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Mitchell’s WWE NXT Results & Report! (11/8/22)

Let’s run it back!

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NXT White 'n' Gold Era

One more time, from the top!

Controversy mired the previous NXT Women’s Tag Team title match, so Nikkita Lyons & Zoey Stark get one more shot at Katana Chance & Kayden Carter! Will this rematch clear the air once and for all?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

  • Cameron Grimes VS Joe Gacy w/ The Schism; Gacy wins.
  • Sol Ruca VS Elektra Lopez; Lopez wins.
  • Andre Chase w/ Chase U VS Charlie Dempsey; Dempsey wins.
  • Hank Walker VS Channing Lorenzo w/ Tony D’Angelo; wins.
  • Axiom VS JD McDonagh; JD wins.
  • Five Minute Time Limit: Damon Kemp VS Brutus Creed w/ Diamond Mine; Kemp wins, by disqualification.
  • NXT Women’s Tag Team Championships: Kayden Carter & Katana Chance VS Zoey Stark & Nikkita Lyons; Carter & Chance win and retain the titles.

PLAY BY PLAY

Cameron Grimes VS Joe Gacy w/ The Schism!

The Carolina Caveman and Mr. Inclusion both want to get past this, but that can only happen with one final fight! Will Grimes leave Gacy behind to go #ToTheMoon? Or will he be the one buried beneath the roots of The Schism’s tree?

The bell rings and Grimes rushes in! Gacy dodges, clinches, but Grimes elbows free and KICKS Gacy around! Grimes whips Gacy to ropes but Gacy reverses. Griems hurdles, RANAS, and fans fire up! Gacy is in the corner and Grimes BOOTS him down! Grimes says Gacy let Ava Raine talk him into this. Grimes KICKS and KICKS and KICKS Gacy around! Grimes CLUBS Gacy, whips him corner to corner, but Gacy reverses to SPLASH! Gacy CLUBS Grimes, EuroUppers, then stomps Grimes down. Gacy drags Grimes up to CLUB him again! Gacy EuroUppers, snapmares and covers, TWO!

Gac stomps Grimes, whips, but Grimes CROSSBODIES! Grimes throws fast hands and then has Gacy on the ropes. Gacy boots Grimes away but Grimes elbows him! Grimes whpis, Gacy reverses, hip toss NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Gacy drags Grimes up to CLUB him and stomp him! Gacy digs his boots into Grimes’ face but the ref counts. Gacy lets off at 4, he stalks Grimes to the ropes, and he CLUBS Grimes down again. Fans rally with “Gacy Sucks!” but Gacy ROCKS Grimes. Grimes throws body shots, but Gacy ROCKS Grimes with a right! Gacy drags Grimes up to ROCK him again, and then whip to ropes.

Gacy fireman’s carries but Grimes slips off to O’Conner Roll! ONE, Gacy runs in but Grimes sidesteps to ROUNDHOUSE! Gacy falls out of the ring, Grimes goes to the apron and he PENALTY KICKS Gacy down! The Dyad and Ava go to Gacy’s side as NXT goes picture in picture.

Grimes stares Teh Schism down and dares someone to do something. Rip Fowler & Jagger Reed flank the ring, but Gacy slithers in while Grimes is distracted. Grimes still dodges to arm-drag! Grimes has the armlock and Gacy endures. Gacy fights up, throws body shots, but Grimes KICKS Gacy down! Gacy sputters at the ropes and Grimes digs his knee in! The ref counts, Grimes lets off, and the Schism coach Gacy up. Grimes whips corner to corner but Gacy reverses, Grimes hits buckles hard! Grimes falls to the mat and Gacy storms over. Gacy talks trash on Grimes, CLUBS him in the chest, then stomps him around.

Gacy pushes Grimes down, drops an elbow, then covers, TWO! Gacy seethes but he clamps onto Grimes with a chinlock. Grimes endures as Gacy thrashes him around. Gacy leans on the hold but Grimes fights up to throw body shots. Gacy HEADBUTTS Grimes! And SUPERKICKS! Gacy reels Grimes in for a BIG back suplex! Grimes writhes while Gacy and The Schism raise the peace sign. Cover, TWO! Gacy drags Grimes back up to whip him to ropes, and then Gacy CLOBBERS Grimes with an elbow! Cover, TWO! Gacy clamps back on with the chinlock and he thrashes Grimes around again.

Grimes endures, fights up, but Gacy throws him down! Gacy squeezes tight on the chinlock but Grimes still endures. Grimes fights his way back up and he JAWBREAKERS free! But Gacy kicks low to snapmare and chinlock again! NXT returns to single picture as fans boo Gacy. Gacy thrashes Grimes more, then leans on the hold to grind Grimes down. Grimes is on the mat, but fans rally up. Grimes fights up to his feet, he throws body shots, but Gacy ROCKS Grimes! Gacy whips, Grimes goes up and over, but Gacy hits the elbow BACKBREAKER! Gacy stomps away on Grimes, then CLUBS away on Grimes with forearms!

Gacy roars but fans boo, and then Gacy clamps on a CROSSFACE! Grimes endures and fans rally up again. The Schism tell Grimes he’s all alone, but Grimes has the fans! Grimes fights up, but Gacy knees low! Gacy whips and FLAPJACKS Grimes, to then DISCUS- COLLISION COURSE! Grimes snatches Gacy out of the air but both men are down as fans fire up. Fans rally with “TO THE MOON!” as Grimes gets to ropes. Rip talks trash on Grimes but Grimes stomps Rip’s hand! Gacy runs in, but into an elbow! Grimes then goes up and over in the corner, keep son moving and he rallies with big forearm shots!

Fans fire up as Grimes BOOTS Jagger off the corner! Gacy waistlocks, Grimes switches but Gacy elbows him away! Grimes ROUNDHOUSES, SUPERKICKS, and GERMAN SUPLEXES! Fans fire up and Grimes goes up top! DIVING CROSSBODY! Rip is back, Grimes DECKS him! Jagger gets up, but Grimes sends Gacy into him! POISON-RANA!! Fans are thunderous as Grimes aims from a corner! “TO! THE! MOON~!” But Gacy bails out! Fans boo but Grimes builds speed to FLY! Direct hit on Gacy & The Dyad! Fans fire up for “NXT! NXT!” as Grimes puts Gacy in. Grimes climbs again, but Jagger distracts! Ava SHOVES Grimes down!

Gacy handsprings, into the UPSIDE-DOWN WORLD!! Cover, Gacy wins!!

Winner: Joe Gacy, by pinfall

Ava was the ace up the sleeve that helped The Schism take Grimes for all he had! Is this truly the end of the story between them? Or is there going to be another chapter?

 

Axiom finds Nathan Frazer backstage.

Frazer is exiting WWE Medical and the report is that he needs a few more weeks. Well, he did tear himself up pretty bad in that North American Championship Ladder Match. Yeah, when Frazer said he left it all in the ring, it’s more than a catchphrase. Axiom gets that. But Frazer will be back before we know it. Frazer sure hopes so. But JD McDonagh isn’t so sure about that. Maybe leave the medical timeline to the experts, because maybe Axiom’s one of the smarter guys around, but he knows nothing about that four letter word, “Pain.” And Frazer’s not going to admit how beat up he is! Just look at how he’s standing, and how tight those neck muscles are.

JD is pretty sure Frazer got a herniated disk, in his… C4, perhaps? Frazer doesn’t have to tell him, though. But the silver lining is that Axiom wouldn’t have done any better in the ladder match had he won the Best of 3 Series. Oh, so what JD means is, Axiom would’ve pulled a JD McDonagh. So close time and again, but always failing to walk away with the title. How about JD breaks Axiom up so he can spend some time with Frazer in medical? Well, let’s just see who spells out that four letter word. Oh, they will. The Undeniable Truth and the Necessary Evil face off later tonight, who will be the one to feel the pain of defeat?

 

Carmelo Hayes & Trick Williams return to the barbershop.

CutWiz plays host to another talk, and the streets are talking, too. Of course they are! They’re always talking about Trick ‘n’ Melo. What’re they saying now? That he didn’t win the North American title back and they wonder what his next move is? Trick knows Melo doesn’t listen to that noise. Trick says they aren’t wrong, but they ain’t right. Right? Because Melo sits here without the North American title, THE title that HE put on the map! That HE made famous! That he made more relevant than THE NXT Championship? Let’s talk about it! Look, let’s be real. Not one person has pinned him for that title, and that should still be his title!

And let’s not even talk about that six day trial champion, Solo Sikoa. Trick took a nap and missed the whole thing! That’s why when Melo went 1v1 with Grimes, he did what he said and won the belt back. But they should put respect on Wes Lee’s name for a minute. He did go through hell and back to get that title. He did aight. But what he didn’t do was beat Melo. And until then, you ain’t the A Champ, you’re a paper champ. Trick says Wes is a transitional chump! Wes went after the tag titles with Bron and what happened? Nothing! But Josh the barber says they should give it up to Wes, he has the whole NXT Universe behind him.

Trick throws down his hat. What the hell, Josh? Josh is just speaking facts, man. Well, alright, yes, Wes has the fans behind him. But what happens when it’s Wes VS Melo 1v1? Where are the fans then? Exactly! Wes is smooth, a good tag guy, but until you beat Melo 1-2-3 you are not “him.” Wes a crybaby! They took his head off with the locker! It’ll be a short reign. He was taken out after the fan vote for a reason. Now imagine when it’s all for the title. But how long is Melo going to wait? How about this, Mr. Barber? Two weeks, tops! And besides, the title looks better on the Trick Melo Gang anyway.

Melo says this is what we do: next week is the contract signing to make it official. Melo and Wes will be across the ring from each other, and they will handle it like Melo knows how to do, we already know the outcome. That’s all it is, and that’s all it’s ever gonna be. But will Melo return to being The A Champion when he goes up against the Must-See Kid?

 

The lights go out in the arena!

No, it isn’t the weather problems. It’s SCRYPTS! “My name is written on the walls. My voice sounds through the halls. And soon, I’ll be in NXT to watch the whole thing fall. Pain is truly among thee. Imagine what will happen, has happened, because it was always meant to be. Sincerely, SCRYPTS.” Just what will happen when SCRYPTS finally shows themselves in NXT?

 

Sol Ruca VS Elektra Lopez!

The Surfer Girl wiped out last time against Indi Hartwell, but she’s getting back up on the board. Will she ride a new wave of momentum? Or will La Madrina finally get what she wants now that she’s her own boss?

The bell rings, the two tie up, and they go around. Sol gets away but Lopez knees her low! Lopez throws Sol down, but Sol gets up to kick and throw Lopez by her hair! Lopez complains, Sol blocks her kick and then SLAPS and SLAPS! Sol whips, Lopez reverses and hip tosses, but Sol handsprings through to FACEBUSTER! Lopez bails out but Sol pursues, only for Lopez to CLOBBER her! Lopez puts Solo in the ring, covers, TWO! Lopez drops a knee right to Sol’s head! Cover, TWO! Lopez clamps onto Solo and CLUBS her down! Sol throws body shots but Lopez BOOTS her down! Lopez whips Sol into a corner, then reels her out for a short arm LARIAT!

Lopez jams a knee in, KICKS Sol down then drops an ELBOW! Cover, TWO! Lopez is frustrated but she chinlocks and thrashes Sol around. Fans rally, Sol endures and fights up, but Lopez hits a leg sweep! Lopez keeps on the chinlock but the fans continue to rally. Sol fights up again, shoots and rolls Lopez, TWO! Sol schoolgirls, ONE, but Sol LARIATS! And LARIATS! And DROPKICKS! Lopez staggers, Sol whips but Lopez reverses. Sol barrels through then runs Lopez over! Sol roars, handsprings and SPLASHES in the corner! Fans fire up as Sol goes up, but Lopez THROWS her off the top! And then DOUBLE HAND SLAM! Bridging cover, Lopez wins!

Winner: Elektra Lopez, by pinfall

That may not be an upset, but that was still an Elektric Shock from Lopez! La Madrina is back, but will she reach the top?

INDI ATTACKS! Indi and Lopez brawl at the ramp, referees rush out to stop this but that’s not so easy! Fans fire up, will Indi get some payback on Lopez in the near future?

 

Chase U prepares backstage.

Andre Chase is the one in the match tonight, but he’s reviewing term papers while Thea Hail is the one working up a sweat. Thea tells Mr. Chase that last week, Charlie Dempsey showed how much of a coward he was when he attacked from behind! If Mr. Chase doesn’t get him, Thea will! Let her at him! Duke Hudson says that when Chase sent him to the back last week, that… WAS A TEACHABLE MOMENT! Duke learned that they only win and lose between the ropes. So tonight, Duke wants to be ringside to support Chase, and only that, as Chase upholds the honor of the university “against that besmirching Charlie Dempsey!”

Chase gives Duke permission to let it all out! Duke is just saying, but when Dempsey attacked Chase last week, he attacked all of Chase U! He spat on the faces of anyone who has ever proudly worn this U on their chests! Thea says, “Tell him, Duke! TELL HIM!” Duke says Chase has beaten Charlie before, and he’ll do it again! Damn right! And it’ll be right now! DAMN RIGHT! Chase is gonna give that S O B a Chase U sized ass whooping! Duke, get the flag! Hands in! Chase U on three. One, two, three, CHASE U!! Let’s go get him!!

 

Jacy Jayne FaceTimes Mandy Rose.

Hey, girl~! Jacy just let the mall, and normally, that puts her in a good mood, but $4K later, and she’s still nervous about going to the NXT arena because of “Ms. Bonfire Jones,” Alba Fyre. Mandy says if Jacy is nervous, just don’t go. But Gigi Dolin has three cracked ribs from taking that Gory Bomb through the table last week! And Fyre did say… Yes, she’s a psycho. For all anyone knows, Fyre is standing outside the locker room. Probably. But she can wait all night for all Jacy cares. Mandy says Jacy can just hang with her at her place. Jacy says that’s a good idea, but then wait, sirens and lights? A mall cop…

What? What’s Jacy even doing? Who knows. Maybe this real-life Paul Blart wants an autograph. Or her number, heh. Ew, not even in this guy’s creepiest little dreams. But wait, it’s not a mall cop! IT’S ALBA FYRE!! She drags Jacy out of her car to beat her down! And then Fyre gets on the call! “Hi, Mandy~. I told you one by one, I was gonna take all of you out. Last week, I took out Gigi. This week, heh, I took out Jacy Jayne. And next week, I’m taking your title, and I’ll be the last woman standing. See you then.” Mandy hangs up, but how will she deal with this fierce ultimatum?

 

Andre Chase w/ Chase U VS Charlie Dempsey!

The Professor wasn’t expecting a blindside payback from the Son of the Gentleman Villain, as it wasn’t very gentlemanly. But will this be a #TeachableMoment that you don’t ambush Andre Chase? Or will Chase learn a little something about revenge being a dish served cold?

The bell rings, the two tie right up, and Dempsey wrenches and wristlocks. Chase returns the wrench and wristlock, but Dempsey breaks free to cravat and snapmare. Chase gest up but Dempsey runs him over. Things speed up, Chase hurdles and monkey flips Dempsey! Dempsey stagger sup, and Chase clotheslines Dempsey up and out! Duke keeps Thea from going right at Dempsey, but Chase goes out to kick and CHOP Dempsey! Chase bumps Dempsey off the apron, puts him in the ring, and brings him up to facelock. Dempsey pries at the hold but Chase clamps it back on. Chase rolls Dempsey but Dempsey stands up.

Dempsey NORTHERN LIGHTS! But Chase holds the facelock! Dempsey slips around to DOUBLE WRISTLOCK! Chase endures, the student section fires up, and Chase moves around! Dempsey gets the hold locked in but Chase cradles! TWO, and Chase JABS! JABS! And POLISH HAMMERS! Chase brings Dempsey up, atomic drops, and then whips, only for Dempsey to revere. Chase reverses back to RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP! Fans fire up as Chase stomps and spells it out! C! H! A! S! E! U! “What does that spell?!” “CHASE U!!” But Dempsey fights the urenage! Chase slips around to full nelson but Dempsey breaks that to ankle pick, and ANKLE LOCK!!

Chase endures, crawls forward, and both Thea and Duke are there to cheer him on! Chase crawls but Dempsey creeps up to CLUB Chase down! Duke pushes the rope forward but Chase tells him no! The ref sees it, too, and he makes Duke stop! Duke is frustrated, but he has to do things Chase’s way. Thea swings the rally towel, but Dempsey puts Chase into a modified STF! Duke snatches the towel from Thea! He THROWS IN THE TOWEL!! The bell rings, Dempsey wins!!

Winner: Charlie Dempsey, by forfeit

Chase is let go, and he asks what just happened! Duke quit for Chase, and he apologizes. Dempsey gets the win because of it, but was he going to win it anyway? Did Duke teach everyone else that you gotta know when to hold ’em, and know when to fold ’em?

 

Backstage interview with Indi Hartwell.

McKenzie wants to talk about earlier, and Indi says, “Impressive, right?” What we saw was Indi figuring out just how this place really works. As in, NXT? YES. Elektra had that coming because Indi didn’t forget what Elektra did to her. Elektra made her return to NXT by going after Indi to prove a point. But NO ONE is going to prove a point on Indi. Sol Ruca? Sure, knock yourself out. But NOT on Indi! You have to take what you want, or else it won’t happen. Indi is locked in! People like to say they bet on themselves, so Indi’s putting it all on herself! Will #IndiWrestling not let Lopez do what she wants if it means pushing her aside?

 

Josh Briggs & Brooks Jensen hang out at Fallon Henley’s bar.

They have a couple cold ones and talk football. But look who just walked in. Brooks’ eyes widen as he sees Kiana James and her assistant, Gia, walk up. Kiana says this property has promise, and Gia agrees. Briggs tells Jensen to get his eyes up! Briggs welcomes them and Fallon offers a drink. This isn’t about a drink, this is about business. As in, the proposal Kiana served them last week. Jensen says they can talk business right here, with him. Man, be smoother than that! He’s trying…! Fallon reminds them she said no. Well Kiana isn’t really taking no for an answer. Jensen says he’ll say yes, ma’am! Sigh…

Kiana says she sees potential in this place, and has offered far more than what it’s worth. What’s the hold up? Listen, Kiana. It’s a really nice offer, it really is, but she’s not interested. There are too many memories here, so Fallon ain’t selling. Jensen thinks Fallon should take the money but Briggs tells him that Fallon has principles. This isn’t about making a quick buck. So the most money any of them have ever seen in their entire lives is just a quick buck? Wait, how much is it? JENSEN! Fallon says she used to sit here cracking peanuts with her grandpa. Her uncle taught her how to play pool here, and she and her dad would play darts here every Thursday night.

The Henleys may not be rich by any means, but this bar has been in the family her entire life. And Kiana will build an apartment complex the family can live in the rest of their lives. She will make her best and final offer. Fallon says save it, it’s a no. Go build the apartment complex someone else. Fine, the Henleys can continue to live their miserable lives working month to month, land rich and money poor. Their loss. Then get out! Both of you! Hell yeah, hit the bricks! Briggs is Team Fallon, and so is Jensen, but will Kiana find a way to get her way?

 

Hank Walker VS Channing Lorenzo w/ Tony D’Angelo!

Security guard turned prospect turned NXT superstar is back in action, ready to keep this dream-come-true alive! But will he find the odds stacked against him? Or will he shock even The Don with this one?

The bell rings, fans rally for Hank, but Stacks throws hands! Hank ROCKS Stacks, stacks ROCKS Hank! Stacks fires off in the corner, digs his forearms in, but he lets off at 4. Stacks argues with the ref, but Hanks puts Stack sin the corner! Hanks throws hands, then he THROWS Stacks! Fans fire up and Hanks storms up to whip Stacks corner to corner. Stacks goes up and over then UPPERCUTS Hanks! Stacks headlocks, Hanks puts him in the ropes but Stacks holds on. Hank powers up and out and they RAM shoulders! Stacks staggers, Hank dusts himself off, then he shoves Stacks outta the ring!

Fans fire up but Tony is upset. The ring count climbs, Stacks hurries to the apron but Hank is there. But Stacks HOTSHOTS Hank away! Stacks then BOOTS Hank, storms up and CLUBS him. Stacks EuroUppers, then drop toeholds Hanks down! Stacks CHOP BLOCKS, then he hammers away with elbows! Stacks taunts Hank and the fans, but fans rally up. Stacks brings Hank up, throws a knee, and then another! Tony says Hank’s got nothing! Stacks KNEES Hank again, covers, TWO!! Hank is hanging tough but Stacks drags him up. Stacks slaps Hank around, but Hank blocks a kick! Hank shakes his head, and he LARIATS Stacks down!

Fans fire up as Hanks hits a THESZ PRESS! Hank rains down hands and he fires up! Fans rally as Hanks runs, into a BOOT! Stacks runs, into a POUNCE! Off comes Hank’s shirt! Fans fire up and Hanks runs in to SPLASH! Hank whips Stacks corner to corner to SPLASH again! Hank YANKS Stacks right up, for a SLAM! Hank snarls, he hoists Stacks up, but Stacks SLAPs him! Hank glares at Stacks, he pushes him in the corner, but Stacks thumbs the eye! Roll-up, TWO!! Hank escapes, Stacks runs to KNEE Hank down! Cover, Stack wins!

Winner: Channing Lorenzo, by pinfall

Tony says, “That’s what I’m talking about!” The Don is pleased with his right hand man for pulling it out, but will Stacks have to fight even harder if he’s struggling with Hank Walker?

 

Grayson Waller walks in backstage.

“Attention, all you beautiful Grayson Waller fans, and all you mindless, dense, half-wit simpleton NON Grayson Waller fans. Don’t even bother changing the channel, there’s nothing bigger than what I’ve got going on right now. Log onto Instagram, start sending your questions, cuz Bron Breakker, Von Wagner, and my show, the Grayson Waller Effect, next!” What will the 21st Century Success Story have in store for the NXT Champion and his next challenger? We’ll find out, after the break.

 

NXT presents an all new Grayson Waller Effect.

Waller is already in the ring and fans are already booing. “Welcome to the Grayson Waller Effect. Once again, all eyes on me, so let’s get that GWE TV camera right on me because I’m looking good, ladies and gentlemen.” Waller is live on IG, or maybe R-Truth is watching. How is he doing? At home recuperating after Waller whooped his ass? Maybe Lil’ Jimmy can get Truth a soda. Regardless, Waller is bringing us can’t miss TV! Next week, two titans fight for the top title, so let’s bring them out! First, the challenger, big bad Von Wagner! Vicious Von makes his way out, with Mr. Robert Stone by his side, and they go right to the ring.

And of course, the champion, bark it up for Bron Breakker! Fans do bark as Bron makes his way out, wearing a very Dog Faced Gremlin leather jacket. Bron joins everyone at the table, and Grayson welcomes them both. The chat’s going off so let’s get to it. Here’s a comment on screen. “Carmelo Hayes is stuck in the North American title division, but Von Wagner gets the NXT title match against Bron Breakker?” Waller has noticed more like this, and it seems the NXT fans don’t feel Von is deserving of this match. They think Melo does. Many think Waller does! Fans boo because that’s not true. But how does Von feel knowing the fans don’t think he deserves this match?

“Wow. Breaking news: more people don’t like Von Wagner. Hey, Waller, who said that stupid comment?” The username seems to be- Von just goes with “Joe Blow.” Joe must be in charge of NXT now. Stone, how about that? Stone says to be real. the fans never gave Von a chance. And why would they? They’re jealous of him! Von is a once in a generation kind of athlete! Von doesn’t expect fans to like him, but he isn’t here to be popular or a fan favorite. These fans can piss and moan all they want online, but Von is here for one thing and one thing only: the title. Von left Bron laying last week. And nothing’s gonna change next week.

Bron says Von shouldn’t get ahead of himself. He’s powerful and dangerous, sure, but- Stone stops Bron to say that Von is actually more powerful and more dangerous than anyone Bron’s ever faced. And to up that a bit, Stone even puts Bron on that list. Bron says he won’t disagree. Stats side by side, this looks like an even match-up. But how about Von tries that crap from last week here this week face to face, instead of from behind? Waller has them hold on. There’s a comment here that Waller wants Bron to see. “I’m ready to see ANYONE beat Bron Breakker!” Waller laughs and some fans do cheer, they can’t disagree.

And if not Von, then Waller can think of someone way more handsome that could take the title. But that’s a story for another time, “Mr. Intensity.” But under all that muscle, Waller knows Bron has a heart. How does that comment make him feel? Bron doesn’t dislike the fans, he understands where they’re coming from. NXT is about the future, about finding the next big thing. Last year, that was Bron. Bron was the up-and-comer. Now, he’s the champion and he has had the honor of learning from guys like Ciampa and Gargano, guys who said that if you want something in this business, you gotta go out and #DoItYourself! Fans do cheer that.

Bron says this title that Von wants so bad has a title that goes back a long way. Seth Rollins, Shinsuke Nakamura, Kevin Owens, all those guys were in the exact spot Bron is in now. Everyone in that locker room wants a shot. Hell, Von’s getting his next week. JD’s still breathing down Bron’s neck. Apollo Crews wants a shot. Oh, and Bron just said his name, so Apollo must be happy. But y’know what? The one thing that Von and all of them have in common is that no one is taking this title from Bron! Von says he will. Easier said than done. Von wants Bron to look at him when he’s talking. Stone adds Bron is a nervous champion, but Von tells even him to shut up!

Von says he IS dangerous! The first time Von stepped in the building, he got a title shot! It took Ciampa, Dunne AND LA Knight to stop him! Next week, it’s just Bron and Von, and Von’s gonna ragdoll Bron all over the ring! Bron may be second generation but so is Von! Von just didn’t exploit his to get his foot in the door, and he damn sure didn’t use it to get any stroke in this building. And Von won’t even need it next week to rip the title off Bron’s shoulder! Oh yeah? Then come try it right now! Grayson gets back to vlog this, and Bron stares down with Von. Stone says to leave it for next week. But then Bron SMACKS Stone off the table! Von and Bron stare down, but who will blink first (so to speak)?

 

Backstage interview with Wes Lee.

McKenzie says it has been a rollercoaster of emotions for him. From winning the North American Championship at Halloween Havoc to almost becoming a Double Champion last week, if not for Carmelo Hayes getting involved. Wes says he can’t lie, being a Champ Champ is historic stuff, but he’s not going to cry over that. Wes heard what Melo said in his barbershop, and he’s right. Wes didn’t pin Melo for the title, and Melo’s made this title THE title in the process. But Wes’s career was supposed to be done back in April, and he’s still here. The tag wrestler who was never supposed to hold gold is here as the North American Champion!

And in two weeks, Wes goes 1v1 with Melo, “the man who has been untouchable for over a year.” But somehow, someway, Wes will make Melo miss. They’ll sign the paperwork, make it official, and no matter what Melo brings to the table, he will not throw Wes off. Wes will roll like butter that you get once in a career, and not even Melo can stop him. You feel him? McKenzie says yes she does. Will Wes prove to Melo that in the end, Wes IS worthy to be champion?

 

Cora Jade speaks.

“Wendy Choo… Last week, you got involved in something that had absolutely nothing to do with you. Eavesdropping on other people’s business. Hell, you got all up in mine. And then you made the save for someone you probably don’t even know. Wendy, you don’t have a hero complex, you got a friend complex. And how do I know so much in intimate little detail? I don’t know you, I don’t wanna know you, but the fact is that you reek of desperation. Not desperate in the ring, we already know you can go. But desperate to be liked, to be accepted.

“You were the girl who sits alone at the lunch table, who sits by her phone ever Friday night, just hoping and praying that you would get a text to come hang out with one of the popular girls. But Wendy, you and I both know, that text never came. Wendy, you need to accept the fact that, no matter how hard you try, you will never be ‘in.’ As a matter of fact, you will always be on the outside looking in. So the next time you wanna make a friend at my expense, think twice about it.” Generation Jade puts the Queen of Comfy on notice, but will that only motivate Wendy to whoop Cora even more?

 

Apollo Crews speaks.

He tweeted out a video to show he was halfway across the world in Lagos, Nigeria, helping the WWE in their search for the next African superstars. There is a lot of talent here that could easily be the one. But when it comes to the search for the next NXT Champion, don’t look any further. Look deep into Apollo’s eyes, but don’t get lost, Bron! Because your next NXT Champion is right here. Will Apollo be right up after Von to take on Bron?

 

Axiom VS JD McDonagh!

Speaking of friends, the Undeniable Truth stood up for one of his friends, and is looking to take the fight to someone who doesn’t respect anyone anywhere. But will Axiom have the winning formula? Or will Axiom learn why no one bets against the Irish Ace?

The bell rings and JD circles with Axiom. They feel things out, tie up, and JD headlocks. Axiom powers out, JD runs him over! JD hits a headlock takeover but Axiom headscissors back! JD kips free but Axiom turns the tables with a headlock takeover of his own! JD headscissors, and he holds on tight as Axiom tries to kip free! Fans cheer the technical exchange, and Axiom moves around, Axiom headstands, turns JD over, and pops out to have the legs tied up. Axiom then grabs at the arms, and he shifts to a CATTLE MUTILATION! JD turns over but now it’s a motorcycle stretch. Fans rally, JD stands up and he flips through to then kangaroo kick!

JD whips, Axiom reverses and backslides, TWO! JD swings but misses, and Axiom O’Conner Rolls! TWO, Axiom returns but JD just avoids the enziguri! Axiom stares JD down and the two reset. JD calls for knuckle locks and Axiom obliges. But JD kicks low! Fans boo as JD knuckle locks and sweeps the legs. Cover, TWO as Axiom gets an arm up. JD puts it down, TWO as Axiom gets the other arm up. JD pushes that down, TWO as Axiom bridges! Fans applaud and Axiom stops JD’s jump to go up and over! But JD uses that to bring Axiom into the Gory Especial! JD bends the arms back but Axiom endures!

JD bends Axiom’s back, but still Axiom endures! Fans rally, JD makes this a backslide, TWO as Axiom gets a shoulder up! JD forces the shoulder down, TWO as Axiom gets the other shoulder up! JD pushes Axiom back down, TWO as Axiom bridges his neck! Fans fire up and Axiom sits up with core strength to sunset flip! TWO! JD swings, Axiom dodges to springboard arm-drag! JD gets up but into a DROPKICK! JD flops out of the ring, hurries back up, but Axiom GAMANGIRIS him right back down! JD is furious, Axiom and the fans are fired up, and NXT goes to break!

NXT returns and JD has Axiom down with a single leg deathlock. Axiom endures and fans boo as JD keeps the pressure on by sitting back. Fans rally, JD lets off on Axiom, but then he stands on the bad leg. JD lifts the leg, but Axiom uses that to get up and PELE! JD wobbles and falls over and fans fire back up! Axiom hobbles, JD stands, and Axiom CHOPS! JD ROCKS! Axiom CHOPS, ROCKS, CHOPS, repeat! Axiom whips and DROPKICKS! Fans fire up while JD flounders out of the ring! Axiom shakes out the bad leg, and he builds speed to the corner to go up and up and TRIANGLE MOONSAULT! Direct hit at the ramp and fans are fired up!

Axiom clutches his bad leg but fans rally for “NXT! NXT!” The ring count starts while both men are down. JD crawls away, Axiom forces himself to get up, and Axiom hobbles for the ring. The count is 7, then 8! Axiom slides in at 9 while JD fumbles, but JD springs in at 9.9! Fans rally up as Axiom stands, and JD KICKS the leg out! JD snarls, Axiom stands up, and JD KICKS the leg out again! Axiom staggers up again, and JD CHOP BLOCKS the leg! Fans boo but JD stalks Axiom to a corner. JD runs in, but Axiom goes up and Arabian Presses into a SLEEPER!! But JD flails and gets the ROPEBREAK!

Axiom lets go in frustration but he has the fans rallying behind him. Axiom drags JD up, runs, but JD drop toeholds! Down goes Axiom, and JD grabs the leg! Axiom BOOTS JD from below! And again! And again! But JD grabs that leg for the BOSTON CRAB! Axiom endures, crawls, fans fans rally as he reaches out! Axiom gets the ROPEBREAK! JD lets go in frustration now, and he brings Axiom up. JD ROCKS Axiom with a forearm! Axiom comes back to ROCK JD! JD ROCKS Axiom again, but Axiom fires off forearms! JD hits back, Axiom gives four! And a HAYMAKER! JD wobbles, swings, but into a waistlock!

JD bucks the O’Conner Roll, but Axiom kips up! But the leg holds him back! JD HEADBUTTS Axiom down!! JD drags himself to a corner and he climbs up top! MOONSAULT into a TRIANGLE HOLD!! JD flails, Axiom throws hands! The fans rally but JD powers up to deadlift and POWER- RANA!! Cover, TWO!! JD survives but Axiom PENALTY KICKS! Cover, TWO!! JD is still in this and “This is Awesome!” Axiom fires up and he goes to a corner. Axiom aims at JD as he rises. Axiom rushes in, but the leg holds him back! JD kicks the bad leg, ripcord, SLEEPER!! Axiom has JD caught again!!

JD pries at the hold, at the body scissors, and he stands, but into an ARMBAR!! JD clasps hands, rolls around, slips around and has a leg! JD CLUBS Axiom, bends the leg against itself, and the ref stops JD! Axiom’s leg may have just snapped apart! This seems eerily familiar, but Axiom says don’t stop it here! The ref stops JD all the same, and the medics check Axiom. Fans rally for Axiom, and Axiom refuses to quit, but the leg is NOT good! The ref calls it!

Winner: JD McDonagh, by referee stoppage

The Irish Ace promised to break Axiom, and he may just have! From Ilja Dragunov last week to Axiom this week, is JD going to do more than the necessary evil to get his way? JD gets the mic to say, “You see that right there? You see what that is? That’s a severe strain, not a tear, because I’m a nice guy! You know when I’m not a nice guy? When that necessary evil has to come out? When someone steps in between me and the NXT title. You don’t believe me, ask Ilja Dragunov! He’s still in the hospital three weeks later. This is a message to the rest of the roster back there. Any man back there, I am begging you, please someone get on my level! Someone test me! I’m looking at you, Apollo.”

The Irish Ace has called out Crews, but will he not like what Apollo brings to that fight? Or will JD just add Apollo to the list of those he’s torn apart to clear a path to the top title?

 

BIG news for next week!

Shawn Michaels himself will issue a statement about the final NXT special of 2022, NXT Deadline! What will the Heartbreak Kid have to say about what’s coming?

 

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

The Golden Gopher doesn’t care that Julius Creed beat him and put him in an ambulance, he says that was all luck. But he’s looking to put #BigBrute through five minutes of hell! Will Kemp finally prove he is better than Brutus? Or will #BRUTUSSMASH and put Kemp behind him?

Speaking of smash, Brutus goes after Kemp right at the ramp! Brutus CLUBS away on Kemp, RAMS him into barriers, and fans fire up as Brutus throws Kemp into the ring. The bell rings, the five minutes begin, and Kemp RAMS Brutus into the corner! And again! And again! But Brutus DOUBLE CLUBS Kemp down! Brutus ROCKS Kemp, stalks him to a corner, and Brutus fires off big haymakers from all sides! The ref counts, Brutus lets off at 4, and then he clinches to hit an EXPLODER! Kemp flounders away but Brutus runs in to BLAST him off the apron! Kemp hits the barriers and Ivy Nile is there to talk some trash!

Brutus goes out to drag Kemp up, RAM him into steel steps, and Kemp tumbles over! Kemp clutches his leg, Brutus climbs up to roar, and fans rally with “BRUTUS SMASH!” Brutus goes after Kemp, but Kemp gets in the ring. Brutus grabs at the legs but Kemp kicks him! Brutus doesn’t let go and he yanks Kemp right out! Brutus smacks Kemp off the desk! And again! Brutus puts Kemp in and stalks Kemp. Kemp kicks the legs out! Kemp CLUBS Brutus down, POSTS Brutus, and then goes out as we approach three minutes left. Kemp grabs a chair from the timekeeper’s, and we know what he’s done with a chair before!

The ref tells Kemp no, that’ll be a disqualification. But Brutus SWATS the chair away! And he CLOBBERS Kemp! And CLOBBERS! And he SMASHES! Then SENTONS! And SENTONS again! Fans fire up with Brutus, and he grabs the chair! The ref tells Brutus no, there’s still two minutes left. Brutus says to hell with it! CHAIR SHOT!!

Winner: Damon Kemp, by pinfall

Brutus SMACKS Kemp again! That’s far from the ten Kemp gave Brutus, but Brutus let him win the match. Brutus drags Kemp up and says he’s a better man than Kemp! Fans cheer, and Brutus steps on the chair. That makes Brutus think, and fans chant “ONE MORE TIME!” Brutus says sure, and he SMACKS Kemp again! That’s three enough for Big Brute, will he and Julius finally move on to get Diamond Mine back on track?

Oh, speaking of moving on, Veer & Sanga are watching from the perch! Is Indus Sher what’s next for the Creed Brothers?

 

Another message from the mysterious man.

“I’ve wiped the slate clean for a fresh start, and left the past where it should be left. Understand that power doesn’t come from a title or position, it comes from getting the entire world to cooperate and play by your rules. The ones who are forthcoming get a pass. But the ones who don’t will be brought to justice. MY form of justice.” Who will this man deem guilty and in need of judgment?

 

Roxanne Perez finds Indi Hartwell backstage.

Roxie asks if everything is okay, and Indi says yeah, she’s good. Well, it just seems that Indi’s a bit different lately. Roxie tells Indi that if something is going on, she can tell her. Oh, as soon as Indi starts focusing on herself, something’s different? Did Roxie not learn anything after everything that happened between her and Cora? But Indi’s not Cora. Yeah, but there’s no friends in this business! Their biggest downfall is thinking they can become champions while having soft spots and benefits-of-the-doubt for everyone else. It’ll never work that way. This conversation proves it. Indi snubs Roxie, will Roxie have to learn things the hard way?

 

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

Referee oversight created controversy a few weeks ago, but everyone will have to be on their toes this time around. Will KC Squared still come out on top? Or will the young and hungry team finally feast on gold?

NXT returns and the champs make their entrance. The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we see if things go the challengers’ way the second time around.

The teams sort out and Stark starts against Katana. They tie up, Stark gets the arm and wrenches. She wristlocks, tags Lyons, and Lyons KICKS the arm! Lyons wrenches the arm, straight arm levers Chance, then drops her! Lyons wrenches the arm again, tags Stark back in, and Stark AX HANDLES the arm! Stark wrenches, whips, but Chance springboards to go up and over! Chance drop toeholds, headlocks, but Stark fights up. Stark powers out, Chance ends up in a corner but dodges, then comes back. Stark throws Chance up but Carter is there to throw her back! MONKEY FLIP! But Stark handsprings through!

Stark grins, but Chance tilt-o-whirls and whirls and RANAS! Fans fire up, Chance tags Carter, and Carter trips Stark for Chance’s cartwheel SPALSH! Carter covers, TWO! Carter keeps on Stark with a headlock but Stark fights up. Stark powers out, Carter ducks but Stark drops, only for Carter to handspring over her. Carter comes back, into a DROPKICK! Stark wrenches Carter, tags Lyons, and Lyons KNEES Carter low! Lyons hip attacks Carter into Stark’s LARIAT! Lyons covers, TWO! Lyons clamps onto Carter but Carter breaks free. Both women fire off shots but block in return, Carter ducks the heel kick to block the roundhouse!

But Lyons rolls to throw Carter down! Lyons clamps onto an arm and grinds the shoulder. Carter endures, fights up, but Lyons wrenches more. The fans rally, Carter endures, but Lyons whips her to a corner! Then out to whip her back in! And then she scoops! Chance rushes in but Stark intercepts her! Stark scoops Chance, the challengers both SLAM the champs! But then the champs both KANGAROO KICK! Stark runs back in but Chance sends her out HARD! Lyons runs but KC Squared duck the double lariats! Chance sets up, Carter jumps off her, SHOTGUN IN MOTION! Lyons bails out, Carter goes out and dodges the sweep to SUPERKICK!

Carter leaps, but Lyons catches her! Chance WRECKS Lyons with a dropkick! Stark returns, Chance slingshots and RANAS! Fans fire up with KC Squared and they regroup in the ring as NXT goes picture in picture!

Chance & Carter talk strategy, then Chance tags in. She puts Lyons in, brings her over, and Carter hooks Lyons up in the ropes. Chance runs side to side to SHOTGUN Lyons in the chest! Tag to Carter and she snapmares Lyons for a cover, TWO! Carter keeps on Lyons with a facelock but Lyons fights up. Lyons pushes Carter away but Carter reels her in to bump off buckles! Tag to Chance, she RAMS into Lyons and traps her in the corner, Carter runs in to DROPKICK Lyons! Chance then snapmares to a cover, TWO! Chance smirks and drags Lyons up with a facelock. Lyons TOSSES Chance away, hot tag to Stark!

Stark drags Chance up and facelocks, but Chance fights the suplex. Stark keeps trying, but Chance gets a cradle! TWO!! Stark kicks Chance low, and she bumps Chance off buckles. Stark snapmares Chance and clamps on a chinlock. Chance endures as Stark leans on the hold. Chance fights up, throws body shots and whips Stark away, but Stark CLOBBERS Chance on the return! Stark keeps moving, things speed up, and Stark YANKS Chance out of the air! Cover, TWO! Stark keeps on Chance with a STRETCH MUFFLER! Chance endures, NXT returns to single picture, and fans rally up.

Chance pries at Stark’s hands, but Stark stands to have Chance hanging! But Chance sits up, sunset flips, TWO! Chance rushes in, into a scoop! Chance slips off, shoves Stark, then slides under! Hot tag to Carter! The spitfire rallies on Stark, DECKS Lyons, and fires off on Stark! Stark shoves her away but Carter returns to victory roll and SUPERKICK! Fans fire up,. Carter keeps moving, and she BOOT WASHES Stark at the ropes! Stark flops out, Chance gives Carter a hand to go up and up and CROSSBODY! Down goes Stark, but then Chance takes aim! PLANCHA and down goes Lyons!

Fans fire up for “NXT! NXT!” as Chance & Carter regroup. Carter stands up, she brings Stark up and in, and Carter hurries to tag Chance back in. Chance goes up, Carter brings Stark around, but Stark resists the turn. So instead, Carter lifts Stark and Chance leaps, FLAPJACK COMPLETE SHOT COMBO! Cover, TWO!! Stark survives that unique move but Chance drags Stark up. Fans rally, Chance runs, but Stark blocks the wheelbarrow into a BIG back suplex! Stark crawls over, hot tag to Lyons! Lyons DECKS Carter and drags Chance up! Lyons TOSSES Chance to a corner, runs in, but Chance dodges!

Lyons bounces off buckles, Chance goes up, CROSSBODY! But Lyons rolls through! Fans fire up and Lyons roars, swinging TOSS! Tag back to Stark and she hauls Chance up, HALF ‘N’ HALF! Stark roars now, and hits a ROLLING KICK! Cover, Lyons stops Carter, but TWO!! Chance survives on her own, and Carter ROCKS Lyons! Carter dodges Lyons’ return shot to DROPKICK! They’re both down outside while Stark goes up top! 450, but Stark has to bail out as Chance moves! Stark ends up in the other corner, Chance runs in, but Stark alley-oops her to the corner! Chance comes back, but Stark blocks DDT to suplex, STUN-DOG MILLIONAIRE from Chance!! Cover, Lyons breaks it!!

Fans fire up but Carter rushes in! Carter ROCKS Lyons but Lyons BOOTS Carter! Carter returns to DROPKICK Lyons! Fans fire up as all four women are down! Stark sits up while fans rally for “NXT! NXT!” Stark drags herself over to drag Chance up. Stark ROCKS Chance, but Chance ROCKS Stark! Stark rushes in but Chance moves, and Stark almost runs into Lyons! They cool off, Lyons says it’s alright, and then she moves Stark out of the way to take the DOUBLE SUPERKICKS! Lyons saves Starks, Starks is shocked, but she DECKS Chance! And SUPERKICKS Carter! Stark kicks Chance, back suplexes, but Chance lands on her feet!

Chance tilt-o-whirl DDTs!! Tag to Carter and Chance climbs up! Carter turns Stark, HIGHLIGHT REEL!! Cover, KC Squared win!

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

In the end, there was no controversy, and the titles stay with Kayden & Katana! But out of respect, Stark & Lyons hand the belts over to KC Squared. But then Stark CLOBBERS Lyons with one of those belts!! And then she swings on the champs! Kayden & Katana get away but fans boo as Starks shouts at Lyons, “You ruined everything!!” Stark runs to SLIDING KNEE Lyons down!! Fans boo as Stark snatches the belt back up, and then throws it at Carter. Fans sing, “Oh~ Zoey is angry~!” Stark says she sure is angry! She blames Lyons for the losses, but should she look in the mirror instead?


My Thoughts:

A really good episode for NXT, though perhaps with some spinning of wheels to stretch things until NXT Deadline in a month. Though that said, we’re getting two big title matches next week. The Grayson Waller Effect as a series hasn’t been the best, but that might not all be on Waller. Waller’s charismatic, he’s really going for it since this is meant to be his show, but there’s nothing to be done with Dumpster Champion Von Wagner, and the already kinda tired, “YEAH! GET A DOG!” Bron Breakker. But it was only a matter of time before Bron and Von faced off, so I guess it’s fine they’re getting this out of the way on free TV.

I sensed Fyre attacking Jacy in her car, just not that way. I thought Fyre was already in the car as Jacy was making the call, but pulling her over was a good idea, too. Though it was kinda funny that the FaceTime name changed to Alba Fyre’s just because she hijacked Jacy’s phone. But Fyre saying “last woman standing” is of course setting up a Last Woman Standing match, and sadly that is just another opening for Toxic Attraction to help Mandy win. But at the same time, Fyre kayfabe injured Gigi and she might’ve kayfabe concussed Jacy, so maybe this will be an actual fair 1v1 match. And hopefully it’s as creative as Bianca VS Bayley at Crown Jewel, or else it’ll really suck if Mandy just keeps retaining.

We got great stuff out of Melo, Trick and Wes to set up their North American Championship match, which will be an awesome match. But that also not happening at Deadline, no wonder HBK is going to tell us just what is up with that. I would think Wes wins out, he just got the belt and has plenty of names to face as we enter a new year. And given the Grayson Waller Effect did bring up the conversation of Melo needing to move up to the top title, I would hope Melo gets in on that with 2023, regardless of who has the belt. Apollo had a good promo, and of course he calls out Bron, because Bron’s retaining against Von.

JD and Axiom gave us a great match that wasn’t even the main event, and I actually really liked that they recreated the spot from NXT UK when Devlin damaged A-Kid’s leg with that deep Calf Crusher, because duh, Axiom is A-Kid. I don’t see them fully recreating that story from NXT UK where Axiom tricks JD into a rematch, but this could inflate JD’s ego into not thinking Axiom and/or Ilja will return sooner than expected. Of course JD calls out Apollo, they’re basically going to have a #1 contender’s match where the winner surely faces Bron at Deadline to see if Bron makes it out of 2022 still champion. And given Ilja will want revenge, I am thinking Ilja costs JD and Apollo moves on to face Bron.

Really good match from Grimes and Gacy, but if that’s how the feud ends, that was rather anti-climactic. Of course Ava and The Schism cost Grimes, that’s a very Judgment Day Rhea Ripley move. But there has to be something where Grimes comes back for more, because we need something much more definitive for Grimes and Gacy. Lopez of course beats Sol Ruca, and naturally, Indi goes after Lopez. Indi is becoming a bit of a Tweener, as she’s going after Heel Lopez but is snubbing Face Roxie. Lopez has to win the feud, though, and send Indi on her way to Raw. As for Roxie, she’s floating a bit without a story, and Cora has moved on to Wendy. Cora had a good promo, I have a feeling Wendy responds with actions rather than words.

Scrypts gets a bit more bold with his messaging as he “hacks” the arena for another of his ominous poems. But with Dijak giving us another message, Scrypts and Dijak are already overlapping in certain ways. Again, I hope Scrypts is really good in the ring to make up for this really cliché character build. Good match from Stacks and Hank Walker, and those knees Stacks was throwing got rather flush at parts. Hank didn’t get a bloody nose, surprisingly, but of course Stacks wins to continue as Tony D’s number one guy. Maybe Quincy Elliot helps Hank out at some point, and we build to a tag match of Quincy & Hank VS Stacks and a healed up Tony.

Great stuff out of Chase U, with Thea Hail just being a bundle of energy again. Duke said he’d play fair but he did try to help Chase to the ropes. And then Duke, perhaps compassionate but also perhaps to passive aggressively screw Chase over, throws in the towel. I like these layers in the Duke Chase U story, and I do wonder where this is going. Meanwhile, it seems Kiana is actively shifting attention away from her Chase U plans to go after Fallon’s family bar. Fallon VS Kiana for the right to the bar has to be coming at Deadline, and maybe Pretty Deadly end up tied into this so Briggs & Jensen can go after the tag titles again.

Kemp VS Brutus was good stuff, but I should’ve realized they weren’t even going to need five minutes. Brutus gets payback with the chair, and maybe for now, they think they’re past Kemp. But Indus Sher showing up when Kemp swerved Brutus on the match last time, and then showing up again after Kemp gets beat down, maybe Kemp joins Veer & Sanga against Diamond Mine, giving Roderick Strong a reason to heroically return for a big Six Man before a 2v2 of Creeds VS Indus Sher, winner moving on to go after Pretty Deadly. And speaking of tag titles, we got a great main event out of the women’s tag titles, and I’m a touch surprised Lyons & Stark lost.

However, in them losing, I wasn’t that shocked that Stark turned on Lyons. They’re going to feud now, that’ll help build both of them into top title contenders, with the winner being next up. If Fyre beats Rose, then Stark as the new Heel would make sense for a challenger. If Rose somehow retains, then Lyons as a strong Face would make sense.

My Score: 8.5/10


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Coverage

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

Talk about a Big Time Raw!

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Will The Man be the Last Woman Standing?

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

OFFICIAL RESULTS

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

PLAY BY PLAY

Jey Uso is here!

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

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

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

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

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

 

Adam Pearce is on the phone.

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Winners: DIY, by pinfall (advance to WrestleMania)

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

 

Judgment Day meets backstage.

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

Winners: Candice LeRae & Indi Hartwell, by submission

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

 

Cody Rhodes makes his way to the ring.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

Nia Jax speaks.

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

 

Cody Rhodes returns backstage.

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

 

Dominik Mysterio w/ JD McDonagh VS Ricochet!

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

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

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

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

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

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

Winner: Ricochet, by pinfall

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

 

Sami Zayn is backstage.

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

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

 

Adam Pearce is in the ring.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

Sami confronts Gable now.

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

 

CM Punk speaks.

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

 

Drew McIntyre is here!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

Becky Lynch speaks.

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

Liv Morgan confronts Becky Lynch.

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

 

Cody walks with his dog, Pharaoh, backstage.

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

 

Last Woman Standing: Becky Lynch VS Nia Jax!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Winner: Becky Lynch

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


My Thoughts:

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

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

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

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

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

My Score: 8.9/10


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

The semifinals are here!

Published

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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