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Mitchell’s WWE Raw Results & Report! (9/19/22)

Visionary VS All Mighty!

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WWE Raw 2022

Will Seth Rollins be golden once again?

The Visionary is hungry for gold. And though he wants what Roman Reigns has, he’ll start with the top prize on Raw in Lashley’s US title! Will the All Mighty be dethroned by Seth Freakin’ Rollins?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

  • WWE United States Championship: Bobby Lashley VS Seth Rollins; Lashley wins and retains the title.
  • Kevin Owens VS Austin Theory; Kevin wins.
  • The Street Profits VS The Brawling Brutes; The Brutes win.
  • Rey Mysterio & Matt Riddle VS Finn Balor & Damian Priest w/ Judgement Day; Finn & Priest win.
  • Bayley w/ Damage Control VS Alexa Bliss w/ Bianca Belair & Asuka; Bayley wins.

PLAY BY PLAY

WWE United States Championship: Bobby Lashley VS Seth Rollins!

The All Mighty has been a fighting champion and a dominant one at that! But the Visionary, the Revolutionary, Seth Freakin’ Rollins, is after gold! Will Rollins get his first piece in the Golden State? Or will he be crushed by the Rocky Mountain Machine?

The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who burns it down!

The two circle as fans rally up, and the two tie up. Lashley shoves Rollins down but Rollins sits up with a smirk. They circle again, tie up, but Rollins waistlocks to a headlock and grinds the hold. Lashley powers up and throws Rollins away! Rollins keeps his cool while fans rally and sing “OH~ OHH~ OHHH~!” Rollins and Lashley knuckle lock but Rollins kicks low to headlock again. But Lashley lifts and SLAMS Rollins down! Rollins gets up and gets in Lashley’s face. Rollins SLAPS Lashley, then runs away! Lashley pursues but runs into a dropkick! Rollins runs, DIVES, but into Lashley’s hands! Lashley fireman’s carries, but Rollins slips off to POST Lashley!

Rollins puts Lashley in the ring, springboards, but into the HURT LOCK!! Rollins flails, runs into a corner and HOTSHOTS Lashley! SUPERKICK! Lashley drops to a knee, another SUPERKICK knocks him over! CURB- WHAT?! Lashley just stays up on all fours?! And he blocks the Superkick to BACK ELBOW, then he clotheslines Rollins out of the ring! Fans fire up as Lashley goes out and runs in around the way to CLOBBER Rollins! Rollins almost lands on his head! San Jose fires up with Lashley while Raw goes to break.

Raw returns and Rollins has Lashley down with a “bicep slicer” short arm scissor. Lashley endures, fights around to stack Rollins in a cover, TWO! Rollins lets Lashley go but swings into the clinch! Rollins elbows free and hits a ARM BREAKER! Then a SLINGBLADE! Cover, TWO! Lashley is still in this but he clutches his bad arm. Rollins argues the count but the ref defends it was fair. Rollins fires off KICKS and CLUBS the bad arm! Rollins top wristlocks but Lashley endures. Fans rally, Lashley fights up, and Lashley hip tosses Rollins! Lashley then scoops, but Rollins gets to the apron! HOTSHOT for the bad arm! Rollins springboards again, FLYING KNEE! Cover, TWO!

Rollins grows frustrated but Lashley is tough as nails. Rollins drags Lashley up to HEADBUTT the bad arm! And again! Rollins wrenches, snapmares and drops a leg on the arm! BICEP SLICER! Lashley endures while fans rally and duel. Lashley fights around to push Rollins but Rollins fights it with his leg guard. Lashley powers through to deadlift Rollins, and POWERBOMB him! Rollins writhes while Lashley shakes out the bad arm. Lashley drags Rollins up, gut wrenches to the Canadian Rack but Rollins slips off! Rollins dumps Lashley out! Rollins builds speed and DIVES, and he takes Lashley down this time!

Rollins doesn’t stop there, though! He gets in the ring, builds speed again and he DIVES! Another hit and Lashley hits barriers! Rollins drags Lashley up but Lashley fireman’s carries! And he POSTS Rollins!! Both men are down on the outside as Raw goes to break!

Raw returns again and Rollins goes corner to corner, but into Lashley’s elbow! Lashley fires off clotheslines on Rollins in the corner, then fires off back elbows! The ref counts, Lashley lets off at 4, and he runs corner to corner to RAM Rollins! Then he turns Rollins for a NECKBREAKER! Rollins stagger sup into the gut wrench! Canadian Rack to the CLIFFHANGER! Cover, TWO!! Rollins survives and fans fire up as Lashley goes to the corner. Lashley aims at Rollins as Rollins flounders to his feet. Lashley run sin, into a KNEE! Rollins spins, into a COMPLETE SHOT! Cover, TWO!! Rollins survives again and Lashley is beside himself.

Rollins crawls to the apron as fans rally, and Lashley storms up after him. Lashley drags Rollins up but Rollins HOTSHOTS the arm again! Rollins goes up top, but Lashley ROCKS him first! Lashley climbs up to CLUB away on Rollins! Fans rally as Rollins resists the superplex with body shots! Rollins CLAWS Lashley’s face! Rollins then slips under, and he brings Lashley off the corner for a RUNNING BUCKLE BOMB!! Lashley falls over and Rollins climbs back up! FROG SPLASH!! Cover, TWO!! Lashley survives and shocks Rollins! Rollins moves around to get a CROSSFACE! Lashley endures and fans rally up!

Lashley reaches out but Rollins talks trash. Rollins says Lashley will never be the man around here! Lashley pries the hold open! Rollins HAMMERS away with elbows! Rollins underhooks, but Lashley back drops! Rollins tries to sunset flip but Lashley sits on it! TWO!! Lashley scoops Rollins for the RUNNING POWERSLAM! Fans fire up and duel as Lashley aims from a corner. SPE- PEDIGREE!!! Cover, TWO!?! Rollins used the same counter he did on Roman Reigns and yet Lashley survives! “This is Awesome!” and this is our opener! Rollins drags Lashley to the drop zone as fans sing “OH~ OHH~ OHHH~!”

Rollins climbs up, revels in the moment, and PHOENIX SPLASHES, but misses as Lashley moves! Lashley avoids the stomp to get the HURT LOCK!! Rollins flails, reaches out, fans are freaking out, but Lashley keeps Rollins from the ropes! But Rollins uses his foot to climb and push back! Rollins rolls it to a cover, TWO!! And Lashley still has the hurt lock! But the ref goes down, and Rollins MULE KICK LOW BLOWS!! Rollins frees himself with that cheap trick, but “Bro…” Riddle rushes out! Only to stop short. Rollins is furious but he hurries to get Lashley, SPEAR!!! Cover, Lashley wins!

Winner: Bobby Lashley, by pinfall (still WWE United States Champion)

The Architect had everything planned for, except The Stallion watching Lashley’s back! Rollins misses out on gold, will he give Riddle what he wants in that rematch? As for The All Mighty, who is next to step up to the US Champion?

 

Damage Control arrives in a limousine!

Bayley, Dakota Kai & Iyo Sky are riding in style, and they’re ready to party! Will the DMG CTRL Championship Celebration be one to remember?

 

Damage Control heads to the ring!

And they ride in on a tricked out golf cart! They even get pyro and streamers! Bayley drives the cart down to ringside and takes a victory lap before parking. The balloons are on the corner posts as Bayley, Kai & Sky step inside the ring. Then there’s more streamers! DMG CTRL all get mics, and fans boo. Bayley says, “Uh, ding dong, San Jose! That’s right, your Bay Area Hero is here! So I thought we could do a little homecoming celebration together. Yeah? Uh, but don’t worry, I’m not talking about you guys. When I say ‘we,’ I mean me, Dakota Kai & Iyo Sky, your NEW WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions of the World!”

Fans boo but Bayley says she doesn’t appreciate that. Show respect because you’re in the presence of champions, since the Sharks can’t get it done! Fans boo more but Iyo says they are in control now! And it’s all thanks to Bayley! Thank you so much, Role Model! Aw, don’t thank her. Bayley thanks Kai & Sky for believing in her vision. Kai says they needed each other. The division needed them. But who do they not need? Asuka, Alexa and the current Raw Women’s Champion, Bianca Belair. Let’s face it, they were once the faces of this division. But now, they are in control of NOTHING! “What?” Of nothing!

Asuka was once a fearless warrior, while Alexa walks around like she got a lobotomy during therapy! And for 300+ days, Bianca has phoned it in because she forgot what it’s like to be pinned. Until Bayley came back! She did do that! And now there’s nothing left for those three to do except pack up and go home. But wait! Here comes the RawEST Women’s Champion, as well as Alexa and Asuka! Bianca says they weren’t intending on crashing the party, but then DMG CTRL had to go and run their mouths again. Bianca can’t let them disrespect her and the others like that. So now, they’ll have to teach DMG CTRL some respect!

Whoa whoa, hey! Does Bianca have no patience? This is why the division spiraled out of control! Bianca is too impulsive. She needs to see things like Bayley! See the long game, the big picture! Bayley said that next time, they’d fight when Bayley decides. And that’s not right now. So what’re Alexa & Asuka here for? Bianca has enough accessories, from her stupid ponytail to her earrings, but Alexa & Asuka don’t really fit the picture anymore. Alexa says Bayley’s standing out here like she’s 10 feet tall. But keep talking, and Bianca’s gonna become an accessory to what Alexa does to Bayley. Oooh~!

Bayley thought Alexa’s only friend, Lilly, was the one that bites. But Alexa used to make Bayley’s life a living hell. That was back in the day. Who is this? This is a shell of the old Alexa. Aw, Bayley. Alexa would love to torment Bayley again. So how about tonight? Bayley VS Bliss! Fans cheer for that, and Alexa says yes, Lily does bite. And so does Alexa. DMG CTRL backs out of the ring, but then Bayley rushes in! Alexa DECKS her! Alexa fires off, Kai & Sky get Bayley outta there, and there’s no more celebrating! Will the Role Model lead by example and take on the Five Foot Fury?

 

Kevin Owens VS Austin Theory!

The Prizefighter got fired up and he called out the Youngest Mr. Money in the Bank to put up or shut up! Will Kevin end up be proven right about the dime-a-dozen superstar? Or will Theory finally put his money where his mouth is?

Theory BLASTS Kevin off the apron during his entrance! Then he RAMS Kevin into barriers! Theory goes back to the ring and gloats while fans boo. Theory eggs Kevin on and Kevin gets up. Kevin hobbles over to the ring, and he wants this match even more now! The bell rings and Theory rushes in, but Kevin TACKLES him! Kevin rains down fists, then fires haymakers as they stand. Kevin CHOPS Theory, ROCKS Theory, but Theory turns things around to stomp a mudhole! The ref counts and backs Theory down. Theory digs his knee in and talks trash, “I’M the future!” The ref counts, Theory lets off, and Theory drags Kevin back up.

Theory ROCKS Kevin, whips, but Kevin reverses to ELBOW Theory down! Then SENTONS! Theory scrambles to a corner, but gets out before Kevin runs in! Kevin goes out after Theory but Theory RAMS him into the apron! And SMACKS him off the desk! Theory brings Kevin over but Kevin throws hands! Kevin SMACKS Theory off the steps! And off the desk! Kevin gets in the ring at 7 of 10, but Theory is still down. Kevin goes back out, but Theory trips him on the apron! DRAPING NECKBREKER to the floor! Theory looms over Kevin while fans boo, and Raw goes to break.

Raw returns and Kevin ROCKS Theory with a forearm! Kevin bumps Theory off buckles, then off more buckles! Theory staggers but Kevin bumps him off a third corner! And then that same corner again and again and again! Fans count all the way to TEN! Kevin lets off, goes corner to corner as Theory sits down, and runs in, CANNONBALL into buckles! Theory winks at the fans, then slingshot somersaults to SHOTGUN! Cover, TWO! Theory clamps on with a chinlock! Fans rally as Kevin endures and Kevin fights up. Theory shakes his head and he throws Kevin down! Cover, ONE, but Theory headlocks to grind Kevin down again.

Fans rally up as Kevin keeps his shoulders up. Kevin claws Theory’s face! The ref counts, Kevin throws body shots! Theory kicks low, whips, but Kevin turns back drop into DDT! Both men are down and fans rally up again. Theory drags himself up the ropes while Kevin does the same on the opposite end. Theory rushes in but into haymakers from Kevin! Kevin whips, Theory reverses, but Kevin atomic drops to a LARIAT! Theory goes to a corner, Kevin runs in and clotheslines again! Kevin keeps moving, LARIAT! Cover, TWO! Theory is showing heart but Kevin storms up and brings him up. Kevin whips Theory to ropes, POP-UP-

NO, Theory slips out! Theory denies the stunner to ROCK Kevin with a forearm! Theory fireman’s carries, but Kevin slips off. Theory ELBOWS Kevin away, but Kevin SUPERKICKS in return! Kevin climbs while Theory is in the drop zone! SWANTON BOMB!! Cover, TWO!! Theory survives and Kevin is frustrated. Fans rally and Kevin brings Theory back to a drop zone. Kevin climbs up again, fans chant, “Who’s Your Daddy?” Kevin says HE’s Theory’s daddy! But Theory ROCKS Kevin and says “I’M your daddy!” But then Kevin ROCKS Theory! Theory climbs and they brawl on the corner! Kevin DECKS Theory and resets! But Theory ROCKS Kevin again!

Theory climbs up but Kevin throws body shots. Kevin has the fisherman, but Theory knees free of the lift! Theory ROCKS Kevin again, climbs up one more time, but Kevin HEADBUTTS him! Theory wobbles, Kevin HEADBUTTS more then CHOPS Theory down! BEST MOONSAULT EVER FLOPS as Theory moves! SOMERSAULT BLOCKBUSTER! Cover, TWO!! Theory is furious but he gets his own fisherman for AOI SHODOU!! Cover, TWO!!! Kevin survives! Theory covers again, TWO! Theory is furious as he covers again, TWO!! Theory is fuming but then he looks to his MITB briefcase. Theory stomps Kevin down then goes to the corner.

Fans chant “This is Awesome!” but Theory might ruin it. Wait! Johnny Gargano grabs the briefcase! He taunts Theory into reaching for it. Theory stops playing along, and he turns around into a SUPERKICK! Theory is down in the corner! Kevin CANNONBALLS!! Direct hit! And now, Kevin whips Theory to ropes, for the POP-UP POWERBOMB!! Cover, Kevin wins!!

Winner: Kevin Owens, by pinfall

Johnny Wrestling made sure Theory didn’t cheat, so that’s why Theory lost! Gargano gets in the ring to return the briefcase, by dropping it on Theory’s junk! Will Theory have to settle things with Gargano before he can find his way?

 

Backstage interview with Matt Riddle.

Kevin Patrick says Riddle “arguably” cost Rollins the WWE United States Championship. Riddle says damn right! It was time for some payback, and that’s just a taste. If Rollins thinks this is over, it’s just beginning. Riddle will hunt Rollins down until he gets that rematch. Well, Riddle’s also teaming with Rey Mysterio against The Judgement Day, what’s his mindset going into that match? There’s one thing Riddle knows about and that’s sweet vengeance. He’s helping Rey against Judgement Day. Finn & Damian used to be cool dudes, but now they’re like those goth kids from South Park, always talking about joining a cult or something while ruining legends’ careers.

So since Rey helped Riddle last week, Riddle’s returning the favor, and they’ll both get that sweet vengeance on Damian & Finn, bro. Later, dude! Will the Stallion and the King of Lucha be able to get some of that payback on Priest & The Prince?

 

The Brawling Brutes are here!?

SmackDown’s Ridge Holland & “Butch” Pete Dunne are bringing Fight Night to Raw! Ridge gets the mic but Dunne takes it to say, “Monday Night Raw…! IT’S FIGHT NIGHT!” Ridge says that’s right! So get used to seeing them now! Ridge the Fridge and the Bruiserweight are gonna become the NEW WWE Tag Team Champions! Sheamus is preparing the party already for when Ridge & Dunne SMASH the Usos and run this tag division! Fans have mixed reactions, but Ridge says whether it’s Mondays or Fridays- Wait! Here come the Street Profits! Angelo Dawkins & Montez Ford have their San Francisco Giants gear on as they head for the ring!

Dawkins says yo, it’s the Brawlin’ Brutes! First off, congrats on that win on Friday. Ford says it was amazing. But allow them to introduce themselves: They are the Triple Crowns that always put it down, the Street Profits! And here’s another hit, Barry Bonds. When the Brutes went through three other teams on SmackDown, they earned a match for the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championships. Congrats. But while they went through other teams, they didn’t go through the Profits. Dunne throws his hat and jacket at the Profits! Ridge holds Dunne back, but Ford tells Dunne to calm his butch ass down!

Ridge says Dunne’s ready for a fight, and so is Ridge! The Profits should put their month where their mouths are! Ford likes it when Ridge does business. He’s glad they asked, cuz he’s as sharp as glass, and he’s ’bout to whoop that ass! Because the Profits are up, and #WeWantTheSmoke! Will the Profits put the Brutes to the test before their title match with the Usos?

The Street Profits VS The Brawling Brutes!

Raw returns and the teams sort out. Dawkins starts against Ridge and fans rally up. They tie up, Ridge waistlocks and clamps onto the shoulders! Ridge then shifts to claw Dawkins’ face and ELBOW him in the head. Ridge headlocks, Dawkins powers out but Ridge runs him over! Ridge gloats but fans are torn. Ridge whips Dawkins corner ot corner, Dawkins goes up and over and things speed up. Dawkins RAMS Ridge, Ridge rebounds, Dawkins hurdles oand handsprings! Then he DROPKICKS Ridge down! Fans fire up with Dawkins and he brings Ridge over. Tag to Ford, teh Profits whip to CROSSBODY! Cover, ONE!

Ford CHOPS Ridge on the back then mocks his pain. Ford wrenches but Ridge ROCKS him. Ridge wrenches Ford’s arm, tags Dunne, and Dunne goes after the arm. Ford gets away, and he circles with Dunne. Dunne goes after the arm, wrenches the arm, and Ford screams in pain as Dunne bends the fingers! Ford CHOPS free! Fans “WOO~” but Dunne snarls. Ford dodges, ducks, slides, kicks, but Dunne flips him! Ford lands on his feet, Dunne whips but Ford reverses. Dunne BOOTS Ford away, whips him at the corner, but Ford goes up and over! Fans fire up as Ford DROPKICKS Dunne! Ford snarls and he drags Dunne over to tag Dawkins.

The Profits double back suplex high and hard! Cover, TWO! Dunne pulls Dawkins’s ear! Dawkins gets Dunne’s legs but Dunne uses that to get a toehold! Dunne then STOMPS the foot! Dunne stalks Dawkins to the corner, bends the fingers and twists Dawkins’s arm. Dunne STOMPS the elbow! Tag to Ridge and he stomps Dawkins down again. Ridge suplexes but Dawkins fights it. Dawkins suplexes but Ridge fights it. Dawkins wrenches out to ROCK Ridge! Hot tag to Ford! GAMANGIRI and then a CROSSBODY! Ford DECKS Dunne for good measure but Ridge CLOBBERS Ford! Ford lands out of the back suplex to mule kick, front kick and ENZIGURI!

Ford wobbles, runs, dodges, but Ridge still LARIATS Ford down! Tag to Dunne, he drops a KNEE on the arm! GAMANGIRI for Dawkins! Basement dropkick for Ford! Fans rally and duel as Dunne tags Ridge back. The Brutes put Ford through the ropes to DOUBLE CLUB! Ridge then turns Ford around and suplexes him up and in! Cover, TWO! Ridge drags Ford up and ROCKS him with a forearm. Ford flops against ropes, Ridge tags Dunne, and the Brutes put Ford through the ropes again. They shout out Sheamus with DOUBLE BEATS OF THE BODHRAIN! Dunne tops it off with a BLINDSIDE LARIAT! Ford flops to the floor as Raw goes to break!

Raw returns again as Dunne bends Ford’s fingers. Dunne has a mounted armlock now, and he tortures Ford’s hand into position. PENALTY KICK to the arm! Ford clutches the elbow but Dunne tags Ridge. Ridge drops a knee on Ford’s head, then he drags Ford up. Ford throws body shots with the good hand, and even the bad hand! But Ridge traps both hands to HEADBUTT Ford! Ford leans against ropes, Ridge tags Dunne then KICKS Ford down. Dunne stays between the Profits to kick away on Ford’s face! Fans rally as Ford takes shot after shot! Dunne bends the fingers again! Ford powers up to bend Dunne’s fingers! And he hits a DDT!

Fans fire up while both men are down! Both men crawl, hot tags to Ridge and Dawkins! The Curse of Greatness rallies on Ridge, but Ridge ROCKS Dawkins! Ridge whips, Dawkins hurdles and FLYING ELBOWS! Fans fire up with Dawkins and he CYCLONE SPLASHES! Then GAMANGIRIS! Then hits the SILENCER! Cover, TWO!! Ridge shows that Yorkshire grit, Dunne returns but Ford ENZIGURIS him! Dunne comes back to DECK Ford! Dawkins DECKS Dunne! Ridge UPPERCUTS Dawkins, Dawkins ROCKS Ridge! Dunne sneaks a tag before the whip! Ridge reverses, Dawkins hurdles, into a GAMANGIRI! Dunne drags Dawkins to a cover, but Ford breaks it!

Fans fire up and Dunne TOSSES Ford! Dunne tags Ridge, then they set Dawkins up. Ridge scoops and Dunne runs in, NECKBREAKER POWERSLAM! Cover, TWO!! Dawkins survives and Ridge can’t believe it! Ridge drags Dawkins up, Alabama Lifts, but Dawkins fights it to whip Ridge away! DOUBLE CLOTHESLINES collide! Ridge crawls, reaches out, and he tags in Dunne! Dunne hurries after Dawkins, and has a TRIANGLE HODL! Dawkins scrambles and flails but Dunne HAMMERS away! Dawkins deadlifts Dunne! Ford tags in, “SUCK IT!” BLOCKBUSTER BOMB!! Ford flounders to the cover, but Ridge breaks it!

“This is Awesome!” as Ford and Dunne stir. Dunne gives little headbutts to Ford but Ford gives them back. They both sit up, Ford waistlocks and forces Dunne towards the Profits’ corner. Dunne pries free to standing switch but Ford fights the lift! Tag to Dawkins, Ford GERMAN SUPLEXES Dunne, but Dunne lands on his feet! BUZZSAW for Ford! Dawkins POUNCES Dunne! Ridge tags in, he RAMS Dawkins! Dawkins rebounds, ducks ‘n’ dodges to POUNCE Ridge!! Tag back to Ford and he slingshots to build speed! Ford FLIES to take out the Brutes! Ford hurries to put Ridge in, and he tags Dawkins back in.

Dawkins gets Ridge up in the Electric Chair! Ford climbs up, but Dunne gest the fingers! SNAP!! Ridge slides off to POST Dawkins! Tag to Dunne, the Brutes get Dawkins now! Scoop and ROUNDHOUSE POWERSLAM!! Cover, the Brutes win!!

Winners: The Brawling Brutes, by pinfall

The #1 contenders are red hot rolling into Friday! Will Ridge the Fridge and the Bruiserweight be the ones to finally dethrone the ones?

 

Backstage interview with Rey Mysterio.

Sarah asks the King of Lucha if there’s any updates on Edge after the gruesome beat down from the Judgement Day? And also, has there been any reconciliation between Rey and his son, Dominik? Rey can’t help but think that if he only knew the resentment Dom was keeping inside, he could’ve stopped this. His own son won’t even speak to him now. “Edge might be sidelined for now, but he’s not out of the fight. And there’s nothing that can hold him down for long. I just truly hope that my son will find a way back to our family.” Rey won’t give up. He’ll never give up!

Dominik, Rey knows you’re listening. Rey wants Dom to know that everything he’s done in this life was for Dom. To provide Dom a life Rey never had growing up, and the opportunities that Rey only dreamt of, and a legacy for Dom to carry on! Only if Dom wanted to. Rey can’t say the same for Finn & Damian. Riddle says it’s okay, they’ll take out those greasy slime bags. You ready to drop the hammer of justice on Judgement Day? Rey’s ready. The King and the Bro head out, will they be the ones passing judgement on the Prince and the Punisher?

 

The Alpha Academy confront Johnny Gargano.

Chas Gable says, “Well, well, well. If it isn’t Johnny SHOOSH!” Gargano wants them to get out of his face, but Gable says hold on. They saw that “pathetic little display out there.” That cost their friend, Theory, his match! That doesn’t bode well with them. Gargano is new around here, so Gable will give him a free lesson. That was the biggest mistake of Gargano’s short career. Because Gargano doesn’t have what Theory has! And what’s that? “Strength in numbers, baby!” When you mess with Theory, you mess with the Academy! But then Kevin Owens walks in. Is there a problem here? Oh, there’s a problem. Is there a problem? Yes, there’s a problem.

Gable says of course there’s a problem! A big one! But it’s with Gargano, not Kevin. Well see, earlier, Gargano had Kevin’s back, so if you have a problem with him, you’ve got a problem with Kevin. True, it did take both of them to get the best on Theory. So maybe we can even the odd. A tag match, Kevin & “Ugh, Johnny Wrestling” VS The Academy! Next week on Raw! Are they seriously challenging Kevin & Johnny to a match? That’s great! Because Gable made an Open Challenge a few weeks ago, and Kevin answered it. And Kevin won! Where was that? In Toronto, Canada! And Kevin realized, he loved beating the hell out of Gable in his home country!

Oh, where is Raw going next week? Canada! So there we go! Gable wants to skip next week, they’ll be in Minnesota then! No, Gable said next week so they’re doing it next week! Kevin & Johnny VS Alpha Academy, done deal! Anything else to add? Yeah- SHOOOOSH~! Gable is upset that they got him with his own thing! Will Gable regret getting involved with Theory’s business?

 

Rey Mysterio & Matt Riddle VS Finn Balor & Damian Priest w/ Judgement Day!

The King of Lucha thought he knew his son, but it seems there was a darkness lurking below the surface that “Papi” Rhea exploited. And then, the Prince & the Punisher tried to recruit the Stallion, but the Bro said hell no. Will the darkness grow and swallow Rey & Riddle whole? Or can they show Dom the light in this fight?

Before the match, the Judgement Day get the mics and fans boo. Rhea laughs and tells them all to settle down. “Last week, we took out everyone that was in front of us. And proved to every single one of you, once again, that The Judgement Day, we run Monday Night Raw.” Priest laughs and Rhea says now, with Dominik by their side, no one can stop them. Especially now that he’s a man! Finn says Rhea’s right, Dom is a man! A brave man! Finn said before that it takes a great deal of bravery to stand up to your enemies, but a great deal more to stand up to your father! And that is what Dom’s done!

Priest says, “Dominik Mysterio. Way to go, brother. Love this guy.” This is a man who no longer walks in someone’s shadow. Dom is a man willing to fight his own battles and proved it when he faced Edge 1v1! And if you need a reminder of how that went, well, Dom is standing here, and Edge ain’t standing at all! Edge is probably sitting on his “mountain of omnipotence.” Rhea never understood what that was. Priest says no one did! But Edge is sitting there, beat up, sad and injured. Aww~, boo hoo~! Rhea then tells Dom that Papi is very proud of him. Dom thanks Rhea for that. Fans boo but Rhea laughs it off. Boo all you like, Dom is going to talk!

Finn says pipe down! Dom’s got something to say! Just ignore them, mate. This is Dominik Mysterio, so shut your mouths and show respect! Dom says, “Like I was saying…” The boos get louder! Dom is amused almost. Dom again thanks Rhea, he is also very proud of himself. Say it louder for the people in the back! Dom says he couldn’t be prouder to be standing alongside his NEW family, his REAL family, the Judgement Day. Finn says that is beautiful. They’re having a moment here! They need to capture the moment with a family portrait! Someone take a picture! The four pose for the cameras and smile. Yeah, they’re having such a great time! Are the fans having a good time?

“Bro…” Riddle finally makes his entrance! Then Rey makes his entrance, and the two go to the ring. Did Dom’s words get in Rey’s head? We’ll find out, after the break.

Raw returns and Riddle starts against Finn. The bell rings, the two circle and tie up. They go around, Finn waistlocks, throws body shots, then he bumps Riddle off buckles. Finn stomps Riddle, bumps him off more buckles, then he throws body shots. Tag to Priest, he brings Riddle out and DECKS him with a right! Fans boo but Priest soaks it up. Priest TOSSES Riddle to a corner and ROCKS him! And HEADBUTTS him! Priest bumps Riddle off buckles, tags Finn, and they mug Riddle. Finn bumps Riddle off more buckles, CHOPS him, then digs forearms into Riddle’s face. Finn whips corner to corner but Riddle goes up and over to KICK Finn down!

Riddle gut wrenches and suplexes! Then he gut wrenches and suplexes again! And then tag to Rey before the third! Rey gets a boost from Riddle to DOUBLE LEG DROP on Finn! Cover, TWO! Rey throws forearms then whips but Finn reverses. Rey KICKS Finn, tilt-o-whirls and RANAS! Priest tags in but Rey dodges to KICK and throw hands! Rey runs, ducks ‘n’ dodges, but leaps into Priest’s arms! Priest pops Rey up but Rey slips off, only to run into a LARIAT! Rhea is laughing and Dom is applauding as Priest soaks up the heat. Priest drags Rey up and puts him on ropes to CHOKE him! The ref counts, Priest lets off and then bumps Rey off buckles.

Priest taunts Riddle and Finn CHOKES Rey! Priest then runs to back elbow Rey down! Tag to Finn for a slingshot STOMP! Cocky cover, TWO! Fans rally for Rey but Finn CHOKES Rey on the ropes! Finn lets off as the ref counts but Rhea taunts him. Finn snapmares Rey to KICK him in the back! Cover, TWO! Finn clamps on to a chinlock and he grinds Rey down. Rey endures, fights up, and he JAWBREAKERS free! Rey runs, into an ELBOW! Cover, TWO! Dom and Rhea cheer Finn on but fans rally for Rey. Tag to Priest and Judgement Day mugs Rey. Priest scoops and gives Rey SNAKE EYES! Cover, TWO!

Priest stalks Rey, drags him over and Finn tags in. They mug Rey more, Finn snapmares Rey to a chinlock and grinds him down! Rey endures and fans rally up again. Rey fights up and throws elbows. Finn knees low! Finn snap suplexes Rey, and spins for Uno Amigo! Fans boo but Finn snap suplexes for Dos Amigos! Finn gets up again, gives us some Latino Heat, but Rey snap suplexes back! Fans fire up as both men are down! Finn crawls to get Rey’s leg but Rey ENZIGURIS! Hot tag to Riddle! Riddle rallies on Finn with palm strikes an da BOOT! Then a ripcord and FINAL FLASH! Priest runs in but Riddle spins him for a PELE!

Riddle kips up and forearm smashes Finn! Then forearm smashes Priest! Then back to Finn! BROSPLODER for Finn! Priest dodges Riddle but Riddle dodges the boot to GERMAN SUPLEX! Rhea is freaking out as Riddle aims at Finn! Finn ducks the Penalty Kick, avoids the moonsault, but the BROTON lands! PENALTY KICK on the second try! Cover, TWO! Riddle puts Finn in a drop zone and he climbs up top. Fans fire up for the FLOATING- NO, Finn avoids the Bro! Tag to Priest but Riddle ROUNDHOUSES him! Riddle forearm smashes Priest, DECKS Finn, but Priest DECKS Riddle! Priest hauls Riddle up but Riddle fights free of the crucifix!

Riddle ROCKS Priest, KICKS Finn, then slingshots, but into Priest’s choke grip! APRON CHOKE SLAM!! Riddle flops to the floor and fans boo but Dom applauds as Raw goes to break.

Raw returns again and Finn has a chinlock on Riddle. Riddle fight sup, throws body shots and is free, but runs into an ELBOW! Finn throws Riddle out then goes out, but the ref keeps him back. So that allows Rhea to give Riddle a back suplex to the floor! Rhea plays innocent while fans boo. Rey protests, Finn puts Riddle in and tags Priest. They coordinate for a BACKBREAKER LEG DROP COMBO! Cover, TWO! Priest clamps onto Riddle, digs his knee in and has the motorcycle stretch. Riddle endures and fights up but Priest CLUBS him on the back. Tag to Finn, Priest whips to mule kick! Finn front kicks, Priest KICKS and Finn SCISSOR KICKS! Cover, TWO!

Rhea is furious but Finn tags Priest back in. They mug Riddle more and Priest pulls Riddle back into the motorcycle stretch. Riddle endures, fans rally up, and Rey coaches Riddle. Riddle fight sup but Priest CLUBS him again. Priest shoves Riddle to CLUB him in the lumbar! Priest grins as he shoves Riddle again, but Riddle ROUNDHOUSES in return! Then fireman’s carries, BRO TO SLEEP!! Both men are down and fans fire up! Rhea is freaking out as Priest and Riddle crawl, hot tags to Finn and Rey! The King dodges and whips the Prince but Finn sunset flips. Rey rolls through to basement dropkick! Rey runs in at the corner but is put on the apron, GAMANGIRI!

Rey goes up top and leaps, FLYING SEATED SENTON! Rey WRECKS Priest with a dropkick, sending him into the announce desk! Rey then turns around, into Finn’s knee! Finn ROCKS Rey with a right, whips him to ropes, but Rey ducks ‘n’ dodges to springboard CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO! Finn calls to Priest but Priest is down! Rey CLOBBERS Finn in the corner, climbs up and he rains down rights! Dom glares at Rey and that distracts him, Finn TRIPS Rey up! Fans boo but Finn snarls as he drags Rey into the dragon sleeper! But Rey PELES free! Rey wheelbarrows and victory rolls Finn to ropes! Dial it up, but Priest trips Rey!

Priest drags Rey out but Riddle goes the apron, PENALTY KCIK! SPRINGBOARD FLOATING BRO! Priest is sent into the desk again! Rey RANAS Finn onto ropes! Dial it up again, 619!! Direct hit and fans are thunderous! Rey goes up top, gives us some real Latino Heat, but Rhea distracts! The ref stops her, but Rollins CLOBBERS Riddle!! Payback for earlier! Rollins grabs a chair and he aims at Riddle! Rey stops Rollins and runs him off! Rey checks on Riddle, but then Dom and Rey stare down. Dom dares Rey to hit him! Fans boo, and Rey looks conflicted. But he can’t do that, that’s his son! Rey gets in the ring and Finn hits a SLINGBLADE!

Finn calls out, Priest tags in! Priest drags Rey up with a choke grip! SOUTH OF HEAVEN!! Tag back to Finn and he goes up for the COUP DE GRACE!! Cover, Judgement Day wins!

Winners: Finn Balor & Damian Priest, by pinfall

Rollins gets some semblance of revenge on Riddle, but even without that, Dom causing Rey turmoil was enough to tip the scales. Will Judgement Day continue to DOM-inate Raw?

 

Raw returns and Riddle found Rollins backstage!

And yes, they’re BRAWLING! Security and staff try to separate them but that’s easier said than done! Riddle wants a fight! Rollins says fine !Name the time and the place and Rollins will wreck him! Then it’ll be at Extreme Rules! IN THE FIGHT PIT!! Rollins says you’re on! He’ll wreck Riddle in his own backyard! Riddle’s dead!! Will the Architect have a plan for dropping into the pit? Or will Riddle use this to settle things once and for all?

 

The Miz and Tommaso Ciampa are in the ring.

The Hollywood A-Lister has a mic to welcome us to the Most Must-See WWE Talk Show, MizTV! Last Raw, Miz was not live or present, because he has been a victim of a deranged madman! It is one thing to attack Miz and cost him the US Championship. But “he” crossed the line when he stepped foot into Miz’s home! Miz looked at his security footage, and what kind of lunatic breaks into your home and draws a picture of your family, then puts it on the coffee table and leaves?! Miz doesn’t care if Lumis was in there for an hour, minute or second, you do NOT step into his home uninvited! Miz is sick of feeling this way, always looking over his shoulder!

Just two days ago, Miz was celebrating Madison’s third birthday. And it was a Minions themed party! Miz couldn’t help but look at all the Minions there, thinking “he” was inside one of those costumes. Miz ended up punching a Minion in the face! All the kids screamed, “You hurt Stewart!” Miz is going crazy! And all anyone can say is, “What did he do to you?” That’s not the question you should be asking! The question is why?! Why Miz?! So Miz wants “him” to come out here NOW, man-to-man, face-to-face. What does he say? Miz and Ciampa wait, but there’s no response. Except for fans chanting, “TINY BALLS!”

Miz says that’s what he thought. C’mon, Lumis, this is the platform you wanted! Wait, what’s that knife poking out from the ring mat?! Lumis is cutting a hole in the ring! Miz asks what Lumis is waiting for, but Corey Graves tries to warn Miz from commentary! Maybe Lumis isn’t a madman. He’s just a weak-minded sociopath, and the next time Miz sees him, Miz will kick his ass! Miz turns around, but he doesn’t see the hole! Fans keep taunting Miz, and Lumis emerges! NOW Miz sees it! Lumis grabs Miz and Miz grabs chairs, but that doesn’t stop Lumis! Ciampa grab sMiz and drags him back out! So Lumis grabs Ciampa! Ciampa CLOCKS Lumis with a mic!

Lumis drops down the hole, but is he out cold? Miz looks at the hole, and Lumis pops up like a demented gopher! Miz and Ciampa scramble out of the ring, and Lumis slips back down below. This only leaves us with more questions than answers. What will it take to get to the bottom of Lumis’s Miz obsession?

 

The Judgement Day feel great backstage.

Kevin Patrick walks over to say they’ve torn apart the Mysterio Family, put Edge on the shelf, and after tonight’s victory, what’s next? Rhea say sit is time to celebrate! Right, Dom? Dom isn’t sure. He should go check on his dad. NOT!! HAHA! Priest, Dom’s heard the stories. Let’s go and celebrate. Dom’s got a new mami now. And Mami knows best. Priest says his old bro, Riddle, didn’t get enough of an ass kicking tonight, so next week, Priest will give it to him one more time. Now, enough about the losers. Let’s party! The Judgement Day heads out, but when they turn the corner, Finn spots something. He says he’ll handle this one alone.

It’s AJ STYLES! Finn walks up to his old club mate, and Finn asks Styles if he’s “fabing” Finn or something. No, man, they haven’t spoken because Finn joined Judgement Day and betrayed Styles. But now they have talked, so that’s done. Finn won’t let Styles leave. Only one of those things is true. Yes, Finn joined Judgement Day, but he never turned on Styles. Has there ever been one moment in all the time they’ve known each other that Finn did not have Styles’ back? No, Styles admits, they’ve had each other’s backs. So what? If Styles joins Finn in Judgement Day, he has to turn his back on those he loves the most, just like Dom? Styles wants NO part of Judgement Day.

C’mon, AJ! It’s Finn! How long have they known each other? Finn is looking for a friend but Styles is looking for a fight. Is Styles looking for a fight? The two stare down, but Finn says nah, that can’t be. They’re buds! Finn hugs Styles, but he tells Styles that the offer still stands. Too Sweet? Finn heads out, but what will Styles do about this?

 

Bayley w/ Damage Control VS Alexa Bliss w/ Bianca Belair & Asuka!

The Role Model helped Kai & Sky get the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships, and though she wants the Raw Women’s Championship, she’ll do it on her time. But speaking of time, will Lil’ Miss Bliss turn back time and remind Bayley of the old days? Or will this Bayley beat this Bliss?

Raw returns and the bell rings on the main event. Bayley and Alexa stare down then slowly circle. Their allies rally for them, the two tie up and Alexa gets around to hop on for a SLEEPER! Bayley throws Alexa off but Alexa just gets back on! Bayley RAMS Alexa into buckles, and again, and again! Bayley snapmares free, then swings, but misses as Alexa dodges! Alexa whips Bayley to then table top her! And drop toehold! Bayley flounders, Alexa runs in but is put on the apron. Alexa ROCKS Bayley, then trips her up! Bayley flounders more and Alexa storms up on her. Bayley SLAPS Alexa! Fans rally and duel while Bayley smirks.

Alexa grins, blocks the punch and WRINGS Bayley out! Then hits an ARM JAMMER! And another! Alexa DECKS Bayley, then has her in a corner. Bayley FLAPJACKS Alexa off buckles! Bayley throws Alexa down and scowls as she paces. Bayley stomps Alexa, throws down hands, then CLUBS Alexa’s arm. Bayley clamps on to grind the arm but fans rally up. Bayley whips Alexa and hip tosses her down! Cover, TWO! Bayley KNEES Alexa in the back, then BOOTS her down! SLIDING ELBOW! Cover, TWO! Bayley CHOKES Alexa on the ropes, Kai & Sky mock her, and Bayley lets off at 4. Fans chant “BAYLEY SUCKS!” and that upsets her.

Alexa throws body shots on Bayley but Bayley knees her down! Bayley soaks up the heat and chinlocks Alexa. Alexa endures, Bianca and Asuka rally the fans up, and Alexa grabs at Bayley’s hair! JAWBREAKER! Alexa tilt-o-whirls and RANAS Bayley onto ropes! Alexa DOUBLE KNEES Bayley in the back! Alexa then stands on Bayley for the SKATEBOARD STOMPS! Kai & Sky protest but Alexa whips Bayley to ropes. Bayley reverses, Alexa clings to the ropes but Bayley BOOTS her down! Bayley drags Alexa up and through the ropes, then tells Bianca to kiss this! But Alexa shoves Bayley away! And slides under to sunset flip!

But Bayley gets a leg and drags Alexa out to the apron! Bayley SMASHES the knee on the edge! Kai & Sky cheer as Bayley gets back in. Bayley runs and BLINDSIDE LARIATS! Cover, TWO! Alexa is still in this and she bails out to the apron. Sky mocks her again and Bayley grins as she stalks Alexa. Bayley brings Alexa around to SMACK her off the desk! Bayley then clears off the desk, props the hood against the apron, and she puts Alexa on the desk. Bayley DECKS Alexa, grabs the bad leg, but Alexa boots her away! The ring count is 6 of 10 as Alexa stands to CANNONBALL Bayley down! Fans fire up while Alexa clutches her knee, and Raw goes to break.

Raw returns once again and Bayley has Alexa’s leg for a deep toehold! Alexa endures, she CLUBS Bayley’s back and kicks her away! Fans duel, “Let’s Go, Bayley!” “BAYLEY SUCKS!” DOUBLE CLOTHESLINES collide! Fans rally while both women are down. Alexa and Bayley slowly stand, and Bayley CHOP BLOCKS Alexa’s leg! Bayley stomps away on the leg, then rains down fists! She drags Alexa up and puts her through ropes, to CHOKE her in front of Asuka and Bianca! The ref counts, Bayley lets off, and she drags Alexa away. Bayley has another toehold and she twists the leg! Fans rally but Alexa endures.

Alexa kicks and punches Bayley’s own leg, then boots her away again! Alexa hobbles, Bayley RAMS her into a corner! Bayley runs in but Alexa ELBOWS her away! And BOOTS her! Alexa goes up, ROCKS Bayley and then leaps, FLYING THTESSZ PRESS! Alexa rains down fast hands but Bayley pushes her away. Alexa kicks a leg out, KNEES Bayley and SHOTGUN DROPKICKS! Fans fire up and Alexa blocks a leg to STO! INSULT2INJURY MK. II! Cover, TWO! Alexa grimaces as she clutches her leg, and she drags Bayley back up. Bayley whips Alexa away, but Alexa springboards to CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO! Alexa ghost pins, TWO!! Bayley has the pin, TWO!

Bayley hurries to drag Alexa up but Alexa cradles, TWO! Bayley Oklahoma Rolls, TWO! Bayley gets the legs but Alexa kicks her into a corner! Bayley storms up, clinches Alexa, but Alexa rolls Bayley up! TWO!! Bayley kicks the bad leg out! Fans boo but Bayley clinches for the BAYLEY2BELLY! Cover, TWO!?! Alexa survives one of Bayley’s best and Bayley is beside herself! Bayley stalks Alexa to a corner, hoists her up top, and fans duel again. Bayley climbs up to clinch again, but Alexa fights with furious fists! Alexa hops onto Bayley for a CODE RED! Cover, TWO!! Bayley survives and now Alexa is beside herself!

Alexa drags Bayley up, uses the corner, but no tornado! The leg jams, Bayley trips her! High stack with feet on the ropes! But Bianca pushes the feet off! But then Kai & Sky POST Bianca! Asuka CLOBBERS Sky and BACKHANDS Kai! Asuka runs in, but Kai moves and the hip attack hits steel steps! Bayley HOTSHOTS Alexa, then drags her around. No Rose Plant, though, as Alexa kicks back and DDTs! Bayley’s in the drop zone and Alexa climbs up! Kai distracts the ref while Sky shoves Alexa down! Bayley drags Alexa up into the ROSE PLANT! Cover, Bayley wins!

Winner: Bayley, by pinfall

Bayley celebrates with Kai & Sky, and then they all mug Alexa! Fans boo but Asuka returns! Kai BOOTS Asuka down, then she and Sky mug her! Bayley has them set Asuka up, then they give Sky the assist, LIONSAULT! But Bianca gets in, and she fires off on DMG CTRL! LARIAT for Bayley! Bianca drags Bayley up but Kai & Sky get her! They mug Bianca now, then sit her up for Bayley’s FOREARM! And then a ROSE PLANT!! Fans boo as DMG CTRL stand over their enemies, and Bayley gets a mic. “I’m in control now, Bianca. I get what I want, when I want! And I want the Raw Women’s title at Extreme Rules!”

The Role Model finally names the time and place! Will DMG CTRL soon control all of Raw? Or can Bianca go to the extreme to hold onto the title?


My Thoughts:

A great Raw to really heat things up for Extreme Rules. For one, we got really good stuff for the Raw Women’s Championship story. Bayley and Alexa referencing their history without going too into detail was good stuff, and they had a very good main event match. Naturally, shenanigans help Bayley win, and naturally she wants the Raw Women’s title at Extreme Rules. That is going to be a great match, and honestly, could go either way because it’s Bayley with back-up. At the same time, Kai & Sky might be busy with a tag title match for Extreme Rules between either Asuka & Alexa or Raquel & Shotzi, or maybe even both, and that’d be a lot of fun.

I loved how that MizTV segment went. It has been a long time since someone busted out from under through the ring, and I love that Lumis got to do it. Miz VS Lumis 1v1 might be where we go for Extreme Rules, but I still want this to evolve into a Mixed Tag story for Indi Hartwell’s call-up. Great surprise appearance by the Brawling Brutes, great match with the Street Profits, and a great win for the Brutes, but of course that was going to happen. Ridge & Dunne have momentum going into their tag title match, but that is because they’re going to lose. The Usos probably aren’t losing those belts until we have the moment the Bloodline turns on Sami so we can finally have Sami & Kevin Owens as tag champions.

Speaking of, great stuff from Kevin Owens VS Austin Theory Round 2. Gargano keeping Theory from cheating with the briefcase was good stuff, and we got good stuff from Gargano, Kevin and Alpha Academy. Their tag match is going to be really fun, but I would think Theory interferes in return to set up Theory VS Gargano. Lashley VS Rollins was an awesome opener, and it was opener mostly so it had time to breathe and really be a great match worthy of those two guys. Riddle making sure Rollins didn’t win by cheating was a good touch for their story, as their rivalry doesn’t need a title.

And great story integration as Rollins gets involved with Riddle during the Judgement Day tag match. Rollins VS Riddle in the Fight Pit is going to be awesome! On the day where the news breaks that Survivor Series will feature WARGAMES matches, it is great that HHH wants to bring an NXT original idea to the main roster. Great promo stuff out of the Judgement Day, too, and wow does Dom have heat with the fans. They booed SO hard. But we got a great match, and of course with Rhea, Dom and Rollins all playing a part, Judgement Day wins. I like that they’re bringing back some of Priest’s “party boy” persona from NXT, you can be sure that’s also HHH.

And not to heap too much praise onto HHH, but I can’t help it, he finally gave us the kind of interaction between Finn and Styles that I for one have been wanting. They didn’t need to say “Bullet Club” but the Too Sweet was of course a good touch. Just as Rey is trying to redeem Dom, Styles could try to redeem Finn, who knows how things go, but we’re going to get awesome stuff. We definitely need Finn VS Styles 1v1 to happen, and maybe when they decide Edge is ready to come back in kayfabe, we can get a big match of Rey, Edge and Styles VS Dom, Priest & Finn. Hell, depending on how long they stretch this out, it could even be at Survivor Series: WARGAMES!

My Score: 8.6/10


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Coverage

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

Talk about a Big Time Raw!

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Will The Man be the Last Woman Standing?

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

OFFICIAL RESULTS

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

PLAY BY PLAY

Jey Uso is here!

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

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

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

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

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

 

Adam Pearce is on the phone.

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Winners: DIY, by pinfall (advance to WrestleMania)

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

 

Judgment Day meets backstage.

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

Winners: Candice LeRae & Indi Hartwell, by submission

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

 

Cody Rhodes makes his way to the ring.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

Nia Jax speaks.

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

 

Cody Rhodes returns backstage.

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

 

Dominik Mysterio w/ JD McDonagh VS Ricochet!

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

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

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

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

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

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

Winner: Ricochet, by pinfall

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

 

Sami Zayn is backstage.

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

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

 

Adam Pearce is in the ring.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

Sami confronts Gable now.

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

 

CM Punk speaks.

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

 

Drew McIntyre is here!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

Becky Lynch speaks.

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

Liv Morgan confronts Becky Lynch.

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

 

Cody walks with his dog, Pharaoh, backstage.

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

 

Last Woman Standing: Becky Lynch VS Nia Jax!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Winner: Becky Lynch

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


My Thoughts:

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

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

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

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

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

My Score: 8.9/10


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

The semifinals are here!

Published

on

We’re just one step away from the Cup!

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

OFFICIAL RESULTS

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

PLAY BY PLAY

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

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

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

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

No Contest

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

2024 New Japan Cup Semifinals: SANADA VS Hirooki Goto!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


My Thoughts:

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

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

My Score: 8.9/10


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