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Mitchell’s WWE NXT Results & Report! (10/25/22)

It’s Tag Title Tuesday!

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NXT White 'n' Gold Era

Double double, toil and trouble!

Halloween Havoc has come and gone, but there’re still more tricks and treats to be had! Will Pretty Deadly and KC Squared retain their tag titles? Or will we hear “AND NEW~” twice tonight?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

  • NXT Women’s Tag Team Championships: Kayden Carter & Katana Chance VS Nikkita Lyons & Zoey Stark; Kayden & Katana win and retain the title.
  • Shotzi Blackheart VS Lash Legend; Shotzi wins.
  • Five Minute Time Limit: Brutus Creed w/ Julius Creed VS Damon Kemp; No Contest.
  • NXT Tag Team Championships: Pretty Deadly VS Malik Blade & Edris Enofe; Pretty Deadly wins and retains the title.
  • Indi Hartwell VS Sol Ruca; Indi wins.
  • Ilja Dragunov VS JD McDonagh; JD wins.

PLAY BY PLAY

NXT Women’s Tag Team Championships: Kayden Carter & Katana Chance VS Nikkita Lyons & Zoey Stark!

KC Squared fought so hard again and again to get to the titles, and now that they have them, they’re ready to fight even harder! And they just might have to against the towering team they’re up against. Will the party keep on going? Or is this the night the music dies?

The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we start off with gold!

Kayden and Lyons circle, tie up, and Lyons waistlocks to SLAM Kayden! Kayden fights up, slips out and SPANKS Lyons! Lyons smirks, gets an arm, and wrenches to a wristlock. Kayden rolls, but Lyons does a split out of the wrench! Kayden kicks but Lyons avoids it. The two get in each other’s face, Kayden shoves but Lyons RAMS Kayden into a corner! Tag to Stark, she keeps Kayden from Katana and CLOBBERS her! Cover, TWO! Stark clamps on a chinlock to grind Kayden down. Fans rally and duel, Kayden fights up, but Stark wrenches and snapmares. Stark runs but Kayden ducks to KANGAROO KICK!

Kayden wrenches and brings Stark over to tag Katana. The champs double whip, trip and basement dropkick! Slingshot senton! Cover, TWO! Katana keeps on Stark but Stark lifts her up! Katana fights to keep Stark down, but Stark back drops! Katana sunset flips but Stark drags her up! Stark whips, Katana RANAS, but Stark handsprings through! Fans duel with cheers and jeers, but Katana SHOTGUNS! Katana runs in but into a scoop! She slips out but Stark kicks low. Stark whips, Katana goes up and Kayden is there, SILLY STRING RANA! Fans fire up and Stark tags Lyons! Lyons runs Katana right over!

Lyons drags Katana up, whips her to a corner and runs in to DECK her! Cover, TWO! Lyons drags Katana up, gut wrenches and has the Canadian Rack! Katana endures as Lyons thrashes her around. Fans rally up and Katana reaches out. Katana slips off, ducks and tags Kayden! Kayden dodges, trades kicks with Lyons but Lyons hits a takedown to a toehold! Kayden endures, Lyons drags her from ropes, but Kayden kicks her away. Kayden ducks, tags Katana, then taunts Lyons. Katana hops on, Kayden kicks Lyons, victory roll! TWO! SHOTGUN! Katana tags Kayden back in, they both run and SHOTGUN Lyons out of the ring!

Stark rushes in but is sent out! KC Squared set up, DOUBLE CROSSBODIES, get caught! DOUBLE SCOOP SLAMS! Fans are torn as NXT goes picture in picture!

Lyons & Stark are fired up, and Lyons puts Kayden in the ring. Lyons drags Kayden up, drags her over, and tags Stark. They mug Kayden, then Stark scoops to SLAM her. Cover, TWO! Kayden hangs tough but Stark clamps on a chinlock. Stark thrashes Kayden around and leans on the hold. Fans rally up, Kayden fights to her feet and backs Stark into a corner. The ref counts, Kayden fights and Stark lets go, only to turn her around and CHOP! Kayden COHPS back! Stark kicks low, CHOPS again, then tags Lyons. The challengers double whip Kayden to ropes to double ELBOW! Cover, TWO!

Lyons keeps on Kayden with another chinlock. Kayden endures, fans rally up, but Lyons wrangles Kayden back down. Kayden keeps fighting and she throws body shots, but Lyons CLUBS her! Lyons shoves Kayden, Kayden gets around and has an IRON OCTOPUS! Lyons stays up as she endures, but she’s fading! GROUND OCTOPUS CRADLE! TWO!! Lyons escapes but Kayden is right back on her. Lyons powers up, but Kayden digs her elbow in as she pulls on the hold. Lyons powers her way out for a moment but Kayden hooks her with a leg again. They continue to struggle, Lyons stomps her way over to her corner, and NXT returns to single picture.

Fans rally and duel, Lyons swings free but Kayden JAWBREAKERS! Tag to Katana and she slingshot KICKS! Then she goes up to CROSSBODY! Lyons catches her for a swinging SIDE SLAM! Cover, TWO! Katana hangs tough now but Lyons grabs at her. Katana reaches out, Lyons reels her in and back suplexes! But Kayden tags in !Katana slips out, slide sunder, Katana CLOBBERS Lyons then DECKS Stark! Kayden rushes in, Stark returns but gets a dropkick! Kayden back body blocks them both! Then she DROPKICK SPLASHES them both! Kayden whips Lyons to ropes but Lyons reverses, but Kayden victory rolls and SUPERKICKS!

Tag to Katana and KC Squared combine! Wheelbarrow back suplex SPLASH! Cover, Stark barrels in to break it! Fans are thunderous for this opening contest! Katana has Lyons but Lyons TOSSES her! Hot tag to Stark! Stark and Katana brawl, Stark shoves Katana away then pops her up! Katana hits off buckles, Stark comes back to HALF ‘N’ HALF! Fans fire up and Stark is feeling it! Stark hauls Katana up, Z 3- NO, VICTORY ROLL! Cover, TWO!! Katana tags Kayden before the O’Conner Roll! TWO, Stark LARIATS Kayden out of the ring! Stark skins the cat, dodges Katana and rolls her up, STARK & LYONS WIN!!

Winners: Nikkita Lyons & Zoey Stark, by pinfall (NEW NXT Women’s Tag Team Champions)

But Katana protests! She made a tag! The ref didn’t see it, so another comes in! The officials discuss it as the announcement is made, and then things are changed! “Due to an unseen tag, the head referee has determined that this match will now restart!” Fans are torn on that, but Stark & Lyons fire back up. They just figure they gotta finish strong! The bell rings and he we go again!

The teams brawl, Lyons with Katana and Kayden with Stark! Katana dodges and Lyons POSTS herself! Kayden RAMS into Stark! The ref counts but Kayden tags Katana in, full view of the ref. They haul Stark up top, Kayden BOOTS Lyons down then SUPER CROSSBODIES! But Stark shoves Katana away! Katana jumps right back up, SUPER SPANISH FLY!! Cover, TWO!?! Stark survives and Katana can’t believe it! Fans argue if it was two or three, but Katana tags Kayden in. Kayden storms up, drags Stark up and fireman’s carries. Stark fights free to GERMAN SUPLEX! Both women are down, and Stark crawls to her corner! HOT TAG TO LYONS!

Lyons runs and DECKS Katana! She has Kayden alone, SPINNING ROUNDHOUSE! LYONS DEN!! Cover, Katana dropkicks it apart! Stark rushes in but Katana RANAS her out! Kayden has Lyons but Lyons BOOTS and scoops! But Kayden fights out to mule kick and SUPERKICK! And SUPERKICK again! Tag to Katana, they set Lyons up, HIGHLIGHT REEL!! Cover, KC SQUARED WIN!

Winners: Katana Chance & Kayden Carter, by pinfall (still NXT Women’s Tag Team Champions)

The controversy was dealt with and in the end, the champions retain! KC Squared prove the established team reigns supreme! But with how close that came, will Stark & Lyons come back for another try?

 

Ilja Dragunov speaks.

“My opportunity to fill the void in my soul that has been there for over three months. I was a fraction of a second away, so close, but yet so far. JD McDonagh stole my destiny. JD McDonah enjoys manipulating my reality. When he was in NXT UK, he was a cancer and a threat until I removed him. NOBODY is safe. Not myself, not Bron Breakker nobody, until he is removed again. And tonight, The Czar will eliminate JD McDonagh once and for all!” Will UNBESIEGBAR avenge himself and protect the future of NXT from the Necessary Evil?

 

An eerie figure walks in the shadows.

“This second coming isn’t about retribution. It’s about justice.” Then whose justice will be served?

 

Wes Lee heads to the ring!

The Must-See Kid is the NEW North American Champion and the fans are here for it! Wes gets the mic and fans chant, “You Deserve It!” Wes thanks them for that, and says he’s gonna get emotional again. Just hold on now. “I just wanted to come out here to thank you all for Saturday night. Never did I think I would make it to the WWE, let alone be a champion. And for damn sure, not be one on my own.” Fans cheer, and Wes says, “But the faith and the confidence of everyone here in NXT inspired and motivated me, especially when I was lost in the dark.” Fans cheer that, too!

“Winning this title gave me a sense of validation I have been searching for my entire life. That I belong. Like, there is a place for me. That I am loved for who I am and what I stand for, and for that, I am forever, forever grateful, y’all.” Fans cheer and Wes wants them to hold on again. When he was on top of that ladder and they all chanted he deserved it, that is a feeling that is indescribable. All he can say is thanks. “But look, in all honesty, we don’t deserve the love you all share for us all the time.” Fans chant, “Yes You Do!” Wes says to go with that, he will make sure to continue to exceed- Grayson Waller is here?

Waller tells Wes, “Stop sucking up, lad. You don’t deserve a thing and neither do they. I’m glad you had a good Saturday, cuz I didn’t. I Hate Halloween, it is a stupid, made up holiday.” Wes tells Waller he can’t come out here to rain on a parade cuz he lost. Oh, you think he lost? Sure, Apollo Crews rolled Waller into an inanimate object, but Waller won! What did Wes do? He climbed a ladder! Waller climbs a ladder at Home Depot and gets nothing. As far as Waller is concerned, he’s still up 1-0 on Apollo. But wait! R-TRUTH is here?! Truth has the fans say, “What’s up?” Truth is in a Joker costume as he joins Wes and Waller in the ring.

“Orlando, Florida, make some noise! WHAT’S UP!?” Truth says the mask got him a bit ashy, but ladies and gentlemen, ghouls ‘n’ goblins, welcome to HALLOWEEN HAVOC! Uh, Truth… Uh… But Truth says if you’re all ready for the spookiest night of the year- Waller speaks up. “What’re you doing?” Fans boo but Truth says, “Wait a minute, y’all. Dawg, that’s cool, man. You coming with that British accent!” Fans chant “British Accent!” at Waller, and Truth does his best Brit: “Are you excited about Halloween Havoc, mate? Excuse me, gov’nah.” Waller says news flash: He’s AUSTRALIAN! And Halloween Havoc was THREE DAYS AGO!

Fans boo but Truth laughs. He thinks Waller is tricking him. But Wes admits, it did happen. Wes won the title there. OH SNAP! Congrats! And Truth says, “My bad.” Truth asks how Waller did. Fans chant, “HE LOST! HE LOST!” Wes confirms, Waller lost in a casket match. Oh… Truth ain’t mad, Apollo Crews is nice. He is. But Waller was in the casket by himself? No spiders? It must’ve been dark. Truth would’ve been scared. Waller says he wasn’t scared, he just got rolled. Waller rolled one up? YEAAAH~! Truth’s gonna hang out in NXT more. NO! Waller would love nothing more than to beat Truth in his own house!

But Waller’s mind not in it. He’ll give Truth a week. then we can see what the Grayson Waller Effect really is. That is, if Truth can figure out the right day on the calendar. Oh, what good hospitality. On second thought… Waller takes a swing, but gets pinballed by Wes and Truth! Then Truth hits a CALF KICK! Truth TOSSES Waller and says, “I’ll see you next week! Happy Halloween!” But with next week being November 1st, will there be any treats left over? Or only tricks from the 21st Century Success Story?

 

Malik Blade & Edris Enofe speak backstage.

Malik admits he’s nervous. This is the biggest night of their careers! They can become champions! Edris says he’s nervous, too, but he knows they’ve got more than a shot. Pretty Deadly will bring it, but tonight, it is THEIR night! If Malik had one shot, one opportunity to seize everything you’ve ever wanted, would you capture it? Or just let it slip away? Is Enofe seriously spitting Eminem right now? Man, he’s just trying to get Malik ready! They’ve been day one! And that’s all they need! This is the time! They’ll get the titles and SHOCK THE WORLD! Will the

 

Quincy Elliot is in the ring!

“Ladies and gentlemen, give it up for everybody’s favorite scream queen, SHOTZI~!” And with that, the wild child and TCB Jr. ride on out! Shotzi’s ready to take care o’ bidness, will Lash learn when to not lash out?

 

Backstage interview with Apollo Crews.

McKenzie asks him after that big win on Saturday, is it safe to say that Waller is in his rearview? Yes, he is Truth’s problem now. But in all seriousness, Waller is annoying but very talented. Apollo knew the moment he shut Waller in the casket and shut Waller’s mouth that he could move on to what his original focus was. That is becoming THE NXT Champion! His first go, he never got to hold that title. Credit to Waller for taking Apollo off course, but now Apollo’s vision is clear! Apollo’s eyes and ears are locked in next week, because he heard…  Maybe this is a spoiler, but Bron will return next week, and Apollo will be very interested in what he has to say. Will Apollo’s future be him holding some gold?

 

Shotzi Blackheart w/ Quincy Elliot VS Lash Legend!

NXT returns and Lash makes her entrance. The bell rings, Shotzi dodges Lash and waistlocks, but Lash knees free. Lash throws more knees, TOSSES Shotzi across the way, then storms up to drag her up. Lash tosses Shotzi up and out to the apron, but then she soaks up the heat. Shotzi blocks Lash’s forearm to KICK her away! Shotzi gets in to dropkick the legs out, then drop toeholds. Lash stays up to stomp Shotzi down! Lash drags Shotzi up, scoops her but Shotzi slips out! Shotzi kicks Lash, BOOTS her from the corner, then goes up to bring her into a HANGING HEADSCISSOR! Fans howl as Shotzi lets go and goes back up top.

But Lash BOOTS Shotzi down! Shotzi hits the floor and Quincy check son her. Lash storms out, tells Quincy to back off, but he blows a kiss and drops it like it’s hot. Lash says nuh-uh, but Shotzi fires off hands! Lash and Shotzi scrap, Shotzi puts Lash in and hurries after her. Shotzi brings Lash up but Lash scoops to SLAM her! Lash stalks Shotzi to ropes, drags her around and wraps a leg around ropes! The ref counts, but Lash stomps the leg! Lash kicks Shotzi and she’s in a Tree of Woe situation! Shotzi frees herself but Lash drags her to a cover, TWO! Lash gets the bad leg for a STRETCH MUFFLER!

Fans rally as Shotzi endures and sits up! Shotzi throws down fists, then gets the ROPEBREAK! The ref counts, Lash doesn’t let go so Shotzi HOTSHOTS her! And BOOTS her! Shotzi goes to a corner, Lash blocks the boot but not the uppercut! Shotzi runs but Lash RAMS her into the corner! Lash puts Shotzi up top but Shotzi CLUBS Lash right down! Shotzi fires forearms, then fisherman’s a leg, NEVER WAKE UP! Cover, Shotzi wins!

Winner: Shotiz Blackheart, by pinfall

The Super Diva celebrates with the real scream queen, and Lash is silenced, for now. Will this win help Shotzi get up towards some kind of title in the Women’s Division?

 

Five Minute Time Limit: Brutus Creed w/ Julius Creed VS Damon Kemp!

With the big win on Saturday, Julius kept Diamond Mine together, and he kept his brother here on NXT. And now, Brutus looks to get some semblance of revenge for himself as he gets the Golden Gopher for one quick round. Will Kemp even last five minutes given all the damage done at Halloween Havoc?

Before the match, the Creeds have mics. Julius says they need to bear with him. His hands are all jacked up from that Ambulance match. But even Sunday was hard, getting up in all that pain. But it wouldn’t have compared had Julius lost and cost Brutus his career. Kemp learned that short term decisions have long term consequences. Juilus wrote the sentence but Brutus is going to punctuate it. Brutus says he can’t thank Julius enough for what he did. But Brutus will say, “Thank you, brother. Love you.” But now it’s HIS turn! Brutus tells Kemp that he promised them five minutes, so Kemp needs to get his ass out here so Brutus can beat it and finish what Kemp started!

But Kemp is on the tron! “Are you two dummies still angry? Julius, you got lucky. And Brutus, I got good news for ya. Medical spared you from getting pieced up tonight. I’m not medically cleared. But don’t worry, though. I still got five minutes of hell still waiting for ya. See you then.” Fans boo but Brutus tells Kemp that every day he has to wait, the ass whooping will get worse and worse and worse! Because it is Diamond Mine FOREVER! But then VEER & SANGA attack?! They beat down the Creeds, and fans boo! Sanga seems torn as Veer tells him to do it, but Sanga hesitates. so the MILLION DOLLAR LARIAT takes Julius out!

Sanga keep son Brutus, and then he follows through with the CHOKE SLAM!! Fans boo but Indus Sher IS back! And well dressed, at that. Ivy Nile storms out and asks them why, but the damage is done. Will these stylish assassins destroy the whole NXT Tag Team Division?

 

Pretty Deadly talk backstage.

Elton Prince takes a deep breath and says they need to concentrate. Tonight’s gonna be tough. Kit Wilson says “they” are fast. Elton agrees, those two are like cheetahs running full speed on the Serengeti. And they’re confident! That’s also a problem. But look who they’ve beaten. They’ve taken out every other team in NXT. In Kit’s opinion, they’re the two most athletic guys on the roster. Elton says they’re loved by everyone, too! Total sweethearts and fan favorites. Wait, shouldn’t they be talking about Edris & Malik? NAH! HAHAHA! They were talking about themselves because Malik & Edris have NO shot! Those two couldn’t even lace up Pretty Deadly’s fabulous boots!

The champions set to head out, but then SIDE PLATE CHECK~! Okay, now they’re ready. Will that confidence see Kit & Elton through? Or will it get them caught by the bracket busting underdogs?

 

Toxic Attraction FaceTimes each other.

Jacy Jayne is in the weight room while Gigi Dolin chills by the pool. Gigi calls Mandy Rose and she asks what everyone’s up to. Gigi says ,”What’s up, champ?” Gigi is getting her tan on, that Vitamin D. Where’s Jacy? She was going to meet Gigi but she’s at the gym. Jacy conference calls in and yes, she’s working out. Jacy getting jacked. Well, she tries. She’s getting buff so the zombies don’t get her? Uh, if Jacy remembers right, Gigi was the one that got stuck in a freezer. Well, be grateful they all got out alive and with Mandy’s title. They beat Alba Fyre at her own game, and karma at its finest. And Gigi hopes Jacy is bringing the cheese and wine.

Wow, thanks for the invite, girls. Uh, Mandy, you said you had a photoshoot. Oh right, she does. The champ is in demand, but so is Toxic Attraction. Mandy says next week, they’re celebrating Mandy’s one year anniversary! You better be ready, because as long as they hold the title, there’s Toxic Attraction, and then there’s everyone else. Just how big will the Toxic Goddess exalt herself and her historic accomplishment?

 

NXT Tag Team Championships: Pretty Deadly VS Malik Blade & Edris Enofe!

Former NXT UK Tag Team Champions, TWO-TIME NXT Tag Team Champions, and the team that unified those titles at World Collide, it is needless to say Kit & Elton have egos as big as the Atlantic Ocean. But the bigger they are, the harder they fall! Will Malik & Edris SHOCK THE WORLD when they dethrone the “tasty” tag team champions? Or will we all be crying over some Spilt Milk?

The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we have our second tag title match of the night!

The teams sort out, Malik and Kit start, and Malik DROPKICKS Kit right at the bell! Tag to Edris, Malik goes up for a BLOCKBUSTER! Edris is up top, MACHO ELBOW! Cover, Elton breaks it in time! A fast start and a close call! Malik throws Elton out, then he tags back in. The challengers double whip, body shot and trip to a BOOT and LARIAT! Kit bails out but fans fire up with the challengers! Malik & Edris hurry out, they CLOBBER Kit and put him in the ring. Kit runs, Malik speeds it up but Elton tags in. Kit anchors Malik for Elton to DECK him! Fans boo but Elton EuroUppers Malik. Elton kicks Malik, whips, and CLOBBERS him!

Elton stalks Malik, he kicks him to the corner, but swings into a back suplex! Kit tags in before the atomic drop, to then hop up! Elton body shots, Kit victory rolls, TWO! Malik sweeps the leg and drops a knee! Fans rally, Malik tags Edris, and Edris goes up. Malik wrenches the arm, Edris drops an ax handle! Kit elbows Edris but Edris kicks back. Kit whips, Edris sunset flips and stacks, TWO! Kit goes to a corner, he kicks a leg out, and then he throws hands! Kit clinches, EuroUppers Edris down, then stands him back up for another EuroUpper! Tag to Elton but Edris lifts! Kit fights free, the tag is clear this time, and Elton leaps, into a body shot!

Edris wrenches Elton, tags Malik, and Malik goes up to drop ax handles! Malik keeps on Elton with a whip but Elton reverses. Elton scoops for a SIDEWALK SLAM! Cover, TWO! Elton snarls and he drags Malik up. Elton EuroUppers Malik, tags Kit, and fireman’s carries. Malik slips off, Edris tag sin but Pretty Deadly mugs Malik! they double whip, Malik goes up and over, then under, then baits the champs into the CROSSBODY! Edris & Malik DROPKICK  Pretty Deadly! Pretty Deadly get up, to get clotheslined out of the ring! Fans fire up for Malik & Edris as NXT goes picture in picture!

Malik & Edris dare someone to come back and Pretty Deadly regroup. They check each other, they’re both fine, and they talk it out. Kit gets in but slides out to taunt Edris. Edris keeps cool and Kit slides in to kick back! Kit CHOPS Edris in a corner, facelocks, and then CHOPS him again! Edris snarls and Kit wants him to calm down. Edris CHOSP and CHOPS and CHOPS back! Edris keeps on Kit, pumps up and CHOPS! Kit flounders, Edris swipes at Elton, but Kit attacks! Elton tags in, leap frog and DDT! Elton fires up and he kicks Edris around. Elton drags Edris up to suplex high and hard! cover, TWO!

Elton looms over Edris, drags him back up and digs a knee in for the chinlock. Edris endures, fans rally, and Edris fights the chinlock. NXT returns to single picture as Edris throws hands! Edris ROCKS Elton over and over, but Elton keeps him from Malik! Elton scoops and SLAMS him! Then he drops a knee, only to miss! Edris gets out, Kit tags in! Kit reels Edris in, but Edris suplexes Kit to the floor! Edris gets in, Elton gets Kit in to tag! Elton gets Edris’s foot, keeps him from Malik, and reels him in for a LARIAT! He sucker punches Malik, too! Fans boo and Malik scowls, but Elton looms over Edris.

Elton drags Edris by his arm while fans rally. Elton taunts Edris, “Shock the world?” Elton stomps away on Edris, then drags him up. Edris JAWBREAKERS! Elton wobbles but tags Kit! Kit throws Edris out but Edris is on the apron! Edris shoulders in, slingshots over, but Kit stays up! Kit flails and reaches, tag to Elton! But Edris avoids the fist! Hot tag to Malik! Malik rallies on Pretty Deadly and fans fire up! Malik ducks ‘n’ dodges and CLOBBERS Elton! Fans fire up with Malik and he runs to LARIAT Elton at the ropes! Malik goes out and up the corner, but Elton runs away! Fans boo, so Malik drops and runs to FLY over the corner!!

Direct hit on both Pretty Deadly and fans lose their minds! Malik puts Elton up, goes up and CROSSBODIES! Cover, TWO!! Elton survives and Malik can’t believe it! Malik dares Elton to get up, but Elton resists. Malik fireman’s carries but Elton slips off. O’Conner Roll, TWO! Elton tags Kit and BOOTS Malik! Pretty Deadly set up, ASSISTED GUT BUSTER! Cover, TWO!! Malik is toughing it out and frustrating Pretty Deadly! Kit tells Malik to stay down but the fans rally for their hometown hero! Malik and Kit throw haymakers back and forth, faster and faster! They stand, Malik gets the edge, but Kit spins him to a backslide!

Malik slips off, tag to Edris! BOOT for Kit, CUTTER COMPLETE SHOT COMBO!! Cover, TWO!!! Kit survives, showing why Pretty Deadly are champs at all! Kit KANGAROO KICKS, but Edris staggers to KNEE! He falls on the cover, Malik intercepts Elton! TWO!! Fans argue that should’ve been it, but Malik tags in. Edris fireman’s carries, Malik runs, but Edris’ legs let out! Malik fires off on Kit, eh fireman’s carries. But Elton CLOBBERS Edris! Kit POSTS Malik! Tag to Elton, Pretty Deadly- SUNSET FLIP! But Elton grabs Malik, only for Malik to victory roll! TWO!?!? Elton escapes by the seat of his fashionable tights!

Kit TRIPS Edris on the apron! Elton CLOBBERS Malik in the distraction! Tag to Kit, Pretty Deadly set up, SPILT MILK!!! Cover, Pretty Deadly win!!

Winners: Pretty Deadly, by pinfall (still NXT Tag Team Champions)

Dirty or not, that’s why no one has been able to stop Pretty Deadly. Kit & Elton keep their side plates intact, will Malik & Edris have to climb up from the bottom again?

 

JD McDonagh speaks.

“I nearly didn’t get out of bed on Sunday morning. Because I wasn’t the NXT Champion. But neither was Ilja Dragunov. So it’s not all bad news, right? And Ilja describes me as a cancer. But he’s the one reoccurring for me. Spreading everywhere I go, like a malignant little growth in the back of my mind. I get called a lot of things, but there’s on nickname that I got recently that I rather like: The Necessary Evil. Because there is a necessary evil, a devil inside me, that I can access that others shy away from.” Ilja’s face on Saturday was priceless.

But there’s another expression JD wants tonight: a look of pain because he won’t be leaving this building on his own strength. Ilja will be incapacitated and damaged beyond repair, wishing he’d never heard JD’s name, and that he never came to NXT. Will the Irish Ace unleash that Necessary Evil to end UNBESIEGBAR?

 

Backstage interview with Zoey Stark.

McKenzie knows that was a tough loss, but what is she feeling? Stark says she had it. She had the titles in her hands. Everything she busted her ass for was taken away. Kayden & Katana are the luckiest team right now. Lyons apologizes but Stark tells her that’s not her fault. Things happen in the heat of the moment, and that was just frustrating that the ref didn’t see the tags. But it’s okay. Stark & Lyons will get a rematch, and they will get the gold for sure this time. Can Lyons & Stark keep their cool and finish it off for sure next time?

 

The Schism heads to the ring.

Joe Gacy, Rip Fowler, Jagger Reed and the mysterious little red riding hood go to the ring, all wearing those yellow smiley masks. Gacy takes his off to say, “Pride and arrogance are commonplace in NXT. Take a good look at these luminaries right here, and reflect on the strength that comes from our humble unity. These pioneers, three of many more to come, understand that togetherness is the greatest accomplishment! Our mission statement is clear: remove your mask, and join the Schism, or… be torn down!”

Fans boo as Rip takes off his mask to say, “NXT is a den of selfishness and greed. Envious of others’ good fortunes, superstars and fans alike put themselves before the greater good of our unity. And we hear your comments towards us, but we understand that it is simply a reflection of your own shortcomings. Only by coming together can the system work. Water the roots, and more roots will grow! But allow them to dry out, and so will all hope.”

Jagger adds, “Wrath is a manipulative emotional state. Uncontrolled negativity affects both the personal and the social well-being. To be truly healthy, you must learn to control it correctly. Anger divides and pain brings pain. But love… Love brings love. And The Schism only builds stronger together as a unit.” Gacy says, “There are people in this world who you would think have everything they could ever want, but are empty and depleted on the inside. Rip Fowler, Jagger Reed, learned that the path to ever lasting unity comes from showing their true selves. Now, the time has come for you to take your next step,” Red.

“To sit under the Schism’s tree, you must do the same and reveal your true self. But remember: there is no going back.” Red steps down and unzips the jacket. The hood comes down, and the mask comes off to reveal… THE ROCK’S DAUGHTER, SIMONE ALEXANDRA JOHNSON!! Simone says, “The love and acceptance the Schism has given me defies any preconceived notions of who I’m supposed to be. This family completes me. I am Ava Raine.” The Schism hug it out! Gacy says, “This collective of hearts beats together in harmony. Four roots, one tree.” Love is blind, grass is greener on the other side, and now will Raine help The Schism reign over NXT?

 

Backstage interview with Sol Ruca.

McKenzie says this is her second match in NXT, and it’s against Indi Hartwell. How is Sol feeling? Nervous and excited, the same way she does when she’s about to drop in on a wave or flying through the air. Indi is badass, but Sol… Indi walks in. “A bit of advice from someone who’s been here for more than one match: Doing tricks to wow the audience is cool, I’ll give you that; but it’s only gonna get you so far in NXT. It’s all about winning. And you’re about to learn that right now.” Will the Surfer Girl learn a thing or two from #IndiWrestling?

 

NXT shares a call to the Performance Center.

A receptionist gives a standard message, “You have reached the WWE Performance Center. Please leave your name, number, and a brief message after the beep, and we will get back to you at our earliest convenience. Have a great day.” The person says, “Let go of all your pain, washing away your deepest fears. Listen with your eyes, speaking with your ears. Awaken from the pits you call the dark, opening up to my soliloquy is just the start. Watch as I come and leave my mark, as I plan to rip all of NXT apart. Sincerely, SCRYPTS.” What?

 

Indi Hartwell VS Sol Ruca!

NXT returns as Sol makes her entrance. The bell rings and Indi scoops Sol to SLAM her! And scoop SLAM her! Indi smirks and whips but Sol reverses. Things speed up, Sol leaps but then goes Matrix to dodge! Sol scoops and carries Indi to SLAM her! And scoop SLAM her again! Cover, ONE! Sol is frustrated, but she handsprings in! Indi dodges but Sol elbows her. Solo whips, Indi holds ropes to avoid the dropkick, and Sol stagger sup into a LARIAT! Indi smirks as she drags Sol back up for another LARIAT! And then another LARIAT! Indi stalks Sol to BLINDSIDE FOREARM! Cover, Indi wins!

Winner: Indi Hartwell, by pinfall

Now that was impressive. The veteran shows the new girl on the block what’s what, is this Indi’s chance to finally- Wait! Elektra Lopez POSTS Indi!! Lopez drags Sol up to BLUE THUNDER BOMB! Legado may be gone but Lopez is back and she KICKS Sol while she’s down. “La Madrina is BACK!” Will she take over all on her own now that she’s her own boss?

 

NXT checks on Chase U.

The students talk before class but Professor Andre gets them to take their seats. Wait, where’s Bodhi Hayward? He said he’d be prepared this week. Duke Hudson apologizes for entering late, but he was looking for Bodhi. He couldn’t find him anywhere. Thea Hail has no idea, either, despite being his roommate. Chase says he is a bit disappointed, as Bodhi was going to give a presentation on the holiday traditions of pro-wrestling. Duke hopes his Granny Smith apple makes up for it. Y’know what they say: A bad apple spoils the bunch. Sit down, Duke. Fair enough. Duke takes Bodhi’s seat next to Thea and we move on.

Next week is November, a big month for the WWE with many big events. They’ll cover a lot of material in a short amount of time, so take great notes. Thea’s pen is out of ink so Duke lends her his. But what’s he gonna write with? Duke will just memorize it all. Oh, are Chase’s words not effin’ important enough to write down? Does he speak to enjoy the sound of his own effin’ voice?! Get a pen and take notes! duke accepts that and promises it won’t happen again. Chase appreciates that.

Now, holiday traditions in WWE include Survivor Series, which has had many historic moments. Wait, Duke sneaks someone else’s pen off their desk! That sly snake! Is Duke going to grift his way through this class? Or will someone call him out on it?

 

The countdown is coming.

Before the year is over, NXT DEADLINE arrives! Will time run out? And for who?

 

Roxanne Perez speaks.

“I don’t like the person I became at Halloween Havoc. I can’t even believe that that’s me. Two former best friends did everything they can to destroy each other. I’m not sorry for what I did. Cora wasn’t excited about our potential, she was afraid of mine. Through losing a best friend, I found a whole new level of belief in myself. I can stand on my own. Friends are gonna come and go, but no matter who changes around me, I have to stay true to who I am, and why I’m here.” Will the Breakout Star shine as her best self from here on out?

 

Malik & Edris regroup backstage.

Malik laments that that could’ve been their last chance. Edris agrees, but they then spot ODYSSEY JONES pulling up with a truckload of ladies! He says they were oh so close to winning, but it’s okay. Tonight, they go out and have the time of their lives! Forget about the match, hope up in the truck, have a bit of fun, and they’ll get it all back on track next week. Edris is for it! He hops on, and Malik jumps IN! They ride out into the night, will a bit of cutting loose help them turn things back around?

 

Ilja Dragunov VS JD McDonagh!

The Czar and the Irish Ace are about to go around one more time, and this could be the nastiest, most violent round yet! Will Dragunov rid himself and NXT of the “cancer” that is The Irish Ace? Or will the Necessary Evil be an inevitability?

NXT returns as JD makes his entrance. Ilja doesn’t wait for the bell, he drags JD into the ring while he’s on the corner! The ref checks, JD is mad, the bell rings and Ilja GERMAN SUPLEXES! JD throws elbows but can’t get away, Ilja GERMAN SUPLEXES again! JD keeps fighting with elbows but Ilja shifts to a GOTCH LIFT SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO! JD survives and shakes his jacket off but Ilja is after him. Ilja CHOPS JD in a corner and JD staggers away! JD goes to another corner, Ilja CHOPS again! Ilja bumps JD off buckles, but JD kicks low and CHOPS in return! And CHOPS and CHOPS and CHOPS!

JD whips, Ilja reverses then runs in to knee JD! Ilja pushes JD to then BOOT him! Fans fire up with Ilja and he drags JD up. Ilja CLUBS JD right back down! JD flounders to ropes but Ilja brings him around. Ilja CLUBS JD, then waistlocks. Fans rally, Ilja drags JD up, but JD throws back elbows. JD HEADBUTTS the bad ribs! JD throws body shots on that target, then he whips Ilja to kitchen sink knee him down! Ilja sits up and seethes, but JD storms up to snap- NO, Ilja blocks the suplex to scoop and SLAM! Fans rally, Ilja stalks JD and drags him up. Ilja CHOPS JD off his feet, but dares him to get back up!

Fans rally, Ilja waistlocks and he drags JD up. JD fights to a switch, shoves, but Ilja Tiger Feints. The ribs cause him to fall, though! Ilja stands, JD has him at the ropes! JD suplexes but Ilja fights it! Ilja suplexes JD! JD fights that to HOTSHOT Ilja! Fans boo while Ilja flounders on the apron. JD BLASTS Ilja and Ilja hits the desk! JD smirks while fans boo and the ref checks Ilja. JD wants after Ilja but the ref tells him to stay back. The ref has to check Ilja but he says a medic needs to step in. Fans boo as the medical team checks Ilja. Ilja sputters and JD says just name him the winner! Ilja clutches his rib but he doesn’t want this to stop, and NXT goes to break.

NXT returns and JD kicks low! JD suplexes, and he hangs Ilja out to dry! But Ilja flips right over and ends up clipping JD! Both men are down, but JD stands up first to snarl and scowl. JD kicks Ilja around, drags him up, and hits an atomic BACKBREAKER! Cover, ONE!! Ilja toughs it out but JD throws knee after knee into the back! Cover, TWO! JD clamps on a rear bearhug and he thrashes Ilja around. Fans rally, Ilja endures, and Ilja fights up to his feet to throw elbows on JD! Ilja is free but JD throws a body shot to the bad ribs! JD waistlocks to SLAM Ilja back down. Fans rally again as Ilja endures the bearhug.

Ilja fights with more elbows, and he has JD wobbling. JD throws another body shot, but Ilja fires a forearm! JD trades those forearms, they go back and forth and fans rally. Ilja fires boxing elbows! JD ROCKS Ilja with one, but JD spins to CHOP! And then he CHOPS a leg! And CHOPS JD from behind! Waistlock, but the ribs stop the suplex! JD ROCKS, Ilja PELES! Both men are down and fans are thunderous! Ilja nods and stands back up. Ilja roars and aims from a corner! Ilja runs corner to corner to KNE EJD, then he snapmares JD down. Ilja goes up, KING KONG KNEE DROP! Ilja roars again and goes back up as fans fire up!

Ilja aims again, SUPER SENTON onto knees!! JD saves himself at the last second and deals major damage to Ilja! JD crawls over, drags Ilja by a leg, and then he stomps the bad ribs! JD flounders his way up the corner, fans rally up and Ilja stands to CHOP! Ilja climbs, JD CLUBS away on him, but Ilja still rises! Ilja HEADBUTTS again and again and then stands on the very top! Fans fire up for the SUPERPLEX! But then Ilja rolls through and FALLING FOREARMS!! But the bad ribs won’t let Ilja cover! “This is Awesome!” all the same as Ilja makes his way back to a corner. Ilja aims and shouts, “UN! BE! SIEG! BAR!”

JD stands, Ilja runs in, but the ribs hold him back again! JD laughs at Ilja’s pain, but then Ilja scowls. That scares JD! Ilja runs in, TORPEDO- SLEEPER HOLD!! JD catches Ilja and squeezes the air out of him! Ilja is being twisted but his second wind helps him fight! Ilja pries at the hands and arms, but JD thrashes around! Ilja has blood in his mouth but he’s not giving up! The ref checks, Ilja is OUT!! JD WINS!

Winner: JD McDonagh, by referee stoppage

But JD isn’t letting go!! JD is foaming from the mouth as he lets go of Ilja! Cancer or not, JD is dangerous! Ilja is put on a backboard, then on a stretcher. JD grins as he admires the damage he’s done. Will the Irish Ace be more than just the necessary evil as he looks to get one more shot at gold?


My Thoughts:

A great NXT to follow up Halloween Havoc and set up some more things, but also some rather curious things. One, that whole “SCRYPTS” thing. I suppose a WWE call center promo is a bit out of the box, but it just sounds like a low tech version of Bray Wyatt’s White Rabbit campaign. No idea who this will be or how this character is supposed to work, but I suppose NXT trying something different is commendable in itself. Another thing was giving us Ilja VS JD here so soon. It was a great match and a brutal finish, but I don’t know how JD winning is supposed to serve a purpose to the title scene. we saw Bron beat him 1v1, we should’ve gotten Bron VS Ilja 1v1 just to see how that goes. Now, I know Apollo stated his claim, but WWE sticks to Face VS Heel, so I don’t see Apollo getting his shot yet.

Speaking of, why is Waller getting into the North American Championship stuff with Wes Lee when Waller lost at Halloween Havoc? Granted, Waller is one of the Heels who can do a lot both on the mic and in the ring, and that segment with Truth was hilarious. Classic Truth forgetting what day it is, and so I hope he forgets next week, too, so that he’ll be in costume again for November 1st. But even if he doesn’t forget things, he and Waller can have a fun match that I’m sure Waller wins to establish he wants after the North American title. Waller will be a good win for Wes to establish his reign, and we can get matches with other Heels after.

We got a decent match out of Shotzi and Lash, mostly for Lash and Shotzi just not quite clicking. To my surprise, Xyon Quinn didn’t show up to go after Quincy so there wasn’t anything further set up there. Maybe they start that next week with a month to build towards NXT Deadline. We also got an interesting swerve on Damon Kemp not taking on Brutus, and then having Indus Sher attack the Creeds. Maybe Veer & Sanga are Kemp’s muscle now? That would make for a good Six Man: Roderick Strong & The Creeds VS Kemp & Indus Sher.

Nice little surprise that after Indi squashes Sol, Lopez returns with force. Lopez will probably get at a title this time now that she isn’t just playing sidekick to male superstars like Escobar and Tony D. And Lopez VS Indi can be a great way to send Indi to main so she can finally join Lumis in his story on Raw. And I like that we got more to the vignette for Dijak’s return to NXT. He got to narrate it this time, so nice play off of “retribution,” and who knows who he’ll wreck when he first shows himself. At this point, throw him right at the top title. Bron can face a guy who is bigger than him, and technically struggle, but we’ll more than likely see Bron overcome that challenge, too.

Of course Toxic Attraction sets up Mandy’s celebration, which I hope gets crashed hard. I was hoping it’d be Roxanne Perez, but her promo basically has her double down on being the nice Face when she should be doubling down on a newfound edge. If not Roxie, then maybe Mandy’s next opponent will be another NXT UK star wanting another shot. But at the same time, there’s a chance Mandy would just bury them 1v1, too. The Chase U segment was good, and it’s establishing more of what Duke is up to. He keeps kissing up to Chase and Thea while more than likely he’s the reason Bodhi didn’t make it to class today.

The tag title matches were both great, with the Women’s Tag titles opening without even entrances. I am a bit torn on how that one went, but it was more out-of-the-box thinking to have a controversial finish that gets resolved in the same moment. Stark & Lyons technically won but they don’t, so that rematch they’re having will be like an unofficial tiebreaker to see which team is really the best. I personally still feel like this can be the moment that sends KC Squared to main so they can go for the WWE Women’s Tag titles next.

The men’s tag team title match was great, too, especially with those promos from both sides. Malik & Edris have shown great growth, going from jobbers to stars, but I guess they’ve still got a ways to go. But great return for Odyssey, he could form a trio with those guys and they can feud with The Schism and other factions. And of course, for how odd and bootleg Bray Wyatt The Schism has been, how amazing is it that Simone, daughter of The Rock, is debuting as a major character already? Ava Raine (I had to double check that spelling) already has a good look with the red hair and red contact lens, and maybe, just maybe, The Schism is allowed to be a faction that goes after all the divisions and actually gets something done.

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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