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Mitchell’s WWE NXT Results & Report! (12/27/22)

The last NXT of 2022!

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NXT White 'n' Gold Era

Who will have a Happy New Year as champion?

As the year draws to a close, Tony D’Angelo looks to bring Wes Lee’s reign as North American Champion to an end! Will The Don of NXT be golden for the holidays?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

  • Julius Creed w/ Brutus Creed VS JD McDonagh; Julius wins.
  • Wendy Choo VS Cora Jade; Wendy wins.
  • Ikemen Jiro VS SCRYPTS; Scrypts wins.
  • Lyra Valkyria VS Lash Legend; Lyra wins.
  • Six Man Tag: Odyssey Jones, Malik Blade & Edris Enofe VS The Schism; The Schism wins.
  • Battle for the Bar: Fallon Henley VS Kiana James; Fallon wins and keeps the family bar.
  • NXT North American Championship: Wes Lee VS Tony D’Angelo w/ Channing Lorenzo; Wes wins and retains the title.

PLAY BY PLAY

The Creed Brothers talk backstage.

They had a good holiday weekend, and Brutus loved that green bean casserole. Julius wouldn’t know, Brutus ate it all. The cookies were good, though. But tonight, Julius is going for a big win! Indus Sher better be watching, Julius is giving JD a receipt. Creed time, baby!

JD McDonagh responds.

The Irish Ace is happy the holidays are over. Everyone can stop pretending they enjoy being around each other and that they love the gifts they got. Besides, JD believes it is better to give than receive. He has one more gift for Julius tonight: a loss, so that he can share the feeling of defeat with his brother.

Julius Creed w/ Brutus Creed VS JD McDonagh!

The Creed Brothers want to face Indus Sher and the feeling is mutual, but big brother Julius has to prove he is 100%! Will he do just that to open the last NXT of 2022? Or will the Necessary Evil bring Julius back down below 100 to delay that match-up even more?

The bell rings and the two circle. Fans rally and the two tie up. JD headlocks, hits a takeover, but Julius headscissors. JD kips free, and he wants the ref to check the hair pulling. The ref says he saw no such thing, so JD and Julius reset. They tie up, JD hits another headlock takeover but Julius hits another headscissor. JD kips free again and he again complains about the hair. The ref still didn’t see what JD is talking about. JD slaps Julius! Julius SLAPS JD! JD shoves Julius, so Julius SHOVES JD! JD gets up, Julius headlocks, but now JD pulls hair! JD powers out but Julius pulls hair back! JD powers out, but Julius runs him over!

Things keep moving, JD drops, hurdles, but Julius whips him away to hip toss. Fans fire up as Julius hits a big headlock takeover! Cover, TWO as JD gets his arm up. JD stands up, Julius pushes on that hold, but JD wrenches out to top wristlock. JD then wrenches to a standard wristlock, but Julius rolls, only for JD to wrangle him. Julius moves around, stands up, and fans rally as Julius goes up the ropes to rebound and arm-drag! JD staggers up, Julius runs in but JD sends him out! JD goes to the apron but Julius blocks the kick to yank JD down! “Sorry< Vic!” Julius DROPS JD on the desk!

Fans fire up and Julius drags JD off the desk! But JD slips off to POST Julius! The ring count climbs, fans rally up, and JD refreshes the ring count. JD throws shots into the bad arm, then he brings Julius over. JD has the arms through the corner to YANK Julius into the post! And again! And again! JD pushes against the post to pull Julius in harder, but the ref counts. JD lets off at 4 and NXT goes picture in picture.

JD drags Julius up, RAMS him into the apron, and puts him in the ring. JD CLUBS Julius down, then soaks up the heat. Julius throws body shots but JD CLUBS Julius. JD wrenches and lifts Julius for a BIG back suplex! Brutus is frustrated but JD soaks up the heat. JD drags Julius around by his arm, hammerlocks it, and KNEES the shoulder over and over! JD has the arm and pulls on the hold. Julius endures, so JD drops another knee! Julius crawls to the ropes, stands up, and JD storms over. Julius fires off BIG haymaker after haymaker! But JD grabs the arm to WRING it out! Julius clutches the arm, but JD CLUBS him down again!

JD smirks as Julius crawls to a corner. JD storms up, brings Julius up, and wrenches him again. JD hammerlocks the arm to RAM it into buckles! JD wrenches for an ARMBREAKER DDT! And then back to the hammerlock! JD digs his knuckles in, then leans on the arm to put on the pressure. Julius endures, but JD turns Julius over to drop a knee right on Julius’ face! JD soaks up more heat but Julius tackles him! JD pushes Julius away, CHOPS him against ropes, then CHOPS him again! JD headlocks Julius to scrape his face off the ropes! The ref reprimands, JD lets off, and he eggs Julius on. JD avoids the haymaker to throw body shots!

JD whips Julius to ropes for a BIG hip toss! Brutus is worried as JD drops a leg on the arm and tie sit up in a short arm scissor! Julius endures, moves around, and NXT returns to single picture. Fans rally as Julius pushes JD to a cover! TWO, and Julius deadlifts JD for a BIG back suplex! Fans rally up as both men go to corners. JD stands, Julius storms over but into BOOTS! JD goes up, leaps, but into Julius’ arms! BACKBREAKER! Fans rally for Julius as he goes to a corner. JD stands, Julius storms back in and lifts JD, but JD sunset flips! But Julius rolls through, flips JD up, but JD kicks low! JD ripcords, but Julius JUMP KNEES! Julius runs, into a SPANISH FLY!!

Fans fire up for “NXT! NXT!” while both men are down! A standing count starts, JD stands at 4 of 10. JD SLAPS Julius, then SLAPS him again. Julius grabs at a leg but JD SLAPS and CLUBS Julius! Julius stands up to DECK JD! Fans fire up and Julius waistlocks to GERMAN SUPLEX! JD gest up to ENZIGURI! JD brings Julius up and suplexes, for a BRAINBUSTER! Cover, TWO!! Julius survives and fans rally for “CREED! CREED! CREED!” JD snarls, he goes to the corner and climbs up top. But Julius jumps up after him! Julius grabs at JD, but JD fights back with a HEADBUTT! JD adjusts, MOONSAULT FLOPS as Julius moves!

Fans fire up as Julius picks JD up, ROLLING SPINEBUSTER! Julius fires up for the SLIDING LARIAT! Cover, Julius wins!

Winner: Julius Creed, by pinfall

Brutus celebrates with his brother and says that is what JD gets! And then Indus Sher appears! Sanga congratulates Julius for proving himself. Veer says they are now willing to face the Creeds. At New Year’s Evil, Indus Sher will get the respect they deserve when they destroy the Creed Brothers! The countdown begins now, will this battle to start the year be someone’s last?

 

Backstage interview with Tony D’Angelo and Channing Lorenzo.

McKenzie Mitchell notes The Don’s North American Championship match in tonight’s main event. How is he feeling? He is feeling great. The last NXT of 2022 will be when Tony wins his first championship. Y’know, other than the title of being Don. But he has been waiting a long time now. Wes took some months off Tony’s career, but Tony brings the title reign to an end. McKenzie brings up the “looming threat” of Dijak, and Tony scoffs at that. Dijak is no threat. Stacks took care of that last week. Tell ’em what you did, Stacks. Stacks says it wasn’t pretty, but a closed door meeting is a closed door meeting.

But let’s just say Dijak won’t be an issue. The Don will win the title. Now, if she’ll excuse them, they have to prepare. Did Stacks really take care of #HardJustice? Will it matter when The Don takes on the Must-See Kid?

 

The Schism speaks.

Joe Gacy says, “We understand that our lifestyle is intimidating to other groups in NXT. Anyone who has crossed out path in 2022 have fell to our mercy, and they have not been treated very favorably.” Rip Fowler tells Odyssey, Malik & Edris that the Schism sees the “emotional disturbances” the Schism has created in them. Jagger Reed says, “Letting your emotional states control your actions does not serve you. It merely digs a deeper cavity of anguish for you to try and repair.” Ava Raine says, “Your attempts to fill that void are temporary solutions to long-term insecurities. This is the definition of living your best life.”

Those three wear masks of fake happiness while The Schism sees through the charade. “Real joy is supposed to be fruitful and multiply, not consumed and discarded for social clout.” Gacy tells them that to their credit, there are redeeming qualities within the trio. The bond is clear, but they must continue to nurture that bond. Tonight, The Schism shows that togetherness above all else is what binds them and allows them to grow beyond their limits. They are four roots, one tree. But will they grow larger than NXT can contain? Or will Odyssey, Malik & Edris be up to the task of chopping them down?

 

Wendy Choo VS Cora Jade!

The Queen of Comfy endured until she couldn’t endure any longer, and she wants revenge on the Punk Rock Mean Girl of NXT! Will the #GenerationOfJade be humbled? Or will she just double down on the damage done to Wendy’s self-esteem?

NXT returns and Wendy makes her entrance, and a bee-line right to the ring! The bell rings right as Wendy fires off forearms! Wendy whips Cora to ropes, then OVERHEAD ARM-DRAGS her! Cora bails out, Wendy gives chase, and then catches Cora to CLUB her on the back! Wendy doesn’t let Cora get back in, she ELBOWS her down! Then Wendy puts Cora in herself. Cora bails out again, Wendy is upset, but then Cora trips Wendy! Cora laughs at Wendy, then smacks her off the apron! Cora brings out her kendo stick! The ref reprimands, but Wendy dodges! The stick hits post, then Wendy kicks Cora!

Wendy smacks Cora off the apron, puts her in, and fans rally up for Wendy. Wendy dodges a haymaker, rolls Cora up, TWO! Wendy DROPKICKS Cora down! Cora goes to a corner, Wendy runs in but Cora dodges! Cora brings Wendy into a BACKBREAKER! Cora talks trash to the fans, then runs for the IMPLODER STOMPS! Cora laughs and covers, TWO! Cora stomps Wendy to ropes, CHOKES her on the ropes, but lets off as the ref counts. Fans still rally for Wendy but Cora runs to ELBOW Wendy against the ropes! And then Cora drops another elbow! Cover, TWO! Cora smirks as she toys with Wendy and clamps on an armlock.

Fans rally for Wendy, Cora tells them to shut up, but Wendy fights up. But Cora wrangles Wendy right back down! Cora adds a chinbar to the hold but Wendy fights up again. Fans rally, Wendy throws body shots, then elbows! Cora waistlocks, Wendy slips out and around to ROCK Cora with a forearm! Cora ROCKS Wendy back, but Wendy ROCKS Cora again! Wendy gets the edge, waistlocks, but Cora buckles the O’Conner. Wendy runs in, Cora sidesteps and SHINING WIZARDS at the ropes! Cora laughs and covers, TWO! Fans rally up again but Cora drags Wendy up. Cora full nelsons but Wendy backs her up. Cora sends Wendy into a corner!

Cora runs in, SHINING- NO, Wendy catches Cora for a RUNNING POWERBOMB! Cover, TWO!! Cora survives and Wendy grows frustrated. Fans rally as both women rise. Wendy ROCKS Cora, Cora ROCKS Wendy! Wendy gets the edge again, kicks and KICKS then CLOBBERS Cora! Cora scrambles to ropes, Wendy whips her then OVERHEAD Belly2Belly Suplexes! Fans fire up and Cora staggers to a corner. Wendy handsprings and forearms! Wendy goes up the corner, SLEEPY CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO! Fans rally for Wendy and she drags Cora back up. Wendy full nelsons, but Cora switches it onto Wendy, FULL NELSON FACEBUSTER! Cover, TWO!!

Fans rally but Cora shrieks in frustration! Cora kicks Wendy around, “You think you’re better than me?” Cora says NO ONE is better! But Wendy cradles her! TWO!! Cora escapes to kick low! Cora underhooks, Wendy wrenches out to whip Cora into buckles! Wendy then reels Cora in, FULL NELSON SLAM! But Wendy isn’t done, she goes up top! VADER BOMB!! Cover, Wendy wins!

Winner: Wendy Choo, by pinfall

Vindication! Wendy gets even with the bully, but is this battle over? Or will Cora come back for her own revenge?

 

Ikemen Jiro speaks.

“Everyone knows my jacket is part of who I am. Jacket is what makes Ikemen be number one. Without the jacket, I am just Jiro. Jacket is what makes me even more me and makes everyone smile! So tonight, I beat Scrypts and take back what’s mine. And tonight, everyone smiles! IKU ZE!!” The Handsome One is ready to tear up the wicked wordsmith what took his precious! Will Jiro get payback on the poetic purloiner? Or will Scrypts be the one writing the ending to this chapter?

 

Fallon Henley, Josh Briggs & Brooks Jensen prepare for tonight’s match.

Briggs tells Fallon that tonight isn’t just any match. This is for the Henley bar! That bar’s been in the family for decades! Think of all the childhood memories that Fallon made there! Right, Brooks? Brooks is busy checking himself in the mirror, wearing the shirt Kiana James gave him. Whose side is he on? Hers! Which her? He meant Fallon! That’s who’s her! Team Fallon all the way! Good. Keep it that way. Briggs hopes Jensen has his head on straight. Or is Jensen too busy thinking with his heart?

 

Ikemen Jiro VS SCRYPTS!

The Handsome One has been without his favorite jacket for two weeks! And sure, he has other jackets, but this is about the principle! Will Jiro get back what’s his? Or will Scrypts just take more and more from those he deems “the special ones?”

Scrypts makes his entrance, but not from the ramp! He jumps into the ring from the crowd side and shocks Jiro! The bell rings, Jiro and Scrypts rush in but Scrypts SHOTGUNS Jiro to a corner! Scrypts fires off hands but Jiro tosses Scrypts up and out. Jiro SUPERKICKS Scrypts to the floor! Then Jiro FLIES! Direct hit on Scrypts and fans fire up for Jiro! Jiro puts Scrypts in the ring, storms up on him and rains down fists! Scrypts slips away but Jiro ROCKS him in the corner! Jiro stomps, fires off hands, but now Scrypts dumps Jiro out! Jiro shoulders in, slingshots up and over to sunset flip! But Scrypts holds ropes to then backflip free and BASEMENT DROPKICK!

Scrypts rains down fists on Jiro while fans boo. Scrypts lets off, then he stomps Jiro. Fans chant “You Suck!” but Scrypts drags Jiro up. Scrypts whips Jiro to ropes, sweeps the legs, then runs to basement dropkick! Jiro flounders, Scrypts covers, TWO! Scrypts wraps on a headscissor hold! Fans rally as Jiro endures. Jiro rolls, but Scrypts lets off to have a neck wrench! Fans rally and Jiro pries at the fingers! Jiro is free, and he ROCKS Scrypts with haymaker after haymaker! Scrypts kicks low, whips, but Jiro reverses! Scrypts hits buckles, then staggers into a back drop! Fans rally up for Jiro and he aims at Scrypts. SHOTEI! SHOTEI!

Jiro fires off palm strike after palm strike! Scrypts drops to his knees, Jiro SHOTEIS again! Then BOOTS Scrypts down! Cover, TWO! Scrypts is dazed and Jiro drags him up. Fireman’s carry, but Scrypts slips off. Scrypts waistlocks, Jiro switches, but Scrypts elbows free! Scrypts runs, ducks ‘n’ dodges, to SPINNING CROSSBODY! Scrypts then takes aim, to STANDING SHOOTING FLOP! Jiro avoids disaster, and he runs in at the corner, into a BOOT! But Jiro GAMANGIRIS in return! Scrypts wobbles, Jiro puts him up top! Scrypts hits back but Jiro GAMANGIRIS again! Jiro climbs up to bring Scrypts up, but Scrypts throws body shots!

Scrypts shoves Jiro, Jiro flips to land and roll, but FLIP THE SCRYPTS! Cover, Scrypts wins!

Winner: Scrypts, by pinfall

Another win for the mysterious masked man. But he drapes the jacket over Jiro, having gotten what he really wanted out of this. Will Scrypts continue to write off each member of the NXT roster until he has his perfect ending?

 

Where’s Oro Mensah?

He says he’s in the middle of the action, the social phenomena. The nightlife maximizes all the senses. And when the music hits right, it isn’t about your stresses, but about that moment, that interactive environment that can only be duplicated in the ring. Oro is going to bring that vibe to NXT.

 

Alba Fyre speaks.

“Isla Dawn. Your mystical darkness has pushed me to my breaking point. Trying to blind my vision, practically fracturing my hand. But you’ve awakened an unfamiliar yet barbaric fire inside my soul. The light of my ancestors is more powerful than the darkness of your spirits. We’ll see whose laughing last, because next week, ANYTHING GOES! It’s gonna be an extreme resolution not just to end the year, but to end Isla Dawn, as well.” Fyre is ready to burn the Wicked Witch, but just how will 2023 start for NXT?

 

Lyra Valkyria VS Lash Legend!

The Morrigan transformed and made the trip to the US, and she had a successful debut. But will that success continue against the self-proclaimed Legend in the Making?

The bell rings and the two tie right up. Lash knees low, brings Lyra up and UPPERCUTS her down! Lash talks trash, stands Lyra up and SWINGS her to SLAM her! Lash kicks Lyra around, talks more trash, and Lyra goes to a corner. Lyra stands up, Lash runs in to SPLASH! Lash snapmares and then drags Lyra around. Lash drops a BIG elbow! Cover, TWO! Lash drags Lyra up, but Lyra glares at her! Lyra KICKS and KICKS then headlocks. Lash lifts Lyra up to TOSS her, but Lyra lands on her feet and RAMS Lash! Lash stays up, Lyra RAMS her again! Lyra runs, ducks the boot, wheelbarrows and arm-drags!

Lash flounders out of the ring and fans fire up as Lyra builds speed. Lyra WRECKS Lash and fans fire up more! Lyra goes to the apron, Lash grabs at her but Lyra kicks her. Lash YANKS Lyra down to the floor! Lash stands Lyra up to CHOP her against the apron! Lash talks more trash, pushes Lyra into the ring, and even kicks her before getting in. Cover, ONE!! Lash is annoyed, she pushes Lyra around. Lash talks more trash and Lyra throws low headbutts! Lyra KICKS, runs, but leaps into Lash’s arms! SWINGING BACKBREAKER! Fans boo but Lash goes to the corner. Lash handsprings but Lyra avoids the moonsault!

Lyra KICKS, KICKS, HEADBUTTS, and AX KICKS! Lash staggers, swings, but Lyra dodges to LEAPING LARIAT! And then again! Lyra tilt-o-whirls, and DDTs! Not the cleanest but Lyra kips up and fans fire up. Lyra aims and HEEL KICKS Lash down! But Lyra isn’t done, she climbs up the corner! FLYING SPLASH!! Cover, Lyra wins!

Winner: Lyra Valkyria, by pinfall

Another first time showdown, and another big win for Lyra! Will the Morrigan reach the highest heights in NXT soon enough?

 

Toxic Attraction is in the Toxic Lounge.

Gigi Dolin says 2022 was their year. They built an empire! The greatest women’s trio in NXT history! And in their opinion, the greatest in all of WWE history! Jacy Jayne dares anyone to name any other faction that, despite their ultimate success, didn’t also experience heartbreaking losses. But even at their lowest point, the eyes of the world are still on the attraction. And they know what the fans are saying. “What’re they gonna do? What’s their next move?” But Gigi says “This group was created by doubt, motivated by those writing them off. And they still reached superstardom, stepping on the nonbelievers.

Jacy vows they will rebuild, reconstruct and return to glory. And that starts with taking down the woman who took down their empire. Roxanne Perez is a marked woman, and not just because she has the NXT Women’s Championship. What will rise from the ashes of the Toxic Goddess’ reign?

 

Backstage interview with Bron Breakker.

McKenzie brings up Grayson Waller baiting Bron into Spearing him while wearing a protective vest, knocking him unconscious. How is Bron recovering from that? Bron admits he fell for a trap. But he recovered just fine, and he is not in the mood for games. He is going to the ring and he calls Waller out tonight. Um, Waller isn’t here. But he did leave a video message.

“Bron Breakker. I bet you’re still pissed at me, lad, for last week, embarrassing you in front of the whole world. But I can’t believe you fell for that! But that’s okay. Bron Breakker is hands down the most dangerous man in NXT, and it’s not even close. He’s big, he’s fast, he’s strong, he hits harder than anyone else. As good as you are, I’m smarter. And as much as I’d love to be there tonight to go fact to face with you one more time, unfortunately for you, I’ve come home. Because what better place to get ready to become the next NXT Champion than the most beautiful place on Earth, Sydney, Australia?”

Waller shows he’s at the Sydney Harbor Bridge, and though he’s biased, he’s pretty sure there is no better view in the world. Especially now that Waller’s here. The Sydney Opera House has hosted the greatest artists in the world, but only now do they have a real superstar! “Australia, you’re welcome.” Then Waller goes to Bondi Beach to swim and prepare. How is Waller gonna beat Bron? This is how. Australia has the best athletes in the world. Waller is taking care of mind and body. At New Year’s Evil, Waller takes care of Bron and takes the title home to Australia!

Waller gave up all this to show the world who he was. He had to show the world that he is bigger than this and it’ll all be worth it when he wins the title. But don’t worry, Bron, Waller will be there next week to sign the contract face to face on a very special episode of the Grayson Waller Effect.

The video is over and Bron grabs the television screen! He throws it against the wall! The rage of old is back, will Waller exploit that to take the title away?

 

Six Man Tag: Odyssey Jones, Malik Blade & Edris Enofe VS The Schism!

It’s a clash of good vibes versus holier-than-thou philosophy. Will Odyssey, Malik & Edris #SoundTheAlarm? Or will Gacy, Fowler & Reed ruin the fun for their own gratification?

NXT returns and the party trio makes their entrance. The teams sort out and Gacy insists he start against Malik. They circle, tie up, and go around. Malik headlocks, Gacy powers up to back suplex! Malik manages to land on his feet and waistlocks, but Gacy drop toeholds to then float and get a headlock. Malik slips free and Gacy grins as the two stand off. They go again, Malik ducks, dodges, wheelbarrows and victory rolls! ONE, and Gacy throws body shots! Gacy bumps Malik off buckles, tags in Jagger, and they mug Malik. Jagger ROCKS Malik, whips but Malik reverses. Malik then dodges, trips Reed up, trips him again and DROPKICKS!

Fans fire up with Malik, he wrenches Reed and tags Edris. They double whip to trip and BOOT and LARIAT! Cover, TWO! Edris keeps close, brings Reed up, but Reed RAMS Edris into the corner! Rip tags in, the Dyad mugs Edris and fans boo. Rip hits a short arm LARIAT! Fans boo but Rip drags Edris up to CLUB him back down. Rip drags Edris around to snap suplex! Cover, TWO! Rip covers again, ONE! Rip clamps onto a chinlock and he grinds Edris down. Fans rally for Edris and he fights up. Edris pries the hold open but Rip CLUBS Edris in the back! Rip scoops, Edris slips off but Rip bucks the O’Conner.

Rip runs, Edris leaps, drops and DROPKICKS! Fans fire up with Edris and he brings Rip up. Rip resists, wrenches out, but Edris headlocks. Rip powers out but Jones tags in! Edris whips Rip away then drops down, Jones CLOBBERS Rip! Fans fire up with Jones and he runs the ropes to ROLLING SENTON! Jones tags Malik then scoop SLAMS Rip! Malik climbs up onto Jones for a SUPER SPLASH! Rip flounders away and the Schism is there to defend him. Jones and Edris back Malik up, the six men stare down. Fans want to “Let Them Fight!” but NXT goes to break.

NXT returns and Rip has Malik down in a headlock. Rip pushes up to put on the pressure, but Malik endures. Ava gets in Booker T’s personal space to tell him, “This is the definition of living your best life. Four roots, one tree.” Okay… Malik fights up but Rip wrangles him back down! Fans rally up and Malik fights to his feet. Malik pries the hold open but Rip knees low! Rip CLUBS Malik to the Schism corner, then tags in Reed. But Malik fights back on them all with haymakers! Rip keeps Malik from his corner and Reed CLOBBERS Malik! Rip DECKS Edris, Reed whips Malik to the corner! Malik goes up, over, under and hot tags Jones!

Jones rallies on The Dyad! He DECKS Gacy for good measure, ROCKS Rip, then SPLASEH Reed! Back body block for Rip! Back body block for Reed! Rip swings but misses, and Jones scoops him! Reed runs in, Jones scoops him, too! DOUBLE SIDEWALK SLAMS! Fans fire up, Jones tags Edris! Edris goes up for a MACHO ELBOW! Cover, Gacy breaks it! Gacy fires off on Jones but Jones throws him out. Reed rushes up, Jones shoves him down. Gacy & Rip drag Jones out! They hold Jones, Reed DIVES! But bounces off?! Rip runs to DIVE, but also bounces off! Gacy DIVES, Reed DIVES, Rip DIVES, Gacy DIVES again, and finally Jones falls!!

Fans fire up for “NXT! NXT!” and Malik FLIES to take out Gacy and Rip! Edris fires off on Reed, chases him into the ring, but Reed shoves him away. Edris rolls under, gets around, goes up the ropes, FLYING KNEE! Reed flounders, Edris drags him up the ropes! Fans rally, but Gacy sneaks a tag! Gacy CLUBS Edris, Electric Chair Lifts him, but Malik hurries in! Rip throat chops him first! Rip then pops Malik up to an Electric Chair Lift! The Schism sets up, DOUBLE DOOMSDAY!!! Gacy stands Edris back up, for the DOUBLE CODE BREAKER, to the UPSIDE-DOWN!! Cover, The Schism wins!

Winners: The Schism, by pinfall

Ava celebrates with her “family” as they work together to take out the three amigos! The Schism is stronger together, will they soon go for gold together?

 

Backstage interview with Carmelo Hayes & Trick Williams.

McKenzie asks them about next week’s big match ups. Trick faces Axiom 1v1 while Melo goes 1v1 with Apollo Crews. Trick stops her there and says they’re on Trick Melo Time, and they don’t get paid to hear McKenzie talk. Now, next week, Trick has Axiom, and we know he can fly, flip, wrestle and submit. But one thing he can’t do is whoop that Trick! These size 16’s are gonna send Axiom all the way to Comicon! And Melo has been saying that 2023 is the year Melo becomes THE NXT Champion. But in his way is Apollo. Apollo has accomplished so much here in NXT and that is admirable. But one thing he hasn’t done is beat Melo.

Apollo has two choices: move out of the way or be moved out of the way. And right now, Melo is feeling some kinda way about moving Apollo out of the way. That NXT Championship has one man’s name on it! Not Apollo’s, but Melo’s! And they’re going for two. Nothing but net! Will Melo & Trick hit their shots? Or will they brick to start the New Year?

 

Battle for the Bar: Fallon Henley VS Kiana James!

Financial problems, family members, and land development plans all collide in one match! Will Fallon defend the honor of the Henley family bar? Or will the Professional Professional Wrestler prove this isn’t about feelings, this is all business?

The bell rings, Kiana and Fallon circle. Fans rally for Fallon, she eggs Kiana on, and they tie up. Kiana knees low, CLUBS Fallon on the back then CHOPS her! Kiana wrenches, YANKS, then YANKS the arm again! And again! Kiana taunts Fallon but Fallon wrenches and YANKS in return! And again! Fallon whips Kiana, then reels her in to ELBOW! Kiana pulls hair! Fallon mule kicks, runs, but Kiana elbows her back! Kiana whips, Fallon reverses and follows to run Kiana over! Fans fire up, Jensen is  bit torn, but Fallon sits Kiana down for a CALF KICK! Kiana flounders to ropes and Fallon runs to slide!

Kiana uses the apron skirt as a shield! Fallon waits, Kiana drops her guard, and Fallon ROCKS her! Kiana flounders away, Fallon gets in and covers, TWO! Fallon grabs a leg but Kiana kicks free with the other. Kian whips, Fallon goes up and headscissors, but Kiana catches that to SLAM Fallon down! Kiana RAMS Fallon into the corner, handsprings back and RAMS in again! Kiana reels Fallon in for a short arm LARIAT! Cover, TWO! Fans rally up for Fallon but Kiana whips her to a corner. Kiana runs in but Fallon elbows back! Kiana stomps a mudhole in, lets off at the ref’s count, then runs in, into an elbow!

Fallon storms up but into a knee! Kiana fireman’s carries and DROPS Fallon! Cover, TWO! Fans rally for Fallon but Kiana wraps on a bodyscissor squeeze. Fallon endures, pushes back to a cover, TWO! Kiana CLUBS Fallon, Kiana turns her over for a Gedo Clutch! TWO, but Kiana holds onto the bodyscissor. The fans rally, Fallon pushes back again, TWO! Kiana lets Fallon go and kicks her around! Kiana pie faces Fallon, talks trash, but Fallon throws body shots! Kiana ROCKS Fallon, Fallon ROCKS Kiana, repeat! Fallon CHOPS, ROCKS and ROCKS again! Then she LARIATS! Fans fire up with Fallon while Kiana goes to a corner.

Fallon runs in, back elbows, then runs for the FACEBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Kiana survives and Briggs makes sure Jensen is cheering for the right lady. Fallon runs, but into a low headbutt! SWINGING GUTBUSTER! Cover, TWO!! Fallon survives but Kiana shouts, “What’s your problem?!” Kiana knees low, runs, but Fallon trips her up! Kiana clutches her foot, Fallon runs in to SHINING WIZARD! Cover, Fallon wins!!

Winner: Fallon Henley, by pinfall (keeps the family bar)

Briggs celebrates with Fallon, and Jensen does congratulate her, but the heart wants what the heart wants. Will Jensen still have a chance with Ms. James even though she wanted that bar?

 

Backstage interview with Roxanne Perez.

McKenzie asks if it has sunken in yet that she IS NXT Women’s Champion. Honestly, no. Roxie says this is a dream she doesn’t wanna wake up from. But NXT moves so fast, and she knows that this honeymoon phase will wear off quickly. So as the new champion, she will be on point, on her game, every single night. As hard as she worked to get this title, she could lose it just as quick. Have you seen the level of talent in this locker room? “You look at the list of past champions, and every single one of them is gonna be in the Hall of Fame one day. I’m not even close to that.”

Roxie has to live up to the history of this title. “It’s a pressure I don’t take lightly. And I’m gonna do everything I can to represent this championship.” McKenzie thanks Roxie for her time, but will the Prodigy prove herself worthy of the gold she holds?

 

Isla Dawn speaks.

“Oh, Alba Fyre. Oh, now we’re really having fun. I just know that evil is inside of you. And I’m reaching in and dragging it to the surface. Your challenge is just another step in this process, and next week, this extreme resolution will happen. But… It won’t be for me. It will be for you.” The Wicked Witch laughs into the night. What does she mean about dragging out that dark side within Fyre?

 

It’s the Drew Gulak Invitational wrestling seminar!

The Philly Stretcher and Hank Walker are in the ring, and Gulak welcomes us to the Invitational. Behind him are three promising grapplers who look to sharpen their skills, and also Hank Walker, who he asked to be here as a personal favor to just observe. Walker goes to a corner and fans cheer him on. Gulak says that one of the first things Hank will learn in NXT is that he’ll be facing competitors of all different experience levels. Each of the gentlemen here is getting a hands-on lesson from Gulak. First is the newcomer, Luca. Fans applaud as Luca shakes hands with Gulak. Luca, we’re going to do a demonstration.

First, turn around. Luca turns to face away from Gulak. Gulak has him relax, and explains this hold involves the arm. Relax or you’ll feel pressure in the collar bone. Any hold here you can take control with. This is the Chicken Wing, and then Gulak adds the chinlock! Luca taps and Gulak lets off. Good job. Luca’s okay, right? Yeah, good. Thank you, Luca. Luca exits and Gulak makes sure Hank understood that he let go right when Luca tapped. That is very important. Now a more experienced wrestler in Tavion Heights. Tavion has been an amateur wrestler for a few years so they’ll go for a grapple.

Tavion and Gulak tie up, go around, and Gulak facelocks to drag Tavion down. Tavion is strong, but Gulak says that sometimes, all it takes is the right opening. Gulak gets through Tavion’s leg guard to then step in and tie up the legs, FIGURE FOUR HEEL HOOK! Tavion taps, Gulak lets go. Hank nods, and Gulak says that’s all it really takes. Again, as soon as you feel the tap, release. And lastly, someone who has been stepping up their game recently, Miles Borne. Fans cheer Miles and Gulak shakes hands with him. They tie up, go around in a collar ‘n’ elbow, Miles waistlocks but Gulak switches to headlock.

Miles pops out the back to waistlock again. Gulak turns around, they grapple, and Miles throws Gulak with a fireman’s carry takeover! Fans cheer but Gulak is a bit flustered. Gulak fights up, pries the hold open, then spins Miles into a dragon sleeper! With body scissors! Miles taps, Gulak isn’t letting go! Hank tells Gulak that Miles tapped, and Gulak finally lets go. Gulak tells Miles it was a good job. Hank, Gulak does want to point out that sometimes, you gotta hammer the point home. Now, hopefully, Hank was taking good notes. But here comes Charlie Dempsey! And the Son of the Gentleman Villain goes right to the ring!

Dempsey has a mic to say, “Gulak. You wanna step up to a real wrestler? How about I give you a run for your money?” Fans like the sound of that! Gulak says if that’s so, they can do that here. This was an invitational but Dempsey wasn’t invited. The two start stepping to each other and Hank has Gulak stand back. This is just an exhibition. Dempsey says next week, he’ll make an example out of Gulak’s student. Alright, fine! Hank will be ready! Gulak promises to turn Hank into a technical machine, but will one week be enough time?

 

NXT North American Championship: Wes Lee VS Tony D’Angelo w/ Channing Lorenzo!

For much of 2022, the former NXT Tag Team Champion had to scratch and claw his way back from the bottom, and he finally returned to the top by winning this title in that wild Ladder Match at Halloween Havoc. But now, the Don, the made man of NXT, wants to finally add a title to his riches. Will Wes’ roller coaster year crash back down at the end? Or will Tony be the one who has to fogedaboutit?

The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who truly has a Happy New Year!

The bell rings and the two stare down. They tie up, Tony shoves Wes away, and he says, “Are you serious?” Fans rally behind Wes, he and Tony tie up again. Tony throws Wes down again, and continues to talk trash. “You’re embarrassing yourself! You’re the champ? C’mon!” They tie up again and Wes throws body shots! But Tony clinches to OVERHEAD Belly2Belly! Tony waistlocks to GERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO! Wes escapes just in time and he goes to the corner. Tony stomps Wes, taunts him, then drags him up by his hair. Tony says he’s gonna take the title and Wes’s legs!

Wes holds onto ropes as Tony tries to suplex again! Tony still gets Wes out of the corner, to GERMAN SUPLEX! But Wes lands on his feet! Tony doesn’t realize it, he turns around to get a DROPKICK! Wes has Tony at the ropes, whips, but Tony reverses. Wes hurdles, ducks ‘n’ dodges, then slide sunder to roll back and RANA Tony into the ropes! Tony sputters to a corner, and Wes UPPERCUTS him! Wes fires off haymakers and body shots, the fans fire up and the ref counts! Wes lets off and Tony bails out. Stacks coaches Tony up, telling him to sweep the legs. Tony asks, “Whaddya mean, sweep the legs!?”

Tony catches his breath while the ring count climbs. Tony slide sin at 5, rushes for a leg but Wes avoids it! Wes then facelocks and sprawls. Tony fights up, fans rally, and Tony gets a leg. Wes cranks the facelock to fight the takedown and fans rally behind him. Tony fights up, powers Wes up and onto the top rope. Wes lets go, Tony ROCKS Wes with a right! Tony fires off body shots, RAMS into Wes again and again, then lets off again to whip corner to corner hard! Wes bounces off buckles, Tony storms up and gets in Wes’s face. Tony runs in, but Wes dodges! The boot gets stuck in the ropes, and Wes SUPERKICKS the leg!

Wes YANKS the leg and BUZZSAWS Tony down! STANDING SHOOTING STAR! But Tony flounders out of the ring! Fans boo but Wes just builds speed! Wes DIVES to take Tony out at the ramp! Fans fire up again and Wes shouts, “You think you can run from this?!” as NXT goes picture in picture.

Wes tells Stacks to stay back, and the ref warns him, too. Wes puts Tony in the ring, covers, TWO! Tony is still in this and Stacks is relieved. Stacks coaches Tony but Wes facelocks. Tony endures the grovit and fights his way around. Wes keeps Tony from the ropes, gator rolls him to center, and keeps on the facelock. Tony fights up, Wes resists, but Tony suplexes him up and over! Cover, TWO! Wes clamps right back onto Tony with a headlock! Wes grinds the hold, Tony fights up, and Tony powers out, only for Wes to go up and over him! Wes has the headlock again! Tony endures, but Wes hits a headlock takeover!

Tony keeps his shoulders up, NXT returns to single picture, and fans rally and duel. Stacks coaches Tony, Wes grinds the headlock, but Tony fishhooks Wes’s nose. The ref reprimands, Tony stands up and powers Wes to a corner. Tony is free, but Wes dodges the haymaker to KICK and KICK and KICK! Tony blocks a kick, clinches, and CORNER EXPLODERS! Fans fire up while both men are down! Tony sputters, but he stands up to stomp Wes! Tony drags Wes from the corner to rain down fists! Fans boo, the ref reprimands, and Tony paces. Tony drag Wes back up, scoops him, and hits a BACKBREAKER!

Tony bends Wes against the knee, but fans rally as Wes endures. Tony pushes Wes down, pushes him to a cover, TWO! The Don is frustrated but fans rally up. Wes sits up, Tony grabs his arm and twists it. Tony stands Wes up for a short arm LARIAT, and then a BIG elbow drop! Cover, TWO! Stacks is just as frustrated as Tony, and Tony drags Wes around by a leg. Tony drops elbow after elbow on the leg, then YANKS the leg! This is the receipt Tony promised, and he paces around Wes like a shark with blood in the water. Tony drags Wes up as fans rally and duel. Wes throws body shots but Tony DECKS Wes!

Tony drags Wes by his legs, drops another elbow on the one leg, and then has a toehold! Tony pulls on the leg but Wes endures. Tony stands up to drop another elbow! And another! Tony has the toehold again, but Wes tries a chinlock. Tony shrugs that off, pulls on the toehold, but Wes reaches out. The ropes are too far away, Wes tries grinding his forearm into Tony’s face. Tony shrugs that off to grind the knee. Wes throws forearm shots and Tony lets him go! Tony stalks Wes, gets the leg again, SHINBREAKER! Tony holds on, for another SHINBREAKER! Wes flops out of the ring and Tony says, “I ain’t done with you.”

Stacks stays back as The Don goes out to fetch Wes. Tony throws body shots like a hockey fight! Then he suplexes Wes to GOURD BUSTER him off the announce desk! Fans boo as Wes flops to the floor! Tony drags Wes up, puts him in the ring, and crawls to the cover, TWO!! Wes escapes and Tony is beside himself. The fans rally behind Wes more and more but Tony drags Wes up. Tony has the leg, but Wes fights the fisherman suplex to hit a DDT! Both men are down and fans fire up again! Wes and Tony crawl to opposite ends as fans are thunderous behind the champion! Tony storms over, Wes kicks the bad leg!

Wes kicks the bad leg again! Tony goes to ropes, Wes fires off body shots and haymakers! And kicks and hands and more fists! Wes whips, to UPPERCUT Tony down! And CLOBBER him! And fire off fast hands! BIG RIGHT! Tony drops to a knee but Wes brings him up for more shots! Wes fires off like Tony’s his punching bag! The ref counts, Wes lets off at 4, and then he climbs up to rain down fists! Fans count, but Tony stops that at 4 to POWERBOMB Wes down!! But Tony is tired, he has to crawl to the cover! Wait, he doesn’t cover, he isolates the bad leg. Tony climbs up, takes aim, but DIJAK SNATCHES STACKS!!

Tony freaks out as Dijak drags Stacks away! Wes GAMANGIRIS Tony! Tony falls, Wes handspring PELES!! Cover, Wes wins!!

Winner: Wes Lee, by pinfall (still NXT North American Champion)

That #MustSeeKick finishes this off, Wes has settled things with The Don once and for all! But what about Dijak dragging Stacks away? Will Hard Justice still be served in NXT?


My Thoughts:

A very good NXT to set up quite a bit for the next couple of weeks, including New Year’s Evil. Bron and Waller had a good promo segment, more on Waller’s side than Bron’s. At the same time, Waller’s promo felt like it went on one paragraph longer than it needed to. But having Waller use his talk show to host the contract signing is a decent way of tying things together. Not sure the last time we got something like that, so that’s pretty big for Waller. But I still don’t see Waller winning the title, as good as he is as a Heel. Melo & Trick had a good promo to hype up their matches, and it seems Melo VS Apollo happens before New Year’s Evil. I still think Melo wins to become the de facto #1 contender, and he’ll be watching New Year’s Evil so that he can congratulate the champ in person.

Good promo from Toxic Attraction. And while they didn’t mention or even show Mandy Rose, we all know that story in kayfabe is to avenge Mandy. I feel like Toxic Attraction rebuilding needs to include them bringing along a young female superstar we’ve seen in backstage segments and/or on Level Up to give them something to do. Roxanne Perez had a good promo to show some modesty despite all the great accomplishments she’s had this year. She could face just about anyone at New Year’s Evil and Vengeance Day, so there will be a lot of intrigue the next few weeks.

Lyra Valkyria got a good win over Lash Legend, showing she can take on bigger, stronger opponents, but it’s still too early for her to challenge for the title. Wendy VS Cora was really good, and Wendy getting a win fits the story. They can go another round as a tiebreaker, the winner of that moving on to face Roxie. And given it’s Roxie, I feel like that means Cora gets that win so she and Roxie can revisit their feud. We got good promos from Fyre and Dawn to set up an Anything Goes match, and that should be some awesome stuff.

But Dawn talking about bringing out Fyre’s inner evil, I wonder if Fyre goes Heel, and then she and Dawn become unlikely allies to go after the tag titles. I wouldn’t mind that. Fyre never did go for the NXT Women’s Tag titles with Iyo Sky when they won the Women’s Dusty Cup, and Dawn hasn’t had a title in WWE period, so them getting those belts together would be pretty cool. After all, they’re remnants of the NXT UK roster, them getting anything would be nice. And we got a good match out of Fallon and Kiana, but it could’ve been longer and grittier. Jensen played his part perfectly, though, and I hope they find a way to give us the payoff on the romance with Kiana on Valentine’s Day, which is a Tuesday this year.

Good promo from the Creeds and very good match from Julius VS JD. Julius of course finds a way to win so that we can finally get Creeds VS Indus Sher, and that will be great stuff. Very good promo from Jiro and good match from Jiro VS Scrypts. I figured Scrypts was going to win that, but I was a bit surprised he gave the jacket back. Perhaps Scrypts continues to take items from those he wants to feud with. That’d be a lot like what Isla Dawn did in NXT UK, but HBK has borrowed a bit of his NXT UK ideas to use in NXT, so maybe that’ll happen here. Maybe Scrypts takes Axiom’s comic books to spark their feud.

Good Six Man Tag out of The Schism and Jones-Blade-Enofe. I think the best spot was the endless stream of tope suicidas that eventually toppled Jones. Of course Schism wins, they’re going strong, and there might even be a chance that they go for the tag titles. The Dyad being Grizzled Young Veterans, they would give New Day one hell of a match. And maybe, just maybe, in 2023, Blade & Enofe start winning and make their own way to the titles. Good stuff out of the Gulak Invitational, and of course Gulak got more and more frustrated to where he violated his own rules. Dempsey showing up was also a given, and him and Hank having a match already, Dempsey definitely beats Hank. The real attraction in this feud will be Dempsey VS Gulak, and that’ll be awesome stuff.

We got a good promo from Tony and Stacks, but I kinda wish we didn’t see Stacks tonight to imply Dijak beat the snot out of him last week when Stacks tried to talk tough to him. But it made sense for Dijak to show up and drag Stacks away. Wes was gonna win either way, but that was a good way to tie all these stories together. Dijak and Tony can fight it out, Dijak surely wins, and Dijak goes after Wes in time for Vengeance Day.

My Score: 8.5/10


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Coverage

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

Talk about a Big Time Raw!

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Will The Man be the Last Woman Standing?

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

OFFICIAL RESULTS

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

PLAY BY PLAY

Jey Uso is here!

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

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

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

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

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

 

Adam Pearce is on the phone.

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Winners: DIY, by pinfall (advance to WrestleMania)

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

 

Judgment Day meets backstage.

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

Winners: Candice LeRae & Indi Hartwell, by submission

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

 

Cody Rhodes makes his way to the ring.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

Nia Jax speaks.

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

 

Cody Rhodes returns backstage.

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

 

Dominik Mysterio w/ JD McDonagh VS Ricochet!

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

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

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

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

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

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

Winner: Ricochet, by pinfall

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

 

Sami Zayn is backstage.

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

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

 

Adam Pearce is in the ring.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

Sami confronts Gable now.

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

 

CM Punk speaks.

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

 

Drew McIntyre is here!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

Becky Lynch speaks.

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

Liv Morgan confronts Becky Lynch.

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

 

Cody walks with his dog, Pharaoh, backstage.

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

 

Last Woman Standing: Becky Lynch VS Nia Jax!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Winner: Becky Lynch

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


My Thoughts:

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

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

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

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

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

My Score: 8.9/10


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

The semifinals are here!

Published

on

We’re just one step away from the Cup!

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

OFFICIAL RESULTS

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

PLAY BY PLAY

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

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

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

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

No Contest

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

2024 New Japan Cup Semifinals: SANADA VS Hirooki Goto!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


My Thoughts:

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

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

My Score: 8.9/10


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