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Mitchell’s WWE Raw Results & Report! (7/18/22)

Mella gets one more shot!

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WWE Raw 2022

Will this be the last time the EST has to worry about Carmella?

The Raw Women’s Championship is on the line again, and again between Bianca Belair and Carmella! Will third time be the charm for Mella? Or is it three strikes and she’s out?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

  • No Champion’s Advantage Raw Women’s Championship: Bianca Belair VS Carmella; Belair wins and retains the title.
  • Rey Mysterio w/ Dominik Mysterio VS Damian Priest w/ Finn Balor; Priest wins.
  • Seth Rollins VS Ezekiel; Rollins wins.
  • Angelo Dawkins w/ Montez Ford VS Omos w/ MVP; Dawkins wins, by disqualification.
  • The Street Profits VS Omos & MVP; The Street Profits win, by disqualification.
  • (Austin) Theory VS AJ Styles; Styles wins.
  • WWE 24/7 Championship Sideshow Scramble: Akira Tozawa wins and becomes the new WWE 24/7 Champion.
  • WWE 24/7 Championship Sideshow Scramble Part 2: Nikki A.S.H. wins and becomes the new WWE 24/7 Champion.
  • WWE 24/7 Championship Sideshow Scramble: Alexa Bliss wins and becomes the new WWE 24/7 Champion.
  • WWE 24/7 Championship Sideshow Scramble: Piper Niven wins and becomes the new WWE 24/7 Champion.
  • WWE 24/7 Championship Sideshow Scramble: Tamina wins and becomes the new WWE 24/7 Champion.
  • WWE 24/7 Championship Sideshow Scramble: Dana Brooke wins and becomes the new WWE 24/7 Champion.
  • Six Woman Tag: Alexa Bliss, Asuka & Dana Brooke VS Tamina, Nikki A.S.H. & “Doudrop” Piper Niven; Alexa, Asuka & Dana win.

PLAY BY PLAY

Titus O’Neil is in the ring!

Fans fire up to see The Real Deal back again, and Titus says when he came to the WWE and became a WWE Tag Team Champion and then entered the Hall of Fame as a Warrior Award winner, Titus thought that was the height of his personal achievements. But Titus has gone even higher by becoming a WWE Global Ambassador! He will represent the WWE all over the globe, in something he feels we need now more than ever: good will. There is no question that each and everyone of the superstars want to put smiles on fans’ faces in and out of the ring. They help those less fortunate, they support the servicemen and women all over the world.

Fans chant for “U S A! U S A!” and Titus says the WWE also supports family, health and community. All these things help bring people together to do good in the world. That is what they do! That is why we will never hear politics, religion or anything else divisive in the WWE. That is because regardless of race, economic status or nationality, the WWE is a place that we all deserve to have a safe haven! This is a place where we can all be sure we all have a good time! So that said, that is what we’re going to do here tonight! “Ladies and gentlemen, everyone around the world, welcome to Monday Night Raw!”

 

Becky Lynch heads to the ring!

Raw hits the Big Time as Becky swaggers out, and she gets a mic. “Welcome to the Big Time!” Fans cheer and Becky says, “You all know the story of the little engine that could, right? This little engine that was carrying this great heavy load, and it kept meeting obstacle after obstacle after obstacle, but it just kept going.” Becky realized that is kinda how her journey since WrestleMania has been. But she isn’t a little blue choo-choo, she is a steely ginger locomotive! This is the Big Time Becks Express! But when Big Time Becks becomes unhinged, she cannot be stopped. And that is why when Asuka tried to derail her, Becky didn’t become a complain train. No, she rolled right over Asuka!

And when the train is coming, it stops for nobody! Everyone stops for the train, just like she stopped five women on the way to Money in the Bank. But every journey has to hit its stations. She hit Defeat Junction, Loser Place, but she’s on Legendary Road, History Maker Grove, Breaking Barriers Bend, and now, we can all get off at Appreciation Station when she becomes the next Raw Women’s Champion~! Oh, fans love that, huh? That booing is fine because Becky has been informed that the winner of tonight’s Raw Women’s Championship will have to face Becky at SummerSlam for the title!

So yes, yes, yes! The Big Time Becks Express could, can and will be your NEW Raw Women’s Champion~! Becky is ready, but here comes the readiEST! Bianca tells Becky, “now, now, Becky. You know what you did last week was foul, right?” Becky can’t just sit on the sidelines, she had to go cause a distraction just so Bianca would lose. But y’know what? Bianca tells Becky that she can do whatever it is she wants to try and take focus from Bianca, but this is not the Becky Lynch WrestleMania comeback story! Yes it is! No, it’s the Bianca Belair Comeback from SummerSlam 2021! Losing that title to Becky in 26 seconds was the lowest moment in her career.

Becky shocked us all with her comeback that no one expected. She challenged Bianca on the spot, and Bianca has vowed to see every opportunity would be to redeem her reputation. Look as us now! A whole year later and Bianca is proud to say she did just that! And after she whoops Carmella, she will rewrite that last chapter in her story at SummerSlam, and kick Becky’s caboose all the way back to Ireland. Choo-choo~! But here comes Mella! She tells Bianca that she’s making the biggEST mistake by overlooking her. Mella is a badass with a great ass. And last week, she still won! Although, Mella will say it is convenient Bianca got distracted and couldn’t get in the ring.

Or maybe, Bianca realized she was outmatched and needed a shortcut. Fans boo but Mella says regardless, tonight, if Bianca gets counted out again, not only will Mella be money, but she WILL be the NEW Raw Women’s Champion! Oh, girl, uh-uh! No no no! Bianca is sick and tired of the talk, so it is time for everyone to remember why Bianca is the strongEST, the fastEST, the roughEST, the toughEST, the quickEST, the great- Becky and Mella blindside Bianca! They stomp Bianca down, then drag her up. But Bianca fights back! She RAMS Becky into a corner, Mella rushes in to go after her! Bianca DEKCS Mella!

Becky gets Bianca for a MANHANDLE SLAM! Corey Graves shouts to have this match happen now, but the ref tells everyone else to back off while Raw goes to break!

No Champion’s Advantage Raw Women’s Championship: Bianca Belair VS Carmella!

Raw returns and the ref checks with Bianca if she still wants this match. She says yes because she is the toughEST, and the bell rings! Mella rushes in, Bianca gets around to waistlock but Mella elbows free. Mella throws Bianca down by her hair and taunts her. Mella puts Bianca in a corner and throws back elbow after back elbow! The ref counts, Mella lets off and Mella “makes it rain.” Mella then runs in but Bianca dodges the Bronco Buster! Bianca swings, Melal dodges and runs, tilt-o-whirls, but Bianca blocks! The strongEST hits a BACKBRAEKER, holds on and hits another BACKBREAKER! Mella writhes but Bianca is still recovering, too.

Bianca gets up and runs Mella, ROCK S her then dropkicks her! Bianca kips up, drags Mella up and scoops to then FALL AWAY SLAM! Bianca keeps moving, handspring MOONSAULT, but she lands on her feet as Mella bails out. Fans boo while Becky talks herself up on commentary. Bianca fetches Mella and puts her in the ring. Becky rushes over to distract again, but Bianca gets in at 5 of 10. Mella bails out the other side but Bianca is after her again. Bianca ROCKS Mella, torture racks, but Mella grabs ropes! Mella scurries in as the ring count climbs, and she YANKS Bianca into the post! The count is 7 of 10!

Bianca gets in at 8, Mella rains down hands, then throws her out! FABULOUS KICK! Down goes Bianca! Mella then hurries out to TOSS Bianca into the timekeeper’s area! Mella wants the count to climb, Graves is feverish on commentary for his wife, and the count is 7 of 10 again! Bianca is in at 8 again, but Mella hammers away! Mella is frustrated but she drags Bianca up. Mella whips Bianca to a corner, Bianca elbows Mella then goes up. Mella TOSSES Bianca out again! Bianca hits steps on the way down! Becky and Graves count along, but Mella is impatient. We’re past 5 of 10, Bianca stirs at 7, springs up and in at 9!

Fans fire up as Bianca survives and both Mella and Becky are frustrated. Will Bianca make the greatEST recovery while Raw goes to break?

Raw returns and Mella has Bianca in a sleeper! Mella becomes a backpack but Bianca RAMS her back into buckles! And again, and again! Bianca gets free, until Mella grabs her hair! Bianca uses that to whip Mella corner to corner, then dropkick her down! Bianca kips up and fans fire up! Bianca RAMS into Mella, goes up and rains down fists! Fans count this one, Bianca backflips off nine to DECK Mella for the tenth! Bianca HANDSPRING MOONSAULTS! Cover, TWO! Mella survives and Bianca is frustrated while Becky is stressed. Bianca runs at the corner but Mella elbows her away. Mella swings into chicken wings!

But Mella victory rolls Bianca into ropes, then rolls her up, feet on the ropes! The ref doesn’t realize, TWO!! Bianca escapes but Mella FABULOUS KICKS her down! Cover, TWO! Mella and Becky are both beside themselves as Mella drags Bianca up. Bianca JAWBREAKERS free, then RAMS into Mella again! Bianca hoists Mella up top, climbs up after her, and fans rally for the “E S T! E S T!” Mella resists the superplex and shoves Bianca away, but Bianca backflips to land on her feet! Mella CROSSBODIES, into Bianca’s arms! Bianca pops Mella around into a suplex! Mella scurries away to the apron and Bianca storms over, into a HOTSHOT!

Mella runs in to hit a FACEBUSTER! Cover, TWO!! Mella can’t believe it! Mella talks trash, pie faces and says she already won! Becky talks as much trash on commentary but Bianca glares at Mella. She might be the angriEST, but then Mella SLAPS her! Mella runs, but Bianca slips around to torture rack! KISS OF DEATH!! Cover, Bianca wins!!

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

Becky is Big Time disappointed, but she has the Raw Women’s Championship belt in her hands! Becky assures the belt it’ll come home with her soon enough, but Bianca says to hand it over. Becky drops it at Bianca’s feet, then leaves. Bianca picks the belt up, but will the biggEST rematch go Bianca’s way in Nashville?

 

Backstage interview with The Street Profits.

Sarah reminds us that the special guest referee for the Undisputed Tag Team Championship rematch is none other than Jeff Jarrett. What do they expect from the WWE Hall of Famer, Double J? Angelo Dawkins says we’re going from Nashville to Smashville! A WWE HOF as the ref, that’s J E Double F, J A Double R E Double T! He won’t let anyone step outta line. The Usos are gonna get a guitar to the back! Montez Ford says make no mistake! Whether it’s Jeff Jarrett, Jeff Gordon, Jeff Bridges or even Cousin Jeff, the Profits will walk out of Nashville, Cashville, the Dirty Dirty on SummerSlam Weekend as THE Undisputed WWE Tag Team Champions!

Ford says nothing changes when they act strange. The Profits are up, and #WeWanttheSmoke- Wait, who is this? Omos and MVP walk in and MVP says the Profits should be glad Omos wasn’t chosen considering what he did last week. They remember, right? Or maybe they were sipping on those cups to forget. Dawkins got spiked to the mat like a football in the end zone. Fam, that’s tough talk from a hype man. You got a problem, step to the Profits. Oh~, Dawkins is spicy! MVP would love to tag with Omos but he is not properly dressed. But there is someone who wants to step up.

So here’s a solid. MVP will talk with Adam Pearce to get Dawkins VS Omos 1v1 because y’all don’t want this smoke! Omos and MVP head out, will Dawkins find a way to topple the Nigerian Giant this close to SummerSlam?

 

Kevin Owens is back!

And he is back to host another episode of the Kevin Owens Show! His special guest: The Original Bro, Matt Riddle! What will the Stallion have to say to the Prizefighter? We’ll see, after the break.

Raw returns and fans are torn as Kevin has the mic to say, “Ladies and Gentlemen, the Kevin Owens Show is back on Monday Night Raw! I know you missed me, but before I tell you all where I’ve been, let me bring out my guest. Please welcome… RIDDLE!” Riddle scooters on out, ready to take on Seth Rollins at SummerSlam! Riddle gets the mic to say, “Bro, I just want to say thanks for having me on the show. But you know why I’m here: You promised me a Mountain Dew Baja Blast, so where is it?” Kevin has no idea what Riddle is talking about, but anyway… They take a seat and Kevin thanks Riddle for coming here.

Kevin says the real reason Riddle is here is because the last few weeks, Kevin hasn’t been here. Maybe Riddle’s noticed, or maybe not since he’s in his own little world. See, the last few weeks, Kevin has had to step away because for the last few months, Kevin was obsessed. He was nearly driven insane trying to prove Ezekiel and Elias were the same person. Kevin came so close to losing his mind that he took a step back. He took a nice little nature repeat, tried to find some inner peace. Kevin watched Raw, and realized there is something about Riddle he admires. Riddle is constantly cool, calm and collected. Maybe he has some help in being that way, but Kevin wants to be like Riddle!

Kevin centered himself an realized he doesn’t care about Elias, Ezekiel or Elrod! He doesn’t care about them! He wishes them the best. No, wait, he doesn’t! He hopes the all fail miserably! But that’s not the point. Kevin will let those guys do whatever. He is here with Riddle because of Riddle’s match at SummerSlam with Seth Rollins. Rollins is someone else who caused Kevin some great anguish. Rollins used to be Kevin’s best friend, or at least pretended. And then he betrayed and humiliated and insulted Kevin! Kevin lost his best friend that night, just like Riddle lost his best friend, Randy Orton.

Riddle isn’t sure where this is going but Kevin says that’s the truth. Everyone needs some back-up, especially in the WWE. And Kevin realized the answer was right here all along. Riddle, RK-BRO was great. But BRO-KO could be greater. Fans are mixed, but Riddle has Tampa Bay hold on. If Riddle’s being honest, bro, Kevin is the biggest liar he knows. Kevin understands that, given his past. But Kevin says Riddle can trust him, he’s turned over a new leaf. Kevin will ever go back to that, no one can call him a liar. And Riddle trusted Randy Orton, the biggest snake in the history of the WWE! No one’s been less trustworthy than that guy!

Riddle says he doesn’t like it when people talk about his best friend like that. If Riddle knew Kevin was goin to talk to him like this, Riddle wouldn’t have come out here at all. But now there’s no more talking! Riddle gets up, but then we hear “BURN IT DOWN!” Is that Kevin’s doing?! Rollins attacks from behind! CURB STOMP! Kevin DID have something to do with that as Rollins soaks up the heat. Rollins clears out the KO armchairs to aim, and CURB STOMP AGAIN!! Rollins revels in the moment, but will he be the one standing tall when he has to face Riddle head on?

 

Backstage interview with Seth Rollins.

Kevin Patrick asks why Rollins targeted Riddle. It’s easy: Riddle is so STUPID, it is driving Rollins crazy! And that stupidity is also becoming arrogance. Riddle is so dumb, he thinks Randy Orton actually cared about him! He’s so dumb, Riddle turned down Kevin Owens’ help! Rollins isn’t a big fan of KO’s, but it means Riddle thinks he can beat Rollins! But then Ezekiel steps up to get in Rollins’ face! Rollins does whatever he wants, that’s not how it works! Oh? How does it work? Because guess what! He’s Seth FREAKIN’ Rollins! He does what he wants, when he wants, like Curb Stomp Riddle, or even Curb Stomp Zeke! Or even his brothers and his mama!

Don’t you dare talk about Zeke’s family! Well then stay out of Rollins’ business. Zeke says Rollins IS his business, and business is about to pick up. Zeke better hope so! Rollins laughs his way off, but will he be laughing after another run in with #ZekeDaFreak?

 

Rey Mysterio w/ Dominik Mysterio VS Damian Priest w/ Finn Balor!

The Mysterios have yet to convince The Judgement Day to leave them alone, but that’s because the Judgement Day isn’t convinced Dominik isn’t being held back by his father! Will the King of Lucha defend his son and his reputation from the Punishment? Or will this Saint of Fate force Dominik’s hand?

Raw returns and Priest has the mic to say, “RISE…! Rise for a Prince! Rise for a Punisher! Rise for the Judgement Day!” Fans boo instead. Priest says Judgement Day chose not to hurt Dominik, because Dom will make the right choice and join them. They guarantee that Dominik joins tonight! Priest says he’s seen the look in Dom’s eyes, he is just waiting to ditch his father. Then do it! Stop letting Rey hold you back! Stop letting him stifle you! Here is a reminder of the last time a legend tried stifling the new generation! Footage replays of the Judgement Day throwing Edge out of the group with a violent mutiny!

Finn says he could watch that footage over and over and over again! But he won’t get to, because Rey and Dom make their way out! The battle between these forces continues after the break!

Raw returns again and this match is already going. Finn is talking trash on Rey on the outside. Rey leaves Finn to put Priest in the ring, SPRINGBOARD SPLASH! Cover, TWO! Rey shoulders into Priest, slingshots, but Priest ROCKS him! Rey tumbles down, Priest puts him in a corner and fires off hands and stomps! Priest drags Rey up, whips him corner to corner hard, and Rey hits buckles chest first. Priest runs in to back elbow Rey down! Cover, TWO! Priest clamps onto Rey with a chinlock but fans rally up. Rey endures, fights up, and throws elbows. Rey is free, he runs, but Priest scoops him for a BACKBREAKER! Cover, TWO!

Priest clamps onto the chinlock again but Rey endures. Dom and the fans rally up and Rey fights the hold. Rey stands up, but Priest KNEES him low and CLUBS him on the back. Priest ROCKS Rey with another right hand, then he throws knees against the ropes. Priest whips, but Rey holds ropes and BOOTS back! Rey springboards, wheelbarrows, and BULLDOGS! Fans fire up again, Rey gets himself to a corner. Rey climbs, Priest hurries over and choke grips! SUPER CHOKE- RANA! Rey turns things around, then dodges Priest! Priest POSTS himself, and Finn is frustrated! Rey goes back up top to SEATED SENTON!

Rey keeps moving, springboard to CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO! Rey whips but Priest blocks! Priest whips Rey but Rey goes up, only to get caught! Rey spins it around, DDT! Cover, TWO! Priest is still in this but Dom keeps the fans rallying up. Rey hurries to dropkick Priest onto ropes! Rey runs but Finn is in his way! So Dom trips him up! But Finn RAMS Dom into barriers! Rey WRECKS Finn, sending him into Dom! Priest runs in, but Rey drop toeholds Priest onto ropes! Rey dials it up, but into a SUPERKICK from Priest!! Cover, TWO!! Priest is furious that Rey survives! Priest drags Rey up, reels him in and choke grips, but Rey wheelbarrows to send Priest into ropes!

Rey dials it up, 619!! Direct hit and fans are thunderous! Rey climbs up, leaps, but the seated senton is blocked! Priest gut wrenches Rey around, into the RAZOR’S EDGE!! Cover, Priest wins!!

Winner: Damian Priest, by pinfall

Two weeks in a row, and judgement was passed on Rey! But Priest stomps away on Rey while Finn grabs a pair of chairs! Finn sends those in and Priest sets Rey up! Priest gets the mic to say, “Dominik! I told you! Your joining the Judgement Day tonight! Or we take his head off.” Finn stomps Rey onto the chair, and he holds the other chair in his hands! Dom slides in and says he’ll join! Just spare his father! Finn drags Dom up to his feet and Priest wants Dom to say it so we can hear. Dom says they need to stop! He’ll join! Oh, now he wants to join! Well, Dom, it doesn’t work that way. Finn SMACKS Dom with the chair!!

Rey avoids the Con-Chair-To, but the Mysterios are both writhing on the ground. Dom joining to spare his father is not good enough. The Judgement Day wants Dom to join because he wants to join, but will they end up destroying Dom instead?

 

Another mysterious video.

A chalice. A flannel shirt on a chair. An RKO shirt. A John Cena hat. And writing in blood…! Do you know who it is?

 

Seth Rollins VS Ezekiel!

Whether or not Kevin Owens helped trap Riddle, Rollins is still feeling good after hitting the Bro with the stomp. Will he feel even better after hitting Elias’ younger brother with a stomp? Or will Tampa Bay #ZekeOut when Rollins is the one down on the ground?

Raw returns and Zeke makes his entrance. The bell rings, the two tie up, and Zeke pushes Rollins around into a corner. Rollins turns things around, lets off with a laugh, and a hard push on the shoulders. Zeke pushes back, they tie up again, and Rollins is after an arm. Rollins wrenches, wristlocks, but Zeke spins through to arm-drag. Rollins holds on and drags Zeke down to a hammerlock. Zeke sits up, stands up, slips around and spins Rollins to a headlock takeover! Rollins fights up but can’t power out as Zeke holds on tight. Zeke hits another takeover, Rollins fights back up to back suplex, only for Zeke to flying headlock takeover!

Fans rally as Zeke grinds the hold. Rollins fights up, pulls hair then throws body shots before he powers out. Zeke runs Rollins over, things speed up and Rollins hurdles to arm-drag Zeke. Zeke turns that right around into a headlock! Rollins puts Zeke in the corner, the ref counts the ropebreak and gets between them. Zeke dodges the cheap shot to CHOP Rollins! Zeke whips, Rollins throws Zeke down by his hair! Rollins kicks Zeke to a corner and he fires off fast hands! Fans boo, the ref counts but Rollins lets off at 4. Rollins soaks up the heat, whips Zeke corner to corner, but Zeke goes up and MULE KICKS!

Rollins flounders, Zeke hurries after him as he goes outside. They go around the way, get back in the ring, and Zeke pops Rollins up for a FLAPJACK! Rollins gets up, Zeke runs in but Rollins sends him out. Rollins DIVES, but Zeke catches him to RAM him into barriers and POST him! Zeke puts Rollins in, climbs up top, but Rollins trips Zeke up! Zeke is stuck up top and Rollins goes up after him, HUGE KNEE DROP! Zeke writhes and Rollins snarls as Raw goes to break.

Raw returns again and Zeke is rallying on Rollins! Rollins swings but into a FISHERMAN FALL AWAY SLAM! Zeke runs in to STINGER SPLASH in the corner! Zeke runs, dodges, Rollins runs, but into a SPINEBUSTER! High stack, TWO! Rollins is still in this but Zeke storms after him. Zeke drags Rollins up, Electric Chair Lifts, but Rollins fights free. Zeke kicks low and reels Rollins in but Rollins uses that for a cradle! TWO, SUPERKICK from Rollins! Cover, TWO! Rollins is beside himself as Zeke survives! Fans rally, both men get up and Rollins goes to a corner. Rollins runs in, but Zeke avoids the stomp to roll Rollins up! TWO!

Zeke slips around to backslide! TWO, and Rollins CURB- NO, Zeke pops Rollins up! Rollins victory rolls free, TWO! Zeke kicks low, gets Rollins up, POWERBOMB! High stack, TWO!! Zeke is frustrated that Rollins is still in this but Tampa rally for him. Zeke drags Rollins up but Rollins throws a haymaker. Zeke DECKS Rollins with a forearm, but then Rollins gets up to ROCK Zeke back. Zeke ROCKS Rollins., Rollins throws body shots! Zeke CHOPS, Rollins forearms! Zeke forearms, Rollins headlock punches! Zeke ROCKS Rollins with more forearms, but Rollins PELES! Rollins runs, but Zeke puts him on the apron!

Rollins ROCKS Zeke and takes aim again, springboard for the FLYING- JUMP KNEE FROM ZEKE!! Cover, TWO!!! Rollins survives that anti-air and Zeke can’t believe it! Zeke goes to a corner and he goes up top. But Rollins springs right up at him, for a SUPERPLEX! And the roll through to the FALCON ARROW! Cover, TWO!! Zeke still lives and fans can’t believe it! Rollins hurries to underhook the arms, but Zeke powers up out of the Pedigree! Rollins sunset flips, Zeke sits on it, TWO!! ROLLING ELBOW from Rollins, tot he DREAM SMASHER! And then the CURB STOMP!! Cover, Rollins wins!

Winner: Seth Rollins, by pinfall

Zeke may be a freak, but Seth FREAKIN’ Rollins just got him! Will Rollins be blazing a trail all the way to SummerSlam and his match with Riddle?

 

MVP hypes Omos up backstage.

MVP wants the Nigerian Giant in the zone with his match up next. But then the Usos walk over and smile. Seven foot three, four-hundred and three pounds! Damn, Uce, no one has a chance against Omos! Will Dawkins even make it to SummerSlam? Even if he does, Omos will make things real easy to beat the Profits again. Even with that special referee! The Usos want a front row seat for this one! The Usos head out, will Omos do their dirty work for them?

 

Raw announces a huge celebration!

Next week, it’s the 20th Anniversary of Rey Mysterio! And it will coincide with the WWE’s return to the world’s most famous arena, MADISON SQUARE GARDEN!

 

Judgement Day speaks.

Finn says the world all saw what happened! For all of Dominik Mysterio’s potential, he’s just not made of the right stuff. So congrats, Dom, you FAILED. Priest saw right through Dom. The only reason Dom would join was to save his dad. But instead, Dom should’ve smashed Rey’s head in himself! Just like they did to Edge. But next week, MSG, 20 years of Rey in the WWE! This ends there! The Mysterios will fall, the Judgement Day will rise!

 

Angelo Dawkins w/ Montez Ford VS Omos w/ MVP!

Raw returns and Omos makes his entrance. But backstage, the Profits hype themselves up. Ford says, “Ready! Ready! Ready! You ready? You up? You wanna know why?” Because the Profits are up, and #WeWantTheSmoke! Dawkins is locked in, but will he be crushed by Omos like he was last week?

The bell rings and Omos stares Dawkins down. They tie up, Omos powers Dawkins to a corner, then he TOSSES Dawkins across the way! Ford grabs at Omos’ legs while the ref checks Dawkins! Omos kicks Ford away but Ford plays innocent. Dawkins ROCKS Omos with big hands, but Omos shoves him away. Omos runs Dawkins over then roars! But then Ford chatters at Omos to distract him more. Omos still runs at Dawkins to back body block him in the corner! Omos roars, goes corner to corner, but Dawkins dodges! The boot gets caught up and Dawkins fires off! Omos shoves Dawkins away again, but Dawkins comes back, CYCLONE SPLASH!

Dawkins keeps moving, CYCLONE SPLASH and ENZIGURI! Omos wobbles, Dawkins runs, but MVP trips Dawkins! Except MVP gets caught red handed!

Winner: Angelo Dawkins, by disqualification

MVP protests, but it is only cheating when you get caught! And since MVP got caught, he was the one cheating! Omos is furious, MVP is livid, but the Profits stand their ground. Adam Pearce walks out to say hold on now. We know everyone is upset, but here is a working solution! MVP said he would love to team with Omos tonight… Well don’t say they don’t give you what you want! This is now a tag team match! And that’ll be right NOW! MVP is shocked, but will he get what he wants? Or just what he deserves?

The Street Profits VS Omos & MVP!

Raw returns, the bell rings and Omos and Dawkins start again. But then Jimmy Uso swipes at Dawkins! The distraction allows Omos to CLOBBER Dawkins! Omos bumps Dawkins off buckles then stalks him around the way. Omos CHOKES Dawkins and dribbles him, but lets off as the ref counts. Omos then runs corner to corner to back elbow! The Usos applaud as Omos whips Dawkins corner to corner. Omos roars and runs to back body block! Dawkins flops down, Ooms roars and looms over him. Omos stands on Dawkins’ hand! The ref reprimands but Omos stomps the fingers!

Omos drags Dawkins up, whips him corner to corner hard, and Dawkins bounces off buckles! Tag to MVP now that Dawkins is in a bad way, and MVP talks trash. MVP kicks Dawkins around, stomps him down, and he throws forearms. Dawkins throws body shots on that nice suit, but MVP throat chops and KNEE SMASHES! MVP grins and runs, BALLIN~! Cover, ONE! MVP is annoyed but he kicks Dawkins around. MVP lines up the shot, but runs into a BIG right hand! Both men are down, fans fire up, and the two crawl, hot tags to Omos and Ford! Ford sees Omos coming and is worried. Ford GAMANGIRIS, goes up top, and leaps, into Omos’ arms!

Omos carries Ford around to then pop him up and trophy lift! Ford lands on his feet! Ford mule kicks, front kicks and ENZIGURIS! And ENZIGURIS again! Omos is still up, Ford springboards, into a CHOP! Omos runs, to BOOT Ford down! Cover, Dawkins breaks it! MVP goes after Dawkins, but Dawkins throws MVP out! MVP drags Dawkins out but Dawkins DECKS MVP, and throws him into the Usos!! The Usos rush in but the ref has them stop! The Profits work together, double dropkicks and double SUPERKICKS! Ford goes up top, to fly in FROM THE HEAVENS!! Cover, ONE?!?! Ford has seen a ghost! Or rather, a giant!

Ford backs off to a corner, hurries up top again, but the Usos shove him down!

Winners: The Street Profits, by disqualification

The Usos and Profits brawl! The Usos SUPERKICK the Profits, and Omos choke grips them both! DOUBLE CHOKE SLAMS! The Profits went up against a stacked deck, and though they technically won, they’re not feeling like winners. Will the Usos hold all the gold over the Profits again in SummerSlam?

 

Backstage interview with… Veer Mahaan?

Apparently he’s crashing this interview. Sarah holds the mic up to the Lion of India, and he smiles as he says “Boo!” Veer laughs at his own little joke, but will everyone come to #FearVeer?

Backstage interview with The Miz.

This is Sarah’s real guest, and she asks him what to expect from tonight’s MizTV? Miz says Veer was unexpected. And honestly, Veer likes Sarah~. But to answer the question, a great host never reveals the surprises they have in store. But Miz does feel that Logan Paul will finally come to his senses and retract his original statement about facing Miz at SummerSlam. Then they can become Undisputed WWE Tag Team Champions! But what if Logan doesn’t do that? Well then, that scenario makes Logan Miz’s enemy. If Logan didn’t like Miz as a partner, he’ll hate being Miz’s opponent. Will the Most Must-See Superstar come through on that threat?

 

The mysterious video continues!

There’s a Rey Mysterio mask, a burnt picture of Seth Rollins, and the Undertaker’s urn! The blood writes out a clear message now. “I AM COMING TO” To what? When and where will we know who this is?

 

(Austin) Theory VS AJ Styles!

The Youngest Mr. Money in the Bank Ever is still arrogantly ready to become the Youngest Undisputed Universal Champion Ever! But will his youth and exuberance fail him against the age and ability of the Phenomenal One?

Raw returns and Theory gets a mic. “Before I wipe the mat clean with AJ Styles tonight, I got a few things I need to address. We are on the cusp of literally the biggest SummerSLam of all time. And why is that? Because I am gonna take back my United States Championship from Bobby Lashley, and then I’m gonna cash in my MITB contract on whatever’s left of either Roman Reigns or Brock Lesnar after their- What? What? SHUT YOUR MOUTHS! Whatever left of those two after their hellacious Last Man Standing match, it doesn’t matter. Because I am going to become, by cashing in this contract, the brand new Undisputed WWE Universal Champion!”

Fans boo and chant “You Suck!” at Theory, but he just soaks it all up. The fans love him, he knows. But we all know that Lesnar and Roman are going to completely destroy each other! If you don’t believe Theory, here’s some footage of Lesnar that shows what he’s capable of. It is from last week, where The Alpha Academy tried to go after Lesnar on Theory’s behalf, only to be thrown around ringside! Theory says that right there just shows it is the perfect opportunity to cash in at SummerSlam! The stakes are high, and even though Theory was screwed out of the US Championship, Theory always comes through in the clutch!

Fans can “What?” but that’s why fans have a problem with Theory! Roman doesn’t like him, Lesnar doesn’t like him, Mad Cap Moss doesn’t like him, the Usos don’t like him, and all the idiots in the crowd don’t like him! And oh, Dolph Ziggler doesn’t like him, either! Because they’re all jealous! Ziggler stuck his nose in Theory’s business last week because he’s jealous! Just look at this footage! Also from last week, the Showoff showed up outta nowhere during Theory & Rollins VS Riddle & Lashley. Ziggler made sure Theory couldn’t cheat a win and that caused Theory to lose! And Ziggler added on with a SUPERKICK. How pathetic.

“WHAT?!” Theory says it IS pathetic, but he can’t blame Ziggler, because look at him! No one is on Theory’s level! But wait! Styles makes his entrance! And he has a mic, too, to say, “Theory, you’re out here making some big promises. So why don’t I make a promise?” Whatever happens at SummerSlam, whether Theory wins the US Championship or cashes in to get the Universal Championship, or hell, Theory might do both! But just know that Styles will be the first in a long line of superstars who will take all that from Theory. Fans chant for Styles as he gets in the ring, and Styles tells the “kiddo,” the locker room isn’t jealous of Theory. They just think he’s a jackass.

Theory says OOOH~, Styles. You’re so easy to figure out. And if the fans go “WHAT” again…! But Theory has been on Raw for less than a year and became the Youngest US Champion AND Youngest Mr. MITB. Theory asks Styles, “What the hell were you doing at my age?” How long did Styles scratch and claw, hitting barefoot hillbillies with Phenomenal Forearms in rundown barns in Georgia to get to the WWE? As for Theory, just look at him! He is an overnight sensation! They should call Theory the Phenomenal One. But Theory knows why Styles doesn’t like him: Theory is young-

OH NO NO NO! There’s not enough time left on Raw for Styles to say why he doesn’t like Theory! Fans cheer that one! But Styles is proud of where he’s from. And his background made him the man he is today! And what is that? An old, jealous, grizzled veteran? No, no, Styles is the guy that’s gonna knock some respect into Theory! Then Styles DECKS Theory with one right hand! Theory bails out and Styles tells him there’s more where that come from! Speaking of, here comes Ziggler! The Showoff is back again, will he get in Theory’s head just like last week?

Raw returns again and the match begins! Theory runs right into haymakers from Styles! Styles CHOPS Theory, whips him but Theory reverses. Styles slides under and ROCKS Theory again! Styles CHOPS Theory, fires off more forearms, then whips him corner to corner. Theory reverses, Styles goes up and over but Theory ducks to scoop and hit a BACKBREAKER! Theory stomps Styles’ arm over and over, then drags him up to LARIAT him down! Fans boo but Theory drags Styles up. Styles slips out of the back suplex to ROCK Theory again, then CHOP him in the corner. Styles reels Theory in for a BACKBREAKER of his own!

Ziggler watches intensely as Styles looms over Theory. Theory throws body shots but Styles CLUBS Theory down. Styles bumps Theory off buckles, throws body shots, then RAMS into him with shoulder after shoulder. Styles lets Theory go and stalks him. Theory throat chops back! Theory ROCKS Styles with a haymaker, then stomps him into a corner. Theory whips corner to corner hard and Styles bounces off buckles! Cover, TWO! Theory snapmares Styles into a chinlock and grinds him down! Fans taunt Theory, “YOU SUCK! YOU SUCK!” Styles fights up to his feet but Theory throws him down! Cover, ONE!

Theory clamps back onto the chinlock but Styles endures. Styles fights up, but Theory wrangles him back down. Fans rally, Styles fights up again, and he throws back elbows. Styles switches to a BIG back suplex! Styles drags Theory back up, whip shim to ropes, but Theory reverses. Styles KICKS Theory away, but then Theory throws Styles out! Theory then builds speed, but Styles slides in as Theory tumbles out. Theory is annoyed but Styles eggs him on. Ziggler stands up and Theory is very wary. Ziggler says to just focus on the match, but then Theory shoves him down! Theory hurries to beat the ring count, Styles PELES him back out!

The ring count restarts and Styles waits on Theory. Theory clutches the back of his head while keeping an eye on both savvy veteran superstars, and Raw goes to break.

Raw returns again and Theory has a headlock. Styles throws body shots and CHOPS, then runs, but into a back drop! Theory covers, TWO! Theory clamps right back on with an armlock and he digs his forearm into Styles’ face. Styles endures again and fans rally up. Styles fights up but Theory grinds the shoulder. Styles fires off haymakers, then the Phenomenal Blitz! LARIAT! SLIDING FOREARM! Fans fire up as Theory gets to a corner. Styles runs corner to corner to forearm smash! And then a suplex, to a NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Theory is still in this after that switcheroo, but Styles keeps his cool.

Styles looms over Theory, drags him up, reels him in, but Theory powers out of the Clash! Styles sunset flips, TWO! Theory drop toeholds Styles into buckles! Styles staggers, Theory slingshots, somersaults and SHOTGUNS Styles down! Theory hurries to fisherman the leg for an AOI SHOUDO! Cover, TWO!! Styles survives the fisherman Ushigoroshi combo, but Theory glares at Styles and at Ziggler. Theory fireman’s’ carries, but Styles fights free and rolls Theory into a CALF CRUSHER! Theory reaches out for the ROPEBREAK! Styles lets Theory go and Theory flops out, right in front of Ziggler.

Ziggler stays put this time and Styles goes to the apron, SLIDING- NO, Theory catches Styles, but has to worry about Ziggler being there. Ziggler moves, Theory FLAPJACKS Styles on the desk! Theory hauls Styles up and in, the ref checks on Styles, and Ziggler SUPERKICKS Theory down!! The Dirty Dawg gets away with that one and fans are loving it! The ring count is 5 of 10, then 7! Theory flounders around, gets turned around, and misses the ring! Styles wins!!

Winner: AJ Styles, by count-out

A big assist from Ziggler and Theory tries to point it out! But then Styles gets Theory with a STYLES CLASH!! Theory still gets what was coming, but just what does Ziggler have against Theory?

 

Six Woman Tag: Alexa Bliss, Asuka & Dana Brooke VS Tamina, Nikki A.S.H. & “Doudrop” Piper Niven!

The Five Foot Fury and Empress of Tomorrow add the WWE 24/7 Champion against the Daughter of Superfly, the Scottish supervillains! With the Raw Women’s Championship on the line at SummerSlam, who proves themselves worthy of it next with this match?

Raw returns and Asuka makes her entrance. Everyone else is already here, so the teams sort out. Asuka and Nikki start and the two tie up! Nikki headlocks, Asuka throws body shots then powers out to run and run Nikki over! Nikki bails out, tells fans to shut up, and she catches Asuka in the apron skirt trap! Nikki clubs away on Asuka, lets off as the ref counts, and Nikki gets in to distract so that Tamina can HEADBUTT and Piper can SQUASH Asuka! But Dana goes up top to SUPER CROSSBODY them both down! Fans fire up with Dana, but then Reggie runs out from the crowd! Dana tells him to back off, but out from under the ring is Akira Tozawa and a second ref!

Tozawa rolls Dana up, and wins the 24/7 Championship!

Winner: Akira Tozawa, by pinfall (NEW WWE 24/7 Champion)

Raw forgot to suspend the 24/7 rule for this match, and now the Stamina Monster has the belt! But he swaggers too much and Nikki attacks! TWIST ‘N’ SHOUT! Cover, Nikki wins the belt!

Winner: Nikki A.S.H, by pinfall (NEW WWE 24/7 Champion)

And now Nikki does a victory dance! But Alexa is there to hit a DDT!! Cover, Alexa wins the belt!

Winner: Alexa Bliss, by pinfall (NEW WWE 24/7 Champion)

But then she turns around into a CROSSBODY from Piper! Cover, Piper wins the belt!

Winner: Piper Niven, by pinfall (NEW WWE 24/7 Champion)

Bliss’ first time as the 24/7 Champion was short lived, Piper has her second reign! But then Tamina SUPERKICKS Piper down! Her own teammate! Cover, Tamina wins the belt!

Winner: Tamina, by pinfall (NEW WWE 24/7 Champion)

But then Dana rolls Tamina up, and wins it back!

Winner: Dana Brooke, by pinfall (NEW WWE 24/7 Champion)

Things are as they were, but Tamina chases Dana to the back! So then the Six Woman becomes a 2v2? Asuka SOBATS and FLYING ARMBARS Nikki, into the ASUKA LOCK!!! Nikki taps, Asuka’s team wins!

Winners: Asuka, Alexa Bliss & Dana Brooke, by submission

The Empress celebrates all on her own, getting a win no one can take from her! Alexa celebrates with her, and Asuka really gets into the dance moves. Will this lead Asuka back to the Raw Women’s Championship?

 

The Mysterios speak.

Dom says Finn and Damian should’ve known he’d never actually join them. He may have failed their test, but at the end of the day, he lived up to the Mysterio name! The Judgement Day doesn’t know a thing about their legacy. Rey says Finn & Damian aren’t the first ones to threaten the Mysterios. They’re not even the first to try and tear up the family! And they sure as hell won’t be the first to fail to do that. In MSG, Rey celebrates 20 years in the WWE, and that celebration is capped off by decidedly showing the Judgement Day what it means to be a Mysterio! Ariba mi raza! Will Rey & Dom be done with Finn & Damian once and for all?

 

The Miz heads to the ring!

The Hollywood A-Lister, dressed like a preppy private school student, swaggers his way out for another episode of MizTV. He was the MVP of the MLB All Star Celebrity Softball Game’s winning team, but will he be hitting this one out of the park? Or will Logan Paul strike him out?

Raw returns and Miz welcomes us to the Most Must-See WWE Talk Show. he is super excited to have tonight’s guest here. They’ve been going back and forth on social media, stirring up controversy and getting fans talking. So let’s get up out of our seats for LOGAN PAUL! Fans are torn on Logan walking out to the ring, but Logan still gets in the ring and gets a mic. Miz expects a high five or hug, and Logan says, “What’s up, Miz? I’m here, face-to-face. Do you accept my SummerSlam challenge or not?” Miz doesn’t want to do this here. Let’s talk about the good things! Like the last time they were in a ring together at WrestleMania 38!

Flashback to the Miz and Logan defeating the Mysterios in a tag team match. Miz says that was awesome! But Logan wants to keep the footage rolling. Miz betrays Logan with a SKULL-CRUSHING FINALE! Yeah, uh… Miz wants to explain that. He was teaching Logan. Teaching him what? The only thing Logan learned was that he had to come back, sign a contract with the WWE, and beat Miz’s ass 1v1 at SummerSlam! Miz says Logan doesn’t understand who he is in the ring with. Blah blah, the only two-time Grand Slam Champion! We get it. And star of Miz & Mrs., which has a new episode up next.

But this isn’t about Miz! This is about Logan Paul, a kid from Cleveland who became a global star with 23 MILLION Instagram followers! Logan Paul went the distance with pound for pound the greatest boxer of all time, Floyd Mayweather, in his debut! And with Miz’s guidance, Logan Paul harnessed his WWE potential faster than anyone ever! Logan is unique, one of a kind, and has so much promise! Logan thinks he’s ready, but Miz knows he is not. WrestleMania was a tag team match that Miz used to protect him. But 1v1, Miz has been doing this 18 YEARS! Out there? Yes, Logan is absolutely a star!

But in here? This is MizTV! And Miz hosts it. Logan can’t host MizTV, he can’t face Miz 1v1 at SummerSlam. Logan is a rookie and must earn his right to challenge someone like The Miz, so that challenge is denied! Logan takes off his jacket and says Miz doesn’t think he’s tough enough? Logan was told that he wasn’t ready to build a social media career but he revolutionized the industry. He was told he couldn’t last eight rounds with Mayweather, but he put Floyd on the highlight reel. And Logan was told he couldn’t make it to WrestleMania, and yet he committed himself, worked his ass off out of respect for the sport, and is in his prime.

When someone tells Logan he’s not ready, it only motivates him. So right now, Logan’s sole motivation is to prove Miz wrong and beat the hell out of him! Logan will be back for Raw in MSG to host his own version of this talk show. It’ll be… #ImPAULsiveTV! And this rookie will show Miz just who is better. Oh, okay, he’s going to do what Miz does? The answer to SummerSlam is still no. Logan laughs that off and says he isn’t surprised. And why is that? Because that is exactly what everyone would expect to hear from a man with two blueberries in his pants! Tampa, say it with him now: “TINY BALLS! TINY BALLS!”

The fans chant it and Miz is upset. Miz throws off his tie, unbuttons his shirt, and his shirt says “Hello, MY BALLS ARE MASSIVE!” Miz says if Logan wants the match at SummerSlam, and if the fans want that match at SummerSlam, then MIZ ACCEPTS!! Logan just goaded the Miz into it! And he ducks the cheap shot to tackle Miz! Logan fires off hands, Miz gets up but Logan clotheslines Miz right out! But then CIAMPA attacks! The Guardian Psycho strikes again! Ciampa clamps onto Logan to set him up for Miz to get in Logan’s face. But Logan BOOTS Miz and elbows Ciampa! Logan dodges Miz and gets away from the 2v1!

Sarah appears to interview Miz about everything Logan said. What’s his response? Miz says there is only one Miz and only one MizTV! There is a reason Miz is the Most Must-See Superstar! This is MIZ’S house! No one comes in here and embarrasses him! Outside the WWE, Logan’s glitz ‘n’ glam are amazing to the masses. But in the WWE, there is only ONE man that owns this place! Because he’s the Miz, and he’s AAAAAWESOME! Will Logan get revenge from WrestleMania? Or will Miz back up all his words and then some?


My Thoughts:

A very good episode of Raw, but with some go-home elements a week early. I completely skipped an honestly well made recap vignette for Bianca VS Becky, but it was definitely very go-home. The Raw Women’s Championship scene being the first match up was rather surprising but it was all good stuff. Of course Becky tried to mess Bianca up again but it didn’t work out and now we get that awesome rematch. Titus O’Neil also had a great opening segment to reassure the WWE fans that WWE isn’t going to get bogged won with the real world’s problems. Also this was probably to deflect from Vince’s crap but at least it wasn’t Vince saying it as if that was going to help.

Good stuff from the Profits with MVP, Omos and the Usos, though I feel two disqualification finishes in a row was a bit much. But at this point, the Profits are on the ropes so they have a good chance of getting those belts at SummerSlam. We got good stuff out of Kevin Owens, Matt Riddle, Seth Rollins and Ezekiel. Kevin claims he’s back to Face but that’s not going to last with him still upset over the Zeke stuff. Rollins gets a good sneak attack on Riddle and has perhaps match of the night with Zeke. I find it interesting Zeke is getting to shine a lot more in-ring than Elias ever did. But maybe after SummerSlam, feuds trade partners, with Riddle and Kevin fighting towards Clash at the Castle or Extreme Rules.

We got good stuff from Judgement Day and Mysterios, though I feel like they used a certain story beat too soon. Dom wanting to join just to spare his dad would’ve worked better if this was in that tag match next week. At this point, I can’t be sure how this finishes. But with the Edge vignettes getting more obvious, maybe something happens to Dom and we end up with Rey & Edge VS Finn & Priest to try and top this story off. That’d be a pretty great moment as Rey and Edge were once WWE Tag Team Champions together and what a great way for both men to acknowledge both historic careers by taking on the newer stars together.

I kinda dug that Veer just “showed up” to remind us he’s here. It’s showing some personality to the menacing monster we know he is, and maybe he should do this more often while not really in a feud. That said, shouldn’t he be hunting down Mustafa Ali and/or Cedric Alexander? The Six Woman Tag turning into a 24/7 Championship frenzy was both great and not great. I was thinking this was somehow going to get things going in the Women’s Tag Division, but I should’ve known better. Dana still leaves with the belt by the end, and Alexa checks this title off the list, and Asuka still wins for their team, so they’re all having a good time right now.

Styles VS Theory was great stuff, especially with Ziggler ringside again. That was one sharp Superkick from Ziggler, and I feel like they are waiting until after SummerSlam for Ziggler to give his reasons behind doing this. And there’s half a chance Ziggler screws Theory out of winning one of the things he’s after going for at SummerSlam, further adding heat to the feud and angering Theory into knowing what this is about. And then, we got a pretty good MizTV in the main event segment to close the show. Miz does well on the mic again, Logan does pretty well, and of course Ciampa is after Logan on Miz’s behalf. Logan VS Miz is set, but you can bet Ciampa will be hanging around, so who knows how that match goes.

My Score: 8.4/10


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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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