Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE Monday Night Raw Report! (5/28/18)
Raw has room for one last entrant into the Women’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match, and it comes down to a Seven Woman GAUNTLET Match! Who will join Alexa Bliss, Ember Moon, Natalya, Charlotte Flair, Becky Lynch, Naomi & Lana? Plus, Jinder Mahal challenges Seth Rollins for his Intercontinental Championship!
All images courtesy of the WWE’s official Twitter
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Finn Balor VS Braun Strowman; No Contest.
- WWE Intercontinental Championship: Seth Rollins VS Jinder Mahal w/ Sunil Singh; Mahal wins by disqualification, Rollins retains the Intercontinental Championship.
- The Deleters of Worlds VS The Ascension; The Deleters of Worlds win.
- Kevin Owens VS Bobby Roode; Kevin wins.
- Drew McIntyre w/ Dolph Ziggler VS Chad Gable; McIntyre wins.
- Women’s Money in the Bank Qualifying Gauntlet Match: Sasha wins and joins the Women’s MITB Ladder Match.
PLAY BY PLAY
WWE and Raw honor the fallen heroes this Memorial Day.
All Game Some. Some Gave All. Gone, But Not Forgotten.
BRAUN STROWMAN heads to the ring!
As we honor the brave men and women of the U.S. armed forces on this #MemorialDay, we kick things off on #RAW with The #MonsterAmongMen @BraunStrowman! pic.twitter.com/PJPqaAllRT
— WWE (@WWE) May 29, 2018
The Monster Among Men is in Virginia as we approach Money in the Bank. Strowman is one of the Raw entrants for the Men’s MITB Ladder Match, but tonight Strowman speaks to the crowd. “When I see that briefcase, I get motivated.” He’s motivated, because inside is a contract for a guaranteed Universal Championship opportunity anywhere at anytime! Strowman hears out the crowd as they chant “Get These Hands!” then vows to destroy seven other men at PPV before climbing up and taking the briefcase for his own. Then, Strowman will not just be Mr. Money in the Bank, but Mr. MONSTER in the Bank. “And who’s gonna stop me?” Certainly not Miz, Bobby Roode or Finn Balor. Nor anyone in the New Day or Rusev or Kevin Owens. Strowman vows to take the contract, cash in on Lesnar, and make sure Lesnar #GetsTheseHands!
"@BrockLesnar is going to #GetTheseHands!"@FinnBalor have some objections to what @BraunStrowman has to say… #RAW #MITB pic.twitter.com/irF3KcqjBa
— WWE (@WWE) May 29, 2018
But speaking of Finn, here he comes! The Extraordinary Man may have lost last week 1v1 to Strowman, but Finn has something to say. “I think you’re getting ahead of yourself there, big man.” Finn was the inaugural Universal Champion, and never actually lost it. That eats away at Finn, so Finn is “determined to get back to the top.” Finn will take back what is his. The two of them were 1v1, and Finn gave it his all. But at MITB, there’s gonna be six others, and every man for himself. Strowman admits Finn put up a good fight, “for a little guy.” Finn SLAPS Strowman! Strowman THROWS Finn! Before this goes any further, out comes Raw General Manager, Kurt Angle!
Angle tells Strowman and Finn that he sees intensity, one of his favorite I’s. He reminds them there will be four men from both Raw and SmackDown, and targeting their respective world champions. Finn gave it his all, and it was incredible, so perhaps Richmond would like to see a rematch! Richmond agrees, so here comes a ref!
Finn Balor VS Braun Strowman!
It’s a main-event caliber rematch from last week’s main event! Can the Extraordinary Man even the score with the Monster Among Men? Or will he #GetTheseHands and be flattened again?
Raw returns to see Kevin Owens joining commentary. Kevin watches up close as Strowman throws Finn across the ring again. Strowman dares Finn to stand, then tosses him again!
The 🛎 sounds, and HERE WE GO as @BraunStrowman battles @FinnBalor on #RAW!
What will @FightOwensFight have to say at the announce table? pic.twitter.com/yL2ytmZLyk
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) May 29, 2018
Strowman stalks over to Finn but Finn avoids the clubbing forearm. Finn dodges from the corner, but Strowman still hits him with a strong body shot. Kevin insists the other men in the MITB match are jealous while Strowman headbutts Finn down. Bobby Roode watches from backstage as Strowman gives Finn another body shot. Strowman whips Finn corner to corner hard, and Finn bounces off buckles to hit the mat. Strowman bumps Finn off his knee, then runs corner to corner, into boots! Finn gets moving but those forearm smashes do nothing to Strowman. Strowman clubs Finn down again!
Strowman punts Finn in the ribs, and Finn is gasping as he goes to the apron. Finn refuses to quit or stop the match, but he gets back in only to get another headbutt. Kevin vows to win no matter how many people are in the MITB match, but Finn fights Strowman only to get dropped by an uppercut. Strowman steps on Finn to cover, TWO. Finn gets to a corner but gets more body shots. Strowman whips him again, and hard as ever. Strowman shouts that Finn should just stay down, but Finn won’t listen. Finn drags himself up but Strowman toys with him. Strowman clubs Finn down again, but Finn dodges the body shot to dropkick! Finn fires up but Strowman boots him down! Kevin sarcastically cheers Strowman from the commentary booth with a microphone. Strowman glares at Kevin but punts Finn again while we go to break.
Raw returns and Finn dodges Strowman to chop away. Finn fires off body shots but Strowman turns things around. Finn still dodges, but the swing kick is blocked, and Strowman swats Finn down with a big right hand. Strowman goes out the far side to build up speed and… BARREL Finn into the audience!
👀 OH MY GOD.#RAW @BraunStrowman pic.twitter.com/oGw0F5H9dO
— WWE (@WWE) May 29, 2018
Fans are thunderous for Strowman as he raises his hands triumphantly. Strowman fetches Finn and hauls him back to the ring. Finn slips down and shoves Strowman into the post! Finn slides into the ring while the count rises, then goes after STrowman upon his return. Strowman shoves him away but Finn blasts Strowman with the dropkick! Strowman ends up outside the ring, and Finn dropkicks him away again. Finn gets on the apron while Kevin mockingly cheers him now. That eggs Finn on, but into Strowman’s hand! Finn kicks him away, then FLIES!
Did @FightOwensFight just inspire @FinnBalor to do THIS?! #RAW pic.twitter.com/tZ0zzOyl68
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) May 29, 2018
Kevin takes credit for that, but Strowman puts Finn back in. Finn Slingblades Strowman, then dropkicks him down! Finn climbs, standing Coup de Grace! Strowman is down, Finn climbs up, COUP DE GRACE! But once isn’t enough, Finn goes up again, only for Kevin to attack!
No Contest
Kevin goes under the ring and brings out a ladder! Kevin uses the ladder on Finn’s ribs! Then he puts the ladder in the ring and targets Strowman. Strowman catches the ladder and shoves Kevin away! Strowman THROWS the ladder at Kevin, but Kevin manages to get away with his life.
What's more impressive: the THROW by potential Mr. #MonsterInTheBank @BraunStrowman or the ESCAPE by @FightOwensFight?! #RAW pic.twitter.com/HgxbcmivWu
— WWE (@WWE) May 29, 2018
The Monster roars while the Prizefighter flees. Will anyone else have a chance at the contract with the #MonsterintheBank in the match?
Kevin is making a break for it.
He has his luggage packed but he needs his key from the valet. There’s no time for the ticket, just get his keys! Angle asks where Kevin is going. Well it’s Memorial Day, he doesn’t want to miss the parade. Kevin, you’re Canadian. And he has a match, against Bobby Roode. Kevin reluctantly goes back to the locker room, to prepare for the GLORIOUS One.
Not so fast, @FightOwensFight…@RealKurtAngle just put The #Prizefighter in a match against @REALBobbyRoode TONIGHT on #RAW! pic.twitter.com/Ul7c2zDoYD
— WWE (@WWE) May 29, 2018
Sasha Banks speaks.
The Money in the Bank match can help The Boss rewrite history. The contract has her name written all over it, but first she has to get through the Gauntlet. Gauntlets require skill, guts and luck, and the first two she has. But you don’t need luck when you’re The Boss.
"You don't need luck when you're THE BOSS." – @SashaBanksWWE is confident heading into tonight's Last Chance #GauntletMatch on #RAW! pic.twitter.com/OsQapnA2YS
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) May 29, 2018
“Ladies and Gentlemen: Elias.”
His name is @IAmEliasWWE, and he has one question for you, Richmond…#RAW pic.twitter.com/yApbT3DbQP
— WWE (@WWE) May 29, 2018
The Drifter is in Richmond, and he asks his same question, “Who Wants to Walk with Elias?!” Richmond has a decent reaction. Elias says tonight’s song is special to him, because it just came to him, “it’s a bit of magic.” However, it will require his concentration. They may be in the South, but please try to keep up. Elias begins, but has to stop. Normally this lighting is fine, but the crowd is “particularly disgusting”, so he has the spotlight focus even more on him.
Elias begins again, but brings something else up. Bring the vocals up so he can hear more Elias, less Richmond. Maybe soften the guitar, too. “I love Elias”, “Yes I do.” Okay there it is. Doing everyone’s job. Elias is so impressed with himself. But one more thing: Elias needs complete silence. Fans boo and jeer louder. Please, shut your mouths or else Elias will sit here all night. Fans continue to boo and jeer. Elias decides to leave, we go to break.
Raw returns, and Elias is still in the ring. He cooled off because he knows the fans need this song. He just wants them shut their mouths, or else he’ll leave again. The fans don’t settle down, and even chant “Leave! Leave!” But instead, out comes The Architect!
The #ICChampion is ready to #BurnItDown on his BIRTHDAY!#RAW @WWERollins pic.twitter.com/AeFjyLZiak
— WWE (@WWE) May 29, 2018
And fans chant a thank you as Seth Rollins tosses Elias’ stool out of the ring. Fans again chant “Leave! Leave!” and Elias reluctantly gives up the ring to the champion.
WWE Intercontinental Championship: Seth Rollins VS Jinder Mahal w/ Sunil Singh!
The Modern Day Maharaja may have a grudge with The Big Dog, but Roman Reigns’ fellow Shield Brother stepped up to fight Mahal alongside him. Mahal upped the aggression with chair shots, and now has himself a title match against The Kingslayer. Will Mahal check off another title? Or will #MondayNightRollins #BurnItDown on his very own birthday?
The #ModernDayMaharaja @JinderMahal has one goal tonight: becoming the #ICChampion! #RAW pic.twitter.com/rdZGOuKbrZ
— WWE (@WWE) May 29, 2018
The introductions are made, the title is raised, and the match begins. Rollins dropkicks Mahal to a corner, then fires off chops! He whips but Mahal reverses, only for Rollins to crossbody and throw hands. Mahal slips out of the ring but Rollins slingshots out onto him! Fans fire up while Rollins puts Mahal back in the ring. Singh distracts, and Mahal blasts Rollins to the barriers. The challenger gets control while we go to break.
Raw returns and Mahal has Rollins in a rear bearhug. Fans rally while Rollins endures the squeeze. Rollins reaches back and punches his way out. Rollins headbutts and lifts but Mahal slips out to slam Rollins with a back suplex. Cover, TWO, but Mahal keeps his focus. Mahal drags Rollins up into an abdominal stretch, and bends Rollins back. Rollins endures and pops out but Mahal blocks the hip toss. Rollins runs but into a kitchen sink knee! Fans jeer as Mahal stomps away on Rollins. Mahal grins and mocks the fans who praise Rollins. Mahal waits for Rollins to stand, then runs in, but into the buckle shot! Both men are down but Rollins gets himself up and to a corner. Rollins boots Mahal away, then jumps over to run, for a Slignblade! Rollins clotheslines Mahal out, then builds speed to DIVE!
HOW does he find the strength to do it every single time?!#RAW #ICTitle @WWERollins pic.twitter.com/XqQI3ntVch
— WWE (@WWE) May 29, 2018
Fans fire up for Rollins as he takes Mahal down. The referee counts, but Rollins gets Mahal up and in before 5. He boots Mahal away, then hops up, for a blockbuster! Cover, TWO, and Sunil is relieved for Mahal. Rollins gets himself back up, and fans rally behind him. Rollins runs in at Mahal, but is put on the apron. He springboards but Mahal gets under, to fireman’s carry gutbuster drop! Cover, TWO! Mahal and Sunil are furious, but Mahal keeps his focus. Mahal stalks Rollins, cobra clutch but Rollins arm-drags out! Rollins mule kicks, but Mahal dodges the stomp. Mahal scoops but Rollins slips out and rolls up, TWO, SUPERKICK! Falcon Arrow! Cover, TWO! Both men are down but fans are rallying up again. Mahal stirs, but Rollins kips right up!
Rollins fires himself up, “Burn It Down! Burn It Down!” Rollins aims at Mahal, mule kick and… Sunil tries to trip him! Mahal slips away and recovers, but the referee ejects Sunil! But Mahal uses a chair to the ribs!
DISTRACTIONS, DISTRACTIONS…
Was the ejection of Sunil @SinghBrosWWE a blessing in disguise for @JinderMahal?! #RAW #ICTitle pic.twitter.com/ZE4kWV7nRK
— WWE (@WWE) May 29, 2018
Cover, TWO!! Mahal is shocked and furious again because his cheat didn’t work. But he fires himself up while fans cheer Rollins on. Mahal grabs Rollins but Rollins PELE! Sunil returns, but gets yanked into the ring! Mahal runs in but gets a SUPERKICK, then Rollins throws Sunil in a Buckle Bomb at Mahal! All three men go down, but Rollins still has energy. Rollins spots that chair Mahal used, and grabs it for his own. Rollins enters the ring, and USES IT!
Winner: Mahal, by disqualification; Rollins retains title
Champion’s Advantage keeps the belt with Rollins, but he gets to fire off on Mahal! Mahal ends up out of the ring with that last shot, but Rollins pursues.
Well, it's still #MondayNightRollins, but @WWERollins has SNAPPED to cause the disqualification in this #ICTitle match! #RAW pic.twitter.com/uzKTTk424o
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) May 29, 2018
Rollins SMACKS Mahal up the ramp and to the stage, but Sunil helps out. Sunil gets a SMACK for his efforts, and Mahal runs away! The Architect still reigns, but is his own fight with the Maharaja only just beginning? But wait, Elias returns and BLASTS Rollins off the announce desk with his guitar!!
WHERE did @IAmEliasWWE just come from?! #RAW pic.twitter.com/qV6WpzXG3j
— WWE (@WWE) May 29, 2018
Rollins flies all the way to the ground, and Elias just glares down at him. What has Elias done?!
Raw returns as medics attend to Rollins.
Rollins is taken away on a stretcher, with a neck brace. Rollins doesn’t want to go, and gets up off the stretcher, despite everyone’s advisement. Fans cheer as Rollins stands up, but he still needs help walking to the back. Will Rollins be alright? What will the consequences be for Elias?
Nia Jax heads to the ring.
You are looking at an IRRESISTIBLE FORCE, the #RAW #WomensChampion @NiaJaxWWE! pic.twitter.com/7Mhsnj8eoh
— WWE (@WWE) May 29, 2018
The Irresistible Force that is the Raw Women’s Champion, is interrupted by Ronda Rousey!
Something tells us @NiaJaxWWE doesn't appreciate being INTERRUPTED by @RondaRousey! #RAW pic.twitter.com/wo6rlmNHbF
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) May 29, 2018
The challenger goes to commentary while the champion goes to the ring for her match. But Nia says she’s happy to see Ronda is here. Ronda gets to see what will happen to her at Money in the Bank. Nia wants her opponent to demonstrate that thing Ronda does. What’s it called? Oh yeah, the armbar. Nia lets the opponent put on an armbar, but then Nia deadlifts and POWERBOMBS her.
The "ARMBAR" doesn't exactly do much to @NiaJaxWWE… #RAW pic.twitter.com/IyKsgZHpXJ
— WWE (@WWE) May 29, 2018
Ronda admits Nia is much stronger than any opponent she’s had, but she’ll still get it on. Nia says armbars don’t do a thing to her, if Ronda can even get it on. Nia knows her opponent still has more in her, and then she picks her opponent up for a Samoan Drop! But Nia doesn’t end it there. She knows she can, but she wants Ronda to see what else she can do. Nia runs and hits the Irresistible Leg Drop! Count to ten, 20, 40, “she’s not getting up.” But Ronda has never faced something like that. If Nia wanted to, her leg could crush someone’s chest. But so can this. An Irresistible SENTON!
Ronda simply grins as Nia says her opponent needs assistance. Maybe Ronda can help her? Fans cheer “YES! YES!” but Nia tells the ref “No! No!” Ronda should be the one to help Nia’s opponent. Ronda stands up and heads to the ring. Fans cheer as Ronda enters and circles with Nia. Fans are on Ronda’s side, but Nia sees it now. That’s “the look”. It’s pretty good, but Nia isn’t so easily intimidated. “In fact, I find it quite… humorous.”
.@RondaRousey: 😡@NiaJaxWWE: 😂
🤔🤔🤔 #RAW pic.twitter.com/3KY4NRMWAu
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) May 29, 2018
Nia laughs and says it’s cute, then decides to leave. Nia is playing games now, but will she come to regret laughing at the Baddest Woman on the Planet?
Dana Brooke crunches the number.
Sasha was right that it takes luck in a Gauntlet Match. Seven women, random order, and all the different ways to lose, it would take a statistical sorceress to do the math. Luckily Dana is that woman. Can Dana find the mathematical answer to success?
The #StatisticalSorceress @DanaBrookeWWE has crunched the numbers, and she thinks she has a GOOD CHANCE of winning tonight's Last Chance #GauntletMatch! #RAW pic.twitter.com/z291NnGuOy
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) May 29, 2018
The Deleters of Worlds VS The Ascension!
UP NEXT: Your WOKEN #RAW #TagTeamChampions are in action as @MATTHARDYBRAND & @WWEBrayWyatt look to DELETE a couple of more WORLDS! pic.twitter.com/Xv2E5tGHy0
— WWE (@WWE) May 29, 2018
The WONDERFUL Raw Tag Team Champions have arrived in Richmond to DELETE the opposition! Will Konnor & Viktor bring Bray & Matt to the Wasteland? Or will they be rendered OBSOLETE?
Are @KonnorWWE & @ViktorRiseWWE prepared to take The #DELETERSofWorlds to the WASTELAND?! #RAW #TheAscension pic.twitter.com/GqDMX1KWZF
— WWE (@WWE) May 29, 2018
The bell rings and Bray starts with Viktor. They tie up, and Bray powers Viktor to a corner but Viktor foreamrs and puts on a headlock. Bray powers out, Viktor elbows Bray away, but Bray uses his spider-walk to spook Viktor. Viktor runs in but into the lariat! Bray whips Viktor and tags in Matt, who whips Bray in to splash Viktor. Matt brings Viktor down with an edge-o-matic, then says “DELETE! DELETE!” Matt hits Konnor for good measure but Viktor pounces. Viktor stomps away on Matt, then tags Konnor in. The Ascension double body shot and club Matt then kick him down. Cover, TWO, but Konnor keep son Matt with haymakers. Konnor drops the elbow, then covers, TWO. Konnor keeps Matt down with a chinlock, but Bray and fans rally for Matt.
Matt stands up and fights back, but Konnor keeps the headlock, Matt suplexes but Konnor holds the chinlock! Cover, ONE, but Konnor brings Matt up for elbows. Konnor whips Matt corner to corner, then blocks him from getting to Bray. Matt fights back but Konnor brings him down with a headlock takeover. Fans rally and Matt fights out but Konnor throws him to ropes. Matt boots Konnor back but Viktor tags in. Viktor misses, Matt tags Bray! Bray rallies, palm strikes and uppercuts to Viktor. Bray runs corner to corner but into boots, only to hit Viktor with the spinning lariat and a senton. Konnor breaks the cover but Matt comes in, Konnor lifts Matt but Matt hits the Twist of Fate! Matt then clotheslines Konnor out, Viktor rolls Bray, TWO!
Bray yurinagi slams Viktor down! Bray again uses his spider-walk, and tag to Matt. Together, they give Viktor the #KissOfDeletion! Matt covers, The Deleters win!
Winners: The Deleters of Worlds (Hardy & Wyatt), Hardy pinning
This WOKEN Yin-yang brings balance to the Raw Tag Team Division, but who will be the next up for DELETION!?
They ended the match they same way they started it… TRIUMPHANTLY!#RAW @MATTHARDYBRAND @WWEBrayWyatt pic.twitter.com/TZpm57bgWi
— WWE (@WWE) May 29, 2018
Kurt Angle meets with The B Team.
The B Team don’t see what’s so big about the celebration of The Deleters. But they get to business: they want a match for the titles. They’re undefeated and they’re ready! Yes, 2-0 against Breezango, but that’s not enough for a title match. Axel is frustrated. But Angle can’t let them leapfrog the division. So then The B Team has to get everyone’s blessing? No… Is Axel thinking what Bo is thinking? No, because he’s upset at that jerk, Angle! Angle’s still in the room, guys. Bo keeps everyone calm and says that to get their blessing, they have to give the teams something. Like an invitation to The B Team Memorial Day tag Team BBQ! Yes, that’s perfect! No, not at all… The B Team springs into action, will they succeed in earning a Raw Tag Team Championship match?
Are we about to have a #MemorialDay BBQ on #RAW?!
B-TEAM RULES! @TheBoDallas @RealCurtisAxel pic.twitter.com/sC3tVZXVRk
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) May 29, 2018
The Riott Squad speaks.
Or rather, they just enjoy tearing up the other women’s merchandise. The Squad doesn’t care about luck, odds, because they’re a “unity of mutiny.” They’re a pack, and they’ll tear the others apart. This may be a last chance, but no one gave the Squad a chance. “And we’re gonna make them all regret it.” The final spot belongs to the Squad.
Kevin Owens VS Bobby Roode!
Monday Night #RAW is absolutely GLORIOUS, because @REALBobbyRoode is in the building! pic.twitter.com/gn5G9sU9w2
— WWE (@WWE) May 29, 2018
Kurt Angle knows The GLORIOUS One heard the Prizefighter’s comments earlier in the night. Both men will be part of the Men’s Money in the Bank Ladder match, who will get a leg up on the other here tonight?
It's @FightOwensFight doing what he does best: heading into a FIGHT. #RAW pic.twitter.com/5Cw8ca0XzF
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) May 29, 2018
The bell rings and they tie up right away. Roode gets the headlock and holds on as Kevin tries to power out. Kevin elbows out then puts on his own headlock, but Roode pries his way out. Kevin throws Roode down, then puts the hold back on. The fans duel between them, but Roode fights out, only for Kevin to run him over. Things speed up, and Roode runs Kevin over in return. Roode throws hands on Kevin in a corner, then whips him corner to corner but Kevin reverses. Roode goes up and over, but Kevin escapes the DDT. Kevin throws Roode to ropes but Roode holds on to then throw Kevin out.
Roode clobbers Kevin to the apron, then slingshots over. Kevin evades then sweeps the legs! Roode hits the floor, and Kevin puts him into barriers. Kevin refreshes the count, then runs in for a CANNONBALL! The Prizefighter is in control while we go to break.
Yep, @FightOwensFight is in a MOOD tonight! #RAW pic.twitter.com/GoK74HIJdQ
— WWE (@WWE) May 29, 2018
Raw returns as Kevin clubs Roode in the ring. Kevin saws Raw is his show, then whips Roode to run him over with an elbow. Kevin goes for but misses the back senton, and now clutches his head. Roode and Kevin slowly stand, and Roode blocks punches to give punches. Kevin kicks low, then both men go to a corner. Kevin runs in but into an elbow from Roode. Roode boots Kevin away, then hops up for the GLORIOUS Blockbuster.
There goes that GLORIOUS Blockbuster by @REALBobbyRoode! #RAW pic.twitter.com/hqTv7kuVvp
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) May 29, 2018
Cover, TWO, but Roode keeps his focus. Roode stands up and runs in to clothesline Kevin in a corner, but Kevin denies the neckbreaker for a moment with the fireman’s carry. Roode slips down, neckbreaker! Cover, TWO! Roode goes to the top rope while Kevin stands. Kevin trips Roode up with a bump of the ropes! Kevin throws hands then climbs up to join Roode. Fans duel again while they brawl for control. Roode sends Kevin down, then leaps for the flying clothesline! Fans fire up with Roode as he winds it up… But Kevin escapes the ring. Roode pursues and runs Kevin over on the ramp!
Don't you walk away, @FightOwensFight!#RAW @REALBobbyRoode pic.twitter.com/HPtduhFrmq
— WWE (@WWE) May 29, 2018
Roode puts Kevin in the ring, but runs into a SUPERKICK! Cover, TWO! Kevin grows frustrated, but he keeps on Roode. He throws Rood to ropes but Roode avoids the pop up. Kevin denies the DDT with a back drop. Roode sunset flips but Kevin sits on the cover, Kevin wins!
Winner: Kevin, by pinfall
VICTORY for @FightOwensFight, but the expression doesn't say that…because HERE COMES @BraunStrowman! #RAW pic.twitter.com/DQio21lkIT
— WWE (@WWE) May 29, 2018
The Prizefighter wins, but here comes BRAUN!! Kevin’s fear returns with Strowman’s reappearance. Roode points at Kevin, this is what he gets. Kevin runs but Strowman pursues around the ring. Roode blocks Kevin’s path, and Strowman grabs Kevin! Strowman puts Kevin in the ring, and BARRELS through him! Roode is enjoying what he sees as Strowman gives Kevin a MONSTER Slam! Strowman roars and Roode celebrates, but then Strowman keeps going with a second Monster Slam. Then he grabs Roode for one of his own! Remember: It’s every man, and monster, for himself at MITB.
It doesn't matter who you are…@BraunStrowman WILL show you exactly why he's dubbing himself Mr. #MonsterInTheBank! #RAW pic.twitter.com/ZITYz1A3Wx
— WWE (@WWE) May 29, 2018
Sami Zayn heads to the ring.
It's time for @SamiZayn to apologize… LET'S GO! #RAW pic.twitter.com/NHP0L7AQns
— WWE (@WWE) May 29, 2018
The Underdog promised to bring Bobby Lashley’s three sisters to the show last week to expose the truth about the Dominator’s childhood. However, not only did he not bring Lashley’s sisters, Sami didn’t impress or amuse anyone with his idea of a comedic parody. Sami wishes to be serious as he admits nothing last week went as he hoped. He went too far and management has been gracious enough to let him apologize publicly. Sami pulls out his notes and reading glasses, and says “To the WWE Universe and the entire Lashley Family”, he knows what he did came off as something in “pour taste.” Sami’s interview was “cringe worthy” and embarrassed his own fans. Everyone asked what Sami was thinking. Even that 30 year old man being evicted from his parents’ apartment in New York thinks Sami should be ashamed.
Sami realized that he did what he promised to never do: lie. Those were obviously not the Lashely sisters. They were men that Sami hired to dress up and have fun at Lashley’s expense. Therefore, Sami wishes that both the Lashley family, the company and the fans know he… He’s sorry. However, it should be noted that what was said was true. Sami’s “art” was rooted in reality, but obviously no one here would understand that. History will look back “favorably” on that skit last week. Sami is the one doing the right thing! Sami speaks the truth about Lashley being a bully, yet he catches the flack? If anyone should be sorry, it’s everyone else feeling sorry for Sami. They should apologize to him, because he deserves better, more and to be in the MITB Ladder Match or facing Rollins for the Intercontinental Champion, instead of apologizing to Richmond.
Well, let's find out how @fightbobby has received @SamiZayn's "apology"… #RAW pic.twitter.com/wMZlkWGs4O
— WWE (@WWE) May 29, 2018
But here comes Lashley! Lashley says Memorial Day has always been a special day for his family. For any and all military families, Lashley salutes and thanks them. Fans thank Lashley with chants of “USA! USA!” But Sami, good to see you again. Lashley’s real sisters thought that was entertaining last week. But stuff like that gets old fast. Clearly there’s an issue here, so maybe they can just settle this like men, in the ring, at Money in the Bank! What does Sami think? Fans chant “YES! YES!” Sami talks big, so he should back it up and shake Lashley’s hand. Sami shakes hands with Lashley, but Sami says he’s gonna Helluva Kick Lashley’s smile right off his face.
Lashley’s smile disappears now, and he doesn’t let Sami go. Sami says that hurts, but Lashley apologizes for what he’s going to do to Sami at MITB. Lashley lets Sami go, but he won’t have to be nice to Sami at MITB. Will Sami survive his match against the Dominant One?
Mickie James speaks.
Her competition crunches numbers and hunts in packs, but she has her eye on the prize. Mickie knows what to do to get there. It’ll take more than friends, luck and guts. Mickie is not a six-time champion by accident, she knows how to seize opportunities.
She's no 6-TIME #WomensChampion by ACCIDENT.@MickieJames is ready to seize her Last Chance in the #GauntletMatch! #RAW pic.twitter.com/bzHGGaGUT9
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) May 29, 2018
Raw advertises for the Cruiserweight Championship match on tomorrow’s 205 Live.
The match is between the Soul of 205 Live and the Australian Antagonist, but it happens in the champion’s home state. Can the #AgeOfAlexander survive the Cruiserweight Juggernaut that is Buddy Murphy?
TOMORROW NIGHT: @CedricAlexander defends his @WWE #Cruiserweight Championship against @WWE_Murphy on #205Live at 10/9c on @WWENetwork! pic.twitter.com/WboNypgqqQ
— 205Live (@WWE205Live) May 29, 2018
Drew McIntyre w/ Dolph Ziggler VS Chad Gable!
UP NEXT: @DMcIntyreWWE looks to keep his momentum going when he squares off against @WWEGable on #RAW! pic.twitter.com/4Bl95jm20c
— WWE (@WWE) May 29, 2018
The Olympic Medalist lost to the Show-Off last week, but the Celtic Colossus felt the need to add on afterward. Now McIntyre and Gable have a match to see if McIntyre and Ziggler are right about today’s superstars not being hungry enough. Can Gable avoid the sweep and get a major win here tonight?
The bell rings, and Gable grabs a leg. McIntyre tosses him off but Gable comes back. Gable gets the waistlock but McIntyre elbows him away to then throw him down. McIntyre stalks Gable to a corner and unloads sharp chops. He says Gable’s not on his level, but then Gable turns it around and throws more forearms! The referee backs Gable off but McIntyre boots him down! McIntyre rains rights down on Gable, then drags Gable up and into a suplex! Cover, TWO, but McIntyre keeps on Gable with an armlock. Gable endures, then stands up, only for McIntyre to shovel him up and over. McIntyre keeps on that armlock but Gable won’t quit. Gable stands up again and fights back with body shots.
McIntyre scoops but Gable slips out. McIntyre holds ropes and elbows Gable away to then power him to a corner. He THROWS Gable overhead, then watches Gable writhe on the mat. Ziggler wants McIntyre to finish this, so McIntyre carries Gable to the top rope. Gable fights back, and McIntyre staggers down. MOONSAULT! Cover, TWO! McIntyre tosses Gable out of the ring, then pursues. Gable elbows McIntyre away, then again. Gable dodges, rolling kick rocks McIntyre. McIntyre puts Gable on the apron but Gable climbs and leaps! McIntyre catches Gable to then toss him into the post!
How much is @HEELZiggler LOVING this?!#RAW @DMcIntyreWWE pic.twitter.com/lotgGwv9p2
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) May 29, 2018
Ziggler says “that’s how it’s done!” while McIntyre puts Gable back in the ring. McIntyre takes aim at the floundering Gable, and hits the CLAYMORE! Cover, McIntyre wins.
Winner: McIntyre, by pinfall
Ziggler celebrates with McIntyre as the duo completes the sweep. The Show-Off and the Stud keep winning, will they find themselves headed for the Raw Tag Team Championships?
The B Team Memorial Day BBQ begins!
Bo and Axel have all the other tag teams of Raw with them in the ring and eating up. The Wasteland doesn’t have a spread like this, huh? It’s all the best B Team treats: baked beans; bratwurst; Bo-tato chips; Bo-logna sandwiches; and Bo Dogs! “Dig in!” And now that we’re all friends, let’s all agree that The B Team, being undefeated, should challenge Bray Wyatt & Matt Hardy. Umm, no. This bootleg backyard barbecue ain’t got no ribs, mac ‘n’ cheese, and none of this is in season. There’s no way the B Team is cutting in line. Yes? No. Yes! But Slater brings up that this is a feast. In West Virginia, this would be a Thanksgiving dinner! Rhyno’s still eating. Therefore, it’s good food. But Slater agrees, B Team ain’t cutting in line.
Fine, they don’t deserve a shot. Then they’re taking the food back. Yes, the brats, the bologna, the BEANS! All over Bo’s head. And the Bo-slaw is all over Axel! Then it’s a FOOD FIGHT! Beans, brats, dogs, bologna, it’s everywhere! And then Rhyno stops eating, to feed the fans. The B Team return to the ring, and go after the ManBeast! They clear a table and set it up, to double choke slam Rhyno through it!
All @Rhyno313 wanted to do was keep enjoying the feast, @TheBoDallas & @RealCurtisAxel! #RAW #TheBTeam pic.twitter.com/n7F5vbxyB7
— WWE (@WWE) May 29, 2018
The B Team may be undefeated at 2-0, but they’re far from #1 contenders. What will it take for them to earn a shot at the Deleters of Worlds?
The B Team go to Kurt Angle.
Bo and Axel complain about what happened during their BBQ, and demand a title match! The other teams just told them, they’re not cutting in line. Next week will be a Tag team Battle Royal, winners will face Bray & Hardy at MITB. Axel gives Angle a big messy hug, and The B Team heads out. Will Axel & Bo stay undefeated after a match against all the other teams?
Sounds like we're going to have ourselves a Tag Team #BattleRoyal NEXT WEEK on #RAW, with the winners challenging @MATTHARDYBRAND & @WWEBrayWyatt for the #RAW #TagTeamTitles…and #TheBTeam can't wait! pic.twitter.com/VmHADW7yV6
— WWE (@WWE) May 29, 2018
Women’s Money in the Bank Qualifying Gauntlet Match!
This is the #LastChance to enter the Women’s MITB, and it’ll come down to the last woman standing. First up in the match is… Bayley!
She's starting off this Last Chance #GauntletMatch, but @itsBayleyWWE ain't scared! #RAW pic.twitter.com/XcaKfy6bdU
— WWE (@WWE) May 29, 2018
How does Bayley feel about her odds since she’s starting? Regardless of the odds, Bayley never backs down and she won’t start now. Bayley apologizes to everyone else, sometimes the numbers don’t add up, and Bayley vows to be in the Ms. MITB ladder match. As for Sasha Banks, she thinks her name’s all over the contract, but Bayley wants her to take a closer look. The name on the contract reads Bayley! Her opponent: the Riott Squad’s Liv Morgan!
Bayley VS Liv Morgan!
The bell rings and the Gauntlet begins. Bayley ties up with Liv, Bayley2Belly immediately!
OUT with @YaOnlyLivvOnce as @itsBayleyWWE makes QUICK worth of one-third of The #RiottSquad, but now she has to deal with @sarahloganwwe! #RAW #GauntletMatch pic.twitter.com/AjQoB224I1
— WWE (@WWE) May 29, 2018
She ELIMINATES Liv!!
Bayley VS Sarah Logan!
The other member of The Riott Squad rushes the ring, runs at Bayley, but into a belly2belly. Sarah fights Bayley off but Bayley fights her off. Bayley hits a wrecking ball headscissors, then puts Sarah in to cover, TWO. Sarah gets to ropes but Bayley goes after her. Sarah hotshots Bayley but Bayley fights her back. Bayley whips but Sarah reverses into a suplex, cover, TWO. Ember Moon watches backstage as Sarah thrashes Bayley around. Sarah runs and hits Bayley with a sliding knee, cover, TWO. Sarah deadlifts Bayley, but Bayley wheelbarrows, and ELIMINATES Sarah! But Liv returns and the Squad gang up on Bayley. They mug the former women’s champion with knees, which leaves Bayley primed for…
Bayley VS Ruby Riott!
The Squad Leader heads to the ring while we go to break.
Raw returns and Ruby has Bayley in a chinlock. Bayley powers up and fights out, but Ruby knees low. Ruby whips Bayley but Byaley goes to the apron and forearms Ruby away. Slingshot sunset flip, TWO, and Ruby swings but ends up in a saido suplex. Both women are down while Alexa Bliss watches backstage. Bayley gets to a corner and boots Ruby away. Ruby yanks her down and hotshots the arm on the ropes. RIOTT KICK! Cover, Ruby ELIMINATES Bayley!
Ruby Riott VS Dana Brooke!
The Statistician Sorceress feels confident that she’s going this late, but Ruby is ready for her. Ruby stomps away, then puts Dana in a corner. Dnaa blocks the bump to fire off on Ruby, but the referee backs her off. Dana whips Ruby corner to corner, then handsprings for the back elbow. She drags Ruby up for a lariat! Cover, TWO, but Dana keeps on Ruby. She whips Ruby, but RIOTT KICK! Cover, Ruby ELIMINATES Dana!
Ruby Riott VS Mickie James!
Out goes @DanaBrookeWWE, IN comes the hometown hero @MickieJames!
Can she knock out @RubyRiottWWE?! #RAW #GauntletMatch pic.twitter.com/isqts7QiyI
— WWE (@WWE) May 29, 2018
The Wonder Woman of Richmond is ready! She drags Ruby out to then kick her in the ribs. She puts Ruby back in the ring but Ruby slips out the side. Mickie goes to the apron and LEAPS for the seated senton! Fans fire up with Mickie as she puts Ruby in the ring again. Mickie covers, TWO! Mickie keeps focus as she puts Ruby in a corner. Ruby hits back, then kicks Mickie. Ruby throws hands while fans chant “R V A!” Mickie elbows Ruby away, then hits the Mick-canrana! Dropkick on top, Mickie covers, TWO! Ruby gets out but Mickie baseball slides her down while we go to break.
Raw returns one last time as Ruby shoves Mickie. Mickie dodges and rallies on Ruby with lariats. Mickie waits for Ruby to stand, and hits the back kick. She whips Ruby but Rub reverses, only for Mickie to reverse back into a flapjack! Mickie kips up and the fans fire up! Mickie climbs up, and leaps at Ruby for the seated senton. Cover, TWO! Fans cheer for Mickie as she gets up and waits for Ruby again. Ruby dodges the Mick Kick but Mickie dodges the Riott Kick to jackknife cover. TWO, but Mickie goes for the DDT. Ruby rolls her up, has tights, and ELIMINATES Mickie!
Ruby Riott VS Sasha Banks!
The dream comes to an end for @MickieJames at the hands of @RubyRiottWWE, and here comes THE BOSS @SashaBanksWWE! #RAW #GauntletMatch pic.twitter.com/ZyIg78BjLA
— WWE (@WWE) May 29, 2018
The Legit Boss is lucky number 7, but Ruby is ready. Ruby runs into the crucifix pin, TWO, backslide, TWO. Sasha whips but Ruby reverses. Sasha goes up and over and rolls up, TWO, flying crossbody! TWO, but Sasha keeps on Ruby with an armlock. Ruby fights up and pulls hair. She stomps a foot then shoves, but Sasha comes back to tilt-o-whirl into a takedown! Ruby gets to ropes, it hot shots Sasha, then Complete Shot! Cover, TWO! Sasha gets to a corner but Ruby is on her with mudhole stomps. Ruby backs off and waits for Sasha to stand. She toys with Sasha, but Sasha slaps her back. Ruby bounces Sasha’s face off the mat, then covers, TWO. Ruby grows frustrated but bumps Sasha off buckles. Natalya watches backstage as Ruby chops Sasha. Sasha hits back, then drags Ruby into buckles.
Sasha runs back in but is put on the apron. She stuns Ruby with a knee, then flies with Meteora knees! Cover, TWO, and both women slowly stand. Ruby dodges in the corner, then goes for Deadly Nightshade, but Sasha throws her off. Sasha wants the backstabber, but Ruby holds ropes. Ruby elbows Sasha away, then yanks Sasha into ropes. Ruby runs up and rebounds into a DDT! Cover, TWO, and Ruby is frustrated. Ruby mule kicks, covers, TWO! Her rage boils up but Ruby keeps on Sasha. Ruby brings Sasha to a corner and hoists her up to the top rope. She climbs up to join Sasha while fans cheer Sasha on. Sasha resists and fights back, elbowing Ruby in the head. Sasha adjusts, tucks Ruby in, for a knee! Then POWERBOMB!
Absolutely THUNDEROUS. #RAW #GauntletMatch @SashaBanksWWE pic.twitter.com/zUg4uFe3Dr
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) May 29, 2018
Cover, TWO! INTO Bank Statement! The Squad tries to save Ruby but they get kicked away. Ruby rolls Sasha, TWO, Bank Statement again! Ruby taps, Sasha wins!
Winner: Sasha, by submission; qualifies for the Women’s MITB Ladder Match
The Boss is in the Bank! Sasha had luck on her side, but now she has to use her skill and guts against Natalya, Ember Moon, Alexa Bliss, Lana, Charlotte Flair, Naomi & Becky Lynch. Will Sasha be the second-ever Ms. MITB?
SHE'S DONE IT! @SashaBanksWWE has her eyes on the prize as she becomes the final woman to qualify for the #MITB #LadderMatch on #RAW! pic.twitter.com/0sIsMUhIA3
— WWE (@WWE) May 29, 2018
My Thoughts:
Tonight’s Raw wasn’t awful, but it wasn’t great. It was just “good”. Opening with Strowman and Finn was good, and they were on pace to match last week’s main event, but I suppose it makes some sense for Kevin to interfere. In kayfabe, he doesn’t want either of them looking better than him before MITB. In booking, it keeps Finn and Strowman where they are as no one won or lost. Of course, Kevin faced the consequences as he barely beats Roode to then get wrecked by Strowman. Of course, Roode got wrecked, too, so Strowman is still the strongest entrant from Raw and even overall. It’ll take a lot for anyone else to win against him in the ladder match, and even more to get fans to go with it since Strowman is one of, if not the most over act, on the main roster.
The Intercontinental Championship match was great, and it was rather interesting for it to finish with the DQ. Elias being thrown into the mix must mean at least Elias VS Rollins at MITB. At most, it could end up morphing MITB into a Fatal 4 Way where Mahal and Roman join in. Roman was oddly absent tonight, but most fans will take that as a plus. I actually liked the Nia-Ronda segment where it was an “exhibition” and not a match. Nia uses the squashing of someone to actually make a point, even if Ronda doesn’t take it seriously. I still wish this wasn’t happening already, but what’s done is done. Sami’s “apology” was of course going to be halfhearted, but at least now we get a Sami VS Lashley. And I guess we’ll be getting Deleters VS B Team, though I still want Bo Wyatt to be a thing.
Gable VS McIntyre wasn’t quite equal with Gable VS Ziggler, but perhaps that’s to make a point about McIntyre’s power. This could easily lead to Jordan returning and them reuniting, but I oddly hope it doesn’t. Gable and Jordan need to be given chances as singles wrestlers. All the women gave good promos for the Gauntlet, I just wish WWE did something different with the Gauntlet. First, rearrange things. Sasha winning as seventh isn’t as awesome as her and Bayley starting, grinding it out and leaving the winner tired as they take on Dana, Mickie and the Squad. Second, I wouldn’t have had Sasha win, it’d be Ruby. The MITB has one true Heel now in Alexa Bliss. Granted, it’d mean The Squad shows up and helps her win, but isn’t that what Heels do? Plus, whether it’s Nia or Ronda, Ms. MITB wouldn’t do well cashing in without help.
My Score: 8/10
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Everyone is showing raw emotion!
The New Day’s no longer positive, Drew McIntyre’s back for revenge, and Rhea Ripley battles Raquel Rodriguez, all on one Monday Night Raw!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- 8 Man Tag: The Miz & The Final Testament VS The Wyatt Sick6; The Miz & Final Testament win.
- Dakota Kai VS Liv Morgan; Liv wins.
- WWE Women’s Intercontinental Championship Tournament Opening Round Triple Threat: Lyra Valkyria VS Zelina Vega VS Ivy Nile; Lyra wins and advances to the next round.
- Anything Goes: Rhea Ripley VS Raquel Rodriguez; Rhea wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
The New Day arrives backstage.
Xavier Woods wants high-fives, but no one is accepting. Kofi Kingston says hey to Natalya & The Alpha Academy, but they don’t return it. Their verbal shaming of Big E isn’t sitting well with anyone, will Woods & Kofi figure out who’s really in the wrong here?
Gunther is here!
Wichita, Kansas is a little torn as Der Ring General heads to the ring, dressed rather casually compared to other times, but he seems to have gotten over those multiple Coup de Grace double stomps from last week. Gunther grabs a mic, smiles as the fans both cheer and jeer, and he says, “As everybody has seen, quite obviously Finn Balor has made a grave mistake. And whether he deserves it or not, he now has my undivided attention. And I guarantee you right now, Saturday Night’s Main Event will not end up like Survivor Series for me.” But before he can continue, The Prince makes his way out here!
Finn, accompanied by The Judgment Day, also gets a mixed reaction from Wichita. But Finn tells Gunther that Gunther could’ve just given him the title match like he deserved. But instead, Gunther tried to mess with Finn by giving it to someone who didn’t deserve it, like Dirty Dom. The fans boo more but Finn says let’s be real! Finn is the only reason Gunther is still World Heavyweight Champion! And hearing what he said, Gunther is right about one thing: SNME will be NOTHING like Survivor Series. Because at Survivor Series, Gunther retained the title thanks to Finn. And at SNME, Gunther loses the title because of Finn!
And after eight long YEARS, Finn Balor walks out as the NEW World Heavyweight Champion! The Judgment Day applauds but the fans boo. Gunther tells Finn he’ll set one thing straight: Finn did NOT earn his title match. Finn’s audacity of claiming any responsibility of GUNTHER being champion is what did it. But Gunther gets it, Finn is frustrated. Eight years ago, Finn was the first-ever Universal Champion. And at that point in Gunther’s career, he looked up to Finn. Gunther respected Finn. But over the time, that respect kept fading and fading. Not because Gunther chose to, but because Finn chose to cut corners.
Finn chose to take shortcuts! Finn chose to hang out with a bunch of weirdos in a clubhouse! The fans cheer that but Gunther also adds that Finn chose to play second fiddle to Damian Priest. Finn gets heated, JD McDonagh keeps him back, and Gunther says, “So here we are now. Standing across from each other with no respect left. And I figuratively and literally am looking down on you. Eight years ago, you were the best in the world… for one night. I am the best in the world RIGHT NOW and for THOUSANDS of days to come! And this title proves it!!” The fans do cheer that.
Gunther tells Finn there is one reason he won’t leave Saturday as World Heavyweight Champion: Finn is NOT on Gunther’s level, and he never will be! Finn chuckles, and then The Judgment Day storms up to the ring! Gunther stands his ground, but here comes Damian Priest! Finn and his boys are shocked that The Punisher is storming down the ramp! Priest DOUBLE LARIATS JD & Carlito, KICKS and THROWS Dom aside, then fires hands on Finn! The fans fire up as Priest then THROWS Carlito down, then gives JD SNAKE EYES off railing! Finn goes after Priest now, and he sends Priest at the ring. Priest stops himself and fires hands on Finn
Priest puts Finn in the ring, and Gunther is there to CHOP him down! Priest SUPERKICKS Finn out of the ring! But then Gunther LARIATS Priest! The fans are torn as Gunther rains down fists on Priest, the guy who tried to help him! Gunther says he does not need help, and he TOSSES Priest out! Gunther storms out, clears off the desk, and now the fans are really fired up! Gunther brings Priest over, but Finn SLINGBLADES Gunther down! The Prince ends up saving Priest and he DROPKICKS Gunther into steel steps! But then Finn SMACKS Priest off the desk! Finn puts Priest in, climbs a corner, just to COUP DE GRACE Gunther!!
Judgment Day rushes Priest but he TOSSES Dom, throws JD into Carlito, then gives JD a FLAPJACK! SUPERKICK for Carlito! Dom throws hands, but Pries tis just pissed. Finn CLOBBERS Gunther on the outside, then hurries into the ring to save Dom! FINAL CUT! The Judgment Day mugs Priest now while fans boo. The boys set Priest up and Finn runs in, SHOTGUN! Priest hits buckles and falls! Judgment Day mugs Priest more while Finn goes up! COUP DE GRACE for Priest!! Finn wants more, his boys set Priest back up, COUP DE GRACE!! The fans boo even harder, but Finn wants another! Finn hits a third COUP DE GRACE on Priest!!
Wichita boos but Finn eyes the world title. Finn grins as he picks it up. Will Finn be a DOUBLE CHAMPION after Saturday Night’s Main Event? Or can Der Ring General stand against all of Judgment Day?
Judgment Day regroups backstage.
They’re all very excited after taking Gunther and Priest at the same time, and in steps Adam Pearce. He has to hand it to them. Another Monday, another night Judgment Day is causing chaos. But he is here as a courtesy to Finn. Pearce spoke with Gunther, and that conversation has brought about a change to Saturday Night’s Main Event. Huh? It will be Gunther VS Finn… VS PRIEST!! Finn is furious but then he says fine. Because it’ll make it even more satisfying when Finn beats both Gunther and Priest to become the NEW World Heavyweight Champion! The Judgment Day agrees, but Pearce has something else to say.
Since Finn is so worried about the other champions, here’s an opportunity to lead by example. Next week on Raw, Finn & JD will face the War Raiders again, for the tag titles again, and the best part? The rest of Judgment Day is BANNED FROM RINGSIDE! Pearce leaves, Judgment Day is furious, but the Liv says Finn should relax. He’s got everything under control. Though, she was wondering if Finn’s got any advice for Raquel’s match tonight. They wanna listen to Finn so they’ll win. Finn says yeah, Sis, just give him a couple minutes. Finn heads out, JD follows, and Liv says she feels good about tonight. Will Judgment Day be (not) fine?
8 Man Tag: The Miz & The Final Testament VS The Wyatt Sick6!
The Hollywood A-Lister’s sins came back to haunt him, but he aligned himself with men who are without conscience. But will any of them be conscious after facing Uncle Howdy and the new Wyatt Family? Or will Kross make Bo Dallas #FallAndPray?
The fans fire up for the Wyatts, and Bo talks to the rocking chair to say this is for the family. Then with a “Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah~!” Bo and the Wyatts rush the ring! The fans fire up as the brawl is on and the bell rings! Lumis scares Miz and slithers after him while Gacy has Akam, Rowan has Rezar and Bo of course goes after Kross! The Wyatts manage to LARIAT the AOP up and out of the ring, then Bo CLOBBERS Kross! Bo clinches but Miz drags Kross out to safety! The Final Testament regroups while Raw goes to break.
Raw returns and Akam has Gacy down. The fans boo, Miz soaks it up, and Rezar tags in. AOP double whip to DOUBLE SPINEBUSTER! Cover, TWO! The fans rally but Rezar DRIBBLES Gacy’s face off the mat! Rezar then drags Gacy up, fires body shots, then talks trash. Rezar whips Gacy but Gacy BLASTS Kross! Gacy BOOTS Rezar, heads for his corner, but Rezar whips! But Gacy handsprings and comes back from THE UPSIDE-DOWN! The fans fire up while both men crawl, hot tags to Miz and Rowan! Big Red, the Ramblin’ Rabbit, rallies on Miz AND Akam! Then LARIAT in the corner for Miz, LARIAT in the corner for Akam!
Rowan runs back at Miz, but Miz BOOTS him! Miz runs but Rowan grabs him and TOSSES him! Miz lands hard out by Akam, and Rowan builds speed!? Rowan WRECKS Akam and Miz with a dropkick! The fans fire up as Rowan puts Miz in, and he BOOTS Akam! The fans fire up and Rowan slides in. Miz KICKS Rowan, but that just pisses Rowan off! Rowan suplexes for the CUTTER! Cover, AOP breaks it! AOP BLAST The Wyatts, then they hoist Rowan up! DOUBLE POWERBOMB!! But Gacy & Lumis get in to fire hands! They dodge, DROPKICK and SUPERKICK in stereo! Then Lumis whips Gacy so he can DIVE onto AOP!
Lumis goes up, Gacy sets AOP for the CANNONBALL! All four men are down and Miz is freaking out! Rowan crawls, hot tag to Howdy! Bo CLOBBERS Miz, then LARIATS in a corner! Bo reels Miz in, suplexes, and puts Miz on ropes for the MAGIC SCREW! The fans are thunderous and Bo waits on Miz. Miz rises up, scrambles to ropes, and he throws an elbow! Kross tags in, but Bo ROCKS Kross first! Bo LARIATS Kross up and out! The fans fire up for Bo, he builds speed, but Scarlett trips him up! The fans boo as the Femme Fatale gets away with that one. Or does she? NIKKI CRSS creeps out from nowhere, and she creeps Scarlett out!
Nikki waves, Scarlett runs away but into the ring! The ref tells her to get out, which she does, but Nikki is there on the other side! FLYING THESZ PRESS! Bo clinches Kross, but Miz CLOBBERS him! The fans boo but Miz thinks he’s got him> Bo GRABS Miz with the MANDIBLE CLAW!! Miz flails desperately, but PAUL ELLERING is back! POCKET SAND!! Kross scoops Bo for the FINAL PRAYER! Cover, Final Testament wins!
Winners: The Final Testament, by pinfall
That mastermind, Ellering, returns when Kross needed him most! But is this only the first battle in a war with the Wyatts?
Sit-down interview with CM Punk.
Jackie Redmond is with the Second City Saint and thanks him for taking the time. He thanks her for inviting him, he appreciates it. Punk then teases if she’s going to belittle his Chicago Blackhawks, she’s in for a fight. Jackie says no, she’ll be asking something much more important. It is all anyone’s talking about, anyway: the promised favor from Paul Heyman! What is it? Can he hint anything about it? No, this isn’t the right time for that. That’s a personal thing. Punk and Heyman go back many years, the favor is between them.
Jackie accepts that and then asks about Seth Rollins. Last week, Punk let Rollins know that Punk doesn’t think about Rollins at all, but Rollins made it clear that he has his sights set on Punk. Rollins is willing to force the issue, so how will Punk handle it? Punk says it is no secret that he doesn’t shy away from a fight. If you go after him, he’ll start swinging. But when it comes to Rollins’ hatred for Punk, Punk is more confused than anything. Punk doesn’t hate Rollins. To understand, you have to talk about the history between them, which also goes back years.
We’re talking about a 16-year-old Seth Rollins coming to Punk to ask Punk to train him, for free. Now, that’s the key part everyone leaves out. Rollins’ entitlement gets carried over into adult Rollins, who wants to be the best in the world, in everyone’s Top Ten List. But Punk remembers when Rollins was on the top ten list of those to be fired from here. Punk “shielded” Rollins from that. If Punk had to live in his shadow, Punk would hate Punk, too. Rollins is a multiple time world champion, a Mr. Money in the Bank winner, but everything he’s done, Punk did before and did it better.
Now, Punk doesn’t claim to do those things because he wanted a thank you. He did recognize Rollins had all the potential in the world. And in Punk’s absence from the WWE, Rollins did a fantastic job filling to void. But simply put, the starting player is back, Rollins has to go back to the bench. Jackie appreciates the honesty, and thanks Punk for his time. But is Punk really telling the truth that he doesn’t hate Rollins with how he just talked down about him? Will Rollins’ hate for Punk only grow exponentially now?
Dakota Kai VS Liv Morgan!
#CobraKai is already into the second round of the WWE Women’s Intercontinental Championship tournament, but she could capture a golden ticket off of the Women’s WORLD Champion here in Wichita. Will Damage CTRL be doing damage to Judgment Day for the holidays? Or will Liv simply use Kai to prepare for Iyo Sky?
The bell rings, Liv runs up and the two tie up. Dakota headlocks, but Liv pulls hair to get free! Liv shoves, drops down, but Dakota stops herself. Dakota bypasses Liv, then hurdles. Liv jumps over, comes back, but Dakota arm-drags her around and around! Dakota snapmares Liv to then NECK SNAPPER! Jackknife bridge, TWO!! Liv escapes and scurries away to a corner. Dakota runs up but Liv TOSSES her up and out! Dakota SMACKS off steps before hitting the floor, and Liv grins while Raw goes to break.
Raw returns and Liv SLAMS Dakota down! Dakota writhes but Liv kicks her around. Wait, Pure Fusion Collective make their way out here? They must be upset on Shayna Baszler’s behalf for how Dakota won that Triple Threat. Anyway, Liv hits a snap suplex, then rolls, that was Una Amiga! Now she hits Dos Amigas! And then Liv gives some Latina Heat for Daddy Dom, but Dakota hits a suplex first! The fans fire up while Liv flounders away. Liv runs back up but Dakota ROCKS her first! And again, and again, and again! Liv shoves Dakota, but Dakota LARIATS! And LARIATS! Then DROPKICKS! The fans fire up with Dakota as she goes after Liv!
Dakota whips Liv corner to corner hard, and Liv sits down! Dakota then runs side to side to BOOT WASH! Liv flounders to the apron but Dakota puts her in ropes, DRAPING STOMP! Cover, TWO! Liv survives and now Dakota notices PFC. They wave mockingly and also mockingly coach her. Dakota fireman’s carries Liv, but Liv slips free to shove! Dakota comes back with a SCORPION KICK! Dakota runs, Zoey is there, so Dakota BOOTS her! And PERNALTY KICKS Shayna! The ref tells PFC to back up, but Liv runs up! Dakota avoids ObLivion, rolls Liv up, TWO! Liv dodges a kick to hit a CODE BREAKER!
Dakota staggers to a corner, Liv runs up, SHINING WIZARD! Liv kicks Dakota out, then goes up, FLYING- POWERBOMB!! The fans fire up but Sonya gets on the apron! Dakota BOOTS her down! Dakota runs Around the World, but Liv dodges the boot! Dakota hobbles, Liv runs up, OBLIVION!! Cover, Liv wins!
Winner: Liv Morgan, by pinfall
The Women’s World Champion snatches her belt and leaves, but PFC goes after Dakota! They really ARE upset over last week’s Triple Threat! They mug Dakota, then drag her up. But wait, here comes DMG CTRL! Iyo Sky RAMS Shayna, Kairi drags Sonya out! URAKEN for Sonya! Zoey & Shayna dodge the handspring, but Iyo comes back to DOUBLE SHOTGUN! Iyo kips up while Wichita fires up, and Kairi joins in! Iyo gives Kairi a hand to go up, up and AWAY! TRIPLE CROSSBODY!! PFC goes down, the fans fire up more, but then Iyo turns around into OBLIVION!! Liv gets the final shot on the Evil Genius, will this be how things go at Saturday Night’s Main Event?
Drew McIntyre speaks.
“Hell in a Cell was the most violent match of my 24-year career. And in the end, I succumbed to massive blood loss. I could’ve been at Raw post Bad Blood, against doctor’s orders. I proved time and time again The Scottish Warrior isn’t just a catchy nickname, it is earned. But I had to go back to Scotland. My family needed me. 2024 should’ve been a career year for Drew McIntyre, but time and time again, I kept getting screwed over at the finish line. While I was home in Scotland, that same thought kept going through my head, burning in my brain. ‘What if I’m wrong? What if everyone else was right? What if people truly can change? What if my gut was wrong?’
“Then I turned on Survivor Series and I saw Roman Reigns standing side by side with CM Punk. Who was by their side? Sami, Jimmy, Jey, with their stupid fingers in the air. After everything they know, Roman just snaps his fingers, they put their tails between their legs, they run right by his side? At least CM Punk took a bribe! They all sold out for absolutely nothing. That’s when it was clear, that’s when I knew I had to come back. That’s when I knew I was gonna take out Sami. That’s when I knew I was gonna take out Jey Uso. Spending time back home, I realized there’s no changing the past, no matter how much I want to.
“But I can change the present. And I will change the future.” The Scottish Terminator has new targets, or perhaps old depending on how you look at it. But will there be no running for Jey and Sami now that McIntyre’s making it his mission to destroy them?
Adam Pearce exits his office, with Cody Rhodes!
The Raw General Manager shakes hands with the Undisputed WWE Champion, and then The New Day walk by. They see the American Nightmare, and Cody says he’s known them both for a very long time. Cody and Woods have even known each other since they were kids. Cody says they should be ashamed of themselves. Woods laughs that off and says good coming from that guy, like he was so good in high school. The New Day continues on, who else will the find disapproves of this new attitude?
Seth Rollins is here!
Wichita sings for The Visionary, “WHOA~ OH~ OHH~!” while he goes to the ring. Rollins grabs a mic and welcomes Wichita to Monday Night Rollins~! And he is your host tonight! He is a Visionary, he is a Revolutionary, he IS Seth FREAKIN’ Rollins! And there’s a lot to talk about tonight. Wichita, give it up for CM Punk, huh? The fans are torn but Rollins tells “Punker,” when you’re done in the ring, Punk can be a politician! That right there earlier tonight, that was a master class in how to spin the truth. Take a little bit of the truth, play the victim, and Punk’s been doing that his entire life!
Rollins says Punk is a fraud, a conman, and Rollins will share the truth between them. Punk was right, Rollins did go to get trained by The Best in the World, no doubt about it. Rollins looked up to Punk, idolized him, and Punk helped Rollins get his foot in the door here in the WWE. Rollins respected Punk, and they were once friends. And if the story ended there, you might wonder, too: Why does Rollins hate Punk? The part of Punk’s story that he left out will tell you why. When Punk walked out the door of WWE eleven years ago, Rollins called and texted as a friend and how he respected what Punk stood for.
What’d Rollins get in return? Nothing! Rollins got ghosted! And not just Rollins, it was everyone who was a friend of Punk’s here in WWE! Because if you didn’t quit your dream job, and your priorities didn’t line up with Team CM Punk, then you were evil. And if the story ended there, okay. But that’s not what happened! Because for the next ten years, all Punk ever tried to do was tear WWE down! That’s all he did! Punk talked crap, took pot shots, and when Punk finally walked back in here, do you know why that was? Because Punk FAILED at everything else, burned every single bridge that would lead him to water, and… the money was right.
The fans are still torn, but plenty of fans still chant “CM PUNK! CM PUNK!” Rollins says yeah, once upon a time, he used to chant for Punk, too. He used to respect Punk, used to want to be just like Punk, follow in his footsteps. But somewhere along the way, Rollins realized Punk was a fraud and that he wanted to be BETTER than Punk! And Rollins was! Everything Punk did, Rollins did it TWICE! And he did the one thing Punk could never do, and that was main event WrestleMania! But wait, here comes Sami Zayn! Rollins tells Sami to stay outta this but the fans cheer Sami on as he goes right down to the ring.
Sami steps in with a mic in hand, and Rollins says if Sami is out here to defend Punk again, then they’re gonna be fighting again. Rollins does not wanna hear it, he has no time for it. Sami says last week, Rollins was angry, Sami was angry, they said some things and had it out in the ring. That’s bound to happen when they’ve known each other for as long as they have. But it was wrong of Sami to assume Rollins dropped Jey. Sami’s known Rollins long enough so he was wrong, and for that, he is sorry. The fans cheer the apology, and Rollins says he is glad Sami brought that up.
Because the thing that’s been eating Rollins up is, as far back as they go, 20 YEARS, and their kids play together, they’re tight! But when Jey went down, Rollins was the first person Sami thought of! And Rollins wants to know why. Well there is a reason! The way Rollins was talking, he was outta his mind! No, go back and watch. Rollins wasn’t talking like Rollins, he wasn’t like the guy Sami’s known those 20 years. Rollins was being someone who points his fingers at everyone else, that blames everyone else, and acts like they’re the only person with moral clarity. He wasn’t being Seth Rollins, he was being Drew McIntyre!
Rollins stares Sami down and says, “I am not Drew McIntyre.” Sami says he knows that, because Rollins is a better person. But this thing with Rollins and Punk, it is bringing out the worst in Rollins. And maybe Sami shouldn’t have gotten involved. Sami saw a guy he’s known forever and a guy he’d just gone to war with, they were fighting, and Sami got involved when he shouldn’t have. That is why he is here. Sami has to tell Rollins that this thing with Punk is worse than Sami thought possible, so Sami will let Rollins deal with it however he wants. Rollins thanks Sami for that, that is all Rollins has wanted.
Okay, so what about them? Are Sami and Rollins good? The fans chant “HUG IT OUT! HUG IT OUT!” Rollins says, “Yeah, Sami, we’re good, man.” Rollins appreciates Sami letting him handle things with Punk, and notes it seems Sami has something with Drew. Rollins heads out, and Sami says yeah, that’s good advice. Sami will handle things with Drew! Sami says this thing with Drew, they won’t run it back like before. Sami won’t listen to Drew coming out here, week after week, talking about everyone else is wrong and he is wrong and is some martyr. Sami’s gonna end this as quickly as it started, so this is how it goes!
Sami has already spoken with Adam Pearce. The fans cheer that! Sami says Saturday Night’s Main Event, Sami VS Drew, and Sami will see Drew in Long Island!! The fans fire up as SNME just gets that much bigger. Sami heads out, but then McIntyre CLOBBERS Sami on the stage!! The fans boo, producers and refs rush out, and they have to drag McIntyre off of Sami. McIntyre grins and says okay, he’s done with Sami, for now. Will McIntyre put Sami out of action like he did to Jey last week? Or can Sami stop the Scottish Terminator before he gets started?
WWE Women’s Intercontinental Championship Tournament Opening Round Triple Threat: Lyra Valkyria VS Zelina Vega VS Ivy Nile!
Another spot in the semifinals awaits, and we’ll see The Morrigan, La Muneca & The Diamond Pitbull battle it out! Will Lyra fly on to the second round? Will the LWO have the Queen of the Ring representing them? Or will this tournament soon be American Made?
The bell rings and Zelina SHOTGUNS Ivy! Lyra rolls Zelina, TWO! Zelina and Lyra clinch, Lyra whips, but Zelina leaps to FACE SMASH! Then BASEMENT HEEL KCIK! The fans fire up and Zelina dials it up, 619! Lyra flops back but Ivy YANKS Zelina down! Ivy runs up, whips Lyra, then tilt-o-whirl POWERSLAMS! Cover, TWO! Ivy stomps away on Lyra, then stands on her face! The fans boo and the ref reprimands while Raw goes to break
Raw returns and Lyra rallies the fans before she builds speed. Lyra WRECKS Ivy and Zelina with one dropkick! Lyra puts Ivy in, brings her around, and then runs up a corner! TORNADO DDT! Then a roll through to fisherman and BUSTER! Cover, TWO! Ivy stays in this but Lyra stays on Ivy. Lyra fireman’s carries, but Ivy fights around to an ARMBAR TAKEDOWN! Ivy clasps hands and fights around, and she rolls back, but into a DISARM-HER! Ivy references The Man but Lyra rolls Ivy, TWO! Ivy lets go and runs up, but Lyra sunset flips! ONE, and Ivy jackknife bridges! ONE as Lyra rolls and rolls, but Zelina is up top! SWANTON BOMB!!
Zelina covers Ivy, TWO!! A cover on Lyra, TWO!! Zelina is annoyed but she builds speed to SLIDING SUNSET BOMB! A shoutout to Rey Mysterio and Zelina hurries up top. Zelina climbs up and the fans rally for the FLYING METEORA! Cover, Ivy BOOTS it apart! The fans boo but Ivy throws Zelina to a corner. Zelina BOOTS Ivy, goes up, and CROSSBODIES! Ivy catches Zelina for a SWINGING SIDE SLAM! Cover, Lyra breaks it! The fans fire up and all three women are down! The fans rally, Ivy drags Lyra up to waistlock, GERMAN SUPLEX! Ivy holds on, Lyra scrambles around, and Lyra grabs Zelina! Ivy DOUBLE GERMAN SUPLEXES!
Bridging cover on Lyra, TWO!! Lyra stays in this but Ivy stays on her! Lyra fights #SuplexIvy to switch, but Ivy switches for a BIG back suplex! Cover, TWO! Lyra stays in this, but Zelina hops on! CODE RED for Ivy! Cover, Lyra breaks it again! Lyra hurries to get Ivy up, fireman’s carries, and hits the NIGHTWING DRIVER! Cover, LYRA WINS!
Winner: Lyra Valkyria, by pinfall (advances to the next round)
The Morrigan finds her opening, and now she’s flying back to a “shiny shiny!” But the next match will have Alba Fyre VS Kairi Sane VS Natalya, who wins that Triple Threat to meet Lyra in the semifinals?
Rhea Ripley prepares backstage.
Priest finds her, and he simply tells her, “Eradicate.” They fist bump and Priest heads out. Will Rhea do exactly that when she and Raquel Rodriguez go Anything Goes?
Backstage interview with The New Day.
Cathy Kelley is with Woods & Kofi and brings up last week’s celebration becoming anything but “don’t you dare be sour,” the very phrase they coined ten years ago. What was the intention behind them berating their longtime friend, Big E? Kofi says hold on, she is supposed to be neutral, why is she asking a question like that? Woods says Cathy is cleary biased, so they’re going to go talk to the people they need to, and that’s the fans. Can’t he just answer the question? Woods says no, Cathy, please. Now hand Woods the camera. What? Woods doesn’t care if John Cena’s his best friend, the cameraman is gonna hand it over!
Woods takes the camera from this guy, then he and Kofi head on through the backstage area and towards gorilla. The fans can be heard booing as they do, and The New Day make their entrance without music or fanfare. The fans instead chant “NEW! DAY SUCKS! NEW! DAY SUCKS!” Woods asks, “What’d we do?” Kofi and Woods go into the ring, we get a different camera perspective while they get mics. Kofi says no no no no no, but the fans just boo more. “You mean to tell me… after the ten years of positivity that Woods and I have given you, you mean to tell me you’re this mad, all from one day?”
The fans boo and give thumbs down, but Woods says that New Day came out here… The fans chant “We Want Big E! We Want Big E!” and “NEW! DAY SUCKS! NEW! DAY SUCKS!” Woods says they didn’t even do anything to Big E! The fans boo because yes they did! Kofi says they could’ve hit Big E with a steel chair! They could’ve hit him with a sledgehammer! The fans chant for Big E more, and Woods says, “Y’know what? We were gonna try to come out here and talk…” The fans boo more so New Day just gives up and drops their mics. New Day leaves, acting like they’re somehow NOT in the wrong, but will someone get it through their heads what they did?
Anything Goes: Rhea Ripley VS Raquel Rodriguez!
After weeks of being this close to getting even with Liv Morgan, and yet being so far from revenge because of Big Mami Cool, these two finally have it out 1v1! No disqualifications, no count outs, no holding these two back from what they really wanna do to each other! Who will be the Top Mami after tonight?
Raw returns and Raquel makes her entrance. But Rhea goes after her at the ramp! Rhea fires hands, then she whips Raquel into barriers! The fans fire up as this match is happening in front of them, and Raquel sends Rhea into the railing! And then the barriers! Then she CLUBS away! Rhea hits back, they brawl, and Rhea SMACKS Raquel off a trash can! The fans fire up but Rhea has them move aside. Rhea makes Raquel take a seat so she can CHOP and CHOP and CHOP! Rhea then runs and TOSSES Raquel over the barriers! We’re finally ringside and Rhea CHUCKS a trash can at Raquel! The trash flies everywhere while Rhea storms up on Raquel.
Rhea puts Raquel in the ring, where a lot of items are already waiting! Rhea gathered those during commercial it seems, and Rhea hits a FACE SMASH then LARAIT! Raquel stays up, so Rhea SMACKS her with a kendo stick! Raquel falls, and Rhea SMACKS her again! Raquel grabs the stick, throws Rhea to a corner, but Rhea BOOTS in return! Rhea goes up, up and MISSILE DROPKICKS! Down goes Raquel and the fans fire up! Raquel tumbles out, Rhea builds speed and WRECKS her with a dropkick! The fans fire up with Rhea, and she looks under the ring. Rhea brings out a TABLE! The fans love it!
But then Raquel RAMS Rhea into the post! Raquel scoops Rhea, to FALL AWAY SLAM her onto the desk! Rhea tumbles, Wade Barrett & Joe Tessitore get clear, and Raquel roars while Raw goes to break.
Raw returns again and Rhea DOUBLE BOOTS Raquel! Both women are down and Wichita fires up! Rhea and Raquel rise, Rhea wrenches Raquel to short arm LARIAT! And then ROUNDHOUSE! Rhea grabs a chair, tosses it to Raquel, then DROPKICKS the chair into her! The fans fire up and Rhea runs, but into a KNEE! Raquel hoists Rhea up, ALLEY-OOP into buckles! Cover, TWO! Rhea stays in this but Raquel is furious! Fans want tables but Raquel sets up a chair. Raquel gut wrenches Rhea but Rhea slips free! Rhea gets around, and atomic FACEBUSTERS Raquel off the chair! Then Rhea SMACKS Raquel with another chair! Cover, TWO!
Rhea is seething and she piles chairs together. Rhea hauls Raquel up, pump handles, but here comes Liv! Liv taunts Rhea, Rhea runs up to TOSS Liv into the ring! Liv flounders, almost hitting those chairs on that landing! But Raquel CLOBBERS Rhea! Raquel decides to use that chair pile herself! Scoop and SLAM onto the chairs! Cover, TWO!! Rhea survives but Raquel sits a chair up upside-down! Raquel aims Rhea at the chair legs, but Rhea slips free! Rhea HEADBUTTS Raquel! Then she pump handles, but Liv jumps on for a SLEEPER! Liv thrashes but Rhea THROWS her down! Rhea runs up and tells Liv that she’s gonna pay!
Raquel runs up but Rhea SUPERKICKS her! But Liv gets Rhea into OBLIVION!! But wait, Iyo Sky is here! Payback with a MISSILE DROPKICK! The fans fire up as Iyo kips up! Iyo then builds speed and DIVES! Down goes Liv! But Raquel covers Rhea! TWO!! Rhea survives again but Raquel brings that table up! The fans are torn because they like the table but the want Rhea to rise up! Raquel hoists Rhea up, but Rhea slips free again! Raquel runs up, but is sent into a CORNER CHAIR!! Rhea then hauls Raquel up, pump handles, and RIPTIDE through the table!!! Cover, Rhea wins!!
Winner: Rhea Ripley, by pinfall
That was brutal to be sure, but Rhea grins as she gets one over on Raquel. Rhea spots the world title, but so does Iyo. They both grab it, then stare down with each other. With Iyo facing Liv this Saturday, could the Evil Genius be leaving Long Island the NEW Women’s World Champion, and Rhea’s new target?
My Thoughts:
A great Raw tonight, especially as the go-home to Saturday Night’s Main Event. There were also more hints at this WWE Transfer Window, with Tiffany Stratton in the background as Rollins was on his way to gorilla, and then Cody Rhodes having his moment with Adam Pearce and The New Day. As I said for SmackDown, this is clearly Netflix wanting THE Undisputed WWE Championship on Raw, and we’ll basically get a direct trade of Cody for Gunther. But speaking of The New Day, brilliant stuff out of them. They’re Heels who don’t realize they’re Heels, but everyone else does, and that is definitely something special for this next chapter of The New Day’s careers.
Great 8 Man Tag from Wyatts and Final Testa-Miz, but it got overbooked real quick. Scarlett was a given, as was Nikki Cross, but I did NOT see Ellering showing up and throwing that HUGE amount of sand or powder. I do commend them for this, as cheating was really the only way anyone was gonna beat The Wyatts. I hope the rematch lets them let loose with a No Disqualification stipulation, maybe even something rather Bray Wyatt in style. Though at the same time, we’re almost at Christmas so they could do like, a Nightmare Before Christmas match so that it’ll be themed for the holidays, but also spooky for The Wyatts.
Great promo from McIntyre to help us understand it really was him who attacked Jey Uso, and to quickly establish he and Sami are gonna fight it out. Great promos from CM Punk, Seth Rollins and Sami Zayn, too, and even though the Royal Rumble is first, I feel like we’ve got a great field for Elimination Chamber already. Punk, Rollins and McIntyre all hate each other, but McIntyre also hates those who help Roman Reigns, which will bring Sami into it. And the match itself could be for a top championship, or at least a shot at it, so you can throw in just about anyone, it really depends on how this Transfer Window sorts out.
The World Heavyweight Championship going from 1v1 to a Triple Threat is some wild stuff. Great promo segment from Gunther with Finn & The Judgment Day, and then of course Priest gets involved. I feel like with the Triple Threat, that’s their way of keeping the title on Gunther while keeping everyone strong. Or also letting Judgment Day get involved so they can tilt things in Finn’s favor, but then still let Gunther get away with the title. Finn & JD VS War Raiders next week, probably with Finn NOT World Heavyweight Champion, and NO Judgment Day allowed ringside, that has to be a title change, right?
Great Triple Threat from Lyra, Zelina and Ivy, but it also felt a little secondary with everything else going on tonight. Great win for Lyra, and I feel like it’s either Alba Fyre or Natalya who meets her in the next round. Dakota VS Liv was a good match to give Liv some momentum going towards SNME, but it was also a vehicle for Pure Fusion Collective to get involved. I feel like we’ll be getting a Six Woman Tag of PFC VS DMG CTRL after Saturday, assuming Iyo doesn’t win the title on Saturday. Liv of course got involved with the Anything Goes main event tonight, which cued Iyo to return the favor, and that helped Rhea win.
The main event was still awesome even without the overbooking, but now they’re teasing Rhea VS Iyo. Iyo might win, but maybe Tiffany Stratton shows up with her Money in the Bank briefcase. Tiff could cash in and take that title from Liv and Iyo, setting up some Tiff VS Rhea, but then what happens to Iyo? Again, we’ve got a good field for a Women’s Elimination Chamber right there: Liv VS Rhea VS Iyo VS Tiff VS… I dunno, two women in this Women’s Intercontinental Championship tournament that don’t win. Again, the Transfer Window will have to sort out who is where first, then we’ll go from there.
My Score: 8.8/10
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Will heads for the Tokyo Dome?
Gabe Kidd & Sanada won A Block handedly while Naito & Hiromu came out of B Block’s chaotic finale, but only one team can win World Tag League!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Tiger Mask VS Daiki Nagai; Tiger Mask wins.
- Shane Haste & Mikey Nicholls VS Shoma Kato & Katsuya Mursahima; Shane & Mikey win.
- Bishamon VS The Filip Brothers; Bishamon wins.
- Six Man Tag: The United Empire VS Taichi, Taka Michinoku & DOUKI; Taichi, Taka & Douki win.
- Six Man Tag: Los Ingobernables de Japon VS Bullet Club; LIJ wins.
- 10 Man Tag: Hiroshi Tanahashi, Toru Yano, Boltin Oleg, Tomoaki Honma & Jado VS The House of Torture; The Houes of Torture wins, by disqualification.
- Six Man Tag: TMDK VS Shota Umino, Alex Zayne & Ryusuke Taguchi; TMDK wins.
- 2024 World Tag League Finals: Gabe Kidd & SANADA VS Tetsuya Naito & Hiromu Takahashi; Naito & Hiromu win.
PLAY BY PLAY
10 Man Tag: Hiroshi Tanahashi, Toru Yano, Boltin Oleg, Tomoaki Honma & Jado VS The House of Torture!
The Ace, The Joker & The Rook are joined by a couple knights of NJPW to stand against The King of Darkness and his army of scumbags! With WrestleKingdom on the horizon, which side of this war wins this crucial battle?
But as The House makes their entrance, Team Ace turns the tables by going after them first! The fans cheer as Tanahashi goes right after Evil and The House panics! Yano brawls with Narita, Oleg and Jado take care of Kanemaru and Yujiro, and Tanahashi headlocks Evil. Tanahashi brings Evil to ringside to POST him! Evil falls but Tanahashi drags him back up to wrench and whip into railing! The fans cheer more and Tanahashi CLUBS Evil. Tanahashi whips Evil at more railing, and Evil hits so hard that he tumbles up and over! The rest of the team keeps The House down all around ringside while Tanahashi fetches Evil.
Tanahashi brings Evil into the ring, then follows, and finally the bell rings! The fans cheer as Tanahashi stalks Evil to a corner. Tanahashi stomps Evil, throws forearms, and the ref counts. Tanahashi shoves the ref! The President is getting really rough with his employees, but he stalks Evil. Tanahashi drags Evil up to fire a BODY BLOW! And another! Tanahashi whips, Evil reverses, and then Evil gets in the ref’s face so Dick Togo can trip Tanahashi up! Then the House rushes in and BLASTS Team Ace off the apron! The ref reprimands everyone but Evil CHOKES Tanahashi with the tag rope!
The fans boo but The House beats up on Team Ace, and then Evil throws away the evidence of his crime. Dick passes the mic to Evil, and Evil grabs it so he can shout in Tanahashi’s face about just giving up now and sparing himself the embarrassment at WrestleKingdom! Tanahashi tells Evil he’ll never surrender, and the ref reprimands Evil. Evil stops choking Tanahashi and throws the mic away. Evil tags Narita and the Souled Out Son of Strong Style stomps away on Tanahashi’s legs! Narita then clamps on a KNEEBAR! Evil and Yano shout at each other, but Tanahashi fights his way to the ROPEBREAK!
The ref counts and Narita lets go at 4. Narita stomps Tanahashi more, then he tags Tokyo Pimp. Narita & Yujiro have the legs, and they split the wishbone! Yujiro then drops an elbow on the bad leg! Yujiro taunts Tanahashi, then ROCKS him with a forearm! Tanahashi ends up on ropes, so Yujiro ROCKS him, then CHOPS him! Yujiro stands Tanahashi up, Narita & Sho anchor Tanahashi in place, and Yujiro BOOTS him! The ref reprimands everyone but Yujiro snapmares for a cover! TWO, the fans rally, but Kanemaru tags in. The Heel Master YANKS the leg, then whisp Tanahashi to ropes. Kanemaru dropkicks the leg out!
Kanemaru hurries to step through, FIGURE FOUR! The House BLASTS Team Ace again! The ref reprimands and the fans rally up while Tanahashi endures. Honma clears Evil out, and he runs to FALLING KOKESHI on Kanemaru! The fans cheer as Tanahashi is saved, but Narita goes after Honma! The fans boo as Narita TOSSES Honma, but Kanemaru tags Sho. Sho stomps the leg, then DDTS the foot! The fans rally for Tanahashi but Sho scuffs him around. Tanahashi stands up and he fires forearms! Sho CLAWS Tanahashi’s eyes, but Tanahashi CLAWS Sho’s eyes! The ref reprimands them both, but Tanahashi blocks a kick! DRAGON SCREW!
The fans fire up as Tanahashi crawls over, hot tag to Oleg! The fans fire up as BARS CLOBBERS Sho! Evil gets away before Oleg can get him, and Yujiro attacks from behind! Yujiro & Narita double whip, but Oleg CLOBBERS them both! Kanemaru kicks and whips, but Oleg reverses to scoop Kanemaru! Oleg SMACKS Sho using Kanemaru! Then Oleg SLAMS Kanemaru, and gut wrenches! The fans fire up for the Shake, Shake, Shake! GUT WRENCH PLEX! Oleg kips up and the fans fire up! Oleg then deadlifts Sho for the gut wrench. But Sho bends fingers and wrenches free! Sho runs, SPEARS, but he bounces right off of Oleg!
The fans fire up and Oleg deadlifts Sho again! Shake, Shake, Shake! GUT WRENCH PLEX! And another kip up! The fans fire up with Oleg and he runs to BODY PRESS! Cover, TWO! Oleg drags Sho right up into his arms, then pops him to a fireman’s carry! But Sho CLAWS Oleg’s eyes! Sho slips free, but Oleg kicks Sho! Sho runs to dropkick Oleg’s legs! Sho whips, and TADA! Bare buckles! Oleg suffers The House Special, and Evil DROPKICKS Tanahashi! Sho & Evil double whip Oleg into the bare buckles! Oleg hobbles forward, into a DOUBLE- NO! Oleg fights to DOUBLE SUPLEX them first! The fans fire up and Oleg crawls, and Tanahashi is adamant about getting in!
Oleg isn’t sure about it, but he tags Tanahashi back! Tanahashi fires a strike fest on Evil, and goes an extra round before the SHOTEI! Tanahashi runs to SLINGBLADE! The fans fire up while Tanahashi stalks Evil to a corner. Tanahashi stomps a mudhole into Evil but the ref counts. Tanahashi is not stopping! He SHOVES the ref away! Tanahashi’s rage is getting the better of him as he UPPERCUTS Evil! Tanahashi goes corner to corner, runs back in, but Evil sends him into the ref! And then The House attacks again! Dick stomps away on Tanahashi while Evil recovers! The fans boo and tell Dick to go away!
Narita brings in chairs! Dick stomps Tanahashi more, and the House has all their favorite items! Dick has his Spoiler Choker, Narita with his pushup bar, Sho with the “Torture Tool,” Yujiro with the pimp cane, and Kanemaru with his whiskey bottle. The fans boo as Evil stands on Tanahashi’s face and The House closes in. Evil drags Tanahashi up, and Dick clamps on the SPOILER CHOKER! And then The House CLOBBERS Team Ace with all their weapons! Evil takes aim, but Tanahashi BOOTS him first! Tanahashi THROWS Dick away, but Evil JAMS him up! Tanahashi blocks the chair shot! Tanahashi kicks low, and he SMACKS away on Evil!
The fans fire up as Tanahashi breaks the chair on Evil’s back! Narita runs up, Tanahashi JAMS him first! And then he JAMS Yujiro! And he JAMS Kanemaru! And he JAMS Sho! Then Tanahashi uses the frame to SMACK Evil! The ref is back, he tells Tanahashi to stop, but Tanahashi shoves the ref again! Tanahashi’s rage explodes as he beats Evil down with the chair! Team Ace is DISQUALIFIED!!
Winners: The House of Torture, by disqualification
Tanahashi keeps beating Evil to serve justice, but Young Lions rush in and stop him! Evil writhes, but Tanahashi gets a new chair! Tanahashi SMACKS Evil again and again! His team isn’t even sure what to do, so they let him just BASH away on Evil! Tanahashi tells Evil this is what he gets! One more chair shot! AND THEN ANOTHER! Evil scrambles out of the ring, and Young Lions have to get in Tanahashi’s way to stop the beating! Tanahashi drops the chair to grab the mic, and he shouts, “EVIL, YOU BASTARD! Shut up about my retirement! Oi, oi, you want me to leave so badly? I get it. You want it a year earlier, huh?
“Then in our match on January 4th, I’ll put my career on the line right then!!” The fans are shocked, but Evil says good! And there’s no going back now that he said it! But Tanahashi adds that Evil won’t be able to rely on his goons! It will be a LUMBERJACK MATCH! Now YOU remember that!! Team Ace and The House will wage war once again in the Tokyo Dome! And given Evil only won tonight because Tanahashi lost his cool, will Tanahashi dish out his final justice?
Six Man Tag: TMDK VS Shota Umino, Alex Zayne & Ryusuke Taguchi!
Zack Sabre Jr. took the pin when he and Ryohei Oiwa faced Shota Umino & Tomoaki Honma in the tournament, so an IWGP World Heavyweight Championship match is set for WrestleKingdom! Will the Roughneck burn The Front Man again with the help of Funky Sauce? Or will we see even now that The Mighty Don’t Kneel?
The teams sort out and after Shota stares at the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship, and his paper replica to compare, he steps up to the champ. The bell rings and the fans cheer as we get this WK19 preview. Shota and ZSJ stare down, the fans rally up, and it sounds pretty even between “SHOTA! SHOTA!” and “ZAKU! ZAKU!” Shota and ZSJ get their fans even more fired up, and then the two circle. They feel things out, knuckle lock, but then ZSJ rolls to wrench. Shota wrenches back and he WRINGS ZSJ out! ZSJ UPKICKS, and the two reset. The fans cheer and the two circle again. Shota avoids a leg pick but ZSJ avoids an enzigiri!
Shota avoids the Penalty Kick, then spins ZSJ to underhook! ZSJ flips that but Shota fights the scoop! ZSJ avoids the uppercut but Shota blocks the uppercut! Shota wants the backslide but ZSJ spins that around, only for Shota to arm-drag! But ZSJ headscissors! Shota kips free and the fans cheer the standoff! Shota dares ZSJ to take the leg, but ZSJ just pushes the foot away. The two reset and feel things out again. They knuckle lock, go forehead to forehead, but then each man kicks a knuckle lock apart. ZSJ and Shota back off, and ZSJ dares Shota to bring it. Shota steps back up, they go forehead to forehead, and then ZSJ offers a free shot.
Shota says no, the champ should take the free shot. ZSJ decides to tag in Oiwa instead. Shota says fine, and he tags Taguchi. The fans rally as Taguchi and Oiwa circle. They tie up, Oiwa headlocks, but Taguchi pries the hold. Oiwa clamps on tighter but Taguchi fires body shots. Taguchi powers up and out, but Oiwa runs him over! Things speed up, Taguchi hurdles and DROPKICKS Oiwa down! Cover, TWO! Fujita slides in but Zayne intercepts! Zayne kicks the Japanese Young Punk and then throws him out! Funky Sauce double whip Oiwa to then BULLDOG and BASEMENT DROPKICK! The fans cheer and Taguchi stalks Oiwa.
Taguchi HIP DROPS Oiwa again and again, then uses the ropes to go up, out, and slingshot back in, but he hip drops onto Oiwa’s knees! Taguchi hobbles away and Oiwa storms up to whip. Taguchi reverses, runs up, but Oiwa pops him up onto the top rope! Taguchi is stuck right on the Funky Weapon! The ref checks but Oiwa SHAKES the ropes! Taguchi suffer, then he slowly tilts to one side! Oiwa gut wrenches Taguchi off the ropes! Tag to ZSJ and ZSJ UPPERCUTS the butt! Then he UPPERCUTS the butt again! And again! Taguchi falls over and ZSJ tags Fujita. Taguchi backstrokes towards his corner, but Fujita stomps him down!
Fujita drags Taguchi up, CHOPS him, then whips him to a corner. Fujita runs up and CHOPS again! Fujita snapmares Taguchi to PENALTY KICK! Cover, TWO! Taguchi stays in this and the fans rally up. Fujita drags Taguchi up, but Taguchi CHOPS! And CHOPS! And CHOPS! Fujita CHOPS back! Fujita runs, Taguchi jumps, but Fujita CHOPS the hip attack! Taguchi hobbles away while Fujita says he’s too smart for that. Fujita runs, but Taguchi somersaults to HIP ATTACK! Hot tag to Zayne and he fires forearms on Fujita! Zayne whips, hip tosses, then STANDING MARIPOSAS! The fans fire up while Zayne brings Fujita up.
Zayne fires more elbows, then a mule kick! Zayne runs to ROLLING AX KICK! Fujita goes to a corner, Zayne runs in, but Fujita BOOTS him away! Fujita hops up but Zayne comes back to JUMPING DRAGON RANA! The fans fire up and Zayne storms over to Fujita. Zayne scoops and B AJA BLASTS! Cover, TWO! Fujita survives but the fans rally behind Zayne. Zayne brings Fujita up, straitjackets, but Fujita fights free to CHOP! Zayne BOOTS! Fujita kicks but Zayne ducks! Fujita rolls off Zayne’s back and runs to GAMANGIRI! The fans fire up while both men are down! Fujita and Zayne crawl, hot tags to ZSJ and Shota!
The fans fire up as ZSJ BOOTS Shota, and Shota ROCKS ZSJ! Shota eggs ZSJ on so ZSJ UPPERCUTS! Shota UPPERCUTS in return! They UPPERCUT back and forth, harder and harder! The fans rally as they now go faster and faster! ZSJ gets the edge with UPPERCUT after UPPERCUT, but Shota roars! Shota UPPERCUTS again and again, ZSJ roars, but Shota UPPERCUTS him down! Shota hurries to FISHERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO! Not quite perfect but Shota stays fired up! Shota clinches ZSJ but ZSJ fights the lift! ZSJ goes for the arm but Shota waistlocks. ZSJ spins around to FACELOCK GUILLOTINE!
Shota endures and stays on his feet, even as ZSJ has the body scissors! The fans duel as ZSJ thrashes, but Shota powers through to suplex ZSJ up and over! Both men are down and the fans fire up again. Shota rises, then he brings ZSJ up to dragon sleeper. ZSJ spins and PELES the arm! But Shota blocks a roundhouse to PELE! But ZSJ PENALTY KICKS! Both men are down again and the fans rally more! ZSJ and Shota crawl, but ZSJ tags in Oiwa! Oiwa runs in at the corner to DROPKICK! Oiwa has the single leg but Shota fights off the suplex! Oiwa swings but Shota clinches, so now Oiwa fights free!
Shota ROCKS Oiwa, spins, but Oiwa ROCKS Shota! Oiwa runs, into a clinch! EXPLODER! The fans fire up while both men are down! The fans rally, Shota and Oiwa crawl, hot tag to Taguchi! Taguchi calls to Zayne and then BLASTS Fujita! Funky Sauce whips Oiwa to a corner, then Zayne sends Taguchi in. HIP ATTACK! Taguchi goes up, Zayne RANAS Oiwa into the butt! Backslide, roll through, KETSUYE! Cover, TWO! Oiwa survives but Taguchi signals for that. Taguchi and Zayne use the power of Strong Style, and then “ITADAKIMAAAS~!” Oiwa stands, into a DOUBLE HIP ATTACK SANDWICH! Cover, Fujita breaks it!
Zayne ROCKS Fujita, he and Taguchi double whip, but Fujita ducks the lariats to shove Zayne into Taguchi! Zayne blocks a kick but not the DRAGON WHIP! Shota dropkicks Fujita’s legs! ZSJ BOOTS Shota! Shota roars, but ZSJ BOOTS him again! ZSJ whips, Shota reverses and TORNADO DDTS! ZSJ flounders away and the fans fire up with Shota! Shota tells Taguchi to finish it off, and Taguchi runs at Oiwa! And he sliding kicks! Oiwa tumbles, Taguchi grabs the leg to OH MY GAH ANKLE!! Oiwa endures, reaches out, but Taguchi drags him back! Oiwa gets up to LARIAT! Both men are down and the fans fire up!
Oiwa fires up and he brings Taguchi around. Oiwa whips, then clamps on a SLEEPER! But Taguchi slips right out! Taguchi has the headlock, but Oiwa slips out to hit a BIG atomic drop! Taguchi hobbles and Oiwa clamps on the SLEEPER! Taguchi flails but he’s fading already! The fans rally and Oiwa spins Taguchi, for THE GRIP!! Cover, TMDK wins!
Winners: TMDK, by pinfall
The Mullet gets the better of The Funky Weapon, but Shota still dares ZSJ to go for the leg. ZSJ ignores Shota’s bait and just gives him the paper belt. “This is the closest you’ll get to the effin’ title.” ZSJ SLAPS Shota with it! Shota says don’t be rude to the kids! A fan made that for him. Shota dusts off the paper belt, and claims that he’s gonna get the real deal soon enough. ZSJ says yeah, sure. ZSJ will make Shota a real nice toy belt himself so he can keep dreaming. ZSJ mockingly puts something together using his old wrist tape! Shota says wow, thanks. With not even a month left, who will win out when the real belt is on the line?
2024 World Tag League Finals: Gabe Kidd & SANADA VS Tetsuya Naito & Hiromu Takahashi!
It’s the moment of truth as The Mad Man & Cold Blooded take on The Uncontrollable Charisma & Ticking Timebomb. There is still a lot of uncertainty regarding the tag titles given Henare’s knee injury, but for right now, it’s time to answer one question: Who will be the 2024 World Tag League Champions?
As Naito enters the ring, Gabe stays right at the center, but Naito completely ignores him. Then Naito takes his time with his entrance attire, as always, but Gabe and Sanada both stay calm. Gabe paces but Sanada keeps his eyes closed. Hiromu fires up Kumamoto and Naito finally does away with the pants. The teams finally sort out, and Gabe eggs on “the Junior.” Hiromu grins, then he fist bumps Naito, and yes, it seems Hiromu and the NJPW Strong Openweight Champion will start! The bell rings and both men run in! They DOUBLE LARIAT, but it’s Hiromu who falls! Hiromu gets up to CHOP, but Gabe CHOPS!
The fans fire up as the CHOPS go back and forth already! Hiromu backs down, but for only a moment! Hiromu CHOPS again, so Gabe CHOPS again! The CHOPS go back and forth, but Hiromu backs down again. Gabe eggs him on so Hiromu CHOPS! Gabe CHOPS again! Hiromu clutches his chest but he CHOPS again! Gabe CHOPS again, then braces himself. The CHOPS keep going, then they get forehead to forehead. Gabe winds up to CHOP! Hiromu drops back, and Gabe kicks at him. Gabe eggs Hiromu on so Hiromu CHOPS, CHOPS and CHOPS! Gabe spins to CHOP! Hiromu backs down, but runs up to LARIAT!
Gabe stays up, so he and Hiromu both run, but to take out Naito and Sanada! Then Hiromu runs up to kick Gabe low! Hiromu CLUBS Gabe, CHOPS, and Gabe feels that one. Hiromu whips, Gabe reverses, and Sanada gets a cheap shot in! The fans boo and Red Shoes reprimands, but the War Dogs double whip. Hiromu grabs ropes to stop, and Naito runs in! Naito CLOBBERS Sanada and Hiromu kicks Gabe! LIJ mugs Gabe then double whips, to DOUBLE CHOP! Then they DOUBLE BASEMENT DROPKICK! Gabe flounders away while the fans cheer. Hiromu tags Naito and Naito storms up on Gabe.
Naito CLUBS Gabe again and again, then snapmares for a chinlock. Gabe endures the knee in his back, even as Naito digs it in deeper. Naito then shifts to have a headscissors! Naito pushes up to put on the pressure, but Gabe still endures. Naito lets Gabe go and Hiromu sits in the ropes. Hiromu assures Red Shoes it isn’t what he thinks, but then Naito bumps Gabe off Hiromu’s boots! It WAS what it looked like! The fans cheer but Red Shoes reprimands, and Naito tags in Hiromu. Hiromu CHOPS Gabe to a corner, then CHOPS again! Naito joins in and they double whip Gabe corner to corner. Gabe comes back, Naito drops down and Hiromu CROSBODIES!
Sanada storms in but Hiromu CROSSBODIES! Hiromu goes out and chases down Gabe, CROSSBODY! Hiromu keeps moving, and Naito sets Sanada up for the CROSSBODY! The fans fire up with Hiromu as he goes back to the ring. Gabe storms around in frustration, then pushes his way to No Man’s Land. He eggs Hiromu on, so here he comes! But Sanada was lurking! He attacks first, then sends Hiromu into chairs! Naito and Gabe brawl, and Naito CLUBS Gabe around. Fans are told to move aside, and Naito whips. Gabe reverses and he BOWLS Naito into chairs! Not quite a strike but Gabe just flips off the fans.
Sanada is beating Hiromu down somewhere in the upper deck, and Gabe drags Naito back up. Gabe UPPERCUTS Naito, but Hiromu fights back against Sanada! Sanada CLAWS Hiromu’s face! Hiromu stops the suplex, then suplexes Sanada! Sanada fights that, and he CLAWS Hiromu’s face again! As for Gabe, he BITES Naito’s forehead, then SMACKS him down! At least they’re at ringside. But then Gabe looks under the ring, and he brings out a table! Gabe sets the table up, but Naito fires forearms on Gabe! Gabe SMACKS Naito again! Gabe hauls Naito up to POWERBOMB through the table!!
The fans go wild as Gabe looms over Naito. Gabe slides in and mocks Naito’s pose! The fans are torn but most boo. Red Shoes reprimands Gabe, and it seems Sanada has retuned to ringside, with Hiromu somewhere in the crowd. A ring count starts, but Gabe SPITS at Naito! The count is 7 of 20 and the spotlight shows Hiromu is still so far away! We pass 10, then 12! Hiromu hobbles at 15 and he’s finally in the aisle! Hiromu runs and slides in safe at 19! The fans cheer but Gabe drags Hiromu up. Gabe CHOPS Hiromu in the corner, then CHOPS again! And then JABS! Tag to Sanada and he CLAWS Hiromu’s back while Gabe talks trash on Naito.
The fans rally for Hiromu but Sanada stomps him in a corner. Sanada digs his boot in, but he stops as Red Shoes counts. Sanada drags Hiromu up, TOSSES him out, and Gabe quickly runs Hiromu back to the back of the crowd and up the bleachers! Gabe ROCKS Hiromu with a straight right hand! Then SMACKS him again! Hiromu flops over and Gabe leaves him behind again. The ring count returns while Hiromu sputters. The fans cheer Hiromu on as he’s up, but he’s still so far away at 10! Then 15! Hiromu returns at 18 to slide in at 19.5!! Sanada is on Hiromu, but Hiromu dropkicks the legs out! But Naito isn’t at the corner!
Sanada tags Gabe and he stomps away on Hiromu in the corner! Red Shoes reprimands but Gabe drags Hiromu up. The fans rally for Hiromu, but Gabe whips him hard into the corner! Gabe eggs Hiromu on, saying he’s not “Despy” or Douki. Hiromu rises up to CHOP! Gabe snarls but Hiromu CHOPS again! Hiromu roars and he CHOPS! Gabe finally wobbles, but he keeps Hiromu from Naito! Gabe throws Hiromu down by his hair, then he WRECKS Naito with a dropkick! Gabe mocks the tranquilo and the fans boo. Gabe tags Sanada and the War Dogs bring Hiromu up. The fans rally but the War Dogs double whip, only for Hiromu to DOUBLE CROSSBODY!
Hiromu crawls, reaches out, but Sanada keeps him from Naito! Hiromu breaks free, blocks a kick, and a punch! Sanada CLAWS Hiromu’s eyes! Sanada runs but Hiromu bolts for the corner! Hot tag to Naito! Naito kicks and fires off on Sanada, but Gabe CLUBS him! The War Dogs double whip, but Naito reverses to send Sanada away! Then he sends Gabe into Sanada! Gabe falls, Naito dodges Sanada to arm-drag! And ELBOW! Naito keeps moving, basement DROPKICK! Gabe ROCKS Naito! Gabe whips, Naito reverses and runs up to ELBOW him down! Sanada runs up but is sent into the corner! Naito blocks boots to put Sanada in ropes, DRAPING NECKBREAKER!
Naito hurries to stand Sanada up, turn him, and stall for the NECKBREAKER! The fans fire up as Naito does the pose himself. Cover, TWO! Sanada is tougher than that but Naito drags him up. Naito dragon sleepers for another NECKBREAKER, and then it’s the LEG HOOK NELSON! Sanada endures as Naito puts on the pressure, and Sanada kicks around. Naito puts on more pressure, but Sanada has the ROPEBREAK! But of course Naito claims he needs a little help. Red Shoes counts, Naito lets the hold go, and he brings Sanada to a corner. Naito drags Sanada up, reel shim in, but Sanada stops Esperanza! So Naito BOOTS him!
Naito whips corner to corner but Sanada goes up and out, and even to the floor! Naito slides out but Sanada goes to the apron. Naito hurries back up, but Sanada KICKS ropes to jam Naito up! The fans boo and Red Shoes reprimands but Sanada tags Gabe. Gabe drags Naito up, has him in a corner, and CHOPS! HEADBUTTS! Repeat! Gabe wobbles a bit, but he rolls back and returns to LARIAT! Then SAIDO! Naito gets flung, Gabe hurries to cover, TWO! The fans fire up but Gabe drags Naito right up to suplex and BRAINBUSTER! Cover, TWO!! Naito survives but Gabe seethes. The fans rally for Naito as hard as they can, which annoys Gabe.
Gabe drags Naito up, reels him in, but Naito fights the lift! Gabe CLUBS Naito but still Naito fights! Gabe DOUBLE CHOPS Naito’s back, then powers through! But Naito powers out and throws those heavy back elbows! Gabe SPITS at Naito! Naito SLAPS Gabe! Gabe rebounds, Naito dodges, tilt-o-whirl CRADLE! TWO!! Gabe SMACKS Naito, reels him in, “I’m a MAD MAN, y’know!” But Hiromu SUPERKICKS him first! Sanada DROPKICKS Hiromu! Naito dropkicks Sanada’s legs! But Gabe KNEES Naito down! Hiromu fireman’s carries Gabe! TIMEBOMB 1.5! Sanada runs up, into a wrench and FACLON ARROW!
Sanada flounders out and Hiromu brings Gabe over to Naito! BOOSTED TORNADO DDT! The fans fire up and Naito brings Gabe back up! Wrench and tilt-o-whirl, DESTINO!! Cover, SANADA YANKS RED SHOES OUT!! The fans boo Sanada but he just soaks up the heat. Hiromu goes to the apron and he CROSSBODIES Sanada down! Hiromu helps Red Shoes up, Naito wrenches Gabe again, DESTIN- NO! TOMBSTONE!! Gabe and Naito are down and the fans rally even harder! There is some dueling in here, but the “GABU! GABU!” is still overwhelmed by the “NA-I-TO! NA-I-TO!” Both men stir while Red Shoes returns.
Gabe clutches his neck while rolling away from Naito. Naito changes course and rolls for his corner, hot tags to Sanada and Hiromu! Hiromu dodges Sanada’s boot but Sanada blocks the lariat! Dragon sleeper, but Hiromu spins that around! Sanada fights the suplex so Hiromu dropkicks a leg out! Hiromu KICKS and fireman’s carries, and flips Sanada into the dragon sleeper! Sanada spins that around, but Hiromu fights a suplex! Hiromu suplexes but Sanada slips free to dragon sleeper! SKULL END! Hiromu endures but Sanada drops back into the body scissors! The fans rally and Hiromu fights around!
Sanada squeezes as tight as he can and Hiromu is fading! Red Shoes checks, Hiromu faintly comes back to life, but Sanada goes to his old ways! Sanada goes up and up to ROUNDING BODY PRESS, but onto knees!! Hiromu saves himself and the fans rally up! Hiromu feeds off the energy to fire back up. Hiromu runs to HIROMU- NO, Sanada dodges the lariat, but the HIROMU-CHAN BOMBER still finds him! Fireman’s carry, TIMEBOMB 1.5!! Cover, TWO!! Sanada survives and Hiromu grows frustrated. The fans rally up behind him and Hiromu drags Sanada up. Hiromu fireman’s carries but Sanada slips free.
Sanada waistlocks but Hiromu switches. Sanada grabs at Red Shoes, Red Shoes gets away, and Hiromu avoids the low blow kick! Hiromu SUPERKICKS Sanada, then runs, but Sanada slips around! Sanada shoves Hiromu at Red Shoes and Red Shoes almost ends up falling out of the ring! Sanada whips Hiromu to POP-UP LOW BLOW! And then O’CONNER BRIDGE!! Cover, NAITO YANKS RED SHOES OUT!! Naito returns the favor and grins at Sanada. Gabe storms in with a chair! Naito runs and shoves Hiromu out of harm’s way! Naito then dodges Gabe to POP-UP LOW BLOW!! Another bit of returning the favor!
The fans are thunderous as Gabe writhes and rolls out of the ring. Naito drags Sanada up, Hiromu helps, BOOSTED TORNADO- NO! Sanada slips free, but Naito sends him into a SUPERKICK! ENZIGIRI! HIROMU-CHAN BOMBER!! The fans fire up with Hiromu as he fireman’s carries Sanada, for the OG TIMEBOMB!! Cover, TWO?!?! Sanada survives and shocks everyone! Hiromu roars and the fans are with him! Hiromu clinches in a dragon sleeper, but Gabe BITES Hiromu’s face! Gabe DECKS Naito, then he drags Hiromu up. Hiromu CHOPS, CHOPS , and CHOPS! Gabe just UPPERCUTS!
Gabe scoops and SLAMS Hiromu, then goes up the corner! MAD MAN MOONSAULT! Gabe calls to Sanada to get Hiromu, and Sanada goes up! ROUNDING BODY PRESS!! Cover, TWO!!! Hiromu survives and Sanada is furious!! Red Shoes defends his count and the fans are electric for Hiromu! Gabe reels Hiromu in, PILEDRIVER!! Feed to the DEAD- NO, Naito CLUBS Sanada! Naito dodges Gabe, comes back, DESTINO!!! SHINING WIZARD from Sanada!! Sanada hauls Hiromu up but Hiromu pump-handles! HIROMU-CHAN CRA- NO! SHINING WIZARD!! Sanada roars, fans are torn, but he drags Hiromu up.
Sanada clinches, DEAD- NO, Hiromu slips free, wrenches, pump handle, HIROMU-CHAN CRADLE!!! LIJ WINS!!!!
Winners: Tetsuya Naito & Hiromu Takahashi, by pinfall (World Tag League 2024 Champions)
Sanada cannot believe it, but Kumamoto absolutely loves it!! The War Dogs tore through A Block, but it was the team that survived the extra Triple Threat match that takes the whole thing! What does this mean for the combination of Gabe and Sanada in the future? Is there a future for them?
As for LIJ, Naito drags himself into the ring, crawls over to Hiromu, and master and student hug it out! Red Shoes brings them the trophies, and LIJ sets them side by side before they stand back up. Naito gets his hat back on while Hiromu rests on the mat again. And after a little water to refresh themselves, Naito gets the mic. “Buenas noches, KUMAMOTOOOO~!” The fans cheer, and Naito says, “The way things work, it should be Hiromu, the main event winner, on the mic right now. But it looks like he took some damage. In that case, I’ll say my part first.” The fans applaud that.
Naito thanks all the fans that came out to the Grand Messe Kumamoto for the WTL Finals. “Gracias, amigos.” The fans cheer that, and Naito adds that he won the main event here back in April of 2018. He sent a message to all the fans here that night. Does anyone remember what he said about “having the courage to take that step?” The fans applaud as it seems they do. Naito says, “Make no mistake, we won the World Tag League thanks to Hiromu.” The fans applaud again, and even chant for “HI-RO-MU! HI-RO-MU!” Naito says that Hiromu’s refusal to give up under any circumstance made Naito feel he had to take that step, too.
“And that step brings me to that singles match we were set to have before the pandemic.” Fans are intrigued hearing that. Naito says how about doing it January 4th in the Tokyo Dome? The fans cheer for Hiromu in support of that idea. Hiromu takes the mic now and asks if it takes Naito that long to take a step. The fans chuckle, and Hiromu stands. Hiromu says thanks to that, they were able to enter WTL and win it all. Hiromu thanks Naito for that, both arigato and gracias. The fans applaud, and Hiromu reviews the idea: January 4th, WrestleKingdom, Naito VS Hiromu. “The answer is, of course…! Let’s do it.”
The fans cheer as the match is now set! Hiromu thanks Naito for letting him know this is how he felt! “It’s important to say what we feel, isn’t it? Everyone, do you have something you want to say as well? It could to a friend, a lover, a parent, a teacher, a senpai, a kouhai! I’m reminded once again how important it is to share what we are feeling. Naito-san, do you mind if I tell you something, too?” The fans are again intrigued. “Naito-san, thank you for teaching me how to be a wrestler!” Hiromu bows and the fans applaud. Hiromu then says January 4th can’t come soon enough! “Everyone, we only live once, so enjoy it to the fullest!”
First, think of the life you wanna live, and then enjoy it to the fullest! And during that time, if pro-wrestling can bring you even a bit of joy, Hiromu will be satisfied! So then, let’s have more… The fans echo back, “Moto!” Moto! Moto! Moto! Moto! Moto! Moto! Moto! Moto! Moto! Moto! Moto! Moto! MOTO fun in life enjoying pro-wrestling together~! The confetti goes off as the WTL winners must take a different route for WrestleKingdom. Will it be teacher or student who proves themselves the better man in the Tokyo Dome?
My Thoughts:
An awesome finale to WTL 2024, even with a lot of the other matches just kind of filler since there weren’t tag titles to be defended here and a lot of WrestleKingdom 19 stuff to be set up. I made sure to do the 10 Man Tag because it of course fed Tanahashi VS Evil, but I certainly didn’t see it happening that way. Tanahashi going wild because of all the frustration he has with Evil was some great stuff, and a Lumberjack match is a great move so that Tanahashi’s allies, aka all of The House of Torture’s enemies, are gonna be ringside with them. But moving up the retirement stipulation is a shock. Was saying 2026 would be when Tanahashi retires just a smokescreen so this would be more shocking? Or is this the smokescreen to put more drama on a match we’re pretty sure Tanahashi still wins?
The Six Man Tag of TMDK VS Shota & Funky Sauce was really good, and a really good win for Oiwa there. This was all still just secondary to building heat on Shota and ZSJ, but it was rather funny for Shota to have that paper (and I think soft foam?) belt and ZSJ mocking him with the wrist tape. If Shota ends up winning, I think NJPW is guilty of making him their “Super Cena,” their “Cena Wins LOL” guy, and that’s a disservice to Shota and especially Zack. Zack needs to make it through a WK with that belt, let Shota fight his way back up through the New Japan Cup or something.
And awesome, incredible main event with the WTL finals. I figured Naito & Hiromu were winning, just because Gabe’s got his NJPW Strong title and the Kenny Omega match for that Tokyo Dome weekend. Not sure what it means for Sanada, but I don’t think he’s leaving War Dogs already (as funny as that would be). And I suppose with Henare’s knee in question, they’re just going to leave the Heavyweight Tag Team Championship match for another time. Naito VS Hiromu, the World Champ VS Junior Heavyweight Champ match we never got four years ago for the anniversary show, is a great move for WK19. There’s no place better than WK for a match like that, and they can’t wait on this match with Naito having said he’s getting closer and closer to retiring.
That said, maybe Hiromu wins to put him over and get him into that next level where he’s going for big titles. Granted, NJPW is literal about the “heavyweight” part of the World Heavyweight Championship, and I don’t know if Hiromu’s going to be able to pull off a 205+ frame. He’s already ~195, he’s already 35, but hey, maybe he can get a short reign in just so he can say he was on top of both weight classes in his career.
My Score: 9/10
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