Connect with us

Coverage

Mitchell’s WWE NXT Results & Report! (2/7/23)

DING DONG! Hello, NXT!

Published

on

NXT White 'n' Gold Era

Bayley has a Toxic return to NXT!

Vengeance Day is done, and Roxanne Perez is STILL NXT Women’s Champion. But DING DONG, HELLO~! Bayley is back to talk with the losers, Gigi Dolin & Jacy Jayne!

OFFICIAL RESULTS

  • Zoey Stark VS Sol Ruca; Stark wins.
  • Dabba-Kato VS Dante Chen; Kato wins.
  • Isla Dawn w/ Alba Fyre VS Tatum Paxley; Dawn wins.
  • Carmelo Hayes w/ Trick Williams VS JD McDonagh; Hayes wins.
  • Lyra Valkyria VS Valentina Feroz w/ Wendy Choo; Lyra wins.
  • Odyssey Jones VS Channing Lorenzo w/ Tony D’Angelo; Lorenzo wins.
  • Chase U VS Pretty Deadly; Pretty Deadly wins.

PLAY BY PLAY

Carmelo Hayes and Trick Williams head to the ring.

Fans are torn as the man who won 2-0 over Apollo Crews and his hype man get the mics. Trick has the music cut, and says, “Reporting to you live, the greatest duo alive, Trick Melo Gang has finally arrived. Coming through your television sets like only we can, Vengeance Day will go down as the day Carmelo Hayes turned Apollo Crews, the vision seer, into Stevie Wonder!” Melo adds, “Alright, Trick, let me hear one of my catchphrases real quick. Melo is…” No, not that one. Oh, alright. Then let’s go with, “Melo IS-” Wait, c’mon! Oh, right, right. Melo IN TWO! He did it! He spoke things to existence, he was on the logo when he shot that shot and Melo Don’t Miss!

Melo said he’d get two straight and what’d he do? Clean sweep! Let’s talk about it! Apollo had the right vision, juts with the wrong one. Now the whole NXT Universe is shook! Melo is everything he says that he is! He is the one! He is HIM. Talk your talk, dawg! History doesn’t lie. Melo did what he said he’d do, beat everyone he said he’d beat. But there is one more man that needs to be put on a T-shirt, and there’s only one event that can hold the both of them. This is destiny. That man is… JD McDonagh? The Irish Ace walks out and fans boo as he tells Melo, “I’m sitting back there, my ears must be deceiving me. It sounded like you were about to challenge for the NXT title, right? Not just me?”

JD gets it. Melo is like most people in this crowd, he’s from the entitled generation. Melo is flashy, wants everyone to think he’s the coolest. But JD is here to tell Melo that he is the coolest. But in the ring, he’s not fit to hold JD’s jockstrap. And Melo loves saying he’s The A Champ, but Melo is not ready for the big title, or to be the face of NXT. Melo says this is the UK bar-setter trying to come off the bench to face Melo. Melo thought he beat everyone there is to beat, but he apparently left a survivor. JD is jealous, he hates Melo cuz he ain’t Melo. JD says Melo can count his entrances and shirts, but JD is counting body parts!

JD says Melo is about being VIP, the clubs, private rooms. JD is about sending people to the emergency room. So get your buddy to dial 911 now and tell them Melo’s coming. Melo says they can go back and forth all night, or they can see who’s about it and run the game. Fans like the sound of that! JD steps to Melo, and JD says, “Game on.” Fans of both men are ready to see this one! Will Melo be the one to trump the Irish Ace? Or will the Necessary Evil change Melo’s destiny?

 

Kiana James meets up with Fallon Henley.

Kiana says, “Hey, champ,” but Fallon tells her to save it. Fallon saw the match footage and Kiana cheated! Uh, Fallon didn’t see that, and neither did the ref. So what is Fallon gonna do? Give the titles back? They won! For the first time in their lives, they’re champions! Yeah, and that’s great, but they should give Kayden & Katana a rematch. Kiana says they can talk about that. Well, what’s not up for discussion is Kiana needs to tell Jensen about “Zack” or Fallon will. Fallon keeps going back to that! It was no one! Oh, okay. Then Fallon will go tell Jensen. Fallon wait! SURPRISE~! It’s a surprise party for the new tag champs!

Will Fallon be able to tell Jensen the drama now? Or will she wait for a better time?

 

NXT shares Grayson Waller interrupting HBK’s media call.

The 21st Century Success Story was NOT happy about his loss, but he wanted to know from Shawn Michaels himself why he isn’t “the guy.” Is it not the gear? Is it the fact the others are big fans of HBK’s? Does Waller have to do the HBK pose? Take a picture of him and HBK together? A-Train escorted Waller out but Waller kept wanting to talk. Will HBK give Waller his answer tonight? Will Waller like what he hears?

 

Zoey Stark VS Sol Ruca!

The Hunter is the number one suspect in the whodunnit that is the attack on Nikkita Lyons. The Sol Surfer is just as convinced as anyone that Stark did it, will Stark fight to defend her innocence? Or will she be guilty as charged?

NXT returns and Stark makes her entrance. The bell rings and the two circle. They tie up, and Stark knees low! Sol wrenches an arm but Stark wrenches back to YANK the arm! Fans taunt Stark with “OH~ Zoey is Angry~!” Stark tells them to shut up, whips Sol to a corner, but Sol goes up and over to handspring then arm-drag! Sol holds onto the arm but Stark fights up. Stark pulls hair, powers out, but Sol runs her over! Things keep moving, Stark hip tosses but Sol handsprings through to hit a FACEBUSTER! Sol kips up, then clotheslines Stark out of the ring! Stark staggers up, Sol runs in but the boot is deflected! Sol does the splits on the apron!

Sol BOOTS Stark from the apron, then drags her up to put her back in. Sol hurries in to whip but Stark blocks. The ref calls the ropebreak but Stark sucker punches Sol! Stark whips Sol hard into a corner, then back again! Stark snapmares and runs to SLIDING LARIAT! Cover, TWO! Stark clamps onto Sol with a chinlock and stretches her back. Stark CLUBS Sol with a crossface forearm, but fans rally up for Sol. Sol fights up, snapmares, but Stark holds on with a cravat. Sol throws body shots but Stark KNEES Sol! Stark ROCKS Sol, snapmares, but Sol handsprings through! Sol gest around, tilt-o-whirl sunset flip! TWO!!

Sol stands, into a LARIAT from Stark! Cover, TWO!! Sol survives but Stark pushes her around. Stark ROCKS Sol with forearms, but fans rally up again. Sol throws body shots and forearms but Stark ROCKS her again. Stark whips Sol to a corner, runs in, but only gets buckles! Sol ducks ‘n’ dodges to rally with shoulder tackles! Fans fire up and Sol DROPKICKS Stark down! Stark goes to a corner, Sol runs in and handsprings to SPLASH! Sol scoops but Stark grabs ropes! Stark elbows free, SUPERKICKS Sol and Sol flops to the apron! Sol shoulders back in, and again, then springboards to FLYING SPLASH onto knees!!

Stark says she’s too smart for Sol! She then RAMS Sol into the corner, drags her back out, and Z 360!! Cover, Stark wins!

Winner: Zoey Stark, by pinfall

That was definitely a wipeout for Sol. Stark is on top, and she beats Sol down for questioning her! She RAMS Sol into buckles again! Sol falls and flounders but Stark grins. Stark taunts Sol, drags her back up, and RAMS- NO, Sol blocks that to hit SOL SNATCHER!! Fans fire up as Sol makes Stark wipeout! Will Sols till prove Stark had something to do with Lyons being attacked?

 

NXT checks in with the championship celebration.

Briggs is happy to see Gina, but wonders why Jensen brought her along. Kiana says Jensen is the sweetest guy ever. Well Jensen wanted to make it special for her first title reign. Plus, Kiana is special to him. Fallon says there’s something Kiana wants to tell Jensen. Kiana tells Fallon that she just did. She thanked Jensen for the party. And Briggs, too. Briggs says she’s never thanked him. Wait, Pretty Deadly walk through the crowd, telling people to move aside. Not hard to do, Elton Prince & Kit Wilson are a mess… Like they haven’t slept in days. BECAUSE THEY HAVEN’T! They haven’t slept since Vengeance Day!

Briggs has the boys hold their horses. Do they want a drink? No, they want tag titles! Does anyone have them? But of course not! They were so close…! And then they spot “YOU!” Chase U, that is. Andre & Duke are why Pretty Deadly aren’t Tag Team Champions! What’re they talking about? It was every team for themselves. And honestly, Andre could say the same thing back to these two a-holes! Chase U could’ve won in Andre’s hometown! So it doesn’t matter how tired Pretty Deadly is, Andre’s pissed off! Thea, what’s in Andre’s drink? Water. But tonight, Pretty Deadly gets the sh*t kicked outta them! BY Andre Chase University!

Everyone’s fired up for that, will Pretty Deadly be on the receiving end of a Teachable Moment?

 

Dabba-Kato VS Dante Chen!

Once an ally of Apollo Crews, the big, bad commander betrayed Apollo after he lost that Best 2 Out of 3 Falls! Will the Singapore Warrior survive his encounter with killer Kato?

The bell rings and fans rally for Chen. Chen and Kato tie up, but Kato choke grips! And THROWS Chen down! Kato hauls Chen up, puts him in a corner, and CHOPS him! Chen sputters and staggers, but Kato puts him in another corner to RAM his shoulder in! And again! And again! Kato lets off at the ref’s count of 4, but then Chen throws a forearm! Kato RAMS Chen, picks him up, and TOSSES him into the air! Chen crashes hard, Kato talks trash on him. Chan throws body shots, but Kato HEADBUTTS Chen down! Kato storms up to drag Chen up on the apron, and TOSSES him back into the ring!

Kato snarls and fans boo, but Kato runs corner to corner. Chen BOOTS Kato, Kato comes back but Chen dodges! Chen fires off fast hands, fans fire up, but Kato shoves Chen away. Chen comes back to clothesline! And UPPERCUT! And clothesline again! Chen keeps moving, and he BOOTS Kato! Kato drops to a knee and fans fire up! Chen powers up to DOUBLE CHOP! And then runs, into a CHOP from Kato!! Fans are going nuts and Kato has a wild look in his eyes! TWO HAND BOMB!! Cover, Kato wins!

Winner: Dabba-Kato, by pinfall

Chen put up a fight, but it wasn’t enough! Will Kato prove he doesn’t need anyone to be on top? An interviewer meets Kato at the ramp and asks Kato why he came back to attack Apollo. Kato says Apollo knows what he did, and that’s why Kato dropped his ass! But then, what did Apollo do?

 

Diamond Mine is with Ivy Nile in the medical center.

Julius Creed apologizes for knocking her off the apron last week. Ivy says it’s okay, she knows it was an accident. Brutus says they need to get back at Indus Sher, and especially Jinder Mahal. Julius agrees. Tatum Paxley asks if Ivy is okay. Yes, Ivy will be find by the weekend. But then in walks Isla Dawn & Alba Fyre. Isla says that for such a tight knit group, they’re letting someone very mysterious get awfully close. What’s she going on about? Well, Isla wants to know why Tatum was lurking in the parking lot a couple weeks ago. Isla says Tatum walks between rain drops. She’s not a part of Diamond Mine! She’s a lone wolf, and her target was Lyons.

Tatum says she didn’t attack Lyons. She was doing film study with the Creeds and then trained with Ivy. She needed some air, Lyons was done when she arrived. Isla says an innocent person would’ve just said, “No.” Isla laughs, she and Fyre walk away, and Brutus says to Tatum that if she did it, she could just say so. But she didn’t! Ivy believes Tatum. But doth Tatum protest too much? Or are these just mind games from the Wicked Witch? We’ll have to wait and see, because their match happens after the break!

 

Backstage interview with Roxanne Perez.

McKenzie Mitchell asks the NXT Women’s Champion how it feels to have won her first defense. Roxie says she is relieved. She put a lot of pressure on herself to win. It was her first defense, they were on the road, it was a big stage, she could NOT let Toxic Attraction reclaim the title. She’s just excited to see what’s next. That brings McKenzie to her next question, except she’s cut off by Kayden Carter & Katana Chance. “It must be nice walking in and out of Charlotte with a championship.” “Yeah, we got screwed.” Roxie says she saw that, and is sorry about that. But KC Squared will win those belts back, they’re too good not to.

Are they? Does Roxie even know if they’ll get their rematch? Is the top champion gonna make sure that happens? What’s their problem? Their problem is that they got cheated and no one is talking about it! Not that Roxie understands, she doesn’t have friends here. Uh, wow, she has no friends now? Yeah, cuz being in a tag team takes commitment. Uh, she knows, she was tag team champion once. Yeah, and how’d that work out? Y’know what? Roxie can make a call and show them she does have friends. They’ll see about that. KC Squared head out, Roxie takes out her phone. Who will the Prodigy call to take on the bitter Katana & Kayden?

 

Isla Dawn w/ Alba Fyre VS Tatum Paxley!

NXT returns as Tatum makes her entrance. The bell rings and the two tie up. Isla pushes Tatum to ropes but Tatum turns things around. Isla shoves Tatum away, they tie up again and Isla wrenches to an ELBOW BREAKER! Isla wristlocks, Tatum rolls and cartwheels to wrench and WRING Isla out! Tatum runs, handsprings over Isla to then CLOBBER her with an elbow! Cover, TWO! Isla flounders and Tatum talks trash with Fyre. Tatum goes back to Isla but Isla kicks Tatum’s leg out! Tatum gets a knee on the way down, then Isla brings her up. Tatum breaks free, blocks a kick, but Isla blocks the roll-up! Isla turns around to drop a leg!

Isla drags Tatum up, fireman’s carries, and FLAPJACK HOTSHOTS her! Isla throws Tatum down by her hair, then runs in to METEORA! Cover, TWO! Tatum hangs tough but Isla pushes her around. Isla steps on Tatum, stalks her to ropes and brings her up. Isla pulls hair, the ref reprimands but Tatum throws body shots. Tatum hits a JAWBREAKER, Isla storms up but into an elbow! Tatum rolls Isla up, TWO! Isla ROCKS Tatum, then swings again. Tatum throws hands, forearms, and body shots! Tatum whips and ELBOWS Isla again! Fans fire up as Tatum rallies, and ENZIGURIS Isla! Isla goes to a corner and Tatum runs in, into a BOOT!

Isla runs but Tatum dodges to kick low. Tatum reels Isla in, GUT WRENCH SUPLEX! Cover, TWO! Tatum goes to a corner, goes up, and leaps, but Isla gets clear! Tatum crashes ‘n’ burns, Isla drags her up for the CALL OF THE SPIRITS! Cover, Isla wins!

Winner: Isla Dawn, by pinfall

Fyre stands with the Unholy Enchantress, and they loom over Tatum. But out rushes Ivy, with a steel chain! Ivy runs off Isla & Fyre, will the Diamond Mine be united against this unholy alliance?

 

Someone rolls up to NXT in style.

They step out of the Mercedes-Benz, but we don’t see their face! Who is this that has just arrived?

 

Carmelo Hayes w/ Trick Williams VS JD McDonagh!

While the former North American Champion won handedly in the Best 2 Out of 3 Falls, it is true that it wasn’t an official #1 contender’s match. Will the Irish Ace prove there is some doubt to Melo’s claim? Or will Melo stand and deliver on the road to WrestleMania?

The bell rings and fans rally and duel as the two circle. They tie up, JD pushes Melo back then wrenches an arm. Melo rolls, handsprings, wrenches back and WRINGS JD out, but JD handsprings through! JD says he can do what Melo does, but Melo headlocks, JD hip tosses, Melo handsprings through and has a cording hold! Melo is showing he can do what JD does, too! But then JD hits low, gets a leg up to flip up and over, and he wrenches to NORTHERN LIGHTS, but Melo handsprings through!? Fans fire up for that, and the two reset. Melo “dribbles,” but JD “kicks” the ball away! Fans boo and the two tie up again.

Melo headlocks, JD powers out but Melo runs him over! Things keep going, JD hurdles and Melo flips over! JD kips up, kicks low and CHOPS! JD whips, Melo hits buckles hard, and JD CHOPS again! JD whips Melo corner to corner, runs in, but Melo tosses him up and HOTSHOTS in one go! Melo PLANCHAS to wipe JD out! Fans fire up with Melo and he puts JD back in the ring. Cover, TWO! Trick tells Melo, “Stop playing with your food.” Melo stands JD up to CHOP him! Melo throws hands on JD in the corner, lets off as the ref counts, and JD kicks low. JD kicks again, CLUBS Melo, then whips him to ropes for a FLAPJACK.

Fans fire up while Melo grits his teeth. JD stomps Melo down, drops elbows, then rains down fists. JD lets off but Melo grabs at a foot. JD stomps that hand away! Melo staggers up, JD brings him around, BIG back suplex! Fans are torn but most boo JD and cheer Melo. JD stands Melo up, Melo stops the suplex, but JD gets him up to hang him out to dry! Melo writhes, those ribs still bothering him from Saturday! Cover, TWO! JD argues the count but the ref says it was fair, and NXT goes picture in picture.

Melo winces and clutches his ribs, but JD stalks him to a corner. JD stomps Melo, digs his boot into the ribs, but the ref counts. JD lets off, Melo drags himself up, but JD is on him again. JD POSTS Melo! Melo flops to the apron, JD goes out the side and drags Melo closer to the post. JD bends Melo against the post! Trick can only freak out as Melo suffers! JD lets go at the ref’s count of 4, and he tells Trick to back off. JD gets in the ring, but Melo throws hands! JD clinches but Melo elbows free! Melo backslides, TWO!! JD escapes, Melo BOOTS him! Melo runs, but into the URENAGE! STANDING MOONSAULT! Cover, TWO!!

Melo is still in this but he’s also still clutching his ribs. JD keeps cool and drags Melo back up. JD ELBOWS Melo in the shoulder, then warps on a chinlock! Melo endures and fights up as fans rally. JD CLUBS Melo, bumps him off buckles, then CHOPS! Melo headlock JD in the ropes! The ref counts, JD CHOPS! Melo turns things around to CHOP back! And CHOP again! But JD boots, only for Melo to block! Melo puts JD in the ropes but JD slips out! JD swings but Melo avoids his leg sweep, to SUPERKICK JD to the floor! Melo then PLANCHAS, into a GUTBUSTER!! JD gets the better of Melo and grins, but Trick coaches Melo up.

JD puts Melo in the ring and then drops an ax handle! JD stands on Melo’s face, scrapes his sole on Melo’s forehead, then argues with the ref. JD stalks Melo, and he clamps on for a ground cobra twist! NXT returns to single picture as Melo endures the stretch. Fans are rallying and dueling again, Melo grabs at JD’s hair but the ref reprimands. JD keeps on the pressure but Melo punches free! JD throws body shots, whips Melo hard into buckles, and mocks Melo’s pain. JD storms up, whips Melo again, but Melo reverses and now JD hits buckles! Melo back drops JD away! Fans rally and duel as Melo grimaces.

JD and Melo stand, JD clamps on but Melo scoops to SLAM JD down! Melo winces, but he storms up again. JD kangaroo kicks, then scoops, but Melo makes it a cradle! TWO and JD has the cradle! TWO and Melo has it! TWO and JD has it again! TWO!! Both men are up, STANDING SPANISH FLY from the Irish Ace! Cover, TWO!! Melo survives and Trick can breath easy again. Fans are fired up for “NXT! NXT!” Melo and JD rise, Melo pie faces JD away. JD comes back to cravat, snapmare, and DOUBLE STOMP the ribs! JD goes up a corner, but Melo stands to GAMANGIRI! Fans fire up and Melo positions JD in the ropes, to ENZIGURI!

Melo runs, springboards, FADE AWAY! Both men are down but Trick talks trash on JD. JD and Melo rise as the fans rally up. Melo ROCKS JD, JD ROCKS Melo! Melo BOOTS and fires off! JD and Melo brawl, ‘This is Awesome!” as Melo fires off a flurry! Melo whips, JD reverses, Melo springboards to FLYING LARIAT! And then a suplex, CUTTER! Cover, TWO! JD survives but Trick is hyped up as Melo has momentum. Melo drags JD up, JD breaks free to clinch, URE- NO, arm-drag! Melo blocks a boot but JD powers through. Melo tilt-o-whirls to the FACEBUSTER! Cover, TWO, but into the CROSSFACE! JD endures, scrambles over, ROPEBREAK!

Melo holds on until the ref counts 4. Trick is frustrated but Melo keeps focus. Melo and JD rise as fans rally again. JD mule kicks, but Melo trips him! Jackknife bridge, TWO as JD powers up! JD spins Melo around, gets him up but Melo sips out! JD ROCKS Melo with the jab! LIGER BOMB! Cover, TWO!! Melo survives and Trick is relieved but JD is too tired to be upset. Fans rally up again, JD stalks Melo and grabs the arm. Melo holds ropes to deny the ripcord, then he kicks JD away. JD yanks Melo but Melo lands on his feet! CODE BREAKER! Cover, TWO!! JD survives but Melo hurries to a corner! Melo winces, but he still climbs!

JD anchors a foot! Melo kicks JD, drags him up and around, but JD HEADBUTTS!! Both men fall and fans go wild! Wait, ILJA DRAGUNOV IS HERE?!? Was he the one who arrived a moment ago?! Trick hurries to intercept, but he gets a TORPEDO MOSCOW!! JD hurries to ripcord, but Melo makes it a victory roll! MELO WINS!!

Winner: Carmelo Hayes, by pinfall

And now Melo stares down with the Czar! Dragunov lunges, but after JD! Dragunov rains down furious forearms on the Irish Ace, the man who injured him! “UN! BE! SIEG! BAR!!” But JD bails! Dragunov chases JD up into the crowd!! They go to the back while Melo has a good laugh. The Czar wants after the Irish Ace, will the Necessary Evil be exterminated? As for Melo, does he have a clear path to the NXT Championship for Stand & Deliver?

 

Tiffany Stratton finishes her make-up.

But Thea Hail is also there, talking about Chase U taking on Pretty Deadly. But also, Thea saw Tiffany’s TikTok video about Chase U. Oh, good. She’s one of Tiffany’s followers? She appreciates it. Thea has a question: Why does Tiffany not like Chase U? It’s fun, the people there are nice, and the colors red and black are good. The classes are a little hard, but- O M G Thea just realized she forgot to turn in her Road to WrestleMania essay! Uh, then just go. WAIT! It’s due tomorrow, she has time. Okay, then just relax. Stop breathing Tiffany’s air! Tiffany also stops Thea from starting up again, it’s Tiffany’s turn to talk.

Tiffany says Chase U is tacky, cringe, and annoying. No one likes Chase U and no one wants to go there. Ever. Thea remembers what Professor Shelby told her about anger, and to breathe three times. Thea does her deep breathing, but then Tiffany talks. Thea tells TIFFANY to stop! All “blondie” cares about are herself, her things, and her everything about her. All Thea cares about is Chase U! They open their arms to everyone! It doesn’t matter your background, your size, your shape or anything like that! If Tiffany’s not done with that, Thea has two words for ya! Chase U? NOPE! SUCK IT!! But then AVA RAINE SMOTHERS THEA AND KIDNAPS HER!!!

Tiffany doesn’t even notice, she’s too busy looking at herself! But what does The Schism have planned for Chase U’s top recruit?!

 

NXT checks in with the championship celebration again.

Everyone’s having a good time, and Fallon says this is really awesome. The boys didn’t have to do this. Briggs knows they didn’t have to, but they wanted to. Listen, Jensen, Fallon needs to talk with him about something. Oh, good! Jensen has something to talk with Fallon about, too. Oh, okay. They each say the other can go first, but someone has to go first. Briggs says Jensen should just go. Okay, okay. Since next week is Valentine’s Day, Jensen’s taking Kiana out on a date! No way! Briggs is pumped for Jensen! Jensen’s pumped, too! Fallon’s a champion, Jensen met the love of his life, and here she is! So, what was Fallon gonna say?

Uh… Just, all of this, thanks you guys. Yeah, raise a cup to the ladies! WOOOOO~! Jensen and Kiana are continuing the relationship, will Fallon just let it be what it is? Or will she spill the secret before Jensen and Kiana go all the way?

 

Lyra Valkyria VS Valentina Feroz w/ Wendy Choo!

The Morrigan wanted revenge on Cora Jade, but it seems the Generation of Jade doesn’t back up its talk with action. So instead, Lyra gets the Brazilian with the burning spirit! Will Feroz prove to everyone, including Elektra Lopez, that she can do things the right way and still win? Or will Lyra still be flying high?

The bell rings and the two circle. They tie up, Lyra throws Feroz down and has a wristlock. Feroz stands up, back drops Lyra, and has the wristlock back. Lyra kips up, hip tosses Feroz, and covers, TWO! Lyra facelocks to keep Feroz down but Feroz throws body shots. Lyra whips Feroz to a corner, Feroz goes up and around to roll Lyra up, TWO! A close call and Feroz fires up! SAYANAGI! SAYANAGI! Wendy fires up with Feroz, but Lyra also shouts! Lyra SOBATS, KICKS, HEADBUTTS and AX KICKS! Lyra whips, Feroz ducks ‘n’ dodges, but the crossbody is caught! Only for Feroz to make it a SUBMISSION!

Lyra powers up, to NORTHERN LIGHTS! Bridging cover, TWO! Lyra clamps onto Feroz, Feroz resists, but Lyra throws down elbows! Wait, here comes Lopez. Lyra has Feroz in a motorcycle stretch but Feroz fights up. They go around, Feroz flips and handsprings to arm-drag but Lyra handsprings through. Feroz rushes in, Lyra sidesteps but Feroz headlocks. Lyra powers out, things speed up and Lyra hurdles but Feroz RANAS! Fans fire up and Feroz storms up to ROCK Lyra! Feroz whips, Lyra reverses and the two COLLIDE! Both women fall over and Lopez slides the brass knuckles to Feroz!

Wendy asks Lopez why she’s even here! And she tells Feroz that she doesn’t need those! But Feroz still puts them on! Fans duel. Feroz thinks about it, but Lyra ENZIGURIS! And HEEL KICKS! Cover, Lyra wins!

Winner: Lyra Valkyria, by pinfall

Lopez is disappointed, but this was her fault! If La Madrina just let Feroz do things her way, she would’ve been able to focus! Will Lopez learn to mind her own business? As for Lyra, will she find Cora soon enough so they can settle things once and for all?

 

Wes Lee shares his Vengeance Day story.

On Friday, he arrived in Charlotte, North Carolina. He’s taking it all in, is a little nervous, but this is what he lives for. He and his wife, Erica, meet up at the hotel, and she says the title gave him the confidence boost. She knows he deserves the title, and knows he’ll keep it because he doesn’t give up. Wes vowed that on Saturday, everyone will see that the North American Championship lives and stays on the #WesSide. Erica got emotional as she wished him luck and saw him off. She knows how hard he’s worked, and that he’s gonna kill it. She wants him to understand the impact he has on people, so she wants to see him succeed.

All the ups and downs, sacrifices and risks, have culminated in this moment, the biggest moment of his life, and he is ready for it. He and Dijak had a battle, and Wes kept his vow to succeed in overcoming the obstacle. Wes got congratulated by HBK, and Wes says he busts his ass every day he’s out in the ring. Wes will go around, through or over anyone in his way.

Backstage interview with Wes Lee.

McKenzie says that after watching his vlog diary, how is he feeling about Vengeance Day weekend? Wes says it was dope! But did you see Dijak’s finger? Ouch! But then Tony D’Angelo & Channing Lorenzo walk in. The Don asks everyone if, in that vlog diary, he happened to mention Tony. Stacks says no, we did not. Did we see Stacks? No, we did not. Wes, you reaped the benefits of their issues with Dijak so they want to be compensated. Uh, Wes never asked them for help, nor did he need it. But if they want compensation, Wes is gonna hold an Open Challenge next week. Maybe one of these two will have the cannolis to answer it.

Tony says he and Stacks have business to take care of. They leave, but will one of them take Wes up on that challenge?

 

Tyler Bate speaks.

“Grayson Waller. At Vengeance Day, you lost. You came up short, and trust me, I know how it feels, I’ve been there. But we all deal with losing from time to time, and we have to learn to take these on the chin. And that is something you couldn’t do. And instead, you chose to behave like an ungrateful child and you disrespected Shawn Michaels. And that’s not on! Myself and many others would not be here today if it were not for Shawn Michaels. And right now, you’re suspended. But next week, your suspension is over. So Grayson, you wanna disrespect someone? How’s about next week, you try and disrespect me?” Will the 21st Century Success Story be humbled by the Big Strong Boi?

 

Odyssey Jones VS ???

Sound the alarm! The Odyssey of Odyssey continues, but will this next chapter be a happy one? Or will the hero of this story run into hardships?

NXT returns, and Stacks makes his entrance. Is this the big bad behemoth Stacks claims he’ll take down to prove he’s a worthy Underboss? The bell rings and fans rally for Jones. He and Stacks circle, Stacks rushes in to go for a leg, but Jones throws him away. Stacks and Jones circle again, Jones corners Stacks but Stacks kicks low. Stacks wrenches but Jones headlocks. Stacks pulls hair but Jones grinds the hold. Stacks throws body shots but Jones shoves Stacks. They RAM shoulders, Stacks RAMS Jones again, then headbutts low! Stacks keeps RAMMING into Jones, but then Jones CLOBBERS Stacks!

Fans fire up for Jones while Tony is upset. Stacks goes to a corner, Jones stands Stacks up and throws body shots and DOUBLE CHOPS! Jones TOSSES Stacks across the way! Stacks flounders, Tony talks trash on Jones, but Jones storms up on Stacks. Jones RAMS into Stacks, Stacks staggers away, and Jones grins as he brings Stacks up. Jones scoops, Stacks slips free and kicks low! Stacks runs but is sent into another corner! Stacks bounces off buckles, Tony coaches Stacks but Jones puts Stacks up top. Jones CLUBS away on Stacks, then POLISH HAMMERS Stacks down! Fans fire up with Jones while Stacks goes to the apron.

Tony tells Stacks he asked for this so he has to win! Stacks shoulders into Jones, then HOTSHOT NECKBREAKERS! Jones staggers, Stacks runs to CLOBBER Jones onto the ropes! Stacks CLUBS away on Jones, lets off as the re counts, and Stacks says it’s HIS time now. Stacks pie faces Jones, slingshots and LEG DROPS! Stacks almost wipes himself out! Tony talks trash, Stacks stalks Jones, and Stacks throws hands. Stacks clamps onto the neck wrench but Jones endures. Fans rally, Jones fights up, and he pries free! Jones elbows but Stacks clamps on with a chinlock. Jones throws more hands, then CLOBBERS Stacks!

Jones CLOBBERS Stacks again, whips him and scoops him, SIDEWALK SLAM! Fans fire up and Jones runs, ROLLING SENTON! Stacks sputters and crawls around, and fans rally for Jones. Jones back body blocks in a corner, Stacks flops out of the ring, and Jones goes out after him. Jones runs in to CLOBBER Stacks again! Jones puts Stacks in the ring, slides in, but Stacks hurries to DDT! Jones is dazed and Tony fires up! Stacks snarls, runs, and SLIDING FOREARMS! Stacks fires himself up, wants Jones to get up again, and Stacks runs in, KNEE DROP!! Cover, STACKS WINS!

Winner: Channing Lorenzo, by pinfall

Fans boo but the Underboss just won big! Will Tony’s right hand man soon be getting his hands on gold?

 

Indus Sher speaks.

Jinder Mahal says Veer and Sanga, “two international icons, united by one desire, finally earned the respect they are after.” Veer says they told the world what was going to happen but no one believed them, “until they witnessed the devastation of the Creed Brothers.” Sanga says, “Julius, Brutus, don’t be ashamed. You lost before the bell even rang.” Jinder says, “An entire region of this planet rejoiced in celebration. Now these two men expected to be treated the same here as they are back home: deservedly so, larger than life superstars!” Veer says Indus Sher now moves on to accomplish bigger goals. The Creeds have little value now.

Seeing the landscape, there is no tag team that can beat them! Their NXT takeover has begun. Phase one is complete. Phase two begins and ends with the three of them draped in gold! Will the Modern Day Maharaja lead his brothers in arms to have their hands raised at Stand & Deliver?

 

Chase U heads to gorilla.

They have their match to worry about, but they’re also worried because they don’t know where Thea went. Andre is sure she was headed to Shake Shack, and Duke says it’s probably fine, Thea is an adult and can handle herself. But will they be able to focus on their own concerns against Kit & Elton? That match is next, after the break.

 

NXT catches up with Roxanne Perez in the parking lot.

They ask her if she has a tag team partner for next week’s match. She does, actually. And next week, KC Squared will be facing Roxie and Meiko Satomura! The Final Boss is returning to NXT! Will she help the Prodigy put Kayden & Katana in their place?

 

Chase U VS Pretty Deadly!

NXT returns as Kit & Elton make their entrance. But they’re still in the same disheveled state as they were earlier tonight. They can’t even put energy into their pose. Will they even have energy to have this match?

The teams sort out, and Duke starts against Elton. They circle, tie up, and Duke headlocks. Elton powers out but Duke runs him over! Elton flounders while fans rally for Duke. Elton CHOPS, but Duke doesn’t even flinch. Duke puts Elton in a corner and CHOPS! Fans taunt them as “Pretty Sleepy!” Duke bumps Elton off buckles and heh goes flying! Duke CLUBS and ROCKS Elton, then DECKS Elton right out of the ring! Duke isn’t even into this because it’s not much of a fight. Elton hurries into the ring, tags Kit, but Duke wrenches to RAM shoulders. Tag to Chase, Chase U whips, drop toeholds and drops an elbow! Cover, TWO!

Chase body scissors to a clutch, TWO! Chase rolls Kit again, TWO! ROLLING CLUTCH! Fans cheer as they go around and around, cover, TWO! Kit says, “What’s the point?! What’s the bloody point?!” Chase drags Kit up but Kit shoves him away. Kit wants to leave but Chase is on him at the ropes! Chase ROCKS Kit, Kit yoyos into another forearm! And another! And another! Elton protests but Chase kicks him low! Chase bumps Elton off Kit’s boots, they both fall out of the ring! Chase says THAT is a teachable moment! Pretty Deadly is frustrated, Kit tags Elton in and they go after Chase together! Kit anchors a foot, but Chase deflects Elton’s boot!

Chase CLUBS Kit, ducks Elton, and Elton almost hits Kit! But Kit sends Elton’s hand into Chase! And they’re suddenly back?! Tag to Kit, he and Elton stomp, “YES BOY~!” and LEG DROP SPLASH COMBO! Cover, ONE!! Kit drags Chase up, reels him in, suplexes but Chase slips free! Tag to Duke! Duke CLOBBERS Kit, ELBOWS him, then scoops to SLAM! Fans rally for Duke and he kicks Kit, CLUBS him, and stomps him! Duke mocks the Pretty Deadly fingers, then dodges Kit to scoop and SIDEWALK SLAM! Fans fire up with Duke and he runs in, only for Elton to dump him out! Fans boo but Duke sends Elton into the apron.

But Kit CLOBBERS Duke into the steel steps! “YES BOY!” Pretty Deadly has energy again as NXT goes picture in picture.

Chase checks on Duke but Kit drags Duke up. Kit puts Duke in the ring, kicks him to the corner, and tags in Elton. Pretty Deadly stomps Duke, Elton throws hands then more stomps. The ref counts, Elton lets off to tag Kit back in. Pretty Deadly drags Duke up to double suplex! Kit covers, ONE!! Kit snarls and he stomps Duke back down. Kit throws body shots, tags Elton, and Pretty Deadly mugs Duke more. Elton brings Duke around to CLUB him down. But Duke throws body shots in return, only for Elton to CLUB him down again. Elton drags Duke for a SPLASH, then he clamps on a chinlock.

Duke endures as Elton stretches him back. The fans rally, especially the Chase U student section. Duke fights up, but Elton throws him down by his hair! Elton pushes Duke to a cover, TWO! NXT returns to single picture as Elton keeps Duke from Chase. Duke throws body shots, fans rally up, but Elton runs to CLOBBER Duke from behind! Elton fixes his hair and grins but Duke crawls for Chase. Elton drags him away, the fans rally up as Chase stomps the steps. Duke crawls, boots Elton away, hot tags to Kit and Chase! Chase rallies on Pretty Deadly with big haymakers! Atomic drop for Elton! Atomic drop for Kit!

Chase DECKS Kit! Elton leaps in but into a body shot! Chase steps through on Elton’s legs, but Kit runs in so Chase trips him up. Chase steps through to try Kit now, but Elton runs in! BACK DROP, into the FIGURE FOUR! Fans fire up as Kit endures! Elton runs in, but Chase avoids the splash! Chase CHOPS Elton, Kit whips him away, but Chase catches them both, DDT COMPLETE SHOT COMBO! Cover on Kit, TWO! Fans fire up with Chase and he drags Kit up. Kit swings, but into an URE- NO, arm-drag! Kit KANGAROO KICKS, tags Elton, and Elton scoops Chase! SNAKE EYES! “YES BOY!” DRY MARTINI! Cover, Duke breaks it!

Duke JABS away on Kit! Flip, flop and “U~!” ELBOW! SENTON! Duke keeps moving and he clotheslines Kit out hard! But Elton dumps Duke out! Chase brings Elton in, RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP! Fans fire up, time to spell it it! C! H! A! S! E! U! What’s that spell?! CHASE U! But THEA appears? she’s covered in smile faces! The Schism had her but let her go? And in the distraction, Kit rolls Chase up! Chase covers, TWO!! Chase ROCKS Kit, whips, but Elton tags, SPILT MILK!!! Cover, Pretty Deadly win!

Winners: Pretty Deadly, by pinfall

Duke didn’t realize Chase was in trouble because he was checking on Thea! What did The Schism do to scare Thea like that? What will Chase U to teach The Schism a lesson?

As for Pretty Deadly, they spot Gallus up in the perch. Mark Coffey & Wolfgang nod and applaud, will we see NXT UK revisited in Hollywood?

 

Drew Gulak talks with Hank Walker backstage.

Hank asks Gulak if he got that email with all his sketches for ring gear ideas. Yes, Gulak did. What’d he think? Gulak looked them over, and he was pretty impressed. Really? Wow! That fires Hank up! Hank’s feeling like taking Wes up on that Open Challenge now. Nice! But Charlie Dempsey walks over to say that it doesn’t matter what Hank wears in the ring, it matters what he does. Does Gulak really think Hank is ready for Wes Lee? Gulak says Hank is ready for a rematch with Dempsey. Fine. Just make sure he doesn’t take shortcuts like Gulak does. The Son of the Gentleman Villain is calling Gulak out, but will he tear Hank apart to prove his point?

 

DING DONG, HELLO~, it’s Bayley!

Bayley walks in through the door, arm in a sling, and welcomes us to a special NXT edition of Ding Dong, Hello. Now, we must all be wondering how she made it here after what “that idiot” Becky Lynch and Lita did to her and her girls on Raw last night. It’s because she’s the ULTRA Role Model, she loves NXT, and she loves her two guests tonight. Last Saturday, Bayley watched Vengeance Day, and she saw the NXT Women’s Championship slip through the fingers of these two ladies. She brings out “two of my absolute favorites,” Gigi Dolin & Jacy Jayne, Toxic Attraction!

Gigi & Jacy walk out, making their team entrance despite the tension and dysfunction from Saturday. They both frown at each other for a moment before going down the ramp and to the ring. Jacy insists she go up the steps first and Gigi rolls her eyes. They ring the doorbell then walk in through Bayley’s door, and Bayley says they’re total pros! That’s why she got them the nice seats. They each take an armchair and Bayley notices the tension. “So let’s just get right to it, guys. What happened on Saturday?” Jacy says that’s a great question. What happened Saturday, Gigi? Oh, why don’t you tell her, Jacy?!

Jacy would love to! Gigi screwed Jacy out of the title! Um, Roxie beat Jacy, not Gigi. So Jacy cost Gigi! Get it right. What? Saturday, Gigi was supposed to be behind Jacy. Gigi was not being a team player. They were supposed to be a team! they held hands, and then Gigi slipped away. Oh, look, another excuse! Saturday, it was sink or swim. If Gigi won, Jacy would’ve sunk into obscurity and we all know it! Jacy says she doesn’t need Gigi, she’s a star all on her own! Fans are a bit torn on that, but Jacy says Gigi’s gear “looked like a hobo who banged a Chucky doll.” Bayley is laughing at that one.

Gigi is surprised Jacy even noticed when Jacy was staring up at the lights. That’s the Jacy Jayne Position. Whoa, whoa, guys, it’s getting feisty. Bayley says we’re all getting a bit uncomfortable. This might be a natural split, but before they even think about splitting up, have they ever thought what they’d do if that did happen? Have they thought through what they’d be as individuals? Gigi hasn’t, actually. But sky’s the limit for her! Jacy says she’ll go straight to the top, obviously! Right, rather vague answers.

But if you wanna get to the top, isn’t it easier, quicker and better if you did that with a ride-or-die? With someone who knows you inside and out? Someone who will do anything for you? That has the same goals as you? Wow, Toxic Attraction has been Gigi’s life for almost three years now. And she’s alienated herself from everyone else in the locker room. Everyone hates her… If everyone hates Gigi, then what the hell do they feel about Jacy? Jacy’s called people “munchkins, idiots, disgusting, sickening.” It goes on and on! Bayley would know better than anyone that there is strength in numbers. Look at Damage CTRL! They’re on top of the world right now!

Bayley says yes they are! And Toxic Attraction should really think on that. Gigi says that at the end of the day, NXT is a shark tank. She needs someone she can trust, who will have her back. Someone that’s been through the wringer with her. Jacy won’t lie. When she gets mad, she cuts real deep, aims for the jugular. She can sit her and say she’ll change, but we know that’s not happening. Why even lie? But in all honesty, no matter what happens, Gigi will always be Jacy’s sister. Gigi feels the same! Bayley likes that. Jacy says that they have two options: go their separate ways and see what happens; or they can have one more run.

Gigi says, “One more run at the NXT Women’s Tag titles?” Or… They look at Bayley. No offense, Bayley, but maybe they want DMG CTRL’s WWE Women’s Tag titles! Bayley has them hold on here! Don’t get excited, ya idiots! We’re focusing on the now! These two feel a lot better, thanks to Bayley. So let’s all bring it back and hug it out. Right? C’mon. Jacy & Gigi do hug it out and everyone cheers! Beautiful. Bayley says, “Ladies and gentlemen, the happy couple, Toxic Attraction!” Gigi & Jacy raise each other’s hands, and then Jacy SUPERKICKS Gigi?!?! Jacy says it’s never been about “us,” it’s always been about her!

Jacy RAMS Gigi into Bayley’s door! And BOOTS her through it!! Fans boo as Jacy just did Gigi like Shawn Michaels did Marty Jannetty! Is this the beginning of a new and even more toxic chapter for Jacy?


My Thoughts:

A great episode to follow Vengeance Day and pivot to Stand & Deliver. For one, good of them to plug Waller getting in HBK’s face and his kayfabe suspension being why he wasn’t here. Tyler Bate had a good promo calling Waller out, and they’re going to have an awesome match. Trick Melo Gang had a good promo to open and celebrate the win, but JD McDonagh sticking his nose into things was a good surprise. Melo VS JD was an awesome match, and I like that Dragunov is back. And of course he goes after JD to settle their score. A grudge match between them for Stand & Deliver would be awesome stuff.

Great stuff from Kiana and Fallon throughout the night. The surprise party was a great, very “pro-wrestling meets sitcom” reason Fallon can’t tell Jensen what’s really going on, even though that is still very much her misunderstanding of what she heard, which is also very sitcom. I am also glad to know they’re going to do a Valentine’s Day segment with this story, and that will be the make or break moment for this team. I also appreciate that Fallon being the Face, she wants to give KC Squared a rematch. But wow, Kayden & Katana get cheated out of titles and suddenly they’re bitter Heels. Roxie & Satomura are definitely going to beat those two.

I also like the party setting up the tag match main event of Chase U VS Pretty Deadly. I loved Bum Ass Pretty Deadly, but it also makes sense that this phase didn’t last long. Great integration of stories with The Schism kidnapping Thea to start a story with Chase U and costing them the match. Pretty Deadly VS Gallus is going to be a great story towards Stand & Deliver, and with HBK at the helm, they will surely reference everything from NXT UK and give us an incredible tag title match. And of course, Indus Sher is implying they’re going after titles. I suppose Veer & Sanga could get into the tag title story, but I feel like they’ll be waiting for Pretty Deadly VS Gallus to resolve.

Sol VS Stark was a really good match, and a really good showing for Sol, but I had a feeling Stark would win again. Stark also showed us a great way for her to get to her finisher with sending Sol into the corner face first. Good promo from Diamond Mine with Isla & Fyre, and I like that Isla tied this into the whodunnit with Lyons. I also found it oddly amusing that Brutus was okay if she did do it. Good match from Tatum VS Isla but of course Isla won. Pretty sure we’ll get Ivy & Tatum VS Isla & Fyre, which Isla & Fyre will win to get going in the Women’s Tag Division and closer to the titles. And decent match from Lyra VS Feroz but it was of course just a vehicle to push Feroz’s story with Lopez forward.

Of course Dabba-Kato wins in a squash, but poor Dante Chen. Before he got hurt, he was looking to be a big part of NXT’s plans. But now that he’s back, he’s just the guy getting fed to other superstars NXT has big plans for. Kato being vague about why he turned on Apollo is fine, they have time to figure out what’s really going on here. Kato VS Apollo is definitely coming, and they could do some great storytelling on top of great action. Good, quick promo from Hank, Gulak and Dempsey. I was hoping we were going to see some of Hank’s ideas for ring gear, but I guess we’ll see what he’s got next week in the rematch with Dempsey.

Good stuff from Wes Lee, but of course Tony D & Stacks act like he owes them. The Open Challenge next week is going to be great no matter who answers it, but I wonder if Stacks is going to step up. Stacks literally won big over Odyssey Jones, but I don’t see him beating Wes. Personally, I’m hoping we see Dragon Lee (or whatever his WWE name will be) show up in time for Stand & Deliver to have an epic match with Wes. Though if that were to happen, I feel like Dragon Lee would have to win so as not to hurt his run. Maybe NXT waits to debut Dragon Lee at Stand & Deliver so that he can call out whoever is champion.

And of course, awesome stuff out of Ding Dong, Hello. Bayley was a great host, and I like that she was doing her best to keep Toxic Attraction together as a duo. That moment where they teased Face Toxic Attraction going after DMG CTRL was great, because that made the turn even more effective. Jacy is definitely the better Heel in how she’s better at being arrogant and boisterous in her promos, and it makes sense for Gigi to be the Face. Gigi is definitely the one fans liked the most, even when Mandy was around. The feud can go either way but this is going to be some great stuff.

My Score: 8.8/10


Powered by RedCircle


Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!

Coverage

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

Talk about a Big Time Raw!

Published

on

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


Powered by RedCircle


Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!
Continue Reading

Coverage

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

The semifinals are here!

Published

on

We’re just one step away from the Cup!

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

OFFICIAL RESULTS

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

PLAY BY PLAY

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

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

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

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

No Contest

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

2024 New Japan Cup Semifinals: SANADA VS Hirooki Goto!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


My Thoughts:

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

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

My Score: 8.9/10


Powered by RedCircle


Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!
Continue Reading

Sports

Entertainment

Sports Entertainment

Buy A Chairshot T-Shirt!

Chairshot Radio Network

Trending

WP Twitter Auto Publish Powered By : XYZScripts.com