Connect with us

Coverage

Mitchell’s WWE Raw Results & Report! (6/14/21)

Raw is Phenomenal!

Published

on

Coverage Raw 2021

Raw stands at the gates of Hell in a Cell!

Before stepping inside the sadistic structure of steel, Drew McIntyre steps up to the Phenomenal Raw Tag Team Champion, AJ Styles! Will the Scottish Warrior stumble and fall this close to facing the All Mighty Bobby Lashley?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

  • Nikki Cross VS Charlotte Flair; Nikki wins.
  • Jeff Hardy VS John Morrison w/ The Miz; Morrison wins.
  • Career on the Line: Jeff Hardy VS Cedric Alexander; Hardy wins and stays a WWE superstar.
  • Eva Marie VS Naomi; changed to…
  • Piper Niven w/ Eva Marie VS Naomi; Niven wins.
  • The New Day VS RKBRO; RKBRO wins.
  • Asuka VS Rhea Ripley; Ripley wins.
  • Alexa Bliss VS Nia Jax; Bliss wins, by disqualification.
  • Elias VS Jaxson Ryker; Ryker wins.
  • Drew McIntyre VS AJ Styles w/ Omos; McIntyre wins, by disqualification.
  • Six Man Tag: Drew McIntyre & The Viking Raiders VS AJ Styles, Omos & Bobby Lashley w/ MVP; McIntyre & The Viking Raiders win.

PLAY BY PLAY

Alexa Bliss welcomes us to the Playground.

She is happy we’re here to play, but she admits she got complaints about what Lily did. Even she was surprised how far Lily went. Alexa says she had good intentions, but things got out of hand. Shayna Baszler may have stomped on Lily but Lily tried to bring the house down. So in light of her naughtiness, and WWE going back on the road soon, Lily is in time out. But that doesn’t mean Shayna didn’t deserve any of this. Oh hey, Nia, what a nice surprise! Alexa’s worried, how is Shayna? Cut the crap! Shayna will see you at Hell in a Cell! Yay! Alexa can’t wait! Nia asks what happened to Alexa. They were friends. Nia knew Alexa. The real one.

Nia tells Alexa to butt out of her career and stop messing with her friends. Oh? Well Alexa doesn’t appreciate Nia just barging in here with such vicious and disgusting allegations. Nia was never Alexa’s friend. Well maybe Nia needs to smack some sense into Alexa. They’re going to get in the ring, tonight! Alexa frowns, and tells Nia, “I didn’t mean to hurt anybody. I really didn’t.” Can Nia forgive her? Alexa cries, and Nia feels bad, until Alexa starts laughing. JK~! “I accept.” Will Twisted Lil’ Bliss put Nia through some of the Hell she and Lily put Shayna through? Or will Nia squash Alexa and give the scraps to Shayna this Sunday?

 

Nikki Cross VS Charlotte Flair!

The Looney Lass may be lucky to have gotten wins over the Raw Women’s Champion and the Queen week after week, but sometimes it’s better to be lucky than good. Will Nikki prove she’s both in a rematch against Charlotte this close to HIAC?

Sarah asks Charlotte backstage why she’s willing to have this match. AKA, why is she not focusing on Rhea Ripley and this Sunday? Everyone knows those two will have the best match of the night, but Rhea lacks the maturity of a champion. Charlotte will show everyone how it’s done. And while she doesn’t need this match, she does need that supposed loss removed from her record. Charlotte has not poured blood, sweat and tears into this business just so a flash in the pan, whose 15 minutes of fame are almost up, can live a delusion. Charlotte will end Rhea’s delusion of staying champion in Charlotte’s Division. Will the Queen’s anger only get the better of her tonight?

The bell rings and Nikki circles with Charlotte. They tie up, Charlotte knees low then throws Nikki down by her hair! But then Rhea Ripley makes her entrance? The Queen sneers as the Nightmare struts out on stage. Nikki rolls Charlotte up! ONE, and Nikki baits Charlotte into a corner. Charlotte puts her outside but Nikki ROCKS Charlotte first! Charlotte KNEES Nikki down and Rhea smiles as Charlotte dares her to come closer. Charlotte then RAMS Nikki into barriers, and tells her “Watch this.” Charlotte BOOTS Nikki back down! The ring count is climbing, though! Charlotte puts Nikki in at 8 of 10 and follows at 9. Rhea still grins as Raw goes to break.

Raw returns and Charlotte throws Nikki down, then dribbles her off the mat! Charlotte wraps on a chinlock and thrashes Nikki about! Nikki endures but Rhea looks amused at ringside. Nikki fight sup, throws body shots, but Charlotte throws her down again! Charlotte seethes, scoops Nikki, but Nikki slips out to duck and dodge and tilt-o-whirl for a hammerlock and La Magistrol! TWO and Charlotte gets up to CLOBBER Nikki! Rhea says she’ll take note of that as Charlotte chokes Nikki on ropes! The ref counts, Charlotte lets off, and Rhea asks, “How’s the ego goin’, mate?” Charlotte kicks and pie faces Nikki around, but Nikki headbutts low! And throat chops!

Nikki headbutts into a CHOP! Charlotte fires off more CHOPS, and CHOPS Nikki off her feet! Rhea cheers Nikki on in a grumpy way, and Charlotte runs in at Nikki in the corner. Nikki goes up and over to sunset flip! Charlotte stays up to stomp away on Nikki’s stomach! The ref counts and Charlotte lets off with a grin of her own. Charlotte taunts “Princess” Rhea as she hoists Nikki up top. Charlotte CHOPS Nikki but stares down Rhea. Charlotte climbs up but Nikki hits back! Nikki CLUBS Charlotte, adjusts, then boots her for a TORNADO DDT! Charlotte bails out but Nikki fires up! Rhea applauds as Nikki aims from the apron, and leaps! But into Charlotte’s arms!

Charlotte gets Nikki up, stares Rhea down again, and gives kissy face before the FALL AWAY SLAM! Charlotte kips up, the ring count is climbing again! Wait, Charlotte forgets the count and NIKKI wins?!

Winner: Nikki Cross, by count-out

The Queen is furious and Nikki is laughing all the way to the bank! Rhea laughs pretty well, too, but Charlotte is a sore loser and she BOOTS Nikki down at the ramp! Rhea shrugs, as she figured this might happen. Charlotte puts Nikki in the ring for ground ‘n’ pound, and a Figure Four! But Rhea gets her in a pump handle, RIPTIDE!! The Nightmare reminds the Queen of the real fight that’s coming! But will Rhea be so focused on Charlotte that she’s not be ready for Asuka?

 

Matt Riddle talks with Jeff Hardy.

The Bro feels bad, having let Randy Orton down. Orton was ringside and Riddle lost focus. And hey, Hardy’s a tag legend, what advice does he have to be more successful? It’s about teamwork, continuity, and most of all, trust. When trust is broken, the team’s spirit is gone. Hardy is surprised he’s saying this, but Riddle should listen to Orton. Orton’s been here a long time, and when The Viper speaks, listening shows respect. Now, Hardy has a match with John Morrison next. He has to go. Whoa, Hardy has four eyes?! Riddle wishes he did! Then he could see super far! Or maybe four arms, so that he could shred on two guitars, or play two drums at once!

Then Riddle and Boogs and Woods and even Orton could be a band! Oh, right, Hardy had to go, so he’s gone. But then Orton shows up! Riddle asks Orton about Elton John. What? Nevermind. But sorry about last week, Riddle wants Orton to know he won’t let him down tonight. Then do him a favor. Don’t be another Orton. Just be Riddle, whatever that means. Does that mean Orton likes Riddle? Nope. Oh, you! But will RKBRO solidify their partnership against one of the greatest tag teams ever?

 

Jeff Hardy VS John Morrison w/ The Miz!

Speaking of great tag teams, the Charismatic Enigma is half of another all-time great, and #JohnnyDripDrip is hoping to rep for The Greatest Tag Team of the 21st Century *stare off into distance*! Will Hardy take Morrison to the extreme and render him OBSOLETE? Or will the Mayor of Slam Town take Hardy on a Moonlight Drive?

Raw returns and The Miz is on commentary now while Hardy makes his entrance. Miz says he still feels like a million bucks despite the injured leg because he is still the two-time WWE Grand Slam Champion. But as Hardy gets up on the corner for his signature pose, Morrison uses a Drip Stick to BLAST Hardy in the eyes! Miz tells Morrison to hurry and Morrison gets in! The bell rings and Morrison fires off on Hardy with forearms and elbows and a KICK! Morrison mocks the Hardy’s hand gestures but Hardy DECKS him! Hardy bumps Morrison off buckles, RAMS shoulders into him, then throws more hands! Hardy lets off to hit a corner splash!

Hardy swings but Morrison BOOTS the Hardyac dropkick away! Morrison handsprings and LARIATS Hardy down! Miz says Morrison always has something new in his arsenal! But Cedric Alexander is walking out? PRIMED has beef with Hardy and all “has-beens” but Morrison keeps focus going after Hardy with ground ‘n’ pound! Hardy shoves Morrison away but gets an Eddy Gordo kick! Morrison keeps moving around, brings Hardy up, and whips him to ropes. Hardy ducks the hurdle, stops before the leap and gets the leg trap clutch! Cover, TWO! Hardy CLUBS Morrison down, fires off on him in a corner, then whips corner to corner.

Morrison reverses but Hardy BOOTS him back! Morrison is down, Hardy throws his towel at Miz, then climbs up for WHIPSER IN THE WIND! Cover, TWO! Morrison survives and Miz rants as Hardy goes to the apron. Morrison throws hands but Hardy shoulders in! Hardy gets Morrison up but Morrison lands on the apron to mule kick! Morrison fireman’s carries for a TKO HOTSHOT! Hardy flops down and Alexander likes that as Morrison hits STARSHIP PAIN!! Cover, Morrison wins!

Winner: John Morrison, by pinfall

Alexander barks at Jeff Hardy and “apologizes” to him for last week. Alexander says he should’ve shown the respect Hardy deserves. Alexander grew up idolizing Hardy. But then Alexander watched the match and how Hardy taunted and disrespected him back! All Alexander could see was someone who he was a fan of was nothing more than a sore winner! So the only thing Alexander is sorry for now is not kicking his disrespectful old ass into a retirement home! Hardy responds back that if Alexander is sorry about that, then how about Hardy puts his career on the line right NOW! Alexander takes Hardy up on that, and we see if the Charismatic Enigma can survive, after the break!

 

Career on the Line: Jeff Hardy VS Cedric Alexander!

Raw returns and the bell rings! Hardy dodges then RAMS Alexander, then tosses him out of the ring to WRECK him with a dropkick! Hardy goes out, puts Alexander back in but Alexander gets a leg for a DRAPING DRAGON SCREW! Alexander seethes while Hardy writhes, and Alexander hurries to cover, TWO! Alexander gets a leg for a HALF CRAB! Hardy endures, Alexander sits deeper but Hardy crawls. Alexander lets off to stomp the leg, then gets Hardy up to KICK the leg. Hardy hobbles, Alexander brings him around, but Hardy hits a JAWBREAKER! Hardy elbows Alexander, Alexander runs in at a corner but Hardy sends him into buckles!

Hardy swings for the HARDYAC! Cover, TWO! Hardy grits his teeth and hobbles as he watches Alexander. Kick but no Twist! Alexander scoops for the MICHINOKU DRIVER! Cover, TWO!! Hardy survives and Alexander is furious! “I got something for you, Jeff!” Alexander climbs up top and mocks the Hardy Boyz, as he SWANTON FLOPS!! Hardy dodges and kicks but still no Twist! Jump KNEE, and a NEURALI- NO! Hardy ducks the kick, gives a kick, and hits the TWIST OF FATE! Hardy throws his shirt off to go up top and try it for himself! SWANTON BOMB!! Direct hit, cover, Hardy wins!!

Winner: Jeff Hardy, by pinfall (still an active WWE superstar)

Alexander’s arrogance bit him on the ass, and Hardy wins his own gamble! Will PRIMED ever be able to get past the WWE veterans?

 

Eva Marie VS Naomi!

No longer all red everything, the #EvaLution will be televised! But will the return be as inspirational as Eva wants it to be? Or will she #FeelTheGlow her first night back?

Raw returns and Eva makes her entrance. And she’s not alone? Is that Piper Niven from NXT UK?! And Piper is the one getting in the ring? What kinda bait and switch is this?!

Piper Niven w/ Eva Marie VS Naomi!

The bell rings and Piper runs Naomi right over! Naomi gets to ropes but Piper drags her up. Naomi fires off hands but Piper HEADBUTTS her down! Piper drags Naomi up to whip her to ropes, Naomi leaps but Piper catches her! And SLAMS her down! Piper runs to BACK SENTON! Piper runs to BASEMENT SPLASH! Eva approves of her protege and Piper drags Naomi up to scoop and MICHINOKU DRIVER!! Cover, Piper wins!!

Winner: Piper Niven, by pinfall

Piper the Viper just destroyed a former SmackDown Women’s Champion! Eva announces that Eva Marie won? What? She wasn’t in the ring! Is Eva going to take credit for the success of someone else?!

 

Dana Brooke & Mandy Rose have a photoshoot.

The #SexyMuscleFriends are interrupted by a loud ruckus and walk over. It’s Natalya and Tamina sparring in the practice ring! Can they keep the noise down a bit? Natty “apologizes,” but it seems these two care more about how they look on camera than they do in the ring. And what’s that supposed to mean? No offense, but if the SMF put half as much effort into their wrestling as they do their looks, they’d be the champs by now. Hey, they do take this seriously! They won their match a couple weeks ago, remember? Natty & Tamina were watching, after all. But maybe they’re just jealous that those titles would look better around Mandy & Dana.

Natty says neither of them are going to be champions because their priorities are all wrong. There’s working hard and working smart. And it’s pretty clear that their brains didn’t get them here. Oh, well it seems to Mandy & Dana that if Natty & Tamina didn’t have the last names that they do, the doors would’ve been slammed shut on them years ago. Then bring it! Dana and Mandy kick off their shoes and get in the ring, only for Natty and Tamina to go right after them! The four brawl, security and referees hurry to stop it, but this is far from over! When and where will Dana & Mandy get their shot on the second gen superstars?

 

Backstage interview with Drew McIntyre.

Kevin Patrick asks him about being locked inside Hell in a Cell with “The All Mighty” Bobby Lashley, in what could be McIntyre’s final WWE World Championship match, and how he intends to shift focus onto AJ Styles. McIntyre tells Kevin that he doesn’t have to say the full “All Mighty” title when bringing Bobby up. In fact, the way he’s been acting, the company he keeps and how he represents the title, Lashley should be called, “Trashley.”

But McIntyre doesn’t need to refocus for anything. Styles is good, and surely Lashley and MVP are throwing back some champagne. But Styles is a man ready to walk into hell. That’s what McIntyre wants out of Trashley. It’s what McIntyre warned Lashley about, both the physical, the mental and the tactics. Scots are known for being strategists. One of their best was William Wallace. Right, from Braveheart? Big Willy as McIntyre thinks of him. But known for his courage, his ferocity and his Claymore the size of the Isle of Man, and known for his big, humongous, gigantic and unmatched brain!

One of McIntyre’s favorite William Wallace strategies was at the Battle of Sterling Bridge. Wallace knew the enemy was cocky, so the Scots were on one side of the river, with a very narrow bridge crossing it. The enemy thought they could just cross over, take out the Scots and Big Willy. But Big Willy waited for half the enemy army to be across that bridge and then ANNIHILATED each and every of them! Why couldn’t the enemy do more? Because the corpses were piling up in their way! But what does this have to do with HIAC? Well aside from the arrogance, nothing, because McIntyre loves that story!

But while McIntyre won’t tell us his strategy, he promises it is just as cold, calculated and successful! And it will make McIntyre WWE World Champion once again! So now, bugger off, Kevin. Will McIntyre honor Big Willy this Sunday? Or is he the one being cocky while crossing the narrow bridge?

 

The New Day VS RKBRO!

Xavier Woods & Kofi Kingston didn’t win the Tag Team Battle Royal, but neither did Randy Orton & Matt Riddle. This has been building for weeks now, will the 11-time W, W, E, Tag, Team, CHAMPIONS~ show the Viper and the Bro what it really means to be a team?

Raw returns as RKBRO makes their entrance. It’s still just Orton’s music and Riddle scooting up behind Orton, but better than individual entrances, right? Orton also still won’t pose with Riddle. The teams sort out, Woods starts with Riddle, and they circle as fans rally up. They tie up, Riddle powers Woods back but Woods uses that to corner Riddle! Kofi taunts Riddle, “Wrong side of town, Bro!” Woods keeps Riddle cornered with the collar ‘n’ elbow, but Riddle switches to a sleeper! Woods RAMS Riddle into buckles, Kofi tags in and powers up, mule kick to assisted Manhattan Drop! Cover, TWO!

Kofi keeps on Riddle with an arm wrench, then tags Woods. Woods CLUBS the arm, tags Kofi, and Kofi climbs to DOUBLE STOMP the arm! Riddle clutches his elbow, Kofi wrenches and tags Woods, and Woods CLUBS the arm again! Woods wrenches but Riddle throws forearms! Riddle ROCKS Woods but Woods wrenches, so Riddle CHOPS! Woods shoves and arm-drags Riddle, then gets a facelock! Riddle fights up but Woods moves him towards the New Day corner. Riddle gets away, still holding onto Woods’ leg, and Orton tags in! Woods gets away, and stands off with the Legend Killer.

The two circle, Woods and Orton tie up and Orton headlocks. Orton grinds Woods down to the mat, but Woods fights up. Woods pries the hold and makes it a top wristlock, to then get a headlock of his own. Orton powers out, Woods duck sand dodges and elbows back! Kofi tags in, Woods baits Orton into a shoulder! Schoolboy and springboard FROGGY-BODY! Cover, TWO! Kofi keeps on Orton with an armlock but Orton pulls hair. Kofi wrenches but Orton knees low! Orton brings Kofi around for EuroUppers, then whips him corner to corner., Kofi goes up and up and missile dropkicks back! Orton bails out but Riddle jumps in, only to get an EXPLODER from Woods!

The New Day has the ring as RKBRO regroups, but the New Day build speed! They fake RKBRO out and laugh! Kofi twerks while bouncing on ropes as Raw goes to break.

Raw returns and Riddle fires off forearms on Woods! Riddle runs but into a forearm from Woods! Woods runs but into a HARD forearm from Riddle! Riddle runs but into a HARD forearm from Woods! Woods throws more forearms, runs, but into a FLYING KNEE from Riddle! BACK TO THE FUTURE from Riddle! Cover, TWO!! Tag to Orton, and Riddle gets a boost for an ASSISTED FLOATING BRO! Orton stomps Woods, covers, TWO! Orton keeps Woods down with an armlock and he grinds the shoulder. Woods endures, Kofi coaches him up, and Woods stands, only for Orton to YANK the arm! Woods falls in a heap but Orton gets him up to YANK the arm again! And again!

Orton wrenches, tags Woods, and Riddle KICKS Woods in the ribs. Orton scrapes laces on Woods’ face, then Riddle kicks Woods around before dropping a BROTON! Riddle keeps Woods down with a back mount and ground ‘n’ pound, to an ARMBAR! Woods blocks, turns, but Riddle wrangles him back down! Woods keeps moving, shifts, but Riddle scoops around to keep him from ropes! Woods gives it one last go, has a cover, ONE! Riddle tags Orton, Woods scrambles but Orton stomps Woods down! And then stomps him more, and more, and more! Orton drags Woods up and pulls him back against a knee before wrapping on a chinlock.

Woods endures all over again but the ThunderDome rallies up. Woods fights up, fights back with body shots, but Orton CLUBS him down! Woods fireman’s carries but Woods slips out! Tag to Kofi! Springboard ax handle for Orton! Kofi DECKS Riddle then rallies on Orton! Kofi dropkicks Orton down, keeps moving and jumps, but Orton dodges the stomp! Orton back suplexes, Kofi lands on his feet and hits the LEAPING LARIAT! Kofi hits the NEW~ DAY~ Boom Drop! Kofi claps, “New! Day Rocks!” But Riddle swipes at him. Kofi swipes back but Orton gets up. Orton ducks Trouble in Paradise and tags in Riddle!

Riddle fires off KICK after KICK in the corner, then goes side to side for a forearm! And side to side for another forearm! BROSPLODER! Kofi sits up into a PENALTY KICK! Riddle reels Kofi in, ripcord and FINAL FLASH! Riddle goes to a corner, climbs up top, FLOATING BRO!! Woods gets in in, but Orton intercepts Woods with a POUNCE! Riddle covers Kofi, TWO?!? Kofi survives and bails out to regroup with Woods, and RKBRO looks at each other. Orton and Riddle both nod as Raw goes to break.

Raw returns again and Riddle fights Woods off on the top rope. Riddle adjusts but Woods bumps ropes to trip Riddle up! Riddle lands on his bros, but he still fights Woods off. Kofi tags in and Woods hits a SUPERPLEX! Kofi is up top, for a FRGO SPLASH!! Power and Glory! Cover, Orton breaks it! Woods gets up but Orton kicks him and throws him out! Woods stays on the apron as Orton gets Kofi up. Orton whips but Kofi reverses to send Orton out! Kofi catches his breath, he heads after Riddle, but gets caught to a cradle! TWO, and Kofi swings, but into a PELE from Riddle! Woods tags in, steps in, GET OVER- NO! Riddle blocks the DDT to a NORTHERN LIGHTS! Bridging cover, TWO!!

Riddle seethes as Woods survives but Orton seems to be enjoying this. Orton tags in, Riddle gets Woods up, and they work together for a DOUBLE POWERBOMB! Cover, TWO!! Woods survives, but Orton glares at him. Orton drags Woods up, puts him through ropes, but Kofi saves Woods from the DDT! Orton gets a hotshot, Woods GAMANGIRIS! Woods steadies himself but Riddle tags in! Riddle rushes over and drags Woods up the ropes! But Woods slips under to Electric Chair! Kofi tags in as Riddle fights! Kofi goes up, FLYING STOMP DOOMSDAY! Cover, TWO!?!? Riddle still lives and the New Day can’t believe it!

Kofi mule kicks Orton down and gets Riddle back up. Woods tags in, and Woods scoops. Kofi goes up but Riddle slips off! Riddle shoves Woods at the corner, Kofi leaps over but Riddle KNEES him out of the air! Kofi stumbles all the way out of the ring and now Riddle reaches for Orton. Woods gets Riddle first, but Riddle turns things into a fireman’s carry! Orton tags in as Woods fights out! RK- NO! Woods rolls Orton up, TWO!! Orton kicks low, whips Woods to a corner and runs in. Woods BOOTS him, and somersaults, HONOR- RKO!!!! Cover, RKBRO WINS!!

Winners: RKBRO, by pinfall

Bro! Riddle and Orton just defeated a top tier tag team! Riddle raises Orton’s hand in victory and is vibing, but Orton brings his hand away. Riddle strikes his pose again, and Orton… Doesn’t pose with him. Well, tag teams still take time, right? But will it only be a matter of time before the Viper and the Bro take a bite out of the Raw Tag Team Champions?

 

Backstage interview with Rhea Ripley.

Could she shed some light on what happened between her and Charlotte earlier tonight? Rhea says tonight is just another example of why Charlotte is the delusional one. Charlotte thinks she’s better in every single way, but the truth is that Charlotte can’t control herself when Rhea’s around. Instead of focusing on the title match, Charlotte is mending her bruised ego. It’s funny seeing someone so powerful crumble. Rhea is going to send Charlotte packing to the back of the line when she retains the Raw Women’s Championship. But right now, Rhea is going to focus on her match with Asuka. So please, go away. The Nightmare sounds ready, but is she ready for the Empress of Tomorrow?

Asuka VS Rhea Ripley!

Things may not have gone Asuka’s way at WrestleMania 37 or at #WrestleManiaBacklash, but she could change the flow of momentum right here! Will Rhea run into a speedbump going into HIAC?

Raw returns and Rhea makes her entrance. The bell rings and the two circle slowly. They approach, tie up, and Asuka headlocks. Rhea powers out, but Asuka goes up and over in the corner to then do her dance. Rhea shrugs it off but Asuka dodges the haymaker. Things speed up, Rhea hurdles but Asuka turns hip toss into takedown and cover, TWO! Rhea has a ghost pin, TWO! Asuka mule kicks, but Rhea throws body shots. Rhea clinches and tosses Asuka into a corner, then takes a second to check her chin. Rhea runs in, ducks a roundhouse, but Asuka ducks Rhea’s haymakers again. Asuka SLAPS Rhea, then BOOTS her!

Asuka runs and clotheslines but Rhea just tanks it! Asuka shoves Rhea, Rhea HEADBUTTS Asuka! Rhea gets Asuka up, has her hair, but Asuka blocks the toss to reel Rhea in for an IRON OCTOPUS! Rhea looks shocked but she endures as Asuka pulls the arm back. Rhea powers out of the hold, fireman’s carries, but Asuka slips around to a SLEEPER! Rhea flails as Asuka becomes a backpack! Rhea reaches back and BACKPACK SENTONS! Cover, TWO! Asuka gasps for air but survives, and Rhea gets up as she catches her own breath. Rhea stands Asuka up for a SHORT ARM CLOTHESLINE! And then another!

Rhea drags Asuka back up, reels her in, but Asuka swings on her! Rhea ducks and waistlocks, then ripcords Asuka back out, but Asuka breaks free! Asuka ROCKS Rhea, CLUBS her, then whips, but Rhea blocks! Rhea whips Asuka, runs in but Asuka moves! Rhea dropkicks buckles and falls hard! Rhea bails out, clutching an arm, but she gets up for Asuka to mule kick from the apron! And PENALTY- NO! Rhea blocks the kick, makes it an Electric Chair, and SLAMS Asuka onto barriers! Asuka checks her teeth and Rhea grins as Raw goes to break.

Raw returns again and Asuka fights the body scissors into a ground ‘n’ pound! Rhea guards, boots Asuka away, and gets up, only for Asuka to duck, dodge and dropkick! Rhea flounders to a corner, Asuka runs in but Rhea BOOTS her back down! Rhea snarls, bumps Asuka off buckles, and then hoists her up top. Rhea ROCKS Asuka with haymaker after haymaker, then lets off at the ref’s count. Rhea goes up top, gets Asuka up, but Asuka resists the superplex! Asuka throws body shots, shoves Rhea down, and adjusts for a missile dropkick! Both women are down but the ThunderDome is fired up!

A standing count begins, Asuka slowly sits up but Rhea follows. They throw hands at 5 of 10 and fight to their feet. Asuka fires off more forearms but Rhea shoves. Rhea runs into a POP-UP KNEE! Asuka runs in at the corner but Rhea dodges. Asuka still follows and LARIATS Rhea down! Asuka crawls to a cover, TWO! Rhea slowly gets up but Asuka runs in, HIP ATTACK! Cover, TWO! Asuka hurries to get Rhea up in a waistlock. Rhea fights but Asuka ripcords. Rhea turns that around into a NORTHERN LIGHTS! Bridging cover, TWO! Asuka survives and Rhea grows frustrated. Rhea gets Asuka back up but Asuka BACK HANDS!

Asuka gets around to a waistlock, GERMAN SUPLEX! Asuka runs, SLIDING WIZARD!! Cover, TWO!! Rhea survives and Asuka can’t believe it! Asuka gives Rhea KICK after KICK after KICK! Rhea wobbles, blocks the next kick, and turns that into a cravat and KNEE! Asuka shoves Rhea away, catches her on the rebound but Rhea forearms! Rhea whips, Asuka wheelbarrows but the victory roll is turned into the PRISM TRAP!! Asuka endures the hanging cloverleaf but rolls to get a takedown! Asuka wants the chinlock and arm, but Rhea gets up! Rhea elbows free, gets behind but no atomic drop!

Asuka headlocks, hammerlocks but Rhea ducks the strikes to pump handle! RIPTIDE!!! Cover, Rhea wins!!

Winner: Rhea Ripley, by pinfall

The Nightmare overcomes Asuka, but Charlotte runs in outta nowhere and CLOBBERS her! They brawl, Charlotte TACKLES Rhea then rains down rights! Rhea turns it around to throw hands from all sides! Charlotte gets up, Rhea puts her in a corner and the ref pulls them apart. Charlotte ROCKS Rhea, RAMS her into a corner, and then lets off, only for Rhea to ROCK her in return! The brawl keeps going faster and faster! Referees and security rush out to stop this! Adam Pearce is here to have them stand down! Charlotte is so furious, she hits the officials away from her to get back at Rhea! Charlotte digs her fingers into Rhea’s face but Rhea kicks her away!

Rhea and Charlotte are each a little bloody but their rage boils over! Charlotte wants Rhea and Rhea wants Charlotte, but the officials tell them to save this for Sunday! Charlotte is shrieking, “It’s MY championship!” And she eggs Rhea on! Charlotte even elbows Pearce away! Rhea BOOTS Charlotte down!! Charlotte is cussing up a storm judging from the mute censoring, and then she rushes the ring! The referees and officials drag her away as Rhea eggs her on now! Will there be hell to pay when Queen and Nightmare finally have it out?

 

Bobby Lashley, MVP and the ladies keep partying.

That’s what it is to be a champion! But Kevin Patrick walks in and asks their insight as to why McIntyre is facing Styles tonight. MVP takes this. First, why is Kevin so rude? He always comes in without knocking! And why does he insist on blatantly disrespecting the champion? Kevin address Lashley as “The All Mighty,” got that? Kevin apologizes but MVP tells him to shut up, he’s just making it more awkward. And as far as McIntyre VS Styles, how this came about doesn’t matter nor does MVP care. Lashley sure doesn’t care, either. He’s the champ, and this is one of many perks of being champ.

Now, if McIntyre is foolish enough to take on someone the caliber of AJ Styles barely a week before HIAC, that’s McIntyre’s business, not the champ’s. The only thing Lashley cares about is HIAC. Because then McIntyre finally runs out of opportunities to face the All Mighty. Lashley tells us that when McIntyre walks into the Cell, he’ll wish he’s never even uttered the name, “Bobby Lashley.” And when Lashley gets his hands on McIntyre, break his face, and throw his lifeless body around the Cell, just remember that McIntyre asked for this.

Lashley heard McIntyre compare himself to William Wallace. Lashley likes that comparison. Because in the end, McIntyre has committed a capital offense of trying to take the world title. Lashley will PUBLICLY EXECUTE McIntyre, and mount his head on a stick. The All Mighty’s wrath has been provoked, will he eviscerate the Scottish Warrior inside the Cell?

 

Alexa Bliss VS Nia Jax!

Lil’ Miss Bliss has changed into something almost unrecognizable compared to how she was when she and the Irresistible Force were frenemies. Will her newfound darkness be the demise of the Irresistible Force?

Raw returns and Nia makes her entrance. The bell rings, Nia rushes in but Alexa fires off kicks! Alexa gets around to jump on for a SLEEPER! Nia RAMS Alexa into buckles, then throws her off! Alexa sits up and slithers about, contorting herself as she moves. Nia scoops Alexa but Alexa again gets a sleeper! Nia rams Alexa back into buckles, runs in but Alexa dodges the boot to kick the leg! Alexa drops knees on the knee, then KICKS Nia against ropes! And fires forearms! Alexa is vicious but Nia shoves her away! Alexa KICKS and forearms again, then runs, into a BODY CHECK! Nia looms over Alexa, then drags her back up. “What the heck is wrong with you!?”

Nia TOSSES Alexa to a corner! Alexa sits up again, and Nia shakes her head. Nia runs in to HIP ATTACK! Alexa flounders, Nia gets her up and scoops her for a SLAM! Cover, TWO! Alexa lives but Nia sits her up for a half nelson, then a cobra clutch! Alexa endures as Nia thrashes her about. Alexa fights up as Nia shouts, “What happened to you?!” Nia gets Alexa up but Alexa swats her in the face! Alexa SLAPS Nia, but runs into a LARIAT! Nia runs, but Alexa sits up like the Deadman to avoid the leg drop, brother! Alexa then KICKS Nia down! Alexa gets Nia up, but Nia shoves her away. Nia runs but Alexa slips to the apron and Nia hits buckles!

Alexa climbs, smiles, but Reginald appears outta nowhere! Alexa gets distracted, Nia blocks the tornado DDT, but Alexa dropkicks legs out! Alexa ROCKS Nia, roars in her face, and reels her in for a BASEMENT DDT! Alexa paces about, then glares at Reggie! Reggie scurries away as Alexa climbs. Alexa aims, for TWISTED BLISS!! Cover, but Reggie gets in and drags her away!

Winner: Alexa Bliss, by disqualification

Alexa is furious with Reggie and he tries to apologize. Alexa stays put, they lock eyes and… Is Alexa hypnotizing Reggie? He tilts his head the same as Alexa does, and back the other way. Nia gets in the ring and Alexa bails out! Has Alexa planted a seed within the mind of the sommelier?

 

MVP meets with New Day backstage.

He pretends not to know Woods’ name. Kofi tells MVP to stop creeping. What doe s he want? Nothing! Just curious if Kofi considered what they discussed last week. Maybe it makes more sense after tonight’s loss. Either way, #KofiMania is dead and gone, never to come back. And if he wants to know who to blame- Durr, look in the mirror, right? That’s what MVP is gonna say? No, not at all! You look to the left. MVP asks if Kofi ever wonders why he hasn’t gotten close to a WWE Championship opportunity since? It’s because he’s wasting his career in a tag team with people who don’t measure up. At least in a singles match, you only have yourself to blame for losing. But in a tag match, you don’t even have to take the loss, and yet you are still the loser.

Can MVP hurry up? Woods has to get home and put water in Mama P’s dish. Kofi tells MVP that unless he wants to be picking up his teeth and walking with two canes, shut up and keep moving. What’s the endgame here? Is Kofi to tell MVP he’s right? That he agrees with MVP? Nah, man. Kofi will never say that. Like Kofi has said before, he’ll say it again since MVP isn’t hearing him. The reason Kofi has been so successful here is because of the bond with his brothers. Nothing MVP says will ever change that. So just move on.

MVP accepts that. But he’ll wish Kofi good luck with his match this Sunday. Oh right, they don’t have one! That’s fine. Have fun with your friends. Whatever, just go. Will MVP’s provoking of Kofi come back around to bite him? Or is it going to get in Kofi’s head sooner or later?

 

Elias VS Jaxson Ryker!

The Drifter ran away, but now he must face the consequences of abandoning his follower. Will Ryker finally wreck Elias once and for all?

Raw returns as Ryker makes his entrance. The bell rings and Elias hits the SYMPHO-KNEE on Ryker right away! Elias fires off on Ryker, CHOPS and ROCKS him, then whips to CLOBBER him! Elias grins as he gets Ryker back up to DECK him! Ryker gets up to throw body shots, Elias knees low then bumps Ryker off buckles. Elias CHOPS Ryker, whips him corner to corner, but Ryker comes back to CLOBBER Elias back! Ryker CLUBS Elias now, bumps him off buckles, and whips him to ropes. Ryker kitchen sink KNEES Elias, and dares him to get up! Ryker drags Elias up but Elias throws body shots. Ryker CLUBS him down, bumps him off buckles again, then CLUBS away on his chest!

Ryker CHOPS Elias in return, and CHOPS him again! Elias CHOPS, Ryker fires off hands, the ref breaks them up and Elias BOOTS Ryker! Elias CHOPS again, runs, but Ryker hits a SPINEBUSTER! Ryker dares Elias to get up again, and then reels him in to throw him out! Ryker pursues to make sure Elias doesn’t run away, and Elias kicks low! Ryker gets Elias up to POST him! The ring count climbs, Ryker gets in at 5 of 10. Elias staggers around, hears it’s 8, but takes his time! Elias decides to run away again!

Winner: Jaxson Ryker, by count-out

Ryker calls Elias a coward for letting it end this way again! Will Ryker ever truly have vindication against The Drifter?

 

Drew McIntyre VS AJ Styles w/ Omos!

Before the Scottish Warrior enters into Hell to dance with the All Mighty, he wants to show he has no fear! Will the Phenomenal One simply be fodder for the Claymore tonight? Or will Styles make McIntyre regret using him as a tune-up?

Raw returns and Bobby Lashley makes his entrance! He, MVP and the ladies put the VIP Lounge on the stage again so that they can watch this main event with their own eyes. Then Styles and Omos make their entrance, being cheered by the ladies as they cross through the lounge. Will the Raw Tag Team Champions be invited to join them? Styles tells Omos not to get distracted and keep with him at ringside. The bell rings and the two circle. McIntyre focuses on Styles and not Omos as they tie up. Styles wrenches but McIntyre breaks free. Styles backs off to avoid a haymaker, and the two go again.

Styles powers McIntyre to a corner to ram his shoulder in, but lets off as the ref counts. Styles whips, McIntyre reverses and Styles hits buckles. Styles still elbows McIntyre away then CHOPS him in the corner. And again! McIntyre blocks the next chop to grab Styles and TOSS him into another corner! McIntyre CHOPS Styles off his feet! McIntyre gets Styles up, whips him to ropes and back drops him SKY HIGH! Styles has a rough landing and McIntyre grins as he walks over. McIntyre gets Styles up to DECK him, then stomp him! McIntyre dares Styles to get up but is on him in a corner. McIntyre whips Styles to ropes but Styles kicks back!

Styles throws forearms, fires off the Phenomenal Blitz, but McIntyre dodges the Pele to backslide! Styles rolls through but McIntyre has the underhooks! FUTURE SHOCK! But McIntyre doesn’t pin?! McIntyre stares Lashley down and tells him up his! Lashley gets pissed, McIntyre aims at Styles but Omos bails Styles out of the ring! Lashley is at ringside, but here come the VIKING RAIDERS! Erik & Ivar aren’t just evening the odds, they’re keeping an eye on the Raw Tag Team Champions! McIntyre says he has nothing to do with this, but he appreciates the back-up. Will things get even more explosive after the break?

Raw returns again and McIntyre stomps a mudhole into Styles as the Raiders cheer him on! The ref counts, McIntyre lets off, and Lashley is still fuming at ringside. Styles fires off body shots but McIntyre throws hands! McIntyre whips Styles hard to a corner and Styles bounces off buckles! Styles gets up, McIntyre whips him to ropes and tilt-o-whirl BACKBREAKERS! Cover, TWO!! Styles is still in this but McIntyre has him in the corner again. McIntyre gets Styles up and reels him in for a suplex. Styles kicks and knees free, then ROCKS McIntyre with haymakers! Styles whips, McIntyre holds ropes and catches Styles for an uppercut!

McIntyre grins and taunts Lashley as he brings Styles back up. The ref counts as McIntyre mugs Styles against ropes. McIntyre lets off, Styles throat chops! Styles gets McIntyre for a FLAPJACK HOTSHOT, and then dumps McIntyre out to the floor! MVP has Lashley stay back as McIntyre gets up. Styles goes after McIntyre and POSTS him! Omos likes that and wants Styles to punish McIntyre. McIntyre gets up and drags himself back onto the apron but Styles is after him with haymakers. Styles gets McIntyre up for a suplex, but McIntyre blocks! The Raiders rally and McIntyre throws body shots. McIntyre hotshots Styles in return!

Styles leans on ropes as he sputters, and McIntyre whips him corner to corner! McIntyre runs but into BOOTS from Styles! Lashley likes that as McIntyre is dazed. Styles drags McIntyre around into a chinlock then a neck wrench. McIntyre endures as Styles shifts to a chinlock. The ThunderDome rallies, McIntyre throws body shots, and he CHOPS Styles! McIntyre runs but into Styles’ SLEEPER! Styles becomes a backpack and he squeezes tight! McIntyre drops to a knee, but he fights up to his feet. McIntyre reaches back for a JAWBREAKER! Styles staggers, McIntyre catches his breath, but he turns around into Styles’ PELE! But McIntyre comes back with a LARIAT!

Both men are down, Lashley and MVP aren’t happy and Omos looks worried. The Viking Raiders rally and coach McIntyre up. McIntyre and Styles slowly stand, and McIntyre snarls. McIntyre rallies on Styles with elbows and clotheslines! McIntyre drags Styles around to a DEAD LIFT BRAINBUSTER! Cover, TWO!! Styles survives because he’s Phenomenal, but McIntyre keeps focus. Omos assures Lashley that Styles has this, but then McIntyre hits a MICHINOKU DRIVER!! Cover, TWO!! McIntyre frowns, Lashley paces, and McIntyre gets Styles up. McIntyre hoists Styles up top, throws haymakers, then climbs up.

Styles resists the superplex, slips out and under to trip up McIntyre! Fireman’s carry to an USHIGORISHI! Cover, TWO!! McIntyre is still in this and MVP asks if Omos is sure Styles has this. Styles gets McIntyre back up, reel shim in but no Clash! McIntyre back drops Styles up and out of the ring! McIntyre goes out after Styles, MVP again has Lashley stay back, and McIntyre puts Styles in the ring. Lashley steps closer but McIntyre JABS him, then TOSSES Him into barriers! McIntyre backs MVP down with a glare, then goes back to the ring. McIntyre climbs up top and leaps for a HUGE FLYING CLOTHESLINE! McIntyre kips up but Lashley attacks!!

Winner: Drew McIntyre, by disqualification

The Viking Raiders go after Lashley in return! They give him knee after knee in the corner, then toss Lashley out of the ring! McIntyre pursues to get Lashley for an OVERHEAD Belly2Belly! MVP goes to Lashley’s side as the Raiders are fired up in the ring! What’s going to happen when Raw returns from break?

 

Six Man Tag: Drew McIntyre & The Viking Raiders VS AJ Styles, Omos & Bobby Lashley w/ MVP!

Holla holla, Raw returns and all the fighting is going to be in one match! Though, with Lashley taking his time getting his ring gear on, this looks more like a 3v2 Handicap to start. Styles and Ivar start, and Styles headlocks. Erik tags in as Ivar powers out, Ivar KNEES Styles and feeds him to Erik’s KNEE! Erik roars and drags Styles up., but Styles throat chops! Styles whips Erik corner to corner but Erik goes up and over and comes back with a kitchen sink-  No, wait! Styles rolls through and rolls Erik up to then ENZIGURI! Styles roars at Erik and swings, into a waistlock SLAM! Erik roars again, drags Styles up and brings him over to tag in Ivar.

The Viking Raiders tag again so then whip and scoop Styles for a SLAM! Ivar is the human weapon, scoop slam SENTON! Erik covers, TWO! Erik keeps his eyes locked on Styles but here comes Lashley! And he goes after McIntyre! Lashley TOSSES McIntyre into barriers but then backs away. Styles CLOBBERS Erik from behind, then gets him up to bring him over. Erik hits back but Styles tags Lashley in. Lashley CLUBS Erik, bumps him off buckles and fires off haymakers! Lashley lets off to go side to side and DECKS Erik with that forearm shot! McIntyre gets up and is furious, but Lashley covers Erik, TWO!

Lashley tags Styles in, they put Erik in a corner, and Styles forearm smashes! Tag to Omos, and now things get rough as Omos KNEES Erik down! Lashley tags in, and clinches Erik, but Erik fights with elbows! ACE TEN MAO! But Lashley still anchors Erik from his corner, reels him in and hits a COMPLETE SHOT! MVP talks trash that they should never think they can match the All Mighty! Lashley sucker punches McIntyre! But he turns around and Erik ROCKS him with a right! Tag to Ivar, and Ivar rams Lashley, to scoop and SIDEWALK SLAM on the rebound! BASEMENT SPLASH! Ivar roars and scoops Lashley, but Lashley slips out and shoves him to ropes!

Ivar rebounds and rolls off Lashley’s back! Ivar cartwheels to avoid Lashley’s shot, and swings, but into a half nelson! Ivar snapmares free and runs, into a MILE HIGH SPINEBUSTER!! Cover, Erik KNEES Lashley down! Styles dropkicks Erik, but McIntyre BOOTS Styles! Lashley gets up to clinch McIntyre for an OVERHEAD Belly2Belly of his own! Ivar BOOTS Lashley but Omos tags in! The Warbeard shows no fear as he fires off but Omos pushes him away. Omos CLOBBERS Ivar with the shoulder tackle! The towering titan looms over Ivar as Raw goes to break!

Raw returns once again and Lashley rains down fists on Ivar in a corner. Lashley lets off to then throw more hands and stomps! The ref counts, Lashley digs his boots in but stops at 4, just to do it again! The ref counts, Lashley stops this time and he gets Ivar up for a NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Lashley keeps Ivar down with a chinlock and shifts to a neck wrench. Lashley grinds Ivar down, jams his knee into Ivar’s back, then twists harder on the neck wrench. MVP tells Lashley to make Ivar pay for the disrespect, but Ivar endures even as Lashley turns him for the STRADDLE ATTACK! Lashley flexes on McIntyre but Ivar CHOPS him!

Ivar throws body shots, haymakers, but Lashley trips him! Lashley puts Ivar in the corner, throws big elbows, then lets off as the ref counts. Lashley grins and gets Ivar up to tag in Omos. Omos goes corner to corner to BACK BODY BLOCK! Ivar gasps as Omos tags Styles. Styles snapmares Ivar, wraps on a chinlock and squeezes tight. Ivar endures, fights up and throws body shots! ThunderDome rallies as Ivar and Styles trade shots! PELE! Styles runs in but into the SEATED SENTON! Erik and McIntyre fire up for Ivar as he crawls over! Hot tags to McIntyre and Omos! McIntyre sees how tall Omos is for himself as the two circle.

Omos and McIntyre get face to face, and McIntyre shrugs. But Omos choke grips first! Omos is making McIntyre kneel with one hand, but McIntyre kicks at Omos’ legs! Omos holds on but McIntyre kicks and throws forearms! McIntyre backs Omos down but Omos shoves him away! Styles tags in and springboards, but McIntyre gets under! OVERHEAD Belly2Belly! And another! McIntyre runs in to get Styles in a corner, for a third OVERHEAD Belly2Bell! But Lashley distracts the ref as Omos grabs and THROWS McIntyre down by his head! The Raiders storm over but Omos POUNCES Ivar over barriers! Erik leaps off steps to ROCK Omos!

Erik fires off but Omos grabs him to TOSS him into the timekeeper’s area! Styles and McIntyre both crawl, Styles gets to a corner and MVP tells him to tag out. Styles goes over and reaches out, but he stumbles and tags in Lashley, not Omos! Everyone is shocked by that, most of all Lashley! Lashley gets in, to get a CLAYMORE!! McIntyre hurries to cover, McIntyre and the Viking Raiders win!!

Winners: Drew McIntyre & The Viking Raiders, by pinfall

The Scottish Warrior just took out the Rocky Mountain Machine! Lashley is furious but he still has to go through hell with McIntyre! McIntyre says he can’t wait! Will McIntyre get to do this and more to Lashley in their most hellacious battle yet?


My Thoughts:

I really thought Raw was getting past Go-Home Syndrome. They didn’t shove nearly as many recap packages in this time, and really tried to give us matches that progressed things. But they also couldn’t help themselves by giving us FOUR weak finishes. We got Elias running away to lose by count-out again, we got Reggie disqualifying Nia in her match with Alexa, and then there was the finish to Charlotte VS Nikki and McIntyre VS Styles. The latter two worked to a degree but the others were just bland. Elias VS Ryker was most bland, didn’t need to happen here, could’ve waited until next week’s post-PPV Raw.

Nia VS Alexa was a good match until the finish because of how it played off the story between them. WWE sucks at using their own continuity, but for once they nailed it. And I will say, it is interesting to see Alexa “hypnotize” Reggie. Is there going to be a twist where Lily possesses Reggie? His acrobatics would make for an interesting wrestling style for Lily if that’s true. But I am glad we’re finally getting Alexa in matches again. We should’ve had this a month ago, giving us a better build to Alexa VS Shayna at HIAC. Then we’d see Alexa actually look like a real contender to the Raw Women’s Championship.

There was still some copy-paste with Charlotte, Nikki, Rhea and Asuka, but the matches made a lot of it worth it. Nikki getting a ring count win was great, I really feel like it works for what they’re doing with Nikki. Asuka VS Rhea was another great match, I’ll forgive them for not having anything else because it still works. Charlotte and Rhea brawling after was awesome stuff, too, definitely something this feud and Raw in general has needed. Their match isn’t in the Cell but it will probably have the intensity of one, all the more reason it could go either way. Then whoever wins comes out as a very strong champion with a strong division to face.

Well, a mostly strong division. The most glaring flaw in tonight was Eva Marie’s debut. Granted, Eva was gonna have heat from fans anyway, but wow that bait ‘n’ switch with Piper Niven. And yes, her name is Piper Niven, even though commentary at least pretended they didn’t know her. I guess no one on Raw watches NXT UK and they can’t even be bothered to research things with a quick call to someone. Way to promote your own product, Vince! I swear, if Rhea interacts with Piper like she has NO IDEA who that is even though they were BOTH on NXT UK at the same time… But Piper got a strong debut for herself, so at least there’s that.

Natty & Tamina had a decent segment with Mandy & Dana, at least. The tag champs didn’t say it, but they were implying Mandy & Dana were like the Divas of old, but I bet Mandy & Dana get to show them otherwise on the road to Money in the Bank. I have no idea how SmackDown is going to get in the Women’s Tag Division again with no Riott Squad, no Mella & Billie, no anything, but maybe Mandy & Dana can use “Brand2Brand Invitation” to go over to SmackDown and have the title match there. At the same time, Raw really needs the ratings so the match might still happen over here. The RawDown Women’s Division is really suffering these days.

Morrison VS Hardy was a good match, and Hardy VS Alexander with Hardy’s career on the line was alright. I had a feeling this wasn’t how Hardy was going to leave WWE, but I have a feeling this story of Hardy and Alexander could lead to that in the end. Who knows if that means Jeff joins Matt Hardy in AEW or goes into true retirement to be with the kids. New Day VS RKBRO was an amazing tag match, almost like they were competing for tag titles right there. RKBRO winning was the right move for several reasons, but I like the follow-up with MVP. I really think the build to MITB with MVP, Lashley and New Day will be what helps get Raw out of the ditch.

And that’s especially given how Lashley is totally retaining now. Sure he was still partying with the ladies, but we got a great double main-event out of things. McIntyre VS Styles was great to start, but when the Viking Raiders showed up, I should’ve figured a Teddy Long style mash-up match. The Six Man was great stuff, but they had another momentum killer commercial break just as Omos finished with Ivar there. Omos got to dominate the Viking Raiders but that was a sloppy way to go from the champions dominating to McIntyre snatching away the victory.

McIntyre standing tall here totally means he loses, and then he’ll have no choice but to try for a different title. Well, there is MITB but I feel like someone else could benefit from that, too. Though, look at what happened with Otis and then The Miz. Maybe SmackDown wins the Mr. MITB briefcase given the story with Roman Reigns, and then it’s about earning the shot against Lashley between contenders like Kofi, Styles… Wow, there aren’t that many choices, are there? Too bad WWE let go of a Monster Among Men and hasn’t even tried using Limitless Keith Lee lately. Bring Lee back and that will definitely fix some things.

My Score: 8.2/10


Powered by RedCircle


Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!

Coverage

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

Talk about a Big Time Raw!

Published

on

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


Powered by RedCircle


Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!
Continue Reading

Coverage

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


Powered by RedCircle


Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!
Continue Reading

Sports

Entertainment

Sports Entertainment

Buy A Chairshot T-Shirt!

Chairshot Radio Network

Trending

WP Twitter Auto Publish Powered By : XYZScripts.com