Coverage
Mitchell’s NXT New Year’s Evil Results & Report! (1/10/23)
2023 is EVIL!
The countdown is over!
The year’s only just begun but NXT is raising the bar! Will Bron Breakker still be champion after facing Grayson Waller on New Year’s Evil?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- NXT North American Championship #1 Contender’s Match: DIJAK VS Tony D’Angelo w/ Channing Lorenzo; Dijak wins and will challenge Wes Lee for the title at Vengeance Day.
- The Creed Brothers VS Indus Sher; No Contest.
- NXT Tag Team Championships #1 Contenders Gauntlet: Gallus wins and will challenge the New Day for the titles at Vengeance Day.
- NXT Championship: Bron Breakker VS Grayson Waller; Bron wins, by count-out, and retains the title.
- Hank Walker w/ Drew Gulak VS Charlie Dempsey; Dempsey wins.
- Julius Creed VS Jinder Mahal w/ Sanga; Jinder wins.
- NXT Women’s Championship #1 Contender’s Battle Royal: Gigi Dolin AND Jacy Jayne win and will challenge Roxanne Perez for the title at Vengeance Day.
PLAY BY PLAY
Chase U starts a new semester!
Andre Chase welcomes Thea Hail, Duke Hudson, and all the other students to the new term, “Where everybody gets a fresh start! Even you, Barbash. Now, your homework for tonight is watch New Year’s Evil. Because outside of the protective gates of Chase U, are the mean streets of NXT, run by Tony D’Angelo. But Dijak wants to knock him off those streets. But whose form of justice will be served? Whose form of justice will be served?” Chase spooks Jeffrey for not paying attention! Chase says we’ll find out. And we’ll see if Pretty Deadly is good enough to run the gauntlet and earn an NXT Tag Team Championship rematch with The New Day.
Now what does this say? Chase points to the board. It says “Respect.” A wise man once said respect is earned, not given. So either the Creed Brothers or Indus Sher earn respect in their match tonight. Marcus says he’s looking forward to Hank Walker VS Charlie Dempsey. Gasp! Chase will pretend he didn’t just say that. Because the one he should be looking forward to is the NXT Championship match, Bron Breakker VS Grayson Waller! Duke puts his money on Breakker, he hates Australians. Isn’t he Australian? Nah, mate, he’s American.
Thea is confused but Chase tells Marcus to GTFO! They don’t need that kind of stupidity around Thea ahead of her biggest match ever: a #1 contenders battle royal for the NXT Women’s Championship! Thea says she isn’t sure of her chances. There are going to be NINETEEN other women in that match and she is only 19, they’re all way more experienced and there will be arms and legs flying everywhere! She’s really nervous. Chase says that might be true, but none of them have Thea’s heart. She’s show all of Chase U that she has more heart than anyone else in NXT! Thea can send those 19 others flying out of the ring, because Chase U believes in her!
Thea fires up and she has the confidence! LET’S EFFIN’ GO!! The whole class is fired up, but will the top recruit be on top heading further into 2023?
DIJAK VS Tony D’Angelo w/ Channing Lorenzo!
Hard Justice clashes with street justice with a golden opportunity on the line! Wes Lee is willing to give the winner their shot at his North American Championship, but it’s more than just that! Who wins here to DEFINE justice in NXT?
Wes Lee is on commentary and is looking forward to 2023 as these tow face off. Tony throws his hat at Dijak and the hands start flying! Tony backs Dijak down and clotheslines him out of the ring! Tony goes out, fires off hands, and he eggs Dijak on. Dijak smacks Tony off the apron! And shoves him into the steps! Dijak runs in but Tony dodges, so Dijak BOOTS the steps apart! Tony fires off on Dijak with hockey scrum body shots. The ref’s ring count is 5 of 10, Tony slides in, but Dijak drags him back out! Dijak CLOBBERS Tony against the apron! Dijak drags Tony up to throw him back in, but Tony DECKS Dijak at the apron!
Tony stomps away on Dijak, CLUBS him, and headlocks! Fans rally, Tony talks trash and he headlock punches! Dijak slips out to a hammerlock, and a SLEEPER! Tony picks Dijak up to RAM him into buckles! Tony runs in but Dijak ELBOWS him away! Tony CLOBBERS Dijak in return! Cover, TWO! Tony frowns but he stalks Dijak to ropes. Tony stands Dijak up, ROCKS him with hands, and he talks trash, “You know who you’re messing with?!” Dijak kicks Tony to then FLAPJACK HOTSHOT, and LARIAT! Cover, ONE!! Tony hangs tough but Dijak rains down fists! Cover, TWO! Dijak drags Tony up and fireman’s carries, but Tony throws elbows!
Tony is free, he goes to ropes, and he BOOTS Dijak! Dijak ELBOWS Tony, but Tony dodges the next one! Tony runs to clothesline Dijak and himself out of the ring! Fans fire up and both men rise. Tony drags Dijak up, CLUBS him, and throws haymakers! Dijak knees low, then he whips Tony at barriers! Stacks gets in the way to take the hit! Then Tony runs in to TACKLE Dijak! Tony says, “That’s what you get!” Fans fire up for Tony as NXT goes picture in picture.
Tony checks on Stacks but he’s okay. Tony rolls into the ring, Dijak crawls around the way, and the count is past 5 of 10! Tony gets impatient, he goes out to go after Dijak. But Dijak RAMS Tony into the post, then RAMS him into the announce desk! Tony falls, Dijak storms over and he brings Stacks up! Dijak CLUBS away on Stacks, then choke grips, for an APRON CHOKE SLAM! Dijak may have just broken Stacks’ back! Dijak grabs the handcuffs from his jacket and brings it over to clamp onto Stacks. He cuffs Stacks to the corner, then starts punching away! But Tony makes the save and fires hands on Dijak!
Dijak gets in the ring, Tony grabs a leg and drags Dijak back out! Tony CLUBS Dijak, smack shim off the desk, then puts him in the ring! But Dijak gets Tony in the ropes! DRAPING SWINGING NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO!! Tony survives and Dijak is frustrated, but Wes looks very intrigued. Dijak drags Tony away from the ropes, sits him up and clamps on a cravat! Tony endures, Dijak keeps on the hold, but Tony fights up to his feet. Tony throws body shots but Dijak throws knees! Dijak grinds Tony back down and leans on the hold. Tony fights back up as fans rally back up, but Dijak shouts at him to give up!
New Year’s Evil returns to single picture and the fans continue to rally. Stacks does his best to coach Tony and Tony fights up to throw body shots. Dijak cranks the cravat and brings Tony down again, but Tony fights back up. Tony throws body shots, Wes loves the tenacity, and Tony starts rallying! BELLY2BELLY! Fans fire up with Tony and he runs in at Dijak to clothesline against ropes! Tony whips to SPINEBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Dijak stays in this but fans continue to support Tony. Tony fisherman’s but Dijak is a lot to lift! Dijak fights free with body shots, and then wrenches out to mule kick! Front kick! And- NO, Tony ducks the elbow!
But Dijak blocks a kick! Dijak choke grips, Tony breaks free, then blocks, but the SUPERKICK comes around! Choke grip, HIGH JUSTICE!! Cover, TWO!?! Tony survives and even Wes is shocked! Fans are thunderous for Tony as he and Dijak crawl to opposite corners. “This is Awesome!” and it’s just the first match! Stacks coaches Tony, “You can kick his ass!” Stacks gets in, saying he can finish this for the boss. But Tony tells Stacks he’s not the boss, he’s family! Tony shoves Stacks out of harm’s way, only to take the CYCLONE KICK! Cover, Dijak wins!
Winner: Dijak, by pinfall
Wes stands up on the desk to let Dijak know that their title match is going down. Will the Must-See Kid face #HardJustice just like Tony D? Will he be able to survive Hard Justice?
Backstage interview with Toxic Attraction.
McKenzie Mitchell is with Gigi Dolin & Jacy Jayne and asks about the 20 Woman Battle Royal and their chance to go to Vengeance Day. Jacy says, “Chance? There is no chance, McKenzie. It’s a certainty. And how fitting of a name, that come Saturday, February 4th, it will be Vengeance Day for Toxic Attraction., And Roxanne is gonna pay for what she did to us!” Gigi says, “Everyone deals with pain different. Jacy screams it out, I take it out. I will have 18 other women to take it out on. In this battle royal, you will witness two caged beasts finally become unshackled and let into the wild.”
Then to address the elephant in the room- Oh, how McKenzie still has a job? No! What happens if it comes down to the two of them? Gigi says it is very simple: You will hear “Your winners, Toxic Attraction.” Umm, singles title battle royals don’t work that way… Will Toxic Attraction be in for a heartbreaking night one way or another? Or will vengeance by theirs?
The Creed Brothers VS Indus Sher!
Both sides have been itching for this showdown for months now, but Veer & Sanga were being gentlemen by waiting until both Julius & Brutus Creed were 100%. They are finally fit to fight, but will they have what it takes to stop these hungry tigers?
Wait, Sanga is entering alone? He has a mic, and he says, “Gentlemen, I have something to say.” Brutus gets a mic to shout, “Sanga, we don’t give a DAMN about what you have to say! It’s time to FIGHT!” Julius keeps Brutus back as Sanga goes to the ring. Sanga wants them to calm down. Veer is not here, but Sanga will honor this match, even if it’s 2v1. Julius gets the mic now to say, “You say this is about respect, but Veer doesn’t have enough respect to show up. We’re not gonna fight you two on one. We’re not gonna do that, that’s not-” WAIT! JINDER MAHAL attacks the Creeds from behind!! Fans are freaking out as Sanga has the Modern Day Maharaja by his side!
Sanga stomps Brutus out of the ring while Jinder drags Julius up to POST him!! Sanga then knees Brutus and TOSSES him into the steel steps! Jinder goes out to join Sanga as fans chant “JINDER! JINDER!” They mug Brutus, then Sanga CHOKE SLAMS Brutus on the steel steps! Jinder goes back to Julius in the ring, Sanga right behind him. They get Julius up for a KALLAS!! Fans are still going nuts, and Sanga gets a mic again to hand it to Jinder. “Veer and Sanga fight for respect. But I don’t.” Jinder drops the mic, and now Indus Sher is stronger than ever! Will they dominate all of NXT now that they are a trio?
Pretty Deadly talk backstage.
Kit Wilson & Elton Prince are finishing up with curling their hair, and Kit says they’re one step closer to the gold. Elton dabs a spot on Kit’s cheek, and they have 15 minutes left on the curls. But tonight’s the night! The New Day then walk in and wonder what the heck is all this! What do they mean? Well, that Creeds VS Indus Sher match just got canceled. That means the tag gauntlet is next. NEXT?! OH NO! DE-ROLL! DE-ROLL! Pretty Deadly get the rollers out and hurry to gorilla! They’re clearly not ready, and Woods was sure they always had straight hair. Will Kit & Elton have any chance of surviving to Vengeance Day?
Jinder and Sanga head backstage.
They speak in Hindi but Valentina Feroz storms over. Jinder lets them speak, and Feroz asks Sanga what he’s doing. What is this? Is this the real Sanga? Sanga says yes, it is. It is about him and his brothers now. Sanga leaves, and Elektra Lopez walks over to say Sanga is right. Sanga’s all about himself now. Maybe Feroz should be all about herself now. Especially tonight in the battle royal, where it is every woman for herself. Think about it. Lopez leaves, will Feroz find a way to finally go it alone?
NXT Tag Team Championships #1 Contenders Gauntlet!
Pretty Deadly wanted this challenge, and now they’re getting it! Three top teams in NXT are lined up to go against Kit & Elton, will one of them stop the rematch at Vengeance Day? Or will Pretty Deadly say #YesBoy to going on the road?
Before the match, Kit & Elton get the mics and Kit says, “There’s no time to talk, because it’s time to fight! But before that, we’ve got a quick little thing to say.” Elton says, “The New Day don’t think we deserve those tag team championships. So we picked three of the toughest teams in the whole of NXT, and we’re gonna run the gauntlet to prove it!” Kit says they are the best tag team here! And the time for messing about is over! And so, first out is… The Rockers?! What? That’s not HBK and Marty! It’s “Flyin’ Bryan Williams” and “Slammin’ Jammin’ Jimmy Jackson!” Pretty Deadly are fake scared as this match begins. Clearly, the messing around has just begun!
Pretty Deadly VS The Rockers 2023!
The teams sort out, Elton starts against Jimmy, and he CLOBBERS Jimmy from behind! Jimmy knocks down Bryan, Elton drags Jimmy over and tags in Kit! ASSISTED GUTBUSTER! Then Kit tags Elton back in, for SPILT MILK! Cover, Pretty Deadly ELIMINATE The Rockers! Fans boo as Pretty Deadly pretends to be tired out. But wait, the New Day comes out! Kofi and Woods say no, no, they knew this would happen. But fortunately, ya bois the NEW~ DAY~, are not gonna let Pretty Deadly slide that easily. NO BOY! Pretty Deadly must beat two actual top teams in NXT. And the New Day have those teams right here!
But Kofi, wait. Who (who who who) will those teams be? First up, EDRIS ENOFE & MALIK BLADE, BABYYY~! Fans like this a lot better! Will Edris & Malik prove they can get serious?
Pretty Deadly VS Malik Blade & Edris Enofe!
The bell rings, Pretty Deadly rushes in but Malik & Edris dodge to then fire off haymakers! Pretty Deadly kicks low, uppercut, but then Malik & Edris DECK Pretty Deadly! Fans fire up as Edris & Malik run, to BOOT and LEAPING LARIAT! Fans fire up as Pretty Deadly bails out. Malik & Edris then build speed, to DOUBLE TOPE CONJILO! Double direct hits at the ramp, and fans are fired up as NXT goes picture in picture!
Malik & Edris regroup in the ring, they wait on Pretty Deadly, but Elton & Kit flank the ring. Kit slides in but Malik arm-drags him down! Malik has the armlock, he grinds Kit’s elbow, then CLUBS Kit in the chest! Kit scrambles away, but Malik wrenches the arm and tags in Edris. Edris drops ax handles on the arm and Kit goes to a corner. Edris storms over, Kit kicks back but Edris fires off hands! Kit stomps a foot, bumps Edris off buckles, and runs, only to get buckles! Off comes the durag! Elton tags in, but Edris rallies on him! Tag to Malik, and they STUNNER COMPLETE SHOT COMBO! Cover, TWO!! Elton survives and Malik is snarling!
Malik drags Elton up, CLUBS him, but Elton wants mercy! Malik looks to the crowd, then he storms in, but Elton YANKS him into ropes! And then BLINDSIDE LARIATS! Tag to Kit, Pretty Deadly mugs Malik in the corner! The ref counts, Pretty Deadly lets off, and Kit brings Malik up. Malik throws hands but Kit ROCKS him back. Malik ROCKS Kit back! And again! Kit kicks low, brings him around, and UPPERCUTS! And again! And again! Malik falls and Kit talks trash. Kit kicks Malik around, stomps him to ropes, then drags him up to wrench. Tag to Elton, Pretty Deadly mugs Malik, then double CLUB to then stomp both hands!
Pretty Deadly taunt Malik with double Scott Hall fingers, and then Elton whips Malik to ropes. Elton CLOBBERS Malik, stomps him around, then drags him up. Malik throws body shots in return! Elton CLUBS Malik again, and again, but Malik throws more shots. Malik CHOPS Elton, ROCKS him with a right, but Elton knees low! Elton whips Malik to a corner, Malik stops himself, but heads collide as NXT returns to single picture! Fans rally as both men are down! Elton flops out of the ring while Malik crawls. Kit hurries to put Elton back in, and Elton crawls after Malik. Elton grabs a foot, drags Malik back, but Malik BOOTS Elton away!
Hot tags to Edris and Kit! Edris rallies on Kit, ducks ‘n’ dodges and hits a SPINEBUSTER! Fans fire up and Elton runs in, into a SPINEBUSTER! Edris fires up, aims from a corner, and he runs in to KNEE Kit down! Cover, TWO!! Kit survives but Edris keeps his focus. Edris shows off the abs and he fireman’s carries Kit. Kit slips off, waistlocks, tag to Elton! Edris ROCKS Elton but Kit JAWBREAKERS! Elton spins Edris around, ASSISTED GUTBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Edris survives and Elton is beside himself. Fans rally up but Elton calms himself down. Elton drags Edris up, ROCKS him, and hoists him up top.
Fans rally for Edris but Elton finishes positioning Edris. Elton throws hands, climbs up, but Edris throws body shots! Elton drops down, Malik sneaks a tag! Elton ROCKS Edris, goes up top, but Malik is on the other corner. Elton SUPERPLEXES Edris, but Malik FROG SPLASHES Elton!! Cover, TWO!?!? Elton survives and Malik can’t believe it! Fans argue the count on Malik’s behalf but he and Edris regroup. Malik tags Edris, runs to BLAST Kit, and then Edris fireman’s carries Elton. NECKBREAKER SAMOAN DROP! Cover, Kit breaks it! Kit hurries away but Malik TACKLES him out of the ring!
Edris and Elton stand, Elton suplexes but Edris turns it to a cradle! But Kit tips it! Elton has it, Pretty Deadly ELIMINATES Malik & Edris!! New Day returns to commend Pretty Deadly on that one. Heck of a match. However, this second tag team is both rough ‘n’ tough, and New Day know from experience. Give it up for Josh Briggs & Brooks Jensen!! The Country Boys have faced New Day, they’ve faced Pretty Deadly, but wait! Someone’s attacked them backstage?! Who did this?! There are chairs all over the place, too! But wait! GALLUS IS HERE!!! Pretty Deadly are freaking out as Mark Coffey & Wolfgang take this one!
Pretty Deadly VS Gallus!
The bell rings and another brawl is on! Mark and Wolfgang have the edge, they TOSS Kit & Elton out, and then Wolfgang SMACKS Elton off the announce desk! Booker T can’t even but the fans are fired up for Gallus! Mark ROCKS Kit while Wolfgang pinballs Elton around! APRON BACK SUPLEX for Kit! Wolfgang ROCKS Elton, puts him in the ring, and Mark is there to HALF NELSON SLAM! “GALLUS BOYS ON TOP!” Fans fire up for Gallus but Elton UPPERCUTS back! Tag to Kit, he picks Mark up but Mark CLUBS Kit down! Mark CLOBBERS Elton, BOOTS Kit, and tags Wolfgang! Wolfgang scoops, ENZIGURI POWERSLAM! Cover, GALLUS WINS!
Winners: Gallus, by pinfall
So then, no more suspension, and now Gallus stands on top! It wasn’t really the deal, but will Markus & Wolfie be the ones meeting The New Day at Vengeance Day? New Day seems up for that!
Julius Creed & Ivy Nile storm out of medical.
Ivy stops Julius and says Brutus will be okay. Will Julius be good? NO, he’s not! He is sick and tired of getting jumped! Time to send a message! Julius doesn’t care if Jinder’s a former WWE Champion or that he’s back in NXT, Julius wants to knock Jinder’s teeth out! Ivy wants Julius to stop already! When are they gonna learn!? They gotta move on! Julius asks Ivy what’s not clicking with her! There’s no moving on from this! Ivy needs to get ready for the battle royal, and Julius has to go ask management for this match. The two storm off in different directions, but will anything go right for Diamond Mine?
Carmelo Hayes is at the diner.
Melo mocks Apollo’s journaling as he narrates. “When it comes to the NXT title, Apollo Crews thought he had sniper vision. But last week, he truly saw that I am the past, the present, and the future. I am beyond the reach of everyone. I am Him.” Trick Williams ends up in Melo’s head, saying, “Can’t nobody see past Trick Melo Gang. We chiseled out of marble, about to reach legend status, while taking your girl out for a steak dinner. All at the same time.” Trick, the hell are you doing wearing a lucha mask? He doesn’t know, he can barely see anything in this! What? Stop ruining Melo’s train of thought and take the mask off! You look ridiculous!
Trick takes it off, throws it aside, and sits back down. How does Axiom see anything in those? Melo doesn’t know and he doesn’t care. Speaking of blinded, Apollo isn’t seeing the NXT title any time soon. Apollo can write in a diary and look out the window, but that title doesn’t have “Apollo” written on it. It has “Carmelo” on it. Trick says Melo doesn’t need to write it down, he just needs to speak it into existence. That’s all it is, and that’s all it’s gonna be. They toast and drink their coffee. But will they be saying cheers to Melo becoming THE Champion in the near future?
The ball is dropping!
Sure, it’s the tenth of January, but as Booker T calls it, this is the after party! The lights go down, lasers and sparkles shine, and out walks… TIFFANY STRATTON!? Of course Daddy’s Little Rich Girl would hyper herself up this much. Tiffany gets the mic and there are fans chanting, “Welcome Back!” Tiffany asks, “How badly did you guys miss me? I know you all totally probably missed me so much, it’s not even funny.” Tiffany says every single woman in the locker room is sweating “like a disgusting pig” because NXT’s biggest star is back! And Tiffany can’t blame them. She’s a revelation. In her first nine months of being here, she picked up this business better than any woman ever has.
And in the past five months, she’s watched every single woman fail miserably at trying to replace her. No one has her shine, her skills, or her style. “And now 2023 can officially begin, because the Center of the Universe is back.” Tiffany smiles and blows kisses, but will she truly be THE star of NXT in 2023?
NXT Media catches up with Tiffany Stratton.
Tiffany’s about to leave but they want to ask her something. She says NO, then pie faces the camera away. So Tiffany isn’t participating in the battle royal. Will she just wait on the other side of Vengeance Day to go after the champion then?
NXT Championship: Bron Breakker VS Grayson Waller!
The Big Booty Nephew has been able to break through many obstacles, but the 21st Century Success Story has been able to get the better of him in the past. Will Bron be the one to break here tonight? Or will Bron be immune to the Grayson Waller Effect?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see if there will be a new champion in the new year!
The bell rings and fans are actually dueling! Waller and Bron circle, tie up, and go around. Bron shoves Waller away, but Waller keeps cool. They circle, tie up again, and Bron powers Waller back. Waller slips away this time, and he talks trash. Waller SLAPS Bron and says this is HIS house. Bron chases Waller out of the ring! And around it, and then back into it! Bron avoids the elbow drop, then ducks ‘n’ dodges to CLOBBER Waller! Bron drags Waller up to suplex! Bron marches around with Waller before the SLAM! Bron kips up and then STANDING MOONSAULTS! Waller sputters, scrambles to ropes, but Bron shows slap!
Waller runs away, Bron barks at him! Waller swings but Bron counter punches! Bron throws haymakers, runs in but Waller BOOTS him! Waller runs but into a scoop! But Waller makes that a tilt-o-whirl DDT! Fans are torn, Waller facelocks to grind Bron down. Bron endures, fights up, and he picks Waller up, but Waller shifts to a cravat! Waller throws shoulders and knees into Bron, then brings Bron in for a GUILLOTINE! Bron is caught in the body scissors but he powers up! Bron reaches, powers things into a SUPLEX, but Waller fights free to BACK suplex! Cover, TWO! Bron is still in this, but Waller shows off with push-ups.
Waller waits on Bron to sit up, and he JABS him! Bron shakes that off and Waller is stunned. Waller swings, but into a clinch! OVERHEAD Belly2Belly! Waller flounders up, into another OVERHEAD Belly2Belly! Bron didn’t even have to fall for that one! Bron whips Waller into buckles, and then scoops him for a SLAM! Fans bark it up and Bron drags Waller up. Bron throws hands, whips corner to corner, but Waller reverses and Bron hits buckles hard! Waller then RAMS Bron into the buckle, and it pops loose!! The fans are shocked and the ref checks Bron while NXT goes picture in picture.
Waller grins as the ring crew hurries to put the second rope back together. But then Waller uses the rope to CHOKE Bron! The ref reprimands, Waller lets off, and he paces as Bron sputters. Waller drags Bron up, suplexes, and clamps on a chinlock. Fans rally, Bron endures, and the second rope is almost back as Bron hits a JAWBREAKER! Waller tumbles out of the ring! Probably because there was no rope to stop him… Bron goes out after Waller, ROCKS him with a haymaker, and then RAMS him into barriers. Waller clutches his side but Bron hobbles a bit. Bron goes back for Waller but Waller dropkicks his leg out!
Bron crawls away while clutching his knee, but Waller smacks him off the apron! Waller gets in the ring but Bron drags himself in. Waller fires off knees and sends Bron back out. Waller goes to the apron, leaps, but into Bron’s clinch! Waller fights free with elbows, and then he brings Bron around, only for Bron to send Waller back into barriers! Both men are down, the rope is finally secured, and they both head for the ring. Waller slides in first, Bron follows, and Bron swings, but Waller spins him around into a NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Waller is annoyed and he throws off the elbow pads.
Bron crawls, Waller stalks him, and Waller brings Bron up. Bron throws body shots, then haymakers! Waller runs in to knee low! Waller reels Bron in, DDT! Cover, TWO! Bron is hanging tough, it’s how he’s lasted 282 days as champion. Waller pushes Bron around, drops elbows on him, then kicks him around to drop more elbows. Waller talks trash, then he grabs a leg for a HALF CRAB! New Year’s Evil returns to single picture as Bron endures and fans duel again. Bron fights up, turns over, and he grabs an arm to drag Waller down! FUJIWARA ARMBAR! Waller flails to get the ROPEBREAK! Bron lets go and fans continue to duel.
Waller throws hands on Bron but Bron gives him a forearm! Waller ROCKS Bron in return, but Bron ROCKS Waller! Fans rally and duel as the shots go back and forth! Bron eggs Waller on so Waller fires off forearms! Bron fires off haymakers! Bron ducks the elbow but the BLINDSIDE LARIAT takes him down! Waller flexes, then drags Bron around. Waller barks, and he mocks Scott Steiner! He drags Bron into the STEINER RECLINER!! But Bron is just pissed! Bron stands right up with Waller on his back! Bron THROWS Waller away, then runs to rally with big shoulders! Bron ducks ‘n’ dodges, and catches Waller for the SPINEBUSTER!
Fans fire up, Bron goes to the corner and climbs up carefully. Waller stands, for the FLYING BULLDOG! The straps come down and Bron roars! Waller flounders, Bron aims from a corner, and Bron runs in, but Waller runs out of the ring! Bron storms over but Waller HOTSHOTS him! Waller somersaults, but Bron is ready! WAIT, KNEE!?! Waller suckered Bron in!! Cover, TWO!!! Bron survives Waller’s change-up and fans can’t believe it! Waller is fuming, and he goes to a corner. Waller tests the middle rope as he walks out onto it, but it breaks again!! Waller falls right to the floor!! The ref starts a ring count and fans boo as Waller is victim of karma!
Waller staggers up, he flops back down, he’s counted out! BRON WINS!
Winner: Bron Breakker, by count-out (still NXT Champion)
Bron realizes what happened and is just as disappointed as the fans! Bron still has the title, but will he give Waller a second chance?
Backstage interview with Roxanne Perez.
McKenzie is with the NXT Women’s Champion and brings up the battle royal to determine her first challenger. Is Roxie rooting for anyone in particular? Roxie says that’s a tough one. She’ll go with Cora jade. Wait, seriously? No~! Hah! Anyone BUT Cora would be good. But jokes aside, this opportunity is huge. This is to go to Vengeance Day, NXT’s first standalone premium event on the road in three whole YEARS. And the roster is deep, Roxie could see Indi winning, Zoey winning, Alba Fyre winning, or- Any concern about Toxic Attraction given they’ve sworn revenge? Well, yeah. They’re definitely threats. Gigi & Jacy dominated the Women’s Tag Division for two years!
But Roxie says it is 20 women and only one can win. She can’t wait to watch! Who will we see defy the odds to take on the Prodigy in Charlotte?
Apollo Crews watches Melo’s promo.
But Axiom walks in to ask how he is. Apollo’s good. Axiom thanks Apollo for the save, and Apollo says of course, he has Axiom’s back. But Apollo just has to say, Trick & Melo just run their mouths way too much. They’ve got another thing coming. They both know how Trick & Melo are, they will never let Apollo hear the end of it when it comes to losing that match. Apollo can’t let this be a one-and-done! He can’t let it end here! Axiom calms Apollo down, and says Apollo can’t let Trick & Melo get to him. Axiom gets it, too, he beat Trick last week and yet Trick is still the most annoying person on Earth!
But Axiom doesn’t have to tell Apollo how he feels, it’s written all over his face. Right… But Axiom is a numbers guy, and since there’s two of them, and two of Trick & Melo… Oh, okay, Axiom sees what Apollo is saying. So is he in? Oh, he’s in. Then they’ll go make some calls. Will this dynamic duo be just the thing to take down Trick Melo Gang?
Hank Walker w/ Drew Gulak VS Charlie Dempsey!
The Blue Collar Brawler has been learning from the Philly Stretcher, but he’s also been getting mixed messages on how to handle things in the ring. However Walker chooses to fight this fight, will he be able to even survive the Son of the Gentleman Villain? Or will Dempsey break Walker’s spirit along with his bones?
The bell rings and the two circle. They feel out the grapple, tie up and Hank powers Dempsey to ropes. The ref counts, Dempsey turns things around, and Dempsey lets off with a body shot! Dempsey whips Hank to a corner, run sin but Hank BOOTS hiM! Hank storms up to spin, scoop and SHOULDER BREAKER! Cover, ONE!! Dempsey hurries up and Gulak cheers Hank on. Dempsey kicks low, puts Hank in the ropes, and he CHOKES Hank! The ref counts, Hank pushes Dempsey away, but Dempsey HOTSHOTS Hank! The ref reprimands but Dempsey storms up to bring Hank around.,Hank picks Dempsey up to RAM him out of the ring!
Gulak is there to coach Hank and Hank stands Dempsey up for a haymaker! Hank puts Dempsey in the ring, hurries in, but Dempsey BOOTS Hank in the ropes! Hank stumbles to the apron, and Dempsey has a ROPE ASSIST CRAVAT! Dempsey lets go as the ref counts, and then Dempsey BOOTS Hank down! Hank drags himself up, crawls into the ring and Gulak coaches him, only for Dempsey to stomp Hank! Dempsey drags Hank up, Hank shoves Dempsey away, then Hank BOOTS Dempsey! Dempsey blocks the next boot to BRIDGING DRAGON SCREW! And HEEL HOOK! Hank throws haymakers but Dempsey SLAPS him down!
Dempsey clamps onto the arms and he has the DEEP BOW ‘N’ ARROW STRETCH! Hank endures, crawls forward, ROPEBREAK! The ref counts, Dempsey lets go but he storms back up. Hank BOOTS Dempsey, hurires to his feet, but Dempsye kicks a leg out! Dempey UPPERCUTS Hank, chinlocks and CLUBS him, then drags Hank back up. Dempsey HOTSHOTS Hank again, then reels him in for a clinch. But Hank arm-drags free! ARMBAR!! Dempsey flails, claws at the legs, crawls his way over, but GUlakt ells Hank to drag him back! Hank does as told, and he pulls on the ARMBAR!! Dempsey endures, bridges, rolls, and escapes!
Dempsey CLUBS away on Hank, crossface forearms him, then has the leg again. Hank resists but Dempsey gets the BOW ‘N’ ARROW!! Hank endures, crawls, but Dempsey clamps his hands together!! Hank fights, but Dempsey rolls him!! HANDS CLASPED! Hank taps!! Dempsey wins!!
Winner: Charlie Dempsey, by submission
Hank couldn’t tough it out, Dempsey takes the win! Gulak is disappointed but he encourages his student that he’ll get better. With as close as Hank came this time, is there hope for him yet?
Sol Ruca finishes her workout.
The Sol Surfer does her handstand push-ups, and then Alba Fyre walks over. Fyre says she was just thinking. They never did have that 1v1 match. Sol is bummed about that, too. Fyre says she owes Sol that match. Now that Isla Dawn is out of the way- No, Fyre doesn’t owe Sol anything. Plus, the battle royal is tonight. Does Sol want the match or not!? Fyre is giving Sol an opportunity here. Okay, Sol will take Fyre up on the match. Fyre says good, but then realizes how aggressive she was being. She will see Sol later on. Sol says that’s fine by her. Fyre heads out, is she alright? Or was there more to what Dawn was saying about that inner darkness?
Tyler Bate is on his way back!
The NXT UK Triple Crown Winner may have lost the UK title to Bron Breakker, but he has refocused, rested, and reflected. The Big Strong Boy is ready for new challenges, and to settle some scores. Will Tyler Bate return to the top of the mountain in the new year?
NXT_Anonymous shares another video.
They’re now watching as Scrypts leaves a message for Oro Mensah! NXT Anonymous says that even when you don’t see them, they have eyes and ears everywhere. Oro responded on Twitter about people creeping around his stuff, but should all of NXT be concerned about this cyber spy?
Julius Creed VS Jinder Mahal w/ Sanga!
What was meant to be a tag team grudge match turned into a blindside from a returning Modern Day Maharaja! Will Julius defend the honor of the Diamond Mine? Or will Jinder not be hindered now that he’s back again?
But as Julius makes his entrance, he rushes right at Jinder! The bell rings as Julius hits a SPINEBUSTER! Julius gives Jinder ground ‘n’ pound but Jinder scrambles to ropes. The ref has Julius back off, and Jinder resets. Julius blocks a kick to RAM Jinder into the corner! Julius RAMS into Jinder more and more, fires off hands, but lets off as the ref counts. Jinder kicks low, ROCKS Julius, and he whips Julius, only for Julius to reverse! SPINEBUSTER! Julius rains down more fists, then brings Jinder up to POST him! Fans duel but Julius POSTS Jinder in the other corner! Jinder staggers, and Julius clotheslines him out of the ring!
Julius talks trash as NXT goes picture in picture. Julius then goes out to fetch Jinder but Jinder kicks low! Jinder bumps Julius off the apron, ROCKS him with a right hand, but Julius blocks the steel step bump! Julius bumps Jinder off the steps, then puts him in the ring. Julius slides in, but Jinder CLOBBERS him! Jinder stomps Juilus, digs his knee in, but lets off as the ref counts. Juilus sputters, Jinder puts him through ropes and bends him back! The ref counts, Jinder lets off, but then bends Julius back again! The ref reprimands, Jinder CLUBS Julius down, and Jinder kicks Julius to the ropes.
Jinder drags Julius up, reels him in, but Julius blocks the suplex! Julius suplexes Jinder up and over! Both men are down, Sanga looks a little worried, and Julius runs up to KICK Jinder in the side! Julius fires off hands, Jinder uses the ropes for defense, but Julius just grab a leg! Julius drags Jinder from the corner, trips and SLAMS him, then covers, TWO! Julius drops an elbow, then another. Jinder staggers up but Julius storms up on him in a corner. Julius whips Jinder corner to corner, runs in, but Jinder dodges! Jinder CLOBBERS Julius! Jinder drags Julius up, whips him to ropes, but Julius reverses to DROPKICK him down!
Jinder crawls to the apron but Julius crawls after him. Julius fires off haymakers, Jinder wobbles, and Julius bumps him off buckles. Julius drags Jinder up to the top rope, but Jinder fires body shots! Jinder shoves Julius away, but Julius returns to ROCK Jinder! Julius climbs up to the very top, New Year’s Evil returns to single picture as Jinder shoves Julius away. Julius rolls, stands back up, and springs right up top! SUPERPLEX!! Both men are down and fans fire up! Julius crawls to the cover, TWO!! Jinder is still in this, he crawls to a corner, but Julius runs in to RAM into Jinder! And again! And again!
The ref counts, Julius lets off, but Jinder throat chops! Jinder headlocks, Julius powers out, but Jinder holds ropes. Julius runs in, to get a FLAPJACK HOTSHOT! And then a BOOT! Jinder grins and covers, TWO! Jinder looms over Julius, clamps on a chinlock, and then he puts Julius on the ropes to CHOKE him! The ref counts, Jinder lets off, and then Jinder drops springboard knees! And again, and again! Jinder digs his knee in, the ref counts, but Jinder lets off at 4. Jinder grins and fans rally up as he sits Julius up. Jinder throws crossface forearms, then big forearms to Julius’ face. Fans rally, Jinder stands Julius up but Julius counter punches!
Julius kicks, whips, but Jinder reverses. Julius KICKS back, runs, but into a JUMP KNEE! Cover, TWO! Julius is hanging tough but Jinder stomps him down. Jinder JAMS his knee into Julius, throws down an elbow, then clamps on a half nelson chinbar. Julius endures, fans rally up, and Julius fights up to his feet. Julius pries the chinbar away, then the half nelson, but Jinder knees low! Jinder CLUBS Julius, puts him in the corner, and runs in, but into a clinch! Julius hits an EXPLODER! Fans fire up as both men are down. Jinder and Julius crawl to opposite ends, slowly rise, and then storm in!
Julius throws a haymaker, dodges Jinder’s, and then CLOBBERS Jinder! Julius scoops for a POWERSLAM! Cover, TWO! Julius and Jinder rise again, Julius shoots in but Jinder holds off the fireman’s carry. Jinder rains down elbow after elbow, but Julius still fireman’s carries! ROLLING SPINEBUSTER! Julius fires up, throws off his elbow pad, and then goes up top! But Sanga distracts from the apron! The ref reprimands, Sanga steps down, but Jinder avoids the shooting star! Julius hobbles, into the CRESCENT KICK! And then, KALLAS!! Cover, Jinder wins!
Winner: Jinder Mahal, by pinfall
The Modern Day Maharaja is not only back, he’s back in rare form with this win! Will the brotherhood of Indus Sher be unstoppable now?
Kiana James checks in on Brooks Jensen.
Fallon Henley is also there to check on him and Briggs, and Kiana asks why Gallus would do this to them. Briggs says it’s because Gallus are SOBs! And the Pub Rules Match last September. Weren’t they suspended? Yeah! Well, that’s clearly over. Yeah. But now, the ladies have the battle royal. Fallon assures the boys, she and Kiana will handle this. Yeah. But it ain’t as fun when you can’t see the action coming right at you. The medic asks where Briggs wants the ice pack, but Briggs says he’s good. Just look at Brooks! He got beat up left, right and all over. Fallon is looking, but she doesn’t like what she’s seeing in Kiana fawning all over him.
Fallon heads out, Briggs wishes her luck. Jensen tells Kiana to go, too, and also wishes her luck. Will either Kiana or Fallon be the one to move on to Vengeance Day? Or will they have about as much luck tonight as Briggs & Jensen?
The Fourth Dimensional Superstar is on her way!
Time and space mean nothing to Stevie Turner! She was just getting going in NXT UK, and now she’s watching her own highlight reel? Stevie says she’s the best! And she is live as a streamer! She says hi to chat, and her channel is up and running. If you remember who she is from NXT UK, thanks in advance for the views. And if not, she’s “your resident data collector,” and she will be giving you the details on everything that is the life of Stevie Turner. She’s traveled across the ocean to bring the world… herself! And remember, she is always two levels above and two steps ahead. Her stream is offline, but when will she hit the ring again?
NXT Women’s Championship #1 Contender’s Battle Royal!
It’s actually easier to see who is NOT in this match tonight. Cora Jade, Indi Hartwell, Zoey Stark, Nikkita Lyons and pretty much every name you can think of is fighting for that golden ticket. Who will be the one to rise up and head for Vengeance Day?
NXT returns, the rest of the competitors have arrived, with Zoey Stark the last to arrive. The bell rings, and it’s chaos! Cora goes after Lyra Valkyria, but Lyra whips and TOSSES Cora right out!! Lyra ELIMINATES Cora!!! Roxie already gets her wish! Cora is freaking out, the fans are loving it, and Lyra goes after Ivy Nile! Tatum brawls with Kiana, Kiana blocks a kick and she flips Tatum out to the apron. Kiana shoulders into Tatum, POSTS her, and Tatum falls! Kiana ELIMINATES Tatum, and then mocks her with “Boo-hoo!” Sol goes after Valentina Feroz but Feroz is a slippery one. Fallon holds onto ropes with her legs to stay off the floor!
Despite their past, Kiana actually pulls Fallon in! They’re both a bit confused, but then go off to brawl with other superstars. Kiana is after Lyra, Fallon is after Wendy Choo. Amari Miller KICKS and CHOPS Lash Legend! That had some stank to it! Lash is upset, she choke grips Amari, and then SHOVES Amari out to ELIMINATE her! Lash says “Bye bye!” to Amari before going after Feroz. Toxic Attraction toss Sol but she handstands to avoid elimination! Fans fire up as Sol steps on one foot, then pushes herself back up to keep going! Toxic Attraction goes after whoever else they can find, and Sol gets to the apron!
Sol hooks her feet, sits up, and she skins the cat! Fans fire up for Sol pulling off a Kofi Kingston worthy move! Sol CLUBS Jacy, ROCKS her, Feroz and Lopez work together to stave off Ivy Nile. But then Thea rushes in to TOSS and ELIMINATE Feroz! For the U! Thea then goes after Ivy while Lyons CLUBS Fallon. Lash picks up Arianna Grace, but Grace fights free of the bomb! Indi shoves Grace aside, but Lash whips Indi. Indi holds ropes, ducks the boot, and dumps Lash to the apron! Lash ROCKS Indi, but Indi BOOTS Lash and ELIMINATES her! Kiana dodges Lyra, stomps her in a corner, but Lyra headscissors her out to ELIMINATE her!
Kiana staggers into Lash and Lash gets mad at her. Kiana says it wasn’t even her fault, but then Stark lifts Grace to TOSS her onto them both! Stark ELIMINATES Grace as she bowls Lash and Kiana over! Lyra rushes Stark, blocks a kick, and then RVD WHEEL KICKS her! Fans sing, “OH~ Zoey is Angry~!” as Lyra runs up to clothesline Stark against ropes! Stark doesn’t go up or out so Lyra KICKS her! Fyre is after Fallon, Lyra stomps Stark, and Lyons helps out! But wait, Cora is back?! Cora is pissed, she runs at Lyra, but Lyra dumps her right back out! Does that count as a second elimination? Cora is upset again either way!
The refs tell Cora to leave while she’s shouting at Lyra. NXT goes picture in picture as #GenerationJade throws her tantrum all the way to the back. Lyra stomps Stark, Lyons is after Jacy but Gigi has Sol by the ear. Ivy helps Lyra drag Stark out of the way but Stark RAMS Ivy into the corner. Fyre is still after Fallon, Indi and Thea grapple on one end, and Wendy’s in the mix there somewhere. Fallon ROCKS Fyre, blocks a superkick, but Fyre spins Fallon around to hang her out to dry! Fallon HOTSHOTS Fyre, but Fyre mule kicks Fallon off the apron! Fyre ELIMINATES Fallon! Sol CLUBS Gigi, Stark throws Lyra up and out!
Lyra holds onto the ropes and rests on the apron, but Stark and Ivy stomp her! They kick at her but she clings to the ropes. Thea fires up as she has Jacy down, and she stomps it out! C! H! A! S! E! U! What’s that spell? CHASE U!! But then Lopez TOSSE and ELIMINATES Thea! La Madrina taunts the college student while Sol gut wrenches Lyra. Lyra fights that off, trips Sol, and then stomps her down. Wendy gives Indi and Gigi some stomps, Lopez stomps Ivy, and Fyre is after Jacy. Lopez runs in at the corner but only gets buckles! Ivy has Jacy in the DIAMOND DRAGON, but Gigi DECKS her and ELIMINATES her!
New Year’s Evil returns to single picture as fans boo, but Indi picks Gigi up! Gigi headscissors and Jacy helps out, Toxic Attraction ELIMINATES Indi! Toxic Attraction laughs at Indi while Lopez brawls with Lyons. Fyre and Wendy both go after Stark while Sol CLUBS Lyra. Toxic Attraction work together on Fyre, dig their boots in, and Stark dumps Wendy out. Wendy stays on the apron, Sol dumps Lyra out there but Lyra HOTSHOTS her back. Lyons CLUBS Lopez, Wendy HOTSHOTS Stark, and Lyra gets back in safe. Lyons scoops Lopez but Lopez slips out to the apron. Lopez throws hands, but Lyons SOBATS Lopez down to ELIMINATE her!
Sol goes after Lyons now, Stark ROCKS Wendy! Stark SLAPS Wendy’s hands off the ropes, and Wendy lands on both feet! But on her body pillow! Wendy is safe, but Lopez YANKS the pillow out! Lopez ELIMINATES Wendy! Stark gives a thumbs up for the assist, but then turns around into hands from Lyons! Lyra is the odd one out as Gigi has Fyre and Jacy has Sol. Lyons swings a kick but Stark gets under! Stark clotheslines Lyons up and out and ELIMINATES her! Fans boo but the Hunter just took out her prey! But Sol is there to TOSS Stark out and ELIMINATE her!! Fans love it and now Stark really is angry!
Solo CLOBBERS Jacy, DROPKICKS Gigi, and fires up! Fyre kicks Sol low, whips her, but Sol reverses. Fyre ends up in the corner, Sol runs and handsprings in, but into a SUPERKICK! Lyra stomps Gigi while Fyre drags Sol up to TOSS and ELIMINATE her! And now we have our final four! Fyre, Lyra, Gigi & Jacy! But we know two of those are going to work together against the other two. Fans are torn between Toxic Attraction and not Toxic Attraction, and those are the battle lines drawn. Jacy brawls with Fyre and Gigi brawls with Lyra! Jacy knees low, whips Fyre up and out, but Fyre holds on! Jacy & Gigi mug Lyra but Fyre slides in safe.
Toxic Attraction double whip Lyra but Lyra DOUBLE SHOTGUNS them down! Lyra kips up, fires up, and fires off kick after kick on Jacy! AX KICK! Gigi runs in, Lyra dodges to ENZIGURI! Fyre storms in but Lyra gets around to headbutt low! Fyre goes to a corner, she dodges Lyra but Lyra headscissors! Lyra drags Fyre up and over! They’re both on the apron, Fyre tries to German Suplex! Lyra holds ropes, powers up, and she elbows Fyre away. They’re both still on the apron, Toxic Attraction rushes in! But Lyra and Fyre both shoulder those two away! Fyre slips in, elbows Gigi and BOOTS Jacy, but Lyra headscissors her up and out! Lyra ELIMINATES Fyre!!
But now Lyra is all alone with Toxic Attraction! And CORA returns again?!? Lyra avoids the sweep, but then Toxic Attraction BLAST Lyra off the apron! Gigi & Jacy ELIMINATE Lyra!! And Cora laughs right in Lyra’s face! Lyra scowls, and she fires off on Cora! They brawl, Cora knees low, refs reprimands, but Gigi & Jacy celebrate! They say they’re both winners, but that’s NOT how battle royals work!! Jacy & Gigi look to each other, and Jacy is going to give Gigi the win? Gigi says no, it should be Jacy, but Jacy goes to the ropes. Jacy then SUPERKICKS Gigi!! Jacy TOSSES Gigi, Gigi holds on, but Jacy runs in! Gigi begs Jacy but Jacy throws down fists!
Jacy kicks, Gigi punches back! Fans are on Team Gigi as she bumps Jacy off buckles! Gigi tosses Jacy up and over, but Jacy lands safe! They’re both on the apron, opposite sides of the corner, and Gigi climbs up. Jacy GAMANGIRIS! Gigi wobbles, Jacy climbs up, and she shrugs. Jacy wants to suplex!? Gigi fights that off, CLUBS Jacy, and they brawl up top! Fans rally as the forearms go back and forth! Gigi ROCKS Jacy, gets the edge, but Jacy sits back up. Jacy and Gigi have wild looks in their eyes, HEADBUTT AND FOREARM COLLIDE!! They both fall, and they both hit the floor!!! Each ref says they saw the other first, so who wins?!?!
Fans have no idea what to make of this, all the refs discuss this, and replay is brought in, too. After looking back at the tape, including a special ceiling cam, the refs come to a decision. Gigi and Jacy are both brought back into the ring, because it’s a DRAW!!
Winners: Gigi Dolin & Jacy Jayne (NEW #1 Contenders to the NXT Women’s Championship)
It’s just as they said! Gigi & Jacy both get to win and they both get to go to Vengeance Day! Roxie appears and she holds up the belt. Roxie’s up for a Triple Threat, but is she biting off more than she can chew for her very first defense?
HBK has a meeting with Bron Breakker and Grayson Waller.
Shawn Michaels says what happened tonight is not how anyone wants a title match to come to an end. He wants there to be a definitive winner between them. Bron says so does he. Waller says that’s finally something they can agree on. Waller had Bron beat tonight, the title was going to be his! Bron gets heated but HBK stops them from fighting here. They all settle down, and HBK says there will be a decisive winner. On Saturday, February 4th, Vengeance Day, the title will be defended… in a STEEL CAGE MATCH!
Waller and Bron are all fired up again! Waller’s ready to be locked in with the dog, and he vows to get that title! But will Waller have his vengeance? Or will this dog have his day as NXT returns to the road?
My Thoughts:
This was, and yet also wasn’t, a really good night for NXT. For one, the NXT Championship match not being the main event should’ve told us all that something wonky was going to happen. As such, it’s actually hilarious how the second rope broke loose before the moment it was meant to. You could tell that was the case looking at how Waller reacted. But at the same time, it breaking the first time did help make the second and intended time more believable. However, that was a rather garbage way to protect Bron and extend this to Vengeance Day.
That combined with Melo & Trick taking a detour to face Apollo & Axiom as a tag team, it’s a shame that we won’t get a new champion for NXT’s first major event back on the road, unless Waller wins the rematch. A cage match does allow you to win without pinning or submitting the opponent, Waller can win by basically running away. I will say, good promo from Apollo and Axiom to set up the tag match, and I really liked Melo copying Apollo’s diner promo. Trick was ridiculous, though, for saying he couldn’t see in that lucha mask when those had classic eye holes, which were honestly bigger eye holes than most.
Another thing that was a bit off was that they didn’t outright call Dijak VS Tony and the Tag Gauntlet match traditional contenders matches. I ended up putting that in myself, but it just feels like that’s what should happen. Dijak won, Wes promised the winner their shot, Wes VS Dijak is a given. Pretty Deadly was hilarious in their promo with New Day, and I should’ve known when Pretty Deadly said they found teams that there were going to be joke teams coming out. I do like that HBK gave himself a shoutout by naming that jobber team “The Rockers,” he kinda poked fun at himself with Pretty Deadly going over that team.
Malik & Edris had a great showing even though they lost, and Gallus making a return here was awesome. I would love New Day VS Gallus at Vengeance Day, that should really be the match we get. Also, I like that Gallus is just the first of more NXT UK returns. Tyler Bate coming back is great timing, I hope he gets in on the top title conversation come WrestleMania Weekend with Stand & Deliver. Stevie Turner coming back is great, her being converted into a Twitch streamer isn’t. I suppose she really didn’t have a gimmick in NXT UK other than claiming she’s four-dimensional, but seeing through time and space is Apollo’s thing so she had to have something.
NXT_Anonymous keeps us guessing, at least, as now it was a male voice watching a male superstar (it was Reggie) plant the Scrypts card in Oro’s bags. Oro VS Scrypts would be some great stuff as far as in-ring, who knows who wins that one. Walker VS Dempsey was good stuff, and Walker got to look great, but I figured Dempsey was going to win. Gulak let this one slide, but I bet another loss will upset Gulak, and eventually Gulak faces Hank to see if Hank can really hang or not. And win or lose, I bet Gulak still turns on Hank and sides with Dempsey. The Creeds VS Indus Sher not happening was a rather confusing move, but I do like that Jinder is back.
Jinder looked great, and even with Sanga helping him get that win, it just makes sense that Jinder would win as the more experienced pro-wrestler. And now, we’re surely getting Creeds VS Indus Sher at Vengeance Day to really up things like with Bron VS Waller. Tiffany Stratton being the countdown person was a bit of a Dan Matha, but whatever, she had to return at some point. I kinda wish they’d blended the reveal with the battle royal, but then a loss in the battle royal would hurt her return, I guess. Good promos from Fyre and Sol to set up a rematch and tease more of Fyre’s Heel turn, as well as from Fallon and Kiana checking in on the guys.
The battle royal was great stuff, especially Cora being eliminated so quickly. That was great mostly because of the shock factor, but I should’ve expected Cora to be petty and go after Lyra multiple times. Lyra can definitely get good momentum off a feud with Cora, as I’m sure Lyra wins out in the end. And mainly, that was a brilliant way to give us two winners of a battle royal. Even if they can’t mention Mandy Rose, this is a fitting way for Toxic Attraction to go after Roxie without it being the usual outside interference attempt. That said, Roxie can find a way to pit Gigi and Jacy against each other and win out, as I don’t see Jacy or Gigi just letting the other be champion.
My Score: 8.3/10
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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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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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