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Mitchell’s WWE Clash at the Castle Results & Report! (9/3/22)

WWE takes over Cardiff!

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WWE Clash at the Castle

Will the Scottish Warrior dethrone the Tribal Chief?

WWE has its first major event in the UK in roughly thirty YEARS! Who will be Undisputed Universal Champion when Roman and McIntyre Clash at the Castle?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

  • Kickoff Show – Mad Cap Moss & The Street Profits VS The Alpha Academy & Austin Theory; Moss & The Profits win.
  • Six Woman Tag: Bianca Belair, Alexa Bliss & Asuka VS Bayley, Dakota Kai & Iyo Sky; Bayley, Kai & Sky win.
  • WWE Intercontinental Championship: GUNTHER w/ Imperium VS Sheamus w/ The Brawling Brutes; Gunther wins and retains the title.
  • SmackDown Women’s Championship: Liv Morgan VS Shayna Baszler; Liv wins and retains the title.
  • Edge & Rey Mysterio w/ Dominik Mysterio VS The Judgement Day; Edge & Rey win.
  • Matt Riddle VS Seth Rollins; Rollins wins.
  • Undisputed WWE Universal Championship: Roman Reigns VS Drew McIntyre; Reigns wins and retains the title.

PLAY BY PLAY

It’s the Clash at the Castle Kickoff show!

Join Jackie Redmond, Matt Camp and Peter Rosenberg in discussing, analyzing and predicting all the action for this historic event in the UK!

 

Wade Barrett joins the panel!

The former Intercontinental Champion of course joins in to talk about Gunther VS Sheamus for the Intercontinental Championship. What does he expect from this match? “Oh my word, when I think about the fact that I retired six years ago, sometimes I think to myself, ‘Maybe I should get back in the ring.’ And then I see two men like Sheamus and Gunther about to tear each other apart and I think, ‘Hell no, I ain’t going anywhere near a ring again. This one is gonna be a match-up you’re gonna have to watch through your fingers.” Barrett’s faced Sheamus many times, and every single match, Barrett and Sheamus were both covered in bruises, but Sheamus kept on swinging.

As for Gunther, he’s a real fighter, but he might’ve bitten off a bit more than he can chew with Sheamus. Matt asks Barrett, as we look at this match and Gunther telling Tyler Bate that the future of European wrestling is on Tyler, how does that not motivate Tyler and Bron Breakker to watch this match here. Yeah, it’s massive. Worlds Collide is tomorrow, 4 PM Eastern. It was huge having Gunther and Finn Balor come by, even with their own hands full. The fact that NXT gets to watch Gunther VS Sheamus will surely fire everyone up for that main event.

Pete says Wade being from the UK, but neither Sheamus or Gunther is from Wales, so who has the closest thing to homefield advantage? Well, the key thing here is that this stadium will be loaded with people from across the UK. From Scotland, Ireland and the rest of Europe. Homefield advantage is going to help Sheamus and even Drew McIntyre. And yes, they’re all from different countries within the UK and the isles, but their culture is all the same. They wall watch the same TV, listen tot he same music, all drink the same beer.

There is sporting rivalry, but they’re all the same, just with different accents. Wade knows the English and Welsh will still support Sheamus and Drew, who will be the heroes to the next generation, just like they and Wade watched those greats from 30 years ago like the British Bulldog. The Bulldog was a big inspiration to Wade, so 30 years from now, there will be kids here today working in the WWE after seeing what Drew and Sheamus did. Katie’s got chills, but she admits this impact is beyond who has the titles at the end. It’s about the fans watching here today. But because this is the Kickoff, Wade has to choose: Sheamus or Gunther?

Wade wants Sheamus because Sheamus wants that title, that same title Wade held five times so that tells you how good Wade was. But Sheamus won everything else, so Wade needs something to hang his hat on. Gunther will get it done to help Wade. Will there be some bad news for Barrett later today?

 

Kickoff Show – Six Man Tag: Mad Cap Moss & The Street Profits VS The Alpha Academy & Austin Theory!

The action gets going already as Raging Riddick teams with Montez Ford & Angelo Dawkins against some real jokers. Will Moss & the Profits be up and give Cardiff the smoke? Or will Chad Gable, Otis and the Youngest Mr. Money in the Bank SHOOSH all of Wales?

The teams sort out and Dawkins starts against Gable. They tie up, Dawkins headlocks but Gable powers out. Dawkins runs Gable over, things keep moving, and Dawkins hurdles to whip Gable. Gable rolls Dawkins but Dawkins slips away. Things keep moving, Gable hurdles but Dawkins handsprings! Gable arm-drags but Dawkins arm-drags back! Dawkins then fakes Gable out to DECK him with that right hand! Ford mocks Gable and then Dawkins tags him in. The Profits whip Gable and DROPKICK him down! Ford kips up and taunts “For The Academy!” Ford drags Gable up, wrenches and whips, but Gable ducks ‘n’ dodges.

Gable catches the leap into an ANKLE LOCK! Ford endures, moves around, rolls, and throws Gable away! Theory tags in before the ENZIGURI! Ford keep son Gable but Gable reverses the whip. Ford goes up and over but Theory CHOP BLOCKS him! Theory and Gable POST Ford, and then Ford falls out of the ring! Theory soaks up the heat as fans boo. Gable tells them to SHOOSH! Theory drags Ford up and smacks him off the apron. Theory puts Ford in, fans taunt Theory, but Theory says he does NOT suck! Theory drags Ford up, ROCKS him with a left, then CHOKES him on the ropes! The fans boo but Theory soaks it up.

Theory drags Ford up and puts him in the corner. Otis tags in, Theory hands Ford off to a scoop SLAM! Otis flexes, runs, and SPLASHES! Otis tags Gable and Gable drags Ford up. Gable grinds the arm with a mounted armlock, then steps over to wrench it. Ford endures, fans rally up, and Ford reaches out. Gable DECKS Dawkins then puts Ford in the corner. Tag to Theory, he and Gable double back suplex, but Ford lands on his feet! Ford leaps but can’t reach Moss! So Ford hits a DOUBLE DDT! Fans rally up, Ford crawls, hot tag to Moss! Moss rallies on Theory and the Academy! He DECKS Otis, dodges Theory then builds speed to CLOBBER him!

Moss keeps going and CLBOBERS Gable! Wales gives him a standing ovation before Moss RAMS into Theory! Theory fights off the neckbreaker to ROCK Moss! Dawkins tags in, dodges theory, hurdles him and FLYING ELBOWS! Then a CYCLONE SPLASH in the corner! ENZIGURI follows it up, then the SILENCER! Cover, TWO! Dawkins keeps focus, brings Theory up, but no Anointing! Theory fireman’s carries but Dawkins shoves him away> Gable tags in, Dawkins DECKS Theory but Gable hits CHAOS THEORY! Cover, Moss breaks it! Theory slingshot SHOTGUNS Moss! Ford ENZIGURIS Theory, Otis dodges with a roll to POUNCE Ford!!

Otis roars, Moss runs in and RAMS him! Otis rebounds, Moss scoops him! For a FALL AWAY SLAM!! Wales is loving Moss! Gable returns, Moss dodges but Gable CROSSBODIES then DUMPS him out! Gable goes to the apron to get Ford and drag him up. Ford holds onto the ropes as Gable tries to German Suplex him! Dawkins gets over there and drags Gable away! Ford gets in the ring, builds speed, and FLIES! BLOCKBUSTER DOOMSDAY ONTO THE PILE! Fans are thunderous as the Profits put Gable in! Ford tags in and climbs up top! FROM THE HEAVENS!! Cover, Moss & The Profits win!

Winners: Mad Cap Moss & The Street Profits, by pinfall

What a way to kick off the action in Cardiff! Moss and the Profits got that smoke, will they get that gold on the other side of the Clash?

 

“In this kingdom of castles here in Wales…”

“… where history prevails and beauty transcends, something unimaginable has come alive. Sons and daughters, the time has come to ignite the fires within. To fight. Who here will be valiant? Who now will be strong? For the clash of a lifetime has begun! Heed the call. Prepare to storm. And arm for battle! For the first time in Cardiff, Wales, this is Clash at the Castle!”

 

Six Woman Tag: Bianca Belair, Alexa Bliss & Asuka VS Bayley, Dakota Kai & Iyo Sky!

The RawEST Women’s Champion leads the way for the Five Foot Fury and the Empress of Tomorrow as they look to defend the Raw Women’s Division! But will no one be ready for this combination? Or Role Model, #CobraKai and the Evil Genius take control in Cardiff?

The trios sort out and Bianca starts against Bayley. Fans sing “Hey~ Bayley! Hoo! Hah! I wanna knoOOooow, will you be my girl?” Bayley tells them shush, that’s not her anymore! Bayley and Bianca circle, then Bayley sucker punches Asuka! But Bianca sucker punches Iyo! The teams pour in and the ref tells them to stand down. But Alexa SLAPS Dakota! The brawl is on!! Asuka throws Dakota out, Alexa throws Iyo out, and Bianca CLUBS away on Bayley! Bianca shoves Bayley and runs her over, then RAMS her into the corner! The ref counts, Bianca TOSSES Bayley, then DROPKICKS her down!

Bianca kips up and fans fire up! Bianca handsprings but Kai & Sky trip her up and drag her out! Fans boo but “Damage Control” regroups. Alexa ROCKS Kai but Sky kicks her back. Kai & Sky double suplex but Alexa fights it! Asuka CLUBS Kai & Sky then joins Alexa. But Bayley joins her team, only for Bianca to join hers! TRIPLE SUPLEX! Fans fire up for the RawEST, and they set DMG CTRL up. HANDSPRING MOONSAULT for all three! Triple cover, TWO! Fans rally up while DMG CTRL regroups outside. Bianca tags Alexa in and she calls Bayley out. Bayley gets in and fans keep singing. So Bayley tags out to Iyo!

Iyo and Alexa circle, fans rally up, and Alexa dodges the haymaker but Iyo blocks the kick! Iyo eggs Alexa on so Alexa SLAPS and ROCKS Iyo! Iyo kicks back, whips her to ropes, then things speed up. Alexa stops herself to stand on Iyo! Then she skateboard stomps her! Alexa lets off. Iyo gets up but into a drop toehold! INSULT 2 INJURY! Cover, TWO! Alexa drags Iyo but Iyo resists and waistlocks. Alexa fights free, but Iyo dodges and tags Bayley back in! Bayley kicks low and CLUBS away on Alexa! Bayley tells the fans to stop cheering! Bayley puts Alexa in the corner, Dakota tags in and she stomps Alexa down.

The ref counts a Dakota digs her boots in, then Bayley tags back in. Bayley stalks Alexa, but Alexa drop toeholds her! Tag to Asuka and they double whip Bayley to ROCK her, BULLDOG, and Asuka throws HIP ATTACK after HIP ATTACK! Asuka taunts Bayley but Bayley blocks the Buzzsaw to trip her up! Bayley drags Asuka up but Asuka waistlocks. Bayley bucks that while Iyo tags in. Iyo runs in, is sent out, but Bayley whips Asuka! Asuka goes up the corner to missile dropkick! Only for Iyo to SPRINGBOARD MISSILE DROPKICK! Iyo slaps Asuka around but Asuka gets mad! Asuka SLAPS, fires off palm strikes, but Iyo goes Matrix! Roll-up, TWO!

Iyo blocks the haymaker to wrench, but Asuka ducks the roundhouse only for the HEEL KICK to get her! Iyo bumps Asuka off buckles, Dakota tags in, and Dakota CLUBS away. Asuka throws body shots back as fans rally, but Dakota throws Asuka down! Cover, TWO! Dakota is annoyed but she HIP DROPS Asuka’s arm. Asuka endures the armlock but Dakota bumps her off buckles. Tag to Bayley and fans fire up again! Bayley is annoyed so she tags out to Iyo! Iyo sits Asuka down and stands on her chest! The ref counts, Iyo swings to DOUBLE KNEE! Cover, TWO! Iyo steps on Asuka and tags in Bayley.

Bayley stalks Asuka, grinds her arm, but Asuka reaches for her corner! Bayley coordinates with her team, tag to Dakota and she waits. Asuka whips Bayley away, tags Alexa, and Alexa CANNONBALLS onto Bayley! But Dakota runs in to SHOTGUN Alexa! Dakota gets in the ring as the ring count climbs, and she taunts Alexa. Alexa crawls at 6 of 10, but Dakota goes out to fetch her. Cover, TWO! Dakota drags Alexa up, suplexes, then covers, TWO! Fans rally but Dakota taunts the EST. Dakota HIP DROPS Alexa, then drags her away. Dakota whips Alexa into the corner, digs her boot in, and the ref counts. Dakota lets off at 4, then tags Iyo.

Dakota mocks Bianca while Iyo stomps Alexa. Iyo drags Alexa up, wrenches, whips but Alexa blocks! Alexa and Iyo fire off forearms, and Alexa gets the edge! Alexa whips Iyo but Iyo reverses and Alexa hits buckles! Iyo drags Alexa up to whip her at the ropes, then FLAPJACKS her! Iyo kips up and covers, TWO! Bayley taunts Bianca but Iyo bumps Alexa off buckles. Iyo tags Dakota and Dakota stomps Alexa. Tag back to Iyo, she wrenches Alexa and hammerlocks the arm. Iyo sits Alexa down and keeps on the arm. Alexa endures and throws body shots. JAWBREAKER! Iyo staggers, Dakota tags in, but Alexa gives Iyo a CODE RED!

BOOT WASH from Kai! Cover, TWO!! Alexa survives that bait ‘n’ switch but Dakota CLUBS away on Alexa. Dakota tags Bayley in, they mug Alexa, then Dakota tags back in. Bayley whips Alexa to a corner, Dakota whips Bayley in but Alexa puts her on the apron! Alexa ELBOWS Dakota then RANAS her away! Fans fire up as Alexa crawls for her corner! But Bayley yanks Bianca down! Bayley tweaked her own knee, but then Dakota SHOTGUNS Bianca! Bayley was faking the knee, she RAMS Bianca into barriers! Alexa DDTs Dakota! Hot tags to Asuka and Iyo! MISSILE DROPKICK for yo! HIP ATTACK for Dakota! Asuka dodges and runs Bayley over!

Asuka HIP ATTACKS Iyo! Iyo fights the bulldog but the POP-UP KNEE! BACKHANDS! SOBATS! GERMAN SUPLEX!! SLIDING KICK!! Cover, DMG CTRL breaks it up!! Alexa ROCKS Dakota, but turns into a BAYLEY2BELLY! Bayley goes to her corner, Asuka blocks Iyo’s kick! Iyo rolls to spike Asuka, then BUZZSAW! Tag to Bayley and she hauls Asuka up! Wrench and Iyo returns, sunset rewind, SLIDING LARIAT! Cover, TWO! Asuka gets to a corner and Bayley is frustrated. Bayley runs in but into a CODE BREAKER! Both women are down but reaching for their corners! Hot tag to Bianca!!

Bianca rallies on Bayley, DROPKICKS her, then kips up! Bianca RAMS into Bayley at the corner, and again and again! Bianca whips corner to corner, Bayley reverses, but Bianca goes up and over, handsprings and SPINEBUSTERS! Bianca STANDING MOONSAULTS! Cover, TWO! Fans rally but Bayley rakes Bianca’s eyes! Tag to Dakota and she runs in. Bianca elbows Dakota, RAMS Bayley, and hoists Bayley up top! Bianca climbs up after Bayley but the ref keeps saying Bayley isn’t legal. Dakota runs in, Bianca flips up and over her! Bianca RAMS Kai into Sky! Bianca runs in but Bayley POSTS her!

Bayley traps Bianca with her braid! But Asuka & Alexa get Bayley for a DOUBLE SUPERPLEX! Everyone is down and Cardiff fires up! Kai & Sky drag Alex a& Asuka out, stomp them down, then Iyo ASAI MOONSAULTS! But Bianca rolls Dakota up! TWO, and Bianca deadlifts Dakota! Dakota fights free, BOOTS back, but Bianca ROCKS her in the corner! Bianca trophy lifts Dakota and fans give a standing ovation! But Iyo runs in, so Bianca SMACK Her with Dakota’s boots! FALL AWAY SLAM! Dakota grabs at ropes and Bianca grabs at her. The ref counts, Bianca lets go at 4. SCORPION- NO, Bianca turns kick into lift, and POWERBOMB!

Bianca hurries to a corner and climbs up top! Fans fire up for the 450EST- NO, Bianca has to bail out as Dakota moves! SCORPION KCIK! Then Around the World, but Bianca dodges! Torture rack, but Iyo saves Dakota from it! Bayley gets the braid! AROUND THE WORLD BOOT!! And then tag to Iyo, tag to Bayley! ROSE PLANT OVER THE MOONSAULT! Cover, DMG CTRL wins!!

Winners: Bayley, Dakota Kai & Iyo Sky, by pinfall

The Role Model just pinned the Raw Women’s Champion! Granted, it was a string of attacks from all three opponents, but is this a sign that Raw is now under their control?

 

WWE honors the “greatest match in SummerSlam history.”

Welcome the family of the British Bulldog, Davey Boy Smith, and Bret Hart himself! Bret and the Bulldog fought over the Intercontinental Championship, and look what’s next!

WWE Intercontinental Championship: GUNTHER w/ Ludwig Kaiser VS Sheamus w/ The Brawling Brutes!

Der Ring General dominated European wrestling and even the UK scene, but now he wants to take over the world through this prestigious title. However, this is the one title the Celtic Warrior has yet to hold. Will Cardiff see the crowning of an ULTIMATE GRAND SLAM CHAMPION?

Ludwig makes the introductions for- Wait! Giovanni Vinci?! Formerly Fabian Aichner and formerly of Imperium, is now BACK IN Imperium! Will having his forces back at 100% help “YOUR Intercontinental Champion” stay champion?

Dunne and Ridge brawl with Ludwig and Vinci! Vinci TOSSES Dunne, Ridge CLOBBERS Ludwig, they brawl now, and things spill out of the ring! Imperium pinballs Ridge and stomps him down! But Dunne is up top to ARIHARA MOONSAULT them down! Gunther and Sheamus haven’t even moved yet! The bell rings and the brawl is on in the ring! Sheamus backs Gunther down to a corner and fires off, but Gunther turns it around to CLUB away! Sheamus throws hands back, they scrap, and Gunther EuroUppers! Sheamus BOOTS and ROCKS and ROCKS Gunther again! Gunther turns things around to CHOP! And CHOP! And ROCK Sheamus!

Sheamus ROCKS Gunther back! Gunther headlocks, Sheamus powers out, they RAM shoulders, then Gunther BOOTS Sheamus down! Fans are fired up while the others are taken to the back. Gunther CLUBS Sheamus, suplexes, but Sheamus fights that to suplex Gunther! Sheamus CLUBS Gunther, ROCKS him, but Gunther kicks low. Gunther kicks low again, EuroUppers, but Sheamus fires back! Sheamus whips, Gunther reverses but Sheamus KICKS him! Sheamus mule kicks, front kicks, and Gunther goes to the apron. Fans are fired up for Sheamus as he grabs Gunther at the ropes. But Gunther slips free and drags Sheamus down.

Sheamus kicks Gunther away, follows him around the way, and RAMS him into steel steps! The ring count starts but Sheamus fires up Cardiff. Sheamus drags Gunther up at 4 of 10, puts him in at 5, and then drags Gunther up the ropes. Fans fire up but Gunther resists. Sheamus forces Gunther to stand, and he forces those arms into the ropes! Gunther still fights, gets free and ROCKS Sheamus! Sheamus ROCKS Gunther back! And again! Sheamus steps in but Gunther puts him in the corner to CHOP! And CHOP! Sheamus shoves Gunther away, BOOTS him down, and then skins the cat to the top rope!

But Gunther CHOPS Sheamus off the corner and to the floor! Gunther goes out after Sheamus and he pulls the steel steps apart! Fans fire up as Gunther sets the steps and brings Sheamus around. Gunther CHOPS Sheamus, then scoops him to SLAM him on the steel steps! Gunther then goes into the ring as the count climbs. Sheamus drags himself back to the ring at 7 of 10 and slides in at 9! Gunther is annoyed but he looms over Sheamus. Gunther CLUBS Sheamus, stalks him to a corner, and CHOPS him! Sheamus ROCKS Gunther, Gunther CHOPS, Sheamus CHOPS! Gunther CHOPS Sheamus again and Sheamus staggers!

Gunther sits Sheamus up to CHOP him down! Gunther kicks Sheamus around and dares him to get up. Fans rally for Sheamus as he sits up, and Gunther CHOPS him! Gunther eggs Sheamus on, CHOPS him, but Sheamus throws body shots! Gunther SLAPS Sheamus, then BOOTS him down! Gunther drags Sheamus up, CHOPS him against the ropes, CHOPS and ROCKS and CHOPS again! The ref counts, Gunther CHOPS again and lets off. Sheamus leans against the ropes but stays in the ring. Sheamus grits his teeth and stands back up and the fans rally again. Gunther BOOTS and Sheamus staggers then flops down!

Gunther drags Sheamus from the ropes by a leg, then turns Sheamus over to get both legs. Sheamus resists the turn, but Gunther powers through to the BOSTON CRAB! Sheamus endures, crawls forward, but Gunther shifts into an STF! Fans boo but Sheamus still endures. Sheamus pries free of the crossface and BENDS Gunther’s fingers! Gunther CLUBS Sheamus, then CHOPS him on the back! Fans boo but Gunther just soaks it all in. Gunther KNEES Sheamus in the side, BOOTS him, but fans are still rallying for the Fella! Sheamus throws body shots, but Gunther ROCKS him! Sheamus ROCKS Gunther!

Gunther dodges to ROCK Sheamus in the back! Gunther kicks and CLUBS but Sheamus CHOPS and CHOPS! Gunther wrenches the arm, and CHOPS Sheamus off his feet! Gunther holds onto the wrist while fans boo, and Gunther drags Sheamus back up. Gunther wrenches again, then CHOPS Sheamus back down. Fans boo more but Gunther drags Sheamus up again. Gunther CHOPS and Sheamus drops to a knee. Sheamus glares defiantly but Gunther wrenches again. Sheamus blocks the chop! Fans fire up and Sheamus ROCKS Gunther with forearm after forearm! Gunther wobbles but he RAMS Sheamus into a corner!

Gunther tosses Sheamus out, goes out after him, and scoops him again, to SLAM him on the floor! Sheamus writhes but Gunther drags him up, to TOSS him over the announce desk! Gunther taunts the fans then drags Sheamus up. Sheamus SMACKS Gunther off the desk! And again! And then gives him BEATS OF THE BODHRAIN!! Fans count to five but Gunther gets away into the ring! Sheamus pursues and CLOBBERS Gunther! Gunther goes to the apron, but Sheamus drags him up! Fans rally as Sheamus gives more BEATS OF THE BODHRAIN! He goes past 10 but Gunther gets away again! Sheamus goes out after Gunther, but Gunther TOSSES him over the barriers!

But Sheamus hits Gunther back! Sheamus gives Gunther MORE BEATS OF THE BODHRAIN! And he goes all the way to 15!! Gunther flounders away and Sheamus pursues! Sheamus puts Gunther in the ring, climbs up a corner, and KING KONG KNEE DROPS!! Fans fire up with Sheamus! Sheamus fireman’s carries but Gunther slips off to ROCK Sheamus! Sheamus ROCKS Gunther, so Gunther CHOPS Sheamus! Sheamus ROCKS Gunther again, Gunther CHOPS Sheamus again. ROCK! CHOP! ROCK! CHOP! They speed it up and Sheamus gets the edge! But Gunther gest around to GERMAN SUPLEX! Sheamus sits back up!

Sheamus runs in, into a CHOP! Sheamus rebounds to KNEE Gunther down! Cover, TWO!! Sheamus almost had Gunther there! “This is Awesome!” and it’s still going as both men stir. Sheamus watches Gunter rise, and he reels him in for the clinch. Gunther fights that off with elbows, then he CLUBS Sheamus! SLEEPER!! Gunther squeezes tight but Sheamus moves around! Sheamus drops to a knee and Gunther leans on the hold but fans rally up. Sheamus fights up, pries at the hold, but Gunther turns him around! Sheamus fights the lift and fireman’s carries for WHITE NOISE! Cover, TWO!! Gunther survives again!

Fans rally harder and harder as Sheamus stands again. Gunther crawls to a corner but Sheamus takes aim. Cardiff is on its feet as Sheamus beats his chest! Gunther stands, but he dodges the Brogue to waistlock! Sheamus elbows free but Gunther SHOTGUNS him into the corner! Gunther drags Sheamus up, GENERAL BOMB! Cover, TWO!! Gunther is freaking out that Sheamus survives! Gunther stomps Sheamus down, drags him around, then stomps him some more! Gunther goes up the corner, but Sheamus hurries up to SLAP him! And CHOP him! And CHOP, and CHOP! Gunther CHOPS back but Sheamus ROCKS and CHOPS him again!

Sheamus and Gunther brawl, Gunther throwing down some hard SLAPS! Sheamus staggers away, Gunther adjusts, but Sheamus BOOTS the ropes to trip Gunther up! Sheamus then turns Gunther around and brings Gunther out on the crucifix! A shoutout to another great Intercontinental Champion! RAZOR’S EDGE!! Sheamus crawls to the cover, TWO!?! Gunther survives and Scott Hall must be looking down in a bit of disappointment. Sheamus crawls to a corner, fans are thunderous and Sheamus glares at Gunther. Gunther stands, Sheamus runs, but his back! Gunther gets Sheamus up, GENERAL BOMB!! But Gunther can’t cover from his own fatigue!

Sheamus sits up! He shakes his head as Gunther gets pissed!! Gunther CLOBBERS Sheamus!!! Cover, Gunther wins!!

Winner: Gunther, by pinfall (still WWE Intercontinental Champion)

It was a war like none other, but it took one last shot to finish Sheamus off! Will Der Ring General continue to brutally and unequivocally dominate the WWE?

 

SmackDown Women’s Championship: Liv Morgan VS Shayna Baszler!

Once again, the champion goes in an underdog. Liv cashed in on Ronda Rousey, then survived her in the rematch, and now she’s going up against one of Ronda’s former friends and training partners in the Queen of Spades. Will Liv keep her reign alive? Or will the Submission Magician tear the title away from whatever’s left of Liv in the end?

The introductions are made, the title is raised, and we see if Liv will #TapNapOrSnap!

Liv and Shayna stare down at the bell while fans rally up. They circle, tie up, and Shayna goes right for the bad arm! Liv uses that to roll Shayna, ONE! Shayna blocks a kick, spins Liv, but Liv drops out of the sleeper to a victory roll! TWO, and Liv steals the KIRAFUDA! But Shayna easily breaks that free to get the ARMBAR! Liv moves around, Oklahoma Roll, TWO! Shayna smirks and Liv says it was that close. The two reset and circle. Liv dodges the haymaker to RANA! Shayna gets up, into a SHOTGUN from Liv! Fans fire up and Liv runs in at the ropes to SHOTGUN Shayna again!

Liv SHINING WIZARDS in a corner, rolls and runs in, but Shayna dodges. Liv BOOTS Shayna, goes up the corner and reels Shayna in. Liv hops around the ropes, but Shayna HOTSHOTS Liv down! Shayna taunts Liv and goes out after her. Liv throws hands but Shayna hammerlocks the arm and RAMS Liv into the barriers! Shayna puts Liv in and covers, TWO! Shayna rains down fists on Liv, then lets off to grab the bad arm. Shayna stands on Liv’s face then twists the arm. Shayna steps over to wrench the elbow, then she YANKS the arm! Liv cries in pain and gets to ropes. Shayna taunts the champ, but Liv elbows her away!

Liv goes to a corner, BOOTS Shayna again, then goes up and over! Liv rolls, runs in, but Shayna LARIATS! Cover, TWO! Shayna taunts Liv more, twists the wrist and then the elbow. Fans rally and Liv fires off body shots! Liv fires off haymakers but Shayna shoves her away then GERMAN SUPLEXES her! And KNEES her at the ropes! Liv dangles out of the ring but Shayna drags her in to cover, TWO! Liv clutches her bad arm but Shayna paces around. Shayna lines it up, and PENALTY KICKS the bad arm! Liv flounders and writhes in pain but Shayna taunts her. Shayna dares Liv to get up like she always does.

Liv kicks Shayna, but Shayna twists the arm again! Shayna almost toys with Liv as she finds angles to bend the arm. Liv CLAWS at Shayna’s other arm, but Shayna double wristlocks! Liv throws kicks while fans rally up. Shayna floats, gets the legs, but Liv boots her away! Liv avoids the kick this time, and JAWBREAKERS Shayna away! Shayna comes back, Liv ducks under, goes up, and missile dropkicks back! Fans fire up while both women are down! Liv and Shayna stir as a standing count starts. Shayna gets to ropes, drags herself up, and Liv stirs at 7 of 10. Liv kips up at 8! Liv roars and fires off haymakers! Kick and KICK and ENZIGURI!

Liv whips, Shayna reverses but Liv ducks ‘n’ dodges to springboard and CODE BREAKER! Cover, TWO! Shayna is still in this and Liv is frustrated. Liv drags Shayna up, but Shayna fires off hands! Shayna KICKS the leg, runs in, but Liv dodges! Shayna knees buckles, and Liv goes up. Liv leaps into a KNEE! Cover, TWO!! Shayna is furious but she taunts Liv to fight like always. Shayna drags Liv around, isolates the bad arm, lets her hair down and smiles sadistically. Shayna says that would be too easy, though. But Liv rolls through to TRIANGLE HOLD! Shayna deadlifts but Liv CLUBS away! Liv has Shayna down in an ARMBAR!!

Fans fire up as Shayna endures now! Liv wants to hurt Shayna but Shayna stacks the cover! TWO, and Liv has the ARMBAR again! Shayna clasps hands, fights back up, and STOMPS away on Liv! Gut wrench SLAM! RUNNING KNEE!! Cover, TWO!! Liv survives and fans rally up. Shayna ROCKS Liv to a corner, hoists her up top, then SLAPS her! Shayna climbs up after Liv, twists the arm, and has a double wristlock. Liv CLUBS Shayna, slips out and uses the arm to dribble Shayna off the buckles! Fans fire up and Liv lets off. Shayna is stuck up top, so Liv runs back in and SUNSET FLIP POWERBOMBS! Cover, TWO!! KIRAFUDA KLUTCH!!!

Liv claws at the hold but Shayna shifts to an ARMBAR! Shayna can only use one arm because Liv did damage back! Liv rolls to the ROPEBREAK! Shayna lets off in frustration, but she watches Liv stand. Shayna storms over, KIRAFUDA KLUTCH! Liv flails and rolls back, TWO!! Shayna kicks but misses, CODE BREAKER!! ObLIVion!!! Cover, LIV WINS!!!

Winner: Liv Morgan, by pinfall (still SmackDown Women’s Champion)

Liv manages to turn the tide in an instant and takes the win! Will Liv continue to survive by the skin of her teeth and stay on top of the SmackDown Women’s Division?

 

Edge & Rey Mysterio w/ Dominik Mysterio VS The Judgement Day!

The Rated R Superstar tried to set the new generation free, but those he taught misinterpreted his lessons and betrayed him. Now Edge and the King of Lucha look to humble the Judgement Day and teach them about respect. Will the former WWE Tag Team Championship duo rekindle that connection? Or will the Prince and the Punisher finish what they started?

Fans are so excited to see Edge, they sing his theme song! But then the Judgement Day makes their entrance and they bring the mood down. The teams sort out and Rey starts against Finn. Fans are fired up for both sides as Finn circles with Rey. Finn talks trash on Edge, but fans rally up for Rey. Rey and Finn tie up, Finn throws body shots and then bumps Rey off buckles. Finn throws body shots, CHOPS, then keeps Rey in the corner to whip corner to corner. Finn runs in to CHOP! Finn smothers Rey, the ref counts, and Finn lets off. Finn whips corner to corner, Rey goes up and over, ducks ‘n’ dodges, then KICKS and ROCKS Finn back!

Rey whips, Finn reverses and kicks low, to then sunset flip! Rey rolls through to BUZZSAW! Rey baits Finn in and elbows him, then tilt-o-whirls and RANAS! Finn is dizzy and he staggers to the Judgement Day corner. Tag to Priest, and fans boo. Priest calls Edge out! Fans are thunderous for that! Rey tags Edge in! Edge and Priest circle, tie up, and Priest ROCKS Edge! Edge drops to a knee, Priest tosses him to a corner to ROCK and fire off shots! Priest UPPERCUTS, then he glares at Dominik. Priest ROCKS Edge, whips him corner to corner, but Rey is a bumper to block! Edge comes back and fires off on Priest!

Fans fire up as Edge lets off, and Edge whips Priest. Finn tries to be a bumper but Edge fakes him out! Priest goes into the other corner, Edge KICKS Finn down, then he RAMS Priest and TOSSES him out! Rhea is furious but Rey tags in, Edge gives Rey a boost to ALLEY-OOP him onto the Judgement Day! Fans are fired up again as Rey puts Priest back in. Rey KICKS Priest’s leg, ROCKS him, then runs. Rey QUEBRADAS, but Priest catches him to a FALCON ARROW! Priest rains down forearms but fans boo. Priest drags Rey up to BOOT him to the corner. Priest glares at Edge, runs at Rey and back elbows!

Tag to Finn and Priest snampares Rey for Finn’s slingshot stomp! Finn soaks up the heat and drags Rey back up. Finn bumps Rey off buckles, RAMS into him, then tags Priest. BACKBREKER to LEG DROP! Cover, TWO! Fans rally while Priest clamps on a chinlock. Priest grinds Rey down, Rey fights up but Priest whips him to ropes. Reu KICKS back, but Priest SUPERKICKS Rey down! Priest pushes Edge but the ref has Edge stand down. Priest SPITS on Edge! Priest drags Rey away and tags in Finn. Priest whips Rey and mule kicks, Finn front kicks, Priest ROUNDHOUSES and Finn SHOTGUNS! Cover, TWO!

Finn stays on Rey and snap suplexes! Finn holds on for Uno Amigo! Fans boo as Finn CLUBS Rey down and raises his hands. Rhea laughs at the Amigo swerve, and Finn CLUBS Rey down into the chinlock. Fans rally as Rey endures and fights up. Rhea tells fans to shut up but Rey JAWBREAKERS free! Finn keeps Rey from Edge and KNEES him low! Finn whips Rey into the open corner, runs in, but Rey dropkicks the legs out! Finn hits buckles and both men are down! Fans rally up, Finn gets a foot! Rey ENZIGURIS Finn away! Priest tags in, and he BOOTS Edge down! Priest drags Rey up to TOSS him out!

The ref keeps Priest in the ring but Priest argues with her. Finn uses that to line up a shot, only for Rey to TOSS him into the crowd! Rey goes up the barriers but Priest goes up after him! Priest brings Rey around, but Rey fights the lift! Rey trips Priest up! Priest lands on his punisher! Rey hurries back to the ring, Rhea panics, and Rey is crawling! Rhea shouts at Priest to do something! Priest gets off the barrier, gets in the ring and he just manages to anchor Rey! Priest drags Rey back but Rey BOOTS Priest! Hot tags to Edge and Finn! Edge dodges Priest, CLOBBERS Finn, then CLOBBERS Priest! BOOT for Finn, FLAPJACK for Priest! IMPALER for Finn!!

Fans are thunderous again but Rhea is furious! Edge aims at Finn, but Priest is on the apron! Edge DECKS Priest, Rey SEATED ESNEONS Priest down! Edge drop toeholds Finn onto ropes! Is he really?! Edge dials it up! 619!! Rey goes up top for the FROG SPLASH!! Edge covers, Priest breaks it just in time! Priest choke grips Rey, but Rey goes up the ropes! Edge SPEARS Priest off the apron!! Both men are down and even Dom is shocked! Finn whips and slides Rey out of the ring hard! Finn snarls, but Edge HOTSHOTS him! Edge runs, into a SLINGBLADE! Rhea cheers as Finn aims, SHOTGUN!

Edge is down in the drop zone! Finn goes up top, but Dom distracts the ref! Rey fires off on Finn! Rey goes up for a SUPER STEINER! Finn hits hard but Rhea CLOBBERS Dom! Rhea RAMS Dom into barriers, then scoops him, but Rey DIVES! Direct hit and down goes Rhea!! Rey gets in, runs at Finn and RANAS him onto ropes! Now Rey dials it up, but Finn CLOBBERS Rey! And KICKS him out of the ring! Finn mocks Rey, builds speed, but Dom trips him up!! Rey dropkicks Finn onto ropes, redials, and 619!! SPEAR OUTTA NOWHERE!! Cover, Edge & Rey win!

Winners: Edge & Rey Mysterio, by pinfall

Dom wasn’t sure about the team-up but he showed solidarity here in the end! The family that fights together wins together, and this is family! Rey has Dom join in on the celebration, but Dom LOW BLOWS Edge?!?! Rey is pissed but Dom is pissed at Edge! Rey tries to get Dom to please just understand, but then Dom CLOBBERS REY!! Judgement Day is laughing like this is the greatest thing ever! Fans boo but Dom doesn’t care about them. Dom rips up his Mysterio shirt and storms off, why has he done this?!

 

Matt Riddle VS Seth Rollins!

There has been beef between the Stallion and the Visionary for months now, and after taking a detour around SummerSlam, we finally see these two throw down! Will the Bro give the Architect what he deserves for what he’s done and said to him? Or will Seth Freakin’ Rollins #BurnItDown in Cardiff?

The bell rings and the brawl is on! Fans fire up as the hands fly, and Riddle adds kicks! Riddle KICKS away in the corner but Rollins gest away. Riddle fires off forearms, Rollins throws body shots, they end up in a corner and Riddle fires off knees! Riddle KICKS away again, the ref has Riddle back off! They argue, but then Riddle backs down. Rollins goes out, Riddle pursues but Rollins hits back! Riddle RAMS Rollins into the apron, puts him back in the ring, and he gut wrench suplexes! Riddle holds on, drags Rollins back up and hits another gut wrench suplex! Fans fire up and Riddle storms up, into a throat chop!

Rollins runs and ROCKS Riddle with a right! Rollins CHOPS, runs, but into a KICK! Riddle drops the BROTON! And then another BROTON! Cover, TWO! Fans sing Rollins’ theme but Riddle is after him at the ropes. Rollins FLAPJACK HOTSHOTS Riddle down! Rollins aims at Riddle in the corner, runs in, but into the headscissors! TRIANGLE HOLD! Rollins scrambles around, deadlifts Riddle, and runs at the ropes! But Riddle RANAS Rollins out! Riddle aims from the apron but Rollins blocks the Penalty Kick! BARRIER BOMB!! Riddle crashes hard, and a cameraman is even affected!

Rollins leaves Riddle behind, gest back in the ring, and the ring count climbs. Fans chant “We Want Tables!” but this isn’t No Disqualifications! Riddle stands, Rollins DIVES and sends Riddle onto the announce table! Rollins drags Riddle up and back into the ring. Rollins drags Riddle back up, and short arm LARIATS! Fans are torn as Rollins stands over The Bro. Rollins smiles and drags Riddle up, but Riddle fires off body shots! Riddle runs, into an ELBOW! Cover, TWO! Rollins rains down fists on Riddle, but the ref reprimands about them being closed fists. Rollins argues with the ref now, and the ref warns him like he did Riddle.

Rollins kicks Riddle around, toys with him, but Riddle CHOPS and KICKS and KICKS! Rollins ducks, rolls Riddle, TWO! SUPERKICK! Cover, TWO!! Rollins suplexes for the FALCON ARROW! Cover, TWO!! Riddle survives that onslaught and Rollins is seething. Fans rally up and sing again, “OH~ OH~ OOOH~!” Rollins smiles as he stands up. Rollins runs, but into a BOOT! Riddle elbows Rollins away, goes up top, but Rollins trips him up! Rollins climbs up and grins as he brings Riddle into the dragon sleeper. Riddle fights the superplex off, throws more elbows, then adjusts. But Rollins goes out to GAMANGIRI!

Riddle is in a Tree of Woe now! Rollins climbs up, stands on Riddle’s leg, and then give shim WOE STOMPS! Cover, TWO!! Rollins is annoyed but he smirks again. Rollins suplexes Riddle to put him back up top, then Rollins throws body shots. Rollins ROCKS Riddle with a right, then climbs up after him. Fans rally and duel as Riddle ROCKS Rollins back! Riddle stands Rollins up but Rollins throws body shots! SUPERPLEX, and roll through, but RIDDLE FISHERMAN BUSTERS!! Riddle and Rollins are both down and fans fire up! Rollins stands first, he storms over to Riddle but into PALM STRIKES!

Riddle BOOTS, shoots around, ripcords, FINAL FLASH! Riddle forearm smashes in the corner, then runs to forearm smash again! Rollins fights the Exploder, spins, but into the BROSPLODER! Rollins goes to the apron but Riddle triangle jumps and PENALTY KICKS! And then FLOATING BRO ATTACK! Direct hit and down goes Rollins! Riddle puts Rollins in, but Rollins kicks low! Rollins underhooks, but Riddle fireman’s carries free! BRO TO SLEEP! Then Riddle gets Rollins up, POWERBOMB! Flip through, FLASH KNEE! Cover, TWO!!! Rollins survives by nanoseconds! Riddle storms up to Rollins and KICKS him into the drop zone!

Riddle gets up the corner, takes aim, FLOATING BRO onto knees!! Rollins aims, runs, but no stomp! Riddle waistlocks, Rollins switches, GERMAN SUPLEX, but Riddle lands on his feet! Rollins spins, into the TRIANGLE HOLD!! Riddle has Rollins down, Rollins endures and flails, and then Rollins stacks! TWO, Rollins tries to deadlift but Riddle hooks the leg! Riddle drags Rollins down and fans are dueling! Rollins fades, but he gets a second wind to stomp away on Riddle’s face! Rollins pushes Riddle, reels him in, GOTCH HOLD, BRO DEREK!!! Cover, TWO!!! Riddle survives Rollins stealing his move!

Fans rally up as both men stir again. Rollins kicks Riddle then goes to the corner. Rollins seethes as he climbs up the corner, but Riddle moves! Rollins bails out of Phoenix Splash, Riddle ROCKS him! Rollins SUPERKICKS! Riddle ROUNDHOUSES! Rollins swings but into the spin and PELE! Riddle kips up, into the ROLLING ELBOW! Then the DREAM SMASHER! Rollins runs from the corner, into a FINAL FLASH!! Rollins staggers but PELES! Riddle still deadlift GERMAN SUPLEXES! And then Riddle drags Rollins up, but Rollins flips out of the bomb! Underhooks, PEDIGREE!!! Cover, TWO?!?!? HOW?!?!

Cardiff is thunderous as Rollins and Riddle are still fighting! Rollins is beside himself but “This is Awesome!” Rollins says this is what Riddle gets. “You’re a loser! You understand me?! You’re a loser! Your wife knew it, that’s why she left you! These people know it, and your kids are gonna know it!” Riddle SLAPS away on Rollins!! And then fires off body shots! Rollins sends Riddle out, Riddle gets in but Rollins KICKS him in the ropes! Riddle drapes in the ropes, and Rollins drags him out! Fans cheer and jeer as Rollins hits the DRAPING DDT!! Rollins smiles, having mocked The Viper to insult Riddle.

Rollins soaks up the cheers, jeers and “OH~ OH~ OOOH~” as he hears those voices! Rollins aims, runs in, but into a SLEEPER!! Riddle has the body scissors, too! Riddle turns Rollins over to HAMMER away on his head! Riddle KICKS Rollins around, has him scrambling out of the ring, then dribbles him off the desk! Fans are fired up and Riddle grabs a chair! Riddle aims, but Rollins avoids the chairshot! Riddle gets in, CURB STOMP!!! Riddle’s rage just got the better of him! Rollins aims from the corner because one is not enough! Rollins goes up the corner, Riddle stands, SUPER CURB STOMP!!! Cover, Rollins wins!!

Winner: Seth Rollins, by pinfall

The Architect had the blueprints to destroy Riddle physically and emotionally! Rollins takes down the Bro, but will he get what he really wants in a shot at the Undisputed Universal Championship?

 

Undisputed WWE Universal Championship: Roman Reigns VS Drew McIntyre!

It has been 734 DAYS, just over two full YEARS, of the Tribal Chief, the Head of the Table as the Reigning, Defending, Undisputed and seemingly unstoppable WWE Universal Heavyweight Champion! But the Scottish Warrior has been scratching, clawing, slashing and slaying, and now he truly gets to face Roman 1v1 after he demolished The Usos on SmackDown! Will this be the day we always remember as the day Roman’s reign ended? Or will McIntyre simply be another one heaped on the pile of opponents Roman has smashed to pieces?

McIntyre makes his entrance to his original theme song, Broken Dreams!! His tron highlights his career in the WWE, from the young and brash “Chosen One” to the grizzled and gritty Scottish Warrior! McIntyre brings his sword, Angela, with him to continue to pay honor to his late mother. Then Roman makes his entrance, holding onto the belts himself since there’s no Heyman to carry them. Roman still raises the belt to cue the pyro. Roman then continues to the ring, raises his finger to the sky, and then raises the belts for the second round of pyro. The introductions are finally made, the ref raises the belts, and tonight, THERE CAN ONLY BE ONE!!

Fans are thunderous as Roman and McIntyre stare down. Fans chant for “DREW! DREW! DREW!” Roman is thrown off by that and McIntyre smirks. The two circle, tie up, and are in a deadlock! Fans fire up as they both dig in their heels and neither budges! But McIntyre’s height becomes his point of leverage and he pushes Roman towards a corner! Roman pushes back, but ends up against buckles! The ref counts, McIntyre lets off cleanly and allows Roman to come back. They reset and circle, and McIntyre smirks again as the fans keep on singing for him. Roman shakes his head and circles with McIntyre again.

McIntyre and Roman tie up, and Roman gets a headlock. McIntyre endures the grind, fans rally for him, and McIntyre powers out. They RAM shoulders but neither man falls! McIntyre gets in Roman’s face and Roman backs off to the corner! Roman goes out to the apron to cool off and fans taunt him for it. McIntyre waits on Roman and the fans chant, “WHO ARE YA? WHO ARE YA?” Roman gets in, rushes and waistlocks but McIntyre switches! Roman fights the lift, elbows free, then headlocks again. McIntyre powers up and out, then follows to run Roman over! Roman bails out and fans are thunderous again!

“WHO ARE YA? WHO ARE YA?” echoes out again as the ring count starts. Roman tries to stay calm but the fans singing for McIntyre is still getting to him. McIntyre waits on Roman, the ring count is climbing, and Roman goes up the steel steps to step back in. Roman tells the fans to calm down but they boo. McIntyre joins in on the taunting as Roman paces. They circle again, but Roman kicks low and UPPERCUTS! McIntyre goes to a corner, Roman tells fans to hush. Roman throws haymakers, the ref counts, and Roman lets off at 4. Roman CLUBS McIntyre to the corner, fans taunt Roman more. Roman climbs up the corner to rain down fists!

But McIntyre slips out before ten to trip Roman up! McIntyre climbs up and he rains down fists! McIntyre goes all the way to nine, then winds up for TEN! Roman staggers, McIntyre runs and clotheslines him out of the ring! Roman wobbles and McIntyre goes out after him! McIntyre bumps Roman off barriers, then off the apron. McIntyre whips Roman into steel steps! The steps go tumbling and fans fire up again! McIntyre refreshes the count, drags Roman up and around, but someone is throwing water bottles? It’s KARRION KROSS! Mr. Doomsday is making sure McIntyre doesn’t forget he’s back. McIntyre says bring it, he’ll shove the bottle up Kross’s-

Roman sucker punches McIntyre! And then POSTS him! Roman gets in the ring as the count climbs. McIntyre stirs at 7 of 10, drags himself up at 8, flounders at 9, but jumps in at 9.9!! Roman is shocked but he stomps away! Roman runs, BOOTS McIntyre, then BOOTS him again! Roman rains down fists, covers, ONE!! Roman snarls as McIntyre gets to the corner. Roman storms over, and he fires off the POINT-BLANK LARIATS! Roman goes all the way to ten, then he lets off as the ref reprimands. Roman brings McIntyre up to POST him! McIntyre flops to the floor and even clips the steps. The ring count climbs while fans boo.

McIntyre drags himself up with the steps, stands at 5 of 10 and drags himself in at 7! Roman is after McIntyre with haymakers! McIntyre ROCKS Roman, HOTSHOTS him, then runs in, into the LEAPING LARIAT! Cover, ONE!! Roman is shocked and fans are loving it! Roman cravats McIntyre for a neck wrench and he says he doesn’t care if McIntyre’s tired! McIntyre fights up, wrenches out, and kicks low! McIntyre CHOPS Roman, whips, but Roman reverses. Roman BOOTS McIntyre right down! Cover, ONE!?! Roman shakes his head in annoyance, but then he hears the fans rally and sing for McIntyre again.

Roman and McIntyre stand, McIntyre CHOPS and CHOPS and CHOPS! McIntyre whips corner to corner, Roman reverses hard! McIntyre bounces off buckles and falls to the mat! Roman checks his stinging chest and he flicks the sweat off him and onto McIntyre. “Who do you think you are, huh?” Roman pushes McIntyre around, taunts Cardiff, then eggs them all on. McIntyre CHOPS! And CHOPS! And CHOPS! Roman kicks low, fires off haymakers, and he sits McIntyre down! Fans keep booing but Roman paces around. McIntyre crawls his way over to Roman but Roman brings him up. Roman suplexes, but McIntyre fights that off!

McIntyre suplexes but Roman fights that off. Roman tries again, but McIntyre turns it around! Roman still fights, but McIntyre tries, too! Roman throws body shots and haymakers! Roman sits McIntyre back down and stomps him! Roman demands a mic? Roman gets the mic, fans boo and give thumbs down, but Roman says, “Cardiff! ACKNOWLEDGE ME!!” Fans boo even harder, and McIntyre HEADBUTTS Roman down!! That Glasgow Kiss was explosive! The ref checks both men, but both men are slowly sitting up. Fans are thunderous as McIntyre stands up. Roman stands up, too, and he ROCKS McIntyre with a right!

McIntyre ROCKS Roman with a right, but Roman ROCKS him again! McIntyre ROCKS Roman, but Roman ROCKS McIntyre! McIntyre, Roman, McIntyre, Roman, back and forth, but McIntyre gest the edge! Roman kicks low again! Roman whips, McIntyre comes back to BOOT Roman! Roman gets up but McIntyre LARIATS! McIntyre whips and OVERHEAD Belly2Belly suplexes! Then McIntyre clinches in a corner, Belly2Belly! And a NECKBREAKER! Fans fire up while both men are down again, and McIntyre KIPS UP! Fans are thunderous as “DREW! DREW! DREW!” takes aim! Forearm smash in the corner, then he hoists Roman up top!

McIntyre CHOPS Roman, climbs up after him, and brings Roman up to the very top! Roman throws body shots to fight the superplex, and he trips McIntyre up! Roman throws haymakers, but McIntyre pulls hair! Roman ROCKS McIntyre into the Tree of Woe! Roman stands up, but McIntyre sits up! SPIDER BELLY2BELLY! And then McIntyre slips out of the Tree and onto his feet! Fans fire up as McIntyre calls for the countdown! THREE! TWO! ON- Roman bails out. McIntyre goes out after Roman but Roman throws hands! Roman puts McIntyre back in, but McIntyre kicks him back! Roman fights off the Future Shock to UPPERCUT!

Roman shakes his head, runs the ropes, but into a SPINEBUSTER! Jackknife cover, TWO!! Roman survives and McIntyre is seething. McIntyre wants Roman to stand while he aims from the ropes. Roman checks his neck, McIntyre drags him up to a fireman’s carry. But Roman rakes the eyes! Roman shoves McIntyre to a corner, McIntyre elbows him away. But McIntyre runs into an URENAGE! Cover, TWO!! Roman finally gets a two, so there’s progress, but this still isn’t enough. Roman gets to his feet and he watches McIntyre go to a corner. Roman raises his finger, #HeTheOne, and he locks ‘n’ loads!

McIntyre drags himself up the ropes, Roman runs in, but McIntyre turns Superman Punch into a FUTURE SHOCK!! Fans are thunderous again as McIntyre aims from the corner! The countdown! THREE! TWO! ONE!! CLAY- SUPERMAN PUNCH!! Cover, TWO!! Another close call but McIntyre is still in this! Roman fires up as the fans sing for McIntyre. Roman lets out the “OOOAH~!” and runs, into a KICK! Then they both run, SPEAR!! Cover, TWO!?!? No one can believe it, least of all Roman! Roman talks to himself, trying to calm down and figure this out. Roman shakes his head and gets back to his feet, then goes back to the corner.

Roman sees McIntyre standing up and is still in disbelief. But he clamps on the GUILLOTINE!! McIntyre is fading, but fans are thunderously cheering him on! McIntyre gest a second wind and RAMS Roman into the corner! But Roman gets the GUILLOTINE again!! Roman body scissors to add all his weight, but McIntyre is still standing! The ref checks him, and he’s awake! McIntyre powers out to RAM Roman again! And then he POSTS him! Roman tumbles to the floor! But McIntyre has to remember Champion’s Advantage! The count is climbing, McIntyre goes out and SPEARES Roman through the barriers!!

McIntyre drags Roman up, puts him in, and hurries to take aim! Roman moves around, McIntyre counts it down! THREE! TWO! ONE! SPEAR?!?! Cover, TWO!?!?!? HOW?!?! Cardiff is electric and sings for McIntyre again! Both men are stirring, and Roman stands first. Roman can’t believe that was just two, but it was just two. McIntyre gets to a corner while Roman argues with the ref, and Roman grabs the ref! CLAYMORE FROM BEHIND, but the ref goes down, too!! “A-Town Down.” AUSTIN THEORY rushes out with a ref of his own! SummerSlam didn’t work, but the Youngest Mr. MITB wants to try again!

TYSON FURY DECKS THEORY!! No cash-in tonight, says the world boxing champion! But Roman has a chair! CLAYMORE!!! The ref counts, TWO!??!? Roman survives by mere nanoseconds and McIntyre can’t believe it! “This is Wrestling!” as both men slowly sit up again. McIntyre sits Roman up to ROCK him with a right. Roman ROCKS McIntyre back. McIntyre ROCKS Roman, Roman ROCKS McIntyre, they throw hands faster and faster, back and forth! They stand to throw more haymakers, and then are going at the same time! It’s a donnybrook!! McIntyre and Roman wobble, then fire off again!!

Both men stagger, Roman SUPERMAN PUNCHES! McIntyre stays up to GLASGOW KISS! Roman stays up, McIntyre dodges, AND SPEARS!!! McIntyre hurries to reload! CLAYMORE!!! Cover, NO!! Someone dragged the ref out!! Wait, that’s SOLO SIKOA!! The Youngest Uso just screwed McIntyre!! McIntyre goes after Solo but Solo HOTSHOTS McIntyre! SPEAR!!!! Cover, the ref returns, ROMAN WINS!!

Winner: Roman Reigns, by pinfall (still Undisputed WWE Universal Champion)

Another member of the Bloodline helps Roman win! Solo Sikoa rejoins the family, but here comes TYSON FURY! Fans cheer Fury as he steps to Roman, and Roman isn’t sure what to make of this. Roman puts the belts on his shoulders, and he shakes Fury’s hand since Fury stopped the cash-in. There is respect across fight sports, but in the end, Roman and Solo head out, their family victorious. The reign of the Tribal Chief continues on, will there be another two years of Roman?

As for Fury, he says tough luck for Drew, and he helps him up. Fans cheer Fury showing McIntyre respect, too, and then Fury gets the mic. “Drew. All these people here tonight came to see you. I know you’re feeling down right now, but you done your country and everyone here proud. That was an unbelievable fight. Well done, mate. You should be proud of yourself.” Everyone here was chanting for McIntyre the entire match, that was an awesome feeling, right? So chin up, son. And at times like this, Fury can only think of one thing, and it goes something like this. “A long, long time ago, I can still remember how that music used to make me smile.”

Fury sings and the fans join in for American Pie, and Fury says they were wonderful tonight! McIntyre says it didn’t go the way he thought, and he should’ve known better when it came to Roman. But screw the Island of Relevancy, this island didn’t let Drew down! Cardiff showed the world what they’re made of! And Fury, McIntyre has bantered with him, but they have something in common: when they get knocked down, they keep fighting! McIntyre WILL get his hands on the Undisputed titles! But no matter the outcome, let’s freakin’ party! C’mon, lads! Let’s get some Sweet Caroline going! Wait, are they still on the air? McIntyre is just having a laugh!

The fans sing along with McIntyre, and he says he loves ’em all! He hopes they do this again soon! Thank you! McIntyre may have lost, but Cardiff will celebrate the moment all the same! Will the Scottish Warrior keep on fighting until he finally, finally, finally has his moment?


My Thoughts:

What an awesome event. Something about WWE being in Cardiff is special. Even with title status quos being kept, we got above and beyond what I was expecting and it was all worthy of this moment. We got a surprise Six Man Tag in the kickoff, and that was some great stuff. When the kickoff show match is great, you know you’re in for a good time. The Six Woman Tag was a great opener for the main card, and I like that we finally get the name of Bayley’s trio, “Damage Control.” And as I sensed, DMG CTRL wins and that sets Bayley right up to be Bianca’s next challenger. Their Raw Women’s Championship match will be at Extreme Rules, and who knows how it goes.

That Intercontinental Championship match was awesome! The fans loved Sheamus, Sheamus was on the doorstep of making history, but as I figured, Gunther holds on because he is just getting going. But the bigger surprise that Fabian Aichner, now Giovanni Vinci, is BACK in Imperium. They separated him from the faction as part of his NXT 2.0 rebranding, but I guess since that was more of a Vince motivated move, HHH is having them do a minor reset. Now Imperium is as it should be on RawDown, and the SmackDown Tag Division grows that much stronger with Barthel & Aichner reunited.

Liv VS Shayna was a great match, with great story in how they were battling with technical skill. Shayna almost had Liv a couple times, but that fits in Liv’s story of being the survivalist underdog. Liv uses what her moveset has that Shayna doesn’t in sudden impact finishers and that wins it for her. Great tag team match for Edge & Rey VS Judgement Day, and Edge & Rey winning was fine. Dom betraying Rey was of course the big deal of that segment, and I would love if Dominik Guerrero joined Judgement Day this Monday on Raw to propel this story further. Then we could see Dom and Rhea be like the new Eddie and Chyna.

Riddle VS Rollins was definitely what a heated grudge match like that should be. They were throwing hands from the bell, going all over ringside, and Rollins stealing moves from RKBRO was a great detail. Rollins had been on a PPV losing streak so it was good for him to get this win. The grudge can continue past this, but there’s a good chance Rollins will get a chance to challenge Roman for Extreme Rules since he came really close the last time the two faced off.

And speaking of, McIntyre came the closest of all! I was loving the energy from the fans, and I really had hoped McIntyre was going to get this win here, but it seems they’re bringing Solo up now despite there being lingering story in NXT. Having Solo in the Bloodline probably means Sami Zayn will be pushed out, which is fine because Sami can turn Face, join Kevin Owens, and they can be the ones to dethrone the Usos.

My Score: 9.2/10


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Coverage

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

Talk about a Big Time Raw!

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Will The Man be the Last Woman Standing?

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

OFFICIAL RESULTS

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

PLAY BY PLAY

Jey Uso is here!

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

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

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

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

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

 

Adam Pearce is on the phone.

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Winners: DIY, by pinfall (advance to WrestleMania)

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

 

Judgment Day meets backstage.

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

Winners: Candice LeRae & Indi Hartwell, by submission

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

 

Cody Rhodes makes his way to the ring.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

Nia Jax speaks.

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

 

Cody Rhodes returns backstage.

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

 

Dominik Mysterio w/ JD McDonagh VS Ricochet!

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

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

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

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

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

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

Winner: Ricochet, by pinfall

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

 

Sami Zayn is backstage.

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

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

 

Adam Pearce is in the ring.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

Sami confronts Gable now.

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

 

CM Punk speaks.

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

 

Drew McIntyre is here!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

Becky Lynch speaks.

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

Liv Morgan confronts Becky Lynch.

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

 

Cody walks with his dog, Pharaoh, backstage.

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

 

Last Woman Standing: Becky Lynch VS Nia Jax!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Winner: Becky Lynch

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


My Thoughts:

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

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

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

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

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

My Score: 8.9/10


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

The semifinals are here!

Published

on

We’re just one step away from the Cup!

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

OFFICIAL RESULTS

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

PLAY BY PLAY

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

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

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

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

No Contest

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

2024 New Japan Cup Semifinals: SANADA VS Hirooki Goto!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


My Thoughts:

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

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

My Score: 8.9/10


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