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Mitchell’s WWE NXT Results & Report! (3/7/23)

Roadblock ahead!

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Who stays on the Road to WrestleMania Weekend?

Before we Stand & Deliver in Hollywood, NXT runs into a Roadblock! Will Roxanne Perez still be Women’s Champion after facing Meiko Satomura?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

  • Jailhouse Street Fight: DIJAK VS Tony D’Angelo w/ Channing Lorenzo; Tony wins.
  • Six Man Tag: Bron Breakker & The Creed Brothers w/ Ivy Nile VS Jinder Mahal & Indus Sher; Bron & The Creeds win.
  • Gigi Dolin VS Jacy Jayne; Gigi wins.
  • Andre Chase w/ Chase U VS Joe Gacy w/ The Schism; Gacy wins.
  • NXT Women’s Championship: Roxanne Perez VS Meiko Satomura; Roxie wins and retains the title.

PLAY BY PLAY

Tiffany Stratton speaks.

“I’m ready. Tiffany’s Epiphanies, Roadblock Edition. I can’t believe we are 25 days away from NXT Stand & Deliver. But a ton of superstars have some serious roadblocks standing in their way between here and Los Angeles. Starting with Dijak and Tony D’Angelo in a Jailhouse Street Fight. The loser will be locked in a cell. How humiliating. Boys, use anything and everything you can get your hands on to prevent yourselves from becoming a meme. Can we talk about Toxic Attraction real quick? Jacy Jayne, Gigi Dolin. The break-up, so tragic. The backstab, brutal. The return, ruthless. Personally, I think this should’ve happened sooner. These girls are gonna rip each other apart.

“And I’m just obsessed with what Grayson Waller’s doing right now. But I kinda think he’s pissed off Shawn Michaels. Don’t push HBK too far, or else he’s got two words for ya. A Six Man Tag Team match for respect. A one on one battle of leadership. And culminating with our main event: Roxanne Perez defends her NXT Women’s Championship against Meiko Satomura. Our champion’s the underdog. The challenger is a living legend. And I will be watching very closely, because whomever walks out as champion, I’ll see you in LA. All roads lead to the City of Angels, my kind of town.

“In this case, it isn’t about the journey, it’s totally about the destination. Tootles!” Daddy’s Little Rich Girl is ready for gold, but who makes it through to Stand & Deliver?

 

Jailhouse Street Fight: DIJAK VS Tony D’Angelo w/ Channing Lorenzo!

#HardJustice will be served in this rematch! Will Dijak lock The Don up and throw away the keys? Or will Street Justice be what wins this Street Fight?

As Dijak makes his entrance, he has a nightstick! The bell rings and Dijak DECKS Stacks! Tony fires off on Dijak, blocks the nightstick attack, then pushes Dijak out of the ring! Tony goes out after Dijak, stomps him around, and blocks another swing! BELLY2BELLY onto the nightstick! Tony stomps Dijak around, CLUBS him, then brings him to the jail cell! Dijak blocks the door! Dijak BLASTS Tony, then SMACKS him off the bars! Dijak pushes Tony in, but Tony blocks the door! Tony throat chops Dijak! Tony fires off hands, but Dijak RAMS Tony into the apron! Stacks checks on Tony and coaches him up.

Tony storms over, but ducks as Dijak CHUCKS a chair! Stacks takes the hit! Dijak kicks Tony, grabs the chair and swings, only for Tony to dodge! Tony CLUBS Dijak, puts him in the ring, and storms up, but into a choke grip! HIGH JUSTICE on the chair!! Dijak leaves Tony behind to get chair after chair after chair out from under the ring! Fans want tables but Dijak SMACKS away on Tony’s back! Dijak then buries Tony with chairs, before going up top! Fans fire up, and Tony SMACKS Dijak first! Tony then hits a SUPER BACK SUPLEX onto the chair pile!! Fans are thunderous while NXT goes picture in picture.

Both Tony and Dijak writhe, and Dijak crawls away. Dijak flops to the floor, but Tony storms out after him. Tony drags Dijak up, reels him in, but Dijak CLOBBERS Tony with the nightstick! Dijak then drags Tony into the hammerlock to HAMMER away on Tony’s back! Dijak digs Tony’s face into the floor, then CLUBS him again! Dijak stands, hobbles away while catching his breath, and he sees Stacks. Dijak stomps Stacks just to keep him down! Dijak then looks under the ring, and drags out a TABLE! Fans love seeing that! Dijak sets that table up near the ramp, but Tony fires off hands!

Dijak ROCKS Tony, brings him around, but Tony sends Dijak into the cell! Dijak fights him off, but Tony ROCKS him! And kicks away! But Dijak again blocks the door! They struggle, but Dijak grabs Tony’s face with an IRON CLAW! And then a choke grip! Dijak brings Tony to the table, but Tony fights free with elbows! Tony CLUBS Dijak, throws more hands, but Dijak knees low. Dijak smacks Tony off steel steps, then CLUBS Tony against the apron! Tony wobbles, Dijak fireman’s carries, but Tony fights free with elbows! NXT returns to single picture as Tony shoves Dijak away. Dijak blocks the lariat to forearm and ELBOW!

Tony sits on the table, it starts giving way, so Dijak hurries up! SPRINGBOARD MACHO ELBOW through the table!! Fans lose their minds while Dijak crawls after Tony. Dijak drags Tony up, puts him in the cell, but Tony desperately fights off the door! Dijak almost has it closed, but Tony pulls on the bad fingers! Dijak swings, misses, BADA BOOM!! Tony and Dijak are both down, but Stacks crawls his way over. Fans rally up, Stacks holds the door open! Tony drags Dijak up and puts him in, but Dijak grabs Stacks! Dijak dares Tony to seal them both inside! Tony hesitates, and Dijak BOOTS the door into Tony!

Dijak TOSSES Stacks, and CYCLONE KICKS him over barriers! Fans are stunned, but Tony is pissed! Tony fires off hands on Dijak! GERMAN SUPLEX! Tony RAMS Dijak into steps! Tony SMACKS Dijak with a chair! And again! And again! And again!! Fans are thunderous as Tony paces around. Tony drags Dijak up, lines up the shot, and he throws Dijak at the cell. Dijak stops himself, and LOW BLOWS Tony!! Fans boo but Dijak hoists Tony up! FEAST YOUR EYES!! Tony is down, Dijak drags him into the cell, and he closes the door on STACKS! Stacks takes the shot for Tony again! Dijak is furious, he drags Stacks up to torture rack!

FEAST YOUR EYES for Stacks!! But Tony is up, and he JAMS Dijak with a crowbar! And again! And again! And again!! Dijak falls into the cell, and Tony slams the door shut on him! Tony wins!!

Winner: Tony D’Angelo

The Don stands tall, and helps his Underboss stands tall, too. They took down Dijak together, will they take over NXT together, too?

 

Backstage interview with Roxanne Perez.

McKenzie Mitchell is with the NXT Women’s Champion, and says this is her biggest challenge tonight. How is she feeling? Pretty anxious. Roxie’s been dreaming of this since six months ago when Meiko beat her. And obviously, Roxie wants a different outcome. She has busted her ass to make sure it will be different. Meiko will test her, but that is why Roxie has exhausted all her resources at the Performance Center. She has worked harder than ever before, pushed past her physical limits, and done everything she can do. She knows that this isn’t her first title defense, but it is the biggest.

One, because she wants- No, she NEEDS to walk into Stand & Deliver. And if that’s not pressure enough, she has to beat a living legend! Not many people can claim a win over Meiko, so beating her would be as big as when Roxie won the title. Roxie is anxious, nervous, her heart is beating out of her chest, but she is ready. And she will leave it all in that ring to keep the title. Will the Prodigy be gamer enough to beat the Final Boss?

 

Kiana James is in her office.

She has Gina reschedule some things and Josh Briggs walks in. He heard she had a new office, but wow, this is nice. Business is great. Gina heads out and Kiana asks what’s up. Briggs isn’t trying to get in anyone’s business, but she knows that Fallon and Brooks mean the world to him. Their happiness is his happiness. She understands. Brooks’ happiness is her happiness, too. And it finally feels like her and Fallon are clicking. Yeah, that’s good, but it just seems like Jensen hasn’t gotten over what happened on Valentine’s Day. The roses clearly means he likes her. Kiana snatches the card away and puts it in a folder.

She knows Brooks has a big heart, how can you not love him? Briggs says Jensen loves Kiana so much, he’d die for her. He’d get hit by a bus just so she could cross the street. Briggs just wants Jensen to be happy, and Kiana is his happiness. Kiana admits, things have been off. And some acquisitions fell into her lap, so she’s busy at work. But she just wants to make this right. Then she has to take the lead. Jensen is terrified to make a mistake. Aw, she didn’t know that. She appreciates Briggs looking out for his best friend. He promised to do right by him, so here he is. Kiana says she’ll give Jensen a call for a make-up date. Okay, sounds good.

Briggs heads out but Kiana seems nervous about the card. Are things all good between the lovebirds?

 

Gallus is in the ring.

The NXT Tag Team Champions have the mics, and Mark Coffey tells Pretty Deadly, “It’s one thing to talk tough when you’re all alone. It’s an entirely different thing when you’re in front of the Gallus boys. Come prove us wrong.” Wolfgang agrees, and tells Elton & Kit, “After what you did, there’s a receipt waiting on you two English rejects! Come and get it!” Pretty Deadly make their entrance, but they’re on the perch! Elton gloats that the English chaps are standing tall for the Scottish to look up to, like it’s always been. Mark is confused, he thought they wanted a “chin wag,” a talk face to face. What, have they changed their minds?

Oh, dear, dear Markus. Pretty Deadly can see their ugly, disgusting, sweaty faces. But this is a face to face. OH SHUT UP! Wolfgang asks what they have to do to get Pretty Deadly in the ring when they always run away. Oh, that Wolfgang is so to the point. No nonsense. Rather harsh, but they admire that. And it’s obvious what they want: the precious tag team titles! Pretty Deadly had those stolen from them! And just as they were on the precipice to take them back, Gallus stepped in and ruined their lives! Mark says Gallus didn’t come back for Pretty Deadly. They came back for each and every single team in NXT! In the ring, at the bar, or in the street, if there’s a fight, you can beat mark and Wolfie will be there!

Now, Pretty Deadly roughed them up. They can’t live without the belts? Then here’s the deal. Gallus dares Pretty Deadly to come and take them! Well then, that sounds like a spiffy idea! They’ll give Gallus a jolly good thrashing, right now! Oh, okay. Mark keeps Wolfie calm as Elton & Kit get in the ring. But then Wolfgang SLINGSHOTS them both in! Mark DECKS Kit! Wolfgang DECKS Elton! Then Mark adds onto Elton! Kit gets run off, Elton gets a back drop! Gallus whips Elton but Elton bails out! Pretty Deadly regroups and vows this will be the last time Gallus gets one over on them! But which team will stand and deliver when they go 2v2?

 

Lyra Valkyria speaks.

“Whether decided by intent, or a tapestry of fate, a randomizer landed on my name. To some, knowledge is power. But I didn’t come to NXT to seek information. I came to seek a battle. I delved into this new realm wanting to ascend. And after dealing with the swallows and the sheer waters, the skies have opened up, and my eye is on the NXT Women’s Championship. Meiko Satomura, our flight paths have crossed before. But next time, the course will be corrected. Roxanne Perez, we’ve been on very different journeys, but fate will ultimately decide if we collide. Whoever is NXT Women’s Champion, remember, I only travel as the crow flies: straight to the top.”

It seems Tiffany isn’t the only one wanting something shiny. Will the Morrigan have to contend with the spoiled brat before going after the spoils?

 

Ilja Dragunov speaks.

“The eyes are the window to the soul. But JD McDonagh, you have no soul. You discover happiness by inflicting anguish. Enjoyment for you comes from… Snapping bones and breaking a man’s spirit. But no matter the depths you go to find serenity, you will never break my will. Because the Czar is UN! BE! SIEG! BAR!” Will Dragunov be the one who breaks the Irish Ace?

 

Six Man Tag: Bron Breakker & The Creed Brothers w/ Ivy Nile VS Jinder Mahal & Indus Sher!

This battle came about because Julius & Brutus backed up the NXT Champion against the Modern Day Maharaja’s new brothers in arm. Will Bron & the Creeds break down Jinder, Sanga & Veer? Or will even diamonds break against these tigers?

NXT returns and Indus Sher make their entrance. Jinder SLAPS Bron, and the brawl is on! Sanga and Jinder throw out the Creeds, Veer goes after Bron. The Creeds hit back but Sanga KNEES and CLUBS Brutus. Veer and Bron go out, Sanga scoops Julius but Brutus saves him! They RAM Sanga into the apron, then mug Jinder. But Sanga comes back to DOUBLE LARIAT the Creeds! Veer AX HANDLES Bron! Veer puts Bron in the ring, the bell sounds, and Bron throws haymakers! veer throws them back, fans bark but Veer knees low. Veer whips, KNEES Bron against ropes, then whips him the other way.

Bron ducks ‘n’ dodges and CLOBBERS veer! Fans are torn but Bron chases off Jinder. Bron brings Veer up to throw hands, then tags Julius. They double whip Veer, drop and OVERHEAD Belly2Belly! Julius drags Veer back, tags in Brutus, and the Creeds coordinate, GUT WRENCH SLAM SPLASH! Cover, TWO! Brutus brings Veer up but Veer throat chops! Veer CLUBS Brutus, tags Jinder, and they mug Brutus. Jinder CLUBS Brutus, reels him in and suplexes, but Brutus blocks! Brutus suplexes Jinder up and over! Fans fire up with Brutus and he brings Jinder back up. Brutus wrenches Jinder but Jinder knees low.

Jinder whips, Brutus kicks back! Brutus wrenches, YANKS the arm, but Jinder gets away before the tag. Bron is in, but Jinder tags Sanga. Bron and Sanga approach, Bron gets around and throws body shots, but Sanga knees low. Sanga TOSSES Bron to a corner! Then runs in to ELBOW Bron! Sanga runs in again to ELBOW Bron again, then hoists him right up top, to choke grip! Bron clubs the arm, boots Sanga, then FLYING SHOULDER! Sanga stays up, Bron runs and CLOBBERS him out of the ring! Jinder gets in but Brutus intercepts with a GERMAN SUPLEX! Veer runs in but into Julius’ Belly2Belly!

Fans fire up, Bron and the Creeds coordinate, and they all build speed! The Creeds take the corners, they TRIPLE TOPE onto Indus Sher! Fans are thunderous as Bron & the Creeds bring the straps down, and NXT goes picture in picture.

Bron & The Creeds wait on Indus Sher to get up. Bron then pushes Sanga into the ring, wrenches an arm and tags in Julius. They mug Sanga, Julius facelocks, but Sanga picks him up! Sanga RAMS Julius into the corner, but Julius fights back. He throws elbows and kicks, but Sanga shoves Julius and Jinder holds the rope down! Julius tumbles to the floor, where Veer scoops and SLAMS him! Jinder tags in, he drags Julius up and puts him in the ring. Jinder pushes Julius down to cover, TWO! Jinder drags Julius to ropes to then springboard knee drop! And again! And again! Jinder digs his knee in, but lets off to tag Veer.

Veer tags Sanga, they drag Julius up onto the rope, and Sanga runs to BOOT Julius down! Sanga covers, TWO! Sanga CLUBS Julius on the back! Sanga drags Julius up, tags Veer, and Veer tags Jinder. They double whip Julius into Sanga’s BOOT! Veer drops the ELBOW! Cover, TWO! Jinder stands Julius up but Julius fires off haymakers! Jinder shoves Julius, Julius BOOTS back! Julius leaps but Jinder catches him! Jinder throws Julius to then THRUST KICK him down! Cover, TWO! Tag to Sanga, he and Jinder mug Julius, and then Sanga wraps on the cobra clutch. Julius endures as Sanga thrashes him around, but he throws elbows!

Sanga whips Julius to a corner as NXT returns to single picture. Julius BOOTS back, fires off hands, but runs into a HUGE hip toss! Tag to Jinder, he runs to jump but Julius avoids the knee drop! Jinder grabs Julius’ leg, we see Carmelo Hayes has joined commentary. Jinder ducks the enziguri to JUMP KNEE Julius! Cover, TWO! Jinder stomps Juilus and then wraps him up in a CAMEL CLUTCH! Fans rally as Julius endures but Jinder stares Bron down. Bron tells Jinder if he wants at him, take a shot! Julius fights up, he backpacks Jinder, but Jinder rakes eyes! Julius throws elbows, Jinder keeps Julius from Bron!

Jinder back suplexes, but Julius lands on his feet! Hot tags to Veer and Brutus! Brutus rallies on Veer, he CLOBBERS Sanga, then he SPINEBUSTERS Veer! BRUTUS SMASH! Brutus CLOBBERS Sanga again, then CLOBBERS Jinder! Brutus returns, but into a THESZ PRESS from Veer! Veer wants Brutus to sit up, and he BOOTS him down! Tag to Sanga, he knees Brutus low. Brutus gets a leg but Sanga throws elbows. Sanga choke grips, shoves Brutus at Bron, then catches him again! CHOKE- NO, Brutus slips out and shoves Sanga away! BRUTUS BALL, to the SINGLE LEG SUPLEX!! Brutus SENTONS! Tag to Bron, Bron goes up and tags Julius before the MOONSAULT!

Julius goes up, 450 SPLASH!! Cover, but Veer breaks it! Bron helps Julius up and they have Sanga in the corner. They hoist him up but Jinder shoves Brutus into Bron! They go down, Sanga slips off the Electric Chair and CLOBBERS Julius! Tag to Veer, Sanga scoops Julius, for the SIDEWALK SLAM ELBOW DROP! Cover, Sanga BOOTS Brutus but Bron breaks the pin!! Jinder drags Bron out, Indus Sher resets and CHOKE SLAMS Julius! Sanga then drags Julius back up, for the MILLION DOLLAR LARIAT!! Cover, TWO!?!? Julius survives but Jinder CLOBBERS him! Jinder gets Veer & Sanga up, but Bron and Brutus return.

Fans fire up as the trios stare down again! The brawl is back on! Bron shoves Jinder to ropes, and SPEARS him down!! Julius brawls with Veer while Sanga throws Brutus out. Sanga goes after Bron, hoists him up, but Bron slips free to shove and SPEARS Sanga, too!! Veer BOOTS Bron, but Julius hits the ROLLING SPINEBSUTER! Tag to Brutus, he goes up top, and Julius Electric Chair Lifts, BRUTUS BALL DOOMSDAY! Cover, Creeds & Bron win!

Winners: Bron Breakker & The Creed Brothers, by pinfall

A big win for the NXT Champion and Diamond Mine! Jinder and Indus Sher won’t get the respect they want, will they let this one go?

 

Shawn Michaels takes off his headset.

Matt Bloom, aka A-Train, asks HBK if he really wants to go through with this. He’s not sure, but he feels he has to. He appreciates A-Train worrying about him, but he’s got this. Will the Showstopper let the Grayson Waller Effect affect him?

 

NXT presents The Grayson Waller Effect.

The 21st Century Success Story is in the ring for the “most important” episode yet! And he doesn’t have time for the fans’ questions, this is about him being face to face with his guest. Ladies and gentlemen, the Heartbreak Kid, Shawn Michaels! HBK makes his entrance and fans fire up, but Waller makes fun of the entrance. Waller “congratulates” the fans for being fans of HBK. But to be honest, as they sing the theme song, 10 year old Grayson would be freaking out right now, just like these fans. But Grayson now would tell that kid, “One day, you’re gonna be so disappointed. Because Shawn Michaels isn’t who you think he is. Don’t be a Shawn guy! Be a Bret guy.”

HBK says wow! We’re going there now? Taking the gloves off already, huh? But “H B Shizzle” has to say, he remembers when him and Waller used to be cool. Waller would come to HBK, ask him some advice, and now suddenly, Waller hates him? Why? Because ever since winning the Iron Survivor Challenge at Deadline, Waller said he was gonna take over. Black ‘n’ gold 2.0, the Waller Era! He’s the best on the mic, the best in the ring, and his social media game is unmatched! Fans boo but Waller says he couldn’t care less who he pisses off or who likes him, he just wants to be the guy.

But for some reason, HBK of all people, is treating Waller the same Vince treated HBK. Remember? Vince held HBK back because he wasn’t big enough, he wasn’t a draw, but then HBK proved Vince wrong. Congrats! But guess what? Now HBK is Vince! And Waller doesn’t know why HBK is doing this. Is HBK jealous? Is it that Waller doesn’t kiss HBK’s ass? Is it because Waller doesn’t go back there with the rest of the fanboys and talks about growing up watching Shawn? Is it because Waller doesn’t give HBK the clout by posing like he used to? Waller is the biggest star here, but HBK is holding him back.

Holding him back?! Waller has to be kidding! HBK cut the reins loose on Waller a long time ago. But if Waller wants to know why he isn’t The Guy right now, HBK will tell him: HE LOST! What happened at New Year’s Evil, HBK made it clear that it was not Waller’s fault. That’s why they had the cage match. We wanted a decisive winner, and we got that. Waller took his shot and missed. And Waller is mad, he wants to blame someone so he blames HBK. But to be honest, the guy he should blame is the guy in the mirror. Waller says he’ll look in the mirror. HBK should do the same. The only reason HBK is in the chair is because his best friend had a heart attack.

Waller says that’s not opinion, that is FACT. So he’s just gonna keep throwing digs, huh? Okay, HBK wasn’t in charge here before. HBK stepped in because his friend needed him, it was the least he could do after what HHH did for him. But here’s something Waller needs to come to grips with. Hunter was in charge, but guess what? HBK is the one directing the ship now. Fans rally behind HBK, but Waller says right, HBK is steering the ship, into an iceberg! Waller is the biggest star and yet he’s not on Stand & Deliver, because he’d steal the show, and HBK can’t have that. After WrestleMania weekend, maybe Waller ends up on the cut list.

Because HBK’s team is so desperate for a star, they don’t see the one right in front of them. Waller is NXT, and without him, this show is nothing! HBK says that’s Waller’s problem! Waller thinks he’s bigger than the brand, but NXT is built on the collective. It has never been about one person. #WeAreNXT isn’t a catchphrase, it is the way of life here. This brand was built on the shoulders of Finn Balor, Kevin Owens, Sami Zayn, the list goes on and on. DIY, Undisputed Era, Io Shirai, Asuka, Rhea Ripley, Bianca Belair! Bron and Roxanne are the champs now, but it is more than them. There’s Tony D, Wes Lee, the Creeds, and even Waller.

But Waller is one part. Oh, yay, he’s part of it~! Aw, Shawn’s good. H e’s pulling at the heartstrings. No one does better at hyping a crowd than HBK. The theatrics, the emotional connection! But Waller sees right through it. There was always, “I’m the Icon, I’m Mr. WrestleMania, I’m the main event.” Since when was HBK a team player? Well, yeah, when it came to HBK’s career, he was all about him. But that changed when he came to NXT. As soon as he walked in here, he could feel the vibe was different. He knew this place was special. Waller again mocks HBK. Why? Because it leads you to Raw and SmackDown?

Who actually makes it to RawDown? Bron, sure. Melo, maybe. Zoey Stark, sure! But Waller is sick of this! He is sick of everyone backstage saying they wanna be a superstar but doing nothing about it! He is sick of the crowd, #WeAreNXT, but it’s the same people every week, in the same clothes because they’re too poor to afford anything different. But Waller is most sick of having a boss who has the biggest star ever right in front of him, and- ENOUGH!! HBK is mad now! Waller can run HBK down, but people a lot better than him have done it. They’ve tried for 40 YEARS! Jump on the band wagon.

But do NOT ever run down NXT. Fans cheer that! Why? Because it pisses him off? YES! Then do something about it. Waller and HBK, Stand & Deliver! If HBK loves the brand, show everyone he’s got one match left! Take off the suit, put on the HBK hat, and tune up the band one last time! Fans want to see it! HBK takes off the jacket! HBK says for over a decade, HBK has had the greatest ever wanting WrestleMania dream matches. Waller, you think you’re special? People have been asking for matches from HBK, hell! They’ve been backing the truck up to his door year after year! They’ve done it so often, the drivers know his address by heart.

And while Waller thinks he’s something great, but he’s just the guy doing it in 2023. This has happened before and it’ll happen again. And nothing, and HBK means nothing, would thrill him more than to whoop Waller’s ass at Stand & Deliver. But the reality is, there’s someone who wants to whip Waller’s ass a lot more than HBK. And this man bleeds NXT more than HBK! Waller, you’re getting your wish to have a match at Stand & Deliver, but not against the Heartbreak Kid. Waller, your opponent is… JOHNNY WRESTLING!! Gargano is back, and he wants after the man who sent him packing! Gargano runs in, fires off on Waller, and fans are loving this!

Waller staggers up, but he avoids the Superkick! Fans are thunderous for this one, will Johnny Wrestling teach Grayson Waller a lesson in what it really takes to reach the top in NXT?

 

Gigi Dolin VS Jacy Jayne!

After the Toxic Goddess was banished, Toxic Attraction fell apart, and now Gigi returns as a Toxic Avenger! Will she get back at Jacy for being selfish and cruel? Or will the Toxic Traitor make NXT all about her?

The bell rings and Gigi dodges a boot! They tie up, go around, and Gigi puts Jacy on ropes. The ref counts, Gigi lets off but pulls hair. Jacy SLAPS Gigi, then tells her to SUCK IT! But Gigi TACKLES Jacy out of the ring! Gigi rains down fists and fans fire up! Jacy turns things around to throw hands, but Gigi turns it back around. Gigi drags Jacy up, puts her in, and storms up. Gigi blocks a boot to STO! Cover, TWO! Gigi clamps onto Jacy’s arms and says Jacy did this to her! Gigi SLAPS Jacy! Jacy shoves Gigi away, runs for it, but Gigi pursues. Jacy climbs the barriers, but Gigi drags her back to ringside!

They go back in the ring, Jacy wants mercy, but bails out again. Gigi pursues, but Jacy DECKS her with a sucker punch! Jacy grins and looks under the ring. Jacy brings out a chair! The ref reprimands, but Gigi BOOTS Jacy first! Fans rally for Gigi while NXT goes picture in picture.

Gigi shouts at Jacy, stalks her, then drags her up. Gigi RAMS Jacy into barriers! Fans fire up and Gigi kicks Jacy around. Gigi stands Jacy up to RAM her into more barriers! Gigi drags Jacy up again, RAMS her into the apron, then refreshes the ring count. Gigi drags Jacy up, puts her in the ring, and covers, TWO! Gigi snarls while Jacy crawls to a corner. Gigi runs in, but Jacy dodges to ENZIGURI! Jacy BOOTS Gigi into buckles! Jacy goes corner to corner, runs in, but the CANNONBALL hits buckles! Gigi covers, TWO! Gigi snarls more, and she tells Jacy that she won’t stop. Gigi gives Jacy Kawada Kicks!

Gigi huffs and puffs while Jacy crawls to ropes. Gigi runs in to CLOBBER Jacy, then whips her corner to corner to ROCK her! Gigi WRINGS Jacy’s arm out, runs, and PENALTY KICKS! Cover, TWO! Gigi is frustrated but that anger only feeds her. Gigi drags Jacy up, but Jacy swings. Gigi turns her around to STO again! Cover, TWO! Jacy is still in this and Gigi is beside herself. Gigi watches Jacy go to ropes, runs in, but Jacy drop toeholds her into ropes! Jacy runs in but is put on the apron Gigi shoulder sin but only gets a KNEE! They’re both on the apron now, and Jacy BOOTS Gigi down! Jacy then CANNONBALLS to the floor!

Jacy drags Gigi back up, puts her back in, covers, TWO! Jacy clamps onto Gigi’s hair to throw down elbows! Jacy wraps on a top wristlock with chinbar and she thrashes Gigi around. Fans rally for Gigi as she endures. NXT returns to single picture and Gigi pries at the hold. Gigi fights up, but Jacy throws her down! Jacy clamps on a chinlock and grinds Gigi back down. Jacy talks trash about Gigi’s mom being right, but Gigi fights up. Jacy knees low, whips Gigi to ropes, and RAMS into her! Jacy snapmares Gigi, KICKS her in the back, then mule kicks her down! Cover, TWO! Jacy drags Gigi up, whips her to a corner, then runs in to back body block!

Jacy reels Gigi in, short arm LARIAT! Cover, TWO! Jacy grows frustrated now as the fans rally for Gigi. Jacy gives Gigi toying kicks, but Gigi feeds off those. Jacy stands Gigi up, suplexes, but Gigi makes it a cradle! TWO!! Jacy escapes, runs in but into body shots! Gigi fires up, she swats a haymaker to ROCK Jacy! And again! And then Gigi fires off a strike fest! ROUNDHOUSE knocks Jacy down! Another ROUNDHOUSE knocks Jacy back down! Gigi cravats, KNEES, whips and runs, but Jacy dodges to hit a NECKBREAKER! And SENTON! Cover, TWO!! Jacy shrieks in fury as she drags Gigi back up.

Jacy whips, Gigi reverses now, and she hooks Jacy up, ROLLING COBRA TWIST! Cover, GIGI WINS!

Winner: Gigi Dolin, by pinfall

The “Final Nail” puts Jacy down, and vengeance is sweet for the Toxic Avenger! But Jacy goes after her as a sore loser! Fans boo as Jacy beats Gigi down! Jacy BOOTS Gigi! Jacy then goes outside, grabs that chair, and she shrieks as she gets back in the ring. Jacy chases the ref off, and puts the chair around Gigi’s head! Jacy says this is about her, but refs rush in to stop this! Jacy climbs a corner, but the refs remove the chair from the equation. Jacy is furious, but they won’t let her get to Gigi. Jacy leaves, vowing that this isn’t over. They may not be Toxic Attraction, but will this only get more toxic from here?

 

Fallon and Jensen talk backstage.

Fallon says she feels awful about Valentine’s Day, but he says it’s okay. She was coming from a good place, so he apologizes for not getting over it sooner. Fallon says that’s okay. They’re both just glad the other is alright. Briggs walks in and says he just came from Kiana’s. Kiana loves those flowers on her desk! Flowers? Sure, whatever, but what did she say? Well, Kiana said she’s gonna call him tonight, and they can start where they left off. At least, if that’s what Jensen wants. Duh that’s what he wants! Jensen hugs Briggs and Fallon, and the text comes in! Jensen braces himself and answers the call. “Hey, girl.”

Jensen smiles, and says tonight? Okay, that’s cool. Alright, see you later. Jensen plays cool but is clearly excited. And Fallon is pretty sure those flowers weren’t from him given how confused he looked. Briggs sighs. Fallon says she knew it all along! Briggs can’t believe it, but yeah, Fallon was right. So what’re they gonna do about it? Fallon has an idea. Uh oh. What does that mean for the romcom that is Jensen’s love life?

 

Bron Breakker walks back out to the ring.

The NXT Champion wasn’t scheduled to do this but he gets the mic. He says he was supposed to wait until next week to say what he’s about to say, but it’s time. It is time for the biggest match on the biggest stage. No more obstacles, no more roadblocks, NXT Stand & Deliver, Carmelo Hayes! Where you at, man? Fans cheer for “MEL~O! MEL~O!” And here comes HIM! Melo tells Bron that he said it best: it is time. Time for their paths to finally cross. Two of the biggest stars in NXT! Listen to the crowd! They want it! Bron wants it, and Melo wants it. Melo joins Bron in the ring, and Bron says he couldn’t agree more. They’ve been on their own paths, doing their own thing.

And every single time they’d have their title defenses, and Bron would win, the very next time he was out here, someone else’s music would hit. Disappointment would set in because it wasn’t Melo. But listen, during all this time, Bron kept tabs on Melo. He watched all Melo’s matches. Well, guess what? Melo did, too. It didn’t matter where and when Bron was on the card, whether he was closing or opening, if Melo was closing or opening, somewhere in the middle, Melo always made it a point to watch Bron. Bron asks if Melo remembers that meeting they both had with HBK & HHH. Of course Melo remembers that.

They sat down in the room, and HHH told them “NXT’s about to change.” Great opportunities for young new superstars! August, 2021. They picked Bron and Melo and said that this brand was theirs for the taking. And the last 18 months, Melo’s proved himself, and Bron’s proved himself. They both run fast, they both run hard, but there’s nowhere else for them to go except head on. Melo says here is where he’s say that’s all it is, but it just doesn’t feel right. So to keep this short and sweet, Bron just has to put that NXT Championship on the line, and they’ll see each other at Stand & Deliver.

Melo offers a handshake, and Bron accepts it. But Melo will add this: Melo has never been second to nobody. Bron says April 1st, we’ll see about that. Bron raises the belt, but whose Hollywood story has the happy ending?

 

Thea Hail meditates with Tyler Bate.

The Big Strong Boi says when the mind wanders, gently return to the breath. Breathe in… And out, letting go of the stress and tension. How does she feel? Amazing. That’s music to Bate’s ears. Mr. Chase walks over and asks if Thea’s making progress. Oh, absolutely. Thea has been through hard times, but hopefully this practice will give her the tools to deal with any hardships. Thea thanks Bate for this, but Bate says it has been his pleasure. But remember that no one is beyond fear, but we must learn to move through that fear. And Thea’s a big strong gurl, she’s got this. Thanks so much!

And Mr. Chase, good luck tonight. Namaste. Thea and Chase head out, but Duke Hudson just has to say, “I can’t believe anyone would buy that snake oil you’re selling.” Duke is skeptical, but will what Bate taught Thea help her help Chase U get a big win?

Andre Chase w/ Chase U VS Joe Gacy w/ The Schism!

NXT is picture in picture as both sides make their entrance. The Schism may be four roots, one tree, but will this be a #TeachableMoment that even big trees can be cut down?

The bell rings and the two circle. They tie up, go around, and Gacy puts Chase on the ropes. Chase gets free on his own, and they reset. They tie up, Chase headlocks but Gacy powers out. Chase runs Gacy over! Cover, ONE! Chase hits a headlock takeover! Gacy fights up, powers out, but Chase goes up and around to roll Gacy up! TWO, and Chase headlocks again. Gacy powers up to hit a BIG back suplex! Gacy snarls and he pushes Chase around. Gacy insults Chase, headlocks, but Chase RAMS him into a corner! The ref counts, Gacy turns things around and he ROCKS Chase with a forearm! Chase turns things around to CHOP!

Gacy sputters to another corner, Chase CHOPS him again! Chase whips corner to corner, Gacy reverses but Chase goes up and over, only for Gacy to CLOBBER him! Gacy keeps moving, ELBOW DROP! Cover, TWO! Gacy frowns but he drags Chase up to DECK him! And then DECK him again! NXT returns to single picture as Chase counter punches! Chase fires off, whips, but Gacy reverses again. Chase goes up an dover, ducks ‘n’ dodges, then FLYING LARIATS! Chase throws down fast hands and fans fire up! Gacy staggers up but he blocks a kick to KNEE Chase down! Gacy reels Chase in to suplex and BRAINBUSTER! Cover, TWO!

Chase hangs tough and Gacy snarls in frustration. Gacy talks trash on Chase, “You’re nothing but a liar!” Gacy drags Chase up, fireman’s carries, but Chase throws elbows! Chase elbows from a corner, BOOTS him, then fires up to fire off haymakers! Chase whips, Gacy reverses but Chase reverses back, RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP! Fans fire up, Chase has them spell it out! C! H! A! S! E! U! What’s that spell? CHASE U!! Gacy swings, into the SIDE EFFECT! Cover, TWO! Fans rally for Chase U, Chase gets the legs and steps through, but Gacy boots him away! Chase comes back, he and Gacy trade forearms, then Gacy BOOTS!

Gacy runs, into a SUPERKICK! Chase runs, into the URENAGE! Thea and Duke coach Chase up but Gacy brings him up. Chase throws a forearm but Gacy gives it back. Chase throws a haymaker, Gacy HEADBUTTS! Chase throws a haymaker, Gacy gives it back, they go back and forth, faster and faster! Gacy gets the edge, runs to the corner to SPLASH, then brings Chase to the top rope! Gacy ROCKS Chase, climbs up after him, but Chase resists the lift! Chase throws body shots, CLUBS away on Gacy’s back, then SUNSET FLIP POWERBOMBS!! Cover, TWO!! Gacy survives and Thea does the breathing exercises. But she can’t keep her cool, she storms up to Ava Raine!

Fans fire up as Thea shouts at Ava but Ava just smiles. Thea and Chase high-five, but Gacy hits the UPSIDE-DOWN!! Cover, Gacy wins!!

Winner: Joe Gacy, by pinfall

Thea is stunned! Her excitement in conquering her fears only cost Chase! Will Duke Hudson ultimately be right about growing up? Will The Schism’s roots soon break Chase U up from within?

 

Alba Fyre speaks.

“Tonight, the moon shines full over us. So together, Isla, we will perform a Full Moon Ritual. This cycle makes curious beings of us all. Once the longest reigning champions, now Kayden Carter & Katana Chance struggle to remain bound together. And has there ever truly been harmony between Tatum Paxley and Ivy Nile?” Isla says nope! Alba says their reflections show that Alba is as ferocious a beast as what hatched from “that orb of night,” and that Isla is as cunning as the ones that dance in the shadows. Together, they are unrivaled. Tonight, they charge in the moonlight. Next week, they march forwards towards claiming their lot!

Does that mean Fyre & Dawn will burn down anyone between them and the NXT Women’s Tag Team Championships?

 

Chase U regroups backstage.

Thea is sorry about Mr. Chase’s loss. But today was a big day for her. She overcame her fear! She did it! She did what Tyler told her, and it worked! Chase is proud that Thea did that. Tyler Bate’s methods are really connecting, Thea really put Ava in her place. They should bring Tyler in more often. But Duke says they seem to be forgetting something. Chase LOST! Chase U has BEEN losing! And to the guy who was trashing them! Duke, where’s this coming from? Duke says if Chase wants a teachable moment, here it is! They are an institution of LOSERS! They even celebrate it! They gave someone an award for winning a single match!

Duke thought they were better than that but apparently not. Chase U is PATHETIC! They’re not a school, they’re a JOKE!! Duke storms off, but is he right? Is there nothing to celebrate about Chase U?

 

Backstage interview with Wes Lee.

McKenzie says the world is still buzzing about the North American Championship Open Challenges. Yes, things have been so intense, but Wes loves it! Did you see that brawl? Everyone was in it! They fought in the back, all the way to ringside, and he had no idea who would win. But then lo and behold, after four months of absence, Nathan Frazer returns and gives Wes one hell of a match! Wes knows he loved it. Did McKenzie love it? Yeah! Wes says you gotta love all the commotion, the chaos, the madness! And guess what? Wait, again? YEP! Next week! The fans love it so-

Axiom walks in and says he’s happy to have found Wes. Axiom was so close to answering that Open Challenge and we could all see the fire in his eyes. But Axiom was held back, Nathan beat him to it, but Axiom is vowing right now, next week will be Wes VS Axiom. Wes says that if Axiom makes it to the ring first, there’s no doubt they’ll tear it up. But until then, good luck. Fist bump and high-five, but will the Undeniable Truth have the solution to the Open Challenge variables?

 

NXT Women’s Championship: Roxanne Perez VS Meiko Satomura!

The Prodigy has loved pro-wrestling ever since she played the video games as a child. And now, she’s living the dream as a champion in the WWE! But will all that gaming, all that dreaming, all that training, prepare her for the Final Boss? Or is this Roadblock too much for her to overcome?

The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and one way or another, someone is going to stand and deliver!

The bell rings, Roxie offers a handshake and Meiko takes it, to reel Roxie in for a serious stare down. Meiko then lets Roxie go, and NXT goes picture in picture.

The two circle, feel things out, and tie up. Meiko gets the arm, wrenches to wristlock, but Roxie rolls, kips up, only for Meiko to wrangle her back down! Roxie rolls back, stands up again, but Meiko wrenches to wristlock. Roxie reaches out for ropes but Meiko yanks her away. Roxie tries the other side but Meiko brings her away again. Roxie uses ropes to flip but Meiko KICKS Roxie in the leg, to then GUT WRENCH SUPLEX! Cover, TWO! Meiko facelocks and she grinds, but Roxie slips free to facelock. Meiko slips out to facelock back, but Roxie rolls to wrench. Meiko switches to a waistlock and then shifts to a chinbar.

Roxie endures, fans rally as she fights up, but Meiko wrenches and YANKS an arm. Meiko wrenches again, YANKS the arm again, then wristlocks. Roxie cartwheels and headscissors to a O’Conner Bridge! But Meiko makes it a SLEEPER! Roxie flails, rolls back to a cover, TWO!! Meiko lets Roxie go in time and the two stand off. They circle and feel things out again. Roxie gets around to waistlock, ripcord and whip, but Meiko goes up and over and FLYING ARM-DRAGS Roxie, to an STF!! Roxie flails, scrambles, reaches out, and NXT returns to single picture as she gets the ROPEBREAK! Meiko lets off and fans applaud.

Roxie resets and circles with Meiko again. Fans duel as the two knuckle lock. They go shoulder to shoulder in a test of strength and Meiko bends Roxie back! Roxie drops and it’s a cover, TWO as Roxie gets an arm up! Mieko pushes it down, TWO as Roxie gets the other arm up. Meiko pushes that down, TWO as Roxie kips up! Roxie powers Meiko back but Meiko knees low, arm-drags Roxie down to a cover, TWO! Meiko wrenches but Roxie throws forearms! Meiko SOBATS! Meiko whips, Roxie ducks ‘n ‘dodges but Meiko FLYING SHOULDERS! Roxie goes to ropes, Meiko is right on her to snapmare and straitjacket!

Fans rally as Roxie endures the stretch. Roxie fights up, she powers up and turns things around but Meiko turns it back around! Meiko brings Roxie to her knees, and makes it a STRAITJACKET RACK! Roxie endures, gets her legs free and rolls back to put the straitjacket on Meiko! Meiko fights up, arm-drags free, but Roxie stands up. Roxie dodges, rolls back, and headscissors Meiko to the apron! Fans fire up as Roxie runs, to DIVE into a forearm! Meiko gets back in, she UPPERCUTS, then UPPERCUTS again! Meiko wrenches, wristlocks, KICKS, LEG SWEEPS, and KNEE DROPS! Cover, TWO!

Roxie hangs tough but Meiko stays on her. Meiko whips Roxie to a corner, runs in and forearm smashes! Roxie wobbles, Meiko whips her corner to corner then runs back in. Roxie slips out, slides under and sunset flips, TWO! Meiko gets a leg, she drags Roxie around and steps through, DEEP toehold! Roxie endures, kicks at Meiko, but Meiko just KICKS the bad leg! And kicks it again! SPINNING TOEHOLD! Meiko goes back to the deep standing toehold, but Roxie rolls over! Roxie floats to a headlock, but Meiko fights up. Meiko throws body shots, powers out, and RAMS shoulders! Roxie stays up so Meiko eggs her own.

Roxie runs to RAM Meiko, but Meiko shakes her head. She SLAPS Roxie, SLAPS her, SLAP SLAP SLAP! Fans fire up, Meiko runs, and she CLOBBERS Roxie! Roxie roars as she stands up! Roxie CHOPS, CHOPS, CHOP CHOP CHOP! Roxie fires off forearms, but Meiko shoves her away to BUZZSAW! Roxie staggers up and shakes her head, but Meiko KICKS! And KICKS! But Roxie blocks a kick to DRAGON SCREW! Fans fire up with Roxie, she runs in at Meiko, and UPPERCUTS in the corner! Roxie runs, returns, and UPPERCUTS again! Roxie shrieks to UPPERCUT a third time! Wrench and RUSSIAN- NO, Meiko throws Roxie down!

Meiko runs, handsprings, but Roxie dodges the knee drop! Roxie runs to SHOTGUN Meiko out! Fans fire up and Roxie builds speed to DIVE! Direct hit at the ramp! Fans are thunderous as Roxie drags Meiko up and into the ring. Roxie goes to the corner, climbs up top, but Meiko kicks her legs out! Meiko climbs up after Roxie, brings her up, but Roxie throws body shots. Roxie slips under, SMACKS Meiko off buckles, then goes back up. SUPER RUSSIAN- NO, Meiko fights that, throws elbows, but Roxie climbs up higher! SUPER SUNSET- NO, Meiko holds the ropes! Meiko ELBOWS Roxie down! Roxie staggers, Meiko MULE KICKS her!

Meiko adjusts up top, leaps, SPLASH onto BOOTS!! Cover, TWO!!! Meiko survives and Roxie grits her teeth. Roxie drags Meiko but Meiko KICKS her from below! And again! Roxie sits Meiko up to KICK her in the back! And again! Fans duel, Roxie keeps kicking Meiko! Roxie whips, Meiko reverses and ROCKS Roxie, to then ROUNDHOUSE! Meiko fireman’s carries, DEATH VALLEY- NO, Roxie handsprings out! RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP! Cover, TWO!! Meiko ghost pins, TWO!!! Roxie escapes by nanoseconds, and she spins, but Meiko blocks the kick! BIG back suplex, then Meiko drags Roxie back up. Roxie fights the lift with elbows!

Roxie ROCKS Meiko, but Meiko PELES! Meiko reels Roxie in, SAIDO!!! Cover, TWO?!?! Roxie survives and fans are thunderous! Meiko doesn’t hesitate, she fireman’s carries again. But Roxie grabs ropes! Meiko gets Roxie to let go, DEATH VALLEY DRIVER!! Meiko runs, HANDSPRING KNEE DROP! Cover, TWO!?!? Fans are loving “NXT! NXT!” as Roxie goes to the apron. Meiko goes out after her, KICKS her, but Roxie fires forearms! Meiko KICKS again, fireman’s carries, but Roxie slips off to POST Meiko! Meiko hops off the apron, Roxie SOBATS, and POP- NO, Meiko pops Roxie off! Roxie sits up, into SCORPIO RISING!!

Meiko drags Roxie up as the ring count climbs. Meiko puts Roxie in at 7 of 10, drags her to a cover, ROPEBREAK!!! Roxie survives by a literal foot! Meiko roars and she drags Roxie back up. Fans rally as Meiko fires off Kawada Kicks! Roxie flops over, but she sits up slowly. Meiko aims, and KICKS her back down! Roxie sits up, but she avoids Scorpio Rising! Roll-up, with a bridge, ROXIE WINS!!!

Winner: Roxanne Perez, by pinfall (still NXT Women’s Champion)

After taking a lot of damage, The Prodigy defeats the Final Boss! She was able to stand and deliver, and Meiko respects that. Meiko personally hands the belt over to Roxie and fans applaud the sportsmanship. Meiko helps Roxie stand and raises her hand in victory, and then Roxie falls over in exhaustion. The ref and Meiko check her, the ref calls for reinforcements. They check, then medics come in. Can Roxie even hear any of them talking to her? Meiko and the fans are concerned as the refs call for the EMT now. A stretcher is brought out, the team hustles in, and Booker T leaves commentary to check his former student.

The medical team braces Roxie’s neck, puts her on the backboard, and then get her on the stretcher. HBK also shows up at ringside. Fans applaud as Roxie manages a response. They get her oxygen, then get her to the back. They hurry to the exit and to the ambulance. Roxanne won, but will we see it was a pyrrhic victory in the end?


My Thoughts:

Roadblock as a concept was introduced in such a ham-fisted way years ago *cough* Vince */cough* but NXT has made it work, and that includes tonight. I did not expect Tiffany Stratton to give us the opening roll, and I groaned a bit at seeing that being the case, but Tiffany is committed to her character, she delivered it perfectly, and it is clear she is gonna be the Heel coming after the women’s title, even with Valkyria having her own promo about that. Chances are, we’ll get a contenders match to make it official, Tiffany can beat Valkyria and maybe even Stevie Turner at the same time to make it clear who is going to Stand & Deliver.

And speaking of the women’s title, that was an awesome main event. Roxie once again showed heart in fighting as the underdog, and even then doesn’t hit her finisher but gets a quick pin win to retain. And then quite the shocking twist having her pass out and need medical attention. I don’t think they’ll vacate the title, but it’s a good tease that Roxie’s health is in question. Roxie will have a heroic comeback to confront whoever is her contender and we’ll get one good promo between them before the match at Stand & Deliver.

Great move having the Jailhouse match open the night, and that match was great stuff. Fans love Tony, Tony has Stacks, Stacks helps Tony win, it just works. But Tony’s gonna have to wait his turn when it comes to titles. Good promo from Wes and Axiom, and I’m intrigued by how Axiom is on the edge of becoming a Heel. He’s being a bit smarmy about how he should’ve had this and should’ve had that. But I do hope he and Wes have a title match next week. I’m not sure if I wanna see Axiom fight his way through chaos, or pull of something sneaky like running in from the back side or even pops out from under the ring. Either way, it’ll be good.

Really good Six Man from Bron & Creeds VS Jinder & Indus Sher. Also it seems Jinder is officially Indus Sher, they had a group theme for their entrance. I figured the Faces would win that, Bron needs the momentum going into Stand & Deliver. And I like that, at least in kayfabe, Bron wanted to say things now and not waste time next week. Bron and Melo have a really good promo together, they make their match official, and as I’ve said, this has to be where Bron loses the title and moves on to RawDown after this. Bron could even be a Raw After Mania debut to go right after the US Championship.

Good stuff out of the ongoing story of Jensen and Kiana, and of course there were flowers from another guy Kiana’s dating. It wasn’t Zack since that was her cousin, but there are endless possibilities for Kiana’s other guy. Honestly, it really should be someone signed to NXT, maybe someone that’s been showing up on Level Up, and this is that guy’s way of getting on TV. Not only will all this tear down Fallon and Kiana as a team, we could get a good feud out of Jensen and “the other guy,” fighting for the heart of Kiana. Also, the meltdown of Fallon and Kiana is lining up with Isla & Alba rising up. Good promo from those two, I’m expecting a Triple Threat Tag of Isla & Alba VS KC Squared VS Tatum & Ivy, big win for Isla & Alba to go to Stand & Deliver and get those belts.

Really good match from Gigi and Jacy, and great win for Gigi, but of course Jacy beats her down. This really isn’t over, I bet they have a rematch at Stand & Deliver that raises the bar, might even have a stipulation. The winner of that can then be seen as contender to whoever comes out NXT Women’s Champion at Stand & Deliver, with that build carrying things to perhaps Spring Breakin’ in May. Really good promo from Dragunov to call out JD McDonagh, and speaking of something that needs a stipulation, it’s this one. These two showed us what they could do in NXT UK, why not give us more of that here?

Really good stuff from this Chase U story. Thea meditating with Tyler Bate was a nice touch, but after Duke exploded on Chase after the loss, I guess the Six Man Tag where Tyler helps Chase U against The Schism is out of the question. This story has had some really good twists and turns, but it’d be a shame if this was the end of Chase U because of how fun those promos segments have been. Maybe Chase U’s next chapter will have Tyler Bate as an official member of the team, which seems like a shame for Tyler but at least he’ll be doing something. I still say Tyler should’ve been champion coming out of Worlds Collide, but whatever. Maybe this will help get him back up towards a title for the summer.

And what a great Grayson Waller Effect, which is something I never expected to say. But Waller and HBK were great, Waller is a great talker and wrestler but I don’t think enough to be “The Guy.” Good digs about HBK taking over for HHH because of HHH’s health, but also I like that HBK called in Gargano for his proxy. That just makes sense since Waller attacked Gargano as he was on his way out, and though Gargano came back to WWE right to Raw, he really does need to settle things with Waller here in NXT. Fans love Gargano, most fans love to hate Waller, this is going to be great stuff that could steal the show at Stand & Deliver, which I think is actually HBK’s ultimate plan for Waller.

My Score: 8.9/10


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Coverage

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

Talk about a Big Time Raw!

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Will The Man be the Last Woman Standing?

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

OFFICIAL RESULTS

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

PLAY BY PLAY

Jey Uso is here!

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

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

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

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

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

 

Adam Pearce is on the phone.

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Winners: DIY, by pinfall (advance to WrestleMania)

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

 

Judgment Day meets backstage.

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

Winners: Candice LeRae & Indi Hartwell, by submission

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

 

Cody Rhodes makes his way to the ring.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

Nia Jax speaks.

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

 

Cody Rhodes returns backstage.

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

 

Dominik Mysterio w/ JD McDonagh VS Ricochet!

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

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

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

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

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

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

Winner: Ricochet, by pinfall

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

 

Sami Zayn is backstage.

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

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

 

Adam Pearce is in the ring.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

Sami confronts Gable now.

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

 

CM Punk speaks.

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

 

Drew McIntyre is here!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

Becky Lynch speaks.

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

Liv Morgan confronts Becky Lynch.

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

 

Cody walks with his dog, Pharaoh, backstage.

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

 

Last Woman Standing: Becky Lynch VS Nia Jax!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Winner: Becky Lynch

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


My Thoughts:

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

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

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

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

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

My Score: 8.9/10


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

The semifinals are here!

Published

on

We’re just one step away from the Cup!

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

OFFICIAL RESULTS

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

PLAY BY PLAY

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

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

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

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

No Contest

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

2024 New Japan Cup Semifinals: SANADA VS Hirooki Goto!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


My Thoughts:

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

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

My Score: 8.9/10


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