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Mitchell’s WWE NXT Results & Report! (7/26/22)

It’s a family feud!

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Will The Don crack under the pressure?

The Diamond Mine got got by Tony D’Angelo and his crew, and now we’ll see an 8 Man Tag to prove which is the strongest family in NXT today!

OFFICIAL RESULTS

  • Wes Lee VS Grayson Waller; Waller wins.
  • Apollo Crews VS Xyon Quinn; Apollo wins.
  • Zoey Stark VS Gigi Dolin w/ Toxic Attraction; Stark wins.
  • Andre Chase w/ Chase U & Nathan Frazer VS Giovanni Vinci; Vinci wins.
  • Indi Hartwell VS Arianna Grace; Hartwell wins.
  • 8 Man Tag: Diamond Mine VS Tony D’Angelo, Channing Lorenzo & Legado del Fantasma; D’Angelo, Lorenzo & Legado win.

PLAY BY PLAY

Zoey Stark is here!

The NEW #1 Contender to the NXT Women’s Championship has the fans all fired up already, and she gets a mic as the fans chant “Welcome Back! Welcome Back!” Zoey says it feels SO good to be back inside the ring! And the fans have no idea how good. “Look, I wasn’t really ever sure if I would ever get to feel this moment ever again. At Halloween Havoc, I tore my ACL and MCL straight off the bone. Doctors told me that I would be out for well over a year. That was a hard day for me. Really, that was a really hard pill for me to swallow. But I knew deep down inside that I could beat that time table.”

So the day after surgery, Zoey got up, started physical therapy and got to work! There were a lot of hard times physically and mentally, the securities that go through your head. Everything was going great, why did this have to happen? Would the fans even remember her? Or care? Fans chant for “ZOEY! ZOEY!” so of course they care. But she didn’t know. But she knows that while fans can’t see past those curtains, what’s past those curtains is the trainer’s room, and Zoey practically lived there as she busted her ass to get back four MONTHS ahead of schedule! And then the night of the battle royal came, and the noise that all the fans made for her, that made all the pain worth it!

Zoey thanks the fans from the bottom of her heart. And look at her now! She’s the #1 contender to THE NXT Women’s Championship! But look who stands in her way: Toxic… Attraction… Fans boo that name, and Zoey says those are the same women who took her out! The same women who nearly ended her career! They almost took this away from Zoey. But guess what? Zoey is going to take that title from Mandy Rose! But wait, here comes Cora Jade. Except, she’s up in the perch! Cora says “Zoey Stark, I’m so happy that you’re back. Said no one ever!” Fans boo but Cora mocks Zoey’s speech.

Zoey cuts Cora off there to ask how Cora is feeling. The last time we saw Cora, Zoey was throwing her screaming, scrawny little ass over the top rope! Cora says Zoey has been back a week and she’s already sick of this. NINETEEN others ganged up on her, and if not for them, Cora would be #1 contender and taking that title off Mandy. But here Zoey is and she had to steal Cora’s moment! Just like Roxanne Perez did! Oh, Cora, we all saw your moment. And it disgusted Zoey! Zoey held that tag title proudly, and for Cora to throw it in the trash… That title isn’t trash, CORA is trash! Oh, Zoey, let’s be honest. You’re just jealous that Cora did more in one week with that belt than Zoey did her-

Wait! Here comes Toxic Attraction! Mandy Rose smirks and the others laughs. “You two ladies talk a big game. I can win. No, I can win! Hate to break it to you, but when it comes to this title, I only win. And tomorrow, I become the fourth longest reigning women’s champion in NXT history! Thank you, thank you.” So good-bye Bayley, Charlotte, Rhea Ripley, Raquel Rodriguez, and even tomorrow, thanks Paige but bye to you, too! So put some respect on Mandy’s name! Zoey has the perfect way to put some respect on that name: put that title on the line tonight!

Gigi Dolin tells Zoey that while she’s been out with her leg, Toxic Attraction has run the show! Zoey can’t just come back and run the show, that position is already filled. So this is how it’ll go: Gigi will face Zoey tonight, put her back on the shelf for even longer, and Zoey’s dream of becoming a champion will stay just that. Will Zoey take care of the pawn to get at the Queen of Toxic?

 

Grayson Waller gets a camera’s attention.

“Hey, idiot! Yeah, you at home. Stop staring at your phone waiting for that ho to follow you back. She doesn’t like you, lad! Why would she bother following your fat ass when she’s already following the most captivating superstar not just in NXT, but all the WWE, Grayson Waller?” What we all should do is watch the Grayson Waller Effect in action as he embarrasses Wes Lee almost as badly as we fans do every time we look in the mirror. The 21st Century Success Story always runs his mouth, but will the Must-See Kid run him over on his road to redemption?

 

Tony D’Angelo talks with his “family.”

The Don says tonight, they impose their will. Stacks knows what Tony means. Remember that time they shook down that stunad, Carmine Jr, for those washers ‘n’ dryers? They bleached his eyes, and after that, he was seeing clean. Good times. And Elektra Lopez has proven herself. Wilde and Cruz have stepped up, learning Tony’s ways. He has a good feeling about their direction. But remember: loyalty isn’t a one way thing. They’re always proving their worth. So tonight, they roll into the 8 Man Tag and crack some skulls! Tony tells the Diamond Mine can yell and scream and think this is personal, but it isn’t. It’s just business. Tony D business. See you out there.

 

Wes Lee VS Grayson Waller!

The Must-See Kid has been baring his soul and giving his all, but he still isn’t where he feels he should be, both in and out of the ring. But will he find balance and inner peace by taking the fight to Grayson Waller? Or will Waller use Lee to go viral?

The bell rings and the two circle. They tie up, fans duel, Waller shoves Lee away. Waller says Lee isn’t on his level, but Lee keeps cool. They tie up, Waller throws Lee away, and Waller says he is a heavyweight, Lee is a lightweight. That might be literally the case, but Lee still arm-drags Waller back! They tie up, Waller headlocks, but Lee pries at the hold. Lee shoves Waller to a corner, Waller goes up and over, then jumps the leg sweep the FLYING ARM-DRAG to a cover, TWO! Waller drop steps and shimmies to show off, but Lee keeps cool. Lee and Waller circle, tie up, Waller waistlocks and back suplexes, but Lee lands on his feet!

Lee shoves, wheelbarrows and arm-drags, but Waller scoops back! Waller fireman’s carries but Lee sunset flips, TWO! Lee then hurries to go up, victory roll, TWO! Waller rushes in but into a leg sweep and DOUBLE STOMP! Lee copies the drop steps and Waller is furious! Waller and Lee go again, Lee arm-drags Waller around and around, then has the armlock. Waller flounders and flails but Lee holds on tight! Waller fights up, throws forearms, but then he runs away from the superkick! Lee taunts Waller, Waller rushes in but Lee trips him up. Cover, ONE, things speed up, and Waller hurdles to follow and BOOT Lee down!

Waller hears the boos, but he whips Lee to ropes. Lee ducks the leg lariat and the regular lariat to tilt-o-whirl RANA! Waller staggers up into a dropkick! Waller bails out, Lee taunts Waller again, then takes aim. PLANCHA, but Waller moves! Waller ROCKS Lee with that right hand and grins as fans boo. But Lee SUPERKICKS! It hits this time and Lee looms over Waller while NXT goes picture in picture.

Lee grins and brings Waller up to bump off the apron. Lee puts Waller in the ring, throws haymakers, then whips him to ropes. Waller reverses, Lee ducks ‘n’ dodges to tilt-o-whirl, but Waller blocks this time to hit a BACKBREAKER! Lee writhes and Waller shakes out the cobwebs. Waller drags Lee up, tosses Lee up and out, then dusts off his hands. Waller does drop steps while the ring count climbs. Waller wants it faster, but Lee stands at the barriers. Lee gets back up at 5 of 10 but Waller trips him up! Waller then slides out to ROCK Lee with a haymaker! Waller puts Lee in then drags him up to a fireman’s carry.

Lee slips off to sunset flip! Waller stays up, drags him around and drops an elbow on the back! The ref reprimands about the hair pulling but Waller drops a knee on Lee. Lee gets to ropes and Waller digs his knee into him! The ref counts, Waller lets off and CLUBS Lee down. Waller drops another knee and Lee ends up on the apron. Waller drags Lee back up and in, suplexes, but Lee turns it into a cradle! TWO! Waller CLOBBERS Lee with a back elbow! Cover, TWO! Waller is frustrated but the count was fair. Waller looms over Lee, drags him up, and ROCKS him with a right. Lee staggers to a corner, Waller throws body shots on him.

Lee elbows Waller away, but runs into a BACKBREAKER! Waller bends Lee backwards against his knee, but Lee endures as NXT returns to single picture. Fans rally up and Lee stands up to throw body shots. Waller CLUBS Lee, brings Lee around and whips, but Lee reverses. Waller goes up and over to kick out the leg! Waller cravats to throw knee after knee, then he fireman’s carries to the WIDOWMAKER! Cover, TWO! Waller is furious but the fans fire up! Waller stalks Lee, slaps him around with elbow pads, then pie faces Lee. Waller scuffs Lee with his boot then pushes him into the mat. Waller pulls on the hair and mocks Lee’s hand signs.

Waller dribbles Lee off the mat and tells him to go home, he no longer belongs. Lee snarls and SLAPS Waller! Waller staggers, Lee fires off forearms and CHOPS over and over! Lee has Waller in the corner, forearm and CHOP then a GAMANGIRI! Lee talks trash on Waller, BIG BULLDOG! Lee rains down fists, Waller gest to the apron, and Waller HOTSHOTS Lee! But Lee comes back to DIVE! Direct hit at the ramp and the fans are fired up! Lee puts Waller in, he climbs up top, but Waller SHOVES Lee off! Lee hits the floor, but the ref keeps Waller from fetching him. And then someone in a hoody BOPS Lee in the back! IT’S TRICK WILLIAMS!!

Trick screwed Lee over with the rubbing alcohol in his eyes last time, and now he just got him here! Waller mocks Lee that he can get in, and Lee gets in at 9.99!! Waller is fired up, he wants to take Lee out. Waller slides, somersaults, and STUNNERS!! Cover, Waller wins!

Winner: Grayson Waller, by pinfall

Fans boo because Waller had a Trick up his sleeve. Trick stands over Lee to taunt him, will Lee have to find redemption through revenge?

 

Backstage interview with The Schism.

McKenzie is with Joe Gacy and The Dyad, but Gacy says to please use their names, “Jagger Reed” and “Rip Fowler.” Well then, Gacy, Rip and Jagger, can you tell us about your recent “revelation” of sorts? Jagger (James Drake) says the past has cast a shadow on their souls, but they have stepped into the light. They can see and they can reach a potential they never knew existed. Rip (Zack Gibson) says they have crossed over into a world of acceptance and inclusion in a community where they can be truly recognized. Then it seems Gacy has somehow changed their lives for the better? But what is their interest in Cameron Grimes?

Gacy says he can see the pain on Cameron’s face, and it isn’t just about the loss of titles. It is about the cold loneliness of a lost father figure. Gacy can be that in Cameron’s life, so long as he opens his heart and joins them under the Schism’s tree. Their message to Cameron and all of NXT will continue next week. Thank you for your time, they appreciate it. The Schism heads out, but will Grimes, or anyone else for that matter, really want to join them?

 

The Women’s Division watches back last week’s battle royal.

Arianna Grace says that when the fans started chanting her name, she just wanted to take a moment to acknowledge them and make their day. And then Indi Hartwell goes and takes advantage of that! Indi booted Grace down and mocked her! Grace doesn’t mean to be rude, but that gear is atrocious! But then Indi walks in to tell Grace that there are no timeouts. This isn’t basketball. And if the roles were reversed, Grace would’ve done the exact same thing. Grace says she would never! She is a former beauty pageant queen! She doesn’t stoop to those lows. How could Indi ever say that? Uh, this is NXT. This isn’t ballet. Or in Grace’s case, a pageant.

Indi waves Grace good-bye, and Grace vents to the others that she is so sorry they had to be around such negative energy. Will Grace prove she can be Miss Congeniality? Or will she learn a thing or two from #IndiWrestling?

 

Apollo Crews VS Xyon Quinn!

The returning star has been getting a lot of flack from the “Perfect Superstar” since coming back, but just because Apollo came back doesn’t mean he failed. Will Apollo show Xyon there’s more to success than where you are? Or will Xyon prove he IS The X Factor in NXT?

NXT returns and Xyon makes his entrance. The bell rings, Apollo DROPKCIKS Xyon down! Xyon gets up but Apollo fires off haymakers. Apollo whips, CLOBBERS Xyon, and he stalks Xyon to ropes. Xyon kick slow, scoops, but Apollo slips off to scoop back! Xyon flails but Apollo still SLAMS him down! Apollo goes out, slingshot sentons back in, and covers, TWO! Fans fire up as Apollo brings Xyon around. Xyon shoves Apollo and CLOBBERS him on the rebound! Xyon stomps Apollo, drags him up and turns him into a NECKBREAKER! Xyon kips up and growls but fans boo. Xyon stalks Apollo to ropes and he CHOKES him!

The ref counts, Xyon lets off at 4, and he YANKS the rope to throw Apollo down. Cover, TWO! Apollo sputters but Xyon clamps onto him again. Xyon suplexes high and hard but fans still rally for Apollo. Xyon clamps onto an arm to get a cobra clutch. Fans rally as Apollo endures, and Apollo fights up, only for Xyon to wrangle him down! Xyon leans on the hold, Apollo endures, and fans rally again. Apollo stands up but Xyon ripcords, only for Apollo to ROCK him first! Apollo ducks ‘n’ dodges, but Xyon becomes a wall! Apollo goes down and Xyon drags him back up. Xyon whips Apollo hard into buckles and Apollo bounces off.

Xyon taunts Apollo but fans boo. Xyon runs corner to corner but into boots! Apollo elbows Xyon away, gets to another corner, then dodges! Xyon hits buckles, Apollo hits a GAMANGIRI! Apollo rallies with big clotheslines, then he whips Xyon to ropes, LEAPING LARIAT! Apollo kips up and fans fire up! Apollo runs corner to corner to SPLASH! And then short arm LARIAT! Cover, TWO! Fans rally and Apollo nods. Apollo goes to a corner, climbs up top, but Xyon stands. CROSSBODY! Down goes Xyon, but Apollo bounces off the cover! Apollo sees Xyon get to a corner, he hurries over, but Xyon kicks low!

Xyon reels Apollo in, fireman’s carries, SWINGING SAMOAN DROP! Cover, TWO!! Xyon is snarling as he aims at Apollo from a corner. Xyon powers up, fans rally up, and Apollo stands. RUN IT- ENZIGURI!! Apollo clinches but Xyon fights free. Apollo spins Xyon around to hit a BACKSTABBER! And a SKY HIGH SPINEBUSTER! Cover, Apollo wins!

Winner: Apollo Crews, by pinfall

Apollo is back on top! His new chapter is still being written, will Apollo be able to give it a triumphant ending?

 

Backstage interview with Toxic Attraction.

McKenzie says Mandy will face Zoey Stark for the NXT Women’s Championship in three weeks at the inaugural NXT Heat Wave. Mandy says that match is going to be cancelled, because Gigi will eliminate Zoey Stark. Zoey will go back to the hospital, back to the surgery table, and- Sarray interrupts. As if this day couldn’t get any worse for them. Mandy asks if Sarray is late to history class. Sarray says she was not in the battle royal, she was in the UK. She wants a title opportunity. Jacy asks why everyone around here thinks they deserve things! How do you say, “No shot,” in Japanese? Sarray will get her ass beat, too!

Mandy says Sarray can go back and forth across the pond, but don’t think for one second Mandy forgot what happened between then. Sarray tried to rearrange Mandy’s face and ruin everything before it all began. So next week, it doesn’t matter which version shows up, Sarray will get beat! Toxic Attraction’s music hits and they head out. While the Warrior of the Sun has an NXT UK Women’s Championship match coming up, will she also get her shot at THE NXT Women’s Champion?

 

Solo Sikoa speaks.

“Von Wagner. I give you your props. You can scrap. You can go. But you wasn’t straight up. I changed my mind about you.” Von Wagner attacked as Solo was at SmackDown like a punk. So now Solo knows Von wants to throw the rules out the window. Good! Let’s see where the fight goes! The ring, the streets, Von’s city, Solo’s city, it won’t matter! It’ll be FALLS COUNT ANYWHERE! Let’s get it!

 

Zoey Stark VS Gigi Dolin w/ Toxic Attraction!

With a date now set, that means there’s a goal in mind! Zoey already showed she can defy expectations, will she defy the Toxic Goddess’ wishes and keep the Heat Wave coming? Or will Mandy’s pawn play her part to perfection and put Zoey back on the sidelines?

NXT returns as Zoey makes her entrance. The bell rings and Gigi rushes in., Zoey dodges her, ROCKS her, then ROCKS her again. Gigi swings but into more haymakers! Zoey blocks a boot, elbows Gigi, then runs in to uppercut! Zoey snapmares, runs, but Mandy is there! The ref reprimands but Gigi HOTSHOTS Zoey! Gigi stomps and kicks away while Jacy and Mandy taunt Zoey. Gigi drags Zoey up but Zoey fires off hands! Gigi knees low, whips Zoey to ropes then ROCKS her. Gigi grins and whips but Zoey blocks! Zoey ROCKS Gigi, ROCKS her again, but Gigi BOOTS back! Gigi back suplexes then covers, TWO!

Fans rally and duel, Gigi CLUBS Zoey down at the corner. Gigi drags Zoey to center, turns her over and ties the legs up for the BOW ‘N’ ARROW! Mandy mocks Zoey’s pain as she endures, but Zoey pops free to cover! TWO, Gigi hurries to her feet but Zoey rolls her up! TWO, and Zoey gets around again to LARIAT! And again! Zoey fires up, fires forearms, back elbows, and a mule kicks! Zoey fires up, runs, SLIDING KNEE! Cover, TWO! Fans rally, Gigi kicks the bad leg out! Gigi then SWITCHBLADE KICKS! Gigi grits her teeth and runs, but Zoey gets around to HEEL KICK! Gigi wobbles, Zoey makes Mandy watch! GO TO STARK!! Cover, Zoey wins!

Winner: Zoey Stark, by pinfall

One pawn down, but here comes Jacy! SUPERKICK!! Zoey TOSSES Jacy out, but Mandy is in! Zoey sees her coming, though, and she chases Mandy off! Mandy can run while she can, but the Heat Wave is coming! Is Zoey going to be the one to finally burn Mandy’s reign down?

But then CORA SMACKS ZOEY with a kendo stick! Cora fires off, but here comes ROXANNE PEREZ! Roxie runs Cora off now! Cora cowards out but Roxie is coming for her! Will there be hell to pay when these former friends face off?

 

JD McDonagh arrives.

The Irish Ace rides in style, heads inside, and says he’s just here as a fan. What is JD playing at?

 

Wendy Choo has a bad dream.

She tosses and turns as she remembers Tiffany Stratton throwing her all around backstage and then finishing her off in the ring. Tiffany says she overcomes the odds and is so over Wendy. But then Wendy remembers when she survived in the battle royal with the help of her pillow. That’s a good moment and she smiles. Only to frown again when she remembers Tiffany using Wendy’s own thermos to clobber her and eliminate her! The alarm goes off and Wendy wakes up. Wendy pouts, stubs her toe on the bed frame, and her thermos is empty. Wendy’s in a bad mood now. Wendy woke up on the wrong side of the bed, all because of Tiffany.

Tiffany thinks this is over, but it isn’t. Next time Tiffany sees her, it won’t be a pretty picture. It’ll be lights out! Will we see Wendy get wicked when Daddy’s Little Rich Girl least expects it?

 

JD McDonagh sits in the crowd with a mic.

“Welcome back to NXT 2.0. My name is JD McDonagh, and I am the Irish Ace. And I came out here this week because I feel like I gotta apologize to you guys. I never had a chance to formally introduce myself to you guys at The Great American Bash. I didn’t get a chance to introduce myself last week after I decimated Cameron Grimes. So I thought I’d come out and introduce myself to a few members of the NXT Universe.” They enjoying their popcorn? Do they know how many people die from eating popcorn? More than you might imagine. One wrong breath when you’re scarfing that down and it gets caught in your trachea, and it’s all over. Chew carefully, okay?

JD moves on to talk to the timekeeper. One of the most important jobs in the whole company. Nice to meet you. This man here sounds the bell “to end whatever kind of torture is going on.” Is this the bell hammer? Yes… It’s very nice. Do you know what a hammer like this can do to a human hand? JD does. It doesn’t even take that much pressure. Hit just the right angle, the finger will pop right out. Swing carefully. And of course, Alicia Taylor, our ring announcer. Alicia has a fabulous voice. Fans cheer for that, but JD then turns his attention to Wade Barrett. Oh, Wade doesn’t have to introduce himself to JD, JD is a huge fan.

But JD does have to say: all those years of bare knuckle boxing sure took its toll. Not on his face, no no! But on his hands. JD felt the calcium deposits. Watch those. The older you get, those will eat into the joints and make it easier to manipulate. Very nice to meet you, though. JD moves on to say hey to Vic Joseph. No, don’t stand up. JD heard what Vic said about his family, and he didn’t appreciate it. But he sized Vic up the moment he saw him. Vic’s tall and slim, probably a soft bone structure. Maybe broke a lot of bones growing up as a kid. Nah, you don’t have to tell him. JD knows he can break Vic’s collarbone with just his hand. But he won’t. Keep u the good work, guys.

And there’s one more person JD should introduce himself to. He mentioned last week that he and JD hadn’t had a chance to meet. So Bron Breakker, come on out! Bron obliges and stares him down from the ramp. Bron gets in the ring, gets himself a mic, and he circles with JD as the fans chant. “In three weeks, it’s NXT Heat Wave, and you’re gonna get real acclimated with Bron Breakker. And you’re not gonna like it!” Bron tells JD that next week, they make it official with a contract signing. So JD HEAEDBUTTS Bron! And reels him in, only for Bron to HEADBUTT JD! JD falls over, Bron tears off his shirt and says he’s gonna break JD!

JD tastes blood in his mouth, and smiles! The Irish Ace is cold and calculating, will he have the perfect plan to break Bron?

 

Chase U talks backstage.

Andre Chase tells Bodhi Hayward and Thea Hail that he’s about to get in the ring with Giovanni Vinci. “What’s the deal with this guy? Fill me in.” Bodhi tells Mr. Chase that Vinci is just a jerk! They arrived in their bus, all fired up for the night, and he got all snippy! Thea loved the car so much, she touched it, and Vinci got so mad! Thea wants at him! Chase says no, he’s got this! Nobody speaks to the good students of Chase U like that! And then Nathan Frazer comes in, he high fives with Bodhi. Frazer is all healed up, and he wonders… Could he be the honorary flag bearer? That’s a fantastic idea! HELL YEAH! Chase says Vinci’s getting a Chase U sized ass kicking!

 

Backstage interview with Roxanne Perez.

McKenzie knows Roxie is dealing with a whirlwind of emotions, but it seems things are far from over. Roxie says if Cora wants to throw away their friendship, that’s fine. She can twist Roxie’s words and actions are fine, too. But throwing away the title into the trash? That is something Roxie won’t stand for. These titles should be shown respect. nd someone else agrees! ALUNDRA BLAYZE is here! And she says if Roxie wants the honors, she can. Roxie brings the other belt out of the trash, and says these should be held by two women proud to wear them and to defend them.

Blayze says over 25 years ago, she dumped a women’s title in the trash. it took a long time to crown a new champion. This time, it won’t take long at all. Next week, we have a FATAL 4 WAY TAG TEAM ELIMINATION MATCH! The winners will become the NEW NXT Women’s Tag Team Champions! And the four teams are already set: Diamond Mind’s Ivy Nile & Tatum Paxley; Yulisa Leon & Valentina Feroz; KC Squared, Kayden Carter & Katana Chance; and of course, the former champions, Toxic Attraction’s Gigi & Jacy. Roxie and Blayze hug it out, but who will rise to the occasion and take hold of the future?

 

Andre Chase w/ Chase U & Nathan Frazer VS Giovanni Vinci!

The Professor wants to give Vinci a #TeachableMoment, but he might end up learning something else. Will everyone in Chase U see that it’s #VeniVidiVinci from here on out?

The bell rings, the two tie up, go around, and end up on ropes. Fans rally for Chase U but Vinci arm-drags him away. Chase shrugs that off and circles with Vinci again. They tie up, Vinci wrenches to a hammerlock, then wristlock. Chase slips through, arm-drags, and he has the armlock! Fans rally but Vinci fights up. Vinci kips and shows off to then wrench and arm-drag! But Chase hits a headlock takeover! Vinci turns that right around to get a headlock of his own, but Chase fight sup. Chase throws body shots, powers out, but Vinci blocks a hip toss. Chase blocks one, too, then backslides! TWO, and Chase hits another headlock takeover!

Vinci tries to roll it but Chase holds on! Vinci pulls hair as he power sup and out, then he RAMS into Chase! Vinci stomps Chase down, drags him up, and EuroUppers! Chase staggers, Vinci CLUBS him on the ropes, but Chase throws back. Vinci whips, Chase sunset flips! TWO, but Chase hurries to La Magistrol! TWO! Chase gets around, crucifix pin, TWO! Vinci kicks low! Vinci whips Chase to a corner, Chase goes up and over and hip tosses! Fans fire up and Chase arm-drags again! Chase has another armlock but Vinci endures. Vinci fights up, pulls more hair and then whips again. Things speed up and Vinci dropkicks Chase!

Vinci soaks up the heat, grinning as he looms over Chase. Vinci drags Chase up, EuroUppers, but fans rally up. Vinci whips Chase, Chase reverses and dropkicks back! Fans fire up as Chase dares Vinci to get up. Vinci grabs Bodhi’s Chase U banner, and BREAKS the flagpole! Fans boo, but Vinci ROCKS Chase! Bodhi has to keep Thea back from going after Vinci! Vinci whips but Chase POSTS Vinci! Fans fire up as Vinci flops out of the ring and NXT goes to break.

NXT returns and Vinci has a bearhug on Chase. Chase elbows away on Vinci, then BELL CLAPS! Vinci lets Chase go to CLUB him and shove him to a corner. Vinci blocks a boot but not the KNEE! Chase goes up to FLYING SUNSET FLIP! TWO, and Chase hurries to run at Vinci. Vinci TOSSES Chase up and out! Thea and Bodhi coach Chase up but Vinci WRECKS Chase with a dropkick! Vinci looms over Chase, kicks him around, and he puts Chase in. Vinci then shoves Bodhi! Thea is rabid but Chase kicks and CHOPS and ROCKS Vinci! Chase whips, Vinci reverse and wraps on a SLEEPER! But Chase hits a BIG back suplex!

Fans are thunderous for Chase as he is still in this! Both men rise, Chase throws counter punches on Vinci! And JAB after JAB! Chase wrenches to CHOP and whip, then atomic drop! Chase whips again, Vinci reverses but gets caught into a RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP! Chase kicks low and hits a NECKBREAKER! Fans fire up and Chase has them spell out Chase U as he stomps Vinci! Chase catches Vinci to a SIDE EFFECT! Cover, TWO! “This is Awesome!” Chase gets Vinci up, reels him in and underhooks the arms, but Vinci blocks the “Final Exam!” Chase CLUBS away on Vinci, then whips but Vinci reverses. Vinci blocks the boot but the KNEE hits again!

Chase goes back up, leaps, but into Vinci’s SUPLEX! Vinci covers, TWO! Vinci can’t believe it but the fans are loving this! Vinci drags Chase back up, reels him in, and he grins. Vinci gets Chase up but Chase trips him to jackknife, TWO!! Vinci bridges, turns Chase, but Chase swings around. Vinci dodges to springboard, into a kick! FINAL EXAM!! Cover, TWO!! Vinci survives the tiger bomb and no one can believe it! Chase hurries to get Vinci but Vinci BOOTS him from below! Chase throws hands, Vinci throws uppercuts! Chase spins but into a CHOP! Vinci runs, but into a BOOT! Chase kicks but Vinci blocks to LARIAT!

Vinci hoists Chase up, SIT-OUT BOMB!! Cover, Vinci wins!

Winner: Giovanni Vinci, by pinfall

Vittoria for Vinci, but NXT just learned how much Andre Chase can bring to the ring! Will Chase U still benefit in the recruiting class for 2022? But wait, Vinci stomps away on Chase! Frazer rushes in from the student section to shove Vinci away! The British Prodigy won’t let Vinci be a bully, will Frazer defend Chase U’s honor himself?

 

Diamond Mine warms up in the dojo.

The chops are strong and Ivy Nile loves that they’re united. Her chop to Damon’s a bit hard, but they’re going to show the world what they’re working on. Tony D isn’t ready, that’s for sure. Roderick Strong says that oddly enough, this Tony D beef is actually helping them. They’re all collectively focused and ready to dominate. They eat when they compete, and right now, they’re starving! If you get hurt, push through it. You dig deeper for the man next to you. Tony’s crew knocked them down, but Diamond Mine gets back up. They’re gonna drop those bitch asses! Pressure makes diamonds, and it breaks bones! Bring it in! “Who are we?” “Diamond Mine!” Diamond Mine forever!!

 

Yulisa Leon and Valentina Feroz Facetime.

Leon says she and Feroz are in the Women’s Tag Team title Fatal 4! This is so exciting! Feroz says she’ll be back tomorrow, and they can prepare. How about it? Are they ready? Sanga says yes! Ladies, he is so happy for them. He has seen their hard work, their friendship, it is all amazing. But next week, don’t just become champions, become inspirations to other superstars! Whatever standard they set, the world will follow. And Sanga says we will hear, “And NEW NXT Women’s Tag Team Champions!” “SI SE PUEDE!”

 

Backstage interview with KC Squared.

McKenzie notes they’re also in the Women’s Tag title Fatal 4, and Kayden says the blatant disrespect. Do you know how pissed they were to see the title they worked so hard to get after be thrown in the trash? Cora Jade doesn’t deserve to be a champion. And yes, those titles belong on a true friendship. That’s what you’re looking at. But then Tatum Paxley and Ivy Nile walk in. Tatum says they can finally settle what’s been going on here. Oh shut up, Tatum! You and Ivy aren’t even a team! Oh, they’re not? Well they’re gonna be when they take care of business. Just like Diamond Mine does tonight!

But Elektra Lopez walks in and says those are big words coming from such a small girl. Diamond Mine isn’t taking anything, they’re losing tonight, just like you will! Tatum hits Lopez! The brawl is on 3v2! Refs and officials rush in to stop this, but nothing is stopping that Fatal 4 from firing up! Who will rise above the rest to claim the gold?

 

Indi Hartwell VS Arianna Grace!

#IndiWrestling may have lost her Way, her love and her friends, but she hasn’t lost her will to fight! Will she continue to remind everyone here why she’s #IMPRESSIVE? Or will she end up just a runner-up to the Beauty Queen?

NXT returns as Grace makes her entrance. The bell rings and the two circle. They tie up, go around, and Indi waistlocks. Grace wrenches out but Indi rolls and slips under to trip Grace up. Indi floats to a headlock, fans duel, but Indi snapmares. Grace rolls through and waves to the fans. They tie up again, Indi wrenches the arm and wristlocks, but Grace rolls to get free. Grace waves to the fans but Indi runs her over! Indi wrenches Grace’s arm, has a cording hold, but Grace moves around. Grace reaches out, Indi keeps her from ropes so Grace pulls Indi’s hair! Grace whips but Indi runs her over! Then scoops for a SIDEWALK SLAM!

Grace goes to a corner and Indi run sin, but Grace dodges! Grace SLAMS Indi down then stomps her! Grace drags Indi up to ROCK her with forearms and bump her off buckles! And again! Grace throws Indi down again, covers, TWO! Grace clamps onto a chinlock and bends Indi back. Fans rally as Indi endures, fights up, but Grace CLUBS her on the back! Grace hip drops then knee drops! Grace clamps the chinlock stretch back on but Indi endures again. Fans rally, Indi fights up and Indi backs Grace down. Grace throws Indi into the buckles, CLUBS her, then whips her corner to corner hard!

Indi bounce off the buckles, Grace fires off forearms! Grace whips corner to corner hard again, but Indi snarls! Indi LARIATS Grace down! Indi and Grace rise as fans rally, and Indi counter punches Grace! Indi runs Grace over, CLOBBERS her, then SPINEBUSTERS! Cover, TWO! Indi grows frustrated but she run sin. Grace dodges the boot to roll Indi up, with feet on the ropes! The ref sees that and stops the count! Grace apologizes but Indi BOOTS her down! Indi wins!

Winner: Indi Hartwell, by pinfall

What was that about not stooping to lows? Grace got caught and Indi got the win, will Indi be the one shining in the spotlight now?

 

The Robert Stone Brand speak.

Robert Stone himself says they heard Solo Sikoa’s challenge. “Do you really know what you’re asking for? A Falls Count Anywhere match with Von Wagner? This man has no remorse. In high school, he knocked out his football coach for trying to take him out of the game. We’re doing you a favor. Von already took you out on the streets, we owe you nothing, so we politely decline your offer.” Von says what the hell? They’re not declining anything. But Stone says Von has to work with him here. Think of the big picture! Von already ran off Soph- Hey! If she wants to go be a model, good for her. Von don’t give a sh*t!

But as for Solo, VON’s the Street Champion now. If Solo wants his crown back, he has to come get it next week! Von and Solo are going to go all over NXT Arena to settle this, but where will it end?

 

Kiana James holds a special presentation.

The Calculator, with her Bachelor’s Degrees in both Business Management and Business Administration, is here to break down “What is wrong with the NXT Women’s Division?” She thanks us for joining us and says she has done in-depth and extensive research on the Women’s Division. She wants to update us on the progress, as one woman stands out for all the wrong reasons. That woman is Nikkita Lyons. What do we really know about Ms. Lyons? Her wellspring (aka parents) are far from suitable role models. Her father was a rock star and her mother was a groupie. Lyons’ education was not formed in a classroom, but on a tour bus.

That explains the level of vocabular Lyons possesses. Example one: Lyons calling out everyone last week. And this also explains the behavior she conducts and the clothing she wears. Gaudy and skimpy. Lyons isn’t what a professional woman should be in this world, she is a troubled young woman. Kiana will continue to unpack and peel back the layers of Lyons and report back with more findings next week. But how will Lyons herself respond to such criticism?

 

Lash Legend speaks.

Just as an Alba Fyre video starts, Lash wonders why we’re still talking about her. She already knows she can’t hang with the one and only Lash. But Fyre says Lash has done her worst. Fyre will hit back harder. Do not underestimate the firekeeper! But when you step to Lash, you ain’t hitting a home run. It’ll be three strike and you’re out. Lash was gonna win the battle royal, but Fyre got in her way. Well if Fyre’s going down in flames, she’ll just drag Lash down with her. Lash says she’ll put out the Fyre permanently, but Fyre says Lash will be the one gasping for air. Who will survive when the smoke clears?

 

8 Man Tag: Diamond Mine VS Tony D’Angelo, Channing Lorenzo & Legado del Fantasma!

Roderick Strong was at odds with The Creed Brothers, and he wasn’t really treating Damon Kemp the best, but a common enemy has re-forged their bond! Will the Savior of the Backbreaker, the Diamond Gopher and the NXT Tag Team Champions put The Don in his place? Or will Tony, Stacks, Wilde and Cruz make them #FOGEDABOUTIT?

NXT returns and Diamond Mine makes their entrance. All eight men are in the ring talking trash, throwing shirts, but they all stand down to sort out. Strong and Tony start, they tie up, and go around the ropes. Strong headlocks, wrenches an arm, wristlocks, but Tony wrenches back. Strong slips around, wristlocks again, but Tony manages to stay up and steer Strong to the corner. Strong gets free as Stacks tags in, and Strong arm-drags Stacks! Strong has the armlock but Stacks stands up. Stacks puts Strong on ropes, Strong whips him away, and Strong DROPKICKS Stacks down! Tag to Julius and Diamond Mine mugs Stacks.

Julius strips Stacks’ shirt off to CHOP him, then suplex him across the ring! Julius runs in but Wilde saves Stacks! Stacks rushes Julius but Julius blocks the kick to CLOBBER Stacks back! Stacks throws hands, clinches and forearms, then he CHOPS Julius. Julius fires hands but he’s still in enemy territory. Tony tags in, fires hands then tackles Julius to rain down forearms! Tony facelocks, whips Julius to a corner, but Julius comes back to CLBOBER Tony! Julius whips Tony to a corner, clotheslines him, then whips him to ropes. Tony holds ropes and bails out, but Julius pursues! Tony slips back in, Legado and Stacks back Tony up, but all of Diamond Mine meets them!

Fans fire up as the eight men talk trash again but the ref tells them to stand down. Julius says stuff that, and he LEAPS at Tony! The brawl is on and the fans are thunderous! Strong, Kemp and Brutus throw out Stacks, Wilde and Cruz, and Julius fires off on Tony. Tony kicks back but Julius gets the leg for a takedown! Tony scrambles but Julius pursues! Julius gets the foot again but Tony keeps kicking! The family drags Tony from the ring, but Brutus get sto the apron! BRUTUS BALL! Direct hit and fans are thunderous as NXT goes picture in picture.

Julius dares Tony to come back now, and the Don clutches his foot. Julius goes out to fetch Tony into the ring, but Tony tags Cruz and bails out. Julius just suplexes Cruz across the ring! Tag to Strong, he and Cruz fire off forearms. Cruz CHOPS, Strong CHOPS, then Strong HALF NELNSON BACKBREAKERS! Cover, TWO! Strong tags Brutus in, they whip Cruz to then CLOBBER him! Brutus bear crawls after Cruz, keeps him from the corner, and GERMAN SUPLEXES! Cruz lands on his feet but Brutus CLOBBERS him again! Cruz goes t a corner, Brutus runs in but Cruz dodges to GAMANGIRI! Tag to Wilde, they double whip and double elbow!

Wilde runs, Cruz helps out, hip toss SPLASH! Cover, TWO! Wilde clamps onto Brutus with a chinlock and he throws down elbows! Wilde then stomps Brutus on the face and clamps on a chinlock. Brutus endures, fights up, and throws body shots. Wilde knees low, snapmares Brutus down and clamps on a headlock with armlock. Brutus endures, fights the hold and NXT returns to single picture. Brutus throws some knees from below but Wilde clamps onto the headlock tighter. Fans rally, and Brutus bridges up! Brutus pushes Wilde away to FLAPJACK! Fans fire up and Kemp tags in to CLOBBER Wilde! And again, and again!

Kemp hits a BIG shoulder tackle, then a fireman’s carry throw! Kemp whips, scoops and SPINNING SLAMS, to an ELBOW DROP! Wilde flounders but Kemp clotheslines him out! Cruz rushes in, Kemp dodges and ROCKS Cruz! Kemp scoops but Wilde CHOP BLOCKS Kemp’s leg! Wilde stomps the leg, YANKS it, then stays between Kemp and the Diamond Mine. Wilde soaks up the cheers and jeers, stomps Kemp more, then drags him to the corner. Tag to Tony and they mug Kemp. Tony gets a leg to SHIN BREAKER! Tony then hoists Kemp onto the top rope, puts him in a Tree of Woe, and he stomps away!

Tag to Stacks, he stomps away and goes after the leg. Tag to Wilde, he stomps away, then tag to Cruz for even more stomps! Tag back to Tony, he stomps, then soaks up cheers and jeers. Tony sucker punches Brutus, the crew get their shots in on Kemp, but the ref restores order. Tony drags Kemp up, throws haymakers, then puts him in the corner. Stacks tags in, he snapmares Kemp and drops a leg! Cover, TWO! Stacks stalks Kemp, YANKS and stomps the bad leg, then clamps on for a HALF CRAB! Kemp endures, the Diamond Mine coach him up, and Kemp turns back over. Kemp kicks Stacks away, and avoids the elbow drop!

Kemp gets to the apron, Stacks rushes over but Kemp HOTSHOTS then SLINGSHOT SPEARS! Fans fire up as both men crawl for their corners! Hot tag to Cruz and he stomps Kemp back down. Cruz gets Kemp up to ROCK him in the back! Cruz taunts the Diamond Mine, and he dropkicks Brutus down! But Kemp TOSSES Cruz out! Kemp crawls, but Cruz tags Stacks! Kemp still tags in Julius! Julius rallies on the family, pops Stacks up and hits the ROLLING SPINEBUSTER! The straps come down but Cruz flies in! Julius catches him to TOSS him! Wilde is up top, but Julius springs up to get him! SUPERPLEX!!

Fans are thunderous and Tony is furious! Tony tags and runs in, to get a GERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO! Julius holds on, Tony swings but into a clinch! BELLY2BELLY! Fans fire up, “This is Awesome!” but Tony kicks Julius’ leg out! Tony hobbles up, gets Julius in a gut wrench, but Julius gets the leg! ANKLE LOCK!! Tony kicks and flails but Julius has that leg! Stacks CLOBBERS Julius! Brutus POUNCES Stacks! Brutus ROCKS Wilde, Wilde BOOTS Brutus! Cruz slingshots in and Wilde hooks Brutus up, LEGADO SLICER! But Kemp CLOBBERS Wilde! Cruz missile dropkicks Kemp! Strong KNEES Wilde! SLIDING LARIAT from Julius!

Strong KNEES Wilde, SLIDING LARIAT! Fans fire up as Tony runs in, Julius gets around to waistlock. Strong runs in, but Tony gets away, the KNEE hits Julius! Stacks DECKS Strong, Tony drags Julius up! FOGEDABOUTIT! Cover, Tony’s team wins!!

Winner: Tony D’Angelo, Channing Lorenzo & Legado del Fantasma, by pinfall

The Diamond Mine was running so well, but one little mistake made it all fall apart! Tony’s family gets lucky, but does this mean they’re still the number one family in NXT?

 

NXT Media catches up with Alundra Blayze.

They ask her who she thinks will win the vacated Women’s Tag Team titles? Blayze says they’re all excellent teams, she has no idea who will win. But she can tell us this: “The last team standing will earn the right to be called champions.” And that’s Toxic Attraction! Gigi & Jacy praise Blayze as the living legend in this business, but here’s the deal. There are no other tag teams. There’s Toxic Attraction, and then everyone else. So just hand the belts over right now. Three-time champs, baby! Oh, they want the titles? Well next week, they’ll have to fight for them!

Blayze leaves with the belts, Gigi & Jacy whine and complain, but will Toxic Attraction just have to earn making history? Or will they be denied what they think they deserve?


My Thoughts:

A great episode for NXT, and it turns out we’re getting another special themed episode in NXT Heat Wave (or is it Heatwave?) that we’re not building towards. For one, great promo segment from Zoey Stark, Toxic Attraction and Cora Jade. Stark VS Mandy for the title is set, and I would think Cora VS Roxie is just a matter of saying it next week or the week after. Hell, next week is huge with that NXT Women’s Tag Team Championship match. Great promos from Roxie with Alundra Blayze showing up, as well as from all the teams that’ll be in the match. Of the teams in that match, I just hope it isn’t Toxic Attraction. We can’t go back to the status quo with this match. Though I definitely expect Gigi & Jacy to challenge the winners for a match at Heat Wave.

Good match from Zoey VS Gigi, too, as Zoey’s first singles match back. I also like that Sarray got involved in the Toxic Attraction interview to say she wasn’t around for the battle royal. Sarray VS Mandy next week will be really good, but I fully expect Toxic Attraction to screw her over. For one, Sarray still has her match with Meiko Satomura coming up, Sarray could end up still getting a title in NXT UK. Good promo from Lash and Fyre to hype up their grudge match. Kiana James getting this business presentation gag as her promo style is fitting, and it seems rather interesting she’s after Lyons, but I suppose Lyons needs someone to feud with.

Great pre-match promo from Waller, and a great match from Waller VS Lee. Of course Trick interferes so that Lee loses, putting more heat into Trick VS Lee II, probably for Heat Wave now. Good promo from The Schism, but I’m a little disappointed that another Gacy feud becomes about the other person’s father. This feud can still go either way, but I would hope there’s a Six Man on the way, such as Schism VS Grimes, Edris & Malik. Great match out of Apollo VS Xyon, and Apollo switching up his finisher is a nice surprise. It does represent the next chapter of his career, and Apollo can hit that spinebuster outta nowhere compared to his “Crews Missile” spin-out powerbomb.

Real good vignette from Wendy Choo, and I almost thought she was going to bring back some of that Tian Sha stuff. Her rematch with Tiffany really needs a stipulation to play off of what they did in that backstage brawl. Good promos from Solo and what’s left of the latest Robert Stone Brand formation. I’ve been saying it’d be Falls Count Anywhere, it’s great that we’re getting that, and with that stipulation, it could go any which way they want. Personally, hoping Solo wins so he can finally get at the North American Championship. And great stuff out of Chase U, Frazer and Vinci. The match itself was awesome, and everyone seems to love Andre Chase. If this match was awesome, then Frazer VS Vinci is going to be an instant classic.

Good interactions out of Indi Hartwell and Arianna Grace and a good match from them, too. Indi wins to get back up, she could also be waiting in the wings for a title match after Heat Wave. JD McDonagh’s new character stuff is interesting, with him essentially being a sociopath who knows human anatomy inside and out. But he delivered it well, and had a good interaction with Bron Breakker. A contract signing comes with the expectations of a brawl by default, but I almost expect JD to not go for that because he’s “smart enough to know” he needs to be 100% to face Bron. As for the match itself, I’m torn again on the basis that Bron could just get that belt back and become a three-time champion far too soon.

We got very good promos from the Diamond Mine and the extended D’Angelo family, and we got an awesome 8 Man Tag out of it. I actually like how that finish went. Strong and Julius were united hitting combos like that, until Tony slipped away at the last second. Expect Strong and Julius to argue about this next week, as Diamond Mine is still likely to kick Strong out. But at the same time, when is Escobar going to come back and take Legado under his wing again? Or will they end up turning on Escobar since we don’t have the numbers for another Six Man Tag?

My Score: 8.8/10


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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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