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Mitchell’s WWE NXT Results & Report! (1/24/23)

It’s a Championship Summit!

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NXT White 'n' Gold Era

The Prodigy goes face-to-face-to-face with her challengers!

Before battling in a Triple Threat over the NXT Women’s Championship, Roxanne Perez will meet with Gigi Dolin and Jacy Jayne for a Championship Summit! Will things stay civil? Or will tonight be Toxic?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

  • Tiffany Stratton VS Indi Hartwell; Stratton wins.
  • JD McDonagh VS Andre Chase w/ Chase U; McDonagh wins.
  • Fallon Henley & Kiana James w/ Josh Briggs & Brooks Jensen VS Ivy Nile & Tatum Paxley; Fallon & Kiana win.
  • The Creed Brothers VS Drew Gulak & Hank Walker; The Creed Brothers win.
  • Wendy Choo VS Elektra Lopez; Lopez wins.
  • NXT Women’s Tag Team Championships: Kayden Carter & Katana Chance VS Alba Fyre & ???; Carter & Chance win and retain the titles.

PLAY BY PLAY

Grayson Waller had an Instagram story.

The 21st Century Success Story wanted to have some fun on Monday with “Bland Breakker,” so he went to the Performance Center to talk trash and find the NXT Champion. NXT Anonymous was also watching as Waller called out Bron. Trainers and trainees told Waller to stand down but Waller kept barking. Then he started throwing water bottles! Bron stormed out after Waller, and more cams caught the brawl that broke down! Waller and Bron were separated for just a moment before getting at each other again! It took everyone in the PC to get these two to stop, will tonight be even more explosive?

 

Tiffany Stratton VS Indi Hartwell!

O M G, the Center of the Universe is back, couldn’t you just die? Well, maybe Tiffany will at least get her head on straight after #IndiWrestling gets through with her! Will the comeback be done before it even begins?

Indi BOOTS Tiffany off the apron! And then bumps her off the apron! Indi puts Tiffany in the ring, the bell rings, and Tiffany wants a timeout but Indi RAMS her into the corner! And again, and again! The ref counts, Indi lets off but then snapmares Tiffany. Tiffany stagger sup into another snapmare. And then into a DROPKICK! Cover, TWO! Indi keeps on Tiffany but Tiffany apologizes. Tiffany offers a handshake, fans boo, but Indi grabs that hand to throw Tiffany down by it! Indi then stomps the hand and fans fire up! Tiffany shakes out her hand, and she YANKS Indi into buckles! Tiffany snarls, but runs into a roll-up! TWO!

Tiffany kicks low, runs in, but is sent right out! Indi drags Tiffany back up, but Tiffany HOTSHOTS the arm! Tiffany then throws Indi down by her hair, and knee-board sentons! Tiffany drags Indi to a cover, TWO! Tiffany is annoyed, she wrenches and hits an ELBOW BREAKER! Indi clutches her arm, Tiffany pie faces her around and talks trash. Fans rally for Indi and Indi fires forearms. Tiffany kicks low, HOTSHOTS Indi again, then runs to HIP ATTACK at the ropes! Cover, TWO! Tiffany is annoyed but she drags Indi up for a wrench. Fans rally for Indi as she endures the armlock. Tiffany shifts to a top wristlock to lean on the hold.

Indi fights up as fans rally. But Tiffany wrangles Indi back down! Indi continues to endure, and she fights up again. Tiffany whips Indi to a corner, runs and handsprings, to back elbow! Tiffany wrenches and WRINGS Indi’s arm out! Tiffany keeps moving, DOUBLE STOMP! Cover, TWO! Tiffany keeps on Indi with another top wristlock. Indi fights up, fans rally, but Tiffany wrangles her down again! Indi fights up, fans taunt Tiffany as a “Barbie Reject!” but Tiffany wrangles Indi again. Fans continue to rally for Indi and she fights up again, only for Tiffany to wrangle her down again. Tiffany leans on the hold but Indi endures.

Indi fights up again, and arm-drags free! Indi kicks, CLUBS, and DECKS Tiffany! Indi rallies on Tiffany with big clotheslines! Fans fire up as Indi gets around to SPINEBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Indi drags Tiffany back up, throws her through ropes, and then UPEPRCUTS! And BOOTS! Tiffany flops down, Indi drags her back up, and Indi whips Tiffany to a corner,. Tiffany goes up and over but Indi kicks a leg out! Indi then BOOTS Tiffany down! Indi aims from a corner but Tiffany clutches her knee. Fans boo, thinking Tiffany is faking. Indi steps forward but the ref has her stay back. The ref checks Tiffany’s leg, then calls in medics.

Medics hurry out but then Tiffany SUCKER PUNCHES Indi! Fireman’s carry, ROLLING SENTON! Tiffany shrieks then goes up, up and BEST MOONSAULT EVER! Cover, Tiffany wins!

Winner: Tiffany Stratton, by pinfall

Sneaky but effective, and in wrestling, a win is a win. Will Tiffany use trickery on top of her ability to make herself the Center of NXT’s Universe?

 

Backstage interview with Jacy Jayne.

McKenzie Mitchell notes that last week, Jacy and her tag partner, Gigi Dolin, suffered a loss because Jacy kicked Gigi- Jacy stops McKenzie there. Jacy’s biggest problem isn’t McKenzie pointing out the obvious. It’s calling Gigi Jacy’s partner. You say that was a miscalculation, Jacy calls that an awakening. It was in that moment that Jacy realized she was carrying Gigi on her back in this team! And she is DONE! Check the receipts: Jacy is why Toxic Attraction held onto the Women’s Tag Titles for almost a year. Gigi anchored Jacy down for far too long, and Jacy refuses to let Gigi stop her from becoming the NEW NXT Women’s Champion at Vengeance Day.

Wow, okay. Then what can we expect from tonight’s Championship Summit? “Something you’ve never seen before.” Jacy smirks and heads out, just what could that mean?

 

The Diamond Mine ramps things up.

Ivy Nile tells Julius & Brutus Creed that in order to prepare them for the long-awaited tag match with Indus Sher, she’s brought in some new training partners. Drew Gulak has Hank Walker and a few of his trainees, and says he is excited to help them. “Iron sharpens iron,” so this will be a mutually beneficial training session for everyone. Hank takes notes as the Creeds grapple with Gulak’s guys, and Ivy coaches them through the drills. Good slam from Brutus, good armlock from Julius. Gulak tells Hank to never make these mistakes.

Training’s done, and Gulak tells “Mike” that when someone gets your leg, you get it free. And if you have someone’s leg, you drive it hard and finish him. Hank wants Gulak to take it easy, but Gulak says HE wants a turn. Who wants some? Julius steps up, so Gulak gives him the advantage. They go around, Julius keeps control, and he even throws Gulak down! Gulak gets mad and shoves Julius! Ivy steps in, Gulak says that was a cheap shot! Gulak isn’t finished with them! Hank gets Gulak to leave, but will the Creeds have more than Sanga & Veer to worry about?

 

Chase U is in the ring!

Fans are fired up as Professor Andre is at the podium in his best robe. Thea Hail is also in a red graduate robe and Chase says, “Esteemed members of the Chase U student section, distinguished guests, the entire WWE Universe watching at home, and of course, everyone here live in attendance, welcome to the Andre Chase University Awards Ceremony.” Chase says we have assembled here to recognize someone who has worked extremely hard. “This person has excelled in the classroom. Unfortunately, she didn’t have the same success in the ring. BUT! That all changed last week!

“This young lady showed courage and confidence. She looked fear right in the eye, and she didn’t blink. She said, ‘Fear! You don’t scare me, mother-‘” WHOA! Chase, calm down. Fans chant, “That’s not PG!” Chase apologizes, but he’s just so proud. So it his extreme honor and pleasure to present Thea an award for her first victory! Fans cheer and the certificate is handed over. Photo op! Duke gets in on it, too, of course. Thea takes the mic to thank Mr. Chase, and that she loves the fans and the Student Section. Everyone chants, “You Deserve It!” She thanks them for that, and says she loves them all so much!

But wait! JORDAN DEVLIN MCDONAGH is here?! The Irish Ace has the mic to say, “Is this what we’re doing now? Is this how far the standard has slipped? All of this, for ONE win? We’re doing participation awards in NXT now? And you’re cheering for it!?” JD tells Thea that “when you hang around with losers, everyone win means a lot.” Especially with Chase U’s win-loss record. Right, Duke? Fans boo but JD says not to worry about them. They’re just as delusional as Chase U. They stick their hands in the air, the fans chant along, they’re LOSERS! Thea fires up but Duke keeps her back!

Chase tells JD that it’s bad enough that he interrupts Thea’s speech, but they will not let JD drag the good name of Chase U through the mud. This university means the world to Chase, to Thea, and to the fans! But not Duke? Duke didn’t get mentioned. Does Duke love Chase U? JD has some more advice: he’s not some wet-behind-the-ears student. And control your little dog. But Chase can’t curse and yell at JD to get him to run away. JD will end this charade. Get this crap out of JD’s ring. JD is dressed to compete, while Chase is dressed as a moron.

Chase tells JD that “one of the first lessons that I teach to my students, is always be prepared. And if you stay ready, you don’t have to get ready.” So Chase is gonna give JD an Andre Chase University sized ass-whooping! Chase takes off the robe to reveal he’s dressed to compete, too! And then he DECKS JD! JD gets up, Chase fires off more hands, and he DECKS JD out of the ring! The Irish Ace and the Professor face off, will this be a #TeachableMoment?!

JD McDonagh VS Andre Chase w/ Chase U!

NXT returns and JD hits a BIG back suplex on Chase! Fans boo JD but he soaks up the heat. JD stalks Chase, pushes him to a cover, TWO! JD pushes Chase down again to another cover, TWO! JD throws knees into Chase’s back, then clamps on a chinlock. JD pushes up, it’s practically a Bully Choke. Fans rally as Chase endures, and Chase fights up to power out and get JD in a chinlock! But JD goes around, powers out, and has the chinlock back! But Chase hits a BIG back suplex! Fans fire up while both men are down! Thea and Duke coach up Chase, and he throws hands on JD! Chase JABS, JABS, blocks a kick, and POLISH HAMMERS!

Chase hits an atomic drop, and then he whips JD to ropes. JD reverses, Chad reverses back to RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP! Fans fire up and spell it out with the stomps! C! H! A! S! E! U! What’s that spell? “CHASE U!” Chase clutches a bad arm and JD gets up. JD swings, but into a SIDE EFFECT! Cover, TWO! Chase keeps focus and he drags JD up. Chase brings JD around, reels him in, but JD trips him to a jackknife! TWO as Chase bridges up! Chase spins it around, backslides, TWO! Chase reels JD in but JD back drops free! Chase staggers up, JD storms up and waistlocks, but Chase waistlocks. JD bucks the O’Conner to LARIAT!

JD drags Chase back up, but Chase drops to victory roll! TWO!! JD escapes and Chase staggers back up. Chase throws hands, JD SOBATS! JD yanks Chase up but Chase KNEES JD! JD HEADBUTTS Chase down! Both men fall and fans fire up again! Duke and Thea coach Chase but JD has his arm. Ripcord, DESTROYER from Chase!! Cover, ROPEBREAK!! JD survives by a literal foot and Thea is fuming! Chase hears the fans rallying and he hurries to a corner. Chase climbs up, but JD hits the ropes! Chase hits the corner then falls to the mat! Duke is frustrated and he leaves ringside!? JD ripcords for DEVLINSIDE!! Cover, JD wins!!

Winner: JD McDonagh, by pinfall

The Irish Ace wins, and he might’ve been right about Duke! Duke used to bleed red ‘n’ black, but has the blood run dry?

 

Kiana James and Gina talk backstage.

The Professional Professional Wrestler tells G to tell Comsman and Watts that the meeting could’ve just been an email. Those two have way too much time on their hands. G heads out just as Briggs, Jensen & Fallon walk in. Everything good? Yes, all good. And she’s all warmed up for the match? Yes, ready to go. But Kiana does have a suggestion: she wants to start the match. Oh, really? Well, Kiana doesn’t mind letting Fallon start. Either way, they’ll be a great team. The four head out, will they be in business as a faction?

 

Fallon Henley & Kiana James w/ Josh Briggs & Brooks Jensen VS Ivy Nile & Tatum Paxley!

When it comes to the battle for the bar, that’s water under the bridge. And seeing as how Kiana and Jensen are smitten with each other, Fallon is willing to accept Kiana as a friend. Will they make a good team against the Diamond Mine’s Pitbull & Powerlifter?

The teams sort out and Kiana starts after all. But then Fallon tags in with a boop on the head. They both want to exit the same side, this is already off to a dysfunctional start. Kiana goes the other way and Fallon rushes in, but Ivy waistlocks to drag her down. Ivy floats all over Fallon, facelocks and rolls with her, then goes for an arm. Ivy steps over, drags Fallon down, and has a cover, TWO! Ivy clamps onto the arm, brings Fallon over and tags Tatum. Diamond Mine double wrench, then YANK Fallon down! Fallon staggers up, Tatum runs in but is put on the apron. Tatum ROCKS Fallon, steps up to BOOT, then springboards to MISSILE DROPKICK! Cover, TWO!

Tatum headlocks Fallon but Fallon slips out to headlock back. Tatum powers Fallon back< Kiana tags in as Fallon whips. Tatum ducks one but not the second LARIAT! And the CALF KICK adds on! Kiana and Fallon feel the chemistry now, and Kiana storms up. Tatum elbows Kian away but Kiana stomps and punches and RAMS Tatum! Kiana then handsprings to RAM into Tatum! The ref counts, Kiana lets off, and she brings Tatum around into an abdominal stretch! Tatum endures as Kiana puts on the pressure. Fans rally, Tatum pries free and hip tosses Kiana down! Kiana drags Tatum from Ivy but Tatum boots her away!

Kiana staggers up, Fallon tags in just as Tatum tags Ivy! Ivy KICKS, KICKS and ROUNDHOUSES Fallon, to then run and run Fallon over! Ivy rallies, hip tosses, and fires up! Fans fire up with Ivy and she runs Around the World to CALF KICK! Ivy keeps moving, but Fallon BOOTS back! Fallon scoops Ivy, but Ivy slips free, DIAMOND DRAGON! Kiana distracts the ref, Tatum protests, but the ref has to tell Tatum to back off. This allows Kiana to throw Ivy down! Fans boo and Tatum DECKS Kiana! The ref reprimands Tatum again, Ivy runs, and Kiana trips her up! Fallon runs in to SHINING WIZARD! Kiana anchors Tatum, Fallon covers, Fallon & Kiana win!

Winners: Fallon Henley & Kiana James, by pinfall

It wasn’t exactly on the straight and narrow, but a win is a win! Fallon has the fire while Kiana has the savvy, will this team be on their way to the Women’s Tag titles?

 

The New Day is jamming backstage.

Xavier Woods drums the belts as he and Kofi Kingston “sing” Burn in My Light. And then they talk about the evolution of Randy Orton. He cut his hair and looked like Mr. Bigglesworth with tattoos. Edris Enofe & Malik Blade walk in and say hey, and also thanks for that opportunity in the tag gauntlet. Woods says they’ve been killing it and have enjoyed seeing them wrestle. Edris says that if that’s good, then maybe they can get a tag title match at some point. But then The Schism walks in… Rip Fowler says the New Day are just the gentlemen they’ve been looking for. Woods says, “Four roots! One tree!” And he points tot he potted plant in the corner.

Rip says if they want to make jokes, keep going. But to why they’re here, the New Day already knows. But that is why next week, it will be the New Day Tag Team Invitational. Raw 30 was huge, so next week should be huge, too! And the winner of next week’s match gets to join The New Day, Gallus and Pretty Deadly at Vengeance Day for a FATAL 4 WAY! How ’bout that? Now, go on, get. The New Day’s got things to do. And by “things,” they “sing” Voices.

 

Bron Breakker arrives!

The NXT Champion has just arrived at NXT Arena, what will his response to Grayson Waller’s antics be?

 

Apollo Crews is at the barbershop!

That’s right! If Trick Melo Gang can copy them being at the diner, they’ll return the favor by visiting Cut Wiz. Apollo says this is a dope spot, he sees why Melo comes here. Josh the barber thanks Apollo for that, but says Melo won’t appreciate Apollo coming through here. Why not? Just saying… Oh, is it because Apollo got one on Melo after Melo got one on him? Well it isn’t one and done for Apollo VS Melo, or for that title. And then uh oh! Melo & Trick show up! Hey, what the hell is Apollo doing in Melo’s chair?! The chair was open. Melo is fed up. Everyone else is tense but Melo calms down and says he just wants to talk.

Apollo says he is starting to see it on Melo’s face. Melo is realizing that no matter what he does, he can’t get rid of Apollo. That Apollo is always gonna be on Melo’s radar. And Apollo understands Melo’s aspirations, passion and desire, because Apollo is the same. Two men, one spot. Melo says what he is realizing is that it must be tough for Apollo to look at him. Not really, but go on. Melo says it must be like looking at a younger, better, more athletic Apollo from five years ago. Listen, Apollo go the call-up early, and that’s great, but look where he is now. He’s back in NXT, and so close to getting what he wants. But he has the biggest and brightest in his way, and Melo is him.

So go ahead, have a vision. Tell Melo that the NXT title doesn’t look great around Melo’s waist. Apollo says that’s true. It does look good! But it looks better on Apollo! Gottee! Man, guys, c’mon! Sorry… But Melo says that means nothing. He beat Apollo already! Does Apollo think they’re going tit for tat? Cuz Melo will go TAT TAT TAT! That’s all it is, and that’s all it’s all it’s gonna be. Apollo says they’re 1-1, so they settle this once and for all at Vengeance Day, in BEST 2 OUTTA 3 FALLS! Whoa…! Yo, chill. Melo agrees to the terms. But Melo is telling Apollo right now, he gets #MoneyMelo. Apollo will be reminded that he is the past, and Melo is the present.

Apollo says the funny thing about the past is that it can always predict the future. See you in Charlotte. Apollo heads out, will Melo hit his shot twice? Or will he get blocked and dunked on?

 

The Creed Brothers VS Drew Gulak & Hank Walker!

That training session earlier got heated, but now things might explode in the ring! Will Julius & Brutus be razor sharp for facing Indus Sher? Or will the iron that gets sharpened belong to the Philly Stretcher and his student?

The teams sort out and Gulak starts against Julius. Gulak uses a drop step to test the waters, but Julius is ready. Julius tackles Gulak, waistlocks and SLAMS Gulak down! Fans applaud and Julius keeps the rear mount. Gulak moves around, Julius keeps control, and he hits that same trip takedown! Fans fire up but Gulak is frustrated. Gulak drop toeholds, headlocks, but Julius fights up. Gulak wrenches, grinds the arm, steps over and La Magistrols, TWO! Gulak keeps on the arm and talks some trash. Julius fights up but Hank tags in. Fans rally for Hank as he wrenches and RAMS Julius. Hank grinds the arm but Julius fights up.

Julius and Hank go around, Julius turns the armlock around, but Hank arm-drags free! And arm-drags again! Hank has a top wristlock but Julius fights up. Julius fireman’s carry takeovers, tags to Brutus, and feed to the fireman’s carry takeover! Brutus grinds the arm, and feeds Hank to Julius’ fireman’s carry takeover! Julius then tags back in, and the cycle begins anew! Hank fights up, whips Julius away, and he runs Julius over! Hank drags Julius up to tag in Gulak and Hank fireman’s carries. Hank spins and Gulak runs to sucker punch Brutus! Hank lets Julius down from the airplane spin so Gulak can CLOBBER him!

Gulak and Hank high-five and Hank is all fired up as NXT goes picture in picture. The Creeds regroup on the outside, and Julius stands back up. Gulak is waiting as Julius slides back in. Gulak facelocks to snap suplex! Cover, TWO! Gulak keeps on Julius, tags in Hank, and Hank wrenches the arm to RAM shoulders. Hank wrenches again to RAM the shoulder again. Hank grinds the shoulder, wrenches again, then RAMS a third time! Cover, TWO! Hank facelocks and drags Julius over to tag in Gulak. They mug Julius, but Julius tackles Gulak! Gulak counters with a triangle hold, but Julius deadlifts Gulak! Julius goes to the corner and tags in Brutus!

Julius bumps Gulak off buckles, Brutus headlocks but Gulak turns that around on him. Brutus powers up but can’t power out as Gulak holds on tight. But then Brutus powers up more and THROWS Gulak away! Gulak is stunned as he and Brutus stare down. They both run in and Brutus runs Gulak over! Brutus scoops Gulak to SLAM him! And then Brutus whips Gulak to a corner. Gulak tumbles up and out, ROCKS Brutus with a forearm, then climbs up for a FLYING CLOTHESLINE! Cover, TWO! Gulak clamps onto an arm to grind Brutus down. Brutus endures, fights up, but Gulak brings him over. Tag to Hank and they mug Brutus.

Hank whips Brutus into the corner, runs in and SPLASHES! Tag to Gulak, and they mug Brutus more. Gulak CLUBS Brutus down, then stomps him down! Gulak talks trash to Julius, then throws hands on Brutus. Gulak sits Brutus up to clamp on a chinlock. Brutus endures as Gulak leans on the hold. Brutus fights up, NXT returns to single picture, but Gulak DECKS Brutus! Gulak eggs Brutus on, DECKS him again, then DECKS him again! Fans rally for Brutus as Gulak hopes Hank is taking notes. But Brutus shoots around to GERMAN SUPLEX! Brutus snarls, and he SMASHES Gulak! Brutus rains down those hammering fists and fans chants, “BRUTUS SMASH!”

Gulak gets away, then DROPKICKS Brutus! And hits a DDT! Both men are down and fans rally up. Gulak and Brutus crawl, hot tags to Hank and Julius! Julius fires off haymakers on Hank, whips him, but Hank reverses. Hank blocks a kick, but the DRAGON WHIP comes in! Julius rallies with big forearms, Gulak runs in but into an EXPLODER! Hank gets up, he gets a POWERSLAM! Julius tags Brutus and then STANDING SHOOTING STARS! Brutus STANDING MOONSAULTS! Cover, TWO! The Creeds are frustrated that going airborne doesn’t do it. Fans rally as Brutus drags Hank back. Hank BOOTS Brutus away!

Hot tag to Gulak! Gulak BOOTS Brutus, then goes up a corner. But Brutus grabs Gulak and drags him off the corner with double underhooks! Fans fire up as Brutus carries Gulak over and Julius tags in. Julius runs, LEAP FROG FACEBUSTER COMBO! Cover, Hank breaks it! Fans rally for Hank while all four men are down! The Creeds regroup and Julius CLUBS Gulak. Gulak HEADBUTTS back! Julius forearms, Gulak throws a haymaker! They go back and forth, shot for shot, and Gulak headlocks! Tag to Hank, he and Gulak hand off Julius for another fireman’s carry! Gulak runs, but Brutus gets in to POUNCE Gulak!

Julius slips free, waistlocks but Hank bucks the O’Conner! Scoop and FACEBUSTRE, to a WHEELBARROW BOMB! ARMBAR!! Fans fire up as Hank has the arm but Julius clasps hands and rolls things to a cover! TWO, and Hank pulls harder on the arm! Julius kicks around, fights to another cover, TWO! Hank lets Julius go, but Julius comes back, into a KNEE! Julius staggers, Brutus tags in! Brutus whips Hank but Hank reverses to get a SLEEPER! Brutus slips free, shoves, runs the ropes, DOUBLE LARIATS take both men down! Fans are fired up for “NXT! NXT!” as both men crawl! But then Charlie Dempsey appears!

Gulak is distracted by the Son of the Gentleman Villain. Hank wants a tag but Gulak tells him to get on Brutus. Julius tags in, runs in, but into an elbow! Hank BOOTS Julius, and then he aims for a kick. Julius blocks that to clinch and OVERHEAD Belly2Belly! Tag to Brutus, and Julius puts Hank in a corner. Julius whips  Hank out for Brutus to BRUTUS BALL!! Cover, Julius intercepts Gulak, the Creeds win!

Winners: The Creed Brothers, by pinfall

Dempsey didn’t interfere directly, but the damage was done! Hank apologizes to Gulak and they head out, will Gulak actually follow his own teachings and keep focus next time?

As for the Diamond Mine, Ivy joins the Creeds as they get the mics. Julius tells Ivy that he can’t speak for Brutus, but he knows he can be a pain in the ass. He’s stubborn, hard-headed, takes everything personal, and always have a chip on his shoulder. Ivy is smiling, and Julius knows his coaches, friends and family are, too. They know it’s true, but that’s how Julius has to be to be the best version of himself. These last few months haven’t been the best. There have been trials and tribulations, some hard times, but Ivy still stuck by the Creeds, so he thanks her for setting them straight.

Brutus also thanks Ivy. She could’ve walked away, especially when they were jerks. But she didn’t, so thanks for that. And actually, she inspired them to be the old Creeds, the ones that won the NXT Tag Team Championships! Julius says that’s right. Fans chant for the Creeds and Julius says that they’re not just the best- Wait! Here comes Indus Sher! Veer, Sanga and Jinder walk down the ramp, but Jinder stops them at ringside. Jinder “congratulates” the Creeds for once again becoming the Creeds. But Jinder says his “brothers” are sick and tired of waiting around to earn respect. And now, with the Modern Day Maharaja by their side, they are TAKING respect!

Next week, we find out who the Creeds really are! Indus Sher is 100%, The Creed Brothers are 100%, so next week, Indus Sher VS Creeds goes down! Jinder dares them to accept the challenge! The Creeds look to Ivy, and IVY says, “You’re on!” The score will finally be settled, who will prove they are the best tag team in NXT?

 

Backstage interview with Gigi Dolin.

McKenzie notes Jacy’s comments earlier, and Gigi says she heard. Yeah, she’s surprised, but not shocked. Jacy’s “always the first with something to say, always the first to cast her stone. Jacy Jayne is a bad person, plain and simple.” But for the longest time, they were- Gigi stops McKenzie to say they are NOTHING alike. Do you understand? Gigi might be a little… dark… But what is she holding here? A rose… Yes. And what are these sharp things here? Thorns. Very good! And thorns can be very dangerous when you’re distracted by the petals. But they’re not hiding, either.

So Jacy can say whatever the hell she wants, Gigi has nothing to hide. And Gigi cannot wait to give Jacy a piece of her mind! Gigi storms off, will those thorns come back to bite Jacy?

 

Tony D’Angelo and Channing Lorenzo arrive at a restaurant.

The Don and new underboss, Stacks, have their private room all ready for them. This is the big time now. They sit down and Tony says the family couldn’t be happier about Stacks’ promotion. And sending the macaroons and cannolies, that was a nice touch. Of course. But look, the streets are talking. And Tony doesn’t have to tell Stacks that the first step is the most important act. Stacks knows that, and he wants to make a big impact, against the biggest guy he can find. Stacks thinks he can do that? He knows he can. So does Tony. The manager says everything is all set, and passes along the word that AJ is thankful for them helping him down at the track.

Stacks thanks the manager, the manager thanks Tony, and Tony is impressed. Stacks says he does what he can do. To the Don! Nah, to the Underboss. Salud. They toast and drink up, but just who will Stacks pick out to take down in his first move?

 

Wendy Choo VS Elektra Lopez!

Speaking of scores to settle, the Queen of Comfy Style owes La Madrina for that pillow pull that took her out of the battle royal! Will Wendy win her way back up the ladder? Or will Lopez prove what she’s capable of all on her own?

NXT returns and Lopez makes her entrance. It seems she invited Valentina Feroz to watch ringside, but where is she? The bell rings, Lopez and Wendy tie up, and Lopez puts Wendy against the ropes. The ref counts, Lopez lets off, and then dares Wendy to step up. They tie up again, and Lopez throws Wendy down! Lopez says this is a grown woman’s business, and Wendy doesn’t belong! But Wendy shoots around to waistlock! Lopez throws Wendy off but Wendy comes back. Lopez gut wrench suplexes Wendy away! Wendy flops out of the ring, and Feroz shows up now per the invitation. Lopez says watch and learn!

Lopez goes out, pie faces Wendy, then grabs the body pillow! Lopez swings, Wendy moves, and BOOKER T takes the full brunt of the pillow! Lopez ROCKS Wendy while fans boo, and Lopez pushes Wendy into the ring. Lopez drags Wendy up, scoops, but Wendy slips free to roll her up! TWO, and Lopez swings, but into a backslide! ONE, and Lopez kicks low. Lopez whips but Wendy dropkicks! Wendy arm-drags Lopez, then runs side to side to BOOT Lopez in the corner! Wendy pushes Lopez out, to then CORSSBODY! But Lopez catches Wendy for a SWINGING SIDE SLAM! Feroz seems a bit impressed as Lopez CHOKES and THRASHES Wendy on the ropes!

Lopez throws Wendy down, then runs to LARIAT! Lopez drops an elbow, covers, TWO! Lopez keeps on Wendy with a body scissors squeeze! Fans rally as Wendy endures and pries at the hold. Wendy pushes back to a cover, TWO! Lopez holds on, then pulls Wendy’s hair! The ref reprimands, Lopez lets go at 4, but she keeps on with the squeeze. Wendy still endures and fans still rally. Wendy pries the body scissors open, and elbows Lopez away! Lopez swings, but Wendy counter punches! And again! And then body shot, KICK, and LARIAT! Fans fire up as Wendy rallies with forearms! Wendy whips, Lopez reverses, and runs in, into an ELBOW!

Wendy goes up and SLEEPY CROSSBODIES! Cover, TWO! Fans fire up with Wendy, but Lopez brings out brass knuckles from a buckle pad! Wendy handsprings in as Feroz tells the ref! Lopez DECKS Wendy with the knuckles! Cover, Lopez wins!

Winner: Elektra Lopez, by pinfall

Feroz tried to do the right thing but it didn’t change the outcome! Lopez gets another win, will she show Feroz that that is the only thing that matters?

 

Briggs and Fallon talk backstage.

Is she happy? Yeah, she’s happy. She isn’t sure how they managed it, but they won. Yeah! They work great together! Jensen walks over to congratulate Fallon, and says Kiana is “happier than grits on gravy.” They were like Farooq & Bradshaw! The boys couldn’t be prouder. Fallon says that now that she and Kiana smoothed things over, what’s next for the boys? Jensen took care of it. Kiana & Fallon did so well, Jensen went to HBK with an idea, and HBK’s for it! Whoa, Jensen went to Shawn Michaels’ office? Yeah, he was nervous enough to piss a whole river, but hey! At Vengeance Day, Fallon & Kiana will fight for… the NXT WOMEN’S TAG TEAM TITLES!

Briggs is fired up! But Fallon is mad?! Jensen did this without asking her! This was supposed to be one and done! But they did amazing, and Fallon said that she’d do anything for Jensen, right? Yeah, but- But this is the biggest opportunity of your career! Fallon, just think about it. Fallon says she just got blindsided. She’s gonna need a minute. Fallon leaves, the boys are confused, but will Fallon see sense?

 

Grayson Waller arrives!

He’s still feeling good after the trouble he started yesterday, but now that he’s in the NXT Arena, will Bron come back to finish what Waller started?

 

Feroz and Lopez talk backstage.

Lopez tells Feroz that “it doesn’t matter how you win, as long as you win.” But Feroz says Lopez just plays dirty. And honestly, Feroz doesn’t think she can do that to Wendy. And why is that? Well, Feroz is Wendy’s friend- Okay, hold on, Valentina. “Dirty” gets the job done, and no one is gonna do the job for you. So you can keep your friends, while Lopez will keep on winning. Lopez heads out and Feroz isn’t sure what to do.

 

Backstage interview with Stevie Turner.

McKenzie thinks the Four Dimensional Superstar is skipping this time, but Stevie comes in via tron! Oh, McKenzie thought Stevie would be on set for this. Uh, she is. Her set. No, like here in person. Well, anyway, Stevie got her chat to do McKenzie’s job for her, and they have some great questions for her to answer. Superchat from NTD1987: “Hey, Stevie, when can we expect you in the ring?” Solid question, NTD! Next week will be Stevie’s NXT debut! That’s big news! Who will be her opponent? Stevie moves on to the next question, cuz the Superchats are coming in fast ‘n’ furious! PhillyKirsh asks, “Who are you most looking forward to facing?”

Great question, Kirsh! And of course, Stevie would love to face the champion, Roxanne Perez. But uh, Stevie has a feeling Roxie won’t have that title past Vengeance Day. See, McKenzie? This was a much better way to do an interview. And next week, the “humdrum world of NXT gets dragged kickin’ and screamin’ into the future by yours truly. Oh, I hear Grayson Waller’s music. McKenzie, see you next week.” Stevie signs off, will she be the one going viral in her NXT in-ring debut? And speaking of…

 

Grayson Waller heads to the ring!

The 21st Century Success Story is in a fuzzy pink jacket as he gest a mic. Waller says no time for games! “Where you at, Bron? Yesterday, I punked you out in front of the entire Performance Center! I had you shakin’, lad! No fear, no hesitation. I showed the world I’m tougher than you, and I’m tougher than everyone in this building!” So where’s Bron tonight? No stress, there’s no steel plate under this jacket. Just Waller’s NXT title as the uncrowned champ!  So where is Bron? Does he need daddy to bark three times before he’s allowed to come to ringside? Bron is watching backstage, but he snarls, grabs his NXT Championship, and heads for gorilla!

Waller says the countdown is on! 11 days until Waller is the UNDISPUTED NXT Champion! People acting like Waller should be scared to get in a cage with Bron, but let’s flip that script. Bron should be afraid of getting in a cage with Waller! But here comes Bron! Superstars and security alike tell him not to, but too late! Waller says Bron needs to win this match. Because if he doesn’t, it’ll haunt him for the rest of his life! Every meal, every gym session, every time he brushes his teeth, Bron will remember Waller’s face. So Waller says it is time to get their phones out. He smells that do coming!

Waller says yesterday, he created a viral moment. Tonight, he creates one more! No one is stopping Waller, and it seems no one is able to stop Bron! The sirens sound, the lights flash, and here comes THE NXT Champion! He DECKS security and rushes to the ring! He TACKLES Waller! Superstars rush in to stop this, we get all kinds of angles from the NXT camera crew, and fans want to “LET THEM FIGHT!” Waller slips out the side, eggs Bron on, and Bron goes out after him! The brawl is on at the ramp! Bron’s shirt has been ripped away but he still wants after Waller! Bron and Waller shove people away, Bron runs in, but Waller sends the SPEAR through the barriers!

Fans lose their minds, and even Waller is surprised! Then Waller smirks. Medics check on Bron but Waller swaggers away as he holds up his title. Will Waller exceed going viral and go gold with Vengeance Day’s title match?

 

Gallus is at the bar.

They play some billiards, and Mark Coffey says it’s a shame there’s not a proper Glasgow pub to get a drink. Wolfgang agrees, it’s just not the same. But they’re here for a big score. The Gallus firm is going to keep their eyes on the prize: the tag title match at Vengeance Day. But they’re having a hard time getting by on the watered down beer. But on February 4th, Gallus will show three tag teams what everyone back home in Scotland, everyone in the UK, and everyone in Europe already knows: Gallus Boys On Top! They toast to that, but who will join them, the New Day and Pretty Deadly to make their Triple Threat into a Fatal 4 Way?

 

NXT Women’s Tag Team Championships: Kayden Carter & Katana Chance VS Alba Fyre & ???

KC Squared kept the Fire Keeper from burning her own career down when she had a referee held down by a steel baseball bat. But then she lashed out at them and demanded this match, even though she has no tag partner! With the winners going to Vengeance Day, will Fyre burn down the reign to have some gold again? Or will Carter & Chance bring the party to Charlotte, North Carolina?

The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we see if Fyre can defy the odds she stacked against herself!

The team sorts out, and Carter starts against Fyre. They circle, but then SOL RUCA appears? She’s volunteering to be Fyre’s partner? Fyre says fine, she can do what she wants. Fyre and Carter tie up, go around, and Carter arm-drags Fyre away. Carter smirks as she and Fyre circle. Fyre kicks low, Gory Especials, but Carter slips free to sunset flip! Fyre drags her up to CLOBBER her! Fans rally for Fyre but Carter kicks her away. And then EDDY GORDO KICKS her down! Tag to Chance, they whip, trip and basement dropkick to a slingshot senton! Cover, TWO! Chance facelocks, brings Fyre around and Carter tags in. Carter rolls Fyre up, TWO!

Fyre kicks low, throws Carter down by her hair, then CLUBS away on her! Fyre is fuming and Sol isn’t sure what’s with her. Fyre drags Carter up, but Carter JAWBREAKERS! Sol tags in, reels Carter into a headlock, but Carter powers out. Sol runs Carter over, things speed up and Sol handstand walks over Carter! Carter runs in, Sol hurdles over but Carter leaps over Sol! Fans cheer but things keep moving. Carter headlocks Sol but Sol switches that onto Carter. Carter powers out, Sol handsprings through the hip toss to do the splits into a STUNNER! Carter flops out of the ring and fans fire up with Sol!

Fyre smirks, she is impressed by Sol. But then Fyre grimaces as Chance hurries over. Fyre kicks Chance and RAMS her into steel steps! Sol is still unsure what to make of Fyre’s aggression, but this does put them in control as NXT goes picture in picture.

Fyre smirks as she looms over Carter, but Sol goes out to put Carter in the ring. Sol drags Carter up, brings her over, and Fyre tags in. They mug Carter, then Fyre throws Carter right back out! Fyre goes out to stomp Carter, then whips her hard into the apron! And then smacks her off the announce desk! Fyre fires off forearms, then brings Carter around, only for Carter to RAM her into the apron! They both get in the ring, Fyre grabs Carter’s leg, but Carter kicks her away again. Sol tags in, she hurries to lift Carter, but Carter sunset flips! Sol stays up to stomp but Carter dodges to leg sweep! And EDDY GORDO KICK!

Carter and Sol both crawl, hot tag to Chance! Carter gives Chance the boost to SEATED SENTON Sol down! Cover, TWO! Chance stays between Sol and Fyre, brings Sol up, but sol TOSSES Chance away! Sol rushes in, Chance BOOTS her, then goes up to CROSSBODY! But Sol catches Chance to SLAM her! Cover, TWO! Sol clamps on with a rear bearhug but Chance endures the squeeze. Sol SLAMS Chance back down and leans on the hold. Chance endures, fights up, but Sol wrangles her back down. NXT returns to single picture as fans rally and duel. Chance fights up, throws elbows, but Sol back suplexes! Chance lands on her feet, but Sol trophy lifts her!

Chance slips free of that, slides under Sol and ENZIGURIS her down! Hot tags to Fyre and Carter! Carter dodges Fyre to DECK Sol, then she DECKS Fyre! Carter DECKS Sol away, whips Fyre into her, then runs in to SANDWICH them in the corner! Fyre falls, Carter runs in, DROP-SPLASH! Fans fire up with Carter and she waits on Fyre. Fyre rises, Carter runs in to BOOT WASH at the ropes! Tag to Chance, she goes up top as Carter puts Fyre in the ropes. DOUBLE STOMPS! Cover, TWO! Chance drags Fyre up but Fyre throws body shots. Fyre whips, Chance holds ropes and BOOTS! Carter sneaks the tag, then HEEL KICK TABLE TOP COMBO!

Carter drags Fyre into position, and then Chance rolls to go up onto Carter’s shoulders?! Then ELECTRIC CHAIR SPLASH! Cover, TWO! Fyre survives and KC Squared grows frustrated. Carter drags Fyre up, whips her but Fyre reverses to HOOK KICK! Fyre BLASTS Chance, spins Carter around and suplexes, GOURD BUSTER! Tag to Sol and she springboard SPLASHES! Cover, Chance breaks it! Fyre kicks Chance but Chance throws Fyre out! Fyre drags Chance out but Chance kicks her away! Chance slingshots to RANA Fyre into steel steps! Sol is distracted by that, and turns around into a wheelbarrow ROLLING FACEBUSTER!

Sol sits up, into a SUPERKICK! Sol staggers up, into another SUPERKICK! Tag to Chance, she goes up top as Carter turns Sol, HIGHLIGHT REEL!! Cover, KC Squared win!

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

The longest reigning Women’s Tag Team Champions continue that historic reign! Longest reign in NXT, longest reign in ALL of the WWE Women’s Tag Division, and now they go to Vengeance Day! Will that reign continue past facing Fallon & Kiana? As for Fyre, she pushes past Sol. To stand beside Isla Dawn?! Is the Wicked Witch going to be Fyre’s new tag partner? But then speaking of Kiana & Fallon, they appear at the perch! They congratulate the champs, and Fallon said she thought about it. She and Kiana WILL see them at Vengeance Day! KC Squared raises the belts, they’re ready to party! But will February 4th be the night the music dies?

 

Wes Lee finds Dijak.

#HardJustice says he’s surprised. He didn’t think Wes had the balls to show up. Wes says he’s heard that before. But you gotta have a pair to hold the North American Championship. Dijak tells Wes not to get cute. This is the champ’s last chance to simply hand the title over. Wes says holding onto the title may be stupid, because handing it over could save him a lot of pain. Because clearly, Dijak isn’t back in NXT just to talk. But see, Wes has made stupid decisions his entire life. He was stupid enough to think that “a kid from Dayton, Ohio could break into this business, let alone travel the world doing it.”

Wes was stupid enough to risk everything just to get to the WWE! Stupid enough to battle tooth and nail against himself and some of the best NXT superstars just to become champion. Those “stupid decisions” made Wes the champion he is today. And Wes is “stupid enough” that when the people chant his name, Wes feels like he can overcome anything, and anyone. So no, Dijak, Wes is going to keep the title. Dijak doesn’t have to like it, but he damn sure will respect it. “Protect ya neck! I’ll see you in Charlotte.” Wes heads out, and Dijak says, “Unfortunately for you, Mr. Lee, I don’t deal in sob stories. I deal in justice!” Will the Must-See Kid face that “justice” and lose it all?

 

Backstage interview with Cora Jade.

McKenzie apologizes, but Cora wasn’t on set so she came to find her. Cora says of course, she is the star, not McKenzie. They do things on Cora’s time, not McKenzie’s. Yes, that seems to be a theme tonight. But McKenzie wants to ask about Cora’s issue with Lyra Valkyria and how it’s only getting bigger and bigger. Cora says Lyra is “going to be an integral part of the NXT Women’s Division. But Lyra needs to learn her place. And I’ll happily be the one to teach her that lesson. No matter how great that bird brain is, she’s not better than me, nor will she ever be better than me. Move.”

McKenzie steps aside so Cora can open her locker. But inside is a black feather! This is what Cora was talking about!  Lyra’s the new girl, but she’s going and putting stuff in Cora’s locker! Vic Joseph then patches in to tell McKenzie that something’s going down outside! McKenzie interrupts Cora’s rant so that she can go outside. And it seems that, as the women’s roster moves aside, Nikkita Lyons is down, clutching her bad leg! Indi asks what happened, as does Lyra. Zoey Stark is spotted walking away, did The Hunter attack Lyons again? Why is the NXT parking lot such a dangerous place?!

 

Chase and Thea talk backstage.

Chase says Duke is selfish, while Thea says she just doesn’t understand. Duke walks in and Chase asks where the BLEEP he went. He walked out on the entire university tonight! Duke says he did not. Okay, yes, he walked out, but not- IS THERE A POINT TO THIS?! Duke says Mr. Chase is an inspiration! And even though that video was taken completely out of context, Duke knows Chase doesn’t trust Duke. So yes, Duke left ringside, but he went to HBK’s office. He demanded that Duke & Chase be part of the New Day Tag Team Invitational to get another shot at the Tag Team titles! Wait, what did HBK say?

Good question. He said… “Talk to the New Day.” So then what? So then… Duke went and talked to the New Day. And what did they say?! They said… they love Chase U’s architecture, and that the science department- DUKE! To the point! Duke shakes his head, and then says “WE’RE IN!” YES!! Thea hops on Duke and Chase shakes Duke’s hand! Duke still bleeds red ‘n’ black, but will he and Chase be going to Charlotte, North Carolina for the biggest opportunity in their careers?

 

Booker T is in the ring!

The table is set, and Jacy and Gigi are both already there, sitting at opposite ends. Booker asks everyone if they’re ready for this Championship Summit. The challengers are here, so Booker introduces the NXT Women’s Champion, Roxanne PERRRREZ~! Roxie makes her entrance, takes the seat in the middle of the table, and Booker sits down with her. No disrespect to the champ, but Booker starts with the challengers. Gigi first. Gigi is sure Jacy would love to start, though. Probably sitting on some “witty pun” she’s got. So go ahead, Jacy, go tell everyone how great she is! Jacy says everyone already knows that!

Jacy says the people have watched her carry Gigi through everything for a year-and-a-half! That kick last week was an accident, but now! Jacy wishes it wasn’t. Jacy admits that Gigi is good. But from the day they signed their contracts, Jacy had Gigi on her back and dragged her to success! The merchandise, the wins, if not for Jacy, Gigi would just be “another YouTube sensation, one hit wonder, living on the independent scene!” Roxie and Booker muffle their laughter while Gigi fires back! Jacy is just about Jacy! Gigi loves this external confidence Jacy has. When the cameras are on, Jacy can conquer the world! She’s a rock star with the resumé.

But what the world doesn’t know is that behind those curtains, Jacy is the most insecure person Gigi has ever met! And Gigi wasn’t gonna bring this up, but why not since we’re all shooting from the hip. Jacy gets so nervous before her matches, she has to puke up in a bucket! There’s one with her name on it right by the door. Jacy says, “MY insecurities?” Does Gigi have a funhouse mirror? Nothing Gigi says is true because Gigi is just a pathological liar! Oh? Then who is gonna hold Jacy’s hair back when she’s puking her guts out at Vengeance Day while Gigi is holding up the title? Booker says, “SHUCKY DUCKY QUACK QUACK~!”

Booker has the others calm down so Roxie can say what she thinks. Roxie says she’s enjoying the hell out of this. Jacy and Gigi have thrown insults at every single woman in the locker room. They made fun of everyone’s personalities, looks, and work, everything. Not to mention, they’ve made Roxie’s life a living hell. So it’s so good to see they’re making each other feel the way they have every single woman. “Karma is a toxic bitch!” Fans like that one! Roxie thought it was gonna be a handicap match but it looks like it’ll be a real Triple Threat. And while the odds are still against her, she will still walk in and walk out the champ.

But Gigi says that’s where Roxie is wrong. Roxie loves to walk around like she’s such a big deal. But she will make history at Vengeance Day, by being the shortest reigning NXT Women’s Champion of all time! “But the funny thing is, I don’t even have to beat you. I can pin YOU (Jacy)!” Jacy says the same thing back to Gigi! And if history says anything, that’s not that hard to do. Jacy would like to amend that saying of theirs, “It’s Toxic Attraction and then there’s everyone else.” Now it’s “There’s Jacy Jayne, then you two, and everybody else.” Gigi says of course Jacy holds onto Toxic Attraction! It’s the only thing that made Jacy relevant!!

And just like Jacy is the third wheel of that group, she’s the third wheel in this match! Gigi and Jacy get up, get in each other’s face, but Booker wants them to calm down. Roxie smiles as she holds up the belt, but then Toxic Attraction smiles. They grab Roxie and SMACK her off the desk! They mug Roxie 2v1! They stomp her down, then drag her back up for a DOUBLE SPINEBUSTER through the table!! It was a Toxic TRAP! Jacy & Gigi both hold up the title! Will NXT be toxic again, no matter who pins Roxie?


My Thoughts:

A great NXT here, and they’re really adding a lot to Vengeance Day! Great tie-in of the social media promo from Waller, Bron and pretty much everyone in NXT, and then great follow-up here tonight. That was a clearly gimmicked barrier, but that was still a great move to have Bron go busting through something like that. Waller is standing tall, and there’s still the go-home, I have a feeling they are still keeping the title on Bron. A shame because Waller is that great of a Heel, but maybe they just want Bron to have his first title win on the road since Stand & Deliver last year. Maybe the title change happens at this year’s Stand & Deliver so Bron can move on to RawDown after WrestleMania.

Great opening match from Indi and Tiffany, but of course Tiffany wins that with some cheating. Great stuff in the story of Fallon and Kiana, and great way of booking a Face and a Heel winning together. Jensen also getting them that tag title match for Vengeance Day was a rather sudden escalation of the story, I thought they’d drag this out towards Stand & Deliver. But we also got a good tag title match out of KC Squared, Fyre, and surprisingly Sol. But at the same time, Sol does make sense given her part in Fyre’s story. But since it wasn’t Isla Dawn as Fyre’s partner, it makes sense Fyre loses to then join Dawn. Maybe Fyre & Dawn will be the team to win the tag titles at Stand & Deliver to send KC Squared on to RawDown.

Great promo of New Day, Schism and Malik & Edris. That’s pretty big that they’re upping the ante on the Vengeance Day NXT Tag Team Championship match. And great stuff with Chase U, from the little bit of awards ceremony that JD interrupted to the match of JD VS Chase. Duke walking away to then come back with a spot in that tag title contender’s match is big, and the go-home could make or break Duke being Chase U 4 Life or not. For that matter, maybe Duke & Chase actually win, and then that make-or-break moment is a major part of the title match at Vengeance Day. At the same time, Schism being Grizzled Young Veterans, they’ve wanted those titles for so long, but so have Malik & Edris, they could all have a big moment at Vengeance Day.

Speaking of that match, decent promo from Gallus, but it feels like Mark’s accent has gotten heavier in his time away. I hope if nothing else, Joe Coffey shows up to try and help Gallus win. That’d be a big way for him to return, and maybe, just maybe, spurs on the return of Big E to at least being on screen and supporting ya bois. Good promo from Apollo, Melo and Trick in the barbershop, and wow, best 2 outta 3? That’s big, and that will go a long way to making Melo a clear contender to the title for Stand & Deliver. Really good stuff from Diamond Mine and all connected parties. Gulak’s story with Dempsey giving the Creeds a win was good, but so was Jinder & Indus Sher making the tag match we were meant to get before a thing now. Can’t wait for that next week, that’ll be good stuff.

Decent match from Lopez and Wendy, but of course Lopez cheats Wendy. But as I said last week, we’ll definitely get to the point where Feroz and Lopez become a team, much like Kiana and Fallon have. Good promo from Tony and Stacks, and I can’t be sure who Stacks is going to face when he already faced one of the biggest and baddest in Dijak. Maybe Von Wagner? Could Von Wagner’s next feud be with The D’Angelo Family? What even? Speaking of, good promo from Dijak and Wes to hype up their title match. I’m pretty sure Wes will win that, as great as Dijak is, and then Wes can face another big name at Stand & Deliver.

Good promo from Stevie Turner, and though her being a streamer is a weird choice, I appreciate having her basically video chat so she doesn’t have to leave her streaming studio. Stevie will definitely win her in-ring return, I just hope they don’t play her gimmick up in the match. Unless they do it with a chat box on the tron where “viewers” are commenting on what they see. Good promo from Cora to call out Lyra, and then a decent whodunnit in the parking lot with Lyons being attacked. The obvious culprit is Lyons but it could be anyone with a lot of random female superstars spotted in the area.

And really good stuff out of the NXT Women’s Championship story. Jacy and Gigi each had a good promo, and they made it sound like the duo was done, which is part of why I totally knew they’d pull that swerve on Roxie. They did throw some great insults and “secrets” out in the summit, and I do appreciate Roxie showing a bit more than her usual nice girl personality. But with Toxic Attraction standing tall and touching the belt, they are definitely still going to lose. Roxie will find a way to use them against each other, and then retain the title to head for Stand & Deliver.

My Score: 8.7/10


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Coverage

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

Talk about a Big Time Raw!

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Will The Man be the Last Woman Standing?

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

OFFICIAL RESULTS

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

PLAY BY PLAY

Jey Uso is here!

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

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

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

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

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

 

Adam Pearce is on the phone.

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Winners: DIY, by pinfall (advance to WrestleMania)

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

 

Judgment Day meets backstage.

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

Winners: Candice LeRae & Indi Hartwell, by submission

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

 

Cody Rhodes makes his way to the ring.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

Nia Jax speaks.

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

 

Cody Rhodes returns backstage.

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

 

Dominik Mysterio w/ JD McDonagh VS Ricochet!

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

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

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

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

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

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

Winner: Ricochet, by pinfall

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

 

Sami Zayn is backstage.

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

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

 

Adam Pearce is in the ring.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

Sami confronts Gable now.

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

 

CM Punk speaks.

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

 

Drew McIntyre is here!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

Becky Lynch speaks.

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

Liv Morgan confronts Becky Lynch.

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

 

Cody walks with his dog, Pharaoh, backstage.

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

 

Last Woman Standing: Becky Lynch VS Nia Jax!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Winner: Becky Lynch

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


My Thoughts:

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

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

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

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

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

My Score: 8.9/10


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

The semifinals are here!

Published

on

We’re just one step away from the Cup!

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

OFFICIAL RESULTS

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

PLAY BY PLAY

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

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

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

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

No Contest

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

2024 New Japan Cup Semifinals: SANADA VS Hirooki Goto!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


My Thoughts:

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

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

My Score: 8.9/10


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