Connect with us

Coverage

Mitchell’s WWE Raw Results & Report! (5/29/23)

Monday Night of Champions!

Published

on

Who runs the Women’s Tag Division?

Night of Champions has come and gone, but Monday Night Raw has one more title match! Who will be the NEW WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

  • Men’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match Qualifier: Ricochet VS The Miz; Ricochet wins and advances to MITB.
  • Indus Sher w/ Jinder Mahal VS Kevin Ventura Cortes; Indus Sher wins.
  • Imperium VS The Alpha Academy w/ Maxxine Dupri; Imperium wins.
  • Vacated WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships: Raquel Rodriguez & Shotzi Blackheart VS Sonya Deville & Chelsea Green VS Bayley & Iyo Sky VS Ronda Rousey & Shayna Baszler; Ronda & Shayna win and are the new WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions.
  • Dolph Ziggler VS JD McDonagh; Double Count-Out Draw.
  • Men’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match Qualifier: Shinsuke Nakamura VS Bronson Reed; Nakamura wins and advances to MITB.
  • Seth Rollins & AJ Styles VS The Judgment Day; Rollins & Styles win.

PLAY BY PLAY

Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome the WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION!

Fans fire up as Seth Freakin’ Rollins walks down from the top of the stands! They sing his song as he struts with the new World Heavyweight Championship belt around his waist and makes it to ringside. Then Rollins takes a victory lap before getting in the ring, for streamers and pyro! He revels in the moment as fans still sing, “WHOA~ OHH~ OHHH~!” Rollins then gets the mic, fans sing some more, and he says, “ALBANY, NEW YORK! Welcome to Monday! Night! ROLLINS! I am a Visionary. I am a Revolutionary! I am… SETH! FREAKIN! ROLLINS!” Fans chant “You Deserve It!” and Rollins takes a moment to enjoy that.

Rollins says he is the World Heavyweight Champion, and the fans cheer. Rollins says it has been a long, long road to get here. Lots of lows, lots of highs. But standing here tonight, it just feels right, doesn’t it? He doesn’t wanna talk too much about the past, he wants to focus on the future. “Because finally, Monday Night Raw has a champion that wants to be here, a champion that is going to be here, and most importantly, a champion that is ready for a fight!” Fans love the sound of that! They chant “Thank You, Seth!” and sing his song, but Rollins says yeah, he’s ready! He wants to fight! He wants ALL the fights!

Because it doesn’t matter who you are, where you come from, if you step to Rollins, the result will always be the same: Rollins, every Monday night, standing in this ring with the World Heavyweight title around his waist and the world singing his song! “OH~ OHH~ OHHH~!” But wait! AJ Styles is here? The Phenomenal One is a SmackDown superstar, but he’s here on Raw to step into the ring with the man he lost to at Night of Champions. Rollins looks at him over the brim of his sunglasses, but Styles gets a mic. Styles knows he’s supposed to be on SmackDown, but he couldn’t resist coming here to Raw… to say, “Congratulations.”

Fans cheer and Styles tells Rollins he gave it everything he had, left it all in the ring. It was like Rollins knew what he was gonna do before he did it. And the fans, they say Rollins “deserves it.” Styles says he doesn’t think Rollins deserves anything. Fans boo, but Styles says Rollins earned being World Heavyweight Champion. Rollins smiles and fans sing again, “WHOA~ OH~ OHH~!” Rollins tells Styles that he’s not too good at these things, but after the beating he gave Styles at NOC, Styles earned this: a handshake. Fans cheer as Styles accepts! There’s respect here, but then the Judgment Day comes out!

Finn Balor pretends to be sick as he has a mic of his own. He asks if this is making the others just as sick. Whatever this is makes Finn wanna PUKE! Damian Priest agrees, he’s queasy. Let’s get to something more positive. What’s that thing Rhea Ripley says? “The Judgment Day, we run Monday Night Raw!” The four get in the ring, and Priest says Rhea’s right. But after watching The Bloodline implode on Saturday, without a shadow of a doubt, the Judgment Day runs the entire WWE! And let’s not forget, Finn & Priest beat the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Champions, something not even Roman Reigns could do!

And to Seth, from the champion to just another champion, Rollins shouldn’t get too comfortable with his new title. Because chances are, someone from Judgment Day will take it from him. Yeah, could be big Damian! Aw, thanks, Finn! He feels the same about you! Aw shucks, thanks, mate. Rhea says it could even be her Dom-Dom. Fans boo that and Rollins looks to Styles. They laugh at that! Dom asks why, what’s so funny? He beat Styles! Fans chant “YOU SUCK! YOU SUCK!” at Dom, but Finn has everyone calm down. Finn says we saw Styles and Rollins beat each other half to death at Night of Champions. And-

Dom cuts in to say that the Judgment Day will finish the job! Fans boo but Styles asks if Rollins heard that. That almost sounds like a challenge. Rhea says it IS a challenge! Then they ACCEPT! Rollins says that’s right! Any two from Judgment Day VS Rollins & Styles in the main event of his show, Monday Night Rollins! Who will step to this phenomenal dream team? And will they only get stomped into the mat?

 

Adam Pearce is on the phone.

He discusses with someone. We’re all on the same page, because Rollins, Styles and the Judgment Day want this match. And yes, he understands it flies in the face of the new brand split of Raw and SmackDown, but… Yes, sir. No, Pearce thinks this match is incredible and happens tonight. Oh, hold on, they’re right here. Pearce sees Styles and Rollins talking and steps in. He knows they all want the match, so he’s working on it. Rollins says c’mon, it’s his first night as champion. Don’t embarrass him! Make the match! Styles says Rollins doesn’t speak for him. Oh, is Styles afraid of Dom? Does Rollins really think that? No, but maybe Styles is afraid of Rhea.

Pearce has them calm down and says he’s trying to get this approved. Does everyone have their gear? Styles is a pro, of course he does! Make it official! Then get Rollins to change his pants. Oh, good point. The superstars head out, Pearce is sure you know who heard all that. Then it IS official! The main event is going to be phenomenal, but who will Judgment Day send at Styles and the champ?

 

Men’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match Qualifier: Ricochet VS The Miz!

The King of Flight is ready to take his career to new heights, and we all know the Money in the Bank briefcase can do that. Just as The Hollywood A-Lister. Will Miz look to launch into a new sequel from his previous MITB runs? Or will the One and Only be the one going to London?

Raw returns as Miz makes his entrance. The bell rings, Miz rushes in but Ricochet gets around to a headlock. Miz powers out, Ricochet rolls over the drop down and ducks the lariat to handspring, but into a full nelson! Ricochet arm-drags free, things speed up again and a kitchen sink knee hits Ricochet down! Miz then runs, but Ricochet ducks the boot to kip up, spin and PELE! Miz bails out, Ricochet builds speed! Miz moves but Ricochet tumbles up and out to the apron. Ricochet avoids the sweep, PENALTY KICKS Miz, then goes up the corner to MOONSAULT! Fans fire up for the direct hit at ringside!

Ricochet drags Miz up and puts him in the ring. Ricochet goes up the corner, but Miz gets under the leap! Miz runs in to RANA! Miz surprises us with that, and then he BOOTS Ricochet down! Miz talks trash, and he looks up to the briefcase. Fans taunt Miz’s “TINY BALLS!” but he goes out after Ricochet. Miz SMACKS Ricochet off the desk, and again, then pushes him over the desk. Fans boo as Miz shouts, “MASSIVE!” Miz drags Ricochet up, brings him back to ringside and puts him in the ring. Miz then climbs up, leaps and AX HANDLES Ricochet down! Cover, TWO! Miz hurries to clamp onto Ricochet with a chinlock as Raw goes to break.

Raw returns as Miz is stuck in the ropes! Ricochet ROCKS him, then jumps in, but Miz avoids the stomps! Miz ROCKS Ricochet, springboards and CROSSBODIES! Cover, TWO! Ricochet survives and Miz can’t believe it! “I springboarded and everything!” Miz is mad at the fans laughing at him, but Miz KICKS Ricochet in the chest! And again! And again! And again! Miz soaks up the heat, takes aim from a corner, but Ricochet blocks the buzzsaw! Ricochet KICKS and KNEES and runs, to CLOBBER Miz! Fans fire up, Ricochet feels it, and he runs in at the corner to RAM into Miz and go to the apron!

Ricochet bumps Miz off buckles then ROUNDHOUSES him away! Ricochet springboards, but into a full nelson! Ricochet RAMS Miz into a corner, but then Miz RAMS Ricochet into the other corner! Miz runs in, into an elbow! Ricochet goes up, Miz trips him up! DRAPING CODE BREAKER, to a BASEMENT DDT! Cover, TWO!! Ricochet survives and Miz is shocked! Miz scowls and looks to the briefcase, but fans rally up for Ricochet. Miz shouts MASSIVE! Full nelson, but Ricochet victory rolls! TWO, Miz has it, TWO! Ricochet HEEL KICKS! And then cravat, for an ASAI DDT!

Fans fire up again as Ricochet goes to a corner! Ricochet climbs up, aims, and SHOOTING STAR PRESS!! Cover, Ricochet wins!

Winner: Ricochet, by pinfall (advances to MITB)

Add it to the highlight reel, Ricochet beats the two-time Mr. MITB to go to London! Will Ricochet win the golden ticket across the pond?

 

Trish Stratus is here!

Albany is torn seeing the WWE Hall of Famer after she cheated Becky Lynch at Night of Champions! But what does she have to say about that victory? We’ll hear, after the break.

Raw returns and Trish has a mic. She makes sure we all see “Thank You Trish” on her back, and she thanks some fans for saying it. You know what it means to her to hear it? NOTHING! She doesn’t care what the fans say. And she hates to say, “I told you so,” but she TOLD US SO! She said she was gonna go to Night of Champions and beat Becky. And what’d she do? She beat Becky! Just like that. But you shouldn’t be surprised, this is GOAT Things! This is what you do when you’re the greatest of all time! This is what you do when you’re number one! This is what you do when you’re “It.”

And now, Becky can crawl back to that dark hole and go do “stuff.” The stuff that everyone goes through. Well, not everyone. Not when you’re thriving like Trish. But it’ll give a chance for the real superstars to reach the Big Time. Like the one who had Trish’s back. Not that Trish needed the help, but because this superstar wanted to help. “A superstar with more attituded, aggression and ruthlessness than I’ve seen in a long, long time. Someone that reminds me of me. Ladies and gentlemen, please stand on your feet, get your hands ready to applaud, let me introduce you to… Zoey Stark!”

Fans boo instead as The Hunter makes her way out, wearing a “Thank You, Trish” T-shirt. Trish applauds as Zoey joins her in the ring. They hug it out while fans boo more. Zoey gets a mic now and says, “See, I came into this business, to the WWE, to be the best and to make a statement. And who better to learn by than the OG herself? And yeah, look, I could’ve taken the long, hard, difficult road, just like what Becky Lynch did. Or I could be smart! And be led by Trish Stratus! Trish is so giving, so humble, so kind. So now that I have the floor, I would just like to say one thing. Thank you, Trish.”

Fans boo more but Trish smiles. Trish says “You’re welcome.” Oh, what’s that on Trish’s face? Where? Up here? Other side. A little lower. Oh on her chin. That would be something courtesy of Becky Lynch. If Becky ever shows herself again, for messing with this perfect face, guess what Trish will do? Trish will have her new friend Zoey show you what’s up. But then here comes Becky! The Man is still wearing her Kill Bill jumpsuit and she says Zoey is gonna show her what’s up? No, Becky’s gonna ruin Zoey’s life. And Trish, you’re still in your gear, Becky’s still in hers… “Why don’t we restart that match and finish it one on one right here, right now?”

Fans love the sound of that, but Zoey rushes out! Becky DECKS her! And THROWS her into the barriers! Trish says okay, bring it! Becky gets closer to the ring and fans are fired up. Becky steps up to the apron, steps into the ring, and runs in! Becky dodges Trish, CLOBBERS her, BOOTS Zoey from the apron, then trips Trish to rain down fists! But Zoey attacks Becky from behind! And SLIDING KNEES her down! Fans boo but Zoey throws off the jacket so she and Trish can stomp away on Becky! Trish CHOKES Becky, then lets off so Zoey can bring her up. But Becky hits back! Zoey kicks Becky low, and reels her in for Z360!!

Fans boo as Zoey and Trish aren’t done, they get Becky back up! Trish kisses the ring, to DECK Becky with it!! Fans boo as the Hall of Famer needed her new protégé and a HOF ring to take down The Man! Then they put Becky in a corner and force her to wear a Thank You Trish shirt! Zoey says it looks great on her. Will Becky be able to recover and get some big time revenge?

 

Indus Sher w/ Jinder Mahal VS Javier Bernal & Kevin Ventura Cortes!

Veer & Sanga have already been dominating and demolishing opponents since being drafted to Raw, and they want more. Will their thirst for combat be quenched here tonight?

The teams sort out, and Veer just CLOBBERS Javi and KVC! Sanga then BLASTS KVC off the apron! Veer drags Javi up to RAM him into the corner, and the bell finally rings. Veer runs to SPLASH Javi, and Javi staggers around. Veer shoves Javi down, stalks him, and stomps him down! Javi flounders to the apron, Veer tags Sanga, and Veer drags Javi up onto the ropes for Sanga to BOOT down! Sanga drags Javi up, THROWS him to the corner, and he dares KVC to tag in. KVC does, but then Sanga blocks his haymaker to a FALCON ARROW! Sanga SPLASHES Javi for good measure!

Sanga then choke grips Javi to CHOKE SLAM him onto KVC! Tag back to Veer, and they drag KVC up. SIDEWALK SLAM LEG DROP COMBO! Cover, Indus Sher wins!

Winners: Indus Sher, by pinfall

Like true tigers, Veer & Sanga tore into their prey and feasted on the meat! Will they soon be tasting a tag title opportunity?

 

Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn are backstage.

Speaking of the tag team champions, these two are still Undisputed WWE Tag Team Champions and are in a great mood. They’re headed to gorilla, what will they have to say about finally being done with The Bloodline?

 

Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn head to the ring!

Albany fires up as the Prizefighter & Great Liberator make their way out. Fans sing along with Sami’s song while he and Kevin get mics. Sami is fired up now! Fans chant for “SAMI! SAMI! SAMI!” and he says that obviously, he an d Kevin are feeling pretty good tonight. “Because at Night of Champions, we won!” And not just successfully defending the titles, no. Sami means they won! They did exactly what they set out to do, they watched the Bloodline crumble, and it was the worst night of Roman’s life! Roman deserves everything he got!

This is all Sami has to say about Roman: Roman may be the greatest of all time; Roman may hold the title(s) for another 1000 days; Roman may main event another FIVE WrestleManias; Roman could even be put in the Hall of Fame tomorrow! But it doesn’t matter because for the rest of his life, when he looks at Kevin & Sami, he will know in his heart that THEY won! Wait! IMPERIUM is here! Ludwig Kaiser has the mic to say, “Ladies and gentlemen… Impressive victory, impressive victory indeed. But was it the most impressive victory of the night? It most certainly was not more impressive than the man who extended his record-setting Intercontinental Heavyweight Championship reign…!”

Imperium walks to the ring as Ludwig introduces Der Ring General, GUNTHER! Kevin asks why they’re here. Why? Because last week, Kevin & Sami said their name, the group walked out, it made sense. But this isn’t how things work! Do they think this is the Wild West? They can just hit their music and come on out? NO! That does not make sense! You gotta wait to be called out! What the hell is this!? They broke the rules! The unwritten rules! Sami tires to calm Kevin down but he keeps shouting at Imperium. Fans cheer for “K O! K O!” but Sami has him chill. Sami says Kevin is right, though, there is an unwritten rule and they had no business coming out here.

For that matter, Imperium ahs a match with American Alpha Academy or whatever? Imperium shouldn’t want a match with them, because last time, Kevin, Sami & Riddle embarrassed them. Yep! So… Y’know… Ludwig says if they wanna talk about embarrassments, RIDDLE is the embarrassment! Take a look at Kevin & Sami themselves! Them holding those titles is an embarrassment! Fans boo but Ludwig says they are not worthy of standing on this mat, of holding those championships, or of representing Monday Night Raw. Kevin says what he wonders is… We always hear from Slenderman over here.

And sometimes, “the one with the ears” (Gunther) talks. But we never hear from the bald one ! He’s always really quiet. What’s his opinion on all this? Yeah, we never hear from baldie! We should hear from baldie! Fans chant “BALDIE! BALDIE!” and Ludwig says how DARE they besmirch them!! No one disrespects- “SHOOOOOOOOOOOOSH!” Fans cheer as Chad Gable perhaps sets a world record with that one. “Shoosh, please!” Gable says it is time Imperium gets taught a free lesson, courtesy of the new and improved Academy! Gable, Otis, and the newest member of the Academy in Maxxine Dupri!

And if it is alright with Kevin & Sami, those lessons are gonna be handed out right now! Yeah, sure, but uh, can you do that thing again? Do the thing! What? What thing? The thing you say that makes Kevin laugh cuz you say it funny! That one! Oh, okay. He’s gonna say it, he’s gonna say it! “A THANK YEW~!” You’re welcome! Will Gable & Otis show Imperium what respect is really all about?

Imperium VS The Alpha Academy w/ Maxxine Dupri!

Raw returns and Kevin & Sami join commentary to watch this one. The teams sort out and Ludwig starts with Gable. They circle, tie up, and are in a deadlock. Ludwig headlocks, Gable powers out but Ludwig runs him over. Ludwig “kicks rocks’ at Gable, runs, but Gable gest around to waistlock, headlock and takeover. Ludwig headscissors, Gable kips fere, but now Ludwig headlocks for the takeover. Gable headscissors, Ludwig kips free, Gable trips him to a cover. ONE, Ludwig goes for the trip but Gable avoids it to waistlock and gator roll to a cover, TWO! Ludwig gets free but fans applaud the exchange.

Gable and Ludwig go again, Gable wrenches but Ludwig claws Gable’s face! Ludwig lets off in the corner to throw hands. Ludwig then UPPERCUTS, UPPERCUTS, but Gable blocks hip toss to give a hip toss! Giovanni Vinci runs in but Gable goes up to “A THANK YEW~” headscissor! Gable headlocks Ludwig, gets Vinci, too, and DOUBLE THROWS them both! Gable runs in at the corner to MONKEY FLIP Ludwig! “A THANK YEW~!” Kevin says you’re welcome! Maxxine cheers her team, but wait! Sarah Logan has appeared!? Why is she here? Well, it’s probably because The Viking Raiders lost to Alpha Academy…

Logan rushes Maxxine, Maxxine dodges, and then Maxxine KICKS Logan! She can kick?! But wait, Logan didn’t fall over… Logan turns around and glares at Maxxine. Maxxine runs away all the way tot he back! Ludwig CLOBBERS Gable! Ludwig stomps Gable around, drags him up and POSTS him! Tag to Vinci, they put Gable in the ropes, and they meet at the corner, DOUBLE DROPKICKS! Imperium stands tall while fans boo, but Gable crawls. Vinci hurries after him to keep him from Otis. Vinci bumps Gable off buckles but fans chant ‘BALDIE! BALDIE!” Vinci CHOPS Gable and stalks him along ropes.

Vinci scoops and SLAMS Gable into ropes! Tag to Ludwig, Imperium drags him up and Ludwig UPPERCUTS Gable! Then runs in, but into a BOOT! Gable elbows Vinci, but Ludwig keeps him from Otis! Gable reels Ludwig in, SAYANAGI! Gable crawls, Ludwig drags him away, but Gable BOOTS Ludwig out! Vinci gets back in but Gable TOSSES him! Gable crawls again, Sami & Kevin cheer him on, HOT TAG TO OTIS!! The tree trunk rallies on Imperium! Vinci dodges, runs, but into Otis’ arms! POWERSLAM! Fans fire up, Otis runs in to SPLASH Ludwig at the corner! Ludwig falls, and fans fire up!

Otis sees that, and he tears the shirt off! Otis hits the CATERPILLAR ELBOW! Cover, but Vinci breaks it! Vinci brings Otis up but Otis TOSSES him out! Tag to Gable and the Academy gets Ludwig up. Gable waistlocks, Otis builds speed, but Vinci holds ropes to dump him out! Gable still gets the O’Conner Roll, TWO as Ludwig gets it! TWO, but tag to Vinci! Vinci SPINEBUSTERS Gable! PENALTY KICK from Ludwig! And then they set up quick, IMPERIAAL BOMB!! Cover, Imperium wins!

Winners: Imperium, by pinfall

Kevin says they’re never gonna hear the end of it. Vinci & Ludwig win out for the glory of Imperium, but will they be in line for a shot at the tag titles?

 

Backstage interview with Raquel Rodriguez & Shotzi Blackheart.

Cathy Kelley is at gorilla with the newly reunited Ballsy & Badass, and says since this is so recent, do they feel like they have built up the chemistry to get the tag titles in tonight’s Fatal 4? Yes- But then Damage CTRL interrupts. Bayley asks, “Are you kidding me? You guys aren’t even a real team.” No offense to Shotzi, but Raquel would’ve gone with the first person to raise their hand begging to be a partner. They ain’t DMG CTRL. And speaking of, this win is dedicated to Dakota Kai. So just stay out of their way, or they’ll end up like Raquel’s old partner, Liv Morgan. Bayley mocks the shoulder injury and then laughs.

Raquel says that is interesting. Because Shotzi & Raquel were real enough to win on SmackDown last week. And since Bayley first started DMG CTRL, isn’t she the only one who hasn’t held gold? And if she’s wondering why, just look in the mirror. Ballsy & Badass go out to the ring first, but who will return to the back with the titles on their waists?

 

Candice LeRae speaks.

“You might be thinking, ‘What’s with the fairy wings?’ Well, I believe fairytales are real. And how could I not? I’m living one. So my wings, they represent the magic that this fairytale has brought to my life. Candice LeRae is proof that when you believe, anything is possible.”

 

Vacated WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships: Raquel Rodriguez & Shotzi Blackheart VS Sonya Deville & Chelsea Green VS Bayley & Iyo Sky VS Ronda Rousey & Shayna Baszler!

Raw returns and the Complaint Department make their entrance. Then DMG CTRL make theirs, leaving the Baddest Women on the Planet for last. The introductions are made, the belts are displayed, and we see who isn’t afraid to fight the odds!

The teams sort out, and in this Fatal 4 Way, only two teams are legal at one time. Raquel steps up, and she starts against The Hot Mess. But Chelsea turns around to see it’s Raquel and quickly tags out to Bayley. Bayley says fine, watch how it’s done. Bayley gets run over by Raquel! So she gets up to tag out to Iyo. Then she sucker punches Raquel! Sky runs in, but Raquel blocks the rana! Raquel whips, Sky handsprings through, and then comes back to wheelbarrow, but Raquel throws her up and over! Sky lands on her feet, DROPKICKS Raquel to the DMG CTRL corner, then fires off forearms!

Tag to Bayley, she stomps Raquel, and Sky pulls hair! Bayley says they’re the champs, but Raquel blocks the whip! Raquel sends Bayley into the corner, Bayley goes up but gets caught! Bayley slips off, waistlocks, but Raquel fights to switch and SLAM her! Bayley crawls, Raquel keeps her from the corner, but Bayley elbows free! And she tags out to Chelsea! Chelsea doesn’t want to but she has no choice! Bayley runs at Raquel but into a scoop and SLAM! Raquel then brings Chelsea in with a TOSS! Chelsea runs away but Ronda & Shayna leave her hanging. Raquel then brings Chelsea around to RAM into Shayna!

Fans fire up as Raquel BOOTS Sonya, DECKS Sky, and then tags Shotzi. Fans fire up as Shotzi runs and Raquel holds the ropes open, Shotzi DIVES onto Bayley, Sonya & Chelsea! The Ballsy & Badass are standing tall, and even daring Ronda to try something, while Raw goes to break.

Raw returns again and Shayna is in. She bumps Shotzi off buckles, tags Ronda, and Ronda runs in to KNEE Shotzi! Shayna tags back in, Ronda digs her knees in and then has a HANGING ARMBAR! The ref reprimands but can’t do much else in this Fatal 4 format. Shayna scoops Shotzi to an arm-drag, then she isolates the arm. Shayna lets down her hair to STOMP Shotzi’s arm! Flashback to months ago, and Shayna whips Shotzi in. But Shotzi elbows Ronda! And BOOTS Shayna! Ronda grabs at Shotzi but Shotzi fires hands! Shayna CLUBS Shotzi, reels her in, but Shotzi gets around to NECKBREAKER!

Both Shotzi and Shayna are down and fans rally up. The two crawl, but Sky rushes Raquel! Raquel BOOTS Sky down, Bayley goes after her now but Raquel kicks her away, too! Shotzi hot tags Big Mami Cool! She rallies on everyone! LARIAT for Shayna, but then Shayna ducks one, only for the SOUTHPAW to hit! Raquel scoops Shayna for a FALL AWAY SLAM! Raquel storms up on Shayna, for another FALL AWAY SLAM! Ronda tags in, and fans fire up for this one. Rowdy Ronda and Ricky Desperado stare down, Raquel swings first! Ronda dodges, but then Raquel SWATS her arm away! Ronda kicks low!

Ronda fires off in the corner, Raquel shoves her away. Ronda dodges a lariat, but the SOUTHPAW hits again! Fans fire up with Raquel and she drags Ronda up. TEXANA- NO, Shayna saves Ronda! But Raquel reels Shayna in! TEXANA BOMB!! But then Ronda runs in, goes up, and drags Raquel down to an ARMBAR! Raquel flails, clasps hands, but Ronda keeps after the arm! But Bayley MACHO ELBOWS Ronda!! Bayley bails out, having saved the match. Fans rally up, Chelsea tags in off Ronda! And POSTS her! And then Sonya KNEES Ronda down! Sonya tags in, she and Chelsea coordinate! I AM PRETTIER to the SLIDING KNEE! Cover, TWO!!!

Raquel shocks Sonya & Chelsea but Sonya tells Chelsea to get to the corner. They tag, Sonya brings Raquel up as Chelsea climbs, but Sky tags in cuz that’s the DMG CTRL corner! Sky SHOVES Chelsea off, and she collides with Sonya! Sky then springboards to DOUBLE MISSILE DROPKICK them out! Fans fire up but Raquel has Sky! Sky SHOTEIS back! Fans fire up with Sky, she runs in to SHINKANSEN in the corner! Cover, Shotzi breaks it with a SENTON! Bayley gets Shotzi but Shotzi throws her out! Shotzi hurries to build speed and DIVE onto Bayley at the ramp! Then she hurries to her corner!

Shotzi reaches out, Raquel tags her in. Fans fire up as Shotzi dodges sky, shoves her, but Sky goes up and over. Sky comes back, Shotzi goes up and over. Sky runs in again, but Shotzi spins her and fireman’s carries, FACEBUSTER! And then a TIGER PLEX! Sky flounders to ropes, Shotzi runs in, but into a FLAPJACK! Sky hurries to a corner, goes up top, but Ronda tags in! Sky fights Ronda, drags her up, and fans fire up as Shotzi joins in! TOWER OF DOOM!! Shotzi hurries to drag Ronda to a drop zone, and she climbs up. But Shayna goes after Shotzi up top! Shotzi DECKS Shayna, then adjusts. BALL PIT into the ARMBAR!!! Shotzi taps, Ronda & Shayna wins!!

Winners: Ronda Rousey & Shayna Baszler, by submission (NEW WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions)

The Baddest Women on the Planet are now the Baddest CHAMPIONS on the Planet! Rowdy Ronda & The Queen of Spades get the gold and the pyro, will their reign be as brutal as they are?

 

Dolph Ziggler VS JD McDonagh!

The Showoff and the Irish Ace both lost in the Intercontinental Championship Contenders Battle Royal, but only one was a sore enough of a loser to go after the other. Will JD McDonagh show us why you don’t bet against the Ace?

Raw returns as JD makes his entrance. The bell rings and Ziggler rushes in! Ziggler fires off on JD in the corner, the ref backs him off, but then Ziggler SPLASHES JD in the corner! And BITES JD!? That’s normally something JD would do! Ziggler runs back in, JD dodges! Ziggler hits buckles, and then JD rubber bands the ropes at him! JD stalks Ziggler, gets an arm, ripcord to DEVLINSIDE!! But JD then CLUBS Ziggler, drags him up and around and throws him out of the ring! JD goes out after Ziggler, drags him up again, and SMACKS him off the desk! JD pushes Ziggler over the desk, then drags him back up.

Fans rally for Ziggler but JD RAMS him into steel steps! The ring count is 7 of 10 but JD doesn’t even care! JD drags Ziggler up, and back to the steps, they’re both counted out!

Double Count-Out Draw

But JD just SMACKS Ziggler off the steel steps! And then pulls the steps apart, drags Ziggler onto the base, and digs his knee in! Ziggler’s face is ground into the diamond plating, and then JD STOMPS him! “You remember this day! You remember this day!” JD digs his boot in, the ref reprimands and fans boo. JD lets off, dusts his hands, and walks away. The Necessary Evil is here on Raw, what will he do to be the Ace of Monday nights?

 

WWE joins the National Medal of Honor Museum’s mission.

WWE honors our true American heroes, both those who did and did not make it home, all to protect us.

 

Cody Rhodes is here!

Albany cheers the American Nightmare, even though he did not defeat The Beast, Brock Lesnar, at Night of Champions. They also sing his song, “WHOA~ OH!” and Cody gets his pyro. Cody gets the mic and hears the fans chant his name before saying, “So, Albany, New York… Whaddya wanna talk about? I know what’s hanging in the air. At Night of Champions in Saudi Arabia, due to referee stoppage, I lost my match to Brock Lesnar. My contemporaries tell me I was foolish to fight Brock Lesnar with one hand. That I was crazy to not tap out. But there’s a reason why I didn’t tap out.

“It’s not because it didn’t hurt. It was excruciating, career-flash-before-your-eyes type pain. But I did not tap out because that’s not the man that I want to be.” Fans cheer, and Cody says that years ago, sure, he would have. He would’ve thought about his career, lived to fight another day. He’s experienced enough highs and lows at this to know that sometimes, second chances just don’t come. “There was a wildly popular WWE superstar who used to stand in this ring, and he said, ‘Never give up.'” Fans cheer and Cody says “never give up” hurts like hell when locked in a Kimura for three-plus minutes.

But nevertheless, Cody has a question for Brock Lesnar. And he has to look into the camera to ask that question, because Lesnar’s not here tonight. Fans boo that, but Cody says he is sure Lesnar is taking his annual vacation. “Brock Lesnar… Are you satisfied with this being done? You have a victory over me, I have a victory over you, the game is 1-1. Are you satisfied? I hope you’re not, because consider this an open challenge to you, Brock Lesnar.” Fans cheer as Cody says hopefully, Lesnar has social media, cable television, a landline or something in Saskatchewan or Yellowstone or wherever the hell it is that he roams.

Cody will post his whole schedule, every detail of it sometime this week, everywhere he’s going this month! Wilkes-Barre, Wichita, Cleveland, Savanna, Newcastle, if Cody is in the ring, he is ready to fight you, Brock Lesnar! Fans cheer that, and Cody says, “Tonight, I also wanna make it the very last time that I rattle off all of Brock Lesnar’s accomplishments. Brock Lesnar is an elite amateur wrestler who won the NCAAs twice. He is a former UFC Heavyweight Champion, likely a hall of famer there in the UFC. He has held the WWE Championship, he’s the man that broke the Undertaker’s streak!

“Brock Lesnar is the Beast! Beast enough to break my arm, but not man enough to make me tap out. And if you don’t accept my challenge, Brock Lesnar, we can go ahead and add one more thing to that list: Brock Lesnar is afraid of what cannot be broken! Brock Lesnar is AFRAID… of Cody Rhodes!” The American Nightmare drops the mic after having thrown down the gauntlet! When and where will Cody VS Lesnar Round 3 be?

 

Backstage interview with Matt Riddle.

Cathy is with The Bro, and she says in a couple weeks, he has a chance to qualify for the Men’s MITB ladder match. Riddle says it has already been going crazy this “Hot Bro Summer,” and it’s only gonna get crazier. Riddle says with MITB around the corner, imagine him winning that briefcase! He could cash in on Roman Reigns, on Seth Rollins- Oh, wassup, Gunther? Der Ring General steps into view and he says he knows what Riddle is thinking. “Congratulations, and good luck on your upcoming opportunity. I really want you to win the Money in the Bank Ladder match, and cash it in on me.

“Fun, huh? Beating you, humiliating you, that’s fun to me. All the best.” Gunther leaves, will Riddle take him up on that idea?

 

Backstage interview with Ronda Rousey & Shayna Baszler.

Cathy tentatively walks up to the new tag team champions and congratulates them on the win. How does it feel to be champions again? Well, for Ronda, it’s her first, but yeah, Shayna has her third reign. But for ten years, they’ve been discounted, told not what the people want, but they don’t cater to the “fickle masses” that mean nothing to them. Loyalty is everything, and limb by limb, they went through everyone. And they can finally say they are the tag team champions. Not because “they” wanted it, but because this is the Baddest Team on the Planet. They’re done being denied, they’re making demands! They DEMAND to be recognized as the best! These belts prove it.

 

Men’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match Qualifier: Shinsuke Nakamura VS Bronson Reed!

We saw the King of Flight qualify, now we see if the King of Strong Style can do the same! Will Shinsuke be heading to London? Or will he be crushed by the Colossal Aussie in Albany?

Raw returns and Reed makes his entrance. The bell rings and Reed RAMS Nakamura right into a corner! And then throws him down, HEADBUTTS away, then brings him up. Reed scoops and SLAMS Nakamura,  then runs. Nakamura bails out before anything more, but Reed pursues. Nakamura gets back in, and he says, “C’MON~!” Reed runs in, but into a kick! Nakamura fires body shots, but Reed doesn’t budge! Reed eggs him on, Nakamura fires off more shots and runs, but Reed CLOBBERS him! then ELBOW DROPS! Then STEAMROLLS him! Reed grins and he looms over Nakamura.

Reed stands Nakamura up, to HEADBUTT him back down! Reed stands Nakamura up again, to CHOP! And CLUB him on the back! Fans rally for Nakamura but Reed whips him corner to corner hard! Nakamura falls over, but Reed brings him up to whip and fireman’s carry. Nakamura fights free, kicks, but Reed blocks to get a waistlock. Nakamura elbows free to ENZIGURI! Reed goes to a corner, Nakamura runs in, but Nakamura blocks boots! Nakamura puts Reed in the ropes, CLUBS him, then runs and SLIDING GER- NO, Reed holds on! Reed’s strength denies Nakamura and he BOOTS Nakamura!

Reed aims from the apron, but Nakamura sweeps the legs! Reed lands hard on the apron, Nakamura KNEE LIFTS him! Then GUILLOTINE KNEE DROPS him! Reed hits the floor and fans fire up with Nakamura while Raw goes to break.

Raw returns again and Reed trades forearms with Nakamura! Fans rally for Nakamura but boo Reed. Reed throws body shots and a ROLLING ELBOW! Then LARIAT but into a tilt-o-whirl and ARMBAR! Reed powers his way to a high stack, TWO! Nakamura lets go in time, but Reed HEADBUTTS him! Reed runs, to LARIAT Nakamura inside-out! Cover, TWO!! Nakamura survives and Reed grows frustrated. Reed drags Nakamura up, reels him in, but Nakamura slips out of the bomb! Nakamura kicks then WHEEL KICKS! Reed goes to a corner, Nakamura blocks the boots again, and puts him back in ropes! ENZIGUR to SLIDING GERMAN!

Reed flounders and fans fire up as Nakamura aims! “YAO~!” But Reed scoops to SAMOAN DROP! And SENTON! Fans boo but Reed puts Nakamura in the drop zone. Reed climbs, but Nakamura rises! Nakamura kicks the legs out! And then TOP SHELF KNEE! Reed staggers, Nakamura goes up, FLYING- SUPERKICK! Reed intercepts, ripcords, and POWERSLAMS! Reed drags Nakamura into the drop zone, climbs up the corner, TSU- NO!! Nakamura avoids the natural disaster to KINSHASA!! But he’s too tired to make the cover! Nakamura drags himself to ropes, aims again, KINSHASA!!!

Reed flounders to the apron and flops to the floor! Fans boo and Nakamura is frustrated. The ref starts the ring count but Nakamura goes out the side. Nakamura runs off the steps, FLYING KNEE! Reed falls back over, and Nakamura gets back in the ring. The ring count starts again, Reed stirs at 4 of 10, and sits up at 5. Nakamura waits, Reed staggers around at 8, but Reed slides in at 9! KINSHASA AGAIN!!! Cover, Nakamura wins!!

Winner: Shinsuke Nakamura, by pinfall (advances to MITB)

It took a hattrick of those killer knees, but the mighty Reed did fall! Will Nakamura soon be the King in the Bank?

 

Backstage interview with The Judgment Day.

Byron Saxton walks over, apologizes about interrupting given the main event tonight, but he wanted to congratulate Rhea on her championship defense over Natalya at Night of Champions. Rhea says, “Victory? That wasn’t just a victory. I absolutely destroyed Natalya. That’s why she’s not here this week. Because she’s at home, fixing herself up.” Dom says maybe next time, Natty will think twice about stepping to Mami. Rhea says Natty should know better, since she’s been in this business a very long time. And to be able to hold gold, you can’t get distracted like she did, so that’s on her. But like Byron said, they’re very busy, so buh-bye.

Byron would like to ask one more question before he goes. Everyone is wondering, which two are facing Rollins & Styles in the main event? Finn says, “Wouldn’t you like to know? But if I told you, I’d have to-” Priest has Finn calm down. Don’t scare the guy. But Byron, they have things to do so go do your job somewhere else. The main event is a mystery, what combination of Prince, Punisher and Prodigal Son will step up to the Phenomenal and the Visionary?

 

WWE honors the fallen.

They didn’t volunteer to die. They volunteered to defend values which make up what we call civilization. – Ronald Reagan

“What does it mean to be selfless? To have the courage to put all else first for a greater cause? In every generation, there are those who put everything before themselves. And on this day, we honor them. The brave men and women who fought for our freedom. From the first World War to Desert Storm. From Normandy to Afghanistan. Today, we look back at the moments, the events, that define our history. The struggles, their battles. And remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice. President Ronald Reagan once said…”

“As we honor their memory today, let us pledge that their lives, their sacrifices, their valor shall be justified and remembered for as along as God gives life to this nation.”

“Today, we show our gratitude. To those who shaped us. Who guided us. Who ensured our values would live forever. Today, we show reverence and respect. Today, we say, ‘Thank you.'”

 

Seth Rollins & AJ Styles VS The Judgment Day!

The World Heavyweight Champion and the runner-up were perhaps goaded into this match, but that doesn’t mean they’re foolish. They know Finn, Priest, Dom & Rhea are slippery snakes, but will they still be able to #BurnItDown?

Raw returns and the Judgment Day make their entrance. They’re still keeping us guessing, but the moment of truth is here. In the end, it looks to be Priest & Dom in this match. Fans boo Dom because he’s starting against Rollins. But then Finn gets back in to CLOBBER Rollins! It was a fake out! The Prince stomps away on Rollins, then he drags Rollins up to RAM him into the corner! Tag to Priest, Rhea grins that the plan worked out. Priest & Finn double whip, but Rollins ducks the double lariat to slide out and cozy up to Mami! Rhea doesn’t realize it’s Rollins until she looks to her right, and then she freaks out!

Rollins says sorry, then the gets back in. He dodges Priest, eggs him on, and then dodges him again to CHOP! And ROCK! And repeat! Rollins whips, Priest reverses, but runs into a BOOT! Rollins goes up, leaps, but into a HAYMAKER! Priest drags Rollins up and Finn mocks the song, “WEW~ WEW~ WEWWW~!” Priest TOSSES Rollins to the corner, DECKS him, then stomps away! Rhea wants him to go harder for that joke a moment ago. She also tells fans to shut up with the stupid singing. Rollins gets up, he fires back, but Priest knees low! Priest drags Rollins up, whips him to ropes, and BACK ELBOWS him down! Cover, TWO!

Priest clamps onto an arm, grinds the shoulder, but Rollins fights up. Rollins reaches out for Styles but Priest CLUBS him down! Priest back suplexes, Rollins lands on his feet and slides under, but Priest grabs his feet! Rollins BOOTS Priest away, hot tags to Finn and Styles! Styles dodges Finn, CLOBBERS Priest, then fires the Phenomenal Blitz off on Finn! SLIDING LARIAT! Styles fires up, fireman’s carries, but Finn slips free. But Finn runs into a BACKBREAKER! Styles reels Finn in, but Priest gets back in! Styles blocks his kick to CLUB the leg, but Finn CHOPS Styles down! Rollins returns, to KNEE Priest!

Finn SLINGBLADES Rollins! Priest tags in, Styles runs in but is put on the apron. Styles ROCKS Finn, but Dom anchors Styles! Styles grabs Dom, but Priest POUNCES Styles over the announce desk! The Judgment Day stands tall and soaks up the heat while Raw goes to break.

Raw returns once again and Styles JAWBREAKERS Priest away! But Priest keeps Styles from Rollins! Styles throws hands, Priest whips him away to the corner. Priest runs in but Styles BOOTS him! Styles ROCKS Finn, BOOTS Priest, then DECKS Finn, but Priest ROCKS Styles! Priest then throws Styles out, distracts the ref, and Rhea drags Styles up! But Rollins gets Dom first! Fans fire up as Rollins tosses Dom in! Rhea gest in Rollins’ face and he dares Mami to do something. But then the ref EJECTS Rhea and Dom!! Fans fire up but Mami is pissed! Rollins taunts Rhea & Dom as they leave, now this is a fair match!

Styles rolls Priest up! TWO!! Priest swings, misses, and Styles PELES! Priest is dazed, Finn calls to him, and fans rally up. Priest and Styles crawl, hot tags to Finn and Rollins! The Visionary rallies on The Prince! SUPERKICK, front kick, ROLLING ELBOW! Rollins DECKS Priest for good measure! Finn runs in, BUCKLE SHOT! Rollins goes out, to FLYING KNEE Priest down! Rollins springboards back in, FLYING KNEE for Finn! SUPERKICK! Cover, TWO!! Fans rally and sing the song, but Finn wants mercy. Rollins smirks, he wags his finger, and he catches Finn to RAM him into a corner!

Rollins brings Finn out but Finn cradle counters! TWO, Rollins swings, into the FINAL CUT! Cover, TWO! Finn grows frustrated, but he rolls to tag in Priest. Priest storms up to DECK Styles! Priest then waits on Rollins to rise up, and he choke grips for SOUTH OF- NO, Rollins flips through! Rollins ducks the haymaker to ROLLING ELBOW! Priest comes back, KING KONG LARIAT! Cover, TWO!! Rollins survives but Priest refocuses. Priest goes out and climbs up the corner while fans rally. Rollins springs right up to get Priest! Finn sneaks a tag before the SUPERPLEX! Rollins rolls through, but Priest BROKEN ARROWS!

Finn is up top with Rollins in the drop zone! COUP DE- NO, Rollins moves! SUPERKICK!! Both men are down again and fans fire up! “This is Awesome!” “OH~ OHH~ OHHH~!” as both men stir. Finn and Rollins crawl, hot tags to Styles and Priest! Style dodges a boot to kick and ENZIGURI! Styles fireman’s carries, to USHIGOROSHI! Priest staggers about, Styles runs in but is put on the apron. Styles ROCKS Priest, then SLIDING KNEES Finn! Rollins DIVES to take Finn out at the desk! Styles springboards, but Priest gets away from the forearm! Priest gets Styles up, Crucifix for RAZOR’S EDGE!! Cover, but Rollins CURB STOMPS Priest!!!

Fans fire up as Rollins goes back to his corner. Styles crawls over, staggers up, hot tag to Rollins! Fans sing as hard as they can and Rollins runs in, “NIGHT NIGHT!” CURB STOMP!!! Cover, Rollins & Styles win!

Winners: Seth Rollins & AJ Styles, by pinfall

Styles and Rollins win a phenomenal victory, and they shake hands to show respect. Will action like this be the norm for Monday Night Rollins?


My Thoughts:

A really good Raw to follow up Night of Champions, but it started to fall into a sort of “Aftermath Syndrome.” I mean, this was of course the “aftermath” episode but it felt like there were more recap packages than usual. I guess promos from everyone that referenced Night of Champions wasn’t enough. Cody had a good promo, and of course he’s calling out Lesnar for round three. But as I said for NOC, MITB is just over a month away, I’m not sure Lesnar will want to go for that. Maybe SummerSlam, as that is the big summer PPV. But maybe traveling to London gets Lesnar a bigger paycheck after all.

Great MITB qualifiers tonight, though I knew Miz wasn’t winning. That said, he was busting out stuff that he has basically never done and that was pretty awesome. Nakamura VS Reed was a great showing for Reed even in losing, because it took three Kinshasas to put him down. Granted, I would love to see a Tsunami Splash off the ladder. Maybe there will be some kind of “second chance” match later on. And the women’s MITB qualifiers will be next week, since the majority of the Raw women’s roster was in the Fatal 4 Way. That was a great Fatal 4 Way, and of course Ronda & Shayna win. Ronda still runs through her words too quickly, but it was a good promo afterward.

Really good stuff in the Undisputed WWE Tag Team title story, from Imperium interrupting Kevin & Sami to Kevin’s hilarious reaction to it, to getting The Alpha Academy involved. Great match from Imperium VS Alpha Academy but I should’ve figured Sarah Logan would show up. Imperium wins because one way or another, they feel in line for a tag title shot. Gunther also has a good promo with Matt Riddle, leaving the door open for the MITB briefcase to be used on a midcard title again like Austin Theory did to Seth Rollins and Bobby Lashley. I don’t want them to do that, Riddle VS Gunther should be a straight up match, but at least they’re acknowledging it could happen.

Indus Sher crushes jobbers, but at least Big Body Javi is on NXT, and I think Kevin Cortes is on Level Up. I’m more impressed they got a graphic package that fits them, cybernetic was a random and therefore stupid choice. JD VS Ziggler was alright, but I think the fans were booing the double count-out, not JD beating up Ziggler. Great promo segment from Trish, Zoey and Becky that of course turned into a brawl. As I said on Saturday, Becky doesn’t need to be in the MITB ladder match, maybe she and/or Zoey cost each other spots in that match, and that sets up their own match. Still hoping for Lita to get involved with this, too.

And of course, great stuff from Rollins, Styles and Judgment Day. Great opening segment, apparently Rollins’ leather pants were so tight that they ripped, and great promos backstage from everyone. Great tag match, from the Dom-Finn bait ‘n’ switch to Rollins trolling Rhea and getting both her and Dom ejected. Rollins & Styles winning made sense, it’s to keep Rollins’ momentum going as new world champion. At the same time, I still feel like someone from Judgment Day is going to challenge Rollins at MITB. I think it’s gonna be Seth VS Priest, but I would love to see Seth VS Dom. Imagine the chaotic uproar of fans singing “OH~ OH~ OHH~” while also booing Dom to death.

My Score: 8.6/10


Powered by RedCircle


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

Coverage

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

Talk about a Big Time Raw!

Published

on

Will The Man be the Last Woman Standing?

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

OFFICIAL RESULTS

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

PLAY BY PLAY

Jey Uso is here!

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

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

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

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

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

 

Adam Pearce is on the phone.

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Winners: DIY, by pinfall (advance to WrestleMania)

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

 

Judgment Day meets backstage.

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

Winners: Candice LeRae & Indi Hartwell, by submission

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

 

Cody Rhodes makes his way to the ring.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

Nia Jax speaks.

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

 

Cody Rhodes returns backstage.

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

 

Dominik Mysterio w/ JD McDonagh VS Ricochet!

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

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

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

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

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

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

Winner: Ricochet, by pinfall

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

 

Sami Zayn is backstage.

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

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

 

Adam Pearce is in the ring.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

Sami confronts Gable now.

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

 

CM Punk speaks.

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

 

Drew McIntyre is here!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

Becky Lynch speaks.

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

Liv Morgan confronts Becky Lynch.

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

 

Cody walks with his dog, Pharaoh, backstage.

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

 

Last Woman Standing: Becky Lynch VS Nia Jax!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Winner: Becky Lynch

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


My Thoughts:

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

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

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

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

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

My Score: 8.9/10


Powered by RedCircle


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

Coverage

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

The semifinals are here!

Published

on

We’re just one step away from the Cup!

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

OFFICIAL RESULTS

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

PLAY BY PLAY

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

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

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

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

No Contest

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

2024 New Japan Cup Semifinals: SANADA VS Hirooki Goto!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


My Thoughts:

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

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

My Score: 8.9/10


Powered by RedCircle


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

Sports

Entertainment

Sports Entertainment

Buy A Chairshot T-Shirt!

Chairshot Radio Network

Trending

WP Twitter Auto Publish Powered By : XYZScripts.com