Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE SmackDown Results & Report! (3/3/23)
Tribal Chief and American Nightmare meet!
Wrestling has more than one royal family.
Cody Rhodes promised on Raw he’d show up tonight on SmackDown, but will he get that face to face with Roman Reigns?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Liv Morgan VS Rhea Ripley w/ Dominik Mysterio; Rhea wins.
- Santos Escobar VS Dominik Mysterio w/ Rhea Ripley; Dominik wins.
- Shayna Baszler w/ Ronda Rousey VS Tegan Nox w/ Natalya; Shayna wins.
- Sami Zayn VS Solo Sikoa w/ Jimmy Uso; Solo wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
Roman Reigns is here!
As promised, the Tribal Chief, the Head of the Table, the Undisputed WWE Universal Champion returns to address all the issues on the Road to WrestleMania. Paul Heyman, Jimmy Uso and Solo Sikoa are with him, but Jey is not. They set off the pyro, continue to the ring, then set off more pyro. Fans are torn, but Heyman hands over the mic to Roman. Heyman says the fans are all here for Roman but the boos say otherwise. Roman says, “Washington, DC! ACKNOWLEDGE ME!” But then CODY RHODES makes his entrance! DC fires up for the American Nightmare as he has his pyro and soaks up the energy.
Roman and the Bloodline wait as Cody enters the ring and fans sing the song. Fans then chant for “CODY! CODY!” Cody has a mic to say, “Contrary to what Mr. Heyman might’ve told you, I am not here to invade, I am not here to engage in… reckless negotiations. I am here to have a conversation with my WrestleMania opponent one on one, man to man. So I don’t see any reason for your compatriots here. Unless, you feel that you need them here.” Roman chuckles and Heyman grins. Roman says, “Wise Man, leave us.” Heyman is surprised by that, and asks if Solo and Jimmy should stay. Roman says they should go, too.
Heyman accepts those orders, gives Roman his belts, and he leads the Bloodline away. Fans cheer as we get just Cody and Roman in the ring. Roman asks Cody if that’s better for him. In fact, let’s get comfortable. Cody may not like this but Roman will do it anyway. Roman throws down the World title belt, and then the Universal belt. “So what do you wanna talk about?” Roman smirks and Cody says, “Fair enough. Let’s talk about you. 915 days, you have been our WWE Undisputed Universal Champion. No need to print the legend, the reality has become legendary enough. You have superseded hyperbole, congratulations.
“Let me tell you something about me. About your WrestleMania opponent. Something you may know, something you may not know. For some, you have become this impossible mountain to climb, but that’s kinda my thing.” Cody repeats old criticisms: He’s nothing more than Randy Orton’s understudy; Cody won’t survive being Stardust; critics swore that there was no way 10 THOUSAND people would pay to see Cody’s and his buddies’ “little indie show.” And ever since then, the goal posts have continued to move and Cody continued to punch it through the uprights. So for everyone else, Roman might be the impossible. But not for Cody.
Fans cheer Cody on again and Roman is annoyed. Roman laughs it off, and says that was good. That was like Cody rehearsed it all week, it was flawless. But Roman will switch gears here and ask a question. “You ever won that one?” He points to the world title. Well, we know he hasn’t. But has he ever even competed for one of these? Oh, no, how about this? Has Cody even main-evented WrestleMania before? Because Roman did all of that! He is the most experienced main-eventer of all time! “But here’s the kicker. I’ve been groomed since I was just a little boy. Not only by my father, but by your father, too.”
Roman smirks while he lets that soak in. Roman says he isn’t done with the story there, either. Let’s talk about Cody’s dad. Easy now, Roman has too much love and respect for that man to degrade him. They spent a lot of time together. Roman said this many times before but The Dream is the one who put the confidence in Roman and told him, “Baby, you have ‘it.’ You couldn’t get rid of it, you couldn’t sell it if you wanted to. You are ‘it.'” Fans cheer the impression, and Roman says they’d sit for hours and talk about everything. It was a lot about what is going on right now, being the main event and the face of the company. Dusty called it all before it happened.
Roman says Dusty was the best. But you know what Dusty would say about Cody? Nothing. Dusty never said anything ever, at least not when he was with Roman. Maybe when Dusty sat down with Seth Rollins or Kevin Owens or even Becky Lynch. But when Roman was with Dusty, it was like Cody didn’t exist. Fans boo but Roman says he knows this is a lot, he just wishes Dusty was here right now. Roman knows Cody misses Dusty. Roman misses Dusty, too. Roman picks up the belts, and says that though Dusty isn’t here anymore, know this: if there is something Dusty didn’t teach Cody, Roman will.
Roman offers a handshake but fans boo. Cody smirks and says, “Oh my God. I’m not even playing on the same field. This is… This is not chess. You didn’t send Mr. Heyman to Raw to get inside my head, you sent him to relay and convey the real-life situation. You sent him to tell me the truth? If that’s the truth, then the truth is one of the fabled ‘Dusty’s kids’ than Dusty’s actual kid. If that’s the truth, then the truth is that you are the son he always wanted. And that changes absolutely everything. Because it’s not just a dream, it’s not just an urge or a want, or a desire, or some story that needs to be finished. This becomes a necessity!
“You say I don’t exist? I HAVE to exist! And the only way that I can exist… is by beating you at WrestleMania!” Fans fire up and Roman frowns. Cody says that Roman, “sir, champ, may the better man win.” Cody accepts the handshake after all, but Roman’s calculated mind games may have only added fuel to the flame. Will the American Nightmare burn down the Island of Relevancy and take that throne from the Tribal Chief?
Liv Morgan VS Rhea Ripley w/ Dominik Mysterio!
As extreme as Liv likes to live, she might be pushing things too far taking on the Eradicator. Rhea is determined to take the top spot from Charlotte Flair, will she have no problem throwing Liv to the Riptide?
The bell rings and Liv SHOTGUNS Rhea! Fans fire up, Liv fires off on Rhea in a corner, but Rhea shoves her away. Rhea choke grips, Liv breaks free and kicks low. Rhea blocks the boot, whips Liv, but Liv wheelbarrows to arm-drag! Rhea staggers up, Liv runs in to springboard, only for Rhea to catch Liv and TOSS her! Then KNEE her down! Dom cheers Mami on but DC boos. Rhea soaks up the heat, saying they’re looking at the NEW SmackDown Women’s Champion. Rhea CHOKES Liv, tells Charlotte to watch closely, “there’s no saving you.” Rhea lets off as the ref counts, and then she CLUBS Liv down!
Rhea CLUBS Liv more, stands her up, and then hauls her up, but Liv sunset flips! Rhea stays up, drags Liv back up and bumps her off buckles. Rhea runs in, Liv dodges and back body blocks! Liv then comes back to SHINING WIZARD! Liv pushes Rhea down, goes up top, and fans fire up for the MISSILE DROPKICK! Rhea flounders out of the ring, and Lib builds speed to DIVE! Rhea SWATS Liv outta the air! Rhea again says Charlotte won’t be able to hide from Rhea Bloody Ripley! Rhea goes back to Liv as SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns and Rhea ROCKS Liv in the back. Rhea stands Liv up, shoves her to ropes and ROCKS her again! Rhea stands Liv up and Liv grins! Rhea whips, Liv swings, but into a back suplex! Liv lands on her feet, to hit a BACKSTABBER! Fans fire up, Liv goes to a corner and BOOTS Rhea! Liv goes up again, FLYING RANA! Rhea hits ropes, flounders, and then Liv kicks low! Front kick and CODE BREAKER! Rhea wobbles,, Liv springboards off ropes to CODE BREAKER again! Liv then goes up a corner, waits on Rhea, and says “SUCK IT!” FLYING CODE BREAKER!! Cover, TWO!! Rhea survives and Liv is beside herself!
Dom is worried and he coaches Rhea up. Liv waits on Rhea to stand, grins as she goes to ropes, and then runs in, but Rhea fights off the clinch! Rhea swings Liv around, but Liv slips free! ENZIGURI! Rhea goes to a corner, Liv SHINING WIZARDS! Liv goes to the very top while Rhea flounders! DC fires up as Liv leaps, but Rhea POWERBOMBS her down! Then pump handle and RIPTIDE!! But Rhea doesn’t wanna end it there! She grabs the legs and ties them up, PRISM TRAP!! Liv endures and reaches out, but Rhea KNEES her down! Liv taps, Rhea wins!
Winner: Rhea Ripley, by submission
Mami sends a message! Charlotte may have the Figure Four, but Rhea has her Prism Trap Cloverleaf! Will that help Rhea eradicate The Queen?
The Bloodline talks backstage.
Heyman and the others are still getting a kick out of Roman doing a Dusty Rhodes impression, but Roman asks if Jimmy’s talked with Jey. Jimmy has. Then what’d Jey say? You know, Jey’s the hothead. He just needs time. Time? How much time? Uh, Jimmy talked to him this morning. Jey’s doing better today than he was yesterday. Jimmy will let Jey know. Roman says he’s running out of patience. Jimmy will tell Jey, too. Roman says it’s not with Jey. He’s running out of patience with Jimmy. Jimmy again says he’ll let Jey know, and heads out. Is the Bloodline (not) fine?
Rhea and Dom regroup backstage.
Rhea says Charlotte is scared, it’s why she’s not here. But then Santos Escobar walks over. Dom asks if there’s a problem. Santos says Rey should’ve punched Dom in the face last week! But he also understands why he couldn’t. But guess what? Santos can! And Adam Pearce agrees with him. So Santos will teach Dom a lesson in respect. Santos is going to the ring right now. And if Dom is even half the man he claims to be, he’ll meet Santos out there. Hombre a hombre. And then Santos blows a kiss to Mami! Santos heads to gorilla, will Dom man up and handle things like he (supposedly) did in the prison yard?
Santos Escobar VS Dominik Mysterio w/ Rhea Ripley!
The Emperor of Lucha makes his entrance, holding up the mask Rey Mysterio gave him personally as a gift of respect. Escobar respects family and legacy, but “Ex-Con Dom” does not. Will Escobar make Dom respect him? Or will Dom still do things his way?
The bell rings and fans boo but Escobar runs in. Dom uses ropes as a defense so the ref backs Escobar off. Dom then dropkicks Escobar down! Fans boo but Dom drags Escobar up to headlock. Escobar powers up but Dom holds on tight. Escobar throws body shots, powers out, and things speed up as Escobar drops, to then DROPKICK Dom! Dom ends up in a corner and Escobar fires off forearms! Rhea protests but Escobar makes Dom look at the mask. “That’s your legacy! Do you respect your legacy?!” Dom shouts “NO!” so Escobar CLUBS him down and ELBOWS him! Escobar hooks up the legs, Dom resists and reaches, but Escobar gets those arms!
Escobar pulls back and lifts Dom right up into a ROMERO SPECIAL! Dom endures, but Escobar pulls his hair! Escobar then throws Dom down, waits on Dom to get up, but Dom wants mercy. Dom says he’ll respect legacy, but then he YANKS Escobar into buckles! Escobar bails out, Dom goes up and CROSSBODIES! Rhea fans Dom off while fans boo and SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns and Dom has Escobar in a corner. Dom fires off body shots and haymakers while Rhea cheers him on. Dom climbs up, he rains down fists, but fans boo instead of counting. Dom stops short of ten anyway, and fans boo more. Dom whips but Escobar reverses, only for Dom to wheelbarrow and throw Escobar to ropes! Dom dials it up as fans boo harder, but then Dom stops to CHOKE Escobar! Rhea laughs as Dom trolls the fans, but Escobar DECKS Dom! Escobar fires off fists and fans fire up! Escobar fireman’s carries, but Dom rakes eyes! Escobar goes to a corner, Dom ROCKS him and throws more hands.
Dom knees low, backs off to soak up heat, and then runs in corner to corner to clothesline! Escobar staggers and Dom makes Escobar look at the mask. Respect legacy? Respect DOM! Dom throws Escobar down then soaks up more heat. Dom sits Escobar up, “Is that what you want? Huh?” Dom SLAPS Escobar! Dom tells fans up theirs, then says HE is the man! Dom whips corner to corner, but Escobar goes up and over, keeps moving, ducks ‘n’ dodges to FLYING FOREARM! And then again! Rhea freaks out as Escobar CLOBBERS Dom! Escobar scoops for a BACKBREAKER and hits a LEG DROP! Cover, TWO!!
Rhea is relieved that Dom survives. Escobar powers up and Dom wants mercy again. Escobar knows better but Dom dodges. They both dodge, and HEADS collide! Both men are dazed but Dom drags himself to ropes. Dom has brass knuckles?! The ref is distracted by that as Rhea drags Escobar out! RIPTIDE to the floor!! Fans boo, but Rhea puts Escobar in for Dom to FROG SPLASH!! Cover, Dom wins!
Winner: Dominik Mysterio, by pinfall
Dom snatches the mask from the corner, and TEARS it! He insults Rey’s legacy, Eddie’s legacy, and lucha libre culture as a whole! What will it take to finally humble him? Wait! Here comes Rey!! Rey shakes his head, tells Dom to give the mask back, but Dom dares Rey to hit him. If Rey hits Dom, Dom will give the mask back. Dom gets in Rey’s face literally, then he drops the mask on the ground! Rey picks the mask up, and Dom DECKS Rey with a sucker punch! Fans boo, but Dom just soaks it all up. Can anything ever stop Dom from stooping to these lows?
WWE shares Sami Zayn’s video post.
“Big energy tonight in Washington, DC. You can feel the heat in here. I’ll tell you one person I know is feeling the heat, and that’s Roman Reigns. Because he knows that everything I’ve been saying for weeks is coming true. The Bloodline is crumbling from within. And now, all of the sudden, I find myself in a match with Solo Sikoa. I’m not stupid. I know how it works in the Bloodline. I know tonight’s match is not about wins and losses. I know tonight’s about sending me a message. But here’s the thing, Solo. I’m the one sending a message tonight. The message is loud and clear. The Bloodline is not getting rid of Sami Zayn, until the Bloodline goes down!”
The DC fans around Sami are fired up as Sami says that this doesn’t end until Sami sees with his own eyes that the Bloodline is going down! Sami knows, and the people know, that the Bloodline is going down! “See you tonight, Solo.” DC is behind the Great Liberator, but will that Bloodline trap catch him all the same?
Drew McIntyre is here!
Fans fire up as The Scottish Warrior heads to the ring. He’s been gunning for Gunther and that Intercontinental Championship, and we hear what he has to say, after the break.
SmackDown returns and McIntyre says, “There’s four weeks to WrestleMania, and Drew McIntyre still does not have a match. How about we remedy that right now, DC? And there’s a certain individual I wanna beat the absolute shhhhnitzel out of. GUNTHER! I’m calling you out!” Fans fire up, but SHEAMUS makes his way out first! The Fella has a mic to ask McIntyre what he’s doing. He just thought he’d go behind Sheamus’ back? McIntyre says this isn’t personal. Like he it isn’t personal! McIntyre of all people knows how important winning the Intercontinental title is to Sheamus! 15 YEARS, Sheamus has wanted that title.
McIntyre wants Sheamus to calm down and talk this out. Sheamus tells McIntyre, “Don’t you DARE tell me to calm down!” McIntyre knows better than anybody that how much Sheamus has wanted it. McIntyre knows Sheamus wants Gunther at Mania, and now McIntyre is the one calling him out? Well, Sheamus isn’t McIntyre’s parent, so why does McIntyre need Sheamus’ permission to do something? Does he need permission to wipe his own arse next? Sheamus says McIntyre’s right, Sheamus isn’t McIntyre’s parent. But he thought McIntyre was his brother. But no, he’s just a backstabbing bastard.
McIntyre says fine. If we’re telling the truth as friends, the truth sometimes hurts. And the truth is, Sheamus had his chance, and lost, TWICE. But here comes L A KNIGHT! DC is actually excited to see LA, and he says, “LEMME TALK TO YA! Somebody talking about the Intercontinental title, then you gotta be talking about L, A, Knight, YEAH!” Meanwhile, these two have been handed every single opportunity and still they cry. They’re still arguing with each other, and Knight says that’s fine, so long as they listen. If Knight hasn’t made it clear enough already, “you can’t have an LA WrestleMania without L A Knight!”
But then here comes the NEW DAY! DC is even more fired up to see Kofi Kingston & Xavier Woods! Woods tells Washington, DC, “it’s ya bois the NEW~ DAY~!” And they just wanted to come out and apologize on behalf of L, A, Knight, YEAH. That’s right! Cuz for the past two weeks, Knight comes out crying, begging, “You can’t have a WrestleMania in LA without LA Knight, please~!” But this is sad. Sad! The New Day joins everyone else in the ring. Knight wants a match at Mania. However, as of late, Knight can’t even win a match on SmackDown! OH~! But then here comes KARRION KROSS!?
Kross, with Scarlett by his side, storms right up to the ring. Everyone watches as Mr. & Mrs. Doomsday circle the ring, but Knight CLOBBERS Kofi! Woods goes after Knight, Knight shoves him into Sheamus and McIntyre! They shove him back, and Knight TOSSES Woods out! But then Sheamus clotheslines Knight out! Sheamus turns around in time to see McIntyre creeping up. McIntyre backs off, only to come back and FLY out onto New Day and Knight!! Then Kross CLOBBERS Sheamus and POSTS him! Kross is vicious but also opportunistic. Is the apocalypse going to sneak in and take that title opportunity for his own?
SmackDown shares footage from before the show.
Shayna Baszler & Ronda Rousey got jumped first by Tegan Nox and Natalya, cameras only caught things after Ronda and Natty were down and Shayna got Tegan on the ground. Adam Pearce and referees rushed in to stop this, and had to cancel their scheduled tag team match for tonight, making it just a singles match. Ronda swears Shayna better break Tegan’s arm for this! Will the Queen of Spades get payback on the Welsh Firecracker?
Shayna Baszler w/ Ronda Rousey VS Tegan Nox w/ Natalya!
The bell rings and the two rush each other! Nox dodges, then SHOTGUNS Shayna down! Then PENALTY KICKS her back down! Then CANNONBALLS in the corner! Nox rains down fists on Shayna from all sides, but Shayna shoves her away and gets an arm. Shayna isolates the arm, but Nox reaches up to headscissors her away! ROUNDHOUSE! Shayna wobbles, but she blocks the knee to throw Nox! Shayna has the arm again, and STOMPS it! Ronda asks Nox how that feels, but Natty and DC rally for Nox. Shayna runs in, but Nox dodges the knee! Nox fires off jabs and haymakers, but Shayna KICKS the bad arm!
Shayna grabs the arm to YANK it! Ronda mocks “Skittles” while Nox crawls to a corner. Shayna storms up on Nox, drags her by the bad arm but Nox KICKS her away! And then HEADBUTTS! But Shayna WRINGS Nox’s bad arm! Ronda continues to mock Nox and Shayna talks trash with Natty. Shayna goes back but Nox rolls her up! TWO, and Shayna KNEES Nox down! Shayna gets the bad arm for an ARMBAR!! Nox taps, Shayna wins!
Winner: Shayna Baszler, by submission
A shoutout to her teammate and friend with that armbar, Ronda celebrates with Shayna. Will the Baddest Women on the Planet tear apart all of SmackDown?
Backstage interview with Gunther.
Kayla Braxton is with Der Ring General and the rest of Imperium, and he already knows she’s asking about all the superstars interested in his title. Gunther says it was an absolute disgrace that a man like him has been kept waiting. What a lack of leadership by Adam Pearce! One month away and Pearce still hasn’t identified the man to challenge Gunther at WrestleMania. So then is he concerned? Gunther says the only thing he is concerned about is not having a worthy opponent to do battle with for this great prize in their great sport, and “for the legacy of Der Ring General, on the greatest stage of them all!” Then what will Pearce do about this issue?
Bobby Lashley is here?!
The All Mighty visits SmackDown by surprise! But why? Wait, the White Rabbit makes it clear. Then what will Lashley have to say about Bray Wyatt’s antics? We’ll hear all that, after the break.
SmackDown returns and Lashley has the mic. “So, so, so, for the past two weeks, Bray Wyatt has been telling me to run. But I don’t run from anyone. And since that didn’t work, he starts playing these little kids, like the Muscle Man Dance. Which I thought was a little comical, but for me, it looked like a sign of weakness. And from where I come from, if you have a problem with somebody, you come see that somebody and tell them to their face. And since Bray Wyatt is not man enough to come see me in my face, I decided to come to his show of SmackDown, to come see him. So I say, Bray Wyatt, if you are man enough, I’m here. So come see me.”
Lashley waits, fans look to the stage, and UNCLE HOWDY appears, from behind! Howdy beats Lashley down, laughs at him, then runs, into a MILE HIGH SPINEBUSTER! Lashley is furious and he wants Howdy to get up. Fans rally, Howdy staggers over, but the lights go out! And when the lights come back, Howdy is gone. Lashley is even more annoyed, but the White Rabbit cuts him off. Will Lashley see that Bray isn’t just playing kid games?
The Bloodline regroups.
Jimmy sits with Roman and says he called Jey. And what’d he say? Well, Jey said he needs more time. Roman repeats that: Jey needs more time? Well, no, he actually said to leave him the hell alone. Roman says he doesn’t understand how Jey could do this to them. After everything Roman… No, after everything they’ve done for Jey. Haven’t they always helped Jey? Always had his back? Matter of fact, this didn’t start happening until Sami Zayn came around. Maybe that’s where the selfishness and greed come from. In fact, here’s what they’ll do> They’ll fix the Sami problem once and for all.
Roman wants Jimmy to be in Solo’s corner tonight. And they will get rid of Sami once and for all. Understand? If Jimmy and Solo get rid of Sami, then Jey will come home. Heyman smiles as Roman asks if Jimmy can do that. Jimmy says he’s got it. Roman wants Jimmy to do this for The Bloodline, to do this for the family. Jimmy nods and heads out. Heyman tells Roman, “That was wonderful, My Tribal Chief.” Roman says, “Yeah, yeah, yeah.” Heyman asks, “Then, it wasn’t wonderful?” Roman says Jey has one week. Does Heyman understand that? Yes, My Tribal Chief. Roman says if Jey isn’t back in the Bloodline in one week, Roman won’t blame Sami. He’ll blame Jimmy.
The ultimatum has been sent, the deadline has been set, but will none of it go the way Roman wants?
BREAKING NEWS on the Intercontinental Championship match!
Gunther wants a challenger and there are plenty of contenders! Next week on SmackDown, there will be a FATAL 5 WAY! Kofi Kingston VS Sheamus VS Drew McIntyre VS Karrion Kross VS LA Knight, YEAH! But this is just a qualifying match, will this just be one step on the warpath to WrestleMania?
Sami Zayn VS Solo Sikoa w/ Jimmy Uso!
The Great Liberator has stated his mission, and so far, he hasn’t failed. But will the Enforcer of the Island and the one Uso still clearly loyal to the Tribal Chief end it all here? Or are the things Sami has been saying continue to come true?
Roman is watching closely as Sami makes his entrance. Sami slides in, dodges Solo, fires off on him, but Solo shoves him back. Sami hits a THESZ PRESS! Sami rains down fists, Solo pushes him away and Jimmy runs in! Sami throws Jimmy out, dumps Solo out, and then builds speed! Sami FLIES to take out Solo and Jimmy! Sami slides back in, DC is thunderous but Roman is seething! Solo gets back in the ring, the bell rings, and this is finally a match! They brawl, Solo shoves Sami away and CLOBBERS him! Solo HEADBUTTS Sami, eggs him on, then ROCKS him with a right. Solo whips, Sami holds ropes to stop, then he dodges to clothesline Solo back out!
Fans fire up while Sami paces. Sami goes to the apron, he stares Jimmy down, and the ref tells Jimmy to back off. Jimmy jaws at Sami, and Sami turns around into a BODY CHECK from Solo! Solo POSTS Sami, then POSTS him again! The ref reprimands and counts, but Solo POSTS Sami! “You should’ve listened, Sami!” Solo TOSSES Sami into the timekeeper’s area! Roman likes what he sees now, and SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns and Solo HEADBUTTS away on Sami! Sami flops against ropes and Jimmy says this is all on Sami. Sami sits up to CHOP Solo, but then he flops back down. Solo snarls, he eggs Sami on, and Sami CHOPS again. Solo just HEADBUTTS again! “The hell’s wrong with you?!” Solo whips Sami to ropes, Sami goes up and over then LARIATS! Fans fire up with Sami while Jimmy coaches Solo up. Roman and Heyman frown as Sami stands. Sami throws haymakers, backs Solo up then whips, but Solo reverses. Sami ducks ‘n’ dodges, but runs into a SAMOAN DROP! Solo roars, fans boo, and Sami flounders to a corner.
Solo grits his teeth, goes to the opposite corner, and he runs in corner to corner, to HIP ATTACK! Solo roars but Roman still looks tense. Solo puts Sami up top, throws hands, but Sami throws hands in return! And even kicks! TORNADO DDT! Cover, ONE?!? Solo is tough but Sami has the fans behind him. Sami climbs up top, to CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO! Sami doesn’t let that stop him, he brings Solo up and reels him in. But Solo’s too big for the Blue Thunder! Solo CLUBS away on Sami, Sami goes to a corner, but Sami dodges! The splash hits only buckles! BLUE THUNDER BOMB!! Cover, TWO!!!
Jimmy is relieved but Sami goes to the opposite corner now. Sami runs in, but Jimmy gets Solo clear of the Helluva Kick! SAMOAN SPIKE!!! Cover, Solo wins!!
Winner: Solo Sikoa, by pinfall
Step one is complete as Jimmy helps Solo win, but Roman’s orders were clear. Solo and Jimmy mug Sami with punches and fans boo. Solo grabs a chair! Jimmy tells Sami this is all his fault, and he UPPERCUTS Sami into a corner! Jimmy rains down more fists, then Solo moves him aside. Jimmy says Sami made his choice, then he stomps Sami down. Jimmy puts the chair around Sami’s head! Solo goes to the opposite corner again, they’re gonna get him like the did Riddle! Wait, Jimmy says HE wants to do the honors. Solo moves aside, Jimmy keeps saying Sami made his choice, but Sami stands! He CHUCKS the chair at Solo, dodges Jimmy, and HELLUVA KICKS!!!
Sami just turned things around on the Bloodline and DC is thunderous!! And Sami has the chair now! Sami sees Solo, though, and tosses the chair at him! Solo deflects it and Sami runs off! Jimmy couldn’t do what the Tribal Chief wanted and he is furious! Roman himself is seething backstage. What will happen now that Jimmy has failed?
My Thoughts:
A great SmackDown with a lot of great story progress, but with less action than I expected. One, downgrading the women’s tag to Shayna VS Nox was an interesting move, but word has it that Ronda has turned down a WrestleMania match idea. I wonder if she doesn’t want part of a Women’s Tag title match if it isn’t a guarantee that she and Shayna are winning. Anything more than 2v2 means the odds aren’t in their favor (in kayfabe), so maybe Ronda just wants to wait until she and Shayna can challenge whoever 2v2. That said, Shayna beating Nox still makes sense in story, just not sure what happens if there’s no tag matches.
Rhea and Dominik having matches back to back makes sense, as do the results. Liv loses to give Rhea more momentum, and Rhea even works a promo aimed towards Charlotte into things. I really do like the idea if they make the match about Figure Four Leglock VS Prism Trap, so that Rhea can more or less beat Charlotte at her own game. And Escobar had a great promo on Dom to set up their own match. But of course Dom lies, cheats and steals in his own way to win, and he doubles down on the Heel heat by tearing up that mask and sucker punching Rey. If Rey isn’t gonna punch Dom, and if proxies are just gonna get cheated, I’m not sure what Rey can do to stop Dom.
Great promo from several of the superstars in the midcard scene. I do like the logic in Sheamus being upset that McIntyre wants next, but also the logic in Sheamus already having his shot and falling short. Them putting “qualifying” on next week’s Fatal 5 clearly means it’ll be a Triple Threat or bigger come WrestleMania. Gunther VS McIntyre VS Sheamus feels like where this is headed, and I do think that’s where it should go. McIntyre and Sheamus have a lot to get through as frenemies, they both want Gunther, and win or lose, Gunther looks good. Gunther can lose because someone else takes the pin, or he wins by using McIntyre and Sheamus against each other.
Nice surprise appearance from Lashley, and nice response from Bray’s side. Howdy being the pawn was fitting, and that is of course Bo Dallas in there. Howdy was spared getting destroyed by the light shenanigans, but this will clearly go back and forth until we get official confirmation on what kind of match All Mighty and Eater of Worlds will have. And opening with Roman and Cody meeting was a great move. That was some great promo work from them both, and Roman really did do a decent Dusty impression. I also like that “the son Dusty always wanted” being something Roman (in kayfabe) had already said that and Heyman was just reiterating. It implies Roman doesn’t need a mouthpiece, he just likes having messengers.
And of course, Roman being thrown off by Cody not breaking is another good detail, as it feeds into the Bloodline story as a whole. Roman continues to simply expect everything going as he wants it, but that’s not how life works. Sami had a good promo though I kinda wish he didn’t do it near fans. Fans will not shut up once they spot a wrestler, so it got harder and harder to understand Sami as the promo went on. But we got a great main event out of Sami VS Solo, and just as Sami said, it wasn’t even about the win or loss. Sami loses the match because of the number game, but he essentially stands tall as he gets away, and that infuriates Roman more because again, he just expects things to go as he wants.
Jey is defiant again, Jimmy is failing him, and neither Sami or Kevin is going away. Roman might even be the one who demands the Usos defend their titles against Sami and Kevin, and that will be the make-or-break in that part of this story. And when it breaks, when things don’t go Roman’s way yet again, he will be rattled and reckless against Cody, giving Cody his way to win.
My Score: 8.8/10
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Will The Man be the Last Woman Standing?
Becky Lynch and Nia Jax want to finally put this to an end, so tonight on Raw, it will be a Big Time Last Woman Standing match! Will the Irresistible Force force the WrestleMania 40 match to change?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championship Ladder Match Qualifier: #DIY VS The Creed Brothers; DIY wins and advances to WrestleMania.
- Candice LeRae & Indi Hartwell VS Kayden Carter & Katana Chance; Candice & Indi win.
- Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championship Ladder Match Qualifier: The New Day VS The Alpha Academy; wins and advance to WrestleMania.
- Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championship Ladder Match Qualifier: The Awesome Truth VS Indus Sher; win(s) and advance to WrestleMania.
- Last Woman Standing: Becky Lynch VS Nia Jax; 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?
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We’re just one step away from the Cup!
Cold Skull faces The Fierce Warrior, and Gene Blast faces The King of Darkness, and when the smoke clears, we will have our New Japan Cup finalists!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Boltin Oleg & Shoma Kato VS Zack Sabre Jr. & Mikey Nicholls; ZSJ & Mikey win.
- Six Man Tag: El Desperado, Tomohiro Ishii & Togi Makabe VS Just5Guys; Just5Guys win.
- Tanga Loa & Ryusuke Taguchi VS Great-O-Khan & Callum Newman; Loa & Taguchi win.
- Six Man Tag: YOSHI-HASHI, Toru Yano & Hiroyoshi Tenzan VS Bullet Club; Bullet Club wins.
- 8 Man Tag: Shota Umino, El Phantasmo, Hikuleo & YOH VS The House of Torture; Shota, ELP, Leo & Yoh win.
- Six Man Tag: Los Ingobernables de Japon VS The United Empire; LIJ wins.
- 2024 New Japan Cup Semifinals: Yota Tsuji VS EVIL; Tsuji wins and advances to the finals.
- 2024 New Japan Cup Semifinals: SANADA VS Hirooki Goto; Goto wins and advances to the finals.
PLAY BY PLAY
2024 New Japan Cup Semifinals: Yota Tsuji VS EVIL w/ Dick Togo!
The Gene Blast overcame the tricks Ren Narita tried, but that’s because the House of Torture was saving all the good stuff so they could slay the Rampaging Dragon. Will the deck be even more stacked to make sure Everything is Evil’s? Or will Yota be one step away from LIJ VS LIJ at Sakura Genesis?
Well, Dick is making his way out here, but where is Evil? Oh, there he is. No tricks just yet it seems. But then Yota DIVES onto Evil! The fans fire up but Dick attacks Yota! Dick whips, Yota stops himself, and then scoops Dick for a BACKBREAKER! The fans fire up and Yota wants the bell. The ref says yes, ring the bell, and this is on the record! Yota stomps and CLUBS Evil, then whips, but Evil reverses! Yota hits railing, and then Evil whips him into more railing! Evil CHOKES Yota against the railing, Yota fights back, but the ref gets knocked aside! Evil puts Yota in so he and Dick can stomp away!
The fans boo but here comes the rest of the House already! Narita, Yujiro, Kanemaru and Jack all stomp away on Yota, but here come Bushi & Hiromu! It’s a replay of yesterday as LIJ fights off the House, but the numbers are still against them! The ref rushes in to tell everyone to stop! Evil shoves the ref out of the ring, Yota fires off on him, but Evil CLAWS Yota’s eyes! The House CHOKES LIJ, but the ref says stop! The bell rings, but what is the decision!? NO CONTEST!?
No Contest
What does this mean!? Someone has to advance, right? The finals aren’t until the 20th, how can there be a no contest? The House started this, where’re the consequences?! Yota gets up but Evil TOSSES him back out! LIJ regroups and Yota asks for a mic. Yota tells Evil that he’s sick and tired of this! They ARE gonna finish this match! The fans like the sound of that! All the refs come out, including Red Shoes, to discuss how this will be handled. For starters, they tell all the extras to get outta here! LIJ is cool with that, and Hiromu tells the House to come along. Evil says fine, and Jack, Kanemaru, Narita, Yujiro and even Dick reluctantly exit.
The announcement is officially made, and the bell rings! Yota and Evil rush in, Evil kicks low but Yota CLUBS away on Evil! Evil CLAWS the eyes! Evil kicks, runs, RAMS, but Yota rebounds to run Evil over! Then run and SPLASH! Cover, TWO! Yota fires up and the fans are with him! Evil bails out but the fans rally for Yota. Evil wants Yota to stay back, then he slides in, only to slide right out! Yota runs out after Evil, but Evil kicks him! Evil RAMS Yota into the timekeeper! Abe-san and his table go flying! Evil gets the mic to tell Yota that this is what he gets! The fans boo but Evil tells them off, too! Evil stomps Yota then soaks up the heat.
Evil unties the blue buckle pad himself, then waits in the ring. The ref checks Yota and the fans rally up again. The Young Lions help Abe-san while Yota drags himself up. Yota slides in, the fans cheer, but Evil pulls on Yota’s hair! Evil wrenches the hair, then wrenches it again! And again! Evil CLUBS the hair! The ref reprimands but Evil just dusts off his hands. Evil covers, but the ref refuses to count! Evil is furious but he’s the one up to no good! The ref still says no, so Evil stands on Yota’s head. The fans rally up, Yota rises, and he grins as he winds up to ROCK Evil with a forearm! And ROCK him with another!
Yota ROCKS Evil again, but Evil whips him into the bare buckles! Yota falls and the ref reprimands about the missing buckle pad. Evil stomps Yota, covers, TWO! The fans cheer but Evil is annoyed. Evil scuffs Yota, taunts him, and drags him up. Evil CHOPS, Yota drops to his knees, but Evil stands him back up. Evil CHOPS again and Yota grits his teeth as he drops to his knees! Evil stands Yota up again, to fake the chop to CLAW the eyes! The ref reprimands, Evil lets off, and then Evil stands on Yota in a corner. The ref counts, Evil lets go of the ropes but that’s not the problem! Evil steps away, drags Yota up but claims he’s dead weight.
The ref checks, Evil stands Yota up and wrenches an arm. Evil whips Yota into a corner, runs in, but into a BOOT! Evil runs in again, blocks the boot, but Yota brings Evil in for the STOMP! The fans fire up while Yota rests on the mat. The fans rally up and Yota rises again. Evil’s in the corner, runs out, but into the BACKBREAKER! COMPLETE SHOT! STOMP! The fans fire up again as Yota stands back up. Yota runs, to CURB STOMP!! Yota roars and the fans fire up again! Evil flounders while Yota aims. Yota runs in, but the ref is used as a shield! Evil kicks Yota low, then uses the ref in MAGIC KILLER!
All three men are down while the fans rally up again. Evil stands, he brings Yota up, and the ref also rises. Evil whips Yota into the bare buckles, then clotheslines him in! Then FISHERMAN BUSTER! Cover, but Evil lets off?! Evil wants to torture Yota but it’s hard to say if Yota is still even in this. Yota opens his eyes, rises up, but Evil fireman’s carries! DARKNESS FALLS! Cover, TWO!! Yota survives, the fans fire up, but Evil is furious! Evil slashes his throat and vows to end this now! Evil drags Yota up, spins him around, but Yota fights the STO with elbows! Evil kicks low, whips again, but Yota stops from hitting buckles!
Evil runs in, Yota dodges and Evil hits the buckles! SUPERKICK!! Both men are down again and the fans fire back up! We’re only ten minutes into this new match but this is on top of the madness from earlier. Evil drags Yota up, but Yota ROCKS Evil! Evil fights Yota’s fireman’s carry and CLUBS him, but both men wobble. Evil LARIATS, but Yota stays up! The fans fire up but Evil swings to LARIAT again! Yota drops to a knee, but he grins through the pain! Evil says alright, and he throws off his elbow pad. Evil runs to LARIAT! Yota grits his teeth to stay up! V-TRIGGER! Yota brings Evil in, suplexes, ORANGE CRUSH! Cover, TWO!!
Evil is still in this but the fans rally behind Yota again. Yota rises, drags Evil up, and then goes to the corner. Yota goes up and up and Evil moves the ref into the way! The ref takes the FLYING CURB STOMP!!! And now the House returns! The fans boo as Kanemaru, Dick, Yujiro, Narita & Jack all stomp away on Yota again! The fans tell them to go home, again, but these guys don’t care! They just put one out on Yota. They whip Yota to a corner, then DIck runs in to ELBOW! Kanemaru ELBOWS! Yujiro BOOTS! Jack SPLASHES! Narita ELBOWS! Then they snapmare and set Yota up! Dick climbs for the DICK CHOP!!
The fans boo but the House applauds their own dirtiness. But here come Bushi & Hiromu again! But they just get mugged again! They set Hiromu up for the DICK CHOP, while Bushi gets a JACK CHOP! The House then slithers away before a replacement ref rushes out here. Evil drags Yota up, winds up and runs, to LARIAT!! Cover, TWO!!! Yota survives and the fans are thunderous! Evil is at a loss for words, but he slashes his throat! He vows to end it for real, and he reels Yota in. EVERYTHING IS- Yota flips through!? And HEADBUTTS!! The fans fire up as Yota reels Evil in for a fireman’s carry! 70 CROSS!! Cover, TWO!!
Evil survives the swinging spinebuster and the House cheers! Yota drags himself to a corner, drags himself up with the ropes, and roars as he takes aim! Evil rises, but Yujiro distracts! Dick runs in, but gets a V-TRIGGER! The ref sees Dick, but misses the LOW BLOW! Then Evil RAMS Yota into the ref! That’s the second ref this match! Narita gets his push-up bar! The others set Yota up, but here comes SHINGO TAKAGI! The Rampaging Dragon has seen enough, and he’s still pissed from yesterday as it is! He dodges Narita to PUMPING BOMBER! Kanemaru & Yujiro kick Takagi, double whip, but he DOUBLE PUMPING BOMBERS!!
Jack gets in, but he gets ELBOW, JAB and YUKON LARIAT! Evil runs up but Takagi SWATS Evil’s lariat to JAB! Then feed to Hiromu’s SUPERKICK! Hiromu & Takagi set Evil up for Bushi’s BLACK MIST!! Evil can’t see, the PUMPING BOMBER turns him inside-out!! The fans are thunderous as LIJ helps Yota up! Red Shoes hurries out here, and Yota aims at Evil! GENE BLASTER!!! Cover, Yota wins!!!
Winner: Yota Tsuji, by pinfall (advances to the finals)
The House of Torture ran out of tricks, and now there is light at the end of the tournament! Will Yota do LIJ proud and bring home the Cup?
2024 New Japan Cup Semifinals: SANADA VS Hirooki Goto!
One down, one to go. Yota Tsuji has made it through, now we see who joins him in the finals! Will the Cold Skull or Fierce Warrior be the one that steps closer to former glory?
The bell rings and the fans duel between “GO-TO-O!” and “SA-NA-DA!” Red Shoes measures the levels, and it seems to slightly favor Goto. Goto and Sanada circle, tie up, and are in a deadlock. Goto gets some leverage to put Sanada against ropes, but he lets off slowly. Goto pats Sanada on the shoulders and the fans cheer. The two reset, circle again, and tie up again. It’s another deadlock, but again Goto finds a way to put Sanada on ropes. Sanada turns things around, lets off slowly, and also pats Goto on the shoulders. The fans applaud and the two reset again. They feel things out, knuckle lock, then move to a clinch.
They fight for control, Sanada starts pushing Goto towards a corner but Goto slips away. They feel things out, knuckle lock again, then break. They tie up collar ‘n’ elbow, Goto waistlocks, but Sanada wrenches to wristlock. Goto rolls, wrenches, wristlocks, but Sanada spins, wrenches, only for Goto to roll! Goto gets a leg to trip Sanada up, and he has a toehold. Sanada fights back with a chinlock but Goto pulls on the leg. Sanada uses his free leg to hook Goto into an ARMBAR, but Goto clasps hands! Goto moves around, pops free, then headlocks. Sanada fights up, Goto grinds the headlock, but Sanada throws body shots.
Sanada powers up and out, but Goto runs him over! The fans rally as things speed up, and Goto counters hip toss with hip toss! Goto runs and he clotheslines Sanada up and out! The fans fire up and Goto slides out after Sanada. Goto stomps Sanada, drags him up, then CLUBS him on the neck! Sanada staggers, Goto CHOPS him, then kicks him, then CLUBS him! Goto whips but Sanada stops himself from hitting railing! Goto runs in but Sanada drop toeholds him into the railing! Goto goes down in a heap, but Sanada opens the gate. Sanada brings Goto through, then to the crowd! PILEDRIVER to the bare floor!
The fans are stunned but Red Shoes reprimands. Sanada leaves Goto behind and slides into the ring. The fans rally for Goto as the ring count begins. Goto crawls at 5 of 20, finds his way to ringside at 10, but still hobbles and crawls. He stands at 17 to slide in! The fans cheer, but Sanada stomps Goto. Sanada drags Goto up, CLUBS him on the neck, then brings him back up to CLUB him again. Goto CHOPS! And CHOPS! Sanada eggs Goto on so Goto CHOPS again! Goto whips, Sanada reverses to RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP! Cover, TWO! Sanada keeps cool and sits Goto up into a chinlock. Goto endures and the fans rally again.
Goto kicks forward, reaches out, but Sanada cranks on the hold! Goto keeps fighting, and has the ROPEBREAK! Sanada lets go cleanly, but then he stomps Goto while he’s down. Sanada then stands Goto up to CLUB him on the neck. Goto CHOPS in return! And CHOPS, and CHOPS, and has Sanada in a corner! Goto CHOPS again, then whips corner to corner. Goto runs in, but Sanada BOOTS first! Sanada runs, Goto follows, and Goto LARIATS Sanada down! The fans fire up and Goto rises, clutching his neck. Goto stands Sanada up to fire off forearms, then he whips corner to corner. Goto runs in, MURAMASA!
Sanada wobbles, into the SAIDO! Cover, TWO! The fans fire up while Goto grits his teeth. Goto drags Sanada up, fireman’s carries, but Sanada fights free! Sanada waistlocks, Goto throws elbows, then runs. Sanada hurdles, hurdles, and DROPKICKS! Goto tumbles out of the ring, Sanada PLANCHAS him down! The fans fire up and Sanada encourages them to get louder. The fans get louder and Sanada appreciates it. Sanada then goes back for Goto, brings him up and puts him in the ring. Sanada fireman’s carries but Goto throws elbows! Sanada turns around into Goto’s fireman’s carry, but then slips out into the dragon sleeper!
But Goto arm-drags free! Sanada kicks low, runs, but Goto follows! Sanada dodges this time, runs again, but Goto still follows! Sanada sidesteps this time, but Goto holds ropes to avoid the hurdle! Goto runs in, but Sanada fireman’s carries! T K O! Cover, TWO! Goto is still in this and the fans rally up! Sanada goes up the corner, ROUNDING BODY- NO, Sanada has to land out as Goto moves! Sanada runs in, but into the fireman’s carry! USHIGOROSHI! Both men are down and the fans fire up again! They cheer on “GO-TO-O!” but the “SA-NA-DA!” chants are still there. Red Shoes checks them both, and both men slowly rise.
The two crawl towards each other, and Goto fires a forearm! Sanada shakes his head, eggs Goto on, so Goto throws another! Goto eggs Sanada on, so Sanada fires a forearm! Goto fires a forearm back, and the two stand. Sanada UPPERCUTS! Goto comes back to forearm! Sanada UPPERCUTS again, and Goto drops back to a knee! The fans rally, Goto stands again, and he forearms! UPPERCUT, forearm, repeat! Goto growls, fires a flurry of forearms, and he ROCKS Sanada! Sanada drops to his hand and knees but Goto powers up! Goto KICKS but Sanada blocks! Goto fires more forearms, then waistlocks, but Sandaa fights free!
Sanada runs, but Goto fireman’s carries! And he throws Sanada into the dragon sleeper! But Sanada turns around and suplexes, for MAGIC SCREW! Both men are down again and the fans fire back up! Sanada roars as he rises up, and he aims from a corner. Sanada wants Goto to get up, and Goto sits up, into the SHINING WIZARD! Sanada then dragon sleepers, for the SKULL END!! Goto endures, flails, reaches out, but he’s caught in the body scissors! Goto fights around but he’s fading! The fans rally, Goto’s hand drops! Sanada lets him go to then climb! ROUNDING BODY PRESS! Cover, TWO!!
The fans fire up as Goto survives but Sanada storms around. Sanada drags Goto up, reels him in and clinches, but Goto slips free to shove Sanada away! Sanada forearms, ROLLING- HEADBUTT from Goto! The fans fire up and duel, and Goto drags Sanada up. But Sanada breaks free! Goto HEADBUTTS again! Sanada falls back down and Goto steadies himself. Goto roars, the fans are with him, and Goto sits Sanada up. Goto runs to PENALTY KICK! Shoutout to Shibata and the fans fire up more! Sanada grits his teeth as he sits back up but Goto takes aim! BUZZSAW! And then he hauls Sanada up to dragon sleeper! G T- BACKSLIDE COUNTER! TWO!!!
Sanada and Goto hurry up, Sanada dodges to O’Conner BRIDGE!! TWO?!!? Goto escapes and shocks everyone! Sanada resets, runs in, SHINING WIZARD!! The fans are thunderous as Sanada roars and drags Goto back up! Clinch and DEAD- NO, Goto slips around to ripcord and fireman’s carry! G T W!! Cover, TWO?!?!? Sanada survives but Goto is all fired up! The fans are thunderous as Goto dragon sleepers for G T R!!! Cover, GOTO WINS!!!
Winner: Hirooki Goto, by pinfall (advances to the finals)
Don’t call it a comeback, Goto’s been here for years! Sanada’s hopes of being IWGP World Heavyweight Champion again have been delayed, how long must he wait for another chance?
As for Goto, he’s going back to the New Japan Cup Finals for the first time since 2016, and his seventh overall! But before he can get the mic to speak, Yota makes his way back out here. Yota steps into the ring and he gets the mic first. Yota tells Goto, “In order to open the door to a new era, we must do this.” The fans applaud that, and Yota continues by asking Goto, “Are you ready?!” Yota drops the mic at Goto’s feet, and Goto stands up to speak. “I also have something I want to show you. As a three-time New Japan Cup Champion, I will show you my strength.” The fans like the sound of that!
The Fierce Warrior stares down with Gene Blast, a true generational showdown on the horizon! Will Goto return not juts to former glory, but finally ascend to top of NJPW? Or will Yota make it LIJ VS LIJ for the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship?
My Thoughts:
A great semifinal round for this tournament, with quite a surprising main event. Sanada VS Goto was great stuff, and while I felt Sanada wasn’t winning the Cup, I didn’t think he’d be out this round. Yota VS Evil was rather creatively put together, too. I did not think the House would get so involved that at first it was a No Contest but then they restart under a ringside ban. Takagi making sure Yota won was good stuff, too, maybe we can get Takagi VS Evil for the NEVER Openweight Championship if they’re not gonna circle back to more Shota Umino VS House of Torture stuff.
Goto VS Yota is going to be great stuff, and Goto is clearly a top utility guy. He’s had so many New Japan Cup finals appearances, certainly among the most ever, but I don’t think he gets a fourth Cup win against Yota, one of the “new era Musketeers” that NJPW clearly loves. Yota VS Naito is definitely the title match for Sakura Genesis.
My Score: 8.9/10
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