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

Raw returns from Hell!

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Coverage Raw 2021

The champions of Raw made it through Hell, but now what?

Rhea Ripley and Bobby Lashley both reign over Raw, but surviving Hell was just the beginning! Who will look to step up and cash-in a golden ticket?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

  • Men’s Money in the Bank Qualifying Match: AJ Styles w/ Omos VS Ricochet; Ricochet wins and advances to the Men’s MITB Ladder match.
  • Women’s Money in the Bank Qualifying Match: Naomi & Asuka VS Eva Marie & “Doudrop” Piper Niven; Naomi & Asuka win and qualify for the Women’s MITB Ladder match.
  • Men’s Money in the Bank Qualifying Match: Randy Orton VS John Morrison w/ The Miz; Morrison wins and advances to the Men’s MITB Ladder match.
  • Women’s Money in the Bank Qualifying Match: Alexa Bliss & Nikki Cross VS Shayna Baszler & Nia Jax; Bliss & Cross win and qualify for the Women’s MITB Ladder match.
  • Men’s Money in the Bank Qualifying Match: Drew McIntyre VS Matt Riddle; Riddle wins and advances to the Men’s MITB Ladder match.
  • Hell in a Cell Match: Bobby Lashley VS Xavier Woods; Lashley wins.

PLAY BY PLAY

The Money in the Bank briefcases hang above the ring!

Tonight’s FIVE qualifying matches will bring us that much closer to the golden opportunity on the horizon! But first…

 

Raw presents the VIP Lounge!

Bobby Lashley leads the way as MVP and the ladies head to the ring. They’re all celebrating the All Mighty Era surviving Drew McIntyre and the HIAC match they had just last night. MVP says once again he and the champion are here, so big things poppin’, little things stoppin’. Sit back and enjoy the view, because this VIP Lounge is for the All Mighty, MVP, and the lovely ladies, not people like you. MVP lets Lashley speak on last night. Lashley says he and McIntyre went through hell, and McIntyre almost took him to his limits. But even McIntyre at his best is not enough to best the All Mighty!

MVP says Lashley beat McIntyre to within an inch of his life and he’ll never be the same again. But the important thing is that McIntyre can never challenge Lashley for this title ever again! MVP rubs it in by having a screenshot of Lashley raising his hand and McIntyre hanging his head in defeat. Right now in the ring are two alpha males, five lovely ladies and a full bottle of champagne. That makes for one hell of a party. Let’s raise a glass and toast Lashley’s victory. Here’s to the- New Day interrupting?! Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods wheel out a cart of toast! Well, MVP did say toast, just not literal toasted bread.

Kofi says no disrespect, they don’t want a problem. They wanted to be part of the toast. SO the circus is in town? Kofi and Woods throw the toast at the ring! MVP shields Lashley but the ladies have to cower behind the couch. Woods says they always come prepared. MVP says they just keep proving his point! This clown nonsense is why they were watching HIAC, not main eventing it like Lashley. They’re clowns who belong in the circus. Once there are live crowds again, these two will do stupid cosplay and play stupid video games while Lashley & MVP will enjoy the finer things in life. Now if the New Day doesn’t mind-

Actually, they do mind. The New Day ain’t going nowhere, bruh! It is well documented that Kofi surrounds himself with friends and family, those he trusts, as opposed to users. Those who chew you up, spit you out and leave you when the well goes dry. Let’s talk, Bob! Bob, you think MVP and your ladies will be around when Kofi beats him for the title? First off, no one is beating him for the title! And certainly not to Kofi! Kofi is too busy dancing and making pancakes to realize that he lost this! What Kofi has to realize is that there is a hierarchy, and in it, Lashley is at the top while the New Day is at the bottom.

Oh is that so? So much talk of this, Lashley’s forgotten that Kofi beat Daniel Bryan to win at WrestleMania! MVP remembers, cuz he was crying at the bar! And in this very ring right here, Kofi beat Lashley! Lashley wants to act like he doesn’t remember, so here is the footage. Last month, even with MVP and Woods ringside, Kofi rolled Lashley up to win! Now Lashley remembers, right? So to get to the point, Bob does not have an opponent set for MITB. Kofi is here to challenge him for the WWE Championship! MVP asks Kofi if he’s joking, but Lashley accepts!! If this is what Kofi wants, leaving out how McIntyre hit Lashley with a cane, this will happen in a way where nothing like that happens again.

MVP says not MITB, do it tonight! Lashley will take on Kofi’s “partner in clowning,” Woods! Woods says Lashley isn’t the first to talk down to him. They’re just the last in a long line of toxic, testosterone flaunting meatheads that don’t have the mental acuity to perceive a Renaissance man like Woods. Preach, bruh! Woods knows MVP and Lashley don’t see him or Kofi on the level of Big E- MVP says it’s cuz they’re not. Shut up, MVP! Woods is talking! Big E has become WWE Intercontinental Champion. Woods got to see Kofi win THE WWE World Championship.

Now, Woods may be set on a possible King of the Ring tournament crown, he gives some of his accolades: over 2 MILLION subscribers on YouTube’s UpUpDownDown, a host on the returning G4 network, and most importantly, an ELEVEN TIME WWE World Tag Team Champion! So please, and be quiet about it, underestimate him. That’ll make the whooping that much sweet. Woods accepts! But one more thing, the match tonight- MVP SHUT UP! The match needs to be… inside Hell in a Cell! The Cell is still in the rafters, so why not?! BECAAAAAAAUSE~! NEW! DAY ROCKS! Lashley ACCEPTS the challenge, too!! Will Woods shock the world inside the devil’s playground?!

 

Raw shares footage from earlier today.

As AJ Styles and Omos were arriving, they ran across the Viking Raiders. Styles says, “Look at these guys! Riding high over the last weeks!” After that big win, of course. But compared to the champs, they’re zeros. No, less than zeroes! They’re NOTHING. Well Erik & Ivar set out to raid and had a phenomenal victory. It was sloppy luck. If they want to see a real raid, just watch Styles beat Ricochet to a pulp to then become Mr. Money in the Bank! And after that, Styles will win the WWE Championship again! Then and only then will these two defend their titles against the “stinky barbarians.”

Well, Mr. Styles, these two stinky barbarians beat you once, and they can beat him again. Styles slaps Ivar’s turkey leg down! Erik has Ivar stay calm as Styles and Omos headed out.

 

Men’s Money in the Bank Qualifying Match: AJ Styles w/ Omos VS Ricochet!

One half of the phenomenal Raw Tag Team Champions is looking for his way to reach the top of the WWE again, and he’ll climb up a ladder to do it! But will the One and Only uses Styles as a springboard to the MITB match instead?

The bell rings and Styles kicks low to CHOP Ricochet and put him in a corner. Styles whips corner to corner, but Ricochet puts Styles on the apron. Ricochet ROCKS Styles then triangle jump dropkicks him down! Styles staggers up for Ricochet to slingshot. Styles moves, Ricochet aborts the plancha, but Styles also avoids the corner moonsault! Styles scoops Ricochet to POST him! Ricochet writhes and Styles gets back in the ring as Raw goes to break.

Raw returns and Styles bumps Ricochet off buckles. Styles keeps on Ricochet in the corner with a wristlock, then brings Ricochet around. Ricochet elbows and CHOPS Styles back, then whips. Styles reverses and CLOBBERS Ricochet with an elbow! Omos likes what he sees as Styles looms over Ricochet. Ricochet slowly sits up, Styles brings him around but Ricochet throws hands! Ricochet has Styles on the defensive, then runs, to KNEE SMASH! Styles staggers, Ricochet keeps moving and hits a FLYING FOREARM! Ricochet back suplexes, Styles lands on his feet and CLUBS Ricochet on the back! Styles whips but Ricochet springboards to CROSSBODY!

Ricochet fires up, runs corner to corner at Styles and corner clotheslines! Ricochet whips Styles corner to corner hard, then runs in for another clothesline! Ricochet reels Styles in for a NORTHERN LIGHTS! Roll through and BRAIN BUSTER! Cover, TWO!! Styles survives but Ricochet keeps his cool. Ricochet gets Styles up, fireman’s carries, but Styles fights free and clubs Ricochet. Ricochet kicks, Styles blocks, and Styles ducks the enziguri to give an enziguri! Styles gets Ricochet up to a torture rack for a LANDSLIDE! Cover, TWO!! Ricochet survives but Styles keeps his cool. Styles brings Ricochet up, reels him in and wants the Clash, only for Ricochet to slip out!

Ricochet fires off forearms, but Styles ducks the rolling elbow for the Phenomenal Blitz! Ricochet dodges the back hand to enziguri, and he dodges the Pele to DEAD LIFT GERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO!! Omos gets worried and coaches Styles on. Styles gets to a corner, Ricochet runs in and clotheslines again! Ricochet hesitates after and Styles rolls him, CALF CRUSHER! Ricochet reaches and gets the ROPEBREAK! Styles lets go, Omos is stern again as Styles gets back up. Styles drags Ricochet back up, fireman’s carries, USHIGOROSHI! Ricochet is in a daze and Styles goes to the apron. Styles prepares that elbow, but the Viking Raiders run out to go after Omos!!

Omos throws Erik, tosses Ivar, and Styles tells him to take those two out! Omos roars and runs in but the Raiders send Omos CRASHING into the timekeeper’s area! Styles ROCKS Ricochet, springboards, but into a RECOIL!!! Cover, Ricochet wins!!

Winner: Ricochet, by pinfall (advances to the Men’s MITB Ladder Match)

A massive win for the King of Flight, and a defiant showing from the Viking Raiders! Is Ricochet about to rebound his entire career to the top of Raw? Will Styles & Omos look to make Erik & Ivar regret ever showing their faces tonight?

 

Matt Riddle finds Randy Orton.

Check it out, bro! More merch! And how great is it that they both have a chance to get into the Men’s MITB this year? If Riddle wins, he’s totally taking the briefcase everywhere they go so he can hide his stash in there. His what? His stash! Y’know, his Whoppers! He might get hungry. Plus he has an irrational fear of the Burger King King. He doesn’t trust that smile. Orton shouts at Riddle but calms down. “What do you want?” Riddle knows Orton has won and cashed in before, does he have any pointers? Y’know, bro to bro? Orton sighs and says, “Stay out of my way.”

Oh, well, that’ll be hard if they’re both going to win tonight. Imagine, two brothers fighting for the guaranteed WWE Championship title shot! Wouldn’t that be awesome?! Orton looks at Riddle’s goofy smile and says, “Not for you.” Riddle doesn’t smile as much anymore. Well, good luck, Randy! Will the MITB get in the way of RKBRO’s brolationship?

 

Backstage interview with Eva Marie and “her mysterious friend.”

Kevin Patrick asks if Eva could shed some light as to what happened last week. Eva is so glad Kyle asked. “You see, it’s been five years since I have stepped in the WWE ring, so everything had to be perfect.” Last week, Eva got a mani-peti and her nails look amazing. But then she caught a bit of a cold. Eva coughs to keep up the charade. She just knew the fans were “dying” to see her return, so instead of throwing in the towel, she arranged for her protégé to take her place. Introducing… What’s her name again? Pip- No no wait. Eva remembers now. It’s Doudrop! Yes! Now, the #EvaLution must be moving on. Doudrop, help her with her robe. “Doudrop” does as asked, but will this affect their teamwork?

 

Women’s Money in the Bank Qualifying Match: Naomi & Asuka VS Eva Marie & “Doudrop” Piper Niven!

This could be two birds with one stone here for The Glow. She wants to get back at Eva for her bait ‘n’ switch, and she’s got back-up to do it! Will Naomi and Asuka both get one step closer to getting that golden ticket? Or will Eva and Pi- er, “Doudrop” keep their momentum going towards MITB?

Raw returns and Asuka starts against Eva with the bell, and they circle. But of course Eva tags out to Piper. Piper gets in, circles with Asuka now, and they tie up. Asuka wrenches but Piper shoves her away. Asuka catches Piper’s punch but Piper shoves her away. Asuka fires off fast hands, KICK, but Piper catches one to HEADBUTT! Piper whips, Asuka holds ropes, and elbows Piper away. Asuka BOOTS Piper, runs and clotheslines but Piper stays up to run her over! Eva applauds, and she’s not even on the corner! Piper runs in, Asuka dodges and fires off kicks! Piper shoves her away, Asuka hits a CODE BREAKER! Hot tag to Naomi, and Naomi wrenches to ROUNDHOUSE Piper!

Piper stays up, ducks a clothesline and waistlocks, but Naomi fights free with elbows. Naomi SCORTPION KICKS, but Piper blocks the whip! Piper whips Naomi to a corner and runs in to corner SPLASH! Piper runs in to CANNONBALL! Piper drags Naomi to a cover, Asuka breaks it! Asuka coaches Naomi and Piper scowls as she drags Naomi over. Piper stomps Naomi then climbs up. Now Eva tags in, and Piper has to get out. Eva covers, TWO! Naomi shocks Eva but this is what Eva gets. Piper isn’t so sure if she should tag back in. She DITCHES Eva?! Naomi rolls Eva up, Naomi & Asuka win!!

Winners: Asuka & Naomi, by pinfall (qualify for the Women’s MITB Ladder Match)

Eva is in shock! But she’s the only one. Naomi and Asuka are bringing the glow and the fight to MITB, will one of them get that money money money?

 

Sonya Deville and Adam Pearce talk backstage.

It’s hard to hear what they’re saying, but it seems they’re actually in agreement. They both head for gorilla, what will they have to say when we return?

 

Bobby Lashley is getting ready for tonight’s match.

MVP talks him up as he warms up, will he be ready for another HIAC match just 24 hours after the truly brutal battle he had with Drew McIntyre?

 

Adam Pearce and Sonya Deville are in the ring.

These two WWE officials feel the need to discuss a controversial moment during last night’s HIAC PPV. They ask Raw Women’s Champion, Rhea Ripley, to come to the ring. They wait, the music hits, and the Nightmare makes her way down. Rhea already has a mic and responds, “I was told that you were gonna summon me.” Pearce explains he and Sonya discussed this and agree that what Rhea did as champion was completely unacceptable. What are they talking about? Well, as we all saw, a title can only change hands following pinfall or submission. If someone is counted out or disqualified, someone loses but the title doesn’t change. Those rules were not mean to be abused but Rhea got herself disqualified on purpose.

Oh, so those rules apply only to Rhea and not Charlotte Flair? Rhea’s seen the Queen break those rules over and over and continue to do so. Rhea only did what Charlotte would’ve done if she was the champion. Well she isn’t, so- But speaking of, here comes Charlotte! “Not yet. Adam, you meant not yet.” And Rhea, Charlotte isn’t mad. She’s happy! Proud, even! Last night, Charlotte was kicking Rhea’s ass and finally, Rhea proved she’s smarter than Charlotte thought. Actually, she’s quite clever. That was the first time Charlotte saw Rhea is a “strategic competitor,” just like Charlotte. But Charlotte is still going to destroy her!

Sonya says if this is Charlotte asking for a rematch, then Sonya grants it. It will be Rhea VS Charlotte at MITB! Rhea is annoyed but she still smirks at Charlotte. Will this rematch from Hell (in a Cell) finally put this grudge away for good?

 

The WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions have their photoshoot now.

Sarah apologizes for interrupting, but she wants to ask about Natalya & Tamina challenging Mandy Rose & Dana Brooke to step up their in-ring game and- And wait, the #SexyMuscleFriends are now the ones making noise in the ring! What a weird role reversal as Natty & Tamina ask them to stop. The champs were having an interview, y’know. Oh, just like how the champs were doing this when Mandy & Dana were having their photoshoot? Didn’t Natty & Tamina get on them for not focusing on what was important? Seems this week, #SMF are the ones putting in the work.

Natty points out that as champions, this is their obligation to do interviews and press. Something Mandy & Dana know little about. Oh well then let’s settle this! They can show the champs what they know! Was Natty winning not enough last night? Tamina says if they want a second serving, they can have it! The champs get in the ring but get kicked right back out! “How’s that for working smart?” Mandy and Dana head out, but will they learn why there’s no one meana than Tamina?

 

Men’s Money in the Bank Qualifying Match: Randy Orton VS John Morrison w/ The Miz!

The Viper already warned The Bro not to think it’ll be a good time at MITB, but this match might make it more apparent. Will Johnny Drip Drip dry up and be but an appetizer before the feast that is the 8 Man Ladder Match?

Raw returns and Morrison makes his entrance, wheeling Miz along with him. Can’t Miz wheel himself? His arms are still fine. Anyway, the bell rings, Miz joins commentary as Morrison circles with Orton. They tie up, Orton headlocks and grinds Morrison into a corner. Morrison turns things around, the ref counts, and Morrison lets off at 4. Miz brags about himself while putting Morrison over. Orton headlocks to hit a takeover on Morrison, Morrison rolls it to a cover, TWO! Morrison shifts to facelock and cranks back on the hold but Orton fights up. Morrison CLUBS him back down then floats around to shoot the half on Orton and throw in knees.

Morrison gets Orton up to throw more knees into the ribs, then ROUNDHOUSES! Miz is fired up way more than Morrison as he covers, TWO! Miz still likes what he sees as Morrison keeps Orton down with a top wristlock. Orton endures, even as Morrison digs a knee in. Orton fights up, Morrison wrenches and drags Orton back down. Morrison YANKS on the arm, wrenches again, but Orton pokes Morrison in the eyes! Orton throws Morrison down by his hair! The ref reprimands but Orton gets Morrison back up to whip to ropes. Morrison holds ropes but Orton clotheslines him out! Miz coaches Morrison, Morrison kicks Orton but Orton throws body shots!

Orton bumps Morrison’s head off the desk! Miz shouts at Orton but Orton glares at him before giving Morrison a BACK SUPLEX to the desk! Miz shouts at Orton, but then also reminds Orton that he is injured and therefore off limits! Orton lets Miz scoot himself away and Raw goes to break.

Raw returns again and Orton EuroUppers Morrison in a corner. Morrison sits down, Orton drags him by his leg and stomps away on Morrison’s limbs. Orton has both legs then stomps Morrison in the gut! Orton scrapes laces off Morrison’s face then covers, TWO! Miz coaches Morrison from ringside rather than commentary as Orton grinds Morrison with a chinlock. Morrison throws body shots, fights up, but Orton CLUBS him down! Orton whips Morrison to ropes but Morrison kicks back! Morrison springboards, FLYING CHUCK! Orton staggers up, Morrison POSTS him! Orton flops out of the ring and Miz talks trash.

Morrison goes out and SLAMS Orton’s arm on the steel steps! Orton gets around the way and back in the ring but Morrison pursues. Morrison goes for a chinlock then for the bad arm! ARMBAR, but Orton clasps hands! Orton endures as Raw goes picture in picture to plug Fast & Furious 9 with John Cena. Orton fights up and makes a cover, TWO! Raw is single picture as Orton and Morrison fight for control. Morrison CLUBS the bad arm then WRINGS It out into the mat! Cover as Miz laughs triumphantly, TWO! Morrison stays on Orton’s arm with a wristlock but Orton grabs tights for leverage. Orton fights up, pulls Morrison’s hair but Morrison cranks the arm.

Morrison wants the Kimura but Orton throws body shots! They fight back and forth like this, Orton CLUBS Morrison but Morrison ROCKS Orton! Morrison whips him to a corner, but Orton comes back to CLOBBER Morrison! Orton gets Morrison up in a corner, CHOPS him, then CHOPS him again! And CHOPS again! Orton climbs up to rain down fists and Miz protests as the ref counts. Orton gets 10 punches before the ref counts 4. Morrison boots Orton away, but runs into the SPINNING POWERSLAM! Miz is shocked as Orton gets Morrison up and in the ropes! DRAPING DDT! But Orton isn’t done there, he starts hearing those voices in his head!

Miz panics as Morrison stirs and Orton coils up. Miz uses a shot from the Drip Stick to hit Orton! The ref reprimands Miz but it isn’t so much as to disqualify Morrison. But it is enough to piss Orton off! But Morrison rolls Orton up! TWO, and Orton ROCKS Morrison with the uppercut! Morrison is back by the ropes, but here comes Riddle and his scooter! Riddle chases Miz around the ring, and Orton is  not sure what to make of it. Orton goes after Morrison but Morrison HOTSHOTS him! STARSHIP PAIN!! Cover, Morrison wins?!?!

Winner: John Morrison, by pinfall (advances to the Men’s MITB Ladder Match)

Uh oh, Bro. Riddle just cost Orton and now Johnny Drip Drip is making it rain! But will Miz be of any help when Morrison has to climb up and get the briefcase?

 

Backstage interview with Nia Jax, Shayna Baszler & Reginald.

Kevin Patrick asks if they’re concerned that what happened last night at HIAC will happen again. Nia says Reggie knows that that won’t happen again. Nia would never purposefully hurt him. Shayna asks Reggie if he’s scared. Shayna is scared of no one, and no one is going to stop this team from qualifying. But… There is something different about Alexa. They cannot deny that, but can they deny Twisted Lil’ Bliss and Nikki Cross their golden opportunity?

 

Congratulations to Titus O’Neil!

The Real Deal is a 2021 Muhammad Ali Sports Humanitarian Award finalist!

 

Women’s Money in the Bank Qualifying Match: Alexa Bliss & Nikki Cross VS Shayna Baszler & Nia Jax w/ Reginald!

This isn’t quite the #BlissCross reunion Nikki hoped for, but perhaps these former friends can coexist long enough to cash in a win. Will Alexa have fun her way on the way to MITB? Or will the Queen of Spades and Irresistible Force get back at her for using them against each other?

Raw returns and Nikki shows off her new look. Recently, something “sparked” inside of her, and after beating Charlotte Flair and Raw Women’s Champion, Rhea Ripley, she knows she can become Ms. MITB! The last few weeks, Nikki has worked on how to physically manifest that feeling inside, and she’s so excited to finally share it with us! She won’t be alone, either. No matter how far down you fall in life, we all share that positivity, that same spark, and the same spirit to win! So tonight, Nikki represents all of us, no matter our shortcomings. Her blue ‘n’ gold superhero suit embodies that! This is the spirit of the spark! Nikki does a Wonder Woman spin and heads to the ring!

Now Nia and Shayna make their entrance and things actually start feeling normal. The teams sort out and “The Spirit” Nikki starts with Shayna. Shayna can’t believe Nikki’s get-up but Nikki is fired up. They circle, tie up, and Shayna puts Nikki in the corner. She lets off to KICK Nikki’s leg. Shayna whips Nikki corner to corner but Nikki goes up and over and arm-drags Shayna to an armlock! Shayna gets up, gets around and uses a double wristlock takedown to a cover! ONE, but Shayna clamps onto Nikki’s ears. Nikki fires forearms, Shayna shoves her away but Nikki dodges. Nikki runs back in, is put on the apron but she ROCKS and shoulders into Shayna!

Nikki slingshots to an Oklahoma Roll! ONE, and Shayna gets an arm to drag Nikki to the corner. Nia tags in and she HEADBUTTS Nikki down! Nikki flounders to a corner, Nia runs in but Nikki dodges! Nia POSTS herself and falls out of the ring! Reggie checks on Nia but Alexa is watching. Alexa hypnotizes Reggie but Shayna snaps him out of it. Nia tells Reggie to focus and be careful. But then they all look up, and Nikki SUPER CROSSBODIES them all down! Nikki is fired up and Alexa smiles as Raw goes to break.

Raw returns again and Nikki whips Shayna to the corner! Nikki fires up and corner SPLASHES! Tag to Alexa, Nikki BULLDOGS Shayna for Alexa to add Insult2Injury senton style! Cover, TWO! Alexa clamps onto Shayna’s face, Nia gets in but the ref stops her. This distracts the ref so Shayna can rake Alexa’s eyes! Shayna tags Nia in, Nia clamps onto Alexa and bumps her off buckles again and again! Nia whips Alexa to the corner, tags Shayna back in, and Nia holds Alexa up so Shayna can KNEE her down! Shayna scrapes Alexa’s face on the ropes! The ref counts, Shayna lets off to clamp on with a chinlock.

Shayna bends Alexa back but she endures. Nikki rallies up, as do the ThunderDome fans. Alexa fights up, Shayna shifts and rakes at the eyes again! Alexa keeps fighting up, getting angrier as she claws at the hold. Alexa pries fingers back and ROCKS Shayna with that throat chop! Alexa fires off more forearms then jumps on to just hammer away! Shayna puts Alexa on a corner, Alexa kicks at her, and then Alexa hops on for a SCREAMING CODE RED!! Alexa can’t hold the cover but she heads for the corner! Shayna crawls, too, hot tags to Nia and Nikki! Nikki dodges Nia, ducks and leaps, but into Nia’s arms! Nia pops Nikki up but Nikki slips off to ROCK, headbutt and dropkick!

Nia is in a corner, Nikki powers up but runs into a boot! Nia pushes Nikki to a corner, tag to Shayna, but Nikki gets away! Nia thinks Shayna was about to hit her but Shayna explains the obvious. Nia doesn’t believe it, and Nikki hits a BIG back suplex! Alexa stares at Reggie and has him hypnotized again! Nia realizes too late as Reggie raises his hand and SLAP- NO! Reggie just snaps out of it in time! Nia and Reggie hug it out, but Nikki WRECKS them with dropkicks! Nikki tilt-o-whirls to get Shayna down, for a La Magistrol! Cover, BlissCross wins?!?

Winners: Alexa Bliss & Nikki Cross, by pinfall (advance to the Women’s MITB Ladder Match)

The spirit of the spark, as well as the mind games from Twisted Lil’ Bliss, triumphs! But will things only get harder from here on out?

 

Pearce and Sonya talk with Drew McIntyre backstage.

Before he heads out there, they want him to know that they saw what MVP did and- No, he’s not here to make excuses or look back at the past. McIntyre is heading for the future, the MITB Ladder match. Sonya says he already went through Hell, he doesn’t have to do this. McIntyre does, actually. He went through a war last night and it didn’t feel good. But certainly they haven’t told Lashley that he shouldn’t be competing in the Cell again. This is what McIntyre does, regardless of how he feels. It is a lot worse in his head. They should know him better than this.

McIntyre lives his life, inspired by Winston Churchill’s words during World War II. “We will fight them on the land, we will fight them on the sea, we will fight them in the air. We will never surrender!” McIntyre never, ever surrenders! He’ll face and beat Riddle tonight. And McIntyre will keep going through Hell. Then if so, good luck to him. The Scottish Warrior is mad as Hell, will the battle scars simply be motivation to keep fighting?

 

Pearce and Sonya hurry to stop a confrontation backstage.

Cedric Alexander, Jeff Hardy, Sheamus, as well as Jinder Mahal and his proteges, Shanky and Veer, are all arguing. Pearce has them all calm down and explain what is going on. Mahal says he is most deserving so he will speak first. Mahal is a former WWE World Champion, why was he not considered for MITB? Hardy says good point, because he is also a former WWE World Champion. Alexander says this is the problem! “All these antiques talking about what they did in the past!” It is time for the WWE to invest in someone with their best years ahead of them. Hardy points out his wins over Alexander. Stop future tripping and focus more on the now.

Sonya has them stop arguing and gets their frustrations. That said, the decisions are final. Oh? Final, huh? Sheamus tells the officials not to listen to these “bleeding gobshites.” He is US Champion! He shouldn’t need to qualify, he should just be in! Well then his nose is good and he can defend the title? Uh, no, his nose is still killing him! It was smashed to bits! His beautiful looks are ruined! Sheamus goes to see the doc. But Mahal is supposed to accept that nobodies like Ricochet and Riddle, and even Johnny Drip Drip, were considered but not the Modern Day Maharaja? The fact Drew McIntyre has squandered his 9000th opportunity and gets back in is upsetting.

Oh but surely management has reasons, so “thanks” for the consideration. And in case something were to happen to someone already entered in, Mahal would appreciate being considered as an alternate. Alexander likes Mahal’s idea there. Will things get a bit out of hand as WWE prepares to head back on the road?

 

Men’s Money in the Bank Qualifying Match: Drew McIntyre VS Matt Riddle!

The Viper is already out of the picture, and the Bro will have hell to pay later on. But can he soften Orton’s anger by at least moving on for the both of them?

Raw returns as McIntyre makes his entrance. The bell rings, Riddle and McIntyre circle, and they tie up. McIntyre powers Riddle to a corner but the ref gets them apart. McIntyre still smirks and Riddle grins as the two go again. McIntyre against puts Riddle on ropes and goes for a clinch, but Riddle climbs up the ropes. The ref counts, McIntyre lets off at 3, and the two go again. Riddle shoots for a leg, McIntyre blocks and gets Riddle down with a facelock. Riddle slips free and we have another reset. Riddle and McIntyre tie up, Riddle KICKS McIntyre on the back! McIntyre CLOBBERS Riddle for it! McIntyre stomps Riddle and CHOPS him in the corner!

McIntyre fires off, GLASGOW KISS headbutt! McIntyre stops because his back bothers him, but he gets Riddle up to TOSS Riddle across the ring! Cover, TWO! McIntyre snarls and winches but Riddle CHOPS and CHOPS and CHOPS! Riddle fires off forearms, McIntyre throws haymakers back! McIntyre has Riddle in the corner but the ref counts. McIntyre lets off, brings Riddle out and dead lift suplex TOSSES Riddle down! Cover, TWO! McIntyre winces again from the pain in his back but he pushes through. McIntyre gets up to bump Riddle off buckles, then CHOP him! Riddle is stinging now and shouts as the pain comes through.

McIntyre gets Riddle up but Riddle blocks the suplex and throws hands! Riddle fires off forearms, runs but McIntyre runs him over! Cover, TWO! Riddle is still in this and McIntyre’s back still hurts. McIntyre whips Riddle to a corner, runs in but misses. Riddle comes back but into a back elbow! McIntyre hops up, but Riddle YANKS him down! That landing does not help the back, and the BROTON only adds on! Riddle gets heated now as he pushes McIntyre and throws knees into ribs! Riddle gut wrench suplexes McIntyre, but holds on! Riddle gets McIntyre up for another gut wrench, only for McIntyre to counter, gut wrench BACKBREAKER!

Because of the bad back, McIntyre can’t go for the cover and Riddle gets to the ropes. McIntyre DECKS Riddle, goes out after him, but Riddle POSTS him! NORTHERN LIGHTS SUPLEX! The ring count is climbing, Riddle gets up and in while McIntyre grits his teeth, and Raw goes to break.

Raw returns again and McIntyre has gotten back in the ring. Riddle has him for a chinlock, but McIntyre fights up and fights out. McIntyre CHOPS and CHOPS and scoops, but Riddle throws shots to the back! Riddle shoves McIntyre to a corner, and forearm smashes! Riddle goes side to side to forearm smash again! BROSPLODER! Riddle paces, McIntyre sits up, PENALTY KICK to the back! Riddle aims and drops a BROTON onto knees! McIntyre saves himself just in time! McIntyre and Riddle both slowly rise, Riddle runs into McIntyre’s OVERHEAD Belly2Belly! McIntyre clinches to again OVERHEAD Belly2Belly! And then he hits a NECKBREAKER!

McIntyre kips up and fires up despite the pain! McIntyre hobbles over and drags Riddle up. Riddle fights the underhooks and trips to a jackknife cover! TWO, McIntyre LARIATS Riddle down! Cover, TWO!! Riddle barely survives and McIntyre’s growing frustrated. McIntyre gets up, brings Riddle back up and bumps him off buckles. McIntyre turns Riddle around, has the legs, INVERTED ALABAMA SLAM! Cover, TWO!! Riddle isn’t done yet! McIntyre gets up and Riddle gets to a corner. McIntyre hobbles over, CHOPS Riddle on the back, then hoists him up top backwards. McIntyre CLUBS Riddle, climbs up behind him, and goes to the very top!

But Riddle fights back with headlock punches! McIntyre adjusts, Riddle throws back elbows and McIntyre falls onto the top rope! Riddle shifts around, throws more elbows and McIntyre falls back! But McIntyre sits up for the SPIDER GERMAN SUPLEX!! Riddle and McIntyre are both down, what more do these two have? Wait, here comes Orton! The Viper is watching Riddle closely now, and Riddle is encouraged to keep going! McIntyre sees that as a problem, and Raw goes to break.

Raw returns yet again, McIntyre and Riddle are back on the top rope, and McIntyre fires off haymakers and headbutts on The Bro! Orton still watches, McIntyre CLUBS Riddle on the back then fireman’s carries! McIntyre gets Riddle around but Riddle fights the Air Raid off to SUPER POWERBOMB! Riddle rolls McIntyre to FINAL FLASH!! Cover, TWO!! McIntyre survives and Orton doesn’t look pleased. Riddle grits his teeth, drags McIntyre up in a waistlock and ripcords, but McIntyre breaks free to spin Riddle. McIntyre blocks the Pele to scoop and MICHINOKU DRIVER!! Cover, TWO!! Riddle survives again and McIntyre is back to being frustrated.

McIntyre and Riddle slowly stir again and Riddle can’t find McIntyre. McIntyre gets to a corner, Riddle turns around to see him, and Riddle hurries over as McIntyre slowly climbs. Riddle stands and catches the ax handle to a TRIANGLE!! McIntyre fights up fast, Riddle twists and keeps his shoulders up! McIntyre dead lifts but the back is holding him back! Riddle lands on his feet, gets around, backslide! TWO, FUTURE SHOCK DDT!!! Cover, TWO!?!? Riddle barely gets that bridge, but McIntyre is too sore to show any anger. McIntyre just gets to a corner and aims at Riddle. Riddle rises but flops back down, and McIntyre is at his wits end.

McIntyre gets Riddle up but Riddle scoops him! Riddle gets McIntyre around but McIntyre slips out to gut wrench! Riddle slips off to ripcord FINAL FLASH!! McIntyre is dazed but Riddle BUZZSAWS him down! Riddle puts McIntyre in the drop zone, climbs up top, FLOATING- NO! McIntyre moves! Riddle lands on his feet out of the jump, CLAY- NO!?! Riddle turns the kick into a takedown, for the BROMISSION!!! McIntyre flails, pulls on an arm, sits up and gets to his feet! McIntyre powers out of the hold, arm-drags Riddle, FINAL FLASH!! Riddle leaps, into a GLASGOW KISS! McIntyre ducks a roundhouse to Electric Chair, but Riddle makes it a victory roll! Riddle wins!!!

Winner: Matt Riddle, by pinfall (advances to the Men’s MITB Ladder Match)

Even the Bro is shocked! Riddle scoots back up the ring in hopes Orton has forgiven him. Orton sees Riddle’s smile, and Riddle offers a fist bump. C’mon, Orton, do it for RKBRO. Riddle asks Orton what’s wrong, and says he can talk to him about it. Riddle is here for his bro. Orton takes a moment before looking at Riddle. No fist bump but at least Orton didn’t leave Riddle behind. Will Orton learn to be more supportive when Riddle is going for the briefcase?

As for McIntyre, he is just as dejected as he was when he lost last night. If he can’t get back with the MITB briefcase, how will McIntyre return to the top of the mountain?

 

Jaxson Ryker slaps himself with a leather strap.

Mansoor comes along and apologizes for bothering him. He was going to ask for advice but then he saw him… Uh, what exactly is this he’s doing? Ryker’s icy stare is an answer in itself. But before Mansoor goes, Ryker tells him, “Never let your enemy escape.” Huh? He wanted advice, so there it is. More often than not, those closest to you are wolves in sheep’s clothing. So when you realize who the enemy is, don’t let them escape. That’s why next week, Ryker is taking Elias on… in a STRAP MATCH! When they’re bound together, there will be nowhere for Elias to run, nowhere for Elias to hide.

Ryker says his eyes were opened by the music. But the tune heard around the world will be the sound of this strap smacking Elias’ flesh. Makes sense to Mansoor! Thanks. But then Mustafa Ali is right there, too. Ali says Mansoor is still looking for answers by asking all the wrong questions, and asking all the wrong people! The real question is, “How did all the superstars competing in the MITB qualifying matches steal that spot from you and me?!” He wants advice so Ali will give him something: If Mansoor can’t even get an opportunity to climb the ladder of success, then he has to build his own ladder.

Ryker is still slapping himself with the strap and that stops Ali’s train of thought. Will the strap be what keeps Elias from walking away?

 

BREAKING NEWS!

There will be a chance at redemption for three of tonight’s MITB qualifier losers! Randy Orton, AJ Styles AND Drew McIntyre will be in a #LastChanceTripleThreat! Will the Viper, the Phenomenal or the Scottish Warrior make the most of this merciful opportunity?

 

Hell in a Cell Match: Bobby Lashley VS Xavier Woods!

The All Mighty already survived Hell once and kept the title. This won’t be for the gold, but Woods doesn’t mind if it is about putting Lashley in his place! Will the Power of Positivity see Woods through his own return to the sinister structure? Or is Lashley becoming a Rocky Mountain juggernaut that no one can stop?

Raw returns and Lashley makes his entrance. The ladies stay in the back because this might get a bit rough. The door is locked shut, MVP talks trash with Kofi, and the bell rings on the Cell’s return to Raw! Woods SHOTGUNS Lashley to a corner! Woods KICKS away on Lashley’s leg, but Lashley throws Woods to a corner! Lashley stomps and clubs and chokes Woods! Lashley RAMS into Woods over and over, turns Woods and hits a NECKBREAKER! Cover, ONE! Lashley snarls and gets Woods up but Woods sunset flips! TWO, and Lashley CLOBBERS Woods! Woods writhes but Lashley drags him back up for a COMPLETE SHOT! Lashley gets Woods up again for another COMPLETE SHOT!

MVP says this is what Woods gets, and Lashley gets Woods up for a LIFTING COMPLETE SHOT! Cover, TWO! Woods isn’t done so easily and Kofi taunts Lashley, “Is that all you got, Bob?” Lashley throws woods out of the ring but Kofi coaches Woods up. Lashley goes out after Woods, but Woods has a chair! Lashley blocks the chair shot, throws the chair back at Woods, then punches the chair into Woods’ face! Lashley puts Woods in the ring, MVP is fired up for him and Lashley runs corner to corner, but Woods moves! Lashley POSTS himself and Kofi fires up now! Woods runs to WRECK Lashley with a dropkick! Lashley hits steel and Woods keeps moving! ANOTHER dropkick!

Kofi says that’s two, Woods has a chair to SMACK Lashley and send him flying into steel! Lashley is down, Woods goes out and SMACKS him on the back! And again! And again! Kofi is loving this but MVP is not as Woods stands on Lashley’s head and Raw goes to break!

Raw returns once more and Lashley chokes Woods in the ropes! Also, there’s a table in a corner. Woods can only endure as there are no holds barred here! Lashley fires off haymakers, Woods pushes him away but Lashley throws more hands! Lashley runs but Woods dumps him out of the ring! Woods runs, slides, but Lashley traps him in the apron skirt! Lashley mugs Woods and Woods can’t even see! Lashley smothers Woods with the skirt but Kofi says if the All Mighty is might, he doesn’t need to do it this way. MVP says whooping Woods’ behind is exactly how he has to do it. This is for the disrespect!

Lashley kick’s Woods, Woods throws body shots, and Lashley KNEES Woods low. Lashley whips Woods right into steel! Woods flounders around the way, grabs a kendo stick, but Lashley snatches it from him. Lashley puts Woods in the ring and stands on his head! Again, Woods can only endure! Lashley digs his heel in, lets off, and Kofi coaches Woods. Lashley smirks at Kofi while MVP talks more trash to Kofi. Lashley stands Woods up to fire off elbows and forearms. Woods tries a roll-up, but Lashley holds ropes to stay up! Lashley stomps Woods down, drags him up, and MVP says to treat Woods as the court jester he is. Lashley whips, Woods ducks and dodges and slides to CHOP BLOCK a leg out!

Woods dropkicks Lashley down! Lashley flounders, Woods gets that kendo stick back! Woods SMACKS Lashley on the back! Lashley bails out but Woods pursues to FALLING KENDO SLASH! Woods digs the stick into Lashley’s neck! Kofi tells Woods to keep going and Woods SMACKS Lashley down again! MVP tells Lashley that Woods is a clown, but the clown is choking Lashley with the kendo stick against the apron! Lashley gets in the ring, Woods pursues again, but Lashley blocks the strike! So he gets a ROLLING ELBOW! And a mule kick! Woods runs to wheelbarrow, and victory roll FACEBUSTER! Cover, TWO!

Lashley flounders, the bandage on his arm is falling away, and he gets to a corner. Woods runs in but Lashley puts him on the apron. Woods GAMANGIRIS, then steps in, GET OVER HERE!! Tornado DDT hits and Woods covers, TWO!! Kofi says Woods is right there, he can do this! Lashley slowly gets up and Woods repositions the table. Woods has it standing up on its own, but Lashley kicks him! Lashley gets Woods up, but Woods fights free! SUPERKICK! Lashley staggers, SUPERKICK puts him on the table! Woods gets to the apron, climbs up a corner, and tightrope walks for the LIMITBREAKER ELBOW through the table!!! Cover, TWO?!?!

Lashley survives and Woods can’t believe it! Kofi keeps the energy up for both of them as Woods rises back up. Lashley flounders, Woods aims, but Lashley ducks the shining wizard! Lashley RAMS Woods into a chair! There was a chair wedged into the corner, much like last night, and Woods just ate it for dinner! Lashley aims from a corner now, Woods staggers up into the SPEAR!!! But Lashley won’t end it there, he puts on the HURT LOCK!! Woods taps, Lashley wins!!

Winner: Bobby Lashley, by submission

The All Mighty puts Woods away, and he didn’t even need help this time. But he isn’t done, either! Lashley throws Woods into steel again and again! The ref opens the Cell door, but MVP slips in and snatches the key! MVP locks the Cell up again!! Woods is alone against Lashley and MVP taunts Kofi! Kofi tries to get in but the gap is not enough! Lashley has Woods in the HURT LOCK!! Woods fades out and Lashley makes Kofi watch!! Kofi demands they let Woods go but MVP mocks Kofi for having such fire earlier. MVP says it’s all over now, but is this only going to make Kofi that much more determined to dethrone Lashley?


My Thoughts:

Wow, what a great Raw! And to think they could’ve been giving us this the entire time if they really tried. Though it wasn’t without some decisions and details that still boggled the mind. I get Rhea’s disqualification was their way of giving us Rhea VS Charlotte again at MITB, but what was that promo supposed to be? Are the new authority figures agreeing that they should kiss up to Charlotte and let her get what she wants? That’s lame. It was way more fun when Sonya and Pearce argued about stuff. The heat is dying down on this one after all the great work they did just last week and that’s a real shame. I’m almost hoping Charlotte is again the victim of a same-night cash-in from Ms. MITB.

Speaking of which, everything with the MITB qualifiers was great. Though this also brings in the other odd detail of the night. I like that Nikki wants to represent that energy and excitement she feels after her little win streak, but going superhero was an odd choice. She and Alexa had a great match with Shayna and Nia, and they made the supernatural puppetry work here. I think Nia was paranoid that Shayna almost smacking her was because of Alexa, but it was the genuine close call from Nikki dodging. Nikki getting into MITB is great, but I feel like this superhero costume is just more of an indication that she is going to become Lily’s host body.

love what they did with Piper and Eva. The internet got word of “Doudrop” being Piper’s name here, but that’s because Eva didn’t care enough to learn Piper’s real name. I was hoping they were going to pace it out to take a little longer than this, and we’d get this euphoric moment where Piper finally told Eva off. This supports my theory that Vince’s main problem with his booking is his pacing, but at least he made the right decision to have Piper stay Piper and let Eva get what she deserves. I wonder if Asuka getting into the MITB match again is a way to give us the Ms. MITB run she would’ve had if not for Becky Lynch’s pregnancy changing plans.

The stories of the Men’s MITB matches were all very well done, too. Styles talks trash to Viking Raiders but that comes to bite him in the butt when they go after Omos, and then Ricochet wins to perhaps give himself a chance at finally getting some ground in the power rankings. Orton VS Morrison was a great match, and I was laughing so hard seeing Riddle chase Miz around the ring like that. A bit of a shame it costs Orton, but much like Ricochet, Morrison is perhaps finally getting where he should’ve been. Though I feel like there’d just be a lot of the same stuff from Miz’s run last year, but with Morrison now as the one exploiting loopholes or something.

Orton going ringside for the Riddle VS McIntyre match was great, it shows he still wants to be in the team. The match itself was an epic. So much story just on McIntyre having just done a HIAC match last night, and Riddle is always great in the ring. That was definitely on par with anything we saw the last couple of days, and Riddle getting in is great for him. A bit shocked there is a Last Chance Triple Threat rather than another original match-up. The other superstars protesting that backstage was a good detail, but I really hope Raw isn’t trying to get meta about itself again. We’ve seen the authority “apologize” and try to make it up to both fans and superstars and then not follow through, because duh, it’s happening here.

Another great detail was Sheamus being put on the spot about finally defending his title. I hope Sheamus gets to settle things with Humberto Carrillo, Raw can’t just drop that. Mahal also pointing out if an entrant goes down, someone can step up. Whether or not McIntyre wins that Triple Threat next week, I want to see Mahal go after McIntyre. That would make a great feud to keep McIntyre busy on the outside of a title scene, and who knows? Maybe McIntyre chooses his future is completing his WWE Grand Slam with the US Championship. I think live crowds would love to see McIntyre and Sheamus battle it out as hard as they did during the ThunderDome era.

Then everything with Lashley and the New Day was great. Of course Lashley wants to celebrate, but of course Kofi wants to get at him both because he has that win over him and because of MVP poking at him. That opening segment was great, and having HIAC on Raw for that main event was great. Also it was to appease the USA Network overlords but whatever, Raw made it work. Woods looked amazing, definitely worthy of being the next King of the Ring, but naturally Lashley was going to win. MVP trapping Woods with Lashley was a great detail, that is some Heel heat right there. Great visual to close, and Kofi is going to be fired up for MITB.

I don’t know the chances of Lashley losing so soon after barring McIntyre from the contender’s list, but we’re talking the first time since WrestleMania 37 weekend that live fans get to be in the audience. Fans would go nuts if KofiMania 2 happened at MITB. I know SummerSlam is coming up fast in August and it’s in Vegas and it has Cardi B for that mainstream pander- I mean, appeal. But c’mon! WWE needs to help the wrestling fans want to watch again because it is still World Wrestling Entertainment! Kofi winning “outta nowhere” would be so good for everything! The post MITB Raw, the Mondays going towards SummerSlam, and maybe even SummerSlam itself.

My Score: 8.5/10


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Coverage

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

Talk about a Big Time Raw!

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Will The Man be the Last Woman Standing?

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

OFFICIAL RESULTS

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

PLAY BY PLAY

Jey Uso is here!

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

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

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

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

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

 

Adam Pearce is on the phone.

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Winners: DIY, by pinfall (advance to WrestleMania)

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

 

Judgment Day meets backstage.

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

Winners: Candice LeRae & Indi Hartwell, by submission

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

 

Cody Rhodes makes his way to the ring.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

Nia Jax speaks.

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

 

Cody Rhodes returns backstage.

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

 

Dominik Mysterio w/ JD McDonagh VS Ricochet!

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

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

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

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

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

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

Winner: Ricochet, by pinfall

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

 

Sami Zayn is backstage.

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

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

 

Adam Pearce is in the ring.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

Sami confronts Gable now.

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

 

CM Punk speaks.

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

 

Drew McIntyre is here!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

Becky Lynch speaks.

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

Liv Morgan confronts Becky Lynch.

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

 

Cody walks with his dog, Pharaoh, backstage.

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

 

Last Woman Standing: Becky Lynch VS Nia Jax!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Winner: Becky Lynch

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


My Thoughts:

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

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

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

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

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

My Score: 8.9/10


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

The semifinals are here!

Published

on

We’re just one step away from the Cup!

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

OFFICIAL RESULTS

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

PLAY BY PLAY

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

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

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

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

No Contest

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

2024 New Japan Cup Semifinals: SANADA VS Hirooki Goto!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


My Thoughts:

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

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

My Score: 8.9/10


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