Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE SmackDown Results & Report! (1/27/23)
Will Kevin Owens #JustKeepFighting?
The Prizefighter has a big fight before THE big fight!
On the SmackDown before the Royal Rumble, Kevin Owens must face Solo Sikoa! Will Kevin survive Roman Reigns’ Enforcer 24 hours before their Undisputed Universal Championship match?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Rey Mysterio VS Karrion Kross w/ Scarlett Bordeaux; Rey wins.
- Lacey Evans VS Jazmin Allure; Evans wins.
- SmackDown Tag Team Championships #1 Contenders Tournament, Semifinal:
Drew McIntyre & SheamusBraun Strowman & Ricochet VS Hit Row; Braun & Ricochet win and advances to the finals. - SmackDown Tag Team Championships #1 Contenders Tournament, Semifinal: Imperium VS Legado Del Fantasma; Imperium wins and advances to the finals.
- Kevin Owens VS Solo Sikoa; Kevin wins, by disqualification.
PLAY BY PLAY
The Bloodline arrives backstage.
Jimmy & Jey Usos tell Solo Sikoa that tonight is all about him. But then Sami Zayn sneaks over! Jey says Sami shouldn’t be here, this is against direct orders from The Tribal Chief! Sami knows but that’s why he isn’t going inside. He won’t step on any toes, but he needed to catch Jey. Sami needs to tell Jey face to face, that what jey did for Sami on Monday, he won’t forget that. Jey says he’s got Sami and Sami says he’s got Jey. If Jey needs anything, Sami will have his back. They shake and Sami heads out. Will Jey be able to keep Roman Reigns from learning about this? Or has Sami already failed his final test before it’s even begun?
Rey Mysterio VS Karrion Kross w/ Scarlett Bordeaux!
On the eve of the Royal Rumble, the King of Lucha may be on the eve of his destruction! Mr. & Mrs. Doomsday have been after Rey, claiming he is past his prime and needs to be put out of his misery. Will time run out for one of the greatest ever? Or will Rey prove he’s still one of the greatest ever and be rolling into the Rumble?
The bell rings and Kross circles with Rey. They tie up, Kross THROWS Rey aside, then he grins as he watches Rey get up. Fans boo while Kross and Rey approach. Rey waistlocks, Kross elbows free, but Rey runs to dropkick a leg out! Rey runs, tilt-o-whirls and RANAS Kross! But Kross gets up to CLOBBER Rey! Fans boo but Kross TOSSES Rey up and out, a la Rumble elimination! Kross then goes out, scoops Rey, but Rey slips off to POST Kross! Rey gets in the ring, slides and SUNSET BOMBS Kross into barriers! Scarlett is upset but fans fire up as SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns and Kross whips Rey hard into a corner! Kross reels Rey in for a pump handle scoop and BACKBREAKER! Fans boo while Rey writhes and Kross snarls. Kross pushes Rey to a cover, TWO! Rey is showing that legendary toughness, but Kross stalks him to a corner. Kross hoists Rey up top backwards, climbs up behind him, and wants after the mask! Rey throws elbows and Kross stumbles down! Rey adjusts, but Kross trips him up! Rey is in a Tree of Woe and Kross goes corner to corner! Rey sits up and Kross POSTS himself! Kross staggers away, Rey gets free, but Kross blocks a boot! But the ENZIGURI hits!
Kross ends up on ropes, Rey dials it up but Scarlett swipes at him! Fans boo, Scarlett is mad, but Kross runs in. Rey dropkicks Kross’ legs out and Kross ends up on ropes! Rey redials, for the 619! Fans fire up and Rey climbs the corner! FROG SPLASH! Cover, TWO!! Kross survives Rey’s best and shouts, “NO!” Fans rally for Rey but Scarlett coaches Kross up. Kross stands, he drags Rey up and reels him in. NORTHERN LIGHTS! Bridge to a float, but Rey hits a crucifix takedown! REY WINS!!
Winner: Rey Mysterio, by pinfall
Kross is shocked! He didn’t get out in time and he just lost! Rey survives the apocalypse here, but what about the Men’s Royal Rumble tomorrow night? Will Rey be the one to turn back time and find a way to WrestleMania? Or has he only bought himself 24 hours of reprieve?
Damage CTRL speaks.
It’s a WWE Digital Exclusive as Bayley says, “Ding dong, hello! Ahahaha! After what happened on Monday night, I gotta say that Damage Control is feeling really confident joining the Royal Rumble tomorrow night.” Dakota Kai says she feels “so sorry for all the other competitors,” because once these three get in the ring and work together, it’s going to be near impossible for anyone else to win! Iyo Sky says that tomorrow, “everyone finds out who runs WWE!” Kai says it’s them. DMG CTRL is getting in on the Rumble, will they make sure one of them is headed to WrestleMania?
Austin Theory is here!
The WWE United States Champion is still The Now, but only because Brock Lesnar cost Bobby Lashley again. Theory doesn’t care, though, the Raw superstar smiles and heads to the ring while fans boo. What will Theory have to say on the SmackDown before the Royal Rumble? We find out, after the break.
SmackDown returns and fans continue to boo Theory. Theory has a mic to say, “The champ! Is! HERE~!” Fans boo his Cena knockoff but Theory says not only did he retain his US Championship on Raw 30, but now, NOW, because we are in The Now, Theory is going straight to the Royal Rumble, and “Mr. All Day” will WIN the Royal Rumble! But then the NEW DAY shows up! Fans fire up as Xavier Woods & Kofi Kingston strut out with mics of their own. Kofi says, “Now, now, now, now, hold up. Austin Theory. Now there’s only three Austins that I respect. That’s Austin Creed, Stone Cold Steve, and the city where I live, right here in the great state of Texas, BABYYY~!”
Fans cheer and Woods tells Austin the guy that he’s a Raw superstar. Raw is the three hour show, but that’s where there’s more time to fill so Theory can spend it flapping his gums and wasting time. But here on SmackDown, the two-hour and efficient show, they have to get to business! IMMEDIATELY! IMMEDIAMENTE! IMMEDIATE, BOY! The New Day get in the ring and say now hold on. Did Mr. All Day just talk about how he thinks he’s gonna win the Rumble? Yes, that’s exactly what he said. The New Day has a good laugh there. But if not Austin Theory, then who? Who who who who? That’d be Woods & Kofi, AKA YA BOIS THE NEW~ DAY~!
That is because when one of them wins the Rumble, we ALL~ win the Royal Rumble! Fans cheer that, but Theory says, “That’s what you two think?” To get something straight, the New Day interrupts him but do they know who he is? Theory is the biggest star that there is! He is the biggest star in the WWE! But then THE MIZ shows up? Another Raw superstar appears, and the New Day is upset again. Miz says, “Biggest star in WWE? Let me explain something to you, Theory. I’ve been competing in Royal Rumble matches before you hit puberty.” BURN! Theory says that just means Miz is old. “Older, wiser, smarter, better than you will ever be.”
New Day is enjoying Miz tearing into Theory as Miz explains that tomorrow, Miz throws Theory and 28 others over the top rope to win the one thing in this business Miz has yet to win, and that is the Royal Rumble match! Fans are torn but the New Day laughs. Miz says that’s fine, but he says that there is NOTHING more dangerous than Miz with, uh, something on his shoulder. A chip? Yes, well, here’s an education on what’s going to happen tomorrow. But then Miz and Theory go after New Day! Was this a fake out?! But then here comes BOBBY LASHLEY! The All Mighty is a Raw star but he CLOBBERS the Raw stars!
Woods says that’s awesome! He high-fives Lashley, but then Lashley ELBOWS Woods! And SPINEBUSTERS Kofi! And COMPLETE SHOT for The Miz! Lashley aims at Theory, SPEAR!! The wrath of the Rocky Mountain Machine has struck and Laredo is all for it! Lashley says since Lesnar interrupted his US Championship match on Raw 30, Lashley will terrorize every one of the guys in the Royal Rumble until he gets what he deserves! But then LESANR jumps in from the crowd!! He fireman’s carries Lashley to hit an F5!! The Beast is sneakier than anyone knew, and Lesnar says he’ll see Lashley at the Rumble! Wait, Lesnar is getting in the Rumble?! Is he going to WIN the Royal Rumble again to go back to WrestleMania?!
Rhea Ripley speaks.
“Mami is here. And I am ready for the Royal Rumble tomorrow. I’ve had my fair share of Royal Rumble matches, and I’ve come extremely close. But 2023 is the Year of Mami. It’s the Year of Rhea Ripley, ’cause I am Rhea bloody Ripley and I am gonna win the 2023 Royal Rumble and punch my golden ticket to WrestleMania.” Will the Judgment Day’s leading lady eradicate all competition to head to Hollywood?
Lacey Evans VS Jazmin Allure!
The Model Soldier has finished retraining her mind and body, and now she’s back in action! Will she get back on track just in time for the road to WrestleMania?
The bell rings, Allure rallies the fans and ties up with Lacey. Lacey puts Allure in the corner, TOSSES her across the way, then soaks up the heat. Allure runs in but into a drop toehold! Lacey SLAMS Allure off the mat, then talks trash while doing push-ups. Allure storms up, they tie up, and Lacey wrenches to wristlock. Allure rolls, throws a hand but Lacey blocks to wrench, roll and wrench, to BOOT Allure down! Lacey soaks up the heat and flexes as she storms up to Allure. Lacey dribbles Allure off the buckles, then lets off. Lacey’s boot fell apart so she grabs the sole. She wants to smack Allure but the ref stops her.
Lacey whips Allure corner to corner, Allure goes up and over and handsprings, but Lacey blocks the kick! Trip and haymaker! Lacey SLAMS Allure’s leg, then scoops her to a fireman’s carry. But Allure rolls Lacey up! TWO, and A WOMAN’S RIGHT! Then the COBRA CLUTCH!! Lacey thrashes Allure, Allure taps, Lacey wins!
Winner: Lacey Evans, by submission
Lacey shows no mercy and no remorse, but also no weakness. “Little Miss Loser Laredo just learned that the Cobra Clutch is unbreakable! Aw, y’all sound so mad. Y’all’re really gonna be mad when I take this bicep, this forearm, lock it around 29 other women, throw ’em over the top at my feet, where they belong! In fact, all you losers here in Laredo can get on your feet and salute your soon-to-be Royal Rumble winner.” Fans boo but Lacey soaks it up. Then Lacey drags Allure up to haul her up and TOSS her out! Allure was just the first, will Lacey complete her mission and eliminate all others?
Backstage interview with Sheamus & Drew McIntyre.
Kayla Braxton is with The Celtic Connection and McIntyre says that tonight is a huge night, but so is tomorrow night with the Royal Rumble. He was thinking, it’s Sheamus’ birthday, he’s on a huge run, the Rumble winner is going to be Sheamus! Sheamus says he appreciates that, but McIntyre’s been on quite the run, too. If Sheamus were a betting man, his money would be on McIntyre. Those shoulder smacks get a little hard, but McIntyre says that Sheamus may not have many WrestleManias left in him. Plus, he’s been putting on banger after banger, it should be Sheamus. Sheamus has more Manias in the bag than McIntyre, so he votes for McIntyre.
Again, these two are hitting each other a bit hard as they go back and forth saying the other is going to win, they’re almost chopping each other! Kayla has them stop and says they’re up against Hit Row tonight. Right, right. The plan is that Hit Row gets sent back to Skid Row. When the lads are in town, they put on banger! After banger! After banger! Sheamus & McIntyre head out, but will tonight’s banger hit the top of the charts? Or will Top Dolla & Ashante THEE Adonis be the ones dropping the beat down?
The story of Cody Rhodes’ return continues.
Five months ago, Cody started on his rehab. He wants to not only make his comeback at the Royal Rumble, he wants to win the Royal Rumble. It feels like it has taken 16 years to get to this point. Not only recovering from injury, but carrying the history of everywhere Cody has been. His first run in WWE, him leaving, and him returning. All the doubt, all the struggle, all the sacrifice, all the heartache. When you’re in the ring and in the moment, you know exactly why it’s working. He was born for this.
Cody is in the prime of his career, only to hit rock bottom. “No human being could’ve kept me from getting in that ring. I looked up at the lights enough, whether that be in the ring or on a table, ready to have surgery.” As his Nightmare Factory mantra says: Put in the work. The doctors know he has the determination to get back, but Cody has to respect nature of the human body. Cody wants us to picture that moment where you’re that close to success, to vindication. And for it to get broken, that was a legitimate knife to the heart.
But at the Royal Rumble, a torn pec, two torn pecs, torn quads, nothing short of his heart failing will stop him. Being in the ring is like oxygen, and Cody wants to breathe again. Cody is putting in the work, envisioning his return. He wants everyone to get off the mountain, because he has made it clear what he wants and why he is going to do it. The American Nightmare is just 24 HOURS AWAY, will he make this the biggest comeback in WWE history?
SmackDown Tag Team Championships #1 Contenders Tournament, Semifinal: Drew McIntyre & Sheamus VS Hit Row!
The Celtic Connection conquered the Viking Raiders in the first round while Dolla & Adonis dealt with Los Lotharios. The finals are on the horizon, will McIntyre & Sheamus be able to focus on this tournament with the Rumble up next? Or will they end up being checked off the Hit Row hit list next?
Speaking of the Viking Raiders, Erik & Ivar attack Sheamus & McIntyre during their entrance! Fans boo as the sore losers beat down the winners! Ivar sends Sheamus into the apron, then he and Erik mug McIntyre. They RAM McIntyre into barriers, then they mug Sheamus! And the RAM him into more barriers! Erik KNEES Sheamus, then he KNEES McIntyre! Ivar then adds a SPLASH on Sheamus! And a SPLASH on McIntyre! Fans boo, security and referees, and even Adam Pearce, rush out! The Viking Raiders leave, having done the damage. Will this semifinal match still happen? We’ll see, after the break.
SmackDown returns and Hit Row make their entrance. We see footage from the commercial that McIntyre & Sheamus stormed off to find the Vikings! Pearce tried talking sense to them, but he’s back to talk to Hit Row. Yes, we all saw what happened but he is explained that Sheamus & McIntyre will not be competing tonight. They voluntarily gave up their positions, but no one is getting a free pass. Hit Row is upset, but they must compete against the replacement team of… BRAUN STROWMAN & RICOCHET!! Dolla is pissed, but karma has come back to bite them! Will the Monster of All Monsters and the King of Flight change Hit Row’s plans?
SmackDown Tag Team Championships #1 Contenders Tournament, Semifinal: Braun Strowman & Ricochet VS Hit Row!
The teams sort out and Adonis starts against Ricochet. Fans fire up as the two circle, and Adonis swings. Ricochet dodges, fires hands on Adonis, then CHOPS him! Ricochet brings Adonis around to UPPERCUT! Ricochet whips, Adonis reverses but Ricochet CLOBBERS Adonis! Ricochet rains down fists, then talks trash on Dolla. Ricochet drags Adonis up, scoops and SLAMS, then runs to elbow drop! Cover, ONE!! Ricochet stays on Adonis, brings him around as he talks trash to Dolla, and whips again. Adonis reverses but Ricochet rolls over his back, rolls under the lariat and rolls back to RANA! And DROPKICK!
Adonis bails out, fans fire up and Ricochet builds speed, but Dolla stands on his way. Ricochet asks Michael Cole what this is about but Dolla says Cole won’t do anything. So Ricochet ENZIGURIS! Dolla falls, B-Fab is upset, but Dolla is furious! Dolla runs in but the ref tells him to stand down. But then B-Fab anchors Ricochet’s foot! Adonis runs in to AIR-DROP! Cover, TWO! Adonis rains down fists then throws knees! Adonis CLUBS away on Ricochet, the fans boo, but Adonis talks trash. Adonis drags Ricochet up to UPPERCUT, then he tags Dolla. Hit Row coordinate, whip and RAM! Then feed to a BOOT! Dolla covers, TWO!
Dolla keeps on Ricochet, talks trash to Braun, and then drags Ricochet. Dolla CHOKES Ricochet on the ropes, tags Adonis, and Adonis runs to STRADDLE ATTACK! Adonis soaks up the heat while he stays on Ricochet. The ref counts, Adonis lets off, but B-Fab gets a cheap shot in! Adonis covers, TWO! Fans rally for Ricochet as Adonis clamps on a chinlock. Ricochet endures, fights up, but Adonis throws him down by his beard! Tag to Dolla, Adonis drags Ricochet up by his ear. Hit Row mug Ricochet, then Adonis tags in again. They mug Ricochet more, then Adonis scoops to SLAM Ricochet! Braun coaches Ricochet as Adonis drops an elbow.
Adonis taunts, but Ricochet rolls him up! TWO, Ricochet whips Adonis but Adonis reverses! Ricochet BOOTS back, reaches out, but Adonis corners him! Ricochet dodges the haymaker but Adonis grabs an arm! Ricochet fires haymakers, but swings into a back suplex! Ricochet lands on his feet, ducks the haymaker, hot tag to Braun! Braun TOSSES Adonis, BLASTS Dolla, then BOOTS Adonis! Braun runs corner to corner to SPLASH Adonis! Dolla gets in, Braun dodges to then clothesline Dolla up and out! Fans fire up as Braun throws off his shirt! Braun whips to BACK DROP Adonis! Laredo is thunderous as Braun drags Adonis back up!
Ricochet returns, he builds speed and FLIES to take out Dolla! Braun gives Adonis a MONSTER BOMB!! Cover, Braun & Ricochet win!
Winners: Braun Strowman & Ricochet, by pinfall (advance to the finals)
Things just got a whole lot wilder for this tournament! The strength of Braun, the speed of Ricochet, will there be any stopping these two from taking the SmackDown Tag Team Championships?
Backstage interview with Kevin Owens.
Kayla is with the Prizefighter, noting that while tomorrow night, he faces Roman Reigns, why is he risking it all to take on “one of the most vicious members of the Bloodline” in Solo Sikoa here tonight? Kevin is doing this because tomorrow night, he wants to become Universal Champion. Kevin wants to right a wrong that happened two years ago at the Royal Rumble. That night, that title was Kevin’s. But on that night, Roman, Heyman and The Bloodline did everything they could to screw Kevin over. Tomorrow will be no different. When in these last three years has Roman done anything on his own?
So if Kevin is to win, he has to take out as many members of the Bloodline as he can tonight, starting with Solo. But speaking of, the Usos storm up. Security already rushes in to stop the brawl! Pearce tells them all to stay back, they’re not screwing up another match tonight! Kevin mockingly asks where their cousin is, but his match is coming! Will Kevin be able to focus on Solo when Solo isn’t alone?
The Usos are escorted out of the building.
They say Pearce is tripping. They didn’t even start the fight. But it’s all good. The Usos return to their car, but Jey makes a quick call. “Yo, my dawg. You still in town? Alright, I need a favor. Yeet.” Did Jey just make a call to Sami?! Is Sami going to defy Roman’s orders to help Jey protect Solo?
Bray Wyatt’s old music hits!?
Fans fire up for the classic Eater of Worlds to make his way out here, but… Wait, that’s not Bray Wyatt. That’s LA KNIGHT cosplaying Bray Wyatt! And he’s even got a tiny lantern… Fans boo but Knight says he’s gonna take this stupid crap off. He throws the hat, the shirt, and the undershirt away. “Lemme talk to ya!” Laredo seems to have some LA Knight fans, but Knight says the biggest moment in Raw history happened at Raw 30 when out to the ring walked L A Knight! He heard the fans chant, “Talk To Us!” Who chanted that? But being the benevolent man that he is, he gives us what we want, even when we don’t deserve it.
“And then like the turd in the punch bowl, here comes the Undertaker to assist Bray Wyatt. Why is that? Pipe down, I’m talking.” But why? Because neither of them wanted this guy 1v1! YEAH! “YEAH!” Pipe down, Knight’s talking! Bray, you have 24 hours until the Pitch Black match. So bring every bit of advice Taker whispered into your ear. Come down as whatever version of yourself that gives you the tingle in your loins! Cuz this right here? This is your future: Torn up and laid out! “Because when the Alamo Dome goes Pitch Black, your dumpy ass ain’t coming back! And that’s not an insult, that is just a fact of life! YEAH!”
But then Bray Wyatt appears on stage! He sits in the rocking chair and laughs. He sees Knight making jokes, but they both know that Knight ain’t smiling on the inside. “But here’s the thing, man. It doesn’t even matter anymore! The time for talking has come and gone. Tomorrow night at the Royal Rumble, you will finally get to meet the man that you’ve been looking for.” Fans like the sound of that! “So take your time tonight, man. Have a great night, sweetheart. Laugh it up, joke all you want, because tomorrow night, when the lights go out, oh… You’ll see.” Bray laughs, but UNCLE HOWDY is in the upper deck!
Knight tells Bray to keep it to the two of them, but Howdy nods and waves his hand around. Is the Pitch Black match going to be more than a 1v1?
SmackDown Tag Team Championships #1 Contenders Tournament, Semifinal: Imperium VS Legado Del Fantasma!
Now that we know it will be Braun Strowman & Ricochet in the finals, the winner here has their work cut out for them. But even so, will Ludwig Kaiser & Giovanni Vinci make Der Ring General proud? Or will Cruz Del Toro & Joaquin Wilde win this one for the Emperor, Santos Escobar?
The teams sort out and Ludwig starts against Wilde. Vega stays ringside to coach her team as Wilde and Ludwig tie up. They go around, Ludwig puts Wilde in the corner, then lets off. Wilde avoids the haymaker and gets an arm, but Ludwig chinbars to headlock, then wrench. Ludwig hammerlocks the arm but Wilde endures. Wilde kneels, fans rally, and Wilde fights up to hammerlock in return. Ludwig switches the hold back on, then knuckle locks. Wilde CHOPS, he goes up and up, but doesn’t hit the smoothest arm-drag. Things still speed up, Wilde ducks ‘n’ dodges, then tilt-o-whirls, only for Ludwig to DECK him!
Cruz and Vega coach Wilde but Vinci tags in. Vinci headlocks and grinds Wilde’s head but Wilde endures. Wilde throws body shots but Vinci CLUBS him down! Vinci drags Wilde up, whips him to a corner, but he avoids the up ‘n’ over. Vinci back suplexes, Wilde lands on his feet! Hot tag to Cruz! Fans cheer as Cruz leaps over, then JABS, JABS, and feints to run, slide and CHOP! Vinci brushes that off, and he blocks a kick to short arm LARIAT! Cover, TWO! Cruz crawls but Vinci drags him up. Vinci chicken wings, Ludwig tags in, and Imperium mugs Cruz. Ludwig stalks Cruz to a corner, then brings him into a chinlock.
The ref counts as they’re in the corner, and Ludwig lets off. But Cruz JABS, JABS and CHOPS! Ludwig runs in but into a BOOT! Cruz goes up and leaps, but Ludwig DECKS him! Ludwig rains down fists, then rains down headbutts! Fans boo but Ludwig eggs Cruz on. Ludwig BOOTS Wilde for good measure, but Cruz ROCKS him with forearms! Cruz SOBATS, but Ludwig grabs onto the tights! Ludwig brings Cruz around, but Cruz PELES him away! Hot tag to Wilde! Vinci runs in but Wilde shoulders him away! And slingshot Arabian Press arm-drag! Cruz DROPKICKS Ludwig out! LDF builds speed, but into DOUBLE LARIATS! Imperium stands tall as SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns, Wilde fires forearms on Ludwig! But Ludwig UPPERCUTS! Wilde ends up on ropes, Ludwig drags him up and whips him to the corner. Ludwig runs in but he blocks the boot. “NEIN!” UPPERCUT! GAMANGIRI! Ludwig snap suplexes Wilde, then takes his time pacing around him. Ludwig runs to PENALTY KICK! Cover, TWO! Cruz and Vega coach Wilde but Ludwig clamps on a chinlock. Ludwig shifts to a cravat but fans rally. Vinci tags in, Imperium mugs Wilde. Vega is stinging from that CHOP, and then Vinci scoop SLAMS Wilde! Cover, TWO! Vinci tags Ludwig back in and they mug Wilde more.
Ludwig toys with Wilde but Wilde CHOPS back! And uppercuts! And uppercuts again! Ludwig kicks low, then shouts “NEIN!” Fans boo as Ludwig whips, but Wilde reverses and jumps on to TORNADO DDT! Fans fire up while both men are down! Ludwig and Wilde crawl for their corners, hot tags to Vinci and Cruz! Cruz springboards to CROSSBODY Vinci! Cruz keeps moving, ducks ‘n ‘dodges, then tilt-o-whirl RANAS! Vinci ends up in a corner, Cruz runs in to GAMANGIRI! Cruz whips corner to corner, Vinci reverses, but Cruz slips out to the apron! Vinci only gets buckles, but Ludwig runs in! Cruz GAMANGIRIS!
Cruz springboards to DOUBL EMISSILE DROPKICK! Imperium flops out, LDF builds speed, DOUBLE TOPE CONJILO!! Direct hit on Imperium and Cruz puts Vinci in! Vinci staggers to a corner, Cruz runs in but into an elbow! Vinci goes up, but Cruz handsprings to GAMANGIRI! Vinci wobbles, Cruz slingshots up to SUPER STEINER Vinci down! Tag to Wilde and he goes up top to SPRINGBOARD SPLASH! Cover, Ludwig breaks it! Laredo can’t believe it and neither can Vega! Vega calms down, though, and coaches her team. Fans rally up as Imperium regroups. Ludwig grabs at Wilde but Cruz fires off CHOPS on him!
Cruz CHOPS but LUdwig shoves! Cruz comes back, RANAS Ludwig right out! Then Cruz builds speed to slide!
Ludwig gets under, scoops and SLAMS Cruz on the floor! Vinci and Wilde meet up top and Vinci CLUBS Wilde! And then SUPER MILITARY PRESS!! But Vinci clutches his leg! He crawls, tags in Ludwig, and Ludwig drags Wilde up with a chinbar. Vinci hobbles over, Ludwig grins, and they set up. Vinci gets Wilde up and Ludwig is up top, IMPERIAL BOMB!! Cover, Imperium wins!
Winners: Imperium, by pinfall
A hard fought battle in both styles and cultures, but it is the Impeccable German and Pride of Italy who won out. Will they be able to make the mat sacred, even though they’re going against the Monster and the Flyer?
Xia Li speaks.
“I have more skills than any woman in this match. So looking past me is not only dangerous, but painful.” Will the Protector truly become the Eliminator in the Women’s Royal Rumble?
WWE shares footage of Charlotte Flair being on Ryan Satin’s Out of Character podcast.
But it was interrupted by guess who? Sonya Deville. Sonya applauded Ryan for asking the “big questions,” but then she was escorted away by security. Will Sonya ever stop this obsession with the SmackDown Women’s Champion?
Adam Pearce meets with Charlotte.
She knows he is having a busy day, and he says yes, because now he has to deal with Fox and how they were upset by Sonya’s stunt. Charlotte knows, Sonya is really annoying and opportunities are earned, not given. But she also has to hand it to Sonya, she’s persistent. That’s not the word Pearce would use. Well, Charlotte is just trying to be positive. But Charlotte will give Sonya a match. It’ll even be a title match. Wait, Charlotte wants to give Sonya a title match? Yes. Is she sure? Charlotte will put an exclamation point on this once and for all. Well, if she wants to do that, they’ll do it next week on SmackDown.
Charlotte thanks Pearce, high-gives him, and heads out. So now, win or lose in the Royal Rumble, Sonya gets a shot on the first SmackDown on the Road to WrestleMania! Will Sonya make the most of this opportunity? Or will she lose with Flair?
Kevin Owens VS Solo Sikoa!
The Prizefighter has been fighting against The Bloodline for years now, so he knows what they’re all about. The Usos were ejected from the building, and The Tribal Chief isn’t here tonight, so will Kevin have a truly 1v1 match with the Enforcer of the Island? Or will a certain Honorary Uce do his dawg a solid?
The bell rings and Kevin fires hands with Solo right away! Fans fire up, Kevin stomps Solo’s toes and then headlocks. Solo powers out but Kevin RAMS shoulders with him. Neither man moves, fans fire up, and Kevin runs to RAM Solo again! Solo roars, Kevin dares him to try then. Solo runs, they RAM shoulders, and no one moves. Kevin runs, RAMS Solo, Solo rebounds to RAM Kevin, repeat! They go back and forth, shoulder for shoulder, and then Kevin drops to CLOBBER Solo! And SENTON! Fans fire up with Kevin as Solo goes to a corner. Kevin runs in, but Solo slips out of the ring. Fans boo but Kevin just slides out the side!
Kevin storms up on Solo but Solo picks him up! Solo RAMS Kevin into the barrier! And then POSTS him! And then runs him into more barriers! The Street Champion stands over the Prizefighter while SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns again and Solo has Kevin in a chinlock. Kevin fights up as fans rally, and he throws body shots! Solo HEADBUTTS Kevin down! Kevin ends up in a corner, Solo goes to the opposite, and Solo runs in, to only get buckles! Kevin stands up, he ROCKS Solo with haymaker after haymaker, then whips. Solo reverses but Kevin kicks him! Solo roars, but Kevin hits an atomic drop and a LARIAT! Kevin rallies on Solo, but Solo blocks a lariat to HEADBUTT! Only for Kevin to kick low and DDT! Cover, TWO! Solo is tough but Kevin stomps him down. Kevin climbs up a corner and fans fire up. But Solo UPPERCUTS Kevin first!
Solo climbs up after Kevin, gives him more HEADBUTTS, and then brings Kevin up. Solo tells Kevin he’s not making it to the Rumble! But Kevin throws body shots! And a HEADBUTT of his own! And another! And then an ELBOW! Solo falls back, Kevin adjusts, FROG SPLASH! Cover, TWO! Kevin keeps his focus as Solo survives. Kevin waits on Solo to stand and fans rally up. Solo staggers, into a SUPERKICK! Solo wobbles, to SUPERKICK in return! Kevin SUPERKICKS again! And then kicks low, but no Stunner! Solo SAMOAN DROPS! Cover, TWO! Kevin survives but Solo seethes. Fans rally for Kevin but Solo shakes his head.
Kevin crawls to a corner, Solo aims from the opposite end. Solo runs in, but Kevin dodges again! The splash hits post! Kevin SUPERKICKS Solo! And SUPERKICKS him again! Kevin says “SUCK IT!” and runs corner to corner, CANNONBALL! Solo is down but Kevin climbs up! SWANTON BOMB! Cover, SAMI helps Solo get out of the ring?!? Fans can’t believe it and Kevin is just as shocked! Fans chant “UCEY! UCEY!” but Kevin storms out to get in Sami’s face. Solo aims, Kevin dodges, the SUPERKICK hits Sami! Kevin ROCKS Solo and RAMS him into steel steps! Kevin sees the announce desk, and he clears it off!
Kevin goes back for Solo, drags him up, and brings him around, only for Solo to POST him! Solo has Kevin on the desk, and he grabs a chair! Solo doesn’t care about winning anymore, he CRACKS Kevin with the chair!
Winner: Kevin Owens, by disqualification
Kevin is on the desk, Solo goes onto the barrier. He’s gonna recreate the splash from last week! But Kevin fires off haymakers! Solo HEADBUTTS, leaps, but into a SUPERKICK! Kevin snarls, Solo returns, but into a POP-UP POWERBOMB onto the desk! The desk doesn’t break, but maybe Solo just did! Kevin grabs the chair! Sami sits up and sees Kevin looking at him! Sami scrambles away, Kevin SMACKS Solo! Solo falls over the barriers, then Kevin puts the chair down in front of Sami. Kevin shouts, “THIS IS MY SHOW!!” Laredo fires up and Kevin tells Roman, “Tomorrow night! Royal Rumble! I’m bringing everything I got! EVERYTHING!!!”
The Prizefighter is furious, and he will certainly bring that fury to San Antonio. Will Kevin #JustKeepFighting until he is finally the reigning, defending, Undisputed WWE Universal Heavyweight Champion?
My Thoughts:
A pretty good SmackDown, but I feel like go-home syndrome reared its ugly head again. We got quite a bit more recap packages than I expected, even though I totally expected them to replay Cody’s newest vignette from Raw, and the 2023 edition of “Royal Rumble: By The Numbers.” And we got good promos from a handful of the women entering this year’s Rumble, but I’m still thinking Rhea wins it all. Good bit from Charlotte to set up a title match with Sonya, so duh, Sonya’s not winning the Rumble, but I don’t see her winning on SmackDown next week, either. And of course Lacey wins her return match, but uh… Is Lacey just gonna have gear that shows more skin every rebrand? Wow…
Really good opener from Rey VS Kross, and I knew Rey was going to win. He and Kross are far from done with this, but Rey had to get some of his momentum back after Kross talked down to him and beat him down just a couple weeks ago. Good promo stuff from Theory, New Day, and Miz, and good brawl that then added Lashley and Lesnar to the mix. I suppose it’s fine for Lashley and Lesnar to fight things out in the Rumble match as opposed to in a separate match at the Royal Rumble. But I foresee them basically cancelling out so that neither one wins, which leads to a WrestleMania match.
Good promo from LA Knight trolling us, and then Bray and Uncle Howdy appearing in response to that. Still no explanation of what a Pitch Black match will be outside of the Anything Goes nature, but fine, whatever, because in the end, it feels like the match could go either way. Knight got beat up on Raw, so go-home math would lean his way, but Uncle Howdy is a wild card. Much like with Alexa and Bianca for the Raw Women’s Championship, Uncle Howdy has been showing up a lot, he could easily be the reason both Alexa and Bray win their matches, and things really build towards WrestleMania with a White Rabbit faction as many fans had anticipated when Bray first returned.
Good promo from Sheamus & McIntyre that keeps adding onto the weird, passive aggressive way these two support each other. But the Vikings attacking Celtic Connection, that’s a lame way to take them out of the tournament. At least, in the semifinals. If it’d happened in the finals, it’d feel a bit better. And with the way the Bloodline story is going, you could still get Face VS Heel in Usos VS Imperium, but maybe that’s not the plan. Legado Del Fantasma got the Face treatment by Laredo, and even had that in NXT, it wouldn’t be so hard to make them the Faces that face Heel Usos. But Braun & Ricochet is a good team, so I guess it’s fine for them to step in and take the tournament. Because yes, I’m pretty sure they’re in to win against Imperium like they did against Hit Row tonight.
And speaking of the Bloodline’s story, great stuff out of them tonight. Sami showing up despite Roman’s orders was a nice touch, and of course it comes into play with the main event. The Usos being barred from ringside, Jey making the call, and Sami doing his best to come through for Jey was all good stuff. Roman was away because he was scheduled for Jimmy Fallon tonight, so it can work in reality and kayfabe that Roman won’t know what happened until, well, right about now. Sami’s “final test” is still unknown, but this could be a kayfabe reason for Roman to “escalate” what he had planned. Screwing over Kevin after Kevin just spared Sami would still be an obvious way to go, but maybe there will be something out of the box in store.
My Score: 8.4/10
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Will The Man be the Last Woman Standing?
Becky Lynch and Nia Jax want to finally put this to an end, so tonight on Raw, it will be a Big Time Last Woman Standing match! Will the Irresistible Force force the WrestleMania 40 match to change?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championship Ladder Match Qualifier: #DIY VS The Creed Brothers; DIY wins and advances to WrestleMania.
- Candice LeRae & Indi Hartwell VS Kayden Carter & Katana Chance; Candice & Indi win.
- Dominik Mysterio w/ JD McDonagh VS Ricochet; Ricochet wins.
- Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championship Ladder Match Qualifier: The Awesome Truth VS Indus Sher; The Awesome Truth wins and advances to WrestleMania.
- Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championship Ladder Match Qualifier: The New Day VS The Alpha Academy; The New Day wins and advances to WrestleMania.
- Last Woman Standing: Becky Lynch VS Nia Jax; Becky wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
Jey Uso is here!
North Carolina State University fires up and bounces along with Main Event Jey, and Pat McAfee plays a dangerous game standing on the armchairs! From Bret VS Owen to Matt VS Jeff, we’re about to get Jey VS Jimmy in the third-ever Brother VS Brother WrestleMania grudge match! Jey gets the mic as fans chant “YEET! YEET! YEET!” Jey welcomes us to Monday Night Raw, and wants us to check this out. He knows his brothers are somewhere in the building. He knows The Bloodline’s in the building. He knows how the Bloodline rolls! SO Big Brother Jimmy, where you at?! Where you at, Uce!?
Jey waits for someone to show up somewhere, and the crowd spots them first! Fans boo as Jimmy & Solo make their way from the back of the stands. Jimmy gets a mic and goes to the apron while Solo paces around the outside. Fans chant “YEET! YEET! YEET!” again as Jey puts the sunglasses aside. The Usos stare each other down, the fans now chant “UCE! OH! UCE! OH!” Jey wants to say something, hesitates, but then says these two would always get to it but they always knew how to shake right back to this. But now it’s different. Regardless of what happened, the bad blood between them, Jey misses his brother. He does.
Jey knows Jimmy will say what he wants, but Jey doesn’t talk to him no more, doesn’t ride with him no more, doesn’t even see him no more! Jimmy can just come back. Jimmy says he never left! He protected Jey! Jey’s so dumb, he can’t see it! Jimmy is protecting Jey! It was Jey’s idea to leave The Bloodline, but Jimmy helped because he is Jey’s brother. So yeah, Jey leaves, and what happens? Lil’ Bro becomes the BIGGEST star on the Raw roster! Lil’ Bro becomes the top merch seller! Lil’ Bro goes off to become a tag team champion without Jimmy, but with CODY RHODES!? Who left who, Uce?
Jey forgot Jimmy! Everything Jey did that was big was cuz of Big Bro Jimmy! Everything! So listen loud and clear. The biggest moment in Jey’s career, the BIGGEST moment, is because of Jimmy! Jimmy stares Jey down, but Jey says no. Jey’s biggest moment in his career is going to be his dream match at WrestleMania 40: Jey VS Jimmy, and Jey knocks the yeet out Jimmy’s ass! Jey DECKS Jimmy, DECKS Solo off the apron, but then Jimmy SUPERKICKS Jey down! The fans boo but now Solo storms in and looms over Jey. Solo drags Jey up so Jimmy can look him in the face and tell him that Jey needs to get it right! JIMMY made Jey!
But here comes Cody Rhodes! The fans fire up as Cody DECKS Jimmy, then gets in to springboard and CODY CUTTER Solo!! The American Nightmare said he was gonna be a Bloodline Hunter, and he made sure they didn’t take out Jey! Cody tells The Bloodline it is only a matter of time before they lose it all at WrestleMania! Will Jey prove that younger or older doesn’t matter when he is the BETTER brother?
Adam Pearce is on the phone.
He’s telling Nick Aldis to stop being a hypocrite, telling Pearce to keep his roster in check when this is happening. But then Paul Heyman walks over and Pearce says he’ll call Aldis back. Pearce then asks Heyman what was all that, and Heyman says he owes Pearce an apology. He is sorry. That was not authorized by The Final Boss nor The Tribal Chief, and certainly not by Heyman. Jimmy & Solo went into business for themselves so Heyman apologizes. But listen, Pearce knows that there have been flight delays all day. Even private jets like theirs. Heyman is barely even dressed for TV, let alone has his make-up!
Pearce says those two were ready. Yeah, well, they got in on a different flight. But Roman Reigns is a chief of his word. Those two are already gone, out of the arena, and Pearce has Roman’s word. Call his bluff, put out a search party. Pearce knows Heyman is here on official business, which Heyman will handle, and then be gone. That is it. But when Heyman does his official business… everyone will be caught off guard. “And Mr. Pearce, sir, that’s not a prediction. That’s a spoiler.” The Wise Man heads out and calls Roman, but just what is Heyman teasing?
Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championship Ladder Match Qualifier: #DIY VS The Creed Brothers!
Unlike SmackDown’s mini-tournament, Raw and Adam Pearce say it’s win and you’re in! Tommaso Ciampa & Johnny Gargano want one more shot at Judgment Day, but so do Julius & Brutus! Will the Sicilian Psycho & Johnny Wrestling prove that when it comes to Mania Moments, you gotta do it yourself? Or will the Creeds be bringing golden tickets to the Diamond Mine?
Raw returns as The Creeds make their entrance. The teams fist bump to show respect, then the teams sort out. Julius starts against Ciampa, they circle and tie up. They’re in a deadlock, Ciampa goes for a waistlock but Julius facelocks. Julius wrangles Ciampa to the mat, flips him over, ONE, and Ciampa keeps moving. They trade facelocks, gator roll, and Julius gets another lateral press. ONE, but Julius gator rolls Ciampa around. Ciampa fights up, puts Julius on ropes, and the ref counts. Ciampa lets off, then CHOPS! Julius shoots in for the takedown! Julius has a leg, Ciampa fights but Julius turns him for the ANKLE LOCK!
Ciampa scrambles to the ROPEBREAK, and Julius lets off cleanly. Ciampa bails out, shakes it off, and he gets back in. They go again, Julius hits a fireman’s carry takeover! Tag to Brutus, and Julius feeds Ciampa to another fireman’s carry takeover! Brutus cording holds but Ciampa endures. Ciampa fights up, but Brutus facelocks. The fans rally as Brutus switches and rolls Ciampa. Ciampa fights up, headlocks, then ROCKS Brutus! Brutus DECKS Ciampa, then whips him to ropes. Ciampa ducks ‘n’ dodges, tag to Gargano! Ciampa slides, CHOPS, Gargano LARIATS and Ciampa JAWBREAKERS! Wrench and LARIAT!
Julius runs in, Gargano kicks and Ciampa gives him the boost for SLICED BREAD! The Creeds bail out, but DIY DOUBLE PLANCHA! Down go the Creeds, and DIY applaud and pat themselves on the back. The fans fire up and Raw goes to break.
Raw returns again and Ciampa has Julius in a chinlock. The fans rally, Julius fights up to throw body shots, but Ciampa hits a back suplex! Julius lands out of it, but Ciampa elbows him away. Ciampa drop toeholds Julius, gets legs, but Julius BOOTS Ciampa away! Hot tags to Gargano and Brutus! Brutus rallies on DIY, TOSSES Gargano, then blocks Ciampa’s kick to get under and POWERBOMB him! Brutus sees DIY regroup, then he runs in to SPLASH them both! O’Conner on Ciampa, but Gargano runs up! NORTHERN LIGHTS! Brutus has a DOUBLE BRIDGE, TWO!! Tag to Julius and he gut wrench SLAMS Brutus on Ciampa!
Brutus helps Julius flip up and over to SPLASH onto Ciampa! Cover, TWO! The fans rally up as Julius drags Ciampa up. Ciampa throat chops! A bit dirty but Ciampa wants that win! Ciampa storms up on Julius, but Julius basement stalling suplexes!! The fans are thunderous, Gargano runs in, but Brutus intercepts! Brutus suplexes Gargano now, stalls, and then the Creeds SLAM and kip up! Then they both STANDING MOONSAULT! Cover, TWO! Ciampa stays in this for DIY but the Creeds keep cool. Julius stomps Ciampa, tags Brutus, and they KNEE Ciampa around! Then they DOUBLE GUTBUSTER! Ciampa sputters but Brutus tags Julius in.
Julius drags Ciampa up, tags Brutus back in, and Brutus climbs. Julius Electric Chair Lifts, but Gargano makes the save! Gargano ROCKS Julius, Brutus ROCKS Gargano! Ciampa BOOTS Brutus, Gargano swings on Julius but is sent into Ciampa! Ciampa pushes Gargano back so he can ELBOW Julius! DIY set up again but Brutus stops the Sliced Bread! Julius DECKS Ciampa, KNEE into the WIDOWMAKER! Julius scrapes Gargano out, Brutus POUNCES Ciampa over the desk! Pat fires up with Brutus and so do the fans! The Creeds say they run this now, and then Brutus drags Ciampa up while Raw goes to break.
Raw returns again and Julius has Ciampa in a chinlock. Ciampa fights up, and he JAWBREAKERS free! Ciampa ELBOWS Brutus down, BOOTS Julius, then runs up, only for Julius to catch him and toss him back! But then Ciampa catches Julius for a REVERSE DDT! The fans fire up while both men are down and crawling! Hot tag to Gargano! Gargano slingshots to KICK Julius, then he CLOBBERS Brutus! ENZIGIRI for Julius, then he runs to DOUBLE KNEE Brutus! BULLDOG LARIAT COMBO! The fans fire up with Gargano while Julius ends up in another corner. Gargano runs in but is put on the apron!
Gargano GAMANGIRIS Julius, SUPERKICKS Brutus, then SLINGSHOT SPEARS Julius! Cover, TWO! Julius survives but Gargano puts him in a corner. Gargano CHOPS, then hoists Julius up top. Tag to Ciampa, Ciampa CHOPS Julius while Gargano DIVES onto Brutus! Ciampa CHOPS Julius again, goes up top, and fireman’s carries! Ciampa then tucks Julius in for the SUPER AIR RAID CRASH! Cover, TWO!! Julius survives again and shocks Ciampa! The fans are just as stunned, but Ciampa and Julius sit up. Ciampa stands, and he CHOPS! And CHOPS! Julius sits back up as Ciampa puts some stank on the CHOP!
Julius brings the straps down! Julius fires a forearm, Ciampa hits back, and the fans fire up as the shots keep going! They go faster and faster, harder and harder, meaner and meaner! The fans fire up as this just turns into a brawl of haymakers and SLAPS! Ciampa then gets around, ripcord and HAYMAKER! ROLLING- TACKLE from Julius! And then the ANKLE LOCK!! Ciampa reaches out, moves around, but Gargano runs up! Julius kicks him, then gets him up with one arm to POWERBOMB! Then it’s back to the ANKLE LOCK on Ciampa! Brutus gets in to get Gargano for an ANKLE LOCK of his own!
The fans are thunderous as DIY endures! Ciampa and Gargano fight, turn things over, SICILIAN CROSSFACE and GargaNO Escape!! The fans are thunderous as The Creeds power up and lift both DIY! They fireman’s carry, then TOSS DIY into each other!! The fans are thunderous as Julius goes up to MOONSAULT onto Ciampa! Brutus MOONSAULTS, too! Cover, TWO?!?! Ciampa survives and the fans are loving this! Julius tags back in, Brutus climbs up! “This is Awesome!” as Julius Electric Chair Lifts Ciampa! But Ciampa VICTORY ROLLS to get under the Brutus Ball!! Cover, Brutus tips it! Gargano TOSSES Brutus then SUPERKICKS Julius!! Ciampa has the cover, DIY WINS!!
Winners: DIY, by pinfall (advance to WrestleMania)
Julius can’t believe it! He kicked out at 3.1, but a loss is a loss! And for the first time ever, DIY is going to Mania! Will Philadelphia soon be historic for a DIY championship victory?
Judgment Day meets backstage.
Rhea Ripley is with Dominik Mysterio, Finn Balor & JD McDonagh, but also Andrade. Dom says he’s always liked Andrade’s style, but things have changed since the last time he was in the WWE. The Judgment Day runs Raw now. Rhea says yeah, and they don’t extend invitations to just anyone. Judgment Day is very exclusive. JD says very exclusive. But if Andrade continues to impress them, they’ll see about making things happen. And Finn says he just heard that Andrade has a match next week, so the Judgment Day will be watching him. Sounds good. See you next week. But then in steps Damian Priest.
The Punisher says hello to El Idolo, and El Idolo says hello to Senor Dinero. Andrade heads out, will he quite literally win his way into the club? But as for Priest, Finn asks him what he was up to. Priest was getting a closer look at that DIY VS Creeds match. DIY won, but whatever, they can handle those guys. But JD, they thought he could handle Ricochet last week, and run the gauntlet, and then go to WrestleMania to bring even more gold back to Judgment Day. JD says he did he belonged in there. But also, he battered Ricochet, who got lucky at the end there. Right, Finn? Finn hesitates, and Rhea says Priest is right on this one.
Ricochet made a fool out of JD! A fool? Yes. A fool? Yes. That’s why tonight, Dom will make it right. Right, Dom? Yeah, Mami. Let’s go talk to Pearce to make it official. Dom & JD head out, and the others are confident Dom’s got this. But does he, though? Or will the One and Only have two wins over Judgment Day in as many weeks?
Candice LeRae & Indi Hartwell VS Kayden Carter & Katana Chance!
The Poison Pixie certainly lived up to that name last week when she bullied Maxxine Dupri as part of beating her and Ivy Nile last week. Will Candice’s toxic tongue strike again? Or will the party not be stopped by her harsh vibes?
The teams sort out and Candice starts against Kayden. Candice rushes up, Kayden gets around and O’Conner Rolls, TWO! Kayden springboards to basement dropkick! Cover, TWO! Kayden stalks Candice, Candice ELBOWS her away then tags Indi. Kayden dodges Candice to SUPERKICK, but Indi BOOTS Kayden! Cover, TWO! Indi drags Kayden up, tags Candice back in, and they mug Kayden. Candice CLUBS away on Kayden, fires off furious fists, then covers. TWO, and Candice grows frustrated already. The fans rally, Candice steps up but Kayden avoids the senton! Tags to Katana and Indi! Katana blasts past Indi, comes back and BULLDOGS!
Katana keeps moving, ducks ‘n’ dodges, then SHOTGUNS Indi to a corner! The fans fire up as Katana stomps away on Indi! Indi shoves Katana, Katana runs corner to corner to A-LIST LARIAT! Katana shoves Indi down, runs up, but into a back suplex! Katana lands out, but her leg jams! The ref and Kayden check, then the ref keeps Indi back. Indi says okay, and she stays by Candice. But Candice tags in to WRECK Kayden! And she SLAMS Katana’s leg into the post!! HALF CRAB and DEEP! Katana taps, Candice & Indi win!
Winners: Candice LeRae & Indi Hartwell, by submission
Candice smiles and celebrates with Indi, but Indi doesn’t want to. Candice says a win is a win, but just what is going on in her toxic mind?
Cody Rhodes makes his way to the ring.
NC State fires up again as The American Nightmare walks down the ramp, and this time the fans can sing along with the song, “WHOA~ OH~!” Cody gets his pyro then gets the mic. “In less than three weeks time, I will stand opposed for the second year in a row, in the main event, with the lights on brightest, I will challenge for the WWE Undisputed Championship, against the greatest champion in all of sports, The Tribal Chief, Roman Reigns. And this Friday on SmackDown, Roman and I are going to have a little conversation, if you will. But there are… complications. Factors, elements, combustible elements, namely… The Rock.”
Fans boo but Cody says The Rock took to Instagram on Friday, and followed it up with “extremely entertaining” concert. Too bad The Rock didn’t wanna be here tonight. Something Cody took from the Instagram post: The Rock referred to himself as “Our Favorite Heel.” A bit of an inside term, but we’re not dumb, we know that means he’s the “bad guy.” Cody has known Heels. Bobby Heenan, Arn Anderson, Michael Hayes, “Superstar” Billy Graham, “The Nature Boy” Ric Flair! Fans “WOO~” and Cody says he doesn’t think The Rock is a Heel. He’s just an assh*le. The fans go nuts hearing that!
Cody doesn’t want Rock getting upset, he doesn’t want the “seven bucks team” to get upset, he doesn’t want anyone getting emotional. Cody knows how Rock feels about emotions, he poked fun at Cody tearing up at discussing “finishing the story” with good friend, Michael Cole. There’s no crying in pro-wrestling, Jimmy Dugan, we get it. But hasn’t The Rock been crying behind the scenes this whole time? Once that hashtag came out, once fans chanted something else, The Rock cried to his buddies on the TKO board and said “Hey, this is gonna be some good PR for The Rock! I need to save WWE!” God knows, look at this house. They sure needed “saving,” huh?
The fans cheer but Cody says Rock wanted great PR. Until it wasn’t. TKO said OMG yes, put on the Gucci shirt, get those muscles looking big. It’s because they are Yes People, they are enablers, they won’t dare tell The Rock like it is, so Cody’s going to. Cody tells The Rock, “You’re a lot of things. You’re a lot of wonderful things. You are the Braham Bull, you are The Great One.” Cody still has shoes with The Rock’s logo on it! The Rock is the only guy Cody honestly feels is a Mount Rushmore wrestler. But he is also a terrible salesman, a carny succubus, and for those who don’t get what that means, The Rock is “a whiny b*tch!”
Fans lose their minds again but Cody says The Rock has been convinced otherwise. But don’t think that for two seconds this locker room needs The Rock more than The Rock needs it! That’s a rule of wrestling, nobody is bigger than the business! And sure, Cody brought up his mom, so it is fair game for The Rock to use that. But Cody knows The Rock’s mom. Here’s what Cody will tell us about The Rock’s mom. She is a wonderful lady, salt of the earth, she helped Cody chop Kevin in a dark match. Cody has nothing but respect for The Rock’s mom, something The Rock should’ve echoed back towards Cody’s mom.
But see, The Rock was talking about whipping Cody, handing a bloody weight belt to Cody’s mom, and normally someone as powerful as The Rock, Mama Rhodes would tremble. But The Rock doesn’t know Cody’s mom. Cody was more scared than she was, because she ain’t scared of nothing. This is the same woman who once jumped out of her chair at a Willie Nelson concert and beat up an undercover cop! She ain’t afraid of The Rock! Cody has been asked, April 6th, biggest tag match of all time, Rock & Roman VS Cody & Seth. Seth Rollins, the World Heavyweight Champion, a man The Rock should respect because that man has carried The Rock’s company!
How will Cody get past that match? How will April 7th look? Will it be a fair fight? Cody can tell us honestly… He doesn’t know. Cody does not know if it will be Bloodline Rules or not. Hell, he might not #FinishTheStory. “But Dwayne… What do you know? How can you be so sure of your own self, right?” The Rock hasn’t been in the ring in real action in years! April 6th, the bell is gonna ring, and what happens then? Is The Rock gonna bring The Great One, the hero we all had growing up? Is he bringing that #BigDwayneEnergy? Or is it gonna be LDS, Little D*ck Syndrome?! The fans chant “L D S! L D S!”
Cody says The Rock has referred to himself as The Final Boss. Kudos for that nickname, maybe he really is that. Maybe Cody is too naive to see it. But at WrestleMania, Cody doesn’t think The Rock will be The Final Boss. At WrestleMania, he’s just Roman’s side chick. But then ladies and gentlemen, his name is Paul Heyman, and he serves as The Wise Man to Your Tribal Chief, the reigning! Defending! Undisputed! WWE Universal Heavyweight Champion, Roman… Reigns! And as Special Counsel to the Bloodline, Heyman is here to say to Cody that the ideals that Cody and Heyman share are far greater than the interests on which they conflict.
By example, don’t you hate it when someone comes out to demand an apology? Not that Cody’s done that, but Heyman is still going to do that. Heyman came out here with some “friends” of his, and he apologized. For a Wise Man, that was pretty freakin’ stupid. One: because it didn’t work. Two: because it was just dumb. And for that, Cody, to you and the fans, Heyman humbly apologizes. Cody says whoa, whoa, whoa. He didn’t ask for an apology, and he certainly knows Heyman wants permission to be in the ring. Heyman is a Hall of Famer starting this year, if he wants into the ring, be Cody’s guest.
Heyman thanks Cody for that but he’s fine on the apron. He carries with him a message from The Tribal Chief, Roman Reigns. Talk about Heels… You may think of Heyman anything negative you want, and that might be understanding the obvious. Heyman is not trustworthy, but Roman is a chief of his word. Heyman assures that this Friday on SmackDown, Roman will be face to face with Cody. American Nightmare, Tribal Chief, challenger and champion. And when they are face to face, there will not be a single other member of The Bloodline in sight. Except for Heyman, but he is no physical threat.
Heyman holds the title belt, the beads, whispers things in Roman’s ear, such as his love and respect. But Cody has Roman’s word that if he shows up on SmackDown, Roman will show up alone. Cody says Roman shows up alone, no Bloodline outside of Heyman, it’s a deal. They good? Heyman has some jet lag, he forgot one little point. And don’t boo him, he’s talking to Cody! Cody says yes they’re booing, and he’s about to go full Homelander and rip Heyman’s throat out if he doesn’t get to the point. Fans like the reference. Heyman composes himself and says if Roman Reigns shows up alone this Friday on SmackDown, then Cody must show up to SmackDown alone, too.
Cody steps closer to Heyman and Heyman is a bit nervous. Cody tells Heyman, “Deal!” They shake hands, and Heyman smiles. The Wise Man negotiated a purely one-on-one meeting between his Tribal Chief and American Nightmare, but can we trust Heyman was telling the truth about Roman telling the truth?
Nia Jax speaks.
“You know what I’ve realized? Becky Lynch has never beaten me. And after tonight, she never will. Because after I break her face again, I will be taking her spot at WrestleMania. I will finish business with Rhea Ripley, and not only will I walk out the Last Woman Standing, but I will become Women’s World Champion.” The Irresistible Force is ready for the Big Time, but will she A-Nia-late her?
Cody Rhodes returns backstage.
And Jey says there he go! But real quick, Cody can’t be going to SmackDown alone. Cody says he gave them his word. But The Bloodline isn’t gonna play fair! They’re all gonna be there! If Cody needs Jey, Jeys’ got him. Cody hears that, but he knows what he’s dealing with. They shake hands and Jey heads out. Will Cody be able to have that fair, one-on-one meeting? Or does Jey have a point about The Bloodline?
Dominik Mysterio w/ JD McDonagh VS Ricochet!
It seems Pearce agreed to the idea that Dirty Dom should try and clean up The Irish Ace’s mess. Will Dom be able to get revenge on Ricochet? Or will Ricochet be the One and Only person holding their head high tonight?
Raw returns and Dom has made his entrance. The bell rings, Dom and Ricochet circle, and they tie up. Ricochet waistlocks, Dom fights the lift and grabs ropes. The ref counts, Ricochet lets off, but Dom ELBOWS him away! Dom fires hands, soaks up the heat, then storms up, but into haymakers! Ricochet CHOPS, kicks then flexes on Dom. Ricochet whips, Dom reverses, but Ricochet goes up and over. Ricochet ducks ‘n’ dodges to then handspring back elbow! The fans fire up while Dom bails out! JD is there to coach Dom up, but Ricochet runs in! JD gets Dom to safety, but Ricochet handsprings to hero land!
The fans fire up, Ricochet then goes to ropes to TORNILLO PLANCHA! Direct hit on Dom and Ricochet tells JD to back off. Ricochet puts Dom in, Dom distracts the ref, but JD grabs Ricochet’s leg! Ricochet kicks JD away, but then Dom WRECKS Ricochet with a dropkick! Dom soaks up the heat and Raw goes to break.
Raw returns again and Dom has Ricochet up top. Dom climbs but Ricochet throws body shots! The fans rally behind Ricochet as he sends Dom staggering. Ricochet hops down as Dom comes running back, and Ricochet GAMANGIRIS him away! Ricochet then springboards, but Dom trips him up! Ricochet flops to the mat, then Dom kicks and FACEBUSTERS! Cover, TWO! Ricochet is still in this and JD argues the count. Dom looms over Ricochet, scuffs him around, then mockingly cheers him on. Fans boo but Dom brings Ricochet up. Dom gives some Latino Heat, then suplexes! Uno Amigo, but fans boo.
Dom gets Ricochet up but Ricochet suplexes Dom instead! And then fireman’s carry, DYNAMITE KICK! Cover, TWO! Dom is still in this and JD coaches him but the fans rally for Ricochet. Ricochet stands, storms up on Dom, but Dom shoots around to roll him up! With tights! TWO, Ricochet blocks a kick and KICKS Dom down! Ricochet hurries up top, the fans fire up, but Ricochet has to bail out of the 450 as Dom moves! Dom runs in again, but into a SUPERKICK! JD gets on the apron, so Ricochet triangle jump DROPKICKS! But then Dom DROPKICKS Ricochet onto ropes! Dom dials it up but Ricochet ducks!
Dom spins around, into the RECOIL!! Cover, Ricochet wins!
Winner: Ricochet, by pinfall
But then JD runs in! Ricochet dodges, goes up and around, BOOTS JD away, then BOOTS him again! Ricochet even flips up and out of the ring at the same time! Ricochet gets the better of Judgment Day again, just how disappointed is Mami going to be in her Latino Heat this time?
Sami Zayn is backstage.
He finds Chad Gable and wants to talk with him. Last week’s match, that was an honor. Sami hasn’t been pushed like that in a long time, it could’ve gone either way. Gable says yeah, it was great. Thanks. Is Gable alright? Yeah, he’s fine. Kinda feels like not… Gable says he’s fine, so leave it at that. C’mon, man, how many years have they known each other? Sami knows when something’s bothering Gable, so he should just say it. Gable says look, last week, the WrestleMania opportunity, the whole thing, it just meant more to him. Sami says he’s been hearing Gable say that for weeks, and it is really unfair.
Does Gable really think he’s the only one this title opportunity matters to? Sami has a family, too! Sami’s kid cries when Papa loses a match, too. Sami has people he’s let down and is trying to make proud. After all the years put into this, Gable can’t tell Sami what matters more because he doesn’t know Sami like that. Gable has Sami calm down, and says he knows all that. But it isn’t all about that. Then what is all this? Gable says Sami can’t beat Gunther. Gable then leaves, and Sami is at a loss for words. Is this bitter side of Gable only going to get worse as we go down this Road to WrestleMania?
Adam Pearce is in the ring.
Raw returns with the GM by a table, and he welcomes us to a contract signing to make official the Intercontinental Heavyweight Championship for WrestleMania! The fans cheer, and Pearce introduces first, the challenger, Sami Zayn! The Great Liberator makes his entrance and the fans sing along with his song. Sami still looks troubled by what Gable said just moments ago, but he still high-fives fans and gets in the ring. Then Pearce introduces the longest reigning Intercontinental Champion of all time, Der Ring General, GUNTHER! The fans boo as Gunther walks in, having reached Day 647!
Gunther smiles as Sami watches him make his way down the ramp and into the ring. Pearce says we know how this works, but Gunther says before we proceed, let us call this what it is: the most important contract signing for the most important match in the history of this championship. And why, why, why is the challenger dressed no better than any of the bums in the audience? Fans boo but Sami just shrugs that off. Sami gets a mic to say that Gunther keeps sitting there all smug, and it’s really starting to piss Sami off. Gunther thinks this is just another day at the office, that he’ll steamroll through Sami like any other contender.
But with all respect to Gunther, he really has. He has beaten everyone that has come his way, and has done it on his own. Gunther doesn’t believe Sami can do it. A lot of people didn’t believe Sami at many points in his career. They didn’t believe he’d even make it to WWE, let alone win championships and main event a WrestleMania. And if you ask The Usos, they didn’t believe Sami would be one of the guys to end the longest tag title reign in WWE history, but he did! And one year later, he will make history again by ending the longest Intercontinental title reign in WWE history! Sami signs his part and pushes the contract over to Gunther.
The fans cheer Sami on but Gunther waits it out. Gunther tells Sami, what Sami should do is listen to his new friend, Gable. Gable doesn’t believe Sami can win. The people here cheer Sami, they probably even love Sami. But even they don’t believe Sami can win. And y’know, when Gunther looks Sami in the eyes, and if Sami was honest with himself, even Sami doesn’t believe he can win. So what Sami is doing right now is standing on Gunther’s doorstep and begging him to get the beating of a lifetime on the Grandest Stage of Them All! So whatever Sami has to do, from training to believing, just keep doing that. Because at WrestleMania, Sami’s dreams will meet reality.
Gunther grins and signs his part, and it is now official! Gunther then stands, title on his shoulder, and takes his leave. The fans boo, but then Sami tells Gunther to wait. Gunther steps back inside to hear Sami as Sami turns around. Gunther looks in Sami’s eyes and believes Sami doesn’t believe? Sami stands to get in Gunther’s face and dares him to look again. Get a good long look, because these are the eyes of the man who will take you down at Mania! The fans fire up, and now Sami leaves first. Gunther still just grins, but will Sami use a Helluva Kick to wipe that smile off his face?
We follow Sami as he storms backstage, right past DIY and The Awesome Truth. Truth asks what’s up with Sami, but The Miz says that is the mindset of WrestleMania right there. That’s what they need. DIY wishes Awesome Truth luck. Awesome Truth knows DIY is into the ladder match, and they are gonna have their own qualifier. Miz & Truth just need to beat… Indus Sher. Jinder Mahal tells Veer & Sanga to warm up for the match. They head out, and Truth says he feels sorry for whoever has to face those guys. Miz stares at Truth, and he has DIY hold off. Miz will explain. The Awesome Truth heads to gorilla, their match is next!
Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championship Ladder Match Qualifier: The Awesome Truth VS Indus Sher w/ Jinder Mahal!
Miz wants a remix of the theme song but Truth says to just follow his lead. NC State knows what’s up, but will the Awesome Truth finally reach the top of the tag division 13 years after they first teamed? We’ll see, after the break!
Raw returns as Indus Sher makes their entrance, the Modern Day Maharaja by their side. The teams sort out and Truth starts against Sanga. The fans echo “WHAT’S UP?!” but Sanga roars! Truth is scared now so he tags Miz. Truth fires Miz up, Miz runs up and dodges Sanga to fire off haymakers! Miz kicks, whips, but Sanga blocks! Sanga whips and CLOBBERS Miz! Jinder nods as Sanga then scoops Miz and brings him over. Veer tags in, Sanga SLAMS Miz, then Veer ELBOW DROPS! Indus Sher say “NAMASTE!” but the fans say “WHAT’S UP!?” with Truth. Veer HIP DROPS Miz, then looms over him.
Veer eggs Miz on, drags him up with shoulder claws, and then steps over Miz for the neck wrench! Miz endures as Veer still digs a claw into his shoulder. The fans rally for Miz, Miz fights up and throws body shots! Miz reaches out but Veer knees low! Veer SHOVES Miz to the corner, runs in, but Miz BOOTS! Miz ELBOWS Sanga, but Veer catches him! Veer puts Miz back int he corner, but Miz ducks the boot to tag Truth! Truth dodges Veer and starts up the shoulder tackles! Truth gets around Veer to SPIN-OUT BOMB! The fans fire up as Truth shouts out Cena with “You Can’t See Me!” Truth runs to Five Knuckle Shuffle!
Jinder is not happy now as Truth fireman’s carries! But Veer slips free! Truth drop toeholds to the STF!! The fans fire up but Sanga stomps Truth! Miz fires off kicks on Sanga, then body shots! Truth joins in, they mug and whip Sanga, to DOUBLE DROPKICK! Sanga staggers around, Veer runs up, but into a full nelson! Truth and Miz combine for a SKULL CRUSHING LIE DETECTOR!! But Sanga whips Miz away! Miz WRECKS Jinder with it, but Sanga runs up! Sanga knocks Miz down, Miz anchors Sanga, Sanga ELBOWS Truth, Truth falls onto Veer for the cover! Awesome Truth wins!!
Winners: The Awesome Truth, by pinfall (advance to WrestleMania)
The fans fire up, and Truth doesn’t even realize what happened! Miz celebrates with Truth and Truth puts it together! They’re now one of the six in the ladder match! Will this combination of teamwork and luck be just what they need to take those titles from Judgment Day?
Sami confronts Gable now.
Sami tells Gable to tell him why. Why what? Why does Gable think Sami can’t beat Gunther? Well you just saw why! With Gunther, it isn’t just physical, it is mental. Sami made his career out of being the underdog that crawls his way out of any hole he’s in, right? Just like last week! Sami found the window of opportunity to get out of a bad situation any time he can. Gunther’s on a different level! You gonna sit and wait for that window to appear? It doesn’t happen with Gunther! He’s a different beast, a different animal. If Sami doesn’t change his mentality, then he can’t beat Gunther. Gable leaves Sami with a lot to think again. Is there a way Sami can change enough to defeat Der Ring General?
CM Punk speaks.
“Do I plan at being in WrestleMania? WrestleMania is in Philadelphia, what’re the first four letters in Philadelphia? Phil. You can’t have WrestleMania Philadelphia without Phil. Whether I’m invited or uninvited, Punk will be there.” And next week in Chicago, Punk returns to Raw! Will the Second City Saint find a way to be part of the biggest WrestleMania ever?
Drew McIntyre is here!
The Scottish Terminator, or as his new shirt says, “The Savior of WrestleMania,” makes his way to the ring, NC State a bit torn about seeing him. But then Seth Rollins is here, too!? McIntyre is upset but the fans sing along, “WHOA~ OH~ OHH~!” as The Visionary struts his way out. Rollins swaggers right past McIntyre in his green storm pattern suit, and steps into the ring first. McIntyre frowns as he follows Rollins in, and sits in a corner. The fans continue to sing, which Rollins revels in for a moment. Rollins has the mic to then say, “RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA~! Welcome to Monday Night Rollins~!
“And Drew, hah, sorry, I didn’t even see you there. I was too busy, uh, y’know, soaking up the spotlight, right?” McIntyre has a mic to say, “Alright, here we go.” Here goes what, Drew? McIntyre says no, no, get it all out of your system, he knows Rollins has more! McIntyre can stay in the back while Rollins enjoys the spotlight, because after WrestleMania, that spotlight’s all McIntyre’s. Hey, hey, c’mon. Rollins is here with an honest cause. Rollins doesn’t like McIntyre, he thinks he’s stupid, a hypocrite, has said a lot of dumb things lately, but Rollins is here to admit that one thing McIntyre said is absolutely right and he wants to say it to McIntyre’s face, right here in Raleigh, in front of the fine people.
Now, they always say the first step to recovery is the hardest, so bare with Rollins. He has been working on this all week, but… “My name is Seth Freakin’ Rollins, and I’m a spotlight junkie.” The fans chant “Spotlight Junkie!” and also sing, but McIntyre says everything is just a joke to Rollins, isn’t it? Look at Rollins! He’s a parody of himself at this point. But honestly, McIntyre doesn’t care. He tried reasoning, he gave the answers, and now he only cares about their match and the world title. And you wanna know the real punchline, funny man? “What?” McIntyre says they say that because they’re happy McIntyre sidelined Punk, thanks for remembering!
But the punchline is when McIntyre beats Rollins for that title. The fans chant for “C M PUNK!” but McIntyre says don’t be ridiculous. Punk’s waiting until next week to return because he’d never show up in a place like Raleigh. The fans boo but McIntyre says see, they’re booing Punk! Punk is only getting off his couch to be at his local arena. Rollins tells McIntyre to shut up already. Oh, seems McIntyre got Rollins’ attention. Rollins takes off the sunglasses to say yeah, McIntyre has his attention. Because this isn’t a joke! When Rollins says he is a junkie, it isn’t a joke! He’s been doing this for 20 YEARS! Just like McIntyre!
And every time Rollins comes out of the curtain, that’s his fix. And it gets better and better every single time. Rollins comes out here, lays it all on the line, and it just gets better and better! When he hears the fans sing the song so loud, Rollins can barely speak, “WHOA~ OH~ OHH~!” That’s Rollins’ fix! That is the spotlight he craves, and y’know what? Rollins wants the spotlight as bright as it can possibly be. So yeah, McIntyre’s been busy online entertaining people with memes, so he hasn’t been listening to Rollins. So Rollins will get this through McIntyre’s thick skull: Night One, Rollins takes the biggest star in Hollywood and his side chick, and makes them his b*tches!
Then on Night Two, the biggest spotlight possible will be shined down on McIntyre and Rollins and the World Heavyweight Championship! McIntyre says all hail the savior, Seth Rollins! This is what McIntyre wanted! The passion and desire, not the stupid laughing and dancing. Rollins had McIntyre all the way to the finish. Rollins has done this 20 years, just like McIntyre. They’ve given their lives to this industry, and that is what the title is about! The wrestlers’ title, the workhorse championship! Rollins had McIntyre with him until he mentioned the bigger spotlight and how Rollins pins one of the biggest stars in the world.
Why can’t it just be about Rollins’ hard work to make that title, and all of McIntyre’s hard work to get this chance? Why can’t that be the reason they’re getting the biggest spotlight!? Rollins has had his priorities all backwards, McIntyre has been giving him all the answers. McIntyre said he is over the BS, and all he cares about is Rollins making it to the ring on Night Two. And if Rollins can’t walk, then McIntyre will wheel him down. If not, McIntyre will carry Rollins down. At Mania, McIntyre doesn’t get the moment he deserves. He gets the moment he has bloody EARNED. The fans do cheer that!
Rollins smirks and says, “Ah, Drew. There it is. That’s right, you wanna call me a spotlight junkie, but you want the spotlight just as bad as I do, don’t you? You’re an addict, just like I am. And you’ve been begging for spotlight for the past four years, because you won the WrestleMania main event. You did, back in 2020, in an empty warehouse. And all we’ve been hearing from Drew McIntyre for the past four years was how that wasn’t good enough. You’ve been whining and complaining and bitching and moaning that you deserve better, that you deserve more. The problem is, Drew, when everybody came back around, and the lights got bright again, what happened? You fumbled the ball.
“And that’s the difference between you and me. When the lights are the brightest, I shine, baby. I shine bright. And at WrestleMania 40, the lights are gonna be as bright as they have ever been. And you are gonna find out you are not as good as you think you are.” Rollins drops the mic, but this time McIntyre smirks. The verbal battle continues, but who will put their money where their mouth is once this one finally happens?
Becky Lynch speaks.
“I’m a wanted woman, and I don’t even have the title. Yet. But we’re less than three weeks away from WrestleMania, so why would I risk it all? Because I don’t know anything else. All I know is taking risks. All I know is fighting. And all I know is tonight, I’m gonna be the Last Woman Standing.” Becky is fired up to finally do what she hasn’t done in the most extreme way possible. Will she be the immovable object to Nia’s irresistible force?
Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championship Ladder Match Qualifier: The New Day VS The Alpha Academy!
Kofi Kingston & Xavier Woods have been W, W, E, World, Tag, Team, CHAMPIONS~, but they’ve never been a part of a title match as big as this Six Pack Ladder challenge! Will they look to be part of history once again? Or will Akira Tozawa & Otis say “A THANK YEW~!” for this golden opportunity?
Raw returns as the Academy makes their entrance. The teams sort out and Woods starts against the tree trunk, Otis. The fans rally for “NEW! DAY ROCKS!” Otis and Woods tie up, but Woods kicks low then headlocks. Otis powers up and out then runs Woods over! Otis storms up on Woods, GUT RAMS him back down, then brings him back up. Otis GUT RAMS Woods again, then runs to CLOBBER Woods! Otis swivels his hips, the fans echo “Oh~ yeah!” Otis tags Tozawa and the Academy mugs Woods. Tozawa brings Woods around but Woods CHOPS! Woods tags Kofi, he and Kofi double whip Tozawa but Tozawa holds ropes!
Tozawa fires hands, dodges Woods then BOOTS Woods down! Kofi kicks low, whips Tozawa to a corner, but Tozawa BOOTS Kofi away! Tozawa goes up to FLYING RANA! The fans fire up as Tozawa sees New Day regroup outside. Tozawa runs to DIVE! Direct hit on both New Day, and Otis joins in for “A THANK YEW~!” The Academy stands tall as Raw goes to break.
Raw returns again and Tozawa fights a chinlock. Tozawa reaches for Otis but Woods back suplexes. Tozawa lands out to then DROPKICK Woods down! The fans rally as Woods and Tozawa crawl, hot tags to Otis and Kofi! Otis CLOBBERS Kofi, CLOBBERS him again, then whips him to ropes. WRECKER ELBOW! Woods runs in, Otis dodges, to LARIAT! Otis sees Kofi leap off the corner, and catches him for a WORLD’S STRONGEST SLAM! Otis rips the shirt off, winds up the hips, and then starts up the CATERPILLAR! ELBOW DROP! Cover, TWO! Kofi survives but Otis hurries to step on him! Tag to Tozawa, and Otis goes up!
Otis VADER BOMBS but FLOPS as Kofi moves! Tozawa hurries up top while Kofi SUPERKICKS Otis! Kofi turns around into the CROSSBODY from Tozawa! Cover, TWO! Tozawa SUPERKICKS Kofi but Woods tags in! Woods GAMANGIRIS Tozawa, then steps in to TORNADO DDT! Cover, TWO! Tozawa toughs it out but Woods grits his teeth as he goes to the corner. Woods climbs, but Tozawa rises! Tozawa throws body shots, Woods CLUBS Tozawa! Tozawa throws more hands and climbs up! The fans rally as they brawl up top! Tozawa brings Woods up but Woods fights the lift! Woods throws body shots in return!
Woods shifts position to get under Tozawa for a fireman’s carry! But then Tozawa pops up to SUPER STEINER!! Tozawa rips off his shirt, climbs back up top, SUPER SENTON!! Cover, Kofi breaks it! The fans fire up but Otis drags Kofi out! Otis whips Kofi at steps, Kofi goes up and jumps off the steps to TORNADO DDT to the floor! Kofi hurries back up to the apron but Tozawa SCREW HIGH KICKS him down! Tozawa dodges Woods, pop-up, but Woods blocks the rana to then SPINNING POWERBOMB! Woods sees the WrestleMania sign, hurries up the corner, and he tightrope walks! LIMIT BREAK ELBOW!! Cover, New Day wins!
Winners: The New Day, by pinfall (advance to WrestleMania)
The New Day are the ones saying A THANK YEW~ as they put their names down for the Six Pack Ladder Match! Will they once again climb to the top of the WWE Tag Team Division and bring home those championships?
Liv Morgan confronts Becky Lynch.
Becky asks if she’ll have to watch out for Liv as well. Well, you should always #WatchMe, but no, not tonight. Nia is all Becky’s. Liv just wants Becky to kick Nia’s ass. Liv leaves, will Becky kick ass and then some?
Cody walks with his dog, Pharaoh, backstage.
Rollins finds him and brings up Friday. One on one? One on one. Rollins nods and says he loves Pharaoh’s bandanna. The Visionary trusts the American Nightmare can handle himself, but will we be able to trust The Tribal Chief?
Last Woman Standing: Becky Lynch VS Nia Jax!
From the origins of “The Man” in WWE to the aftermath of Elimination Chamber: Perth, these two have battled, but never as brutally as this! They’re able to go anywhere and do anything, but who will be the Last Woman Standing this close to WrestleMania 40?
The bell rings and the two rush in! Becky DROPKICKS Nia and Nia goes to a corner. Becky runs in but Nia puts Becky on the apron. Becky ROCKS Nia, goes up a corner, then leaps to MISSILE DROPKCIK! Nia stumbles and tumbles out of the ring, so Becky WRECKS her with another dropkick! Becky then goes to the apron for a FLYING FOREARM! Nia stays up, Becky tries again, but Nia dodges! Fireman’s carry and Nia POSTS Becky, to then SAMOAN DROP her into barriers! The ref counts as Becky is down, but she stands at 4 of 10. Nia CLOBBERS Becky and wants the count! The count climbs but Nia is impatient.
Nia clears off the desk, Becky stands at 5 of 10, and she leans against barriers. Becky comes back with body shots and haymakers, but Nia ROCKS her with a forearm! Becky staggers away as Raw goes to break!
Raw returns and Becky is bringing out a table! The fans fire up as Becky sets that up ringside. There’s been a lot of chaos during the break according to commentary, from chairs to kendo sticks to even a copy of Becky’s book, The Man: Not Your Average Average Girl! But Nia storms over to stop Becky and SMACK her off the desk! Nia puts Becky in the ring, takes that table for her own and sets it up. The table doesn’t cooperate and fans boo, but Nia goes for chairs instead. She slides those in the ring, Becky manages to stand at 7 of 10, and she grabs at those chairs. Nia ditches the table, it just doesn’t wanna work.
Nia storms in but Becky JAMS her with a chair, SMACKS her with it, then clinches! Nia fights the slam, fireman’s carries Becky, and FULL METAL SAMOAN DROPS!! Becky writhes from hitting chairs but Nia looms over her. Nia soaks up the heat as she counts along. Becky flounders to ropes and drags herself up at 7! Nia sits a chair up, fans want a table, but Nia scoops Becky. Becky slips around to a SLEEPER! Nia RAMS Becky into buckles again and again until Becky lets go. But then Becky BULLDOGS Nia off the chair! Nia is down for the count now, and Becky leans against ropes to stay up herself.
Nia stirs at 5, stands at 8, but Becky is up top! Becky leaps, into a CHAIR SHOT! Nia SMACKS Becky again and again and again! The fans boo but Nia finally stops. Nia puts that chair aside and goes out to get some kendo sticks! Nia puts those in, but Becky grabs one! Nia snatches it from her to SMACK! And SMACK! And SMACK! Becky sputters and staggers, Nia clinches and scoops! Nia SLAMS Becky onto chairs! Then Nia runs to drop the leg, brother! Nia wants the count and the count begins! Becky sputters as we reach 5 of 10. Becky grabs that kendo stick but Nia SMACKS Becky with a chair! And again!
Nia kicks Becky around, then uses the chair to take a seat on Becky’s body!! The fans boo as the count begins, but Becky SMACKS Nia with the kendo stick! And again and again and again, even in the butt! Nia stands up, into more shots! Becky stands and she fires away until Nia scurries out of the ring! Becky pursues but Nia CLOBBERS her! Nia pulls the steel steps apart now, and takes that top half to RAM Becky down! Becky flounders, Nia hauls her up and puts her in the ring. Becky’s on the apron and Nia takes aim! Nia runs up, APRN LEG DROP only gets apron! Becky avoids disaster, then has Nia by the steps! DDT onto the steel!
Nia is down again and the count begins. Nia stirs at 5 of 10, sits up at 6, but Becky SMACKS her off steps! Nia falls over again and the count resets. Becky hurries to go looking for things while Nia rises again. Becky has a new table! The fans fire up as Becky gets that in the ring. Nia stands at 7, staggers after Becky, and Raw goes back to break.
Raw returns once again and Nia mugs Becky against barriers! Nia puts Becky on a table, and surprise! There’s a ladder set up now! Nia climbs the ladder?! She also demands Pat support the ladder. But Becky gets off the table so now Nia has no reason to be up there. Nia storms after Becky, but gets a FIRE EXTINGUISHER BLAST!! The fans fire up as Becky cools Nia off, then JAMS her with the canister! Becky puts Nia in the ring, and there’s a table waiting in a corner! Becky lines up the shot, and runs in, but Nia SAMOAN DROPS Becky through the table!!! Both women are down in the wreckage and the count begins!
Nia flounders away from the wreckage but she still needs to stand. Nia is up at 5, and she isn’t satisfied with this! She drags Becky all the way to another corner and puts her in the drop zone! Nia climbs up, for the A-NIA-LATOR!! Nia shouts for the count, the count begins, and Nia storms around as she points to the Mania sign. Becky is still down at 5 of 10, only starts stirring at 7, and she slumps out of the ring to stand up! Nia is furious, goes out after Becky, and kicks things aside to keep after her. Nia asks if Becky’s vision is blurry. Nia fireman’s carries Becky up the steel steps and along the apron, aiming for that other table!
The fans freak out but Becky fights with elbows! Becky CLUBS away on Nia and the fans are thunderous! Becky then clinches, for a MANHANDLE SLAM through the table!!! Both women are down int he wreckage again, and the count begins! Becky sits up at 4 while fans are still losing their minds! We pass 5 of 10, then 7! Nia sits up at 8 and stands at 9! But then she slumps back over! The count starts again, Nia flounders around and stands at 5. Becky goes up the ladder! Becky sees Nia approaching the desk, and then SUPER MAN’S LEG DROP through the desk!!! The fans lose their minds again while both men are down in more wreckage!
The count is 5 of 10! Becky flounders and crawls, drags herself up at 9, but Nia is still down! BECKY WINS!!
Winner: Becky Lynch
The Man conquers truly one of the most intense challenges in her career! But then here comes one of the most intense champions! The fans fire up as Rhea Ripley makes her way out, Women’s World Championship in hand. She goes right to the ring and looks at Becky. Rhea “congratulates” Becky for winning, but then Becky gets in Rhea’s face! The fans fire up, and now there are no obstacles in the way of Mami VS The Man! Who will be the champion after WrestleMania 40?
My Thoughts:
A great Raw right here, though the in-ring action kinda dipped down until that awesome Last Woman Standing main event. This is one of the times I wish they’d done picture in picture so we as the TV audience could see even more action. Great win for Becky, of course, but I also like that Becky had a moment with Liv just before, and of course she had a moment with Rhea to close out the night. Great promos with Sami and Gable that also blended into the contract signing from tonight. And I suppose Gable has a point that Sami, the comeback kid, can’t do that when Gunther has an arsenal of moves that would be “finishers” given all the different ways Gunther has won over the years.
And speaking of that contract signing segment, I really liked the segue they did in following Sami so that he’d cross paths with Awesome Truth at gorilla and we’d get their segment going into their match. WWE has been doing some really creative stuff in this newest era where Vince is truly out and apparently even Kevin Dunn has moved on. Awesome Truth had a really fun but also really quick tag match with Indus Sher, and then New Day VS Alpha Academy was solid stuff, but DIY VS Creeds was such an awesome match. For a moment, I thought Creeds were gonna take this one but DIY still found a way, and I like that DIY is in. Honestly, I’m liking that the HHH favorites are getting in, because we also have New Catch Republic on the other side that can still win into the match.
Judgment Day had good stuff tonight, too. Good group promo with Andrade to tease El Idolo possibly joining, but who knows if he does. Depends on how things go for Priest. He was watching the qualifiers, he’s not worried, but maybe he should be. Granted, he still has the MITB briefcase, he could go from losing the tag titles to taking the world title, who knows how the Judgment Day’s story is going to go as we move past Mania. Dom VS Ricochet was a really good match, and Ricochet winning was the right move to keep this feud going. I think there’s going to be Ricochet VS McDonagh next week as a rematch from the gauntlet, that’ll be great stuff, too.
Candice’s Heel turn slow burn continues as she takes advantage of the “hurt” leg. Indi also does a good job of being very conflicted about this. There’s a WWE YouTube exclusive where Ivy Nile confronts Candice so that’ll be a match, and then maybe when Candice again goes too far, Indi steps in and we get a match of Candice VS Indi at some point. Good little update promo from CM Punk, he’ll have a great homecoming moment in Chicago, but also probably McIntyre coming after him. McIntyre had a great promo segment with Rollins, and with all these continued moments where the other person gets the mic drop moment, it feels like McIntyre has to win the title.
And of course, great stuff with the Bloodline story even on Raw. Jey and Jimmy have great promos in their confrontation, and of course it turns into a brawl. Good segue from that to Heyman being here, and Heyman confronting Cody during Cody’s great promo segment. Cody really went off on The Rock, that was some wild stuff. But the supposed promise of “one on one and no one else aside from Heyman” might be kept, and we get a strong promo segment on SmackDown in a foreshadowing of the fair-and-square 1v1 match. Or it is a trap and that’s more a foreshadowing of Bloodline Rules where they can do whatever they want. Guess we’ll have to wait and see.
My Score: 8.9/10
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We’re just one step away from the Cup!
Cold Skull faces The Fierce Warrior, and Gene Blast faces The King of Darkness, and when the smoke clears, we will have our New Japan Cup finalists!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Boltin Oleg & Shoma Kato VS Zack Sabre Jr. & Mikey Nicholls; ZSJ & Mikey win.
- Six Man Tag: El Desperado, Tomohiro Ishii & Togi Makabe VS Just5Guys; Just5Guys win.
- Tanga Loa & Ryusuke Taguchi VS Great-O-Khan & Callum Newman; Loa & Taguchi win.
- Six Man Tag: YOSHI-HASHI, Toru Yano & Hiroyoshi Tenzan VS Bullet Club; Bullet Club wins.
- 8 Man Tag: Shota Umino, El Phantasmo, Hikuleo & YOH VS The House of Torture; Shota, ELP, Leo & Yoh win.
- Six Man Tag: Los Ingobernables de Japon VS The United Empire; LIJ wins.
- 2024 New Japan Cup Semifinals: Yota Tsuji VS EVIL; Tsuji wins and advances to the finals.
- 2024 New Japan Cup Semifinals: SANADA VS Hirooki Goto; Goto wins and advances to the finals.
PLAY BY PLAY
2024 New Japan Cup Semifinals: Yota Tsuji VS EVIL w/ Dick Togo!
The Gene Blast overcame the tricks Ren Narita tried, but that’s because the House of Torture was saving all the good stuff so they could slay the Rampaging Dragon. Will the deck be even more stacked to make sure Everything is Evil’s? Or will Yota be one step away from LIJ VS LIJ at Sakura Genesis?
Well, Dick is making his way out here, but where is Evil? Oh, there he is. No tricks just yet it seems. But then Yota DIVES onto Evil! The fans fire up but Dick attacks Yota! Dick whips, Yota stops himself, and then scoops Dick for a BACKBREAKER! The fans fire up and Yota wants the bell. The ref says yes, ring the bell, and this is on the record! Yota stomps and CLUBS Evil, then whips, but Evil reverses! Yota hits railing, and then Evil whips him into more railing! Evil CHOKES Yota against the railing, Yota fights back, but the ref gets knocked aside! Evil puts Yota in so he and Dick can stomp away!
The fans boo but here comes the rest of the House already! Narita, Yujiro, Kanemaru and Jack all stomp away on Yota, but here come Bushi & Hiromu! It’s a replay of yesterday as LIJ fights off the House, but the numbers are still against them! The ref rushes in to tell everyone to stop! Evil shoves the ref out of the ring, Yota fires off on him, but Evil CLAWS Yota’s eyes! The House CHOKES LIJ, but the ref says stop! The bell rings, but what is the decision!? NO CONTEST!?
No Contest
What does this mean!? Someone has to advance, right? The finals aren’t until the 20th, how can there be a no contest? The House started this, where’re the consequences?! Yota gets up but Evil TOSSES him back out! LIJ regroups and Yota asks for a mic. Yota tells Evil that he’s sick and tired of this! They ARE gonna finish this match! The fans like the sound of that! All the refs come out, including Red Shoes, to discuss how this will be handled. For starters, they tell all the extras to get outta here! LIJ is cool with that, and Hiromu tells the House to come along. Evil says fine, and Jack, Kanemaru, Narita, Yujiro and even Dick reluctantly exit.
The announcement is officially made, and the bell rings! Yota and Evil rush in, Evil kicks low but Yota CLUBS away on Evil! Evil CLAWS the eyes! Evil kicks, runs, RAMS, but Yota rebounds to run Evil over! Then run and SPLASH! Cover, TWO! Yota fires up and the fans are with him! Evil bails out but the fans rally for Yota. Evil wants Yota to stay back, then he slides in, only to slide right out! Yota runs out after Evil, but Evil kicks him! Evil RAMS Yota into the timekeeper! Abe-san and his table go flying! Evil gets the mic to tell Yota that this is what he gets! The fans boo but Evil tells them off, too! Evil stomps Yota then soaks up the heat.
Evil unties the blue buckle pad himself, then waits in the ring. The ref checks Yota and the fans rally up again. The Young Lions help Abe-san while Yota drags himself up. Yota slides in, the fans cheer, but Evil pulls on Yota’s hair! Evil wrenches the hair, then wrenches it again! And again! Evil CLUBS the hair! The ref reprimands but Evil just dusts off his hands. Evil covers, but the ref refuses to count! Evil is furious but he’s the one up to no good! The ref still says no, so Evil stands on Yota’s head. The fans rally up, Yota rises, and he grins as he winds up to ROCK Evil with a forearm! And ROCK him with another!
Yota ROCKS Evil again, but Evil whips him into the bare buckles! Yota falls and the ref reprimands about the missing buckle pad. Evil stomps Yota, covers, TWO! The fans cheer but Evil is annoyed. Evil scuffs Yota, taunts him, and drags him up. Evil CHOPS, Yota drops to his knees, but Evil stands him back up. Evil CHOPS again and Yota grits his teeth as he drops to his knees! Evil stands Yota up again, to fake the chop to CLAW the eyes! The ref reprimands, Evil lets off, and then Evil stands on Yota in a corner. The ref counts, Evil lets go of the ropes but that’s not the problem! Evil steps away, drags Yota up but claims he’s dead weight.
The ref checks, Evil stands Yota up and wrenches an arm. Evil whips Yota into a corner, runs in, but into a BOOT! Evil runs in again, blocks the boot, but Yota brings Evil in for the STOMP! The fans fire up while Yota rests on the mat. The fans rally up and Yota rises again. Evil’s in the corner, runs out, but into the BACKBREAKER! COMPLETE SHOT! STOMP! The fans fire up again as Yota stands back up. Yota runs, to CURB STOMP!! Yota roars and the fans fire up again! Evil flounders while Yota aims. Yota runs in, but the ref is used as a shield! Evil kicks Yota low, then uses the ref in MAGIC KILLER!
All three men are down while the fans rally up again. Evil stands, he brings Yota up, and the ref also rises. Evil whips Yota into the bare buckles, then clotheslines him in! Then FISHERMAN BUSTER! Cover, but Evil lets off?! Evil wants to torture Yota but it’s hard to say if Yota is still even in this. Yota opens his eyes, rises up, but Evil fireman’s carries! DARKNESS FALLS! Cover, TWO!! Yota survives, the fans fire up, but Evil is furious! Evil slashes his throat and vows to end this now! Evil drags Yota up, spins him around, but Yota fights the STO with elbows! Evil kicks low, whips again, but Yota stops from hitting buckles!
Evil runs in, Yota dodges and Evil hits the buckles! SUPERKICK!! Both men are down again and the fans fire back up! We’re only ten minutes into this new match but this is on top of the madness from earlier. Evil drags Yota up, but Yota ROCKS Evil! Evil fights Yota’s fireman’s carry and CLUBS him, but both men wobble. Evil LARIATS, but Yota stays up! The fans fire up but Evil swings to LARIAT again! Yota drops to a knee, but he grins through the pain! Evil says alright, and he throws off his elbow pad. Evil runs to LARIAT! Yota grits his teeth to stay up! V-TRIGGER! Yota brings Evil in, suplexes, ORANGE CRUSH! Cover, TWO!!
Evil is still in this but the fans rally behind Yota again. Yota rises, drags Evil up, and then goes to the corner. Yota goes up and up and Evil moves the ref into the way! The ref takes the FLYING CURB STOMP!!! And now the House returns! The fans boo as Kanemaru, Dick, Yujiro, Narita & Jack all stomp away on Yota again! The fans tell them to go home, again, but these guys don’t care! They just put one out on Yota. They whip Yota to a corner, then DIck runs in to ELBOW! Kanemaru ELBOWS! Yujiro BOOTS! Jack SPLASHES! Narita ELBOWS! Then they snapmare and set Yota up! Dick climbs for the DICK CHOP!!
The fans boo but the House applauds their own dirtiness. But here come Bushi & Hiromu again! But they just get mugged again! They set Hiromu up for the DICK CHOP, while Bushi gets a JACK CHOP! The House then slithers away before a replacement ref rushes out here. Evil drags Yota up, winds up and runs, to LARIAT!! Cover, TWO!!! Yota survives and the fans are thunderous! Evil is at a loss for words, but he slashes his throat! He vows to end it for real, and he reels Yota in. EVERYTHING IS- Yota flips through!? And HEADBUTTS!! The fans fire up as Yota reels Evil in for a fireman’s carry! 70 CROSS!! Cover, TWO!!
Evil survives the swinging spinebuster and the House cheers! Yota drags himself to a corner, drags himself up with the ropes, and roars as he takes aim! Evil rises, but Yujiro distracts! Dick runs in, but gets a V-TRIGGER! The ref sees Dick, but misses the LOW BLOW! Then Evil RAMS Yota into the ref! That’s the second ref this match! Narita gets his push-up bar! The others set Yota up, but here comes SHINGO TAKAGI! The Rampaging Dragon has seen enough, and he’s still pissed from yesterday as it is! He dodges Narita to PUMPING BOMBER! Kanemaru & Yujiro kick Takagi, double whip, but he DOUBLE PUMPING BOMBERS!!
Jack gets in, but he gets ELBOW, JAB and YUKON LARIAT! Evil runs up but Takagi SWATS Evil’s lariat to JAB! Then feed to Hiromu’s SUPERKICK! Hiromu & Takagi set Evil up for Bushi’s BLACK MIST!! Evil can’t see, the PUMPING BOMBER turns him inside-out!! The fans are thunderous as LIJ helps Yota up! Red Shoes hurries out here, and Yota aims at Evil! GENE BLASTER!!! Cover, Yota wins!!!
Winner: Yota Tsuji, by pinfall (advances to the finals)
The House of Torture ran out of tricks, and now there is light at the end of the tournament! Will Yota do LIJ proud and bring home the Cup?
2024 New Japan Cup Semifinals: SANADA VS Hirooki Goto!
One down, one to go. Yota Tsuji has made it through, now we see who joins him in the finals! Will the Cold Skull or Fierce Warrior be the one that steps closer to former glory?
The bell rings and the fans duel between “GO-TO-O!” and “SA-NA-DA!” Red Shoes measures the levels, and it seems to slightly favor Goto. Goto and Sanada circle, tie up, and are in a deadlock. Goto gets some leverage to put Sanada against ropes, but he lets off slowly. Goto pats Sanada on the shoulders and the fans cheer. The two reset, circle again, and tie up again. It’s another deadlock, but again Goto finds a way to put Sanada on ropes. Sanada turns things around, lets off slowly, and also pats Goto on the shoulders. The fans applaud and the two reset again. They feel things out, knuckle lock, then move to a clinch.
They fight for control, Sanada starts pushing Goto towards a corner but Goto slips away. They feel things out, knuckle lock again, then break. They tie up collar ‘n’ elbow, Goto waistlocks, but Sanada wrenches to wristlock. Goto rolls, wrenches, wristlocks, but Sanada spins, wrenches, only for Goto to roll! Goto gets a leg to trip Sanada up, and he has a toehold. Sanada fights back with a chinlock but Goto pulls on the leg. Sanada uses his free leg to hook Goto into an ARMBAR, but Goto clasps hands! Goto moves around, pops free, then headlocks. Sanada fights up, Goto grinds the headlock, but Sanada throws body shots.
Sanada powers up and out, but Goto runs him over! The fans rally as things speed up, and Goto counters hip toss with hip toss! Goto runs and he clotheslines Sanada up and out! The fans fire up and Goto slides out after Sanada. Goto stomps Sanada, drags him up, then CLUBS him on the neck! Sanada staggers, Goto CHOPS him, then kicks him, then CLUBS him! Goto whips but Sanada stops himself from hitting railing! Goto runs in but Sanada drop toeholds him into the railing! Goto goes down in a heap, but Sanada opens the gate. Sanada brings Goto through, then to the crowd! PILEDRIVER to the bare floor!
The fans are stunned but Red Shoes reprimands. Sanada leaves Goto behind and slides into the ring. The fans rally for Goto as the ring count begins. Goto crawls at 5 of 20, finds his way to ringside at 10, but still hobbles and crawls. He stands at 17 to slide in! The fans cheer, but Sanada stomps Goto. Sanada drags Goto up, CLUBS him on the neck, then brings him back up to CLUB him again. Goto CHOPS! And CHOPS! Sanada eggs Goto on so Goto CHOPS again! Goto whips, Sanada reverses to RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP! Cover, TWO! Sanada keeps cool and sits Goto up into a chinlock. Goto endures and the fans rally again.
Goto kicks forward, reaches out, but Sanada cranks on the hold! Goto keeps fighting, and has the ROPEBREAK! Sanada lets go cleanly, but then he stomps Goto while he’s down. Sanada then stands Goto up to CLUB him on the neck. Goto CHOPS in return! And CHOPS, and CHOPS, and has Sanada in a corner! Goto CHOPS again, then whips corner to corner. Goto runs in, but Sanada BOOTS first! Sanada runs, Goto follows, and Goto LARIATS Sanada down! The fans fire up and Goto rises, clutching his neck. Goto stands Sanada up to fire off forearms, then he whips corner to corner. Goto runs in, MURAMASA!
Sanada wobbles, into the SAIDO! Cover, TWO! The fans fire up while Goto grits his teeth. Goto drags Sanada up, fireman’s carries, but Sanada fights free! Sanada waistlocks, Goto throws elbows, then runs. Sanada hurdles, hurdles, and DROPKICKS! Goto tumbles out of the ring, Sanada PLANCHAS him down! The fans fire up and Sanada encourages them to get louder. The fans get louder and Sanada appreciates it. Sanada then goes back for Goto, brings him up and puts him in the ring. Sanada fireman’s carries but Goto throws elbows! Sanada turns around into Goto’s fireman’s carry, but then slips out into the dragon sleeper!
But Goto arm-drags free! Sanada kicks low, runs, but Goto follows! Sanada dodges this time, runs again, but Goto still follows! Sanada sidesteps this time, but Goto holds ropes to avoid the hurdle! Goto runs in, but Sanada fireman’s carries! T K O! Cover, TWO! Goto is still in this and the fans rally up! Sanada goes up the corner, ROUNDING BODY- NO, Sanada has to land out as Goto moves! Sanada runs in, but into the fireman’s carry! USHIGOROSHI! Both men are down and the fans fire up again! They cheer on “GO-TO-O!” but the “SA-NA-DA!” chants are still there. Red Shoes checks them both, and both men slowly rise.
The two crawl towards each other, and Goto fires a forearm! Sanada shakes his head, eggs Goto on, so Goto throws another! Goto eggs Sanada on, so Sanada fires a forearm! Goto fires a forearm back, and the two stand. Sanada UPPERCUTS! Goto comes back to forearm! Sanada UPPERCUTS again, and Goto drops back to a knee! The fans rally, Goto stands again, and he forearms! UPPERCUT, forearm, repeat! Goto growls, fires a flurry of forearms, and he ROCKS Sanada! Sanada drops to his hand and knees but Goto powers up! Goto KICKS but Sanada blocks! Goto fires more forearms, then waistlocks, but Sandaa fights free!
Sanada runs, but Goto fireman’s carries! And he throws Sanada into the dragon sleeper! But Sanada turns around and suplexes, for MAGIC SCREW! Both men are down again and the fans fire back up! Sanada roars as he rises up, and he aims from a corner. Sanada wants Goto to get up, and Goto sits up, into the SHINING WIZARD! Sanada then dragon sleepers, for the SKULL END!! Goto endures, flails, reaches out, but he’s caught in the body scissors! Goto fights around but he’s fading! The fans rally, Goto’s hand drops! Sanada lets him go to then climb! ROUNDING BODY PRESS! Cover, TWO!!
The fans fire up as Goto survives but Sanada storms around. Sanada drags Goto up, reels him in and clinches, but Goto slips free to shove Sanada away! Sanada forearms, ROLLING- HEADBUTT from Goto! The fans fire up and duel, and Goto drags Sanada up. But Sanada breaks free! Goto HEADBUTTS again! Sanada falls back down and Goto steadies himself. Goto roars, the fans are with him, and Goto sits Sanada up. Goto runs to PENALTY KICK! Shoutout to Shibata and the fans fire up more! Sanada grits his teeth as he sits back up but Goto takes aim! BUZZSAW! And then he hauls Sanada up to dragon sleeper! G T- BACKSLIDE COUNTER! TWO!!!
Sanada and Goto hurry up, Sanada dodges to O’Conner BRIDGE!! TWO?!!? Goto escapes and shocks everyone! Sanada resets, runs in, SHINING WIZARD!! The fans are thunderous as Sanada roars and drags Goto back up! Clinch and DEAD- NO, Goto slips around to ripcord and fireman’s carry! G T W!! Cover, TWO?!?!? Sanada survives but Goto is all fired up! The fans are thunderous as Goto dragon sleepers for G T R!!! Cover, GOTO WINS!!!
Winner: Hirooki Goto, by pinfall (advances to the finals)
Don’t call it a comeback, Goto’s been here for years! Sanada’s hopes of being IWGP World Heavyweight Champion again have been delayed, how long must he wait for another chance?
As for Goto, he’s going back to the New Japan Cup Finals for the first time since 2016, and his seventh overall! But before he can get the mic to speak, Yota makes his way back out here. Yota steps into the ring and he gets the mic first. Yota tells Goto, “In order to open the door to a new era, we must do this.” The fans applaud that, and Yota continues by asking Goto, “Are you ready?!” Yota drops the mic at Goto’s feet, and Goto stands up to speak. “I also have something I want to show you. As a three-time New Japan Cup Champion, I will show you my strength.” The fans like the sound of that!
The Fierce Warrior stares down with Gene Blast, a true generational showdown on the horizon! Will Goto return not juts to former glory, but finally ascend to top of NJPW? Or will Yota make it LIJ VS LIJ for the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship?
My Thoughts:
A great semifinal round for this tournament, with quite a surprising main event. Sanada VS Goto was great stuff, and while I felt Sanada wasn’t winning the Cup, I didn’t think he’d be out this round. Yota VS Evil was rather creatively put together, too. I did not think the House would get so involved that at first it was a No Contest but then they restart under a ringside ban. Takagi making sure Yota won was good stuff, too, maybe we can get Takagi VS Evil for the NEVER Openweight Championship if they’re not gonna circle back to more Shota Umino VS House of Torture stuff.
Goto VS Yota is going to be great stuff, and Goto is clearly a top utility guy. He’s had so many New Japan Cup finals appearances, certainly among the most ever, but I don’t think he gets a fourth Cup win against Yota, one of the “new era Musketeers” that NJPW clearly loves. Yota VS Naito is definitely the title match for Sakura Genesis.
My Score: 8.9/10
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