Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE Monday Night Raw Report! (4/2/18)
All images courtesy of the WWE’s official Twitter
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Bayley VS Sonya Deville w/ Absolution; Bayley wins.
- Finn Balor VS Seth Rollins; Rollins wins.
- Goldust VS WOKEN Matt Hardy; Hardy wins.
- Heath Slater w/ Rhyno VS Elias; Elias wins.
- Alexa Bliss & Mickie James VS Dana Brooke & Asuka; Dana & Asuka win.
PLAY BY PLAY
Johnathan Coachman welcomes Atlanta to Raw!
This is it. Six nights away from @WrestleMania…#RAW is LIVE on @USA_Network! pic.twitter.com/UarFHrLiFb
— WWE (@WWE) April 3, 2018
Wrestlemania is this Sunday, and we’re near the end of the road. Coach sets up the face-off conference of the star mixed tag match, and introduces the Raw Commissioner, Stephanie McMahon, as well as the COO, Triple H!
Behold the ?
The ? of ???#RAW @TripleH pic.twitter.com/nNMba2onek— WWE (@WWE) April 3, 2018
Then, he introduces the Raw GM, Kurt Angle–who gets the classic “You Suck!” chant–and of course, the Baddest Woman on the Planet, “Rowdy” Ronda Rousey!
#TeamRousey is in the building!#RAW @RealKurtAngle @RondaRousey pic.twitter.com/WlFuaqlwqM
— WWE (@WWE) April 3, 2018
Everyone is in the ring now, and sit on their respective sides of the table. The fans chant, “Ronda Rousey! *clap clap clapclapclap*” Coach thanks the four for joining this face-off, and moves things to the Social Media Q&A. HHH speaks up, because he has a Q for Angle. “It’s a shame, really”, everyone chanting for Ronda, because the fans want to like her, but it’ll all be gone after Sunday. And it’ll all be Angle’s fault. “Intensity, Integrity, Intelligence”, an Olympic Gold Medalist with a broken freaking neck, yet it seems that third I of Intelligence doesn’t hold true. This right here is a prime example: they have Ronda Rousey, one of if not THE biggest signing to WWE, yet Angle ruins it by setting her up for “an embarrassment” at Wrestlemania. HHH has to know, “Why?”
Angle replies, but Ronda speaks up now. She asks the Authority why they were so two-faced. Stephanie excuses Ronda, she doesn’t understand how things work. But they’ll polish her up after they rebuild her from the beating on Sunday. Stephanie moves things to the questions, but Ronda says this was the format: she asked a Q, where’s the A? Stephanie plays along, saying they signed Ronda because she’s a star. Fans want to see Ronda in the WWE, and she is “best for business.” However, things work like this: HHH asked a question, Angle works for Stephanie, Angle messed Ronda up already, so what is there to misunderstand? Angle and Ronda work for the Authority, “so who they Hell do you think you are?” Angle takes it from here: “She’s Ronda Friggin’ Rousey.” An Olympic Medalist, UFC Champion, and come Wrestlemania, the one who makes Stephanie tap out.
Coach fails to cool things off as HHH asks Angle why he’s so confident. Yeah, she’s “Ronda Friggin’ Rousey”, with entire divisions built around her. In the WWE, that means nothing. Ronda’s dream of coming here compares nothing to how the WWE is Stephanie’s life, HHH’s life, “from beginning to end.” In this ring, The authority knows the rules, but Ronda has no idea what’s coming. The “massive learning curve” and the rules made by the Authority makes this “a forgone conclusion.”
Coach again tries to steer things to questions. “How important it is for you to win at Wrestlemania? And if you do, how will it impact eh future of the WWE?” Stephanie says it won’t be if, but when. And when the Authority wins, it’ll show that any uprising will end up with the bosses taking action to shut it down, and everyone will learn to #RespectAuthority. “How does Angle feel about teaming with Ronda Rousey?” Whether in the ring, cage, octagon, Ronda is the baddest woman, and she’ll prove it when Stephanie taps out.
And finally, an open question: “Any final thoughts before you head to Wrestlemania?” Stephanie says that this is all on Ronda for choosing this. Ronda will lose, her first ever match at Wrestlemania, to Stephanie. And we all know how Ronda handles losses. “Nice jacket, by the way.” Ronda replies with, “Steph, are you right or left handed?” Stephanie is right-handed. Ronda wanted to make sure Stephanie can still sign checks, even after she rips an arm off. Fans like the sound of that. Coach wraps things up with the photo op. Nothing like boxing or UFC, this will be classy and professional. The photographers come in and everyone moves to the front of the tables. Coach wishes everyone luck as he moves aside.
HHH and Angle come face to face, and Stephanie glares at Ronda. The gentlemen shake hands, but the ladies… Stehpanie offers, but when Ronda refuses, Stephanie trash talks. They get face-to-face, but Angle keeps the peace, only for HHH to attack from behind! Ronda gets HHH, but Stephanie body slams Ronda through a table! Stephanie says that’s for before, and the rest will be at Wrestlemania. “You’re not so tough.” The Authority stands tall after being underhanded, but will they regret their actions when the gloves are off?
Did @StephMcMahon just put @RondaRousey through a table?!
Yes, @StephMcMahon just put @RondaRousey through a table!#RAW #WrestleMania pic.twitter.com/eYbpeQ7LZ8
— WWE (@WWE) April 3, 2018
Bayley VS Sonya Deville w/ Absolution!
History will be made THIS SUNDAY at #WrestleMania in the #WomensBattleRoyal! pic.twitter.com/9DIwmf5qnj
— WWE WrestleMania (@WrestleMania) April 3, 2018
Whether or not the Huggable One has a friend in the Legit Boss anymore, she isn’t going to let the Gladiator Gal go through her without a fight. With the inaugural Wrestlemania Women’s Battle Royal just up ahead, who will gain some final momentum before arriving in New Orleans?
The bell rings and the two circle. Bayley is wary of Absolution nearby, but that leaves her open to a kick to the leg. Sonya taunts Bayley, then circles again for another kick. Sonya goes for Bayley’s leg again but Bayley hops over and boots her back. The two battle over a backslide, Sonya whips but Bayley goes up and over to get a headlock takeover. Sonya stands up and powers out, but things speed up and Bayley ducks the elbow to whip. Sonya reverses but Bayley crossbodies! Bayley keeps on Sonya with another headlock, and turns Sonya’s counter into a takedown. Sonya keeps her shoulders up and stands up again, using the ponytail to take Bayley to a corner. She drives in shoulders while Absolution cheers, but the fans jeer.
Bayley counters Sonya’s run with a flapjack to buckles! Bayley hops up but Sonya yanks her off, so Bayley elbows her away. She hops up again and flies, but the arm-drag is blocked into a body check.
Who will pick up some all-important momentum before the @WrestleMania #WomensBattleRoyal: @itsBayleyWWE or @SonyaDevilleWWE?! #RAW pic.twitter.com/0oJnGbrJO8
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) April 3, 2018
Cover, TWO, but Bayley keeps on Sonya with an arm wrench. Paige says “This is OUR House!” but Bayley has Sonya in a standing armbar. Sonya endures the wrench, then hits back with haymakers. Sonya whips but Bayley reverses, big corner clothesline! Bayley tugs, Sonya holds ropes so Bayley has to let go, sucker punch from Sonya and a roundhouse take Bayley down! Sonya trash talks Bayley while we go to break.
Raw returns to Sonya grinding Bayley in a bodyscissors. Bayley fights out as the fans rally, and she starts ramming Sonya’s head into the mat! She breaks free, runs, but into a spinebuster! Cover, TWO, but Sonya keeps on Bayley with knees to the chest. She runs, sliding knee into Bayley! Cover, TWO, and frustration grows for Absolutoin as a whole. Sonya stalks Bayley, toying with her. Bayley pushes back while fans rally again, but Sonya kicks away on Bayley’s stomach. Bayley dodges, but Sonya is upon her again, only for Bayley to counter! She punches and forearms away on Sonya, then rallies with lariats. Bayley puts Sonya in a corner for a mudhole stomping and a rain of hands. She goes to the outside, climbs up, and jumps for the crossbody!
Bayley keeps moving, running knee to Sonya’s head! Cover, TWO! Absolution bails Sonya out, but Bayley just exits the ring anyway. The referee keeps Paige and Mandy back, but Sonya knees Bayley back. Bayley counters the throw, and then hangs Sonya up with the hotshot! Cover, TWO, but Mandy is lurking. Bayley kicks her away but Sonya kicks her down, gutwrench cradle, TWO! Sonya kicks, Bayley ducks and rolls her up, Bayley wins!
Winner: Bayley, by pinfall
HARD-FOUGHT VICTORY for @itsBayleyWWE on #RAW over #Absolution's @SonyaDevilleWWE! pic.twitter.com/bAdUfdEWi4
— WWE (@WWE) April 3, 2018
But Absolution pounces! Mandy hammers away, joined by Sonya. Here comes Sasha! The Boss tackles Mandy then fights off Sonya. Sasha throws Mandy out but Sonya is on her again. Bayley helps now, throwing Sonya out. The Raw Horsewomen stand tall, and the fans are loving it, but Sasha wants Bayley to raise her hand? Bayley won the match, not Sasha! Sasha gets in Bayley’s face so Bayley fights back! She rains rights but Sasha comes back, and so does Absolution! Mandy and Sonya club away, then a roundhouse for Bayley, Golden Driver for Sasha! The “friends” are down, will they be able to get up in time for the battle royal?
Raw takes a look at Asuka’s Streak.
October 7th, 2015: it began. For over two years, 908 days, the Empress of Tomorrow has racked up 265 wins, not one loss. She’s conquered 35 women, eight of them former champions, and all submitting to her Asuka Lock. Asuka knows nothing but winning in both NXT and WWE. The only reason she isn’t still NXT Women’s Champion is because she had to vacate the title when she came to Raw. She is a Sole Survivor and a Royal Rumble Winner in the same year, and she won the inaugural Women’s Rumble. Unlike any wrestler before her, she heads for Wrestlemania against SmackDown Women’s Champion, The Queen of Flair, Charlotte! Will the Streak live on through the Grandest Stage of Them All?
It's STREAK vs. TITLE THIS SUNDAY at #WrestleMania when @WWEAsuka challenges @MsCharlotteWWE for the #SDLive #WomensChampionship! #RAW pic.twitter.com/NeJNKrEwKe
— WWE WrestleMania (@WrestleMania) April 3, 2018
Finn Balor VS Seth Rollins!
#BalorClub is out and about in the ATL…@FinnBalor goes toe-to-toe with @WWERollins NEXT on #RAW! pic.twitter.com/GPSbKCNSMk
— WWE (@WWE) April 3, 2018
The Extraordinary Man and the Architect are both going after The Miz’s Intercontinental Championship in a Triple Threat, but they first want to settle things between each other. Can the inaugural Universal Champion notch another win over the former world champion? Or will “Seth Freakin’ Rollins” get even this close to becoming a Grand Slam Champion?
However, The Miz is also here to keep an eye on his contenders from commentary! New baby Monroe will have to watch daddy watch Finn VS Rollins.
New dad. Same title.#ICChampion @mikethemiz is in the building TONIGHT on #RAW! pic.twitter.com/jWRvvP7VCU
— WWE (@WWE) April 3, 2018
#TheArchitect @WWERollins has ONE mission tonight: BEAT @FinnBalor.#RAW pic.twitter.com/EDtWG6MYpE
— WWE (@WWE) April 3, 2018
The bell rings, Rollins circles with Finn, and then they tie up. Rollins gets the waistlock but Finn the standing switch and they go around with hammerlocks. Rollins gets a headlock, then an arm-wrench but Finn tries to counter. Finn ends up on the mat, but kip-up and wrenches to an arm-drag takedown. Rollins headscissors, Finn pops out, Rollins headlocks, Finn headscissors, Rollins pops out, and the two stand up in a stand-off. Fans applaud while Finn grins, and the two circle again. They tie up but Finn goes low for the leg. He gets Rollins to a hammerlock, snapping back to wrench it. Rollins works his way out, Finn wrenches the wrist. Rollins rolls and handsprings but Finn powers out, only for Rollins to run him over. Finn gets to ropes but Rollins headlock takeover, grinding Finn to the mat.
Finn makes it a cover, TWO, but Rollins holds on. They stand up, Finn powers out and arm-drags Rollins back down to the armlock. They stand up again, Rollins whips but Finn reverses. Rollins rolls over and shoulders Finn down. Things speed up, Finn arm-drags, and they stand-off again. Rollins and Finn are still evenly matched while we go to break.
Raw returns to Rollins whipping but Finns reversing. Rollins sunset flips but Finn rolls through to dropkick. Finn wrenches Rollins fights out. Finn hits back and Rollins gets mad. Rollins shoves, Finn shoves back. They both glance at the Wrestlemania sign, and a brawl breaks out! They go back and forth with wild rights, then Rollins knees. Rollins throws Finn out tot he floor, then follows him out to chop him against the barriers. He puts Finn into the apron while the ring count starts, continuing with throwing Finn into barriers. Fans are fired up as Rollins puts Finn back in the ring. Finn fights back, throwing Rollins out. Finn dropkicks Rollins down, then from the apron, he Penalty Kicks Rollins down!
A Finn Flex and then Finn brings Rollins back into the ring. Cover, ONE, and Miz enjoys this long showcase. Finn kicks Rollins in the back, covers, ONE. Rollins gets to a corner but Finn gives him a chop, then another chop. Finn stalks Rollins, whips him corner to corner, running- No, buckle shot! Rollins hops up, blockbuster! Cover, TWO, but Rollins keeps his cool. He drives elbows right into Finn’s forehead, then puts him in a chinlock. Rollins squeezes and grinds Finn down, we go picture in picture to plug Shinsuke VS Styles. Finn gets up but Rollins wrangles him right back down. He endures the squeeze, then works his way up to his feet. Finn pries his way out but Rollins turns it into a neckbreaker! Finn gets to the apron but Rollins goes outside and takes aim. Rollins boots Finn back into the ring!
#ICChampion @mikethemiz is a NEW MAN as he watches @WWERollins and @FinnBalor tear each other apart just six nights before #WrestleMania! #RAW pic.twitter.com/ShV3a14JJL
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) April 3, 2018
Cover, TWO! Rollins keeps frustration at bay, but Finn hits back. They go back and forth with chops, then Rollins suplexes but Finn slips out, only for Rollins to elbow him away. Finn in a corner, he boots Rollins back. Finn rallies with forearms, then whips but Rollins reverses, only for Finn to hit another. The fans fire up, Finn chops Rollins in the corner again. Corner to corner, Rollins boots Finn away. Rollins hops up but Finn yanks him off! Finn tries the 1916 but Rollins rolls him up, TWO! Finn goes again, elbow DDT! Cover, TWO! And Finn can’t believe it!
Finn gets up and to a corner, fans firing up for him. He takes aim at Rollins, runs out, but Rollins denies the slingblade to hit HIS slingblade! Finn gets out of the ring, Rollins builds speed, and DIVES! Direct hit! Both men are down on the outside, we go to break.
Raw returns as Finn fires up, and hits his slingblade! He runs again, but into a SUPERKICK!
?#RAW @WWERollins @FinnBalor pic.twitter.com/SdM4YZAHgp
— WWE (@WWE) April 3, 2018
Miz says this is the best match he’s seen all year while Rollins reaches for a cover, TWO! The fans declare, “This is Awesome!” Finn flounders to a corner while Rollins staggers to his feet. Rollins runs in for the forearm smash, then another but Finn dodges to swing kick him down! Finn climbs up, but Rollins sits him down! Rollins climbs up to join Finn, slowly preparing the superplex, but Finn resists. Finn fights back with clubbing forearms. Rollins goes down again, Finn adjusts, but Rollins returns, for the SUPERPLEX roll through but Small Package! TWO!! Rollins can’t believe how close that was, and drags Finn back up. Finn revives again but Revolution Knee! Cover, TWO!? Miz loves this!
#ICChampion @mikethemiz = all of us right now.#RAW @WWERollins @FinnBalor pic.twitter.com/gPh6WITvqd
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) April 3, 2018
Rollins gets to a corner, climbs up, takes aim, then jumps, but the frog splash hits knees! TWO!! Even The Miz is shocked. Finn gets to his feet while Rollins rolls and slumps out of the ring. Finn goes to that apron, Penalty- No, Rollins brings him up, deja vu, but Finn fights out to SLINGBLADE! Blasting dropkick! Finn avenges his Summerslam injury and puts Rollins back in the ring. He climbs up again, takes aim again, and jumps, but rollins rolls away. Mule kick, Curb- No, a shove and a roll, TWO, roll back, CURB STOMP!! Rollins wins!!
Winner: Rollins, by pinfall
1️⃣-2️⃣-3️⃣…and WHAT A MATCH!@WWERollins STOMPS his way to a win over @FinnBalor just SIX nights before #WrestleMania! #RAW pic.twitter.com/YdtTdha6fE
— WWE (@WWE) April 3, 2018
The Architect finally gets one on the Extraordinary Man. Miz stands up on the commentary table so that everyone gets a good look at his Intercontinental Championship. Will Miz keep a hold of that title to become the longest reigning IC Champion ever? Will Rollins take it away to become a Grand Slam Champion? Or will Finn turn his momentum around and make that title #TooSweet?
Well, @FinnBalor took an L, but @WWERollins and @mikethemiz are more ready than ever for #WrestleMania! #RAW pic.twitter.com/cTJ7cvNLr5
— WWE (@WWE) April 3, 2018
Raw reviews the saga of Lesnar VS Reigns.
The Beast won the WWE Universal Championship a year ago at Wrestlemania off THE Goldberg. Ever since then, the “reigning, defending, undisputed” champion would remain such even after taking on Kane, Samoa Joe, Braun Strowman and Roman Reigns. Roman meanwhile had to take the long road back to Wrestlemania, winning the Elimination Chamber #1 Contender’s match. He vows he’s telling the truth about being able to beat Lesnar. He also told the truth on how Lesnar doesn’t care or respect anyone in the WWE, from employees to management to fans. At the same time, Roman said he doesn’t want Vince McMahon to disrespect him. Vince would suspend Roman for his comments, but Roman didn’t care, he kept coming to work.
However, this would also backfire. Roman fought off U.S. Marshals, only for Lesnar to take advantage of the handcuffs! Lesnar savagely beat the collared Roman, both with German Suplexes and with a chair. Battered and bruised, Roman would still man up to get in Lesnar’s face and even take another beating. Roman got his licks in, but Lesnar still got the better of him. With Wrestlemania on the horizon, can Roman return to get his revenge?
THIS SUNDAY: #UniversalChampion @BrockLesnar defends the title he won exactly ONE YEAR AGO against #TheBigDog @WWERomanReigns at #WrestleMania! #RAW pic.twitter.com/EqR5GHEUOc
— WWE WrestleMania (@WrestleMania) April 3, 2018
Paul Heyman talks “Brocktagon” with someone on his phone.
However, Kurt Angle walks over to talk with The Advocate. He tells Heyman as the GM, that the most important part of ‘Mania is keeping the main event intact. Heyman agrees, but asks how this is any different than any other night? He’ll say nice things about Roman and tell Lesnar to save it for Sunday. Angle wants to make sure Heyman doesn’t instigate anything between the two men where they might get hurt. Heyman just laughs. Angle is worried about Lesnar getting hurt? Yes, because they both want to hurt each other period! Just don’t do anything of the sort, Heyman. Heyman promises not to, but he’s still chuckling to himself. Will there be any last attacks before the ‘Mania match?
#RAW General Manager @RealKurtAngle wants to make sure @HeymanHustle doesn't do anything to incite @WWERomanReigns too much tonight… pic.twitter.com/FrfEE1VAox
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) April 3, 2018
The Bar head to the ring.
You know what they are…
THE BAR! #RAW @WWECesaro @WWESheamus pic.twitter.com/1UxzUjwAPk
— WWE (@WWE) April 3, 2018
The Swiss Cyborg & the Celtic Gladiator are set to face The Monster Among Men for the Raw Tag Team Championships, but it doesn’t matter to them who Braun Strowman gets as a partner. “Because as big as you are or as strong as you are, it’s still a tag team match.” Strowman will have to tag his partner in at some point, and they need to be on the same page, including plans B, C, D, etc, but it won’t matter because they’ll never be a real team or real tag team champions. But then Strowman appears!
Hands are about to be gotten, because here comes The #MonsterAmongMen @BraunStrowman! #RAW pic.twitter.com/AZywruiS9u
— WWE (@WWE) April 3, 2018
The fans chant “Get These Hands!” for Strowman as he walks onto the stage. “If you’re trying to say that I don’t play well with others, than you’re right.” Strowman says that management made it clear he has to have a partner, and he got one! They were just talking, and his partner doesn’t appreciate what these “clowns” were saying. In that case, that partner should come out and tell The Bar to their faces! “Don’t worry, he will, under one stipulation: he wants a match with one of you!” A match against the mystery partner? The fans like the sound of that! And The Bar can’t pass this opportunity up. The mystery partner will get his match! “Good. I’ll go get him.” Strowman warns them, though, “he’s a lot like me, just a little different.”
Strowman disappears into the back while The Bar discusses what to do, and then Strowman returns. Wearing glasses and a shirt!
"My brother's Braun. I'm BRAINS, and I'm about to knock yours out of your head!"#BrainsStrowman is about to take on either @WWECesaro or @WWESheamus on #RAW! pic.twitter.com/DzxUv3yEwB
— WWE (@WWE) April 3, 2018
“My brother’s Braun, I’m Brains! And I’m about to come out there and knock yours out of your heads!” “Brain” Strowman heads to the ring, and Sheamus volunteers Cesaro. But reveal! It’s just Braun! And he fights them both! He throws Cesaro off and punches Sheamus, but Sheamus saves Cesaro to BROGUE Strowman! The Bar has numbers on their side as they hammer away, but Strowman just shoves them both away! He runs Sheamus over and throws Cesaro again! The Bar retreats to regroup but Strowman wants more! Does Braun really have a partner to team with? And if he does, will that team break The Bar on Sunday?
THIS SUNDAY: @BraunStrowman MUST find a partner to challenge #TheBar @WWECesaro & @WWESheamus for the #RAW #TagTeamTitles at #WrestleMania! pic.twitter.com/KnW9EM16Ua
— WWE WrestleMania (@WrestleMania) April 3, 2018
Goldust speaks.
The Bizarre One says it’s “skill against skill alone – Princess Bride”. Those were Andre the Giant’s words, and Goldust vows to win his Memorial Battle Royal to put his name on the gold statue. Then HBO will make a documentary about him, so that the world will never forget the name “Goldust”.
But WOKEN Hardy responds!
The Golden One seeks the same prize, to join the pantheon of giants! Hardy vows to be the one honoring the Humongous Wonder #8, and all others will be OBSOLETE! As for tonight, it shall be the Bizarre One who is scheduled for DELETION!
Goldust VS WOKEN Matt Hardy!
Raw returns to this match already in progress as Hardy puts Goldust back in the ring. He rocks Goldy with a haymaker, then whips, but Goldust drops down for the uppercut. Goldust breathes in and hisses at Hardy, but Hardy says that was, “WONDERFUL~!” He applauds, and the fans applaud with him. Hardy ducks a punch to give a punch then whips. Goldust boots back, then puts Hardy into a post. Goldust goes to the outside and mocks Hardy before rocking him with another uppercut. He stomps on Hardy in the ring, then drags him up but Hardy hits back with body shots. Hardy runs, but into a spinebuster! Cover, TWO, but Goldust keeps on Hardy.
Goldust hammers away on Hardy, then takes another deep breath, only for Hardy to throw haymakers. Hardy forearms then “DELETE!” buckle bumps Goldust over and over from top to bottom. Hardy backs off, then says “DELETE!” before running in for the corner clothesline. Goldust denies the bulldog, but runs into a Side Effect! Cover, TWO! Hardy continues the “DELETE!” but Goldust pushes off and powerslams! Cover, TWO! Goldust gets to a corner and climbs up, to take a deep breath and jump, but misses the elbow! Hardy gets up and kicks, Twist– Roll up! TWO! Goldust kicks, drops down but Hardy hits him first. Then, Twist of Fate! Cover, TWO!
Winner: WOKEN Hardy, by pinfall
A DELIGHTFUL victory for #WOKEN @MATTHARDYBRAND as he hands @Goldust his #TwistOfFate on #RAW! pic.twitter.com/W5BbDquIDb
— WWE (@WWE) April 3, 2018
The WOKEN Wisdom rolls on towards the Memorial Battle Royal, and Hardy tells the statue of the Wonder #8 that he will “PROCURE! PROCURE!” a spot on the plaque. Will Hardy make Andre the Giant proud during the Wrestlemania kickoff?
The mission is clear for #WOKEN @MATTHARDYBRAND at #WrestleMania…
PROCURE! PROCURE! PROCURE! #RAW pic.twitter.com/fbkX60Uf6R
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) April 3, 2018
Alexa Bliss & Mickie James speak.
They look cute in their selfie cam. The Goddess tried this once with Nia, but the phone broke. Not surprising, she has a face for radio. And Nia gets an exclusive interview? Maybe she’ll start blubbering. Emphasis on blubber. But when Alexa beats Nia, Nia will blubbering in her blubber. #EW! Will The Goddess suffer the wrath of the Irresistible Force in their Raw Women’s Championship match?
JOHN CENA is here!
?? #RAW @JohnCena pic.twitter.com/Zz0gahal9r
— WWE (@WWE) April 3, 2018
Atlanta sings “John Cena Sucks~!” for him as he heads for the ring. The Face that Runs the Place didn’t get a response from The Undertaker on a Wrestlemania Match last week, even during a No Disqualification match with the Deadman’s Brother of Destruction, Kane. Cena hears the fans chant, “Undertaker!”, and admits he was wrong. In that they’re out of time and there’s still no answer. Cena was wrong to think there was no response, because silence means “no”. Fans might be upset, but not Cena. Cena did what Cena could to get Taker to do something, but ready or not and Wrestlemania is around the corner. He’ll go fired up like all the fans. Fans have asked about a match, but Cena is going as a fan, too.
Michael Cole even told Cena “that’s stupid, just enter the Battle Royal. Or be Braun’s partner,” or any number of things. Cole hasn’t done his research, Cena won’t do that because he lost the Rumble, the Chamber, and at Fastlane, so just entering another match takes a spot from a full-time spot from someone who earned it. Going against Taker was a last chance moment for them both! It’d be a match where no one’s spot is taken, just two “larger than life” superstars fighting it out. One year ago today, Cena’s life changed, shout-out to Nikki Bella. Everyone reads the news about Cena’s career. He’s fed off the energy of the fans, and maybe this year is the right time for a change.
Fans still chant, “Undertaker!” Hopefully Taker hears that. But Cena will say this now: he’s going as a fan, and he’s “damn proud of it.” Cena is proud to sit and watch the “most amazing Wrestlemania card of all time”, even without him. Daniel Bryan is back where he belongs, and Cena is proud of him for it. Cena is proud to watch the greatest in-ring performer get the moment he deserves, AJ Styles defends the WWE Championship. He’s even proud that Wrestlemania will be on Rusev Day! Elias will do stuff, but Cena does know what WWE stands for. Cena is proud of all the Women’s Division matches, because they continue to prove success is not based on gender. “So ladies and gentlemen,” Cena is damn proud to be a fan!
"I'm going to #WrestleMania as a fan, and I'm DAMN proud of it!" – @JohnCena #RAW pic.twitter.com/xyYLGyyVaa
— WWE (@WWE) April 3, 2018
But he’ll take one second to apologize. Cena did everything from in-ring to social media, and he knows the fans did, too. From Dallas to Detroit to Cleveland and Atlanta– Wait, have they really even tried yet? They haven’t? Can Atlanta get loud enough? The fans sure try. “Sounds like Atlanta is about as serious as a Dallas warm-up.” They gotta give way more than that. Make some noise to summon the Undertaker! Atlanta gives it their all, but still not enough. “Hotlanta, you gotta listen to me!” If they want lightning, be the thunder! Shout so they hear you all the way to Death Valley! The fans try a third time, giving 110%, but still nothing. They chant “Undertaker!” once more to see if it’ll work. It echoes out over and over, but it doesn’t seem to be working. Fans turn to boos.
“Hear that, Undertaker?” Four weeks straight, the WWE Universe pours its heart out, yet you don’t do a thing. Cena isn’t upset with Wrestlemania, but he’s upset with Taker. Ignore Cena, fine. But ignore the fans? “You are a dead man walking.” Taker, it’s obvious he left his hat in the ring, but he left his balls at home. Harsh words again, but still no response. And fans turn to chanting for Cena. Cena leaves it at that, because he’s out of ideas. Why is it that Taker won’t respond? Will Taker ever show himself again?
He said he all he could…and still no answer.@JohnCena will see YOU, the @WWEUniverse, THIS SUNDAY at #WrestleMania! pic.twitter.com/f8oS0ypW5S
— WWE (@WWE) April 3, 2018
Roman Reigns is in the locker room!
Kurt Angle meets with him and says that with no Cena VS Taker, he hopes Roman won’t ruing another ‘Mania match. Heyman agreed to keeping the peace, but Roman doesn’t believe it. Is Lesnar even here? Yes! Then Roman is not going anywhere. Roman has respect for Angle, so he’ll hear Heyman out. But everything for the last year and the last six years Lesnar has disrespected everyone else, Roman will be ready the moment Lesnar says anything stupid. Angle can take the peace treaty back to the pawn shop where he pawned those gold medals. Roman is riled up, will he be able to contain himself when he meets The Beast?
#TheBigDog @WWERomanReigns isn't about to show @BrockLesnar ANY mercy tonight… #RAW pic.twitter.com/fj4sQFptYD
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) April 3, 2018
“Ladies and Gentlemen: Elias.”
Listen to @IAmEliasWWE strum that ?#RAW pic.twitter.com/jb7Se7IGH8
— WWE (@WWE) April 3, 2018
The Drifter is back, and as he plays his guitar, he asks Atlanta as he always asks the crowd, “Who Wants to Walk with Elias?!” Atlanta seems very positive about that. Elias has the keys to life, and if you want to save your soul, know that in your heart and with every fiber of your being, WWE means “Walk With Elias”! He’s in Atlanta, but how is this “hellhole of a dump” the last stop before ‘Mania? If Elias was in charge, they’d be in a city that matters. But that’s fine, he’ll be leaving after tonight to put on the greatest performance of a lifetime. For now, silence cell phones, hold applause and shut mouths while he sings.
“I’m Just One Man!” Wait, that’s Slater.
Heath Slater w/ Rhyno VS Elias!
With @Rhyno313 in tow, @HeathSlaterOMRB is looking to make a big splash on #RAW against @IAmEliasWWE! pic.twitter.com/wU2SsykMEp
— WWE (@WWE) April 3, 2018
The One Man Band wants payback for when Elias not only defeated Rhyno but also ambushed him afterward. They tie up, but Eilas powers Slater to a corner. Elias gives body shots and shoulders, then chops Slater sharp. Elias whips and runs SLater over, but the faens rally with “Heath’s Got Kids!” Slater dodges in a corner, then jabs and haymakers on Elias. Slater whips but Elias reverses, only for Slater to knee him down. Heel kick, too! Slater brings Elias up, but Elias rocks him with a jumping knee! Elias keeps gonig, Drift Away! Cover, Elias wins!
Winner: Elias, by pinfall
Just like that, @IAmEliasWWE makes @HeathSlaterOMRB #DriftAwayon the final #RAW before #WrestleMania!
Next stop, New Orleans… pic.twitter.com/qG4ifemdGG
— WWE (@WWE) April 3, 2018
Swift but stiff, the Drifter gets his hand raised for another win. What is this performance he speaks of for Wrestlemania? And will it really be as amazing as he makes it out to be?
Braun Strowman encounters Curt Hawkins backstage.
What a coincidence! Hawkins saw what happened out there, and was wondering if Strwowman would pick him. What’s his win-loss record? Umm… Not great, but that’s fine! Strowman can be his big break! Strowman throws Hawkins through a wall!
There go @TheCurtHawkins' hopes of being picked as @BraunStrowman's tag team partner at #WrestleMania… pic.twitter.com/cJhYiDxSJW
— WWE (@WWE) April 3, 2018
“There’s your big break.” In other words, he’s not picking Hawkins. But who will Strowman pick for a partner?
Exclusive interview with Nia Jax.
After finding out how two-faced The Goddess was, the Irresistible Force will get revenge in a Raw Women’s Championship match. She sits down with Renee Young, who sympathizes with how “hurt and devastated” she must be. Nia says that emotionally, she felt like she was back to growing up as a kid. But she’s learned that you just need to respect and honor yourself, and ignore what others say about you. You should respect your God-given abilities and seize opportunities. The other women respect and admire Nia and her accomplishments, but Nia has been so down on herself. She can’t believe she thought someone like Alexa was her friend. Alexa said many hurtful things, like how Nia is a “desperate, needy, gullible loser”.
Those comments hurt, but Nia reminded herself, “I don’t take that sh*t.” She’s different, but she loves herself. This is what God and her mama gave her, so she should never feel sorry about that. Alexa is like all the other haters who said she shouldn’t, couldn’t and wouldn’t make it in the WWE. Nia says this directly to Alexa now: “You’re nothing but an insecure little girl.” The little fly is gonna get squashed like a bug! Can Nia win not just for herself but for every person who has ever been mistreated based on their appearance?
"At #WrestleMania, I'm going to SQUASH you like a bug."
That's all @NiaJaxWWE needs to say to #RAW #WomensChampion @AlexaBliss_WWE just five nights before @WrestleMania… pic.twitter.com/igRsXuKUzG
— WWE (@WWE) April 3, 2018
Alexa Bliss & Mickie James VS Dana Brooke & Asuka!
UP NEXT: #RAW #WomensChampion @AlexaBliss_WWE and @MickieJames team up to take on @DanaBrookeWWE and the undefeated @WWEAsuka! pic.twitter.com/sfaizmzAie
— WWE (@WWE) April 3, 2018
The Goddess and #KickieJames look to give the Raw Women’s Champion momentum going into her match, but what good will it do when the Statistician has the undefeated Empress on her side?
Reppin' #TitusWorldwide, it's @DanaBrookeWWE! #RAW pic.twitter.com/UqKrVcpcfW
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) April 3, 2018
From far and wide, lightyears away, here comes The #EmpressOfTomorrow!#RAW @WWEAsuka pic.twitter.com/aSU5uqoYvC
— WWE (@WWE) April 3, 2018
Dana starts against Alexa, assuring Asuka her Streak won’t be tanked in this tag match. Alexa doesn’t even take Dana seriously, but they tie up and Dana gets the wristlock. Dana keeps Alexa away from Mickie, as well as the ropes, so Alexa stomps her foot. Alexa gets the wristlock but Dana reverses it back. The fans chant “Biscuit Butt” at Alexa but she forearms her way out of the hold. Alexa whips but Dana reverses, handspring back elbow in the corner! Dana fireman carry, but Alexa slips out to reel her into a kidney punch. Tag to Mickie, and the mean girls mug Dana with a kick. Mickie wristlocks and hammerlocks Dana, but Dana slips around to roll up, TWO. Fans want Asuka, so Mickie taunts the fans as she hits Dana. Dana hits back, then pushes Mickie to a corner.
Dana rams in shoulders, then lets up long enough to whip her corner to corner. Another handspring but Mickie dodges and boots Dana down! Asuka coaches Dana up but has to stay back. Mickie stomps and kicks Dana more, toying with her even. She brings Dana up, fans keep cheering for Asuka, and Dana scoop slams Mickie down! Dana runs, but handsprings onto knees! Mickie poses and embraces the heat while we go to break.
The team of @MickieJames and @AlexaBliss_WWE is in FULL control on #RAW… pic.twitter.com/MRTNBk2Rf1
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) April 3, 2018
Raw returns once more to Mickie holding Dana down in a chinlock. Asuka rallies the fans and Dana feeds off their energy to bump her way out of the hold. She runs but Mickie yanks her down by her hair! Mickie puts Dana back in the hold, Dana endures. Dana sits up, the fans rally but Mickie thrashes. Dana still stands up and fights out, then runs, but into the kitchen sink knee! Mickie drags Dana over, tags Alexa, and Mickie whips Alexa in for the slap! Alexa toys with Dana, kicking her while she’s down, then stomping skateboard style. Cover, TWO, but Alexa keeps on Dana with another chinlock. Dana continues to endure, Asuka still rallying for her. Dana fights up and out again, but Alexa knees back. Alexa wants a tag, but Dana suplexes her!
Both women are down, crawling for their corners. Hot tags to Mickie and Asuka! The Empress rallies with a flurry of strikes. Mickie runs, but into the pop-up knee! Asuka unleashes kick after kick, then runs to hip attack Alexa down! Mickie bails out but Asuka goes after her with an apron sliding kick!
HEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEERE'S ASUKA!#RAW @WWEAsuka pic.twitter.com/DuUbZz6Qth
— WWE (@WWE) April 3, 2018
Asuka curses her out in Japanese, then puts Mickie back in the ring. Mickie hits the Mick Kick! Cover, TWO! Another, ONE, and Mickie throws frustrated hands. Mickie calms down to climb up top, but Asuka gets under her to put on the Asuka Lock! Mickie is trapped, reaching for ropes, but she taps! Asuka & Dana win!
Winners: Dana & Asuka, Asuka by submission
But Alexa pounces! She and Mickie won’t let her get out of this unharmed. Dana returns but she’s only caught in a 2-on-1 DDT!
VICTORY for the team of @WWEAsuka & @DanaBrookeWWE, but @AlexaBliss_WWE & @MickieJames didn't get the memo… #RAW pic.twitter.com/bZTDz0ZYII
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) April 3, 2018
But then NIA appears! The Brutal Beauty runs to the ring, Alexa runs away but gets caught! Mickie saves Alexa again, but Nia just throws her off with one arm, to squash her in a corner. Then fireman’s carry, Samoan Drop! Nia put down Alexa’s newest bestie, will she crush Alexa once and for all at Wrestlemania?
A tale of two faces heading into #WrestleMania this Sunday…#RAW @AlexaBliss_WWE @NiaJaxWWE pic.twitter.com/Bcpov3OVvo
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) April 3, 2018
Kurt Angle finds Heyman & Lesnar backstage.
Where are they going? To the ring, obviously. Heyman will be positive about Roman Reigns. The Beast and his Advocate continue on their way out, will this last Raw before ‘Mania finish with fury?
UP NEXT: @HeymanHustle and @BrockLesnar are on their way to the ring to talk "positive" about the challenger for the #UniversalChampionship at #WrestleMania, @WWERomanReigns! #RAW pic.twitter.com/OJk1sWmALa
— WWE (@WWE) April 3, 2018
Paul Heyman & Brock Lesnar head to the ring!
Atlanta becomes Suplex City as they walk out, but other WWE superstars are used to form a barrier between the ring and the ramp. Heyman begins with introductions, but that extra security is a bit distracting.
A WALL of #RAW Superstars seems to be blocking the entrance ramp while @BrockLesnar & @HeymanHustle address the @WWEUniverse… pic.twitter.com/9DbrWmfHAD
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) April 3, 2018
Just because Angle got emasculated when he failed to help Ronda Rousey, this is clearly overcompensation. He thinks he has control over Roman Reigns? The only one with control is the “reigning, defending, undisputed” Universal Champion, BROCK LESNAR! “It’s true, it’s damn true.” And Heyman hereby promises to tell “the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help me God.” And the truth is, the last time Wrestlemania was in New Orleans, Heyman gave us a promise that Lesnar would break Undertaker’s Streak. Fans booed then, they boo now, but it wasn’t a promise, it was a spoiler alert. It happened, and Lesnar & Heyman laughed at the doubters.
And Wrestlemania, back in New Orleans, “the only two beings that hold a Wrestlemania victory over the Undertaker” collide for the title. Everyone acts like Roman is fated to dethrone Lesnar this year as if that’s the spoiler. To tell the truth, you should respect Roman’s talent, his family bloodline, his victories and his “badassery”, but the truth is, Wrestlemania Sunday, 4/8/18, in New Orleans, Lesnar will F5 Roman and pin him in the ring “1-2-3”. That’s not a promise or a prediction, that’s a spoiler. Heyman says an unfortunate truth that accidents happen. If Lesnar were to injure himself hurting someone else, then this will be the last time you see Lesnar on Raw. Heyman will save the good-byes for later, but he’ll dispel something “out of character” for Lesnar. Lesnar’s persona built since 2002, his dominance and lack of respect, is all true!
If anything, his persona is held back, because Lesnar feels no one anywhere is worth even holding his jockstrap. No one has the money or the power to hold Lesnar anywhere. Roman’s only choice is to accept defeat, because he has no other option! “So here’s how it goes.” Roman wants a victory party? No, he’ll go home to his wife and kids and fathers, uncles and cousins and admit he got beat, victimized and conquered by BROCK LESNAR. The truth is, Roman isn’t a Big Dog and this isn’t his Yard, he’s just another notch on the belt. That is to say, “you’re just Brock Lesnar’s b*tch.” But Roman Reigns appears!
#TheBigDog @WWERomanReigns has heard enough, but he's going to have to get through this WALL of #RAW Superstars if he wants a piece of @BrockLesnar! #WrestleMania pic.twitter.com/VvqyRVJuxv
— WWE (@WWE) April 3, 2018
Roman walks up to the wall of Raw superstars, but they won’t let him go. They’re full-timers, standing up for the part-time “bastard”? Just think about it guys. They do think about it, and even discuss it. From The Bar to Titus Worldwide to the Revival, they stand aside.
CLEAR PATH ATTAINED for @WWERomanReigns…#RAW #WrestleMania pic.twitter.com/Nr0AYJ4RUh
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) April 3, 2018
Roman walks right down the ramp, and Lesnar dares him to do something. Lesnar wants Roman to think about this real hard, but fans are actually on Roman’s side. Roman walks up the steel steps, and gets in the ring. Lesnar puts the belt down, and the two circle. The tension mounts, but Lesnar slips out of the ring, retrieving his belt in the process. Lesnar and Heyman saunter around the ring, Roman keeping his eyes on them. That gets Lesnar to get a chair, just like last week. Lesnar brings that chair in with him, but Roman doesn’t flinch.
The two circle again, Heyman saying Lesnar should “Victimize him!” but SUPERMAN PUNCH! And another! And another! Roman reloads while Lesnar flounders, a FOURTH Superman Punch! Lesnar slowly stirs, going for the chair again, SUPERMAN PUNCH Number Five!
SUPERMAN PUNCH
SUPERMAN PUNCH
SUPERMAN PUNCH
SUPERMAN PUNCH
SUPERMAN PUNCH#RAW #WrestleMania @WWERomanReigns @BrockLesnar pic.twitter.com/OseZRhFjl3— WWE (@WWE) April 3, 2018
Roman picks up the belt, and holds it up over The Beast. Fans duel while Roman stares up at the sign, but then Lesnar revives to F5 Roman!!
It is NEVER safe to take your eyes off #TheBeast @BrockLesnar…#RAW #WrestleMania pic.twitter.com/irFStKt8F9
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) April 3, 2018
The Beast gets his belt back as he exits the ring. Lesnar survives five Superman Punches tonight while Roman manages to move after one F5. What will it take for one of these men to decisively defeat the other and be Universal Champion?
It all comes down to THIS SUNDAY at the @MBSuperdome for the #UniversalChampionship!@BrockLesnar. @WWERomanReigns. #WrestleMania. #RAW pic.twitter.com/HPkAxT46nz
— WWE (@WWE) April 3, 2018
My Thoughts:
Tonight’s Raw is not how a Wrestlemania Go-Home Raw should go. The first hour was the peak and then it dropped off a cliff somewhere. The opening face-off for the Mixed Tag match was really good, Ronda came off much more comfortable talking trash with Steph. The Authority standing tall just seemed like 50-50 booking to try and keep everyone even until the match. We know Ronda wins, obviously. Bayley VS Sonya was good, and there was good character stuff with Bayley, Sasha and Absolution to center Bayley VS Sasha as the story of the Women’s Battle Royal. Finn VS Rollins 3 was Match of the Night, by a long shot. Miz watching and being an almost Face made it even more fun for the TV audience, this is definitely going to be a showstealer regardless of who wins.
The Tag Team Championship segment was ridiculous, both in a good and in a bad way. Braun’s brother “Brain”, great little pun but it’s just foolish for Strowman to play jokes when he doesn’t have to. Him throwing Hawkins through a wall was great, though. But then to follow this up with only part of Hardy VS Goldust, Alexa doubling down on being WWE’s Goddess of Mean Girls, and then Cena NOT getting Taker just killed the energy of the night. Cena did great as always, and then set up for American Badass Taker by saying “dead man walking,” as that was one of Taker’s other themes during that phase, but it was just a string of disappointments. Elias also winning a quick filler match didn’t do much for anyone, other than make it seem even more like he’s Strowman’s partner (to my personal dismay).
It felt like things picked up in the third, but that was too late. Nia’s interview and her victim angle can go either way. Yes, she seems emotionally weak by letting things get to her like they did, but at the same time, she’s becoming the Face that represents any and everyone who has ever been bullied just on looks. The Women’s Tag was a good segue, and of course Asuka wins to keep her Streak. Nia gets another triumphant moment running Alexa off, so I’d hope Nia goes over, a “You Deserve It!” chant would really fit her crowning moment. The closing was rather good, too, all things considered. Heyman has another great promo, Roman gets the locker room and some fans on his side, but Lesnar keeps up being the dominant Heel. This ending was far better than the infamous tug-o-war over the belt, so give it that.
My Score: 7.5/10
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)
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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!
Powered by RedCircle
Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!
Coverage
Andrew’s TNA iMPACT! Results & Match Ratings: 5.29.25
Stuff happens, maybe it doesn’t, Dreamer and Delirious can’t book.

Well Trick Willie is the new TNA champ and this is the first iMPACT since his win…so let’s just hear him talk about it.
"TNA turned into TRICK-NA. Lets talk about it"@_trickwilliams #WWENXT
WATCH #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/GrBQpdX5g5 pic.twitter.com/StU4pmi3oy
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) May 30, 2025
Ratings:
- The Rascalz vs Fir$t Cla$$ vs Laredo vs The System: Rascalz win via Meteora – ***
- Raj Singh vs Mustafa Ali: Ali wins via…No Shit – Squash Garbage
- ASH by Elegance vs Lei Ying Lee: Lei wins via Spinning TKO – ** 3/4
- Mance Warner w/SDL vs Jobber: Mance wins via Hit the Pay Winda – Squash
- Santino Marella & Arianna Grace vs Robert Stone & Victoria Crawford w/Tessa: Team Robbie wins via shenanigans – **
- International Championship: Steve Maclin (c) vs Matt Cardona: Maclin retains via KIA – ***
Results:
The Rascalz vs Fir$t Cla$$ vs Laredo vs The System
Octagon got jumped by The System earlier so Laredo is fighting alone. Another backstage jumping is getting a little dumb.
Laredo and Trey start. Typical Indie start with Simultaneous awful Dropkick spot and bad counters, AJ blind tag runs the smaller guys over, tags out to KC and the Rascalz instantly get the moment. KC is rocked, tags in Laredo and Laredo takes out the System before Lish gets on the apron and grabs Laredo. The referee kicks out Lish and Rehwoldt on commentary points out it’s a No DQ match so that’s dumb.
KC gets tossed at AJ, he catches him, Rascalz Dive and do their taunt as we go to commercial. We come back, Tennessee Whiskey into a KC tag in for the near fall on Laredo. Corner combo, Snapmare into Flip Forward Neck Breaker, KC is on a roll. AJ tags Laredo and starts talking crap to KC, they swerve and go Finger Poke of Doom, but it’s not a legal pin. Suddenly tornado attacks, System and Rascalz go for broke, AJ hits the Senton to break the eventual pin, Laredo counters AJ’s Chokeslam attempt. Trey clears out The System, Wentz sends himself and KC over and out, Laredo with a Corkscrew Moonsault, which looked cool but it’s the pile of morons waiting to get hit spot.
AJ hits the Down Payment on Laredo, but Trey blind tagged AJ. Meteora on AJ, Trey pins Laredo and Rascalz win.
Raj Singh vs Mustafa Ali
Raj looks like shit in the gear he came down in…and he wrestles equivalently. I would rather anyone else comeback…give me Anarquia.
Ali murders Raj, Instant Dropkick, Rolling Neckbreaker, Corkscrew Standing Moonsault, it’s not close. Raj tries to counter things but Ali Bellclap, a little Duck the left, connect the right. Raj even does a terrible looking Punch Combo, he’s in bad shape, a bad looking Ushigoroshi, Raj with a sloppy looking something, 450 ends it.
Fire Raj as quickly as you brought him back. You don’t need a comedically pathetic job guy when the roster is like 4 guys getting pushed and everyone else sucks. Stop being stupid. Ali still hates women too.
This Injury Report is the dumbest segment in the history of wrestling. Stop treating fake shit as “serious business”.
ASH by Elegance vs Lei Ying Lee
ASH mocks karate stuff, Lei throws a few Rising Crane kicks as ASH bails and then things slow down a little. But a Pump Kick, Sliding Kick and Low Dropkick cause ASH to cower and claim her tooth broke. It’s a bait to pull Lei into the turnbuckles and them get in a few stomps. Ash keeps Lei in the corner, Suplexes her ankles into the buckles and then Ash throws a few Booty Shots/Hit Attacks then starts a grounded stretch, Lei Headscissors her down, still sells the hips and ankles, but dodges and fires, combination strikes into the 10 Count Down Strikes. T-bone Suplex, into the pinfall, for only two.
Cheapshot into Running Meteora from ASH for two. Ash goes for the Miz Yes Kicks and Lei No Sells and asks for more. Gorgeous Capture Suplex into Thunder Struck and TKO with flair. My baby has a better finish now! Yay!
Mance Warner w/SDL vs Jobber
Hannifan cursing and being pissed at Trick for not even showing but is more entertaining than a squash match. Not that Mance’s offense is bad, but 2 out of 3 job matches is stupid.
.@milanmiracle and @AriannaGraceWWE make history as the first father/daughter tag team in TNA!
WATCH #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/GrBQpdX5g5 pic.twitter.com/3s8OhtYFPv
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) May 30, 2025
Santino Marella & Arianna Grace vs Robert Stone & Victoria Crawford w/Tessa
Marella tries to tie up with Robbie, but he bails and tags out to Victoria so Arianna comes in and aside from Alicia Fox’s silliness, the tie up was decent with Arianna and Victoria. Tessa interferes and the Referee throws her out. Victoria comes back in and aside from a slight miscommunication with how Arianna does her punches, Alicia Fox is making her look…pretty good. Transition moves, okay brawling and Arianna looks amazing in her outfit.
Rob and Santino distract the referee and Victoria hits a Figure Four into her Northern Lights Suplex, only for 2. Arianna finally Back Body Drop to find the tag, Santino and Rob, Santino does his split dodge into the Standing Headbutt, Arianna Cross Body onto Victoria. Rob pulls out the ref, then shoves the ref into Santino, Santino into the steps and Arianna attack but Alicia and Lish, the fix is in, Arianna eats the pin.
International Championship: Steve Maclin (c) vs Matt Cardona
A few quick brawl moves, Shoulder Tackles, Strikes, Back Breakers, Cardona does get dumped out and eats a SCUD. Maclin bounces Cardona’s face off the apron and hits an Elbow off the apron to keep Cardona reeling, but a dodged tackle sends Maclin into the steps. Cardona tries to Piledriver Maclin on the ramp, but Back Drop counter, into commercial.
Formulaic commercial etiquette of Cardona still in control, throws Maclin into the ropes, Diving Shoulder Tackle lays both dudes out and they get up by 8. Fighting Spirit spot, Cardona hits ropes and gets hit by Maclin twice, Thesz Press, Ground and Pound, Back Elbow and Olympic Slam has Maclin rolling. Splash into Lariat for two. Maclin has been all gas no brakes. Cardona tries to take a few shortcuts that turns into a Straight Jacket Takedown. Cardona to the top, Maclin cuts him off, Superplex spot. 1-2-kick out!
Maclin goes topside for a Jar Headbutt, Cardona hits the ropes so Maclin crashes into the corner, 2 Reboots connect, the third gets caught, counter into Busaiku Knee, Jar Headbutt. In and out, Cardona uses the middle rope for the Low Blow, Killswitch from Cardona but Maclin kicks out. Cardona dodges and shoves Maclin towards the ref, he puts the brakes on, Radio Silence! 1-2-Kick out! Maclin catches a top rope move, Power Bomb, Corner Splash, Tree of Woe, Caught in the Crosshairs, KIA and Maclin retains!
Overall Score: 4.5/10
Boring paint by numbers show, no Trick, System has one move, Robert Stone is a scumbag, too long to introduce new girls, lots of throw away segments and Rosemary sets up YET ANOTHER Monster’s Ball match. These aren’t interesting when there’s one every 3 months. So we can have terrible Monster’s Ball matches quarterly, Barbed Wire Massacre and Clockwork Orange House of Fun…BUT NO LOCKDOWN!?
Go home TNA, you’re drunk.
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)
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THURSDAY - Keeping the news ridiculous... The Oddity / Chairshot NFL (NFL)
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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!
Powered by RedCircle
Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!
Coverage
Mitchell’s NJPW Best of the Super Juniors Results & Report! (5/29/25)
B Block, FINAL ROUND!

Who heads to the finals?
Kosei Fujita won A Block, and now B Block finalizes its ranking! Who heads to the Best of the Super Juniors finals this weekend?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Six Man Tag: KUSHIDA, Ninja Mack & Dragon Dia VS Shoma Kato, Masatora Yasuda & Daiki Nagai; Kushida, Mack & Dia win.
- Master Wato, Toru Yano & Katsuya Murashima VS The House of Torture; The House of Torture wins.
- Hiromu Takahashi & Yota Tsuji VS Francesco Akira & Jakob Austin Young; Hiromu & Tsuji win.
- Six Man Tag: TMDK VS Bullet Club; TMDK wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 32 B Block: Ryusuke Taguchi VS Kevin Knight; Knight wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 32 B Block: Titan VS Nick Wayne; Titan wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 32 B Block: MAO VS SHO; Mao wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 32 B Block: El Desperado VS Robbie Eagles; Despy wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 32 B Block: YOH VS Taiji Ishimori; Yoh wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
Here are the current B Block standings!
YOH: 5-3, 10 points
MAO: 5-3, 10 points
El Desperado: 5-3, 10 points
Nick Wayne: 4-4, 8 points
SHO: 4-4, 8 points
Taiji Ishimori: 4-4, 8 points
Robbie Eagles: 4-4, 8 points
Kevin Knight: 3-5, 6 points [ELIMINATED]
Titan: 3-5, 6 points [ELIMINATED]
Ryusuke Taguchi: 3-5, 6 points [ELIMINATED]
Best of the Super Juniors 32 B Block: Ryusuke Taguchi VS Kevin Knight!
The Funky Weapon and The Jet may be out of the running, but they will still fight for themselves. Who earns their final points in this final round?
The bell rings and the fans rally up. Taguchi and Knight circle with a bit of a strut, and then they tie up. Knight puts Taguchi on the ropes, the ref calls the break, and Knight lets off to swivel his hips. Taguchi pumps up, but Knight says he can’t see anything. Knight flexes and says he tsuyoi. They tie up with knuckle locks, then go shoulder to shoulder in a test of strength. Knight hooks a leg to power Taguchi back, and Taguchi bridges! The fans cheer as Taguchi fights up back up! Taguchi bends Knight into a bridge, has the shoulders down, TWO as Knight powers back up! The fans rally, Knight and Taguchi start vibing with the arm wave, then a full body wave!
Taguchi wiggles around, sends it back to Knight, and Knight spins Taguchi around and around, to then headlock. Taguchi powers up and out, drops down, then hurdles over. Knight stops to waistlock but Taguchi fires elbows. Taguchi runs to fake Knight out, but Knight goes up and over! Knight avoids the Hip Attack! The fans cheer while Taguchi stares Knight down from underneath. Taguchi says bring it, so Knight punches those cheeks! Taguchi’s iron buns withstand it, and Knight says, “Itai itai.” Knight winds up again, and he punches cheeks! Taguchi still stands tall, but the fans rally for Knight.
Knight does some push-ups, he and Taguchi do squats, and Knight winds up again. The fans rally and Knight lines up a shot, to then headlock! Taguchi powers up and out, bypasses and bypasses, but Knight redirects himself! And again, and again, and again! Knight is making Taguchi spin around, and then Taguchi gets dizzy and falls! The fans cheer while Taguchi slumps out of the ring. Knight runs and FLIES! Down goes Taguchi and the fans fire up! “Ore wa meccha, meccha… Meccha tsukareta…” Knight admits he is tired, and he asks for water. A Young Lion brings him water and Knight refreshes himself.
Taguchi sputters, Knight makes his way over to Taguchi, and then brings him back into the ring. The fans cheer and Knight snapmares Taguchi to run and SLIDING TACKLE! Cover, TWO! Taguchi is still in this and the fans applaud. Taguchi flounders, Knight does some squats to get his glutes going. Knight brings Taguchi around to HIP ATTACK! Knight gives Taguchi another HIP ATTACK! The fans rally and Knight does more squats to power up. Knight runs, but Taguchi somersaults to HIP ATTACK! The fans fire up and Taguchi powers up now. Taguchi has Knight on the ropes, rubs it in literally, and then gives point-blank HIPS!
Taguchi runs and HIP ATTACKS at the ropes! Knight dangles out of the ring! Knight flops down, the fans rally again, and Taguchi TRIANGLE JUMP PLANCHAS! Down goes Knight and the fans fire up again! Taguchi rises, steadies himself, and then puts Knight in the ring. Taguchi goes up, up, and MISSILE HIPS! Cover, TWO! Knight is still in this and the fans rally again. Taguchi looks to the corner, and he calls upon the powers of Strange Style! “ORYA~!” Taguchi runs in, but Knight hurdles Ketsuye! SUPERKICK! Taguchi mule kicks, runs, but Knight somersaults, into a FLAPJACK! OH MY GAH ANKLE!! Knight endures, reaches out, but Taguchi drags him back!
Knight reaches up to headscissor into the victory roll, TWO! Taguchi goes to a corner, BOOTS back, then goes up, MISSILE HIP meets DROPKICK! Knight’s antiair works out, and then he somersaults to SATELLITE DDT! Knight goes up top and the fans rally for the hip swivel and MOTHERSHIP UFO SPLASH! Cover, Knight wins!
Winner: Kevin Knight, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Taguchi earns 0)
The Jet still flies high, and he ends with a 4-5 record. Taguchi ends with 6 points in the 9th round, is that nice enough for him?
Best of the Super Juniors 32 B Block: Titan VS Nick Wayne!
El Inmortal may not have life in the block, but he can still be a spoiler! Will he pop the Prodigy’s bubble? Or will this still be Wayne’s World in the end?
The bell rings and Titan runs up! Nick dodges, whips, but Titan reverses to TORNADO- NO, Nick powers out! Nick wrenches and whips, Titan goes up and over, and then Titan handsprings away! The fans cheer as things keep moving. Nick hurdles then bypasses Titan to UPPERCUT him down! Nick kips up and the fans cheer again. Nick covers, TWO! The fans rally as Nick brings Titan up. Nick CHOPS Titan, Titan leans on the ropes, and Nick brings him around. Nick ROCKS Titan, then whips corner to corner. Nick runs in, UPPERCUTS, and then pushes Titan down to cover, TWO! Titan stays in this and the fans applaud.
Nick stays cool and he sits Titan up. Nick KICKS Titan in the back, then paces. Titan writhes but Nick brings him back up. Titan CHOPS and the fans “WOO~!” Titan CHOPS again, but Nick ROCKS him! Nick then whips Titan, runs in, but Titan BOOTS, SOBATS, KICKS, and fires fast hands! Nick ducks the jump sobat to SOBAT back! Nick cravats, ASAI DDT. but Titan kips up! PELE! Both men are down and the fans fire up! Titan roars and rises up, then he brings Nick around. TRAILER HITCH! Nick endures the leglock and the fans rally again! Nick crawls forward, reaches out, and manages the ROPEBREAK!
The fans applaud and Titan lets go of the hold. Nick shakes out the legs but Titan KICKS Nick in the back. Titan brings Nick in but Nick resists the lift. The fans rally again as Nick and Titan fight for control. Nick wrenches, kicks, and runs, but Titan follows to RANA! Nick bails out, Titan builds speed, and Titan DIVES into an UPPERCUT! The fans rally harder as Titan flops to the apron! Nick rises, he stalks Titan on the apron, and Nick drags Titan up. The ref says don’t do it, but the fans rally up. Nick waistlocks, then goes for the nelson, but Titan resists. Titan fires elbows and Nick backs off. Titan runs up but Nick BOOTS him!
Nick runs up, but Titan SUPERKICKS! Nick falls back, Titan skins the cat to the top rope! Titan aims for LA APRON LANCER!! The fans fire up and Titan roars while Nick sputters and coughs! Titan shoves Nick into the ring, goes up the corner again, and LA LANC- NO, Nick dodges! Titan’s leg jams, Nick DROPKICKS the other out, then he DRAGON SUPLEXES! Bridging cover, TWO!! Titan survives and Nick snarls. Nick goes to the corner and climbs up while the fans rally again. FROG- NO, Titan bails out! Nick rolls through and then comes right back, to FLY over the corner! Down goes Titan and the fans fire up!
Titan puts Nick in, goes back up, and he tries again! FROG SPLASH!! Cover, TWO!! Titan survives again and the fans fire up! Nick huffs ‘n’ puffs, hears the fans cheering, and shouts “IKU ZO!” Nick drags Titan up, hooks a leg, PRODIGY- CRADLE COUNTER! TWO!! Nick escapes, Titan ducks the roundhouse to fire off his strike fest! But Nick still ROUNDHOUSES! Nick goes up, up, WAYNE’s- NO, Titan stops the cutter to shove and TORNADO DDT! Titan isn’t done there! He suplexes and GOURD- NO! Nick lands out! But Titan goes Matrix and then CALF KICKS! Titan roars, the fans fire up, and Titan has the ripcord, YOYO SLAM!
Titan goes to a corner, skins the cat again, and LA LANCER!!! Titan crawls to the cover, TWO?!?! Nick survives, but Titan ties up the legs! Deathlock, and then LLAVE INMORTAL!! Nick is caught, the straitjacket variation is in, and Nick QUITS!! Titan wins!!
Winner: Titan, by submission (gains 2 points; Nick earns 0)
Nick Wayne falls to 4-5, he is out of the running! But bigger yet, Titan has a win over the ROH World Television Champion! AEW/ROH and CMLL are going to meet in Arena Mexico for Grand Slam: Mexico, could these two run it back with gold on the line?
Best of the Super Juniors 32 B Block: MAO VS SHO!
The Strange Love Connection is the first of the top three to compete tonight, and while he has to hope for the others to fall, he still has to do his part and win. Will the Murder Machine make that all moot with another underhanded trick up his sleeve? Or can the star of DDT Pro make it to the finals?
Wait, Mao already turns the tables by pedaling in on his bike! He RAMS Sho down from behind! The fans fire up as Mao hurries to CLUB Sho down! Yujiro Takahashi AND Ren Narita hurry out here already to mug Mao before this on the record! The fans boo but Mao’s friends from DDT Pro are here! Kanon helps fight off the House, and Mao wants fans to clear out! Mao whips, but Sho reverses and BOWLS Mao into chairs! STRIKE! Ren & Yujiro keep the rest of DDT Pro back while Sho CHOKES Mao with a chair! The ref reprimands but Sho shoves him back! Wait, Kanon has the house in headlocks! Shunma Katsumata stops Sho from hitting Mao with the chair!
Sho gets mad hearing that trash talk, but that lets Mao SMACK Sho in the back with a chair! And Mao sends Sho out the door?! The fans rally as everyone is waiting on the street, and Mao runs to FLY! Down goes the House and DDT stands tall! Wait, wait, they spot a fan parked nearby. Mao hops in and he turns the key! The fans cheer as Mao kicks it into drive, and he comes barreling down the road! Sho and the House freak out, and Sho gets SMACKED by the front of the van! The fans cheer and Mao grins as he steps out. The ref reprimands but Mao drags Sho back into the building! Mao says now they can have this match!
Mao makes Sho sit on the hand cart, and Mao pushes Sho back to ringside! The fans cheer as Sho is barely conscious as Mao drags Sho into the ring. The bell finally rings, Mao covers, TWO!! Sho survives Mao’s hit ‘n’ run and Mao can’t believe it! Mao drags Sho up, but the ref wants to check him. Sho sputters and sits up in a daze, and Ren drags Mao out! Ren beats up Mao, beats up on Mao’s team, and Yujiro SMACKS Mao with a chair! The fans boo as they put Mao’s arm in a chair! Yujiro STOMPS away on the chair! Ren POSTS Kanon, and Sho grabs Mao’s bike! Sho brings it over and he runs over Mao’s arm! Sho does wheelies to smash Mao’s arm!
The fans boo but then Sho adds insult to injury by RIPPING OFF the DDT Pro hood off the bike! Sho and the House beat up the bike! The ref reprimands and Mao says they’ll pay for that! Sho CLUBS Mao, puts him in the ring, and then pushes him to a cover, TWO! Sho has the arm for a DOUBLE WRISTLOCK! Mao endures and the fans rally. Mao kicks his way to the ROPEBREAK! The ref counts, Sho puts Mao on the apron, and he has the arm in the rope! ARM WRINGER! Sho then pulls Mao through the corner, traps his arm against the buckle pad, and then KNEES the arm! Mao is stuck and Sho stands on the arm!
The ref counts, Sho step off, and Mao is freed. The fans rally, Mao throws a forearm but there’s not much to it. Sho kicks Mao, Mao fires more shots, but Sho slips around, GERMAN ARMBAR TAKEDOWN! Mao flails, reaches out, but Sho pulls on the arm! Mao still kicks his way to the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer, Sho lets Mao go, and Mao clutches his arm. Sho wrenches Mao’s arm, twists it, and hits the ELBOW BREAKER! Sho holds on to wrench and ELBOW BREAKER again! Sho grins as he lets Mao slump down. Sho knuckle locks, wrenches, and ELBOW- SLEEPER!! Mao has Sho now and the fans fire up!
Sho pries at the bad arm, pulls the fingers, but Mao breaks free! Look! HAYMAKER! Sho wobbles and the fans fire up! Mao whips, Sho reverses, but Mao SHOTGUNS! Sho flounders, the fans rally up, and Mao runs to BOOT Sho! Sho sputters, Mao runs again, CANNONBALL! Cover, TWO! Sho survives, but is now in JUST FACELOCK! Sho endures, fights around, and both Ren & Yujiro are on the apron. But Mao’s team YANKS them down! Sho flails, the bell rings, but it was REN! The fans boo the usual tricks from the House, and Mao is upset that he fell for such a basic trick. Mao drags Sho up, but Sho CLAWS Mao’s eyes!
Sjo runs, but Mao uses the ref as a shield! Mao runs, but now Sho uses the ref as a shield! Sho runs but Mao hurdles over the spear! Mao sends the ref back at Sho, then he HIGH JUMP CUTTERS!! The fans fire up and Mao waits on Sho. Sho rises, Mao brings him around, OSAKA RENKAI!! Cover, YUJIRO DRAGS THE REF OUT! The fans boo, Kanon is up but Yuijro & Ren BLAST him! The House mugs Mao, drags him up, and double whip him into a corner. Yujiro BOOTS Mao, Ren ELBOWS Mao, then Ren snapmares Mao to hold him open! Yujiro hits the FALLING HEADBUTT LOW BLOW! The fans boo while Mao writhes!
Ren stands Mao up and Yujiro has his pimp cane! But wait, SPRINGBOARD MISSILE DROPKICK from Shunma! Down goes Tokyo Pimp! Ren BOOTS Shunma, he BOOTS Kanon, but Kanon roars! Ren CLAWS Kanon’s eyes, runs, but Kanon LARIATS! The fans fire up as the full Strange Love Connection aims at Sho, HIGH LOW LARIATS!! Shunma builds speed and he DIVES! Down go Ren & Yujiro! Kanon & Mao set Sho up, but YOSHINOBU KANEMARU shows up! WHISKEY MIST for Kanon, and the BOTTLE SHOT for Mao! The fans boo as the Heel Master helps screw over the enemies of the House!
Kanemaru shoves the ref in and Sho laughs at Mao! STRAITJACKET DRIVER!! Cover, TWO?!?! Mao survives and the fans fire up! But Sho has the ARMBAR!! Mao flails, fights around, and he stacks Sho! TWO and Sho still has the arm! SNAKE BITE!! Mao fights against the modified triangle, fights his way over, and has the ROPEBREAK!! The fans cheer and Sho lets go in frustration. Sho crawls his way over and looks for his things. Sho grabs his Torture Tool and NEVER Openweight Six Man belt. The ref sees the belt and takes that, but then Mao surprises Sho with is iron gauntlet! Mao PUNCHES the Torture Tool down!
Sho dodges the fist, pushes Mao to ropes, and Kanemaru is there! But Mao ducks, WHISKEY MIST hits Sho! Mao BOOTS Kanemaru, then powers up the gauntlet! ROCKET PUNCH!! And then SAMURAI SUPERKICK!! Cover, TWO?!?! Sho survives, but Mao says he’ll finish this now! Mao drags Sho to a drop zone, climbs up the corner, and 450 SPLASHES!!! Cover, MAO WINS!!
Winner: Mao, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Sho earns 0)
Sho tried to stack the deck, but justice was still served! Mao is alive in the block, if only for now. Can he count on Robbie Eagles AND Taiji Ishimori to bring down El Desperado and Yoh?
Best of the Super Juniors 32 B Block: El Desperado VS Robbie Eagles!
The Rogue Luchador still has that target on his back, not only because he could go to the finals with his win and Yoh’s loss, but because he is THE IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion. Could the Sniper of the Skies kill two birds with one victory? Or is Despy about to go back-to-back at the BOSJ finals?
Eagles shows off his Soul of PWA Championship, and makes a point that it is bigger and shinier. Despy says yeah, that’s nice. The fans rally and duel already, and the bell rings. Despy and Eagles circle, the fans rally more, and they feel things out. The fans already start up “ROBBIE ROBBIE ROBBIE!” “OI OI OI!” so Eagles joins in! “ROBBIE ROBBIE ROBBIE!” “OI OI OI!” “ROBBIE!” “OI!” “ROBBIE!” “OI!” “ROBBIE ROBBIE ROBBIE!” “OI OI OI!” The fans applaud, Eagles mocks Despy’s bow and waving arms, then the two tie up. Despy waistlocks, Eagles switches but Despy wrenches. Eagles rolls, wrenches, hammerlocks, but Despy headlocks for the takeover.
Eagles headscissors, Despy rolls Eagles around to then float, but Eagles gets his leg guard up. Eagles wrangles Despy and goes for a leg, but Despy rolls to have a toehold. Eagles kicks Despy down to have the HEEL HOOK! Despy scrambles to the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer, Eagles lets go, and Despy goes to the apron. Eagles smirks and eggs Despy on. Despy rises up, the fans rally and duel, and Despy steps inside. Despy and Eagles circle, tie up, and Despy powers Eagles to the ropes. Red Shoes counts the break, Despy lets off to pat Eagles on the shoulder. But then he KNEES low! Despy whips, but Eagles holds ropes to block!
Despy still tries, Eagles still holds on, but Despy CLAWS Eagles’ eyes! Red Shoes reprimands but Despy whips, only for Eagles to go up and around to arm-drag! Things keep moving, Eagles hurdles then RANAS, but Despy sunset flips through! TWO, Eagles high stacks, TWO! Both men stand, Despy KNEES low again, then whips. Eagles reverses to WHEEL KICK and kip up! The fans fire up and Eagles paces. Despy rises but Eagles is on him with a CHOP! Despy goes to ropes, Eagles is on him in the corner. Eagles CHOPS, puts Despy’s leg in ropes, and pulls! Despy shouts for Red Shoes, Red Shoes counts, and Eagles lets go, to basement 619!
Despy tumbles out of the ring, the fans rally, and Eagles paces. Eagles mockingly calls for Despy, then goes to the outside. Eagles stomps away on Despy’s leg, and then SMASHES it on the floor! Eagles flexes, says hey to Ninja Mack on commentary, then goes for Despy. Despy fires body shots and CHOPS, but Eagles TACKLES him down! Eagles YANKS Despy’s leg, puts him in the ring, then sits him up to step over and tie up the legs! STUMP PULLER! Despy endures and clubs at Eagles’ leg, but Eagles drops back to make this a cover, ONE!! The fans cheer as Despy sits up. Eagles KICKS, KICKS, and KICKS! But Despy blcoks!
Despy spins Eagles, Eagles knees free, then Eagles runs, but Despy dropkicks a leg! Despy grabs that leg for a SHIN BREAKER! The fans fire up while Eagles writhes. Despy has the leg and SPLASHES down on it! Eagles kicks at Despy from the mat, but Despy pushes on a leg to have a toehold! Eagles endures, Despy drags him around, and ties up the legs for an INDIAN DEATHLOCK! Despy slaps his own leg into working, but Eagles sits up to CHOP! Despy eggs him on so Eagles CHOPS again! And CHOPS again! Despy “falls over” and that puts on more pressure! Eagles flails while Despy just lounges. Eagles crawls over, pushes Despy out of his way, and has the ROPEBREAK!
The fans applaud and Red Shoes calls the break. Despy claims he needs help, but Eagles fires hands! Despy lets go, but he kneels on the bad leg! Eagles has the ropes again, Red Shoes counts, and Despy finally stands. Eagles crawls away, but he refuses to let Red Shoes stop this. Despy drags Eagles up but Eagles fires body shots and forearms! Despy KNEES low, but Eagles BOOTS! Eagles whips, Despy reverses, but Eagles fights the spinebuster! Despy KNEES low again, suplexes, but Eagles slips free to CHOP BLOCK and BLINDSLIDE LARIAT! Despy tumbles out, the fans rally up, and Eagles pushes through the pain to DIVE!
The fans fire up with Eagles but he still hobbles on that bad leg. Eagles sees a young fan dressed like him and cheers with him. Eagles then puts Despy in the ring, pounds the apron, and the fans rally up more. Eagles springboards to SNIPER DROPKICK! And then he has the leg to roll Despy into the RON MILLER SPECIAL!! Despy shouts and flails, scratches and claws, and makes his way to the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer, Eagles lets go, then Eagles drags Despy to center. Despy kicks at Eagles, but Eagles KICKS the leg! Despy writhes, Eagles hobbles, and they go to opposite corners. Eagles runs in, but Despy dodges!
Eagles’ knees hit buckles, Despy runs up, and Despy blocks a boot! Despy kicks one leg, and DRAGON SCREWS the other! Then he has the STRETCH MUFFLER! Eagles flails, reaches out, but Despy thrashes him around! Eagles lunges to the ROPEBREAK! Despy lets go and the fans rally again. Despy hobbles over to bring Eagles up, and he reels Eagles in. Despy suplexes high and hard! Cover, TWO! The fans applaud while Despy drags Eagles up. Despy gut wrenches for GUITARRA- NO, Eagles slips free and waistlocks! Despy ELBOWS Eagles, whips, but Eagles reverses, only for Despy to reverse and SPINEBUSETR! High stack, TWO!
Despy has the STRETCH MUFFLER! Eagles endures, Despy thrashes, then Despy rolls Eagles away to have NUMERO DOS! Eagles reaches out with his free arm, then activates the core to sit up! Eagles DESTROY- NO, Despy blocks the rolling driver, tucks Eagles in, but Eagles CLUBS away on the legs! Eagles slips free, wrangles Despy, and has the RON MILLER SPECIAL!! Despy endures, reaches out, and he crawls forward. Despy drags Eagles along with him, but Eagles drags Despy back! Eagles puts on the pressure and the fans are thunderous! Despy fights his way forward again, but Eagles thrashes around! Despy gives it one last gasp and he has the ROPEBREAK!!
Eagles lets go, to drop KNEES on the knee! Then GROUND DRAGON SCREW! Then SPINNING TOEHOLD! Despy writhes, Eagles goes out and up, for WARP 4.5, but onto KNEES! Well, to clarify, the legs are usually the target, but Despy gets his knees up to jam Eagles! Both men are down and the fans rally up again. Eagles and Despy stir, then crawl for each other. They go forehead to forehead, then rise up to go forearm for forearm! The fans rally as the shots go back and forth! Despy slaps his leg into working, ROCKS Eagles, and then stands. Eagles ROCKS Despy, Despy ROCKS Eagles again, but now Eagles UPPERCUTS!
The fans rally up more as Despy storms back up. He SLAPS Eagles! Eagles takes off the headband and bandana! Eagles huffs ‘n’ puffs and SLAPS Despy! And SLAPS, and KICKS! Despy ROCKS Eagles, but Eagles says I’LL BE BACK! ROUNDHOUSE! SUPERKICK! ENZI- NO, Despy ducks to roll and STRETCH MUFFLER! Eagles rolls Despy to a cover, TWO! Eagles schoolboys with a bridge, TWO! Despy stands, Eagles SOBATS, then ASAI DDTS! Cover, TWO!! Despy stands, spins Eagles around and around, then PINCHE LOCO!! But Despy can’t make the cover! The fans fire up as Despy crawls and covers, TWO!!!
The fans fire up as Eagles survives! Despy rises, brings Eagles around, and Despy underhooks. TIGER DRIVER!! And then he underhooks again, but Eagles fireman’s carries! Eagles shifts things around to hit the TURBO BACKPACK!! Eagles crawls to the cover, TWO!! Despy survives and the fans are thunderous! Eagles goes to the corner, takes aim, and he basement SUPERKICKS!! Eagles can’t make the cover, his bad leg hurts too much! The fans rally harder as both men rise, and Eagles is back at the corner. Eagles runs to HYPER- NO, Despy ducks and has the leg! STRETCH MUFFLER! NUMERO DOS!! Eagles flails, sits up again, but Despy makes it a SPINEBUTER!!
Despy has NUMERO DOS PLUS!!! Eagles dangles as he endures, and he QUITS! Despy wins!!!
Winner: El Desperado, by submission (gains 2 points; Eagles earns 0)
The Sniper could not take out the Rogue Luchador, and Desperado is still in the running! With that, Mao is now out of the running, too, so it all comes down to the main event!
Best of the Super Juniors 32 B Block: YOH VS Taiji Ishimori!
The pressure is on for Direct Drive! Yoh beat Despy in their 1v1, so if Yoh wins, he is in! Will this be a fresh finals for the Best of the Super Juniors? Or can the Bone Soldier help Despy make it through?
The bell rings and the fans rally up. Yoh and Taiji circle, feel things out, and they tie up. Taiji wrenches to a wristlock, but Yoh rolls then trips Taiji. Taiji counters by going for the armbar, but Yoh stacks Taiji to a cover, ONE! The two back off and the fans cheer. Yoh and Taiji reset, circle again, and feel things out. They knuckle lock, but then Yoh goes for a leg. Taiji holds him off and puts him on ropes. Red Shoes calls the break, and Taiji lets off with pats to the shoulder. The two reset again, tie up, and Taiji headlocks. Yoh fires body shots, powers up and out, then drops down. Yoh bypasses Taiji, drop toeholds, but Taiji avoids the basement dropkick!
Yoh avoids a Penalty Kick, but Taiji kicks low to snapmare and NECK- NO, Yoh victory rolls, so that he can NECK TWIST! The fans rally while Taiji goes to ropes. Yoh runs up, Taiji puts him on the apron, but Yoh blocks a shot. Taiji ducks Yoh’s punch to HOTSHOT him down! Taiji then runs to a corner, goes up, up, and GOLDEN TRIANGLE MOONSAULTS! The fans fire up and Taiji brings Yoh around. Taiji hammerlocks Yoh’s arm and POSTS him! Yoh staggers away, Taiji goes off to the blue corner and he undoes the buckle pad. The Bullet Club Special is in play, but Taiji waits as the ring count climbs.
Yoh stands at 3 of 20, shakes out the bad arm, and rolls in at 8. The fans cheer, Taiji storms up, but Yoh fires a forearm! Taiji fires back, snapmares, and NECK TWISTS! The fans cheer while Yoh clutches his neck and shoulder. Taiji drags Yoh up, snapmares, and FIST DROPS! Cover, TWO! Taiji sits Yoh up to clamp on with a chinlock! Yoh endures the knee in his back, then fights his way around. Yoh reaches out, but Taiji turns him with a wristlock. Taiji wrenches and WRINGS Yoh to then WRING the arm again! Yoh scrambles to ropes while the fans cheer. Taiji storms over, grabs the arm, and has a COBRA CLUTCH!
Yoh endures as Taiji drags him away to center. Yoh kicks and reaches out, then fights up. Taiji ripcords to RAM Yoh, then COBRA CLUTCH and a takedown! COBRA TRIANGLE! The fans rally as Yoh endures, and Yoh kicks around to have the ROPEBREAK! Taiji lets go in frustration, and Yoh coughs and sputters as he catches his breath. Taiji CLUBS Yoh, drags him up, but Yoh fires forearms and kicks! Taiji BODY BLOWS, then CLUBS Yoh! Yoh goes back to the ropes, Taiji brings him around to whip into a corner. Taiji runs up, but Yoh BOOTS him away! Taiji comes back, but into a clinch, BACKBREAKER and NECKBREAKER!
The fans rally while both men are down again. Yoh and Taiji rise, and Yoh runs up to rally with forearms! Yoh whips, Taiji reverses, but Yoh FLYING FOREARMS! The fans fire up with Yoh, and he brings Taiji up. Yoh scoops Taiji to SLAM him, and then he revels in cheers. Yoh drops the ELBOW, then covers. TWO, and Yoh drops the KNEE! Cover, TWO and Yoh SPLASHES down! Cover, TWO! The fans cheer and Yoh shakes out the arm. Yoh drags Taiji up, reels him in, but Taiji fights the suplex to wrench and ARM CODE BREAKER! Then BONE LOCK! But Yoh rolls it fast! TWO!! Taiji kicks low, CLAWS Yoh’s eyes, then whips.
Yoh reverses, Taiji handsprings, but Yoh catches him! Taiji switches, ducks an elbow, then spins Yoh around, to POST him! The Bullet Club Special comes through, and Taiji brings Yoh out. Taiji hammerlocks the arm, scoops, and SHOULDER BUSTERS! Yoh writhes, Taiji goes back to the corner, and the fans rally up. Taiji runs back in, tilt-o-whirls, LA MYSTIC- NO, Yoh spins that into a COBRA TWIST! Yoh then shifts to throw elbows, and he puts on the ANACONDA VICE! Taiji reaches out, fights his way over, but Yoh wrangles him to the mat! Taiji endures, rolls, pops free, and has the BONE LOCK!!
Yoh endures again and the fans rally back up! Yoh fights around, reaches out, but Taiji rolls him back for BLOODY- NO, Yoh handsprings through and O’Conner Rolls! Taiji stops the bridge, pushes Yoh down, BONE LOCK!! Yoh endures again and the fans rally! Yoh fights over again, and has the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer as Yoh literally escapes by a foot. Taiji lets go, then grins as he brings Yoh back up. Taiji gut wrenches, and CIPHER UTAKI! But Taiji says that’s not all! He aims his finger gun, says BANG, and then brings Yoh back in. But Yoh suplexes, FALCON GOROSHI! Both men are down and the fans rally up again!
Yoh and Taiji slowly stir, rise up, and Yoh fires a forearm! Taiji fires back! Yoh fires another, Taiji fires another, repeat! They pick up speed and the fans rally! Taiji LARIATS but Yoh stays up! Yoh LARIATS but Taiji stays up! They both roar, and DOUBLE LARIAT! Yoh runs up but Taiji JUMP KNEES! BANG and BLOODY- NO, Yoh wrenches out to HEADBUTT! Both men fall and the fans fire up! Taiji and Yoh stir, but Yoh sits up first. Yoh roars, slaps his bad arm into working, and then crawls over to Taiji. Yoh underhooks but Taiji fights the lift! Taiji wrenches out but Yoh full nelsons! Taiji fights that, but Yoh ripcords!
Taiji blocks the knee but that hurts his harm! Taiji takes a swing, but into the ANACONDA VICE! Taiji fights the hold, wrenches out, and tilt-o-whirls, LA MYSTICA! BONE LOCK!!! Yoh fights around, reaches out, but Taiji rolls him! Yoh uses that to have the ANACONDA VICE!!! Taiji endures, fights to sit up, and then he stands to fire body shots. Taiji RAMS Yoh into the bare buckles! Both men fall back and the fans rally harder! Taiji drags Yoh up, reels him in, but Yoh blocks! Yoh fireman’s carries, and he hits an USHIGOROSHI! The fans fire up and Yoh full nelsons Taiji! DRAGON SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO!!
Taiji escapes but Yoh vows to end this! The fans are thunderous as Yoh hauls Taiji up! DIRECT DRIVE!!! Cover, YOH WINS!!!
Winner: Yoh, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Taiji earns 0)
The Bone Soldier fails, and now Desperado is NOT going to the finals! Desperado will now be on the outside looking in, waiting for his next challenger.
Speaking of which, Kosei Fujita now makes his way out here to be face to face with Yoh. Yoh holds the ropes open for Fujita to step into the ring. Fujita and Yoh get face to face, and Fujita points at the tag title on Yoh’s shoulder, because he also wants that belt. Yoh knows, since he and Wato took it from Fujita & Eagles. But Yoh dismisses Fujita, they’ll meet again on June 1st. Yoh then takes up the mic to tell Fujita, “Ya bastard… I’ll show you true chaos! Now, just one more win. In Ota, the best wind will blow.” Yoh drops the mic to leave it at that. Will that wind be the winds of change? Or will Yoh fail to bring down The Mighty Japanese Young Punk?
Here are the FINAL B Block standings!
YOH: 6-3, 12 points [FINALIST]
El Desperado: 6-3, 12 points [ELIMINATED]
MAO: 6-3, 12 points [ELIMINATED]
Taiji Ishimori: 4-5, 8 points [ELIMINATED]
Robbie Eagles: 4-5, 8 points [ELIMINATED]
SHO: 4-5, 8 points [ELIMINATED]
Nick Wayne: 4-5, 8 points [ELIMINATED]
Kevin Knight: 4-5, 8 points [ELIMINATED]
Titan: 4-5, 8 points [ELIMINATED]
Ryusuke Taguchi: 3-6, 6 points [ELIMINATED]
My Thoughts:
A great night to wrap round nine and therefore the round robin portion. No repeat BOSJ finalists, which is actually great because now we’ve got a fresh match-up. Taguchi VS Knight was still a great match for not affecting outcomes, and Knight gets to return to AEW with a win. The flipside is Titan gets a win over Nick Wayne, I really do think it books itself, Nick VS Titan for the ROH World TV Championship on Grand Slam: Mexico. Christian Cage can even be condescending to Nick over how Nick didn’t make it to the finals, adding to that feud. Nick can beat Titan in the rematch, then get in Christian’s face to make a match for All In: Texas, or at least Supercard of Honor where ROH titles should be showing up anyway.
Great stuff with Mao and his team against Sho and the House of Torture. I was pleasantly surprised that Mao won, and I wonder if the House of Torture goes to a DDT Pro show to battle it out with Strange Love Connection. Mao winning also added great drama to the remaining matches, Despy VS Eagles was awesome stuff, probably the actual best match of the night. Yoh VS Taiji wasn’t quite as hot going by the crowd, but Yoh getting the win to shut the door on Despy was good. Yoh VS Fujita will be great, a bit hard to call, but that makes it fun.
My Score: 9/10
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