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Mitchell’s WWE Monday Night Raw Live Report! (3/19/18)

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7 years ago

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All images courtesy of the WWE’s official Twitter

 

OFFICIAL RESULTS

  • Asuka VS Alexa Bliss w/ Mickie James; Asuka wins, by count out.
  • Braun Strowman VS ???; Strowman wins.
  • The Revival VS Titus Worldwide w/ Dana Brooke; The Revival wins.
  • Absolution w/ Paige VS Sasha Banks & Bayley; Absolution wins.
  • Six Man Tag: The Miztourage VS The Balor Club; Balor Club wins.
  • ULTIMATE DELETION: WOKEN Matt Hardy VS Bray Wyatt; Hardy wins.

PLAY BY PLAY

Raw General Manager, Kurt Angle, heads to the ring.

The Olympic Gold Medalist welcomes Dallas to the show, and says that he has some bad news. Roman Reigns is still suspended from last week, so he will not be here tonight. Brock Lesnar is also not here yet, but Vince McMahon promises that Lesnar will appear. Angle moves on to the Raw Tag Team Championship Battle Royal, and how Braun Strowman entered and won, despite having no tag team partner. Therefore, Angle promises to figure out the situation. But before he can explain, Roman Reigns does appear!

The Big Dog walks to the ring from the crowd, despite being suspended. Fans are thunderous both ways for the Universal Champion’s #1 contender. Angle asks what Roman is doing “trespassing”. Roman doesn’t care, because Brock wasn’t here week after week, so someone has to represent the main event. Angle says Brock will be here, but Roman wonders where. All these promises but nothing. Lesnar is just running late. Roman is upset, Angle knows, but they can’t do that in here. But Roman got suspended for what? Telling the truth!? Angle wants Roman to understand that while Lesnar doesn’t show up and Roman wants to get his hands on him, Roman will still get him in three weeks. Roman just has to be patient.

Angle promises it will happen. Roman understands, but he still doesn’t care. They’re in Dallas, Texas, and he has a bunch of memories here, but he won’t leave until he makes one more. Angle needs to go tell whoever is back there to bring Lesnar out, tonight. With that, Angle heads to the back, Roman waiting with a chair in hand. But instead of Lesnar coming out, U.S. Marshals come out, and enter the ring to arrest Roman.

They even read him his rights. Roman doesn’t resist, he lets them put on the cuffs. He then walks with them but takes offense to them grabbing him by the arm. They try to force him to move, and he fights back! Even with cuffs on, he fights off the three marshals, and stomps a mudhole into one! That’s when The Beast appears! Roman tries to use the chair, but Lesnar evades, German Suplexes, and SMACKS Roman with that chair! All the while, Paul Heyman lifts up the title belt to signify Lesnar’s victory. Then a second German Suplex, and Lesnar looms over Reigns, chair in hand. The referees try to stop Lesnar, but he gives one more SMACK to Roman with the chair.

The Big Dog is vulnerable, and takes a third German Suplex! Fans are still a raucous mix as Lesnar SMACKS Roman a third time, then a fourth time, with the chair. Lesnar says, “Suplex City, Bitch!” before he and his Advocate take their leave to a chorus of boos. The referees finally check on Roman, but Lesnar returns! A fifth, sixth, and even seventh chair shot before a fourth German Suplex. Lesnar laughs, and now “the reigning, defending, undisputed” champion leaves. Never mind, he returns to finish Roman with the F5!! And Lesnar roars in victory.

Now Lesnar leaves, having done enough. Medical personnel arrive with a stretcher and strap Roman in while anti-Roman fans chant “You Deserve It!” They move Roman from ring to ramp, but Lesnar returns?! And he shoves Roman’s stretcher over!! The Beast laughs and grins again, then drags the stretcher and Roman around. Roman is in agony but Lesnar leaves, feeling triumphant. Wrestlemania is weeks away, but can Roman hope to recover and seek revenge on The Beast?

 

Roman Reigns finally makes it to an ambulance.

With things having calmed down, medical professionals can finally get the #1 contender out of the building. Will Roman be able to recover in time for Wrestlemania?

 

Raw looks back to last week.

Asuka wanted to explain her choosing Charlotte Flair over Alexa Bliss, but Alexa Bliss interrupted. The Goddess spins it as Asuka is afraid to lose to Alexa, but the Empress set it straight: “I beat you once, I can beat you again, right now!” But instead of Alexa fighting for herself, she hoped Nia Jax would take her place. Nia chose not to, and Mickie James tried but took a loss at the hands of Asuka.

Alexa found Nia and assured her they were best friends. Nia destroyed Joan King, but then found out the truth about The Goddess: she was manipulating Nia the entire time. “Just like high school.” Nia flew into a rage, and Alexa ran for her life. The Irresistible Force wants to destroy Alexa Bliss once and for all, will she get her hands on the Raw Women’s Champion tonight?

 

Asuka VS Alexa Bliss w/ Mickie James!

The Goddess has really put herself in a bad situation. She was safe from The Empress, since Asuka’s headed to SmackDown to take on the Queen of Flair. But then her ego got the better of her, and she mouthed off about the wrong woman. If Alexa doesn’t get beat up too badly against Asuka, will Nia Jax be there to finish the job?

Before the match, Alexa wishes to speak. “I get it, you’re right. Last week, I said some things about my best friend” that were very hurtful and wrong. Alexa claims it was all joking, that it was “girl talk.” She admits she got carried away, and can only say, “I’m sorry.” The fans boo, not believing this apology. She apologizes that she didn’t say it sooner! Even “sorry” felt wrong. Alexa doesn’t feel bad at all about what she said. Nia was humiliated in front of the world, and Alexa loves it. Alexa admits she used Nia. Does anyone think someone like Alexa would be friends with someone like Nia? But Alexa does feel better finally lifting that weight of “sad pathetic loser” known as Nia. Mickie cracks up but the fans boo and jeer. Alexa says that she’ll do what no one else has: end Asuka’s undefeated streak.

Asuka makes her entrance at this moment, and the match begins, after the break.

Raw returns to the match in progress, and Alexa slams Asuka’s face into the mat. She drags Asuka to the ropes to bend her back against the ropes, but lets go at 4. Asuka hits back but Alexa slaps harder. She brings Asuka up and back to ropes to push her against them. Alexa backs off but Mickie claws at Asuka. Mickie gets back and Alexa stomps a mudhole into Asuka before throwing her out. Mickie gets another cheap shot in, then Alexa fetches Asuka to bump her off the apron. Alexa taunts Asuka and her fans before bumping her again. They return in the ring, Alexa covers, ONE. Alexa puts Asuka in the chinlock, but fans rally for The Empress! Asuka gets up, fights back, then sweeps but Alexa hops over to dropkick Asuka. Cover, TWO, and Alexa grows frustrated.

Alexa bumps Asuka’s face off the mat again, then drags her up into a chinlock. Asuka endures the new squeeze while fans rally again. She fights out but Alexa knees low. Alexa goes to throw Asuka out but Asuka turns that around to snap Alexa off the ropes. Asuka runs, evades, and hip attacks Alexa down! Alexa gets to a corner but gets another hip attack, then a strike fest and pop-up knee! Asuka runs again, shining wizard! Cover, TWO! Asuka fires up while Alexa gets to a corner. Alexa evades but Asuka kicks back. Asuka hops up, takes aim, but Mickie distracts. Mickie runs when Asuka swings on her, but Alexa pounces with that rocking right forearm! Alexa then kicks Asuka out of the ring and to the floor, where Mickie gets yet another cheap shot in.

Alexa takes a moment to catch her breath before bringing Asuka in for a cover, TWO! She puts Asuka in another chinlock, but fans  don’t give up on Asuka! Asuka feeds off that energy and fights out, throwing Alexa down. Asuka unloads kicks, but Alexa kicks back, then rains down hands. Cover, ONE, so Alexa throws Asuka out one more time while we go to break.

Raw returns to Alexa literally walking on Asuka to get to the corner. Alexa climbs up, but Asuka stops her with a right hand! Asuka climbs up to join Alexa, but Alexa resists. Alexa headbutts Asuka off, then hops over to sunset flip powerbomb!

TWO!! And The Goddess throws a tantrum. She drags Asuka up, bends her back with the choke hold, but then Asuka gets free, only to end up in the neckbreaker anyway. Alexa tries Insult2Injury but misses the latter, Asuka hits the hip attack! Cover, TWO, but Asuka doesn’t lose focus. She fires up and brings Alexa up, going for her Lock. Alexa slips under, Asuka sits on her, TWO, into an Ankle Lock! Alexa reaches for ropes but can’t get hold, so she rolls, only for Asuka to keep that grip! The referee keeps Mickie from helping, but Alexa still gets the ropebreak. Asuka lets go and Alexa regroups with Mickie. The referee keeps Asuka back to start a count. Mickie grabs the belt and helps Alexa up, they’re retreating! The count hits 10, the Streak lives on as Asuka wins.

However, Alexa can’t get away as NIA JAX appears! Nia runs Mickie right over, and chases the not so hurt Alexa around the ring! She grabs Alexa at the barriers, Mickie saves Alexa but gets thrown into the LEDs face first for it.

Nia shrieks but Alexa retreats, so Nia keeps chasing, all the way into the back! Will the Goddess have to face the wrath of this titan down the line?

 

Alexa Bliss visits Kurt Angle.

Nia is out of control! Suspend her! No, arrest her! Angle’s had enough arrests and people telling him what to do. He saw what Nia did, and knows what Alexa said last week, as do many other people around the world. The Women’s Champion should be a role model. This is what Angle will do about Nia: she gets a title match against Alexa, at Wrestlemania. Things went from bad to worse for The Goddess. Will her Wrestlemania Moment be her demise?

 

Braun Strowman heads to the ring!

The Monster Among Men knows that he won the Raw Tag Team Battle Royal by himself. Strowman has not a road, but a Path of Destruction to Wrestlemania. However, as it is a tag team match, he must have a tag team partner. Strowman feels he doesn’t need one, he can win the titles by himself. However, The Bar appear to respond.

“Hey Braun, you need to hold on a second there, fella.” He’s insane thinking he can win 2v1. Yes, he won the battle royal, by himself, but throwing people around is different from defeating “the greatest tag team in the history of the WWE.” But since teaming is hard for Strowman, Cesaro explains that it takes months of working together, working out together, traveling together, sleeping together. Er… “Oh grow up, he means room together.” But the point is, The Bar optimizes everything to be the best. Strowman could get Black Panther, Captain America, or even Jerry Jones, he won’t stand a chance at Wrestlemania. Sheamus & Cesaro will walk in and walk out still Raw Tag Team Champions, because–

“Would you two shut the hell up!?” How dare Strowman say that to them! Sheamus & Cesaro have beaten every team on Raw, Strowman and his partner won’t change that. What Lesnar did to Roman is nothing compared to what The Bar do to Strowman’s team. Well Strowman has two things The Bar need to worry about: Strowman has his partner, and that Strowman gets a match against one of them right now! Who wants to #GetTheseHands?!

Braun Strowman VS ???

The Celtic Gladiator and Swiss Cyborg both shed their entrance gear and both get on the apron. They both enter the ring, but Sheamus slips right out! Seems it’s Cesaro taking on Strowman.

The bell rings and Strowman throws Cesaro to a corner to then whip him into the same corner. Sheamus coaches Cesaro on but Strowman whips him corner to corner to flatten him. Strowman whips Cesaro again, Cesaro tumbles all the way out of the ring! The Monster roars while we go to break.

Raw returns to Strowman bumping Cesaro off buckles, but Cesaro jumps on him for a sleeper. Strowman repeats the bump but Cesaro boots back a couple times, and even another. He gives a European Uppercut, then a hotshot to Strowman’s arm. Sheamus coaches Cesaro as he keeps on Strowman, but that suplex isn’t going to work. Strowman lifts Cesaro, but Cesaro slips out to dump Strowman out. Cesaro kicks Strowman, then runs to wrecking ball Strowman to barriers! Strowman picks Cesaro up to flapjack him off the barriers in return! Sheamus distracts, but backs down as Strowman walks over. The fans rally, but Cesaro flies in, only to get a spinebuster into barriers! Strowman tosses Cesaro into the ring, and stalks him to a corner. He runs in, but Cesaro dodges to send Strowman into post!

Cesaro dropkicks Strowman deeper into the post, then drags him up for EuroUpper after EuroUpper. He kicks Strowman and prepares the Neutralizer, but Strowman picks him up to throw him out.

Cesaro returns for the hotshot, then runs for a springboard flying EuroUpper! Cover, TWO, and Cesaro is shocked. Sheamus rallies for Cesaro while Cesaro brings Strowman up again. Strowman throws Cesaro off with a back body drop, Cesaro tries the springboard, but flies into Strowman’s punch. Strowman flattens Cesaro in the corner again, but Sheamus distracts. Cesaro slips out and regroups with Sheamus, so Strowman slips out and runs over, only to run Sheamus over instead! Strowman returns into the ring and runs at Cesaro, but misses again. Cesaro tries the roll up but Strowman brings him up. Another EuroUpper, then more boots, Cesaro flies into Strowman’s arms, and the Monster Slam! Strowman wins! The Monster Among Men did it alone once again, how will things go when he has that partner by his side?

 

The WOKEN Wisdom speaks from the Hardy Family Compound.

Matt Hardy invites the WWE Universe to witness and document the events of tonight. His beautiful wife, Queen Rebecca, plays the piano while King Maxwell and Lord Wolfgang look on. Hardy does this for his progeny, including ridding this plane of “the dastardly” Bray Wyatt. Vanguard One, go on patrol to keep an eye out for the Consumer of Terrestrial Entities. Senor Benjamin prepares the battlefield for… ANNIHILATION~! Will Ultimate Deletion bring an end to the eternal Great War?

 

The Revival VS Titus Worldwide w/ Dana Brooke!

While neither team won the #1 contender battle royal, they still want to climb the ladder towards the top of the Raw Tag Team Division. Will Dash & Dawson #SayYeah or will the Real Deal and Apollo #MakeItaWin?

Dash starts with Titus and chops him in a corner. Titus brushes that off to throw and chop Dash back. Dawson comes over but Titus brings him in for a chop. Titus goes to slam Dawson but Dash dropkicks him from behind. Dash throws hands, then tags in Dawson to be a human weapon, leg drop!

Dawson covers, ONE, but Dawson keeps on Titus with hard hands to the head. He stomps a mudhole into Titus, then tags in Dash, so they can mug Titus together. Dash taunts Apollo while stomping Titus, then tags Dawson back in. Titus keeps them from splitting the wishbone, tag to Apollo! Apollo rallies on the #TopGuys, dropkick for them both! He hits Dawson with the leaping lariat and kip-up to standing moonsault. TWO, but Apollo keeps his cool. Dash distracts, Dawson pounces with a right forearm, but Apollo gives them back.

Dawson tries a backslide, but Apollo dropkicks Dash to slip out then roll Dawson, TWO! Apollo drags Dawson up but Dash trips up Titus. Titus grabs Dash but is rammed into the apron! Apollo slingshots onto Dash, then knocks Dawson away with a forearm. Apollo climbs, flies, crossbody but roll through, TWO! Enziguri rocks Dawson, but as Apollo lifts, Dash tags in. Dash comes in, Apollo is 2v1, whip and SHATTER MACHINE! Cover, The Revival win! The Revival out maneuvers Titus Worldwide, will they be able to get a title match after Wrestlemania?

In-ring interview with The Revival.

With The Bar going up against Strowman’s team, what is their path to Wrestlemania? That’s a good question, because no other tag team is more qualified than them to be contenders. Strowman came into their world, now the Revival will enter his. They both declare for the Andre the Giant Battle Royal, and vow to be the first tag team to win it. Can Dash & Dawson get a Wrestlemania Moment in something not related to tag teaming?

 

WWE announces the next 2018 Hall of Fame inductee: Mark Henry!

The World’s Strongest Man came from the small town of Silsbee, Texas, went on to be an Olympic weight lifter, and then a fast-rising WWE superstar. He was also “Sexual Chocolate”, as he could be as smooth and romantic as he could be athletic and dominant. Then, after time away, he would return to create his Hall of Pain, dominating and destroying superstar after superstar. He is also an International Sports Hall of Fame inductee, and would become an Ambassador for the WWE in many facets. Now the Hall of Pain shall be immortalized in the Hall of Fame!

 

Absolution w/ Paige VS Sasha Banks & Bayley!

While the Glampire’s Gladiator & God’s Greatest Creation are a united front ready to take on any one, the Legit Boss and Huggable One have been up and down in their friendship as of late. Can Bayley & Banks hold it together long enough to win? Or will their bond break under the pressure?

However, Sasha wishes to speak before the match begins. When you have a problem to someone, you don’t walk away or talk behind their back, you do it face to face. Sasha says Bayley is still her best friend, and she wants to fix things. She knows she hurt Bayley’s feelings in two different “every woman for herself” matches, but that’s how it goes. It wasn’t about their friendship, it’s about winning titles. Bayley didn’t win anything when she ditched her in a tag match or walked away last week. They’re even, two and two, so as “sisters”, Sasha forgives Bayley. Sasha offers a handshake, but Bayley declines in order to respond.

“The night after Elimination Chamber”, Bayley was angry and acted impulsively. There was nothing lost when Bayley did those things, but she can’t get over any of it. It’s not about what Sasha did, but how. They know each other so well, and yes, Sasha does whatever is needed, but “the look on your face after you did it”, from the glare to the smirk, it ate away at Bayley. Sasha literally kicked Bayley down and watched her fall, smiling. “I can’t get that picture out of my head.” If they’re friends, then why was knocking her down so easy? Absolution makes their entrance, and Paige adds on.

Paige “apologizes” for interrupting if they’re trying to work something out, but it’s time for a match. Absolution will show you how real women settle scores. Everyone gathers in the ring, and we start with Sasha and Sonya. Sonya lunges in but Sasha puts her in a corner for shoulders. Sasha backs off, dodges, and slaps Sonya before putting her back in the corner. Sonya dodges and sucker punches Bayley, to then throw Sasha out to join her. Absolution enjoys controlling the ring while we go to break.

Raw returns again, to Mandy with Bayley in a chinlock. The fans rally for Bayley, and she fights her way up and out. Mandy puts her in a corner but Bayley turns it around to bump and bump Mandy off buckles.

Bayley lets up at 4, then gives one last bump to knock Mandy down. Cover, TWO, Bayley runs for the sliding elbow and then lariat. Bayley covers again, ONE, but Bayley keeps on her. She runs, Sasha tags, elbow drop and Sasha pushes Bayley aside for the cover, ONE. The tension grows again, but Bayley lets Sasha give double knees. Mandy dodges the second time, and throws Sasha down. Cover, TWO, but Mandy tags in Sonya and Absolution stomps a mudhole into Sasha together.

Sonya embraces the heat, then toys with Sasha. She sits Sasha up for the sliding knee to the back, cover, TWO. Sonya drags Sasha up into the bodyscissors squeeze, taunting Sasha to reach for anything. Sonya rolls Sasha but fans rally for Sasha. Sasha gets up with Sonya on her back, and snapmares Sonya off, only to get picked up and slammed!

Cover, TWO, but Absolution keeps calm. Sonya kicks Sasha, tags in Mandy, and then brings Sasha up to feed her to Mandy’s golden knee! Cover, TWO! Mandy rains rights on Sasha, then covers, TWO. Mandy wrenches Sasha’s arm, and puts her in a cross between Abdominal and Octopus. The fans rally again, and Sasha pops out to hip-toss Mandy down. Mandy dropkicks Sasha right back, then isolates her to tag in Sonya. Absolution mugs Sasha in the corner, Mandy tags back in, and the isolation continues.

Sasha fights her way out, then crawls for Bayley. She’s almost there, but Sonya pounces. Sasha fights back, knee counter, and Bayley tags in! Bayley rallies on Sonya! She puts Sonya in a corner for a mudhole stomp of her own, then throws her to the apron for the hotshot. She keeps going, saido suplex and the back elbow. Bayley climbs up, flies for the elbow, then covers,. Mandy breaks the cover, but Sasha is right on her! The referee is busy with them, so he doesn’t see the backslide! He’s late to it, ONE, and Sasha won’ts top fighting Mandy. Bayley tells Sasha to get her head into things, but Mandy comes in, they both elbow her down. Sonya pounces while they argue, and rocks Bayley with a roundhouse! Sonya covers, Absolution wins! The “friendship” just cost them a win, will they ever get things figured out?

 

JOHN CENA is here!

Dallas sings “John Cena Sucks~!” for The Face that Runs the Place as he heads down to the ring. “This is not your typical Monday Night Raw”, because “everything is bigger in Texas.” Cena challenged The Undertaker last week, and it’s either “Yes or No.” Now we all find out what the answer is! Cena is still amazed at how long Taker is hiding from embarrassment. But Taker thinks we think he no longer belongs. “That is absolutely ridiculous. As long as there is a WWE, the name ‘Undertaker’ has meaning!” Cena has asked around the world, and we all saw an audience brought to their feet at the mere mention of the name. How does Dallas feel about it? They cheer, and chant “YES! YES!” for the possible match. Well, hearing is the first thing to go, so be louder! And Dallas gets louder!

Cena says “hold on to your seats”, because the response to the Wrestlemania challenge is: nothing but silence. Neither yes nor no, just nothing. “And that is the biggest mistake the Undertaker has ever made.” Cena meant it when he said it, he’ll go as just a fan. But for Taker not getting up to give an answer is disrespectful! Not just to Cena, but to the WWE Universe, and to every person who has ever cheered for Undertaker’s name, to those who followed and believed and loved his Streak. He went from over-sized mortician to a wrestling god, because of the fans! So after hearing all that, he can’t tell the fans if it’s yes or no? Fans chant “We Want Taker!”.

Cena wants Taker to at least say “no” so we’ll know he’s retired. Or say “yes” and give us what we want! Instead, Taker drowns in his insecurity. He’s no wrestling god, just a man. And that man is a coward. “The Undertaker is a coward!”

Cena begs Taker to prove him wrong to at least give him “Yes”, “No”, or some of that stupid cheesy stuff with smoke and lightning, just something more than nothing. Cena waits for any of that, and the fans chant “Do Something!” Yet, nothing. “There it is. The exact moment you let everyone down who ever believed in you.” Undertaker is no god, and barely a man. However, Kane appears!

The Big Red Machine, and brother to the Phenom, enters the ring to stand across from Cena. This is a sign, isn’t it?! He is here to give Taker’s response! Is it “yes” or “no”? Cena and the fans wait for Kane to speak, hoping that it’s “YES! YES!” but Kane just grabs Cena to CHOKE SLAM HIM!! But, what does that mean?!

 

WOKEN Hardy consulted the spirit of George Washington.

Who else to ask about strategy than the great general who won America its independence? However, George is in the body of a giraffe… Assuming Hardy understood his old confidant, will the advice the Founding Father of America gave him help him DELETE Bray Wyatt and Sister Abigail?

 

Six Man Tag: The Miztourage VS The Balor Club!

The Intercontinental Champion will face The Extraordinary Man, as well as The Architect, in a Triple Threat for the title at Wrestlemania. As for right now, he leads Bo Dallas & Curt Axel into battle against Finn and his Good Brothers in a full-on fight of factions. Will The Miz gain momentum back towards his major championship defense? Or will Finn keep things #TooSweet?

Miz rants about being snubbed from the Wrestlemania advertisements, including the Wrestlemania magazine! The World champion and Universal champion are on the cover, and are in singles matches, but Miz is shown no respect! Worse yet, Miz wants to know if he’s “the bad guy”, and everyone says “YES! YES!” What? Just because fans literally buying into the hype, Rollins and Finn are somehow the heroes? No, they’re just liars! Finn and Rollins are at each other’s throats, and Miz promises to push “Tyler Black” and “Prince Devitt” back to the bingo halls! He will take respect from everyone when he becomes the longest reigning Intercontinental Champion ever! However, no respect is shown by The Good Brothers or “Prince Devitt” as they make their entrance.

However, Seth Rollins also appears? The Architect won’t be left out of things, he wants on commentary!

Raw returns to the match underway. Gallows rocks Axel with an uppercut and covers, TWO. Tag to Finn, and he hits a falling ax handle. He puts Axel in a corner and chops, then corner to corner whip for a running chop. Finn whips again, Axel boots him away, then tags to Bo. Finn arm-drags Bo around then wrenches the arm. The fans cheer for Finn but Bo powers him to the Miztourage corner. Miz tags in and throws hands on Finn, but Finn hits back. Miz reverses the whip and runs Finn over, then rains left hands. The A-Lister brings Finn up and into his corner to ram in shoulders before tagging to Axel. Axel snapmares and neck snaps Finn, then covers, TWO. Axel keeps on Finn with a chinlock, but Finn stands up, only for Axel to wrangle him back down.

Finn endures and stands up again, to reach for his corner. Axel knees low, then brings Finn up for a powerbomb, but Finn body drops. Axel sunsets, Finn rolls through and dropkicks Axel. Bo comes in to stop Finn from tagging out, to whip and clothesline him in the Miztourage corner. Bo stomps and stomps, then Miz gets a cheap shot. Axel tags in while Bo adds more stomps, then they mock Finn’s entrance pose. Finn fights back, hitting everyone, but Axel puts him in an open corner. Finn dodges and hot tag to the Machine Gun! Karl Anderson rallies on Axel, whip reversed but the dropkick hits. Anderson takes out Bo and Miz then jump kicks Axel. He hops up, takes aim, flying neckbreaker!

Cover, TWO, but Anderson is ready. he knocks Bo down, then climbs up to fly again, crossbody hits! Cover, TWO, but Anderson fires up. He runs into Axel’s back elbow, Axel tags Miz, Miz hits the low DDT! Cover, TWO, and we go to break.

Raw returns again, and both Axel and Anderson are dazed. Anderson gives Axel a spinebuster, then crawls for his corner. Hot tag to Finn and Bo, and Finn rallies! He sweeps the legs and double stomps on Bo, but Bo rolls away. Axel comes in but Finn sends him out, to then FLY on The Miztourage! Finn flexes before putting Bo in the ring, then climbs up top. He takes aim but Miz distracts the ref, Axel shoves Finn down. Bo tags in Miz, and Miz goes after Finn. Finn rolls through the Finale, TWO, but has to fight out again. He hits Axel down, Miz rolls up, TWO and Miz goes into Axel. Finn rolls Miz, Balor Club wins!

But then Miz attacks anyway, with Miztourage in tow. The Good Brothers are kept out while Miz grinds a boot into Finn’s throat. Bo and Axel finish off Anderson & Gallows, that prompts Rollins to hurry over! He runs Bo and Axel over, then gets Miz with a mule kick and CURB STOMP!

The Architect stands over the champion, but so does Finn. Rollins says he’s going to win the Intercontinental Championship, will he become a Grand Slam Champion at Wrestlemania?

 

WOKEN Hardy rides Skaasgaard.

They sail across the Lake of Reincarnation as Hardy awaits Bray Wyatt’s arrival. The Great War is moments away, who will return to the real world the winner?

 

Raw takes a look at “Rowdy” Ronda Rousey’s training.

Kurt Angle saw first hand how tough and talented Ronda is, “it’s true, it’s damn true.” Ronda wants respect, and desires the respect of those she respects. She does something to be the best at it, and that didn’t stop with the gold medal in judo. She struggled for a long time after that, but was fortunate to find Women’s MMA. Ronda became the most dominant woman in fight sports, and only says she’s the best because she’s proven she’s the best. Though, there then came a time that she wasn’t the best. Ronda remembers back thinking, “God hates me.” She felt empty, but her husband was there for her. He told her she isn’t just a fighter, she can be more.

And that’s when she arrived in the WWE. “It’s all led to this”, and only now does she see everything was for this moment. Ronda is living a dream, but Stephanie McMahon and Triple H are trying to hold that down. Love her or hate her, people watch Ronda. She knows there’s pressure, but she thrives on that. Olympic gold to UFC championship, to the WWE, “Rowdy” Rousey is ready for Wrestlemania! How will Ronda rock the world when she debuts on the Grandest Stage of Them All?

 

ULTIMATE DELETION!

Bray Wyatt leaves his swamp behind to arrive at the Hardy Compound. He approaches the gate, and it opens for him. Bray grins as he enters, and Vanguard One is there to identify him.

Hardy’s hologram greets Bray, and asks he “follow the music.” Vanguard One flies away, and a piano plays. Bray follows the sounds through the forest, and comes upon Hardy, Reby, and a ring. Hardy knew he’d come. The Great War will continue after the break.

The Freshness of Monday Nights returns, and the Consumer of Terrestrial Entities stands across from the WOKEN Wisdom. The bell rings, and this is made official. Hardy and Bray circle, each laughing in their own way. “Enough!” No more laughter, there is only combat! Bray pushes Matt to a corner, but Vanguard goes into attack mode! Hardy pounces in the distraction, but Bray pushes him away. Hardy falls on Bray to hammer away, then whip. Bray blocks and reverses only to run into a boot. Hardy sweeps and covers, ONE, so Hardy gets serious. He chants “DELETE! DELETE!” and grabs Bray, but Bray powers him away. He prepares Sister Abigail but Hardy fights out. Hardy hits back but runs into a lariat! Bray declares he is the wrestling God, but “where are my manners?” He forgot the house warming gift.

Bray slips out of the ring and pulls something out from under the ring: there were steel chairs under there? Bray brings one in, and goes over to the vulnerable Hardy. “Vanguard, initiate!” What? Initiate what? FIREWORKS!! Bray is startled, Hardy grabs a chair, and hits Bray with it! Over and over, hardy hits Bray, then declares this is the Deletion! Hardy keeps ramming Bray with the chair, to then SMACK him in the back. Bray goes running from the ring, and Hardy follows. They fight int he fields, the Face of Fear backing down into the “Dilapidated City.”  Bray hits back and has Hardy up against a world. But does this remind Bray of anything? It’s… It’s Sister Abigail’s home, thought to be burned to ashes by The Viper just a year ago.

But time to “wake up!” Hardy has a kendo stick and smacks away on Bray. Bray blocks, and takes the stick to hit Hardy back. Bray pins Hardy up against the wall, ramming him against Abigail’s home again and again. Then, with the rage left over from Randy Orton’s betrayal, Bray pursues Hardy into the night. “Where are you, Matt?” He follows Hardy into the “Land of Obsolete Men.” And Hardy teases him, appearing and disappearing from totem to totem. Bray chases and chases but cannot keep up with the wily Woken One.

Hardy frolics away, and Bray realizes his weapon is busted. Bray leaves the stick behind to keep up the hunt. Hardy turns things around on Bray, but Bray still fights Hardy off to kick him while he’s down. The referee checks on a gasping Hardy, but Bray does not let up, using a thick tree branch to clobber Hardy. Cover, TWO, so Bray rains forearms down upon him.

Bray drags Hardy up, then over to see “what’s behind door number one?” Hardy bounces off the steel door, and Bray stands over him grinning. The door opens, and another ring is found. Hardy crawls into the “Dome of Deletion”, but Bray keeps kicking him. Bray drags Hardy over to his piano, and uses a yurinagi. Hardy fights out, then bounces Bray off the piano and then a post. They stagger about, gasping and laughing all the way. Hardy grabs a ladder, takes aim at Bray, and batters his ribs with the steel! Then he drops Bray with one more ram before ramming Bray’s ribs while on the ground.

Hardy grins and laughs over the writhing Bray. He tries to decide between “Chair of Wheels” or the “Mower of Lawns”. Hardy goes with the Mower of Lawns! And rides~! But Bray spider-walks and stops the mower, to then boot Hardy and bounce him off his own vehicle. Hardy endures the hot engine against his forehead before Bray drags him into the ring. Hardy hotshots Bray back, and both men fumble to the apron. Bray kicks Hardy, and clobbers him onto the apron edge, before covering. TWO, but Bray simply enjoys hammering Hardy more. “I told you, Matt. This isn’t my Ultimate Deletion, it’s yours.” Bray drags Hardy “home” to finish this.

Vanguard One observes from the skies, and finds Bray carrying Hardy to the “Lake of Reincarnation”! Skaarsgaard, “it can’t end this way.” Oh but it can. Bray drags Hardy up and uses Sister Abigail, but Vanguard One interferes. Bray grabs the machine, but spares it for now. He grabs Hardy but encounters Senor Benjamin. “He’s got the whole world in his hands.” BROTHER NERO!

Matt Hardy returns, TWIST OF FATE! Cover, Hardy wins~! The WOKEN Wisdom triumphs after all, and now finishes things by pushing Bray into the lake! Benjamin helps Hardy retrieve “Bray Wyatt’s carcass”. But, Benjamin pokes around, and finds nothing. “Delightful. The Great War is OVA!” Wyatt is DELETED! What will Hardy do now that he has removed the obstacle to his triumph over the WWE Universe?

 

My Thoughts:

Raw was a roll for the last few weeks, but something didn’t quite go right for all of this week’s. The opening was really good, from Roman defying (fake) authority to Lesnar going off on him. Lesnar is going for the Heel in this, which is part of Operation Get Face Roman Over. While it didn’t get everyone on Roman’s side, if it even got 1% of the fans to dislike Lesnar/like Roman, that’s still good in my book. The Women’s segments tonight were interesting, as the action was good but the motivations in story are still wonky. Nia VS Alexa is confirmed, but WWE needs to learn to get away from Mean Girls stuff. WWE really shouldn’t be using pop culture as an excuse to have characters being petty bullies. With what Bayley said to Sasha tonight, I sense her eliminating Sasha in the Women’s Battle Royal as payback.

Strowman is great as always, and he practically solo’d The Bar here tonight. He claims to already have a tag partner, and a lot of people want it to be Elias, but I’m not so sure. Strowman has beat Elias up so much, why would either of them want to be on a team together? Strowman should want someone who can keep up with him rather than someone who will cost him the titles. The Revival VS Titus Worldwide was so filler, though, they could’ve left that for next week since it was only to allow Dash & Dawson to announce for the Men’s Battle Royal. For that matter, the time used there could’ve been given to something else tonight.

John Cena is always great on the mic, and that includes tonight. It’s actually a good play for Taker to not show up, it builds up the anticipation. Kane showing up was a nice surprise, though. He is (kayfabe) the person closest to Taker, but his choke slam really could mean anything. The Six Man Tag was pretty good, gives Balor Club some momentum to stay afloat while plugging the IC program. Rollins saving Finn keeps the Faces even in the race, but there’s time for things to turn around for Miz. The Rousey video package was great, but word is that she still appeared live in Dallas, which is good for appearances at least. As I said, if Revival-TitusWorldwide was cut out, Raw might’ve had more time to do both the package and her live appearance so no one misses out on anything.

Which brings us to ULTIMATE DELETION! For WWE’s first attempt at what Hardy did in TNA Impact, it was neither as bad as it could’ve been or as good as it could’ve been. Again, if it had a bit more time given on the show, they might’ve been able to do more. They definitely shouldn’t have taken that commercial break. Even though it was only a couple minutes, the fact Bray and Hardy started in a traditional ring at all seemed a waste. Luckily they moved away from there to make things more a Falls Count Anywhere match, but that still seemed a timid WWE take on what Hardy has been known to do. The Lake of Reincarnation should’ve been used more effectively, too, like Husky Harris crawling out from somewhere. Maybe next time it’ll be even more WOKEN, with more Brother Nero.

My Score: 7.9/10

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Coverage

Mitchell’s WWE Raw Results & Report! (1/20/25)

WHOA~ OH~ OHH~!

Published

10 hours ago

on

January 20, 2025

By

Time to burn it down!

Ahead of entering the Royal Rumble, Seth Rollins and Drew McIntyre go one more round in a rematch from WrestleMania 40!

OFFICIAL RESULTS

  • Kofi Kingston w/ Xavier Woods VS Rey Mysterio; Rey wins.
  • Bayley VS Nia Jax; Nia wins.
  • PENTA VS Pete Dunne; Penta wins.
  • Damage CTRL VS Pure Fusion Collective; DMG CTRL wins.
  • Seth Rollins VS Drew McIntyre; Rollins wins.

PLAY BY PLAY

Nia Jax ambushes Rhea Ripley!

The Irresistible Force is here on Raw to face Bayley, but she’s getting her payback on Mami for last week! She dribbles Rhea into the steel chain link fencing again and again, even as security and Adam Pearce rush in! They get Nia to stop, but Rhea is pissed! Will Nia regret riling up Rhea Bloody Ripley?

 

Jey Uso is here!

Dallas fires up and bounces along as it’s time to YEET! Michael Cole does his best to keep up with the beat as Main Event Jey makes his way down the bleachers. Wade Barrett is subbing in for Pat McAfee (the NCAA College Football Championship is also tonight), and Wade says Maggle looks like a “drunk grandpa” doing the YEET. Jey makes it to ringside, he high fives Maggle, then goes to the ring. But the YEET doesn’t slow down, it just keeps going! Jey grabs a mic and tells Dallas, “Main Event Jey Uso is now in your citaaaaaa~!” The fans cheer and join in with a “YEET!” Jey says this weekend, “YEET!” Saturday Night’s Main Event, “YEET!” Jey takes home the big one!

But then before Jey can continue, GUNTHER makes his way out here! Der Ring General, World Heavyweight Championship around his waist, makes his way right to the ring. Gunther grabs himself a mic while the fans boo. Jey paces but Gunther tells him, “Lemme guess, the next thing you were about to say is you were going to win the World Heavyweight title.” Jey confirms, he is gonna beat Gunther, then hang the title up in his room. Gunther says Jey really is “a funny little man.” But let’s not act like we both know it won’t happen. Last week, Jey was right here in front of Gunther, and he said every morning, he looks in the mirror and bets on himself.

The thing is, Gunther believes Jey. Gunther was looking forward to Saturday to square off with Main Event Jey Uso. Until today, when he saw Jey walking in here acting like that conversation last week never happened. Not after seeing Jey act like a complete DORK! Like he’s the company mascot for the fans! At this point, Gunther doesn’t even care. He could jsut as well get challenged by Jimmy Uso. Jey tells Gunther to not say something about his brother. Gunther says it doesn’t matter what Jey says, he never follows up with his actions! The fans are the only ones naive enough to believe everything Jey says. Gunther does not.

Bet on yourself? Until when? Until Roman Reigns whistles for him? Until Sami Zayn needs him? Until Jimmy needs him? Even Cody needed Jey and Jey showed up! All that makes Jey is a useful idiot, and Jey doesn’t even see it! Jey, your words and your actions do not align. Gunther’s always do! So on Saturday, when the bell rings, Gunther exposes Jey for the flash in the pan that has NO business being even this close to the World Heavyweight Championship. The fans boo but Gunther tells Jey to go. The fans “YEET! YEET! YEET!” but Jey says Gunther’s right again. Everything Gunther just said is true again.

Jey is the mascot of the WWE. And the fans here are his team. The fans are his squad. They ride with him! “YEET!” Slide with him! “YEET!” And they will be with him when he beats Gunther for the world championship! “YEET!” Jey reminds us he respects Gunther. But Gunther will respect Jey, too. Because only one of them in this ring main-evented a WrestleMania, and it ain’t Gunther. But then Gunther DECKS Jey! Gunther stomps Jey, the fans boo, but then Gunther DECKS Jey again! Gunther stands Jey up, but Jey TACKLES Gunther! Jey rains down fists and teh fans fire up! Gunther gets up, but Jey fires more hands!

Jey has Gunther’s shirt over his head for a hockey scrum! Gunther gets free, but Jey SUPERKICKS him down! The fans all “YEET!” while Der Ring General retreats! Jey has the belt and he dares Gunther to come get it! Jey drops it at the ropes, Gunther storms up to the apron, but Gunther stays back. Gunther leaves Dallas with the belt tonight, but will Jey leave San Antonio with it this Saturday?

 

The New Day walks the halls.

And then they spot someone. “Finally, somebody who understands!” JBL is here! They all shake hands, and JBL loves seeing them. Kofi Kingston says JBL is not just a champion and a Hall of Famer, but he’ll be on commentary tonight for The New Day’s match with that “hypocrite of a locker room leader,” Rey Mysterio. JBL should let New Day know they are the victims of a disgusting smear campaign! Kofi even sweetens the deal with a whole $2. Kofi says JBL understands being in a tag team but having to cut the deadweight to get ahead. And when he did, what happened? He had the greatest success of his career!

Not as great as The New Day, but please, be an acolyte for ya bois! JBL says yes, he does “get it.” Big E, all the muscles and charisma and personality, everywhere they go, the fans love Big E. Everyone chants for New Day, for Big E. You get rid of him, the fans have to pay attention to Kofi & Woods! Wow, okay. Backhanded compliments? Be that way. The New Day heads out, JBL asks if he can keep the two bucks. Will Kofi & Woods finally see who’s really in the wrong? Or will they continue to have a bad day here on Raw?

 

Backstage interview with Bayley.

Cathy Kelley is with the “busiest superstar” in WWE right now, as Bayley was on Raw, NXT and SmackDown all last week. And she has an announcement to make, so for those who ahven’t heard, could she share? Yes, cat is out of the bag, Bayley is back on Raw officially via the Transfer Window! She started here after her NXT call-up, so it just feels right. But also, she is declaring for the 2025 Women’s Royal Rumble! And if you remember, she won the 2024 Rumble, so going back to back sounds really good. She could choose Tiffany Stratton, she could choose Rhea Ripley, or- Nia Jax interrupts.

Nia says Bayley can have Rhea, Nia gets Tiffy. Also, Nia is going to win the Women’s Rumble, not Bayley. Oh, yeah, Bayley did see what Nia did to Rhea earlier. If Nia wants to try that, Bayley dares her. Nia says she’ll see Bayley out there. Nia leaves, but will the Irresistible Force rough Bayley up the same way she did Rhea? Or will Bayley continue to be the Role Model, even after changing brands?

 

Kofi Kingston w/ Xavier Woods VS Rey Mysterio!

Raw returns and JBL is out there with Wade and Maggle already. The New Day makes their entrance, and they hate their song! They have it turn off, they get the tron to stop, and Woods says they already told the idiots in production that they’re no longer using that stuff! It’s ya bois, the NEW~ DAY~, and Dallas is starting to piss Kofi off! They have been doing this for too long and too well to be disrespected like this. They are walking Hall of Famers, unlike this FRAUD, JBL! JBL, give him that money back! Kofi snatches it out of JBL’s lapel pocket. Woods says Rey’s getting the brakes beat off him by the one and only Kofi Kingston~! BECAUSE NEW! DAY- “SUCKS!”

The fans chant “NEW! DAY SUCKS!” and the bell rings. Kofi and Rey circle, feel things out, and Kofi waistlocks to then headlock, waistlock, and he shoves Rey to a corner. The fans boo but Kofi soaks up that heat. JBL says this is the only time he’ll cheer a “deadbeat dad” like Rey. Rey and Kofi tie up, Rey waistlocks but Kofi switches to SLAM Rey down! Kofi slaps Rey around, and the fans boo as Kofi & Woods soak up the heat. Kofi taunts Rey, Rey and Kofi reset, and they tie up. Rey wrenches, hammerlocks, but Kofi wrenches out. Kofi wristlocks, Rey rolls and kips up, then Rey wrenches to headlock.

Kofi powers up and out, drops down then CLOBBERS Rey! The fans boo but Kofi keeps moving. Rey drops down, blows past Kofi, then tilt-o-whirls to RANA! Kofi staggers up, Rey dropkicks the legs out! Kofi is on ropes, Rey dials it up, but Kofi ducks the 619! Rey then PLANCHAS, but Kofi moves! Rey is on the apron, Kofi YANKS him down! The fans tell Kofi off but he drags Rey up and into the ring. Kofi then fires UPPERCUTS on Kofi, CHOKES him in the corner, then stomps a mudhole in! The ref counts, Kofi steps off, and then Kofi whips corner to corner. Rey reverses, runs up, but Kofi SWING KICKS! Rey GAMANGIRIS in return!

Rey RAMS Kofi, slingshots and SUNSET- NO, Kofi holds on, and he CLUBS Rey down! The fans boo but Kofi brings Rey in! Woods says watch this, “Hall of Famer!” Kofi lifts Rey, Rey pops free, but Kofi stomps away on him! Kofi glares at JBL, then he drags Rey up. The fans boo but Kofi SMACKS Rey off the apron. Kofi then reels Rey in, but Rey RANAS Kofi into the steel steps! The fans fire up as Rey rises, and Raw goes to break.

Raw returns and Kofi has Rey down with an armlock. Rey fights to his feet, the fans fire up, and the forearms go back and forth! Kofi ROCKS Rey, Rey ROCKS Kofi, but then Kofi kicks low! Kofi whips, Rey ducks ‘n’ dodges, then Rey leaps to FLYING FOREARM! Both men are down and the fans fire up again. Woods coaches Kofi while Rey goes to the apron. Rey then goes to the corner, but Kofi hurries over that way. Kofi fires body shots, then he climbs up after Rey. Kofi brings Rey up but Rey fires body shots in return! Rey BENDS Kofi’s fingers, then he HEADBUTTS Kofi! Kofi staggers up, Rey hits the SEATED SENTON!

Rey gets moving, but Kofi ducks the springboard crossbody! Kofi sunset flip, but Rey rolls through, basement DROPKICK! Cover, TWO! Kofi goes to a corner, Rey CLUBS him, and the fans rally. The ref gets between them, but Kofi pokes Rey in the eyes! Kofi leaps, CROSSBODY SPLASH to the back! Cover, TWO! The fans rally for Rey as he stays in this. The fans chant “NEW! DAY SUCKS!” Woods argues with a fan, Kofi aims, TROUBLE IN- NO, Rey dodges, then comes back to RANA! Kofi is on ropes, Rey dials it up! But Woods trips Rey! The ref saw that clear as day! Woods argues with the ref, but the ref EJECTS Woods!

The fans fire up while Woods throws a fit! Rey DECKS Woods! But Kofi CLOBBERS Rey! The fans boo, but Kofi hauls Rey up! Rey victory rolls Kofi onto ropes! Rey redials, 619!! And then the springboard, but onto knees! Kofi covers, TWO!! Rey survives, the fans fire up, but Kofi seethes. Kofi hauls Rey up, clinches, S O- NO! Rey makes the SOS a cover, REY WINS!

Winner: Rey Mysterio, by pinfall

But Woods CLBOBERS Rey from behind! The New Day mugs Rey, the fans boo more, but here comes the LWO! Joaquin Wilde & Cruz Del Toro run The New Day off! The fans boo, Cruz & Wilde check Rey, but then the New Day sneak back in! They drag Wilde out to POST him! Cruz hurries but now New Day retreats for real! Insult to injury here, but will Kofi & Woods continue to be blinded by their own arrogance?

 

Backstage interview with Team American Made.

Cathy Kelley waits as Chad Gable is arguing with his own people, then says okay, sorry, he was inspiring the team. But yeah, he’s the talk of the whole freakin’ wrestling world the past week, but he is man enough to admit he has a problem. And it all started with losing to Penta last week! It was Dragon Lee before that, and Rey Mysterio before that. Gable asks, “What’re we gonna do her?” But he’s figured it out! He found a man who knows a thing or two about lucha libre, and that man is intelligent with a mustache to match. That man is Dominik Mysterio! While Dom helps Gable with his lucha problem, the team has their marching order.

Ivy Nile says there’s a Women’s Intercontinental Championship with her name all over it. Brutus says those tag titles should’ve already had their names on them, HAHA~! Julius mocks how War Raiders cry about “One more injury~ and we’re done forever~!” Like that’s something to be proud of? No more asking, they’re just taking! They’ll take those tag titles from a team near the end of their career and put them on a team that’s entering their prime. Gable says this team that bleeds red, white ‘n’ blue will have waists wrapped in gold, and it will be glorious. Team American Made heads out, but can Dirty Dom really help Gable clean up his act?

 

Sami Zayn is here!

Dallas sings his song, and the Underdog from the Underground goes right to the ring. He grabs a mic and thanks Dallas for that, that never gets old. But he wont’ beat around the bush, he’ll just get right to business. Sami spoke with Adam Pearce, and Sami is now officially entered into the 2025 Men’s Royal Rumble match! The fans like the sound of that! Sami says Rollins told him he’s already helped a lot of others, so time to help himself. Well, Sami thought about that, and thought about what he wants. When he thought about that, it opened a whole bunch of thoughts. Sami pictured what 14-year-old Sami wanted.

Sami thought about what the millions around the world who dream of becoming pro-wrestlers, and the thousands who actually live the dream and get to do it. And then the even smaller group lucky enough to call themselves WWE Superstars. And then the smallest group of all, the hardest to crack into at all, is the upper echelon, the top tier, and that is where Sami is now! The fans cheer, and Sami firmly believes he is as good as everyone else in that group. That group is all in the Royal Rumble, and the only difference between Sami and the others, aka Roman, McIntyre, Rollins, and so on, is that they all have a world title to their name… and Sami doesn’t.

Sami has said it before, he’ll say it again, he’s had a great life, a great career. He doesn’t need the world title to complete him. The fans have supported Sami throughout the years, and believe it or not, that support means more to him than any world title could ever mean! So no, Sami does not need that world title, but DAMMIT, he WANTS it!! The fans love that! Sami says 14-year-old Sami wants that title, and he’s still with Sami! That kid sets foot in this ring every time Sami does. So Sami doesn’t need it, he wants it, so he will TAKE IT! WAIT, Kevin Owens is here!? The fans boo and Sami is certainly stunned seeing SmackDown’s Prizefighter back on Raw.

Kevin, who is still carrying the “Winged Eagle” title, while wearing a Bret Hart merchandise jacket, makes his way to the ring. Kevin grabs the mic, and while fans boo, he looks to Sami. Sami says he knew it was a matter of time before Kevin showed up. How does Kevin wanna do this? Kevin asks what Sami means. Sami knows Kevin. We all saw what Kevin did to Cody over teaming with Roman, so how’s this going down? Aw, is that why Sami thinks Kevin is here? No, Kevin admits, he was upset at first. But he realizes now that Sami teaming with Roman isn’t the same as Cody teaming with Roman.

Sami and Roman had a lot of history, the same as Sami and Kevin. And Roman did terrible things to Sami that Sami overlooked, just as Kevin did to Sami that Sami has overlooked. Or rather, Sami forgave Kevin for those things. Same as him forgiving Roman! Because that is who Sami is: Sami is a good person. And Rollins is right, Sami does a lot for others, especially his friends. And well, Sami is still Kevin’s best friend. A brother even! Kevin is here to tell his brother that he whole heartedly believes Sami can and will win the Royal Rumble. Kevin knows that the Sami he’s known for 20 YEARS will win the Royal Rumble!

And why? Because Sami deserves it! Sami deserves to go to WrestleMania and fight for the WWE Championship, and Kevin knows Sami will do it! Then Kevin and Sami can accomplish one more thing together. Think of everything they’ve done and seen each other do in this business. They main-evented WrestleMania to become tag team champions. But there’s one more thing they haven’t done: main event WrestleMania for THE WWE Championship. And when Sami wins the Rumble, they can do that, so long as Kevin walks away THE WWE Champion. But Kevin knows both of those things are going to happen.

Kevin knows Sami will win the Rumble because Kevin has his back. He does. And Kevin knows he’ll be THE WWE Champion because just like Sami had Roman’s back, he’s got Kevin’s back. Right? Kevin just knows it. Sami is his best friend, his brother, and if Kevin needs him, Sami will be there. Kevin drops his mic and heads out, but Sami is rather confused. Is Kevin suggesting Sami do what it sounds like? What will Sami do on this Road to WrestleMania?

 

Backstage interview with Sheamus.

Cathy is with The Fella and brings up his Intercontinental Championship match he has this Saturday against Bron Breakker. Why is this title so important to him? Sheamus says many would look at his career, and say he has the perfect backwards WWE career. He was only six months into his career, and he beat one of the biggest names this business has ever seen in John Cena to become WWE Champion. Ironically, the Intercontinental Champioship is what drew Sheamus to the WWE. That title has become an obsession for the past five years, but guess what? The stars are aligned! Saturday Night’s Main Event, Sheamus will bust Bron aside and fulfill destiny!

Sheamus will win the last championship he has yet to win! And for everyone who is watching, Let’s Go, Irish! A quick shoutout to Notre Dame, but then Sheamus spots Bron Breakker. Bron tells Sheamus that this title is Bron’s. This is as close as Sheamus will ever get to winning it. Because on Saturday, Bron beats him and BREAKS him like an old man! So just do us all a favor and retire. Sheamus shoves Bron, but Bron laughs it off and takes his leave. Will the Celtic Warrior finally have his WWE Bingo in another banger? Or will this title still belong to Bron Breakker?

 

Bayley VS Nia Jax!

The Role Model and the Irresistible Force were just on SmackDown but they’re bringing their beef over to Raw! Will Bayley make her official transfer back a successful one? Or will Nia be rolling towards the Royal Rumble?

Well, well, well, Roxanne Perez seems to be stalking Bayley. She was in the crowd for SmackDown last Friday, and now she’s here in the crowd tonight. The bell rings, Nia runs up, but Bayley dodges! Nia hits buckles, Bayley fires hands, then runs to ELBOW her! Bayley climbs up to rain down fists! The fans count, Bayley ges to 6 before Nia brings her off the corner! Bayley still fights, but Nia stops the rana! Nia brings Bayley up to a fireman’s carry, but Bayley kicks off ropes! TORNADO DDT! Cover, TWO! Nia sits up but Bayley fires hands! Bayley runs, but into a POP-UP HEADBUTT! Bayley sputters, Nia covers, ONE!!

Bayley scrambles away but Nia stalks her. Nia puts Bayley on the ropes, CHOKES her, but the ref counts. Nia lets off at 4, she soaks up some heat, then she HEADBUTTS Bayley again. Bayley goes to a corner, Nia digs her boot in, but the ref counts. Nia stops at 4, the fans boo some more, and Bayley crawls. Nia drags Bayley up, pushes her down, then runs, only for Bayley to avoid the elbow drop! Bayley fires forearms, then whips. Nia takes a swing but Bayley gets around to hit a back suplex! Cover, TWO! Nia is tougher than that but she’s also dazed. Bayley rises, runs in, but Nia URENAGES Bayley down! Now Nia climbs the corner!

The fans fire up as Bayley SHOVES Nia to the apron! Bayley BOOTS Nia to the floor, then builds speed! Bayley DIVES, down goes Nia! The fans fire up and Bayley gets in Roxie’s face! Roxie takes a swing, but Bayley blocks! Bayley DECKS Roxie! The fans go wild, security stops Roxie from getting at Bayley! Bayley mocks the little idiot, then goes back for Nia while Raw goes to break.

Raw returns and Nia drags Bayley up. Nia drops a LEG on the arm! Cover, TWO!! Bayley survives and Nia grows frustrated. Nia taunts Bayley, the fans boo Nia, and Bayley sits up. Nia drags Bayley by her hair, then runs, but Bayley avoids the leg drop! Bayley hurries to ELBOW Nia in the back! And then SLIDING LARIAT! Bayley keeps moving, and drops an ELBOW! Cover, TWO! Nia survives the onslaught but the fans rally for Bayley. Both women slowly rise up, and Bayley runs up to KNEE Nia out to the apron! Bayley then drags Nia in through the ropes, but Nia HOTSHOTS the bad arm!

Bayley writhes, Nia taunts the fans, then Nia goes back to the apron. Nia stands on Bayley’s bad arm! But Bayley avoids another leg drop! Nia clutches her lower back while she and Bayley both rise up again. Bayley runs in to SUNSET FLIP BUCKLE BOMB! Nia flops to the floor and the fans fire up! Bayley leaves Nia behind for the count to handle this. Nia is still down at 5 of 10, and at 7! Nia springs up and in at 8! But Bayley goes up, up, and she hits a BANZAI DROP! Cover, TWO! Bayley didn’t quite A-Nia-Late Nia, but she goes up to ELBOW DROP! Cover, TWO! Nia survives again but if only barely!

The fans rally as Bayley brings Nia up. Nia shoves Bayley away, then scoops her, SHOULDER BUSTER! Cover, TWO! Bayley stays in this and the fans rally up again. Bayley goes to a corner, Nia runs in, and Nia SPLASHES Bayley! Bayley flounders against the ropes, then Nia runs in. Bayley TOSSES Nia to the apron, but Nia ROCKS Bayley! Nia drags Bayley up, and POSTS her! Bayley dangles in the ropes, and Nia snarls. Nia runs to HIP ATTACK Bayley against the post! Bayley flounders back in, the fans boo, and Nia climbs up! But Bayley is up to YANK Nia down! The fans fire up as Bayley runs, and she KNEES Nia down! Cover, TWO!!

Nia survives yet again but the fans continue to rally behind Bayley. Bayley goes up a corner, but now Nia is up! Nia ROCKS Bayley, then climbs up after her. Nia fireman’s carries, but Bayley squirms around! SUPER SUNSET FLIP BOMB!! Cover, TWO?!?! Nia survives that wild fall but Bayley goes right back up! MACHO ELBOW!! Cover, TWO!!! Nia survives again and Bayley is beside herself! Nia and Bayley rise, and the fans fire up again. Bayley reels Nia in, but the bad arm won’t let her clinch! Nia fireman’s carries, but Bayley fights free! Bayley runs, CHOP BLOCKS a leg, then hurries to run again. Nia POP-UP SAMOAN DROPS!!

Nia hurries to SENTON! Then she drags Bayley to a drop zone! Nia goes up, to A-NIA-LATE Bayley! Cover, Nia wins!!

Winner: Nia Jax, by pinfall

A powerful battle between two former champions, but the Irresistible Force crushes Bayley on her return to Raw! But wait! RHEA RIPLEY makes her way out here! Mami wants revenge, and Nia says bring it! They brawl in the ring, the fans fire up, and Rhea HEADBUTTS Nia! Rhea RAMS Nia into the corner again and again, but here comes security! The fans want to “LET THEM FIGHT!” but the two are separated! But then Nia breaks free to SPLASH Rhea and whoever else was in the way! Nia CLUBS away on Rhea, producers and refs rush out here to stop this, but Rhea is up! She LEAPS at Nia for more!

The fans are thunderous as Rhea shoves everyone out of the way to ROUNDHOUSE Nia! Nia falls out of the ring, but rhea isn’t done! Rhea goes to the apron, but Nia trips her up! Nia DRIBBLES Rhea off the announce desk! Nia now clears the desk, and Adam Pearce is shouting that this is enough! Nia puts Rhea on the desk, but security swarms her! Wait, Rhea is back up! CANNONBALL!! Rhea takes Nia and the security guards out! The fans fire up but producers have to drag Rhea away from Nia! Dallas cheers on “MAMI! MAMI!” and she grabs a mic. Rhea gets on the desk to shout, “YOU! ME! SATURDAY NIGHT’S MAIN EVENT!!”

The fans are all fired up, because now things are going to get wild in San Antonio! But will the Queen of the Ring A-Nia-Late Rhea? Or will Nia get eradicated?

 

Judgment Day meets with American Made.

The others aren’t so sure about this, but Chad Gable says Dom said he could help with Gable’s luchador problem. Does he have some info? C’mon! Help him out! Okay, okay. Dom has someone who can help Gable. Dom hands him a piece of paper, and Gable asks, “This is the guy?” Dom says it sure is. Gable tells Judgment Day and “JD McDouche” that he’s off to master the dark arts of lucha libre. The others ask Dom what this is all about. Dom says it’s a long story but he and Gable go way back. Okay, fine, but how does this help Judgment Day? Next week is the tag title rematch but Finn is still out of action from last week’s Street Fight!

Liv Morgan says listening to Finn hasn’t really helped them win, has it? C’mon, Liv, this is serious. They’re gonna have to forfeit! Dom says maybe he could sub in. Finn shouldn’t care so long as they get the titles back, right? JD says yeah, that’s a good point. They’ll get this. Liv says yeah, Finn should be fine. And Dom is quite the mastermind now, huh? Liv just hopes this plan goes better than the one he had for her match with Rhea. Hey, didn’t she say she was over that? Yes, she did. Can Dom not take a joke? Okay, okay. Dom does have a plan for Liv, though. And even though she’s not mad, he’ll make it up to her, okay? Oh, he will. Now, let’s go.

Liv & Dom head out, Raquel tells Carlito to stop staring. Will Judgment Day (not) keep it together?

 

Lyra Valkyria speaks.

“Last week, I walked into Raw ready to become a history maker. And that meant spreading my wings and shedding any dead feathers that made me doubt the heights I knew I was capable of reaching. I took fear, I took doubt, and I used them to become something more. And now that I have this, it’s about what comes next. And what comes next is building a legacy as a valiant, fighting Women’s Intercontinental Champion.” The Morrigan is ready for more, just how high will she soar?

 

WWE celebrates Martin Luther King Jr.

He had a dream, and that dream lives on in us. May we keep that dream alive so that it may come true every day.

 

Seth Rollins warms up backstage.

Sami checks with him and knows the match with McIntyre is coming up. But Sami just wants Rollins to know that as a friend, he appreciated the talk they had last week. Rollins knows, and he heard Sami out there. Rollins respects Sami’s choice. It’s about time we got that Sami back. And Sami is almost rooting for that Sami. But push comes to shove int he Rumble, Rollins will throw Sami right over the top rope. Sami says, “Not if I throw you out first.” Sami again wishes Rollins luck, then heads out. Rollins finishes his preparations, but Karrion Kross is watching from afar! Could Mr. Doomsday have his next target in mind?

 

PENTA VS Pete Dunne!

#CeroMiedo made its debut in the WWE just last week, and it was a massive hit! But now he’s up against a man who feels disrespected left, right, front and back! Will the Bruiserweight take out all his frustrations on the new kid in class? Or will Penta continue to blow the roof off the arenas?

The bell rings and the fans already chant, “CERO! MIEDO!” Penta tells Dunne to listen, but Dunne grabs the hand! Penta KICKS Dunne, but Dunne CHOPS! Penta CHOPS, Dunne CHOPS, then the forearms start flying! Dunne headlocks, Penta fires body shots, and Penta powers out. Penta hurdles then mule kicks Dunne, and Dunne sputters away. Penta swaggers, but Dunne CLOBBERS him! The fans boo but Dunne grabs an arm. Dunne hammerlocks that arm, pulls on the other, and he bends the fingers back! Dunne STOMPS Penta’s arm! The fans tell Dunne off while Penta writhes, but Dunne drags Penta up again.

Dunne wrenches and whips, but Penta reverses. Then Penta runs up to GAMANGIRI! Penta whips again, Dunne reverses and he GAMANGIRIS! Penta sputters, Dunne brings him up, and Dunne whips. Penta reverses. Dunne goes up and flips and SUPERKICK from Penta! Penta hits Dunne outta the sky and Dunne bails out of the ring! The fans fire up and Penta says, “CERO! MIEDO!” Penta runs and DIVES into a forearm! Dunne gives back that anti-air, then he reels Penta in. APRON X-PLEX! Penta writhes again while Raw goes to break.

Raw returns, Dunne runs up to SLIDING FOREARM Penta down! The fans boo while Penta sputters, but Dunne runs up to SLIDINGN FOREARM again! Dunne paces, the fans chant, “Butch Sucks!” but Dunne just runs up on Penta. Penta dodges, mule kicks, and he runs to SLING-DOG! Dunne flounders to a corner, Penta runs and headstands on the corner! SWINGING DROPKICK! Dunne sputters more but Penta fireman’s carries. The fans fire up for the SWINGINGN DEATH VALLEY! Cover, TWO! Penta is frustrated, but the fans rally up again. Penta and Dunne rise up, and Penta goes after Dunne. Dunne ENZIGIRIS first!

Dunne STMOPS the hands, then he BUZZSAWS! Penta goes to a corner, Dunne runs up, but Penta SUPERKICKS! Penta runs up, DESTROYER!! Dunne tumbles out of the ring! The fans fire up with Penta and he builds speed again! Penta FLIES and down goes Dunne! The fans are thunderous while both men are out at the ramp! Penta and Dunne stir, the ring count climbs, and Dunne is in at 5 of 10. Penta rises at 6, and he slaps some sense into himself. Penta is back in at 7, DES- NO, Dunne stops the second shot and tucks Penta in! CRUNCHY DRIVER!! Cover, TWO!! Penta survives and the fans fire up!

Penta shakes out the bad arm, but he and Dunne sit up. They go forehead to forehead, then forearm for forearm! Dunne CHOPS, but Penta CHOPS! The fans cheer Penta on and he tells Dunne to listen! “CERO! MIEDO!” But Dunne bends the fingers, SNAPS them, then wraps Penta into a TRIANGLE HOLD! Penta endures, fights up, and he deadlifts Dunne, for a POWER BREAKER!! Dunne writhes, Penta grabs Dunne’s arm and traps it! Penta CLUBS Dunne, then grabs the other arm, SACRIFICE!! Dunne writhes in even more pain, but Penta brings him around. Pump handle, PENTA DRIVER!! Cover, Penta wins!

Winner: Penta, by pinfall

The luchador proved he could do power on top of punishing submissions, and he is 2-0 here on Raw! Will the Penta Era take over the WWE?

 

Logan Paul speaks.

“Man, it must suck to be a Logan Paul hater. For years, all of you have wanted me to fail. But you know why it’s never happened, and it never will? Because when I do something, I become the best at it. I became the King of the Internet. I was the only man in history to beat Floyd Mayweather. So what makes you think the WWE will be any different? Look around, dummies. This is my life now. And I will eat, sleep and breathe wrestling until I become the greatest superstar to step into that ring. You can quote me on that. You’re looking at the GOAT, ladies and gentlemen.” The Maverick makes his return next week in Atlanta, will he receive a “warm welcome?”

 

CM Punk is here!

The Voice of the Voiceless, the Second City Saint, the Best in the World, takes a page out of Jey Uso’s playbook by entering through the concourse and then the bleachers! Dallas fires up as he joins Jackie Redmond in the perch for an interview. Jackie says the fans love chanting Punk’s name, and thanks him for coming out here for this in-arena interview. Punk says before any questions, he has a question for us: “Is it great to be alive on a Monday night in Dallas, Texas or what?!” The fans cheer that, and Jackie says of course it is.

But to the question: There are only so many ways to get to the main event of WrestleMania, something Punk wants to do for the first time in his career. The Royal Rumble is certainly one way, but that is a match he’s never won. And it is shaping to become one of the most stacked fields ever. Punk, Roman, John Cena, Seth Rollins, Drew McIntyre, Sami Zayn, and more. So, the question is, what makes this Rumble different for Punk? Punk says, “History.” And he is a maker of history! Just three weeks ago, he main-evented the first Raw live on Netflix, and he beat Rollins, a man favored to win this year’s Rumble.

This business is a fickle one, constantly asking, “What have you down for me lately?” Punk says he makes history! And he’ll do it in two weeks when he walks in, throws 29 other superstars over the top rope. The stakes are much too high, the lights are much too bright, and the pressure is on! And that is when Punk feels alive and when he thrives. No one can beat Punk when he’s at his best and with the people behind him. Jackie brought up Cena, but Punk can’t see Cena throwing him out. Roman Reigns? Roman needed Punk’s help to settle family business at WarGames. And in the Rumble, there are no friends!

Punk has put McIntyre in the dirt, and don’t ask him about Sami. You put HOGAN in the rumble, Punk will throw his old ass out and kill Hulkamania once and for all! February 1st, 60 THOUSAND strong, on the Peacock, live and in living color, Indianapolis, Indiana, Punk will settle scores and cash in debts. He’ll even call in a favor or two if he needs to. On that night, 29 other men are going night-night, and ONE MAN gets his hand raised. One name, three syllables: C, M, PUNK! “CM” might stand for “Confident Man” right about now, but will Punk be unstoppable on this road not just to WrestleMania, but also the road to his dream?

 

Damage CTRL VS Pure Fusion Collective!

This rivalry went back and forth all over 2024, and it doesn’t seem to be slowing down just because it is a New Year. Will Dakota Kai & Iyo Sky finally kick PFC to the curb for what they did to Kairi Sane? Or will Sonya Deville, Shayna Baszler & Zoey Stark put them on the shelf right beside the Pirate Princess?

The teams sort out, the bell rings, and Kai starts against Shayna. Shayna opens with a KICK to the leg, but Kai walks that off. Shayna KCIKS again, Kai gets mad, and the two go again. Kai blocks one kick but not the second KCIK! Shayna runs up, fakes Kai out, then trips her up! Shayna scuffs Kai, then soaks up the heat. Shayna runs back in, but Kai goes up and over to roll her up! TWO, and Kai slips past Shayna to DROPKICK her down! The fans fire up for Kai, but Shayna stops the arm-drag! Shayna whips, Kai stops herself and BOOTS Shayna away. Kai runs up, Zoey tags in before the flying mare!

Things speed up, Shayna drops down and Zoey springboards to MISSILE DORPKICK Kai down! Sonya wants everyone to take notes! Zoey clamps onto Kai with a chinlock and she grinds Kai down. The fans rally, Kai fights up, and Kai fires body shots. Zoey CLUBS Kai, CLUBS her again and again, then soaks up heat. Zoey puts Kai in the corner, tags Shayna back in, and then Zoey whips Shayna in for a KNEE! Shayna scoops Kai, BACKBREAKER and LARIAT! Shayna covers, TWO! Kai stays in this, but Sonya says her team’s got this. Kai crawls, but Shayna clamps onto the leg for a toehold.

Kai endures, kicks at Shayna with her free leg, but Shayna still bends the trapped leg! The fans rally, Kai kicks and kicks, but Shayna drops an ELBOW on the leg! Shayna tells Dallas to shut it, then she drags Kai around to bend the leg in another direction! Kai endures, reaches out for Iyo, but Shayna pulls the leg. Kai kicks at Shayna again, then BOOTS her away! Kai and Shayna crawl, hot tag to Zoey! Zoey brings Kai up but Kai ENZIGIRIS! Shayna runs back in, but Kai TOSSES her out! Hot tag to Iyo! The Genius of the Sky fires SHOTEI after SHOTEI on Zoey! Iyo ROCKS Shayna, then runs! PFC avoids the handsprings, but Iyo blocks a kick!

Iyo sends the foot at Zoey, but she ducks! Iyo SHOTEIS Zoey again! Then she dodges Shayna to GERMAN SUPLEX her away! The fans fire up as Iyo whips Zoey. Zoey reverses but Iyo uses that to DIVE onto Shayna! Iyo hurries up, blocks a shot, then ROUDNHOUSES Zoey! The fans fire up as Iyo climbs, and Iyo MISSILE DROPKICKS Zoey! Iyo handsprings up and the fans are thunderous! Iyo aims from the corner, runs in and SHINKANSEN! Iyo drags Zoey to a cover, TWO! Zoey survives but Iyo goes up. Sonya storms up, but Kai YANKS Sonya down! The fans fire up as Iyo climbs, but Shayna LARIATS Kai!

Zoey YANKS Iyo down, SUPERKICKS her, and then reels her in! ATAXIA!! Cover, TWO!! Zoey is furious, but she tags in Shayna. PFC gets Iyo up, ROLLING DEATH VALLEY, then a SLIDING KNEE! Cover, Kai breaks it! The fans fire up but Zoey TOSSES Kai! Zoey then PLANCHAS, but Kai dodges! Kai goes up to the apron to PENALTY KICK Zoey! Shayna BOOTS Kai, then dodges Iyo! KIRAFUDA KLUTCH!! Iyo flails, but she runs to the ropes! HOTSHOT and Shayna falls back! Iyo hurries up top, the fans fire up, OVER THE MOONSAULT! Cover, DMG CTRL wins!

Winners: Damage CTRL, by pinfall

PFC tried to use the numbers, but Iyo & Kai just used their skills! Will DMG CTRL still take control of Raw? Or will Sonya, Shayna & Zoey figure out a winning formula?

 

Seth Rollins VS Drew McIntyre!

With the Royal Rumble just down the road, it is this WrestleMania 40 rematch that could determine how WrestleMania 41 looks. The Visionary and the Scottish Terminator look to run it back, but who will be in pole position for Indianapolis?

Raw returns and McIntyre makes his entrance. The bell rings, the fans fire up, and the two stare down. The fans sing Rollins’ song, and Rollins says he’s got two good knees now. No Bloodline, no CM Punk, just them! The two circle, tie up, and McIntyre pushes Rollins to the corner. The ref counts but McIntyre talks smack as he lets off. Rollins shoves McIntyre, McIntyre shoves Rollins! They stare down again, Rollins talks a bit more smack, and McIntyre grins. McIntyre CHOPS, and Rollins likes that! Rollins CHOPS, McIntyre CHOPS, repeat! The fans “WOO~” but then McIntyre headlocks. Rollins powers up and out, but McIntyre runs him over!

McIntyre looms over Rollins, then brings him up. But Rollins CHOPS, CHOPS, and CHOPS! McIntyre headlocks, Rollins powers up and out, drops down, hurdles over, then redirects McIntyre to SHOULDER TACKLE! McIntyre rebounds to SHOULDER TACKLE Rollins! The fans fire up again while Rollins goes to ropes. McIntyre stomps Rollins, ROCKS him, then stalks him to ropes. McIntyre CHOPS Rollins against the ropes, then whips. Rollins ducks ‘n’ dodges, to then SLINGBLADE! Rollins keeps moving, and he LARAITS McIntyre up and out! The fans fire up as Rollins builds speed, to WRECK McIntyre with a dropkick!

McIntyre is at the desk. Rollins builds sped, and Rollins DIVES! McIntyre hits desk, but Rollins keeps going! Rollins DIVES again, but McIntyre stops that to TOSS Rollins up and over the desk! Rollins is down between the armchairs and McIntyre snarls, but Raw goes to break.

Raw returns again and both men slowly rise in the ring. McIntyre looms over Rollins, saying Rollins is still too damn selfish. But Rollins fires hands! McIntyre hits back, they go back and forth! McIntyre kicks low, whips Rollins toa  corner, but Rollins BOOTS him away! McIntyre returns, and he pushes through the boot to ELBOW Rollins! McIntyre has Rollins in the Inverted Alabama Lift, ALABAMA- VICTORY ROLL! TWO!! Rollins goes back to the corner, and he BOOTS McIntyre again! The fans fire up while both men are down! Rollins feeds off that energy and rises up. Rollins ROCKS McIntyre, then counter punches him!

Rollins CHOPS and ROCKS McIntyre again and again, then CHOPS, CHOPS, CHOPS! The fans fire up, the ref counts as they’re on ropes, but Rollins roars! Rollins whips, McIntyre reveres, Rollins leaps, but into McIntyre’s arms! McIntyre pops Rollins up, but Rollins slips out of the suplex to then POST McIntyre! McIntyre staggers back, so Rollins POSTS him again! McIntyre sputters, Rollins brings him around and POSTS him a third time! McIntyre is stuck in the corner now, but Rollins SLAMS the arm against the post! Rollins aims as McIntyre staggers away. Springboard, FLYING KNEE! McIntyre says up, Rollins hits a RUNNING KNEE! Cover, TWO!

Rollins takes a breath as the fans rally up. McIntyre is down so Rollins goes to the apron. Springboard SWANTON! Cover, TWO! McIntyre survives but Rollins snarls. Rollins stalks McIntyre, grabs the arm, and he goes to wrangle McIntyre. McIntyre rolls free, fireman’s carries, but Rollins fights free! Rollins goes to a corner again, puts McIntyre on the apron, but McIntyre ROCKS Rollins! McIntyre climbs, but Rollins springs up to join him! SUPER DUPER PLEX! Roll through, but MCINTYRE hits the FALCON ARROW! Cover, TWO!! The fans fire up as both men are down! “This is Awesome!” as McIntyre kips up!

McIntyre still wobbles a bit, but he makes his way to a corner. McIntyre tells Rollins to get up. Rollins rises, McIntyre runs in, but Rollins ducks the Claymore! Now Rollins aims, and he runs up, but McIntyre hits a SPINEBUSTER! Jackknife bridge, TWO! Rollins survives, but McIntyre brings him in! Deadlift and- RANA! Rollins then SUPERKICKS McIntyre, runs, tilt-o-whirls, and FALCON ARROWS! The fans fire up as Rollins manages a cover, TWO!! The pin wasn’t much but neither was that kick-out, both men are running on fumes. The fans sing Rollins’ song, “WHOA~ OH~ OHH~!”

Rollins runs, CURB- NO, McIntyre avoids the stomp! Underhooks and FUTURE- NO, Rollins fights the DDT to underhook! PED- NO, McIntyre wrenches out to short arm LARIAT! McIntyre rolls away to go to the apron, then he drags himself up the corner. McIntyre reaches the top, Rollins stands, FLYING- NO, Rollins blocks the lariat to try and wrangle McIntyre. McIntyre scoops Rollins, Rollins slips free, and Rollins still wants the arm! McIntyre fights the takedown again so Rollins CLUBS away on the arm! Rollins brings McIntyre down, into a CROSSFACE!! McIntyre endures, reaches out, but Rollins pulls him back!

McIntyre fights, claws his way over, and he manages the ROPEBREAK! Rollins holds until the ref counts 4, and now Rollins tells McIntyre to get up and fight. “You question me? You question my integrity!?” Rollins gets in McIntyre’s face, the ref backs him off, but now McIntyre CLAWS Rollins’ face! Rollins staggers, McIntyre reels him in, underhook and FUTURE SHOCK!! Cover, TWO?!? Rollins survives and now McIntyre is pissed. McIntyre rises, and he tells Rollins that his words and actions don’t line up. Short arm LARIAT! McIntyre drags Rollins up again, short arm LARIAT! The fans rally and McIntyre shakes his head.

McIntyre tells Rollins to get up, and Rollins sputters as he slowly sits up. McIntyre reels Rollins in for a short arm- NO, Rollins slips up and around, and a jackknife bridge! ROLLINS WINS!!

Winner: Seth Rollins, by pinfall

Rollins snatches this one away, and McIntyre CLOBBERS Rollins for it! The fans boo but McIntyre scares the ref off. But Rollins fires hands in return! McIntyre CLAYMORES outta nowhere!! McIntyre is still seething, and he drags Rollins over to the corner. McIntyre pulls Rollins’ hair to put him up against the post! The fans boo, the ref says don’t, but SAMI ZAYN to the rescue! Sami fires hands, then he POSTS McIntyre! Sami makes sure Rollins is alright, and then Sami goes back for Drew. But he gets a GLASGOW KISS HEADBUTT for it! McIntyre stands Sami up to THROW him into barriers!

McIntyre snarls as he looks to Rollins again. McIntyre gets in the ring, and he tells Rollins they should be on the same team, but Rollins is just so selfish! But here comes Sami! McIntyre moves, HELLUVA KICK to Rollins!! The fans can’t believe it and neither can Sami! Sami apologizes to Rollins, but McIntyre grins, this all worked out for the better! Will McIntyre use everyone else against each other to ensure he is the one going to WrestleMania?

My Thoughts:

Another great episode coming in at just two hours and 35 minutes or so. I don’t mind things “ending early” compared to the usual three hour run, but I am curious as to how they’re only using two-and-a-half hours. I suppose they have their plan and just go with it. That way, if things go long, they have breathing room for it. But they really could’ve added like one more thing to this and it would’ve been fine, I think. That said, good go-home stuff for Saturday Night’s Main Event, such as a good promo from Jey and Gunther. Though, they didn’t really add more to what last week had, other than that brawl. Jey stood tall, go-home math would suggest he loses.

Sheamus and Bron had a good promo to put the final touches on their build, but as I said last week, this is a rather interesting one. Sheamus really should win that Intercontinental Championship already, but I don’t know if Saturday Night’s Main Event is a “big enough stage” for such a moment. Great stuff with Bayley, Nia and Rhea tonight, especially that match. It seems the Transfer Window is finally putting some actual transfers in, what with Wyatt Sick6 on SmackDown and now Bayley on Raw. Rhea VS Nia on Saturday Night’s Main Event is going to be an awesome title match, but it feels like Rhea will retain to solidify her as champion past the Royal Rumble.

And speaking of the Rumble, Bayley is certainly a top choice to win. For one, it’d be historic for Bayley to not just win back-to-back, but to also be the first woman to have won two Rumbles at all. Very good promo from Punk to hype himself up for the Rumble, and he did mention a favor… Though, it’d be rather Heel of Punk to use a favor from Heyman to basically rig the Rumble or give him protection during it, but it’d also be great continuity as The Shield was to shield Punk. Sami of course declared for the Rumble, but Kevin showing up was a great surprise. And Kevin clearly implies that if Sami helps Kevin cheat the ladder match, Kevin will help Sami cheat the Rumble. Or rather, if Kevin does help Sami win the Rumble, Sami better help Kevin win the ladder match.

Sami also had a good promo with Rollins backstage, with the real fun part being Kross watching from the background. Kross needs a new feud with the Wyatts going to SmackDown, and moving on to names like Rollins and Sami would be some big stuff for him and The Final Testament. Rollins VS McIntyre was a great main event, and classic move having the quick pin win this so that McIntyre is still strong even in defeat. Sami making the save was also a nice touch, as was the Helluva Kick accidentally hitting Rollins. The Rumble has a lot of feuds crossing over, and Kross can add onto what happened here, we’ll get some really good chaos in that match.

Great promo between New Day and JBL to where even JBL, notorious as one of the meanest, most obnoxious Heels of his time, is on Big E’s side. And we finally got New Day back in the ring, but it’s a little disappointing that it wasn’t a tag match. Dragon Lee hasn’t gotten to do much, and he’s doing even less now. It was still a great match from Kofi VS Rey, with Rey getting his own quick pin win. New Day beating Rey up of course brought out the LWO, and I’m sure we’ll get New Day VS Cruz & Wilde next. We can only hope for Dragon Lee’s sake that he gets to be part of the blowoff for this feud. Actually, better yet would be him in the Intercontinental Championship scene.

Penta might also make a great choice for the Intercontinental Championship scene. Penta had another awesome match, as Pete Dunne is always a great opponent. Maybe Penta gets in on the Rumble so he can check that off his bucket list. He doesn’t need to win, he can just have a great showing, and rivalries can spark from those interactions. Lyra had a very good promo but I was hoping for a little more after her winning the Women’s Intercontinental Championship. DMG CTRL VS PFC was a great tag match, and a great win for DMG CTRL. Dakota and Iyo could each make a case for a match with Lyra, but clearly Ivy will be up first. She would make a solid first defense for Lyra, and then Lyra can have rematches from the tournament with Kai and Iyo.

At the same time, PFC might already be thinking about changing up the team with Zoey taking the loss. Good stuff with Judgment Day. Dom and Liv plotting and scheming while being passive aggressive is a fun phase for them. They’re probably plotting on how Liv can win the Women’s Rumble, but it’ll likely backfire and that’ll push the Liv x Dom break-up. Also, you can bet Finn won’t like Dom taking his spot against the War Raiders, especially if they win. That said, I don’t see them winning, Erik & Ivar should definitely be able to handle Dom & JD. It certainly feels more likely the Creeds can take the tag titles than Judgment Day.

I do wonder who Dom recommended to Gable, though. It’d be cool if WWE brought in some other lucha legends, as WWE seems to be expanding their partnerships. WWE is working more closely with TNA now, and I believe TNA still has a working relationship with AAA, especially after AEW moved over to working with CMLL because of the relationship with NJPW. Also a super crossover like NXTNAAA would be a lot of fun to see for WrestleMania weekend.

My Score: 8.8/10

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Coverage

Andrew’s TNA Genesis Results & Match Ratings: 1.19.25

Does TNA Believe in Joe Hendry more than Mokuba Nemeth believes in his big brother?

Published

1 day ago

on

January 19, 2025

By

Hot off the heels of the TNA and WWE working relationship announcement, the Kickoff show already has the first sprinkle of NXT talent with Ashante “Thee” Adonis coming out after Ariana Grace tries to take all of the credit for the partnership. Jake something runs over Ashante, but it’s a good quick nod on free YouTube. Oh it also looks like the ring announcer is McKenzie Mitchel again. I did like her first run in TNA in what was that… like 2016-2018 or 19? She’s got personality, she’s cute and a solid announcer, so nice to see her back.

I’m not gonna run down any predictions on who I think will win, because honestly, I just feel like Hendry needs to win today or it’s been an entire waste of momentum. So lets get to the main show!

Ratings:

  • X Division Championship: Moose (c) vs Ace Austin: Moose retains via Lights Out – *** 1/4
  • The System vs Maniac Marines: Marines win via K.I.A. – ***
  • Knockouts Tag Titles: Elegance Clique (Heather & Ash) w/Personal Concierge vs Spitfire (Dani Luna & Jody Threat) (c): Spitfire retain via Pressure Drop – **
  • Jordynne Grace vs Tessa Blanchard: Tessa wins via Magnum – ****
  • I Quit Match: Josh Alexander vs Mike Santana: Santana wins! – ***
  • TNA Tag Team Championships: The Hardyz (c) vs The Rascalz: Hardyz retain via Swanton Bomb – *** 1/2
  • Raven’s Clockwork Orange House of Fun Match: TNA Knockouts World Championship: Masha Slamovich (c) vs Rosemary: Masha wins via Avalanche Requiem – ** 3/4
  • TNA World Championship: Nic Nemeth (c) vs Joe Hendry: Hendry wins via Standing Ovation – *** 3/4 – TITLE CHANGE!!!!!!!

 

Results:

X Division Championship: Moose (c) vs Ace Austin

As soon as the bell rings, Ace jumps on him, forces him into the corner and stomps on him. Moose tries to fight out but Ace stays relentless. Ace has a counter for everything Moose is trying to counter in the early goings. Even when Moose catches him during the apron Handstand Dodge, Ace still has a counter for his counter. It’s not until a rake to the eyes from Moose that finally gives him a moment to start dictating the pace. A huge Irish Whip on the outside through the barricade is what Ace feels…twice. Ace tries to fight back from Moose continuing the momentum, Ace eats a Pump Kick, but blocks Moose’s attempt at a Suplex and counters with his own Vertical Suplex on Moose! JDC gets in the proximity of Ace so Ace kicks him, which delays his springboard, so Moose catches him and bounces him off the apron like a super ball.

Moose lets the count go, Ace barely gets in at 9, Moose throws him corner to corner, is slowing things down and being very deliberate. Ace starts powering through the pain, catches a Pump Kick, dodges a Spear into the corner and puts together a few strikes, Double Stomp, Triangle Kick, wants The Fold but Moose puts the brakes on there. Ace tries to spring off the ropes but Moose grabs him and hits Go To Hell for two! Fighting Spirit spot, Ace starts winning the trade, a Headbutt from Moose stops Ace, Moose flips him over the ropes to the apron, tries a few more things, Ace looks for a Springboard, Moose catches him but Ace slips it for a Frankensteiner. Moose powders to the opposite apron and Ace hits his Inside Out Headscissors sending Moose crashing to the floor. Alisha and JDC try to help up Moose, and while the referee is distracted JDC posts Ace. Moose goes for the Around the World Lights Out, but Ace moves and Moose kills JDC! Ace hits The Fold on the floor!

Eddie Edwards and Brian Myers run down the ramp, Ace sees them so he hits the Fosbury Flop to take them out. Ace is rolling, he goes for the Triangle Kick but Moose counters with Lights Out! 1-2- KICK OUT? Moose sets up for another Lights Out, Ace sidesteps it for the Cradle, kickout, Uranage, Cradle counter, Art of Finesse from Ace but Lights Out to the Spine from Moose! Moose sets up another and lands the Lights Out to retain!

Post Match the System looks to beat down on Ace, but Maniac Marines music hits and they go after Myers and Edwards. Guess the match is now! 

The System vs Maniac Marines

Steve and Eric beat the hell out of the System members while the referee tries to set the match, it still hasn’t started but we get stereo 10 count punches in the corner, big fists causing Myers and Edwards to powder. This is essentially a Tornado Tag right now because the match hasn’t even started. Okay it eventually starts and Maclin hits the Backbreaker on Edwards and Busaiku Knee on Myers. He looks for a SCUD but Lish grabs the foot which is just enough! Maclin tries to charge anyway but gets caught in the Blue Thunder Bomb and now the match slows down and Eddie is in control.

Maclin absorbs some Chops from Eddie in the corner, no sells a little and fires, Eddie tags out Myers tries to slow things down with a Russian Leg Sweep but Maclin continues to try and rally. Eddie’s back in, shortarm Gowan Lariat into a cocky cover for two. Eddie tries to keep moving but Maclin hits the Vertical Suplex. Maclin is too slow to tag out so Eddie tags out and Myers cuts off Maclin. After a few more quick tags from System members, Maclin finally lands a Lariat to get the simultaneous tag and EY comes in hot. EY does the Flair corner flip, knocks Eddie off the apron, Myers eats a Macho Elbow but only two. Eddie knocks Maclin off the apron, Tandem Tiger Driver for two, EY fights back to level Eddie, Tree of Woe Myers Caught in Crosshairs but Lish gets in the ring! Eddie grabs Eric and distracts the ref, Lish clocks Maclin with either knuckles or a full hand of rings, Spear from Myers is only a two!

System Overload attempt, it’s thwarted by EY, Myers gets crotched in like a Reverse Tree of Woe, so Maclin hits the Caught in the Crosshairs on the back, EY with a Plancha to the outside to take Edwards out and K.I.A. from Maclin means Maniac Marines win!

Knockouts Tag Titles: Elegance Clique (Heather & Ash) w/Personal Concierge vs Spitfire (Dani Luna & Jody Threat) (c)

Elegance duo comes out dressed like Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders. They do a Go Eagles chant right before the bell rings to a chorus of Boos.

Even though Elegance Clique throws their pompoms and try a cheap shot, Spitfire just plow through them, literally. Quick tags, some assisted moves, Ash gets away from Spitfire, tags in Heather and shoves her forward trying to take them off guard, but they turn around…grab Heather and a long Tandem Stalling Suplex with a Deep Squat for two. Concierge distracts the referee, looks for a low Dive onto Heather but Ash just kicks Dani in the face, and the referee sees nothing. Heather rolls her back in, Kawada Kicks, Forearm Shiver, trip into a Dropkick to the face! Ash hangs Dani off the apron and Heather hits the Double Stomp from the apron to the floor.

Ash starts choking Dani on the ropes, distracts the referee and Heather paintbrushes Dani with pompoms as Ash goes for a series of pinfall attempts. Quick tags, Dani is in their corner, Cartwheel Back Handspring Elbow from Ash into a Seated Dropkick from Heather. Dani has been getting smacked around for the last 4 or 5 minutes. Ash leans on Dani for a while, but Dani gets a head of steam, comes off the ropes and Shotgun Dropkick gives her space. Jody gets a hot tag, she Sack of Shits them both, Vader Hammers in the corner into a Michinoku Driver, which Ash breaks up with a Meteora. Heather and Ash have a nice tandem move for a two count. Jody tries to fight back, but Elegance stops it, blind tag from Dani, Senton takes out both Elegance Clique members and Dani stalks her prey. Snap Suplex two times on Ash, but Heather stops the third and Jody just tosses Heather out of the ring in a rough way. Jody tries her Double Knees German Suplex spot but Ash moves. Dani with the Shinsuke Nakamura Inside Out German, Pressure Drop and Spitfire retains.

Boo…

Jordynne Grace vs Tessa Blanchard

Grace charges Tessa immediately, and the ref needs to pull her off, but Tessa gets thrown around the ring literally, the crowd is chanting “Fuck You Tessa”, Tessa powders, eats a Dive and then a Jackhammer on the outside! Grace puts Tessa on her shoulders up to the ring, but Tessa finally fights off and flips off the crowd, revels in it for a second, tries the Frankensteiner, but Grace holds on, smashes Tessa into the guardrail twice, looks for the Reverse Bomb on the apron, but Tessa gets out, stomps on Jordynne a few times, hooks Jordynne’s face with the crook of her leg and drives Jordynne’s face into the apron. Unique looking and decent.

Tessa has the correct intensity, pushes into two quick pinfall attempts and starts getting deliberate. Drags Jordynne’s face across the rope, throats Grace, kicks her in the face and Slingshot Elbow is another near fall. Tessa with the Front Facelock, Grace tries to fight out but Tessa holds on and drops her with a Scorpion Death Drop for another near fall. Jordynne fights Tessa off with a few elbows, looks for a Superplex, but Tessa fights off, wants the Avalanche Sunset Bomb, but Jordynne stops it, Tessa kicks Grace’s feet, looks for a Rope Hung Death Drop but Jordynne fights it off and smashes Tessa’s face into the turnbuckles but Tessa hits the Rope Hung Backstabber for two. Tessa looks for Magnum, but Jordynne cuts her off, they fight at the top, Avalanche Sack of Shit! They both sell the exhaustion of the match so far.

They trade blows, two Scoop Slams from Jordynne, Lawn Dart into the Top Turnbuckle! Package Powerbomb for two! Dragon Suplex attempt from Grace, Tessa breaks it, Headlock Takeover, quick counter wrestling, Tiger Destroyer from Tessa! Only for a two count, but still nice. Buzzsaw attempt is shrugged off, Tessa comes off the ropes and eats the Spinebuster from Jordynne for two quick pinfall attempts. Tessa with the Body Scissors and pulls herself up and fights back, Jordynne slaps her around, looks for the Suplex but Tessa slips it and Neckbreaker Counter for a two count! The brawl to the apron, Grace eats a forearm and Tessa hits the Tornillo on Jordynne! They posture on the steps, Tessa wants a move but Jordynne counters her and Spicolli Driver from the stairs to the floor from Jordynne!

More back and forth in the corner, just positioning and counters, it’s like watching chess. Jordynne grabs Tessa for an Avalanche Air Raid Crash, but Tessa fights it and turns it into an Avalanche Crucifix Bomb! After trying a grounded submission Tessa locks in the Octopus, tries to wrench the fingers but Jordynne counters, Rope Assisted German Suplex into a Capture Suplex for 2! Kudome Valentine attempt from Grace but Tessa gets out, Backfist from Jordynne, Tessa bounces off and Cutter gives her a two count! Tessa calls for Magnum, Jordynne dodges it, Tessa rolls through, tries boots but Grace grabs Tessa and hits the around the world Reverse Alabama Slam! Tessa keeps trying to remove Buckle Pads but they’re on good, Tessa reverses out of the Kinikku Buster, hits the Buzzsaw into the partially exposed buckle but Grace grabs the rope. Tessa removes another pad, Bulldog into exposed buckle, Magnum, and Tessa is still sexy.

The turnbuckle pads being on too well made the finish a little flat, but it was a damn good match. There’s also a joke in the match with Tessa coming out wearing Red and Gold (Yellow), so the racism allegations are never going away if she keeps making it easy.

I Quit Match: Josh Alexander vs Mike Santana

There’s intensity but its all just technical tactics to take each other to the ground and grab a limb. But since we just came off of a pretty good match, things can’t start too hot. Every time Santana throws Josh to the outside, Josh scurries back to the ring, he’s playing scared. There’s a “He’s a bitch” chant that pops up. Santana cuts off Josh’s charge with a few well placed boots which sends Josh outside, Tope con Hilo levels the bald man. Santana throws Josh into a guardrail, Yakuza Kicks back to back rock Josh a bit. Fans call for tables and Santana slides one out to a huge pop. Santana sets it up, plays to the crowd, tries a Powerbomb onto the table but Josh slips it and Overhead Belly to Belly sends Santana crashing. A fan can be heard saying “That look like it hurt” to which Santana replies ” It did asshole”. Now Josh is dissecting Santana’s legs to soften him up for the Ankle Lock. Josh goes for the corner spot with the Figure Four around the post after bouncing the knee off the post a few times.

Josh tries to continue but Santana slides out and counters Josh and bounces his face off the post. Josh walks it off a bit as Santana stalks him and then a quick Chop Block has Santana writhing in pain. Josh decides to be a heel and do the Three Amigos instead of the Kurt Angle Germans. Disrespectful bald jerk. Santana gets throated, dropped to the apron on his ass, Low Crossbody but Santana flattens out and Josh goes flying! Santana tries a Dive, but Josh catches him and just drops him spine first on the apron. After a small resilient flurry of slaps from Santana Josh goes for the Germans. Santana brushes off on the third, goes for the Rolling Buck Fifty, gets caught in the Torture Rack, Santana fights off Josh’s shoulders, kicks him into the corner, Senton into the seated Josh. Perches him up top, points at the table, tries something but Josh fights him off, Moonsault from Josh misses and a Death Valley Driver gives both a moment to breathe.

Santana Spin the-BLOCK-ED! Josh sweeps the leg, Ankle Lock and Santana refuses to quit twice but slips the boot ala Eddie Guerrero. Josh pauses a moment, Santana charges and Josh dumps him over the top rope through the table! Santana says he doesn’t quit, Josh looks surprised, so he goes looking for more plywood. He also grabs the bottom set of stairs and throws them into the ring. Scoop Slams Santana into the broken table and continues looking for weapons, like a chair and zip ties. Santana crawls into the ring, Josh steps on the worked on leg and smashes it repeatedly with the chair. Josh goes into Full Mount, rains down strikes, exposes the elbow for Elbow Strikes and tries to soften him up for the zip ties. C4 Spike but Santana raises up like the Undertaker and fires into beating the piss out of Josh. Frankensteiner on Josh into the Frog Splash, Spin the Block! Josh doesn’t quit. Santana grabs the zip ties that Josh introduced, ties the hands behind Josh’s back, Spin the Block 2! Josh doesn’t quit. Santana sets up the steps as a ramp, table in front of Josh in the corner and Cannonballs through the table into Josh! Josh still doesn’t quit off the Jackass stunt. Santana finds a sock filled with quarters and starts beating Josh like it’s a slapjack. Josh still doesn’t quit. Santana tells Josh to bite the curb and is about to Curb Stomp him into the steps and Josh gets scared and quits.

TNA Tag Team Championships: The Hardyz (c) vs The Rascalz

Fraxiom comes out to watch the match, so this nicely sets up a potential early angle between NXT and TNA for the crossover. 

Trey and Matt start, but it’s a slow Headlock basic counters and feint spots. Jeff and Wentz want to play, so this is very Japanese in giving each member a free chance to interact before any cutoffs or tandems. The crowd likes both men, so this is interesting but more Stalemate spots. Jeff manages a Polish Hammer to tag in Matt and go for a quick tandem move and keep Wentz in the Hardy Corner bouncing his face off buckles in Delete fashion. Tag from Jeff for another tandem Rocket Launcher into the bottom rope and Leg Drop from Jeff. Wentz counters the Twist with a Jumping Knee so he manages a tag to Trey and then a few quick striking double team spots. Quick tag to Wentz, Matt comes in to break it up, drops Matt and Wishbone. Quick Tag, MCMG ACS Rush homage. Wentz Dives onto Matt on the outside, Matt catches him into the Side Effect on the floor! Jeff gets the best of Trey after he’s a little distracted. Manhattan Drop from Jeff, into a tag to Matt and then some double team strikes for a near fall. Delete Head Smashes again on Trey.

Vertical Suplex from Matt for another 2. Matt tags out and Hardys look for more Tandem attacks, Plot Twist but Wentz recovers and makes the break! Trey flips out of Jeff’s arms, tags in Wentz, and Wentz cleans house on both Hardys. Corner to corner, tags back in Trey they hit the Saki Kashima assisted Dropkick on each Hardy and then they dump the Hardys at the feet of Fraxiom. FIVE HOLE DIVE FROM RASCALZ! Misses the Hardys and hits Fraxiom! This builds heat for The Rascalz and Fraxiom as Hardys attack the Rascalz while distracted. Poetry in Motion off the stairs from Jeff!

Facebuster from Jeff for two! Wentz hits a Busaiku Knee on Jeff to stop him from hitting Trey, Side Effect drops Wentz, Enzuigiri from Trey drops Matt and all four are down to catch their breath a bit. Original Poetry in Motion on Trey! Twist of Fate from Matt but countered and Matt is thrown into Jeff who’s selling a knee. Superkick into Feed Em to the Lions! Wentz Dives on Matt but Trey can’t quite make a clean pinfall. Jeff eats a Cheeky Nandos and Top Rope Tiger Feint, Twist of Fates for everyone and Jeff re-NO Trey kicks out! Another Twist but eats a Superkick from Wentz, tries the UFO Cutter on Matt but Matt just throws him to the outside. A Twist of Fate from each Hardy Boy, Swanton Bomb and the Hardyz retain!

Thursday’s Live Show will have Fraxiom vs The Rascalz for the NXT Titles! 

Raven’s Clockwork Orange House of Fun Match: TNA Knockouts World Championship: Masha Slamovich (c) vs Rosemary

Do Rosemary’s shorts have Pokemon Gym Badges on em? Masha goes for the Staple Gun, it almost gets countered immediately, but she gets the first few clicks of the Staple gun, it actually doesn’t backfire, but she lets Rosemary powder and starts grabbing a few weapons. Masha finally decides to attack Rosemary with a cane, but Rosemary turns things around with the green mist. Slamovich gets some of the mist out of her eyes, chases her into the ring and eats a Drop Toehold into a Chair. Rosemary sets up the table, panders to the crowd and Masha launches herself over the top with a Crossbody, into Rosemary and then through the table! Masha finds her old chain she used to make Killer Kelly submissive and starts choking and dragging Rosemary around the ring and then Sabus the chair at Rosemary for emphasis.

Masha tries to hit the front flip Senton onto a seated Rosemary, but Rosemary moves and Masha hits the chair weird. Rosemary beats her with a chair a few times, looks under the ring, gets giddy and finds Janice! Rosemary swings Janice, breaks it, and then uses the two pieces to block the cane Masha had and then pressed the nail portion into Masha’s back! Rosemary is talking to Janice and goes to the back to find tacks that she spills out on the stage. Rosemary wants a Chokeslam into tacks, Masha counters, misses a Lariat and then eats the Spear into the tacks! Barbed Wire board is set up in the ring, Spicolli…nope! Russian Death Device into the Barbed Wire! Masha goes to the top, Footstomp into the barbed wire but only for 2 again! Masha goes to the outside and grabs a ladder.

A trash can lid gets thrown at Rosemary for good measure, Masha ascends the ladder and then Rosemary pushes the ladder and Masha goes crashing through one of two tables set up on the outside. Rough spot, rough looking, but Masha manages to move enough to break the pinfall since its falls count anywhere. Rosemary now goes full Kevin Steen and makes some chair art for a spot, drags Masha into the ring, sets he on the chairs and goes to the top. Masha sits up as Rosemary climbs, counters the momentum and Avalanche Requiem through the chairs! Masha retains.

Cora Jade’s music hits and sets up nicely after Masha was on NXT. 

The Countdown Panel starts off with their main event picks they hinted towards and it’s necessary because they have to clean up the ring. Mark Henry picks Joe Hendry, and he better be correct. Ryan Nemeth interrupts with the “my brootthhheerrr” stuff, and Santino calls him “Fuck Face Guy”. It’s all good stuff, and I’m still a big fan of the Mokuba gimmick, but now they ban Ryan Nemeth. 

TNA World Championship: Nic Nemeth (c) vs Joe Hendry

Simple chain wrestling start until Nic has a few words and then snaps off a Dropkick, does his show off Dolph stuff so Hendry runs him over with a Shoulder Block and then a Knee Lift. Hendry tries his Stalling Suplex but Nic slips it into a Rear Naked Choke! Hendry spins Nic around, walks around with the Stalling Suplex before finally dropping Nic. Ryan Nemeth shows up with a ticket, so he’s sitting in the crowd now. Joe gets distracted just enough for Nic to jump up and hit a delayed DDT. After Nic tries to stretch Joe a little, Hendry goes into locomotion Cradles but Nic drops Joe to take a breather. Nic does his single Shot to the Heart Elbow and he’s really embracing the old Dolph Ziggler show off ego. Ziggler looks for a Rude Awakening after more arrogant moments, but Joe tries to fight it off, so Nic just snaps off a Jumping Neckbreaker.

Joe manages to hit a Cutter off the ropes to try and get some energy from the crowd. Strike exchange happens here, Uppercuts from Joe and Fists from Nic. Joe blocks one fist, throws a few of his own together and a Lariat levels Nic. Sack of Shit into the Kip Up! Counters galore from both men before Nic gets caught in the Pop-Up Powerbomb! Attitude Adjustment for just a near fall. You see moments of Nic trying to cheat or find an angle but he hasn’t done anything overtly heelish yet. Joe is rocking him with chops, perches Nic on the top, looks for the Superplex but Nic fights back, Hendry gets pushed off, Crossbody but Hendry rolls through, holds on and gets his Powerbomb countered into a FAMEasser for two! Nic crawls to a corner, looks to climb for something big, Hendry cuts him off, Avalanche Sack of Shit! Kaz walks out with the trophy as both men sell, but JBL comes out of the crowd and Clothesline from Hell on Kaz. JBL punches Ryan in the face as he comes out to say something. Then Tuxedo JBL leaves after doing his job. Standing Ovation from HENDRY! 1-2-NO! Nic kicks out!

The crowd chants “One More Time” and it fires up Hendry, he does the heel turn and goes full Queen Stomp, tries again, but Nic slips it. Superkick into Danger Zone and it’s….HENDRY KICKS OUT! Nic is tuning up the band, Hendry catches Nic, Sack of Shit, Kip Up, big fire, Standing Ovation! JOE HENDRY WINS!

 

Overall Score: 7/10

Even if the match quality wasn’t bonkers, mostly all the matches did what they needed to do, were fairly good and a good number of NXT talent showed up to make the Live iMPACT! and TNA really feel like something special right now. I’m an unabashed Tessa fan, so I’m giddy she won and Hendry finally getting the title is the latest they could’ve really dragged this out to, but at least it stops him from becoming Tetsuya Nai-Joe.

I’m not gonna be a hypocrite from previous complaints I made with too many champions being babyfaces, because that’s still bad and proves the next few title defenses could prove volatile. However, I of course just enjoy most of the current champions. So while it doesn’t erase the fact it’s bad, it makes it more palatable for me personally. Now if only PCO destroyed the Knockouts Tags instead of a different irrelevant belt.

Also let’s be very clear, anyone that believes the PCO stunt was a legit shoot doesn’t know wrestling. Everything is a work until it isn’t and then it still could be turned into a work. Don’t be gullible and just anticipate something to be worked out of it one way or the other.

Still though, good show with a lot of hype for the Live iMPACT, so Thursday should be fun! See you there!

About Chairshot Radio Network

Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!

 MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)

TUESDAY - Musical Chairs (music) / Hockey Talk (NHL)

WEDNESDAY - The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling) 

THURSDAY - Keeping the news ridiculous... The Oddity / Chairshot NFL (NFL)

FRIDAY - DWI Podcast (Drunk Wrestling Intellect)

SATURDAY - The Mindless Wrestling Podcast

SUNDAY - The Front and Center Sports Podcast 

CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS

Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)

TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends

Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5

Classic POD is WAR

Chairshot Radio Network Your home for the hardest hitting podcasts... Sports, Entertainment and Sports Entertainment!

All Shows On Demand


Powered by RedCircle


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