Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE Monday Night Raw Report! (4/23/18)
The Beast returns to Raw! And just days before his Universal Championship Steel Cage Match at the Greatest Royal Rumble, will he and his Advocate have something to say about The Big Dog getting one more shot at the title? Plus, all the aftermath of the Superstar Shake-Up, such as Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn having jobs!!
All images courtesy of the WWE’s official Twitter
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Elias VS Bobby Roode; Elias wins.
- The Ascension VS WOKEN Matt Hardy & Bray Wyatt; Hardy & Wyatt.
- Titus Worldwide VS Dolph Ziggler & Drew McIntyre; Ziggler & McIntyre win.
- Chad Gable VS Jinder Mahal w/ Sunil Singh; Gable wins.
- Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn VS Bobby Lashley & Braun Strowman; Lashley & Strowman win.
- Baron Corbin VS No Way Jose; no contest.
- The Miztourage VS Finn Balor & Seth Rollins; Balor & Rollins win.
- 10 Woman Tag: The Riott Squad, Alexa Bliss & Mickie James VS Bayley, Sasha Banks, Nia Jax, Ember Moon & Natalya; Ruby, Liv, Sarah, Alexa & Mickie win.
PLAY BY PLAY
WWE and Raw dedicate the episode to Bruno Sammartino.
To honor the life of the Hall of Fame “Living Legend”, a moment of silence with ten tolls of the bell. Bruno was truly one of the greats, if not THE greatest. He will be missed.
Tonight's #RAW is dedicated to the memory of the late, great Bruno Sammartino. pic.twitter.com/gXntfNo1Yt
— WWE (@WWE) April 24, 2018
The Beast comes to St. Louis!
#UniversalChampion @BrockLesnar is BACK to kick off Monday Night #RAW…and he's NEXT! pic.twitter.com/BY4cIJjYWm
— WWE (@WWE) April 24, 2018
Brock Lesnar and Paul Heyman are both back on Raw for episode 1300! The Advocate waits for the boos to die down before he speaks for the “still reigning, defending, undisputed” Universal Champion. Heyman supposes people are raining down their anger because they assume Heyman will gloat. They must think he’s here to say “We Told You So!” Or that they’re here to talk like they did when Lesnar conquered The Undertaker’s Wrestlemania Streak, or when Lesnar took Cena to #SuplexSuplexSuplexCity, or when Lesnar takes out every “wannabe tough guy who doesn’t understand” that “this is real” or that no one in the locker room stands any more of a chance than members of the WWE Universe. Heyman doesn’t give predictions, he gives spoilers, and “Lesnar does not gloat, Brock Lesnar conquers!”
But Heyman gloats! Heyman gloats that Lesnar used non-PG elbows to bust Roman open and then took Roman Reigns to Suplex City, used multiple F5’s, and left Roman a heap of trash at the biggest Wrestlemania of all time! “And none of this means anything to Brock Lesnar.” Lesnar does not dwell on the past, even when we’re only talking a couple weeks. Lesnar looks to the future, especially when that future is this Friday, in Saudi Arabia, at the Greatest Royal Rumble, craving to be in a UFC fight, goes to be “locked inside of a cage with Roman Reigns.” Heyman notices the fans genuinely cheering for Roman.
But being in a cage wasn’t Roman’s idea, so Heyman tells the world: “Brock Lesnar pinned Roman Reigns, WWE had no choice”, so now Lesnar signed a “big fat contract” that he earned, but WWE wants the title at #GRR. What does Lesnar say to that? “Well, Roman Reigns is breathing, give me Roman Reigns.” Lesnar wanted a fight for the title, in a cage! The odds are stacked against Roman even more now than at Wrestlemania! So here’s the spoiler: Roman steps into the greatest cage fighter ever, so this Friday, Lesnar will “shred Roman Reigns, piece by piece, limb from limb”! Roman will only return to America in boxes as a former WWE superstar and just another victim! But speaking of, here comes Roman!
#TheBigDog @WWERomanReigns' eyes are LOCKED on #UniversalChampion @BrockLesnar… #RAW pic.twitter.com/6LUuU72NJI
— WWE (@WWE) April 24, 2018
The Big Dog stares right down at Lesnar. Lesnar simply chuckles back at him, shaking his head. Lesnar thinks Roman doesn’t want any of him, but Roman marches down the ramp to prove him wrong. The WWE Universe is itching to see these two fight, and Lesnar seems pleasantly surprised to see Roman getting into the ring. Roman has a mic, but he takes a moment to stare at the title. Lesnar notices him staring at it, and taunts him with it. Roman says Heyman is right, he isn’t sure how he’s getting back. But he knows this: “I’m coming home with that title. And you can believe that.” He drops the mic, and takes his leave. This fight will happen Friday in Arabia and a cage. Can the Big Dog finally best The Beast?
? them up and throw away the ? THIS FRIDAY at @WWE Greatest Royal Rumble…@WWERomanReigns plans to finally dethrone @BrockLesnar as #UniversalChampion in Saudi Arabia! #WWEGRR #RAW pic.twitter.com/NVPLWr1d2V
— WWE (@WWE) April 24, 2018
“Ladies and Gentlemen: Elias.”
The Drifter is in St. Louis, but he’s immediately interrupted!
Elias VS Bobby Roode!
Before @IAmEliasWWE's concert could even begin, it became… GLORIOUS!#RAW @REALBobbyRoode pic.twitter.com/hlwrhTONmD
— WWE (@WWE) April 24, 2018
The GLORIOUS One interrupts, wanting the spotlight on him over The Drifter. Will Roode make good on his first 1v1 match on Raw? Or will Elias make him pay and #DriftAway for the interruption?
The bell rings, the two tie up, and Elias puts on a headlock. Roode powers out but Elias runs him over. Elias speeds things up but Roode runs him over with an elbow. Roode chops Elias in a corner, then stomps and chops again. Roode chops Elias, Elias forearms back then chops, too. Elias puts Roode in a corner but Roode turns that around for another chop. Roode whips corner to corner but Elias reverses, only to run into Roode’s elbow. Roode goes up but has to jump over Elias, legs buckling a bit. He still gets Elias with the atomic drop and dropkick, cover, TWO.
Roode keeps on Elias with the armlock, bringing him to the mat. Elias works his way up, Roode wrenches the arm. Roode wrenches the arm again but Elias rocks him with a right! The Drifter chops Roode against ropes then whips, but Roode goes for the DDT. Elias gets away so Roode clotheslines him out. GLORIOUS Pose as we go to break.
Raw returns, and Elias puts Roode in a corner. Roode ducks the forearm to chop Elias again. Elias is reeling from that shot, so Roode gives him another. Roode whips but Elias kicks him back to then club him in the back. Elias throws Roode into a post! The referee checks on Roode while Elias catches his breath. Elias sits Roode up for a nerve hold, we go picture in picture to plug the Greatest Royal Rumble’s Casket Match of Rusev VS The UNDERTAKER. Roode endures the hold and works his way up to his feet. He hits Elias but Elias hits back so it’s a brawl now. Elias gets Roode in a corner and stomps a mudhole into him! He tops it off with a running stomp, then rams Roode’s chest into the apron edges. He adds a running knee to the head, covers, TWO.
Elias grows frustrated but he keeps on Roode. He mocks GLORIOUS while wrapping Roode into a chinlock. Fans rally for Roode and Roode powers up. Elias wrangles him down but Roode stands again. Elias brings Roode down again, but fans chant for Roode. Roode gets a second wind and back suplexes Elias down! Both men are down, but stirring. Roode gets to a corner while Elias walks over. Elias swings but Roode counters, then chops and whips. Elias reverses but Roode runs him over. Roode rallies with forearms and a corner clothesline into a neckbreaker. Roode’s firing up with the fans while he climbs up top. He takes aim and flying clothesline takes down Elias!
Roode winds it up for GLORIOUS Pose! He kicks but Elias back drops, sunset flip, TWO! Elias knees low and puts Roode in a corner, but Roode knees him away. He hops up, GLORIOUS Blockbuster! Elias rolls out to prevent the cover, which fans boo and jeer. Roode doesn’t care, he goes out to fetch Elias. He puts Elias in the ring but Elias hotshots ROode off the top and rolls him up, Elias wins!
Winner: Elias, by pinfall
Looks like @REALBobbyRoode just learned what @WWE stands for…@IAmEliasWWE picks up the victory on #RAW! pic.twitter.com/7Mrgn8q9Ll
— WWE (@WWE) April 24, 2018
The Drifter was crafty with that performance, and he ruins Roode’s first 1v1 match. Will Elias truly put on a spectacular performance in the 50-Man Royal Rumble match? Or will Roode turn things around and make this Friday the most GLORIOUS Royal Rumble ever?
WOKEN Matt Hardy speaks.
“I have spoken to the Oracle”, and the future is clear. They will PROCURE the Raw Tag Team Championships! But first, they must visit the Wasteland. Bray Wyatt says that without darkness, there is no light. And together, this WOKEN Yin-Yang will cast a shadow that covers the world. “RUN!”
Sounds like #WOKEN @MATTHARDYBRAND & @WWEBrayWyatt will descend into the WASTELAND tonight on #RAW… pic.twitter.com/lO5MHfXXiL
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) April 24, 2018
The Ascension VS WOKEN Matt Hardy & Bray Wyatt!
A new arrival to Monday Night #RAW as part of the #SuperstarShakeup…#TheAscension is ready to turn Monday nights into their WASTELAND! @KonnorWWE @ViktorRiseWWE pic.twitter.com/hPAS5egVJr
— WWE (@WWE) April 24, 2018
Konnor & Viktor are back on Raw thanks to the Superstar Shake-Up, but now they must face the #DeleterOfWorlds just days before the Expedition of Gold takes on The Bar for the Raw Tag Team Championships. Will they be rendered OBSOLETE already?
#WOKEN @MATTHARDYBRAND continues to be CAPTIVATED by @WWEBrayWyatt's numerous FIREFLIES in the @WWEUniverse! #RAW pic.twitter.com/r8XeWWk2J3
— WWE (@WWE) April 24, 2018
The bell rings and Hardy starts against Viktor. They tie up, Viktor gets the headlock but Hardy powers out. Hardy sees Viktor’s cartwheel, and says that was WONDERFUL~!
Good news for #TheAscension…@MATTHARDYBRAND thinks their offense is WONDERFUL! #RAW pic.twitter.com/4jizrZ39Px
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) April 24, 2018
The fans and Wyatt agree, but then Viktor swings on Hardy. Bray scares Viktor, Hardy hits the Russian leg sweep. Hardy then tags in Brya, and together they hit Viktor with the leg drop and back senton. Bray goes for the yurinagi but viktor slips out. Viktor tags in Konnor, who clubs Brya, but then runs into the turn-around lariat! Bray tags in Hardy and feeds Konnor to the boots. Hardy says “DELETE! DELETE!” but Konnor denies the twist. Viktor tags in and the Ascension mug Hardy in their corner.
Viktor tags Konnor back in and they mug Hardy with combination strikes. Konnor drops a big elbow and covers, TWO. Tag to Viktor for a first drop and cover, TWO. Viktor keeps Hardy down while fans rally, and Hardy uses a jawbreaker to break out. Tag to Bray, and Bray rallies on Viktor with palm strikes and uppercuts. Bray wipes Konnor out then runs Viktor over with the body check! Bray prepares his Spider-Walk! Tag to Hardy and a feed to the Side Effect, TWO. “DELETE! DELETE!” Hardy brings Viktor up but Konnor saves him. Bray gets Konnor with Sister Abigail! Hardy tags him in, and brings Viktor up, they combine for a draping Twist of Fate! Cover, #DeleterOfWorlds win!
Winners: WOKEN Hardy & Bray Wyatt, Wyatt pinning
All roads lead to Saudi Arabia now for The #DELETERofWorlds as @MATTHARDYBRAND & @WWEBrayWyatt pick up the win ahead of battling @WWECesaro & @WWESheamus for the #RAW #TagTeamTitles at #WWEGRR! pic.twitter.com/WEEAI0FI0r
— WWE (@WWE) April 24, 2018
The Yin-Yang of WOKEN & Wyatt comes for the titles, as do The Bar, though The Bar is no longer on Raw. Will Cesaro & Sheamus be DELETED in Arabia? Or will they be responsible for robbing the Red Roster of their tag titles?
It’s the premiere of The Sami & Kevin Show!
Ladies and gentlemen, WELCOME to The #SamiAndKevinShow!#RAW @FightOwensFight @SamiZayn pic.twitter.com/6iSzdPgtR9
— WWE (@WWE) April 24, 2018
The Underdog and Prizefighter sit at their brand new desk to introduce the WWE Universe to their talk show. The new hottest maybe-weekly show in WWE, because “a huge void” was created when The Miz was moved to SmackDown. But who better to step up than these two? And who better in history than one of them to win the Greatest Royal Rumble? Why is it called that? The seven titles on the line. Nope. Lana gave Rusev permission to take on the Undertaker. Nope. That they’re going to win the Rumble. Yep! So make sure you have the day off to watch Sami & Kevin prove themselves the most dominant of all the WWE superstars. Watch them prove why Stephanie McMahon chose them to be the “crown jewels” of Raw.
Those comments probably rub their guest the wrong way. But tonight is about new beginnings, so they have a song for their guest. “You Suck! You Suck!” Yes, that’s for the Olympic Gold Medalist and Raw General Manager, Kurt Angle!
Something tells us @RealKurtAngle doesn't mind the song, @FightOwensFight & @SamiZayn… #RAW #SamiAndKevinShow pic.twitter.com/0JF9FpAFmm
— WWE (@WWE) April 24, 2018
At least when the fans sing it, they mean it nicely. Angle joins Kevin & Sami in the ring, but they realize they don’t have a chair for him. Kevin produces a lawn chair from under the desk. “Nothing but the finest, boss.” But to get to business, how was their song? Don’t quit your day jobs, boys. Kevin understands Angle is a bit bitter, things got off on the wrong foot. And Kevin would be uncomfortable if his boss had his manhood in a jar. But they’re just poking fun. Sami & Kevin note the “outright conspiracy” they just finished with on SmackDown, which is why they took matters into their own hands. Or in Kevin’s case, own head, when he headbutted THE Vince McMahon down.
But then, either Stephanie either really appreciates their talent, or really dislikes Angle. Angle doesn’t blame Stephanie for being bitter, because he’s the reason Ronda Rousey injured Stephanie’s arm. Kevin and Sami caution Angle not to speak out of turn, he has his kids to worry about. All five of them. No, all six. It isn’t five? Sami checks his notes. Oh right, he forgot Jason Jordan. Though, so did Angle. But enough about the past, on to the future. Tonight, Angle will give Sami & Kevin the opportunities to maximize their potential. What’s that gonna look like? Angle “appreciates” the treatment and will repay them with something at the Greatest Royal Rumble. Because Angle and Daniel Bryan will both be in the 50-Man Royal Rumble, and Chris Jericho! And just about everyone else these two “endeared” themselves towards.
But for tonight, Kevin & Sami take on Bobby Lashley & Braun Strowman! The Alpha Male and the Monster Among Men are going to take on the #YEPMovement! Will the first episode of the Sami & Kevin Show be the last?
Take a bow, @RealKurtAngle, because that is one HECK of a tag team match…@FightOwensFight & @SamiZayn will battle the team of @fightbobby & @BraunStrowman TONIGHT on #RAW! pic.twitter.com/FqDZEZGzgo
— WWE (@WWE) April 24, 2018
Seth Rollins encounters The Miztourage backstage.
Bo Dallas & Curt Axel know they said good-bye to Miz and hello to their futures. They’re going to #BURNITDOWN with Rollins! He’s going to be their new leader in a NEW Shield! So long as they have the Architect.
New SHIELD? @WWERollins doesn't quite think so…#RAW @TheBoDallas @RealCurtisAxel pic.twitter.com/cDe2o7RXDP
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) April 24, 2018
Rollins admits they’re on the right track, but it’s gonna be a hard “no”. Will Bo & Axel find what they need to keep riding high?
Titus Worldwide VS Dolph Ziggler & Drew McIntyre!
#TitusWorldwide is out for some retribution RIGHT NOW on #RAW!@TitusONeilWWE @WWEApollo @DanaBrookeWWE pic.twitter.com/d9v309bZXR
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) April 24, 2018
After not only rejecting their proposal but also steamrolling them in a blindside attack, The Show-Off and the Scottish Stud take on The Real Deal and his top client in a tag match for revenge. Can Titus & Apollo #MakeItAWin against the returning duo after how well Ziggler & McIntyre worked together last week?
It's time to see what @DMcIntyreWWE & @HEELZiggler can do in tag team action on #RAW! pic.twitter.com/9yVBxEe3hS
— WWE (@WWE) April 24, 2018
The bell rings and Ziggler starts with Titus. Titus puts Ziggler right into a corner, and he chops and stomps away. Tag to Apollo and Titus feeds Ziggler to Apollo’s clothesline. Apollo hits the standing moonsault, TWO, but he keeps on Ziggler. He shoves Ziggler but Ziggler holds ropes. McIntyre tags in and Ziggler runs Apollo over. The Celtic Colossus brings Apollo up for chops in the corner, then furious right hands. McIntyre tosses Apollo across the way, then counters the boot with a back elbow. Ziggler tags in while McIntyre carries Apollo in the inverted Alabama Slam. Ziggler SUPERKICKS Apollo before the whiplash slam! McIntyre blasts Titus down just because, then Ziggler tags him back in. They bring Apollo up, CLAYMORE ZIG ZAG!! Cover, Dolph & Drew win!
Winners: Ziggler & McIntyre, McIntyre pinning
The Show-Off and Stud win their first match together, and with an aggressive dominance rarely seen.
In-ring interview with the winners.
Both men showed up last week, and Ziggler said things would be different. Why did he bring McIntyre with him? Everyone can tell why! Day one, no one watched Ziggler’s back, but McIntyre has his back now. McIntyre is dangerous, and he speaks for himself by saying that they’re both dangerous to a “soft” locker room with no fire or ambition. It makes him sick! These two are what superstars look like, speak, and back up their words. Trust McIntyre when he says times are changing, and though he’s not what WWE wants, he’s the reality check it needs! “We don’t give a damn about stealing the show, because this right here IS the show!” Ziggler & McIntyre look to turn the heat up on everyone in the WWE, who will be next to get that reality check?
You heard 'em…
They don't need to steal the show, because they ARE the show!#RAW @HEELZiggler @DMcintyreWWE pic.twitter.com/mJrYcdpzr9
— WWE (@WWE) April 24, 2018
Kurt Angle likes what he sees from Ziggler & McIntyre.
But he’s visited by Chad Gable, another Shake-Up addition. He won’t disappoint Angle, and Angle knows that. How’s Jason? Getting better, but this trade was for Gable as a singles competitor. Gable agrees, he will scratch and claw– Mahal interrupts to protest last week’s last-minute title match. And then Jeff Hardy goes to SmackDown!? But Mahal vows to get that title back, so he insists he goes back to SmackDown when it happens. That latter part isn’t happening. Mahal threatens calling Stephanie, but Gable says Mahal should learn respect. Mahal recognizes Gable, he’s the little boy who won with Strowman at Wrestlemania. Gable shoves, but Angle keeps the peace and says they settle this in the ring! Gable is ready, and so is the Modern Day Maharaja.
Chad Gable VS Jinder Mahal w/ Sunil Singh!
Before challenging @JEFFHARDYBRAND for the #USTitle at @WWE Greatest Royal Rumble, @JinderMahal looks to make an example of @WWEGable on #RAW! pic.twitter.com/nSQNUBc2j9
— WWE (@WWE) April 24, 2018
Just days before the “former and future” United States Champion takes on Jeff Hardy, he looks to tune up with the Olympic medalist newly added to Raw. Will he show his strength before taking on the Charismatic Enigma in Arabia? But before even the bell, Sunil distracts so that Mahal can blindside Gable off the steps!
Welcome to #RAW, @WWEGable!@JinderMahal @SinghBrosWWE pic.twitter.com/xhLjkAtZI2
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) April 24, 2018
The Maharaja grins as he drags Gable up and throws him into the barriers! Mahal does not respect Gable as he puts him in the ring, then stomps a Maharaja mudhole into him. The referee backs him off to check on Gable, then reprimands Mahal for his actions. Gable won’t let this stop him, he wants the match to happen. The bell rings, and Gable dodges Mahal to fire back. Mahal shoves him but Gable comes right back for a big takedown. Gable gets the waistlock but Mahal pushes him off to then kick him right in the face!
Mahal looms over Gable as he drags him up. He toys with Gable while fans cheer. Mahal lifts but Gable crossbodies to counter! Cover, TWO, but Mahal gets dumped out of the ring. Gable goes to the outside but Mahal runs him over. Mahal is in control while we go to break.
Raw returns, and Mahal still controls Gable with a half clutch. Fans rally and Gable works his way out. Mahal brings him back down to a knee, but Gable keeps scratching and clawing his way up. Gable fights back but Mahal knees low to then suplex Gable over. Cover, TWO, but Mahal keeps on him with clubbing ax handles and stomps. Fans cheer Gable and Gable fires back with forearms. Gable runs but into a big lariat from Mahal! Mahal drags Gable back up to whip him hard into a corner! He gives Gable crossface punches and elbows, then puts him in a chinlock. Gable endures and fights his way up again as fans cheer. Gable throws body shots but runs into a big elbow.
Mahal drags Gable over and chokes him on the ropes. Mahal backs off at the ref’s count, then drops springboard knees on Gable’s chest. But Gable boots Mahal away! Gable rallies and hits the rolling kick! Gable goes after the leg with knee wrench after knee wrench, then a dragon screw. He yanks and stretches Mahal’s leg, and Sunil panics. Gable kicks that leg but Mahal knees back. Mahal lifts Gable but Gable fights out. Mahal bucks Gable off and hotshots him on the rope, to then hit a running knee! Fans boo while Mahal grins and stalks Gable. He wants his finish but Gable blocks and uses corners to roll back into a cover! GABLE WINS!
Winner: Gable, by pinfall
What a way to burst onto the scene on Monday Night #RAW for @WWEGable! pic.twitter.com/3kfkFRJeTU
— WWE (@WWE) April 24, 2018
THAT. JUST. HAPPENED.@WWEGable picks up a HUGE victory over @JinderMahal on #RAW! pic.twitter.com/gJyAiEpctO
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) April 24, 2018
The Maharaja is furious but he is now the loser in Gable’s biggest victory! If Gable can #ScratchAndClaw like this, will he one day be wrestling for a singles championship?
Backstage interview with The Riott Squad.
Sarah Logan, Liv Morgan & Ruby Riott made an impact by interrupting Bayley VS Sasha Banks. Are they sending a message to those two? It wasn’t just for the “frenemies” but all of Raw’s Women’s Division. The Squad aren’t here to be role models, but to disrupt. Sarah knows scared animals are easy prey, and right now, the Raw Women’s Division is full of scared animals. And if anyone gets in their way, they get the same treatment. They’re “equal opportunity agitators”, and like a can of tear gas, the Squad will make everyone drop to their knees, crying and begging for help. “Just the way we like it.”
The #RiottSquad is poised to make a BIG impact on the women of Monday Night #RAW…@RubyRiottWWE @YaOnlyLivvOnce @sarahloganwwe pic.twitter.com/PZ3ya6LloH
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) April 24, 2018
Samoa Joe speaks.
Though no longer part of Raw, he and Roman Reigns will still have a match at Backlash. The Samoan Destroyer heard Roman Reigns vow to return to America as Universal Champion. He has his own prediction: he might not even have an opponent at Backlash. Joe knows that as history shows, Lesnar will conquer The Big Dog and bury him in the desert. If Roman does become the champion, will Samoa Joe simply take that belt from him shortly after?
"If history is any indication, then @BrockLesnar will once again conquer #TheBigDog and leave you buried in the sands of the Arabian desert…" – @SamoaJoe #RAW #WWEGRR pic.twitter.com/bw2m0ajf5l
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) April 24, 2018
The Miztourage talk to someone.
They know what you’re thinking: Miz is on SmackDown, but so were the Good Brothers. Therefore, the NEW Balor Club can be with them! Finn wasn’t thinking this. But, this would be #TooSweet!
Is #BalorClub for everyone EXCEPT @TheBoDallas & @RealCurtisAxel?
Seems that way… #RAW pic.twitter.com/ojXzjV1ysE
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) April 24, 2018
Right? Right? Thanks, but no thanks. And don’t do the hand thing. Strike two for Bo & Axel, but is the third time the charm?
Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn VS Bobby Lashley & Braun Strowman!
Is this going to be the FRESH START @FightOwensFight & @SamiZayn are looking for? We're about to find out… #RAW pic.twitter.com/3JYkQUXU0P
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) April 24, 2018
As usual for the #YEPMovement, they’ve put their foots in their mouths, and now they must make their Raw 2v2 debut against two massive stars! Can Sami & Kevin survive a match with the Dominator and Abominable Strowman?
Does it get any more MENACING than the team of @BraunStrowman and @fightbobby?! #RAW pic.twitter.com/gIszvilR20
— WWE (@WWE) April 24, 2018
Fans chant “Get These Hands!” as all four men enter the ring. Kevin & Sami talk it out, and they both escape the clutches of Lashley and Strowman. They talk it out again, but end up flanked on both sides, so they escape into the ring. Sami & Kevin are extremely wary, and time it so that they slip out as Strowman and Lashley enter, only to fall for Strowman’s & Lashley’s trick. Strowman grabs them both, throws Sami into a barrier then feeds Kevin to Lashley! Lashley spins Kevin around into a neckbreaker, then hits a corner clothesline. He keeps moving, giving Kevin a big spinebuster! Fans are all fired up for the duo of dangerous individuals. Lashley rocks Kevin with a right hand then a shoudler tackle in the corner. He drives elbows into Kevin, then grinds a boot into him. Sami protests but Kevin can’t get away.
Lashley keeps on Kevin, whips him to ropes, but Kevin kicks him away. Kevin drags Lashley to his corner and Sami tags in. Sami throws hands on Lashley, mocking him before giving a chop. Lashley hits back, then snap suplexes Sami down. Cover, ONE, but Lashley keeps on Sami in a corner with back elbows. Lashley runs corner to corner but into a boot! Sami brings Lashley back over and Kevin tags in, and now Kevin throws hands. Kevin mugs Lashley in the corner, then tags Sami back in.
They both whip Lashley but Lashley kicks Sami and throws Kevin out. Lashley lifts Sami up onto his shoulder, snake eyes on a buckle. Lashley runs and crossbodies, TWO. Sami scurries to a corner but gets a shoulder tackle from Lashley. Lashley runs but Kevin holds the ropes down to dump Lashley out! Kevin adds a back senton, he and Sami are in control while we go to break.
Raw returns to Sami bumping Lashley off buckles and giving him a sharp chop. Sami chops again, taunting Bruan as he walks across the way. Sami runs back at Lashley, but into Lashley’s belly2belly suplex! Both men are down but crawling for their corners, hot tag to Kevin and he stomps Lashley before he tags Strowman! Kevin throws hands and stomps, and goes for the back senton, but Lashley’s knees meet him. Kevin tags in Sami, and now Sami stops Lashley from tagging Strowman. Sami puts Lashley in a chinlock, but Lashley carries Sami on his back. Sami brings Lashley to his knees, but Lashley powers out with a sidewalk slam!
Both men are down again, fans are at a fever pitch, but Kevin trips up Strowman! Lashley can’t tag out, but that only pissed Strowman off. Strowman stomps his way back to the apron, Lashley fights out of the enemy corner, and hot tag to Strowman! The Monster hops down and runs around the corners to bulldoze Kevin!
Thanks for comin', @FightOwensFight!#RAW @BraunStrowman pic.twitter.com/5bl2RFAdMy
— WWE (@WWE) April 24, 2018
Then he gets in the ring to do the same to Sami! And then he hits Kevin again! And Sami, again! Strowman won’t stop, he goes after Kevin with a dropkick! The fans are thunderous for the Monster Among Men, but Sami bails and runs away, except Lashley catches up to him. Lashley brings Sami back and feeds him to Strowman for a big clubbing forearm. Strowman clotheslines Sami in the corner, and fans chant “Get These Hands!”
Sami finds himself trapped, Strowman tags Lashley in before tossing Sami. Lashley brings Sami up, for the delayed suplex slam!
Official time on the @fightbobby suplex clock: 1️⃣8️⃣ SECONDS! #RAW pic.twitter.com/wOmnjdJWSr
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) April 24, 2018
Tag back to Strowman, and Strowman gives a thumbs down. He drags Sami up onto his shoulder, for the MONSTER SLAM! Cover, Strowman & Lashley win!
Winners: Lashley & Strowman win, Strowman pinning
Dominant and destructive, Lashley and Strowman dismantle Kevin & Sami. For the sake of ever having a chance at winning, everyone else in the Raw Tag Team Division better hope these two don’t stay a team.
Absolute DESTRUCTION spells the end for @FightOwensFight & @SamiZayn as @fightbobby & @BraunStrowman pick up the win on #RAW! pic.twitter.com/C659MsDloc
— WWE (@WWE) April 24, 2018
Baron Corbin VS No Way Jose!
The conga line is ??? for @WWENoWayJose! #RAW pic.twitter.com/r6JppJNbzM
— WWE (@WWE) April 24, 2018
The Lone Wolf makes his Raw debut after the Superstar Shake-Up, will it bring the #EndofDays to the Fighting Fiesta already?
"You know what my idea of fun is? It's ruining other people's fun…Jose, you're just not on my level." – @BaronCorbinWWE #RAW pic.twitter.com/XP1jeo4zYt
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) April 24, 2018
Corbin speaks. “C’mon, man. You didn’t think I would see through your little plan?” The conga line is just an excuse to have back-up to jump him. He knows Jose just wants to have fun, but Corbin’s idea of fun is ruining other people’s fun. He is on Raw to be a champion, so Jose isn’t even on his level. This match won’t happen so long as Jose has that “group of freaks” with him.
No Contest
Corbin leaves, but Jose responds. “Just because Baron Corbin doesn’t want us to have fun doesn’t mean the party has to stop!” Hit the music! The conga line starts up again, but as it reaches the ramp, Corbin returns to ambush Jose!
You knew @BaronCorbinWWE wasn't about to just let the party go on…#RAW pic.twitter.com/OhtpSF63fo
— WWE (@WWE) April 24, 2018
The Lone Wolf ignores the boos and jeers as he kicks Jose while he’s down. Corbin even puts Jose into the LED wall face first. He boots Jose down again, then embraces the heat as he hits Jose with a choke slam backbreaker! Corbin ruins the fun like he promised, but will it earn him opportunities like he wants?
Alexa Bliss brings us a Public Service Announcement.
The Goddess of Raw says “Bullies thrive on silence.” If you see someone bullying someone else, speak up. It’s not worth staying silent. Alexa remembers hanging out with Nia Jax back when they were friends, and this “sweet old homeless lady” approached them. The woman was starving, so Alexa gave her food. But Nia took the food away and ate it all down. Alexa will never forget the look of horror on that woman’s face, or the sounds of Nia laughing and chewing, while Alexa stood there and did nothing. She’ll have to live with that for the rest of her life. Alexa wants Nia Jax’s teammates to stand up in tonight’s main event, and Alexa can finish it at Backlash when she gets the title back. “And this has been, your Moment of Bliss.” Will anyone really fall for Alexa’s blatant lies?
"Sasha, Bayley, Ember, Natalya, it's not too late for you. Don't be a silent accomplice to @NiaJaxWWE's bullying tonight." – @AlexaBliss_WWE #RAW pic.twitter.com/oM19VVIR0a
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) April 24, 2018
The Miztourage VS Finn Balor & Seth Rollins!
UP NEXT: @FinnBalor teams up with #ICChampion @WWERollins to take on @TheBoDallas & @RealCurtisAxel on #RAW! pic.twitter.com/RWZ24JcWfh
— WWE (@WWE) April 24, 2018
Are you ready to BURN IT DOWN?!#RAW @WWERollins pic.twitter.com/GbZa9pBxXl
— WWE (@WWE) April 24, 2018
The Extraordinary Man and the Architect both rejected the ideas of teaming with Bo Dallas & Curt Axel, so now they’ll have to team up together to beat them in the ring. However, Finn and Rollins will be opponents Friday in the Intercontinental Championship Ladder Match, joined by The Miz and Samoa Joe of SmackDown. Can Finn & Rollins keep on the same page to then work to keep the IC Title on Raw?
Finn and Bo start and circle. They tie up, Bo gets the headlock, but Finn powers out, only for Bo to run him over. Bo gloats while Finn stands up. Bo tags Axel with a “Shield fist bump”, and Axel circles with Finn. They tie up, headlock but Finn powers out again, only for Axel to run him over, too. Axel puts up Too Sweets now, then ties up with Finn again. Finn gets a waistlock but Axel elbows out. Axel whips Finn but Finn reverses, Axel sunset flips but Finn rolls through to dropkick Axel. Cover, TWO, and Finn wrenches Axel’s arm. Bo distracts Finn and Axel forearms him down. Axel clubs Finn at the ropes and chokes him, then tags Bo for Bo to drop a knee. Cover, TWO, so Bo drops more knees. Cover, TWO, so Bo puts Finn in the chinlock.
Fans rally for Finn, as does Rollins, and Finn stands up. Bo wrangles him back down to the mat, but Finn endures the squeeze. Finn stands up and reaches for Rollins, but has to jawbreaker Bo first. Bo shoves Finn and rocks him with a forearm on the rebound, but Finn gets Bo with the Pele! Both men go down, fans rally, and hot tags to Rollins and Axel. Rollins springboards to clothesline Axel, then keeps going, slingblade! Rollins throws Axel into Bo, then clotheslines Axel out. The Miztourage regroups but Rollins builds speed to DIVE!
#MondayNightRollins#RAW @WWERollins pic.twitter.com/D86KewFxt3
— WWE (@WWE) April 24, 2018
Rollins takes out Axel and gets him back into the ring. He kicks Axel from a corner then hops up for the blockbuster. Rollins keeps going as the fans fire up, stomping the mat to “Burn It Down!” Bo runs in, but into Rollins’ SUPERKICK! Axel kicks low but Rollins rejects the Perfect Plex to mule kick and CURB STOMP! Tag to Finn, Finn climbs up while Rollins slingshots onto Bo! Finn takes aim at Axel, COUP DE GRACE! Cover, Balor & Rollins win!
Winners: Balor & Rollins, Balor pinning
With the Miztourage taken care of, these two can now focus on THE Miz and Samoa Joe in Saudi Arabia. Four stars compete for one title in a Ladder Match, who will climb up to bring that title back to the states?
This Friday, they'll be opponents as part of a #Fatal4Way #LadderMatch for the #ICTitle, but for tonight, @FinnBalor & @WWERollins will enjoy a VICTORY on #RAW! pic.twitter.com/D1VDIlOhfA
— WWE (@WWE) April 24, 2018
Natalya gives a pep talk to “her” team.
The Queen of Harts is ready to teach the Riott Squad, as well as Alexa Bliss and Mickie James, a lesson for being bullies. Ember adds that they’ll leave those five looking over their shoulders. Nia says mocking her is bad for your health. But the not-so best friends are a bit tense around each other still. Will there be dysfunction or victory for this team of five?
Trouble could be brewing on one side of this #10WomanTag main event…#RAW @SashaBanksWWE @itsBayleyWWE pic.twitter.com/8GGDzYI8QJ
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) April 24, 2018
10 Woman Tag: The Riott Squad, Alexa Bliss & Mickie James VS Bayley, Sasha Banks, Nia Jax, Ember Moon & Natalya!
It's MAIN EVENT TIME on Monday Night #RAW! #10WomanTag@YaOnlyLivvOnce @RubyRiottWWE @sarahloganwwe @MickieJames @AlexaBliss_WWE pic.twitter.com/gzQsoaoBsv
— WWE (@WWE) April 24, 2018
Just as there was a star-studded 10-Man tag last week, this week brings us the best of the Raw Women’s Division. Will the Goddess and her new best friend work well with Ruby, Liv & Sarah to defeat the Huggable One, Legit Boss, Irresistible Force, Prophecy of Flame and Queen of Harts?
Behold the SHENOM.#RAW @WWEEmberMoon pic.twitter.com/JmJFnD7RuB
— WWE (@WWE) April 24, 2018
The chemistry on this team might not be perfect…#RAW @itsBayleyWWE @SashaBanksWWE pic.twitter.com/eRpbr3aHjx
— WWE (@WWE) April 24, 2018
The #QueenOfHarts @NatbyNature is happy to be BACK on Monday Night #RAW! pic.twitter.com/o3mbcfrZEy
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) April 24, 2018
The #IrresistibleForce @NiaJaxWWE heads to the ring as your #RAW #WomensChampion! pic.twitter.com/XEDhGMP5XT
— WWE (@WWE) April 24, 2018
The teams sort out and Liv starts against Sasha. Liv mocks Sasha before dodging her and tagging in Sarah. Liv and Sarah club away on Sasha, then #CountryStrong grinds her forearms into Sasha’s face. Fans boo and jeer while the Squad applauds. Sarah knees Sasha but Sasha kicks back. Sasha runs in but is put on the apron, but she still knees Sarah down to then swing in with wrecking ball meteora! Cover, ONE, but Sasha keeps on Sarah with an armlock. Sarah stands up and fights out, then tags Liv back in. Sarah stomps on Sasha, then Liv whips her to an open corner. Sasha boots Liv away but Liv Matrix leans under, only for Sasha to get her on the return. She sits Liv down and slaps her down, covers, ONE.
Sasha wrenches Liv’s arm and brings her over to tag in Ember. Ember takes Liv and wrenches her onto the mat. Cover, ONE, but Ember whips Liv into a corner. Ember handsprings for a heavy forearm, then springboards for the crossbody. Cover, TWO, and Liv rolls out of the ring. The Squad goes over but Ember beats them to Liv with a DIVE!
The fire has been SPARKED within @WWEEmberMoon on #RAW! #10WomanTag pic.twitter.com/WL8sBVDYZk
— WWE (@WWE) April 24, 2018
Sarah & Ruby try to save Liv, but the War Goddess and her team have control while we go to break.
Raw returns and now Sarah is in control of Sasha. Fans rally but Sarah trips up Sasha to keep on top of her with that cobra clutch. Sasha endures the thrashing while the fans rally, and she wills herself up. She fights out but Sarah catches her just short of the tag. Sarah hammers on Sasha but it’s Mickie who tags in. Mickie stomps and grinds a boot into Sasha, then drags her out for another chinlock. Fans keep the rally going, we go picture in picture for another Greatest Royal Rumble commercial advertising the rematch of Lesnar VS Reigns. Sasha feeds off fan energy and jawbreakers out again, only to run into Mickie’s knee. Mickie puts Sasha back in the chinlock, but fans won’t stop rallying for Sasha.
Sasha fights out again, but Mickie knees low. Mickie whips Sasha corner to corner, but Sasha goes up and over. She tumbles to her corner but Mickie stops her short. Sasha rocks Mickie with a right, and tags in Natty! Natty rallies with a discus clothesline, the more clotheslines. Snap suplex to Mickie, then another! Natty keeps going, snapmare and runs on Mickie to dropkick her down. She even gets the takedown into the Sharpshooter! Mickie endures the legendary hold, reaching for ropes, but Sarah chop blocks Natty down!
An absolutely RUTHLESS attack by @sarahloganwwe…#RAW #10WomanTag pic.twitter.com/VTwyHp5Hwm
— WWE (@WWE) April 24, 2018
Natty lets go of the hold and the referee checks on her, but Mickie gets away to her corner for safety. Natty wills herself up even on a bad leg, and she tags out to Bayley, but Mickie still kicks Natty down! Bayley and the others show concern, and the referee calls for medics.
The action continues and Mickie tags out to Ruby, but Bayley is ready for her! Bayley rallies with a back suplex, then whips. Ruby holds ropes and breaks free, to hit Bayley with an STO! Cover, TWO, but Ruby puts Bayley into a chinlock. Medics check on Natty’s knee while fans rally for Bayley. Mickie talks trash about Natty staying on SmackDown, but Bayley fights her way up and out. Ruby hops on to be a backpack, but Bayley just backs her into the corner. Nia tags in, Bayley throws Rub off and Nia throws Ruby all around. She squashes Ruby in a corner, then lifts her up to throw her down!
.@RubyRiottWWE, meet @NiaJaxWWE! ?#RAW #10WomanTag pic.twitter.com/gvHhDD4UoI
— WWE (@WWE) April 24, 2018
Nia drops the leg, all the others break the cover! Chaos ensues and no one is left in the ring. Nia gets an idea, MAJOR apron splash!! All the women of Raw are down!!
Micke recovers first, and helps fan off Alexa. Natty manages to stand on the other end, but Mickie pounces with another dropkick! Mickie has some strange vendetta with Natty as she stomps and stomps, so here comes RONDA!! Rowdy Rousey scares Mickie off, but then Mickie attacks HER from behind! That’s a mistake, seeing how Ronda glares at her.
Bad move, @MickieJames….@RondaRousey is LIVE on #RAW! pic.twitter.com/lWW8sQ8WkQ
— WWE (@WWE) April 24, 2018
Mickie tries to smile it off, but Ronda is upon her! Ronda puts Mickie in the armbar, Mickie taps, but this match ends because of interference.
Attack @NatbyNature. Attack @RondaRousey. FEEL the consequences!#RAW #10WomanTag pic.twitter.com/QJE9sZOe6R
— WWE (@WWE) April 24, 2018
Disqualification; Riott Squad, Alexa & Mickie win
Though Natty’s team loses, Ronda is the winner in the end as she makes Mickie pay for what she did to Natty. Ronda helps Natty to the back, will the Queen of Harts be able to recover from what Mickie did to her?
It's good to have a friend like @RondaRousey…#RAW #10WomanTag pic.twitter.com/zx8ACjoBOY
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) April 24, 2018
My Thoughts:
This first Raw after the Shake-Up was pretty good, even with it also being a go-home to Greatest Royal Rumble. The opening tribute to Bruno was perfect, and it’s great they already have a Network special to go right after Raw. Heyman gives another good promo while Roman keeps it very short and sweet, though perhaps a bit shoe-horned in. Roode not giving Elias even time to introduce himself was brilliant, but then it was somewhat logical Elias would win the match. It’s a good move to have a program between these two to tide themselves over while the IC and US titles work themselves out. We obviously know The Ascension are never being a winning tag team again.
For that matter, there was a lot more tag team stuff tonight than usual, I almost feel like Raw could become the Tag Team show while both singles titles go to SmackDown. SmackDown gave them Breezango and The Ascension, and then with Ziggler & McIntyre winning, as well as Kevin & Sami, the Raw Tag Team Division is bigger than usual But I don’t think WWE would really do that, so each show is gonna have one of the mid-card belts. I just can’t be sure if Raw keeps the IC and SmackDown the US, or they trade. Speaking of Kevin & Sami, their match with Lashley & Strowman was great, even when Sami & Kevin lose. Lashley’s a beast, Strowman’s truly a monster, and one way or another, both of them should be holding gold by the time we get to SummerSlam.
Gable also proves he’s capable of a singles title run with his match against Mahal. If IC and US titles swap, Gable could be first in line to take that US title from Mahal, unless titles trade back with Backlash. Corbin is still Corbin, even on Raw. Like Roode and Elias, a Corbin-Jose program can help to tide them over until we’re past Backlash. The Miztourage searching for a new leader is interesting, and can have all kinds of possibilities with the end result. Personally, I want Bo to join Bray down the line.
And the Women’s 5v5 tag was really good, and it seems if it isn’t Absolution VS Natty & Ronda, it’ll be Mickie and Alexa(?) in their place. I’m sure Nia will retain at Backlash to move on to Sasha, Bayley or even Ember. Though, even with the addition of Ronda, this tag match shows Raw’s half of the Women’s Division is still shallow, hopefully they get more women in the next round of call-ups.
My Score: 8.5/10
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)
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!
Powered by RedCircle
Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!

The Revolution begins again!
How can the Rated R Superstar overthrow The Maniac’s reign of terror? With a Revolution, of course! But can Cope become AEW World Champion? Or will Jon Moxley break his body and spirit?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Zero Hour – Holo.grm & Komander w/ Alex Abrahantes VS Blake Christian & Lee Johnson; win.
- Zero Hour – 8 Man Tag: Daniel Garcia & The Undisputed Kingdom VS Shane Taylor Promotions; win(s).
- Zero Hour – Six Man Tag: Orange Cassidy, Mark Briscoe & Big Boom AJ w/ Big Justice VS Johnny TV & MXM Collection; win.
- Zero Hour – ROH World Championship: Chris Jericho VS Gravity; wins and
- AEW Continental Championship: Kazuchika Okada VS Brody King; wins and
- AEW World Championship #1 Contender’s Match: Swerve Strickland w/ Prince Nana VS Ricochet; wins and will challenge for the title.
- Hangman Page VS MJF; wins.
- AEW World Tag Team Championships: Bobby Lashley & Shelton Benjamin w/ MVP VS The Outrunners; win and
- AEW TBS Championship: Mercedes Mone VS Momo Watanabe; wins and
- Steel Cage Match: Will Ospreay VS Kyle Fletcher; wins.
- AEW International Championship: Konosuke Takeshita w/ Don Callis VS Kenny Omega; wins and
- AEW Women’s World Championship, The Hollywood Ending: Toni Storm VS Mariah May; wins and
- AEW World Championship: Jon Moxley VS Adam Copeland; wins and
PLAY BY PLAY
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!
Powered by RedCircle
Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!

Will the New Japan Cup still be tranquilo?
The New Japan Cup rolls on without delay! But will Tetsuya Naito still take his time against Callum Newman? Or will he be lapped by the Prince of Pace?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Kickoff – YOSHI-HASHI & Toru Yano VS Katsuya Murashima & Daiki Nagai; Hashi & Yano win.
- Yuya Uemura & Taka Michinoku VS SANADA & Chase Owens; Sanada & Chase win.
- Six Man Tag: TMDK VS The United Empire; TMDK wins.
- Six Man Tag: Bullet Club War Dogs VS House of Torture; War Dogs win.
- Six Man Tag: Los Ingobernables de Japon VS House of Torture; House of Torture wins.
- 2025 New Japan Cup Opening Round: Boltin Oleg VS Bad Luck Fale; Oleg wins and advances.
- 2025 New Japan Cup Opening Round: El Phantasmo VS Great-O-Khan; Khan wins and advances.
- 2025 New Japan Cup Opening Round: Tomohiro Ishii VS “Drilla” Moloney; Drilla wins and advances.
- 2025 New Japan Cup Opening Round: Tetsuya Naito VS Callum Newman; Naito wins and advances.
- Hirooki Goto & Hiroshi Tanahashi VS Yuji Nagata & Satoshi Kojima; Goto & Tanahashi win.
PLAY BY PLAY
2025 New Japan Cup Opening Round: Boltin Oleg VS Bad Luck Fale!
This is quite literally the biggest match of the tournament as two big meaty men are about to collide! But will the Rogue General be put behind BARS? Or will he bust through with a Grenade?
The bell rings and they RAM shoulders! Oleg runs, RAMS Fale, but Fale doesn’t fall! Oleg goes again, and RAMS Fale! Fale eggs Oleg on, so Oleg CHOPS! Oleg runs, ducks ‘n’ dodges, and he CLOBBERS Fale right out of the ring! The fans fire up and Oleg eggs Fale on. Fale snarls as he gets back up, and he drags Oleg out of the ring! Fale fires body shots, then whips Oleg hard into railing! Commentary almost topples over! Fale storms up on Oleg, talks some smack, then stomps Oleg. Fale drags Oleg up to BODY BLOW! Oleg sputters but Fale brings him up. And he RAMS Oleg into the railing! Milano Collection AT almost loses his table!
Fale storms back into the ring while Oleg crawls. The ring count climbs, Fale salutes, but Oleg stands at 5 of 20. Oleg hobbles along, slides in, but Fale stomps him down at the ropes! Fale stands on Oleg’s chest! The ref counts, but Fale steps off at 4. Fale drags Oleg up, but Oleg fires body shots! Fale BODY BLOWS in return! Fale CLUBS Oleg, then CLUBS him again! Oleg crawls, but Fale brings him up to bump off buckles. Fale fires another BODY BLOW! Fale CHOKES Oleg in the corner, but stops as the ref reprimands. Oleg fires body shots and CHOPS in return, but Fale CHOPS Oleg down! Cover, TWO! The fans cheer as Oleg stays in this.
Oleg crawls, the fans rally behind him, and Oleg stands to fire forearms. Fale throat chops! Fale DECKS Oleg, then drags him from the ropes. Fale flips Oleg over, then steps on him! Fale hangs ten on Oleg’s back! Fale then steps off to stand Oleg up, but Oleg fires forearms again! Oleg backs Fale down, goes to scoop, but Fale might be too big even for Oleg! Fale CLUBS away, puts Oleg in a corner, then LARIATS again and again! The ref counts, Fale stops at five big lariats, then whips corner to corner. Fale runs up, but Oleg dodges! Oleg then scoops, and he gets Fale off his feet! But not for long as Fale fights free!
Fale scoops and SLAMS Oleg! Fale then runs to ELBOW FLOP as Oleg moves! The fans fire up as both men rise up. Oleg SCOOPS AND SLAMS Fale!! The fans are thunderous and Oleg runs, runs, and SPLASHES DOWN! Cover, TWO! Fale survives but Oleg throws off the elbow pads. The fans rally behind Oleg as he gut wrenches!? Oleg hauls Fale up, but Fale’s too big for that kind of lift! Oleg CLUBS away on Fale’s back, but Fale grabs Oleg by the neck! Oleg breaks free to ROCK and CHOP Fale! Oleg runs, but into a fireman’s carry! SAMOAN DROP! Both men are down but Fale rises. The fans rally, but Fale runs to ELBOW DROP! Cover, TWO!!
Oleg survives and the fans fire up! Fale is frustrated, but he vows to end this. Fale stands Oleg up, has him by the neck, and he arms the- NO, Oleg SHOTGUNS the Grenade away! And then fireman’s carries?!? KAMIKAZE!!! Cover, Oleg wins!!
Winner: Boltin Oleg, by pinfall (advances to the next round)
The bigger they are, the harder they fall, and that was certainly the case here! Oleg made big waves in the G1 Climax, will he make the biggest splash here in the New Japan Cup?
2025 New Japan Cup Opening Round: El Phantasmo w/ Jado VS Great-O-Khan!
The Headbanga’s team won against the United Empire just yesterday, but now he and The Dominator go 1v1! Will the NJPW World Television Champion be the star of the show? Or will the last KOPW Champion change the channel?
The bell rings and the fans rally up. They duel between “E L P! E L P!” and “O-KHAN! O-KHAN!” The Khan side seems stronger, but ELP gets his side going again. The two step up with arms crossed, then they feel out a grapple. They clinch, ELP headlocks, but Khan slips around to a waistlock. Khan keeps ELP down with a headlock but ELP slips out to facelock. Khan slips out, wants an arm, but ELP facelocks again. They go around as Khan goes for legs, but ELP stays on top. They end up in the ropes, and the ref calls the break. Khan lets go and rolls away, which the fans cheer. ELP rolls to get in Khan’s face and the fans cheer more!
Khan and ELP reset, tie up collar ‘n’ elbow, then Khan headlocks. ELP fires body shots, then powers up and out. Khan RUNS ELP over! Khan poses, but ELP kicks him from below. Khan stomps ELP, runs, but ELP drops down, then DROPKICKS! The fans cheer and ELP brings Khan up. ELP CHOPS Khan, has him in a corner, and CHOPS again! Fans “WOO~!” with ELP, then he whips corner to corner. Khan reverses, ELP goes up and over, ducks ‘n’ dodges, then springboards, but into Khan’s arms! BACKBREAKER! Khan poses and the fans cheer. Khan stomps ELP around, then clamps on with a chinlock. ELP endures, fights around, and the fans rally.
Khan grabs ELP’s arm and pulls it back, while also having a headscissors! ELP kicks around, rolls back, but Khan just shifts his angle! ELP rolls again, ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer and Khan lets go again. ELP catches his breath while Khan looms near. ELP CHOPS, but Khan brushes that off. Khan eggs ELP on, so ELP CHOPS again! Khan grits his teeth, but then ELP ROCKS him with a forearm! And another! And another! Khan claps to fake ELP out, then he trips ELP up! Khan stands ELP up to run and BLINDSIDE FOREARM! Khan rains down more shots to the back of ELP’s neck! ELP guards but then Khan turns him over for forearms to the face!
Khan lets off and the ref checks on ELP. ELP goes to a corner so he’s still in this. Khan drags him up, ROCKS him in the back, and then stands him up. Khan hops up to sit on his throne! The fans cheer while ELP flails. The ref reprimands but Khan pulls on ELP’s arms! Khan hops down as the ref counts, and Khan brings ELP around for Mongolian Chops! Khan drags ELP to a cover, ONE! Khan clamps onto ELP with a katagatame! ELP endures the head ‘n’ arm triangle, reaches out and kicks around, but Khan leans all his weight on ELP! The fans rally, Khan turns ELP away from ropes, and now it’s a standing triangle!
ELP CLUBS away on Khan’s back and is free! ELP KNEES low, then LARIATS! Khan stays standing, so ELP LARIATS again! Khan is still up, so ELP runs, only for Khan to dodge! ELP dodges back, and RANAS! Khan tumbles, the fans fire up, and ELP runs to LARIAT Khan up and out! The fans rally as Khan hits the floor! ELP builds speed, and he DIVES! Direct hit at the ramp! The fans fire up again as ELP rises. ELP shakes out his arms, storms back to Khan, and drags him up to whip into railing! Khan hobbles forward, into a CHOP! ELP brings Khan up again, and whips him into more railing! Khan drops to his knees in front of commentary.
The fans rally up as Khan gets back to his feet, only for ELP to CHOP again! Khan flops back down, but ELP stands him back up. ELP SMACKS Khan off the apron, then shoves him aside. ELP goes up the corner, the fans rally up, and ELP is on the very top! The fans spell out “E! L! P!” ARIHARA MOONSAULT! Khan moves, ELP rolls through, but Khan scoops him! Khan hits a T T D on the floor!! Khan stares Hiroyoshi Tenzan down on commentary, having used Tenzan’s Tombstone Driver right in front of him! The fans fire up and rally while the ring count begins. Khan and ELP stir at 4 of 20, and slowly sit up at 9!
ELP and Khan stand, but only Khan gets in at 12! ELP flops back, but he rises back up at 15! ELP leans against the ring, but falls over! He flounders, springs back up, and is in at 19.9999!! Khan doesn’t even care, he just BOOTS ELP back down! Khan clamps on the IRON CLAW, and he vows to end this! ELIMINA- NO, ELP wheelbarrows and victory rolls through! TWO!! ELP fakes high, rolls Khan up again, TWO!! ELP hurries to hook the arms, but Khan fights the backslide! ELP powers Khan down into the cover, TWO!!! Khan escapes, but ELP hurries up! Mule kick, and then a front kick! But Khan BOOTS again! ELP ENZIGIRIS!
Both men are down and the fans fire up with ELP! ELP rises, he brings Khan up, and he straitjackets Khan into the torture rack! But ELP’s back isn’t letting him lift! Khan slips free, and has the IRON CLAW! ELP breaks free to ROCK Khan! ELP ROCKS Khan again, but Khan just eggs him on! Then he DECKS ELP with the IRON RIGHT!! Khan reels ELP in, and clamps on the HITSUJIGOROSHI!! Then IRON CLAW into the ELIMI- NO, ELP flips through! ELP ducks, goes up and up, FLYING TORNADO DDT! Khan flounders, ELP hurries to cover, TWO!! Khan survives and the fans fire up! Jado coaches ELP and ELP tunes up the band!
ELP watches Khan rises, and hits SUDDEN DEATH!! Cover, TWO?!?! Khan survives and the fans are thunderous! ELP feeds off that energy and vows to end this! ELP brings Khan up, but his arms really bother him. ELP still hooks Khan up, lifts, but the shoulder won’t let him! Khan clinches, COMPLETE SHOT! And then the IRON CLAW, for the ELIMINATOR!!! Cover, Khan wins!!
Winner: Great-O-Khan, by pinfall (advances to the next round)
The Headbanga’s close calls kept adding up, and in the end, he was eliminated! Will Khan keep an eye on the NJPW World Television Championship now that he has the golden ticket in his back pocket? Or will he stay completely focused on the New Japan Cup?
2025 New Japan Cup Opening Round: Tomohiro Ishii VS “Drilla” Moloney!
It’s a dog fight tonight as the Stone Pitbull takes on one of the War Dogs! Will Ishii bite the Bullet Club? Or will he be shot down by the 44 Caliber?
The bell rings and the fans rally up as these two step right up to center. Drilla fires a forearm, and another, but Ishii leans into them! Ishii backs Drilla down like that, then he starts throwing forearms! But now Drilla leans into them, and he backs Ishii down! The forearms go back and forth and the fans fire up! Ishii ROCKS Drilla, fires a flurry, then runs to RAM Drilla! Drilla flexes, but Ishii fires a flurry! Drilla ROCKS Ishii, then runs, but Ishii RUNS him over! The fans cheer, but then Drilla kips up! Drilla ROCKS Ishii, runs, and he RAMS Ishii! Ishii rebounds, Drilla hurdles, drops down, then DROPKICKS!
The fans fire up and Drilla stands tall. The dueling between “I-SHI-I” and “MO-LO-NEY!” gets going as Drilla stands Ishii up. Drilla CHOPS Ishii, goes to ropes, and CHOPS him again! Ishii leans against the ropes but Drilla bumps him off buckles. Drilla stomps Ishii, CLUBS Ishii, then digs his boots into Ishii. The ref counts, Drilla steps off, but then Drilla stomps Ishii more. Ishii eggs Drilla on so Drilla stomps him even harder! Drilla stands Ishii up to CHOP! Drilla snapmares Ishii, KICKS him in the back, then covers. TWO and the fans cheer. Drilla is annoyed but he keeps his eyes on Ishii. Drilla brings Ishii around to bump off buckles!
Ishii snarls at Drilla, but Drilla CHOPS him again! Drilla eggs Ishii on, CHOPS again, then CHOPS again! Ishii eggs Drilla on now! Drilla ROCKS and CHOPS Ishii much like Ishii would, then Drilla whips corner to corner. Ishii reverses, runs up, but Drilla BOOTS him! Ishii comes back, but Drilla puts Ishii up top! GAMANGIRI and a RUNNING POWERSLAM! Cover, TWO! Ishii stays in this, but Drilla looms over him. Drilla stands Ishii up to CHOP! And CHOP! Drilla winds up to CHOP! Ishii just roars! Ishii blocks a kick, takes a swing, but Drilla shoves him into a corner! BLINDSIDE LARIAT! Drilla runs, but into Ishii’s SNAP POWERSLAM!
Both men are down and the fans rally up again. Ishii rises and waits on Drilla. Ishii runs up to LARIAT! Ishii whips, Drilla reverses, and Drilla ELBOWS Ishii! Drilla reels Ishii in, but it’s Ishii who suplexes first! Ishii sits up and the fans fire up again. Ishii looms over Drilla, kicks him to a corner, then CHOPS! And CHOPS! And CHOPS! ROCK and CHOP, on repeat! Drilla fires a forearm, but Ishii DECKS Drilla! The fans fire up again while Ishii leans on the ropes. Ishii drags Drilla up, hoists him to the top rope, then climbs up after him! The fans rally for the SUPERPLEX! But Drilla’s right up!? Drilla runs up to LARIAT, but Ishii stays up!
Ishii ROCKS Drilla, then they DOUBLE LARIAT! They stay up, Ishii swings but Drilla dodges! Drilla GERMAN SUPLEXES! Ishii’s right up to CLOBBER Drilla! Drilla’s right up to BOOT Ishii! Ishii runs, but into a GORE!! The fans fire up while both men are down again! Drilla stands, and he storms over to Ishii. Drilla drags Ishii up, waistlocks, and he deadlifts Ishii! Ishii resists the lift, so Drilla ripcords him! Ishii ducks the chop, but so does Drilla! Drilla SUPERKICKS, then he BOOTS a lariat away! Ishii spins to SOUTHPAW LARIAT! Drilla stays up, and he ENZIGIRIS! Ishii falls and the fans fire up!
Drilla pounds the mat, the fans rally up, and Drilla runs as Ishii rises. GORE is stuffed!? Ishii lifts Drilla, Drilla fights free, but Ishii HEADBUTTS!! The fans are thunderous again and Ishii winds up! Drilla rises, Ishii runs, LARIAT! Drilla stays up!? Ishii dodges Drilla, but Drilla LARIATS on the return! Drilla goes to a corner, the fans fire up, and Drilla runs in. Ishii KNEES Drilla first! Then fires boxing elbows! Ishii runs, into a SPINEBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Ishii survives and the fans fire up again! Drilla snarls, the fans bark for the War Dog, and Drilla drags Ishii up. Drilla vows to end this, and he lifts, but Ishii fights back!
Ishii Alabama Lifts! But Drilla fights it for a SPIKE PILEDRIVER! And then a GORE!!! Cover, TWO?!?! Ishii survives all that and the fans are thunderous! And this is just ten minutes in! Drilla grits his teeth, drags himself up, and he roars! The fans bark again as Drilla stalks Ishii. Drilla brings Ishii up, gut wrenches, but Ishii fights free! Ishii blocks a superkick, gets around and GERMAN SUPLEXES! Both men are down again and the fans rally up! Ishii crawls to a corner, and he fires up by headbutting the buckles! Ishii aims, runs in, but Drilla JABS! JABS! ROLLING ELBOW! Ishii falls, Drilla steadies himself, and then Drilla fires up!
Drilla hauls Ishii up, military presses, and SNAKE EYES! Drilla runs, but Ishii LARIATS!! Ishii sits Drilla up, for the SLIDING LARIAT!! Cover, TWO?!?! Drilla survives but Ishii roars again! Ishii suplexes, but Drilla knees free! Drilal wrenches, Ishii spins him, but Drilla scoops! And he flips Ishii around!? DRILLA- NO, Ishii slips free to SLIDING HEADBUTT!! The fans are thunderous as Ishii stands! Ishii waits on Drilla, then he runs, to LARIAT!!! Cover, TWO?!?!?! Drilla survives and the fans are thunderous again! Ishii drags Drilla back up, suplexes again, but Drilla slips free! Ripcord, SUPERKICK! Ishii swings, but into a suplex! BRAINBUSTER!!! Cover, ONE?!?!?!?!
The fans are erupting and Drilla gets moving! But Ishii GORES!?!? Cover, ONE!?!?!? These guys aren’t human, they’ve got that dog in them! Ishii runs up, but so does Drilla! DOUBLE LARIATS! Ishii SLAPS, Drilla SLAPS, Ishii SLAPS and ENZIGIRIS! Drilla rebounds to V-TRIGGER! And then gut wrench, DRILLA KILLA!!!! Cover, DRILLA WINS!!!
Winner: “Drilla” Moloney, by pinfall (advances to the next round)
These two fought like animals, and but the young and hungry Drilla took the win! Will Drilla continue to eat the bracket alive until he’s drinking from The Cup?
2025 New Japan Cup Opening Round: Tetsuya Naito VS Callum Newman!
The opening round wraps up as these two meet again from the G1 Climax. The Uncontrollable Charisma won then, will he win now? Or will the Prince of Pace kick it up to a new gear for the New Japan Cup?
As usual, Naito takes his time with his entrance attire. Callum knows to keep cool or it’ll just take even longer. The pants are put aside and the bell rings. The fans rally behind Naito as he and Callum slowly circle. They tie up, Callum rolls Naito up, TWO! Oklahoma Roll, TWO! Naito ducks a kick to give a kick! Naito fires hands, then whips, but Callum ducks ‘n’ dodges and keeps moving to then BOOT Naito down! The fans cheer that impressive speed, and Callum walks over to Naito. Cover, TWO! Naito stands but Callum fires a forearm. Naito fires back, so Callum fires again. They fire more forearms back and forth and the fans rally up.
Callum fires a flurry, but Naito SPITS at him! The fans cheer, but Callum CHOPS! Callum whips, Naito grabs ropes to stop, and Naito BOOTS back. Callum runs up but Naito puts him on the apron! HOTSHOT! Naito then goes out after Callum and whips him hard into railing! Callum flops over and clutches his ribs, but Naito brings him back up. Naito whips Callum into more railing, and Callum falls right to the floor! Naito leaves Callum behind for the ring count to handle. Callum rises at 6 of 20, stands at 10, but needs to catch his breath. Callum rolls in at 16, but Naito stomps Callum’s leg! Callum scrambles away to a corner, clutching the knee.
Callum hobbles away, Naito storms after him, and he KICKS the leg again! Callum bails out, the ref checks on him, and Callum shakes the leg out. Callum insists he can still go, but Naito mockingly asks for a knuckle lock. Naito kicks the bad leg, then whips Callum to ropes. Callum manages to return, but Naito hits an atomic drop, then he dropkicks the legs out! Naito grabs the legs, ties then up, MODIFIED FIGURE FOUR! Callum scrambles to the ROPEBREAK! The ref counts, the fans cheer, and Naito lets go cleanly. Callum clutches the bad knee, but Naito drags him up. Callum CHOPS, but Naito doesn’t flinch.
Callum stands to fire forearms, but Naito kicks the bad leg! Naito fires those heavy back elbows, and kicks the leg, but then Callum ducks a shot! Callum gets around for a BIG back suplex1 Both men are down and the fans rally up. Naito goes to a corner, Callum runs up, and Callum forearm SMASHES! Callum snapmares and basement DROPKICKS! Cover, TWO! Callum keeps going, and he PENALTY KICKS! Cover, TWO! The fans rally up while Callum shakes out the bad leg. Callum has his fans get louder, then he clamps onto Naito with chicken wings. Naito fights the lift, and he RAMS Callum into a corner.
Callum runs up but Naito ELBOWS him! Naito kicks the leg, whips, and HIP TOSSES! Then he basement DROPKICKS Callum! Callum scrambles away to ropes but Naito is on him again. Naito whips Callum, but Callum’s leg barely lets him get there. Naito runs in, Callum goes up and over, but the leg jams! Naito DROPKICKS the leg! Naito turns Callum over, KNEEBAR CALF KILLER HYBRID! Callum endures, reaches out, and almost gives in! Callum fights his way forward, drags Naito along, and has the ROPEBREAK! The ref counts, Naito thrashes before letting go, and the fans continue to rally up.
Naito stomps Callum’s bad leg, stomps it again, then he stands Callum up for those heavy back elbows! And KICKS to the leg! Naito picks Callum apart as he puts him in the corner. Naito then goes up, reels Callum in, ESPERANZA! The fans cheer while Callum is down, but Naito wants him to rise up! The fans rally up, Callum slowly rises, and Naito runs in, but Callum denies Destino! Callum suplexes, Naito knees free, and Naito ENZIGIRIS! Callum PENALTY KICKS! Naito is up but Callum BOOTS him! Callum then hooks Naito up, for AOI- DESTINO!! Cover, TWO!! Naito almost had Callum there but Callum survives!
The fans rally as we pass ten minutes, and Naito drags Callum up. Naito wrenches, but now Callum fires heavy elbows! Callum hobbles away, runs back up, but into the SPINEBUSTER! Naito then wrenches and DESTI- NO, Callum FLAPJACKS Naito away! Callum whips, Naito reverses, and TORNADO DDT, but Callum handsprings through!? Callum springboards, but Naito dodges! Naito comes back, CORRIENDO SHIKI CRADLE!! NAITO WINS!!
Winner: Tetsuya Naito, by pinfall (advances to the next round)
Callum can’t believe it, but he got caught with a quick one! Now Naito moves on, but he’s running into Jeff Cobb next round! Will Naito keep things tranquilo? Or will he take a Tour of the Islands?
Hirooki Goto & Hiroshi Tanahashi VS Yuji Nagata & Satoshi Kojima!
The Fierce Warrior and The Ace added the final chapter to their rivalry on the 53rd Anniversary Event, and now they begin a new chapter. Hontai and Chaos are now one, but this is no mere exhibition match. Blue Justice has one more shot at the gold, will he and the King of Bread stand tall? Or will Goto prove he is worthy of everything Tanahashi is entrusting him with?
The teams sort out and after Tanahashi shows off the abs, we get Goto and Nagata. The fans cheer this title match preview, and the dueling begins! “GO-TO-O!” and “NA-GA-TA!” sound pretty even as the two tie up. Goto wrenches an arm but Nagata wrenches back. Nagata wrenches again, wristlocks, then wrenches yet again. Goto rolls, wrenches, hammerlocks, then puts Nagata on ropes. Red Shoes calls the break, both men let go slowly, but still wary of the other. Goto pats Nagata on the shoulder, but Nagata SLAPS Goto! Goto kicks Nagata and they fire forearms back and forth! Goto ROCKS Nagata, headlocks, but Nagata powers out.
Goto RUNS Nagata over, but Nagata avoids the elbow! Goto avoids the kick, and the fans cheer the standoff. Goto and Nagata tag Tanahashi and Kojima. The fans cheer and duel here, too. Tanahashi and Kojima circle, feel things out, then tie up collar ‘n’ elbow. They’re in a deadlock, then they break. They circle again, tie up, and Tanahashi waistlocks. Kojima wrenches to a wristlock, but Tanahashi wrenches back! Tanahashi headlocks for the takeover, Kojima headscissors, but Tanahashi kips free! Fans cheer as Tanahashi plays air guitar. The two reset, then tie up again. Kojima powers Tanahashi to the ropes, then CHOPS!
Tanahashi gets fired up and he CHOSP! They CHOP back and forth, the fans fire up, and then Tanahashi fires a strike fest! Tanahashi whips, but Kojima RUNS Tanahashi over! And the pecs dance! The fans cheer because Kojima’s still got it! Kojima runs up, but Tanahashi ELBOWS him away! Then CROSSBODY! The fans cheer, Tanahashi gets his pecs to dance! Tanahashi tags Goto, they double whip Kojima to ropes, but he ducks their lariats! Kojima sends Goto into Tanahashi, then kicks and DDTS Goto! Then a kick and DDT for Tanahashi! The fans rally up, and Kojima tags in Nagata.
Nagata kicks and CLUBS Goto, but Goto CHOPS! Nagata and Goto go forearm for forearm, then Nagata kicks low! Nagata KICKS and KICKS Goto to a corner, then ROCKS him with a forearm. Nagata whips corner to corner, runs up and BOOTS, then he snapmares to KICK Goto in the back! Nagata drags Goto up, wrenches his arm, and hits an ELBOW BREAKER! Goto clutches the arm but Nagata stays on him. Nagata wrenches, he tags Kojima, and they mug Goto. They double whip Goto to ropes, then DOUBLE SHOULDER TACKLE! The fans cheer, Kojima DECKS Tanahashi for good measure, then stomps Goto.
The fans rally as Kojima stomps Goto. Kojima fires a forearm, Goto fires back, repeat. Goto DECKS Nagata for good measure! Goto and Kojima trade shots again, the fans rally up, and Kojima ROCKS Goto! And ROCKS him again! Goto ends up in the corner, the fans fire up, and Kojima digs his knee in. Kojima tells Red Shoes to shut up, but he still lets off at the count of 4. Tag to Nagata and he stomps Goto. Nagata wrenches Goto to an ELBOW BREAKER! Goto drops to his knees and Nagata looms over him. Nagata KICKS Goto, and KICKS, and KICKS again! Goto blocks to CLUB the leg! Goto fires forearms, but Nagata fires back!
Nagata whips corner to corner but Goto reverses! Nagata comes back to BOOT! Nagata runs, Goto follows and LARIATS! Both men are down and the fans fire back up! Goto crawls, hot tag to Tanahashi! Tanahashi runs to FLYING FOREARM Nagata! Tanahashi DECKS Kojima in return for earlier! Tanahashi fires fast hands on Nagata, then scoops and SLAMS him down! Tanahashi goes up, SUNSET SENTON! Cover, TWO! Nagata stays in this but Tanahashi stays focused. The fans rally up as Tanahashi waits on Nagata. Nagata rises, Tanahashi runs, SLING- NO, Nagata ducks that, then clinches Tanahashi for an EXPLODER!
Nagata tags Kojima and he storms up on Tanahashi. Kojima fires off the MACHINE GUN CHOPS in the corner! The fans fire up as Kojima has an extra big helping for Tanahashi here! Kojima whips corner to corner, runs up, and hits the forearm SMASH! “Icchauzo Bakayaro!” The fans fire up, Kojima climbs up, and he COZY ELBOW DROPS! Cover, TWO! Tanahashi is still in this but Kojima stays focused. The fans rally as Kojima fires forearms on Tanahashi, then ROLLING- SHOTEI from Tanahashi! Kojima falls, Tanahashi drops to his knees, and the fans rally up. Hot tag to Goto and he RAMS Kjima! And DECKS Nagata!
Goto stomps Kojima in a corner, whips corner to corner, then runs up to MURAMASA! And then SAIDO! Cover, TWO! The fans rally up and Goto brings Kojima up. Kojima fights the fireman’s carry with elbows, then he kicks and COZY CUTTERS! The fans fire up and Kojima throws off the elbow pad! Kojima runs, Goto ducks and returns to LARIAT! The fans fire up with Goto and he waits on Kojima. Kojima rises, Goto runs, DOUBLE LARIATS collide! And it’s Kojima who stays standing! Kojima fires up, but Tanahashi dropkicks the legs out! Nagata storms in and BOOTS Tanahashi! Nagata stomps Goto, Red shoes reprimands, but Kojima goes to get Tanahashi.
Nagata has Goto in one corner, Kojima with Tanahashi in the other. They whip, but Tanahashi and Goto both counter! Fireman’s carries, STEREO USHIGOROSHI!! The fans fire up and Goto has Kojima. Goto dragon sleepers, but Kojima fights through to suplex! Goto slips free and waistlocks, but Kojima elbows free! Only to swing into the URA G T R! And then a LARIAT! The fans fire up as Goto takes aim, BUZZSAW! Goto then hauls Kojima up while Tanahashi RAMS Nagata into railing! True G T R!! Cover, Goto & Tanahashi win!
Winners: Hirooki Goto & Hiroshi Tanahashi, by pinfall
The Fierce Warrior takes down the King of Bread, and he stares Nagata down. These two will battle this Saturday, March 15th, the Ides of March are upon them! But for now, Goto gets the mic, and he thanks the people of Amuro for coming out tonight. The fans cheer, and Goto is also very thankful that he finally gets to wear this world title belt. Goto proudly says that from here on, you can leave the new recruits of NJPW to him. The fans cheer and Tanahashi nods. Goto promises, his Goto Revolution has only just begun. So be ready to follow him until the end! The fans cheer and the music plays, but Goto has them all hold on a moment.
Goto wants everyone to understand, this was also Tanahashi’s last match here in Amagasaki. Therefore, it is only fitting that Tanahashi closes us out, if he’d please. Tanahashi takes the mic and the fans cheer him on. Tanahashi gladly shouts, “NJPW has returned to Amagasaki!” The fans cheer again, and some already say, “Aishitemasu! <I love you!>” Tanahashi promises he’ll say that, just wait a moment. Tanahashi says he was again nominated by their champion to speak, so he will say a few words. As many of them know, Tanahashi has about 10 more months on his career. So he intends to give it his all every day, so please support him until the end.
The fans cheer Tanahashi and he takes a moment to soak it all in. Tanahashi thanks them for that, and says in closing, for the last time here in Amagasaki, “AISHITEMAAASU~!” No air guitaring tonight, as Tanahashi instead goes out to the crowd to high-five fans. He is set for one last showdown with Kojima on March 20th, will The Ace trump the King of Bread one last time?
My Thoughts:
A great second day for the New Japan Cup, but also an interesting change where the Cup doesn’t main event. Great tag team main event with Goto & Tanahashi getting a solid win over Kojima & Nagata. Kojima takes the loss to Goto so that there’s no real effect on the math for the match-ups here. Of course, I would think Goto wins against Nagata and Tanahashi wins against Kojima.
And then great stuff in the Cup matches. Oleg VS Fale was a fun, fast meat madness match, and great win for Oleg to move on and face Takagi next round for even more meat madness. ELP losing to Khan was a bit surprising, but I could see Khan coming back around to challenge for the NJPW World TV title after the Cup is over. Drilla VS Ishii was certainly the hardest hitting match of the night, and great win for Drilla. Naito VS Callum was also very good, but it was clear Naito was taking this one from all the damage he was doing to Callum’s leg. Naito VS Cobb next round will be some great stuff, too, and I can see it going either way.
My Score: 8.7/10
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