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Mitchell’s WWE Hell in a Cell Results & Report! (6/5/22)

It’s Hell in Chicago!

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WWE HIAC 2022

Abandon all hope, ye who enter Hell in a Cell!

Cody Rhodes’ return to the WWE has been a victorious one, but Seth Freakin’ Rollins wants to end the American Nightmare, inside Hell in a Cell! Will the Visionary finally get a win or go 0-3 against the Son of Dusty?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

  • Raw Women’s Championships Triple Threat: Bianca Belair VS Asuka VS Becky Lynch; Belair wins and retains the title.
  • 2v1 Handicap Match: Omos & MVP VS Bobby Lashley; Lashley wins.
  • Ezekiel VS Kevin Owens; Kevin wins.
  • Mixed Six Tag: The Judgement Day VS AJ Styles, Finn Balor & Liv Morgan; The Judgement Day wins.
  • No Holds Barred: Happy Corbin VS Mad Cap Moss; Moss wins.
  • WWE United States Championship: (Austin) Theory VS Mustafa Ali; Theory wins and retains the title.
  • Hell in a Cell Match: Cody Rhodes VS Seth Rollins; Cody wins.

PLAY BY PLAY

It’s the Hell in a Cell Kickoff Show!

Join Kayla Braxton, Kevin Patrick, Booker T, Jerry “The King” Lawler and Peter Rosenberg in discussing, analyzing and predicting the hellacious action set for tonight!

Big news on Cody Rhodes!

Despite tearing a pec in the brawl with Seth Rollins last Monday, the American Nightmare will still compete tonight in the Hell in a Cell main event! Will Cody be able to finish things with the Visionary, even with only one good arm? Or will this be just what Rollins needs to end Cody’s homecoming streak?

 

Cody trains in the Nightmare Factory.

The American Nightmare’s own wrestling school is also the training ground he uses to prepare for Seth Rollins and the Hell in a Cell match. True pull-ups, shoulder crunches and weight raises. His passion has become his life’s work, he isn’t sure how else to live. He has to give his all. He could say he’s way better than Rollins, and the score is 2-0. This rematch is happening because Cody is allowing it. One way or another, this will close the book on their rivalry. But with his bad pectoral muscle, will Cody be able to give it his all against the Visionary?

 

Byron Saxton interviews Ezekiel.

Elias’ younger brother is happy to be here. Byron says Zeke is taking on Kevin Owens, who has been on a warpath to prove Zeke isn’t who he says he is. Zeke knows Kevin is a tough SOB, but Kevin is underestimating the new guy. Zeke’s first big event is tonight! He remembers watching Elias debut and how surreal it was to see Elias on the big screen. And now Ezekiel is here! Elias walked, so Zeke can speak. How is that relationship between the brothers? They speak with each other sporadically. But Elias had his reasons for going away, that Zeke wants to find out just as much as anyone. But they both grew up watching the WWE. It was their dream to get here, and it is Zeke’s dream to be a tag team champion with Elias.

So will Elias be watching? Zeke doesn’t want to assume, he doesn’t have the same brain. Zeke can’t say what Elias would saying, but Zeke hopes he’ll watch. They went to HIAC 1998 and saw Taker throw Mankind off the cell! Elias said, “One day, brother. One day.” So what can we expect from Zeke in his match with Kevin? Zeke says he’s getting #ZekedOut, he is pumped up, because Kevin’s tried to embarrass and humiliate him. But the Zeke Freaks have been by his side and Zeke is grateful for that. So when the bell rings, Zeke gets his turn. When he wins that match, Kevin will know Ezekiel is who he says he is, and he’s here to stay.

 

This sadistic structure changes lives and defines careers.

“So, here we are again. Staring at madness. Standing on the edge as we dive headfirst into darkness. But what lies below? Fate. Betrayal. Wrath. Or, an inescapable battle with our demons. Tonight, when the cell door closes, Hell’s door opens.” Who survives stepping inside Hell in a Cell?

 

Raw Women’s Championships Triple Threat: Bianca Belair VS Asuka VS Becky Lynch!

The strongEST, fastEST, roughEST, toughEST, quickEST and RawEST Women’s Champion has been going strong since WrESTleMania 38, but now she’s got two of the best opponents she could hope for in one match! Will Bianca still be the B E S T Raw has to offer? Will the Empress of Tomorrow’s time be now? Or will the Big Time Comeback be complete right here?

The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see if the numbers spell disaster for Bianca here in Chicago!

Fans fire up as the three women circle. Becky shoves Asuka, shoves Bianca, and talks trash about being the next champion. But she finds herself corner, so she shoves Bianca, then shoves Asuka at Bianca! They stop themselves, Asuka trips Becky and Bianca runs Becky over! Becky bails out and fans fire up as Bianca and Asuka get a moment 1v1. They circle, tie up, and Bianca gets an arm to a wristlock. Asuka wrenches, wristlocks, fans duel, Asuka waistlocks then spins Bianca to a snapmare. Bianca gets up and they ram shoulders! Bianca wags her finger, she didn’t budge! Things speed up, Asuka dodges to LARIAT!

Fans fire up, Asuka runs but Becky trips her up and drags her out! Becky BOOTS Asuka down, then gets on the apron. Bianca runs in but into a kick, and a KICK! Becky goes up but Bianca ROCKS her, to ROCKET LAUNCH her! Cover, TWO! Bianca is smiling as she whips Becky to a corner. Becky reverses but Bianca goes up and over and handsprings to then dropkick! Fans fire up, Bianca runs in but into a BOOT! Becky mule kicks Bianca, but Asuka jumps off Bianca to SHOTGUN Becky! Asuka then gets a BULLDOG LARIAT COMBO! Fans fire up as Asuka fires off KICKS back and forth, from Bianca to Becky and back again!

Asuka BUZZSAWS Bianca! Then she runs in to HIP ATTACK Becky! Bianca rushes in, Asuka sends Bianca into Becky and Becky falls out. Asuka grabs at Bianca but Bianca spins it around to a torture rack! Asuka gets away, and gets a FLYING ARMBAR! Bianca class hands, stack Asuka up, and deadlifts to BUCKLE BOMB Asuka! Bianca shakes out her arm but walks into Asuka’s mule kick. Asuka goes up but Becky ROCKS her! ICONOCLASM onto Bianca! Cover on Bianca, TWO! Cover on Asuka, TWO! Becky hurries to POST Asuka, and Asuka flops out of the ring. Becky runs to NECK SNAP Bianca! Cover, TWO!

Becky grows frustrated but she keeps focus. Bianca goes to a corner, Becky talks trash and runs in to Firearm! Then she stomps a mudhole into Bianca! Fans boo but Becky CHOKES Bianca on the ropes! Becky YANKS the ropes to snap Bianca back, then stalks her to a corner. Becky stomps Bianca more, bumps her off buckles, then digs her boots in. Becky lets off and soaks up the boos from the fans, but Bianca elbows her away! And BOOTS! And then waistlocks, only for Becky to buck the O’Conner Roll! Asuka pulls Becky’s hair, Bianca runs in, Becky sends her into Asuka! Becky puts Bianca through ropes to fire off forearms and a KICK!

Becky goes up the corner, fans fire up, GUILLOTINE LEG DROP! Cover, TWO! Becky grows further frustrated but she stalks Bianca back to ropes. Becky CLUBS Bianca, Bianca throws elbows but Becky CLUBS away on Bianca! Becky kicks Bianca around, but Bianca JAWBREKERS! Becky dodges the clothesline, tilt-o-whirls, but Bianca resists the takedown to send Becky in  a corner. Becky dodges to JUMP KICK, and BECKSPLODER! Bianca bails out, Becky builds speed, and she WRECKS Asuka with a dropkick! Becky CLOBBERS Asuka, puts Bianca in, then climbs up top. The MAN’S LEG DROP! Cover, Asuka SLIDING KICKS it apart!

Fans fire up while all three women are down! Bianca flops out while Asuka and Becky go after each other. They throw forearms back and forth, then uppercuts! Becky throws more uppercuts, but into a backslide! TOW, Asuka BACKHANDS Becky! And SOBATS, KICKS, and BACKHANDS! Then GERMAN SUPLEX! Fans fire up with Asuka and she HIP ATTACKS! Cover, TWO! Asuka is shocked that Becky survives! “This is Awesome!” as Asuka chicken wings, Becky victory rolls, TWO! Becky ducks a kick, wants the arm but Bianca ROCKS her! Torture rack, and Bianca BOOTS Asuka down! But Becky lands out of the KOD!

Bianca dodges, kicks, suplexes, and high steps before the SLAM! Then she dropkicks Asuka! Bianca kips up and Chicago fires up! Bianca RAMS into Asuka, climbs up and rains down fists! Fans count along, Becky rushes in but Bianca flips up and over her! Bianca then RAMS into them both, and climbs up to rain down fists on them both! Fans count along again, Bianca goes all the way to 10, until Becky pulls the hair! Bianca reels Becky in and sends her back into Asuka! SPINEBUSTER for Becky, GlamEST Slam for Asuka onto Becky! Bianca hurries to run and handspring, MOONSAULT! Double cover, TWO!!

Bianca is shocked but the fans are fired up! Bianca gets up, she pushes Asuka out and focuses on Becky. Bianca storms in, RAMS into Becky, then hauls her up top. Bianca climbs up after Becky, fans fires up, but Asuka joins in! Asuka CLUBS Bianca, gets under her, but Bianca fights her off! Asuka tries again, but Bianca kicks Asuka away. Becky and Bianca brawl, Asuka runs in but Bianca flips up and over! But Asuka hits a CODE BREAKER! Becky leaps, into a CODE BREAKER! Asuka aims from the corner, DOUBLE HIP ATTACK! Cover on Becky, TWO! Cover on Bianca, TWO! Asuka hurries to get Becky’s leg, ANKLE LOCK!

Becky endures, scrambles around, Bianca kicks but Asuka gets her, too! DOUBLE ANKLE LOCKS!! Bianca and Becky both crawl for ropes! They both roll and throw Asuka out! Becky hobbles to a corner, as does Bianca. They hobble at each other and the forearms start flying! Bianca KICKS the leg but that hurts her leg! The brawling continues, Bianca blocks a kick but Becky avoids the hair whip! Bianca rolls Becky, TWO! DISARM-HER! Bianca fights to move around, fans rally, and Bianca powers up! She has Becky for a torture rack! But Becky grabs ropes! Becky escapes the rack and she elbows Bianca!

Becky goes up and leaps, CROSSBODY! Bianca rolls it through! But Becky slips out, and shoves Bianca into Asuka’s MISSILE DROPKICK! Becky goes after Bianca but Bianca cradle counters! TWO!! MANHANDLE SLAM!! Cover, Asuka breaks it!! All three women are down and the fans are thunderous! Fans rally up as all three stir. Asuka drags Becky up, the haymakers start flying! They go back and forth, Asuka bobs ‘n’ weaves and fires off palm strikes! Becky blocks, Asuka spins, but Becky stops the backslide! She spins Asuka through but Asuka fights off the urenage. POP-UP KNEE! Bianca chicken wings, GlamEST-

NO, Becky ducks and the ROUNDHOUSE hits Bianca! Becky throws Asuka out again! Cover on Bianca, Asuka gets back and breaks it again! Fans can’t believe it, they hope these three “Fight Forever!” But this has to end somehow, we’ve got more show! Asuka and Becky fire up, Asuka blocks a kick to slip around, GERMAN SUPLEX! Becky avoids the hip attack to KICK Asuka in the ropes! ROPE ASSISTED DISARM-HER! But Bianca drags Becky off into a torture rack! Asuka HIP ATTACKS them both! Bianca goes down, Becky hurries to get Asuka in a cradle, TWO! Asuka has the cradle, TWO!!!

Becky O’Conner Rolls, TWO, ASUKA LOCK!! Becky is caught, but she fights off the body scissors! Becky is up, climbs the corner to push back to a cover! TWO!! Asuka still has the chinbar and armlock! ASUKA LOCK AGAIN!! Becky rolls things closer, but Bianca jumps in! Asuka and Becky avoid the 450! Asuka ROUNDHOUSES Bianca! Asuka runs in, but her hip attack gets caught to a waistlock! And then chicken wings, GlamEST BUCKLE SHOT! Becky throws Bianca out and gets Asuka! MANHANDLE SLAM!! But Bianca throws Becky out and covers Asuka! Bianca wins!!

Winner: Bianca Belair, by pinfall (still Raw Women’s Champion)

Becky is shocked! Bianca outdid Becky at picking the most opportune time to strike! Bianca is still golden, what will it take for someone to take that title from her?

 

Cedric Alexander finds MVP & Omos backstage.

PRIMED Alexander ruins the pep talk MVP was giving Omos, because he has a plan for the Handicap match. Omos can get Lashley isolated, MVP can distract the ref, and Cedric will chop block Lashley’s legs. MVP tells Cedric to stop. He keeps trying to get back into MVP’s good graces but he never gets the job done. The Hurt Business is done, it is over, and it is never, ever coming back. Them as associates is done. Omos tells Cedric it is time for him to go. Cedric leaves, MVP finishes his talk with Omos, but will Cedric really accept this?

 

2v1 Handicap Match: Omos & MVP VS Bobby Lashley!

Montel Vontavius Porter sided with the Nigerian Giant over being abandoned by the Rocky Mountain Machine, and now vows to tear down what he helped build. Will Omos & MVP turn the All Mighty into the #FallMighty? Or will Lashley knock Omos down and shut MVP up once and for all?

MVP says he’ll start, and Omos obliges. The bell rings and MVP circles with Lashley. But then MVP tags out to Omos. Fans boo and Lashley gets antsy, but he and Omos circle. They tie up, Lashley waistlocks but Omos is too big to lift! Omos pries free, bumps Lashley, and he withstands the lariat! Omos grins and circles with Lashley again. They tie up, Lashley wrenches to a hammerlock, but Omos throws Lashley away! They reset and Omos calls for a test of strength. But his hand is 10 feet in the air! Lashley reaches, but then Omos switches hands. Lashley kicks low! Lashley fires off haymakers, runs, and ROCKS Omos!

Lashley swings on MVP but MVP gets away! Omos goes after Lashley, Lashley throws hands, then BOOTS from the corner! MVP anchors Lashley’s foot and Omos SPLASHES the corner! Omos then TOSSES Lashley corner to corner! Tag to MVP and he rains down fists! Cover, TWO! MVP looms over Lashley, scuffs him, and taunts him. MVP slaps Lashley around, throws forearms, then runs, but Lashley dodges to fire haymakers! Lashley kicks low, MVP rakes the eyes! The ref counts, MVP lets off and tags Omos! Omos swings but misses, Lashley DECKS MVP and CHOP BLOCKS Omos! Lashley CLUBS Omos and fans fire up!

Lashley reels Omos in, but Omos blocks the suplex to suplex and GOURD BUSTER Lashley! Omos roars, hauls Lashley up, and he scoops him! Omos gives Lashley SNAKE EYES, then CLOBBERS him into the corner! Omos then SPLASHES in the corner, and gets space. MVP tags in, right before Omos SPLASHES again! MVP runs in corner to corner to BOOT Lashley out of the ring! Fans boo and a ring count starts, but MVP tags Omos. Omos goes around the way to run down and CLOBBER Lashley through the barriers! Omos then returns to the ring and roars as fans boo. The ring count starts while Lashley is down in the wreckage.

Fans rally while they count along, and Lashley is still down at 5 of 10. And then 7 of 10! Lashley gets up at 9 and in at 9.99!! Fans fire up, but Omos tags MVP. MVP hurries to get Lashley up to CLUB him down, then he rains down more fists! Cover, ONE!1 MVP rains down forearms now! More ground ‘n’ pound from all sides, and a knee drop! Cover, TWO! Another cover, TWO! A third, TWO!! MVP is furious but Lashley is still in this! MVP drags Lashley up, fans rally, but MVP hooks Lashley up. OVER- NO, Lashley slips out, dodges and DECKS Omos to SPEAR MVP! Cover, Omos breaks it! Omos drags Lashley up with the IRON CLAW!

Omos clamps on both hands, but Lashley fights! Is that Cedric on the corner? He jumps in, but Omos catches him and shoves him right back out! Lashley SPEARS Omos!! Omos tumbles out of the ring and Lashley gets to a corner. MVP runs in, Lashley dodges the boot! HURT LOCK!! MVP TAPS, LASHLEY WINS!

Winner: Bobby Lashley, by submission

PRIMED Alexander helps Lashley take out MVP & Omos! Is this a new era for the All Mighty? Will Omos and MVP want revenge on Cedric as much as they do Bobby now?

 

Ezekiel VS Kevin Owens!

Elias’ young brother makes his PPV/Premium Live Event debut, and as we heard from him in the kickoff show, is ready to #ZekeOut! But the Prizefighter refuses to accept that Ezekiel isn’t just Elias with a haircut and a shave. Will Kevin finally prove he’s been right all along? Or will Zeke win and make Kevin have another meltdown?

The bell rings and Kevin tells Ezekiel he is a damn liar. But fans chant for “ZEKE! ZEKE! ZEKE!” and it annoys Kevin. Kevin runs in, into a JUMP KNEE! Zeke goes up top, for the MACHO ELBOW! Cover, TWO!! Kevin survives and keeps Zeke from getting a lightning fast win! Kevin bails out, Zeke follows, kicks him and CHOPS him at the barriers, but Kevin hits back. They brawl, Zeke ROCKS Kevin, but Kevin kicks low! Kevin goes to bump Zeke off the apron but Zeke blocks to give that bump to Kevin! And then he RAMS Kevin into the desk! Zeke gets back in the ring to refresh the count, and he CHOPS Kevin!

Kevin goes to barriers, Zeke throws more haymakers. Zeke whips, Kevin reverses to POST Zeke! The ring count is climbing again but Kevin gets in the ring. Zeke hobbles up and in at 8, but Kevin is on him for a DDT! Cover, TWO! Kevin swears that was three but the ref defends it was not. Kevin stomps away on Zeke, and shouts, “This is MY show!” Zeke is busted open and Kevin stomps him on the head! SENTON, to the corner, to the MOONSAULT! Cover, TWO! Kevin snarls that Zeke is still in this. Zeke sits up, Kevin storms over but Zeke throws body shots. Kevin DECKS Zeke, stomps him, and shouts, “THAT’S ELIAS!!”

Kevin clamps onto Zeke with a chinlock and fans duel, “That’s Elias!” “No It’s Not!” Fans rally for “ZEKE! ZEKE! ZEKE!” and he fights up out of the hold to arm-drag Kevin away! Kevin comes back to LARIAT! Fans fire up and Kevin mocks them. Kevin KICKS Zeke in the chest, CHOKES him on the ropes, and he tells us all, “That’s Elias!” Smile, Elias!” Kevin fishhooks Zeke, then lets off as the ref counts. Kevin ROCKS Zeke, slaps him around, then CHOPS him! Zeke fires forearms back but Kevin ROCKS him again. Kevin whips corner to corner, Zeke reverses hard and Kevin tumbles into the buckles!

Fans rally for Zeke and the haymakers start flying! Kevin and Zeke go back and forth but Zeke gets the edge. Zeke whips to CLOBBER Kevin, then runs in at the corner, into a BOOT! Kevin hops up, reels Zeke in, TORNADO DDT! Cover, TWO! Kevin goes right to a corner and right up top! SWANTON BOMB onto knees! Kevin writhes and crawls to the ropes, but Zeke is firing up! Fans rally, Zeke counter punches Kevin, kicks him, knee lifts, then tells Kevin, “Do you know who I am?” He puts Kevin in a corner and fires off punches and kicks! The ref counts, Zeke whips corner to corner but Kevin reverses! Zeke goes up to mule kick Kevin away!

Zeke runs corner to corner to SPLASH! Kevin staggers, Zeke SPLASHES him again! Zeke goes again but Kevin dodges! Kevin runs, into a SPINEBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Zeke pumps himself up, he drags Kevin up and reels him in, but Kevin wrenches out and dodges. Kevin kicks low but no stunner! Zeke runs into a POP-UP POWERBOMB! Cover, TWO!! Kevin is shocked again! Kevin hobbles up to his feet, and he tells Zeke, “You’re Elias! Admit it!” He pie faces Zeke, SLAPS him, and keeps saying Zeke is Elias! Zeke SLAPS back! Kevin kicks, but Zeke rolls him up, TWO! JUMP KNEE!! Zeke hurries up top again, but Kevin trips him up!

Kevin SUPERKICKS Zeke, then SUPERKICKS him again! Zeke flops into the corner, CANNONBALL! Kevin hauls Zeke up, and gives “Elias” a STUNNER! Cover, Kevin wins!

Winner: Kevin Owens, by pinfall

Kevin may not have proven Zeke is Elias, but Kevin has proven he is the better man here tonight! But will Kevin leave whoever this is alone now and focus on his own career?

 

Mixed Six Tag: The Judgement Day VS AJ Styles, Finn Balor & Liv Morgan!

Edge is no longer the Rated R Superstar, he is, as he says, “The Omnipotent and Benevolent Deity” of WWE. Damian Priest & Rhea Ripley joined his cause of doing what they want to who they want without caring what fans think, all in the name of a twisted sense of freedom. But the Phenomenal One, the Prince and the LIVing End don’t believe the hype. Will they #LivTooSweet? Or will they be punished and eradicated by Edge and his Saints of Fate?

The trios sort out and fans fire up as the ladies are first. Liv and Rhea talk trash, Rhea even talks trash on Styles. But then the guys get back in and now it’s a brawl! Fans fire up as Styles throws out Edge, Finn trips and DOUBLE STOMPS Priest, and the Judgement Day goes running! Finn whips, Styles boosts, Liv RANAS Rhea! Fans fire up and Liv runs in at Rhea in the corner to back body block! And then SHINING WIZARD! Snapmare and Liv runs, into a HEADBUTT from Rhea! Rhea talks trash on the boys then ROCKS Liv. Rhea snap suplexes Liv, KICKS Liv in the back, then blows a kiss to the boys before she snap suplexes Liv again!

Rhea swaggers, she brings Liv up and smiles at Styles & Finn, before the stalling suplex on Liv! Rhea holds Liv for five then SLAMS her down! Cover, TWO! Rhea is annoyed already and she rains down fists on Liv. Rhea lets off to loom over Liv, then she drags Liv up to whip into a corner. Liv bounces off buckles, and Rhea takes her time walking over. Rhea RAMS into Liv again and again but lets off as the ref counts 4. Liv BOOTS Rhea, goes up top, and leaps for a missile dropkick! Rhea scrambles to the Judgement Day corner, Rhea dares Liv to do something. Liv points to her corner, and fans fire up as she tags in Styles!

Styles wants Edge, so Priest tags in. Fans boo as Edge lets his Punisher handle this. But Styles blocks the kick, spins Priest and CHOPS away! Styles whips, Priest reverses but Styles rolls to dropkick! Styles then dodges to PELE! Styles wrenches Priest’s arm, tag to Finn! Fans fire up as Finn wrenches, CLUBS the arm, wrenches again, but Priest scoops Finn! Finn slips off to headlock but Priest powers out. Finn ducks ‘n’ dodges to dropkick the legs out! Finn KICKS the legs, puts Priest in a corner and pull son the leg in the ropes! The ref counts, Finn lets off and Priest sucker punches him! Priest whips but Finn KICKS him!

Edge distracts Finn and Priest CLOBBERS Finn! Priest stomps Finn at the ropes, drags him up and throws him out. Priest tags Edge and Edge takes his time stalking Finn. Edge CLOBBERS Finn against the announce desk! Edge smacks Finn off the desk, then RAMS him into the apron. Rhea applauds as Edge puts Finn in. Edge soaks up the heat, stomps Finn in the corner, and tags in Priest. The Judgement Day mugs Finn, then Priest fires off heavy hands! Priest fires haymakers and uppercuts, but lets off at 4, so Edge can CHOKE Finn! Fans boo but Edge gets away with it. Priest taunts Liv with a smirk, then hits a back elbow on Finn! Priest CLOBBERS Finn, covers, TWO!

Priest clamps onto an arm and drags Finn over to tag Edge. They mug Finn more, then Edge brings Finn out to DECK him! And CLUB him! Edge soaks up the heat and taunts Styles, then goes back to Finn. Edge brings Finn around to whip him corner to corner hard, and Finn bounces off buckles! Edge slithers and stalks Finn, looms over him, then brings him up. Edge shoves Finn into the corner, throws haymakers, then backs off. Finn BOOTS him, DECKS Priest, and keeps firing off hands! Edge picks Finn up, Styles reaches out, but Priest hits the SPINEBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Edge tags Priest, and they stomp Finn down.

Priest brings Finn up but Finn fires off fast hands! Priest shoves and CLOBBERS Finn! Cover, TWO! Priest clamps onto Finn with a chinlock and grinds him down. Fans rally, Finn endures, and Finn fights up to a JAWBREAKER! Priest grabs an arm but Finn throws forearms! Finn and Styles still reach out, but Priest hits a BACKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Finn is still in this but Rhea talks trash. Priest taunts Finn, throws KICK after KICK, but Finn CHOPS! Finn kicks, Priest BELL CLAPS and ROLLING ELBOWS! Finn PELES! Fans fire up and the Judgement Day freaks out! Finn crawls, Priest does, too, hot tags to Edge and Styles!

Styles rallies on Priest and Edge, Phenomenal Blitz for the Iconoclast! SLIDING FOREARM! Styles dodges Priest to back suplex FACEBUSTER! Corner forearm for Edge, into the USHIGOROSHI! Cover, TWO! Styles reels Edge in, Liv intercepts Rhea! Liv WRECKS Rhea out of the ring, Styles runs in at Edge. Edge puts Styles on the apron, Priest is there, but Styles SLIDING KNEES! Styles ROCKS Edge, takes aim and springboards, PHENOMENAL FOREARM! Cover, Priest drags Styles out! Edge, Priest and Styles are all down! Liv and Rhea coach their people up, Styles gets in after Edge. Styles and Edge crawl, hot tags to Liv and Rhea!

Liv dodges rhea, RANA- NO, Rhea blocks! But then Liv powers through to rana cover, TWO! ENZIGURI! Rhea staggers, swings, but into a CRUCIFIX DRIVER! Cover, TWO!! Rhea survives but is on the ropes! Fans fire up, Liv run sin, but Rhea avoids ObLivion, to HALF ‘N’ HALF! Liv flounders, Rhea drags her up! Double pump handle, flips Liv through to a SUPLEX! Cover, TWO!! Liv survives and Rhea is frustrated. Rhea drags Liv up, pump handles and hooks Liv up, RIP- NO, Liv slips out, tag to Finn! Liv runs at Rhea, SATELLITE DDT! Finn and Styles trip Priest and Edge, everyone gets ground ‘n’ pound!

Finn clotheslines Priest out and Styles DECKS Edge! Rhea also scrambles away, and fans fire up! Finn and Styles DOUBLE PLANCHA! Liv DIVES onto Rhea! Judgement Day is down and the fists keep flying! Finn CHOPS Priest, puts him in the ring, then GAMANGIRIS him down! Finn goes up top and fans fire up, but Edge distracts the ref and Rhea shakes the ropes! Finn tumbles down! Rhea grins and Priest tags Edge. Priest gets Finn up, but Finn elbows him away! Finn BOOTS Edge, but turns around into a SOUTH OF HEAVEN CHOKE SLAM! PHENOMENAL FOREARM for Priest! But Edge POSTS Styles!

Edge aims at Finn and runs in, cradle counter! TWO!! Edge escapes, but into a SLINGBLADE! Finn aims from a corner, SHOTGUN! Edge bounces off buckles, down he goes! Finn hurries up top, but Rhea stands in his way! Fans boo, but Liv jumps onto Rhea for a SLEEPER! Rhea and Liv tumble out, but Edge avoids Coup de Grace! SPEAR!! Cover, Judgement Day wins!

Winners: The Judgement Day, by pinfall

The Eradicator is all smiles, she was the key piece to this victory! Will Judgement Day dominate and spread their influence? Or is this war far from over between them and #LivTooSweet?

 

Lashley finds Cedric backstage.

Lashley asks Cedric what that was. Well it wasn’t for Lashley, it was for Cedric. MVP and Omos got what they deserve. So instead of finding a way to belong, he’ll stand on his own too feet. Lashley says that’s great, you gotta stand up for yourself around here. But don’t mess with another of Lashley’s matches again, got it? Got it. Lashley and Cedric are cool, but will they both be in the crosshairs of MVP and his giant?

 

No Holds Barred: Happy Corbin VS Mad Cap Moss!

Once boss and sidekick who bullied anyone and everyone are now bitter enemies because Corbin just kept treating Moss like trash. But will the “Big Bald Wolf” huff and puff and put Moss back in a hospital? Or will raging Riddick use anything and everything to beat that smile off Corbin’s face once and for all?

The bell rings and the two circle. Moss fires off haymakers but Corbin pulls Moss’ beard! Corbin puts Moss in the corner, but Moss dodges to fire off hands! Moss clotheslines Corbin out of the ring, then pursues with more haymakers! they go up to the stage, Moss ROCKS Corbin again! Corbin knees low, then RAMS Moss into the LED board! The board glitches out while Moss staggers away. Corbin kicks Moss back down the ramp and back to ringside. Corbin whips, Moss reverses, and Corbin hits barriers! Moss whips Corbin into more barriers, then puts him in the ring. Fans rally and Moss clotheslines Corbin out the other side!

Moss goes out to get Corbin again, and he gets a chair! Fans fire up but Corbin ROCKS Moss first! Corbin grabs the chair, fans boo, and Corbin puts the chair aside. Corbin brings Moss around to aim at the desk, but Moss blocks! Moss elbows Corbin, but Corbin choke grips and SHOVES Moss over the desk! But Moss TOSSES an armchair at Corbin! Down goes Corbin, but Moss RAMS Corbin into steel steps! Moss hauls Corbin up and around to RAM into the other steps! Fans chant, “We Want Tables!” but Moss pulls steps apart first. But Corbin runs away into the crowd! Moss pursues, but Corbin just CLOBBERS Moss back to ringside!

Corbin drags Moss up and hangs him out to dry on the barriers! Then he SLAMS Moss’ face into the barriers and throws knee after knee! Moss flops to the floor, and Corbin goes looking under the ring. Corbin brings out a table! Fans cheer, but then Corbin puts the table under the ring. They boo and Corbin snarls as he brings Moss up. Corbin has fans move aside, but then says “Psyche!” He puts Moss in the ring, but then Moss ROCKS Corbin on the apron! Moss fires forearm after forearm, but Corbin choke grips to CHOKE SLAM! Corbin fetches as chair and brings it into the ring. Corbin aims and JAMS Moss in the ribs!

Moss staggers, Corbin SMACKS him on the back! Corbin says this is because of the fans! Corbin SMACKS Moss again! Corbin wants Moss to give up, and he JAMS Moss in the neck! Corbin hauls Moss up, sits him down in the chair, and throws haymakers. Fans rally and chant, “We Want Tables!” but Corbin runs, into a drop toehold! Corbin hits the chair with his face! Moss hauls Corbin up, turns him, but Corbin powers out! DEEP SIX! Cover, TWO! Corbin is frustrated, but he tosses the chair aside and goes outside. Corbin gets a fresh chair, not a table, and fans boo. Corbin gets in and digs the chair into Moss’ neck!

Moss can only endure but Corbin lets off to wedge the chair into a corner. Chicago tells Corbin he’s an A-Hole, but Corbin doesn’t care. Corbin stands Moss up to throw body shots! Corbin whips corner to corner, Moss stops himself, and then dodges. Corbin slides out, slides in, but Moss dodges again! Moss baits Corbin into the chair! Both men are down and Moss drags himself to the far side. Fans still want tables so Moss goes out and finds his way to the chair. Moss gets in, aims and JAMS Corbin in the side! Then he SMACKS Corbin on the back! Moss SMACKS Corbin again! And again! And again! Moss is fired up and he gets Corbin in a corner!

Moss fires off fast hands, and stomps, and he doesn’t have to hold back! Moss then brings Corbin around, DDT to the chair! Cover, TWO! Corbin is still in this but Moss keeps focus. Corbin flounders away, Moss aims from a corner. Moss runs in to RAM into Corbin! And again! Moss goes side to side to POUNCE Corbin out of the ring! Moss goes out and runs in, but into a CHOP BLOCK! Corbin takes out Moss’ leg, and then he gets Moss up to TOSS him over the barrier! Corbin drags Moss out of the timekeeper’s area and over to the desk. “You think you’re better than me?!” Corbin rains down furious fists and Moss flounders against the desk.

Fans still want tables but Corbin still goes for a chair. Corbin drags Moss up, puts the chair around Moss’ head, then RAMS him into the desk!! Moss sputters and falls while Corbin looms over him. Corbin takes the chair and tosses it aside, then he puts Moss in the ring. Corbin gets the base steps and puts those in the ring. Corbin stands the steps up in the corner, then he drags Moss up. Corbin reels Moss in, Canadian Rack, but Moss fights free! Corbin elbows Moss, but then swings into a scoop! Moss aims at the steps, to FALL AWAY SLAM Corbin into them! THE PUNCHLINE!! And then Moss gets the chair again!

Moss puts the chair around Corbin’s head, and he wants to give Corbin some karma! Moss has the steps, he aims at the chair, and SLAMS the steps on the chair!! Corbin writhes but Moss covers, Moss wins!!

Winner: Mad Cap Moss, by pinfall

Riddick unleashed his wrath and he may have just crushed Corbin for good! Will Moss use momentum to move forward from this and on to bigger things?

 

WWE United States Championship: (Austin) Theory VS Mustafa Ali!

Vince McMahon handpicked (Austin) Theory to mentor personally, and though he lost to Stone Cold at WrestleMania, Theory is now the youngest WWE United States Champion in history! But Theory has abused the authority he has from being Vince’s protégé, and it might’ve just come back to bite him! Will the Beacon win his first WWE title in his hometown? Or is all that just a theory?

The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see if all it takes for Ali to win is a fair fight!

Fans rally for “ALI! ALI!” but Theory just smirks. Ali and Theory circle, tie up, and Theory wrenches an arm to a wristlock. Ali uses the ropes to flip through, then he rolls and handsprings to break free and CHOP! Theory rushes in but into an arm-drag! Theory bails out and fans boo. Ali waits on Theory and Theory mockingly applauds. Theory gets in, resets and circles with Ali, then they tie up. Theory headlocks, Ali powers out but Theory runs him over! Theory flexes on Ali, talks trash, but things speed up. Ali follows and RANAS theory, then arm-drags him around! Theory bails out again and Ali is getting annoyed.

Theory is getting upset, the ring count climbs and fans rally for Ali. That just upsets Theory more and Theory gets back in. Ali and Theory circle again, but then Theory runs out of the ring. So Ali slides and dropkicks Theory! Ali goes up a corner, to SUPER CROSSBODY! Direct hit and down goes Theory! Fans fire up, Ali stalks Theory and CHOPS him against barriers. The ref counts, Ali refreshes that count, and runs at Theory, only for Theory to POST him! Theory gets Ali in, rains down fists from all sides, then stomps away on Ali’s ribs! Theory stalks Ali to a corner, drags him up and brings him around to ROCK with a right,

Fans chant “Theory Sucks!” and that frustrates him. Theory runs in, but Ali sends him into buckles! Ali goes up top but Theory SHOVES him to the floor! Ali writhes from the crash landing but Theory soaks up the heat. Theory gets Ali up and in, stalks Ali, then drags him up again. Theory ROCKS Ali with a fist, then corner clotheslines! Theory scoops and FALL AWAY SLAMS! Cover, TWO! Theory clamps on a chinlock and squeezes tight. Fans rally, Ali fights up and throws body shots! Theory knees low! Theory snapmares, then stomps Ali down! Theory paces, grabs at Ali, but Ali gets him for a victory roll! TWO, and Ali blocks a kick to give a WHEEL KICK!

Theory staggers and falls over, Ali gets to a corner. Theory staggers, fans rally up, and Ali goes up and over! Theory hits buckles, Ali runs and CLOBBERS him! Theory gets up to put Ali in a corner, but Ali slips out and ROUNDHOUSES Theory away! Ali somersaults in for the NECKBREAKER! Theory gets up and kicks Ali back, then goes up top. Ali CHOPS Theory then goes up after him, but Theory throws body shots. Theory shoves Ali but Ali lands on his feet! The leg jams, Theory leaps but into a SUPERKICK! Cover, TWO! Ali and Theory each have a bad leg, and fans rally up.

Theory YANKS Ali into ropes! Ali sputters into a corner but he BOOTS Theory back. Ali goes up, Theory springs up for the REBOUND SPANISH FLY! Cover, TWO!! Ali survives and Theory is shocked! Theory covers again, TWO! And again, TWO, to the ghost pin! TWO!! Ali ducks but Theory back elbows, only for Ali to LARIAT! Both men are down and fans rally back up! Ali and Theory slowly rise, and Theory fireman’s carries! Ali fights and gets the ropes! The ref counts, Theory can’t hold on, Ali goes up to FLYING TORNADO DDT! Ali gets up and goes for the corner! Fans fire up, but Theory hits the ropes! Ali falls and Theory fireman’s carries! A TOWN-

NO! Ali catches the leg, trips Theory, STF!! Theory endures, reaches out, crawls forward, ROPEBREAK! Fans boo as Theory survives but Ali has to let him go. Theory gets to the apron but Ali hurries over. Ali brings Theory up, but Theory HOTSHOTS! Theory gets back up, brings Ali up, but Ali reels Theory in to KICK! And then TILT-O-WHIRL DDT!! Ali hurries to get to the corner! Fans fire up as Ali reaches the top rope, for the 450 FLOP!! Theory aims from the corner, runs in, and he CHOP BLOCKS the leg!! Theory gets that bad leg, but Ali kicks him away. So Theory uses the leg to get Ali up into A TOWN DOWN!! Cover, Theory wins!

Winner: (Austin) Theory, by pinfall (still WWE United States Champion)

Ali fought hard, but he made a miscalculation in his flight. The champion takes his victory selfie, will he make sure this belt is all about A. Theory?

 

Hell in a Cell Match: Cody Rhodes VS Seth Rollins!

The Son of a Son of a Plumber made a thrilling return to the WWE at WrestleMania 38 as the Visionary’s mystery opponent, and then had a great rematch with him at WrestleMania Backlash. But Rollins won’t let any of that go, and now they’re having a hellacious rematch to put an end to it! Cody won as a surprise and he won at 100%, but does he have a chance when he has a torn pec and an angry Architect? Or will Seth Freakin’ Rollins end the American Nightmare’s dream comeback?

The cell is lowered, and Rollins comes out in a Dusty Rhodes polka dots outfit! Rollins is really trying to get under Cody’s skin here, and it only makes the fans chant for Cody more. Cody makes his entrance, and though the pyro goes off, it is clear Cody’s right arm isn’t doing well. The weight belt goes to a young fan in the front row, and Cody steps inside the cell. The door is locked, fans are fired up and despite the bad arm, Cody is ready! The introductions are made, the bell rings, and we see who survives going through Hell… in a Cell!

Cody takes off his jacket and shows just how nasty that torn pec looks. Rollins loves seeing that dark purple-red chest as the two circle. Cody keeps that bad arm back and avoids Rollins’ grip to JAB! Rollins sneers, he and Cody circle again, and they knuckle lock. Rollins wants the arm, Cody shoves him away and JABS, JABS, but Rollins trips him! Cody avoids a stomp to kick Rollins, then he fires off JAB after JAB! Rollins swings, Cody dodges and DISASTER KICKS! Fans fire up but Rollins reels Cody in! Back suplex but Cody lands out, CODY CUTTER!! But the bad arm slows him down! Cody just grits his teeth and fires back up!

Cody gets Rollins in the dragon sleeper but Rollins knees free! Cody trips Rollins to step through, FIGURE FOUR! But how well can Cody hold it when one arm can’t push up? Rollins drags Cody with him, has the ropes, but there are no ropebreaks in the cell! Rollins uses the ropes to drag himself out further, and he gets something from under the ring? A toolbox! That’s a familiar sight for Rollins. But instead, Rollins gets a kendo stick! Rollins SMACKS the bad arm! Rollins is free of the leglock, and he SMACKS Cody again! Cody crawls, Rollins CLOBBERS him with the stick! And again! Fans rally for Cody but Rollins stands on the bad hand, to dig into the bad shoulder!

Rollins lets off and laughs while he paces around. Cody manages to get up, and blocks the kendo stick! Cody JABS, JABS and back hands, then he whips Rollins corner to corner. Rollins reverses but Cody goes up and out, only for Rollins to BLAST him into the steel! The ref checks on Cody but he refuses to give up. Rollins aims while fans rally up, and Rollins WRECKS Cody with a dropkick! Cody hits steel, Rollins smacks him off it again! Rollins has the kendo stick, and he digs it into the bad shoulder again! Rollins eggs Cody on then SMACKS the bad arm! Rollins has cameramen move aside so he can RAM Cody into steel!

Rollins taunts Cody more as he digs Cody’s face into the fencing like a grater! Rollins goes for another but Cody blocks and throws Rollins into the steel! And again! And again! Cody stalks Rollins around the way, fans rally behind Cody, and they get in the ring. Rollins kicks low, whips Cody to ropes, but Cody kicks back! Cody LARIATS with the left arm! And then LARIATS Rollins out of the ring! Rollins tumbles into the steel while Cody grits his teeth and fights through the pain. Cody goes out after Rollins, but Rollins is taking the steps apart! Rollins RAMS Cody down! Rollins stalks Cody, digs fingers into Cody’s face, then puts him in the ring.

Rollins soaks up the heat from the fans and gets Cody’s jacket. Rollins puts the jacket on, continuing to disrespect Cody. Rollins then brings something out from under the ring: a polka dot weight belt with “Visionary” on it! Rollins is taking this to another level as he LASHES Cody with the belt! Rollins soaks up all the heat, but fans do start to sing Rollins’ song for him. Rollins LASHES Cody, then LASHES him again, across the chest! Cover, TWO!! Cody survives but that bruise has to be getting worse. Rollins doesn’t care, he goes looking, and he brings out a table! Chicago’s been wanting that since Moss VS Corbin and here it is!

Rollins puts the table in the ring, bums Cody off buckles, then CLUBS the bad shoulder and digs his boot in! Fans chant, “Thank You, Rollins!” for the table, and Rollins sets it up. Cody hurries over but Rollins throws hands! Cody hits back but that was with his bad arm! Rollins rakes eyes! Cody staggers away but Rollins puts him up on the top rope. Rollins CHOPS Cody, then takes aim at the table. Rollins climbs up, but Cody fights the superplex! Cody throws elbows, gets under Rollins, and even with a bad arm, he lifts Rollins! Rollins fights free, then ROCKS Cody! Rollins turns Cody, DREAM SMASHER ELBOW!

Cody ends up on the table and Rollins makes sure he’s in position. Rollins goes up the corner, FROG SPLASH through the table, BUT NO CODY! Cody gets out of the way just in time and fans fire up for him! Cody gets the spotted belt, and throws it aside. Cody goes looking under the ring, brings out a duffle bag, and finds a BULL ROPE! With a cowbell on it!! Fans are loving this tribute to the American Dream as Cody actually straps himself in! He dares Rollins to use the other end?! Rollins won’t be called out like that, he straps in! This is now part Bull Rope Match! Rollins and Cody tug-o-war, then they rush in! Cody knee slow, then YOINKS Rollins upside-down!

Cody gets Rollins up, has the cowbell, but Rollins kicks low! Rollins has the cowbell, but Cody SUPERKICKS! Cody gets the cowbell back, reels Rollins in and CLOBBERS him! Cover, TWO!! Rollins survives having his bell rung! Cody drags Rollins around drags him out of the ring. Rollins kicks low, smacks Cody off the apron, and Cody leans against steel. Rollins goes through the corner and YANKS Cody into the POST! And again! Rollins undoes the strap, he’s done with the bull rope. And now, Rollins gets another table! Fans are fired up again as Rollins puts the table in with Cody. Rollins sets the table up in a corner, and he goes back for Cody.

Rollins drags Cody up, reels him in, gets Cody up, but Cody fights off the bomb! Cody dodges, Rollins stops from hitting table, CROSS RHODES!! Cover, TWO!! Rollins survives again but Cody is too hurt to be upset. Cody grits his teeth and gets back up as fans rally. Cody drags Rollins up, reels him in, but the bad arm won’t let him lift Rollins. Cody whips but Rollins stops himself, and he YANKS the bad arm! SUPERKICK! Cody flounders, Rollins gets him up to POWERBOMB through the table!!! Cover, TWO!?!? Cody survives and no one can believe it! “This is Awesome!” and somehow both men are stirring.

Rollins pushes himself up, even with bloody scratches on his arms. Cody has bruises and scrapes on his back now, but Rollins still isn’t done with him. Rollins kicks the toolbox out of the way as he looks deep under the ring. Rollins brings out a SLEDGEHAMMER! Rollins shouts out the Game, and he brings the hammer into the ring! Rollins runs in at Cody, but Cody kicks him first! Rollins kicks back! Tucks the arms, but Cody spins it around! PEDIGREE!!! Cover, TWO?!?! Cody forces himself to stand, he considers his options, and he sees the hammer. Cody hobbles over to the hammer and brings it up.

Fans fire up and Rollins starts to freak out! Cody holds up the hammer, but Rollins is outside the ring. But the cell keeps him from going too far, and Cody stalks Rollins around the way. Rollins gets back in the ring, Cody gets in, CURB STOMP!!! Cover, TWO!?!?! Cody survives and now Rollins is too tired to be shocked! Fans are thunderous and Rollins goes to a corner. Cody stirs, crawls to center, and Rollins runs in, but Cody evades the stomp! But Rollins turns things around, and steals CROSS RHODES! Rollins brings Cody up, but Cody turns it back around, CROSS RHODES!! Both men are down and Chicago is stunned!

Cody sees the hammer again and he crawls that way. But so does Rollins! It’s a race! Cody gets the hammer first! But his bad arm let sit go! Rollins has the hammer, runs in, but into a BOOT! And a CROSS RHODES! Then another CROSS RHODES! Cody can do the hat trick, but he doesn’t want it? He wants the hammer! SLEDGE SHOT!!! Cover, Cody wins!!

Winner: Cody Rhodes, by pinfall

That was one hell of a match! Cody goes 3-0 against Seth Freakin’ Rollins, putting an exclamation point on this final chapter! The American Nightmare survived the Visionary’s devilish playground, is he on his way to the Promised Land that is the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship?


My Thoughts:

Wow, this was quite the event for WWE. Though, it was basically a great event for Raw guest starring one match from SmackDown that should’ve been on SmackDown. It was still a really good No Holds Barred match, Moss and Corbin are both very good in the ring. Chicago needed to shut up about tables during it because obviously Moss and Corbin have been all about the chairs ‘n’ stairs. Moss winning is a great move, and wow that brutal finish with the stair smash on the chair. This can give Corbin some time off, or even add to the story with Corbin crying in his neck brace. Moss can even use this momentum to represent SmackDown in Money in the Bank.

We got a great opener in the Raw Women’s Championship Triple Threat, lots of great chaos, and in the end, Bianca wins at Becky’s own opportunistic game. Becky will of course be mad, she and Asuka can feud into MITB, and maybe Asuka wins to have the MITB run she would’ve had a couple years ago if Becky hadn’t gotten pregnant. Or Becky wins as that is an accomplishment she hasn’t had yet, and Heels tend to work better since it’s all about the opportunistic cash-in. We then got a decent handicap match, but I think the best part was that Cedric took the rejection how I figured, and he turned against MVP and Omos.

At some point, Lashley and Cedric will end up working together, and maybe MVP and Omos get a win back by pinning Cedric. At the same time, Lashley would make a great participant in MITB, and might even win it, turning things around from when he was Big E’s cash-in victim. Ezekiel VS Kevin was good, but I wouldn’t say PPV worthy. This would actually be where I’d want something happening to distract someone as the finish. Elias’ guitar strum distracts Kevin, or it even distracts Zeke to tease how he really is still Elias and Elias can’t be showing up because Zeke’s in the ring. Either way, it just felt like they put what should’ve been on a Raw here on HIAC.

The Six Person Tag was pretty good but could’ve been a bit more. Judgement Day winning with distractions was a good move, though. This will push things towards MITB and maybe even SummerSlam, and in the end, I just want Finn & Styles to stick together. That tag team should be seen as Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championship worthy. Theory VS Ali was very good but I should’ve known the hometown hero would lose. Vince loves doing that just so the other person has heat. Theory wins clean, though, so there isn’t really room for another match with Ali, which is also a shame. I’m not even sure who is going to face Theory next, something about Raw’s midcard feels weak.

But that Hell in a Cell was wild stuff. First off, Cody still going through with this despite the pec injury is both commendable and reckless. I suppose the bruise was the worst part of it if Cody was still able to do this, and of course it became the story of the match, but I also like that they still had plenty of Dusty Rhodes and Triple H related story beats. To think that the payoff of Cody’s AEW story, aka him finally using the Pedigree, happens here, and he doesn’t even win with it. But Cody still wins out, and if not for this pectoral injury, I’d think Cody would be going on to MITB, too. But if that needs surgery or something, Cody might not be back until the Royal Rumble. SummerSlam is way too close being in July now, so Cody returning and winning the Royal Rumble might be best.

My Score: 8.6/10


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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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