Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE Monday Night Raw Results & Report! (12/10/18)
TLC is on the horizon, and Raw is in the home stretch! The Architect looks to speak on both the state of Monday Night Raw, and the Lunatic’s state of mind!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Raw Tag Team Championship 3v2 Handicap: The Authors of Pain & Drake Maverick VS Bobby Roode & Chad Gable; Roode & Gable win and become the new Raw Tag Team Champions.
- Dolph Ziggler VS Drew McIntyre; McIntyre wins.
- Bayley w/ Sasha Banks VS Alicia Fox w/ Jinder Mahal & The Singh Brothers; Bayley wins.
- Lio Rush w/ Bobby Lashley VS Elias; Rush wins.
- Ember Moon w/ Ronda Rousey VS Tamina w/ Nia Jax; Moon wins.
- WWE Intercontinental Championship TLC Match: Seth Rollins VS Baron Corbin; Rollins wins and retains the WWE Intercontinental Championship.
PLAY BY PLAY
Seth Rollins starts off Raw!
The Architect is already in the ring and San Diego is ready to #BurnItDown with him. That will be Rollins’ rallying cry when his Intercontinental Championship is on the line against Dean Ambrose. But more importantly, that will also be the theme for tonight! Rollins isn’t here to call out Ambrose, he’s out here to “spit some truth.” We’ve all seen “General Manger Elect” Baron Corbin talking about being on the right side of history. Rollins calls Corbin out to get a dose of reality. The Lone Wolf appears and grins as he joins Rollins in the ring. Corbin still seems so confident that he’ll win by forfeit at TLC in the TLC Match, given there has been no word from anyone about Braun Strowman’s return to action.
The fans boo and jeer as Corbin takes up his own mic. If Rollins wants to talk, they can do this in private. Corbin’s door is always open to someone of Rollins’ caliber. Rollins wants Corbin to cut the crap, because no one wants to hear it. Just shut up and listen! Rollins admits these last few months, he’s been real warpped up with Ambrose, and hasn’t commented on Corbin’s quality as GM. It doesn’t matter if he’s appointed GM, GM elect, or Head Idiot in Charge, Corbin’s “leadership”, Raw has sucked. It has sucked because of Corbin! Corbin comes out all the time to make things all about him. He abuses power, ends careers, and more. Fans agree as they chant. What Corbin has done as GM is not okay, not right, and just plain wrong.
Corbin can tell Rollins is frustrated, but he’s allowing Rollins to vent. Just watch how you speak to him. Or what? Fire him? Corbin doesn’t even know what to do with his roster. Those are the most talented men and women ever, and Corbin cant’ even use them right. There are amazing tag teams like The Revival, who should be contenders, but they’re in these weird Lucha House Rule matches? What even is that? And if he fires everyone, what? It’s just Corbin, Lashley & McIntyre patting each other on the back. Or maybe more pee segments. Everything Corbin has done is to mask his own insecurities. Was Strowman being mean? Did he hurt Corbin’s feelings? To the point where Corbin had to hand that Universal Championship over to Lesnar, a man who only shows up when he wants?
The problem is, Lesnar doesn’t’ want to show up!! Where is he?! Not here! Because he didn’t’ want to be here. The last time Lesnar was on Raw in a match, was way back to 2002! So the “Baron Corbin Experiment” is an abject failure. The talent support, the morale, the fan support and TV ratings are all at an all-time low, because of Corbin. Corbin “appreciates” the feedback, but maybe write it down and put it on his desk to be filed under “I Don’t Give a Damna!” Corbin doesn’t care what anyone in the company thinks, let alone the fans! This is Corbin’s show, so if you don’t like it, too bad! Corbin’s gonna be in charge for a very long time. And it’ll only get worse for someone like Rollins. How can they get worse?
It’ll get worse when Ambrose beats Rollins for the title, and Corbin wins at TLC by forfeit! Which is too bad, because Corbin’s been wanting a TLC Match. But either way, Jojo will announce him as permanent GM of Raw! And then next week’s Raw, all the way until Rollins quits, he’ll be going through Hell! Corbin putting Rollins through Hell? Why wait until next week? If Corbin wants to put Rollins through Hell, start tonight in a match! Corbin will wait until he’s Permanent GM. True, 1v1 isn’t good enough. Well, Corbin’s always wanted a TLC Match, and the “tools of the trade” are all set up right here… So how about Rollins VS Corbin in a TLC Match!? Fans want that! Does Rollins understand what Corbin would do to him with a table, ladder or chair? It’d be the end of Rollins. Or a good tune-up for Sunday.
Corbin says Rollins being a hero will cost him everything. Corbin will use Rollins as an example to show everyone what happens when you disrespect the GM. But his answer is still now. “Coward.” Rollins and San Diego all call Corbin a coward. No matter what he says, he’s a coward! Maybe he’s Coward Elect! Corbin snaps and gives Rollins that TLC Match! But for the Intercontinental Championship! Will Rollins #BurnItDown and show Corbin he’s not fit to be the boss? Or will it be the End of Days for Rollins’ reign even before facing the Lunatic?
Backstage interview with Seth Rollins.
He surely didn’t expect to be defending the title and in such a dangerous match type. It may not have been the smartest move, but Rollins refuses to let Corbin get away with things. If he wants to be a locker room leader, he has to take a stand. If Rollins is a true champion, he’ll take a stand. Otherwise he doesn’t deserve to be champion.
Raw Tag Team Championship 3v2 Handicap: The Authors of Pain & Drake Maverick VS Bobby Roode & Chad Gable!
Drake Maverick may have rained on the parade of the #ReadyWillingAndGLORIOUS duo, but that hasn’t stopped Roode & Gable from fighting. The deck is stacked against them, surely courtesy of Corbin, but is a huge upset still possible?
Raw returns as the champs and Maverick stand in the ring ready for a fight. Roode & Gable make their entrance, both wearing matching replacement robes and even matching tights. The teams sort out, the belts are raised, and we begin! Gable starts against Akam, and Gable’s dropkick is deflected. Akam stomps then tags in Rezar. AoP feed Gable to a big knee, then Rezar chokes Gable on ropes. Rezar throws big forearms then clubs Gable down. He hits Roode for good measure, but Gable fights back. Gable’s kick gets caught and he gets clobbered again. Maverick tags in to cover, ONE! Maverick quickly tags out and lets Rezar stomp Gable more. Tag to Akam, and AoP double whip. Gable holds ropes and boots Rezar back. Gable dumps Akam out, tag to Roode! Double clotheslines send Rezar out!
Maverick shouts orders, but that gets Roode & Gable on him! Double hip toss! Roode and Gable then pick Maverick up to LAUNCH him out at AoP! The champs and manager are down while we go to break!
Raw returns and Rezar wrenches Gable’s neck. Fans rally up and Gable fights his way up, only to be wrangled back down. Rezar drags Gable over and tags in Maverick. Maverick throws hands and then taunts Roode. He stomps Gable and feels full of himself. Maverick slaps Gable, but Gable gets fired up! Maverick quickly tags out but is still caught. Rezar saves Maverick as he clobbers Gable, then tags in Akam. AoP mug Gable into a corner, then Akam trash talks as he drives in stiff elbows. Akam whips Gable corner to corner, then runs in but misses! Gable hurries, hot tag to Roode! Roode tackles Akam and dropkick Rezard. He dodges Akam to fires off haymakers and chops! He whips but Akam reverses, only to get kicked away. Roode runs but is put on the apron. Roode htis Akam away then climbs up, for a flying- Back drop!
Akam tags Rezar and they go after Roode. They bring Roode up for an atomic knee! Cover, but Gable breaks it! Akam whips Gable hard into buckles, and Maverick tells them to end this. The AoP bring each man up, Super Collider! But gable headsicssors through! Rezar boots Gable down, and the AoP both go after Gable. Suplex powerbomb neckbreaker! Maverick wants in to repeat last week, and Rezard obeys. Maverick mocks the GLORIOUS, but Roode rolls him up!! ROODE & GABLE WIN!!
Winners: Bobby Roode & Chad Gable, Roode pinning; NEW Raw Tag Team Champions
Victory out of nowhere! Maverick’s ego costs his own team, and now the tag titles are GLORIOUS! But a rematch will be happening to be sure, will Roode & Gable survive the next chapter?
Backstage interview with Roode & Gable.
They’re feeling great now that they’re champs. There haven’t been a lot of reasons to have hope on Raw, but they knew that putting int he work would bring them the titles. If you told them they’d do it in a 3v2 handicap, they would’ve thought you were crazy. But only one word describes this feeling: GLORIOUS!
Natalya heads to the ring!
The Queen of Harts looks for revenge on Ruby when the two compete in a Tables Match this Sunday! Before the match, Natty admits she’d usually have a smile on her face. But she needs to say something in regards to Ruby Riott. Natty loves this business, but Ruby doesn’t respect anyone or anything. Ruby made this personal when she destroyed The Anvil’s sunglasses. Ruby keeps talking about Natty’s been “spoon fed” because of her family. But Natty has overcome so much just to get in. Does Ruby not know what the Montreal Screw Job is? Does Ruby not remember when Uncle Bret punched Vince McMahon in the face? There was that and more in Natty’s way. So Natty is damn proud to be a Hart! Fans appreciate that.
Natty tells Ruby that she will learn respect, and it’ll be a match dedicated to the man who helped Natty get here. To the man Natty loves and respects more than anyone: her father, Jim The Anvil Neidhart! Fans cheer for the late great Anvil and Natty gets emotional. Natty vows to take these tears and more to drive Ruby through table! “And there’s not gonna be a thing you can do about it!” But it’s here that the Squad make an entrance, with a special table under a curtain. Ruby has her own mic to respond. “Aw, look! Natty’s crying again. Like we’ve never seen this before.” All Natty does is walk around feeling sorry for herself. And she’s coming out here talking about respect? Natty doesn’t need respect, she needs to get some counseling.
Ruby knows no one else has the guts to say this, but Natty doesn’t represent The Harts. She disgraces them! Ruby isn’t going to be invited to the family Christmas party, she did pick Natty up a present. And believe her when she says this: “This is the gift that keeps on giving.” The special table, has a picture of The Anvil on it! Fans boo and jeer, but Ruby says that everyone knows how close Natty and The Anvil were. But this Sunday, when Ruby puts her through this exact table, they’ll be closer than ever. Has The Squad gone too far? Or will it just be more fuel for the fire when Natty gets to go after Ruby?
Dolph Ziggler speaks.
“Last week, I beat Drew McIntyre. And now we add that name to the long list of people who took me for granted.” But what Ziggler doesn’t’ understand is McIntyre’s attitude. He plucked McIntyre from obscurity, and he’ll throw him back into that. And make no mistake, Ziggler isn’t’ the good guy or the bad guy, he’s Dolph Ziggler. He also doesn’t understand why Finn Balor got involved. But McIntyre made the mistake of pretending he was Finn, and not remembering he was Ziggler. These two will settle the score, can Ziggler win on his own? Or will Ziggler get a Claymore meant for Balor?
Dolph Ziggler VS Drew McIntyre!
The Show-Off beat the Scottish Terminator thanks to The Extraordinary Man giving an assist, and McIntyre wouldn’t stand for it. McIntyre would find Finn later in the night and attack him, which is part of why Finn’s not here tonight. Now that it’s just 1v1, who will come out the superior superstar?
Before the match, McIntyre is interviewed in the ring. If he still has that match with Finn on Sunday, why risk a rematch with Ziggler? McIntyre lets us in on a little secret that no one else wants to admit. “Nobody stays undefeated forever.” Not Andre the Giant, not The Undertaker at Wrestlemania, and not even McIntyre. But that doesn’t make him any less dangerous. Just ask Finn. But you can’t, because he got beat up that badly. McIntyre vows to finish Finn at TLC. And when McIntyre talks, everyone listens. He is making this show a better place for the fans, so they will respect him. And as for Ziggler, it doesn’t matter if he’s a good guy or a bad guy, he’s the guy who’s gonna get his head kicked off! Speaking of, Ziggler makes his entrance and we begin!
Ziggler goes right at McIntyre with fast hands, but then he runs into McIntyre’s shoulder. McIntyre drags Ziggler up to CHOP him off his feet! McIntyre drags Ziggler up for another chop, and then into a modified clutch, just to CHOP him more. Ziggler gets to a corner but McIntyre stays on him. Ziggler fires back, but McIntyre launches him with a belly2belly! McIntyre covers, TWO! The Terminator looms over Ziggler as we go to break.
Raw returns as McIntyre CHOPS Ziggler on the top rope! McIntyre climbs up to throw more hands on Ziggler. McIntyre SLAPS Ziggler, but Ziggler fights back! They brawl up top fast and furious, and McIntyre gets the edge. McIntyre brings Ziggler up, SUPER Celtic Cross!! But McIntyre can’t make the cover from his own impact! He crawls to the cover, TWO! Ziggler survives and McIntyre is actually amused. Fans rally up as Ziggler crawls away. McIntyre stalks Ziggler to the ropes, then dumps him out. McIntyre follows after as Ziggler crawls. He deadlift suplexes but Ziggler slips out! Ziggler dodges to send McIntyre into a post! The ring count climbs as Ziggler leaves McIntyre behind! The count passes 8 before McIntyre sits up! McIntyre gets in at 9.5!
Both men are down but fans are loving this match. Fans rally up and Ziggler stands. Ziggler aims at McIntyre, but his legs give out before the superkick! McIntyre laughs, and he toying kicks Ziggler back. McIntyre mocks Ziggler as he climbs up the ropes. “Keep fighting! Don’t give up!” Ziggler stands but McIntyre grabs his hair. Ziggler kicks, ZIGZAG!! Cover, TWO!! McIntyre’s ego almost cost him there! Both men crawl to get up, and Ziggler fires up with the fans. Ziggler aims again, but into a CLAYMORE! Cover, McIntyre wins!
Winner: Drew McIntyre, by pinfall
The Scottish Terminator unloads his best move outta nowhere, but the Show-Off pushed him to his limits. With Finn Balor banged up from McIntyre’s attack, but McIntyre pulling this one out, will either man be ready for their match?
But McIntyre isn’t through with Ziggler! He throws Ziggler into the post, then throws fast hands on the ground! McIntyre throws steel steps around then drags Ziggler over to them. Fans boo and the ref warns McIntyre, but security and other officials fortunately come in to save Ziggler. McIntyre backs off, but then comes back to boot Ziggler into the LED! McIntyre laughs his way to the back, but will he have the last laugh at TLC?
Bayley w/ Sasha Banks VS Alicia Fox w/ Jinder Mahal & The Singh Brothers!
The #LegitHuggable friends are ready to be the first WWE Women Tag Team Champions together, but for now they’ll support each other in singles competition. Bayley goes against #Mahalicia tomorrow in the Mixed Match Challenge Semifinals, but sadly NOT with Finn Balor. Instead of B’n’B, it will be A’n’B, for Apollo & Bayley are now a new dynamic duo! Can the Huggable One get some major momentum before teaming with a new star this Tuesday?
The bell rings and Bayley ties up with Alicia. Bayley powers Alicia to the corner, but backs off at 3. Alicia powers Bayley to a corner but backs off at 3. Bayley elbows Alicia away then hits a flying elbow! Cover, TWO! Bayley puts Alicia on the apron but Alicia slips out to hotshot Bayley back. Alicia runs in for the swinging neckbreaker! Cover, TWO! Alicia keeps on Bayley with a chinlock, but Sasha and the fans rally. Bayley feeds off the energy but Alicia clubs her back down. Bayley stands but Alicia wrangles her back down. Sasha argues with Mahal and the Singhs, but Alicia thrashes Bayley around. Fans rally up again and Bayley gets up. Bayley powers out but Alicia goes up and over to sunset flip. Bayley rolls through to clobber Alicia with a clothesline!
The Singhs shout for Alicia but Bayley throws haymakers! Bayley saido suplexes Alicia down then fires up. She puts Alicia in a corner but backs off at 4. She comes back with a big knee, then puts Alicia out for the hotshot! Bayley checks the ponytail but the Singhs distract. They run off as Alicia boots Bayley down! But here comes Apollo! Bayley’s new buddy takes the Singhs out with back drops, and Sasha adds a meteora! Apollo goes after Mahal now, and throws Sunil into him! Sasha wants to be a weapon, so Apollo picks her up to throw at Mahal and both Singhs! Strike! Bayley dodges Alicia’s boot, and hits Bayley2Belly! Cover, Bayley wins!
Winner: Bayley, by pinfall
Victories all around for the Boss, Hug & Crews Connection! Can Apollo & Bayley make it work as a tag team to go to TLC’s Mixed Match Challenge Finals?
Backstage interview with Dean Ambrose.
The Lunatic hates being called that. But what are his thoughts on Rollins’ speech earlier? The Architect? That’s just a name Rollins used to keep the spotlight on himself. But that’s not the man Ambrose knows. Rollins can’t think straight. He went out there with no plan, and now his title’s on the line tonight? Why? Because of his ego! Rollins always has to be The Man, but he steps on everyone else, like Ambrose and Roman Reigns. Rollins isn’t a man, he’s a piece of… Well, if Rollins is somehow still champion, it’ll just be easier for Ambrose to take it. And then he can tell Rollins what he thinks on Sunday.
Speaking of Roman, if he was aware of their bad blood, how would he react? Ambrose doesn’t care. Charly insists on getting an answer out of Ambrose, and plays the footage of that very night when Rollins and Ambrose won a match dedicated to Roman, only to betray everyone. Then the footage cuts to Rollins confronting Ambrose the next night, and Ambrose explaining the next week after that. Ambrose said The Shield only made him weaker. Ambrose would burn his Shield vest, and move on to last week, wearing a gas mask to visualize his disgust for the “vermin” of the WWE Universe. Rollins would attack back, only for Ambrose to beat him down. Back in the present, Ambrose simply says nothing. Will he have the last word after TLC? Will the title come along with it?
Ladies and Gentlemen: Elias.
The Drifter is in San Diego and plays his guitar. San Diego digs it. Elias isn’t sure if anyone’s heard Bobby Lashley on the radio, but Lashley said he’d take all the sports teams and move them to LA. Fans don’t like that. But what Lashley doesn’t realize is that if San Diego had their way, they wouldn’t let a loser like him perform. Elias would love to perform in the gas lamp district rather than in front of “a bunch of LA trash.” Everyone here knows what Lashley will find out, and that is that WWE stands for “Walk With Elias!” Now Elias considers himself a “pretty good guy”. Hitting children with his guitar is not on his list, but he made an exception for Lio Rush. Elias will teach Lio a lesson, but he has a song to perform. So please silence phones, hold applause and shut mouths.
Elias begins, saying “I’ve been in the air so long, waiting for something to come along. Bring me back down to Earth, keep my feet above the earth. But this life ain’t like no other, oh can you hear me, brother?” Actually hold on, Elias can’t stop thinking about how bad Lashley sucks. Speaking of, here come Lashley & Lio! Lio’s going to make his Raw in-ring debut, next!
Lio Rush w/ Bobby Lashley VS Elias!
Raw returns as we wait for a referee. It’s HEATH SLATER! The One Man Band beat his best friend, Rhyno, to stay on Raw, but it wasn’t until after the match that Corbin revealed he’d be staying as a ref. Slater rings the bell and we begin.
Lio and Elias circle, but Elias corners Lio. Lio slips uot and speeds things up. he redirects Elias and ducks under, but then gets caught. Elias flips LIo but LIo lands on his feet. Elias shoves and flapjacks Lio! Lio crawls to a corner but Elias is on him with a wristlock. Elias lifts Lio up and then drops him. Elias grins as he brings Lio up and. Lio sunset flips but Elias picks him right up. Elias says this’ll hurt him more than it hurts Lio, and he tosses Lio across the way! It still looks like it hurts Lio more. Elias smirks as he stalks Lio to a corner. Elias stands Lio up for a chop! Slater counts but Elias whips Lio corner to corner hard! Lio tumbles out in a heap but Elias continues after. Lashley caoches up his hype man but Elias puts Lio back in.
Slater is busy checking on Lio, so Lashley goes after Elias! Elias kicks Lashley off and rocks him with a right! But Lio wrecks Elias with a dropkick! Then a handspring kick! Elias gets back in but Lio ducks and kicks to rock Elias back! Lio whips but Elias reverses. Lio goes up but gets caught into the Electirc Chair. Elias spins Lio around, for the sit-out powerbomb! Cover, but Lashley attacks! Slater hesitates, and tells Lashley to stop. Lashley tells Slater to stand down, because this means Slater’s job. Slater lets Lashley continue, and he gives Elias the SPINEBUSTER! Lashley then helps Lio up, and Lio wants to use Elias’s guitar. Lio grabs it, brings it into the ring, and Slater tries to tell them to stop. Lashley takes the guitar and SMACKS Elias on the back!
Elias writhes, Lio covers, and Lashley makes Slater count. Slater counts, Lio wins.
Winner: Lio Rush, by pinfall
The 24 year old piece of gold gets a win, but it was with a lot of help. Will Elias get back at both Lashley & Lio at TLC when it’s someone else refereeing the match? Will Slater be able to live with himself over being bullied into a screw job? Or are these just more signs of what the Corbin Era will be?
Baron Corbin finds Heath Slater backstage.
Corbin doesn’t get why Slater’s so down. He did a good job out there. How’s Rhyno doing? Get over how you ended his career. Slater wants to go home, but Corbin says there’s still another match for him to officiate tonight. Is it the match we dread it is?
Alexa Bliss heads to the ring!
The Goddess is also Women’s Division manager, and has called for a face-to-face of both champion and challenger for the Raw Women’s Championship. However, the Samoan Dynasty heads to the ring without waiting for any introductions. Nia Jax has wanted after Ronda Rousey for weeks, but she tells Alexa that before we do the questions, she has a statement. “This Sunday, I’m going to become the Raw Women’s Champion.” Fans don’t like the sound of that. And it will be at the direct expense of Ronda. “Getting cracked in the head with those four ounce gloves in the UFC has really done a number on Ronda.” If Ronda had half a mind, which she doesn’t, she’d just give the title over. That way, she can avoid the humiliation that’s coming to her.
Nia knows Ronda is from a world about trash talking to hype things up. Nia doesn’t talk trash. She is a six foot, 300 pound Samoan woman, and Ronda’s worse nightmare. She is the “Anti-Rousey”. And her secret to success? The hand that breaks faces, like Becky Lynch’s. And it only took the one punch. But when the bell rings and Ronda goes Ronda, Nia will punch her in the face. And not just once, but over and over and over, until Ronda gives up. Nia isn’t just the most imposing force in the WWE, she’s also a strategist. Ronda is a world-class judoka, a Strike Force and a UFC champion, so if by chance she avoids this punch to go for the armbar, Nia will open her fist to pry free and then still break Ronda’s face.
This hand took Becky from her fans, and this hand will hold “MY TITLE”, as she erases the myth of Ronda. But speaking of Ronda, here she comes! Ronda isn’t here to talk or pose. She’s here to fight! And Ronda rushes the ring! Alexa, Tamina and Nia clear the ring for the Baddest Woman on the Planet. The Samoan Dynasty flank Ronday, but here comes Ember Moon! The War Goddess still wants after Nia for her betrayal, but she’ll settle for the Daughter of Superfly, next!
Ember Moon w/ Ronda Rousey VS Tamina w/ Nia Jax!
Raw returns as Tamina headbutts Ember down. Tamina whips Ember but Ember slips through the hip toss to arm-drag Tamina. Ember then dropkicks Tamina right out of the ring! Fans fire up as Ember builds speed. Nia saves Tamina from the baseball slide, but fans boo and jeer. Ronda comes up to reinforce Ember and stare Nia down. Nia taunts Ronda but Ember keeps after Tamina in the ring. Ember rolls Tamina up, TWO, and Tamina shoves Ember. Things speed up, Ember springboards into a SUPERKICK! Now Ember rolls out of the ring, and Nia wants the count out. Tamina waits as Ember slowly climbs back in. Tamina is right on Ember with a cover, TWO! Nia coaches her cousin up as Tamina bumps Ember off buckles.
Tamina whips Ember corner to corner and crushes her with a corner splash. She snapmares Ember to a cover, TWO! Nia wants a faster count but Ronda rallies the fans. Tamina wraps on a chinlock, but Ember fights her way up. Ember fights back but Tamina wrangles her back down. Tamina squeezes tight but fans still rally. Ember gets up again and fights back. Tamina rocks Ember with an uppercut! Tamina whips Ember again, but misses in the corner. Ember gasps for air but she kicks Tamina away. Ember reaches up to headscissor Tamina! She fights back with kicks now, and sweeps the leg. Ember urns to hit the sliding shot! Cover, TWO! Nia is relieved and Ronda cheers Ember on. Ember runs but into a powerslam! Cover, TWO! Nia is surprised.
Tamina whips Ember, Ember goes up to hit a flying code breaker! Ronda cheers Ember on to finish this, but Nia makes a move. Ronda trips Nia up and then throws her over the barriers! Ember dodges Tamina for a hotshot! Ember is back up, and hits the Eclipse! Cover, Ember wins!
Winner: Ember Moon, by pinfall
The Rowdy One helps the War Goddess celebrate, and even raises her hand. Will Ronda be able to do the same to Nia at TLC? Or will things be very different for the Baddest Woman on the Planet?
Backstage interview with “General Manger Elect” Baron Corbin.
His match is coming up next, just days before the TLC pay-per-view. Isn’t this an abuse of power? That sounds like a loaded question. Is she trying to get shipped off to SmackDown? Just kidding. This is just Corbin accepting a challenge. Corbin wants the fans to see him in a TLC Match, since he won’t be getting one from Strowman this Sunday. But there are rumors- Rumors? Was that from the internet or something? Strowman is a one-armed man after what Corbin did to him. Just imagine how Rollisn will feel after what Corbin does to him. Rollins is getting a taste of what the future holds. And as for the rest of Raw, “All Hail Baron Corbin.”
Lars Sullivan speaks.
“What happens this Sunday will be a minor tremor compared to the catastrophic earthquake that will occur when I come to the WWE!” The one of a kind Leviathan is lurking. Is he coming to Raw to shake things up? Or will he go to SmackDown to crush everything in his path?
WWE Intercontinental Championship TLC Match: Seth Rollins VS Baron Corbin!
The Architect called the Constable out and the Constable accepted. However, we can already see “General Manager Elect” Corbin is rigging things in his favor as he appoints Heath Slater as the referee! Will Slater be again stuck between a rock and a hard place as Rollins defends his title before Sunday?
Raw returns as Rollins and Corbin make their entrances. The belt hangs high above the ring per championship TLC rules, so all Slater has to do is signal the bell. Rollins and Corbin circle, and Rollins fires off hands! Rollins stomps a mudhole into Corbin, but stops after about a dozen. Corbin kicks back and clubs Rollins back. Corbin whips but Rollins kicks him away. Rollins runs but into a knee. Corbin suplexes Rollins but Rollins knees out. Rollins knees Corbin out of the ring, then goes out after him. Rollins throws more hands and then bumps Corbin off the apron. Fans fire up as Rollins picks up a chair! Rollins brings it but Corbin gets in the ring. Rollins slingshots, but into a haymaker!
Corbin tells Slater to go fetch him a ladder. Slater does as ordered, but Rollins springboards and clotheslines Corbin! Corbin runs off while we go to break.
Raw returns as Corbin keeps Rollins down. Corbin grabs a chair and takes aim. He SMACKS it across Rollins’ back! Fans boo and jeer but Corbin smirks as he SMACKS Rollins again! Corbin stalks Rollins, and stands on him to jam the chair into Rollins’ ribs. Corbin holds the chair up triumphantly despite all the boos. He taunts Rollins to get up, but SMACKS Rollins again. Rollins rolls out and Corbin follows. Corbin brings Rollins up to throw him into barriers! Then into other barriers! Corbin taunts Rollins, then goes for a ladder. He brings the ladder around into the ring, but Rollins dropkicks it into Corbin! Rollins goes out to pick up the ladder and put it in the ring. He leaves Corbin behind to stand the ladder up, but Corbin returns to clobber him!
Corbin stands the ladder up in a corner, and brings Rollins around. Corbin suplexes Rollins into the ladder! It proves just a touch double-edged as Corbin clutches his ear. But Corbin still stands up to wedge a chair in a corner. Corbin goes back to Rollins, drags him up by his hair, and whips Rollins. Rollins reverses but Corbin slides out then in to clobber Rollins again! Fans boo and jeer, but Corbin ignores them all to go for a table. Corbin stands that table up in a corner, then mocks Strowman’s roar. He drags Rollins up to scoop him, and wants his own Monster Slam, but Rollins slips out! Rollins dodges and rocks Corbin with a right! Rollins runs but is tossed out of the ring! Corbin then grabs the ladder to stand it up under the belt! Corbin climbs, but Rollins returns to leap right up!
Rollins fights Corbin down, so Corbin yanks him off. Rollins mule kicks but misses the stomp. Corbin elbows Rollins and then shoves him into the ladder! Both Rollins and ladder fall over, but Corbin isn’t done. Corbin dropkicks Rollins out of the ring! We go to one last break as Corbin watches Rollins writhe.
Raw returns once more, and Rollins leaps at Corbin! Corbin gets under, and hits the Deep Six! But Corbin is down, too, from exhaustion. Fans rally up for Rollins as he and Corbin stir. Corbin is up first, and he brings Rollins back up. Corbin punches Rollins down, and then does it again, and again. Fans boo and jeer as Corbin continues to rain rights. Slater stays back as Corbin watches Rollins stand up. Corbin punches but Rollins counter punches! Rollins fires off chops and haymakers, but Corbin knees low. Corbin whips but Rollins reverses. Corbin slides out then in but misses to get a Pele! He staggers about, but is baited into the chair he set up earlier! Both Rollins and Corbin are down as Slater checks on them.
Fans chant “We Want Tables!” but Rollins takes that chair from the corner. Rollins aims at Corbin, and SMACKS him back! And SMACKS and SMACKS and SMACKS! Rollins keeps on Corbin with that chair for everything Corbin has done. Corbin bails out, but Rollins builds speed to DIVE! Direct hit sends Corbin reeling, but Rollins keeps going, to DIVE again! Corbin goes down but Rollins won’t stop. Rollins runs once more, to DIVE, into a CHOKE SLAM through a table!! But Corbin is down from exhaustion again, and Slater checks on them both. Fans admit “This is Awesome!” even if Corbin’s involved. Corbin returns to the ring to stand the ladder up again. He begins the climb, but Rollins is stirring.
Corbin goes up a rung at a time, but Rollins returns to SMACK him with another chair! Rollins SMACKS Corbin off the ladder, but then Corbin dodges and Slater takes the hit!! Corbin clobbers Rollins out of the ring, and rolls out to follow Rollins. Corbin brings Rollins up, but Rollins slips out of End of Days. Rollins dodges to send Corbin into the steel steps! Rollins mule kicks Corbin, then puts him on the table. Fans fire up as Rollins does the math. Rollins climbs a corner, aims at Corbin, and leaps! FROG SPLASH through the table!! Fans are thunderous as Rollins leaves Corbin for dead. Rollins hurries to the ladder and up the rungs. His body is sore but that won’t stop him. Rollins is fingertips away, but Slater grabs the ladder?! Slater needs this job, so he tips the ladder over!!
Fans boo as Slater stands the ladder back up. Slater drags Corbin up and into the ring. Corbin is dead weight as Slater drags him to the ladder. Corbin grins as he sees the title. He climbs, reaches, but Rollins returns!? Rollins hits Slater, then drags Corbin off for a buckle bomb through a table!! Corbin eats wood again, but Slater pleads with Rollins. Rollins SUPERKICKS Slater! Then Rollins stomps, and runs at Corbin, for the Curb Stomp! Rollins scrambles up the ladder, grabs the belt, and takes it off! Rollins wins!
Winner: Seth Rollins; still WWE Intercontinental Champion
The Architect reigns, if only for now. Rollins will have to regroup for TLC, and Ambrose appears to remind him of their coming war. Will Ambrose cure himself of his disgust for Rollins? Or will Rollins #BurnItDown even brighter than before?
My Thoughts:
Another Raw go-home, with another mixed bag of good and bad. It would seem, after the two incredibly sour weeks, Corbin becomes the kayfabe face for how everyone, even other WWE talent, sees everything from ratings to booking. In the absence of other top Faces, such as Finn Balor from his injury (both kayfabe and possibly real from the South American tour), Rollins takes up the role of being the person to say all this. I’m thinking that this is more damage control than it is elaborate planning from Vince McMahon, but it can still work out in the end. Hopefully now that they’ve called out the things like the pee gag and the Lucha House Rules, we won’t ever have to worry about those again.
The Raw Tag Team Championship handicap match was an interesting choice, and I suppose that means Maverick & AoP can now Freebird the titles, if they get them back. It was a good moment for Roode & Gable to get these titles. This entire time, fans were expecting this team to fall apart when Roode turned on Gable, but I’m actually glad they’re still together this far in. And maybe now we can get things back on track in the Raw Tag Team Division with The Revival being allowed to actually win, the Lucha House Party playing things by normal rules, and maybe AoP ditching Maverick to go back to being independent.
The Women’s Division does a touch better tonight. I was surprised Natty didn’t have a match with a Riott Squad member, but the “Hart-breaking” promo Ruby gives instead at least gives some good story build towards their Tables Match. The Mixed Match Challenge tie-in was done well, and just like the other major players that are also busy at TLC, Finn Balor is out so he can focus on his match with McIntyre. Apollo Crews will make a good replacement, but he’s mostly stepping in by default because there’s almost no one left. This is where I would’ve thrown in Lars Sullivan, but there’s only a route to wasting him if he’s not going to win the Rumble after winning the MMC Finals. Then the championship scene was great, Ember gets a great match with Tamina and Ronda looks ready to retain against Nia.
Ziggler VS McIntyre was a great match, if perhaps just a high-level filler. Hopefully this isn’t the last for these two, we need at least one more go in a fuller feud between them. It was great to see Lio competing on Raw, up until we found out Slater was being made the special referee to then screw Elias over. I also saw Slater being ref for tonight’s main event coming a mile away. Slater will have his moment soon enough, maybe even at TLC PPV. Rollins VS Corbin was pretty great because of Slater’s involvement, too, but obviously Rollins retains. This might all just be a precaution in case Strowman really doesn’t show up at TLC, just as Corbin sarcastically said in his backstage promo. I’m still banking on a Strowman surprise and maybe an all out brawl with the superstars Finn united against Corbin.
My Score: 8/10
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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
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Coverage
Mitchell’s NJPW Road to Wrestling Dontaku Results & Report! (4/19/25)
Parting is such sweet sorrow…
There are more goodbyes than just The Ace’s Final Road.
NJPW already knows Hiroshi Tanahashi will retire with this year, but his final match with Jeff Cobb will also be Jeff Cobb’s farewell to NJPW! Will The Ace never tire out? Or will he take a Tour of the Islands?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- 8 Man Tag: Hiroyoshi Tenzan, Satoshi Kojima, Yuji Nagata & Tiger Mask VS Togi Makabe, Tomoaki Honma, Katsuya Murashima & Daiki Nagai; Tenza, Kojima, Nagata & Tiger Mask win.
- 8 Man Tag: Toru Yano, Boltin Oleg, YOH & Master Wato VS TMDK; Yano, Oleg, Yoh & Wato win.
- Hiroshi Tanahashi VS Jeff Cobb; Tanahashi wins.
- Six Man Tag: Bullet Club War Dogs VS House of Torture; House of Torture wins.
- Six Man Tag: Hirooki Goto, El Desperado & Ryusuke Taguchi VS Callum Newman, Templario & Jakob Austin Young; Goto, Desperado & Taguchi win.
- 10 Man Elimination Tag: Los Ingobernables de Japon VS Yuya Uemura, Shota Umino, Taichi, Taka Michinoku & YOSHI-HASHI; LIJ wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
Hiroshi Tanahashi VS Jeff Cobb!
The Ace’s Final Road continues on, but it would seem the Imperial Unit has hit the end of his run in NJPW. Will the President give Cobb a proper sendoff? Or is there one last Tour of the Islands planned?
The bell rings and the fans rally up for “COBBU! COBBU!” Tanahashi nods, and Cobb is emotional hearing that. Cobb and Tanahashi circle, tie up, and Tanahashi waistlocks. But Cobb’s a bit too big to lift even for The Ace. Cobb walks over to the ROPEBREAK, and Tanahashi lets go. The fans applaud and the two reset. They tie up, Tanahashi wrenches and wristlocks, but Cobb powers through, wrenches and wristlocks in return, then hammerlocks to headlock. Tanahashi puts Cobb on the ropes, the ref counts, and Tanahashi lets go cleanly again. The fans applaud the continued sportsmanship, and the two reset again.
Cobb runs up, and he SLINGBLADES?! Cover, TWO!! The “Cobby Cat” strikes again but Tanahashi survives his own move. Cobb whips Tanahashi, Tanahashi grabs ropes, but Cobb runs up. Tanahashi BOOTS Cobb, runs up, but Cobb scoops! Cobb SLAMS Tanahashi, and then air guitars before the GACHIMUCHI- NO, Tanahashi avoids the moonsault! Then Tanahashi sets up, to MOONSAULT!? But Cobb moves so Tanahashi belly flops on the floor! The fans fire up while both men are pulling out all the stops. Cobb steps on Tanahashi, pretends he didn’t see Tanahashi there, and then brings Tanahashi up.
Cobb ROCKS Tanahashi with a forearm, then headlocks. Cobb brings Tanahashi to the ropes to show everyone as he messes with Tanahashi’s hair. Cobb then CLUBS Tanahashi, brings him around, and suplexes. Cobb holds Tanahashi up, the fans cheer as Cobb marches around with him, and then Cobb pops Tanahashi for a POWERSLAM! Cover, TWO! Tanahashi stays in this but Cobb stays on him with a GROUND COBRA! Cobb uses Tanahashi as the guitar, then CLUBS him in the ribs and chest! Cobb eggs Tanahashi on, and Tanahashi growls and rises up. Tanahashi fires body shots and forearms, but Cobb just HEADBUTTS back!
Tanahashi staggers away to a corner, and Cobb runs up, only for Tanahashi to dodge! Tanahashi dropkicks Cobb’s legs! Tanahashi then grabs one, and Cobb asks for mercy! Cobb apologizes, but Tanahashi says bye-bye! DRAGON SCREW! The fans cheer while Cobb clutches his leg. Tanahashi storms up on Cobb to fire more fast hands! Tanahashi then says, “MY POWER!” And he SCOOP SLAMS Cobb! The fans fire up as Tanahashi climbs the corner. Tanahashi hits the SUNSET SENTON! Cover, TWO! Cobb is tougher than that but Tanahashi gets moving. But Cobb ROCKS Tanahashi! Cobb winds up, he runs, but Tanahashi dodges the slingblade!
Tanahashi waistlocks, Cobb switches, but Tanahashi throws elbows. Cobb picks Tanahashi up to SLAM him down, and FALLING HAMMER! Cover, TWO! Tanahashi stays in this, but the GACHIMUCHI MOONSAULT hits! Cover, TWO!! Tanahashi survives the double impact, but Cobb looms over him. Cobb drags Tanahashi up, fires his own fast hand combo, then scoops to SLAM Tanahashi! Cobb grins as he looks to the corner. The fans fire up as Cobb hops up, air guitar and the pose, SUNSET FLOP as Tanahashi moves! Tanahashi runs, but Cobb grabs tights! Cobb reels Tanahashi in, but Tanahashi elbows free!
Cobb SHOTEIS! Tanahashi SHOTEIS! Tanahashi hits a TWIST ‘N’ SHOUT! The fans fire up as Tanahashi goes up the corner! But Cobb stands! Tanahashi HIGH FLY ATTACKS, but Cobb catches him! Cobb pops Tanahashi up, shifts around, and ATHLETIC- SLINGBLADE?!? Cover, TWO!! Tanahashi rises, the fans fire up, and Tanahashi runs to SLING- NO, Cobb gets around to GERMAN SUPLEX! But Tanahashi rises again! SLING- NO, Cobb scoops Tanahashi, but then pops him around again! TOUR OF THE ISLANDS!! Cobb roars, but he’s not done!! Cobb ripcords Tanahashi for the RIPCORD- CRADLE COUNTER!! TANAHASHI WINS!!
Winner: Hiroshi Tanahashi, by pinfall
Cobb got cocky and it to cost him! Tanahashi still tells Cobb he’s proud of him and of Cobb’s time here in NJPW. The two shake hands and hug it out while the fans cheer. Tanahashi’s Final Road rolls on, and The United Empire is here to say farewell to their friend. Cobb is handed a mic, and Chris Charleton is there to interpret. Cobb says he was not expecting to lose tonight. But first and foremost, he wants to thank the people that don’t even get seen by the fans. The NJPW staff, the music team, the NJPW World techs, the boys ‘n’ girls in the back, and all the wrestlers Cobb calls “family.” The fans applaud and Cobb says Chris’s Japanese is good.
Cobb takes a moment before he says he had a speech ready, but he’s kinda blanking out from the pressure. Online, there has been an outpouring of love, #ThankYouCobb. But really, he should be thanking each and every one of the fans. Cobb gets emotional again while Chris translates for him. Cobb knows it’s a bit of a crappy situation, but he wants Callum Newman to know, he’s got the ball, so run with it. Cobb lets Chris translate now, and then Cobb wraps by thanking the Empire members here, from Khan, to Templario, to “Jakob Change Your Name,” to Akira and to Callum.
And lastly, Cobb says this is not goodbye, but more see you later. Thank you, NJPW. Thank you, fans. Domo arigato gozaimasu! The fans cheer for Cobb one more time, and he bows deeply to them all. When and where will we see Cobb in the ring, any ring, again?
10 Man Elimination Tag: Los Ingobernables de Japon VS Yuya Uemura, Shota Umino, Taichi, Taka Michinoku & YOSHI-HASHI!
Well, not only is The Ace on his Final Road, but it would seem Tetsuya Naito and Bushi are on their own way out of NJPW. Then will they and their amigos start their Road to Wrestling Dontaku with a celebration? Or will the Heat Storm, Roughneck, Holy Emperor, Blue Playmaker and Headhunter make this anything but tranquilo?
The teams sort out and there’s a lot of entrance attire to put aside. Once Naito is done putting the pants away, LIJ fist bumps while Just4Guys/Hontai shake hands. Yuya steps up against Naito and the fans fire up already. Naito and Yuya stare down while the fans cheer “NA-I-TO! NA-I-TO!” Naito and Yuya step up, but then Naito tags to Bushi. The fans cheer Bushi on now, he circles with Yuya, but then Bushi tags out to Yota. The fans rally as Yuya and Yota feel things out, giving us a taste of their IWGP Global Heavyweight Championship match. They tie up, are in a deadlock, and Yuya wrenches Yota to a wristlock.
Yota slips around, full nelsons, but Yuya breaks that to hammerlock. Yota reaches back to facelock, then he wrenches again. Yuya rolls, wrenches, and arm-drags Yota down. But Yota headscissors! Yuya kips free, and the fans cheer the standoff. Yota and Yuya reset, tie up, and Yota headlocks. Yuya powers up and out, drops down, then hurdles over to arm-drag again! The fans cheer as Yuya has the armlock. Yota fights up, fights around, but Yuya brings him over and Taka tags in. Taka kicks Yota, CLUBS him, then stomps him. Taka knees low, runs, but Yota dropkicks a leg out! LIJ rushes in and BLASTS Hontai! Then they bring Taka to the ropes!
Hontai rushes in to save Taka! The fans fire up as everyone fights at the ropes, and Taka lands safe on the apron! Taka scurries around the way and back into the ring! The fans cheer, but then Takagi & Yota split the wishbone! Hiromu tags in, he brings Taka up and CHOPS! Hiromu whips corner to corner, runs up and LARIATS! Hiromu snapmares and runs to basement dropkick! The fans fire up and Hiromu brings Naito in. They double whip to TENDEDERO! Cover, TWO! The fans rally up as Hiromu bumps Taka off buckles, then he tags Takagi. Takagi RAMS into Taka again and again, but Taka fires body shots.
Takagi HEADBUTTS Taka down, then suplexes high and hard! Cover, TWO! Takagi sits Taka up, runs to BLAST Shota, and the fans cheer! Takagi drags Taka up to HEADBUTT the arm, then wrench it. Tag to Bushi and he CLUBS the arm. Bushi CLUBS Taka down, stomps him, then has the legs. Bushi stands on Taka’s groin! Red Shoes reprimands, Bushi steps off at 4, then stomps Taka around. Tag to Naito and the fans rally as he brings Taka up. Naito cravats Taka, then Hiromu sits in the ropes. Hiromu claims Hontai is up to something, Red Shoes looks over, and Naito SMACKS Taka off Hiromu’s boots!
Taichi protests, but Naito throws hands on Taka. Taka tries to hit back but there’s not much there. Naito CLUBS Taka, but Taka fires a flurry! Naito just ROCKS Taka! Naito runs, but Taka goes the other way to BOOT Naito down! The fans rally up, hot tag to Taichi! Taichi runs at Naito in the corner and BOOTS him! Yota gets in, kicks Taichi then whips, but Taichi BOOTS Yota! Takagi runs up, Taichi dodges to wrench and HOOK KICK! Hiromu gets up but Taichi BLASTS him! Bushi backs off, but Naito CLUBS Taichi. Naito whips, but Taichi reverses to RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP! Cover, TWO! The fans rally up while Naito crawls.
Taichi paces, waits on Naito to sit up, but Naito ducks the buzzsaw! Naito shoves Taichi, Bushi trips him up! Bushi tags in and stomps Taichi around. Bushi ROCKS Taichi, whips, but Taichi grabs ropes. Bushi runs up again but Taichi BOOTS him down! Taichi tags Hashi and Hashi drags Bushi up. Hashi ROCKS and CLUBS Bushi, whips him, but Bushi reveres. Hashi dodges to ELBOW Bushi, then runs, but into a DROPKICK! LIJ blasts Hontai’s corner again! Hashi rolls out under the bottom rope, Bushi BLASTS him off the apron, then Bushi builds speed. But Hashi gets back in to CLOBBER Bushi!
Hashi drags Bushi up, hooks a leg, but Bushi fights free! Hashi blocks a kick, ducks the enzigiri, but the REWIND HEEL hits! Bushi runs in from the corner, but Hashi stops the Code Breaker! Taka joins in, DOUBLE SUPERKICKS! Cover, TWO!! Bushi survives, but Hashi clamps on the BUTTERFLY LOCK! Bushi endures, fights around, and Naito gets on the apron, only for Taichi to BOOT him down! Taichi intercepts Hiromu, and Bushi TAPS! Hashi ELIMINATES Bushi! Takagi CLOBBERS Hashi, then drops ELBOW after ELBOW! Takagi SENTONS but misses as Hashi moves! Shota storms in and stomps Takagi!
Shota drags Takagi up to UPPERCUT, and Hashi CHOPS! Hashi & Shota double whip, then Hashi runs up, only to be put on the apron! Takagi CLOBBERS Shota, then runs up on Hashi! Hashi RAMS Takagi, they trade forearms, but then Takagi HOTSHOTS Hashi! Hashi holds onto the ropes, then ROCKS Takagi! Takagi staggers, Shota runs up, but Takagi throws him into Hashi! Hashi falls to the floor, Takagi ELIMINATES Hashi! The teams are even again after that friendly fire, and Takagi rolls Shota! TWO, and things speed up! Takagi ELBOWS, JABS, and YUKON LARIATS! The fans fire up while Takagi fires up, “TOKI GA KITA!”
The fans rally as Takagi runs up, but he blocks a boot to then LARIAT! JAB, CHOP, repeat, then Takagi JABS, JABS, JABS, and CHOPS! Takagi brings Shota up, suplexes, but Shota fights it so Takagi hits the TWIST ‘N’ SHOUT! Cover, TWO! Shota stays in this but Takagi stays focused. The fans join in with “OI! OI! OI!” and Takagi storms up on Shota. Takagi pump handles but Shota fights the lift. Shota switches, Takagi fires elbows, but Shota ducks! Shota wrenches and SWINGING NECKBREAKERS! The fans are torn but Shota drags Takagi up. Shota CHOPS Takagi in the corner, CHOPS, and CHOPS again! Shota whips corner to corner, runs up, and UPPERCUTS!
Shota reels Takagi in, FISHERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO! Not quite perfect, but Shota clamps on an STF! Takagi endures, fights around, and he drags Shota along towards the ropes! ROPEBREAK, the fans cheer, and Shota lets go. Shota brings Takagi up, but Takagi denies the tornado DDT! Shota fires forearms to ROCK Takagi again and again, but Takagi just headbutts the buckles to fire up! The fans fire up and Shota fires another forearm, only for Takagi to fire back! Shota headbutts the buckles to fire up! The forearms start flying again, but then Takagi fires boxing elbows! Takagi ROCKS Shota, but Shota fires boxing elbows now!
Shota ROCKS Takagi, then runs, but Takagi follows! LARIAT at the ropes! Takagi runs, Shota follows, LARIAT at the ropes! Shota runs, but DOUBLE LARIATS collide! Neither man falls, so DOUBLE LARIATS collide again! Shota roars, but Takagi ELBOWS! JABS! YUKON- SHOTA LARIATS! But Takagi’s up to PUMPING BOMBER! Shota is in a daze but he manages to stand, and he swats a lariat to ENZIGIRI! Takagi rebounds to SLIDING LARIAT! Shota staggers back up, but Takagi whips him. Shota reverses and reels Takagi in, TORNADO DDT! But Takagi’s right up, and he PUMPING BOMBERS Shota and himself up and out! DOULBE ELIMINATION!!
The fans go nuts as we go to 3v3 now. Yuya and Yota step back in and the fans rally. Yota grins, runs up, but Yuya dodges to CHOP, CHOP, CHOP! Yuya whips, Yota reverses, but Yuya goes up and over. Yuya arm-drags, then DROPKICKS! Yuya roars and the fans fire up again! Yuya reels Yota in but Yota fights the saido. Yuya still hits a BIG back suplex! Cover, TWO! Yuya drags Yota back up, clinches, but Yota fires elbow after elbow to get free. Then he SUPER- NO, Yuya blocks! Yuya swings, but into the BACKBREAKER! FLATLINER! But he avoids the stomp! Yuya CHOPS then runs, but Yota SUPERKICKS himdown!
LIJ BLASTS Hontai’s corner again, and Yota looms over Yuya. Yota drags Yuya up, bumps him off buckles, then hoists him up top. Yota CHOPS, then he fires up before climbing up. The fans rally up, and Yuya fires forearms! Yota falls back, stands up, and he avoids Yuya’s leap! Yuya comes back, into the GENE TRIGGER! Yota TOSSES Yuya, but Yuya lands on the apron! Hiromu lets Yota know that, so Yota goes up the corner! Yota aims for an APRON MARLOWE- NO, Yuya dodges! Yuya CHOPS, CHOPS and CHOPS! Yota ROCKS Yuya, but Yuya fires up! Yuya DOUBLE CHOPS! And DOUBLE CHOPS! And DOUBLE CHOPS!
Yota SLAPS Yuya! And then swings, but into the cording hold! Yuya grabs the other arm but Yota resists! Yota HEADBUTTS again and again, then DOUBLE HEADBUTTS hit! Both men fall, another DOUBLE ELIMINATION!! Now it’s just TakaTaichi VS Naito & Hiromu! The fans rally up as the four stare down. Hiromu runs up, but into TENDEDERO! Naito dodges but then Taichi BOOTS him down! TakaTaichi double whip to DOUBLE BOOT! Taka has Hiromu but Hiromu fires forearms! Taka pokes Hiromu in the eyes! Taka whips Hiromu to a corner, but Hiromu blocks the shining wizard!
Hiromu runs, RANA, but Taka SHOVES it down! JUST FACELOCK!! Taka CLUBS away on Hiromu, but Naito stomps Taka down! Taichi runs up but Naito kicks him and throws him out! Naito kicks Taka, he and Hiromu double whip, but Taka redirects! And redirects! But then Naito & Hiromu undo Tendedero to let Taka pass! Taka comes back, ducks Tendedero, and he waistlocks Naito. Naito switches, shoves Taka at Hiromu and Hiromu wrenches. Pump handle, HIROMU-CHAN ROLL! Cover, Hiromu ELIMINATES Taka! And that leaves it 2v1, Hiromu & Naito against Taichi! Taichi paces as he considers his options.
Taichi rushes in, but into TENDEDERO! Naito & Hiromu double whip Taichi to a corner, and Hiromu runs to LARIAT! Naito ROCKS Taichi, ENZIGIRIS, and Hiromu SUPERKICKS! Hiromu gives Naito the boost for the TOR- Well, no, the tornado fails but the DDT still hits! Hiromu brings Taichi up, suplexes, but Taichi fights it! Taichi suplexes, but Hiromu fights it! They end up by the ropes! Hiromu is on the apron, Naito runs up, but Taichi dodges and Naito BLASTS Hiromu! Hiromu falls and is ELIMINATED! Friendly fire in return for before, and the fans fire up as it is Taichi and Naito 1v1!
Taichi and Naito reset, and the fans cheer for “NA-I-TO!” as hard as they can. Naito fires a forearm, but Taichi fires back! Naito fires another, so Taichi fires back! Naito and Taichi both smirk as the shots keep going back and forth! Taichi then KCIKS, but Naito still throws forearms! KICK, forearm, repeat, but then Naito ROCKS Taichi again and again! Naito SLAPS Taichi! Taichi SOBATS! Naito fires the heavy elbow, but Taichi URAKENS! Naito runs, Taichi BOOTS him down, then Taichi drags Naito back up, just so he can AX- NO, Naito lifts Taichi, but Taichi fights off the atomic drop! Taichi shoves Naito to then AX BOMBER! Cover, TWO!
Naito survives but Taichi runs, and SLIDING AX BOMBERS! Taichi fires up, the fans are torn, but Taichi suplexes! Naito fights free to kick low! Naito uses the ropes to TORNADO DDT! The fans fire up and Naito drags Taichi up. Naito fires those heavy elbows again and again! Naito has Taichi down in the corner, then climbs up. Naito reels Taichi in, but Taichi sneaks the pants off! GAMANGIRI! Naito falls off the corner, but he holds onto the ropes! Naito dangles off the apron but his feet do not touch the floor! Taichi fires shots, Naito ROCKS him in return! Taichi runs up, Naito slides under! Naito DUMPS Taichi over!
Taichi is on the apron but Naito fires a flurry! HOTSHOT! Taichi wobbles, but he ROCKS Naito! Naito ROCKS Taichi, HOTSHOTS again, then ROLLING KICKS! Taichi falls, LIJ WINS!
Winners: Los Ingobernables de Japon, by ring out
It came down to the leaders as the last men, but the Uncontrollable Charisma found a way to win for the team! LIJ regroups and Naito is given the mic. “Buenas tardes, Korakuen Hall!” The fans cheer, and Naito says, “First and foremost… Bushi, why don’t you say something to the fans?” The fans applaud and Bushi takes a quick drink of water before he takes up the mic. “Now that I have this time, I’ll say this. As previously announced by NJPW, my departure was a decision made after a lot of thought. I have no regrets.” The fans applaud that, and Bushi continues, “My feelings haven’t changed since I spoke here 10 years ago. It’s been a deeply fulfilling experience.”
The fans applaud that, too, and Bushi says, “This Dontaku tour is only getting started. When I step into this ring, I’ll show my gratitude in my own way. Thank you.” The fans applaud again, and Bushi hands the mic back to Naito. Naito also notes that the Road to Wrestling Dontaku has just begun. He and Bushi will be leaving NJPW after May 4th. “Whether Bushi and I will compete in this ring again or not, you already know, don’t you? Yes, the answer is of course, TRANQUILO! Assen na yo!” The fans applaud Naito being Naito even now. Naito then asks if they want to do the roll call, and the fans cheer!
Naito notes they haven’t had one at all this year, so this will be the first roll call of 2025. Are you ready? The fans cheer, so Naito says that the only way to close out tonight in Korakuen Hall is naturally with… “Bushi! Hiromu! Takagi! Titan! Yota! Y Naito! NOSOTROS! LOS! INGOBERRRRRRNABLEEEEES~! DE! JA! PON!!” The fans cheer the first LIJ roll call of 2025, but will we get more of them before May 4th? Will we get one on May 4th?
My Thoughts:
A great night to kick off the Road to Wrestling Dontaku, though of course it had to be on one of the busiest weekends of the year. Great goodbye match for Cobb with Tanahashi. It was a big awkward because while Tanahashi is still going to retire this year, Cobb was leaving, and so Cobb leaving NJPW trumps Tanahashi retiring, meaning Cobb had to lose. It’s the unwritten tradition of pro-wrestling. Very good farewell promo from Cobb, too, and I can’t wait to see where he goes next. Word is, it isn’t AEW, and perhaps the WWE rumors have still been true all along, they just leaked out way too soon.
And then very good 10 Man Elimination Tag in the main event, and it works out that LIJ won. Naito & Bushi needed a chance to address the fans about their own departure from NJPW, and so giving them the win so they can do a main event promo was fitting. In my estimation, I don’t see Naito going to any other company, even if it’s another Japanese based company. He’s done plenty in his career, he’s pushed his body pretty hard, so he needs to enjoy retirement, or at least make a lateral movement to be working with Young Lions in the NJPW Dojo as a teacher. Bushi, could probably keep going a little longer, or he could also call it a day on the other hand, only Bushi really knows how his body feels.
My Score: 8.8/10
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