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Mitchell’s WWE Raw Results & Report! (10/24/22)

Bianca VS Bayley, one more time!

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WWE Raw 2022

The Role Model VS The EST, again!

Determined to be Raw Women’s Champion, Bayley takes on Bianca Belair 1v1 one more time! Will the Role Model earn another title match with some help? Or will Bianca dispatch Damage Control once and for all?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

  • Karl Anderson w/ The OC VS Finn Balor w/ The Judgement Day; Finn wins.
  • The Miz VS R-Truth; Truth wins.
  • Mustafa Ali VS Austin Theory; Theory wins.
  • 4v1 Handicap Match: Omos w/ MVP VS Saul, Tom, Adam & Denny; Omos wins.
  • Elias VS Chad Gable w/ Otis; Elias wins.
  • Baron Corbin w/ JBL VS Johnny Gargano; Corbin wins.
  • Bianca Belair VS Bayley w/ Damage Control; Bayley wins.

PLAY BY PLAY

The Judgement Day heads to the ring!

They get the mics and the fans boo. Rhea starts by saying, “Last week, AJ found out what Mami’s known all along. And it is the same thing that I have been trying to get through to you thick skulled dimwits. And that is that The Judgement Day, we run Monday Night Raw. Oh, and another thing that AJ found out for himself, is that Dominik Mysterio is all man.” Finn says, “In perhaps one of the greatest matches of all time, AJ Styles faced off against mah man, Dom! And the Phenomenal AJ Styles crumbled under the pressure against the legendary Dominik Mysterio!”

Priest says that brings us to his favorite time of the night: “When you all rise. I SAID RISE!!” Fans boo instead as Priest shouts, “RISE! RISE! ALL RISE!! You rise and show respect for the greatest luchador in the history of this business, Dominik Mysterio!” Dom says, “The Judgement Day aren’t-” The boos are too loud! Dom says the Judgement Day are the only ones who ever believed in him! “And last week, I proved all of my haters and all of my doubters wrong when I beat AJ Styles clean in the middle of this ring. How did I do it? Everyone is asking how. It’s because I’m built differently!” Rhea says, “Yeah you are.”

Dom thinks about it, and he says he is this generation’s Eddie Guerrero! No, no, wait, Eddie was his generation’s Dominik Mysterio! Last week, what Dom did to Styles was just a small taste of what the Judgement Day- Wait! Here comes the OC! And they’ve got mics to respond! “Dominik Mysterio! SHUT UP!” Fans cheer that! “This is Charlotte, North Carolina, and they know good wrestling when they see it. And you are not it. You wanna compare yourself to Eddie Guerrero? Your generation? You’re the generation of James Ellsworth!” Gallows adds, “Jimmy No Chin!” The OC storms the ring but Judgment Day stands its ground.

Styles tells Dom there will come a time when he can’t hide behind Judgment Day because the OC will pick them off one by one. Finn says Styles is one to talk about hiding. He’s hiding in the Club that Finn started! And while Finn’s being honest, ever since Finn left the Club, everyone to come after him has lived off his legacy! “Today, the Judgement Day are in town. Step up, and get put down.” Karl tells Finn that it is time for him to stop talking! And it is time to remind Charlotte, NC why Karl Anderson is the toughest man in the building! Clear the ring and do this match, right now! Finn is all for that, so here it goes!

Karl Anderson w/ The OC VS Finn Balor w/ The Judgement Day!

Once part of the same Club, now divided by darkness, the Machine Gun takes on The Prince! Will this Good Brother humble his former friend? Or will Finn remind Karl who put him on the map?

The bell rings, they tie up, and Finn headlocks. Karl powers out but Finn runs him over, then mocks the Too Sweet! Finn boops Karl but Karl UPPERCUTS! Karl fires off forearms, then whips Finn to ropes, and a CALF KICK! Finn bails out and Karl throws up real Too Sweets! The Machine Gun has control and Raw goes to break.

Raw returns and Finn RAMS into Karl in the corner! And again, and again! The ref counts, Finn lets off, and Finn stands Karl up to CHOP him! Karl staggers, Finn puts him in another corner and CHOPS him again! Finn follows Karl to a third corner, whips him corner to corner, but Karl comes back to dropkick the legs out! Fans rally while both men are down. Finn staggers up, Karl stalks him and KICKS the leg out! Finn falls, flounders up, but Karl KICKS the leg out again! Finn staggers around again, and Karl snarls as he KICKS again! Karl puts Finn in a corner and wraps the leg around ropes! The ref counts and Karl lets off at 4.

Karl has the fans fire up for the JUMP KICK to the leg! Finn falls to the apron, hobbles up, but Karl grabs the bad leg! Karl has the leg in the ropes for a DRAPING DRAGON SCREW! Finn flops in, Karl covers, TWO! Karl keeps on the bad leg with a toehold and Judgement Day is freaking out. Karl keeps on the leg but Finn tries to fight with forearms. Finn hooks Karl with a leg but Karl clasps hands to hold off the armbar. Finn kicks and stomps Karl’s face! Finn lets off and hobbles on his bad leg. Finn drags Karl up, snapmares and CLUBS Karl on the neck! And again! And again! Finn then clamps on with a chinlock.

Karl endures and the OC rallies the fans. Karl fights up, moves around, but Finn CLUBS him in the back, then hits a NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Rhea argues the count but Finn still smirks. Finn CLUBS Karl and wraps on a chinlock again. Karl endures again but the fans rally back up. Karl fights up, throws body shots, but Finn knees low! Finn whips Karl to a corner, runs in, but into a BOOT! Fans fire up, Finn runs in again but into an UPPERCUT! Karl CLOBBERS Finn, clobbers him again, then whips. Finn KICKS Karl, but Karl ROCKS Finn! Finn returns, into a SPINEBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Finn survives and Judgement Day is relieved as Raw goes to break.

Raw returns again and Finn soaks up heat as he stands over Karl in a corner. Finn rains down fists, but Karl slips out to SUPERKICK a leg! Karl then gets Finn in position for a RUNNING POWERBOMB! Cover, TWO!! Finn survives and Karl can’t believe it! Judgement Day is relieved but The OC coach Karl to keep going. “This is Awesome!” as Karl runs in to UPPERCUT Finn! Fireman’s carry, but Finn fights to an ELBOW DROP DDT! Cover, TWO! Karl survives and the Judgement Day is furious! Finn KICKS Karl against ropes, stomps him around, then tells Styles this is for him! Springboard stomp! And another! And another!

Finn stomps away, the ref counts and Finn lets off at 4. Fans boo but Finn stalks Karl. Finn CHOPS Karl in a corner, whips him corner to corner, and he blocks the boot! Finn CHOPS, Karl UPPERCUTS! Karl goes up and blocks the gamangiri! Karl CLUBS away on the leg! Karl leaps, FLYING NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO!! Everyone is shocked, both Judgement Day and OC! Finn gets to ropes, Karl CLUBS away on him! The ref counts, Karl lets off, and Karl whips. Finn ducks ‘n’ dodges, to SLINGBLADE! Finn staggers, Karl is in another corner, and Finn runs in! SHOTGUN sends Karl into the buckles!

Karl goes down, and Finn climbs up! Fans boo but Karl trips Finn up! Karl climbs up after Finn, brings him up to the very top, and he hits a SUPERPLEX! Both men are down, Karl crawls but Dom distracts the ref! Fans boo but Styles trips Dom up! Priest whips Styles into steel steps! And then over the announce desk! Gallows CLOBBERS Priest! Rhea POSTS Gallows! And scoops him!? To SLAM him on the floor! Rhea is fired up but Finn runs in at Karl. Karl dodges to JUMP KICK, then fireman’s carry! Dom gets in the ring! Rhea LOW BLOWS Karl!! Finn covers, Finn wins!

Winner: Finn Balor, by pinfall

The Judgement Day uses numbers as always, Rhea cannot be stopped without proper back-up for the OC! Will Rhea be a wild card again when this battle goes to Crown Jewel?

 

Johnny Gargano walks around backstage.

He looks at his whistle, but then The Miz finds him. Miz wants to know what Gargano thinks he knows. Gargano knows what’s going on here between Miz and Lumis. And that is…? Miz knows. NO, he doesn’t. Mike, c’mon. You know. No, he doesn’t. Because there is nothing to know. If there’s nothing to know, then why would Miz ask Gargano what he knows? Anyway, just quit lying and tell the truth! No, Gargano is lying! He’s just trolling! He’s trying to use Miz’s name to gain something, which he oddly admires. BUT, Miz is not Gargano’s little clickbait. Miz is going to go out there and tell the truth! Good! It’s what we want! They argue, Miz heads out, but just what is Miz going to confess?

 

Raw returns and The Miz is in the ring.

The Miz tells the cameras to ignore Dale Earnhardt Jr! Miz could beat him in a race in his Tesla! But back to Miz, Gargano has come forward and accused Miz of keeping a secret between Miz and He Who Shall Not Be Named. And yes, there is a secret! But first, let’s reveal some facts! Fact: a lunatic show sup to Raw uninvited and gets carried away by security. Fact: the very next week, he shows up again and kidnaps Miz, dragging him away from Tommaso Ciampa, who we haven’t seen in WEEKS! And then a few more weeks, Lumis repeatedly attacks and stalks Miz, and Miz finds himself waking up in peculiar situations that he doesn’t wanna talk about.

Those are all what we have witnessed, but what are we missing? Miz will fill in the blanks. The night Miz was about to win the United States Championship inside a Steel Cage, Lumis showed Miz why he was a target. Surely fans think it’s his good looks or his fame. No! That lunatic targeted Miz because of Miz’s mind. And not some kind of Hannibal Lecter, but his knowledge of in this ring and in this business. So when Miz chose to give a selfless act and share that expertise with an up-and-coming superstar, that maniac Lumis couldn’t stand Miz chose Ciampa over him. Lumis sat at home jobless, thinking Ciampa stole the career Lumis deserved, he plotted his revenge,

Miz didn’t want Ciampa to know that he is the reason this is all happening because Ciampa is Miz’s best friend. If you’ve seen Ciampa, let Miz know. But Gargano interrupts. “You’re so full of crap! We both know what really happened.” Miz defends that IS what happened. No, Miz is so full of himself, he doesn’t even realize his “friend” isn’t missing. Gargano texted Ciampa a minute ago. Ciampa is injured. Miz is just a liar. But if Miz wants Lumis and Gargano out of his life, then all Miz has to do is to tell the real truth. Or, Mike, you know what will happen. Gargano will blow his whistle. Fans want Gargano to do it!

Miz says no! When his hand goes up, you shut up! He’s been telling the truth! Over and over! Speaking of truth, here’s R-TRUTH! Miz and Gargano are both stunned to see Truth back. Truth goes all the way through his theme song before getting into the ring. Truth asks Charlotte, NC, “Make some noise! What’s up!?” Truth heard Miz wants to tell the truth, so here he is, dawg. Actually, yeah he is the REAL Truth. Has EVERYONE lost their mind? Did Truth eat too much “Crappy comfort food?!” Bro, Truth won’t stand here and have Miz talk crap on mac ‘n’ cheese. Right, maybe Miz is the idiot for thinking Carolina’s brains could handle this.

Truth stops Miz again. It’s one thing to drag Truth down here and not tell the secret. But bro, you can’t talk down about his hometown. Hey, Charlotte! How about Truth gives Miz a North Cackalack BUTT WHOOPING? Fans like that! Miz says no, they’re not fighting. What’s wrong? Afraid Truth is gonna beat the truth out of Miz? Gargano knows Lumis deflated Miz’s balls, but he didn’t know Miz didn’t have any left! OOOOOH~! Miz says fine! He wants a match! He wants Truth! You can’t handle the Truth! JINX! But will we all hear the truth of the matter after this?

The Miz VS R-Truth!

Raw returns and fans taunt Miz with “Tiny Balls!” Miz says no, they’re MASSIVE! But Miz and Truth circle, Truth gets fans to chant, “What’s Up!?” Miz attacks Truth from behind! Miz stomps away on Truth, lets off as the ref counts, and then he tears his shirt off. Miz storms around, but Truth ROCKS him! And atomic drops him! And then kicks and runs, but Miz avoids the scissor kick to BOOT Truth down! Fans boo but Miz scowls as he storms over to Truth at the ropes. Miz CHOKES Truth on the ropes, fishhooks him, then lets off to run and STRADDLE ATTACK! Truth falls over, Miz drags him back up.

Miz chinlocks but Truth endures. Fans rally, Truth fights up and he throws body shots. Miz shoves Truth to a corner but Truth BOOTS back! Truth dodges and flying shoulders! Truth shouts out his hero, John Cena! SPIN-OUT BOMB! Fans fire up as Truth hits the splits, then says, “YOU CAN’T SEE ME!” But Miz KICKS Truth! They both run, BUSAIKU KNEE! Miz shouts out his bitter rival, the American Dragon, and he powers up as fans boo. Miz shouts, “MASSIVE! BALLS!!” Miz stalks Truth but then he spots LUMIS! Miz shouts about the man in the hoodie, but Truth rolls Miz up! TRUTH WINS!

Winner: R-Truth, by pinfall

Miz’s paranoia gets him again! Because that was just GARGANO in a hoodie! Gargano gives a thumbs up and Miz frowns. Will Miz

 

Backstage interview with Candice LeRae.

Cathy Kelly says Candice has made quite the impact. Is this what she expected when she made her return to the WWE? Candice says she wasn’t sure what to expect. First she’s in NXT, then her and her husband, Gargano, are having a child, and then they’re both on Raw. Candice says if she knew anything, it’s that this would be a challenge. But she’s had great support from Alexa Bliss, Asuka and Bianca Belair. But then Damage Control barges in and Bayley says, “Boo~! Bianca Belair sucks!” Bayley dismisses Cathy and takes over. Relax, they just have some questions. First, uh, WHO CARES?

There’s no Asuka or Alexa, they’re on the shelf, just like Becky Lynch. You’re welcome. DMG CTRL does what they want. Did you see SmackDown where they took care of Raquel & Shotzi? Candice asks Bayley what the point is. What’re they trying to prove? That they’re in control of the division now? The only thing they’ve all proven is that Iyo is still untrustworthy, Dakota is still spiteful, and Bayley is still NOT Raw Women’s Champion! Bayley says, “YET.” And if Candice doesn’t think they’re in control, then look around. Bayley doesn’t see any friends to help Candice. Candice shoves the camera over and DMG CTRL beats Candice up! Is DMG CTRL going to take control by any means necessary?

 

Elias walks around backstage.

The Drifter comes across Matt Riddle hitting the bong…os again. Riddle says, “Eli-Eli-O! What’s up, bro?” Well, Elias wanted to clear the air, but Riddle says no need to fear the air, it is clear. Riddle’s been working on his rhymes to work with Elias’ sweet tunes! Elias appreciates that, that’s very nice, but he has to say. Elias is a serious artist, the people love to hear him perform. But he has a long history of being disrespected and interrupted. So much so, Elias took a vow that if it ever happened again, he’d do something about it. But Riddle and Zeke were close, so Elias lets last week slide. But if it ever happens again, Elias won’t be so nice

Oh, okay, bro. But Riddle’s been hitting the bongs all week. Check! Smack smack, smack-smack-smack! Smack smack, smack-smack-smack! Elias is getting annoyed, but it’s Chad Gable who shouts, “SHOOOOOSH! SHOOSH. Okay?” It’s not bad enough Elias is back playing rotten tunes, we’ve got this clown now? Are they a band now? Blink One Eighty SHOOOSH? HAH! That’s not even funny, bro. They don’t have a name for the band yet. Well last week was a keyboard, is this week a kazoo? But to be serious, Gable wants Elias to shave his beard and pretend to be that moron, Ezekiel again. They liked Zeke better.

Elias says first, he and Riddle aren’t a band. Aw… Second, don’t you ever talk bad about his brother! Elias told Riddle how he hates being interrupted, and yet Gable and his big buffoon walk right in. So how about this? Gable can meet Elias in the ring and find out why WWE stands for Walk With Elias! Gable accepts. But Otis eats pieces like you for breakfast! Heh, they eat crap for breakfast. But anyway, will Master Gable learn a thing or two from The Drifter?

 

Mustafa Ali VS Austin Theory!

The Beacon wants an opportunity, and he’s taking on the guy who was handed opportunities on silver platters! Will Ali finally humble the Youngest Mr. Money in the Bank Ever and jump to a title shot? Or will Theory be taking more victory selfies than ever before?

The bell rings and wait, here comes Seth Freakin’ Rollins! The Visionary, the NEW United States Champion, struts his way out in a neon suit to get Charlotte, NC to sing his song. And also, to get in Ali’s head. Will the hungry contender be able to focus with the champion just on the outside? Theory and Ali circle as Rollins joins commentary, and the two tie up. Theory shoves Ali down and Ali gets to a corner. Theory talks trash, Rollins introduces himself, and Ali gets up. Ali and Theory circle, tie up, and Ali gets around to a headlock. Theory powers out, headlocks in return, but Ali throws body shots.

Ali powers out, things speed up, but Theory runs Ali over! Fans boo as Theory talks more trash, but Ali keeps cool. Ali and Theory circle again, they tie up, but Theory kicks low! Theory ROCKS Ali with a haymaker, then he puts Ali on the ropes to CHOKE him! The ref reprimands and counts, Theory lets off, and Rollins talks Theory up. Theory bumps Ali off buckles, RAMS his shoulder in again and again, then throws haymakers. Fans still sing for Rollins, “OH~ OHH~ OHHHH~!” and Rollins smiles. Theory slaps Ali around but Ali throws body shots and forearms! Ali whips, Theory reverses then kitchen sink knees! Cover, TWO!

Theory looms over Ali, he drags Ali up, but Ali throws hands! Ali whips, Theory reverses and hip tosses but Ali lands on his feet! Theory knees low, whips, but Ali ducks ‘n’ dodges to RANA! Theory flounders and Ali kips up! Fans fire up, Ali runs in and forearm smashes! Ali puts Theory up top, ROCKS him, then climbs up. Rollins doesn’t like this, but Ali is at the top. Theory throws hands and shoves Ali, but Ali flips to land on his feet! Theory jumps, but into a DROPKICK! Theory bails out and Rollins says that’s a good move. Ali is frustrated, but he glares at Rollins. Rollins tells Ali this is a great match, he has a great dropkick. Theory trips Ali up!

Theory SMACKS Ali off the desk, puts him on the apron, and hits a DRAPING NECKBREAKER! Rollins is loving this as Theory is in control and Raw goes to break.

Raw returns and Ali throws body shots on Theory. Ali then throws forearms, but Theory throws Ali out! Rollins laughs as Theory goes out to smack Ali off the apron. Theory puts Ali in, he soaks up the heat, and he takes his time getting back in the ring. Theory gets his phone, says, “This what you want?” Theory takes a quick selfie, but Ali DROPKICKS him off the apron! Hopefully Theory got that on camera! Ali goes up top to SUPER CANNONBALL! Fans fire up and Rollins is worried! Ali puts Theory in, dodges a haymaker to fire off fast hands! Ali has Theory in a corner but Theory turns it around, only for Ali to CHOP!

Ali whips, Theory reverses, Ali stops himself and slips out to ROUNDHOUSE! Theory staggers, Ali slingshots and somersaults to NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Rollins is relieved but standing up out of his seat. Rollins tells Theory to get it together, but Ali drags him up. Ali hooks a leg but Theory stomps a foot! Theory suplexes, Ali slips out but Theory elbows him away. Ali SUPERKICKS, then goes up to TORNADO DDT! Cover, TWO! Corey Graves tries to calm Rollins down but Ali goes to a corner! Theory is in a drop zone, Ali is going up top! 450- NO, Ali has to bail out as Theory moves! Ali elbows Theory, leaps up, but no tornado this time!

Theory suplexes for an AOI SHOUDO! Cover, TWO!! Ali survives and Rollins is stressed out! Rollins tells Theory to stop fooling around, no more selfies! “Put him down!” Theory says he’ll put Ali A-Town Down! Theory fireman’s carries but Ali fights! Ali gets the ropes, slips off, and then ducks to BACKSTABBER! Theory is in a drop zone and Ali goes up again! Rollins is panicking, he rushes off commentary! The ref stops Rollins, Theory trips Ali up! Theory fireman’s carries, for A-TOWN DOWN!! Cover, Theory wins!

Winner: Austin Theory, by pinfall

The Visionary saw Ali was going to win, so he stopped that himself! Theory and Rollins celebrate together, but while Mr. MITB heads out, Rollins looms over Ali. Rollins mockingly applauds Ali’s efforts, then drags him up to TOSS him out! Fans are torn between boos and “OH~ OHH~ OHHHH~!” Rollins says Ali doesn’t belong in the ring with him, then goes out to TOSS Ali into the timekeeper’s area! “Still think you belong in the ring with me, huh? C’mon, Ali, quit fooling yourself.” Ali drags himself up but Rollins grabs him to whip him into a wall! “You don’t belong in MY WWE!” Rollins wants people to take Ali away, then he storms off to fetch the title.

Rollins struts his way up the ramp, saying Ali doesn’t belong, but then Ali LEAPS in outta nowhere! Ali fires off fists, not out of the fight just yet! They brawl with haymakers but Rollins knees low! Rollins whips Ali but Ali reverse, and Rollins runs into the stage tron! Rollins runs away and Ali says he is the problem that’s not going anywhere! Will Ali not stop until he’s stopped the Visionary?

 

Gargano hurries backstage.

Miz finds him and Gargano says not now, he has to check on Candice. Miz says Gargano dressed up as HIM, he deceived Miz! Well Miz has been deceiving everyone! Miz storms off, and then Gargano turns around to see JBL and Corbin. JBL says, “Johnny Wrestling! Internet hero! Independent darling. I don’t know what it’s like to be in Single A Baseball for a decade, we didn’t have to do that. But you’re int he major leagues now. And when you walk by a legend and a hall of famer, you stop and you introduce yourself. Because if this were the Attitude Era, son, you’d be carrying my bags.”

Gargano laughs, but JBL asks if he thinks it’s funny to mess with Miz. Learn respect. Gargano says he was 8 years old in the Attitude Era, but JBL is right, he will give JBL respect. JBL is a legend and a hall of famer, so here’s their introduction. Nice to meet yo, too, MC Hammer Pants. But what’s his name now? He changes his name so many times now, it’s hard to know. Is it Happy? Constable? King? Boring? Or, sorry, Baron. JBL has Corbin stand down, and says they should do this where everyone can see. Then they’ll all see what Raw’s greatest acquisition in history is all about when the Modern Day Wrestling God takes on Johnny Wrestling.

Gargano says that’s fine by him. Nice hats, by the way. JBL & Corbin head out, but will Gargano prove Corbin is far from a wrestling god?

 

4 on 1 Handicap Match: Omos w/ MVP VS Saul, Tom, Adam & Denny!

It’s one thing for a 2v1, and another thing for a 3v1, but a FOUR ON ONE? Only someone like the Nigerian Giant could even stand a chance in such a situation! Will Omos have a feast of destruction here tonight?

But before things get started, MVP has a mic to say, “Last week on SmackDown, the Nigerian Giant and the Monster of All Monsters came face to face for the very first time. And the 6’8″, 340 pound so-called Monster of All Monsters, was unceremoniously tossed from the ring like a child. Now Braun Strowman is one of the biggest, strongest, meanest big men ever to grace the WWE ring. And if that could happen to Braun Strowman, then gentlemen, I have to ask you, what chance do you think you have here today?” MVP wants them all to step closer. He promises nothing will happen to them before the bell.

The four walk over, and MVP says Braun likes to say, “GET THESE HANDS~!” But have you ever seen hands as big as Omos’? Omos’ hand is as big as one guy’s head! Fists like Christmas hams! Beautiful. Gentlemen, MVP wants you all to know that he respects their ambition. And he applauds their courage. But before getting started, do they have good health insurance plans? Yes? Good. Braun, MVP hopes you’re watching. Because after Crown Jewel, there will only be ONE monster in the WWE, and that will be the Nigerian Giant, Omos! Referee, please ring this bell and let the carnage begin!

MVP steps out as the ref steps in, and the bell rings. The four men all flank Omos, but Omos grabs one to TOSS him! Omos runs another over, then the third! The fourth leaps but misses as Omos moves! Omos CHOKE SLAMS that man! ne jumps on Omos , the others attack, and they swarm him 3v1! But Omos EXPLODES out! Omos reels one in, BOOTS the other, and suplexes for a GOURD BUSTER! Another leaps, but into Omos’ arms! Omos scoops and LAWN DARTS him, before he BOOTS him! Omos then SPLASHES one in a corner, SPLASHES another, and MVP says let’s go home! Omos stomps one, then clamps onto the fourth! MOUNTAINTOP SLAM!

Omos drags all the men around and stacks them! Cover, Omos wins!

Winner: Omos, by pinfall

Four mere mortals still do not stack up to Omos! Will Braun stand a chance at Crown Jewel? Or is beating up four randos nothing compared to actually fighting a monster?

 

Elias VS Chad Gable w/ Otis!

The Drifter returns to action, and he won’t let this walk be interrupted like before. Will he be the one to silence Master Gable? Or will Gable win this one #ForTheAcademy?

The bell rings and the two circle. Gable fakes Elias out and then gets him for a gator roll! Gable floats around, rolls Elias, but Elias gets to ropes. The ref counts, Otis taunts that Elias can’t keep up, and Gable says, “A THANK YEW~!” Elias gets up and resets with Gable. They tie up, Elias wrenches and wristlocks. Gable rolls, bridges, handsprings, spins and breaks to “SHOOSH!” and headlock takeover! Elias headscissors, Gable kips free, but Elias headlocks for the takeover. Elias fights the headscissors off multiple times and grinds Gable down. Gable fights up, powers out, but Elias runs him over! Things keep moving, and Gable arm-drags, but Elias headlocks!

Gable fights up, powers out, things speed up again and Elias blocks hip toss to hip toss back! Elias scoops and SLAMS, but Gable kangaroo kicks! But Elias avoids Gable’s dropkick! Elias shooshes Gable! Elias then hooks Gable up, backslides, TWO! Elias rolls and drags Gable up to a suplex! Gable cradle counters, but Elias rolls through for a BIG suplex! Cover, TWO! Elias keeps cool and he eggs Gable on. Gable rams into Elias, whips him, but Elias ducks ‘n’ dodges, only for Gable to distract the ref and Otis dumps Elias! Otis says Elias has terrible balance while Raw goes to break.

Raw returns and Elias has Gable up top! Gable HEADBUTTS Elias away and he tumbles! Gable stands up to DIVING HEADBUTT! Cover, TWO!! Elias survives and Otis coaches Gable up. Fans rally, Gable drags Elias up and throws hands! Elias counter punches, and again, and again! Elias fires off fast hands and CHOPS, then rallies with big elbows! Elias reels Gable in, LEG CAPTURE EXPLODER! Elias runs in to SPLASH! Elias snapmares, fans fire up, “Who Wants to Walk with Elias?!” Fans fire up but Otis gets up. Elias swings and Otis gets away! Elias whips Gable, Gable reverses, but Elias goes up, only to get caught into an ANKLE LOCK!

Gable has the foot but Elias endures! Elias crawls, reaches out, fans rally and Elias rolls Gable into a cover! TWO!! Gable escapes, hurries to a corner, and dodges Elias! Gable hooks Elias for a crucifix into a DOMINATOR DDT!! Cover, TWO!! Elias survives and Gable can’t believe it! Gable tells fans to “SHOOSH~!” but the fans “SHOOSH!” back. Gable drags Elias into a drop zone, goes up top, and MOONSAULTS, into a KNEE!! Cover, TWO!?! Gable survives and Elias can’t believe it! Elias drags Gable up, reels him in but Gable waistlocks! Gable pushes Elias out of the ring, and Otis is there! Elias dodges and Otis POSTS himself!

Elisa hurries up and in but into a waistlock! He bucks the German Suplex to BOOT! Elisa suplexes Gable, ANARCHY! Cover, Elias wins!

Winner: Elias, by pinfall

But then Otis CLOBBERS Elias! The Academy won’t let Elias enjoy his first win back, but here comes RIDDLE! The Original Bro scooters like the wind and gets in the ring to KNEE Otis! And fireman’s carry Gable, BRO TO SLEEP! Otis runs in but Riddle tosses him out! And then PENALTY KICKS from the apron! FLOATING BRO ATTACK on the Academy! Riddle gets in to help Elias up! Elias appreciates the help, will he need Riddle to watch his back with Gable & Otis going after him?

 

The OC regroups backstage.

Styles is furious! Rhea gets involved in his match, she gets involved in Karl’s match, she is a problem! But Gallows says he has a “Rhealution.” They all know Gallows is the best with women! What? Rhea body slammed him! Body slams are his love language! Gallows heads out, but he is NOT good with women! What is he thinking?

Raw returns as Styles and Karl still worry. Gallows returns, and he’s sore again! Did Rhea get him again? They get him ice and now they agree, they have a problem. Styles says they will do something. But just what will that be?

 

Baron Corbin w/ JBL VS Johnny Gargano!

John Bradshaw Layfield heads out first to get on commentary, but will his presence help the “Modern Day Wrestling God” have continued success? Or will Johnny Wrestling school them both on what it takes to make it big?

Raw returns and JBL says he’d ask Charlotte, NC how they’re doing, but he doesn’t care. They are the problem! They have let these ambitionless, safe-space-seeking Millennials and Gen Z’ers create an atmosphere where mediocrity is the norm. This is why they like Johnny Gargano, and the NFL’s equivalent, Baker Mayfield. But Mayfield’s from Oklahoma, so what’d anyone expect? And he’s not even on the “stellar” 2-5 Carolina Panthers. Fans even took the GOAT of all GOATS, Michael Jordan, and made him into a loser! This is where dreams come to die. But now you’ll get to witness something, you’re welcome. You get to witness greatness!

A Golden Gloves boxing champion! A former NFL star! A former Mr. MITB and Andre the Giant Battle Royal Winner. Raw’s greatest addition! Get on your HOOVES and put your chubby hands together to welcome the Modern Day Wrestling God, MR. BARON CORBIN! Fans boo instead as Corbin makes his way out. Corbin shakes JBL’s hand while fans boo. But then fans cheer as Gargano makes his entrance! The bell rings and JBL returns to commentary. Fans rally for “Johnny Wrestling!” as Gargano ties up with Corbin. Corbin shoves Gargano back then mockingly applauds. Corbin run sin, Gargano dodges and fires off hands!

Gargano climbs up, he rains down fists, but Corbin carries Gargano! Gargano sunset flips, covers, TWO! Gargano ducks ‘n’ dodges and RANAS! Then he DROPKICKS Corbin out! Gargano builds speed to DIVE! Corbin hits railing and Gargano fires up with the fans! Gargano sees Corbin get in, he goes to the apron, and he shoulder sin. Gargano slingshots, into a HAYMAKER! Gargano flops to the floor and fans boo but Corbin shouts out JBL at commentary. Corbin goes out, drags Gargano up and carries him around to POST him! Gargano drops to his knees and Corbin swaggers around. Corbin drags Gargano up and puts him in the ring.

Corbin hears the fans taunt him and he just tells them to hush. Corbin gets in the ring, drags Gargano up and knees him low! Fans continue to taunt “BUM ASS CORBIN!” but he whips Gargano to a corner. Corbin SPLASHES Gargano down, then swaggers around. Corbin looms over Gargano, drags him up, taunts the fans more, “This is a hero to you?” Corbin DECKS Gargano! Corbin drags Gargano up and reels him in, but Gargano knees free! And ROLLING ELBOWS! But Corbin comes back to CLOBBER Gargano! Corbin runs in but is sent out! Corbin hurries back in but Gargano dropkicks him back out!

Gargano slingshots, he fakes Corbin out and SUPERKICKS! Then LEAPS, but into Corbin’s arms! Corbin SLAMS Gargano on the desk! JBL loves that and he high-fives Corbin as Raw goes to break.

Raw returns again and Corbin has Gargano in a corner. Corbin throws body shots, the ref counts, and Corbin TOSSES Gargano across the way! Fans boo as Corbin stalks Gargano. Corbin taunts the fans, but Gargano throws forearms! Gargano backs Corbin down but Corbin knees low then whips Gargano into a corner! Corbin torture racks Gargano for a NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Corbin frowns as Gargano survives! Gargano goes to a corner and fans chant, “You Can’t Wrestle!” Corbin says he CAN, but he runs into a BOOT! Gargano ELBOWS Corbin away, then dodges to POST Corbin!

Fans rally up and Gargano fires off more forearms! Corbin shoves but Gargano CLOBBERS him! Gargano ENZIGURIS Corbin to a corner, then runs in to DOUBLE KNEE! And BULLDOG! Fans fire up, JBL says he has faith in Corbin, and Corbin puts Gargano on the apron. Corbin elbows Gargano, but runs into a SLINGSHOT SPEAR! Cover, TWO! Corbin survives, showing his toughness, too. JBL says he’s not worried, even as Gargano hobbles over to Corbin. Gargano wrenches but Corbin choke grips and shoves Gargano away. Gargano KNEES Corbin, goes up top, and leaps, into Corbin’s arms! FALL AWAY SLAM! JBL loves that!

Corbin taunts the fans as they boo more. Corbin drags Gargano up, reels him in, but Gargano slips around to crucifix takedown! TWO! BUZZSAW! Gargano fires off boxing elbows, CLUBS away, then runs, into a DEEP SIX! Cover, TWO!! Gargano survives, showing why he’s an NXT Triple Crown Winner! Corbin snarls, he stalks Gargano to a corner, and fans rally up for “Johnny Wrestling!” Corbin puts Gargano up top, ROCKS him, then talks trash on fans. Corbin climbs up, he grins at Gargano and throws more forearms. But Gargano throws forearms back! He HEADBUTTS Corbin away! Gargano adjusts, leaps, Corbin slides out then in!

Gargano SUPERKICKS!! Cover, TWO!! Corbin survives, reminding us why he has his accolades. Corbin flops out of the ring and Gargano builds speed! Gargano DIVES, but Corbin catches him to SMACK him off the desk! Corbin makes sure JBL’s hat stays safe as he clears off the desk! JBL likes where this is going, “Playtime is over! Good night, Johnny Wrestling.” But Gargano SUPERKICKS! Corbin runs in, but is sent into steel steps! Gargano climbs up onto the desk, fans fire up, and Gargano sees the hat. JBL sees Gargano see the hat, tells him not to think about it, but Gargano picks it up! Gargano puts it on! And does a dance!

Johnny Cowboy blows off the six shooters, then leaps to TORNADO DDT Corbin to the floor! Gargano has the hat, give sit back to JBL, NOT! Gargano wears the hat and he GAMANGIRIS Corbin! Corbin distracts the ref, JBL TRIPS Gargano! END OF DAYS!! Cover, Corbin wins!

Winner: Baron Corbin, by pinfall

JBL didn’t take kindly to Gargano touching his hat, and he makes sure Gargano pays for it! Will Corbin continue to rise to the top as WWE’s Modern Day Wrestling God with JBL watching his back?

 

Backstage interview with Bianca Belair.

Cathy asks the RawEST Women’s Champion that considering the “bad blood” Between her and DMG CTRL, what does tonight’s match mean? A win here means putting an end to all o fit. Superstars like Candice LeRae are catching strays and Bianca won’t stand for it if she’s the leader of the division. She is going outnumbered, but if she has to take out Kai & Sky, then that’s what she’ll do. Because now, this has become bigger than the title, bigger than ego. This is about payback. Bayley has taken out every single one of Bianca’s friends, so Bianca isn’t stopping until Bayley is left with absolutely nothing! Will this be the MeanEST we’ve seen Bianca be yet?

 

Gargano returns backstage.

Miz walks over and says he and Maryse got a Get Well card for Candice. Gargano says that’s actually rather nice. Miz says they’ve all had a really tough night. And Miz was thinking, they can just put the nonsense behind them. They can sit down, talk like reasonable men. Gargano says the only reasonable thing to do is tell the truth. And next week, if Miz doesn’t, Gargano will. But wow, Miz didn’t even sign the card. And Miz is rich, why not put money in it? Gargano heads off, but will Miz own up to this secret?

 

WWE looks at the coming Lesnar VS Lashley II.

The Beast, one of the most decorated men in fight sports and one of the most dangerous men in WWE history, and The All Mighty, another highly decorated and highly powerful wrestler. “What will happen as these two powerhouses head for a collision at Crown Jewel?” They’ve each cost the other a title in the past, but nothing has been settled between these two titans. On November 5th, “two of the WWE’s most dominant heavyweights, most decorated champions, will collide in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.” Will anyone or anything be left standing?

 

Bianca Belair VS Bayley w/ Damage Control!

The Six Woman Tag at Clash at the Castle was just the beginning, but the Extreme Rules Ladder match was far from the end! Will the RawEST Women’s Champion finally shut down Bayley? Or will the Role Model get one more win to earn one more chance?

Raw returns and Bianca makes her entrance. The bell rings, Bayley tells fans to shut up about The EST, then she circles with Bianca. They tie up, Bianca powers Bayley back but Bayley turns it around. Bianca turns it back around, the ref counts, and Bianca lets off. Bianca eggs Bayley on, they circle again and tie up again. Bayley manages to put Bianca in a corner with a pull of the hair, but she lets off as the ref counts. Bianca and Bayley reset again, they tie up, and Bianca waistlocks to SLAM Bayley down! Fans rally but Bayley fights up. Bayley pries at the hold, throws an elbow and she’s free! Bayley frowns as fans chant for Bianca.

Bayley wrenches an arm, CLUBS it, and talks some smack. Bayley KICKS the arm, clamps onto it again, but Bianca fight sup. Bayley taunts Bianca, and Bianca scoop SLAMS her! Bianca shakes out the beat up arm, but Bayley keeps her cool. The two reset and circle again. They tie up, Bayley headlocks but Bianca powers out to run Bayley over! Bianca runs, handsprings over Bayley, and tells her to kiss this! Things speed up again, Bianca leaps but Bayley catches her dropdown to a cover! TWO, and Bayley wrenches! Bianca goes up and over, handsprings more, but Bayley DECKS her! Cover, TWO!

Bayley is annoyed, she storms up on Bianca in a corner. Bayley CHOPS, then runs, but Bianca gest around to roll her up! TWO, and Bianca waistlocks again. O’Conner Roll, TWO! Bianca goes up, over, and then gets around to reel Bayley in! Suplex and roll through to another suplex, but Bayley fights it! Bayley wrenches, wrangles Bianca, and has a headlock! Bayley shifts to a bit of a Bully Choke, but Bianca fights up to scoop and BACKBREAKER! Bayley staggers and stumbles and fans fire up. Bianca goes to the ropes to PLANCHA! Direct hit and fans fire up as Raw goes to break!

Raw returns again and Bayley has Bianca down in another chinlock. Bianca endures and fans rally up but Bayley kicks a leg out. Bayley runs to BLINDSIDE LARIAT! Bayley then drags Bianca to the apron to suplex her to the floor! They almost hit the desk, but Bayley pushes Bianca around. Bayley puts Bianca in the ring, covers, TWO! Bianca is showing she’s still the toughEST, but Bayley has a mounted armlock now. Bianca endures, fights up, and fans rally again. Bianca rolls Bayley up, ONE! Bayley swings, into a counter punch! And another! And another! Bianca fires forearms but Bayley throws her by her hair!

Bianca goes to a corner, Bayley storms up as a fan shouts, “YOU SUCK, BAYLEY!” Bayley shouts back, “YOU SUCK!” and then she fires off on Bianca. Bayley says this is for that fan, and she climbs up to rain down fists! But Bianca slips out, YANKS Bayley into the buckles, and then brings her into a torture rack! But Bayley holds ropes! Bayley clings to that rope, gets down and HOTSHOTS Bianca! Cover, ONE!! The toughEST is still in a bad way as she clutches that bad arm. Bayley kicks Bianca around, but Bianca throws elbows. Bayley wraps the bad arm around ropes and YANKS it! Fans rally for the “E S T! E S T!” but Bayley drags Bianca.

Bayley wrenches but Bianca scoops! Bayley slips out to WRING Bianca out and stomp her down! Bayley runs, but Bianca avoids the elbow drop! And then another elbow drop! Bianca is in the corner, Bayley runs in but into an elbow! Bianca slips out and Bayley runs into buckles! Bianca shoulders in, slingshots up and over and Bayley tumbles out! Kai & Sky coach Bayley up and she flounders to the desk. Bayley hurries back in, but Bianca wrenches her into a suplex! Fans fire up as Bianca pounds the mat with her good arm. Bayley stirs, Bianca rises, and Bianca runs Bayley over! And over! And DROPKICKS!

Bianca kips up, fans fire up and she runs in at the corner! Bianca goes up to give Bayley those fists back! The fans count past ten to 13, but Bayley pulls the hair! Bayley has the braid but Bianca reels her in to scoop and SLAM, and then HANDSPRING MOONSAULT onto knees!! Bayley gets Bianca up, waistlocks but Bianca bucks free. Bayley catches Bianca but Bianca slips out to roll her up! TWO, and Bayley CLOBBERS Bianca! Bayley huffs and puffs and she drags Bianca to a drop zone. Bayley goes up, takes aim, MACHO ELBOW onto knees! Bianca hurries to HANDSPRING MOONSAULT! It hits, Bianca covers, TWO!!

Bayley is showing her own toughness as a WWE Grand Slam Champion and she bails out. Bianca pursues, runs in, but is put into the timekeeper’s area! Bayley YANKS Bianca back over by her braid, and has her again, DRAPING ARMBAR DDT to the floor!! Bianca writhes and fans boo as Raw goes to break.

Raw returns once again, and Bianca has Bayley up top. Fans fire up as Bianca climbs up, but Bayley fights the superplex. Bayley swings, Bianca flips back, and comes back to try again! Bayley throws body shots, slips down and YANKS Bianca into buckles! Bayley gets in, and she torture racks Bianca! Bayley steals- NO, Bianca slips out to STEAL BAYLEY2BELLY!! Cover, TWO!!! Bayley survives her own move, and Bianca is shocked! Bayley bails out again but Bianca reaches for her. Bianca grabs the braid again and drags Bayley out to RAM her into barriers! Kai & Sky applaud but fans boo as Bayley brings Bianca up.

Bayley whips but Bianca reverses, Bayley hits steel steps! Bianca drags Bayley up and puts her in, and then hurries after. Bianca talks smack on Bayley, drags her up but Bayley ROCKS her! Bianca ROCKS back! Bayley throws a forearm, Bianca gives it back, it’s a scrapper! Bianca runs, ducks ‘n’ dodges but Bayley follows, to run into a SPINEBUSTER! High stack, TWO!! Kai & Sky are stressing out as Bianca goes up top. Sky distracts and Bayley ROCKS Bianca! Bayley climbs up, brings Bianca up, SUPER BALEY2BELLY!! Cover, TWO!?! Bianca survives and DMG CTRL can’t believe it!

Fans are thunderous for the “EST! EST!” but Bayley drags her up first. Bayley throws Bianca out to the floor, then she tells the others to take the desk apart. Kai & Sky do as told, and then Bayley drags Bianca up. But Bianca ROCKS Bayley! Bianca ROCKS Kai, ROCKS Sky, blocks the wrecking ball dropkick, and she swings Bayley around! POWERBOMB on the desk! It doesn’t break, so Bianca drags Bayley up to POST BOMB her! And then Bianca brings Bayley back, to ALLEY-OOP to the apron! Bianca drags Bayley up and in, but Sky trips her up! Sky RAMS Bianca into the desk! Kai BOOTS Bianca down! The ref misses it all!!

Kai & Sky shove Bianca in but the ref reprimands them. The ref EJECTS Kai & Sky! Wait, who is up top!? She SUPER CROSSBODIES everyone!! EVEN the ref! But Bayley hooks Bianca up, only for Bianca to power out! Bianca slips around, wrenches and torture racks, KISS OF DEATH!! But no ref to count!! Bianca would’ve won twice over! But then this new person POSTS Bianca! It’s NIKKI CROSS!! She hits THE PURGE!! Cross just took out EVERYONE, but lets Bayley take the win! A new ref rushes out to count! Bayley wins!!

Winner: Bayley, by pinfall

But then Nikki CLOBBERS Bayley! Nikki is a superhero no more, she starts beating Bayley with that studded jacket! Fans boo as Nikki stands over champion and challenger, just what does this mean for the title scene?


My Thoughts:

A really good Raw, though Charlotte, NC could’ve gotten a bit more fired up for some stuff. I liked the opening with Judgement Day and The OC, and of course Rhea helps Finn win this. I also liked The OC acknowledging that they need a way to counter Rhea given the co-ed rules of WWE: men can’t hit women, but women can get away with hitting men. I don’t know if there’s any female superstar on Raw to recruit, but this would be a good opportunity for say Tamina or Dana Brooke. Now, given those choices, Rhea would win whatever 1v1 is set up there, but it’d keep her busy from interfering with the guys feuding.

We got really good stuff out of this big story of Miz and Lumis, especially with adding Gargano since he talks and Lumis doesn’t. Also, I love that Truth came out because of a classic misunderstanding. I also like that they touched on Ciampa disappearing through Gargano texting him as an actual friend of his. Miz might be compelled to tell the truth if he loses a match to Gargano or Lumis, I’m just not sure what that secret could be. Gargano had a good interaction with JBL and Corbin, and Gargano had a great match with Corbin, but of course JBL interferes so Corbin can win. And at least Corbin’s ring gear looked better this time.

Ali VS Theory was a bit out of nowhere, but they gave us a great match and it was great to have Rollins be part of it. Theory wins thanks to Ali but then Ali gets the better of Rollins in the brawl. Maybe Theory gets back in the US Championship story for this stretch while the Universal Championship is busy with Logan Paul. Theory being involved could even be a way to keep Ali from beating Rollins to protect both of them until Survivor Series or beyond. And of course Omos mauls four jobbers. Braun should probably do more than beat up more jobbers. If Braun were to beat two or more established guys, then I’d accept that because he’s beating more talented wrestlers than the randos being fed to Omos.

Great backstage promo from Elias, Riddle and the Alpha Academy. Elias looked so ready to bop Riddle and that was a nice tease of there still being some Heel inside Elias. Elias VS Gable was a great match, and one of the main things I point to in thinking Charlotte NC was dead. That was a creative and awesome finish for Elias to win with. And Riddle making the save of course sets up Riddle & Elias VS Alpha Academy, and then maybe Elias snaps and beats up Riddle. And we got a good vignette from Lesnar and Lashley to hype up their rematch. Omos VS Braun has the potential to break a lot of stuff ringside, Lesnar VS Lashley should just break everything those two don’t. I don’t know who wins, but this one will be a lot of fun either way.

And we got some solid stuff out of the Raw Women’s Division. DMG CTRL busting up Candice’s interview and then kayfabe injuring her is pretty par for the course, setting up Candice, Alexa & Asuka all to come back together as a unit to beat up on all three of them. Bayley VS Bianca was also a great match, and also why I thought that crowd was dead. That match was just below Extreme Rules’ match, and I liked the surprise twist that Nikki is no longer A.S.H. but just herself, Nikki Cross. I almost thought “Doudrop” Piper Niven was going to join in but Nikki looked great just taking out everyone. Also a bit of a surprise Nikki let the match resolve, but I still sense she’ll want in on the title match.

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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