Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE Crown Jewel Results & Report! (11/2/18)

WWE returns to Saudi Arabia for a second PPV event! Who wins the World Cup to prove they’re the Best in the World? Who will be the NEW Universal Champion?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Kickoff Show: WWE United States Championship: Shinsuke Nakamura VS Rusev; Nakamura wins and retains the WWE United States Championship.
- WWE World Cup, SmackDown Bracket: Randy Orton VS Rey Mysterio; Mysterio wins and advances.
- WWE World Cup, SmackDown Bracket: Jeff Hardy VS The Miz; Miz wins and advances.
- WWE World Cup, Raw Bracket: Seth Rollins VS Bobby Lashley w/ Lio Rush; Rollins wins and advances.
- WWE World Cup, Raw Bracket: Kurt Angle VS Dolph Ziggler w/ Drew McIntyre; Ziggler wins and advances.
- SmackDown Tag Team Championships: The Bar w/ The Big Show VS The New Day; The Bar wins and retains the SmackDown Tag Team Championships.
- WWE World Cup, SmackDown Bracket: The Miz VS Rey Mysterio; The Miz wins and advances.
- WWE World Cup, Raw Bracket: Seth Rollins VS Dolph Ziggler w/ Drew McIntyre; Ziggler wins and advances.
- WWE Championship: AJ Styles VS Samoa Joe; Styles wins and retains the WWE Championship.
- Vacated WWE Universal Championship: Braun Strowman VS Brock Lesnar w/ Paul Heyman; Lesnar wins and becomes the new WWE Universal Champion.
- WWE World Cup Finals: The Miz VS Dolph Ziggler w/ Drew McIntyre; rescheduled as…
- WWE World Cup Finals: Shane McMahon VS Dolph Ziggler; McMahon wins and is crowned Best in the World.
- The Brothers of Destruction VS Degeneration-X; Degeneration-X wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
It’s the Crown Jewel Kickoff!
Jonathan Coachman, David Otunga and Booker T are live in WWE Studios to get us ready for this massive event!
Kickoff Show: WWE United States Championship: Shinsuke Nakamura VS Rusev!
The King of Strong Style has wanted challengers worthy of him, and perhaps the Bulgarian Brute is that challenger! Can Shinsuke return still Champion of the United States of Nakamerica? Or will Rusev Day have its Crown Jewel in another title reign?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we begin! Fans are already rowdy as the two men circle. Nakamura gives a testing kick but Rusev isn’t bothered. They tie up and Nakamura goes for legs. Rusev sprawls to block, and gets Nakamura in a corner. Rusev fires off heavy hands, but backs off at 4. He brings Nakamura to another corner for shoulders into the stomach. Rusev lets off at 2, to suplex Nakamura! Cover, ONE, but Rusev keeps his eyes on Nakamura. Rusev kicks Nakamura while he’s down, and fans chant “Rusev Day!” as he throws more hands. He brings Nakamura up but Nakamura fights out. Nakamura kicks out a leg and gives a backstabber! Nakamura gets up to stomp Rusev, but Rusev keeps getting up.
Fans duel as Nakamura kicks Rusev around. Rusev blocks a kick, but gets the enziguri. Nakamura comes back with the dynamic dropkick! Cover, TWO! Rusev gets to ropes but Nakamura is right on him with a facelock. Nakamura squeezes but Rusev works against the hold. Nakamura brings Rusev down for knees to the shoulders, then puts the facelock back on. Fans rally up and Rusev gets up. Rusev fights with body shots, but Nakamura holds on. Nakamura pulls back and Rusev starts to fade. Fans rally up again and Rusev gets a second wind. Rusev feeds off the “Rusev Day!” chants and he powers Nakamura off! Both men are down while Rusev catches his breath. Rusev stands but Nakamura follows.
Nakamura swnigs but Rusev counter punches. Rusev throws more hands but Nakamura knees low. Nakamura whips but Rusev reverses for big lariats! Rusev roars as Nakamura is in a corner. Rusev runs in for the shoulder, then the spinning heel kick! Nakamura is down, but Rusev fires up with the fans. Rusev stomps the mat as he takes aim. He runs in, but Nakamura dodges to give a strike fest. Nakamura runs but Rusev reels him in. Nakamura slips out of the supelx, swings a kick but gets Rusev’s roundhouse! Cover, TWO! Rusev grows closer, but he still needs more. Fans continue to chant as Rusev stomps away. Rusev brings Nakamura up to whip, but Nakamura holds ropes. Rusev catches the kick but gets the heel! Sliding knee! Cover, TWO! Rusev survives and Nakamura grows frustrated.
Fans continue to chant for “Rusev Day!” as Nakamura gets to a corner. Rusev gets to the opposite corner, but Nakamura runs in, only to be put on the top rope. Nakamura kicks Rusev away, then leaps, into a MACHKA KICK! Cover, TWO!! So close! Rusev roars again and prepares to CRUSH! He stomps, but Nakamura scrambles to the ropes. Rusev has to let Nakamura go, but then Nakamura hotshots Rusev. And roundhouse to the back! Nakamura climbs, aims, and hits a flying knee! Rusev is down, but under the ropes. Nakamura adjusts for the cover, TWO! Nakamura takes aim from a corner and fires up. Fans anticipate it as Rusev stands. Rusev sees it and drop toeholds, into ACCOLADE!!
Nakamura is caught, but he won’t give in. He uses his long legs to push towards ropes. He gets an arm free but Rusev drags him away! But then Nakamura gets up, but his head “accidentally” low blows Rusev. Nakamura grins, KINSHASA! Cover, Nakamura wins!
Winner: Shinsuke Nakamura, by pinfall; still WWE United States Champion
Whether it was cheating or taking advantage, the King of Strong Style gets away with his title. Will anyone ever take that gold away from the Rockstar? Or will everyone get a #Knee2Face?
There lies a treasure sought by the strong.
Who will be worthy of a title? Beast meets Monster, but who will #GetTheseHands? Who will be worthy of being Best in the World? Eight elite athletes compete in a one-night tournament. Who will be worthy of writing the ending? The Phenomenal and the Destroyer go one more time to finally settle their story. Who will be worthy of a legacy? Two historic teams clash for the first time, and possibly the last time. Who will by worthy of the Crown Jewel?
Introducing tonight’s host, WWE Hall of Famer, HULK HOGAN!
The Immortal Hulkamania is here to kick off the main show! Arabia is excited to see one of the biggest names in professional wrestling history as he picks up the mic. Hogan says “Let me tell you something, brother!” It feels great to be out in front of the WWE Universe and his Hulkamaniacs again. But even better than that, is that after flying half way across the world, he realized the power of Hulkamania was stronger than ever at Crown Jewel! He’s happy to see everyone and loves being back as tonight’s host. And that show starts now! So what you gonna do when Hulkamania runs wild on you, brother? The Immortal Hulkster has this crowd ready for action, so action’s what they’ll get!
WWE World Cup, SmackDown Bracket: Randy Orton VS Rey Mysterio!
The Viper and the King of Lucha Libre are familiar foes over their storied careers, and both have the championship resume to be in this match. Who will be the first SmackDown star to move forward in this inaugural tournament to crown the Best in the World?
The bell rings and we begin! Orton and Mysterio circle, and fans already chant “619!” Mysterio hears them out but Orton tunes them out. The two tie up, and Orton throws Mysterio down. He drags Mysterio up but Mysterio kicks and punches. Orton knees low, then whips. Mysterio slides under and kicks Orton again. Mysterio whips but Orton holds ropes, to then put Mysterio on the apron. Rey shoulders and kicks back, then springboards in, but gets a dropkick! Orton grins as he takes his time covering. TWO, but Orton stalks Mysterio around the ring. Orton hangs Mysterio up on the ropes, then dumps him off. He drags Mysterio around to stomp away on the stomach.
Orton taunts Mysterio and the fans before bringing Mysterio back up. He puts Mysterio on the top rope and clubs him on the back. Orton clibms up to join Mysterio, and goes after the mask! Mysterio fights back with back elbows, and Orton tumbles back. Mysterio turns around but gets a right hand. Orton climbs back up, but Mysterio resists the superplex. Mysterio fights back with body shots, and he headbutts Orton down again. Mysterio leaps, seated senton! He keeps moving, springboard crossbody! Mysterio keeps on Orton but Orton shoves him. Mysterio comes back with a kcik, springboard wheelbarrow bulldog! Cover, TWO! Orton is tougher than that, but Mysterio has control now. Mysterio gets the fans calling “619” as he kicks away.
Orton blocks a kick but gets an enziguri, and ends up on the ropes! Mysterio dials it up, 619 BLOCKED! Orton drags Mysterio out, draping DDT! Fans duel now between “619!” and “RKO!” as Orton again stalks Mysterio. Orton soaks up the heat, and hears the voices in his head. He waits for Mysterio to stand, but Mysterio counters with a sunset flip! Cover, MYSTERIO WINS!!
Winner: Rey Mysterio, by pinfall; advances to the next round
RKO OUTTA NOWHERE! Orton lost the match, and lost his cool as he attacks Mysterio. And that RKO isn’t enough for him, the Apex Predator wants to make Rey pay. Fans boo and jeer as Orton stalks Mysterio. Orton drags Mysterio up, to throw him right out of the ring! He looks to leave, but Orton still wants more. Orton drags Mysterio over towards the World Cup itself, as he gives Mysterio a back suplex facebuster onto the announce desk! The Viper makes Mysterio easy pray for whoever faces him next, does Mysterio even have a chance of winning this tournament?
Backstage interview with The Miz.
The Hollywood A-Lister prepares for his match up next but he saw what happened to Mysterio. How is the Most Must-See WWE Superstar is feeling going against Jeff Hardy? He feels like there is no stopping him now from proving he’s Best in the World. Miz will walk through Hardy here, then he can just step over a broken Mysterio, so how is he feeling? “I feel AWESOME!”
WWE World Cup, SmackDown Bracket: Jeff Hardy VS The Miz!
The Charismatic Enigma wishes to paint his master piece tonight, but the Hollywood A-Lister wants his box office smash. Who will move on to take on the King of Lucha Libre in the next round?
The bell rings and we big as fans rally behind Hardy. Hardy and Miz tie up, Miz gest the headlock. Hardy powers out but Miz runs him over. Miz already says he’s the best in the world, but fans boo and jeer. Miz goes back to circling with Hardy, and fans cheer for “Brother Nero!” They tie up again and Hardy gets the headlock. Miz powers out but Hardy runs him over. THings speed up and Hardy blocks a hip toss to give a hip toss. Hardy htis the spin kick and has Miz in the corner. He stomps and whips corner to corner but Miz dodges. Miz wants the Finale but Hardy silps down to a victory roll. TWO, Jawbreaker rocks Miz. Hardy brings Miz back up and bumps him off buckles, “DELETE DELETE DELETE!”
Miz is dazed as Hardy runs back in for the swinging dropkick, but Miz boots it away. He takes his time steadying himself, and he brings Hardy up for a knee in the back. Miz wraps on a chinlock but fans cheer for Hardy. Hardy gets up and fights back, but Miz gets him in the A-List combination! Cover, TWO! Miz keeps his cool as he watches Hardy closely. Miz drags Hardy up for buckle bumps, then goes corner to corner. He hits the dropkick, copying Daniel Bryan as always. Miz hits another, then soaks up the heat as he runs back in. Hardy clobbers Miz with a clothesline! Both men are down and fans fire up. Hardy sits up first but Miz follows.
Hardy counter punches Miz, then whips. Miz reverses but Hardy hits the forearms. And then the atomic drop to leg splitting leg drop! Dropkick added, cover, TWO! Hardy keeps his cool as fans continue to cheer. Hardy kicks but Miz denies the Twist. Miz runs into an elbow, Whisper in the Wind hits! Cover, TWO! Hardy grits his teeth as he catches his breath. Miz gets to the apron while fans declare “This is Awesome!” Hardy drags Miz up but Miz hotshots Hardy. Miz gets in while Hardy goes to a corner. Miz runs in but blocks the boot to kick the leg. He drags Hardy out, trips him up, and wants the Figure Four. Hardy small packages, TWO! Miz narrowly avoids the loss, but Hardy throws him out of the ring. Hardy builds speed to hit a dropkick.
Miz is down and now Hardy walks the barriers, for a leaping lariat! Hardy brings Miz down, but gets him in the ring. Hardy hurries up top, taking off the shirt. Miz rolls out of the drop zone, and wants mercy? He yanks Hardy into buckles, roll up, but the ref sees him use the ropes! The ref stops the count, but Miz thinks he’s won. Hardy rolls Miz up, TWO! Twist of– FINALE!! Cover, Miz wins!
Winner: The Miz, by pinfall; advances to the next round
It wasn’t a walk like he thought, but The Miz did make it through the first round like he said. Miz has Mysterio up next, will that be as easy as Miz thinks? Or will Mysterio’s heart see him through?
WWE World Cup, Raw Bracket: Seth Rollins VS Bobby Lashley w/ Lio Rush!
The Architect holds both the Intercontinental and Raw Tag Team Championships, but he has to put his problems with the Lunatic aside if he wants to be the Best in the World. Meanwhile, the Heavyweight That’s Back to Dominate has his Hype Man of the Hour helping him climb up the rankings. Who will be the first Raw superstar through to the semifinals?
The bell rings and Rollins ties up with Lashley. Lashley shoves him down fast, then flexes. Rollins gets back up and avoids Lashley to give chops and haymakers. Lashley knees low then whips Rollins, but Rollins kicks him back. Rollins enziguris Lashley out, then runs, but into Lashley’s SPINEBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Lashley looms over Rollins while Lio hypes him up. Lashley clubs away and rakes the face into a cover. ONE, but Lashley gets Rollins in a seated cobra clutch. Fans rally as Rollins gets up. Rollins fights out of the hold, but runs into a knee. Lashley bumps Rollins off buckles, then whips him corner to corner. Lashley rams his shoulder into Rollins then hits a neckbreaker. Cover, TWO! Lashley wraps a chinlock on but fans still rally.
The cobra clutch returns but Rollins fights it, so Lashley gets a full nelson. Rollins endures as fans rally up. Rollins gets up but Lashley thrashes him around in the hold. He still pries free and throws hands, but then Lashley hits a complete shot! Lio cheers Lashley on but he’s the only one. Lashley drags Rollins up, for the Vertigo Suplex! Rollins is up there a long time, but he fights out! Rollins dodges and clotheslines Lashley out! He builds speed to DIVE! But Rollins keeps going, for another DIVE! Lashley goes down but Rollins hits barriers, too. They’re both down as a ring count begins. Rollins gets up first and puts Lashley in at 5.
Rollins climbs up but Lashley stops him. Lashley climbs up, but Rollins resists. Rollins fights back with body shots and headbutts, to sunset flip! Lashley holds on, but Rollins gets him away, for a bomb attempt. Lashley slips out and tackles Rollisn in the back. Gut wrench into Canadian rack, but Rollins slips out. Rollins leaps over Lashley to send him to a corner. School boy, CURB STOMP! Cover, Rollins wins!!
Winner: Seth Rollins, by pinfall; advances to the next round
The Kingslayer is also the victor as he focuses on what matters: winning! He moves on in the tournament, who will meet him in the semifinals?
Backstage interview with Kurt Angle!
The Olympic Gold Medalist returns to the ring to prove he’s still as good as he once was. Now he can prove he’s Best in the World. The butterflies are back in a good way. Many have doubted his return, but many doubted he could win with a “broken freakin’ neck.” Angle isn’t putting a punctuation on his career, but a whole new chapter. “Oh it’s true. It’s DAMN true!”
WWE World Cup, Raw Bracket: Kurt Angle VS Dolph Ziggler w/ Drew McIntyre!
The Hall of Famer is ready, but so is the Show-Off. Angle could return to former glory, Ziggler could shock the world, but will the Scottish Terminator standing by have a part to play?
The bell rings and the two stellar mat wrestlers approach. Angle sprawls to block Ziggler’s takedown and then throws him off. The two go again, and Angle goes for a leg. Ziggler gets a headlock then gets a leg, then a waistlock. Angle standing switches and throws Ziggler down. Angle shifts to a facelock but Ziggler slips out to a hammerlock. Ziggler gets around for the sleeper hold, but Angle gets up and powers out. ZIggler runs Angle over, but things speed up, and Angle throws Ziggler with a belly2belly! Angle watches Ziggler closely, and gets a German Suplex! Angle waits for Ziggler to stand, for another German! Ziggler is dazed, but holds ropes to deny a third. Angle lets go at 4, and Ziggler gets to the apron. McIntyre coaches Ziggler up but has to back off.
Angle goes outside, and wants to throw Ziggler off the apron! Ziggler holds on for dear life, and manages to pull them both back up. He elbows Angle away and Angle falls to the floor. Ziggler whips Angle at the steel steps! The ring count passes 5 as Ziggler brings Angle up into the ring. Fans are on Angle’s side but Ziggler stomps Angle. ZIggler grinds Angle against the ropes, but backs off at 3. He brings Angle out for a neckbreaker. Cover, TWO! Ziggler wraps Angle up in the sleeper and body scissors. Fans rally and Angle endures the hold. Angle fades slowly, but he gets that second wind. He gets out of the body scissors, then stands. Angle elbows out, but Ziggler gets around to jump back on! Ziggler is a backpack, and Angle fades a bit more.
Fans rally up again, and Angle gets his third wind, to back Ziggler into buckles! Angle throws Ziggler off, but Ziggler runs in, into a boot! Angle gets a third German suplex! He holds on, for a fourth! And then a fifth, completing that hat trick. Cover, TWO! Angle gets up and watches Ziggler. Ziggler stands up, but slips out of the Angle Slam to arm-drag and satellite DDT! Cover, TWO! Angle survives and Ziggler grows frustrated. Ziggler keeps his cool and grins, because he has Angle where he wants him. He kicks a leg, but misses the Famouser, there’s the Angle Slam! Cover, TWO!! McIntyre is relieved but Angle is shocked. Angle fires up and takes the straps off! He grabs a leg but Ziggler pushes him away. Ziggler runs in, Famouser hits! Cover, TWO!! Angle survives and now Ziggler is frustrated.
Fans know “This is Awesome!” as both men slowly stand up. Ziggler aism at Angle, leaps, but Angle bucks him off. Things speed up, sunset flip but Angle gets the leg! ANKLE LOCK! Ziggler endures, reaches, crawls, but Angle drags him back! Ziggler works to roll over, but Angle rolls him back! But Ziggler throws Angle off with a roll forward. He hobbles to a corner, but dodges Angle to throw him into a post. Then ZIGZAG! Cover, Ziggler wins!!
Winner: Dolph Ziggler, by pinfall; advances to the next round
Perhaps it was an upset, perhaps it was inevitable. Either way, the Show-Off gets the win. Angle looked good, but Ziggler was just a touch better. How will Ziggler fair against familiar foe in Seth Rollins?
SmackDown Tag Team Championships: The Bar w/ The Big Show VS The New Day!
Awwww~ Crown Jewel! The Giant changed sides again, and that helped the Swiss Cyborg & Celtic Gladiator hold on to the Blue Brand’s belts. But now, ya bois are ready for all the tricks in the book as they go for a sixth reign! Will Woods, Kingston & Big E grab the treasure? Or will Cesaro & Sheamus not just set the bar but continue to BE The Bar?
The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we go with the standard formation of Kofi & Big E. Big E starts against Sheamus with the bell, and Sheamus gets a headlock. Big E puts Sheamus in a corner but they break. They go again, and now Big E gets a headlock. Sheamus powers out but Big E runs him over! The hips swivel and Big E dares Sheamus to come for him. Sheamus kicks low and gets a headlock. Big E powers out and things speed up. Sheamus blocks a hip toss but so does Big E, to cltohesline! Cover, TWO! E tags Kofi and Kofi climbs up. Kofi leaps for double stomps on Sheamus’ arm. Kofi brings Sheamus up but Sheamus powers him back. Tag to Cesaro and Cesaro stomps Kofi.
Cesaro whips Kofi corner to corner, then runs in, for a big monkey flip! But Kofi lands on his feet! KOfi dances while Woods plays the trombone. Cesaro runs in, but into a dropkick! Cover, TWO! Kofi powers out of a headlock and things speed up again. Cesaro catches Kofi in a waistlock but Kofi standing switches. Cesaro elbows out but Kofi tilt-o-whirl headscissors! Kofi leaps, jumps and crossbodies! Cover, TWO! Cesaro rocks Kofi with a big European Uppercut! Tag to Sheamus while Big Show talks trash. Sheamus stands Kofi up for body shots and stomps. Cesaro gets a cheap shot in, but the ref keeps Big E back. Big Show chokes Kofi, too, then Cesaro tags in. The Bar mug Kofi, then Cesaro wrenches Kofi’s neck.
Fans rally up for New Day and Kofi fights out. Cesaro tags Sheamus, and Sheamus kicks Kofi. The Bar double whip Kofi for the Bar Lariat! Cover, TWO! Sheamus drags Kofi around for a chinlock, then clubs away on Kofi’s chest. He shifts to a high keylock but Kofi endures. Kofi feeds off the fan energy, and fights out to CHOP Sheamus. Kofi CHOPS, and CHOPS, and CHOPS! He leaps but Sheamus keeps him away, to kick him back down. Tag to Cesaro, and Cesaro covers, TWO! Cesaro pulls Kofi back against the ropes, but stops at 3. Big Show trash talks Kofi right in the face, before Cesaro gut wrench suplexes Kofi! Cover, TWO! Cesaro keeps right on Kofi with the cobra clutch. Fans rally again and Kofi endures. Cesaro thrashes Kofi around, but Kofi fights his way back up.
Kofi lifts Cesaro as he makes his way to his corner. Cesaro pushes him back but Kofi pushes forward. The two struggle for control, but Cesaro knees low. He swings on Big E, but gets a back drop! Fans rally as both men crawl. Cesaro tags Sheamus, and Sheamus hits Big E down. Kofi ducks under but no one to tag. Sheamus carriers Kofi all the way back! Cesaro tags in and uses a EuroUpper, then back drop into suplex! Cover, TWO! Big Show is frustrated for The Bar, and Cesaro argues the count. The ref says it’s two, so The Bar has to accept that. Cesaro stalks Kofi as Woods and Show coach them up. The Bar soak up the heat, but Kofi fights back! Cesaro tags Sheamus, back suplex but Kofi slips out. Kofi sends Sheamus to the corner, and Big E returns!
Kofi crawls, but Sheamus tags Cesaro first. Hot tag to Big E! Belly2belly for Cesaro! And another, and then another! Big E swivels the hips, runs, and hits a Big Splash, but onto knees! Cesaro tags Sheamus in, but Big E gives him a uranag-E! Cover, TWO! Sheamus crawls to the apron, but Big E builds speed… But runs into a knee! Sheamus runs in for the step-up knee! Sheamus throws punches in the corner, but Kofi distracts him. Kofi tags in as Big E hauls Sheamus out. Dumdum stomps powerbomb! Cover, but Cesaro breaks it! Cesaro gets a rolling sabat kick! Kofi tags in Big E, and E helps Kofi FLY! DOwn goes Cesaro, and down come the straps.
Big Show distracts, but Sheamus still misses the Brogue! Roll up, TWO! Big Show distracts as Sheamus slips out of the Big Ending. Sheamus shoves Big E that way, the ref ducks and doesn’t see Big Show’s KO PUNCH!! Then BROGUE! Cover, The Bar wins!
Winners: The Bar, Sheamus pinning; still SmackDown Tag Team Champions
The numbers were even but the size advantage was on The Bar’s side. Show helps his new friends hold onto the gold, will he be a big part of their own reign as five-time tag champions?
Backstage interview with The Miz.
He made it to the semifinals as promised and now faces Rey Mysterio. “I told you so.” Miz got a kick to the throat and surely the fans are happy, but Miz still won. Miz will pick the bones of Mysterio, and what better Hollywood ending of the “plucky underdog” trying only to be decimated by a real hero. Tonight isn’t about happy endings, but about Miz proving he is the Best in the World!
Backstage interview with Rey Mysterio.
Orton beat Mysterio down for winning, but being the best isn’t about making excuses. You could be at far than less than 100%, but no one can put a number on your pride. Miz has all sorts of plans, but let him use them. Mysterio has been underestimated by bigger and better, and it’ll make this win all the better.
WWE World Cup, SmackDown Bracket: The Miz VS Rey Mysterio!
The A-Lister thinks he’s AWESOME enough to end the King of Lucha Libre’s return already. But Mysterio has proved himself to be far tougher than this, can he again defy the odds to be one of the World Cup finalists?
The bell rings and Miz runs in. Mysterio dodges and gives a kick before backing away. The two approach and Miz gets a waistlock. Mysterio fights out and standing switches. Things speed up, Miz sunset flips, Mysterio rolls through but Miz ducks to roll him up. TWO, Mysterio blocks a boot and rolls Miz up. Miz rolls through, sunset flip, Mysterio rolls through to kick Miz! Cover, ONE! Mysterio brings Miz up but Miz knees low. Miz throws Mysterio out but Mysterio rolls right onto his feet. Mysterio dodges Miz, then dropkicks him away. Mysterio builds speed, to low-pe splash! It’s a bit rough on Mysterio, too, given what Orton did to his ribs. Mysterio catches his breath and walks it off, but the ring count passes 5. He comes back to Miz and puts him in.
Miz gets to a corner and Mysterio is on him with forearms and corner punches. Mysterio gets all ten, then whips Miz corner to corner. Miz reverses but runs into a boot. Mysterio runs out, roll but into a reverse bomb from Miz! Miz smirks as he stalks Mysterio. He stomps and grinds his boot on Mysterio. Mysterio gets away, but Miz is on him with shoulders to the stomach. Miz rolls Mysterio out to then hit the low boot. Cover, TWO! Miz keeps on Mysterio with a Bow ‘n’ Arrow stretch! He bends Mysterio across the legs, stretching out those bad ribs. Fans rally up and Mysterio pops out to a cover. TWO! Mysterio throws punches and kicks, then whips. Miz reverses to knee Mysterio low! Miz circles Mysterio like a shark with blood in the water. He drags Mysterio into body scissors.
Mysterio endures the squeeze while fans rally up. Mysterio works against the hold but Miz goes after the mask! The referee reprimands him, but then Mysterio bites Miz’s hand! Mysterio gets free and runs, but is slid out to the floor! Miz lets Mysterio stay out there a moment, but then goes out to fetch him. He rams Mysterio’s ribs into the apron edge, then into barriers. Miz puts Mysterio back in, covers, TWO! Miz grows frustrated, but he keeps on Mysterio with an abdominal stretch. Mysterio endures the pain in his ribs as Miz grinds in an elbow. Miz jams his elbow in, then clamps his fingers into Mysterio’s side. Mysterio refuses to quit, and fans rally up for him. Mysterio fights back as he elbows Miz’s leg. Miz pumphandles Mysterio up, but Mysterio makes it a DDT! Both men are down and fans rally up again.
A ten count begins, but Mysterio crawls to a corner. Mysterio drags himself up with the ropes to get up at 6. Miz follows slowly, and throws a haymaker. Mysterio gives one back, but Miz kicks. Mysterio kicks, Miz punches. They go back and forth like this, and Mysterio gets an edge. Miz shoves, Mysterio dodges, springboard crossbody! Cover, TWO!! That was close, but Mysterio keeps on Miz. Mysterio goes acrobatic for a headscissors, and Miz ends up in a corner. Mysterio throws forearms and whips, but Miz reverses. Rey goes up and over, headscissors send Miz into buckles. Then Mysterio baits Miz in for a shoulder, an dslingshot headscissor. Miz is in place, Mysterio dials it up, but Miz is ready. He sends Rey into buckles! Then FINALE! Cover, TWO!! Mysterio survives and Miz is shocked.
Miz thinks on what to do now, but fans know “This is Awesome!” Miz copies the Yes Kicks, but fans say “NO! NO!” Mysterio ducks the buzzsaw, sunset flip, TWO!! Miz runs in but is dropkick’d to ropes! 6 1 9!! Mysterio hurries to a corner as fast as he can, and hits a frog splash! But on knees! Miz covers, Miz wins!
Winner: The Miz, by pinfall; advances to the World Cup Finals
The A-Lister pulls out a victory at the last moment! Mysterio wasn’t 100%, but he won’t make excuses. Will Miz have any excuses going against the Raw Bracket finalist? Or will he truly prove he’s the Best?
Backstage interview with Seth Rollins.
The Architect overcame big Bobby Lashley, but now shifts to Dolph Ziggler. The winner isn’t the best because it’s easy. Rollins doesn’t want this to be easy, and everyone is facing some sort of adversity. But Rollins does his best when the pressure’s on.
WWE World Cup, Raw Bracket: Seth Rollins VS Dolph Ziggler!
The Kingslayer and the Show-Off know each other well from their many matches for the Intercontinental Championship. However, a bigger prize is on the line tonight, who meets The Miz in the finals?
The bell rings and the two circle. Rollins knows to keep an eye on McIntyre, too. They tie up, and Rollins gets a leg. Ziggler sprawls and gets away, and the two circle again. Ziggler goes for a leg but Rollins sprawls to get a leg. They go around and fight for control, Ziggler gets away again. He and Rollins circle again, and Ziggler kicks low. Ziggler punches Rollins down then elbows the neck. He throws Rollins with a headlock takeover. Rollins keeps his shoulders up even as Ziggler pulls on his head. Ziggler traps an arm and pulls harder. Rollins endures as fans rally, and he gets back up. Rollins powers out and things speed up, and Ziggler leaps, only to be caught for a scoop slam! Ziggler gets to ropes, Rollins clotheslines him out.
Rollins goes out to fetch Ziggler and chops him. He brings Ziggler around the corner to throw him into buckles. Rollins CHOPS Ziggler, then throws him into the ring. McIntyre blocks Rollins’ path, but he can’t do anything or else Ziggler gets disqualified. Rollins dares him to, but then he runs into the satellite DDT! Cover, TWO! Ziggler goes after Rollins but the ref keeps him back. Ziggler still stomps Rollins as fans rally up. He brings Rollins up to grind his face on the ropes! Rollins punches back, but Ziggler kicks a leg out. Ziggler gives Rollins a neckbreaker! Cover, TWO! Ziggler keeps on Rollins with a chinlock, almost making it a standing bully choke. Fans rally and Rollins fights up. Ziggler wrangles him back down, and Rollins endures the squeeze. Rollins endures as fans now duel.
Ziggler keeps his weight on Rollins, but Rollins still gets up to throw him off. Rollins runs but misses the corner splash. Ziggler covers, TWO! Rollins supports himself on the ropes but Ziggler trash talks him. Ziggler pulls Rollins against the ropes but lets go at 3. Fans rally and duel, Ziggler throws hands. Rollins counter punches, and backs Ziggler down. He chops Ziggler to a corner, then whips corner to corner. Ziggler reverses to hit a leaping back elbow. Cover, TWO, but Ziggler keeps his cool. Ziggler grins as he stalks Rollins, egging him on. Ziggler toys with Rollins, getting cocky. Rollins gets a leg, trips Ziggler, but Ziggler pushes him away. Rollins his buckles, then Ziggler hits a neckbreaker! Cover, TWO! Ziggler’s frustration grows, but he wraps Rollins in a sleeper hold and body scissors.
Ziggler traps an arm as he wrenches Rollins’ neck. Fans rally again, and Rollins pries his way out. They both stand and Ziggler wants another neckbreaker, but Rollins reverss to a backslide! TWO, Ziggler leaps but ROllins blocks to scoop. Ziggler rolls out, rolls up, TWO! Rollins has Ziggler, TWO! Fireman’s carry but sunset filp, Rollins sits on it! TWO, Ziggler sunset, TWO! Rollisn stakc, TWO, Ziggler sunset, TWO, deadlift but sunset flip!! TWO!! Ziggler’s kick blocked, Revolution Knee hits!! Cover, TWO!! That was so close but it was still two. Fans know “This is Awesome!” like all the rest. Rollins grits his teeth as he stands up, and stomps for “Burn It Down!”
McIntyre distracts but gets a punch. Rollins blocks Ziggler to catapult him out! Rollins builds speed to DIVE on them both! He puts Ziggler in, then climbs up. Springboard but Ziggler dodges, FAMOUSER! Cover, TWO!! Another close call but it’s not over yet! Ziggler gets up and decides to go up top. He usually doesn’t, but Rollins leaps up to SUPERPLEX! Roll through, but Ziggler slips out, ZIGZAG!! Cover, TWO!? How?! It doesn’t matter, because “This is Awesome!” Both men slowly stand, and Ziggler runs in. Rollins bucks him off, SUPERKICK! DIVE on McIntyre just in case! Rollins climbs up fast but Ziggler’s there now! But Rollins shoves him away, Ziggler exaggerates a bad ankle so that McIntyre can shove Rollins down! SUPERKICK! Cover, Ziggler wins!
Winner: Dolph Ziggler, by pinfall; advances to the World Cup Finals
Give the assist to the Scottish Terminator as the Show-Off steals this win! Ziggler meets The Miz, the Best in the World comes from Cleveland no matter what!
On-stage interview with Dolph Ziggler.
The decision is final, but this doesn’t seem fair to Rollins. Does Ziggler feel this win was an upset? Oh, really? Ziggler has been saying this for 13 years, that no one in the WWE Universe has ever given a damn about Ziggler! But the next time Ziggler’s in that ring, he’ll be holding the trophy, because he IS the Best in the World. Ziggler and Miz meet later on, who will hold that trophy?
WWE Championship: AJ Styles VS Samoa Joe!
The Phenomenal One was going to face Daniel Bryan here, but both men couldn’t wait to settle things between each other. That title match happened on SmackDown, and though Styles retained, the Destroyer staked his claim. Joe wants that title by any means necessary, but this isn’t a reward for his actions. Styles wants to again punish Joe for getting in his face. Will this time could be the final time, whose happy ending will it be?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we begin! Joe and Styles go right at each other, but Styles backs Joe down with haymakers. Joe turns things around but gets a kick to the bad leg. They circle, and Styles keeps on that bad leg. They approach, Joe blocks a kick but gets a chop block. Styles stomps Joe to a corner, then kicks away on the legs. He rams his shoulder into Joe’s stomach, then backs off. Joe CHOPS Styles back. Styles rocks Joe with a haymaker and Joe rolls out of the ring. Styles goes out and around the corner, but Joe dodges the knee. Joe walks into a mule kick but ducks the moonsault to scoop Styles. Styles slips out and throws Joe to a post. Styles refreshes the ring count, but then Joe flapjacks him on the barriers!
Joe walks off the leg pain and refreshes the count himself now. He brings Styles over to bump him off the apron. Styles staggers while fans cheer him on. Joe gets in the ring, waits for Styles to return, only to knock him back down. The ref reprimands Joe, but he builds speed to DIVE! He blasts Styles into the announce desk! Fans chant “Joe! Joe!” as he looms over Styles. Joe puts Styles in the ring, covers, TWO! He keeps on Styles with a chinlock, trapping an arm. Styles endures and gets up to power Joe to a corner. Styles throws forearms and bumps Joe off buckles. He whips Joe corner to corner but Joe reverses. Joe hits the back elbow, and the Pele! Cover, Ropebreak! Styles survives, but Joe keeps his cool.
Joe drags Styles around to headbutt him down, then brings him up for another. Fans continue to cheer Styles on, but Joe is on him. Styles elbows Joe but Joe CHOPS Styles off his feet! Joe puts on a neck wrench and Styles endures. Styles gets to his feet and fights out. Joe hits Styles back and now it’s a brawl. They go back and forth, Joe CHOPS Styles, then headbutts him. Joe swings away on Styles, who can barely cover up. Styles ducks to enziguri Joe down! Both men are down as fans continue to make noise. Styles sits up but Joe follows. Styles chops Joe, then chops again. Joe chops back, and the brawl is back on!
Styles fires off the Phenomenal Blitz, and a forearm in the corner. He brings Joe out, wants the Clash, but Joe shoves him away. Joe runs into an elbow, Styles hops up and springboards for the moonsault DDT! Cover, TWO! Fans rally for Styles as Joe rolls out. Styles aims and slingshots, the forearm connects! Styles puts Joe in the ring, then takes aim from the apron. Joe stands, Styles jumps in but Joe gets clear. Styles runs into the powerslam! Cover, TWO! Joe grows frustrated, but he drags Styles up. Styles slips out of the suplex to kick the leg. Styles runs, but into a BIG clothesline! Cover, TWO! Both men are down again and fans are thunderous.
Styles sits up first again, but Joe follows. Joe goes to Styles in the corner, but Styles rolls him! Calf Crusher! Joe’s leg hurts but Joe reaches to get the ropebreak. Styles lets him go, but he’s not done. He kicks the leg more, but ducks the enziguri. Roll up, TWO, Coquina Clutch!! Joe has Styles trapped, but Styles goes after the bad leg! Styles uses the toehold against Joe, Joe has to get the ropes. Styles lets Joe go again, but he goes after the leg more .Joe hits Styles back, but has to fight off the Calf Crusher. He elbows Styles’ neck, then knees him in the face. PELE! Joe goes down but both men work to stand back up. Styles runs in, but Joe puts him on the apron. Styles hits Joe back, then springboards, Phenomenal Forearm! Cover, Styles wins!
Winner: AJ Styles, by pinfall; still WWE Champion
The Phenomenal One wins two title matches in one week, and his career continues towards its one year anniversary! Will Styles make it one of the best title reigns in WWE history?
Acting Raw General Manager, Baron Corbin, heads to the ring.
The Constable has the Universal Championship in hand. He is here to personally present that belt to whoever wins this next match, as the belt is currently vacant. Roman Reigns gave up the belt because he has a real fight on his hands with the returning leukemia. With the Big Dog having to leave The Yard, there will be a guaranteed NEW champion! But will it be The Beast of Suplex City? Or the Monster Among Men?
Vacated WWE Universal Championship: Braun Strowman VS Brock Lesnar w/ Paul Heyman!
The introductions are made, the belt is raised by Corbin, and we begin as Corbin smashes Strowman! He wants the bell to ring, so it does! Lesnar F5’s Strowman!! Cover, TWO!! Strowman won’t be screwed over so easily! Lesnar lifts Strowman again, for a second F5! Cover, TWO!? Heyman and Lesnar cannot believe this! Strowman sputters but he survives two F5’s in a row. Lesnar lifts him again, for an unprecedented THIRD F5! Cover, TWO!?! We knew Strowman was more than human, but this is something else! Fans want “One More Time!” so Lesnar will go for it. He reels Strowman in for a fourth fireman’s carry, to dump him out of the ring!!
Strowman is down, and a count out will give Lesnar the title anyway. Fans lose their minds over the manhandling, and the count passes 5. But Strowman gets up?! And in at 9! Lesnar gets mad now, and the gloves literally come off. Heyman shouts for Lesnar to end this, and Lesnar walks over to the dazed Strowman. A fifth fireman’s carry but Strowman slips out. Strowman boots, but turns into a FIFTH F5!! Cover, Lesnar wins!
Winner: Brock Lesnar, by pinfall; NEW WWE Universal Champion
The Beast wins, but give a huge assist to Corbin clobbering Strowman. Strowman still survived far more than anyone ever expected, but five F5’s ended it. Lesnar holds up the belt, how long will he hold onto the belt this time?
SmackDown Commissioner, Shane McMahon, heads to the ring.
Shane O’Mac wants to be present for the World Cup Finals, because he will make good on that ultimatum to his roster. If The Miz fails, he’ll be booted out of the Blue Brand.
WWE World Cup Finals: The Miz VS Dolph Ziggler w/ Drew McIntyre!
The pressure is on for the A-Lister, will he be able to avoid defeat? Or will the Show-Off steal the show when he finally proves he’s the Best in the World?
The introductions are made, but the referee tells McIntyre he can’t be ringside. This is more important than just the other matches, the referee insists on it being fair. McIntyre reluctantly goes, but he knows Ziggler beat Rollins and Angle, so he can beat “This punk.” Miz clobbers Ziggler and stomps away! The ref pulls Miz back, but for only a moment. Miz throws hands, but the ref pulls him away. Miz still throws Ziggler out of the ring, then cools off. Corbin protests, but then Miz goes out. Miz flounders, having taken a bad step off the apron. Ziggler hits Miz back, and now he gives Miz back what he gave. Ziggler whips but Miz reverses to send him into the steps. Both men are down, and the referee checks on them.
Miz refuses to let this end before it even begins. He gets Ziggler in the ring, but that leg really bothers him. Shane checks on his guy, but Miz says he’s fine. Miz wills himself up, but it’s hard to balance on that bad leg. The referee calls for help, and advises that Miz can’t compete. Shane and Miz talk, Miz insists he’ll do it. He’s never been injured and he’s not gonna let this stop him now. Miz shouts at the refs to back away while the head referee talks to the ring announcer. The decision is made, this match is going to be called off, but Shane interrupts! Shane will not let his guy lose without actually competing. It’s the FINALS, they cannot just call it.
Everyone tells Shane Miz can’t continue, but Shane pulls rank. Shane tells everyone that he’ll compete for SmackDown?! Can he do that? Shane doesn’t care if he can, he’s going do that! Miz doesn’t want it and neither does Corbin, but the announcement is made!
WWE World Cup Finals: Shane McMahon VS Dolph Ziggler!
This is far from what anyone expected, and barely what Corbin and Ziggler wanted, but it’s happening!
Shane throws off the jacket and watch while referees help The Miz to the back. Ziggler and Corbin protest as hard as they can but they can’t stop it. The bell rings, Shane fires off on Ziggler! Ziggler gets to a corner but Shane keeps on him. The ref backs Shane O’Mac off but Shane keeps going. Shane whips and hits a big back elbow. Corbin trips Shane! The referee argues with Corbin, and EJECTS him! Everyone protests, but then Ziggler ZIGZAGS! Cover, TWO!! Shane survives and Ziggler can’t believe it.
Ziggler fires off hands and rakes Shane’s eyes. Ziggler throws more elbows and stomps, and even headbutts. Shane hits Ziggler back with body shots, but Ziggler throws haymakers. Fans enjoy it either way as Shane hits Ziggler more. Shane fires up, and hits a DDT! He drags Ziggler up, to catapult him into buckles! Ziggler is down, so Shane goes to a corner. Shane climbs up and aims, for COAST2COAST!! It hits! Cover, Shane wins!!
Winner: Shane McMahon, by pinfall; wins the World Cup Tournament
Wait, Shane is the Best in the World?! Well, at least no SmackDown star is being exiled… But, will this really stand once things return to normal?
The Brothers of Destruction VS Degeneration-X!
The #LastTimeEver of the Undertaker and Triple H at Super Show-Down only applied to singles competition. There is no more respect between these two sides, and there will be no mercy. Will this #FirstTimeEver be another #LastTimeEver? Will the Brothers of Destruction make DX #RestInPeace? Or will DX tell them to #SuckIt?!
Fans are thunderous before the match even begins. HHH stares down with Taker, but the teams eventually sort out. The referee reminds them only one at a time, so Kane starts for the Brothers. Fans already know “This is Awesome!” as HHH stays for DX. The bell rings, and HHH slowly circles with the Big Red Machine. HHH taunts Taker but Taker has to stay back. Kane and HHH approach and the Game talks trash. He sucker punches Kane, but it barely makes him budge. Kane grabs HHH and puts him in a corner. HHH gets out of the way, but gets an uppercut before he could crotch chop! Kane throws more hands, then whips HHH. He hits a big corner clothesline and lets HHH fall.
Kane brings HHH around to yank the arm. Kane reaches but HHH denies the tag to Taker. HHH brings Kane around, tag to HBK! Fans fire up again as HBK hits the ax handles. HBK wrenches Kane but Kane grabs him by the throat! Kane puts HBK in a corner but HBK gets out and chops back. Kane whips HBK but HBK gets him with a neckbreaker! HBK celebrates his first big move, but Kane sits up! HHH shouts to HBK, but Kane gets him. HBK gets free to chop and chop. He whips but Kane reverses, HBK sunset flips. Kane stays standing, and yanks HBK up. Kane scoops but HBK slips out. HBK shows the kick but Kane backs off. HBK teases that he was close. But now, Taker tags in!
Fans are even more thunderous than before as Taker and HBK meet in the ring again. And HBK stands his ground. Taker slashes the throat, so HBK says “SUCK IT!” HBK chops and chops and chops Taker, then runs, but into a boot! Taker looms over HBK, and drags him up. He wrenches the arm, and brings HBK around for shoulder collisions. Taker wrenches the arm again, and goes up to the top rope! Taker wants to go Old School but HHH interferes! Kane rocks HHH in return, and now it’s a brawl. Taker whips HBK corner to corner, and HBK ends up in the Tree of Woe! Kane still brawls with HHH, but then whips HHH into HBK! HHH tumbles out, Taker gets HBK with a two handed toss! Then Taker throws HBK out to join HHH.
The Brothers of Destruction wait for DX to return while fans continue to chant. DX gathers themselves, and rush the ring! But they run into double choke grips! DX fights out with punches and chops. HHH sends Kane out, HBK sends Taker out. But they land on their feet! And they drag DX out to throw into the barriers! Taker rocks HBK with right hands while fans duel. He puts HBK in the ring and brings him up. Taker wrenches the arm, climbs the corner, and goes Old School! HBK writhes from the shoulder pain. Fans still know “This is Awesome!” as Taker brings HBK up in another corner. Taker chokes HBK with one hand, but lets up at 4. Taker glares at the ref, but runs back in to get only buckles! HBK tags to HHH, and he goes after Taker with chops.
HHH whips but Taker reverses, but HHH kicks him. Taker doesn’t budge, he knocks HHH back down. Taker wrenches HHH’s arm and brings him over. Tag to Kane and the Brothers mug HHH in their corner. Kane drives an elbow into HHH, then brings him out for a scoop slam. Kane runs but misses the elbow drop! Both men are down but they get up. Kane throws a punch, HHH chops. Kane punches, HHH chops, and repeat. They brawl back and forth, HHH gets an edge. HHH runs, avoids a scoop, and hits a DDT! Both men are down, and HHH heads for his corner. Hot tag to HBK! HBK chops away on Kane, but Kane reverses the whip. They collide, but HBK kips up!
Kane sits up, too, but HBK gets the atomic drop and more chops. Another atomic drop, a shot for Taker, but HBK can’t lift Kane. Kane lifts HBK but HBK slips out. HHH helps out, DX double suplex Kane! HHH cues HBK as he climbs, HBK hits the elbow! And then HBK tunes up the band! Fans know what this means. Kane slowly stands, and blocks Sweet Chin Music to Choke Slam HBK! Both men are down, but Kane tags in Taker. HBK gets up but Taker is on him with big hands and elbows. Taker throws more hands in the corner, and a headbutt. He doesn’t let up, and whips HBK corner to corner. Snake Eyes! And the boot! Then a leg drop! Cover, TWO! HBK survives but Taker isn’t done with him.
Taker calls for his choke slam, but has to hit HHH first. HBK SWEET CHIN MUSIC!! Taker falls but HBK can’t cover. Everyone is down but the fans are still fired up. Taker flops back into the ring, and sits up! He goes to HBK, drags him up and throws him out. He follows, and clears off not one but both announce desks! Fans already anticipate something crazy as Taker puts HBK on one. Taker climbs up to bring HBK up, and scoops him. HHH saves HBK, but Kane comes over. HHH kicks Kane low and throws him to steel steps. Taker and HHH run with each other into barriers. HHH runs at Kane, but is caught, Choke Slam through a table!! Fans lose their minds over that monitor busting impact!
Taker returns and fetches HBK. He puts HBK on the apron, and keeps him there with a boot. Taker walks up the steps to return to the apron. Taker takes aim, and hits the guillotine leg drop! HBK slumps to the floor and Taker glares at HHH. Fans have not slowed in dueling chants. Taker puts HBK in the ring, covers, TWO!? HBK survives, but Taker tries again. TWO, so Taker grinds his fist into HBK’s face. Taker drags HBK around, tag to Kane. The Brothers stomp HBK, and Kane whips HBK to a corner. Kane rams his shoulder in, then stomps a mudhole into HBK. HBK is all alone with HHH still down in the rubble. Kane drags HBK up to give him a knee to the back. Kane drops knees, covers, TWO! Tag to Taker, and the Brothers mug HBK.
Taker punches HBK down, then brings him up for a suplex. Cover, TWO! Taker grinds his forearm into HBK but lets up at 3. Fans rally up but Taker throws hands on HBK. Taker drives in knees, too, then puts HBK in a chinlock. HBK endures as Taker tags in Kane. Kane kicks HBK in the chest, then punches him back down. Kane clubs HBK and covers, TWO. He puts HBK in the corner but HBK fights back! HBK knocks Taker away but walks into a sidewalk slam! Cover, TWO! HBK still has life, but Kane climbs the corner. HBK stops him, and Kane falls to the mat. Everyone is down, but HHH finally shows signs of life. HBK wills his way back up, but Taker drags him out! Taker scoops, but HBK sends him into a post.
HBK wills himself back up but Kane is there. Kane powers HBK to the corner, then hoists him up top. Kane climbs up to join HBK, but HBK fights back. HBK clubs away, knocking Kane’s mask off! HBK adjusts, but not to get in the ring. He aims at both Brothers, for a SUPER MOONSAULT!! HBK wipes them both out as he works to turn back time! Fans lose their minds over that one, but they know “You Still Got It!” HHH rises onto the apron, and now HBK wills himself back to the DX corner. HBK crawls but Kane gets up and pursues. Hot tag to HHH! HHH rallies on Kane with chops, then whips. Kane reverses but HHH gives him the knee to face. HHH keeps moving and hits his jumping knee. Taker comes in but gets the Spinebuster!
HHH fires up, Taker sits up, but HHH kicks. Taker back drops the Pedigree away, but HHH blocks the Choke Slam. Taker scoops but HHH slips out. HHH kicks, underhook, PEDIGREE! But Kane is there, so HHH takes time throwing him out. HHH turns back to Taker, but gets reeled into Hell’s Gate!! Taker chokes HHH with the brutal hold, but HBK returns. Kane intercepts, but HBK slips out, Sweet Chin Music! Kane falls on Taker and frees HHH! All four men are down and fans are again thunderous. Both Brothers sit up! Taker and Kane slowly stand, and they wait for DX. The Brothers scoop HHH & HBK, but HBK goes after Kane’s eyes. HHH kicks Taker’s leg, Sweet Chin Music again! Then one for Kane! Pedigree!! Cover, DX wins!!
Winners: Degeneration-X, HHH pinning
The first time these two teams meet, and DX wins! All four men gave it their all, but in the end, The Game & the Heartbreak Kid survived death together. DX celebrates their win, as well as HBK’s first match since retiring eight years ago. Will this just be the first of many victories for Shawn Michaels now that he’s back?
My Thoughts:
Skipping arguments of whether WWE should’ve done this event, the event itself was pretty good given that it focused on the action. Nakamura VS Rusev was pretty great for a last minute addition, and I almost thought Rusev was going to win the belt. However, Nakamura still wins because he found a new way to get that low blow. Hopefully something changes, as both Rusev and Nakamura are great talents that deserve a bit more from booking. Maybe after Survivor Series and on the way to TLC, there will be something major announced for the United States Championship. But assuming nothing changes, Nakamura will likely face the Intercontinental Champion at Survivor Series. Whether it’s Rollins or Ambrose is to be determined.
I shouldn’t have been surprised that The Bar wins, and with Big Show’s help. The New Day has had those tag title belts so often and for so long, it’s fine that another team has them. The Bar will move on to face the Raw Tag Team Championships, but obviously something in the Rollins-Ambrose story has to figure that out. I’m thinking that if Face VS Heel dynamic is thrown aside for Survivor Series, we can get The Authors of Pain VS The Bar for some really heavy hitting action. And maybe a funny moment of Drake Maverick distracting Big Show so that AoP can win. As for contenders, I’m not sure who there is for The Bar to defend their titles against other than The Usos, or SAnitY if SmackDown would figure out how to use them.
What was surprising today was that Ambrose didn’t show up to interfere with any of Rollins’ World Cup matches. But with Renee Young on commentary, perhaps Ambrose was here for her sake. I was surprised to see Rollins beat Lashley, but then lose to Ziggler. For that matter, it was really surprising to see Ziggler beat Angle, but the ending makes sense. Miz makes his way through a healthy Hardy and a battered Mysterio to be the SmackDown Finalist. Miz deserves an award for selling his jammed knee, but I did not expect Shane McMahon to take over. In kayfabe, it makes sense in some way, because Shane is his father’s son, and a McMahon will always go for the spotlight. I bet this leads to something for Survivor Series to actually give the traditional 5v5 stakes.
I was surprised neither WWE World or Universal Championships were the main event, but it made sense after it was all done. Styles retains and that’s great, but now I’m not sure who challenges him since Joe was beaten again. Maybe Bryan will get another shot since the controversy of Crown Jewel is past us. In kayfabe, I’m pissed Corbin screwed Strowman over, so I hope Strowman breaks him and Angle can get his job back to correct this. In reality, I’m pissed at Vince who can’t let anyone outside of The Beast or The Big Dog hold that belt. What does he have against Strowman who is big as a house, strong as Lesnar, and actually likes competing regardless of paycheck? Plus, Lesnar VS Styles again at Survivor Series? The hell is that?
The main event being the dream tag team match was actually a lot more fun than I expected. Granted, all these guys are very old, so the pacing was slower, but the match managed to be fun. As strong as the Brothers of Destruction looked, it made sense for DX to win given it was HBK’s first match back. This story can continue with HBK and Taker having their own #LastTimeEver, or HBK going on his dream match world tour against any number of today’s current superstars. Maybe fans will get HBK VS AJ Styles after all.
My Score: 8.5/10
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Coverage
Mitchell’s NJPW Road to Wrestling Dontaku Results & Report! (4/19/25)
Parting is such sweet sorrow…

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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Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE WrestleMania 41 Results & Report! (4/20/25)
This is more than just a gamble!

Will this be a historic finale to WrestleMania?
John Cena has said he is retiring after 2025, but he wants to take the Undisputed WWE Championship with him! Will his 17th be everyone’s last reign? Or can Cody Rhodes save the future?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- WWE Women’s World Championship Triple Threat: Iyo Sky VS Bianca Belair VS Rhea Ripley; Iyo wins and retains the title.
- Sin City Street Fight: Damian Priest VS Drew McIntyre; McIntyre wins.
- WWE Intercontinental Championship Fatal 4 Way: Bron Breakker VS Penta VS Finn Balor VS Dominik Mysterio; Dom wins and becomes the new WWE Intercontinental Champion.
- Open Challenge: Randy Orton VS Joe Hendry; Orton wins.
- AJ Styles VS Logan Paul; Logan wins.
- WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships: Liv Morgan & Raquel Rodriguez VS Lyra Valkyria & Becky Lynch; Lyra & Becky win and become the new WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions.
- Undisputed WWE Championship: Cody Rhodes VS John Cena; Cena wins and becomes the new Undisputed WWE Champion.
PLAY BY PLAY
It’s the WrestleMania Night 2 Countdown Show!
Once again, join Michael Cole, Pat McAfee, Wade Barrett, Big E and more in discussing, analyzing and predicting all the action set for the big finale!
Ava Max sings the United States of America National Anthem.
Stephanie McMahon is in the ring!
The Billion Dollar Queen of WWE is here and says, “The last time WrestleMania was in Las Vegas was WrestleMania 9 at Caesar’s Palace, and I was 16 years old. Here we are today, at Allegiant Stadium for WrestleMania 41, and my middle daughter is 16 years old. WWE has always been a part of my life, which includes all of you. You are a part of my family because WWE IS family. And I am so incredibly proud to say, welcome home. And welcome to NIGHT TWO of WrestleMania!” The pyro goes off and the fans cheer! Will Mania hit the jackpot all over again with this finale?
WWE Women’s World Championship Triple Threat: Iyo Sky VS Bianca Belair VS Rhea Ripley!
The Evil Genius won this title off of The Eradicator, but perhaps only because The EST, who had won the Elimination Chamber match, ended up a bit of a distraction. After weeks of these three all getting after each other verbally and physically, it finally comes down to the three of them having it out once and for all. Who opens Night 2 with a victory that defies the odds?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who wins the title, and the respect that comes with it!
The bell rings and the fans rally up as the three stare down. Bianca and Rhea talk trash on each other again, and Iyo steps up, not wanting to be ignored again. Iyo stops the double pie faces! And she SHOTEIS Rhea! Bianca shove Iyo at Rhea, Rhea ROCKS Iyo! Bianca ROCKS Rhea! Iyo RAN- NO, Bianca brings Iyo up, throws her at Rhea, but Iyo RANAS Rhea! Iyo ducks ‘n’ dodges Bianca, Bianca avoids the handspring, but the SHOTGUN hits! But then Rhea DROPKICKS Iyo! Iyo bails out, Bianca is in a corner, and Rhea stares down her rival. They tie up, Rhea waistlocks, and Rhea SLAMS Bianca down.
Bianca fights up, switches, and SLAMS Rhea! Rhea fights up, fights the lift, and elbows free! Bianca runs up to DROPKICK Rhea to a corner! Bianca kips up, the fans are torn, but Bianca says kiss this. Bianca RAMS into Rhea, then climbs up to rain down fists! The fans count along, but Iyo returns! Bianca backflips, Iyo runs into Rhea! Bianca RAMS them both! Bianca climbs up and starts again! The fans count and Bianca goes all the way to TEN, then keeps going! But Iyo gets free and grabs the braid! Bianca uses that to whip Iyo to the corner. Rhea shoves Bianca, Iyo dodges! Bianca BOOTS Rhea, Iyo goes up, DOUBLE BLOCKBUSTER!
Iyo double high stacks, TWO! DOUBLE SHOTGUN! The fans fire up and Iyo runs at Bianca, only to be put on the apron. Bianca SMACKS Iyo off the buckles! But Rhea BOOTS Bianca out! Rhea goes to the apron, runs and CANNONBALLS Bianca down! The fans fire up but then Iyo goes up! ASAI MOONSAULT and down goes Rhea! The fans fire up with Iyo and she puts Rhea in. Iyo wheelbarrows, victory rolls, STOMP 182! Cover, TWO! Rhea stays in this but Iyo runs, only to dodge Bianca! Bianca LARIATS Rhea up and out, talks more trash, but Iyo sunset flips Bianca! TWO! Bianca gets up to CLOBBER Iyo!
The fans are torn and Bianca is annoyed. Bianca runs, but she handsprings over Iyo’s drop down. Bianca again says kiss this, then she wrenches Iyo to snap suplex! Roll through, snap suplex! Roll through again, and stalling suplex! Bianca hits her own Three Amigas and then swaggers. Bianca runs, handsprings, but Rhea trips her up! Rhea drags Bianca out to CLUB away! Iyo goes to the apron, and she leaps, FLYING RAN- NO! Bianca stops Iyo, and SWINGS her into the barriers! Then swings her at Rhea! Rhea catches Iyo, the two decide to THROW Iyo into the barriers! Rhea then kicks Bianca, puts her in the ring, and gets around to kick low.
Rhea reels Bianca in, suplexes, but Bianca slips free. Bianca waistlocks, Rhea ELBOWS free, but Iyo leaps in! Rhea dodges, comes back and kicks low. Rhea gets Iyo up, Canadian Rack, RAZOR’S EDGE onto Bianca! A shoutout to both Priest and Hall, then a cover on Iyo, TWO! Rhea is annoyed but she hauls Iyo up. Iyo fights the lift, victory rolls, but Rhea trips her up! Rhea has the legs, ties them up, and has Iyo in the PRISM TRAP! But Bianca grabs Rhea! Torture rack and KISS OF- NO, Rhea lands out to arm-drag! They both run Bianca dodges the boot, but then they both return! DOUBLE FACEBUSTERS take both women down!
The fans are thunderous as all three women are on the mat, and they all go to corners. “This is Awesome!” as Iyo rises first. SHINKANSEN for Rhea! SHINKANSEN for Bianca! Another for Rhea! Iyo drags Rhea to the drop zone, then goes up, up, and OVER THE- NO, Rhea goes up to stop Iyo! Bianca runs up to CLUB Rhea! Bianca has Rhea, Rhea has Iyo, DOUBLE SUPER BACK SUPLEX!! The fans are thunderous again as all three women are down! Bianca finds Rhea and drags her up. Rhea breaks free to ROCK Bianca, but Bianca ROCKS her back! Bianca slips around, shoves, but Rhea ducks ‘n’ dodges. Bianca hurdles, but then Rhea BOOTS her!
Iyo springboards to MISSILE DROPKCIK Rhea! Kip up and a handspring, the fans are going nuts for the Evil Genius! But Bianca POUNCES Iyo!! The fans boo but all three women are down again. Bianca crawls to the apron, climbs a corner, and goes up to 450 SPLASH on Iyo! Cover, but Rhea BOOTS Bianca away! Rhea pump handles, RIPTIDE!! Cover, TWO!?!? Bianca survives, proving she’s the toughEST, and that absolutely shocks Rhea! Rhea pleads with the ref, but no, the count was two. Rhea storms over to Iyo, drags her up and pump handles her now! RIP- DDT!! Iyo turns things around just in time! And then SHIN- EDDY GORDO KICK!
Iyo flops against the ropes, Rhea goes up the corner, and Rhea drags Iyo up the corner! Rhea pump handles again, for a SUPER RIP- ARM-DRAG!! Iyo roars and goes up! The fans fire up for the OVER THE MOONSAULT into BOOTS! And then the torture rack! KISS OF DEATH!!! Cover, RHEA BREAKS IT!! The fans are electric while all three women are down again! Bianca is freaking out, and she storms up on Rhea. Rhea sits up, Bianca SLAPS her, and then talks trash! Bianca shouts she works harder and deserves this more than Rhea! But Rhea SLAPS Bianca! Bianca DECKS Rhea! Bianca storms up, but Rhea BOOTS her!
Rhea gives the trash talk back, then DUMPS Bianca out! Rhea ROCKS Bianca, SMACKS her off the apron, then goes up the corner. The fans fire up and Rhea drags Bianca up the corner! Bianca fights back with body shots, but Rhea CLUBS Bianca! They brawl with big shots, then Rhea HEADBUTTS Bianca! Bianca falls to the floor, but Iyo SHORYUKENS! Iyo goes up to get Rhea, SUPER POISON- NO!! Rhea blocks with just one hand on the ropes! Rhea SWINGS Iyo into the post!! But Bianca torture racks Rhea!! KISS OF- RHEA LANDS OUT! The brawl is on again with big haymakers! And a HEADBUTT! And a RIP- NO, Bianca slips free!
Bianca WHIPLASHES with the braid!!! Then KISS OF DEATH!!! Cover, OVER THE MOONSAULT!!! Iyo covers Bianca, IYO WINS!!!
Winner: Iyo Sky, by pinfall (still WWE Women’s World Champion)
The Evil Genius snatched victory from the jaws of defeat, and maybe now the others will respect her! Who will be next to put Iyo to the test as a champion?
Sin City Street Fight: Damian Priest VS Drew McIntyre!
The Archer of Infamy has had enough of the Scottish Terminator blaming him for all his shortcomings since last WrestleMania. Now, they throw the rulebook out the window and fight like there’s no tomorrow. Will Priest send McIntyre South of Heaven? Or will McIntyre be guilty as sin in Sin City?
Fittingly, Drew McIntyre comes out as “Doomslayer,” from Doom: The Dark Ages. But just as fittingly, Priest has THE Kerry King of Slayer here to play his theme song live. Priest puts his new jacket aside, and Drew attacks! The bell rings, the fans fire up, and Drew fires off on Priest at the ropes. Priest shoves Drew, then dodges to LARIAT Drew up and out! Drew stagger sup, Priest FLYING ELBOWS off the apron! Priest then ROCKS Drew with a right! Drew staggers away, Priest SMACKS him off barriers, and Drew staggers away again. Priest SUPERKICKS Drew, then RAMS him into barriers! But Drew ROCKS Priest!
Drew reels Priest in and suplexes him to the LED ramp! The fans rally up while Drew leaves Priest behind. Drew pulls the steel steps apart, brings the base steps into the ring, then goes back for the other piece. But Priest CHUCKS it into Drew’s head! The fans fire up as Drew falls! Priest drags Drew up, and whips him hard into barriers! Drew falls behind the Hydration Station, but Priest brings out a TABLE! Vegas cheers as Priest puts that table in the ring. Drew returns to ROCK Priest! Drew SMACKS Priest off steel steps! And then off the English desk! Drew then POSTS Priest, goes back for more steel steps, and pulls those apart.
Drew has the smaller piece and he RAMS Priest! And RAMS him again! And then SLAMS it down on Priest’s back! Drew drops the steps, the fans fire up, and the ref checks on Priest. Priest sits up but Drew brings the steps back over, to SMASH Priest again! Drew borrows a fan’s phone? That’s his brother! Drew uses the phone to take a selfie and post it! Just like last year! Drew runs up to KICK Priest down, then pushes Priest in the ring. Drew goes looking under the ring, and he brings out a chair! Drew JAMS Priest in the ear! Drew then brings out TWO TABLES! Drew sets one up at ringside, then sets the other one up next to it.
Drew smiles as he pats the tables. Drew goes to the apron, but Priest ROCKS him! Drew wobbles, Priest ROCKS him again! Priest winds up, but Drew GLASGOW KISS HEADBUTTS first! Drew runs and he LARIATS Priest up and out the other side! Drew thinks about it now, and he builds speed! Drew FLIES and down goes Priest! The fans fire up and Drew stands tall. Drew drags Priest back up, puts him back in the ring, then storms in. Drew soaks up the cheers and the jeers, then he goes to a corner. Priest flounders, Drew has the countdown! “THREE! TWO!” CHAIR TO THE FACE!! But Drew rebounds and CLAYMORES anyway!! Cover, TWO?!?
Priest survives, but it’s just as surprising that Drew didn’t fall from that chairshot. Drew grabs that very chair Priest threw, and he takes aim. Drew SMACKS Priest on the back! And SMACKS him again! Drew then puts the chair around Priest’s head! The ref says don’t do this, but that’s all the ref can do as Drew takes aim! Drew runs up, but Priest grabs Drew first! CHOKE SLAM! Cover, TWO!! Drew survives because Priest couldn’t do the sit-out! Priest crawls back and stands back up. Priest grabs another chair, takes aim, and he SMACKS Drew on the back! Drew writhes, but Priest sits him up, just to SMACK him down again!
Drew writhes and Priest paces. The fans rally, Priest takes aim again, and he SMACKS Drew down! Drew writhes while Priest goes to a corner. Priest rips away the padding on the crossbars, and then wedges the chair in. But Drew hits a SPINEBUSTER! Drew grabs that table Priest brought out, and now Drew stands it up. Drew drags Priest up, puts him on the top rope, and then CHOPS! Drew climbs up, fireman’s carries, and then tucks, but Priest slips free! Priest CLUBS Drew, and now he looks to the table! Crucifix lift, RAZOR’S EDGE through the table!! Cover, TWO!?! Drew survives and Priest is shocked!
Priest drags himself up, goes to the base steps, and he brings those around. Priest brings down the straps and the fans fire up. Priest waits on Drew as Drew hobbles around. Priest clamps on with the grip, but Drew CLAWS Priest’s eyes! Drew goes up the steps, reels Priest in, FULL METAL FUTURE SHOCK!!! Cover, TWO!??! Priest survives and the fans fire up again! “This is Awesome!” as both men writhe and crawl. Drew seethes, and he watches Priest rise up. Priest glares at Drew, but Drew SLAPS Priest! Priest SLAPS back, and now the haymakers start flying! It is fast ‘n’ furious and the fans are loving it!
Drew CHOPS! CHOPS! And CHOPS! Priest CHOPS, CHOPS, and CHOPS! Drew HEADBUTTS, Priest LARIATS! Drew is down and the fans fire up! Priest drags Drew up by his hair, but Drew pushes Priest away. Priest comes back, knuckle locks, and he goes up the corner. The fans fire up as Priest goes Old School, but Drew SHOVES HIM OFF! PRIEST FALLS THROUGH THE TABLES ON THE OUTSIDE!!! The fans are losing their minds over that crash landing, and Drew manages to smile. Drew hobbles his way over while Priest flounders in the wreckage. Drew drags Priest up and into the ring, and pushes him against the chair Priest put in the corner!
Drew hobbles corner to corner, runs back in, FULL METAL CLAYMORE!!!! Cover, DREW WINS!!!
Winner: Drew McIntyre, by pinfall
Doom McIntyre just slayed the Archer of Infamy! Drew tells the ref to stop caring about Priest, and he makes the ref raise his hand in victory! Will Drew finally get over this grudge and go back for gold?
WWE Intercontinental Championship Fatal 4 Way: Bron Breakker VS Penta VS Finn Balor VS Dominik Mysterio!
The Badass Booty Nephew has been a dominate champion, and he’s had the dogs barking all over the world. But with this title comes a target, and now he’s in the biggest title defense he’s had yet! Will Bron make the most of the Steiner Math he worked out the other day? Will that 129.2% be trumped by #CeroMiedo? Or will this title soon belong to the Judgment Day?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see if the numbers spell disaster at WrestleMania!
The bell rings and the fans fire up as Bron runs up! Dom dodges, but then Penta storms up. Bron DECKS Penta, stomps him, but Finn & Dom go after Bron! The fans boo as the Judgment Day boys mug Bron, then TOSS him out. Finn & Dom soak up the heat, but Penta GAMANGIRIS Finn! Penta goes up to CROSSBODY Dom! Penta then baits Finn in and RANAS him out! Dom runs up but Penta TOSSES him! Penta then builds speed and FLIES! Down goes both Finn & Dom and the fans fire up! But Bron LEAPS in from outta nowhere! Down goes Penta! The fans bark for Bron as he stands tall. Bron puts Penta in the ring, then builds speed, but Penta SUPERKICKS!
Penta shouts, “CERO! MIEDO!” Penta runs, springboards, but into a POWERSLAM! Bron catches Finn, military presses him, and BREAKKER SLAMS him! Dom is back, but Bron SPEARS Dom! Cover, Finn breaks it! Finn does it more for his own chances, but now he regrets it as Bron storms up. Bron RAMS Finn into the corner again and again. Penta runs up, Bron ELBOWS him back, and then Bron RAMS Penta into the corner again and again. Finn runs up to SLINGBLADE! Penta SLING-DOGS Finn! Penta GAMANGIRIS Dom, sits him down, and then Penta drop toeholds Finn into Dom! Penta goes up, headstand and DROPKICK!
The fans fire up as Penta covers Finn, TWO! Penta traps one arm, grabs the other, and he makes Finn SACRIFICE! Penta pump handles Finn, lifts, but Bron waistlocks Penta! GERMAN SUPLEX HALF NELSON SUPLEX COMBO!! Bron kips up and Vegas barks even louder! Bron aims from a corner, runs in, but Penta dodges! Bron POSTS himself! Dom rushes in to THROW Penta down by his mask! Slingshot SENTON! Dom stomps a mudhole into Bron! Dom runs side to side and DROPKICKS Bron out! The fans are torn for Dom as he hits a suplex! Uno Amigo! Dom drags Penta up, DOS AMIGO! Then some Latino Heat, but Penta blocks!
Finn CLUBS Penta, he and Dom work together to DOUBLE SUPLEX! Carlito cheers his guys on as Finn & Dom mug Bron. They reel Bron in, but Bron fights the double suplex to DOUBLE SUPLEX them! Bron kips up, brings down the straps, and he catches Finn to OVERHEAD SUPLEX! Then an OVERHEAD for Dom! Bron LARIATS Finn in the corner, then he hoists Finn up top. Bron LARIATS Dom back down, then he goes up after Finn, SUPER STEINER! Cover, TWO!! Finn survives and the fans fire up! Bron seethes as he rises up, and “This is Awesome!” as Bron goes back to a corner. Bron takes aim again, but Finn KICKS him first!
Penta SUPERKICKS Bron! Dom DROPKICKS Penta! Finn LARIATS Bron out of the ring! And now Dom aims at Finn! The fans wanna see it, and Dom DROPKICKS Finn onto ropes! Dom dials it up, but Finn blocks the 619! Dom apologizes, but Finn KICKS the leg out, and stomps a mudhole into Dom! Penta hooks Finn up, PENTA DRIVER!! Cover, BRON BREAKS IT! The fans fire up as now Bron and Penta stare down. They rise up and fire shots back and forth! The fans rally, and Penta CHOPS! Bron JUMP KNEES! Penta SUPERKICKS! Penta roars, runs, but has to dodge Bron! Carlito DUMPS Bron out!
The fans boo but Dom rolls Penta up, TWO!! Penta escapes, SUPERKICKS, then mule kicks! Penta runs, and hits a DESTROYER!! Cover, CARILTO DRAGS PENTA OUT! The fans boo but Carlito SMACKS Penta off the desk! Carlito clears the desk, tells Pat and Maggle and Wade to back off, then he drags Penta up. but Bron is on the other desk!? Bron jumps off the Spanish desk to SPEAR Carlito through the English desk!! The fans go nuts as Bron and Carlito are down in the wreckage! Penta leaves that mess behind and Bron manages to get in the ring. Bron powers up again, and he runs at Penta, SPEAR!!! But Dom slides in!
Dom DROPKICKS Bron onto ropes! Dom redials, 619 connects!! Dom goes up the corner, but Finn trips Dom up! The Prince aims at Bron while the fans boo, and Finn SLINGBLADES! Then he takes aim, SHOTGUN! Bron is down in the drop zone! Finn climbs and takes aim, COUP DE GRACE!!! Cover, but Dom FROG SPLASHES onto it all!! Cover on Finn, DOM WINS!!
Winner: Dominik Mysterio, by pinfall (NEW WWE Intercontinental Champion)
Lie, cheat and steal, Dom learned a lot from Uncle Eddie! And now just like Uncle Eddie, he checks off the Intercontinental Championship! But what does this mean for Judgment Day?
Open Challenge: Randy Orton VS ???
The Viper wanted to settle scores with The Prizefighter, but Kevin Owens needed major neck surgery, and now we don’t even know if Kevin will ever return to the ring. In the meantime, Orton still wants a match for his 20th, so he put it out there that anyone can step to him. Orton grabs a mic and he tells the fans, “Tonight marks my 20th WrestleMania! Ladies and gents, I said that I would be here at WrestleMania 41 ready to go. The only question now is, who is gonna come through that curtain? I’ll tell you one thing, whoever it is, they’re gonna get their WrestleMania Moment, and it’s gonna be courtesy of the three most dangerous letters in all of sports entertainment: R K O!”
Orton throws down the mic, paces inside the ring, and who answers the call? “Say his name and he appears… I believe in Joe Hendry!” That’s right! The TNA World Heavyweight Champion is making his WrestleMania debut, and everyone sings along with his song like they did with Voices! Orton isn’t quite sure what to make of this, but the fans are loving it! The bell rings, the fans chant “WE BELIEVE! WE BELIEVE!” as Orton and Hendry step up. Then R K- NO, Hendry rolls Orton up! TWO, and then Hendry… TURNS! Hendry smiles and Orton is again unsure what to do with that. The two reset and circle again.
Orton kicks Hendry low, then runs, but Hendry blows past him to CLOBBER Orton! The fans fire up and Hendry brings Orton up. But Orton kicks low! Orton takes a swing, Hendry dodges and hits a NECKBREAKER! Then Hendry gets the fans to join in on We Will Rock You! Hendry grabs Orton by the neck, but Orton sees he’s taller. Orton pokes Hendry in the eye! And then LARIAT! LARIAT! Dodge and SNAP POWERSLAM! The fans fire up and Orton brings Hendry up again. Orton puts Hendry in the ropes, drags him out, and DRAPING DDT! The fans fire up and Orton smirks, because Orton hears those voices in his head!
Orton watches Hendry rise up, but Hendry powers out of the RKO! Hendry scoops Orton to FALL AWAY SLAM! Hendry kips up, the fans fire up, and Hendry… TURNS! The fans cheer that big smile, RKO OUTTA NOWHERE!! Cover, Orton wins!
Winner: Randy Orton, by pinfall
The Viper strikes, the Viper wins, and that’s a great way to cap off 20 years! But Orton does show Hendry respect by helping him stand back up. The fans cheer, Orton tells Hendry that all these people believe in him, and Hendry thanks Orton. Orton raises Hendry’s hand in respect, the fans cheer more, and then Orton RKOS!! Thanks for coming, Hendry! And then Orton… TURNS! Orton does his pose and the fans cheer. Will Orton only hit a new level of excellence on the other side of 20 years?
AJ Styles VS Logan Paul!
The Phenomenal One is just the newest of a long list of people that don’t like The Maverick. It isn’t Logan’s ability in the ring, it’s the fact Logan Paul is brash, obnoxious, and just downright arrogant, and that’s being nice. But will Styles use his own talent and ability to finally humble Logan? Or will Logan go from annoying to insufferable in the blink of an eye?
Logan of course vlogs his entrance with a selfie video, soaking up all the heat as he goes. Then things go multiscreen just so we can see Logan from all angles. One Logan Paul is bad enough, but imagine nine of him… Finally, Styles makes his entrance, and he knows he only needs to be the one and only. The bell rings and the two circle. The fans rally for Styles, he and Logan tie up, and they’re in a deadlock. Styles powers Logan back, put shim in a corner, but the ref counts. Logan turns things around, the ref counts more, and Logan lets off to talk trash. Logan shoves Styles, eggs Styles on, but Styles just laughs that off.
The fans rally as Styles and Logan circle. They tie up, Styles slips around and headlocks. Logan fires body shots, then powers his way to a headlock. Styles endures, lifts, and puts Logan on ropes. Styles powers out, hurdles, then drops down. Logan stops himself, Styles runs up, but Logan puts him on the apron. Styles RAMS Logan, slides in and whips, but Logan reverses, only for Styles to run him over! Styles talks smack, runs, but now Logan hurdles. Styles DROPKICKS Logan down! Styles covers, ONE, but Styles goes to the outside. Styles drags Logan out, slaps him around, but Logan kicks Styles away.
Styles bumps into the desk, Logan PLANCHAS, but Styles catches him in the apron skirt! Styles goes all Fit Finlay on Logan Paul! Styles then CHOPS Logan, the fans “WOO~!” and Styles throws up the Too Sweet. The fans cheer, and Styles goes back to SLIDING KNEE Logan from the apron! Logan falls down, Styles steps inside, and the ring count climbs. The fans cheer Styles while he waits on Logan. Logan crawls around on the floor, Styles goes out the side, but Logan RAMS Styles into barriers! Logan brings Styles around to UPPERCUT! Logan whips Styles, Styles reverses and Logan hits barriers hard! The fans fire up while Styles stands tall.
Styles stalks Logan, drags him up, and SMACKS him off the apron. The fans rally behind Styles while he pushes Logan into the ring. Styles goes to the apron, but Logan avoids the shoulder to KICK Styles, POST him, and then whip him into the other POST! Styles falls to the floor and Logan slaps some sense into himself. Logan wants the count to get going but we’re only at 3 of 10. Styles rises at 5, but Logan PLANCHAS! Direct hit this time and Logan fires up! The fans boo even harder, but Logan stalks Styles around the way. Logan SMACKS Styles off the Spanish desk, mockingly says, “AJ Who!?” And he SMACKS Styles off the apron.
Logan refreshes the ring count, then goes to his Hydration Station. Logan grabs his camera and taunts Styles. Logan lets the drone fly, and Logan uses the apron skirt to CHOKE Styles! We have a birds eye view as Logan HOTSHOTS Styles, and then goes up the corner! Logan watches his drone, then hits the #PAULFROMGRACE! Cover, TWO!! Styles survives that splash and the fans cheer. Logan reels Styles in, whips him to a corner, then whips corner to corner hard! Styles falls back, Logan paces, and the fans boo. Logan reels Styles in, hoists him up, OVER BOMB! Cover, ROPEBREAK! Styles survives but Logan just smiles.
Logan brings out the Hogan “I can’t hear you,” and fans boo more. Logan whips Styles, BOOTS him down, and then hits the pose. LOGAN LEG DROP, BROTHER! Cover, ONE!! Styles survives and Logan is annoyed. Logan winds up, he JABS, JABS, and JABS! But Styles RAMS Logan into the corner! Styles fires haymakers and the fans fire up! Styles stops as the ref counts, then runs up. Logan ELBOWS Styles, QUEBRADA! Cover, TWO!! The fans rally, Logan drags Styles up, and Logan fires body shots and UPPERCUTS! Logan UPPERCUTS again and again until Styles falls! The fans boo while Logan flexes. Logan then goes back to the corner and climbs up.
Logan soaks up more heat, then goes back for Styles. Logan drags Styles up, whips him to a corner, but Styles stops short! Styles is getting fired up as Logan doesn’t even realize it! Logan turns around, into a LARIAT! LARIAT! PHENOMENAL BLITZ! Fireman’s carry, USHIGOROSHI! SLIDING FOREARM! Styles runs and LARIATS in the corner! Styles suplexes, BRAINBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Logan is tougher than that, and he sits up smirking though a bit dazed. Styles reels Logan back in, but Logan slips free of the Clash! Logan kicks low, back suplex, but Styles lands out! Logan runs up, but Styles BOOTS him!
Styles goes out, springboards in, but Logan catches Styles to a fireman’s carry! Logan roars, ROLLING SENTONS, then LIONSAULTS! Cover, TWO!! Styles survives, even as Logan gets impressive air. The fans rally up, Logan brings Styles to a corner and puts him up top. Logan climbs up, talks trash, but Styles fires elbows! Logan staggers back, but he returns to CLUB Styles! Styles ELBOWS Logan again, rolls off Logan’s back, and lifts him up! Logan grabs ropes, and he kicks while upside-down! Styles KICKS Logan while he’s upside-down! Logan flips to the apron, and he SMACKS Styles off buckles! Styles staggers away and Logan takes aim!
Logan slingshots, BUCKSHOT! Cover, TWO!! Styles survives because Logan isn’t about that #CowboySh*t. Even so, Logan fires hands on Styles in the corner! Logan winds up, runs up, ONE LUCKY- NO, Styles ducks the punch, slips under Logan and torture racks! TOWER HACKER BOMB!! Cover, TWO!! Logan survives, even as Styles busts out a classic. The fans still rally for Styles and he goes to a corner. Styles steps outside, takes aim, and he springboards to 450 SPLASH onto knees!! Logan drags Styles up, reels him in, and he calls for Styles’ move?! STYLES CLASH!!! But Styles rolls through the cover to have Logan up! STYLES CLASH!!!
Both men are down and the fans are thunderous! But wait! Logan’s friend, Jeff, sneaks over the barriers! And he’s got the brass knuckles! The fans boo but WAIT! KARRION KROSS IS HERE! Kross has Jeff’s arm, and he snatches the knuckles away. Styles drags Jeff and THROWS him! Kross nods to Styles, and holds up the knuckle dusters… Kross promises he isn’t gonna do anything, he just wants Styles to use the knuckles to take out Logan. Logan puts them on, to DECK Kross! Styles then goes back to the apron, he ROCKS Logan with a forearm, and then springboards! Logan ducks the forearm, to hit ONE LUCKY RIGHT!!
Logan lifts Styles for the PAUL-VERIZER!!! Cover, LOGAN WINS!!!
Winner: Logan Paul, by pinfall
Styles did things the right way, but he also took his eye off the ball. Logan picks up the fumble and runs it all the way back to the house to win it all. Will WWE soon belong to Logan Paul?
WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships: Liv Morgan & Raquel Rodriguez VS Lyra Valkyria & ???
This was meant to be the Judgment Day’s leading ladies against The Morrigan & The Role Model. However, someone, or a couple someones, took Bayley out of action with a backstage attack. Bayley doesn’t know who, Liv & Raquel swear it wasn’t them, but the bottom line is that Lyra needs back-up. Who stepped up to have their WrestleMania Moment? IT’S THE MAN, BECKY LYNCH!! Does that mean it’s time to kick some major lass here in Las Vegas?
The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we see if teaming with one Horsewoman is as good as another!
The teams sort out and the fans fire up as Becky steps to Liv. They circle, but then Liv tags out to Raquel. Big Mami Cool says Becks is gonna regret coming back. Becky ROCKS Raquel, chases after Liv, but Raquel grabs Becky’s hair! Raquel scoops, Becky slips free, and she has a SLEEPER! Raquel fights up with Becky as a backpack. Lyra tags in before Raquel THROWS Becky down! Becky ROCKS Raquel, Lyra SOBATS, KICKS, and then Becky SOBATS! Lyra RAMS Raquel, runs, but handsprings through the hip toss to ENZIGIRI! The fans fire up and Lyra runs, springboard arm-drag! The fans fire up for Lyra, “WOO~! WOO~!”
Lyra builds speed and WRECKS Raquel with a dropkick! Lyra then drags Raquel up, puts her back in the ring, and she climbs a corner. Liv runs up, Lyra BOOTS her, but Becky protesting only distracts the ref so Liv can get back up. Liv SHOVES Lyra down for Raquel to BOOT her down! Cover, TWO! Lyra survives, Becky coaches her up, but Raquel drags Lyra away. Raquel runs up to ELBOW Lyra, tags Liv, and Liv stomps away on Lyra! Tag back to Raquel, and Raquel drags Lyra up to fire ELBOWS! The ref reprimands and counts, but Raquel brings Lyra up. Tag to Liv, Raquel RAMS Lyra back in and Liv stomps Lyra some more.
Liv shrieks at the ref for counting, then snap suplexes Lyra! Una Amiga a la Dom, then Dos Amigas! Liv drags Lyra up for THREE AMIGAS! Liv gives some heat, then DECKS Becky! ENZIGIRI for Lyra! Cover, TWO! Becky storms in but the ref stops her, and that lets Liv & Raquel mug Lyra! Tag to Raquel, she drags Lyra up and suplexes to then SLINGSHOT JACKHAMMER! Cover, TWO! Raquel drags Lyra up, tags Liv, and they mug Lyra more. Liv drags Lyra up to snap suplex again, then tags Raquel. Raquel SLAMS Lyra down, then grabs at legs, but Lyra kicks her away. Lyra crawls, Raquel grabs legs again! But Lyra avoids th eelbow drop!
Lyra crawls, Liv rushes in to drag Lyra back! Lyra ENZIGIRIS free! The fans fire up as Lyra crawls, but Liv YANKS Becky down! The fans boo but now Liv regrets that. Becky chases Liv, they go inside, and Raquel BOOTS Becky! Raquel TOSSES Becky, then goes back for Lyra. Raquel reels Lyra in for a scoop and SWINGING SLAM! Cover, TWO! Tag to Liv and The Judgment Day drags Lyra up. They double whip, but Lyra KICKS Liv! Lyra then BOOTS Raquel from the corner, ELBOWS Liv, and dodges Raquel! Raquel POSTS herself, hot tag to Becky! Liv is scared and the fans are fired up! Becky LARIATS again and again, then dodges to FLYING FOREARM!
The fans fire up but Raquel returns! Becky dodges her to then ENZIGIRI! Raquel goes to a corner, Becky runs to forearm! Becky runs and forearms Liv! Then back to Raquel, but she puts Becky on the apron! Becky DECKS Raquel, goes up, and MOLLY-GO-ROUND! Then she catches Liv, BECKSPLODER! The fans are all fired up and Becky builds speed to WRECK Liv on the outside! Becky then aims to FLYING FOREARM! Becky puts Liv back in the ring, kicks her low, reels her in, BUTTERFLY SUPLEX, into the ARMBAR! Liv rolls to stack, TWO! Becky turns Liv over, DISARM HER!!! Liv flails, kicks, but Raquel is in!
Raquel BOOTS Becky down, then she BOOTS Lyra! Raquel runs up but Becky DUMPS her out! Liv runs up, OBLIVION!! Cover, LYRA BREAKS IT! The fans fire up as Lyra drags Liv up. Lyra whips, Liv grabs ropes and KICKS in return! Liv runs now, but Lyra dodges Oblivion to DIVE onto Raquel! TORNADO DDT to the floor! Liv WRECKS Lyra with a dropkick! Becky clinches, MANHANDLE SLAM!! Cover, the lasses win!!
Winners: Lyra Valkyria & Becky Lynch, by pinfall (NEW WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions)
Talk about a turn of fortunes! Bayley went down, Becky stepped up, and with Becky’s help, Lyra is now a DOUBLE CHAMPION! But now Lyra & Becky are going to visit NXT this Tuesday to defend these belts against Tatum Paxley & Gigi Dolin! Will it be quite the homecoming for The Morrigan & The Man?
Stone Cold Steve Austin is here!
Vegas goes nuts as the glass shatters, and The Texas Rattlesnake rides out on a four-wheeler! He goes down the ramp, goes around the ring a couple times, but then rams into the barrier! Whoops! Maybe Austin had a couple Steveweisers before coming out. Austin grabs a mic to say, “If you’re havin’ a great time at WrestleMania, gimme a ‘Hell Yeah!'” “HELL YEAH!” Austin says, “Some o’ ya heard me, some o’ ya didn’t. If you’re having a great time at WrestleMania, gimme a ‘Hell Yeah!'” “HELL YEAH!!” Austin says he is out here to announce tonight’s attendance. It is officially 63,226! And Austin’s been in a lot of buildings just like this, and it just feels like way more than 63,226!
The fans cheer, and Austin demands a recount! Sometimes when you want a job done right, you gotta do it yourself. Everyone sit down and stay still so he can count. Austin actually starts counting! And every time, we get “WHAT?” Wait, are we gonna get 63,000 what’s?! Austin says nah, enough of that BS. 63,226 tonight, so the weekend total is 124,693 “solid ass cats!” Austin hopes everyone makes it home safely, and hopes everyone comes back for next year’s WrestleMania. “And that’s the bottom line, cuz Stone Cold said so!” The pyro goes off, and now Austin gets to have some Steveweisers! The fans cheer the beer bath, and Austin reloads for even more!
Austin goes back out to apologize to the fans behind the spot in the barriers he hit, then he chooses to walk back up the ramp. When and where will we see Stone Cold again?
Undisputed WWE Championship: Cody Rhodes VS John Cena!
It’s the moment of truth. The Rock wanted The American Nightmare to “sell his soul” so he could be living the easy life as The Final Boss’s Champion. Cody rejected the offer in the most direct way possible, only for the sixteen-time world champion to show his true colors. And now, seven weeks later, after both verbal battles and physical confrontations, these two will finally put it to the test: Will Cody Rhodes do the “right thing?” Or will he do what it takes to win? The Last Time is Now, but will it also be Cena’s SEVENTEENTH time as world champion?
For Cena’s entrance, his tron is boiled down to just black and white, and his name up in lights. His final WrestleMania, and Cena won’t give the fans the satisfaction of a flashy, over the top spectacle of an entrance. As for Cody’s entrance, there’s a lot of smoke, and then there are Motocross dirt bike riders going across the stage! Then, as they stop and stand in line, and as the smoke clears, Cody Rhodes is there, a brand new skull helmet on his head. It opens up like Ironman’s helmet! The fans sing along with Cody’s song, “WHOA~ OH~!” The pyro goes off and Cody continues down the ramp, looking out at the sea of people here in Las Vegas.
Cody stands on the corner for the second “WHOA~ OH~!” and pyro, then he gets a hug and kiss from wife, daughter, and mother. The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and time to learn the difference between the first and the last!
The fans are already thunderous with their dueling, “LET’S GO, CENA!” “CENA SUCKS!” The bell rings, the fans fire up more, and the two circle. Cena and Cody take a moment to hear all of that energy from the WWE Universe. The two then tie up, go around, and Cody headlocks. Cena endures as Cody grinds the hold, then he powers up and out. Cody runs Cena over! Cena bails out, the fans are torn, and Cody asks if this is supposed to be #BigMatchJohn. Cena cools off while the fans continue to duel. Cena steps back into the ring, Cody eggs him on, and the two reset. Cena seems just annoyed by the fans at this point.
Cody and Cena tie up. Cody headlocks, then shifts, and hammerlocks. Cena goes to the ropes, the ref counts the break, and Cody lets go. Cena steps outside in a huff, and he wants Cody to back off. Cody backs up, Cena steps back in, and the fans just get fired up again. Cody and Cena tie up. Cody waistlocks, Cena ELBOWS free, then he headlocks. Cena hits a headlock takeover, as if to show he can wrestle. Cody headscissors, and he holds Cena down with the squeeze. Cena powers free, but Cody DROPKICKS him! Cena bails out again and is just frustrated now. Cody builds speed and DIVES! No more escaping the action for Cena!
Cody puts Cena in, storms up, but Cena DECKS Cody! Cena then headlocks, but Cody powers him to a corner. The ref reprimands and counts, but Cena sucker punches Cody! The fans are torn as Cena stomps away on Cody! Cena bumps Cody off buckles, then whips him to ropes. Cena BOOTS Cody down, a rare thing for Cena even when he was in his prime. Cena does a mocking bow, then he DECKS Cody again! Cena stomps Cody, drags him up and reels him in, but the fans seem to be fighting about something of their own. Cody pops free to fire hands! Cena stomps Cody’s foot! Cena then KNEES Cody in the head!
Cena seethes while Cody crawls to a corner. Cena stalks Cody, drags him up, and Cena whips corner to corner. Cody hits buckles hard, then falls to the mat. Cody crawls under the bottom rope, but Cena grabs the legs! ROPE GUILLOTINE! Cena talks trash on Cody while he tumbles to the floor, then Cena goes out after Cody. Cena puts Cody in the ring, stalks him again, and runs up to BOOT Cody down! Cena then takes aim, runs up, and LARIATS! And then he LARIATS again! Cover, ONE!! Cody shows he’s tougher than that, but Cena clamps on a chinlock. Cody endures as Cena squeezes tight.
The fans rally as Cody fights the hold, but Cena leans on him. Cody fights up, stands, and he fires body shots! Cena lets go, and Cody ROCKS him with haymakers! Cody backs Cena down, has him on the ropes then whips, only for Cena to reverse, scoop, and SIDEWALK SLAM! Cover, TWO! Cena goes to a corner, hops up, and waits on Cody to stand. Cena leaps to AX HANDLE! Cena brings out more classic pro-wrestling moves, and he bumps Cody off buckles! Cena hops up again, to AX HANDLE again! Cena climbs up again, Cody stands back up, and Cena AX- NO, Cody kicks low! Cody ROCKS Cena with more rights!
Cena pokes Cody in the eyes! And then Cena CLUBS and HAMMERS away on Cody! Cover, TWO! Cody stays in this, even as Cena resorts to some new lows. But Cena grins as he literally kicks Cody’s butt! Cena hears the fans duel even harder as he stands Cody up. Cena whips, Cody reverses, then Cody runs up, but into a BOOT! Cena goes up, to TORNADO DDT! Cover, TWO! Cody survives as Cena turns it up a notch. Cena taunts the fans, taunts Cody, and then runs to get the SHOULDER TACKLES going! Now Cena brings out his classic move, but then he stops with just one. Cena dares Cody to get up, and then he runs to SHOULDER TACKLE again!
Cena grins as he’s basically toying with Cody now. Cody staggers up, Cena reels Cody in, and hits the SPIN OUT BOMB! The fans know what’s next in the “five moves of doom,” and Cena knows we know. Cena shakes out his hand, holds it up, and says- EYE POKE from Cody! Cena staggers, runs up on Cody anyway, but Cody goes up and over to SNAP POWERSLAM! The fans are torn as Cody powers up! DISASTER KICK! Cody pounds the mat, the fans rally and duel, and Cody runs to springboard and CODY CUTTER! Cover, TWO! Cena survives but Cody stays focused. Cody waits on Cena, to JAB! JAB! JAB!
Cody flips, flops, flies, but Cena drop toeholds! Cody fights off the STF, but Cena fireman’s carries! ATTITUDE ADJUSTMENT!! Cover, TWO!?! Cody survives, and Cena is actually amused! Cena decides to get back on track, and he tells the fans that “You Can’t See Me!” FIVE KNUCKLE SHUFFLE! Then fireman’s carry, but Cody sunset flips! TWO! Cody is up, he counter punches Cena! Cody whips, Cena reverses, but Cody goes up and out, then ROCKS Cena! Cody goes up, up, but Cena hits the ropes! That trips Cody up onto his crossroads! Cena climbs, and he fireman’s carries Cody for a SUPER A A!!! Cover, TWO?!?!
Cody survives the Avalanche Attitude Adjustment, aka the Triple A, and Cena is honestly surprised. Cena decides to pull out all the stops and he climbs up the corner. Cody rises, Cena aims, SUPER FAM- POWERBOMB!! High stack, TWO!! Cody’s counter did not finish this, but he and Cena both rise up. Cody looms over Cena, then he runs to go up the corner! SUPER CODY CUTTER!! Cover, TWO!!! Cena survives and now Cody is rather surprised! Cody huffs ‘n’ puffs and rises up. The fans are torn as Cody shouts for Cena to get up. Cena rises, Cody dragon sleepers! But Cena wrenches free, fireman’s carry, A A!!! And then the S T F U!!
Cody endures, crawls, drags Cena with him, reaches out, but Cena drags Cody back! S T F U!! Cody endures again, crawls again, drags Cena along again, and reaches out again, only for Cena to drag him back again! And even further! But Cody turns over and BOOTS Cena, into the ref!! Cena fireman’s carries, Cody slips free to dragon sleeper! CROSS RHODES!!! But no ref to count this cover! Cody would’ve won twice over! Maybe even three times over! Cody realizes what happened, and he goes to check the ref while Cena crawls away. Cena rips a buckle pad away! The fans can’t believe he’s going this far! Cena goes back for Cody, but Cody ROCKS Cena!
Cody ROCKS Cena again and again, backing Cena down, But then Cena sends Cody into the bare steel! And then back in again! Fireman’s carry, ATTITUDE ADJUSTMENT!!! Cover, TWO?!?!? Cody survives and no one can believe this! Cena is beside himself, not sure what Cody is made of! WAIT! Is that Travis Scott?! Time to FE!N with the (honorary) Hardcore Champion! Cena grins as The Rock’s other guy makes his way out here! Scott is taking his time but Cena is happy to see him. Cena helps Scott to the apron, raises his hand in victory already, and then says one minute. Cena goes to fetch Cody, and Scott wants to take a shot!
The fans boo, but Cody elbows free! Cody chases Scott off, then he catches Cena! CROSS RHODES!! Cover, but Scott YANKS the ref out!! Cody is furious because the fix is in! Cody says he still owes Scott a receipt, and Scott says bet! Scott storms into the ring, talks some smack, and Cody dares Scott to take a shot. Scott tries, but Cody blocks it! CROSS RHODES for Travis Scott!! Cody pushes Scott out of the ring, but he’s a lot of deadweight. But wait! Cena has Cody’s belt! Cena winds up, BELT- NO, Cody blocks it! Cody says not today! They tug-o-war over the belt, Cody takes the belt away, and now Cena wants mercy!?
Cena wants Cody to remember: Is he going to do what’s right? Or is he going to do what it takes? Cody does hesitate, unsure which is which, and Cena LOW BLOWS him!! The fans are going nuts but Cena picks the belt back up. Cody rises to his feet, only to take the BELT SHOT!! Just like Elimination Chamber! Cena shouts to the ref, drags Cody to a cover, and the ref is in! The count begins, and CENA WINS!!!
Winner: John Cena, by pinfall (NEW Undisputed WWE Champion)
And there is history made! Cena did everything he had to, and even needed help from The Rock, but Cena now stands alone as THE historic 17-time WWE Champion! Scott celebrates with Cena, holding their belts high overhead. The pyro goes off as the number 17 is big and bright on the tron. The GOAT is truly THE GOAT, and Cody is living a nightmare. Will The Final Boss be pleased with what his champions did here tonight? Will Cena hold onto this title until he retires at the end of this year? Or can someone, anyone, prevent further tragedy on this twisted farewell tour?
My Thoughts:
Another great night for WrestleMania 41, especially when it had to follow that first great night. Opening with the Women’s World Championship is a good parallel to the World Heavyweight Championship opening yesterday, and that Triple Threat was awesome. All three women are obviously incredible, but they looked even more incredible than that in the match. I’m a little surprised Iyo won instead of Bianca, but that was a great sequence to give Iyo the win. Perhaps Bianca and Rhea split off to have their own feud on the road to Backlash, and who knows who Iyo faces in the meantime, but this is good stuff.
Priest VS McIntyre was an awesome Street Fight, though I’m surprised they didn’t go into the crowd. Maybe that’s for the better, we got that last night with Punk and Rollins in the Triple Threat. But as I figured, Drew wins because he kinda needs it most. Not sure where he goes from here, given where the championships have all ended up, but maybe Face-Heel dynamics won’t matter to Drew. And speaking of championships, great Fatal 4 Intercontinental Championship match. Of course Dom and Finn end up going after each other, but it is a touch surprising Dom turned on Finn. Granted, Finn was throwing that passive aggressive shade, so this is more like Dom standing up to Finn. Great sequence to finish and Dom winning is awesome stuff for him. I would think Dom VS Finn is an obvious feud going towards Backlash and another title match.
Joe Hendry being Randy Orton’s opponent was oddly not on the radar given all the speculation of Aleister Black, Rusev, and a few other possibilities, but it’s great for Hendry to make a WrestleMania debut. I did not think the match would be so quick, but when this is an obvious substitute for the planned Orton VS Kevin match, it does make some sense. Great win for Orton in that way, and of course he RKO’d Hendry a second time just for fun. Backlash being in St. Louis, it should be a given that Orton headlines that, maybe even for the Undisputed WWE Championship.
AJ Styles VS Logan Paul was good, but could’ve been better. Given both guys are so athletic, I’m surprised we didn’t try to make this more about who can fly higher, but it seemed to be more about combining the tech with the high spots. Well, that and testing if Styles can still bust out that aggression. Kross showing up to tempt Styles and Styles resisting was a fine beat, but a bit disappointing that that had to cost Styles for Logan to win. I fear that with Jey Uso as a new Face champion, Logan as the obvious Heel will challenge him for the next stretch.
Great women’s tag title match, and it makes a lot of sense for Becky to be the new tag partner. As I said yesterday, there’s great story for how NXT is going to go, with Lyra being friend to both Tatum and Becky and Tatum can be jealous of Becky. As for Liv & Raquel, they might want a rematch, they might have to deal with Bayley thinking it was them in the attack, who knows. This can also add to the Judgment Day story where Dom is now the only champion in the group, and he has to do his best to lead the group through encouraging Liv & Raquel.
That Stone Cold Steve Austin moment was fun, but then really awkward when he hit the barrier. I can kinda tell he maybe underestimated that turn in front of the desk. He was having fun, saying hey to commentary, and that essentially distracted him and caused the crash. Hopefully the fans there were okay. Seems rather silly they did that much just so Austin could announce the numbers for tonight and then give a “total” that isn’t accurate. Because duh, I would think the majority of the 61,461 or whatever it was came back for night two. So at best, they added another 2,000 people from last night.
And of course, the main event. As a match goes, it was purposefully not good, because of Cena’s line from weeks ago, how he’s going to “ruin wrestling.” I did like that Cena kinda tried to wrestle to stick it to the haters, but then he just resorted to a very Hulk Hogan “big muscular brawler” style. Travis Scott showing up is fitting, but a little disappointing The Rock didn’t make an appearance of any kind. But maybe that’s because fans wanted/expected that, and Cena’s also been about denying fans what they want… But ironically, plenty of fans wanted him to win 17 just for the intrigue, and here we are. Cody’s moment of hesitation costs him, Cena is champion again, and tomorrow night’s Raw is going to be a lot of fun.
My Score: 9.3/10
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