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Mitchell’s ROH Results & Report! (6/1/23)

THREE titles, one night!

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ROH Wrestling 2023

A golden start to the Summer!

Athena, Zack Sabre Jr. and Katsuyori Shibata all defend their titles on this Double or Nothing aftermath ROH! Will the landscape look very different for Summer?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

  • The Kingdom w/ Maria Kanellis-Bennett VS The Infantry; The Kingdom wins.
  • Skye Blue VS Trish Adora; Skye wins.
  • Six Man Tag: Stu Grayson & The Righteous VS The Dark Order; Stu & The Righteous win.
  • Diamante VS Promise Braxton; Diamante wins.
  • Brian Cage w/ Prince Nana VS Willie Mack; Cage wins.
  • NJPW World Television Championship: Zack Sabre Jr. VS Rocky Romero; ZSJ wins and retains the title.
  • Action Andretti & Darius Martin VS The WorkHorsemen; Action & Darius win.
  • Six Man Tag: The Superbad Squad w/ Penelope Ford VS Bryce Saturn, Jakob Austin Young & Shogun Jones; The Superbad Squad wins.
  • Six Man Tag: Bandido, El Hijo del Vikingo & Komander VS Spanish Announce Project & Jack Cartwheel; Bandido, Vikingo & Komander win.
  • ROH Pure Championship: Katsuyori Shibata VS Alex Coughlin; Shibata wins and retains the title.
  • ROH Women’s World Championship: Athena VS Kiera Hogan; Athena wins and retains the title.

PLAY BY PLAY

The Kingdom w/ Maria Kanellis-Bennett VS The Infantry!

The #OGK has been rebuilding, and they continue to face younger stars in the process. Will Matt Taven & Mike Bennett continue to defend their territory? Or will Captain Shawn Dean & Carlie Bravo march in and win?

The Code of Honor is upheld, but then the Kingdom tries a cheap shot! The Infantry block those kicks, the bell rings, and then the Infantry trade legs and DECK the Kingdom! Fans fire up and the Infantry get the legs again. DOUBLE WISHBONES! Dean clotheslines Mike out, runs in at Taven in the corner, BIG back elbow! Tag to Carlie, he RAMS in, then jukes Taven to DECK him! Tag to Dean, feed to the SKY HIGH! Cover, TWO! Taven survives but Dean brings him around. Dean wrenches, tags Carlie and he goes up to AX HANDLE the arm! Taven goes to an open corner, Carlie storms up and ROCKS him with a right!

Carlie then runs corner to corner but Taven puts him on the apron. Carlie still ROCKS Taven, Mike runs in but Carlie ELBOWS him! Carlie ROCKS Taven again, ROCKS Mike, but Taven springboards, KICK OF THE KING! Carlie falls to the floor, Mike rebounds off ropes to ROCK Carlie! Taven BLASTS Dean, Mike puts Carlie in and he tells the fans to shut up. The ref stops Dean from storming up, The Kingdom tags. GOURD BUSTER and DREAM SMASHER ELBOW! Cover, TWO! Carlie survives, fans rally up but Mike drags him up. Mike puts Carlie in the corner, and he CHOPS! Carlie CHOPS back!

Carlie CHOPS Taven, CHOPS Mike, throws elbows, but Mike whips him into a FLAPJACK HOTSHOT! Tag to Taven, BRAINBUSTER and FROG SPLASH! Cover, TWO!! Dean runs in but Mike knees and kicks him out! The Kingdom focus on Carlie but he fires off forearms and CHOPS! Carlie fires up, runs, but into a fireman’s carry! DEATH VALLEY DRIVER, but Carlie ducks the knee! Roll up on Taven, TWO! Carlie dodges to hot tag Dean! Dean rallies on The Kingdom! BIG back drop for Mike! Spin and float, DDT for Taven! Dean kips up and fans fire up! Dean sees his target, he runs, but Mike distracts so Maria can trip Dean up!

Fans boo but Maria gets away with it. Taven HEEL KICKS Dean, Mike SUPERKICKS Carlie! The Kingdom put Dean up top, coordinate, PROTON PACK! Cover, The Kingdom wins!

Winners: The Kingdom, by pinfall

The OGK do it again, not having left the old tactics behind. They do uphold the Code of Honor, though. But will “the best damn tag team in professional wrestling” prove it by getting the ROH World Tag Team Championships back?

 

Skye Blue VS Trish Adora!

Chicago Skye may not have the gold, but the silver lining is that there’s always another chance. Will she fight her way to another opportunity? Or will the Afropunk be the one waiting on the other side of tonight’s main event?

The Code of Honor is upheld and the bell rings. They circle, approach, and Skye waistlocks. Adora switches, Skye headlocks but Adora picks her up. Skye thrashes the hold, but Adora picks her up again. Skye uses that for a flying headlock takeover, but Adora fights up to her feet. Adora pries free, wrenches to a top wristlock, then wrenches to WRING Skye out! Adora KICKS Skye, runs, and BOOTS her down! Cover, ONE! Skye hangs tough but Adora drags her up. Adora suplexes but Skye blocks. Skye wrenches, swings, but into a waistlock! Skye throws elbows to fight the lift, bucks the O’Conner and covers Adora, TWO!

Skye mule kicks a leg, Adora blocks the superkick, but not the BASEMENT KICK! Adora goes to a corner, Skye goes corner to corner, but Adora dodges! Skye hits buckles, Adora comes back but she stops Skye from slipping out, into a DRAPING NECKBREAKER! Adora CLUBS Skye, drags her to HIP DROP the arm, and then LA MAGISTROL, TWO! Skye escapes but Adora is after her to wrench. Adora reels Skye in, snap suplexes and bridges, TWO! Skye escapes again but Adora stalks her to ropes. Fans rally for Skye and she throws body shots. But Adora CLUBS her back down! Adora brings Skye up but Skye cradles! TWO!!

Skye gets up but Adora BOOTS her back down! Adora drags Skye up, Alabama Lifts, and tucks Skye into Air Raid STRETCH! Skye endures while upside-down, and she fights out! Adora wrenches but Skye fires forearms! Adora ROCKS Skye back! Adora whips, Skye ducks ‘n’ dodges to tilt-o-whirl and headscissor! Adora is at the ropes, Skye runs to SHINING WIZARD! Skye keeps moving, SHOTGUN BOOT! Cover, TWO! Adora is still in this but is also a bit dazed. Skye keeps focus and she runs back in, springboards and wheelbarrows, but Adora blocks! Adora brings Skye up, WHEELBARROW GERMAN! Bridging cover, TWO!!

Skye survives and the fans fire up! Adora grits her teeth and she glares at Skye. Adora drags Skye up, ROCKS her with a forearm, but Skye gives it back! Adora ROCKS Skye, Skye ROCKS Adora, Adora gets the edge! Skye flounders, Adora drags her to center to cover, TWO! Skye still has fight but Adora brings her up. Adora suplexes, Skye slips free, fans rally and duel as Skye SUPERKICKS! And SUPERKICKS! Skye runs again, hops on, CODE BLUE!! Cover, TWO!?! Skye can’t believe it, but she ghost pins, TWO! Adora has the cover, TWO! They both get up, Skye gets around, SKYE FALL!! Cover, Skye wins!

Winner: Skye Blue, by pinfall

Adora falls and Skye is rising! They keep the Code of Honor, but will Skye keep on climbing back to the title scene?

 

Six Man Tag: Stu Grayson & The Righteous VS The Dark Order!

As shocking as it may seem, Player Two is still teaming with Dutch & Vincent! Is this the beginning of a new trio? Or can Evil Uno, Alex Reynolds & John Silver get through to their friend before it’s too late?

The Code of Honor is upheld by Vinnie making Uno shake his hand, so that might not be genuine at all. The trios sort out, Vincent starts with Uno and Uno DECKS him! Vincent is surprised, he tags out to Stu! He’s forcing the Smash Brothers to face off! Uno tries to reason with Stu but Stu tells him to hit him. Uno refuses so Stu DECKS Uno! Stu dares someone to hit him as Uno scrambles back. Uno reaches up to grab the ropes, and Silver tags in! Fans fire up as The Meat Man rushes in, dodges Stu, and then KICKS! And KICKS! And blocks a kick to spin Stu and UPPERCUT!

Silver whips, Stu KICKS back! Stu then hoists Silver up to RAM him into the Righteous corner. Stu CHOPS Silver, tags Vinnie, and Vinnie CHOPS Silver. Vinnie whips but Silver reverses to KICK back! Silver bumps Vinnie off buckles, tags Reynolds, and the Beaver Boys double whip to drop toehold, roll and DOUBLE BASEMENT DROPKICK! Reynolds covers, ONE! Reynolds BLASTS Dutch but Vinnie ROCKS him! Vinnie whips, Reynolds reverses, Vinnie ducks ‘n’ dodges but runs into a DROPKICK! Fans fire up as Reynolds runs in but is put on the apron. But Reynolds counter punches Vinnie!

Reynolds bump Vinnie off buckles, and he ELBOWS Stu down! Vinnie THROWS Reynolds at Dutch for a SCRAPBUSTER to the floor! The ref starts a ring count but Dutch drags Reynolds up and puts him in. Vinnie stands on Reynolds, tags Stu, and Vinnie stands on Reynolds. Stu rains down fists on Reynolds, the ref reprimands about closed fists, and Stu lets off to shout at his old friends. Stu CHOPS Reynolds, tags Vinnie, and they double whip Reynolds to ropes for a KNEE, KICK, SWEEP and BASEMENT FLATLINER! Cover, TWO! Vinnie drags Reynolds up, puts him in the corner, and tags Dutch.

The Righteous double whip Reynolds into the corner, and then again! And then scoop to a BACK SUPLEX NECKBREAKER COMBO! Cover, TWO! Reynolds hangs tough but Dutch stares Uno down. Fans rally, Uno reaches out, so Dutch DECKS Uno! Reynolds throws body shots on Dutch but Dutch CLUBS him down. Dutch bumps Reynolds off buckles, tags Stu, and Stu stomps Reynolds down. Stu drags Reynolds up, shoves him, and CLOBBERS him! Fans rally for Uno but Stu drags Reynolds up. Stu whips Reynolds back to the corner, tags Dutch back in, and Dutch runs in, but into a BOOT!

Reynolds DECKS Vinnie, DECKS Stu, but Dutch back drops him! Dutch BLASTS Silver, then he drags Reynolds over. Stu tags in, Dutch stands on Reynolds while Stu glares at Uno. Stu eggs Reynolds on while pacing around. Stu drags Reynolds up, clinches, and he stares Uno down before the URE- NO! Arm-drag! And a pop-up KNEE! Stu staggers, Vinnie tags in! Uno tags in, too! Uno rallies on The Righteous! Fans fire up as Player One fires forearms and CHOPS! But Dutch shoves, only for Uno to dodge and clothesline Dutch out! Vinnie ROCKS Uno, runs in at the corner, but Uno dodges! Uno returns, but Vinnie dodges!

Vinnie runs back in but Uno BOOTS him! Uno then hurries to suplex, for the BRAINBUSTER! Cover, TWO!! Vinnie survives but Uno STOMPS a hand! Tag to Silver and fans fire up. Uno & Silver double whip, but Vinnie gets around to shove Uno into Silver! Vinnie CLOBBERS Silver, tags Dutch, and Dutch runs in. Uno dropkicks the legs out! Silver runs in to KNEE Dutch in the back! And then GERMAN SUPLEX!! The Meat Man has power! Cover, but Stu breaks it! Fans boo, but Stu and Uno stare down. They go to their corners, and they both tag in! Fans fire up as these two step to each other!

But Vinnie runs in to BLAST Uno! Silver BOOTS Vinnie! Stu runs in but Silver sends him into the corner! Silver & Reynolds unleash the WOMBO COMBO, but Stu counters the stunner into a GERMAN SUPLEX! Silver still PENALTY KICKS! Vinnie runs in, tilt-o-whirl RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP! Vinnie calls to Dutch and he builds speed!? Dutch FLIES to take out Reynolds & Silver!! Dutch grins and flickers his tongue. But Uno BLASTS Vinnie! And now he’s all alone with Stu! Player One and Player Two go face to face. Stu asks, “Wath do I have to do to make you hit me?!” Uno is conflicted, but then he CLOBBERS Stu!!

Fans fire up, Uno runs to CHOP! Uno fires off forearms and the ref counts. Stu shoves back but Uno BOOTS him down! Fans fire up even more, but then Uno thinks. Uno is conflicted again, but he brings Stu up. Stu shoves Uno and shouts at him, “FINISH IT!” Uno ROCKS Stu, reels him in, but Vinnie saves Stu! Uno kicks Vinnie out, Stu KNEES Uno at the ropes! Stu torture racks Uno! Even Stu is conflicted now, but he has no choice! NIGHT FALL!! Vinnie tags in so he can cover, The Righteous win!

Winners: Stu Grayson & The Righteous, by pinfall

Vinnie tells Stu that he did what he had to. Uno and the Dark Order did this to Stu, so they deserved this. Has Player Two been lost to the other side?

 

Backstage interview with Zack Sabre Jr. & Samoa Joe.

Dasha is with #ZSJOE, the NJPW World and ROH World Television Champions, they teamed up to face Christopher Daniels & Matt Sydal, how did it feel? Joe starts by admitting he didn’t give ZSJ the warmest of welcomes. But after being in the ring together, Joe sees ZSJ is a very accomplished grappler and tremendous athlete. It was very fun to be in there with ZSJ. And thanks to Joe’s superior skill and prowess, they secured victory, and in dominant fashion. ZSJ tells “Joseph” that maybe they’re not too different. They’re both the top TV champions in all of pro-wrestling. They’re both island boys, Joe of the Samoan Islands, and ZSJ a “Sheppey boy.” Perhaps they are the Island Bois!

Joe says after being in the ring together, they both have a clear idea who the better champion is. Um, do we? Yes, we do. It’s very clear who the better champion is. ZSJ asks if it really is that crystal clear, and Joe says it is, unless ZSJ needs him to make it clear. Well, it is a bit foggy to ZSJ. It isn’t quite that clear. Then maybe they’ll find out. Yes, maybe they will. When and where are we going to see this epic battle of TV Champions?

 

Diamante VS Promise Braxton!

The Cuban Diamond continues to shine, but she wants to shine with gold. Will she climb up the ranks to head for the ROH Women’s World Championship? Or will this be one Promise you cannot break?

The bell rings, Diamante offers the handshake, and Promise upholds the Code of Honor. They circle, tie up, and go around. Diamante headlocks, Promise wrenches out to wristlock then hammerlock. Diamante reaches around, powers Promise to a corner, then elbows free. The ref reprimands them both, Diamante says he should’ve done that sooner, but then Promise dodges Diamante’s haymaker to CHOP! And CHOP! Promise whips corner to corner, Diamante reverses but Promise goes up and over and rolls Diamante up, TWO! Diamante KNEES Promise back into the corner, and fans rally behind her.

Diamante stomps away on Promise, the ref counts, and Diamante lets off. Diamante goes corner to corner to HYRDRAULIC DROPKICK! Shoutout to Shibata who’s in the building, then Diamante drags Promise to the cover, ONE!! Promise is tough, but Diamante CLUBS her. Diamante whips, Promise holds ropes and BOOTS back! Promise catches Diamante’s haymaker and spins her, NORTHERN LIGHTS! Lateral press, TWO! Fans rally and Promise has her on the ropes. The ref gets in between but Diamante rakes eyes! Diamante CLOBBERS Promise! Diamante flexes, fans fire up, and she stalks Promise to a corner.

Diamante puts Promise on ropes to CHOKE, the ref counts and Diamante lets off. Diamante CHOPS, UPPERCUTS, then CHOPS again! Diamante UPPERCUTS again, fans rally up, and Diamante runs in to RAM Promise! And RAM her again! Fans rally, Diamante feeds off that, runs in but Promise POSTS her! Promise fires off forearms, Diamante swings but misses, and Promise gives more forearms! Promise rallies with big clotheslines! Spin and gut wrench, GUTBUSTER! Fans fire up with Promise and she runs, runs and BLINDSIDE METEORA! Cover, TWO!! Diamante survives but Promise fires up again.

Fans rally behind Promise, she brings Diamante to a fireman’s carry, but Diamante fights free! Diamante waistlocks to GERMAN SUPLEX! Diamante slashes her throat, wraps one arm around Promise, CUBAN STRAITJACKET! Promise taps, Diamante wins!

Winner: Diamante, by submission

The Cuban Diamond’s pressure crushes another one, she’s building momentum. Will she soon be aiming at a champion for the summer?

 

Brian Cage w/ Prince Nana VS Willie Mack!

These two are no strangers to each other, and they meet again here tonight! Will the Machine bring down the Mack Daddy once and for all? Or will Mack continue to be the answer to “Who betta than Cage?”

The bell rings, the Code of Honor is skipped, and the two tie up. Fans rally, Cage waistlocks then ripcords to ROCK, SOBAT and KICK! Cage whips, Mack ducks ‘n’ dodges and GAMANGIRIS! Cage staggers, Mack clinches but Cage throws elbows. Cage wrenches to hit a BIG back suplex! Fans rally for Mack but Cage says he’s got this. Cage drags Mack up, ROCKS him in a corner, then CHOPS him! Cage whips corner to corner, runs in, but Mack BOOTS him! Fans rally, Mack goes up but Cage YANKS him down! Nana cheers while Mack writhes. Cage soaks up the heat then stalks Mack to ropes.

Cage brings Mack up to bump him off buckles. Cage stomps away on Mack but the ref counts. Cage ROCKS Mack, runs in and UPPERCUTS! LARIAT! And wrench to a SAIDO! Cover, TWO! Mack is hanging tough, Nana complains but the ref says the count is fair. Cage kicks Mack around, scuffs him, then brings him up. Fans rally and Mack CHOPS! And CHOPS! And then CHOPS! But Cage JUMP KNEES back! Mack staggers to ropes, Cage brings him up and snap suplexes! Cage flexes and says, “Who betta than Cage?” Cage stalks Mack, Nana applauds, and Cage fireman’s carries. But Mack slips free!

Mack waistlocks, Cage switches, but Mack elbows free! Mack runs and clinches to T-BONE SUPLEX! Cage flounders to ropes now and fans rally up for Mack. Mack slaps some sense into himself, he runs in and he ROCKS Cage! Mack goes side to side to BOOT Cage! Cage sits down, Mack goes to the far corner, and fans fire up as Mack runs back in, CANNONBALL! Nana is worried but the fans fire up as Mack waits on Cage. Cage stands, Mack fireman’s carries, SAMOAN DROP! Fans rally, and Mack stirs. A standing count starts, Mack kips up at 5 of 10! Fans fire up and Mack STANDING MOONSAULTS! Cover, TWO!

Mack is shocked that Cage survives! Mack kicks Cage, but Cage denies the stunner to BOOT! Cage reels Mack in, Nana wants Cage to finish this, and Cage suplexes. But Mack fights free to waistlock. Cage throws elbows, wrenches out and fireman’s carries, F- NO! Mack slips free, but Cage blocks a kick to KNEE back! And SUPERKICK! DISCUS- ROUNDHOUSE from Mack!! Both men wobble and stagger, Mack runs, but Cage gets around! GERMAN SUPLEX! But Mack is right up! Fans fire up and he waistlocks Cage! GERMAN SUPLEX! But CAGE is right up! They both run in, Mack dodges but then Cage dodges, DOUBLE LARIATS collide!

Fans are thunderous as both men are down! Nana shouts to Cage, a standing count begins again, and “This is Awesome!” We’re at 5 of 10 but Cage rises first. Mack follows at 6, and Cage swings, into a STUNNER!! Mack hurries to the corner and climbs up! Nana freaks out but the fans are fired up for the FROG SPLASH!! But Mack’s own gut hurts! Mack falls onto the cover, TWO!! Cage survives because of that delay! Fans keep rallying and Mack says he’ll finish this. Mack fireman’s carries, but Cage fights free to POST him! And then pump handle and FACEBUSTER! Cage aims, DISCUS LARIAT!! Cover, Cage wins!

Winner: Brian Cage, by pinfall

That was another epic chapter in this storied rivalry, but The Machine is the one who stands tall! Will nothing stop The Mogul Embassy from dominating AEW and ROH?

 

NJPW World Television Championship: Zack Sabre Jr. VS Rocky Romero!

TMDK’s Frontman is setting the standard for this title as its inaugural champion, but we did see him argue it out with Samoa Joe about who is the better. Will ZSJ show Joe who is the better? Or will Azucar snatch this title to add to his collection?

The introductions are made, the NJPW title is raised, and we see if this becomes The Rocky Romero Show!

The fans sing for “OH~ Zack Sabre Junior~!” The Code of Honor is upheld, but ZSJ also pats Rocky on the cheek. The bell rings and we have 15 minutes on the clock. ZSJ and Rocky circle, tie up, and ZSJ chinbars to wrangle Rocky. Rocky gets up, rolls, wrenches, but ZSJ rolls to get away. ZSJ says this is big tekkers, and they circle again. They knuckle lock, ZSJ bridges and rolls to top wristlock. Then ZSJ wrenches to a wristlock but Rocky cording holds. Rocky wrenches, wristlocks, but ZSJ spins, slips through, wrenches and wrangles Rocky to the mat. Fans cheer that exchange but Rocky fights back up.

ZSJ bends fingers but Rocky trips ZSJ to have a standing toehold. ZSJ turns over, reels Rocky in and headlocks to a takeover. Rocky keeps his shoulders up, headscissors, but ZSJ moves to pop free and get the toehold back. Rocky copies ZSJ by turning over, reels ZSJ in, but ZSJ blocks that to put Rocky in a BOW ‘N’ ARROW! But Rocky pops out to cover, TWO! Rocky rushes up but ZSJ blocks the arm-drag! ZSJ brings Rocky up but Rocky arm-drags from the other side! Things speed up, Rocky ducks ‘n’ dodges, then RANAS! Fans fire up for Rocky as ZSJ goes to a corner. Rocky runs in but only gets buckles!

ZSJ runs in but Rocky puts him on the apron. Rocky swings, but into a SLEEPER! The ref counts, Rocky pries the hold open to ELBOW BREAKER! Fans fire up, Rocky KICKS ZSJ in the ropes! Rocky goes to a corner, gives us Latino Heat, and he MISSILE DROPKICKS ZSJ to the floor! Fans fire up again as Rocky builds speed, to DIVE! Direct hit at the ramp and Rocky slides in. Rocky builds speed again to DIVE again! Another direct hit, but Rocky isn’t done! Rocky builds speed to DIVE into a cravat! ZSJ then throws Rocky onto the apron, goes up and NECK TWISTS! Rocky writhes and the ref reprimands.

ZSJ goes back in, fans rally and duel, “ROCKY!” “SABRE!” ZSJ drags Rocky up, wrenches the arm and has the double wristlock! Takedown into headscissors, and ZSJ puts on the pressure! Rocky endures, even as ZSJ goes around to twist him! ZSJ gets the leg to add a Half Crab Toehold combo! Rocky gets the ROPEBREAK, and ZSJ lets go. Fans rally and duel, ZSJ snapmares but Rocky bridges up to snapmare! ZSJ bridges to snapmare but then blocks Rocky’s bridge to NECK TWIST again! ZSJ grins and tells the fans they’re the ones who suck. ZSJ drags Rocky up, UPPERCUTS, and this is only the five minute point!

ZSJ UPPERCUTS again but Rocky CHOPS! Fans “WOO~!” while ZSJ is stinging, and Rocky CHOPS again! ZSJ blocks a chop to UPPERCUT the arm! ZSJ drags Rocky back up, cravats, and then cranks on the neck. Rocky throws body shots, clubs free but ZSJ gets the cravat again. ZSJ taunts Rocky but Rocky throws more body shots. Rocky breaks free again, only for ZSJ to cravat again! Rocky spins though, snap suplexes, and fans fire up! Rocky and ZSJ both stand up, and Rocky CHOPS! Rocky whips ZSJ to ropes, but ZSJ reverses. Rocky blows past the boot to RAN- NO! ANKLE LOCK! ZSJ has Rocky caught!

Rocky reaches out, fans fire up, and ZSJ leans on the hold. Rocky fights up, ZSJ ducks the enziguri but not the REWIND HEEL! Fans fire up and ZSJ goes to a corner. Rocky storms up to CHOP! And CHOP! And CHOP! Rocky brings ZSJ up, winds up, but pokes ZSJ in the eyes! Fans cheer but the ref reprimands. Rocky whips, ZSJ reverses but Rocky holds ropes. Rocky UPPERCUTS then springboards, TORNADO DDT! Cover, TWO! ZSJ is still in this but Rocky has evened things up. Rocky brings ZSJ up, cravats, but ZSJ shoves him away. Rocky goes up and out to ROCK ZSJ, and then catches ZSJ to a HANGING ARMBAR!

The ref counts, ZSJ digs his boots into Rocky’s back, and he gets Rocky in a HANGING TRIANGLE HOLD! The ref reprimands, Rocky flails, and ZSJ lets go at 4. Rocky sputters as he crawls back into the ring. ZSJ tells the fans to shut up again, and then he GUILLOTINES Rocky, before a snap suplex! And a basement dropkick! Cover, TWO! Rocky is still in this and ZSJ mockingly applauds. ZSJ gives toying kicks to Rocky but Rocky grimaces. ZSJ stands Rocky up, UPPERCUTS him, then pie faces him. ZSJ UPPERCUTS again, pie faces more, and repeat! Rocky leans into the uppercuts, catches ZSJ and wrenches to an ELBOW BREAKER!

Rocky KICKS that arm, KICKS it again, but ZSJ blocks one! Rocky fires off fast palm strikes and he ROCKS ZSJ with the last one! ZSJ wobbles, runs back in, but into the JUMP KNEE! Rocky wobbles but he’s standing tall. Rocky runs, SHIRANUI!! Cover, TWO!! ZSJ survives and Rocky can’t believe it! The clock is ticking as we hit the ten minute mark, so Rocky cravats ZSJ again. Rocky goes up the corner, but ZSJ blocks the Shiranui to body scissor and SLEEPER!! Rocky endures, powers back to roll ZSJ up, TWO! ZSJ has it, TWO! Rocky has it back, TWO! ZSJ tries again, TWO! Rocky has it again, TWO!?!?

Even ZSJ has to check with the ref, but he did escape! Rocky KICKS the bad arm! And KICKS, but ZSJ blocks to CHOP! ZSJ runs in, into an ARMBAR TAKEDOWN!! Rocky stomps ZSJ, ZSJ gets the legs and pries free! ZSJ has the legs now, CALF KILLER! Rocky endures, rolls it, and has the ARMBAR! ZSJ gets another leg, and he has a toehold! Rocky reaches back, but into the GROUND OCTOPUS!! Rocky taps, ZSJ wins!!

Winner: Zack Sabre Jr, by submission (still NJPW World Television Champion)

With four minutes to spare, ZSJ snatches Rocky into the right position and finishes him off! Will “Samoan Joseph” still question who is the top TV champion in wrestling today? Or will ZSJ gladly give him the answer?

 

Action Andretti & Darius Martin VS The WorkHorsemen!

The Sight to See and the Air Wolf have been climbing the ranks, but so have JD Drake & Anthony Henry. Will Action & Darius continue to reach new heights in ROH? Or will they be grounded by Scrap Metal & The Saint of Augusta?

The Code of Honor is upheld though flippantly by the WorkHorsemen. The teams sort out, Henry shakes hands with Darius again, but that’s to reel him into a hammerlock then wristlock! Henry wrangles Darius, but Darius rolls, kips up, waistlocks and spins to snapmare. Fans cheer, but Henry fires off big hands! Darius arm-drags, SOBATS, then whips. Henry reverses, throws Darius down but Darius catches himself! Henry avoids the body shots, feints a kick to then KICK Darius! Then tag to JD and he storms up, and he blocks an arm-drag! JD brings Darius up but Darius gets around to headlock.

JD pries free but then Darius slips around to headlock again. JD powers out, Darius RAMS JD but JD rebounds. JD powers through the chop to run Darius over! Darius stagger sup, ducks a chop but JD blocks a whip. Darius dropkicks the leg! Then DROPKICKS JD away! JD storms up but Darius hurries away. Action tags in to GAMANGIRI JD! Then Darius bumps JD off buckles, Action MISSILE DROPKICKS! JD tags Henry but Action spins Henry to CHOP and knuckle lock. Action goes up and up and FLYING ARM-DRAGS! Henry staggers up into a DROPKICK! Action keeps going, IMPLODER TORNILLO! Cover, TWO!

Action headlocks for a takeover and fans rally. Henry powers up to back suplex but Action lands on his feet to waistlock. Henry powers Action back into the corner, but Darius tags in! Darius jumps in to intercept Henry and RAM him into Action’s knees! Darius snapmares Henry, Action runs to BLAST JD, and then Darius sits Henry up for Action’s basement dropkick, right into Darius’ ghost pin! TWO!! Henry escapes but Darius CHOPS! Henry staggers, Darius headlocks, but Henry shoves him away. Darius slips out to the floor, he dodges JD and comes back, but JD pops him up, only for Darius to BOOT JD away!

Henry rushes over but Darius elbows him away! Darius BOOTS JD again, Henry returns to DROPKICK Henry into the FOREARM from JD! Henry BOOTS Action for good measure! The ref reprimands but Henry soaks up the heat. JD puts Darius in, Henry brings him up and whips him to the corner. Henry ROCKS Darius in the corner, tags JD, and then feeds Darius to JD’s LARIAT! Darius is down, Henry NECK TWISTS and JD slingshot sentons! JD mocks the Top Flight poses, then he drags Darius up. Darius CHOPS JD, but JD CHOPS Darius! Fans “WOO~” for those as Darius CHOPS again! JD CHOPS Darius off his feet!

Darius gets up to CHOP, but JD headlocks. Henry tags in as Darius powers out, and JD reverses. Darius comes back but he atomic drops Henry! Darius sends Henry into JD, then reaches out. Henry whips Darius away, runs in at the corner, but Darius goes up and over to handspring and jump, hot tag to Action! Action ducks a kick, rallies with big forearms and uppercuts! Action whips, Henry reverses, but Action handsprings, only for Henry to catch him! GERMAN SUPLEX, but Action lands on his feet! Action stares Henry down, things speed up again, Action ducks ‘n’ dodges to DIVE and hit JD!

Action goes up to ROCK Henry, mule kick JD, and repeat! Action fakes Henry out to ARABIAN PRESS JD! Action gets in, handsprings again, but into the GERMAN SUPLEX! This one hits, and JD runs in to LEG LARIAT! Henry runs corner to corner, METEORA!! And then feed to JD, ENZIGURI END OF DAYS COMBO!! Cover, Darius dodges JD to break it up!! JD is furious, he CHOPS Darius! JD runs in but only gets buckles! Henry waistlocks Action elbows free. Darius mule kicks, they both KICK Henry, then Darius whips Action to handspring KICK JD down! Darius & Action get Henry up, DOUBLE POWERSLAM! Cover, Action & Darius win!

Winners: Action Andretti & Darius Martin, by pinfall

The WorkHorsemen could not bring these two high flyers down, and they don’t even show respect with the Code of Honor. Will nothing get Action & Darius down as they continue to soar?

 

Six Man Tag: The Superbad Squad w/ Penelope Ford VS Bryce Saturn, Jakob Austin Young & Shogun Jones!

Kip Sabian, The Butcher & The Blade could not take the International Championship from Orange Cassidy in the Blackjack Battle Royal, but they aren’t going to stop hunting for gold. Will they use their opponents to whet their appetites until their next title shot?

The Code of Honor is NOT upheld as Saturn, Young & Shogun attack! That’s usually a Superbad Squad move, so they didn’t see it coming! The fans fire up, the bell rings, and while Kip brawls with Shogun and Blade brawls with Young, Butcher hits Saturn with an IRISH CURSE BACKBREAKER! Blade CHOPS Shogun, Kip clotheslines Young out, and then Kip runs in to CANNONBALL on Young! Kip stands Young up for Butcher to run in and KNEE! Blade runs in to CHOP, and then Blade drags Young right up. Saturn gets in to CHOP Kip, but Kip ROCKS Saturn! Kip reels Saturn in, DEATHLY HOLLOWS!

Butcher & Blade get Young up, to DRAG THE LAKE!! Cover, the Superbad Squad wins!

Winners: The Superbad Squad, by pinfall

And that’s it! You bring the fight to the Superbad Squad, they end the fight! But will they be fighting their way up towards trios titles for the Summer?

 

Six Man Tag: Bandido, El Hijo del Vikingo & Komander VS Spanish Announce Project & Jack Cartwheel w/ Luther!

This is quite the assembly of luchadores! Tomorrow night is a Championship Friday edition of Rampage, where the AAA Mega Championship is on the line in a Triple Threat, with Komander being one of Vikingo’s challengers! Will they be able to stay focused on winning together tonight? Or can Angelico, Serpentico & The Rocketwheel take advantage of some dysfunction?

The Code of Honor is upheld, the trios sort out, and Angelico starts against Komander. They circle, tie up, and Angelico waistlocks to SLAM Komander down. Angelico flips Komander over but Komander kips and kips and spins, but Angelico arm-drags him down. Angelico has the armlock, but Komander kips up to arm-drag free! They keep moving, Komander KICKS then runs, tilt-o-whirls and headscissors! Angelico flops out to the apron but hurries back in. Komander and Angelico back off to tag in Bandido and Serpentico. Fans rally behind Bandido and he fires forearms with Serpentico!

Bandido sobats, whips, Serpentico reverses and things speed up. Bandido handsprings but Serpentico dodges to BOOT! Bandido goes to a corner, Serpentico runs in but Bandido dodges! Serpentico ELBOWS back, RANAS, but Bandido handsprings through! Bandido sweeps and covers, ONE! Serpentico sweeps and covers, ONE! Both men handspring up and fans fire up! Bandido and Serpentico circle, nod the proverbial caps, and then tag out to Vikingo and Cartwheel! Fans cheer as both men circle. They speed up, Jack cartwheels over Vikingo but Viking dodges the clothesline. Jack ducks the heel kick to run, but Vikingo follows.

Jack drops down, Vikingo handsprings and jumps over him, then comes back. Jack hurdles then cartwheels, then goes up, leaps, but into Vikingo’s arms! Vikingo swings Jack but Jack slips free and reels Vikingo in, but Vikingo fights free. Jack kicks low, whips but Vikingo reverses. Jack goes up and out slowly using his incredible core strength, then he sweeps the legs! Jack rises up, slingshots and SPLASHES! Jack covers, TWO! Fans fire up but Luther is upset. Jack swings, Vikingo blocks, wrenches, traps the arms and has the legs, FLOATING BOW ‘N’ ARROW! Serpentico gets in to ROCK Vikingo!

Bandido gets in to BOOT Serpentico! Angelico gets in to kick Bandido and CLUB away on him! Angelico throws knees, has Bandido down, but Komander SUPERKICKS him! Vikingo SUPERKICKS Jack! Jack and SAP bail out, the luchadores build speed and fans fire up, but Luther trips Komander! Angelico & Serpentico ROCK Vikingo and Bandido! Jack gets back in to build speed, then FOSBURY FLOP! Down goes Komander and Luther is cheering! Angelico sends Bandido into the steps! Serpentico hits a COMPLETE SHOT on Komander, then Angelico adds a BIG back suplex! Jack goes up top and fans fire up.

Jack SHOOTING STAR STOMPS but Komander moves! Jack keeps moving, he cartwheels over Komander to come back and HANDSPRING MOONSAULT! Cover, TWO!! Komander survives and shocks Jack! Jack drags Komander up, fans rally, and Jack puts Komander in the corner. Tag to Angelico, he and Jack mug Komander, and Angelico stomps away. The ref counts, Angelico digs his boots in but lets off at 4. Serpentico CHOKES Komander as the ref is busy with Angelico! Angelico tags Jack, Jack keeps Komander from his corner, and he RAMS Komander back into the SAP corner. Fans rally for “LUCHA! LUCHA!” and Komander fights back!

Komander dodges jack but Jack waistlocks and ripcords, cartwheel and lift, to a POWER- NO, Komander slips free, DESTROYER!! Both men crawl, hot tag to Bandido! Bandido LARIATRS Jack, ELBOWS Serpentico, and KNEES Angelico! Bandido whips, pops Angelico up to a trophy lift, but Serpentico kicks low! SAP mugs Bandido, double whip him, but Vikingo tags in. Bandido BOOTS Serpentico, Vikingo FLYING RANAS Angelico! Fans fire up as they double whip Serpentico, then TOSS him out! Komander gets in and fans rally up. The lucadores try again, they TRIPLE TOPE!! SAP and Jack go down!

Fans are thunderous and the luchadores get Jack up and in. Bandido brings Jack around, he and Vikingo whip him to a corner. Bandido runs in to UPPERCUT! Komander runs in to clothesline! Feed to a POP-UP MISSILE DROPKKICK COMBO!!! Cover, but the SAP break it up! They throw Vikingo out, bump Komander off buckles, and Serpentico puts Komander up top. Komander shoves Serpentico away, but then Luther takes a swipe! Komander gets him to back off but Serpentico GAMANGIRIS! Serpentico climbs, but Bandido rushes up. Komander resists the superplex, then feeds Serpentico tot he trophy lift!

Bandido TOSSES Serpentico onto Luther! Bandido then builds speed and FLIES! Direct hit on Luther & Serpentico! Komander tightrope walks and jumps to ARIHARA MOONSAULT Angelico! Jack gets in, he kicks Vikingo, they both cartwheel, but Vikingo goes up top. Jack runs in but into a BOOT! Vikingo then jumps up but Jack trips him up! Jack climbs up behind Vikingo, “This is Awesome!” as Jack Electric Chair Lifts. But Vikingo uses that for a SUPER POISON-RANA!! Jack staggers all the way to the other corner, METEORA from Vikingo! Vikingo puts Jack in the drop zone, goes up top, and 630 SENTONS!! Cover, Vikingo’s team wins!

Winners: Bandido, El Hijo Del Vikingo & Komander, by pinfall

The AAA Mega Champion finishes things off, and his team of luchadores is victorious! But will Vikingo be able to hold onto that title when he faces Komander and LFI’s Dralistico? Or will there be a new champion after Rampage?

 

ROH Pure Championship: Katsuyori Shibata VS Alex Coughlin!

Speaking of that Championship Friday Rampage, this title will be part of that golden night. But will it be The Wrestler or The Android that moves on to face #TAIGASTYLE, Lee Moriarty?

For this match, the judges are BJ Whitmer, Madison Rayne & Jerry Lynn, their scores only needed should this go to the sixty minute time limit. The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see if the student can defeat the sensei!

The Code of Honor is upheld and fans chant for “SHI-BA-TA!” The bell rings, the two circle and feel things out. They knuckle lock, then shoot in. Shibata blocks Coughlin going for a leg to facelock, then keeps on Coughlin as he moves around. Shibata chinlocks, Coughlin fights up and moves around but Shibata keeps on him with a waistlock. Fans cheer as the two keep moving around on the mat. Shibata floats to a top mount and grabs an arm, but Coughlin quickly clasps hands to fight the armbar. Shibata breaks the grip but Coughlin gets the ROPEBREAK! Shibata lets off, but that is the first of three used up for Coughlin.

The two reset while fans applaud. They feel things out again, clinch, Shibata waistlocks, but Coughlin pries things open. But Shibata rolls Coughlin to have the top mount again. Coughlin tries to push him away but Shibata goes for the arm again! Coughlin rolls to stack Shibata but Shibata just uses that to get a TRIANGLE HOLD! Coughlin scrambles to the ROPEBREAK! That’s the second already! Coughlin is already at a huge disadvantage, but he and Shibata reset again. They feel things out, knuckle lock and then go shoulder to shoulder. They clinch, fight for control, and Shibata wants an arm.

Coughlin moves around but Shibata gets behind Coughlin and sits him down. Shibata goes for a chinlock but Coughlin blocks it. Shibata traps an arm, has the chinlock, and fans rally up. Shibata has both arms now for a motorcycle stretch. Coughlin fights up, stomps around, and fans rally. Coughlin turns the hold but Shibata turns it back! Coughlin still fights, using his size and strength, and he has the hold on Shibata now! Shibata now endures, but he rolls, kips up and shoots around to hook a leg! Coughlin fights the Cobra Twist but Shibata climbs up to have an elevated armlock!

Coughlin stays up but Shibata wants the other arm! Now it’s a true Motorcycle Stretch and fans cheer this technical display! Coughlin fights goes forward, and with his teeth, gets the ROPEBREAK! But that’s his last one! Shibata KICKS Coughlin from the ropes! Coughlin goes to a corner, Shibata fires off forearms and he can just keep going now! Shibata hammers Coughlin into sitting down, then he goes corner to corner and back again, HYDRAULIC DROPKICK!! Shibata drags Coughlin up, HALF HATCH! Cover, TWO!! Coughlin survives but Shibata keeps his cool. Shibata stomps Coughlin’s arm, then kicks him in the side!

Shibata grabs a leg, sits down on the toehold, and then he ties up the other leg! BUTTERFLY DEATHLOCK! Coughlin endures, keeps his shoulders up and he sits up to get in Shibata’s face. But Shibata ROCKS him! Coughlin sits up again, so Shibata fires off forearm after forearm! Fans fire up as Shibata finally stops to put pressure on the leg lock. Coughlin sits up again but Shibata knocks him back down! Coughlin sits up again, so Shibata adds a DOUBLE WRISTLOCK! Fans rally as Coughlin endures two holds, and powers through to get a facelock! Coughlin powers the deathlock open, to suplex Shibata and then stand up!

Fans fire up for the Android’s show of strength, and then he SLAMS Shibata down! “This is Awesome!” as Coughlin’s power evens things up with Shibata. Coughlin CHOPS Shibata, CHOPS him in the corner, then fires off more CHOPS! Shibata just gets in Coughlin’s face! Coughlin CHOPS Shibata down! Coughlin whips corner to corner, runs in and CHOPS! Shibata sits and Coughlin roars! Coughlin calls his shot, drags Shibata up and scoops, FALL AWAY BRIDGE! Cover, TWO!! Shibata gets free but Coughlin CHOPS him back down! Coughlin deadlift gut wrenches, to SLAM Shibata down! Cover, TWO!

Shibata shows his own toughness, but Coughlin deadlifts again! Gut wrench drop and Coughlin wants the arm! But Shibata shifts around to get Coughlin’s arm! Coughlin clasps hands, Shibata pries at the hold, but Coughlin stacks him. But that puts him back in the TRIANGLE! Coughlin fights to deadlift and POWERBOMB!! Fans fire up while both men are down! Fans rally and the two rise. Coughlin CHOPS! And CHOPS! And CHOPS! Coughlin runs, LARIATS, but Shibata stays up!? Shibata runs to BOOT! Coughlin stays up! Shibata knees low, runs, but Coughlin dodges to SHOULDER TACKLE!

Fans fire up as Coughlin slaps the mat! Fans fire up, Coughlin drags Shibata up and reels him in to suplex. Shibata slips free, to get the SLEEPER!! Coughlin pries at the hold but he’s fading! Shibata sits him down, runs in and PENALTY KICKS! Cover, Shibata wins!!

Winner: Katsuyori Shibata, by pinfall (still ROH Pure Champion)

The Android gave The Wrestler one hell of a match, but Shibata is the master for a reason. Shibata shows Coughlin respect and it is mutual, but will Shibata get the same from Lee Moriarty tomorrow night?

 

ROH Women’s World Championship: Athena VS Kiera Hogan!

The Fallen Goddess continues to tear into opponents both during and after her matches, but she might have picked on the wrong target. Athena lit a fire in Kiera, will she be the one burned? Or will she be able to stomp out Kiera’s flames and crush her dreams?

The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see if Kiera can put an end to Athena’s win streak!

The Code of Honor is upheld, though with tension, and then Athena DECKS Kiera at the bell! Athena stomps away on Kiera, shouts at the ref to back off, and then drags Kiera up to snapmare and KICK her in the back! Athena shouts, “This is MY show!” Then she drags Kiera up to ROCK her with another forearm! Athena brings Kiera up, whips her to the corner and ELBOWS her! Athena then whips Kiera to ropes to BOOT her down! Athena scowls, then soaks up the cheers and jeers from the fans. Athena grins, drags Kiera up, reels her in, and Canadian Racks, but Kiera fights free! Kiera rolls Athean up, TWO!

Athena gets up, but Kiera drop toeholds her onto ropes! Kiera runs to HIP ATTACK! Athena staggers, but she blocks a boot, only for Kiera to ENZIGURI! Kiera runs to step up, but Athena avoid the leg drop! Kiera ducks the Penalty Kick and rolls Athena up, but Athena rolls through and gets an arm to WRING Kiera out! Kiera writhes and clutches her shoulder, but she refuses to give up here. Athena drags Kiera up, throws her out of the ring, then shouts at the ref that she can do what she wants! Athena goes out to drag Kiera up and CLUB the arm! The ref starts a ring count, Athena drags Kiera up and RAMS her into railing!

Kiera slumps over, still clutching the arm. Athena tells the ref to count, and the count continues. Athena paces, the count is 4 of 10 while Athena lounges on the top rope. Kiera sits up at 6, crawls at 7, drags herself up at 8 and in at 9. Athena storms over, drags Kiera up but Kiera rolls her up! TWO, and Athena BOOTS Kiera down! “You think this is a game?!” Athena drags Kiera up, reels her in and hammerlocks the arm, to then snap suplex! Cover, TWO!! Kiera is still in this but Athena stomps away on the bad arm! Kiera throws body shots with the good arm, and she CHOPS! Athena CLUBS and SLAPS away on Kiera in return!

Athena drags Kiera up, CLUBS her, then shouts at the fans who rally for Kiera. Athena pushes Kiera, tucks her in and has a mounted armlock! Kiera endures being bent around and the fans rally. Athena grins, taunts the fans, but Kiera sits up! Kiera CLUBS Athena’s leg, trips her, then SUPERKICKS her! Fans rally up as Kiera runs, STEP-UP LEG DROP! Cover, TWO!! Athena survives but Kiera grits her teeth. Kiera drags Athena up, reels her in and turns her, but Athena powers out. Kiera comes back, but Athena catches the crossbody, SWINGING BACKBREAKER! Wrench and CODE BRAKER to the arm! FUJIWARA ARMBAR!!!

Kiera endures, reaches out, but Athena thrashes! Athena bridges as far back as she can, but Kiera refuses to give up! Kiera turns Athena to a cover, TWO!! Athena gets up to mule kick! Athena reels Kiera in, suplexes, and she carries Kiera to the corner. Athena puts Kiera up top but Kiera ROCKS Athena back! And BOOTS her! And leaps to FLYING RANA! Athena flounders, Kiera runs in, HIP ATTACK in the corner! Kiera keeps moving, but Athena avoids the boot wash! Kiera BOOTS Athena anyway! And ROUNDHOUSES! Athena staggers, Kiera runs, tilt-o-whirl DDT! Cover, TWO!! Athena is still in this and Kiera can’t believe it!

Kiera slaps her bad arm into working and the fans rally up. Kiera grits her teeth, drags Athena up, and reels her in. Kiera has a single leg hold, but the bad arm won’t let her lift! Athena waistlocks, Kiera switches, but Athena blocks the O’Conner to smother it! With tights! Athena wins!!

Winner: Athena, by pinfall (still ROH Women’s World Champion)

The Fallen Goddess definitely got into a fight with Kiera, but Kiera isn’t done with Athena now! Kiera ROCKS Athena, giving her a taste of her own medicine! Kiera RAMS Athena into the railing! Fans fire up and Kiera RAMS Athena into steel steps! Kiera is furious and she gets a chair! The ref and security tell her not to, but Kiera aims at Athena! The ref takes the chair, the fans boo, and Kiera says this ain’t over! Kiera storms up on the security, they tell her to calm down. Kiera’s Spider-Sense helps her dodge Athena, the SHOTGUN DROPKICK takes out the guard! Kiera CLUBS away on Athena!

Athena RAMS Kiera into railing, the brawl is on! Security pulls them apart, Kiera SUPERKICKS but it hits the guard! The ref stops Kiera but she stalks Athena. Athena is grinning but Kiera shouts at her that she cheated! Kiera storms up but Athena DECKS her!! Athena puts Kiera back in the ring, fans fire up and Athena cheers herself on. Athena slide sin, but Kiera SLIDING BOOTS Athena! And she rains down fists! More refs rush out, as well as more security. They separate the two, but fans wanna “Let Them Fight!” Athena gest free to BLAST Kiera and the cluster around her! The security backs Athena off again, and Kiera is in bad shape.

Medics rush in, did Athena do more damage than just a bad arm to Kiera? She DECKS security guards now!! The Fallen Goddess is one of war and fury, but will Kiera rise from the ashes like a phoenix to go another round?


My Thoughts:

A really good ROH, and thankfully under two hours. Again, really good matches, good wins for The Kingdom, Skye, Diamante, Action & Darius, The Superbad Squad and the lucha trio. Stu & The Righteous VS Dark Order was also really good, especially for the story beat. Uno and Stu played being conflicted very well, and it’s a bit telling that Silver & Reynolds were not hesitant to fight Stu. Stu & The Righteous of course win for that, and I can’t wait to see where this goes next. And I really like that we got Cage VS Mack to add to their rivalry throughout their careers. But I figured Cage would win, Mack Attack’s gonna need a third Mack if they wanna get at the ROH World Six Man Tag titles.

Great promo from ZSJ and Joe, though it felt rather awkward as they argued about how clear or not clear things were. Maybe some of that was on purpose. But obviously they’re just waiting for an opportunity to give us ZSJ VS Joe for at least one TV title. ZSJ VS Rocky was a great match, as all these NJPW World TV Championship matches have been. But given ZSJ has to defend this belt on Sunday at Dominion, he wasn’t gonna lose here, and he won’t lose it on Rampage, either. For that matter, same goes for Shibata. He had a really good match with Coughlin here, and he’ll have a great match with Moriarty on Rampage, but I doubt Shibata loses just yet.

And we got great stuff out of the main event with Athena VS Kiera. Kiera got a great showing, even in a loss, and I really like that she went after Athena afterward. Great brawl, especially with the guards taking some big hits, too. I hope that last bit wasn’t legit, it’d be a shame if this brawl did real damage when it’s just meant to further the story. Assuming Kiera is okay, she and Athena will surely have a rematch, perhaps as part of an ROH special/PPV.

My Score: 8.6/10


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Coverage

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

Talk about a Big Time Raw!

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Will The Man be the Last Woman Standing?

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

OFFICIAL RESULTS

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

 


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

The semifinals are here!

Published

on

We’re just one step away from the Cup!

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

OFFICIAL RESULTS

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

PLAY BY PLAY

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

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

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

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

No Contest

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

2024 New Japan Cup Semifinals: SANADA VS Hirooki Goto!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


My Thoughts:

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

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

My Score: 8.9/10


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