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Mitchell’s WWE Raw Results & Report! (11/21/22)

Prepare for war!

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WWE Raw 2022

The Empress and the Eradicator battle for the advantage!

On the Raw before Survivor Series: WARGAMES, Asuka and Rhea Ripley battle 1v1 for the numbers advantage! Will Team EST or Team DMG CTRL get the edge?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

  • Six Man Tag: The Brawling Brutes VS The Judgment Day; The Brawling Brutes win.
  • Johnny Gargano VS The Miz Omos w/ MVP & The Miz; Omos wins.
  • Austin Theory VS Mustafa Ali; Theory wins.
  • The Alpha Academy VS Elias & Matt Riddle; Elias & Riddle win.
  • Drew McIntyre VS Baron Corbin w/ JBL; McIntyre wins.
  • Women’s WarGames Advantage: Asuka w/ Bianca Belair VS Rhea Ripley w/ Damage Control; Rhea wins and her team has the numbers advantage at WarGames.

PLAY BY PLAY

Kevin Owens is here!

The Prizefighter returned on SmackDown to officially join Team Brawling Brutes against The Bloodline for WarGames! But  now Kevin’s back on Raw to let us know that he is the fifth man! He did that for a very good reason, and because of one specific person on the other team. And it’s not Sami Zayn. Even with everything they’ve been through, Kevin still sees Sami as a brother. Sami’s problems are his problems. But the person Kevin’s going after is Roman Reigns! “Roman, it’s been two long years since you and I faced each other in this ring. And this Saturday, I’m coming to remind you just who the hell I am.

“I am Kevin Owens! I am the guy who took you to the limit not once, not twice, but three times! I’m the guy who, if it wasn’t for your Bloodline, would’ve ended your history making title reign before it even started. And I’m the guy that’s coming to WarGames to take out your entire Bloodline so that the next time I get a shot at you, there’s nothing stopping me from being the guy that kicks your ass and takes your title!” Fans like the sound of that! Kevin continues with, “But now, last Friday night, I got to go to SmackDown because I was extended an invitation. And I thought, how rude would I be if I didn’t return the favor?

“So guess what? Tonight, I didn’t come alone.” The Brawling Brutes are here! And in a very Shield like way, Sheamus, Pete Dunne & Ridge Holland are coming down from the bleachers! And then, here comes DREW MCINTYRE! Fans fire up as they all get mics. Ridge tells Albany, “It’s FIGHT NIGHT!” Sheamus says there’s a banger cooking in the stove, cuz this Saturday, it’ll be one of the most pain-staking, unforgiving, career altering matches in the history of the WWE! Cuz this Saturday, it’s WARGAMES!! Sheamus says last Friday, Sami Zayn found out who the fifth man was, and he crapped his Ucey little pants!

Sheamus says now we all know that the fifth man is none other than the Prizefighter, K O! Fans cheer for that. McIntyre adds, “Now honestly, I don’t remember a time when Roman Reigns and the Bloodline weren’t holding the titles hostage. Abusing their power, abusing the numbers game. Well this Saturday, all of that is going to change. You’re looking at five lads that want to rip apart the Bloodline. Five lads that’re ready to walk into hell with a smile on their face. Two rings, two cages, no rules! Everybody, are you ready for a war?!” Albany sure is! But wait, here comes the Judgment Day!

Finn Balor, Dominik Mysterio, Rhea Ripley & Damian Priest make their way out to the ring, and Rhea says, “Drew, Drew, Drew.” Yes, Rhea? Shut up! Rhea says the only thing people will be talking about after Survivor Series, is how many people Rhea destroys in the Women’s WarGames Match! Now, she thinks this brawling buddies are all lost. This is Raw, the show that the Judgment Day runs! Priest says it isn’t play night! You wanna stand around looking all smacked, take that somewhere else. Here, you rise and show respect! Dom says yeah! Show respect! And before someone gets hurt, go back to SmackDown and tell Dom’s dad he said hi.

Finn says, “You tell ’em, Dom!” But Finn is here with a message for AJ Styles! Styles has been stealing from Finn for years! So at Survivor Series, Styles is getting taxed! Finn is coming to collect! And as for the five clowns in the ring, Finn hopes the Bloodline smashes you all at Survivor Series! Oh, and before he forgets… Next time they show their ugly mugs on Raw, the Judgment Day won’t be so nice. Fans boo but Sheamus tells Finn, “My fellow Irishman,” how’re you doin’, lad? They lived 10 miles apart back in Ireland. But two fighting Irishmen in America may be miles apart! Sheamus doesn’t respect Finn!

He doesn’t respect Finn because he’s the kind of “Plastic Patties” here in America Sheamus has come to despise. Plastic Patty? What?! Finn has a free lesson for Sheamus: “Even salt looks like sugar, and I’m one salty Irish bastard!” Oh yeah? Well Sheamus has been hungry to tear Finn apart! So since we’re all here, and since Albany is in a good mood tonight, let’s do Judgment Day VS Brawling Brutes, right here, RIGHT BLEEDIN’ NOW! Now you’re speaking their language! Challenge accepted! Then the Judgment Day rush in and the brawl is on!

Sheamus has Finn, Dunne and Ridge throw Priest and Dom out, and the Brutes are fired up! Will we get quite the sampler for Survivor Series?

 

Six Man Tag: The Brawling Brutes VS The Judgment Day!

Raw returns and the match is already going as Dunne stomps a mudhole into Finn! Tag to Sheamus but Finn wants mercy. Sheamus says sure, then kicks low! Sheamus scoops, Finn slips off and tags to Priest! Fans rally for Sheamus as he and Priest stare down. They circle, tie up, and throw hands! Priest knees low, ROCKS Sheamus, then fires off in the corner! The ref counts, Priest lets off at 4, but Sheamus hits back! Sheamus throws hands in the corner now, then whips corner to corner. Priest reverses, runs in, but Sheamus BOOTS him down! Sheamus skins the cat up to the top rope! But Priest choke grips!

Sheamus hops down but both men avoid strikes. Sheamus CLOBBERS Priest away! Sheamus goes back up, to FLYING LARIAT! Cover, TWO! Tag to Ridge and Ridge storms up. Ridge blocks a boot, EuroUppers, then RAMS into Priest. Ridge suplexes but Priest knees free. Ridge counter punches Priest, whips, Ridge KNEES Priest but then Priest BACK ELBOWS! Priest fires off in the corner, stomps and UPPERCUTS, and Ridge flounders! Priest suplexes for the BROKEN ARROW! Dom wants in so Priest tags him. Fans boo as Dom rains down fists on Ridge. Dom soaks up the heat, then throws down more fists!

Dom kicks Ridge around, brings him up, but Ridge HEADBUTTS Dom away! Finn tags in, he CLOBBERS Ridge! Finn snapmares Ridge to run and basement dropkick! Cover, TWO! Rhea is annoyed with the count but Finn snap suplexes Ridge. Finn tags Dom back in, fans boo, but Dom stomps Ridge around. Dom rains down more fists, but fans chant, “Who’s Your Daddy?” Dom stomps Ridge around, drags him up, and he gives some Latino Heat. But Ridge suplexes Dom up and over instead! Fans fire up as Ridge and Dom crawl for their corners, hot tags to Finn and Dunne! Dunne rallies on Finn, GAMANGIRI in the corner!

Dunne pushes Finn down, to then drop knees on the arm! Finn gets up, Dunne shoves Finn but Finn grabs Dom’s hand to stop the German Suplex! Dunne lets go to KICK the arms! Dunne DECKS Priest, dropkicks Finn’s legs, then he stomps the hands! BUZZSAW! Dom runs in but Dunne kicks him back out! Finn sneaks a tag to Priest before Dunne wrangles Finn down! Dunne is after an arm but Priest drags him out! Choke grip, APRON CHOKE SLAM! Priest roars but fans boo while Raw goes to break.

Raw returns again and Dunne KICKS away on Priest’s leg. Priest ROCKS Dunne, but Dunne BOOTS him back. Dunne reaches to his corner but Priest CLOBBERS him! Priest whips Dunne to the Judgment Day corner, runs in and back elbows! Tag to Finn and Finn stomps Dunne down. Tag to Dom and he slingshot sentons! Tag back to Finn, and Finn tags back to Priest. Finn drags Dunne up, scoops him, BACKBREAKER, and then Priest LEG DROPS! Cover, TWO! Dunne is still in this and Rhea is furious! Priest clamps onto the arm and grinds Dunne down. Fans rally, Dom tags in, and Dom kicks and stomps Dunne around.

Fans boo but Dom soaks it all up. But Dunne gets an arm to wrench! Dunne bends fingers, and SNAPS them! Finn tags in and stomps Dunne back down! Finn has the leg but Dunne ENZIGURIS! Dunne crawls, but Dom POSTS Sheamus! Ridge chases Dom off but Rhea stands in his way. Fans boo, Finn runs in but Dunne dodges! Finn hits buckles, Dunne crawls, hot tag to Ridge! Ridge the Fridge rallies on Finn! Then dodges to FLYING SHOULDER! Ridge runs in to SPLASH Finn, then runs again to SPLASH again! And again, but he runs into BOOTS! Finn runs, but into a scoop SLAM! Priest runs in, but Ridge blocks and clinches to HEADBUTT!

Dom stays back, Finn gets Ridge with a dragon sleeper! ELBOW DROP DDT! Fans rally up as both men crawl, hot tags to Dom and Sheamus! Dom realizes he’s in trouble now. Dom runs from The Fella but the Fella chases him up the ramp! They go to the stage, and the OC appear! Styles, Mia Yim and the Good Brothers scare Dom back, and Sheamus is there to send Dom into the ring! Sheamus CLOBBERS Priest, slides in and CLOBBERS Finn! Dom runs but into a LARIAT! And another! Rhea is freaking out as Sheamus clotheslines Dom, then hits an IRISH CURSE BACKBREAKER! The OC likes what they see as Dom crawls to ropes.

Sheamus has Dom against the ropes, but Priest rushes in! Sheamus ELBOWS Priest away, but Dom HOTSHOTS Sheamus! Ridge runs at Priest, but into a COMPLETE SHOT! Dunne goes up, leaps, but into a choke grip! But he ENZIGURIS the choke slam away! Dunne hurries out to MOONSAULT onto Priest! Finn CLOBBERS Dunne! Finn gets up, Sheamus RAMS into him! Dom rolls Sheamus! TWO!! KNEE from Sheamus!! Dom flops down and fans fire up! Dom ends up on the apron, Sheamus drags him back up. Sheamus RIPS Dom’s shirt open, for BEATS OF THE BODHRAIN! Sheamus goes way past TEN, and gets TWENTY!

Dom is a ragdoll and fans fire up! Sheamus aims from a corner, fans chant along, “BROGUE! BROGUE! BROGUE!” Sheamus runs at Dom, BROGUE!! Cover, the Brutes win!

Winners: The Brawling Brutes, by pinfall

But Finn attacks Sheamus! Priest and Finn mug Sheamus, but Dunne gets up. Finn DECKS Dunne, stomps Ridge, but Sheamus clotheslines Priest out! Priest drags Sheamus out, they brawl, head up the ramp, and Gallows is there to ROUNDHOUSE Priest! Kevin Owens hops off commentary to get in the ring. Finn is mouthing off to Sheamus, but he turns around into a STUNNER! The Prizefighter and the Brutes are ready, will they be able to tear down The Bloodline? As for Finn, he’s reeling with just days to prepare for AJ Styles! Will the OC make Survivor Series phenomenal?

 

Backstage interview with Johnny Gargano.

Cathy Kelley says that for weeks now, Johnny Wrestling has been shooting down The Miz’s alibis and excuses. Is that what he plans to do in their rematch tonight? Gargano says that Miz did what he did cuz he realized he couldn’t beat Gargano. Miz lied, cheated, used a spare turnbuckle. And that doesn’t sit right with Gargano. That is why we’re getting the rematch tonight. But what about Dexter Lumis? Well, the only thing Gargano wants for Lumis is to help out an old friend and make sure he gets what he deserves. There is a mutual understanding. Gargano won’t get involved in Lumis’ match next week, and Lumis won’t get involved here tonight.

Gargano gets Miz 1v1, man to man. No bells or whistles, just Johnny Wrestling VS whatever character Miz is tonight. Gargano heads out, will he expose Miz who who he is?

 

Johnny Gargano VS The Miz!

Raw returns as Gargano makes his entrance, followed by The Miz’s entrance. Miz isn’t dressed? Miz tells Gargano that while he’d love to have this rematch and beat him again, he unfortunately got hurt making a TikTok video. Not dancing, though he has moves like Jagger. No, Miz was kicking and punching and swiping away injuries from his Fantasy Football team, when he punched a cactus! Yes, he owns his own cacti in California, because he’s rich. The cactus didn’t survive, but Miz will. And in one week, he will defeat Lumis.

As for tonight, Miz knows Johnny Wrestling wants to put on a show for the fans, so Miz did the noble thing. Since Miz cannot compete, he found Gargano a worthy opponent! OMOS!? The Nigerian Giant, with Montel Vontavius Porter, walks out on stage, ready to do Miz’s dirty work. Will Gargano survive this little switcheroo from Miz?

The bell rings, Omos glares at Gargano while Miz joins commentary to over-enthusiastically cheer Gargano on. Gargano fires forearms but Omos SHOVES Gargano away. Gargano dodges Omos and fires body shots, but Omos shoves him away, to then BOOT him down! Gargano flops out of the ring and MVP says to keep it up. Omos goes out after Gargano, and SMOTHERS him against the desk! Omos puts Gargano in the ring, and Miz says he is giving Gargano a chance to show what he’s made of. Gargano dropkicks Omos off the apron, then DIVES! Omos staggers and almost hits the desk!

Gargano gets back in, PLANCHAS, but Omos catches him! Miz mockingly says, “Uh oh.” LAWN DART on the apron! Omos roars but fans boo. MVP says Omos is in control and Omos gets in the ring. Omos drags Gargano up but Gargano throws forearms! Gargano GAMANGIRIS and Omos wobbles! GAMANGIRI! Omos staggers away! Miz then hops off commentary to trip Gargano up! That hand isn’t bad at all! Speaking of hands, Omos drags Gargano with one hand, then hoists him up with both! But Gargano knees free! Omos snarls, runs in, but Gargano sends Omos into buckles! Omos falls over and Miz is shocked!

Gargano SUPERKICKS Omos! MVP wants Omos to stand up but Gargano SUPERKICKS again! And SUPERKICKS again!! Gargano hurries to the corner and climbs up! Fans fire up while Miz and MVP freak out! MACHO- NO! Omos catches Gargano! And then CHOKE SLAMS!! Miz laughs while wincing, Omos covers, Omos wins!

Winner: Omos, by pinfall

Miz mocks the valiant effort by Gargano, but Gargano isn’t who Miz needs to worry about. Will Dexter Lumis smother the Hollywood A-Lister and finally have the money and WWE contract he deserves?

 

BREAKING NEWS for Survivor Series: WarGames!

With Bobby Lashley AND Austin Theory gunning for him, The Visionary will have to defend his WWE United States Championship in a TRIPLE THREAT! Will Seth Freakin’ Rollins be able to #BurnItDown against The All Mighty and “The Now” of WWE? Speaking of…

Seth Rollins has a video interview.

Corey Graves thanks Rollins for his time, and knows he is still recovering from Theory’s attack. How is he feeling? Well, two weeks ago, he got mauled by Lashley. Last week, he got jumped by Theory. Rollins has never felt better, HAHAHA! But now we know that Saturday will be a Triple Threat title defense. How is he preparing for an incensed Lashley and an angry Theory, both who are more aggressive than ever before? Rollins says that Graves knows Rollins asked for that match, right? Rollins asked for the match because he has a bone to pick with both men, so a Triple Threat is two birds with one stone, if you know what he means.

“Now, you don’t prepare for a wild Bobby Lashley. You don’t tame a wild Bobby Lashley. You survive a wild Bobby Lashley, if you are equipped. And luckily for me, I have a PhD in getting back up. I’m like The Goonies, I never say die. HAHAHA! As for Austin Theory, he’s lost everything and he may be more dangerous than he’s ever been. But make no mistake about it, he’s still the stupidest person on the face of the Earth. And don’t get it twisted. Not because he tried to cash in his Money in the Bank contract on my US title. No, no, no, no. As somewhat of an expert on cash-ins, I thought that was very well-timed.

“Austin Theory is the stupidest person on the face of planet Earth for what he tried to do to me last week. Austin Theory jumped me from behind, he tried to beat me at my own game. Austin Theory wanted to make a name off of my name, and that never ends well for anybody. Theory, you don’t believe me? You need some proof? Why don’t you pick up your little cellphone, call Cody Rhodes, you ask him how he’s rehab is going. Yeah, you say, ‘Cody, Cody, was it a good idea to pick a fight with Seth Freakin’ Rollins?’ HAHAHA! You let me know what he says.

“The bottom line is this: This Saturday at Survivor Series, no no no, we are not in the WarGames match, no. But I promise you it is going to be a war! Because you’ve got three men who do not like each other going toe-to-toe-to-toe and we are all on the cusp. We could all SNAP at any second. And Bobby Lashley, he’s a brute, and I can deal with those. Austin Theory, well I know him like the back of my hand because I used to be Austin Theory. The real question is, what’re those dope boys gonna do to prepare for me? Because I am one of one. I am a Visionary, I am a revolutionary, I am Seth Freakin’ Rollins, and after Survivor Series, I will still be… United States Champion.”

 

Theory is watching.

Rollins laughs and pats the belt while Theory fumes. Theory tells Rollins, “You don’t understand me. Nobody understands me. And I’ve hit rock bottom, and it’s the best thing that’s ever happened to me. I’m no longer the Youngest This or the Next Big That. And Seth, I’m not that kid that you’ve been in the ring with before. I’m a new man. And I will be taken serious. And after Survivor Series, this entire business is gonna know what time it is. The disrespect, it ends here. Because anybody that wants to step up is gonna get sent home, and I’m looking right at you, Dolph and Seth.

“Seth, I already know you’re watching. And Bobby, you’re probably somewhere punching a hole through a wall, but I know you’re watching. But both of you, pay attention close to what I do to Mustafa Ali tonight, because it will be the result of what happens this Saturday at Survivor Series.” Is Theory’s new darkness going to break an already battered Beacon?

 

Austin Theory VS Mustafa Ali!

The bell rings and Theory circles with Ali, They tie up, and Theory RAMS Ali into a corner! And RAMS and RAMS and then throws hands! Theory throws Ali and stalks him. Theory drags Ali up by the rib tape but Ali throws elbows and haymakers! Ali whips, Theory reverses and kitchen sink knees! Theory stomps Ali down again and again, and shouts, “All Day!” Theory drags Ali up, back suplexes, but Ali lands on his feet! Ali CHOPS, CHOPS, and whips, but Theory reverses hard! Ali bounces off buckles, into a BACKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Theory clamps on with a rear bearhug! Ali endures as Theory squeezes!

Fans rally up as Ali fights to his feet. Ali throws elbow, Theory kicks him low. Theory ROCKS Ali, suplexes, but Ali slips out to shove him away. Ali tilt-o-whirl DDTs! Fans fire up while both men are down! Ali crawls to a corner, Theory storms over, but Ali ROCKS him first. Ali counter punches, throws more haymakers, but Theory puts him in a corner. Ali KNEES Theory back, wrenches and back suplexes! Theory flounders out of the ring but Ali builds speed! Ali DIVES, but Theory caches him to RAM him into the apron! And RAM into the barriers! Theory puts Ali back in, slingshots to somersault, into a SUPERKICK! Cover, TWO!!

Ali grits his teeth, hurting in the ribs but also a bit frustrated. Ali and Theory rise, but Theory YANKS Ali into ropes! Ali sputters, Theory hooks him up, AOI SHOUDO! Cover, TWO!! Fans taunt Theory, “Where’s Your Briefcase?” Theory bumps Ali off buckles, puts him in a Tree of Woe, and he stomps away! The ref counts, Theory lets off, but comes back to throw hands! The ref counts again, Theory lets off, and Ali flops out of the Tree. Fans boo and chant, “THEORY SUCKS!” Theory shakes his head, he drags Ali back up, and he ROCKS Ali with a haymaker. Theory hoists Ali up top, climbs up after him, but Ali throws body shots!

Fans fire up as Ali bumps Theory off buckles! Ali adjusts, to SUPER SUNSET FLIP POWERBOMB!! Both men are down, and Ali drags himself back to the top! Ali aims, to 450 SPLASH!! But the ribs take damage, too! Ali flounders after Theory, but Theory rolls out of the ring again! The fans boo but Ali goes out after Theory. Ali drags Theory up, puts him in the ring, but Theory BLASTS Ali off the apron! Theory then puts Ali in the ring, calls his shot, and fireman’s carries! A TOWN DOWN!! Cover, Theory wins!

Winner: Austin Theory, by pinfall

Theory’s got a bloody forehead, but he doesn’t care. But then Lashley gets his attention on the tron. Theory wanted Lashley’s attention, well he has it now. And if Theory wants to get serious, then they’ll get serious. Theory can just stay right there, and Lashley will be heading to the ring so they can give Albany a preview of Survivor Series! Lashley is heading to gorilla! Will the All Mighty smite Theory before the Triple Threat?

 

Raw returns, and here comes Lashley!

Lashley stares at Theory and has a mic. “Look at you, Theory. I’m kinda surprised you’re still standing in that ring. I thought you were on the first SUV outta town. But I guess we got the ‘new’ Theory. I mean, look at you, standing there all tough, like you wanna fight. You wanted my attention, now you got my attention. But if you think you’re standing in the way of me and my United States Championship, kid, you’re outta your mind. You had the briefcase, you could’ve cashed it in, and all you had to do was pick up the scraps that I’d left for ya. And you still couldn’t get the job done.”

Theory tells Lashley, “I couldn’t get the job done? I’m playing games? Everybody in this arena, whether they wanna boo me or not, knows that right now, I would BE the United States Champion if it wasn’t for Bobby Lashley! But since you’re out here, let’s talk about Bobby Lashley. I remember Brock Lesnar kicked your ass. And then, right after that, you were the United States Champion and put that title on the line, and Seth Rollins beat you! And then, that wasn’t enough for Bobby Lashley because Bobby Lashley wanted redemption. So Bobby Lashley had to slay the Beast at Crown Jewel, and once again, Bobby Lashley couldn’t get the job done.”

Lashley smirks as Theory says the thing about him and Rollins, for some reason, they both think that they’re stepping in the ring at Survivor Series with the same kid. “That kid is dead and gone, and I am gonna walk into Survivor Series this Saturday, and I am gonna become a two-time United States Champion, and there ain’t a damn thing you can do about it.” Fans boo but Lashley says, “Is that right, Theory?” Theory walking out of Survivor Series? He isn’t even walking outta here tonight! The brawl is on! Theory CLUBS Lashley but Lashley RAMS him into the corner! Lashley fires off haymakers, then stomps away!

Lashley OVERHEAD Belly2Belly suplexes! Theory flops out of the ring but Lashley goes out after him! Lashley RAMS him into barriers, rains down more fists, then drags him back up. Lashley fireman’s carries but Theory slips off to POST Lashley! Lashley comes back with hands! And he TOSSES Theory into the timekeeper’s area! Theory comes back with a chair! He JAMS Lashley, SMACKS him on the back, but that just pisses Lashley off!! Lashley snarls, Theory runs away into the crowd, but Lashley finds the shortcut! They go to the back, and Theory grabs Ali! They brawl, Theory sends Ali into Lashley!

Lashley is furious, but so is Ali. Ali shoves Lashley, but Lashley drags Ali out on stage! Lashley’s wrath sends Ali into the stage tron! And again! Fans fire up as Lashley puts Ali in the HURT LOCK!! Ali suffers for Theory’s transgressions, but will the All Mighty make Theory pay soon enough?

 

The Alpha Academy VS Elias & Matt Riddle!

After beating Master Gable & Otis won back to back 1v1 matches, Chad Gable dared the Drifter and the Bro to try things 2v2. Challenge accepted, and now the two man band is debuting as a duo! Will Riddle & Elias smoke the Academy? Or will they have no choice but to SHOOOOSH~?

The teams sort out and Elias starts with Gable. They tie up, go around, and Elias wrenches. Gable rolls, bridges, handsprings, and spins to then headlocks, spins and drop toehold! Gable then floats to a mount, “A THANK YEW~!” Gable hooks an arm but Elias switches it around to hammerlock back. Riddle rallies the fans for Elias but Gable headlocks, spins and waistlocks. Elias bucks the O’Conner but runs into an arm-drag! And another! Gable wrenches, whips, but Elias reveres. Gable goes up and over, but Elias runs him over! Things keep moving, Elias duck sot whip but Gable kicks him way. “SHOOOOSH~!”

Gable runs, into a back drop! Fans fire up while Gable bails out. Elias and Riddle are feeling it while Raw goes to break.

Raw returns and Elias tags Riddle in. Riddle PENALTY KICKS Gable, Elias SLIDING FOREARMS! Riddle covers, ONE!! Gable hangs tough but Riddle is still on him with knees. Gable shoots around, then around again, NORTHERN LIGHTS! Bridging cover, TWO! Gable tags Otis, Gable bumps Riddle off buckles and Otis fires off body shots! Otis DECKS Riddle, then drags him up. Otis scoops Riddle to SLAM him! Otis flexes, Gable says, “That’s my guy!” Otis says, “Who’s the man?!” Fans boo, it’s apparently not Otis. Otis bumps Riddle off buckles, tags in Gable, and Otis feeds Riddle to Gable’s double forearms! Cover, TWO!

Gable clamps onto Riddle with a top wristlock but Riddle endures. Fans rally and Riddle fights up. Riddle throws forearms, but Gable wrenches and hits a BIG back suplex! Cover, TWO! Riddle is hanging tough but Gable whips him to a corner. Gable storms up and puts Riddle’s legs on the ropes. Gable DRAPING DRAGON SCREWS! Fans boo but Gable says, “A THANK YEW~!” Gable drags Riddle up, puts him in the corner, and CHOPS! “SHOOOOSH~!” Gable whips corner to corner, Riddle goes up and over to KICK Gable down! Tag to Elias, tag back to Riddle, and they double whip Gable to double elbow!

Riddle gets an Electric Chair Lift, ELECTRIC BROTON! Elisa KNEES Otis down, then builds speed to WRECK Otis with a dropkick! Otis hits the desk and Elias LEAPS on him again! But Otis catches Elias! Riddle goes after Gable but Gable trips him up! Otis RAMS Elias into barriers! Gable APRON GERMAN SUPLEXES Riddle!! Gable shouts, “A THANK YEW~!” and Raw goes to break!

Raw returns again and Gable has Riddle down with a toehold. Riddle endures, kicks with his free leg, and Gable staggers away. Otis tags in, Gable back suplexes but Riddle lands on his feet. Otis Electric Chair Lifts Riddle while Gable DECKS Elias! Gable goes up and Otis brings Riddle over, for the FLYING BULLDOG! Shoutout to the Steiners, Otis covers, TWO!! Riddle survives and fans can’t believe it! Otis is shocked, too, and he puts Riddle in a corner. Otis SPLASHES and Riddle falls over! Otis huffs and puffs and goes up the corner. Fans rally for Riddle, Otis VADER FLOPS! Riddle avoids disaster and fans rally back up!

Riddle and Otis crawl, hot tags to Elias and Gable! Elias rallies with big lariats! Then a LEG CAPTURE SUPLEX! Elias CHOPS Gable, ROCKS him, repeat! Elias whips corner to corner, and SPLASHES a la Zeke! And then SPLASHES again! And then runs, ducks ‘n’ dodges to SPINEBUSTER! Fans fire up and Elias wrenches Gable to a HANGMAN’S NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO!! Gable survives but Elias puts him in a corner. Now Elias Electric Chair Lifts. Gable spins around to RANA, then he tags Otis! Elias runs into BOOTS! Otis runs in to dragon sleeper, REVERSE DDT! Gable is up top, he DIVING HEADBUTTS! Otis covers, Riddle BROTONS it apart!

Otis CLUBS Riddle, throws him back out, but Elias also bails out. Otis tags Gable, then Otis storms over to Elias. Otis drags Elias back in from the apron and feeds him to Gable. Gable waistlocks and Otis runs, but Elias BOOTS Otis! Elias and Gable go to the corner, Riddle tags in as Elias bucks the O’Conner! Elias turns around but Gable CLOBBERS him! Riddle fires off palm strike and a BOOT! Fireman’s carry but Gable slips off. Gable shoves Riddle, but runs into the RANA! Gable has a nasty landing on the outside! Riddle aims to PENALTY KICK Otis! Then he FLOATING BRO ATTACKS the Academy down!!

Fans fire up, Riddle puts Gable in! Riddle kicks, Gable ducks and O’Conner Rolls to CHAOS- NO, Riddle slips out to land on his feet! FINAL FLASH KNEE! Tag to Elias and “This is Awesome!” as Riddle tags back in! ANARCHY to a tag, FLOATING BRO! Riddle covers, Riddle & Elias win!!

Winners: Elias & Matt Riddle, by pinfall

The #DriftBros defy Gable’s predictions! Will Riddle’s Walk With Elias lead him back to the tag team promised land?

 

JBL and Baron Corbin are playing poker again.

They had a great limousine but the driver was awful. And he started showing Corbin around Albany! Has JBL seen this place? It’s terrible, too! Who lives here? The only thing worse than living in Albany is dying in Albany. But wait, in steps Drew McIntyre. Who’s winning the game? JBL is in awe of the “Modern Day William Wallace.” How’s Scotland doing in the World Cup? Oh… Right, they didn’t make it. Like JBL not making to WrestleMania that time Corbin had McIntyre. The outcome of that would’ve been significantly different, y’know. Just like it will be this Saturday when the Head of the Table gets his hands on McIntyre.

Oh, is that so? It is. Alright. McIntyre’s only in town for tonight, let’s put this theory to the test. Maybe one more time for old time’s sake? Corbin stands up and says they can settle it here and now. McIntyre says he respects his elders, but not Corbin! McIntyre DECKS Corbin with a right! JBL is furious, McIntyre tells Corbin he’ll see him in the ring! JBL says McIntyre will pay for that cheap shot, but will the Scottish Warrior prove Corbin is anything but a wrestling god?

 

WWE takes a closer look at WarGames!

“Some cages are built to keep things out. Some cages are built to keep things in. But our cage is built for war.” Drew McIntyre says The Bloodline has been on quite the run, but his team has issues with them all. This is more than just a match, this will be personal. Two cages, two teams, Ridge loves the possibilities of destruction. The most brutal structure in the WWE, Sheamus says these lads are going to have fun. Kevin Owens says he dreamed of competing in such a match, and he got to in NXT. Nothing compares to it, and this one will be special. “Five of the best brawlers this industry has to offer against The Bloodline, and this Saturday at Survivor Series, we’re going to war.”

Will Roman, the Usos, Solo & Sami survive the brutality of Kevin, McIntyre and the Brutes?

 

Drew McIntyre VS Baron Corbin w/ JBL!

The Scottish Warrior just wanted to be dealt in, but now he’ll be dealing out pain! Will he use the “Modern Day Wrestling God” as a mere warm-up for WarGames? Or will he end up added to the list of names Corbin has been putting away since his return?

Raw returns as McIntyre makes his entrance, Angela the claymore sword in hand. The bell rings and Corbin rushes in! McIntyre dodges, but Corbin bails out before he can get hit! Fans boo but Corbin and JBL talk strategy. Corbin gets back in, he circles with McIntyre, and they tie up. They’re in a deadlock, but Corbin finds a point of leverage. But McIntyre pushes Corbin back and puts him in a corner! McIntyre lets off as the ref counts, and Corbin CHOPS! The ref reprimands the cheap shot but Corbin throws body shots and haymakers. Corbin taunts the fans, ROCKS McIntyre, then ROCKS McIntyre again.

The ref counts, Corbin bumps McIntyre off buckles, then throws more body shots. Corbin ROCKS McIntyre with another haymaker, but McIntyre ROCKS Corbin back! And CHOPS! And ROCKS! And CHOPS! Corbin knees low, CLUBS away on McIntyre, then whips him to ropes. McIntyre reverses but Corbin KICKS him away. Corbin runs, into a LARIAT! Corbin staggers up, McIntyre clotheslines Corbin out of the ring! Fans fire up and McIntyre goes out after Corbin. McIntyre whips Corbin hard into barriers and Corbin tumbles into the timekeeper’s area! McIntyre drags Corbin up and CHOPS him!

Corbin staggers, McIntyre brings him around to scoop and SLAM on the desk! Corbin writhes, McIntyre refreshes the ring count, then brings Corbin around to ROCK him again. Corbin staggers away, McIntyre glares at JBL as he CHOPS Corbin against the barriers! McIntyre puts Corbin in the ring, he glares at JBL again, but Corbin ROCKS McIntyre back! Corbin POSTS McIntyre, and McIntyre falls to the floor! JBL applauds but he’s the only one. JBL wants the count-out and the count begins. Corbin grows impatient and he goes out to put McIntyre in the ring. Corbin’s chest is stinging, though, as he gets in the ring.

Corbin CHOPS McIntyre, “Payback!” Corbin whips McIntyre corner to corner hard, then runs in to clothesline McIntyre down! Fans boo as Corbin stomps a mudhole into McIntyre. Corbin digs his boot in, lets off as the ref counts, and he taunts McIntyre, “What you got?! You got nothing!” He stomps away on McIntyre again! The ref counts, Corbin lets off, and JBL warns the ref. McIntyre drags himself up but Corbin is on him, to POST him! Corbin laughs it up and mocks the fans as he soaks up the heat. Corbin drags McIntyre up, puts him in the corner again, and ROCKS him with haymaker after haymaker!

Corbin whips corner to corner, but McIntyre comes back to clothesline! And again! Fans fire up as he clinches Corbin to OVERHEAD Belly2Belly! Then a NECKBREAKER! Both men are down, but fans fire up as McIntyre kips up! McIntyre underhooks Corbin, but Corbin wrenches out to ROCK McIntyre again and again! Corbin runs, but McIntyre scoops him! MICHINOKU DRIVER! Cover, TWO!! Corbin survives but McIntyre keeps focus. JBL says that was a fast count but the ref checks both men. McIntyre sits up, he watches Corbin writhe. McIntyre storms up to Corbin at the ropes, puts him in a corner, and CHOPS!

McIntyre ROCKS Corbin, whips him to ropes, but Corbin reverses. McIntyre ducks ‘n’ dodges to CROSSBODY, but Corbin catches him! FALL AWAY SLAM! JBL likes that! Corbin aims, runs in, but McIntyre dodges! Corbin slides out, in, but McIntyre dodges to HEADBUTT! But Corbin LARIATS! JBL says to capitalize but Corbin has to crawl around while Raw goes to break!

Raw returns again and Corbin has McIntyre up top! McIntyre resists the superplex so Corbin throws body shots. Corbin brings McIntyre up again, to SUPERPLEX! Corbin crawls to the cover, TWO!! McIntyre is still in this and Corbin is furious! JBL tells the ref to stop with the slow counts, but the ref defends it was fair. Corbin snarls and he throws hands on McIntyre. McIntyre hits back! Corbin hits McIntyre, McIntyre hits back, repeat! McIntyre CHOPS, Corbin ROCKS, the haymakers go back and forth again, but Corbin UPPERCUTS! Corbin scoops, but McIntyre slips off and shoves Corbin into the corner.

McIntyre runs in but into an elbow! Corbin runs, into a SPINEBUSTER! Jackknife bridge, TWO! Corbin is still in this and JBL applauds. McIntyre stands up and fans say, “This is Awesome!” McIntyre underhooks but Corbin puts McIntyre in the ropes. Corbin sucker punches McIntyre, trips him up, then brings him up to choke grip! CHOKE SLAM! Cover, TWO!! McIntyre is still in this and JBL paces around. Corbin rains down fists while telling McIntyre he should stay on SmackDown. Corbin drags McIntyre up again, reels him in, but McIntyre slips through End of Day sot kick low! FUTURE SHOCK!!

McIntyre goes to the corner and fans fire up! McIntyre runs in, but Corbin dodges the Claymore! Corbin torture racks for a RACK SLAM! Cover, TWO!! Corbin can’t believe it! McIntyre rolls out of the ring and Corbin pursues. Corbin says this is for all the fans, as he HAMMERS away on McIntyre! Fans boo and the ring count is climbing. Corbin drags McIntyre up, POSTS him, then refreshes the count. Fans chant, “You Can’t Wrestle!” Corbin says he’s the Wrestling God! But then he runs into an OVERHEAD Belly2Belly!! McIntyre puts Corbin back in, fires up, and fans fire up with him!

McIntyre aims from the corner, but JBL storms up! The ref tells JBL to hop down and he does, but Corbin gets McIntyre with DEEP SIX! Cover, TWO!! Corbin is losing his mind! Corbin tells the ref to count ot three but the ref tells him to back off. Corbin says he doesn’t listen to the ref, the ref listens to him! But wait, Akira Tozawa appears on the desk! And he LEAPS onto JBL! What’s he doing!? Tozawa takes the hat! Tozawa runs off and Corbin is just as furious as JBL! But Corbin turns around, CLAYMORE!! Cover, McIntyre wins!

Winner: Drew McIntyre, by pinfall

JBL is losing his mind over what just happened! The Stamina Monster snatched away THE hat, and now the Modern Day Wrestling God has his first loss since returning! Will JBL and Corbin make Tozawa pay for playing games? Will McIntyre use this momentum to get the advantage win this Friday and then THE win on Saturday?

 

Backstage interview with The OC.

Cathy Kelley says the match is set, Styles VS Finn happens at Survivor Series. Are emotions riding high given the history between them? Styles says they are. And it’s a shame, because Styles and Finn were close. But Styles has realized this is his family. Gallows & Anderson are his brothers, Mia Yim is his sister, and they are the OC. This thing with the Judgment Day ends at Survivor Series when Styles gives Finn the beating he deserves! And it’ll be phenomenal. But then Finn walks over! Styles thinks Finn is a bad guy? He’s wrong. Finn is worse! He’s the devil! And when you dance with the devil, you never dance again!

And then Rhea BOOTS Mia outta nowhere! The brawl is on between JD and OC!! Dom has Anderson, Priest has Gallows, Finn has Styles! Karl TOSSES Dom into a dumpster! But Finn goes after Karl! Styles comes back for more and he RAMS Finn into crates! The Good Brothers get Priest but Dom comes back! And who knows where Mia and Rhea went! This starts spilling out into the back lot! They’re brawling right up against someone’s SUV! Karl SLAMS Dom on the hood! Priest RAMS Gallows into the open door! And SLAMS the door shut on him! Security rushes out, as do referees and officials! It’s chaos as Raw goes to break, will any of them even make it to WarGames!?

 

Women’s WarGames Advantage: Asuka VS Rhea Ripley!

While Team EST is down a member, they’re not worried about that yet. They just want the numbers advantage first! The Empress will battle the Eradicator, but first they all get the mics. Bianca says we all know Bayley and Bianca have had problems since SummerSlam, and they’ve been tearing each other apart! Not just for the Raw Women’s Championship but the future of this division. This battle ends Saturday the only way it can: WARGAMES! Now, Bianca has won the battle but not the war, and she can’t do that alone. There is no one she’d rather go to war with than her girls! Alexa Bliss, Mia Yim, who is handling business and will be ready for WarGames.

And of course, the woman who will win the advantage tonight, ASUKA! While Bayley plays games, Bianca’s ready for war! Alexa says she’s ready to get payback on Damage Control and put Nikki Cross in the trash where she belongs! Asuka says they are ready for war, but no one is ready for them! And tonight, Rhea is not ready for Asuka! Best believe that everyone wants on the team because DMG CTRL has a lot of enemies. When they make their decision on Friday, y’all will not be disappointed. Fans are a little disappointed, they wanted it tonight. But Rhea makes her way out, with DMG CTRL by her side!

Bayley wants everyone to hold on. We’re to believe Bianca has her fifth partner? And she’s gonna make us wait until Friday? Sounds like the EST is stalling. Or maybe it’s just harder than she thought to find one more person who actually likes her? DING DONG, HELLO~! No one even respects Bianca! Not even her teammates. They’re just sucking up to Bianca to get a title shot. Not that they’d ever stand a chance. You got “Michan,” but Rhea took her out. Then Asuka and Alexa have lost to Kai & Sky time and time again. And they’re all led by Bianca, “the same champ who’s throwing poor little Asuka right into the fire tonight, instead of you stepping up to Rhea like a real leader, like a real champion.”

Asuka tells Bayley to SHUT UP! In both English and Japanese! Then she tells Rhea, “Let’s do this right now!!” Rhea says that just like WrestleMania, “Mami’s gonna eradicate ya.” The two stare down, the ref gets in, and it’s time to back up all these words! Who will get the advantage? We find out, after the break!

Raw returns and the bell rings. Fans rally as the two slowly circle. They approach but Rhea gets around Asuka. Rhea taunts Asuka, they circle more, and approach again. Rhea goes to get around Asuka but Asuka catches her by her hair! Asuka thrashes Rhea around but Rhea powers out to throw Asuka! Rhea won’t let Asuka pull her hair, and she TOSSES Asuka again! DMG CTRL watches backstage, apparently sent to the back during break so this is truly 1v1. Asuka ROCKS Rhea, bumps her off buckles, then KICKS her down! Asuka gives Rhea some Kawada Kicks! Rhea blocks one to ROCK Asuka!

Rhea snapmares, KICKS Asuka in the back, then runs to basement dropkick! Cover, ONE!! Asuka snarls as Team EST also watches backstage. Rhea drags Asuka up, whips her to a corner, and then runs in. Rhea ducks the boot but Asuka SLAPS her! Asuka elbows Rhea, BOOTS her, then hops up the corner. Asuka leaps to MISSILE DROPKICK! Rhea bails out, Asuka builds speed, but Rhea blocks the dropkick to reel Asuka into an Electric Chair! Asuka fights free to SMACK Rhea off the apron! Asuka puts Rhea on the apron, CLUBS away on her, then runs in to HIP ATTACK! Rhea flounders into the ring and fans fire up!

Asuka hurries in after Rhea but Rhea bails back out. Rhea says she won’t cater to the fans, but the ring count climbs. Asuka waits on Rhea, Rhea waits until 7 of 10 to get on the apron. The ref has Asuka stay back but Rhea hops back down. Fans boo more but Rhea just soaks up the heat. The ring count climbs again, Rhea hops back onto the apron, and she steps inside. But Asuka fires off KICKS! Asuka waistlocks, Rhea elbows free. Rhea catches the hip attack but now Asuka throws elbows. Rhea throws Asuka down by her hair! Rhea hammers away on Asuka from behind, then SLAPS her around! The ref reprimands but Rhea tells the ref to shut up.

Rhea KICKS Asuka in the side, then stalks her to ropes. Rhea eggs Asuka, soaks up the heat from the fans, then whips Asuka to CLUB her in the back! rhea drags Asuka back up, whips and CLUBS her again! Asuka writhes but Rhea just dusts herself off. Rhea talks trash, looms over Asuka, and CLUBS her again and again and again! Rhea drags Asuka up, laughs, and whips again, but Asuka ROCKS Rhea! Rhea LARIATS back! Cover, TWO! Rhea says the ref needs to learn how to count. The ref says his count is fair, but Rhea drags Asuka up. Rhea wraps on a body scissor and squeezes tight! Asuka endures as Rhea taunts her with WrestleMania.

Rhea CLUBS away on Asuka but Asuka still endures. Fans rally and Asuka pushes back to a cover! ONE, and Rhea still holds onto the scissors. Asuka pushes back again, ONE, but Asuka turns Rhea over and slips free! ANKLE LOCK! Rhea endures now and Asuka drops to a KNEEBAR!! Rhea shouts and fights up, pries Asuka off the leg to SLAM her down! Rhea snarls, drags Asuka up and RAMS her into buckles. Rhea throws body shots and forearms, tells the ref to shut up again, then she RAMS into Asuka! “You think you can step into the ring with me again?” Rhea SLAPS Asuka but Asuka SLAPS Rhea! Rhea snarls, but Asuka BOOTS her!

Rhea returns to DROPKICK Asuka to the floor!! Fans boo but Rhea says Asuka’s pathetic while Raw goes to break.

Raw returns again and Rhea toys with Asuka. She slaps Asuka around but Asuka SLAPS back! Rhea BOOTS Asuka, fires off in the corner, then runs in, but Asuka moves! Rhea POSTS herself! Both women are down and while Bayley is still confident in Rhea, Nikki isn’t even paying attention. Rhea gets up, swings but Asuka dodges! Asuka fires off kick after kick! She bobs ‘n’ weaves to BACKHAND! BACKHAND! SOBAT! KICK! BACKHAND! CODE BREAKER!! Rhea falls to the corner and fans fire up with Asuka! Asuka runs corner to corner to HIP ATTACK! Bianca & Alexa are liking this, but Rhea powers out of the Bulldog.

Rhea boots but Asuka blocks! Asuka spins Rhea for a GERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO! Asuka drags Rhea back up but Rhea reels back! Asuka spins but Rhea ducks the backhand to shove Asuka to ropes. Asuka wheelbarrows but Rhea blocks the victory roll! Rhea ties up the legs, PRISM TRAP!! Asuka endures as Rhea holds her off the mat! Asuka reaches out, claws her way forward, but Rhea drags her back! Asuka victory rolls Rhea out of the ring! Rhea gets up, she ROCKS Asuka, then she goes up the corner. But Asuka trip Rhea down! Rhea tumbles, Asuka runs, SLIDING KICK! Cover, TWO!

Rhea and Asuka are down, catching their breaths. Asuka rises, Rhea goes to ropes, and fans rally up. Asuka runs in, but Rhea dodges the hip attack to HOOK KICK! Asuka flops down and Rhea shakes out the cobwebs. Asuka sits up, Rhea kicks her and stomps a foot! KNEE SMASH, HEADBUTT, and a NORTHERN LIGHTS! Bridging cover, TWO!! Asuka survives and Rhea is furious with the ref! The ref says she shouldn’t even, that was a fair count. Rhea looms over Asuka, and says Asuka just had to piss her off. Rhea pump handles and lifts, RIP- NO, Asuka slips out to get the ARMBAR! Rhea fights that but Asuka has the chinbar!

Rhea fights around, keeps the Asuka Lock from finishing, and DMG CTRL returns to ringside to cheer Rhea on. Rhea RAMS Asuka into a corner! And again! Rhea is free and she crawls away, but here comes Bianca and Alexa! They tell DMG CTRL to watch it, and Asuka ROUNDHOUSES Rhea! FLYING ARMBAR TAKEDOWN!! Rhea flails and fans fire up! Rhea stacks to a cover, TWO! Asuka avoids the boot, Rhea avoids the backhand! They keep dodging each other, RIPTIDE!!! Cover, RHEA WINS!!

Winner: Rhea Ripley, by pinfall (Team DMG CTRL has advantage)

The brutality was unleashed and Bayley is happy to see her side has the advantage. But then they drag Asuka out of the ring! DMG CTRL mugs Asuka, but Bianca and Alexa hurry after them! It’s a brawl but Bayley’s side has numbers advantage now! But Alexa BOOTS Nikki down! Bianca DECKS Bayley, DECKS Sky, DECKS Kai, but then Bayley anchors Bianca. Bliss DECKS Sky! Bianca TOSSES Kai and KICKS Bayley! Nikki runs in, into a scoop! And a TOSS into the barriers! But Rhea CLOBBERS Bianca and HEADBUTTS Bliss! Rhea rains down fists on Bianca, but MIA returns! Mia and Rhea brawl, and Mia TOSSES Rhea into the crowd!

Asuka climbs up top while DMG CTRL is after Bianca and Bliss. Asuka SUPER CROSSBODIES everyone down!! And this is without a cage! What happens when Bianca reveals her fifth to complete the cast of ten that will go to war?


My Thoughts:

A really good go-home from Raw, or rather just part one of the go-home since SmackDown has their own part to play. They didn’t have that many recap packages to worry about, and had a lot more action. It was a nice surprise that Kevin brought the Brutes and McIntyre to Raw, even though The Bloodline hardly ever shows up here. Good promos, and good interaction with The Judgment Day that also brought in The OC. And we also got good interaction between McIntyre, Corbin and JBL. Great win for The Brutes, great win for McIntyre, but I wonder if this means the Bloodline wins the advantage on SmackDown. I feel like the team with advantage ends up the one losing, so Bloodline having advantage to lose, giving The Brutes a great lead into the various title stories, just makes sense.

Likewise, it makes sense DMG CTRL got advantage through the main event. We got great stuff from Judgment Day and The OC, like that brawl that spilled into the parking lot. Asuka VS Rhea was really good, and I suppose sending the allies backstage for them to all come storming back out was the better move. If they were all ringside to start, any number of shenanigans would’ve happened and would’ve taken away from the overall quality. The closing brawl was great, but I’m with Albany, I was hoping we’d get something on the fifth woman for Team EST tonight. Even just a tease would’ve been nice. I’m hoping it’s Candice LeRae, for reasons I’ve said before.

I should’ve expected Miz pulling that switch on Gargano, but I didn’t expect it to be Omos. Gargano looked great almost beating Omos, but of course Omos goes over as the insane monster. Miz VS Lumis being on Raw TV makes sense on many different levels. For one, limiting the number of matches on a PPV card to maximize the time each match gets is HHH’s style, as we know from TakeOvers and other NXT events. Plus, while Lumis and Miz are both really good characters, their grudge match isn’t going to be a PPV level match, but does make for a good post-PPV Raw match.

Really fun tag match out of Elias & Riddle VS Alpha Academy. It seems to be Riddle’s thing that while he’s a good singles wrestler, he can team up with almost anyone and make it work. Great string of moves in the finish from the #DriftBros, and I have a feeling they’ll get going on a parallel with RKBRO, with the main difference being that Elias will turn on Riddle when Randy never did. Riddle and Elias can make for a great feud going towards the Royal Rumble, and either guy can come out looking great as a contender towards the US title.

Speaking of, we got great stuff from the US Championship story. For one, a Triple Threat is great, though I totally expected something like this to be last month with Mustafa Ali as the third member, not Theory. But Theory is doing well with this new, angrier persona, as he shows in his match with Ali. Lashley calling Theory out and them brawling for a bit was good, but I feel like Ali being stuck in the middle of this story means he’s going to be involved with the US title on the other side of Survivor Series. Rollins had a great promo, I would think part of the reason for a Triple Threat means he can win without any of them looking particularly weak. Him mentioning Cody was an interesting detail. Is Rollins teasing Cody coming for the US title, just as I’ve been sensing?

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; 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 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.

 


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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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