Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE Monday Night Raw Results & Report! (11/26/18)
Bobby Roode & Chad Gable challenge AoP for their tag titles and Seth Rollins holds an Intercontinental Championship Open Challenge, both on tonight’s Raw!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Elias VS Bobby Lashley w/ Lio Rush; restarted as…
- No Disqualifications: Elias VS Bobby Lashley w/ Lio Rush; Lashley wins.
- Lucha House Rules: Lucha House Party VS The Revival; Lucha House Party wins.
- Raw Tag Team Championships: The Authors of Pain w/ Drake Maverick VS Bobby Roode & Chad Gable; The Authors of Pain win and retain the Raw Tag Team Championships.
- Ember Moon w/ Curt Hawkins VS Alicia Fox w/ Jinder Mahal & The Singh Brothers; Moon wins.
- Jinder Mahal w/ Alicia Fox & The Singh Brothers VS No Way Jose; Mahal wins.
- WWE Intercontinental Championship Open Challenge: Seth Rollins VS ???; Rollins wins and retains the WWE Intercontinental Championship.
- Baron Corbin VS Finn Balor; changed to…
- 2v1 Handicap Match: Finn Balor VS Baron Corbin & Drew McIntyre; Corbin & McIntyre win.
PLAY BY PLAY
Acting Raw General Manager, Baron Corbin, is in the ring.
The Constable is also joined by Drew McIntyre and Bobby Lashley, who also has Lio Rush with him. Corbin welcomes Milwaukee and thanks them for their “warm” welcome back. He’s sure everyone had a great Thanksgiving and shoved their mouths full of “disgusting carbs”. These three don’t eat that “garbage”, they keep their bodies in peak physical condition. It’s why they’re superstars and fans aren’t. Corbin is thankful for himself and his great run as GM. Lashley is thankful for the “betas” who waste their lives away while Lashley takes what he wants. McIntyre is thankful for the “brutal, savage, extended and well-deserved beating” these three gave to Braun Strowman. Corbin and Lashley agree. That moment will go down in history, but he plays the footage for those who missed it.
Strowman was the last man on his team in a Six Man Elimination Tag last week, but that’s when Corbin’s team stopped caring about winning. They instead got themselves disqualified and beat Strowman down every which way they could think of. They threw him into steel steps, hit him with steel chairs, and then finally combined the two to shatter Strowman’s elbow! The Monster Among Men is meant to have a TLC Match at the TLC Pay-Per-View, but he doesn’t look likely to make it after that. Corbin knows fans are wondering about Strowman. He assures them Strowman won’t be showing up for a “long, long, long time.” But he has some pull around here, so he made it possible for a camera crew to visit Strowman in Alabama before his surgery.
Strowman told them and the WWE Universe that he’s moments from having surgery on his bruised and broken elbow. “But I would much rather be in Milwaukee” so that he could take care of the spineless cowards who did this to him. Doctors think Strowman will be out for a long time given the state of the injury, and the size of Strowman’s arm. Is he worried? Maybe. But Strowman vows to be back and he’ll make that attack last week and the surgery right here look like paper cuts compared to what’s coming for Corbin and crew. He hopes they enjoy their holidays, because when he gets back, they’ll #GetTheseHands!
Corbin is annoyed by the chants, but he and the others aren’t afraid. They doubt Strowman will even be able to use both hands after what they did. Corbin is confident that Strowman will not be cleared for TLC, which is too bad because that match is still on. Strowman will surely forfeit and then Corbin will stay Raw GM. Everyone else needs to decide what side of history they’re on, because Corbin’s inauguration is coming. He’ll remember who stood with him and who stood against him, because- Wait what happened to the lights?! It’s ELIAS!
The Drifter introduces himself, and says he could no longer just sit back and listen to Corbin’s annoying voice. Elias plays his favorite rift, and says he’s been around the world, with the truth following him. But for some reason, Corbin’s crew can’t get it through their skulls. It’s that WWE means “Walk With Elias!” Elias sees Corbin talking about becoming permanent GM, and can’t think of anything worse. Anyone would be better, even Lio Rush, despite violating child labor laws. Drake Maverick pissed himself and he’s a GM! But that’s not what tonight is about, Elias has a match with “Bobby Trashley.” Elias has a song for Lashley and will sing it. So please silence phones, hold applause, and Corbin please shut your mouth.
Elias begins playing, “If this was body building, you’d be top of the class. But why you always bending over with Lio pointing at your ass?” If you’re ever done on your luck, just remember: you could be Bobby Lashley, and Bobby Lashley sucks. Fans sing along and the point is made clear. Elias heads down to the ring now, and it’s time for a match, after the break.
Elias VS Bobby Lashley w/ Lio Rush!
Raw returns as Corbin and McIntyre also join the Hype Man of the Hour in the corner of the Rocky Mountain Machine. Fans chant “Lashley Sucks!” as Elias and Lashley tie up. Lashley puts Elias in a corner, then backs off as the ref counts. Lashley taunts Elias, so Elias CHOPS away! Elias runs but into a big knee! Lashley puts Elias in another corner and rams his shoulder in again and again. Lashley brings Elias out for a neckbreaker, covers, TWO! He keeps on Elias with a chinlock but fans rally up for Elias. Elias gets up but Lashley switches to a waistlock and throws Elias down. Fans boo as Lashley knocks Elias down again. Lashley wraps the chinlock back on, but Elias works against it. Fans again chant “Lashley Sucks!” as Elias fights out.
Elias runs but Lashley jumps over him. Elias throws Lashley out, then Elias wrecks him with a dropkick! Lio coaches Lashley up, and McIntyre tells him to go beat Elias’ arse. Fans sing for Elias as he gets Lashley, but Lashley flapjacks and hotshots Elias! Lashley clubs Elias down then stomps away. Lashley keeps on Elias at the ropes, then scrapes a boot into him on the mat. The ref backs Lashley down but Lashley comes back to bring Elias up for a big clothesline. Cover, TWO! Lashley and his allies grow frustrated, but Lashley puts Elias back in a chinlock. Fans rally up and Elias feeds off their energy. Elias gets up but Lashley puts him in a corner. Lashley runs into an elbow, and then Elias blasts him with a dropkick!
Elias keeps on Lashley with chops around the corner. Lashley yanks Elias out, and McIntyre is there. The referee tells McIntyre to back off, and McIntyre obeys. Elias returns to the ring but Lashley rams him into a corner post! Elias slumps to the floor and is surrounded by rabid trash talk while we go to break.
Raw returns as Elias boots Lashley away! Elias rallies and Lio panics. Corbin is worried, too, as Elias stomps and punches away on Lashley in a corner. The ref backs Elias up but he’s ready for Lashley with a knee strike! Elias heads up top quickly as fans sing for him. He aims at Lashley, and leaps for the Macho Elbow! It hits! Cover, but Lio yanks the ref off?! The ref yells and rings the bell.
Winner: Elias, by disqualification
But Corbin shouts it down! He “forgot” to say this is a No Disqualification match! We’re starting over!
No Disqualifications: Elias VS Bobby Lashley w/ Lio Rush, Baron Corbin & Drew McIntyre!
Lashley pounces on Elias! He stomps and punches and again, Corbin abuses his power. Lashley rams his shoulder into Elias, then looms over him as he flexes. Fans boo and jeer, but Elias back drops Lashley! Corbin drags Elias out but Elias fires off hands! McIntyre runs in but is sent into the post! Elias grabs his guitar, taking advantage of Corbin’s “forgetfulness”. But then Corbin clobbers Elias from behind! Fans boo and jeer again but Corbin grins and applauds himself. Fans now say “Corbin Sucks!” but Lashley stomps the guitar to pieces. McIntyre enters and Corbin has a chair, to SMACK Elias! Corbin continues to SMACK Elias until Elias falls out of the ring.
McIntyre rams Elias into the barriers, into the apron, and then feeds him to Lashley for more barriers! Lashley gives Elias to Corbin and Corbin throws Elias around all the same. Corbin then feeds Elias to McIntyre’s CLAYMORE! “How do you like that?!” McIntyre rains down rights, and Lashley prepares the steel steps. This trio looks to recreate what they did to Strowman last week as they keep Elias down. McIntyre hauls Elias up for the inverted Alabama Slam on the steel steps!! But Corbin still has more for Elias. “Let’s do this one for Braun Strowman!” Lashley takes off around the ring, much like Strowman would, and he SPEARS Elias! Corbin and his crew are the only ones enjoying this as they go back into the ring. Lashley takes his time to flex, then finally covers Elias, and wins.
Winner: Bobby Lashley, by pinfall
Lio makes the announcement for the “Almighty” Lashley. Lashley, McIntyre and Corbin look to make Raw their show one way or another, but that TLC match is still coming. Will Strowman make a miraculous return to stop the tyranny before it completely takes over?
Baron Corbin chews out a stage hand.
How dare he turn the lights off just for Elias! The stage hand says it wont’ happen again, but Corbin says it won’t because he’s FIRED!! Alexa Bliss comes over. That was impressive. That guy was dead weight, always facetiming. Who does that? He doesn’t anymore. Alexa says he’s doing a great job, and if there’s anything he needs, don’t hesitate to ask. Well actually, as GM elect, he has a lot on his plate. And as a successful captain, Alexa Bliss is now chief overseer of the Women’s Division. Alexa thanks Corbin for the honor. The Goddess now has true power over the other women of Raw, will she look to abuse it the same way Corbin does?
Dean Ambrose visits the doctor’s office.
The Lunatic Fringe wasn’t going to the “toxic dump” of Milwaukee. Seth Rollins is surely disappointed, but he’s also relieved and feeling safe. Rollins is holding his Intercontinental Championship Open Challenge, so of course he feels safe. But Ambrose will be there next week, after getting this flu shot. He won’t stand for catching a cold from such “vermin” as the fans or Rollins. Ambrose has become a germaphobe because of the fans. He shows us the different injections he’s gotten as a precaution. Ambrose isn’t going to Houston without rabies. The next shot is a bit bigger, so Ambrose drops his pants. Ambrose says Rollins can’t take a shower hot enough to wash away his shame and his sins. There is no medicine to cure the sickness in Rollins’ soul. Ambrose will do the merciful thing for Rollins, and put him down.
Lucha House Party VS The Revival!
Kalisto, Lince Dorado & Gran Metalik have had some quick success on Raw, supported by their impressive run on 205 Live. They got the better of the #TopGuys thanks to “lucha house rules”, but will that trick work twice?
Raw returns as Dash Wilder & Scott Dawson explain they were “appalled” by what lucha house rules is. It’s meant to always be 2v2, but those three don’t respect rules at all, do they? These three don’t know anything like that. The fans need to show some respect, not shouting things like “Lucha! Lucha”! Fans chant that back at them, and that proves Dawson’s point. But the reason they asked for this rematch is that “if you can’t respect tradition, you don’t belong in The Revival’s division.” But again, it’s Lucha House Rules! Metalik starts with Dash, Dash whips but trips up the handspring. But Metalik keeps going, and handspring arm-drags!
Metalik dropkicks Dash then drags him over, tag to Lince. Lince tags Kalisto, and the splash party begins! Kalisto gets the boost from Lince and Lince adds his plank! Then Metalik springboards for the missile dropkick! Kalisto covers, TWO! Dash powers Kalisto over, tags Dawson, and then Dawson gets Kalisto with a torture rack drop! Dawson drops legs and elbows, and even a headbutt. Cover, TWO! Dawson keeps on Kalisto and tags in Dash. Dash lifts Kalisto and uses the Gory Special! Dash bends Kalisto back but fans rally up. Kalisto works against the hold and arm-drag sout. Dash tags Dawson but Kalisto evades both of them. The Revival corner him but he goes up and over! Lince flies in with a crossbody! Then Metalik springboards in! Lucha House Rules!
Kalisto swing kicks Dawson then hits Salida Del Sol! Metalik hits the swanton! Lince the shooting star! Cover, Lucha House Party wins again!
Winners: Lucha House Party, Lince pinning
That’s 2-0 for Lucha House Party under Lucha House Rules! Will Dash & Dawson figure out how to play by these rules? Or will they only keep complaining?
Lars Sullivan is on his way.
The Leviathan of NXT has decimated many opponents in many different ways, and has both Stephanie and Shane McMahon clambering to put him on their brand. Who will win the bidding war to get this new monster on their roster?
Nia Jax and Tamina head to the ring!
The Samoan Dynasty has been dominant itself, but it will be the #FaceBreaker Game Changer getting her shot at the title at TLC. Fans boo and jeer because of what she did to Becky Lynch, but Nia reminds us there’s a lot to be thankful for this year. Raw must be thankful for Nia. Nia was the sole survivor of her team that won at Survivor Series. But even more than that, Nia is thankful for breaking Becky’s face. That and putting Becky on the shelf. Seems “The Man” was no match for Nia. Ronda wanted her match with Becky, but Nia took that from her. And Nia promises to take the title from Ronda, too. Ronda was on top of the world when she arrived, but she’s gone downhill since. And it started after facing the Irresistible Force.
Nia has footage from Money in the Bank play to show us how she was moments from defeating Ronda with her overwhelming strength. Nia takes credit for being the unbeatable that sent Ronda down this path. The next part of Ronda’s downfall was facing Charlotte Flair at Survivor Series. Footage of that plays, as Charlotte went wild on Ronda, and even used a chair on Ronda’s neck. Nia mocks Ronda, she sure took a beating like a champion. That’s what true champions do, right? They stand atop the mountain and faces anyone that comes after them. They fight against sickness and health, and win by disqualification while getting the crap kicked out of them. Well, maybe not. Nia really liked “A true champion is the best even on her worst day.”
Ronda’s worse day wasn’t Survivor Series, it’ll be TLC. Because Nia’s been on a roll! Nia won the Evolution Battle Royal, she broke Becky’s face and then won Survivor Series! So the top of the mountain, is Nia’s! But wait, here comes Ronda Rousey! Ronda is all smiles looking at the fans, but she isn’t all smiles looking at Nia and Tamina. Ronda does give Nia credit, because Nia has done a lot of stuff lately. But with fans still on her side, Ronda says it wasn’t luck that won Nia a title shot. Nia is lucky to be from a warrior culture with punches heard around the world. And Nia is lucky that the receiver of that punch was a woman who changed the history of WWE and was so famous, Nia only became the #FaceBreaker because of her.
“But that’s where your luck has run out.” Ronda stands guard on her mountain, and will rip Nia’s arm off to slap Charlotte across the face with it! But if Nia wants to fight, Ronda is ready. Unless she and the “monolithic mute” have a hot double date. How about that title match here and now?! Milwaukee wants it, but Nia is content to wait. Nia could beat Ronda tonight, but she just got finished watching Becky’s blood off her knuckles, and y’know what, the cousins do have hot dates! Don’t make excuses, Nia! These aren’t excuses, she’s just stalling for time.
Tamina moves into position behind Ronda, but wait, here comes Natalya! Only for the Riott Squad to ambush her! Ronda goes to save Natty, but the damage is done. Ronda helps Natty up but the battle lines are drawn. Will Ronda be able to make it to TLC with these many enemies gunning for her?
Drake Maverick speaks.
He’s sure the fans had a laugh over Survivor Series. But 99% of the WWE Universe have ever experience real fear! Most people have never been grabbed by the throat with their life flashing before their eyes staring down a “seven foot giant”! And if they ever did, they would’ve lost control of their bodies, too. Maverick vows to have Bobby Roode & Chad Gable experience that same fear. “Laugh now, cry later.” Will the Authors of Pain leave anything left of the Ready, Willing & GLORIOUS duo?
Raw Tag Team Championships: The Authors of Pain w/ Drake Maverick VS Bobby Roode & Chad Gable!
There’s no more time for jokes, now is the time to get serious! Akam & Rezar are always aggressive, but now they’re angry on behalf of their mastermind manager. Will they write the Last Chapter on the GLORIOUS streak Roode & Gable have been on?
Before heading out, Roode & Gable have an interview with Charly Caruso. This is their biggest opportunity yet, any thoughts? Gable says last week was last week. He loves a good laugh, but this kind of opportunity is exactly why he asked Roode to team with him. They teamed up to be champions, and to make the entire Tag Team Division #AbsolutelyGlorious. Roode & Gable make their entrance and we begin!
Roode puts his robe away to start with Akam. Maverick wants the robe? This is a distraction so Akam can hit Roode and Gable! Maverick has confiscated the robe while Akam whips Roode corner to corner. Akam runs but misses in the corner. Roode chops and chops, then whips. Akam reverses but Roode sunset flips. Akam drags Roode up and puts him in another corner. Roode fights back with haymakers and chops, but Akam blocks the whip. Akam reverses, Roode goes up and over, but Akam catches him. Roode slips out but Maverick distracts him with his own robe. Gable tags in and leaps at Akam for missile dropkicks!
Rezar tags in but Gable fires off hands. Rezar clubs Gable down then puts him in a corner. He puts Gable on the top rope but Gable gets him in a hanging armbar! Gable lets go at 4, then leaps over. Roode tags back in, tilt-o-whirl headscissors sends Rezar for a loop. Gable and Roode work together to double suplex, but Rezar is too strong. Rezar double suplexes the challengers! Maverick takes the robe with him onto the stage, to mock GLORIOUS! Roode is seething, but Maverick runs away while we go to break.
Raw returns and Akam shoves Gable away. Akam then runs Gable over with a back elbow! Roode grows worried as Rezar tags in. Rezar goes out to fetch Gable, but Gable gets him with a DDT! Fans rally up while Maverick shows off the robe in the locker room. Tags to Roode and Akam! Roode rallies, bobs ‘n’ weaves, then kicks away on Akam’s leg. He chops and whips, but Akam reverses. Roode dropkicks Akam’s leg out, then dropkicks Rezar out. Fans fire up with Roode as he rams a shoulder into Akam. Roode goes for a neckbreaker but Akam powers out. Akam stops the boot, but not the other one. Roode hops up, but is caught! Akam throws Roode with a Fall Away Slam!
Tag to Rezar, and the AoP look to end this. They double whip Roode, but Roode dodges Rezar’s boot! He dumps Akam out, then hits Rezar. Roode calls for Gable, but Maverick still gloats in the robe. But it’d be a shame if something happened to it. Like, it got pee on it! Maverick puts the robe in the toilet, then unzips! Maverick pees on the robe!! Roode is devastated emotionally, but is then devastated physically when Rezar blats him into Gable! Tag to Akam, neckbreaker powerbomb! Cover, AoP wins!
Winners: The Authors of Pain, Akam pinning; still Raw Tag Team Champions
There’s no more laughter, only pain. Akam and Rezar continue to dominate with help from Maverick, will they continue to rain on all of Raw’s parade?
Bayley and Sasha Banks talk backstage.
They had so much fun at WWE Starrcade over the weekend, but Alexa Bliss comes in to ruin it. They’ve had their issues in the past, but The Goddess is now in charge of the Women’s Division thanks to them. And Alexa realizes the reason these three haven’t gotten along is because they haven’t gotten to know each other. Sasha and Bayley know all about Alexa, so go oversee yourself out of the room. Alexa says Sasha doesn’t have to be rude all the time. But let’s put egos aside. Alexa is giving them a chance to hold an open forum with the fans. Bayley isn’t falling for another “This is Your Life” kind of trap. Alexa assures them this isn’t a trick. It’s a way for the WWE Universe to get to know them better. Is Alexa being genuine? Or is she being her usual self?
Finn Balor speaks.
“Earlier tonight, Baron Corbin asked the Raw Roster if they wanted to stand on the right side or wrong side of history.” And then he went and abused his power to help his friend. Finn gets the message loud and clear: if you don’t stand with Corbi, there will be consequences. Surely some people will think Finn is jeopardizing his career to stand up against “a self-obsessed, megalomaniacal blowhard”, but as Finn sees it, he’s jeopardizing his career if he doesn’t. Finn fights for the real right side of history, but will he still lose because of it?
Ember Moon w/ Curt Hawkins VS Alicia Fox w/ Jinder Mahal & The Singh Brothers!
With #Mahalicia having made it into the Mixed Match Challenge Season 2 Playoffs, they have a chance to go for it all and win the 30th spots in both Women’s and Men’s Royal Rumbles. However, the War Goddess still stands in their way, even if she’s going from the Monster Among Men, to the man with the worst losing streak in wrestling today. But that’s for Tuesday, will Monday bring another Eclipse?
The bell rings and Curt gives Moon some tips, but Moon gets booted! Foxy covers, TWO! Foxy tries again, TWO! Alicia gets frustrated, so she runs a rolling neckbreaker! Cover, TWO! Alexa watches backstage as Alicia wraps Ember in a chinlock. Alicia is a friend of hers, so she must be on Foxy’s side. Curt rallies the fans up for Ember and Ember feeds off the energy. Ember fights out but Alicia hops on for a sleeper hold and body scissors! Ember throws Alicia off hard, then hurries to a corner. Alicia runs in but into a forearm! Then an uppercut! Ember climbs up and grabs Alicia for the tornado snap suplex! Ember hurries back to the corner and takes aim, ECLIPSE! Cover, Ember wins!
Winner: Ember Moon, by pinfall
Curt celebrates a little too hard for Ember, but that’s only because he’s so unfamiliar with winning. Will he get a true taste of victory when he and Ember start in the Mixed Match Challenge Playoffs?
Wait, is that No Way Jose?! He’s gonna help them celebrate with the conga line! Ember is a bit confused, but she gets into it. Will Jose be dancing after his own match with the Modern Day Maharaja up next?
Jinder Mahla w/ Alicia Fox & The Singh Brothers VS No Way Jose!
Raw returns with the bell, but Mahal is right on Jose in a corner. Mahal stomps but calms down with Shanti. Jose hits back with big forearms, but Mahal knees low. Mahal whips Jose corner to corner but Jose goes up and over. Jose baits Mahal in for a dropkick! Mahal kicks back, then scoops Jose. Jose slips out, rolls Mahal, TWO! Mahal roundhouses Jose down! Mahal is seething over how close Jose got with that roll-up. He drops knees on Jose then grinds him against the ropes. Mahal backs off at 4, then drags Jose up to club him back down. Mahal wraps on a half nelson chinlock, but fans rally up for Jose. Jose gets up, and fights back with body shots. Mahal shoves Jose and runs him over! Mahal stomps Jose and drops more knees.
The ref counts as Mahal grinds in his knee, and Mahal backs off at 4. The Singhs mock Jose, his conga line isn’t here to help him. Mahal snap suplexes Jose then covers, TWO! Mahal drives elbows into Jose’s head then knees into Jose’s back. He wraps on another chinlock and Jose endures again. Jose gets up but Mahal yanks him back down. Mahal grinds Jose but Jose refuses to give up. Jose stands and fights out again. He counter punches Mahal then boots him away. Jose hops up and leaps for a big crossbody! He rolls off the cover but gets up again to rally with lariats and elbows! Jose dodges Mahal, and hip tosses into a neckbreaker! Fans fire up but Mahal hotshots Jose into the Kallas! Cover, Mahal wins!
Winner: Jinder Mahal, by pinfall
The fiesta is over, but the Shanti continues. #Mahalicia breaks even between both partners, can they go up again in the Mixed Match Challenge?
WWE Intercontinental Championship Open Challenge: Seth Rollins VS ???
The Architect has a match with the Lunatic Fringe at TLC for this very title, but he might not have it if he loses it here. Rollins says “What up, Milwaukee?! Welcome to Monday Night Rollins!” He hasn’t been himself lately because Ambrose had him running around like he was lunatic. Fans deserve better than that and Rollins is better than that. And so that means getting back to being a fighting champion! Rollins is done chasing Ambrose, and Ambrose can vaccinate himself all he wants, he won’t be immune to Rollins. Ambrose promises to be here next week, but not tonight. Ambrose is a liar and a coward, so Rollins will be watching out for him. But honestly, it doesn’t matter, it’s time to throw down the gauntlet! Who answers this challenge? DOLPH ZIGGLER!
The Show-Off and Rollins have gone back and forth for this title, and Ziggler is glad to see Rollins wants to be his old self again. Ever since Ambrose betrayed Rollins, Rollins hasn’t been himself. But if he wants to be “Seth Freakin’ Rollins”, he’ll do what he really does best: lose to Ziggler. Because Ziggler gets to be The Best in the World. And then he’ll go back to being Intercontinental Champion. We get this match one more time, who wins this epic rematch?
The bell rings and these two rivals circle. They tie up and Rollins gets the waistlock. Ziggler gets the ropes, and Rollins lets him go. They go again, and tie up. Ziggler lunges in but Rollins sprawls. Rollins gets around and goes for a full nelson but Ziggler resists. Rollins wrenches the arm to a hammerlock but Ziggler hits out. Ziggler puts on a headlock, but Rollins endures. Rollins powers out and things speed up. Rollins hip tosses Ziggler then clotheslines him out! The fans fire up while we go to break.
Raw returns and Rollins is down from taking buckle to face. Ziggler stands up and grinds Rollins into ropes. Ziggler trash talks Rollisn as he brings him up for a neckbreaker. Cover, TWO! Ziggler wraps Rollins up in a sleeper hold and body scissors. Fans rally and Rollins endures the squeeze. Ziggler shifts out of the body scissors to add weight to the sleeper. Rollins gets up but Ziggler wrangles him down by his hair. Fans continue to rally and Rollins feeds off the energy. Rollins jawbreakers free, then runs but into a dropkick! Ziggler covers, TWO but Ziggler gets Rollins again. TWO, and Ziggler goes after the eyes! The ref counts and Ziggler backs off, only to pull Rollins against the ropes. Ziggler backs off again and Rollins staggers away. Ziggler bumps Rollins off buckles then wraps him in the sleeper and scissors again.
Fans rally again while Rollins endures. Rollins fights his way up again and throws body shots. Rollins is free and whips Ziggler. Ziggler reverses and dropkicks Rollins again! Cover, TWO! Ziggler feels how close he is, but he still has a ways to go. He stalks Rollins and wraps on another sleeper. Rollins resists but Ziggler uses his forearm to grind Rollins’ face. Fans continue to rally and Rollins lifts Ziggler. Ziggler wiggles out of the suplex, then slips out. Rollins runs in but is tossed up and out! Rollins lands hard and is in trouble as we go to another break.
Raw returns and now both men are down. Rollins stirs and fires himself up. He goes after Ziggler and counter punches. The two brawl, Rollins chops and punches. Rollins whips Ziggler but Ziggler reverses, only for Rollins to hit a slingblade! Ziggler runs into a boot, but dodges the blockbuster, only for Rollins to Pele! Ziggler is down but Rollins fires up again. Rollins aims at Ziggler and runs in, but Ziggler puts him on the apron. Rollins punches Ziggler away, then springboards in for the flying clothesline! Cover, TWO! Rollins keeps his cool as he drags Ziggler into the drop zone. Rollins climbs up, but Ziggler trips him up! Ziggler climbs to join Rollins, saying “Now we’re done!”
Ziggler wants the superplex but Rollins resists. Rollins shoves Ziggler away, then adjusts. Ziggler’s back up but back down quick, Rollins Frog Splash FLOPS! FAMOUSER! Cover, TWO!! Rollins survives his own mistake! Both men are down again, but fans rally. Rollins stands first, and Ziggler follows. Ziggler’s ZigZag is denied, as is the satellite DDT! Rollins powers Ziggler up but Ziggler small packages, TWO! Ziggler ducks the kick to leap on for another sleeper hold! Rollins flails and runs around but starts to fade. He gets a second wind to backpack senton Ziggler! Rollins then SUPERKICKS and covers, TWO!! Ziggler is just as tough as Rollins, or else he wouldn’t be a former champion in his own right. But Rollins still has more to give, and it’s time to “Burn It Down!”
Rollins aims at Ziggler, mule kick but Ziggler dodges the stomp. Ziggler dodges it again, ZIGZAG! Cover, TWO!! Rollins survives again! Ziggler is beside himself as both he and Rollins rest on the mat. Fans know “This is Awesome!” but Ziggler wants to end it. Ziggler tunes up the band as he aims at Rollins. Rollins doesn’t move and Ziggler grins. Ziggler drags Rollins up, questioning Rollins’ guts. “You don’t have it anymore!” But Rollins small packages, TWO!! Satellite DDT! But Ziggler isn’t through with Rollins, as he heads to a corner. Ziggler climbs, but Rollins springs up there for a SUPERLEX! Roll through to FALCON ARROW! Cover, Rollins wins!!
Winner: Seth Rollins, by pinfall; still WWE Intercontinental Championship
Beer City gives a standing ovation for The Architect! Rollins managed to focus on his match and keeps his title. He’ll have to prepare for the Lunatic now, will there be plan he can make for the unpredictable Ambrose? Or will Ambrose be the one to #BurnItDown at TLC?
Alexa Bliss heads to the ring!
The Goddess of Raw is now overseer of Raw’s Women’s Division, and is using her new authority to give two former enemies a forum to talk with the fans. She’s doing this because she wants us to know the stars, and says there are no limits to what they want to ask. Charly Caruso stands by to help with the mic, and Alexa introduces the special guests. The Boss & Hug Connection make their way to the ring, but are still skeptical. Alexa welcomes them and then asks who has a question. Many fans do, but Alexa already knows many of them: yes, she does look better in person. But to a question about Sasha & Bayley… Right up front in the Rousey shirt! “If either of you could change the Raw Women’s Division, what would you do?”
Bayley is proud of the Division, she’s not sure what she’d change. She’d just hope that they’d all be given fair chances. Alexa likes that. Sasha’s turn. Sasha has one thing she’d change: Alexa Bliss would be back on SmackDown. Sick burn! But she shouldn’t talk to someone in charge. And are you sure you mean Alexa? Bayley’s the one dragging you down from the title. You’re now just a tag team. Sasha says they’re great together. Alexa wonders if Bayley gets to talk. Bayley disagrees. Alexa wouldn’t be sent to SmackDown. She’d be sent back to Hell where she came from! Another burn! But wait, Alicia Fox and Mickie James and even Dana Brooke attack! There’s the trap Alexa set.
But Sasha and Bayley fight back! Dana is the last one standing, but even she’s thrown out. The #LegitHuggable BFF’s won’t let Alexa get between them! What more will Alexa do to abuse her new power?
Baron Corbin VS Finn Balor!
The Constable has drawn a line in the sand and dares anyone on Raw to stand on the opposite side. The one to dare is the Extraordinary Man! Finn knows who’s really right and right here, but will that help him win? Or will Corbin continue to abuse his power against one of his longest running rivals?
The bell rings, and Finn goes right at Corbin! Finn throws furious hands but Corbin shoves him away to run him over. Corbin rains right hands on Finn but fans chant “Corbin Sucks!” Corbin wraps Finn in a half nelson and chinbar. Finn endures and gets up, but Corbin wrangles him back down. Corbin continues to wrench Finn but Finn gets back up. Corbin knees low but runs into a dropkick! Finn keeps on Corbin but Corbin powers him to a corner. Finn slips out to chop and whip, but Corbin reverses. Corbin misses as Finn goes up and over and then Finn kicks Corbin down. Finn stomps away on Corbin until Corbin bails out. Finn gets on the apron and liens it up, Penalty Kick! Corbin’s down while we go to one more break.
Raw returns once more, and Corbin knees Finn low. Corbin tosses Finn out then goes out to ram him into barriers! Finn writhes while Corbin smirks. Corbin drags Finn up and brings him around the corner to ram Finn into more barriers. Corbin refreshes the ring count then returns to Finn. He throws Finn into barriers face first this time, then leaves him on the outside. Fans boo and jeer as Corbin smugly counts along. Finn gets in at 8, but Corbin stomps away! Corbin throws Finn out but Finn is on the apron. Finn shoulders back in, but slingshots into a haymaker! Corbin drags Finn in to cover, TWO! Corbin keeps his cool and drives in elbows. He wraps Finn back up in the half nelson chinlock.
Finn endures and fans build to a rally. Finn fights out but Corbin pushes him to a corner. Corbin runs but Finn dodges, so Corbin slides out and in to clobber Finn! Cover, TWO! Corbin grows frustrated but fans tell him “Corbin Sucks!” He pretends not to hear them as he stomps away on Finn again. Corbin drags Finn back into a chinlock, then bends him back. Finn endures again, and fans rally again. Finn feeds off the energy, but Corbin shoves him again. Corbin runs into boots, but kicks Finn back. Corbin powerbomb lifts but Finn slips out to trip Cirbin up, double stomps! Both men are down, but Finn crawls to ropes. Fans build to another rally as Finn and Corbin stand. Finn counter punches Corbin and then whips. Corbin reverses but Finn blasts him down!
Finn runs at Corbin for a chop! Then hits the slingblade! Finn runs in again, but into Deep Six! Cover, TWO!! Corbin can’t believe that Finn survives. He drags Finn back up and reels him in, but Finn turns the End of Days into a DDT! Then he hits the shotgun dropkick! Corbin is down and Finn climbs up! Coup de Grace misses as Corbin bails out. Corbin grabs a mic, and says he wants this match to be a Handicap Match! Finn VS Corbin and DREW MCINTYRE!
Handicap Match: Finn Balor VS Baron Corbin & Drew McIntyre!
Well Finn still hits Corbin, and then FLIES onto McIntyre! Finn runs around the corner to blast Corbin with a dropkick! But McIntyre clobbers Finn from behind! And drops him on the barriers! McIntyre hauls Finn up and into the ring, then takes aim from a corner. Finn slowly stands, to get a CLAYMORE! Cover, Corbin and McIntyre win!
Winners: Baron Corbin and Drew McIntyre, McIntyre pinning
But it’s not just them, Bobby Lashley & Lio Rush return! And Lashley hauls Finn up for the Dominator! Then he feeds Finn to the End of Days! McIntyre tells Finn he’s “a boy in a man’s world!” Corbin and Lashley stand Finn up, for another Claymore! The three towers of power stand tall, the 24 year old piece of gold looking on. If Braun Strowman fails to stop Corbin at TLC, will this be how every Monday ends?
My Thoughts:
This was definitely a shaky night for Raw. There was still good stuff that happened, but there was also a lot of bad. The good was the ongoing story of Corbin abusing his power in order to ensure he keeps it. The bad was a lot of the other stuff.
It was bad that The Revival loses to Lucha House Party in another misuse of what “lucha house rules”. They are making it as if the Lucha Hose Party are the Heels because they’re the ones using numbers against The Revival! Vince needs to stop misinterpreting things and reduce this to 2v2, unless he plans on bringing in more 205 Live talent to even things up. It was also bad that what could’ve been an amazing Raw Tag title match was reduced to Maverick peeing on Roode’s robe. Granted, it was good of Maverick to use pee as a proper weapon now, but the match could’ve been so much more before resorting to that. Another disappointment is that Roode didn’t turn on Gable after they failed, which has been an expected outcome the entire time these two have teamed together.
There was some good and some bad in everything connected to the Women’s Division. Alexa Bliss is promoted to being a sub-manager to the Division, a sign that she really is going to retire from in-ring action. But this will be good as she is still great on the mic. However, her little trap for Bayley & Sasha wasn’t good as it was expected. The same goes for her trying to turn the two of them against each other before, that’s cliche by now. In similar fashion, Nia talking trash on Ronda and Becky was only so good, and mostly fueled by the fan heat she has on her. Ronda’s response was much better, but I was surprised to see the Riott Squad helping Nia & Tamina go after Ronda and Natty.
The Intercontinental Championship match of Rollins and Ziggler was another example of both good and bad. It was a great match with all the action, but we’ve seen this match-up before so it’s hard for some to get behind it. If McIntyre wasn’t part of Corbin’s crew, he might’ve challenged Rollins instead and we would’ve gotten some fresh action. Rollins mostly needed this match to keep himself strong while Ambrose chooses to do nothing but talk. Sadly, Ambrose is not a lunatic, he’s just a guy who likes using visual metaphors for his promos. Hopefully their match gets a stipulation to make it worth the slow burn build.
As for Corbin, Strowman, and everyone attached to it, Elias and Finn getting beat down like this surely means they’ll stick by Strowman at TLC. The three of them working together is two birds with one stone: Corbin won’t be GM to ruin Raw, and Strowman gets to go after Lesnar at the Rumble. Fans have to remember that while villains winning leaves a bad taste in your mouth, you can’t let it ruin the show for you. Surely the story will take a turn to give us a happy ending, and that’ll be at the end of TLC’s TLC match.
My Score: 7.9/10
About Chairshot Radio Network
Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!
MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)
TUESDAY - Musical Chairs (music) / Hockey Talk (NHL)
WEDNESDAY - The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling)
THURSDAY - Keeping the news ridiculous... The Oddity / Chairshot NFL (NFL)
FRIDAY - DWI Podcast (Drunk Wrestling Intellect)
SATURDAY - The Mindless Wrestling Podcast
SUNDAY - The Front and Center Sports Podcast
CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS
Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)
TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends
Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5
Classic POD is WAR
Chairshot Radio Network Your home for the hardest hitting podcasts... Sports, Entertainment and Sports Entertainment!
Powered by RedCircle
Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!
Who has WrestleMania hangover here in Vegas?
There are so many new champions in the WWE, but none bigger than JOHN CENA as the SEVENTEEN TIME WWE Champion! What will happen now that he is back on top?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships: Lyra Valkyria & Becky Lynch VS Liv Morgan & Raquel Rodriguez; Liv & Raquel win and become the new WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions.
- Iyo Sky VS Stephanie Vaquer; Iyo Sky, by disqualification.
- WWE Intercontinental Championship: Dominik Mysterio w/ Judgment Day VS PENTA; Dom wins and retains the title.
PLAY BY PLAY
A car pulls into the parking lot.
Out steps The Wise Man, Paul Heyman, and The Visionary, Seth Rollins. What will be next for the new Paul Heyman Guy?
JOHN CENA is here!
Las Vegas is still just as torn as they were last night, but we sure hear a lot of “JOHN CENA SUCKS~!” as the NEW Undisputed WWE Champion, the SEVENTEEN TIME world champion, walks down the ramp. Cena drapes the towel over his head and he wears the title backwards, but he doesn’t care what the fans think as he steps into the ring. Cena has his music fade out, and he points to someone. Cena tells them to come closer, and it’s the ring announcer. Cena has Mark Nash join him in the ring while the fans duel, “Let’s Go, Cena!” “CENA SUCKS!” Cena hands something to Nash for him to read to the fans.
Nash says, “My sincerest apologies. I have been informed that my announcement has been deemed disrespectful. Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome the Greatest Of All Time, the Never Seen Seventeen, gracing Las Vegas with his presence for the final time… The Last Real Champion, JOHN CENAAA~!” The fans boo as Cena holds up the title. Cena then has Nash hand over his mic, and says, “Winners write history. You (fans) are not worthy. You think that on Friday, you can bully me? And then I step in a ring with gold around my waist, and just because you cheer, I’m supposed to forgive you?” Fans cheer in hopes of that.
Cena says that is not how a functional relationship works! Does this man up front think that’s how it works with his wife? Well, it’s not. Cena asks if the parents treat their children like that. No, because that’s not how it works. The fans might show up in a good mood, Cena will still tell them to go straight to Hell. Every damn one of them owes Cena an apology, but they don’t have the guts to do it! And yeah, go ahead, make the noise. This is always the night fans hijack Monday Night Raw, right? All of WrestleMania, and this is a sacred ticket where the fans can take control, right? They have gotten soft.
Wait, some fans chant “We Are Sorry!” And others say, “NO, WE’RE NOT!” Cena explains that it’s “We Aren’t Sorry.” He does a quick once over, and yeah, this is an arena full of the sorriest lowlifes he’s ever seen! Each and every one of them ARE sorry! And here’s the best part: They don’t mean anything to Cena. The fans tell Cena off and Cena just soaks it in. Cena say she may be an anus, but they’re all idiots. For 25 YEARS, they have called him so much worse. He has taken their best shots, and has always gotten back up. What makes them think THIS is the crowd that’ll crack him? Go ahead! You mean NOTHING to him! The noise means NOTHING!
“The only thing that means to all of our lives… is that!” The number on screen says “36 dates.” Cena says he told us at the beginning of the year, 36 shows, and he’s gone. Time passes so quickly! Let’s countdown the time we’ve already lost. Netflix debut, Indianapolis, Toronto, London, Brussels, Glasgow, Las Vegas, Las Vegas, Las Vegas! That leaves us with 27 dates. Not matches, but appearances. The fans boo but Cena says yeah! You say he can’t wrestle? He doesn’t have to! He can just show up and do this! “When that hits zero, the professional wrestling timeline stops cold. I am not stupid like you. I know there will be another Monday Night Raw. I know you will ‘decide’ another champion.
“But the title held by Bruno Sammartino, the title held by Roman Reigns for over 1000 days, the title taken from me in Chicago by CM Punk, the title held by Triple H ‘The Game,’ by ‘Heartbreak Kid’ Shawn Michaels, and ‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin comes home with ME! I am the Last Real Undisputed Champion of the WWE!” The fans boo but Cena says getting the title was the hard part. The rest is a cake walk. He can just keep playing us like the puppets we are. The best chance the fans had was Cody Rhodes. The fans boo and Cena says, “You heartless bastards. You boo him on Friday, and then you cheer him on Friday, and then you boo him on Sunday. And I say his name?
“And the man we all put on our shoulders last year because he finished his story now disgusts you? That’s what’s wrong with this! And that’s why last night, Cody Rhodes was outshined, outclassed, outwrestled and flat-out destroyed. It’s time for you to take a bold look in the mirror, and here’s the truth: There is NO ONE in the WWE with the strength, the speed, the wisdom, or the ruthless aggression… of John Cena! But unlike you, I have a heart. And I would like to do something nice for you right now. Get out your cameras, please, you’re gonna wanna remember this moment.” Cena waits, and then says make sure to get a great picture. Because the Last Real Champ is here.
AND RANDY ORTON IS, TOO!! Cena turns around and R K O!! The fans are thunderous as The Viper strikes Cena down! Orton then looks at the title. Orton picks it up, smirks, and then holds it up. The fans like the look of that! But is this a vision of the future? Is Cena bout to face some serious backlash for what he’s done?
WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships: Lyra Valkyria & Becky Lynch VS Liv Morgan & Raquel Rodriguez!
The NEW champions just won these titles last night, but the former champions are cashing in their rematch! Will Liv & Raquel redeem themselves just 24 hours later? Or will The Morrigan & The Man be 2-0 already?
Raw returns and we see Gigi Dolin & Tatum Paxley watching from the crowd. They’re set to challenge for these titles tomorrow night as part of NXT, but just who will they be facing? Moving on, Lyra & Becky make their entrance together, and the fans sing along with Becky’s “Whoa Oh, Oh Oh, Oh-oh Oh!” The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we see who holds the gold!
The teams sort out, and Liv goes right after Becky! The fans are torn as Liv fires hands! The ref counts, Liv stomps away, but then she shrieks at the ref to back off. Liv runs in, back body blocks, then SHINING WIZARDS! Snapmare, SHINING WIZARD again! Cover, TWO! Becky stays in this but Liv stays on her by pulling hair and CLUBBING Becky in the side! Liv KICKS Becky, brings her up, but Becky ROCKS Liv! Liv ROCKS Becky, the shots keep going, and the fans fire up! Becky fires off a strike fest, then brings Liv up to whip. Liv reverses, Lyra tags in, and Becky BOOTS Liv! Lyra & Becky double whip to DOUBLE HIP TOSS!
Lyra CROSSBODIES Liv down, then brings her around. Lyra whips Liv to a corner hard, and Liv slumps down. Lyra stomps a mudhole, then brings Liv out. Liv breaks fee but Lyra SOBATS, KICKS, RAMS, and ENZIGIRIS! Raquel runs up, Lyra headlocks her first. Raquel whips, Lyra springboards to CROSSBODY Liv! Then WHEEL KICK for Raquel! The fans fire up with Lyra, she calls to Becky, and they both WRECK Liv & Raquel with dropkicks! The fans fire up for the lass kickers as Raw goes to break.
Raw returns and Raquel has Lyra in an Argentine Backbreaker! Lyra endures, fights free, and then ROCKS Raquel! Raquel trips Lyra, but Lyra flips to her feet! ENZIGIRI! Both women are down and the fans fire back up! Lyra and Raquel crawl, the fans rally up, but Raquel grabs at a foot. Lyra kicks free, hot tags to Becky and Liv! Becky rallies on Liv, CALF KICKS her down, then runs at the corner to ROCK Liv with a forearm! Raquel runs up but is sent into Liv! JUMP KICK for Raquel! JUMP KICK for Liv! Then BECKSPLODER for Liv! Cover, TWO! Liv stays in this but Becky stays focused. Becky dares Liv to get up, the fans rally, and Becky clinches!
Liv wheelbarrows to victory roll! ONE and Becky has it! TWO and Becky BLASTS Raquel! But Liv hits a CODE BREAKER! Then OBLIV- NO, Becky blocks to MANHANDLE SLAM!! Cover, RAQUEL BREAKS IT! The fans fire up as Raquel drags Liv away to the corner. Liv tags Raquel and Raquel drags Becky up. But Becky JAWBREAKERS! Becky runs up, Raquel BOOTS her down! Raquel goes up, but Becky CLUBS her first! Becky fires shots, climbs up after Raquel, but Raquel fights the lift! Lyra climbs up, tags in, and then joins in! But Raquel still fights it! Liv flips in, SUNSET FLIP POWERBOMB for Becky!
Lyra hops up, SUPER STEIN- NO! Raquel blocks, and she brings Lyra up! SUPER POWERBOMB!! Cover, TWO?!? Lyra survives and the fans can’t believe it! “This is Awesome!” while all four women are down. Lyra and Raquel rise, Raquel lifts, but Lyra slips free! Raquel tries again but Lyra DROPKICKS her away! Lyra hobbles and stumbles but she makes it to Raquel. Lyra tries to fireman’s carry, but Raquel pushes her away. Lyra goes up, TORNADO DDT! Lyra then drags Raquel back up, fireman’s carries again, NIGHTWING DRIVER!! Cover, Liv gives Raquel the ropebreak!! The fans boo but here comes Becky!
Becky hits a THESZ PRES and rains down fast hands! Liv gets free, fights off the urenage and POSTS Becky! Lyra WRECKS Liv with a dropkick! Liv climbs up, Raquel rises, TURN OF FOR- NO, Raquel dodges and BOOTS Lyra down! Cover, TWO!! Raquel is furious but Liv calls to her. Liv runs in, Raquel pops her up, POWERBOMB SENTON onto knees!! Lyra saves herself and takes out Liv in one go! Raquel freaks out, runs up, but her boot gets stuck on the ropes! Lyra DUMPS Raquel, but turns into OBLIV- NO, Lyra grabs ropes! Liv falls, Lyra ENZIGIRIS! Fireman’s carry, but Raquel saves Live!
Becky goes after Raquel, Raquel kicks her away! Lyra BLASTS Raquel onto Becky!! OBLIVION!!! Cover, LIV & RAQUEL WIN!
Winners: Liv Morgan & Raquel Rodriguez, by pinfall (NEW WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions)
FOUR TIMES, Liv & Raquel are tag team champions! Becky regroups with Lyra, both of them a bit stunned this happened. But then Becky DECKS Lyra?!? Becky blames Lyra for this failure and Lyra is absolutely devastated! The Man storms off, only to come back and attack Lyra with a rain of forearms! The fans boo as Becky dribbles Lyra off the mat! Becky stops, Lyra is in shock, but Becky comes back again!? Lyra pleads for mercy but Becky just MANHANDLE SLAMS her!! Becky hits another MANHANDLE SLAM!! And A THIRD MANHANDLE SLAM!!! The Man is acting more like a monster, what is going on with her?
The New Day walks around backstage.
They admire their newly won WWE World Tag Team Championships, but then they cross paths with Karrion Kross. Mr. Doomsday smiles, perhaps proud of his handiwork? Either way, Kofi Kingston & Xavier Woods are headed to gorilla. Just how will this New Day celebrate their reign?
The New Day heads to the ring.
Las Vegas wasn’t happy during WrestleMania and they aren’t happy now that Kofi & Woods have the titles back in their possession. Kofi & Woods bring those belts to the ring, rubbing it all in our faces. Kofi has a mic to say, “We are your new W, W, E, World, Tag, Team, Championssss…!” Woods says, “So get down on your knees before us! Raise your hands to the sky! And scream out in unison, ‘THANK GAWWWWD~! FOR THE NEW DAAAAY~!” The fans boo instead. Kofi says, “There is no tag team alive or dead that is better than ya bois, the NEW~ DAY~!” The fans chant, “New! Day Sucks!” This annoys Woods & Kofi.
The fans felt the New Day couldn’t beat The War Raiders, but they did! Wait, is that The Alpha Academy? Maxxine Dupri has the mic and asks, “Hold on, hold on, hold on. Did I just hear you say that The New Day is the greatest tag team ever? I mean, you might be. But the last time you faced Otise & Tozawa, they beat you in 60 sweet seconds! And now here we are at the Raw after WrestleMania, in Las Vegas, Nevada! And by the sound of it, I think we would all love to watch you two put your money where your mouth is, and put those shiny tag titles on the line right here, right now!” Woods asks if that’s what Vegas wants. “YES!” Then the answer is NO!
Oh, are the “minutemen” scared? M-Minutemen!? The fans chant that at Woods & Kofi, and Kofi says if they wanna do it right now, let’s do it right now! Get a ref right now! The fans fire up, and we have another tag title match already! Except the lights change… And then… RUSEV IS HERE!! Vegas goes nuts because it is now Rusev Day! The Bulgarian Brute, the Redeemer, has returned to the WWE, and he storms right into the ring! New Day bail out, no title match after all. Rusev DECKS Otis! And he CLOBBERS Tozawa! The fans fire up as Rusev glare at The New Day. Tozawa gets up, climbs up, and he leaps, but Ruzez catches him! FALL AWAY SLAM!
Otis rises, the fans fire up, and now we get some “MEAT! MEAT! MEAT!” ROUNDHOUSE from Rusev! Then MACHKA KICK! The fans fire up as Rusev roars, “RUSEV! CRUSH!!” Rusev stomps away on Otis, and clamps on the ACCOLADE!! Otis taps but it won’t change anything! Rusev thrashes Otis around, and lets go as the fans chant “RUSEV DAY! RUSEV DAY!” Maxxine is freaking out, but will this show now become Rusev Day Raw?
The Judgment Day regroups in the clubhouse.
They’re all excited over Liv & Raquel becoming FOUR-TIME Women’s Tag Team Champions! And Dom is the NEW Intercontinental Champion, and they toast with a title clink. Dom says this was the greatest weekend of his life! That deadbeat dad missed Mania, and now both Dom & Liv have gold again! But then in steps Finn Balor… The Prince looks at the belt on Dom’s shoulder, and Liv says hey, a win for one is a win for all. As long as someone in Judgment Day has the title, that’s all that matters. Finn says what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas. They fist bump and Finn says he’ll be out there with Dom tonight against Penta.
Finn turns around, Carlito is there, and Carlito says even though they don’t have titles, it feels like they have titles, right? Oh, Carlito has to go see the doc, he’s still sore. Carlito hobbles off, but Finn gives a bit of a scowl behind Dom’s back. Is everything (not) fine in Judgment Day?
Iyo Sky is here!
The fans cheer as the Evil Genius makes her way to the ring, still WWE Women’s World Champion! But what will she have to say about that WrestleMania victory? We find out, after the break.
Raw returns and Iyo has the mic. The fans cheer Iyo on, even get some “You Deserve It!” in there, and Iyo says last night was the best night of her career! The fans cheer, and Iyo says she is over the moon! She beat the best there is, which means SHE is the best! The fans cheer that! Rhea Ripley tried to forget Iyo, and Bianca Belair tried to forget Iyo. But now, ALL OF YOU will never forget her! The fans cheer that, too! Iyo adds in Japanese, and then translates to English that she is The Genius of the Sky, and she is the Women’s World Champiooon~! The fans cheer more, but wait! Is that Stephanie Vaquer?! The NXT Women’s Champion is headed to the ring!
The fans cheer as we get La Primera and Genius in the same ring! Vaquer congratulates Iyo in three languages, and then wishes to properly introduce herself. She is THE NXT Women’s Champion, La Primera, Stephanie Vaquer. The fans cheer, and Vaquer says she wants to come out here to show Iyo respect. The fans chant for “LA PRIMERA!” Vaquer tells Iyo that she is amazing. Vaquer says Iyo is right that Iyo is the best. But Vaquer is also the best. And Vaquer wants to fight the best of the best! Iyo says if Vaquer wants to face her, then challenge accepted! And what about right here, right now?! The fans cheer as this dream match is made!
Well, hold on, Adam Pearce makes his way out here, and he wants everyone else to hold on. The fans boo the Raw General Manager for ruining the fun. But Pearce double checks, does Vegas want the match? “YES!” Then so doe she! Sky VS Vaquer, and it’s RIGHT NOW! NOW the dream match is official! But who between these two champions will prove they are THE best?
Iyo Sky VS Stephanie Vaquer!
The bell rings and the two shake hands. The fans rally, the two tie up, and Iyo waistlocks. Vaquer switches, SLAMS Iyo down, but Iyo fights up. The fans duel as Iyo fires body shots. Iyo wrenches and wristlocks, but Vaquer shifts around to roll, trip, and she has the toehold. Iyo stands, wrenches, and wristlocks, but Vaquer rolls, handsprings, and wrenches back to arm-drag! The fans fire up, Iyo runs up, Vaquer sweeps and covers, ONE! Iyo sweeps and covers, ONE! The two stand off again and the fans fire up! Iyo and Vaquer go again, and Iyo whips. Vaquer tilt-o-whirl RANAS, but Iyo handsprings through!
Iyo wags her finger, Vaquer smirks, and things speed up. They clinch, Vaquer waistlocks, but denies Iyo’s escape! Iyo CLUBS Vaquer, wrenches and reels her in, but Vaquer switches. Vaquer goes to ropes, Iyo bucks the O’Conner this time, and the fans cheer the standoff. Things get going again, each woman dodges, and then Vaquer avoids the handspring, only for Iyo to DROPKICK! Vaquer bails out, Iyo builds speed, and Iyo DIVES! Direct hit and the fans fire up with the Women’s World Champion! Iyo drags Vaquer up, whips, but Vaquer tiger feint kicks back! Vaquer runs up, Iyo puts her in the timekeeper’s area, but Vaquer goes up! CROSSBODY to the floor!
The fans fire up as now the NXT Women’s Champion stands tall! Vaquer has Iyo on the defense, but Raw goes to break.
Raw returns, Vaquer is up top, but Iyo SHOTEIS first! Iyo then climbs up after Vaquer, throws hands, and the fans rally. Vaquer fires body shots, HEADBUTTS, and Iyo falls back! Vaquer adjusts, Iyo runs back up, and SUPER ARM-DRAGS! Both women are down and the fans fire up again! The fans rally, Iyo stands, and she runs up to SHOTEI! And SHOTEI! And DROPKICK! Iyo drags Vaquer up, whips her, but Vaquer reverses. Iyo goes up, out, and ROCKS Vaquer! Iyo then climbs the corner to MISSILE DROPKICK! Vaquer tumbles away, Iyo kips up, and the fans fire up! Vaquer is in the corner, Iyo runs in, SHINKANSEN!
Iyo drags Vaquer to a cover, TWO! Vaquer stays in this, but Iyo drags her into the drop zone. Iyo steps on Vaquer as she goes to the corner. Iyo goes up, up, and OVER THE- NO, Iyo has to land out as Vaquer moves! Vaquer then dodges again, comes back, and she blocks the boot for a DRAPING DRAGON SCREW! Vaquer runs, and she METEORAS! Vaquer drags Iyo to a cover, TWO! Iyo is tougher than that but Vaquer stays calm. The fans rally up, Vaquer reels Iyo in, but Iyo flips free of the backbreaker! Vaquer ducks a kick, Iyo ducks a kick! Iyo wheelbarrows, victory roll, STOMP 182! Cover, TWO!
Iyo is a bit frustrated but the fans rally back up. Iyo drags Vaquer up, “This is Awesome!” as Vaquer JAWBREAKERS, and SUPERKICKS! And BIG back suplex! Vaquer sits Iyo up, wraps on the headscissors, and she turns Iyo over for the DEVIL’S KISS! The fans echo Booker T’s sentiments, “Yeeeeeeeeah!” Cover, TWO! Iyo survives and the fans chant, “One More Time!” Vaquer smiles, and she drags Iyo up to tuck her in. Iyo wrenches out, kicks and sunset flips, ONE! Vaquer runs, tilt-o-whirl, RANA feint to roll up! TWO!! Iyo is surprised she got free, and she has Vaquer with underhooks! TIGER BACKBREAKAR! Cover, TWO!!
The fans rally while Iyo isn’t sure what to do. “This is Awesome!” as Iyo drags Vaquer into a waistlock. Vaquer fires elbows, gets free, and runs. Iyo ELBOWS Vaquer first! Iyo runs, but Vaquer ROCKS her! Vaquer runs, but Iyo dodges, waistlocks, and GERMAN SUPLEXES! Iyo drags Vaquer back up, but Vaquer reels Iyo in! GERMAN SUPLEX! Both women are down and the fans are thunderous! Now fans hope they “FIGHT FOREVER!” Vaquer goes up a corner, but Iyo rises to SHORYUKEN! Iyo climbs up after Vaquer, fires hands, then clinches. SUPER SPANISH FLY!! The fans are thunderous while both women are down again!
The fans rally and duel as both women stir. Iyo goes to ropes, Vaquer goes to a corner. Both women stand, but here comes ROXANNE PEREZ! She CLOBBERS Iyo!
Winner: Iyo Sky
The Prodigy grins at Vaquer, who she’s set to face for the title just tomorrow night! And Vaquer is pissed about it, only for GIULIA to attack Vaquer?!? The Beautiful Madness and The Prodigy then beat up on the champions! The fans boo, but here comes RHEA RIPLEY!! Roxie panics as Mami is here on Monday Night Raw! Rhea slides in, and she picks Roxie up to THROW her away! Then HEADBUTT her down! Giulia almost sneaks up, but she backs off as Rhea stares her down. Rhea and Giulia circle, and Rhea warns her. Giulia backs off, but is it only a matter of time before she’s back for more?
As for Rhea, she looks at Iyo while she’s down. Rhea picks up the title, and Iyo sits up to see this. Rhea hands the title over to Iyo and the fans cheer. Rhea says something to the effect of Iyo better be ready for when Rhea comes back for the belt. The Genius nods, and she’ll surely be ready for whoever wants a shot at her.
Jey Uso is here!
The NEW WWE World Heavy-YEET Champion makes his way in from the concourse and sports his new merch! The fans fire up and bounce along as Jey makes his way down the bleachers and to ringside. Jey daps it up with Pat & Cole, then goes to the ring to keep the bouncing going! The fans chant “You Deserve It!” as Jey grabs a mic. Jey nods, and fans “YEET!” some more, then they chant, “One More Time!” Jey hears that, and he sets the mic and belt down to say okay! The song starts up again and fans sing along, “DAY ONE ISH!” Jey then picks the mic and belt up again, and he says, “The World Heavyweight Champion is now in your citaaaay~!”
The fans cheer more, and Jey says he is here, “YEET!” He’s been wanting it. “YEET!” Since he was a kid. “YEET!” He is here now. “YEET!” Jey says it was a long, hard road. It was not easy. WrestleMania, Jey gave it all he had to beat Gunther. And Jey made him TAP! The fans cheer that! But Jey will be the first one to say that he is very grateful that he has this world title. He will show up every week, every day, and put in the work like he always has. And if you’re excited to have Jey Uso as your World Heavyweight Champion, then dammit, lemme hear ya say, “YEET!” “YEET!!” Wait! Sami Zayn is here! The fans cheer as the Underdog from the Underground returns!
Sami waves to the fans, high-fives a few in the front row, then goes to the ring to join Jey. The fans sing along with Sami’s song, and then Sami grabs himself a mic. Sami smiles as he looks at Jey, and then they hug it out! The fans cheer, and then they chant, “UCEY! UCEY!” “SAMI USO! SAMI USO!” Sami smiles again, and says he has so much he wants to say, he isn’t sure where to begin. First of all, not being here the last eight weeks or so, not being here while Jey was going through what he was going through with Gunther, Sami wants to know how hard that was for him. Sami wishes he could’ve been here.
And missing WrestleMania this year, that was also very hard on Sami. Sami and Jey aren’t that different. They’re gameday players. To be honest, Sami almost didn’t come to Vegas at all. But Sami had to, because he had to make sure that he was the first one to stand in this ring across from Jey, look him in the eyes, with that title on Jey’s shoulders, and say how proud he is of Jey Uso. The fans cheer, Jey thanks Sami, and Sami says Jey is his brother, his dawg, his Uce, he loves him, is proud of him, and knows Jey deserves that title! Sami knows it, Jey knows it, and everyone in this arena knows Jey deserves it!
The fans cheer and chant “You Deserve It!” Sami says it’s the Raw After Mania, not to get sentimental, but we are here to celebrate! So hit Jey’s music! “DAY ONE ISH!” The fans cheer, Sami and Jey hug it out again, and then they both go to the corners. The fans YEET with Jey & Sami, and it’s time to bounce! Sami hops off his corner first, and he looks at Jey. Jey hops down, they hug it out again, and the fans cheer. But wait, is that Jimmy? The fans fire up as #BigJim joins in! The three do the secret handshake, and then they group hug! Jimmy & Sami raise Jey’s hands in victory, and the fans fire up for this feel good moment!
Jey is on top of the world now that he’s World Heavyweight Champion, but how long will it last? Who will be the first one to step up to Main Event Jey Uso?
Backstage interview with Logan Paul.
After WrestleMania last night, Cathy Kelley congratulated him on the big win against AJ Styles, but does he feel he could’ve still done it without his friend and manager, Jeff, or the help from Karrion Kross? Logan asks what was that. What’s she implying? He still won, didn’t he? And we’re talking about what if’s? That’s irrelevant. He won. Next question. Then what is next for Logan? Whatever he wants, that’s what. Because this company knows he is the best and he is the future. He’ll face anyone anywhere. Anyone that he faces becomes a victim. He will continue his WrestleMania win streak. Logan is always confident, but will that ever change?
Backstage interview with AJ Styles.
In present, Jackie Redmond is with the Phenomenal One, and she says just 24 hours after his loss to Logan Paul, where is he after that? Styles says he won’t lie, it is a hard pill to swallow. But Logan plays his games, gets his lackeys involved, and Styles was prepared for that. But the truth is, Styles took an L. But he’ll move on, he’ll be okay. Because part of being phenomenal is being able to bounce back and- Karrion Kross interrupts! Kross asks if Styles said “bounce back.” Yeah, good bounce back from getting pinned by Logan Paul! Styles is literally the best of us, meaning Logan winning is so much more painful, because now, Styles has legitimized him!
Oh, really? Kross is the one who said Styles is the best of us, so does Kross expect Styles to go back a year ago and be that guy? Why is Kross so adamant about this? Styles hated who he was then. He’s never going back. Kross does not understand. If Styles used the brass knuckles to beat Logan, it would’ve meant nothing! If Kross wants to be angry at the world, fine. Don’t drag Styles down with you! In fact, go solve that problem yourself! Styles storms off, Scarlett calms Kross down, and Kross says, “Maybe I will.” What will Mr. Doomsday do if he’s to “save” WWE?
Raw returns and…
Gunther is berating Pat & Cole on commentary! The fans taunt Gunther, “YOU TAPPED OUT!” Gunther dares Cole to say something to his face. Cole asks why Gunther is so upset, Cole is just doing his job. Gunther storms up around the way, yanks Cole’s headset off, and Pat tries to stop this. But Gunther SHOVES Pat, then drags Cole into a SLEEPER! So Pat fires hands! The fans fire up as Pat stands up for Cole, and now refs, security, and producers rush out here! Adam Pearce tells Gunther to stand down, but Gunther just busts through to grab Pat! SLEEPER!! Gunther drags Pat down while security is now busy with Pat’s friends/entourage!!
The fans go nuts as Pat’s friends are only making this worse for Pat! Pearce tells Gunther to let Pat go, but Pat is already red in the face and out cold on the floor! Gunther refuses to let go, even as producers claw at the beefy arms wrapped around Pat’s neck! The fans tell Gunther off as he finally lets Pat go. Gunther paces, then he finally leaves through the crowd side. Fans boo, refs and security follow Gunther while the others check Pat. Pat coughs and sputters as he wakes up, and Pearce is chewing Gunther out. Fans remind Gunther, “You Tapped Out!” while Cole helps Pat to his feet. The fans cheer Pat while he’s helped to the back.
Pat needs a second as they make it to the ramp, coughing and gasping, but he gets back to his feet and keeps walking. The fans cheer his resilience, Pearce calls for more medical help just to be safe, and Pat takes another moment to catch his breath. What consequences will there be for Der Ring General after he lashed out against innocent commentary?
Raw returns again and…
Pat is still gasping for air, but he does get a drink of water to help with his throat. Cole and Pearce help Pat to the trainer’s room, and then Pat, his entourage, and refs go inside. Pearce tells Cole that Joe Tessitore can cover for Cole, Cole should get himself checked out. Cole tells Pearce, “How can we do our jobs when we’re not allowed to have an opinion? We’re not allowed to talk about this stuff? We’re not allowed to have fun? You gotta do something.” Pearce knows, he will handle this. Cole should just take the rest of the night off. Cole says no, he is not going to let Gunther bully him. Cole heads back for commentary and Pearce says good for Cole.
Cole returns to ringside and the fans cheer. Tessitore commends Cole for this, and they’ll do their best with the rest of the show from here.
WWE Intercontinental Championship: Dominik Mysterio w/ Judgment Day VS PENTA!
Twenty years ago, he was just a little boy whose loving and loyal father was fighting with Uncle Eddie for his future. And now, “Dirty Dom” is an Intercontinental Champion, just like both Rey Mysterio & Eddie Guerrero. But will Dom’s first defense also be his last? Or will Dom not care about #CeroMiedo?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who has more Latino Heat!
The bell rings and the fans rally up. Dom talks a bit of trash, then he kicks Penta low! Dom CLUBS Penta, whips, hurdles, but Penta KICKS Dom out of the handspring! Penta fires up, but Dom fires back with hands! Dom stomps Penta in a corner, lets off as the ref counts, then whips corner to corner. Penta goes up and over, keeps moving, and he ducks’ n’ dodges. Penta RANAS Dom out of the ring and the fans fire up! Penta builds speed, but Dom is back to DROPKICK! Dom storms up but Penta bails out and the ref holds him back. But then Finn creeps up! The ref sees Finn and has him back off. Dom builds speed, but Penta GAMANGIRIS!
Dom staggers back, Penta climbs up, and Penta CROSSBODIES! Dom flounders back out, Penta builds speed again, and Penta FLIES! Down goes Dom and the fans fire up! Finn coaches Dom but Raw goes to break.
Raw returns and Penta SLING-DOGS Dom! Then GAMANGIRIS in the corner! Dom sits down, Penta runs and headstands, to DROPKICK! Penta drags Dom, covers, TWO! Dom stays in this but Penta stays calm. Finn coaches Dom but Penta drags Dom up! PENTA- NO, Dom slips free of the driver to shove, scoop and MICHINOKU DRIVER! Cover, TWO! The fans fire up while Dom and Penta go to corners. Dom runs up, but Penta SUPERKICKS, mule kicks, and then goes up! Penta calls his shot, jumps, but into a kick! Dom hits a TORNADO DDT! Cover, TWO! Dom drags Penta to a drop zone, then goes up while fans actually cheer.
But Penta is up to GAMANGIRI! Dom wobbles, Penta climbs, but Dom fires body shots! Penta hops down to CHOP Dom! Penta then runs, jumps, and RANAS Dom away! The fans fire up, Penta runs in, DESTROYER! Dom flops down and the fans fire up again! Penta reaches out, but Dom rolls away to the outside! Dom stays safe and the fans rally up again. “CERO! MIEDO!” “DIRTY DOM!” Finn coaches Dom, Dom says look out! Penta RANAS Finn into Dom! The fans fire up and Penta drags Dom up. Penta puts Dom in, then he climbs up the corner again. But Carlito distracts the ref! JD MCDONAGH IS HERE!? JD SHOVES Penta down!!
Dom DROPKICSK Penta onto ropes, then dials it up to 619!! Dom goes up, FROG SPLASH!! Cover, DOM WINS!
Winner: Dominik Mysterio, by pinfall (still WWE Intercontinental Champion)
Just when it looked like Penta had the hot hand, Judgment Day pulls out the Irish Ace! Even Finn is surprised that his guy is back, and now this title stays with Judgment Day! Judgment Day celebrates on stage, and Finn feels like the odd man out for a moment. Will Judgment Day (not) smooth out the problems now that they’re back to full strength?
El Grande Americano has a new video.
“Rejoice! Despite insurmountable opposition from his jealous, desperate, rule-breaking foes, El Grande Americano has emerged victorious on the Grandest Stage of Them All! The children sang of his honesty and humility. The world stands in awe of his talent and honor! He has reclaimed his throne as the king of lucha libre. Today, we celebrate the legend, the icon, the hero, El Grande Americano!” Given the obvious AI art, photoshopped pictures and cheesy sepia film reel filter, this propaganda is not convincing anyone. But when and where will El Grande Americano face justice for what he did to Rey Fenix?
Seth Rollins heads to the ring!
We saw him arrive at the start of the night, and now Las Vegas sings along, “WHOA~ OH~ OHH~!” as The Visionary and his Wise Man make their way down the ramp. Rollins certainly did #BurnItDown when he got Heyman to burn the bridges with CM Punk and Roman Reigns on WrestleMania Saturday. Rollins revels in the singing as he struts around in his canary yellow suit. Heyman fetches a mic, the fans continue to sing, and Rollins continues to soak it all in. Some fans even chant, “Thank You, Seth! Thank You, Seth!” Others come back with “C M PUNK! C M PUNK!” and “O T C! O T C!” but Heyman hands his mic to Rollins, like he used to do for The Tribal Chief.
Fans now chant “F YOU, HEYMAN!” but Heyman is merely amused by it. Rollins takes his time turning around to face the main camera, and he takes his sunglasses off to say, “I am a Visionary. I am a Revolutionary. I took a Wise Man from Roman Reigns. I stole CM Punk’s best friend. I am the winner of the main event of WrestleMania. I. Am.” CM PUNK IS HERE! The fans go nuts for Cult of Personality while Rollins gets ready for a fight! Punk has his hands taped up for one, too, and the brawl is on! The fans fire up as haymakers fly fast ‘n’ furious! Punk puts Rollins in a corner to fire hands from all sides!
Punk stomps a mudhole into Rollins, but Heyman creeps up. Punk stops stomping just in time to turn around and see Heyman. Heyman tells Punk that Heyman didn’t betray Punk, Punk ruined things for him and Roman! Punk storms up and shoves Heyman into a corner! But Rollins runs up and CLAWS Punk’s eyes! Rollins THROWS Punk down, the fans boo, but Rollins hits the CURB STOMP! Punk is down and Rollins stands over him, but now fans chant for “O T C! O T C!” Heyman picks the mic back up while fans chant, “We Want Roman!”
Heyman sighs, and says, “We are going to conclude the weekend of WrestleMania 41… by propelling the news all the way to WrestleMania 42! There is a NEW reigning, defending, undisputed number one top star in this entire industry! Ladies and gentlemen, Seth FREAKIN’ Rollins!” Heyman holds up Rollins’ hand in victory, then tosses the mic aside. BUT NOW ROMAN SHOWS UP!! Rollins is pissed off again, and he hurries to TOSS Punk out of the ring! Rollins prepares for round two, and Roman is making his way out here after all! Heyman steps back as Rollins stares Roman down, and here comes another brawl! No, wait, Roman dodges to SPEAR Rollins!!
The fans are thunderous and Heyman is in shock! Roman now runs up to SUPERMAN PUNCH Heyman!! Down goes The Wise Man and the fans fire up! Roman throws off the shirt, gets the fans even more fired up, and he aims again! “OOOAH~!” SPEAR FROM BRON BREAKER?!?! The Badass just took out the Tribal Chief! And then he stares down Rollins! The fans are going nuts, but Bron SPEARS PUNK!! Punk was back up only to get knocked back down, and Rollins grins as he pats Bron on the shoulder! “That’s my boy!” The Visionary has an attack dog with him now, and the fans are losing their minds!
Rollisn points out that Roman is up on the outside. Bron goes out there, but Roman UPPERCUTS Bron first! Bron staggers, but he stays on his feet! Bron then builds speed around the way, and uses that lap to SPEAR ROMAN THROUGH BARRIERS!!! The fans go nuts all over again, and Rollins says to get Roman’s ass back in the ring! Bron obeys and he drags Roman into the ring. Bron sets Roman up for Rollins, and Rollins tells Roman to watch what’s gonna happen to him! CURB STOMP for Punk again!! Rollins tells Roman to learn that the future of this business runs through him! CURB STOMP for Roman!!
The fans are torn, but Heyman now stands over his former best friends to embrace his new guys! Will these three soon take over the WWE together?
My Thoughts:
After a great WrestleMania Weekend, this Raw After Mania ended up being perhaps one of the best. My only gripe might be how they handled the Women’s Tag Team Championships. Bayley being “taken out” and Becky taking her place was fine. But then doing the tag title rematch here seemed random when we had NXT to look forward to. And then, Liv & Raquel win the belts back already, and Becky snaps on Lyra. I suppose if you look at this for Judgment Day, the title change needed to be tonight to coincide with what happened in the main event with Dom VS Penta. But now we don’t get the fun interaction of Tatum, Lyra and Becky I was hoping for.
What would it have hurt if Becky & Lyra didn’t defend the belts tonight, went to NXT and had a really fun match with Tatum & Gigi? Becky & Lyra, Liv & Raquel, neither team is losing to Tatum & Gigi. At least, I would think that’s the case… And then you can give Liv & Raquel their rematch later, and they still win like they did tonight, and then Becky snaps because “Lyra let her down.” But I suppose we’re fast-tracking to Becky VS Lyra for the Intercontinental Championship. And they kinda have to, given Backlash is May 10, just 20 days away. Maybe Becky wins that to reestablish herself and also juice up that title.
Great promo from John Cena, and honestly, I can’t help but agree with Cena on a lot of his points towards the fans. Also, I like how he explained he has 27 remaining dates/appearances, not matches. And of course Orton was next for Cena, the signs were all there: Backlash is in St. Louis, Orton’s hometown; Cena teased it with saying “Ruthless Aggression,” the era both men rose to fame in; and Cena and Orton have faced each other so many times, they gotta get one last one in. And on top of that, Orton is a fan favorite that won’t be hurt by a loss to Cena because Orton’s been around just as long, this will be a good one.
Great stuff with New Day, including passing by Karrion Kross. Alpha Academy coming out and wanting a title match, that was already a bit fishy right from the start. RUSEV returning to annihilate Alpha Academy and “cancel” the world tag title match was quite the way to return, mostly because of how big and beefy Otis is. Rusev VS Otis will be a good match to help get Rusev back into WWE action, and then Rusev can go for whatever title he wants. I’m thinking it should be the World Heavyweight Championship, though that might be a tough choice given Jey Uso only just got the belt. Speaking of Jey, good promo but much better moment between him, Sami and Jimmy. Though, I did appreciate the tiniest tease they gave of Sami going Heel in the absence of Kevin Owens.
Great promo from Iyo, and what a great surprise to see Vaquer. They had an awesome match, but given they’re both champions and they’re both so awesome, it had to be “ruined” by Roxie showing up. But at the same time, what a surprise that Giulia also showed up. Roxie VS Vaquer for tomorrow night is an interesting move, and Giulia got to beat up on Iyo a bit more. I’m thinking both Roxie and Giulia are just one step away from being called up to main roster, and probably to Raw for the Women’s World Championship. Great save from Rhea, and maybe we get some Rhea & Iyo VS Giulia & Roxie before shaking out a title story.
Good promo from Logan Paul to dismiss the interference on his match, as a Heel would/should. And good response from Styles, only for Kross to interrupt. I don’t know if we get another Styles VS Kross match, or maybe Kross goes wild and goes after other people, but there’s still some intrigue here. Also, Kross had quite the rant as part of the WrestleMania post show, so I hope WWE uses that to push him forward towards things like title feuds. Gunther going after Cole and Pat was certainly a wild direction to take his story. I’m not sure what kind of meta commentary they’re making, it has actually been a long time since a WWE commentator got into it with a wrestler, other than perhaps when Drew McIntyre and Wade Barrett got physical.
And as for Gunther and Pat specifically, maybe Pat is gonna get into ring shape so he and Gunther can have it out over the summer. In the meantime, I think Gunther is kayfabe suspended, that’ll let him stay home with wife and newborn child for a bit, so good for him. Hilarious El Grande Americano vignette, all the elements make it such an obvious troll but you can bet someone out there will still get mad. Hopefully we can still get El Grande VS Rey Mysterio, though I’m not sure if Backlash is too soon. Maybe Grande faces Dragon Lee or some other luchador on Rey’s behalf, and then we can arrange El Grande VS Rey Mysterio for either Worlds Collide or Money in the Bank in Los Angeles for June, all commemorating WWE acquiring AAA.
Great stuff with Dom VS Penta for the Intercontinental Championship, but something felt like Finn was going to try and screw Dom out of the title. JD McDonagh showing up was a great surprise, especially given how he got hurt hitting that desk SO hard. Finn himself seemed so surprised (in kayfabe), and we have some more intrigue in this Judgment Day dysfunction. And then a great closing segment with Rollins & Heyman making their debut as the new duo. Punk of course interrupted and we got a great brawl there. And then great stuff with Roman showing up right as the credits were showing up. It has been a minute since HHH has done something like this, and this actually ended up the longest episode of Netflix Raw because of it.
Bron Breakker helping Rollins fight off Roman and Punk was some wild stuff, mostly because I never thought Bron would ever join someone else. I could see a tag match of Punk & Roman VS Rollins & Bron, but maybe not for some time as Roman still isn’t really known for doing matches that often. That is to say, not sure Backlash is big enough, but perhaps MITB or SummerSlam are. And already, there are ideas about what kind of faction Rollins is going to make, perhaps as a second try at what he had with Buddy Murphy and Austin Theory, but just no “Monday Night Messiah” gimmick.
My Score: 9.2/10
About Chairshot Radio Network
Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!
MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)
TUESDAY - Musical Chairs (music) / Hockey Talk (NHL)
WEDNESDAY - The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling)
THURSDAY - Keeping the news ridiculous... The Oddity / Chairshot NFL (NFL)
FRIDAY - DWI Podcast (Drunk Wrestling Intellect)
SATURDAY - The Mindless Wrestling Podcast
SUNDAY - The Front and Center Sports Podcast
CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS
Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)
TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends
Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5
Classic POD is WAR
Chairshot Radio Network Your home for the hardest hitting podcasts... Sports, Entertainment and Sports Entertainment!
Powered by RedCircle
Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!
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
About Chairshot Radio Network
Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!
MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)
TUESDAY - Musical Chairs (music) / Hockey Talk (NHL)
WEDNESDAY - The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling)
THURSDAY - Keeping the news ridiculous... The Oddity / Chairshot NFL (NFL)
FRIDAY - DWI Podcast (Drunk Wrestling Intellect)
SATURDAY - The Mindless Wrestling Podcast
SUNDAY - The Front and Center Sports Podcast
CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS
Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)
TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends
Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5
Classic POD is WAR
Chairshot Radio Network Your home for the hardest hitting podcasts... Sports, Entertainment and Sports Entertainment!
Powered by RedCircle
Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!
4 Corners Podcast: Rory McIlroy, NBA Playoffs & NIL
Join Patrick and Dave every Tuesday as they cover the four corners of the professional sporting world!
4 Corners Podcast: Houston Still Has a Problem
This week, we discuss the NCAA Final Four, the NHL Playoff chase, the end of the Gr8 Chase and much...
4 Corners Podcast: Chalk & Chase
This week we talk a little MLB, discuss the red-hot Blues, the GR8 Chase, and whether a chalky NCAA Tournament...
4 Corners Podcast: March Madness Bracket Breakdown
This week on 4 Corners Podcast we break down the Men's NCAA tournament bracket. Which of the top seeds will...
4 Corners Podcast- The Fantastic Four Nations Faceoff
The guys discuss Canada's big win in the Four Nations Faceoff and take a look at some early Spring Training...
Bandwagon Nerds #285: Celebratory & Gratuitous
Daredevil: Born Again finale, loaded trailer park, plenty of Star Wars news and the Elite Eight round of VILLAIN MADNESS!
Bandwagon Nerds #284: Mission Unlikely
The Nerds break down a tremendous Episode 8 of Daredevil: Born Again. Plus, the Sweet 16 of Villain Madness and...
Mitchell’s Hyrule Puro-Resu News Report! (4/10/25)
It's gonna be May!
Bandwagon Nerds #283: Ice, Ice, Baby
Daredevil vs Muse, Villain Madness, news about Spider-Man 4, Superman, and the Nintendo Switch 2, plus the Nerds pay their...
Mitchell’s Hyrule Puro-Resu Results & Report! (4/1/25)
Happy Sixth Anniversary!
Mitchell’s WWE Raw Results & Report! (4/21/25)
The Raw After Mania!
Mitchell’s NJPW Road to Wrestling Dontaku Results & Report! (4/19/25)
Parting is such sweet sorrow...
Mitchell’s WWE WrestleMania 41 Results & Report! (4/20/25)
This is more than just a gamble!
DWI Podcast #472: NXT Stand & Deliver plus WrestleMania Trivia
Rey Cash joins AJ Balaz and PC Tunney as the gents review NXT Stand and Deliver! With the Trivia Trickster...
Mitchell’s WWE WrestleMania 41 Results & Report! (4/19/25)
Viva Las Vegas!
Mitchell’s NXT Stand & Deliver Results & Report! (4/19/25)
Who defies the odds?
Mindless Wrestling Podcast: WrestleMania Madness!
Join DJ, Rob and Jason as they break down WrestleMania 41 weekend!
Mitchell’s WWE SmackDown Results & Report! (4/18/25)
It's WrestleMania SmackDown!
Mitchell’s ROH Results & Report! (4/18/25)
ROH says TGIF!
Greg DeMarco’s WWE WrestleMania 41 BOLD Predictions
WWE WrestleMania 41 is upon us, and—it's time to throw logic out the window and dive headfirst into the wild...
