Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE SummerSlam Results & Report! (7/30/22)
Will Nashville become Suplex City?
Last chance, Last Man Standing!
Roman Reigns and Brock Lesnar once again battle for the top prize in WWE, but this year’s SummerSlam is to be the last time! Will the Tribal Chief or the Beast be standing tall to end it all?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Raw Women’s Championship: Bianca Belair VS Becky Lynch; Belair wins and retains the title.
- Logan Paul VS The Miz w/ Tommaso Ciampa; Logan wins.
- WWE United States Championship: Bobby Lashley VS (Austin) Theory; Lashley wins and retains the title.
- No Disqualification Tag: The Mysterios VS The Judgement Day; The Mysterios win.
- Pat McAfee VS Happy Corbin; McAfee wins.
- Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championships: The Usos VS The Street Profits, Special Guest Referee Jeff Jarrett; The Usos win and retain the titles.
- SmackDown Women’s Championship: Liv Morgan VS Ronda Rousey; Liv wins and retains the title.
- Undisputed WWE Universal Championship Last Man Standing: Roman Reigns w/ Paul Heyman VS Brock Lesnar; Roman wins and retains the titles.
PLAY BY PLAY
It’s the SummerSlam Kickoff Show!
Join Kayla Braxton, Jerry “The King” Lawler, Booker T, Kevin Patrick and Peter Rosenberg in discussing, analyzing and predicting all the action here tonight.
Backstage interview with (Austin) Theory.
Sarah says the Youngest Mr. MITB Ever has a huge night ahead of him. but with everything that’s happened the last few weeks, how does he fee He feels that this is his time. After tonight, we will be in the Theory Era! Theory vows to take back the WWE US Championship from Bobby Lashley, then he cashes in his little friend, the MITB contract. Brock Lesnar and Roman Reigns will destroy each other, and Theory will walk down to the ring to become the Youngest Universal Champion in history. And that is #AllDay!
Please welcome the WWE Global Ambassador, Titus O’Neil!
Nashville is fired up for the Real Deal, and he wants to be the first one to welcome us to the biggest party of the summer, SummerSlam! The WWE has a motto, “Put smiles on people’s faces.” But tonight, they have a chance to honor three non-profits that are doing amazing work that not only put smiles on people’s faces, but hope in people’s hearts. The WWE Community Champion Showcase is honoring Meals of Hope, Pencil and Musicians on Call! And it’s SummerSlam, right? So we’re doing things a little differently. So not only are these organizations honored with the title belts, but in partnership with Pure Life, each organization is gifted $20,000!! So let’s get ready for a good time! Get ready for SummerSlam!
One more mysterious video.
Rain in reverse. blinking lights. The writing in blood. More images of superstars and legends of the past. “I AM COMING TO NITE!” As in, TONIGHT, on SummerSlam? Do you think you know who this is?
If you came for a crazy party, you came to the right place.
This is the biggest event of the summer, with the action always on tap where top shelf names give you top shelf smiles. But to top these charts, you have to be the best of the best. And if you ain’t that, then you best get the hell outta the ring. This is SummerSlam!
Raw Women’s Championship: Bianca Belair VS Becky Lynch!
Last year’s SummerSlam saw perhaps the craziEST moment in SummerSlam history! The EST was SmackDown Women’s Champion, and first she thought she was facing Sasha Banks. Then she thought she was facing Carmella. But then she ended up facing The Man, who suckered her into a 26 second defeat! But the tables have turned, and now Becky is trying to make a Big Time Comeback. Will she sucker Bianca in again? Or will Bianca stay the RawEST Women’s Champion to finish her comeback story?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and one way or another, the opening number is going to be a smash hit!
Fans fire up with the bell as Bianca and Becky stare down. They circle, tie up, and Bianca powers Becky back, but Becky slips away. Becky and Bianca circle again, tie up, and Becky waistlocks to a headlock to a waistlock to a headlock! But Bianca throws Becky away! Fans fire up while Becky seethes. She rushes in but Bianca waistlocks to SLAM her down! Bianca keeps on Becky, Becky reaches around to facelock. Bianca fights up, fans duel and Bianca powers Becky back. Becky goes up the corner to sunset flip but Bianca rolls through and handsprings! Bianca eggs Becky on then runs her over!
Bianca runs, handsprings but Becky gets up. Bianca dodges her but Becky yanks the hurdle out of the air! Becky omoplatas one arm and YANKS the other! Bianca clutches that arm but Becky drags her up to wrench and YANK the arm again. Becky keeps on the arm, YANKS it, wrenches, then WRINGS Bianca into ropes! Bianca writhes and Becky taunts her. Becky drags Bianca up by the bad arm, and hits an ARM CODE BREAKER! Bianca flounders to a corner while Becky grins. Fans boo but Becky stalks Bianca to ropes. Becky drags Bianca by the arm, hooks the arm and TWEAKS it! Bianca gets away to a corner but Becky is after her with hands and kicks!
Becky brings Bianca up, wrenches and WRINGS, but Bianca handsprings! And DROPKICKS! Then chicken wings! GlamEST Slam to a STANDING MOONSAULT! Cover, TWO! Becky bails out while Bianca shakes out her arm. Bianca shakes her head and pursues Becky at the barriers. Torture rack, KISS OF- NO, Becky lands on her feet to HOTSHOT Bianca on the barriers! And then climbs up, to drop the MAN’S LEG! Guillotine style! Becky gets Bianca back in the ring fast, covers, TWO! Bianca survives and Becky is annoyed. Fans rally, Becky has Bianca in a corner, and gives her a BECKSPLODER!
Bianca tumbles but Becky paces. Becky stalks Bianca to the other corner, brings her up and clinches to scoop and- NO, Bianca fights the suplex with elbows! Bianca suplexes, but Becky turns it to a cradle! TWO! Becky runs, ducks ‘n’ dodges, tilt-o-whirls and has the bad arm! Bianca shoves Becky away to a corner, then runs in, but only into buckles. Becky KICKS then CLUBS Bianca down! Cover, TWO! Becky snarls but she stalks Bianca again. Becky kicks Bianca in the corner, then kicks her against ropes. Fans rally up but Becky throws hands. Bianca ROCKS Becky back, and again! Becky shoves, then gets the leg! Becky goes for a leg sweep but Bianca jumps over!
Bianca blocks a kick but Becky uses that to reel Bianca in for a takedown! Bianca fights off the armbar! Becky makes it a cover, TWO! Becky runs and dropkicks Bianca out of the ring! Becky runs in again, fires off forearms and uppercuts and a SOBAT! Becky goes up the corner while Bianca’s in the ropes, GUILLO- POWERBOMB!! Bianca turned that around midair! Fans rally up while both women are down! Bianca goes back to the apron, Becky rushes over but into a shoulder! Bianca throws a forearm but Becky hits back! Becky WRECKS Bianca with a dropkick and fans duel. Becky leaps from the apron, but into chicken wings! APRON GLAM SLAM!
Bianca then runs in, but Becky throws her up! Bianca handsprings with the ropes to suplex Becky! Becky slips off to shove Bianca into the corner. Bianca and Becky tug-o-war over the hair, Bianca uses it to YANK Becky into the post! Bianca then suplexes Becky high and hard to the floor! The ring count is 5 of 10 but Bianca puts Becky in the ring. Bianca wants to win this fair and square! HANDPSRING MOONSAULT! Cover, TWO! Bianca is frustrated but she RAMS into Becky at the corner! Bianca throws her shoulder in again and again, then whips corner to corner, Becky reverses, Bianca goes up and over, but Becky elbows her!
Becky goes up, leaps, CROSSBODY, but Bianca rolls through! Bianca carries Becky and fans fire up! Trophy Lift, but the bad arm gives up! Becky BOOTS Bianca, then goes up the corner, for the DIAMOND DUST! Cover, TWO!! Bianca survives the rolling cutter, and fans rally up again. Becky gets her own bad arm moving, and she CLUBS Bianca. Bianca ROCKS Becky but Becky hits back! Fans fire up as Bianca gest the edge but Becky knees low! Becky runs, but Bianca ROCKS her at the ropes! Bianca runs, but Becky uses the braid to pull her back! Bianca elbows Becky, Becky comes back to RANA, but Bianca blocks! And deadlifts to ALLEY-OOP!
Bianca hurries to grab Becky for the Torture Rack! Becky holds ropes, rolls through, and has the arm! DISARM-HER!! But Bianca fights it! She moves around to get the ROPEBREAK! The ref reprimands, Becky still holds so Bianca drags her out of the ring, into the torture rack! KISS OF DEATH to the floor!! Fans fire up and Bianca drags Becky back up. But Becky’s dead weight and one arm isn’t enough! Bianca goes into the ring at 8, but Becky springs to life at 9! Bianca can’t believe Becky got back in! Bianca refocuses, and she hurries after Becky to torture rack again! KISS OF- NO, Becky lands out again!
Becky BOOTS, runs, but into a SPINEBUSTER! Bianca drags Becky to a drop zone and climbs up the corner! Fans fire up as Bianca aims, but Becky gets up to knock her down! Becky climbs up after Bianca, fires off haymakers, but Bianca hits back. Becky still brings Bianca up but Bianca fires off body shots! Becky drops but has the braid! Becky yanks Bianca off the top, into a MANHANDLE SLAM!! Cover, TWO!?!? Bianca survives and no one can believe it! Becky is beside herself but she hurries to throw hands on Bianca. Becky CLUBS Bianca, but Bianca blocks! Becky steps over, but Bianca rolls her, TWO!
Bianca waistlocks and O’Conner Rolls, TWO! Bianca goes up the corner, Becky CLUBS her first! Becky goes up after her, clinches, but Bianca fights it to a SUPER SPANISH FLY!! And then a torture rack! KISS OF DEATH!!! Cover, Bianca wins!!
Winner: Bianca Belair, by pinfall (still Raw Women’s Champion)
The story has come full circle! Bianca lost one title to Becky, but she held onto this one! Does this mean Bianca is bigger than Big Time? As for Becky, she offers a handshake. Bianca isn’t sure if she can trust Becky given last year’s SummerSlam. Fans are also torn, but Bianca accepts the handshake! They hug it out and fans cheer the sportsmanship. But then, what is next for Becky in her own comeback story?
Wait, is that BAYLEY!? The Role Model has been gone for a year, and now she’s back! Fans are all fired up to see her return, and Bayley goes right to the ring. “DING DONG! Hello, Bianca! You remember me?” But wait! Is that DAKOTA KAI!?! She disappeared from NXT after losing to Mandy Rose, but she’s coming right up to the ring, too! It seems Bayley isn’t surprised, she knew this was coming. WAIT! IO SHIRAI!?! The Evil Genius also disappeared from NXT, and now she’s here!! And now, Io, Bayley and Kai are all going together! They get in the ring to tell Bianca that Bayley wasn’t going to come back like alone! She has the best in the world!
Wait, Becky is standing by Bianca’s side?! The Man isn’t going to let her old pal, Bayley, just trample on her moment with Bianca! Big Time Becks and the EST want to have at it, but Bayley and her new buddies bail out. Will it only be a matter of time before Bayley, Shirai and Kai take over Monday Night Raw?
Logan Paul VS The Miz w/ Maryse & Tommaso Ciampa!
The social media sensation became a WWE superstar with help from the Hollywood A-Lister, only to be betrayed on the biggest stage of them all! Now Logan wants his revenge during the biggest party of the summer! Will Logan’s run be truly must-see? Or will Miz stop this #ImPAULsive behavior once and for all?
The bell rings and Miz circles with Logan. The fans taunt Miz with “TINY BALLS!” but Miz shrugs that off. He ties up with Logan, pushes him to ropes, and Miz hooks Logan’s arms in the ropes. Miz pats Logan on the head as he lets off, and he gloats about the supposedly big balls he has. Logan and Miz circle again, tie up, and Miz waistlocks. Miz spins Logan, wrenches, arm-drags then runs to fake Logan out. Miz scuffs Logan and smiles. Miz mocks Logan’s shadow boxing but Logan just shrugs that off, too. Logan and Miz go again, Miz waistlocks, but Logan switches to SLAM Miz down! Logan brings Miz up and Miz elbows hard!
Miz knees low, whips Logan to ropes, but Logan slips out of the scoop to fireman’s carry takeover! Miz flounders, Logan fakes him out, then scuffs him! Fans fire up but Miz is fuming! Miz swings, misses, blocks a boot, but Logan bobs ‘n’ weaves then fires off body shots! Logan mocks Miz’s “awesome,” then dares Miz to get up. Miz comes back, Logan hurdles, hurdles, drops with the splits, and ducks the buzzsaw! Roll up, TWO! Miz hurries up but Logan runs in, to clothesline Miz out of the ring! Logan then slingshots to MOONSAULT! Direct hit at the ramp and fans fire up! Miz is dazed, but also a bit surprised!
Logan puts Miz in but Miz turns things around to kick! And CHOP! Miz stands Logan up to CHOP again! Miz holds his hand up, but Logan ducks the chop to CHOP and CHOP and CHOP in return! Logan CHOPS so hard, his armband comes off! Logan whips, Miz reverses but Logan BOOTS! Logan goes up but Miz sweeps the legs! DRAPING CODE BREAKER! Ciampa tells Miz that was awesome, and Miz stalks Logan along the ropes. Miz stomps Logan at the ropes, lets off as the ref counts, then KICKS Logan in the side. Miz puts Logan on the ropes and CHOKES him! The ref counts, Miz claws Logan’s eyes as he lets off.
The ref reprimands Miz but Ciampa gets a cheap shot in! Miz plays dumb, then brings Logan around to hip drop. Miz claws Logan’s face, drags him up into a chinlock, but Logan endures. Fans mock Miz and the “TINY BALLS!” but Logan fires off body shots. Miz puts Logan in the corner to fire off KICK after KICK then haymaker after haymaker! Miz lets off as the ref counts, and fans boo as Miz soaks up the heat. Miz runs in but Logan dodges! Miz knees buckles, Logan counter punches to ROCK Miz! And again! Miz shoves Logan, Logan BOOTS back! Logan goes up the corner to BLOCKBUSTER! Direct hit and both men are down!
A standing count begins as both men stir. Logan sits up at 5, Miz follows, and Logan stands at 6. Logan LARIATS, then LARIATS again! Then he scoops Miz to hit a RUNNING POWERSLAM! Cover, TWO!! Logan catches his breath while Miz crawls away. Logan paces around Miz, and PENALTY KICKS! And PENALTY KICKS! And again, and again! Miz ducks the buzzsaw but Logan CHOP BLOCKS Miz down! Logan has the legs, grins and steps through, for the FIGURE FOUR! Miz endures, Logan thrashes the hold, Miz has his shoulders down! TWO, and Miz reaches for ropes! Miz drags himself and Logan around, ROPEBREAK!
Logan lets off fast, and fans rally up as Logan goes corner to corner. Miz puts Logan on the apron but Logan ROCKS Miz! Miz stagers, Logan leaps, CROSSBODY! But no cover, STANDING MOONSAULT! Cover, TWO!! Miz winces and crawls to the corner, but Logan stalks behind him. Miz elbows Logan away, BOOTS him to a corner, and Miz runs, but into an elbow! Miz distracts the ref, Ciampa is on the apron! But the ref spots him, and EJECTS him!! Ciampa is furious and storms around, and grabs a chair! Ciampa takes a seat, but here comes AJ STYLES! Ciampa gets out of his seat to look for Styles, but where is he? PHENOMENAL FOREARM from the crowd side!
Styles fires off on Ciampa and takes him around to TOSS over barriers! Ciampa and Styles brawl in the crowd! Miz gets up, Logan hits a PHENOMENAL FOREARM of his own! Cover, TWO!! Miz survives and Logan is furious, but Logan pursues Miz out of the ring. Logan tells Miz to get his ass up, then drags him around. Logan gets an idea, and decides to clear off the announce desk! The ring count is climbing, but Logan drags Miz up to put him on the table. Logan gets in the ring, goes to a corner and climbs, but Maryse shouts at Logan! Logan just throws the corner crossbar cover at her! Logan hits a SUPER FROG SPLASH TO THE DESK!!!
Fans are losing their minds as Logan invokes the spirit of Shane O’Mac with that one! But did he do as much damage to himself as he did Miz and the desk? Maryse distracts the ref while Logan gets Miz in the ring to cover! Logan would’ve won by now! Logan yells at Maryse, but Logan grabs his necklace! Miz swings, Logan dodges! Maryse almost gets hit!! Logan gets Miz, SKULL CRUSHING FINALE!! Cover, Logan wins!!
Winner: Logan Paul, by pinfall
With Miz’s own move, Logan has his revenge! Logan unloaded on the A-Lister, is this the start of a new must-see career in the WWE?
Maximum Male Models finish a photoshoot.
They’re parched. All this modeling is making them thirsty. Maxxine Dupri demands her boys get water. Ah, yes. Pure Life! After a long day under the bright lights, they need something cool and refreshing to quench that thirst. Pure Life promotes hydration. And who doesn’t want hydrated skin? This is all they need to perform their perfect poses. Pure Life is the official water of Maximum Male Models, and the WWE.
WWE United States Championship: Bobby Lashley VS (Austin) Theory!
The All Mighty took this title from the Youngest WWE United States Champion Ever, but “Daddy” got Theory the MITB contract to make up for it. Will Lashley show that Vince or no Vince, Theory is going to feel the pain in the Hurt Lock? Or can Theory grab this prize on the way to the top prize?
The introductions are made, and Theory ATTACKS Lashley off the corner! Theory wants the bell, the ref checks on Lashley first. Lashley says he wants this match, so the bell rings. Theory rushes in, fires off body shots and CLUBS Lashley, but Lashley stays up! Theory keeps throwing forearms but Lashley elbows him away. Lashley blocks a boot, but Theory ROCKS Lashley with a left! SOMERSAULT BLOCKBUSTER! Cover, ONE!! Theory rains down fists on Lashley while fans tell them how they feel. Theory stomps Lashley, rains down fists, and shouts, “I don’t need my daddy!” Theory drags Lashley up, reels him in, but Lashley suplexes first!
Theory slips out, ROCKS Lashley, runs but Lashley hurdles! Lashley CLOBBERS Theory, CLOBBERS him again, then hits a MILE HIGH SPINEBUSTER! Theory flounders and fans fire up! Lashley aims as Theory is in the corner, and Lashley runs in, but Theory bails out! Theory wants his briefcase to leave and focus on Roman VS Lesnar. But Lashley intercepts him at the ramp! Theory is afraid and he throws the briefcase. Lashley swats it, CLUBS Theory and RAMS him into barriers! Lashley drags Theory up, RAMS him in again, then drags Theory up to put in the ring. Lashley gets in but Theory gets out, and Theory slingshots in to SHOTGUN! Cover, TWO!
Theory grins and mocks Lashley’s pose. Theory runs in at Lashley, but into a COMPLETE SHOT! Lashley catches his breath while Theory flounders again. Fans rally behind Lashley, Theory throws a haymaker. Lashley hits Theory back, Theory throws another! Lashley hits back, Theory hits again, repeat! They keep throwing hands back and forth and the fans fire up as Lashley gets the edge! Theory swings, Lashley ducks but the back elbow come sin! Theory runs, into a scoop! And a POWERSLAM! Fans fire up with Lashley and Lashley runs in at Theory, but Theory goes up and over! Lashley POSTS himself!
Theory slingshots in again, but into a the trophy lift!! Then the HURT LOCK!!! Theory taps with both hands, Lashley wins!
Winner: Bobby Lashley, by submission (still WWE US Champion)
So much for part one of Theory’s plan! Will Lashley continue to dominate as United States Champion? Will Theory be able to regroup and focus on part two of tonight?
No Disqualification Tag: The Mysterios VS The Judgement Day!
This has been going on for over a month now, and it will only end when one side is destroyed! Will Rey & Dominik keep their lucha libre legacy alive? Or will they be nothing but dust and bones after dealing with Damian Priest & Finn Balor?
The second Rey & Dom are in the ring, the Judgement Day attacks! But Rey & Dom are ready and the brawl is on! Dom has Damian, Rey has the Prince! But Damian throws Dom, throws fists, and Finn does the same to Rey! Judgement Day soaks up the heat and Rhea applauds. But fans boo, until Rey BOOTS Finn, then BOOTS Priest! Rey tilt-o-whirl RANAS Finn, Dominic DROPKICKS Priest! Priest stays up but Dom dumps him out! Rey feeds Finn to Dom to throw out, and then Rey slingshots to hold ropes open! Dom DIVES and takes out Priest! Fans fire up and Rey mule kicks Finn to ASAI MOONSAULT!
Fans fire up again and Rhea is frustrated! Dom puts Finn in, climbs up a corner, and Dom CROSSBODIES! Cover, TWO! Dom drags Finn up, bumps him off buckles and he tags Rey in. The Mysterios DOUBLE RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP, then Rey runs to wheelbarrow with Dom, VICTORY ROLL SPLASH! Cover, TWO! Fans fire up, Rey brings Finn up and wrenches the arm. Tag to Dom, the Mysterios mug Finn, and Dom knuckle locks to go up and up and FLYING ARM-DRAG! Priest swipes at Dom but Dom ROCKS him! Finn whips Dom into Priest’s KNEE! Finn DECKS Rey, and he grins as he has Dom all alone.
Finn KICKS Dom, stomps him down at the ropes, and soaks up the heat from Nashville. Finn CHOKES Dom on the ropes, then he lets off to tag in Priest. Finn scoops Dom for a BACKBREAKER, and Priest adds a LEG DROP! Cover, TWO! Fans rally but Priest DECKS Dom down! Priest digs his knee into Dom and pulls him back. Dom endures, fights up, but Priest keeps him from Rey. Dom throws body shots, but Priest ROUNDHOUSES Dom down! Priest DECKS Rey for good measure, then waits on Dom to get up. Finn puts Dom in the corner, Priest hits a big back elbow! Tag to Finn, BROKEN ARROW to slingshot STOMP!
Rhea likes what she sees, and Finn mocks Latino Heat. Finn drags Dom up, snap suplexes, and then holds on for Uno Amigo! Finn then CLUBS Dom just to mess with fans. Finn CHOPS Dom in a corner, CHOPS him again, and RAMS a shoulder in. Rhea mocks Dom’s pain, Finn CHOPS him and throws body shots and CHOPS again! Finn whips corner to corner, runs in and CHOPS again! Fans rally but Finn bumps Dom off buckles. Finn talks trash on Dom and his dad, but Dom shoves back and hits a NECKBREAKER! Both men are down, fans rally up, hot tags to Priest and Rey! Rey ducks, dodges and CROSSBODIES!
Rey kicks Priest, whips, but Priest reverses. Rey dodges, Priest hits buckles! Rey shoulders in, goes up top and SEATED SENTONS! Fans fire up as Rey basement dropkicks! Rey DECKS Finn, then baits Priest into a BOOT! Wheelbarrow and a BULLDOG! Rey KICKS Finn before he could bring the chair in! Rey has the chair, he JAMS Priest with it, then SMACKS him with it! Fans fire up for that one! Rey sees Finn, baseball slide CHAIR SPLASH onto Finn! Rey then gets back up, GAMANGIRIS Priest, and slingshots, but into Priest’s arms! Priest and Rey scrap, Rey slips off but runs into a SUPERKICK! Cover, TWO!
Priest catches his breath and looms over Rey. Priest drags Rey up, clamps on a choke grip, but Rey slips out of the slam to victory roll Priest onto ropes! But Finn tags in to LARIAT Rey! No 619 yet, and Finn runs in at Rey to SHOTGUN him into buckles! Rey is down, Finn goes up! But Dom returns to anchor Finn! Finn CLUBS away until Dom lets go, but Rey ROCKS Finn back! Rey climbs up, HEADBUTTS Finn, and SUPER STEINERS! Cover, Priest breaks it! Priest drags Rey up, reels him in, calls his shot, but Rey drops. Priest brings him back up, but Dom saves Rey from the crucifix! Then gives Rey a boost to RANA Priest onto ropes!
Dom dropkicks Finn onto ropes! Fans fire up as the Mysterios dial it up, but Rhea disconnects those calls! Rhea gets Dom for an Electric Chair SLAM onto the apron!! Finn calls to Priest, Priest choke grips Rey! SOUTH OF HEAVEN, and Rhea fetches a chair. But wait! There’s FIRE on stage! And rising from the ground is EDGE!! The Rated R Superstar is summoning the powers of The Brood and the Attitude Era, and he is like a bat outta hell going to the ring! Priest hurries to intercept but Edge BOOTS him down! Then Edge SPEARS Finn!! And he dodges Priest to SPEAR him, too! Fans are loving it as Edge drop toeholds Finn onto ropes!
Rey and Dom regroup, they dial it up, DOUBLE 619!! FROG SPLASH! Cover, the Mysterios win!
Winners: The Mysterios, by pinfall
The Judgement Day pays for what they did to their former leader! The legendary Edge stands alongside the legendary Rey Mysterio, will they and Dominik destroy what Judgement Day has become?
Pat McAfee VS Happy Corbin!
Football teammates who went their separate ways, it’s borderline fate that brought them back together, as enemies. McAfee’s all about having a good time, but will he be having a great time when he puts “Bum Ass Corbin” in his place? Or will Corbin be an even happier Corbin when he actually backs up his words and beats McAfee?
As part of Corbin’s entrance, a men’s choir sings “BUM ASS CORBIN!” Clearly that was McAfee’s doing. And then the choir shifts to a Seven Nation Army remix for McAfee! The bell rings and fans fire up for McAfee. Corbin says McAfee is nothing but his mouth, so he should just go take a seat on commentary. But fans chant, “BUM ASS CORBIN!” so we know how they feel. Corbin shoves McAfee, but McAfee SUPERKICKS him! And then ROCKS him with haymakers! McAfee has Corbin in a corner but Corbin knees low and puts McAfee in the corner. Corbin runs in, into a BOOT! McAfee goes up to FLYING RANA!
McAfee clotheslines Corbin up and out of the ring! Fans fire up while McAfee goes out after Corbin. But Corbin RAMS McAfee into the apron! Corbin whips, McAfee reverses and POSTS Corbin! McAfee stomps Corbin, puts him in the ring, and then gets in to stomp him at the ropes. McAfee drags Corbin up to hoist onto the top rope. McAfee throws hands, then climbs up after Corbin. McAfee climbs up even higher but Corbin throws body shots! Corbin shoves McAfee, but McAfee backflips through! But Corbin SHOTGUNS?! Both men show off they can do anything, and Corbin stomps away on McAfee!
Fans boo but Corbin drags McAfee up to put in the corner. Corbin fires off body shots, lets off as the ref counts, and Corbin goes corner to corner to SPLASH! Corbin TOSSES McAfee across the ring, then he soaks up the heat. Corbin taunts McAfee to get up, and he tells Michael Cole, “How’s your boy doing?” Corbin fires off haymakers, CLUBS McAfee, then tosses him out! Corbin goes out to RAM McAfee into barriers! Corbin brings McAfee around to RAM into more barriers, then refreshes the ring count. Corbin drags McAfee up and puts him in to then cover, TWO! Corbin sarcastically applauds McAfee but fans boo Corbin.
Corbin drags McAfee up, but McAfee throws body shots! McAfee runs, but into a DEEP SIX! Cover, TWO!! Corbin argues with the ref but McAfee survived fair and square! McAfee crawls to a corner, Corbin runs in, but McAfee dodges! Corbin slides out, slides in, but into a dropkick! McAfee then slingshots to PLANCHA! Direct hit and both men are down! McAfee hurries up and after Corbin but Corbin fires off haymakers and forearms! Corbin TOSSES McAfee across the desk! Corbin then dribbles McAfee off the desk while taunting Maggle! Corbin refreshes the ring count again then grabs a headset to say, “Hey, Tim! Hey, Sally! You watching your boy!”
Corbin is taunting Mr. & Mrs. McAfee as Corbin rains down fists! Cole says Corbin’s parents are the ones who are embarrassed! But Corbin shoves Cole into taking a seat! Corbin rains down fists on McAfee, then drags McAfee into the ring. Corbin glares at Cole but Cole tells him to focus on McAfee. Corbin says the Titans are never going to the Super Bowl! Corbin climbs up a corner, which isn’t usually his thing… McAfee springs up after him! Fans fire up as McAfee gets Corbin up for the SUPERPLEX!! McAfee crawls to a cover, TWO!! Fans fire up for McAfee while he and Corbin stir. McAfee and Corbin rise and the fans fire up more.
Corbin fires off a haymaker, but McAfee hits back! Corbin hits McAfee again, but McAfee hits back! Corbin hits, McAfee hits, and fans fire up as McAfee fires off! But Corbin RAMS McAfee into a corner! Corbin goes corner to corner but McAfee moves, Corbin POSTS himself! Corbin flops out of the ring while the ref checks on McAfee. The ring count starts but McAfee rises. McAfee sees the corner, and he climbs it! McAfee aims at Corbin, to SUPER SWANTON!! #ForTheBrand!! Fans are losing their minds as McAfee hits Corbin down! McAfee gets Corbin in, goes back up the corner, and has to leap over Corbin!
McAfee comes back, slips out of End of Days and ROCKS Corbin! Corbin stumbles into the ref! The ref goes down, Corbin and McAfee look around! McAfee LOW BLOWS Corbin! Payback from SmackDown! “SUCK IT!” McAfee goes up and fans fire up as McAfee hits a PANAMA SUNRISE!! McAfee wins!!
Winner: Pat McAfee, by pinfall
Another amazing performance from McAfee! 2-1 overall in the WWE, is McAfee the best commentator turned wrestler ever?
Drew McIntyre is here!
The Scottish Warrior is the NEW #1 Contender to the Undisputed WWE Universal Champion after SmackDown’s incredible Irish Donnybrook! And now he and his sword, Angela, are headed to the ring! “Nashville, how the hell are you?” They cheer so they’re doing great. “I love this place. Broadway, Music City, home of the Titans, who are in the house tonight! In fact, I love this place so much, it’s the home of the new #1 contender for the Undisputed Championship, Drew McIntyre!” Did y’all see that match between him and Sheamus? It was a war for 30 minutes, both men beating the hell out of each other with whatever they could get their hands on!
But McIntyre says it was worth it! Why? Because now McIntyre has his shot at the title! Let’s talk about that title and its main event, Brock Lesnar VS Roman Reigns, for the FIRST TIME EVER! Uh, well, in Nashville, at least. With both titles on the line, and in a Last Man Standing Match, and in front of this kid named Colt! Fans chant for “COLT! COLT! COLT!” and McIntyre high-fives him. But that min event will be a battle. It won’t matter who wins, because at Clash at the Castle, McIntyre beats dat ass and takes those titles! Now, let him raise his magic sword and see what happens. Three! Two! One! BOOM! Will there be fireworks in Cardiff when McIntyre takes on whoever is champion?
Jeff Jarrett makes his way to the ring.
Nashville cheers their own Double J, and he is all suited up to be the official for this next title match!
Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championships: The Usos VS The Street Profits, Special Guest Referee Jeff Jarrett!
Money in the Bank didn’t become known for a tag title match but for the shoulder being up at the end of it! And because of that, there has been a need for a slightly higher standard of shot calling. In steps J E Double F, J A Double R E Double T, ain’t he great? But will having a legend like Jarrett really change the fortunes of the Profits? Or will Jimmy & Jey still be the ones holding the unified Raw & SmackDown Tag Team Championships?
Angelo Dawkins & Montez Ford get the Tennessee Titans’ cheer squad with them for their entrance, but the Usos only need the belts. The introductions are made, one red and one blue belt each is raised, and we see if this match is truly undisputed!
The teams sort out and Jimmy starts against Dawkins. They circle, tie up, and Jimmy puts Dawkins in a corner to fire off haymakers! Jarrett counts, then he pulls Jimmy off when he doesn’t listen. Remember, five count! Jimmy storms up on Dawkins but Dawkins ROCKS Jimmy! Dawkins fires off hands, Jarrett counts, but he pulls Dawkins back, too. Dawkins storms up on Jimmy, Jimmy CLUBS him, Jey tags in. Dawkins whips but Jimmy reverses to a BACKBREKER! Jey adds an AX HANDLE! Cover, TWO! Jey stays between the Profits, then ROCKS Dawkins with an uppercut! Dawkins ends up in Usos territory as Jimmy tags in.
Jey RAMS into Dawkins, Jimmy taunts Ford then forearm smashes Dawkins! Jarrett tells Jey to exit, one in and one out! Jimmy stays on Dawkins by stomping a hand. Jimmy CHOKES Dawkins, Jarrett counts and Jimmy stops at 4. But Jey hits a sucker punch behind Jarrett’s back all the same! Jimmy clamps on a chinlock and he grinds Dawkins down. Dawkins endures, fans rally up, but Jimmy squeezes tight. Dawkins fights up but Jimmy wrangles him back down! Jimmy leans on the hold but Dawkins fights up. Dawkins throws body shots but Jimmy ROCKS him with an uppercut! Jimmy rains down fists in the corner, but lets off as Jarrett counts.
Jarrett reminds Jimmy of the five count, but Jimmy raises the finger, #WeTheOnes. Jimmy gets the fans chanting “UCE! SO!” and he runs corner to corner to HIP ATTACK! Jimmy says, “All day! All damn day!” Jey says to do it again, so Jimmy goes back to the corner. “UCE! SO!” Jimmy runs in, but Dawkins dodges! And GAMANGIRIS! Fans fire up while both men are down! Dawkins and Jimmy crawl while Jarrett starts a standing count. Hot tags to Jey and Ford! Ford GAMANGIRIS Jey, then CROSSBODIES! Cover, TWO! Ford dodges Jey then follows to LARIAT! Fans fire up, Ford mule kicks and front kicks to ENZIGURI!
Ford drags Jey up, back suplexes high and hard! Ford handsprings, flexes and STANDING MOONSAULTS! Cover, TWO! Jey is still in this but Ford snarls. Ford smacks Jey with his own shirt, then drags him up. Ford CHOPS Jey, then waistlocks. Jey switches, back suplexes, but Ford lands on his feet! Jey mule kicks, uppercuts, but Ford dodges to RUNNING BLOCKBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Ford seethes and he stalks Jey to a corner. Ford CHOPS Jey, pie faces him around, then whips corner to corner. Jey reverses, avoids Ford going up and over and shoves him into buckles! POP-UP NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO!
Jey is annoyed now but he tags Jimmy in. The Usos bring Ford up, they double whip, but Ford holds ropes! Ford then dumps both Usos out! Hot tag to Dawkins and Dawkins brings down the straps! Dawkins builds speed to FLY! Direct hit into the LED barriers! Fans fire up as Dawkins puts Jimmy in, for the SILENCER! Cover, TWO!! Jimmy survives and Dawkins can’t believe it! Dawkins drags Jimmy up but Jimmy kicks. Dawkins blocks but the DRAGON WHIP hits! Ford tags in, Dawkins ducks the superkick to POUNCE BACK SUPLEX COMBO! Cover, TWO!! Ford argues with Jarrett but Jarrett says that was fair.
Tag back to Dawkins and Ford climbs the corner. Dawkins Electric Chair Lifts Jimmy, but Jimmy fights! Ford leaps over, Jey SUPERKICKS him! Jimmy SUPERKICKS Dawkins! Tag to Jey, and the Usos DOUBLE SUPERKICK! Jey drags Dawkins around, tags Jimmy back in, and Jimmy goes up! USO SPLASH! Cover, TWO!! Now Jimmy argues but Jarrett says two is two! Jimmy talks with Jey, tags Jey in, and the Usos take opposite corners. They climb up, for the DOUBLE UCE!! Jey covers, Ford breaks it!! Fans are fired up as all four men are down! Jarrett starts a standing count on the legal men, and we’re already at 5 of 10!
The Usos and Profits all get up. Jimmy grabs Ford and they stand at 7. Jimmy whips, Ford reverses and sends Jimmy out. Jey sends Ford out but Ford holds on! Jey aims, but Dawkins dodges! Jarrett catches the kick this time, feeds Jey to THE ANOINTING! Hot tag to Ford! FROM THE HEAVENS!! But Ford’s ribs hold him back! Ford flounders to the cover, TWO!?!? Ford can’t believe how close that was! No one can! But “This is Awesome!” as Jarrett argues with Ford. Ford talks trash on Jarrett but he tags Dawkins in. Ford stalks Jey but Jimmy gets him out of there! So Ford DIVES into a DOUBLE SUPERKICK! The Usos TOSS Ford over the barriers!
But Dawkins runs in! But into DOUBLE SUPERKICKS! The Usos put Dawkins in, Jimmy tags, and they DOUBLE SUPERKICK Dawkins again! Pop-up, ONE AND DONE!! Cover, The Usos wins!!
Winners: The Usos, by pinfall (still Undisputed WWE Tag Team Champions)
Jarrett called this down the middle, this isn’t on him! The Usos are just that damn good! Will anyone ever dethrone Jimmy & Jey? Or are they the ones then, now and forever?
Matt Riddle is here?!
The Bro jumps in from the crowd and fans go wild! “So I’m not medically cleared to compete tonight.” He tells security to shut up as he says Randy Orton always told him not to take crap from trash like Seth Rollin! So Rollins, get your ass out here! Fans fire up for Riddle, and here comes Seth Rollins! The Visionary has Adam Pearce and other officials trying to stop him, but Rollins wants to accept Riddle’s challenge! Rollins sprints past in his creamsicle outfit and Riddle meets him at the ramp! The brawl is on!! Riddle ROCKS Rollins, KICKS him towards the ring, and gets him in the ring! Riddle KICKS and KICKS and KICKS!
Rollins blocks then DECKS Riddle! Rollins aims, refs and officials freak out, but the CURB STOMP hits!! Riddle’s neck injury could be aggravated or worse! But Rollins just laughs and fans sing “OH~ OH~ OHHH~!” Rollins bails out and swaggers his way back up the ramp. Did the Bro bite off more than he can chew?
SmackDown Women’s Championship: Liv Morgan VS Ronda Rousey!
After scratching and clawing, this young woman from New Jersey finally got to live the dream. She won the Ms. Money in the Bank contract, and then cashed in that same night to take this title from the Baddest Woman on the Planet. However, Ronda is right back for a rematch, and this time, she’s 100%! Will Ronda rip off Liv’s limbs to get the belt back? Or can Liv prove being an underdog isn’t a death sentence?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see if Liv can keep the dream alive!
Liv and Ronda tie up but Ronda throws hands and throws Liv! Ronda dares Liv to get up and Liv does. Liv dodges one hand but not the rest! Ronda corners Liv but Liv shoves her away. Liv goes up and over but Ronda step-up KNEES! Ronda gets a leg, but Liv moves around, so Ronda fisherman SUPLEXES! Cover, TWO! Liv gets ropes and the ref has Ronda stay back. Ronda shrugs, but Liv fires off hands in return! Liv kicks low, ROCKS and ENZIGURIS Ronda, but Ronda BOOTS Liv right down! Ronda rolls to the fireman’s carry, but Liv elbows free! Liv gives Ronda a CODE BREAKER! Liv runs in at the ropes, but Ronda has a SLEEPER!
Ronda SLAMS Liv, gest the arm, but Liv moves around! Ronda still wants it, Liv rolls Ronda up, ONE! Ronda gets the arm again, for a double wristlock! Liv endures, Ronda shifts her grip and talks some trash, ARMBAR! But Liv rolls Ronda up! TWO, into a RINGS OF SATURN! Liv busting out a submission of her own! But Ronda grits her teeth, fights up to her feet, but Liv hits a CURCIFI DRIVER! Cover, TWO!! Ronda survives and she flounders to a corner. Liv DOUBLE STOMPS her down! Ronda gets to ropes, and gets a HANGING ARMBAR! Liv endures, Ronda lets off at the ref’s count of 4! Ronda hurries back in, and she THRWOS Liv down!
Ronda gets the arm, drags Liv to the center, and Ronda asks if fans want a souvenir! ARMBAR!! Liv bridges, kicks, flails, drags herself over, to the ROPEBREAK! Fans fire up and Ronda lets off in frustration. Liv is against ropes but Ronda throws hands! Then she throws Liv! ARMBAR!! Liv endures and bridges again, kicks around and rolls to the ROPEBREAK! Fans fire up and Ronda is getting even more frustrated. Ronda sees Liv go to another corner, the ref checks on Liv, but Liv doesn’t want this to stop the match! Liv swears her arm is okay, and then she dares Ronda to bring it! Ronda fires up and runs in, steps up and around to RANA Liv into the ARMBAR!!
Liv endures, stands up, gets Ronda on her shoulders! Cover, while Liv taps, but LIV WINS!!!
Winner: Liv Morgan, by pinfall (still SmackDown Women’s Champion)
Ronda protests, she knows Liv was tapping! But what was the timing of it? The three or the tap? The replay shows the tapping started at two! But it doesn’t change anything, replays don’t matter in WWE! But Ronda DECKS Liv! Ronda puts Liv in the armbar! Then she throws the ref!! And puts him in the ARMBAR!! Ronda’s snapped but she might snap an arm first! Officials rush out but Ronda tells them to back off or get some of that! The ref didn’t do his job in Ronda’s opinion, but will Ronda have to fight her way back up? And as for Liv, she survived by a split second. Will she be able to stay that lucky against the rest of the SmackDown roster?
“Kane,” Glenn Jacobs is here!
He is glad to announce that tonight’s attendance in Nashville’s Nissan Stadium is 48,449! Thank you, WWE Universe! And of course, Kane makes the corner posts burst with flames!
Undisputed WWE Universal Championship: Roman Reigns w/ Paul Heyman VS Brock Lesnar!
After seven YEARS, this rivalry finally has its conclusion. The Tribal Chief thought he had put The Beast away at WrestleMania 38 when he became the reigning, defending, Undisputed WWE Universal Champion. But Lesnar came back again, promising to give Roman the country ass kicking he deserves. Will Lesnar end this last chapter as the Last Man Standing? Or will everyone, even Lesnar, have to acknowledge Roman Reigns?
Roman of course has The Wise Man, Paul Heyman, and his cousins, The Usos, so that all three undisputed champions of WWE can stand together with the belts and the pyro. But only the Special Counsel goes with Roman to the ring, holding the blue belt as a banner for The Bloodline. Then Roman holds up the belts for the second round of pyro. Heyman hands over a mic, and Roman says, “Nashville… SummerSlam! ACKNOWLEDGE ME!” Nashville is torn but there are plenty of fans cheering. Then Lesnar makes his entrance and everyone fires up! And that’s also because Lesnar gets his flannel on and rides a big tractor to the ring!
Lesnar parks the tractor at ringside, with the front loader raised! Lesnar climbs the loader to get in the ring! Roman wants that tractor out of here, but it’s not exactly stopping them from doing anything, right? The introductions are finally made, with Lesnar introducing himself as “a big ass country boy, weighing 285 pounds, coming here tonight to kick Roman Reigns’ ass, and the Last Man Standing! Ladies and gentlemen, BRRROCK! LESNARR!” Surprisingly, Heyman doesn’t take over Roman’s intro. The black ‘n’ blue belts are raised, and then Lesnar LEAPS from the loader to CLOBBER Roman!! Lesnar rains down fists and the bell rings!
Roman pushes Lesnar away, but Lesnar clotheslines Roman out of the ring! Lesnar then pursues, and he OVERHEAD Belly2Belly Suplexes! And so it begins! Lesnar brings Roman around to RAM into steel steps, stalks him around the way, and he moves steps aside to drag Roman up, for another OVERHEAD Belly2Belly! That’s two and Roman is down! The count starts but Roman pushes himself up at 5 of 10. Lesnar stalks Roman again, and CLOBBERS him against barriers! Lesnar then hauls ROman up to SLAM on the barriers, and Roman flops into the crowd. Lesnar grins as the count starts and he pursues Roman through the crowd.
Lesnar brings Roman over to one of the canopy supports, to snap suplex Roman onto it! Roman is down, the count begins again, but he stirs at 5 of 10. Lesnar hops up to join Roman as he stands, and Lesnar fireman’s carries! Roman claws Lesnar’s face to get free, then he POSTS Lesnar with the truss! Roman checks his back, then storms up on Lesnar. Roman reels Lesnar in, but Lesnar RAMS Roman into the truss! Then Lesnar TOSSES Roman onto a cameraman! Roman is down and the count starts again. Roman flounders at 4 of 10 so Lesnar storms up on him. Lesnar DUMPS Roman over the barriers and back to ringside.
Lesnar stumbles getting over the barriers, but he GERMAN SUPLEXES Roman to the floor! That’s about four suplexes total, Music City is definitely Suplex City. Roman is down while Lesnar looks under the ring. Fans fire up as a TABLE is brought out! Roman stands at 6 of 10 but Lesnar stands the table up. Lesnar makes sure it is sturdy, and Heyman creeps up on him? Lesnar glares at Heyman and Heyman begs for mercy! Lesnar leaves Heyman alone, he has to get Roman first. Roman fireman’s carries to SAMOAN DROP Lesnar through the table! The Wise Man tricks Lesnar again! Roman gets up while Lesnar stirs.
The count is 8 of 10 but Lesnar stands up. Roman grabs the top half of the steel steps, and he RAMS Lesnar down, onto the wreckage of the table! Lesnar is down again, Roman brings out a new table! Roman stands that table up while Lesnar manages to stand at about 5 of 10. Roman drags Lesnar over, t URENAGE through the table! The count starts again but Lesnar sits up at 5. Lesnar stands at 7, but Roman is right there to put Lesnar in the ring. Roman locks ‘n’ loads, takes aim from the corner, SUPERMAN PUNCH! Lesnar staggers but only drops to a knee! Roman reloads, runs back in, SUPERMAN PUNCH!
Lesnar drops but is right back up! Roman fires up, “OOAH~!” SPEAR!! But Roman can’t cover, he has to let the count start! The count reaches 5 while Lesnar is down, but Lesnar does sit up at 7! Lesnar powers his way up at 8, and Roman can’t believe it! Roman “OOAH~” and runs in, but into a fireman’s carry! But Roman slips off, shoves, and runs in, only for Lesnar to toss Roman out! Roman almost hits table wreckage on the way down! The count is on both men but Roman rolls out at 5 to stand. Roman is still down at 7 but stands at 8. Lesnar storms over after Roman, brings him around, and SPINEBUSTERS Roman on what’s left of a table!!
Another standing count as Lesnar staggers away, and Roman is still down at 5. Lesnar moves the tractor?! The loader is lowered, Roman manages to stand at 8 of 10. Lesnar comes back for Roman and RAMS him with steel steps! Payback from a moment ago and Roman staggers around the way. Lesnar grabs whatever is left of another table, to SMACK Roman with it! Roman goes down! The count climbs and Lesnar smiles. Fans fire up as the count is 7, but Roman sits up! Roman pushes up off the steel at 9! Lesnar sighs, but he drags Roman around the way and to the tractor. Lesnar puts Roman in the loader! And then gets the tractor to raise it!!
Roman is high above the ground, and Lesnar lifts him over the ring! Lesnar DUMPS Roman out of the loader!! Roman crashes down on the mat from about eight feet up! The count starts, but Roman sits up at 5. Roman stands at 7, so Lesnar hurries back into the ring. “This is Awesome!” as Lesnar GERMAN SUPLEXES Roman! Roman flounders, Roman GERMAN SUPLEXES again! Roman flounders again but Lesnar is right on him! GERMAN SUPLEX! Lesnar is starting to tire himself out with these, but Roman is the one down on the mat! The count is 5 of 10, then 8! Roman manages to stand at 9!
Lesnar is right after Roman with a fireman’s carry! F5!! But again, it is up to the ten count! Lesnar waits in a corner as he watches Roman down at 5. Roman’s down at 8, but he slowly sits up. Roman flounders up at 9.9!! Lesnar is beside himself, but Roman is leaning against ropes. Fireman’s carry, F- GUILLOTINE!! Roman has Lesnar caught!! No ropebreaks to stop this, but wait! Lesnar powers out to GUILLOTINE Roman right back!! Now Roman is the one having to worry about no ropebreaks! Heyman is worrying for Roman, too! The ref is checking Roman, he is out, but Lesnar has to let the count start!
Lesnar lets Roman go, the count begins, and Lesnar watches like a hawk. The count is 5, then 7, then 9! Roman stands at 9.99999!!! Lesnar thinks that was it, but somehow Roman is conscious! Lesnar goes right back to the tractor, backs it up, lowers the loader, and MOVES THE RING?!?! And TIPS IT?!?! Roman tumbles right out!!! This is the first time anyone anywhere can say they’ve seen anything like this!! The count starts, fans are losing their minds, and Roman drags himself up the barriers to stand at 8! But Lesnar is right there, and he clears off the annoucne desk! But THE USOS attack!!
Lesnar OVERHEAD Belly2Belly Suplexes Jimmy, then does the same to Jey! The Usos have rough landings, but Heyman tells Lesnar to stop! Twenty YEARS, Heyman has had it with this! Heyman gives Lesnar the belt and says he is the winner! Just leave the Tribal Chief alone! NOPE! Lesnar gets Heyman up, for an F5 THROUGH THE DESK!! But Roman SPEARS Lesnar!!! Everyone is down but the referee, and he counts! The count is 5! Then 7! Then 8! But both monsters stand at 9!! Roman flops right back down, Lesnar flounders, and HERE COMES THEORY!!! Nashville is booing and freaking out at the same time!
Theory and a ref of his own are here, MITB contract in hand! And Theory CLOBBERS Roman with the briefcase!! But Lesnar gets Theory with an F5 on the briefcase!! Lesnar is standing, Jimmy & Jey DOUBLE SUPERKICK!! The count starts again, Roman is standing against the tipped over ring! Lesnar flounders but we’re at 5 of 10! Roman counts along, we’re at 7! EIGHT! NINE!! Lesnar stands at 9.9999999, but into a SPEAR onto the belts!! Lesnar is down again, the count restarts! Lesnar is up at 9 again?!?!? Roman is furious! He SMACKS Theory for what he tried to pull, then he BASHES Lesnar with the briefcase again and again!
Roman is just windmilling the case! “COUNT HIS ASS NOW!” Lesnar is down as the ref counts again. We reach 5, and then 7. Lesnar is conscious, but he’s still down! Lesnar staggers up at 9 again?!?! Is he truly a beast?! BELT SHOT from Roman!! Cole wishes the ref would count faster! Lesnar is still down at 6 of 10, but he sputters alive at 7! Roman is beside himself as Lesnar gets up again!!! What does Roman have to do!?! Roman has the other belt, he shouts, “You ain’t ever coming back! YOU ain’t welcome here!” BELT SHOT!! And then the Usos help Roman bury Lesnar alive under wreckage! Roman STANDS on the pile, Lesnar can’t get up! ROMAN WINS!
Winner: Roman Reigns (still Undisputed WWE Universal Champion)
Of course this is how it ends! Roman used Heyman, the Usos, everything at ringside, and even Theory distracting Lesnar with his cash-in attempt to finish off the Alpha Male of Our Species! Will the Tribal Chief ever lose these titles with such a stacked deck? Will Lesnar ever return to the WWE after this?
My Thoughts:
What a wild night! Firstly, I was surprised the Raw Women’s Championship opened the night, but we got an awesome match out of Bianca VS Becky. A great story told over the last 11 months, and this was a great culmination. Bianca wins but Becky doesn’t go further Heel by attacking her like a sore loser. If anything, Becky turned face, especially with the shocking return of Bayley, and FINALLY the call-ups of Dakota Kai and Io Shirai. I have a feeling we’re getting a name change since Corey Graves was calling her “Io/Iyo Sky.” It’s whatever, I just wish they didn’t have to. But this is going to be great for Raw, with Bayley, Io and Kai as a trio. Bayley’s the singles champion contender, Kai & “Sky” can be tag title contenders.
Logan VS Miz was really good stuff, but I feel like Logan was almost going too hard at parts. And it was great for AJ Styles to get involved after his own beef with Miz. Logan wins, but I feel like things are only going to escalate from here. Maybe a tag match? Either way, Styles VS Ciampa 1v1 is going to be awesome, especially with HHH in charge to give those guys time to wrestle on the level they can wrestle. Then I actually really like that Lashley VS Theory was short and kinda one-sided. Lashley was not about to let Theory just take the belt back after only a month and let that inflate his ego. Now Lashley can take on any number of contenders through the rest of the year.
We got a rather Zoolander-esque product plug from Maximum Male Models, so that was something. Really good No Disqualification Tag from Mysterios and Judgement Day, but I had a feeling that Edge would make his return here. His only somewhat cryptic vignettes were all leading to this somehow or another, and of course he wants revenge on the faction that beat him down. Edge reuniting with Rey is cool, but is this going to turn into Dom being pushed to the background? Is there going to be a third male member of the Judgement Day under Finn? Or will both those things happen when this compels Dom to see things the Judgement Day’s way?
We got great stuff out of McAfee VS Corbin, especially with Corey and Cole each taking a side on commentary. McAfee did some great stuff in the match, with the ranas and the big swanton off the top. Also a great shout out to Adam Cole hitting a variation on the Panama Sunrise. Not sure if this really ends it since McAfee and Corbin are both on SmackDown, but maybe someone gives Corbin a hard time for losing to McAfee and that becomes Corbin’s new feud. We also got an awesome tag match, with Jarrett doing very well as special guest ref. There wasn’t a lot of controversy, other than each team being a bit selfish that he should’ve given them a better count. In the end, the Usos won, which is a shame for Profits, but maybe there’s a split in the works after all.
If it wasn’t clear before, Riddle being hurt and his match with Rollins being cancelled was all kayfabe. Riddle showed up here tonight, he had a brawl with Rollins, and Rollins got the better of him. Still seems a bit odd they pulled this angle at all but whatever, adds more heat for when they finally do have the match, and it probably saved this PPV’s run time about 20 minutes. Not having a substitute in Riddle’s place is okay, actually, it would’ve just felt like the “mystery opponent” angle at WrestleMania.
A great match for the SmackDown Women’s Championship, and I really like how they played it. Ronda of course dominated, we all expected something like that. But Liv tapping out right before the three count was a great way to put controversy in this. Ronda fans still cheered her snapping and beating up Liv and the ref, so who knows where Ronda goes from here. Liv is free to take on anyone now, though I can’t really be sure who. Maybe Charlotte Flair returns soon? There’s great story there from way back when Charlotte told Liv Morgan to figure herself out. Liv has figured herself out, and now she can show Charlotte who she is!
And of course, an awesome main event! Lesnar bringing a tractor was wild already, but then he jumps off the loader, then uses the tractor to TIP THE WHOLE RING! I meant it when I said no one’s seen anything like that anywhere ever, that is one for the ages. Also, I don’t think anyone anywhere else could get away with tipping a ring over with a tractor other than Lesnar in WWE. I suppose this was WWE going all out for Lesnar since this was his last time facing Roman for the title(s).
I did like that Theory tried but didn’t even get a chance to cash-in. How would that have even worked with the ring tipped over like that? And a Triple Threat Last Man Standing doesn’t even make sense anyway. Still really lame that Roman had to use all of his resources to win, but it was really the only way to stop Lesnar after he became Godzilla in that match. Now McIntyre can dethrone Roman, and then maybe Theory tries to cash-in again to get back at McIntyre for all the Claymores. Clash at the Castle is going to be awesome stuff.
My Score: 9/10
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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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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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