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
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Time to deal with some absolute egos!
Joe Hendry made it through Vengeance Day still the NXT Champion, but now he teams with Myles Borne against Ricky Saints & Ethan Page!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Jasper Troy VS Eli Knight VS Sean Legacy; Eli and Legacy win.
- Charlie Dempsey & Tavion Heights VS Lexis King & Uriah Connors w/ Birthright; Lexis & Uriah win.
- Sol Ruca VS Lainey Reid w/ The Fatal Influence; Sol wins.
- Women’s Speed Tournament Finals: Thea Hail VS Wren Sinclair; Wren wins and will challenge Fallon Henley for the title.
- Joe Hendry & Myles Borne VS Ricky Saints & Ethan Page; Ricky & Ethan win.
PLAY BY PLAY
Tatum Paxley is here!
The fans cheer the NEW NXT Women’s North American Champion as she holds up the belt and heads to the ring. Tatum puts the belt around her waist and grabs a mic to say, “I am your NEW NXT Women’s North American Champion!” The fans cheer again, and even chant, “You Deserve It!” Tatum continues by saying they don’t know how much that means to her. For the longest time, she’s felt she’s been doing this whole thing wrong. She was begging to be noticed, to be accepted, forcing friendships, all to just still feel alone. She’d play with the dolls and wonder if it was all worth it. All the self doubt, the loss, the mental battle of thinking she should be “a little less Tatum.’
But at Vengeance Day, it became very clear: Tatum didn’t win the title because of The Culling, or because someone else carried her there, or even that she got lucky. She won this title because of the fans! The fans cheer that! Every time she felt alone, every single one of the fans encouraged her to keep going. Now she wears this title around her waist, and she feels something she has been searching for her entire life, and that is the confidence that she belongs! The pain, the hurting, it was all worth it! And she’ll tell us the truth: She won the NXT Women’s Championship for The Culling; but she won the Women’s North American Championship for the fans!
Now she realized something: Tatum has never been and never will be- Interrupted by Izzi Dame… Izzi “congratulates” Tatum on beating her for the title. That must’ve been the best day of her life! But before Tatum starts acting like she knows who she is now, let’s all remind everyone who Tatum used to be. Roll tape! The fans boo as Izzi throws Tatum’s past at her. All the way from from her tryout to joining the Diamond Mine, to losing the NXT Women’s Breakout Tournament, to turning on Diamond Mine, to Level Up, to her #TuesdayAddams transformation.
The fans cheer the video genuinely, but Izzi mockingly says, “Wow! Just wow!” It is truly inspiring how Tatum finally found herself! Izzi would be touch, if it weren’t so fake! Tatum, you haven’t changed at all! You haven’t found anything! You’re just doing what you always do, and that is trying to convince everyone that she’s not just the same weirdo outcast she was when she first showed up here. The fans boo but Izzi says Tatum can stand here and hold the title, soaking in all the fake love from the fake fans, but Izzi and Tatum know what this is: Another mask! Tatum thinks beating Izzi validates her?
The fans sing the Addams Family theme song while Izzi says all Tatum’s found is she is the chameleon of NXT! How is she not tired constantly changing? It’s almost impressive! Always pretending! But sooner or later, the unlovable girl she’s hiding from will show herself again. And when she does, everyone will see what Izzi already knows: Tatum Paxley, championship or not, will forever be the girl desperately trying to fit in. Hopefully Tatum’s enjoyed the past couple of days borrowing that belt, because Izzi wants it back NOW. Tatum turns around to see Niko & Spears! Then Izzi BOOTS Tatum down!
The fans boo as Izzi POWERBOMBS Tatum down! Izzi snatches the belt off Tatum, taking being a sore loser to a new level. Will Tatum just have to beat Izzi again to finally shut her up?
Ricky Saints talks with Ethan Page backstage.
The Absolute asks All Ego just what the hecc was that on Saturday! Ethan slid the belt all the way to Hendry?! Ethan says he knows! He knew the moment it left his hand! Saints says yeah, and he saw it as it slid right by him! Now neither men have titles! They’re naked! Ethan says that visual will haunt him now. Saints says the visual they need is them both as champs! Which is what makes them so great. They don’t dwell on the past. The last two days have sucked for Saints. Oh? Well, the last two WEEKS have sucked for Ethan! Saints apologizes, and he forgives Ethan for Saturday. But guess what? Tonight, after they beat those two cornballs, it’ll look like this.
If Ethan pins Myles, then guess what? He’s back in the North American Championship scene. If Saints pins Hendry, he’ll be main-eventing Stand & Deliver! That’s a sold out crowd chanting his name, oh yes indeed! Ethan says that’s right. Every dynasty has its slump, and this is a mere blemish on their impeccable records. Saints says barely a hiccup! After tonight, they’ll be back holding hands with Miss Title Contention! Ethan sees it, Saints loves it, and now they will both be TWO-TIME champions! Say it again, TWO-TIME CHAMPIONS! But will the Absolute Egos have their way? Or will they be made to believe in Borne & Hendry?
Jasper Troy VS Eli Knight VS Sean Legacy!
The MonStar LFG Season 1 Champion is not happy he lost his Speed Championship in a Triple Threat. But since he can’t just go right after the champion, he’ll take it out on the other guy in that title match, and then Super Sean just because he’s here! Will Troy destroy two high-fliers with one match? Or will there be another win snatched away from him?
NXT returns as the Disrespectfully Athletic makes his entrance, followed by Legacy. The bell rings and Troy ROCKS Legacy! Eli jumps on Troy but Troy throws him down. Legacy jumps on but Troy RAMS him into a corner! Eli comes back, but Troy THROWS him across the way! The fans are torn but Legacy runs up. Troy scoops Legacy, fireman’s carries, but Eli jumps in! Troy catches him!? And then he shrugs Legacy off so he can gorilla press Eli! Eli wiggles free, but Troy gets him again, CHOKE SLAM onto Legacy! The fans fire up while Troy puts Legacy in a corner and fires knees! Troy then goes to Eli in the other corner and BODY BLOWS!
Troy short arm LARIATS Eli, then stalks Legacy. Troy HEADBUTTS Legacy, then steps on him in the corner! The fans rally, Troy steps off, and Troy storms up on Eli. Troy BODY BLOWS Eli again, then whips corner to corner. Troy runs up, but into a BOOT! Eli hurries to fire hands on Troy, but Troy whisp him away. Troy CLOBBERS Eli, the fans fire up, and Troy stalks Eli. Troy scoops Eli, then aims at Legacy. Eli slips free, Legacy SUPERKICSK! Eli SUPERKICKS, then they DOUBLE SUPERKICK! Troy tumbles up and out of the ring! Legacy whips Eli but Eli reverses! Eli ROCKS Legacy in a corner, then ROCKS him again!
Legacy fires shots in return, and we can see Troy drag himself up with the apron skirt. But KEANU CARVER CLOBBERS TROY! The fans are torn as the One Man Demolition Crew CHOKE SLAMS Troy through the desk! The fans go nuts, and Keanu tells Booker T this is what he meant! Keep his name out your mouths! Don’t play with Keanu! Keanu just turned this Triple Threat into a 1v1, and NXT goes to break!
NXT returns again as refs check on Troy. Legacy has Eli in a chinlock but Eli fights up. Eli arm-drags free, runs up, and he blocks a boot to CALF KICK! Then Eli goes up, up, and MISSILE DROPKICKS! Legacy tumbles out, Eli goes to a corner, and Eli springboards to SUPER CROSSBODY! The fans fire up with Eli and he hurries to get Legacy in the ring. Eli goes to the corner for the TIGER WALL MOONSAULT! Cover, TWO! The fans fire up again as Legacy survives. Eli hurries up top, and he MOONSAULTS! Legacy moves, Eli lands out, and then Eli dodges to BOOT! Eli runs up, Legacy goes up and over!
Legacy runs up, Eli dodges, but Legacy BOOTS him from the corner! Legacy QUEBRADAS into the dragon sleeper, and the SAVING GRACE! Cover, TWO! Eli survives but the fans fire up again! Troy clutches his side but he’s standing back up! “This is Awesome!” as Legacy hurries to get Eli up int the torture rack! But Eli fights free! Eli ROCKS Legacy, Legacy ROCKS Eli, and repeat! The fans rally as they go back and forth, but then Legacy gets the edge! But Eli ENZIGIRIS! Legacy UPPERCUTS! Eli falls, Legacy WRECKS Troy with a dropkick just to be sure! Legacy turns around, Eli JUMP KNEES!
Eli runs, blocks a boot, but Legacy dodges! Eli dodges back, but runs into a SPANISH FLY! The fans fire up with Legacy, but Troy is back up!? The fans are going nuts as Legacy fires hands! Troy snarls and RAMS Legacy into a corner! Then he BODIES Eli! The fans are torn, but Troy pops Legacy up, and SPINEBUSTERS him down! Then he BACKDROPS Eli onto Legacy! Troy clutches his ribs but he’s still so strong! Troy then hoists Eli up, RAMS him into Legacy at the corner, and then fireman’s carries them both!? DOUBLE SAMOAN DROP! Troy roars, rises up, and he guzels Eli! MONSTAR CHOKE SLAM! Cover, BUT LEGACY BREAKS IT!
The fans are thunderous for “NXT! NXT!” Legacy stands, but Troy runs up! Legacy ducks ‘n’ dodges, only to run into the BIG BOSS- SHOTGUN from Eli! No slam for Troy, and Legacy runs up to SLICED BREAD! Legacy hurries to a corner, he springboards to 450 SPLASH! But then Eli adds his MOONSAULT! DOUBLE COVER, AND THREE!!
Winners: Sean Legacy & Eli Knight, by pinfall
Both Eli and Sean are surprised, but them both winning is better than them both losing! They shake hands on it and celebrate together! Will this momentum send both men towards titles? As for Troy, he surely has a score to settle with Keanu now. When and where will the MonStar get his shot at the Demolition Man?
Tatum Paxley is furious!
She demands to know where that snake, Izzi, slithered off to. She asks Shiloh Hill if he saw them. He says sorry, he hasn’t seen The Culling. Tatum says she has to find Izzi before she goes. Wait, before she goes? Oh, that part he can help with. Shiloh has his tire iron, and both he and Tatum laugh maniacally as they hurry to the parking lot! Will Izzi’s car be two tired for her to get out of here?
Birthright talks backstage.
Arianna Grace says she successfully defended her TNA Knockouts World Championship last week, so now it is the boys’ turn to impress. Stacks asks Lexis King if he’s good, and Lexis says he’s just disappointed it had to come to this. Charlie Dempsey is too stubborn for his own good. Did Uriah make the call? Nope, but his dad did. And “they” are on their way. Perfect. Birthright heads out, but who could they mean by “they?”
Charlie Dempsey & Tavion Heights VS Lexis King & Uriah Connors w/ Birthright!
Despite the offer from his friends in the second-generation-superstar club, The Son of the Gentlemanly Villain is still his own man. And he chose to team with his former No Quarter Catch Crew member to make sure Birthright understands that. Will Charlie & Tavion prove they can reach new heights their way? Or will the Drama King and Chase U dropout show them it’s in their blood?
The teams sort out, Charlie starts against Uriah, and the two tie up. Uriah headlocks, Charlie slips around but Uriah wrenches and wristlocks. Uriah shifts to a full nelson but Charlie breaks that to then wrench and full nelson in return. Uriah breaks free of that, snapmares, and covers, ONE! The fans applaud as the two tie up with knuckle locks. They’re shoulder to shoulder in a Test of Strength, and Uriah bends Charlie back. Charlie fights up, but Uriah wrenches. Charlie wrenches back then whips, but Uriah leaps over the dropdown. They tie up again, and Charlie puts on the pressure. Charlie hits a straight arm suplex, then clamps onto a CATTLE MUTILATION!
Charlie moves around, then goes to a FUJIWARA, but Uriah rolls through. Charlie gets Uriah’s legs, drags him back, then tags Tavion. Charlie puts Uriah in the BOW ‘N’ ARROW, then THROWS him to Tavion for the GUT WRENCH PLEX! The fans cheer while Uriah flounders away. Tavion runs up, Uriah dodges and tags Lexis. Lexis saves Uriah from the suplex, but then Tavion snatches Lexis for a scoop SLAM! Tavion runs, Charlie tags, and Tavion rolls into jackknife, turning it into a fireman’s carry. FLAPJACK and KNEE LIFT! Charlie covers, TWO! Lexis scrambles away to the apron but Charlie grabs after him.
Lexis HOTSHOTS Charlie, then CHOPS! Lexis whips, Charlie reverses, but Uriah tags in. Lexis waistlocks, Cahrlie BOOTS Uriah away, then he drop toeholds! Tavion tries to warn Charlie but Charlie is too busy hammering Lexis! Uriah CLOBBERS Charlie! The fans boo but Uriah stomps Charlie. Uriah drags Charlie over, CHOPS him, then tags Lexis back in. Lexis snapamres Charlie to then get the leg, and he tags Uriah. Uriah slingshot SENTONS but onto knees! Charlie UP KICKS Lexis, then BACKBREAKERS Uriah! The fans rally, hot tag to Tavion! Tavion SLINGBLADES Uriah, BLASTS Lexis, and CLOBBERS Uriah!
Tavion whips Uriah to OVERHEAD BELLy2BELLY! Tavion keeps going, RUNNING BELLY2BELLY! Cover, Lexis breaks it! Charlie storms in and he TOSSES Lexis out! But Uriah BOOTS Charlie out! Tavion SPEARS Uriah out of the ring! Uriah and Tavion are down hard, but Charlie and Lexis brawl! The ref checks, Tavion gets up, and he keeps after Uriah. NQCC puts Birthright int he ring, then hug it out. The fans fire up for the boys, but wait! Is that Fit Finlay & William Regal?! And Charlie GERMAN SUPLEXES Tavion?!? The fans are going nuts, but Charlie feeds Tavion into the ring! Uriah hits Tavion with a BARE BONE KNEE STRIKE!
Tag to Lexis, and he gets Tavion up for the CORONATION!! Cover, Birthright wins!!
Winners: Lexis King & Uriah Connors, by pinfall
It seems Charlie is still his father’s son. He steps into the ring and embraces his Birthright! Will nothing stop them from taking over?
The Culling walks the halls.
Izzi feels good about how that went. Niko is sure Tatum will now spiral out of control. But then The Chair Man hears the car alarm. Someone just put their car on blocks?! And a few other cars, too… Well, as we see Shiloh Hill walking back to the door, we know who did it. But Robert Stone asks what’s going on! Shiloh says he didn’t know which car was The Culling’s, but the car alarms are too loud. Stone says get inside! They get away from the honking, and Shiloh shouts that he didn’t know which car it was. Stone is trying to figure out what and why, but Shiloh leaves the tire iron with him. The Culling complains to Stone, but will they just have to take it up with the mechanics?
Tony D’Angelo is here!
The fans cheer as the man who was once The Don goes to the ring. Tony gets a mic and says, “When I returned to NXT, I told the WWE Universe I came back for two reasons. The first mission was DarkState. Vengeance Day was the culmination of that mission. On Saturday, me and Lennox went to war.” The fans applaud that. Tony says that while he despises Dion, Dion went out on his shield. Tony left DarkState the way they left him: Beaten, empty, and searching for answers. So now, we get to reason number two as to why Tony returned. And while he was away, he considered his future. This life goes by fast but he had time to reflect.
See, Tony looked at the man in the mirror, and had to be honest with himself. There was one thing that that man could not accomplish. There was one thing that that man could not achieve. And in that moment, Tony buried that version of himself six feet under, became the man that stands before you today, the man who proved he is the toughest SOB in NXT! The fans cheer that! The second reason Tony came back… is to win the NXT Championship. The fans cheer that! Tony knows Joe Hendry is a sensation, and he has no issues. If this was a year ago, Tony would have a sit down and break bread with Hendry. But that’s not him anymore.
“Joe, if I gotta break your face, that’s what I’m gonna do. And I’d love to say this is just business, but this is personal to me. Now Joe, this is your one warning. Prepare yourself for my actions, cuz I will not be denied. Tony D’Angelo will be the next N X T Champion!” The fans like the sound of that. But with Ricky Saints also wanting his shot, will Tony have more than just the champion to deal with?
Lola Vice talks with Sol Ruca backstage.
Miami Vice says hola, and Sol says hola. Sol says congrats on the win at Vengeance Day. Lola says gracias, it felt so good knocking out Kelani Jordan. Now, how is Sol? She’s… okay. Yeah, Lola gets that there is a lot on Sol’s plate. She’s got Lainey Reid tonight, then her best friend betrayed her. But Lola knows she’s looking at the next NXT Women’s Champion. Sol says damn straight. Next week in Houston, Sol takes the title from Jacy Jayne while getting her hands on Zaria at the same time. Lola says she’ll be watching. So when Sol takes the title, know it’ll be her and Lola at Stand & Deliver. Well, a lot has to happen first.
Lola still wishes Sol luck, and Sol heads to gorilla. Will Sol make it through the Southern Bell and her toxic back-up? Or will her wave of momentum come crashing down around her?
WrenQCC talks with Myles Borne.
Kendal Grey says she and Wren Sinclair were so pumped to see Myles win the North American Championship off Ethan Page. That was amazing! Glad to see he finally had his moment. Myles thanks them, and says not to be rude, but have either of them seen his tag partner? They gotta prepare for the match tonight. Wren says she knows where they can find him! Remember that one time? Oh, yes, Kendal remembers now. Watch. Joe Hendry! “Say his name and he appears!” The fridge? Wren opens it up, but no, that’s just a cake. But then Hendry steps in and asks what they’re looking at. Hendry, why weren’t you in the fridge? Been there, done that.
Myles asks Hendry where he’s been. They gotta game plan for Ethan & Ricky! Hendry apologizes, he had some business to attend to, but he’s here now. Time to game plan! Myles wishes Wren luck for her Speed match. Wren says she’s got the need! The need for speed! Kendal, are you ready? Wait, Kendal’s stuffing her face with cake! Kendal~! What? She’s got the night off. Cheat day~! Fine, let’s just get going. Kendal says good luck, guys! So, she’s not gonna share? Will Wren become a contender in three minutes or less? Will Myles & Hendry prove they were Borne to Believe?
Sol Ruca VS Lainey Reid w/ The Fatal Influence!
NXT returns as Sol makes her entrance, joining The Fatal Influence in the ring. The bell rings and the fans rally behind Sol as she circles with Lainey. They tie up, go around the ring, and against the ropes. Sol powers up but Lainey slips around to a waistlock. Sol switches, but Lainey switches back. Lainey pries the hold open to a wrench and wristlock. Sol cartwheels, then slips under to BACKDROP Lainey! Sol has the armlock, Lainey fights up, but Sol wrenches to wristlock. Sol wrangles Lainey but Lainey endures. The fans rally as Lainey headscissors, and she holds on tight as Sol tries to kip free. Sol moves around, and headstands to then pop free!
Sol drops on Lainey for a headlock, but Lainey fights up to her feet. Lainey powers up but can’t power out as Sol holds on tight. Lainey powers up again, pries the hold open, and she turns things around to headlock Sol. Lainey snapmares but Sol cartwheels through! The fans cheer while Lainey frowns. Lainey runs up, Sol trips her up, and Sol steps on Lainey to use her as a surfboard! Then Sol STOMPS Lainey’s leg! Lainey scrambles away while the fans cheer. Jacy & Fallon fan Lainey off, then Lainey runs up to kick Sol! Lainey kicks again but Sol blocks! Lainey hops around, rolls, and trips Sol in one go!
Lainey headlocks but Sol powers up and out. Lainey RUNS Sol over, then hits a headlock and takeover! Sol rolls to a cover, ONE! Lainey holds on but Sol headscissors. Sol squeezes tight but Lainey still kips free, then DROPKICKS! Sol goes to a corner, Lainey runs up, but Sol catches her! Sol spins with Lainey for the FACEBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Lainey scrambles to a corner, Sol runs up, and Sol MONKEY FLIPS Lainey away! Lainey ends up in the far corner, and Sol runs up again. Lainey puts Sol up top, but Sol BOOTS her! Lainey SHOVES Sol, but Sol body scissors Lainey to throw her out of the ring! The fans cheer as Sol gets back up.
Sol runs to use the corner for the MOONSAULT! Down goes Lainey and Jacy is upset, but Sol just brings Lainey up and into the ring. Sol senses Jacy creep up and she stares the champ down. But then Fallon distracts the ref! This lets Jacy anchor Sol in the ropes! Sol kicks free, only for Lainey to DOUBLE STOMP! Lainey and Fatal Influence soak up the heat while NXT goes picture in picture.
Lainey storms up to stomp Sol, then HAMMERS away! Lainey stops just to JUMP LEG DROP! Then she brings Sol up to bump her off buckles. Lainey runs corner to corner and UPPERCUTS! Then she SHINING WIZARDS! Sol flounders along the ropes but Lainey keeps on her. Lainey CHOKES Sol, stops as the ref counts, then pushes her down. The ref reprimands but Lainey steps on Sol, and DOUBLE STOMPS again! Cover, TWO! Lainey argues the count but the count was fair. Lainey reels Sol in but Sol cradle counters, TWO! Both women stand, and Sol ROCKS Lainey first! Then mule kicks! Then SMACKS Lainey again!
Sol whips, but Lainey turns backdrop into NECKBREAKER! Lainey then clamps on with a chinlock and grinds Sol down. Sol endures, fights to her feet, then JAWBREAKERS free! Sol goes to a corner, Lainey runs in, but Sol ROCKS her! And susnet flips! TWO, and Lainey grabs ropes for good measure. Both women stand, Sol blocks a superkick, but not the second SUPERKICK! Cover, TWO! Jacy is frustrated that Sol survives, but Lainey CLUBS Sol down. Lainey turns Sol for a Gory Especial! Sol endures as Lainey bends her back! The ref checks on Sol but she just powers up! Lainey hits a GORY BOMB! Cover, TWO!
Lainey is frustrated as Sol survives, and she stands Sol up as NXT returns to single picture. Lainey whips Sol to a corner, runs up, but Sol goes up and over. Sol then SHOTGUNS Lainey down! Sol fires forearms on Lainey, has the arms, and kicks the legs out so she can SURFBOARD STOMP Lainey into buckles! Sol runs up, but Lainey dodges! Lainey runs up, but Sol puts her on the apron! Lainey bumps Sol off buckles, KICKS low, then buckle bumps for another KICK! Lainey then steps in, FLYING STUNNER! High stack, TWO! The fans rally as Sol survives. Lainey taunts the fans before she stands over Sol.
Lainey DOUBLE- NO, Sol Electric Chair Lifts Lainey right up! And then SLAMS her down! Both women are down and the fans fire up again! Zaria is seen watching this backstage, probably hoping Sol loses. Sol and Lainey rise up, and Lainey SMACKS Sol first! But Sol SMACKS Lainey back! Lainey ROLLING ELBOWS Sol, but Sol rebounds to ROCK Lainey! Then mule kick! CLUB! Bob ‘n’ weave, UPPERCUT! Sol whips and ELBOWS Lainey down! And LARIAT! Sol whips Lainey to the corner, then SNAP GERMANS! Lainey flounders, Sol goes up, and Sol MISSILE DROPKICKS! The fans fire up as Sol kips up!
Sol aims again, runs back up, KNEE STRIKE! High stack, TWO! Lainey flounders but Sol goes to the apron. Sol springboards, but has to roll through as Lainey moves! Sol goes back, but into the BLUE THUNDER BOMB! Cover, TWO! Sol survives, the fans fire up, but Fatal Influence is frustrated. Lainey drags Sol up, Gory Especials, but Sol sunset flips it! TWO, and Sol hits the X-FACTOR! Lainey flounders, Sol gets her up, fireman’s carry for the swing and AIR RAID CRASH! Cover, TWO!! Lainey survives and the fans can’t believe it! Fatal Influence is relieved, but Sol whips Lainey to the corner. Lainey holds ropes to stop the German Suplex!
Lainey ELBOWS Sol, then slips around, reverse victory roll, TWO! Lainey rebounds but into the EDDY GORDO KICK! Lainey wobbles, Sol runs, but Lainey scoops! Sol slips free and TOSSES Lainey out! Lainey ROCKS Sol from the apron, then steps in, but Sol SUPERKICKS! The fans cheer “Women’s Wrestling!” as Sol goes up, up, but Lainey YANKS her down! And then the ROLLING CRUCIFIX DRIVER! Lainey takes down her kneepads, for some SOUTHERN HOSPITAL- NO, Sol dodges, then SOUL SNATCHER!! Cover, Sol wins!
Winner: Sol Ruca, by pinfall
Fatal Influence is beside themselves! Lainey gave Sol a run for her money, but it was still Sol on top! The wave of momentum is growing, will it completely wipe out Jacy and Zaria? Or will Sol be denied both revenge and reign?
Robert Stone meets with Sean Legacy, Eli Knight, and Elio LeFleur.
The (Interim) NXT GM is still getting his hearing back, but the Sky Slicer says he’d love to defend his Speed Championship against both Legacy and Eli if he could. Stone says it has already been a long night, and he also enjoyed the double pin. And yes, while it’d be great for Legacy or Knight to challenge Elio, the rules state there has to be a Speed Tournament. Elio says that takes so long, which is kinda the opposite of what the Speed Division is about. Eli says yeah, him beating Troy should mean something. Legacy says they beat Troy. Stone admits, that is true. They can get the tournament going, but we’ll have to see how it goes.
And then Vanity Project walks in. Jackson Drake says enough of the Speed title. Jumping through hoops just to get a chance? What a pain in the ass! Brad Baylor wants to talk NXT Tag Team Championships. They’re already thinking Stand & Deliver, the biggest spotlight for Stone’s brightest new stars! Ricky Smokes says, “Y’know, guys who can actually go more than three minutes.” They already cleared out the division, but surely Stone can get creative. Drake says don’t even worry about it. Their guy, Stone, will cook up something great. Laters. Vanity Project leaves, and Legacy says let’s put a pin on the Speed title for a second, because he has an idea.
Stone will consider what Elio said about the Speed Division, but yes, he likes where Legacy is going. He thinks he has an idea. Will Legacy & Knight soon swipe right on a match with the tag team champions?
Backstage interview with Blake Monroe.
Blake Howard brings up The Glamour beating Jaida Parker in the Street Fight, a huge victory. What’s next for her? Blake says Jaida brought out a godawful side of her, and learned that when you mess with the Woman From Hell, you get burned. So as for what’s next, the biggest show of the year is coming up. This will be Monroe’s first Stand & Deliver, and she’ll make it all about her in St. Louie. Howard corrects her that it’s St. Louis. Monroe says she is the conversation, she is the controversy, so what will she do? Well- Tatum turns the corner and calls to Blake. They both respond and Tatum says right, both Blake.
But then, have either Blake or Blake seen The Culling? No, and no. Okay, bye. Tatum calls out to Izzi that she’s looking for her, and Monroe says Howard needs to do something about his name. Because that, like many other things, belongs to her. Blake Monroe leaves Blake Howard speechless, but did Tatum just make herself a target?
Women’s Speed Tournament Finals: Thea Hail VS Wren Sinclair w/ Kendal Grey!
The Grown-Ass Woman stole the spotlight from Blake Monroe while the Captain of WrenQCC managed to slay Nikkita Lyons. Now both of these young and hungry superstars is looking to go right at the Toxic Cowgirl, but that means getting through each other! Who makes themselves #1 contender in three minutes or less?
NXT returns as Thea makes her entrance. The bell rings, and Thea DROPKICKS Wren down! The fans rally and duel but Thea KICKS and STANDING MOONSAULTS! Cover, ONE, but Thea dodges a lariat to jump on the arm! KIMURA, but Wren powers out! Wren CHOPS Thea, fireman’s carries, and ROLLING SENTONS! Wren keeps moving, and she RUNS Thea over, then BULLDOGS! Cover, TWO! The fans rally as Wren goes for arms, but Thea fights around! Thea fights up, jumps and wheelbarrows, then arm-drags! Then mule kicks! Thea runs, and ROLLING NECKBREAKERS! Cover, ONE and Wren bails out!
We hit the two minute warning orange phase, and Thea builds speed! DIVE and down goes Wren! Thea shakes out her arm, then gets Wren int he ring. The fans rally up again as Thea climbs. Thea aims and CROSSBODY FLOPS as Wren moves! Wren hurries to then roll Thea up, TWO!! Thea escapes, and has the KIMURA!! Wren flails, reaches out, and rolls through! Wren gets the FINAL WRENCH!! Thea flails, fights, but she QUITS!! WREN WINS!
Winner: Wren Sinclair, by submission (NEW #1 Contender to the WWE Women’s Speed Championship)
With 62 seconds to spare, Wren seals the deal! The Texas girl gets to do it up big in Houston, but will she dethrone the Toxic Cowgirl? Or will even the Speed Division be stuck under the Influence?
Robert Stone meets with the NXT Tag Division.
Suit Man Stone thanks everyone for being here, and he knows that we are officially in Stand & Deliver Season. After talking with Vanity Project earlier, it got him thinking. This division is deep, this division is hungry, so Stone is going to put together a tag team tournament! The winners get their shot at Vanity Project at Stand & Deliver! Everyone except Swipe Right likes that! What do they look like to him? Oh, so they don’t want to be at Stand & Deliver? That’s not what they’re saying! Yeah, that’s what Stone thought. So now, to the teams in the tournament: the new team of Legacy & Knight; The Culling; Birthright; Hank ‘n’ Tank; OTM; DarkState.
Shugars says no, DarkState ain’t doing no tournament! They want their rematch and they want it now! But then OTM storms up on DarkState, and they start throwing hands! The other teams get in there to break this up, but clearly it’s about to pop off! Who survives the tournament to then have their shot in St. Louis?
Backstage interview with Fatal Influence.
Blake Howard is now with Jacy, Fallon, and Lainey, and brings up the title defenses next week in Houston. How are they handling these targets on their back this close to Stand & Deliver? Jacy says wow, she never thought she’d miss Sarah Schreiber, but here we are. And she doesn’t need Blake Howard reminding her that she has to deal with both Sol and Zaria next week. If she wants to walk into Stand & Deliver as champion, then she has to make the impossible happen. And he watches the product, right? Then he should know that this is perhaps the most unpredictable WrestleMania season ever!
How many new champions have been crowned lately? Penta, Cody Rhodes, Lash & Nia, AJ Lee! The odds are stacked against Jacy. Howard brings up Tatum beating Izzi, and Jacy can’t even. Fallon, you talk to him. Fallon is pretty sure he’ll bring up Wren Sinclair now, right? Everyone’s favorite little underdog, a leader of two people. Big deal. All Fallon has to do is win within five minutes. Oh, look, here they are! Wren steps in and says considering she beat Lyons and Thea in under three, she’ll have no problem beating Fallon in five. Kendal is also confident in that. And if we’re talking numbers, Fatal Influence is definitely losing one of their titles next week.
Oh, and Jacy, if you get past Sol and Zaria to make it to Stand & Deliver as she so desperately wants, just know Kendal will be the one she defends that title against. Lainey says enough. They don’t have time for this. Time to go. Fatal Influence leaves, WrenQCC is ready to bring the fight to them, but who will get to Stand & Deliver?
The Culling heads out.
Niko & Spears are ready to go for those tag titles, but then Tatum CLOBBERS Izzi! They start brawling, Izzi RAMS Tatum into the garage door, but The Culling and security separate these two! Stone sees this and shouts that this is enough! If they wanna get their hands on each other, fine! The rematch for the Women’s North American Championship is gonna happen in Houston! And in a STEEL CAGE!! Tatum loves that idea! Will she get to rip into Izzi without anyone getting in her way?
Backstage interview with Robert Stone.
Blake Howard catches up with Stone and says this is a huge night for NXT in Houston now. Stone says he’s even got stars from Raw & SmackDown texting him about it. Remember that this is Stone’s first road show for NXT, and he wants to make it special. Well, adding Tatum VS Izzi in a Steel Cage is huge, and Stone says yes, it has to end somehow with these two. Plus, the other two title matches, the NXT Women’s Championship Triple Threat, and the Women’s Speed Championship. Then there’s the tag tournament, and we’re starting in Houston! Hank ‘n’ Tank VS Birthright. The tournament culminates on March 31st as NXT returns to NYC, winners going on to Stand & Deliver.
And also, and he hasn’t said anything yet, but… OTM AND DarkState are now OUT of the tournament. Between Vengeance and what happened just now in his office, it cannot keep happening. Vanity Project walks back in and Brad appreciates having all this time off. Smokes says he’s even gotten some invites to parties in Houston, so- Stone says don’t party too hard. W-Why? Because in Houston, they will be in Six Man Tag action against LOS AMERICANOS! What?! Yeah, sorry, gotta go. Man, Stone used to be cool! Stone promises that the Houston fans are gonna love this, but he’ll let Vic Joseph break this next bit of news!
Vic Joseph indeed takes up the mic to say this is big. Next week, NXT is live in Houston, the hometown of Booker T. And Vic doesn’t wanna let the cat out of the bag, but this duo was only meant to be a duo for three months. A lot of people didn’t know that, and this is three YEARS! So it is Vic’s honor to say that next Tuesday, it will be BOOKER T APPRECIATION NIGHT! All hail King Bookah~! The fans cheer that! Booker asks, why did they wait to say this? But between celebrating Booker T’s career both in the ring and at the desk and all those title matches, will NXT in Houston be the biggest episode ever?
Joe Hendry & Myles Borne VS Ricky Saints & Ethan Page!
Even after their big victories the last couple of weeks, The NXT Champion and the North American Champion are teaming up against their common enemies! Will Hendry & Borne prove they aren’t champions out of dumb luck? Or will these Absolute Egos earn themselves golden tickets to championship rematches?
NXT returns as Myles makes his entrance, followed by Joe Hendry. The teams sort out and Hendry starts against Saints. They tie up, Saints headlocks for the takeover, but Hendry headscissors. Saints kips free, but turns around into a tie up, and then Hendry headlocks for the takeover. Saints headscissors, Hendry kips free, and TURNS! The fans cheer, but Saints hits low! Saints ROCKS and whips, but Hendry reverses, blows past, and CLOBBERS Saints! The fans cheer, but Ethan runs up! Hendry HIP TOSSES Ethan, then he HIP TOSSES Saints! Hendry drags Saints up, tags Myles in, and they coordinate, for the DROPKICK SUPLEX COMBO!
The fans cheer as Myles waits on Saints, then scoops, for the FALL AWY SIDE EFFECT! Cover, TWO! Saints survives Myles pulling out a new move, but Myles fireman’s carries. Saints fights free, waistlocks, but Myles switches. Saints RAMS Myles into a corner, then runs up, but into a BOOT! Myles ducks Ethan’s cheap shot, DECKS him for it, but Saints ROCKS Myles! Saints hits a BIG back suplex, then he tags Ethan. They stomp Myles, then Ethan rains down fists. Ethan drags Myles up to suplex, but Myles fights it! Myles fires body shots, then ANARCHY SUPLEXES! Cover, TWO! Myles keeps on Ethan, but Ethan RAMS him into the corner!
Ethan RAMS Myles again and again, then stops as the ref counts 4. Ethan drags Myles up, but Myles fires body shots! And he ELBOWS Saints! Myles ROCKS Ethan, ROCKS Saints, repeat! The fans fire up as Myles UPPERCUTS then runs, but into a BOOT! The fans boo Ethan but he tells Saints to go get the belts! Saints grabs a belt, slides it in, but way out of the ring! Ethan is incredulous, and Saints says he is so, so sorry. Ethan says this wasn’t that hard, he’s right here! Saints apologizes, and NXT goes picture in picture.
Saints tries to explain himself to commentary, but Myles snatches Ethan into a cradle! TWO, and Ethan drags Myles from Hendry! ELBOW DROP! Ethan tags Saints, they stomp Myles down at the ropes, but step off as the ref counts. Saints drags Myles up to put through the ropes, and then CHOKE! The ref counts, Saints stops at 4, then taunts Hendry. Saints UPPERCUTS Myles down, then brings him back up. Saints tags Ethan back in, they mug Myles, and Ethan stays between Myles and Hendry. Ethan brings Myles around to suplex, but Myles slips free to roll Ethan up! TWO, and Ethan anchors Myles’ leg!
Ethan drags Myles back, tags Saints in, and Saints ELBOW DROPS Myles on the back of his head! Cover, TWO! Saints drags Myles up to wrench, then he goes up the corner. Saints tightrope walks, and he gives Myles the Old School AX HANDLE! Myles sputters, Ethan smiles, and Saints strikes his pose. Saints storms up on Myles but Myles fires body shots. Myles whips, Saints reverses, and Saints SPINEBUSTERS! Then he gator rolls Myles to tag in Ethan. Ethan steps in and ELBOW DROPS on Myles’ chest! Ethan scoop SLAMS Myles, tags Saints, and Saints goes up the ropes to SPLASH! Cover, TWO!
Myles survives, but Saints keeps Myles down with a chinlock. Myles endures, fights up, and NXT returns to single picture. Myles fires body shots but Saints KNEES low. Saints puts Myles in the corner, CHOPS, then tags Ethan. Ethan kicks Myles down, then he and Saints double whip. Myles reverses to send Saints & Ethan into each other! Myles DECKS Saints, but Ethan whips Myles to the corner. Ethan runs up, but Myles dodges the splash! Myles crawls, reaches out, but Saints YANKS Hendry down! The fans boo but Saints THROWS Hendry into barriers! Ethan SPLASHES Myles in the corner!
The fans are riled up as Ethan whips Myles corner to corner and SPLASHES again! Tag to Saints, then Ethan puts Myles up top. Saints joins in, and they DOUBLE ICONOCLASM! Then they YANK Myles up, ASSISTED TORNADO DDT! Cover, Hendry CLOBBERS Ethan onto it! The fans fire up, but Ethan TOSSES Hendry! Hendry lands safe on the apron, ROCKS Ethan, then steps in, only for Ethan to give him a CONFIDENCE BREAKER! Saints then SHOTGUNS Hendry down! The fans boo but Absolute Egos are on the same page now. Saints puts Myles up top, but Myles fires hands! Myles and Saints trade shots, then Myles ROCKS Saints!
Ethan runs up, Myles ROCKS him! Saints SMACKS Myles! Saints then runs side to side, tags Ethan, and he goes right up to get Myles! SUPER DUPER PLEX for the Power! Ethan adds a DIVING BODY PRESS for the Glory! Cover, TWO!! Myles survives and shocks Ethan! Ethan stomps Myles but the fans rally, “WE BELIEVE!” Ethan RIPCORDS Myles up, but Myles fights the slam to a REVERSE DDT! Myles crawls, reaches out, and this time, hot tags to Hendry and Saints! The fans fire up as Hendry rallies on Ethan & Saints! Then he kicks Ethan, spins him, and NECKBREAKER! Then he scoops Saints for the FALL AWAY SLAM!
Hendry kips up, and he dodges Ethan to scoop him! Pop up to the fireman’s carry, and the ATTITUDE ADJUSTMENT! Saints runs up, Hendry dodges, ANGLE SLAM! Hendry busts out all the hits! Cover, TWO! The fans rally for Hendry as hard as they can, and he starts up the stomp stomp clap! But Ethan anchors Hendry! Hendry kicks free, he dodges Saints, but DOUBLE LARIATS take both men down! The fans rally up again, and now Saints wants Ethan to get a belt! Not this again! Ethan slides the belt to Saints properly this time, but the ref spots that! Saints swings, but the ref stops him! The fans fire up as Hendry then rolls Saints up, TWO!!
Saints runs, ducks ‘n’ dodges, and Ethan tags in before the SPEAR!! Saints hoists Hendry up, Ethan steps in, and only now does Saints realize Ethan tagged in! The fans rally as Myles is back! DROPKICK on Saints! Ethan just goes for Hendry, TWISTED GRIN on the gold!! Cover, ETHAN & SAINTS WIN!!
Winners: Ricky Saints & Ethan Page, by pinfall
Myles is furious, but Ethan rubs it in with his cocky grin. Saints says Ethan’s a genius! But using Saints’ logic earlier, if Ethan pinned THE NXT Champion, who’s really becoming the TWO-TIME NXT Champion?
My Thoughts:
A great NXT that basically acted as a go-home to the BIG Houston episode next week. Very good promo from Tatum given her title win, but naturally even she was annoyed with Izzi coming back for another match. Shiloh Hill doing more car shenanigans was great, and adding Tatum VS Izzi to next week is great stuff. I’m not usually one for Steel Cage matches, because you can just feel The Culling interfering on Izzi’s behalf and Shiloh countering. I would hope Tatum keeps the title, it’d be disappointing for her reign to only be 10 days. Very good promo from Blake Monroe with Blake Howard, clever way of pointing out the same names. And yeah, I would think Monroe wants that North American title back and will challenge Tatum at Stand & Deliver.
Great match from Sol VS Lainey, and I’m pleased Zaria let it play out. Great win for Sol, but still unclear if the Triple Threat will help Jacy win or give her a protected loss. Great Speed match from Wren VS Thea, and great win for Wren. I feel bad for Thea, especially since she is dealing with awful “fans” being, well, just awful to her on social media. Thea has been doing great work since day one, she deserves something good, and maybe she’ll finally reach the top of NXT after Stand & Deliver. As for Wren, great promo from her and Kendal with Myles and Hendry, and then a really good promo with Fatal Influence. And yeah, if any title changes, it might be Wren taking the Speed title from Fallon.
Awesome Triple Threat from Troy, Legacy, and Eli, even with Keanu Carver getting involved. Troy definitely looks like a monster coming back from that table spot and almost winning the match. Eli and Legacy both winning that match was really clever stuff, and a great excuse to make them a team for this “impromptu” tag tournament. Although, it just makes me wonder where the Dusty Cup went… And I like that we got six teams announced at first, only for OTM and DarkState to take themselves out because of their behavior. OTM VS DarkState can still happen as a grudge match, and the four teams will all have great matches on the road to what was going to be Roadblock.
Great development with Birthright. Fit Finlay & William Regal showing up and signaling Charlie Dempsey’s turn was a nice surprise. Now Birthright has the right number of people for a “golden prophecy.” Lexis King could make himself the top title guy, Stacks as the midcard guy, and then Charlie & Uriah as the tag team. Very good promo from Tony D, but duh, he was going to call his shot at the NXT Championship. Very good promo from Ethan & Ricky, especially with Ricky pointing out the usual rule of “pin a champ, get a title match.” Great tag team main event, especially with the blatantly bad pass from Ricky to Ethan. Ethan winning on Hendry was not only a surprise, but it was a great way to show Ethan wants THE title back.
My Score: 8.9/10
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!
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Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!
Who the War Dragons survive round two?
The New Japan Cup is gaining speed, but only the best will gain any ground! Tonight is Shingo Takagi VS Don Fale, Yuya Uemura VS Drilla Moloney, whose time has come?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Aaron Wolf & Masatora Yasuda VS OSKAR & Yuto-Ice; Oskar & Yuto win.
- 10 Man Tag: Bishamon, Boltin Oleg, Toru Yano & Tatsuya Matsumoto VS The United Empire; The Empire wins.
- Hartley Jackson & Kosei Fujita VS Callum Newman & Zane Jay; Hartley & Fujita win.
- Six Man Tag: Hontai VS The House of Torture; The House of Torture wins.
- Yota Tsuji & Daiki Nagai VS Zack Sabre Jr. & Ryohei Oiwa; ZSJ & Oiwa win.
- 2026 New Japan Cup Second Round: Shingo Takagi VS Don Fale; Takagi wins and advances.
- 2026 New Japan Cup Second Round: Yuya Uemura VS “Drilla” Dan Moloney; Yuya wins and advances.
PLAY BY PLAY
2026 New Japan Cup Second Round: Shingo Takagi VS Don Fale w/ Dick Togo!
The Rampaging Dragon is no stranger to the House of Torture, from feuding with them in Los Ingobernables de Japon and now the Unbound Company. And now, he faces the Rogue General who indeed had the House backing him just last round. Will Fale have another stacked deck here tonight? Or will it not matter when Takagi’s time has come?
No attack during the entrance or introductions, so there’s that. The bell rings and the fans rally up for “TA-KA-GI! TA-KA-GI!” Fale and Takagi step up, stare down, and Takagi shoves Fale. Fale shoves back, so Takagi fires forearms, and a CHOP! Fale DECKS Takagi! Takagi gets up and RAMS Fale! Fale stays put so Takagi runs and RAMS him again! And again! Takagi fires up, ducks ‘n’ dodges, and he RAMS Fale! Fale stumbles into the ref, then out of the ring! The fans cheer, but Yoshinobu Kanemaru rushes in! Takagi dodges the bottle shot, then blocks the next! Takagi kick slow, takes the whiskey, and takes a swig! But Fale BODY BLOWS the whiskey out of him!
The fans boo but Fale CLUBS Takagi down! Fale then drags Takagi up, just to TOSS him out! Fale distracts the ref so that Kanemaru can whip Takagi into railing! Takagi writhes and the fans boo, but Kanemaru gets away with that. Takagi staggers away into the crowd, and Fale wants the ring count. The count begins, but Takagi walks back to ringside at 8, rolling in at 9 of 20. But Fale CLUBS him down, then stands on Takagi! The ref counts, Fale steps off at 4, then he stalks Takagi. Takagi headbutts the buckles to fire up, then he ROCKS and KNEES and HEADBUTTS! The fans fire up as Takagi calls his shot!
Takagi goes to scoop, he gets Fale up, but falls under Fale’s weight! Fale covers, TWO! The fans rally for Takagi while he sputters. Fale stalks Takagi to the ropes, stomps him, then stands on him again! The ref counts again, so Fale steps off at 4. Fale argues with the ref, then drags Takagi up. Fale BODY BLOWS, and BODY BLOWS again! Takagi falls over, but Fale turns him over. Fale stands on Takagi’s back, using him as a surfboard! Then Fale covers, TWO! The fans rally behind Takagi has Takagi toughs it out. Fale brings Takagi up again, but Takagi KNEES low! And KNEES again! And again! Takagi goes for the scoop but Fale CLUBS him!
Fale scoops, but Takagi fights free! Takagi runs, ducks ‘n’ dodges, then RAMS Fale! Fale rebounds but into a kick! Takagi reels Fale in, but Fale BACKDROPS free! Takagi sunset flips, but Fale stays up! Fale HIP DROPS but flops as Takagi dodges! SLIDING PUMPING BOMBER! Both men are down but the fans fire up! Takagi rises up, and the fans join in with the “OI! OI! OI!” Takagi runs in and LARIATS Fale at the corner! The fans cheer and Takagi JABS, JABS, JABS! Takagi winds up to ROCK Fale! The fans cheer again, and Takagi goes up to ELEVATED DDT! Cover, TWO! Fale survives but the fans still rally for Takagi.
Takagi gets the fans fired up, then he looks to the cameras. “TOKI GA KITA!” The fans cheer and Takagi vows to lift Fale! Takagi reels Fale in, but Fale fights with body shots! Fale whips Takagi to a corner, runs up, and SPLASHES! Then he snapmares Takagi for the SPLASH DOWN! Cover, TWO! Takagi survives and the fans cheer! Fale frowns but he calls his own shot. Fale waits on Takagi to stand up, and he guzels! Then the GRE- NO! Takagi breaks free, ducks the hand, to JAB! HEADBUTT! And then facelock! Fale is still really big, but TAKAGI SUPLEXES HIM! The fans are thunderous as Takagi manages the impossible!
Takagi then runs, PUMPING BOMBER!! Cover, KANEMARU YANKS THE REF OUT! The fans boo but now Dick Togo slithers into the ring! Takagi shouts at Kanemaru, but turns around into the POCKET SAND! The fans boo again but Dick & Kanemaru mug Takagi! They choke him in the corner, then they set him up for Fale to SPLASH! Takagi falls, but Fale & Kanemaru set him up! DICK CHOP! The fans boo while Takagi writhes, but Dick puts the ref back in the ring. Fale runs to ELBOW DROP! But Gedo gets off commentary to argue with the ref! Fale’s cover goes uncounted! The fans cheer Gedo, but Fale storms over!
Gedo hides behind the ref while Kanemaru takes a swig. Dick stands Takagi up, but Takagi ducks the WHISKEY MIST! Kanemaru sprays Dick instead! JAB! YUKON LARIAT! Down goes Kanemaru, but now Takagi takes a swig! The fans cheer as Takagi gives Fale a DRAGON WHISKEY MIST! Takagi then BLINDSIDE PUMPING, and runs to PUMPING BOMBER TAKEDOWN!! Cover, TAKAGI WINS!
Winner: Shingo Takagi, by pinfall (advances to the next round)
The Blacksmith applauds as justice is served! Takagi tastes the bitter whiskey, but also sweet victory. He definitely prefers the latter, but will he continue the climb to the top?
2026 New Japan Cup Second Round: Yuya Uemura VS “Drilla” Dan Moloney!
The Heat Storm vowed last round that he would light that fire in NJPW as the shining sun leading the way, and winning the Cup would solidify that. But will Yuya still have the hot hand? Or will he be shot down by 44 Caliber?
The bell rings and the fans cheer as the two circle. Drilla and Yuya tie up, are in a deadlock, but Yuya wrenches to wristlock. Drilla spins to wrench in return, only for Yuya to roll and wrench right back. Drilla rolls, breaks the grip, then wrenches to wristlock. Yuya reaches out but Drilla keeps him from ropes. Yuya rolls, wrenches, hammerlocks, headlocks, spins to hammerlock, then he snapmares Drilla down for the armlock! The fans cheer the technical display. Drilla stands but Yuya wrenches again. Drilla rolls, rolls back, handsprings, then breaks free! The fans applaud that technical display, too.
Drilla and Yuya reset, and Drilla calls for the knuckle lock. Yuya obliges and they lock up. They feel out the other knuckle lock, then go shoulder to shoulder for a Test of Strength! The fans rally as Drilla powers up and bends Yuya back! Yuya bridges to stay up, but Drilla hops on! Yuya is still up, so Drilla jumps on! Again, Yuya stays up! Drilla tries again but Yuya uses that to get up and kick free! Yuya arm-drags, Drilla headscissors, but Yuya kips free. Drilla headlocks for the takeover, and he fights off the headscissors! The fans cheer while Drilla grinds Yuya down. Yuya keeps his arms up, but Drilla squeezes tighter.
Yuya fights to his feet and pries the hold open, only for Drilla to clamp it on tighter. Yuya fires body shots, powers up and out, then arm-drags! And arm-drags! Then he dodges a lariat, to arm-drag again! The fans cheer the exchange as Yuya again has the armlock. Drilla endures the top wristlock as he moves around, but Yuya puts on the pressure. Drilla rises, Yuya wrenches, but Drilla works on the escape. Yuya grinds the arm but Drilla goes to the ropes. Red Shoes calls the break, but Yuya whips Drilla. Drilla reverses, Yuya handsprings, but Drilla RUNS him over! The fans cheer as things keep moving, and Yuya arm-drags again!
Yuya has the armlock again, and the fans rally as Drilla fights it. Yuya fights off headscissors while putting pressure on the double wristlock. They stand, Drilal lifts Yuya, and Drilla puts him in the corner. Red Shoes calls the ropebreak, Drilla backs off, only to RAM Yuya low! Drilla then whips corner to corner, but Yuya goes up and over. Drilla fakes out the arm-drag! And he KICKS Yuya in the back! The fans cheer as Yuya gets right up. The two go face to face, then forearm for forearm! Yuya fires a forearm, KNEE, and CHOP, then runs, but Drilla hurdles! Drilla drops down, but Yuya avoids the dropkick! Drilla still CHOPS Yuya!
Drilla CHOPS Yuya to the corner, CHOPS him again, and the fans rally up. Drilla whips corner to corner but Yuya reverses. Drilla goes up and out, then he DUMPS Yuya to the floor! The fans fire up as Drilla builds speed, and he WRECKS Yuya with the dropkick! Yuya hits railing then slumps down while the fans cheer. Drilla drags Yuya up, brings him around, and whips him hard into railing! The fans rally while Yuya slumps back. Drilla brings Yuya around to put in the ring, and the fans rally behind him. Drilla storms in and brings Yuya up. Yuya breaks free to CHOP! Drilla slips around, ripcords, but Yuya blocks the chop!
Yuya swings, but into a clinch! IRISH CURSE BACKBREAKER! A shoutout to The Rebel with that one and the fans rally up. Drilla stalks Yuya, KICKS him in the back, then brings him up. Drilla shoves Yuya into a corner, RAMS him in the back, then RAMS him again! And again! Drilla reels Yuya into a BIG back suplex! The fans cheer while Yuya writhes. Drilla looms over Yuya, and drags him into a chinlock, digging his knee into Yuya’s back. Yuya endures, fights forward, and has the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer as Drilla lets Yuya go. Drilla looms over Yuya again, stands him up, but Yuya ROCKS him! Yuya fires another shot, but Drilla kicks low!
Drilla scoops Yuya for a BACKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Drilla clamps right onto an arm, traps it, and then has Yuya’s legs! MODIFIED TEXAS CLOVERHOLD! The fans rally as Yuya endures! Yuya crawls with his one arm, reaches out, and he has the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer while Drilla lets go. Drilla drags Yuya up, SLAPS him on the back, and eggs him on! Yuya stands, and he fires a forearm! And another forearm! And another! But Drilla CHOPS him back! Yuya sputters, Drilla whips, but Yuya reverses for the FLYING ARM-DRAG! Then a DROPKICK! The fans rally up again while both men are down!
Yuya and Drilla rise up, and Drilla goes to a corner. Yuya storms up and CHOPS! And CHOPS! And CHOPS! Drilla shoves Yuya back, but Yuya comes back to DOUBLE CHOP, DOUBLE CHOP, and DOUBLE CHOP! Yuya whips corner to corner, runs in, and CHOPS again! The fans cheer as Yuya fires up, and he reels Drilla in for the SAIDO! Cover, TWO! Drilla stays in this but Yuya stays focused. The fans rally again as Yuya waistlocks. Yuya goes to full nelson but Drilla breaks free and arm-drags! Then he RAMS Yuya in the corner! Fireman’s carry, tuck, and RUNNING AIR RAID CRASH! Cover, TWO!
The fans cheer as Yuya survives, but Drilla shakes it off. Drilla goes to the apron while the fans rally up, and Drilla climbs the corner. Drilla aims for a MACHO ELBOW FLOP! Yuya gets the arm for the ARMBAR! Drilla clasps hands to fight it off, but Yuya shifts to ARMBAR the other arm! Drilla keeps his hands clasped, so Yuya sits up and twists for the double wristlock! The fans rally as Drilla still endures, and he kicks his way around. But Yuya rolls to throw Drilla to center! Then Yuya cording holds, but Drilla fights the suplex! JAWBREAKER! ENZIGIRI! Both men are down again and the fans rally back up!
Drilla and Yuya stir while the fans duel. Drilla headbutts the buckles a la Takagi, then runs in, but into a RANA! And then DOUBLE WRISTLOCK! The fans rally again as Drilla fights the hold! Drilla rises up, then fireman’s carries! Yuya slips free, Drilla ELBOWS him, but Yuya blocks a superkick! Yuya swings, but Drilla ducks to then fireman’s carry, DEATH VALLEY BOMB! The fans fire up while both men are down again! Drilla clutches the elbow and shakes out the bad arm while the fans rally. Yuya rolls over while Drilla rises up. Drilla brings Yuya up to his feet, then puts him on the top rope. Drilla CHOPS Yuya before he climbs up to join him.
The fans rally as Drilla goes to the very top, but Yuya fires body shots! Yuya then HEADBUTTS Drilla down! Yuya fires up as he rises, to CROSSBODY FLOP! Drilla avoids the High Fly Attack to then GORE! Cover, TWO! The fans fire up as Yuya survives! Drilla huffs ‘n’ puffs as he rises up again, and he brings Yuya up, only for the bad arm to hurt. Drilla puts Yuya in the drop zone and goes up top. The fans rally again for the MACHO ELBOW! Direct hit this time, and Drilla is fired up! The fans are with him as he goes back to Yuya and vows to end it. Drilla drags Yuya up, but the bad arm limits his lifting!
The fans rally as Drilla still tries, but Yuya resists. Drilla KNEES Yuya, then brings him around to Canadian Rack! But Yuya fights free! And he backslides Drilla, TWO! Drilla swings, but into the full nelson! Drilla breaks free, but Yuya GERMAN SUPLEXES! Bridging cover, TWO! ARMBAR!! The fans fire up as Drilla is caught! Yuya breaks the grip to PULL on the arm! Drilla scrambles, fights to stack Yuya, ONE as Yuya keeps the arm up! TRIANGLE HOLD! Drilla endures again, but he seems to be fading! Red Shoes checks on Drilla, and he revives to fight around again! Drilla deadlifts Yuya for the fireman’s carry!
But then Drilla pops Yuya around to a shoulder rack, Canadian Rack, and DRILLA- NO! Yuya lands out to run and SUPERMAN CLUTCH!! TWO!! Drilla survives that shoutout to Colt Cabana, and he POP-UP POWERBOMBS! The fans fire up again while both men are down! Drilla fires up, the fans rally, and Drilla drags Yuya back up! Drilla hauls Yuya up, Canadian Racks, but Yuya slips free again! Cording hold! Cording hold! But Drilla fights the suplex! Drilla HEADBUTTS, but runs into an ARMBAR TAKEDOWN! Yuya pulls on the arm but Drilla clasps his hands! The fans rally as the two struggle, and Drilla stacks Yuya! TWO!
Both men stand, and Drilla BOOTS! Yuya DOUBLE CHOPS! Yuya takes another swing, but Drilla ducks to ripcord and CHOP! But Yuya roars! Drilla SUPERKICKS! Yuya PELES! Then DRAGON SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO!! Drilla slumps over but that still saves him! Yuya roars and the fans are thunderous! Yuya goes up the corner, takes aim, and HIGH FLY- DROPKICK!! The anti-air hits and the fans fire up again! Drilla snarls, builds speed, and GORES!! But Drilla isn’t done there! He hauls Yuya back up, Canadian Rack, and DRILLA KILLA!! Cover, BUT YUYA ROLLS IT BACK! YUYA WINS!!!
Winner: Yuya Uemura, by pinfall (advances to the next round)
Yuya quite truly won by the seat of his pants, snatching victory from the jaws of this War Dragon! What will it take for Drilla to have that breakthrough to the next level?
As for Yuya, he’s very tired, but he still grabs the mic while resting on the mat. The fans cheer as Yuya manages to sit up. “To be honest, I thought today would be a no-go, but this is the soul of NJPW!” The fans cheer that! Yuya says the reason he was able to win today was because the fans supported him, and that gave him the energy! Thank you very much! The fans cheer again while Yuya stands back up, if just for a moment. Yuya asks if the fans love NJPW, and the fans cheer because they do. Yuya says if you like NJPW, come watch as the Spring’s hottest star, Yuya Uemura, becomes the strongest of all time!
The fans cheer again, and Yuya says he’ll speak for everyone’s hearts! Wait, did the mic go out? Oops. Yuya makes sure the mic is on as he repeats himself that he’ll speak for everyone’s hearts, and that he’ll continue to heat up this New Japan Cup! YOSHA! The fans cheer as Yuya falls back! Yuya gets another win, but will he keep it up all the way to the finals?
My Thoughts:
A great start to the second round, but I’m a little surprised we didn’t get more than two tournament matches. Takagi VS Fale was very good, even with the usual House of Torture overbooking. Gedo helping turn things around was great, too. Then awesome main event from Yuya VS Drilla. That sudden ending was a great move, they really made it seem like Drilla was going to win. But Yuya pulling it out was great, it builds his story of becoming the “sun,” aka the face of NJPW. He’s definitely proving himself worthy of being a top star in this generation, can’t wait to see how far he goes.
My Score: 8.9/10
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!


