THE HOVEBOARD!

Kyle moves around and around, slips out and whips Kushida to a corner to KNEE him! Kyle keeps moving, but runs into a body scissor! HOVERBOARD!! Kyle uses his own tights to block! But Kushida keeps Kyle from ropes! HOVEBOARD IS ON! But Kyle victory rolls?! KYLE WINS!!!

Winners: Kyle O’Reilly, by pinfall

Kyle just snatched victory from the jaws of defeat! Kushida can’t believe it, but Kyle gives Kushida his due. Kushida returns the favor, these two have great respect for each other, and for good reason! But here comes Cole! Kyle was ready and he tackles Cole over the announce desk! They brawl and bounce each other off desk and barriers! Then they throw more hands! Cole bounces Kyle off desk and barriers again, security rushes out to stop this, but Kyle wants payback! Cole goes after him, too, but Joe is

Wait, who is that going after Kushida?! Waistlock and SLAM!! That’s RODERICK STRONG?!?! Strong, Tyler Rust and a third man are here, and Strong KNEES Kushida down! Strong and his new compatriots have matching jackets, and MALCOLM BIVENS is here, too? Bivens shows Strong the NXT Cruiserweight Championship, and says “THIS! IS! DIAMOND MINE!!” Finally, we see just who was coming to NXT! And Strong tells Kushida, “Soon.” The Diamond Mine is open, and the Messiah of the Backbreaker is coming for gold! Will Kushida be able to withstand the pressure?


My Thoughts:

What an awesome episode! Cole opening with his promo about not wanting to and then Carmelo Hayes coming out and literally referencing John Cena, and especially the match, all of it was great stuff. Hayes is definitely a future champion on any if not all levels of NXT, this was perhaps Cole’s seal of approval on him. We got a good promo from Knight, and a good, quick segment with Grimes. I am pretty sure this means Grimes VS Ari Sterling is next week to help get Grimes back into the swing of things before going after Knight in a Million Dollar Rematch. Also, Ciampa & Thatcher VS MSK for Great American Bash, that’s a great move and could go either way to me.

Bronson Reed had a good promo to respond to Santos Escobar, their 1v1 match should definitely happen at Great American Bash. Given Swerve getting in Reed’s face tonight, Reed has to retain so Swerve can get his shot. Escobar can still come back around later, but Reed and Swerve have history so it just makes sense they have their match. Hit Row VS Ever-Rise was really good, really fun, lot of character work from everyone. Hit Row of course wins, Adonis and Dolla might need to work on that bomb neckbreaker combo, but they’re gonna get in the title scene soon enough. I’m just curious as to if and when “B-Fab” Briana Brandy gets in a match.

Franky Monet is totally swiping Robert Stone’s team from him, just a matter of when. Franky of course wins her second match, but I will say Elektra Lopez gave her a lot better fight than I expected. Franky leading an all female faction will definitely help keep her bougie bad persona from getting stale, she is already having good chemistry with Aliyah and Jessi, they could definitely make big moves in the division. Though, obviously, not right now. Shirai & Stark did great in their match against the Robert Stone Brand, and I did like that we got that big brawl of the women’s teams to set up next week’s contender’s match.

The only shortcoming was Shotzi & Ember having awkward banter. I appreciate Ember sticking to a catchphrase but I feel like Shotzi should change up her add-on. She already used “MARBLES!” so maybe other synonyms for going crazy should be used. In that Triple Threat, they all have reason to get after The Way, but given the recent build, I think Shirai & Stark get the nod for Great American Bash. At the same time, I don’t think the challengers take the titles off The Way, unless Dexter Lumis returns to distract Indi with his apology about that Poppy misunderstanding. Love conquers all, and #InDex is gonna conquer The Way.

The other half of The Way had great stuff, too. Gargano and Theory are so great together, both in promos and in matches. They had an awesome match with Dunne & Oney, Gargano got to unleash again, and Kross going after Gargano totally means those two face off, maybe even at The Great American Bash. Kross will certainly cross off Gargano and just keep going until Kyle comes back around. Speaking of which, Kyle and Kushida each had great promos to hype the main event, and it was definitely a match that lived up to the hype. Kyle winning with a quick pin rather than any finisher is great, it keeps Kushida strong enough given what’s coming next.

Cole attacking Kyle makes sense, and I like that it wasn’t used to “ruin” the main event. And it all worked that Joe was more focused on that chaos than what ended up happening in the ring. The Diamond Mine was hyped for showing up tonight, and just when it seemed like they wouldn’t, they did! I could not have ever guessed it was Roderick Strong coming back after claiming he was quitting. And at the same time, the writing was there for Rust and Bivens. “Diamond in the Rust,” that all comes back around to be Rust is in the Diamond Mine and that is clever.

The third man, though not named here, is apparently Hideki Suzuki, who has built his career for the last 13 years in the Japanese independents, having Pro-Wrestling Zero1’s Triple Crown. I therefore know very little else, but if he’s in NXT and debuting through this group, he’s a big deal and will show us some great stuff in the coming weeks.

My Score: 9.3/10


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Coverage

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

Talk about a Big Time Raw!

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Will The Man be the Last Woman Standing?

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

OFFICIAL RESULTS

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

PLAY BY PLAY

Jey Uso is here!

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

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

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

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

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

 

Adam Pearce is on the phone.

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Winners: DIY, by pinfall (advance to WrestleMania)

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

 

Judgment Day meets backstage.

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

Winners: Candice LeRae & Indi Hartwell, by submission

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

 

Cody Rhodes makes his way to the ring.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

Nia Jax speaks.

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

 

Cody Rhodes returns backstage.

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

 

Dominik Mysterio w/ JD McDonagh VS Ricochet!

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

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

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

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

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

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

Winner: Ricochet, by pinfall

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

 

Sami Zayn is backstage.

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

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

 

Adam Pearce is in the ring.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

Sami confronts Gable now.

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

 

CM Punk speaks.

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

 

Drew McIntyre is here!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

Becky Lynch speaks.

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

Liv Morgan confronts Becky Lynch.

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

 

Cody walks with his dog, Pharaoh, backstage.

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

 

Last Woman Standing: Becky Lynch VS Nia Jax!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Winner: Becky Lynch

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


My Thoughts:

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

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

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

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

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

My Score: 8.9/10


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

The semifinals are here!

Published

on

We’re just one step away from the Cup!

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

OFFICIAL RESULTS

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

PLAY BY PLAY

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

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

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

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

No Contest

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

2024 New Japan Cup Semifinals: SANADA VS Hirooki Goto!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


My Thoughts:

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

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

My Score: 8.9/10


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