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Mitchell’s WWE Monday Night Raw Report! (6/18/18)

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Praise and glory to the NEW Raw Women's Champion

Money in the Bank has come and gone, and we have a NEW Raw Women’s Champion! But it’s not who you think. Rowdy Ronda and Nia Jax both got robbed by the Goddess, Alexa Bliss, via the Ms. MITB contract! The Five Foot Fury is Five Time Champion, but will she have two big problems standing in the way of her reign?

 

All images courtesy of the WWE’s official Twitter

 

OFFICIAL RESULTS

  • WWE Intercontinental Championship Open Challenge: Seth Rollins VS Dolph Ziggler w/ Drew McIntyre; Ziggler wins and becomes the new WWE Intercontinental Champion.
  • Bobby Roode VS Curt Hawkins; Roode wins.
  • The Deleters of Worlds VS Heath Slater & Rhyno; The Deleters of Worlds win.
  • Jinder Mahal w/ Sunil Singh VS Chad Gable; Mahal wins.
  • Bayley & Sasha Banks VS The Riott Squad’s Liv Morgan & Sarah Logan; The Riott Squad wins.
  • Roman Reigns & Bobby Lashley VS The Revival; Reigns & Lashley win.
  • No Way Jose VS Mojo Rawley; Mojo wins.
  • Finn Balor & Braun Strowman VS Kevin Owens & Baron Corbin; Kevin & Corbin win.

PLAY BY PLAY

Raw reviews the super match up of Nia Jax and Ronda Rousey.

The Irresistible Force showed the Baddest Woman on the Planet what it’s really like in a wrestling ring. But then Ronda turned things around and adjusted to her environment. Ronda was just moments away from making Nia tap, when the new Ms. Money n the Bank appeared! And Oh My Goddess, Alexa Bliss disqualified the match and then cashed-in in the biggest way possible! When the dust settled, your NEW Raw Women’s Champion was Alexa. She got her revenge on Nia at Ronda’s expense, will they go for revenge on her?

 

Kurt Angle is already in the ring.

The Olympic Gold Medalist is proud that the MITB contracts both went to Raw! So please welcome the woman who cashed in on the same night, Alexa Bliss! The Goddess appears, and Angle lets her have her championship presentation. She picks up her title belt and holds it high while fans are a mix of boos and cheers.

Nia Jax is doing rehab right now, but wants to use her rematch clause at Extreme Rules. Alexa isn’t getting to gloat about last night? She isn’t getting to thank everyone watching around the world? She does thank us for this opportunity. Fans say “You Deserve It!” Yes, Alexa gets to rub it in! But then fans chant “We Want Ronda!” No, Alexa showed everyone what it’s like to beat bullies like Nia and Ronda when she shocked the world with that cash in! No more Irresistible Force or Baddest Woman, “it’s just about me.” She is the three-time Raw Women’s Champion! But speaking of Ronda, here she comes!

Ronda is making a straight line for the ring, and Alexa panics. Angle holds Ronda back, and Alexa tells her to calm down. Fans want to “Let Them Fight!” Alexa thought Ronda was going to be doing therapy, too. Or is she here to show off those welts from the case hitting her? Does it still hurt? Poor baby. Or maybe Ronda is here to learn another lesson? Because she doesn’t seem to get the difference between UFC and WWE. What Alexa did last night, was perfectly legal in the realm of pro-wrestling. But it’s not all bad, Ronda. Ronda was truly seconds away from victory, she could just taste the title. But we’ll never know now. The fans are on Ronda’s side, though.

Alexa gets it now! Ronda couldn’t stand the fact that the headlines weren’t about her. ESPN did an interview with Alexa! Everyone talked to Alexa, because she’s champion, and Ronda is… “irrelevant.” And if Ronda wants her shot, get to the back of the line, “you over-hyped rookie!”Ronda rushes past Angle and hits Alexa! She throws furious hands, but Angle pulls her away, only to get thrown. Alexa swings the briefcase, but Ronda dodges to then body shot Alexa. Rondua SMACKS Alexa with the case! And again! And again, and again, until ANgle pulls her back. She samcks Angle!! Referees rush the ring, and raging Rowdy Ronda wrecks the refs! Alexa is still vulnerable, but Ronda shows no mercy. She gut wrenches and powerbombs Alexa on the table!

Ronda tells the “little” champ that’s just the beginning, and fans are loving it. But Ronda still did more than she should have in all that. What will the consequences be for the UFC hall-of-fame inductee?

 

Ronda argues with Angle backstage.

She is pissed over this condescending attitude! Everyone needs to stop saying “this isn’t the UFC” and stuff. She understands that. Apparently she doesn’t, because Angle is at a loss for words. She has to be suspended for 30 days, and might have ruined her chances of ever being champion. He apologizes, but asks she get her things and leave. Ronda storms off, but will she cool off or only heat up more?

 

Backstage interview with Ronda.

Ronda storms past Renee, but then stops to say, “Kurt can suspend me for 30 days, but save your good lucks for Alexa.” Ronda will be back after 30 days, and champion or not, she’s kicking Alexa’s “pink-haired ass.”

 

Seth Rollins heads to the ring!

The Architect is still Intercontinental Champion after taking on and defeating The Drifter, Elias! Rollins loves how hot it is tonight, and feels it needs to keep going. Elias took him to his limits, but Rollins is still standing! Grand Rapids hopes he’ll “Burn It Down!” again. Rollins is a fighting champion, after all, so how about having an Intercontinental Open Challenge? Who has the guts to take on The Man?!

WWE Intercontinental Championship Open Challenge: Seth Rollins VS…

It’s Dolph Ziggler! A former Intercontinental Champion in his own career, the Show-Off wants to steal the show. But wait, Drew McIntyre appears, too!? The Scottish Stud is Ziggler’s tag team partner, and another former Intercontinental Champion.

Both these men are dangerously aggressive, and fresh from having no matches last night. They both walk to the ring, but Ziggler enters, giving us our challenger.

The belt is raised, the bell rings, and we begin. Ziggler kicks first, but Rollins denies the early ZigZag. Ziggler dodges the early Curb Stomp, then bails out to regroup with McIntyre. It’s already tense in this match up while we go to break.

Raw returns and Rollins throws Ziggler back into the ring. Rollins fights off Ziggler, then springboards, but into a dropkick! He hits the floor and McIntyre kneels nearby, almost mockingly. Ziggler gets up and fetches Rollins, throwing hands to stagger the champ. He puts Rollins in the ring, but fans chant “Burn It Down!” Rollins and Ziggler brawl, but Ziggler kicks him down. Cover, TWO, but Ziggler stalks Rollins to the ropes. He brings Rollins up for the neckbreaker. Cover, TWO, so Ziggler drops elbows. Cover, TWO, but Ziggler keeps on Rollins with a chinbar. Ziggler shifts to a chinlock, but Rollins stands, only for Ziggler to throw him down by his hair.

Fans boo but Ziggler embraces the heat. Ziggler chokes Rollins on the ropes, then bends him back against them. He lets go at 4, but he’s toying with Rollins at this point. Ziggler brings Rollins up but Rollins hits back with haymakers. Rollins throws more hands, whips, but Ziggler reverses hard! Cover, TWO, so it’s back to a chinlock. Ziggler also hooks a leg to keep Rollins grounded for the grind. Fans rally and Rollins gets up, but Ziggler brings him back down. Ziggler grins, but Rollins feeds off the fan energy. Rollins gets up, reaches for ropes, then jawbreakers out of the hold. Rollins kicks and suplexes, but Ziggler slips out. The dropkick is caught, into a catapult! Ziggler hits buckle and post!

Ziggler slumps back down while Rollins crawls away. McIntyre coaches Ziggler up, but Rollins stands first. Rollins chops Ziggler, then throws hands. Ziggler kicks back, then whips, but Rollins kicks him away. Rollins rallies with back elbows, then whips, but Ziggler reverses. Slingblade form Rollins! Then he clotheslines Ziggler out! The Architect fires up, he builds speed, and DIVES!

Direct hit with the tope suicida! Grand Rapids is fired up for Rollins as he puts Ziggler in the ring. Rollins aims again, springboards, and hits the flying clothesline. Cover, TWO! The champion is back in control but we go to break.

Raw returns again and both men are slow to standing. Ziggler runs in and hits a splash, then turns Rollins. Rollins counters to a backslide, TWO. Rollins goes for a bomb but Ziggler sunset flips, TWO. Ziggler swings, but into the Revolution Knee! Cover, TWO! McIntyre is furious and coaches Ziggler up, but both men are slowly stirring. Rollins sits up first, and gets himself to a corner. Fans rally up as he stands, and Rollins even stares McIntyre down. Rollins stomps, “Burn It Down!” Rollins mule kicks, then runs, but Ziggler avoids the stomp. Ziggler kicks low, Famouser! Cover, TWO! And so close, too!

Both men are down again, but “This is Awesome!” Ziggler gets to ropes and drags himself up, but Rollins also sits up. Ziggler gets to a corner, and he decides to stomp for his own tune-up. Rollins slowly stands, Ziggler runs in, but into Rollins’ SUPERKICK!

Another SUPERKICK, then cover, TWO!! Rollins is shocked, but he positions Ziggler before climbing up. Rollins reaches the top slowly, then takes aim, Frog Splash FLOPS! Ziggler rolls out just in time, and gets himself up on the apron. Ziggler climbs, but Rollins stands up to stop him. Rollins headbutts Ziggler then climbs up to join him. Rollins brings Ziggler up, but Ziggler fights him. They brawl and Ziggler sends Rollins down. Ziggler adjusts, but Rollins returns, only to get sent down again.

Ziggler tries again, crossbody! Roll through from Rollins into a buckle bomb! Then, mule kick, but McIntyre distracts. Ziggler rolls, TWO, and Ziggler almost hits McIntyre. Rollins rolls, TWO, Ziggler rolls with tights! ZIGGLER WINS!!

WInner: Ziggler, by pinfall; NEW WWE Intercontinental Champion

The Show-Off stole the title! Ziggler is now a six time IC Champ, and mocks Rollins’ celebration style. Ziggler outsmarted the Architect, but Rollins protests. McIntyre strikes! McIntyre rains down rights and Ziggler adds stomps. They bring Rollins up, for the Claymore ZigZag!! The Man is no longer the champ, but will he get payback on the show stealers?

 

Backstage interview with Ziggler & McIntyre.

Breaking news: Monday Night Rollins has been cancelled! Cry online, write blogs about it, but there’s no reboot coming. “This right here, this is our show now.” They told everyone that this is just the beginning. This will be the first of many titles. And unlike former champions, they won’t become soft. Everyone’s talked with their catchphrases like Burn it Down or “My Yard”. But there’s a major difference between all of them, and these two. When these two say something, they mean it.

 

Bobby Roode VS Curt Hawkins!

The GLORIOUS One may not be Mr. MITB, but he doesn’t seem in too bad a mood, even after a Super Coup de Grace from Finn Balor. He must also be in a great mood when he sees his opponent is Mr. 203 Losses and counting.

The bell rings, and Hawkins hits Roode in those bad ribs. Hawkins puts Roode into a backslide, TWO! Roode avoids being Hawkins’ first, then he gives a SPINEBUSTER to Hawkins! Roode winds it up… GLORIOUS Pose! Kick, GLORIOUS DDT! Cover, Roode wins!

Winner: Roode, by pinfall

That was not just GLORIOUS, that was fast. Hawkins goes down to 204, but it gave Roode momentum back up. Will Roode find his way back to a title in the coming days?

 

Mr. Money in the Bank? How about MONSTER in the Bank?

Braun Strowman had the seven other superstars going after him, but he would eventually dispose of them all. In a truly earthshaking performance, Strowman wins his first MITB Ladder Match, and is now armed with that championship contract.

Braun Strowman heads to the ring!

The Monster Among Men brings his MITB briefcase with him, and says, “I’ve smashed tables and broken ladders. I flipped an ambulance over with my bare hands! I won a giant trophy in Saudi Arabia by tossing around grown men like beanbags!” He even played the cello. But as great as all that was, this contract is the greatest. STrowman stepped in the ring with seven other men, and he stomped and smashed and still snatched the contract. All Lesnar has to do is show his face, and Strowman cashes in to become the NEW Universal Champion! The Beast is gonna #GetTheseHands! But the Prizefighter comes out instead.

Kevin Owens is somehow in Grand Rapids, and is somehow walking after being tossed from a 20 foot ladder. Strowman himself is surprised to see Kevin again after that. Kevin admits he probably shouldn’t be here, because it hurts just to breathe. But Kevin has to be here. Not to steal spotlight or get revenge, not that he could. Kevin just wants to be the first man to congratulate him. Strowman does deserve it. Fans pick up the chant, “You Deserve It!”

Kevin continues to say that he knew Strowman was gonna win. Strowman knew Kevin knew, because Kevin tried to rally the others against Strowman. No one listened, and so Kevin just hopes Strowman listens. Strowman did what he said he would, and now he’s #MonsterInTheBank. But now Strowman has this great opportunity, but he needs to be smart. That’s where Kevin comes in. They have more in common than people think. Strowman and Kevin are both seen as hot-headed when they’re good-hearted. Who watches their backs, really? Strowman doesn’t’ really need anyone, but his life has changed now. Who can Strowman count on? At Wrestlemania, when Strowman needed a partner, he picked some kid! As for Kevin, his best friend Sami Zayn is now hurt by Bobby Lashley. That leaves them both all alone, in need of friends.

Maybe “friend” is too strong of a word? They don’t get along, that’s fine. But maybe they can still help each other, or even use each other. Kevin does something for Strowman, Strowman does something for him. Kevin knows what it is it be Universal Champion. So maybe after Strowman cashes in to become champion, he gives Kevin a match. They can team up, Monster & Man! Kevin doesn’t want to #GetTheseHands, he just wants to #ShakeYourHand. Strowman hears the fans in support of this, so Strowman accepts the handshake. But he doesn’t let go. And Kevin knows what’s next. Strowman pulls Kevin in close, and scoops him! Kevin slips away and then retreats. Will The Monster be fine on his own? Or will Kevin be proven right when it comes to hunting The Beast?

 

Bayley sits with Sasha Banks.

Bayley feels bad for Sasha. She was rooting for her, y’know. Sasha thanks her for that. But now they can stop. Stop what? Sasha is milling over the match over and over, surprisingly not on her phone. Well, she was. Sasha and Bayley both want to be the best, but sulking won’t help. Bayley doesn’t understand. She doesn’t? The Riott Squad humiliated her, but she’s back up and ready to fight. She knows things haven’t been great between them, but she doesn’t want anyone else as a tag team partner. This is a new start for both of them. Sasha and Bayley shake hands. Can the friends reunite to turn away the raucous Riott Squad?

 

The Deleters of Worlds VS Heath Slater & Rhyno!

The WOKEN Fireflies are out, as Hardy & Wyatt head to the ring for competition~! They take on the original SmackDown Tag Team Champions in a non-title match. Will the ManBeast and the Father of Many Children be DELETED so soon after the Day of Celebration for Fathers?

But wait, who is that laughing upon the titantron? It is a WOKEN Curt Axel! The B Team will DELETE you~! And Bo Wyatt joins in, “Matt Hardy, Bray Wyatt… We are destined to dance in the shadows.” Beyond space and time, and do all sorts of weird things that you won’t like. Weird things like… Well forget this, the “undefeated” B Team is coming for the titles. Wait! That would be WONDERFUL~! Stop it, Axel.  “We’re the B Team. RUN!”

Um… The camera is still on. Just, slide out of frame…

But that weird weirdness aside, the bell rings! Slater & Rhyno go right at Hardy & Wyatt! Rhyno rams shoulders into Wyatt, then tackles him down. Cover, TWO, so Rhyno puts Wyatt in a corner. Wyatt boots Rhyno, then tags Hardy. Hardy throws DELETE forearms and then DELETE buckle bumps. Hardy puts Rhyno down in the corner, then calls for teh Twist. He kicks, but Rhyno powers out. Slater takes a forearm but Rhyno runs Hardy over. Rhyno tags in Slater, Slater and Rhyno double whip. They double elbow Hardy, then Slater throws hands. Slater drops a knee, covers, TWO.

Slater keeps on Hardy, then tags in Rhyno. Rhyno throws hands, then headbutts Hardy down. HE brings Hardy up, but Hardy hits back. hardy jawbreakers, but Slater tags in. Slater flies but misses, and runs into a Side Effect! Hardy gets to his corner and tags in Wyatt. Wyatt rallies on Slater with those palm strikes. Wyatt then runs corner to corner for the splash! He keeps going, body check! Wyatt spider-walks, and it’s WONDERFUL~! Wyatt stalks Slater, brings him up, but Rhyno runs in. Rhyno gets right hands, then a Twist of Fate! Hardy and Wyatt turn their attention to Slater, but Slater boots back. Slater runs, into the decapitating clothesline! Wyatt again spider-walks, then tags Hardy. Together, Kiss of DELETION!

Cover, The Deleters win!

Winners: The Deleters of Worlds, Hardy pinning

The Raw Tag Team Champions prove superior than the original SmackDown Tag Team Champions. But with the “Best” Team defiantly calling out Hardy & Wyatt, will they pay for it with their souls?

 

Baron Corbin meets with Kurt Angle.

The Constable says Stephanie McMahon is pleased with how he handled Ronda. Well Angle didn’t do any of this for her. But, she’s on the phone right now… He hears her out while we go to break. What will the Commissioner make her GM do now?

Raw returns, and Stephanie finishes giving Angle his orders. “This is big news.” He’ll make an announcement, and hopes to share his own ideas. But run it by Constable Corbin first. Angle finishes up the call, and tells Corbin they have work to do. Why is Corbin all smiles about it?

 

Jinder Mahal w/ Sunil Singh VS Chad Gable!

These two have had issue already while being on Raw, but now the Modern Day Maharaja says that people must be open to change. Mahal felt the winds of change, a gust blowing through to his very core. Roman Reigns won the match, but Mahla has won the war of self-improvement. Because like all the fans here, Roman is just bitter and angry, while he has tranquility. “As a spiritual being”, Mahal is committed to change. Unlike Chad Gable. Gable lives his former glory as an amateur wrestler every day, but he has to let go of the past! Gable will see the light and find inner peace.

Mahal enters the ring, and the bell sounds. He suddenly fires up and throws furious hands on Gable! Gable gets him in a body slam! Gable gets a waistlock, then throws Mahal over head! Mahal fights back and hits a neckbreaker. Mahal clubs away on Gable, then drops a knee. He puts Gable in a chinbar, but Gable gets up to fight back. Mahal shoves but Gable reverses into a back suplex! Sunil is concerned, but Gable elbows Mahal away. Gable hops up, for a hanging armbar! He lets go at 4, then climbs upa gain to jump over. Gable keeps moving, leaping lariat! Gable is fired up, but Mahal slow shim with elbows, only for Gable to dropkick Mahal out!

Things keep going, as Gable puts Mahal in the ring. Gable climbs, MOONSAULT! Cover, TWO! Mahal gets back out, but Gable pursues, only for Mahla to hotshot him. Mahal boots Gable down, then drags him up, for the KHALLAS! Cover, Mahal wins!

Winner: Mahal, by pinfall

The “peaceful” Maharaja gets back a win, and is all smiles. Will Mahal turn things around to compete for a title down the line?

 

The Riott Squad causes trouble backstage.

They even right a big R on a mirror, to mark their territory. Will they do the same to Bayley again after their tag team match?

 

WWE and Raw take a closer look at Joshua Oakley.

Joshua is a kind soul who loves running, and loves America. He started at just 8 years old, and he’s blossomed ever since. He’s also Junior ROTC. Josh is a star cadet, and always gives his best. When someone wins, someone else loses. But Joshua always encourages everyone that they can do better next time. Cheer Joshua and all the Special Olympics Athletes in the Seattle Games!

 

Bayley & Sasha Banks VS The Riott Squad’s Liv Morgan & Sarah Logan!

While The Boss was busy preparing for MITB, the Huggable One was left alone to fight against Ruby and her team. The Squad has already humiliated Bayley once, will they do it again when she has a friend by her side?

The teams sort out, and Bayley starts against Liv. Bayley kicks and clubs Liv down, but Liv powers her to the Squad’s corner. Tag to Sarah, and #LivCountryStrong double whip but Bayley kicks them both away. Bayley bulldogs Sarah, then covers, TWO. Sasha wants in, but Bayley drops an elbow first. Then Bayley runs, so Sasha tags herself in. Sasha drags Sarah up but Sarah forearms her down. Sarah kicks Sasha to ropes, so Sasha chops back. Sasha tries to suplex, but her bad back stops that. Sarah headbutts, then shoves, but Sasha back elbows. Bayley tags in to bail Sasha out, but Sarah headbutts Bayley. Sarah puts Bayley in a corner, but Bayley fights out. Bayley flapjacks Sarah for snake eyes, then runs to run her over!

Bayley throws hands on Sarah, then drags Sarah up to toss her out. She backs up to shoulder and hotshot Sarah, then hits the wrecking ball headscissors! Liv comes in, but Bayley dodges and Sasha runs Liv over! The friends have an understanding while we go to break.

Raw returns, and Sarah has Bayley in a keylock. Bayley armdrags out, but Sarah powers her up and away from Sasha’s tag, with a spienbuster! Sarah hits Sasha just because, then goes back to Bayley. Bayley back drops Sarah, but has no one to tag! Sarah crawls, and tags in Liv. Liv rushes Bayley but runs into boots. Sasha returns and tags in all at once! Sasha rallies on Liv, then dropkicks her down. Liv ends up in a corner, Sasha hits double knees. Sasha climbs up, and Meteora! Cover, TWO! Sasha gets up, but Liv jawbreakers. Liv swings but Sasha turns her. Liv denies the backstabber, then enziguris Sasha down! Cover, but Bayley break sit just in time. Sarah comes in but gets thrown over and out.

Bayley gets back to her corner, and Sasha crawls, but she has to fight Sarah off instead. Liv gets Sasha for a hard whip! Liv climbs up, but misses the stomp to get a knee. Sasha sets Liv up sideways, but Sarah distracts. Bayley goes after her, but the referee backs her off. This distracts him from seeing Sarah sucker punch Sasha! Liv rolls Sasha, with tights, The Riott Squad wins!

Winners: The Riott Squad (Sarah & Liv), Liv pinning

The Squad works better together than two “best friends”. They celebrate on their way out, while Bayley consoles Sasha. But Sasha shoves Bayley? Sasha is upset, and Bayley is trying to be understanding, but it’s getting difficult. They argue a bit, but then after a long stare down, Sasha shoves Bayley down! Sasha storms off, and we’re back to square one. Will their ever reconcile things? Or will it return to a heated fight like before?

 

Bayley tries to talk to Sasha backstage.

But Sasha is in no mood. Bayley isn’t finished. But Sasha is. There’s the fight!! But it’s Bayley who goes into the tables. Sasha throws hands but Bayley uses the tray! They ram into a garbage bin, then Sasha throws cups. Sasha storms off again, and Byaley is sore. Seems we have our answer already, so where do we go from here?

 

Kurt Angle returns to the ring.

He’s frustrated about all of this, but Stephanie McMahon informed him of when and where Brock Lesnar will defend his title. The real question is, against who? And Roman Reigns appears!

The Big Dog doesn’t want to wait, he is the “uncrowned” Universal Championship after the controversial ending to a Steel Cage Match at the Greatest Royal Rumble event. Roman has bounced back since, including a win over Jinder Mahal at Money in the Bank. Roman joins Angle in the ring, and says he’s the answer to the question. Everyone knows Roman actually won that match, so that he is actually the champion. “And it’s no secret”, Raw is tough to run. So maybe a full-time champion would help out a lot. Angle appreciates Roman’s confidence, but he has that announcement to make. But wait, here comes Bobby Lashley!

The Dominator dominated Sami Zayn at MITB, and as the shirt says, he’s back to dominate WWE. Lashley joins Angle and Reigns in the ring, and sees “The Guy”. Even before Lashley came back, he saw Reigns bang his head against a wall trying to beat Lesnar. Clearly Reigns doesn’t have what it takes. Is that so? Yes, Big Dog. This is The Yard, but Lashley has wanted after Lesnar since he was a Little Pup. So step aside and let someone who can beat Brock, beat Brock. And yes, Lashley can beat Lesnar, but he can also beat Reigns.

Angle keeps the peace, and says they’re both deserving. But so are others. Therefore, the #1 contender will be decided at Extreme Rules. The full field of superstars will be announced at a later date, but he promises Roman AND Lashley are two of them. Both men accept this, but two #TopGuys come out?

The Revival return to Raw, and see these two whining. What happened to earning things? Dash & Dawson busted their backs just to get one chance on Raw. But guys like those two in the ring are always in their ring. That changes tonight! Lashley and Reigns and true Wrestlemania stars, but they’re going to be shown up by “the very best tag team in the world.” And yes, they’re hoping these two self-destruct so that they’ll be used as launching pads for Dash & Dawson! Roman tells them to shut up. He’ll gladly take them to school. He could even teach “Bob” something. Angle calls out a ref and makes this official!

 

Roman Reigns & Bobby Lashley VS The Revival!

Two top guys in all of the WWE take on the two #TopGuys in tag team wrestling. Or at least, Dash & Dawson hope to remind us all that they are the best. Can they #SayYeah to a win over a pair of powerhouses?

Raw returns as the teams sort themselves out. Dawson starts, but Roman and Lashley argue out who starts for their team. Roman says he has it, so Lashley lets him. Dawson and Roman circle, then tie up. Roman pushes Dawson to an open corner, but Dawson springs back up. Dawson talks strategy with Dash while fans duel over whether or not “Roman Sucks!” Dawson gets the arm and the wristlock, but Roman reverses to his own. However, Dawson rolls and reverses back to a headlock. Roman powers out, but Dawson slips under, only to get run over. Roman dares Dawson to come back, then rocks Dawson with an uppercut.

Dash reaches for a tag, but Roman drags Dawson away. Roman tags Lashley, but Dawson hits first. Dawson takes Lashley’s headband away, then kicks low. Tag to Dash, and The Revival double whip. But Lashley blasts out to run Dawson over and body slam Dash! Lashley brings Dash up for a wristlock, then offers a tag, but Dawson trips Roman. Roman stalks Dawson around the corner, then into the ring. Lashley is there and he grabs Dawson, but while the referee bothers with Roman, Dash chop blocks Lashley! Dash also pushes Roman down, then tags Dawson. Dawson lifts Lashley, elbow drop backbreaker combo! Cover, TWO.

Dawson keeps on Lashley with chops in a corner, then snapmares for a leg drop. Cover, TWO, but Dawson keeps on Lashley with a chinlock. Lashley endures while fans rally up. Lashley stands up and fights out but Dawson kicks him away. Dawson brings Lashley around by his leg, but Lashley counters with an overhead suplex! Hot tags to Dash and Roman! Roman rallies on Dash, but Dash reverses the whip, only for Roman to hit the leaping lariat! Roman uppercuts Dawson, too, then puts both #TopGuys in a corner. He unleashes the close-range clotheslines on them both and gets all 10. Roman then runs and boots Dash down! He knees Dawson, then hits a guillotine leg drop!

Fans fire up as Roman locks and loads. Roman aims, SUPERMAN PUNCH to Dawson! But Dash rolls him up! TWO! SUPERMAN PUNCH for Dash! Roman isn’t done there, and he fires up in the corner. But as he howls, Lashley tags in! And Lashley SPEARS Dash! Cover, Lashley & Roman win!

Winners: Reigns & Lashley, Lashley pinning

Before there was the Big Dog, there was the Alpha Male. Roman and Lashley can spear with the best of them, but who else joins them in this coming Extreme Rules #1 Contenders match?

 

Angle and Corbin talk backstage.

Finn Balor comes by and asks about that Extreme Rules match. He’ll do whatever it takes to qualify for that match and then win back the Universal Championship. But Corbin just laughs. What makes Finn think he deserves that? Oh, just because he was champion for 24 hours? Be lucky that Corbin wasn’t there to embarrass him. Who does Finn think he is? Who does Corbin think HE is? Kevin comes in, and agrees with Corbin. But Finn doesn’t care what they think. Corbin is shortsighted, and Kevin can’t even sense when danger’s right behind him. Because Strowman is there behind him!!

Kevin runs to Corbin’s side. Strowman reminds them all that he can show up where and when he wants. And he’s looking after his buddy, Balor. If Corbin and Kevin want to fight, they don’t have a problem with it. Angle heads off, and Corbin & Kevin follow. Will the Monster & the Demon show the Lone Wolf & Prizefighter what’s what?

 

It’s official: WWE 2K19 has a PHENOMENAL Cover Star.

Yes, it’s AJ Styles! “Never say never”, because Styles is humbled and honored to be on the cover of this newest edition of the WWE video game. But there is also a WWE 2K19 Million Dollar Challenge! The winner of this challenge can face AJ Styles in-game for $1,000,000!! #NeverSayNever, but who will step up and accept this amazing challenge?

 

No Way Jose VS Mojo Rawley!

The Fighting Fiesta faces a man who used to be very much like him. The former Hype Bro used to be all about the party and the fun, but now he’s all about his #KillerInstinct. Will Jose survive to party another night? Or will Mojo end the fun right here?

The bell rings, they tie up, and Mojo powers Jose to a corner. Mojo swings but Jose dodges and dances. Mojo runs again, but Jose dances with him into a headlock. But Mojo powers out and runs Jose over. He glares down at Jose, then speeds things up. Jose runs Mojo over now, and dances some more. Mojo runs but Jose sends him outside, then Jose baseball slides Mojo down. Jose drags Mojo up and in, but Mojo kicks his legs out. Mojo drags Jose in by his hair, then hammers away with angry rights. Mojo drags Jose up again, to headbutt him down. He wrangles Jose into a half-nelson chinbar, but Jose gets up to his feet. Jose jawbreakers, then back elbows Mojo away.

Jose forearms Mojo, then runs to lariat Mojo down! He rallies on Mojo, flapjack on top. Cover, TWO. Mojo gets to a corner, but Jose goes after him. The referee backs Jose off, and Mojo chop blocks the leg! Mojo then runs side to side, “LIGHTS OUT!” with that Killer Forearm. Then fireman’s carry, and drop! Cover, Mojo wins!

Winner: Mojo Rawley, by pinfall

No more fun and games, only the grind.

In-ring interview with Mojo Rawley.

“The WWE is more competitive now than it ever has been.” In order to achieve anything more than occasional success, you need to bring more. Mojo used to #StayHype, but now, he makes sure to #StayFocused. Can he keep his focus and aim for a title match in the near future?

 

Sasha Banks heads out.

But before she can get in her car, Bayley finds her again. They’re not done. yes they are. At least, Sasha is done. Sasha gets in her car then drives off. Bayley can only throw her bottle at the rear window. Is Bayley all alone again?

 

“Ladies and Gentlemen: Elias.”

The Drifter is in Grand Rapids, and already sings. “There’s no one in the world like me~, there’s nothing I can’t do. When times get hard, ask What Would Elias Do?” Rollins may have won at MITB, but he had to cheat, because he knows that Elias can’t be beat. Rollins got what he deserved, losing his title, the Kingslayer’s slain. “Because there’s no one in this world like me~, there’s nothing I can’t do.” When times get tough, just ask What Would Elias Do? Angle, he’s heard Lesnar is looking for a fight. Elias thinks it should be his night. “Everybody wants to run and hide, when the Beast comes knocking.” But Elias has nothing to fear, because he’ll be Walking. Deep down his soul is vapid, just like the trash in Grand Rapids.

Fans didn’t like that last line. But “There’s no one in the world like me~, there’s nothing I can’t do.” And to reiterate, just ask yourself “What Would Elias Do?”

 

Backstage interview with Seth Rollins.

The Architect, whether too tired, too beat up or too distracted, lost his title. And now he’s a former champion. That stings. Does he think his grueling match with Elias on Sunday played into that? Rollins isn’t going to make excuses, it was his choice to give an Open Challenge. Ziggler won. But McIntyre was in Ziggler’s corner and distracted him a little. McIntyre is a problem, but one that Rollins has a week to solve. Rollins invokes his rematch clause for next week, and vows to take back that Intercontinental Championship. Can The Architect craft a plan to make McIntyre a non-factor?

 

Finn Balor & Braun Strowman VS Kevin Owens & Baron Corbin!

Extraordinary Man and Monster in the Bank reunite as a team to take on the pouting Prizefighter and controlling Constable of Raw. Can Finn earn a spot in the Universal Championship Contenders match? Or will Kevin get his way again with the help of the Lone Wolf?

Strowman lets his “little buddy” start against Constable Corbin. They circle, tie up, and Corbin powers Finn to a corner. He backs off but then sucker forearms Finn in the face. Corbin drags Finn up for another, then whips him corner to corner hard. Corbin grins as he stalks Finn, then brings him up. He throws a haymaker, then tags in a reluctant Kevin. Kevin throws hands but that bad arm and back bother him already. He stomps Finn, then whips him, then runs him over with a back elbow. Kevin refuses to continue, so he tags out to Corbin. Corbin is just fine as he knees Finn low.

Corbin stomps a mudhole into Finn, then backs off to taunt Strowman. he throws a forearm but FInn coutnesr with his own, then tags Strowman! The Monster and the Constable stand off, equal in height but perahps not in size. Corbin contemplates what to do, and takes off the nice vest. He circles with Strowman, ties up, but Strowman easily pushes Corbin away. Strowman roars and flexes, and Corbin reconsiders. Corbin sucker punches but Strowman blocks and counters. Kevin distracts, and Corbin pounces! Corbin throws hands on Strowman, and those Golden Gloves rock Strowman. Corbin roars, but Strowman comes back with a big boot! Stroowamn clotheslines Corbin, then clobbers Kevin!

Finn tags in, and he has Strowman give him a literal lift, for a MASSIVE splash! The Monster and the Demon are in control while we take one last break.

Raw returns once more, and Corbin has Finn in a seated half-nelson chinbar. Fans rally and Finn stands up. Finn fights Corbin off, but Corbin knees low. Corbin runs, but into a dropkick! Kevin tags in, Finn tosses Corbin but Kevin trips him up. Kevin throws Finn into barriers, and Finn slumps down. He then puts Finn back in the ring, back senton, cover, TWO. He stomps on Finn, then drags Finn up for punches to the kidneys. Kevin wraps the chinlock on, and puts his weight on Finn’s body. Fans rally again, and Finn stands up, but Kevin wrangles him back down. Corbin likes what he sees but Strowman shouts for Finn to get up.

Finn sits up, stands up, and reaches, but Kevin pulls him away. Kevin lifts, pendulum backbreaker! Cover, ONE, so Kevin drags Finn over to tag Corbin. Corbin takes Finn and throws in body shots. Corbin drags Finn up, then throws him out of the ring. He trolls Strowman more, then fetches Finn on the outside. Corbin rams Finn into barriers! Then throws him into more barriers! Corbin returns in the ring and leaves Finn to the mercy of the count. Finn gets in at 8 and shoulders Corbin. Finn slingshots but that right rocks him out of the air! Cover, TWO, and Corbin is furious!

Corbin drags Finn up for another chinbar and half-nelson. Fans rally up again, and Finn feeds off the energy. Finn is put in a corner, but he elbows Corbin away. Finn runs for his corner, but runs into a DEEP SIX! Cover, TWO, and Kevin is furious for Corbin. Corbin gets up and drags Finn over. He tags Kevin in, and Kevin gingerly gets in. Kevin runs, but the back senton misses! Kevin writhes, while Strowman shouts for Finn to move! Both Finn and Kevin crawl, fans are thunderous, hot tag to Corbin, and Corbin intercepts Finn! Finn fights him off, but Corbin whips him into the corner. Corbin clotheslines Finn, then stomps away. Tag to Kevin, and Kevin adds his stomps.

Kevin tags Corbin back in, and Corbin stomps more. Strowman can only glare as Finn takes stomps. But then he decides to just run in and squash Corbin! He also smacks Kevin away, then tosses Finn over to their corner. Strowman tags in, then continues to run over Corbin! He whips Corbin corner to corner, then runs in for another squash! Strowman clubs Corbin with one arm! Cover, but he sees Kevin coming. Kevin stops short, but so does the count. Kevin retreats but Strowman pursues! Corbin intercepts with a HUGE leaping lariat!

Corbin hauls Strwoman into the ring, covers, TWO!! And Corbin is exhausted. Corbin manages to stand up and get to a corner, but Strowman is also up.

Corbin stomps and runs, but gets a palm strike! Strowman staggers up, runs in, but hits post! But Finn returns to tag in! Finn kicks Corbin, then rallies with strikes. He hits Kevin just because, but Corbin knees low. Finn counters with a takedown and double stomps! Cover, but Kevin breaks it. Strowman runs Kevin over, then decides to top it off with a running start. Kevin is bulldozed into the timekeeper’s area!! Both men are down, so it’s just Finn and Corbin. They both stand in the ring, but Corbin grabs Finn for the Choke Slam. Finn counters with a DDT! Finn blasts Corbin with a dropkick, then climbs up top! He takes aim, but Corbin trips him up. End of Days! Cover, Corbin & Kevin win!

Winners: Baron Corbin & Kevin Owens, Corbin pinning

The Lone Wolf and Prizefighter pull out a victory by the skin of their teeth. Strowman may be okay because he is #MonsterInTheBank, but what about Finn’s chances of being in the contenders match?

 


 

My Thoughts:

This was a pretty good Raw to follow MITB. The opening was great, with Ronda going wild like that. The “suspension” works well for story, it gives a reason for why Ronda won’t be champion this quickly. Extreme Rules will see the Alexa VS Nia rematch, and maybe something controversial will happen then to give rise to more than just Ronda VS Alexa. Kayfabe or not, we all know Ronda would win against Alexa easily, so the best thing would be a Triple Threat at Summerslam so Ronda will at least have a challenge in Nia. Then following up with the surprise result of Rollins losing was actually pretty smart. It helps build two stories at once: Rollins is overdoing it and he just couldn’t keep it up; and Ziggler-McIntyre are validated in their claims that they’re going to take over.

Poor, poor Hawkins. WWE cares just enough about the story they’ve given him to have him on TV. He and Roode could’ve actually put on a great match, even for just 10 minutes, and it’d end the same so that we’d get a better sense of Hawkins’ struggle rather than just “Oh. He lost. What’s next?” And while I may not have been for The B Team, that parody of Hardy & Wyatt was brilliant. Their title match is probably coming at Extreme Rules or just before, and I really hope they get to go into the WOKEN Universe with either the Hardy or Wyatt compounds for some pre-filmed fun.

Seems Mahal is integrating that abandoned gimmick he had months ago into his current one, and I bet he’ll find his way into Angl’s proposed multi-man contenders match. Sasha and Bayley relapse to being enemies, but that might be for the best. Whether it’s at Extreme Rules or Summerslam, they can easily tear the house down 1v1. They were a bit redundant with the backstage promos, though. The fight was enough, leave it alone until next week. Roman and Lashley are natural choices for this contenders match Angle speaks of, but poor Revival, they return just to lose. Maybe those two will one day get back to what they were in NXT. Mojo himself returns to win, so maybe he can find a way into Extreme Rules.

I was rather surprised Elias finally got what he wanted: a full, uninterrupted performance. That’s another possible contender, even though he lost to Rollins. Kevin essentially offering to be Strowman’s Heyman was interesting, but obviously Strowman is too Face for that kind of stuff now. He and Finn did great against Corbin and Kevin, but it works that Finn took the pin. Strowman stays strong, as he should, and Corbin even puts his name back into the hat. Though, as Constable, his authority might be enough power for him, so it’ll be Kevin that’s likely to qualify for another contenders match.

My Score: 8.5/10

About Chairshot Radio Network

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

 MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)

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

WEDNESDAY - The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling) 

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

FRIDAY - DWI Podcast (Drunk Wrestling Intellect)

SATURDAY - The Mindless Wrestling Podcast

SUNDAY - The Front and Center Sports Podcast 

CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS

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

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

Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5

Classic POD is WAR


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

All Shows On Demand


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

Coverage

Mitchell’s WWE Raw Results & Report! (4/21/25)

The Raw After Mania!

Published

on

Who has WrestleMania hangover here in Vegas?

There are so many new champions in the WWE, but none bigger than JOHN CENA as the SEVENTEEN TIME WWE Champion! What will happen now that he is back on top?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

  • WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships: Lyra Valkyria & Becky Lynch VS Liv Morgan & Raquel Rodriguez; win and
  • WWE Intercontinental Championship: Dominik Mysterio VS PENTA; wins and

PLAY BY PLAY

A car pulls into the parking lot.

Out steps The Wise Man, Paul Heyman, and The Visionary, Seth Rollins. What will be next for the new Paul Heyman Guy?

 

JOHN CENA is here!

Las Vegas is still just as torn as they were last night, but we sure hear a lot of “JOHN CENA SUCKS~!” as the NEW Undisputed WWE Champion, the SEVENTEEN TIME world champion, walks down the ramp. Cena drapes the towel over his head and he wears the title backwards, but he doesn’t care what the fans think as he steps into the ring. Cena has his music fade out, and he points to someone. Cena tells them to come closer, and it’s the ring announcer. Cena has Mark Nash join him in the ring while the fans duel, “Let’s Go, Cena!” “CENA SUCKS!” Cena hands something to Nash for him to read to the fans.

Nash says, “My sincerest apologies. I have been informed that my announcement has been deemed disrespectful. Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome the Greatest Of All Time, the Never Seen Seventeen, gracing Las Vegas with his presence for the final time… The Last Real Champion, JOHN CENAAA~!” The fans boo as Cena holds up the title. Cena then has Nash hand over his mic, and says, “Winners write history. You (fans) are not worthy. You think that on Friday, you can bully me? And then I step in a ring with gold around my waist, and just because you cheer, I’m supposed to forgive you?” Fans cheer in hopes of that.

Cena says that is not how a functional relationship works! Does this man up front think that’s how it works with his wife? Well, it’s not. Cena asks if the parents treat their children like that. No, because that’s not how it works. The fans might show up in a good mood, Cena will still tell them to go straight to Hell. Every damn one of them owes Cena an apology, but they don’t have the guts to do it! And yeah, go ahead, make the noise. This is always the night fans hijack Monday Night Raw, right? All of WrestleMania, and this is a sacred ticket where the fans can take control, right? They have gotten soft.

Wait, some fans chant “We Are Sorry!” And others say, “NO, WE’RE NOT!” Cena explains that it’s “We Aren’t Sorry.” He does a quick once over, and yeah, this is an arena full of the sorriest lowlifes he’s ever seen! Each and every one of them ARE sorry! And here’s the best part: They don’t mean anything to Cena. The fans tell Cena off and Cena just soaks it in. Cena say she may be an anus, but they’re all idiots. For 25 YEARS, they have called him so much worse. He has taken their best shots, and has always gotten back up. What makes them think THIS is the crowd that’ll crack him? Go ahead! You mean NOTHING to him! The noise means NOTHING!

“The only thing that means to all of our lives… is that!” The number on screen says “36 dates.” Cena says he told us at the beginning of the year, 36 shows, and he’s gone. Time passes so quickly! Let’s countdown the time we’ve already lost. Netflix debut, Indianapolis, Toronto, London, Brussels, Glasgow, Las Vegas, Las Vegas, Las Vegas! That leaves us with 27 dates. Not matches, but appearances. The fans boo but Cena says yeah! You say he can’t wrestle? He doesn’t have to! He can just show up and do this! “When that hits zero, the professional wrestling timeline stops cold. I am not stupid like you. I know there will be another Monday Night Raw. I know you will ‘decide’ another champion.

“But the title held by Bruno Sammartino, the title held by Roman Reigns for over 1000 days, the title taken from me in Chicago by CM Punk, the title held by Triple H ‘The Game,’ by ‘Heartbreak Kid’ Shawn Michaels, and ‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin comes home with ME! I am the Last Real Undisputed Champion of the WWE!” The fans boo but Cena says getting the title was the hard part. The rest is a cake walk. He can just keep playing us like the puppets we are. The best chance the fans had was Cody Rhodes. The fans boo and Cena says, “You heartless bastards. You boo him on Friday, and then you cheer him on Friday, and then you boo him on Sunday. And I say his name?

“And the man we all put on our shoulders last year because he finished his story now disgusts you? That’s what’s wrong with this! And that’s why last night, Cody Rhodes was outshined, outclassed, outwrestled and flat-out destroyed. It’s time for you to take a bold look in the mirror, and here’s the truth: There is NO ONE in the WWE with the strength, the speed, the wisdom, or the ruthless aggression… of John Cena! But unlike you, I have a heart. And I would like to do something nice for you right now. Get out your cameras, please, you’re gonna wanna remember this moment.” Cena waits, and then says make sure to get a great picture. Because the Last Real Champ is here.

AND RANDY ORTON IS, TOO!! Cena turns around and R K O!! The fans are thunderous as The Viper strikes Cena down! Orton then looks at the title. Orton picks it up, smirks, and then holds it up. The fans like the look of that! But is this a vision of the future? Is Cena bout to face some serious backlash for what he’s done?

 

WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships: Lyra Valkyria & Becky Lynch VS Liv Morgan & Raquel Rodriguez!

The NEW champions just won these titles last night, but the former champions are cashing in their rematch! Will Liv & Raquel redeem themselves just 24 hours later? Or will The Morrigan & The Man be 2-0 already?

Raw returns and we see Gigi Dolin & Tatum Paxley watching from the crowd. They’re set to challenge for these titles tomorrow night as part of NXT, but just who will they be facing? Moving on, Lyra & Becky make their entrance together, and the fans sing along with Becky’s “Whoa Oh, Oh Oh, Oh-oh Oh!” The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we see who holds the gold!

The teams sort out, and Liv goes right after Becky! The fans are torn as Liv fires hands! The ref counts, Liv stomps away, but then she shrieks at the ref to back off. Liv runs in, back body blocks, then SHINING WIZARDS! Snapmare, SHINING WIZARD again! Cover, TWO! Becky stays in this but Liv stays on her by pulling hair and CLUBBING Becky in the side! Liv KICKS Becky, brings her up, but Becky ROCKS Liv! Liv ROCKS Becky, the shots keep going, and the fans fire up! Becky fires off a strike fest, then brings Liv up to whip. Liv reverses, Lyra tags in, and Becky BOOTS Liv! Lyra & Becky double whip to DOUBLE HIP TOSS!

Lyra CROSSBODIES Liv down, then brings her around. Lyra whips Liv to a corner hard, and Liv slumps down. Lyra stomps a mudhole, then brings Liv out. Liv breaks fee but Lyra SOBATS, KICKS, RAMS, and ENZIGIRIS! Raquel runs up, Lyra headlocks her first. Raquel whips, Lyra springboards to CROSSBODY Liv! Then WHEEL KICK for Raquel! The fans fire up with Lyra, she calls to Becky, and they both WRECK Liv & Raquel with dropkicks! The fans fire up for the lass kickers as Raw goes to break.

 

About Chairshot Radio Network

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

 MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)

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

WEDNESDAY - The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling) 

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

FRIDAY - DWI Podcast (Drunk Wrestling Intellect)

SATURDAY - The Mindless Wrestling Podcast

SUNDAY - The Front and Center Sports Podcast 

CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS

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

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

Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5

Classic POD is WAR


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

All Shows On Demand


Powered by RedCircle


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

Coverage

Mitchell’s NJPW Road to Wrestling Dontaku Results & Report! (4/19/25)

Parting is such sweet sorrow…

Published

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There are more goodbyes than just The Ace’s Final Road.

NJPW already knows Hiroshi Tanahashi will retire with this year, but his final match with Jeff Cobb will also be Jeff Cobb’s farewell to NJPW! Will The Ace never tire out? Or will he take a Tour of the Islands?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

  • 8 Man Tag: Hiroyoshi Tenzan, Satoshi Kojima, Yuji Nagata & Tiger Mask VS Togi Makabe, Tomoaki Honma, Katsuya Murashima & Daiki Nagai; Tenza, Kojima, Nagata & Tiger Mask win.
  • 8 Man Tag: Toru Yano, Boltin Oleg, YOH & Master Wato VS TMDK; Yano, Oleg, Yoh & Wato win.
  • Hiroshi Tanahashi VS Jeff Cobb; Tanahashi wins.
  • Six Man Tag: Bullet Club War Dogs VS House of Torture; House of Torture wins.
  • Six Man Tag: Hirooki Goto, El Desperado & Ryusuke Taguchi VS Callum Newman, Templario & Jakob Austin Young; Goto, Desperado & Taguchi win.
  • 10 Man Elimination Tag: Los Ingobernables de Japon VS Yuya Uemura, Shota Umino, Taichi, Taka Michinoku & YOSHI-HASHI; LIJ wins.

PLAY BY PLAY

Hiroshi Tanahashi VS Jeff Cobb!

The Ace’s Final Road continues on, but it would seem the Imperial Unit has hit the end of his run in NJPW. Will the President give Cobb a proper sendoff? Or is there one last Tour of the Islands planned?

The bell rings and the fans rally up for “COBBU! COBBU!” Tanahashi nods, and Cobb is emotional hearing that. Cobb and Tanahashi circle, tie up, and Tanahashi waistlocks. But Cobb’s a bit too big to lift even for The Ace. Cobb walks over to the ROPEBREAK, and Tanahashi lets go. The fans applaud and the two reset. They tie up, Tanahashi wrenches and wristlocks, but Cobb powers through, wrenches and wristlocks in return, then hammerlocks to headlock. Tanahashi puts Cobb on the ropes, the ref counts, and Tanahashi lets go cleanly again. The fans applaud the continued sportsmanship, and the two reset again.

Cobb runs up, and he SLINGBLADES?! Cover, TWO!! The “Cobby Cat” strikes again but Tanahashi survives his own move. Cobb whips Tanahashi, Tanahashi grabs ropes, but Cobb runs up. Tanahashi BOOTS Cobb, runs up, but Cobb scoops! Cobb SLAMS Tanahashi, and then air guitars before the GACHIMUCHI- NO, Tanahashi avoids the moonsault! Then Tanahashi sets up, to MOONSAULT!? But Cobb moves so Tanahashi belly flops on the floor! The fans fire up while both men are pulling out all the stops. Cobb steps on Tanahashi, pretends he didn’t see Tanahashi there, and then brings Tanahashi up.

Cobb ROCKS Tanahashi with a forearm, then headlocks. Cobb brings Tanahashi to the ropes to show everyone as he messes with Tanahashi’s hair. Cobb then CLUBS Tanahashi, brings him around, and suplexes. Cobb holds Tanahashi up, the fans cheer as Cobb marches around with him, and then Cobb pops Tanahashi for a POWERSLAM! Cover, TWO! Tanahashi stays in this but Cobb stays on him with a GROUND COBRA! Cobb uses Tanahashi as the guitar, then CLUBS him in the ribs and chest! Cobb eggs Tanahashi on, and Tanahashi growls and rises up. Tanahashi fires body shots and forearms, but Cobb just HEADBUTTS back!

Tanahashi staggers away to a corner, and Cobb runs up, only for Tanahashi to dodge! Tanahashi dropkicks Cobb’s legs! Tanahashi then grabs one, and Cobb asks for mercy! Cobb apologizes, but Tanahashi says bye-bye! DRAGON SCREW! The fans cheer while Cobb clutches his leg. Tanahashi storms up on Cobb to fire more fast hands! Tanahashi then says, “MY POWER!” And he SCOOP SLAMS Cobb! The fans fire up as Tanahashi climbs the corner. Tanahashi hits the SUNSET SENTON! Cover, TWO! Cobb is tougher than that but Tanahashi gets moving. But Cobb ROCKS Tanahashi! Cobb winds up, he runs, but Tanahashi dodges the slingblade!

Tanahashi waistlocks, Cobb switches, but Tanahashi throws elbows. Cobb picks Tanahashi up to SLAM him down, and FALLING HAMMER! Cover, TWO! Tanahashi stays in this, but the GACHIMUCHI MOONSAULT hits! Cover, TWO!! Tanahashi survives the double impact, but Cobb looms over him. Cobb drags Tanahashi up, fires his own fast hand combo, then scoops to SLAM Tanahashi! Cobb grins as he looks to the corner. The fans fire up as Cobb hops up, air guitar and the pose, SUNSET FLOP as Tanahashi moves! Tanahashi runs, but Cobb grabs tights! Cobb reels Tanahashi in, but Tanahashi elbows free!

Cobb SHOTEIS! Tanahashi SHOTEIS! Tanahashi hits a TWIST ‘N’ SHOUT! The fans fire up as Tanahashi goes up the corner! But Cobb stands! Tanahashi HIGH FLY ATTACKS, but Cobb catches him! Cobb pops Tanahashi up, shifts around, and ATHLETIC- SLINGBLADE?!? Cover, TWO!! Tanahashi rises, the fans fire up, and Tanahashi runs to SLING- NO, Cobb gets around to GERMAN SUPLEX! But Tanahashi rises again! SLING- NO, Cobb scoops Tanahashi, but then pops him around again! TOUR OF THE ISLANDS!! Cobb roars, but he’s not done!! Cobb ripcords Tanahashi for the RIPCORD- CRADLE COUNTER!! TANAHASHI WINS!!

Winner: Hiroshi Tanahashi, by pinfall

Cobb got cocky and it to cost him! Tanahashi still tells Cobb he’s proud of him and of Cobb’s time here in NJPW. The two shake hands and hug it out while the fans cheer. Tanahashi’s Final Road rolls on, and The United Empire is here to say farewell to their friend. Cobb is handed a mic, and Chris Charleton is there to interpret. Cobb says he was not expecting to lose tonight. But first and foremost, he wants to thank the people that don’t even get seen by the fans. The NJPW staff, the music team, the NJPW World techs, the boys ‘n’ girls in the back, and all the wrestlers Cobb calls “family.” The fans applaud and Cobb says Chris’s Japanese is good.

Cobb takes a moment before he says he had a speech ready, but he’s kinda blanking out from the pressure. Online, there has been an outpouring of love, #ThankYouCobb. But really, he should be thanking each and every one of the fans. Cobb gets emotional again while Chris translates for him. Cobb knows it’s a bit of a crappy situation, but he wants Callum Newman to know, he’s got the ball, so run with it. Cobb lets Chris translate now, and then Cobb wraps by thanking the Empire members here, from Khan, to Templario, to “Jakob Change Your Name,” to Akira and to Callum.

And lastly, Cobb says this is not goodbye, but more see you later. Thank you, NJPW. Thank you, fans. Domo arigato gozaimasu! The fans cheer for Cobb one more time, and he bows deeply to them all. When and where will we see Cobb in the ring, any ring, again?

 

10 Man Elimination Tag: Los Ingobernables de Japon VS Yuya Uemura, Shota Umino, Taichi, Taka Michinoku & YOSHI-HASHI!

Well, not only is The Ace on his Final Road, but it would seem Tetsuya Naito and Bushi are on their own way out of NJPW. Then will they and their amigos start their Road to Wrestling Dontaku with a celebration? Or will the Heat Storm, Roughneck, Holy Emperor, Blue Playmaker and Headhunter make this anything but tranquilo?

The teams sort out and there’s a lot of entrance attire to put aside. Once Naito is done putting the pants away, LIJ fist bumps while Just4Guys/Hontai shake hands. Yuya steps up against Naito and the fans fire up already. Naito and Yuya stare down while the fans cheer “NA-I-TO! NA-I-TO!” Naito and Yuya step up, but then Naito tags to Bushi. The fans cheer Bushi on now, he circles with Yuya, but then Bushi tags out to Yota. The fans rally as Yuya and Yota feel things out, giving us a taste of their IWGP Global Heavyweight Championship match. They tie up, are in a deadlock, and Yuya wrenches Yota to a wristlock.

Yota slips around, full nelsons, but Yuya breaks that to hammerlock. Yota reaches back to facelock, then he wrenches again. Yuya rolls, wrenches, and arm-drags Yota down. But Yota headscissors! Yuya kips free, and the fans cheer the standoff. Yota and Yuya reset, tie up, and Yota headlocks. Yuya powers up and out, drops down, then hurdles over to arm-drag again! The fans cheer as Yuya has the armlock. Yota fights up, fights around, but Yuya brings him over and Taka tags in. Taka kicks Yota, CLUBS him, then stomps him. Taka knees low, runs, but Yota dropkicks a leg out! LIJ rushes in and BLASTS Hontai! Then they bring Taka to the ropes!

Hontai rushes in to save Taka! The fans fire up as everyone fights at the ropes, and Taka lands safe on the apron! Taka scurries around the way and back into the ring! The fans cheer, but then Takagi & Yota split the wishbone! Hiromu tags in, he brings Taka up and CHOPS! Hiromu whips corner to corner, runs up and LARIATS! Hiromu snapmares and runs to basement dropkick! The fans fire up and Hiromu brings Naito in. They double whip to TENDEDERO! Cover, TWO! The fans rally up as Hiromu bumps Taka off buckles, then he tags Takagi. Takagi RAMS into Taka again and again, but Taka fires body shots.

Takagi HEADBUTTS Taka down, then suplexes high and hard! Cover, TWO! Takagi sits Taka up, runs to BLAST Shota, and the fans cheer! Takagi drags Taka up to HEADBUTT the arm, then wrench it. Tag to Bushi and he CLUBS the arm. Bushi CLUBS Taka down, stomps him, then has the legs. Bushi stands on Taka’s groin! Red Shoes reprimands, Bushi steps off at 4, then stomps Taka around. Tag to Naito and the fans rally as he brings Taka up. Naito cravats Taka, then Hiromu sits in the ropes. Hiromu claims Hontai is up to something, Red Shoes looks over, and Naito SMACKS Taka off Hiromu’s boots!

Taichi protests, but Naito throws hands on Taka. Taka tries to hit back but there’s not much there. Naito CLUBS Taka, but Taka fires a flurry! Naito just ROCKS Taka! Naito runs, but Taka goes the other way to BOOT Naito down! The fans rally up, hot tag to Taichi! Taichi runs at Naito in the corner and BOOTS him! Yota gets in, kicks Taichi then whips, but Taichi BOOTS Yota! Takagi runs up, Taichi dodges to wrench and HOOK KICK! Hiromu gets up but Taichi BLASTS him! Bushi backs off, but Naito CLUBS Taichi. Naito whips, but Taichi reverses to RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP! Cover, TWO! The fans rally up while Naito crawls.

Taichi paces, waits on Naito to sit up, but Naito ducks the buzzsaw! Naito shoves Taichi, Bushi trips him up! Bushi tags in and stomps Taichi around. Bushi ROCKS Taichi, whips, but Taichi grabs ropes. Bushi runs up again but Taichi BOOTS him down! Taichi tags Hashi and Hashi drags Bushi up. Hashi ROCKS and CLUBS Bushi, whips him, but Bushi reveres. Hashi dodges to ELBOW Bushi, then runs, but into a DROPKICK! LIJ blasts Hontai’s corner again! Hashi rolls out under the bottom rope, Bushi BLASTS him off the apron, then Bushi builds speed. But Hashi gets back in to CLOBBER Bushi!

Hashi drags Bushi up, hooks a leg, but Bushi fights free! Hashi blocks a kick, ducks the enzigiri, but the REWIND HEEL hits! Bushi runs in from the corner, but Hashi stops the Code Breaker! Taka joins in, DOUBLE SUPERKICKS! Cover, TWO!! Bushi survives, but Hashi clamps on the BUTTERFLY LOCK! Bushi endures, fights around, and Naito gets on the apron, only for Taichi to BOOT him down! Taichi intercepts Hiromu, and Bushi TAPS! Hashi ELIMINATES Bushi! Takagi CLOBBERS Hashi, then drops ELBOW after ELBOW! Takagi SENTONS but misses as Hashi moves! Shota storms in and stomps Takagi!

Shota drags Takagi up to UPPERCUT, and Hashi CHOPS! Hashi & Shota double whip, then Hashi runs up, only to be put on the apron! Takagi CLOBBERS Shota, then runs up on Hashi! Hashi RAMS Takagi, they trade forearms, but then Takagi HOTSHOTS Hashi! Hashi holds onto the ropes, then ROCKS Takagi! Takagi staggers, Shota runs up, but Takagi throws him into Hashi! Hashi falls to the floor, Takagi ELIMINATES Hashi! The teams are even again after that friendly fire, and Takagi rolls Shota! TWO, and things speed up! Takagi ELBOWS, JABS, and YUKON LARIATS! The fans fire up while Takagi fires up, “TOKI GA KITA!”

The fans rally as Takagi runs up, but he blocks a boot to then LARIAT! JAB, CHOP, repeat, then Takagi JABS, JABS, JABS, and CHOPS! Takagi brings Shota up, suplexes, but Shota fights it so Takagi hits the TWIST ‘N’ SHOUT! Cover, TWO! Shota stays in this but Takagi stays focused. The fans join in with “OI! OI! OI!” and Takagi storms up on Shota. Takagi pump handles but Shota fights the lift. Shota switches, Takagi fires elbows, but Shota ducks! Shota wrenches and SWINGING NECKBREAKERS! The fans are torn but Shota drags Takagi up. Shota CHOPS Takagi in the corner, CHOPS, and CHOPS again! Shota whips corner to corner, runs up, and UPPERCUTS!

Shota reels Takagi in, FISHERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO! Not quite perfect, but Shota clamps on an STF! Takagi endures, fights around, and he drags Shota along towards the ropes! ROPEBREAK, the fans cheer, and Shota lets go. Shota brings Takagi up, but Takagi denies the tornado DDT! Shota fires forearms to ROCK Takagi again and again, but Takagi just headbutts the buckles to fire up! The fans fire up and Shota fires another forearm, only for Takagi to fire back! Shota headbutts the buckles to fire up! The forearms start flying again, but then Takagi fires boxing elbows! Takagi ROCKS Shota, but Shota fires boxing elbows now!

Shota ROCKS Takagi, then runs, but Takagi follows! LARIAT at the ropes! Takagi runs, Shota follows, LARIAT at the ropes! Shota runs, but DOUBLE LARIATS collide! Neither man falls, so DOUBLE LARIATS collide again! Shota roars, but Takagi ELBOWS! JABS! YUKON- SHOTA LARIATS! But Takagi’s up to PUMPING BOMBER! Shota is in a daze but he manages to stand, and he swats a lariat to ENZIGIRI! Takagi rebounds to SLIDING LARIAT! Shota staggers back up, but Takagi whips him. Shota reverses and reels Takagi in, TORNADO DDT! But Takagi’s right up, and he PUMPING BOMBERS Shota and himself up and out! DOULBE ELIMINATION!!

The fans go nuts as we go to 3v3 now. Yuya and Yota step back in and the fans rally. Yota grins, runs up, but Yuya dodges to CHOP, CHOP, CHOP! Yuya whips, Yota reverses, but Yuya goes up and over. Yuya arm-drags, then DROPKICKS! Yuya roars and the fans fire up again! Yuya reels Yota in but Yota fights the saido. Yuya still hits a BIG back suplex! Cover, TWO! Yuya drags Yota back up, clinches, but Yota fires elbow after elbow to get free. Then he SUPER- NO, Yuya blocks! Yuya swings, but into the BACKBREAKER! FLATLINER! But he avoids the stomp! Yuya CHOPS then runs, but Yota SUPERKICKS himdown!

LIJ BLASTS Hontai’s corner again, and Yota looms over Yuya. Yota drags Yuya up, bumps him off buckles, then hoists him up top. Yota CHOPS, then he fires up before climbing up. The fans rally up, and Yuya fires forearms! Yota falls back, stands up, and he avoids Yuya’s leap! Yuya comes back, into the GENE TRIGGER! Yota TOSSES Yuya, but Yuya lands on the apron! Hiromu lets Yota know that, so Yota goes up the corner! Yota aims for an APRON MARLOWE- NO, Yuya dodges! Yuya CHOPS, CHOPS and CHOPS! Yota ROCKS Yuya, but Yuya fires up! Yuya DOUBLE CHOPS! And DOUBLE CHOPS! And DOUBLE CHOPS!

Yota SLAPS Yuya! And then swings, but into the cording hold! Yuya grabs the other arm but Yota resists! Yota HEADBUTTS again and again, then DOUBLE HEADBUTTS hit! Both men fall, another DOUBLE ELIMINATION!! Now it’s just TakaTaichi VS Naito & Hiromu! The fans rally up as the four stare down. Hiromu runs up, but into TENDEDERO! Naito dodges but then Taichi BOOTS him down! TakaTaichi double whip to DOUBLE BOOT! Taka has Hiromu but Hiromu fires forearms! Taka pokes Hiromu in the eyes! Taka whips Hiromu to a corner, but Hiromu blocks the shining wizard!

Hiromu runs, RANA, but Taka SHOVES it down! JUST FACELOCK!! Taka CLUBS away on Hiromu, but Naito stomps Taka down! Taichi runs up but Naito kicks him and throws him out! Naito kicks Taka, he and Hiromu double whip, but Taka redirects! And redirects! But then Naito & Hiromu undo Tendedero to let Taka pass! Taka comes back, ducks Tendedero, and he waistlocks Naito. Naito switches, shoves Taka at Hiromu and Hiromu wrenches. Pump handle, HIROMU-CHAN ROLL! Cover, Hiromu ELIMINATES Taka! And that leaves it 2v1, Hiromu & Naito against Taichi! Taichi paces as he considers his options.

Taichi rushes in, but into TENDEDERO! Naito & Hiromu double whip Taichi to a corner, and Hiromu runs to LARIAT! Naito ROCKS Taichi, ENZIGIRIS, and Hiromu SUPERKICKS! Hiromu gives Naito the boost for the TOR- Well, no, the tornado fails but the DDT still hits! Hiromu brings Taichi up, suplexes, but Taichi fights it! Taichi suplexes, but Hiromu fights it! They end up by the ropes! Hiromu is on the apron, Naito runs up, but Taichi dodges and Naito BLASTS Hiromu! Hiromu falls and is ELIMINATED! Friendly fire in return for before, and the fans fire up as it is Taichi and Naito 1v1!

Taichi and Naito reset, and the fans cheer for “NA-I-TO!” as hard as they can. Naito fires a forearm, but Taichi fires back! Naito fires another, so Taichi fires back! Naito and Taichi both smirk as the shots keep going back and forth! Taichi then KCIKS, but Naito still throws forearms! KICK, forearm, repeat, but then Naito ROCKS Taichi again and again! Naito SLAPS Taichi! Taichi SOBATS! Naito fires the heavy elbow, but Taichi URAKENS! Naito runs, Taichi BOOTS him down, then Taichi drags Naito back up, just so he can AX- NO, Naito lifts Taichi, but Taichi fights off the atomic drop! Taichi shoves Naito to then AX BOMBER! Cover, TWO!

Naito survives but Taichi runs, and SLIDING AX BOMBERS! Taichi fires up, the fans are torn, but Taichi suplexes! Naito fights free to kick low! Naito uses the ropes to TORNADO DDT! The fans fire up and Naito drags Taichi up. Naito fires those heavy elbows again and again! Naito has Taichi down in the corner, then climbs up. Naito reels Taichi in, but Taichi sneaks the pants off! GAMANGIRI! Naito falls off the corner, but he holds onto the ropes! Naito dangles off the apron but his feet do not touch the floor! Taichi fires shots, Naito ROCKS him in return! Taichi runs up, Naito slides under! Naito DUMPS Taichi over!

Taichi is on the apron but Naito fires a flurry! HOTSHOT! Taichi wobbles, but he ROCKS Naito! Naito ROCKS Taichi, HOTSHOTS again, then ROLLING KICKS! Taichi falls, LIJ WINS!

Winners: Los Ingobernables de Japon, by ring out

It came down to the leaders as the last men, but the Uncontrollable Charisma found a way to win for the team! LIJ regroups and Naito is given the mic. “Buenas tardes, Korakuen Hall!” The fans cheer, and Naito says, “First and foremost… Bushi, why don’t you say something to the fans?” The fans applaud and Bushi takes a quick drink of water before he takes up the mic. “Now that I have this time, I’ll say this. As previously announced by NJPW, my departure was a decision made after a lot of thought. I have no regrets.” The fans applaud that, and Bushi continues, “My feelings haven’t changed since I spoke here 10 years ago. It’s been a deeply fulfilling experience.”

The fans applaud that, too, and Bushi says, “This Dontaku tour is only getting started. When I step into this ring, I’ll show my gratitude in my own way. Thank you.” The fans applaud again, and Bushi hands the mic back to Naito. Naito also notes that the Road to Wrestling Dontaku has just begun. He and Bushi will be leaving NJPW after May 4th. “Whether Bushi and I will compete in this ring again or not, you already know, don’t you? Yes, the answer is of course, TRANQUILO! Assen na yo!” The fans applaud Naito being Naito even now. Naito then asks if they want to do the roll call, and the fans cheer!

Naito notes they haven’t had one at all this year, so this will be the first roll call of 2025. Are you ready? The fans cheer, so Naito says that the only way to close out tonight in Korakuen Hall is naturally with… “Bushi! Hiromu! Takagi! Titan! Yota! Y Naito! NOSOTROS! LOS! INGOBERRRRRRNABLEEEEES~! DE! JA! PON!!” The fans cheer the first LIJ roll call of 2025, but will we get more of them before May 4th? Will we get one on May 4th?


My Thoughts:

A great night to kick off the Road to Wrestling Dontaku, though of course it had to be on one of the busiest weekends of the year. Great goodbye match for Cobb with Tanahashi. It was a big awkward because while Tanahashi is still going to retire this year, Cobb was leaving, and so Cobb leaving NJPW trumps Tanahashi retiring, meaning Cobb had to lose. It’s the unwritten tradition of pro-wrestling. Very good farewell promo from Cobb, too, and I can’t wait to see where he goes next. Word is, it isn’t AEW, and perhaps the WWE rumors have still been true all along, they just leaked out way too soon.

And then very good 10 Man Elimination Tag in the main event, and it works out that LIJ won. Naito & Bushi needed a chance to address the fans about their own departure from NJPW, and so giving them the win so they can do a main event promo was fitting. In my estimation, I don’t see Naito going to any other company, even if it’s another Japanese based company. He’s done plenty in his career, he’s pushed his body pretty hard, so he needs to enjoy retirement, or at least make a lateral movement to be working with Young Lions in the NJPW Dojo as a teacher. Bushi, could probably keep going a little longer, or he could also call it a day on the other hand, only Bushi really knows how his body feels.

My Score: 8.8/10

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