Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE Monday Night Raw Results & Report! (12/3/18)
Raw “General Manager Elect” Baron Corbin has drawn a line in the sand. Who will dare stand against his tyranny after what he did to Elias and Finn Balor?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Ronda Rousey & Natalya VS Nia Jax & Tamina; No Contest.
- Mickie James & Alicia Fox w/ Dana Brooke VS Sasha Banks & Bayley; Banks & Bayley win.
- Lucha House Party VS The Revival; Lucha House Party wins.
- Drew McIntyre VS Dolph Ziggler; Ziggler wins.
- Bobby Roode VS Drake Maverick; turned into…
- 3 on 2 Handicap Match: Drake Maverick & The Authors of Pain VS Bobby Roode & Chad Gable; Maverick & the AoP win.
- Rhyno VS Heath Slater; Slater wins and keeps their job, Rhyno is fired from Raw.
- Finn Balor VS Jinder Mahal w/ The Singh Brothers; Finn wins.
- Ronda Rousey & Ember Moon VS Nia Jax & Tamina; Rousey & Moon win.
PLAY BY PLAY
WWE and Raw give a 10 bell salute to the former president, late George H.W. Bush.
The 41st President and Houston’s hometown hero, he passed away on November 30th, 2018.
Ronda Rousey & Natalya VS Nia Jax & Tamina!
The Baddest Woman on the Planet heads for TLC for a major title match against Nia Jax in a rematch from Money in the Bank. However, before she and the #Facebreaker can settle things 1v1, they are joined by their closest allies tonight. Will Rowdy Rousey and the Queen of Harts get payback on the Samoan Dynasty for that ambush set up from last week?
The teams are tense as they stand across from each other, but wait! The Riott Squad are here, with a table! And that distraction allows Nia and Tamina to get the drop on Ronda and Natty! Natty goes down but Ronda fights back! She has Tamina down then fights off Nia. Ronda fires off but Tamina drags her out of the ring! The Squad take their time coming around as Nia and Tamina give Ronda headbutts. The Samoan Dynasty double whip Ronda into steel steps! Meanwhile, The Squad go after Natty, but Natty hits back! Numbers are not in her favor and they put her into the barriers then into the apron. Ruby drags Natty up onto the apron while Liv and Sarah fetch the table. They set the table nearby, and Ruby drags Natty up.
But Ronda crawls back into the ring! She heads for Ruby, but Tamina stops her with a stomp. Ronda still fights back, but Nia runs her over, and drops the leg! Ruby is free to drag Natty up, and with Sarah and Liv taking hold on the outsider, SUPERKICK to powerbomb through the table!! The Queen of Harts is down and out as the Squad laugh it up. Nia and Tamina also leave Ronda before as Houston boos and jeers. Ronda crawls to Natty’s side, and Natty is writhing while clutching her arm. Will Natty be in any shape to seek revenge? Is Ronda going to find herself all alone against the vicious wolves of Raw’s Women’s Division?
Natty and Ronda walk backstage.
Ronda helps Natty sit on a trunk and WWE medics appear. They’ll hep Natty out but Ronda’s furious. Will she seek revenge before the night’s over?
Alexa Bliss heads to the ring!
The Goddess is now in charge of the Women’s Division, and she promises to give the WWE Universe the best Raw has to offer. Last week’s open forum didn’t go to plan so we’ll try again. Charly Caruso is ringside to help fans ask their questions for Sasha Banks and Bayley. As such, Alexa gives Sasha & Bayley their introductions. Sasha and Bayley do come out, despite last week’s open forum really just being a sneak attack. The Boss & Hug connection join Alexa in the ring despite that, too, and take their seats. Alexa appreciates they accepted this second try. Now, to the questions! Bayley wants Alexa to wait and answer them if there’s gonna be another sneak attack. Alexa is glad Bayley brought that up. Alexa was completely unaware Mickie James, Alicia Fox and Dana Brooke were going to do that.
Now, to the questions. “How do you guys respond to all the comments on social media that Sasha’s using Bayley?” Oh no~! That was a secret~! Right, Corey? Right, Alexa? It’s not like these two spent a fun weekend in Texas or anything. These two are best friends, tag team 4 life! Aw how cute. Next question: “If you could have a match with any female superstar from any era, who would it be?” Trish & Lita, Wrestlemania! Wow, great dream match. Okay next. “It’s a silly question, but if you could have any super power, what would it be?” Bayley likes the ability to make things disappear, and would use it on Alexa! OOOH~! Wow just when Alexa thought they were making progress, Bayley disappoints. Fans still like Bayley’s idea, though. What about Sasha’s superpower? The same as Bayley’s, actually. Well, that’s fine, Alexa took the title off Sasha.
Next question: “What changes will you bring to the Raw Women’s Division in 2019?” Bayley knows WWE Evolution was great, but she knows #LegitHuggable want to be the first ever WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions! But then here come Dana, Mickie and Alicia again! Alexa tells them to not do this again. She reprimanded them already. She is the boss now. But if these three want to fight, then there will be a tag team match. Dana can be ringside for Mickie & Alicia VS Sasha & Bayley, right now!
Mickie James & Alicia Fox w/ Dana Brooke VS Sasha Banks & Bayley!
Raw goes picture in picture as teams sort out. We start with Mickie against Bayley at the bell. They circle and Bayley gets a takedown. Bayley throws fast hands but Mickie gets away. We return to single picture as Bayley runs in but misses the knee strike. Mickie runs in but into Bayley’s elbow. She staggers back but Dana distracts so that Alicia can yank Bayley down by her hair! Mickie laughs before kicking Bayley down. She brings Bayley over to kick and stomp in the corner. Tag to Alicia and Alicia adds her stomps. Alicia wrenches Bayley into the Northern Lights! Bridge, TWO! Alicia keeps on Bayley with a chinlock but fans rally up for Bayley.
Bayley feeds off the energy and gets up, only for Alicia to wrangle her back down. Alicia leans on Bayley but Bayley fights out. Mickie tags in and Alicia feeds Bayley to Mickie’s boot. Mickie runs and boots Bayley down! “It’s good!” Mickie drags Bayley up for more kicks, then wraps on a chinlock. Fans rally again and Bayley gets up. Bayley fights out but Mickie wrangles her down by her hair. Alicia and Dana get in cheap shots while Mickie taunts Sasha. Tag to Alicia and Mickie holds Bayley. Bayley gets out of the way and Alicia’s boot hits Mickie! Alicia hurries after Bayley but Bayley slips out to hot tag Sasha! The Boss rallies with clotheslines and dropkicks. She blocks Alicia’s kick to give a knee. Alicia goes up and over to sunset flip, but Sasha rolls through to the Bank Statement crossface!
Houston is thunderous but Mickie breaks up the submission. She tags back in and stomps away on Sasha. She drags Sasha up but Sasha fires off forearms! Sasha then goes acrobatic, only to get tripped up! Mickie boots Sasha down, covers, but Bayley breaks it! Alicia goes after Bayley but gets a saido suplex! Dana gets on the apron but gets hit down. Mickie kicks and throws Bayley out but Sasha rolls Mickie up! TWO, Mickie kicks low. She watns her DDT but Bayley tags in. Back stabber to Bayley2Belly! #LegitHuggable win!
Winners: Bayley & Banks, Bayley pinning
Alexa acts like she’s happy for the heroes, but surely she was hoping for a different finish. Either way, The Boss & Hug Connection are rolling on towards the New Year. Will the new year bring new titles for them to chase together?
Ronda confronts Alexa Bliss.
Some “managing” of the Division, the Riott Squad crossed a line! Alexa says she knew nothing of that attack. She sent Ruby and friends home tonight, and will address their actions later on. Good. Ronda can go after Nia and Tamina without having to worry. No, Alexa can’t let Ronda have at them like this. She will find Ronda a replacement for that match. Ronda refuses Alexa’s help, as The Goddess has no conscience. Ronda goes in search of her own partner, but who is there left to team with against the Samoan Dynasty?
Raw presents a Baron Corbin propaganda– er, highlight reel video.
The Lone Wolf, having first been appointed Constable by Stephanie McMahon, has “always strived to keep a level playing field” and does not stand for “megalomaniacal power” abuse. He called out Kurt Angle’s shortcomings and is now General Manager Elect. Corbin is “the true guiding light his brand needs.” He excels as a team player, and “knows when to delegate”, such as when he appointed Alexa Bliss Women’s Division GM. Corbin always thinks “big picture”. Be on the right side of history, be on Corbin’s side, “Raw’s Future Permanent General Manager”. Or else.
All this revisionist history aside, should Braun Strowman be okay to compete come TLC, Corbin will have to face the Monster Among Men in THE TLC Match. Will Strowman be able to ensure Corbin #GetsTheseHands?
Bobby Roode & Chad Gable visit Corbin in his office.
They want a rematch with the Authors of Pain for the Raw Tag Team Championships. They will do anything to get their hands on Drake Maverick for that act of disrespect. Corbin understands, he’s pissed off. But they lost, no excuses. Though if they want another shot, they need to win tonight against Drake Maverick. Wait seriously? What’s the catch? No catch, Roode. Don’t believe the rumors. Though, there is a condition: Gable and AoP are banned from ringside. Surprisingly, that sounds very fair. Roode & Gable accept. Will Roode get some GLORIOUS vengeance tonight?
Lucha House Party VS The Revival!
Since coming to Raw, Kalisto, Gran Metalik & Lince Dorado have gone 2-0, but under Lucha House Rules. Between numbers and speed, will the luchadores ever lose one of their own matches?
However, on the way out, Scott Dawson & Dash Wilder realize there’s “a failure to communicate.” Tag team wrestling tradition keeps getting lost in tradition. Maybe it’s the masks in the way. Or maybe it’s just a lack of respect. But that doesn’t matter because they’ll make it plain and simple. If LHP won’t respect tag team rules, this will be a singles match! Or, not. This is Lucha House Rules again, but three on one!? The bell rings and Dawson starts with Metalik.
Dawson kicks then whips Metalik but Metalik handsprings. Dawson dodges but gets a dropkick and scoop slam. Metalik tags Lince and Lince tags Kalisto. And the splashes begin with the boosted splash, planking splash, an then a cover. TWO as Dawson survives. Dawson grabs Kalisto’s mask and whips him, but Lince tags in. Dawson uppercuts Kalisto then goes after Metalik, but he sees Lince coming. Dash distracts Lince, and Dawson clobbers him! Dawson drops legs and elbows and headbutts. Cover, ONE, but Dawson keeps on Lince. ONE, and Dawson asks for a pause. Dawson drags Lince up but fans “Lucha! Lucha!” Dawson puts Lince in the Gory Special! Lince endures and pops out, to sunset flip! Then he crawls past Dawson, only to be caught. Lince slips out of the back suplex but Dawson goes after Kalisto!
Metalik comes in, Dawson chases after but runs into a SUPERKICK! Dash gets up but he gets an alley-oop dropkick! Lince wrecks Dash with a dropkick! Kalisto runs in to slingshot and springboard onto Dash! Lince’s up, big crossbody! Then tag to Kalisto and he tags Metalik. Salida del Sol, then Metalik tightrope swanton! Cover, Lucha House Party win!
Winners: Lucha House Party, Metalik pinning
Is this unfair? Is this karma for the #TopGuys acting so superior? Whichever it is, the fiesta continues! What will it take for The Revival to slow down the lucha libre?
Baron Corbin meets with an assistant.
Where has this guy been? Corbin asked for this over an hour ago! But he won’t fire the aid, because the gift is perfect. Now go get ready for Drew McIntyre Appreciation Day. Go! What special gift did Corbin commemorate to the Scottish Terminator?
Baron Corbin is in the ring!
The GM Elect mentioned a special occasion, and is here to kick it off. Two weeks at TLC, Strowman will surely forfeit their TLC match and Corbin will become true General Manager. From Mr. Money in the Bank to championship level superstar to Constable to GM. He is proof that if you’re born better, you can achieve anything. Corbin does admit his journey comes with thorns in his side, like The Shield, Kurt Angle, Finn Balor and Braun Strowman. But with the help of this man, Corbin has overcome his obstacles. Therefore, tonight is Drew McIntyre Appreciation Night! Roll footage!
“Can you feel that? The balance of power has shifted!” McIntyre may not have been what everyone wanted, but he is what everyone in the WWE needed. McIntyre has broken The Shield, broken Angle and battered both Balor and Elias. He swore to take over, “Do you believe me now?!” And with that, Corbin introduces McIntyre to the ring! McIntyre joins Corbin as he himself prepares for a match at TLC with Finn Balor! That aside, Corbin thanks McIntyre for all the hard work and support. But this event cannot conclude without commemorating McIntyre’s work. Corbin presents McIntyre with a special medal. And now that Raw is rid of Angle, McIntyre is the new gold medalist: He is the recipient of Raw’s Medal of Excellence!
McIntyre thanks Corbin, and this honor means so much to him. But he was just doing what no one else was strong enough to do. He stamped out weakness and complacency. Months ago, “superstars” were playing on phones and playing games. They had no passion to reach the top, they only wanted a paycheck and a social media following! “Not on my damn roster!” McIntyre is forming Raw in his image as “The home of the strong, the mighty” and those workhorses willing to work seven days a week. And this medal is proof he’s doing a good job. That brings McIntyre to Finn Balor. Finn is the “voice of these pathetic people”. But the truth is, Finn’s “nothing more than a boy in a man’s world.” At TLC, McIntyre will hurt Finn, break his spirit and- Wait, is that Dolph Ziggler?!
The Show Off heads down the ramp with a curious look on his face. Is McIntyre forgetting their deal? Where was Ziggler’s part in that video package? They dominated as brains and brawn and they broke the Shield. Did his invite get lost in the mail or something? McIntyre hates to break it to Ziggler, but the truth is, Ziggler was never invited in the first place. He’s sorry, but Ziggler no longer meets the height requirements. Is this too much? Ziggler thought he was the brains? No, McIntyre was brains, brawn, talent and “the whole damn package.” This partnership is no longer useful. Ziggler was just to help McIntyre reach a prominent position, and that is something Ziggler accomplished! So thanks, Dolph! Now go on, you can leave any time.
Or is that not good enough for Ziggler? Is Ziggler gonna cry? Ziggler should kiss McIntyre’s feet. McIntyre is why Ziggler was relevant again for the first time in ten YEARS! Ziggler drops the mic, to throw hands! And he gets McIntyre with a ZIGZAG! But Corbin won’t stand for this. Ziggler won’t ruin Drew McIntyre Appreciation Night! He has a match with McIntyre, tonight! A referee hurries to the ring and this match begins after the break!
Drew McIntyre VS Dolph Ziggler!
Raw returns as McIntyre talks trash to Ziggler. Ziggler headbutts McIntyre back! McIntyre blocks the superkick to get a takedown and then stomps away on Ziggler. McIntyre catapults Ziggler into a post, and then Ziggler tumbles to the floor outside! The ref checks on Ziggler but McIntyre goes out to fetch him. McIntyre drags Ziggler up and chops him around the corner. McIntyre stalks Ziggler and lifts him with a fireman’s carry. Ziggler is dead weight as McIntyre takes him all the way up the steps and dumps him in the ring. McIntyre looms over Ziggler as he stomps the hand. McIntyre then brings Ziggler around for an armlock. Fans rally for Ziggler as he endures the hold.
Ziggler gets up and throws hands. McIntyre throws Ziggler down by his hair and puts the armlock back on. McIntyre grinds his forearm into Ziggler’s chin, saying “It didn’t have to be this way, Dolph.” Fans still rally and Ziggler fights up again. Ziggler kicks a leg out, then throws hands. Ziggler chops McIntyre again and again, then runs, but McIntyre counters the satellite DDT with a Northern Lights! McIntyre drags Ziggler up and chops him against the ropes. He dumps Ziggler out of the ring and then takes a microphone. “You know what? Maybe I still have a soft spot for you, Dolph.” McIntyre will pretend Ziggler is Finn Balor, as he rams Ziggler into apron, barrier and back again! Then a SPINEBUSTER on the ground!
McIntyre grins as he soaks up the heat. He stalks Ziggler and put shim back in the ring. McIntyre dares Dolph to get up. Ziggler does, but McIntyre easily counter CHOPS Ziggler off his feet. But then Finn Balor appears! Finn and McIntyre stare down while we go to break.
Raw returns as Ziggler chops away on McIntyre. McIntyre chops Ziggler back, then runs in, but into a back elbow. Ziggler boots McIntyre, but McIntyre still gets Ziggler with the back elbow and inverted Alabama Slam! Cover, TWO!! Ziggler still lives and McIntyre is frustrated. McIntyre drags Ziggler up and suplexes him onto the top rope. McIntyre chops Ziggler again then climbs up to join him. He clubs Ziggler on the chest, then takes a moment to soak up heat. McIntyre grins as he prepares a superplex, but Ziggler fights back. Ziggler clubs away and throws McIntyre down. Ziggler leaps, satellite DDT! He crawls to a cover, TWO!! McIntyre lives but that was close!
Ziggler and McIntyre drag themselves up, but McIntyre runs at Ziggler. Ziggler elbows McIntyre then dumps him out of the ring! Fans rally and Ziggler gets on the apron. Ziggler leaps at McIntyre to knock him down! And he still throws furious right hands! McIntyre gets up but Ziggler puts him into barriers. Ziggler chops McIntyre then bumps him off barriers, only for McIntyre to fire off a headbutt! McIntyre grits his teeth and drags Ziggler up, to straddle him on the barriers! Ziggler goes down in pain but McIntyre drags him back up. McIntyre puts Ziggler in but the ref is part of the collision. Finn hits McIntyre with a shotgun dropkick! McIntyre is down and Finn gets away with it.
A ring count begins, but McIntyre is writhing. The count passes 5 by the time McIntyre gets to the apron but he can’t get in just yet. McIntyre’s in at 9.5, SUPERKICK from Ziggler!! Cover, Ziggler wins!!
Winner: Ziggler, by pinfall
Finn may have the assist, but Drew McIntyre Appreciation Night is still ruined with McIntyre’s loss! Ziggler has the W tonight, will Finn be able to do the same at TLC?
Backstage interview with a seething Drew McIntyre.
Is it really okay for him to shun former friend Dolph Ziggler, especially when Finn Balor is targeting him? First of, McIntyre made it very clear Ziggler was never a friend, simply a means to an end. And now he’s an enemy just like Finn! Ziggler isn’t celebrating, he’s terrified. Ziggler knows how twisted McIntyre can be! He tried to use McIntyre as a way up the mountain, but McIntyre IS the mountain! As for Finn, “he’s a marked man.” Will Finn regret angering the Scottish Terminator?
Ladies and Gentlemen, Elias.
The Drifter is in Houston, and plays his guitar before he asks as always, “Who Wants to Walk With Elias?!” Houston sounds ready to. Elias has searched for Bobby Lashley all day, because he wants to wrap a guitar on Lashley’s head. But Lashley is harder to find than Carmelo Anthony. And the reason Lashley and Lio Rush are hiding is because they fear The Living Truth. Elias feels the fear inside Lashley. But at TLC, there will be no hiding, because “the Almighty Bobby Lashley” will learn that WWE really means “Walk With Elias”!
As for tonight, Elias still has a song. So please hold your applause until after. Elias begins, but Lio Rush loudly interrupts. Because he is presenting Bobby Lashley himself! Lio knows Houston loves Elias’ songs, but the spotlight belongs to Lashley. Elias felt Lashley’s strength last week, and will feel it “again and again” at TLC, because Lashley “is like a Greek god!” Lashley, hit them with the side pose. And now, the double guns. And yes, the double buns! Elias has had enough, and hurries out of the ring and up the ramp! Lashley is ready and kicks Elias down. Lashley clubs away and rains down rights. Then he throws Elias at the LED but Elias turns it around to send Lashley into them! Elias grabs his guitar, and swings at Lio! Lio gets away, and so does Lashley! Elias returns to the stage, feeling his moment has passed.
But then Lio returns, and gets BLASTED with the guitar! Because Finn sent Lio that way! Finn has helped Ziggler and helped Elias. Is this a sign of a new Anti-Corbin alliance?
Jinder Mahal meets Baron Corbin.
The Modern Day Maharaja wants Corbin to keep from being stressed out by all this. Shanti, Shanti. Corbin has done a great job putting Strowman and Finn in their place. And at TLC, Corbin will end it all when he becomes GM. Who cares if people think Strowman will still appear? Let Mahal finish Finn for him. Corbin likes that. Strowman is a one-armed man now, who cares if he makes it to TLC? The match is set, will Mahal stop Finn’s revolution?
That aside, Corbin now meets with Heath Slater & Rhyno. These two are friends and the inaugural SmackDown Tag Team champions. However, Corbin’s crunched some numbers and has come to a conclusion. What conclusion is that? Well there’s enough room on Raw now for one of them. What? Corbin will be fair, and allows one of them to quit now so the other can keep their job. What?! Slater can’t quit, he’s got kids! And Rhyno is an ECW legend. Well, Angle did have one good saying: Raw handles things in the ring. They face each other tonight, and the winner keeps his job. What?! How can Corbin do this to the One Man Band and his Manbeast best friend?
Bobby Roode VS Drake Maverick!
The GLORIOUS One and Chad Gable earned their right at the Raw Tag Team Championships, but then the Authors of Pain’s manager had to go and pee all over the match. Well, he pee’d all over Roode’s robe, and that distracted Roode enough to cost his team the match. Now Roode looks to get even while also earning another shot. Can Roode do it? Or will Maverick find a way to rain on that, too?
Maverick, dressed in his own AoP gear, wants Roode to show him some mercy. Perhaps Maverick realizes peeing was a step too far. But then he throws the vest at Roode! Roode isn’t bothered as he punches Maverick down! Roode puts Maverick in a corner and stomps a mudhole into him. But then we see AoP attack Gable!! They throw Gable into cartons! Corbin stops the attack, by remaking this match a Handicap match!?
3 on 2 Handicap Match: Drake Maverick & The Authors of Pain VS Bobby Roode & Chad Gable!
Granted, Corbin saves Gable, but he’s just doomed Roode! Akam & Rezar storm their way tot he ring while Corbin taunts Gable. Roode hurries to grab Maverick and clubs away. He can still finish this before Akam & Rezar appear. Maverick hits Roode back, but Roode gets the GLORIOUS DDT! But Akam & Rezar break the cover! They club away on Roode, and then put Roode into a post! Rezar drags Roode out and clubs away on Roode. He trash talks in Albanian as he hammers away. Rezar drags Roode over and tags in Akam. The AoP combine for the sidewalk slam stomp! Akam hammers away on Roode then drives in a knee. Fans rally for Roode, and here comes Gable! Gable’s in bad shape but it’s enough that he’s here to get the AoP to leave Roode alone.
Gable manages to fight both members of AoP, but they’re still too much. They hit Gable with an atomic drop to boot! Roode is up but he gets squashed in the corner. Rezar and Akam bring Roode and Gable up, for Super Collider! Then Maverick tags in so he can get the cover! Maverick & AoP win!
Winners: Drake Maverick & The Authors of Pain, Maverick pinning
One way or another, the fix was in with Corbin on AoP’s side. Roode & Gable don’t get another shot, but who will rise up to challenge the Raw Tag Team Champions?
A quarantine unit comes out, with Dean Ambrose!
The Lunatic Fringe wears a gas mask the same as his swat team, because he does not want to be contaminated by the WWE Universe that now disgusts him. Ambrose hits the ring and takes a mic, but he doesn’t take off the mask. He apologizes for the “drastic measures” but he can’t be too safe in a “slum” like Houston. Ambrose is using this to protect himself from the diseases of the fans, but from that “madman”, Seth Rollins. Ambrose does take off the mask to properly explain that his security is to stop an “unprovoked” attack from Rollins. Well, mostly unprovoked. Rollins lost control after the things Ambrose said, but that’s because Rollins is “needy and emotional”. Rollins always needed or wanted something from Ambrose, much like the fans. Fans always pester Ambrose for something.
But Ambrose asks if anyone has any idea how it’s like to live with a control freak like Rollins. And of course everyone does. If anyone here had any guts, they’d slap that certain someone in the face. But no, no one here has the guts to do that, they’re all too weak. Rollins is weak, he is the “biggest scumbag” but fans love Rollins because Rollins makes them feel important. Just look at The Shield. The Shield used to be something to be proud of. But all Rollins or Roman Reigns cared about was being role models to fans. Fans say “We Want Rollins!” Well too bad, you don’t always get what you want! Rollins and Roman changed, they sold out. Ambrose is the only constant in this industry, and with integrity! Fans disagree but Ambrose says the only thing he’s guilty of is being naive.
But no more! Ambrose proudly stands alone as THE moral compass of WWE! Some people probably don’t know what that means, schools ain’t too good here in Houston. But at TLC, Ambrose could take the Intercontinental Championship by force, but that’s too easy. Ambrose wants Rollins to understand what’s coming. Rollins is going to mess up and go into a backspin. And then Rollins will lose control of himself, but no one will worry. That title will fall safely into Ambrose’s hands. But then “BURN IT DOWN!” begins and Ambrose panics. He sends security up the ramp but Rollins comes from the crowd! Rollins hits the guards on that end and then dumps Ambrose out of the ring! Rollins welcomes the rest of the guards and he takes them all down! He even powerbombs one out onto the rest!
Ambrose is up, Rollins DIVES! Ambrose uses a guard as a shield and retreats! Rollins gives chase and they brawl among the fans! Rollins gets Ambrose trapped in his own jacket, and then brings him back to the barriers. Ambrose hits back and the brawl continues. Ambrose throws Rollins over to ringside, but then Rollins punches him back. Rollins uses the barriers to springboard and dive on Ambrose! Fans fire up as Rollins throws Ambrose back to ringside. Ambrose grabs a gas mask and clubs Rollins in the face with it! Ambrose brings Rollins up to him him again and again and again with the filter! Fans chant “You Suck!” at Ambrose but he doesn’t care. “Why do you always have to be right?!” Ambrose keeps kicking Rollins around, then gives him a Dirty Deeds to the ground!
Fans boo and jeer while Ambrose insists he has integrity. Ambrose forces the rest of his henchmen to haul Rollins into the ring for him. Ambrose circles Rollins as he tells all the fans off. The fans boo and jeer more, but Ambrose drags Rollins up for one more Dirty Deeds! Ambrose leaves Rollins behind, but he’ll surely be back for more come TLC. Will the Lunatic take the title from the Architect? Or can Rollins recover and find a way to retain?
Backstage interview with Nia Jax & Tamina.
They know that Ronda Rousey has a new tag team partner for tonight’s match. It will be Ember Moon! Nia doesn’t seem intimidated at all. She and Tamina thought it was going to be Charly. But that’s just to make a point: it’s ridiculous to team anyone with Ronda. Tamina was always attacking Ember from behind so she wouldn’t have to see Ember’s face. And Nia promises to rearrange Ember’s face, like she did Becky Lynch. Then Ronda will be all alone, and she’s not 100% by any means. This will be a preview of Nia’s historic path back to what’s HERS: the Raw Women’s Championship. Will Ronda and Ember stand a chance against the sadistic Samoan Dynasty?
Rhyno VS Heath Slater!
These two have become close friends ever since joining forces on SmackDown to become the inaugural SmackDown Tag Team Champions. However, Constable Corbin claims Raw can’t keep them both. Will these two remain friends after one of them loses their jobs?
The bell rings and the two friends discuss the situation. But Rhyno hits first! He puts Slater in a corner and fires off! Rhyno reels Slater out for a lariat! Rhyno puts Slater in another corner and chops him down. Fans say “Heath’s Got Kids!” but Rhyno whips Slater corner to corner to tackle him! He does it again but Slater dodges and hits a neckbreaker! Cover, SLATER WINS!
Winner: Heath Slater, by pinfall; keeps his spot on Raw
The Manbeast is shocked! He is no longer on Raw, and perhaps no longer friends with Slater. Will Rhyno be able to go back to SmackDown? Or will he be forced to retire?
Baron Corbin applauds Heath Slater.
Slater still wants to help Rhyno, Rhyno has a family of his own. No, Slater needs to worry about doing his job. Which brings up the new uniform. Uniform? Slater isn’t a superstar anymore, he can have a much longer and better career as a referee. Slater’s between a rock and a hard place, but he does need this job. Will the One Referee Band be able to follow orders?
Finn Balor VS Jinder Mahal w/ The Singh Brothers!
The Extraordinary Man has helped begin a small but effective rebellion against Baron Corbin tonight. Will the Modern Day Maharaja make Finn pay on Corbin’s behalf? Or will the revolution be televised as Finn heads for TLC?
The bell rings and fans chant “Too Sweet! Woop Woop!” Finn and Mahal tie up, Mahal puts Finn in a corner. Mahal rams his shoulder in but stops at 4 to Shanti. Finn hits him back and chops! Finn kicks and headlocks Mahal but Mahal powers out. Mahal swings but Finn dodges, only for Mahal to hit the back elbow on the other end. Mahal drags Finn up into a headlock and grinds him to the mat. Finn endures as he gets up but Mahal scoops him to hotshot him on the ropes. Finn slumps out of the ring while Mahal uses Shanti to keep focus, and we go to break.
Raw returns and Mahal has Finn down in a half nelson chinlock. Finn gets up as fans rally for him, but Mahal wrangles him back down. Mahal cranks back but Finn gets up again. Finn fights but Mahal puts him in a corner. Finn boots Mahal then hits a forearm! Mahal stays up so Finn runs to hit another forearm! Mahal gets to a corner and Finn chops him on the run. Finn whips but Mahal reverses. Finn goes up and over to trip Mahal and hit double stomps! Mahal boots Finn back then hops up, but Finn kicks him down! Finn runs and hits a slingblade! Then a shotgun dropkick! Mahal drops down in the drop zone, but the Singhs start getting involved! One distracts the ref while the other shoves Finn down! And they celebrate with Bollywood dance moves. But wait, Apollo Crews clears them out!?
Mahal is furious with Apollo and kicks him down! But Finn FLIES! Finn grits his teeth as he puts Mahal back in. Finn blasts Mahal with another shotgun dropkick! Mahal’s back in that drop zone and Finn climbs up. Coup de Grace!! Cover, Finn wins!
Winner: Finn Balor, by pinfall
The rebellion grows as Apollo helps The Extraordinary Man! Is Corbin’s tyranny going to crumble with this many superstars against him? Or will it matter if Strowman is a no-show at TLC?
Backstage interview with Finn Balor.
It’s been a crazy night for him. He helped Ziggler win against McIntyre, he helped Elias get even with Lio Rush, and Apollo Crews of all people helped him against Mahal and the Singh Brothers. Finn knows it’s been crazy, but then McIntyre strikes!! McIntyre blasts Finn into kegs and then rains down rights! Referees do their best to get McIntyre off Finn, but McIntyre tells Finn that he’ll finish this soon enough. McIntyre leaves, only to come back for more! The Scottish Psychopath is ready to end Finn once and for all, will Finn even make it to TLC?
Lars Sullivan speaks.
“It doesn’t matter which brand I go to. I will wreak havoc a magnitude of which you’ve never seen.” No one has seen a freak like the Leviathan. Which brand will get this Mile High Monster on their roster? And which roster will regret it?
Ronda Rousey & Ember Moon VS Nia Jax & Tamina!
The Queen of Harts was the target of the Riott Squad once again, and that put a stop to the scheduled opening match. However, the Baddest Woman on the Planet is only all the more eager to go after Nia and Tamina. Now she has the Prophecy of Flame on her side, can they both get even with the Samoan Dynasty? Or will the Eclipse be broken on the road to Nia’s redemption?
But before Ember even appears, Nia and Tamina go after Ronda! They attack 2v1 but Ember hurries to make the save. She springboards and crossbodies on Tamina! Ember goes after Nia, but Nia whips her away. Ember hops up for a flying code breaker! Ronda roundhouses Nia out of the ring but keeps in pursuit. Ember gets on the apron to hit Tamina with a sliding boot! Ronda leaps on Nia for a flying forearm! Ronda is still sore physically speaking but she and Ember have control of the ring! They dare Nia and Tamina to return while we go to one last break.
Raw returns once more as Nia has Ember. Nia biels Ember by her hair! Nia taunts Ronda then tags in Tamina. Tamina mugs Ember in the corner, then rocks her with an uppercut. She keeps Ember up to whip her, but Ember lands on her feet through the hip toss. Ember arm-drags Tamina, then hits a handspring forearm. Then, tag to Ronda! Fans fire up as Ronda throws Tamina down. Ember tags back in and Ronda hits Tamina with a knee. Ember adds a sliding complete shot! Cover, TWO! Ember hits another handspring forearm on Tamina, but then Nia gets in to protest. This distracts Ember, and she turns around into Tamina’s SUPERKICK! Cover, TWO! Nia grows frustrated but Tamina brings Ember back over.
Tamina stomps away on Ember, then tags in Nia. The Samoan Dynasty mug Ember. Nia teases punching Ember with the Facebreaker punch, but she instead hits Ember in the stomach. Nia toys with Ember and taunts Ronda before putting Ember in a cobra clutch. Ember endures as Nia thrashes her about. Ember fights out and hits a jawbreaker. She hurries for her corner but Nia powerbomb lifts Ember! But Ember fights out and spikes Nia with a huricanrana! Nia stops the tag by hitting Ronda! Then she throws Ember to Tamina to get cheap shots in the corner. Nia and Tamina soak up the heat as they tag again. Tamina headbutts Ember then drops knee after knee. She whips Ember into the corner, but then misses! Nia gets knocked down and Ember crawls for Ronda. Tamina grabs a foot but gets an enziguri! Hot tag to Ronda!
Ronda rallies with clotheslines and knees! She boots Tamina down then dares Nia to tag in. Nia doesn’t want to, but Tamina makes her! TLC comes early as Nia reluctantly gets in the ring. She circles with Ronda, but then quickly tags out to Tamina. Fans boo and jeer but Ronda still drags Nia into the ring! Tamina gets in, but Ronda fires off the strikes! Ronda hits a big forearm smash, then runs for the shining wizard! Cover, but Nia breaks it. Ember comes in and kicks away! Ronda roundhouses Nia, too, but Tamian rolls Ronda up! TWO, and Ronda throws Tamina with a judo throw. Ember hits the Eclipse! And Ronda finishes it with the armbar!! Tamina taps, Ronda & Ember win!
Winners: Ember Moon & Ronda Rousey, Rousey by submission
There was no fear or quit in the champion or the War Goddess, but there was plenty of both in the Samoan Dynasty. Who will stand tall when Ronda and Nia finally settle their score?
My Thoughts:
After the strange, disappointing and even upsetting episode that Raw was last week, this week only barely manages to be just a little better. In fact, the margin is probably negligible in the grand scheme of things, especially in my personal scoring.
First, the Tag Team Division continues to suffer. Can Vince STOP misusing Lucha House Rules? This would be different if the LHP were HEELS, but no, Vince is probably pissing himself over a joke only HE understands. And that’s fitting considering the piss gag is his idea, too. Thankfully that didn’t happen this time with the Authors of Pain. Instead, it’s another Corbin power abuse that helps Maverick survive Roode’s wrath. Maverick in a match finally gives reason for an AoP cosplay, but it would’ve had more impact if he didn’t have it until now. Either way, AoP go without challengers for now, which might be for the best until Raw sorts itself out. Then poor Rhyno jobs and is “released”, only for Slater to be a referee now. I’m foreseeing Slater having to endure ref bumps until he snaps and joins the rebellion.
I was hoping they wouldn’t try that “open forum” again but they did. At least we got a good match out of it, and Bayley openly saying the Women’s Tag titles need to happen, just like fans have been wanting. Bayley & Sasha can still make a run at those should the titles become a thing, but if Alexa Bliss is the person in charge when it happens, setting up her friends for those titles is just another form of The Authority. But I suppose it’s where things are headed. At the same time, is this a sign Alexa’s in-ring retirement is inevitable? That’s a shame, but she does make a better Heel boss than Corbin. Then the Ronda VS Nia story of tonight was alright. The swerve of that opening match was pretty good, the main event tonight was great, and I’m still confident Ronda wins.
This choice of making Ambrose go on about germs and filth is weird, but if the gas mask and henchmen stick around, I might be up for it. And of course Rollins attacks, but I was surprised Ambrose stands tall here. Maybe Ambrose wins, then Rollins chases the title towards Wrestlemania. As for the main story tonight, Corbin and crew against everyone else, there were some interesting developments. Ziggler VS McIntyre is the one part that makes sense. Finn helping Ziggler and Elias and then getting help back, I’m thinking we have an alliance to stop Corbin from winning. Strowman is still iffy as far as a TLC appearance, which is good for drama’s sake, but WWE needs to take advantage of TLC’s No DQ and turn it into a huge brawl even as Strowman appears. Then Finn and friends help Strowman stop Corbin and crew taking over!
My Score: 7.9/10
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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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