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Mitchell’s WWE Raw Results & Report! (9/12/22)

DING DONG! Damage Control!

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WWE Raw 2022

The Bougie & Badass VS DMG CTRL, round two!

Raw holds a rematch from the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship Tournament Finals to clear the controversy! Will Kai & Sky take control this time?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

  • Matt Riddle VS Finn Balor w/ Damian Priest; Finn wins.
  • WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships: Aliyah & Raquel Rodriguez VS Dakota Kai & Iyo Sky w/ Bayley; Kai & Sky win and become the new WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions.
  • Johnny Gargano VS Chad Gable w/ Otis Dozovic; Gargano wins.
  • Raw Women’s Championship Open Challenge: Bianca Belair VS Sonya Deville; Bianca wins and retains the title.
  • 2v1 Handicap Match: Omos w/ MVP VS Cash Marazi & Ryan Tombs; Omos wins.
  • Edge VS Dominik Mysterio w/ The Judgement Day; Edge wins, by disqualification.

PLAY BY PLAY

Seth Rollins is here!

The Visionary is on Portland, Oregon and the fans sing his song, “OH~ OHH~ OHHHH~!” as he heads to the ring. Rollins conducts the fans as he gets the mic and says, “PORTLAAAAND! HAHAHAHA! Welcome to Monday Night Rollins, baybay! And let me introduce your host for this evening. e is none other than the Face of Monday Night Raw. He is a Visionary. He is a revolutionary. He is…” “SETH! FREAKIN’! ROLLINS!” Rollins enjoys that, and even enjoys the fans singing again, “OH~ OHH~ OHHHH~!” Rip City is too kind! But he has a question. “Do you believe in karma?” Good things to good people, bad things to bad people!

Rollins was skeptical, but nine days ago, at Clash at he Castle, the Universe was in perfect harmony because he beat Matt Riddle! Rollins stomped Riddle’s head not once but twice, and he had 60 THOUSAND PLUS singing his song. “OH~ OHH~ OHHHH~!” Now, it has come to Rollins’ attention that he is living rent free in that little pea brain of Riddle’s, because Riddle wants a rematch against Rollins. Fans like the sound of that, but Rollins says the problem is, Rollins is not interested. Aww… But you may be asking, “What’s next for Seth Freakin’ Rollins?” And while Rollins pondered that exact question the past week…

Fans are chanting “REMATCH! REMATCH!” But Rollins says he’s NOT interested in a rematch with Riddle, so zip it! Fans boo now but Rollins says what he is interested in is the fact that it has been far too long since Rollins has held championship gold. “Bro…” Riddle shows up anyway! Rollins is already saying now, but Riddle just says, “Bro.” Then rushes the ring! They brawl, Riddle fires off KICK after KICK bug Rollins RAMS him into a corner. Riddle carries Rollins out to TOSS him over the ropes! They brawl outside, Rollins SMACKS Riddle off the desk and runs away! But Riddle pursues! They brawl in the crowd!

Rollins rakes Riddle’s eyes then runs away again! Rollins hurries up the ramp but Riddle pursues! Only for The Judgement Day to make their entrance! Damian Priest & Finn Balor specifically are here with mics. Riddle gets back in the ring, ready to fight, but Finn says to chill, bro! They’re not  here to fight! They’re Riddle’s friends. They all go way back, man! That’s why they’re here: to offer Riddle a spot. If Riddle recalls, not too long ago, they were all in the same situation: superstars on the rise that somehow, someway, got held back. But no more. Priest & Finn are going to change that for Riddle.

Finn says we’ve seen how much Dom’s grown these last few weeks. And Dom finally stepped out of his dad’s shadow. The Judgement Day has taken care of Dom, and Dom is gonna take care of Edge! Riddle has problem, these guys can be his problem solvers. “Matthew, it’s me. Listen, the Judgement Day is simple.” Fans chant for “BRO! BRO!” and Finn says this is what the fans want! Rise with the Judgement Day, or fall against them. Riddle says, “Bro… We do go back, dude. But right now, my focus is on Seth. So the answer is no, bro.”

Fans cheer that but Finn says he knows things are more relaxed here in Portland, so maybe Riddle’s a bit cloudy. Finn will make this very clear. Riddle either stands with them, or he stands in their way. Riddle BOOTS Finn! Riddle clotheslines Priest out! The Bro sends Judgement Day reeling, will they make him regret rejecting them?

 

Matt Riddle VS Finn Balor w/ Damian Priest!

Raw returns as Finn CHOPS Riddle in the corner, this match already underway! Finn whips corner to corner then CHOPS Riddle again. Finn tells Riddle this is what he gets, then whips Riddle back the other way. Riddle goes up and over to KICK Finn down! Riddle then deadlift gut wrench suplexes Finn, and then drags him up for another! BROTON! Cover, TWO! Riddle stalks Finn to a corner but Finn kicks a leg out! And then sweeps the leg! And again! Finn puts the leg on ropes to HIP DROP on it! Riddle writhes and clutches the leg, but he gets to a corner. Finn puts the leg in the ropes to pull on it!

The ref counts, Finn lets off, and Riddle ROCKS Finn with a forearm. Riddle goes up but Finn YANKS him down! Finn stands on Riddle’s neck but lets off as the ref counts. Finn sits Riddle up to throw down an elbow and wrap on a chinlock. Riddle endures, fans rally up, and Riddle fights to his feet. Riddle throws body shots then shifts to SAYANAGI! Riddle runs, BROTON FLOPS as Finn moves! Finn CLUBS away on Riddle’s head, then covers, TWO! Finn drags Riddle up, ELBOWS him on the neck, and Riddle gest to ropes. Finn brings Riddle up to snap suplex! Cover, TWO! Finn clamps onto Riddle with a chinlock and pulls back, #JUSTFACELOCK!

Riddle endures, fights up and fans fire up! Riddle fireman’s carries but Finn slips off to a NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Priest nods as Finn still has control. Finn KICKS Riddle in the side, then springboard stomps Riddle. Finn stands on Riddle’s neck, the ref counts and Finn lets off to stomp away on Riddle! The ref counts more, Finn lets off, and the Judgement Day soaks up the heat. Finn goes back for Riddle, throws haymakers, but Riddle catches him and throws him out with a body scissors! Riddle then aims from the apron, but Priest stands in the way! The ref reprimands, Priest moves, and Finn trips Riddle up!

Finns pins Riddle around, throws down fists, then climbs up to stand on Riddle. The ref counts, Finn lets off to stomp, but Riddle moves! Riddle KICKS away on Finn, then fireman’s carries! Finn fights free and claws Riddle into a dragon sleeper! APRON ELBOW DROP DDT! Riddle cries in pain about his neck as Raw goes to break!

Raw returns again and Riddle throws body shots to fight off the facelock. Riddle ROCKS Finn with haymakers but Finn kicks Riddle’s leg out! Finn brings Riddle up, but Riddle FISHERMAN BUSTERS! Both men are down and fans fire up! Finn drags himself up the ropes and snarls. He runs at Riddle but into a flurry of palm strikes! Riddle BOOTS Finn then spins him on the rebound for the PELE! Finn goes to a corner, Riddle kips up and runs in, forearm smash! Riddle goes side to side to forearm smash again! BROSPLODER! Finn bails out but Riddle goes up and out to PENALTY KICK! Finn goes down, Priest hurries over, but Riddle SPRINGBROAD FLOATING BROS!

Direct hit at the ramp and fans fire up again! Riddle puts Finn in, Finn wants mercy! But then Finn trips Riddle to throw hands! Riddle monkey flips Finn away, turns Slingblade into wristlock ripcord, FINAL FLASH! Both men are down and fans fire up! Riddle drags Finn to a drop zone, goes up top, but Priest distracts from the apron! Riddle swipes at Priest, but Finn rolls Riddle up! TWO, Finn ducks the roundhouse! ELBOW DROP DDT! Both men are down again, but then REY MYSTERIO Jumps in Priest! They bump off the post, then Rey clotheslines Priest into the crowd! Fans fire up as Rey runs Priest off to the back!

Finn freaks out but he hurries to get Riddle! Riddle gets Finn up, BRO TO SLEEP, to a GERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO!! Riddle drags Finn to a drop zone and goes up top! FLOATING BRO, onto knees!!Finn turns things around, and he SHOTGUNS Riddle into the corner! Finn grins as he climbs up top! COUP DE- NO, Riddle dodges! Riddle puts Finn through the ropes, for the DRAPING DDT! That one’s for Randy! And speaking of The Viper, Portland fires up as Riddle hears the voices! Finn staggers up but Rollins returns! Riddle DECKS Rollins, brings him through the ropes, but Finn gets Riddle for 1916!!

Finn goes up top again, for the COUP DE GRACE!! Cover, Finn wins!

Winner: Finn Balor, by pinfall

Between Priest and Rollins, Riddle couldn’t stay focused on Finn and- OH NO! CURB STOMP!! Rollins gets Riddle again and he shouts, “It’s over between you and me! You hearing me? It’s OVER, Riddle. Move on!” Will The Stallion have no choice but to leave this grudge behind?

 

Backstage interview with Damage Control.

Sarah asks Bayley, Dakota Kai & Iyo Sky what this WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship rematch mean to them. Uh, there shouldn’t even need to be a rematch because Kai & Sky should’ve won in the first place. The only reason they didn’t is because Aliyah acts like she’s never been in a tag match before and she pinned the wrong competitor! If you don’t believe Bayley, go back and watch the footage. Everyone’s talking about it! Dakota says that’s the past. Tonight, they make it right. Tonight, they’re in control. Iyo adds in Japanese and English, “This is OUR division.”

Then can Bayley elaborate on how it feels to be the first woman to pin Bianca Belair in almost a year? Bayley has Sarah stop there, because DMG CTRL is done talking. They head out, will #CobraKai and the Evil Genius be able to take those titles from Aliyah & Raquel this time around?

 

Dominik Mysterio speaks.

“I’ve only ever been known as ‘The Son of the Legendary Rey Mysterio.’ But that all changed at Clash at the Castle. Because for the first time in my life, I felt alive. I became my own person. I was done taking the disrespect and just bottling it up inside. And Edge… Edge got exactly what he deserved. And tonight, I’m going to finish what I started. Jefe. Dad. I know you’re disappointed. But that’s too bad. Because this is MY life, not yours. Instead of being upset with me, you should look in the mirror and ask yourself, ‘Why?’ Why you never bothered just to get to know me. Why, instead of trying to teach me, you didn’t just ask me what I wanted for me career.

“But you know, for such a tiny, tiny man, you cast a large shadow. And I’m done living under it.” Rhea puts a hand on Dom’s shoulder, then whispers something to him. Dom says he’s not Rey’s baby boy anymore. He is a man! Dom heads out, and Rhea smiles. What has the Eradicator taught Dominik in order to destroy the legends in his life?

 

Austin Theory speaks.

“There’s a lot of surprises going around here lately. A lot of hits rolling in, a lot of exciting news, and if only I had the connect. Oh wait, I do! I know things! And I know who Johnny Gargano’s first opponent’s going to be in his long-awaited return to the ring is going to be. It’s not me, cuz I got my hands full. I’m a busy man. But you know who his opponent is? I’d call him a close friend. A man who created The Gable Method of Success. Ladies and gentlemen, without further ado, let me introduce you to Chad Gable!

The Alpha Academy walk in and Gable says, “Johnny Wrestling? After tonight, the only thing anyone’s gonna know you as is Johnny SHOOOOSH~! A THANK YEW~!” But will Master Gable be the one learning something in the ring tonight?

 

WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships: Aliyah & Raquel Rodriguez VS Dakota Kai & Iyo Sky w/ Bayley!

The Bougie & The Badass may have gotten a bit lucky that the ref wasn’t paying attention to who was legal, but it was only because the Role Model kept distracting everyone! Her team paid the price that night, but will Damage Control take control with this second chance? Or will Aliyah & Raquel make sure they get it right when they win again?

The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we’ll see which team is really the better tonight!

The teams sort out and Raquel starts with Dakota. They rush in, but Dakota gets around to CLUB Raquel on the back. But Raquel laughs that off, then KNEES Dakota low. Raquel suplexes Dakota, holds her up, walks over to the corner and Aliyah tags in. Raquel TOSSES Dakota, then Aliyah CLOBBERS her! Cover, TWO! Aliyah whips Dakota to the corner then SPLASHES! Raquel tags in, she runs and SPLASHES, too! Dakota flops over, Raquel covers, TWO! Raquel drags Dakota away from her corner to wrench the arm and knuckle lock. Straight Arm Lever! Dakota screams, Raquel lets her down to run her over! Cover, TWO!

Bayley is frustrated already but Raquel drags Dakota back up. Raquel wrenches and knuckle locks again, for another Straight Arm Lever! Dakota squirrels around to a sunset flip, but Raquel stays up! Raquel throws down a punch but Dakota avoids it with a bridge! Raquel steps through to elbow drop! Dakota scrambles away to avoid the cover, and Iyo runs in! Raquel puts Iyo out and she falls over onto Dakota! Raquel then picks Aliyah up to TOSS her onto Kai & Sky! The champions are in control over Damage Control as Raw goes to break!

Raw returns and Iyo wrenches, but Raquel reverses the whip to run Iyo over! Raquel drags Iyo over, tags Aliyah, and Aliyah goes up to AX HANDLE! Aliyah wrenches Iyo to a wristlock but Iyo throws her by her hair! Aliyah handsprings back up to ROCK Iyo! Aliyah whips, Iyo reverses but Aliyah goes up and over and comes back with a THESZ PRESS! And fast hands! Fans fire up with Aliyah and she runs in, into a kick! Iyo brings Aliyah around, suplexes, but Aliyah fights free! Aliyah goes Matrix to dodge, then SIT-OUT HIP TOSS! Aliyah blows Bayley a kiss but Iyo ROCKS her! Tag to Dakota, Aliya dodges Iyo but Dakota trips Aliyah up!

Aliyah ends up on the ropes and Iyo runs in, DOUBLE KNEES into the back! Dakota covers, TWO! Dakota drags Aliyah up while Bayley is annoyed. Dakota CLUBS Aliyah, whips her to a corner and Aliyah sits down. BOOT WASH! Cover, TWO! Aliyah survives but Dakota drags her up. Fans rally but the ref checks on Aliyah. Aliyah says she’s okay to continue, so Dakota drags her over and tags Iyo in. Iyo stomps Aliyah, sits her down, then taunts her. The ref checks again, but Aliyah insists she’s okay. So Iyo DOUBLE KNEES her again! Tag back to Dakota, but Bayley says this is how DMG CTRL does it!

Dakota clamps onto a chinlock and she grinds Aliyah down. Aliyah endures and Raquel coaches her up. Aliyah fights up slowly, Dakota CLUBS her, and she tags in Iyo. Iyo pulls on the arms with a motorcycle stretch and even digs a boot in. Aliyah endures, fans rally up but Bayley says Iyo should stick to the plan. Aliyah fights, knees Iyo back, and reaches for Raquel! Aliyah ROCKS Iyo but Iyo holds her back! Aliyah keeps fighting, but Iyo reels her into a waistlock! Iyo shoves Aliyah away, catches her again, and FLAPJACKS her down! Tag to Dakota and DMG CTRL drags Aliyah up. Aliyah lands out of the suplex to DOUBLE NECKBREAKER!

Aliyah crawls and Portland is thunderous! Hot tag to Big Mami Cool! Raquel rallies, sending Sky into Kai just like before! Raquel rallies on Dakota with lariats, then a FALL AWAY SLAM! Dakota is in a drop zone, Raquel runs in and goes up, TWISTING VADER! Then a scoop! Aliyah tags back in, but Dakota slips free! Raquel BOOTS Dakota down, she gives Aliyah that boost, ALLEY-OOP SPLASH! Cover, Iyo breaks it! Raquel runs in but into a SHOTEI! Iyo hops up, but Raquel spins it! She blocks the Rana to hit a POWERBOMB out of the ring! Iyo brings Raquel with her and Aliyah rolls Dakota up! TWO!!

Aliyah is shocked! That worked last time, and Dakota was even legal this time! Aliyah hurries, but Dakota clinches! Aliyah JAWBREAKERS Dakota away, runs in at the ropes, springboard, FACEBUSTER! Cover, Bayley helps with the ROPEBREAK!! Aliyah is furious! Bayley says this is what Aliyah gets for last time! But then Raquel storms up on Bayley! Bayley backs off, but Aliyah WRECKS her with a dropkick! But Iyo is up top and she ARIHARA MOONSAULTS Raquel! Dakota throws Aliyah down, hops on, KAI-ROPRACTOR!! Cover, DMG CTRL WINS!

Winners: Dakota Kai & Iyo Sky, by pinfall (NEW WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions)

With now Bianca, Asuka or Alexa, Bayley gets her way this time! Her girls have the gold, will Bayley grab a belt for herself now?

 

Rey finds Dominik backstage.

Rey heard what Dom what he said, and he had no idea Dom was holding all of that inside. Rey admits it is his fault. If he could change everything, he would. Dom doesn’t have to go through with this match tonight. They can fix all of this! Just give Rey a chance to make it right so they can be a family again. Wow, not even going to look at him> Rey is begging Dom to not fight Edge. Edge is a brother to Rey and an uncle to Dom! But Dom’s never seen this side of Edge before. When Edge is backed up into a corner, he doesn’t hold back. Fine. Dom, if you do fight Edge tonight, things will never go back to how they were. Edge is that dangerous!

Rhea laughs as she walks in. Edge isn’t the only dangerous one around here. And like she said before, Dom isn’t Rey’s little boy anymore. Papi knows best, and Papi knows Rhea is all man now. Dom leaves with Rhea, but did nothing Rey said get through to him? Or will Edge have to teach Dom the hard way?

 

Johnny Gargano VS Chad Gable w/ Otis Dozovic!

The one and only NXT Triple Crown Winner finally has his return to action now that he’s on Raw. Will he be the one who SHOOOOSHES Chad Gable tonight?

Raw returns and Gargano makes his entrance. Fans fire up for Rebel Heart already, and the bell rings. Gable circles with Gargano and the two tie up. Gable headlocks for a takeover but Gargano headscissors. Gable kips free, roles reverse as “JOHNNY WRESTLING!” gets the headlock takeover. Gable headscissors, Gargano kips free and fans keep chanting. Gable says he’s the better wrestler, but he and Gargano tie up. Gargano rolls to pick  leg, Gable moves around but Gargano keeps up to shift and facelock. Gargano gator rolls but Gable kicks free. Fans rally up as Gargano and Gable circle again.

Gargano and Gable tie up, Gable headlocks, then shifts through to hammerlock and drop toehold! Gable says “A THANK YEW!” as he has the armlock. Gargano endures, fights up, and he clinches to bring Gable down to a knee. La Magistrol leads to a headlock but Gable fights up. Gable powers out, Gargano goes up and over and rolls, then slips around to shove and follow Gable, to RANA! Fans fire up as Gable gets up to get thrown around with arm-drags! And then a DROPKICK! Gable is dizzy, and Gargano runs at him to wheelbarrow. Gable fights that but Gargano drags him down, moves him around, lateral press to a ghost pin! TWO!!

Gargano has Gable with a facelock, and Gable is frustrated. Gargano rolls with Gable, fans rally behind “JOHNNY WRESTLING!” but Gable slips out to ROCK Gargano with a right! “A THANK YEW!” Fans boo but Gable puts Gargano in a corner. Gable CHOPS Gargano, and Gargano is stinging! Gable stands Gargano up and CHOPS again! “I am the master!” Gable waistlocks but Gargano endures the bearhug to switch. Gable switches, Gargano switches, repeat! They go around and around, Gargano school boy KICKS Gable down! Gable gets out and Gargano DROPKICKS him down! Gargano then hurries to the apron to CANNONBALL!

Fans fire up as Gargano gets back in the ring with Gable on the floor, and Raw goes to break.

Raw returns and Gable has Gargano with a standing toehold. Gargano kicks with his free leg, but Gable YANKS the other. Gargano gets to ropes but Gable drags him to center for a SPINNING TOE HOLD! And another! And then another YANK! Gargano writhes while Gable soaks up the heat, “A THANK YEW~!” Gable drags Gargano up, has the leg, and hits a SHIN BREAKER! Then a BIG back suplex! Otis says that’s an athlete! Cover, ONE!! Gable is frustrated but he drags Gargano around for another SPINNING TOE HOLD! Gable keeps on the leg this time, but fans rally up. Gable drags Gargano while in the toehold, but fans taunt him with “SHORTY G!”

Gargano fights with his free leg again and fans cheer. Gable loses the toehold, steps through but Gargano BOOTS him up and out! Gable skins the cat, but into Gargano’s forearm! And another! And another! Gargano whips, Gable reverses but Gargano CROSSBODIES! Gargano rallies, ENZIGURIS, and then fires up! Fans cheer Gargano on as he runs through the pain, but Gable puts him on the apron! Gable runs, into the SLINGSHOT SPEAR! Cover, TWO! Gargano grimaces but he paces around Gable. Gargano drags Gable up, scoops him but Gable slips off. Gargano elbows Gable away, goes up and over, but Gable ducks the kick to get the ANKLE LOCK!

Gargano crawls up the ropes, kicks at Gable again, but Gable uses both legs to get Gargano into a Canadian Rack! CLIFFHANGER DDT! Cover, TWO!! Gable is frustrated but this is the toughness of the NXT Triple Crown Winner! Gable goes up a corner, climbs to the very top, and MOONSAULTS, but has to land out as Gargano moves! Gable blocks the superkick to ROCK Gargano! Gargano ROCKS Gable, wheelbarrows, but into a GERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO!! Gargano escapes after the “Ocean Cyclone,” but Gable is furious! Gable goes up the corner again, for the DIVING HEADBUTT into a crossface!! GargaNO Escape!!

Gable rolls it to an ANKLE LOCK! Gargano endures, moves around, rolls and sends Gable into buckles! Gargano runs, dodges, tilt-o-whirls, and he wrangles Gable. Gable turns that around to CHAOS- NO, Gargano turns that to a victory roll! TWO ad Gable has it, TWO!! BUZZSSAW from Gargano! Gargano runs, into the ROLLING ELBOW! DISCUS LARIAT on the return!! Fans declare “This is Awesome!” while both men are down! Gargano and Gable get to opposite ends and drag themselves up the ropes. Gable runs in but is TOSSED onto Otis! Then Gargano DIVES and sends the Academy into the desk!

Gargano puts Gable in, he avoids Otis’ sweep to SUPERKICK! Then GAMANGIRI for Gable, and the SLINGSHOT DDT!! Cover, Gargano wins!

Winner: Johnny Gargano, by pinfall

The #OneFinalBeat finishes it off! But Otis runs in! Gargano dodges to SUPERKICK! And SUPERKICK! Otis stays up so Gargano dodges again to say “SUCK IT!” Gargano leaves it at this, but Theory CLOBBERS Gargano with his briefcase! Theory gets a selfie with Gargano while fans boo and chant “YOU SUCK!” Will Gargano make sure to wipe the smile off the Youngest Mr. Money in the Bank’s face?

 

Raw returns with Austin Theory still in the ring.

“Oh, I’m sorry. Did Johnny Gargano disappoint all of you? Did Johnny Wrestling not walk off into the unrealistic, depressing Portland sunset? You know what happened? Somebody had to show him how it works around here. Because to me, all Johnny Wrestling is, is an overrated bottom-feeding fish at the bottom of the food chain!” Fans “What?” and Theory is already upset. Did Theory ruin Gargano’s big moment? “WHAT?” Say that again! “WHAT?” And here comes KEVIN OWENS! Theory is upset even more now but the fans are happy to see KO! And Kevin has a mic to say, “Y’know, Austin-”

“SHUT UP!” Theory is sick and tired of his moments being ruined by idiots like Kevin, Tyson Fury, Johnny Gargano and more! Theory is the future! He is the YOUNGEST Mr. MITB in all of history, and he will take over this entire damn industry! Kevin says we heard all of that last week. Or rather, Theory did his best to say all that last week, he was having issues with his jaw. Clearly, Theory fixed that so good for him. But we have heard all this for months now! Theory talks about being the future because of how young he is and his good looks. That’s good and all, but Kevin looked Theory in the eyes last week and said Theory was the handpicked future.

That might’ve been the truth, but it is no longer the case. That’s not how it works anymore! See, guys like Kevin and Gargano, they don’t look like Theory. Yeah, exactly! They will never look like Theory! The fans will never look like Theory! Fans boo but Theory says it’s funny. He knows why Kevin’s jealous. Let’s be real here. Theory has done more in the past five months than Kevin and Gargano have combined in the last five years! Kevin says statements like that really go to show just how big of a delusional jackass Theory is.

Because look at what Theory accomplished and how. He had all those opportunities handed to him! From the US Championship in a match he didn’t earn, to the MITB briefcase in a ladder match he wasn’t supposed to be in. It was all handed to Theory. Don’t get Kevin wrong, because he can’t blame Theory. When Kevin first became Universal Champion, that title was literally handed to him. But that is where the similarities end. Except for that moment, Kevin and Theory are complete opposites, and Kevin couldn’t be prouder of that fact.

Let Kevin ask Theory this: “How many guys in the last two decades have come by the WWE that are just like you? Young, chiseled out of stone, full of potential. And how many of those guys fizzled out and went nowhere? Hundreds of them! HUNDREDS!” But how many people like Kevin and Gargano have come around the WWE? How many of them have made it to this level? You can count those people on one hand! Because people like Theory are a dime a dozen, but Kevin and Gargano are one in a million! That is why this place, the fans, they NEED people like Kevin and Gargano! They are the heart and soul of this business!!

And people like Theory are the appendix of this business: completely disposable! And look. Kevin can see he’s upsetting Theory. That may not be the case for Theory. Kevin does hope Theory is everything he says he is. Kevin hopes Theory is the future of the WWE. But, Kevin’s been watching and listening and knows how Theory carries himself. And Kevin is telling Theory now, Theory doesn’t have what it takes to be that future. Theory wants to talk but Kevin tells him to shut up and listen! Theory needs to prove Kevin wrong! Prove the people wrong! Does Theory know how? You stop thinking about the moments that were handed to you and start making moments yourself!

Kevin tells Theory to check the ego at the door, look in the mirror and realize you’re not as good as you think you are, but show your passion and get better. And you leave everything in this ring every time you step foot in front of the fans! THAT is how you prove Kevin wrong and become the future and the Face of the WWE! Kevin gives Theory a push and Theory scowls. The fans cheer for “KO! KO!” and Theory raises his hand… just to flex. “You’ll never be like me, Kevin!” Kevin sighs and says, “Well, talking sense into you didn’t work so maybe this will.” SLAP!! Theory is furious, and the brawl is on!

Kevin tackles Theory down and rains down fists! Theory gets up, Kevin gets at him in the corner, and refs rush out to stop this! Theory hits Kevin back now and he has Kevin in a corner! Fans want to “Let Them Fight!” but refs pull Theory back. Kevin BOOTS Theory, and the hands fly again! Producers drag Theory out of the ring to keep him from Kevin but Kevin comes in and CLOBBERS Theory! Fans are loving this as the brawling goes around ringside! Kevin ROCKS Theory towards the ramp then puts him back in the ring. Theory gets the briefcase! Kevin dodges, kicks, but no Stunner for this Austin!

Theory bails out of the ring and is furious! Theory has a bloody nose, and Kevin wants Theory to prove something to him! Kevin says that nose is just the beginning, but how will this end for the Prizefighter and the former golden boy?

 

Raw announces the NXT 2.0 Anniversary poll results!

The fans were allowed to choose the fate of two title matches in tomorrow night’s episode of NXT, and the results are in! For the NXT Tag Team Championships, Pretty Deadly will defend the titles against The Creed Brothers, in a STEEL CAGE MATCH! That kicks off the show, which team will escape the other with the gold?

 

Raw Women’s Championship Open Challenge: Bianca Belair VS ???

The RawEST Women’s Champion wants to prove she’s the readiEST by opening the door to anyone who wants this shot! Who will answer the call? Fans cheer her on as she gets the mic to say, “If there’s anything that these past few weeks has taught me is that I need to stay ready. Because as champion, I’m always gonna have a target on my back. So that’s exactly why I’ve decided to issue an Open Challenge tonight for the Raw Women’s Championship. And I’ve done that to remind everybody that I ain’t nothing to play with. I am the E S T of the WWE, and you can’t whoop me! So, if there’s anybody back there that wants a piece of the EST, who will it be?”

Fans cheer for any number of names, but the music that plays is… Sonya Deville? SmackDown’s Cruella is here and she asks, “What’s the matter, Bianca? Why do you look so confused? Oh, did you think I’d forgotten what you did to me? Oh, honey, if only things were that simple.” Bianca not only made a mockery of Sonya’s position in WWE Management, but she cost Sonya her job as an official. And if not for people getting involved, Sonya is convinced she’d be the champion now. Bianca says, “Girl, uh-uh. Sonya, girl, shut up. This is an Open Challenge, not an Open Mic. So ref, let’s get this thing started!”

The fans are fired up and the mics are put away. Will Bianca finally settle things with Sonya and send her scurrying back to SmackDown?

Raw returns as the introductions are made. The belt is raised and one way or another, this will put an end to things between Bianca and Sonya!

Bianca and Sonya circle, and Bianca avoids the sweep. Sonya shoots in, Bianca gets around to waistlock and SLAM Sonya, but Sonya shifts around to switch. Bianca switches back, Sonya throws elbows, but Bianca whips Sonya towards a corner. Sonya reverses but Bianca goes up and over to then scoop Sonya for a GUTBUSTER! Fans fire up and Bianca drags Sonya to a cover, TWO! Bianca drags Sonya up, scoops her but Sonya fights free to throw Bianca down! Sonya runs to BOOT Bianca down then covers, TWO! Sonya drags Bianca up and KICKS away in the corner! The ref counts, Sonya lets off, and she puts Bianca through ropes to CHOKE!

The ref counts, Sonya lets off again, and then Sonya brings Bianca around to wrap on a chinlock. Bianca endures, snapmares free, and gets to a corner. Sonya run sin, Bianca elbows her away, then BOOTS her down! Bianca goes out, ROCKS Sonya, then slingshots to LARIAT! Fans fire up as Bianca rallies with more clotheslines, and a DROPKICK! Sonya get sup but Bianca spins her and suplexes up and over! HANDSPRING MOONSAULT! Cover, TWO! Sonya bails out but Bianca pursues, only for Sonya to grab at her. Bianca kicks Sonya away, then MOONSAULTS off the apron! Sonya dodges, Bianca lands on her feet, and Sonya CLOBBERS Bianca!

Fans boo while Bianca is down and Sonya grits her teeth. The Raw Women’s Champion is in trouble as Raw goes to break.

Raw returns again and Sonya has Bianca in a cobra twist. Bianca fights up and hip tosses free! Fans fire up and Bianca runs in, but Sonya WRINGS her into the buckles! Sonya KICKS away on Bianca’s back but lets off as the ref counts. Sonya drags Bianca onto ropes and CHOKES her! The ref counts, Sonya lets off again, and she drags Bianca up to bump off buckles. Sonya KICKS Bianca, taunts her, then snapmares her to a chinlock. Bianca endures and fans rally up. Bianca fights up to her feet, and she snapmares free again! But Sonya YANKS her out to the floor! Bianca staggers up, she gets Sonya’s arm, but Sonya YANKS Bianca into the POST!

Sonya soaks up the heat and brings Bianca up. Sonya SMACKS Bianca off the desk, then talks trash as she smothers Bianca. Sonya puts Bianca in the ring and covers, TWO! Sonya keeps on Bianca with another chinlock and she grinds Bianca down. Fans rally as Bianca fights up again! Bianca shoots around, rolls Sonya up, TWO! Sonya kicks but Bianca blocks to kick back! Bianca brings Sonya around, scoops her, and hits a FALL AWAY SLAM! Fans fire up while Sonya flounders and Bianca stands up. Bianca runs, handsprings and FLOPS as Sonya moves! SLIDING KNEE! Cover, TWO!! Sonya is beside herself as Bianca survives!

Sonya KICKS Bianca, and KICKS, and KICKS! Bianca ducks the next one, shoves her to ropes and hits a SPINEBUSTER! Cover, TWO!! Bianca is annoyed but shakes her head. Bianca stalks Sonya to ropes, grabs at her, but Sonya kicks her away. Sonya gets up, Bianca catches the haymaker into chicken wings, and brings Sonya up, but Sonya victory rolls! TWO and Sonya hits buckles! Bianca gets up, she hoists Sonya up to the top rope, and then climbs up after her. Sonya throws body shots, she shoves Bianca away and FLYING KNEES! Cover, TWO!! Bianca survives again and Sonya can’t believe it!

Sonya hurries to get Bianca up, turns her, but Bianca pushes her away. Bianca spins Sonya, suplexes and then rolls right through! Another suplex but Sonya slips out! HEAD ‘N’ ARM! But Bianca RAMS Sonya into buckles! Bianca gets free, runs in, but into a spin from Sonya! Sonya has a dragon sleeper but Bianca throws knees! Bianca goes up the corner, uses that to get up and over, and she torture racks for the KISS OF DEATH!! Cover, Bianca wins!

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

Bianca feels better now with that win! But wait, Bayley returns! “Ding dong~! Hey, champ. Great victory, good job, good job. Where you inspired by Dakota’s and Iyo’s championship victory earlier? Because I know I was!” Portland could learn a thing or two! Kai & Sky did what they said they were going to do? And Bayley said they’d take control of the entire division. Tonight was just the beginning! But since Bayley’s here, let’s talk Bianca’s victory. How does Bianca feel? Did her beating the #PrideFighter make her feel good? Because Bayley is pretty sure it did. That match fed just a bit of Bianca’s big fat ego! “What?” Big fat ego. “What?”

Bayley wants Bianca to be truthful to all the fans here. Bayley knows Bianca can’t sleep at night until she gets a match with Bayley. Is that what Bianca really wants? Because if Bayley was Bianca, she’d be embarrassed. Bayley hadn’t wrestled in over a year, and yet she pinned Bianca when no one else has for that same 365 days! Is that what Bianca wants? YES! Bianca dares Bayley to get in the ring but Bayley tells everyone to just relax. The match will happen, when the time is right! Bianca sets down the belt and dares Bayley, but Kai & Sky have slipped into the ringside area! Bianca sees she’s surrounded, and she sighs because she should’ve known better.

DMG CTRL creeps in, Bianca ROCKS Iyo then DECKS Bayley! But she gets mugged by the others! It becomes 3v1 but then here come Asuka and Alexa! Bliss KICKS Iyo, and hits a DDT! Asuka ducks Dakota’s kick to POP-UP KNEE! Bayley realizes that she’s the one outnumbered now! Bayley can’t get past Bliss or Asuka, and she puts up her dukes. But Bianca gets up behind her! Bayley swings, misses, and runs into a SPINEBUSTER! Bianca picks up the Raw Women’s Championship while she, Asuka and Alexa celebrate turning the tides. Will they make sure DMG CTRL doesn’t stay in control for long?

 

2v1 Handicap Match: Omos w/ MVP VS Cash Marazi & Ryan Tombs!

The Nigerian Giant is back in action, ready to destroy anyone and anything put in his path again. Will Portland’s own even walk out of the arena tonight?

The bell rings and Omos CLOBBERS both opponents! Omos drags Marazi up while Tombs tumbles out, and Omos TOSSES Marazi away! Omos sees Tombs on the apron, and he TOSSES Tombs into the ring! Omos runs to then CLOBBER both men again! MVP says “Just like that!” Omos drags Marazi up into a THRASHING Cobra Clutch!! Tombs CLUBS Omos but Omos grabs him by the neck! Omos scoops Tombs and gives him SNAKE EYES off the corner! BOOT!! Omos then scoops Marazi to SNAKE EYES him, for another BOOT!! Omos then grabs Tombs and MOUNTAINTOP SLAMS him down! And then a MOUNTAINTOP SLAM for Marazi!!

MVP says stack ’em and pin ’em! Omos does as told, double covers, and wins!

Winner: Omos, by pinfall

Marazi & Tombs never stood a chance! Will Omos find his way back up towards a title as we enter the Fall?

 

Rey talks with Edge backstage.

Rey pleads with him, really. Edge said it himself, he’s known Dom since he was in kindergarten, so please, from one father to another, don’t do this. Rey wants one more chance. Edge says he gets it, but we all heard Dom tonight. Dom is a man, he has to pay for what he did. Rey knows deep down, this needs to happen. And Edge also understands that Rey can’t bring himself to do it. So isn’t it better that it is Edge? Sometimes someone just needs sense knocked into them. This match is happening whether Rey likes it or not. Edge apologizes now for what’s coming. Will the Rated R Superstar go hard on Dom to bring him back to his senses?

 

Backstage interview with Seth Rollins.

Kevin Patrick surprises Rollins, and brings up that Rollins seems to have an “awful lot on his mind.” What was Rollins going to say before Riddle interrupted? No, no, NO! The moment has passed, Riddle ruined it! Rollins doesn’t wanna talk to anyone. How many times will he have to stomp Riddle’s head into the mat before he gets it? If you test the “face of this industry,” the Face of Raw, you cannot miss! Riddle misses every time! But then Bobby Lashley walks over to ask Rollins if he thinks he’s really the face of Raw. He is! Lashley has a problem with that? Yeah, because Rollins is NOT the face of Raw.

Rollins comes in, looking all bright and colorful, except he doesn’t have one color: gold. “He who has the gold is the face of Monday Night Raw.” Alright, alright. Rollins sees what this is. All these MMA guys seem to think the same way. They just fight, fight, fight, but do they ever stop to think? No, they don’t! Lashley must’ve gotten punched around so much, he’s got no more brain cells in that bald head of his! Lashley glares at Rollins but Rollins backs off. And while the US title wasn’t the one Rollins was talking about, he’ll gladly take it of Lashley’s shoulder. So Rollins VS Lashley, next week for the US Championship. And then we’ll find out who the face of Raw really is. HAHAHA!

Lashley says okay. They’ll fight about it. Rollins’ smile goes away quickly, and Lashley takes his leave. Will the All Mighty leave the Visionary staring up at the lights next week?

 

Raw shares an exclusive at-home interview with The Miz.

The Hollywood A-Lister finishes on his phone and asks if everyone else is ready. Like the harp? The piano? Was that Lumis in the window?! The reporter thanks Miz for this exclusive interview and Miz says that’s right they should be thanking him. This is the interview of a lifetime! After the weeks Miz has been having, he’s not going to Raw right now. This is his place where he feels the safest. Monroe and Madison scamper in to say goodnight, and Madison plays on the piano. Okay, okay, go on and head upstairs. Oh, Maryse looks great! Is he done? What? No, they haven’t even started yet. But they have to go. It’s fine, it’ll only take a few minutes.

Maryse says they have to go to the premiere. Miz says he isn’t sure. Is Maryse comfortable in them leaving the house? Is he kidding? Well, after everything that’s happened… Is it about “the freak?” C’mon, Mike, that guy will never come here. They have guards, an alarm system, and dogs. There is no way Lumis gets here. Miz says she’s right, she’s always right, and he loves Maryse so much. They both look so good. Miz will finish this up, but then Maryse points out the cameraman wearing shoes. Miz knows, but it’s what it is. LUMIS IS IN THE WINDOW AGAIN. Maryse says five minutes. Okay, let’s begin.

Well, as we saw, Lumis- Don’t say his name, thank you. But- But nothing. Miz will conduct this interview now. Do you realize what happened to Miz last week? He had to have a police escort to the arena. WWE ordered double security, and yet that lunatic- Dexter Lumis? DON’T say his name! But yes, him. He was still able to get in and do what he did. What did he do? Miz isn’t sure how to explain this any clearer: he does NOT want to talk about that! This interview is done! Miz is busy, he has a premiere to go to. Everyone, get your stuff and get out.

Miz and Maryse head out, Miz gets the car door for Maryse, and the guards will let WWE production out. They better not be here when Miz returns. Morons. Miz grumbles, gets in the car with Maryse, and drives off. With Lumis IN THE HOUSE NOW!! And he’s done a wonderful ink drawing of the It Family. But what is Lumis’ obsession with The Miz?

 

Edge VS Dominik Mysterio w/ The Judgement Day!

The Rated R Superstar just wanted to help the younger stars, but The Judgement Day mutinied and kicked him out. Then Edge tried to help The Mysterios against the monsters he created, and Dominik kicked him low! Will the gritty old Hall of Famer have to knock some sense into the younger generation at full speed? Or will Dominik prove that he is no longer in the shadows of legends and is finally a grown ass man?

The bell rings and Edge runs right at Dom! Edge BLASTS Dom into the corner, then says Dom wanted this! Edge HEADBUTTS Dom, ROCKS him with haymakers, and then he lets off as the ref counts. Dom staggers around but Edge ROCKS him again. Edge whips Dom corner to corner and CLOBBERS him in the corner! Dom flounders, Edge is after him with more haymakers! Edge HEADBUTTS Dom again, then whips him corner to corner. Dom goes up and over, rolls and turns around, into a BOOT! Dom sits up but Edge CLUBS him down! And CLUBS him again! Dom goes to a corner, Edge drags him up, to scoop and SLAM him!

Dom bails out and hurries over to Rhea. Rhea coaches Dom, and tells him to remember what Edge did to the relationship between Dom and Rey. Get angry and kick some ass! Dom slides in, runs at Edge, but Edge scoops him. Dom slips free, waistlocks, but Edge bucks him away. Dom handsprings back up but into a LARIAT! Fans fire up as Edge WRECKS Dom out of the ring! Edge glares at Rhea then stalks Dom. Edge brings Dom up, brings him around and RAMS him into barriers! Edge refreshes the ring count, drags Dom up again and bumps him off barriers! Fans fire up and Edge says if Dom’s a man, then take this! SMACK off the desk!

Dom flounders, Edge clears off the desk! Fans fire up more but Dom ROCKS Edge! And again! Dom whips but Edge reverses and Dom hits steel steps! Dom flops down, Rhea shouts to him but now Dom asks for mercy. Edge BOOTS Dom down instead! Edge drags Dom up and into the ring, fans rally behind Edge, but Dom distracts the ref so Rhea can CHOP BLOCK Edge! Rhea laughs as Edge hobbles, and Dom SHOVES Edge into the steel steps! Edge clutches his bad leg while Rhea applauds Dom and Raw goes to break.

Raw returns once more and Edge CLUBS Dom to fight the heel hook. Dom lets go to stomp away on the leg! Dom drags Edge up, ROCKS him with a forearm, then pushes him down to drop knees on the knee! And again! And again! Dom pulls on the leg with a toehold and Edge endures. Edge grabs at Dom but Dom slaps that hand away. Edge KICKS free with the free leg, but Dom drags Edge up first. Dom gives us some Latino Heat, and he suplex! Uno Amigo! Not the cleanest, but fans still boo as Dom hits the DOS AMIGOS! Dom gets Edge up again, really pours on the Latino Heat, and he hits THREE AMIGOS!

Dom goes to the corner, he climbs up top, and gives us even more Latino Heat, only for Edge to hit the ropes! Dom falls onto his amigo and fans fire up! Edge CHOPS Dom, ROCKS him, and manages to climb up with one good leg. Edge throws HEABUTTS but Dom throws body shots! HEADBUTT AFTER HEADBUTT! Edge drags Dom up and fans fire up again! But Rhea anchors Dom and Edge falls out of the superplex! Fans boo as the ref missed all that, and now Dom adjusts. FROG SPLASH!! Cover, TWO!! Edge survives and Dom is frustrated. Rhea is also upset, she argues the count on Dom’s behalf.

But now Dom goes for something else Eddie used to do. Dom steps through, but Edge BOOTS him into the POST! Dom is dazed now and Rhea coaches him up. Fans fire up as Edge gets up, and Dom drags himself out of the corner. Dom runs in, but into a FLAPJACK! Dom staggers up, Edge rallies with clotheslines! EDGE-O-MATIC! Cover, TWO! Dom HAMMERS the bad leg! And then he drags Edge around, but Edge BOOTS him again! Edge hobbles up, reels Dom in, IMPALER!! But the leg won’t let Edge make the cover! So Edge decides to get to a corner instead! Fans fire up and Edge takes aim. Dom stands, Edge runs in, but Dom rolls under! BOSTON CRAB!!

Dom has the bad leg in the HALF CRAB, and Rhea taunts Edge! Edge endures, Dom drags him from the ropes! Dom has the leg twisting across Edge’s body but Edge grits his teeth! Dom sits deep, but Edge pushes up! Fans fire up, Edge rolls through to cradle Dom, TWO!!Dom runs in but gets a HOTSHOT! Edge ties Dom up in the ropes! Edge says Dom wanted this! Edge throws haymaker after haymaker and fans count along! The ref counts, too, but Edge stops at five punches and the count of 4. Fans boo but Edge comes back to SLAP Dom! And then continue! Fans count again, we get ten total!

Edge backs off again and fans fire up again. Edge aims, runs in, but REY gets in the ring?! Rey is pleading with Edge not to do this! But Edge shoves Rey aside! Rey keeps trying, only for Priest to drag Rey out! Finn gets in, he CHOP BLOCKS Edge while Priest TOSSES Rey over the desk!! The ref calls it and the bell rings!

Winner: Edge, by disqualification

Rhea frees Dom and Finn stomps Edge! Rey is down as Finn drags Edge up, but Edge fires off haymakers! Rhea SMACKS the bad leg with a chair! Rhea tells Dom to make Edge pay! Dom has the chair now, and Priest encourages him even more. Dom SMACKS the bad leg! And again! And again! He BENDS that chair on Edge’s knee!! Dom then sits the chair up to put Edge’s leg on it! Finn goes up top, for a COUP DE GRACE to the leg!!! Edge clutches what could be a shattered knee and torn up ligaments! The fans boo but the Judgement Day soak it all up.

Finn tells Edge he is dealing with THE Judgement Day! Finn, Priest, Rhea & Dom are in charge now! Will anyone ever stop their path of destruction?


My Thoughts:

This was a great episode for Raw, and it really turned up the heat for quite a few stories. One it didn’t is Omos, sadly. I’ve said it before but I’ll say it again: Vince booked Omos into a corner. How can Omos do anything meaningful after building his power level so high yet still losing in the US Championship scene? It might take a draft/trade to put Omos on SmackDown where he can more or less start clean in the Intercontinental Championship scene, except I see him hitting the same wall. Omos didn’t get past Lashley, so I don’t see him getting past Gunther. Also, just to note, I do like that they let us know some of the stuff for NXT tomorrow night to help hook interest in the 2.0 Anniversary.

We got great build for Rollins. He had a good promo, a good brawl with Riddle, and after a great match in Finn VS Riddle, Rollins got the last word with that sneaky Curb Stomp. And I do appreciate that while Rollins was implying he wants a rematch with Roman Reigns, he’s taking on Bobby Lashley for the title. I can sense it right now that should Rollins take that title off Lashley, he could totally hold onto it all the way to when Cody Rhodes returns from injury, and they can pick up where they left off over the US title. Cody having the US title in its current form just makes sense, it would complete his Homelander cosplay.

As for Riddle and Judgement Day, I did like that Judgement Day was branching out for more members, even after finally converting Dom. Not sure Riddle would be a good fit for the group, but obviously now he can have a part in the feud with Judgement Day alongside Rey and Edge. We got great stuff out of that story, such as Dom finally speaking for the first time since joining Judgement Day, with Rhea of course still coaching him in character. Rey also had good promos pleading with both Dom and Edge, but of course Dom didn’t listen while Edge spun it that as a friend, he’d be best for the job.

The match was good, though Dom still needs some polish to pull off Three Amigos cleaner. But of course Rey would try and stop Edge from going too far, and of course Judgement Day would attack them both. It wasn’t about winning for them, it was about taking out two legends. That Coup De Grace to the extended leg spot was unique and looked devastating, which was the point. Riddle joining the story means this can turn into a Six Man Tag while we wait on the possibility of Dom & Rhea VS Edge & Beth. Even if we never get the Mixed Tag, we can get a lot out of Riddle siding with Rey and Edge on this, and we’ll see where it goes from there.

There was a lot of good stuff from Gargano and Theory tonight. Gargano has a great match with Gable, that was definitely a great choice for Gargano’s first match back. And it also makes sense as The Alpha Academy have been Theory’s pals lately. Theory attacking Gargano after was a good touch, as was Kevin Owens’ fired up promo. Kevin VS Theory is clearly happening again, maybe Theory wins that clean to follow through on proving himself to Kevin and the fans. Then after that, Theory also goes by Kevin’s advice and “makes a moment” on his own going after Gargano and they both give us an awesome match.

The Miz and the Mizanin family had a fun promo segment, and of course Lumis was lurking around. Lumis “outside, in the window” were such corny edits, but the twist of him showing up in the house at the last moment was good stuff. This only furthers things so that we need Miz & Maryse VS #InDex more than we need Dom & Rhea VS Edge & Beth. If we don’t get #InDex on Raw, I’m not sure what they’re thinking. Then we got great stuff from the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship match, and of course Bayley helps Kai & Sky win this time around. I thought Bayley was going to answer Bianca’s Open Challenge, but it does make sense that she as the Heel is doing things on her time, not Bianca’s.

Sonya Deville answering the challenge even though she’s on SmackDown felt a bit like a throwaway move, but it does round things out for Sonya and Bianca. Bayley is going to get her match at Extreme Rules, I can feel that. But we might even get Asuka & Alexa VS Kai & Sky in another rematch from the tag title tournament for the titles at Extreme Rules alongside it. Which, if they’re all given the time of a PPV, those matches can/will steal the show. Honestly, we just need to see Asuka VS Iyo go down, that’ll get fans excited.

My Score: 8.5/10


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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

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We’re just one step away from the Cup!

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

OFFICIAL RESULTS

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

PLAY BY PLAY

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

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

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

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

No Contest

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

2024 New Japan Cup Semifinals: SANADA VS Hirooki Goto!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


My Thoughts:

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

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

My Score: 8.9/10


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